"Ah, every thing is so beautiful and magnificent here, and your majesty has made me so happy by permitting me to see you!" "Yes," murmured the king, "the world is very beautiful." He looked longingly around over the terraces and trees, and his gaze was arrested by the peak of the obelisk, which stood at the entrance of the garden, and towered high above the trees. He raised his hand, and pointed to the peak. "See, my son, how this peak overtops every thing else. Although high and slender, it stands firm in storm and tempest. This pyramid says to you, 'Ma force est ma droiture.' The culminating point of the pyramid overlooks and crowns the whole. It does not support, but is supported by all that lies under it, and chiefly by the invisible foundation, built far beneath. My son, thus it is also with the state. The supporting foundation is the people, and the peak of the obelisk is the king. Acquire the love and confidence of the people, this only will enable you to become powerful and happy. And now, my son, come to my heart and receive a parting kiss from your old king. Be good, and do only what is right! Make your people happy, in order that you may be happy yourself." He drew the prince, who had knelt down before him, to his heart, pressed a kiss on his lips, and laid his cold, trembling hand on Frederick William's head for a moment, as if to bless him. "And now arise, my child," said he lovingly. "Do not forget this hour." "Sire it shall never be forgotten," whispered the prince, sobbing loudly, and covering the king's hand with tears and kisses. "Call the lackeys," murmured the king, as he fell back in his chair, exhausted. "Let them carry me in." The prince hurriedly summoned the servants; and they raised the chair in which Frederick lay with closed eyes. For a moment only he opened his eyes to look at the prince, and to wave him a last greeting with his hand. His eyelids closed again, and the king was carried into his "dark house" and into the library. After setting the chair down, the lackeys stepped noiselessly out of the room, believing the king to be asleep. Frederick opened his eyes, and looking around at the busts of his great ancestors, saluted them with a motion of the hand. "All is finished," he said, loudly. "I have seen my garden for the last time, and have taken leave of Nature. When my body leaves this house again, it will be borne to eternal rest, but my spirit will fly to you, my friends, and roam with you in endless light and knowledge. I am coming soon. But," he continued, elevating his voice, and speaking in firmer tones, "my sun has not yet set, and as long as it is still day I must and will work!" He rang the bell, and told the servant to send Minister von Herzberg (who, at the king's request, had been sojourning at Sans-Souci for the last few weeks,) to his presence at once.