History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 08 — John Shaqi
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 08Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 08
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
For there is, along with the new household, a new employment laid out
for him in Custrin; and it shall be seen what figure he makes in that,
first of all. He is to sit in the DOMANEN-KAMMER or Government Board
here, as youngest Rath; no other career permitted. Let him learn
Economics and the way of managing Domain Lands (a very principal item of
the royal revenues in this Country): humble work, but useful; which he
had better see well how he will do. Two elder Raths are appointed to
instruct him in the Economic Sciences and Practices, if he show faculty
and diligence;--which in fact he turns out to do, in a superior degree,
having every motive to try.
This kind of life lasted with him for the next fifteen months, all
through the year 1731 and farther; and must have been a very singular,
and was probably a highly instructive year to him, not in the Domain
Sciences alone. He is left wholly to himself. All his fellow-creatures,
as it were, are watching him. Hundred-eyed Argus, or the Ear of
Dionysius, that is to say, Tobacco-Parliament with its spies and
reporters,--no stirring of his finger can escape it here. He has
much suspicion to encounter: Papa looking always sadly askance, sadly
incredulous, upon him. He is in correspondence with Grumkow; takes
much advice from Grumkow (our prompter-general, president in the
Dionysius'-Ear, and not an ill-wisher farther); professes much
thankfulness to Grumkow, now and henceforth. Thank you for flinging me
out of the six-story window, and catching me by the coat-skirts!--Left
altogether to himself, as we said; has in the whole Universe nothing
that will save him but his own good sense, his own power of discovering
what is what, and of doing what will be behooveful therein.
He is to quit his French literatures and pernicious practices, one and
all. His very flute, most innocent "Princess," as he used to call his
flute in old days, is denied him ever since he came to Custrin;--but by
degrees he privately gets her back, and consorts much with her; wails
forth, in beautiful adagios, emotions for which there is no other
utterance at present. He has liberty of Custrin and the neighborhood;
out of Custrin he is not to lodge, any night, without leave had of the
Commandant. Let him walk warily; and in good earnest study to become a
new creature, useful for something in the Domain Sciences and otherwise.
Chapter III. -- WILHELMINA IS TO WED THE PRINCE OF BAIREUTH.
Crown-Prince Friedrich being settled so far, his Majesty takes up the
case of Wilhelmina, the other ravelled skein lying on hand. Wilhelmina
has been prisoner in her Apartment at Berlin all this while: it is
proper Wilhelmina be disposed of; either in wedlock, filially obedient
to the royal mind; or in some much sterner way, "within four walls," it
is whispered, if disobedient.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account