This is poetical and very civil.
With the sincerest gratitude, yours,
A. v. Humboldt.
95.
HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN
Berlin, Wednesday, June 4th, 1845.
I recognised at once from the gracefulness of style the guardian spirit of my feeble literary efforts. I had not yet seen the precious sheet, containing, in addition, the interpretations by Neander. I avail myself of the last moment before breaking up, to write you a preliminary word of sincerest thanks for one of the most interesting life sketches—for which we are indebted to your brilliant and vivifying pen. You have represented with dignity and magnificence a subject, which popular enthusiasm out of mere perverseness has repeatedly degraded in burlesque prose. Your exquisite art of purifying is highly gratifying.
If Süssmilch will graciously permit, I shall try to accomplish my Kosmos. It is, however, true after all, that at the gates of many a temple of science (History of the World, Geology, Mechanics of the Heavens) black spectres menacingly defend the entrance.
Indeed Madame von Hormayr is a very charming lady.
With constant devotion and love, yours,
A. Humboldt.