of that March into the Mountains, with Neisse Siege
hanging triumphant ahead. These are the King's quarters, this wintry
Spring night, Saturday, 8th April, 1741; and it is to be guessed there
is more of care than of sleep provided for him there. Seldom, in his
life, was Friedrich in a more critical position; and he well knows it,
none better. And could have his remorses upon it,--were these of the
least use in present circumstances. Here are two Letters which he
wrote that night; veiling, we perceive, a very grim world of thoughts;
betokening, however, a mind made up. Jordan, Prince August Wilhelm
Heir-Apparent, and other fine individuals who shone in the Schweidnitz
circle lately, are in Breslau, safe sheltered against this bad juncture;
Maupertuis was not so lucky as to go with them.

THE KING TO PRINCE AUGUST WILHELM (in Breslau).

"POGARELL, 8th April, 1741.

"MY DEAREST BROTHER,--The Enemy has just got into Silesia; we are not
more than a mile (QUART DE MILLE) from them. To-morrow must decide our
fortune.

"If I die, do not forget a Brother who has always loved you very
tenderly. I recommend to you my most dear Mother, my Domestics, and my
First Battalion [LIFEGUARD OF FOOT, men picked from his own old Ruppin
Regiment and from the disbanded Giants, star of all the Battalions].
[See Preuss, i. 144, iv. 309; Nicolai, _Beschreibung von Berlin,_ iii,
1252.] Eichel and Schuhmacher [Two of the Three Clerks] are informed
of all my testamentary wishes. Remember me always, you; but console
yourself for my death: the glory of the Prussian Arms, and the honor of
the House have set me in action, and will guide me to my last moment.
You are my sole Heir: I recommend to you, in dying, those whom I have
the most loved during my life: Keyserling, Jordan, Wartensleben; Hacke,
who is a very honest man; Fredersdorf [Factotum], and Eichel, in whom
you may place entire confidence. I bequeath 8,000 crowns (1,200 pounds,
which I have with me), to my Domestics; but all that I have elsewhere
depends on you. To each of my Brothers and Sisters make a present in
my name; a thousand affectionate regards (AMITIES ET COMPLIMENTS) to my
Sister of Baireuth. You know what I think on their score; and you know
better than I could tell you, the tenderness and all the sentiments of
most inviolable friendship with which I am, dearest Brother,

"Your faithful Brother and Servant till death,

"FEDERIC." [_OEuvres de Frederic,_ xxvi. 85; List of Frie