The Youth of the Great ElectorMühlbach, L. (Luise)
General
The Youth of the Great Elector
Mühlbach, L. (Luise)
Friedrich Wilhelm, Elector of Brandenburg, 1620-1688 -- Fiction
"Then we must see to it," said Frederick William, "that such times are
ushered in, that men shall feel free to purchase golden trinkets, and that
clever workers in gold be attracted here, in order that we may dispense
with foreign manufactures. As soon as the times become somewhat more
tranquil, we, too, will have need of goods of that sort, for not long
since all the jewels of our house were stolen.[34] But I tell you, Master
Dusnack, we shall only buy such things as have been designed and executed
at home. Therefore exert yourself, and procure good workmen. For this time
I must needs content myself with foreign wares and select a seal ring. I
therefore take this one with the ruby, and you must engrave our country's
coat of arms upon it without delay."
"Your highness's orders shall be obeyed," replied the jeweler
respectfully. "Does your highness merely wish the coat of arms upon the
seal, or would you like a motto added?"
"Yes, master, a motto shall be added, to run thus, 'Lord, make known to me
the way in which I should go.' Will you write it down, master, that you
may not forget it?"
"Your Electoral Highness, it is not necessary, for you have impressed it
on my heart."
"Go then, master, and inscribe it for me right plainly on the stone."
The Elector turned to Baron Leuchtmar von Kalkhun as soon as the jeweler
had taken his departure, saying, "Now for you, friend, and our plans of
government."
II.--PLANS FOE THE FUTURE.
"Yes, friend, I want to discuss government affairs with you," continued
the Elector, with a faint smile, sinking back in the armchair before the
writing table. "Sit down, Leuchtmar, quite close to me, for I shall now
disclose to you what no other mortal ear must hear; I shall reveal to you
my thoughts and plans. Man is, after all, but a weak and tender creature,
and it is a necessity with him to have some trusted soul on whom he can
rely for sympathy, and to whom he can tell all that moves his inner being.
To me, Leuchtmar, you are that trusted soul, and in this hour I will make
known to you the inmost recesses of my heart. You shall learn who I am,
what I think, and what are my aspirations, that you may always comprehend
and appreciate me, standing with ever-ready succor at my side. For I hope
you have no engagements elsewhere, and from this moment enter my service?"
"I have hitherto lived in quiet and retirement at Cologne on the Rhine,
waiting for the hour which should summon me to my gracious master's
presence, for you are the only Sovereign upon earth whom I would serve,
and to you belong my being, thoughts, and all that in me is of energy and
skill."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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