“Iprayyoutovisitme；mynameisMoritz。IliveinKlosterStrasse，nearthegrayconvent。”
“YournameisMoritz?“，askedHerrWolff，earnestly。“Thenyouaretheauthorofthe'JourneytoEngland?'“
“Yes，thesame，andmyhighestencomiumis，thattheworkisnotunknowntoyou，orthenameoftheauthor。”
“AllGermanyknowsit，anddoyouthinkIcouldpossiblyremainastrangertoit?“
“Butyourname，sir，“saidthestranger，withanxiouscuriosity。
“Willyounotgivemeyourname?“
“Iwilltellyouwhenweareinyourownroom，“saidHerrWolff，smiling。
“TheairisyetenchantedandintoxicatedwiththebreathoftheGreatFrederick；itshouldnotbedesecratedwithanothername——
Farewell，wewillmeetinBerlin。”
Notfarfromthesegentlemenstoodtwoothers，wrappedinlongmilitarycloaks，bothofstrikingandforeignappearance；theone，ofslightdelicatefigure，ofdarkcomplexion，nobleandhandsomeface，mustbeanItalian，ashisveryblackhairandeyesbetrayed；
theother，tall，broad-shouldered，ofHerculeanstature，belongedtoNorthGermany，astheblondhair，lightblueeyes，andfeaturesindicated。Apleasingsmileplayedaroundhisthick，curledlips，andonlywhenheglancedathiscompaniondiditdieaway，andchangetooneofrespectfuldevotion。Atthisinstantthekingpassed。TheItalianpressedthearmofhiscompanion。
“Thearchfiendhimself，“hemurmuredsoftly，“thedemonofunbelief，towhomnothingissacred，andnothingintimidates。Thecontemptuouslysmilingspiritofnegation，whichiscalledenlightenment，andisbutdarkness，towhombeliefissuperstition，andenlighteningonlydeception。Woetohim！“
“Woetohim！“repeatedtheother。
Thekingwasfollowedbyhisbrilliantandselectstaffinmotleyconfusion。First，PrinceHenry，andthenthePrinceofPrussia。Asthelatterpassedthetwogentlemen，theItalianpressedthearmofhiscompanionstillharder。“Lookathimattentively，myson，“saidhe，“thatisourfutureandourhopeinthiscountry。”
TheHerculesturnedhastily，withalookofastonishment，totheItalian。“ThePrinceofPrussia?“askedhe，withamazement。
TheItaliannodded。“Doyoudoubtit?“headded，reproachfully。
“Wouldyoudoubtyourlordandmaster，becauseherevealstoyouwhatyoucannotseizewithyourcloudedspirit?“
“No，no，master，Iamonlysurprisedthatyouhopeforgoodfromthislost-in-sinsuccessortothethrone。”
“Yes，youarepoor，humanchildren，“sighedtheItalian，compassionatelysmiling；“prompttojudge，mistakinglightfordarkness，anddarknessforlight。IhavealreadyremarkedthattothecelebratedandaustereMinisterSully，ashecomplainedtomeofthelevityandimmoralityoftheFrenchking，HenryIV。Itoldhimthatausteremoralsandmorallawssufferedexceptions，andthatthosethroughwhomthewelfareofhumanityshouldbefurthered，hadtotransfertheirheavenlyblissoflovetotheearthlysphere。
Sullywouldcontestthequestionwithme，butIdefeatedhim，whileIrepeatedtohimwhatthebeautifulandunhappyQueenofScotland，MaryStuart，oncesaidtome。”
“MaryStuart！“criedtheother，vehemently。
“Yes，MaryStuart，“answeredtheItalian，earnestly。“Come，myson，letusgo。Wehaveseenwhatwewishedtosee，andthatissufficient。Givemethyarm，andletusdepart。”
Theydepartedarminarm，withdrawingfromthecrowd，andtakingthebroadwalkwhichcrossedtothepark。
“YouwereabouttorelatetometheanswerwhichMaryStuartgavetoyou，sir，“saidtheHercules，timidly。
“True；Iwillnowrelateittoyou，“heanswered，withsadness。“ItwasinEdinburghIhadsurprisedMaryasIwasadmittedwithoutceremony，inherboudoir，asthehandsomeRizziosatatherfeet，andsanglove-songstoher。Shewasrestinguponagold-embroidereddivan，andherfigureappearedtogreatadvantageintheheavenlyblue，silver-embroideredgauzerobe，whichcoveredherbeautifullimbslikeacloud。Inherhairsparkledtwodiamonds，liketwostarsfallenfromheaven，andmoreglowingstillwerehereyes，whichtenderlyresteduponRizzio。Leaninguponherelbow，sheinclinedtowardRizzio，who，luteinhand，waslookinguptoherwithacountenanceexpressiveofthedeepestlove。Itwasagloriouspicture，thisyoungandcharmingcouple，intheirblissoflove；andnever，inthecourseofthiscentury，haveIforgottenthisexquisitepicture——neverhaveitsbrighttintsfadedfrommymemory。
HowoftenhaveIbeggedmyfriend，AntonioVandyck，tomakethispictureeternal，withhisimmortalpencil。Hepromisedtodoit，butatthemomenthewasoccupiedwiththeportraitsofCharlesI。andhisfamily——thegrandsonofQueenMary。Later，asIwasnotwithhim，unfortunately，tosavehim，deathseizedhimbeforehehadfulfilledhispromise。Butherimageisstampeduponmyheart，andI
seehernow，asIsawherthen，thebeautifulqueen，withthehandsomesingeratherfeet。Ihadenteredunawares，andstoodafewmomentsatthedoorbeforetheyremarkedme。AsIapproached，Rizziosuddenlyceasedinthemidstofatenderpassage，andsprangtohisfeet。Marysignedtohim，blushing，towithdraw。Heglidednoiselesslyout，hisluteunderhisarm，andIremainedalonewiththequeen。Idaredtochideher，gently，forherloveaffairwiththehandsomesinger，and，aboveall，toexhorthertofidelitytoherhusband。WhereuponMaryansweredme，withheraccustomedsmilingmanner，'Thereisbutonefidelitywhichonemustrecognize，andthatistothegodofgods——Love！Whereheisnot，Iwillnotbe。
ThegodHymenisatedious，pedanticfellow，whoburnstoashesallthefreshyoungloveoftheheart，andalltheenthusiasmofthesoul，withhisintolerabletallowtorch，forLovestandsnotathisside。IamfaithfultothegodAmor，thereforeIcanneverbefaithfultothegodHymen，asitwouldbeunfaithfultoLove！'ThatwastheresponseofthebeautifulQueenMary。Icouldnotcontestthequestion，soIonlylookedatherandsmiled。Suddenly，Ifeltadagger，asitwere，thrustatmyheart，myspiritualeyeswereopened，thelovelywomanonthedivanwasfearfullychanged。Insteadofthegauzerobe，sparklingwithsilver，ablackclothdresscoveredheremaciatedlimbs；insteadofbrilliants，sparklinginherhair，amourningveilcoveredherwhitenedlocks。Thebeautyandroundnessofherneckhaddisappeared，andIsawarounditabroaddark-redstripe。Herheadmoved，andfellatmyfeetdissevered。I
sawitall，asdistinctlyasifitreallyhappened，andseizedwithunspeakablepityIprostratedmyselfatherfeetwhowasunknowingofmyvision，andbesoughtherwithalltheanxietyandtendernessoffriendshiptoleaveScotland，toflyfromEngland，astherethedeath-tribunalawaitedher。ButMaryStuartonlylaughedatmywarning，andcalledmeamelancholyfool，whomjealousymadeprophetic。ThemoreIbeggedandimplored，themorewantonandgaythepoorwomanbecame。Then，asIsawallpersuasionwasvain，thatnoonecouldsaveherfromherdreadfulfate，ItookasolemnoaththatIwouldbeathersideatthehourofherperil，andaccompanyhertothescaffold。Marylaughedaloud，and，withthatmockinggayetysopeculiarlyherown，sheacceptedtheoath，andreachedmeherwhitehand，sparklingwithdiamonds，tosealthevowwithakiss。Ifaithfullykeptit。IhadbutjustarrivedinRomewhenI
receivedtheaccountofherimprisonment。Ipresentedmyselfimmediatelytothepope，thegreatSixtusV。，whothenoccupiedthechairofSt。Peter。Fortunately，hewasmyfriend，andIhadformerlybeenusefultohim，inassistinghimtocarryouthisgreatandliberalideasforthewelfareofhumanity。Asareturn，IprayedtheHolyFathertogivemeaconsecratedhostiefortheunhappyQueenMaryStuart，andthepermissiontocarryittoherinherprison。TheHolyFatherwasincredulousofmysadpresentiments，asMaryStuartherselfhadbeen，buthegrantedmetherequest。I
quittedRome，andtravelledwithrelaysdayandnight。ReachingBoulogne，aDoverpacket-boathadjustraisedanchor；Isucceededinboardingher，andarrivedinLondonthenextevening。Thedayfollowing，theexecutionofthequeentookplaceatFotheringay。I
waswithherinherlasthours，andfrommyhandshereceivedtheconsecratedwaterofPopeSixtusV。Ihadkeptmyoath。I
accompaniedhertothescaffold，andherheadrolledatmyfeet，asIhadseenitinmyvisionatEdinburgh。Itwasthe18thofApril，1587，anditseemstomeasbutyesterday。Totheintuitive，seeingspirit，timeandspacedisappear；eternityandimmortalityaretoitomnipresent。”
Givenuptohissouvenirsandvisions，theItalianappearednottoknowwherehewandered，andturnedunintentionallytotheretired，lonelyplacesinthepark。Hiscompanionheedednotthewayeither，occupiedwiththestrangeaccountoftheItalian。Adreadfulfeelingofaweandhorrortookpossessionofhissoul，and，withdevotedrespect，hehunguponthewordswhichfellfromthelipsofhiscompanion。
“Itwasintheyear1587，“saidhe，astheItalianceased；“almosttwohundredyearssince，andyouwerepresent?“
TheItalianreplied:“Iwaspresent。Ihavewitnessedsomanydreadfulscenes，andbeenpresentatsomanyexecutions，thatthissadspectaclewasnotanunusualonetome，andwouldnothaveremainedfixedinmymemoryhadInotloved，devotedlyandfervently，thebeautifulQueenMaryStuart。Forthosewholiveineternity，allhorrorshaveceased；timerushespastincenturies，whichseemtothembutaday。”
“Teachmesotolive，master；Ithirstforknowledge，“criedhiscompanion，fervently。
“Iknowit，myson；Ipenetratethysoul，andIknowthatthouthirstest。ThereforeIamheretoquenchthythirst，andfeedthyhungryheart。”Heremainedstandinguponthegrass-plot，whichhehadreachedbylonelypaths，andwhichwasencircledbytreesandbushes。Notasoundinterruptedthepeacefulmorningstillnessoftheplace，exceptthedistantmusicofthedepartingregimentsdyingawayontheair。“Iwillteachtheetoliveineternity！“resumedtheItalian，solemnly。“Mypredecessortheapostle，GeorgeSchrepfer，hasinitiatedtheeintemporallife，andtheknowledgeofthepresent。Bythepistol-shot，whichdisclosedtohimtheinvisibleworld，andremovedhimfromourearthlyeyes，hashetothee，hismostfaithfulandbelievingdisciple，giventhegreatdoctrineofthedecayofallthingsearthly，andpreparedtheeforthedoctrineoftheimperishablenessofthecelestial。Theoriginalofhumanitysendsme，tomakeknowntotheethisholydoctrine。WhenImettheeinDresden，atthesideoftheCountessDorotheavonMedem，thee，whomIhadneverseen，Irecognizedbytheblueflamewhichtrembledabovethyhead，andwhichwasnothingelsethanthesoulofthyteacher，Schrepfer，wrestlinginanguish，whichhasremainedwiththee，andhopesfordeliveryfromthee。Igreetedthee，therefore，notasastrangerbutasafriend。Noonecalledthyname，andyetitwasknowntome。Itooktheebythehand，greetingthee。HansRudolphvonBischofswerder，bewelcome。Theblueflamewhichglowsuponthybrow，guidesmetothee，andthepistol-
shotundertheoakscenturiesold，atRosenthal，nearLeipsic，wasthesummonswhichmyspiritreceivedamongthepyramidsofEgypt，andwhichrecalledmetoEurope，tomyown，andthouartoneofthem。”[Footnote:GeorgeSchrepfer，thefounderoftheSecretFreeMasonLodgeatthesametimeproprietorofarestaurantandaconjuror，invitedhisintimatedisciplesandbelieversintheyear1774，towhomBischofswerderbelonged，tomeethimatRosenthal，nearLeipsic。Heassembledthemaroundhim，beneathsomeoldoaks，totakeleaveofthem，asnowhewouldrenderhimselfintheinvisiblerealm，whence，asaspirit，hewoulddistributetosomeofhisdisciplesgold，tootherswisdom。Hethencommandedthemtoconcealtheirfacesandpray。Theprayingonessuddenlyheardaloudreport，and，astheylookedupSchrepferfelldead。Hehadshothimselfwithapistol。]
“Andasthouspakest，ohmaster，Irecognizedthee，andIcalled——'
Thouarthere，whohastbeenannouncedtome。Thouartthemaster，andmymasterSchrepferwastheprophet，whoprecededtheeandprophesiedthee。ThouartthegreatKophta——thouartCountAlexanderCagliostro！'AsIutteredthename，thelightswereextinguished，deepdarknessandprofoundstillnessreigned。ThetwocountessesDorotheavonMedemandhersister，ElizavonderNecke，clungtremblingtome，neitherofthemdaringtobreakthesilenceevenwithasigh。Suddenlythedarknessdisappeared，and，withtremblingflashesoflight，therestoodwrittenonthewall:'MementoDominiOagliostroetomnismansuetudinisejus。'Wesankuponourknees，andimploredtheetoaidus。Bydegreesthestrange，secretcharactersdisappeared，anddarknessandsilencereigned。Thestillnessdisquietedmeatlast，andIcalledforlights。Astheservantentered，thetwocountesseslayfaintinguponthefloor，andthouhadstdisappeared。”
“Onlytoappeartotheeatanothertime，“saidCagliostro，“toreceivetheewithsolemnceremoniesintothemagiccircle——toinitiatetheeinthesecretwisdomofspirits，andpreparetheefortheinvisiblelodge。RecallwhatIsaidtothee，threedayssince，inDresden。Doyoustillrememberit?“
“Irecallit。Thousaidst:'ThesecretservicecallsmetoMittau，withtheCountessMedem，toraisehiddentreasure，ofwhichthespirithasgivenmeknowledge，anddecipherimportantmagicalcharactersonthewallsofacloister。BeforeIleave，Iwillleadtheeuponthewaywhichthouhasttofollowinordertofindthelight，andletitilluminatethesoulwhichisworthy。Followme，andIwillleadtheetothepathofglory，power，andimmortality。'
Thesewerethywords，master。”
“Ihavenowledtheehither，“Cagliostrosaidtohim，gently；“thysouldoubtsandtrembles，forthouartblindseeingeyes，anddeafwithhearingears。”
“Mysouldoubtsnot，ohmaster——itcomprehendsnot。Ihavefollowedthee，devotedlyandbelievingly。Thouknowestit，master，forthoureadestthesoulsofthychildren，andseesttheirhiddenthoughts。
ThouhastsaidtomeinDresden，'RenounceyourservicetotheDukeofCourland。'Ididit，andfromequerryandlordchamberlaintotheduke，becameasimple，privategentleman。Ihaverenouncedmytitlesanddignitiesforthee，inhappytrustinthee。Myfutureliesinthyhands，and，anxioustolearnthemysteriesofimmortality，asagrateful，trustfulscholar，Iwouldreceivehappinessandunhappinessatthyhand。”
“Thoushaltreceivenotonlyhappiness，“saidCagliostro，solemnly，“butthouartoneoftheelect。Theblueflameglowsuponthybrow，itwillilluminatethysoul，andleadtheetothepathofglory，power，andmight。To-daythouartasimple，privategentleman，asthousayst，butto-morrowthouwiltbecomeadistinguishedlord，beforewhomhundredswillbow。Fameawaitsthee——whichthouhastlongedfor——aspowerawaitsthee。WhomhaveInamedtotheeasourfutureandourhopeinthisland?“
“PrinceFrederickWilliamofPrussia，“answeredHerrvonBischofswerder，humbly。
“AsIspakethisname，thoutrembledst，andcalledsthim'onelostinsin。'Knowestthou，myson，fromsincomespenitence，andfrompenitenceelevationandpurificatiom。Thouartcalledandchosentoconvertsinners，andleadbacktheearth-bornchildtoheaven。
Engravethesewordsuponthymemory，fillthysoulwiththem，aswithglowingflames，repeattheminsolitudetheentireday，thenheavenlyspiritswillariseandwhispertherevelationsofthefuture。Then，whenthouartconsecrated，Iwillintroducetheeintothesacredhallsofsublimewisdom。Thoushaltbereceivedasascholarinthetemplehall，anditdependsupontheewhetherthouadvancesttothealtarwhichreachestotheinvisibleworldofmiracles。”
“Oh，master，“criedBisehofswerder，withacountenancebeamingwithjoy，andsinkinguponhisknees，“wiltthoufavorme，andintroducemetothetemplehall?ShallIbereceivedinthesacredworldofspirits?“
“Thoushalt，HansRudolphyonBischofswerder。Thegrandmasterofourorderwillbestowupontheethishappiness，andto-nightshallthestarofthefutureriseoverthee。Holdthyselfinreadiness。Atmidnight，presentthyselfatthefirstportaloftheroyalpalaceinBerlin。Amanwillmeetthee，andthoushaltask，'Whoisourhope?'
Ifheanswersthee，'ThePrinceofPrussia，'thenheisthemessengerwhichIshallhavesentthee——followhim。Bowthyheadinhumility，shutthineeyestoallearthlythings，turnthythoughtsinward，andliftthemuptothegreatdeparted，whichhoversoverthyhead，andspeakwiththeblueflamewhichglowsuponthybrow！“
Bischofswerderbowedstilllower，coveredhisfacewithhishands，asifinwardlypraying，andknelt。Cagliostrobentoverhim，laidhishanduponhishead，breathingthreetimesuponhisblondhair。
“Ihavebreathedupontheewiththebreathofmyspirit，“saidhe。
“Thyspiritreceivespower。Receiveitinholyawe，indevotion，andremainimmovable。”
Bischofswerdercontinuedmotionless，withbowedheadandconcealedface。Cagliostroraisedhimself，hisblackeyesfixeduponhisdisciple，andnoiselesslydisappeared。HerrvonBischofswerderstillremainedkneeling。Aftersometimeheraisedhishead，shylylookingabout，and，ashefoundhimselfalone，herose。“Hehassoaredaway，“hemurmured，softly。“Ishallseehimagain，andhewillconsecrateme——theconsecrationofimmortals！“
CHAPTERVII。
THEMIRACULOUSELIXIR。
Thekingwithdrewfromtheparadeslowly，followedbyhisgenerals，inthedirectionofSans-Souci。ThestreetsofPotsdamwerelinedwiththepeople，shoutingtheirfarewelltotheking，whoreceivedthemwithasmilingface。Arrivingatthegrandentrance，heturnedtohissuite，saying，“Gentlemen，weshallmeetagaininBohemia；I
mustnowtakeleaveofyou，andforegothepleasureofreceivingyouagainto-day。Akingabouttoleaveforthefieldhasnecessaryarrangementstomakeforthefuture。Ihavemuchtooccupyme，asI
setoutearlyto-morrowmorning。You，also，havedutiestoattendto。Farewell，gentlemen。”
Heraisedhisworn-outthree-corneredhat，salutedhisgeneralswithaslightinclinationofthehead，andturnedintothebroadavenuewhichledtotheparkofSans-Souci。Noonefollowedhimbuttwomountedfootmen，whorodeatarespectfuldistance，attentivelyregardingtheking，ofwhomonlythebowedbackandhatwerevisible。Halfwaydowntheavenuehisstaffwasraisedabovehishat，thesignthefootmenawaitedtodismountwiththegreyhounds，whichrodebeforethemuponthesaddle。Attheshrillbarkingoftheanimals，Frederickreinedinhishorse，andturnedtolookforthem。
Theyboundedforward，oneuponeachsideoftheking，whoregardedthemrightandleft，saying:“Well，Alkmene，wellDiana，letusseewhowillbetheladyofhonorto-day。”
Bothdogssprangwithloudbarkingtothehorse，asifunderstandingthewordsoftheirmaster。Alkmene，stronger，ormoreadroit，withoneboundleapedtothesaddle；whilepoorDianalandeduponthecrouper，and，asifashamed，withhangingheadandtail，withdrewbehindthehorse。“Alkmenehaswon！“saidKretzschmartohiscompanion。“Yes，Alkmeneisthecourt-ladyto-day，andDianathecompanion，“henodded。“Shewillbecross，andIdonotblameher。”
“NorI，“saidKretzschmar；“thereisagreatdifferencebetweenthecourt-ladyandthecompanion。Theladyremainswiththekingallday；heplayswithher，takeshertowalk，givesherbonbons，andthechoicemorselsofchicken，andonlywhenshehaseatensufficient，canthecompanionentertoeattheremainder。”
[Footnote:Thiswasthedailyorderofrankwiththefavoritedogs，forwhoseservicetwodog-lackeys，astheywerecalled，werealwaysinwaiting。Theytookthemtowalk]
“Onecouldalmostenvytheking'sgreyhounds！“sighedthesecondfootman。“Wegetdogs'wages，andtheythechickenandgoodtreatment。Itisapity！“
“Theworstofitis，thekingforbidsustomarry！“saidKretzschmarsadly。“Alltheotherswouldleavehim，butIpaynoattentiontooldFritz'ssnarlingandscolding，forhepaysforitafterward；
first，itrainsabusivewords，thendollars，andifthestupidasshitsmeoverthehead，hegivesmeatleastaducatforit。Whyshouldnotoneendurescoldingswheniswellpaidforit?IremainthefinehandsomefellowthatIam，iftheoldbeardoescallmeanass！Hismajestymightwellbesatisfiedifhehadmyfinefigureandgoodcarriage。”
“Yes，indeed，weareverydifferentfellowsfromoldFritz！“saidthesecondlackey，withasatisfiedair。“Aprincessoncethoughtmeahandsomefellow！Itiselevenyearssince，asIenteredtheguardsonaccountofmydelicatefigure。IwasguardofhonorintheanteroomoftheformercrownprincessofPrussia。Itwasmyfirstexperience。Ididnotknowthewaysofthelordsandladies。
Suddenly，acharmingandbeautifully-dressedladycameintotheanteroom，twootheryoungladiesfollowingher，jokingandlaughing，quiteattheirpleasure。Allatoncetheelegantly-attiredladyfixedherlargeblackeyesuponme，soearnestly，thatIgrewquitered，andlookeddown。'Seethathandsomeboy，'shecried。'Iwillbetthatitisagirldressedup！'Sheranuptome，andbegantostrokemycheekwithhersofthand，andlaughed。'Iamright。Hehasnotthetraceofabeard；itisagirl！'AndbeforeIknewitshekissedme，thenagain，andathirdtimeeven。Istoodstillasifenchanted，and，asIthoughtanotherkisswascoming，whackwentastoutboxonmyear。'Thereisapunishmentforyou，'saidshe，'thatyoumayknowenoughtoreturnakisswhenahandsomeladygivesyouwhenthekingdidnotwishthemwithhim；insummer，inanopenwagon，thedogsupontheback-seat，andthefootmenupontheforwardseat，andwhenevertheyreprovedthem，tobringthemtoorder，theyaddressedtheminthepolitemannerofone，andnotstandlikealibber，'andwiththatsheboxedmeagain。Theothertwoladieslaughed，whichmademeangry，andmyearswereverywarm。
'Ifthathappensagain，'saidI，'bythunder，shewillfindIdonotwaittobepunished！'Ilaiddownthearms，andatoncesprangafterthelady，when——thefolding-doorswerethrownopen，andtwogentlemen，insplendidgold-embroidereddresses，entered。Astheysawthelittlelady，theystoodastonished，andmadethethreeprescribedbows。Ismelttherat，andputonmyswordquickly，andstoodstiffasapuppet。Thegentlemensaid，thattheymustbeganinterviewwithherroyalhighness，todelivertheking'scommands。
Theprincesswentintoanadjoiningroom。Oneofthecourt-ladiesstoppedbeforemeamoment，andsaid:'Ifyoueverdaretotellofthis，youshallbeputinthefortress。Rememberit，andkeepsilent。'Ididso，andkeptitasecretuntilto-day。”
“Didtheprincesseverpunishyouagain?“askedKretzchmar，withabold，spyinglook。
“No，never，“answeredthelackeySchultz。“TheprincesswasorderedtoStettinthenextday，whereshestilllivesasaprisonerforhergaypranks。”Irememberedherpunishment，andwhenaladyhaskissedme，Ihavebravelyreturnedit。”
Thefootmenhadfollowedthekinguptheslowlyascendinghorse-pathtotheterrace，andnowtheysprangquicklyforward。Kretzschmarswunghimselffromhissaddle，threwSchultzthereins，and，asthekingdrewupattheside-doorofthepalaceofSans-Souci，hestoodreadytoassisthimtodismount。Thekinghadgivenstrictordersthatnooneshouldnoticehisgoingorcoming，andto-day，asusual，heenteredwithoutpomporceremonyintohisprivateroom，followedbyKretzschmaralone。Hesankbackintohisarmchair，thebluedamaskcoveringofwhichwastornandbittenbythedogs，sothatthehorse-hairstoodoutfromtheholes。
“Nowrelatetome，Kretzschmar，howyourexpeditionsucceeded。DidyougotoBerlintoseeMademoiselleEnkelastnight?“
“Yes，yourmajesty，Iwasthere，andhavebroughtyouthewriting。”
“Wasshealone?“askedtheking，bendingovertocaressAlkmene，wholayathisfeet。
“Well，“answeredKretzschmar，grinning，“Idonotknowwhethershewasaloneornot。Ionlyknowthat，asIwaitedalittleonthecornerofthestreet，Isawagentlemangoout，wrappedinacloak，atall，broad-shoulderedgentleman，whomI——“
“Whomyounaturallydidnotrecognize，“saidtheking，interruptinghim；“itwasadarknight，andnomoon，sothatyoucouldnotsee。”
“Atyourservice，yourmajesty，Icouldseenoone；IwouldonlyaddthattheunknownmayhavebeenatMademoiselleEnke's。”
“Andhemaynothavebeen，“criedtheking，harshly。“Whatelsedidyoulearn?“
“Nothingatallworthspeakingabout。OnlyonethingImustsay，thelackeySchultzisaprattlingfool，andspeaksverydisrespectfully。”
“Didhetalkwithyou?“
“Yes，yourmajesty，withme。”
“Thenheknowswellthatitwouldbewelcome。Whatdidhesay?“
“Herelatedtomealove-affairwiththecrownprincessofPrussiaelevenyearssince。Heplumeshimselfuponthecrownprincesshavingstrokedhisbeard。”
“Bequiet！“commandedtheking，harshly。“IfSchultzwasdrunk，andtalkedinacrazymanner，howdareyourepeatittome?Letthishappenagain，andIwilldismissyoumyservice。Rememberit，youass！“
“Pardonme，yourmajesty，IthoughtImustrelateallthatIhearofimportance。”
“Thatwasnotimportant，andnotworththetroubleoftalkingabout。
IfSchultzissuchadrunkenfellowIdidnotknowit，andheistobepitied。Youcangonow；Igiveyouadaytomakeyourfarewellstoyourfriends，andtoconsolethemwiththehopeofmeetingyouagain。Puteverythinginorderthatconcernsyou。Ifyouhavedebts，paythem。”
“Ihavenomoneytopaythem，yourmajesty，“sighedKretzschmar。
Thekingsteppedtotheironcoffer，ofwhichnoonepossessedthekeybuthimself，andlookingwithinsaid:“Youcannothavemuchmoneyto-day，asthedrawerwhichcontainsthemoneyforthegossipsandspiesisquiteempty，andyouhavehadagoodshareofit。Fiveguldensremainforyou。”
“Alas！yourmajesty，itistoolittle；twenty-fiveguldenswouldnotpaymydebts。”
Thekingclosedthedrawer，saying:“JudasonlyreceivedtwentyshillingsforbetrayinghisMaster。Twenty-fiveisquiteenoughforKretzschmarforbetrayinghiscomrade。”
Kretzschmarslunkaway。Thekingfixedhisgreateyesuponhimuntilthedoorclosed。“Manisamiserablerace；forgoldhewouldsellhisownbrother——wouldsellhisownsoul，iftherecouldbefoundapurchaser，“hemurmured。“Whydoyougrowl，Alkmene，whytroubleyourself，mademoiselle?Iwasnotspeakingofyourhonorablerace；
onlyofthepitifulraceofmen。Bequiet，mylittledog，bequiet；
Iloveyou，andyouaremydearlittledog，“hesaid，pressinghercaressinglytohisbreast。
ThefootmanSchultzappearedtoannouncetheequerryVonSchwerin。
“Bidhimenter，“noddedtheking。
VonSchwerinentered，withasmilingface。“HaveyouaccomplishedwhatIconfidedtoyou?“
WithaprofoundbowVonSchwerindrewarollofpaperfromhisbreast-pocket，andhandedittotheking，saying，“Iamsofortunateastohaveaccomplishedyourcommands。”
“WillCountSchmettaugiveupthevillaatonce?“
“Yes，yourmajesty，thenewoccupantcouldtakepossessionto-day，withallthefurnitureandhousearrangements，forseventhousandfivehundreddollars。Hereisthebillofsale，onlythepurchaser'snameiswanting。Ihaveobeyedyourmajesty'scommands，andactedasifIwerethepurchaser。”
“Schmettauisnotsuchastupidfellowastobelievethat，forheknowsthatyoucannotkeepyourmoney。Yousaythecontractisready，onlythesignatureofthepurchaseriswantingandthemoney?“
“Pardonme，yourmajesty，thenameofthepresentpossessorhasnotbeeninserted。Ididnotpresumetowriteitwithouttheunmistakablecommandofyourmajesty。”
“Doyouknowthename?“askedtheking。
“Idonot，butthegenerosityofmymostgraciouskingandmasterallowsmetodivineit，andmyheartisfilledtoburstingwiththankfulnessandjoy。Mywholelifewillnotbelongenoughtoprovetoyoumygratitude。”
“Whatfor?“askedtheking，staringatVonSchwerin，quitesurprised；“youcannotsupposethatIhavepurchasedthevillaforyou?“
HerrvonSchwerinsmilinglynodded。“Ithinkso，yourmajesty。”
Fredericklaughedaloud。“Schwerin，youareanuncommonlycunningfellow。Youseethegrassgrowbeforetheseedissown。Thistimeyoudeceivedyourself——thegrasshasnotgrown。Whatgoodwoulditdoyou?Youdonotneedgrass，butthistles，andtheydonotgrowatCharlottenburg。TakethecontracttomyministerVonHerzberg，whomyouwillfindintheaudience-room，andthenwalkalittleupontheterracetoenjoythefreshair。Ipromisedyoutheprivilege。FirstgotoVonHerzberg，andsaytohimtosendthePrinceofPrussiatomeimmediatelyuponhisarrival。Whydoyouwearsomournfulafaceallofasudden?Canitbepossiblethatmychiefequerryhassoloweredhimselfastogoamongthemechanics，andbuildchateauxenEspagne?Youknowsuchhousesarenotsuitableforournorthernclimate，andfalldown。Now，dowhatItoldyou，andthengoupontheterrace。”
TheequerryglidedawaywithsorrowfulmientoVonHerzberg，andcommunicatedtheking'scommandstohim。
“Youhavemadeagoodpurchase，“saidtheminister，inafriendlymanner。“Hismajestywillbeverymuchpleasedwiththeextraordinaryzealandthegreatdexteritywithwhichyouhavearrangedthematter。CountSchmettauhasjustbeenhere，andhecouldnotsufficientlycommendyourzealandprudence，andthesympathyandinterestwhichyoushowedinthesmallestmatters，asifthepurchasewereforyourself。Thecountwishestoreservetwooilpaintingsinthesaloon，whichareanheirloomfromhisfather。
Wecannotbutletthecountretainthem。”
“Arrangeitasyouwill，“answeredtheequerry，fretfully；“Ihavenothingmoretodowiththeaffair——itliesinyourhands。”
“Butwhereareyougoinginsuchhaste?“saidHerzberg，astheequerrybowedhastily，andstrodethroughtheroomtowardthedoor。
“Hismajestycommandedmetogoupontheterrace，“hereplied，morosely。
HerrvonHerzberglookedafterhimsurprised。“Somethingmusthaveoccurred，otherwiseheisverytractable。Ah！therecomestheprince。Iwillgotomeethim，andcommunicatetohimtheking'scommand——Iwillawaityourroyalhighnesshereuntilyouhavespokenwiththeking，ifyouwillhavethegracetoseekme。”
“Iwillreturnbyallmeans，ifyouwillhavethekindnesstowaitforme，“repliedtheprince，smiling，andhastenedtotheinterviewwithhisroyaluncle。
Frederickwasseatedinhisarm-chair，uponhislapAlkmene，whenthecrownprinceentered。“Bonjour，monneveu！pardonme，“saidhe，withafriendlynod，“thatIremainseated，anddonotrisetogreetthefutureKingofPrussia。”
“Sire，HeavengrantthatmanyyearspassbeforeIsucceedtothetitlewhichmygreatandunapproachablepredecessorhasbornewithsomuchwisdomandfame，thatonecanwelldoubtthebeingabletoemulatehisexample，andmustcontenthimselftoliveundertheshadowofhisintelligenceandfame！“
Frederickslowlyshookhishead。“Thepeoplewillnotbesatisfied，northecoffersfilledbyfame。Noonecanliveuponthegreatdeedsofhisancestors；hemustbeself-sustaining，notseekforthelaurelsinthepast，butuponthenakedfieldofthefuture，whichliesbeforehim。Sowtheseedsoffuturelaurels；fametroublesmebutlittle，andIadviseyou，mynephew，nottorelyuponit。Onemustbeginaneweachday，andmakefresheffortsforvigorousdeeds。”
Thecrownprincebowed，andseatedhimselfuponthetabouret，whichtheking，withaslightwaveofthehand，signifiedtohim。
“Iwillendeavor，sire，tofollowtheelevatedsentimentsofyourmajesty，thatImaynotdishonormygreatteacher。”
“Youexpressyourselftoomodestly，mynephew，andIknowthatyouthinkotherwise；thatyourfieryspiritwillneverbecontentedtodishonoryourselforyourancestors。Fateisfavorabletoyou，andofferstheopportunitytoconfirm，whatIjudgeyoutobe——abravesoldier，askilfulcaptain——inaword，atrueHohenzollern！Iwouldmakeyouacommanderofadivisionofmyarmy，andIshallfolloweverymovement——everyoperation，withlivelyinterest。”
Arayofjoybeameduponthefaceoftheprince；Fredericksawitwithsatisfaction，andhisheartwarmedtowardhisnephew。“Hehasatleastcourage，“hesaidtohimself；“heisnosybaritetoquailbeforetheroughlifeofwar。”
“Willyourmajestysogreatlyfavormeastoaccordmeanindependentpositioninthecampaign?“
“Iofferyouwhatbelongstoyouasageneralandheirtothethrone。Onmeitdevolvestodirecttheplansandoperations，andonyoutodetailthemanddirecttheexecution。Ishallrejoicetoseethatyouunderstandtheprofessionofwarpracticallyaswellastheoretically。Therefore，thiswarissofarwelcome，thatitwillgivemycrownprinceanopportunitytowinhisfirstlaurels，andadornthebrowwhich，untilnow，hasbeencrownedwithmyrtle。”
“Yourmajesty，I——“
“Besilent——Idonotreproachyou，mynephew；Iunderstandhumannature，andtheseductiveartsofwomen。Itistimethatyouseekotherornament——myrtlebecomesayouthfulbrow，andthehelmetadornsthemancrownedwithlaurels。”
“Ihavelongdesiredit，andIamdeeplygratefultoyourmajestyfortheopportunitytowinit。Thiscampaignisgoodfortunetome。”
“Warisneveragoodfortune，“sighedtheking——“forthepeopleitisgreatmisfortune。Iwouldwillinglyhaveavoideditfortheirsake。ButthearroganceandthepassionforterritorialaggrandizementoftheyoungEmperorofGermanyforcesmetoit。I
darenot，andwillnotsufferAustriatoenrichherselfthroughforeigninheritance，ignoringthelegitimatetitleofaGermanprince。Bavariamustremainanindependent，freeGermanprincipality，underasovereignprince。Itisinevitablynecessaryforthebalanceofpower。Icannotyield，therefore，asaGermanprince，thatAustriaincreaseherpowerinanillegitimatemanner，butIwillcastmygoodswordinthescales，thatthebalanceisheavieronthesideuponwhichdependstheexistenceofGermany，thatshemaynotbetossedintheairbyAustria'sweight。ThesearemyviewsandreasonsforthewaruponwhichInowenterwithreluctance。WhenthegreatnessandequilibriumofGermanyareatstake，noGermanprinceshoulddarehesitate。AustriahasalreadycostGermanymuchblood，andwillcausehertoshedstillmore。
Believeit，mynephew，andguardyourselfagainstAustria'sambitionforterritorialaggrandizement。Yousee，Iamlikealloldpeople，alwaysteachingyouth，whilewehavemuchtolearnourselves。Weareallpupils，andourdeedsareeverimperfect。”
“Yourmajestycannotbelievethatofhimself。ThesageofSans-Souciisthetype，themaster，andteacherofallEurope。”
“Myson，“repliedtheking，“thegreatmenofantiquityrecognizeditastheacmeofwisdom，thattheymustbemindfulthat'inthemidstoflifeweareindeath。'Atthegayfestivitiesandtheluxuriousfeaststheywereinterruptedinthemerrysongandvoluptuousdance，withthewarning:'Remember，Oman，thatthoumustdie！'Letusprofitbytheirwisdom！Ihavestartledyoufromthebanquetoflife，andIdoubtnotthatmanysingersanddancerswillbeenragedthatIshouldputanendtothefeastsofrosesandthemerrydanceinsuchanabominablemanner。Itwouldbeanevilomeninourwarlikeundertaking，iftherosylipsofthebeautiesshouldbreathecursestofollowus；therefore，wemusttrytoconciliatethem，andleaveagoodsouvenirintheirhearts。Yousmile，myprince，andyouthinkitvaintroubleforanoldfellow；thatI
cannotwinthefavoroftheladiesunderanypretension；soyoumustundertakeformethereconciliationandthehush-money。”
“Iampreparedforanythingwhichyourmajestyimposesuponme；
onlyIwoulddefendmyselfagainsttheinterpretationwhichyougivemysmile——and——“
“Whichwasverynearthetruth，“interruptedtheking。“Ihavecalledyoufromthebanquetoflife，andIhaveinterruptedthedancers，crownedwithrosesinthemidstoftheirdance，whichtheywouldfinishbeforeyou。Iprayyou，then，indemnifytheenragedbeauties，andletusgoforthwithaquietconscience，thatweinnorespectareindebtedtoanyone。”
“Oh，sire，itwillbeimpossibleformetogotothefieldwithaquietconscienceuponthispoint。”
“Permitmetoextendtoyouthemeanstodoso，“repliedtheking，graciouslysmiling。“Takethislittlebox；itcontainsawonderfulelixir，proofagainstalltheinfirmitiesandweaknessesofhumanity，ofoneofthegreatestphilosophersofhumannature。Bytherightuseofit，tearsofsorrowarechangedtotearsofjoy，andaMegereaintoasmilingangel，asbyenchantment。Beforegoingtothewar，Iprayyoutoprovethemiraculouselixirupononeoftheangrybeauties。For，Irepeat，wemustputourhouseinorder，andleavenodebtsbehindus。Thedebtsofgratitudemustnotbeforgotten。Letussay'GesegneteMahlzeit'whenwehavebeenwellfeasted。”
Thekinghandedtheprincealittlebox，ofbeautifulworkmanship，andsmiledasherathervehementlythankedhim，andatthesametimetriedtoopenit。
“Iremarkwithpleasurethatyouhaveatolerablyinnocentheart，asyoubetraycuriosityaboutthewonderfulelixir。Isupposedmen，tosaynothingofbeautifulwomen，hadlongsinceinstructedyouthatitwastheonlybalsamforalltheevilsoflife。MyministerHerzbergwillgiveyouthekeyofthelittlebox，andadviseyouastotherightuseoftheelixir。Farewell，withthehopeofsoonseeingyouagain，mynephew。IstartforSilesiato-morrow，asI
musttravelslowerthanyouyoungpeople。Youwillfollowmeinafewdays。Againfarewell！“
Extendinghismeagrewhitehandtotheprince，hewithdrewitquickly，asthelatterwasabouttopressittohislips，andmotionedtothedoorkindly。
CHAPTERVIII。
THEGOLDENRAIN。
PrinceFrederickWilliambetookhimself，withpainfulcuriosity，totheaudience-room，wheretheMinistervonHerzbergawaitedhim。
“Yourexcellency，“saidhe，“hismajestyrefersmetoyou，forthetrueexplanationofthemiraculouselixircontainedinthislittlebox，andaboutwhichIamnaturallyverycurious，andbegofyouthekeytoopenit。”
“Willyourroyalhighness，“saidtheminister，smiling，“havethegracetograntmeafewmoments'conversation，whichmayserveasanexplanation，forhismajestyhasnotinrealitygivenmeakey?“
“Iprayyou，mydearexcellency，toexplainit，“criedtheprince，impatiently。
“PardonmeifIprobethetenderestfeelingsofyourheart，myprince。Thecommandofthekingimposesthisdutyuponme。Hehasknownforalongtimeofyourconnectionwithacertainperson，towhomyouaremoredevotedthantoyourwife。”
“Say，rather，hismajestyhastwiceforcedmetomarrytwounlovedandunknownprincesses，whenheknewthatIalreadylovedthiscertainperson。TwiceIhavemarried，becausethecommandofhiskingislawtothecrownprinceofPrussia。Formyloveandmysympathythereisnolawbutthatofmyownheart，andthisalonehaveIfollowed。”
“Hismajestydoesnotreproachyou。ThephilosopherofSans-Souciunderstandshumannature，andhefeelsindulgenttowardyourweakness。Heisquitesatisfiedthatyouhavechosenthisperson，asfriendandfavorite，toconsoleyourselfforanunhappymarriage。
Herlowbirthisaguarantythatshewillnevermingleinpolitics，anactwhichwouldbevisitedwithhismajesty'shighestdispleasure。Whilehismajestypermitsyoutocontinuethisintimacy，andrecognizestheexistenceofthiswoman，hewisheshertobeprovidedforasbecomesthemistressofacrownprince，andnotasthegrisetteofagentleman。Sheshouldhaveherownhouse，andtheliveryofherlord。”
“Asifitweremyfaultthatthishasnotalreadybeenarranged！“
criedtheprince。“AmInotdailyandhourlytormentedwithpoverty，andscarcelyknowhowtoturn，betweennecessaryexpensesandurgentcreditors?Youknowwellyourself，yourexcellency，howstingyandparsimoniousthekingistothecrownprince。Hescarcelyaffordsmethemeanstosupportmyfamilyinadecent，tosaynothingofaprincely，manner。Howdependentweallare，myself，mywife，andmychildrenupontheking，whoseeconomyincreases，whileourwantsandexpensesalsoincreaseeveryyear！ItissufficientlysadthatI
cannotrewardthosewhohaveprovedtomeduringtenyearstheirfidelityandlove，butImustsufferthemtoliveindependenceandwant。”
“Hismajestyunderstandsthat，andthinksthatasyourroyalhighnessistogotothefield，andwillbeexposed，asabravecommander，totheuncertainfateofbattle，thatyoushouldassurethefutureofallthosewhoaredeartoyou，andarrangeacertaincompetencyforthem。Agoodopportunitynowofferstoyou。CountSchmettauwillsellhisvillaatCharlottenburg，anditwouldbeagreeabletohismajestythatyoushouldpurchaseit，andassignittothosedearesttoyou。Inordertogiveyouaslittletroubleaspossible，hismajestyhashadthematteralreadyarranged，throughhisequerry，CountSchmettau，andthepurchasecanbemadethisveryhour。Hereisthebillofsale；onlythenameofthepresentpossessoriswanting，thesignatureofthepurchaser，andthepaymentofseventhousandfivehundredthalers。”
“Thenamescanbequicklywritten；but，yourexcellency，“criedtheprince，“wherewillthemoneycomefrom?“
“Ihavejustgivenyourroyalhighnessthekeytothelittlebox:
havethegoodnesstopresshardupontherosette。”
Theprincetouchedthespring，thecoverflewback——itcontainedonlyastripofpaper！Uponitwaswritten，intheking'sownhandwriting，“Billofexchangeuponmytreasurer。PaytotheorderofthePrinceofPrussiatwentythousandthalers。”[Footnote:
“MemoirsoftheCountessLichtenau，“vol。1]Theprince'sfacelightedupwithjoy。“Oh！thekinghasindeedgivenmeamiraculouselixir，thatcompensatesforallmisfortunes，healsallinfirmities，andisabalsamforallpossiblegriefs。Iwillbringitintouseimmediately，andsignthebillofsale。”Hesignedthepaper，andfilledwithhastethedeficiencyinthecontract。“Itisdone！“hecried，joyfully，“theproprietress，WilhelmineEnke；purchaser，FrederickWilliamofPrussia。Nothingremainstobedonebuttodrawupontheking'streasury，andpayCountSchmettau。”
“Yourroyalhighnessissparedeventhattrouble。Herearetwentyrolls，andeachrollcontainsonehundreddoubleFredericksd'or，and，whenyourhighnesscommandsit，IwillreservesevenrollsandpayCountSchmettau；thenthereremainthirteenforyourself。Hereisthecontract，whichyouwillgiveinpersontothepossessor。”
“First，Imustgototheking，“saidtheprince；“myhearturgesmetoexpressmygratitudetohim，andmydeepsenseofhisgoodnessandtenderness。Ifeelashamedwithoutbeinghumbled，likearepentantson，whohasdoubtedthegenerosityandgoodnessofhisfather，becausehehassometimesseverelyreprimandedhisfaults。I
mustgoatoncetotheking。”
“Hewillnotreceiveyourroyalhighness，“answeredHerzberg，smiling。“Youknowoursovereign，whosofullydeservesouradmirationandlove。Hisfavorandgoodnessbeamuponusall，andhedesiresneitherthanksnoracknowledgment。Heperformshisnoble，gloriousdeedsinaharshmanner，thathemayrelievetherecipientsofhisbountyfromtheburdenofgratitude；andoftenwhenheisthemostmoroseandharsh，isheatheartthemostgraciousandaffectionate。Youandyourshaveexperienceditto-day。Heappearedtobeangry，andenvelopedhimselfinthetogaofaseverejudgeofmorals；but，underthistoga，therebeatthekind，nobleheartofafriendandfather，whopunisheswithrigorouswords，andforgiveswithgenerous，benevolentdeeds。”
“ForthisImustthankhim——hemustlistentome！“criedtheprince。
“Hewillbeangryifyourroyalhighnessforceshimtoreceivethankswhenhewouldavoidthem。Hehasexpresslycommandedmetoentreatyounevertoalludetotheaffair，andnevertospeakofittoothers，asitwouldnotbeagreeabletohismajestytohavethefamilyaffairsknowntotheworld。Youwouldbestpleasehismajestybyfollowingexactlyhiswishes，andwhenyoumeethimneveralludetoit。AsIhavesaid，thisistheexpresswishandcommandoftheking。”
“WhichImustnaturallyfollow，“sighedtheprince，“althoughI
acknowledgethatitisunpleasanttometoreceivesomuchkindnessfromhimwithoutatleastreturningmymostheart-feltthanks。Saytotheking，thatIamdeeply，sensiblymovedwithhistendersympathyandgenerosity。AndnowIwillhastentoWilhelmineEnke；
but，itoccurstomethatitmaynotbepossible；thekinghasmadeheraprisonerinherownhouse。”
“Donottroubleyourselfaboutthat。Ifitisyourroyalhighness'spleasure，driveatoncetoCharlottenburg。YouwillfindthenewpossessorthereandshewillrelatetoyouherinterviewwiththemayorofBerlin。”
“Oh！Ishalldriveatoncetothevilla。IamcurioustolearnwhatVonKircheisenhastoldher。”
“Iimaginedthatyouwouldbe，andorderedyourcarriagehere，asyoucouldnotwellrideuponhorsebackwiththeheavyrollsofgold；
andifitisyourpleasure，Iwillorderthefootmantoplacethebox，intowhichIhaveputthem，inthecarriage。”
“No，no；Ibegyoutoletmecarrythem，“criedtheprince，seizingtheboxwithbothhands。“Itistrulyheavy，butanagreeableburden，andifitlamesmyarmIshallbethinkmyselfofthemiraculouselixir，whichwillgivemecourageandstrength。
Farewell，yourexcellency；IshallhurryontoCharlottenburg！“
Theprincehastenedtohiscarriage，andorderedthecoachmantodriveatfullspeedtothevilla。Thankstothisorder，hereacheditinaboutanhour。Noonewastheretoreceivehimuponhisarrival。Thehallwasempty，andtheroomswereclosed。Theprincepassedontotheoppositeend，wheretherewasadooropen，andstooduponabalcony，withstepsdescendingintothegarden，which，withitsflower-beds，grass-plots，shrubbery，andthetalltrees，formedalovelybackground。Thebirdsweresinging，thetreesrustled，andvariegatedbutterfliesflutteredovertheodorousflowers。Upontheturf，formingabeautifulgroup，wasWilhelmineplayingwithherdaughter，andthenursewiththelittleboyuponherlap，wholaughinglystretchedouthisarmstowardhismother。
“Wilhelmine——Wilhelmine！“criedtheprince。
Withacryofjoysheanswered，andflewtowardthehouse。“Youhavecomeatlast，mybelovedlord，“shecried，almostbreathless，mountingthesteps。“Ibegyoutotellmewhatallthismeans?Iamdyingofcuriosity！“
“Ialso，“saidtheprince，smiling。“Havethegoodnesstoleadmetooneoftherooms，thatImaysetdownthisbox。”
“Whatdoesthathobgoblincontain，thatitpreventsyourembracingme?“
“Donotask，buthastentoassistmetorelievemyselfoftheburden。”Theyenteredthehouse，andWilhelmineopenedthewidefolding-doors，whichledintoaverytastefully-furnishedroom。
FrederickWilliamsettheboxuponthemarbletable，andsankuponadivanwithWilhelmineinhisarms。“Firstofall，tellmewhatVonKircheisensaidtoyou?“
“Hecommandedme，inthenameoftheking，togiveupmydwellingatBerlinandatPotsdam，andtoavoidshowingmyselfinpublicatbothplaces，thatthosewhohadtherighttotheloveandfidelityofthePrinceofPrussiashouldnotbeannoyedatthesightofme；thatI
shouldliveretired，andleavetheappointedresidenceaslittleaspossible，forthenthekingwouldbeinclinedtoignoremyexistence，andtakenofurthernoticeofme。But，ifIattemptedtoplayarole，hismajestywouldtakegoodcarethatitshouldbeforeverplayedout。”
“Thosewereharsh，cruelwords，“sighedFrederickWilliam。
“Harsh，cruelwords，“repeatedWilhelmine，sorrowfully。“Theypiercedmysoul，andIshriekedatlastfromagony。HerrvonKircheisenwasquitefrightened，andbeggedmetoexcusehim，thathemustthusspeaktome，butthekinghadcommandedhimtorepeathisverywords。Thecarriagewasatthedoor，hesaid，readytoconveymetomyfuturedwelling，forImustimmediatelyleaveBerlin，andthekingbeinformedofmysettingout。Thecoachmanreceivedtheorder，andhereIam，withoutknowingwhatIamtodo，orwhetherIshallremainhere。”
“Yes，Wilhelmine，youaretoremainhere；atlastwehaveahome，andaresting-placeforourloveandourchildren。Thishouseisyours——youaremistresshere，andyoumustwelcomemeasyourguest。”
“Thishouseismine！“shecried，joyfully。“Didyougiveittome?
Howgenerous，andhowextravagantyouare！Protectmewiththegiftofyourlove，asifyouwereJupiterandIDanae！“
“Abeautifulpicture，and，thatitmaybeareality，IwillplaytheroleofJupiterandopenthebox。”
Hetookarollofgold，andletitfalluponWilhelmine'shead，herbeautifulshoulders，andherarms，likeashowerofgold。Sheshriekedandlaughed，andsoughttogatherupthepieceswhichrolledringingaroundheruponthefloor。Theprinceseizedanotherroll，andanotherstill，tillshewasfloodedwiththeglisteningpieces。Thenanotherandanother，untilWilhelmine，laughing，screamedforgrace，andsprangup，thegoldrollingaroundherliketeasinggoblins。
CHAPTERIX。
GERMANLITERATUREANDTHEKING。
TheMinisterHerzberghad，inthemeantime，aninterviewwiththeking，informinghimoftheconcludedpurchaseoftheSchmettauvilla，andoftheemotionandgratitudeofthecrownprinceathisroyalmunificence。
“Thataffairisarranged，then，“saidFrederick。“IfFatewillsthattheprinceshouldnotreturnfromthiscampaign，thenthiscertainpersonandthetwopoorwormsareprovidedfor，whoaredestinedtowanderthroughtheworldnamelessandfatherless。”
“Letushopethatfatewillnotdealsoharshlywiththeprince，orbringsuchsorrowuponyourmajesty。”
“Mydearsir，Fateisahard-heartedcreature，thetearsofmankindareofnomoreimportancetoherthantheraindropsfallingfromtheroof。Shestrideswithgiganticpowerovermen，crushingthemallindust——thegreataswellasthelittle——thekingaswellasthebeggar。FormypartIyieldtoFatewithoutamurmur。PoliticiansandwarriorsaremerepuppetsinthehandsofProvidence。Weactwithoutknowingwhy，forweareunknowinglythetoolsofaninvisiblehand。Oftentheresultofouractionsisthereverseofourhopes！Letallthingstaketheircourse，asitbestpleasesGod，andletusnotthinktomasterFate。[Footnote:Theking'swords——
“PosthumousWorks，“vol。x。，p。256。]Thatismycreed，Herzberg，andifIdonotreturnfromthisinfamouscampaign，youwillknowthatIhaveyieldedtoFatewithoutmurmuring。Youunderstandmywishesinallthings；thecurrentaffairsofgovernmentshouldgoonregularly。Ifanythingextraordinaryoccurs，letmebeinformedatonce。Isthereanynews，Herzberg?“
“Nothingworthrecounting，sire，exceptthattheyoungDukeofWeimarisintown。”
“Iknowit；hehasannouncedhimself。Icannotspeakwithhim。I
haveaskedmybrotherHenrytoarrangetheconditionsunderwhichhewillallowustoenlistmenformyarmyinhisduchy。Ihopehewillbereasonable，andnotpreventit。ThatisnonewsthattheDukeofWeimarhasarrived！“
“Notonlythedukehasarrived，buthehasbroughthisdearfriendwithhimwhomthepeopleinSaxe-Weimarsaymakesthegoodandbadweather。”
“Whoistheweather-maker?“
“Yourmajesty，thisweather-makeristheauthorof'TheSorrowsofYoungWerther，'JohannWolfgangGoethe，whoforfouryearshasarousedtheheartsandexcitedtheimaginationsofallGermany。IfI
amnotdeceived，agreatfutureopensforthispoet，andhewillbeastarofthefirstmagnitudeintheskyofGermanliterature。I
believeitwouldbewellworththetroubleforyourmajestytoseehim。”
“DonottroublemewithyourGermanliterature，andyourstarsofthefirstmagnitude！Wemustacknowledgeourpovertywithhumility；
belles-lettreshaveneverachievedsuccessuponoursoil。Moreover，thisstarofthefirstmagnitude——thisHerrGoethe——Irememberhimwell；Iwishtoknownothingofhim。Hehasquiteturnedtheheadsofallthelove-sickfoolswithhis'SorrowsofYoungWerther。'Youcannotcountthatamerit。TheyouthofGermanyweresufficientlyenamoured，withoutthelove-whiningromancesofHerrGoethetopouroilonthefire。”
“Pardonme，sire，thatIshouldpresumetodifferfromyou；butthisbookwhichyourmajestycondemnshasnotonlyproducedafurorinGermany，butthroughoutEurope——throughouttheworldeven。Thatwhichpublicopinionsustainsinsuchamarkedmannercannotbewhollyunworthy。'Voxpopuli，voxdei，'isatruemaximinallages。”
“Itisnottrue！“criedtheking。“TheoldRomanmaximisnotapplicabletooureffeminate，degradedpeople。Nowadays，whoeverflattersthepeopleandglorifiestheirweaknesses，isagoodfellow，andheisextolledtotheskies。PublicopinioncallshimageniusandaMessiah。Awaywithyournonsense！The'Werther'ofHerrGoethehaswroughtnogood；ithasmadethehealthysick，andhasnotrestoredinvalidstohealth。Sinceitsappearanceamadlove-
feverhasseizedalltheyoungpeople，andsillysentimentalitiesandflirtationshavebecomethefashion。ThesemodernWerthersbehaveasiflovewereatarantula，withthebiteofwhichtheymustbecomemad，tobeconsideredmodelyoungmen。Theygroanandsigh，takemoonlightwalks，buttheyhavenocourageintheirsouls，andwillnevermakegoodsoldiers。ThisisthefaultofHerrWerther，andhisabominablelamentations。
Itisamiserablework，andnotworththetroubleoftalkingabout，fornoearnestmanwillreadit！“
“Pardonme，sire；yourmajestyhasgraciouslypermittedmetoenterthelistsasknightandchampionofGermanliterature，andsometimestodefendtheGermanMuse，whostandsunnoticedandunknownundertheshadowofyourthrone；whiletheFrenchlady，withherbrilliantattireandpaintedcheeks，isalwayswelcomed。Ibegyourmajestytobelievethat，althoughthisromancemayhavedonesomeharm，ithas，ontheotherhand，doneinfiniteservice。Agreatandimmortalmeritcannotbedeniedtoit。”
“Whatmerit?“demandedtheking，slowlytakingapinchofsnuff；“I
amverycurioustoknowwhatmeritthatcrazy，love-sickbookhas。”
“Sire，ithasthegreatmerittohaveenrichedtheGermanliteraturewithaworkwhosemasterlylanguagealoneraisesitaboveeverythingheretoforeproducedbyaGermanauthor。Ithasemancipatedourcountry'sliteraturefromitsclumsy，awkwardchildhood，andpresenteditasanardent，inspiredyouth，readyforcombat，uponthelipsofwhomthegodshaveplacedtherightwordtoexpresseveryfeelingandeverythought——ayouthwhoiscapableofprobingthedepthsofthehumanheart。”
“Iwishallthismighthaveremainedinthedepths，“criedFrederick，annoyed。“YouhavedefendedtheGermanMusebefore；butyourememberthatIamincorrigible。Youcannotpersuademethatbunglingismaster-work。Itisnotthepovertyofthemind，butthefaultofthelanguage，whichisnotcapableofexpressingwithbrevityandprecision。ForhowcouldanyonetranslateTacitusintoGermanwithoutaddingamassofwordsandphrases?InFrenchitisnotnecessary；onecanexpresshimselfwithbrevity，andtothepoint。”
“Sire，IshallpermitmyselftoprovetoyouthatthebrevityofTacituscanbeimitatedintheGermanlanguage。IwilltranslateapartofTacitus，togiveyourmajestyaproof。”
“Iwilltakeyouatyourword！AndIwillansweryouinatreatiseuponGermanliterature，itsshort-comings，andthemeansforitsimprovement。[Footnote:ThistreatiseappearedduringtheBavarianwarofsuccession，inthewinterof1779]Untilthen，atruce。I
insistuponit——goodGermanauthorsareentirelywantingtousGermans。TheymayappearalongtimeafterIhavejoinedVoltaireandAlgarottiintheElysianFields。”[Footnote:Theking'swords——
See“PosthumousWorks，“vol。II。，p。293。]
“Theyarealreadyhere，“criedHerzberg，zealously。“Wehave，forexample，Lessing，whohaswrittentwodramas，ofwhicheverynationmightbeproud——'MinnavonBarnhelm，andEmiliaCalotti。'“
“Iknownothingofthem，“saidtheking，withindifference。“IhaveneverheardofyourLessing。”
“Yourmajesty，thiswonderfulcomedy，'MinnavonBarnhelm，'waswrittenforyourmajesty'sglorification。”
“ThemorethereasonwhyIshouldnotreadit！AGermancomedy！ThatmustbefinestufffortheGermantheatre，themostmiserableofall。InGermany，Melpomenehasuntutoredadmirers，somewalkingonstilts，otherscrawlinginthemire，fromthealtarsofthegoddess。
TheGermanswilleverberepulsed，astheyarerebelstoherlaws，andunderstandnotthearttomoveandinteresttheheart。”
“But，sire，youhaveneverdeignedtobecomeacquaintedwith'MinnavonBarnhelm'nor'EmiliaCalotti。'“
“Well，well，Herzberg，donotbesofurious；youarealoverofGermanliterature，andsomeallowancemustbemadeforthosewhoareinlove。YouwillnotpersuademetoreadyourthingswhichyoucallGermancomediesandtragedies。Iwilltakegoodcare；myteetharenotstrongenoughtogrindsuchhardbits。Nowdonotbeangry，Herzberg。ThefirstleisurehoursthatIhaveinthiscampaignI
shallemployonmytreatise。”
“AndthefirstleisurehoursthatIhave，“growledtheminister，“I
shallemploytotranslateaportionofTacitusintoourbeautifulGermanlanguage，tosendtoyourmajesty。”
“Youareincorrigible，“saidFrederick，smiling。“Weshallsee，anduntilthenletuskeepthepeace，Herzberg。Whenoneisabouttogotowar，itiswelltobeatpeacewithone'sconscienceandwithhisfriends；soletusbegoodfriends。”
“Yourmajesty，yourgraciousnessandkindnessmakemetrulyashamed，“saidtheminister，feelingly。“Ibegpardonathousandtimes，ifIhaveallowedmyselftobecarriedawaywithunbecomingviolenceinmyzealforourpoorneglectedGermanliterature。”
“Iapproveofyourzeal，anditpleasesmethatyouareafaithfulknight，sanspeuretsansreproche。IdonotascribeitspovertytotheGermannation，whohaveasmuchspiritandgeniusasanynation，thementaldevelopmentofwhichhasbeenretardedbyoutwardcircumstances，whichpreventedherrisingtoanequalitywithherneighbors。Weshallonedayhaveclassicalwriters，andeveryonewillreadthemtocultivatehimself。OurneighborswilllearnGerman，anditwillbespokenwithpleasureatcourts；anditcanwellhappenthatourlanguage，whenperfectlyformed，willspreadthroughoutEurope。WeshallhaveourGermanclassicsalso。”
[Footnote:Theking'swords——see“PosthumousWorks，“vol。III。]
Thekingsmiled，wellpleased，asheobservedbystolenglancesthenoble，intelligentfaceofHerzbergbrighten，andthegloomycloudsdispersedwhichhadovershadowedit。
“Now，isitnottruethatyouareagaincontented?“saidtheking，graciously。
“IamdelightedwiththeprophecyfortheGermanlanguage，yourmajesty；andmayIaddsomething?“
“Itwillweighonyourheartifyoudonottellit，“saidtheking。
“IprophesythatthisGoethewillonedaybelongtotheclassicauthors，andthereforeIwouldbegoncemoreofyourmajestytogranthimagraciouslook，andinvitehimtoyourpresence。Ifyoufindnopleasurein'TheSorrowsofWerther，'Goethehascreatedotherbeautifulworks。Heistheauthorofthetragedyof'Stella。'“
“Thatsentimental，immoralpiece，whichweforbidtherepresentationofinBerlin，becauseitportraysafellowwhomadelovetotwowomenatonce，playingthedoubleroleoflovertohiswifeandhisparamour，whilehehadagrown-updaughter！Itisanimmoralpiece，whichexcitesthetear-glands，andendsas'Werther，'bytheheroblowinghisbrainsout。Itisdirectedagainstallmorals，andagainstmarriage；thereforeitwasforbidden。”[Footnote:Thetragedyof“Stella“wasrepresentedinBerlinwithgreatapplause，anddenouncedbythekingasimmoral，intheyear1776，andthefurtherrepresentationforbidden——SeePlumke，“HistoryoftheBerlinTheatres。”]
“But，sire，HerrGoethehasnotonlywritten'Stella，'but'Clavigo'
also，which——“
“Whichhehascopiedexactlyfromthe'MemoiresdeBeaumarchais，'“
interruptedtheking。“ThatisnotaGerman，butaFrenchproduction。”
“AllowmetociteagenuineGermanproduction，whichJohannWolfgangGoethehaswritten。Imeanthedrama'GotzvonBerlichingen。'“
“Stop！——itissufficient。Idonotwishtohearanythingmore，“
criedtheking，indignant，andrising。“ItisbadenoughthatsuchpiecesshouldappearupontheGermanstageasthis'GotzvonBerlichingen。'TheyarenothinglessthanabominableimitationsofthebadEnglishpiecesofShakespeare！Thepitapplaudsthem，anddemandswithenthusiasmtheseverydisgustingplatitudes。[Footnote:
Theking'sownwords——See“PosthumousWorks，“vol。iii。]Donotbeangryagain，youmusthavepatiencewiththeoldboy！IshallrejoiceheartilyifthisHerrGoethebecomesaclassicwriteroneday，asyousay。Ishallnotlivetowitnessit。Ionlyseetheembryowhereyouseethefull-grownauthor。WewilltalkfurtheraboutitwhenwemeetintheElysianFields；thenwewillsee，whenyoupresentthisHerrJohannWolfgangGoethe，asaGermanclassicwriter，toHomer，Horace，Virgil，andCorneille，iftheydonotturntheirbacksuponhim。Nowadieu，Herzberg！Sosoonascircumstancespermit，IshallsendforyoutogotoSilesia，andthenyoucangivemeyourGermantranslationofTacitus。”
Thekingnoddedinafriendlymannertohisminister，andslowlywalkedbackandforth，whilehetookleaveandwithdrew。Afterafewmomentsherang，andthesummonswasimmediatelyansweredbythefootmanSchultz。
Thekingfixeduponhimoneofthosesearchingglancesofhisfieryeyeswhichconfoundedandconfusedthefootman。Heremainedstandingandembarrassed，withdowncastlook。
“Whatareyoustandingtherefor?“askedtheking。“DidInotringforyou，anddoyounotknowwhatyouhavetodo?“Frederickcontinuedtoregardhim，withflashingeyes，whichincreasedthelackey'sconfusion。
Heforgotentirelythatthesummonswasforhismajesty'slunch，andallthathehadtodowastoopenthedoortotheadjoiningroom，whereitstoodalreadyprepared。
Frederickwaitedamoment，butthefootmanstillstoodirresolute，whenhismajestyindicatedtohimtoapproach。
Heapproached，staggeringunderthepuzzlingglanceofhismaster。
“Oh！Iseewhatitis，“saidFrederick，shrugginghisshoulders；
“youaredrunkagain，asyouoftenare，and——“
“Yourmajesty，“criedSchultz，amazed，“Idrunk！“
“Silence！——willyoubeboldenoughtoreasonwithme?Isaythatyouaredrunk，andIwantnodrunkenfootmen。Theymustbewell-behaved，soberfellows，whokeeptheirearsopenandtheirmouthsshut——whoareneitherdrunkardsnorgossips，anddonottakefortruthwhattheyhaveexperiencedintheirdrunkenfits。Idonotwantsuchfellowsasyouareatall；youareonlyfitfoodforcannon，andforthatyoushallserve。GotoGeneralAlvensleben，andpresentyourselftoentertheguards。Youareluckytogotothefieldatonce；to-morrowyouwillsetoff。SaytothegeneralthatIsentyou，andthatyouaretoenterasacommonsoldier。”
“But，yourmajesty，IdonotknowwhatIhavedone，“criedSchultz，whiningly。“Ireallyamnotdrunk。I——“
“Silence！“thunderedtheking。“DoasIcommandyou！GotoGeneralAlvensleben，andpresentyourselftoentertheguardsatonce。Awaywithyou！Idonotneeddrunken，gossipingfootmeninmyservice。
Awaywithyou！“
Thefootmanslunkslowlyaway，hisheadhangingdown，withdifficultyrestrainingthetearswhichstoodinlargedropsinhiseyes。
Thekingfollowedhimwithhisglance，whichsoftenedandgrewgentlerfromsympathy。“Ipityhim，thepoorfellow！butImustteachhimalesson。Iwantnogossipsaroundme。Heneedonlyweartheuniformtwoweeksorso，thatwillbringhimtoreason。ThenI
willpardonhim，andreceivehimintomyserviceagain。Heisagood-naturedfellow，andwouldnotbetrayanyoneasKretzschmarbetrayedhim。”
ThekingsteppedtothewindowtolookatthegentlemanwhowaseagerlyengagedinconversationwiththecastellanofSans-Souci。Atthisinstantthefootmanenteredwithasealednotefortheking。