XV111 PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. 



be granted access to the workings of his innermost 

 mind. 



He knew well, in laying this injunction on my 

 uncle, to what trusty hands he was confiding his re- 

 quest. 



As to the Diaries of my uncle, they too are not to 

 be considered as the jottings of mere idle moments. 

 He repeatedly exacted from me the positive promise 

 to publish them. Discussing this subject, shall I ever 

 forget in what animated and impassioned speech he 

 inveighed with crushing argument against those 

 who indulged a mistaken tender regard for an indi- 

 vidual at the expense of duty to the people and to 

 historical truth ! Foreseeing very clearly the objec- 

 tions which have now been raised against the pub- 

 lication, he described most accurately and pointedly 

 their mental and intellectual sources. 



This is all I have to say. For myself the question 

 is settled by the fact that I have only executed the 

 behests of both the great departed. 



And I trust I am light, if, with due respect to 

 all to- whom respect is due, two such great, illus- 

 trious names as those of Humboldt and Varnhagen 

 are to me much better authority than the opinions 

 of those who have objected to the publication. 



This is my first and last word in this affair. I 

 cannot be expected to answer polemical attacks. 

 It would also be the more hopeless to try and 

 come to an understanding, as difference of opinion 

 In this matter naturally springs from a total di- 



