This, to the best of my recollection, is the substance of the conversation which passed between Sir Moses and Professor Max Müller.
Grace, in Hebrew, having been offered up after the repast, the company withdrew to take a walk in the garden, whilst Professor and Mrs Max Müller, after taking leave of Sir Moses, repaired to Lady Montefiore's Theological College.
They remained there for some time, inspected the books, manuscripts, and testimonials in the Library and Lecture Hall, and apparently were much pleased with what they saw. The Professor signed his name in the visitors' book in Sanscrit, giving literal translation of "Oxford" in the word "Gaoghat;" and a few days after his visit to the College he addressed Sir Moses in a letter, of which the following is a copy:
"Parks End, Oxford, 10th October 1871.
"Dear Sir Moses Montefiore,—Coming from Oxford, the city of colleges, I was so much struck with the new College of which you have laid the foundations at Ramsgate, and particularly with the excellent library which Dr Loewe has collected for you, that I should feel honoured if you would allow me to contribute a small mite to your library treasures.
"As I learnt from Dr Loewe that some of my publications would be welcome to the students of your College, I have taken the liberty to send you by railway two volumes of my lectures on the Science of Language, and those volumes of my essays under the title of 'Chips from a German Workshop.'
"I do not expect that you would find time to look at these books, but it would give me pleasure if you would glance at pp. 372 seq. of the first volume of my essays, where is an essay on Semite Monotheism. I have tried to vindicate the character of Abraham as the true founder of Monotheism against the theories of Renan and others.
"Allow me to thank you in my wife's name and my own for the kindness with which you received us under your hospitable 'tent.' I can assure you that it was to both of us a most interesting day, and that it will long keep its place in our memory.
"My wife wishes to be kindly remembered to you, and I remain, with sincere respect, yours truly,
"Max Müller."
December 10th.—"There has been for nearly a week past but one topic of conversation, the illness of His Highness the Prince of Wales, and upon every face there is written a look of concern and sorrow, as the illness of the Prince has gone to the heart of every one." Sir Moses sent a telegram to the Háhám Báshi at Jerusalem, to have prayers offered up in all the Synagogues there, and in the holy cities of Hebron, Tiberias, and Safed, for his recovery, and for the health and happiness of the Queen, and all the other members of the Royal family. "I hope," he writes in his Diary, "this will be done to-night in all parts of the Holy Land, and may the God of Israel hearken to their prayers. Amen, amen."
To this telegram he received the following reply:—
"'My help cometh from the Lord, who made Heaven and earth. Seek the peace of the City, for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.' Jerusalem, 2nd day of Tebet 5632 (December 18th, 1871).
"May peaceful salutations, like the dew of Heaven, descend on Sir Moses Montefiore, Bart., the zealous promoter of peace. Amen.
"We beg to inform you that your telegram, dated the 28th of Kislev (Sunday, 10th December), reached us just about the time for the afternoon prayers. We immediately made its contents known to our brethren belonging to the several Ashkenázim congregations in the Holy City, and despatched special messengers to the Sephárdim and Ashkenázim congregations dwelling in the Holy Cities of Hebron, Tiberias, and Safed. We then, conjointly with our learned and pious colleagues, assembled in the great Synagogue, gave orders to light up the candelabra in all the Synagogues in the Holy City, opened the portals of the Holy Ark, and offered up a most fervent prayer for the speedy and perfect recovery of His Royal Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, invoking the Holy One (blessed be His name!) to make him live, to grant him health, to strengthen him, and to renew his youth. We also sent a congregation of pious and learned men to pray the whole night at the tomb of our mother, Rachel (may her merit protect us!), while, at the same time, we ordered a congregation of equally pious and learned men to call upon our God at the western wall of the ancient Temple, from which spot, we are told by our ancestors, the Divine glory never departed. And when we had concluded our heartfelt prayers for His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, we implored God to cause His blessings to descend on Her Majesty, the mighty and most virtuous Queen Victoria (may her glory be exalted!), on Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, and on every member of the Royal family. Oh! that our prayers may have been favourably received in Heaven, and that we may yet hear the good tidings, the Lord hath strengthened the Prince of Wales upon his bed of sickness, and has completely restored him to health! With sincere wishes for your own lasting happiness, crowned by the blessing of peace,—We remain, esteemed Sir Moses, yours faithfully,
"Abraham Askenasi. Háhám Báshi."
December 14th.—Sir Moses writes: "Accounts of the Prince of Wales are more favourable; the bulletin of the afternoon confirms our hope for his recovery. It is impossible to describe the deep anxiety felt by all classes in England, indeed, in all parts of the world, for the Prince, the Princess, and our gracious Queen, and all pray most ardently for the Prince's recovery."
December 15th.—"With every hour telegrams happily continue to be more favourable."