Humboldt Characterised. 397 



tleness, affability, and modesty of manner, made 

 even the humblest at home in his society, should 

 have become the admired and honored of all men. 

 In the streets of Berlin, every one seemed to know 

 him, and to love him. Crowds would separate to 

 let him pass, without disturbing the reflections in 

 which he was engaged. I remarked that the two 

 nieces of the king ran up to him in the street to im- 

 press a kiss on his cheek, calling him by the endear- 

 ing name of " Father." 



In his ninetieth year, with his faculties yet un- 

 impaired, when all his associates of early life had 

 been removed, and his name had been rendered 

 immortal, he was summoned from the earth, and 

 all that was perishable was committed to the tomb, 

 amid the homage of great scientific bodies, and the 

 solemn reverence and silent tears of the multitude, 

 who had wondered at his wisdom, and loved him 

 for his virtues. 



It is difficult to decide whether he displayed more 

 humility in his greatness, or dignity in his sim- 

 plicity. He adorned the highest, and graced the 

 humblest position. Having had experience with 

 men of all climes, ranks and characters, he was yet 

 never known to have made an enemy. 



In order to form some idea of the various sciences 

 which Humboldt had studied, and of which he had 

 acquired a knowledge above all other men, I refer 

 you to a summary contained in the first volume of 

 his " Cosmos," where it will be seen that there was 

 no study, however deep and abstruse, which his 

 mind did not grasp, and no aspect of nature with 

 which he had not become familiarized. 



The lessons taught us in these simple references 

 to the life of a great man, ought not to be overlooked. 

 He who desires to be great, must study to acquire 

 knowledge. Humboldt considered every moment 



