601. KLEMENS VON METTERNICH (1773-1859) Austrian statesman; the brilliant, powerful and iron-willed Chancellor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire under the elderly Francis I, and after, under his mad, weak nephew Ferdinand I; controlled Austria's foreign policies for some 40 years. Fine content A.L.S. "Vn Metternich" in German, 4pp., 8vo., Vienna, May 16, 1853, to an unidentified Count in England who has sent Metternich a remembrance on his 80th birthday [May 15th]. In part: "....Thank you very much for remembering the annual occurrence on May 15th. It is not a suitable day for congratulation; one should restrict one's emotions to the fact that luck was involved in reaching such an old age. The objective is of little worth once it is attained...That particular day has given me much to think about ... May 15, 1853 concluded the census which had its beginning on the same day in 1848 and which gave the revolution its familiar character of its tri-colored storm position in the assembly. Five years is a short time; what still exists from the year 1848?...Such dates offer rich subject matter for recapitulation and they have value and serve as a basis for thoughts concerning historical examples...". Tear in vertical fold, otherwise in very good condition. $500 - 600