History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 14Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 14
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
"But all these precautions were vain. The incomparable Ulrique was
too dear to her Family and to her Country, to be parted with forever,
without her meed of tears from them in those cruel instants. On entering
the Opera-Hall, I noticed everywhere prevalent an air of sorrow, of
sombre melancholy. The Princess appeared in Amazon-dress [riding-habit,
say], of rose-color trimmed with silver; the little vest, turned up with
green-blue (CELADON), and collar of the same; a little bonnet, English
fashion, of black velvet, with a white plume to it; her hair floating,
and tied with a rose-colored ribbon. She was beautiful as Love: but this
dress, so elegant, and so well setting off her charms, only the more
sensibly awakened our regrets to lose her; and announced that the hour
was come, in which all this appeared among us for the last time. At the
second act, young Prince Ferdinand [Youngest Brother, Father of the JENA
Ferdinand] entered the Royal Box; and flinging himself on the Princess's
neck with a burst of tears, said, 'Ah, my dear Ulrique, it is over,
then; and I shall never see you more!' These words were a signal given
to the grief which was shut in all hearts, to burst forth with the
greatest vehemence. The Princess replied only with sobs; holding her
Brother in her arms. The Two Queens could not restrain their tears; the
Princes and Princesses followed the example: grief is epidemical; it
gained directly all the Boxes of the first rank, where the Court and
Nobility were. Each had his own causes of regret, and each melted into
tears. Nobody paid the least attention farther to the Opera; and for my
own share, I was glad to see it end.
"An involuntary movement took me towards the Palace. I entered the
King's Apartments, and found the Royal Family and part of the Court
assembled. Grief had reached its height; everybody had his handkerchief
out; and I witnessed emotions quite otherwise affecting than those that
Theatric Art can produce. The King had composed an Ode on the Princess's
departure; bidding her his last adieus in the most tender and touching
manner. It begins with these words:--
'Partez, ma Soeur, partez;
La Suede vous attend, la Suede
vous desire,'
'Go, my Sister, go;
Sweden waits you, Sweden
wishes you.
[Does not now exist (see OEuvres de Frederic,
xiv. 88, and ib. PREFACE p. xv).]
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.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account