BOOKI。
OLDFRITZ。
I。TheLonelyKingII。WilhelmineEnkeIII。FrederickWilliamIV。TheDrivetoBerlinV。TheOathofFidelityVI。TheParadeVII。TheMiraculousElixirVIII。TheGoldenRainIX。GermanLiteratureandtheKingBOOKII。
ROSICRUCIANSANDPOWERFULGENIUSES。
X。GoetheinBerlinXI。TheInnerandtheMiddleTempleXII。TheJesuitGeneralXIII。APensionedGeneralXIV。TheKing'sLetterXV。HateandLoveXVI。CharlesAugustusandGoetheXVII。Goethe'sVisitsXVIII。FarewelltoBerlinBOOKIII。
STORMANDPRESSURE。
XIX。TheKingandtheAustrianDiplomatXX。TheKingandtheLoverXXI。InWeimarXXII。TheReadingXXIII。WitchcraftXXIV。ThePurse-ProudManXXV。TheElopementXXVI。UndertheStarryHeavensXXVII。TheSacrificeBOOKIV。
THEVISIBLESANDTHEINVISIBLES。
XXVIII。OldFritzXXIX。Cagliostro'sReturnXXX。TheTriumvirateXXXI。FuturePlansXXXII。MiraclesandSpiritsXXXIII。TheReturnHomeXXXIV。BehindtheMaskXXXV。TheCurseXXXVI。TheKingandtheRosicruciansXXXVII。TheEspousalsXXXVIII。RevengeFulfilledFOREWORD
IwouldmerelysayafewwordsinjustificationoftheHistoricalRomance，initsrelationtohistory。Anyone，withnoprecedingprofoundstudyofhistory，whotakesafewwell-knownhistoricalfactsasafoundationforanairycastleofromanticinventionandfantasticadventure，mayeasilywriteanHistoricalRomance；forhimhistoryisonlythenudemanikinwhichheclothesandadornsaccordingtohisowntaste，andtowhichhegivestheplaceandpositionmostagreeabletohimself。Butonlythewriterwhoisinearnestwithrespecttohistoricaltruth，whoisnotimpelledbylevityorconceitedpresumption，isjustifiedinattemptingthisspeciesofcomposition；thoroughlyimpressedwiththegreatnessofhisundertaking，hewillwithmodesthumilityconstantlyrememberthathehasproposedtohimselfagreatandsublimeworkwhich，however，itwillbedifficultifnotimpossibleforhimwhollyandcompletelytoaccomplish。
Butwhatisthisgreat，thissublimeend，whichtheHistoricalRomancewriterproposestoattain?Itisthis:toillustratehistory，topopularizeit；tobringforthfromthesilentstudioofthescholarandtoexposeinthepublicmarketoflife，forthecommongood，thegreatmenandgreatdeedsembalmedinhistory，andofwhichonlythestudioushavehithertoenjoyedthemonopoly。Thus，atleast，haveIconsideredthevocationIhavechosen，notvainlyorinconsiderately，butwithaprofoundconvictionofthegreatnessofmyundertaking，andwithadepressingconsciousnessthatmypowerandacquirementsmayproveinadequatefortheattainmentofmyproposedend。
ButIamalsofullyconsciousofwhatwasandstillismygreatestdesire:togiveanagreeableandpopularformtoournationalhistory，whichmayattracttheattentionandaffectionsofourpeople，whichmayopentheirunderstandingstothetendenciesofpoliticalmovements，andconnectthefactsofhistorywiththeeventsofactuallife。
Theseverehistorianhastodobutwithaccomplishedfacts；hecanonlyrecordanddescribe，withthestrictestregardtotruth，thatwhichhasoutwardlyoccurred。Hedescribesthebattlesofpeoples，thestrugglesofnations，thegreatdeedsofheroes，theactionsofprinces——inshort，hegivestheaccomplishedfacts。Toinvestigateandexplainthesecretmotives，thehiddencausesofthesefacts，topresenttheminconnectionwithallthatimpelledtothem，thisisthetaskofHistoricalRomance。
Thehistorianpresentstoyoutheoutwardface，theexternalformofhistory；HistoricalRomancewouldshowyoutheheartofhistory，andthusbringneartoyourheartwhat，else，wouldstandsofaroff。Toenablehimtodothis，thewriterofanHistoricalRomancemust，indeed，makesevereandvariousstudies。Hemustdevotehiswholemindandsoultotheepochhewouldillustrate，hemustliveinitandfeelwithit。Hemustsofamiliarizehimselfwithallthedetails，asinamannertobecomeachildofthatepoch；forhecanpresentareallylivingimageofonlythatwhichislivinginhimself。Thatthisrequiresadeepandearneststudyofhistoryisself-evident。HistoricalRomancedemandsthestudyofthehistorian，togetherwiththecreativeimaginationofthepoet。Forthefreeembodimentofthepoetcanblossomonlyfromoutthestudioofthehistorian，astheflowerfromtheseed；as，byareciprocalorganicaction，thehyacinthisderivedfromtheonion，andtherosefromitsseed-capsule，soarehistoryandpoetrycombinedintheHistoricalRomance，givingandreceivinglifetoandfromeachother。
TheHistoricalRomancehasitsgreattaskanditsgreatjustification——atruthdisputedbyonlythosewhoeitherhavenotunderstoodorwillnotunderstanditsnature。
TheHistoricalRomancehas，ifImaybeallowedsotospeak，fourseveralobjectsforwhichtostrive:
Itsfirstobjectis，tothrowlightuponthedarkplacesofhistory，necessarilyleftunclearbythehistorian。Poetryhastherightanddutyofsettingfactsinaclearlight，andofilluminatingthedarknessbyitssunnybeams。Thepoetryoftheromancewriterseekstodeducehistoricalcharacteristicsfromhistoricalfacts，andtodrawfromthespiritofhistoryanelucidationofhistoricalcharacters，sothatthewritermaybeabletodetecttheirinmostthoughtsandfeelings，andinjustandsharptraitstocommunicatethemtoothers。
ThesecondtaskofHistoricalRomanceis，togrouphistoricalcharactersaccordingtotheirinternalnatures，andthustoelucidateandillustratehistory。Thisillustrationthenleadstothethirdtask，whichisthediscoveryandexpositionofthemotiveswhichimpelindividualhistoricalpersonagestotheperformanceofgreathistoricalacts，andfromoutwardly，apparentlyinsignificanteventsintheirlivestodeducetheirinmostthoughtsandnatures，andrepresentthemclearlytoothers。
Thencefollowsthefourthtask:theillustrationofhistoricalfactsbyaromanceconstructedinthespiritofthehistory。Thisfourthandprincipaltaskisthepresentationofhistoryinadramaticformandwithanimateddescriptions；uponthefoundationofhistorytoerectthetempleofpoesy，whichmustneverthelessbepervadedandilluminatedbyhistorictruth。FromthisitnaturallyfollowsthatitisofverylittleconsequencewhetherthepersonagesoftheHistoricalRomanceactuallyspokethewordsorperformedtheactsattributedtothem；itisonlynecessarythatthosewordsanddeedsshouldbeinaccordancewiththespiritandcharacterofsuchhistoricalpersonages，andthatthewritershouldnotattributetothemwhattheycouldnothavespokenordone。IntheHistoricalRomance，whencircumstancesoreventsarepresentedinaccordancewithhistoricaltradition，whenthecharactersarenaturallydescribed，theybearwiththemtheirownjustification，andHistoricalRomancehasneedofnofurtherdefence。
HistoricalRomanceshouldbenothingbutanillustrationofhistory。
Ifthedrawing，grouping，coloring，andstyleofsuchanillustrationofanygivenhistoricalepochareadmittedtobetrue，thentheillustrationrisestotheelevationofaworkofart，worthyofaplacebesidethehistoricalpicture，andisequallyuseful。
Raphael's“SchoolofAthens，“his“InstitutionoftheCommunion，“
andmanyothersofhispictures，aresuchillustrationsofhistory——
asalsothegreatpaintingsofRubensfromthelifeofAnnadeiMedici；andthenthehistoricalpicturesofHoraceVernet，ofDelaroche，ofLessing，andofKaulbach——alltheseareillustrationsofhistory。Whatthoseartistspresentandillustratewithpaintandpencil，theHistoricalRomancerrepresentsinwordswithhispen；
andwhenhedoesthissuccessfully，hewillliveinthememoryofhisreaderasimperishablyasthegreathistoricalpicturesofthepaintersinthememoryoftheirbeholders。
Itwouldoccurtonoonetoaccuseasuccessfulhistoricalpictureoffalsehood，becausethebooksofhistorydonotshowthattheoccurrencetookplacepreciselyinthemannerrepresented，thatthehistoricalpersonagesreallysolaughedorwept，orsodeportedthemselves。Ifthesituationandgroupingofhistoricaleventsareallowedtobeinaccordancewiththegeneraltenorofhistory，thenthepicturemaybepronouncedhistoricallytrue，andisjustasgoodapieceofhistoryastherecordofthespecialhistorian。Itisthesamewiththepicturesoftheromanceraswiththoseofthepainter；
andthisismyanswertothosewho，oneveryoccasion，arecontinuallyasking:“Wasitreallythus?Diditreallyoccurinthatmanner?“
Showmefromhistorythatitcouldnotbeso；thatitisnotinaccordancewiththecharacterofthepersonsrepresented——thenI
willconfessthatIamwrong，andyouareright；thenhaveInotpresentedanillustration，butonlyacaricatureofhistory，faultyasaworkofart，andwantingthedignityoftruth。
Iamconsciousofhavingearnestlyanddevotedlystrivenforthetruth，andofhavingdiligentlysoughtitinallattainablehistoricalworks。TheauthorofanHistoricalRomancehasbeforehimadifficulttask:whilehemustfalsifynothinginhistory，hemustpoetizeitinamannerthatbothhistoricalandpoetictruthshallbetheresult。Tothose，however，whosoveryseverelyjudgeHistoricalRomance，andwoulddenyitshistoricalworth，Inow，inconclusion，answerwiththefollowingsignificantquotationfromSchiller:
“Ishallalwaysproveabadresourceforanyfuturehistorianwhomayhavethemisfortunetorecurtome。Historyisgenerallyonlyamagazineformyfantasy，andobjectsmustbecontentedwithwhatevertheymaybecomeundermyhand。”——(SeeWeisnar's“Musenhof，“p。93。)
ThisdeclarationofSchillersatisfiesmewithrespecttothenatureofmyowncreations。Idesirenottobearesourceforhistoricalwriters，butIshallalwaysearnestlyandzealouslyseektodrawfromthewellsofhistory，thatnothingfalseorunrealmayfindaplaceinthe“magazineofmyfantasy。”
CLARAMUNDT，(L。MUEHLBACH。)
BERLIN，September22，1866。
OLDFRITZANDTHENEWERA。
BOOKI。
OLDFRITZ。
CHAPTERI。
THELONELYKING。
“Well，soletitbe！“saidtheking，sighing，asherosefromhisarm-chair；“Imustgoforthtothestrife，andtheseoldlimbsmustagainsubmittothefatigueofwar。Butwhatmattersit?Thelifeofprincesispassedinthefulfilmentofdutiesandresponsibilities，andrarelyisitgladdenedwiththesunnyraysofjoyandpeace！Letussubmit！
“Yes，letussubmit！“repeatedtheking，thoughtfully，slowlypacinghiscabinetbackandforth，hishandsfoldeduponhisstaffbehindhim，andhisfavoritedog，Alkmene，sleepilyfollowinghim。
Itwasamelancholypicturetoseethisbowed-downoldman；histhin，palefaceshadedbyaworn-out，three-corneredhat，hisdirtyuniformstrewnwithsnuff；andhismeagrelegsencasedinhigh-
topped，unpolishedboots；hisonlycompanionagreyhound，oldandjoylessashismaster。NeitherthebustofVoltaire，withitsbeaming，intelligentface，northoseofhisfriends，Lord-MarshalKeithandtheMarquisd'Argens，couldwinanaffectionateglancefromthelonelyoldking。HewhomEuropedistinguishedastheGreatFrederick，whomhissubjectscalledtheir“fatherandbenefactor，“
whosenamewasworthytoshineamongthebrighteststarsofheaven，hispale，thinlipsjustmurmured，“Resignation！“
Withdowncasteyeshepacedhiscabinet，murmuring，“Letussubmit！“
Hewouldnotlookuptothosewhoweregazingdownuponhimfromthewalls——tothosewhowerenomore。Theremembranceofthemunnervedhim，andfilledhisheartwithgrief。Theexperiencesoflife，andtheingratitudeofmen，hadleftmanyascaruponthisroyalheart，buthadneverhardenedit；itwasstilloverflowingwithtendersympathyandcherishedmemories。ToLord-MarshalKeith，Marquisd'Argens，andVoltaire，Frederickowedthehappiestyearsofhislife。
D'Argens，whopassionatelylovedFrederick，hadbeendeadfiveyears；Lord-MarshalKeithonemonth；andVoltairewasdying！Thisintelligencethekinghadreceivedthatverymorning，fromhisPariscorrespondent，Grimm。Itwasthisthatfilledhisheartwithmourning。Theface，thatsmiledsofullofintelligence，wasperhapsdistortedwithagony，andthosebeamingeyeswerenowclosingindeath！
Voltairewasdying！
Frederick'sthoughtswerewiththedeadanddying——withthepast！Herecalled，whencrownprinceatRheinsberg，howmuchhehadadmired，loved，anddistinguishedVoltaire；howherejoiced，andhowhonoredhefelt，when，asayoungking，VoltaireyieldedtohisrequesttolivewithhimatBerlin。Thisintimacy，itistrue，didnotlongcontinue；thekingwasforcedtorecognize，withbitterregret，thattheMANVoltairewasnotworthythelovewhichhebestoweduponthePOET。HerenouncedtheMAN，butthepoetwasstillhisadmiration；
andalltheperfidy，slanderandmaliceofVoltaire，hadneverchangedFrederick。Theremembranceofithadlongsincefadedfromhisnobleheart——onlythememoryofthepoet，oftheauthorofsomanyhoursofthepurestenjoyment，remained。
Voltairewasdying！
Thisgreatandpowerfulspirit，whosolongatime，inthenaturalbody，hadinstructed，inspired，andrefreshedmankind，wouldleavethatbodytorise——whither?
“Immortality，whatartthou?“askedtheking，aloud，andforthefirsttimeraisinghiseyeswithaninquiringglancetothebustsofhisfriends。“Ihavesoughtforthee，Ihavetoiledforthee，mywholelifelong！Neithertheresearchesofthelearned，northesubtletiesofphilosophyrevealtheetome。Isthereanyotherimmortalitythanfame?Anyothereternallifethanthatwhichthememoryofsucceedinggenerationsgrantstothedead?“InthistoneofthoughtFrederickrecited，audibly，theconclusionofapoem，whichhehadaddressedtoD'Alembert:
“Ihaveconsecratedmydaystophilosophy，Iadmitalltheinnocentpleasuresoflife；Andknowingthatsoonmycoursewillfinish，I
enjoythepresentwithfearofthefuture。Whatistheretofearafterdeath?Ifthebodyandthemindsufferthesamefate，Ishallreturnandminglewithnature；Ifaremnantofmyintellectualfireescapesdeath，IwillfleetothearmsofmyGod。”[Footnote:
Posthumousworks，vol。vii。，p。88。]
“Andmaythissoonbegrantedme！“continuedtheking；“thenIshallbereunitedtothoselovedones——gonebefore。Imustbecontenttotarryawhileinthisearthlyvaleofsorrow，andfinishthetaskassignedmebytheGreatTeacher；therefore，letussubmit。”
Hesighed；pacingtoandfro，hisstepswerearrestedataside-
table，wherelayalongblackvelvetbox；itcontainedtheflutethathisbelovedteacher，Quantz，hadmadeforhim。Frederickhadalwayskeptitinhiscabinetasamementoofhislostfriend；asthisroomhehaddevotedtoatempleofMemory——ofthepast！
“Anotherofthejoys，anotherofthestarsofmylifevanished！“
murmuredtheking。“Mycharmingconcertsareatanend！Quantz，Brenda，andmygloriousGraunarenomore。Whiletheyarelisteningtotheheavenlychoir，Imustbecontentwiththemiserable，idlechatterofmen；thethunderofbattledeafeningmyears，towhichthatmad，ambitiousEmperorofAustriahopestoforceme！“
Asthekingthussoliloquized，heinvoluntarilydrewfromtheboxthebeautifulebonyflute，exquisitelyornamentedwithsilver。A
smileplayedaroundhisdelicatemouth。Heraisedtheflutetohislips，andamelancholystrainfloatedthroughthestillness——theking'srequiemtothedead，hisfarewelltothedying！
Nosoundoftheouterworldpenetratedthatlonelyroom。Theguardofhonor，ondutyupontheSans-Souciterrace，haltedsuddenly，asthesadmusicfelluponhisear。Thefreshspringbreezesweptthroughthetrees，anddrovetheladen-blossomedelder-bushestappingagainstthewindowpanes，asiftoofferaMay-greetingtothelonelyking。Theservantinwaitingstoleontiptoetothedooroftheanteroom，listeningbreathlesslyatthekey-holetothemovingmelody。
EvenAlkmenesuddenlyraisedherheadasifsomethingunusualweretakingplace，fixedhergreateyesuponhermaster，jumpinguponhisknee，andrestingherfore-pawslovinglyuponhisbreast。
Frederickneitherobservednorfeltthemovementofhisfavorite；
histhoughtswereabsentfromthepresent——absentfromtheearth！
Theywerewanderingintheunknownfuture，withthespiritsofthosehelongedtoseeagainintheElysianfields。
Thewailingmusicofhisfluteexpressedthelamentationofhissoul，andhiseyesfilledwithtearsasheraisedthemtothebustofVoltaire，gazingatitwithalookofpainuntilthemelodywasfinished。Thenabruptlyturning，halfunwillingly，halfangrily，hereturnedtheflutetothebox，andstoleaway，coveringhisfacewithhishands，asiftohidehisemotionfromhimself。
“Nowwehavefinishedwiththedead，andthelivingclaimourthoughts，“sighedtheking。“Whatanabsurdthingisthehumanheart！Itwillnevergrowcoldorold；alwayspretendingtoasparkofthefirewhichthatshamefulfellowPrometheusstolefromthegods。Whatanabsurdity！WhathaveI，anoldfellow，todowiththefireofPrometheus，whenthefireofwarwillsoonragearoundme，“
Atthisinstantthedoorgentlyopened。“Whatdoyouwant，Muller?
Whatdoyoupokeyourstupidfaceinherefor?“saidtheking。
“Pardonme，yourmajesty，“repliedthefootman，“theBaronvonArnimbegsforanaudience。”
“Bidhimenter，“commandedtheking，sinkingbackinhisold，fadedvelvetarm-chair。Restinghischinuponhisstaff，hesignedtothebaron，whostoodbowinguponthethreshold，toapproach。“Well，Arnim，whatisthematter?Whatpapershaveyouthere?“
“Sire，“answeredBaronvonArnim，“thecontractoftheFrenchactors，whichneedsrenewing，Ihavetolaybeforeyourmajesty；
alsoapaper，receivedyesterday，fromMadameMara；stillanotherfromthesingerConciliani，andapetitionfromfourpersonsfromtheopera。”
“Whatstupidstuff！“growledtheking，atthesametimebestowingacaressuponAlkmene。“Commencewithyourreport。Letushearwhatthosesingersarenowaskingfor。”
“ThesingerConcilianihasaddressedaheart-breakinglettertoyourmajesty，andpraysforanincreaseofsalary——thatitisimpossibleforhimtoliveuponthreethousanddollars。”
“Ah！thatiswhatiswanted?“criedtheking，furious，andstrikinghisstaffuponthefloor。“Thefellowismad；Whenhecannotliveuponthreethousand，hewillnotbeabletoliveuponfour。Iwantmoneyforcannon。Icannotspenditforsuchnonsense。Iamsurprised，VonArnimthatyourepeatsuchstufftome。”
“Yourmajesty，itismydutythatI——“
“What！Yourdutyisnottoflatterthem。Ipaythemtogivemepleasure，notpresumption。Remember，onceforall，donotflatterthem。Concilianiwillgetnoincreaseofsalary。Ifhepersists，lethimgotothemischief！Thisismydecision——Proceed！WhatisMadameMarabeggingfor?“
“MadameMaraconstantlyrefusestosingtheairswhichyourmajestycommandedtobeintroducedintotheoperaof'Coriolanus。'Shehastakenthelibertytoaddressyouinwriting；hereistheletter，ifyourmajestywillhavethegracetoreadit。”
“Bynomeans，sir，bynomeans！“criedtheking；atthesameinstantcatchingthepaperwithhisstaff，heslungitlikeashotarrowtothefarthestcorneroftheroom，tothegreatamusementofAlkmene，who，withaloudbark，sprangfromhermaster'sknee，andwithaboundcaughtthestrangebird，andtoreitinpieces。“Youareright，mypet，“saidtheking，laughing，“youhavewrittenmyanswerwithyournosetothisarrogantperson。Director，saytoMadameMarathatIpayhertosing，nottowrite。Shemustsingbothairs，orshemayfindherselfatSpandauforherobstinacy，whereherhusbandis，forthesamereason。Shecanreflect，andjudgeforherself。”
Thedirectorcouldscarcelyrepressasigh，forebodingthedisagreeablescenethathewouldhavetoencounterwiththeproudandpassionatesinger。TimidlyVonArnimalludedtothefourpersonsfromtheopera。“Whoarethesedemoiselles，andwhatdotheywant?“
askedtheking。
“Sire，“repliedtheBaronvonArnim，“theyarethefourpersonswhopersonatetheroleofcourtladiesandmaidsofhonortothequeensandprincesses。Theybegyourmajestytosecuretothemafixedincome。”
“Indeed！Gotomywriting-tableandbringpaperandpencil；Iwilldictateareplytothem，“saidtheking。“Nowwrite，VonArnim:'Tothefourcourtladiesandmaidsofhonoroftheopera:Youaremistakeninaddressingyourselvestome；theaffairofyoursalariesconcernsYOURemperorsandkings。Tothemyoumustaddressyourselves——Adieu。'“
VonArnimcouldscarcelyrepressasmile。
“Nowwecometothelastaffair——thesalariesandpensionsoftheFrenchactors，“saidtheking；“butfirsttellmethenewsinBerlin——whatreporthastrumpetedforthinthelastfewdays。”
“Yourmajesty，thelatestnewsinBerlin，whichrumorbringshometoeveryhearth-sideandeveryheartis，thatyourmajestyhasdeclaredwarwithAustriaonaccountoftheBavariansuccession。Everyonerejoices，sire，thatyouwillhumblethatproudandsupercilioushouseofAustria，andenterthelistsforGermany。”
“Listen！“answeredtheking，sternly。“Ididnotaskyoutoblowthetrumpetofpraise，asifyourhonor，inspectorofthetheatres，thoughtyourselfuponthestage，andwouldcommenceacomedywiththekingoflamps。Soitisknownthenthatmysoldierswillenterthegreattheatreofwar，andthatweareabouttofightrealbattles。”
“Itisknown，sire，“repliedVonArnim，bowing。
“ThenwhatIamabouttocommunicatetoyouwillnotsurpriseyou。
Thepresentjunctureofaffairsleadsustoawaitverygravescenes——
wecanwelldispensewithcomedy。IwithdrawthesalariesandpensionsoftheFrenchactors——yourownisincluded。AfteryouhavedismissedtheFrenchcomedians，youwillbeentirelyatleisuretopursueyourlove-intrigues——Farewell！“
“Yourmajesty，“criedthebaron，amazed，“hasyourhighnessdismissedme?“
“Areyoudeaf，orhaveyousomeofthecottoninyourearswhichI
presentedtoyouatyourrecallfromCopenhagen?“repliedtheking。
[Footnote:BaronvonArnimwasambassadortoCopenhagenuntil1754，whenhebeggedforhisrecall，statingthatthedampclimatewasinjurioustohishealth。Thekinggrantedhisrequest，andthebaronreturnedtoBerlin。Atthefirstaudiencewiththeking，FrederickhandedBaronvonArnimacarefully-packedbox，saying，“Idonotwishthegovernmenttolosesovaluableaservant；inthisboxyouwillfindsomethingthatwillkeepyouwarm。”Arnimcouldscarcelyawaithisreturnhome，toopenthebox；itcontainednothingbutcotton。Somedaysafterward，however，thekingincreasedVonArnim'sincomeathousanddollars，andsenthimambassadortoDresden。VonArnimwasafterwarddirectoroftheRoyalTheatreuntildismissedintheabovemanner。]
“Sire，Ihaveheardall，butIcannotbelieveit。”
“Yes，yes，“interruptedtheking，“Tobelieveisdifficult；you，I
presume，neverbelongedtothepiousandbelieving。Yourintrigueswouldnotadmitofit；butnowyouhavetheleisuretopursuethemwitharightgood-will。Youhaveonlytodischarge，asIhavesaid，theentireFrenchtroupe，andthewholethingisdonewith——Adieu，Arnim，mayyoubeprospered！“
BaronvonArnimmutteredsomeincomprehensiblewords，andretreatedfromtheroyalpresence。Thedoorhadscarcelyclosed，whenitwasagainopenedwithoutceremonybyayoungman，wearingagold-laceddress。
“Yourmajesty，“saidhe，hastily，inanundertone，“yourmajesty，shehasjustgonetothePalacePark，justthesamehourshewentyesterday。”
“Isshealone?“askedtheking，rising。
“No，sheisnotalone；atalittledistancethenursefollowswiththeprincelyinfant！“
Thekingcastanangryglanceatthesaucy，laughingfaceoftheyoungman，whoatonceassumedadevoted，earnestmien。“Hasyourmajestyanyfurthercommands?“askedhe，timidly。
“Icommandyoutoholdyourtongueuntilyouarespokento！“repliedtheking，harshly。“Youunderstandspyingandhangingabout，asyouhavegoodears，aquickeye，andakeenscent。Ithereforemakeuseofyou，becauseIneedaspy；but，understandthatafellowwhoallowshimselftobeusedasaspy，is，indeed，ausefulsubject，butgenerallyaworthlessone，andtowhomitisbecomingtobemodestandhumble。IamnowgoingtoBerlin；youwillaccompanyme。
Takeoffyourfinery，sothateveryonemaynotrecognizeatoncethepeacockbyhisfeathers。Gotothetavernsandlistentowhattheysayaboutthewar；whetherthepeoplearemuchdissatisfiedaboutit。Keepyourgreatearswideopen，andbringmethiseveningallthelatestnews。Go，now，tellmycoachmantobeready；inhalfanhourIshallsetoff。”
Theyoungmanslunkawaytothedoor，butstoodwithoutopeningit，hisheaddown，andhisunder-liphangingout。
“Whatisthematter?“askedtheking，inamildertone，“whydoyounotgo，Kretzschmar?“
“Icannotgoawayifyourmajestyisangrywithme，“mutteredtheservant，insolently。“Idonotwishtohearorseeanythingmoreforyouwhenyourmajestyabusesme，andconsidersmesuchamean，basefellow。Yourmajestyfirstcommandedmetolisten，andspy，andnowthatIamobeying，Iamdespisedandscoldedforit。Iwillhavenothingmoretodowithit，andIwishyourmajestytoleavemeasimplefootmanratherthantoaccordmesuchameanposition。”
“Ididnotmeansobadly，“saidtheking。“Imeanwellenoughforyou；butyoumustnotpermityourselftobearrogantordisrespectful，otherwiseyoumaygotoTophet！Youarenocommonspy，youarelisteningaboutalittlebecauseyouknowIamfondofhearingwhatthepeoplearesaying，andwhatisgoingoninBerlinandPotsdam。Buttakecarethattheyknownothingaboutit，otherwisetheywillbecareful，andyouwillhearnothing。Nowbeoff，andinordertoseeacheerfulfaceonyou，Iwillmakeyouapresent。”Thekingdrewfromhisvest-pocketapurse，wellfilledwithsmallcoin，andgaveittotheyoungman，whotookit，thoughhestilllookedangryandinsolent。“Donotletyourunder-liphangdownso，forImaystepuponit，“saidtheking。“Putthemoneyinyourpocket，andhurryofftotelloldPfundtoharnessquickly，orIshallnotarriveintimeatthepark。”
“Thereisnodanger，yourmajesty，forthemissseemsveryfondofthepromenade；sheremainedtwohoursintheparkyesterday，alwayswalkinginthemostquietplaces，asifshewereafraidtomeetanyone。ShesatawholehourontheironseatbytheCarpPond，andthenshewenttothePhilosopher'sWalk，andskippedaboutlikeayoungcolt。”
“Youareaverycunningfellow，andknowhowtouseyoureyeswell，“
saidtheking。“Nowbeoff，andorderthecarriage。”
CHAPTERII。
WILHELMINEENKE。
ThePalaceParkwasasquietanddesertedasusual。Notavoice，notasound，disturbedthestillnessofthosesilentwalks。Forthisreason，undoubtedly，ayoungladyhadsoughtit；atleastherwholebeingexpressedsatisfactionanddelighttowanderunobservedthroughthosequiet，shadyalleys。Shewasofslightandelegantproportions，simplyattired，withoutpretension，inadarkdressofsomethinsilkmaterial。Herblacksilkmantlewasthrownasideuponthestoneseatnearher，uncoveringthus，insolitude，tothesunandbirds，herlovelyneckandarms，thebeautyofwhichmightrivalthestatuesoftheancients。Herfacewasnotofregularbeauty，yetitpossessedthatexpressionofgrace，spirit，andenergy，whichisofteneramorepowerfulandmoreenduringcharmthanregularbeauty。
Herlarge，expressiveblackeyespossessedawonderfulpower，andherred，poutinglipsworeasweetsmile；herfineRomannoselentanairofdecision，whilstherhigh-archedforeheadledonetobelievethatdaring，energeticthoughtlayhiddenbeneaththoseclustersofbrowncurls。Shewasnotinthebloomofyouth，butattwenty-fivesheappearedyoungerthanmanybeautiesateighteen；andifherformnolongerpossessedthecharmofgirlhood，itwasattractivefromitssupplenessandfull，beautifulbust。
“Louisa，Louisa，whereareyou?“criedtheyounglady，steppingquicklyforwardtowardaside-path，whichledfromthebroadavenue，andattheendofwhichwasasunnygrassplot。
“HereIam，miss；Iamcoming。”
“Miss，“murmuredtheyounglady，“howdreadfullyitsounds！Theblushofshamerisestomyface，foritsoundslikebittermockeryandcontempt，andbringsmywholelifebeforeme。Yet，Imustendureit——andIscarcelywishitwereotherwise。Ah，thereyouare，Louisa，andthereismybeautifulboy，“shecried，withagladvoice，hasteningtowardthepeasant-womanandbendingfondlyoverherchild。“Howbeautifulandhowknowinghelooks！ItseemsasifmylittleAlexanderbegantorecognizeme——helookssoearnestandsensible。”
“Heknowsyou，miss，“saidthenurse，courtesying，“andheknows，likeotherchildren，wholoveshim。Childrenanddogsknowwholovethem。Thechildrencry，andthedogshidethemselveswhenpeoplearearoundwhodislikethem。”
“Nonsense，Louisa！“laughedtheyounglady，asshebenttokissherchild——“nonsense！didnotmylittleboycrywhenhisfathertookhimyesterday?Andheloveshischildmosttenderly，asonlyafathercan。”
“Oh，thereisanotherreasonforthat，“saidthenurse。“Hehasjustpassedhisfirststupidthreemonths，andhebeginstohearandseewhatpassesaroundhim，anditwasthefirstman'sfacethathehadseen。Butonlylook，miss，whatabeautifullittledogiscomingupthepath。”Itwasindeedalovelygreyhound，ofthesmallItalianrace，whichcameboundingjoyfullytowardthem，andashesawthewomanbarkedloudly。
“Bequiet，Alkmene，bequiet！“criedaloud，commandingvoice。
“Oh，Heaven！itistheking！“whisperedtheyounglady，turningpale，and，asifstunned，retreatedafewsteps。
“Yes，itisreallytheking，“criedthenurse，“andheiscomingdirectlyfromthegrass-plothere。”
“Letusgoasquicklyaspossible，Louisa。Come，come，“andshehastilythrewhermantlearoundher，drawingthehoodoverhercurlyhead。Shehadonlyproceededafewsteps，whenaloudvoicebadehertoremain——tostandstill。Shestoodasifrootedtothespot，leaninguponhernurseforsupport；herkneessankunderher，anditseemedasifthewholeworldturnedaroundwithher。Afterthefirsttumultofanxietyandfear，succeededaninsolentdetermination，and，forcingherselftocalmness，shesaid:“Itistheturning-pointofmylife；thenextfewminuteswilleithercrushmeorassuremyfuture；letmestruggleforthefuture，then。Iwillfacehimwhoapproachesmeasmyjudge。”Forcingherselftocomposure，slowlyandwitheffortsheturnedtowardtheking，who，approachingbythesidepath，hadenteredtheavenue，andnowstoodbeforeher。Butassheencounteredthefieryglanceoftheking'seye，shequailedbeforeit，castingdownherown，coveredwithconfusion。
“Whoareyou?“demandedtheking，withsternauthority，keepinghiseagleeyefixeduponher。Silentandimmovableshestood；onlythequick，feverishbreathingandtheheavingbosomtoldthestormthatwasragingwithin。
“Whoareyou?“repeatedthevoice，withstillmoreseverity——“whopermitthemselvestousemyparkasanursery?Whatchildisthat?
andwhoareitsparents?Theyshouldbeofhighpositionatcourt，whowoulddaretosendtheirchildandnursetotheroyalpark；andwithwhatjoytheymustregardtheoffspringoftheirconjugaltenderness！Tellmetowhomdoesthischildbelong?“
Sobbingconvulsively，theladysank，kneeling，withupliftedarms，imploringformercy。“Sire，annihilatemewithyouranger，butdonotcrushmewithyourscorn！“
“Whatlanguagedoyoupermityourselftohold?“askedtheking。
“Sire，itisthelanguageofanunhappy，despairingwoman，whoknowsthatshestandsbeforethatgreatmonarchwhosejudgmentshefearsmorethanthatofherGod，whoseesintoherheart，andreadsthetorturesandreproachesofherconscience；whoknowswhatshesuffers，andknows，also，thatsheisfreefromself-interest，andeverybasedesire。IbelievethatGodwillforgivewhatIfearyourmajestywillnot。”
“Youspeakpresumptuously，andremindmeofthetheatreprincesseswhorepresentagrandscenewithapatheticexit。Letmeinformyou，Idespisecomedians——onlyhightragedypleasesme。Spareyourselfthetroubletoactbeforeme，butanswerme——whoareyou?Whosechildisthat?“
“Sire，onlyGodandmykingshouldhearmyreply——Ibegthefavortosendawaythenurseandchild。”Thekingassented，slightlynoddinghishead，atthesametimebiddinghernottokneeltohimastoanimage。
Theladyroseandsoughtthenurse，who，fromfright，hadwithdrawnintotheshrubbery，andstoodstaringatthekingwithwide-openeyes。“Gohome，Louisa，andputthechildtosleep，“saidshe，quickly。
Thenurseobeyedpromptly，andwhenalone，thekingdemandedagain，“Whoareyou?andtowhomdoesthechildbelong?“
“Yourmajesty，IamthedaughterofyourchapelmusicianEnke，andthechildisthesonofPrinceFrederickWilliamofPrussia，“shereplied，inafirmanddefiantmanner。
Theking'seyesflashedasheglancedattheboldspeaker。“Yousayso，butwhovouchesforthetruthofit?Youpermityourselftouseahighname，togiveyourchildanhonorablefather！Whattemerity！
whatpresumption！WhatifIshouldnotbelieveyou，butsendyoutothehouseofcorrection，atSpandau，asaslanderer，asguiltyofhigh-treason，asasinnerandanadulteress?“
“Youcouldnotdoit，sire——youcouldnot，“criedWilhelmineEnke，“foryouwouldalsosendtherethehonorandthenameofyoursuccessortothethrone。”
“Whatdoyoumean?“criedtheking，furiously。
“Imean，yourmajesty，thattheprincehasholydutiestowardme。I
amthemotherofthatchild！“
“Youacknowledgeyourshame，andyoudareconfessittome，yourking，thatyouarethefavorite，thekeptmistressofthePrinceofPrussia，whohasalreadyawifethathasbornehimchildren?Youdonotevenseektodenyit，ortoexcuseyourself?“
“Iwouldtrytoexcusemyself，didInotfeelthatyourmajestywouldnotlistentome。”
“Whatexcusecouldyouoffer?——thereisnone。”
“Loveismyexcuse，“criedWilhelmine，eagerly。“Oh！myrulerandking，donotshakeyournobleheadsounbelievingly；donotlookatmesocontemptuously。Oh，Fatherinheaven，IimploreTheetoquickenmymind，thatmythoughtsmaybecomewords，andmylipsutterthatwhichisburninginmysoul！Inalltheseyearsofmypoor，despised，obscurelife，howoftenhaveIlongedforthishourwhenImightstandbeforemyking，whenImightpenitentlyclasphiskneesandimploremercyformyselfandmychildren——thosepoor，namelessbeings，whoseexistenceismyaccusation，andyetwhoaretheprideandjoyofmylife！Oh，sire，Iwillnotaccuse，toexcusemyself；Iwillnotcastthestoneatotherswhichtheyhavecastatme。Butitisscarcelycharitabletojudgeandcondemnayounggirlfourteenyearsofage，whodidbutobeythecommandofherparents，andfollowedthemanwhowasthefirstandonlyonethateverwhisperedthewordofloveinherear。”
“Ihaveheardthatyourparentssoldtheirchildtoshame。Isittrue?“criedtheking。
“Sire，myfatherwaspoor；thescantyincomeofachapelmusicianscarcelysufficedtoeducateandsupportfourchildren。Theprincepromisedmyfathertoeducateme。”
“Bah！Thepromisesofayoungmanoftwenty-fivearemadewithoutreflection，andrarelyeverfulfilled。”
“Sire，tothePrinceofPrussiaIoweallthatIknow，andallthatIam；hispromisetomydyingfatherwasfullyredeemed。”
“Indeed，bywhomwereyoutaught，andwhathaveyoulearned?“
“Yourmajesty，theprincewished，beforeall，thatIshouldlearntospeakFrench。MadameGirardwasmyFrenchinstructress，andtaughtmetoplaytheguitarandspinetalso。”
“Oh，IpresumeyouhavelearnedtojabberalittleFrenchanddrumalittlemusic，“saidtheking，shrugginghisshoulders。
“Ibegpardon，sire；Ihaveatolerableknowledgeofhistoryandofgeography。Iamfamiliarwiththeancientandmodernpoets。IhavereadagoodFrenchtranslationofHomer，Horace，andVirgil，withamaster。IhavestudiedthehistoryofBrandenburg，ofGermany，andofAmerica。WehavereadtheimmortalworksofVoltaire，ofJeanJacquesRousseau，andofShakespeare，withmanyofourmodernpoets。
Myinstructorhasreadalltheseworksaloudtome，andhewasmuchpleasedwhenIrepeatedpartsofwhathehadreadtomesomedaysafterward。”
“Youappeartohavehadaverylearnedinstructor，“remarkedtheking，sneeringly。“Whatishisname?“
“Hisname，sire，isPrinceFrederickWilliamofPrussia。Yes，itishewhohastaughtme——hewhohasmademeanintelligentwoman。
Howeveryounghewaswhenheundertookthetask，hehasaccomplisheditwithfidelity，firmness，andpatience。Helovedme，andwouldmakemeworthyofhim，inheartandmind。Ishalleverbegratefultohim，andonlydeathcanextinguishtheloveandesteemwithwhichheinspiresme。”
“SupposeIcommandyoutoleavetheprince?SupposeIwillnolongerendurethescandalofthissinfulrelation?“
“Ishallneverwillinglyseparatemyselffrommydearprinceandmaster——fromthefatherofmytwochildren。Yourmajestywillbeobligedtoforcemefromhim，“answeredWilhelmine，defiantly。
“Oh，thatwillnotbenecessary，mademoiselle，“criedtheking。
“Therearewaysenough。Iwillmakeknownmywishestotheprince；I
willcommandhimtoleaveyou，andhavenofurthercommunicationwithyou。”
“Sire，“sheanswered，gently，“Iknowthattheprinceisanobedientandrespectfulsubjectandservanttohiskinginallthings，butthiscommandhewouldnotobey。”
“Hewouldnotdaretobravemycommands！“
“Hewouldnotbravethem，sire。Oh，no；itwouldbesimplyimpossibletoobeythem。”
“Whatwouldhinderhim?“
“Love，sire；therespectwhichheowestomeasthemotherofhistwochildren——whohasconsecratedherlove，herhonortohim，andofwhomnoonecansaythatshehasinjuredthefidelitywhichshehassworntotheprince——tothemanofherfirstandonlylove——evenwithawordorlook。”
“Youmeantosay，thatIcannotseparateyoufromtheprincebutbyforce?“
“Yes，yourmajesty，“criedshe，withconsciouspower，“thatisexactlywhatImean。”
“Youwillfindyourselfdeceived；youwillbemadetorealizeit，“
saidtheking，withamenacingtone。“Youknownothingofthepowerthatliesinalegitimatemarriage，andwhatrivalslegitimatechildrenare，whomonedaresacknowledgebeforeGod——beforetheworld。Boastnotoftheloveoftheprince，butrememberthatanhonorablesolitudeistheonlysituationbecomingtoyou。Suchconnectionsbeartheirowncurseandpunishmentwiththem。Hastentoavoidthem。Lastly，Iwouldadd，neverdaretomingleyourimpurehandsintheaffairsofstate。Ihavebeenobligedtogivetheordertothestatecouncillorsinappointmentsandgrantsofoffice，nottoregardtheprotectionandrecommendationofacertainhighpersonage，asyouaretherealprotectressandbestowerofmercy。
Takecare，andneverletithappenagain。YouwillneverventuretoplaythelittlePompadourhere，noranythingelsebutwhatyourdishonorallowsyou；otherwiseyouwillhavetodealwithme！YousaythatyouhavereadHomer；then，doubtless，yourememberthestoryofPenelope，who，fromconjugalfidelity，spunandwove，undoingatnightwhatshehadwovenbyday。Itistrue，youbearlittleresemblancetothischastedame，butyoumightemulateherinspinningandweaving；andifyouarenotinfutureretiring，IcaneasilymakeamodernPenelopeofyou，andhaveyouinstructedinspinning，forwhichyouwillhavethebestofopportunitiesinthehouseofcorrectionatSpandau。Rememberthis，andneverpermityourselftopractiseprotection。Iwillkeepthespinning-wheelandthewoolreadyforyou；thatyoumaycountupon。Remember，also，thatitisverydisagreeabletomethatyouvisitmypark，asIliketobreathepureair。Directyourpromenadeelsewhere，andavoidmeetingmeinfuture。”
“Yourmajesty，I——“
“Silence！Ihaveheardsufficient。Youhavenothingmoretosaytome。Go，hideyourhead，thatnoonemayrecognizeyourshame，orthelevityoftheprince。Go——and，farewellforever！“Hemotionedimpatientlytohertoretire，fasteninghiseyeswithafiery，penetratingglanceuponherpale，agitatedface，herbowed，humbleattitude，andstillcontinuedtoregardherasshepainfullydraggedherselfdownthewalk，asifherlimbsweregivingwayunderher。
Longstoodthekinggazingafterher，restinguponhisstaff；andasshedisappearedattheendofthewalk，hestillstoodthereimmovable。Bydegreeshisfaceassumedamilderexpression。“Hewhoisfreefromsin，lethimcastthefirststoneather，“saidtheking，softened，asheslowlyturneddownthepathwhichwouldleadtohiscarriage，waitingoutsidethepark。
Frederickwaslostinthought，andaddressednoconversationtotheequerry，VonSchwerin，whosatoppositetohim。ButastheydrovethroughthebeautifulstreetUntendenLinden，atBerlin，Frederickglancedattheequerry，andfoundthathehadfallenasleep，weariedwiththelongsilenceandthemonotonyofthedrive。ThekingspoketoAlkmene，loudandearnestly，untilHerrvonSchwerin，awakenedandstartled，glancedattheking，frightened，andtryingtodiscoverwhetherhisfearfulcrimeagainstetiquettewoulddrawuponhimtheroyalcensure。Frederick，however，appearednottonoticehisfright，andspokekindlytohim:“Didyounottellme，Schwerin，thatCountSchmettauwouldsellhiscountryresidenceatCharlottenburg?“
“Atyourservice，yourmajesty，heaskedmetopurchaseit，orfindhimapurchaser。”
“Howmuchisitworth?“
“Sire，CountSchmettaudemandseightthousanddollarsforit。Thereisabeautifulparkbelongingtoit，andthehouseisworthythenameofacastle，solargeisit。”
“Whydoyounotbuyit，ifthecountofferedittoyou?“
Theequerryassumedasadmien，andanswered，sighing:“Sire，I
shouldbethehappiestofmenifIcouldbuythatcharmingresidence，anditwouldbearealblessingtomeifIcouldenjoyinsummerattimesthefreshair。Myfinancesunfortunately，donotallowsuchexpenses，asIamnotrich，andhavealargefamily。”
“Thenyouarerightnottospendmoneyunnecessarily，“saidtheking，quietly。“YoucanhaveasmuchfreshairatPotsdamascaneverenteryourmouth，anditcostsneitheryounorIanything。SaytoCountSchmettauthatyouhaveapurchaserforhisresidenceatCharlottenburg。”
“Oh，youarereallytookind，“criedtheequerry，inanexcitementofjoy；“Idonotknow——“
Herethecarriageenteredthepalacecourt，andtheconcludingwordswereinaudible。HerrvonSchwerinalightedquicklytoassisttheking。“SaytoSchmettautopresenthimselftomytreasurerandcabinetcouncillor，Menkon，tomorrowmorningattwelveo'clock，atSans-Souci。”
Thekingnoddedkindlytotheequerry，andpassedintotheSwisssaloon，andfartheronintotheprivateroomswhichhewasaccustomedtooccupywheneverheremainedatthecapital。TheSwisssaloonwasfastfilling，notalonewiththegeneralsandstaff-
officersoftheBerlingarrison，butwiththeofficersoftheregimentsfromtheprovinces，whopresentedthemselvesatthepalaceaccordingtotheorderoftheking。Themostofthemwereoldandwornout，bodyandmind。Theyalllookedmoroseandsorrowful。ThegreatnewsoftheapproachingwarwithAustriahadspreadthroughthemilitary。Theoldlaurel-crownedgeneralsoftheSevenYears'
Warwereunwillingtogoforthtoearnnewlaurels，forwhichtheyhadlostallambition。Notonedaredbetrayhissecretthoughtstoanother，orutterawordofdisapproval。Theking'sspieswereeverywhere，andnonecouldtrusthimselftoconversewithhisneighbor，ashemightprovetobeoneofthem。Therereignedananxious，oppressivesilence；thegeneralsandstaff-officersexchangedtheordinarygreetings。Alleyeswereturnedtowardthedoorthroughwhichthekingwouldenter，boweddown，likehisgenerals，withthecaresoflife，andtheburdenofoldage。Thekingslowlyentered。Hewas，indeed，anoldman，likethosehecameamongst，andnowsaluted。Anexpressionofimperishableyouthlighteduphispale，sunkenface，andhiseyesflashedwithasmuchdaringandfireasthirty-eightyearsbefore，whenhehadassembledhisyoungofficersaroundhiminthisveryhall，toannouncetothemthathewouldmarchagainstAustria。Howmanywars，howmanybattles，howmanyillusions，victories，anddefeatshadthekingexperiencedinthesethirty-eightyears！Howlittletheyouthful，fierykingofthatdayresembledtheweakoldmanofto-day；howlittleincommontheyoungKingFrederickhadwith“AltenFritz。”
Andnowinthisfeeblebodydweltthesamecourageousspirit。InthecourseoftheseyearsKingFrederickIIhadbecomeFredericktheGreat！Andgreathewasto-day，thislittleoldman——greatinhisintentionsandachievements，neverheedinghisowndebilityandneedofrepose。Allhisthoughtsandendeavorsconcentratedonthewelfareofhispeopleandhiscountry——onthegreatnessandgloryofGermany。Thoseeyeswhichnowglancedoverthecircleofgeneralswerestillflashingasthoseofthehero-kingwhoselookhaddisarmedthelurkingassassin，andconfoundedthedistinguishedsavantinthemidstofhiseloquence，sothathestammeredandwassilent。HewasstillFredericktheGreat，who，leaninguponhisstaff，wassurroundedbyhisgenerals，whomhecalledtofightfortheirfatherland，forGermany！
“Gentlemen，“saidtheking，“Ihavecalledyoutogethertoannouncetoyouthatwemustgoforthtonewwars，and，Godwilling，tonewvictories。TheEmperorofAustriaforcesmetoit，for，againstalllawsandcustoms，andagainstallrightsofkingdoms，hethinkstobringGermanterritoryintothepossessionofthehouseofHapsburg。
CharlesTheodore，prince-elector，havingnochildren，hasconcludedatreatywiththeEmperorJoseph，thatathisdeaththeelectorateofBavariawillfalltoAustria。InconsequencethereofanAustrianarmyhasmarchedintoBavaria，andgarrisonedthefrontier——Theprince-elector，DukeCharlesTheodore，wasnotauthorizedtoproceedthus，for，thoughhehadnochildrentosucceedhim，hehadalawfulsuccessorinhisbrother'sson，DukeCharlesvonZweibrucken。
ElectoralSaxonyandMecklenburghavewell-foundedpretensions，evenifZweibruckenwerenotexisting。Alltheseprinceshaveaddressedthemselvestome，andrequestedmetorepresentthemtotheemperorandtotheimperialgovernment——toprotectthemintheirinjuredrights。IhavefirsttriedkindnessandpersuasiontobringbackAustriafromherdesireofaggrandizement，butinViennatheyhaverepulsedeverymeansofpeaceablearbitration。I，asoneoftherulersoftheempire(andasIhavereaffirmedtheWestphaliantreatythroughtheHubertsburgertreaty)，feelboundtopreservetheprivileges，therights，thelibertyoftheGermanstates。Ihavethereforewellreflected，anddecidedtodrawthesword——thatwhatthediplomatshavefailedtoarrangewiththepenshouldbesettledwiththesword。Thesearemyreasons，gentlemen，whichmakeitmydutytoassembleanarmy；thereforeIhavecalledyoutogether。”Hisfieryeyesflashedaroundthecircle，peelingintothethin，witheredfacesofhisgenerals，andencounteringeverywhereagrave，earnestmien。
Thekingrepressedwithaneffortasigh；thencontinued，withamildvoice:“Myfeebleoldagedoesnotallowmetotravelasinmyfieryyouth。Ishalluseapost-carriage，andyou，gentlemen，havethelibertytodothesame。Onthedayofbattleyouwillfindmemounted；youwillfollowmyexample。Untilthen，farewell！“
[Footnote:Theking'swords——See“Prussia，FredericktheGreat，“
vol。iii。]
“Longlivetheking！“criedGeneralvonKrokow；andallthegeneralswhoformerlyjoinedinthiscryofthePrussianwarrior，nowrepeateditinweak，tremblingtones。Fredericksmiledarecognition，bowingonallsides，thenturnedslowlyaway，leaninguponhisstaff。
Whenoncemorealone，theyouthfulexpressionfadedfromhiseyes，andthegloomyshadowsofoldagesettleddownuponhisthoughtfulbrow。“Theyhaveallgrownoldandmorose，“saidhe，mildly，“theywillnotshowanymoreheroism；thefireofambitionisquenchedintheirsouls！Awarmstovemustwarmtheiroldlimbs。Oh！itisapitifulthingtogrowold；andstilltheycallthemselvestheimagesofGod！Poorboasters，who，withabreathoftheAlmighty，areoverturnedandbentasabladeofgrassinthesand！“
“Yourmajesty，mayIcomein?“askedagentle，happychild'svoice。
Thekingturnedhastilytowardthedoor，sosoftlyopened，andtherestoodacharminglittleboy，intheuniformofaflag-bearer，withthecapuponhishead，andaneatlittleswordbyhisside。“Yes，youmayenter，“noddedthekingkindlytohim。“YouknowIsentforyou，mylittleflag-bearer。”
CHAPTERIII。
FREDERICKWILLIAM。
Thelittleflag-bearerskippedintotheroomwithgracefulvivacity，andsprang，withamerrybound，uptotheking，tookhishandwithoutceremony，andpressedittohislips。Then，raisinguphisheadandshakingbackhislight-browncurlsfromhisrosycheeks，hisbright-blueeyessparkling，helookedhimfullintheface。
“Yourmajesty，yousaythatyousentforme；butImusttellyouthatifyouhadnotsentformeIwouldhavecomeherealone，andbeggedsolongatthedoor，thatyouwouldhaveletmecomein！“
“AndwhatifIwouldnothaveletyoucomeinatall?“saidtheking，smiling。
Thelittleflag-bearerreflectedamoment，thenansweredwithaconfidentair:“Yourmajesty，Iwouldhaveforcedopenthedoor，thrownmyselfatyourfeet，andkissedyourhand，saying，'Myking，mydeargreat-uncle，Imustcomeintothankyouathousandtimesfortheflag-bearer'scommissionyouhavesentme，andforthebeautifuluniform。”ThenIwouldseeifyourmajestyhadthecouragetosendmeaway。”
“Letmesee，myprince——doyouthinkmycouragecouldfailmeuponanyoccasion?“
“Yes，inbadthings，“zealouslycriedtheprince，“anditwouldbebadifyouwouldnotletmethankyou。Iamsohappywiththecommissionandthebeautifuluniformwhichyousograciouslysenttome！Tellme，yourmajesty，doInotlookbeautifully?“Theboystraightenedhiselegant，slenderform，andsalutedtheking，puttingthetwofingersofhisrighthanduponhiscap。
“Yes，yes，“saidFrederick，“youlookverynicely，myprince；butitisnotenoughthatyoulookwell——youmustbehavewell。Fromaflag-
bearerinmyarmyIexpectverydifferentthingsthanfromanycommonchild。Whowearsmyuniformmustprovehimselfworthyofthehonor。”
“Yourmajesty，“criedtheprince，“Iassureyou，uponmywordofhonor，thatIhavenobadmarkswhenIweartheuniform。Yourmajestycanaskmytutor。Hecamewithme，andwaitsintheanteroomtospeakwithyou。HewilltellyouthatIhaveagoodreport。”
“Verywell，wewillcallhimpresently，“saidFrederick，smiling。
“Nowwewillchatalittletogether。Tellmewhetheryouareveryindustrious，andifyouarelearninganythingofconsequence?“
“Sire，Imustlearn，evenifIhadnoinclinationto；HerrBehnischleavesmenopeace。Ihavescarcelytimetoplay。Iamalwayslearningtoread，towrite，tocipher，andtowork。”
“Howaboutthegeographyanduniversalhistory?“
“Oh，yourmajesty，Iwishtherewerenogeographyandhistoryintheworld，andthenIshouldnothavetostudysocruellyhard，andI
couldplaymore。Mymothersentmelastweekanewbattledoreandshuttlecock，butIcanneverlearntoplaywithit。Inosoonerbegin，thanHerrBehnischcallsmetostudy。To-dayIwasverycunning——oh，Iwassosly！Iputitinthegreat-pocketofmytutor'scoat，andhebroughtitherewithoutknowingit。”
“Thatwasverynaughty，“saidtheking，alittleseverely。Theprincecolored，and，alittlefrightened，said:“Sire，Icouldnotbringitanyotherway。Ibegpardon，theuniformissotight，andthen——then，Ithoughtitwouldbedishonoringittoputashuttlecockinthecartridge-box。”
“Thatwasagoodthought，prince，andforthatIwillforgiveyouthetrickuponyourtutor。Butwhatwillyoudowiththeballhere?
Whydidyoubringit?“
“Oh，Iwishedtoshowittoyourmajesty，itissobeautiful，andthenbegyoutoletmeplayalittle。”
“Wewillsee，Fritz，“saidtheking，muchpleased。“Ifyoudeserveit，thatshallbeyourreward。Tellmethetruth，isyourtutorsatisfiedwithyou?“
“Sire，HerrBehnischisneverreallypleased，buthehasnotscoldedmemuchlately，soImusthavebeenprettygood。Onedayhewrote'Bien'undermyFrenchexercise。Oh，IwassohappythatIspentsixgroschenofthethalermyfathergavemealittlewhilesince，andboughttwopotsofgilly-flowers，oneformyselfandoneformylittlebrotherHenry，thatheshouldhaveasouvenirofmy'Bien！'“
“Thatwasright，“saidtheking，noddingapprovingly。“Whenyouaregood，youmustalwaysletyourfriendsandrelationstakepartinit；keepthebadonlyforyourself。”
“Iwillrememberthat，andIthankyouforthekindinstruction。”
“Thestudiesseemtogoverywell，buthowisitwiththebehavior?
Theytellmethattheprinceisnotalwayspolitetohisvisitors；
thatheissometimesveryrude，eventotheofficerswhopaytheirrespectstohimonhisfather'saccount，andonmyaccount，notonhisown，forwhatdotheycareforsuchalittlesnipashe?TheygotohonorPrinceFrederickWilliamofPrussia，thoughheisonlyalittleflag-bearer。Theytellmethatyoudonotappreciatethehonor，butthatatEasteryoubehavedverybadly。”
“Sire，itistrue；Icannotdenyit——Ididbehavebadly，“sighedthelittleprince。
“Whatwasthematter?“askedtheking。“Itwasnotfromfear，I
hope?Ishouldbeveryangryatthat。Tellmeyourself，andtellmethetruth。”
“Yourmajestycandependuponthewholetruth。Mytutorsaysthatlyingisdespicable，andthataprincewhowillonedaybeakingshouldbetooproudtotellalie！Iwilltellyouallaboutit。TheofficerscametoseemeatEaster，justasIhadputtheEastereggsinthegarden，formylittlebrotherandsomeotherboyswhomIhadinvitedtohuntforthem。Ihadspentmylastsixgroschenfortheeggs，andIanticipatedsomuchpleasurewiththehide-and-seekforthem。Wehadjustbegun，whentheofficerscame。”
“Thatwasreallyunfortunate，“saidtheking，sympathizingly。
“Yes，sire，verydisagreeable，andIcouldnotpossiblyfeelkindly。
Whiletheofficersweretalking，Iwasalwayswishingtheywouldgo。
Buttheystayedandstayed——andwhenMajorvonWerderbegantomakealongspeechtome，andIthoughttherewasnoendtoit，Ibecameimpatientandfurious——and——“
“Whydoyouhesitate?“askedtheking，lookingtenderlyatthefrank，glowingfaceoftheboy。“Whathappened?“
“Somethingdreadful，sire！Icouldnotkeepinanylonger。Themajorkeptontalking，andlookedatmesosharply，Icouldnothelpmakinganabominableface。Itisunfortunatelytrue——Iranmytongueoutathim——onlyjustalittlebit——andIdrewitbackinaninstant；butitwasdone，andadreadfulscenefollowed。Themajordidnotsayanything，mytutorwasredasfire，andIwasthunderstruck！“
“Thatwasexcessivelyrude，mylittleflag-bearer，“criedtheking。
Theyoungprincewassoashamed，andwaslookingdownsopenitently，thathedidnotseethesmileonFrederick'sface，andtheaffectionatelookwithwhichheregardedtheyouthfulsinner。
“Doyouknowthatyoudeservetobeimprisonedfourteendays，andliveonbreadandwater，forinsubordination?“
“Iknowitnow，sire。Ibegpardonmosthumbly，“saidtheprince，withquiveringvoiceandwithtearsinhiseyes。“Ihavebeenpunishedenough，withoutthat。HerrBehnischwouldnotletmegotothegardenagain，andIhaveneverseentheeggswhichIspentmylastgroschenfor，northeboyswhomIhadinvited。IwasmadetostayinmyroomallEasterweek，learntwentyLatinwordseveryday，andwritethreepagesofGermanwordsingoodhandwriting。Itwasahardpunishment，butIknewthatIdeservedit，anddidnotcomplain。IonlythoughtthatIwoulddobetterinfuture。”
“Ifyouthoughtso，andyouhavealreadybeenpunished，wewillsaynomoreaboutit，“saidtheking。“Buttellme，howdidyougetonatWhitsuntide，whentheofficerspaidyoutheirrespectsagain?“
“Yourmajesty，“answeredtheprince，“itwasagreatdealbetter；I
behavedtolerablywell，exceptaverylittlerudeness，whichwasnotsobadafterall。[Footnote:Thelittleprince'sownwords——See“DiaryofPrinceFrederickWilliam，“p。18。]HerrBehnischdidnotpunishme；heonlysaid，anothertime，thatIshoulddobetter，andnotbesotaciturn，butgreetthegentlemeninamorefriendlymanner。Imusttellyou，sire，thatwhenHerrBehnischdoesnotscold，itisasuresignthatIhavebehavedprettywell；andthistimehedidnot。”
“Fritz，Ibelieveyou，“saidtheking，“andyoushallhavetherewardthatyouaskedfor——stayhereandplayalittlewhile。Go，now，andcallyourtutor；Ihaveafewwordstosaytohim。”
Thelittleprincesprangtowardthedoor，butsuddenlystopped，embarrassed。
“Whatisthematter?“askedtheking。“Whydoyounotcallyourtutor?“
“Sire，Iamverymuchtroubled。HerrBehnischwillbeveryangrywhenyoutellhimabouttheshuttlecock。Ibegyounottobetrayme！“
“Yes，butifyouwillplaybeforeme，youmustgettheplaythingwhichyousayisinhispocket。”
“Sire，thenIhadrathernotplay，“criedtheprince。
“Onthecontrary，“saidtheking，“yourpunishmentshallbe，totaketheplaythingascleverlyoutofthepocketasyouputitin。Ifyoudoitwell，thenIwillsaynothingaboutit；but，ifyourtutordiscoversyou，thenyoumustsubmittothestorm。Itliesinyourownhands。WhilstIamconversingwiththetutor，tryyourluck。Nowcallhimin。”
Theprinceobeyedthoughtfully，andthetutorentered。Hestoodnearthedoor，andmadethethreeprescribedbows；thenhewaitedwithasubmissiveairforfurthercommands。
Thekingwassittingoppositethedoor，hishandsfoldeduponhisstaffandhischinrestinguponhishands，lookingthetutorfullintheface。HerrBehnischboreitcalmly；notafeaturemovedinhisangular，woodenface。Nearthetutorstoodthelittleprince，hisgraceful，rosy，childlikefaceexpressingeagerexpectation。
“Approach！“saidtheking。
HerrBehnischsteppedforwardalittle，andremainedstanding。Theprinceglidednoiselesslyafterhim，keepinghiseyesfixedonthetailsoftheflesh-coloredsatincoatwithwhichthetutorhadadornedhimselfforthisextraordinaryoccasion。Theprincesmiledashesawthepocketopenandthefeathersoftheshuttlecockpeepingout。Hestretchedouthislittlehandandcrookedhisfingerstoseizeit。
“Comenearer！HerrBehnisch，“saidFrederick，whohadobservedthemovementofthelittleprince，andwhowasamusedatthethoughtofkeepinghiminsuspensealittlelonger。
HerrBehnischmovedforward，andtheprince，frightened，remainedstandingwithoutstretchedhand。Hemenacedthekingwithaglanceofhisbrightblueeyes。Frederickcaughtthelook，smiled，andturnedtothetutor。
返回顶部