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166
COPENHAGEN.
Chap. XI.
day where he was to go. One morning, Christian
VIII., having visited his studio, before leaving invited
him to dine the following Thursday. Thorvaldsen looked
at Wilkens, who was standing near the door, and asked,
“ Can I ? ” Wilkens, somewhat embarrassed, replied,
“ Ørsted.” “ I thank your Majesty,” said Thorvaldsen,
“ but on Thursday it is Ørsted’s* birthday, and he would
be hurt if I refused his invitation.” Frank and simple
in his language, he was somewhat too much so in his
letters. Once, in Italy, a prince of royal blood, who
owed him a considerable sum of money, seemed
disinclined to discharge the debt. At Thorvaldsen’s
request, one of his countrymen indited a letter, in
his name, demanding payment: the style of the epistle
was too humble: Thorvaldsen quickly tore it up, and
wrote instead, “ Your Royal Highness, I must have my
money.”
Unspoiled by the attention and respect he received,
he continued simple-minded and child-like to the last.
He passed much of his time at the manor of Nysø, in
Zealand, the property of Baron Stampe, where a studio
was built for him in the garden, and where he executed
many of his later works.
Thorvaldsen died suddenly 24th of March, 1844. His
funeral was conducted with the greatest solemnity. First
in the procession walked a deputation from the navy.
On the coffin, borne by students and artists, were laid his
numerous decorations; and it was covered with garlands
placed thereon by the queen and princesses. The little
children of Copenhagen subscribed together their
skillings, and purchased with the proceeds a garland of
* Minister of State.
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