Old Fritz and the New Era

th painful curiosity, to the audience-room,

xplanation of the miraculous elixir contained in this little box, and abo

grace to grant me a few moments' conversation, which may serve as

lency, to explain it," cri

nd of the king imposes this duty upon me. He has known for a long time of your c

ready loved this certain person. Twice I have married, because the command of his king is law to the crown prince

le yourself for an unhappy marriage. Her low birth is a guaranty that she will never mingle in politics, an act which would be visited with his majesty's highest displeasure. While his majesty permits you to continue this int

llency, how stingy and parsimonious the king is to the crown prince. He scarcely affords me the means to support my family in a decent, to say nothing of a princely, manner. How dependent we all are, myself, my wife, and my children upon the king,

m. A good opportunity now offers to you. Count Schmettau will sell his villa at Charlottenburg, and it would be agreeable to his majesty that you should purchase it, and assign it to those dearest to you. In order to give you as little trouble as possible, his majesty has had

ut, your excellency," cried the prin

the key to the little box: have the g

Lichtenau," vol.1] The prince's face lighted up with joy. "Oh! the king has indeed given me a miraculous elixir, that compensates for all misfortunes, heals all infirmities, and is a balsam for all possible griefs. I will bring it into use immediately, and sign the bill of sale

uble Fredericks d'or, and, when your highness commands it, I will reserve seven rolls and pay Count Schmettau;

f his goodness and tenderness. I feel ashamed without being humbled, like a repentant son, who has doubted the generosi

ble, glorious deeds in a harsh manner, that he may relieve the recipients of his bounty from the burden of gratitude; and often when he is the most morose and harsh, is he at heart the most gracious and affectionate. You and yours have experienced it t

him-he must listen to

o the affair, and never to speak of it to others, as it would not be agreeable to his majesty to have the family affairs known to the world. You would best pl

thout at least returning my most heart-felt thanks. Say to the king, that I am deeply, sensibly moved with his tender sympathy and generosity.

sure, drive at once to Charlottenburg. You will find the new possessor t

e villa. I am curious to learn w

l ride upon horseback with the heavy rolls of gold; and if it is your pleasure, I w

y heavy, but an agreeable burden, and if it lames my arm I shall bethink myself of the miraculous elixir

passed on to the opposite end, where there was a door open, and stood upon a balcony, with steps descending into the garden, which, with its flower-beds, grass-plots, shrubbery, and the tall trees, formed a lovely background. The birds were singing, the trees

lhelmine!" cri

at last, my beloved lord," she cried, almost breathless, mounting the st

ve the goodness to lead me to one of th

in contain, that it pre

the wide folding-doors, which led into a very tastefully-furnished room. Frederick William set the box upon the mar

ve and fidelity of the Prince of Prussia should not be annoyed at the sight of me; that I should live retired, and leave the appointed residence as little as possible, for then the kin

cruel words," sighe

m, that he must thus speak to me, but the king had commanded him to repeat his very words. The carriage was at the door, he said, ready to convey me to my future dwelling, for I must

and a resting-place for our love and our children. This house is y

o me? How generous, and how extravagant you are! Protect me w

may be a reality, I will play the

ought to gather up the pieces which rolled ringing around her upon the floor. The prince seized another roll, and another still, till she was flooded with th