History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 06Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 06
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
"Mr. Stanhope," our Minister, the Colonel or Brigadier-General, "is
always at Fontainebleau. I went with Mr. Poyntz," Poyntz not yet a dim
figure, but a brilliant, who hints about employing me, "to Paris for
four days, when the Colonel himself was there, to meet him; he received
me with great civility and kindness. We have done expecting Mr.
Walpole," fixed he in the Court regions; "who is obliged to keep strict
guard over the Cardinal," sly old Fleury, "for fear the German Ministers
should take him from us. They pull and haul the poor old gentleman so
many ways, that he does not know where to turn, or into whose arms to
throw himself." Never fear him!--
"Ripperda's escape to England,"--grand Diplomatic bulldog that was, who
took refuge in Colonel Stanhope's at Madrid to no purpose, and kindled
the sputtering at Gibraltar, is now got across to England, and will go
to Morocco and farther, to no purpose,--"will very much embroil affairs;
which did not seem to want another obstacle to hinder them from coming
to an accommodation. If the Devil is not very much wanting to his own
interests in this Business, it is impossible that the good work of
Peace, should go on much longer. After all, most young fellows are of
his party; and wish he may bring matters to a War; for they make but ill
Ministers at a Congress, but would make good Soldiers in a Campaign.
"No news from Madam "BLANK" and her beloved Husband. Their unreasonable
fondness for each other can never last: they will soon grow as cold to
one another as the Town to _The Beggars' Opera._ And cannot warm again,
you think? Pray Heaven I may prove a false prophet; but Married Love and
English Music are too domestic to continue long in favor."...
NOVEMBER 20th, SOISSONS still. "This is one of the agreeablest Towns in
France. The people are infinitely obliging to strangers: we are of all
their parties, and perpetually share with them in their pleasures. I
have learnt more French since I came hither, than I should have picked
up in a twelvemonth in Lorraine....
"A fool with a majority on his side is the greatest tyrant in the
world:--how can I go back to loiter in Lorraine, honored Father, where
fools are in such majority? Then the extraordinary civilities I receive
from Mr. Poyntz: He has in a manner taken me into his family; will
evidently make an Apprentice of me. The first Packet that comes from
Fontainebleau, I expect to be employed. Which is no small pleasure to
me: and will I hope be of service."...
DECEMBER 20th. "A sudden order to Mr. Poyntz has broken all my measures.
He goes to-morrow to Paris, to stay there in the room of Messrs.
Stanhope and Walpole, who are on their return for England." Congress
falling into complete languor, if we knew it! But ought not I to
accompany this friendly and distinguished Mr. Poyntz, "who has already
given me papers to copy;"--in fact I am setting off with him, honored
Father!...
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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