year, every day, is like
an unsullied page, upon which but one name stands inscribed--Frederick
William--not Prince Frederick William. What does it benefit me that you
are a prince? If you were not a prince, I should not be despised, my
children would not be nameless, without fortune, and without justice.
No, were you not a prince, I should not have felt ashamed and
grief-stricken, with downcast eyes, before the lady who drove past in
her splendid carriage, while I was humbly seated in a miserable wagon.
No, were not my beloved a prince, he could have made me his wife, could
have given me his name, and I should to-day be at his side with my
children. Then, what benefit is it to me that you are a prince? I love
you not that you are one, but notwithstanding it. And if I love you in
spite of all this, you must know that my affection is ever-enduring and
ever-faithful--that I can never forget you, never abandon you."

"And do you believe, Wilhelmine, that I could ever abandon or forsake
you? Is it not the same with me?"

She shook her head, sadly answering: "No, Frederick, it is unfortunately
not the same. You have loved me, and perhaps you love me still, but with
that gentle warmth which does not hinder glowing flames to kindle near
it, and with their passionate fire overpower the slight warmth."

"It may be so for the moment, I grant it," the prince answered,
thoughtfully; "but the quick, blazing fire soon consumes itself, leaving
only a heap of ashes; then one turns to the gentle warmth with inward
comfort, and rejoices in its quiet happiness."

"You confess loving another?" said Wilhelmine, sorrowfully.

"No, I do not grant that," the prince cried; "but you are a sensible,
clever woman, and you know my heart is easily excited. It is only the
meteoric light of the ignis fatuus, soon extinguished. Let it dance and
flicker, but remember that the only warmth which cheers and brightens my
heart is your love and friendship. You are my first and only love, and
you will be my last--that I swear to you, and upon it you can rely.
Every thing is uncertain and wavering in life. They have ruined me,
lacerated my heart, and there is nothing more in the world which I
honor. Only sycophants and hypocrites surround me, who speculate upon
my future greatness; or spies, who would make their fortune today, and
therefore spy and hang about me, in order to be paid by the reigning
king, and who slander me in order to be favorites of his.