History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 20Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 20
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
Mauduit's Pamphlet, if it raised in the abhorrent unthinking English
mind some vague notion, as probably it did, that Pitt was responsible
for these things, or was in a sort the cause or author of them, might
produce some effect against him. "What a splash is this you are
making, you Great Commoner; wetting everybody's feet,--as our Mauduit
proves;--while the Conflagration seems to be going out, if you let it
alone!" For the heads of men resemble--My friend, I will not tell you
what they, in multitudinous instances, resemble.
But thus has woollen Mauduit, from his private camp ("Clement's Lane,
Lombard Street," say the Dictionaries), shot, at a very high object,
what pigeon's-egg or small pebble he had; the first of many such
that took that aim; with weak though loud-sounding impact, but with
results--results on King Friedrich in particular, which were stronger
than the Cannonade of Torgau! As will be seen. For within year and
day,--Mauduit and Company making their noises from without, and the
Butes and Hardwickes working incessantly with such rare power of
leverage and screwage in the interior parts,--a certain Quasi-Olympian
House, made of glass, will lie in sherds, and the ablest and noblest man
in England see himself forbidden to do England any service farther:
"Not needed more, Sir! Go you,--and look at US for the remainder of your
life!"
KING FRIEDRICH IN THE APEL HOUSE AT LEIPZIG (8th December, 1760-17th
March, 1761).
Friedrich's Winter in the Apel House at Leipzig is of cheerfuler
character than we might imagine. Endless sore business he doubtless has,
of recruiting, financiering, watching and providing, which grows more
difficult year by year; but he has subordinates that work to his signal,
and an organized machinery for business such as no other man. And
solacements there are withal: his Books he has about him; welcomer than
ever in such seasons: Friends too,--he is not solitary; nor neglectful
of resources. Faithful D'Argens came at once (stayed till the middle
of March): [_OEuvres de Frederic,_ xix. 212, 213. Sends a Courier to
conduct D'Argens "FOR December 8th;" "21st March," D'Argens is back at
Berlin.] D'Argens, Quintus Icilius, English Mitchell; these three almost
daily bore him company. Till the middle of January, also, he had his
two Nephews with him (Sons of his poor deceased Brother, the late tragic
Prince of Prussia),--the elder of whom, Friedrich Wilhelm, became King
afterwards; the second, Henri by name, died suddenly of small-pox within
about seven years hence, to the King's deep and sore grief, who liked
him the better of the two. Their ages respectively are now about 16 and
14. [Henri, born 30th December, 1747, died 26th May, 1767;--Friedrich
Wilhelm, afterwards Friedrich Wilhelm II. (sometimes called DER DICKE,
The Big), born 25th December, 1744; King, 17th August, 1786; died 16th
November, 1797.] Their appetite for dancing, and their gay young ways,
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