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
"Kappel and Frau are gone to bed, Frau still eloquent upon the mystery
of Curatus Schmidt, when his Lordship taps at their door; enters in the
dark: 'This is for the Curatus, at 7 o'clock to-morrow; I leave it on
the table here: be in time, like a good Kappel!' Kappel promises his
Unappeasable that he will actually open this Piece before delivery of
it; upon which she appeases herself, and they both fall asleep. Kappel
is on foot betimes next morning. Kappel quietly pockets his Letter;
still more quietly, from a neighboring room, pockets his Master's big
Seal (PETSCHAFT), with a view to resealing: he then steps out; giving
his BURSCH [Apprentice or Under-Groom] order to be ready in so many
minutes, 'You and these two horses' (specific for speed); and, in the
interim, walks over, with Letter and PETSCHAFT, to the Reverend Herr
Gerlach's, for some preliminary business. Kappel is Catholic; Warkotsch,
Protestant; Herr Gerlach is Protestant preacher in the Village of
Schonbrunn,--much hated by Warkotsch, whose standing order is: 'Don't
go near that insolent fellow;' but known by Kappel to be a just man,
faithful in difficulties of the weak against the strong. Gerlach, not
yet out of bed, listens to the awful story: reads the horrid missive;
Warkotsch to Colonel Wallis: 'You can seize the King, living or dead,
this night!'--hesitates about copying it (as Kappel wishes, for a good
purpose]; but is encouraged by his Wife, and soon writes a Copy. This
Copy Kappel sticks into the old cover, seals as usual; and, with the
Original safe in his own pocket, returns to the stables now. His Bursch
and he mount; after a little, he orders his Bursch: 'Bursch, ride you to
Siebenhuben and Curatus Schmidt, with this sealed Letter; YOU, and say
nothing. I was to have gone myself, but cannot; be speedy, be discreet!'
And the Bursch dashes off for Siebenhuben with the sealed Copy, for
Schmidt, Warkotsch, Wallis and Company's behoof; Kappel riding, at a
still better pace, to Strehlen with the Original, for behoof of the
King's Majesty.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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