200 Humboldt to Varnhagen
Berlin, April 6th, 1857.
If you, dear friend, understand the letter of the Grand Duke as I do, —— must go. I had proposed that he should come to Weimar, under the pretext of studying the archives; he would bring a letter of introduction from you or me; should be invited to court and if he did not please, should simply be asked whether he meant to return to ——. That this should be a shibboleth as a bad end of the drama, quod Deus avertat. I also proposed to advance the stipulated sum of money. On this head the tyrant does not answer distinctly. —— goes, I think, by way of Berlin. Shall we then give him the letter of recommendation with the galvanic stimulants? I do as you wish.
Your faithful
A. v. Humboldt.
Monday.
Keep the letter of the Grand Duke, which ends nicely, and in good taste.
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