Old Fritz and the New Era

se old limbs must again submit to the fatigue of war. But what matters it? The life of princes is passed in the fulf

ing his cabinet back and forth, his hands folded upon his staff b

nion a greyhound, old and joyless as his master. Neither the bust of Voltaire, with its beaming, intelligent face, nor those of his friends, Lord-Marshal Keith and the Marquis d'Argens, could win an affectionate glance from the lonely

mbrance of them unnerved him, and filled his heart with grief. The experiences of life, and the ingratitude of men, had left many a scar upon this royal heart, but had never harde

lligence the king had received that very morning, from his Paris correspondent, Grimm. It was this that filled his heart with mournin

re was

request to live with him at Berlin. This intimacy, it is true, did not long continue; the king was forced to recognize, with bitter regret, that the MAN Voltaire was not worthy the love which he bestowed upon the POET. He renounced the MAN, but the poet was st

re was

n the natural body, had instructed, inspired, and ref

or thee, my whole life long! Neither the researches of the learned, nor the subtleties of philosophy reveal thee to me. Is there any other immortality than fame? Any other eternal life th

present with fear of the future. What is there to fear after death? If the body and the mind suffer the same fate, I shall return and mingle wit

ose loved ones-gone before. I must be content to tarry awhile in this earthly vale of

it contained the flute that his beloved teacher, Quantz, had made for him. Frederick had always kept it in

Brenda, and my glorious Graun are no more. While they are listening to the heavenly choir, I must be content with the miserable,

ornamented with silver. A smile played around his delicate mouth. He raised the flute to his lips, and a

n his ear. The fresh spring breeze swept through the trees, and drove the laden-blossomed elder-bushes tapping against the windowpanes, as if to offer a May

re taking place, fixed her great eyes upon her master, jumping u

re absent from the present-absent from the earth! They were wandering in the unkn

st of Voltaire, gazing at it with a look of pain until the melody was finished. Then abruptly turning, half unwillingly, half an

tending to a spark of the fire which that shameful fellow Prometheus stole from the gods. What an absurdity! What have I, an old fellow, to do with the fire of Prometheus, wh

lied the footman, "the Baron v

Resting his chin upon his staff, he signed to the baron, who stood bowing upon the t

, I have to lay before your majesty; also a paper, received yesterday, from Madame Mara; s

bestowing a caress upon Alkmene. "Commence with your rep

to your majesty, and prays for an increase of salary-that i

is mad; When he cannot live upon three thousand, he will not be able to live upon four. I want money for

y, it is my

ber, once for all, do not flatter them. Conciliani will get no increase of salary. If he persis

e introduced into the opera of 'Coriolanus.' She has taken the liberty to address

ark, sprang from her master's knee, and with a bound caught the strange bird, and tore it in pieces. "You are right, my pet," said the king, laughing, "you have written my answer with your nose to this arrogant person. Dire

have to encounter with the proud and passionate singer. Timidly Von Arnim alluded to the fou

ersonate the role of court ladies and maids of honor to the queens an

ite, Von Arnim: 'To the four court ladies and maids of honor of the opera: You are mistaken in addressing yourselve

ld scarcely r

he French actors," said the king; "but first tell me the news

that your majesty has declared war with Austria on account of the Bavarian succession. Every one rejoices

tor of the theatres, thought yourself upon the stage, and would commence a comedy with the king of lamps. So it

ire," replied V

rave scenes-we can well dispense with comedy. I withdraw the salaries and pensions of the French actors-your own is include

e baron, amazed, "has yo

king granted his request, and the baron returned to Berlin. At the first audience with the king, Frederick handed Baron von Arnim a carefully-packed box, saying, "I do not wish the government to lose so valuable a servant; in this box you will find something that will keep you warm." Arnim could

ard all, but I c

ur intrigues would not admit of it; but now you have the leisure to pursue them with a right good-will. You have only to

rom the royal presence. The door had scarcely closed, when it was aga

ne, "your majesty, she has just gone to the Pal

?" asked the

ittle distance the nurse foll

the young man, who at once assumed a devoted, earnest mien.

himself to be used as a spy, is, indeed, a useful subject, but generally a worthless one, and to whom it is becoming to be modest and humble. I am now going to Berlin; you will accompany me. Take off your finery, so that every one may not recognize at once the peacock by hi

but stood without opening it, his he

he king, in a milder tone, "w

ty abuses me, and considers me such a mean, base fellow. Your majesty first commanded me to listen, and spy, and now that I am obeying, I am despised and s

at is going on in Berlin and Potsdam. But take care that they know nothing about it, otherwise they will be careful, and you will hear nothing. Now be off, and in order to see a cheerful face on you, I will make you a present." The king drew from his vest-pocket a purse, well filled with small co

k yesterday, always walking in the most quiet places, as if she were afraid to meet any one. She sat a whole hour o

how to use your eyes well," said the ki