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
You have to retire many yards, and gaze with a desperate steadiness;
assuring yourself: "Well, it does, right indisputably, shadow forth
SOMEthing. This was a Thing Alive, and did at one time stick together,
as an organic Fact on the Earth, though it now dances in Dryasdust at
such a rate!" It is only by self-help of this sort, and long survey,
with rigorous selection, and extremely extensive exclusion and oblivion,
that you gain the least light in such an element. "Brevity"--little
said, when little has been got to be known--is an evident rule!
Courage, reader; by good eyesight, you will still catch some features
of Friedrich as we go along. To SAY our little in a not unintelligible
manner, and keep the rest well hidden, it is all we can do for you!--
FRIEDRICH DECLINES THE CAREER OF CONQUERING HERO; GOES INTO LAW-REFORM;
AND GETS READY A COTTAGE RESIDENCE FOR HIMSELF.
Friedrich's Journey to Pyrmont is the first thing recorded of him by
the Newspapers. Gone to take the waters; as he did after his former War.
Here is what I had noted of that small Occurrence, and of one or
two others contiguous in date, which prove to be of significance in
Friedrich's History.
"MAY 12-17th, 1746," say the old Books, "his Majesty sets out for
Pyrmont, taking Brunswick by the way; arrives at Pyrmont May 17th; stays
till June 8th;" three weeks good. "Is busy corresponding with the King
of France about a General Peace; but, owing to the embitterment of both
parties, it was not possible at this time." Taking the waters at least,
and amusing himself. From Brunswick, in passing, he had brought with him
his Brother-in-law the reigning Duke; Rothenburg was there, and Brother
Henri; D'Arget expressly; Flute-player Quanz withal, and various musical
people: "in all, a train of above sixty persons." I notice also that
Prince Wilhelm of Hessen was in Pyrmont at the time. With whom, one
fancies, what speculations there might be: About the late and present
War-passages, about the poor Peace Prospects; your Hessian "Siege" so
called "of Blair in Athol" (CULLODEN now comfortably done), and other
cognate topics. That is the Pyrmont Journey.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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