all times, the principal function of a Devil;--function still carried on
extensively, under Firms of another title, in this world.

Some snatches we will give. For, though it does not much concern a Man
or King, seriously busy, what the idle outer world may see good to talk
of him, his Biographers, in time subsequent, are called to notice the
matter, as part of his Life-element, and characteristic of the world
he had round him. Friedrich's affairs were much a wonder to his
contemporaries. Especially his Domesticities, an item naturally obscure
to the outer world, were wonderful; sure to be commented upon, to
all lengths; and by the unintelligent, first of all. Of contemporary
mankind, as we have sometimes said, nobody was more lied of:--of which,
let this of the Demon Newswriter be example, one instead of many. The
Demon Newswriter, deriving only from outside gossip and eavesdropping,
is wrong very often,--in fact, he is seldom right, except on points
which have been Officially fixed, and are within reach of an inquisitive
Clerk of Legation. Wrong often enough, even in regard to external
particulars, how much more as to internal;--and will need checking, as
we go along.

Demon speaks first of Friedrich's stature, 5ft. 6in. (as we know better
than this Demon); "pretty well proportioned, not handsome, and even
something of awkward (GAUCHE), acquired by a constrained bearing
[head slightly off the perpendicular, acquired by his flute, say
the better-informed]. Is of the greatest politeness. Fine tone of
voice,--fine even in swearing, which is as common with him as with a
grenadier," adds this Demon; not worth attending to, on such points.

"Has never had a nightcap [sleeps bareheaded; in his later times, would
sleep in his hat, which was always soft as duffel, kneaded to softness
as its first duty, and did very well]: Never a nightcap, dressing-gown,
or pair of slippers [TRUE]; only a kind of cloth cloak [NOT QUITE], much
worn and very dirty, for being powdered in. The whole year round he goes
in the uniform of his First Battalion of Guards:--blue with red facings,
button-hole trimmings in silver, frogs at the inner end; his coat
buttons close to the shape; waistcoat is plain yellow [straw-color]; hat
[three-cornered] has edging of Spanish lace, white plume [horizontal,
resting on the lace all round]: boots on his legs all his life. He
cannot walk with shoes [pooh, you--!].

"He rises daily at five:"--No, he does n't a