Origin of the Prussian Monarchy.--The Duchies of Brandenburg and Prussia.--The Elector crowned King Frederick I.--Frederick William.--His Childhood, Youth, and Marriage.--Birth of Fritz.-- Death of Frederick I.--Eccentric Character of Frederick William.-- His defective Education.--His Energy.--Curious Anecdotes.-- Hatred of the French.--Education of Fritz.--The Father’s Plan of Instruction 17 CHAPTER II. LIFE IN THE PALACE. The Palace of Wusterhausen.--Wilhelmina and Fritz.--Education of the Crown Prince.--Rising Dislike of the Father for his Son.--The Mother’s Sympathy.--The double Marriage.--Character of George I.-- The King of England visits Berlin.--Wilhelmina’s Account of the Interview.--Sad Fate of the Wife of George I.--The Giant Guard.-- Despotism of Frederick William.--The Tobacco Parliament.--A brutal Scene.--Death of George I.--The Royal Family of Prussia.-- Augustus, King of Poland.--Corruption of his Court.--Cruel Treatment of Fritz.--Insane Conduct of the King 36 CHAPTER III. THE SUFFERINGS OF FRITZ AND WILHELMINA. The King an Artist.--Cruel Exactions of the King.--Conflicts of Etiquette.--Quarrel with George II.--Nuptial Intrigues.--Energetic Action of Frederick William.--Marriage of Frederica Louisa.--Fritz and his Flute.--Wrath of the King.--Beats Wilhelmina and Fritz.-- Attempts to strangle Fritz.--The Hunt at Wusterhausen.--Intrigues in reference to the Double Marriage.--Anguish of Wilhelmina.-- Cruelty of her Mother.--Resolve of Fritz to escape to England 58 CHAPTER IV. THE ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE. Objections to the British Alliance.--Obstinacy of the King.-- Wilhelmina’s Journal.--Policy of Frederick William and of George II.--Letter from Fritz.--The Camp of Mühlberg.--The Plan of Escape.--The Flight arrested.--Ungovernable Rage of the King.-- Endeavors to kill his Son.--Arrest and Imprisonment of Fritz.-- Terror of his Mother and Sister.--Wilhelmina imprisoned 80 CHAPTER V. IMPRISONMENT OF FRITZ AND WILHELMINA. Spirited Conduct of Fritz.--Fortress of Cüstrin.--Prison Fare.-- Wilhelmina’s Captivity.--Sad Fate of Doris Ritter.--Motives of the King.--Doom of Lieutenant Katte.--Pathetic Supplications.-- The Execution.--Peril of Fritz.--Theology of the King.--Letter from Fritz.--Sufferings of Wilhelmina.--Brutality of the King.-- Wilhelmina brought to Terms 100 CHAPTER VI. THE MARRIAGE OF WILHELMINA.