year from
birth; and that Friedrich's fame, as a beneficent Justinian, rose
high in all Countries (strange, in Countries that had thought him
a War-scourge and Conquering Hero); strange, but undeniable;
[See--Gentleman's Magazine,--xx. 215-218 ("May, 1750"): eloquent,
enthusiastic LETTER, given there, "of Baron de Spon to Chancellor
D'Aguessan," on these inimitable Law Achievements.] and that his own
People, if more silently, yet in practice very gladly indeed, welcomed
his Law-Reform; and, from day to day, enjoyed the same,--no doubt with
occasional remembrance who the Donor was.

Of Friedrich's Literary works, nobody, not even Friedrich himself, will
think it necessary that we say much. But the fact is, he is doing a
great many things that way: in Prose, the MEMOIRS OF BRANDENBURG, coming
out as Papers in the Academy from time to time; [From 1746 and onward:
first published complete (after slight revision by Voltaire), Berlin,
1751.] in Verse, very secret as yet, the PALLADION ("exquisite
Burlesque," think some), the ART OF WAR (reckoned truly his best Piece
in verse):--and wishes sometimes he had Voltaire here to perfect him
a little. This too would be one of the practical charms of Voltaire.
[Friedrich's Letter to Algarotti (--OEuvres,--xviii. 66), "12th
September, 1749."] For though King Friedrich knows and remembers always,
that these things, especially the Verse part, are mere amusements in
comparison, he has the creditable wish to do these well; one would
not fantasy ILL even on the Flute, if one could help it. "Why does n't
Voltaire come; as Quantz of the Flute has done?" Friedrich, now that
Voltaire has fallen widower, renews his pressings, "Why don't you come?"
Patience, your Majesty; Voltaire will come.

Nobody can wish details in this Department: but there is one thing
necessary to be mentioned, That Friedrich in these years, 1749-1752,
has Printers out at Potsdam, and is Printing, "in beautiful quarto
form, with copperplates," to the extent of twelve copies, the OEUVRES
(Poetical, that is) DU PHILOSOPHE DE SANS-SOUCI. Only twelve copies,
I have heard; gift of a single copy indicating that you are among the
choicest of the chosen. Copies have now fallen extremely rare (and are
not in request at all, with my readers or me); but there was one Copy
which, or the Mis-title of which, as OEUVRE DE "POESHIE" DU ROI MON
MAITRE, became miraculously famous in a year or two;--and is still
memorable to us all! On Vol