LOUIS AGASSIZ 515 



but his researches were not equal to those carried 

 out during the brilliant thirteen years in Switzerland. 

 There were perhaps too many distractions, and whereas 

 he had formerly struggled bravely against difficulties, 

 he now seemed to suffer from a surplus of opportunities. 

 In America, however, he is remembered chiefly as the 

 great teacher, the one who, whatever he did himself, 

 stimulated others as no one else could do. No doubt 

 all the ablest men in the country with zoological 

 leanings flocked to him ; he had before him the best 

 material America could furnish ; but all those who 

 labored successfully under his guidance united in their 

 tribute to his power as a teacher. Others there were 

 with whom he could do nothing ; he made no conces- 

 sions to laziness or want of zeal, but expected to find 

 industry and enthusiasm resembling his own. 



9. In 1857 Agassiz was offered a professorship in Longfellow 

 Paris, a position which earlier in his life would have Agassiz 

 seemed to represent the very pinnacle of his aims. 

 Amid much enthusiasm in America, he declined, though 

 the offer was renewed and pressed upon him. It was 

 in this year, on the occasion of his fiftieth birthday, 

 that Longfellow wrote the charming verses : 



It was fifty years ago, 

 In the pleasant month of May 

 In the beautiful Pays de Vaud, 

 A child in its cradle lay, 



And Nature, the old nurse, took 

 The child upon her knee, 

 Saying, "Here is a story book 

 Thy Father has written for thee 



"Come wander with me," she said, 

 "Into regions yet untrod; 

 And read what is still unread 

 In the manuscripts of God." 



