“Ibelieveitisthreeyearssinceyoucommencedteachingthelittleprince?“saidtheking。
“Atyourservice，yourmajesty，since1775。”
“Atolerablylongtime，“saidtheking——“longenoughtomakeasavantofachildofNature。Youhavebeenfaithful，andIamsatisfied。Thecopybookswhichyousentmeaccordingtomyordersaresatisfactory。Iwishedtoacquaintyoumyselfofmysatisfaction，thereforeIsentforyou。”
“Yourmajestyisverycondescending，“saidthetutor，andhissharp，angularfacebrightenedalittle。“Iamveryhappyinthegracioussatisfactionofyourroyalhighness。Iwishedalsotomakeknowntoyoupersonallymywishesinregardtothepetitionforthelittleprince'spocket-money；heshouldlearntheuseofmoney。”
“Verywell，“saidtheking，noddingtotheprince，whostoodbehindthetutor，holdinguptriumphantlytheshuttlecock。
Yet，themostdifficultfeatremainedtobeaccomplished。Thebattledoorwasintheverydepthsofthepocket；onlythepointofthehandlewasvisible。
“Yourmajesty，“criedHerrBehnisch，whohadtakentheapprovingexclamationof“verywell“tohimself——“yourmajesty，Iamveryhappythatyouhavethegracetoapproveofmypetitionforpocket-
money。”
“Yes，Ithinkitwell，“saidtheking，“thattheprinceshouldlearnnottothrowmoneyoutofthewindow。Iwillsendyou，monthly，fortheprince，twoFredericksd'or，and，beforeyouhanditovertohim，changeitintosmallpieces，thattheremaybeagreatpileofit。”[Footnote:Theking'sownwords——See“ConfidentialLetters。”]
Justatthatmomenttheprincetriedtoseizethebattledoor。HerrBehnischfeltthemovement，andwasonthepointofturningaround，whenFrederickstoppedhim，bysaying，“Ibelieveitistimetocommencearegularcourseofinstructionfortheprince。Ateightyearsofagetheeducationofanheirtothethronemustprogressrapidly，andberegulatedbyfixedprinciples。Iwillwriteoutmyinstructions，thatyoumayalwayshavethembeforeyou。”
“Itwillbemymostearnestendeavortofollowyourmajesty'scommandstotheletter，“answeredthetutor，whosawnotthelittleprince，withbeamingface，behindhim，swingingthebattledoorhighintheair。
“Iamabouttoenteruponanewwar；nooneknowsifhewilleverreturnfromacampaign。Idarenotsparemylife，whenthehonorandfameofmyhouseareatstake。Ourlifeanddeath，however，areinGod'shands。Beforeweriskourlives，weshouldputeverythinginorder，andleavenothingundonewhichitisourdutytodo。Iwillwritemyinstructionsto-day，andsendthemtoyou。Promiseme，uponyourwordofhonorasaman，thatyouwillactuponthem，aslongasyouaretutortoPrinceFrederickWilliam，evenifIshouldnotreturnfromthecampaign。”
“Ipromiseittoyourmajesty，“answeredthetutor。“Iwill，inallthings，accordingtothebestofmyability，followyourmajesty'sinstructions。”
“Ibelieveyou；Itakeyoutobeanhonorableman，“saidtheking。
“Youwillalwaysbemindfulofthegreatresponsibilitywhichrestsuponyou，asyouhaveaprincetoeducatewhowillonedaygovernakingdom，anduponwhomthewealandwoeofmanymillionsaredependent。Andwhenthosemillionsofmenonedayblessthekingwhomyouhaveeducated，apartoftheblessingwillfalluponyou；
butwhentheycursehim，sofallsthecurselikewiseuponyourguiltyhead，andyouwillfeeltheweightofit，thoughyoumaybeinyourgrave！。Bemindfulofthis，andactaccordingly。Nowyoumaydepart。Iwillwritetheinstructionsimmediately，sothatyoumayreceivethemto-day。”
HerrBehnischbowed，backingouttowardthedoor。
“Onethingmore，“criedtheking，motioningwithhisStafftothetutor。“Inorderthatyoumayeverrememberourinterview，Iwillpresentyouwithasouvenir。”
Heopenedthedrawerofhisprivatewriting-table，andtookoutagoldsnuff-box，withhisinitialssetinbrilliantsuponthecover；
handingittoHerrBehnisch，hemotionedhimtoretire，andthussparehimtheexpressionofhisgratitude。
“Yourmajesty，“stammeredHerrBehnisch，withtearsinhiseyes，“I——“
“Youareanhonestman，andsolongasyouremainso，youcancountuponme。Adieu！——Now，“saidtheking，asthedoorclosed，“haveyourecoveredtheplaything?“
“Hereitis，yourmajesty，“shoutedtheprince，ashehelduptriumphantlythebattledoorandshuttlecockhighintheair。
“Youdeserveyourreward，andyoushallhaveit。Youcanstaywithmeandplaywithithere。Takecareandnotmaketoomuchnoise，asIwishtowrite。”
Thekingnowseatedhimself，todrawuptheinstructionsforHerrBehnisch。Whilehewasthusoccupied，thelittleprincetossedhisshuttlecock，springinglightlyafteritontiptoetocatchit；
sometimeshemissedit，andthenhecastanimploringlookattheking，asitfelluponthefurniture；butheobserveditnot。Hewasabsorbedinwritingtheinstructionsfortheeducationofthefutureking，FrederickWilliamIII。Thephysicaleducationoftheprincewashisfirstcare。Hedweltuponthenecessityofthefrequentpracticeofdancing，fencing，andriding，togivesuppleness，grace，andagoodcarriage——throughseveretraining，tomakehimcapableofenduringallhardships。Thedifferentbranchesofstudynextoccupiedtheking。“Itisnotsufficient，“hewrote，“thattheprinceshouldlearnthedatesofhistory，torepeatthemlikeaparrot；buthemustunderstandhowtocomparetheeventsofancienttimeswiththemodern，anddiscoverthecauseswhichproducedrevolutions，andshowthat，generally，intheworld，virtueisrewardedandvicepunished。Later，hecanlearnashortcourseoflogic，freefromallpedantry；thenstudytheorationsofCiceroandDemosthenes，andreadthetragediesofRacine。Whenolder，heshouldhavesomeknowledgeoftheopinionsofphilosophers，andthedifferentreligioussects，withoutinspiringhimwithdislikeforanyonesect。MakeitcleartohimthatweallworshipGod——onlyindifferentways。Itisnotnecessarythatheshouldhavetoomuchrespectforthepriestswhoinstructhim。”
Theshuttlecockfell，atthisinstant，uponthepaperuponwhichthekingwaswriting。Frederickwastoomuchoccupiedtolookup，buthethrewituponthefloor，continuingtowrite:
“Thegreatobjectwillbetoawakenaloveoflearningintheprince，topreventanyapproachtopedantry，andnottomakethecourseofinstructiontoosevereatthecommencement。Wenowcometothechiefdivisionofeducation，thatwhichconcernsthemorals。
Neitheryounorallthepowerintheworldwouldbesufficienttoalterthecharacterofachild。Educationcandonothingfurtherthanmoderatetheviolenceofthepassions。Treatmynephewasthesonofacitizen，whohastomakehisownfortune。Saytohimthat，whenhecommitsfollies，andlearnsnothing，thewholeworldwilldespisehim。Lethimassumenomannerisms，butbringhimupsimply。
The——“
Itwasthesecondtimetheshuttlecockfelluponthepaper。Thekinglookedupcensuringlyattheprince，whostoodspeechlesswithfrightandanxiety。Thekingagainthrewituponthefloor，andwroteon:
“Theprincemustbepolitetowardeveryone；andifheisrude，hemustimmediatelymakeanapology。Teachhimthatallmenareequal——
thathighbirthisamythwhennotaccompaniedwithmerit。Lettheprincespeakwitheveryone，thathemaygainconfidence。Itisofnoconsequenceifhetalksnonsense；everyoneknowsthatheisachild。Takecareinhiseducation，aboveallthings，thatheisself-reliant，andnotledbyothers；hisfollies，aswellashisgoodqualities，shouldbelongtohimself。Itisofverygreatimportancetoinspirehimwithaloveformilitarylife；andforthisreasonsaytohim，andlethimhearotherssayit，thateverymanwhoisnotasoldierisamiserablefellow，whethernobleornot。Hemustseethesoldiersexerciseasoftenaspossible；anditwouldbewelltosendforfiveorsixcadets，andhavethemdrillbeforehim。Everythingdependsuponcultivatingatasteforthesethings。Inspirehimwithaloveofourcountry，aboveallthings。
Letnoonespeaktohimwhoisnottrulypatriotic。”
Againtheshuttlecockfelluponthepaper。Thelittleprinceutteredacryofhorror，staringattheplaything。Thistimethekingdidnotreceivetheinterruptionsocalmly。Helookedatthespeechlessboyasifveryangry；thentookitandputitinhispocket。Castinganotherangryglanceattheprince，hecontinued:
“Theofficerswhodinewiththeprinceshallteaseandannoyhim，thathemaybecomeconfident。”
“Yourmajesty，“saidtheprince，timidlyandimploringly，“Ibegpardonathousandtimesforbeingsoawkward。Iamsorry，andIwillbemorecarefulinthefuture。”
Thekingpaidnoattentiontohim，butcontinuedtowrite:“Whenyouunderstandhimbetter，trytolearnhischiefpassiontouprootit，buttomoderateit。”[Footnote:Thisentireinstructionisanexacttranslationoftheoriginal，whichFrederickdrewupinFrench，andwhichisincludedinhis“CompleteWorks。”]
“Mydearlordandking，“begantheprinceagain，“Ibegyouwillhavethegoodnesstogivememyshuttlecock。”
Thekingwassilent，andwithapparentindifferencecommencedreadingoverwhathehadwritten。
PrinceFrederickWilliamwaitedalongtime，but，onreceivingnoanswer，andunderstandingthathispleadingwasinvain，hisfacegrewredwithanger，andhiseyesflashed。Withanirritated，determinedmanner，hesteppedcloseuptotheking，hishandsrestinguponhiships。“Yourmajesty，“criedhe，withamenacingtone，“willyougivememyballornot?“
Thekingnowlookedupattheprince，whoregardedhiminaninsolent，questioningmanner。Asmile，mildastheeveningsunset，spreadovertheking'sface；helaidhishandlovinglyuponthecurlyheadoftheprince，saying:“TheywillnevertakeawaySilesiafromyou。Hereisyourshuttlecock。”Hedrewitfromhispocket，andgaveittothelittleprince，whoseizedhishandandpressedittohislips。
CHAPTERIV。
THEDRIVETOBERLIN。
WilhelmineEnkepassedtheremainderoftheday，afterhermeetingwiththeking，inanguishandtears。Sherecalledallthathehadsaidtoher，everywordofwhichpiercedhertotheheart。Herlittledaughterofsevenyearstriedinvaintowinasmilefromhermammawithhergentlecaresses。Invainshebeggedhertosingtoherandsmileasshewaswonttodo。Themother，usuallysokindandaffectionate，wouldtodayfreeherselffromherchild，andsentherawaywithquiveringlip，andtearsinhereyes，tolistentohernurse'sstories。
Oncealone，Wilhelminepacedherroomwithrapidstridesandfoldedarms，givingventtoherrepressedanguish。Shereviewedherlife，withallitschangingscenes。Itwasasad，searchingretrospection，butinitshefoundconsolationandexcuseforherself。Shethoughtofherchildhood；shesawthegloomydwellingwhereshehadlivedwithherparents，brothers，andsisters。Sherecalledtheneedandthewantofthoseyears——thesickly，complaining，butbusymother；
thefoolish，wickedfather，whoneverceasedhisconstantexerciseofthebugle，excepttotakerepeateddraughtsofbrandy，orscoldthechildren。Thenshesawinthisjoylessdwelling，inwhichshecrouchedwithherlittlesisters，ayounggirlenter，andgreetthemsmilingly。Sheworearobeglitteringwithgold，withtransparentwingsuponhershoulders。ThisyounggirlwasWilhelmine'soldersister，Sophie，whohadjustreturnedfromtheItalianopera，whereshewasemployed。Shestillhadonherfairycostumeinwhichshehaddancedintheoperaof“Armida，“andhadcome，withajoyousface，totakeleaveofherparents，andtellthemthatarichRussiancountlovedher，andwantedtomarryher；thatintheinterveningtimehehadtakenabeautifulapartmentforher，whereshewouldremovethatveryevening。Shemustbidthemfarewell，forherfuturehusbandwaswaitingforherinthecarriageatthedoor。
Sophielaughedathergrumblingfather，shookhandswithherweepingmother，andbenttokissthechildren。Wilhelmine，inunspeakableanguish，sprangafterher，holdingherfast，withbothhandsclinchingthecracklingwings。Sheimploredhersistertotakeherwithher，whilethetearsraninstreamsdownhercheeks。“YouknowthatIloveyou，“shecried，“andmyonlypleasureistoseeyoueveryday。Takemewithyou，andIwillserveandobeyyou，andbeyourwaiting-maid。”Wilhelmineheldthewingsfirmlywithaconvulsivegrasp，andcontinuedtoweepandimplore，untilSophieatlastlaughinglyyielded。
“Well，come，ifyouwillbemywaiting-maid；noonecombshairaswellasyou，andyoursimplestyleofarrangingitsuitsmebetterthananyother。Come，come，itshallbearranged，youshallbemywaiting-maid。”
Thepicturesofmemorychanged，andWilhelminesawherselfinthemidstofsplendor，asthepoorlittlemaid，unnoticedbyherbrilliantsister，thebelovedoftheRussianCountMatuschko。JoyandpleasurereignedinthebeautifullygildedapartmentwhereSophielived。Shewasthequeenofthefeastsandtheballs。Manyrichandfinegentlemencamethere，andthebeautifulSophie，thedancer，theaffiancedofCountMatuschko，receivedtheirhomage。Nooneobservedthesadlittlewaiting-maid，inherdarkstuffdress，withherfaceboundupinblacksilk，asifshehadthetoothache。
Sheworethecast-offmorningdressesofhersister，and，athercommand，boundherfacewiththeblacksilk，sothattheadmirersofhersistershouldnotsee，byafugitiveglance，orchancemeeting，thebuddingbeautyofthelittlemaid。
Wilhelminedarednotenterthesaloonwhenvisitorswerethere；onlywhenSophiewasalone，orherartistichandwasneededtoarrangehersister'sbeautifulhair，wasshepermittedtostaywiththefuturecountess。Everyroughtouchwasresentedwithharshwords，blows，andill-treatment。Thesmilingfairyofthedrawing-room，wastheharsh，grimmistressforhersister，whoseeverymistakewaspunishedwithunrelentingseverity。Infact，shewasmadeaveryslave；andnow，afterlongyears，theremembranceofitevencastagloomyshadowoverWilhelmine'sface，andhereyesflashedfire。
Anotherpicturenowroseupbeforehersoul，whichcausedherfacetobrighten，asabeautifulbeamingimagepresenteditself，theimageofherfirstandonlylove！Shelivedoveragainthedaywhenitroseuplikeasunbeforeherwondering，admiringgaze，andyetitwasastormydayforher。Sophiewasveryangrywithher，becauseincrimpingherhairshehadburnthercheek，whichturnedthefairyintoafury。Shethrewtheweakchilduponthefloor，andbeatandstampeduponher。
Suddenlyaloud，angryvoicecommandedhertocease，andastrong，manlyarmraisedthetrembling，weepinggirl，andwiththreateningtonebadeSophiebequiet。PrinceFrederickWilliamofPrussiatookcompassiononthepoorchild。Thesisterhadnotremarkedhiminherparoxysmofrage；hadneverheardhimenter。HehadbeenawitnesstoWilhelmine'sill-treatment。Henowdefendedher，blaminghersisterforhercrueltytoher，anddeclaredhisintentiontobeherfutureprotector。Howhandsomehelooked；hownobleinhisanger；
howhiseyesflashedashegazeduponher，whokneltathisfeet，andkissedthem，lookinguptohimasherrescuer！
“Wilhelmine，comewithme；Idonotwishyoutoremainhere，“saidhe；“yoursisterwillneverforgiveyouthatIhavetakenyourpart。
Come，Iwilltakeyoutoyourparents，andprovideforyou。Youshallbeasbeautifulandaccomplishedaladyasyoursister，but，Heavengrant，amoregenerousandnoble-heartedone！Come！“
Thesewords，spokenwithagentle，winningvoice，hadneverdiedawayinherheart。Twelveyearshadpassedsincethen，andtheystillranginherear，inthetumultoftheworldaswellasinthequietofherlonelyroom。Theyhadcomfortedherwhentheshameofherexistenceoppressedher；rejoicedherwhen，withthedelightofyouthandhappiness，shehadgivenherselfuptopleasure。Shehadfollowedhimquietly，devotedly，asalittledogfollowshismaster。
Hehadkepthisword；hehadhadherinstructedduringthreeyears，andthensenthertoParis，inordertogiveherthelastpolish，thetournureoftheworld，howevermuchithadcosthimtoseparatefromher，ormightembarrasshim，withhisscantymeans，toaffordtheincreaseofexpense。AyearelapsedandWilhelminereturnedapleasinglady，familiarwiththetoneofthegreatworld，andathomeinitsmannersandcustoms。
Theprincehadkepthisword——thatwhichhehadpromisedherashetookherfromhersister'shouse，tomakeherafine，accomplishedlady。Andwhenherepeatedtohernow“Come，“couldsherefusehim——
himtowhomsheowedeverything，whomshelovedasherbenefactor，herteacher，herfriend，andlover?Shefollowedhim，andconcealedherselfforhiminthemodestlittledwellingatPotsdam。Forhimshelivedinsolitude，anxiouslyavoidingtoshowherselfpublicly，thatthekingshouldneverknowofherexistence，andinhisjustangersevertheunlawfultiewhichboundhertothePrinceofPrussia。[Footnote:“MemoirsoftheCountessLichtenau，“p。80。]
Wilhelminerecalledthepastsevenyearsofherlife，hertwochildren，whomshehadbornetotheprince，andthejoythatfilledhisheartashebecameafather，althoughhislawfulwifehadalsobornehimchildren。Shelookedaroundhersmall，quietdwelling，arrangedinamodestmanner，notasthefavoriteofthePrinceofPrussia，butasanunpretendingcitizen'swife；shethoughthowoftwithprivations，withwanteven，shehadhadtocombat；howofttheornamentswhichtheprincehadsentherintheraredaysofabundancehadbeentakentothepawnbrokerstoprovidethenecessarywantsofherselfandchildren。Hereyesflashedwithprideandjoyatthethoughtwhichshedaredtobreathetoherself，thatnotforgoldorriches，powerorposition，hadshesoldherlove，herhonor，andhergoodname。
“Itwasfrompureaffinity，fromgratitudeandaffection，thatI
followedthehusbandofmyheart，althoughhewasaprince，“shesaid。
Stilltheshameofherexistenceweigheduponher。Thekinghadcommandedhertohideherheadsosecurelythatnoonemightknowhershame，orthelevityoftheprince。
“Go！andletmeneverseeyouagain！“
Didnotthismeanthatthekingwouldremovehersofarthattherewouldnotbeapossiblechancetoappearagainbeforehim?Wastherenothiddeninthesewordsamenace，awarning?Wouldnotthekingrevengeonherthesadexperiencesofhisyouth?PerhapshewouldpunishherforwhatDorisRitterhadsuffered！DorisRitter！She，too，hadlovedacrownprince——she，too，haddaredtoraisehereyestothefutureKingofPrussia，forwhichshewascruellypunished，thoughchasteandpure，andhurleddowntotheabyssofshameforthecrimeoflovinganheirtothethrone。Beaten，insulted，andwhippedthroughthestreets，andthensenttothehouseofcorrectionatSpandau！Oh，poor，unhappyDorisRitter！Willthekingatonetoyou——willherevengethefriendofhisyouthonthemistressofhissuccessor?TheoldKingFrederick，wearyoflife，thinksdifferentlyfromtheyoungcrownprince。Hecanbeassevereashisfather，cruelandinexorableashe。
“DorisRitter！Thyfatehauntsme。OnthemorrowIalsomaybewhippedthroughthestreets，scorned，reviledbytherabble，andthensenttoSpandauasacriminal。Didnotthekingthreatenmewiththehouseofcorrection，withthespinning-wheel，whichhewouldhavereadyforme?“
Atthethoughtofitaterribleanguish，anamelessdespair，seizedher。Shefeltthatthespinning-wheelhungoverherliketheswordofDamocles，readyattheleastoccasiontofalluponher，andbindhertoit。Shefeltthatshecouldnotenduresuchsuspenseandtorture；shemustescape；shemustrescueherselffromtheking'sanger。
“Butwhither，whither！Imustflyfromhere，fromhisimmediateproximity，whereamotionofhisfingerissufficienttoseizeme，tocausemetodisappearbeforetheprincecouldhaveanyknowledgeofit，beforehecouldknowofthedangerwhichthreatenedme。I
mustawayfromPotsdam！“
TheprincehadarrangedalittleapartmentinBerlinforthewintermonths，whichsheexchangedforPotsdaminthespring。Thisseemedtoofferhermoresecurityforthemoment，forshecouldflyattheleastsignofdanger，couldevenhideherselffromtheprince，ifitwerenecessarytosavehimandherself。AwaytoBerlin，then！Thatwastheonlythoughtshewasabletoseizeupon。Awaywithherchildren，beforemisfortunecouldreachthem！
Shesprangtothedoor，toreitopen，rushingtothenurse，uponwhosekneesthebabyslept，nearwhomherlittledaughterknelt。
Withtremblinghandsshetookherboyandpressedhimtoherheart。
“Louisa，wemustleavehereimmediately；itisurgentnecessity！“
saidshe，withquiveringlip。“Donotsayawordaboutittoanyone，buthasten；orderquicklyawagon，bargainfortheplaces，andsaywemustsetoffatonce。Thewagonmustnotbedriventothedoor，butwewillmeetitattheBerlinGate。Wewillgoonfootthere，andgetin。Quick，Louisa，notaword——itmustbe！“
Theservantdidnotdaretoopposehermistress，orcontradicttheorders，buthastenedtoobeythem。
“Itisalltheoldking'sfault，“saidLouisatoherself，asshehurriedthroughthestreet。“Yes，thekinghasorderedmistresstoBerlin。Helookedsofurious，theoldbear！Hiseyesflashedsoterribly，onemightwellfearhim，andIthankedHeavenwhenmamsellesentmehomefromthepark。Itiscomingtoabadendatlast；Ishouldhavedonebetternottohavetakentheplaceatall。
Oh，ifwewereonlyawayfromhere；ifIonlycouldfindawagontotakeus！“
Thankstothenurse'sfearsandendeavors，thewagonwassoonfound，andscarcelyanhourhadpassedbeforeWilhelmineEnke，hertwochildrenandnurse，werehiddenunderaplainlinen-coveredwagon，andontheirwaytoBerlin。
Thestreetwasunusuallyanimated，asthedivisionoftroopswhichthekinghadreviewedinBerlin，weremarchingoutofthecitytoreportthemselvesontheBavarianfrontier。Theirfirstnight'squartersweretobeinPotsdam，andthelastgreatparadewastotakeplacethereonthefollowingmorning，beforethekingcommencedhisjourney。Thedriverhadoftentohaltatthesideofthestreettoletthetroopspass，whichwithafullbandofmusic，camemarchingon。Attheheadofoneoftheregiments，mounteduponafierysteed，wasageneralinbrilliantuniform，hisbreastcoveredwithorders，whichglitteredinthesun。Hewastallandrathercorpulent，butappearedtoadvantage。Hiscarriagewasproudandimposing，hisfacewasalmosttooyouthfulforageneral，andhisbodytoocorpulentfortheexpressiveanddelicatefeatures。Ashepassedbythepoor，unpretendingcarriage，whereWilhelminesatwithherchildren，shehearddistinctlyhisbeautiful，sonorousvoice，andmerrylaugh。“OhHeaven，itishe！——itishe！“shemurmured，drawingherselffartherbackintothewagonwithherchildren。Justthen，outofanopeninginthelinencover，Louisapeeped，whispering，“Mamselle，itisthePrinceofPrussia！“
“Bequiet——formercy'ssakebequiet，Louisa，thatwemaynotberemarked！“saidWilhelmine，gently。“Takethechildthathemaynotscream，foriftheprinceshouldhearhimhewillturnback。Heknowsthevoiceofhislittleson！“
“Yes，heknowsthevoiceofhislittleson！“mutteredthenurse，asshelaidthechildtoherbreast。“Thelittlesonmuststophereonthestreet，inamiserablewagon，whilehisnoblefatherridespast，sosplendidandglitteringwithgold，notknowingthathislittleboyissonearhim。Oh，arealtroubleandarealheart-sorrowisthis！“
“Indeeditis，“saidWilhelmine，inherheart，“arealtroubleandarealheart-sorrow。Howallthesemenwouldpresentarms，andsalutemychildren，iftheyhadbeenborntoathroneinsteadofobscurity！
Howtheywouldbowandbend，ifIwerecalledLouisaofHesse-
Darmstadt，andthelawfulwifeoftheprince！Didtheynotalsobendandbowbeforethefirstwife，ElizabethvonBraunschweig，[Footnote:ThefirstwifeofPrinceFrederickWilliamofPrussiawasthePrincessElizabethvonBraunschweig，thenieceofFredericktheGreat。Thecrownprincewasscarcelytwenty-oneyearsofagewhenbetrothedtoher。Afterfouryearstheywereseparated，onaccountoftheimproperconductoftheprincess，whowasbanishedtoStettin。Theresheliveduntilherdeathin1840，afterseventy-oneyearsofimprisonment。Neverduringtheseseventy-oneyearshadthePrincess“Lisbeth，“asshewascalled，daredtoleaveStettin。Thereshewasobligedtoamuseherself。Herconcertsandeveningentertainmentswerecelebrated。ThesecondwifeofthecrownprinceofPrussiawasLouisaofHesse-Darmstadt，themotherofFrederickWilliamIII。Shediedin1805。]althougheveryoneknewofhershamefulconduct——knewofherintrigueswithlackeysandcommonsoldiers?Dotheynotnowbowbeforeher，althoughsheisbanishedtoStettinforherinfamousconduct，andlivesthereaprisoner?A
fineimprisonmentthat！Thewholetownisherprison，andwhensheappearsinpubliceveryonestandsuponthestreettosalutethecrownprincessofPrussia。Butwhentheyseemetheypasscarelesslyby，ortheylookatmewithacontemptuouslaugh，andfancythemselvesmiraclesofvirtue，andfreefromsin。Myonlycrimeisthatmyfatherwasnotaprince，andthatIamoflowbirth。AmItoblameforthat——toblamethatthemanwhomIlove，andwholovesme，cannotmarrymeandmakemehislawfulwife?“
“Ho！gee，ho！“criedthedrivertohishorses。“Getup！“Thetroopshadpassed，thehighwaywasnowfree，anduninterruptedrolledtheheavy，creakingwagonintoBerlin。Withinallwasquiet。Thetwochildrenandnursewereasleep。Thedriverwashalfasleep，hisheadhungshakingabout；onlynowandthenhestartedtogivehishorsesacrack，whichthethin，wheezinganimalsdidnotheedintheleast。
Wilhelminealonesleptnot；inhersoultherewasnoquiet，nopeace。Shegrumbledatfate，andatmankind。Anunspeakableanxietyseizedherfortheimmediatefuture，andfearoftheking'sanger。
AsthesunwassettingtheyreachedBerlin，andwereenteringthetown，whentheguard，inroyallivery，sprangthroughthegate，calling，inaloudvoice，tothewagon，“Halt——halt！Turnoutftheway！“Thenwasheardthecallofthesentinel，andtherollofthedrums。Anequipage，drawnbysixblacksteeds，drovepast。Apale，youngwife，splendidlyattired，leanedbackinthecarriage，andthelittleflag-bearer，PrinceFrederickWilliam，wasbyherside；ontheseatoppositesatthesecondson，PrinceLouis，andthelordsteward。InthisbeautifulequipagedrovethePrincessofPrussia；
atherside，inamiserablelinen-coveredwagon，crouchingfarinthecorner，satWilhelmineEnke，therivaloftheprincess；nearher，hertwochildren，whoseexistencecondemnedher，andstampedherlifewithdishonor。LikeadreamthebrilliantapparitionrushedpastWilhelmine，andithauntedherthroughthelongstreets，tothehumblehomewhereshesoughtatemporaryrefuge。Andwhenfinallyalone，inherownroom，wherenoonecouldspyintoherface，norunderstandherwords，therebrokeforthfromhersoulalong-
repressedwrong。Shestooderect；aproud，insolentsmileplayedaroundhermouth。“Iamhiswife，too；Ialoneamhisbelovedwife，“
saidshe，withaloud，triumphantvoice，“andmychildrenarehisonlytruly-belovedchildren，fortheyarethoseofhislove。Howproudlyshedrovepastme！Howbeautifulisherpaleface，andhowinterestinghersadsmile！Sheinsunlight，andIinshade！SheknowsthatIamherrival，butsheisnotmine。No，thePrincessofPrussiacannotrivalWilhelmineEnke。Ihavenofearofher。ButthekingIhavetofear，“criedshesuddenly，shrinkingwithterror。Inthemeetingwiththeprincessshehadforgottenhim，heranguish，heranxietyforthefuture。Allwereforgottenforthemoment——toberecalledwithrenewedterror。
“ThankHeaven，“shesaid，“Ihaveescaped。ForthemomentIamsafe！
Whatwilltheprincedo，whenhefindsthatwehavefledfromPotsdam?Willhedivinewherewehavegone?Willhecometoseekme?
Ifhestilllovesme——ifIamreallythehappyrivalofhiswifeandeveryothercourtlady——yes，thenhewillcome。ThenhewillknowwheretofindhisWilhelmine。Butifitistrue，whatmaliciouspeoplehaverepeatedtome，withfeignedsympathy，thattheprincelovesanother——thathehaswithdrawnhislovefromme，isindifferentandcold——thenhewillnotseekme；thenIshallremainherealone！——alone，withmychildren，thislong，fearfulnight！
What，then，ifIamalone?No，oh，no！IwillnotbelievethatIamforsaken。Thesearewickedthoughtswhichhauntme——onlytheagitationofthisdreadfulday，whichimaginationhasoverwrought。
Riseupandbestrong！Gotothychildren，“saidshe，“andreadintheireyesthathecanneverleavethee！“
Forcingherselftocomposure，shesoughtherchildren；foundLouisahummingandsingingherlittleboytosleep，andherdaughternodding，onalowstoolatherfeet。
“Come，mychild，Iwillputyoutosleep，“saidthemother，liftingherinherarms。“Yourmotherwillmakeyourbedsoftly。Whenyousleepandspeakwiththeangels，intercedeforusall。”
Withtendercaresheundressedherandborehergentlyinherarmstoherbed，and，kneelingbeforeit，breathedaprayeroverhersleepingchild；thenbentoverthecradleofherson，blessingandkissinghim。“Sleepmyboy，sleep。IknownotthatIshalleverseethybeautifuleyesopenagain——whetherIshalleveragainpresstheetomyheart。Whocantelliftheymaynotcomethisverynighttoremovemetoprison——topunishmeforyou，mychildren，mybelovedchildren！——Becalm，becalm！Ishallremainhereuntilmorning，atleast，“addedshe。
Sheturnedtothenurse，who，withanxiousfaceandfoldedhands，stoodatthefarthestcorneroftheroom。“Go，now，Louisa——go，andtakesomethingtoeat。Youmustbehungryandtired。Buyatthenextstorewhatyouneed；butdonotstoptotalkwithanyoneorrepeatmyname。Thenreturnquickly，andtakecareofthechildren。Donottroubleyourselfaboutme——Ineednothingmore。”
“Butyoumusteatsomething，mamselle；youmusthavesomesupper！“
Wilhelmineshookherhead，refusing，andreturnedquicklytoherownroom。
CHAPTERV。
THEOATHOFFIDELITY。
Longafternightfallthenurseheardhermistressrapidlypacingherroom，andtalkingaloudtoherself。Soon，however，SleepspreadhersoothingwingsoverLouisa，andsheheardnomoretherapidstepsandloudtalkingofhermistress，northerollingofacarriagewhichstoppedbeforethedoor，andthequick，vigorousstepsofamanmountingthestairs。ButWilhelmineheardthem。Breathlessshestood，listeningtotheapproachingfootsteps，forshefeltthattheyhadtodecideherfuture——thewealandwoeofherchildren！Wasithe，herbeloved，thefatherofherchildren?orwasittheking'sbailiffwhohadfollowedher，andcametoseizeher?
Nearertheycame；thebellwashastily，violentlyrung。Wilhelmineutteredacryofdelight。Sherecognizedthevoice，thecommandingmanner，andrushedthroughtheanteroomtoopenthedoor。Theprinceencircledherinhisarms，pressedhertohisbeatingheart，and，liftingherup，boreherintotheroom。
“WhydidyouleavePotsdam，Wilhelmine?Tellmequickly，whydidyoudoit?“askedtheprince，tenderlykissingher，ashesatheruponthedivanathisside。Overcomewithhertears，shecouldnotanswer。“Whatmeanthesetears?Hasanyonedaredtowoundyourfeelingsorinjureyou?“
“Yes，Frederick，andhewhoinjuresmehazardsnothing——foritistheking！ImethimintheparkatPotsdamthismorning。Hehascrushedmewithhisscornandanger。Hehasthreatenedmewithafearfulpunishment——nolessthanthehouseofcorrectionatSpandau！
Hehastoldmethatthespinning-wheelisinreadinessformeifI
excitehisfurthercontempt。”
Acryoffuryescapedtheprince。Springingup，hepacedtheroomwithrapidstrides。Wilhelmineremaineduponthedivan，buthertearsdidnotpreventherfollowingtheprincewithasearchingglance——toreadhisface，palewithrage。“Imustbearit，“hecried，beatinghisforehead。“IcannotprotectthosethatIlove！“
ArayofjoylightedupWilhelmine'sfaceasshelistened，butitdisappearedwiththetearswhichflowedafresh。“Iamapoor，unfortunatechild，“shesobbed，“whomeveryonedespises，andfearsnottoinjure，whohasnoonetocounselorprotecther，andwhoislostifGoddoesnothavecompassionuponher。”
Theprincerushedtoher，seizingbothhands。“Wilhelmine，donotdrivememadwithsorrow，“hecried，tremblingwithexcitementandanger。“IsitmyfaultthatIcannotprotectyouagainsthim?HaveI
notdefendedyoufromalltherestoftheworld?HaveIeverallowedanyonetotreatyouwithcontempt?“
“Ihavenevergivenoccasionforit，dearest。Ihavestudiouslyavoidedallmen，toescapetheircontemptandscorn。Shameishardtobear，fearfullyhard。Ifeltittoday，ashisbeautifuleyesflasheduponmewithcontempt，ashishaughtylanguagecrushedmetotheearth。Thisistheyoke，FrederickWilliam，thatIandmychildrenmustbeartoourgraves！“
“No，Wilhelmine，notaslongaswelive——onlywhilehelives！Wait，onlywait；letmerisefromwantandslavery；letthedaycomewhichmakesmefree——whichexaltsme:myfirstactwillbetolifttheyokefromyouandourchildren，andwoetothose——athousandtimeswoetothosewhowouldholditfast！Onlybepatient，Wilhelmine，submit，andbearwithmethehardanddistressingpresent。Tellme，mychild，mylovedone，whydidyouleavePotsdamsosuddenly?“
“Iwasafraid，Frederick。Akindofmadnessseizedmeatthethoughtoftheking'sbailiffscarryingmeofftoSpandau；anamelessanxietyconfusedmymind，andIonlyrealizedthatImustescape——
thatImustconcealmyself。IfeltingreatersecurityherethanatPotsdamforthenight。”
“Andyoufledwithoutleavingmeanysignormessagetotellmewhitheryouhadgone！Oh，Wilhelmine，whatifIhadnotdivinedyourhiding-place，andhadawaitedatPotsdaminpainfulanxiety?“
“ThenIshouldhavefledfromhereatdaybreak，leavingmychildren，andinsomequiet，obscureretreathaveconcealedmyselffromeveryeye——evenyourown。”
“Wouldyouhavehiddenyourselffromme?“criedtheprince，encirclingherinhisarms，andpressinghertohisheart。
“Yes，Frederick，whenyourheartdidnotpromptyouwheretofindme，thenitwouldhavebeenaproofthatyouwereindifferenttome。
WhenIcannotleanuponyourlove，thenthereisnolongeranyprotectionorabiding-placeformeintheworld，andthegravewillbemyrefuge。”
“Butyouseemyheartrevealedyoutome，andIamhere，“saidtheprince，smiling。
“Yes，Heavenbepraised，youhavecometome，“shecried，exultingly，throwingherarmsabouthisneck，andkissinghimpassionately。“Youarehere；Inolongerdreadtheoldking'sanger，andhisfearfulwordsfallasspentarrowsatmyfeet。Youarehere，kingofmyheart；nowIhaveonlyonethingtodread。”
“Whatisthat，Wilhelmine?“
Shebentclosetohisear，andwhispered:“Ifearthatyouareuntruetome；thatthereissomegroundfortruthinthoseanonymousletters，whichdeclarethatyouwoulddiscardmeandmychildrenalso，foryouloveanother——notoneother，butmany。”
“Jealousy，againjealous！“theprincesighed。
“Oh，no，“saidshe，tenderly，“Ionlyrepeatwhatisdailywrittenme。”
“Whydoyoureadit?“criedtheprince，vehemently。“Whydoyouquaffthepoisonwhichwicked，basemenofferyou?Whydoyounotthrowsuchlettersintothefire，asIdowhentheyslanderyoutome?“
“Becauseyouknow，Frederick，“sheanswered，proudlyandearnestly——
“youmustknowthatthatwhichtheywriteagainstmeisslanderandfalsehood。Mylifeliesopenbeforeyou；everyyear，everyday，islikeanunsulliedpage，uponwhichbutonenamestandsinscribed——
FrederickWilliam——notPrinceFrederickWilliam。Whatdoesitbenefitmethatyouareaprince?Ifyouwerenotaprince，Ishouldnotbedespised，mychildrenwouldnotbenameless，withoutfortune，andwithoutjustice。No，wereyounotaprince，Ishouldnothavefeltashamedandgrief-stricken，withdowncasteyes，beforetheladywhodrovepastinhersplendidcarriage，whileIwashumblyseatedinamiserablewagon。No，werenotmybelovedaprince，hecouldhavemademehiswife，couldhavegivenmehisname，andIshouldto-daybeathissidewithmychildren。Then，whatbenefitisittomethatyouareaprince?Iloveyounotthatyouareone，butnotwithstandingit。AndifIloveyouinspiteofallthis，youmustknowthatmyaffectionisever-enduringandever-faithful——thatI
canneverforgetyou，neverabandonyou。”
“Anddoyoubelieve，Wilhelmine，thatIcouldeverabandonorforsakeyou?Isitnotthesamewithme?“
Sheshookherhead，sadlyanswering:“No，Frederick，itisunfortunatelynotthesame。Youhavelovedme，andperhapsyoulovemestill，butwiththatgentlewarmthwhichdoesnothinderglowingflamestokindlenearit，andwiththeirpassionatefireoverpowertheslightwarmth。”
“Itmaybesoforthemoment，Igrantit，“theprinceanswered，thoughtfully；“butthequick，blazingfiresoonconsumesitself，leavingonlyaheapofashes；thenoneturnstothegentlewarmthwithinwardcomfort，andrejoicesinitsquiethappiness。”
“Youconfesslovinganother?“saidWilhelmine，sorrowfully。
“No，Idonotgrantthat，“theprincecried；“butyouareasensible，cleverwoman，andyouknowmyheartiseasilyexcited。Itisonlythemeteoriclightoftheignisfatuus，soonextinguished。
Letitdanceandflicker，butrememberthattheonlywarmthwhichcheersandbrightensmyheartisyourloveandfriendship。Youaremyfirstandonlylove，andyouwillbemylast——thatIsweartoyou，anduponityoucanrely。Everythingisuncertainandwaveringinlife。Theyhaveruinedme，laceratedmyheart，andthereisnothingmoreintheworldwhichIhonor。Onlysycophantsandhypocritessurroundme，whospeculateuponmyfuturegreatness；orspies，whowouldmaketheirfortunetoday，andthereforespyandhangaboutme，inordertobepaidbythereigningking，andwhoslandermeinordertobefavoritesofhis。Nooneatcourtlovesme，notevenmywife。Howshouldshe?SheiswellawarethatI
marriedheronlyatthecommandofmyroyaluncle，andsheacceptedmealmostwithdetestation，fortheyhadrelatedtohertheunhappinessofmyfirstmarriage，andthehappinessofmyfirstlove！Shehaslearnedthestoryofmyfirstwife，ElizabethvonBraunschweig，andthatofmyonlylove，WilhelmineEnke！Sheobeyed，likemyself，thesterncommandofanother，andweweremarried，asallprincesandprincessesare，andwehavehadchildren，astheydo。Weleadthelifeofapoliticalmarriage，buttheheartisunwed。Webowbeforenecessityandduty，and，believeme，thosearetheonlyhouseholdgodsinthefamiliesofprinces。Happythemanwho，besidesthesesterndivinities，possessesalittlesecrettemple，inwhichhecanerectanaltartotrueloveandfriendship，andwherehecanenjoyahiddenhappiness。ThisIowetoyou，Wilhelmine；youaretheonlyoneinwhomIhaveconfidence，foryouhaveprovedtomethatyoulovemewithoutself-interestandwithoutambition。Youhavesaidit，anditistrue，youloveme，notwithstandingIamaprince。Iconfesstoyou，therearemanylovelywomenofthecourtwhoareyourrivals，andwhowouldtrytoseparateusinordertoattractmetothemselves。Theyarebeautifulandseductive，andIamyoungandpassionate；andiftheselovelywomenhavenorespectformydignityasamarriedman，howthenshouldIhaveit，whomarriedforduty，notforlove?ButthereisonewhomIrespectfordisinterestednessandfidelity！Doyounotknowwhoaloneisdisinterestedandfaithful?——whohasneverseeninmetheprince，thefutureking——onlythebelovedone，theman——onewhohasneverwavered，nevercountedthecost?——thatyouare，WilhelmineEnke，thereforeweareinseparable，andyouhavenottofearthatIcaneverforsakeyou，evenifIamsometimesentangledinthemagicnetsofotherbeautifulwomen。Thechainswhichbindustogethercannotbetornasunder，forawonderfulsecretpowerhasconsecratedthemwiththemagicoftruelove——ofheart-feltfriendship。”
“Stilltheyarechains，dearest，“sighedWilhelmine。“Youhavenamedthemthus！Thechainswillatlastoppressyou，andyouwillforgetthemagicpowerwhichbindsyou，andwillbefree。Noholybond，nooath，nomarriagetie——nothingbutyourlovebindsyoutome。I
rejoiceinit，andsolongasyoudonotforsakeme，Iamconsciousthatitisyourownfreechoiceandnotforcewhichretainsyou。”
“Iwillgiveyouanoutwardsignofourbondofunion，“criedtheprince。“Iwilldoittoday，asatwofolddangerhangsoverus——thekingmenacesyou，andwarmenacesme。”
“Isitthentrue，doyougowiththekingtothefield?“groanedWilhelmine。
“Doyouwishmetoremain?“criedtheprince，hiseyesflashing。
“ShallIhereseekpleasure，witheffeminategoodnature，whiletheking，inspiteofhisage，exposeshimselftoallthefatigueofacampaignandthedangerofbattle?ThiswaroftheBavariansuccessionisunfortunate，andnooneknowswhethertheGermanempirewillderiveanyimportantadvantagefromoursustainingbyforceofarmsalittleduchy。Itisaquestionwhetheritwouldnotbebettertoabolishthelittleprincipalities，inordertostrengthenthegreaterGermanpowers。ThekingwillsupportBavaria，becauseheenviesAustriaitspossession，and，ashehasdecideduponwar，itbecomeshiscrownprincetoyieldtohisdecisionwithoutmurmuring。Therefore，Wilhelmine，Iwilltodaywitnesstoyoutheoathoffidelity。IfGodcallsmetoHim，ifIfallinbattle，thisoathwillbeyourlegacy。Ihavenothingelsetoleaveyou，thankstotheparsimonyofmynobleuncle。Iamaverypoorcrownprince，withmanydebtsandlittlemoney，andnotinaconditiontorewardyourloveandfidelityotherwisethanwithpromisesandhopes，andlettersofcreditforthefuture。SuchabillofexchangeIwillwriteforyou——alegacyformydearWilhelmine。Givemepenandpaper。”
Wilhelminehastenedtoherwritingtableandbroughthimpaperwithwritingmaterials。“There，myFrederick，“saidshe，“thereiseverythingnecessary——onlytheink，Ifear，maybedried。”
Theprinceshookhishead，smiling。“Suchalover'soathasIwilltranscribeforyoucanbewrittenwithnocommonink。See，hereismyink！“
Theprincehadsuddenlymadeaslightincisioninhisarm，and，asthebloodgushedout，hedippedhispeninit，andwrote；thenhandedittoWilhelmine，saying:“Readithere，inthepresenceofGodandourselves。”
Wilhelminepressedittoherlips，andread，withasolemnvoice:
“'Bymywordofhonorasaprince，Iwillneverforsakeyou，andonlydeathshallseparateyoufromme——PrinceFrederickWilliamofPrussia。'“[Footnote:“MemoiresoftheCountessLichtenau。”p。120。]
“Bymywordofhonorasaprince，Iwillneverforsakeyou，andonlydeathshallseparatemefromyou，“repeatedtheprince，ashebentoverWilhelmine，liftingherinhisarmsandplacingheruponhisknee。“Takethepaperandguarditcarefully，“saidhe。“WhenIdie，andyouhaveclosedmyeyes，asItrustyouwill，givethispapertomysonandsuccessor，foritismylegacytoyou，andIhopemysonwillhonoritandrecognizeinyouthewifeofmyheart，andcareforyou。”
“Oh！speaknotofdying，Frederick，“criedWilhelmine，embracinghimtenderly；“maytheycondemnme，andimprisonmeasacriminal，whenyouarenomore！Whatmattersittomewhatbefallsme，whenInolongerpossessyou，mybelovedone，mymaster?NotonthataccountwillIpreservethepreciouspaper，butforthelovewhichithasgivenme，andofwhichitwillonedaybeaprooftomychildren。
Thispaperismyjustificationandmyexcuse，mycertificateandmydeclarationofhonor。Ithankyouforit，foritisthemostbeautifulpresentthatIhaveeverreceived。”
“Butwillyoumakemenoreturn，Wilhelmine?Willyounotsweartome，asIhavesworntoyou?“
Shetooktheknifefromthetablewithoutanswering，andpointingittoherleftarm——
“Oh，notthere！“criedtheprince，ashesoughttostayherhand。
“Donotinjureyourbeautifularm，itwouldbeasacrilege。”
Wilhelminefreedherselffromhim，ashesoughttoholdherfast，andinthemutualstruggletheknifesankdeepintoherlefthand，thebloodgushingout。[Footnote:Thescarofthiswoundremainedherwholelife，asWilhelminerelatesinhermemoirs——See“MemoiresoftheCountessLichtenau。”]
“Oh，whathaveyoudone?“criedtheprince，terrified；“Youarewounded！“
Heseizedherhandanddrewtheknifefromthewound，screamingwithterrorasaclearstreamofbloodflowedoverhisown。“Aphysician！
Sendquicklyforaphysician，“criedhe。“Wherearemyservants?“
Wilhelmineclosedhislipsatthisinstantwithakiss，andforcedherselftosmileinspiteofthepainwhichthewoundcausedher。
“Dearest，itisnothing，“shecried。“Ihaveonlypreparedagreatinkstand——letmewrite！“
Shedippedherpenintheblood，whichcontinuedtoflow，andwrotequicklyafewlines，handingthemtotheprince。
“Readaloudwhatyouhavewritten。Iwillhearfromyourownmouthyouroath。Youshallwriteituponmyheartwithyourlips。”
Wilhelmineread:“Bymylove，bytheheadsofmytwochildren，I
swearthatIwillneverforsakeyou——thatIwillbefaithfultoyouuntodeath，andwillneverseparatemyselffromyou；thatmyfriendshipandlovewillendurebeyondthegrave；thatIwilleverbecontentedandhappysolongasImaycallmyselfyourWilhelmineEnke。”
“Iacceptyouroath，dearest，“saidtheprince，pressinghertohisheart。“Thispaperisoneofmychoicestjewels，andIwillneverseparatemyselffromit。Wehavenowsealedourloveandfidelitywithourblood，andIhopethatyouwillneverdoubtmeagain。
Rememberthishour！“
“Iwill，“sheearnestlypromised，“andIsweartoyounevertotormentandtortureyouagainwithmyjealousy。Ishallalwaysknow，andshallholdfasttoit，thatyouwillreturntome。”
Aviolentknockingonthehousedoorinterruptedthestillnessofthenight。Avoiceinloud，commandingtonescalledtothenight-
watch。
“HereIam！“answeredtheporter。“Whocallsme?Andwhatisthematter?“
“Openthedoor，“commandedthevoiceagain。
“Itisourhouse，“whisperedWilhelmine，whohadsoftlyopenedthewindow。“Itissodark，Icanonlyseeablackshadowbeforethedoor。”
“Doyoubelongtothehouse?“askedthenight-watch。“Idareletnooneinwhodoesnotbelongthere。”
“Liftupyourlantern，andlookatmylivery。Itisattheking'sorder！“
Wilhelminewithdrewfromthewindow，andhastenedtotheprince，whohadretiredtothebackpartoftheroom。
“ItisKretzschmar，theking'sfootmanandspy，“shewhispered。
“Hideyourself，thathedoesnotdiscoveryou。Gotheretothechildren。”
“No，Wilhelmine，Iwillremainhere。I——“
Wilhelminepressedherhanduponhismouth，andforcedhimintotheside-room，boltingthedoor。
“Now，“saidshe，“Iwillmeetmyfatewithcourage；whatevermaycome，itshallfindmefirmandcomposed。Mychildrenaresafe，fortheirfatheriswiththem。”
Shetookthelight，andhastenedintotheanteroom，whichwasresoundingwiththeloudringing。
“Whoisthere?“shecried。“Whoringssolateatnight?“
“Inthenameoftheking，open！“
Wilhelmineshovedbackthebolt，openingthedoor。
“Comein，“shesaid，“andtellmewhoyouare。”
“Ithinkyourecognizeme，“saidKretzschmar，withanimpudentsmile。“YouhaveoftenseenmeatPotsdamincompanywiththeking。
Isawyouthismorningasthekingdidyouthehonortospeakwithyou，andIbelievedidnotcomplimentyou。”
“Didhismajestysendyouheretosaythistome?“
“No，notexactlythat，“answeredhe，smiling；“but，asyouaskedme，Iwasobligedtoanswer。IhavecomeherewithallspeedascourierfromPotsdam。Ihopeyouwillatleastgivemeagoodtrinkgeld。I
wascommandedtodeliverintoyourownhandsthispaper，forwhichI
musthaveareceipt。”Hedrewfromhisbreastpocketalargesealeddocument，whichhehandedtoWilhelmine。“Hereisthereceiptallready，withthepencil；youhaveonlytosignyourname，andthebusinessisfinished。”Hestretchedhimselfwithanairofthegreatesteaseuponthecanechair，nearthedoor。
Wilhelminecoloredwithangeratthefreeconductoftheroyalfootman，andhastenedtosignthereceipttoridherselfofthemessenger，andtoreadtheletter。
“Whatwillyougivemefortrinkgeld，MamselleEnke?“askedthefootman，asshegavehimthereceipt。
“Yourownrudenessandinsult，“answeredWilhelmineproudly，assheturned，withoutsalutinghim，tothesitting-room。
Kretzschmarlaughedaloud。“Shewillplaythegreatandproudlady，“
saidhe。“Shewillgetoverthatwheninprison。Theletteriswithoutdoubtanorderofarrest，forwhenthekingflashesandthundersashedidthismorning，heusuallystrikes。Ihopeitwillagreewithyou。”Heslowlylefttheanteroom，anddescendedthestairstomounthishorse，whichhehadboundtoatree。
Wilhelminehastenedinthemeantimetotheprince。“Hereistheletteraddressedtome，“saidshe，handinghimthesealedenvelope。
“Ibegyoutoopenit；couragefailsme，everythingtremblesandswimsbeforemyeyes。Readitaloud——Iwillreceivemysentencefromyourlips。”
Theprinceexclaimed，breakingtheseal:“Itisthehandwritingofthesecretcabinetsecretary，Menken，andthemessagecomesimmediatelyfromtheking'scabinet。Now，Wilhelmine，donottremble；leanyourheaduponme，andletusread。”
“'Inthenameofhismajesty，WilhelmineEnkeiscommanded，underpenaltyofseverepunishment，nottoleaveherroomorherdwelling，untilthekingshallpermither，andsendsomeonetotakeherandallthatbelongstohertoherplaceofdestination。Sheshallreceivethisorderwithpatienceandhumility，andconsiderherapartmentasaprison，whichsheshallnotleaveunderseverepenalty，norallowanyonetoenterit。Whoevermaybewithheratthetimeofreceivingtheorder，whodonotbelongthere，shallspeedilyabsentthemselves，andifthesamerideordrivetoPotsdam，theyshallimmediatelytakeamessagetohisroyalhighnessthePrinceofPrussia，andannouncetohimthathismajestyexpectshimatSans-Souciatteno'clocktomorrowmorning。TheMinistervonHerzbergwillbeinwaitingtoconferwiththeprince。TheaboveiscommunicatedtoWilhelmineEnkeforherstrictobservance，andshewillactaccordingly。'“
Alongsilencefollowedthereadingofthisletter。Bothlookeddown，thoughtfullyrecallingthecontents。
“Aprisoner，“murmuredWilhelmine，“aprisonerinmyownhouse。”
“AndformetheperemptorycommandtoleaveimmediatelyforPotsdam，inordertobeatSans-Souciearlyinthemorning。Whatcanthekingmean?“
“Hewillannouncetoyoumyimprisonment，myexile，“sighedWilhelmine。
Thecrownprinceshookhishead。“No，“saidhe，“Idonotbelieveit。Ifthekingwouldsendyoutoprison，hewouldnotmakesuchpreparation；hewouldnotcommencewiththehousearrest，asifyouwereanofficer，whohadbeenguiltyofsomeslightinsubordination，buthewouldactwithdecision，asishiswont。HewouldatoncehavesentyoutoSpandauorsomeotherprison，andleftittometohavetakenfurthersteps。No——themoreIthinkitover，themoreevidentitistomethatthekingisnotreallyangry；hewillonlytormentusalittle，asitpleaseshisteasingspirit。Thechiefthingnowistoobey，andgivehimnofurtheroccasionforanger。
Youmustbeverycarefulnottoleaveyourapartment，ortoallowanyonetoenterit。IshallstartwithoutdelayforPotsdam。Therearespiespostedaswellforyouasmyself；ourstepsarewatched，andanexactaccountofthemgiven。Imustawayquickly。”
“Mustyouleavemeaprisoner?Oh，howhardandcruellifeis！“
“Yes，itis，indeed，Wilhelmine。ButImustalsohumblysubmitandobey。Isnotlifehardforme，andyetIamcrownprince，theheirtothethrone！Ishallbereprimandedandscoldedlikeafootman。I
mustobeyasaslave，andamnotpermittedtoactaccordingtomywill。Iamonlyamerepeginthegreatmachinewhichhedirects，andthe——“
“Hush！formercy'ssakebequiet！Whatifsomeoneshouldhearyou?
Youknownotifthespiesmaynotbeatthedoor。”
“True，“saidtheprince，bitterly。“Idonotknow！Thenurseeven，whosucklesourchild，maybeapaidspy。Theownerofthishousemaybeintheking'sservice，andcreeptothedoortolisten。
Thereforeitisnecessary，aboveallthings，thatweactaccordingtotheking'scommands。Farewell，Wilhelmine，Imustsetoffatonce。KretzschmarisnodoubtatthecornerofthestreettoseewhetherI，asanobedientservantofhismaster，leavehere。IfIdoit，hewilltakethenewstoSans-Souci，andperhapsthekingwillbecontented。Farewell，Igoatoncetothepalace，tostartfromthereforPotsdam。”
“Farewell，mybelovedone！MayGodinheavenandthekinguponearthbemercifultous！Iwillforcemyselftocomposureandhumility。
WhatIsufferisforyou！Thisshallbemyconsolation。Ifwenevermeetagain，FrederickWilliam，IknowyouwillnotforgethowmuchI
havelovedyou！“
CHAPTERVI。
THEPARADE。
Sinceearlymorningagay，warlikelifehadreignedatPotsdamandtheneighborhoodofSans-Souci。Fromeverysidesplendidregimentsapproached，withproudandstatelybearing，inglitteringuniforms，totakeinperfectordertheplacesassignedtothem。Withflyingbanners，drumsbeating，andshrillblastsoftrumpets，theycamemarchingontothegreatparade——thelast，forthekingwasabouttoleaveforthefield。Thousandsofspectatorspouredforth，notwithstandingtheearlyhour，fromPotsdam；andfromBerlineventheycameincrowds，totakealastlookofthesoldiers——oftheirking，whowasstilltheheroatsixty-nine——the“AltoFritz，“whomtheyadored——thoughtheyfelttherigorofhisgovernment。Itwasamagnificentspectacle，indeed——thisimmensesquare，filledwithregiments，theirhelmets，swords，andgoldembroideriesglitteringintheMaysun。Officers，mountedonrichlycaparisonedsteeds，drewupinthecentre，orgallopedalongthefrontofthelines，censuringwithathunderinginvectiveanydeviationorirregularity。
Intherearofthetroopsstoodtheequipagesofthedistinguishedspectatorsontheoneside，whileontheotherthepeopleincompactmassesswayedtoandfro，gaylypassingjudgmentuponthedifferentregimentsandtheirgenerals。Thepeople——thatmeansallthosewhowerenotrichenoughtohaveacarriage，orsufficientlydistinguishedtoclaimaplaceuponthetribunereservedfornobleladiesandgentlemen——heretheystood，theeducatedanduneducated，shoemakerandtailor，savantandartist——amotleymixture！Twogentlemenofthehighcitizenclassapparentlywereamongthecrowd。
Theyweredressedinthefavoritestyle，which，sincethe“SorrowsofWerther“hadappeared，wasthefashion——tight-fittingboots，reachingtotheknee，withyellowtops；whitebreeches，overwhichfellthelong-bodiedgreenvest；agrayfrockwithlongpointedtailsandlargemetalbuttons，well-powderedcue，tiedwithlittleribbons，surmountedwithalow，wide-brimmedhat。Onlyoneofthegentlemenworethegrayfrock，accordingtothefaultlessWerthercostume，ayoungmanofscarcelythirtyyears，offinefigure，andproudbearing；afaceexpressiveandsympathetic，remindingoneofthegloriousportraitsofmenwhichantiquityhasbequeathedtous。
Itseemedliketheheadofagoddescendedtoearth，nobleineveryfeature，fullofgraceandbeauty；theslightlyRomannosewellmarkedyetdelicate；thebroad，thoughtfulbrow；thecheeksflushedwiththehueofyouthandpower；thewell-definedchinandredlips，expressiveofgoodness，benevolence，roguery，andhaughtiness；
large，expressiveeyes，flashingwiththefirewhichthegodshadenkindled。Hiscompanionwasperhapseightyearsyounger，lesswell-
proportioned，stillofgracefulappearance，inhisyouthfulfreshness，withfrank，cheerfulmien，clever，good-natured，sparklingeyes，andred，poutinglips，whichneverlikedtoceasechatting。
“See，Wolff！Ibeg，“saidtheyoungman，“seethatoldwaddlingduck，Mollendorf。Iknowtheoldfellow，heisfromGotha；heimagineshimselfofthegreatestimportance，andthinksPrussiabegetsfameandhonorfromhisgrace。Hetrumpetsforthhisowngloriesatadinner，andabuseshisking。HemakesFredericktheGreataninsignificantlittlebeing，thathemaylookoverhim。”
“Unimportantmenalwaysdothat，“answeredtheother。“Theywouldmakegreatmensmall，andthinkbyplacingthemselvesonhighpedestalstheybecomegreat。Theclownstridingthroughthecrowdonhisstiltsmayevenlookoveranemperor。Butfortunatelytherecomesatimewhenthedearclownmustcomedownfromhisstilts，andthenitiscleartoothers，ifnottohimself，whatlittle，earth-
bornsnipsthemenofyesterdayare。”
“Onlylook，Wolff，thereisjustsuchamomentcomingtothatstiltsmanMollendorf。Howthegreatmanstoops，andhowsmallhelooksonhisgrayhorse，foragreaterspringspast！Lookathimwell，Wolff——weshalldinewithhim，andhedoesnotliketobestaredatintheface。”
“Isthat，then，PrinceHenrypassing?“askedWolff，withanimation；
“Thatlittlegeneral，whojustgallopedintothecirclewithhissuite，isthattheking'sbrother?“
“Yes，thatisjusthismisfortunethatheistheking'sbrother，“
answeredadeep，sonorousvoicebehindthem。
Turning，theybeheldayoung，elegantlydressedman，inthelightgrayfrockandgold-bordered，three-corneredhat，andaSpanishcane，withanivoryhandle。
“Whatdidyouremark，sir?“askedHerrWolff；hisgreat，browneyesflashingoverthepale，intellectualfaceoftheother，sothathewasquiteconfused，yet，asifenchanted，couldnotturnaway。“Whatdidyouremark，sir?“askedagainHerrWolff。
“Ibelieve，“stammeredtheother，“thatIsaiditwasthemisfortuneoftheprincethathewasthebrotheronly，ashewasworthyofbeingmentionedforhimself；butIbeg，sir，bealittleindulgent，anddonotpryintomyverysoulwithyourgodlikeeyes。Itwillcrazeme，andIshallrunthroughthestreetsofBerlin，cryingthattheApollo-BelvederehasarrivedatPotsdam，andinviteallthepoetsandauthorstocomeandworshiphim。”
“Ibelieveyouareright，“criedtheyoungestofthetwogentlemen，laughing。“IbelievemyselfitistheApollo-Belvedere。”
“Bestill，mydearsir，hush，andpreserveourincognito，“
interruptedhiscompanion。
“ButIcannothelpit，Wolff。AmItoblamethatthiscleverfellowseesthroughyourmask，anddiscoversthedivinesparkwhichhidesitselfunderagrayWerthercostume?“
“Ipray，sir，grantmyrequest，andrespectourincognito，“beggedtheother，gentlybutfirmly。
“Well，well，youshallhaveyourway，“laughedtheother，good-
naturedly，andturningtothepaleyoungman，whostillkepthiseyesfixedonHerrWolffinasortofecstacy，hesaid:“LettheauthorsandpoetsstayinBerlin；wewillpersuadethedisguisedApollotomeetthemthere，andreadthemalecture，foramongtheBerlinpoetsandcriticstherearewickedheretics，who，iftheDeityHimselfwrotetragediesandverses，wouldfindsomefaulttoobjectto。”
“Praytellme，sir，doyouthinkPrinceHenryagreatman?“
“Didnotthekingcallhimsoinhis'HistoryoftheSevenYears'
War?'“saidthestranger。“Didhenotpublicly，inthepresenceofallhisgenerals，say，'thatPrinceHenrywastheonlygeneralwhohadnotmadeamistakeduringthewholewar?'“
“Doyoubelievethekingwillsaythatoftheprincejustridinginwithhissuite，afterthepresentwar?“askedtheyoungman，withearnestness。
“YoumeanthePrinceofPrussia，“answeredtheother，shakinghishead。“Therearemenwhocallthisprincethe'hopeofPrussia，'andregardhimasanewAurorainthecloudedsky。”
“Andyou，sir，doyouregardhimso?“criedHerrWolff。
“DoyoumeanthatthePrinceofPrussiawillusherinabrighterdayforGermany?“
“No，“answeredtheother。“IbelievethatdayexpireswithFredericktheGreat，andthatalongnightofdarknesswillsucceed。”
“Whydoyouthinkso?“
“Becauseitisthecourseofnaturethatdarknesssucceedslight。
Lookattheprince，gentlemen——thedivinelightofgeniusisnotstampeduponhisbrow，asformerly，andcarewillbetakenthatitissoonextinguishedaltogether。”
“Whowilltakecare?“
“Thosewhoaretheenemiesoflight，civilization，andfreedom。”
“Whoarethey?“askedHerrWolff。
Theothersmiled，andanswered:“Sir，sofarasI，inallhumility，callmyselfascholar，IalsoowetothegodApolloobedience，andmustanswerhim，thoughitmayendangerme。Ianswer，then，theenemiesoflightandcivilizationarethedisguisedJesuits。”
“Oh，itiseasytoperceivethatyoudonotbelongtothem，oryouwouldnotthuscharacterizethem，and——“
Amightyflourishofdrums，andshrillblastsofhornsandtrumpets，drownedtheyouth'swords，andmadeallfurtherconversationimpossible。Theking，followedbyabrilliantsuite，hadjustarrivedattheparade。Theregimentsgreetedtheirsovereignwithloudblastsoftrumpets，andthepeopleshoutedtheirfarewell。
Frederickliftedlightlyhishat，androdealongtheranksofthewell-orderedtroops。Helistenedtotheshoutswithcalm，composedmanner；theJupiter-flashesfromhisgreateyesseemedtobespentforever。MounteduponCaesar，hisfavoritehorse，helookedtodaymorebent，hisbackmorebowedwiththeburdenofyears；anditwasplainlyvisiblethatthehandwhichheldthestaffcrosswiseoverthehorse'sneck，holdingatthesametimethebridle，trembledfromveryweakness。
“ThatisFrederick，“saidHerrWolfftohimself。“ThatistheherobeforewhomEuropehastrembled；thedaringprincewhocausedthesuntoriseuponhiscountry，andawakenthespiritstocheerfullife。Oh，howlamentable；howmuchtoberegretted，thatahero，too，cangrowfeebleandold！Oh，cruelfate，thatthenoblestspiritsembodiedinthisfragilehumanity，and——“
Suddenlyheceased，andlookedatthekingamazedandwithadmiration。Theoldmanhadbecometheheroagain。Thebowedformwaserect，thefacebeamedwithenergyandconsciouspower，theeyesflashedwithbolddaring，strongandsonorouswasthevoice。Thekinghadturnedtohisgenerals，whoweredrawnuparoundhiminalargecircle，saying:“Gentlemen，Icometotakeleaveofyou。Weshallmeetagainuponthebattle-field，wherelaurelsbloomforthebrave。Ihopethatwemayallreturn，crownedwithfreshlaurels。
TellmysoldiersthatIcountuponthem——thatIknowtheywillprovethegloryofthePrussiantroopsanew，andthatonthedayofbattletheywillseemeattheirhead——Farewell！“
“Longlivetheking！“criedthegeneralsandstaffofficers，inonevoice。Thepeopleandthesoldiersjoinedtheshout，theladieswavedtheirhandkerchiefs。HerrWolffandhiscompanionstoreofftheirhatswithenthusiasm，andswungthemhighintheair。
Thegreateyesoftheking，whopassedatthismoment，resteduponHerrWolff。“MyheartquakedasifIwerethepillarofMemnon，andhadbeentouchedbythesun'srays，“sighedhe，ashefollowedthekingwithhisfieryglance。
“Theceremonyisnowfinished，“saidtheyoungmannearhim，“andwemustleave，inordertobepunctualtodinneratPrinceHenry's。”
“Iwishthekinghadremainedanhourlonger，“sighedHerrWolffagain。“AsIlookedathim，itseemedasifIwerelisteningtoasongfromHomer，andallmyfacultieswereinunisonindelightandenthusiasm。Happythosewhodareapproachhim，andremainnearhim！“
“Then，accordingtoyouropinion，hisservantsmustbeveryfortunate，“saidthestranger，“andyettheysaythatheisnotverykindtothem。”
“Becausetheservantisalittleman，“criedHerrWolff，“andeveryonelookslittletohisbelittlingeyes。”
“Yes，therearemanyothersnomoreelevatedthanservantsintheking'ssurroundings，“saidtheother。Theyouthremindedhimthattheymustleave。
“Onlywaitamoment，friend，“beggedHerrWolff，asheturnedtothestranger，saying，“Iwouldliketocontinueourconversationoftoday。YouliveinBerlin。Iwillfindyououtifyouwillgivemeyourname。”
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