10 



prefer deceiving myself to deceiving others, and the 

 decision of Beuth's* character, with whom alone in 

 this matter the decision rests, forbids all hope. That 

 I have advocated most actively the views you en- 

 tertain needs no proof. That ought to be with you 

 an historical credo. Oh, that you could give me a 

 word of consolation as to my. dear friend Yarnhagen, 

 the only polished pillar of the literature (in the nobler 

 acceptation of the term) of our Country, " since," as 

 says the bishop with the drawn sword, " the most 

 distinguished talents, as such, deserve no distinction." 

 There is nothing to wonder at in such a thing being 

 said ; but what is especially sad in it, appears to me 

 to be the baseness of the society in which one lives here, 

 and which is not even excited by such unworthy state- 

 ments. Gruard carefully, both of you, your better nature. 



A. H. 



X. 



HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. 



Berlin, 3rd February, 1833. 



I am infinitely grateful and deeply affected by your 

 beautiful letter. Grace and euphony of language 

 ought always, as here, to accompany grace of manner. 

 My brother, who was here for two days, but mostly at 

 the beck and call of princes, who have the privilege of 

 asking without being denied, commissions me to tell 

 you, my dear friend, how sensible he is of your flatter- 

 ing offer ; but he is so much engaged in printing his 

 quarto, on the Asiatic languages akin to the San- 



* Peter Christian Wilhelm von Beuth, Privy Councillor, Director of the 

 Department of Commerce, Trade, and Public Buildings of the Ministry of 

 Finance from 1821 to 1845. TR. 



