essor capable of deciding that question?"

"The world believes so, sire."

"Why does no one translate Tacitus?"

"Tacitus is difficult," said Gellert, smiling; "there are some bad
French translations of this author."

"You are right," said the king.

"Altogether," continued Gellert, "there are a variety of reasons why the
Germans have not become distinguished in letters. When art and science
bloomed in Greece, the Romans were becoming renowned in war. Perhaps the
Germans have sought their fame on the battle-field; perhaps they had
no Augustus or Louis XIV. who favored and encouraged the historians and
poets of Germany."

This was a daring and broad allusion, but Frederick received it
smilingly.

"You have had an Augustus, perhaps two, in Saxony," he said.

"And we have made a good commencement in Saxony. We should have an
Augustus for all of Germany."

"What!" cried the king, quickly, and with sparkling eyes, "you desire an
Augustus for Germany?"

"Not exactly," said Gellert, "but I wish that every German sovereign
would encourage genius and letters in his country. Genius needs
encouragement; and when it does not find it in its own land, and from
its native princes, it cannot retain the great and joyous power of
creation."

The king did not answer, but walked thoughtfully up and down; from time
to time he glanced quickly and searchingly at Gellert, who was standing
opposite to him.

"Have you ever been out of Saxony?" said the king, at last.

"Yes, sire, I was once in Berlin."

"You should go again," said the king--then added, as if he regretted
having shown the German poet so much sympathy, "at all events, you
should travel."

"To do so, your majesty, I require health and money."

"Are you sick?" asked the king, in a gentle, sympathizing voice. "What
is your malady? Perhaps too much learning."

Gellert smiled. "As your majesty thinks so, it may bear that
interpretation. In my mouth it would have sounded too bold."

"I have had this malady myself," said the king, laughing; "I will cure
you. You must take exercise--ride out every day."

"Ah, sire, this cure might easily produce a new disease for me," said
Gellert, terrified; "if the horse should be healthier than I, I could
not ride it, and if it were as weak as myself, we would not be able to
stir from the spot."

"Then you must drive," said the king, laughing.

"I have not the money, sire."

"That is true," said the king. "All German write