“YourmajestypointedoutAustriaasthecatwatchingforpreyinGermany。Prussia，onthecontrary，astheshepherd'sdog，whichshouldwatchthenativeherd，andoccasionallybitethosewhowanderfromtheflock。Thecomparisonisapt，andclearlyexposesthenaturalhostilityofthetwonations。Naturehasplacedthecatandthedogineternalenmity，andthereisnocompromisetobethoughtof，tosaynothingoffriendship。Theremay，nowandthen，beatruce；thecatmaydrawinherclaws，andthedogmayceasetohowlandgrowl，butthecombatwillrenewitself，andneverend，butinthedeathofoneparty，andthevictorioustriumphoftheother。”
“Youareright，“saidtheking，noddingslightly。“Fromthisnaturalhostilitywillproceedmanycombatsandstormsforourland，andmuchbloodwillbeshedonitsaccount。Letuslooktothefuture，andtrytowardoffthecomingevil，inerectinghighbarriersagainstthecat-likespringsoftheenemy。IwillthinkoutasecurityforGermany。Butfirst，moncherami，wehavetocareforourowncountryandpeople。Thewarhasgreatlyinjuredmypoorsubjects。Industryisprostratedandprosperitydisturbed。Wemustseeknewsourcesofacquisition，andsustainthosewhichareexhausted。Forthis，wemustthinkoffreshtaxes，andothersourcesofincome。”
“Sire，“saidHerzberg，shrugginghisshoulders，“thetaxesarealreadysoheavythatitwillbedifficulttoincreasethem。”
“Youaregreatlymistaken，“criedtheking，withincreasedanimation。“Iwillimposeataxuponthosethingswhicharenowexempt，andestablishacapableadministrationforthepurpose。
Bread，flour，meat，andbeer，thesustenanceofthepoor，shallremainastheyare，forIwillnotthattheyshallpaymore。Buttobacco，coffee，andtea，aresuperfluousthings，whichtheprosperousandrichconsume。Whoeverwillsmoke，anddrinkteaorcoffee，canandshallpayforbeingagourmand！“
“Ibegpardon，butitisjustthesetaxeswhichwillcreatethegreatestdiscontent，“answeredHerzberg。“Yourmajestywillrememberthatthedutyoncoffeewascomplainedofandcriticisedbyeveryone，andthepoorpeoplegrumbledmorethanall。Inspiteoftheresistanceofgovernment，coffeehasbecome，moreandmore，ameansofnourishmentandrefreshmentforthelowerclass。”
“Iwillteachthemtorenounceit，“criedtheking，strikingthetableviolentlywithhisstaff“Iwillnotsuffersomuchmoneytogooutofthecountryforthisabominablebeverage！Mypeopleshallre-learntodrinktheirbeer，insteadofthisinfamousstuff，asI
hadtodowhenayoungman。WhatwasgoodenoughforthecrownprinceofPrussia，willto-daysufficeforhissubjects。Itellyou，Herzberg，Iwillteachthemtodrinktheirbeer，orpaydearlyforthisbad，foreignstuff。Thenwewillseewhichwillconquer，Prussianbeerorforeigncoffee。”
“Itispossiblethattheformerwillbevictoriousonaccountoftheirpovertyandthehighduties；butinanycasethepeoplewillbediscontented，andgrumbleagainstyourmajesty。”
“DoyousupposethatIcareforthat?“askedtheking，withaquick，fieryglanceatthecalm，earnestfaceofhisconfidant。“DoyouthinkthatIcarefortheapplauseofthepeople，ortroublemyselfabouttheircomplaints?Iregardtheirshoutingortheirgrumblingaboutasmuchasthehummingorbuzzingofaflyuponthewall。Ifitdarestolightuponmynose，Ibrushitoff；andifIcan，I
catchit。Beyondthat，itisitsnaturetohumandbuzz。Herzberg，youunderstandthatifarulershouldlistentothepraisesordiscontentofhissubjects，hewouldsoonbealostman，andwouldnotknowhisownmind。Thepeoplearechangeableastheweather；to-
morrowtheycrushundertheirfeetwhatto-daytheyborealoft，andpraiseonedaywhattheystonethenext。Donottalktomeaboutthepeople！Iknowthischildish，foolishmass，andheislostwhocountsupontheirfavor。Itisallthesametomewhethertheylikeorhateme。Ishallalwaysdomydutytomysubjectsaccordingtothebestofmyknowledgeandability，asitbecomesanhonorableandfaithfulofficer。Asthechiefandmostresponsibleservantofmykingdom，Ishouldbemindfultoincreaseherincomeanddiminishherexpenses——tolaytaxesupontherich，andlightenthemforthepoor。
Thisismytask，andIwillfulfilitsolongasIlive！“
“Oh，“criedHerzberg，withenthusiasm，“wouldthattheentirenationmighthearthesewords，andengravethemupontheirhearts！“
“Whythat，moncher?“askedFrederick，shrugginghisshoulders。“I
donotasktobedeified；mysubjectsareperfectlywelcometodiscussmyacts，solongastheypaymepunctually，andorderandquietarerespectedandpreserved。”
“Allthatisdone，“saidHerzberg，joyfully。“Themachineofstateissowellarranged，thatshehasfulfilledherdutyduringthewar，andwillsoonreestablishprosperity。”
“Particularly，“criedtheking，“ifwerightlyunderstandtheartofagriculture。Intheendeverythingdependsuponhimwhobestcultivateshisfield。Thisisthehighestart，forwithoutittherewouldbenomerchants，courtiers，kings，poets，orphilosophers。Theproductionsoftheeartharethetruestriches。Hewhoimproveshisground，bringswastelandundertheplough，drainstheswamps，makesthemostgloriousconquestsoverbarbarism。”
“Andthosearealsoconquerors，sire，“saidHerzberg，smiling，“whodrainthementalswamps，andimprovethewastementalground。Sucharethosewhoincreasetheschoolsandinstructthepeople。Ihavecausedtheschoolauthoritiestoreporttome，accordingtoyourmajesty'scommand。Ahappyprogresshasbeennoticedeverywhere。
Cultivationandeducationareadvancing；andsinceourteachershaveadoptedtheprinciplesofRousseau，amorehumanespiritisperceptiblethroughoutourschools。”
“WhatprincipledoweowetoJeanJacques?“askedtheking。
“Sire，theprinciplethatmanisgoodbynature！“
“Ah，moncher，whosaysthatknowsbutlittleoftheabominableracetowhichwebelong！“[Footnote:Theking'swords——See“Prussia。”
vol。iv。，p。221。]
“Doyounotbelieveinthisdoctrine?“askedHerzberg。
Thekingraisedhislargeblueeyesmusinglytothebustsplaceduponthebookcases，andaroundthewalls。TheylingeredlonguponthoseofHomer，Plato，andD'Alembert；thenturnedtothatofVoltaire，withitssatyr-likeface。“No，Idonotbelieveit，“hesadlyresponded。“Mankindisanignoblerace；stillonemustlovethem，foramongthewickedarealwayssomeworthyones，whoselightbeamssobrightlyclear，thattheychangenightintoday。DuringmylifeIhavelearnedtoknowmanybase，miserablecreatures，butI
havebecomereconciledtothem，asIhavealsofoundsomewhowerevirtuousandexcellent——somewhowerenobleandbeautiful，asthegrainsofwheatamongthechaff。Youbelongtothelatter，myHerzberg；andasinheavenmanyunjustwillbeforgivenforonejustperson，sowillIuponearthforgiveonyouraccounttheTrencks，Schaffgotschs，Goernes，Voltaires，Wallraves，Glasows，Dahsens，andallthetraitors，poisoners，andperfidiousones，astheymaybecalled。Remainbymysideandsustainme，topreventmanyawickedthingandbringtopassmuchthatisgood。Ishallalwaysbegratefultoyouinmyheartforit；thatyoucandependuponevenifmyweather-beatenfacelooksill-humored，andmyvoiceispeevish。
RememberthatIamafretfuloldman，whoisdailywastingaway，approachingthatbournefromwhichnotravellerhaseverreturned。”
“Godgrantthatyourmajestymaybefarremovedfromthisbourne！“
saidHerzberg，withemotion。“AndHemaygrantitonaccountofyoursubjects，whoaresomuchinneedofyourcareandgovernment。”
“Thereisnooneuponearthwhocouldnotbereplaced，“saidtheking，shakinghishead。“WhenIamgone，theywillshouttomysuccessor。Itrustmysubjectswillexchangeagoodrulerfortheirfretfuloldking。Ihavebeenverywellsatisfiedwithhimduringthecampaign，andhehasshownabilityinthediplomaticmissiontoSt。Petersburg。Hehasprovedhimselfasoldierandadiplomat，andIhopehewillbecomeagreatking。Herzberg，whydoyounotanswerme，butcastdownyoureyes?Whatdoesyoursilencemean?“
“Nothingatall——trulynothing！Thecrownprincehasanoble，generousheart，agoodunderstanding；only——“
“Whyhesitate，Herzberg?Goon——whatisyour'only?'“
“Iwouldonlysaythatthecrownprincemustbewareand。notbegovernedbyothers。”
“Oh，youmeanthathewillberuledbymistressesandfavorites?“
“Idofearit，yourmajesty！Youwellknowthatthecrownprincesaregenerallytheantipodesofthoseascendanttothethrone。Iftherulerhasonlyanenlightenedmind，andisfreefromprejudices，so——
“
“Ishiscrownprinceanobscurer，“addedquicklytheking，“havingthemoreprejudices，andiscapableofbeingruledbymysticsandexorcists。Isnotthatyourmeaning?“
CountHerzbergnodded。Thekingcontinuedwithanimation:“Someonehastoldmeofanewfriendwhoreturnedfromthewarwiththeprince，andwhobelongstotheRosicruciansandexhorters，andhopestofindmanyadherentshereforsuchdeceptions。Isittrue?“
“Yes，sire。ItisColonelBischofswerder，aRosicrucianandnecromancerandofcourseofverypleasantaddress。HehasindeedalreadygainedmuchpowerovertheimpressiblemindofFrederickWilliam，andhisimportanceisgreatlyontheincrease。”
“Whatdoesthecrownprince'smistresssaytoit?Isshenotjealous?“
“Ofwhichonedoesyourmajestyspeak?“
Thekingstarted，andhiseyesflashed。“What！“hecriedwithvehemence，“isthereaquestionofseveral?HasthecrownprinceothersbesidesWilhelmineEnke，whomIhavetolerated?“
“Sire，unfortunately，theprincehasnotaveryfaithfulheart。
Besides，itisBischofswerder'splan，asIsuppose，toseparatehimfromWilhelmine，whowillnotsubordinateherselftohim，andwhoevendarestomockthenecromancersandvisionaries，andopposethemtothecrownprince。”
“DoesEnkedothat?“askedtheking。
“Yes，sire，“answeredHerzberg，asthekingroseandslowlypacedtheroom。“Andonemustacknowledgethatinthatshedoeswellandnobly。Otherwiseonecannotreproachher。Sheleadsaquiet，retiredlife，veryseldomleavingherbeautifulvillaatCharlottenburg，butdevotesherselftotheeducationofherchildren。Sheissurroundedwithhighly-educatedmen，savants，poets，andartists，whoindeedallbelongtotheenlightened，theso-calledIlluminati，andwhichareathornintheeyetoColonelBischofswerder。YourmajestywillperceivethatIhavesomegoodinformantsinthiscircle，andthelatestnewstheybringmeisthatthebadinfluenceisupontheincrease。TheRosicruciansreproachtheprinceforhisimmoralconnectionwithWilhelmineEnke，astheywouldreplaceherbyonewhogivesherselfuptothem。”
“Thatshallnottakeplace，“criedtheking。“No，wewillnotsufferthat；andparticularlywhenweareforcedtorecognizesuchabominableconnections，weshouldendeavortochoosethemostdesirable。Icannotpermitthatthisperson，whohasatleastheartandunderstanding，shouldbepushedasidebyBischofswerder。Mynephewshallretainher，andsheshalldriveawaytheRosicrucianswithalltheirdeviltries。Herzberg，goandtellthecrownprince，fromme，thatIorder——“
Hismajestysuddenlystopped，andlookedatHerzbergwithsurprise，whowassmiling。
“Whydoyoulaugh，Herzberg?“
“Iwasnotlaughing，sire。Ifmylipquiveredagainstmywill，itwasbecauseIstupidlyandfoolishlydaredtofinishthebrokensentence。”
“Well，howdidyoumanagetoconcludeit?“
“Sire，yourmajestysaid，'TellthecrownprincethatIorderhim'——
andthereyouceased。Iadded'orderhimtoloveWilhelmineEnke，andbefaithfultoher。'Ibegpardonformymistake。Ishouldhaveknownthatyourmajestycouldnevercommandtheexecutionofthatwhichisnottobeforced；thatmygreatkingrecognizes，aswellasI，thatloveisnotcompulsory，orfidelityeither。Pardonmeformyimpertinence，andtellmetheorderwhichIshalltaketothecrownprincefrommybelovedkingandmaster。”
Thekingsteppedcloseuptotheminister，andgazedwithahalf-
sad，half-tenderexpressioninthenobleandgentlefaceofHerzberg，andinthesensiblebrowneyes，whichsanknotbeneaththefieryglanceofFrederick。Then，slowlyraisinghishandfromthestaff，hemenacedhimwithhislong，bonyforefinger。
“Herzberg，youarearogue，andwillteachmemorals。Indeed，youareright——loveisnotcompulsory，butonecansometimesaidit。Saynothingtotheprince。Theinteriorofhishousemust，indeed，belefttohimself，butwewillkeepoureyesopenandbewatchful。Dosoalso，Herzberg，andifyoudiscoveranything，tellme；andifWilhelmineEnkeneedsassistanceagainsttheinfamousRosicrucians，andwithheraidthismysticrabblecanbesuppressed，informme，andIamreadytosendhersuccor。Ah！Herzberg，isitnotamelancholyfactthatonemustfighthiswaythroughsomuchwickednesstoobtainsolittlethatisgood?Mywholelifehaspassedintoilandtrouble；Ihavegrownoldbeforemytime，andwouldrestfrommylabors，andharvestinthelastfewyears，whatI
havesowninalifetime。IsitnotsadthatIhopefornofruit，andthattheseedthatIhavescatteredwillbetroddenunderfootbymysuccessor?Imustgazeatthefuturewithoutjoy，withoutconsolation！“
Thekingturnedtothewindow，perhapstohidethetearswhichstoodinhiseyes。Herzbergdidnotpresumetointerruptthesadsilence，butgazedwithanexpressionofthedeepestsympathyatthelittlebentform，inthethreadbarecoat。Grieffilledhisheartatthethoughtthatthisheadwasnotonlyboweddownbytheweightofyearsandwell-deservedlaurels，butalsofromitsmanycaresandgriefs，andhopelesspeeringintothefuture。
Thekingturnedagain，andhiseyeswerebrightandun-dimmed。“Wemustneverlosecourage，“saidhe，“andwemusthaveareservecorpsinlifeaswellasuponthefieldofbattle。Fortheworldresemblesthelatter，andtheformerisacontinualwar，inwhichwemustnotbediscouragednorcastdown，ifthereisnothopeinoursouls。I
willclingtoAsyouhavesaid，andIhavealsofoundittrue，thatcrownprinceisagoodandbraveman，andpossessesakeenunderstanding，wemaysucceedinbringinghimfromtheerroneouswaysinwhichhisyouth，levity，andthecounselsofwickedfriendshaveledhim。Wewilltrywithkindnessandfriendliness，asI
believethesehavemoreeffectuponhim。LetusnotevenscorntoaidWilhelmineinsofarasiscompatiblewithhonor。Ifamistressisnecessarytothehappinessoftheprince，thisoneseemsthemostworthyofalltoencourage。Beyondthecloudsthestarsarestillshining，anditappearstomeasifIseeinperspectiveintheheavenofPrussia'sfuture，astarwhichpromisesabrightlightwithyears。Doyounotthinkwithme，thelittlePrinceFrederickWilliamisarisingstar?“
“Yes，yourmajesty，“answeredHerzberg，joyfully，“Heisasplendidlittleboy，ofsimpleandinnocentheart，andbright，vigorousmind，modestandunpretending。”
“Yousee，“criedtheking，evidentlycheered，“thereisonestarandwewillwatchoverit，thatitisnotobscured。Imustseetheprinceoftener。Heshallvisitmeeverymonthandhisgovernorsandteachersshallreporttomeeveryquarter。Wewillwatchoverhiseducation，andtrainhimtobeagoodkingforthefuture，andguardourselvesagainstbeingpusillanimous，foolish，andfretful，andnotbediscouragedinlife。Ihaveenteredmylastlustrum，orfiveyears。Hush！donotdisputeit，butbelieveme！Myphysiqueiswornout，andthementalgrowsdull，andalthoughIliveandmoveabout，Iamhalfinthegrave。Therearetwocoffinsinthisroom，whichcontainthegreaterpartofmypast。Lookaround，doyounotseethem?“
“No，“saidHerzberg，asheglancedatthedifferentarticlesoffurniture，“Iseenone。”
“Lookuponthetablebythewindow——whatdoyoutheresee?“
“Yourmajesty，thereisaninstrument-caseandasword-sheath。”
“TheyaretheonesIreferto。Inthecaseliesmyflute，thatistosay，myyouth，love，poesy，andart，areencoffinedthere。Inthesheathismysword，whichismymanhood，energy，laurels，andfame。
Iwillneverplaythefluteordrawtheswordagain。Allthatispast！“
“Buttherestillremainsforthegreatkinganobleworktoperfect，“criedHerzberg。“Youthhasflown，andthewar-songsarehushed。Thepoetandherowillchangetothelawgiver。Sire，youhavemadePrussiagreatandpowerfulexternally；thereremainsagreaterwork，tomakeherthesamewithin。Youhaveaddednewprovinces，givethemnowanewcodeoflaws。Youwillnolongerunsheaththeswordofthehero；thenraisethatofjusticehighaboveyoursubjects！“
“Iwill，“criedtheking，withbeamingeyes。“Youhaverightlyseizedandcomprehendedwhataloneseemstomeworthyofwillandexecution。Thereshallbebutonelawforthehighandthelow，thepoorandtherich。ThedistinguishedChancellorCarmershallimmediatelygotoworkuponit，andyoushallaidhim。ThenecessityofsuchareformwehavelatelyfeltintheArnoldprocess，wherethejudgedecidedinfavoroftherich，andwrongedthepoorman。
HowcouldthejudgesustainCountSchmettauagainstthemillerArnold，whohadbeendeprivedofthewaterforhismill，whenitwassoevidentthatitwasunjust?“
“Ibegpardon，majesty，butIbelievethejudgeobeyedtheveryletterofthelaw，and——“
“Thenthislawmustbeannulled，“interruptedtheking。“ThisiswhyIrevokedthejudge'ssentence，andsenttheobstinatefellowstothefortress，sustainingthemillerinhisrightdeposingthearrogantChancellorFurst。Ihadlongresolveduponit，forIknewthathewasahaughtyfellow，wholetthepoorcrowdhisanteroom，andlistenedtotheflatteryofthehigh-bornrabblewhocourtedhim。Ionlywaitedanoccasiontobowhishaughtyhead。Thisoffered，andIavailedmyselfofit，voilatout。Itistobehopedthatitwillbegoodexampleforallcourtsofjustice。Theywillrememberthattheleastpeasantandbeggarisahumanbeingasmuchastheking，andthatjusticeshouldbeaccordedtoiftheydonot，theywillhavetodealwithme。Ifacollegeofjusticepractisesinjustice，itismoredangerousthanabandofrobbers；foronecanprotecthimselffromthelatterbuttheformerarerascalswearingthemantleofjustice，toexercisetheirownevilpassions，fromwhomnomancanprotecthimself，andtheyarethegreatestscoundrelsintheworldanddeserveadoublepunishment。Ithereforedeposedtheunjustjudge，andsenthimtothefortressatSpandau，thatallmighttakewarningbyhisfate。”[Footnote:Theking'sownwords——Seo“Prussia，FredericktheGreat，“vol。iv。]
“ThisArnoldtrialbelongstohistory，“saidHerzberg。“Thelawyerswillrefertoitafterthelapseofcenturies，andthepoorandtheoppressedwillrecallandblessthethoughtfulnessofthegreatking，whowouldopenjustaswideagateforthemtoentertheheavenofjusticeastotherichandnoble。Thisnewcodeoflawswillbeamabovethecrownofgoldandoflaurels，withthesplendorofthecivilcrown，whosebrilliantsarethetearsofgratitudeofyourpeople。”
“Mayitbeso，“saidFrederick，withearnestness。“Nowtellme，doyouknowwhatdayofthemonthitis?“
“Sire，itisthe30thofMay。'“
“Yes，youwillrememberitistheanniversaryofVoltaire'sdeath，andafterIhavequarrelledfortwoyearswiththepriestsandso-
calledholyfathersatRome，Ihavegainedmypoint，andthehonorshallbeshownhimhereinBerlinwhichthepriestsandfriarshaverefusedtotheimmortalpoetinhisowncountry。To-day，exactlyatthehourwhichVoltairedied，themassforthedeadwillbereadintheCatholicchurch，tofreehisimmortalsoulfrompurgatory。I
have，indeed，noideaofanimmortalsoul。Ifthereareany，andifithastoendurethethreefoldheatofwhichFatherTobias，ofSilesia，relatedtome，Idonotbelievethatthepriests，forafewthalers，canloosetheunhappyspiritfromthebake-oven。ButastheyrefuseburialtothespiritofVoltaire，inordertoinsulthimafterdeath，somustIavailmyselfofthisoccasiontoofferalasthomagetothegreatpoet，whichwilltakeplaceatfouro'clock。Gotothemass，Herzberg，andtellmeto-morrowhowitwentoff——
whetherthepriestsmakerightpiousfacesandburnmuchincense。
Adieu。Aurevoir，demain。”
Asthekingdismissed，withafriendlywaveofthehand，hisconfidentialminister，hepassedintohiscabinet，remaininganhourwithhiscounsellors。Atdinnerappearedsomeofthegenerals，weather-wornandbent，withwrinkledfacesanddulleyes。Souvenirsofthegloriousyearsoffameandvictory。Thekingnoddedkindlytothem，butduringtheentiremeal，heonlyletsomeindifferentquestionsfallfromhislips，whichweredevotedlyandtediouslyansweredbysomeoneoftheoldgenerals。Astheirdry，peevishvoicesresoundedthroughthehigh，vaultedroom，itseemedtoreawakeninFrederick'sheartthesouvenirsofmemoryandbecometheechoofvanisheddays。HegazedupatthelittleCupids，inthevariedplayofbrightcolors，lookingdownfromtheclouds，andthegoddessestrumpetingthroughtheirlongtubesthefameoftheimmortal，thesameasformerly，whentheysmiledfromthecloudsuponthebeamingfaceoftheyoungking，dininginthedistinguishedcircleofhisfriendsVoltaire，D'Argens，Algarotti，LaMelbrie，andKeith。
TheCupidswerefreshasever，andthegoddesseshadnotremovedthetrumpetsfromtheirlips。Butwhereweretheofthemerryround-
table?Returnedtodust。Thejestsandpoesyhavediedaway——allhavesunkentodecayanddarkness。ThekingsilentlyraisedhisglassofTokay，gazinguptothecloudsandCupids，drainingitslowlyinsacrificeforthedead。Thenwithavehement，contemptuousmovement，hethrewtheglassoverhisshoulder，shiveringitintoathousandpieces。Theoldgenerals，afterdessert，hadgentlysunkintotheirafternoonnap，andnowstarted，frightened，lookingwildlyaround，asiftheyexpectedtheenemywereapproaching。
Alkmenecreptfromundertheking'schairmuffingwithherlong，delicatenose，theglisteningpiecesofglass，andthefootmanbenthimselftocarefullypickthemup。
Thekingrosesilently，salutingtheoldgenerals，pointingwithhisstafftothelargefolding-doorswhichledtothegarden。
Thefootmenhastenedforwardtoopenthem，andstandinstiff，militaryorderuponeachside。Frederickwalkedslowlyout，mountingthetwostepswhichledtotheupperterrace，signingtotheattendantstoclosethedoors。
Hewasalone。OnlyWindspielwastheretospringaboutjoyfully，barking，andturningtomeethim，whowanderedontheborderoftheterrace，wherehehadformerlywalkedwithhisfriends。Nowhestoppedtogazeupthebroad，desertedstepswhichledfromterracetoterrace，asifhecouldre-peoplethemwiththewell-knownforms，andcouldseethemapproachandgreethimwiththelookofendlessloveandconstancy。Thenheraisedhiseyestoheaven，asiftoseektherethoseheinvainsoughtuponearth。
“Doyounotseeme，myfriends?“heasked，inagentlebutsadvoice。“Doyounotlookdownwonderinglywhereyousawacheerful，smilingking，uponthenowbent，shrunkenoldman，coldandphlegmatic，whoseldomspeaks，andthencauseseveryonetoyawn?
Oh，wherehaveyoufled，beautifulspring-timeoflife——whereinonceweusedtoenlivenourconversationswiththewitoftheAthenians，andthejestfluttereduponourlipsasweglidedthroughlifeintheboldenjoymentofyouth?Banishedisthedance，andIcreepabout，leaninguponmystaff，enfeebledinbody，andwithsaddenedheart！Oh，awfulchange，unhappyoldage！WhatdoesitaidmethatI
amaking?Ihavewonmanyabattle，butnowIamvanquishedbyageanddeathandamalone！“[Footnote:Theking'swords——See“PosthumousWorks，“vol。x。，p。100。]
Aslightbreezerustledthroughthetrees，fanning，caressingly，thecheeksoftheking。Theperfumeofsweetflowersrosefromtheterrace，andbelowrushedthecascade。Themarblegroupsaroundthefountainglistenedinthegoldenraysofthesun，andinthedarkfoliageflutteredandsangthemerrybirdsofsummer。
SuddenlythewindwaftedfromthechurchatPotsdamthecleartonesofabell，announcingtothekingthehouroffour，thedeathofVoltaire。
Thekingwalkedalongtotherose-arbor，tothetempleoffriendship，wherethebustofhissisterFrederikawasplaced。Heseatedhimselfneartheentrance，listeningtotheringingvoiceofthebell，andrecallingthatthedeath-masshadnowcommencedinBerlin。
Theservicesacredtomemory！Theprayerfortheimmortalsoul！Asthelonelykingsatthere，calmandboweddown，asolemnprayerandholymassrosefromhisownsoul。Hebowedlowerhishead，and，withoutrealizingithimself，tracedlettersinthesandathisfeet，withnowitnessbuttheblueheavensabovehim，andWindspielwhocuriouslyeyedthelines。ThinkingoftheprayerforVoltaire'sundyingsoul，thekinghadwrittenthewordofprofoundestmysteryandrevelation，ofhopeandprophecy——“Immortality。”
Thewindgentlyrustledinthetrees，waftingtheperfumeofflowers。Sweetstillnessreignedaround，andlowlysangthebirdsasifnottowakentheking，whosleptbythemarbleformofhisbelovedsister——Windspieluponhisknees，andinthesandathisfeetthewordtracedbyhisownhand，“Immortality。”
CHAPTERXXIX。
CAGLIOSTRO'SRETURN。
WilhelmineEnkewasstilllivingathervillaatCharlottenburg。Shewas，asformerly，the“unmarried“daughterofthehautboy-player，thefavoriteandfriendofthecrownprince；thesameastwoyearsprevious，whenhepresentedherbeforetheBavariancampaign，withthishouseandTherewasnochangeinheroutwardcircumstances；herlifepassedregularlyandcalmly。Theoncefreshandbeautifulcheekhadlostsomewhatofitsyouthful，roseatehue，andthesmileoftherubylipswaslesshaughty，andthewarmthofthosebrillianteyeswassubdued。Thiswastheonlyperceptibledifferencewroughtbythelittlevexationsandtroublesincidenttoherposition。Shehadfoundsomebitterdropsinthegoldengobletwhichtheprinceinhislovepressedtoherlips——dropswhichwereuncongenialtolipsaccustomedtothesweetsoflife。
To-dayshehadawaitedhimatdinner，andhadjustreceivedaveryfriendlybutlaconicletter，excusinghimselfuntilthefollowingmorning。Thiswasanunpalatabledrop。Wilhleminepacedbackandforththesolitary，gloomypath，atthefootofthegarden，re-
readingthisletter，andexaminingeverywordtosearchoutitshiddenmeaning。
“Theyhavebroughtthisabout，“shemurmured，tearingtheletterintolittlepieces，whichlightedupontheshrubberylikebutterflies。“Yes，itistheirwork。Theyhavesoughtbyallpossiblemeanstodrawhimintotheirpower，andawayfromme。Andtheywillsucceed，astherearetwoofthem，andtheprincesssustainsthem；andIamalone，unsupported。Iamentirelyalone——
alone！“
“Ifyouarealone，then，itissurelyyourownfault，“saidanearnest，solemnvoice，andatthesameinstantatallformapproachedfromtheshrubberywhichborderedthesideofthegarden。
“Cagliostro！“shriekedWilhelmine，shrinkingterrifiedaway。“Oh，mercyuponme，itisCagliostro！“
“Whyareyousofrightened，mydaughter?“heasked，gently。“Whydoyouwithdrawfromme，andcastdownyoureyes?“
“IthoughtyouwereinCourland，“shestammered，confused。
“Andwhilstyouthoughtmeafar，youforgotyoursacredoathandholyduty，“hereplied，inaharsh，severetone。“Ohmydaughter，theInvisiblesweepandlamentbitterlyoveryou。”
“Iamcurioustoseethesetears，“saidWilhelmine，whohadnowrecoveredherself-composure。“Doyouthink，HerrMagus，anyofthemcouldbefoundintheeyesofColonelBischofswerderandhisintimatefriendWoellner?Doyoupretendthattheyalsoweepoverme?“
“TheydonotbelongtotheInvisibles，buttheVisibles。Buttheirsoulsaretrueandfaithful，andwouldhavetomournovertheunhappyonewhocouldforgethervows。”
“ThenallowmetosaythatIabjurethesetears，andlaughattheideathatthesehypocritesandnecromancersweepoverme。”
“Mydaughter，whatwordsarethese，andhowstrangelyalteredyouare！Ihavecomefromthefarnorth，andbutjustalightedfromthetravelling-carriage。Icameatoncetoseeyou，andhopedtobegreetedjoyfullywithakissoflove，andwhatdoIhearinstead?
Harshwordsfilledwithscornandmockery，anddisobedienceagainsttheInvisibleFathers，towhomyouhaveswornfidelityandsubmission！“
“Youhaveforcedmetoit！“shecried，impetuously。“Inmyownhouseyoucameuponmeandcompelledmetotakepartinyourmysticassembly。”
“Ifoneloveshumanity，hemustinsistuponitsacceptinghappiness，“saidCagliostro，solemnly。“Werecognizedinyouoneoftheelect，oneofthegreatsoulswhichareworthytoseethelight，andsunthemselvesintheraysofknowledge。Thereforeweacceptedyouamongthespiritsofthealliance，and——“
“Andmadegreatpromises，ofwhichnotonehasbeenfulfilled。Whereisthetitleofcountess，theinfluence，position，honor，anddignity，whichyouprophesiedtome?“
“Wherearethedeedsyoupromisedtoperform，thewitnessesofyourfidelityanddevotion?“hethunderinglydemanded。“Youhavedaredtorebelagainsttheholyalliance！Yourshort-sightedspiritpresumestomockthoseeyeswhichperceivethatyouarestrayingaway！
Beware——Wilhemine，beware！Icameto-daytowarnyou，whenIreturnitwillbetopunishyou。Turn，ohturnwhilethereisyettime！
SubmityourwilltotheFathers，asyouhavesworntodo！Thepromisedrewardwillnotfail，andWilhelmineEnkewillbecomeacountess，aprincess，andthemostdistinguishedandpowerfulwillbowbeforeher。TheFathersdemandofyourepentance，andrenunciationoftheworstenemiesoftheRosicrucians。Members，andevenchiefsandpioneersoftheIlluminatiandFreemasonsarewelcomedatyourhouse。”
“Whyshouldtheynotbe?“askedshe，smiling。“Theyarehappy，cheerfulspirits，voidofmysteries，anddonottorturepeoplewithmysticisms。Theyhavebutoneaim，agreatandgloriousone，tofreethemindfromsuperstitionandhypocrisy。Theyencounterwithopencountenancethefalsedevoteeswhowouldforcemenintospiritualservitude，thattheymaybecometheslavesoftheirwill。Youcallthem'Illuminati，'whiletheyhaveundertakentoilluminatethemindswiththebeamsofknowledgewhichtheRosicruciansobscureinamysticalfog。”
“Unhappyone，doyoudaretosaythattome?“criedCagliostro，menacingly。
“Yes，“sheresponded，keepingherlarge，browneyesfirmlyfixeduponCagliostro'sangryface。“ThatIdaretorepeattoyou，andI
wouldalsoremarkthatwearenotinthemysticalassemblyoftheRosicrucians，andyourfamiliar'Du'isoutofplace。IbelongtotheIlluminati，andminglewiththefreethinkers。Theyhavenot，indeed，promisedmetitles，honors，ordignities，buttheyhaveamusedme，havedrivenennuifromthehouse，andinsteadofmysticisms，broughtmepoesy，andinsteadoftheinvisibleholychurch，theGreektemple。Itispossiblemylifemaynotbeagodlyone，butitisashappyasthegods，andthatissomethinginthistediousworld。”
“Iregardyouwithastonishment，“saidCagliostro，“forIrecognizeinyourcountenancethatthedevilhaswonyouovertohispower，andinyouhespeakswiththeboldinsolenceofthesinful。Subdue，unhappychild，yourrashspeech，thattheFathersmaynothearofit，andcrushyouintheirwrath。”
“Idonotfeartheirthunderbolts，permitmetotellyou。WeareinPrussia；thegreatkingwatchesoverallhissubjects；neithertheRomishChurchnortheRosicrucianscanobscurethelightofknowledge。Hewillnotsufferaghost，sneakinginthedark，toexercisepowerhere，andhewillnotrefusetheprotectiontomewhichisaccordedtotheleastofhissubjects。Idonotfearyou，andIwilltellyouthetruthentire，Ibelieveyoutobeahypocriteandacharlatan，who——“
“Miserableone！“interruptedCagliostro，ashefuriouslyrushedtoher，seizingherbythearm——“cease，unhappyone，oryourlifeisforfeitedtotheinvisibleavengers！“
Wilhelmineshookherhead，andencounteredhisflamingeyeswithaproudglance。“Irepeatyourownwords——cease，oryourlifewillbeforfeited！PerhapsyouthinkIdonotknowwhathappenedtoyouinMittau，whereyouwererecognizedasacharlatan，whofooledthepoorcreaturesintothebeliefofhismiraculousacts，whichconsistedinlighteningtheirpursestothebenefitofhisown。YouwereobligedtofleefromMitLauinthenight，tosaveyourself，yourtreasures，andwonderfulman-traps，andthebeautifulLorenzaFeliciana。Beware！TheEmpressofRussiahadacertainJosephBalsamopursued，whohadpractisedgreatdeception，andpeoplepretendthatheresemblesCountCagliostro。TheEmpressCatherineisagoodfriendandallyoftheKingofPrussia，andifthehappyideashouldoccurtometoproposeseekingthenecromancerhere，theGreatKophtamightcomeamiserableend。”
“Onthecontrary，itwouldonlybeawelcomeoccasionfortheGreatKophtatorevealhimself，andhurlhisdespicable，maliciousenemyintothedustathisfeet，“repliedCagliostro，calmly。“Tryit，youfaithless，fallendaughteroftheInvisibles——trytounloosethepackofmyenemies，torecognizethatalltheiryellingandbarkingdoesnottroublethenoblestagtowhomGodhasgiventhewholeworldforHisforestwardthatHeshouldruletherein。Ihavelistenedtoyouuntotheend，andIregardyourinvectivesandaccusationsasnotworthyofareplyorjustification，andIlaughatyourmenaces。ButIwarnyou，WilhelmineEnke，defynottheInvisibles，andoffendnottheHolyFathers，byyourcontinuedresistance。Turn，misguidedchildofsin——turnwhilethereisyettime！IntheirnameIofferyoualastchance，theirforbearanceiswithoutbounds，andtheirmercylongenduring。”
“Ineitherdesireyourforbearancenormercy，“criedshe，proudly。
“Iwillhavenocompanionshipwithmyenemies，andtheRosicruciansaresuch，forBischofswerderandWoellnerbothhateme，andwouldputmeaside。Thereisnoreconciliationwhereonlyhostilityispossible。”
“Theheavenlylistennottothevoicesoftheearthly，andprovethemselves，themostnoblewhentheleastdeserved。Theywillprotectandwatchoveryou，evenagainstyourwill，andneverwilltheybedeaftoyourcryforaidinthehourofHereisatokenoftheirgracetowardyou。Takethisring——doyourecognizeit?“
Wilhelmineregardeditattentively。“ThisistheringwhichIgaveatthetribute-altarinsteadofgold，whichyoudesired。”
“TheInvisiblessentittoyouto-dayasthepreciouspledgeoftheirfavor。Youshallkeepit，andwearitasatokenoftheirheavenlyforbearance，andwhenyouturnbackfromtheerroneouswaysintowhichtheIlluminatihaveledyou，sendittothecircleofBerlindirectors，eitherBischofswerderorWollner，andtheywillcometoyourrescue。Farewell！Iforgiveyouallyourwickedwords，whichfalllikespentarrowsfromthehelmetofmyrighteousness。”
Cagliostroturnedproudlyaway，anddisappearedinthebushes。
Wilhelmineplacedtheringuponherfinger，turningittowatchtheplayofcolors。“Idonotknowwhy，“saidshe，“butithasnotthesamebrilliancyasformerly。IwilltakeittothejewellerWagner，andaskhimifitisthesamestone。PerhapstheGreatKophtahastriedsomeofhismiraclesuponit。IwillatoncesendtheservanttoMinistervonHerzberg，andinformhimthatCagliostroishere。Hehaspromisedmeprotectioninthenameoftheking，andIfeelthatIshallnowhaveneedofit。”
Shehurriedtothehouse，anddevotedherselftothewritingofthesaidletter——ataskshewasbutlittleaccustomedto。ShehadlearnedtospeakFrenchveryprettily，andtoexpressherselfskilfullyandwittilyinGerman，andunderherroyalmaster，thecrownprinceFrederickWilliam，gainedmuchvaluablescientificknowledge。Buttowritefluentlywasquiteanotherthing，anditwasalongtimebeforetheepistlewasfinished。However，happilyaccomplished，shecommandedtheservanttotakeittoBerlin。
Hebowedwithsilentsubmission；butoncehavingquittedthehouse，acunningsmilewasvisibleuponhisface，andheavailedhimselfofastage-coachwhichwasgoinginthesamedirection。“Icanaffordthisexpense，“saidhe，arranginghimselfcomfortably。“WhenIhavemoneyinmypocketwhyshouldIwalkthelongdistance?IwasveryclevertotellBischofswerderthattheMinistervonHerzberghadsecretlyvisitedmymistress，anditwasequallycleverofhimtogivemealouisd'or，andpromisemethesameeverytimethatI
shouldbringhimimportantnews。Indeed，Ithinkto-dayhemaywellthankme，andIbelieve，ifIofteninformhim，hewilladvancemeadegree，andatlastIshallbeadmittedtothecircleoftheelect，whileInowbelongtotheoutsidecircle，whoknownothingandhopeeverything。”
CHAPTERXXX。
THETRIUMVIRATE。
WhileWilhelmine'sservantgavehimselfuptohishopes，slowlydownthebroadavenue，anelegantfour-in-handcarriagerolledpasthim，andstoppedatthehousewherelivedColonelBischofswerder，longbeforehehadreachedtheBrandenburgGate。Agentlemansprangout，hasteningpastthefootmanintothehouse，whereaservantevidentlyawaitedhisarrival，andprecededhimwithdevoutmien，throwingopenthewidefolding-doorsandannouncing，inasolemnvoice——“Hisexcellency，CountCagliostro。”Hethenrespectfullywithdrew，bowingprofoundlyasthecountpassed，andclosedquicklyandnoiselesslythedoorsbehindhim。
Thetwogentlemenwithinhastenedtomeetthecount，whonoddedsmilingly，andextendedtothemwithagraciouscondescensionhiswhitehandsparklingwithdiamonds。“Mydearbrothers，“saidhe，“youhaveunfortunatelyannouncedmethetruth——WilhelmineEnkeisfaithless——isanapostate。”
“Acourtesan，ensnaredbythedevilofunchastity，“murmuredtheelderofthetwo——amanoflong，lankfigure，pale，pock-markedface，thebroadhighforeheadshadedwithbutlittlehair，thewateryblueeyesturnedupward，asifinpiousecstasy，andthelarge，bonyhandseitherfoldedasifinprayer，orasifinquietcontemplation，twirlinghisthumbsaroundeachother。“Ihavealwayssaidso，“saidhe，withalong-drawnsigh；“sheisatemptress，whomSatan，inbodilyrepetitionofhimself，hasplacedbytheprince'sside，andhissalvationcannotbecounteduponuntilthispersonisremoved。”
“Andyou，mybelovedbrother，thinkotherwise——doyounot?“askedCagliostro，gently。
“Yes，“answeredBischofswerder，“youknowwell，sublimemasterandruler，howmuchIesteemandlovetheworthyandhonorableWollner，andhowmuchweighthisopinionhaswithme。InallmyreportstotheInvisibleFathersIhavealwaysparticularlymentionedhim，anditwasuponmywishandproposalthattheyappointedhimdirectorofoneofthethreeBerlincircles。Heisoccupiednearmeintheconfederacy，andisalsointheserviceofthecrownprince，foritwasbymyespecial，earnestrecommendationthathishighnesscalledhimtoBerlinfromtheexchequerofPrinceHenryatRheinsberg，thathemightgivehimlecturesinpoliticsandotherbranchesofadministration，Idonotsayittoboast，althoughIhavealwaysregardeditasanhonortohaveopenedthewaytoadistinguishedman，tohavehisgreattalentsproperlyvalued。IonlysayittoprovemyhighappreciationofdearbrotherWollner，andtodefendmyself，master，inyoureyes，thatIdifferinopinionfromhim，anddonotadviseaviolentremovalofthisperson，towhomtheprinceismoreattachedthanhehimselfknowsof。”
“Itisnotnecessarytoexcuseyourselftome，myson，“saidCagliostro，pompously。“TheeyeswhichtheInvisibleshavelightedupwithabeamofrevelation，seeintothedepthsofthings，andrevealthemosthidden。Ihaveglancedintoyourhearts，andIwilltellyouthatwhichIhavethereinread。You，HansRudolphvonBischofswerder，belongtotheworld；itsjoysandsorrowsagitateyou。YouhavealongingforscienceandtheknowledgeoftheInvisibles，andyouwouldalsoenjoytheVisibles，andtakepartinthepleasuresoflife。Whatyouwouldallowyourself，thatyouwouldalsogranttoyourroyalmaster，whosefriendandleaderyouare，andwho，oneday，willbethefuturekingandrulerofthevisibleworld，andafaithfulsonandservantoftheInvisibles。Isitnotthus?“
“Itisso，“answeredBischofswerder，who，withwonderingastonishment，drankineverywordthatfellfromCagliostro'slipsasarevelation。“Youhavereadtheinmostthoughtsofmyheart，andwhatIscarcelysuspectedmyself，youareknowingof，lordandmaster。”
“Toilandstrive，myson，andyoushallrisetothehighestgrade，inwhichpresentimentandrecognition，thinkingandknowing，areone。”
HeextendedtoBischofswerderhishand，whoferventlypressedittohislips；thenturnedtoWollner，who，withupturnedgazeandfoldedhands，mighthavebeenpraying，forhisthumbswerenotturningaround，butrested，quietlycrossed。
“You，mysonandbrother，“continuedCagliostro，withhislofty，haughtyreserve，“yourthoughtsaredivertedfromearth，andthejoysofthisworldhavenocharmforyou！““IhavelaidtheoathofvirtueandchastityuponthealtaroftheInvisibles，“repliedWollner，withaseveretoneofvoice。“Ihavegivenmyselftoapiouslifeofabstinence，andsworntoemployeverymeanstoleadthosethatIcanattaintouponthenarrowpathwhichleadstotheparadiseofscience，ofknowledge，andheavenlyjoys。HowcouldI
forgetmyoath，whichistowintheprince，whoistobecomealightandshieldintheholyorder，fromtbebroadcourseofvice，tothepathwayoftheblest?HowcanIbeartoseehimlostinsinwhoiselectedtovirtue，andwholongsforthelightofknowledge?“
“But，inordertobearthelightinitsbrightness，hemusthavepassedthroughthedarknessandgloomofsin，“saidCagliostro。
“Afterthedaysoferrorfollowthoseofknowledge。ThisiswhatcausesthemildnessofourbrotherTheophilus，whomtheearthlyworldcallsBischofswerder，whilstyou，brotherChrysophorus，demandfromtheprincetheseverestvirtue，whichisthefirstgreatvowofthebrothersadvancingintheholyorderoftheRosicrucians。Youarebothwrongandbothright。ItiswelltobelenientasbrotherTheophilus，butthatmusthaveitslimit，andthenightwandererwhostandsuponthebrinkofaprecipicemustbeawakened，butnotwithviolentwords，orcallingloudlyhisname，becauseasuddenawakeningwouldonlyhastenhisfall。Slowlyandcarefullymustheberoused；asonewouldbydegreesaccustomtheinvalideyestothemid-day，somustthelightofvirtueandknowledgedawnupontheeyes，illfromvice，withprudentforesight。Hearmyproposal。
Summonthethreecirclesofthebrothersofthehighestdegreetoasittingto-night。Youhavetoldmethattheprincedesirestobelongtotheseeingones，andbeincommunionwiththespiritualworld。
Thisnighthiswishshallbefulfilled，toseethespirits，andanewfutureshallrisebeforehim。Mytimeislimited；letusarrangeeverything，forthevoicesoftheInvisiblesalreadycallmehome。”
Atthisinstantamodestknockingwasheardatthedoor，whichwasrepeatedatdifferentintervals。
“Itismyservant，“saidBischofswerder，“andhehasundoubtedlyanimportantcommunicationforme。”
Heopenedthedoor，speakingwiththepersonoutsideinalowtone，andreturnedwithasealednote。
Cagliostro，apparently，waslestindeepthoughtandindifferenttotheconversationwithout，directingquietlyandcalmly，inthemeantime，afewquestionstoWollner，and，asitseemed，listeningonlytohisanswers。YetasBischofswerderapproachedhim，saying，“itis，indeed，importantnews；Ihaveproofinhandthat——“heinterruptedhimwithacommandingmotion，andfinishedthebrokensentence:“——thatWilhelmineEnkeisapowerfuladversary，havingconnectionwiththecourt，asthisletterfromherisdirectedtoMinisterHerzberg。Isitnotthisthatyouwouldsay，Theophilus?“
Astonished，herepliedintheaffirmative，begginghismastertoreadit。
“Itisunnecessary，“repliedCagliostro，wavingbacktheletter；“totheseeingeyeseverythingisrevealed。ThispersonannouncestoMinistervonHerzbergthatthedeceiverandnecromancer，Cagliostro，inhisflightfromMittau，hasvisitedhertomenaceher。Shebegsprotectionforherselfandanarrestforme；thatIamknownasCountJulien，atthehotelKingofPortugal，atBerlin，andthathasteisnecessary。”
Bothgentlemenglancedastonishedandenraptured，firstatthesealedepistleandthenatthegreatMagus。
“Opentheletterandconvinceyourselvesofthecontents！“commandedCagliostro。
“Itisunnecessary，“criedBischofswerder，withenthusiasm。“Werecognizeinyoutruthandknowledge；youhaverevealedtousthecontents。”
“Nay，thereisalingeringdoubtinthemindofbrotherChrysophorus！“saidCagliostro，regardingWoellnerfixedly，whostoodwithdowncasteyesbeforehim。
“Myrulerandmaster，“stammeredWoellner，inconfusion，“Idarenotdoubt，only——“
“Youwouldonlybeconvinced，openthentheletter，“interruptedCagliostro，sarcastically。
Withasharpknife，Bischofswerdercuttheendoftheenvelope，andhandedthelettertohim。
“GiveittoChrysophorus，“commandedthecount。“Heshallreadit，andmaytheincredulousbecomeabeliever！“
Woellnerperusedtheepistlewithaslightlytremulousvoice，stoppingnowandthen，atanillegibleword，whichhismasterquicklysuppliedtohim，finishingthesentenceascorrectlyasifheheldthewritinginhishand。
ThecontentswereexactlyasCagliostrohadgiventhem，andthefartherWollnerread，themorehisvoicequiveredandBischofswerder'senthusiasmincreased。
Asthereadingwasfinished，theformersank，withupliftedhands，beforehismaster，asifimploringmercyfromamighty，crushingpower。
“IhavebeenunbelievingasTobias，doubtingasPaul；havemercyonme，Omaster！forinthishourthedivinelightofbeliefandknowledgebanishesdoubtfrommysinfulheart。Iacknowledgethysupernaturalpowerandheavenlywisdom！Mywholebeingbowsinhumilitybeforeyouandyoursublimity，andhenceforthIwillonlybeyourhumblescholarandservant，thetoolofyourwill。Forgiveme，all-knowingone，ifmyheartdoubted。Breatheuponmethebreathofknowledge，andlaythyaugustrighthanduponmyhead，andpenetratemewiththyheavenlypower。”
“Havemercyuponmealso，“criedBischofswerder，ashekneeledbesideWoellner，and，likehim，raisedhishandsimploringlytoCagliostro。“Breatheuponmethebreathofthygrace，andregardme，therepentantandunworthy，withthyheavenlyglance！“
Cagliostrolookedtoheaven，andfromhislipstherefelldisconnectedwordsofexhortation；suddenlyhedrewforthhishands，whichhehadpushedintohisgownandcrosseduponhisbreast，stretchingthemoutwithwide-spreadfingers。
“Cometome，yespirits！“hecried，inaloud，thunderingvoice。“Yespiritsoffireandair，cometome！YeshallflameandburnupontheheadsofthesetwopersonsandannouncetothemthattheInvisiblesarewithus。Cometome，yespiritsoffire！“
Heclinchedhisfingers，extendingthemagain，anduponthepointstheredancedandflickeredabluelight。AheavenlysmileshoneuponthebeautifulfaceoftheMagus，hishandsslowlysankupontheheadsofthekneelingones，theflamesglidingupontheirheads，restingthereamoment，andthendyingaway。
“TheInvisibleshaveproclaimedthemselvestoyouthroughthesignoffire，“criedCagliostro。“Thesacredflamehasgloweduponyourheads，andInowpressuponyourbrowthesolemnkissofconsecrationandknowledge！“
Heboweddowntothekneelingones。Itseemedasifacloudofperfumehadpassedovertheirglowingfaces，orasifanodorouslilyhadbeenpressedupontheirforeheads，andtheirheartsquiveredwithdelight。Hepassedhishandlightlyovertheirfaces，andafeelingofrapturespreadthroughtheirwholebeing。Thenashecommandedthemtorise，theyobeyed，withoutrealizingthattheyhadlimbsorbody，butregardedthemiracle-worker，entrancedwithhissmile。
Cagliostro，withhastydecisionandearnest，commandingair，madeafewoppositestrokesintheair，andimmediatelythefacesofthemagnetizedlookedasiftheyhadawakenedfromadreamofsplendoranddelighttoinsipid，flatreality。
“Ihavepermittedyoutobehold，foraninstant，themysteriesandmiracleswhichareserviceabletotheknowingones，“saidCagliostro，withcalmearnestness。“YoursoulswereincommunionwiththeInvisibles，andfromthesourceofknowledgeasparkofilluminationfelluponyourheads。Guarditasaheavenlysecretthatnooneshouldknowof，andnowletuscontinueourconversation。”
“Permitmeoncemoretolaymyheadatyourfeet，andreceivepowerfromthetouchthereof，“imploredBischofswerder。
“Letmeembraceyourknees，andentreatpardonandgrace，“beggedWoellner，ashesankdowntoclaspthem，andtheformerthrewhimselfatthefeetofhismaster，passionatelykissingthem。
Smilinglyhereceivedtheirhomage，andassistedthemtorise。
“Nowletusspeakinahuman，reasonablemanner，myfriends。BrotherTheophilus，you，firstofall，returnthelettertotheenvelopeandsealit。”
Bischofswerderobeyed；takingfromthetablealittlebottleandasmallbrush，hecarefullyappliedanadhesivesubstancetotheedges，pressingthemfirmlytogether。
“Master，noonecoulddiscoverthatithadbeenopened。Commandwhatshallbedonewithit。”
“Giveittoyourservant，thathemayreturnittohimwhobroughtit，andthelattercannowdeliveritatitsaddress。”
“TotheMinisterHerzberg！“theybothcried，amazed。“Itisimpossible；heisaswornenemyoftheholyorderandyourownheavenlyperson。Hecouldtakethemostviolentmeasures，andcauseyourexcellencytobearrested。”
“Ibelieveit，“smiledCagliostro。“ThegreatFrederickwouldannouncetriumphantlythathehadhadthegreatSemiramisoftheNorthtaken，whichtheRussianpolicehadfailedtoaccomplish。Itwouldbeawelcometriumphforunbelieversandfools，andtheywouldtrumpetitjoyfullythroughtheworld！Itmustnotbe；althoughmyspiritinitspowerandmightwouldsoonreleasemybody，yetIwillnotgrantthismomentarytriumphtomyenemies。Mytimeislimited；
ImustforthtoEgypt，wheretheBrothersoftheMillenniumwillassembleinthecourseofaweekinthepyramids，toannouncetometheirwillforthecomingcentury。IamtheSpiritofGod，whichtheInvisibleshavewilledtoenterahumanform，thereforeitmustberegardedassacredandprotected。”
“Allowmetoguard，withmylife，yoursublimeperson！“criedBischofswerder。
“AndIalsoimploreyoutograntmethehappinesstowatchoverthesecurityofyourheavenlyself，anddefendittothelastdropofmyblood！“criedWoellner；“onlytelluswhatwehavetodo。”
“Aboveallthingsobeymycommandconcerningtheletter，“repliedthecount，smiling。
Bischofswerdersubmissivelywentoutwiththeepistle，returninginafewmoments。“Itisasyouhaveordered:inaquarterofanhouritwillbeinthehandsofMinisterHerzberg。”
“No，“repliedthecount，fixinghiseyesuponemptyspace，“itwillnotbethere，forHerzbergisnotathome。Inowseehimdrivinginacarriagewithfourblacksteedstothecountry。Atthisinstantheiscrossingabridge，nowheentersatown，turningdownoneofthestreets，wherethenoiseofthewheelsislost。AgainIhearhim，leavingbythegate，ascendingabroadavenue。”
ItistheroutetoSans-Souci，“murmuredBischofswerder，inalowvoice，butthecountmusthaveunderstoodhim，asherepeatedaloud:
“Yes，thatistheroutetoSans-Souci，andthelonely，fretfuloldkingwillkeephisministertheentireday，andwillnotreceivethemissivefromhissecretfemaleaccompliceuntilhisreturnintheevening，andthenhewilldispatchhisbailiffsinallhastetothehoteltoarrestCountSt。Julien，andforwardanordertoeverygatetoforbidhisdeparture。Itwillbetoolate，however——hewillhavealreadydeparted。”
“Departed1“criedthetwogentlemen，frightened。“Willyou，then，forsakeus?“
“Hush，mybrothers，bequiet！“answeredCagliostro。“Ishallhavedepartedfortheprofane，butIwillremainherefortheconsecrateduntilto-morrowmorning。Itofthappensthattheloftyevenmustcomedown，andthebrilliantobscurethemselves。To-dayImustdescendfrommyspiritualheight，andhumblemyselfinthedustoflowliness。Whentheunholyandunconsecratedessaytobeholdthatwhichtheyshouldnotwiththeirearthlyeyes；theymustbeblindedwithearthlydust，andforthosewhicharenotworthyofmiracles，wemustsometimescondescendtojugglers'tricks。BythelatterI
willmisleadmyenemiesto-day。HowmanygatesaretheretothecityofBerlin?“
“Therearenine，master。”
“Sendimmediatelymessengersaroundinyourcirclestoordereighttravelling-carriagesandsixteenlargeblacktrunks。Further，sendmeeightconfidentialdiscreetmenofmyheightandsize，witheightperukes，exactlythecutofmine。Commandfourpost-horses，withtwopostilionsforeightdifferentaddresses。Thisisallthatisnecessaryforthemoment。”
“Allshallbefaithfullyandquicklyaccomplished，“saidBischofswerder，humbly。“Wewilldividetheexecutionofyourorders，andthereonlyremainstoappointthetimeandplacewhenandwheretodirectthepostilions。”
“Allthiswillfollow；forgetnot，intrifling，earthlythings，thegreatheavenlycircumstances。Summontheconsecratedofthehighestdegreeofyourcircletogoto-nighttothepalaceofPrinceFrederickWilliamatPotsdam，andundertheveryeyesoftheoldfreethinkingkingwewillopentothecrownprincethedoorsofthespiritualworld，andconsecratehimtothehighestdegree。ButfirsttheInvisiblesshallspeakwithhim，andannouncetheheavenlyregionoftheunapproachable。Finishthepreparations，mybrothers——
fulfilexactlyandpunctuallymyorders，andthencometothehoteltoreceivemylastcommands。”
CHAPTERXXXI。
FUTUREPLANS。
Cagliostroquittedthetwoconfidants，enteredhiscarriageawaitinghimbeforethedoor，anddrovetothehotel。Thehostandchiefwaiterreceivedhimwithextremedeference，bothaccompanyinghimupthestairs——thelatterthrowingwideopenthelargedoorsofhisroom。Thecountturned，and，inaddressingsomeindifferentquestiontothehost，openedhisgold-embroideredbluesatinvest。
Thehostturnedpale，andshrankback，asifseizedwithasuddenfright。Cagliostropassedon，motioninghimtofollow，whichhehumblyobeyed，sinkinguponhiskneesasthedoorclosed。
“HaveyourecognizedthesignwhichIwearuponmybreast?“
“Yes，master，“hestammered，bowingdownwiththegreatestreverence。
“ThenyoubelongtotheelectoftheInnerTemple，forthesignofknowledgeisonlymadeknowntothem。”
“Ido，indeed，understanditsmysteries，master，andIknowthatoneoftheInvisibles，ininfinitecondescension，appearsinavisibleformbeforeme。Immeasurableasthehappiness，ismyobedience！
Commandme，master；mylifeandrichesbelongtotheholyalliance！“
“Riseandreceivemyorders，“repliedCagliostro，withgreatdignity。Inabrief，dictatorialmannerhecommunicatedthenecessaryarrangements；thendismissedhimwithahaughtynod，andenteredtheadjoiningroomofhiswife，LorenzaFeliciana。
Shehadthrownherselfuponthedivan，incharmingneglige。Herheadwasencircledwithblackringlets，whichsheworeunpowdered，despitethefashion。Hereyeswereclosed，andherbeautifulshoulderswerebuthalfconcealedbyablacklaceveil。
Shesleptsoquietlyandsoundlythatthecountdidnotawakenheruponentering。Heapproachedherlightlyuponthesoftcarpet，andstoodregardingherattentively。Apleasantsmilespreadoverhisface，softeningitsexpression，andhiseyesbeamedwithpassionatetenderness。
“Sheisindeedbeautiful，“hemurmured，softly。“Noonecouldwithstandthecharmofthiswonderfulwoman。Ah，wouldthatIcouldcrushthesewickedspiritswithinme，silencealltheseseductive，sinfulvoices，andflytosomesecludedvalleyofourdearfatherland，andthere，reposingonherlove，letlifeglidecalmlyonandsmileatthepastwithoutregret，asafadingdream！WouldthatIcouldforget，andbecomeagainpureandinnocent，blestinmyaffection，simpleinmytastes，andwithoutwants！Butno，itistoolate！Icannotretreat，thedemonswillnotbedrivenout；tothemmysoulbelongs，andImustfulfilmydestiny！——Awake，Lorenza，awake！“Herbeautifulformshookwithfright；shestarted，openedhereyes，demanding，“Whatisthematter?Whoishere?“
“ItisI，Lorenza，“hesaid，sadly；“Iwasobligedtoawakenyou，totellyousomethingimportant。”
“Arethepursuershere?Havetheydiscoveredus?Aretheycomingtotakeustoprison?“
“No，no；bequiet，Lorenza，noonehasdiscoveredus！“
“Quiet！“sherepeated，withascornfullaugh。“Wehavetravelleddayandnightthelasttendays，hidingourselvesinmiserableholesanddens，underassumednames，believingourpursuerswereatourhacks；
andnowthatweareshowingourselvespublicly，youaskmetobequiet！IhavesleptforthefirsttimesincethatfearfulnightinMittau，anditisverycruelandthoughtlessofyoutowakeme，ifthebailiffsarenothere，anddangerdoesnotmenaceus。”
“Forthemomentwearesafe，butIhavesomethingimportanttotellyou。”
“Important?“shecried，shrugginghershoulders。“Whatisofconsequencetome，sincethatnight?Oh，whenIthinkofit，Icouldshriekwithrage，Icouldannihilatemyselfindespair！“
“Itwasindeedadreadfulexperience，andmyheartquakeswhenI
thinkofit，“saidCagliostro，gloomily。“ThesecretassemblyconsistedofthehighestandmostinfluentialoftheCourlandnobility。Suspectingnowrong，noteventhattherecouldbetraitorsamongthebelieverswhowouldfalsifymyspiritapparatus，Igavemyselfuptoconjuringthedeparted。”
“AndIuponmyfairythrone，“addedLorenza，“couchedintheinnocentcostumeofthecelestial，onlyveiledwithasilverycloud，heardasuddenshriek。Theroomwasquitedark；Isaw，uponopeningmyeyes，thatnospiritsenlivenedit。”
“Everythingfailed——thatistosay，myassistantsletitfail，“
saidthecount，“andtheassemblybegantomurmur。Suddenly，insteadofthedepartedprincesandheroes，whatfearfulformsarose！“
“Apes，cats，andotheranimals，“criedLorenza，withaloudlaugh。
“Oh，whatanirresistiblesight！InspiteofmyangerIhadtolaugh，andlaughIdiduponthefairythrone，like——“
“Likeafoolishchildwhoneitherknowsnorunderstandsdanger，“
interruptedthecount。“Yourlaughingsoonceasedinthefearfultumultanduproar。Theyshriekedforlight，theladiesfled，andthemenmenacedmewithloudcurses，callingmeacharlatan，andthreateningmylife！“
“Minealso，“criedLorenza；“oh，whatinsultsandill-treatmentI
wasforcedtolistento！Theyrusheduponme，shriekingforthebrilliantsandmoneywhichtheyhadbroughtmeasanoffering。Howtheyscoldedandcalledmeadeceiver！Iwasonlyverybeautifulandcoquettish，andthatwasnodeception！Icharmedthemwithmycoyness，andtheybroughtmethemostcostlypresents，becauseIwasavirtuouswoman。Nowtheyreproachedme，demandingareturnofthemall，whichtheyhadforceduponmeoftheirownfreewill。Iwasobligedtobearitsilentlyinmycostumeofinnocence，andasgoddessIcouldnotdefendmyselfandspeakwithhumanbeings——whopusheduptothethrone。Itwasaveryridiculousposition；happilyIdidnotquitelosemysenses，butlettheapparatusplay，anddisappearedintomydressing-roombelow，whichfortunatelyclosedaboveme。Idressed，andrushedtoyourroomtorescuemytreasures。”
“Eveninthisextremedangeryouonlythoughtofyourriches，notofme，“saidCagliostro，withabittersmile。
“Haveyounottaughtmeyourselfthatmoneywastheonlythingworthstrivingtopossess?Haveyounotrevealedtoinwisdomthatrichesalonemakeushappy，andprocureforushonor，power，love，andconstancy?Ah！Joseph，haveyounotmademethemiserable，heartlesscreaturethatIam?Canyoureproachmethatyourteachinghasbornesuchgoodfruit?Iamhappytobethepriestessofwealth，andgratefulforwhatyouhavemadeknowntome。”
“Itistrue，“sighedCagliostro，“Ihavetaughtyouthetruthofthings；Ihavedisclosedtoyoutheworld'smotivepower。Richesareindeedthegoduponearth，towardwhomallarepressing，rushingon。
Wemustallfollowandservehimasslaves，orbecrushedunderthewheelsofhistriumphalcar。Mentalkandreasonaboutthestormandpressurewhichisspreadingthroughtheworld，andfinallywillreduceeverythingtostormtheeternalandundyingblissofwealth，andpressonforgold。”
“Tothinkthatwehavelosteverything！“criedLorenza，springingupandstampingwithhersilken-shodfoot；“everythingislostthatIhavebeenyearsgaining，byhypocrisy，deception，andcoquetry。
Theyhaverobbedme！Theshamefulbarbarianshaveseizedalloureffects。Thepolicesurroundedthehouse，guardingeveryentrance，andwewereobligedtoescapebytheroofintothehouseofoneofthebrothers，leavingallourtreasuresbehind。”
“Youexaggerate，Lorenza，andrepresentitworsethanitis。Lookaround；youaresurroundedwithluxuryandcomfort。OurgreatundertakingsinCourlandandSt。Petersburghavefailed，itistrue，andtheRussianempresshasorderedmetobedrivenawayandpursued。ButtheInvisibleFathershavenotforsakenme，astheyknowthatIamausefultoolintheirhands。Theyhavecarefullyprovidedmewithmoney，passports，andinstructions。Wehavelostthousands，butwewillregainthem，forthefutureisours。Iamprotectedbytheorder，andcalledtoanewandimportantmissioninParis，tostriveforthesacredaimoftheChurch。”
“Andhavetheynomissionforme?“askedLorenza。“Istherenothingfurtherformetodointhatcitythantobeabeautifulwoman，andplaytricksformydearhusband?“
“GreateventsawaityouinParis，whichwewillaidyoutoprepare。
TheInvisibleFatherssendyoubeforemetotheCardinaldeRohan。
YouaregoingtoParisintheserviceoftherevolutionofminds。
Thecarriageisordered，andyouaretosetoffthisveryhour。”
“Andwhenareyougoing，Joseph?“Lorenzaasked，withatouchofmelancholy。
“Ishallofficiallydepartinanhour，butinrealityatthesametimethattheBaronessvonBalmoreleavesthehotelinhertravelling-carriage。Nearthewaiting-maidwillaservantsituponthebox。Ishallbehe。”
“Officiallyyoudepartinanhour；whatdoesthatmean?“Cagliostrosmiled。“Itisalongstoryandacomicalone。Come，seatyourselfbymeuponthesofa；reposeyourheaduponme，andlistentowhatI
willrelatetoyou。”
CHAPTERXXXII。
MIRACLESANDSPIRITS。
Lateintheafternoonofthesamedayatravelling-carriagedroveupbeforethehotel“KingofPortugal，“intheBurgstrasse，withtwolargeblacktrunksstrappeduponitbehindthefootman'sbox，andthepostilion，sittingbythecoachman，playingthebeautifulandpopularair，“EsrittendreiReutercumThorehinaus！“
CountSt。Juliendescendedthestairs，followedbythehost，andnoddedinaloftymannertothetwowaitersandhostlerawaitinghimattheentrance，whoreturneditbyaprofoundbow，atthesametimenotfailingtoseethewhitehandextendedwiththetrinkgeld。
Thehosthimselfclosedthecarriagedoor，andthecountdepartedamidthemerrypealsofthepostilion，theformergazingafterhimwiththesatisfactionofonewhohasmadeagoodbargain。Theservantswatchedit，too，untilithaddisappearedaroundthecornerofthenextstreet。
Atthisinstantthequiveringtonesofapost-hornwereheard，andanopencalecheappearedandstoppedbeforethehotelwithtwolargeblacktravelling-trunksuponit，andthepostilionupontheboxblowingthepopularair，“EsrittendreiReuterzumThorehinaus！“
Thehostobservedtheemptycarriagewithasmile，buttheservantsaskedthemselvesastonishedwhatitmeant，andastheyturnedandsawCountSt。Juliendescendingthestairs，theywerestartled。Heofferedthemtheusualtrinkgeld，enteredthecarriage，androlledawaywithacommandingnod。
Thehostseemedspeechlesswithastonishment，andstoodasifrootedtothespot。Theservantsstaredafterthecarriageuntilitturnedthecorner；whenjustthenapost-hornwasheardplayingtheagreeablemelodyof“DreiReuter，“andatravelling-carriagewithtwolargeblacktrunksdroveuptothedoor。
Theservantsturnedpale，lookingshylytowardthestairs。SlowlyandwithgreatdignityCountSt。Juliendescended，greetingthemwithagentlemanlynodashepassed，and，extendinghiswhitehandwithatrinkgeld，mountedhiscarriage，anddroveaway。
Thehoststoodasifstunned，outsidethedoor，lookingrightandleftwithunspeakableterror。Theservantstremblinglyfixedtheireyesuponthestairs，nolongerpossessingthepowertomove，butheardthepost-horn，andthecarriagewhichdroveuptothedoorthethirdtime。SlowlyandproudlyCountSt。Julienadvanced。Itwasthesamecold，graveface，withthethickblackbeard，andthepowderedperuke，thecurlsofwhichovershadowedthebrowandcheeks。Heworeexactlythesamedark-browncloakovertheblackvelvetdress。Thewhitehand，withbroadlacewrist-ruffles，reachedthemalsoatrinkgeld。
Thistimethefellowshadscarcelyself-possessionsufficienttotakethepresent，foreverythingswambeforetheireyes，andtheirheartsonemomentalmostceasedtobeat，andthenpalpitatedwiththefeverishrapidityofterror。
“Iwouldrunaway，“murmuredthechiefwaiter，asCountSt。Julienforthefourthtimedroveaway，“ifmyfeetwerenotrivetedtothefloor。”
“IfIcouldmovemineIwouldhavegonelongago，“groanedthesecondwaiter，thecleardropsstandinguponhisforehead。“Itiswitchcraft！Oh，Heaven！theyarecomingagain，playingthe'DreiReuter。'“