22. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, _March 28th, 1836_. A mind like yours, my generous friend, understands, in its mildness and fortitude, how to discover some justification for everything. I do not fear, therefore, to appear this morning again before you as a petitioner, after a winter distracted by the dashing court-waves and festivities. You are the only one in this harmony-barren, genius-deserted city who possesses a harmony of style and a sense of moderation in the utterance of painful sentiments. May I beg you to cast a critical glance over the inclosed sheets?[13] The variations played on the praise-chanting lyre for forty individuals were a tedious, style-spoiling necessity. It was arranged who should be invited to the great table. As for me, I think I came out not quite awkwardly, by some individual characteristics, and by a sort of graduation in my praise. Allow me to call to-day, about eleven o’clock, to receive the sheets, which are much wanted by the printer, together with your verbal remarks at the same time. I can alter, if necessary, _sous votre dictée_, at your home. It would be humane in you to receive me in bed. Respectfully yours, A. HUMBOLDT. Monday. At eleven o’clock I shall be with you. Varnhagen made, on the 11th of May, 1836, the following entry in his diary: