Frederick The Great and His Family

in Sans-Souci. His countenance was now tranquil, his brow cloudless; with the aid of music he had harmonized his

is lip was so resigned and painful that the brave Marquis d'Argens would hav

eparted to a land from which no one returns-he was dead! My lord marshal had returned to Scotland, Algarotti to Italy, and Bastiani still held his office in Breslau. Sans-Souci, that had been heretofore the seat of joy and laughing wit-Sans-Souci was now stil

he first time ten years ago; it had been painted by Pesne for the king. What recollections, what dreams arose before the king's soul as he gazed at that bewitching and lovely face; at those soft, melting eyes, whose glance had once made him so happy! But that was long ago; it had passed like a

last. The king roused himself from those dangerous dreams, an

," he said; "I

, wonderingly opening the letter first. Casting a hasty glance through it, a mocking smile crossed his face. "She sends me a French transla

ncing at the book; its sad, pleading prayer was b

s and laying them aside. He then rang hastily, and bade the servant sen

nd the old, wrinkled, sweetly smiling

et him. "Do you bring me his submission? Does my broth

heart. He still continues in his disobedience, and declares that no man should marry a woman without loving her; that he

tful countenance; he appeared not to notice that

opian thought to believe that he can defy my wishes. Tell him he i

a happy one; that your majesty had not only made yourself unhappy by your marriage, but also

you know it would have been better had you

to tell you faithfully ev

now you, and I know very well that you are playing a double game. But I warn you not to follow the promptings of your wicked heart. I desir

hameless manner; "if I persuade the prince to submi

I will raise your income five hu

ur majesty wishes Prince Henry to engage himself as soon as

d w

as many debts as possible, th

ill not even cure you," said the king, smiling. "But sp

shoulders, gave a sly

s my brother in love? an

in love from ennui alone, but h

of it," said the king, smiling "Who is the enchantress that has heard

e can doubt its purity; no one understands love as well as this fair lady; no other than

n, and we must check her clever plans in the bud. If she desires to be loved by my brother, she possesses knowledge, beauty, and experience to gain her

rlin to attend a feast given by the P

s at six o'clock, but he will not forget

forget

ing appearance. "This struggle must be brought to a close, and that speedily. My brother

a king's son-that means a slave to your position. Why has Providence given hearts to kings as to other men? Why do we thirst so for

ina. But he would have no pity with himself, as he dared not show

immediately to the inspector, and tell him to h

ture down and carried it from the room, then sig

is gone! I am now the king, and, with God'