[Illustration: _QUEEN LOUISE of Prussia_] _Life Stories for Young People_ LOUISE QUEEN OF PRUSSIA _Translated from the German of Heinrich Merz_ BY GEORGE P. UPTON _Translator of “Memories,” “Immensee,” etc._ WITH THREE ILLUSTRATIONS [Illustration: A. C. McCLURG & CO.] CHICAGO A. C. McCLURG & CO. 1909 Copyright A. C. McClurg & Co. 1909 Published August 21, 1909 THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, U.S.A. Translator’s Preface There have been greater queens in history,—Elizabeth of England, Catherine of Russia, Maria Theresa of Austria, and others,—greater in diplomacy and statecraft and power, but none purer, nobler, or lovelier than Louise, Queen of Prussia, whose pathetic life is narrated in this volume. No queen has suffered more from the calamities inflicted upon her family, from the personal insults of a victorious enemy, and from the misfortunes which visited her country; and no queen has been more deeply beloved. The brutal attempt made by Napoleon to destroy her reputation is one of the most disgraceful events in his career. The insult was avenged sixty-five years later, when her second son, William the Third, vanquished Napoleon’s nephew, entered Paris in triumph, and was crowned Emperor of United Germany at Versailles. She will ever remain in history the ideal of a noble, beautiful woman of refined character, lofty patriotism, charitable nature, and exemplary goodness. The story of her sufferings and of the patience with which she endured them; of her love for her husband and children and country, which never wavered, as told in this little volume, must commend her to all who admire purity, beauty, truth, and love. G. P. U. Chicago, July 1, 1909. Contents Chapter Page I Louise’s Youth 11 II Louise as Crown-princess of Prussia 24 III Louise as Queen 40 IV Louise in Misfortune 51 V Louise and Napoleon 86 VI Louise’s Probation 98 VII Louise’s Death 113 Appendix 128