Sample of Mezzofanti's handwriting in German

In the year 1828, the Crown Prince- of Prussia, (now King Frederic William,) while passing through Bologna, on his way to Rome, sought an interview with Mezzofanti. In common with all other visitors, he was struck with wonder at the marvelous variety and accuracy of his knowledge of languages. On his arrival at Rome, he spoke admiringly of this interview to Dr. Tholuck, the present distinguished professor of Theology at Halle, (at that time chaplain of the Prussian Embassy in Rome,) who has kindly communicated the particulars to me. " The prince urged me," says Dr. Tholuck, in an exceedingly interesting letter which shall be inserted later, " not to leave Italy without having seen him. ' He is truly a miracle,' exclaimed the prince ; 'he spoke German with me, like a German ; with my Privy-Councilor Ancillon, he spoke the purest French; with Bunsen, English; with General Groben, Swedish.' 'And what is still more wonderful,' subjoined M. Bunsen, then minister resident in Rome, ' all these languages he has learnt by books alone, without any teacher.' This opinion of M. Bunsen's, Dr. Tholuck afterwards ascertained to be a mistake, or at least an exaggeration.