64 



LI. 



HUMBOLDT TO BETTINA VON AftNIM. 

 (Copy in Yarnliagen's handwriting.) 



Saturday, 2lst November, 1840. 



How could you, my dear madam, for one moment 

 doubt my gratitude for information as to the real con- 

 dition of these noble-minded men, for whom, after 

 suffering such unmerited distress, and such long 

 and shameful neglect, a position free from care 

 is at last about to be prepared! I have considered 

 that for the two of them in such a position in Berlin 

 three thousand thalers would be requisite, and have 

 acted throughout upon this supposition. The King 

 has made it a rule never to let any matter connected 

 with finance originate with him. He has besides, as 

 is the case with all princes, no standard by which to 

 measure the wants of literary men. The great minds 

 who are to be gathered together have the same 

 homely wants as lesser ones. He who wills the end, 

 must, therefore, will the means as well ; especially 

 in a matter which attracts the eyes of all, and is 

 intimately connected with the national honour. The 

 Minister, Eichhorn, to whom all these arrangements 

 are confided, is delighted at the expected arrival of 

 the Grimms. He has of old been on the most 

 friendly footing with Jacob Grimm. It is not more 

 than an hour since I was with him, defending my view 

 of the matter. He assures me that he will carry out 

 everything gradually in the best manner possible, but 

 that confidence should be reposed in him, and that he 

 ought to be allowed to act without being interfered 



