RESIDENCE AT BERLIN TO THE REVOLUTION OF JULY. 97 



entertained at Tegel, whither they were attracted by the costly 

 treasures of art that decorated the mansion recently restored 

 with so much simple elegance by Schinkel. 



On the day of his departure from Berlin, on December 3, 

 Humboldt communicated to Varnhagen some particulars in 

 reference to the position he was subsequently to occupy at 

 court, where, in fulfilment of the duties of chamberlain, he 

 would be thrown into close personal attendance on the king, 

 who hoped thus to enjoy more of his society. It was not in- 

 tended that he should hold any ministerial office, but simply to 

 offer counsel when appealed to by the king upon subjects con- 

 nected with art or science. To Varnhagen it seemed that a 

 position of this nature gave promise of an immense amount of 

 influence, free from the subordinate conditions of official routine ; 

 personal intercourse with the king appeared to imply every- 

 thing ; Herr von Altenstein would have no greater care than to 

 stand well with Humboldt. Though this opinion has been fre- 

 quently expressed, it is nevertheless quite erroneous ; Frede- 

 rick William III. was accustomed to leave everything in the 

 hands of his ministers, and even under his successor, who was 

 more readily influenced, Humboldt constantly felt it needful to 

 enter into almost diplomatic negotiations with the Ministers of 

 Public Instruction and Finance in order to carry out his wishes 

 in the furtherance of art or science. It is unnecessary to allude 

 to any political influence, since it has never been proved that 

 he exerted any under Frederick William III., and only very 

 occasionally was he known to do so during the reign of Frederick 

 William IV. In consideration of the independent position he 

 occupied at court as counsellor to the king upon subjects con- 

 nected with science, the remuneration he received was justly 

 designated by Humboldt as very liberal. Besides the additional 

 aid promised him for the completion of his great work, he was 

 to receive a yearly pension, including the salary due to him 

 as President of the Academy, of 5,000 thalers. Yet this sum 

 proved inadequate to meet his expenditure, 1 as he was constantly 



1 f lm Ural und Altai. Briefweclisel zwischen Alexander von Humboldt 

 und Graf G. v. Cancrin,' p. 43. 



VOL. II. H 



