Humboldt's Letters. 331 



morning he departed through four gates at one and the 

 same time, I could not have been more desirous to find 

 M. von Varnhagen than I was. Nevertheless, it was 

 all in vain. No one could tell me where he lived, and it 

 was of no use to take the measure of the " Mauren- 

 strasse." Nature having made me the most obstinate of 

 all Grand Dukes, I still persist in my intention to see 

 the invisible, and hasten to attain that consummation by 

 requesting your Excellency to tell me where M. de 

 Varnhagen actually does live. Pardon my repeated 

 importunities ; but in conscience I know of no route 

 which could be shorter or more direct. I remain, with 

 the inextinguishable attachment of the most devoted 

 admiration and veneration for your Excellency, 



CHARLES ALEXANDER. 



183. 



VARNHAGEN TO HUMBOLDT. 



BEELIN, September 24ft, 1856. 

 YOUR EXCELLENCY : 



You have had not a little trouble on my account 

 lately, which I lament with shame. Most of all I regret 

 having missed your kind visit, which is always an honor 

 as well as a good fortune. That the Grand Duke could 



