Frederick the Great and His Court

whispering of the wind among the trees; all else was tranquil and still. But this did not last long. The noise of advanci

enough to be called one of the fair sex. She was dressed in a charming and tasteful morning robe, wh

ctions. Seeing that no one was near, that she was alone and unobserved, she turned aside into the bushes, and, following a narrow, overgrown path, at last arrived at the garden wall, where she remained standing before a small door for a moment, listening with suppressed breathing. Hea

and quickly drawing a key from

ward through the open gate, and, bowing low to t

smiling. "Really you are as punctual as if

sighed the coun

y, laughing; "that is,

ng and beautiful, while I have grown old. Tell me, kind lady, by what, art you have preserved the charming freshn

ion is of so profound a nature, that you undoubtedly have some very particular favor to solicit at my hands. But c

pavilion, to which the same key gave acce

ce. "Come, count, let us be seated; and now tell me why you desired this meeting, and why

u, to behold once more your lovely count

you had no heart," sa

. Really you do credit to your name, and, thank

cknowledged to be one of the shrewdest and most ingenious of diplomatists. But no diplomatic subterfuges with me, I pray. Let us waste no time on the shell, but to the kernel at once! What do you require of me

l, drawing forth a well-filled purse, through the silken meshes of which gold glittered, and presenting it to the lady. "I am on

and each other, and I beg of you not to speak

esses himself to the Empress of Austria, although she, as his nearest relative, as

s of Austria is insufficient to meet

imes when not only the prince royal, but also his sister of Bairout, experienced the generosity

"We poor women are the greatest sufferers.

ed Count M

g of an idle hour; he then wearies of us, and throws us a

is lady

, we might both learn something from this noble flute. Yes, believe me, I would try to be like her, if, unfortunately, I did not need so many things for which a flute has no use, and if the glitter of Austrian gold were not so alluring. But you, Co

angrily. But he quickly subdued this momentary irritation,

d that upon Austria devolves the privilege and duty of dethroning all other German princes, and uniting all Germany under one government, of converting Austria

and induced him to keep a diary for your inspection,[3] you have also succeeded in securing the services of that humble and modest little person, Madame von Brandt, who well knows that all this costs your Grace a considerable amount of money. And now you wish to make me believe that you do these things on account of your political conviction. Softly, my dea

erick the Great,"

leasantries?" said the c

it; you serve Austria, because you are paid for it. If, in time of need, you were not at hand with a well-filled purse, I would cease to serve you; and you would no longer be enthusiastic on the subject of Austrian do

ou on matters of ver

betrayed you," said Mada

you must know that the prince r

e that his majesty was much better. The prince royal is so rejoiced that

e royal still l

he loved his flute alo

hen, love the p

d into a flute. He would probably say to Quantz, 'It is not ma

h the princess? although she is no flute

ncess dr

does the

stinctly that the prince royal could not understand her were she to say the wittiest things imaginable, why should such a woman

om his wife as soon as he obtains his freedom, that is, whe

n to his most intimate friends; and in his tenderest moments Madame Mori

ry suspicious. Madame Morien must b

rtance to money. I know of but one means. Procure for her a lover who is handsomer, more ardent, and more passiona

dear baroness, must induce Madame Morien to do this; you, with your bewitching eloquence, must make Madame Morien comprehend that this is the only means of doing penance for her sinful life, and that her only chance of reconciliation with Heaven depends upon her restoration of the faithless husband to the arm

ince. You know that he is the ambassado

esult of this correspondence is, that Suhm has already procured the prince royal a loan of ten thousand dollars from the Duke of Courland, and that he has now secured him t

c le Grand, vol. xvi.,

g. "The prince is as poor as Job, and for some time

luge Germany with blood and tears! Austria will do all that lies in her power to avoid this; and we, my dear friend, will be Austria's allies, and will assist her to the best of our ability. Russia has given Prussia money, it is true, but an indebtedness of this kind ceases the moment the money is returned. When the prince royal ascends the throne, he will pay to Russia what he owes her, and with that all obligations will be at an end. Then another tie must be found to bind Austria mor

" exclaimed Madame B

le? Why i

dy filled with a deep and passionate love-a love which wou

ourse of love! What have politics to do with love? The prince may

as Heaven, and deserving of Heaven's blessing! You must give this plan up, count; the Prince Augustus William will never marry the Pr

euffel, laughing loudly. "How romantic! how sublime! what excellent materials for a sentimental roman

William will not marry the Princess of Brunswick, for he loves the beaut

nce royal will assist us, depend upon it. He is not an enthusiastic lover, like

e would rather die than gi

him up," said Count Manteu

th a sigh, "she loves him so dearly!

this in yourself. Have you no recollection of the days of our ardent and passionate love? Did we not expect to die when we were separated? Did we not wring our hands, and pray for death as a

r sorrows; the heart of women resembles the worm-i

worm, and we will not hesitate to cut it in pieces, as it will still live merrily on.

dt looked down sadly, an

should never have become what I am, if I had not been ruthlessly torn from my first d

tch the Prince Augustus William and his lady love, and, at the proper time, bring the affair to light. By your eloquence you must convince Madame Morien that it is her duty to exert her influence with the prince royal to prevent his separation from his wife. This is your task, and a noble task it is. Its objects are-to protect the peace of married life; to recall two noble hearts to th

me Brandt was radiant w

all women-my fate. Who pitied, who saved me? No one listened to my cry of anguish, and no one shall heed the wailing cry of the fair Laura von Pannewitz. Count, she is condemned! But, hark! Do you not hear faint tones of distant music? The prince royal has arisen, and is playin