265 



present constitution and bearing of Switzerland had made a very 

 favourable impression upon him, and was well adapted to win esteem 

 and favour for the Republic." 



CLXXXVIII. 



HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. 



Berlin, 30^ November, 1856. 



My dear Friend, I have just received a letter 

 from my "pupil," which, for language and clearness 

 of ideas, deserves moderate commendation. I do 

 not mean to answer it until I have seen you, my 

 dear friend. The last fifteen lines of the letter I 

 can neither read nor understand. I had written to 

 him about the laying down of the telegraphic wire 

 between Newfoundland and Ireland, but had not 

 offered him anything.* I cannot read what is under- 

 lined. Pray take care of my pupil's letter, as well 

 as of the Notice in which I am mentioned as being 

 discussed in the Belgian Chambers as a Materialist 

 and Republican, who must be put down ! I cannot 

 guess where the " Din " of Baron d'Arhim (Arnim) 

 may have been. Perhaps I have said, " I was as 

 liberal as Arago," but surely never " I was a 

 Republican." Pray put M. Jobardf among your 

 archives, dear friend. 



Yours faithfully, 



Sunday. A. V. HlJMBOLDT. 



What men believe or disbelieve, is usually made 

 a matter of discussion only after their death, after 

 one has been officially buried, and a funeral sermon 



* See next letter. 



f Jobard the well-known Belgian savant and political economist. TR. 



