less with fright
and anxiety. The king again threw it upon the floor, and wrote on:

"The prince must be polite toward every one; and if he is rude, he must
immediately make an apology. Teach him that all men are equal--that high
birth is a myth when not accompanied with merit. Let the prince speak
with every one, that he may gain confidence. It is of no consequence if
he talks nonsense; every one knows that he is a child. Take care in his
education, above all things, that he is self-reliant, and not led by
others; his follies, as well as his good qualities, should belong to
himself. It is of very great importance to inspire him with a love for
military life; and for this reason say to him, and let him hear others
say it, that every man who is not a soldier is a miserable fellow,
whether noble or not. He must see the soldiers exercise as often as
possible; and it would be well to send for five or six cadets, and have
them drill before him. Every thing depends upon cultivating a taste for
these things. Inspire him with a love of our country, above all things.
Let no one speak to him who is not truly patriotic."

Again the shuttlecock fell upon the paper. The little prince uttered
a cry of horror, staring at the plaything. This time the king did not
receive the interruption so calmly. He looked at the speechless boy as
if very angry; then took it and put it in his pocket. Casting another
angry glance at the prince, he continued:

"The officers who dine with the prince shall tease and annoy him, that
he may become confident."

"Your majesty," said the prince, timidly and imploringly, "I beg pardon
a thousand times for being so awkward. I am sorry, and I will be more
careful in the future."

The king paid no attention to him, but continued to write: "When you
understand him better, try to learn his chief passion to uproot it,
but to moderate it." [Footnote: This entire instruction is an exact
translation of the original, which Frederick drew up in French, and
which is included in his "Complete Works."]

"My dear lord and king," began the prince again, "I beg you will have
the goodness to give me my shuttlecock."

The king was silent, and with apparent indifference commenced reading
over what he had written.

Prince Frederick William waited a long time, but, on receiving no
answer, and understanding that his pleading was in vain, his face grew
red with anger, and his eyes flashed. With an irritated, determined
mann