165.HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN.
Berlin,July 31st, 1854.
Berlin,July 31st, 1854.
Berlin,July 31st, 1854.
Berlin,July 31st, 1854.
Alas! no! I was in error thinking that the monument for Weimar was definitely bought, only that the enlargement of it, desired by our excellent lady friend, was given up. In the circles with which I am acquaintedwe cannot hope for an active participation. The expression, “Is not art itself a vestment?” is fine and felicitous.
Most gratefully yours,A. v. Humboldt.
Most gratefully yours,A. v. Humboldt.
Most gratefully yours,A. v. Humboldt.
Most gratefully yours,
A. v. Humboldt.
Monday, waiting for the train to leave.
In the United States there has, it is true, arisen a great love for me, but the whole there presents to my mind the sad spectacle of liberty reduced to a mere mechanism in the element of utility, exercising little ennobling or elevating influence upon mind and soul, which, after all, should be the aim of political liberty. Hence indifference on the subject of slavery. But the United States are a Cartesian vortex, carrying everything with them, grading everything to the level of monotony.