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
Faithful Mamsell Bulow consoles the Princess: "Wait, I have news that
will put her Majesty in fine humor!"--And she really proved as good as
her word. Her news is, Dubourgay and Knyphausen, in this extremity
of pinch, have decided to send off not letters merely; but a speaking
Messenger to the English Court. One Dr. Villa; some kind of "English
Chaplain" here, [Wilhelmina, i. 203; Dubourgay's Despatch, 28th January,
1730.] whose chief trade is that he teaches Wilhelmina English; Rev.
Dr. Villa, who honors Wilhelmina as he ought, shall be the man. Is to
go instantly; will explain what the fatal pass we are reduced to is, and
whether Princess Wilhelmina is the fright some represent her there or
not.
Her Majesty is overjoyed to hear it: who would not be? Her Majesty
"writes Letters" of the due vehemency, thinks Wilhelmina,--dare not
write at all, says Dubourgay;--but loads Villa with presents, with
advices; with her whole heart speeds him under way. "Dismissed, turned
off for some fault or other--or perhaps because the Princess knows
enough of English?" so the rumor goes, in Villa's Berlin circle.
"The Chaplain set out with his despatches," says Wilhelmina, who does
not name him, but is rather eloquent upon his errand; "loaded with
presents from the Queen. On taking leave of me he wept warm tears. He
said, saluting in the English fashion,"--I hope with bended knee, and
the maiden's fingers at his lips--"'He would deny his Country, if it did
not do its duty on this occasion.'" And so hastened forth on his errand.
Like a Carrier-Pigeon sent in extremity;--like Noah's-Dove in the
Deluge: may he revisit our perishing Ark with Olive in his bill!
END OF BOOK VI.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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