176 SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS 



noble, and wise. Every honest effort found in 

 Mm a warm and sympathizing friend, whilst, on 

 the contrary, he opposed every kind of unreality. 

 Having once recognised the true and the good, 

 Humboldt was ready with encouragement, with 

 counsel, and with assistance. From the most 

 remote parts of the globe he received applica- 

 tions for advice, not only in scientific, but in 

 public matters. To afford assistance to real 

 talent, he considered an imperative duty. He 

 knew neither envy nor resentment, and no 

 opposite opinions could wound him, if he was 

 assured that they originated from a desire after 

 true knowledge. 



And though the outward life of the great 

 savant seemed, in the latter period, calm and 

 quiet, he was, nevertheless, in active communion 

 with the whole world, manifesting a youthful 

 energy of mind. A pension granted by the 

 King of Prussia, and the well-deserved success 

 of his published works, afforded him pecuniary 

 means in excess of what he required, considering 

 his frugal manner of life. The surplus he em- 

 ployed in furtherance of science, and in acts of 

 beneficence. 



Towards the close of his life he suffered from 

 frequent indisposition, especially colds, and as 

 soon as his illness became known, the whole 



