I am with child, mother, and big F---- is ready to die with joy about it. But he is fond of variety. About eight days since there came an Italian strumpet here from Leipsic; I think her name is Saporetti; that cursed pander, that Frenchman, Dufour, has introduced her to him. She has been repeatedly with the Prince at Potsdam, so Rietz has told me. But patience only; I’ll contrive to let the King know, and then all her fine plans will be defeated; out of the kingdom with her in a hurry! The King, I am informed, a few days ago, said, If my nephew cannot live without a w----e, I should prefer to see him keep a German to a foreigner; the latter are much more expensive, and may some time discover and reveal secrets of the State. Your powder, mother, does wonders; whenever F---- has taken a dose of it, he is quite amorous, and loads me with caresses and favours. Let him think what he pleases, say I to myself, provided I can retain my powers over him. Yesterday George brought me a fine watch, set with brilliants, bracelets, and ear-rings of the same, a stomacher, and a superb necklace, with a medallion containing the Prince’s portrait. Herewith I sent you thirty Frederics-d’ors for my brother; I have created him my equerry; he is to dispatch my letters to Potsdam, and must have a good poney, whose oats and furniture are my concern. * * * * * The King has been pleased to send Madam Saporetti, well attended, out of the land, and given orders to look after Monsieur Dufour. He keeps himself concealed at Berlin, and, to elude all inquiry, has taken the name Chofieu. The Prince has not the least notion of all this being my doings, and is as tender and as loving as ever. Rietz himself is very glad to see that French puppy in the dumps, for who knows but he might some time have got him out of his master’s favour, for he is full of intrigue, and then all would be over with every one of us. Rietz is a good kind of stupid fellow, all on my side, and seems to be pleased to see the Prince so constant in his love to me. * * * * * The Prince absolutely insists upon my marriage with Rietz, because since the late discovery the King is angry with him. It is only intended to be a mere farce to outwit the old fox, who, as he is past all enjoyment, would have others insensible to every pleasure to keep him company. I shall be obliged to swallow the bitter draught, and permit his Highness’s shoe-black to call me his wife. Krantz has inserted a most biting epigram against me in his weekly publication; it alludes to my former calling, when I used to sell lemons and oranges. Curse the fool! Send him four Frederics-d’ors, and he will hold his tongue, I warrant you; he is nothing but a hungry scribbler, that for money would convert angels into devils, and devils into angels of light. * * * * *