The Life of Frederick the Second, King of Prussia: To which are Added Observations, Authentic Documents, and a Variety of Anecdotes, Volume 1

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Page 260 - ... his shoulder. I was conducted into his majesty's apartment, where there was nothing but bare walls. I perceived in a cabinet, by the glimmering of a taper, a truckle bed, two feet and a half wide, on which lay a little man muffled up in a night gown of coarse blue cloth.
Page 261 - In military affairs he was excessively severe, not to say cruel ; of which, the following anecdote may serve as an instance. In the first war of Silesia, wishing to make some alterations in his camp during the night, he forbade every person, under pain of death, to keep, after a certain hour, a fire or other light in his tent. He himself went the rounds ; and in passing the tent of a Captain Zittern he perceived a light. Entering the tent, he found the captain sealing a letter to his wife, for whom...
Page 260 - ... into one of his pockets, while the other hardly covered his shoulder. I was told that this man was charged with an important affair of state, which was true. I was conducted to his majesty's apartment, where there was nothing but the bare walls. I perceived in a closet, lit by a single wax candle, a small bed, two feet and a half wide ; on which was laid a little man, wrapped up in a cloak of coarse blue cloth : it was the king, who perspired and shivered under a miserable coverlet, in a violent...
Page 295 - ... in their emigration, under any pretence whatfoever, except on account of debts, or of criminal profecutions. The term limited for this emigration is fixed to the fpace of eighteen months, to be computed from the day of the exchange of the ratifications of the prefent treaty. And for the better fecuring the...
Page 344 - Henry performed wonders. I tremble for my worthy brothers ; they are too brave. Fortune turned her back on me this day. I ought to have expected it : she is a female, and I am no gallant. In fact, I ought to have had more infantry. Success, my dear lord, often occasions destructive confidence.
Page 260 - Bambonct, was cooling his heels in the court ; he had large ruffles of dirty linen; a hat full of holes ; and an old magisterial peruke, one end of which descended as low as his pockets, and the other scarcely reached his shoulder. I was conducted into his majesty's apartment, where there was nothing but bare walls. I perceived in a cabinet, by the glimmering of a taper, a truckle bed, two feet and a...
Page 16 - ... glory, Frederick cultivated the friendship of celebrated poets, philosophers, and other men ; and commended, complimented, and even flattered all the most celebrated literati of Europe at that time. "The philosophers (says the author of his life) answered him as a mad lover writes to his mistress. They wrote to him that he was a great poet, a great philosopher, the Solomon of the North. All these hyperboles were printed, and Solomon was not sorry for it, though he had too much understanding to...
Page 261 - Zietern throws himfelf on his knees, and begs pardon, but neither could nor would attempt to deny his fault. лл Sit down" fays the king, *' and add to your letter " a few words I am going to diflate to you...
Page 28 - The powers jealous of its greatnefs, could not have a better opportunity of humbling the houfe of Auftria, and they refolved to feize it. The guaranty gave them no trouble. With a good army and full coffers, where is the treaty you cannot explain to your advantage, when you have to do with an inferior power...
Page 20 - I have detached my heart," replied the king to him, " from all the objects that were dear to me ; — from my wife, my children, my army, my kingdom, and the whole world.

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