A. Ht.
Note by Varnhagen.—On Tuesday Humboldt wrote me with the feuilleton of the Journal des Debats, in which Philarète Chasles, in the most vulgar manner, abuses the literature of Germany, and sneers at the most distinguished German authors.
And this miserable fellow has been appointed under Guizot’s ministry Professeur des Langues du Nord (litt. anglaise, allemande) au College de France.
You need not return the silly, spiteful trash.
A. Ht.
63.
HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN.
Berlin, 16th March, 1842.
Be comforted about the mishap. The King purchases Italian, but, under no circumstances whatever, French pictures. The portrait of Cherubini is, indeed, very fine, and if I remember aright, I saw it in Cherubini’s own house. As the author is not dead, and Ingres very rich, I cannot conceive how the portrait can be for sale? You can tell the sprightly “Child”[[30]] that you sent me the feuilleton.
In the last number of the Journal des Débats there is a strong and very fine article against the abominable Jew Bill, with which we are threatened, and against which I have already protested in very impressive words.
Ever grateful, yours,