392 ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT. 



and valuable instruction, and my constant companions during 

 extensive travels in America, the islands of the Pacific, and the 

 Polar seas.' ' Nor is he a prophet unhonoured in his own 

 country,' remarks Alfred Arago, from the banks of the Ehine, 

 where the fame of his father's friend had everywhere smoothed 

 his way. From Vienna Scherzer mentions that Ave-Lalle- 

 mant has every chance of being selected for the expedition of the 

 ' Novara,' in preference even to the two Bavarians, ' supported 

 by the king's recommendation. From this circumstance your 

 Excellency will perceive that your influence among the highest 

 circles in Austria is very great, exceeding even that of royalty.' 

 Through Humboldt's influence liberal preparations for the ex- 

 pedition of the brothers Schlagintweit were carried out in Eng- 

 land, an expedition from which, on account of its aim having 

 once been with him a favourite project, he formed great expecta- 

 tions n ot destined, however, to be realised. Upon their arrival 

 at Bombay the brothers -wrote: 'It is as well known here as 

 in England that to your Excellency alone is due the accom- 

 plishment of our expedition to India.' 



We next come upon a heap of royal letters : they are in- 

 variably signed, whether by kings or queens, as ' your devoted 

 friend,' and contain requests for ' a line of remembrance,' in 

 proof ' of the goodwill upon which they set so much store.' 

 While some of the letters are written for congratulation, others 

 convey presentations of orders ' bestowed in hope of conferring 

 lustre on the donors,' or ' to testify their love for science.' 

 They are full of promises to honour his recommendations and 

 grant his requests. While Leopold, King of the Belgians, 

 enters into reminiscences, extending over fifty years, King- 

 Maximilian of Bavaria asks for a sketch of ' the best means 

 whereby he can lend to science the same valuable assistance 

 his father was able to grant to the arts.' A grand duke of 

 literary associations is almost overwhelming in his expressions 

 of veneration, while subscribing himself his 'most devoted 

 servant ' and ' grateful pupil.' A prince ' deferentially ' pre- 

 sents to him his ' first work,' and a princess writes to her ' cher 

 M. de Humboldt,' expressing her deep regret that she had been 

 unable to speak to him at the court ball, and to wish him, 

 at least by letter, a ' bonne nuit ! ' 



