OF BARON HUMBOLDT. 173 



ings ; from thence, through the library, to the 

 audience-room, which has become familiar to a 

 great number of the public. Humboldt entered 

 this room from a private cabinet to receive his 

 visitors, and pointed them to a seat on the sofa, 

 whilst he took his place in an arm-chair, near 

 his writing-desk, being ready to hear, encourage 

 discussion, or lead the conversation. To listen 

 to him was undoubtedly the desire of every 

 visitor, and in a kindly manner he encouraged 

 their addresses. 



Humboldt was a man of middle stature, his 

 feet and hands were small; his massive fore- 

 head adorned by snow-white hair; his blue 

 eyes lively, expressive ; his lips, around which 

 played a peculiar smile, half benevolent and 

 half sarcastic, were the involuntary expressions 

 of his superiority of mind. 



He walked at a pretty quick pace, though 

 with somewhat faltering steps, his head slightly 

 bent forward. 



During his conversation he looked habitually 

 on the ground, but would frequently raise his 

 eyes in expectation of a reply, or inviting further 

 discussion. 



An inexpressible sign of sympathy was mani- 

 fested in his noble countenance, if he recog- 

 nised in his visitor a man of taste and mind. 



