306 
LINNAEUS 
its place another was designed, in its three crowns 
recalling the Tessin medal. Linne was not pleased 
with it, and to gain his end he applied to Wargentin 
and his wife, begging their help, to get rid of Tilas’s 
“ absurdities,” but this appeal not being sent before a 
new letter from Tilas had come with a final decision, 
Linne felt himself obliged to acquiesce, afterwards 
finding that the blazon “ was truly honourable and 
beautiful, more than I deserved,” and thus it was 
settled. 
It may be asked if Linne was proud at changing 
his name and status with the addition of “ von.” In 
that case it must be answered, that if he were so, he 
at least managed effectually to conceal it. It is certain 
that he showed no haste to enter the House of Nobles, 
for he did not pay the fee due till 23rd April, 1776. 
These payments were for the patent (Charta sigillata), 
200 dalers, for the Chancery fee, 150 dalers in 
silver [£i 7 10s. together], and 25 and 40 dalers 
\_£ 1 12s. 6d.] for soldier’s fee. Linne quite as often 
signed his name without as with the “ von,” as may be 
noted on page 307. 
With all his actual greatness in many respects he 
was as pleased as a child at his hard-won distinction, 
but between this and pride is a long step. He wrote 
to Bishop Mennander in his autobiography, “ I can¬ 
not send personal details for self-praise is offensive, 
and self-love may creep in here and there. Be so 
good as to alter or preface, as you may see fit in your 
wisdom.” What he really thought of these honours 
we see by his calling them “ empty nuts,” and in his 
“ Nemesis divina,” where he expresses his deepest 
thoughts, they certainly witness to no pride when one 
reads, “ There is no greater character than to be an 
honest man,” and in another place, “ I gave myself no 
rest day or night. What had I for it? Call it wind, 
which is annihilated by another. Titles are wind: 
Noble, Knight, Archiater ”; and again, “What is 
greatness, when the wheel of success turns? What is 
