267 



partly because I wish to secure to myself the possi- 

 bility of coming to a firm resolution. For this I 

 require time and choice. Both are secured to me 

 by your and Baron Varnhagen's courtesy ; for you 

 both propose that the young man should come to 

 Weimar, that I may first become acquainted with 

 him. The question now is, when this can be done ; 

 for I do not wish to call * * * here, by at once herald- 

 ing forth his appointment. Nothing then remains 

 for me but to request your Excellency to inquire 

 when the gentleman in question will be able and 

 willing to make a journey to the banks of the Ilm ? 

 At this question I ought, no doubt, to pause, and 

 pass to the expression of my special thanks for the 

 curious news which you have had the kindness to 

 communicate to me. If I add the question, whether 

 your Excellency could send me the map for my ad- 

 miring inspection, and if you should chance to find 

 this question importunate even to admiration, then I 

 shall take refuge in your kindly feeling for me, which 

 has often made me proud, and to-day, perhaps, in- 

 discreet. Yet am I proud of your kindness ; but as 

 kindness is always coupled with truth, I rely on the 

 latter for your decidedly refusing my request if it 

 should be inconvenient to you, whose most respectful 

 and grateful pupil is your 



KARL ALEXANDER. 



cxc. 



JOBARD TO HUMBOLDT. 



Bruxelles, U 26 novemlre, 1856. 



Monsieur le Baron, Vous ne serez peut-etre pas 



