Humboldt's Letters. 305 



we cannot hope for an active participation. The expres- 

 sion, " Is not art itself a vestment ?" is fine and 

 felicitous. 



Most gratefully yours, A. v. HUMBOLDT. 



Monday, waiting for the train to leave. 



In the United States there has, it is true, arisen a 

 great love for me, but the whole there presents to my 

 mind the sad spectacle of liberty reduced to a mere 

 mechanism in the element of utility, exercising little 

 ennobling or elevating influence upon mind and soul, 

 which, after all, should be the ami of political liberty. 

 Hence indifference on the subject of slavery. But the 

 United States are a Cartesian vortex, carrying every- 

 thing with them, grading everything to the level of 

 monotony. 



lee. 



YARNHAGEN TO HUMBOLDT. 



BERLIN, January 8ih, 1855. 



I HAVE to thank your Excellency most heartily that, 

 in dispensing bounties, you always think with favor also 

 of me ! Xo one shall surpass me in anxiety to receive, 

 in estimation of the gift, and in gratitude for the noble 

 donor ! This preface, at once temperate in form, rich in 



