To this point I succeeded so completely, that the K--g never undertook a step in his amours without consulting me. Besides, I had by that time acquired a perfect knowledge of the mysteries in which I had been initiated during my stay in France and Italy, and for which I had paid very considerable sums. This consisted in the mixture of certain narcotic ingredients, which I administered to the K--g in his drink, and which had the effect of weakening his nerves and of troubling his imagination. By these means I obtained a constant sway over him, and this very artificial weakness proved the rod with which I chastised and governed him. I had moreover become a great proficient in the Machiavelian principles, and occasionally knew how to make use of them to my advantage. The rack, the whip, and banishment, were lucky discoveries, and stood in the order of the day; and, however humane the K--g might be, however averse from severity, except in cases of convicted guilt, I, nevertheless, had through artifice and cunning so far succeeded, that every one trembled at the thoughts of my unlimited power, and yet blamed the K--g for its effects. Thus he was often, but as often unjustly, called a tyrant; for he was in fact the most just, the most humane, of princes. It was his weakness, of which I availed myself, that put him in this odious light, and my manner of treating the people caused them to murmur and to complain. I would intercept letters, and by the aid of my helpmates had new ones forged; I likewise had orders of the cabinet distributed. The Courts of Justice, on my request, were forced to deliver up original deeds and papers, which I then arbitrarily committed to the flames. Through my Machiavelian arts, I obtained the sums that were requisite for the expences of my household, my buildings, and travels. In short, every thing was at my command. This was the rage of the trumpeter’s daughter. Yet my pride was not satisfied. It is obvious, that the Court, the nobility, and all the great people in the kingdom, must hate me, though in public they would shew me every mark of respect; I knew this, and would be revenged. There happened to be a great _fête_ at Court, at which none but the Royal Family and the most distinguished persons among the nobility were to appear; that was to be the scene of my vengeance. I prevailed upon the K--g to be permitted to appear at Court as Countess of Lichtenau. General ---- ushered me in; I was dressed in a royal robe, showered all over with diamonds and precious stones. The Royal Family turned their backs upon me, and I was noticed by none but the courtiers. I was vexed, and complained to the K--g. “_Il faut faire bonne mine à mauvais jeu_,” said he, and gently tapped my cheeks.