358 ALEXAJSDEE VON HUMBOLDT. 



social life, in order that he may devote his time exclusively 

 to the interests of science. With unprecedented industry, 

 and a perseverance which never falters, he applies himself 

 incessantly to the completion of his works.' 



From Humboldt's letters to several of his friends at this 

 time we may gather something of his own state of feeling : 



To Dr. Beer, at Glogau. 



< Berlin : April 22, 1806. 



. . . . c Although it is fifteen years since I last wrote, my 

 affection for you has remained unchanged. ... I rejoice with 

 you in your happiness. I am living, my dear Beer, isolated 

 and as a stranger, in a country which has become to me like a 

 foreign land. Even before I left Europe the ground was burn- 

 ing under my feet. ... I have renewed with Fran Herz all 

 the old sympathy and friendship. She is, indeed, an admirable 

 woman and loves you as much as I do, and that is a good deal. 

 Nathan Mendelssohn is also here, and has grown up to be an 

 interesting man. 1 Only come and see me, and you will find 

 me as simple as formerly, only somewhat less sprightly. 



' Your affectionate friend, 



HUMBOLDT.' 

 



To Frau Caroline von Wolzogen. 



< Berlin : May 14, 1806. 



4 An attack of rheumatic fever with severe toothache an 

 illness from which I have frequently suffered since my arrival 

 in this uninhabited desert prevented me from sending you a 

 few lines with William's magnificent poem, to thank you, my 

 dear friend, for the kind note I received from you. Whatever 

 you may say in joke (for malicious it is not in your nature to 

 be) on the score of my universality, you will at least give me 

 credit for enough of German feeling to think daily with 

 affectionate regard of you and of Goethe, and of our deceased 

 friend, and to be ever conscious that it was something great 

 over which to glory that I once occupied a position not wholly 

 insignificant near such a trio. 



1 See p. 356. 



