Frederick was seated in his arm-chair, upon his lap Alkmene, when the crown prince entered. “Bon jour, mon neveu! pardon me,” said he, with a friendly nod, “that I remain seated, and do not rise to greet the future King of Prussia.” “Sire, Heaven grant that many years pass before I succeed to the title which my great and unapproachable predecessor has borne with so much wisdom and fame, that one can well doubt the being able to emulate his example, and must content himself to live under the shadow of his intelligence and fame!” Frederick slowly shook his head. “The people will not be satisfied, nor the coffers filled by fame. No one can live upon the great deeds of his ancestors; he must be self-sustaining, not seek for the laurels in the past, but upon the naked field of the future, which lies before him. Sow the seeds of future laurels; fame troubles me but little, and I advise you, my nephew, not to rely upon it. One must begin anew each day, and make fresh efforts for vigorous deeds.” The crown prince bowed, and seated himself upon the tabouret, which the king, with a slight wave of the hand, signified to him. “I will endeavor, sire, to follow the elevated sentiments of your majesty, that I may not dishonor my great teacher.” “You express yourself too modestly, my nephew, and I know that you think otherwise; that your fiery spirit will never be contented to dishonor yourself or your ancestors. Fate is favorable to you, and offers the opportunity to confirm, what I judge you to be--a brave soldier, a skilful captain--in a word, a true Hohenzollern! I would make you a commander of a division of my army, and I shall follow every movement--every operation, with lively interest.” A ray of joy beamed upon the face of the prince; Frederick saw it with satisfaction, and his heart warmed toward his nephew. “He has at least courage,” he said to himself; “he is no sybarite to quail before the rough life of war.” “Will your majesty so greatly favor me as to accord me an independent position in the campaign?” “I offer you what belongs to you as a general and heir to the throne. On me it devolves to direct the plans and operations, and on you to detail them and direct the execution. I shall rejoice to see that you understand the profession of war practically as well as theoretically. Therefore, this war is so far welcome, that it will give my crown prince an opportunity to win his first laurels, and adorn the brow which, until now, has been crowned with myrtle.” “Your majesty, I--” “Be silent--I do not reproach you, my nephew; I understand human nature, and the seductive arts of women. It is time that you seek other ornament--myrtle becomes a youthful brow, and the helmet adorns the man crowned with laurels.” “I have long desired it, and I am deeply grateful to your majesty for the opportunity to win it. This campaign is good fortune to me.”