History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 09Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 09
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
On the 15th arrived his Majesty in person, with the Old Dessauer,
Buddenbrock, Derschau and a select suite; in hopes of witnessing
remarkable feats of war, now that the crisis of Philipsburg was coming
on. Many Princes were assembled there, in the like hope: Prince of
Orange (honeymoon well ended [Had wedded Princess Anne, George II.'s
eldest, 25th (14th) March, 1734; to the joy of self and mankind, in
England here.]), a vivacious light gentleman, slightly crooked in the
back; Princes of Baden, Darmstadt, Waldeck: all manner of Princes and
distinguished personages, fourscore Princes of them by tale, the eyes of
Europe being turned on this matter, and on old Eugene's guidance of it.
Prince Fred of England, even he had a notion of coming to learn war.
It was about this time, not many weeks ago, that Fred, now falling into
much discrepancy with his Father, and at a loss for a career to himself,
appeared on a sudden in the Antechamber at St. James's one day; and
solemnly demanded an interview with his Majesty. Which his indignant
Majesty, after some conference with Walpole, decided to grant. Prince
Fred, when admitted, made three demands: 1. To be allowed to go upon
the Rhine Campaign, by way of a temporary career for himself; 2. That
he might have something definite to live upon, a fixed revenue being
suitable in his circumstances; 3. That, after those sad Prussian
disappointments, some suitable Consort might be chosen for him,--heart
and household lying in such waste condition. Poor Fred, who of us knows
what of sense might be in these demands? Few creatures more absurdly
situated are to be found in this world. To go where his equals were,
and learn soldiering a little, might really have been useful. Paternal
Majesty received Fred and his Three Demands with fulminating look;
answered, to the first two, nothing; to the third, about a Consort,
"Yes, you shall; but be respectful to the Queen;--and now off with you;
away!" [Coxe's _Walpole,_ i. 322.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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