362 ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT. 



these affairs for a week past, and, during one forenoon alone, 

 had been occupied upon them from six to eight hours. The 

 most influential French statesmen, such as Maret, the Secretary 

 of State, and Daru, the Comptroller of the Household, both 

 certainly very superior men, are so incessantly occupied with 

 business, that one may wait about for hours, or even half a day, 

 without being able to speak to them for a single moment. I 

 have, however, made repeated intercession with them both, 

 as well as with Grovernor-Greneral Clarke, but hitherto without 

 success, notwithstanding the good-will they have to the cause, 

 and the interest they take in the University. To attempt to 

 influence the emperor is not to be thought of, for he is one 

 of those monarchs with whom everything must originate, and 

 from whom everything must emanate. I have, besides, never 

 had a personal interview with the emperor (except, for a 

 few moments, when presented to him at Paris), l and of course 

 no private individual can be admitted to his presence except 

 by his express orders. From what I hear, the emperor seems 

 to be always irritated afresh whenever any mention is made 

 of Halle. M. Daru made another attempt, the day before 

 yesterday, on presenting to him an application from the 

 University, but without success. The ill-will of the emperor 

 .seems to be grounded upon his belief in certain facts which 

 are unknown to me. I do not attempt to express how deeply 

 I feel all this, and how much it grieves me. I expect time 

 will produce much alleviation, and, in anticipation of this 

 change of sentiment, I shall continue my indefatigable exer- 

 tions. I cannot believe that the various scientific institutions 

 of which Halle can boast will all be dissolved. Halle is near 

 Leipzig, on the further side of the Elbe. I fear the emperor 

 has designs connected with political events which the peace 

 only will reveal. 



'I am grieved to write you such a letter. 



C I need not repeat how completely I share in my brother's 

 feeling of attachment, veneration, and love to yourself. 



'A. HUMBOLDT. 



'Postscript. I have just been fortunate enough to find an 

 old Hamburg newspaper containing the protest made by the 



1 See p. 344. 



