ngest daughter of
the former Burgomaster De Broe. He was dead; he had lived on his own
estate in Brussels, where my wife was born and educated. My wife's
mother was sister to the Vice-Chancellor of Dusseldorf, Baron Robert,
Lord of Roland. My wife was with me in most parts of Europe. She was
then young, handsome, worthy, and virtuous, has borne me eleven children,
all of whom she has nursed herself; eight of them are still living and
have been properly educated. Twenty-two years she has borne a part of
all my sufferings, and well deserves reward.

During my abode in Vienna I made one effort more. I sought an audience
with the present Emperor Joseph, related all that had happened to me, and
remarked such defects as I had observed in the regulations of the
country. He heard me, and commanded me to commit my thoughts to writing.
My memorial was graciously received. I also gave a full account of what
had happened to me in various countries, which prudence has occasioned me
to express more cautiously in these pages. My memorial produced no
effect, and I hastened back to Aix-la-Chapelle.

CHAPTER VII.

For some years I lived in peace; my house was the rendezvous of the first
people, who came to take the waters. I began to be more known among the
very first and best people. I visited Professor Gellert at Leipzig, and
asked his advice concerning what branch of literature he thought it was
probable I might succeed in. He most approved my fables and tales, and
blamed the excessive freedom with which I spoke in political writings. I
neglected his advice, and many of the ensuing calamities were the
consequence.

I received orders to correspond with His Majesty's private secretary,
Baron Roder; suffice it to say, my attempts to serve my country were
frustrated; I saw defects too clearly, spoke my thoughts too frankly, and
wanted sufficient humility ever to obtain favour.

In the year 1767 I wrote "The Macedonian Hero," which became famous
throughout all Germany. The poem did me honour, but entailed new
persecutions; yet I never could repent: I have had the honour of
presenting it to five reigning princes, by none of whom it has been
burnt. The Empress alone was highly enraged. I had spoken as Nathan did
to David, and the Jesuits now openly became my enemies.

The following trick was played me in 1768. A friend in Brussels was
commissioned to receive my pay, from whom I learnt an interdict had been
lai