ng many things in his
altered soul.

"It being his Majesty's birthday [4th August by OLD STYLE, 15th by NEW,
forty-third birthday], the Prince, all bewept and in emotion, followed
his Father; and, again falling prostrate, testified such heartfelt joy,
gratitude and affection over this blessed anniversary, as quite touched
the heart of Papa; who at last clasped him in his arms [poor soul, after
all!], and hurried out to avoid blubbering quite aloud. He stept into
his carriage," intending for Sonnenburg (chiefly by water) this evening,
where a Serene Cousin, one of the Schwedt Margraves, Head Knight of
Malta, has his establishment.

"The Crown-Prince followed his Majesty out; and, in the presence of many
hundred people, kissed his Majesty's feet" again (linen gaiters, not
Day-and-Martin shoes); "and was again embraced by his Majesty, who said,
'Behave well, as I see you mean, and I will take care of you,' which
threw the Crown-Prince into such an ecstasy of joy as no pen
can express;" and so the carriages rolled away,--towards the
Knights-of-Malta business and Palace of the Head Knight of Malta, in the
first place. [Forster, iii. 50-54.]

These are the main points, says Grumkow, reporting next day; and the
reader must interpret them as he can, A Crown-Prince with excellent
histrionic talents, thinks the reader. Well; a certain exaggeration,
immensity of wish becoming itself enthusiasm; somewhat of that: but
that is by no means the whole or even the main part of the phenomenon,
O reader. This Crown-Prince has a real affection to his Father, as we
shall in time convince ourselves. Say, at lowest, a Crown-Prince loyal
to fact; able to recognize overwhelming fact, and aware that he must
surrender thereto. Surrender once made, the element much clears itself;
Papa's side of the question getting fairly stated for the first time.
Sure enough, Papa, is God's Vicegerent in several undeniable respects,
most important some of them: better try if we can obey Papa.

Dim old Fassmann yields a spark or two,--as to his Majesty's errand at
Sonnenburg. Majesty is going to preside to-morrow "at the Installation
of young Margraf Karl, new HERRMEISTER (Grand-Master) of the Knights
of St. John" there; "the Office having suddenly fallen vacant lately."
Office which is an heirloom;--usually held by one of the Margraves,
half-uncles of the King,--some junior of them, not provided for
at Schwedt or otherwise. Margraf Albert, the last occupant,