History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 04Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 04
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
And so, unexpectedly, Friedrich Wilhelm has commanded these bright
locks, as contrary to military fashion, of which Fritz has now
unworthily the honor of being a specimen, to be ruthlessly shorn
away. Inexorable: the HOF-CHIRURGUS (Court-Surgeon, of the nature
of Barber-Surgeon), with scissors and comb, is here; ruthless Father
standing by. Crop him, my jolly Barber; close down to the accurate
standard; soaped club, instead of flowing locks; we suffer no exceptions
in this military department: I stand here till it is done. Poor Fritz,
they say, had tears in his eyes; but what help in tears? The judicious
Chirurgus, however, proved merciful. The judicious Chirurgus struck in
as if nothing loath, snack, snack; and made a great show of clipping.
Friedrich Wilhelm took a newspaper till the job were done; the judicious
Barber, still making a great show of work, combed back rather than cut
off these Apollo locks; did Fritz accurately into soaped club, to the
cursory eye; but left him capable of shaking out his chevelure again on
occasion,--to the lasting gratitude of Fritz. [Preuss, i. 16.]
THE NOLTENIUS-AND-PANZENDORF DRILL-EXERCISE.
On the whole, as we said, a youth needs good assimilating power, if he
is to grow in this world! Noltenius aud Panzendorf, for instance, they
were busy "teaching Friedrich religion." Rather a strange operation this
too, if we were to look into it. We will not look too closely. Another
pair of excellent most solemn drill-sergeants, in clerical black serge;
they also are busy instilling dark doctrines into the bright young Boy,
so far as possible; but do not seem at any time to have made too deep
an impression on him. May we not say that, in matter of religion too,
Friedrich was but ill-bested? Enlightened Edict-of-Nantes Protestantism,
a cross between Bayle and Calvin: that was but indifferent babe's milk
to the little creature. Nor could Noltenius's Catechism, and ponderous
drill-exercise in orthodox theology, much inspire a clear soul with
pieties, and tendencies to soar Heavenward.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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