134 SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS 



dissolution. The feelings of Alexander on this 

 occasion may be estimated by the profound 

 sentiments which he exhibited in his private 

 life, and in the description of his memorable 

 travels. The sight of his beloved brother, who 

 mourned hopelessly at the deathbed of a most 

 tender wife, he himself watching the gradual 

 approach of the threatened hour of final dis- 

 solution of his dear sister-in-law, so highly 

 accomplished, and of such noble and gentle a 

 disposition what a pain and anguish to his 

 own soul ! The final dissolution of Madame 

 von Humboldt was, however, prolonged far 

 beyond expectation, and she lingered to the 

 new year, 1829. On Sunday, January 22nd, after 

 a visit to Tegel, Alexander von Humboldt gave 

 a description of the dying Madame von Hum- 

 boldt to his friend Rahel ; * and his few words 

 testify his profound grief: "She was dying," 

 he said ; " she opened her eyes and said to her 

 husband, ' I am ready 1 ' She herself welcomed 

 death. But in vain. Again she rallied and 

 participated in the passing scenes. She prayed 

 much." This state continued until March 26th, 

 1829. On that day the news arrived in Berlin 

 that death had at last relieved Madame von 

 Humboldt from her long sufferings. 



* The. wife of Yarnhagen von Ense. 



