OF BARON HUMBOLDT. 151 



ence, and answered with modesty every letter. 

 Nearly all the inhabitants of Berlin and Pots- 

 dam knew him, and received him with the same 

 marks of respect as the king. He might be 

 frequently seen in the streets and public walks 

 of these cities, walking with a firm and measured 

 step, though somewhat stooping gait ; nearly 

 always alone, and apparently engaged in deep 

 thoughts. His garments were plain and unpre- 

 tending, in harmony with his whole manner of 

 life. Wherever he appeared, he received universal 

 proofs of respect. Groups of the lower order 

 were frequently observed to watch him in his 

 walks, with every sign of veneration. 



Those who had the good fortune ever to 

 converse with the illustrious philosopher will 

 scarcely forget the impression which his natural 

 manner of conversation inevitably produced. 

 Every utterance of Baron Humboldt evinced 

 his profundity in all branches of knowledge, 

 and the perspicuity of his representations. He 

 had been educated in the great world ; in 

 him were concentrated the noblest manners of 

 Europe ! 



In his advanced age he still sought the 

 schools of the young, in order, as he declared, 

 to repair, if possible, earlier neglect. Thus, 

 during the winter term of 1834-35, he appeared 



