235 



liberty, in that country, is but a dead machinery in the 

 hands of utilitarianism, very little calculated to ennoble 

 and rouse the powers of mind and heart, which, after 

 all, ought to be the main object of political freedom, 

 This explains their indifference to slavery. But the 

 IT. S. are a Cartesian vortex, carrying away and level- 

 ling everything to dull monotony. 



CLXVI. 



VARNHAGEN TO HUMBOLDT. 



Berlin, 8th January, 1855. 



Your Excellency will please to accept my most 

 heartfelt thanks for always graciously remembering 

 me, in kindly dispensing your valuable gifts. In readi- 

 ness of receiving, in appreciation of the gift, in grati- 

 tude for the generous donor, I hope I shall not be sur- 

 passed by any one. This Preface, couched in beautifully 

 measured, thoroughly accomplished, but tenderly ele- 

 giac language, is the most worthy and lasting monu- 

 ment for the prematurely departed Prince,* concerning 

 whom I have heard also from other quarters enough 

 to make me deeply deplore the early death which has 

 carried him off in the very prime of manhood. I shall 

 try to procure his work, which is so highly recom- 

 mended by your Excellency. 



The dark curtain of clouds which just now veils the 

 light of day, is quite in keeping with the shadows 

 which have overcast at least my heart and soul. I 



* Prince Waldemar of Prussia, known to the British public as having been 

 present at the battle of Sobraon. The work alluded to is the description of 

 his travels in India, printed for private circulation. A copy of it is in the 

 library of the Army and Navy Club. Prince Waldemar died 17th February, 

 1849. TR. 



