rt; then turned to that of Voltaire, with its
satyr-like face. "No, I do not believe it," he sadly responded. "Mankind
is an ignoble race; still one must love them, for among the wicked are
always some worthy ones, whose light beams so brightly clear, that they
change night into day. During my life I have learned to know many base,
miserable creatures, but I have become reconciled to them, as I have
also found some who were virtuous and excellent--some who were noble
and beautiful, as the grains of wheat among the chaff. You belong to the
latter, my Herzberg; and as in heaven many unjust will be forgiven
for one just person, so will I upon earth forgive on your account the
Trencks, Schaffgotschs, Goernes, Voltaires, Wallraves, Glasows, Dahsens,
and all the traitors, poisoners, and perfidious ones, as they may be
called. Remain by my side and sustain me, to prevent many a wicked thing
and bring to pass much that is good. I shall always be grateful to you
in my heart for it; that you can depend upon even if my weather-beaten
face looks ill-humored, and my voice is peevish. Remember that I am a
fretful old man, who is daily wasting away, approaching that bourne from
which no traveller has ever returned."

"God grant that your majesty may be far removed from this bourne!"
said Herzberg, with emotion. "And He may grant it on account of your
subjects, who are so much in need of your care and government."

"There is no one upon earth who could not be replaced," said the king,
shaking his head. "When I am gone, they will shout to my successor. I
trust my subjects will exchange a good ruler for their fretful old king.
I have been very well satisfied with him during the campaign, and he has
shown ability in the diplomatic mission to St. Petersburg. He has proved
himself a soldier and a diplomat, and I hope he will become a great
king. Herzberg, why do you not answer me, but cast down your eyes? What
does your silence mean?"

"Nothing at all--truly nothing! The crown prince has a noble, generous
heart, a good understanding; only--"

"Why hesitate, Herzberg? Go on--what is your 'only?'"

"I would only say that the crown prince must beware and not be governed
by others."

"Oh, you mean that he will be ruled by mistresses and favorites?"

"I do fear it, your majesty! You well know that the crown princes are
generally the antipodes of those ascendant to the throne. If the ruler
has only an enlightened mind, and is free from pre