384 Humboldt's Letters. 



the case in the present instance, where not appreciation 

 merely, but actual remuneration is demanded. The 

 author is not known to me, and his reputation certainly 

 far from extensive. That his youth has been hard, and 

 that his present condition is far from pleasant, is much 

 to be deplored, but the manner in which he seeks to 

 better himself, by supplication to the powerful bestow- 

 ing praise upon men of all parties and all shades of 

 party, without a conviction of his own, is none the 

 less disreputable, as well as his letter to your Excellency, 

 which has received the proper epithet at your hands. 

 In the answer with which you will honor him, the severe 

 expressions I have used are sure of being softened to the 

 full extent of what is desirable by your inexhaustible 

 and unchangeable humanity and goodness. 



My niece, Ludmilla, thanks you from the fulness of 

 her heart for the friendly interests your Excellency has 

 so kindly manifested, and which she will never cease to 

 count among the greatest treasures of which she could 

 possibly become possessed ! 



Yesterday we paid a visit to Madame Gagiotti 

 Richards, and found her, more beautiful than ever, in 

 the midst of her artistic occupations. The whole family 

 entertain the most enthusiastic veneration for you, and 

 this alone would make them dear to us ; the personal 

 attractions of the beautiful artist are enchanting. 



At the present day nothing literary is permitted to 



