History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 16Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 16
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
Witty Hanbury Williams, the English Excellency at Berlin, busy
intriguing little creature, became distasteful there, long since; and
they had to take him away: "recalled," say the Documents, "22d January,
1751." Upon which, no doubt, he made a noise in Downing Street; and got,
it appears, "re-credentials to Berlin, 4th March, 1751;" [Manuscript
LIST in State-Paper Office.] but I think did not much reside, nor intend
to reside; having all manner of wandering Continental duties to do; and
a world of petty businesses and widespread intrigues, Russian, German
and other, on hand. Robinson, too, is now home; returned, 1748 (Treaty
of Aix in his pocket); and an Excellency Keith, more and more famous
henceforth, has succeeded him in that Austrian post. Busy people, these
and others; now legationing in Foreign parts: able in their way; but
whose work proved to be that of spinning ropes from sand, and must not
detain us at this time.
The errand of all these Britannic Excellencies is upon a notable scheme,
which Royal George and his Newcastle have devised, Of getting all made
tight, and the Peace of Aix double-riveted, so to speak, and rendered
secure against every contingency,--by having Archduke Joseph at once
elected "King of the Romans." King of the Romans straightway; whereby
he follows at once as Kaiser, should his Father die; and is liable to
no French or other intriguing; and we have taken a bond of Fate that
the Balance cannot be canted again. Excellent scheme, think both these
heads; and are stirring Germany with all their might, purse in hand, to
co-operate, and do it. Inconceivable what trouble these prescient
minds are at, on this uncertain matter. It was Britannic Majesty's
and Newcastle's main problem in this world, for perhaps four years
(1749-1753):--"My own child," as a fond Noodle of Newcastle used to
call it; though I rather think it was the other that begot the wretched
object, but had tired sooner of nursing it under difficulties.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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