354 ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT. 



ingenious : ' The ascending curve is formed of smaller curves, 

 and it is exceedingly uncomfortable if one happens to be in one 

 of the retrograding lines.' 1 At this period everything seemed 

 to be retrograding. The Crimean war was hailed by Humboldt 

 as a step towards the emancipation of Europe from the dan- 

 gerous supremacy of Kussia, and he therefore viewed with re- 

 gret the neutral position occupied by Prussia. 2 He mistrusted 

 the intentions of Napoleon, notwithstanding the moderation he 

 had shown at the Peace of Paris ; with remarkable sagacity he 

 had perceived as early as 1854 that the Imperial policy was 

 in reality directed cleverly as it was concealed to the ex- 

 tension of the French frontier towards the north-east. As 

 the emperor was preparing himself for his greatest task, and 

 with some reluctance was unsheathing his sword for the 

 emancipation of Italy, Humboldt closed his career : of the great 

 events that were on the eve of transpiring the revolution of 

 two kingdoms, the abolition of slavery, the regeneration of 

 Germany, and the demolition of the Pope's temporal power he 

 can scarcely be supposed to have had any premonition. Just 

 at the point where the curve of history was beginning to rise, 

 Humboldt was called away from following its majestic course. 



In detailing the history of the last few years, there remains 

 little to be added to the remarks in the preceding chapter 

 on Humboldt's connection with politics during the reign 

 of Frederick William IV., for his refusal to take any part 

 in the galvanic resuscitation of the Council of State in 1854 

 can only be regarded as a negative act. Scorning to be 

 associated politically with Stahl and Eanke, he withdrew 

 'upon grounds wholly irrespective of age.' 3 To the 'king, 

 who was quite incapable of exerting upon others the influence 

 that might have been expected from his superior mental endow- 

 ments and admirable moral qualities, he had become more than 

 ever a necessity.' 4 ' In minor matters he was able occasionally 

 to enhance the lustre of the royal name,' by the patronage 

 of the arts and sciences, and by charitable exertions in favour 



1 < Briefe an Varnhagen/ No. 150. 



2 ' Briefe an Bunsen/ pp. 175, 182. 



3 ' Briefe an Varnhagen/ No. 159. 



4 ' Briefe an Bunsen/ p. 142. 



