As you say, in words so mild and yet so truly appropriate, “Men are at present laboring at a _fable convenue_; they strive in part after what is unattainable, and in which they themselves do not believe!” But where will the light appear that is to lead them to the truth, and what events will yet be required to convince them of the impracticability of the most contradictory demands? I agree with your Excellency in thinking that the present tranquillity is destined to be of brief duration. I also do not see in it any real pacification, but only the apathy and indifference which enervates without convincing. Who can fathom the future? The riddle of the coming day remains concealed—how much more must we await in patience the developments of coming years? But courage and resignation must not be impaired by this uncertainty; on the contrary, our hearts should be steeled by it. During my visit in England, the King asked many questions in regard to the health of your Excellency; the Queen also received with great interest such reports as I could give her. They hold in grateful remembrance your frequent visits in Paris. My children ask to be commended to your recollection, and I also hope to revive in it from time to time. With heartfelt reverence and gratitude, your Excellency’s friend and admirer, HELEN. EISENACH, _Oct. 23, 1849_. 140. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. POTSDAM, _October 31st, 1849_. A thousand, thousand thanks for the interpretation, my dear friend. How the political tempests have ravaged even this handwriting, once so fine, or, at least, so distinct. The “beloved courier” I read “beloved cousin,” the Princess of Prussia, who first showed the Duchess the latest “Views.” A little address delivered by me before the delegates from this city, in which I referred to the views of my brother, a Potsdamer by birth, on a political life which develops itself freely from within, has been printed by the “Spikersche Zeitung,” with numerous typographical errors. Inclosed is my own report, written immediately after delivery. I would have been pleased if the answer had been correctly given in the Constitutional and other truly liberal papers. With my old devotion and friendship, Yours, A. HT. WEDNESDAY NIGHT. (INCLOSURE.)