History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 21Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 21
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
"September 5th, 1784, Bouille arrived at Prag. Austrian Manoeuvres
are very different; troops, though more splendidly dressed, contrast
unfavorably with Prussians;"--unfavorably, though the strict King was so
dissatisfied. "Kaiser Joseph, speaking of Friedrich, always admiringly
calls him 'LE ROI.' Joseph a great questioner, and answers his own
questions. His tone BRUSQUE ET DECIDE. Dinner lasted one hour.
"Returned to Potsdam to assist at the Autumn Reviews", 21st-23d
September, 1784. [Rodenbeck, iii. 313.] "Dinner very splendid,
magnificently served; twelve handsome Pages, in blue or rose-colored
velvet, waited on the Guests,--these being forty old rude Warriors
booted and spurred. King spoke of the French, approvingly: 'But,' added
he, 'the Court spoils everything. Those Court-fellows, with their red
heels and delicate nerves, make very bad soldiers. Saxe often told me,
In his Flanders Campaigns the Courtiers gave him more trouble than did
Cumberland.' Talked of Marechal Richelieu; of Louis XIV., whose apology
he skilfully made. Blamed, however, the Revocation of the Edict of
Nantes. Great attachment of the 'Protestant Refugees' to France and its
King. 'Would you believe it?' said he: 'Under Louis XIV. they and their
families used to assemble on the day of St. Louis, to celebrate the
FETE of the King who persecuted them!' Expressed pity for Louis XV., and
praised his good-nature.
"Friedrich, in his conversation, showed a modesty which seemed a little
affected. 'S'IL M'EST PERMIS D'AVOIR UNE OPINION,' a common expression
of his;--said 'opinion' on most things, on Medicine among others,
being always excellent. Thinks French Literature surpasses that of the
Ancients. Small opinion of English Literature: turned Shakspeare into
ridicule; and made also bitter fun of German Letters,--their Language
barbarous, their Authors without genius....
"I asked, and received permission from the King, to bring my Son to be
admitted in his ACADEMIE DES GENTILSHOMMES; an exceptional favor. On
parting, the King said to me: 'I hope you will return to me Marechal de
France; it is what I should like; and your Nation could n't do better,
nobody being in a state to render it greater services.'"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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