erefore well reflected, and decided to
draw the sword--that what the diplomats have failed to arrange with the
pen should be settled with the sword. These are my reasons, gentlemen,
which make it my duty to assemble an army; therefore I have called you
together." His fiery eyes flashed around the circle, peeling into the
thin, withered faces of his generals, and encountering everywhere a
grave, earnest mien.

The king repressed with an effort a sigh; then continued, with a mild
voice: "My feeble old age does not allow me to travel as in my fiery
youth. I shall use a post-carriage, and you, gentlemen, have the liberty
to do the same. On the day of battle you will find me mounted; you
will follow my example. Until then, farewell!" [Footnote: The king's
words.--See "Prussia, Frederick the Great," vol. iii.]

"Long live the king!" cried General von Krokow; and all the generals who
formerly joined in this cry of the Prussian warrior, now repeated it
in weak, trembling tones. Frederick smiled a recognition, bowing on all
sides, then turned slowly away, leaning upon his staff.

When once more alone, the youthful expression faded from his eyes, and
the gloomy shadows of old age settled down upon his thoughtful brow.
"They have all grown old and morose," said he, mildly, "they will not
show any more heroism; the fire of ambition is quenched in their souls!
A warm stove must warm their old limbs. Oh! it is a pitiful thing
to grow old; and still they call themselves the images of God! Poor
boasters, who, with a breath of the Almighty, are overturned and bent as
a blade of grass in the sand!"

"Your majesty, may I come in?" asked a gentle, happy child's voice.

The king turned hastily toward the door, so softly opened, and there
stood a charming little boy, in the uniform of a flag-bearer, with the
cap upon his head, and a neat little sword by his side. "Yes, you may
enter," nodded the king kindly to him. "You know I sent for you, my
little flag-bearer."

CHAPTER III. FREDERICK WILLIAM.

The little flag-bearer skipped into the room with graceful vivacity,
and sprang, with a merry bound, up to the king, took his hand without
ceremony, and pressed it to his lips. Then, raising up his head and
shaking back his light-brown curls from his rosy cheeks, his bright-blue
eyes sparkling, he looked him full in the face. "Your majesty, you say
that you sent for me; but I must tell you that if you had not sent for
me I would hav