244 ALEXANDEK VON HTTMBOLDT. 



discontent at the incessant interruptions to his own quiet 

 leisure and opportunities for work occasioned by the exactions 

 of the restless monarch. These remarks will furnish a key to 

 the following confessions. 



In a letter to Bunsen 1 of October 19, 1840, Kumboldt 

 writes : - c The existence of so many heterogeneous elements has 

 prevented the political aspect of the country under: our most 

 august and highly gifted sovereign from assuming as yet any 

 settled character. Should peace continue, as I fully expect it 

 will, the noble and liberal spirit of the monarch gives promise 

 of a bright future. May our gracious sovereign but be led to 

 the choice of suitable tools, and find a united ministry, who, 

 while entering into his views, shall give direction to his noble 

 purposes and be fully alive to < the requirements of the day. A 

 constitutional form of government in the present state of affairs 

 might undoubtedly degenerate into a new adverse element, but 

 the expression of opinion upon this subject must be very care- 

 fully weighed, as it is impossible even with the greatest suavity 

 of speech and manner to exert a constant ^personal influence 

 either of a calming or stimulating character. My health keeps 

 up wonderfully : I take note of what goes on without appearing 

 to be dissatisfied ; but I long for a well-selected ministry, who 

 . shall be worthy of our highly-gifted monarch.' In a subsequent 

 letter to Bunsen, 2 on December 14, he remarks : ' May this 

 noble prince soon enjoy the peace necessary to the accomplish- 

 ment of decisive plans. To his susceptible nature the loss of 

 popularity would be a terrible blow.' Shortly after, on January 

 9, 1841, he writes to Frau von Wolzogen : ' The delicate con- 

 sideration with which I am treated by the king is continually 

 on the increase ; I am almost daily in his society. You must 

 not, however, draw wrong conclusions from this circumstance, 

 and hold me responsible for t,he occurrence of things that may 

 be displeasing to you or your friends. It is impossible to form 

 a correct judgment of the state of affairs at a distance, and in 

 writing one is sure to convey a false impression. I have the 

 greatest confidence that by degrees all that is noble, generous, 

 and liberal will be accomplished. The king is endowed with 



1 ' Briefe Alexander von Humboldt's an Bunsen/ No. 32. 



2 Ibid. No. 33. 



