Humboldt's Letters. 235 



of the universe, from those nebulous distances whence 

 light comes to us only after a journey of two millions of 

 years, to the revolutions which preceded the actual 

 organization of our planet, and which enabled men to be 

 born, to live, and to reign on its surface. To paint this 

 great picture in its teeming variety and majestic har- 

 mony, one needs to be master, like yourself, of all 

 sciences, to love nature earnestly, and to have studied 

 her under every aspect. In addition he must unite a 

 vivid imagination to an accurate and profound judgment. 

 Finish quickly this charming work, for your own glory 

 and for our instruction. 



Accept, dear Baron, the assurance of my gratitude, 

 my admiration, and my affectionate devotion. 



MIGNET. 



1J3S 



HUMBOLDT TO BAUDOT. 



CARTHAGENA, April 12, 1801. 

 CITIZEN! 



WHEN I embraced you for the last time in Helvetius 

 Street, in Paris, on the eve of my departure for Africa 

 and the East Indies, I had but a feeble hope of seeing 

 you again, and of sailing under your orders. You have 



