A. v. Humboldt.
Sunday.
Dessau, December 1, 1833.
Accept my best thanks for the books you sent me. Each in its way interested me very much. I am sorry not to have been personally acquainted with Rahel. Her mind now lies so clearly before me, that I should have been happy to have been acquainted with her exterior appearance, that it might suggest to me the intellect within.
Friederike, Duchess at Anhalt.
Yet full of admiration for R. the book of all books. May I ask you, my honored friend, for Friedrich Schlegel’s works, third volume?
15.
HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN.
Berlin, December 19, 1833.
I have been prevented by the irksome and noisy Court-life from inquiring personally after the dear health of my friend. I am sorry that I must request you, by the present note, to return me the letter of the Duchess of Dessau, containing the amiable words concerning our sainted friend.
A. v. Humboldt.