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+Project Gutenberg Etext of Old Fritz and the New Era, by Muhlbach
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+Title: Old Fritz and the New Era
+
+Author: Louise Muhlbach
+
+Official Release Date: October, 2002  [Etext #3460]
+[Yes, we are about one year ahead of schedule]
+[The actual date this file first posted = 04/29/01]
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+Project Gutenberg Etext of Old Fritz and the New Era, by Muhlbach
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+
+
+OLD FRITZ AND THE NEW ERA
+
+L. MUHLBACH
+
+
+
+
+TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN BY PETER LANGLEY
+
+
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+OLD FRITZ.
+
+I. The Lonely King
+
+II. Wilhelmine Enke
+
+III. Frederick William
+
+IV. The Drive to Berlin
+
+V. The Oath of Fidelity
+
+VI. The Parade
+
+VII. The Miraculous Elixir
+
+VIII. The Golden Rain
+
+IX. German Literature and the King
+
+
+
+
+BOOK II.
+
+ROSICRUCIANS AND POWERFUL GENIUSES.
+
+X. Goethe in Berlin
+
+XI. The Inner and the Middle Temple
+
+XII. The Jesuit General
+
+XIII. A Pensioned General
+
+XIV. The King's Letter
+
+XV. Hate and Love
+
+XVI. Charles Augustus and Goethe
+
+XVII. Goethe's Visits
+
+XVIII. Farewell to Berlin
+
+
+
+
+BOOK III.
+
+STORM AND PRESSURE.
+
+XIX. The King and the Austrian Diplomat
+
+XX. The King and the Lover
+
+XXI. In Weimar
+
+XXII. The Reading
+
+XXIII. Witchcraft
+
+XXIV. The Purse-Proud Man
+
+XXV. The Elopement
+
+XXVI. Under the Starry Heavens
+
+XXVII. The Sacrifice
+
+
+
+
+BOOK IV.
+
+THE VISIBLES AND THE INVISIBLES.
+
+XXVIII. Old Fritz
+
+XXIX. Cagliostro's Return
+
+XXX. The Triumvirate
+
+XXXI. Future Plans
+
+XXXII. Miracles and Spirits
+
+XXXIII. The Return Home
+
+XXXIV. Behind the Mask
+
+XXXV. The Curse
+
+XXXVI. The King and the Rosicrucians
+
+XXXVII. The Espousals
+
+XXXVIII. Revenge Fulfilled
+
+
+
+
+FOREWORD
+
+I would merely say a few words in justification of the Historical
+Romance, in its relation to history. Any one, with no preceding
+profound study of history, who takes a few well-known historical
+facts as a foundation for an airy castle of romantic invention and
+fantastic adventure, may easily write an Historical Romance; for him
+history is only the nude manikin which he clothes and adorns
+according to his own taste, and to which he gives the place and
+position most agreeable to himself. But only the writer who is in
+earnest with respect to historical truth, who is not impelled by
+levity or conceited presumption, is justified in attempting this
+species of composition; thoroughly impressed with the greatness of
+his undertaking, he will with modest humility constantly remember
+that he has proposed to himself a great and sublime work which,
+however, it will be difficult if not impossible for him wholly and
+completely to accomplish.
+
+But what is this great, this sublime end, which the Historical
+Romance writer proposes to attain? It is this: to illustrate
+history, to popularize it; to bring forth from the silent studio of
+the scholar and to expose in the public market of life, for the
+common good, the great men and great deeds embalmed in history, and
+of which only the studious have hitherto enjoyed the monopoly. Thus,
+at least, have I considered the vocation I have chosen, not vainly
+or inconsiderately, but with a profound conviction of the greatness
+of my undertaking, and with a depressing consciousness that my power
+and acquirements may prove inadequate for the attainment of my
+proposed end.
+
+But I am also fully conscious of what was and still is my greatest
+desire: to give an agreeable and popular form to our national
+history, which may attract the attention and affections of our
+people, which may open their understandings to the tendencies of
+political movements, and connect the facts of history with the
+events of actual life.
+
+The severe historian has to do but with accomplished facts; he can
+only record and describe, with the strictest regard to truth, that
+which has outwardly occurred. He describes the battles of peoples,
+the struggles of nations, the great deeds of heroes, the actions of
+princes--in short, he gives the accomplished facts. To investigate
+and explain the secret motives, the hidden causes of these facts, to
+present them in connection with all that impelled to them, this is
+the task of Historical Romance.
+
+The historian presents to you the outward face, the external form of
+history; Historical Romance would show you the heart of history, and
+thus bring near to your heart what, else, would stand so far off. To
+enable him to do this, the writer of an Historical Romance must,
+indeed, make severe and various studies. He must devote his whole
+mind and soul to the epoch he would illustrate, he must live in it
+and feel with it. He must so familiarize himself with all the
+details, as in a manner to become a child of that epoch; for he can
+present a really living image of only that which is living in
+himself. That this requires a deep and earnest study of history is
+self-evident. Historical Romance demands the study of the historian,
+together with the creative imagination of the poet. For the free
+embodiment of the poet can blossom only from out the studio of the
+historian, as the flower from the seed; as, by a reciprocal organic
+action, the hyacinth is derived from the onion, and the rose from
+its seed-capsule, so are history and poetry combined in the
+Historical Romance, giving and receiving life to and from each
+other.
+
+The Historical Romance has its great task and its great
+justification--a truth disputed by only those who either have not
+understood or will not understand its nature.
+
+The Historical Romance has, if I may be allowed so to speak, four
+several objects for which to strive:
+
+Its first object is, to throw light upon the dark places of history,
+necessarily left unclear by the historian. Poetry has the right and
+duty of setting facts in a clear light, and of illuminating the
+darkness by its sunny beams. The poetry of the romance writer seeks
+to deduce historical characteristics from historical facts, and to
+draw from the spirit of history an elucidation of historical
+characters, so that the writer may be able to detect their inmost
+thoughts and feelings, and in just and sharp traits to communicate
+them to others.
+
+The second task of Historical Romance is, to group historical
+characters according to their internal natures, and thus to
+elucidate and illustrate history. This illustration then leads to
+the third task, which is the discovery and exposition of the motives
+which impel individual historical personages to the performance of
+great historical acts, and from outwardly, apparently insignificant
+events in their lives to deduce their inmost thoughts and natures,
+and represent them clearly to others.
+
+Thence follows the fourth task: the illustration of historical facts
+by a romance constructed in the spirit of the history. This fourth
+and principal task is the presentation of history in a dramatic form
+and with animated descriptions; upon the foundation of history to
+erect the temple of poesy, which must nevertheless be pervaded and
+illuminated by historic truth. From this it naturally follows that
+it is of very little consequence whether the personages of the
+Historical Romance actually spoke the words or performed the acts
+attributed to them; it is only necessary that those words and deeds
+should be in accordance with the spirit and character of such
+historical personages, and that the writer should not attribute to
+them what they could not have spoken or done. In the Historical
+Romance, when circumstances or events are presented in accordance
+with historical tradition, when the characters are naturally
+described, they bear with them their own justification, and
+Historical Romance has need of no further defence.
+
+Historical Romance should be nothing but an illustration of history.
+If the drawing, grouping, coloring, and style of such an
+illustration of any given historical epoch are admitted to be true,
+then the illustration rises to the elevation of a work of art,
+worthy of a place beside the historical picture, and is equally
+useful.
+
+Raphael's "School of Athens," his "Institution of the Communion,"
+and many others of his pictures, are such illustrations of history--
+as also the great paintings of Rubens from the life of Anna dei
+Medici; and then the historical pictures of Horace Vernet, of
+Delaroche, of Lessing, and of Kaulbach--all these are illustrations
+of history. What those artists present and illustrate with paint and
+pencil, the Historical Romancer represents in words with his pen;
+and when he does this successfully, he will live in the memory of
+his reader as imperishably as the great historical pictures of the
+painters in the memory of their beholders.
+
+It would occur to no one to accuse a successful historical picture
+of falsehood, because the books of history do not show that the
+occurrence took place precisely in the manner represented, that the
+historical personages really so laughed or wept, or so deported
+themselves. If the situation and grouping of historical events are
+allowed to be in accordance with the general tenor of history, then
+the picture may be pronounced historically true, and is just as good
+a piece of history as the record of the special historian. It is the
+same with the pictures of the romancer as with those of the painter;
+and this is my answer to those who, on every occasion, are
+continually asking: "Was it really thus? Did it really occur in that
+manner?"
+
+Show me from history that it could not be so; that it is not in
+accordance with the character of the persons represented--then I
+will confess that I am wrong, and you are right; then have I not
+presented an illustration, but only a caricature of history, faulty
+as a work of art, and wanting the dignity of truth.
+
+I am conscious of having earnestly and devotedly striven for the
+truth, and of having diligently sought it in all attainable
+historical works. The author of an Historical Romance has before him
+a difficult task: while he must falsify nothing in history, he must
+poetize it in a manner that both historical and poetic truth shall
+be the result. To those, however, who so very severely judge
+Historical Romance, and would deny its historical worth, I now, in
+conclusion, answer with the following significant quotation from
+Schiller:
+
+"I shall always prove a bad resource for any future historian who
+may have the misfortune to recur to me. History is generally only a
+magazine for my fantasy, and objects must be contented with whatever
+they may become under my hand."--(See Weisnar's "Musenhof," p. 93.)
+
+This declaration of Schiller satisfies me with respect to the nature
+of my own creations. I desire not to be a resource for historical
+writers, but I shall always earnestly and zealously seek to draw
+from the wells of history, that nothing false or unreal may find a
+place in the "magazine of my fantasy."
+
+CLARA MUNDT,
+
+(L. MUEHLBACH. )
+
+BERLIN, September 22, 1866.
+
+
+
+
+
+OLD FRITZ AND THE NEW ERA.
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+OLD FRITZ.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE LONELY KING.
+
+
+"Well, so let it be!" said the king, sighing, as he rose from his
+arm-chair; "I must go forth to the strife, and these old limbs must
+again submit to the fatigue of war. But what matters it? The life of
+princes is passed in the fulfilment of duties and responsibilities,
+and rarely is it gladdened with the sunny rays of joy and peace! Let
+us submit!
+
+"Yes, let us submit!" repeated the king, thoughtfully, slowly pacing
+his cabinet back and forth, his hands folded upon his staff behind
+him, and his favorite dog, Alkmene, sleepily following him.
+
+It was a melancholy picture to see this bowed-down old man; his
+thin, pale face shaded by a worn-out, three-cornered hat, his dirty
+uniform strewn with snuff; and his meagre legs encased in high-
+topped, unpolished boots; his only companion 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 old king. He whom Europe distinguished as the Great
+Frederick, whom his subjects called their "father and benefactor,"
+whose name was worthy to shine among the brightest stars of heaven,
+his pale, thin lips just murmured, "Resignation!"
+
+With downcast eyes he paced his cabinet, murmuring, "Let us submit!"
+He would not look up to those who were gazing down upon him from the
+walls--to those who were no more. The remembrance 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 hardened it; it was still overflowing with tender
+sympathy and cherished memories. To Lord-Marshal Keith, Marquis
+d'Argens, and Voltaire, Frederick owed the happiest years of his
+life.
+
+D'Argens, who passionately loved Frederick, had been dead five
+years; Lord-Marshal Keith one month; and Voltaire was dying! This
+intelligence the king had received that very morning, from his Paris
+correspondent, Grimm. It was this that filled his heart with
+mourning. The face, that smiled so full of intelligence, was perhaps
+distorted with agony, and those beaming eyes were now closing in
+death!
+
+Voltaire was dying!
+
+Frederick's thoughts were with the dead and dying--with the past! He
+recalled, when crown prince at Rheinsberg, how much he had admired,
+loved, and distinguished Voltaire; how he rejoiced, and how honored
+he felt, when, as a young king, Voltaire yielded to his 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 still his admiration;
+and all the perfidy, slander and malice of Voltaire, had never
+changed Frederick. The remembrance of it had long since faded from
+his noble heart--only the memory of the poet, of the author of so
+many hours of the purest enjoyment, remained.
+
+Voltaire was dying!
+
+This great and powerful spirit, who so long a time, in the natural
+body, had instructed, inspired, and refreshed mankind, would leave
+that body to rise--whither?
+
+"Immortality, what art thou?" asked the king, aloud, and for the
+first time raising his eyes with an inquiring glance to the busts of
+his friends. "I have sought for thee, I have toiled for 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 than that which the
+memory of succeeding generations grants to the dead?" In this tone
+of thought Frederick recited, audibly, the conclusion of a poem,
+which he had addressed to D'Alembert:
+
+"I have consecrated my days to philosophy, I admit all the innocent
+pleasures of life; And knowing that soon my course will finish, I
+enjoy the 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 with nature; If a remnant of my intellectual fire
+escapes death, I will flee to the arms of my God." [Footnote:
+Posthumous works, vol. vii., p.88.]
+
+"And may this soon be granted me!" continued the king; "then I shall
+be reunited to those loved ones--gone before. I must be content to
+tarry awhile in this earthly vale of sorrow, and finish the task
+assigned me by the Great Teacher; therefore, let us submit."
+
+He sighed; pacing to and fro, his steps were arrested at a side-
+table, where lay a long black velvet box; it contained the flute
+that his beloved teacher, Quantz, had made for him. Frederick had
+always kept it in his cabinet as a memento of his lost friend; as
+this room he had devoted to a temple of Memory--of the past!
+
+"Another of the joys, another of the stars of my life vanished!"
+murmured the king. "My charming concerts are at an end! Quantz,
+Brenda, and my glorious Graun are no more. While they are listening
+to the heavenly choir, I must be content with the miserable, idle
+chatter of men; the thunder of battle deafening my ears, to which
+that mad, ambitious Emperor of Austria hopes to force me!"
+
+As the king thus soliloquized, he involuntarily drew from the box
+the beautiful ebony flute, exquisitely ornamented with silver. A
+smile played around his delicate mouth. He raised the flute to his
+lips, and a melancholy strain floated through the stillness--the
+king's requiem to the dead, his farewell to the dying!
+
+No sound of the outer world penetrated that lonely room. The guard
+of honor, on duty upon the Sans-Souci terrace, halted suddenly, as
+the sad music fell upon 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-greeting to
+the lonely king. The servant in waiting stole on tiptoe to the door
+of the anteroom, listening breathlessly at the key-hole to the
+moving melody.
+
+Even Alkmene suddenly raised her head as if something unusual were
+taking place, fixed her great eyes upon her master, jumping upon his
+knee, and resting her fore-paws lovingly upon his breast.
+
+Frederick neither observed nor felt the movement of his favorite;
+his thoughts were absent from the present--absent from the earth!
+They were wandering in the unknown future, with the spirits of those
+he longed to see again in the Elysian fields.
+
+The wailing music of his flute expressed the lamentation of his
+soul, and his eyes filled with tears as he raised them to the bust
+of Voltaire, gazing at it with a look of pain until the melody was
+finished. Then abruptly turning, half unwillingly, half angrily, he
+returned the flute to the box, and stole away, covering his face
+with his hands, as if to hide his emotion from himself.
+
+"Now we have finished with the dead, and the living claim our
+thoughts," sighed the king. "What an absurd thing is the human
+heart! It will never grow cold or old; always pretending 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, when the fire of war will soon rage around me,"
+At this instant the door gently opened. "What do you want, Muller?
+What do you poke your stupid face in here for?" said the king.
+
+"Pardon me, your majesty," replied the footman, "the Baron von Arnim
+begs for an audience."
+
+"Bid him enter," commanded the king, sinking back in his old, faded
+velvet arm-chair. Resting his chin upon his staff, he signed to the
+baron, who stood bowing upon the threshold, to approach. "Well,
+Arnim, what is the matter? What papers have you there?"
+
+"Sire," answered Baron von Arnim, "the contract of the French
+actors, which needs renewing, I have to lay before your majesty;
+also a paper, received yesterday, from Madame Mara; still another
+from the singer Conciliani, and a petition from four persons from
+the opera."
+
+"What stupid stuff!" growled the king, at the same time bestowing a
+caress upon Alkmene. "Commence with your report. Let us hear what
+those singers are now asking for."
+
+"The singer Conciliani has addressed a heart-breaking letter to your
+majesty, and prays for an increase of salary--that it is impossible
+for him to live upon three thousand dollars."
+
+"Ah! that is what is wanted?" cried the king, furious, and striking
+his staff upon the floor. "The fellow is mad; When he cannot live
+upon three thousand, he will not be able to live upon four. I want
+money for cannon. I cannot spend it for such nonsense. I am
+surprised, Von Arnim that you repeat such stuff to me."
+
+"Your majesty, it is my duty that I--"
+
+"What! Your duty is not to flatter them. I pay them to give me
+pleasure, not presumption. Remember, once for all, do not flatter
+them. Conciliani will get no increase of salary. If he persists, let
+him go to the mischief! This is my decision.--Proceed! What is
+Madame Mara begging for?"
+
+"Madame Mara constantly refuses to sing the airs which your majesty
+commanded to be introduced into the opera of 'Coriolanus.' She has
+taken the liberty to address you in writing; here is the letter, if
+your majesty will have the grace to read it."
+
+"By no means, sir, by no means!" cried the king; at the same instant
+catching the paper with his staff, he slung it like a shot arrow to
+the farthest corner of the room, to the great amusement of Alkmene,
+who, with a loud bark, 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. Director, say to Madame Mara
+that I pay her to sing, not to write. She must sing both airs, or
+she may find herself at Spandau for her obstinacy, where her husband
+is, for the same reason. She can reflect, and judge for herself."
+
+The director could scarcely repress a sigh, foreboding the
+disagreeable scene that he would have to encounter with the proud
+and passionate singer. Timidly Von Arnim alluded to the four persons
+from the opera. "Who are these demoiselles, and what do they want?"
+asked the king.
+
+"Sire," replied the Baron von Arnim, "they are the four persons who
+personate the role of court ladies and maids of honor to the queens
+and princesses. They beg your majesty to secure to them a fixed
+income."
+
+"Indeed! Go to my writing-table and bring paper and pencil; I will
+dictate a reply to them," said the king. "Now write, Von Arnim: 'To
+the four court ladies and maids of honor of the opera: You are
+mistaken in addressing yourselves to me; the affair of your salaries
+concerns YOUR emperors and kings. To them you must address
+yourselves.--Adieu.'"
+
+Von Arnim could scarcely repress a smile.
+
+"Now we come to the last affair--the salaries and pensions of the
+French actors," said the king; "but first tell me the news in
+Berlin--what report has trumpeted forth in the last few days."
+
+"Your majesty, the latest news in Berlin, which rumor brings home to
+every hearth-side and every heart is, that your majesty has declared
+war with Austria on account of the Bavarian succession. Every one
+rejoices, sire, that you will humble that proud and supercilious
+house of Austria, and enter the lists for Germany."
+
+"Listen!" answered the king, sternly. "I did not ask you to blow the
+trumpet of praise, as if your honor, inspector of the theatres,
+thought yourself upon the stage, and would commence a comedy with
+the king of lamps. So it is known then that my soldiers will enter
+the great theatre of war, and that we are about to fight real
+battles."
+
+"It is known, sire," replied Von Arnim, bowing.
+
+"Then what I am about to communicate to you will not surprise you.
+The present juncture of affairs leads us to await very grave scenes-
+-we can well dispense with comedy. I withdraw the salaries and
+pensions of the French actors--your own is included. After you have
+dismissed the French comedians, you will be entirely at leisure to
+pursue your love-intrigues.--Farewell!"
+
+"Your majesty," cried the baron, amazed, "has your highness
+dismissed me?"
+
+"Are you deaf, or have you some of the cotton in your ears which I
+presented to you at your recall from Copenhagen?" replied the king.
+[Footnote: Baron von Arnim was ambassador to Copenhagen until 1754,
+when he begged for his recall, stating that the damp climate was
+injurious to his health. The 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 scarcely
+await his return home, to open the box; it contained nothing but
+cotton. Some days afterward, however, the king increased Von Arnim's
+income a thousand dollars, and sent him ambassador to Dresden. Von
+Arnim was afterward director of the Royal Theatre until dismissed in
+the above manner.]
+
+"Sire, I have heard all, but I cannot believe it."
+
+"Yes, yes," interrupted the king, "To believe is difficult; you, I
+presume, never belonged to the pious and believing. Your intrigues
+would not admit of it; but now you have the leisure to pursue them
+with a right good-will. You have only to discharge, as I have said,
+the entire French troupe, and the whole thing is done with.--Adieu,
+Arnim, may you be prospered!"
+
+Baron von Arnim muttered some incomprehensible words, and retreated
+from the royal presence. The door had scarcely closed, when it was
+again opened without ceremony by a young man, wearing a gold-laced
+dress.
+
+"Your majesty," said he, hastily, in an undertone, "your majesty,
+she has just gone to the Palace Park, just the same hour she went
+yesterday."
+
+"Is she alone?" asked the king, rising.
+
+"No, she is not alone; at a little distance the nurse follows with
+the princely infant!"
+
+The king cast an angry glance at the saucy, laughing face of the
+young man, who at once assumed a devoted, earnest mien. "Has your
+majesty any further commands?" asked he, timidly.
+
+"I command you to hold your tongue until you are spoken to!" replied
+the king, harshly. "You understand spying and hanging about, as you
+have good ears, a quick eye, and a keen scent. I therefore make use
+of you, because I need a spy; but, understand that a fellow who
+allows 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 his feathers. Go to the taverns and listen to what
+they say about the war; whether the people are much dissatisfied
+about it. Keep your great ears wide open, and bring me this evening
+all the latest news. Go, now, tell my coachman to be ready; in half
+an hour I shall set off."
+
+The young man slunk away to the door, but stood without opening it,
+his head down, and his under-lip hanging out.
+
+"What is the matter?" asked the king, in a milder tone, "why do you
+not go, Kretzschmar?"
+
+"I cannot go away if your majesty is angry with me," muttered the
+servant, insolently. "I do not wish to hear or see any thing more
+for you when your majesty 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 scolded for it. I will have
+nothing more to do with it, and I wish your majesty to leave me a
+simple footman rather than to accord me such a mean position."
+
+"I did not mean so badly," said the king. "I mean well enough for
+you; but you must not permit yourself to be arrogant or
+disrespectful, otherwise you may go to Tophet! You are no common
+spy, you are listening about a little because you know I am fond of
+hearing what the people are saying, and what 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 coin, and gave it to the young man, who took it, though
+he still looked angry and insolent. "Do not let your under-lip hang
+down so, for I may step upon it," said the king. "Put the money in
+your pocket, and hurry off to tell old Pfund to harness quickly, or
+I shall not arrive in time at the park."
+
+"There is no danger, your majesty, for the miss seems very fond of
+the promenade; she remained two hours in the park yesterday, always
+walking in the most quiet places, as if she were afraid to meet any
+one. She sat a whole hour on the iron seat by the Carp Pond, and
+then she went to the Philosopher's Walk, and skipped about like a
+young colt."
+
+"You are a very cunning fellow, and know how to use your eyes well,"
+said the king. "Now be off, and order the carriage."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+WILHELMINE ENKE.
+
+The Palace Park was as quiet and deserted as usual. Not a voice, not
+a sound, disturbed the stillness of those silent walks. For this
+reason, undoubtedly, a young lady had sought it; at least her whole
+being expressed satisfaction and delight to wander unobserved
+through those quiet, shady alleys. She was of slight and elegant
+proportions, simply attired, without pretension, in a dark dress of
+some thin silk material. Her black silk mantle was thrown aside upon
+the stone seat near her, uncovering thus, in solitude, to the sun
+and birds, her lovely neck and arms, the beauty of which might rival
+the statues of the ancients. Her face was not of regular beauty, yet
+it possessed that expression of grace, spirit, and energy, which is
+oftener a more powerful and more enduring charm than regular beauty.
+Her large, expressive black eyes possessed a wonderful power, and
+her red, pouting lips wore a sweet smile; her fine Roman nose lent
+an air of decision, whilst her high-arched forehead led one to
+believe that daring, energetic thought lay hidden beneath those
+clusters of brown curls. She was not in the bloom of youth, but at
+twenty-five she appeared younger than many beauties at eighteen; and
+if her form no longer possessed the charm of girlhood, it was
+attractive from its suppleness and full, beautiful bust.
+
+"Louisa, Louisa, where are you?" cried the young lady, stepping
+quickly forward toward a side-path, which led from the broad avenue,
+and at the end of which was a sunny grassplot.
+
+"Here I am, miss; I am coming."
+
+"Miss," murmured the young lady, "how dreadfully it sounds! The
+blush of shame rises to my face, for it sounds like bitter mockery
+and contempt, and brings my whole life before me. Yet, I must endure
+it--and I scarcely wish it were otherwise. Ah, there you are,
+Louisa, and there is my beautiful boy," she cried, with a glad
+voice, hastening toward the peasant-woman and bending fondly over
+her child. "How beautiful and how knowing he looks! It seems as if
+my little Alexander began to recognize me--he looks so earnest and
+sensible."
+
+"He knows you, miss," said the nurse, courtesying, "and he knows,
+like other children, who loves him. Children and dogs know who love
+them. The children cry, and the dogs hide themselves when people are
+around who dislike them."
+
+"Nonsense, Louisa!" laughed the young lady, as she bent to kiss her
+child--"nonsense! did not my little boy cry when his father took him
+yesterday? And he loves his child most tenderly, as only a father
+can."
+
+"Oh, there is another reason for that," said the nurse. "He has just
+passed his first stupid three months, and he begins to hear and see
+what passes around him, and it was the first man's face that he had
+seen. But only look, miss, what a beautiful little dog is coming up
+the path." It was indeed a lovely greyhound, of the small Italian
+race, which came bounding joyfully toward them, and as he saw the
+woman barked loudly.
+
+"Be quiet, Alkmene, be quiet!" cried a loud, commanding voice.
+
+"Oh, Heaven! it is the king!" whispered the young lady, turning
+pale, and, as if stunned, retreated a few steps.
+
+"Yes, it is really the king," cried the nurse, "and he is coming
+directly from the grass-plot here."
+
+"Let us go as quickly as possible, Louisa. Come, come," and she
+hastily threw her mantle around her, drawing the hood over her curly
+head. She had only proceeded a few steps, when a loud voice bade her
+to remain--to stand still. She stood as if rooted to the spot,
+leaning upon her nurse for support; her knees sank under her, and it
+seemed as if the whole world turned around with her. After the first
+tumult of anxiety and fear, succeeded an insolent determination,
+and, forcing herself to calmness, she said: "It is the turning-point
+of my life; the next few minutes will either crush me or assure my
+future; let me struggle for the future, then. I will face him who
+approaches me as my judge." Forcing herself to composure, slowly and
+with effort she turned toward the king, who, approaching by the side
+path, had entered the avenue, and now stood before her. But as she
+encountered the fiery glance of the king's eye, she quailed before
+it, casting down her own, covered with confusion.
+
+"Who are you?" demanded the king, with stern authority, keeping his
+eagle eye fixed upon her. Silent and immovable she stood; only the
+quick, feverish breathing and the heaving bosom told the storm that
+was raging within.
+
+"Who are you?" repeated the voice, with still more severity--"who
+permit themselves to use my park as a nursery? What child is that?
+and who are its parents? They should be of high position at court,
+who would dare to send their child and nurse to the royal park; and
+with what joy they must regard the offspring of their conjugal
+tenderness! Tell me to whom does this child belong?"
+
+Sobbing convulsively, the lady sank, kneeling, with uplifted arms,
+imploring for mercy. "Sire, annihilate me with your anger, but do
+not crush me with your scorn!"
+
+"What language do you permit yourself to hold?" asked the king.
+
+"Sire, it is the language of an unhappy, despairing woman, who knows
+that she stands before that great monarch whose judgment she fears
+more than that of her God, who sees into her heart, and reads the
+tortures and reproaches of her conscience; who knows what she
+suffers, and knows, also, that she is free from self-interest, and
+every base desire. I believe that God will forgive what I fear your
+majesty will not."
+
+"You speak presumptuously, and remind me of the theatre princesses
+who represent a grand scene with a pathetic exit. Let me inform you,
+I despise comedians--only high tragedy pleases me. Spare yourself
+the trouble to act before me, but answer me--who are you? Whose
+child is that?"
+
+"Sire, only God and my king should hear my reply--I beg the favor to
+send away the nurse and child." The king assented, slightly nodding
+his head, at the same time bidding her not to kneel to him as to an
+image.
+
+The lady rose and sought the nurse, who, from fright, had withdrawn
+into the shrubbery, and stood staring at the king with wide-open
+eyes. "Go home, Louisa, and put the child to sleep," said she,
+quickly.
+
+The nurse obeyed promptly, and when alone, the king demanded again,
+"Who are you? and to whom does the child belong?"
+
+"Your majesty, I am the daughter of your chapel musician Enke, and
+the child is the son of Prince Frederick William of Prussia," she
+replied, in a firm and defiant manner.
+
+The king's eyes flashed as he glanced at the bold speaker. "You say
+so, but who vouches for the truth of it? You permit yourself to use
+a high name, to give your child an honorable father! What temerity!
+what presumption! What if I should not believe you, but send you to
+the house of correction, at Spandau, as a slanderer, as guilty of
+high-treason, as a sinner and an adulteress?"
+
+"You could not do it, sire--you could not," cried Wilhelmine Enke,
+"for you would also send there the honor and the name of your
+successor to the throne."
+
+"What do you mean?" cried the king, furiously.
+
+"I mean, your majesty, that the prince has holy duties toward me. I
+am the mother of that child!"
+
+"You acknowledge your shame, and you dare confess it to me, your
+king, that you are the favorite, the kept mistress of the Prince of
+Prussia, who has already a wife that has borne him children? You do
+not even seek to deny it, or to excuse yourself?"
+
+"I would try to excuse myself, did I not feel that your majesty
+would not listen to me."
+
+"What excuse could you offer?--there is none."
+
+"Love is my excuse," cried Wilhelmine, eagerly. "Oh! my ruler and
+king, do not shake your noble head so unbelievingly; do not look at
+me so contemptuously. Oh, Father in heaven, I implore Thee to
+quicken my mind, that my thoughts may become words, and my lips
+utter that which is burning in my soul! In all these years of my
+poor, despised, obscure life, how often have I longed for this hour
+when I might stand before my king, when I might penitently clasp his
+knees and implore mercy for myself and my children--those poor,
+nameless beings, whose existence is my accusation, and yet who are
+the pride and joy of my life! Oh, sire, I will not accuse, to excuse
+myself; I will not cast the stone at others which they have cast at
+me. But it is scarcely charitable to judge and condemn a young girl
+fourteen years of age, who did but obey the command of her parents,
+and followed the man who was the first and only one that ever
+whispered the word of love in her ear."
+
+"I have heard that your parents sold their child to shame. Is it
+true?" cried the king.
+
+"Sire, my father was poor; the scanty income of a chapel musician
+scarcely sufficed to educate and support four children. The prince
+promised my father to educate me."
+
+"Bah! The promises of a young man of twenty-five are made without
+reflection, and rarely ever fulfilled."
+
+"Sire, to the Prince of Prussia I owe all that I know, and all that
+I am; his promise to my dying father was fully redeemed."
+
+"Indeed, by whom were you taught, and what have you learned?"
+
+"Your majesty, the prince wished, before all, that I should learn to
+speak French. Madame Girard was my French instructress, and taught
+me to play the guitar and spinet also."
+
+"Oh, I presume you have learned to jabber a little French and drum a
+little music," said the king, shrugging his shoulders.
+
+"I beg pardon, sire; I have a tolerable knowledge of history and of
+geography. I am familiar with the ancient and modern poets. I have
+read a good French translation of Homer, Horace, and Virgil, with a
+master. I have studied the history of Brandenburg, of Germany, and
+of America. We have read the immortal works of Voltaire, of Jean
+Jacques Rousseau, and of Shakespeare, with many of our modern poets.
+My instructor has read all these works aloud to me, and he was much
+pleased when I repeated parts of what he had read to me some days
+afterward."
+
+"You appear to have had a very learned instructor," remarked the
+king, sneeringly. "What is his name?"
+
+"His name, sire, is Prince Frederick William of Prussia. Yes, it is
+he who has taught me--he who has made me an intelligent woman.
+However young he was when he undertook the task, he has accomplished
+it with fidelity, firmness, and patience. He loved me, and would
+make me worthy of him, in heart and mind. I shall ever be grateful
+to him, and only death can extinguish the love and esteem with which
+he in spires me."
+
+"Suppose I command you to leave the prince? Suppose I will no longer
+endure the scandal of this sinful relation?"
+
+"I shall never willingly separate myself from my dear prince and
+master--from the father of my two children. Your majesty will be
+obliged to force me from him," answered Wilhelmine, defiantly.
+
+"Oh, that will not be necessary, mademoiselle," cried the king.
+"There are ways enough. I will make known my wishes to the prince; I
+will command him to leave you, and have no further communication
+with you."
+
+"Sire," she answered, gently, "I know that the prince is an obedient
+and respectful subject and servant to his king in all things, but
+this command he would not obey."
+
+"He would not dare to brave my commands!"
+
+"He would not brave them, sire. Oh, no; it would be simply
+impossible to obey them."
+
+"What would hinder him?"
+
+"Love, sire; the respect which he owes to me as the mother of his
+two children--who has consecrated her love, her honor to him, and of
+whom no one can say that she has injured the fidelity which she has
+sworn to the prince--to the man of her first and only love--even
+with a word or look."
+
+"You mean to say, that I cannot separate you from the prince but by
+force?"
+
+"Yes, your majesty," cried she, with conscious power, "that is
+exactly what I mean."
+
+"You will find yourself deceived; you will be made to realize it,"
+said the king, with a menacing tone. "You know nothing of the power
+that lies in a legitimate marriage, and what rivals legitimate
+children are, whom one dares acknowledge before God--before the
+world. Boast not of the love of the prince, but remember that an
+honorable solitude is the only situation becoming to you. Such
+connections bear their own curse and punishment with them. Hasten to
+avoid them. Lastly, I would add, never dare to mingle your impure
+hands in the affairs of state. I have been obliged to give the order
+to the state councillors in appointments and grants of office, not
+to regard the protection and recommendation of a certain high
+personage, as you are the real protectress and bestower of mercy.
+Take care, and never let it happen again. You will never venture to
+play the little Pompadour here, nor anything else but what your
+dishonor allows you; otherwise you will have to deal with me! You
+say that you have read Homer; then, doubtless, you remember the
+story of Penelope, who, from conjugal fidelity, spun and wove,
+undoing at night what she had woven by day. It is true, you bear
+little resemblance to this chaste dame, but you might emulate her in
+spinning and weaving; and if you are not in future retiring, I can
+easily make a modern Penelope of you, and have you instructed in
+spinning, for which you will have the best of opportunities in the
+house of correction at Spandau. Remember this, and never permit
+yourself to practise protection. I will keep the spinning-wheel and
+the wool ready for you; that you may count upon. Remember, also,
+that it is very disagreeable to me that you visit my park, as I like
+to breathe pure air. Direct your promenade elsewhere, and avoid
+meeting me in future."
+
+"Your majesty, I--"
+
+"Silence! I have heard sufficient. You have nothing more to say to
+me. Go, hide your head, that no one may recognize your shame, or the
+levity of the prince. Go--and, farewell forever!" He motioned
+impatiently to her to retire, fastening his eyes with a fiery,
+penetrating glance upon her pale, agitated face, her bowed, humble
+attitude, and still continued to regard her as she painfully dragged
+herself down the walk, as if her limbs were giving way under her.
+Long stood the king gazing after her, resting upon his staff; and as
+she disappeared at the end of the walk, he still stood there
+immovable. By degrees his face assumed a milder expression. "He who
+is free from sin, let him cast the first stone at her," said the
+king, softened, as he slowly turned down the path which would lead
+to his carriage, waiting outside the park.
+
+Frederick was lost in thought, and addressed no conversation to the
+equerry, Von Schwerin, who sat opposite to him. But as they drove
+through the beautiful street Unten den Linden, at Berlin, Frederick
+glanced at the equerry, and found that he had fallen asleep, wearied
+with the long silence and the monotony of the drive. The king spoke
+to Alkmene, loud and earnestly, until Herr von Schwerin, awakened
+and startled, glanced at the king, frightened, and trying to
+discover whether his fearful crime against etiquette would draw upon
+him the royal censure. Frederick, however, appeared not to notice
+his fright, and spoke kindly to him: "Did you not tell me, Schwerin,
+that Count Schmettau would sell his country residence at
+Charlottenburg?"
+
+"At your service, your majesty, he asked me to purchase it, or find
+him a purchaser."
+
+"How much is it worth?"
+
+"Sire, Count Schmettau demands eight thousand dollars for it. There
+is a beautiful park belonging to it, and the house is worthy the
+name of a castle, so large is it."
+
+"Why do you not buy it, if the count offered it to you?"
+
+The equerry assumed a sad mien, and answered, sighing: "Sire, I
+should be the happiest of men if I could buy that charming
+residence, and it would be a real blessing to me if I could enjoy in
+summer at times the fresh air. My finances unfortunately, do not
+allow such expenses, as I am not rich, and have a large family."
+
+"Then you are right not to spend money unnecessarily," said the
+king, quietly. "You can have as much fresh air at Potsdam as can
+ever enter your mouth, and it costs neither you nor I any thing. Say
+to Count Schmettau that you have a purchaser for his residence at
+Charlottenburg."
+
+"Oh, you are really too kind," cried the equerry, in an excitement
+of joy; "I do not know--"
+
+Here the carriage entered the palace court, and the concluding words
+were inaudible. Herr von Schwerin alighted quickly to assist the
+king. "Say to Schmettau to present himself to my treasurer and
+cabinet councillor, Menkon, tomorrow morning at twelve o'clock, at
+Sans-Souci."
+
+The king nodded kindly to the equerry, and passed into the Swiss
+saloon, and farther on into the private rooms which he was
+accustomed to occupy whenever he remained at the capital. The Swiss
+saloon was fast filling, not alone with the generals and staff-
+officers of the Berlin garrison, but with the officers of the
+regiments from the provinces, who presented themselves at the palace
+according to the order of the king. The most of them were old and
+worn out, body and mind. They all looked morose and sorrowful. The
+great news of the approaching war with Austria had spread through
+the military. The old laurel-crowned generals of the Seven Years'
+War were unwilling to go forth to earn new laurels, for which they
+had lost all ambition. Not one dared betray his secret thoughts to
+another, or utter a word of disapproval. The king's spies were
+everywhere, and none could trust himself to converse with his
+neighbor, as he might prove to be one of them. There reigned an
+anxious, oppressive silence; the generals and staff-officers
+exchanged the ordinary greetings. All eyes were turned toward the
+door through which the king would enter, bowed down, like his
+generals, with the cares of life, and the burden of old age. The
+king slowly entered. He was, indeed, an old man, like those he came
+amongst, and now saluted. An expression of imperishable youth
+lighted up his pale, sunken face, and his eyes flashed with as much
+daring and fire as thirty-eight years before, when he had assembled
+his young officers around him in this very hall, to announce to them
+that he would march against Austria. How many wars, how many
+battles, how many illusions, victories, and defeats had the king
+experienced in these thirty-eight years! How little the youthful,
+fiery king of that day resembled the weak old man of to-day; how
+little in common the young King Frederick had with "Alten Fritz."
+And now in this feeble body dwelt the same courageous spirit. In the
+course of these years King Frederick II had become Frederick the
+Great! And great he was to-day, this little old man--great in his
+intentions and achievements, never heeding his own debility and need
+of repose. All his thoughts and endeavors concentrated on the
+welfare of his people and his country--on the greatness and glory of
+Germany. Those eyes which now glanced over the circle of generals
+were still flashing as those of the hero-king whose look had
+disarmed the lurking assassin, and confounded the distinguished
+savant in the midst of his eloquence, so that he stammered and was
+silent. He was still Frederick the Great, who, leaning upon his
+staff, was surrounded by his generals, whom he called to fight for
+their fatherland, for Germany!
+
+"Gentlemen," said the king, "I have called you together to announce
+to you that we must go forth to new wars, and, God willing, to new
+victories. The Emperor of Austria forces me to it, for, against all
+laws and customs, and against all rights of kingdoms, he thinks to
+bring German territory into the possession of the house of Hapsburg.
+Charles Theodore, prince-elector, having no children, has concluded
+a treaty with the Emperor Joseph, that at his death the electorate
+of Bavaria will fall to Austria. In consequence thereof an Austrian
+army has marched into Bavaria, and garrisoned the frontier.--The
+prince-elector, Duke Charles Theodore, was not authorized to proceed
+thus, for, though he had no children to succeed him, he had a lawful
+successor in his brother's son, Duke Charles von Zweibrucken.
+Electoral Saxony and Mecklenburg have well-founded pretensions, even
+if Zweibrucken were not existing. All these princes have addressed
+themselves to me, and requested me to represent them to the emperor
+and to the imperial government--to protect them in their injured
+rights. I have first tried kindness and persuasion to bring back
+Austria from her desire of aggrandizement, but in Vienna they have
+repulsed every means of peaceable arbitration. I, as one of the
+rulers of the empire (and as I have reaffirmed the Westphalian
+treaty through the Hubertsburger treaty), feel bound to preserve the
+privileges, the rights, the liberty of the German states. I have
+therefore well reflected, and decided to draw the sword--that what
+the diplomats have failed to arrange with the pen should be settled
+with the sword. These are my reasons, gentlemen, which make it my
+duty to assemble an army; therefore I have called you together." His
+fiery eyes flashed around the circle, peeling into the thin,
+withered faces of his generals, and encountering everywhere a grave,
+earnest mien.
+
+The king repressed with an effort a sigh; then continued, with a
+mild voice: "My feeble old age does not allow me to travel as in my
+fiery youth. I shall use a post-carriage, and you, gentlemen, have
+the liberty to do the same. On the day of battle you will find me
+mounted; you will follow my example. Until then, farewell!"
+[Footnote: The king's words.--See "Prussia, Frederick the Great,"
+vol. iii.]
+
+"Long live the king!" cried General von Krokow; and all the generals
+who formerly joined in this cry of the Prussian warrior, now
+repeated it in weak, trembling tones. Frederick smiled a
+recognition, bowing on all sides, then turned slowly away, leaning
+upon his staff.
+
+When once more alone, the youthful expression faded from his eyes,
+and the gloomy shadows of old age settled down upon his thoughtful
+brow. "They have all grown old and morose," said he, mildly, "they
+will not show any more heroism; the fire of ambition is quenched in
+their souls! A warm stove must warm their old limbs. Oh! it is a
+pitiful thing to grow old; and still they call themselves the images
+of God! Poor boasters, who, with a breath of the Almighty, are
+overturned and bent as a blade of grass in the sand!"
+
+"Your majesty, may I come in?" asked a gentle, happy child's voice.
+
+The king turned hastily toward the door, so softly opened, and there
+stood a charming little boy, in the uniform of a flag-bearer, with
+the cap upon his head, and a neat little sword by his side. "Yes,
+you may enter," nodded the king kindly to him. "You know I sent for
+you, my little flag-bearer."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+FREDERICK WILLIAM.
+
+
+The little flag-bearer skipped into the room with graceful vivacity,
+and sprang, with a merry bound, up to the king, took his hand
+without ceremony, and pressed it to his lips. Then, raising up his
+head and shaking back his light-brown curls from his rosy cheeks,
+his bright-blue eyes sparkling, he looked him full in the face.
+"Your majesty, you say that you sent for me; but I must tell you
+that if you had not sent for me I would have come here alone, and
+begged so long at the door, that you would have let me come in!"
+
+"And what if I would not have let you come in at all?" said the
+king, smiling.
+
+The little flag-bearer reflected a moment, then answered with a
+confident air: "Your majesty, I would have forced open the door,
+thrown myself at your feet, and kissed your hand, saying, 'My king,
+my dear great-uncle, I must come in to thank you a thousand times
+for the flag-bearer's commission you have sent me, and for the
+beautiful uniform." Then I would see if your majesty had the courage
+to send me away."
+
+"Let me see, my prince--do you think my courage could fail me upon
+any occasion?"
+
+"Yes, in bad things," zealously cried the prince, "and it would be
+bad if you would not let me thank you. I am so happy with the
+commission and the beautiful uniform which you so graciously sent to
+me! Tell me, your majesty, do I not look beautifully?" The boy
+straightened his elegant, slender form, and saluted the king,
+putting the two fingers of his right hand upon his cap.
+
+"Yes, yes," said Frederick, "you look very nicely, my prince; but it
+is not enough that you look well--you must behave well. From a flag-
+bearer in my army I expect very different things than from any
+common child. Who wears my uniform must prove himself worthy of the
+honor."
+
+"Your majesty," cried the prince, "I assure you, upon my word of
+honor, that I have no bad marks when I wear the uniform. Your
+majesty can ask my tutor. He came with me, and waits in the anteroom
+to speak with you. He will tell you that I have a good report."
+
+"Very well, we will call him presently," said Frederick, smiling.
+"Now we will chat a little together. Tell me whether you are very
+industrious, and if you are learning anything of consequence?"
+
+"Sire, I must learn, even if I had no inclination to; Herr Behnisch
+leaves me no peace. I have scarcely time to play. I am always
+learning to read, to write, to cipher, and to work."
+
+"How about the geography and universal history?"
+
+"Oh, your majesty, I wish there were no geography and history in the
+world, and then I should not have to study so cruelly hard, and I
+could play more. My mother sent me last week a new battledore and
+shuttlecock, but I can never learn to play with it. I no sooner
+begin, than Herr Behnisch calls me to study. To-day I was very
+cunning--oh, I was so sly! I put it in the great-pocket of my
+tutor's coat, and he brought it here without knowing it."
+
+"That was very naughty," said the king, a little severely. The
+prince colored, and, a little frightened, said: "Sire, I could not
+bring it any other way. I beg pardon, the uniform is so tight, and
+then--then, I thought it would be dishonoring it to put a
+shuttlecock in the cartridge-box."
+
+"That was a good thought, prince, and for that I will forgive you
+the trick upon your tutor. But what will you do with the ball here?
+Why did you bring it?"
+
+"Oh, I wished to show it to your majesty, it is so beautiful, and
+then beg you to let me play a little."
+
+"We will see, Fritz," said the king, much pleased. "If you deserve
+it, that shall be your reward. Tell me the truth, is your tutor
+satisfied with you?"
+
+"Sire, Herr Behnisch is never really pleased, but he has not scolded
+me much lately, so I must have been pretty good. One day he wrote
+'Bien' under my French exercise. Oh, I was so happy that I spent six
+groschen of the thaler my father gave me a little while since, and
+bought two pots of gilly-flowers, one for myself and one for my
+little brother Henry, that he should have a souvenir of my 'Bien!'"
+
+"That was right," said the king, nodding approvingly. "When you are
+good, you must always let your friends and relations take part in
+it; keep the bad only for yourself."
+
+"I will remember that, and I thank you for the kind instruction."
+
+"The studies seem to go very well, but how is it with the behavior?
+They tell me that the prince is not always polite to his visitors;
+that he is sometimes very rude, even to the officers who pay their
+respects to him on his father's account, and on my account, not on
+his own, for what do they care for such a little snip as he? They go
+to honor Prince Frederick William of Prussia, though he is only a
+little flag-bearer. They tell me that you do not appreciate the
+honor, but that at Easter you behaved very badly."
+
+"Sire, it is true; I cannot deny it--I did behave badly," sighed the
+little prince.
+
+"What was the matter?" asked the king. "It was not from fear, I
+hope? I should be very angry at that. Tell me yourself, and tell me
+the truth."
+
+"Your majesty can depend upon the whole truth. My tutor says that
+lying is despicable, and that a prince who will one day be a king
+should be too proud to tell a lie! I will tell you all about it. The
+officers came to see me at Easter, just as I had put the Easter eggs
+in the garden, for my little brother and some other boys whom I had
+invited to hunt for them. I had spent my last six groschen for the
+eggs, and I anticipated so much pleasure with the hide-and-seek for
+them. We had just begun, when the officers came."
+
+"That was really unfortunate," said the king, sympathizingly.
+
+"Yes, sire, very disagreeable, and I could not possibly feel kindly.
+While the officers were talking, I was always wishing they would go.
+But they stayed and stayed--and when Major von Werder began to make
+a long speech to me, and I thought there was no end to it, I became
+impatient and furious--and--"
+
+"Why do you hesitate?" asked the king, looking tenderly at the
+frank, glowing face of the boy. "What happened?"
+
+"Something dreadful, sire! I could not keep in any longer. The major
+kept on talking, and looked at me so sharply, I could not help
+making an abominable face. It is unfortunately true--I ran my tongue
+out at him--only just a little bit--and I drew it back in an
+instant; but it was done, and a dreadful scene followed. The major
+did not say any thing, my tutor was red as fire, and I was
+thunderstruck!"
+
+"That was excessively rude, my little flag-bearer," cried the king.
+
+The young prince was so ashamed, and was looking down so penitently,
+that he did not see the smile on Frederick's face, and the
+affectionate look with which he regarded the youthful sinner.
+
+"Do you know that you deserve to be imprisoned fourteen days, and
+live on bread and water, for insubordination?"
+
+"I know it now, sire. I beg pardon most humbly," said the prince,
+with quivering voice and with tears in his eyes. "I have been
+punished enough, without that. Herr Behnisch would not let me go to
+the garden again, and I have never seen the eggs which I spent my
+last groschen for, nor the boys whom I had invited. I was made to
+stay in my room all Easter week, learn twenty Latin words every day,
+and write three pages of German words in good handwriting. It was a
+hard punishment, but I knew that I deserved it, and did not
+complain. I only thought that I would do better in future."
+
+"If you thought so, and you have already been punished, we will say
+no more about it," said the king. "But tell me, how did you get on
+at Whitsuntide, when the officers paid you their respects again?"
+
+"Your majesty," answered the prince, "it was a great deal better; I
+behaved tolerably well, except a very little rudeness, which was not
+so bad after all. [Footnote: The little prince's own words.--See
+"Diary of Prince Frederick William," p. 18.] Herr Behnisch did not
+punish me; he only said, another time, that I should do better, and
+not be so taciturn, but greet the gentlemen in a more friendly
+manner. I must tell you, sire, that when Herr Behnisch does not
+scold, it is a sure sign that I have behaved pretty well; and this
+time he did not."
+
+"Fritz, I believe you," said the king, "and you shall have the
+reward that you asked for--stay here and play a little while. Go,
+now, and call your tutor; I have a few words to say to him."
+
+The little prince sprang toward the door, but suddenly stopped,
+embarrassed.
+
+"What is the matter?" asked the king. "Why do you not call your
+tutor?"
+
+"Sire, I am very much troubled. Herr Behnisch will be very angry
+when you tell him about the shuttlecock. I beg you not to betray
+me!"
+
+"Yes, but if you will play before me, you must get the plaything
+which you say is in his pocket."
+
+"Sire, then I had rather not play," cried the prince.
+
+"On the contrary," said the king, "your punishment shall be, to take
+the plaything as cleverly out of the pocket as you put it in. If you
+do it well, then I will say nothing about it; but, if your tutor
+discovers you, then you must submit to the storm. It lies in your
+own hands. Whilst I am conversing with the tutor, try your luck. Now
+call him in."
+
+The prince obeyed thoughtfully, and the tutor entered. He stood near
+the door, and made the three prescribed bows; then he waited with a
+submissive air for further commands.
+
+The king was sitting opposite the door, his hands folded upon his
+staff and his chin resting upon his hands, looking the tutor full in
+the face. Herr Behnisch bore it calmly; not a feature moved in his
+angular, wooden face. Near the tutor stood the little prince, his
+graceful, rosy, childlike face expressing eager expectation.
+
+"Approach!" said the king.
+
+Herr Behnisch stepped forward a little, and remained standing. The
+prince glided noiselessly after him, keeping his eyes fixed on the
+tails of the flesh-colored satin coat with which the tutor had
+adorned himself for this extraordinary occasion. The prince smiled
+as he saw the pocket open and the feathers of the shuttlecock
+peeping out. He stretched out his little hand and crooked his
+fingers to seize it.
+
+"Come nearer! Herr Behnisch," said Frederick, who had observed the
+movement of the little prince, and who was amused at the thought of
+keeping him in suspense a little longer.
+
+Herr Behnisch moved forward, and the prince, frightened, remained
+standing with outstretched hand. He menaced the king with a glance
+of his bright blue eyes. Frederick caught the look, smiled, and
+turned to the tutor.
+
+"I believe it is three years since you commenced teaching the little
+prince?" said the king.
+
+"At your service, your majesty, since 1775."
+
+"A tolerably long time," said the king--"long enough to make a
+savant of a child of Nature. You have been faithful, and I am
+satisfied. The copybooks which you sent me according to my orders
+are satisfactory. I wished to acquaint you myself of my
+satisfaction, therefore I sent for you."
+
+"Your majesty is very condescending," said the tutor, and his sharp,
+angular face brightened a little. "I am very happy in the gracious
+satisfaction of your royal highness. I wished also to make known to
+you personally my wishes in regard to the petition for the little
+prince's pocket-money; he should learn the use of money."
+
+"Very well," said the king, nodding to the prince, who stood behind
+the tutor, holding up triumphantly the shuttle cock.
+
+Yet, the most difficult feat remained to be accomplished. The
+battledoor was in the very depths of the pocket; only the point of
+the handle was visible.
+
+"Your majesty," cried Herr Behnisch, who had taken the approving
+exclamation of "very well" to himself--"your majesty, I am very
+happy that you have the grace to approve of my petition for pocket-
+money."
+
+"Yes, I think it well," said the king, "that the prince should learn
+not to throw money out of the window. I will send you, monthly, for
+the prince, two Fredericks d'or, and, before you hand it over to
+him, change it into small pieces, that there may be a great pile of
+it." [Footnote: The king's own words--See "Confidential Letters."]
+
+Just at that moment the prince tried to seize the battle door. Herr
+Behnisch felt the movement, and was on the point of turning around,
+when Frederick stopped him, by saying, "I believe it is time to
+commence a regular course of instruction for the prince. At eight
+years of age the education of an heir to the throne must progress
+rapidly, and be regulated by fixed principles. I will write out my
+instructions, that you may always have them before you."
+
+"It will be my most earnest endeavor to follow your majesty's
+commands to the letter," answered the tutor, who saw not the little
+prince, with beaming face, behind him, swinging the battledoor high
+in the air.
+
+"I am about to enter upon a new war; no one knows if he will ever
+return from a campaign. I dare not spare my life, when the honor and
+fame of my house are at stake. Our life and death, however, are in
+God's hands. Before we risk our lives, we should put every thing in
+order, and leave nothing undone which it is our duty to do. I will
+write my instructions to-day, and send them to you. Promise me, upon
+your word of honor as a man, that you will act upon them, as long as
+you are tutor to Prince Frederick William, even if I should not
+return from the campaign."
+
+"I promise it to your majesty," answered the tutor. "I will, in all
+things, according to the best of my ability, follow your majesty's
+instructions."
+
+"I believe you; I take you to be an honorable man," said the king.
+"You will always be mindful of the great responsibility which rests
+upon you, as you have a prince to educate who will one day govern a
+kingdom, and upon whom the weal and woe of many millions are
+dependent. And when those millions of men one day bless the king
+whom you have educated, a part of the blessing will fall upon you;
+but when they curse him, so falls the curse likewise upon your
+guilty head, and you will feel the weight of it, though you may be
+in your grave!. Be mindful of this, and act accordingly. Now you may
+depart. I will write the instructions immediately, so that you may
+receive them to-day."
+
+Herr Behnisch bowed, backing out toward the door.
+
+"One thing more," cried the king, motioning with his Staff to the
+tutor. "In order that you may ever remember our interview, I will
+present you with a souvenir."
+
+He opened the drawer of his private writing-table, and took out a
+gold snuff-box, with his initials set in brilliants upon the cover;
+handing it to Herr Behnisch, he motioned him to retire, and thus
+spare him the expression of his gratitude.
+
+"Your majesty," stammered Herr Behnisch, with tears in his eyes,
+"I--"
+
+"You are an honest man, and so long as you remain so, you can count
+upon me. Adieu!--Now," said the king, as the door closed, "have you
+recovered the plaything?"
+
+"Here it is, your majesty," shouted the prince, as he held up
+triumphantly the battledoor and shuttlecock high in the air.
+
+"You deserve your reward, and you shall have it. You can stay with
+me and play with it here. Take care and not make too much noise, as
+I wish to write."
+
+The king now seated himself, to draw up the instructions for Herr
+Behnisch. While he was thus occupied, the little prince tossed his
+shuttlecock, springing lightly after it on tiptoe to catch it;
+sometimes he missed it, and then he cast an imploring look at the
+king, as it fell upon the furniture; but he observed it not. He was
+absorbed in writing the instructions for the education of the future
+king, Frederick William III. The physical education of the prince
+was his first care. He dwelt upon the necessity of the frequent
+practice of dancing, fencing, and riding, to give suppleness, grace,
+and a good carriage--through severe training, to make him capable of
+enduring all hardships. The different branches of study next
+occupied the king. "It is not sufficient," he wrote," that the
+prince should learn the dates of history, to repeat them like a
+parrot; but he must understand how to compare the events of ancient
+times with the modern, and discover the causes which produced
+revolutions, and show that, generally, in the world, virtue is
+rewarded and vice punished. Later, he can learn a short course of
+logic, free from all pedantry; then study the orations of Cicero and
+Demosthenes, and read the tragedies of Racine. When older, he should
+have some knowledge of the opinions of philosophers, and the
+different religious sects, without inspiring him with dislike for
+any one sect. Make it clear to him that we all worship God--only in
+different ways. It is not necessary that he should have too much
+respect for the priests who instruct him."
+
+The shuttlecock fell, at this instant, upon the paper upon which the
+king was writing. Frederick was too much occupied to look up, but he
+threw it upon the floor, continuing to write:
+
+"The great object will be to awaken a love of learning in the
+prince, to prevent any approach to pedantry, and not to make the
+course of instruction too severe at the commencement. We now come to
+the chief division of education, that which concerns the morals.
+Neither you nor all the power in the world would be sufficient to
+alter the character of a child. Education can do nothing further
+than moderate the violence of the passions. Treat my nephew as the
+son of a citizen, who has to make his own fortune. Say to him that,
+when he commits follies, and learns nothing, the whole world will
+despise him. Let him assume no mannerisms, but bring him up simply.
+The--"
+
+It was the second time the shuttlecock fell upon the paper. The king
+looked up censuringly at the prince, who stood speechless with
+fright and anxiety. The king again threw it upon the floor, and
+wrote on:
+
+"The prince must be polite toward every one; and if he is rude, he
+must immediately make an apology. Teach him that all men are equal--
+that high birth is a myth when not accompanied with merit. Let the
+prince speak with every one, that he may gain confidence. It is of
+no consequence if he talks nonsense; every one knows that he is a
+child. Take care in his education, above all things, that he is
+self-reliant, and not led by others; his follies, as well as his
+good qualities, should belong to himself. It is of very great
+importance to inspire him with a love for military life; and for
+this reason say to him, and let him hear others say it, that every
+man who is not a soldier is a miserable fellow, whether noble or
+not. He must see the soldiers exercise as often as possible; and it
+would be well to send for five or six cadets, and have them drill
+before him. Every thing depends upon cultivating a taste for these
+things. Inspire him with a love of our country, above all things.
+Let no one speak to him who is not truly patriotic."
+
+Again the shuttlecock fell upon the paper. The little prince uttered
+a cry of horror, staring at the plaything. This time the king did
+not receive the interruption so calmly. He looked at the speechless
+boy as if very angry; then took it and put it in his pocket. Casting
+another angry glance at the prince, he continued:
+
+"The officers who dine with the prince shall tease and annoy him,
+that he may become confident."
+
+"Your majesty," said the prince, timidly and imploringly, "I beg
+pardon a thousand times for being so awkward. I am sorry, and I will
+be more careful in the future."
+
+The king paid no attention to him, but continued to write: "When you
+understand him better, try to learn his chief passion to uproot it,
+but to moderate it." [Footnote: This entire instruction is an exact
+translation of the original, which Frederick drew up in French, and
+which is included in his "Complete Works."]
+
+"My dear lord and king," began the prince again, "I beg you will
+have the goodness to give me my shuttlecock."
+
+The king was silent, and with apparent indifference commenced
+reading over what he had written.
+
+Prince Frederick William waited a long time, but, on receiving no
+answer, and understanding that his pleading was in vain, his face
+grew red with anger, and his eyes flashed. With an irritated,
+determined manner, he stepped close up to the king, his hands
+resting upon his hips. "Your majesty," cried he, with a menacing
+tone, "will you give me my ball or not?"
+
+The king now looked up at the prince, who regarded him in an
+insolent, questioning manner. A smile, mild as the evening sunset,
+spread over the king's face; he laid his hand lovingly upon the
+curly head of the prince, saying: "They will never take away Silesia
+from you. Here is your shuttlecock." He drew it from his pocket, and
+gave it to the little prince, who seized his hand and pressed it to
+his lips.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE DRIVE TO BERLIN.
+
+
+Wilhelmine Enke passed the remainder of the day, after her meeting
+with the king, in anguish and tears. She recalled all that he had
+said to her, every word of which pierced her to the heart. Her
+little daughter of seven years tried in vain to win a smile from her
+mamma with her gentle caresses. In vain she begged her to sing to
+her and smile as she was wont to do. The mother, usually so kind and
+affectionate, would today free herself from her child, and sent her
+away with quivering lip, and tears in her eyes, to listen to her
+nurse's stories.
+
+Once alone, Wilhelmine paced her room with rapid strides and folded
+arms, giving vent to her repressed anguish. She reviewed her life,
+with all its changing scenes. It was a sad, searching retrospection,
+but in it she found consolation and excuse for herself. She thought
+of her childhood; she saw the gloomy dwelling where she had lived
+with her parents, brothers, and sisters. She recalled the need and
+the want of those years--the sickly, complaining, but busy mother;
+the foolish, wicked father, who never ceased his constant exercise
+of the bugle, except to take repeated draughts of brandy, or scold
+the children. Then she saw in this joyless dwelling, in which she
+crouched with her little sisters, a young girl enter, and greet them
+smilingly. She wore a robe glittering with gold, with transparent
+wings upon her shoulders. This young girl was Wilhelmine's older
+sister, Sophie, who had just returned from the Italian opera, where
+she was employed. She still had on her fairy costume in which she
+had danced in the opera of "Armida," and had come, with a joyous
+face, to take leave of her parents, and tell them that a rich
+Russian count loved her, and wanted to marry her; that in the
+intervening time he had taken a beautiful apartment for her, where
+she would remove that very evening. She must bid them farewell, for
+her future husband was waiting for her in the carriage at the door.
+
+Sophie laughed at her grumbling father, shook hands with her weeping
+mother, and bent to kiss the children. Wilhelmine, in unspeakable
+anguish, sprang after her, holding her fast, with both hands
+clinching the crackling wings. She implored her sister to take her
+with her, while the tears ran in streams down her cheeks. "You know
+that I love you," she cried, "and my only pleasure is to see you
+every day. Take me with you, and I will serve and obey you, and be
+your waiting-maid." Wilhelmine held the wings firmly with a
+convulsive grasp, and continued to weep and implore, until Sophie at
+last laughingly yielded.
+
+"Well, come, if you will be my waiting-maid; no one combs hair as
+well as you, and your simple style of arranging it suits me better
+than any other. Come, come, it shall be arranged, you shall be my
+waiting-maid."
+
+The pictures of memory changed, and Wilhelmine saw herself in the
+midst of splendor, as the poor little maid, unnoticed by her
+brilliant sister, the beloved of the Russian Count Matuschko. Joy
+and pleasure reigned in the beautifully gilded apartment where
+Sophie lived. She was the queen of the feasts and the balls. Many
+rich and fine gentlemen came there, and the beautiful Sophie, the
+dancer, the affianced of Count Matuschko, received their homage. No
+one observed the sad little waiting-maid, in her dark stuff dress,
+with her face bound up in black silk, as if she had the toothache.
+She wore the cast-off morning dresses of her sister, and, at her
+command, bound her face with the black silk, so that the admirers of
+her sister should not see, by a fugitive glance, or chance meeting,
+the budding beauty of the little maid.
+
+Wilhelmine dared not enter the saloon when visitors were there; only
+when Sophie was alone, or her artistic hand was needed to arrange
+her sister's beautiful hair, was she permitted to stay with the
+future countess. Every rough touch was resented with harsh words,
+blows, and ill-treatment. The smiling fairy of the drawing-room, was
+the harsh, grim mistress for her sister, whose every mistake was
+punished with unrelenting severity. In fact, she was made a very
+slave; and now, after long years, the remembrance of it even cast a
+gloomy shadow over Wilhelmine's face, and her eyes flashed fire.
+
+Another picture now rose up before her soul, which caused her face
+to brighten, as a beautiful beaming image presented itself, the
+image of her first and only love! She lived over again the day when
+it rose up like a sun before her wondering, admiring gaze, and yet
+it was a stormy day for her. Sophie was very angry with her, because
+in crimping her hair she had burnt her cheek, which turned the fairy
+into a fury. She threw the weak child upon the floor, and beat and
+stamped upon her.
+
+Suddenly a loud, angry voice commanded her to cease, and a strong,
+manly arm raised the trembling, weeping girl, and with threatening
+tone bade Sophie be quiet. Prince Frederick William of Prussia took
+compassion on the poor child. The sister had not remarked him in her
+paroxysm of rage; had never heard him enter. He had been a witness
+to Wilhelmine's ill-treatment. He now defended her, blaming her
+sister for her cruelty to her, and declared his intention to be her
+future protector. How handsome he looked; how noble in his anger;
+how his eyes flashed as he gazed upon her, who knelt at his feet,
+and kissed them, looking up to him as her rescuer!
+
+"Wilhelmine, come with me; I do not wish you to remain here," said
+he; "your sister will never forgive you that I have taken your part.
+Come, I will take you to your parents, and provide for you. You
+shall be as beautiful and accomplished a lady as your sister, but,
+Heaven grant, a more generous and noble-hearted one! Come!"
+
+These words, spoken with a gentle, winning voice, had never died
+away in her heart. Twelve years had passed since then, and they
+still rang in her ear, in the tumult of the world as well as in the
+quiet of her lonely room. They had comforted her when the shame of
+her existence oppressed her; rejoiced her when, with the delight of
+youth and happiness, she had given herself up to pleasure. She had
+followed him quietly, devotedly, as a little dog follows his master.
+He had kept his word; he had had her instructed during three years,
+and then sent her to Paris, in order to give her the last polish,
+the tournure of the world, however much it had cost him to separate
+from her, or might embarrass him, with his scanty means, to afford
+the increase of expense. A year elapsed and Wilhelmine returned a
+pleasing lady, familiar with the tone of the great world, and at
+home in its manners and customs.
+
+The prince had kept his word--that which he had promised her as he
+took her from her sister's house, to make her a fine, accomplished
+lady. And when he repeated to her now "Come," could she refuse him--
+him to whom she owed every thing, whom she loved as her benefactor,
+her teacher, her friend, and lover? She followed him, and concealed
+herself for him in the modest little dwelling at Potsdam. For him
+she lived in solitude, anxiously avoiding to show herself publicly,
+that the king should never know of her existence, and in his just
+anger sever the unlawful tie which bound her to the Prince of
+Prussia. [Footnote: "Memoirs of the Countess Lichtenau," p. 80.]
+Wilhelmine recalled the past seven years of her life, her two
+children, whom she had borne to the prince, and the joy that filled
+his heart as he became a father, although his lawful wife had also
+borne him children. She looked around her small, quiet dwelling,
+arranged in a modest manner, not as the favorite of the Prince of
+Prussia, but as an unpretending citizen's wife; she thought how oft
+with privations, with want even, she had had to combat; how oft the
+ornaments which the prince had sent her in the rare days of
+abundance had been taken to the pawnbrokers to provide the necessary
+wants of herself and children. Her eyes flashed with pride and joy
+at the thought which she dared to breathe to herself, that not for
+gold or riches, power or position, had she sold her love, her honor,
+and her good name.
+
+"It was from pure affinity, from gratitude and affection, that I
+followed the husband of my heart, although he was a prince," she
+said.
+
+Still the shame of her existence weighed upon her. The king had
+commanded her to hide her head so securely that no one might know
+her shame, or the levity of the prince.
+
+"Go! and let me never see you again!"
+
+Did not this mean that the king would remove her so far that there
+would not be a possible chance to appear again before him? Was there
+not hidden in these words a menace, a warning? Would not the king
+revenge on her the sad experiences of his youth? Perhaps he would
+punish her for what Doris Ritter had suffered! Doris Ritter! She,
+too, had loved a crown prince--she, too, had dared to raise her eyes
+to the future King of Prussia, for which she was cruelly punished,
+though chaste and pure, and hurled down to the abyss of shame for
+the crime of loving an heir to the throne. Beaten, insulted, and
+whipped through the streets, and then sent to the house of
+correction at Spandau! Oh, poor, unhappy Doris Ritter! Will the king
+atone to you--will he revenge the friend of his youth on the
+mistress of his successor? The old King Frederick, weary of life,
+thinks differently from the young crown prince. He can be as severe
+as his father, cruel and inexorable as he.
+
+"Doris Ritter! Thy fate haunts me. On the morrow I also may be
+whipped through the streets, scorned, reviled by the rabble, and
+then sent to Spandau as a criminal. Did not the king threaten me
+with the house of correction, with the spinning-wheel, which he
+would have ready for me?"
+
+At the thought of it a terrible anguish, a nameless despair, seized
+her. She felt that the spinning-wheel hung over her like the sword
+of Damocles, ready at the least occasion to fall upon her, and bind
+her to it. She felt that she could not endure such suspense and
+torture; she must escape; she must rescue herself from the king's
+anger.
+
+"But whither, whither! I must fly from here, from his immediate
+proximity, where a motion of his finger is sufficient to seize me,
+to cause me to disappear before the prince could have any knowledge
+of it, before he could know of the danger which threatened me. I
+must away from Potsdam!"
+
+The prince had arranged a little apartment in Berlin for the winter
+months, which she exchanged for Potsdam in the spring. This seemed
+to offer her more security for the moment, for she could fly at the
+least sign of danger, could even hide herself from the prince, if it
+were necessary to save him and herself. Away to Berlin, then! That
+was the only thought she was able to seize upon. Away with her
+children, before misfortune could reach them!
+
+She sprang to the door, tore it open, rushing to the nurse, upon
+whose knees the baby slept, near whom her little daughter knelt.
+With trembling hands she took her boy and pressed him to her heart.
+"Louisa, we must leave here immediately; it is urgent necessity!"
+said she, with quivering lip. "Do not say a word about it to any
+one, but hasten; order quickly a wagon, bargain for the places, and
+say we must set off at once. The wagon must not be driven to the
+door, but we will meet it at the Berlin Gate. We will go on foot
+there, and get in. Quick, Louisa, not a word--it must be!"
+
+The servant did not dare to oppose her mistress, or contradict the
+orders, but hastened to obey them.
+
+"It is all the old king's fault," said Louisa to herself, as she
+hurried through the street. "Yes, the king has ordered mistress to
+Berlin. He looked so furious, the old bear! His eyes flashed so
+terribly, one might well fear him, and I thanked Heaven when
+mamselle sent me home from the park. It is coming to a bad end at
+last; I should have done better not to have taken the place at all.
+Oh, if we were only away from here; if I only could find a wagon to
+take us!"
+
+Thanks to the nurse's fears and endeavors, the wagon was soon found,
+and scarcely an hour had passed before Wilhelmine Enke, her two
+children and nurse, were hidden under a plain linen-covered wagon,
+and on their way to Berlin.
+
+The street was unusually animated, as the division of troops which
+the king had reviewed in Berlin, were marching out of the city to
+report themselves on the Bavarian frontier. Their first night's
+quarters were to be in Potsdam, and the last great parade was to
+take place there on the following morning, before the king commenced
+his journey. The driver had often to halt at the side of the street
+to let the troops pass, which with a full band of music, came
+marching on. At the head of one of the regiments, mounted upon a
+fiery steed, was a general in brilliant uniform, his breast covered
+with orders, which glittered in the sun. He was tall and rather
+corpulent, but appeared to advantage. His carriage was proud and
+imposing, his face was almost too youthful for a general, and his
+body too corpulent for the expressive and delicate features. As he
+passed by the poor, unpretending carriage, where Wilhelmine sat with
+her children, she heard distinctly his beautiful, sonorous voice,
+and merry laugh. "Oh Heaven, it is he!--it is he!" she murmured,
+drawing herself farther back into the wagon with her children. Just
+then, out of an opening in the linen cover, Louisa peeped,
+whispering, "Mamselle, it is the Prince of Prussia!"
+
+"Be quiet--for mercy's sake be quiet, Louisa, that we may not be
+remarked!" said Wilhelmine, gently. "Take the child that he may not
+scream, for if the prince should hear him he will turn back. He
+knows the voice of his little son!"
+
+"Yes, he knows the voice of his little son!" muttered the nurse, as
+she laid the child to her breast. "The little son must stop here on
+the street, in a miserable wagon, while his noble father rides past,
+so splendid and glittering with gold, not knowing that his little
+boy is so near him. Oh, a real trouble and a real heart-sorrow is
+this!"
+
+"Indeed it is," said Wilhelmine, in her heart, "a real trouble and a
+real heart-sorrow. How all these men would present arms, and salute
+my children, if they had been born to a throne instead of obscurity!
+How they would bow and bend, if I were called Louisa of Hesse-
+Darmstadt, and the lawful wife of the prince! Did they not also bend
+and bow before the first wife, Elizabeth von Braunschweig,
+[Footnote: The first wife of Prince Frederick William of Prussia was
+the Princess Elizabeth von Braunschweig, the niece of Frederick the
+Great. The crown prince was scarcely twenty-one years of age when
+betrothed to her. After four years they were separated, on account
+of the improper conduct of the princess, who was banished to
+Stettin. There she lived until her death in 1840, after seventy-one
+years of imprisonment. Never during these seventy-one years had the
+Princess "Lisbeth," as she was called, dared to leave Stettin. There
+she was obliged to amuse herself. Her concerts and evening
+entertainments were celebrated. The second wife of the crown prince
+of Prussia was Louisa of Hesse-Darmstadt, the mother of Frederick
+William III. She died in 1805.] although every one knew of her
+shameful conduct--knew of her intrigues with lackeys and common
+soldiers? Do they not now bow before her, although she is banished
+to Stettin for her infamous conduct, and lives there a prisoner? A
+fine imprisonment that! The whole town is her prison, and when she
+appears in public every one stands upon the street to salute the
+crown princess of Prussia. But when they see me they pass carelessly
+by, or they look at me with a contemptuous laugh, and fancy
+themselves miracles of virtue, and free from sin. My only crime is
+that my father was not a prince, and that I am of low birth. Am I to
+blame for that--to blame that the man whom I love, and who loves me,
+cannot marry me and make me his lawful wife?"
+
+"Ho! gee, ho!" cried the driver to his horses. "Get up!" The troops
+had passed, the highway was now free, and uninterrupted rolled the
+heavy, creaking wagon into Berlin. Within all was quiet. The two
+children and nurse were asleep. The driver was half asleep, his head
+hung shaking about; only now and then he started to give his horses
+a crack, which the thin, wheezing animals did not heed in the least.
+Wilhelmine alone slept not; in her soul there was no quiet, no
+peace. She grumbled at fate, and at mankind. An unspeakable anxiety
+seized her for the immediate future, and fear of the king's anger.
+As the sun was setting they reached Berlin, and were entering the
+town, when the guard, in royal livery, sprang through the gate,
+calling, in a loud voice, to the wagon, "Halt--halt! Turn out ¢f the
+way!" Then was heard the call of the sentinel, and the roll of the
+drums. An equipage, drawn by six black steeds, drove past. A pale,
+young wife, splendidly attired, leaned back in the carriage, and the
+little flag-bearer, Prince Frederick William, was by her side; on
+the seat opposite sat the second son, Prince Louis, and the lord
+steward. In this beautiful equipage drove the Princess of Prussia;
+at her side, in a miserable linen-covered wagon, crouching far in
+the corner, sat Wilhelmine Enke, the rival of the princess; near
+her, her two children, whose existence condemned her, and stamped
+her life with dishonor. Like a dream the brilliant apparition rushed
+past Wilhelmine, and it haunted her through the long streets, to the
+humble home where she sought a temporary refuge. And when finally
+alone, in her own room, where no one could spy into her face, nor
+understand her words, there broke forth from her soul a long-
+repressed wrong. She stood erect; a proud, insolent smile played
+around her mouth. "I am his wife, too; I alone am his beloved wife,"
+said she, with a loud, triumphant voice, "and my children are his
+only truly-beloved children, for they are those of his love. How
+proudly she drove past me! How beautiful is her pale face, and how
+interesting her sad smile! She in sunlight, and I in shade! She
+knows that I am her rival, but she is not mine. No, the Princess of
+Prussia cannot rival Wilhelmine Enke. I have no fear of her. But the
+king I have to fear," cried she suddenly, shrinking with terror. In
+the meeting with the princess she had forgotten him, her anguish,
+her anxiety for the future. All were forgotten for the moment--to be
+recalled with renewed terror.
+
+"Thank Heaven," she said, "I have escaped. For the moment I am safe!
+What will the prince do, when he finds that we have fled from
+Potsdam? Will he divine where we have gone? Will he come to seek me?
+If he still loves me--if I am really the happy rival of his wife and
+every other court lady--yes, then he will come. Then he will know
+where to find his Wilhelmine. But if it is true, what malicious
+people have repeated to me, with feigned sympathy, that the prince
+loves another--that he has withdrawn his love from me, is
+indifferent and cold--then he will not seek me; then I shall remain
+here alone!--alone, with my children, this long, fearful night!
+What, then, if I am alone? No, oh, no! I will not believe that I am
+forsaken. These are wicked thoughts which haunt me--only the
+agitation of this dreadful day, which imagination has overwrought.
+Rise up and be strong! Go to thy children," said she, "and read in
+their eyes that he can never leave thee!"
+
+Forcing herself to composure, she sought her children; found Louisa
+humming and singing her little boy to sleep, and her daughter
+nodding, on a low stool at her feet.
+
+"Come, my child, I will put you to sleep," said the mother, lifting
+her in her arms. "Your mother will make your bed softly. When you
+sleep and speak with the angels, intercede for us all."
+
+With tender care she undressed her and bore her gently in her arms
+to her bed, and, kneeling before it, breathed a prayer over her
+sleeping child; then bent over the cradle of her son, blessing and
+kissing him. "Sleep my boy, sleep. I know not that I shall ever see
+thy beautiful eyes open again--whether I shall ever again press thee
+to my heart. Who can tell if they may not come this very night to
+remove me to prison--to punish me for you, my children, my beloved
+children!--Be calm, be calm! I shall remain here until morning, at
+least," added she.
+
+She turned to the nurse, who, with anxious face and folded hands,
+stood at the farthest corner of the room. "Go, now, Louisa--go, and
+take something to eat. You must be hungry and tired. Buy at the next
+store what you need; but do not stop to talk with any one or repeat
+my name. Then return quickly, and take care of the children. Do not
+trouble yourself about me--I need nothing more."
+
+"But you must eat something, mamselle; you must have some supper!"
+
+Wilhelmine shook her head, refusing, and returned quickly to her own
+room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE OATH OF FIDELITY.
+
+
+Long after nightfall the nurse heard her mistress rapidly pacing her
+room, and talking aloud to herself. Soon, however, Sleep spread her
+soothing wings over Louisa, and she heard no more the rapid steps
+and loud talking of her mistress, nor the rolling of a carriage
+which stopped before the door, and the quick, vigorous steps of a
+man mounting the stairs. But Wilhelmine heard them. Breathless she
+stood, listening to the approaching footsteps, for she felt that
+they had to decide her future--the weal and woe of her children! Was
+it he, her beloved, the father of her children? or was it the king's
+bailiff who had followed her, and came to seize her?
+
+Nearer they came; the bell was hastily, violently rung. Wilhelmine
+uttered a cry of delight. She recognized the voice, the commanding
+manner, and rushed through the anteroom to open the door. The prince
+encircled her in his arms, pressed her to his beating heart, and,
+lifting her up, bore her into the room.
+
+"Why did you leave Potsdam, Wilhelmine? Tell me quickly, why did you
+do it?" asked the prince, tenderly kissing her, as he sat her upon
+the divan at his side. Overcome with her tears, she could not
+answer. "What mean these tears? Has any one dared to wound your
+feelings or injure you?"
+
+"Yes, Frederick, and he who injures me hazards nothing--for it is
+the king! I met him in the park at Potsdam this morning. He has
+crushed me with his scorn and anger. He has threatened me with a
+fearful punishment--no less than the house of correction at Spandau!
+He has told me that the spinning-wheel is in readiness for me if I
+excite his further contempt."
+
+A cry of fury escaped the prince. Springing up, he paced the room
+with rapid strides. Wilhelmine remained upon the divan, but her
+tears did not prevent her following the prince with a searching
+glance--to read his face, pale with rage. "I must bear it," he
+cried, beating his forehead. "I cannot protect those that I love!"
+
+A ray of joy lighted up Wilhelmine's face as she listened, but it
+disappeared with the tears which flowed afresh. "I am a poor,
+unfortunate child," she sobbed, "whom every one despises, and fears
+not to injure, who has no one to counsel or protect her, and who is
+lost if God does not have compassion upon her."
+
+The prince rushed to her, seizing both hands. "Wilhelmine, do not
+drive me mad with sorrow," he cried, trembling with excitement and
+anger. "Is it my fault that I cannot protect you against him? Have I
+not defended you from all the rest of the world? Have I ever allowed
+any one to treat you with contempt?"
+
+"I have never given occasion for it, dearest. I have studiously
+avoided all men, to escape their contempt and scorn. Shame is hard
+to bear, fearfully hard. I felt it today, as his beautiful eyes
+flashed upon me with contempt, as his haughty language crushed me to
+the earth. This is the yoke, Frederick William, that I and my
+children must bear to our graves!"
+
+"No, Wilhelmine, not as long as we live--only while he lives! Wait,
+only wait; let me rise from want and slavery; let the day come which
+makes me free--which exalts me: my first act will be to lift the
+yoke from you and our children, and woe to those--a thousand times
+woe to those who would hold it fast! Only be patient, Wilhelmine,
+submit, and bear with me the hard and distressing present. Tell me,
+my child, my loved one, why did you leave Potsdam so suddenly?"
+
+"I was afraid, Frederick. A kind of madness seized me at the thought
+of the king's bailiffs carrying me off to Spandau; a nameless
+anxiety confused my mind, and I only realized that I must escape--
+that I must conceal myself. I felt in greater security here than at
+Potsdam for the night."
+
+"And you fled without leaving me any sign or message to tell me
+whither you had gone! Oh, Wilhelmine, what if I had not divined your
+hiding-place, and had awaited at Potsdam in painful anxiety?"
+
+"Then I should have fled from here at daybreak, leaving my children,
+and in some quiet, obscure retreat have concealed myself from every
+eye--even your own."
+
+"Would you have hidden yourself from me?" cried the prince,
+encircling her in his arms, and pressing her to his heart.
+
+"Yes, Frederick, when your heart did not prompt you where to find
+me, then it would have been a proof that you were indifferent to me.
+When I cannot lean upon your love, then there is no longer any
+protection or abiding-place for me in the world, and the grave will
+be my refuge."
+
+"But you see my heart revealed you to me, and I am here," said the
+prince, smiling.
+
+"Yes, Heaven be praised, you have come to me," she cried,
+exultingly, throwing her arms about his neck, and kissing him
+passionately. "You are here; I no longer dread the old king's anger,
+and his fearful words fall as spent arrows at my feet. You are here,
+king of my heart; now I have only one thing to dread."
+
+"What is that, Wilhelmine?"
+
+She bent close to his ear, and whispered: "I fear that you are
+untrue to me; that there is some ground for truth in those anonymous
+letters, which declare that you would discard me and my children
+also, for you love another--not one other, but many."
+
+"Jealousy, again jealous!" the prince sighed.
+
+"Oh, no," said she, tenderly, "I only repeat what is daily written
+me."
+
+"Why do you read it?" cried the prince, vehemently. "Why do you
+quaff the poison which wicked, base men offer you? Why do you not
+throw such letters into the fire, as I do when they slander you to
+me?"
+
+"Because you know, Frederick," she answered, proudly and earnestly--
+"you must know that that which they write against me is slander and
+falsehood. My life lies open before you; every year, every day, is
+like an unsullied page, upon which but one name stands inscribed--
+Frederick William--not Prince Frederick William. What does it
+benefit me that you are a prince? If you were not a prince, I should
+not be despised, my children would not be nameless, without fortune,
+and without justice. No, were you not a prince, I should not have
+felt ashamed and grief-stricken, with downcast eyes, before the lady
+who drove past in her splendid carriage, while I was humbly seated
+in a miserable wagon. No, were not my beloved a prince, he could
+have made me his wife, could have given me his name, and I should
+to-day be at his side with my children. Then, what benefit is it to
+me that you are a prince? I love you not that you are one, but
+notwithstanding it. And if I love you in spite of all this, you must
+know that my affection is ever-enduring and ever-faithful--that I
+can never forget you, never abandon you."
+
+"And do you believe, Wilhelmine, that I could ever abandon or
+forsake you? Is it not the same with me?"
+
+She shook her head, sadly answering: "No, Frederick, it is
+unfortunately not the same. You have loved me, and perhaps you love
+me still, but with that gentle warmth which does not hinder glowing
+flames to kindle near it, and with their passionate fire overpower
+the slight warmth."
+
+"It may be so for the moment, I grant it," the prince answered,
+thoughtfully; "but the quick, blazing fire soon consumes itself,
+leaving only a heap of ashes; then one turns to the gentle warmth
+with inward comfort, and rejoices in its quiet happiness."
+
+"You confess loving another?" said Wilhelmine, sorrowfully.
+
+"No, I do not grant that," the prince cried; "but you are a
+sensible, clever woman, and you know my heart is easily excited. It
+is only the meteoric light of the ignis fatuus, soon extinguished.
+Let it dance and flicker, but remember that the only warmth which
+cheers and brightens my heart is your love and friendship. You are
+my first and only love, and you will be my last--that I swear to
+you, and upon it you can rely. Every thing is uncertain and wavering
+in life. They have ruined me, lacerated my heart, and there is
+nothing more in the world which I honor. Only sycophants and
+hypocrites surround me, who speculate upon my future greatness; or
+spies, who would make their fortune today, and therefore spy and
+hang about me, in order to be paid by the reigning king, and who
+slander me in order to be favorites of his. No one at court loves
+me, not even my wife. How should she? She is well aware that I
+married her only at the command of my royal uncle, and she accepted
+me almost with detestation, for they had related to her the
+unhappiness of my first marriage, and the happiness of my first
+love! She has learned the story of my first wife, Elizabeth von
+Braunschweig, and that of my only love, Wilhelmine Enke! She obeyed,
+like myself, the stern command of another, and we were married, as
+all princes and princesses are, and we have had children, as they
+do. We lead the life of a political marriage, but the heart is
+unwed. We bow before necessity and duty, and, believe me, those are
+the only household gods in the families of princes. Happy the man
+who, besides these stern divinities, possesses a little secret
+temple, in which he can erect an altar to true love and friendship,
+and where he can enjoy a hidden happiness. This I owe to you,
+Wilhelmine; you are the only one in whom I have confidence, for you
+have proved to me that you love me without self-interest and without
+ambition. You have said it, and it is true, you love me,
+notwithstanding I am a prince. I confess to you, there are many
+lovely women of the court who are your rivals, and who would try to
+separate us in order to attract me to themselves. They are beautiful
+and seductive, and I am young and passionate; and if these lovely
+women have no respect for my dignity as a married man, how then
+should I have it, who married for duty, not for love? But there is
+one whom I respect for disinterestedness and fidelity! Do you not
+know who alone is disinterested and faithful?--who has never seen in
+me the prince, the future king--only the beloved one, the man--one
+who has never wavered, never counted the cost?--that you are,
+Wilhelmine Enke, therefore we are inseparable, and you have not to
+fear that I can ever forsake you, even if I am sometimes entangled
+in the magic nets of other beautiful women. The chains which bind us
+together cannot be torn asunder, for a wonderful secret power has
+consecrated them with the magic of true love--of heart-felt
+friendship."
+
+"Still they are chains, dearest," sighed Wilhelmine. "You have named
+them thus! The chains will at last oppress you, and you will forget
+the magic power which binds you, and will be free. No holy bond, no
+oath, no marriage tie--nothing but your love binds you to me. I
+rejoice in it, and so long as you do not forsake me, I am conscious
+that it is your own free choice and not force which retains you."
+
+"I will give you an outward sign of our bond of union," cried the
+prince. "I will do it today, as a twofold danger hangs over us--the
+king menaces you, and war menaces me."
+
+"Is it then true, do you go with the king to the field?" groaned
+Wilhelmine.
+
+"Do you wish me to remain?" cried the prince, his eyes flashing.
+"Shall I here seek pleasure, with effeminate good nature, while the
+king, in spite of his age, exposes himself to all the fatigue of a
+campaign and the danger of battle? This war of the Bavarian
+succession is unfortunate, and no one knows whether the German
+empire will derive any important advantage from our sustaining by
+force of arms a little duchy. It is a question whether it would not
+be better to abolish the little principalities, in order to
+strengthen the greater German powers. The king will support Bavaria,
+because he envies Austria its possession, and, as he has decided
+upon war, it becomes his crown prince to yield to his decision
+without murmuring. Therefore, Wilhelmine, I will today witness to
+you the oath of fidelity. If God calls me to Him, if I fall in
+battle, this oath will be your legacy. I have nothing else to leave
+you, thanks to the parsimony of my noble uncle. I am a very poor
+crown prince, with many debts and little money, and not in a
+condition to reward your love and fidelity otherwise than with
+promises and hopes, and letters of credit for the future. Such a
+bill of exchange I will write for you--a legacy for my dear
+Wilhelmine. Give me pen and paper."
+
+Wilhelmine hastened to her writing table and brought him paper with
+writing materials. "There, my Frederick," said she, "there is every
+thing necessary--only the ink, I fear, may be dried."
+
+The prince shook his head, smiling. "Such a lover's oath as I will
+transcribe for you can be written with no common ink. See, here is
+my ink!"
+
+The prince had suddenly made a slight incision in his arm, and, as
+the blood gushed out, he dipped his pen in it, and wrote; then
+handed it to Wilhelmine, saying: "Read it here, in the presence of
+God and ourselves."
+
+Wilhelmine pressed it to her lips, and read, with a solemn voice:
+"'By my word of honor as a prince, I will never forsake you, and
+only death shall separate you from me.--Prince Frederick William of
+Prussia.'" [Footnote: "Memoires of the Countess Lichtenau." p. 120.]
+
+"By my word of honor as a prince, I will never forsake you, and only
+death shall separate me from you," repeated the prince, as he bent
+over Wilhelmine, lifting her in his arms and placing her upon his
+knee. "Take the paper and guard it carefully," said he. "When I die,
+and you have closed my eyes, as I trust you will, give this paper to
+my son and successor, for it is my legacy to you, and I hope my son
+will honor it and recognize in you the wife of my heart, and care
+for you."
+
+"Oh! speak not of dying, Frederick," cried Wilhelmine, embracing him
+tenderly; "may they condemn me, and imprison me as a criminal, when
+you are no more! What matters it to me what befalls me, when I no
+longer possess you, my beloved one, my master? Not on that account
+will I preserve the precious paper, but for the love which it has
+given me, and of which it will one day be a proof to my children.
+This paper is my justification and my excuse, my certificate and my
+declaration of honor. I thank you for it, for it is the most
+beautiful present that I have ever received."
+
+"But will you make me no return, Wilhelmine? Will you not swear to
+me, as I have sworn to you?"
+
+She took the knife from the table without answering, and pointing it
+to her left arm--
+
+"Oh, not there!" cried the prince, as he sought to stay her hand.
+"Do not injure your beautiful arm, it would be a sacrilege."
+
+Wilhelmine freed herself from him, as he sought to hold her fast,
+and in the mutual struggle the knife sank deep into her left hand,
+the blood gushing out. [Footnote: The scar of this wound remained
+her whole life, as Wilhelmine relates in her memoirs.--See "Memoires
+of the Countess Lichtenau."]
+
+"Oh, what have you done?" cried the prince, terrified; "You are
+wounded!"
+
+He seized her hand and drew the knife from the wound, screaming with
+terror as a clear stream of blood flowed over his own. "A physician!
+Send quickly for a physician," cried he. "Where are my servants?"
+
+Wilhelmine closed his lips at this instant with a kiss, and forced
+herself to smile in spite of the pain which the wound caused her.
+"Dearest, it is nothing," she cried. "I have only prepared a great
+inkstand--let me write!"
+
+She dipped her pen in the blood, which continued to flow, and wrote
+quickly a few lines, handing them to the prince.
+
+"Read aloud what you have written. I will hear from your own mouth
+your oath. You shall write it upon my heart with your lips."
+
+Wilhelmine read: "By my love, by the heads of my two children, I
+swear that I will never forsake you--that I will be faithful to you
+unto death, and will never separate myself from you; that my
+friendship and love will endure beyond the grave; that I will ever
+be contented and happy so long as I may call myself your Wilhelmine
+Enke."
+
+"I accept your oath, dearest," said the prince, pressing her to his
+heart. "This paper is one of my choicest jewels, and I will never
+separate myself from it. We have now sealed our love and fidelity
+with our blood, and I hope that you will never doubt me again.
+Remember this hour!"
+
+"I will," she earnestly promised, "and I swear to you never to
+torment and torture you again with my jealousy. I shall always know,
+and shall hold fast to it, that you will return to me."
+
+A violent knocking on the house door interrupted the stillness of
+the night. A voice in loud, commanding tones called to the night-
+watch.
+
+"Here I am!" answered the porter. "Who calls me? And what is the
+matter?"
+
+"Open the door," commanded the voice again.
+
+"It is our house," whispered Wilhelmine, who had softly opened the
+window. "It is so dark, I can only see a black shadow before the
+door."
+
+"Do you belong to the house?" asked the night-watch. "I dare let no
+one in who does not belong there."
+
+"Lift up your lantern, and look at my livery. It is at the king's
+order!"
+
+Wilhelmine withdrew from the window, and hastened to the prince, who
+had retired to the back part of the room.
+
+"It is Kretzschmar, the king's footman and spy," she whispered.
+"Hide yourself, that he does not discover you. Go there to the
+children."
+
+"No, Wilhelmine, I will remain here. I--"
+
+Wilhelmine pressed her hand upon his mouth, and forced him into the
+side-room, bolting the door.
+
+"Now," said she, "I will meet my fate with courage; whatever may
+come, it shall find me firm and composed. My children are safe, for
+their father is with them."
+
+She took the light, and hastened into the anteroom, which was
+resounding with the loud ringing.
+
+"Who is there?" she cried. "Who rings so late at night?"
+
+"In the name of the king, open!"
+
+Wilhelmine shoved back the bolt, opening the door.
+
+"Come in," she said, "and tell me who you are."
+
+"I think you recognize me," said Kretzschmar, with an impudent
+smile. "You have often seen me at Potsdam in company with the king.
+I saw you this morning as the king did you the honor to speak with
+you, and I believe did not compliment you."
+
+"Did his majesty send you here to say this to me?"
+
+"No, not exactly that," answered he, smiling; "but, as you asked me,
+I was obliged to answer. I have come here with all speed as courier
+from Potsdam. I hope you will at least give me a good trinkgeld. I
+was commanded to deliver into your own hands this paper, for which I
+must have a receipt." He drew from his breast pocket a large sealed
+document, which he handed to Wilhelmine. "Here is the receipt all
+ready, with the pencil; you have only to sign your name, and the
+business is finished." He stretched himself with an air of the
+greatest ease upon the cane chair, near the door.
+
+Wilhelmine colored with anger at the free conduct of the royal
+footman, and hastened to sign the receipt to rid herself of the
+messenger, and to read the letter.
+
+"What will you give me for trinkgeld, Mamselle Enke?" asked the
+footman, as she gave him the receipt.
+
+"Your own rudeness and insult," answered Wilhelmine proudly, as she
+turned, without saluting him, to the sitting-room.
+
+Kretzschmar laughed aloud. "She will play the great and proud lady,"
+said he. "She will get over that when in prison. The letter is
+without doubt an order of arrest, for when the king flashes and
+thunders as he did this morning, he usually strikes. I hope it will
+agree with you." He slowly left the anteroom, and descended the
+stairs to mount his horse, which he had bound to a tree.
+
+Wilhelmine hastened in the mean time to the prince. "Here is the
+letter addressed to me," said she, handing him the sealed envelope.
+"I beg you to open it; courage fails me, everything trembles and
+swims before my eyes. Read it aloud--I will receive my sentence from
+your lips."
+
+The prince exclaimed, breaking the seal: "It is the handwriting of
+the secret cabinet secretary, Menken, and the message comes
+immediately from the king's cabinet. Now, Wilhelmine, do not
+tremble; lean your head upon me, and let us read."
+
+"'In the name of his majesty, Wilhelmine Enke is commanded, under
+penalty of severe punishment, not to leave her room or her dwelling,
+until the king shall permit her, and send some one to take her and
+all that belongs to her to her place of destination. She shall
+receive this order with patience and humility, and consider her
+apartment as a prison, which she shall not leave under severe
+penalty, nor allow any one to enter it. Whoever may be with her at
+the time of receiving the order, who do not belong there, shall
+speedily absent themselves, and if the same ride or drive to
+Potsdam, they shall immediately take a message to his royal highness
+the Prince of Prussia, and announce to him that his majesty expects
+him at Sans-Souci at ten o'clock tomorrow morning. The Minister von
+Herzberg will be in waiting to confer with the prince. The above is
+communicated to Wilhelmine Enke for her strict observance, and she
+will act accordingly.'"
+
+A long silence followed the reading of this letter. Both looked
+down, thoughtfully recalling the contents.
+
+"A prisoner," murmured Wilhelmine, "a prisoner in my own house."
+
+"And for me the peremptory command to leave immediately for Potsdam,
+in order to be at Sans-Souci early in the morning. What can the king
+mean?"
+
+"He will announce to you my imprisonment, my exile," sighed
+Wilhelmine.
+
+The crown prince shook his head. "No," said he, "I do not believe
+it. If the king would send you to prison, he would not make such
+preparation; he would not commence with the house arrest, as if you
+were an officer, who had been guilty of some slight insubordination,
+but he would act with decision, as is his wont. He would at once
+have sent you to Spandau or some other prison, and left it to me to
+have taken further steps. No--the more I think it over, the more
+evident it is to me that the king is not really angry; he will only
+torment us a little, as it pleases his teasing spirit. The chief
+thing now is to obey, and give him no further occasion for anger.
+You must be very careful not to leave your apartment, or to allow
+any one to enter it. I shall start without delay for Potsdam. There
+are spies posted as well for you as myself; our steps are watched,
+and an exact account of them given. I must away quickly."
+
+"Must you leave me a prisoner? Oh, how hard and cruel life is!"
+
+"Yes, it is, indeed, Wilhelmine. But I must also humbly submit and
+obey. Is not life hard for me, and yet I am crown prince, the heir
+to the throne! I shall be reprimanded and scolded like a footman. I
+must obey as a slave, and am not permitted to act according to my
+will. I am only a mere peg in the great machine which he directs,
+and the--"
+
+"Hush! for mercy's sake be quiet! What if some one should hear you?
+You know not if the spies may not be at the door."
+
+"True," said the prince, bitterly. "I do not know! The nurse even,
+who suckles our child, may be a paid spy. The owner of this house
+may be in the king's service, and creep to the door to listen.
+Therefore it is necessary, above all things, that we act according
+to the king's commands. Farewell, Wilhelmine, I must set off at
+once. Kretzschmar is no doubt at the corner of the street to see
+whether I, as an obedient servant of his master, leave here. If I do
+it, he will take the news to Sans-Souci, and perhaps the king will
+be contented. Farewell, I go at once to the palace, to start from
+there for Potsdam."
+
+"Farewell, my beloved one! May God in heaven and the king upon earth
+be merciful to us! I will force myself to composure and humility.
+What I suffer is for you! This shall be my consolation. If we never
+meet again, Frederick William, I know you will not forget how much I
+have loved you!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE PARADE.
+
+
+Since early morning a gay, warlike life had reigned at Potsdam and
+the neighborhood of Sans-Souci. From every side splendid regiments
+approached, with proud and stately bearing, in glittering uniforms,
+to take in perfect order the places assigned to them. With flying
+banners, drums beating, and shrill blasts of trumpets, they came
+marching on to the great parade--the last, for the king was about to
+leave for the field. Thousands of spectators poured forth,
+notwithstanding the early hour, from Potsdam; and from Berlin even
+they came in crowds, to take a last look of the soldiers--of their
+king, who was still the hero at sixty-nine--the "Alto Fritz," whom
+they adored--though they felt the rigor of his government. It was a
+magnificent spectacle, indeed--this immense square, filled with
+regiments, their helmets, swords, and gold embroideries glittering
+in the May sun. Officers, mounted on richly caparisoned steeds, drew
+up in the centre, or galloped along the front of the lines,
+censuring with a thundering invective any deviation or irregularity.
+In the rear of the troops stood the equipages of the distinguished
+spectators on the one side, while on the other the people in compact
+masses swayed to and fro, gayly passing judgment upon the different
+regiments and their generals. The people--that means all those who
+were not rich enough to have a carriage, or sufficiently
+distinguished to claim a place upon the tribune reserved for noble
+ladies and gentlemen--here they stood, the educated and uneducated,
+shoemaker and tailor, savant and artist--a motley mixture! Two
+gentlemen of the high citizen class apparently were among the crowd.
+They were dressed in the favorite style, which, since the "Sorrows
+of Werther" had appeared, was the fashion--tight-fitting boots,
+reaching to the knee, with yellow tops; white breeches, over which
+fell the long-bodied green vest; a gray frock with long pointed
+tails and large metal buttons, well-powdered cue, tied with little
+ribbons, surmounted with a low, wide-brimmed hat. Only one of the
+gentlemen wore the gray frock, according to the faultless Werther
+costume, a young man of scarcely thirty years, of fine figure, and
+proud bearing; a face expressive and sympathetic, reminding one of
+the glorious portraits of men which antiquity has bequeathed to us.
+It seemed like the head of a god descended to earth, noble in every
+feature, full of grace and beauty; the slightly Roman nose well
+marked yet delicate; the broad, thoughtful brow; the cheeks flushed
+with the hue of youth and power; the well-defined chin and red lips,
+expressive of goodness, benevolence, roguery, and haughtiness;
+large, expressive eyes, flashing with the fire which the gods had
+enkindled. His companion was perhaps eight years younger, less well-
+proportioned, still of graceful appearance, in his youthful
+freshness, with frank, cheerful mien, clever, good-natured,
+sparkling eyes, and red, pouting lips, which never liked to cease
+chatting.
+
+"See, Wolff! I beg," said the young man, "see that old waddling
+duck, Mollendorf. I know the old fellow, he is from Gotha; he
+imagines himself of the greatest importance, and thinks Prussia
+begets fame and honor from his grace. He trumpets forth his own
+glories at a dinner, and abuses his king. He makes Frederick the
+Great an insignificant little being, that he may look over him."
+
+"Unimportant men always do that," answered the other. "They would
+make great men small, and think by placing themselves on high
+pedestals they become great. The clown striding through the crowd on
+his stilts may even look over an emperor. But fortunately there
+comes a time when the dear clown must come down from his stilts, and
+then it is clear to others, if not to himself, what little, earth-
+born snips the men of yesterday are."
+
+"Only look, Wolff, there is just such a moment coming to that
+stiltsman Mollendorf. How the great man stoops, and how small he
+looks on his gray horse, for a greater springs past! Look at him
+well, Wolff--we shall dine with him, and he does not like to be
+stared at in the face."
+
+"Is that, then, Prince Henry passing?" asked Wolff, with animation;
+"That little general, who just galloped into the circle with his
+suite, is that the king's brother?"
+
+"Yes, that is just his misfortune that he is the king's brother,"
+answered a deep, sonorous voice behind them.
+
+Turning, they beheld a young, elegantly dressed man, in the light
+gray frock and gold-bordered, three-cornered hat, and a Spanish
+cane, with an ivory handle.
+
+"What did you remark, sir?" asked Herr Wolff; his great, brown eyes
+flashing over the pale, intellectual face of the other, so that he
+was quite confused, yet, as if enchanted, could not turn away. "What
+did you remark, sir?" asked again Herr Wolff.
+
+"I believe," stammered the other, "that I said it was the misfortune
+of the prince that he was the brother only, as he was worthy of
+being mentioned for himself; but I beg, sir, be a little indulgent,
+and do not pry into my very soul with your godlike eyes. It will
+craze me, and I shall run through the streets of Berlin, crying that
+the Apollo-Belvedere has arrived at Potsdam, and invite all the
+poets and authors to come and worship him."
+
+"I believe you are right," cried the youngest of the two gentlemen,
+laughing. "I believe myself it is the Apollo-Belvedere."
+
+"Be still, my dear sir, hush, and preserve our incognito,"
+interrupted his companion.
+
+"But I cannot help it, Wolff. Am I to blame that this clever fellow
+sees through your mask, and discovers the divine spark which hides
+itself under a gray Werther costume?"
+
+"I pray, sir, grant my request, and respect our incognito," begged
+the other, gently but firmly.
+
+"Well, well, you shall have your way," laughed the other, good-
+naturedly, and turning to the pale young man, who still kept his
+eyes fixed on Herr Wolff in a sort of ecstacy, he said: "Let the
+authors and poets stay in Berlin; we will persuade the disguised
+Apollo to meet them there, and read them a lecture, for among the
+Berlin poets and critics there are wicked heretics, who, if the
+Deity Himself wrote tragedies and verses, would find some fault to
+object to."
+
+"Pray tell me, sir, do you think Prince Henry a great man?"
+
+"Did not the king call him so in his 'History of the Seven Years'
+War?'" said the stranger. "Did he not publicly, in the presence of
+all his generals, say, 'that Prince Henry was the only general who
+had not made a mistake during the whole war?'"
+
+"Do you believe the king will say that of the prince just riding in
+with his suite, after the present war?" asked the young man, with
+earnestness.
+
+"You mean the Prince of Prussia," answered the other, shaking his
+head. "There are men who call this prince the 'hope of Prussia,' and
+regard him as a new Aurora in the clouded sky."
+
+"And you, sir, do you regard him so?" cried Herr Wolff.
+
+"Do you mean that the Prince of Prussia will usher in a brighter day
+for Germany?"
+
+"No," answered the other. "I believe that day expires with Frederick
+the Great, and that a long night of darkness will succeed."
+
+"Why do you think so?"
+
+"Because it is the course of nature that darkness succeeds light.
+Look at the prince, gentlemen--the divine light of genius is not
+stamped upon his brow, as formerly, and care will be taken that it
+is soon extinguished altogether."
+
+"Who will take care?"
+
+"Those who are the enemies of light, civilization, and freedom."
+
+"Who are they?" asked Herr Wolff.
+
+The other smiled, and answered: "Sir, so far as I, in all humility,
+call myself a scholar, I also owe to the god Apollo obedience, and
+must answer him, though it may endanger me. I answer, then, the
+enemies of light and civilization are the disguised Jesuits."
+
+"Oh, it is easy to perceive that you do not belong to them, or you
+would not thus characterize them, and--"
+
+A mighty flourish of drums, and shrill blasts of horns and trumpets,
+drowned the youth's words, and made all further conversation
+impossible. The king, followed by a brilliant suite, had just
+arrived at the parade. The regiments greeted their sovereign with
+loud blasts of trumpets, and the people shouted their farewell.
+Frederick lifted lightly his hat, and rode along the ranks of the
+well-ordered troops. He listened to the shouts with calm, composed
+manner; the Jupiter-flashes from his great eyes seemed to be spent
+forever. Mounted upon Caesar, his favorite horse, he looked today
+more bent, his back more bowed with the burden of years; and it was
+plainly visible that the hand which held the staff crosswise over
+the horse's neck, holding at the same time the bridle, trembled from
+very weakness.
+
+"That is Frederick," said Herr Wolff to himself. "That is the hero
+before whom Europe has trembled; the daring prince who caused the
+sun to rise upon his country, and awaken the spirits to cheerful
+life. Oh, how lamentable; how much to be regretted, that a hero,
+too, can grow feeble and old! Oh, cruel fate, that the noblest
+spirits embodied in this fragile humanity, and--"
+
+Suddenly he ceased, and looked at the king amazed and with
+admiration. The old man had become the hero again. The bowed form
+was erect, the face beamed with energy and conscious power, the eyes
+flashed with bold daring, strong and sonorous was the voice. The
+king had turned to his generals, who were drawn up around him in a
+large circle, saying: "Gentlemen, I come to take leave of you. We
+shall meet again upon the battle-field, where laurels bloom for the
+brave. I hope that we may all return, crowned with fresh laurels.
+Tell my soldiers that I count upon them--that I know they will prove
+the glory of the Prussian troops anew, and that on the day of battle
+they will see me at their head.--Farewell!"
+
+"Long live the king!" cried the generals and staff officers, in one
+voice. The people and the soldiers joined the shout, the ladies
+waved their handkerchiefs. Herr Wolff and his companions tore off
+their hats with enthusiasm, and swung them high in the air.
+
+The great eyes of the king, who passed at this moment, rested upon
+Herr Wolff. "My heart quaked as if I were the pillar of Memnon, and
+had been touched by the sun's rays," sighed he, as he followed the
+king with his fiery glance.
+
+"The ceremony is now finished," said the young man near him, "and we
+must leave, in order to be punctual to dinner at Prince Henry's."
+
+"I wish the king had remained an hour longer," sighed Herr Wolff
+again. "As I looked at him, it seemed as if I were listening to a
+song from Homer, and all my faculties were in unison in delight and
+enthusiasm. Happy those who dare approach him, and remain near him!"
+
+"Then, according to your opinion, his servants must be very
+fortunate," said the stranger, "and yet they say that he is not very
+kind to them."
+
+"Because the servant is a little man," cried Herr Wolff, "and every
+one looks little to his belittling eyes."
+
+"Yes, there are many others no more elevated than servants in the
+king's surroundings," said the other. The youth reminded him that
+they must leave.
+
+"Only wait a moment, friend," begged Herr Wolff, as he turned to the
+stranger, saying, "I would like to continue our conversation of
+today. You live in Berlin. I will find you out if you will give me
+your name."
+
+"I pray you to visit me; my name is Moritz. I live in Kloster
+Strasse, near the gray convent."
+
+"Your name is Moritz?", asked Herr Wolff, earnestly. "Then you are
+the author of the 'Journey to England?'"
+
+"Yes, the same, and my highest encomium is, that the work is not
+unknown to you, or the name of the author."
+
+"All Germany knows it, and do you think I could possibly remain a
+stranger to it?"
+
+"But your name, sir," said the stranger, with anxious curiosity.
+"Will you not give me your name?"
+
+"I will tell you when we are in your own room," said Herr Wolff,
+smiling.
+
+"The air is yet enchanted and intoxicated with the breath of the
+Great Frederick; it should not be desecrated with another name.--
+Farewell, we will meet in Berlin."
+
+Not far from these gentlemen stood two others, wrapped in long
+military cloaks, both of striking and foreign appearance; the one,
+of slight delicate figure, of dark complexion, noble and handsome
+face, must be an Italian, as his very black hair and eyes betrayed;
+the other, tall, broad-shouldered, of Herculean stature, belonged to
+North Germany, as the blond hair, light blue eyes, and features
+indicated. A pleasing smile played around his thick, curled lips,
+and only when he glanced at his companion did it die away, and
+change to one of respectful devotion. At this instant the king
+passed. The Italian pressed the arm of his companion.
+
+"The arch fiend himself," he murmured softly, "the demon of
+unbelief, to whom nothing is sacred, and nothing intimidates. The
+contemptuously smiling spirit of negation, which is called
+enlightenment, and is but darkness, to whom belief is superstition,
+and enlightening only deception. Woe to him!"
+
+"Woe to him!" repeated the other.
+
+The king was followed by his brilliant and select staff in motley
+confusion. First, Prince Henry, and then the Prince of Prussia. As
+the latter passed the two gentlemen, the Italian pressed the arm of
+his companion still harder. "Look at him attentively, my son," said
+he, "that is our future and our hope in this country."
+
+The Hercules turned hastily, with a look of astonishment, to the
+Italian. "The Prince of Prussia?" asked he, with amazement.
+
+The Italian nodded. "Do you doubt it?" he added, reproachfully.
+"Would you doubt your lord and master, because he reveals to you
+what you cannot seize with your clouded spirit?"
+
+"No, no, master, I am only surprised that you hope for good from
+this lost-in-sin successor to the throne."
+
+"Yes, you are poor, human children," sighed the Italian,
+compassionately smiling; "prompt to judge, mistaking light for
+darkness, and darkness for light. I have already remarked that to
+the celebrated and austere Minister Sully, as he complained to me of
+the levity and immorality of the French king, Henry IV. I told him
+that austere morals and moral laws suffered exceptions, and that
+those through whom the welfare of humanity should be furthered, had
+to transfer their heavenly bliss of love to the earthly sphere.
+Sully would contest the question with me, but I defeated him, while
+I repeated to him what the beautiful and unhappy Queen of Scotland,
+Mary Stuart, once said to me."
+
+"Mary Stuart!" cried the other, vehemently.
+
+"Yes, Mary Stuart," answered the Italian, earnestly. "Come, my son,
+let us go. We have seen what we wished to see, and that is
+sufficient. Give me thy arm, and let us depart."
+
+They departed arm in arm, withdrawing from the crowd, and taking the
+broad walk which crossed to the park.
+
+"You were about to relate to me the answer which Mary Stuart gave to
+you, sir," said the Hercules, timidly.
+
+"True; I will now relate it to you," he answered, with sadness. "It
+was in Edinburgh I had surprised Mary (as I was admitted without
+ceremony), in her boudoir, as the handsome Rizzio sat at her feet,
+and sang love-songs to her. She was resting upon a gold-embroidered
+divan, and her figure appeared to great advantage in the heavenly
+blue, silver-embroidered gauze robe, which covered her beautiful
+limbs like a cloud. In her hair sparkled two diamonds, like two
+stars fallen from heaven, and more glowing still were her eyes,
+which tenderly rested upon Rizzio. Leaning upon her elbow, she
+inclined toward Rizzio, who, lute in hand, was looking up to her
+with a countenance expressive of the deepest love. It was a glorious
+picture, this young and charming couple, in their bliss of love; and
+never, in the course of this century, have I forgotten this
+exquisite picture--never have its bright tints faded from my memory.
+How often have I begged my friend, Antonio Vandyck, to make this
+picture eternal, with his immortal pencil. He promised to do it, but
+at the moment he was occupied with the portraits of Charles I. and
+his family--the grandson of Queen Mary. Later, as I was not with
+him, unfortunately, to save him, death seized him before he had
+fulfilled his promise. But her image is stamped upon my heart, and I
+see her now, as I saw her then, the beautiful queen, with the
+handsome singer at her feet. I had entered unawares, and stood a few
+moments at the door before they remarked me. As I approached, Rizzio
+suddenly ceased in the midst of a tender passage, and sprang to his
+feet. Mary signed to him, blushing, to withdraw. He glided
+noiselessly out, his lute under his arm, and I remained alone with
+the queen. I dared to chide her, gently, for her love affair with
+the handsome singer, and, above all, to exhort her to fidelity to
+her husband. Whereupon Mary answered me, with her accustomed smiling
+manner, 'There is but one fidelity which one must recognize, and
+that is to the god of gods--Love! Where he is not, I will not be.
+The god Hymen is a tedious, pedantic fellow, who burns to ashes all
+the fresh young love of the heart, and all the enthusiasm of the
+soul, with his intolerable tallow torch, for Love stands not at his
+side. I am faithful to the god Amor, therefore I can never be
+faithful to the god Hymen, as it would be unfaithful to Love!' That
+was the response of the beautiful Queen Mary. I could not contest
+the question, so I only looked at her and smiled. Suddenly, I felt a
+dagger, as it were, thrust at my heart, my spiritual eyes were
+opened, the lovely woman on the divan was fearfully changed. Instead
+of the gauze robe, sparkling with silver, a black cloth dress
+covered her emaciated limbs; instead of brilliants, sparkling in her
+hair, a mourning veil covered her whitened locks. The beauty and
+roundness of her neck had disappeared, and I saw around it a broad
+dark-red stripe. Her head moved, and fell at my feet dissevered. I
+saw it all, as distinctly as if it really happened, and seized with
+unspeakable pity I prostrated myself at her feet (who was unknowing
+of my vision), and besought her with all the anxiety and tenderness
+of friendship to leave Scotland, to fly from England, as there the
+death-tribunal awaited her. But Mary Stuart only laughed at my
+warning, and called me a melancholy fool, whom jealousy made
+prophetic. The more I begged and implored, the more wanton and gay
+the poor woman became. Then, as I saw all persuasion was vain, that
+no one could save her from her dreadful fate, I took a solemn oath
+that I would be at her side at the hour of her peril, and accompany
+her to the scaffold. Mary laughed aloud, and, with that mocking
+gayety so peculiarly her own, she accepted the oath, and reached me
+her white hand, sparkling with diamonds, to seal the vow with a
+kiss. I faithfully kept it. I had but just arrived in Rome when I
+received the account of her imprisonment. I presented myself
+immediately to the pope, the great Sixtus V., who then occupied the
+chair of St. Peter. Fortunately, he was my friend, and I had
+formerly been useful to him, in assisting him to carry out his great
+and liberal ideas for the welfare of humanity. As a return, I prayed
+the Holy Father to give me a consecrated hostie for the unhappy
+Queen Mary Stuart, and the permission to carry it to her in her
+prison. The Holy Father was incredulous of my sad presentiments, as
+Mary Stuart herself had been, but he granted me the request. I
+quitted Rome, and travelled with relays day and night. Reaching
+Boulogne, a Dover packet-boat had just raised anchor; I succeeded in
+boarding her, and arrived in London the next evening. The day
+following, the execution of the queen took place at Fotheringay. I
+was with her in her last hours, and from my hand she received the
+consecrated water of Pope Sixtus V. I had kept my oath. I
+accompanied her to the scaffold, and her head rolled at my feet, as
+I had seen it in my vision at Edinburgh. It was the 18th of April,
+1587, and it seems to me as but yesterday. To the intuitive, seeing
+spirit, time and space disappear; eternity and immortality are to it
+omnipresent."
+
+Given up to his souvenirs and visions, the Italian appeared not to
+know where he wandered, and turned unintentionally to the retired,
+lonely places in the park. His companion heeded not the way either,
+occupied with the strange account of the Italian. A dreadful feeling
+of awe and horror took possession of his soul, and, with devoted
+respect, he hung upon the words which fell from the lips of his
+companion.
+
+"It was in the year 1587," said he, as the Italian ceased; "almost
+two hundred years since, and you were present?"
+
+The Italian replied: "I was present. I have witnessed so many
+dreadful scenes, and been present at so many executions, that this
+sad spectacle was not an unusual one to me, and would not have
+remained fixed in my memory had I not loved, devotedly and
+fervently, the beautiful Queen Mary Stuart. For those who live in
+eternity, all horrors have ceased; time rushes past in centuries,
+which seem to them but a day."
+
+"Teach me so to live, master; I thirst for knowledge," cried his
+companion, fervently.
+
+"I know it, my son; I penetrate thy soul, and I know that thou
+thirstest. Therefore I am here to quench thy thirst, and feed thy
+hungry heart." He remained standing upon the grass-plot, which he
+had reached by lonely paths, and which was encircled by trees and
+bushes. Not a sound interrupted the peaceful morning stillness of
+the place, except the distant music of the departing regiments dying
+away on the air. "I will teach thee to live in eternity!" resumed
+the Italian, solemnly. "My predecessor the apostle, George
+Schrepfer, has initiated thee in temporal life, and the knowledge of
+the present. By the pistol-shot, which disclosed to him the
+invisible world, and removed him from our earthly eyes, has he to
+thee, his most faithful and believing disciple, given the great
+doctrine of the decay of all things earthly, and prepared thee for
+the doctrine of the imperishableness of the celestial. The original
+of humanity sends me, to make known to thee this holy doctrine. When
+I met thee in Dresden, at the side of the Countess Dorothea von
+Medem, thee, whom I had never seen, I recognized by the blue flame
+which trembled above thy head, and which was nothing else than the
+soul of thy teacher, Schrepfer, wrestling in anguish, which has
+remained with thee, and hopes for delivery from thee. I greeted
+thee, therefore, not as a stranger but as a friend. No one called
+thy name, and yet it was known to me. I took thee by the hand,
+greeting thee. Hans Rudolph von Bischofswerder, be welcome. The blue
+flame which glows upon thy brow, guides me to thee, and the pistol-
+shot under the oaks centuries old, at Rosenthal, near Leipsic, was
+the summons which my spirit received among the pyramids of Egypt,
+and which recalled me to Europe, to my own, and thou art one of
+them."[Footnote: George Schrepfer, the founder of the Secret Free
+Mason Lodge (at the same time proprietor of a restaurant and a
+conjuror), invited his intimate disciples and believers in the year
+1774, to whom Bischofswerder belonged, to meet him at Rosenthal,
+near Leipsic. He assembled them around him, beneath some old oaks,
+to take leave of them, as now he would render himself in the
+invisible realm, whence, as a spirit, he would distribute to some of
+his disciples gold, to others wisdom. He then commanded them to
+conceal their faces and pray. The praying ones suddenly heard a loud
+report, and, as they looked up Schrepfer fell dead. He had shot
+himself with a pistol.]
+
+"And as thou spakest, oh master, I recognized thee, and I called--'
+Thou art here, who hast been announced to me. Thou art the master,
+and my master Schrepfer was the prophet, who preceded thee and
+prophesied thee. Thou art the great Kophta--thou art Count Alexander
+Cagliostro!' As I uttered the name, the lights were extinguished,
+deep darkness and profound stillness reigned. The two countesses
+Dorothea von Medem and her sister, Eliza von der Necke, clung
+trembling to me, neither of them daring to break the silence even
+with a sigh. Suddenly the darkness disappeared, and, with trembling
+flashes of light, there stood written on the wall: 'Memento Domini
+Oagliostro et omnis mansuetudinis ejus.' We sank upon our knees, and
+implored thee to aid us. By degrees the strange, secret characters
+disappeared, and darkness and silence reigned. The stillness
+disquieted me at last, and I called for lights. As the servant
+entered, the two countesses lay fainting upon the floor, and thou
+hadst disappeared."
+
+"Only to appear to thee at another time," said Cagliostro, "to
+receive thee with solemn ceremonies into the magic circle--to
+initiate thee in the secret wisdom of spirits, and prepare thee for
+the invisible lodge. Recall what I said to thee, three days since,
+in Dresden. Do you still remember it?"
+
+"I recall it. Thou saidst: 'The secret service calls me to Mittau,
+with the Countess Medem, to raise hidden treasure, of which the
+spirit has given me knowledge, and decipher important magical
+characters on the walls of a cloister. Before I leave, I will lead
+thee upon the way which thou hast to follow in order to find the
+light, and let it illuminate the soul which is worthy. Follow me,
+and I will lead thee to the path of glory, power, and immortality.'
+These were thy words, master."
+
+"I have now led thee hither," Cagliostro said to him, gently; "thy
+soul doubts and trembles, for thou art blind seeing eyes, and deaf
+with hearing ears."
+
+"My soul doubts not, oh master--it comprehends not. I have followed
+thee, devotedly and believingly. Thou knowest it, master, for thou
+readest the souls of thy children, and seest their hidden thoughts.
+Thou hast said to me in Dresden, 'Renounce your service to the Duke
+of Courland.' I did it, and from equerry and lord chamberlain to the
+duke, became a simple, private gentleman. I have renounced my titles
+and dignities for thee, in happy trust in thee. My future lies in
+thy hands, and, anxious to learn the mysteries of immortality, as a
+grateful, trustful scholar, I would receive happiness and
+unhappiness at thy hand."
+
+"Thou shalt receive not only happiness," said Cagliostro, solemnly,
+"but thou art one of the elect. The blue flame glows upon thy brow,
+it will illuminate thy soul, and lead thee to the path of glory,
+power, and might. To-day thou art a simple, private gentleman, as
+thou sayst, but to-morrow thou wilt become a distinguished lord,
+before whom hundreds will bow. Fame awaits thee--which thou hast
+longed for--as power awaits thee. Whom have I named to thee as our
+future and our hope in this land?"
+
+"Prince Frederick William of Prussia," answered Herr von
+Bischofswerder, humbly.
+
+"As I spake this name, thou trembledst, and calledst him 'one lost
+in sin.' Knowest thou, my son, from sin comes penitence, and from
+penitence elevation and purificatiom. Thou art called and chosen to
+convert sinners, and lead back the earth-born child to heaven.
+Engrave these words upon thy memory, fill thy soul with them, as
+with glowing flames, repeat them in solitude the entire day, then
+heavenly spirits will arise and whisper the revelations of the
+future. Then, when thou art consecrated, I will introduce thee into
+the sacred halls of sublime wisdom. Thou shalt be received as a
+scholar in the temple hall, and it depends upon thee whether thou
+advancest to the altar which reaches to the invisible world of
+miracles."
+
+"Oh, master," cried Bisehofswerder, with a countenance beaming with
+joy, and sinking upon his knees, "wilt thou favor me, and introduce
+me to the temple hall? Shall I be received in the sacred world of
+spirits?"
+
+"Thou shalt, Hans Rudolph yon Bischofswerder. The grand master of
+our order will bestow upon thee this happiness, and to-night shall
+the star of the future rise over thee. Hold thyself in readiness. At
+midnight, present thyself at the first portal of the royal palace in
+Berlin. A man will meet thee, and thou shalt ask, 'Who is our hope?'
+If he answers thee, 'The Prince of Prussia,' then he is the
+messenger which I shall have sent thee--follow him. Bow thy head in
+humility, shut thine eyes to all earthly things, turn thy thoughts
+inward, and lift them up to the great departed, which hovers over
+thy head, and speak with the blue flame which glows upon thy brow!"
+
+Bischofswerder bowed still lower, covered his face with his hands,
+as if inwardly praying, and knelt. Cagliostro bent over him, laid
+his hand upon his head, breathing three times upon his blond hair.
+
+"I have breathed upon thee with the breath of my spirit," said he.
+"Thy spirit receives power. Receive it in holy awe, in devotion, and
+remain immovable."
+
+Bischofswerder continued motionless, with bowed head and concealed
+face. Cagliostro raised himself, his black eyes fixed upon his
+disciple, and noiselessly disappeared. Herr von Bischofswerder still
+remained kneeling. After some time he raised his head, shyly looking
+about, and, as he found himself alone, he rose. "He has soared
+away," he murmured, softly. "I shall see him again, and he will
+consecrate me--the consecration of immortals!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE MIRACULOUS ELIXIR.
+
+
+The king withdrew from the parade slowly, followed by his generals,
+in the direction of Sans-Souci. The streets of Potsdam were lined
+with the people, shouting their farewell to the king, who received
+them with a smiling face. Arriving at the grand entrance, he turned
+to his suite, saying, "Gentlemen, we shall meet again in Bohemia; I
+must now take leave of you, and forego the pleasure of receiving you
+again to-day. A king about to leave for the field has necessary
+arrangements to make for the future. I have much to occupy me, as I
+set out early to-morrow morning. You, also, have duties to attend
+to. Farewell, gentlemen."
+
+He raised his worn-out three-cornered hat, saluted his generals with
+a slight inclination of the head, and turned into the broad avenue
+which led to the park of Sans-Souci. No one followed him but two
+mounted footmen, who rode at a respectful distance, attentively
+regarding the king, of whom only the bowed back and hat were
+visible. Half way down the avenue his staff was raised above his
+hat, the sign the footmen awaited to dismount with the greyhounds,
+which rode before them upon the saddle. At the shrill barking of the
+animals, Frederick reined in his horse, and turned to look for them.
+They bounded forward, one upon each side of the king, who regarded
+them right and left, saying: "Well, Alkmene, well Diana, let us see
+who will be the lady of honor to-day."
+
+Both dogs sprang with loud barking to the horse, as if understanding
+the words of their master. Alkmene, stronger, or more adroit, with
+one bound leaped to the saddle; while poor Diana landed upon the
+crouper, and, as if ashamed, with hanging head and tail, withdrew
+behind the horse. "Alkmene has won!" said Kretzschmar to his
+companion. "Yes, Alkmene is the court-lady to-day, and Diana the
+companion," he nodded. "She will be cross, and I do not blame her."
+
+"Nor I," said Kretzschmar; "there is a great difference between the
+court-lady and the companion. The lady remains with the king all
+day; he plays with her, takes her to walk, gives her bonbons, and
+the choice morsels of chicken, and only when she has eaten
+sufficient, can the companion enter to eat the remainder."
+[Footnote: This was the daily order of rank with the favorite dogs,
+for whose service two dog-lackeys, as they were called, were always
+in waiting. They took them to walk]
+
+"One could almost envy the king's greyhounds!" sighed the second
+footman. "We get dogs' wages, and they the chicken and good
+treatment. It is a pity!"
+
+"The worst of it is, the king forbids us to marry!" said Kretzschmar
+sadly. "All the others would leave him, but I pay no attention to
+old Fritz's snarling and scolding, for he pays for it afterward;
+first, it rains abusive words, then dollars, and if the stupid ass
+hits me over the head, he gives me at least a ducat for it. Why
+should not one endure scoldings when is well paid for it? I remain
+the fine handsome fellow that I am, if the old bear does call me an
+ass! His majesty might well be satisfied if he had my fine figure
+and good carriage."
+
+"Yes, indeed, we are very different fellows from old Fritz!" said
+the second lackey, with a satisfied air. "A princess once thought me
+a handsome fellow! It is eleven years since, as I entered the guards
+on account of my delicate figure. I was guard of honor in the
+anteroom of the former crown princess of Prussia. It was my first
+experience. I did not know the ways of the lords and ladies.
+Suddenly, a charming and beautifully-dressed lady came into the
+anteroom, two other young ladies following her, joking and laughing,
+quite at their pleasure. All at once the elegantly-attired lady
+fixed her large black eyes upon me, so earnestly, that I grew quite
+red, and looked down. 'See that handsome boy,' she cried. 'I will
+bet that it is a girl dressed up!' She ran up to me, and began to
+stroke my cheek with her soft hand, and laughed. 'I am right. He has
+not the trace of a beard; it is a girl!' And before I knew it she
+kissed me, then again, and a third time even. I stood still as if
+enchanted, and, as I thought another kiss was coming, whack went a
+stout box on my ear. 'There is a punishment for you,' said she,
+'that you may know enough to return a kiss when a handsome lady
+gives you when the king did not wish them with him; in summer, in an
+open wagon, the dogs upon the back-seat, and the footmen upon the
+forward seat, and whenever they reproved them, to bring them to
+order, they addressed them in the polite manner of one, and not
+stand like a libber,' and with that she boxed me again. The other
+two ladies laughed, which made me angry, and my ears were very warm.
+'If that happens again,' said I, 'by thunder, she will find I do not
+wait to be punished!' I laid down the arms, and at once sprang after
+the lady, when--the folding-doors were thrown open, and two
+gentlemen, in splendid gold-embroidered dresses, entered. As they
+saw the little lady, they stood astonished, and made the three
+prescribed bows. I smelt the rat, and put on my sword quickly, and
+stood stiff as a puppet. The gentlemen said, that they must beg an
+interview with her royal highness, to deliver the king's commands.
+The princess went into an adjoining room. One of the court-ladies
+stopped before me a moment, and said: 'If you ever dare to tell of
+this, you shall be put in the fortress. Remember it, and keep
+silent.' I did so, and kept it a secret until to-day."
+
+"Did the princess ever punish you again?" asked Kretzchmar, with a
+bold, spying look.
+
+"No, never," answered the lackey Schultz. "The princess was ordered
+to Stettin the next day, where she still lives as a prisoner for her
+gay pranks." I remembered her punishment, and when a lady has kissed
+me, I have bravely returned it."
+
+The footmen had followed the king up the slowly ascending horse-path
+to the terrace, and now they sprang quickly forward. Kretzschmar
+swung himself from his saddle, threw Schultz the reins, and, as the
+king drew up at the side-door of the palace of Sans-Souci, he stood
+ready to assist him to dismount. The king had given strict orders
+that no one should notice his going or coming, and to-day, as usual,
+he entered without pomp or ceremony into his private room, followed
+by Kretzschmar alone. He sank back into his armchair, the blue
+damask covering of which was torn and bitten by the dogs, so that
+the horse-hair stood out from the holes.
+
+"Now relate to me, Kretzschmar, how your expedition succeeded. Did
+you go to Berlin to see Mademoiselle Enke last night?"
+
+"Yes, your majesty, I was there, and have brought you the writing."
+
+"Was she alone?" asked the king, bending over to caress Alkmene, who
+lay at his feet.
+
+"Well," answered Kretzschmar, grinning, "I do not know whether she
+was alone or not. I only know that, as I waited a little on the
+corner of the street, I saw a gentleman go out, wrapped in a cloak,
+a tall, broad-shouldered gentleman, whom I--"
+
+"Whom you naturally did not recognize," said the king, interrupting
+him; "it was a dark night, and no moon, so that you could not see."
+
+"At your service, your majesty, I could see no one; I would only add
+that the unknown may have been at Mademoiselle Enke's."
+
+"And he may not have been," cried the king, harshly. "What else did
+you learn?"
+
+"Nothing at all worth speaking about. Only one thing I must say, the
+lackey Schultz is a prattling fool, and speaks very
+disrespectfully."
+
+"Did he talk with you?"
+
+"Yes, your majesty, with me."
+
+"Then he knows well that it would be welcome. What did he say?"
+
+"He related to me a love-affair with the crown princess of Prussia
+eleven years since. He plumes himself upon the crown princess having
+stroked his beard."
+
+"Be quiet!" commanded the king, harshly. "If Schultz was drunk, and
+talked in a crazy manner, how dare you repeat it to me? Let this
+happen again, and I will dismiss you my service. Remember it, you
+ass!"
+
+"Pardon me, your majesty, I thought I must relate all that I hear of
+importance."
+
+"That was not important, and not worth the trouble of talking about.
+If Schultz is such a drunken fellow I did not know it, and he is to
+be pitied. You can go now; I give you a day to make your farewells
+to your friends, and to console them with the hope of meeting you
+again. Put every thing in order that concerns you. If you have
+debts, pay them."
+
+"I have no money to pay them, your majesty," sighed Kretzschmar.
+
+The king stepped to the iron coffer, of which no one possessed the
+key but himself, and looking within said: "You cannot have much
+money to-day, as the drawer which contains the money for the gossips
+and spies is quite empty, and you have had a good share of it. Five
+guldens remain for you."
+
+"Alas! your majesty, it is too little; twenty-five guldens would not
+pay my debts."
+
+The king closed the drawer, saying: "Judas only received twenty
+shillings for betraying his Master. Twenty-five is quite enough for
+Kretzschmar for betraying his comrade."
+
+Kretzschmar slunk away. The king fixed his great eyes upon him until
+the door closed. "Man is a miserable race; for gold he would sell
+his own brother--would sell his own soul, if there could be found a
+purchaser," he murmured. "Why do you growl, Alkmene, why trouble
+yourself, mademoiselle? I was not speaking of your honorable race;
+only of the pitiful race of men. Be quiet, my little dog, be quiet;
+I love you, and you are my dear little dog," he said, pressing her
+caressingly to his breast.
+
+The footman Schultz appeared to announce the equerry Von Schwerin.
+
+"Bid him enter," nodded the king.
+
+Von Schwerin entered, with a smiling face. "Have you accomplished
+what I confided to you?"
+
+With a profound bow Von Schwerin drew a roll of paper from his
+breast-pocket, and handed it to the king, saying, "I am so fortunate
+as to have accomplished your commands."
+
+"Will Count Schmettau give up the villa at once?"
+
+"Yes, your majesty, the new occupant could take possession to-day,
+with all the furniture and house arrangements, for seven thousand
+five hundred dollars. Here is the bill of sale, only the purchaser's
+name is wanting. I have obeyed your majesty's commands, and acted as
+if I were the purchaser."
+
+"Schmettau is not such a stupid fellow as to believe that, for he
+knows that you cannot keep your money. You say the contract is
+ready, only the signature of the purchaser is wanting and the
+money?"
+
+"Pardon me, your majesty, the name of the present possessor has not
+been inserted. I did not presume to write it without the
+unmistakable command of your majesty."
+
+"Do you know the name?" asked the king.
+
+"I do not, but the generosity of my most gracious king and master
+allows me to divine it, and my heart is filled to bursting with
+thankfulness and joy. My whole life will not be long enough to prove
+to you my gratitude."
+
+"What for?" asked the king, staring at Von Schwerin, quite
+surprised; "you cannot suppose that I have purchased the villa for
+you?"
+
+Herr von Schwerin smilingly nodded. "I think so, your majesty."
+
+Frederick laughed aloud. "Schwerin, you are an uncommonly cunning
+fellow. You see the grass grow before the seed is sown. This time
+you deceived yourself--the grass has not grown. What good would it
+do you? You do not need grass, but thistles, and they do not grow at
+Charlottenburg. Take the contract to my minister Von Herzberg, whom
+you will find in the audience-room, and then walk a little upon the
+terrace to enjoy the fresh air. I promised you the privilege. First
+go to Von Herzberg, and say to him to send the Prince of Prussia to
+me immediately upon his arrival. Why do you wear so mournful a face
+all of a sudden? Can it be possible that my chief equerry has so
+lowered himself as to go among the mechanics, and build chateaux en
+Espagne? You know such houses are not suitable for our northern
+climate, and fall down. Now, do what I told you, and then go upon
+the terrace."
+
+The equerry glided away with sorrowful mien to Von Herzberg, and
+communicated the king's commands to him.
+
+"You have made a good purchase," said the minister, in a friendly
+manner. "His majesty will be very much pleased with the
+extraordinary zeal and the great dexterity with which you have
+arranged the matter. Count Schmettau has just been here, and he
+could not sufficiently commend your zeal and prudence, and the
+sympathy and interest which you showed in the smallest matters, as
+if the purchase were for yourself. The count wishes to reserve two
+oil paintings in the saloon, which are an heirloom from his father.
+We cannot but let the count retain them."
+
+"Arrange it as you will," answered the equerry, fretfully; "I have
+nothing more to do with the affair--it lies in your hands."
+
+"But where are you going in such haste?" said Herzberg, as the
+equerry bowed hastily, and strode through the room toward the door.
+
+"His majesty commanded me to go upon the terrace," he replied,
+morosely.
+
+Herr von Herzberg looked after him surprised. "Something must have
+occurred, otherwise he is very tractable. Ah! there comes the
+prince. I will go to meet him, and communicate to him the king's
+command--I will await your royal highness here until you have spoken
+with the king, if you will have the grace to seek me."
+
+"I will return by all means, if you will have the kindness to wait
+for me," replied the prince, smiling, and hastened to the interview
+with his royal uncle.
+
+Frederick was seated in his arm-chair, upon his lap Alkmene, when
+the crown prince entered. "Bon jour, mon neveu! pardon me," said he,
+with a friendly nod, "that I remain seated, and do not rise to greet
+the future King of Prussia."
+
+"Sire, Heaven grant that many years pass before I succeed to the
+title which my great and unapproachable predecessor has borne with
+so much wisdom and fame, that one can well doubt the being able to
+emulate his example, and must content himself to live under the
+shadow of his intelligence and fame!"
+
+Frederick slowly shook his head. "The people will not be satisfied,
+nor the coffers filled by fame. No one can live upon the great deeds
+of his ancestors; he must be self-sustaining, not seek for the
+laurels in the past, but upon the naked field of the future, which
+lies before him. Sow the seeds of future laurels; fame troubles me
+but little, and I advise you, my nephew, not to rely upon it. One
+must begin anew each day, and make fresh efforts for vigorous
+deeds."
+
+The crown prince bowed, and seated himself upon the tabouret, which
+the king, with a slight wave of the hand, signified to him.
+
+"I will endeavor, sire, to follow the elevated sentiments of your
+majesty, that I may not dishonor my great teacher."
+
+"You express yourself too modestly, my nephew, and I know that you
+think otherwise; that your fiery spirit will never be contented to
+dishonor yourself or your ancestors. Fate is favorable to you, and
+offers the opportunity to confirm, what I judge you to be--a brave
+soldier, a skilful captain--in a word, a true Hohenzollern! I would
+make you a commander of a division of my army, and I shall follow
+every movement--every operation, with lively interest."
+
+A ray of joy beamed upon the face of the prince; Frederick saw it
+with satisfaction, and his heart warmed toward his nephew. "He has
+at least courage," he said to himself; "he is no sybarite to quail
+before the rough life of war."
+
+"Will your majesty so greatly favor me as to accord me an
+independent position in the campaign?"
+
+"I offer you what belongs to you as a general and heir to the
+throne. On me it devolves to direct the plans and operations, and on
+you to detail them and direct the execution. I shall rejoice to see
+that you understand the profession of war practically as well as
+theoretically. Therefore, this war is so far welcome, that it will
+give my crown prince an opportunity to win his first laurels, and
+adorn the brow which, until now, has been crowned with myrtle."
+
+"Your majesty, I--"
+
+"Be silent--I do not reproach you, my nephew; I understand human
+nature, and the seductive arts of women. It is time that you seek
+other ornament--myrtle becomes a youthful brow, and the helmet
+adorns the man crowned with laurels."
+
+"I have long desired it, and I am deeply grateful to your majesty
+for the opportunity to win it. This campaign is good fortune to me."
+
+"War is never a good fortune," sighed the king--" for the people it
+is great misfortune. I would willingly have avoided it for their
+sake. But the arrogance and the passion for territorial
+aggrandizement of the young Emperor of Germany forces me to it. I
+dare not, and will not suffer Austria to enrich herself through
+foreign inheritance, ignoring the legitimate title of a German
+prince. Bavaria must remain an independent, free German
+principality, under a sovereign prince. It is inevitably necessary
+for the balance of power. I cannot yield, therefore, as a German
+prince, that Austria increase her power in an illegitimate manner,
+but I will cast my good sword in the scales, that the balance is
+heavier on the side upon which depends the existence of Germany,
+that she may not be tossed in the air by Austria's weight. These are
+my views and reasons for the war upon which I now enter with
+reluctance. When the greatness and equilibrium of Germany are at
+stake, no German prince should dare hesitate. Austria has already
+cost Germany much blood, and will cause her to shed still more.
+Believe it, my nephew, and guard yourself against Austria's ambition
+for territorial aggrandizement. You see, I am like all old people,
+always teaching youth, while we have much to learn ourselves. We are
+all pupils, and our deeds are ever imperfect."
+
+"Your majesty cannot believe that of himself. The sage of Sans-Souci
+is the type, the master, and teacher of all Europe."
+
+"My son," replied the king, "the great men of antiquity recognized
+it as the acme of wisdom, that they must be mindful that 'in the
+midst of life we are in death.' At the gay festivities and the
+luxurious feasts they were interrupted in the merry song and
+voluptuous dance, with the warning: 'Remember, O man, that thou must
+die!' Let us profit by their wisdom! I have startled you from the
+banquet of life, and I doubt not that many singers and dancers will
+be enraged that I should put an end to the feasts of roses and the
+merry dance in such an abominable manner. It would be an evil omen
+in our warlike undertaking, if the rosy lips of the beauties should
+breathe curses to follow us; therefore, we must try to conciliate
+them, and leave a good souvenir in their hearts. You smile, my
+prince, and you think it vain trouble for an old fellow; that I
+cannot win the favor of the ladies under any pretension; so you must
+undertake for me the reconciliation and the hush-money."
+
+"I am prepared for any thing which your majesty imposes upon me;
+only I would defend myself against the interpretation which you give
+my smile--and--"
+
+"Which was very near the truth," interrupted the king. "I have
+called you from the banquet of life, and I have interrupted the
+dancers, crowned with roses in the midst of their dance, which they
+would finish before you. I pray you, then, indemnify the enraged
+beauties, and let us go forth with a quiet conscience, that we in no
+respect are indebted to any one."
+
+"Oh, sire, it will be impossible for me to go to the field with a
+quiet conscience upon this point."
+
+"Permit me to extend to you the means to do so," replied the king,
+graciously smiling. "Take this little box; it contains a wonderful
+elixir, proof against all the infirmities and weaknesses of
+humanity, of one of the greatest philosophers of human nature. By
+the right use of it, tears of sorrow are changed to tears of joy,
+and a Megerea into a smiling angel, as by enchantment. Before going
+to the war, I pray you to prove the miraculous elixir upon one of
+the angry beauties. For, I repeat, we must put our house in order,
+and leave no debts behind us. The debts of gratitude must not be
+forgotten. Let us say 'Gesegnete Mahlzeit' when we have been well
+feasted."
+
+The king handed the prince a little box, of beautiful workmanship,
+and smiled as he rather vehemently thanked him, and at the same time
+tried to open it.
+
+"I remark with pleasure that you have a tolerably innocent heart, as
+you betray curiosity about the wonderful elixir. I supposed men, to
+say nothing of beautiful women, had long since instructed you that
+it was the only balsam for all the evils of life. My minister
+Herzberg will give you the key of the little box, and advise you as
+to the right use of the elixir. Farewell, with the hope of soon
+seeing you again, my nephew. I start for Silesia to-morrow, as I
+must travel slower than you young people. You will follow me in a
+few days. Again farewell!"
+
+Extending his meagre white hand to the prince, he withdrew it
+quickly, as the latter was about to press it to his lips, and
+motioned to the door kindly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE GOLDEN RAIN.
+
+
+Prince Frederick William betook himself, with painful curiosity, to
+the audience-room, where the Minister von Herzberg awaited him.
+
+"Your excellency," said he, "his majesty refers me to you, for the
+true explanation of the miraculous elixir contained in this little
+box, and about which I am naturally very curious, and beg of you the
+key to open it."
+
+"Will your royal highness," said the minister, smiling, "have the
+grace to grant me a few moments' conversation, which may serve as an
+explanation, for his majesty has not in reality given me a key?"
+
+"I pray you, my dear excellency, to explain it," cried the prince,
+impatiently.
+
+"Pardon me if I probe the tenderest feelings of your heart, my
+prince. The command of the king imposes this duty upon me. He has
+known for a long time of your connection with a certain person, to
+whom you are more devoted than to your wife."
+
+"Say, rather, his majesty has twice forced me to marry two unloved
+and unknown princesses, when he knew that I already loved this
+certain person. Twice I have married, because the command of his
+king is law to the crown prince of Prussia. For my love and my
+sympathy there is no law but that of my own heart, and this alone
+have I followed."
+
+"His majesty does not reproach you. The philosopher of Sans-Souci
+understands human nature, and he feels indulgent toward your
+weakness. He is quite satisfied that you have chosen this person, as
+friend and favorite, to console 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
+intimacy, and recognizes the existence of this woman, he wishes her
+to be provided for as becomes the mistress of a crown prince, and
+not as the grisette of a gentleman. She should have her own house,
+and the livery of her lord."
+
+"As if it were my fault that this has not already been arranged!"
+cried the prince. "Am I not daily and hourly tormented with poverty,
+and scarcely know how to turn, between necessary expenses and urgent
+creditors? You know well yourself, your excellency, 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, whose economy increases, while our wants and
+expenses also increase every year! It is sufficiently sad that I
+cannot reward those who have proved to me during ten years their
+fidelity and love, but I must suffer them to live in dependence and
+want."
+
+"His majesty understands that, and thinks that as your royal
+highness is to go to the field, and will be exposed, as a brave
+commander, to the uncertain fate of battle, that you should assure
+the future of all those who are dear to you, and arrange a certain
+competency for them. 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 the matter already arranged, through
+his equerry, Count Schmettau, and the purchase can be made this very
+hour. Here is the bill of sale; only the name of the present
+possessor is wanting, the signature of the purchaser, and the
+payment of seven thousand five hundred thalers."
+
+"The names can be quickly written; but, your excellency," cried the
+prince, "where will the money come from?"
+
+"I have just given your royal highness the key to the little box:
+have the goodness to press hard upon the rosette."
+
+The prince touched the spring, the cover flew back--it contained
+only a strip of paper! Upon it was written, in the king's own
+handwriting, "Bill of exchange upon my treasurer. Pay to the order
+of the Prince of Prussia twenty thousand thalers." [Footnote:
+"Memoirs of the Countess 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." He signed the paper, and
+filled with haste the deficiency in the contract. "It is done!" he
+cried, joyfully, "the proprietress, Wilhelmine Enke; purchaser,
+Frederick William of Prussia. Nothing remains to be done but to draw
+upon the king's treasury, and pay Count Schmettau."
+
+"Your royal highness is spared even that trouble. Here are twenty
+rolls, and each roll contains one hundred double Fredericks d'or,
+and, when your highness commands it, I will reserve seven rolls and
+pay Count Schmettau; then there remain thirteen for yourself. Here
+is the contract, which you will give in person to the possessor."
+
+"First, I must go to the king," said the prince; "my heart urges me
+to express my gratitude to him, and my deep sense of his goodness
+and tenderness. I feel ashamed without being humbled, like a
+repentant son, who has doubted the generosity and goodness of his
+father, because he has sometimes severely reprimanded his faults. I
+must go at once to the king."
+
+"He will not receive your royal highness," answered Herzberg,
+smiling. "You know our sovereign, who so fully deserves our
+admiration and love. His favor and goodness beam upon us all, and he
+desires neither thanks nor acknowledgment. He performs his noble,
+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 to-day. He appeared
+to be angry, and enveloped himself in the toga of a severe judge of
+morals; but, under this toga, there beat the kind, noble heart of a
+friend and father, who punishes with rigorous words, and forgives
+with generous, benevolent deeds."
+
+"For this I must thank him--he must listen to me!" cried the prince.
+
+"He will be angry if your royal highness forces him to receive
+thanks when he would avoid them. He has expressly commanded me to
+entreat you never to allude to 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 please his majesty
+by following exactly his wishes, and when you meet him never allude
+to it. As I have said, this is the express wish and command of the
+king."
+
+"Which I must naturally follow," sighed the prince, "although I
+acknowledge that it is unpleasant to me to receive so much kindness
+from him without at least returning my most heart-felt thanks. Say
+to the king, that I am deeply, sensibly moved with his tender
+sympathy and generosity. And now I will hasten to Wilhelmine Enke;
+but, it occurs to me that it may not be possible; the king has made
+her a prisoner in her own house."
+
+"Do not trouble yourself about that. If it is your royal highness's
+pleasure, drive at once to Charlottenburg. You will find the new
+possessor there and she will relate to you her interview with the
+mayor of Berlin."
+
+"Oh! I shall drive at once to the villa. I am curious to learn what
+Von Kircheisen has told her."
+
+"I imagined that you would be, and ordered your carriage here, as
+you could not well ride upon horseback with the heavy rolls of gold;
+and if it is your pleasure, I will order the footman to place the
+box, into which I have put them, in the carriage."
+
+"No, no; I beg you to let me carry them," cried the prince, seizing
+the box with both hands. "It is truly heavy, but an agreeable
+burden, and if it lames my arm I shall bethink myself of the
+miraculous elixir, which will give me courage and strength.
+Farewell, your excellency; I shall hurry on to Charlottenburg!"
+
+The prince hastened to his carriage, and ordered the coachman to
+drive at full speed to the villa. Thanks to this order, he reached
+it in about an hour. No one was there to receive him upon his
+arrival. The hall was empty, and the rooms were closed. The prince
+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
+rustled, and variegated butterflies fluttered over the odorous
+flowers. Upon the turf, forming a beautiful group, was Wilhelmine
+playing with her daughter, and the nurse with the little boy upon
+her lap, who laughingly stretched out his arms toward his mother.
+
+"Wilhelmine--Wilhelmine!" cried the prince.
+
+With a cry of joy she answered, and flew toward the house. "You have
+come at last, my beloved lord," she cried, almost breathless,
+mounting the steps. "I beg you to tell me what all this means? I am
+dying of curiosity!"
+
+"I also," said the prince, smiling. "Have the goodness to lead me to
+one of the rooms, that I may set down this box."
+
+"What does that hobgoblin contain, that it prevents your embracing
+me?"
+
+"Do not ask, but hasten to assist me to relieve myself of the
+burden." They entered the house, and Wilhelmine opened the wide
+folding-doors, which led into a very tastefully-furnished room.
+Frederick William set the box upon the marble table, and sank upon a
+divan with Wilhelmine in his arms. "First of all, tell me what Von
+Kircheisen said to you?"
+
+"He commanded me, in the name of the king, to give up my dwelling at
+Berlin and at Potsdam, and to avoid showing myself in public at both
+places, that those who had the right to the love 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 king would be inclined to ignore my
+existence, and take no further notice of me. But, if I attempted to
+play a role, his majesty would take good care that it should be
+forever played out."
+
+"Those were harsh, cruel words," sighed Frederick William.
+
+"Harsh, cruel words," repeated Wilhelmine, sorrowfully. "They
+pierced my soul, and I shrieked at last from agony. Herr von
+Kircheisen was quite frightened, and begged me to excuse him, 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 immediately leave
+Berlin, and the king be informed of my setting out. The coachman
+received the order, and here I am, without knowing what I am to do,
+or whether I shall remain here."
+
+"Yes, Wilhelmine, you are to remain here; at last we have a home,
+and a resting-place for our love and our children. This house is
+yours--you are mistress here, and you must welcome me as your
+guest."
+
+"This house is mine!" she cried, joyfully. "Did you give it to me?
+How generous, and how extravagant you are! Protect me with the gift
+of your love, as if you were Jupiter and I Danae!"
+
+"A beautiful picture, and, that it may be a reality, I will play the
+role of Jupiter and open the box."
+
+He took a roll of gold, and let it fall upon Wilhelmine's head, her
+beautiful shoulders, and her arms, like a shower of gold. She
+shrieked and laughed, and sought 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 the glistening
+pieces. Then another and another, until Wilhelmine, laughing,
+screamed for grace, and sprang up, the gold rolling around her like
+teasing goblins.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+GERMAN LITERATURE AND THE KING.
+
+
+The Minister Herzberg had, in the mean time, an interview with the
+king, informing him of the concluded purchase of the Schmettau
+villa, and of the emotion and gratitude of the crown prince at his
+royal munificence.
+
+"That affair is arranged, then," said Frederick. "If Fate wills that
+the prince should not return from this campaign, then this certain
+person and the two poor worms are provided for, who are destined to
+wander through the world nameless and fatherless."
+
+"Let us hope that fate will not deal so harshly with the prince, or
+bring such sorrow upon your majesty."
+
+"My dear sir, Fate is a hard-hearted creature, the tears of mankind
+are of no more importance to her than the raindrops falling from the
+roof. She strides with gigantic power over men, crushing them all in
+dust--the great as well as the little--the king as well as the
+beggar. For my part I yield to Fate without a murmur. Politicians
+and warriors are mere puppets in the hands of Providence. We act
+without knowing why, for we are unknowingly the tools of an
+invisible hand. Often the result of our actions is the reverse of
+our hopes! Let all things take their course, as it best pleases God,
+and let us not think to master Fate. [Footnote: The king's words.--
+"Posthumous Works," vol. x., p. 256.] That is my creed, Herzberg,
+and if I do not return from this infamous campaign, you will know
+that I have yielded to Fate without murmuring. You understand my
+wishes in all things; the current affairs of government should go on
+regularly. If any thing extraordinary occurs, let me be informed at
+once. Is there any news, Herzberg?"
+
+"Nothing worth recounting, sire, except that the young Duke of
+Weimar is in town."
+
+"I know it; he has announced himself. I cannot speak with him. I
+have asked my brother Henry to arrange the conditions under which he
+will allow us to enlist men for my army in his duchy. I hope he will
+be reasonable, and not prevent it. That is no news that the Duke of
+Weimar has arrived!"
+
+"Not only the duke has arrived, but he has brought his dear friend
+with him whom the people in Saxe-Weimar say makes the good and bad
+weather."
+
+"Who is the weather-maker?"
+
+"Your majesty, this weather-maker is the author of 'The Sorrows of
+Young Werther,' Johann Wolfgang Goethe, who for four years has
+aroused the hearts and excited the imaginations of all Germany. If I
+am not deceived, a great future opens for this poet, and he will be
+a star of the first magnitude in the sky of German literature. I
+believe it would be well worth the trouble for your majesty to see
+him."
+
+"Do not trouble me with your German literature, and your stars of
+the first magnitude! We must acknowledge our poverty with humility;
+belles-lettres have never achieved success upon our soil. Moreover,
+this star of the first magnitude--this Herr Goethe--I remember him
+well; I wish to know nothing of him. He has quite turned the heads
+of all the love-sick fools with his 'Sorrows of Young Werther.' You
+cannot count that a merit. The youth of Germany were sufficiently
+enamoured, without the love-whining romances of Herr Goethe to pour
+oil on the fire."
+
+"Pardon me, sire, that I should presume to differ from you; but this
+book which your majesty condemns has not only produced a furor in
+Germany, but throughout Europe--throughout the world even. That
+which public opinion sustains in such a marked manner cannot be
+wholly unworthy. 'Vox populi, vox dei,' is a true maxim in all
+ages."
+
+"It is not true!" cried the king. "The old Roman maxim is not
+applicable to our effeminate, degraded people. Nowadays, whoever
+flatters the people and glorifies their weaknesses, is a good
+fellow, and he is extolled to the skies. Public opinion calls him a
+genius and a Messiah. Away with your nonsense! The 'Werther' of Herr
+Goethe has wrought no good; it has made the healthy sick, and has
+not restored invalids to health. Since its appearance a mad love-
+fever has seized all the young people, and silly sentimentalities
+and flirtations have become the fashion. These modern Werthers
+behave as if love were a tarantula, with the bite of which they must
+become mad, to be considered model young men. They groan and sigh,
+take moonlight walks, but they have no courage in their souls, and
+will never make good soldiers. This is the fault of Herr Werther,
+and his abominable lamentations.
+
+It is a miserable work, and not worth the trouble of talking about,
+for no earnest man will read it!"
+
+"Pardon me, sire; your majesty has graciously permitted me to enter
+the lists as knight and champion of German literature, and sometimes
+to defend the German Muse, who stands unnoticed and unknown under
+the shadow of your throne; while the French lady, with her brilliant
+attire and painted cheeks, is always welcomed. I beg your majesty to
+believe that, although this romance may have done some harm, it has,
+on the other hand, done infinite service. A great and immortal merit
+cannot be denied to it."
+
+"What merit?" demanded the king, slowly taking a pinch of snuff; "I
+am very curious to know what merit that crazy, love-sick book has."
+
+"Sire, it has the great merit to have enriched the German literature
+with a work whose masterly language alone raises it above every
+thing heretofore produced by a German author. It has emancipated our
+country's literature from its clumsy, awkward childhood, and
+presented it as an ardent, inspired youth, ready for combat, upon
+the lips of whom the gods have placed the right word to express
+every feeling and every thought--a youth who is capable of probing
+the depths of the human heart."
+
+"I wish all this might have remained in the depths," cried
+Frederick, annoyed. "You have defended the German Muse before; but
+you remember that I am incorrigible. You cannot persuade me that
+bungling is master-work. It is not the poverty of the mind, but the
+fault of the language, which is not capable of expressing with
+brevity and precision. For how could any one translate Tacitus into
+German without adding a mass of words and phrases? In French it is
+not necessary; one can express himself with brevity, and to the
+point."
+
+"Sire, I shall permit myself to prove to you that the brevity of
+Tacitus can be imitated in the German language. I will translate a
+part of Tacitus, to give your majesty a proof."
+
+"I will take you at your word! And I will answer you in a treatise
+upon German literature, its short-comings, and the means for its
+improvement. [Footnote: This treatise appeared during the Bavarian
+war of succession, in the winter of 1779] Until then, a truce. I
+insist upon it--good German authors are entirely wanting to us
+Germans. They may appear a long time after I have joined Voltaire
+and Algarotti in the Elysian Fields." [Footnote: The king's words.--
+See "Posthumous Works," vol. II., p. 293.]
+
+"They are already here," cried Herzberg, zealously. "We have, for
+example, Lessing, who has written two dramas, of which every nation
+might be proud--'Minna von Barnhelm, and Emilia Calotti.'"
+
+"I know nothing of them," said the king, with indifference. "I have
+never heard of your Lessing."
+
+"Your majesty, this wonderful comedy, 'Minna von Barnhelm,' was
+written for your majesty's glorification."
+
+"The more the reason why I should not read it! A German comedy! That
+must be fine stuff for the German theatre, the most miserable of
+all. In Germany, Melpomene has untutored admirers, some walking on
+stilts, others crawling in the mire, from the altars of the goddess.
+The Germans will ever be repulsed, as they are rebels to her laws,
+and understand not the art to move and interest the heart."
+
+"But, sire, you have never deigned to become acquainted with 'Minna
+von Barnhelm' nor 'Emilia Calotti.'"
+
+"Well, well, Herzberg, do not be so furious; you are a lover of
+German literature, and some allowance must be made for those who are
+in love. You will not persuade me to read your things which you call
+German comedies and tragedies. I will take good care; my teeth are
+not strong enough to grind such hard bits. Now do not be angry,
+Herzberg. The first leisure hours that I have in this campaign I
+shall employ on my treatise."
+
+"And the first leisure hours that I have," growled the minister, "I
+shall employ to translate a portion of Tacitus into our beautiful
+German language, to send to your majesty."
+
+"You are incorrigible," said Frederick, smiling. "We shall see, and
+until then let us keep the peace, Herzberg. When one is about to go
+to war, it is well to be at peace with one's conscience and with his
+friends; so let us be good friends."
+
+"Your majesty, your graciousness and kindness make me truly
+ashamed," said the minister, feelingly. "I beg pardon a thousand
+times, if I have allowed myself to be carried away with unbecoming
+violence in my zeal for our poor neglected German literature."
+
+"I approve of your zeal, and it pleases me that you are a faithful
+knight, sans peur et sans reproche. I do not ascribe its poverty to
+the German nation, who have as much spirit and genius as any nation,
+the mental development of which has been retarded by outward
+circumstances, which prevented her rising to an equality with her
+neighbors. We shall one day have classical writers, and every one
+will read them to cultivate himself. Our neighbors will learn
+German, and it will be spoken with pleasure at courts; and it can
+well happen that our language, when perfectly formed, will spread
+throughout Europe. We shall have our German classics also."
+[Footnote: The king's words--see "Posthumous Works," vol. III.]
+
+The king smiled, well pleased, as he observed by stolen glances the
+noble, intelligent face of Herzberg brighten, and the gloomy clouds
+dispersed which had overshadowed it.
+
+"Now, is it not true that you are again contented?" said the king,
+graciously.
+
+"I am delighted with the prophecy for the German language, your
+majesty; and may I add something?"
+
+"It will weigh on your heart if you do not tell it," said the king.
+
+"I prophesy that this Goethe will one day belong to the classic
+authors, and therefore I would beg once more of your majesty to
+grant him a gracious look, and invite him to your presence. If you
+find no pleasure in 'The Sorrows of Werther,' Goethe has created
+other beautiful works. He is the author of the tragedy of 'Stella.'"
+
+"That sentimental, immoral piece, which we forbid the representation
+of in Berlin, because it portrays a fellow who made love to two
+women at once, playing the double role of lover to his wife and his
+paramour, while he had a grown-up daughter! It is an immoral piece,
+which excites the tear-glands, and ends as 'Werther,' by the hero
+blowing his brains out. It is directed against all morals, and
+against marriage; therefore it was forbidden." [Footnote: The
+tragedy of "Stella" was represented in Berlin with great applause,
+and denounced by the king as immoral, in the year 1776, and the
+further representation forbidden.--See Plumke, "History of the
+Berlin Theatres."]
+
+"But, sire, Herr Goethe has not only written 'Stella,' but 'Clavigo'
+also, which--"
+
+"Which he has copied exactly from the 'Memoires de Beaumarchais,'"
+interrupted the king. "That is not a German, but a French
+production."
+
+"Allow me to cite a genuine German production, which Johann Wolfgang
+Goethe has written. I mean the drama 'Gotz von Berlichingen.' "
+
+"Stop!--it is sufficient. I do not wish to hear any thing more,"
+cried the king, indignant, and rising. "It is bad enough that such
+pieces should appear upon the German stage as this 'Gotz von
+Berlichingen.' They are nothing less than abominable imitations of
+the bad English pieces of Shakespeare! The pit applauds them, and
+demands with enthusiasm these very disgusting platitudes. [Footnote:
+The king's own words.--See "Posthumous Works," vol. iii.] Do not be
+angry again, you must have patience with the old boy! I shall
+rejoice heartily if this Herr Goethe becomes a classic writer one
+day, as you say. I shall not live to witness it. I only see the
+embryo where you see the full-grown author. We will talk further
+about it when we meet in the Elysian Fields; then we will see, when
+you present this Herr Johann Wolfgang Goethe, as a German classic
+writer, to Homer, Horace, Virgil, and Corneille, if they do not turn
+their backs upon him. Now adieu, Herzberg! So soon as circumstances
+permit, I shall send for you to go to Silesia, and then you can give
+me your German translation of Tacitus."
+
+The king nodded in a friendly manner to his minister, and slowly
+walked back and forth, while he took leave and withdrew. After a few
+moments he rang, and the summons was immediately answered by the
+footman Schultz.
+
+The king fixed upon him one of those searching glances of his fiery
+eyes which confounded and confused the footman. He remained standing
+and embarrassed, with downcast look.
+
+"What are you standing there for?" asked the king. "Did I not ring
+for you, and do you not know what you have to do?" Frederick
+continued to regard him, with flashing eyes, which increased the
+lackey's confusion.
+
+He forgot entirely that the summons was for his majesty's lunch, and
+all that he had to do was to open the door to the adjoining room,
+where it stood already prepared.
+
+Frederick waited a moment, but the footman still stood irresolute,
+when his majesty indicated to him to approach.
+
+He approached, staggering under the puzzling glance of his master.
+
+"Oh! I see what it is," said Frederick, shrugging his shoulders;
+"you are drunk again, as you often are, and--"
+
+"Your majesty," cried Schultz, amazed, "I drunk!"
+
+"Silence!--will you be bold enough to reason with me? I say that you
+are drunk, and I want no drunken footmen. They must be well-behaved,
+sober fellows, who keep their ears open and their mouths shut--who
+are neither drunkards nor gossips, and do not take for truth what
+they have experienced in their drunken fits. I do not want such
+fellows as you are at all; you are only fit food for cannon, and for
+that you shall serve. Go to General Alvensleben, and present
+yourself to enter the guards. You are lucky to go to the field at
+once; to-morrow you will set off. Say to the general that I sent
+you, and that you are to enter as a common soldier."
+
+"But, your majesty, I do not know what I have done," cried Schultz,
+whiningly. "I really am not drunk. I--"
+
+"Silence!" thundered the king. "Do as I command you! Go to General
+Alvensleben, and present yourself to enter the guards at once. Away
+with you! I do not need drunken, gossiping footmen in my service.
+Away with you!"
+
+The footman slunk slowly away, his head hanging down, with
+difficulty restraining the tears which stood in large drops in his
+eyes.
+
+The king followed him with his glance, which softened and grew
+gentler from sympathy. "I pity him, the poor fellow! but I must
+teach him a lesson. I want no gossips around me. He need only wear
+the uniform two weeks or so, that will bring him to reason. Then I
+will pardon him, and receive him into my service again. He is a
+good-natured fellow, and would not betray any one as Kretzschmar
+betrayed him."
+
+The king stepped to the window to look at the gentleman who was
+eagerly engaged in conversation with the castellan of Sans-Souci. At
+this instant the footman entered with a sealed note for the king.
+"From his royal highness Prince Henry," said he.
+
+"Who brought it?"
+
+"The gentleman who speaks with the castellan upon the terrace. I
+wait your majesty's commands."
+
+"Wait, then." The note ran thus: "Your majesty, my dearly-beloved
+brother: The bearer, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, one of the literati,
+and a poet, and at this time secretary of legation to the duchy of
+Saxe-Weimar, is a great favorite of the duke's, our nephew. I met
+him returning from the parade in company with the duke, who
+expressed to me the strong desire his secretary had to visit the
+celebrated house of the great philosopher of Sans-Souci, and see the
+room once occupied by Voltaire. I could not well refuse, and
+therefore address these few lines to your majesty before returning
+to Berlin with the duke, who will dine with me, accompanied by his
+secretary." I am your majesty's most humble servant and brother,
+HENRY."
+
+"Tell the castellan that I grant him permission to show the house
+and park to the stranger; he shall take care not to come in my way,
+so that I shall be obliged to meet him. Tell this aside, that you
+may not be overheard. Hasten, for they have already been waiting
+some time."
+
+The king walked again to the window, and, hidden by the curtain,
+peeped out. "So, this is Herr Goethe, is it? What assurance! There
+he stands, sketching the house. What wonderful eyes the man has!
+With what a proud, confident manner he looks around! What a brow!
+Truly he is a handsome fellow, and Herzberg may be right after all.
+That brow betokens thought, and from those eyes there flashes a
+divine light. But he looks overbearing and proud. Now, I am doubly
+pleased that I refused Herzberg to have any thing to do with him.
+Such presumptive geniuses must be rather kept back; then they feel
+their power, and strive to bring themselves forward. Yes! I believe
+that man has a future. He looks like the youthful god Apollo, who
+may have condescended to descend to earth! He shall not entrap me
+with his beautiful head. If he is the man who makes good and bad
+weather in Weimar, he shall learn that rain and sunshine at Sans-
+Souci do not depend upon him; that the sun and clouds here do not
+care whether Herr Goethe is in the world or not. For sunshine and
+storm we depend upon the Great Weather-Maker, to whom we must all
+bow; evil and good days in Prussia shall emanate from me, so long as
+I live. Sometimes I succeed in causing a little sunshine," continued
+the king. "I believe the Prince of Prussia has to-day felt the happy
+influence of the sun's rays; and while it is dull and lonely at
+Sans-Souei, may it be brighter and more cheerful at Charlottenburg!
+Eh bien! old boy," said the king, stopping, "you are playing the
+sentimental, and eulogizing your loneliness. Well, well, do not
+complain.--Oh, come to me, spirits of my friends, and hold converse
+with me! Voltaire, D'Argens, and my beloved Lord-Marshal Keith! Come
+to me, departed souls, with the memories of happier days, and hover
+with thy cheering, sunny influence over the wrinkled brow of old
+Fritz!"
+
+While the lonely king implored the spirits of his friends, to
+brighten with their presence the quiet, gloomy apartment at Sans-
+Souci, the sun shone in full splendor at Charlottenburg--the
+sunshine beaming from the munificence of Frederick. Wilhelmine Enke
+had passed the whole day in admiring the beautiful and tasteful
+arrangement of the villa. Every piece of furniture, every ornament,
+she examined attentively--all filled her with delight. The prince,
+who accompanied her from room to room, listened to her outbursts of
+pleasure, rejoicing.
+
+"I wish that I could often prepare such happiness for you, dearest,
+for my heart is twice gladdened to see your beaming face."
+
+"Reflected from your own. You are my good genius upon earth. You
+have caused the poor, neglected child to become the rich and happy
+woman. To you I owe this home, this foot of earth, which I can call
+my own. Here blossom the flowers for me--here I am mistress, and
+those who enter must come as my guests, and honor me. All this I owe
+to you."
+
+"Not to me," said the prince, smiling; "I only gave to you what was
+given to me! To the king belong your thanks. Harsh in words, but
+gentle in deeds, he has given you this refuge, freeing you from the
+slavery of poverty, from the sorrow of being homeless. But tell it
+not, Wilhelmine. The king would be angry if it were known that he
+not only tolerated but showed great generosity to you. It is a
+secret that I ought not even to disclose to you. I could not receive
+your thanks, for I have not deserved them. From the king comes your
+good fortune, not from me. The day will come when I can requite you,
+when the poor crown prince becomes the rich king. On that day the
+golden rain shall again shower upon you, never to cease, and, vying
+with the shower of gold, the brightest sunbeams play continually
+around you. As king, I will reward your fidelity and love, which you
+have proved to the poor crown prince, with splendor, power, and
+riches. Until then rejoice with the little that his grace has
+accorded you, and await the much that love will one day bring you.
+Farewell, Wilhelmine, the evening sets in, and I must forth to
+Potsdam. The king would never pardon me if I did not pass the last
+evening with my wife in the circle of my family. Farewell!"
+
+He embraced her tenderly, and Wilhelmine accompanied the prince to
+the carriage, and returned to survey anew the beautiful rooms which
+were now her own possession. An unspeakable, unknown feeling was
+roused in her, and voices, which she had never heard, spoke to her
+from the depths of her heart. "You are no longer a despised,
+homeless creature," they whispered. "You have a home, a foot of
+earth to call your own. Make yourself a name, that you may be of
+consequence in the world. You are clever and beautiful, and with
+your prudence and beauty you can win a glorious future! Remember the
+Marquise de Pompadour, neglected and scorned as you, until a king
+loved her, and she became the wife of a king, and all France bowed
+down to her. Even the Empress Maria Theresa honored her with her
+notice, and called her cousin. I am also the favorite of a future
+king, and I will also become the queen of my king!"
+
+Wilhelmine had remained standing in the midst of the great drawing-
+room, which she was passing through, listening to these seductive
+voices, to these strange pictures of the future. In her imagination
+she saw herself in this room surrounded with splendor and
+magnificence, and sparkling with gems. She saw around her elegantly-
+attired ladies and gentlemen, in brilliant uniforms, glittering with
+orders; saw every-where smiling faces, and respectful manners. She
+saw all eyes turned to her, and heard only flattering words, which
+resounded for her from every lip--for her, once so despised and
+scorned! "It shall be, yes, it shall be," cried she aloud. "I will
+be the queen of my king! I will become the Prussian Marquise de
+Pompadour; that I swear by the heads of my children, by--"
+
+"Rather swear by thy own beautiful head, Wilhelmine," said a voice
+behind her. Startled, she turned, and beheld the tall figure of a
+man, wrapped in a long cloak, who stood in the open door.
+
+"Who are you?" she cried, amazed. "How dare you enter here?"
+
+The figure closed the door, without answering, and, slowly
+approaching Wilhelmine, fixed his black eyes upon her with a
+searching gaze. She tried to summon help, but the words died on her
+lips; her cheeks blanched with terror, and, as if rooted to the
+floor, she stood with outstretched arms imploring the approaching
+form. The figure smiled, but there was something commanding in its
+manner, and in the fiery eyes, which rested upon her. When quite
+near her, it raised its right hand with an impatient movement.
+Immediately her arms fell at her side, her cheeks glowed, and a
+bright smile lighted up her face. Then it lifted the three-cornered,
+gold-bordered hat which shaded its face, nodding to her.
+
+"Do you recognize me, Wilhelmine?" he asked, in a sweet, melodious
+voice.
+
+"Yes," she answered, her eyes still fixed upon him. "You are
+Cagliostro, the great ruler and magician."
+
+"Where did we meet?"
+
+"I remember; it was in Paris, at the house of the governor of the
+Bastile, M. Delaunay. You caused me to read in a glass the future--a
+bright, glorious future. I was surrounded with splendor and
+magnificence. I saw myself glittering with gems; a king knelt at my
+feet. I was encircled by richly-attired courtiers, who bowed before
+me, and honored me, whispering: 'We salute you, O beautiful
+countess; be gracious to us, exalted princess!' It sounded like
+heavenly music, and I shouted with delight."
+
+"Was that all?" said Cagliostro, solemnly, "that the crystal showed
+you."
+
+Shuddering, she murmured: "The splendor, glory, and power vanished,
+and all was changed to a fearful picture. I saw myself in a plain,
+dark dress, in a deserted, lonely room, with iron-barred windows,
+and a small iron door closed in the dreary white walls--it was a
+prison! And I heard whispered around me: 'Woe to you, fallen and
+dethroned one! You have wasted away the days of your splendor,
+submit in patience to the days of your shame and humiliation.' I
+could not endure to behold it, and screamed with terror, fainting."
+
+"You demanded to see the future, and I showed it to you," said
+Cagliostro, earnestly. "Though I let the light shine into your soul,
+still it was dark within; you pursued the way of unbelief, and
+desired not to walk in the way of knowledge. I sent messengers twice
+to you to lead you in the right path, and you sent them laughing
+away. Recall what I told you in Paris. I will it!"
+
+"I remember, master; you said that in the most important days of my
+life you would come to me, and extend to me a helping hand: if I
+seized it, the first picture would be fulfilled; if I refused it,
+the prison awaited me!"
+
+"I have kept my word: to-day is an eventful day in your life; you
+have risen from want and degradation--you have mounted the first
+rounds of the ladder of your greatness and power. You are the
+mistress of this house." "How did you know it?" asked Wilhelmine,
+astonished. With a pitying smile he answered: "I know every thing
+that I will, and I see many things that I would willingly close my
+eyes upon. I see your future, and my soul pities you, unhappy one;
+you are lost if you do not seize the hand extended to you. You see
+not the abyss which opens before you, and you will fall bleeding and
+with broken limbs."
+
+"Mercy, mercy!" she groaned--"stretch out your hand and protect me."
+Wilhelmine sank as if crushed to the earth. Cagliostro bent over
+her, and stroked her cold, pale face, breathing upon her the hot
+breath of his lips. "I will pity you--I will protect you. Rise, my
+daughter!" He assisted her to rise, and imprinted a passionate kiss
+upon her hand. "From this hour I count you as one of mine," he said;
+"you shall be received into the holy band of spirits! You shall be
+consecrated, and enter the Inner Temple. Are you prepared?" "I am,
+master," she humbly replied.
+
+"To-morrow the Temple brothers will open the temple of bliss to you.
+You shall hear, see, and be silent." "I will see, hear, and be
+silent," she murmured.
+
+"When evening sets in, send away your servants," commanded
+Cagliostro. "Let the doors stand open; they shall be guarded, that
+no one may enter but the summoned. Art thou prepared?"
+
+"I am, master!"
+
+"Withdraw now to your room, Wilhelmine, and elevate your thoughts in
+devotion and contrition, and await the future. Kneel, my daughter,
+kneel!" She sank upon her knees. "Bless me, master, bless me!" "I
+bless you!"
+
+She felt a hot, burning sensation upon her forehead, and suddenly a
+bright light shone in the obscure room. Wilhelmine screamed, and
+covered her eyes. When she ventured to look up, only soft moonlight
+penetrated from the high window into the apartment, and she was
+alone. "To-morrow--to-morrow, at midnight!" she murmured,
+shuddering, and casting a timid look around.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK II.
+
+ROSICRUCIANS AND POWERFUL GENIUSES
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+GOETHE IN BERLIN.
+
+
+"I wish I only knew whether it were a man, or whether the god Apollo
+has really appeared to me in human form," sighed Conrector Moritz,
+as he paced his room--a strange, gloomy apartment, quite in keeping
+with the singular occupant--gray walls, with Greek apothegms
+inscribed upon them in large letters--dirty windows, pasted over
+with strips of paper; high, open book-shelves, containing several
+hundred books, some neatly arranged, others thrown together in
+confusion. In the midst of a chaos of books and papers stood a
+colossal bust of the Apollo-Belvedere upon a table near the window,
+the whiteness and beauty of which were in singular contrast, to the
+dust and disorder which surrounded it.
+
+At the back of the room was an open wardrobe, filled with gay-
+colored garments. A beautiful carpet of brilliant colors covered the
+middle of the dirty floor, and upon this paced to and fro the
+strange occupant of this strange room, Philip Charles Moritz,
+conrector of the college attached to the Gray Monastery. There was
+no trace of the bearing and demeanor which distinguished him at the
+parade at Potsdam yesterday--no trace of the young elegant, dressed
+in the latest fashion. To-day he wore a white garment, of no
+particular style, tied at the neck with a red ribbon (full sleeves,
+buttoned at the wrist with lace-cuffs); and, falling from the
+shoulders in scanty folds to just below the knees, it displayed his
+bare legs, and his feet shod with red sandals.
+
+His hair was unpowdered, and not tied in a cue, according to the
+fashion, but hung in its natural brown color, flowing quite loosely,
+merely confined by a red ribbon wound in among his curls, and
+hanging down in short bows at each temple like the frontlet of the
+old Romans. Thus, in this singular costume, belonging half to old
+Adam, and half to the old Romans, Philip Moritz walked back and
+forth upon the carpet, ruminating upon the beaming beauty of the
+stranger whose acquaintance he had so recently made, and whom he
+could not banish from his thoughts. "What wicked demon induced me to
+go to Potsdam yesterday?" said he to himself. "I who hate mankind,
+and believe that they are all of vulgar, ordinary material, yield to
+the longing for society, and am driven again into the world."
+
+A loud knocking at the door interrupted this soliloquy, and the door
+opened at the commanding "Come in!"
+
+"It is he, it is Apollo," cried Moritz, joyfully. "Come in, sir,
+come in--I have awaited you with the most ardent desire."
+
+Moritz rushed to the young gentleman, who had just closed the door,
+and whose beautiful, proud face lighted up with a smile at the
+singular apparition before him. "Pardon me, I disturb you, sir; you
+were about to make your toilet. Permit me to return after you have
+dressed."
+
+"You are mistaken," cried Moritz, eagerly. "You find me in my usual
+home-dress--I like my ease and freedom, and I am of opinion that
+mankind will never be happy and contented until they return to their
+natural state, wearing no more clothing, but glorying in the beauty
+which bountiful Nature has bestowed upon her most loved and chosen
+subjects."
+
+"Sir," cried the other, laughing, "then benevolent Nature should
+adapt her climate accordingly, and relieve her dear creatures from
+the inclination to take cold."
+
+"You may be right," said Moritz, earnestly, "but we will not quarrel
+about it. Will you not keep your promise to reveal to me your name?"
+
+"Tell me your own once more. Tell me if this youth, whom I see
+before me in this ideal dress, is the same modest young man whom I
+met at the parade yesterday, and who presented himself as Philip
+Moritz? Then please to inform me whether you are the Philip Moritz
+who wrote a spirited and cordial letter to Johann Wolfgang Goethe
+some years since about the tragedy of 'Stella,' the representation
+of which had been forbidden at that time?"
+
+"Yes, I am the same Philip Moritz, who wrote to the poet Goethe to
+prove to him, with the most heart-felt sympathy, that we are not all
+such stupid fellows in Berlin as Nicolai, who pronounced the tragedy
+'Stella' immoral; that it is only, as Goethe himself called it, 'a
+play for lovers.'"
+
+"And will you not be kind enough to tell me what response the poet
+made to your amiable letter?"
+
+"Proud and amiable at the same time, most gracefully he answered me,
+but not with words. He sent me his tragedy 'Stella' bound in rose-
+colored satin. [Footnote: "Goethe in Berlin,"--Sketches from his
+life at the anniversary of his one hundredth birthday.] See there!
+it is before the bust of Apollo on my writing-table, where it has
+lain for three years!"
+
+"What did he write to you at the same time?"
+
+"Nothing--why should he? Was not the book sufficient answer?"
+
+"Did he write nothing? Permit me to say to you that Goethe behaved
+like a brute and an ass to you!"
+
+"Sir," cried Moritz, angrily, "I forbid you to speak of my favorite
+in so unbecoming a manner in my room!"
+
+"Sir," cried the other, "you dare not forbid me. I insist upon it
+that that man is sometimes a brute and an ass! I can penitently
+acknowledge it to you, dear Moritz, for I am Johann Wolfgang Goethe
+himself!"
+
+"You, you are Goethe!" shouted Moritz, as he seized him with both
+hands, drawing him toward the window, and gazing at him with the
+greatest enthusiasm and delight. "Yes, yes," he shouted, "you are
+either Apollo or Goethe! The gods are not so stupid as to return to
+this miserable world, so you must be Goethe. No other man would dare
+to sport such a godlike face as you do, you favorite of the gods!"
+
+He then loosed his hold upon the smiling poet, and sprang to the
+writing-table. "Listen, Apollo," he cried, with wild joy. "Goethe is
+here, thy dear son is here! Hurrah! long live Goethe!"
+
+He took the rose-colored little book, and shouting tossed it to the
+ceiling, and sprang about like a mad bacchant, and finally threw
+himself upon the carpet, rolling over and over like a frolicksome,
+good-natured child upon its nurse's lap.
+
+Goethe laughed aloud. "What are you doing, dear Moritz? What does
+this mean?" he asked.
+
+Moritz stopped a moment, looking up to Goethe with a face beaming
+with joy. "I cannot better express my happiness. Language is too
+feeble--too poor!"
+
+"If that is the case, then I will join you," said Goethe, throwing
+himself upon the carpet, rolling and tumbling about. [Footnote: This
+scene which I relate, and which Teichman also mentions in his
+"Leaves of Memory of Goethe in Berlin," has been often related to me
+by Ludwig Tieck exactly in this manner. Teichman believes it was the
+poet Burman. But I remember distinctly that Ludwig Tieck told me
+that it was the eccentric savant, Philip Moritz, with whom Goethe
+made the acquaintance in this original manner.--The Authoress.]
+
+All at once Moritz jumped up without saying a word, rushed to the
+wardrobe, dressed himself in modest attire in a few moments, and
+presented himself to Goethe, who rose from the carpet quite
+astounded at the sudden metamorphosis. Then he seized his three-
+cornered hat to go out, when Goethe held him fast.
+
+"You are not going into the street, sir! You forget that your hair
+is flying about as if unloosed by a divine madness."
+
+"Sir, people are quite accustomed to see me in a strange costume,
+and the most of them think me crazy."
+
+"You are aware that insane people believe that they only are sane,
+and that reasonable people are insane. You will grant me that it is
+much more like a crazy person to strew his hair with flour, and tie
+it up in that ridiculous cue, than to wear it as God made it,
+uncombed and unparted, as I do my beautiful hair, and for which they
+call me crazy! But, for Heaven's sake, where are you going?" asked
+Goethe, struggling to retain him.
+
+"I am going to trumpet through every street in Berlin that the
+author of 'Werther,' of 'Clavigo,' of 'Gotz von Berlichingen,' of
+'Stella,' of the most beautiful poems, is in my humble apartment. I
+will call in all the little poets and savants of Berlin; I will drag
+Mammler, Nicolai, Engel, Spaulding, Gedicke, Plumicke, Karschin, and
+Burman here. They shall all come to see Wolfgang Goethe, and adore
+him. The insignificant poets shall pay homage to thee, the true
+poet, the favorite of Apollo."
+
+"My dear Moritz, if you leave me for that, I will run away, and you
+will trouble yourself in vain."
+
+"Impossible; you will be my prisoner until I return. I shall lock
+you in, and you cannot escape by the window, as I fortunately live
+on the third story."
+
+"But I shall not wait to be looked in," answered Goethe, slightly
+annoyed. "I came to see you, and if you run away I shall go also,
+and I advise you not to try to prevent me." His voice resounded
+through the apartment, growing louder as he spoke, his cheeks
+flushed, and his high, commanding brow contracted.
+
+"Jupiter Tonans!" cried Moritz, regarding him, "you are truly
+Jupiter Tonans in person, and I bow before you and obey your
+command. I shall remain to worship you, and gaze at you."
+
+"And it may be possible to speak in a reasonable manner to me," said
+Goethe, coaxingly. "Away with sentimentality and odors of incense!
+We are no sybarites, to feed on sweet-meats and cakes; but we are
+men who have a noble aim in view, attained only by a thorny path.
+Our eyes must remain fixed upon the goal, and nothing must divert
+them from it."
+
+"What is the aim that we should strive for?" asked Moritz, his whole
+being suddenly changing, and his manner expressing the greatest
+depression and sadness.
+
+Goethe smiled. "How can you ask, as if you did not know it yourself.
+Self-knowledge should be our first aim! The ancient philosophers
+were wise to have inscribed over the entrances to their temples,
+'Know thyself,' in order to remind all approaching, to examine
+themselves before they entered the halls of the gods. Is not the
+human heart equally a temple? only the demons and the gods strive
+together therein, unfortunately. To drive the former out, and give
+place to the latter, should be our aim; and when once purified, and
+room is given for good deeds and great achievements, we shall not
+rest satisfied simply to conquer, but rise with gladness to build
+altars upon those places which we have freed from the demons; for
+that, we must steadily keep in view truth and reality, and not hide
+them with a black veil, or array them in party-colored rags. Our
+ideas must be clear about the consequences of things, that we may
+not be like those foolish men who drink wine every evening and
+complain of headache every morning, resorting to preventives."
+
+Did Goethe know the struggles and dissensions which rent the heart
+of the young man to whom he spoke? Had his searching eyes read the
+secrets which were hidden in that darkened soul? He regarded him as
+he spoke with so much commiseration that Moritz's heart softened
+under the genial influence of sympathy and kindness. A convulsive
+trembling seized him, his cheeks were burning red, and his features
+expressed the struggle within. Suddenly he burst into tears. "I am
+very, very wretched," he sighed, with a voice suffocated by weeping,
+and sank upon a chair, sobbing aloud, and covering his face with his
+hands.
+
+Goethe approached him, and laid his hand gently upon his shoulder.
+"Why are you so miserable? Is there any human being who can help
+you?" he kindly inquired.
+
+"Yes," sobbed Moritz; "there are those who could, but they will not,
+and I am lost. I stand upon the brink of a precipice, with Insanity
+staring at me, grinning and showing her teeth. I know it, but cannot
+retreat. I wear the mask of madness to conceal my careworn face.
+Your divine eyes could not be deceived. You have not mistaken the
+caricature for the true face. You have penetrated beneath the gay
+tatters, and have seen the misery which sought to hide itself
+there."
+
+"I saw it, and I bewailed it, as a friend pities a friend whom he
+would willingly aid if he only knew how to do it."
+
+"No one can help me," sighed Moritz, shaking his head mournfully. "I
+am lost, irremediably lost!"
+
+"No one is lost who will save himself. He who is wrecked by a storm
+and tossed upon the raging sea, ought to be upon the watch for a
+plank by which he can save himself. He must keep his eyes open, and
+not let his arms hang idly; for if he allows himself to be swallowed
+up he becomes a self-murderer, who, like Erostratus, destroyed the
+holy temple, and gained eternal fame through eternal shame."
+
+"What are you saying?" cried Moritz, "you, the author of 'Werther,'
+of that immortal work which has drunk the tears of the whole world,
+and has become the Holy Testament for unhappy souls!"
+
+"Rather say for lovers," replied Goethe, "and add also those
+troubled spirits who think themselves poetical when they whine and
+howl; who cry over misfortune if Fate denies them the toy which
+their vanity, their ambition, or their amorousness, had chosen. Do
+not burden me with what I am not guilty of; do not say that wine is
+a poison, because it is not good for the sick. It is intended for
+well people; it animates and inspires them to fresh vigor. Now
+please to consider yourself well, and not ill."
+
+"I am ill, indeed I am ill," sighed Moritz. "Oh! continue to regard
+me with those eyes, which shine like stars into my benighted soul. I
+feel like one who has long wandered through the desert, his feet
+burnt with the sand, his hair scorched with the sun, and, exhausted
+with hunger and thirst, feels death approaching. Suddenly he
+discovers a green oasis, and a being with outstretched arms calling
+to him with a soft, angel-like voice: 'Come, save thyself in my
+arms; feel that thou art not alone in the desert, for I am with
+thee, and will sustain thee!'"
+
+"And I say it to you from the bottom of my heart," said Goethe,
+affectionately. "Yes, here is one, who is only too happy to aid you,
+who can sympathize with every sorrow, because he has himself felt it
+in his own breast, who may even say of himself, like Ovid: 'Nothing
+human is strange to me.' If I can aid you, say so, and I will
+willingly do it."
+
+"No, you cannot," murmured Moritz.
+
+"At least confide your grief to me; that is an alleviation."
+
+"Oh, how kind and generous you are!" Moritz said, pressing the hand
+of his new-made friend to his bosom. "How much good it does me to
+listen to you, and look at your beautiful face! I believed myself
+steeled against every thing that could happen to mortals; that the
+fool which I would be had killed within me the higher man. I was
+almost proud to have succeeded in deceiving men; that they mistook
+my grotesque mask for my real face; that they point the finger at
+me, and laugh, saying to each other: 'That is a fool, an original,
+whom Nature herself has chosen as a kind of court fool to society.'
+No one has understood the cry of distress of my soul. Those who
+laughed at the comical fellow by day, little dreamed of the anguish
+and misery in which he sighed away the night."
+
+"You not only wrong yourself, but you wrong mankind," said Goethe,
+kindly. "In the world, and in literature, you bear an honored name;
+every one of education is familiar with your excellent work on
+'Prosody of the German Language'--has read also your spirited
+Journey to England. You have no right to ask that one should
+separate the kernel from the shell in hastily passing by. If you
+surround yourself with a wall bedaubed with caricatures, you cannot
+expect that people will look behind what seems an entrance to a
+puppet-show, to find holy temples, blooming gardens, or a church-
+yard filled with graves."
+
+"That is just what I resemble," said Moritz, with a melancholy air.
+"From the depths of my soul it seems so. Nothing but buried hopes,
+murdered ideals, and wishes trodden under foot. From childhood I
+have exerted myself against circumstances; I have striven my whole
+life--a pledge of my being against unpropitious Fate. Although the
+son of a poor tradesman, Nature had given me a thirst for knowledge,
+a love for science and art. On account of it I passed for a stupid
+idler in the family, who would not contribute to his own support.
+Occupation with books was accounted idleness and laziness by my
+father. I was driven to work with blows and ill-treatment; and, that
+I might the sooner equal my father as a good shoemaker, I was bound
+to the stool near his own. During the long, fearful days I was
+forced to sit and draw the pitched, offensive thread through the
+leather, and when my arms were lame, and sank weary at my side, then
+I was invigorated to renewed exertion with blows. Finally, with the
+courage of despair, I fled from this life of torture. Unacquainted
+with the world, and inexperienced, I hoped for the sympathy of men,
+but in vain. No one would relieve or assist me! Days and weeks long
+I have wandered around in the forest adjoining our little village,
+and lived like the animals, upon roots and herbs. Yet I was happy! I
+had taken with me in my flight two books which I had received as
+prizes, in the happy days that my father permitted me to go to the
+Latin school. The decision of the teacher that I was created for a
+scholar, so terrified my father, that he took me from the school, to
+turn the embryo savant, who would be good for nothing, into a
+shoemaker, who might earn his bread. My two darling books remained
+to me. In the forest solitude I read Ovid and Virgil until I had
+memorized them, and recited them aloud, in pathetic tones, for my
+own amusement. To-day I recall those weeks in the forest stillness
+as the happiest, purest, and most beautiful of my life."
+
+"And they undoubtedly are," said Goethe, kindly. "The return to
+Nature is the return to one's self. Who will be an able, vigorous
+man and remain so, must, above all things, live in and with Nature."
+
+"But oh! this happy life did not long continue," sighed Moritz. "My
+father discovered my retreat, and came with sheriffs and bailiffs to
+seize me like a criminal--like a wild animal. With my hands bound, I
+was brought back in broad day, amid the jeers of street boys. Permit
+me to pass in silence the degradation, the torture which followed. I
+became a burden to myself, and longed for death. The ill-treatment
+of my father finally revived my courage to run away the second time.
+I went to a large town near by, and decided to earn my living rather
+than return to my father. To fulfil the prophecy of my teacher was
+my ambition. The privations that I endured, the life I led, I will
+not recount to you. I performed the most menial service, and worked
+months like a beast of burden. For want of a shelter, I slept in
+deserted yards and tumble-down houses. Upon a piece of bread and a
+drink of water I lived, saving, with miserly greediness, the money
+which I earned as messenger or day-laborer. At the end of a year, I
+had earned sufficient to buy an old suit of clothes at a second-hand
+clothing-store, and present myself to the director of the Gymnasium,
+imploring him to receive me as pupil. Bitterly weeping, I opened my
+heart to him, and disclosed the torture of my sad life as a child,
+and begged him to give me the opportunity to educate myself. He
+repulsed me with scorn, and threatened to give me over to the
+police, as a runaway, as a vagabond, and beggar. 'I am no beggar!' I
+cried, vehemently, 'I will be under obligation to no one. I have
+money to pay for two years in advance, and during this time I shall
+be able to earn sufficient to pay for the succeeding two years.'
+This softened the anger of the crabbed director; he was friendly and
+kind, and promised me his assistance."
+
+"Poor boy!" sighed Goethe. "So young, and yet forced to learn that
+there is a power to which not only kings and princes, but mind must
+bow; to which science and art have submitted, as to their Maecenas!
+This power opened the doors of the Gymnasium to you."
+
+"It was even thus. The director took pity upon me, and permitted me
+to enter upon my studies at once; he did more, he assured my future.
+Oh, he was a humane and kind man! When he learned that I possessed
+nothing but the little sum to which the drops of blood of a year's
+toil still clung, then--"
+
+"He returned it to you," interrupted Goethe, kindly.
+
+"No, he offered me board, lodging, and clothing, during my course at
+the Gymnasium."
+
+"That was well," cried Goethe. "Tell me the name of this honorable
+man, that I may meet him and extend to him my hand."
+
+A troubled smile spread over Philip's face. "Permit me for the time
+being to conceal the name," he replied. "I received the generous
+proposal gratefully, and asked, deeply moved, if there were no
+services which I could return for so much kindness and generosity.
+It proved that there were, and the director made them known to me.
+He was unmarried, hence the necessity of men's service. I should be
+society for him--be a companion, in fact; I should do what every
+grateful son would do for his father--help him dress, keep his room
+in order, and prepare his breakfast."
+
+"That meant that you should be his servant!" cried Goethe,
+indignant.
+
+"Only in the morning," replied Moritz, smiling. "Evenings and nights
+I should have the honor to be his amanuensis; I should look over the
+studies of the scholars, and correct their exercises; and when I had
+made sufficient progress, it should be my duty to give two hours to
+different classes, and I should read aloud or play cards with the
+director on leisure evenings. Besides, I was obliged to promise
+never to leave the house without his permission; never to speak to,
+or hold intercourse with, any one outside the hours of instruction.
+All these conditions were written down, and signed by both parties,
+as if a business contract."
+
+"A transaction by which a human soul was bargained for!" thundered
+Goethe. "Reveal to me, now, the name of this trader of souls, that I
+may expose him to public shame!"
+
+"He died a year since," replied Moritz, softened. "God summoned him
+to judgment. When the physician announced to him that the cancer was
+incurable, when he felt death approaching, he sent for me, and
+begged my forgiveness, with tears and deep contrition. I forgave
+him, so let me cease to recall the life I passed with him. By the
+sweat of my brow I was compelled to serve him; for seven long years
+I was his slave. I sold myself for the sake of knowledge, I was
+consoled by progress. I was the servant, companion, jester, and
+slave of my tyrant, but I was also the disciple, the priest of
+learning. In my own room my chains fell off. In the lonely night-
+watches I communed with the great, the immortal spirits of Horace,
+Virgil, and even the proud Ceasar, and the divine Homer. Those
+solitary but happy hours of the night are never to be forgotten,
+never to be portrayed; they refreshed me for the trials of the day,
+and enabled me to endure them! At the close of seven years I was
+prepared to enter the university, and the bargain between my master
+and myself was also at an end. Freed from my tyrant, I bent my steps
+toward Frankfort University, to feel my liberty enchained anew. For
+seven years I had been the slave of the director; now I became the
+slave of poverty, forced to labor to live! Oh, I cannot recall those
+scenes! Suffice it to say, that during one year I had no fixed
+abode, never tasted warm food. But it is passed--I have conquered!
+After years of struggle, of exertion, of silent misery, only
+relieved by my stolen hours of blissful study, I gained my reward. I
+was free! My examination passed, I was honored with the degrees of
+Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts. After many intervening
+events, I was appointed conrector of the college attached to the
+Gray Monastery, which position now supports me."
+
+"God be praised, I breathe freely!" answered Goethe, with one of
+those sunny smiles which, in a moment of joyful excitement, lighted
+up his face. "I feel like one shipwrecked, who has, at last, reached
+a safe harbor. I rejoice in your rescue as if it were my own. Now
+you are safe. You have reached the port, and in the quiet happiness
+of your own library you will win new laurels. Why, then, still
+dispirited and unhappy? The past, with its sorrows and humiliations,
+is forgotten, the present is satisfactory, and the future is full of
+hope for you."
+
+"Full of misery is the present," cried Philip, angrily, "and filled
+with despair I glance at the future. You do not see it with your
+divine eyes, you do not perceive it, poet with the sympathetic soul.
+You, too, thought that Philip Moritz had only a head for the
+sciences, and forgot that he had a heart to love. I tell you that he
+has a warm, affectionate heart, torn with grief and all the tortures
+of jealousy; that disappointed happiness maddens him. I was not
+created to be happy, and my whole being longs for happiness. Oh! I
+would willingly give my life for one day by the side of the one I
+love."
+
+"Do not trifle," said Goethe, angrily. "He who has striven and
+struggled as you have, dare not offer, for any woman, however
+beautiful and seductive, to yield his life, which has been destined
+to a higher aim than mere success in love. Perhaps you think that
+God has infused a ray of His intelligence into the mind of man,
+created him immortal, and breathed upon him with His world-creating
+breath only, to make him happy, and find that happiness in love! No!
+my friend, God has given to man like faculties with Himself, and
+inspired him, that he might be a worthy representative of Him upon
+the earth ; that he should prove, in his life, that he is not only
+the blossom, but the fruit also, of God's creation. Love is to man
+the perfume of his existence. She may intoxicate him for a while,
+may inspire him to poetical effusions, to great deeds, even; but he
+should hesitate to let her become his mistress, to let her be the
+tyrant of his existence. If she would enchain him, he must tear
+himself away, even if he tear out his own heart. Man possesses that
+which is more ennobling than mere feeling; he has intellect--soul."
+
+"Ah!" cried Moritz, "it is easy to see that you have never loved
+madly, despairingly. You have never seen the woman whom you adore,
+and who perhaps reciprocates your passion, forced to marry another."
+
+A shadow flitted over Goethe's brow, and the flashing brilliancy of
+his eyes was changed to gloomy sadness. Gently, but quickly, he laid
+his hand upon Moritz's shoulder, saying: "In this hour, when two
+souls are revealed to each other, will I acknowledge to you that
+which I have never spoken of. I, too, love a woman, who loves me,
+and yet can never be mine, for she is married to another. I love
+this sweet woman as I have never loved a mortal being. For years my
+existence has belonged to her, she has been the centre of all my
+thoughts. It would seem to me as if the earth were without a sun,
+heaven without a God, if she should vanish from life. I even bless
+the torture which her prudery, her alternate coldness and
+friendliness cause me, as it comes from her, from the highest bliss
+of feeling. This passion has swept through my soul, as if uniting in
+itself all my youthful loves, till, like a torrent, ever renewing
+itself, ever moving onward, it has become the highway of my future.
+Upon this stream floats the bark laden with all my happiness, fame,
+and poetry. The palaces which my fancy creates rise upon its shore.
+Every zephyr, however slight, makes me tremble. Every cloud which
+overshadows the brow of my beloved, sweeps like a tempest over my
+own. I live upon her smile. A kind word falling from her lips makes
+me happy for days; and when she turns away from me with coldness and
+indifference, I feel like one driven about as Orestes by the
+Furies."
+
+"You really are in love!" cried Moritz. "I will take back what I
+have said. You, the chosen of the gods, know all the human heart can
+suffer, even unhappy love."
+
+Almost angry, and with hesitation, Goethe answered him: "I do not
+call this passion of mine an unhappy one, for in the very perception
+of it lies happiness. We are only wretched when we lose self-
+control. To this point Love shall never lead me. She yields me the
+highest delight, but she shall never bring me to self-destruction.
+Grief for her may, like a destructive whirlwind, crush every blossom
+of my heart; but she shall never destroy me. The man, the poet, must
+stand higher than the lover; for where the latter is about to yield
+to despair, the former will rise, and, with the defiance of
+Prometheus, challenge the gods to recognize the godlike similitude,
+that man can rise superior to sorrow, never despairing, never
+cursing Fate if all the rosy dreams of youth are not realities, but
+with upturned gaze stride over the waste places of life, consoling
+himself with the thought that only magnanimous souls can suffer and
+conquer magnanimously. Vanquished grief brings us nearer to the
+immortal, and gradually bears us from this vale of sorrow up to the
+brighter heights, nearer to God--the earth with her petty confusion
+lying like a worthless tool at our feet!"
+
+"It is heavenly to be able to say that, and divine to perceive it,"
+cried Moritz, bursting into tears. "The miseries of life chain me to
+the dust, and do not permit me to mount to the heights which a hero
+like Goethe reaches victorious. It is indeed sublime to conquer
+one's self, and be willing to resign the happiness which flees us.
+But see how weak I am--I cannot do it! I can never give up the one I
+love. It seems as if I could move heaven and earth to conquer at
+last, and that I must die if I do not succeed--die like Werther."
+
+Goethe's eyes flashed with anger, and with heightened color he
+exclaimed: "You all repeat the same litany--do not make me
+answerable for all your weaknesses, and blame poor Werther for the
+creations of your own imagination. I, who am the author of Werther,
+am free from this abominable sentimentality. Why cannot others be,
+who only read what I have conceived? But pardon my violence," he
+continued, with a milder voice and gentler manner. "Never did an
+author create a work which brought him at the same time so great
+fame and bitter reproach as this work has brought to me. 'The
+Sorrows of Young Werther' have indeed been transformed into the
+sorrows of young Goethe, and I even fear that old Goethe will have
+to suffer for it. I have spoken to you as a friend to a friend:
+cherish my words, take them to heart, and arise from the dust; shake
+off the self-strewn ashes from your head. Enter again as a brave
+champion the combat of life--summon to your aid cunning, power,
+prudence, and audacity, to conquer your love. Whether you succeed or
+not, then you aim at the greatest of battles--that of mind over
+matter--then remember my farewell words. From the power which binds
+all men he frees himself who conquers himself.--Farewell! If ever
+you need the encouragement of a friend, if ever a sympathizing soul
+is necessary to you, come to Weimar; sympathy and appreciation shall
+never fail you there."
+
+"Oh! I will surely go," answered Moritz, deeply moved, and pressing
+heartily Goethe's offered hand.
+
+"One thing more I have to say to you: Live much with Nature;
+accustom yourself to regard the sparrow, the flower, or the stone,
+as worthy of your attention as the wonderful phoenix or the
+monuments of the ancients with their illegible inscriptions. To walk
+with Nature is balsam for a weary soul; gently touched by her soft
+hands, the recovery is most rapid. I have experienced it, and do
+experience it daily. Now, once more, farewell; in the true sense of
+the word fare-thee-well! I wish that I could help you in other ways
+than by mere kind words. It pains me indeed that I can render you no
+other aid or hope. You alone can do what none other can do for you.-
+-Farewell!"
+
+He turned, and motioning to Moritz not to follow him, almost flew
+down the stairs into the street. Drawing a long breath, he stood
+leaning against the door, gazing at the crowd--at the busy passers-
+by--some merrily chatting with their companions, others with earnest
+mien and in busy haste. No one seemed to care for him, no one looked
+at him. If by chance they glanced at him, Johann Wolfgang Goethe was
+of no more consequence to them than any other honest citizen in a
+neighboring doorway.
+
+Without perhaps acknowledging it to himself, Goethe was a little
+vexed that no one observed him; that the weather-maker from Weimar,
+who was accustomed to be greeted there, and everywhere, indeed, with
+smiles and bows, should here in Berlin be only an ordinary mortal--a
+stranger among strangers. "I would not live here," said he, as he
+walked slowly down the street. "What are men in great cities but
+grains of sand, now blown together and then asunder? There is no
+individuality, one is only a unit in the mass! But it is well
+occasionally to look into such a kaleidoscope, and admire the play
+of colors, which I have done, and with a glad heart I will now fly
+home to all my friends--to you, beloved one--to you, Charlotte!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE INNER AND THE MIDDLE TEMPLE.
+
+
+Wilhelmine Enke had passed the day in great anxiety and excitement,
+and not even the distraction of her new possession had been able to
+calm the beating of her heart or allay her fears. Prince Frederick
+William had arrived early in the morning, to bid her farewell, as he
+was to march in the course of the day with his regiments from
+Potsdam. With the tenderest assurances of love he took leave of
+Wilhelmine, and with tears kissed his two children, pressing them to
+his heart. As he was about to enter his carriage he returned to the
+house to embrace his weeping mistress, and reassure her of his
+fidelity, and make her promise him again and again that she would
+remain true to him, and never love another.
+
+It was not alone the farewell to her beloved prince which caused
+Wilhelmine such anxiety and made her so restless. Like a dark cloud
+the remembrance of Cagliostro's mysterious appearance arose in her
+mind, overshadowing her every hour more and more, filling her soul
+with terror. In vain did she seek refuge near her children, trying
+to cheer and forget herself in their innocent amusement--one moment
+running about the garden with them, then returning to the house to
+reexamine it. Her thoughts would revert to Cagliostro, and the
+solemnities which were to take place at her house that night. The
+thought terrified her that at nightfall she was obliged to send away
+all her servants, and not even be permitted to lock herself in the
+lonely, deserted house. For the great magician had commanded her to
+let the doors of her house stand open; he would place sentinels at
+every entrance, and none but the elect would be allowed to enter.
+Wilhelmine had not the courage to resist this command. As evening
+approached, she sent the cook, with other servants, to her apartment
+at Berlin, ordering them to pack her furniture and other effects,
+and send them by a hired wagon to Charlottenburg the following
+morning. An hour previous to this she had sent the nurse and two
+children to Potsdam with a similar commission, ordering them to
+return early the next day. Alone she now awaited with feverish
+anxiety Cagliostro's appearance. Again and again she wandered
+through the silent, deserted rooms frightened at the sound of her
+own footsteps, and peering into each room as if an assassin or
+robber were lurking there. She had many enemies--many there were who
+cursed her, and, alas! none loved her--she was friendless, save the
+prince, who was far away. The tears which the princess had shed on
+her account weighed like a heavy burden upon her heart, burning into
+her very soul in this hour of lonely, sad retrospection. She tried
+in vain to excuse herself, in the fact that she had loved the prince
+before his marriage; that she had sacrificed herself to him through
+affection, and that she was not entitled to become his wife, as she
+was not born under the canopy of a throne.
+
+From the depths of her conscience there again rose the tearful, sad
+face of the princess, accusing her as an adulteress--as a sinner
+before God and man! Terrified, she cried: "I have truly loved him,
+and I do still love him; this is my excuse and my justification. She
+is not to be pitied who can walk openly by the side of her husband,
+enjoying the respect and sympathy of all to whom homage is paid, and
+who, one day, will be queen! I am the only one, I alone! I stand in
+the shade, despised and scorned, avoided and shunned by every one.
+Those who recognize me, do so with a mocking smile, and when I pass
+by they contemptuously shrug their shoulders and say to one another,
+'That was Enke, the mistress of the Prince of Prussia!' All this
+shall be changed," she cried aloud; "I will not always be despised
+and degraded! I will be revenged on my crushed and scorned youth! I
+will have rank and name, honor and position, that I will--yes, that
+I will, indeed!"
+
+Wilhelmine wandered on through the silent rooms, all brilliantly
+illuminated, a precaution she had taken before dismissing her
+servants. The bright light was a consolation to her, and, at least,
+she could not be attacked by surprise, but see her enemy, and
+escape. "I was a fool," she murmured, "to grant Cagliostro this
+reception to-night. I know that he is a charlatan! There are no
+prophets or wizards! Yet, well I remember, though a stranger to me,
+in Paris, how truthfully he brought before me my past life; with
+what marvellous exactness he revealed to me secrets known only to my
+Maker and myself. Cagliostro must be a wizard, then, or a prophet;
+he has wonderful power over me also, and reads my most secret
+thoughts. He will assist me to rise from my shame and degradation to
+an honored position. I shall become a rich and influential woman! I
+will confide in him, never doubting him--for he is my master and
+savior! Away with fear! He has said that the house should be
+guarded, and it will be! Onward then, Wilhelmine, without fear!"
+
+She hastened to the large drawing-room, in order to see the effect
+of the numerous wax-lights in the superb chandeliers of rock
+crystal. The great folding-doors resisted all her efforts to open
+them. "Who is there?" cried a loud, threatening voice. Trembling and
+with beating heart Wilhelmine leaned against the door, giddy with
+fear, when a second demand, "Who is there? The watchword! No one can
+pass without the countersign!" roused her, and she stole back on
+tiptoe to her room. "He has kept his word, the doors are guarded!"
+she whispered. "I will go and await him in my sitting-room." She
+stepped quickly forward, when suddenly she thought she heard
+footsteps stealing behind her; turning, she beheld two men wrapped
+in black cloaks, with black masks, stealthily creeping after her.
+Wilhelmine shrieked with terror, tore open the door, rushed across
+the next room into her own boudoir. As she entered a glance revealed
+to her that the two masks approached nearer and nearer. She bolted
+the door quickly, sinking to the floor with fright and exhaustion.
+"What are they going to do? Will they force open the door and murder
+me? How foolish, how fearfully foolish to have sent away all my
+servants. Now I understand it: Cagliostro is not only an impostor--a
+charlatan, but he is a thief and an assassin. I have been caught in
+the trap set for me, like a credulous fool! He and his associates
+will rob me and plunder my beautiful villa, but just given to me,
+and, when they have secured all, murder me to escape betrayal." With
+deep contrition, weeping and trembling, Wilhelmine accused herself
+of her credulity and folly. For the first time in her life she was
+dismayed and cowardly, for it was the first time that she had had to
+tremble for her possessions. It was something so new, so
+unaccustomed to her to possess any thing, that it made her anxious,
+and she feared, as in the fairy tale, that it would dissolve into
+nothing. By degrees her presence of mind and equanimity were
+restored. The stillness was unbroken--and no one forced the door, to
+murder the mistress of this costly possession. Gathering courage,
+she rose softly and stole to the window. The moon shone brightly and
+clearly. The house stood sideways to the street, and separated from
+it, first by thick shrubbery, and then a trellised lawn. Whoever
+would enter, directly turned into a path leading from the street
+into the shrubbery. Just upon this walk, Wilhelmine perceived masked
+men approaching, one by one, as in a procession--slowly, silently
+moving on, until they neared the gate of the trellised square, where
+two tall, dark forms were stationed to demand the countersign, which
+being given, they passed over the lawn into the house.
+
+"I will take courage; he has told me the truth, the house is well
+guarded," murmured Wilhelmine. "None but the summoned can enter; I
+belong to the number, and when it is time Cagliostro will come and
+fetch me. Until then, let me await quietly the result," said she, as
+she stretched herself comfortably upon the sofa, laughing at her
+former cowardice and terror. "No one can enter this room unless I
+open the door, and fortunately there is but one exit. The wizard
+himself could not gain admittance unless the walls should open or
+the bolt drive hack for him. Hark! it strikes eleven, one tedious
+hour longer to wait. I must try to rest a little." She laid her head
+upon the cushion, closing her eyes. The calm and the quiet were
+refreshing after the excitement of the day. Gradually her thoughts
+became confused--dim pictures floated past her mental vision, her
+breathing became shorter, and she slept. The stillness was unbroken,
+save the clock striking the quarters of every hour. Scarcely had the
+last quarter to midnight sounded, when the window was softly opened,
+and a dark form descended into the room. He listened a moment,
+looking at the sleeping one, who moved not; then extinguished the
+light, creeping toward the door. Wilhelmine slept on. Suddenly it
+seemed to her as if sunbeams blinded her, and she started up from a
+profound sleep. It was indeed no dream. A white form stood before
+her of dazzling brilliancy, as if formed of sun-rays.
+
+"Rise and follow me!" cried a commanding voice. "The Great Kophta
+commands you. Mask yourself, and, as your life is dear to you, do
+not raise it for one instant!" Wilhelmine took the mask, upon which
+flickered a little blue flame, and held it close to her face. "Pray
+in spirit, then follow me." Wilhelmine followed without opposition
+the bright form which moved before her through the dark rooms. She
+felt as if under the influence of a charm; her heart beat violently,
+her feet trembled, but still she felt no more wavering or fear; a
+joyous confidence filled her whole being. With her eyes bent upon
+the moving form of light, she went onward in the obscurity, and
+entered the great drawing-room, where profound darkness and silence
+reigned. A slight murmur, as of those in prayer, fell on her car,
+and it seemed as if numberless black shadows were moving about.
+"Kneel and pray," whispered a voice near her. Her conductor had
+disappeared, and the gloom of night surrounded her. Wilhelmine knelt
+as she was bidden, but she could not pray; breathless expectation
+and eager curiosity banished all devotion and composure.
+Occasionally was heard, amid the silence and darkness, a deep sigh,
+a suppressed groan, or a shriek, which died away in the murmuring of
+prayer. Suddenly a strange music broke the stillness--sharp,
+piercing tones, resonant as bells, and increasing in power,
+sometimes as rich and full as the peals of an organ, then gentle and
+soft as the murmuring wind, or a sorrow-laden sigh. Then, human
+voices joined the music, swelling it to a wonderful and harmonious
+choir--to an inspired song of aspiration, Of fervent expectation,
+and imploring the coming of him who would bring glory and peace,
+filling the hearts of believers with godliness. The chorus of the
+Invisibles had not ceased, when a strange blue light began to
+glimmer at the farther end of the room; then it shot like a flash
+through the dark space. As their dazzled eyes were again raised,
+they saw in a kind of halo, in the midst of golden clouds, a tall,
+dazzling figure, in a long, flowing robe, sparkling with silver. The
+lovely bust, the beautiful arms and shoulders, were covered with a
+transparent golden tissue, over which fell the long, curly hair to
+the waist. A glittering band, sparkling like stars, was wound
+through the hair, which surrounded a feminine face of surpassing
+beauty. Perpetual youth glowed upon her full, rosy cheeks; bright
+intelligence beamed from the clear, lofty brow; peace, joy, and
+happiness, were revealed in the smile of the red lips; love and
+passion flashed from the large, brilliant eyes. The choir of the
+Invisibles now sang in jubilant tones: "The eternal Virgin, the
+everlasting, holy, and pure being, greets the erring, blesses those
+that seek, causing them to find, and partake with joy."
+
+The heavenly woman raised her lovely arms, extending them as if for
+a tender embrace. A captivating smile lighted up her features; a
+fiery glance from her beautiful eyes seemed to greet every one,
+separately, to announce to them joy and hope. While they regarded
+her entranced with delight, the golden cloud grew denser, and
+covered the virgin with her luminous veil. It then gradually
+disappeared, with the golden splendor. The chorus of the Invisibles
+ceased, and the music died away in gentle murmurs. Upon the spot
+where the beaming apparition was visible, there now stood a tall
+priest, in a long, flowing black robe; a pale-blue light surrounded
+him, and rendered the dark outline distinctly visible by the clear
+background. Snow-white hair and a black mask made him unrecognizable
+to every one.
+
+Extending his arms, as if blessing them, the masked one cried: "My
+beloved, the unknown fathers of our Holy Order of Rosicrucians send
+me to you, and command me to salute you with the greeting of life. I
+am to announce to you that the time of revelation approaches, and
+that the sublime mysteries of earth and Nature will soon be revealed
+to you. As the rose is unfolded in her glowing red, which has so
+long slept in her lap of green leaves, you represent the green
+leaves, and Nature is the rose. She will disclose herself to you
+with all her secrets. In her calyx you will find the elixir of life
+and the secret of gold, if you walk in the path of duty; if you
+exercise unconditional obedience to the Invisible Fathers; if you
+submit yourselves in blind confidence to their wisdom; if you swear
+to abstain from every self-inquiry, and to distrust your own
+understanding." [Footnote: So run the very words in the laws of the
+Rosicrucians.--See "New General German Library," vol. lvi., p. 10.]
+
+"We swear it!" cried solemn voices on all sides.
+
+"Swear, blindly, silent obedience to all that the Invisible Fathers
+shall announce to you through their directors, or shall order you
+under the holy sign of the Rosicrucians by word or writing."
+
+"We swear it!" again resounded in solemn chorus.
+
+"Shame, disgrace, perdition, and destruction, be your curse,"
+thundered the priest, "if you deviate in thought even from your
+oath; if you seek to ponder and reflect; if you measure by your own
+limited reason the dispositions and operations of the sublime
+fathers, to whom Nature has revealed herself, and to whom all the
+secrets of heaven and earth are disclosed. Eternal destruction, and
+all the tortures of hell and purgatory, be the portion of the
+doubting! Damned and proscribed be the traitor to the holy order!
+Listen, ye spirits of the deep, and ye spirits of darkness, withdraw
+from here in terror, ere the anger of the Invisible Fathers fall
+upon you like destroying lightning! Open, ye doors, that the wicked
+may flee, and only the good remain!"
+
+With a wave of the hand the great folding-doors now opened, and a
+flood of light from the adjoining apartment revealed the drawingroom
+to be filled with the dark forms of men enveloped in black cloaks,
+hoods drawn over the heads, and black masks covering the faces--all
+kneeling close together and exactly resembling one another. No one
+moved, the doors closed again, darkness reigning. The priest was no
+longer visible, though continuing to speak: "Only the good and
+obedient are now assembled here, and to them I announce that life is
+to us, and death awaits beyond the door to seize the traitor who
+would disclose the holy secrets of the order. Be faithful, my
+brothers, and never forget that there is no place on the earth where
+the traitor is secure from the avenging sword of the Invisible
+Fathers. None but the good and obedient being here assembled, I now
+announce to you that the time of revelation approaches, and that it
+will come when you are all zealously endeavoring to extend the holy
+order, and augment the number of brothers. For the extension of the
+order is nothing less than universal happiness. It emanates alone
+from the Invisible Fathers, who link heaven to earth and who will
+open again the lost way to Paradise. The supreme chiefs of our holy
+order are the rulers of all Nature, reposing in God the Father.
+[Footnote: The wording of the laws of the Order of the
+Rosicrucians.--See "New General German Library," vol. M., p. 10. ]
+They are the favorites of God, whom the Trinity thinks worthy of his
+highest confidence and revelation. If you will take part in the
+revelations of God, and witness the disclosing of the hidden
+treasures of Nature, swear that you will be obedient to the holy
+order, and that you will strive to gain new members.
+
+"We swear it," resounded in an inspired chorus through the room. "We
+swear unconditional obedience to the Invisible Fathers. We swear to
+strive with all our means for the extension of the holy order.
+
+"Unbelief, free-thinking, and self-knowledge are of the devil, who
+steals abroad, to turn men from God. The pride of reason seeks to
+misguide men, and lead them away from God and the secrets of Nature.
+The devil has chosen his disciples, who teach sinful knowledge and
+arrogant free-thinking, and who are united in Berlin in the Order of
+the Illuminati. The Invisible Fathers command you to fight this
+shameful order in word, deed, and writing. If any of you are
+acquainted with one of the members, you shall regard him as your
+most deadly enemy, and shall hate and pursue him as you hate sin and
+as you pursue crime. You shall flee his intercourse as you would
+that of the devil, otherwise you will be damned, and the Invisible
+Fathers never will forgive you, and the secrets of Nature will be
+withheld from you. Swear therefore hate, persecution, and eternal
+enmity, to the Order of the Illuminati. This I command you in the
+name of the Invisible Fathers."
+
+"We swear it! We swear hate, persecution, and eternal enmity, to the
+Order of the Illuminati!"
+
+"Every one who belongs to the order is damned and cursed; and if it
+were your brother or your father, so shall you curse and damn him!"
+
+"We swear it!"
+
+"Then I bring you the blessing of the Invisible rulers and fathers,
+who announce to you, through me, that every lost one which you gain
+for the Order of the Rosicrucians, and consequently lead back to God
+and Nature, is a step toward entering the holy sanctuary of
+revelation, where the elixir of life and the tincture of gold awaits
+you. Every cursed member of the Illuminati becomes one of the
+blessed when you lead him from the path of vice in penitence and
+contrition, and gain him to the Order of the Rosicrucians; and he
+who can prove that he has gained twelve new members for our holy
+order mounts a round higher in the ladder of knowledge, and rises to
+a new degree. At the sixth grade he passes from the Inner to the
+Middle Temple, where all the secrets of the universe and of Nature
+are disclosed. Be mindful of this, and recruit. Until we meet again,
+let the watchword be, 'Curses and persecution for the devil's
+offspring, the Illuminati!'"
+
+"Curses and persecution for the devil's offspring, the Illuminati,
+we swear!"
+
+"Now depart! Pay your tribute at the door, which you owe, and
+receive in return the new sign of the order, which will serve to
+make the brothers known to each other. Only the directors and the
+members of the sixth grade shall knock again at this door after
+paying tribute, and, receiving the new word of life, the guard will
+let them enter. Depart! I dismiss you in the name of the Holy Father
+and the Trinity!"
+
+"Take this cloak, and cover yourself, that no one can recognize
+you," whispered a person near Wilhelmine, and threw a soft covering
+over her. "Will you now depart, or seek further in the way of
+knowledge?"
+
+"I will seek further," answered Wilhelmine, firmly.
+
+"You wish to enter the sixth grade, and learn the secrets of
+Nature?"
+
+"I do!"
+
+"Then I will give you the watchword of the order. But woe unto you
+if you reveal it! Swear that you will never betray it!"
+
+"I swear it!"
+
+"Then, listen!"
+
+Wilhelmine felt a hot breath upon her cheek, and a voice whispered
+in her ear the significant words: "Now depart; pay your tribute, you
+cannot tarry here. Go, and return with the chosen!"
+
+A hand seized her arm and conducted her to the door. Almost blinded
+by the bright light, she entered the adjoining apartment, where it
+seemed as if she saw through a veil muffled figures go forward to
+the centre, and deposit money in a marble basin which stood upon a
+kind of altar; naphtha burned in silver basins upon each end of it,
+and a muffled figure stood near.
+
+Wilhelmine advanced to the altar, and with quick decision drew a
+diamond ring from her finger, and begged permission to deposit it
+instead of money.
+
+The muffled figure bowed, and handed to her the new watchword--a
+picture of a Madonna, with the sign of the Rosicrucians underneath.
+Then she returned, and awaited at the door, with a little gathering,
+which must consequently belong to the sixth grade. Gradually the
+others had withdrawn; the naphtha-flames upon the altar were
+extinguished, and the wax-lights of the centre lustres had grown
+dim, and gradually extinguished themselves. Soon the doors were
+opened, and a bright light, as of the sun's rays, filled the hall.
+Three blasts of trumpets sounded, and a choir of immortal voices
+sang, "Enter, ye blessed ones! Enter, ye elect!"
+
+They entered, whispering the sign to the guards, who stood with
+drawn swords, and passed on to the throne upon which stood a couch,
+surrounded with blooming flowers and covered with a cloud of silvery
+gauze. They soon discovered a secret something was hidden under the
+cloud, though they knew not whether it were child, woman, or man.
+They knelt upon the lower step of the throne, with folded hands and
+bowed heads, praying in a low voice. A solemn stillness reigned, the
+prayers died away on the lips, and the hearts scarcely beat for
+anxiety and expectation. Suddenly a voice, which seemed to come from
+the silver cloud, so distant and lofty, and rolling like majestic
+thunder, cried, "He comes, the chosen one! The Great Kophta comes!"
+
+The folding-doors flew open, and the Great Kophta entered.
+Wilhelmine recognized in the majestic figure, enveloped in a
+flowing, silver-embroidered satin robe, with a band of brilliants
+around his brow, the handsome face of Cagliostro, beaming as if in
+an ecstasy. He saluted the brothers with a gentle voice, and bade
+them approach and touch his hand. As Wilhelmine did so, a thrill ran
+through her whole being, and she sank overpowered at his feet. He
+bowed and breathed upon her. "You are chosen, ye heavenly brothers,"
+he said, in a sweet, melodious voice; "the secrets of heaven and
+earth are disclosed to you. I receive you in the Holy Order of the
+Favorites of God, which I founded with Enoch and Elias when we dwelt
+in the promised land. From them I received the Word of Life, and
+they sent me to the ancient sages of Egypt, who revealed to me in
+the pyramids the secret sciences which subject the earth and all her
+treasures to our command. He who devotes himself to me with fidelity
+will receive eternal life and the secret of immortality."
+
+"We believe in thee, blessed one of God," murmured the kneeling
+ones; "we know that we receive life and salvation from thee. Bend to
+us, and give us of the breath of immortality!"
+
+He bowed and breathed upon them, and they broke forth in words of
+thankfulness and delight.
+
+Only Wilhelmine kept silent; she only failed to feel the magical
+influence, and he bowed again to her, fixing his great fiery eyes
+upon her. "Thou art called, thou art chosen," he said. "Mount to the
+tabernacle, and lift the veil."
+
+She did as commanded, and beheld the figure of a wonderful woman
+stretched upon the couch as in deep sleep, clothed in transparent
+robes. "Lay your hand upon her brow, and direct in your thoughts a
+question to the prophetess of the order, and she will answer you!"
+Upon the lofty, white brow of the sleeping one, she laid her hand;
+immediately a smile flitted over her beautiful face, and she nodded.
+"Yes," said she, "you must believe. You dare not doubt. He is the
+elect, the holy Magus!" Wilhelmine trembled, for the answer was
+suited to the question. "Demand a second question of the
+prophetess," commanded Cagliostro. Again she laid her hand upon the
+brow of the sleeping one, and again she smiled and nodded with her
+beautiful head. "Fear not," she replied; "he will always love you,
+and will never reject you, only you must not lead him astray from
+the right course--but guide him to the temple of faith and
+knowledge. When you cease to do it, you are lost. Shame upon earth
+and damnation will be your portion." The answer was exact--for
+Wilhelmine had prayed to know if the prince would always love and
+never reject her. "Still a third question," cried Cagliostro. In
+silence Wilhelmine asked, and the prophetess answered aloud: "You
+will be countess, you will become a princess, you will possess
+millions, you will have the whole world at your feet, if you call to
+your aid the Invisible Fathers, and implore the power and miraculous
+blessing of the Great Kophta." Wilhelmine, deeply moved, sank
+overpowered upon her knees, and cried aloud: "I call upon the
+Invisible Fathers for aid and assistance; I implore the power and
+miraculous blessing of the Great Kophta." Suddenly, amid the rolling
+of thunder and intense darkness, Wilhelmine felt herself lifted up--
+borne away, as loud prayers were uttered around her. Then she felt
+herself lowered again and with the freedom of motion. "Fly! fly from
+the revenge of the immortals, if you still doubt, still mistrust!"
+cried a fearful voice above her. "Behold how the immortals revenge
+themselves." Immediately a light began to dawn before her, a form
+rose from the darkness like her own. She beheld herself kneeling,
+imploring, her face deluged with tears, and before her a tall,
+erect, muffled figure, with a glittering sword in his uplifted arm,
+which sank gradually lower and lower until it pierced her bosom and
+the blood gushed forth. Wilhelmine shrieked and fainted. She
+witnessed no more miracles, beard no more prophecies and revelations
+which the magi made to the elect. She beheld not the appearance of
+the blessed spirits, which at the importunity of the brothers
+flitted through the apartment. She heard not Cagliostro take leave
+of Baron von Bischofswerder, when all had withdrawn, saying, "I have
+now exalted you to be chief director of the holy order. You will at
+once receive orders from the Invisible Fathers, announced to you in
+writing, and you will follow them faithfully."
+
+"I will follow them faithfully," humbly answered Bischofswerder.
+
+"You will be rewarded by the knowledge of life and of money; you
+shall discover the philosopher's stone, and the secret of gold shall
+be revealed to you, when you perform what the Invisible Fathers
+demand."
+
+"I will do every thing," cried Bischofswerder, fervently; "only make
+known to me their commands."
+
+"They desire, at the present, that you seek to be the confidant of
+the Prince of Prussia. Gain his affection, then govern him, making
+yourself indispensable to him. Surround him with servants and
+confidants that you can rely upon. Inspire him with devotion to the
+holy order. Become, now, the friend of the prince, that you may, one
+day, rule the king. You are the chief of the order in Prussia; the
+more members you gain the more secrets will be revealed to you. The
+holy fathers send me afar, but I shall return: if you have been
+active and faithful, I will make known to you a great secret and
+bring you the elixir of life."
+
+"When will you return, master?" asked Bisehofswerder,
+enthusiastically.
+
+Cagliostro smiled. "Before the crown prince of Prussia becomes king.
+Ask no further. Be faithful!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE JESUIT GENERAL
+
+
+No one remained in the drawing-room but Cagliostro and the beautiful
+woman who still lay quietly on the couch, upon the throne.
+Cagliostro approached her, and, raising the veil, regarded her a
+moment, with an expression of the most passionate tenderness: "We
+are alone, Lorenza," said he. She opened her great eyes, and looked
+around the dimly-lighted room; then, fixing them upon Cagliostro,
+who stood before her in his brilliant costume of magician, she burst
+into a merry laugh, so loud and so irresistible, that Cagliostro was
+seized involuntarily, and joined her.
+
+"Oh! was it not heavenly, was it not a glorious comedy, and did I
+not play divinely, Joseph? Was I not bewitching as the goddess of
+Nature?"
+
+"You looked truly like a goddess, Lorenza, and there is nothing more
+beautiful than you, in heaven or upon earth. But come, my
+enchantress, it is time to break up, as we are to set off early to-
+morrow morning."
+
+"Have we now much money? Was the tribute richly paid?"
+
+"Yes, we have a hundred louis d'ors and a diamond ring from the
+mistress of this house."
+
+"Give it to me," cried Lorenza.
+
+"Not the ring, Lorenza, but the diamond, so soon as I have a false
+stone set in the ring--which I must keep as a ring in the chain
+which will bind this woman to our cause."
+
+"Was I not astonishingly like her? Was it not almost unmistakable?"
+
+"Yes, wonderfully deceptive. I shuddered myself as I saw the dagger
+pointed at your bosom."
+
+"And the blood, how it gushed forth, Joseph!" Lorenza burst into a
+merry laugh again, and Cagliostro joined her, but suddenly stopped,
+and, listening, turned toward the door, which he had closed after
+Bischofswerder departed. It seemed as if he heard a noise--a
+peculiar knocking. Four times it was repeated, and Cagliostro waved
+his hand to Lorenza not to speak. Again were heard the four peculiar
+rhythmical sounds. "Be quiet, for Heaven's sake be quiet, Lorenza!
+Let me cover you with the veil; it is a messenger from the
+Invisibles." Cagliostro flew to the door, unbolted it, and stood
+humbly near the entrance. A masked figure, enveloped in a cloak,
+opened it, and entered, rebolting it.
+
+Slowly turning toward Cagliostro, he harshly demanded, "Whose
+servant are you?"
+
+"The servant of the Invisible Rulers and Fathers," he humbly
+answered.
+
+"Who are the Invisible Fathers?"
+
+"The four ambassadors of the great general of the exiles."
+
+"Call him by that name which he bore before a heretic pope in Rome,
+a weak empress, a free-thinking emperor in Germany, a lost-in-sin
+French emperor, and a heretic Spanish minister, condemned him to
+banishment and destruction."
+
+"General of the Jesuits," he answered respectfully, bowing lower.
+
+"Do you know the sign by which he may be recognized?"
+
+"Yes, by a ring with the likeness of the founder of the order, the
+holy Ignatius Loyola."
+
+"Then look, and recognize me," cried the mask, extending his hand to
+Cagliostro.
+
+"The General," he murmured, frightened, gazing at the ring upon the
+small, white hand of the other. "The holy founder of the order
+himself!" He seized his hand and pressed it to his lips, sinking
+upon his knees. The mask remained standing before the magician, as
+lowly as he might bow himself, who was still arrayed in his
+brilliant costume with the band upon his brow sparkling like
+diamonds.
+
+With a cold, reserved manner he answered, "I am he, and am come here
+to give you my commands by word of mouth."
+
+"Command me; I am thy humble servant, and but a weak tool in thy
+hands."
+
+"It is my will that you should become a powerful tool in my hands.
+Rise, for I will speak to the man who must stand erect in the storm.
+Rise!" The proud commander was now an humble, obedient servant. He
+rose slowly, standing with bowed head.
+
+"When and where did we last meet?" demanded the mask.
+
+"In 1773, at Rome."
+
+"In the year of curse and blasphemy," said the mask, in a harsh
+voice. "The year in which the infamous Pope Clement XVI. condemned
+the holy order, and hurled his famous bull, Dominus redemptor
+noster. The holy order, condemned and disbanded by his infamous
+mouth, were changed into holy martyrs, without country, without
+possessions or rights, as persecuted fugitives, wandering around the
+world, to the wicked a scorn, to the pious a lamentable example of
+virtue and constancy. Exiled and persecuted, you fled to a house of
+one of our order, and there we for the first time met. The daughter
+of this man was your beloved. Tell me why did you conceal yourself
+after flying from Palermo? I will see if the elevated one
+ungratefully forgets the days of his degradation."
+
+"They accused me in Palermo of falsifying documents by which
+rightful owners were deprived of their lawful possessions. They
+threw me into subterranean dungeons, and I was near dying, when the
+Invisible Protectors rescued me."
+
+"Was the accusation well founded? Had you committed the crime you
+were accused of?"
+
+"Yes," answered Cagliostro, in a low voice, "I was guilty."
+
+"For whom, by whose authority?"
+
+"For the pious fathers, who commanded me, and whose pretensions to
+the possessions of the Duc Costa Rica were clearly proved by those
+documents."
+
+"You then learned the power and the gratitude of our order. From
+underground prisons they freed you, and procured a way of escape to
+Rome, to find a safe asylum in the house of a believer. But just at
+that time condemnation burst upon us, and from a powerful order we
+were changed into a persecuted one. The forger Joseph Balsamo sought
+the brazier Feliciano, who gave him money, letters of
+recommendation, and instructed him how to serve the order, and
+procure an agreeable life for himself. Is it not so?"
+
+"It is so," answered Cagliostro, softly. "It was the order of the
+General which united you in marriage to your beloved Lorenza
+Feliciana, who initiated you in the secret sciences and the secrets
+of Nature, that you might employ them for the well-being of
+humanity."
+
+"It is so, master."
+
+"You implored also, as you were about to separate, to see the face
+of your benefactor, to engrave it upon your heart. Would you now be
+able to recognize it?"
+
+"I could in an instant, among thousands."
+
+The General slowly raised the mask; a pale, emaciated face was
+visible, with great black eyes in sunken sockets, thin bloodless
+lips, and a high, bony brow. "Do you recognize me?"
+
+"No!" sadly answered Cagliostro, "it is not the same face."
+
+"You see, my son, man changes, but knowledge not. I am another, and
+yet the same, for the outward human form is only the vessel of the
+eternal band into which everlasting truth and the holy doctrines are
+poured. If the vessel breaks, it is replaced by another, and an
+inexhaustible spring. Thought and holy knowledge flow into the
+renewed vessel. I am a new vessel, but the same spirit which
+formerly spoke to you. I know your past life, and for what purpose
+you are in the world. As the General then spoke to you, so speak I
+now. The unholy have put the holy under a ban--they have persecuted
+and condemned us. The Holy Order of the Fathers of Jesus is lifeless
+before the world, but not before God. Jesuits do not die, for they
+bear eternal life in them, and there will a day come when they will
+burst forth from darkness into light. Go, my son, and help prepare
+the day, help smooth the way, that we may walk therein. Have you
+obeyed?"
+
+"I have consecrated my whole life to it, your eminence. I have
+wandered around the world, and everywhere striven to disseminate the
+doctrine of the Invisible Fathers, and win disciples and adherents
+to the order. The Brothers of the Egyptian Masons, the Brothers of
+the Rosicrucians, are the disciples which I have won, and you know
+well there are many mighty and illustrious men among them."
+
+"I know it, and I am satisfied you are an active and useful tool.
+This I came to tell you, that I might stimulate and advise you.
+Great deeds you shall perform, great achievements the holy Ignatius
+Loyola announces by my mouth. The world lies in sin, and the devil
+strides victorious over it, since the holy order has been proscribed
+and persecuted by the wicked. The devil is arrogant progress and
+boasting reason. They who listen to him think themselves wise when
+they are fools, and speak of their enlightenment while they still
+wander in the dark. To combat this reason, to oppose this
+intelligence, is the task of our order, which will never die. For
+God Sent it forth to the world to fight the devil of progress, who
+is the ruler of darkness. I have observed you, I have followed you,
+and I am satisfied. But I await still greater things from you."
+
+"What shall it be? Speak, O master; command, and I obey!"
+
+"You shall strive throughout Europe for the restitution of the holy
+order. You shall subject to it all minds; make the rich, the
+powerful, the eminent and great, serviceable to it. Into the Orders
+of the Rosicrucians and Egyptian Masons you shall gather all the
+stray and isolated sheep into a flock, to await with longing the
+coming of the shepherd, and prepare a place for him. To the holy
+Church you shall consecrate the band of brothers, the only blessed
+Church, which is the lofty abode of the father of our order. To us
+belongs the world; you shall assist to reconquer it. Unbelievers
+shall be fought with every weapon. Every deception, slander,
+persecution, and murder, are holy if used for the benefit of the
+holy order. You shall shrink from nothing which is useful and
+beneficial for the sublime goal. The murder of a prince is no sin,
+but a just punishment, when it is necessary to remove a mighty
+enemy. If you create revolutions, cause nations to tear each other
+to pieces in grim civil war, these revolutions will be sanctified,
+the civil wars blessed, if they serve to strengthen the power of our
+order, and gain victory at last against the opponents. Only through
+our order can happiness reenter the world, and mankind be rescued.
+If the Holy Fathers do not sit in the council of princes, if they
+are not the conscience of the powerful, and steer the machine of
+state, the world goes to destruction, and mankind is lost. You shall
+help, my son, to turn aside the evil, and prepare happiness for
+earth. You have already done much, but much more is required. Go and
+work miracles; belief in them sanctifies the mind. Our fathers will
+sustain you everywhere, for you well know they are always present,
+though it is imagined they are not. The infamous Ganganelli has
+stripped them of their uniform, but not annihilated them, as we are,
+and ever shall be. I have sent out nine thousand brothers in Europe
+for the benefit of the order, and you will recognize them by the
+watchword. They will serve you as you will serve them. If danger
+menaces you, our brothers will know it, and rescue you. You will be
+unassailable, so long as you work for the order, and win disciples
+for it. Prussia is our important station as you rightly judged, and
+I extol you for your foresight. You prepare the future, for here it
+will be! When the royal mocker of religion dies, then comes a new
+kingdom, and the Rosicrucians will rise to power. Vices as well as
+virtues must serve us; therefore Dischofswerder and Wilhelmine Enke
+are useful means for holy purposes. That you have recognized it I
+praise you. Continue, my son, as you have begun, and you shall
+become powerful upon the earth. Not a hair of your head shall be
+touched so long as you are faithful to the Invisible Fathers. But so
+soon as you turn traitor to the holy cause you are lost, and our
+anger will crush you!"
+
+"Never will I turn traitor," cried Cagliostro, holding up his hands
+as if taking an oath.
+
+"I hope not. Our enemies shall be your enemies, and our friends your
+friends. If one of the brothers orders you in my name, 'Kill this
+man or that woman,' so kill them! Swear it!"
+
+Shuddering, Cagliostro repeated, "I swear it!"
+
+"As soon as one of the brothers orders you, in my name, 'Rescue this
+man or that woman,' so do every thing; even risk and sacrifice your
+life to rescue him."
+
+"I swear it."
+
+"You stand in the holy temple of the order, but also under its
+avenging sword. Be mindful of it in all your acts. The world is open
+to you, and our influence will be with you everywhere. You shall win
+the hearts of the great and the mighty to us, and place the Order of
+the Rosicrucians on the steps of the throne. The Great Kophta shall
+lead believers to us."
+
+"The Great Kophta will perform all that you command, as he is only
+the humble servant of his general," said Cagliostro, kissing the
+hand extended to him.
+
+"Do not kiss the hand, it is only that of an inferior mortal: kiss
+the ring, for it is the imperishable sign of our immortal saint."
+
+"I kiss the ring of the immortal Ignatius Loyola, and swear eternal
+fidelity, constant obedience, and firm love, until death."
+
+"Rise! for the time has come for us to separate. I have provided for
+the journeys the necessary means. Here are letters of recommendation
+to Warsaw and Mittau, others to Paris and London; but, the most
+important of all, letters of credit upon well-known bankers to the
+value of five hundred thousand dollars--all valid, though delivered
+years hence."
+
+"A half million!" cried Cagliostro, almost terrified.
+
+"Does a half million astonish you?" repeated the General, and his
+gray, fleshless face was distorted into a smile. "The Great Kophta
+must travel and live like a prince, that he may dazzle the eyes of
+the brothers, and subjugate the minds of the powerful. We give you
+the money, but remember you are always under the watchful eye of the
+order, and there is no spot on earth where you can hide yourself
+from our vengeance with the trust confided in you. You shall spend
+it to buy souls and win thrones, for hearts and consciences are
+sold; money will buy every thing. Take your letters of credit; you
+shall live as a great lord, and the Great Kophta shall be equal with
+princes."
+
+He handed Cagliostro five sealed letters, saying: "They are made out
+for five years; only one for each year, as the number indicates.
+Number one is for this year, and number five is only valid at the
+expiration of five years. The order is mindful of your security, and
+thus five years of your life are freed from earthly care. You shall
+work in spirit, and you shall enchant the world, that it may be
+saved through the only saving Church, and the Holy Order."
+
+He bowed a farewell, making the sign of the cross upon Cagliostro,
+and bent his steps to the throne, raising the veil which enveloped
+Lorenza. She looked up to him with glowing cheeks and sparkling
+eyes, smiling. By this she would express her thanks for the princely
+gift to her husband, and swear to the General her delight, her
+fidelity, and love. He regarded her as coldly and calmly as a
+physician a patient.
+
+"Yes, holy father, I have heard all," she said, with a sweet, flute-
+like voice. "My heart is filled with gratitude and emotion."
+
+"Prove it by assisting your husband to attain the goal for which we
+send him forth. I have already said that vice must serve virtue,
+Lorenza. Beauty is a power, and if it serves holy purposes, so is it
+sanctified. Employ your beauty to win adherents to the order, and
+extend the power of the Rosicrucians in every land, and among all
+nations."
+
+"I swear that this shall be my holiest endeavor," cried Lorenza,
+rising.
+
+The General pressed her back upon the pillow, saying: "Remain, for
+there is no one here for you to enchant. I bring you pardon for your
+sins, and an indulgence for every sin which you will commit, if you
+swear to serve faithfully the holy Church and the pious fathers of
+Jesus."
+
+"I swear," solemnly cried Lorenza.
+
+"Here is the letter of indulgence from Pius VI. himself, made out in
+your name for you. Take it, and perform your duty." He laid down the
+parchment provided with the papal seal upon her shoulder, and
+drawing the veil over her made the sign of the cross, saying, "I
+bless you, and give you absolution for your sins."
+
+"Bless me also, lord and master," cried Cagliostro, kneeling upon
+the lowest step to the throne.
+
+"I bless you in the name of Loyola. Remain upon your knees, and
+follow me not." He extended his hands over him, and blessed him,
+then slowly withdrew.
+
+The first beams of the morning sun shone through the great window-
+panes, lighting up with its golden rays Cagliostro's kneeling form.
+He remained with his head bowed until the General had passed out.
+"He is gone; Heaven be praised, he is gone!"
+
+"Yes, he is gone," repeated Lorenza, springing from the couch. "Is
+it true, has he given you half a million?"
+
+Cagliostro held up with triumphant air the letters. "See, these
+addresses are upon the first banking-houses in Rome, Paris, London,
+and Berlin!"
+
+"Do you believe that they are genuine?"
+
+"I am convinced of it."
+
+"Then we have attained our aim; we are rich and powerful."
+
+"No," answered Cagliostro, mournfully, "we are poorer than ever.
+This money makes us slaves, makes us dependent tools. Did you not
+hear him say, 'You are admitted into the Temple, but the avenging
+sword of the order everywhere hangs over you.'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A PENSIONED GENERAL.
+
+
+"Wife," cried the General von Werrig, limping around the room,
+leaning upon his crutch, "here is the answer from our most gracious
+lord and king. The courier arrived to-day from the war department,
+and sent it to me by an express."
+
+"What is the king's answer?" asked the general's wife, a pale, gaunt
+woman, with a pock-marked face, harsh, severe features, dull gray
+eyes, which never beamed with emotion, and thin, bloodless lips,
+upon which a smile never played. "What is the king's answer?" she
+repeated, in a rough voice, as her husband, puffing and blowing from
+the effort of walking, sank down upon a chair, and dried his fat,
+ruby face with a red cotton pocket-handkerchief.
+
+"I have not read it," panted the old man. "I thought I would leave
+the honor to you, as you, my very learned wife, wrote the letter to
+his majesty."
+
+His wife was not in the least astonished at this thoughtful conduct
+of her husband. She impetuously seized the sealed document, and,
+retiring to the window-niche, slowly unfolded it, whilst the old
+general fixed his little gray eyes upon her emotionless face. His
+own was bloated and red, expressing the greatest anxiety and
+expectation. Perfect stillness reigned for some minutes, only the
+regular strokes of the pendulum were heard from the clock on the
+wall; and, as the hands pointed to the expiration of the hour, a
+cuckoo sprang out of the tree painted over the dial, and eleven
+times her hoarse, croaking voice was heard.
+
+"It gets every day more out of tune," growled the general, as he
+looked up to the old, yellow dial, and ran his eye over the cords
+which supported the weights. Then glancing around the room, he saw
+everywhere age, decay, and indigence. There was an old divan, with a
+patched, faded covering of silk, and a grandfather's arm-chair near
+it, the cushion of which the general knew, by the long years of
+experience, to be hard as a stone. A round table stood near the
+divan, covered with a shabby woollen cover, to hide the much-
+thumbed, dull polish. A few cane-chairs against the wall, an old
+black-oak wardrobe near the door, and the sewing-table of Madame von
+Werrig in the window-niche, completed the furniture of the room. At
+the window hung faded woollen curtains, and on the green painted
+walls some pictures and portraits, conspicuous among them a
+beautiful portrait of the king, painted on copper, which represented
+Frederick in his youthful beauty. It was a morose, sullen-looking
+room, arranged most certainly by its feminine occupant, and
+harmonized exactly with her fretful face and angular figure, void of
+charms. At last the general broke the silence with submissive voice:
+"I pray you, Clotilda, tell me what the king wrote."
+
+She folded the paper, joy beaming in her eyes. "Granted! every thing
+granted!"
+
+The general jumped up to embrace his wife with youthful activity, in
+spite of the gout. "You are a capital wife," he cried, at the same
+time giving her a loud, smacking kiss upon her cold, gray cheek. "It
+was the brightest, cleverest act of my life marrying you, Clotilda."
+
+"I might well say the reverse, Emerentius," she replied,
+complainingly. "It surely was not sensible for me, a young lady from
+such a genteel family, and so spoiled, to marry an officer whom the
+king ennobled upon the battle-field, and who possessed nothing but
+his captain's pay--a fickle man, and a gambler, too."
+
+"Yes, Clotilda, love usurped reason," soothingly replied the
+general; "love is your excuse."
+
+"Nonsense!" cried Madame von Werrig. "Love is never an excuse; it is
+folly."
+
+"Well, let us suppose, then, that you did not marry for love, only
+from pure reason, because you found that it was quite time to
+espouse some one; and that, in spite of your many ancestors and
+genteel family, no other chance was offered you, unfortunately no
+one but this captain, whom the king ennobled upon the battle-field
+of Leuthen on account of his bravery, and who was a very handsome,
+agreeable officer, expecting still further promotion. And you were
+not deceived. I was major, when the Hubertsburger treaty put an end
+to a gay war-life. You will remember I was advanced during peace;
+his majesty did not forget that I cut a way for him through the
+enemy, and he made me lieutenant-colonel and colonel, when I was
+obliged to resign on account of this infamous gout, and then I
+received the title of general."
+
+"Without 'excellency,'" replied his wife, dryly. "I have not even
+this pleasure to be called 'excellency.' It would have been a slight
+compensation for my sad, miserable existence, and vexed many of the
+female friends of my youth if they had been obliged to call me
+'excellency.' But my marriage brought me only cares, not even a
+title."
+
+"Do not forget a lovely daughter, Clotilda. Our Marie is beautiful,
+wise, and good, and through her you will yet have tranquil
+happiness. For you say the king has granted all we wish."
+
+"Every thing!" repeated the wife, with emphasis. "We have at last
+finished with want and care, and can count upon an independent,
+quiet old age, for God has been gracious, and forced you, from the
+gout, to give up gambling, and we are freed from the misery which
+has so often threatened us from your unhappy passion."
+
+"At the beginning, I played from passion; afterward, I only played
+to win back what I had lost."
+
+"And in that manner played away all we possessed, and played upon
+your word of honor, so that for years the half of our pension went
+to pay your gambling-debts. Heaven be thanked, the king did not know
+it, or we would have experienced still worse!"
+
+"I pray you, beloved Clotilda, do not fret yourself needlessly about
+the past; it is all over, and, as you say, I am unfortunately a
+prisoner in the house from the gout, which shields me from the
+temptation."
+
+"I did not say unfortunately; I said 'Heaven be praised, the gout
+had put an end to your fickle life.'"
+
+"Then, thank Heaven, my dear; we will not quarrel about it. It is
+past, and, as the king has granted all, we shall have a pleasant
+life now."
+
+"We will soon receive from our son-in-law a yearly pension, which
+will be paid to me, and I shall spend it."
+
+The general sighed. "In that case I fear that I shall not get much
+of it."
+
+"At any rate, more than I have ever received from your pension."
+
+"There is but one thing wanting," replied the general, evasively,
+"Marie's consent."
+
+Madame von Werrig gave a short, gruff laugh, which did not in the
+least brighten her sullen face. "We will not ask her consent, but
+command it."
+
+The general remarked, timidly, shrugging his shoulders, "Marie had a
+very decided character, and--"
+
+"What do you hesitate to speak out for? What--and--"
+
+"I think she still loves the Conrector Moritz."
+
+A second laugh, somewhat menacing, sounded like a challenge. "The
+schoolmaster!" she cried, contemptuously.
+
+"Let her dare to tell me again she loves the schoolmaster; she the
+daughter of a general, and a native-born countess of the empire!"
+
+"My dear, it was your fault--the only fault you ever committed,
+perhaps. How could you let such a young, handsome, and agreeable man
+come to the house as teacher to our daughter?"
+
+"How could I suppose my daughter was so degenerated as to love a
+common schoolmaster, and wish to marry him?"
+
+"It is truly unheard of, and it would make any one angry, my dear
+wife, for she insists upon loving him."
+
+"She will not insist, she will do what she is commanded to do--my
+word for it! But why talk about it? It is better to decide the
+matter at once."
+
+So Frau von Werrig rose with a determined manner, and rang the small
+brass bell which was upon the sofa-table. But a few seconds elapsed
+before a little, crooked servant appeared at the side-door, with her
+dirty apron put aside by tucking the corner in her belt. "Go to my
+daughter, and tell her to come down immediately!"
+
+The servant, instead of hastening to obey the order, remained
+standing upon the threshold. "I dare not go," said she, in a hoarse,
+croaking voice. "Fraulein told me not to disturb her to-day, for she
+has still two bouquets of flowers to arrange, and two lessons to
+give, and she is so busy that she is not at home to visitors. She
+torments herself from morning till night."
+
+"I order you to tell Fraulein to come down at once; we have
+something important to tell her. No contradiction! go, Trude!"
+
+The servant understood the cold, commanding tone of the mother, and
+dared not disobey.
+
+"It is nothing good that they have to tell her," grumbled Trude, as
+she hurried up the stairs which led from the first story into the
+little, low room in the attic, under the sloping roof. Here and
+there a few tiles could be lifted, which lighted the garret
+sufficiently to show the door at the end. "May I come in, my dear
+Fraulein? it is Trude."
+
+"The door is open," cried a sweet voice, and Trude entered. It is a
+most charming little room, just that of a young girl. The bed has a
+snow-white covering, and white curtains, suspended from a hook in
+the wall around it. The same curtains at the low gable-windows,
+whose depth, so to speak, made a light anteroom to the real gloomy
+one in the background. In this little anteroom the young girl had
+placed all that was necessary for her pleasure and use. There were
+the most beautiful, sweet-scented flowers upon the window-stool; in
+a pretty metal cage was a light-colored canary. There were also
+pretty engravings, and upon the table stood a vase filled with
+superb artificial flowers, and before it sat the possessor of this
+room, the daughter of General and Frau von Werrig, surrounded with
+her work-tools, paper, and colored materials--a young girl, scarcely
+twenty, of a proud, dignified appearance, but simply and gracefully
+dressed. According to the fashion of the day, her hair was slightly
+powdered, and raised high above her broad, clear brow with a blue
+rosette, and ends at the side. The nobly-formed and beautiful face
+was slightly flushed, and around the month was an expression of
+courageous energy. As old Trude entered, the young girl raised her
+eyes from the rose-bud which she was just finishing, and looked at
+her. What beautiful black eyes they were as they sparkled underneath
+the delicately-arched, black eyebrows!
+
+"Now, old one," said she, kindly, "what do you wish? Did you forget
+that I wanted to work undisturbed to-day?"
+
+"Didn't forget it, my Fraulein, but--"
+
+"But you have forgotten that up here, in my attic-room, I am not
+your Fraulein, but your Marie, whom you have taken care of and
+watched over when a child, and whose best and truest friend you have
+been. Come, give me your hand, and tell me what you have to say."
+
+Old Trude shuffled hurriedly along in her leather slippers. Her old,
+homely face looked almost attractive, with its expression of glowing
+tenderness, as she regarded the beautiful, smiling face before her,
+and laid her hard brown hand in the little white one extended to
+her. "Marie," she said, softly and anxiously, "you must go down at
+once to your mother and father. They have something very important
+to tell you."
+
+"Something very important!" repeated Marie, laying aside her work.
+"Do you know what it is?"
+
+"Nothing good, I fear," sighed the old woman. "A soldier has been
+here from the war department and brought a letter for the general,
+and he told me that it was sent from the king's cabinet at Breslau."
+
+"Oh, Heaven! what does it mean?" cried Marie, frightened, and
+springing up. "Something is going to happen, I know. I have noticed
+certain expressions which escaped my father; the proud, threatening
+manner of my mother; but above all the bold importunity of that man,
+whom I despise as one detests vice, stupidity, and ennui. They will
+not believe that I hate him, that I rather--"
+
+"Marie, are you not coming?" called the mother, with a commanding
+voice.
+
+"I must obey," she said, drawing a long breath, and hastening to the
+door, followed by Trude, who pulled her back and held her fast upon
+the very first step. "You have forbidden me to speak of him, but I
+must."
+
+Marie stood as if rooted to the spot, her face flushed, and in
+breathless expectation looking back to old Trude.
+
+"Speak, Trude," she softly murmured.
+
+"Marie, I saw him to-day, an hour ago!"
+
+"Where, Trude, where did you see him?"
+
+"Over on the corner of Frederick Street, by the baker's. He stood
+waiting for me, as he knows I always go there. He had been there two
+hours, and feared that I was not coming."
+
+"What did he say? Quick! what did he say?"
+
+"He said that he was coming to see you to-day at twelve o'clock;
+that he would rather die than live in this way."
+
+"To-day? and you have just told me of it!"
+
+"I did not mean to say any thing at all about it; I thought it would
+be better, and then you would not have to dissemble. But now, if any
+harm comes to you, you know he is coming, and will stand by you!"
+
+"He will stand by me--yes, he will--"
+
+"Marie!" cried her mother, and her dry, gaunt figure appeared at the
+foot of the stairs. Marie flew down to the sitting-room of her
+parents, following her mother, who took her place in the niche at
+the open window without speaking to her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE KING'S LETTER.
+
+
+"Marie," said the general's wife, after seating herself upon the
+hard cushion of the divan, near which sat the general in his arm-
+chair, busily stroking his painful right leg--"Marie, take a chair,
+and sit near us."
+
+Marie noiselessly brought a cane-chair, and seated herself by the
+table, opposite her parents.
+
+"We have just received a communication from the king's cabinet,"
+said the mother, solemnly. "It is necessary that you should know the
+contents, and I will read it aloud to you. I expressly forbid you,
+however, to interrupt me while I am reading, in your impetuous
+manner, with your remarks, which are always of the most obstinate
+and disagreeable kind. You understand, do you, Marie?"
+
+"Perfectly, mother; I will listen without interrupting you,
+according to your command."
+
+"This communication is naturally addressed to your father, as I
+wrote to the king in his name."
+
+"I did not know that you had written to his majesty at all, dear
+mother."
+
+The mother cast a furious glance at the gentle, decided face of her
+daughter. "You already forget my command and your promise to listen
+without interrupting me. I did, indeed, write to his majesty, but it
+is not necessary to tell you what I, or rather your father,
+solicited, as you will hear it in the answer from our most gracious
+king. It runs thus: 'My faithful subject: I have received your
+petition, and I was glad to learn by this occasion that you are
+well, and that you now lead a steady, reasonable life. Formerly you
+gave good cause of complaint; for it is well known to me that you
+led a dissolute life, and your family suffered want and misfortune
+from your abominable chance-games. You know that I have twice paid
+your debts; that at the second time I gave you my royal word of
+assurance that I would never pay a groschen for you again. If you
+gave yourself up to the vice, and made gambling-debts, I would send
+you to the fortress at Spandau, and deprive you of your pension.
+Nevertheless you played again, and commenced your vicious life anew.
+Notwithstanding which, I did not send you to prison as I threatened,
+and as you deserved, because I remembered that you had been a brave
+soldier, and did me a good service at the battle of Leuthen. For
+this reason I now also grant your request, that, as you have no son,
+your name and coat-of-arms may descend to your son-in-law. The name
+of Werrig-Leuthen is well worthy to be preserved, and be an example
+to succeeding generations. I give my permission for Ludwig
+Ebenstreit, banker, to marry your daughter and only child, and--'"
+
+Marie uttered a cry of horror, and sprang from her seat. "Mother!--"
+
+"Be still! I commanded you not to interrupt me, but listen, with
+becoming respect, to the end, to the words' of his majesty." And,
+with a louder voice, occasionally casting a severe, commanding
+glance at her daughter, she read on: "'And call himself in future
+Ludwig Werrig yon Leuthen. I wish that he should honor the new name,
+and prove himself a true nobleman. Ludwig Ebenstreit must give up,
+or sell, without delay, his banking business, as I cannot permit a
+nobleman to continue the business of citizen, and remain a merchant.
+A nobleman must either be a soldier or a landed proprietor; and if
+your future son-in-law will not be either, he can live upon his
+income, which must indeed be ample. But I command him to spend it in
+the country, not go to foreign countries to spend what he has gained
+in the country. If he should do it, it will not be well with him,
+and he shall be brought back by force. You may communicate this to
+him, and he can judge for himself. I will have the letters of
+nobility made out for him, for which he shall pay the sum of one
+hundred louis d'ors to the 'Invalids' at Berlin. It depends upon him
+whether as a true nobleman he will not give my poor 'Invalids' a
+greater sum. The marriage shall not take place until the letters of
+nobility have been published in the Berlin journals, for I do not
+wish the daughter of a general, and a countess, to marry beneath
+her. You can prepare every thing for the wedding, and let them be
+married as soon as publication has been made. I will give the bride
+a thousand thalers for a dowry, that she may not go to her rich
+husband penniless; the money will be paid to your daughter from the
+government treasury at her receipt. As ever I remain your well-
+disposed king, FREDERICK.'
+
+"And here on the margin," continued the general's wife, looking over
+to her husband with malicious pleasure, "the king has written a few
+lines in his own hand: 'I have given orders that the money shall be
+paid to your daughter in person, with her receipt for the same, for
+I know you, and know that you do not play, not because you have not
+the money, but the gout. If you had the cash and not the gout, you
+would play your daughter's dowry to the devil, and that I do not
+wish, for a noble maiden should not marry a rich husband as poor as
+a church mouse. FREDERICK.'"
+
+A profound stillness prevailed when the reading was finished. The
+general busied himself, as usual, rubbing his gouty leg with the
+palm of his hand. Marie sat with her hands pressed upon her bosom,
+as if she would force back the sighs and sobs which would break
+forth. Her great, black eyes were turned to her mother with an
+expression of painful terror, and she searched with a deathly
+anxiety for a trace of sympathy and mercy upon her cold, immovable
+face.
+
+Her mother slowly folded the letter, and laid it upon the table.
+"You know all now, Marie--that, as it becomes parents, we have
+disposed of your future and your hand. You will submit to their
+wishes without murmuring or opposition, as it becomes an obedient,
+well-brought-up daughter, and receive the husband we have chosen for
+you. He will come today to hear your consent, and you from this day
+forth are the betrothed of the future Herr von Werrig. Of course
+from this very hour you will cease the highly improper and ungenteel
+business which you have pursued. You must not make any more flowers,
+or give any more lessons. The time of such degradation and
+humiliation is past, and my daughter can no longer be a school-
+mistress. You have only to write the receipt to-day, and I will go
+with you to the treasury to get the money."
+
+"I will not write the receipt," said Marie, gently but firmly. Her
+mother, in the act of rising, sank back upon the divan; and the
+general, apparently quite occupied with his leg, stopped rubbing,
+and raised his red, bloated face to his daughter in astonishment.
+"Did I understand rightly your words, that you would not write the
+receipt?"
+
+"Yes, mother, I said so; I cannot and will not write it," replied
+Marie, gently.
+
+"And why cannot you, and will you not write it?" said her mother,
+scornfully.
+
+"Because I have no right to the money, and cannot take it, mother,
+as I will never be the wife of the man you intend me to marry."
+
+The general sprang with a savage curse from his arm-chair, and would
+have rushed to his daughter, but his wife pushed him back into his
+seat, and approached Marie, who rose, regarding her mother with a
+firm, sad expression. "Why can you not be the wife of the man we
+have chosen for you? Answer me, WHY you cannot?"
+
+"You know, mother," she replied, and gradually her voice assumed a
+more decided tone, her cheeks reddened, and an inspired expression
+beamed from her eyes, and pervaded her whole being--" you know,
+mother, that I can never be the wife of Herr Ebenstreit, for I do
+not love him. I despise and abominate him, because he is a man
+without honor; he knows that I do not love him, and yet he insists
+upon marrying me. If it were not so, if I did not despise and
+abominate him, I would not receive his suit and marry him."
+
+"Why not?" cried the general, shaking his fist at his daughter.
+
+"Why not?" cried the mother, with a cold, icy glance, void of pity
+or anger.
+
+Marie encountered these looks with beaming eyes. "Because I am
+betrothed to another," and the words came like a cry of joy from her
+heart--" because I am engaged to my beloved Moritz!"
+
+"Shameless, obstinate creature, have we not forbidden it?" cried her
+father.
+
+"Stop!" interrupted his wife, with a commanding wave of her hand,
+which silenced the obedient husband immediately. "It belongs to me
+to question her, for I am her mother, and my daughter owes me
+submission and obedience above all things.--Answer me, Marie, did
+you not know that we had forbidden you to speak to this man, or have
+any communication with him? Did you not know that I, your mother,
+had menaced you with a curse if you married this man, or even spoke
+to the miserable, pitiable creature?"
+
+"Mother," cried Marie, vehemently, "he is not a poor, miserable
+creature. You may hate him, but you dare not outrage the noble, the
+good, and just man!"
+
+"He is a good-for-nothing fellow," cried her father; "he has tried
+to win a minor behind the parents' back. He is a shameful, good-for-
+nothing seducer."
+
+"He is dishonorable," cried the general's wife--"a dishonorable man,
+who has misused our confidence. We confided to him our daughter to
+teach, and paid him for it. He improved the opportunity to make a
+declaration of love, and stole the time from us to infatuate the
+heart of our daughter with flattery, and from his pupil win a
+bride."
+
+"Oh, unworthy, shameful slander!" cried Marie, her eyes flashing
+with anger. "You well know that it is a vile scandal, that Moritz
+was no paid teacher. If he had been--if he had felt obliged to yield
+to the sad necessity of being paid for his valuable time, because he
+was poor, and forced to live by his intellect, he was a free man,
+and had the right to love whom he chose. He loves me, and I have
+accepted his love as the most precious, most beautiful, and most
+glorious gift of my life. Ah! do not look so angry with me, father;
+I cannot say otherwise. I cannot crush or deny the inmost life of my
+life.--Oh, mother, forgive me that I cannot change it! You know that
+otherwise I have been a most obedient daughter to you in all things,
+although you have never taught me the happiness of possessing a
+loving mother; though neither of you could ever forgive your only
+child for not being a son, who could inherit your name, and win a
+brilliant position, yet I have always loved you tenderly and truly,
+and never complained that the unwelcome daughter received neither
+love nor tenderness, only indifference and coldness from her
+parents."
+
+"Beautiful, very beautiful!" replied the mother, contemptuously.
+"Now you wish to blame us that you are a heartless and thankless
+daughter.--We have not understood her heart, and it is our fault
+that her love has flown somewhere else.
+
+This is the language of romance. I have, indeed, read it in the
+romances of Herr Moritz, and my daughter has only repeated what she
+learned as a docile pupil from her schoolmaster. Very fine, to pay
+Herr Moritz to form our daughter into the heroine of a romance! She
+ought to have learned the languages, but has learned only the
+language of romances."
+
+"You are very severe and very cruel, mother," said Marie, sadly. "I
+would not complain, only excuse myself, and implore pity and
+indulgence, and defend myself from the reproach of having been a
+cold, unloving daughter. Oh! God knows how I have longed for your
+love; that I would willingly prove that I would joyfully do every
+thing to embellish your life and make you happy. It gave me such
+pleasure to earn something for you with my dear flowers and lessons,
+and afford you a little gratification!"
+
+"Ah! now, she will reproach us with having toiled for us and
+sacrificed herself. Husband, thank yourself for the victim who
+worked for you, who gave her youth for us that she might strew our
+life with roses."
+
+"I have had enough of this talking and whining," cried the general,
+furiously beating the table with his fist. "My daughter shall not be
+a heroine of romance, but an obedient child, who submits to the will
+of her parents. You shall marry the man that we have chosen for you;
+the king has given his consent, and it shall take place. I command
+you! That is sufficient! I will hear no more about it; the thing is
+done with. Herr Ebenstreit is coming this afternoon to make you a
+proposal of marriage with our consent, and you must, accept him. I
+command you to do it!"
+
+"I cannot obey you! Oh, do not force me to rebel against God's holy
+laws! Have pity upon me! I have obeyed you until now, and yielded to
+your wishes, although I thought it would break my heart sometimes.
+You have forbidden Moritz the house, and turned him out of doors
+like a servant, with scorn and contempt, and he has silently borne
+it on my account. You have forbidden me to write or receive letters
+from him, or ever to meet him. My mother would curse me if I
+disobeyed her, and I submitted. I have given up every thing,
+sacrificed every wish, and renounced my love. But you cannot expect
+more from me, or dare ask it. I can forego happiness, but you cannot
+ask me to consent to be buried alive!"
+
+"And what if we should wish it?" asked her mother. "If we should
+demand our daughter to give up a romantic, foolish love, to become
+the wife of a young man who loves her, and who loves us, and who is
+rich enough to assure us a comfortable old age, free from care?"
+
+"Marie," cried the general, in a begging and almost imploring tone,
+"Marie, prove to us now that you are really a good and grateful
+child--we have had so much care and want in our life, so many
+sorrowful days! It lies in your hands to make our declining days
+joyous and bright, and free us from want. We have often grumbled
+against God, that He did not give us a son; now make us to rejoice
+that He has given us a daughter, who will bring us a son and inherit
+our name through her children, and who will give us what we have
+never known--prosperity and riches. I beg you, my dear, good child,
+grant your parents the few last years of their life freedom from
+care!"
+
+"And I, Marie," said her mother, in a softened and tender tone,
+which Marie had never heard from her--"I beg you also, be a good
+daughter, pity your mother! I have always led a joyless, unhappy
+life. I lived unmarried, a native-born countess, with proud
+relations, who made me feel bitterly my dependence; when married my
+existence was only trouble, privations, care, and sorrow. I beg you,
+Marie, teach me to know happiness, for which I have so longed in
+vain; give me independence and prosperity, which I have always
+desired, and never known. I pray, Marie, make us happy in bringing
+us a rich, genteel, and good son-in-law, Herr Ebenstreit."
+
+Marie, who met the scorn and threats of her mother with firmness and
+a proud demeanor, trembled as she heard these severe and merciless
+lips, always so cold and harsh, now begging and imploring. At first
+she was quite frightened, and then terrified, and covered her face
+with her hands, her head sinking upon her breast as her mother
+spoke.
+
+"Speak, my daughter," cried the general, as his wife was silent.
+"Speak, my dear Marie. Say the word, and we shall be all happy, and
+there will be no happier family found in Berlin, or the world even.
+Say that you will marry Ebenstreit, and we will love and bless you
+so long as we live. Do say yes, dear Marie!"
+
+Her hands fell from her face, and stretching them out toward her
+parents, she looked at them in despair.
+
+There was a fearful pause. "I cannot, it is impossible!" she
+shrieked. "I cannot marry this man, for I do not love him. I love
+another, whom I can never forget, whom I shall love forever. I
+love--"
+
+"Herr Conrector Moritz!" announced Trude, hastily bursting open the
+door, and looking in with a triumphant smile.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+HATE AND LOVE
+
+
+"Herr Conrector Moritz wishes to pay his respects," called out Trude
+again.
+
+"We do not wish to receive him," cried Frau von Werrig.
+
+"He dare not presume to enter!" shrieked the general.
+
+Marie cried, "Moritz! Oh! my beloved Moritz," rushing with
+outstretched arms toward her lover, who just appeared at the door.
+"God has sent you to sustain me in this fearful hour."
+
+Old Trude peeped through the half-closed door, well satisfied to see
+her dear young lady folded in Moritz's arms, and her head leaning
+upon his shoulder. "Yes," she murmured, closing softly the door,
+"Marie is right, God himself sent her lover in this hour, and I
+would not let her wicked, hard-hearted parents send him away."
+
+Quick as thought she turned the key, fastening the door, and betook
+herself to the farthest room, carefully closing every door between
+them. "Now we will see for once whether they will show him the door,
+and pitch him out. No, they will be obliged to listen to him. Old
+Trude wishes it, for it will make her dear Marie happy. It is all
+the same to me if the old German tries to scratch my eyes out for
+it; I will take good care to keep out of his way. I must go and
+listen once."
+
+She put her ear to the keyhole, and then her eye, to see how the
+quarrellers looked.
+
+At first the general and his wife were quite alarmed, and almost
+speechless as they witnessed the joyful meeting of the lovers. The
+father sprang up suddenly, with clinched fist, but instead of bitter
+invectives only a fearful shriek of pain was heard, as he sank
+groaning and whimpering into his armchair. The gout had again seized
+its victim. Anger had excited the general's blood, and had also
+brought on the pain in his leg again. His wife took no notice of his
+cries and groans, for it was quite as agreeable to her to be the
+only speaker, and have her moaning husband a kind of assenting
+chorus. "Leave each other!" she commanded, as she approached the
+lovers, flourishing her long shrivelled arms about. "Leave each
+other, and leave my house!"
+
+Laying her hand on Marie's arm, which was thrown around her lover's
+neck, she endeavored to tear her away, and draw her daughter toward
+herself. But Marie clung only the more firmly, and Moritz pressed
+her more fervently to his heart. They heeded not and heard not the
+outburst of anger which the mother gave way to. They read in each
+other's eyes the bliss, the joy of meeting again, and the assurance
+of constant, imperishable love.
+
+"You are pale and thin, my beloved!"
+
+"Sorrow for you is consuming me, Marie, but, thank Heaven, you are
+unchanged, and beautiful as ever!"
+
+"Hope and love have consoled and strengthened me, Philip."
+
+"Enough! I forbid you to speak another word to each other," and with
+the power which rage lends, the mother tore Marie away. "Herr
+Moritz, will you tell me by what right you force yourself into our
+house, and surprise us like a street-thief in our peaceful dwelling?
+But no! you need not tell me, I will not listen to you. Those who
+permit themselves to enter our room unasked and unwelcomed--I will
+have nothing to say to them. Leave! there is the door! Out with you,
+off the threshold!"
+
+With calm demeanor, Moritz now approached Fran von Werrig, demanding
+her pardon, saying: "You see, madame, that I am not so unwelcome
+here, therefore you will be obliged to let me remain."
+
+"Yes, that she will," sneered Trude, outside the door. "It will be
+difficult for her to send him off so long as I am unwilling."
+
+"No, I will not permit it. We have nothing to do with each other.
+Out of my sight!--Away!"
+
+"Away!" cried the general. "Oh, the gout, the maddening pains! I
+cannot throw the bold fellow out of the house! I must lie here, and
+writhe like a worm! I cannot be master of my house. Oh, oh! what
+pain!"
+
+"Stay, Philip," whispered Marie, as she again leaned toward Moritz.
+"They wish to sell me and force me to a hated marriage. Do not
+yield! save me!"
+
+"You are mine, Marie; yon have sworn to me eternal constancy, and no
+one can compel you to marry if you do not wish to."
+
+"We are her parents; we can, and we will compel her," triumphantly
+cried Frau von Werrig. "The king has given his consent, and if it is
+necessary we will drag her to the altar by force!"
+
+"Do it, mother, and I will say no before all the world."
+
+"We will take care that no one hears you but the priest, and he will
+not listen, as he knows that the king has commanded you to say yes!"
+
+"But God will hear her, Frau yon Werrig, and He will take vengeance
+on the cruel, heartless mother."
+
+"I will await this vengeance," she sneered. "It does not concern
+you, and you need not trouble yourself about it. Leave the house!"
+
+"I came here to speak with you, and I will not go away until you
+have listened to me."
+
+"Then I will leave, for I will not hear you, and I command you to
+follow me, Marie!"
+
+She seized Marie with irresistible force, and drew her toward the
+side door, which was fast. Then hurried toward the entrance,
+dragging her daughter after her, but shook it in vain; that door was
+fastened also.
+
+"Oh! I could kiss myself," murmured Trude, as she patted her old,
+wrinkled cheeks. "I was as cunning and wise as Solomon. There,
+shriek for Trude, order her to open it. Trude is not there, and she
+has no ears for you!"
+
+"This is a plot--a shameful plot!" cried Frau yon Werrig, stamping
+her feet. "That good-for-nothing creature, Trude, is in it. She has
+locked the doors, and the schoolmaster paid her for it."
+
+Trude shook her fist at her mistress behind the door. "Wait! that
+good-for-nothing creature will punish you! You shall have something
+to be angry about with me every day."
+
+"I swear to you that I do not know who locked the doors," replied
+Moritz, calmly. "But whoever did it, I thank them from the depths of
+my soul, for it forces you to listen to me, and may love give my
+words the power to soften your heart. General and Frau von Werrig, I
+conjure you to have compassion upon us. Is it possible that you are
+deaf to the cry of grief of your own child?"
+
+Suddenly assuming a contemptuous calm, Frau von Werrig sank back
+upon the divan with great dignity. "As I am obliged to listen to
+you, through a shameful deception, let it be so. Try to make ears in
+my heart, which you say is deaf. Let me listen to your wonderful
+eloquence!"
+
+"Oh, Philip!" said Marie, clasping his arms, "you see it will all be
+in vain."
+
+"Let me hope to succeed in awakening a spark of loving mercy, as
+Moses caused the fountain to gush from the rock.--A year since you
+turned me insultingly from your door, Frau von Werrig, and you
+forbade me with scorn and contempt to ever cross your threshold. In
+the rebellious pride of my heart I swore never to do it again, never
+to speak to those who had so injured me. The holy, pure love which
+binds me to this dear girl has released me from my oath. We have
+tried to live separated from each other a long year, an
+inconsolable, unhappy year! We hoped to renounce each other,
+although we could not forget. Marie, as an obedient daughter, obeyed
+your commands, and returned the ring, which I gave her in a moment
+of affection and holy trust. I released her from the oath of
+constancy, and made her free! But it is in vain! During this year I
+have striven with sorrow as a man, helpless in a desert, who writhes
+in the folds of the poisonous serpent. I should have gone mad if a
+consoling word from a great and noble mind had not roused me from my
+desolation, and if love had not shed a ray of light into my
+benighted soul. I listened no longer to sickening pride and humbled
+sense of honor. Love commanded me to come here, and I came to ask
+you, Marie, in the presence of your parents, if you will be my wife;
+if you will accept my poor, insignificant name, and be contented by
+my side to lead a quiet, modest existence. I can only earn
+sufficient to assure us a peaceful life. I have no splendor, no
+treasures to offer you, but only my love, my heart, my life, my
+whole thought and being. Will you accept it, Marie?"
+
+"I do accept it, Moritz, as the greatest happiness of my life. I
+desire only your love, and I can return only my love to you! Here is
+my hand, Philip, it belongs to you alone! Let us kneel in humility
+before my parents, and implore their blessing.--Oh, my father and
+mother, have pity upon us! See this dear man, to whom my whole heart
+belongs. I desire only to live and toil with him. There are no
+riches, no treasures, to compare with his love!"
+
+"General and Frau von Werrig, grant me the wife of my heart!" cried
+Philip Moritz, deeply moved. "It is true, I am not worthy of her, I
+have no name, no position, to offer her, but I swear to strive to
+gain it for her. I will win by my talents and knowledge a
+distinguished name, and perhaps one day you will concede to my fame
+that I am a noble man, though not a nobleman. Will you separate two
+hearts which belong to each other? Take me for your son-in-law, and
+I swear to be devoted and faithful, to love and honor you for your
+daughter's sake. I can say no more--words cannot express all that I
+feel. Love causes me to kneel before you, love makes me humble as a
+child. I implore you to give me your daughter in marriage."
+
+"I also implore you," cried Marie, sinking down beside Moritz, "give
+to me this man, whom I love and honor, for my husband."
+
+It was a beautiful and impressive scene--these two young beings
+pleading for happiness; their eyes flashing with the inspiration of
+feeling, conscious that they were one in affection, and ready to
+combat the whole world for each other. But Frau von Werrig was
+immovable, and the general was too much occupied with his gouty,
+throbbing leg even to cast a look upon the beautiful group of youth,
+love, manly determination, and tender resignation.
+
+Outside the door, Trude knelt imploringly, with folded hands, while
+the tears ran down her old cheeks in big drops. "O God, I well know
+that they have no pity; have mercy Thou, and cause my dear Marie to
+be happy! Suffer not that that hard-hearted woman should sell her,
+and marry her to that bad man my Marie despises. I well know that I
+am a poor creature, and not worthy that Thou shouldst listen to me,
+O Lord! But I love that young girl as if she were my own child, and
+I would give my heart's blood for her. Oh, my God! I implore Thee to
+let my Marie be happy!" Then she continued, as she rose from her
+knees. "Now, I have spoken, and I commit every thing to God, and He
+will do what is best. She has been obliged to listen to him, and if
+it cannot be otherwise, he must go."
+
+Carefully old Trude unlocked both doors, and then stopped to listen.
+
+Trude was right, there was no mercy in Frau von Werrig's heart.
+"Have you finished? Have you any thing more to say?" she asked, in
+her most unsympathizing manner.
+
+"Nothing more with our lips, but our hearts still implore you."
+
+"I do not understand this language, sir, and you have not succeeded
+in giving me hearing, or ears to hear with. In this useless strife I
+will say a last word, which I hope will be for life. You shall never
+be the husband of my daughter! You can never be united."
+
+Marie and Moritz sprang from their knees, laying their hands in each
+other's, and looked what words could not have better expressed--"We
+are inseparable, nothing can disunite us but death!"
+
+"I desire you not to interrupt me," commanded Frau von Werrig; "I
+have listened to you, and now you shall listen to me. I promise you
+to speak with more brevity than you have. I will not trouble you
+with useless phrases and tedious lamentations. I will speak to the
+point. Marie is the daughter of General Werrig von Leuthen, whose
+name would become extinct if the grace and favor of the king had not
+prevented it, by permitting the husband whom we have chosen for our
+daughter to take our name, and therewith become our son. You may
+think, in your arrogance of commoner, and the pride you take in
+having won the love of the daughter of General von Leuthen, that you
+could be this husband and son-in-law. But two things fail you:
+first, the necessary fortune; and, secondly, the king's consent, and
+that of her father. If you were rich, it might be possible that we
+should be touched by the tender amorousness of our daughter, and
+conquer our aversion to you for her sake. You are of low birth, and
+take a subordinate position in society. It would be extremely
+laughable for the schoolmaster Moritz to change suddenly into a Herr
+von Werrig Leuthen. Our son-in-law must be a rich man, in order to
+be able to give his new title consideration; and, fortunately, the
+wooer of my daughter's hand possesses this qualification, and
+therefore we have given our consent. The king has approved our
+choice, and permits the rich banker Ludwig Ebenstreit to become our
+son-in-law, and take our name. The king has in this communication,
+which lies upon the table, and which Marie has heard read, given his
+assurance to ennoble Ebenstreit upon two conditions: first, that the
+banker should give up his business, and live upon his income; and,
+secondly, that the marriage should not take place until the papers
+of nobility are made out and published, so that the daughter of
+General von Werrig should not make a misalliance. You know all now,
+and you will at last understand that there is but one thing for you
+to do--conquer your foolish presumption, and beg to be excused for
+your unheard-of boldness in forcing yourself into our house, and
+then withdraw quickly. If my ear does not deceive me, your
+accomplice has opened the doors. I think I heard rightly, if my
+heart has no ears, my head possesses better. We have finished. I
+would again enjoin upon you the duty of begging for pardon, and then
+I close this unrefreshing scene with the same words with which it
+opened--there is the door--go out!"
+
+"Yes, there is the door--go out of it! I want to be quiet--go! My
+daughter is the betrothed of the rich banker Herr Ebenstreit; she
+will be his wife as soon as the papers are made out and published.--
+Go!" cried the general.
+
+The young couple still stood there, hand in hand, looking at the
+general, until now their eyes met, beaming with tenderest affection
+for each other. "Is it true, Marie? Speak, my beloved, is it true,
+will you be the wife of this rich man whom your parents have chosen
+for you?"
+
+"No, Philip," she calmly and firmly replied. "No, I will not, for I
+do not love him, I love only you; and here, in the presence of God
+and my parents, I swear to you that I will be constant to death!
+They can prevent my becoming your wife, but they cannot force me to
+wed another. I swear, then, that if I cannot be yours, I will never
+marry!"
+
+"I receive your oath, and God has heard it also!" said Moritz,
+solemnly.
+
+"I have also heard it, and I tell you," said Frau von Werrig, "that
+this romantic heroine will become a perjurer, for I will find means
+to make her break her silly oath."
+
+"We will, perhaps, find means to delay the marriage," said Moritz
+proudly, "or, much more, prevent the marriage ceremony."
+
+"I am very curious to know the means," said Frau von Werrig. "From
+this hour Marie is the betrothed of Herr Ebenstreit, and the wedding
+will take place so soon--"
+
+"So soon as the title of nobility is published. That is it, is the
+clause to be filled; and therefore I tell you, beloved, wait and
+hope! This woman is without pity and without mercy; but God is in
+heaven, and Frederick the Great on the earth. Wait and hope. Be firm
+in hope, and constant in love. Do not lose courage, and let them
+force you to compliance by threats and anger. I have only you to
+confide in and to love in the world, and you are my hope, my goal,
+and the happiness of my life. If you forsake me, I lose my good
+angel, and am a lost, miserable man, whom it would be better to hurl
+into the deepest abyss than let him suffer the torments of hated
+existence. The knowledge of your love gives me strength and courage;
+it will inspire me to fight like a hero, to win the dear, beloved
+wife, to whom I would yield my life in order to receive it anew from
+her purified and sanctified. The knowledge that I had lost you,
+would ruin me."
+
+Laying both hands upon his shoulder, Marie looked at him with eyes
+beaming with affection, renewing her vow that she would never love
+or marry another. "We will be courageous in hope, and brave in
+constancy. Listen to me, my beloved; listen, my mother--I betrothed
+myself to this dear man! You can prevent my becoming his wife now,
+but in four years I am of age, and then I shall be my own mistress.
+Then, my dear Philip, I will be your wife. Let us wait and hope!"
+
+"Yes, Marie, we will wait and hope.--Farewell! Do not forget that
+there is a great God in heaven, and a great king upon earth.--
+Farewell!"
+
+He pressed the hand clasped in his own passionately to his tips, and
+felt from the pressure of her delicate fingers a renewed vow of
+constancy. Buoyed with this hope in the sad hour of parting, they
+were happy and joyful. Marie accompanied him to the door--still hand
+in hand.
+
+"Presume not to go a step farther," commanded her mother, and Marie,
+obedient to her wishes, remained near the door, bowed to Moritz, and
+never ceased to regard him, with love beaming in her eyes, until the
+door closed. Outside stood old Trude, to tell him that she would be
+at the baker's at seven o'clock every morning, and wait for his
+commissions, "and may be I shall have something to bring you," she
+said. "So do come!"
+
+"I will, my good Trude; you are the only person who is friendly to
+us. Watch over my angel, console her with your affection, and when
+they are too hard upon her, come to me."
+
+"I surely will, but listen--they are already quarrelling with my
+good angel. I will go in, to serve as a lightning-rod for dear
+Marie. I often do it, and it pleases me when the lightning strikes,
+and dashes my hard old head to the ground, but does not hurt me at
+alL--Farewell, Herr Moritz, the lightning-rod must go in."
+
+Trude entered suddenly and noiselessly the sitting-room, and
+interrupted the angry reproaches which Frau von Werrig hurled
+against Marie in a furious stream of words. The countess's rage
+turned against Trude, who stared as if to challenge her. "What do
+you want? How dare you enter uncalled?"
+
+"I thought you were calling deaf old Trude, or why did you scream
+so?" replied Trude, tartly.
+
+"Perhaps it was the general. Ah! there lies the poor, dear old man,
+groaning and crying, and nobody has any pity for him."
+
+"Ah! Trude, it is good luck that you are here," whined the general.
+"No one troubles himself about me. Quick, bring warm covering for my
+leg, the pain is fearful!"
+
+"Poor, dear father, I will take care of you, I will nurse you," said
+Marie, hastening to him. Her mother pushed her back violently. "Not
+a step farther; you have no right to go near him, you are his
+murderess. On your head will fall the guilt, if these dreadful
+scenes should cause his death."
+
+"No, no, the general will not die quite yet," said Trude busying
+herself about his arm-chair. "But, Fraulein, you have got something
+else to do than stay here. They have already sent for the flowers
+twice, and the French lady is waiting up-stairs to parlez-vous."
+
+Marie looked her friendly thanks, and quietly and quickly left the
+room.
+
+"Now, bold woman, I have a last word to say to you. Who locked the
+door when that creature came?" "I, madame," answered Trude, who was
+just bringing a great cushion from the back-room to cover the
+general's feet.
+
+"You acknowledge that you locked the door intentionally?"
+
+"Now, my dear, good Frau von Werrig, one does not lock a door by
+mistake. I did not want Herr Moritz to run away with fright, before
+you had given him your mind, and set his head straight. He would
+certainly have escaped, and only heard the half of your beautiful
+talk, for he had no idea what a miserable fellow he is. So I locked
+both doors, and he was obliged to listen to you, and has gone away
+contrite and repentant. There, there, my poor, dear general, is your
+foot high enough? Shall I not bring the foot-warmer?"
+
+"You shall not bring any thing, nor do any thing more. You are a
+hypocrite, who connives with Moritz. Leave my house this very hour!
+You are dismissed my service. Go pack up your things and be off!"
+cried Frau von Werrig.
+
+"Oh, do not go, Trude, for mercy's sake, for then I have no one to
+help me," cried the general.
+
+"I cannot do otherwise, she has given me my dismissal." Trude
+approached Frau von Werrig respectfully, saying, "So I must pack up
+and go away at once?"
+
+"Immediately, you deceitful creature!"
+
+"Immediately! but Frau von Werrig will be so good as to give me my
+wages."
+
+"Yes," she answered in a slower and more subdued voice. "That shall
+be done presently."
+
+"It will not be so very difficult to reckon them, I have been here
+twenty years; just as many years as Marie is old, for I came as
+child's nurse, and have helped her learn to talk and walk, and
+played mother to the dear child a bit. Then I obtained my wages, for
+they were good times; but the pension-time came, and we had no cook
+or servant but me. 'The rats run away if the ship springs a leak,'
+but the old mole Trude stayed. Mankind is in the world to work, I
+said, and why should not I be the cook and waiting-maid too, that my
+little Marie should not want any thing? So I became maid-of-all-work
+and have stayed here ever since. Then, you told me you would double
+my wages, and give me twenty thalers a year, and four thalers at
+Christmas. Is it not so, Frau von Werrig?"
+
+"I believe that was the agreement."
+
+"I am quite certain about it," cried the general, who began to
+understand the drift of Trude. "Yes, Trude was to have twenty
+thalers a year, and we are owing her many years' wages. You know,
+wife, I have always kept an account-book for the debts, and only a
+few days ago--Oh! oh! the pain! Trude, help me cover up the foot
+warmer!--we reckoned it up a few days ago, and we owe Trude one
+hundred and thirty thalers."
+
+"One hundred and thirty thalers," repeated Trude, clapping her
+hands, astonished. "Is it true? oh, that is splendid. I shall be
+rich, and get a husband yet. I pray you give it to me, Frau von
+Werrig, right away."
+
+"Not so quickly," said she, proudly. "We will reckon together how
+much you have saved--because--"
+
+"Oh!" interrupted Trude, "how good you are to make me keep so much;
+you are my savings bank, where I can deposit my money."
+
+"Because," she continued, with emphasis, without noticing the
+interruption, "our future son-in-law will pay your wages, the rich
+banker, Herr Ebenstreit. Yes, the wealthy lover of our daughter. At
+the moment I have not so much cash in the house."
+
+"Your grace will allow me to stay until Herr Ebenstreit is married,
+and, in your name, pays me my wages?"
+
+"Yes, Trude, I will allow you to stay," she replied, very
+graciously. "You will be cunning, Trude, if you try to persuade
+Marie to accept the rich suitor, for when she does I will give you
+two hundred thalers."
+
+"I will do all I can to get it. Can I remain here until Marie is
+married?"
+
+"Yes, you have my permission for that."
+
+"I thank you, Frau von Werrig. Now, general, I will bring you some
+warm coverings right away."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+CHARLES AUGUSTUS AND GOETHE.
+
+
+"Now tell me, Wolf," asked Duke Charles Augustus, stretching himself
+comfortably on the sofa, puffing clouds of smoke from his pipe--"
+are you not weary of dawdling about in this infamously superb pile
+of stones, called Berlin? Shall we any longer elegantly scrape to
+the right and to the left, with abominable sweet speeches and mere
+flattering phraseology, in this monster of dust and stone, of sand
+and sun, parades and gaiters? Have you not enough of blustering
+generals, of affected women? and of running about the streets like
+one possessed to see here a miserable church, or there a magnificent
+palace? Are you not weary of crawling about as one of the many,
+while at home you stride about as the only one of the many? And
+weary also of seeing your friend and pupil Carl August put off with
+fair promises and hollow speeches like an insignificant, miserable
+mortal, without being able to answer with thundering invectives. Ah!
+breath fails me. I feel as if I could load a pistol with myself, and
+with a loud report shoot over to dear Weimar. Wolf, do talk, I beg
+you, I am tired out; answer me."
+
+"I reply, I shoot, my dear Carl," cried Goethe, laughing. "I was out
+of breath myself from that long speech. Was it original with my dear
+prince, or did he memorize it from Klinger's great 'Sturm-und-Drang'
+tragedy? It reminded me of it."
+
+"Do you mean to accuse me of plagiarism, wicked fellow? I grant that
+you are right, my cunning Wolf, it was a lapsus. I did think of
+Klinger, and I sympathized with his youthful hero Wild, who declared
+that, among the sweetest pleasures, he would like to be stretched
+over a drum, or exist in a pistol-barrel, the hand ready to blow him
+into the air."
+
+Goethe shoved aside the breakfast-table, straightened his delicate
+form, with his noble head proudly erect, and one foot in advance,
+extended his right arm, giving one loud hurrah! "Now, for once, a
+tumult and noise, that thought may turn about like a weathercock.
+This savage noise has already wrought its own benefit. I begin to
+feel a little better. Rage and expand, mad heart, quicken yourself
+in hurly-burly-burly-burly!" [Footnote: From Klinger's tragedy
+"Sturm und Drang."]
+
+"Bravo! bravo!" laughed the duke. "Is that Klinger, or who is it
+that refreshes himself in hurly-burly?"
+
+"It is I who am every thing," replied Goethe, striding and
+swaggering up and down. "I was an assistant, in order to be
+something--lived upon the Alps, tended the goats, lay under the
+vault of heaven day and night, refreshed by the cool pastures, and
+burned with the inward fire. No peace, no rest anywhere. See, I
+swell with power and health! I cannot waste myself away. I would
+take part in the campaign here; then can my soul expand, and if they
+do me the service to shoot me down, well and good!" [Footnote: From
+Klinger's tragedy "Sturm und Drang."]
+
+"Bravo! Wild, bravo!" cried the duke. "Hei! that thundered and
+rolled, and struck fire! It does me good to hear such vigorous words
+from an able rare genius in the midst of this miserable, starched
+elegance. The powerful Germans are healthy fellows. Something of the
+Promethean fire blazes forth in them. They were forced to come,
+those jolly, uproarious boys, after the affected cue period; they
+were the full, luxurious plants, and my Wolfgang, the favorite of my
+heart, my poet and teacher, is the divine blossom of this plant. Let
+them prevail, these 'Sturmer und Dranger,' for they are the fathers
+and brothers of my Wolfgang. Do me the sole pleasure not to refine
+yourself too much, but let this divine fire burst forth in volcanic
+flames, and leave the thundering crater uncovered. Sometimes when I
+see you so simpering, so modest and ceremonious, I ask myself, with
+anxiety, if it is the same Wolfgang Goethe, who used to drink
+'Smollis' with me at merry bacchanals out of death-skulls?--the same
+with whom I used to practise whip-cracking upon the market-place
+hours long, to the terror of the good citizens?--the same who used
+to dance so nimbly the two-steps, and was inexhaustible in mad
+pranks. Now tell me, Herr Wolfgang, are you yourself, or are you
+another?"
+
+"I am myself, and not myself," answered Goethe, smiling. "There
+still remains a good portion of folly in me, and it must sometimes
+thunder and flash, but I hope the atmosphere of my soul will become
+clearer, and over the crater a more lovely garden will spread out,
+in which beautiful, fragrant flowers will bloom, useful and
+profitable for my friends and myself. Sometimes I long for this as
+for the promised land; then again it foams and thunders in me like
+fermenting must, which, defying all covers and hoops, would froth up
+to heaven in an immense source of mad excitement!"
+
+"Let it froth and foam, and spring the covers, and burst the old
+casks," cried the duke; "I delight in it, and every infernal noise
+you make, the prouder I am to recognize that from this foaming must
+will clear itself a marvellous wine, a delicious beverage for gods
+and men, with which the world will yet refresh itself, when we are
+long gone to the kingdom of shades--to the something or nothing. You
+know, Wolf, I love you, and I am proud that I have you! It is true
+that I possess only a little duchy, but it is large enough to lead
+an agreeable and comfortable existence--large enough for a little
+earthly duke, and the great king of intellects, Johann Wolfgang
+Goethe. Let us return to our dear home, for I acknowledge to you I
+sigh for Weimar. I long for the dear little place, where every one
+knows me and greets me, and even for my dogs and horses."
+
+"And I," said Goethe, "I really mourn for my Tusculum, which I owe
+to the generous, kind duke; for the balcony of my little cottage,
+where, canopied by the blue, starry vault of heaven, I dream away
+the lonely May nights."
+
+"Is there nothing else you sigh for but the summer-house at Weimar?"
+
+"No!" cried Goethe, and an indescribable expression of rapture and
+delight was manifest in his whole manner.
+
+"No, why should I deny it, how could I? It would be treason to the
+Highest and most Glorious. No, I long for my muse, my mistress,
+my--"
+
+"Beloved!" interrupted the duke. "I pray you not to be so prudish,
+so reserved. Have the courage to snap your fingers at this
+infamously deceitful moral code, and proud and distinguished as you
+are, elevate yourself above what these miserable earthworms call
+morality. For the eagle there is a different law than for the
+pigeon. If the eagle soars aloft through the ether to his eyry,
+bearing a lamb in his powerful claws, has he not a right to it--the
+right of superiority and power by God's grace? Has he not as much
+right to the lamb as the pigeon to the pea which she finds in the
+dust? If the pigeon by chance sees the eagle with his lamb, she
+cries, 'Zeter! mordio!' with the pea in her own bill, as if she were
+in a position to judge the eagle."
+
+"A beautiful picture," cried Goethe, joyfully--"a picture that would
+inspire me to indite a poem."
+
+"Write one, and call it for a souvenir 'The Eagle and the Dove.'
+Make it a reality, my eagle youth, bear off the white lamb to your
+eyry, and let the world, with its affected morality, say what it
+likes. How can you bear to see the one you love at the side of
+another man? Tell me, confess to me, is not the beautiful Charlotte
+von Stein your beloved?"
+
+"Not in the sense you mean, duke, not in the vulgar sense of the
+word. I love her, I adore her, with a pure and holy sentiment. I
+would not that Charlotte should have cause to blush before her
+children on my account. She would be desecrated to me if I, in my
+inmost soul, could imagine the blush of shame upon her cheek, or
+that her eye could brighten at other than great, beautiful, and
+noble acts. I adore her, and to me she is the ideal of the purest
+and sweetest womanhood. I rejoice that she is as she is, like clear
+mountain crystal--transparent and so brightly pure, that one could
+mirror himself therein. She stands above all other women, and to her
+belong all my thoughts, and would, even if I were wedded to another.
+To me she is the most beautiful of the beautiful, the purest of the
+pure, the most graceful of the graceful, and all my thoughts are in
+perfect harmony with hers. Now, duke, if it is agreeable to you,
+knowing my feelings, to call Charlotte von Stein my beloved, she is
+so in the most elevated sense of the word."
+
+"Ah! you poets, you poets," sighed the duke, smiling.
+
+"A streak of madness in you all, though I will grant that it is
+divine."
+
+"Say rather that Whit-Sunday comes to us every day, and the divine
+Spirit descends daily upon us poets, and causes us to speak in
+unknown tongues."
+
+"I will say that you are the god Apollo descended from heaven, and
+with gods one may not dare to dispute. They act differently in their
+sphere than we mortals upon earth. I will be contented if our ways
+cross from time to time, and we can once in a while walk on together
+a good piece the way of life in friendship and harmony. If it would
+please my Wolf, I propose to turn toward beloved Weimar, the dear
+place, half village, half city. For my part I am finished here, my
+business with General yon Mollendorf is accomplished. As I told you
+previously, I have had made known to the king my refusal to allow
+recruiting in my duchy. I could not consent for the present. In
+short, I have spoken as my secretary Wolfgang Goethe has
+recorded.[Footnote: This memorial upon recruiting is found.
+"Correspondence of the Grand Duke Carl August and Goethe," part, i.,
+p. 4.] General Mollendorf has waived his demand for the present--and
+to-day we have had the concluding conference, and if it is agreeable
+to my secretary, we might set off this afternoon and pass a day at
+Dessau, and then on to Weimar."
+
+"Oh, gladly will I do it; it seems as if a star from heaven had
+twinkled to me to follow it, for at Weimar is centred all my
+happiness! I prefer a lowly cabin there to all the splendor and
+palaces of a city."
+
+"Then you agree with me, that this magnificently vile Berlin does
+not enchain you in her magic net?"
+
+"No, she holds me not, though it has been pleasant to take a peep
+into it (like a child into a curiosity-box). I have seen 'Old
+Fritz.' His character, his gold, and his silver, his marbles, his
+apes and parrots, and even his town curtains please me. It is
+pleasant to be at the seat of war at the very moment that it
+threatens to break forth. It has gratified me to witness the
+splendor of the royal city, the life, order, and abundance, that
+would be nothing if thousands of men were not ready to be
+sacrificed; the medley of men, carriages, horses, artillery, and all
+the arrangements. All are mere pins in the great clock-work, only
+puppets whose motion is received from the great cylinder, Fredericus
+Rex, who indicates to each one the melody they must play, according
+to one of the thousand pins in the rotary beam."[Footnote: Goethe's
+own words.--See Goethe's "Correspondence with Frau von Stein," part
+i., p. 168. Riemer, "Communications about Goethe," part ii., p. 60.]
+
+"You are right to compare the great man to the chief cylinder in the
+machine of state," nodded the duke "He rules and sets all in motion,
+and cares not whether the rabble are suited or not. It has enraged
+me sometimes to hear the fellows curse him, and yet I acted as if I
+heard them not. Let us return to Weimar--mankind seems better there,
+Wolf."
+
+"At any rate, more regardful of us than they are here, duke. The
+greater the world the uglier the farce; no obscenities and fooleries
+of the buffoon are more disgusting than the characters of the great,
+mediocre and insignificant, all mingled together. I prayed this
+morning for courage to hold out to the end, and to hasten the
+consummation. I am grateful for the benefit of the journey--but I
+pray the gods not to conduct themselves toward us as their image-
+man, for I should swear to them eternal hatred."[Footnote: Goethe's
+own words.--See Goethe's "Correspondence with Frau von Stein," part
+i., p. 169.]
+
+"Then you are ready to depart, Wolf?"
+
+"Almost, dear Carl, or, if you will it, quite ready. A few visits I
+would make, that the people shall not be too severe upon me and cry
+out against my pride and arrogance."
+
+"Because they themselves are proud and supercilious, they are bold
+enough to suppose Wolfgang Goethe is like them. I hope you will not
+visit the very learned Herr Nicolai, the insipid prosaist, the
+puffed-up rationalist, who believes that his knowledge permits him
+to penetrate every thing, and who is a veritable ass."
+
+"No, I am not going to Nicolai, Rammler, or Engel, or, as they
+should be named, the wise authors of Berlin. I shall visit the
+artist Chodowiecki, good Karschin, occasional poetess, and the
+philosopher Mendelssohn. Then, if it pleases you, we will set out
+this afternoon, shaking the sand of Berlin from our feet."
+
+"I shall prepare whilst you make your visits. Will you take my
+carriage? You know there is one from the royal stables always at my
+service, which stands at the door."
+
+"Beware! they would shriek if I should drive to their doors in a
+royal carriage. They would accuse me of throwing aside the poet, and
+being only secretary of legation. I will go on foot; it amuses me to
+push my way through the crowd, and listen to the Berlin jargon."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+GOETHE'S VISITS.
+
+
+Taking leave of his ducal friend, Goethe betook himself the street,
+to commence his visits. Going first to Chodowiecki, the renowned
+delineator and engraver, whose fame had already spread throughout
+Germany. When Goethe entered, the artist was busy in his atelier,
+working upon the figures of the characters in the "Mimic," the
+latest work of Professor Engel. "Master," said he, smilingly,
+extending him his hand, "I have come to thank you for many
+beautiful, happy hours which I owe to you. You paint with the chisel
+and poetize with the brush. An artist by God's grace."
+
+"If the poet Goethe says that, there must be something in it,
+"replied Chodowiecki, with a radiant face. "I have to thank you for
+the most beautiful and best hours of my life, and I am proud and
+delighted to have been able in the least to return the pleasure. The
+only blissful tears among many bitter ones that I have wept, were
+shed over the 'Sorrows of Werther.' 'Gotz von Berlichingen' so
+inspired me that he appeared to me in my dreams, and left me no
+peace until I rose in the night to draw Gotz, as he sat talking with
+brother Martin on the bench in the forest. Wait, I will show you the
+drawing; you must see it."
+
+Goethe examined it attentively, and expressed his pleasure at the
+correctness and dramatical conception of the design, and did not
+remark, or perhaps would not, that the artist was busily occupied
+with crayon and paper. "How wonderfully you have reproduced my
+'German Knight,'" cried Goethe, after a long observation of it. "The
+middle ages entire, proud and full of strength, are mirrored in this
+figure, and if I had not written 'Gotz von Berlichingen,' I would
+have been inspired to it, perhaps, from this drawing. Oh! you
+artists are to be envied. We need many thousand words to express
+what a few lines represent, and a stroke suffices to change a
+smiling face into a weeping one. How feeble is language, and how
+mighty the pencil! I wish I had the talent to be a painter!"
+
+"And I," cried Chodowiecki, "would throw all my pencils, brushes,
+and chisels to the devil, or sell him my soul, if I could cope with
+the genius and intellect of the poet, Wolfgang Goethe. What a man!
+What a profile the gods have given him! There! look--have you ever
+seen a man with such a face?" He handed Goethe the drawing, which
+proved to be a speaking profile-portrait of himself, dashed off with
+a few strokes full of genius.
+
+Goethe looked at it with the air of a critic. "It is true," said he,
+perfectly serious, "there are not many such profiles, but I am not
+of your opinion that the gods fashioned it. Those sharp features
+look as if the joiner had cut them out of oak, and they lead me to
+infer a very disagreeable character. I naturally do not know who the
+picture represents, but I must tell you, master, that this man could
+never please me, although I could swear it is a speaking likeness.
+This sharp, bowed nose has something impudent, self-sufficient in
+it. The brow is indeed high, which betokens thought, but the
+retreating lines prove that the thoughts only commence, and then
+lose themselves in a maze. The mouth, with its pouting lips, has an
+insupportable expression of stupid good-nature and sentimentality;
+and the well-defined, protruding chin might belong to the robber-
+captain Cartouche. The great wide-open eyes, with their affected
+passionate glances, prove what a puffed-up dandy the man must be,
+who perhaps imagines all the women in love with his face. No, no, I
+am still of the opinion that the original could never please me, and
+if the physiognomist Lavater should see it, he would say: 'That is
+the portrait of a puffed-up, quaint, powerful genius, who imagines
+himself something important, and who is nothing! The likeness of a
+bombastic fellow, with an empty head behind the pretentious brow,
+and meaningless phrases on the thick lips.'"
+
+"If Lavater says so, he is a fool and an ass," cried Chodowiecki,
+furiously, "and he can hide himself in the remotest corner of the
+earth. Lichtenberg of Gottingen is quite right when he says that
+this empty-headed Lavater has made himself ridiculous throughout
+Germany with his wonderful physiognomy of dogs' tails and his
+profiles of unknown pigtails. If Lavater is really so narrow-minded
+as not to be able to distinguish a crow from an eagle, it is his own
+affair; but he shall never presume to look at this portrait, and
+you, too, are not worthy, you scorner, that I should get angry with
+you. The likeness is so beautiful that Jupiter himself would be
+satisfied to have it imputed to him. It is so like, that you need
+not pretend you do not know that it represents Wolfgang Goethe. As
+you insult it, and regard it with scorn and contempt, I will destroy
+it."
+
+"For mercy's sake do not tear it," cried Goethe, springing toward
+Chodowiecki, and holding him fast with a firm grasp. "My dear good
+man, do not tear it; it would be like splitting my own head."
+
+"Ah, ah!" shouted Chodowiecki. "you acknowledge the likeness?"
+
+"I do acknowledge it, with joy."
+
+"And will you admit that it is the head of a noble, talented poet, a
+favorite of the Muses? Say yes, or I will tear it, and you will have
+terrible pains in your head your life long!"
+
+"Yes, yes! all that you wish. I am capable of saying the most
+flattering things of myself to save this beautiful design. Give it
+to me, you curious fellow!"
+
+"No," said Chodowiecki, earnestly, "I will not give it to you. Such
+a portrait is not made to be put in a dusty portfolio, or framed for
+the boudoir of your lady-love. All Germany, all the world should
+enjoy it, and centuries later the German women will still see
+Wolfgang Goethe as he looked in his twenty-ninth year, and hang an
+engraving on the wall in their parlor, and sighing and palpitating
+acknowledge--'There never was but one such godlike youth, and there
+never will be another. I wish that I had known him; I wish he had
+loved me!' So will they speak centuries later, for I will perpetuate
+this drawing in a steel engraving of my most beautiful artistic
+work." [Footnote: This engraving from the artist Chodowiecki still
+exists, and the author of this work possesses a beautiful copy,
+which Ottille von Goethe sent her. It is a bust in profile, the most
+beautiful of his youth.]
+
+"You are a splendid fellow, and I must embrace you, and rejoice to
+be immortalized by you, for this portrait pleases me exceedingly. I
+might well be proud that this head with the rare profile is a
+counterpart of my own. Now we are good friends. Before I say
+farewell, let me see the work at which I just disturbed you upon
+entering."
+
+Goethe was about to raise the cloth, when Chodowiecki waved him
+back. "Do not look at it," said he, quickly; "I dislike to appear as
+a mechanic before you, as I wish that you should honor only the
+artist. We poor toilers are badly off, as the old proverb is ever
+proving true with us, 'Art goes for bread.' We must be mechanics the
+chief part of our lives, in order to have a few hours free, in which
+we are allowed to be artists. I have to illustrate the most
+miserable works with my engravings, to buy the time to pursue works
+of art."
+
+"That is the interest, friend, which you pay the world for the great
+capital which the gods confided to you. Believe me, the artist
+Chodowiecki would have but a morsel to eat if the mechanic
+Chodowiecki did not serve him a tempting meal, paying the bill. Do
+not be vexed about it; man must have a trade to support him, as art
+is never remunerated. [Footnote: Goethe's words--See G. H. Lewes's
+"Goethe's Life and Writings," vol. 1., p. 459.] I hope the mechanic
+will be well paid, that the artist may create beautiful and rare
+works for us. This is my farewell visit to-day, friend. If you will
+hear a welcome from me very soon, come to Weimar, and see how one
+honors the artists there, and how well appreciated Chodowiecki is."
+
+Goethe embraced and kissed the artist, who regarded him, his face
+radiant with joy, and would not be prevented from accompanying him
+to the house door, as if he were a prince or a king. "Now to Madame
+Karschin," said Goethe to himself, as he hastened through the
+streets in that direction. "The good woman has welcomed me with so
+many pretty verses that I must make my acknowledgments, in spite of
+my decision to keep the Berlin authors at a distance."
+
+From Wilhelm Street, where Chodowiecki lived, to the tilt-yard, was
+not far, and Goethe soon reached the old, antiquated house where the
+poetess lived. After many questionings and inquiries at the lower
+stories and more splendid apartments of the house, he found the
+abode of the poetess, and climbed up the steep stairs to the
+slanting attic-room. The dim light of a small window permitted
+Goethe to read upon a gray piece of paper, pasted upon the door,
+'Anna Louisa Karsch, German poetess.' He knocked modestly at the
+door at first, then louder, and as the voices within never ceased
+for a moment their animated conversation, he opened it, and entered
+the obscure room.
+
+"I will do it, sir," said the little woman sitting in the window-
+niche near a table to a young man standing near her. "I will do it,
+though I must tell you album writing is very common. But you must
+promise me to return here, and let me see what Herr Rammler writes,
+and tell me what he says about me. These are my conditions."
+
+"Frau Karschin, I promise you, upon the word of honor of a German
+youth, who can never lower himself to break his word."
+
+"Very well! then I will write."
+
+There was perfect silence. The youth watched the little, dry hand
+which guided the pen, with a devotional mien, and Goethe with eager
+curiosity, who, unobserved, stood like a suppliant at the door of
+the obscure little room, the shabby furniture of which betrayed the
+narrow circumstances of the German poetess. It harmonized with the
+occupant, a little, bony, meagre figure, wearing a tight-fitting
+blue-flowered chintz dress. Upon the gray hair, which, parted in the
+middle, encircled the low forehead, was a cap, which had lost its
+whiteness and was, therefore, more in harmony with the ruff about
+her yellow, thin neck. Her sharp, angular features were redeemed by
+large, dark eyes, flashing with marvellous brilliancy from under the
+thick, gray eyebrows, and with quick, penetrating glances she
+sometimes turned them to the ceiling thoughtfully as she wrote.
+"There, sir, is my poem," said she, laying down the pen. "Listen:
+
+'Govern your will; If it hinders duty, It fetters virtue; Then envy
+beguiles Into fault-finding.' "
+
+"Oh, how beautiful, cried the young man, enraptured. "I thank you a
+thousand times for those glorious words, and they shall henceforth
+be the guiding star of my existence."
+
+"Go to Professor Rammler, and: then return and show me what he
+writes, for I am convinced--. Oh, Heavens! there is a stranger," she
+cried, as she discovered Goethe, who had remained standing by the
+door.
+
+"Yes, a stranger," said Goethe, smiling, and approaching, as the
+happy possessor of the album withdrew--"a stranger would not leave
+Berlin without visiting the German poetess."
+
+"And without verses in your album; is it not so? I have become the
+fashion, and if I could only live by immortalizing myself in your
+albums, I should be free from care. Now I have divined it--you wish
+an autograph?"
+
+"No! only a good word, and a friendly shake of the hand, for I
+possess a poem and a letter which the good Frau Karschin sent me at
+Weimar some six months since, written by herself."
+
+"Is it Goethe?" she cried, clasping her hands in astonishment. "The
+poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe, the renowned author of the work
+which--"
+
+"Cost you many tears," broke in Goethe, laughing. "I beg you spare
+me these phrases, which follow me upon my journey as the Furies
+Orestes. I know that 'Werther' has become the favorite of the
+reading public; he has opened all the tear-ducts and made all lovers
+of moonlight as soft as a swaddling-cloth. I could punish myself for
+having written 'Werther.'"
+
+Frau Karschin laughed aloud. "That is glorious! You please me! You
+are a famous poet and a genius, for only geniuses can revise and
+ridicule themselves. Welcome, Germany's greatest poet, welcome to
+the attic of the poetess! There is the good word which you would
+have, and here is the hand. Did you think it worth while to visit
+poor Karschin? I am rejoiced at it, for I see that they accused you
+unjustly of arrogance and pride!"
+
+"Do they accuse me of it?" asked Goethe, smiling. "Can the Berlin
+poets and authors never forgive me that I live at a court, and am
+honored with the favor of a prince?"
+
+"They would willingly forgive you if they had the power to push you
+one side, and take your place. They are angry with you, because they
+envy you and are not accustomed to be esteemed. Our prince and
+ruler, as great a hero and king as he otherwise is, cares little for
+German poetry, and for all he would care, the Berlin authors might
+starve, one and all; he would trouble himself no more about them
+than the flies dancing in the sunlight."
+
+"The great king is still the same, then? He will never know anything
+of German literature?"
+
+"No! he declares that it is the language of barbarians and bear-
+catchers; scolds about us, and despises us, and yet knows as little
+of us as the man in the moon. He adores his Voltaire. Old Fritz
+knows the French poet by heart, but Lessing he knows nothing of. He
+abuses 'Goetz von Berlichingen,' and 'Werther's Sorrows.'"
+
+"Oh! I know it all--I know the king's adjutant-general, von
+Siedlitz. I often dine with him, and read aloud my poems to him,
+when he relates to me what the king says to enrage me. You must know
+when I am angry I speak in verse. I accustomed myself to it during
+my unhappy marriage with the tailor Karsch. When he scolded, I
+answered in verse, and tried to turn my thoughts to other things,
+and to make the most difficult rhymes. As he was always scolding and
+quarrelling, I always spoke in rhyme."
+
+"And in this way you led a very poetical marriage?" smiled Goethe.
+
+"Yes, indeed, poetical," she said, and her large brilliant eyes were
+dimmed. "If it is true that tears are the baptism of poets, then I
+was baptized daily for twelve years, and ought to be an
+extraordinary poetess."
+
+"That you are, indeed," said Goethe, "who would dispute it? You have
+given evidence of great poetical talent, and I read your heroic poem
+upon the Great Frederick with real delight."
+
+"Do you know what he did?" she asked, bitterly. "I turned to him,
+begging for assistance; for who should a poet turn to, but his God
+and his king? Moreover, he had promised it to me personally."
+
+"You have spoken with him, then, yourself?" asked Goethe.
+
+"Yes, eight years ago; General von Siedlitz procured me an audience.
+The king was very gracious, and among other things, asked me about
+my life; and as I explained to him my poverty and want, he most
+kindly promised to help me." [Footnote: This interview which Frau
+Karschin had with the king is found in "Anecdotes and Traits of
+Character of Frederick the Great." vol. ii., p. 72.]
+
+"And did he not fulfil his promise?"
+
+"No, had it been given to the least of the French writers he would
+have kept it, but to a German poet it was not worth while. What is a
+native poet to the great German king? A phantom that he knows not,
+and believes not. As great as he is, the king showed himself very
+small to me. I sang him as a poetess and he bestowed a pittance upon
+me as one would to a beggar in tatters by the wayside."
+
+"Is it really true, upon your supplication--"
+
+"Sent me two thalers! Yes, that is indeed true, and I see by your
+smile that you know it, and know also that I returned it to him. I
+had rather die with hunger than take a beggar's penny. But let me
+relate to you what happened two weeks since. I had borne patiently
+the affair of the two thalers, and forgotten it. I am more
+comfortable now; the booksellers pay me for my songs and poems very
+well, and a number of patrons and friends, at whose head is the
+Prince of Prussia, give me a small pension, from which I can at
+least live--though poorly. One of my patrons sent me a strip of land
+on the Spree not far from the Hercules Bridge, where I would gladly
+build me a little house, at last to have a sure abiding-place where
+I could retire--that would be a refuge against all the troubles and
+sorrows of life. As I thought it over, the old confidence and
+imperishable love for the great king rose again within me, and as I
+esteemed him I always hoped for the fulfilment of his promise. I
+applied to him again, and begged him to do for me what he had
+granted to so many cobblers and tailors, as the king gives building-
+money to help those who will build. All the houses of the
+Gensdarmen-markt are built by royal aid, and sometimes the king
+designs the facades, as he did for the butcher Kuhn's great house;
+and sent him a design to ornament the frieze of ninety-nine, sheeps'
+heads, only ninety-nine, for he said the butcher himself was the one
+hundredth. The butcher remonstrated, but he was obliged to keep
+them, if he would have the building-money."
+
+"Really," cried Goethe, laughing, "the king is an ingenious and
+extraordinary man in every thing, and no one is like him."
+
+"No one is like him, and no one would have treated me as he did. I
+addressed to him a poem, begging him with true inspiration and
+emotion to let a German poetess find favor in his sight--and that he
+would be for me a Maecenas, if I were not a Horace. My heart bled
+with sorrow, that I must so beg and pray, and my tears wet the paper
+upon which I indited my begging, rhyming petition. How much money do
+you think the great king sent me for my house? Think of the smallest
+sum."
+
+"If it was small, yet for building-money he would send you at least
+two hundred thalers."
+
+The poetess burst into a scornful laugh. "He sent me three thalers!
+The great Frederick sent me three thalers to build a house!"
+
+"What did you do? Did you take them?"
+
+"Yes," she answered, proudly, "and I will leave them as a legacy to
+my daughter, as an historical souvenir for succeeding generations,
+who will relate the benevolence of the German king for the German
+poetess. I sent the king a receipt--I will read it to you.
+
+'His majesty commanded, Instead of building-money, To send me three
+thalers. The order was exactly, Promptly fulfilled. I am indebted
+for thanks, But for three thalers can No joiner in Berlin My coffin
+make. Otherwise to-morrow I would order Such a house without horror
+Where worms feast, And, feasting, quarrel Over the lean, care-worn
+Old woman's remains That the king let sigh away.' [Footnote: See
+"Life and Poems of Louisa Karschin," edited by her daughter.]
+
+"Why do you not laugh?" said Frau Karschin, raising her flashing
+eyes to Goethe, who sat looking down earnestly and quietly before
+her.
+
+"I cannot," he gently answered. "Your poem makes me sad; it recalls
+the keen sorrow of a poet's existence, the oft-repeated struggle
+between Ideality and Reality. The blessed of the gods must humble
+themselves; though they may raise their heads to heaven, their feet
+must still rest upon earth; and to find their way upon it, and walk
+humbly therein, they must again lower their inspired heads."
+
+"Oh, that makes me feel better," cried Karschin, with tears in her
+eyes; "that is balsam for my wounds. You are a great poet, Goethe, I
+feel it to be so. You are a great man, for your heart is good and
+filled with pity. How unjustly they call you cold and proud! Only be
+a little more yielding, and call upon the Berlin poets and writers.
+You can imagine that the news of your arrival ran like wild-fire
+through the town. Nicolai, Rammler, Engel, Mendelssohn, and all the
+other distinguished gentlemen have stayed at home like badgers in
+their kennels, watching for you, so as not to miss your visit. At
+last they became desperate, and scolded furiously over your
+arrogance and pride in thinking yourself better than they. Why have
+you not called upon them?"
+
+There was a loud knocking at the door, and the young man with his
+album entered, almost breathless. "Here I am," said he, "I came
+directly from Professor Rammler here, as I promised you."
+
+"You saw him, then? Has he written something for you?"
+
+"Yes, I saw him, and he granted my request."
+
+"And abused me, did he not, with his nose turned up? You must know,
+Goethe, that Professor Rammler despises my poems, because I am not
+so learned in Greek and Roman mythology as he is. Now tell me, my
+young friend, what did he say about me?"
+
+"I promised you, upon my word of honor, to tell you every thing, but
+I hope you will release me from the promise." sighed the young man.
+
+"No, that I will not. Much more, upon the strength of your word of
+honor, I desire it. You promised, word for word, to relate it to
+me."
+
+"If it must be, then, let it be. I went at once to Professor
+Rammler's. He asked me immediately if I had not been here."
+
+"Just as I asked you," laughed Karschin.
+
+"I affirmed it, saying that you showed me his house. Upon which he
+asked, 'Did she say any thing against me? She is accustomed to do it
+before strangers, like all old women.' He then turned over my album,
+and as he saw the lines you wrote he reddened, and striking the
+book--'I see it, she knew she had said something about me. She tells
+every stranger that I think she is censorious. What she has written
+is aimed at me.' Upon that he wrote some lines opposite yours, shut
+the book, and handed it to me. I have not even had the time to read
+them."
+
+"Read them now, quickly."
+
+"'He who slanders and listens to slander, let him be punished. She
+may be hung by the tongue, and he by the ears.'" [Footnote: This
+scene took place literally, and may be found in "Celebrated German
+Authors," vol. II., p. 340.]
+
+"That is shameful--that is mean!" said Frau Karschin, while Goethe
+re-read the cutting epigram. "That is just like Rammler; his tongue
+is like a two-edged sword for every one but himself, and he fans his
+own glories, and does not know that he is a fool. Frederick the
+Great himself called him so. One of his generals called his
+attention to him, upon which Frederick turned his horse, riding
+directly up to him, asking, 'Is this the distinguished Rammler?'
+'Yes, your majesty, I am he,' the little professor proudly bowed.
+'You are a fool!' called out Frederick, very loud, and rode away, as
+all around the 'Great Rammler' laughed and sneered. There are many
+such stories. Shall I tell you how Lessing teased him?"
+
+"No, dear woman, tell me nothing more. I perceive your Berlin
+writers and poets are a malicious, contentious set of people. I may
+well fear you, and shall be glad to escape unharmed. Think kindly of
+me, and have pity upon me; if the others are too severe, raise your
+dear hand and hold back the scourge that it may not fall upon poor
+Wolfgang Goethe. Adieu, dear Frau Karschin."
+
+Goethe bowed, and hastened down into the street. "With the authors
+and poets of Berlin I wish nothing more to do, but with the
+philosophers I may be more fortunate, and with them find the wisdom
+and forbearance which fail the poets."
+
+Goethe bent his steps to Spandauer Street, in which the merchant and
+philosopher Moses Mendelssohn lived; hastened up the stairs, and
+knocked, which was answered by an old servant, to whom Goethe
+announced himself. The servant disappeared, and the poet stood in
+the little, narrow corridor, smilingly looking to the study-door,
+and waiting for the "gates of wisdom" to open and let the worldling
+enter the temple of philosophy.
+
+The crooked little man, the great philosopher, Moses, son of
+Mendelssohn, stood behind the door, turning over in his mind whether
+he would receive Goethe or not. "Why should I? The proud secretary
+of legation has already been in Berlin eight days, and wishes to
+prove to me that he cares little for Berlin philosophers. My noble
+friend, the great Lessing, cannot abide 'Gotz von Berlichingen;' and
+Nicolai, Rammler, and Engel are the bitter opponents, the very
+antipodes of the rare genius and secretary of legation from Weimar.
+If he wishes to see me, why did he come so late, so--"
+
+"Herr Goethe is waiting--shall he enter?" asked the servant.
+
+The philosopher raised his head. "No," cried he, loudly. "No! tell
+him you were mistaken. I am not at home."
+
+The old servant looked quite frightened at his master--the first
+time he had heard an untruth from him. "What shall I say, sir?"
+
+"Say no," cried Moses, very excited and ill-humored. "Say that I am
+not at home--that I am out."
+
+With a determined, defiant manner the philosopher seated himself to
+work upon his new book, "Jerusalem," saying to himself, "I am right
+to send him away; he waited too long, is too late." [Footnote: From
+Ludwig Tieck I learned this anecdote, and he assured me that Moses
+Mendelssohn told it to him.--See "Goethe in Berlin, Leaves of
+Memory," p. 6.--The Authoress.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+FAREWELL TO BERLIN.
+
+
+"What is the matter, my dear Wolf?" cried the duke, as Goethe
+returned from his visits. "What mean those shadows upon your brow?
+Have the cursed beaux-esprits in Berlin annoyed and tortured you?"
+
+"No, duke, I--" and suddenly stopping, he burst into a loud ringing
+laugh, and sprang about the room, bounding up and down, shouting,
+"Hurrah! hurrah! Long live the philosophers, vivat the
+philosophers!"
+
+"They shall live--live--live,'' shouted the duke!
+
+"Vivat the philosophers! hurrah! To the May-sports upon the
+Blockberg they ride upon a little ass with golden horns--with
+Pharisaical mien, praying with their eyes, 'I thank Thee, O Lord,
+that I am a philosopher, that I am not as the world's children,
+vain, proud, and arrogant.' Hey, good Carl Augustus, today a great
+revelation has been made known to me by a philosopher. Wisdom flowed
+from his mouth. All the spiders in their gray, self-woven nets,
+whispered and sang in his corridor, 'We weave at the fountain of
+life, we spin the web of time.' The little mice crept out from the
+corners, whispering, Hallelujah! Here lives the great philosopher
+Moses, who has devoured wisdom, and is unknowing of earthly
+vanities. Oh! the mice and the spiders waltz together upon the
+threshold of the great philosopher. Hey, ha! a waltz we will dance!"
+
+Goethe caught the duke with both arms around the waist, and tore
+around in a giddy whirl, both laughing, both shrieking. Wolfshund,
+the duke's dog, asleep in the corner, sprang up howling and barking
+at their wild bounds and goat-like springs, and joined the dancers.
+As Goethe felt the ribbon which confined his cue give way, he shook
+wildly his curly, powdered hair and it fell in mad confusion. Both
+he and the duke now sank exhausted to the floor, panting and
+laughing.
+
+"Heaven be praised, Wolf," said the duke, "the must has once more
+fermented, and sprung a few of the hoops of dignity?"
+
+"Yes," answered Goethe, who suddenly assumed a grave, serious mien,
+"the must has fermented, and I trust a fine wine will clear itself
+from it."
+
+"Can you not set off, Wolf?" asked the duke, springing up. "Have you
+had sufficient of the Berliners?"
+
+"I have done with them," replied Goethe, "not only with the
+Berliners, but it may be with all the rest of humanity. I feel, my
+duke, that the bloom of confidence, candor, and self-sacrificing
+love fades daily; only for you, and the friend whom I love, is there
+still attraction and flagrancy. Oh! you dear ones, be charitable,
+and do not consent that they fade for you. Let the goodness which I
+read in your eyes, my dear Carl, and the sunny rays of friendship
+strengthen the poor little blossom, that it does not entirely fade
+and wither away!" With passionate earnestness he threw his arms
+around the duke, pressing him to his bosom.
+
+"Oh! Wolf, my dear Wolf, you have a child's heart and a poet's soul.
+Are you faint-hearted and dispirited? Do you not know that you are
+the sun which brings forth the flowers for us, and shines for us
+all? Let no clouds overshadow you, Wolf! Let your fresh, youthful
+vigor, and divine brilliancy, penetrate them. In the thick, sandy
+atmosphere of Berlin I confess the sun itself loses its force and
+brightness! Come! let us be off. Our steeds stamp with impatience."
+The duke drew his friend from the room and joyfully they sprang down
+the stairs to the carriage, the great dog following, howling and
+barking after them. "Forward, then, forward! Blow, postilion, blow!
+A gay little air! Let it peal through the streets, a farewell song!
+Blow, postilion, blow! and I will moisten your throat at the gates
+with the thin, white stuff, which you have the boldness to call
+beer." The postilion laughed for joy, and the German song resounded
+in quivering tones--" Three riders rode out of the gate." He blew so
+long and loudly, that the dog set up a mournful howl, and amid the
+peals of the postilion, and the distressed cry of Wolfshund, they
+drove through the long, hot streets of Berlin, through the Leipsic
+Gate, and the suburbs with their small, low houses. The wagon-wheels
+sank to the spokes in the loose, yellow sand of the hill they soon
+mounted, and, arriving at the top of which, the postilion stopped to
+let his horses take breath, and turned to remind his aristocratic
+passengers that this was their last view of the city.
+
+"And will be seen no more," repeated the duke. "Come, let us take a
+farewell look at Berlin, Wolf!" and away they sprang without waiting
+for the footman to descend, and waded through the sand to a rising
+in the fallow fields. There they stood, arm in arm, and viewed the
+town with its towers and chimneys, houses, barracks, and palaces
+stretched at their feet. A thick, gray, cloud of vapor and smoke
+hovered over it, and veiled the horizon in dust and fog. "Farewell,
+Berlin, you city of arrogance and conceit!" cried the duke,
+joyfully. "I shake your dust from my feet, and strew the sand of
+your fields over every souvenir of you in memory," and suiting the
+action to his words, he tossed a handful of it in the air.
+
+"Farewell, Muses and Graces of sand and dust!" cried Goethe, as his
+fiery eye flashed far out over the fog-enveloped roofs. "Farewell,
+Berlin, void of nature and without verdure! the abode of poetic art,
+but not of poesy. You Babylon of wisdom and philosophy, I have seen
+you with your painted cheeks and coquettish smile, your voluptuous
+form and seductive charms. You shall never ensnare me with your
+deceitful beauty, and suck the marrow from my bones, or the
+consciousness of pure humanity from my soul. Beautiful may you be to
+enslaved intellects, but to the free, they turn their backs to you
+and thrice strew ashes on your head. Farewell, Berlin, may I never
+see you again!" [Goethe, in fact, never visited Berlin again, though
+he was often invited there, particularly when the new theatre was
+opened, with a poetic prologue written by himself. They inaugurated
+the festivity with Goethe's "Iphigenia," the first representation,
+and Prince Radzwill urgently invited the poet, through Count Bruhl,
+to visit Berlin at this time, and reside in his palace. But Goethe
+refused; he was seventy-two years old (1826), and excused himself on
+account of his age.] Goethe stooped and threw a handful of sand in
+the air.
+
+The postilion, tired of standing in the burning sun, blew loudly the
+air of the soldier's song: "Now, adieu, Louisa, wipe your face,
+every ball does not hit." Mournfully the melody sounded in the
+stillness, like accusing spirits who wept the insult of the prince
+and the poet.
+
+"Now, on to our dear Weimar, Wolf!" The carriage rolled down the
+sandy hill, and Berlin disappeared to the travellers, lost in dreamy
+thought. Slowly they advanced, in spite of relays and fresh horses
+at every station. Night spread out her starry mantle over the world,
+and the sleepers who rested from the burdens and cares of the day.
+Goethe alone was wakeful and vigilant. With his beautiful eyes, as
+brilliant as fallen stars, uplifted to heaven, to God, his manly
+bosom heaving with noble thoughts and glorious aspirations, he
+reviewed the past, and recalled with joy that he had accomplished
+much and well. He peered into the future, and promised himself to do
+more and better. "Yes, I will," whispered he softly, pointing to the
+stars; "so high as possible shall the pyramid of my being rise. To
+that I will constantly bend my thoughts, never forgetting it, for I
+dare not tarry; with the years already on my head, fate may arrest
+my steps, and the tower of Babylon remain unfinished. At least they
+must acknowledge the edifice was boldly designed, and if I live, God
+willing, it shall rise."
+
+
+
+
+BOOK III.
+
+STORM AND PRESSURE
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE KING AND THE AUSTRIAN DIPLOMAT.
+
+
+Frederick commenced the campaign against the house of Hapsburg with
+all the energy and bold courage of former days. The diplomats had
+once more been permitted to seek the arts of negotiation, and, these
+having failed, the king advanced rapidly, and entered Bohemia with
+his advance-guard. The imperial army, informed of the approach of
+the enemy, retired hurriedly to their intrenchments at Koeniggratz,
+beyond the Elbe, without a decisive battle. In the skirmishes at the
+outposts the Prussians had been victorious. On the opposite shore of
+the Elbe, at Welsdorf, the king took up his headquarters. Why did he
+not pursue his bold run of victory? Why did he not surprise the
+imperial army, which he knew was scattered, and not in a position to
+resist the strength of the Prussian forces? Moreover, the second
+column of the Prussian army, under the command of Prince Henry, had
+also entered Bohemia, and fortified a camp near Rimburg, having
+united with the Saxon allies, which caused the imperialists under
+Field-Marshal Loudon to seek protection beyond the Iser, near
+Muenchengratz and Yung-bunzlau. Why did the king then stop in the
+midst of his victorious career? He had advanced to the field with
+his fresh, youthful fire, a shining example to all. He was always
+mounted, shunning no danger, but taking part in the hardships and
+fatigue incident to the changing life of war; even showing himself
+personally active at the discovery of foraging-parties. Why did he
+suddenly hesitate and lie inactive in camp? Why did he not summon
+his generals and staff-officers to his quarters, instead of his
+Minister von Herzberg? Every one asked himself the question, and
+every one answered it differently.--Some said, "Because the Empress
+of Russia had raised objections to this war of German brothers;"
+others, that "the King of the French had offered to settle the
+quarrel as intermediator." A third said, the "empress-queen, Maria
+Theresa, was terrified at the rapid advance of the Prussians, and
+had immediately commenced negotiations for peace."
+
+While the wise politicians of Germany and all Europe reand pondered,
+Frederick tarried quietly in his peasant-house, in which he had
+taken up his quarters, and which had been arranged very comfortably
+with carpets, camp-stools, and curtains. He sat in his cabinet upon
+the high, leather-covered arm-chair, which had been brought for him
+from the neighboring parsonage. Alkmene lay upon his knee, and Diana
+at his feet. His countenance was pale, and betrayed fatigue, but his
+eye beamed with undimmed brilliancy, and around his mouth played an
+ironical smile. "Well, so matters stand; therefore, I have summoned
+you to Welsdorf," said Frederick to his minister, Von Herzberg. "The
+empress-queen is, above all things, a most tender mother. She is
+fearfully anxious, now that the dear young Emperor Joseph has left
+for the army, and will be exposed to the dangers of war. My good
+friends in Vienna inform me that my entrance into Bohemia created a
+sensation at the brilliant capital, and had so much alarmed the
+empress-queen, that she was seriously thinking of negotiating for
+peace. As I learned this from a reliable source, I halted and
+encamped, that the empress should know where to find me, and sent to
+summon you immediately. I had not been here three days, when the
+empress's ambassador, Baron von Thugut, appeared to make offers, and
+consult about an armistice of two weeks. I made known my conditions,
+and promised the empress, through her negotiator, that I would so
+calculate my movements that her majesty would have nothing to fear
+for her blood and her cherished emperor. [Footnote: The king's
+words.--See "Prussia, Frederick the Great," vol. iv., p. 102.]
+Voila, mon cher ministre, you know all now. If the Austrian diplomat
+comes a second time, you can negotiate with him."
+
+"Is your majesty also inclined to peace?" asked Herzberg.
+
+The king shrugged his shoulders. "When it can be arranged with
+honor, yes," said he. "I will acknowledge, Herzberg, to you, the
+campaign is hard for me. The old fellow of sixty-eight feels the
+burden of life, and would gladly rest quietly, and enjoy the last
+few years as philosopher and writer instead of soldier."
+
+"Your majesty has yet many years to live, God willing," cried
+Herzberg. "It would be a great misfortune to Prussia if she could
+not yet owe to her great king a long and happy reign."
+
+"Hem!" replied the king, "there are in Prussia very many who think
+otherwise, and wish me to the devil. But I have no intention of
+seeking monsieur so soon, for there are sufficient devilish deeds to
+endure in this earthly vale of sorrow to prepare for one a very
+decent purgatory, and give him hereafter well-founded hopes of
+heaven. Therefore I count upon remaining here below a while, and to
+knead with you this leaven of life that may yield to my subjects an
+eatable bread. You must help me, Herzberg, when I am the baker, to
+provide the flour for my people; you must be the associate to knead
+the bread. In order that the flour should not fail, and the bread
+give out, it may be necessary, if possible, to make peace."
+
+"Will your majesty be so gracious as to inform me what steps I may
+take, and upon what conditions?"
+
+"Take this paper," said the king, extending a written document to
+Herzberg. "I have therein expressed my wishes, and you can act
+accordingly. I am prepared for peace upon any terms which can be
+made with honor, and which do not frustrate the aim I have in view.
+You well know that this is the security of Germany against Austria's
+ambitious love of territorial aggrandizement! I cannot and I will
+not suffer that the house of Habsburg should strive for unjust
+possession in Germany, and appropriate Bavaria to herself while a
+lawful heir exists. I well know that I play the role of Don Quixote,
+and am about to fight for the rights of Germany as the Chevalier de
+la Mancha fought for his Dulcinea del Toboso. Mais, que voulez-vous,
+it is necessary for my fame and repose that I enter the arena once
+more against Austria to prove to her that I exist. I take this step
+on account of the prestige I have gained in the German empire, and
+which I should lose if I had not faced Austria in this Bavarian
+contest. And besides, it is agreeable to me to accustom my successor
+to the thunder of cannon, and witness his bearing on the field of
+battle."
+
+"He will certainly do honor to the heroic race of Hohenzollern,"
+answered Herzberg, bowing.
+
+A sudden flash from the king's fiery eyes met the calm pale face of
+Herzberg. "Mere words and flattery, which prove that you are not
+satisfied, Herzberg! Nay, nay, do not deny it; you do not like that
+I should tarry and treat, and set the pen in motion instead of the
+sword. You are a man of deeds, and if you had had your way, I should
+have already won a decisive battle, and be on the road to Vienna to
+besiege the empress in her citadel, and dictate an humiliating peace
+to her."
+
+"Your majesty, I can assure you--"
+
+"Well, well, do not quarrel!" interrupted the king; "do you suppose
+I cannot read your honest and obstinate face? Do you suppose I did
+not mean what I said? Acknowledge that I am right! confess it, I
+command you!"
+
+"If your majesty commands it, then I will acknowledge it. Yes, I did
+wish that your majesty had not empowered Baron von Thugut to return
+for further negotiations. It would have been well if your majesty
+had marched victorious to Vienna, to let the proud Hapsburgers see
+for once that Frederick of Prussia does not stand behind them, but
+at their side; that he has created a new order of things; that the
+old, mouldy, rotten statutes of the imperial sovereignty have fallen
+in the dust before Frederick the Great; that Germany must be newly
+mapped out, in order to give room near the old man Austria for young
+Prussia. Yes, your majesty, I could have wished that you had even
+been less generous, less noble toward the supercilious, insolent
+enemy, and have accepted no conditions but those of 'equality for
+Prussia with Austria in the German empire!'"
+
+"My dear sir, I am truly astonished at the vigor with which you
+express yourself; I am very glad to find you so enthusiastic," said
+Frederick, nodding to his minister; "but listen--I will confide to
+you that which I do not wish you to repeat: I am no longer, to my
+regret, what you so flatteringly call me, 'Frederick the Great,' but
+only 'Old Fritz.' Do you understand me? the latter is a deplorable,
+worn-out soldier, who no longer feels power or vigor. The lines of
+Boileau often recur to me on mounting my horse:
+
+'Unfortunate one, leave thy steed growing old in peace, For fear,
+that, panting and suddenly out of breath, In falling, he may not
+leave his master upon the arena!'
+
+It is the misery of life that man will grow old, and that the body,
+when worn and weary, will even subdue the spirit, and force her to
+fold her wings and suffer. I did not realize that it had gone so far
+with me, and I imagined that the winged soul could raise the old,
+decayed body. Therefore I risked, in spite of my lazy old age, to
+undertake this war, for I recognized it as a holy duty to enter into
+it, for the honor and justice of our country, and prove to the
+Emperor of Germany that he could not manage and rule at his will in
+the German empire. I 1ong not for the honor of new laurels, but I
+should be satisfied, as father of my subjects, to gain a civil
+crown.
+
+There you have my creed. I have as sincerely confessed to you as my
+respectable cousin, the empress-queen, to her confessor; only I did
+not fall upon my knees to you, and you do not as the said confessor,
+betray me to the Holy Father at Rome."
+
+"Your majesty well knows that every word which you have the grace to
+confide to me, is engraved upon my inmost soul, and that no power
+upon earth could force me to reveal it."
+
+"I know that you are a true and zealous servant of your king and
+country," said Frederick. "Once more I say to you, other than an
+honorable peace I will not make; and if empress-queen does not
+accept the abandonment of Bavaria as the basis of peace, then I must
+conquer my aversion to war, and the sword must arrange what the pen
+has failed to do. And now, passons ladessus! Until Thugut arrives,
+let us speak of other things. I have been tolerably industrious, and
+have improved the leisure of camp-life as much as possible. I have
+written a panegyric upon Voltaire, and when it is revised and
+corrected you shall arrange an anniversary in memoriam, at the
+Berlin Academy, and read my eulogy."
+
+"All Germany and all Europe will be surprised at the magnanimity of
+the royal mind which could occupy itself in the camp with the muse,
+and erect an imperishable monument to the man who witnessed such
+ingratitude and baseness to his benefactor and protector."
+
+"Vous allez trop vite, mon cher; vraiment, trop vite," cried
+Frederick, ardently. "It is true Voltaire was a miserable fellow,
+but he was a great poet. He returned meanness and ingratitude to me
+for the many kindnesses I showed to him, for I treated him more like
+a friend than a king. Voltaire was my benefactor, in so far that I
+owed to him the most agreeable and elevating hours of my youth, In
+memory of these hours I have written this eulogy. It is not worthy
+of particular mention, and the Academie Francaise will doubtless
+severely criticise my knowledge of their language. But it is
+impossible to write well, one moment in camp and another on the
+march. If it is unworthy of him whom it was intended to celebrate, I
+have at least availed myself of the freedom of the pen, and will
+cause to be publicly read in Berlin what one dares not whisper in
+Paris." [Footnote: The king's own words.--"Posthumous Works," vol.
+xv., p. 109. This eulogy upon Voltaire, which the king wrote in
+camp, Herzberg read, in the November following, before the Academy.]
+
+"I shall be most happy to be the instrument to make known this
+generous expression of your majesty's good-will," remarked Herzberg,
+bowing.
+
+Frederick smiled, adding: "But with the other work which I have
+commenced, you are not quite satisfied. You are such an enthusiastic
+German, that you presume to assert that the intolerable German
+jargon is a beautiful and expressive language!"
+
+"And I abide by this decision, your majesty," zealously cried
+Herzberg. "The German language is euphonious, and prolific in ideas,
+and it is well capable of rivalling in brevity and clearness those
+of the ancients."
+
+"That you have already asserted, and I have contested it, and again
+I contest it to-day. Do not trouble me with your German language. It
+will only deserve notice when great poets, distinguished orators,
+and admirable historians, have given it their attention and
+corrected it, freeing it from such disgusting and effeminate phrases
+as now disfigure it, and cause one to use a mass of words to express
+a few ideas. At present it is only an accumulation of different
+dialects, which every division of the German empire thinks to speak
+the best, and of which twenty thousand can scarcely understand what
+the other twenty thousand are saying!" [Footnote: The king's own
+words.--See "Posthumous Works," vol. xv.]
+
+"Sire," cried Herzberg, with vehemence, "should a German king thus
+speak of his native tongue, at the same time that he takes the field
+to vindicate the honor of Germany, and submits to all the miseries
+and hardships of war? Your majesty cannot be in earnest, to despise
+our beautiful language."
+
+"I do not despise it; I only say that it must be reformed, and shorn
+of its excrescences. Until then we must use the French, which is to-
+day the language of the world, and in which one can render all the
+master-works of the Greeks and the Latins, with the same
+versatility, delicacy, and subtlety, as the original. You pretend
+that one can well read Tacitus in a German translation, but I do not
+think the language capable of rendering the Latin authors with the
+same brevity as the French."
+
+"Sire, to my joy, I can give you proof to the contrary. a Berlin
+savant, Conrector Moritz, at my request, has translated a few
+chapters of the fourteenth book of the 'Annals of Tacitus,' word for
+word, most faithfully into German. He has written it in two columns,
+the translation at the side of the original. I have taken the
+liberty to bring this work with me and you will see how exactly, and
+with what brevity, Latin authors can be rendered into German, and
+that there are young learned men who have seized the spirit of our
+language and know how to use it with grace and skill."
+
+"Indeed, give it to me," cried the king, zealously. "I am truly
+curious to admire the German linguist's work who has so boldly
+undertaken to translate Tacitus."
+
+"Sire," said Herzberg, raising his eyes knowingly, with a mild,
+imploring expression to the king's face--" sire, I join a request
+with this translation."
+
+"What is it? I am very curious about a petition from you, it is so
+seldom that you proffer one."
+
+"Your majesty, my request concerns the translator of this very
+chapter of Tacitus. He is Conrector Moritz, attached to the Gray
+Cloister in Berlin--an unusually gifted young man, who has
+undoubtedly a brilliant future before him. He has already written
+many eminent works. The Director Gedicke recommended him to me as a
+most distinguished, scholarly person, and I have learned to know and
+appreciate the young man by this means."
+
+"I see it," nodded the king. "You speak of him with great
+enthusiasm, and as what you so warmly recommend is generally able
+and well qualified, I begin to be interested in this Herr Moritz.
+When I return to Berlin--and Heaven grant that it may be soon!--I
+will at once empower you to present this luminary. Are you
+satisfied?"
+
+"Sire, dare I ask still more? I would beg your majesty to grant this
+young man an audience at once."
+
+"How, at once! Is this phoenix here, who so interests my Minister
+Herzberg? Where is he from, and what does he wish?"
+
+"He is from Berlin; I met him making the journey on foot. He sat
+upon a stone, by the wayside, eating a piece of bread, with a
+glowing face, and so absorbed talking to himself in Latin that he
+heard not the creaking of my carriage through the sand. I recognized
+him immediately, and called him by name. He turned, perfectly
+unembarrassed and not at all ashamed to have been discovered in such
+an humble and poor position."
+
+"That is to say, he is a good comedian," said the king. "He knew
+that you would drive past there, and placed himself expressly to
+call your attention to him."
+
+"I beg pardon, sire; Conrector Moritz could not have known that I
+would take this journey. You will recollect that the courier arrived
+at midnight with your majesty's commands, and two hours later I was
+on the road, and have since travelled day and night. As I met the
+young man only five miles from this place, he must have set out many
+days before I thought of leaving Berlin."
+
+"It is true," said the king, "it was a false suspicion. You invited
+him into your carriage, did you not?"
+
+"I did very naturally, sire, as he told me he was going to beg an
+audience of your majesty. At first he refused decidedly, as he
+wished to travel on foot, like the pilgrims to the pope at Rome."
+
+"An original, a truly original genius," cried the king.
+
+"He is so indeed, and is so called by all his friends."
+
+"Has he any friends?" asked the king, with an incredulous smile.
+
+"Yes, sire, many warm and sympathizing friends, who are much
+attached to him, and, on account of his distinguished and brilliant
+qualities, are willing to indulge his peculiarities."
+
+"Herzberg, you are charmed, and speak of this man as a young girl in
+love!"
+
+"Sire, if I were a young girl, I should certainly fall in love with
+this Moritz, for he is handsome."
+
+"Diable! I begin to fear this subject. You say he is handsome,
+learned, wise, and good, although he belongs to the airy, puffed-up
+Berliners. Did you let Herr Moritz wander on in his pilgrimage?"
+
+"No, sire, I persuaded him at last to accept a seat in my carriage,
+by explaining to him that your majesty might soon leave Welsdorf,
+and he would run the risk of not arriving in season. Upon no
+condition would he get inside, but climbed up behind, for, said he,
+with a firm, decided manner, 'I go to the king as a beggar, not as a
+distinguished gentleman.'"
+
+"Indeed it is an original," the king murmured to himself. "Do you
+know what the man wants?" he asked aloud.
+
+"No, your majesty; he said that his business concerned the happiness
+of two human beings, and that he could only open his heart to his
+God and his king."
+
+"Where is your protege?"
+
+"He stands outside, and it is my humble request that your majesty
+will grant him an audience, and permit me to call him."
+
+"It is granted, and--"
+
+Just at that moment the door opened, and the footman announced that
+the private secretary of his highness Prince von Galitzin had
+arrived, and most respectfully begged an audience.
+
+"It is he--it is the baron," said the king. "Tell your protege he
+must wait, and come again. Bid the Prince von Galitzin enter."
+
+As the Minister von Herzberg withdrew, the Baron von Thugut
+appeared, the extraordinary and secret ambassador of the Empress
+Maria Theresa.
+
+"Well, Herr Baron, you are already returned," said the king, as he
+scarcely nodded to the profoundly respectful bows of the ambassador.
+"I infer, therefore, that your instructions are not from the
+empress, but from the co-regent, the Emperor Joseph, who has betaken
+himself to the Austrian camp."
+
+"Sire," answered Thugut, laconically, "I have driven day and night,
+and have received my instructions directly from the empress."
+
+The king slowly shook his head, and an imperceptible smile played
+around his lips.
+
+"Does the young emperor approve of these instructions?"
+
+"Sire, his majesty, the emperor, is only the co-regent," answered
+Thugut, hastily. "It is not therefore necessary, that my sovereign
+should make her decisions dependent upon her son's concordance."
+
+"The empress will negotiate for peace," said the king to himself,
+"but the emperor desires to win laurels in the war, and will try to
+cut off the negotiations of his mother by a coup de main. One must
+be on his guard!"
+
+Just then the door opened and Herzberg returned.
+
+"You perceive I expected you, Baron von Thugut," said the king, "and
+I ordered here my minister of state, Herr von Herzberg. This is the
+Baron von Thugut, my dear minister, the ambassador of the empress-
+queen, who carries in his pocket peace or war, as it may be."
+
+"Sire, I must protest against being so important a personage, as
+peace and war alone depend upon your majesty. It alone depends upon
+the lofty King of Prussia whether he will give peace and
+tranquillity to Germany, or suffer the guilt of permitting the
+bloody scourge of civil war again to tear in pieces the unhappy
+German nation."
+
+"That sounds very sentimental," cried the king, smiling. "The Baron
+von Thugut will appeal to my heart, when we have only to do with the
+head. Austria wishes to be the head of Germany, and as such would
+devour one German state after another, as a very palatable morsel.
+But if you will be the head, Monsieur le Baron, you cannot represent
+the stomach also, for, as I have been told, it only exists in those
+soft animals of the sea whose head is in their stomach, and which
+think and digest at the same time. Austria does not belong to this
+class, but has rather a very hard and impenetrable shell. We cannot
+let her devour as stomach what as the head she has chosen as booty.
+That the electorate of Bavaria is not to be devoured, is the
+necessary and fundamental preliminary upon which the temple of peace
+may be erected. If you, or rather the empress-queen, agree to it,
+the negotiations can be concluded by you two gentlemen. But if you
+think to erect a temple of peace upon any other basis, your
+propositions will be in vain. I have not taken the field to make
+conquests, but to protect the rights of a German prince, and not
+suffer others to appropriate a German state. I know, as you have
+said, that war is a bloody scourge for the nation; but, sir, we will
+not look at it in a sentimental light, and talk of civil war, when
+Austria herself compels us to take the field. Or, perhaps, you
+imagine to prove to my good Pomeranians, Markers, and my other
+German states, that the Croatians, Pandurians, Hungarians,
+Wallachians, Italians, and Polanders, are our German brothers, which
+imperial Austria opposes to us. I think this brotherhood may be
+traced to our common ancestor, Adam, and in this sense all wars are
+indeed civil wars. In any case war is a scourge for man, and I am
+convinced that the empress-queen would just as willingly spare her
+Croatians, Pandurians, Wallachians, and Galicians, as I all my
+German subjects collectively."
+
+"Also your majesty's Polish subjects, as may be expected," added
+Baron yon Thugut.
+
+"My Polish subjects are the minimum portion, and are about in
+proportion to the German population as in imperial Austria the
+German is to the foreign. But enough of this; if I do not recognize
+this as a civil war, it is indeed a great misfortune. I would do
+every thing to avoid it--every thing compatible with the honor and
+glory of my house, as well as that of Germany in general. Therefore
+let us know the Views of the empress-queen!"
+
+"Sire," answered Von Thugut, as he slowly untied and unfolded the
+documents, "I beg permission to read aloud to your majesty the acts
+relative to these points."
+
+"No, baron," answered the king quickly, "the more minute details
+give to my minister; I wish only the contents in brief."
+
+"At your majesty's command. The empress-queen declares herself ready
+to renounce the concluded treaty of inheritance to the succession of
+Bavaria at the death of Elector Charles Theodore; also to give up
+the district seized, if Prussia will promise to resign the
+succession of the Margraves of Anspach and Baireuth, and let them
+remain independent principalities, governed by self-dependent
+sovereigns."
+
+"That means, that Austria, who will unjustly aggrandize herself by
+Bavaria, will deprive Prussia of a lawful inheritance!" cried the
+king, his eyes flashing anger. "I will not heed the after-cause, but
+I wish to satisfactorily understand the first part of the
+proposition, that Austria will cede her pretensions to Bavaria."
+
+"Sire, upon conditions only which are sufficient for the honor, the
+wishes, and necessities of my lofty mistress."
+
+"You hear, my dear Herzberg," said the king, smiling, and turning to
+his minister, "c'est tout comme chez nous. It will now be your task
+to find out these conditions, which too closely affect the honor of
+one or the other. For this purpose you will find the adjacent
+Cloister Braunau more convenient than my poor cabin. At the
+conferences of diplomats much time is consumed, while we military
+people have little time to spare. I shall move on with my army."
+
+"How, then! will your majesty break up here?" cried Thugut, with
+evident surprise.
+
+The king smiled. "Yes, I shall advance, as my remaining might be
+construed equal to a retreat. The arts of diplomacy may drag on
+until the imperialists have assembled all their foreign subjects to
+the so-called civil war. Then hasten the negotiations, Baron yon
+Thugut, for every day of diplomatic peace is one day more of
+foraging war, and I know not that you count the Bohemians in the
+German brotherhood, to whom the calamity of war is ruinous. You have
+now to deal with the Baron yon Thugut, my dear Herzberg, and I hope
+the baron will accept some diplomatic campaigns with you in Cloister
+Braunau."
+
+"Sire, I accept, and if your majesty will dismiss me, I will go at
+once to the cloister," answered Baron yon Thugut, whose manner had
+become graver and more serious since the king's announcement of the
+intended advance.
+
+"You are at liberty to withdraw. The good and hospitable monks have
+already been apprised of your arrival by an express courier, and
+have doubtless a good supper and a soft bed awaiting you."
+
+"Had your majesty the grace to be convinced of my return?" asked
+Thugut.
+
+"I was convinced of the tender heart of the empress-queen, and that
+she would graciously try once more, in her Christian mercy, to
+convert such an old barbarian and heretic as I am. Go now to the
+cloister, and when I pass by in the morning, with my army, I will
+not fail to have them play a pious air for the edification of the
+diplomats--such as, 'My soul, like the young deer, cries unto Thee,'
+or, 'Oh, master, I am thy old dog,' or some such heavenly song to
+excite the diplomats to pious thoughts, and therewith I commend you
+to God's care, Baron yon Thugut."
+
+The king charged Herr yon Herzberg to play the role of grand-
+chamberlain, and accompany the ambassador to his carriage, smiling,
+and slightly nodding a farewell.
+
+The baron was on the point of leaving, when the king called to him.
+
+"Had your majesty the grace to call me?" asked Thugut, hastily
+turning.
+
+"Yes!" answered Frederick, smiling, and pointing to the string which
+had served to bind the baron's papers. "You have forgotten
+something, my lord, and I do not like to enrich myself with others'
+property." [Footnote: Historical. The king's words.--See Hormayr.]
+
+Baron von Thugut took this last well-aimed stab of his royal
+opponent somewhat embarrassed, and hastened to pick up the string,
+and withdraw.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE KING AND THE LOVER.
+
+
+The king smiled, glancing at the retreating figure of the baron, and
+approached the window to peep through the little green glass panes
+to see him as he passed by.
+
+"A sly fox," said he, smiling, "but I will prove to him that we
+understand fox-hunting, and are not deceived by cunning feints."
+
+"Will your majesty really break up to-day?" asked Von Herzberg, upon
+returning.
+
+"Yes, my dear minister. That is to say, I do not wish to, but I
+must, in order to give the negotiations for peace a war-like
+character. The enemy asks for delay to finish their preparations for
+war--not peace. The negotiations for the latter emanate from the
+empress, but the conditions concerning Anspach come from the
+emperor. It is the Eris-apple, which he casts upon the table, by
+which his imperial mother and I would gladly smoke the pipe of
+peace. It is incumbent upon you, Herzberg, to negotiate for peace,
+while I pick up the apple and balance it a little upon the point of
+my sword. I shall leave early to-morrow, but I would speak with you
+before I set out. You must be weary with the journey, so rest awhile
+now, then dine with me, and afterward go to the conference."
+
+"Sire, will you not receive my protege, Conrector Moritz?"
+
+"Did you not say that he begged for a secret audience?"
+
+"Yes, sire, he has for this purpose travelled the long distance from
+Berlin, and I assure your majesty, upon my word of honor, that I
+have not the least suspicion what his petition may be."
+
+"Eh bien, say to your protege that I grant him the sought-for
+interview on your account, Herzberg. You are such a curious fellow--
+you are always petitioning for others instead of yourself, and the
+benefits which you ought to receive go to them. Let Moritz enter,
+and then try to sleep a little, that you may be wide awake to confer
+with Baron von Thugut."
+
+Minister von Herzberg withdrew, and immediately the pale, earnest
+face of Conrector Philip Moritz appeared in the royal presence.
+
+The king regarded him with a prolonged and searching glance, the
+noble, resolute face of whom was pallid with deep grief, but from
+whose eyes there beamed courageous energy. "Are you the translator
+of the chapters from Tacitus, which my Minister Herzberg handed me?"
+asked the king, after a pause.
+
+"Yes, sire," gently answered Moritz.
+
+"I am told that it is ably done," continued his majesty, still
+attentively observing him. "You will acknowledge that it is
+exceedingly difficult to render the concise style of Tacitus into
+the prolix, long-winded German?"
+
+"Pardon me, sire," replied Moritz, whose youthful impetuosity could
+with difficulty be diverted from the real object of his pilgrimage.
+"Our language is by no means long-winded, and there is no difficulty
+in translating Latin authors into German, which equals any living
+tongue in beauty and sonorousness, and surpasses them all in depth
+of thought, power, and poesy."
+
+"Diable!" cried the king, smiling; "you speak like an incarnate
+German philologist, who confounds the sound of words with profound
+thought. You will acknowledge that until now our language has not
+been much known."
+
+"Sire," answered Moritz, "Martin Luther, in his translation of the
+Bible three hundred years since, employed hundreds of beautiful,
+expressive formations."
+
+"He is not only a learned man," said the king to himself, "but he
+seems an honorable one; and now, as I have proved his scholarly
+attainments, I must indulge his impatience." The king's penetrating
+glance softened, and his features changed their severe expression.
+"The Minister von Herzberg informed me that he found you by the
+roadside, and that you would journey hither on foot."
+
+"It is true, sire."
+
+"Why did you travel in that manner?"
+
+"Sire, I desired, as the poor, heavily-laden pilgrims of the middle
+ages, to make the pilgrimage to the Holy Father at Rome, who was the
+king of kings. Every step in advance seemed to them to lighten their
+burden and enhance their happiness. Your majesty is in our day what
+the pope was held to be in the middle ages, therefore I have
+wandered as a pilgrim to my king, who has the power to bind and to
+loose, and from whom I must not only implore personal happiness, but
+that also of a good and amiable young girl."
+
+"Ah! it concerns a love-affair. As I now look at you, I can
+understand that. You are young and passionate, and the maidens have
+eyes. How can I help you in such an adventure?"
+
+"Sire, by not granting a title to a certain person, or if it must be
+granted, annul the conditions attendant upon it."
+
+"I do not understand you," answered the king, harshly. "Speak not in
+riddles. What do you mean?"
+
+"General Werrig von Leuthen has addressed himself to you, sire,
+praying for the consent of your majesty to the marriage of his
+daughter with the banker Ebenstreit. Your majesty has consented, and
+added that Herr Ebenstreit shall take the name of his future father-
+in-law, and the marriage shall take place as soon as the title of
+nobility has been made out."
+
+The king nodded. "For which the new-made nobleman has to pay a
+hundred louis d'ors to the Invalids at Berlin. But what is that to
+you? And what connection has Herr Ebenstreit's title to do with
+Conrector Moritz?"
+
+Moritz's face brightened, and, deeply moved, he answered: "Sire, I
+love the daughter of General von Leuthen, and she returns my love.
+By not ennobling Ebenstreit, it lies in your power, most gracious
+majesty, to make two persons the most blessed of God's creatures,
+who desire nothing more than to wander hand in hand through life,
+loving and trusting each other."
+
+"Is that all?" asked the king, with a searching glance.
+
+Moritz quailed beneath it, and cast down his eyes. "No!" he replied.
+"As I now stand in the presence of your majesty, I am sensible of
+the boldness of my undertaking, and words fail me to express what is
+burning in my soul. Oh! sire, I only know that we love each other,
+and that this love is the first sunbeam which has fallen upon my
+gloomy and thorny path of life, and awakened in my lonely heart all
+the bloom of feeling. You smile, and your great spirit may well mock
+the poor human being who thinks of personal happiness, when for an
+idea merely thousands are killed upon the field of battle. My life,
+sire, has been a great combat, in which I have striven with all the
+demons escaped from Pandora's box. I have grown up amid privations
+and need. I have lived and suffered, until God recompensed my
+joyless, toiling, hungered existence by this reciprocated love,
+which is a beautiful ornament to my life, and is life itself, and to
+renounce it would be to renounce life. I am young, sire, and I long
+for the unknown paradise of earthly happiness, which I have never
+entered until now, and which I can only attain led by the hand of my
+beloved. I yearn just once, as other privileged men, to bask in the
+sunshine of happiness a long, beautiful summer day, and then at the
+golden sunset to sink upon my knees and cry, 'I thank Thee, O God,
+that in Thy goodness I have recognized Thy sublimity, and that Thou
+hast revealed thy glory to me.' All this appears of little
+importance to your majesty, for the heart of a king is not like that
+of other men, and the personal happiness of individuals appears a
+matter of little account to him who thinks and works for the good of
+an entire nation. But the fly, sire, which is sunning itself upon
+the plumes of the helmet of a victorious king, has its right to
+happiness, for God created it with the same care and love that He
+created the noblest of His creatures--man! and it would be cruel to
+kill it without necessity. Sire, I do not extol myself. I know that
+in your eyes I am no more than the fly upon your helmet, but I only
+implore you to grant me my life, for God has given it to me."
+
+"You mean by this that I shall forbid General von Leuthen to marry
+his daughter to the rich man who seeks her, and to which marriage,
+understand me well, I have already given my consent."
+
+"Sire, I only know that this union drives not only me to despair,
+but one of the noblest and best of God's creatures. Fraulein von
+Leuthen does not love the bridegroom forced upon her; she detests
+him, and she has good reason to, for the banker Ebenstreit is a
+cold-hearted, purse-proud man, enfeebled by a voluptuous, vicious
+life, and seeks nothing nobler and more elevated in the young girl
+to whom he has offered his hand, than the title and noble name which
+she can procure for him. Your majesty, I implore not for myself, but
+for the daughter of a man who once had the good fortune to save your
+life in battle! Have pity upon her, and do not sacrifice her to an
+inconsolably hopeless life by the side of an unloved and detested
+husband!"
+
+The king slowly shook his head. "You forget that the general to whom
+I am indebted for this favor has begged my consent to this marriage,
+and that I have granted it."
+
+"Sire, I conjure yon to recall it! Upon my knees I implore you not
+to grant it! Do not make two people unhappy, who only beg of your
+majesty the permission to love and live with each other!" Moritz
+threw himself at the king's feet, praying with clasped hands, his
+face flushed with deep emotion, and his eyes dimmed with tears.
+
+"Rise!" commanded Frederick, "rise, do not kneel to me as to a God.
+I am a feeble mortal, subject to the same ills which threaten you
+and the whole human race. Rise, and answer me one question--are you
+rich?"
+
+"No," answered Moritz, proudly raising his head; "no, I am poor."
+
+"Do you know that Fraulein von Leuthen is poor? Her father is worse
+off than Job, for he is in debt."
+
+"If General von Leuthen's daughter were rich, or even moderately
+well off, I never would have presumed to address your majesty on the
+subject, for fear that you might misconstrue my intentions, and
+suppose that my love was inspired by self-interest. Fortunately,
+Marie possesses nothing but her noble, beautiful self. She leads a
+joyless existence under the severe discipline of her cold-hearted
+parents; and therefore I can truthfully say, that with me she will
+lose nothing, but gain what she has never known--a tranquil, happy
+life, protected by my love."
+
+"How much salary do you receive as teacher?"
+
+"Majesty, as conrector of the college attached to the Gray
+Monastery, three hundred and fifty dollars."
+
+"Do you expect to live upon that yourself, and support a family
+besides?"
+
+"Sire, I shall earn money in other ways, as I have already done. I
+shall write books. The publishers tell me that I am a favorite
+author, and they pay me well."
+
+"If on the morrow you should fall ill, your income would vanish, and
+your family and you would starve together. No! no! you are an
+idealist, you dream how life should be, and not as it is in truth! I
+have listened to you, thinking that you would present some forcible
+argument upon which to found your pretensions, but I hear only the
+ravings of a lover, who believes the world turns upon the axis of
+his happiness. Let me tell you that love is an ephemera, which
+merrily sports in the sunlight a few short hours, and dies at
+sunset. Should a king forfeit his word for such a short-lived bliss?
+Should he reward a man to whom he is indebted by depriving him of a
+rich son-in-law, who is agreeable to him, and substituting a poor
+one, from whom he can never hope to receive a comfortable
+maintenance? You young people are all alike. You think only of
+yourselves, and it is a matter of little consequence to you if the
+aged pine away and die, provided you build up happiness on their
+graves! I ask you, who have talked so much about your own wishes,
+and those of your beloved, where is it written that man must be
+happy, that there is a necessity to make him so? Do you suppose that
+I have ever been happy--who have a long, active life in
+retrospection? Mankind have taken good care that I should not sip
+this nectar of the gods, and have taught me early to renounce it.
+Life is not consumed in pleasure, but in toil, and I believe its
+only happiness consists in the fact that at last, when weary and
+worn, we will sink into the grave--to an eternal rest! Every human
+being must work according to his abilities, and in the position
+which Fate has assigned to him. To maintain this position, his honor
+is at stake--the best and most sacred gift confided to man. You will
+not desert it--not despair in life because your dream of bliss is
+not realized."
+
+"Sire," answered Moritz, with a cry of anguish, "it is no dream, but
+a reality!"
+
+"Happiness is only ideal," said the king, slowly shaking his head.
+"What we sigh for to-day, we curse on the morrow as a misfortune.
+Let this serve as a lesson to you. Toil on--you are a scholar; woo
+Science for your bride. Her charms will never fade. In youth as in
+old age she will attract you by her beauty and constancy--that which
+you cannot hope for from women."
+
+"Sire," asked Moritz, in deep dejection, "will you not grant the
+petition of my heart? Will you condemn this poor, innocent young
+girl who prays your majesty through me, to a long, joyless
+existence, to a daily-renewing sorrow?"
+
+The king shrugged his shoulders. "I have already said that happiness
+is imaginary; I might have added unhappiness also. General von
+Leuthen's daughter will accustom herself to the misfortune of being
+a rich man's wife, and finally will drive with a smiling face in her
+four-in-hand gilded carriage!"
+
+"Sire, I swear to you that you mistake this dear, noble-hearted
+young girl, you--"
+
+"Enough!" interrupted the king. "I have given my consent to General
+von Leuthen, and I cannot recall it. Moreover, the marriage of the
+daughter of my general with you would be a misalliance--ridiculous.
+In the republic of intellect and science, you may have a very high
+position, but in my earthly kingdom you hold too modest a one to
+presume to raise your eyes to a noble young lady. I regret that I
+can offer you no other consolation than to listen to reason, and be
+resigned. As we cannot bring down the moon to earth, we must content
+ourselves with a lamp to light up our small earthly abode. If this
+ever should fail you, then come to me and I will assist you. I
+cannot, to be sure, give you the moon, for that belongs as little to
+me as the bride of the rich Herr Ebenstreit von Leuthen. One cannot
+give away that which one does not possess. Farewell! return to
+Berlin, and resign yourself bravely to your fate. Accustom yourself
+to the thought that in fourteen days Fraulein von Leuthen will
+become the wife of your wealthy rival. The wedding ceremony awaits
+only the papers of nobility, for which my order has already been
+forwarded to Berlin. I moreover propose to you not to return to the
+college at once, but travel for two weeks. I will be responsible for
+your absence, and provide you with the necessary means. Now tell me
+whether you accept my proposal?"
+
+"Thanks to your majesty, I cannot," answered Moritz, with calm
+dignity. "There is but one balm which my king could grant me. Money
+is not a plaster to soothe and heal a wounded heart. Sire, I beg you
+to dismiss me, for I will return at once to Berlin."
+
+"I hope that you have not the foolish idea to return on foot," said
+the king. "My courier will leave in an hour, and there are two
+places in the coupe, accept one of them."
+
+"Sire," said Moritz, gloomily, "I--" suddenly the words died on his
+lips, and his eyes beamed with an unnatural fire, which paled under
+the observing glance of the king. "I thank you," said Moritz,
+gasping, "I will accept it."
+
+The king nodded. "Au revoir, in Berlin! When I return after the
+campaign I will send for you. You will then have learned to forget
+your so-called misfortune, and smile at your pilgrimage!"
+
+"I cannot think so, sire."
+
+"I am convinced of it. Farewell."
+
+Moritz answered the royal salutation with a mute bow, and withdrew
+with drooping head and sorrowful heart. The king continued to regard
+him with an expression of deep sadness. "Ah!" he sighed, "how
+enviable are those who can still believe in love's illusion, and who
+have not awakened from their dream of bliss by sad experience or
+age! How long since I have banished these dreams--how long I--"
+
+The king ceased, his head sank back upon his chair, his large, fiery
+eyes, peering into the distance, as if he would re-people it with
+the memories of youth, with the delusions from which he had so long
+awakened. Those lovely, charming forms flitted before him one by one
+which had then captivated him: the beautiful Frau von Wrechem, his
+first love, and to whom he had vowed eternal constancy; another
+sweet, innocent face that suffered shame and degradation for him--
+"oh! Doris, Doris, dream of my youth, fly past!"--and now the face
+with the large eyes and energetic features, which turned so tenderly
+to him, that of his sister Frederika, who from affection to the
+crown prince had sacrificed herself to an unloved husband in order
+to reconcile the son with the father, and preserve for him the
+inheritance to the throne; still another calm and gentle face, with
+the expression of sorrowful resignation in the deep-blue eyes, that
+of his wife, who had so passionately loved him, and had faded away
+at his side unloved! All past--past. A new face arose, the pretty
+Leontine von Morien, the tourbillon of the princely court at
+Rheinsberg, who pined away in sighs. Now passed the sweetest and
+loveliest of all. The king's eyes, which stared into empty space,
+now beamed with glad recognition. The heart which had grown old and
+sobered beat with feverish rapidity, and the compressed lips
+whispered, sighing, "Barbarina!" She stood before him in her
+bewitching beauty, with the charming smile upon her ruby lips, and
+passionate love beaming from her flashing eyes. "Oh, Barbarina!" The
+king rose, a cold chill crept over him. He looked around so
+strangely in the desolate, darkened room, as if he could still see
+this form which greeted him with the sad smile and tearful glance.
+No one was there. He was quite alone. Only the feeble echo of far-
+distant days repeated the device of his youth--of his life: "Soffri
+e taci! Resignation alone has remained true to me. But no--there is
+still another friend, my flute. Come, you faithful companion of my
+life! You have witnessed my sorrows, and from you I have nothing to
+conceal!" He tenderly regarded it, for it was long since he had
+taken it from its case. The sorrows and cares of life, the suffering
+from the gout which raged in his teeth, and sad, sobering old age,
+had caused him to lay it aside, but with the habit of affection he
+carried it everywhere. Frederick felt himself grow young again with
+the souvenirs of former days, and essayed to recall the echo of
+tenderer feelings upon his flute. The music of his heart was hushed,
+the melodious tones of former days would not return. The king laid
+it aside with an impatient movement. "Nothing is lasting in life,"
+he murmured. A flourish of trumpets, a peal of drums announced that
+the regiment was passing which would parade before the king. What
+are they playing, which rouses the lonely king with bright memories
+and shouts of victory? It is the march which his majesty composed
+after the brilliant victory of Hohenfriedberg. The king raised his
+eyes gratefully to heaven, repeating aloud: "There is something
+lasting in life. Love ceases and music dies away, but the good we
+have accomplished remains. The most glorious of earthly rewards is
+granted to those who have achieved great deeds--the mortal becomes
+immortal--the gods ceding to him that which is more elevating than
+love or happiness--fame. Ye trumpets of Hohenfriedberg, ye will
+still quiver when I am gone, and relate to succeeding generations
+about 'Old Fritz.' Such tales are well worthy to live and suffer
+for! I am coming, ye trumpets of fame." With youthful activity and
+beaming face the king went out to receive his generals, who saluted
+him with silent reverence, and his soldiers, who greeted their
+beloved commander and king with an exultant shout.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+IN WEIMAR.
+
+
+"There lies dear Weimar, encircled in its wreath of green. Do you
+not see it, Wolf? I will refresh my heart with its view; so halt,
+postilion, halt," cried the duke. "It is more beautiful to me than
+stately, proud Berlin. Though a poor, gray nest, I could press it to
+my heart, with all its untidy little houses, and tedious old
+pedants. Let us walk down the hill, Wolf."
+
+"Most willingly," cried Goethe, stretching forth his arms to the
+little town, nestled in the peaceful valley, "be welcome, you lovely
+paradise, with your angels and serpents; we press on toward you with
+all our heart and soul, as to the seven-sealed book, filled with
+mysteries, and we would draw glorious revelations from your hidden
+contents."
+
+"And grant, ye gods, that the inspired one may at last break the
+seal which a cruel friend has placed upon her lips, that he may not
+drink the kiss of love glowing beneath," said the duke, smiling. "Do
+you not see the gray roof yonder, with its background of tall trees,
+that--"
+
+"The house where dwells my beloved, my dearest friend, my sister,
+and the mistress of my heart," interrupted Goethe. "She is all this,
+for she is my all in all. The fountains of bliss and love which here
+and there I have drawn from, refreshing my heart and occupying my
+mind, flow toward her, united in one broad, silvery stream, with
+heaven and earth mirrored therein, and revealing wonderful secrets
+in its rushing waves."
+
+"Ah, Wolf!" cried the duke, "you are a happy, enviable creature,
+free and unfettered, sending your love where it pleases you. My dear
+Wolf, I advise you never to marry, for--"
+
+Goethe hastily closed the duke's mouth with his hand. "Hush! not a
+word against the noble Duchess Louisa, my master and friend. She is
+an example of refined, womanly dignity; and you, Charles, are to be
+envied the love of so estimable a wife and sweet mother for your
+children."
+
+"Indeed I am," cried the duke, enthusiastically. "I could not have
+found a more high-minded, lovely wife, or a more excellent, virtuous
+mother for my descendants. But you know, Wolf, that your Charles has
+still another heart, very susceptible and tender, which seeks for an
+affinity to call its own, and vent itself in the pleasures of youth,
+in glorious flirtations, melancholy signs, and blissful longings.
+You cannot expect me at twenty-two to play the grandfather, and have
+no eyes or heart for other captivating women, though I love my young
+wife most affectionately, and bless Fate that I am bound with silken
+cords to Hymen's cart--though I am forever bound, and you, Wolf, are
+happily free!"
+
+"Because grim Fate refuses to unite me to my beloved. Oh, Charlotte,
+if you were free, how blessed would I be, enchained by you! Not to
+'Hymen's cart,' as the fortunate mocker says, but to the chariot of
+Venus, drawn by doves, enthroned upon which you would bear me to
+heaven!"
+
+"Do not blaspheme, Wolf," cried the duke; "rather kneel and thank
+the gods that you are not fettered and your wings clipped. They wish
+to preserve to you love's delusion, because you are a favorite, and
+deny you the object adored. Beware of the institution which the
+French actress, Sophie Arnould, has so wittily called the
+'consecration of adultery.' You will agree with me that we have many
+such little sacraments in our dear Weimar, and I must laugh when I
+reflect for what purpose those amiable beauties have married, as not
+one of them love their husbands, but they all possess a friend
+besides."
+
+"The human heart is a strange thing," said Goethe, as they descended
+the hill, arm in arm, "and above all a woman's heart! It is a sacred
+riddle, which God has given Himself to solve, and that only a God
+could unravel!"
+
+At this instant a flash of lightning, followed by heavy-rolling
+thunder, was heard.
+
+"Hear, Wolf--only hear!" laughed Charles--"God in heaven responds,
+and confirms your statement."
+
+"Or punishes me for my bold speech," cried Goethe, as the hailstones
+rattled around him hitting his face with their sharp points. "Heaven
+is whipping me with rods."
+
+"And our carriage has descended with a quick trot into the valley,"
+said the duke. "I will call it." He sprang into the middle of the
+road, making a speaking-trumpet of his hands, and shouted in a full,
+powerful voice, "Oho, postilion! here, postilion!"
+
+The continued rolling of the thunder, the whistling wind, and
+rattling hail, made all attempts inaudible. The two gentlemen sought
+shelter under the thick crowns of the oak-trees by the wayside,
+which formed an impenetrable roof to the flood of rain.
+
+"I know nothing more sublime than a thunder-storm," said Goethe,
+looking up as if inspired; "when the thunder rolls in such awful
+majesty and wrath, it seems as if I heard Prometheus in angry
+dispute with the gods. In the dark clouds I see the Titan, enveloped
+in mist, overspreading the heavens, and raising his giant-arm to
+hurl his mighty wrath." At this instant a flash of lightning,
+followed by a deafening peal reverberated in one prolonged echo
+through the hills.
+
+"Do you not hear him, Charles?" cried Goethe, delighted--"hear all
+the voices of earth united in the grumbling thunder of his wrath?
+See, there he stands, yonder in heaven--his form dark as midnight. I
+hear it--he calls--Overshadow the heavens, O Jupiter, With thy
+vaporous clouds! Cut off the oak and mountain-tops As a boy plucks
+the thistle. Leave me earth and my cabin Which thou hast not built,
+And my hearth-side, The glow of which thou enviest me! I know naught
+so miserable As you gods--you--"
+
+Again the mighty peal silenced Goethe, who looked to heaven with
+defiance flashing from his eyes and his clinched hand upraised, as
+if he were Prometheus himself menacing the gods.
+
+"Proceed, Wolf," cried the duke, as the echo died away. "How can
+you, yourself a god, be so excited with the anger of like beings?
+Proceed!"
+
+The uplifted arm of the poet sank at his side, and the fiery glance
+was softened. "No human word is capable of expressing what
+Prometheus just spoke in thunder," said Goethe, musingly, "and I
+humbly feel how weak and insignificant we are, and how great we
+think ourselves, while our voice is like the humming beetle in
+comparison to this voice from the clouds."
+
+"Be not desponding, Wolf, your own will ring throughout Europe;
+every ear will listen and every heart will comprehend, and centuries
+later it will delight with its freshness and beauty. The storm
+passes and dies away, but the poet lives in his heavenly melodies
+through all time. You must finish 'Prometheus' for me, Wolf. I
+cannot permit you to leave it as a fragment. I will have it in black
+and white, to refresh myself in its beauty bright. A spark of your
+divine talent is infused into my soul, and I begin to rhyme. Ah,
+Wolf, all that is elevated within me I owe to you, and I bless Fate
+for according you to me."
+
+"And I also, dear Charles," said Goethe, feelingly. "For, fostered
+and protected by your noble mind and nature, my inmost thoughts
+develop and blossom. We give and receive daily from each other, and
+so mingle the roots of our being that, God willing, we will become
+two beautiful trees, like the oak which now arches over us. But see,
+the rain is fast ceasing, and the sun looks out by the clinched hand
+of Prometheus. We can now travel on to the loved spot."
+
+"Oh, Wolf, are you in love? None but a lover could say the rain has
+ceased, when it pours down so that we should be drenched before we
+could arrive at Weimar. But hark! I hear a carriage in the distance;
+we may be favored with a shelter."
+
+The duke stepped out from under the trees, and looked along the
+highway with his sharp hunter's eye. "A vehicle approaches, but no
+chance for us, as it appears to be a farm-wagon, crowded with men
+and women."
+
+"Indeed it does," said Goethe, joining him; "a very merry company
+they are too, singing gayly. Now, grant the rain rain has ceased--"
+
+"Charlotte von Stein is at Weimar," interrupted the duke. "Give me
+your arm, and we will walk on."
+
+They advanced briskly arm in arm. A stranger meeting them would have
+supposed that they were brothers, so much alike were they in form,
+manners, and dress, for the duke as well as Goethe wore the Werther
+costume.
+
+As they descended, the carriage came nearer and nearer. The duke's
+keen eye had not been deceived. It was a farm-wagon, filled with a
+frolicsome party, sitting on bags of straw for cushions. They were
+chatting and laughing absorbed in fun, and did not observe the two
+foot-passengers, who turned aside from them. A sudden cry of
+surprise hushed the conversation; a form rose, half man and half
+woman, enveloped in a man's coat of green baize, crowned with a neat
+little hat of a woman. "Oh, it is Charles!" cried the form, and at
+the same instant the duke sprang to the wagon. "Is it possible, my
+dear mother?"
+
+"The Duchess Amelia!" cried Goethe, astonished.
+
+"Yes," laughed the duchess, greeting them with an affectionate look.
+"The proverb proves itself--'Like mother, like son.' On the highway
+mother and son have met. You should have done the honors in a
+stately equipage."
+
+"May I be permitted to ask where you come from?" asked the duke.
+"And the dress, of what order do you wear?"
+
+"We walked to Ziefurt, and intended to walk back. Thusnelda is so
+delicate and weak, that she complained of her fairy feet paining
+her," answered the duchess, laughing.
+
+"Ah, duchess, must I always be the butt?" cried the lady behind the
+duchess, crouching between the straw-sacks. "Must I permit you to
+follow in my footsteps, while I--"
+
+"Hush, Goechhausen--hush, sweet Philomel," interrupted the duke, "or
+the Delphic riddle of this costume will be apparent."
+
+"It is easily explained," said the duchess. "No other conveyance was
+to be had, and my good Wieland gave me his green overcoat to protect
+me from the pouring rain." [Footnote: True anecdote.--See Lewes'
+"Goethe's Life and Writings," vol. 1., p. 406.]
+
+"And from to-day forth it will be a precious palladium," cried the
+little man with a mild, happy face on the straw by the duchess.
+
+"And there is Knebel too," shouted the duke to the gentleman who
+just then pulled the wet hood of his cloak over his powdered hair.
+
+"Our treasurer Bertuch, Count Werther, and Baron von Einsiedel
+also."
+
+"Does not your highness ask after our bewitching countess?" asked
+Goechhausen, in her fine, sharp voice. "The countess is quite ill--
+is she not, Count Werther?"
+
+"I believe so, they say so," answered the count, rather absent-
+minded. "I have not seen her for some days."
+
+"What is the matter?" asked the duke, as Goethe was engaged in a
+lively conversation with the duchess. "Is the dear countess
+dangerously ill?"
+
+"Oh, no," answered Goechhausen, "not very ill, only in love with
+genius, a malady which has attacked us all more or less since that
+mad fellow Wolfgang Goethe has raged in Weimar, and made it a place
+of torment to honorable people. Oh, Goethe--oh, Wolf! with what
+lamb-like innocence we wandered in comfortable sheep's clothing
+until you came and fleeced us, and infected us with your 'Sturm und
+Dranger' malady, and made us fall in love with your works!"
+
+"Goechhausen, hold your malicious tongue, and do not hide your own
+joy beneath jest and mockery," cried the duchess. "Acknowledge that
+you are rejoiced to see your favorite, and that you will hasten to
+write to Madam Aja, 'Our dear duke has returned, and my angel, my
+idol, Wolfgang, also.' I assure you, Goethe, Thusnelda loves you,
+and was exceedingly melancholy during your absence. If asked the
+cause of her sadness, she wept like--"
+
+"Like a crocodile," said the duke. "Oh, I know those tears of
+Fraulein Goechhausen; I could relate stories of her crocodile
+nature. Mother, how can you have such a monster in your society? Why
+not make the cornes, that the little devils may fly away?"
+
+"Very good," cried the little, crooked lady. "I see your highness
+has not changed by this journey. Where have you been, dear duke? Oh,
+I remember; you flew over the Rhine, and have flown home again quite
+unchanged."
+
+All laughed, the duke louder than any one. "Goechhausen, you are a
+glorious creature, and the Arminius is to be envied who appropriates
+this Thusnelda. Oh, I see the charming youth before me, who has the
+courage to make this German wife his own!"
+
+"I will scratch his eyes out?" cried Goechhausen, "and then the
+Countess Werther can play Antigone, and lead him around as Oedipus.
+Why shut your eyes, Einsiedel? I do not scratch quite yet."
+
+"I was not thinking of that," said the baron, astonished.
+
+"You never think that every one knows; but did you not do it so soon
+as you understood the Countess Werther should lead blind Oedipus as
+Antigone?"
+
+Before the count could answer, the court lady turned again to the
+duke. "What did your highness bring me? I hope you have not
+forgotten that you promised me a handsome present."
+
+"No, I have not forgotten it; I have brought my Thusnelda a
+souvenir--such a gift!"
+
+"What is it, your highness?"
+
+"A surprise which, if Thusnelda is clever, she must think about all
+night.--But, Goethe, is it not time to leave the ladies?"
+
+"Wait, I command you both," said the Duchess Amelia, extending her
+hand to her son, who pressed it to his lips most affectionately. "I
+have given out invitations for a soiree, for this evening. My
+daughter-in-law, the Duchess Louisa, has accepted, duke, and Frau
+von Stein also, Goethe. I hope to see you at Belvedere, gentlemen.
+The poet Gleim is in town, and will read his late 'Muse Almanach.'
+May I not expect both of you?"
+
+They joyfully consented, gazing after the merry society as it drove
+away. "This is a good bite for the poisonous tongues of the
+honorable," cried the duke. "My mother in a farm-wagon, with
+Wieland's green overcoat on, and the reigning duke, with his Goethe,
+entering his capital on foot like a journeyman mechanic, after a
+long journey!"
+
+"I wish we were there, my dearest friend," sighed Goethe.
+
+"Oh, love makes you impatient! Come on, then. But listen, we must
+play Gochhausen a trick; I have promised her a surprise. Will you
+help me, Wolf?"
+
+"With pleasure, duke."
+
+"I have thought of something very droll, and your servant Philip
+must help us; he is a clever fellow, and can keep his own counsel."
+
+"He is silent as the grave, duke."
+
+"That is necessary for such a gentleman as the women all run after.
+Let us skip down the mountain, and then forward where our hearts
+incline us. This afternoon I will go for you and bring you to
+Belvedere, and then we can talk over the surprise." They ran down
+the declivity into the suburb, to the terror of the good people, who
+looked after them, saying that the young duke had returned with his
+mad protege. The "mad favorite" seemed more crazy than ever to-day,
+for after a brief farewell to the duke, he bounded through the
+streets across the English park, to the loved house, the roof of
+which he had so longingly greeted from the hillside. The door stood
+open, as is customary in small towns, and the servant in the
+vestibule came to meet him, and respectfully announced that her
+master had gone to his estate at Hochberg, but that Frau von Stein
+was most probably in the pavilion, in the garden, as she had gone
+thither with her guitar. "Is she alone?" asked Goethe. The servant
+answered in the affirmative, and through the court hastened the
+lover--not through the principal entrance, as he would surprise her,
+and read in her sweet face whether she thought of him. Softly he
+opened the little garden gate, and approached the pavilion by a
+side-alley. Do his feet touch the ground, or float over it? He knew
+not; he heard music, accompanied by a sweet, melodious voice. It was
+Charlotte's. Goethe's face beamed with delight and happiness. He
+gazed at her unseen, not alone with his eyes, but heart and soul
+went forth to her. She sat sideways to the door; upon a table lay
+her notes, and the guitar rested upon her arm. She sang, in a rich,
+sweet voice, Reinhardt's beautiful melody:
+
+"I'd rather fight my way through sorrows
+Than bear so many joys in life;
+All this affinity of heart to heart,
+How strangely it causes us to suffer!"
+
+She ceased, as if overpowered with her own thoughts, the guitar sank
+upon her lap, and her fingers glided over the chords, so that the
+tones died away imperceptibly. Her deep-blue eyes gazed pensively in
+the distance, and the sweet lips repeated softly, "How strangely it
+causes us to suffer!" Near the garden entrance, through which the
+odor of sweet flowers and the song of birds was wafted with every
+gentle zephyr, stood Goethe, looking at the woman whom he had so
+passionately loved for three years, so absorbingly, that to her were
+consecrated all his thoughts.
+
+He could contain himself no longer; he rushed forward and threw
+himself at her feet. "Oh, Charlotte, I love you, only you, and once
+more I am by your side!"
+
+A shriek! was it a cry of surprise or delight? Who let the guitar
+fall to the floor, he or she? Who embraced the other in affectionate
+haste, he or she? Who pressed the lips so lovingly to the other
+lips, he or she? And who said, "I love you? What bliss to again
+repose in your affection, I would fain die now. In this moment a
+whole life has been consecrated, for love has revealed to us our
+other self."
+
+She sat upon the tabouret, and Goethe still knelt before her,
+clasping her feet and pressing them to his bosom. His eyes beamed
+with inexpressible delight as he regarded the face, usually so calm
+and indifferent--today glowing as sunrise.
+
+"Oh, tell me, Charlotte, have you thought of me? But rather speak to
+me with your eyes, and may they be more than the cruel lips which
+refuse to confess. Oh, shade not those loved orbs, which are my
+stars shining upon me, whithersoever I wander. They are my light, my
+spring-time, and my love. They will never cease to beam upon me, as
+light and love never grow old. Let me read eternal youth in those
+eyes, and the secrets which rest as pearls in the depths of your
+heart. Only tell me, is the pearl of love to be found there, and is
+it mine?"
+
+"It would be a misfortune if it were there," she whispered, with a
+sweet smile. "Pearls are the result of a malady, and my heart would
+be ill if the pearl of love were found there. No, no, rise, Wolf,
+dear Wolf, we have given away at the first moment of meeting; let us
+now be reasonable, and speak in a dignified manner with each other,
+as it becomes a married woman and her friend."
+
+"Friend?" repeated Goethe, impetuously; "forever must I listen to
+this hated, hypocritical word, which, like a priest's robe, shall
+cover the sacred glow in my heart? I have told you, Charlotte, that
+I am not your friend, and I never shall be. There is not the least
+spark of this still, calm fire of the earthly moderation in me, by
+which one could cook his potatoes, or his daily vegetables, but by
+which one could never prepare food for the gods, or that which could
+refresh a poet's heart or quicken his soul. No, in me burns the fire
+which Prometheus stole from the gods, originating in heaven and
+glowing upon earth. This heavenly and earthly love unites in one
+flame. Again, I say, Charlotte, banish this hypocritical word
+'friendship!' It is only love which I feel for you, let this
+sentiment enter at every avenue of your heart, and do not feign
+ignorance of it, sweet hypocrite. Surprise has torn away the mask!
+The passionate kiss, which still burns upon my lips, was not given
+by a friend or sister; but overcome by joy, the truth has been
+acknowledged!"
+
+"Do you wish that the kiss of meeting should be that of parting
+also?" said Charlotte, sadly, as she raised her blue eyes with a
+languishing look to the handsome, ardent face of the man who stood
+before her. "Do you wish to separate forever? I must recall to you
+our last conversation: 'Only when you are resolved to moderate this
+impetuous manner, and curb this overflow of feeling, which reason
+and custom imposes upon us, shall I be able to receive you and enjoy
+your society.'"
+
+"Yes, with these unmeaning phrases you banished me. Cruel and hard-
+hearted were you to the last. Oh, Charlotte! you know what I
+suffered at our last walk, with your reasoning remonstrances and
+cold-hearted reproaches; they pierced my heart like poisoned arrows.
+If the duke and duchess had not been walking before us, I should
+have wept myself weary. My whole being cried within me: 'Oh! cruel
+and inexorable woman, to beg of me, who so unutterably loves her, to
+call her friend and sister!' I repeated the words daily during my
+absence, and sought to clothe your beloved image with meaning. They
+disfigured you, and the angel whom I adore was no longer
+recognizable. I cannot call you friend or sister."
+
+"Then I can be nothing to you, dear Wolfgang," sighed Charlotte. "In
+this hour of meeting we will part, and to avoid a chance encounter
+even, I will go to my husband at Kochberg, and remain there the
+whole summer."
+
+Goethe seized her, holding her fast in his strong arms, staring her
+in the face with a fierce, angry look. "Are you in earnest? Would
+you really do it?"
+
+"Goethe, I beg you to loosen your hold; you hurt my arms."
+
+"Do you not also hurt me? With your cold indifference do you not
+pierce my heart with red-hot daggers, and then smile and rejoice at
+my torture, which is a proof to you of my unbounded love? While you
+only play with me, and attach me to your triumphal car, to display
+to the world that you have succeeded in taming the lion, and have
+changed him into a good-natured domestic animal. Go! you do not
+deserve that I should love you, cold-hearted, cruel woman!"
+
+He threw her arms from him, with tears in his eyes. Charlotte von
+Stein regarded him with anger and indifference.
+
+"Farewell, secretary of legation. It seems to please you to insult
+and offend a poor woman, who has no other protection than her honor
+and virtue. Farewell! I will not expose myself to such offences;
+therefore I will retire."
+
+She turned slowly toward the door, but Goethe bounded forward like a
+tiger, interrupted her path, falling upon his knees, imploring pity
+and begging for pardon. "Oh, Charlotte, I will be gentle as a child,
+I will be reserved, I know that I am a sinner! It is warring against
+one's own heart to seek comfort in offending what is dearest to it
+in a moment of ill-humor. But I have again become a child, with all
+my thoughts, scarcely recognizable for the moment, quite lost to
+myself, as I consent to the conditions of others with this fire
+raging within me. Oh, beloved Charlotte, forgive me! I submit to all
+that you wish." [Footnote: Goethe's words.--See "Letters to
+Charlotte yon Stein," roll., p. 358.]
+
+"Will you be satisfied to love me as your friend and sister?"
+
+"I will be," he sighed. "Only in the future you must endeavor to
+persuade yourself into such a sisterly way that you will be
+indulgent to my rudeness, otherwise I shall have to avoid you when I
+need you most. Oh, Charlotte, it seems terrible to me that I should
+mar through anguish the best hours of my life, the blissful moments
+of meeting with you, for whom I would pluck every hair from my head
+if it would make you happy. And yet to be so blind, so hardened!
+Have pity upon me. Again I promise you that I will be reasonable. Do
+not banish me from your presence. Extend to me your hand, and
+promise me that you will be my friend and sister!" [Footnote:
+Goethe's words.--See "Letters to Charlotte von Stein," roll., p.
+358.]
+
+"Then here is my hand," said she, with a charming smile.
+
+"I will be your friend and sister, and--"
+
+"What now, my Charlotte? do finish--what is it?"
+
+She laid her hand gently upon his shoulder, and her words fell on
+his ear like soft music. "When my dear friend and much-beloved
+brother has conducted himself very prudently for two or three happy
+weeks, I will send him a ringlet of my hair, which he has so long
+begged for, and a kiss with it."
+
+Goethe spoke not, but pressed her blushing face to his bosom, and
+laid his hand gently upon her head. A smile of delight--of perfect
+happiness--played around his lips.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+THE READING.
+
+
+This happy smile still beamed upon Goethe's face as he walked with
+the duke late in the evening toward Belvedere to soiree of the
+Duchess Amelia, who was inspired with a love for the fine arts, and
+particularly literature. The two gentlemen had busily occupied
+themselves in preparing them for the lady of honor, Fraulein von
+Gochhausen, and, although aided by Goethe's servant, Philip, and
+workmen, it was late when they arrived.
+
+As they entered, the ladies and gentlemen were seated in a large
+circle around the centre-table. At one end sat the Duchesses Amelia
+and Louisa, the mother and wife of Charles Augustus and near the
+former her friend and favorite the poet Wieland, once the tutor of
+her son the duke. Near the poet sat an elderly gentleman of
+cheerful, good-natured mien, who, with the exception of Wieland, was
+the only one who did not present himself, like the duke and Goethe,
+in Werther costume. He wore a white, silver-embroidered coat, with a
+dark-blue satin vest, and breeches of the same, shoes with buckles,
+and bosom and wrist ruffles of lace.
+
+This gentleman, with the bright, sparkling eyes, and pleasant face,
+was the poet Gleim, who looked very comfortable and stately in the
+circle of powdered perukes. His admiration for Frederick the Great
+had inspired him to write some beautiful military songs, and his
+love of poetry and literature made him an enthusiastic admirer of
+all those devoted themselves to literary pursuits. Besides, he was
+rich and liberal, and it was very natural that the poets, and
+authors exerted themselves with marked assiduity to please Father
+Gleim. They were gratified to have him print their works for a small
+remuneration in an annual which he entitled the "Almanach of the
+Muses." He was just reading aloud at the duchess's soiree from the
+late edition of the almanach, and the society listened with earnest
+and kind attention, occasionally interrupted with an enthusiastic
+"Bravo!" or "Excellent!" from the duchess, followed by a murmur of
+assent around the table, which caused the poet's face to brighten
+with joy and satisfaction, and him to read on with increased energy.
+
+The entrance of the duke and Goethe was unobserved, as it was
+understood that the former wished no notice to be taken of his going
+or coming, and the duchess had also waved her hand, not to interrupt
+Father Gleim. The poet has just finished the new poem of melodious
+rhythm of imprisoned Shubart. As he paused to wipe the perspiration
+from his brow and sip a little raspberry water, a tall, slender
+young man, in the Werther costume, approached, bowing, and regarding
+the poet so kindly, that the glance of his fine black eyes fell like
+a sunbeam on the heart of the old man. "You appear somewhat
+fatigued, my good sir," said the unknown, in a sweet, sonorous
+voice. "Will you not permit me to relieve you, and read in your
+stead from this glorious book of yours?"
+
+"Do so, my dear Gleim," said the Duchess Amelia, smiling, "you seem
+really exhausted; let the young man continue the agreeable and
+welcome entertainment."
+
+Father Gleim was very well pleased; he handed the book to the young
+stranger with a graceful bow, as the latter seated himself opposite
+to him, and next to Fraulein Gochhausen.
+
+He commenced in a clear, distinct voice. The verses flowed from his
+lips gracefully, and in a cultivated style. The company listened
+with devoted attention, and Father Gleim, the protector of all the
+young poets, sat delighted, nodding consent, with a pleasant smile.
+It must all be charming--it had come into existence under his
+fostering care. What beautiful verses to listen to! "Die Zephyre
+lauschen, Die Balche rauschen, Die Sonus Verbreitet ihr Licht mit
+Wonne!"
+
+And how charmingly the young man read them! Suddenly Father Gleim
+startled, and the smile died upon his lips. What was it? What was
+the young man reading? Verse which were not in the collection, and
+which were more remarkable than he had ever heard from his young
+poets. "Those are not in the Annual," cried Gleim, quite forgetting
+decorum,--"that--"
+
+One glance from the fine black eyes of the young man so confounded
+Father Gleim, that he ceased in the midst of a sentence, and,
+staring in breathless astonishment, listened. Glorious thoughts were
+expressed therein, and the poets of the Muse Almanach might have
+thanked God if the like had occurred to them. Love was not the
+burden of the song; neither hearts, griefs, nor bliss, but satire,
+lashing right and left with graceful dexterity, and dealing a
+harmless thrust to every one. All were forced to laugh; the happy
+faces animated and inspired every thing. The brilliant satirical
+verses rushed like rockets from the lips of the reader--a real
+illumination of wit and humor, of good-natured jokes and biting
+sarcasm, and it delighted the old man that every one had received
+hits and thrusts but himself; he had been spared until now! Every
+one regarded him, smiling and amused, as the reader exalted the
+merits of the Maecenas, and praised him highly for the interest he
+took in the poet's heart, soul, and purse, and shouted victory when
+one excelled. But suddenly the good father also changed, and,
+instead of the patron on the right throne, there was a turkey-cock
+on the round nest, which zealously sought to hatch out the many eggs
+that he had to take care of for others besides his own; he sat
+brooding untiringly, and shed many a tear of joy over the fine
+number of eggs, yet it happened that a poetical viper had put but
+under him one of chalk, which he cared for with the others.
+
+Herr Gleim could no longer contain himself, and, striking the table,
+he cried, "That is either Goethe or the devil!" The entire company
+burst into uncontrollable laughter, and the old man shouted the
+second time, though inwardly angry, "It is either Goethe or the
+devil!"
+
+"Both, dear Father Gleim," said Wieland, who was drying his tears
+from laughter, "it is Goethe, and he has the devil in him to-day. He
+is like a wild colt, which kicks out behind and before, and it would
+be well not to approach him too near." [Footnote: Wieland's own
+words.--See Lewes' "Life of Goethe," vol. i., p. 432.]
+
+Goethe alone retained his composure, and continued reading in a
+louder voice, which hushed all conversation. He lashed with bitter
+sarcasm "him who assumed to be a god--a wise man--and who counted
+for nothing better than a pretentious, saucy fellow, who made
+himself the scorn of the poets by his sweet, Werther-like sighs, and
+other worthless lamentations, heeding neither God nor the devil!"
+
+And so he stormed and thundered, ridiculed and slandered his own
+flesh and blood, until Goechhausen, red with anger, rose and
+snatched the book from his hand, and closed his lips with her hand,
+crying: "If you do not cease, Goethe, I will write to your beloved
+mother, Frau Aja, that a satirist, a calumniator has had the
+impudence to defame and slur her beloved son in a most sinful and
+shameful manner! I will write to her, indeed, if you do not stop!"
+
+Goethe rose, and bowing offered his hand to Father Gleim in such a
+friendly, affectionate manner, that the old man, quite delighted,
+thanked him heartily for the pleasure and surprise which he had
+afforded him.
+
+The duke, however, seated himself by the little lady of honor.
+"Thusnelda, you are an incomparable creature, and quite calculated
+to be the ancestress of all the Germans. I declare myself your
+cavalier for the evening, and will devote myself to you as your most
+humble servant, and will not quit your side for a moment."
+
+"Very beautiful it will be, my dear duke, a most charming idyl; in
+true Watteau style, I will be the sweet shepherdess, and lead your
+highness by a little ribbon. But where is my present--my surprise?"
+
+"You must not be impatient, Thusnelda, but wait what time will
+produce. You will have it; if not to-day, to-morrow. Every day
+brings its own care and sorrow."
+
+"Ah, duke, instead of giving me my surprise, you beat me with
+doggerels. That comes from having a Goethe for companion and friend.
+Crazy tricks, like chicken-pox, are contagious, and the latter you
+have caught, duke. It is a new kind of genius distemper. Very
+fortunately, our dear Countess Werther has another malady, or she
+might be infected. Perhaps she has it already, Count Werther--how is
+it?'
+
+"I do not know, Fraulein," replied the count, startled from reverie.
+"I really do not know! My wife is quite ill, for that reason has
+gone to our estate to recover her peace and quiet. It is
+unfortunately quite impossible for me to visit her there; but my
+dear, faithful friend, Baron von Einsiedel, will drive over to-
+morrow at my request, my commission--"
+
+"To set the fox to keep the geese," interrupted Thusnelda in her
+lively manner.
+
+"No, not that, Fraulein," said Count Werther, quite confused, as the
+duke burst into a merry laugh, calling Thusnelda a witty Kobold, and
+as her faithful Celadon offered her his arm to conduct her to his
+mother, the Duchess Amelia.
+
+The company were all in a very happy frame of mind. Goethe's
+charming impromptu had kindled wit and humor upon every lip. He
+himself was the happiest of all, for Charlotte was by his side,
+gazing upon him with her large, thoughtful eyes, and permitting him
+to be her cavalier for the evening.
+
+The duke also devoted himself to Fraulein von Goechhausen, who was
+this evening unsurpassably witty and caustic, delighting him, and
+making the Duchess Amelia laugh, and the Duchess Louisa sometimes to
+slightly shrug her shoulders and shake her head with disapproval.
+
+In the midst of a most interesting conversation with Frau von Stein,
+Goethe was informed that some one awaited him in the anteroom. He
+went out quickly, and upon returning he whispered to the duke, who
+nodded, and answered him in a low tone, and then Goethe betook
+himself to the Duchess Amelia.
+
+"What is it?" the latter asked. "Have important dispatches arrived?"
+
+"No; I come to your highness as courier from your son. The duke begs
+that you will lock the door of your anteroom when you retire, and
+that you will upon no condition open it, no matter how much
+Thusnelda may beg and implore."
+
+"Will you not injure my poor Goechhausen, you wanton fellow?"
+
+"No! it is not very dangerous, duchess. It is only a harmless
+surprise, which the duke promised Fraulein von Goechhausen."
+
+"Very well, then, it can take place; I promise to be quite deaf to
+all Thusnelda's knocking and thumping, and I shall be glad to be
+informed to-morrow what the trick is. I prefer not to inquire to-
+day, as I might feel obliged to veto it if it were too severe. But
+look, the Duchess Louisa will break up; does she know any thing
+about the affair?"
+
+"No, your highness, you know very well that the young duchess--"
+
+"Is much more sensible than the old one, and shakes her head
+disapprovingly when she hears of your ingenuous tricks. Perhaps it
+would be well if I were equally sensible, but there is no help for
+it. I like bright, happy people, and I think when youth vents
+itself, old age is more sedate and reasonable."
+
+"You are quite right, duchess. Mankind resembles new wine. If the
+must does not ferment and foam well, no good wine will come of it.
+But look at our Charles, with the saucy jest upon his lip, and the
+fire of inspiration in those bright brown eyes. One day a fine,
+strong wine will clear itself from this glorious fermenting must."
+
+"I hope so, Goethe, and if the gods grant it, the great merit will
+belong to you, who have proved yourself a good vintager, and we will
+rejoice together in your glorious success."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+WITCHCRAFT
+
+
+An hour later the palace Belvedere was silent and deserted; the
+guests had taken their departure. The duchess had her suite and
+commanded them to retire. Fraulein von Gochhausen alone remained
+with her mistress, chatting by the bedside, and recapitulating in
+her amusing style all important and unimportant events of the
+soiree, The duchess smiled at the mischievous remarks with which she
+ornamented her relation, and at her keen, individualizing of
+persons.
+
+"Fraulein Gochhausen, you are the most wicked and the merriest
+mocking-bird God ever created," cried the duchess, "Have done with
+your scandals, go up to your room, piously say your evening prayers,
+and stretch yourself upon your maiden bed."
+
+"Soon, duchess; only one thing more have I to call your attention
+to. There is a gossip afloat about the Werthers. I perceive it in
+the air, as the dove scents the vulture."
+
+"You alarm me, Gochhausen; what good is it? You do not mean that the
+lovely Countess Werther--"
+
+"Is not only very weary of her husband, but looks about for a
+substitute--a friend, as the ingenious ladies now call him. That is
+what I mean, and I know the so-called friend which the sweet
+sentimental countess has chosen."
+
+"It is the Baron von Einsiedel, is it not?" asked the duchess. "That
+is to say, his younger brother, the gay lieutenant, not our good
+friend par excellence.
+
+"Yes, I mean the brother, and I have warned and taunted the count
+this week past, but it is impossible to awake him from his stupidity
+and thoughtlessness."
+
+"Again you are giving loose reins to your naughty tongue, Thusnelda.
+Count Werther is a thoroughly scholarly person, whom I often envy
+his knowledge of the languages. He has studied Sanscrit and the
+cuneated letters, among other ancient tongues."
+
+"It may be that he understands the dead languages, but the living
+ones not in the least. The language of the eyes and inspiration he
+is blind to, with seeing eyes! My dear duchess, if you are not
+watchful, and prevent the affair with timely interference, a scandal
+will grow out of it, and you know well that it would be a welcome
+opportunity for our Weimar Philistines (as the Jena students call
+commonplace gossips) to cry 'Murder,' and howl about the immoral
+example of geniuses, which Wolfgang Goethe has introduced at court."
+
+"You are right," said the duchess, musingly; "your apt tongue and
+keen eye are ever carefully watching, like a good shepherd-dog, that
+none of the sheep go astray and are lost. And you do not mind
+attacking this or that one in the leg with your sharp teeth!"
+
+"Let those scream who are unjustly bitten, your highness! Believe
+me, the countess will not cry out; she will much more likely take
+care not to receive a well-merited rebuke. I beg your grace to
+prevent the gossip! Not on account of this silly, sentimental young
+woman, or her pedantic husband, but that our young duke and Goethe
+may not be exposed to scandal, as well as your highness."
+
+"You are right--we must take care to prevent it. Has not the
+countess been absent at her estate four days?"
+
+"Yes, your highness, it is just this that troubles me. She went away
+as sound as a fish, and has suddenly fallen very ill. No physician
+has been called, but, to-morrow, the count will commission his dear
+friend the baron to drive to his country-seat, and bring him tidings
+of his better-half."
+
+"We must circumvent this. In the morning we will arrange a pleasure-
+drive, of the whole court, to the country-seat of Count Werther. It
+shall be a surprise. Let Fourier give out the invitations early to-
+morrow, for a country party, destination unknown. The distribution
+of the couples in the carriages shall be decided by lot. Take care
+that Lieutenant Einsiedel is your cavalier, so that when we arrive
+at the little Werther, he will already be appropriated, and then we
+will induce her to return with us and spend some time at Belvedere.
+Now, good-night, Thusnelda; I am very tired and need repose. Sleep
+already weighs upon my eyelids, and will close them as soon as you
+are gone. Good-night, my child--sleep well!"
+
+The little deformed court lady kissed the extended hand, the
+candlestick, with only a stump of a taper in it, and withdrew from
+the princely sleeping-room, courtesying, and wishing her mistress
+good-night, with pleasant dreams.
+
+The anteroom was dark and deserted. The lights were all
+extinguished, and Fraulein Goechhausen was, in truth, the only
+person who had not long since retired in the ducal palace. She was
+accustomed to be the last, accustomed to traverse the long, lonely
+corridors, and mount two flights of stairs to her bedroom upon the
+third story. The gay duchess, being very fond of society, had had
+the second story arranged guest-chambers and drawing-rooms.
+
+Why should the little court lady be afraid to-night? She had not
+thought of it, but stepped forward briskly to mount the stairs. It
+was surely very disagreeable for the wind to extinguish her lamp at
+that instant, just at the turning of stairs, and she could not
+account for it, as none of the windows were open, and there was no
+trace of a draft. However, it was an undeniable fact, the light was
+out and she was in total darkness--not even a star was to be seen in
+the clouded sky. It was, indeed, true that Thusnelda was so
+accustomed to the way that it mattered little whether she had a
+light or not. Now she had reached the corridor and she could not
+fail to find the door, as there was but one, that of her own room.
+She stretched out her hand to open it, but, strange to say, she
+missed the knob! Then she was sure that it was farther on; she felt
+along the wall, but still it eluded her grasp. It was unheard of--no
+handle and not a door even to be found! The wall was bare and
+smooth, and papered the entire length. A slight shudder crept over
+the courageous little woman's heart, and she could not explain to
+herself what it all meant. She called her maid, but no answer--not a
+sound interrupted the stillness! "I will go down to the duchess,"
+murmured Thusnelda; "perhaps she is awake, and then I can re-light
+my taper!"
+
+The door was fastened; the duchess had locked the ante-room to-night
+for the first time.
+
+Thusnelda tapped lightly, and begged an entrance humbly and
+imploringly. No answer, every thing was quiet. She recalled that the
+duchess had told her that she was very weary, and would sleep as
+soon as she was alone, which she undoubtedly had done.
+
+Thusnelda did not presume to awake her by knocking louder. She would
+be patient, and mount again to her room. Surely she must have made a
+mistake, and turned to the left of the corridor, where there was no
+door, instead of the right, as she ought to have done. It must be
+that it was her fault. She groped along the dark flights of stairs
+to the upper gallery, carefully seeking the right this time, but in
+vain. Again she felt only the smooth wall. Terrified, she knew not
+whether she was awake or dreaming, or whether she might not be in an
+enchanted castle, or walking in her sleep in a strange house. Just
+here she ought to find her room and the maid awaiting her, but it
+was lonely, deserted, and strange--no door, no maid. Thusnelda, with
+trembling hands smoothed her face, pulled first her nose, and then
+her hair, to identify herself. "Is it I?" she said. "Am I, indeed,
+myself? Am I awake? I know that I am lady of honor to the Duchess
+Amelia, and that upon the upper story is my room. Do not be foolish,
+and imagine that witchcraft comes to pass; the door is there, and it
+can be found." Thusnelda renewed her search with out-spread arms and
+wide-spread fingers, feeling first this side of the wall and then
+the other.
+
+By daylight the deformed little lady of honor must have been a very
+droll figure, in full toilet, dancing along the wall as if suspended
+by her outstretched hands. Oh, it was quite vain to seek any longer.
+It must be enchantment, and the door had disappeared. An indefinable
+dream crept over Thusnelda, and she was cast down. For the first
+time a jest failed her trembling lips, and she wept with anguish.
+Yes, she, the keen, mordant, jesting little woman, prayed and
+implored her Maker to unloose her from the enchantment, and permit
+her to find the long-sought-for entrance. But praying was in vain,
+the door was not to be found, it was witch craft, and she must
+submit to it. The rustling and moving her arms frightened her now,
+and when she walked the darkness prevented her seeing if any one
+followed her; so she crouched upon the floor, yielding to the
+unavoidable necessity passing the night there--the night of
+enchantment and witchery.[Footnote: See Lewes' "Life and Writings of
+Goethe," vol. 1., p. 408.]
+
+Not alone for Fraulein Goechhausen was this beautiful May-night of
+sad experience with witches. There were other places at Weimar. In
+the neighborhood of the ducal park, in the midst of green-meadows,
+stood a simple little cottage. Near it flowed the Ilm, spanned by
+three bridges, all closed by gates, so that no one could reach the
+cottage without the occupant's consent. It was as secure as a
+fortress or an island of the sea, and distinctly visible even in the
+night, its white walls rising against the dark perspective of the
+park. This is the poet's Eldorado, his paradise, presented to
+Wolfgang Goethe by his friend the Duke Charles Augustus. It was late
+as the possessor wound his way toward his Tusculum, as he familiarly
+called it, and, more attracted by the aspect of the heavens than by
+sleep, sought the balcony, to gaze at the dark mass of clouds
+chasing each other like armies in retreat and pursuit; one moment
+veiling the moon, at another revealing her full disk, and soon again
+covering the earth with dark shadows, until the lightning flashed
+down in snaky windings, making the darkness momentarily visible with
+her lurid glare. It was a glorious spectacle for the intuitive,
+sympathetic soul of the poet, and he yielded to its influence with
+delight. He heard the voice of God in the rolling of the thunder,
+and sought to comprehend the unutterable, and understand it in this
+poetical sense. Voices spake to him in the rushing of the storm, the
+sighing of the trees, and the rustling of the foliage. The storm
+passed quickly, a profound quiet and solemnity spread out over the
+nightly world, and it lay as if in repose, smiling in blissful
+dreams. The air was filled with perfumes, wafted to the balcony upon
+which dreamed the poet with unclosed eyelids and waking thoughts.
+The clouds were all dispersed; full and clear was suspended the moon
+in the deep, blue vault, where twinkled thousands of stars,
+whispering of unknown worlds, and the mysteries of Nature, and the
+greatness of Him who created them all.
+
+"Oh, beloved, golden moon, how calmly you look down upon me, sublime
+and lovely at the same time! When I gaze at you, moving so quietly,
+floating in infinity, and contemplating reflect thyself in
+finiteness, I think of you, oh Charlotte, who stands above me like
+the moon so bright and mild, and I envelop myself in your rays, and
+my spirit becomes heavenly in your light.
+
+Mir ist es, denk ich nur an Dich, Als in den Mond zu seh'n, Ein
+suesser Friede weht um mich, Weiss nicht, wie mir gescheh'n!
+
+"Yes, like sweet peace, and quiet, sacred moonlight, my thoughts
+shall be of you, Charlotte; not like the glowing rays of the sun, or
+the cold light of the stars. Bright and beaming like the moon you
+are to me, spreading around me your soft light. Oh, beautiful golden
+moon, mirrored in the water, you lie as in a silvery bath, and would
+entice me to seek you in the murmuring depths. Hark! how the ruffled
+waves of the Ilm with repeated gentle caresses kiss the shore, rush
+from thence in golden links down the river! Sweet of the Ilm, I
+come, I come!"
+
+Goethe hastened from the balcony, threw aside his apparel, plunged
+into the silvery flood, shouting with joy.
+
+What heavenly pleasure to float there, rocked by the murmuring
+waves, gazing at the silvery stars and the golden moon, a lovely May
+night, listening to the voices of Nature! Add to that the perfume-
+laden breeze rising from the rain-refreshed meadows. How glorious to
+plunge into the cool stream, splashing and dashing the water, and
+then to shoot like a fish through the drops falling like golden
+rain! Suddenly, while swimming, Goethe raised his head to listen. He
+thought he heard footsteps on the poet's forbidden bridge. The moon
+distinctly revealed a peasant from Oberweimar, who would be early to
+the weekly market, and so serve himself to the shortest route while
+no one could see him.
+
+"Such presumption deserves punishment, my good peasant, and if there
+is no one else to do it the ghosts must."
+
+Listen, what a savage yell from under the bridge, and then another
+more unearthly!
+
+The peasant, frightened, stopped suddenly, and looked down into the
+river. "Oh, what can it be?"
+
+A glistening white arm is raised menacingly toward the bridge. A
+white figure, with a black head and long black hair, is seen
+plunging and splashing, while fearful yells are heard from the deep.
+Then it disappeared, to return, and menace, and yell, and plunge
+again.
+
+The peasant shrieked with terror, and was answered with a cruel
+laugh. The white figure sank and rose from the river screeching and
+yelling, and the peasant shrieked also with terror.
+
+"A ghost! a ghost! oh, have mercy upon us! Amen! amen!"
+
+Fright lent him wings, and he fled, followed by the savage yells of
+the white figure, and never stopped until he reached Oberweimar,
+where he related to the astonished and terrified neighbors that
+there was a river-ghost just by the bridge which led to the cottage
+of the mad secretary of legation, Goethe, and which howled in the
+moonlight.[Footnote: This tradition of the ghost of the Ilm has been
+preserved in Weimar, since Goethe's nocturnal bath, until our time.-
+-See Lewes, vol. i., p. 451.]
+
+With the peasant also disappeared the ghost of the Ilm.
+
+Like a happy child of Nature, refreshed, Goethe went to his room and
+then again sought the balcony, to throw himself upon the carpet and
+gaze at the blue starry vault, and enjoy the glories of heaven with
+thoughtful devotion, and think of Charlotte--only of her, not once
+of the poor Thusnelda von Goechhausen, who passed the night upon the
+stairs of the Palace Belvedere, and who, at last weary with fright
+and exhaustion, fell asleep, and was awakened by the Duchess Amelia
+in the morning, laughingly demanding why she preferred the landing
+of the stairs for a place of repose.
+
+"Because I am bewitched, duchess, and my sleeping-room has
+disappeared from earth--because some cursed demon or wizard has
+enchanted me, this wicked--"
+
+"Beware what you say!" interrupted the duchess; "it is most probably
+the duke that you are inveighing against, and calling a demon and
+wizard."
+
+At this Thusnelda sprang up as if struck by an electric shock--"The
+surprise, this is what the duke promised me."
+
+"Very likely," laughed the duchess. "The courier just arrived with a
+letter from my son to you, and I came to bring it myself, and found
+you, to my surprise, sleeping here. Read it, and tell me what he
+says!"
+
+"Oh, listen, your highness!" cried Thusnelda, after having hastily
+perused the contents of the ducal missive.
+
+"'I hope I have succeeded to surprise you!
+Demons and wizards have closed your doors,
+And weeping you slept on the stairway alone.
+All witchcraft has now disappeared.
+Go seek The surprise that from Berlin I brought you,
+Which I now offer for an atonement.'"
+
+"An insolent fellow, indeed, is my son," said the duchess, "but you
+see, Thusnelda, he says, pater peccavi, and I am convinced that you
+will find something very pretty and acceptable in your room."
+
+"I will not take it--indeed I will not," pouted the lady of honor.
+"He so fearfully tormented me last night. I assure your highness I
+was half dead with terror and--"
+
+"And yet you will forgive him, Thusnelda, for the duke is your
+declared favorite; you dare not reproach him were he never so
+insolent, for you are just as much so, and not a hair's-breadth
+better. Come, go up and see what it is."
+
+She went, and found four masons, who had been at work since daybreak
+to remove the wall and replace the door. Thusnelda was obliged to
+laugh in spite of the unhappy night she had passed, as she climbed
+over rubbish and ruins into her room, and met her maid dissolved in
+tears, who related to her that "the duke had had her walled in, for
+fear she would tell the trick to her mistress."
+
+"And so you were really hermetically sealed?" said the duchess.
+
+"Yes, your highness," whimpered the maid, "I thought I never should
+see daylight again. I wept and prayed all night. The only thing that
+consoled me was the duke's command, which Philip brought to me, to
+give this little box to Fraulein so soon as the wall should be taken
+away in the morning."
+
+"Give it to me, Lieschen," cried Thusnelda, impatiently, her face
+beaming with satisfaction, however, when she opened the box. "Now,
+duchess, that is what I call a surprise, and the duke shall be, as
+he ever has been, my favorite. If he does sometimes play rude
+tricks, he makes it all right again, in a very generous and princely
+manner. See what a beautiful watch his highness has brought me,
+ornamented with diamonds!"
+
+"Yes, it is very pretty; give it to me that I may return it to the
+duke, and not mortify him too much, as you will not wear it."
+
+"I will accept it, duchess," cried Thusnelda, laughing--"and all is
+forgiven and forgotten."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE PURSE-PROUD MAN.
+
+
+"Trude, is there no news from him yet? Have you never seen him
+since? Did he not tell you about it?"
+
+"No, my dearest Marie," sighed old Trude. "There is no word, no
+message from him. I have been twenty times to the baker's in eight
+days, and waited at the corner of the street, where we agreed to
+meet, but no Moritz was there, and I have not been able to hear any
+thing about him."
+
+"Something must have happened to him," sighed Marie. "He is very
+ill, perhaps dying, and--"
+
+"No, no, my child, he is not ill, I will tell you all about it, if
+you will not worry. I have been to Herr Moritz's lodgings to-day. I
+could not wait any longer, and--"
+
+"Did you see him, and speak with him, Trude?"
+
+"No Marie, he was not there; and the people in the house told me
+that he had been gone for a week."
+
+"Gone!" repeated Marie, thoughtfully. "What does it mean? What could
+persuade him to abandon me in this hour of need? Tell me, Trude,
+what do you think? Console me if you can. You really know nothing
+further than that he is gone?"
+
+"A little bit more, but not much, my heart's child. When the people
+told me that he had disappeared eight days ago, it seemed as if one
+of the Alps had fallen on my heart, and my limbs trembled so I could
+go no farther, and I was obliged to sit down upon the stairs and cry
+bitterly, picturing all sorts of dreadful things to myself."
+
+"Dreadful things?" asked Marie. "Oh, Trude, you do not believe that
+my good, brave Moritz could do any thing sinful and cowardly, like
+wicked men? You do not think that my beloved--oh, no, no--I know
+that he is more noble; he will bear the burden of life as I will, so
+long as it pleases God."
+
+The old woman hung down her head, and humbly folded her hands.
+"Forgive me, my child, that I have such weak and sinful thoughts. I
+will apologize for them in my heart to you and your beloved so long
+as I live. After I had cried enough, I determined to go to the Gray
+Cloister, and beg the director to see me!"
+
+"Did you see him to speak with him, dear good Trude?"
+
+"Yes, dear child. I told him I was an aged aunt of Herr Moritz, who
+had come to Berlin to visit him; and finding that he was absent, I
+would like to know where he had gone, and, how long he would remain
+away."
+
+"Oh, Trude, how clever you are, and how kindly you think of every
+thing!" cried Marie, embracing her old nurse, and kissing
+affectionately her sunburnt, wrinkled cheek. "What did he say?"
+
+"He told me that Herr Moritz had begged permission to be absent
+fourteen days to take an urgent, unavoidable journey; that ten days
+had already expired, and he would soon return."
+
+"Then he will be here in four days, and perhaps will bring hope and
+aid! He has gone to seek it; I know and I feel it, though I cannot
+divine where the assistance will come from. Oh, Trude, if I could
+only gain a favorable delay until Moritz returns!"
+
+"Every thing is arranged," murmured Trude. "The marriage license is
+already made out, and Parson Dietrich has promised to be ready at
+any hour. Herr Ebenstreit has sent the money, doubling the amount
+required to the 'Invalids' Hospital' at Berlin, so that when the
+papers of nobility arrive, there--"
+
+"Hush!" interrupted Marie, "do not speak of it. It is fearful to
+think of, and it crazes me to hear it. I will resort to every
+extreme. Since my father and mother are deaf to my entreaties, I
+will try to move him to pity. I have never been able to see him
+alone; my mother is watchful that an explanation should be
+impossible between us. I will implore this man to have pity upon me,
+and confide in him to whom they would sell me."
+
+Trude shook her head mournfully. "I fear it will be in vain, dear
+child. This man has no heart. I have proved him, and I know it.--
+Hark the bell rings! Who can it be?"
+
+Both stepped out of the little garret-room to peep over the
+banister. Since Marie had been betrothed to the rich banker
+Ebenstreit, the general had received from his kind wife a servant in
+pompous livery for his own service. This servant had already opened
+the door, and Marie heard him announce in a loud voice, "Herr
+Ebenstreit!"
+
+"He!" Marie started back with horror. "He, so early in the morning!
+this is no accident, Trude. What does it mean? Hush! the servant is
+coming!"
+
+"I will go down," whispered Trude; "perhaps I can hear something."
+
+Trude hurried away as her young lady glided back into her room, and
+never glanced at the servant who sprang past her upon the stairs.
+
+"He is a hypocrite and a spy; he has been hired to watch and observe
+my child, and he will betray her if he discovers any thing."
+
+The servant announced, with respectful, humble mien, that Herr
+Ebenstreit had arrived, and Frau von Werrig desired her daughter to
+descend to the parlor.
+
+"Very well--say that I will come directly."
+
+The servant remained rubbing his hands in an undecided, embarrassed
+manner.
+
+"Why do you not go down?" asked Marie. "Have you any thing further
+to tell me?"
+
+"I would say," said he, spying about the room, as if he were afraid
+some one were listening, "that if a poor, simple man like myself
+could be useful to you, and you could confide in me your
+commissions, I should be too happy to prove to you that Carl
+Leberecht is an honest fellow, and has a heart, and it hurts his
+feelings to see the miss suffer so much."
+
+"I thank you," said Marie, gently. "I am glad to feel that you have
+sympathy for me."
+
+"If I can be of the least service to you, have the goodness to call
+me, and give me your commissions."
+
+"Indeed I will, although I do not believe it practicable."
+
+"I hope miss will not betray me to Frau von Werrig or old Trude."
+
+"No, I promise you that, and here is my hand upon it."
+
+The servant kissed the extended hand respectfully. "I will enter
+into the service of my young lady at once, and tell her she must
+prepare for the worst: Herr Ebenstreit just said, 'The diploma of
+nobility has arrived.'"
+
+Marie turned deadly pale, and for an instant it seemed as if she
+would sink down from fright, but she recovered herself and conquered
+her weakness.
+
+"Thank you, it is very well that I should know that; I will go down
+directly," said she.
+
+With calm, proud bearing Marie entered the sitting-room of her
+parents, and returned the salutations of her betrothed, who hastened
+toward her with tender assiduity.
+
+"My dear Marie," cried her mother, "I have the honor to present to
+you Herr Ebenstreit von Leuthen. The certificate of nobility arrived
+this morning."
+
+"I congratulate you, mother--you have at last found the long-desired
+heir to your name."
+
+"Congratulate me above all, my beautiful betrothed," said Herr
+Ebenstreit, in a hoarse, scarcely intelligible voice. "This title
+crowns all my wishes, as it makes me your husband. I came to beg,
+dear Marie, that our marriage should take place to-morrow, as there
+is nothing now to prevent."
+
+"Sir," she proudly interrupted him, "have I ever permitted this
+familiar appellation?"
+
+"I have allowed it," blurted out the general, packed in cushions in
+his roiling chair. "Proceed, my dear son."
+
+The latter bowed with a grateful smile, and continued: "I would beg,
+my dear Marie, to choose whether our wedding-journey shall be in the
+direction of Italy, Spain, France, or wherever else it may please
+her."
+
+"Is it thus arranged?" asked Marie. "Is the marriage to take place
+early to-morrow, and then the happy pair take a journey?"
+
+"Yes," answered her mother, hastily, "it is so decided upon, and it
+will be carried out. You may naturally, my dear daughter, have some
+preference; so make it known--I am sure your betrothed will joyfully
+accord it."
+
+"I will avail myself of this permission," she quietly answered. "I
+wish to have a private conversation with this gentleman immediately,
+and without witnesses."
+
+"Oh, how unfortunate I am!" sighed Herr Ebenstreit. "My dear Marie
+asks just that which I unfortunately cannot grant her."
+
+"What should prevent your fulfilling my wish?" asked Marie.
+
+"My promise," he whined. "On the very day of my betrothal, I was
+obliged to promise my dear mother-in-law never to speak with you
+alone or correspond with my sweet lady-love."
+
+"These are the rules of decency and of etiquette, which I hope my
+daughter will respect," said Frau von Werrig, in a severe tone. "No
+virtuous young girl would presume to receive her betrothed alone or
+exchange love-letters with him before marriage!"
+
+"After the wedding there will be opportunities enough for such
+follies," grumbled the general.
+
+"You may be sure that I shall use them, dear father," laughed
+Ebenstreit. "I would beg my respected mother to release me a half-
+hour from my oath to-day, that I may indulge the first expressed
+wish that my future wife favors me with."
+
+"It is impossible, my son. I never deviate from my principles. You
+will not speak with my daughter before marriage, except in the
+presence of her parents."
+
+"Mother, do you insist upon it?" cried Marie, terrified. "Will you
+not indulge this slight wish?"
+
+"'This slight wish!'" sneered her mother. "As if I did not know why
+you ask this private conversation. You wish to persuade our son-in-
+law to what you in vain have tried to implore your parents to do. A
+modest maiden has nothing to say to her future husband, which her
+parents, and above all her mother, could not hear. So tell your
+betrothed what you desire."
+
+"Well, mother, you must then take the consequences.--Herr
+Ebenstreit, they will force me to become your wife, they will sell
+me as merchandise to you, and you have accepted the bargain in good
+faith, believing that I agree to sacrifice my freedom and human
+rights for riches. They have deceived you, sir! I am not ready to
+give myself up to the highest bidder. I am a woman, with a heart to
+love and hate, who esteems affection superior to wealth. I cannot
+marry you, and I beg you not to teach me to hate you."
+
+A savage curse broke forth from the general, who, forgetting his
+gout, rose furious, shaking his clinched fist at his daughter.
+
+His wife was immediately by his side, and pushed him into his arm-
+chair, commanding him, in her harsh, cold to remain quiet and take
+care of his health, and listen to what his son-in-law had to say to
+his unfeeling and unnatural daughter. "He alone has to decide.--
+Speak, my dear son," said she, turning to the young man, who, with a
+malicious smile, had listened to the baroness, fixing his dull-blue
+eyes upon the young girl, who never seemed so desirable to him, as
+she now stood before him with glowing cheeks.
+
+"Again I say, speak, my dear son, and tell my daughter the truth; do
+you hear, the truth?"
+
+"If you will permit me, my dearest mother, I will," answered
+Ebenstreit, with submissive kindness, again regarding the daughter.
+"You have made me a sad confession, Marie," said he, sighing, "but I
+will acknowledge that I am not surprised, for your mother told me
+when I asked for your hand, that she feared I should never gain your
+consent, for you did not love me, although she herself, and the
+general, would grant theirs."
+
+"Was that all that I told you?" asked the mother, coldly.
+
+"No, not all," continued Ebenstreit, slightly inclining; "you added,
+'My daughter loves a beggar, a poor school-master, and she
+entertains the romantic idea of marrying him.'"
+
+"And what did you reply?" asked Marie, almost breathless.
+
+"My dear Marie, I laughed, repeating my proposal of marriage to your
+mother, saying, that I was ready to take up the combat with the poor
+pedagogue, and that you seemed all the more interesting and amiable
+for this romantic love. Life is so tedious and wretched, that one is
+glad to have some change and distraction. I assure you, I have not
+been so entertained for long years, as in the last fourteen days in
+this silent war with you. It amuses me infinitely to see you so
+stubborn and prudish, and increases my love for you. How could it be
+otherwise? The rich banker, Ebenstreit, has never seen a woman who
+was not ready to accept his hand, and why should he not love the
+first one who resists it? You have excited my self-love and vanity.
+You have made the marriage a matter of ambition, and you will
+comprehend that my answer is: 'Fraulein von Leuthen must and shall
+be my wife, no matter what it costs me. She defies my riches and
+despises money, so I will force her to respect my wealth and
+recognize its power. Besides, she is a cruel, egotistical daughter;
+who has no pity for her poor parents, and is capable of seeing them
+perish for her foolish attachment. I will make her a good child, and
+force her to make her parents, and thereby herself, happy.' All this
+I said to myself, and I have acted and shall act accordingly. I have
+only to add that the ceremony will take place to-morrow, at eleven.
+We will leave immediately after. Have the goodness therefore to
+choose in which direction, that I may at once make the necessary
+arrangements."
+
+"Lost--lost without hope!" cried Marie, in anguish, covering her
+face with her hands.
+
+"Rather say rescued from misfortune," answered Ebenstreit, quietly.
+"Believe me, there is but one sorrow that may not be borne, may not
+be conquered, and that is poverty, which is a corroding, consuming
+malady, annihilating body, and soul, swifter and surer than the most
+subtle poison. It stifles all noble feelings, all poetical thoughts
+and great deeds, and, believe me, love even cannot resist its
+terrible power. One day you will understand this. I will be patient
+and indulgent, and await it with hope."
+
+"Oh, what a noble and high-minded man!" cried the mother, with
+emphasis.--"Marie should kneel and thank her Maker for such a
+magnanimous savior and lover, who will shield her from all evil and
+misfortune."
+
+Sobbing and sighing, the daughter had stood with her face concealed;
+now she regarded the cold-hearted, smiling woman, with flashing eyes
+and keen contempt.
+
+"Thank him!" she cried; "no, I accuse, I curse him. He is an
+atheist, and denies love. He is not capable of a noble thought or
+action, scorning and defaming all that is beautiful and elevated,
+worshipping only mammon. I will never marry him. You may force me to
+the altar, and there I will denounce him."
+
+"She will kill me," cried the general; "she will murder her aged
+parents, leaving them to starve and perish, and--"
+
+"Silence!" commanded his wife. "Leave off your complaints, she is
+not worth the tears or remonstrances of her parents. She would try
+to be our murderess, but she shall not.--My son, inform her of your
+decision. Answer her."
+
+"The response to your romantic language is simple and natural, my
+dear Marie. I have already entered into your feelings, and am
+prepared for this idea of refusing your lover at the altar, which is
+found in novels, and I supposed that it might occur to you. Money
+compasses all things and according to our wishes. My fortune
+procures for me a dispensation from public authorities to be married
+here in the house of our dear parents. The law demands four
+witnesses, who will be represented by your parents, my servant
+Philip, and the sacristan whom the clergyman will bring."
+
+"And they will hear me abjure you."
+
+"It is very possible, dearest, but the witnesses will not listen to
+you. Money makes the deaf to hear, and the hearing ones deaf. Old
+parson Dietrich knows the story of your love, and believes, with us,
+that it is a malady that you must be cured of. Therefore, in pity to
+you, he will not listen, and the others arc paid to keep silent."
+
+"Is there no hope, O Heaven?" cried Marie, imploringly. "O God, Thou
+hast permitted it--hast Thou no pity in my need, and sendest me no
+aid?" Rushing to her father, and kneeling at his feet, she
+continued: "Have mercy upon your poor child! You are an old man, and
+may live but a few years; do not burden your conscience with the
+fearful reproaches of your only child, whom you will condemn to an
+inconsolably long and unhappy life."
+
+"Have you no pity yourself? Do you not know that I, your father, am
+so poor, that I have not even the necessary care? You wish your
+parents to sacrifice themselves for you, and suffer want! No, the
+daughter should sacrifice herself for her parents."
+
+"A beautiful sacrifice, a fine sorrow!" sneered her mother. "She
+will be a rich woman, and have the most splendid house and furniture
+and most costly equipage in Berlin!"
+
+"And a husband who adores her," cried Ebenstreit, "and who will feel
+it his duty to make her and her parents happy. Resolve bravely to
+bury the past, and look the immutable future joyfully in the face.
+Eleven will be the happy hour; fear not that the altar will not be
+worthy the charming bride of such a rich family. Money will procure
+every thing, and I will send a florist who will change this room
+into a blooming temple, fit to receive the goddess of love. In your
+room you will find the gift of my affection, a simple wedding-dress,
+which I trust you will approve of. Oh, do not shake your head, do
+not say that you will never wear it; you must believe that all
+resistance is in vain. You will become my wife, I and my money will
+it."
+
+"And I," cried Marie, standing before him pale and defiant,
+regarding him with unspeakable contempt, "I and my love will it not.
+May God judge between us! May He forgive those who have brought this
+misfortune upon me! I can only say, 'Woe to them!'"
+
+"Woe to you!" cried her mother. "Woe to the seducer who has
+persuaded our child to sin and crime, and--"
+
+"Hush mother! I will not permit you to slander him whom I love, and
+ever shall, so long--"
+
+"Until you forget him, and love me, Marie," said Ebenstreit.
+Approaching her, he seized her hand, and pressed a kiss upon it.
+
+She drew it away with disgust, and turned slowly to the door,
+tossing back her head proudly. "Where are you going?" demanded her
+mother.
+
+With her hand upon the knob, she replied, turning her pale, wan face
+to her mother, "To my own room, which I suppose is permitted to me,
+as there is nothing more to be said."
+
+Her mother would reply, and retain her, but her son-in-law held her
+gently back. "Let her go," said he; "she needs rest for composure
+and to accustom herself to the thought that her fate is
+unavoidable."
+
+"But what if she should resort to desperate means in her mad
+infatuation and foolish passion? Some one must watch her
+continually, for she may try to elope."
+
+"You are right, dearest mother, some one must be with her, in whom
+she will confide. Would it not be possible to win old Trude?"
+
+"No, nothing would gain her; she is a silly fool, who thinks only
+Marie is of consequence."
+
+Ebenstreit shrugged his shoulders. "That means that she would sell
+herself at a high price. I beg that you will send for her."
+
+"You will see," said she, calling the old woman, who entered from
+the opposite door.
+
+Trude looked about, scowling and grumbling. "Leberecht told me my
+mistress called me."
+
+"Why do you then look so furious, and what are you seeking on the
+table?" asked Frau von Werrig.
+
+"My money," cried Trude, vehemently. "I thought that you called me
+to pay me, and that my wages were all counted out on the table. But
+I see there is nothing there, and I fear I shall get none, and be
+poor as a church-mouse all my life long. Your honor promised me
+positively that, as soon as the wedding was decided upon, you would
+pay me every farthing, with interest, and I depended upon it."
+
+"You shall have all, and much more than the general's wife promised
+you, if you will be a true and faithful servant to us," said
+Ebenstreit.
+
+"That I always have been, and ever shall be," snarled Trude. "No
+person can say aught against me. Now, I want my money."
+
+"And obstinate enough you have been too," said her mistress. "Can
+you deny that you have not always taken my daughter's part?"
+
+"I do not deny it. I have nursed her from childhood, and I love her
+as my own child, and would do any thing to make her happy!"
+
+"Do you believe, Trude," cried the general, "that Marie could be
+happy with that poor, starving wretch of a school-master? Has she
+not experienced in her own home the misfortune and shame of
+poverty?"
+
+"I know it well," sighed the old one, sadly, "and it has converted
+me to believe that it would be a great misfortune for Marie to marry
+the poor school-master."
+
+"Well, will you then faithfully help us to prevent it?" quickly
+asked Ebenstreit.
+
+"How can I do it?" she sighed, shrugging her shoulder.
+
+"You can persuade my daughter to be reasonable, and yield to that
+which she cannot prevent. You are the only one who can make any
+impression upon Marie, as she confides in you. Watch her, that in a
+moment of passionate desperation she does not commit some rash act.
+You can tell us, further, what she says, and warn us of any crazy
+plan she might form to carry out her own will."
+
+"That is to say, I must betray my Marie?" cried Trude, angrily.
+
+"No, not betray, but rescue her. Will you do it?" asked Ebenstreit.
+
+"I wish to be paid my wages, my two hundred thalers, that I have
+honestly earned, and I will have them."
+
+Ebenstreit took a piece of paper from his pocket. Writing a few
+lines with a pencil, he laid it upon the table. "If you will take
+this to my cashier after the ceremony to-morrow, he will pay you
+four hundred thalers."
+
+"Four hundred thalers in cash," cried Trude, joyfully clapping her
+hands. "Shall all that beautiful money be mine, and--No, I do not
+believe you," she cried, her face reassuming its gloomy, suspicious
+look. "You promise it to me to-day, that I may assist you, and
+persuade Marie to the marriage, but to-morrow, when old Trude is of
+no more use, you will send me away penniless. Oh, I know how it is.
+I have lived long enough to understand the tricks of rich people. I
+will see the cash first--only for that will I sell myself."
+
+"The old woman pleases me," said Ebenstreit. "She is practical, and
+she is right.--If I promise you the money in an hour, will you
+persuade Marie to cease her foolish resistance, and be my wife? Will
+you watch over her, and tell us if any thing unusual occurs?"
+
+"Four hundred thalers is a pretty sum," repeated Trude, in a low
+voice to herself. "I might buy myself a place in the hospital, and
+have enough left to get me a new bed and neat furniture and--"
+
+Here her voice was lost in unintelligible mumbling, and, much
+excited, she appeared to count eagerly. With her bony forefinger she
+numbered over the fingers of her left hand, as if each were a
+fortune that she must verify and examine.
+
+The mother and the banker regarded each other with mocking looks;
+the general looked at the money, grumbling: "If I had had four
+hundred thalers the last time I played, I could have won back my
+money in playing again."
+
+"Old woman," said Ebenstreit, "have you not finished with your
+reckoning?"
+
+"Yes," she said, with an exultant laugh, "I have done! Four hundred
+thalers are not sufficient. I must have five, and if you will give
+them to me in cash in an hour, then I will do every thing that you
+wish, and persuade Marie to the marriage. I will watch her day and
+night, and tell you every thing that she says and does. But I must
+have five hundred in cash!"
+
+Ebenstreit turned his dull-blue eyes to Frau von Werrig with a
+triumphant smile. "Did you not tell me the old woman could not be
+bought? I knew that I was right. You did not offer her money enough;
+she will sell herself dear as possible."
+
+"Yes, as dear as she can," laughed Trude--"five hundred is my
+price."
+
+"You shall have it in cash in an hour," said Ebenstreit, in a
+friendly manner.
+
+"So much money," whined the general; "it would have saved me if I
+had had it that last time."
+
+"My son-in-law, I must confess you are exceedingly generous,"
+remarked the mother.
+
+"No sum would be too great to assure me my bride. Go now, Trude, you
+shall have the money in time.--Will you allow me, father, to send
+your servant to my office for it?"
+
+"Send Leberecht here, Trude!"
+
+The old woman hurried out of the room, but the door once closed, her
+manner changed. One might have supposed a sudden cramp had seized
+her, from her distorted face, and twitching and panting, and beating
+the air with her clinched fists, and her quivering lips uttering
+broken words.
+
+Approaching footsteps warned her to assume her general manner and
+expression, and cease her manipulations. "The ladies and gentlemen
+wish you in the parlor," mumbled Trude to the servant descending the
+stairs. "But where have you been, and what have you to do up there?"
+
+"I was looking for you, lovely one--nothing more!"
+
+"Well, now you have found me, tell me what you want? I know you were
+sneaking about, listening, because you thought I was with Marie. I
+understand you better than you think I do. I have found many a
+viper, and I am familiar with their aspect. Go! they are waiting for
+you, and let me find you again spying about, and I will throw a pail
+of water on you!"
+
+With this friendly assurance Trude dismissed Leberecht, and hastened
+with youthful activity to the little garret-room, when Marie fell
+upon her neck, weeping bitterly.
+
+"Calm yourself--do not weep so--it breaks my heart, my dear child."
+
+"And mine cannot break. I must endure all this anguish and survive
+this shame. Help me, my good mother, stand by me! It is impossible
+for me to marry that dreadful man. I have sworn constancy to my
+beloved Moritz, and I must be firm, or die!"
+
+"Die? then you will kill me!" murmured the old one, "for, if you go,
+I must go also. But we will not give up yet, as we are both living;
+we will not despair for life. I am going once more to Moritz's
+lodgings; it may be he has returned, and will rescue you."
+
+"Oh, do, good Trude; tell him that I have courage and determination
+to risk and bear every thing--that I will await him; that nothing
+would be too difficult or dangerous to serve to unite me to him!
+Tell him that I prefer a life of poverty and want by his side, to
+abundance and riches in a splendid palace with that detested
+creature--but no, say nothing about it, he knows it well! If he has
+returned, tell him all that has happened, and that I am resolved to
+brave the utmost, to save myself!"
+
+"I will go, dear child, but I have first my work to do, and enough
+of it too--but listen to what they have made me become." Hastily, in
+a low voice, she related to Marie the story of her corruption,
+excited as before, her limbs shaking and her fists clinched. "They
+say we old women resemble cats, but from to-day forth I know that is
+a shameful lie! If I had possessed their nature and claws, I should
+have sprung at the throat of this rascal, and torn out his windpipe;
+but, instead of that, I stood as if delighted with his degrading
+proposal! Oh, fie! the good-for-nothing kidnapper would tempt a poor
+creature! Let us wait, they will get their reward. He shall pay me
+the five hundred thalers, and then this trader of hearts shall
+recognize that, however much ill-earned money he may throw away,
+love and constancy are hot to be bought. We will teach him a
+lesson," and with this, the old servant ceased, gasping for breath.
+
+"Go now, Trude, and learn if he has returned; upon him depends my
+happiness, and life even--he is my last hope!"
+
+"I am going, but first I would get the wages of my sin, and play the
+hypocrite, and tell a few untruths; then I will go to Moritz's
+lodgings, and the baker also. Do not despair; I have a joyful
+presentiment that God will have pity upon us and send us aid." Trude
+kissed and embraced her child, and scarcely waited an hour, when she
+was demanded in the parlor to receive her money.
+
+Herr Ebenstreit was heartily delighted with her zealous impatience,
+and handed her ten rolls of gold, reminding her of the conditions.
+
+"I have already consoled her a little, and she begins to change. I
+hope every thing will turn for good. Just leave her alone with me."
+
+"But first, I must go and see my aged brother, who will take care of
+my money," replied Trude. "He is a safe man and will not spend it."
+
+"Trude," cried the general, "what an old fool! to seek at distance
+what is so near you. I will take your money, and give you interest.
+Do you hear? I will take care of it!"
+
+"Thank you, general, I'd rather give it to my brother, on account of
+the relationship." She slipped out of the room, hid the money in her
+bed, and hurriedly left the house.
+
+Scarcely an hour passed ere Trude returned as fleetly as she went.
+She cast only a look into the kitchen, and hastened up to Marie's
+room. Her success was evident in her happy, smiling face, and coming
+home she had repeated to herself, "How happy Marie will be!" almost
+the entire way.
+
+She had but closed the door, when the mean little Leberecht glided
+from behind the chimney, and crept to listen at the door.
+
+Within was a lively conversation, and twice a shout of joy was heard
+and Marie, exultant, cried, "Oh, Trude! dear Trude! all goes well, I
+fear nothing now. God has sent me the savior which I implored!"
+
+Leberecht stood, bent over, applying his ear to the keyhole,
+listening to every word.
+
+Oh, Trude! if you could only have seen the traitor, glued to the
+door, with open eyes and mouth! Could you have seen the eavesdropper
+rubbing his hands together, grinning, and listening in breathless
+suspense!
+
+Why cannot you surprise him, Trude, and fulfil your threat to deluge
+him and chase him away from your child's door? They forgot the
+necessity of prudence, and the possibility of being overheard. At
+last it occurred to the old servant, and she tore open the door, but
+no one was there--it was deserted and still.
+
+"God be thanked, no one has listened," whispered Trude. "I will go
+down and tell them that I hope, if we can stay alone all day, you
+will be calmer and more reasonable."
+
+"Do it, Trude; I do not dare to see any one for fear my face will
+betray me, and my mother has very sharp eyes. Return soon."
+
+She opened the door, and saw not the eavesdropper and spy, who had
+but just time to conceal himself, and stand maliciously grinning at
+the retreating figure of the faithful servant.
+
+He slipped lightly from his hiding-place down to his sleeping-room,
+in a niche under the stairs. For a long time he reflected, upon his
+bedside--his watery blue eyes staring at nothing. "This must be well
+considered," he mumbled. "There is, at last, a capital to be won.
+Which shall I do first, to grasp a good deal? Shall I wait, or go at
+once to Herr Ebenstreit? Very naturally they would both deny it, and
+say that I had made up the whole story to gain money. I had better
+let the affair go on: they can take a short drive, and when they are
+about an hour absent, I will sell my secret at a higher price. Now I
+will pretend to be quite harmless, and after supper let the bomb
+burst!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE ELOPEMENT.
+
+
+Evening had set in. The card-table had been arranged, and Leberecht
+had rolled his master to it, taking his place behind his chair. The
+hour of whist the general impatiently awaited the entire day, and it
+was regularly observed. Even in the contract with his adopted son it
+had been expressly mentioned as a duty, that he should not only
+secure to them yearly income, but also devote an hour to cards every
+evening.
+
+Herr Ebenstreit regarded it as a tax, which he must observe until
+married. The general was much his superior at cards, and, moreover,
+played the dummy, and the stake being high, it was quite an income
+for the future father-in-law, and regarded by him as the one bright
+spot in his daily life.
+
+The cards had been dealt, and Leberecht had assorted the general's,
+and placed them in his gouty hand, when Trude entered, exultingly.
+
+"What has happened? What makes you interrupt us?" cried the general.
+"Did you not remember that I have told you always not to disturb us
+at this hour."
+
+"Yes, general, but I thought good news was never amiss."
+
+"What have you pleasant to tell us?" harshly demanded Frau von
+Werrig.
+
+"My young lady's compliments," cried Trude, triumphantly; "she
+begins to see that she must yield to her fate, and that it will do
+no good to resist any longer. She will be ready for the ceremony at
+eleven o'clock to-morrow morning."
+
+The general uttered a cry of joy, and struck the table so violently,
+with his hand, that the cards were thrown together.
+
+His wife bowed dignifiedly, and the happy bridegroom gave old Trude
+some gold-pieces upon the favorable news.
+
+"Has she, then, been converted by your persuasion?" he asked.
+
+"Through my persuasion and her own good sense. She understands that,
+if she cannot marry her dear Moritz, Herr Ebenstreit is the most fit
+husband, because he loves her, and is so generous to her old
+parents. One thing she would like an answer to--can I accompany her
+to her new home?"
+
+"Yes, old woman, it will be very agreeable to have so sensible a
+person," said Ebenstreit. "Tell Marie that it gives me pleasure to
+fulfil her wish."
+
+"In that case I would repeat that Fraulein begs for indulgence and
+forbearance until to-morrow, and would like to remain alone to
+compose herself."
+
+"I do not wish, in the least, to see her," said her mother; "she can
+do what she likes until then."
+
+"I will tell Marie, and she will rejoice," cried Trude.
+
+"Tell her, from her father, that it is very agreeable to him not to
+see her pale, wretched-looking face again till morning.--Now, my
+son, pay attention, and you, Trude, do not presume to interrupt us
+again. Leberecht, play out my ace of hearts."
+
+The latter, with his eyes cast down, and with a perfectly
+indifferent manner, played the card indicated, and Trude left the
+room quietly and unobserved.
+
+"Every thing is arranged, my child," said Trude, as she re-entered
+Marie's room. "They are playing cards, which always lasts two hours,
+then Herr Ebenstreit goes away, and the family will go to bed. You
+have eighteen hours, before you will be discovered. Hark! it strikes
+seven, and it is already quite dark. When the post-horn sounds, then
+it is time."
+
+"Oh, Trude! my dear mother, my heart almost ceases to beat, with
+anxiety, and I quake with fear," sighed Marie. "I am conscious that
+I have commenced a fearful undertaking!"
+
+"They have driven you to it--it is not your fault," said Trude,
+consolingly. "Every human being is free to work out his own good or
+bad fortune, and, as our dear Old Fritz says, 'to be happy in the
+future world in his own way.' They have sold you for money, and you
+only prove to them that you are no slave."
+
+"And I prove also that I am a disobedient daughter," added Marie,
+trembling. "At this hour, it weighs like a heavy burden upon my
+heart, and the words of Holy Writ burn into my very soul--'Honor thy
+father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee.'"
+
+"You have honored them all your life," said Trude, solemnly; "I can
+witness it before God and man. You have worked for them without
+thanks or love, receiving only contempt. It is also written, 'Thou
+shalt leave father and mother, and cleave unto thy husband.' You
+still follow the commands of God, and may it bring you happiness and
+blessing. My prayers and thoughts go with you, my child! a mother
+could not love her offspring more tenderly than I do you."
+
+"No mother could more tenderly and faithfully care for her than you
+have for me, Trude," cried Marie, pressing her lovingly to her
+breast. "Through you alone is my rescue possible, for you give us
+the money to undertake the long journey."
+
+"Not I," she laughed; "it is Herr Ebenstreit, and that makes it the
+more amusing; the wicked always set the traps into which they fall
+themselves." Suddenly the loud, quivering tones of the post-horn
+were heard, "Es ritten drei Reiter zum Thore hinaus."
+
+"He has come!" cried Marie, and her face beamed with delight. "He
+calls me! I am coming!--Farewell, dear, peaceful room, where I have
+so toiled, wept, and suffered! I shall never see thee again! My
+beloved calls me, and I go to follow him even unto death! Pardon me,
+O God! Thou seest that I cannot do otherwise! They would force me to
+perjury, and I dare not break my oath! I cannot forsake him whom I
+love!--When they curse me, Trude, kneel, and implor God to bless me,
+who is the Father of love! My conscience does not reproach me. I
+have worked for them when they needed it; now their adopted son, to
+whom they have sold their name, allows them a yearly rent, and I can
+work for myself."
+
+"Hark! there is the post-horn again, you must go," murmured Trude,
+struggling to force back her tears.
+
+"Bless me, mother," implored Marie, kneeling.
+
+"God's blessing go with you," she said, laying her hands upon her
+head, "and may it render of no avail the curses of men, but permit
+you to walk in love and happiness!"
+
+"Amen, amen!" sighed Marie, "now farewell, dear mother, farewell!"
+
+Marie rose, and kissing Trude again, flitted down the stairs, and
+out of the house, Trude following, holding her breath and listening
+in fearful excitement.
+
+Again resounded the post-horn.
+
+"They are gone," murmured Trude, bowing her head and praying long
+and fervently.
+
+The general was particularly fortunate this evening, which caused
+him to be unusually cheerful and satisfied. After every rubber he
+gathered up the thalers, until he had amassed a most satisfactory
+pile. As the clock struck ten, Frau von Werrig declared that they
+must finish and go to bed.
+
+The general yielded, with a sigh, to her decision, for he knew, by
+long years of experience, that it would be in vain to defy her will.
+He shoved his winnings into a leather bag, which he always carried
+with him, and gave Leberecht the order to roll away his chair, when
+the servant, with a solemn bow, stepped closely to him, and begged
+the general to listen to him a moment.
+
+"Well, what have you to say?" he asked.
+
+"I have only one request--that you will permit me to prove that I am
+a faithful servant, who looks out for the good of his employers. You
+have given Trude five hundred thalers that she might watch over your
+daughter. I can show you how well she deserved it, and how
+differently your humble servant would have done.--Have the goodness,
+Frau yon Werrig, to call Trude to bid Fraulein come down, for you
+have something important to communicate to her."
+
+His mistress proudly regarded him and seemed to try to read his
+meaning in his smiling, humble face. "And if my daughter comes, what
+have you to say?"
+
+"If she comes, then I am a miserable fool and scoundrel, but I beg
+you to call Trude."
+
+It was a long time before the old woman appeared, confused and
+sleepy, asking--"what they wanted at such a late hour?"
+
+"Go and tell my daughter that I wish to see her at once."
+
+Trude trembled, but composed herself, saying, "There is time enough
+to-morrow. Fraulein has been asleep a long time."
+
+"She lies," sneered Leberecht, taking the precaution to protect
+himself behind the general's arm-chair. "She knows that she is not
+in bed."
+
+"Oh, you sneak, you rascal," cried Trude, shaking her fist at him,
+"how dare you say that I tell a lie? How can such a miserable
+creature as you impute to others what you do yourself every time
+that you open your mouth?"
+
+"Frau yon Werrig, she is only quarrelling, in order to gain time--
+every moment is precious. I beg you to go up-stairs, and see for
+yourself, if your daughter is there."
+
+"Fraulein has locked the door so as not to be disturbed."
+
+"Ah," said Leberecht, "Trude has locked it, and has the key in her
+pocket."
+
+"Give up the key," shrieked the general, who in vain tried to rise,
+"or I will call the police, and send you to prison."
+
+"Do it, but I will not give it to you."
+
+"Do you not see she has it?" cried Leberecht.
+
+"Oh, you wretch, I will pay you--I will scratch your eyes out, you
+miserable creature!"
+
+"Trude, be quiet," commanded Ebenstreit; "the general orders to give
+up the key--do it!"
+
+"Yes, do it at once," shrieked Frau von Werrig, "or I will dismiss
+you from my service."
+
+"That you will not have to do, as I shall go myself. I will not give
+up the key."
+
+"The door is old, and with a good push one could open it," said
+Leberecht.
+
+"Come, my son, let us see," said the mother.
+
+They hastened up to the room, while the general scolded, furiously
+that he must sit still. Leberecht and Trude cast furious, menacing
+glances at each other.
+
+Suddenly a loud crash was heard.
+
+"They have broken open the door!" cried the general.
+
+"I said that it was old and frail--what do you say now, beautiful
+Trude?"
+
+The old woman wiped with her hand the drops of perspiration from her
+forehead, caused by her anguish. "You are a bad fellow, and God will
+punish you for your treason, that you have tormented a noble,
+unhappy girl. I saw that you were an eavesdropper, and you know
+all."
+
+"She is gone!" shrieked the mother, rushing into the room.
+
+"The room is empty," cried Ebenstreit. "Marie is not there. Tell us,
+Leberecht, what you know about it."
+
+"I will, if we can agree about the pay--the old woman bothers me,
+and beg the young gentleman to go into the next room with me."
+
+"O Almighty God, have compassion upon my poor little Marie,"
+murmured Trude, kneeling, and covering her face.
+
+Ebenstreit in the mean time withdrew to the other room, followed by
+the servant.
+
+"Speak!" commanded his master, "and tell me what you have to say."
+
+Leberecht shrugged his shoulders. "We are two men who have urgent
+business with each other. I am not at present a servant and you the
+master. I am a man who has an important secret to sell, and you are
+the man who would buy it."
+
+"What strange, unheard-of language is this?" said Ebenstreit,
+astonished.
+
+"The language of a man who cannot only deprive the rich banker
+Ebenstreit of a lovely wife, but of his title also. You said
+yourself, sir, this morning, that it was only valid if you succeeded
+in marrying the daughter of General von Leuthen. No none knows where
+you can find your bride but me."
+
+"And Trude," said Ebenstreit, quickly.
+
+"You know she will not betray Fraulein, and you have not even tried
+to make her."
+
+"You are mistaken; Trude is as easily bought as any one."
+
+"You say that because she has taken five hundred thalers from you.
+She has not helped you, and it is useless to ask for your money, as
+she has not got it."
+
+"How so? Has she given it away?"
+
+"You provided the money for your bride to run away and marry
+elsewhere, as Trude gave it to them."
+
+Ebenstreit stamped his foot with rage, striding backward and forward
+in furious excitement, while Leberecht watched him, sardonically
+smiling. "Let us come to an end with this business," said
+Ebenstreit, stopping before his servant. "You know where Fraulein
+can be found, and you wish to sell the secret--tell me your price."
+
+"Three thousand thalers, and a clerkship in your bank, which you
+intend to continue under another name."
+
+"You are beside yourself. I am not so foolish as to grant such
+senseless demands."
+
+"Every hour that you wait I demand a thousand thalers more, and if
+you stop to reflect long your betrothed and your title both are
+lost."
+
+"You are a miserable scamp!" cried Ebenstreit, enraged; "I will
+inform the police. There are means enough to force you to give the
+information."
+
+"I do not believe it. Trude will not tell you, and I should like to
+know what can force me if I will not. The king has done away with
+torture, and I have informed you how to make me speak. Three
+thousand thalers and a clerkship in your office. Take care! it is
+almost eleven o'clock--at midnight I shall demand four thousand."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+UNDER THE STARRY HEAVENS.
+
+
+It was a beautiful, clear, moonlight night. The world reposed in
+silence. Mankind with their cares and sorrows, their joys and hopes,
+had gone to rest. Over town and village, over highway and forest had
+flitted the sweet, consoling angel--Sleep. The sad were soothed, the
+heavy-laden were lightened of their burdens, to the despairing were
+brought golden dreams, to the weary rest. Sighing and sorrowful, he
+turned from those with a sad face whose conscience banished repose,
+and, ah! their number was legion. To the wakeful and blissful he
+smilingly glanced, breathing a prayer and a blessing; but these were
+few and far between--for happiness is a rare guest, and tarries with
+mortals but fitfully. As he glided past the joyful couple who, with
+watchful love and grateful hearts, sat in the carriage rolling over
+the silent, deserted highway, two tears fell from his eyes, and his
+starry wings were wider outspread to rush more quickly past.
+
+"Look, my dear Marie, two stars just fell from heaven. They are a
+greeting to you, loved one, and they would say they guide us on our
+way."
+
+"Oh, Philip, it is a sign of ill-luck! Falling stars betoken
+misfortune!"
+
+She clung closer to his side, and laid her head upon his shoulder.
+He pressed her more lovingly to his heart. "Do not fear, dear Marie;
+separation only could cause us unhappiness--we have long borne it,
+and now it is forever past. You have given yourself to me for my
+own, and I am yours, heart and soul; we speed on through the night
+to the morning of the bright, sunny future, never more te be
+parted."
+
+"Never!" she fervently murmured. "Oh, may God hear our prayer.
+Never, never to part! Yet, while the word falls from my lips, a
+shudder creeps through my soul."
+
+"Wherefore this despair, dearest? Reflect, no one will be apprised
+of our flight till early morning, and then they will not know
+whither we have fled. Meanwhile we rush on to Hamburg, where a
+packet-ship sails every Wednesday for England; arriving there, we
+will first go to Suffolk, to my old friend the vicar of Tunningham.
+I was his guest many weeks last year, and he often related to me the
+privilege which had been conferred on the parish church for a long
+time to perform valid marriages for those to whose union there were
+obstacles interposed elsewhere. He will bless the union of our love,
+and will accord me the lawful right to call you my own before God
+and man. We will not return at once to Germany. I have many
+connections and literary friends in London, who will assist me to
+worthy occupation. Besides, I closed an agreement some weeks since
+with the publisher Nicolai in Berlin for a new work. I will write it
+in London; it will be none the less favored coming from a distance."
+
+"My flowers and paintings will also be as well received in as in
+Berlin," added Marie, smilingly.
+
+"No, Marie, you shall not work. I shall have the precious care of
+providing for you, which will be my pride and happiness. Oh, my
+beloved, what a crowning bliss to possess a sweet, dear wife, who is
+only rich in imperishable treasures, and poor in external riches!
+What delight to toil for her, and feel that there lives in my
+intellect the power to grant her every wish, and to compensate her
+in the slightest degree the boundless wealth of her affection! To a
+loving mind there is no prouder, happier feeling than to be the only
+source of support to the wife of his love--to know that she looks to
+him for the fulfilment of her slightest wish in life. I thank my
+Maker that you are poor, Marie, and that I am permitted to toil for
+you. How else could I reward you for all you have sacrificed for
+me?"
+
+"You cannot suppose, dear Philip, that the riches of my obtrusive
+lover would have been any attraction to me. Money could never
+compensate for the loss of your love. You are my life, and from you
+alone can I receive happiness or unhappiness. At your side I am rich
+and joyous, though we may outwardly need; without you I should be
+poor with superfluity. I am proud that we in spirit have freed
+ourselves from those fictitious externals with which the foolish
+burden themselves. Oh, my beloved Philip, my whole soul is exultant
+that we are never more to part--no, not even in eternity, for I
+believe that love is an undying sentiment, and the soul can never be
+darkened by death which is beaming with affection."
+
+"You are right, Marie, love is the immortality of the soul; through
+it man is regenerated and soars to the regions of eternal light.
+When I recall how desolate and gloomy was my life, how joyless the
+days dragged on before I loved you, I almost menaced Heaven that it
+created me to wander alone through this desert. The brightest sun's
+rays now gild my future, and it seems as if we were alone in
+paradise, and that the creation entire glorified my happiness, and
+all the voices of Nature shouted a greeting to you, dearest. Oh,
+Marie, if I lived a thousand years, my heart would retain its
+youthful love and adoration for you, who have saved me from myself,
+have freed my soul from the constraining fetters of a sad, joyless
+existence. Repose your head upon my heart, and may it rest there
+many happy years, and receive in this hour my oath to love, esteem,
+and honor you as my most precious treasure! You shall be wife,
+child, sister, and friend. My soul shall be frank and open to you;
+for you I will strive and toil, and will cherish and foster the
+happiness received from you as my most treasured gift. Give me your
+hand, Marie."
+
+She laid it within his own strong, manly hand, gently pressing it.
+
+The large full moon, high above them, lighted up these noble faces,
+making the eyes, which were bent upon each other, more radiant.
+Swiftly the carriage rolled on, the night-breeze fanning their
+cheeks and waving back their raven curls.
+
+Moritz raised their clasped hands, and gazed at the starry heaven.
+
+"We lift them up unto Thee, O God. Thou hast heard my oath, O
+Eternal Spirit, who dwellest among the stars; receive it, and bless
+the woman I love!"
+
+"Receive also my oath, O my Maker. Regard the man to whom I have
+sworn eternal fidelity, bless him, and bless me. Let us live in love
+and die in constancy."
+
+Moritz responded, "Amen, my beloved, amen!"
+
+They embraced each other fervently. Onward rolled the carriage
+through the tranquil, blissful night. Oh why cannot these steeds
+borrow wings from the night-wind? Why cannot the soaring spirit bear
+aloft its earthly tenement? With divine joy and heavenly confidence
+you gaze at the stars. You smilingly interchange thoughts of the
+blissful future, whilst dire misfortune approaches, and will soon
+seize you in its poisonous grasp! Do you not hear it? Does not the
+echo of swift-prancing steeds ring in your ears? Do you not hear the
+shrieking and calling after you?
+
+They listen only to the voice of tenderness speaking in their
+hearts, and would that the solemn quiet of this dialogue might not
+be broken by a loud word from their lips.
+
+The post-horn sounded! They halted at a lonely house near the
+highway. It is the station. Change horses! There is not a light to
+be seen. Three times the postilion blew a pealing blast ere they
+could awake the inmates. The window was at last opened, and a
+sleepy, complaining voice questioned the number of horses and the
+distance of the next post.
+
+Slowly they were brought forward, and still more slowly were they
+attached to the carriage, and all arranged. What matters it? The
+night is lovely, and like a dream it seems to remain under the
+starry heavens, spread out like a canopy above them.
+
+Does not your heart tell you that sorrow strides on like the storm?
+Do you not hear the voices still shrieking after you?
+
+The postilion mounted his horse, and again the trumpet pealed forth
+its merry air, and was answered with a shout of triumph from the
+swift pursuers.
+
+Marie raised her head from Philip's shoulder. "What was it? Did you
+not hear it?"
+
+"What, my beloved, what should I hear? Do the stars salute you? Do
+the angels greet their sister upon earth?"
+
+"Hark! there it is again! Do you not hear it? Listen! does it not
+seem as if one called 'Halt! halt!'"
+
+"Yes, truly, I hear it now also! What can happen, love? Why trouble
+ourselves about the outer world and the existence of other beings?"
+
+"I know not, but I am so anxious, my heart almost ceases to beat,
+with terror!"
+
+"Halt! halt!" the wind carries forward the shriek, and above their
+heads it sounds like the screeching of ravens.
+
+"Strange! For whom are they calling?" Moritz looked back along the
+highway. White and clear it lay in the moonlight, but, far in the
+distance was a black mass, taking form and shape at every moment!
+
+Horsemen! horsemen! in full speed they come!
+
+"Postilion! drive on! quick! Let the horses gallop! There is a
+forest near--drive us to that, that we may hide ourselves in the
+thicket! Onward, postilion! we are not thieves or murderers. A
+hundred thalers are yours, if you save us!"
+
+The postilion beat his horses! In full chase they followed--more and
+more distinctly were heard the curses and yells.
+
+"Oh, God in heaven, have mercy upon us in our need!"
+
+"Faster, postilion!--in mercy, faster!"
+
+"Halt! halt!--in the name of the king, halt!"
+
+This startled the postilion, and he turned to listen, and again a
+furious voice yelled, "In the name of the king, halt!"
+
+The postilion drew up. "Forgive me, sir, but I must respect the name
+of the king."
+
+Forward galloped the horsemen.
+
+"Philip," whispered Marie, "why do we live--why do we not die?"
+
+He folded her in his arms, and passionately kissed her, perhaps for
+the last time. "Marie, be mindful of our oath--constant unto death!"
+
+"Constant unto death!" she repeated.
+
+"Be firm and defy all the storms of life!"
+
+Marie repeated it, with heightened courage.
+
+The horsemen surrounded the carriage, the riders upon panting
+steeds! Two officers in uniform sprang to the side, laying their
+hands upon Moritz's shoulder. "Conrector Philip Moritz, we arrest
+you in the name of the king! You are accused of eloping with a
+minor, and we are commanded to transport you to Spandau until
+further orders!" Upon the other side two other horsemen halted. The
+foremost was Herr Ebenstreit, who laid his hand upon Marie, and saw
+not or cared not that she shudderingly shrank away.
+
+"My dear Marie, I come as the ambassador of your parents, and am
+fully empowered to lead your back to your father's house."
+
+She answered not, but sat immovable and benumbed with terror, the
+tears rolling down her cheeks.
+
+"You arrest me in the name of the king," cried Moritz; I bow to the
+law. I beg only to speak to that man," pointing to Ebenstreit, with
+contempt. "Sir, dismount, I have important business with you!"
+
+"We have nothing to say to each other," answered Ebenstreit, calmly.
+
+"But I!" cried Moritz, springing forward, furious as a lion, "I have
+something to say to you, you rascal, and I will treat you
+accordingly!"
+
+He savagely tore the whip from the postilion's hand, and struck
+Ebenstreit in the face. "Now," cried he, triumphantly, "I have
+forced you to give me satisfaction!"
+
+The police swung themselves from their saddles, and Leberecht
+quickly dismounted. They clinched Moritz by the feet and hands. It
+was a desperate struggle, and Marie gazed at them with folded hands,
+praying without words. They seized him and held him fast with
+manacles. A shriek, and Marie sank fainting. Moritz's head sank upon
+his breast, almost in the agony of death.
+
+"Take him to the next station, my friends," commanded Ebenstreit,
+"the carriage is already ordered to remove him to Spandau." He
+dismounted, and now took the place by Marie, who still lay in a dead
+faint. "Postilion, mount and turn your carriage, I retain you until
+the next station. If you drive quickly, there is a louis d'or for
+you."
+
+"I will drive as if the devil were after me, sir!" shouted the
+postilion, and turned to gallop off, when Ebenstreit ordered him to
+halt, and Leberecht to get up on the box.
+
+Then turning to the officers, "Gentlemen," said he, proudly, "you
+are witnesses to the ill-treatment and insults of this woman-
+stealer. You will certify that the blood flowed down my face."
+
+"I will myself make it known before all men," cried Moritz, with a
+contemptuous laugh. "I have insulted you and branded you."
+
+"We will give our evidence," respectfully replied the officers. "As
+soon as we have delivered our prisoner at Spandau, we will announce
+ourselves to you."
+
+"Then you will receive from me the promised reward of a hundred
+thalers. If you hush up the entire adventure, so that it is not
+noised about, after three months, still another hundred."
+
+"We will be silent, Herr Ebenstreit."
+
+"I believe you; a hundred thalers is a pretty sum. Forward,
+Leberecht, make the postilion push on, that we may arrive in Berlin
+before daybreak, and no one know of this abominable affair."
+
+The postilion laughed with delight, at the thought of the louis
+d'or. Upon the box sat Leberecht, a smile of malicious triumph upon
+his face. "This has been a lucky night," said he; "we have all done
+a good business, but I am the most fortunate, with my three thousand
+thalers and a fine place. I wish he had waited an hour later, and
+then I should have had another thousand!"
+
+Ebenstreit sat with triumphant smile also, by his betrothed. "Money
+is the king of the world--with it one can accomplish all things,"
+said he to himself; "if I had been a poor fellow, the general would
+not have chosen me, nor the king have given me a title, nor could I
+have won back my beautiful bride. Money gives position, and I hope
+will give me the power to revenge myself for the pain in my face."
+He turned menacingly toward Moritz, who saw it not.
+
+With bowed head, speechless, as if numb with the horror of his
+misfortune, he rode with fettered hands between the two officers,
+incapable of fleeing, as they had even bound a cord around his arms,
+each end held fast by one of the riders.
+
+The stars and the moon shone down upon him as brightly beautiful as
+an hour previous. Oh, Marie, you were right, falling stars betoken
+misfortune! Your star has fallen!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE SACRIFICE.
+
+
+Since that painful night, four weeks had passed, four long ones to
+poor old Trude. To her beloved child they had fled in happy
+unconsciousness. In the delirium of fever, her thoughts wandered to
+her lover, always dwelling upon her hopes and happiness. In the
+intervals of reason she asked for him with fearful excitement and
+anxiety, then again her mind was clouded, and the cry of anguish was
+changed into a smile.
+
+Then came the days of convalescence and the return to consciousness,
+and with it the mourning over crushed hopes. Slowly had Trude, the
+faithful nurse, who watched by her bedside day and night, answered
+her excited questions, and to her little by little the circumstances
+of the elopement--how Leberecht had played the eavesdropper and sold
+Marie's secret for gold; how he had previously arranged to pursue
+them, informing the police, ordering the horses, and sending forward
+a courier to provide fresh relays at every station.
+
+Trude depicted the anger of her father and the threats of her mother
+to send her to prison. But before she could execute her purpose,
+Ebenstreit had brought home the unconscious child, and she herself
+had lifted her from the carriage and borne her, with the aid of her
+mistress, to her own little attic room.
+
+Marie listened to these relations with a gloomy calmness and a
+defiant sorrow. Illness had wrought a peculiar change in her mind,
+and hardened the gentle, tender feelings of the young girl. Grief
+had steeled her soul, benumbed her heart, and she had risen from her
+couch as one born anew to grief and torture. Her present situation
+and lost happiness had changed the young, loving, tenderly-sensitive
+maiden to the courageous, energetic, and defiant woman, who
+recognized a future of self-renunciation, combat, and resignation.
+
+Trude observed these changes with disquietude and care. She wished
+Marie would only once complain, or burst into tears. After the first
+storm of despair had passed, the tears refused to flow, and her eyes
+were bright and undimmed. Only once had profound emotion been
+awakened, as Trude asked her if she had forgotten her unhappy lover,
+and cared no more to learn his fate. It had the desired effect.
+
+A deathly paleness overspread her delicate, transparent cheek. "I
+know how he is," she said, turning away her face, "I realize his
+sufferings by my own. We are miserable, lost--and no hope but in
+death. Ere this comes, there is a desert to traverse in heat, and
+dust, and storm, and frost, alone, without consolation or support.
+Hush, Trude! do not seek to revive miserable hopes. I know my fate,
+and I will endure it. Tell me what you know about him? Where is he?
+Have they accused him? Speak! do not fear to tell me every thing!"
+But fearing herself, she threw her handkerchief quickly over her
+face, and sat with it covered whilst Trude spoke.
+
+"I know but little of poor, dear Moritz. He has never returned to
+his lodgings. A day or two after that night, two officers sealed his
+effects, and took away his clothes. His hostess has not the least
+suspicion of the mysterious disappearance of her otherwise quiet,
+regular lodger. The secret of the elopement has been carefully
+guarded, as no one of the neighbors know it, and there is no gossip
+about you and Moritz. Those who think he is travelling are not
+surprised at his having left without taking leave, as they say he
+was accustomed to do so. But," continued Trude, in a lower tone,
+"Herr Gedicke looked very sad and grave, as I asked for the
+Conrector Moritz. 'He has disappeared,' he sighed, 'and I know not
+if we shall ever see him again.' 'Oh, Jemima!' I screamed, 'you do
+not think that he has committed a self-injury!' 'No,' said the
+director, 'not he himself, he is too honorable a man. Others have
+ill-treated him and made him unhappy for life.' It was in vain to
+ask further; he knew not or he would not say any thing. I believe
+your family know where poor Moritz is, for your mother speaks of him
+as one in the penitentiary, and quite triumphantly she told me
+yesterday that the king, in his new book of laws, had expressly
+condemned the person who elopes with a minor to be sent to the house
+of correction for ten years, and then she laughed so cruelly, that I
+trembled to hear her."
+
+As Trude related this, she searchingly glanced at Marie to observe
+the effect of her words, hoping to see her weep or complain and
+that, at last, grief would melt the icy crust around her heart.
+
+But Marie sat motionless and without uttering a sound--not a sigh or
+a moan escaped her. After a long silence, when her grief was too
+deep for tears, she drew the handkerchief from her face, the pallor
+and rigidity of which startled Trude.
+
+She sprang forward, folding her in her arms. "Marie, child of my
+heart, do weep, do complain! I know that he loved you dearly, and
+deserves that you should mourn for him. Have you no more confidence,
+though, in your old Trude? Is she no longer worthy to share your
+grief?"
+
+Marie laid her languid head upon the bosom of her faithful nurse; a
+long-drawn, piercing cry of anguish was her response, she trembled
+violently, and the tears ran down her cheeks.
+
+Trude raised her eyes to heaven, murmuring, "I thank thee, O Lord!
+Her heart is not dead! It lives, for it suffers!"
+
+"It suffers," groaned Marie, "the anguish of death."
+
+This passionate outburst of feeling was of but short duration. Her
+tears were dried, and her quivering face assumed its usually calm
+expression.
+
+"Trude," said she, gently, continuing to repose upon her bosom, "I
+am so wretched that words cannot express it or tears soothe it. If I
+should give myself up to sorrow and mourning I should die, and that
+cannot be, for I must live to wait for him--to rescue him. How I
+know not yet; my thoughts and resolutions are so confused that they
+flicker like the ignes fatui. I will force my mind to be calm, and
+these wandering lights shall unite in one glowing flame to destroy
+the walls and obstructions which confine him. He is a prisoner; I
+feel it in my heart, and I must live to free him. This is my task,
+and I will accomplish it; therefore I would be composed, and strong
+in myself. Wonder not that I weep or complain no more, and do not
+refer to my misfortune. I should die if I did not suppress this
+anguish, and I would become strong and active. Seek not to enfeeble
+me, but aid me to harden myself; refrain from complaint, that I may
+be silent. I think only of him, and I ask nothing further than to
+yield my life to free him. Let us never speak of it again, for I
+feel that all the firmness which I had gained has been swept from me
+in this giving way, and that I must begin anew."
+
+From this hour she commenced to build, and rose upon her grief as on
+a column which projects toward heaven; leaned upon it, and received,
+as Brisaeus from the earth, the power of life and action. She had
+already so conquered herself as to be able to leave her own quiet
+room, and descend to that of her parents. There she would sit calmly
+for hours, listening attentively to the conversation, hoping to
+catch some word that might give her a clew.
+
+They avoided every exciting topic, and were milder and more
+thoughtful for her. Even her mother made no reproaches, and never
+alluded to the past, because she feared to delay her recovery, and
+remove the longed-for goal in hindering the marriage with
+Ebenstreit. The latter carefully avoided troubling her by his
+presence; when he heard Marie's step in the anteroom, who descended
+at a certain hour every day, he withdrew by the other entrance.
+
+"Who goes out every time I come in?" asked Marie, one day as she
+appeared in the sitting-room.
+
+The general coughed with embarrassment, and glanced anxiously at his
+wife, whose eyes rested upon her daughter with a cold, searching
+expression. Their eyes met, and were riveted upon each other. A
+cold, cruel smile played around the thin, bloodless lips of the
+mother as she recognized the defiance and firmness in her child, and
+felt that she had recovered.
+
+"It is your betrothed," she answered, "our dear Ebenstreit--a good,
+generous, and self-sacrificing son, for whom we thank God every day,
+who wishes to spare you the annoyance of seeing him."
+
+"He need not inconvenience himself on my account. Nothing excites or
+wounds my feelings now. It would be a pity for your heartless,
+thankless daughter to deprive you of the society of your dear son.
+Let him remain; it is not necessary for us to notice one another."
+
+Her parents regarded each other astonished, and, as she ceased, they
+still listened to the dying tones of her voice, which sounded so
+strangely to them. "She is much changed," mumbled the general to
+himself. "She does not seem the same person, she is so haughty and
+majestic. She might well inspire fear."
+
+The following day, as Marie entered the room, Ebenstreit was there.
+He approached her, extending both hands smiling, and greeting her
+with tender words, rejoicing at her recovery.
+
+She took no notice of his friendly demonstrations, but coldly and
+harshly regarded his smiling face, and particularly the broad,
+blood-red scar which ran from forehead to chin. Then suddenly her
+face lighted up, and an expression of savage triumph shot from her
+eyes. "How disfigured you look," she cried exultingly. "Where did
+you get that scar?"
+
+"You know well, Marie," he murmured, gloomily.
+
+"Yes," she cried, triumphantly. "I know it. He branded you, and you
+will wear this mark before God and man as long as you live."
+
+"You are very cruel to remind me of it, Marie," he softly whispered.
+
+She laughed aloud so wild and savagely, that even her mother was
+startled. "Cruel--I cruel!" she cried. "Ah, sir, it becomes you
+indeed to accuse me of it!"
+
+Trude entered at this instant, pale and excited.
+
+"What is the matter?"
+
+"There is some one here who wishes to speak with you, Marie; he has
+something very important to tell you."
+
+"How dare you announce any one without my permission?" cried Frau
+von Werrig.
+
+"Silence, mother!--if I may be allowed, let us hear who it is.--
+Speak, dear Trude, who is it?"
+
+"It is the Director Gedicke from the Gray Cloister," said Trude,
+with quivering voice.
+
+Marie was startled--a glowing red overspread her cheeks, and she was
+obliged to lean against a chair for support.
+
+"I forbid you to receive him," said her mother.
+
+She suddenly ceased, and stared at the door, which opened at that
+moment, the tall, dignified form of a venerable old man appearing.
+
+"Pardon me, sir," said he, with a cold, reserved manner, "if I enter
+before I receive permission. The command of the king, to which I
+believe we all yield without resistance, empowers me to do so."
+
+"How, sir, you come by the king's order?" asked the general, who
+rose with difficulty. "Has his majesty given you a message for
+General von Leuthen?"
+
+"No, general, I come with a communication from his majesty to
+Fraulein von Leuthen, the betrothed of Herr Ebenstreit, and the
+order runs to deliver the same personally and without witnesses."
+
+"Professor," cried the mother, shrugging her shoulders, "you mistake
+us for very innocent people, if you suppose we believe this silly
+invention, and that you can gain a secret conversation by a ruse
+with our daughter. You are the director of the gymnasium, and
+naturally the friend of Conrector Moritz. In his name you will
+speak, and bring a secret message. Very sly, indeed, very sly, but
+it will not succeed."
+
+For response, the director drew two large folded documents from his
+pocket, approaching the general. "Do you recognize this seal?" he
+asked.
+
+"Yes," solemnly answered the general; "it is the royal seal from the
+king's private cabinet."
+
+"Read the address upon this, and the unopened letter."
+
+"Truly, the latter is directed to my daughter, and the other to
+Professor Gedicke."
+
+Herr Gedicke opened the letter, asking the general if he could
+recognize the king's handwriting.
+
+"Yes," he answered, "I know it well."
+
+"Have the goodness to read the lines upon the margin," mid the
+professor, unfolding the letter, so that he could only read those
+referred to.
+
+The general read: "Professor Gedicke shall go himself to Fraulein
+von Leuthen, and bring her to reason, reading the document to her
+without witnesses. I wish this affair to come to an end. Teach
+Mamselle mores! mores! mores! "FREDERICK."
+
+"You have heard the royal command, ladies and gentlemen; will you
+respect it?" said the professor, turning around with an air of proud
+satisfaction.
+
+"My dear son-in-law," said the general, solemnly, "it is a royal
+command; give me your arm, as you know I am feeble; and you, my
+wife, take my other arm, and we will go into the next room. Hush!
+not a word--we have only to obey, and not reason."
+
+He seized his wife's hand hastily and firmly, that she should not
+slip away, and winked to Ebenstreit, upon whose support he crossed
+the room, drawing his wife with him, and pushing open the door of
+the next with his foot.
+
+Marie had stood during the whole transaction pale and rigid in the
+centre of the room, looking haughty and defiant as long as her
+parents and Herr Ebenstreit were present. Now, as the door closed,
+life and action were visible in this marble form; she rushed to the
+old gentleman, scarce respiring, and looking up at his dignified,
+sad face, asked: "Is he living? Tell me only this, or is he ill?"
+
+"Yes, he lives, he does not suffer from bodily ills, but the
+sickness of the soul."
+
+"And do not I also?" asked she, with quivering voice. "Oh! I know
+what he suffers, as we are wretched from the same cause. But tell
+me, have you seen him?"
+
+"Yes, Fraulein, I have."
+
+"Where is he? Where did you see him?"
+
+"In prison!"
+
+Marie grew paler, and retreated, shuddering. The director continued:
+"In a dark, damp prison at Spandau. The poor fellow has been there
+for two months without air, light, or occupation, and his only
+society is his own revengeful thoughts and angry love-complaints."
+
+Marie gave one hollow moan, covering her corpse-like face with her
+hands.
+
+"In this abode of torture, in this dwelling of the damned, he must
+remain ten long years, if death does not release him?"
+
+"What did you say?" she groaned. "Ten long years? Have they
+condemned him?"
+
+"Yes, he was guilty of a great crime--eloping with a minor--who,
+with the king's consent, and that of her parents, was betrothed to
+another. Read the sentence of the court, which was forwarded to me
+as the head of the college where Moritz was employed. See, here is
+the king's signature, which affirms the sentence, rendering it
+legal, and here upon the margin are the lines your father read."
+
+Trembling, Marie perused the contents. "Ten years in the house of
+correction!" she murmured. "On my account condemned to a living
+death! No, no, it is impossible! It cannot be! Ten years of the best
+part of life! He condemned as a criminal! I will go to the king. I
+will throw myself at his feet, imploring for mercy. I am the guilty
+one--I alone! They should judge me, and send me to the penitentiary!
+I will go to the king! He must and will hear me!"
+
+"He will not," sighed the director. "Listen to me, poor child! As I
+heard the sentence, I felt it my duty to summon all my powers to
+rescue Moritz, for I love him as a son, and had set my hopes upon
+him."
+
+"I thank you for this kind word," said Marie, seizing the hand of
+the old man, and pressing it to her lips.
+
+"I went immediately to Minister von Herzberg, and, upon his advice,
+as he explained to me the king might lighten his punishment, I
+betook myself to Frederick's winter-quarters at Breslau."
+
+"You noble, generous man, I shall love you for it as long as I live.
+Did you speak with the king?"
+
+"Yes, and every thing that my heart or mind could inspire, to excuse
+and justify my unhappy friend, I have said--but all in vain. The
+king was much embittered, because he had had the grace to grant him
+an audience, and explain the impossibility of the fulfilment of his
+petition. I did not cease begging and imploring, until I softened
+the generous heart of the king."
+
+"Has he pardoned Moritz?" Marie asked, with brightening hopes.
+
+"Under certain conditions he will allow that he should escape
+secretly from prison. They are formally written, and if Moritz
+consents and binds himself by oath, he will not only be freed, but
+provided with means to go to England, and receive immediately an
+appointment as translator to the Prussian embassy at London."
+
+"What are the conditions, sir?"
+
+"They are, first, that Moritz shall by oath renounce every wish and
+thought of uniting himself with Fraulein yon Leuthen; secondly, that
+before he leaves the prison, he shall write to the young lady, in
+which he shall solemnly release her, and enjoin it upon her as a
+duty to accept the hand of the man to whom her parents have
+betrothed her. These were the conditions, and the king commanded me
+to go to Spandau, and with sensible representations, to confer with
+Moritz, and persuade him to accept them, and assure himself of
+freedom, and an honorable future, free from care."
+
+"You saw Moritz?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Did you communicate the conditions?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And he?"
+
+"He refused, with rage and indignation!"
+
+"He refused?" cried Marie, joyfully. "Oh, my dear Philip, I thank
+you. You love me truly and faithfully. Your glorious example shall
+inspire me to be as firm as you."
+
+"Unhappy child, you know not what you are saying!" cried the
+director, sadly. "If you really love him, you could not follow his
+example. Read what the king has written."
+
+She took, in breathless silence, the document, and broke the seal,
+unfolding the paper, but her hand shook it so violently, that she
+could not distinguish the words.
+
+She returned it to the director. "Read it, I cannot," she said, and
+sank kneeling, looking up to the old man with unspeakable anguish,
+and listening to every word that fell from his lips. It ran thus:
+
+"His majesty announces to Mademoiselle Marie von Leuthen that he is
+exceedingly indignant at her improper and undutiful conduct, which
+does not at all become a maiden loving of honor, and particularly a
+noble one. His majesty ennobled her father for a brave deed, and he
+is angry that the daughter should bring shame upon the title, in
+giving way, not only to a passion which is beneath her, but is so
+little mindful of morality as to flee from the paternal house, at
+night, in an improper manner, with a man whose wife, according to
+the command of the king and the will of her father, she could never
+be. If his majesty did not respect the former service of her father,
+and the new title, he would send the daughter to the house of
+correction, and punish her according to the law. But he will leave
+her to the reproaches of conscience, and let the weight of the law
+fall upon her partner in guilt, Philip Moritz. He is rightly
+sentenced to ten years in the house of correction, and he will not
+be released one year or one day from the same, as he is guilty of a
+great crime, and his sentence is just."
+
+"Just!" shrieked Marie, in anguish--"ten years just?"
+
+The director continued to read: "His majesty will propose a last
+opportunity to the obstinate and inconsiderate young lady to
+reinstate her own honor, and release at the same time Conrector
+Moritz. His majesty has personal knowledge of the latter, and
+respects his scholarly attainments and capability and would bring an
+end to this affair for the general good. If mademoiselle, as becomes
+an honorable young woman, and an obedient daughter, follows the
+wishes of her father, and without delay marries Herr Ebenstreit, and
+leads a respectable life with him, the same hour of the ceremony
+Conrector Moritz shall be released, and a fit position be created
+for him. This is the final decision of the king. If the daughter
+does not submit in perfect obedience, she will burden her conscience
+with a great crime, and thank herself for Moritz's unfortunate fate.
+His majesty will be immediately informed of her decision. If she
+listens to reason, to morality, and affection, she will submit to
+the proposition which Director Gedicke is commissioned to make known
+to her, and announce to her parents in his presence that she will
+obediently follow their commands, Conrector Moritz will be at once
+set at liberty; otherwise he will be sent to Brandenburg to the
+house of correction. This is the unalterable will of the king.
+Signed, in the name of the king, "FREDERICK."
+
+"Now decide, my child," continued the director, after a solemn
+pause. "I know nothing to add to this royal writing. If it has not
+itself spoken to your heart, your reason and your honor, words are
+useless."
+
+"O God, it is cruel--it is terrible!" cried Marie. "Shall I break my
+oath of constancy, becoming faithless, and suffer him to curse me,
+for he will never pardon me, but despise me!"
+
+She sprang up like a tigress, with her eyes flashing. "Oh," cried
+she, "he may even believe that I have been enticed by riches, by a
+brilliant future! No--no! I cannot consent! May God have mercy on me
+if the king will not! I will not break my oath! No one but Moritz
+shall ever be my husband!"
+
+"Unhappy girl," cried the old man, sadly, "I will give you one last
+inducement. I know not whether you have any knowledge of Moritz's
+past life, so tried and painful, which has made him easily excited
+and eccentric. A danger menaces him worse than imprisonment or
+death. His unaccustomed life, and the solitude of his dark, damp
+prison, is causing a fearful excitement in him. He is habituated to
+intellectual occupation. When he is obliged to put on the prisoner's
+jacket in the house of correction and spin wool, it will not kill
+him--it will make him mad!"
+
+A piercing cry was Marie's answer. "That is not true--it is
+impossible. He crazy!--you only say that to compel me to do what you
+will. His bright mind could not be obscured through the severest
+proofs."
+
+"You do not believe me? You think that an old man, with gray hair,
+and one foot in the grave, and who loves Moritz, could tell you a
+shameful untruth! I swear to you by the heads of my children, by all
+that is holy, that Moritz already suffers from an excitement of the
+brain; and if he does not soon have liberty and mental occupation,
+it is almost certain that he will become insane."
+
+Almost convulsed with anguish, Marie seized the old man's hand with
+fierce passion. "He shall not be crazed," she shrieked. "He shall
+not suffer--he shall not be imprisoned and buried in the house of
+correction on my account. I will rescue him--I and my love! I am
+prepared to do what the king commands! I will--marry the man--which-
+-my parents have chosen. But--tell me, will he then be free?"
+
+"To-day even--in three hours, my poor child!"
+
+"Free! And I shall have saved him! Tell me what I have to do. What
+is the king's will?"
+
+"First sign this document," said the director, as he drew a second
+paper. "It runs thus: 'I, Marie von Leuthen, that of my own free
+will and consent I will renounce every other engagement, and will
+marry Herr Ebenstreit von and be a faithful wife to him. I witness
+with my signature the same.'"
+
+"Give it to me quickly," she gasped. "I will sign it! He must be
+free! He shall not go mad!"
+
+She rapidly signed the paper. "Here is my sentence of death! But he
+will live! Take it!"
+
+"My child," cried the old man, deeply agitated, "God will be mindful
+of this sacrifice, and in the hour of death it will beam brightly
+upon you. You have by this act rescued a noble and excellent being,
+and when he wins fame from science and art he will owe to you alone
+the gratitude."
+
+"He shall not thank me!" she whispered. "He shall live and--if he
+can be happy!--this is all that I ask for! What is there further to
+be done?"
+
+"To announce to your parents in my presence that you will marry Herr
+Ebenstreit, and let the ceremony take place as soon as possible."
+
+"You swear that he shall then be released? You are an old man--
+reflect well; you swear to me that as soon as the marriage takes
+place, Philip Moritz will be free this very day and that he will be
+reinstated in an honorable, active occupation?"
+
+"I swear it to you upon my word of honor, by my hope of reward from
+above."
+
+"I believe you. Call my parents. But first--you are a father, and
+love your children well. I have never had a father who loved me, or
+ever laid his hand upon my head to bless me. You say that you love
+Moritz as a son! Oh, love me for a moment as your daughter, and
+bless me!"
+
+The old man folded her in his arms, tears streaming down his cheeks.
+"God bless you, my daughter, as I bless you!"
+
+"I dare not tarry," she shuddered. "Let my parents enter."
+
+Slowly the venerable man traversed the room. Marie pressed her hands
+to her heart, looking to heaven. As the door opened, and the general
+entered, leaning upon Ebenstreit's arm, followed by his wife, Marie
+approached them with a haughty, determined manner, who regarded her
+with astonishment.
+
+"Father," she said, slowly and calmly, "I am ready to follow your
+wishes. Send for the clergyman: I consent to marry this man to-day,
+upon one condition."
+
+"Make it known, my dear Marie. Name your condition. I will joyfully
+fulfil it," said Ebenstreit.
+
+"I demand that we leave to-day for the East, to go to Egypt--
+Palestine--and remain away from this place for years. Are you agreed
+to it?"
+
+"To all that which my dear Marie wishes."
+
+"You can now weave the bridal-wreath in my hair, mother. I consent
+to the marriage."
+
+Three hours later the preparations were completed. Every thing had
+awaited this for three months.
+
+In the sitting-room, the decorators had quickly built a marriage-
+altar, and ornamented the walls with garlands of flowers, with
+festoons of gauze and silk, with flags and standards. The mother
+wore the costly silk which her rich son-in-law had honored her with
+for the occasion, and also adorned herself with the gold ornaments
+which were equally his gift. The father wore his gold-embroidered
+uniform, and imagined himself a stately figure, as the gout left him
+the use of his limbs this day.
+
+The invited witnesses began to assemble. Just then Ebenstreit von
+Leuthen drove up in the handsome travelling-carriage, which was a
+wedding-gift to his wife, and excited the admiration of the numerous
+street public.
+
+Old Trude, in her simple dark Sunday dress, had awaited the
+appearance of the bridegroom, and went to announce his arrival to
+the bride.
+
+Marie was in her little garret-room, so unlike in its present
+appearance to its former simplicity and comfort--as unlike as the
+occupant to the rosy, smiling young girl, who, yonder by the little
+brown table in the window-niche, taught her pupils, or with busy,
+skilful hands made the loveliest flowers, the income of which she
+gave to her parents, joyfully and although she never received thanks
+or recognition for the same. Now the same little table was covered
+with morocco cases, whose half-open covers revealed brilliant
+ornaments, laces, and sweet perfumes; superb silk dresses, cloaks,
+and shawls, ornamented with lace, lay about upon the bed and chairs.
+
+Herr Ebenstreit von Leuthen had truly given his bride a princely
+dowry, and her mother had spread the things around room.
+
+Since Marie gave her consent to the marriage, she had followed out
+their wishes without opposition. She wore a white satin dress,
+covered with gold lace, her arms, neck, and ears, adorned with
+diamonds. The coiffeur had powdered and arranged her hair, without
+her ever casting a glance into the Psyche-mirror which her betrothed
+had had the gallantry to send to her room. She let him arrange the
+costly bridal veil; but when he would place the crown of myrtle, she
+waved him back.
+
+"Your work is finished," she said; "my mother will place that, I
+thank you."
+
+As Trude entered, Marie was standing in the centre of the room,
+regarding it with sinister, angry looks.
+
+"There you are, Trude," she said, "I am glad to see you a moment
+alone, for I have something to tell you. I have spoken with my
+future husband, demanding that you live with me as long as I live.
+Immediately after the ceremony you will go to my future home and
+remain there as house-keeper during my absence."
+
+Sadly the old woman shook her head. "No, that is too important a
+place for me. I will not lead a lazy life, and play the fine woman.
+I was made to work with my hands."
+
+"Do what you will in the house," answered Marie. "Only promise me
+that you will not leave me, and when I return that I shall find you
+there. If you leave me, I will never come back. Promise me!"
+
+"Then I will promise you, my poor child," sighed Trude.
+
+Marie laughed scornfully. "You call me poor--do you not see I am
+rich? I carry a fortune about my neck. Go, do not bewail me--I am
+rich!"
+
+"Marie, do not laugh so, it makes me feel badly," whispered the old
+woman. "I came to tell you the bridegroom and the clergyman are
+there."
+
+"The time has arrived for the marriage of the rich and happy bride.
+Go, Trude, beg my mother to come up and adorn me with the myrtle-
+wreath."
+
+"Dear Marie, can I not do it?" asked Trude, with quivering voice.
+
+"No, not you; touch not the fatal wreath! You have no part in that!
+Call my mother--it is time!"
+
+Trude turned sadly toward the door, Marie glancing after her, and
+calling her back with gentle tone.
+
+"Trude, my dear, faithful mother, kiss me once more." She threw her
+arms around Marie's neck and imprinted a loving kiss upon her
+forehead, weeping. "Now go, Trude--we must not give way; you know
+me; you well understand my feelings, and see into my heart."
+
+The old woman went out, drying her eyes. Marie uttered her last
+farewell. "With you the past goes forth, with you my youth and hope!
+When the door again opens, my future enters a strange, fearful life.
+Woe to those who have prepared it for me--woe to those who have so
+cruelly treated me! They will yet see what they have done. The good
+angel is extinct within me. Wicked demons will now assume their over
+me. I will have no pity--I will revenge myself; that I swear to
+Moritz!"
+
+Her mother rustled in, clothed in her splendid wedding-garments.
+"Did you send for me, dear Marie?" she whispered.
+
+"Yes, mother--I beg you to put on my myrtle-wreath."
+
+"How! have you no endearment for me?" she asked, smilingly. "Why do
+you say 'you' instead of 'thou?'"
+
+"It is better so, mother," she coldly answered. "Will you adorn me
+with the bridal-wreath?"
+
+"Willingly, my dear child; it is very beautiful and becoming."
+
+"Do you realize, mother, what you are doing? You place the wreath to
+consecrate me to an inconsolably unhappy life with the man that I
+hate and despise!"
+
+"My dear child, I know that you think so to-day; but you will soon
+change, and find that wealth is a supportable misfortune."
+
+"Mother, one day you will recall these words. Crown me for the hated
+bridal. The sacrifice is prepared!"
+
+
+
+
+BOOK IV.
+
+THE VISIBLES AND THE INVISIBLES.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+OLD FRITZ.
+
+
+The war terminated, the hostile armies returned to their different
+German countries. Frederick the Great had gained his point, forcing
+Austria to renounce the possession of Bavaria. The Prince of
+Zweibruecken had been solemnly recognized by him as the rightful
+heir to the electorate, and the lawful ruler and possessor of
+Bavaria. The Emperor Joseph had submitted with profound regret and
+bitter animosity to the will of his mother, the reigning empress,
+and consented to the peace negotiations of Baron von Thugut. Having
+signed the document of the same, in his quality of co-regent, he
+angrily threw aside the pen, casting a furious glance at the hard,
+impenetrable face of Thugut, saying: "Tell her majesty that I have
+accomplished my last act as co-regent, and I now abdicate. From
+henceforth I will still lie her obedient son, but no submissive
+joint ruler, to only follow devotedly her imperial will. Therefore I
+resign, and never will trouble myself in future about the acts of
+the government." The emperor kept his word. He retired, piqued, into
+solitude, wounded in the depths of his soul, and afterward
+travelled, leaving the government entirely to the empress and her
+pious confessors.
+
+Bavaria was rescued! It owed its existence to the watchfulness,
+sagacity, and disinterested aid of Prussia's great king. The Elector
+Maximilian vowed in his delight that he, as well as his successors
+and heirs, would never forget that Bavaria must ascribe its
+continuance to Prussia alone, and therefore the gratitude of the
+princes of this electorate could not and never would be extinguished
+toward the royal house of Prussia. Frederick received these
+overflowing acknowledgments with the calmness of a philosopher and
+the smile of a skeptic. He understood mankind sufficiently to know
+what to expect from their oaths; to know that in the course of time
+there is nothing more oppressive and intolerable than gratitude,
+that it soon becomes a burden which they would gladly throw off
+their bent shoulders at any price, and become the enemy of him to
+whom they had sworn eternal thankfulness. Frederick regarded these
+oaths of Bavaria not as a security for the future, but as a payment
+on account of the past.
+
+"I did not go forth to render the Bavarian princes indebted to me,"
+said he, to his only confidante, Count Herzberg, as he brought to
+him, at Sans-Souci, the renewed expression of thanks of the prince
+elector. "I would only protect Germany against Austria's grasp, and
+preserve the equilibrium of the German empire. Believe me, the house
+of Hapsburg is a dangerous enemy for the little German
+principalities, and if my successor does not bear it in mind, and
+guard himself against their flatteries and cat's-paws, Austria will
+fleece him as the cat the mouse who is enticed by the odor of the
+bacon. Prussia shall be neither a mouse in the German empire, nor
+serve as a roast for Austria. But she shall be a well-trained
+shepherd's dog for the dear, patient herd, and take care that none
+go astray and are lost."
+
+"Your majesty has drawn an unfortunate character for the future of
+our country," sighed Herzberg, thoughtfully, "and I must grant that
+it is sketched with severe but correct outlines so it follows that
+poor Germany has many combats and hardships in store."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked the king. "What characteristic did I
+name?"
+
+"Your majesty pointed out Austria as the cat watching for prey in
+Germany. Prussia, on the contrary, as the shepherd's dog, which
+should watch the native herd, and occasionally bite those who wander
+from the flock. The comparison is apt, and clearly exposes the
+natural hostility of the two nations. Nature has placed the cat and
+the dog in eternal enmity, and there is no compromise to be thought
+of, to say nothing of friendship. There may, now and then, be a
+truce; the cat may draw in her claws, and the dog may cease to howl
+and growl, but the combat will renew itself, and never end, but in
+the death of one party, and the victorious triumph of the other."
+
+"You are right," said the king, nodding slightly. "From this natural
+hostility will proceed many combats and storms for our land, and
+much blood will be shed on its account. Let us look to the future,
+and try to ward off the coming evil, in erecting high barriers
+against the cat-like springs of the enemy. I will think out a
+security for Germany. But first, mon cher ami, we have to care for
+our own country and people. The war has greatly injured my poor
+subjects. Industry is prostrated and prosperity disturbed. We must
+seek new sources of acquisition, and sustain those which are
+exhausted. For this, we must think of fresh taxes, and other sources
+of income."
+
+"Sire," said Herzberg, shrugging his shoulders, "the taxes are
+already so heavy that it will be difficult to increase them."
+
+"You are greatly mistaken," cried the king, with increased
+animation. "I will impose a tax upon those things which are now
+exempt, and establish a capable administration for the purpose.
+Bread, flour, meat, and beer, the sustenance of the poor, shall
+remain as they are, for I will not that they shall pay more. But
+tobacco, coffee, and tea, are superfluous things, which the
+prosperous and rich consume. Whoever will smoke, and drink tea or
+coffee, can and shall pay for being a gourmand!"
+
+"I beg pardon, but it is just these taxes which will create the
+greatest discontent," answered Herzberg. "Your majesty will remember
+that the duty on coffee was complained of and criticised by every
+one, and the poor people grumbled more than all. In spite of the
+resistance of government, coffee has become, more and more, a means
+of nourishment and refreshment for the lower class."
+
+"I will teach them to renounce it," cried the king, striking the
+table violently with his staff "I will not suffer so much money to
+go out of the country for this abominable beverage! My people shall
+re-learn to drink their beer, instead of this infamous stuff, as I
+had to do when a young man. What was good enough for the crown
+prince of Prussia, will to-day suffice for his subjects. I tell you,
+Herzberg, I will teach them to drink their beer, or pay dearly for
+this bad, foreign stuff. Then we will see which will conquer,
+Prussian beer or foreign coffee."
+
+"It is possible that the former will be victorious on account of
+their poverty and the high duties; but in any case the people will
+be discontented, and grumble against your majesty."
+
+"Do you suppose that I care for that?" asked the king, with a quick,
+fiery glance at the calm, earnest face of his confidant. "Do you
+think that I care for the applause of the people, or trouble myself
+about their complaints? I regard their shouting or their grumbling
+about as much as the humming or buzzing of a fly upon the wall. If
+it dares to light upon my nose, I brush it off; and if I can, I
+catch it. Beyond that, it is its nature to hum and buzz. Herzberg,
+you understand that if a ruler should listen to the praises or
+discontent of his subjects, he would soon be a lost man, and would
+not know his own mind. The people are changeable as the weather; to-
+morrow they crush under their feet what to-day they bore aloft, and
+praise one day what they stone the next. Do not talk to me about the
+people! I know this childish, foolish mass, and he is lost who
+counts upon their favor. It is all the same to me whether they like
+or hate me. I shall always do my duty to my subjects according to
+the best of my knowledge and ability, as it becomes an honorable and
+faithful officer. As the chief and most responsible servant of my
+kingdom, I should be mindful to increase her income and diminish her
+expenses--to lay taxes upon the rich, and lighten them for the poor.
+This is my task, and I will fulfil it so long as I live!"
+
+"Oh," cried Herzberg, with enthusiasm, "would that the entire nation
+might hear these words, and engrave them upon their hearts!"
+
+"Why that, mon cher?" asked Frederick, shrugging his shoulders. "I
+do not ask to be deified; my subjects are perfectly welcome to
+discuss my acts, so long as they pay me punctually, and order and
+quiet are respected and preserved."
+
+"All that is done," said Herzberg, joyfully. "The machine of state
+is so well arranged, that she has fulfilled her duty during the war,
+and will soon reestablish prosperity."
+
+"Particularly," cried the king, "if we rightly understand the art of
+agriculture. In the end every thing depends upon him who best
+cultivates his field. This is the highest art, for without it there
+would be no merchants, courtiers, kings, poets, or philosophers. The
+productions of the earth are the truest riches. He who improves his
+ground, brings waste land under the plough, drains the swamps, makes
+the most glorious conquests over barbarism."
+
+"And those are also conquerors, sire," said Herzberg, smiling, "who
+drain the mental swamps, and improve the waste mental ground. Such
+are those who increase the schools and instruct the people. I have
+caused the school authorities to report to me, according to your
+majesty's command. A happy progress has been noticed everywhere.
+Cultivation and education are advancing; and since our teachers have
+adopted the principles of Rousseau, a more humane spirit is
+perceptible throughout our schools."
+
+"What principle do we owe to Jean Jacques?" asked the king.
+
+"Sire, the principle that man is good by nature!"
+
+"Ah, mon cher, who says that knows but little of the abominable race
+to which we belong!" [Footnote: The king's words.--See "Prussia."
+vol. iv., p. 221.]
+
+"Do you not believe in this doctrine?" asked Herzberg.
+
+The king raised his large blue eyes musingly to the busts placed
+upon the bookcases, and around the walls. They lingered long upon
+those of Homer, Plato, and D'Alembert; then turned to that of
+Voltaire, with its satyr-like face. "No, I do not believe it," he
+sadly responded. "Mankind is an ignoble race; still one must love
+them, for among the wicked are always some worthy ones, whose light
+beams so brightly clear, that they change night into day. During my
+life I have learned to know many base, miserable creatures, but I
+have become reconciled to them, as I have also found some who were
+virtuous and excellent--some who were noble and beautiful, as the
+grains of wheat among the chaff. You belong to the latter, my
+Herzberg; and as in heaven many unjust will be forgiven for one just
+person, so will I upon earth forgive on your account the Trencks,
+Schaffgotschs, Goernes, Voltaires, Wallraves, Glasows, Dahsens, and
+all the traitors, poisoners, and perfidious ones, as they may be
+called. Remain by my side and sustain me, to prevent many a wicked
+thing and bring to pass much that is good. I shall always be
+grateful to you in my heart for it; that you can depend upon even if
+my weather-beaten face looks ill-humored, and my voice is peevish.
+Remember that I am a fretful old man, who is daily wasting away,
+approaching that bourne from which no traveller has ever returned."
+
+"God grant that your majesty may be far removed from this bourne!"
+said Herzberg, with emotion. "And He may grant it on account of your
+subjects, who are so much in need of your care and government."
+
+"There is no one upon earth who could not be replaced," said the
+king, shaking his head. "When I am gone, they will shout to my
+successor. I trust my subjects will exchange a good ruler for their
+fretful old king. I have been very well satisfied with him during
+the campaign, and he has shown ability in the diplomatic mission to
+St. Petersburg. He has proved himself a soldier and a diplomat, and
+I hope he will become a great king. Herzberg, why do you not answer
+me, but cast down your eyes? What does your silence mean?"
+
+"Nothing at all--truly nothing! The crown prince has a noble,
+generous heart, a good understanding; only--"
+
+"Why hesitate, Herzberg? Go on--what is your 'only?'"
+
+"I would only say that the crown prince must beware and. not be
+governed by others."
+
+"Oh, you mean that he will be ruled by mistresses and favorites?"
+
+"I do fear it, your majesty! You well know that the crown princes
+are generally the antipodes of those ascendant to the throne. If the
+ruler has only an enlightened mind, and is free from prejudices, so-
+-"
+
+"Is his crown prince an obscurer," added quickly the king, "having
+the more prejudices, and is capable of being ruled by mystics and
+exorcists. Is not that your meaning?"
+
+Count Herzberg nodded. The king continued with animation: "Some one
+has told me of a new friend who returned from the war with the
+prince, and who belongs to the Rosicrucians and exhorters, and hopes
+to find many adherents here for such deceptions. Is it true?"
+
+"Yes, sire. It is Colonel Bischofswerder, a Rosicrucian and
+necromancer and of course of very pleasant address. He has indeed
+already gained much power over the impressible mind of Frederick
+William, and his importance is greatly on the increase."
+
+"What does the crown prince's mistress say to it? Is she not
+jealous?"
+
+"Of which one does your majesty speak?"
+
+The king started, and his eyes flashed. "What!" he cried with
+vehemence, "is there a question of several? Has the crown prince
+others besides Wilhelmine Enke, whom I have tolerated?"
+
+"Sire, unfortunately, the prince has not a very faithful heart.
+Besides, it is Bischofswerder's plan, as I suppose, to separate him
+from Wilhelmine, who will not subordinate herself to him, and who
+even dares to mock the necromancers and visionaries, and oppose them
+to the crown prince."
+
+"Does Enke do that?" asked the king.
+
+"Yes, sire," answered Herzberg, as the king rose and slowly paced
+the room. "And one must acknowledge that in that she does well and
+nobly. Otherwise one cannot reproach her. She leads a quiet, retired
+life, very seldom leaving her beautiful villa at Charlottenburg, but
+devotes herself to the education of her children. She is surrounded
+with highly-educated men, savants, poets, and artists, who indeed
+all belong to the enlightened, the so-called Illuminati, and which
+are a thorn in the eye to Colonel Bischofswerder. Your majesty will
+perceive that I have some good informants in this circle, and the
+latest news they bring me is that the bad influence is upon the
+increase. The Rosicrucians reproach the prince for his immoral
+connection with Wilhelmine Enke, as they would replace her by one
+who gives herself up to them."
+
+"That shall not take place," cried the king. "No, we will not suffer
+that; and particularly when we are forced to recognize such
+abominable connections, we should endeavor to choose the most
+desirable. I cannot permit that this person, who has at least heart
+and understanding, should be pushed aside by Bischofswerder. My
+nephew shall retain her, and she shall drive away the Rosicrucians
+with all their deviltries. Herzberg, go and tell the crown prince,
+from me, that I order--"
+
+His majesty suddenly stopped, and looked at Herzberg with surprise,
+who was smiling.
+
+"Why do you laugh, Herzberg?"
+
+"I was not laughing, sire. If my lip quivered against my will, it
+was because I stupidly and foolishly dared to finish the broken
+sentence."
+
+"Well, how did you manage to conclude it?"
+
+"Sire, your majesty said, 'Tell the crown prince that I order him'--
+and there you ceased. I added 'order him to love Wilhelmine Enke,
+and be faithful to her.' I beg pardon for my mistake. I should have
+known that your majesty could never command the execution of that
+which is not to be forced; that my great king recognizes, as well as
+I, that love is not compulsory, or fidelity either. Pardon me for my
+impertinence, and tell me the order which I shall take to the crown
+prince from my beloved king and master."
+
+The king stepped close up to the minister, and gazed with a half-
+sad, half-tender expression in the noble and gentle face of
+Herzberg, and in the sensible brown eyes, which sank not beneath the
+fiery glance of Frederick. Then, slowly raising his hand from the
+staff, he menaced him with his long, bony forefinger.
+
+"Herzberg, you are a rogue, and will teach me morals. Indeed, you
+are right--love is not compulsory, but one can sometimes aid it. Say
+nothing to the prince. The interior of his house must, indeed, be
+left to himself, but we will keep our eyes open and be watchful. Do
+so also, Herzberg, and if you discover any thing, tell me; and if
+Wilhelmine Enke needs assistance against the infamous Rosicrucians,
+and with her aid this mystic rabble can be suppressed, inform me,
+and I am ready to send her succor. Ah! Herzberg, is it not a
+melancholy fact that one must fight his way through so much
+wickedness to obtain so little that is good? My whole life has
+passed in toil and trouble; I have grown old before my time, and
+would rest from my labors, and harvest in the last few years, what I
+have sown in a lifetime. Is it not sad that I hope for no fruit, and
+that the seed that I have scattered will be trodden under foot by my
+successor? I must gaze at the future without joy, without
+consolation!"
+
+The king turned to the window, perhaps to hide the tears which stood
+in his eyes. Herzberg did not presume to interrupt the sad silence,
+but gazed with an expression of the deepest sympathy at the little
+bent form, in the threadbare coat. Grief filled his heart at the
+thought that this head was not only bowed down by the weight of
+years and well-deserved laurels, but also from its many cares and
+griefs, and hopeless peering into the future.
+
+The king turned again, and his eyes were bright and un-dimmed. "We
+must never lose courage," said he, "and we must have a reserve corps
+in life as well as upon the field of battle. For the world resembles
+the latter, and the former is a continual war, in which we must not
+be discouraged nor cast down, if there is not hope in our souls. I
+will cling to As you have said, and I have also found it true, that
+crown prince is a good and brave man, and possesses a keen
+understanding, we may succeed in bringing him from the erroneous
+ways in which his youth, levity, and the counsels of wicked friends
+have led him. We will try with kindness and friendliness, as I
+believe these have more effect upon him. Let us not even scorn to
+aid Wilhelmine in so far as is compatible with honor. If a mistress
+is necessary to the happiness of the prince, this one seems the most
+worthy of all to encourage. Beyond the clouds the stars are still
+shining, and it appears to me as if I see in perspective in the
+heaven of Prussia's future, a star which promises a bright light
+with years. Do you not think with me, the little Prince Frederick
+William is a rising star?"
+
+"Yes, your majesty," answered Herzberg, joyfully, "He is a splendid
+little boy, of simple and innocent heart, and bright, vigorous mind,
+modest and unpretending."
+
+"You see," cried the king, evidently cheered, "there is one star and
+we will watch over it, that it is not obscured. I must see the
+prince oftener. He shall visit me every month and his governors and
+teachers shall report to me every quarter. We will watch over his
+education, and train him to be a good king for the future, and guard
+ourselves against being pusillanimous, foolish, and fretful, and not
+be discouraged in life. I have entered my last lustrum, or five
+years. Hush! do not dispute it, but believe me! My physique is worn
+out, and the mental grows dull, and although I live and move about,
+I am half in the grave. There are two coffins in this room, which
+contain the greater part of my past. Look around, do you not see
+them?"
+
+"No," said Herzberg, as he glanced at the different articles of
+furniture, "I see none."
+
+"Look upon the table by the window--what do you there see?"
+
+"Your majesty, there is an instrument-case and a sword-sheath."
+
+"They are the ones I refer to. In the case lies my flute, that is to
+say, my youth, love, poesy, and art, are encoffined there. In the
+sheath is my sword, which is my manhood, energy, laurels, and fame.
+I will never play the flute or draw the sword again. All that is
+past!"
+
+"But there still remains for the great king a noble work to
+perfect," cried Herzberg. "Youth has flown, and the war-songs are
+hushed. The poet and hero will change to the lawgiver. Sire, you
+have made Prussia great and powerful externally; there remains a
+greater work, to make her the same within. You have added new
+provinces, give them now a new code of laws. You will no longer
+unsheath the sword of the hero; then raise that of justice high
+above your subjects!"
+
+"I will," cried the king, with beaming eyes. "You have rightly
+seized and comprehended what alone seems to me worthy of will and
+execution. There shall be but one law for the high and the low, the
+poor and the rich. The distinguished Chancellor Carmer shall
+immediately go to work upon it, and you shall aid him. The necessity
+of such a reform we have lately felt in the Arnold process, where
+the judge decided in favor of the rich, and wronged the poor man.
+How could the judge sustain Count Schmettau against the miller
+Arnold, who had been deprived of the water for his mill, when it was
+so evident that it was unjust?"
+
+"I beg pardon, majesty, but I believe the judge obeyed the very
+letter of the law, and--"
+
+"Then this law must be annulled," interrupted the king. "This is why
+I revoked the judge's sentence, and sent the obstinate fellows to
+the fortress, sustaining the miller in his right deposing the
+arrogant Chancellor Furst. I had long resolved upon it, for I knew
+that he was a haughty fellow, who let the poor crowd his anteroom,
+and listened to the flattery of the high-born rabble who courted
+him. I only waited an occasion to bow his haughty head. This
+offered, and I availed myself of it, voila tout. It is to be hoped
+that it will be good example for all courts of justice. They will
+remember that the least peasant and beggar is a human being as much
+as the king, and that justice should be accorded to if they do not,
+they will have to deal with me. If a college of justice practises
+injustice, it is more dangerous than a band of robbers; for one can
+protect himself from the latter but the former are rascals wearing
+the mantle of justice, to exercise their own evil passions, from
+whom no man can protect himself, and they are the greatest
+scoundrels in the world and deserve a double punishment. I therefore
+deposed the unjust judge, and sent him to the fortress at Spandau,
+that all might take warning by his fate." [Footnote: The king's own
+words.--Seo "Prussia, Frederick the Great," vol. iv.]
+
+"This Arnold trial belongs to history," said Herzberg. "The lawyers
+will refer to it after the lapse of centuries, and the poor and the
+oppressed will recall and bless the thoughtfulness of the great
+king, who would open just as wide a gate for them to enter the
+heaven of justice as to the rich and noble. This new code of laws
+will beam above the crown of gold and of laurels, with the splendor
+of the civil crown, whose brilliants are the tears of gratitude of
+your people."
+
+"May it be so," said Frederick, with earnestness. "Now tell me, do
+you know what day of the month it is?"
+
+"Sire, it is the 30th of May.'"
+
+"Yes, you will remember it is the anniversary of Voltaire's death,
+and after I have quarrelled for two years with the priests and so-
+called holy fathers at Rome, I have gained my point, and the honor
+shall be shown him here in Berlin which the priests and friars have
+refused to the immortal poet in his own country. To-day, exactly at
+the hour which Voltaire died, the mass for the dead will be read in
+the Catholic church, to free his immortal soul from purgatory. I
+have, indeed, no idea of an immortal soul. If there are any, and if
+it has to endure the threefold heat of which Father Tobias, of
+Silesia, related to me, I do not believe that the priests, for a few
+thalers, can loose the unhappy spirit from the bake-oven. But as
+they refuse burial to the spirit of Voltaire, in order to insult him
+after death, so must I avail myself of this occasion to offer a last
+homage to the great poet, which will take place at four o'clock. Go
+to the mass, Herzberg, and tell me to-morrow how it went off--
+whether the priests make right pious faces and burn much incense.
+Adieu. Au revoir, demain."
+
+As the king dismissed, with a friendly wave of the hand, his
+confidential minister, he passed into his cabinet, remaining an hour
+with his counsellors. At dinner appeared some of the generals,
+weather-worn and bent, with wrinkled faces and dull eyes. Souvenirs
+of the glorious years of fame and victory. The king nodded kindly to
+them, but during the entire meal, he only let some indifferent
+questions fall from his lips, which were devotedly and tediously
+answered by some one of the old generals. As their dry, peevish
+voices resounded through the high, vaulted room, it seemed to
+reawaken in Frederick's heart the souvenirs of memory and become the
+echo of vanished days. He gazed up at the little Cupids, in the
+varied play of bright colors, looking down from the clouds, and the
+goddesses trumpeting through their long tubes the fame of the
+immortal, the same as formerly, when they smiled from the clouds
+upon the beaming face of the young king, dining in the distinguished
+circle of his friends Voltaire, D'Argens, Algarotti, La Melbrie, and
+Keith.
+
+The Cupids were fresh as ever, and the goddesses had not removed the
+trumpets from their lips. But where were the of the merry round-
+table? Returned to dust. The jests and poesy have died away--all
+have sunken to decay and darkness. The king silently raised his
+glass of Tokay, gazing up to the clouds and Cupids, draining it
+slowly in sacrifice for the dead. Then with a vehement, contemptuous
+movement, he threw the glass over his shoulder, shivering it into a
+thousand pieces. The old generals, after dessert, had gently sunk
+into their afternoon nap, and now started, frightened, looking
+wildly around, as if they expected the enemy were approaching.
+Alkmene crept from under the king's chair muffing with her long,
+delicate nose, the glistening pieces of glass, and the footman bent
+himself to carefully pick them up.
+
+The king rose silently, saluting the old generals, pointing with his
+staff to the large folding-doors which led to the garden.
+
+The footmen hastened forward to open them, and stand in stiff,
+military order upon each side. Frederick walked slowly out, mounting
+the two steps which led to the upper terrace, signing to the
+attendants to close the doors.
+
+He was alone. Only Windspiel was there to spring about joyfully,
+barking, and turning to meet him, who wandered on the border of the
+terrace, where he had formerly walked with his friends. Now he
+stopped to gaze up the broad, deserted steps which led from terrace
+to terrace, as if he could re-people them with the well-known forms,
+and could see them approach and greet him with the look of endless
+love and constancy. Then he raised his eyes to heaven, as if to seek
+there those he in vain sought upon earth.
+
+"Do you not see me, my friends?" he asked, in a gentle but sad
+voice. "Do you not look down wonderingly where you saw a cheerful,
+smiling king, upon the now bent, shrunken old man, cold and
+phlegmatic, who seldom speaks, and then causes every one to yawn?
+Oh, where have you fled, beautiful spring-time of life--wherein once
+we used to enliven our conversations with the wit of the Athenians,
+and the jest fluttered upon our lips as we glided through life in
+the bold enjoyment of youth? Banished is the dance, and I creep
+about, leaning upon my staff, enfeebled in body, and with saddened
+heart! Oh, awful change, unhappy old age! What does it aid me that I
+am a king? I have won many a battle, but now I am vanquished by age
+and death and am alone!" [Footnote: The king's words.--See
+"Posthumous Works," vol. x., p. 100.]
+
+A slight breeze rustled through the trees, fanning, caressingly, the
+cheeks of the king. The perfume of sweet flowers rose from the
+terrace, and below rushed the cascade. The marble groups around the
+fountain glistened in the golden rays of the sun, and in the dark
+foliage fluttered and sang the merry birds of summer.
+
+Suddenly the wind wafted from the church at Potsdam the clear tones
+of a bell, announcing to the king the hour of four, the death of
+Voltaire.
+
+The king walked along to the rose-arbor, to the temple of
+friendship, where the bust of his sister Frederika was placed. He
+seated himself near the entrance, listening to the ringing voice of
+the bell, and recalling that the death-mass had now commenced in
+Berlin.
+
+The service sacred to memory! The prayer for the immortal soul! As
+the lonely king sat there, calm and bowed down, a solemn prayer and
+holy mass rose from his own soul. He bowed lower his head, and,
+without realizing it himself, traced letters in the sand at his
+feet, with no witness but the blue heavens above him, and Windspiel
+who curiously eyed the lines. Thinking of the prayer for Voltaire's
+undying soul, the king had written the word of profoundest mystery
+and revelation, of hope and prophecy--" Immortality."
+
+The wind gently rustled in the trees, wafting the perfume of
+flowers. Sweet stillness reigned around, and lowly sang the birds as
+if not to waken the king, who slept by the marble form of his
+beloved sister--Windspiel upon his knees, and in the sand at his
+feet the word traced by his own hand, "Immortality."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+CAGLIOSTRO'S RETURN.
+
+
+Wilhelmine Enke was still living at her villa at Charlottenburg. She
+was, as formerly, the "unmarried" daughter of the hautboy-player,
+the favorite and friend of the crown prince; the same as two years
+previous, when he presented her before the Bavarian campaign, with
+this house and There was no change in her outward circumstances; her
+life passed regularly and calmly. The once fresh and beautiful cheek
+had lost somewhat of its youthful, roseate hue, and the smile of the
+ruby lips was less haughty, and the warmth of those brilliant eyes
+was subdued. This was the only perceptible difference wrought by the
+little vexations and troubles incident to her position. She had
+found some bitter drops in the golden goblet which the prince in his
+love pressed to her lips--drops which were uncongenial to lips
+accustomed to the sweets of life.
+
+To-day she had awaited him at dinner, and had just received a very
+friendly but laconic letter, excusing himself until the following
+morning. This was an unpalatable drop. Wilhlemine paced back and
+forth the solitary, gloomy path, at the foot of the garden, re-
+reading this letter, and examining every word to search out its
+hidden meaning.
+
+"They have brought this about," she murmured, tearing the letter
+into little pieces, which lighted upon the shrubbery like
+butterflies. "Yes, it is their work. They have sought by all
+possible means to draw him into their power, and away from me. And
+they will succeed, as there are two of them, and the princess
+sustains them; and I am alone, unsupported. I am entirely alone--
+alone!"
+
+"If you are alone, then, it is surely your own fault," said an
+earnest, solemn voice, and at the same instant a tall form
+approached from the shrubbery which bordered the side of the garden.
+
+"Cagliostro!" shrieked Wilhelmine, shrinking terrified away. "Oh,
+mercy upon me, it is Cagliostro!"
+
+"Why are you so frightened, my daughter?" he asked, gently. "Why do
+you withdraw from me, and cast down your eyes?"
+
+"I thought you were in Courland," she stammered, confused.
+
+"And whilst you thought me afar, you forgot your sacred oath and
+holy duty," he replied, in a harsh, severe tone. "Oh my daughter,
+the Invisibles weep and lament bitterly over you."
+
+"I am curious to see these tears," said Wilhelmine, who had now
+recovered her self-composure. "Do you think, Herr Magus, any of them
+could be found in the eyes of Colonel Bischofswerder and his
+intimate friend Woellner? Do you pretend that they also weep over
+me?"
+
+"They do not belong to the Invisibles, but the Visibles. But their
+souls are true and faithful, and would have to mourn over the
+unhappy one who could forget her vows."
+
+"Then allow me to say that I abjure these tears, and laugh at the
+idea that these hypocrites and necromancers weep over me."
+
+"My daughter, what words are these, and how strangely altered you
+are! I have come from the far north, and but just alighted from the
+travelling-carriage. I came at once to see you, and hoped to be
+greeted joyfully with a kiss of love, and what do I hear instead?
+Harsh words filled with scorn and mockery, and disobedience against
+the Invisible Fathers, to whom you have sworn fidelity and
+submission!"
+
+"You have forced me to it!" she cried, impetuously. "In my own house
+you came upon me and compelled me to take part in your mystic
+assembly."
+
+"If one loves humanity, he must insist upon its accepting
+happiness," said Cagliostro, solemnly. "We recognized in you one of
+the elect, one of the great souls which are worthy to see the light,
+and sun themselves in the rays of knowledge. Therefore we accepted
+you among the spirits of the alliance, and--"
+
+"And made great promises, of which not one has been fulfilled. Where
+is the title of countess, the influence, position, honor, and
+dignity, which you prophesied to me?"
+
+"Where are the deeds you promised to perform, the witnesses of your
+fidelity and devotion?" he thunderingly demanded. "You have dared to
+rebel against the holy alliance! Your short-sighted spirit presumes
+to mock those eyes which perceive that you are straying away!
+Beware--Wilhemine, beware! I came to-day to warn you, when I return
+it will be to punish you. Turn, oh turn while there is yet time!
+Submit your will to the Fathers, as you have sworn to do! The
+promised reward will not fail, and Wilhelmine Enke will become a
+countess, a princess, and the most distinguished and powerful will
+bow before her. The Fathers demand of you repentance, and
+renunciation of the worst enemies of the Rosicrucians. Members, and
+even chiefs and pioneers of the Illuminati and Freemasons are
+welcomed at your house."
+
+"Why should they not be?" asked she, smiling. "They are happy,
+cheerful spirits, void of mysteries, and do not torture people with
+mysticisms. They have but one aim, a great and glorious one, to free
+the mind from superstition and hypocrisy. They encounter with open
+countenance the false devotees who would force men into spiritual
+servitude, that they may become the slaves of their will. You call
+them 'Illuminati,' while they have undertaken to illuminate the
+minds with the beams of knowledge which the Rosicrucians obscure in
+a mystical fog."
+
+"Unhappy one, do you dare to say that to me?" cried Cagliostro,
+menacingly.
+
+"Yes," she responded, keeping her large, brown eyes firmly fixed
+upon Cagliostro's angry face. "That I dare to repeat to you, and I
+would also remark that we are not in the mystical assembly of the
+Rosicrucians, and your familiar 'Du' is out of place. I belong to
+the Illuminati, and mingle with the freethinkers. They have not,
+indeed, promised me titles, honors, or dignities, but they have
+amused me, have driven ennui from the house, and instead of
+mysticisms, brought me poesy, and instead of the invisible holy
+church, the Greek temple. It is possible my life may not be a godly
+one, but it is as happy as the gods, and that is something in this
+tedious world."
+
+"I regard you with astonishment," said Cagliostro, "for I recognize
+in your countenance that the devil has won you over to his power,
+and in you he speaks with the bold insolence of the sinful. Subdue,
+unhappy child, your rash speech, that the Fathers may not hear of
+it, and crush you in their wrath."
+
+"I do not fear their thunderbolts, permit me to tell you. We are in
+Prussia; the great king watches over all his subjects; neither the
+Romish Church nor the Rosicrucians can obscure the light of
+knowledge. He will not suffer a ghost, sneaking in the dark, to
+exercise power here, and he will not refuse the protection to me
+which is accorded to the least of his subjects. I do not fear you,
+and I will tell you the truth entire, I believe you to be a
+hypocrite and a charlatan, who--"
+
+"Miserable one!" interrupted Cagliostro, as he furiously rushed to
+her, seizing her by the arm--"cease, unhappy one, or your life is
+forfeited to the invisible avengers!"
+
+Wilhelmine shook her head, and encountered his flaming eyes with a
+proud glance. "I repeat your own words--cease, or your life will be
+forfeited! Perhaps you think I do not know what happened to you in
+Mittau, where you were recognized as a charlatan, who fooled the
+poor creatures into the belief of his miraculous acts, which
+consisted in lightening their purses to the benefit of his own. You
+were obliged to flee from MitLau in the night, to save yourself,
+your treasures, and wonderful man-traps, and the beautiful Lorenza
+Feliciana. Beware! The Empress of Russia had a certain Joseph
+Balsamo pursued, who had practised great deception, and people
+pretend that he resembles Count Cagliostro. The Empress Catherine is
+a good friend and ally of the King of Prussia, and if the happy idea
+should occur to me to propose seeking the necromancer here, the
+Great Kophta might come a miserable end."
+
+"On the contrary, it would only be a welcome occasion for the Great
+Kophta to reveal himself, and hurl his despicable, malicious enemy
+into the dust at his feet," replied Cagliostro, calmly. "Try it, you
+faithless, fallen daughter of the Invisibles--try to unloose the
+pack of my enemies, to recognize that all their yelling and barking
+does not trouble the noble stag to whom God has given the whole
+world for His forestward that He should rule therein. I have
+listened to you unto the end, and I regard your invectives and
+accusations as not worthy of a reply or justification, and I laugh
+at your menaces. But I warn you, Wilhelmine Enke, defy not the
+Invisibles, and offend not the Holy Fathers, by your continued
+resistance. Turn, misguided child of sin--turn while there is yet
+time! In their name I offer you a last chance, their forbearance is
+without bounds, and their mercy long enduring."
+
+"I neither desire your forbearance nor mercy," cried she, proudly.
+"I will have no companionship with my enemies, and the Rosicrucians
+are such, for Bischofswerder and Woellner both hate me, and would
+put me aside. There is no reconciliation where only hostility is
+possible."
+
+"The heavenly listen not to the voices of the earthly, and prove
+themselves, the most noble when the least deserved. They will
+protect and watch over you, even against your will, and never will
+they be deaf to your cry for aid in the hour of Here is a token of
+their grace toward you. Take this ring--do you recognize it?"
+
+Wilhelmine regarded it attentively. "This is the ring which I gave
+at the tribute-altar instead of gold, which you desired."
+
+"The Invisibles sent it to you to-day as the precious pledge of
+their favor. You shall keep it, and wear it as a token of their
+heavenly forbearance, and when you turn back from the erroneous ways
+into which the Illuminati have led you, send it to the circle of
+Berlin directors, either Bischofswerder or Wollner, and they will
+come to your rescue. Farewell! I forgive you all your wicked words,
+which fall like spent arrows from the helmet of my righteousness."
+
+Cagliostro turned proudly away, and disappeared in the bushes.
+
+Wilhelmine placed the ring upon her finger, turning it to watch the
+play of colors. "I do not know why," said she, "but it has not the
+same brilliancy as formerly. I will take it to the jeweller Wagner,
+and ask him if it is the same stone. Perhaps the Great Kophta has
+tried some of his miracles upon it. I will at once send the servant
+to Minister von Herzberg, and inform him that Cagliostro is here. He
+has promised me protection in the name of the king, and I feel that
+I shall now have need of it."
+
+She hurried to the house, and devoted herself to the writing of the
+said letter--a task she was but little accustomed to. She had
+learned to speak French very prettily, and to express herself
+skilfully and wittily in German, and under her royal master, the
+crown prince Frederick William, gained much valuable scientific
+knowledge. But to write fluently was quite another thing, and it was
+a long time before the epistle was finished. However, happily
+accomplished, she commanded the servant to take it to Berlin.
+
+He bowed with silent submission; but once having quitted the house,
+a cunning smile was visible upon his face, and he availed himself of
+a stage-coach which was going in the same direction. "I can afford
+this expense," said he, arranging himself comfortably. "When I have
+money in my pocket why should I walk the long distance? I was very
+clever to tell Bischofswerder that the Minister von Herzberg had
+secretly visited my mistress, and it was equally clever of him to
+give me a louis d'or, and promise me the same every time that I
+should bring him important news. Indeed, I think to-day he may well
+thank me, and I believe, if I often inform him, he will advance me a
+degree, and at last I shall be admitted to the circle of the elect,
+while I now belong to the outside circle, who know nothing and hope
+every thing."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+THE TRIUMVIRATE.
+
+
+While Wilhelmine's servant gave himself up to his hopes, slowly down
+the broad avenue, an elegant four-in-hand carriage rolled past him,
+and stopped at the house where lived Colonel Bischofswerder, long
+before he had reached the Brandenburg Gate. A gentleman sprang out,
+hastening past the footman into the house, where a servant evidently
+awaited his arrival, and preceded him with devout mien, throwing
+open the wide folding-doors and announcing, in a solemn voice--" His
+excellency, Count Cagliostro." He then respectfully withdrew, bowing
+profoundly as the count passed, and closed quickly and noiselessly
+the doors behind him.
+
+The two gentlemen within hastened to meet the count, who nodded
+smilingly, and extended to them with a gracious condescension his
+white hand sparkling with diamonds. "My dear brothers," said he,
+"you have unfortunately announced me the truth--Wilhelmine Enke is
+faithless--is an apostate."
+
+"A courtesan, ensnared by the devil of unchastity," murmured the
+elder of the two--a man of long, lank figure, pale, pock-marked
+face, the broad high forehead shaded with but little hair, the
+watery blue eyes turned upward, as if in pious ecstasy, and the
+large, bony hands either folded as if in prayer, or as if in quiet
+contemplation, twirling his thumbs around each other. "I have always
+said so," said he, with a long-drawn sigh; "she is a temptress, whom
+Satan, in bodily repetition of himself, has placed by the prince's
+side, and his salvation cannot be counted upon until this person is
+removed."
+
+"And you, my beloved brother, think otherwise--do you not?" asked
+Cagliostro, gently.
+
+"Yes," answered Bischofswerder, "you know well, sublime master and
+ruler, how much I esteem and love the worthy and honorable Wollner,
+and how much weight his opinion has with me. In all my reports to
+the Invisible Fathers I have always particularly mentioned him, and
+it was upon my wish and proposal that they appointed him director of
+one of the three Berlin circles. He is occupied near me in the
+confederacy, and is also in the service of the crown prince, for it
+was by my especial, earnest recommendation that his highness called
+him to Berlin from the exchequer of Prince Henry at Rheinsberg, that
+he might give him lectures in politics and other branches of
+administration, I do not say it to boast, although I have always
+regarded it as an honor to have opened the way to a distinguished
+man, to have his great talents properly valued. I only say it to
+prove my high appreciation of dear brother Wollner, and to defend
+myself, master, in your eyes, that I differ in opinion from him, and
+do not advise a violent removal of this person, to whom the prince
+is more attached than he himself knows of."
+
+"It is not necessary to excuse yourself to me, my son," said
+Cagliostro, pompously. "The eyes which the Invisibles have lighted
+up with a beam of revelation, see into the depths of things, and
+reveal the most hidden. I have glanced into your hearts, and I will
+tell you that which I have therein read. You, Hans Rudolph von
+Bischofswerder, belong to the world; its joys and sorrows agitate
+you. You have a longing for science and the knowledge of the
+Invisibles, and you would also enjoy the Visibles, and take part in
+the pleasures of life. What you would allow yourself, that you would
+also grant to your royal master, whose friend and leader you are,
+and who, one day, will be the future king and ruler of the visible
+world, and a faithful son and servant of the Invisibles. Is it not
+thus?"
+
+"It is so," answered Bischofswerder, who, with wondering
+astonishment, drank in every word that fell from Cagliostro's lips
+as a revelation. "You have read the inmost thoughts of my heart, and
+what I scarcely suspected myself, you are knowing of, lord and
+master."
+
+"Toil and strive, my son, and you shall rise to the highest grade,
+in which presentiment and recognition, thinking and knowing, are
+one."
+
+He extended to Bischofswerder his hand, who fervently pressed it to
+his lips; then turned to Wollner, who, with upturned gaze and folded
+hands, might have been praying, for his thumbs were not turning
+around, but rested, quietly crossed.
+
+"You, my son and brother," continued Cagliostro, with his lofty,
+haughty reserve, "your thoughts are diverted from earth, and the
+joys of this world have no charm for you!" "I have laid the oath of
+virtue and chastity upon the altar of the Invisibles," replied
+Wollner, with a severe tone of voice. "I have given myself to a
+pious life of abstinence, and sworn to employ every means to lead
+those that I can attain to upon the narrow path which leads to the
+paradise of science, of knowledge, and heavenly joys. How could I
+forget my oath, which is to win the prince, who is to become a light
+and shield in the holy order, from tbe broad course of vice, to the
+pathway of the blest? How can I bear to see him lost in sin who is
+elected to virtue, and who longs for the light of knowledge?"
+
+"But, in order to bear the light in its brightness, he must have
+passed through the darkness and gloom of sin," said Cagliostro.
+"After the days of error follow those of knowledge. This is what
+causes the mildness of our brother Theophilus, whom the earthly
+world calls Bischofswerder, whilst you, brother Chrysophorus, demand
+from the prince the severest virtue, which is the first great vow of
+the brothers advancing in the holy order of the Rosicrucians. You
+are both wrong and both right. It is well to be lenient as brother
+Theophilus, but that must have its limit, and the night wanderer who
+stands upon the brink of a precipice must be awakened, but not with
+violent words, or calling loudly his name, because a sudden
+awakening would only hasten his fall. Slowly and carefully must he
+be roused; as one would by degrees accustom the invalid eyes to the
+mid-day, so must the light of virtue and knowledge dawn upon the
+eyes, ill from vice, with prudent foresight. Hear my proposal.
+Summon the three circles of the brothers of the highest degree to a
+sitting to-night. You have told me that the prince desires to belong
+to the seeing ones, and be in communion with the spiritual world.
+This night his wish shall be fulfilled, to see the spirits, and a
+new future shall rise before him. My time is limited; let us arrange
+every thing, for the voices of the Invisibles already call me home."
+
+At this instant a modest knocking was heard at the door, which was
+repeated at different intervals.
+
+"It is my servant," said Bischofswerder, "and he has undoubtedly an
+important communication for me."
+
+He opened the door, speaking with the person outside in a low tone,
+and returned with a sealed note.
+
+Cagliostro, apparently, was lest in deep thought and indifferent to
+the conversation without, directing quietly and calmly, in the mean
+time, a few questions to Wollner, and, as it seemed, listening only
+to his answers. Yet as Bischofswerder approached him, saying, "it
+is, indeed, important news; I have proof in hand that--" he
+interrupted him with a commanding motion, and finished the broken
+sentence: "--that Wilhelmine Enke is a powerful adversary, having
+connection with the court, as this letter from her is directed to
+Minister Herzberg. Is it not this that you would say, Theophilus?"
+
+Astonished, he replied in the affirmative, begging his master to
+read it.
+
+"It is unnecessary," replied Cagliostro, waving back the letter; "to
+the seeing eyes every thing is revealed. This person announces to
+Minister von Herzberg that the deceiver and necromancer, Cagliostro,
+in his flight from Mittau, has visited her to menace her. She begs
+protection for herself and an arrest for me; that I am known as
+Count Julien, at the hotel King of Portugal, at Berlin, and that
+haste is necessary."
+
+Both gentlemen glanced astonished and enraptured, first at the
+sealed epistle and then at the great Magus.
+
+"Open the letter and convince yourselves of the contents!" commanded
+Cagliostro.
+
+"It is unnecessary," cried Bischofswerder, with enthusiasm. "We
+recognize in you truth and knowledge; you have revealed to us the
+contents."
+
+"Nay, there is a lingering doubt in the mind of brother
+Chrysophorus!" said Cagliostro, regarding Woellner fixedly, who
+stood with downcast eyes before him.
+
+"My ruler and master," stammered Woellner, in confusion, "I dare not
+doubt, only--"
+
+"You would only be convinced, open then the letter," interrupted
+Cagliostro, sarcastically.
+
+With a sharp knife, Bischofswerder cut the end of the envelope, and
+handed the letter to him.
+
+"Give it to Chrysophorus," commanded the count. "He shall read it,
+and may the incredulous become a believer!"
+
+Woellner perused the epistle with a slightly tremulous voice,
+stopping now and then, at an illegible word, which his master
+quickly supplied to him, finishing the sentence as correctly as if
+he held the writing in his hand.
+
+The contents were exactly as Cagliostro had given them, and the
+farther Wollner read, the more his voice quivered and
+Bischofswerder's enthusiasm increased.
+
+As the reading was finished, the former sank, with uplifted hands,
+before his master, as if imploring mercy from a mighty, crushing
+power.
+
+"I have been unbelieving as Tobias, doubting as Paul; have mercy on
+me, O master! for in this hour the divine light of belief and
+knowledge banishes doubt from my sinful heart. I acknowledge thy
+supernatural power and heavenly wisdom! My whole being bows in
+humility before you and your sublimity, and henceforth I will only
+be your humble scholar and servant, the tool of your will. Forgive
+me, all-knowing one, if my heart doubted. Breathe upon me the breath
+of knowledge, and lay thy august right hand upon my head, and
+penetrate me with thy heavenly power."
+
+"Have mercy upon me also," cried Bischofswerder, as he kneeled
+beside Woellner, and, like him, raised his hands imploringly to
+Cagliostro. "Breathe upon me the breath of thy grace, and regard me,
+the repentant and unworthy, with thy heavenly glance!"
+
+Cagliostro looked to heaven, and from his lips there fell
+disconnected words of exhortation; suddenly he drew forth his hands,
+which he had pushed into his gown and crossed upon his breast,
+stretching them out with wide-spread fingers.
+
+"Come to me, ye spirits!" he cried, in a loud, thundering voice. "Ye
+spirits of fire and air, come to me! Ye shall flame and burn upon
+the heads of these two persons and announce to them that the
+Invisibles are with us. Come to me, ye spirits of fire!"
+
+He clinched his fingers, extending them again, and upon the points
+there danced and flickered a blue light. A heavenly smile shone upon
+the beautiful face of the Magus, his hands slowly sank upon the
+heads of the kneeling ones, the flames gliding upon their heads,
+resting there a moment, and then dying away.
+
+"The Invisibles have proclaimed themselves to you through the sign
+of fire," cried Cagliostro. "The sacred flame has glowed upon your
+heads, and I now press upon your brow the solemn kiss of
+consecration and knowledge!"
+
+He bowed down to the kneeling ones. It seemed as if a cloud of
+perfume had passed over their glowing faces, or as if an odorous
+lily had been pressed upon their foreheads, and their hearts
+quivered with delight. He passed his hand lightly over their faces,
+and a feeling of rapture spread through their whole being. Then as
+he commanded them to rise, they obeyed, without realizing that they
+had limbs or body, but regarded the miracle-worker, entranced with
+his smile.
+
+Cagliostro, with hasty decision and earnest, commanding air, made a
+few opposite strokes in the air, and immediately the faces of the
+magnetized looked as if they had awakened from a dream of splendor
+and delight to insipid, flat reality.
+
+"I have permitted you to behold, for an instant, the mysteries and
+miracles which are serviceable to the knowing ones," said
+Cagliostro, with calm earnestness. "Your souls were in communion
+with the Invisibles, and from the source of knowledge a spark of
+illumination fell upon your heads. Guard it as a heavenly secret
+that no one should know of, and now let us continue our
+conversation."
+
+"Permit me once more to lay my head at your feet, and receive power
+from the touch thereof," implored Bischofswerder.
+
+"Let me embrace your knees, and entreat pardon and grace," begged
+Woellner, as he sank down to clasp them, and the former threw
+himself at the feet of his master, passionately kissing them.
+
+Smilingly he received their homage, and assisted them to rise.
+
+"Now let us speak in a human, reasonable manner, my friends. Brother
+Theophilus, you, first of all, return the letter to the envelope and
+seal it."
+
+Bischofswerder obeyed; taking from the table a little bottle and a
+small brush, he carefully applied an adhesive substance to the
+edges, pressing them firmly together.
+
+"Master, no one could discover that it had been opened. Command what
+shall be done with it."
+
+"Give it to your servant, that he may return it to him who brought
+it, and the latter can now deliver it at its address."
+
+"To the Minister Herzberg!" they both cried, amazed. "It is
+impossible; he is a sworn enemy of the holy order and your own
+heavenly person. He could take the most violent measures, and cause
+your excellency to be arrested."
+
+"I believe it," smiled Cagliostro. "The great Frederick would
+announce triumphantly that he had had the great Semiramis of the
+North taken, which the Russian police had failed to accomplish. It
+would be a welcome triumph for unbelievers and fools, and they would
+trumpet it joyfully through the world! It must not be; although my
+spirit in its power and might would soon release my body, yet I will
+not grant this momentary triumph to my enemies. My time is limited;
+I must forth to Egypt, where the Brothers of the Millennium will
+assemble in the course of a week in the pyramids, to announce to me
+their will for the coming century. I am the Spirit of God, which the
+Invisibles have willed to enter a human form, therefore it must be
+regarded as sacred and protected."
+
+"Allow me to guard, with my life, your sublime person!" cried
+Bischofswerder.
+
+"And I also implore you to grant me the happiness to watch over the
+security of your heavenly self, and defend it to the last drop of my
+blood!" cried Woellner; "only tell us what we have to do."
+
+"Above all things obey my command concerning the letter," replied
+the count, smiling.
+
+Bischofswerder submissively went out with the epistle, returning in
+a few moments. "It is as you have ordered: in a quarter of an hour
+it will be in the hands of Minister Herzberg."
+
+"No," replied the count, fixing his eyes upon empty space, "it will
+not be there, for Herzberg is not at home. I now see him driving in
+a carriage with four black steeds to the country. At this instant he
+is crossing a bridge, now he enters a town, turning down one of the
+streets, where the noise of the wheels is lost. Again I hear him,
+leaving by the gate, ascending a broad avenue."
+
+It is the route to Sans-Souci," murmured Bischofswerder, in a low
+voice, but the count must have understood him, as he repeated aloud:
+
+"Yes, that is the route to Sans-Souci, and the lonely, fretful old
+king will keep his minister the entire day, and will not receive the
+missive from his secret female accomplice until his return in the
+evening, and then he will dispatch his bailiffs in all haste to the
+hotel to arrest Count St. Julien, and forward an order to every gate
+to forbid his departure. It will be too late, however--he will have
+already departed."
+
+"Departed1" cried the two gentlemen, frightened. "Will you, then,
+forsake us?"
+
+"Hush, my brothers, be quiet!" answered Cagliostro. "I shall have
+departed for the profane, but I will remain here for the consecrated
+until to-morrow morning. It oft happens that the lofty even must
+come down, and the brilliant obscure themselves. To-day I must
+descend from my spiritual height, and humble myself in the dust of
+lowliness. When the unholy and unconsecrated essay to behold that
+which they should not with their earthly eyes; they must be blinded
+with earthly dust, and for those which are not worthy of miracles,
+we must sometimes condescend to jugglers' tricks. By the latter I
+will mislead my enemies to-day. How many gates are there to the city
+of Berlin?"
+
+"There are nine, master."
+
+"Send immediately messengers around in your circles to order eight
+travelling-carriages and sixteen large black trunks. Further, send
+me eight confidential discreet men of my height and size, with eight
+perukes, exactly the cut of mine. Command four post-horses, with two
+postilions for eight different addresses. This is all that is
+necessary for the moment."
+
+"All shall be faithfully and quickly accomplished," said
+Bischofswerder, humbly. "We will divide the execution of your
+orders, and there only remains to appoint the time and place when
+and where to direct the postilions."
+
+"All this will follow; forget not, in trifling, earthly things, the
+great heavenly circumstances. Summon the consecrated of the highest
+degree of your circle to go to-night to the palace of Prince
+Frederick William at Potsdam, and under the very eyes of the old
+freethinking king we will open to the crown prince the doors of the
+spiritual world, and consecrate him to the highest degree. But first
+the Invisibles shall speak with him, and announce the heavenly
+region of the unapproachable. Finish the preparations, my brothers--
+fulfil exactly and punctually my orders, and then come to the hotel
+to receive my last commands."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+FUTURE PLANS.
+
+
+Cagliostro quitted the two confidants, entered his carriage awaiting
+him before the door, and drove to the hotel. The host and chief
+waiter received him with extreme deference, both accompanying him up
+the stairs--the latter throwing wide open the large doors of his
+room. The count turned, and, in addressing some indifferent question
+to the host, opened his gold-embroidered blue satin vest.
+
+The host turned pale, and shrank back, as if seized with a sudden
+fright. Cagliostro passed on, motioning him to follow, which he
+humbly obeyed, sinking upon his knees as the door closed.
+
+"Have you recognized the sign which I wear upon my breast?"
+
+"Yes, master," he stammered, bowing down with the greatest
+reverence.
+
+"Then you belong to the elect of the Inner Temple, for the sign of
+knowledge is only made known to them."
+
+"I do, indeed, understand its mysteries, master, and I know that one
+of the Invisibles, in infinite condescension, appears in a visible
+form before me. Immeasurable as the happiness, is my obedience!
+Command me, master; my life and riches belong to the holy alliance!"
+
+"Rise and receive my orders," replied Cagliostro, with great
+dignity. In a brief, dictatorial manner he communicated the
+necessary arrangements; then dismissed him with a haughty nod, and
+entered the adjoining room of his wife, Lorenza Feliciana.
+
+She had thrown herself upon the divan, in charming neglige. Her head
+was encircled with black ringlets, which she wore unpowdered,
+despite the fashion. Her eyes were closed, and her beautiful
+shoulders were but half concealed by a black lace veil.
+
+She slept so quietly and soundly that the count did not awaken her
+upon entering. He approached her lightly upon the soft carpet, and
+stood regarding her attentively. A pleasant smile spread over his
+face, softening its expression, and his eyes beamed with passionate
+tenderness.
+
+"She is indeed beautiful," he murmured, softly. "No one could
+withstand the charm of this wonderful woman. Ah, would that I could
+crush these wicked spirits within me, silence all these seductive,
+sinful voices, and fly to some secluded valley of our dear
+fatherland, and there, reposing on her love, let life glide calmly
+on and smile at the past without regret, as a fading dream! Would
+that I could forget, and become again pure and innocent, blest in my
+affection, simple in my tastes, and without wants! But no, it is too
+late! I cannot retreat, the demons will not be driven out; to them
+my soul belongs, and I must fulfil my destiny!--Awake, Lorenza,
+awake!" Her beautiful form shook with fright; she started, opened
+her eyes, demanding, "What is the matter? Who is here?"
+
+"It is I, Lorenza," he said, sadly; "I was obliged to awaken you, to
+tell you something important."
+
+"Are the pursuers here? Have they discovered us? Are they coming to
+take us to prison?"
+
+"No, no; be quiet, Lorenza, no one has discovered us!"
+
+"Quiet!" she repeated, with a scornful laugh. "We have travelled day
+and night the last ten days, hiding ourselves in miserable holes and
+dens, under assumed names, believing our pursuers were at our hacks;
+and now that we are showing ourselves publicly, you ask me to be
+quiet! I have slept for the first time since that fearful night in
+Mittau, and it is very cruel and thoughtless of you to wake me, if
+the bailiffs are not here, and danger does not menace us."
+
+"For the moment we are safe, but I have something important to tell
+you."
+
+"Important?" she cried, shrugging her shoulders. "What is of
+consequence to me, since that night? Oh, when I think of it, I could
+shriek with rage, I could annihilate myself in despair!"
+
+"It was indeed a dreadful experience, and my heart quakes when I
+think of it," said Cagliostro, gloomily. "The secret assembly
+consisted of the highest and most influential of the Courland
+nobility. Suspecting no wrong, not even that there could be traitors
+among the believers who would falsify my spirit apparatus, I gave
+myself up to conjuring the departed."
+
+"And I upon my fairy throne," added Lorenza, "couched in the
+innocent costume of the celestial, only veiled with a silvery cloud,
+heard a sudden shriek. The room was quite dark; I saw, upon opening
+my eyes, that no spirits enlivened it."
+
+"Every thing failed--that is to say, my assistants let it fail,"
+said the count, "and the assembly began to murmur. Suddenly, instead
+of the departed princes and heroes, what fearful forms arose!"
+
+"Apes, cats, and other animals," cried Lorenza, with a loud laugh.
+"Oh, what an irresistible sight! In spite of my anger I had to
+laugh, and laugh I did upon the fairy throne, like--"
+
+"Like a foolish child who neither knows nor understands danger,"
+interrupted the count. "Your laughing soon ceased in the fearful
+tumult and uproar. They shrieked for light, the ladies fled, and the
+men menaced me with loud curses, calling me a charlatan, and
+threatening my life!"
+
+"Mine also," cried Lorenza; "oh, what insults and ill-treatment I
+was forced to listen to! They rushed upon me, shrieking for the
+brilliants and money which they had brought me as an offering. How
+they scolded and called me a deceiver! I was only very beautiful and
+coquettish, and that was no deception! I charmed them with my
+coyness, and they brought me the most costly presents, because I was
+a virtuous woman. Now they reproached me, demanding a return of them
+all, which they had forced upon me of their own free will. I was
+obliged to bear it silently in my costume of innocence, and as
+goddess I could not defend myself and speak with human beings--who
+pushed up to the throne. It was a very ridiculous position; happily
+I did not quite lose my senses, but let the apparatus play, and
+disappeared into my dressing-room below, which fortunately closed
+above me. I dressed, and rushed to your room to rescue my
+treasures."
+
+"Even in this extreme danger you only thought of your riches, not of
+me," said Cagliostro, with a bitter smile.
+
+"Have you not taught me yourself that money was the only thing worth
+striving to possess? Have you not revealed to in wisdom that riches
+alone make us happy, and procure for us honor, power, love, and
+constancy? Ah! Joseph, have you not made me the miserable, heartless
+creature that I am? Can you reproach me that your teaching has borne
+such good fruit? I am happy to be the priestess of wealth, and
+grateful for what you have made known to me."
+
+"It is true," sighed Cagliostro, "I have taught you the truth of
+things; I have disclosed to you the world's motive power. Riches are
+indeed the god upon earth, toward whom all are pressing, rushing on.
+We must all follow and serve him as slaves, or be crushed under the
+wheels of his triumphal car. Men talk and reason about the storm and
+pressure which is spreading through the world, and finally will
+reduce every thing to storm the eternal and undying bliss of wealth,
+and press on for gold."
+
+"To think that we have lost every thing!" cried Lorenza, springing
+up and stamping with her silken-shod foot; "every thing is lost that
+I have been years gaining, by hypocrisy, deception, and coquetry.
+They have robbed me! The shameful barbarians have seized all our
+effects. The police surrounded the house, guarding every entrance,
+and we were obliged to escape by the roof into the house of one of
+the brothers, leaving all our treasures behind."
+
+"You exaggerate, Lorenza, and represent it worse than it is. Look
+around; you are surrounded with luxury and comfort. Our great
+undertakings in Courland and St. Petersburg have failed, it is true,
+and the Russian empress has ordered me to be driven away and
+pursued. But the Invisible Fathers have not forsaken me, as they
+know that I am a useful tool in their hands. They have carefully
+provided me with money, passports, and instructions. We have lost
+thousands, but we will regain them, for the future is ours. I am
+protected by the order, and called to a new and important mission in
+Paris, to strive for the sacred aim of the Church."
+
+"And have they no mission for me?" asked Lorenza. "Is there nothing
+further for me to do in that city than to be a beautiful woman, and
+play tricks for my dear husband?"
+
+"Great events await you in Paris, which we will aid you to prepare.
+The Invisible Fathers send you before me to the Cardinal de Rohan.
+You are going to Paris in the service of the revolution of minds.
+The carriage is ordered, and you are to set off this very hour."
+
+"And when are you going, Joseph?" Lorenza asked, with a touch of
+melancholy.
+
+"I shall officially depart in an hour, but in reality at the same
+time that the Baroness von Balmore leaves the hotel in her
+travelling-carriage. Near the waiting-maid will a servant sit upon
+the box. I shall be he."
+
+"Officially you depart in an hour; what does that mean?" Cagliostro
+smiled. "It is a long story and a comical one. Come, seat yourself
+by me upon the sofa; repose your head upon me, and listen to what I
+will relate to you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+MIRACLES AND SPIRITS.
+
+
+Late in the afternoon of the same day a travelling-carriage drove up
+before the hotel "King of Portugal," in the Burgstrasse, with two
+large black trunks strapped upon it behind the footman's box, and
+the postilion, sitting by the coachman, playing the beautiful and
+popular air, "Es ritten drei Reuter cum Thore hinaus!"
+
+Count St. Julien descended the stairs, followed by the host, and
+nodded in a lofty manner to the two waiters and hostler awaiting him
+at the entrance, who returned it by a profound bow, at the same time
+not failing to see the white hand extended with the trinkgeld.
+
+The host himself closed the carriage door, and the count departed
+amid the merry peals of the postilion, the former gazing after him
+with the satisfaction of one who has made a good bargain. The
+servants watched it, too, until it had disappeared around the corner
+of the next street.
+
+At this instant the quivering tones of a post-horn were heard, and
+an open caleche appeared and stopped before the hotel with two large
+black travelling-trunks upon it, and the postilion upon the box
+blowing the popular air, "Es ritten drei Reuter zum Thore hinaus!"
+
+The host observed the empty carriage with a smile, but the servants
+asked themselves astonished what it meant, and as they turned and
+saw Count St. Julien descending the stairs, they were startled. He
+offered them the usual trinkgeld, entered the carriage, and rolled
+away with a commanding nod.
+
+The host seemed speechless with astonishment, and stood as if rooted
+to the spot. The servants stared after the carriage until it turned
+the corner; when just then a post-horn was heard playing the
+agreeable melody of "Drei Reuter," and a travelling-carriage with
+two large black trunks drove up to the door.
+
+The servants turned pale, looking shyly toward the stairs. Slowly
+and with great dignity Count St. Julien descended, greeting them
+with a gentlemanly nod as he passed, and, extending his white hand
+with a trinkgeld, mounted his carriage, and drove away.
+
+The host stood as if stunned, outside the door, looking right and
+left with unspeakable terror. The servants tremblingly fixed their
+eyes upon the stairs, no longer possessing the power to move, but
+heard the post-horn, and the carriage which drove up to the door the
+third time. Slowly and proudly Count St. Julien advanced. It was the
+same cold, grave face, with the thick black beard, and the powdered
+peruke, the curls of which overshadowed the brow and cheeks. He wore
+exactly the same dark-brown cloak over the black velvet dress. The
+white hand, with broad lace wrist-ruffles, reached them also a
+trinkgeld.
+
+This time the fellows had scarcely self-possession sufficient to
+take the present, for every thing swam before their eyes, and their
+hearts one moment almost ceased to beat, and then palpitated with
+the feverish rapidity of terror.
+
+"I would run away," murmured the chief waiter, as Count St. Julien
+for the fourth time drove away, "if my feet were not riveted to the
+floor."
+
+"If I could move mine I would have gone long ago," groaned the
+second waiter, the clear drops standing upon his forehead. "It is
+witchcraft! Oh, Heaven! they are coming again, playing the 'Drei
+Reuter.'"
+
+The count descended the stairs for the fifth time, whispered to the
+hostler, who was quite engrossed counting his money, handed the
+trinkgeld to the pale fellows by the door, and mounted his carriage,
+driving away amid the merry peals of the post-horn.
+
+"Julius," murmured the steward, softly, "give my hair a good
+pulling, that I may awake from this horrible dream."
+
+"I cannot," he whimpered, "my hands and feet are lame. I cannot
+move."
+
+"I will," said the hostler, courageously stretching forth his hand,
+and pulling it so vigorously that the steward was fully convinced of
+the reality of things.
+
+Again the post-horn sounded the "Drei Reuter;" again the carriage
+stopped before the door, and the count descended, giving to every
+one a gift like the "Maedchen aus der Fremde," and for the sixth
+time rolled away.
+
+"We are bewitched; it is a ghost from the infernal regions!" groaned
+the steward.
+
+"I cannot abide it any longer--I shall die!" said the second waiter.
+
+"I do not mind it," said the hostler, as he jingled the money; "if
+they are ghosts from hell, the eight groschen do not come from
+there, for they are quite cool. See how--Ah, there comes the count
+again!"
+
+For the seventh time he passed down the stairway, by the servants,
+who wore no longer standing but kneeling, which the count received
+as a proof of their profound respect, and slipped the money into
+their hands.
+
+"Praise God, all good spirits!" murmured the head waiter; but
+neither the count nor the money seemed to be moved by the pious
+exhortation, for he quietly entered his carriage, and the eight
+groschen lay in the servant's hand, at which the hostler remarked
+that he would stand there all night if the count would only
+continually pass by with groschen. It pleased the count to descend
+the stairs yet twice more, divide the trinkgeld, and mount his
+carriage. As he drove away the ninth time, it appeared as if the
+Drei Reuter were determined to drive out of the gate and forsake the
+hotel "King of Portugal." The host waited awhile, and talked with
+the neighbors, who, roused by the continual blast of the post-horn,
+were curious to know how it happened that so many guests were
+departing by extra posts. Whereupon the host, in a hollow,
+sepulchral voice, his eyes glaring, and shrugging his shoulders,
+declared that there had been but one gentleman at the hotel, but
+nine times he had seen him drive away, and the devil must have a
+hand in the matter!
+
+Shaking his head, he returned to the hotel, and found the servants
+busily counting their money, occasionally casting covetous looks
+toward the stairs, as if they hoped the count would again descend.
+
+Exactly as Cagliostro had foretold, Minister Herzberg did not return
+from Sans-Souci until late in the evening, and then found
+Wilhelmine's letter in his cabinet.
+
+Immediately the police were instructed to arrest Count St. Julien at
+the hotel "King of Portugal."
+
+An hour later the chief of the police came to say that the count had
+already been gone two hours. He repeated the account of the host,
+corroborated by the servants, of nine different counts having driven
+away from the hotel.
+
+Herzberg smiled. "We have to deal with a very clever scoundrel,"
+said he, "and it is no other than the so-called Count Cagliostro,
+who was lately exposed as a bold trickster in Mittau and St.
+Petersburg, and about whose arrest the Empress Catharine is very
+much exercised. It would be very agreeable to the king to show this
+little attention to her imperial highness, and trap the adroit
+pickpocket."
+
+"We might succeed in catching him in his flight," remarked the
+chief. "For the last six months the king has given orders that every
+passport should be examined at the gates, and the route of the
+travellers noted down, which is all registered and sent to the king.
+It would be very easy to discover by which gate he departed, and his
+route, and then have him pursued."
+
+"That is well thought of, director; hasten to put it into execution,
+and inform us of the result." He returned in an hour to the
+minister's cabinet, shaking his head gravely. "Your excellency, it
+is very strange, but he is a wizard. This man has driven out of the
+nine gates at the same hour and minute."
+
+Herzberg laughed. "This is one of his tricks, and by it I recognize
+the great necromancer."
+
+"Your excellency, this is no trickery, but witchery. It is
+impossible for any one man to drive out of the nine gates at the
+same hour, in the same carriage, with two large black trunks and a
+postilion blowing the same melody, and provided with a correct
+passport, which he shows and is recognized as Count St. Julien, who
+is going to Paris by Hamburg. Here are the nine registers from the
+different gates, all the same, if I am not bewitched and do not read
+straight."
+
+"This trick does honor to the count," said Herzberg, smiling. "To-
+morrow you shall accompany me to Sans-Souci and read aloud the
+registers to the king. Do you think it will be impossible to pursue
+the count now?"
+
+"I should be very happy to follow your excellency's judgment in this
+matter, and arrest the rascal in any way that you could point out,"
+said the director.
+
+"I am convinced that he is in the city; and driving put of the nine
+gates at the same time was the best manner to escape being
+discovered," said Herzberg. "He is concealed in some one of the
+houses of the brothers, and we shall be obliged to let him escape
+this time."
+
+In order the more securely to carry out the initiation of Prince
+Frederick William, in company with Bischofswerder and Woellner,
+Cagliostro had arranged his pretended departure. For a long time the
+prince had expressed an extreme desire to be received into the
+mysteries of the miraculous and holy order, of which he had heard
+his friends speak with so much reverence. But he had been put off
+from time to time with regrets and shrugs of the shoulders, and
+expressions of the impossibility of granting the request.
+
+"The spirits do not always appear even to the consecrated," said
+Bischofswerder. "They make themselves known after many fervent
+prayers and implorings, and when we have withdrawn from every one
+who could entice us to doubt or disbelief. I fear that it would be
+impossible to conjure the spirits of the departed, so long as your
+highness honors a certain lady with your particular favor, who
+ridicules the sublime order and mingles with its enemies. How can
+they appear to those who have just been in the company of a friend
+of the Illuminati and unbelievers?"
+
+"The spirit-world only reveals itself to the virtuous and pure,"
+said Woellner, in a harsh, dry voice. "Its inhabitants cannot
+approach those who are not chaste and innocent, for sin and vice
+surround them with a thick fog, which keeps them at a distance from
+the clear atmosphere of the sublime. If you would call up the
+spirits, you must remove this woman who entices you from the path of
+virtue, and renders the sphere impure around you."
+
+Despite the warnings and the great wish the prince had to be
+received into the spirit-world, and become a member of the highest
+grade of the Rosicrucians, he could not resolve to forsake her who
+had been his friend for ten years, and who had borne shame and
+degradation on his account, refusing eligible and rich men rather
+than leave him and become a legitimate wife. Wilhelmine was the
+beloved of his youth, the mother of his two dear children, and she
+alone knew how to drive away the ennui which pursued the prince,
+with her amiable, subtle wit. Nay, he could not be so ungrateful, so
+heartless, as to reject her who had so tenderly loved him when young
+and beautiful, now that the first bloom of youth and beauty had
+faded!
+
+Bischofswerder and Woellner recognized this difficulty, and applied
+themselves the more energetically for its removal. They supposed
+that the unexpected arrival of Cagliostro would very naturally
+appear to the prince as a special messenger, sent, without doubt,
+from the fathers, to accomplish his conversion. They announced to
+the prince that the Invisibles had taken pity upon his desire for
+knowledge, and had consented to permit him to gaze into the regions
+of the blest, although he wandered in the path of vice, and that he
+must hold himself in readiness to accompany the messenger whenever
+he should be sent to call him.
+
+For this reason the crown prince had written to Wilhelmine that she
+should not expect him until the following morning, and he did not
+quit his room the entire day, with excited expectation awaiting the
+summons. As evening set in the prince was cast down, and quite of
+the opinion that the Invisibles did not deem him worthy to enter
+their pure presence, and thought that Wilhelmine must be the
+hinderance. Whilst he was reflecting whether to sacrifice his
+beloved to the salvation of his soul, the secret door gently opened,
+and two men, masked and wrapped in black cloaks, entered and placed
+themselves near the door. The prince did not remark their entrance,
+and was quite frightened as he chanced to turn, and saw these two
+immovable figures.
+
+With quivering voice he demanded their mission.
+
+In the same tone, as if one were an echo of the other, they
+answered, "We desire nothing, but you demand knowledge of the
+spirit-world, and would have its mysteries revealed to you, which
+the Invisibles will now grant you. Follow us, therefore!" They
+reopened the secret door; one of the masked preceded the prince, and
+the other followed him.
+
+The prince shuddered at the thought that he might be rushing into
+some unknown danger, and intrusting himself to those who would
+misuse his confidence. He demanded to see their faces, declaring
+himself prepared to follow, when acquainted with his guides.
+
+"It would then be better to remain," replied one of the masked. "He
+who lacks confidence is not worthy of it, and he who trusts only the
+Visibles, the Invisibles flee."
+
+The prince recognized the voice of Bischofswerder, and smiled, but
+he knew not that it was permitted him to hear it to inspire him with
+courage.
+
+"Well, so let it be; the fathers shall see that I am a believer,"
+cried the prince.
+
+Immediately one of the brothers put his own cloak, three-cornered
+hat, and mask upon his highness, still remaining cloaked and masked
+himself, much to the astonishment of the passive prince. "Come, now,
+the Invisibles await you," said one of the masked. The prince
+stepped courageously into the little corridor which led to the
+secret stairway, one brother preceding him, causing a soft light to
+illumine their path, the other following him.
+
+In silence they reached the side-door of the palace, where a close
+carriage awaited them.
+
+"Where are you taking me?" asked Frederick William, as he entered,
+followed by the two brothers.
+
+"To the Invisibles," answered a strange voice.
+
+Again the prince essayed to begin a conversation, his only response
+being, "Purify your heart and pray." Silently they galloped over
+paved and unpaved streets, the prince heartily repenting having been
+drawn into this adventure. He thought of his charming and beloved
+Wilhelmine, and half determined to give the command to drive to
+Charlottenburg. The fact of Bischofswerder being with him, and
+fearful of appearing weak and wanting in courage in the eyes of his
+friend and favorite, prevented him.
+
+After several hours' drive, they stopped at the marble palace of
+Potsdam, near the one which the prince was accustomed to occupy. His
+highness looked cautiously around, and breathed more freely, as he
+felt that he was now surely among friends.
+
+The white palace stood silent and deserted in the darkness, this
+palace at Potsdam being only used for the guests of the king. The
+carriage stopped at the side-door, where there was no sentinel, and
+they alighted, entering the palace, winding along the corridors in
+the same order as before, guided by the glimmering light of the one
+preceding. Solemn music, strange ringing sounds, fell upon the ear
+as they advanced. Sometimes they were sharp and cutting as glass,
+then threatening and penetrating as the wind, shrieking and moaning,
+causing one to be very nervous if not terrified.
+
+The farther they proceeded the louder grew the sounds, and at
+intervals groans, moans and wailings were heard, as of those waiting
+and imploring for mercy.
+
+One of the brothers now opened a door, and then placing themselves
+upon each side, the unknown voice announced to the prince that they
+had arrived at the long-sought-for goal.
+
+"What have we come here for?" asked the prince.
+
+"To behold that which you have many times petitioned to be permitted
+to see," replied Bischofswerder, gently encouraging and inspiring
+Frederick William. "The Invisibles have at last yielded to your
+wishes, and the spirits which you summon will appear. If your
+courage fails you, and you dread the presence of the departed,
+command to be reconducted to your palace, and we will obey; but
+renounce forever the sublime happiness of beholding the Invisibles
+and of holding communion with the spirit-world!"
+
+"I fear not, but wish to be in the company of the spirits," answered
+the prince, proudly.
+
+"Kneel," they commanded, permitting him to enter, "and thrice summon
+in a loud voice the names of three departed, who will answer your
+questions. Beware of approaching them, for their glance is death and
+their breath destruction! Therefore remain kneeling, as it becomes a
+mortal in the presence of an immortal. Hope and pray, brother!"
+
+As the door closed upon the prince, and he found himself in such
+impenetrable darkness, he sank upon his knees, for he dared not
+advance, and retreat was impossible, in spite of heart-quakings.
+
+The shrill, penetrating music ceased, and a voice from a distance
+called: "Summon thrice those that thou desirest to see."
+
+"Marcus Aurelius, Leibnitz, and the distinguished elector," called
+the prince in a loud voice.
+
+"Who summoned me?" was responded in hollow, sepulchral tones, and
+directly over the crown prince a blue, vaporous light was visible--
+at first only a cloud, then by degrees increasing and condensing
+itself into a human shape, until it took the form of a Roman warrior
+of the olden time; no other than Marcus Aurelius, in helmet and
+coat-of-mail, with a pale, earth-colored face and glaring eyes.
+
+"Who summoned me?" repeated the figure. The prince's lips refused to
+respond, and shuddering he gazed upon the corpse-like face, so exact
+in feature to the old Roman emperor.
+
+"You answer me not!" thundered the voice, "but I will tell you who
+you are--one lost in sin and an apostate!--the crown prince of
+Prussia, a future king, who will be called to govern a people, and
+knows not self-government! Turn from the path of vice while it is
+yet time; rise from the dust, that the ashes of retribution do not
+bury you in a living tomb, like the sinful Pompeians. No monument
+marks the place of the sinful; he sinks into the night of oblivion,
+or he is cursed by succeeding generations. Therefore turn from the
+errors of sin. Rise to virtue, that the blessed may approach you. I
+shudder in your presence. Woe to you! woe! woe!"
+
+The cloud-portrait vanished, and darkness reigned for a moment. The
+prince cried in anguish: "I will hear no more; this air oppresses
+me--open the door--I renounce communion with the spirits; I will go
+out!"
+
+The light reappeared in the dark room and another form hovered over
+the prince--of grave, obscure face, with a great peruke, staring at
+him. He recognized the distinguished philosopher Leibnitz, whom he
+had desired to see, but who now filled him with unspeakable terror.
+Like the former spirit, he also, when unanswered, reproached the
+erring prince, conjuring him to return to virtue.
+
+As the menacing ghost disappeared, the prince felt for the door, and
+shook it with the power which terror lends, crying, "Open, open!" It
+opened not, and the third summoned, the great elector, Frederick
+William, appeared, with high, up-lifted arm, glittering eyes,
+advancing with angry mien, shaking his lion's mane against the
+erring son of his house, whom he menaced with curses and revenge, if
+he did not renounce the courtesan who had seduced him to vice and
+unchastity.
+
+"I will become better," groaned the prince. "I will perform the wish
+of the spirits. Only have mercy on me--free me. Help! help! Open the
+door, Bischofswerder, I will do better. Open the door!"
+
+This time it really opened, and a long train of dark, masked forms
+entered the dusky room surrounding the prince, wringing their hands,
+imploring him to turn from sin, and forsake the unholy woman.
+
+They whimpered, they implored, sinking upon their knees, beating
+their clinched hands, and weeping: "Turn, beloved elect! Renounce
+Wilhelmine Enke; renounce vice! Repulse the seductress, and turn
+your countenance to Virtue which you have seen in all her beauty!"
+
+"I will perform that which you demand," wept the prince, as the
+deathly terror and nervous excitement made him yielding.
+
+"Swear!" cried the chorus of masks.
+
+"I swear that Wilhelmine Enke shall no longer be my mistress. I
+swear by all that is holy that I will renounce her! I--"
+
+Voice failed him; there was a ringing and buzzing in his ears; every
+thing swam before his eyes, and he sank fainting. The prince awoke
+after long unconsciousness, and found himself upon his bed in the
+new palace at Potsdam, Bischofswerder at his side, watching him with
+the tenderest sympathy. He bent over him and pressed his hand to his
+lips with a cry of delight. "Heaven be praised; my dear prince, you
+have awaked to commence a new life! You now belong to the virtuous
+and honorable, whom the Invisible Fathers bless!"
+
+"Is it true, Bischofswerder," said the prince, languidly, "that I
+have sworn to renounce Wilhelmine Enke, and never to love her more?"
+
+"You have sworn it by all that is holy, and all in heaven and on
+earth have heard your oath, and there is joy thereat."
+
+The prince turned his head, that Bischofswerder might not see the
+tears streaming down his cheeks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+THE RETURN HOME.
+
+
+The beautiful house which Herr Ebenstreit von Leuthen possessed upon
+the finest street in Berlin, "Unter den Linden," had been newly
+arranged and splendidly ornamented since his marriage and elevation
+to a title, and now awaited his arrival. For many weeks mechanics
+and artists had been busily employed; and the good housekeeper, old
+Trude, saw with bewildering astonishment the daily increasing
+splendor of gilded furniture, costly mirrors and chandeliers, soft
+carpets, tapestries, and gold-embroidered curtains, exquisite
+paintings and statuary, which the possessor had forwarded from
+Italy, and many other objects of art standing upon gilt and marble
+tables.
+
+Every thing was completed. The bustle of the busy workmen had
+ceased, and Trude slowly wandered through the solitary rooms,
+examining every article. Her face bespoke dissatisfaction, and a
+smile of contempt was visible there.
+
+"Miserable trash, for which they have sold my poor child!" murmured
+the old woman. "For these worthless, glittering toys have they
+ruined the happiness of the dear innocent heart, and on them the
+guilt will fall if her soul is lost! I remark how she is changed in
+her letters since her shameful, mercenary marriage. She writes of
+nothing but the arrangement of her house, and speaks as if the
+beauty and costliness of things were only to be thought of, and
+there is not even a confidential, heart-felt word for her old Trude.
+It would seem as if she had forgotten all former objects of
+interest. Oh, what trouble and sorrows the rich have! That good-for-
+nothing money hardens their hearts and makes them evil and selfish."
+
+The loud ringing of a bell sounded through the solitary drawing-
+rooms.
+
+"That is, undoubtedly, the general's wife," said Trude, shaking her
+head. "She rings as if she would announce the king, with her nose
+turned up so high, or as if she were the money-sacks of her son-in-
+law!"
+
+Trude was right; her shrill voice was heard ordering the steward,
+who had but just arrived. "It is abominable, it is unheard of!" she
+cried, as with a heavy push she burst open the door; "this man
+presumes to contradict me, and--ah, there you are, Trude!"
+
+"Here I am," she answered; "were you looking for me?"
+
+"Yes, and I would ask you if my orders are not the same as if given
+by Herr Ebenstreit von Leuthen or his wife, or have you instructed
+the new steward otherwise, which, it is laughable to say, you have
+engaged?"
+
+"No, I have not instructed him thus. Dear Marie has not ordered it
+in her letter."
+
+"Dear Marie," repeated Frau von Werrig. "How can you permit yourself
+to speak so intimately of the rich Baroness von Ebenstreit?"
+
+"Very true, it is not right," sighed Trude; "I beg pardon."
+
+"I came here to see if every thing was in readiness, and ordered the
+steward to ornament the doors and corridors with garlands of
+flowers; he has had the boldness to tell me he dares not do it!"
+
+"He is right, Frau von Leuthen. Baroness Ebenstreit von Leuthen
+(have I got the title right?) wrote and expressly forbade any
+festivity to greet her arrival. Here is the letter--I carry it
+around with me; I will read it to you: 'I expressly forbid any
+manifestation whatever to be made at our return, whether of garlands
+or flowers, as they are only hypocrisy and falsehood. I wish no one
+there to receive me--remember, Trude, no one! Inform my family that,
+as soon as I have recovered from the fatigue of the journey, I will
+make them the visit of duty with the baron.'"
+
+"What cold, heartless words are these! One could hardly believe that
+a daughter was writing of her parents."
+
+"On her wedding-day she perhaps forgot that she had any," said
+Trude, shrugging her shoulders, "and she should not be at once
+reminded of that trying occasion on her return. I expect her every
+moment, as the courier has already arrived an hour ago, and it would
+be better--"
+
+"You cannot be so impudent as to tell me to leave? Indeed, I will
+not be prevented from waiting to receive my only child that I have
+not seen for three years. One can well believe that a mother would
+be impatient to embrace her dear daughter! I have no other happiness
+but my beloved child, and I long, unspeakably, to press her to my
+heart and tell her my sorrow."
+
+"Sorrow! is it possible that Frau von Werrig has any griefs? I
+supposed there was nothing in the world troubled her."
+
+"And yet I am very much tormented. I can well tell you, Trude, as
+you are familiar with our circumstances," sighed the countess. "You
+know the general is tolerably well; the journeys to Wiesbaden and
+Teplitz have cured him of the gout unfortunately, so that he can go
+about."
+
+"Are you sorry for that, Frau von Werrig?"
+
+"Certainly I am, Trude, as he has returned to his former habits,
+frequenting the society of drinking-houses and gamblers. Imagine the
+general played yesterday, lost all his ready money, and that was not
+enough, but signed away the year's pension from Herr von Ebenstreit,
+during which time we have nothing but the miserable army annuity to
+live upon."
+
+"Then your income will be less to live upon than formerly, for dear
+Marie earned something with her flowers and lessons which she gave
+to you, although she was never thanked for it. She was then my dear
+good Marie, so industrious and patient, and worked untiringly for
+her parents! Then she forgot them not, and toiled early and late,
+and, oh, it breaks my heart to think of it, and I must cry in your
+presence!
+
+She raised the corner of her dark-blue apron and dried her eyes,
+holding it there as she continued to weep.
+
+"What an ugly apron!" cried the countess, "and how meanly you are
+dressed altogether! Is that the way you intend to go looking as the
+housekeeper of a rich and genteel family? Go, Trude, quickly, and
+put something better on, that you may receive your master and
+mistress in a suitable dress."
+
+"I shall remain as I am, for I am very properly dressed. It may not
+be suitable for a housekeeper, but it becomes old Trude, and it is
+my Sunday frock, which I always wore when I was maid-of-all-work to
+you. You may not remember it, but dear Marie (I should say Baroness
+von Ebenstreit) will, perhaps, and it may recall her little room in
+the garret, and then--"
+
+"And then she will at last think, Trude, how we took care of her,
+and how thankful she ought to be to her parents that they married
+her to a rich man. If Marie sees it at last--"
+
+"You forget with whom you speak, Frau von Werrig," Trude interrupted
+her, scornfully, "and that it does not become you to speak of Marie
+to old Trude, but you should remember her title."
+
+"Well, then, when Baroness von Ebenstreit enters this costly house,
+she must understand that her mother was mindful of her best
+interests, and that she owes all this to her; and you, Trude, must
+remind her of it, and tell her about my dreadful trial with her
+father, and that it is my daughter's duty to release me from it, and
+beg her husband not to deduct the gambling-debt from the pension,
+but pay it this once. For it would be a dreadful injustice to make
+me suffer for the general's rage for play, and show but little
+gratitude for the riches which I brought her. You will tell my
+daughter all this, Trude, and--"
+
+"I will not tell her any thing at all, Frau von Werrig,"
+interrupted. Trude, warmly. "May my good genius keep me from that,
+and burdening my conscience with such falsehoods.--Hark! A carriage
+is coming, and a post-horn sounded. They have arrived!"
+
+Old Trude hurried out just as they drove up to the door. The steward
+and two servants in livery rushed down the steps to assist them to
+alight, and Trude also to greet her favorite, who was now so pale,
+grave, and chilling in her appearance.
+
+The large eyes of the lady rested with cold indifference upon the
+old woman, whose eyes were turned to her with the tenderest
+expression. "I thank you," she said, coldly. "Husband! I beg you to
+give me your arm." Proudly she passed the statuary, and over the
+soft carpets without comment, or even a word for old Trude.
+
+The steward and housekeeper followed the silent couple.
+
+"Shall I take you to your room first?" asked Ebenstreit, "or will
+you do me the pleasure to look at the newly-arranged drawing-rooms?"
+
+"Certainly," she replied, with indifference. "We will first look at
+the drawing-rooms, as we shall probably receive much company this
+winter, and they are of the first importance. You know that I
+dislike solitude."
+
+"Indeed, I recall that we are very seldom alone!" sighed her
+husband.
+
+"It would be fearful if we were," replied his wife, with marked
+indifference.
+
+The steward just now opened the little door of the ante-room,
+sparkling with chandeliers and mirrors. "Ah! this is really
+beautiful, and well chosen," cried Ebenstreit, looking about with an
+air of great pride and satisfaction. "Tell me, Marie, is it not
+worthy of you?"
+
+Glancing coldly around, she replied: "It does not please at all. The
+furniture is very costly, and reminds one of the parvenu. Every
+thing recalls the riches of the newly-titled banker."
+
+Her husband's brow contracted, but he did not trust himself to
+contest his dissatisfaction with his cold, proud wife, but sought
+another vent for it.
+
+"You are very unkind, Marie. Have the goodness to tell me how you,
+with these severe ideas, can suffer that Trude for a moment should
+appear before us in this poor-looking dress which, indeed, does not
+recall any wealth!"
+
+Frau von Ebenstreit's eyes glanced quickly over the old who, she
+said, was the only object which did not bespeak the gaudiness of
+newly-acquired wealth, but she appeared as the respectable servant
+of an old and noble family in fitting dress. "Remain as you are,
+Trude, and do not let yourself be misled by our follies! I--but what
+is that I see?" she cried as the steward opened the next door at the
+silent nod of her husband.
+
+"Oh, my beloved children, there you are at last; after three years'
+absence I have the happiness to embrace you, my only daughter,"
+cried Frau von Werrig, as she approached them with outstretched arms
+and an affectionate smile, essaying to throw her arms around Marie's
+neck, who waved her back.
+
+"My child, my child," whimpered the mother, "is it possible that my
+daughter can receive me thus after so long a separation?"
+
+Turning to Trude, Marie asked her, with a reproving look and tone,
+if she had received her letter, or if she had forgotten her express
+commands that no one but the servants should be in the house to
+receive them."
+
+"I did not forget it, my lady, and I have read the orders to Frau
+von Werrig, but she--"
+
+"Knew that this wish had no reference to her, as she is her mother--
+Tell me, my beloved son, is it not very natural and fitting that I
+should be here to receive you?'
+
+"I find it a matter of course," answered Von Ebenstreit, to whom it
+appeared a relief to find an ally in the mother against his proud
+and beautiful wife. "I rejoice to see our dear mother here, and I
+beg Marie will join me."
+
+Marie cast an angry glance toward her husband, which so confused and
+perplexed him, that he looked down. Then advancing toward the
+drawing-room, with her usual cold demeanor, without further comment
+upon the ostentatious furniture, she commanded her husband to
+follow, who obeyed, giving his arm to his mother-in-law.
+
+"Oh, this is glorious!" he cried, smiling. "What splendor, what
+luxury! Tell me, my dear mother, is not this beautiful reception-
+room very aristocratically and appropriately fitted up?"
+
+"I should think a princess or a queen might be satisfied with it,"
+she cried, with enthusiasm. "Even in royal palaces there is nothing
+of the kind to compare to this gold-embroidered tapestry."
+
+"Baron," said Marie, commandingly, "have the kindness to dismiss the
+steward. I wish to speak with you and Frau von Werrig."
+
+The steward slipped out without waiting to be sent, and Trude stood
+near the door, turning to the young baroness, as if to ask if she
+might remain.
+
+"Did you not hear, Trude?" cried the mother, impatiently. "Tell her
+to go!"
+
+"Remain, Trude," said Marie, quietly. "You are familiar with the
+past. I have nothing to deny to you; shut the door and stay here.--
+And now," she continued, as her voice lost its gentleness, when she
+addressed her mother, "if it is agreeable to you, I should like to
+have an understanding with you!"
+
+"But, my child," sighed the mother, "how strangely altered you are!
+You address me, your mother, as Frau von Werrig, and you speak to
+Ebenstreit in a very formal manner, who has been your dear, faithful
+husband for three years. Oh, my darling son, what does this
+ceremonious manner mean?"
+
+"The very first hour, after our marriage, that we were alone my dear
+Marie severely reproved me for having addressed her in an intimate,
+affectionate manner, like the common class, as she called it, and I
+have never done so since."
+
+"You must be convinced that I am right," said Marie, calmly, "and
+that it does not become two beings, who neither love nor esteem each
+other, and who live in the most ceremonious manner, to address one
+another with endearing epithets. At any rate we are not accountable
+to any one, and Frau von Leuthen must know the relations we bear to
+each other in the so-called marriage, as it is her arrangement for
+the most part."
+
+"And I pride myself upon it," she cried, with animation. "I have
+brought about this marriage, which is good fortune to us, and I hope
+my daughter will prove her gratitude, and my son will show me the
+affection he has so often sworn to me."
+
+"I do not know what my husband may have sworn to you, but permit me
+to say, I do not understand whom you, Frau von Werrig, address as
+daughter here; if you accidentally refer to me, you are in error; I
+have never possessed a mother to love me, although formerly, during
+long years I endeavored with tender assiduity to win a parent's
+heart. That is long past, however. The very day that I married Herr
+von Ebenstreit I renounced all family ties, and resolved to be self-
+reliant. My husband will witness that he has never known me to
+yield, and that I have always been firm and resolute in my
+decision."
+
+"No one would doubt it," replied Ebenstreit, timidly. "We had a very
+strange marriage, which scarce deserves the name. We resemble more
+two companions who have joined in business, the one side
+reluctantly, and the other joyfully. I long for a happy married
+life, which has been quite impossible thus far."
+
+"And will be to the end, which you will yet learn; and Fran von
+Werrig should understand it, as she brought about the union, and
+should not be in doubt as to the conclusion."
+
+"I acknowledge that I am almost speechless and quite paralyzed with
+that which I see and hear. I should doubt that this cold, proud
+woman before me were my daughter, if it were not for the name she
+bears, and her features."
+
+"That which you and my husband have caused me to become. He knew
+that I neither loved nor esteemed him, and that a union with him
+seemed so unendurable that I would have sought refuge in death, if I
+had not vowed to support life to attain the aim which I imposed upon
+myself. That is all past; it is the future which we must arrange. I
+am glad that you are here, Frau von Werrig, that we may understand
+each other once for all; but you came against my wishes."
+
+"You must excuse it, dear Marie. It was the longing of mother's
+heart which led me hither; the love--"
+
+A cold, contemptuous glance of the large eyes caused the mother to
+cease, and quail before her daughter.
+
+After a short pause Marie continued: "I wish to exercise alone and
+unhindered the executive rights of a lady in her own house. Do you
+acknowledge the justice of this, my husband?"
+
+"Perfectly and unconditionally, dear Marie. You know that I have no
+other will but yours, which is my highest happiness to submit myself
+to in all things, always hoping to gain your love and win your
+heart; that--"
+
+"That this woman has changed to stone," said Marie, coldly, pointing
+to her mother. "As you then recognize me as the mistress of this
+house, I shall avail myself of my just right, and no one can prevent
+me, for I stand alone, absolved from all family ties. By my birth
+and your riches, I shall occupy the position of a woman of the
+world, and as such I shall live."
+
+"I am delighted to hear it, Marie," cried her husband. "For this
+reason I have had the drawing-rooms furnished in the most costly
+manner, and I shall be proud to receive the aristocratic society who
+will come to render homage to my wife, as they have done everywhere
+in Paris, London, Rome, Madrid, and St. Petersburg. We have
+frequented the highest circle in all these cities, and they have
+crowded our drawing-rooms, charmed with the beauty, distinguished
+manners, tone of the world, of your daughter."
+
+"I beg of you to make but one subject the sole object of
+conversation," said Marie, harshly. "I have said that I will avail
+myself of the privilege, as mistress of this house, of receiving no
+one whom I do not wish to see, and no one can enter without consent.
+Is it clearly understood, husband?"
+
+"Yes," he answered, somewhat agitated; "it is the right of every
+housekeeper--I understand you."
+
+"It is also clear to me," cried Frau von Werrig, with difficulty
+suppressing her wrath. "But I will await the decisive word, and see
+whether it is possible for a daughter to have the insolent
+presumption to drive he mother from her house!"
+
+"I have already informed you that I have no mother, and that no one
+has the right to call me daughter. If you await my decision, you
+shall now hear it; you are not included among those that I wish to
+receive in my house!"
+
+"Ah, dear Marie, you are cruel!" cried her husband, quite
+frightened.
+
+"She is a degenerate, good-for-nothing creature!" cried the mother.
+
+"If I am so, who has caused it but you, both of you? Who broke my
+heart, and crushed it under foot until it ceased to feel, and turned
+to stone? Bear the consequences of your cruelty and heartlessness! I
+cannot change it, and I repeat, Frau von Werrig has not the right to
+enter this house, or to remain here any longer!"
+
+Scalding tears fell from the mother's eyes as she shrieked, "She
+drives me from her house!"
+
+"I am only treating you as you behaved to one of the noblest and
+best of men," replied Marie, voice and look betraying her deep
+feeling. "You thrust from your door, with scorn and contempt, a man
+worthy of your esteem and recognition, although you knew that my
+heart was breaking. I am only following your example and exercising
+my just rights, and am less guilty than you are, as neither of us
+has need of the respect or esteem of the other."
+
+"Can you suffer this, my son? Do you allow any one in your presence
+to treat me so shamefully? After all, it is your house; do speak and
+exercise your right as master here: tell your wife that I am her
+mother, and you, my adopted son, who bears my name, and that I have
+the just right to come here as often as it pleases me."
+
+"Speak your mind to Frau von Werrig," said Marie, as Ebenstreit
+remained silent. "Decide which shall remain, as one or the other of
+us must leave; you are perfectly free to choose."
+
+"Then, naturally, there is no choice left me," replied Ebenstreit,
+despondingly. "I declare myself for my wife, of course, who is the
+noblest and proudest beauty in Berlin, and will make my house the
+centre of attraction to the aristocracy, nobility, and wealth. This
+is my greatest pride, and to secure this I wooed my beautiful bride,
+and have submitted to all the sorrow and humiliation which have been
+my portion. If I must choose between the mother and daughter, I
+naturally prefer the latter."
+
+"He abandons me also!" cried the mother. "You are an ungrateful,
+wretched man! You forget that you owe every thing to me, and that
+without me you were a miserable mercenary, whose stupidity and
+tediousness were the ridicule of every one, and you had never gained
+the entrance to a genteel house. What have you now become? A high-
+born man, whose house every one will crowd, and who could even
+appear at court, as he bears our noble and distinguished name. To
+whom do you owe all this, but to me alone?"
+
+"God in heaven, Thou hearest it!" cried Marie, solemnly, with
+uplifted arms. "She acknowledges that she alone has brought this
+misfortune upon me, and in this hour I stand justified."
+
+"Pardon, Frau von Werrig," said Ebenstreit, haughtily; "you are
+going too far. After my fortune, I thank you for my position. I am
+certainly of insignificant birth, but I am ambitious and rich. I
+said to myself, 'Money can bring about all that I wish,' and you see
+it has accomplished it. My wealth procured me a title, a splendid
+house, a beautiful wife, and a position in society. I acknowledge
+that you aided me in the carrying out of my plans, but you would not
+have done it, if I had not been in a position to pay you. You
+receive a very considerable annuity from me, therefore you cannot
+accuse me of ingratitude, but must confess that you have driven a
+very good bargain. You must forgive me if I beg of you to end this
+painful scene."
+
+"That means that I must leave," said Frau von Werrig, mildly,
+remembering the gambling debt and the annuity. "Very well, I will
+go, and promise you never to return, upon two conditions."
+
+"Have the goodness to communicate them," said Ebenstreit.
+
+"The first is, pay the gambling-debt of my husband, who has played
+away the entire sum you allow us yearly, and do not deduct it from
+our income. The second is, increase your allowance five hundred
+thalers, without letting the general know it, and pay it to me."
+
+"It is impossible," cried Ebenstreit, terrified. "You mistake me for
+a Croesus, whose wealth is inexhaustible. If this expenditure and
+demand increase, my colossal fortune will be entirely wasted, and--"
+
+"You exaggerate," interrupted Marie, with a peculiar brilliancy in
+her eyes. "Such wealth as yours is never-ending, and the banking
+business, which you are still engaged in under another name, is an
+inexhaustible source of wealth. I beg you to accept these
+conditions, that we may at last be at peace."
+
+"Very well," said Ebenstreit, to whom the words of Marie sounded as
+the sweetest music. "I will then accord your wishes, and you shall
+have the five hundred thalers for yourself."
+
+"For me alone?"
+
+"Yes, for yourself alone, Frau von Werrig."
+
+"Who vouches for the fulfilment of your promise?"
+
+"My word, Frau von Werrig."
+
+"I have no confidence but in a written promise."
+
+"Then I will have it made out, and bring you the document to-morrow
+morning."
+
+"Then our business is finished, and I can go.--Farewell, baroness;
+this is my last word to you. I cursed you from the moment you came
+into being. If you had been a son, the rich estate in trust of my
+family would have passed to you, of which I was the natural heir. As
+it was, it went to a distant relative, and we received nothing.
+Therefore your parents could not rejoice at your birth, and we only
+pardoned you when you married a rich man, who could free us from
+want, and now the separation is no grief to us. You have always been
+a disagreeable burden, and I am only quit of a discomfort, and
+renounce forever the sight of you.--Give me your arm, my son, and
+accompany me at least to the threshold of your house, that you may
+be able to say to this cold-hearted viper, that she is forever rid
+of the sight of her mother, who will never think of her but with
+chilling contempt." She seized Ebenstreit by the arm, who had not
+the courage to resist her, and drew him along with her, casting a
+look of supreme disgust at old Trude, who stood pale and sad near
+the door.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+BEHIND THE MASK.
+
+
+As the door closed, and Marie found herself alone with her old
+friend and nurse, a peculiar change was visible in her sad face;
+something of its former sunny radiance brightened its usually
+sorrowful expression, and she turned to greet Trude with the smile
+of earlier, happier days, though it was tinged with sadness and
+grief. Impulsively she threw her arms around her faithful nurse,
+kissing her, and, with quivering lip, whispering: "A greeting and a
+blessing for you, dear mother! Take me to your kind, disinterested
+heart, and let me there find repose from all this torture and love
+the poor lost one, who--"
+
+She drew suddenly back, her face assuming its usually cold, look as
+she heard her husband enter.
+
+"She is gone, dear Marie. I hope that you are gratified with my
+decision, and perceive therein a proof of my excessive love and
+esteem for you," said Ebenstreit, drawing a long breath.
+
+"I did not desire this polite evidence of it," she coldly responded.
+"We have solemnized our entrance into this house in a fitting
+manner, and the important matter remaining for us is to make known
+our arrival to the society of Berlin. The horses purchased in
+Alexandria, and the new carriage from London, have already arrived--
+have they not?"
+
+"My book-keeper so informed me a fortnight since, when we were in
+Paris, and complained of the enormous sum which he had to disburse."
+
+"You must forbid him such a liberty once for all," said she, and the
+strange blending of joy and scorn was visible in her face. "It is
+inadmissible for a subordinate to presume to complain to his master,
+or advise him. He has only to listen and obey. This all your
+inferiors must understand, and know that they will be dismissed who
+murmur or advise!"
+
+"I will instruct them accordingly," he sighed, "though I must
+confess my head-man well understands financial operations, and
+during the many years that he has been with me has won the right to
+be consulted and advised with."
+
+"Then prove your gratitude as it becomes a true cavalier and a
+nobleman," dictated Marie. "Settle his salary as an annuity upon
+him, and replace him."
+
+"But he receives very great wages, and is still very active, though
+advanced."
+
+"The more the reason to pension him, that he may repose his
+remaining years and enjoy the fruit of his labors. But do as you
+like. I have only told you how a noble cavalier would act; if you
+choose to bargain and haggle, it is your own affair."
+
+"Heaven keep me from acting otherwise than as a nobleman!" cried
+Ebenstreit.
+
+Marie nodded assent, desiring that the carriage might be ordered,
+with the Arab horses. "We will make our visits at once, as I will,
+for the first time, open our large house for a soiree to-morrow
+evening," she added.
+
+"Ah, that is charming!" said Ebenstreit, delighted. "I shall at last
+have the opportunity of seeing the aristocratic Berlin society, and
+enter upon the rank of my new title."
+
+"Yes," she replied, with an expression of irrepressible scorn, "you
+will have this enjoyment. Send me the steward, I wish to give him a
+list of the invited guests. You can add to it at your pleasure."
+
+"I have no one to invite," cried her husband.
+
+"No matter! Make the necessary preparations. I will go to my room to
+make my toilet."
+
+"Will you not allow me to accompany you? You are not yet familiar
+with the house."
+
+"Trude will show it to me, and you can at the same time give the
+orders."
+
+Nodding proudly to Ebenstreit, she told Trude to precede her,
+following the old woman through the suite of brilliant rooms.
+
+"Here is my lady's dressing-room," said Trude, entering one
+ornamented with mirrors, laces, and gauzes.
+
+The French waiting-maid was busy within, unpacking the large trunks
+filled with silk and satin dresses which had been purchased by the
+dozens in Paris.
+
+"Lay out an elegant visiting toilet; I will return directly, after
+Trude has shown me the house," They entered the adjoining chamber,
+Marie's sleeping-room and found the German maid arranging the lace
+and silk coverings for her mistress to repose herself after the long
+journey. Marie betrayed no inclination for repose, but questioned
+Trude as to whither the other door led to.
+
+"Into the little corridor, baroness."
+
+"Did I not order that there should be but one entrance to my
+sleeping-room, and that from the dressing-room?"
+
+"Your commands have been strictly obeyed," replied Trude. "The only
+door from the corridor leads to my two rooms, and there is but one
+entrance to them upon the other side, which can be securely
+fastened."
+
+Into the simple, quiet room, at the baroness's request, Trude opened
+the door, saying, "Here we can be alone."
+
+Marie pointed silently to the second door, and the old woman nodded:
+"That is it," said she. "I have done every thing as you directed.
+After you left, they sent me the furniture of your little garret-
+room, which I have arranged exactly as it stood there."
+
+As Marie opened the door and found herself in the small room, so
+like the one where she had made flowers, given lessons, consoled by
+her only friend, Trude, her pride and reserve vanished. Sinking upon
+her knees, as if crushed, she gave way to her long-pent-up grief in
+one cry of anguish, clinging to Trude, and weeping bitterly.
+
+"Here I am, my faithful nurse, returned to you more wretched and
+miserable than when I left: then, I felt that I could scorn the
+world, and now I despise myself. Oh, Trude, they have caused my
+wretchedness, they have made me selfish and unkind. I was contented
+until now, and rejoiced in my misery, and triumphantly thought of
+the time when I was wont to bewail my broken heart and lost soul.
+Once more with you, and surrounded with the souvenirs of my
+girlhood, I feel a horror of myself, and could sink in shame and
+contrition. I have become as bad as they are. Can you forgive the
+hard-hearted daughter who banished her own mother from her house? I
+felt that I could not endure her presence, and feared that an
+inveterate rancor and hate would overpower me, and that I should
+curse her."
+
+"She deserves it, my poor child," whispered Trude, the tears
+streaming down her cheeks. "She has just told you that she never
+loved you, and in this painful scene she thought only of bargaining
+and making money. God has heard her and forgiven you as I do, and I
+beg and implore Him to punish those who have made you so wretched,
+and that He will have no mercy upon them, as they have shown none to
+you. It breaks my heart to see you so changed, and I can hardly
+believe this cold, haughty lady is my Marie. In your tears I
+recognize you, and I bless God that you can weep; your grief proves
+to me that you are yet the child of my heart."
+
+"Oh Trude, you know not how I have longed to see you ; it was my
+only consolation in these painful years. When I doubted every human
+being, then I thought of you, and was comforted and sustained."
+
+"And was there no one else to think of, my child?"
+
+"Yes," she gently murmured, "I thought of him. Tell me all you know
+about him, and hide nothing from me in this hour."
+
+"I thought you would ask me, and I went to Director Gedicke
+yesterday, to inform myself."
+
+"What did you hear? Tell me the most important. Does he live? Is he
+restored to health?"
+
+"He lives, but, for one year, he was so wretched that he could not
+teach; now he is better. Herr Gedicke went himself to Spandau,
+immediately after the wedding, and brought him back with him,
+relating as forbearingly and carefully as possible the circumstances
+of your marriage, and of your sacrificing yourself for him alone."
+
+"How did he receive it? What did he say?"
+
+"Nothing. His eyes were fixed, and his lips uttered not a sound.
+This lasted for weeks, and suddenly he became excited, enraged, and
+they were obliged to bind him to keep him from injuring himself."
+
+"Tell me no more, cried Marie, shuddering. "I thought myself
+stronger, nay, heartless, and yet it seems as if a hand of iron were
+tearing, rending my soul!"
+
+"That is well," said Trude, gently; "you must awaken from this
+hardened indifference; giving way to your grief in tears will soften
+your heart, and it will again be penetrated with the love of God and
+mankind. I will tell you every thing; you ought to know how poor,
+dear Moritz suffered. After he vented his rage he became melancholy,
+and withdrew to Halle in solitude, living in a hay-loft. His
+favorite books and an old piano were his only companions; no one
+presumed to intrude him, and they even conveyed his food secretly to
+him, shoving it through a door. He talked aloud to himself for hours
+long, and at night sang so touchingly, accompanying himself upon the
+piano, that those who listened wept."
+
+Marie wept also--scalding tears trickled through her fingers as she
+lay upon the floor.
+
+Trude continued: "Moritz lived in this way one year; his friends
+knew how he was suffering, and they proved in their deeds how much
+they loved and esteemed him. The teachers at the Gymnasium divided
+his hours of instruction among them, that he should not forfeit his
+place and lose his salary. Even the king showed great sympathy for
+him, sending to inquire for him. Herr Gedicke visited him frequently
+at Halle; and once when about to mount the ladder to the hay-loft he
+met Moritz descending, carefully dressed, in a reasonable, gentle
+mood, and then he returned with him to Berlin. There was great
+rejoicing in the college over his return, and they feted him,
+witnessing so much love for him that it was really touching. He has
+been promoted to professor, and at the express command of the king
+he teaches the young Prince Frederick William in Latin and Greek.
+Oh, he is so much esteemed and--"
+
+"And is married I hope," murmured Marie. "Is he not happily married,
+Trude?"
+
+"No. Herr Gedicke says he could marry a wealthy girl, for he is a
+great favorite, and is invited into the most distinguished society.
+He repels every one, and has become a woman-hater."
+
+"He hates them--does that mean that he hates me?"
+
+"Yes, he thoroughly scorns and despises you; so much so that Herr
+Gedicke says you should know of it, and keep out of his way. He has
+sworn to publicly show his contempt for you, and therefore his
+friends wish you to be apprised of it, and not encounter him in
+society."
+
+"It is well, I thank you," said Marie, rising; "I will act
+accordingly. Kiss me once more, my dear mother, and let me repose my
+weary head upon your bosom. Ah, Trude, what a sorrow life is!"
+
+"You will yet learn to love it again, Marie."
+
+"If I thought that I could sink so low, I would kill myself this
+very hour. I know myself better, and only for revenge do I live.
+Hush! say nothing more. Look at me! I am cursed, and there in those
+gaudy rooms in my purgatory; here is my paradise, and here the
+wicked demon may dare to change into the sad, wretched wife, who
+mourns the happy days already flown, and weeps the inconsolable
+future. Oft will I come here in the night when those sleep who think
+me so proud and happy, and you alone shall behold me as I am. Now I
+must back to purgatory.--Farewell!"
+
+A half hour later a splendid carriage drove from the house of Herr
+Ebenstreit von Leuthen. The people upon the street stood in
+wondering admiration of the beautiful Arab horses with the costly
+silver-mounted harness, and sought to catch a glimpse of the
+occupants of the carriage, an insignificant, meagre, blond-haired
+man, who appeared like a servant beside the lovely pale wife, though
+proud and indifferent, who kept her eyes fixed steadily before her.
+
+The chasseur, with his waving plumes, sat upon the box beside the
+rich-liveried coachman.
+
+As the married couple returned from their drive, having left their
+cards at the most distinguished houses in Berlin, the baroness
+handed the list of guests to he invited to the baron to examine. He
+glanced hastily over it, assuring her that every thing should be
+directed as she desired, deferring all to her superior knowledge.
+Suddenly he seemed confused, even frightened. "What is the matter?
+What were you about to remark?" asked Marie, indifferently.
+
+"I was in error. I have, without doubt, read it wrong. I beg pardon
+for a foolish blunder, but will you tell me this name?"
+
+Marie bent forward to look at the paper which her husband handed
+her, and, pointing with her finger, read "Professor Philip Moritz."
+
+"Do you intend to invite him?" asked Ebenstreit, quite alarmed.
+
+"Why should I not? He belongs to the circle of friends and
+acquaintances, and it is natural that I should include him.
+Moreover, there is not a little gossip, and it is necessary to
+silence it. If you are not of my opinion, strike out the name."
+
+"Not at all, dearest. On the contrary, you are perfectly right, and
+I admire you for it."
+
+"Then give the list to the butler, for it is quite time that the
+invitations were given out."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+THE CURSE.
+
+
+The evening of the soiree had arrived. In quick succession drove the
+carriages up the broad entrance to the mansion of Herr Ebenstreit,
+The curious street public pressed in compact masses near the gate to
+peep in, or at least catch a fugitive glance of the ladies alighting
+from their carriages, who were received by the butler at the foot of
+the carpeted steps. A host of gold-bespangled footmen lined the
+entrance upon each side, which was ornamented with the most
+exquisite hot-house plants, filling the air with perfume.
+
+Two tall, stately footmen, with broad gold shoulder-bands and large
+gilt batons, stood at the door of the anteroom, which was
+brilliantly illuminated with chandeliers and side-lights, reflected
+in the numerous mirrors. The anteroom led into the reception-room by
+wide folding-doors, where the names were given to the usher, who
+announced them in a stentorian voice in the drawing-room. There
+stood the Baron von Ebenstreit to receive the guests, all smiles,
+and with bustling assiduity accompany them to the adjoining drawing-
+room to present them to the baroness.
+
+Among the select company were conspicuous the most distinguished
+names of the aristocracy. Generals and staff-officers, countesses
+and baronesses were crowded together, with the ladies of the
+financial world, near ministers and counsellors in this gorgeous
+saloon, which was the delight and admiration of the envious, and
+excited the tongues of the slanderous. Those acquainted gathered in
+the window-niches and cosy corners, maliciously criticising the
+motley crowd, and eminently consoled with the sure prospect of the
+ruin of the late banker, surrounding himself with such unbecoming
+splendor and luxury, the bad taste of his arrogant, overdressed, and
+extravagant wife.
+
+"Have you noticed her parure of diamonds?" whispered the Countess
+Moltke to Fran von Morien. "If they are real, then she wears an
+estate upon her shoulders."
+
+"The family estate of Von Leuthen," laughingly replied Frau von
+Morien. "You know, I suppose, that the father of General von Leuthen
+was a brick-burner, and he may have succeeded in changing a few
+bricks into diamonds."
+
+"You are wicked, sweet one," replied the countess, smiling. "One
+must acknowledge that her toilet is charming. I have never seen its
+equal. The gold lace over the rose-colored satin is superb,"
+
+"Yes, and the mingling of straw feathers, diamonds, flowers, lace,
+and birds is truly ridiculous in her head-dress."
+
+"It must have been copied exactly from the one which the Queen Marie
+Antoinette wore at the ball at Versailles a fortnight since. The
+baroness was present at this court ball with her greyhound of a
+husband, and created quite a sensation with her costly recherchee
+toilet, as the French ambassador told us yesterday."
+
+"Certainly not by her manner," said Frau von Morien. "She is
+insupportably arrogant and self-sufficient. What do you think of
+this pretentious manner of announcing our names as if we were at an
+auction where they sold titles?"
+
+"It is a very good French custom," remarked the countess. "But it
+does not become a lady of doubtful nobility and uncertain position,
+to introduce foreign customs here. She should leave this to others,
+and modestly accept those already in use by us."
+
+"One remarks the puffed-up parvenue," whispered Frau von Morien.
+"Every thing smells of the varnish upon the newly-painted coat-of-
+arms."
+
+"Hush, my friend! I there comes the baroness leaning upon the arm of
+the French ambassador. She is indeed imposing in appearance, and one
+could mistake her for a queen."
+
+"Could any one ever suppose that this queen once made flowers to
+sell? Come, countess, I have just thought of a charming scene to
+revenge myself upon this arrogant personage."
+
+Giving her arm to the countess, she approached her hostess leaning
+upon the arm of the Marquis de Treves, the French ambassador, as
+they were standing beneath the immense chandelier of rock crystal,
+which sparkled above them like a crown of stars, causing her
+diamonds to look as if in one blaze of different hues.
+
+"Oh, permit us to sun ourselves in your rays, ma toute belle," said
+the Countess Moltke. "One could well fancy themselves in a fairy
+palace, so enchanting is everything here."
+
+"And the baroness's appearance confirms this impression," remarked
+the gallant Frenchman. "Fancy could not well paint a more lovely
+fairy in one's happiest dreams."
+
+"Yes, truly I wander around as if in an enchanted scene. I feel as
+if I must seize myself by the head and be well shaken, to convince
+myself that I am really awake and not dreaming a chapter from
+Aladdin. I made the effort, but felt the wreath of roses in my hair,
+and--"
+
+"And that convinced you of your wakefulness," said the baroness, a
+little haughtily. Turning to the ambassador, she added: "Do you
+observe, monsieur le marquis, what a delicate attention this lady
+shows me in wearing a wreath of flowers which I manufactured?"
+
+"Comment! The baroness is truly a fairy! She causes flowers to grow
+at her pleasure, and vies with Nature. It seems impossible. I can
+scarcely believe it."
+
+"And yet it is true," said Frau von Morien. "The baroness, indeed,
+fabricated these roses three years since, when she had the kindness
+to work for me. You will acknowledge that I have kept them well?"
+
+"It was no kindness of mine, but a necessity," said the baroness,
+"and I must confess that I would not have undertaken so troublesome
+a piece of work from pure goodness or pleasure. You will remember
+that I was very poor before my marriage, and as Frau von Morien was
+one of my customers, it is very natural that she possesses my
+flowers. She gave me many orders, and paid me a very small price,
+for she is very practical and prudent, and understands bargaining
+and cheapening, and when one is poor they are obliged to yield to
+the shameless parsimony of the rich. I thank you, my dear
+benefactress, for the honor you have shown me in wearing my flowers,
+for it has been a pleasant occasion to explain ourselves and
+recognize each other. Have the kindness to recall other remembrances
+of the past."
+
+"I do not remember possessing any other souvenirs," replied the
+countess, confused.
+
+Have you forgotten that I gave French lessons to your niece, the
+present Frau von Hohenthal? She came to me three times weekly,
+because the lessons were a few groschen cheaper at the house."
+
+At this instant the usher announced in a loud voice, "Professor
+Philip Moritz."
+
+A gentleman of slight proportions, in an elegant fashionable dress,
+appeared and remained standing in the doorway, his large black eyes
+wandering searchingly through the drawing-room. Herr von Ebenstreit
+approached, extending him his hand, uttering a few unintelligible
+words, which his guest appeared not to notice, but, slightly
+inclining, asked if he would present him to the lady of the house.
+
+"Have the kindness to follow me," said Ebenstreit, leading Moritz
+through the circle of jesting, slandering ladies and gentlemen, to
+the centre of the room, where Marie was still standing with the
+French ambassador and the two ladies.
+
+"My dear," said her husband, "I have brought you an old
+acquaintance, Professor Moritz."
+
+As Ebenstreit would retreat, Moritz commanded him to remain, placing
+his white-gloved hand upon his arm, and holding him fast. "I would
+ask you one question before I speak with the baroness."
+
+Moritz spoke so loud, and in such a strange, harsh, and repulsive
+manner, that every one turned astonished, asking himself what it
+meant. Conversation was hushed, and the curious pressed toward the
+peculiar group in the centre to the baroness, who regarded her
+husband perfectly composed, and the pale man, with the flashing
+eyes, the glance of which pierced her like daggers.
+
+A breathless silence reigned, broken only by Ebenstreit's trembling
+voice. "What is it, professor? How can I serve you?"
+
+"Tell me who you are?" replied Moritz, with a gruff laugh.
+
+"I am the Baron Ebenstreit von Leuthen!"
+
+"And the scar which you bear upon your face, is it not the mark of a
+whip, with which I lashed a certain Herr Ebenstreit three years
+since, who prevented my eloping with my betrothed? I challenged him
+to fight a duel, but the coward refused me satisfaction, and then I
+struck him in the face, causing the blood to flow. Answer me--are
+you this gentleman?"
+
+Not a sound interrupted the fearfully long pause which followed.
+Every one turned astonished to Ebenstreit, who, pale as death, was
+powerless to utter a word, but stood staring at his opponent.
+
+"Why do you not answer me?" cried Moritz, stamping his foot. "Are
+you the coward? Was this red scar caused by the whip-lash?"
+
+Another long pause ensued, and a distinctly audible voice was heard,
+saying, "Yes, it is he!"
+
+"Who replied to me?" asked Moritz, turning his angry glance away
+from Ebenstreit.
+
+"I," said Marie. "I reply for my husband!"
+
+"You? Are you the wife of this man?" thundered Moritz.
+
+"I am," Marie answered.
+
+"Is this invitation directed to me from you?" he continued, drawing
+a paper from his pocket. "Did you permit yourself to invite me to
+your house?"
+
+"Yes, I did," she calmly answered.
+
+"And by what right, madame? This is the question I wish answered,
+and I came here for that purpose."
+
+"I invited you because I desired to see you."
+
+"Shameless one!" cried Moritz, furious.
+
+"Sir," cried the ambassador, placing himself before Moritz, defying
+his anger, "you forget that you are speaking to a lady. As her
+husband is silent, I declare myself her knight, and I will not
+suffer her to be injured by word or look.
+
+"How can you hinder me?" cried Moritz, with scorn. "What will you do
+if I dash this paper at her feet, and forbid her to ever write my
+name again?" Making a ball of it, he suited the action to the word,
+casting a defiant look at the marquis.
+
+"I shall order the footmen to thrust you out of the house. Here,
+servants, remove this man; he is an escaped lunatic, undoubtedly."
+
+Two footmen pressed forward through the circle which crowded around
+Moritz.
+
+"Whoever touches me, death to him!" thundered Moritz, laying his
+hand upon a small sword at his side.
+
+"Let no one dare lay a hand on this gentleman," cried Marie, with a
+commanding wave of her hand to the lackeys. "I beseech you, marquis,
+and you, honored guests, to quietly await the conclusion of this
+scene, and to permit Herr Moritz to finish speaking."
+
+"Do you mean to defy me, madame?" muttered Moritz, gnashing his
+teeth. "You perhaps count upon my magnanimity to keep silent, and
+not disclose the secrets of the past to this aristocratic assembly.
+I stand here as its accusing spirit, and condemn you as a shameless
+perjurer.--I will ask you who are here rendering homage to this
+woman, if you know who she is, and of what she has been guilty? As a
+young girl she was as sweet and innocent as an angel, and seemed
+more like a divine revelation. To think of her, inspired and
+elevated one's thoughts, and heaven was mirrored in her eyes. She
+was poor, and yet so infinitely rich, that if a king had laid all
+his treasures at her feet, as the gift of his love, he would receive
+more than he gave, for in her heart reposed the wealth of the whole
+human race. Oh! I could weep tears of blood in reflecting upon what
+she was, and what she has become. Smile and mock, ladies and
+gentlemen; my brain is crazed, and I weep for my lost angel."
+
+Moritz dashed his hands to his face, and stood swaying backward and
+forward, sobbing.
+
+Sighs and regrets were heard in the room. The ladies pressed their
+handkerchiefs to their eyes; others regarded with lively sympathy
+the handsome young man, who deeply interested them, and gazed
+reproachfully at the young baroness, expecting her to be crushed
+with these reproaches and tears, but who, on the contrary, stood
+with proud composure, her face beaming with joy, gazing at Moritz.
+
+"It is past--my last tear is shed, and my last wail has been
+uttered," cried Philip, uncovering his face. "My angel has changed
+into a despicable woman. I loved her as the wretched, disconsolate
+being adores the one who reveals paradise to him; and she fooled me
+into the belief that she loved me. We exchanged vows of eternal
+constancy and affection, and promised each other to bear joyfully
+every ill in life, and never separate until death. I should have
+doubted myself, rather than she who stood above me, like a divine
+revelation. I wished to win her by toil and industry, by my
+intellect, and the fame by which I could render my name illustrious.
+It was, indeed, nothing in the eyes of her grasping parents; they
+repulsed me with scorn and pride, but Marie encouraged me to perfect
+confidence in her affection. Whilst I wandered on foot to Silesia,
+like a poor pilgrim toward happiness, to humble myself before the
+king, to beg and combat for my angel, there came temptation, sin,
+and vulgarity, in the form of this pale, cowed-down man, who stands
+beside my betrothed gasping with rage. The temptation of riches
+changed my angel into a demon, a miserable woman bartered for gold!
+She betrayed her love, yielding it up for filthy lucre, crushing her
+nobler nature in the dust, and driving over it, as did Tullia the
+dead body of her father. She sold herself for riches, before which
+you all kneel, as if worshipping the golden calf! After selling her
+soul to a man whom she despised, even if he were not rich, she has
+had the boldness to summon me, the down-trodden and half-crazed
+victim, to her gilded palace, as if I were a slave to be attached to
+her triumphal car. I am a free man, and have come here only to hurl
+contempt in her face, to brand her before you all as a perjurer and
+a traitress, whom I never will pardon, but will curse with my latest
+breath! Now I have relieved my heart of its burden, I command this
+woman to deny what I have said, if she can."
+
+With a dictatorial wave of the hand, he pointed excitedly Marie. A
+deathlike stillness reigned. Even the lights seemed to grow dim, and
+every one was oppressed as if by excessive sultriness.
+
+Again Moritz commanded Marie to acknowledge the truth of his
+accusations before the honored assembly.
+
+She encountered his angry glance with calmness, and a smile was
+perceptible upon her lip. Yes, said she, I acknowledge that I am a
+perjurer and a traitor. I have sold myself for riches, and yielded
+my peace of soul and my love for mammon. I might justify myself, but
+I refrain from it, and will only say that you have told the truth!
+One day you will cease to curse me, and, perhaps a tear of pity will
+glisten in the eye now flashing with scorn and anger. The poor wife
+who lies in the dust implores for the last blessing of your love!"
+
+"Marie!" he cried, with heart-rending anguish, "oh, Marie!" and
+rushed toward her, kneeling before her, and clinging to her,
+pressing a kiss upon her hand and weeping aloud. Only for a moment
+did he give way, and then sprang up wildly, rushing through the
+crowd, out of the room.
+
+A fearful silence ensued. No one had the courage to break it. Every
+one hoped that Marie, through a simulated fainting, would end the
+painful scene, and give the guests an opportunity to withdraw. No
+such thoughtfulness for her friends occurred to her.
+
+She turned to the Marquis de Treves, who stood pale and deeply
+agitated behind her, and burst into a loud laugh.
+
+"How pale you are! Have you taken this comedy for truth? Did you
+think this theatrical performance was a reality? You have forgotten
+what I told you a month since in Paris, that I had a native talent
+for acting. You would contest the matter with me, and I bet you that
+I could introduce an impromptu scene in my house, with such artistic
+skill, that you would be quite deceived."
+
+"Indeed I do recall it; how could I have forgotten it?" replied the
+marquis, with the ready tact of the diplomat.
+
+"Have I won?" asked Marie, smiling.
+
+"You have played your role, baroness, like an artiste of consummate
+talent, and to-morrow I shall have the honor to cancel the debt in
+your favor."
+
+"Now, then, give me your arm, marquis, and conduct me to the
+dancing-room, and you, worthy guests, follow us," said. Marie,
+leading the way.
+
+The merry music even was not sufficient to dissipate the awkward
+oppression, and by midnight the guests had taken leave, and Marie
+stood under the chandelier, pale and rigid, opposite her husband. He
+had summoned courage to bewail the terrible scene, weeping and
+mourning over her cruelty and his shame. Marie, with chilling
+indifference, regarded him without one visible trace of pity.
+
+"You realized what you were doing when you imposed the scorn of this
+marriage upon me," she said. "I have never deceived you with vain
+hopes! You have sown dragons' teeth, and warriors have sprung up to
+revenge me upon you. Serve yourself of your riches to fight the
+combatants. See if you can bargain for a quiet conscience as easily
+as you purchased me! My soul is free though, and it hovers over you
+as the spirit of revenge.--Beware!"
+
+She slowly turned and quitted the room. Her diamonds sparkled and
+blazed in the myriads of lights. The large mirrors reflected the
+image of a haughty woman, who swept proudly past like a goddess of
+revenge!
+
+Ebenstreit stood gazing after her. He had a horror of the lonely
+still room, so gorgeous and brilliantly illuminated--a shudder crept
+over him, and he sank, weeping bitterly.
+
+In the little room, the buried happiness of the past, Marie knelt,
+with outstretched arms, imploring heaven for mercy. "I thank Thee,
+Heavenly Father, that I have been permitted to see him again! My
+sacrifice was not in vain--he lives! He is free, and his mind is
+clear and bright. I thank Thee that he still loves me. His anger is
+but love!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+THE KING AND THE ROSICRUCIANS.
+
+
+The joy which Bischofswerder said, reigned in heaven and upon earth
+over the return of the crown prince to the path of virtue, in having
+forsaken Wilhelmine Enke, was of but short duration.
+
+The Invisibles and the pious Rosicrucians soon learned that
+sagacious and cunning woman defied the spirits and abjured the
+oaths.
+
+Since the night of his communion with the departed, Frederick
+William had never visited Charlottenburg--never seen the house which
+contained all that he held most dear; he had returned Wilhelmine's
+letters unopened, and had even had the courage to refuse himself to
+the children, who came to see him.
+
+If he had been left to consult his own heart, he would not probably
+have had sufficient resolution to have done this; Bischofswerder and
+Woellner never left him for a moment, as they said the Invisible
+Fathers had commanded them to tarry with the much-loved brother in
+these first days of trial and temptation, and to elevate and gladden
+him with edifying conversations and scientific investigations.
+
+The prayers and exhortations were the duty of Woellner, who, besides
+this, continued his daily discourses upon the administration of
+government, preparing the prince for the important command of the
+royal regiments, which they hoped favorable destiny would soon grant
+him.
+
+The scientific researches were the part of Bischofswerder, and he
+entered upon his duties with the zeal and pleasure of an inquiring
+mind, itself hopeful and believing.
+
+In the cabinet arranged in the new palace at Potsdam, the prince and
+his dear Bischofswerder worked daily, many hours, to discover the
+great hope of the alchemist--the philosopher's stone. Not finding
+it, unfortunately, they brewed all sorts of miraculous drinks, which
+were welcome to the prince as the elixir of eternal youth and
+constant love. In the evenings they communed with the spirits of the
+distinguished departed, which, moved at the earnest prayers of
+Woellner, and the fervent exhortation of the crown prince, always
+had the goodness to appear, and witness their satisfaction for their
+much-loved son, as they called him, for continuing brave and
+faithful, and not falling into the unholy snares of the seductress.
+
+The crown prince, however, experienced not the least self-
+contentment. Each day renewed the yearning for the beloved of his
+youth and for his children, for which those of his wife were no
+compensation--neither the silent, awkward Prince Frederick William,
+nor his crying little brother. In his dreams he saw Wilhelmine
+dissolved in tears, calling upon him in most tender accents, and
+when he awoke, it was to an inconsolable grief. He wept with heart-
+felt sorrow; his oath alone kept him from hastening to her; it bound
+him, and fettered his earnest wish to see her, making him sad and
+melancholy.
+
+The spirits had no pity nor mercy upon him. His two confidants
+encouraged his virtue and piety from morning till night, exalting
+his excited fancy with their marvellous relations and apparitions.
+
+One day as they were on the point of commencing the morning prayers
+to the Invisibles, a royal footman appeared, with the command to
+betake themselves to Sans-Souci, where the king awaited them.
+
+A royal carriage was in attendance to convey them. There was no
+alternative but obedience.
+
+"Perhaps Fate destines us to become martyrs to the holy cause," said
+Woellner, devoutly folding his hands.
+
+"We may never enjoy the happiness of seeing our dear brothers of the
+confederacy again," sighed Bischofswerder. "Our spirits will always
+be with you, my prince, and the Invisible Fathers will protect you
+in all your ways."
+
+The crown prince, deeply moved, separated from his friends with
+tears in his eyes; but as the carriage rolled away he felt relieved
+as of an oppressive burden, and breathed more freely.
+
+At the same time a footman entered, bearing upon a golden salver a
+letter for the prince. Unobserved and free to act, he read it, and
+as he sat musingly thinking over its contents, so tender and
+affectionate, he re-read it, and rising, made a bold resolve, his
+face beaming with happiness, to order his carriage, which he did,
+and in a few moments more drove at full speed away from the palace.
+
+Bischofswerder and Woellner, in the mean time, arrived at Sans-
+Souci. The footman awaiting them conducted them at once through the
+picture-gallery, into the little corridor leading to the king's
+cabinet, and there left them to announce them to his majesty. Both
+gentlemen heard their names called in a loud voice, and the response
+of the king: "Let them wait in the little corridor until I permit
+them to enter."
+
+The footman returned and with subdued voice made known the royal
+command, and departed, carefully closing the door.
+
+There was no seat in the narrow, little corridor, and the air was
+close and oppressive.
+
+They could hear voices in mingled conversation; sometimes it seemed
+as if the king were communicating commands; again, as if he dictated
+in a suppressed voice. The Rosicrucians knew very well it was the
+hour of the cabinet council, and they waited patiently and
+steadfastly, but as their watches revealed the fact that three hours
+had passed, and every noise was hushed, they concluded they were
+forgotten, and resolved to remind the lackey of their presence.
+
+"Indeed, this standing is quite insupportable," whispered Woellner.
+
+They both slipped to the entrance and tried the bronze knob, but
+although it turned, the door opened not, and was evidently fastened
+upon the outside. They looked alarmed at each other, asking what it
+could mean. "Can it be intentional? Are we imprisoned here? We must
+be resigned, although it is a severe experience." At last, patience
+exhausted, they resolved to bear it no longer, and tapped gently at
+the door of the king. The loud bark of a dog was their only
+response, and again all was still.
+
+"Evidently there is no one there," sighed Bischofswerder. "It is the
+hour of dining of the king."
+
+"I wish it were ours also," whined Woellner. "I confess I yearn for
+bodily nourishment, and my legs sink under me."
+
+"I am fearfully hungry," groaned Bischofswerder; "besides, the air
+is suffocating. I am resolved to go to extremes, and make a noise."
+
+He rushed like a caged boar from one door to the other, shrieking
+for the lackey to open the door; but as before, a loud bark was the
+only response.
+
+"The Lord has forsaken us," whimpered Woellner. "The sublime Fathers
+have turned their faces away from us. We will pray for mercy and beg
+for a release!" and he sank upon his knees.
+
+"What will that avail us here, where neither prayers nor devotion
+are heeded? Only energy and determination will aid us at Sans-Souci.
+Come, let us thump and bang until they set us free!" cried
+Bischofswerder, peevishly.
+
+Their hands were lame, and their voices hoarse with their exertions;
+and no longer able to stand, they sank down upon the floor hungry
+and exhausted, almost weeping with rage and despair.
+
+At last, after long hours of misery, they heard a noise in the
+adjoining room. The king had again entered his cabinet. The door
+opened, and the lackey motioned to the two gentlemen to enter. They
+rose with difficulty and staggered into the room, the door being
+closed behind them.
+
+His majesty was seated in his arm-chair, with his three-cornered hat
+on, leaning his chin upon his hands, crossed upon his staff. He
+fixed his great blue eyes, with a searching glance, upon the two
+Rosicrucians; then turned to his minister, Herzberg, who was seated
+at the table covered with documents.
+
+"These are, then, the two great props of the Rosicrucians?" asked
+Frederick--"the two charlatans whom they have told me make hell hot
+for the crown prince, continually lighting it up with their prayers
+and litanies."
+
+"Your majesty, answered Herzberg, smiling, "these gentlemen are
+Colonel Bischofswerder and the councillor of the exchequer,
+Woellner, whom your majesty has commanded to appear before you."
+
+"You are the two gentlemen who work miracles, and have the
+effrontery to summon the spirit of our ancestor, the great elector,
+and the Emperor Marcus Aurelius?"
+
+"Sire," stammered Bischofswerder, "we have tried to summon spirits."
+
+"And I too," cried the king, "only they will not come; therefore I
+wished to see the enchanters, and would like to purchase the
+secret."
+
+"Pardon me, most gracious sire," said Woellner, humbly, "you must
+first be received in the holy order of the Rosicrucians."
+
+"Thanks," cried the king, "I am not ready for the like follies, and
+whilst I live the Invisibles must take heed not to become too
+visible, or they will be taken care of. I will not permit Prussia to
+retrograde. It has cost too much trouble to "enlighten the people,
+bring them to reason, and banish hypocrisy. Say to the Rosicrucians
+that they shall leave the crown prince in peace, or I will chase
+them to the devil, who will receive them with open arms! It could do
+no harm to appeal to the prince's conscience to lead an honorable
+life, and direct his thoughts more to study than to love, but you
+shall not make a hypocrite of him and misuse his natural good-
+nature. If the Rosicrucians try to force the prince and rule him, I
+will show them that I am master, and will no longer suffer their
+absurdities, but will break up the whole nest of them! I have been
+much, annoyed at the deep despondency of the crown prince. You shall
+not represent to him that baseness and virtue are the same, and that
+he is the latter when he betrays those to whom he has sworn fidelity
+and affection. An honorable man must, above all, he cognizant of
+benefits, and not forsake those who have sacrificed their honor and
+love to him, and have proved their fidelity. Have you understood me,
+gentlemen?"
+
+"It will be my holy duty to follow strictly your majesty's
+commands," said Bischofswerder.
+
+"And I also will strive to promote the will of my king," asserted
+Woellner.
+
+"It will be necessary to do so, or you two gentlemen may find
+yourselves at Spandau. I would say to you once for all, I will not
+suffer any sects; every one can worship God in his own way. No one
+shall have the arrogant presumption to declare himself one of the
+elect. We are all sinners. The Rosicrucians are not better than the
+Illuminati or Freemasons, and none are more worthy than the tailor
+and cobbler who does his duty. Adieu!"
+
+The king nodded quickly and pointed to the door out of which the two
+brothers were about to disappear, when he called them back.
+
+"If the prince is not at the palace on your return, I advise you not
+to pursue him, but reflect that the Invisibles may have summoned him
+to a communion of spirits; I believe, too, that I kept you waiting;
+but without doubt you were comforted by the Fathers, who bore you
+away upon their wings, and gave you food and drink! Those who are
+protected by the spirits, and can summon them at pleasure, can never
+want. If you are hungry, call up the departed Lucullus, that he may
+provide for you to eat; and if you have no earthly seat, summon
+Semiramis that she may send you her hanging gardens for the quiet
+repose of the elect! I am rejoiced that you have enjoyed such
+celestial refreshments in the corridor. Adieu!"
+
+The king gazed sadly after them. Approaching Herzberg, he said: "I
+felt, as I looked at the two rogues, that it was a pity to grow old.
+Did you think that I would let them off so easily?"
+
+"Sire, I really do not understand you," replied Herzberg, shrugging
+his shoulders. "I know not, in your most active youthful days, how
+you could have done otherwise."
+
+"I will tell you that, if I were not an old man, void of decision
+and energy, I would have had these fellows taken to Spandau for
+life!" said the king, striking the table with his staff.
+
+"Your majesty does yourself injustice," said Herzberg, smiling. "You
+were ever a just monarch in your most ardent youth, and never set
+aside the law. These men were not guilty of any positive crime."
+
+"They are daily and hourly guilty of enticing away from me the crown
+prince, and making the future ruler of my country an obscurer, a
+necromancer, and at the same time a libertine! I was obliged to
+overlook his youthful preference for Wilhelmine Enke, and wink at
+this amour, for I know that crown prince is human, and his
+affections are to be consulted. If he cannot love the wife which
+diplomacy chooses for him, then he must be permitted the chosen one
+of his heart to console him for the forced marriage. At the same
+time this person was passable, and without the usual fault of such
+creatures, a desire to rule and mingle in politics. She seems to be
+unambitious and unpretentious. These Rosicrucians would banish her
+by increasing the number of favorites, that they may rule him, and
+make the future King of Prussia a complete tool in their hands. They
+excite his mind, which is not too well balanced, and rob him by
+their witchcraft of the intellect that he has. They promise him to
+find the philosopher's stone, and make a fool of him. Am I not
+right?"
+
+"I must acknowledge that you are," sighed Herzberg.
+
+"And admit also that it would be just to send these in, famous
+fellows as criminals to Spandau."
+
+"Sire, unfortunately, there are crimes and offences which the law
+does not reach, and which cannot be judged."
+
+"When I was young," said the king, "I tore up and stamped upon every
+weed that I found in my garden. Shall I now let these two grow and
+infect the air, because the law gives me no right to crush them?
+Formerly I would have torn them leaf from leaf, but now I am old and
+useless, my hand is weak, and lacks the strength to uproot them,
+therefore I suffer them to stand, and all the other abominable
+things which these rogues bring to pass. A cloud is rising, from
+which a storm will one day burst over Prussia; but I cannot
+dissipate it, for the little strength and breath that remains I have
+need of for the government; and, moreover, I have no superfluous
+time for the future, but must live and work only for the present."
+
+"But the blessing of your exertions will be felt in the future. The
+deeds of a great man are not extinguished with his death, but shine
+like a star, disseminating light beyond his grave!"
+
+"This light is just what the Rosicrucians will take care to
+extinguish like a tallow candle with too long a wick, and it is good
+fortune that the astronomers have awarded me a little glorification
+in the heavens, and accorded me a star, for the Rosicrucians would
+not let it shine here below. I must console myself with this, and
+recall that when it is dark and lowering here, I have a star above
+in the sky!"
+
+"This star is Frederick's honor," cried Herzberg. "It will beam upon
+future generations, and become the guiding light of the sons and
+nephews of your house, and they will learn to be as sagacious and
+wise as the Great Frederick."
+
+"There you have made a great error, Herzberg," replied the king,
+quickly. "Future generations are newer taught by the past--
+grandchildren think themselves wiser than their grandparents. The
+greatest of heroes is forgotten, and his deeds buried in the dust of
+ages. You have given me a glorious title of honor, and I know how
+little I deserve it."
+
+"A title which will be confirmed in centuries to come, for every
+history will speak of Frederick the Second as Frederick Great."
+
+"In history it may be, but the people will speak of me as 'Old
+Fritz'--that will be on the lips of those who love me, and
+expression of endearment; on the lips of those who hate me, one of
+disaffection. I am, indeed, 'Old Fritz,' which the Bischofswerders
+and Woellners also call me, and try to make the crown prince believe
+that I have outlived my period, and do not understand or esteem the
+modern time. In their eyes I am a dismantled ship of state, which
+the storms of life have rendered unseaworthy. They would refit the
+vessel, and give it a new flag, sending Old Fritz, the helmsman, to
+the devil! The day of my death they will hoist this flag, with
+'Modern Time' inscribed upon it in large letters. I shall then be
+united in Elysium with Voltaire, Jordan, Suhm, and all my other
+friends, as we were wont to be at Sans-Souci, and look down with a
+pitying smile upon the Modern Time and Old Folly!--Vale!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+THE ESPOUSALS.
+
+
+Both Bischofswerder and Woellner hastened to avail themselves of the
+commanding "adieu," and quit the royal presence. Without, the
+carriage was ready to reconvey them to the new palace. They were so
+exhausted that neither of them uttered a word, the last injunctions
+of the king ringing in their ears.
+
+Silently they alighted upon arriving, but as the footman came out to
+meet them they asked, simultaneously, if his royal highness had
+dined.
+
+"His highness is not here, having departed immediately after the two
+gentlemen, and is not yet returned," he answered.
+
+"You may serve us something to eat as quickly as possible in the
+little dining-room. Let it be ready in a quarter of an hour,"
+commanded Bischofswerder.
+
+"Now that we are alone, what do you think of this affair?" asked
+Woellner.
+
+"I cannot vouchsafe a reply until I have eaten a pheasant's wing,
+and drunken my champagne," replied Bischofswerder.
+
+He kept his word, preserving a solemn silence until a good half of
+the bird had disappeared, and many glasses of iced champagne.
+
+Then Bischofswerder leaned back in his comfortable armchair with
+infinite ease, whilst his friend occupied himself with the most
+pious zeal with the pheasant, rejoicing at this revelation of the
+Invisibles. Bischofswerder let him enjoy it, and ordered the footman
+to serve the dessert and withdraw.
+
+"Now I am prepared to reply to you, my dear friend, that we are
+alone. I believe the king would have sent us to Spandau at once if
+we had opposed his free-thinking opinions."
+
+"I am convinced of it," sighed Woellner, eyeing the remains of the
+bird with a melancholy glance. "We shall have much to endure for the
+holy cause which we serve."
+
+"That is to say, we will have much to suffer if we, in fanatical
+indiscretion, do not submit to circumstances," said Bischofswerder.
+
+"You cannot traduce the sublime Fathers!" cried Woellner;--"for the
+body's security, we cannot endanger the salvation of our souls, and,
+like Peter, deny our master."
+
+"No, my much-loved and noble friend. But we must be wise as
+serpents, and our duty to the holy order is to preserve its useful
+tools that they may not be lost. You will agree with me in this?"
+
+"Indeed, I do admit it," replied Wollner, pathetically.
+
+"Further, you will acknowledge that we are very useful, and I might
+say indispensable tools of the Sublime Order of the Rosicrucians and
+the Invisible Fathers of the Order of Jesus? It is our task to
+secure an abiding-place to the proscribed and, cursed, to plough and
+sow the field, which will yield good fruit for humanity entire, and
+particularly our order, when the crown prince ascends the throne. We
+will here erect a kingdom of the future, and it is all-important to
+lay so secure a corner-stone in the heart of his highness that
+nothing can shake or dislodge it. Who could perfect this work if we
+were not here? Who would dare to undertake the difficult task if we
+should fail? Who would carry on a secret and continued warfare with
+this artful and powerful seductress if we were conquered?"
+
+"No one would do it," sighed Woellner, "no one would sacrifice
+themselves like Samson for this Delilah."
+
+"We will together be the Samson," replied Bischofswerder, drawing a
+glass of sparkling champagne. "We will be the Samson which the
+Philistines drove out, but this woman shall not practise the arts of
+Delilah upon us in putting our eyes out or cutting off our hair.
+Against two Samsons the most artful and beautiful Delilah is not
+wary enough; and if we cannot conquer her, we must resort to other
+means."
+
+"What may they be, dear brother?"
+
+"We must compromise the matter."
+
+Woellner sprang up, and a flush of anger or from champagne
+overspread his face "Compromise with the sinful creature!" he cried,
+impetuously. "Make peace with the seductress, who leads the prince
+from the path of virtue!"
+
+"Yes, we must be on friendly terms with this woman, who could
+greatly injure us as an enemy, and aid us infinitely as a friend.
+This is my intention, and I am the more convinced that we must
+accept this middle course, as she is protected by the king."
+
+"Because he knows from his spies that she mingles with the
+Illuminati and the Freemasons, and that she is our opponent," said
+Woellner.
+
+"The more the reason, my noble zealot, to win her friendship, who
+will have validity and power until the crown prince reigns, and this
+old godless freethinker of a king is in his gravel Then Prussia will
+commence a new era, and we shall be lords, and guide the machine of
+state. For such lofty aims one ought to be ready to compromise with
+his Satanic majesty even. Then why not with this little she-devil,
+whose power is fading every year with her youth and beauty?"
+
+"It is quite true, we should be mindful of the device of our
+Invisible Fathers. The end sanctifies the means," sighed Woellner.
+
+"I believe it to be indispensable, and you will grant that I am
+right. Do you not see that the prince has availed himself of our
+absence to go there, and has not yet returned?"
+
+"What!" shrieked Woellner, clasping his hands--" you do not mean
+that--"
+
+"That Rinaldo has returned to the enchanted garden of Armida."
+
+"Oh, let us hasten to release him at once, and revue his soul from
+perdition!" cried Woellner, springing up.
+
+"On the contrary, let us await him here without a word of reproach
+upon his return. This will touch his tender heart which we must work
+upon, if we would get him into our power, for to us he must belong.
+Fill our glasses with the sparkling wine, and drink to the contract
+with Wilhelmine Enke."
+
+Just as merrily they quaffed the champagne in the little cosy
+dining-room at Charlottenburg, where the prince and Wilhelmine were
+rejoicing over a reconciliation, no one being present but the two
+children. Their joyous laugh and innocent jests delighted the
+father, and the beaming eyes, sweet smile, and witty conversation of
+his favorite, filled his heart with pleasure.
+
+Not a word of reproach escaped her, but exultant and joyous she
+hastened with outstretched arms to meet him, kissing away all his
+attempts to implore pardon, and thanking him that he had returned to
+her.
+
+At first the prince gave himself up to the joy of the reunion with
+his beloved Wilhelmine sad children; but now, as the first outburst
+had passed, the quiet, happy dinner being finished, and they had
+returned to the sitting-room, a tinge of melancholy earnestness
+overshadowed his amiable face.
+
+Wilhelmine threw her arms gently around his neck as she sat beside
+him upon the divan, and looked up to him with a tender questioning
+glance. "Your thoughts are veiled, dearest; will you not confide to
+me that which lies concealed there?"
+
+"Ah, Wilhelmine, it is a mourning veil, and hides the sorrow of
+renunciation."
+
+"I do not understand you, Frederick," she smilingly replied. "Who
+could compel you to an abnegation which would cause you grief?"
+
+"Listen to me, Wilhelmine, and understand that I am suffering from
+circumstances--an oath taken in the pressure of the moment. Try to
+comprehend me, my dear child."
+
+Drawing her closer to him, he faithfully related to her the night of
+the communion of the spirits, and his consequent oath.
+
+"Is that all, my dear?" she replied, smiling, as he finished.
+
+"What do you mean?" he asked, astonished.
+
+"Nothing more than I would know if you have only sworn to renounce
+Wilhelmine Enke!"
+
+"What could I have done more prejudicial to you?" he cried, not a
+little irritated.
+
+"Surely you could not injure or grieve me more, and therefore I am
+not a little surprised that the pious Fathers could so carelessly
+word their oaths. You have sworn to renounce your affection to and
+separate from Wilhelmine Enke; so it follows that the Invisibles
+only demand that you give up my name, not myself, and that is easily
+changed, and my dear prince will not become a perjurer."
+
+"I do not quite understand you; but I perceive by the arch
+expression of your face that you have conceived a lucky escape for
+your unhappy Frederick William. Explain to me, dearest, your
+meaning."
+
+"I must change my name by marrying some one!" she whispered.
+
+"Marry! and I give you to another? I will never consent to that," he
+cried, alarmed.
+
+"Not to a husband, only a name," said she. "These Rosicrucians are
+such extraordinarily virtuous and pure beings, loving you so
+infinitely and disinterestedly, that it grieves them that my love
+for you does not shun the light, and throw over itself the mantle of
+hypocritical virtue! We will yield to the zealous purity of the
+Rosicrucians," continued Wilhelmine, her eyes sparkling, "and wrap
+this Wilhelmine Enke in a mantle of virtue by giving her a husband;
+and then, when she walks out with her children the passers-by will
+not have to blush with shame, and cry, 'There goes the miss with her
+children!' I have conceived and planned during this long and painful
+separation, and I am resolved to submit humbly to the pious Fathers,
+who are so zealously watchful for the salvation of your soul and my
+good fame."
+
+"That is to say, you are determined to snap your fingers at them!
+Your plan is a good one, but you will find no one to aid you in a
+sham marriage!"
+
+"I have already found one," whispered Wilhelmine, smiling. "Your
+valet de chambre Rietz is willing to stand with me in a sham
+marriage."
+
+"My body-servant!"
+
+"Yes, Frederick William! You will confess that I am not ambitious,
+and only consent to it to secure our happiness from the persecution
+of these virtuous men. Here is the contract," said she, drawing from
+her dress-pocket a paper, which she unfolded. "He promises to give
+me his name, and regard me as a stranger always, for the sum of four
+hundred thalers annually, with the promise of promotion to
+confidential servant when the noble crown prince shall ascend the
+throne. [Footnote: Historical.--See F Forster, "Latest Prussian
+History," vol. 1., p. 74] Will you sign it?"
+
+"I will do any thing that will grant me your affection, in spite of
+my unhappy oath. Give me the paper. I will sign it. When is the
+wedding?"
+
+"The moment that you, my dear lord and master, have inscribed your
+name," said Wilhelmine, handing him the pen, and pointing to the
+paper.
+
+The prince wrote the desired signature, quickly throwing the pen
+across the room, shouting, "Long live Wilhelmine Rietz, who has
+rescued me from perjury and sin! Come to my arms, outstretched to
+press to my heart the most beautiful, most intelligent, and most
+diplomatic of women!"
+
+Two days later it was related in Berlin that Wilhelmine Enke had
+married the princely valet de chambre Rietz, the crown prince being
+present at the ceremony, which took place at a small village near
+Potsdam.
+
+Under the head of marriages, the Berlin newspapers announced
+"Wilhelmine Enke to Carl Rietz."
+
+"Ah, my Rosicrucians," cried Wilhelmine, laughingly, as she read
+this notice, a mischievous triumph sparkling in her eyes; "ah, my
+heroes in virtue, for once you are outwitted, and I am victorious! I
+would like to witness their surprise. How they will laugh and swear
+over it! The favorite of a prince married to a valet de chambre!
+Wait until the prince becomes a king, then Wilhelmine Rietz will
+develop into a beautiful butterfly, and the wife of the valet de
+chambre will become a countess--nay, a princess. The Great Kophta
+has promised it, and he shall keep his word. I wear his ring, which
+sparkles and glistens, although the jeweller declares the diamond
+has been exchanged for a false stone. No matter, if it only shines
+like the real one. Every thing earthly is deception, falsehood, and
+glitter. Every one is storming and pressing on in savage eagerness
+toward fortune, honor, and fame! I will have my part in it. The
+storm and pressure of the world rage in my own heart. The fire of
+ambition is lighted in my soul, and the insatiable thirst for
+fortune consumes me. Blaze and burn until the day that Frederick
+William ascends the throne; then the low-born daughter of the
+trumpeter will become the high-born countess. The false stone will
+change to the sparkling diamond and Cagliostro shall then serve me."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+REVENGE FULFILLED.
+
+
+Since the soiree at the house of the rich banker, Ebenstreit, an
+entire winter had passed in pleasures and fetes. The position of
+Baron Ebenstreit von Leuthen had been recognized in aristocratic
+society, thanks to his dinners, soirees, balls, fetes, and
+particularly to his lovely, spirited, and proud wife. Herr
+Ebenstreit von Leuthen had reached the acme of his ambition; his
+house was the resort of the most distinguished society; the
+extravagance and superb arrangements of his dinners and fetes were
+the theme of every tongue. This excessive admiration flattered the
+vain, ambitious parvenu extremely, and it was the happiest day of
+his life when Prince Henry of Prussia, brother of Frederick the
+Great, did him the unspeakable honor to dine with him. This
+gratifying day he owed to his wife, and, as he said, it ought to be
+kept as the greatest triumph of money over prejudice and etiquette--
+the day upon which a royal prince recognized the rich and newly-
+created noble as his equal. Ebenstreit's entrance into the highest
+circle of aristocracy was due to the management and tone of the
+world of his wife, who understood the elegancies of life, passing as
+an example and ideal of an elegant woman, of which her husband was
+very proud. He lauded his original and crafty idea of devoting his
+money to such a satisfactory purchase as a sensible and ladylike
+wife, although the union was not a happy one, and, in the proper
+acceptation of the word, no marriage at all.
+
+Whilst all were entertained at the fetes, and envied the splendor
+and wealth of Baron von Ebenstreit, there were many sinister remarks
+as to the possibility of sustaining this expenditure upon such a
+grand scale. It was whispered about that the banking-house,
+conducted under another name, had lost in extensive speculations,
+and that the baron lived upon his principal instead of his interest.
+The business community declared that the firm entered into the most
+daring and senseless undertakings, and that it must go to ruin. The
+old book-keeper, Splittgerber, who had for many years conducted the
+business, had been pensioned by the baron, and commenced for
+himself. His successor had once ventured to warn the nobleman, and
+represent to him the danger which threatened him, for which he was
+immediately dismissed, and the fact communicated to the entire
+house, at a special assemblage of the clerks for the purpose, with
+the warning of a like fate for every subordinate who should presume
+to criticise the acts of the principals, or proffer advice to them.
+Since this no one had ventured to repeat the offence, but every
+member of the house occupied himself in drawing a profit from the
+general and daily increasing confusion, and save something from the
+wreck which would inevitably ensue. The baron, with pretentious
+unconcern, dazzled by his unusual honors, permitted his business
+affairs to take their course with smiling unconcern, and when
+unsuccessful, to hide the mistakes of the banker under the pomp of
+the baron.
+
+Marie, indulging in the style of a great lady, appeared not to
+notice or trouble herself at all about these things. She entertained
+most luxuriantly, and spent enormous sums upon her toilet, changed
+the costly livery of her numerous retinue of servants every month,
+as well as the furniture of the drawing-rooms; and presented with
+generous liberality her superfluous ornaments, dresses, and
+furniture to her dear high-born friends, who greedily accepted them,
+and were overflowing in their tender protestations and gratitude,
+whilst they in secret revolted at the presumption of the arrogant
+woman, who permitted herself to send them her cast-off things.
+
+They rejoiced to receive them, however, and reappeared in her
+splendid drawing-rooms, enduring the pride and neglect of the
+baroness, and calling her their dear friend, whom they in secret
+envied and hated.
+
+Did Marie know this, or did she let herself be deceived by these
+friendly protestations? Occasionally, when her friends embraced and
+kissed her, a languid smile flitted over her haughty face; and once
+as she wandered through the suite of rooms, awaiting her guests, she
+caught the reflection of a beautiful woman in the costly Venetian
+mirrors, sparkling with diamonds and wearing a silver-embroidered
+dress with a train. She gazed at this woman with an expression of
+ineffable scorn, and whispered to her: "Suffer yet awhile, you shall
+soon be released. This miserable trash will disappear. Only be firm-
+-I hear already the cracking of the house which will soon fall a
+wreck at your feet!"
+
+Others heard it also. As preparations were being made for a grand
+dinner, with which the Baron and Baroness von Ebenstreit would close
+the season, the former head bookkeeper of the baron appeared at the
+palace, demanding, with anxious mien, to see the principal.
+
+Just at the moment the baron and his wife were in the large
+reception-room, which the decorator was splendidly arranging, under
+the direction of the baroness, with flowers, festoons, columns, and
+statues. Ebenstreit was watching admiringly the tasteful and costly
+display as the footman announced the former book-keeper and present
+banker, Splittgerber.
+
+"He must come at another time," cried Ebenstreit, impatiently, "I am
+busy now; I--"
+
+"Excuse me, baron," replied an earnest, gentle voice behind him,
+"that I have followed the lackey and entered unbidden. I come on
+urgent business, and I must indeed speak with you instantly!"
+
+"Be brief then, at least," cried Ebenstreit, peevishly. "You see
+that my wife is here, and we are very busy arranging for a grand
+dinner to-day."
+
+Herr Splittgerber, instead of replying, cast a peculiarly sad,
+searching glance through the beautifully-adorned room, and at the
+two lackeys, who stood on each side of the wide folding-doors.
+
+"Permit that these servants withdraw, and order them to close the
+doors," said the book-keeper, almost commandingly. Ebenstreit,
+overruled by the solemn earnestness, obeyed against his will.
+
+"Would you like me to leave also, sir?" said Marie, with a calm,
+haughty manner. "You have only to ask it and the baron will,
+undoubtedly, accord your request."
+
+"On the contrary, I beg you to remain," quietly replied
+Splittgerber, "for what I have to say concerns you and your husband
+equally."
+
+"Now, then, I beg you to say it quickly," cried Ebenstreit,
+impatiently; "I repeat, that we are very busy with preparing for to-
+day's festival."
+
+"You will not give any fete to-day," said Splittgerber, solemnly.
+
+Ebenstreit, cringing and frightened, gazed at the old man who looked
+sadly at him.
+
+The baroness laughed aloud, sneeringly. "My dear sir, your tone and
+manner remind me of the wicked spirit at the horrible moment in the
+story when be comes to demand the bartered soul, and the enchanted
+castle falls a wreck!"
+
+"Your comparison is an apt one, baroness," sighed the old man.--"I
+came to you, baron, because I loved your father. I have served your
+house thirty years, and amassed the little I had to commence
+business with in your service. Moreover, when you so suddenly
+dismissed me, you not only gave me my salary as a pension, but you
+funded the annuity with a considerable sum, which makes me, through
+your house, independent in means."
+
+"You may thank my wife for that. She demanded, when I dismissed you,
+that I should compensate you with the liberality of a true
+nobleman."
+
+"Oh, would that you had not done it, baroness!" cried Splittgerber--
+"would that you had permitted the old faithful pioneer in the
+business to remain by your husband! He might have warded off this
+misfortune and saved you by his experience and advice."
+
+"For this very reason I demanded your removal. You permitted
+yourself to proffer advice which I felt did not become you," replied
+Marie, with a strange smile of triumph.
+
+"And, I repeat, would that you had not done it!" sighed the old man.
+"I came to warn you, to conjure you, to save yourselves--to flee
+while there is yet time."
+
+"Oh, mercy! what has happened?" cried Ebenstreit, terrified.
+
+"The banking-house of Ebenstreit, founded under the name of Ludwig,
+associated with Ehlert of Amsterdam, four months since, to buy and
+load ships for the Calcutta market. Herr Ebenstreit gathered
+together the last wrecks of his fortune remaining from his ruinous
+speculations, to win enormously in this investment. Besides, he
+indorsed the notes of the Amsterdam house for the sum of eighty
+thousand dollars, which has been drawn, so that their notes are
+protested there. Herr Ebenstreit will have to pay this sum!"
+
+"What else?" asked Ebenstreit, almost breathless.
+
+"The house of Ehlert, in Amsterdam, has failed; the principal has
+fled with the coffers; the notes for eighty thousand dollars were
+protested, and you, baron, must pay this sum to-day, or declare
+yourself a bankrupt, and go to prison for debt."
+
+Instantaneously a suppressed cry and a laugh were heard. Ebenstreit
+sank upon a seat, concealing his pallid face with his hands, while
+Marie stood at his side, her face beaming with joy.
+
+"I am lost, I do not possess the eighth part of that sum! I cannot
+pay it. I must submit, for there are no further means to prevent
+it."
+
+"No," replied Marie, with haughty tranquillity, "you have no further
+means to prevent it. The rich banker Ebenstreit will leave this
+house, no longer his own, to enter the debtor's prison poor as a
+beggar--nay, worse, a defrauder!"
+
+"Oh, how cruel you are!" groaned Ebenstreit.
+
+"Did you say, baroness, that this house is no longer his?" asked
+Splittgerber, alarmed.
+
+"No," she triumphantly cried. "It belongs to me, and all that is in
+it--the pictures, statues, silver, diamonds, and pearls. Oh, I am
+still a rich woman!"
+
+"And do you mean to retain this wealth if your husband becomes
+bankrupt? Do you not possess a common interest?" asked Splittgerber.
+
+"No, thank Heaven, the community of interest was given up a year
+since," cried Ebenstreit, joyfully. "Baroness von Ebenstreit is the
+lawful possessor of this house and furniture. I was not so
+indiscreet as you supposed. I have at least secured this to my wife,
+and she will be a rich woman even if I fail, and will not let me
+starve. I shall divide about ten per cent with my creditors, but my
+wife will be rich enough for us both."
+
+"This gives me to understand that you intend to make a fraudulent
+bankruptcy. You have settled every thing upon your wife to save
+yourself from the unhappy consequences of your failure. You will
+still be a rich man if your wife should sell her house, works of
+art, diamonds, gold and silver service, and equipages."
+
+"Yes, indeed, a very rich man," said Marie. "In the last few weeks I
+have had my property estimated, and it would at least bring three
+hundred thousand dollars."
+
+"If the baron only possessed this, he could pay his creditors, and
+have a small amount over, sufficient to live upon economically and
+genteelly. But you would rather enjoy splendor, and are not
+particular about living honorably. You will undoubtedly sell your
+property, and go to Paris, to revel in luxury and pleasure, while
+your defrauded creditors may, through you come to poverty and want.-
+-Baron, I now see that your wife did well to bring about my removal.
+I should have, above all things, given you the unwelcome advice to
+sustain your honor unblemished, and dispose of your costly
+surroundings for the benefit of your creditors, that when you die it
+may be with a clear conscience. You prefer a life of luxury and
+ease, rocking your conscience to sleep until God will rouse it to a
+fearful awaking. But do as you like. I came here to offer you
+assistance, thinking that you would dispose of this property, and
+after paying your creditors have sufficient to live upon. Then I
+could be permitted to prove my fidelity to you. I now see that I was
+a fool. Yet in parting I will still beg of you to avoid the
+unfavorable impression of this dinner. The bill of exchange will be
+presented at four o'clock, and the bearer will not be satisfied with
+the excuse of your non-payment on account of dinner-company. You
+will be obliged to settle at once or be arrested. I have learned
+this from your chief creditor, and I begged him to have forbearance
+for you. I shall now justify him in showing you none, as you do not
+deserve it!--Farewell!"
+
+The old book-keeper turned with a slight nod, and strode away
+through the drawing-room.
+
+"Have you nothing to say to him? Will you let him go thus?" asked
+Marie, impetuously.
+
+"Nothing at all. What should I say?" he replied, shrugging his
+shoulders.
+
+"Then I will speak with him." Marie called loudly after
+Splittgerber, saying, "I have a word to speak to you."
+
+The book-keeper remained standing near the door, and turning with
+downcast face, demanded of Marie what she wished.
+
+"I have something to tell you," she replied, with her usual
+tranquil, proud demeanor, approaching Splittgerber, who regarded her
+with severity and contempt, which she met with a gentle, friendly
+expression, a sweet smile hovering on her lips.
+
+Marie came close up to the old man, who awaited her with haughty
+defiance, and never advanced one step to meet her--a lady splendidly
+bedecked with diamonds and gold-embroidered satin. She whispered a
+few words in his ear. He started, and, astonished, looked into her
+face, as if questioning what he heard. She nodded, smiling, and bent
+again to say a few words.
+
+Suddenly Splittgerber seemed metamorphosed. His gloomy face
+brightened a little, and his insolent glance was changed to one of
+deep emotion, Bowing profoundly as he held the baroness's proffered
+hand to take leave, he pressed it most respectfully to his lips.
+
+"You will return in an hour?" Marie asked.
+
+"Yes; I shall seek the gentlemen, and bring them with me," he
+graciously replied.
+
+"Thanks; I will then await you."
+
+Splittgerber departed, and Marie returned to Ebenstreit who, amazed,
+muttered some unintelligible words, having listened to her
+mysterious conversation with the old book-keeper.
+
+"Now to you, sir!" said she, her whole tone and manner changing to
+harsh command; "the hour for settling our accounts has arrived--the
+hour that I have awaited, purchasing it by four years of torture,
+self-contempt, and despair. This comedy is at an end. I will buy of
+you my freedom. Do you hear me? I will cast off these galley-chains.
+I will be free!"
+
+"Oh, Marie!" he cried, retreating in terror, "with what fearful
+detestation you regard me!"
+
+"Do you wonder at it? Have I ever concealed this hate from you, or
+ever given you hope to believe that a reconciliation would be
+possible between us?"
+
+"No, truly you have not, but now you will forgive me, for you know
+how I love you, and have provided for your future. You will remain
+rich, and I shall be poor."
+
+Marie regarded him with unspeakable contempt. "You are more
+despicable than I thought you were. You do not deserve forbearance
+or pity, for you are a dishonorable bankrupt, who cares not how much
+others may suffer, provided his future is secured. I will not,
+however, suffer the name which I have borne against my will, to be
+defamed and become a mark for scorn. I will compel you to remain an
+honest man, and be just to your creditors. I propose to pay the
+bills of exchange, which will be presented to you to-day, provided
+you will consent to my conditions."
+
+"Oh, Marie, you are an angel!" he cried, rushing toward her and
+kneeling at her feet, "I will do all that you wish, and consent to
+every thing you propose."
+
+"Will you swear it?" she coldly replied.
+
+"I swear that I accept your conditions."
+
+"Bring the writing-materials from the window-niche, and seat
+yourself by this table."
+
+Ebenstreit brought them, and seated himself by the Florentine mosaic
+table, near which Marie was standing.
+
+She drew from her pocket a paper, which she unfolded and placed
+before him to sign. "Sign this with your full name, and add, 'With
+my own free will and consent,'" she commandingly ordered him.
+
+"But you will first make known to me the contents?"
+
+"You have sworn to sign it," she said, "and unless you accept my
+conditions, you are welcome to be incarcerated for life in the
+debtor's prison. You have only to choose. If you decide in the
+negative, I will exert myself that your creditors do not free you. I
+should trust in the justice of God having sent you there, and that
+man in miserable pity should not act against His will in freeing
+you. Now decide; will you sign the paper, or go to prison as a
+dishonorable bankrupt?"
+
+He hastily seized the pen and wrote his name, handing the paper to
+Marie, sighing.
+
+"You have forgotten to add the clause, 'With my own free will and
+consent,'" she replied, hastily glancing at it, letting the paper
+drop like a wilted leaf, and her eyes flashing with scorn.
+
+Ebenstreit saw it, and as he again handed her the paper, he
+exclaimed, "I read in your eyes the intense hate you bear me."
+
+"Yes," she replied, composedly, "not only hate, but scorn. Hush! no
+response. You knew it long before I was forced to stand at the altar
+with you. I warned you not to unite yourself to me, and you had the
+impious audacity to defy me with your riches. The seed of hate which
+you then sowed, you may to-day reap the fruits of. You shall
+recognize now that money is miserable trash, and that when deprived
+of it you will never win sympathy from your so-called friends, but
+they will turn from you with contempt, when you crave their pity or
+aid."
+
+"I think that you exaggerate, dearest," said Ebenstreit, fawningly.
+"You have many devoted friends among the ladies, and I can well say
+that I have found, among the distinguished gentlemen who visit our
+house, many noble, excellent ones who have met me with a warmth of
+friendship--"
+
+"Because they would borrow money of the rich man," interrupted
+Marie.
+
+"Of course my coffers have always been accessible to my dear
+friends, and I prized the honor of proving my friendship by my
+deeds."
+
+"You will realize to-day how they prove their gratitude to you for
+it. Go, receive the good friends whom you have invited. It is time
+that they were here, and I perceive the carriages are approaching,"
+
+Marie motioned to the door, with a dictatorial wave of her hand, and
+Ebenstreit betook himself to the reception-room. Just as he crossed
+the threshold, the usher announced "Herr Gedicke! Ebenstreit greeted
+him hastily in passing, and the old man went on to meet the
+baroness, who was hastening toward him.
+
+"You have most graciously invited me to your house to-day, and you
+will excuse me that my earnest wish to see you has brought me
+earlier than any other guest."
+
+"I begged you to come a quarter of an hour sooner, for I would
+gladly speak with you alone a few moments,"
+
+"I thought so, and hastened up here."
+
+"Did not my old Trude go to see you some days since?" asked Marie,
+timidly.
+
+"She did, and you can well understand that I was much affected and
+surprised at her visit. I thought that you had forgotten me,
+baroness, and that every souvenir of the past had fled from your
+memory. I now see that your noble, faithful heart can never forget,
+and therefore has never ceased to suffer, which I ought to regret,
+for your sake, but for my own it pleased me to receive your kind
+greeting."
+
+Marie pressed her hand to her eyes and sighed audibly. "Pray do not
+speak so gently to me--it enervates me, and I would force myself to
+endure to-day. Only tell me, did Trude communicate to you my wishes,
+and will it be possible for you to fulfil them?"
+
+"Your brave, good friend brought me a thousand dollars, praying me
+to convey this to Herr Moritz in order to defray the expenses of a
+journey to Italy."
+
+"Have you accomplished it, and in such a manner that he does not
+suspect the source from whence it came? He would not receive it if
+he had the least suspicion of it. I have seen him secretly several
+times as he passed to and fro from the Gymnasium, and he appeared to
+me to grow paler and more languid every day."
+
+"It is true that since you have come back he has changed. The old
+melancholy seems to have returned."
+
+"He needs distraction; he must go away and forget me. It has always
+been his earnest wish to travel in Italy. You must tell him that you
+have succeeded in getting the money for him."
+
+"I bethought myself of Moritz's publisher, represented to him how
+necessary it was for the health of Professor Moritz to travel,
+begged of him to order a work upon Italy, and particularly the works
+of art of Rome, and propose to Moritz the acceptance of the money
+for that object, as he was quite too proud to receive it as a
+present."
+
+"That was an excellent idea," cried Marie. "Has it been
+accomplished?"
+
+"Yes, as Herr Maurer made the proposal, and Moritz replied, sighing,
+that he had not the means for such a journey, the publisher
+immediately offered him half of the remuneration in advance;
+consequently he starts to-morrow for Italy, unknowing of the
+thousand dollars being your gift." [Footnote: This work, which was
+published after his return, still excites the highest interest, and
+is entitled "Travels of a German in Italy during 1786 and 1787.--
+Letters of Philip Carl Moritz," 8 vols., Berlin, published by
+Frederick Maurer.]
+
+"How much I thank you!" she joyfully cried. "Moritz is saved; he
+will now recover, and forget all his grief in studying the objects
+of interest in the Eternal City."
+
+"Do you really believe that?" asked Herr Gedicke. "Were you not also
+in Italy?"
+
+"I was indeed there two years, but it was very different with me. It
+is difficult to forget you are a slave, when listening all the while
+to the clanking of your chains."
+
+"My poor child, I read with sorrow the history of the past years in
+your grief-stricken face. It is the first time we have met since
+your marriage."
+
+"See what these years have made of me!--a miserable wife, whom the
+world esteems, but who recoils from herself. My heart has changed to
+stone, and I feel metamorphosed. The sight of you recalls that
+fearful hour, melting my heart and causing the tears to flow. At
+that time you blessed me, my friend and father. Oh, grant me your
+blessing again in this hour of sorrow! I implore you for it, before
+an important decision! I long for the sympathy of a noble soul!"
+
+"I know not, my child, with what grief this hour may be laden for
+you; but I lay my hand again upon your head, imploring God in His
+divine mercy to sustain you!"
+
+"Countess von Moltke and Frau von Morien!" announced the usher. In
+brilliant toilets the ladies rustled in, hastening toward the
+baroness, who had now regained her wonted composure, and received
+them in her usual stately manner.
+
+"How perfectly charming you look to-night!" cried Countess Moltke.
+"To me you are ever the impersonation of the goddess of wealth and
+beauty strewing everywhere with lavish generosity your gifts, and
+turning every thing to gold with your touch."
+
+"But whose heart has remained tender and gentle," added Frau von
+Morien.--"You are indeed a goddess, always enhancing the pleasures
+of others. To-day I wear the beautiful bracelet which you sent me
+because I admired it."
+
+"And I, ma toute belle," cried the countess, "have adorned myself
+with this superb gold brocade which you so kindly had sent from
+Paris for me."
+
+"You have forgotten, countess, that you begged of me to give the
+order for you."
+
+"Ah, that is true! Then I am your debtor."
+
+"If you are not too proud to receive it as a present?"
+
+"Oh, most certainly not; on the contrary, I thank you, my dear.--
+Tell me, my dear Morien, is not this woman an angel?"
+
+At this instant the French ambassador, Marquis Treves, appeared
+among the numerous guests, whom the baroness stepped quickly forward
+to welcome, withdrawing with him into the window-niche.
+
+"Welcome, marquis," she said, quickly, in a low voice, "Have you
+brought me the promised papers?"
+
+Drawing a sealed packet from his coat-pocket, he handed it to the
+baroness with a low bow, saying: "I would draw your attention to the
+fact once more, dear madam, that I have abided by the price named by
+yourself, in making this sale, although I am still of the opinion
+that it is below its value."
+
+"The sum is sufficient for my wants, and I rated its value according
+as it is taxed."
+
+"There are a hundred thousand dollars in bills of exchange, payable
+at the French embassy at any moment," said the marquis.
+
+"I thank you, sir, for this proof of friendly attention; and as it
+may be the last time we meet, I would assure you that I shall always
+remember your many and thoughtful kindnesses."
+
+"You speak, baroness, as if you would forsake the circle of which
+you are the brightest ornament."
+
+"No, the friends will forsake me," she replied, with a peculiar
+smile. "Ere an hour shall pass not one of all these numerous guests
+will remain here.--Ah, there comes the decision! See there,
+marquis!"
+
+The usher announced "Banker Splittgerber." The old man entered
+followed by two men of not very presentable appearance, and whose
+toilet was but little in keeping with the brilliantly-decorated room
+and the aristocratic guests.
+
+Never heeding the sneers nor contemptuous smiles, the faithful book-
+keeper wound his way, through the crowd of elegantly dressed ladies
+and gentlemen, accompanied by the two men, up to Ebenstreit, who,
+with instinctive politeness, had placed himself near Marie.
+
+"Gentlemen," said Splittgerber, in a loud voice, "this is Baron
+Ebenstreit von Leuthen, principal of the banking-house Ludwig."
+
+The two gentlemen approached, one of them saying, "They sent us here
+from your office."
+
+"This is not the place for business," replied Ebenstreit. "Follow
+me!"
+
+"No, gentlemen, remain here," cried Marie. "Our guests present are
+such intimate, devoted friends that we have nothing to conceal from
+them; but on the contrary, I am convinced they will only be too
+happy of the occasion to prove their friendship, of which they have
+so often assured us.--These gentlemen demand the payment of a bill
+of exchange for eighty thousand dollars. Take my portfolio,
+Ebenstreit; there is a pencil in it. Go around and make a
+collection; undoubtedly the entire sum will be soon noted down."
+
+Ebenstreit approached the Baron von Frankenstein, saying: "Pardon me
+if I recall to your memory the sum of one thousand louis d'ors, due
+for four black horses three months since."
+
+"My dear sir," cried the baron, "this is a strange manner to collect
+one's debts. We were invited to a feast, and a pistol is pointed at
+us, demanding our debts to be cancelled!"
+
+"How strange! How ridiculous!" heard one here and there among the
+guests, as they, with one accord, pressed toward the door to make
+their exit, which they found fastened.
+
+"Remain," cried Marie, with stately dignity. "I wish you honored
+guests to be witness of this scene in the hour of justification, as
+you were also present at the one when one of the noblest and best of
+men cursed me.--Banker Splittgerber, take these bills of exchange
+for one hundred thousand dollars. Pay these gentlemen, and devote
+the remainder to the other debts as far as it will go."
+
+As the three men withdrew by a side-drier, Marie exclaimed: "I will
+now explain to you that Baron von Leuthen is ruined--poor as a
+beggar when he will not work."
+
+"Marie," cried Ebenstreit, terrified, rushing toward her, and
+seizing her by the arm. "Marie--"
+
+She threw off his hand from her in anger. "Do not touch me, sir, and
+do not presume either to address me with any endearments. You have
+yourself said that our marriage was not a veritable one, but was
+like the union of associates in business, and now I would inform you
+it is dissolved: the one is a bankrupt; the other a woman whom you
+cursed, and who reclaims of you four years of shame and degradation.
+You wonder at my speaking thus, but you do not know this man, my
+friends."
+
+As she spoke, a door opened at the farther end of the room, and
+Trude entered in her simple dress, followed by Philip Moritz.
+Unobserved the two glided behind the charming grotto which had been
+arranged with flowers and wreaths in one of the niches. Every eye
+was turned upon the pale, stately beauty, erect in the centre of the
+room.
+
+"Stay here, for no one can see us," whispered Trude. "I could not
+bear to have you leave Berlin without hearing the justification of
+my dear Marie, and may God pardon me for letting you come here
+unbeknown to her! Listen, and pray to Him to forgive you the great
+injustice that you have done her. Be quiet, that no one may see you,
+and Marie be angry with her old Trude."
+
+"Yes," continued Marie, with chilling contempt, "you should know
+this man before whom you have all bowed, pressed the hand, and
+called your friend, because he was rich, and, thanks to his wealth
+alone, became a titled man--a baron, buying the hand of a poor but
+noble maiden, whom he knew despised him, and passionately loved
+another, having sworn eternal constancy to him. I am that young
+girl. I begged, nay implored him, not to pursue me, but he was void
+of pity, mocked my tears, and said he could buy my love, and my
+heart would at last be touched by the influence of his wealth. I
+should have preferred to die, but Fate ordered that the one I loved,
+by my fault, should by imprisonment atone our brief dream of bliss.
+I could only save him by accepting this man; these were the
+conditions. I became his wife before the world, and took my oath in
+his presence to revenge myself, and after four years I shall
+accomplish it. I have spent his money, and of the rich man made a
+beggar. God be praised, I can now revenge myself in freeing myself!"
+
+"Free yourself? It is not true! You are my wife still," replied
+Ebenstreit, alarmed.
+
+A radiant smile flitted over Marie's face as she defied Ebenstreit
+with the law of the Great Frederick, who had decided that every
+unhappy couple without offspring could separate by their own free
+will and consent, having signed a paper to that effect.
+
+"Is that the paper which you have made me sign?" cried Ebenstreit,
+alarmed.
+
+"Yes, drawn up by my notary, and both of our names are signed to
+it."
+
+"It is a fraud!" cried Ebenstreit. "I will protest against it."
+
+"Do it, and you will find it a vain effort. I promised to pay your
+debt if you would put your name to the document then placed before
+you, which you did. Ask the Marquis Treves how I paid your debts: he
+will answer you that he has given me the money."
+
+"I had the honor to pay to the baroness one hundred thousand
+dollars, as she rightly informs you."
+
+"Yes," continued Marie, "the marquis is the present possessor of
+this house and all that it contains--furniture, statues, and
+pictures; also the equipages and silver. To my mother I sent my
+diamonds, costly laces, and dresses, to indemnify her for the
+annuity which Herr von Ebenstreit settled upon her as purchase-money
+which he cannot pay, now that he is ruined."
+
+"Marquis," cried Ebenstreit, pale with anger, "have you really
+bought this house and its contents?"
+
+"I have done so, and the one hundred thousand dollars the baroness
+has paid over to Herr Splittgerber."
+
+"Oh! I am ruined," groaned Ebenstreit--" I am lost!" and, covering
+his face with his hands, he rushed from the room.
+
+Marie gazed at him with a sad expression, saying: "Ladies and
+gentlemen, you now know to whom this house belongs. You can no
+longer say that I am the daughter whom the late General von Leuthen
+sold to a rich man. I am free!"
+
+At this moment a side-door opened, and Frau von Leuthen was heard
+saying to old Trude: "Let me in! it is in vain to hold me back. I
+will have an explanation from my daughter, and learn what all this
+means." As she pushed herself into the room, she exclaimed: "Ah, it
+is a fete day! There is the baroness in all her glory and splendor.
+She is not crazed, as I feared this morning, when she sent me all
+her ornaments and fine dresses and laces, with a note, sealed with
+black, inscribed upon it, 'Will Of the Baroness Ebenstreit von
+Leuthen.' I opened it, and read: 'I give to my mother my precious
+ornaments, laces, and dresses, to secure to her the pension which
+she has lost.--Marie. 'I came here to learn if my daughter were
+dead, and what the conclusion of this lost pension may be, and I
+find--"
+
+"You find the confirmation of all that I wrote to you," replied
+Marie, coldly. "Baron Ebenstreit von Leuthen is ruined. I have
+secured to you, in the sum which my jewels and laces will bring you,
+the annuity, so that you have not lost the money promised you for
+your daughter, and the marriage you have arranged has at least borne
+good fruit to you."
+
+"You are a cruel, ungrateful child," cried the mother. "I have long
+known it, and rejected you from my heart, and from all shame I will
+yet protect the name you bear. I have just seen a sign in the
+Friedrich-strasse, 'Flower manufactory of Marie von Leuthen.' What
+does this mean? Terrified, I stared speechless at these fearful
+words, and at the busy workmen preparing the house."
+
+"I will explain it to you," cried Marie, with radiant mien. "I have
+again become the flower-maker, and beg your favor, Countess von
+Moltke, Frau von Morien, and all the other ladies. I am free, and no
+longer the wife of a hated husband--no longer the distinguished and
+wealthy woman. All delusion and mockery have vanished. The costly
+dress and jewels that I now wear I will cast of from me as the last
+souvenir of the past."
+
+Unclasping the diamond necklace and bracelets, she handed them to
+her mother, saying: "Take them, and also this dress, the last finery
+I possess." She unloosed the band, and the long white satin train
+fell at her feet. Emerging from it as from a silvery cloud, she
+stood before them in a simple white dress, as she was clothed in her
+girlhood. "Take them all," she joyfully cried. "Take them, mother,
+it is all past. I am now myself again. Farewell, witnesses of this
+scene! I now quit your circle; and you, my mother, I forgive you;
+may the thoughts of your unhappy child never trouble you, waking or
+sleeping; may you forget that your daughter lives, and is wretched.
+Revenge has not softened my grief, or removed your curse from my
+head!"
+
+"I will lift it off your brow, Marie!" cried Moritz, suddenly
+appearing from the window-niche, with beaming face and outstretched
+arms, approaching Marie, whom surprised and alarmed, retreated. "Oh,
+noble, courageous woman, forgive me that I have been an unbidden
+witness to this scene, though by this means I now clearly recognize
+your strength of mind, and elevation of soul, and the wrong that I
+have committed in doubting and cursing you during these four years
+of gloom and despair. I bow before you, Marie, and implore you, upon
+my knees, to forgive me all the cruel, harsh words that I have
+uttered--that I have dared as a wretched fool to doubt you in this
+long night of despair. The day is dawning again upon us; a new sun
+will yet cheer us with its rays. Do not turn from me, but look at
+me, and grant me forgiveness.--My dear friend and father, speak for
+me, for you know what I have suffered. Beg of her to forgive me."
+
+"Marie," said the venerable old man, approaching her, gently putting
+his arm around her, "God has willed that you, my poor, long-tried
+child, should pass through a season of extreme sorrow. You are now
+released, and all that belonged to you has vanished!"
+
+As he spoke, he signed to the guests to withdraw. Many had already
+escaped the painful scene by the side-door. Marie was now alone in
+the magnificent apartment, with Herr Gedicke and Moritz. She still
+stood, with concealed face, in the centre of the room.
+
+"Oh, Marie," implored Moritz, "hide not your dear face from me! Read
+in mine the deep grief of the past and the bliss of the future. I
+thank God that this unnatural union is severed, and that you are
+free. Be courageous to the end!" Moritz impetuously drew her hand
+away, revealing her tearful countenance, as her head sank. upon his
+shoulder. "Can you not forgive me, Marie?" he cried, with deep
+emotion. "We have both wandered through a waste of grief, and now
+approach life radiant with happiness. Oh, speak to me, Marie; can
+you not love me and forgive me?"
+
+She gazed into his eyes, and in their depths read that which
+gradually softened her hardened features, and caused a smile to play
+upon her lip. "I love you dearly, devotedly; let this be our parting
+word. Go forth into the world, Moritz; my affection will follow you
+whithersoever you wander, and my soul will be true to you through
+all eternity, though we are forever separated. The poor wife, with
+her dismal retrospections, must not cast a shadow upon your future.
+Go, my beloved--Italy awaits you, and art will console you!"
+
+"Follow me, dear Marie; only by your side am I happy. You are free
+and independent," cried Moritz.
+
+"Oh, father," cried Marie, leaning upon the venerable old man,
+"explain to him that I am still the wife of that hated man!"
+
+"She is right, Philip; do not urge her further. She must first be
+legally separated, and this weary heart must have time to recover
+its wonted calm. Go to Italy, and confide your future and happiness
+to my care. Marie has lost a mother, but she shall find a father in
+me. I will watch over her until your return."
+
+Just then the door opened, and Trude entered. "Every thing is ready;
+all the things which used to stand in the little garret-room are
+packed and sent to the manufactory. Shall we go, too, dear child?"
+
+"Yes," she cried, embracing the faithful old woman. "Farewell,
+Philip--Italy calls you!"
+
+"I will go, but when I return will you not be my wife?"
+
+Marie gazed at Moritz, radiant with happiness, saying: "The answer
+is engraven upon my heart. Return, and then I will joyfully respond
+to your love before God and man!"
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg Etext of Old Fritz and the New Era, by Muhlbach
+