85.METTERNICH TO HUMBOLDT.
Vienna,October, 1843.
Vienna,October, 1843.
Vienna,October, 1843.
Vienna,October, 1843.
My Dear Baron:
My Dear Baron:
My Dear Baron:
My Dear Baron:
You were kind enough to present me a copy of your “Asie Centrale.” I call ityourbecause discoveries lawfully belong to those who make them, and because it is often better to make a discovery than to become the possessor of its results.
I have begun the perusal of the work, which is among those to which I look for mental relaxation, just as minds differently constituted from mine are apt to have recourse to light and futile productions. This is really the case. I often feel the necessity of some relief from my monotonous duties, and it is then that I seek fresh elements of life and vigor in works of profound learning. A book, therefore, like yours, is to me a source of therichest enjoyment. I learn, and I love to learn, and I feel no jealousy of your great erudition.
What I most admire in your work is “the method.” You understand tracing a line without ever losing sight of it, and therefore you arrive safely at the end—which is not always the good fortune of those who start well enough upon the road. Please send me the volumes complete—I shall receive them with gratitude.
I pray you, dear Baron, accept the assurance of my highest consideration and old attachment,
Metternich.
Metternich.
Metternich.
Metternich.