THE STORY OF FREDERICK THE GREAT iS5 *** Class l^ VH - Of Book C .jy . Copyright ]^^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. THE STORY OF FREDERICK THE GREAT FOR BOYS AND GIRLS Frederick the Great. (From painting by Antoine Pesne, in the Museum at Berlin.) THE STORY OF FREDERICK THE GREAT FOR BOYS AND GIRLS BY KATE E. CARPENTER AUTHOR OF '*THE STORY OF JOAN OF ARC FOR BOYS AND GIRLS** WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAP |te^ 'iCCX- d*l ll-ldlTi B 1 BOSTON LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO. Published, August, 1908 j^ COPTBIGHT, 1908, BY LOTHBOP, LeE & ShEPXBD Co. AU Bights Eeserved The Stoby of Fbedebick the Gbxat LIBRARY of C0NGf^£S3 Iw GowM rtecei»»: JUN \2 1308 COHY B. Bebwick & Smith Co. Norwood, Mass., U. S. A. CONTENTS CHAPTBB rA.QV I. Prussia 1 II. Babyhood 9 III. The Story of a Picture .... 22 IV. Boyhood 28 V. Maria Theresa .37 VI. Youth 41 VII. Stolen Pleasures . . . . . 47 VIII. A Desperate Game 65 IX. The Prince a Prisoner .... 67 X. Dark Days 72 XI. Prison Days 78 XII. A Faithful Friend 88 XIII. Wilhelmina 98 XIV. Manhood 109 XV. King 116 XVI. Silesia 123 XVII. The Soldier - King 132 XVIII. MoLLwiTz 152 XIX. Chotusitz 169 XX. In and Out of Bohemia . . . . 181 XXI. Hohenfriedburg 192 XXII. SoHR 202 XXIII. Kesselsdorf 209 XXIV. LoBOSiTz 227 XXV. Prague — KoLiN 233 XXVI. RossBACH 240 XXVII. Kunnersdorf 247 XXVIII. Sans Souci 255 ILLUSTRATIONS Frederick the Great {From 'painting by Antoine Pesne, in the Museum at Berlin) . Frontispiece * FACIKG PAGE Map of Prussia and Her Neighbors in the Time of Frederick the Great .... 4 • Crown Prince Frederick and the Giant Guards {Courtesy of Harper & Brothers) .... 18 Frederick and His Sister Wilhelmina as Chil- dren {From etching by E. Eichens after the painting by Antoine Pesne) 26 The Crown Prince Frederick {From painting by Antoine Pesne) 32 Making a Soldier of Him {Courtesy of Harper & Brothers) 36 The Dressing-Gown {Courtesy of Harper & Brothers) 50 Crown Prince Frederick with His Brothers {From painting by F. C. Rusca) . . . . 110 "^ Maria Theresa {From painting) 134 Sans Souci 180 Queen Elizabeth Christina {From painting in the Hohenzollern Museum) 220 THE STORY OF FREDERICK THE GREAT CHAPTER I PRUSSIA NOW, my dear boys and girls, I am going to tell you the strange life- story of one of the greatest soldiers the world has ever known,— King Frederick n. of Prussia. I think you will agree with me that he well deserved the title, Frederick the Great. Some of you may have seen in Wash- ington the fine statue of Prussia's hero, which William, the German Emperor, re- cently presented to our country. You all know, I am sure, how great and FREDERICK THE GREAT powerful among the nations of Europe Prussia is to-day, and I need not tell you that her king is, by hereditary right, also emperor of the vast German Empire. • But there was a time, little more than two hundred years ago, when Prussia was one of the smaller states in the Em- pire, and governed by a Prince of Ger- many, who was called an elector. To be an elector was to enjoy the privi- lege of casting a vote for a new ruler for the Empire, when for any reason it be- came necessary to elect one. A long line of princes from a famous family, the HohenzoUems, had for very many years been electors of Prussia. There was one prince who by his abil- ity and courage won the title of Great Elector. 2 PRUSSIA This Great Elector was succeeded by his son, who soon became ambitious to assume the higher title of king. Long- ing to wear a royal crown and to have a place among the sovereigns of Europe, the elector finally persuaded the Emperor to consent to making Prussia a kingdom. So, a formal treaty to that effect was signed by the Emperor of Germany, on the 16th of November, year 1700. And on the 18th of January, 1701, Prussia had her first king. • He was called Frederick I. The new monarch made the occasion of his coronation a most magnificent affair. A beautiful and costly crown was pro- vided for this ceremony, and in the pres- ence of a large assemblage of princes and princesses, dukes and duchesses, gath- FREDERICK THE GREAT ered to witness the making of a king, Frederick I. placed the glittering emblem of royalty upon his head with his own hands. This first king of Prussia loved pomp and show, and in his beautiful palace in Berlin, he surroimded himself with a gay company of court followers and a large number of officials and personal attend- ants. The Prussia of 1701 did not occupy the same amount of space on the map of Eu- rope that it does to-day. If you will just glance over this map, you will see the great difference between then and now, and, while we are looking at the old map, let us stop long enough to notice particularly this province of Austria, called Silesia. PRUSSIA * Around Silesia, my dear young friends, the war interest of our story centres. King Frederick I. did not enjoy a very long reign. In a few years his health began to fail, and it became evident to all that ere long Prussia must look to an- other ruler. Now, the question of succession was a very serious one to the royal family, ow- ing to the lack of heirs. King Frederick I. had a son, named Frederick William, who, being Orown Prince, would of course succeed him, but Frederick William had no son to follow him as king when the time should come, and, failing a direct heir, the crown would pass to another branch of the family. To have created a kingdom, and then know there were not descendants in his 5 FREDERICK THE GREAT own line to enjoy it, was a sore trial to the sick king, and indeed to the entire royal family. To be sure, there was the Crown Prince's daughter, little Princess Wil- helmina, but only a king could govern Prussia. Then there came a day,— the 12th of January it was, in the year 1712, when all their anxiety and gloomy thoughts for the future, gave place to joy unbounded. It was a little before noon, on that day when the royal household was thrown into a great state of excitement. Court messengers were hurriedly sent forth from the Palace of Berlin to announce the joyful tidings, that a little prince was bom. And, when the tiny heir to the king- PRUSSIA dom was placed in his father's arms for the first time, the happy Crown Prince, Frederick William, very nearly des- troyed all their hopes by almost smother- ing the wee mite of a baby with his rough caresses. But, happiest of all, perhaps, was the baby's mother— Crown Princess Sophia Dorothea. I am sure she would have welcomed the little prince just as gladly had there been no kingdom for him to inherit. He came to comfort her for the loss of two other baby boys, who had died a few years before. I must not forget little sister Wilhel- mina, who opened her eyes wide with wonder and admiration as she gazed upon her new brother. FREDERICK THE GREAT From the heart of this pretty little princess, only three years old, went out a wealth of lore and devotion to the blue- eyed baby, which never failed in all the sad, sad days that were in store for them both. 8 CHAPTER n BABYHOOD ^' TT ET the bells ring, and the flags ■^-^ wave in honor of our dear grand- son," commanded the King. And throughout Berlin, and, indeed, in every town and village in Prussia, from steeple and tower, the bells pealed forth their welcome. That night the city was most brilliantly illuminated. The next important event was the christening. No expense nor ceremony was spared. The tiny prince — he was just one week old — was attired in the costliest robes, heavy with beautiful em- broidery and lace. FREDERIOK THE GREAT A long procession of soldiers paraded through the streets, with banners wav- ing and drums beating, while the loud booming of cannon notified the people for miles around that their future king was receiving a name. They christened him, Charles Fred- erick, but, for some reason, — I cannot tell you why, — the first name was soon after dropped, and he was called Fred- erick, alone. Just one year later. King Frederick I. was laid at rest, and his son, Frederick William, ascended the throne. And then, baby Fritz, as he was called, became Crown Prince. King Frederick William was quite un- like his father. He dispensed entirely with the ceremony of being crowned, 10 BABYHOOD asking only the sworn allegiance of his people. And, having no taste for the luxury and extravagance which had pre- vailed during his father's reign, he at once dismissed all unnecessary attend- ants, reducing his court to the fewest numbers possible. ^^ I will have no useless idlers in Prussia," declared this gruff king. ^^ And there shall be no waste of money.'' As you may imagine, the change was not an agreeable one at court, and soon all understood clearly that the new mon- arch intended to rule with an iron will, and that all must bend to it. The army was Frederick William's pride, and claimed a large share of his attention. While he cut his household 11 FREDERICK THE GREAT * expenditures down to the lowest pos- sible figure, lie spent money freely upon his army and fortifications. -*• ^^ I shall make a great soldier of my son, and I shall build up for him the finest army in all Europe," the King declared, caring little that kings and courtiers were greatly amused at his efforts to create such an army, and little thought what would be done with it. ^* What could Prussia "—the newest and smallest kingdom among them— '^ want with a great standing army? " they asked. Not a sovereign in Europe dreamed that the time was coming when one would ascend the throne of this same little Prussia, and give them a shaking-up such as they could never forget. 12 BABYHOOD Now, we must go back to little Fritz. King Frederick William, intent on mak- ing a soldier of his son, began his edu- cation in that direction very early — why, the little prince was scarcely more than a baby when the king would take him out to see the troops at Potsdam drill. # Potsdam, which is about twenty miles from Berlin, was then, as now, the home of the King's Guards. Frederick William's Grenadier Guards became famous throughout all Europe, and are still regarded as wonderful, for not a man among them measured much less than seven feet, while some were eight feet tall, and a few leaders of the Guards looked down from a height of nearly nine feet. 13 FREDERICK THE GREAT You are amazed? You did not know there ever were so many giants, did you? Well, these giants were not all found in Prussia by any means. There were various ways of securing these tall treasures. King Frederick William em- ployed agents to travel about through the different countries searching for un- usually tall men, and when one was dis- covered, he was offered large induce- ments to come to Prussia and join the King's army. But, the tall recruits were not always secured by fair means, I am sorry to say. For sometimes these agents, am- bitious to serve the King, and obtain the reward they knew was ready for them, would resort to any trick or deception to 14 BABYHOOD bring an unwilling giant over the bor- der, and once on Prussian soil the victim was helpless. In a twinkling he would find himself in Prussian uniform, drill- ing with the other giants, at Potsdam, or in some other division of the King's army. And, such drilling! Hour after hour, day after day, until it was almost impossible for any one of them to make the slightest mistake. There is a story told of a cruel trick played by one of the King's recruiting officers, which had a most tragic ending. This officer had discovered a fine-look- ing, tall young man, a carpenter, living in a town outside King Frederick Will- iam's territory. He was eager to secure the prize, — but how? One day^ the officer — disguised as s^ 15 FREDERICK THE GREAT Baron somebody — walked into the car- penter's little shop. ^' Can you make me a strong box, six feet and six inches long? " he inquired. " Oh, yes, surely I can,'' replied the young carpenter. " It must have a good strong lock and key. And, see to it, that the box does not measure an inch less than six feet, six inches," the supposed Baron said in a positive tone. " Why, you must be about as tall as that? " he added inquiringly. " Well, my box must be taller than yourself, or it will not suit my purpose." In a few days the strange box was completed, and the officer called to ex- amine it. He was very particular, and at once expressed great dissatisfaction. 16 BABYHOOD ** You have not carried out my in- structions/' he angrily exclaimed, *' the box is too short! '' The tall carpenter took out his foot rule to prove that the length was cor- rect. ^' Oh! but your measurements are all wrong. You remember the box was to be taller than yourself. Now, you could not lie out straight in that box? " Into the box the unsuspicious young carpenter stepped, and laid himself at full length. In an instant the heavy lid was slammed down, and the key turned in the lock! Three men appeared from some hiding-place in answer to the of- ficer's signal, and lifted up the boxed carpenter and carried him off to make one more splendid soldier for the King. 17 FREDERICK THE GREAT When they were on safe ground, they opened the box to liberate their captive, and, — found him dead! Smothered! However, all the wonderful manoeu- vres of the King's famous Guards seemed to have very little effect upon the small Crown Prince. The disap- pointed father soon realized that his little son cared more for a good romp with Wilhelmina and his dogs, and later for books and music, than for all his Majesty's fine soldiers. What was to be done with such a boy? Frederick William determined upon a rigid course of training, hoping to awaken a martial spirit in this young HohenzoUern, who seemed so different from his ancestors. Accordingly, when Fritz was about 18 Crown Prince Frederick and the Giant Guards. BABYHOOD five years of age, — he was not older than that, I am sure, — the King formed a military company of one hmidred little boys, all of about the same age as Fritz, and named it, " Crown Prince Cadets." A few months later the company was in- creased to three hundred. An experienced drill-master was en- gaged to drill the baby soldiers, and at the end of two years, the command of the cadets was given to the young Crown Prince. A soldier cap and a wooden sword are the delight of most boys of seven, but here was a boy who cared nothing for his cocked hat and tight-fitting blue mil- itary coat with a real sword hanging from his belt. But drilling his small cadets was not 19 FREDERICK THE GREAT all; there was another branch of mili- tary service the young Crown Prince must be taught. He must know how to handle big guns. So when he had reached his ninth year, the Eang or- dered a small arsenal arranged at Pots- dam, and there Fritz was carefully trained in the management of heavy artillery. There was something else, however, which the drill-master found time to teach his royal pupil, that was not down on the course of study his Majesty made out for his young son, and very, very different it was from the science of war. Now, it happened that this drill- master was a fine flute player, and whenever the opportunity offered he en- tertained his young prince with sweet 20 BABYHOOD music. Fritz was entranced with the beautiful melodies, and begged the drill- master to instruct him how to bring such sweet strains of music from the long, slender instrument. So, every moment that could be spared from the uninteresting gun practice was devoted to the music lessons. But, alas, just as soon as the King learned what was going on, he sternly commanded all flute lessons to cease. '' A foolish waste of time, let me hear no more of it! '' growled his Majesty. Poor little Fritz. It was a great hard- ship to give up those cherished lessons. The forbidden pleasure led to many un- happy scenes in after days. 21 CHAPTER m THE STORY OF A PICTURE X SHALL have much to tell you, my -^ dear young friends, of Frederick William's strange treatment of his son, which will astonish and shock you. But, I think it is only right that you should know, that, as a king, he served his people well. Strict and harsh he cer- tainly was in enforcing his will, but it was ever for the improvement and ad- vancement of Prussia. *^ What! have you nothing to do then? " he would shout, and thump the ground with his heavy walking-stick, if, on his tour of the city, he encountered 22 i TEE STORY OF A PICTURE an idler on the street. And even the old apple- women, sitting behind their stalls when business was dull, did not escape this king's notice. " Why do you sit there with your hands idle in your lap*? " Looking up, the frightened old apple- woman would stammer, " My apples are all polished, your Majesty, and I am waiting for customers to come and buy." ** Knit, knit, while you wait." There was no gainsaying the royal command, so stockings, hoods for the children, and lace were knit when not selling apples. Thus, this rough, gruff monarch taught his subjects habits of industry. And, while in other courts of Europe money was squandered on luxurious liv- 23 FREDERICK THE GREAT ing, and the coimtries were growing poorer and poorer, Frederick William, by his care and prudence, was able to store up great barrels full of money. Now, while King Frederick William was planning to make a fine soldier of his son, Queen Sophia Dorothea was ar- ranging for his future marriage. Princes very rarely choose for themselves whom they will marry. It seems rather strange to trouble about such a matter when Fritz was still but a baby. However, the Queen thought she saw a way to add to her dear son's future happiness and power by securing a little princess of England for his bride-elect. Queen Sophia Dorothea was a daugh- ter of George I., King of England. 24 THE STORY OF A PICTURE Although our little Fritz's grandfather was England's king, he was, however, not an Englishman. George I. was a German. He was Prince of Hanover, and was called by the English to be their king. •King George's son, the Prince of Wales, had a little daughter named Amelia. And it was this princess that the Queen desired for Fritz's bride, when they should both be grown up. But, that was not all; Sophia Dorothea also wanted little Prince Fred — Princess Amelia's brother — to marry her own daughter, Wilhelmina, when the proper time arrived. A double marriage, among the cousins, you see, that would be. Sophia Dorothea's plan to unite Eng- land and Prussia by this double mar- 25 FREDERICK THE GREAT riage was approved by all concerned, and the baby cousins were betrothed to each other and all seemed to go well. But, dear, dear, what a world of sor- row and misery grew out of this pet scheme of the queens! The little cousins were betrothed as I have just said, but the signing of papers, which would make the engagements binding, was deferred from time to time by their grandfather, King George, much to the annoyance of the Queen of Prussia. And, finally. King George died without signing a contract of marriage. Now, I want you to look at this pic- ture of the little Crown Prince and his sister, Princess Wilhelmina. There is a little story about it which may interest you. 26 Frederick and his Sister Wilhelmina as Children. (From etching by E. Eichens after the painting by Antoine Pesne.) THE STORY OF A PICTURE One day, King Frederick William re- turned unexpectedly from a visit to other parts of his kingdom, and sur- prised Fritz and Wilhelmina at their play. Fritz had a drum hanging from his neck, and with the drum-sticks clasped tight in his small chubby fingers, was beating a lively rat-a-tat-tat while he and the little princess marched gal- lantly up and down the room. The king looked on, in delight, and determined to have a picture painted of the royal children as he had seen them. He sent for a celebrated artist, — An- toine Pesne, — and commanded him to begin work at once on the picture. This picture is a copy of that painting, which hangs in the palace at Charlottenburg. 27 CHAPTER IV BOYHOOD BABY days over, Fritz was expected to give all Ms attention to the seri- ous business of becoming a soldier. Unfortunately for Ms own happiness, the yearly inspections of the various military stations which he was obliged to make with Ms father failed utterly to awaken any enthusiasm for soldiering in this music-loving, poetic young Crown Prince. But fortresses must be closely exam- ined, and troops carefully reviewed, else something might go wrong, you know. 28 BOYHOOD And woe to the offender if Frederick William discovered anything amiss. Fritz could not see ahead into the future and know that this strict military discipline practised by the king would one day be of untold value to him. And his lack of interest on these occasions irritated Frederick William greatly. He grew more and more dissatisfied with his eldest son and often treated him very harshly. We are told that the present Crown Prince, Frederick William of Prussia, shows much skill in hunting the wild boars which roam through the forests of Prussia. So sure is his aim that he sel- dom fails to bring the great ugly crea- tures to earth. In the far-away days of the Crown 29 FREDERICK THE GREAT Prince Frederick, whose story I am tell- ing you, a big boar hunt was Eong Fred- erick William's delight. But at that time, a long, sharp, spear-like instru- ment was used instead of a gun to kill the animal. Much to the King's disgust, Fritz ab- horred the rough sport and would steal away whenever possible for a few mo- ments' enjoyment of his beloved flute, or to write verses of poetry. For in truth, Prussia's Crown Prince was am- bitious to be known as a poet some day. '^ A poet, indeed! a soldier should have his mind on more important mat- ters than music and verse-making," de- clared his father. Poor, poor unhappy boy! It was all very well and proper to be a soldier part 30 BOYHOOD of the time, but he could not understand why he should not be permitted once in a while to enjoy the harmless pleasures he craved. Fritz sometimes, it is true, resorted to deception to obtain what he could not have openly, and, as might be expected, that led to trouble. He was usually very careful not to play on his flute, however, until he was quite sure that his Majesty was at a safe distance. But with all his care, he some- times made a mistake, and Frederick William returning unexpectedly, heard the sweet strains of music. ** Dare you, sir! Dare you disobey me? " The angry voice of the king ac- companied by a violent thumping of the floor with his walking-stick, — and a 31 FREDERICK THE GREAT stout, heavy one it was, too, as many of his subjects had reason to know, — could not fail to strike terror to the heart of any boy. Fritz's trials would have been harder to bear had it not been for his loving mother and sister Wilhelmina. After such a scene he would go to the queen's apartment to pour out his woes, but, alas, even that comfort was after a time denied him. And only secretly could he get the love and sympathy he craved. Yes, surprising as it may seem, Fred- erick William began to visit his dis- pleasm^e even upon Sophia Dorothea and Wilhelmina whenever he discovered that they were trying to shield the Crown Prince. 32 The Crown Prince Frederick {From painting by Antolne Pesne.) BOYHOOD Perhaps, Fritz did not try as hard as he might have done to please his father, but it is certain that Frederick William made no effort to understand his son. And so the breach between father and son widened until it reached a climax at which all Europe stood aghast. I must tell you now a little anecdote about the King, the Crown Prince, and the Court barber. Occasionally some of the young cour- tiers and officers from the gay Court of France came to visit Berlin. The easy, graceful manners of the smart French noblemen, and their bright, showy apparel won Fritz's highest ad- miration. He liked the soft frills of lace, and the glittering ornaments, gold braid and 33 FREDERICK THE GREAT embroidery. Putting aside his longing for the pretty clothes, Fritz thought he might, at least, dress his hair after the fashion of these dashing young French- men. Accordingly, the Crown Prince ap- peared with his light hair curled, per- fumed and flowing loose and free about his handsome young face and shoulders. The ^King appeared to take no notice, until one day, feeling particularly cross, he burst out with, ^^ What, sir! would you be a French fop, with all your other silly ways? " He detested the French. To Fritz's dismay his Majesty sent for the Court barber to come at once to the palace. *' Cut that hair off short in front, and tie it at the back in the way a Prussian 34 BOYHOOD officer should wear it,'' was the peremp- tory command. Now this was a sad blow for poor Fritz. He was very fond of his flaxen locks, and had no desire to part with them. There can be no doubt but many rebellious thoughts passed through the royal youth's mind, when he took his place in the chair, and clip, clip, clip went those dreadful scissors! Over by the window sat his Majesty. The barber was seemingly so busy with his hair-cutting that Frederick William did not think it necessary to watch the operation, so read his newspaper. Seeing the King was absorbed in his reading, the sjmipathetic hair-cutter de- termined to save the Crown Prince's hair, — or at least, as much as he could. 35 FREDERICK THE GREAT From the way those big scissors snapped, making such a noise, one might suppose the unfortunate Prince was to be left quite bald. But it was mostly a make-beKeve, and the barber reaUy took off very little hair. By soaping and brushing it well down in front, and arranging as the King de- sired at the back, it appeared to be all right. And so his Majesty thought when he inspected the finished work. King Frederick was outwitted, surely, but the barber took very grave chances, to befriend his prince. It is possible that the King would have ordered the barber's head struck off had he discov- ered the deception. Making a Soldier of Him. CHAPTER V MARIA THERESA ipv TIRING these troublous early days -*-^ of our Fritz's life, there was grow- ing up in Austria a beautiful and proud- spirited little princess, a few years younger than Prussia's Crown Prince, and much happier, let us hope. Prince and princess went their several ways, all unconscious of the destiny which would link their names together so that a history of the one could not be written without reference to the other. Princess Maria Theresa, the eldest daughter of Charles YT., King of Aus- 37 FREDERICK THE GREAT tria, Hungary, and Bohemia, and also Emperor of G-ermany, was descended from a long line of kings. And these Hapsburgs— for that was their family name— had besides governed the German Empire for very nearly three hmidred years. Now it happened that one of these powerful Hapsburg Emperors, Ferdi- nand n., had taken advantage of trouble which had befallen a prince of the House of Hohenzollern and seized the town of Jagernsdorf and one or two smaller towns, and kept them from the Hohen- zollern heirs. These towns are in the Province of Silesia. Each succeeding Emperor kept firm hold of them, and no matter how much the HohenzoUems urged to have 38 MARIA THERESA their own restored to them, would not give their prize back. Little did any one think that a boy whom his royal father abused and mor- tified daily would one day rise up and cry, '' Stand and deliver. '* Time brings many changes. A Haps- burg still sits on the throne of Austria, but a HohenzoUern is the German Em- peror. A shadow lay over the royal family of Austria. There was no son to succeed the 'King. King Charles concluded to make a new law for his House, which would permit a daughter to inherit all rights of the kingdom, when there was no male heir. A very formal document, having a very serious-sounding name,— Pragmatic 39 FREDERICK THE GREAT Sanction it was called,— was drawn up and sent to the different rulers of Eu- rope with the request that each would agree to the new arrangement, and rec- ognize the beautiful Maria Theresa as her father's successor. Those who had no special interest at stake were willing to let the new law stand, while others, seeing a chance for themselves if Maria Theresa's claim was disputed, yielded very reluctantly to their Emperor's wishes. It did not matter one way or the other to Elng Frederick William, so he readily assented. Ah, beautiful princess, you had the stout heart of a man, but had you heen a man, what bloodshed and misery might have been spared! 40 CHAPTER VI YOUTH THE days, weeks, and months were rapidly passing, and still the mar- riage between the cousins was not def- initely settled upon. Queen Sophia Dorothea worried and shed many tears over the matter, and Fritz was quite unhappy, also, with the uncertainty. He had been told such pleasing stories of the beauty and gentle manners of the Princess Amelia, that, although but six- teen, he felt he was quite in love with this cousin whom he had never seen. George II., who succeeded his father 41 FREDERICK THE GREAT as King of England, was never in any huny to sign the marriage contract, and so settle the vexed question. The English monarch's indifference angered Frederick TTilliam, and to the dismay of his family lie thi'eatened to withdraw his consent. Poor Queen, between husband and brother, she had a soriw time of it. All would seem to be going well and then an imlucky remai'k from Fritz would send Frederick TTilliam off in a rage, loudly declaring that all negotiations for the marriage must be broken off. ^^ Xo. madam, no I This marriage shall not be.-' This answer to the pleadings of the Queen would send her weeping bitterly to her apartment. 42 YOUTH Finally, after many stormy scenes, Frederick William decided that his daughter, Wilhelmina, might wed her cousin. Prince Fred, if she desired, but —Fritz and Amelia? ^^ Never, never! '' This concession comforted Sophia Dorothea somewhat. She so longed to see her daughter Queen of England some day. But poor Fritz was thrown into the deepest melancholy by this decision, and stoutly maintained that unless he were permitted to have Amelia for his bride he should never marry at all. Another, however, had something to say to this arrangement. And from King George over the water came in quite as emphatic tones the answer: *' It shall be a double marriage, or no marriage at all." 43 FREDERICK THE GREAT Bitter quarrels were now of almost daily occurrence between father and son, and frequently the entire royal family was involved in them. No one could tell at what moment there might be an explosion of wrath which would scatter them all, trembling and quaking from fear, to seek safety in some hiding-place,— anywhere, so long as it was out of the reach of one whom they had reason to fear. The King had ceased to resort to angry words alone, his stout walking- stick often came down upon the unlucky offender's head and shoulders with great violence. Frederick William's uncontrolled tem- per became almost madness the older he grew. 44 YOUTH Brave-hearted Wilhelmina continually incurred the King's displeasure through her loyalty to her beloved Fritz. There were other brothers and sisters now, but they never kept Wilhelmina from hold- ing chief place in the Crown Prince's heart. ^ You will be greatly shocked, my dear young friends, when I tell you that it was not unusual for Frederick William to pick up a plate, when at table, and hurl it at his eldest son and heir's head, if that young gentleman did aught to offend. I do not think his Majesty's aim could have been very good, for Fritz seems always to have been able to dodge the flying crockery, and save for the lit- tle excitement, no damage, except to the plate, was ever done. 45 FREDERICK THE GREAT And after a time the King would not permit either son or daughter to remain in the same room with him. In order to talk with each other so that their conversation might not be understood, Fritz and Wilhelmina ar- ranged a secret language, using nick- names for the members of their family. *^ Stumpy '' was the name they gave to their father, not very respectful, cer- tainly, but well fitted to his appearance, as Frederick William was short and stout. 46 CHAPTER Vn STOLEN PLEASURES rpiHE Crown Prince's military duties -■- now kept him at Potsdam much of the time. Still longing to play the flute as well as his old drill-master, Fritz consulted his mother about the possi- bility of securing a teacher, and taking a few secret lessons. It was a danger- ous proposition, but Sophia Dorothea was ready to gratify the Crown Prince if possible. The teacher was secured and arrangements made for the lessons. What unspeakable happiness for Fritz! Up to a room, far removed from iany his Majesty was in the habit of en- 47 FREDERICK THE GREAT tering, Fritz and Ms teacher would go, and, with the door closed tight, the young Prince would give himself up to the full enjoyment of the music. But he did not trust to the closed door alone, for Frederick William had a most uncomfortable way of finding out things. Among Fritz's friends was a certain young Lieutenant von Katte,— remem- ber that name, for you will hear more of him by and by. This young friend acted as a sentinel during the secret music les- sons, by standing outside the closed door, ready to give the alarm should the dreaded King by any mischance happen to come that way. Think of Fritz, with his tight-fitting, plain military coat thrown aside, and wearing in its place a loose flowing 48 STOLEN PLEASURES dressing-gown,— and a red one it was, too— bright red, and beautifully adorned with gold braid and tassels. This very gorgeous garment was confined about the waist by a broad silk sash. That was not all. The pretty light hair the barber saved could now be combed out and al- lowed to flow free in the way Fritz liked so well, and his father detested. Thus attired, Fritz was ready to enjoy his stolen sweets. One fine day, teacher and pupil were having an unusually happy hour, the sweet strains of music soothing and charming the Prince and driving his troubles from his mind. All unconscious that danger threatened, on they played, —when suddenly the door was thrown wide open! Lieutenant von Katte rushed 49 FREDERICK THE GREAT into the room, pale and trembling, cry- ing, " The King! The King! " Instantly all was in confusion. Katte seized the terrified teacher by the arm, and, catching up the music-books and the flutes, crowded them all into a small closet used for fire-wood, and closed the door tight. Our poor unlucky Fritz in the mean- time was making frantic efforts to get out of his splendid red gown and into his Prussian uniform again. The change was made in time,— but, the hair! It was impossible to get it tied back be- fore his Majesty made his appearance! Fritz's flowing locks betrayed him. The sharp monarch suspected that something had been going on in this out-of-the-way room, that he knew nothing about. 50 The Dressixg-Gown. STOLEN PLEASURES So, he began to look around. He peeped here, and he poked there. ** Ha! What is that lying in a heap on the floor behind the screen? A dressing-gown! A red one! " Furious with rage the King gathered up the gorgeous robe and crushed it all down into the fire! Gold braid, fine sash and tassels, were soon going up chimney in flame and smoke, while Frederick William contin- ued his search for more secrets. Next, the infuriated King discovered the books he hated—'* trifling French books; " out they must all go, too, but not into the fire,— there were too many, perhaps, to burn. The books were sent to a dealer, with the instructions, ** Sell every one of them." 51 FREDERICK THE GREAT Here again Fritz found a friend. The bookseller did not part with a single toI- nme, but kept them and managed to let his young royal friend have a few at a time, whenever he could find the oppor- tunity to read them. I am soiTy I caimot tell you something pleasant about the early days of Prus- sia's hero. They were sad days, days full of sor- row and trouble to the royal youth grow- ing up to manhood. And darker, more tragic times were fast coming. King Frederick TTilliam was ever be- coming more cruel and exacting, even going so far as to suggest that Fritz resign his right to the crown in favor of his brother. August William, ten years younger than himself. Though 52 STOLEN PLEASURES grown sad and melancholy from his suf- ferings, he would not yield his birthright to another. To fly, far, far away from his father's tyranny was the Crown Prince's only hope. But how could he accomplish it? Mother and sister were aware of his secret longings to escape, and trembled at the thought. All knew the danger in an attempt at flight, for the Crown Prince was almost as much a prisoner as though under lock and key. It was now near the close of the year 1729, and Fritz, as you see, was just en- tering his eighteenth year. He continued to bear with patience and dignity the public abuse and mortification which the King heaped upon him. And can you 53 FREDERICK THE GREAT believe it, even that irritated Frederick William! '' Had I been treated so by mv father, I would have blown my brains out/^ he declared one day. It really seems as though he were try- ing to force that dreadful extremity upon the Crown Prince, and so leave the way free for his second son, August William. 64 CHAPTER Vin A DESPERATE GAME EARLY in the morning of the 15th of July, 1730, King Frederick WUl- iam, accompanied by the Crown Prince and several officials of his Court and officers of the army, set off from Pots- dam to make an extended tour through the country. Here, thought the unhappy prince, was his opportunity. Surely, somewhere on this long journey, he might find the way to escape. Their route would oftentimes bring them close to the frontier, and, with a 55 FREDERICK THE GREAT properly arranged disguise, why should he not be free at last? Before leaving on this memorable journey, the Crown Prince held frequent secret consultations with his friend Lieu- tenant von Katte. Together they laid their plans. Katte was eager to serve his royal friend, and so also was another young officer. Lieu- tenant Keith. All knew they were playing a des- perate game. The King had lately transferred Lieu- tenant Keith to the military station at TTesel, on the western frontier, therefore he could not render any assistance, but would join the Prince in his flight, as soon as he knew the start had been made. 56 A DESPERATE GAME Into Lieutenant von Katte's keeping the Crown Prince gave his money. Poor prince, it was not much, for though heir to a kingdom, he was kept on a very- small allowance. In order to increase the amount of funds, Prussia's crown prince was obliged to borrow, and even to pick the jewels from certain decora- tions and sell them. Then he also confided to Katte's care a chest containing his private papers and letters, and also a great travelling cloak. All of these things Katte was to bring with him when he received the word, '' Come." Whether Frederick William suspected anything, I cannot say, but I do know that he called three of his most trusted old army officers to him,— they were 67 FREDERICK THE GREAT General Buddenbrock, Colonel Waldau^ and a Lieutenant-Colonel Bocliow, and issued emphatie orders that, on the com- ing journey, they were never to lose sight of their prince for a moment. Now, that certainly looks as though his Majesty was a Uttle suspicious that something was going to happen, does it not? To make his way to England, and there put himself under the protection of his uncle, King George, and in time marry his pretty cousin. Princess Ame- lia, was the Crown Prince's plan, Alas for Fritz's fine scheme I How would it be possible for him to escape, with those six sharp, watchful eyes ever upon him? The three grim-visaged veterans rode 58 A DESPERATE GAME in the same coach with him, walked with him, and were his companions in sleep at night. Surely, the outlook was most discour- aging. England and Amelia seemed very, very far away. Town after town was visited and the days slipping by, and still no chance to elude the everlasting vigilance of his guards. At last, wearied with waiting and al- most discouraged from repeated disap- pointments, Fritz determined to make a bold plunge for freedom from the next stopping-place, come what would. That was to be at a town called Sinz- heim. In some way Fritz had secured a sec- ond large travelling cloak,— he was con- 59 FEEDEFJCK THE GREAT vinced that he would have to get along without Katte and the cloak he had ready, and so proeured another which he kept concealed,— or thought he did. But out of six eves, tivo are likely to see some- thing. Horses, however, were necessary. And good strong ones they must be, capable of travelling many miles without rest. How Tvas he to get them? There was a young page in the King's service named Keith,— a brother of Fritz's friend, the Lieutenant,— and to this boy the Crown Prince was forced to tell his precious secret, and to ask his aid in procuring the necessary horses and a coach. The royal page agreed to have both ready when necessary. Sinzheim was 60 A DESPERATE GAME the place then. ^' Have them at Sinz- heim to-night.'' Surely, misfortune followed this un- happy young prince. It was discovered that there were no accommodations at Sinzheim for the dis- tinguished travellers, so the King or- dered a halt to be made for the night at Steinfurth instead, a small village nearer than the town. Though greatly troubled at the change, Fritz would not abandon his plan to fly that night. ^' The horses must be at Steinfurth, not Sinzheim." Although in terror at what he had un- dertaken for his prince, Keith, the page, promised that he would be there. The royal party did not go to well- furnished rooms in a fine hotel that night 61 FREDERICK THE GREAT to sleep, at Steinfurth; instead, two large clean bams sheltered them. It was not unusual for King Frederick William to spend the night in a bam when travel- ling about the country. The Crown Prince and his ever watch- ful attendants had accommodations at one bam, while the King and his party sought rest in another, near by. The night was clear and still, not a sound was there to disturb the slumbers of the weary travellers as they lay out- stretched upon the bam floor. There was one in the little party whose eyes might be closed, but who was far, far from sleeping. What thoughts must have crowded the young prince's mind, as, pretending sleep, he awaited the appointed hour 62 A DESPERATE GAME when lie would stake all. Would lie win or lose? Ajid the young page? Apparently wrapped in deepest slumber, who would guess that the lad's heart was thumping wildly with excitement and fear? *^ Would it were over, and we were safely on our way to England." * At about two o'clock in the morning, —Friday morning, the 4th of August, it was— the Crown Prince rose cautiously from his pallet of straw, and after assur- ing himself that his companions were sleeping soundly, he tucked his new travelling cloak under his arm and si- lently tiptoed across the bam floor to the door. Giving a last glance at the sleeping officers,— yes, they certainly were fast 63 FREDERICK THE GREAT asleep,— Fritz slipped the bolt, and stood alone, outside, with only the twinkling stars as watchers. Page Keith, true to his trust, was at the rendezvous. " Quick! the horses! '' Keith hurried to bring the horses and attach them to the waiting coach. All was going well. A few moments more and they would be galloping toward liberty and happiness. Ah, Fritz! can it be that as you passed out into the night, you were so overjoyed with your hopes as not to notice a dark figure glide swiftly by, and, opening the door you had so carefully closed, disap- pear into the barn*? Up to the sleeping Rochow the figure crept, and rousing him, whispered softly, 64 A DESPERATE GAME " The Prince! he is outside!— has on his travelling cloak! " The old soldier was on his feet in an instant, and followed his guide out of the barn, without arousing the others. Yes, there was the Crown Prince lean- ing against the side of the coach waiting for Keith and the horses! The officer greeted Fritz pleasantly, and did not betray that he had any other object in being there than a desire to enjoy the early morning air. But, when the astonished and fright- ened page appeared, leading the horses, Eochow said sharply, and with a look the boy understood, " The King does not require the horses so early, you may take them back." It was all over. Fritz had lost. 65 FREDERICK THE GREAT It happened in this way. A note he sent to Lieutenant von Katte fell into the hands of another, bearing the same name, who, suspecting something was wrong, sent it to General Eochow. And the wary old general, fearing an attempt at escape might be made that night, posted a man outside to watch. Now, Eochow was not imfriendly to the Crown Prince, and would. I believe, have rejoiced to know he was free, only, his own and his companion's safety would be endangered should their charge escape while imder their care. 66 CHAPTER IX THE PRINCE A PRISONER npHE King might never have learned -^ of the night's doings, but for page Keith's guilty conscience. Pale and trembling, the young page climbed into his seat at the back of his sovereign's coach, when the royal party left Steinfurth to continue their travels. All that day he was in an agony of fear, thinking the King would surely be told of the attempted flight of the Crown Prince and his own share in it. The poor boy pictured in his mind the awful punishment the angry monarch might in- 67 FREDERICK THE GREAT flict upon him. WIitI it was possible that his yoiing head would be the forfeit! By the time the royal party reached the fii^st stopping-place the tortured boy could endui^e the strain no longer. He resolved to confess all, and throw him- self on the King's mercy. Shrinking in abject fear, yoimg Keith fell at his Majesty's feet and faltered forth a full confession of all he knew. Had Frederick TTilliam been on Pras- sian soil when this secret was revealed to him he might have crushed the miser- able boy kneeling before him. "With a coromand that all knowing the secret should keep silence, the journey was continued. The anxious Crown Prince remained uncerfain whether his father knew of the intermpted flight. 68 THE PRINCE A PRISONER All doubt would have been removed could lie have heard the King sternly command the three guardians to be more vigilant in the future; and to hint that to return to Potsdam without their charge meant the loss of each of their heads! ^' Bring your prince home again living or dead! " Reaching Frankfurth,— a town on the river Mayn, — all was made clear to Fritz. His Majesty does know then? Yes, unhappy prince, you, with your three keepers, are to go on board one of the royal yachts anchored in the river, while his Majesty pays a visit to the town. The Crown Prince knew by this order that he was indeed a prisoner, and know- ing also what was the royal temper he 69 FREDERICK THE GREAT prepared for a violent scene when his father should join him on the yacht. And what a scene it was! All the pent-up rage in the King's heart burst forth as soon as he caught sight of his unhappy son. Springing with the ferocity of a mad- man, Frederick William seized Fritz by the shoulders, shaking and throwing him about in wild fury, as he shouted, ** rebel, deserter," and other harsh names. You are shocked, and so was Europe. In all countries the strange conduct of the King of Prussia was condemned. Fearing that the King would kill the Crown Prince, the officers having him in charge succeeded in getting him away from his father, and hurriedly trans- ferred him to another boat. 70 THE PRINCE A PRISONER The royal yacht sailed down the Mayn and out into the beautiful Rhine. What cared poor Fritz for the old his- toric towns and fortresses they glided by? His heart was sore and heavy. His own troubles were overshadowed by his great anxiety for his faithful friends. What would be their fate? They must be warned of their danger, but how? Stopping at Bonn, Fritz was permitted to go on shore closely guarded. Then he found the means of sending the few words, ^^ All is lost. Away! '' to Lieu- tenant Keith, who, acting promptly, was well on his way to England when the King's orders for his arrest reached Wesel. But Lieutenant Katte, poor fellow, was not so fortunate. 71 CHAPTER X DAEK DAYS rr^HE news of Fritz's disaster came to -^ the ears of the mother and sister in a pitifully tragic way. It was the night of the grand ball given by Queen Sophia Dorothea in honor of the King's birthday. A bril- liant assemblage filled the magnificent ball-room at the palace. All were in the gayest spirits. Wilhelmina, forgetting her troubles for this one night,, was the merriest in the room. Xever before had there been such a fine ball. The happy yoimg Princess— such a lover of dancing —scarcely rested for a moment. If 72 DARK DAYS forced to stop, her little feet kept time to the music, eager to be off again. Poor Sister Wilhelmina! So free and merry. How could she know of the deep shadow which was slowly creeping toward her? '^ Your Eoyal Highness, do, I pray you, stop," entreated one of the Queen's ladies. But no, Wilhelmina could not lose one dance. Smiling and shaking her head, she whirled past the anxious duchess. '^ Look, look, your Eoyal Highness, at the Queen." There in a far corner of the ball-room, surrounded by a little group of women, sat Sophia Dorothea listening with pale and haggard counte- nance to the whispered words of her companions. 73 FREDERICK THE GREAT The Princess hastened to the Queen's side, thinking at once that her Majesty's distress was caused by some bad news of her brother. Could he be dead? After hearing the story of Fritz's at- tempt at flight, the Queen and Wilhel- mina left the ball-room. All the joy of the evening fled, and in its place the deepest misery and despair. Lieutenant von Katte soon learned of the failure of their plans and realized the great danger he was in. To save himself he must fly! And without delay, —but there was that chest of letters! What should he do with it? He could not take the chest with him, and dared not leave it behind, knowing well that there were letters in it from the Queen and Wilhelmina which, if seen by the 74 DARK DAYS King, would bring both royal ladies in the gravest danger. So lie gave the chest and purse of money which Fritz had intrusted to him to Countess Finkenstein, a loyal friend to the Crown Prince, with instructions to convey the dangerous property safely to her Majesty. '^ The letters! Our letters! " groaned poor Sophia Dorothea in dismay when she beheld the chest. . ^^ Open the chest and hum them," cried the quick-witted Princess. '' The key! Hurry, the key! " But there was no key to be found which would fit that lock! To break open the chest would betray them. They knew the King would ask for it as soon as he returned. 75 FREDERICK THE GREAT I cannot tell you how it was done, but the chest was finally opened without a key, and the dangerous letters were quickly destroyed. But then, almost as great a problem confronted the distracted Queen and Princess. What would his Majesty say to find- ing an empty chest? Wilhelmina again came to the rescue. *' We will write more letters.'' Straightway mother and daughter be- gan the writing of new and harmless let- ters to take the places of those destroyed. Mght and day their pens flew over the paper, writing words which were safe, and carefully putting old dates at the tops of the pages. Finally their task was finished. The 76 DARK DAYS chest was once more filled and fastened, showing no trace of having been tam- pered with. Lieutenant von Katte, in the mean- time, did not make as much haste in get- ting away as was wise. He had ample time to be well on his way before the King's order for his arrest could reach Berlin. However, he delayed too long, and the order found him still there. All chance of escape after that was lost. 77 CHAPTER XI PRISON DAYS NOW let us see how the poor royal prisoner was faring on his journey homeward. The King was anxious to avoid pass- ing through foreign territory as much as possible,— perhaps he feared a rescue, but the niunber of independent princi- palities and states in Germany made that quite difficult. When they were safe on Prussian soil, his Majesty commanded that the Crown Prince should be brought before him. In answer to the King's demand for a ^' full confession," Fritz replied there 78 PRISON DAYS was nothing more to add to what the King already knew. That unwilling to endure further cruelty, he had deter- mined on flight. This statement Frederick William re- fused to believe. He insisted that there had been some dark plot behind this run- away scheme, which the Crown Prince was unwilling to reveal. '* Perhaps it was to poison me, and seize the throne! '' To the King's excited and distorted imagination, anything was possible. Again he summoned Fritz, determined to wring a confession from him. When, however, questions and threats brought no more than the simple tale of flight for his own safety, Frederick Wiliam be- came so enraged that he sprang upon 79 FREDERICK THE GREAT his helpless son with drawn sword, and would then and there have run him through, had not old General Mosel dashed between them. " Sire, cut me to death! But spare your son.'' The shocked cry of the officer calmed the maddened monarch. Replacing his sword in its scabbard, he stamped out of the room. Father and son did not meet again in one whole year. Orders were then given that the Crown Prince should be kept in close confinement in the fortress at Ciistrin, a town about sixty miles from Berlin. Had Fritz really been guilty of the crime the King chose to believe, he could not have been treated with greater se- verity. Stripped of his uniform, and 80 PRISON DAYS given a coarse brown suit of clothes to wear, he was locked in a strong prison room of the fortress, which was entirely devoid of furniture. There were only the dull, bare walls to look at. Not even a peep at the bright blue sky could he get in that miserable, gloomy prison room. Nor was he allowed to hear the soimd of a friend's voice. And so fearful was Frederick William that his suffering son might end his mis- erable life if given the opportunity, the prison authorities were commanded to cut up all food for the Crown Prince before giving it to him. Poor lonely Fritz! His beloved flute and even books denied him, he had only his sad thoughts for company. What was to be his own fate, or what 81 FREDERICK THE GREAT cruel pimishment the King would inflict upon his faithful friends, Fritz had no way of knowing. As you may well imagine, the Queen and royal family looked forward to the return of the King with the greatest dread and anxiety. I am tempted to omit that home-com- ing from my story, it was so tragic. But then, Crown Prince Frederick's entire life was a tragedy. On arriving at the palace the King scarcely waited until he reached the Queen's side before he shouted out harsh and cruel words about her son, which in her anguish Sophia Dorothea understood to mean that Fritz was dead. *^ God, my son, my son! " she moaned. 82 PRISON DAYS Poor grief-stricken Wilhelmina fell fainting into the arms of a lady-in-wait- ing. Frederick William called for the sealed chest,— here in this chest would be the proof of the hideous plot, he thought. With the chest in his own hands, he walked heavily out of the room. We know how it was that the letters he read so eagerly were in fact very harmless epistles. Failing to find the evidence he was looking for, Frederick William returned to his family. As soon as he saw his daughter Wilhelmina, rage and fury took possession of him. Rushing at the poor girl like a mad man, all the while shouting in a loud voice, the King seized 83 FREDERICK THE GREAT her with one hand and struck blow after blow upon her young head and shoulders with the other. Relaxing his hold for a second, the princess reeled, fainting, and but for the quick action of a lady-in-waiting, who caught her as she fell. Princess Wilhel- mina would have been seriously injured by striking her head against the sharp casement. During this tragic scene the Queen, Sophia Dorothea, half-crazed from grief and terror, rushed wildly back and forth wringing her hands and uttering piercing shrieks. The two youngest children in the royal family— a tiny prince of four and a little princess six years of age— courageously dropped on their knees before the frown- 84 PRISON DAYS ing King, their father, crying, *' Oh, your Majesty, don't kill Wilhelmina; please, please spare our dear sister! '' As the Princess Wilhelmina, herself, has given us the account of this disgrace- ful scene in her diary, we know it is all too true, incredible as it seems that a king could so far forget himself. Such a tumult could not fail to attract attention from outside. Soon little groups of men and women gathered be- fore the palace and stood listening to the unseemly uproar within. And it became necessary to call out the Guards to disperse them. It was not until after the King's fury had calmed somewhat, that he informed his family that Fritz was not dead, but a prisoner, 85 FREDERICK THE GREAT Frederick William's next act of ven- geance was to order poor, innocent Wil- helmina to imprisonment also. He commanded that she be kept closely confined in her own apartment in the Berlin palace, seeing no one, save one attendant, Madam de Sonsfeld. Simply for her loyal devotion to her imfortmiate brother. Princess Wilhel- mina spent one entire year in almost solitary confinement, while armed senti- nels paced up and down before the doors of her apartment day and night, as though the pretty princess were a dan- gerous criminal. This turn in the affairs of the unhappy Crown Prince put an end to all thought of a marriage with the English cousin. The excited King was sure that King 86 PRISON DAYS George and Ms family had a hand in the *^ plot/' as he continued to call it, and therefore would hear no more of mar- riage there. Frederick William even went so far as to threaten his son with the cruel rack if he did not *^ confess.'' 87 CHAPTER Xn A FAITHFUL FRIEND TjIREDERICK WILLIAM then sent -■- for Lieutenant von Katte. The young officer prostrated himself at his sovereign's feet, protesting his inno- cence of any crime greater than a desire to assist his Prince to escape. The King turned as deaf an ear to Katte 's expla- nation of the unhappy affair as to the Crown Prince's account. The unfortu- nate young lieutenant was led away to prison, there to await his royal master's will. It was finally decided that, as the Crown Prince and Katte were officers in 88 A FAITHFUL FRIEND his Majesty's service, they should be tried by court martial for desertion from the Prussian army. Every one known to have befriended the unlucky Crown Prince was punished. Some were banished, others were thrown into prison. And then, in an effort to keep the whole affair from being talked about, Frederick William annoimced that he would have the tongues of all who gos- siped cut out! As well bid the wind not to blow. In spite of this fierce threat, murmurs of disapproval were heard throughout the Kingdom. And in all foreign countries the unnatural conduct of Prussia's King was loudly condemned. Sovereigns of the different nations instructed their 89 FREDERICK THE GREAT ministers to remonstrate with Mm, but all to no purpose. The Crown Prince's sufferings ap- pealed to all, and many were the devices to make his lot a little easier. I must tell you how a government of- ficial named Munchow succeeded in bringing little gleams of sunshine to the poor, solitary prisoner, deprived of all enjoyment. In the floor of the room above the one in which Fritz was confined, Munchow bored a small hole, and whenever it was safe to do so, this kind friend would kneel down on the floor and whisper a few words of cheer and encouragement through the little hole to Fritz, listening so eagerly below. Munchow next set himself to finding a way to smuggle a 90 A FAITHFUL FRIEND book or two to the lonely Crown Prince. He could not, of course, drop a book through such a small hole, and so must think of some other way. He thought and thought, and after a while a very odd plan came to his mind. Munchow had a little son about seven years of age, who, of course, like all boys of seven, wore jackets and trousers. Suddenly, however, to the bewilderment of all the neighbors in Ciistrin, the little fellow appeared on the street wearing skirts again! What a strange fancy for a boy to resume girPs dresses after hav- ing laid them aside! Then next the child coaxed to be al- lowed to see the imprisoned Prince. To be sure, the King's orders were that no visitors should be admitted to the Crown 91 FREDERICK THE GREAT Prince's room, but what harm could come by allowing this small son of the Governor's to see him once in a while? None whatever, agreed the command- ant. Again and again the door was un- locked to admit Mimchow's bright little boy— wearing girl's clothes. How Frederick William would have fumed and raged could he have seen the row of deep pockets which were fastened on the inside of the lad's pretty skirts! He would very readily have guessed that books, letters and many other little com- forts had found their way to the royal prisoner through the means of those cleverly arranged pockets. The 25th day of October was the day set for the trial of the lieutenant. After 92 A FAITHFUL FRIEND deliberating for six days, the court ren- dered this decision, that, as the young officer did not actually desert, two years' imprisonfaent in a fortress would be suf- ficient punishment for him. Such a mild sentence as that did not satisfy Frederick William by any means. He put aside the decision of the judges and wrote a new sentence,— death! In vain did the unfortunate lieuten- ant's relatives and friends plead for mercy. Tears and prayers failed to melt this heart of stone. Early in the morning of the 6th of November,— only six short days since the trial ended,— poor Katte was taken to Ciistrin, where, by order of the King, his execution was to take place. Bravely, as became a soldier, he met his 93 FREDERICK THE GREAT cruel fate and uttered not a word of complaint. The authorities at the Fortress of Ciis- trin had received orders from Frederick (William to transfer the Crown Prince to a room on a lower floor, having windows in it. The King was not relenting. Oh, no! he was planning additional punish- ment and this change was made simply that his son might look upon his friend, as he went to his doom. Only a mind inflamed by passion, im- moderate smoking, and stimulants, as was Frederick William's, could have planned such cruelty. The Crown Prince was left in igno- rance of his friend's fate, until he saw him from the window conducted to the gallows. Then in anguish, he cried: ** In 94 A FAITHFUL FRIEND the name of God, I ask you stop the exe- cution till I write to the Elingl " A vain cry. The plan for his punishment had succeeded. '' Pardon me, dear Katte," he called, his voice choked with sobs. ^' Death is sweet for a prince I love so well,'^ replied the brave, loyal young officer, even smiling pleasantly as he looked up into his royal friend's ago- nized face. As the mournful little procession passed out of sight, Fritz fainted. Later when it became known that the Crown Prince of Prussia had also been condemned to suffer death,— for such was the result of his trial,— there arose such a storm of protest at home and abroad,— kings, and even the Emperor 95 FREDERICK THE GREAT calling upon King Frederick William to spare Ms son's life,— that for once the t}T:annical monarch was forced to yield. Crown Prince Frederick's life was saved, on this condition, that he should take solemn oath to obey the King, here- after, in every particular, and never, never attempt to run away again. I think any one in Fritz's position would have accepted the terms offered, to save his life. Don't you? Frederick William would not permit him to return to Berlin, nor to rejoin his regiment at Potsdam. He was allowed to wear his sword, but not his uniform. In this same town of Ciistrin, where he had suffered the cruel imprisonment, a house was arranged and certain at- tendants provided, and there it was the 96 A FAITHFUL FRIEND King's will that Fritz should live until he had given proof of his repentance. This was the Crown Prince's home for fifteen months. He studied much during that time, learning many things which were of great value to him in after years. That morning at Steinfurth was, as we now know, the turning-point in Crown Prince Frederick's life. Had he suc- ceeded in escaping to England, I am sure I should not have this story of the life of Frederick the Great to tell you. 97 CHAPTER Xm WILHELMINA T)OOIl Wilheliniiia endured twelve -^ long, weary months of imprison- ment in lier apartment, seeing no one day after day, and week after week, but her one companion. Madam de Sonsfeld. And when we are told that the food given her was of the poorest kind,— and indeed a very small amount at that,— we know that she must have had a very unhappy time of it. A trifling incident happened one cold, dreary day in February, which gave the princess and Madam de Sonsfeld some- thing new to talk about. 98 WILHELMINA They were seated at the table eating their meagre dinner, and feeling, oh, so very melancholy, when, Wilhelmina tells us, '^ ,We heard a sharp tapping at the window, and started up in surprise to see what it could be. It was a raven, carrying in its mouth a bit of bread, which it left on the window-sill and flew away/' Then she adds, '^ Tears came into our eyes at this adventure. Surely this visit of the raven means good luck for us." You will be glad to know, I am sure, that it did have a pleasant se- quel. The story became known, and some persons were so impressed by it that they brought little dainties in bas- kets and left them where they could be found by the friendly maids, who smug- gled them into the princess's apartment. 99 FREDERICK THE GREAT The good-natured guards very kindly turned away their heads so that they should not see anything wrong. On the 11th of May, 1731, emissaries from King Frederick William came to the princess to say that his Majesty would release her, if she would consent to marry the Prince of Baireuth. Poor Wilhelmina was in a great flutter of ex- citement during the interview with her father's messengers. The Queen, know- ing the King's plan to marry Wilhel- mina off, had written to her daughter, begging, imploring, and then command- ing her not to accept her liberty on those terms. You see, Sophia Dorothea would not give up her cherished hopes of a marriage between Prince Frederick of England and Wilhelmina. 100 WILHELMINA Wliat was the perplexed princess to do? She could not please both parents, that was certain. When told that a re- fusal would mean further suffering for Fritz, and perhaps lifelong imprison- ment for herself, she yielded, and sent word to the King that she would marry the one whom he selected for her. I am sure we need not wonder that she did so. In the following month of June, Sun- day, the 3d, Wilhelmina and Prince Frederick of Baireuth were formerly be- trothed. It is pleasant to know that Wilhelmina was pleased with her fa- ther's choice. Prince Frederick was young, intelligent and altogether quite agreeable to her. You will, I am sure, want to hear a word or two about the wedding of Prin- 101 FREDERICK THE GREAT cess Wilhelinina, which took place on Tuesday, November 20th, 1731. I am glad to have something bright and cheerful to tell you, after such a tale of shadows and tears. The marriage marked the close of the long, dark night which had hung heavy over the royal household, and ushered in the dawn of peace. Never again were there any more of those painful scenes between father and son. The third floor of the palace of Berlin, called '' Grand Apartment," was as superbly beautiful as Prussia's first king could make it. The ceilings of the magnificent rooms,— there were twenty- four in all, I believe,— were covered with exquisite frescoes, and between the win- dows, mirrors twelve feet high were set 102 WILHELMINA in the walls. Of special interest to us are the massive frames of solid silver placed around all these mirrors by Fred- erick William after he became King. And he also added to the splendor of several of the finest rooms, by hanging from the ceilings enormous chandeliers, also made of the same precious metal. Even the balustrade surrounding the balcony where the musicians played on very grand occasions was of real silver. This seems like a great deal of luxury for such a plain, thrifty king to indulge in. It was, however, a luxury which could be turned to good account in time of great need, for the beautiful chan- deliers and frames could be melted and coined into money if necessary. There came a day when Fritz had rea- 103 FREDERICK THE GREAT son to be very thankful for these practi- cal adornments his father had added to the " Grand Apartment." The high duchesses, the princesses, and noble dames of all degree, resplen- dent in silks and satins and glittering with jewels, made with the courtiers in gay attire a brilliant procession as they passed through these rooms to the grand salon, where the marriage would take place. Princess Wilhelmina made a very charming bride. Her wedding gown was of the finest cloth of silver, elaborately trimmed with Spanish gold lace. The train to this gown was twelve yards long, and of course it was held up by little pages as she walked. Then upon her young head she wore a royal crown. 104 WILHELMINA You are thinking of Fritz, I know, and expecting me to say that he was here at his favorite sister's wedding. But it was not so. King Frederick Will- iam would not consent to his coming to Berlin just yet. Balls and festivities followed this royal wedding, but only the great ball, which took place the third night after, has any interest for us. It was in the *^ Grand Apartment,'' seven hundred couples, all persons of distinction, danced that night. And the bride,— you have not forgotten how fond she was of dancing,— was on the floor constantly. Had the princess not been so busy whirling and twirling in the dance, she might have noticed a stranger when he entered the room. Indeed, he was one to 105 FREDERICK THE GREAT attract attention, as he was dressed in a plain, gray suit of clothes, not at all suit- able for a ball-room. But Wilhelmina never looked that way until she was stopped in the middle of a minuet and her attention called to him. Even then, she did not recognize her brother. Crown Prince Frederick. He was so changed she had to be told that it was Fritz. Then in an ecstasy of joy, Wilhelmina flew across the room with her arms ex- tended to embrace her beloved brother. She wept, and then laughed, and wept again, scarcely knowing what she was doing. When she could control herself, she led the Crown Prince to the King, and falling upon her knees she begged her royal father to grant full forgiveness to Fritz. 106 WILHELMINA This scene was so touching, that tears came to the eyes of all who witnessed it, and King Frederick William was soft- ened by this appeal and gave the Crown Prince permission to appear before the Berlin public, at the grand parade which took place the morning following the ball. How the young prince's heart must have thrilled at the enthusiastic welcome given him by the people ! Their prince was of greater interest to the crowd who flocked to see him than the fine military parade itself. Shortly after the opening of the new year, 1732, the wedding gayeties came to an end, and Wilhelmina and Prince Frederick, her husband, left Berlin for their new home at Baireuth. There was now no prospect of Prin- 107 FREDERICK THE GREAT cess Wilhelmina ever becoming a queen. She cared little for that, however; in- deed, she looked forward with pleasure to the simple quiet life at Baireuth, after the tempestuous one at Berlin. The King gave further evidence of his forgiveness by returning Frederick to the army. He was not given his old command at Potsdam, but a regiment of infantry stationed at Euppin. Now this was certainly a very wise arrangement, as this garrison town of Ruppin was forty miles northwest of Berlin. So father and son need not meet very often. The Crown Prince devoted himself diligently to his military duties and gave entire satisfaction to the King. 108 CHAPTER XIV MANHOOD nnHE next important event in our -■- heroes life was his marriage. Fritz had long ago given up all hope of ever marrying his cousin, Princess Amelia. A few years back, you remember, he stoutly maintained that unless Amelia could be his bride, he should remain single all his days. He had not become weak and spiritless, through enforced obedience to the King's will, far from it. But our Fritz had learned the hard lesson that if there can be found no pos- sible way to get over a stone wall, it is 109 FREDERIOK THE GREAT folly to bruise oneself trying to butt a way through. This marriage which the Eling had de- cided upon was a pretty big wall for Fritz. In the first place he was so young and wanted to wait for a few years, but the chief objection was, that the bride selected for him,— of all the princesses of Grermany,— was the one he least desired to marry. Princess Elizabeth Christina, a daugh- ter of the Duke of Brunswick, and also niece of the Empress of Germany,— beautiful Maria Theresa's mother,— was Frederick William's choice. The marriage negotiations between the Eang and the Duke were all settled before the two most interested had even seen each other. 110 Crowx Pkixce Frederick. Pkixce August Wileiam. Pri>'ce August Ferdixand. Prince Henry, Crowx Prixce Frederick with his Brothers. {From 2ici'mting by F. C. Rusca.) MANHOOD There was a formal betrothal at the Palace of Berlin, on the 10th day of March, 1732. Crown Prince Frederick was agreeably surprised to find that the princess was very pretty. Rumor had pictured her to him as exceedingly plain and awkward. It must have been a trying ordeal for a girl just past her seventeenth birth- day, to find herself the object of critical attention from a host of notable persons, invited to the royal palace for the be- trothal ceremonies. I fear that the young Crown Prince was not very gallant during the days of his engagement. Elizabeth Christina could not fail to understand that she was an unwelcome bride. Her position was a trying one, and I am sorry to add that 111 FREDERICK THE GREAT she never succeeded in winning her royal husband's love. After the first few years of their wedded life they lived apart, only meet- ing on ceremonious occasions. As Crown Prince, and later as King, Frederick never failed in courtesy or deepest re- spect, but he made no pretense of a love he did not feel for the wife whom he had never chosen. It was on the 12th of Jime, 1733, that this young Brunswick princess became Princess Royal of Prussia. In every town and village through which they passed on their journey from Brunswick to Berlin, the future King and Queen of Prussia were most enthusiastically re- ceived. I shall not take time to describe the parades, illuminations, and other 112 MANHOOD festivities in their honor. But just a word must be added to tell of their recep- tion at Berlin. Sister Wilhelmina had come from Bai- reuth to welcome her dearly loved Fritz and his bride. She tells us there was scarcely any sleep at the palace the night before their arrival, so great was the bustle of prepa- ration for the important event. And in- deed, there was very little time for any breakfast the next morning, for before the break of dawn, eighty fine carriages carrying the royal family and their guests rolled toward Charlottenburg to meet the royal couple. The new Princess Royal made her en- trance into Berlin riding at the head of the King's troops. The city was gaily 113 FREDERICK THE GREAT decorated, flags and streamers fluttered from windows and housetops. Beautiful floral arches spanned the streets through which the long procession wound its way to the palace, greeted by the cheer- ing citizens who crowded every inch of space. King Frederick William provided a palace in Berlin for the Crown Prince and his Princess. And a fine mansion just a few miles outside of the city was given to the royal bride. Then, hearing that Frederick had taken a fancy to an old castle at Rheins- berg, near Ruppin, his Majesty very generously purchased it for his son. Frederick spent three years in improv- ing Rheinsberg, which became his favor- ite home. 114 MANHOOD Here he lived quietly for the next four years,— until an important event changed his whole life,— reading and studying histories of past wars, and military ex- ploits, and hearing accounts of famous battles from old generals who might visit him. And here we shall leave him, for a time, with his war books and maps. 115 CHAPTER XV KING TT is now the springtime of the year ^ 1740, just seven years since the mar- riage of Crown Prince Frederick; and the King, his father, lies dying at Pots- dam. When Frederick William felt that his end was drawing near, he removed to the Potsdam palace. There, near the Griants he took such pride in, and surrounded by his old generals, he spent his last days on earth. Frederick came often from Rheinsberg to see his father. There remained no trace of the old bitterness between them, 116 KING now. Indeed, the dying monarch said to his friends, who, with the Crown Prince, were gathered about his bedside, ** Am not I happy, to have such a son to leave behind? " On the 31st day of May, 1740, the stormy life of Eang Frederick William came to a close. Heralds, at Berlin, with loud trumpets' call, proclaimed Fred- erick n. King of Prussia. We have followed the Prince from his infancy. Now, it is the King, and soon it will be the soldier who shall interest us. You may, perhaps, think now that Frederick is free to follow his own de- sires, poetry and music, even red dress- ing gowns and curled hair, will concern him more than the affairs of his king- 117 FREDERICK THE GREAT dom. There were many about him at that time who expected this and found themselves mistaken. But our Frederick was every inch a king. TThile he intended to enjoy— to the fullest extent— all the pleasures he had been denied, vet the welfare of his country was always to be the first and chief consideration. Frederick had been King but two days when he ordered the public granaries opened and the grain sold to the people at a very low price that they might not suffer from a famine which threatened them. And then on the very next day he for- bade the horrible practice of extorting confessions by the use of the cruel rack, —you remember he was himself threat- 118 KING ened with the dreadful torture machine, at Ciistrin. At the same time he made this new and just law, that no one should be con- demned without a fair and full trial. Often it is through our own sufferings that we are able to sympathize with the sufferings of others. And, then, there was the army,— would the new King reduce that?— was the question many asked. It is true King Frederick did not have the same admiration for tall soldiers that his father had, but he soon proved that he was as eager to have a fine army, for he took measures to increase his fighting force. The famous Potsdam Grenadier Guards were disbanded, and instead of giants gathered from all possible sources, 119 FREDERICK THE GREAT four regiments of ordinary-sized men formed his guards. What a busy young king he was? He was here, he was there, he was every- where. He commenced the building of a new palace for his mother, ** Queen Mother,'' was the title he affectionately gave her, in place of the customary one of Queen Dowager. A very magnificent palace, ^* Under the Lindens,'' it was to be. Plans were formed for a splendid new opera house, and a fine French theatre, while balls, and concerts, and private theatricals were to amuse the young King and his guests at Eheinsberg. Oh, I could not tell you how many fine things were thought of in those early days of Frederick's kingship. 120 KING It was not to be all gayety, however. Frederick had not lost his desire to be a poet. He invited learned men from different coimtries to come to Prussia. I shall not tire you with their names, but one I must mention, as he came to be so closely associated with Frederick in later years. This was Voltaire, a cele- brated French writer, whom Frederick had long admired and corresponded with. The prospect was very bright for the young monarch. Happy days, such as he had never known, seemed in store for him. There was not a hint during these joy- ous preparations, that instead of listen- ing to sweet tones from violins and en- trancing voices in his new opera house, Frederick's ears would ring with the 121 FREDERICK THE GREAT deep boom, boom, boom of camnon, and the sharp crack, crack of thousands of muskets, with an accompaniment of tinmipets and diimis. Just one little piece of news changed his entii'e life. He was destined to be a great soldier after all. 122 CHAPTER XVI SILESIA fX^HE busy happy months passed -'- rapidly. October came, and with it Sister Wilhelmina, to visit her brother for the first time. A few days after her arrival at Rheinsberg a special mes- senger from Vienna made his appear- ance bearing an important dispatch for the King. Frederick was at the time in bed all muffled up in blankets, suffering from a severe attack of ague. No one knew just what to do about disturbing him. But, as even sick kings have to attend to business sometimes, it was decided 123 FREDERICK THE GREAT to cany the dispatch to the sick-room, and Frederick read that the Emperor, Charles ^T!.— Maria Theresa's father- was dead. This message from Vienna had a re- markable effect. Frederick rose at once, dressed, and, I believe, never again in all his life was known to have another chill. •. Now, I am sure you cannot guess what was in King Frederick's mind to make him so suddenly leave his bed and forget his sickness. I can tell you in one little word,— Silesia, It was on the 20th of October, 1740, that Charles Yl, died, quite suddenly,— five days before Frederick received the dispatch,— and a few hours after the 124 SILESIA people of Vienna were summoned by heralds to listen to the proclamation which made Maria Theresa, the eldest daughter of their late King, sovereign of Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia. Only five short months since Frederick had ascended the throne of the neighbor- ing Kingdom of Prussia, little thinking how soon war was to come. • To rush in and seize Silesia, and then demand from the young Queen, Maria Theresa, Jagerndorf and other cities in the province which he considered he was entitled to, was the daring scheme formed in the mind of the King which brought him out of bed so quickly and cured him of those terrible chills. Messengers were hurriedly sent to the chief of the army, General Schwerin, and 125 FREDERICK THE GREAT also to the King's head minister, Pode- wils, bidding them come at once to Rheinsberg. Not one word of what he was thinking to do did Frederick speak to the gay company he was entertaining. He did not even take Wilhehnina into his con- fidence, but laughed and jested, and made merry with his guests, as though Silesia and war were far from his thoughts. In two days' time the old general and minister arrived and were closeted with their King. We can easily imagine their astonish- ment when Frederick unfolded his plan to them, and the doubtful shaking of the two older heads, as the enthusiastic yoimg sovereign pointed out how easy it 126 SILESIA would be to step into Silesia, and take what belonged to him. If it ever was to be done, now was the time. Queen Maria Theresa had taken her place on the throne of Austria as her father's successor, and different coun- tries had promised— as you remember— to recognize her right to it, as well as to Hungary and Bohemia. Promises are not always kept, how- ever, even among nations, and Fred- erick's quick mind foresaw, that not- withstanding all pledges, Maria Theresa would have great difficulty in upholding her claim to the inheritance, and would need all her resources to keep her crown. Let us now, my young friends, look again at Silesia. See, how open the province was on the Prussian side. 127 FREDERICK THE GREAT And another point of weakness was, that Austria had been so busy for many- years past with wars on her hands, that needing all her soldiers, Silesia was not strongly garrisoned. Yes, it would be quite a simple matter for the King of Prussia to march his troops over the boundary, before the newly made Queen could send an army to oppose him. But, it is one thing to seize a town, and quite another matter to hold it, as the old general reminded his royal master. Frederick would not swerve from his purpose, however, and secretly and quickly prepared to carry out his design. Orders were sent to the different mili- tary commanders to have their regi- ments fully equipped for active service, 128 SILESIA also to summons all officers on leave to return to their posts. Then the proper persons were instructed to increase army supplies, and to see that all roads were thoroughly repaired. The King's commands were obeyed, of course, but no one, not even the highest official, except the general and minister he had consulted at Rheinsberg, knew what it all meant. Frederick did not want even a hint of his object to reach the ears of Maria Theresa and cause her to make preparations also. •* It was a bold undertaking. Prussia to throw down the gauntlet and chal- lenge Austria! And when the Prussian generals finally learned the secret they looked very grave, and doubted the wis- dom of such a course. The King had a 129 FREDERICK THE GREAT fine army, it was true,— but it was an army more accustomed to the parade ground than to the battlefield. On the other hand, Maria Theresa could number many battle-scarred heroes, veterans of many bitter campaigns among her troops. Such military activity must sooner or later attract attention. *^ What does it mean? '' was the ques- tion all asked. And the representatives from the dif- ferent countries tried very hard to dis- cover the purpose of the young King. Frederick knew well how to keep his own counsel, and not until he was ready to move did he announce his intentions. All Europe was astounded at the bold- ness of his plan. 130 SILESIA '* What! March on Silesia? " cried this one. *^ He must be mad/' declared another. *^ Horrible, outrageous!" all shouted. 131 ~ CHAPTER XVn THE SOLDIER- KIN' G Ijl AELY on the morning of December -■-^ IStli of that same year, 1740, the confident young King of Prussia entered the royal travelling coach, and with an escort of Life Guards and Hussars, set off from Berlin, at a rapid pace, southeast- ward, bound for Frankfurt, on the Oder, sixty miles away. There is now no further mystery, the curtain is drawn up and the first act of this war tragedy has fairly begim, while all the world waits breathless to see what shall come next. By keeping close to the river Oder, 132 THE SOLDIER' KING we can very easily follow the course Frederick and his Hussars are taking. Leaving Frankfurt the next morning, they pushed rapidly on along the line of the river for forty miles until they reached Crossen, where the King stopped. The Prussian troops had been gathering at Crossen for several days past, and Frederick made it his head- quarters for the time being. Now, he had but to step over the boundary to be in Silesia, and this he did on the second day after, December 16th. Pouring into the province from several different points,— old General Schwerin at the head of a division, while Frederick commanded the rest,— by nightfall nearly the entire Prussian army was quartered in Silesia. 133 FREDERICK THE GREAT There was a very indignant young Queen in Austria when she learned that foreign soldiery were actually swarming over her territory! And when Fred- erick's minister at Vienna made known to her that his royal master, the King of Prussia, stood ready to furnish both men and money to assist in defending her claim to the inheritance, if in return, she would relinquish all right and title to Silesia, Maria Theresa's eyes flashed angrily and she scornfully spumed the assistance that was proffered on such humiliating terms. And, oh, how sadly she needed money! Her father had not left her barrels full of it. " Give up Silesia? Xever," the haughty young Queen replied. ^^ In- 134 Maria Theresa. {From painting.) THE SOLDIER-KING stead, I will send that presumptuous King back to Prussia, a much wiser man than when he left.'* Lasgen was the name of the first Si- lesian village the invading force passed through. '' We come as friends, and mean no harm to any peaceable person," was part of the printed proclamation Frederick caused to be posted up where the people might read it. Of course, there was nothing for the small towns and villages to do, but sub- mit and make the best of it. But when Frederick approached the fortified towns, he found them making hasty preparations for defense, and showing a determined spirit to resist him to the last. 135 FREDERICK THE GREAT The three strongest were Glogau, Brieg, and Neisse. On to Glogau, the nearest of the three, marched Frederick and his army. The river will guide us again, in finding Glo- gau, as that town is also situated on the Oder, but further south than Crossen. Ologau was expecting the Prussians, and was in a ferment of excitement. It is not surprising, is it, when we recall what a short warning it had had of the unwelcome visit? General Wallis, the commandant, worked heroically to make the best de- fense possible. Having only a small military force, the inhabitants were pressed into service, digging trenches, and repairing and strengthening the ramparts, while valuable buildings stand- 136 THE SOLDIER- KING ing outside the walls of the town were, by the commandant's orders, burned. Mills, manufactories and even the tav- ern,— all had to go. Wallis would leave nothing which could harbor the enemy. When, however, he attempted to destroy the church, as well, the people protested against such an act. ^^ But, the King of Prussia will use it for a blockhouse," urged the command- ant. '* Only spare the church for a few hours,'' entreated a citizen, ^^ and I will go out and speak with the King about it." Frederick listened graciously while the man petitioned him to refrain from using the sacred edifice for military pur- poses. 137 FREDERICK THE GREAT a My friend," lie replied, ^^ you are the first who asks a favor of me on Si- lesian ground; it shall be done you.'' When Frederick reached Herrendorf, about five miles from Glogau, he found a defiant message from General Wallis warning him that the plucky command- ant intended '^ to resist the least hos- tility to the utmost." This was on the 22nd of December,— only three days before Christmas, you see,— but it is doubtful if any one gave much thought to dear old Santa Claus, knowing an invading force was only five miles away, and all their brave general could muster to defend them was a thou- sand men. It happened, however, that the weather those December days was not favorable 138 THE SOLDIER- KING for active hostilities. Rain had fallen unceasingly for nearly a week, and then sharp, cold weather set in, covering the country all around with a sheet of ice. And as his siege-cannon had not yet ar- rived, Frederick concluded to blockade Grlogau. If starvation would not force the garrison to surrender, then at a more convenient season he would compel it to yield. Leaving Prince Leopold in com- mand at Glogau, Frederick pushed rap- idly on to Breslau, still following the river. The second day of the new year of 1741 Breslau surrendered without fight- ing, and on the 6th of January, King Frederick was off again. It is unnecessary to tell you of all the minor fortresses which were forced to 139 FREDERICK THE GREAT surrender to the Prussian army on its march to Brieg. A few prisoners were sent to Berlin and Clistrin. Brieg proved stronger than Glogau, and as the conditions did not favor harsh measures to bring the town to terms, a strict blockade was also formed about Brieg. Frederick then turned his atten- tion to Neisse,— the strongest and most important fortress of any in Silesia, as it was the nearest to Austria. Now we leave the Oder, and must look southwestward from Brieg and we shall find Neisse situated on a river of the same name which flows into the Oder. You are doubtless thinking that King Frederick's conquest of Silesia was a very easy one, are you not? He thought so also, and was in high spirits. This is 140 THE SOLDIER-KING what he wrote in one of his letters to Berlin: " Thou shalt shortly see Silesia ranked in the list of our provinces/' And in another, '' I announce to thy Serenity, the conquest of Silesia." It was his, surely, but the hard prob- lem he would soon have to face was, how to keep it. So anxious was Frederick to get Neisse settled quickly that, notwith- standing ice and snow, G-eneral Schwe- rin— who was in command— was ordered to begin a siege at once, when it was found that Commandant Roth was deter- mined to hold out against the Prussians. A week's fierce bombardment, how- ever, failed to produce the white flag. To continue the fierce cannonade 141 FREDERICK THE GREAT meant destruction of the town, so Fred- erick withdrew the main body of the army, leaving a blockading force only, and waited for spring. The Prussian army then went into winter quarters, and King Frederick returned to Berlin. He had been away from his capital just seven weeks, and three weeks later he was back at his post again and very busy —strengthening fortresses, getting in ammunition for future use, and adding recruits to the army. It was work, work, work for everybody. When, lo! such a piece of news came to headquar- ters! '' An Austrian army coming with all speed to drive the Prussians out of Silesia! '' Poor Maria Theresa needed all her re- sources to protect her crown, so it was 142 THE SOLDIER- KING not thought possible she could spare any troops for Silesia, just yet,— but there they were on the way. And still uglier rumors reached the young King's ears, that a conspiracy was on foot among the nations, to stand by the young Queen in this matter, and after he, Frederick, was crushed,— to partition the Kingdom of Prussia among themselves! Frederick began to see dark days ahead. In his impetuous challenge to Maria Theresa he had not calculated on having all Europe arrayed against him. Yet his spirit was undaunted as he planned to meet the Austrian army. It was certain that he must get immediate possession of the blockaded fortresses. " Attack without delay," was the per- 143 FREDERICK THE GREAT emptory order Prince Leopold, ac Grlo- gau, received from the King. You must picture the steep ramparts— thirty feet high— surrounding Glogau, as covered with a glare of thick ice, for it was still wintry weather, in the month of March. Back of these icy ramparts were deep, wide ditches, also frozen and slippery, and then came the great stone wall. All of which must be passed before the town could be taken. . In obedience to the King's command. Prince Leopold called his generals to- gether and gave them instructions for an assault to be made ** this very night." The Prince divided his force into three separate divisions. One was to move up the river toward Glogau, the second, to come down the river, while the third di- 144 THE SOLDIER -KING vision should approach from the land side. Absolute silence— not even a whis- pered word while they were stealing upon the city wrapped in slumber. *^ On penalty of death not a shot to be fired until you are well in the town.'' The signal for the attack was to be the striking of the midnight hour by the big clock on the high steeple of Glogau. The inhabitants of Glogau had long been tucked snugly in their beds, little dreaming of all those silent soldiers stealthily drawing nearer and nearer, and then waiting for their own great town clock to ring out a certain signal. The echo of the first stroke of twelve had scarcely died away, and before the big hammer could swing back for the next count, the whispered command, 145 FREDERICK THE GREAT '* Forward," reached the listening ears, strained to catch the first sound of the leader's voice. Through the thick darkness, silently and swiftly the eager soldiers advanced, led by the Prince and his gallant officers. Up, up, up the steep slippery palisades they swarmed, cutting away barriers, plunging through ditches, and well up to the stone wall ere the sentries could rub their eyes and recover from their amazement. Boom, boom, boom then came from the cannon on the wall,— but too late to do any damage, for the Prus- sians were already battering down the gates and pouring into the town. Before the old steeple clock struck the first hour of morning, it was all over, and Glogau was Frederick's. 146 THE SOLDIER- KING What joy and relief for the young King when word of this victory reached him. He sent a letter of praise and a large sum of money to Prince Leopold, and each soldier received a reward of money also. It did not take long for the news of this night's work to fly to every quarter of Europe. In palace and cot- tage all talked of the brilliant midnight charge. On, on the Austrian army pressed,— ever faster and faster,— in spite of snow and ice, to reach Silesia before Frederick could win a second victory at Neisse, which would be disastrous for Austria. To storm that fortress was indeed the King's purpose. Busy days followed the fall of Grlogau, and anxious ones they 147 FREDERICK THE GREAT were. It was so iineertain when the Austrians would make their appearance. Then April came, but cold and stormv, as the real winter months had been. Preparations for the siege were hur- ried forward, to be well over before Maria Theresa's troops came to inter- fere. What is this? The enemy already in Silesia? It was indeed too true. Gen- eral Xeipperg, with a large Austrian army, was in fact almost upon the King. Neisse was hurriedly abandoned, and Frederick gathered his forces to meet the coming blow. He was in a most critical position. Soon he would have to try a pitched battle. That the Austrians were coming was learned from a stray band of Hussars, captured by the Prussians. To cut them off was imperative. 148 THE SOLDIER-KING In a small village, called Pogarell, on the 8tli day of April, King Frederick and his soldiers await the dawn of the most important day since they entered Silesia. They hope to come up with the enemy on the morrow— Sunday— and try their mettle in their first open battle. It is no wonder that sleep was far from the royal leader's eyes that night! But instead of fighting, on that Sabbath day, they were nearly buried up in snow. A blinding snowstorm raged all day and night. Thick and fast the white flakes fell, and then, caught by the wild wind, were sent whirling and twirling, this way and that, filling the air so that one could not see twenty paces ahead. We should call it a blizzard. All thought of moving out was abandoned. 149 FREDERICK THE GREAT Never since Ms prison days at Ciistrin, we may be sure, had Frederick been so anxious. Tbe snow, like a heavy veil, cut him off completely from any view of the enemy. He might be dangerously near or he might be far away. Who could tell? Monday, April 10th, dawned bright and clear. Over all the earth lay a thick carpet of glistening snow, two feet deep, and the trees bent with the weight of the white mass piled upon them. The Prussians were astir at an early hour that morning. There was all the bustle and activity of an army making ready for the serious business of war. Columns forming, infantry and cavalry getting in readiness to march, just as soon as the scouting parties returned 150 THE SOLDIER-KING with the information as to where they should find the Austrians. A certain young king we are all inter- ested in would have given much that Monday morning to know whither that other army had drifted in the storm. You are curious, too, perhaps, so we will leave Frederick searching, and take a peep at the Austrian camp. 151 CHAPTER XVni MOLLWITZ TN the storm of Sunday morning, Gen- -*■ eral Neipperg reached Mollwitz a lit- tle village only about seven miles away from the Prussian headquarters. There, and in the neighboring hamlets, he quar- tered his troops. Monday, the Austrian General concluded to tarry a day longer at Mollwitz, so that his soldiers might rest after the long wearisome march. He, also, had lost all trace of the army he had come so far to destroy. But that did not appear to give him any anxiety. General Neipperg looked upon the task 152 MOLLWITZ as an easy one and there was no need to hurry. By just the merest accident, Frederick discovered the whereabouts of the Aus- trians, and this was the way it happened. When scout after scout returned to the King's headquarters and reported no signs of the enemy, General Saldem— a yoimg Prussian officer — mounted his horse and rode forth to try what his bright eyes might find. Peering sharply through his field-glass,— North— East- South— West,— there was nothing to be seen but just snow, snow everywhere. He was about to give up and turn back- when away off in the distance he spied a dark, moving object. Looking steadily he saw that it was a peasant, struggling slowly through the deep drifts of snow. 153 FREDERICK THE GREAT Putting spurs to his horse, Saldem galloped up to the solitary figure. '' Dost thou happen to know where the Austrians are, my good man? " he asked. '' Who, better than IV ^ was the reply. *^ Am I not on my way there now, with a change of linen for one of the Austrian officers? '' Straightway to King Frederick the young officer hurried with his prize. Frederick was convinced of the man's honesty and kept him to act as guide. With music and waving banners the Prussians advanced toward Mollwitz. General Neipperg sat calmly eating his midday meal when a party of Aus- trian Hussars dashed at full gallop into 154 MOLLWITZ the village, shouting, '^ The enemy! The enemy is upon us! " No more dinner for that day! Aides-de-camp were sent hurrying in different directions to summon the vari- ous heads of divisions, and as rapidly as possible a hasty plan of defense was formed. It was about two o'clock that Monday afternoon when, with martial music fill- ing the air, and flags flying to the breeze, the King of Prussia and his troops ap- peared. Quickly getting in line of bat- tle, cannon and musketry soon drowned the sound of fife and drum. Nobly the Austrian cavalry stood un- der a terrific fire directed against it by the Prussian artillery. Short of big guns, the Austrians were unable to put 155 FREDERICK THE GREAT a stop to the deadly shower of shrill, hissing balls which fell thicker and thicker upon them. The quivering troops obeyed their commanders, " Steady, steady," as long as possible, and then- brave and tried men though they were —they began to murmur, and begged to be given a chance at the enemy in a charge. '' Forward! '' shouted their commander. General Eomer, and in- stantly his thirty squadrons sprang out, straight for the Prussian cavalry. On, on, they tore in wild fury, right into the midst of the Prussian horse they plunged, scattering and driving all be- fore them in dire confusion. Frederick was weak in that division of his army, having only ten squadrons there, so you see the Austrians were 156 MOLLWITZ three to one. In vain did the King, and their commander, try to rally the routed cavalry. Wildly and aimlessly it rushed, —hither and thither,— even, in blind panic, dashing between their own lines of infantry, drawing the pursuing enemy after them! Such an unexpected deluge of foe and friend as that was would be a pretty se- vere test for any body of troops. Too much praise cannot be given the Prus- sian infantry for its heroism. The lines reeled, then, closing up the gaps made by the trampling horses, poured a with- ering fire upon the shouting Austrians. In that awful confusion, it is not sur- prising that many of their own compan- ions received the shots intended for the enemy. 157 FREDERICK THE GREAT Surely Frederick's &st battle was not going well I All seemed hopeless iniin. General Scliwerin and Prince Leopold lu^ged the King to fly before it was too late. Xow. my young friends, do not be too hasty in judging Frederick, when you hear that he did gallop from that bloody battlefield toward a jjlace of safety. For a general to have left his troops would have been inexcusable, but the King was necessary for the future. "With a small escort. Frederick spurred his horse on toward Opi^eln— on the river Oder— where he had left a small Prussian guard. Once across the river, and in the coimtry beyond, he would be safe and could plan what to do after this disaster. 15S MOLLWITZ After a hard ride of many miles over the snow-covered ground, late in the evening— it was quite dark— the fugi- tives reached the gates of Oppeln. '' Who are you? " called the sentinel. ^' We are Prussians, we come with a courier from the King,'' was the answer from the little party. Bang, bang, bang, greeted this answer, and over the heads of the astonished horsemen whistled the bullets. No one waited to question what it meant, but turned and galloped away as fast as their weary horses could go. You see, while Frederick was busy at the front, a roving body of Austrian Hussars had driven the Prussians out of Oppeln, and were in possession when he sought refuge there. 159 FREDERICK THE GREAT The Hussars thought there was a large Prussian force at the gates. If they had known what a prize was within their grasp, how quickly would they have opened the gates, and Prussia's King would have been caught in a fine trap indeed! Poor, unhappy King! All through the lonely hours of that night he rode about the country, not knowing where to go or what to do. And his heart was sad- dened at the thought of all those hun- dreds of dead and dying soldiers, on that frightful battlefield. Exhausted, cold, and hungry, he wan- dered, until in agony of soul he cried aloud, ''Oh! My God, my God, this is too much! " Riding back for about fifteen miles, 160 MOLLWITZ Frederick determined to try Lowen, where he hoped to find his own people. Learning caution from the peril he had just escaped, the King drew rein at an old mill, a mile or two from the town; here he waited in the bitter cold and dark- ness, for the return of the messenger he had sent to see if it would be safe to ad- vance further. Almost alone,— for he had outridden all but two of his companions,— Prus- sia's young sovereign shivered and groaned in his saddle, while the chill wind whistled and shrieked about him. His messenger came back saying that the Prussians still held Lowen. Frederick iu*ged his poor, weary horse forward and was soon sheltered within the town. And now, what do you suppose was 161 FREDERICK THE GREAT the good news Ms friends had to tell this troubled King? '' Victory! victory! is ours." Frederick's gallant infantry had saved the day. Firm and steady,— though un- der fire for the first time, the gallant in- fantry stood and received the fierce charge of the Austrians, hurling them back again and again. Five successive times, Maria Theresa's determined veterans tried to break through the Prussian ranks, who, like '* men of stone," waited until they could see the whites of the enemies' eyes. Oh, what an overwhelming fire then burst forth, sending the Austrians reeling back! General Schwerin then detected evi- dences of weakening and discourage- 162 MOLLWITZ ment at their repeated failures, and gave the order, '' Forward! " With banners waving, and joyous triumphant music, the Prussians advanced toward the disheart- ened Austrians. The rays of the setting sun spread over the marching host; their uplifted banners glittered and flashed in the light,— what wonder that the broken Austrian army wavered, and some there were, who even refused to meet the com- ing shock? General Neipperg, convinced of the hopelessness of the situation, ordered retreat. Away they went, at double quick time. *' Keep the soup hot, we will soon re- turn,'' they had called back, when leav- ing their unfinished dinner. But there 163 FREDERICK THE GREAT was no time to think of soup, hot or cold, as the defeated army made its way back to Neisse. So, was MoUwitz, the first battle for Silesia, won by Frederick's heroic foot-soldiers. The news of this victory was carried to every quarter of Europe, and created the utmost astonishment. Prussia's sol- diers were renowned for their perfec- tion of drill and discipline, but their abil- ity as fighters had not been tried before. Of course, Berlin rejoiced greatly, and Frederick wrote at once to Princess Wil- helmina at Baireuth to relieve her anxi- ety and tell her the good tidings. But what must have been the feelings of Austria's young sovereign'? This great disaster meant more to her than just the loss of a single battle. Trouble 164 MOLLWITZ was crowding in upon her from every side. The powers of Europe, who had promised to support that Pragmatic Sanc- tion, I told you about, were one by one finding excuses to break their word, England, alone, holding fast to the pledges given Emperor Charles VI. The young Queen faced the prospect of hav- ing her inheritance , wrested from her, and divided among those claiming a share. A less courageous spirit would have broken under such trials, but this stout- hearted Queen bade defiance to the world and battled for her crown. % Give up Silesia to that ^^ robber," as she called King Frederick, she would not, on that she was determined. It was not until two months after the 165 FREDERICK THE GREAT battle of Mollwitz, in June, tliat Maria Theresa journeyed from Vienna to Hun- gary to be crowned Queen of that coun- try. After the coronation ceremony she mounted a fiery horse, and with a sword hanging from her side, galloped at top speed to a hill, a long line of Hungarian nobles following. Arrived at the top of the hill, the newly crowned Queen drew her sword and with a grand flourish of the shining blade, she waved it to all points of the compass, saying in a loud voice, '' Let any mortal from whatever quarter com- ing, meddle with Hungary if he dare! " During all this time, Germany was without an Emperor. As Charles Yl. did not have a son to succeed him, it was necessary for the electors to vote for a 166 MOLLWITZ new ruler for the Empire. Maria The- resa desired to have her husband, Grand Duke Francis, elected to that high office, and then her little son, Joseph, might be Emperor some day. But in that, too, her enemies were working to disappoint her and succeeded, by jBnally electing Charles Albert, of Bavaria. The new Emperor lived but a short time, and the next elec- tion made Grand Duke Francis, Em- peror. You know well the sad story of the un- fortunate, but most beautiful. Queen of France— Marie Antoinette— who lost her life during the French Revolution; this Maria Theresa struggling for her inher- itance was her mother. We must now return to Silesia. Three weeks after Prussia's triumph the for- 167 FREDERICK THE GREAT tress of Brieg was taken, wMcli left Neisse alone in the hands of the Aus- trians. Both armies then went into camp for the smnmer months. Rest, and many recruits were needed to take the places of those heroes left sleeping under the stars at MoUwitz. Maria Theresa's situation became so desperate, England urged and entreated her to make peace with the King of Prussia; so that she might be free to deal with the more dangerous enemies who were pushing her to the wall. What was Silesia compared to her kingdom? The Queen finally yielded so far as to offer Frederick one-half of the province, in return for the proffered aid she once rejected. 168 CHAPTER XIX CHOTUSITZ fTlHERE were all sorts of negotiations -■- going on that fall and winter. Treaties of one kind or another between the different countries,— Frederick, him- self, doing something in treaty-making, which, however, never benefited him any. His surest friends proved to be his own loyal troops. In November the King took Neissc, and soon after, General Neipperg marched his army out of Silesia. Do not understand by that, the King's dif- ficulties were over, for in fact they had only just begun. 169 FREDERICK THE GREAT Bv the time the spring of 17tt2 opened, Europe was in a sad tumult. Nearly all the nations, big and little, were making warlike preparations. Indeed, France had already marched an army into Germany to cooperate with the Ba- varian and Saxon forces. There was marching and coimter- marching of the Prussian troops all that winter, and in May we find Frederick had entered Maria Theresa's own King- dom of Bohemia, and was leading his army on to the capital city Prague! Now what was he doing there? Was the yoimg King of Prussia so elated over his success in Silesia that he had dreams of taking Bohemia as well? Not at all. Silesia and peace were all he wanted for himself, but he did intend 170 CHOTUSITZ making his possession of Silesia secure against any future effort of the Queen's to regain it. So for that purpose only, Frederick joined the allied forces of France, Bavaria, and Saxony, to seize Bohemia and proclaim the newly elected Emperor, Charles Albert of Bavaria, its King. The French were already in Prague, and Frederick was bringing up a divi- sion of his own troops,— Prince Leopold following with the main army. '^ Austrians are upon us! expect bat- tle to-morrow! " What a startling mes- sage to receive in the dead of the night, and no time for preparation! Frederick instantly turned about and hastened back with his own force to join his threatened general. The return 171 FREDERICK THE GREAT inarch was begun at four o'clock in the morning, and by seven, or a little after, the Prussians— artillery, infantry, cav- alry—were all placed in order of battle. And then Frederick galloped away to a hill to see for himself just how near the enemy might be. Leopold had made no mistake. There, in plain view, was the Austrian army! Frederick's batteries thundered a morn- ing greeting— bang, boom, bang roared the cannon, while the Prussian cavalry dashed forward to attack the foe. The bright helmets and uplifted swords of the cavalrymen glittered in the clear morning sunlight. King Fred- erick, standing on the hill, followed them closely through his field-glasses, but ere long, the horses— galloping at furious 172 GHOTUSITZ pace over the dry, soft ground— stirred up such a whirlwind of dust as to hide both horse and rider from those anxious eyes. Only by watching every change in that tossing mass of yellow dust,— for really, all that an onlooker could see was a heaving, swirling ocean of dust, rising and sinking billow-like,— could the anx- ious Frederick judge how the conflict was going. Now and again, his eye caught the sparkle of polished steel as the bright blades pierced the enveloping dust cloud. There was death and destruction hid- den there! ^ut, seel the waving, strug- gling mass is rolling back, back, nearer and nearer it comes I Oh, that is a sight to sicken the heart of the royal watcher on the hill! Only too well he knows 173 FREDERICK THE GREAT what it means, liis cavalrT is ^driven home! Then away to another part of the bat- tlefield Frederick galloped. A small Prussian force held the village of Cho- tnsitz; but after a stubborn resistance forced it to withdraw. And to prevent the retiUTi of the Prussians, poor Chotu- sitz was burned to the ground. Every division of the two armies fought desperately that day. It meant so much to Maria Theresa to win this battle. ^* Just one more battle, only one more for Silesia, the jewel of my crown," she pleaded, as England constantly urged her to stop the war with King Frederick. General Neipperg had been reheved since his failure to di'ive Frederick 174 CHOTUSITZ home, and the command given to Prince Charles, her husband's brother. If he lost the day!— then Silesia must be given up. And Frederick felt that with victory his, back to Prussia he could go, and enjoy all those pleasures he had so sud- denly abandoned at Rheinsberg for the storms and strife of the battlefield. Such a life and death struggle as those loyal soldiers on both sides made of it! Picture to yourselves the Prussian ranks standing firm as rocks receiving, with swift deadly fire, the Austrians, who, with bayonets leveled, rushed upon them. Back! back they staggered from that fiery reception, only to form and try it again, each time with fewer numbers,— determined not to give it up, though cer- 175 FREDERICK THE GREAT tain death faced them in those stiff Prussian lines. Again, and again, Maria Theresa's valiant soldiers hurled them- selves against those grim, resolute men of Frederick's, until they lay in heaps before them upon the ground. By noon— after four hours' ceaseless fighting— it was certain that the Queen's army faced total defeat. Prince Charles ordered retreat before it was too late to save any, and once more Frederick's weary soldiers could see the backs of their defeated foes as they made haste to get away. This was the battle of Chotusitz, fought on the 17th of May, 1742. Poor, haughty young Queen! She has lost her ** Jewel." The treaty of peace between the two 176 CHOTUSITZ young sovereigns was signed, first, at Breslau in Silesia, June 11th, and again at Berlin, July 12tli following. - This ended the first war for Silesia. The triumphant young Eang was enthu- siastically received as he passed through his new possessions on his way to Berlin. And with bonfires and illuminations the towns and villages of Prussia greeted their returning King. It was on this journey homeward that our hero was hailed for the first time as ^* Frederick the Great." We can be quite sure that Frederick felt very happy at adding a new province to his kingdom, and for the fine sounding title which his admiring friends used to adorn his name. Success and praise were perhaps sweeter to him, from hav- 177 FREDERICK THE GREAT ing through all his early life heard so little but condemnation from his stem father, Frederick William. It is little more than a year and a half since the sick yoimg Kling jumjDed out of bed that day at Rheinsberg, with such a big project in his mind he forgot all about his chills— but Prussia has grown amazingly in that short time. Such a gay winter the Prussian Court had never known as that following the close of the war. There were balls, pri- vate theatricals, masquerades, sleighing parties by moonlight— in fact there was no end to the fim and frolic. And Frederick opened his splendid new opera house, the finest and largest, I believe, in the world at that time. But you must not suppose that King Fred- 178 CHOTUSITZ erick gave himself up entirely to pleas- ure. He knew the value of a well- equipped army and lost no time in filling up the ranks thinned by the cruel war. Then, too, new fortresses were built in Silesia and the old ones repaired and strengthened. The two years of peace *were very, very busy ones for our hero. Neverthe- less, he found time to begin the writing of his memoirs, and also to plan the building of a new home for himself, at Potsdam. A cottage-palace we might call it; only one story high, as you will see by the picture. When tired of the giddy whirl of court life, he could retire to this little palace and enjoy a few quiet days with his books and beloved flute now so long silent. 179 FREDERICK THE GREAT Sans Souci— that was the name of this retreat— became famous in later years as the favorite home of Frederick the Great. 180 CHAPTER XX IN AND OUT OF BOHEMIA /^NLY two short years of peace and ^^ happiness when such disquieting reports reached the busy King's ears that he again buckled his sword to his side and leaving all he loved best, smmnoned his valiant troops to follow wherever the black eagle of Prussia should lead. A great change had come in the for- tunes of Maria Theresa. Through Eng- land's assistance she had been enabled to check the schemes of her enemies. Emperor Charles Albert and his French friends were foiled in the attempt to seize Bohemia— what if the Queen should 181 FREDERICK THE GREAT be victorious over her foes? Might she not then try a bold stroke to regain the lost province? So in August, of the year 1744, King Frederick was off once more to do battle for Silesia. He carried the new war right into the Queen's own country. Over the border, and into Bohemia, the Prussian army poured, marching on to Prague. An attack on that city was begun on the ninth of September, and continued for six days, and then Prague, unable to hold out longer, surrendered. You may wonder what the Queen's army was about that Frederick should be allowed to bring his fighting men into Bohemia unmolested? It was because Prince Charles was busy settling ac- 182 IN AND OUT OF BOHEMIA counts with the French at some distance away that Frederick struck this unex- pected blow. Like a flash the news of the taking of Prague spread abroad. Another triumph for the daring King of Prussia! Reverses will sometimes come to the most successful in every line. It is cer- tain that the tide of good fortune which up to this time had carried our hero along so smoothly turned, after that victory at Prague. Perhaps it was well it did, for if he had never tasted the bitterness of defeat, he might have imagined that he could conquer the whole world. Too much suc- cess very often has a strange effect on persons. 183 FREDERICK THE GREAT Leaving a garrison for the protection of Prague, the King with the army marched away, intending to secure two other towns near the Austrian border. Here his troubles began. The hostile in- habitants of Bohemia annoyed and har- assed the invaders as much as they pos- sibly could. . Never during this Bohemian cam- paign, nor in any other, did Frederick the Great assume the role of a conquer- ing hero toward the non-combatants. His business was with the fighting men, and he never willingly inflicted unneces- sary hardships on the people. Any ne- cessities for his army were promptly paid for. But here in Bohemia, there did not seem to be any meal or grain to buy at any price. Everything eatable mysteri- 184 7A^ AND OUT OF BOHEMIA ously disappeared as soon as the Prus- sians came in sight. Now that was bad. A hungry army can neither fight nor march very well. And besides, the country swarmed with wild hordes of Pandours. These Pan- dours were foot soldiers from lower Hungary, a rough, undisciplined class. The troublesome Pandours followed the army and did considerable mischief. The King sent an orderly with an im- portant message to one of his generals. Orderly did not return. He sent a sec- ond, this one never came back— a third —fourth— fifth and even sixth followed, and still no answer! Each in turn had been captured by these roving bands of Pandours. And they also made way with three letter bags. Now that was 185 FREDERICK THE GREAT pretty serious, was it not? In the ene- my's country, hungry, and communica- tion with his other divisions cut off! When Frederick did finally get news of what was going on aroimd him, this it was,— that Prince Charles, with his army, was after him,— and very close he was, too! To the King's mind, there was only one thing to do, and that was to meet the enemy and give battle before himger weakened his troops so that they could not fight. But Prince Charles was just as desir- ous of avoiding that meeting as long as possible. His pohcy was to cut Fred- erick off from all communication with the garrison at Prague, and prevent food supplies from reaching his army. 186 IN AND OUT OF BOHEMIA So no matter how adroitly the young royal leader manoeuvred to comer Prince Charles and force a battle, that wary commander would elude him. He had been through one battle with King Frederick and the memory was not pleas- ant. The Prince would rather win a vic- tory over the King through starvation and sickness, than risk a trial at arms. One cannot fight if there is no one to fight with. Consequently there was no other course then for Frederick but to make his way home again in the best possible manner. It was hard to abandon Prague, so lately taken, and all those fine pieces of artillery he had stored in the city for future use, but there was no help for it. 187 FREDERICK TEE GREAT In due time, the Pinissian army was across the line and into Silesia. The Bo- hemian invasion Tras a sad failure. And yet not altogether a failuiT, for our sol- dier-king learned many valuable lessons from that experience, which aided hiTn in other campaigns. If Frederick had any friends among the rulers of Europe, none came forward with sympathy for him in this houi^ of misery and deejD hmniliation, and as for Maria Theresa, she fairly bubbled over with delight when she heard of the retreat from Bohemia. ^^ Xow, now. is the time to regain my jewel, Silesia," she cried. Oh. what joy to snatch the prize out of her wicked neighbor's grasp! *^ On, on to Silesia, my brave hearts, 188 IN AND OUT OF BOHEMIA and bring me back my own again,'' she exultantly commanded. All shared in the belief that Frederick was crushed and disheartened, and that his men had lost their fine spirit. We shall see. ' During that winter, King Frederick was busy strengthening his defenses, and getting his army in condition to meet the blow which he knew would be struck so soon as spring opened. Not crushed by any means, but sorely tried. Money was needed, his funds were running low— war is such a costly business. Here was a monarch who was unwill- ing to put a heavier burden upon his people by an extra war tax. Still, money he must have. Well, there were all those 189 FREDERICK THE GREAT beautifiil silver frames, chandeliers and balcony railings in tlie palace at Berlin. They would have to go. The time had come for them to serve a different pur- pose. In the darkness of the night men went to the palace, in obedience to the King's orders, and, with hammers and chisels, tore out the precious ornaments and car- ried them to the mint. Soon they were all changed into bright, new coins which quickly found their way into soldiers' pockets and various other places. The world was all against the King of Prussia. Indeed, there was a feeling of delight that the ambitious young King had received such a check. And to add to the seriousness of his situation. Sax- ony had openly joined with Maria The- 190 IN AND OUT OF BOHEMIA resa in her new effort to crush him. Berlin was in a greatly agitated state. It was more than likely that Maria The- resa's Saxon friends would pay an un- welcome visit to the capital! Surely Frederick's position was a des- perate one. Those dreadful Hungarian Pandours swarmed into Silesia ahead of the Austrian and Saxon armies, which day by day were drawing nearer and nearer, saying: " Ah! we shall soon restore this * fair- est jewel of her crown ' to our heroic young Queen." 191 CHAPTER XXI HOHEXFRIEDBURG XT was in the spring of the year 1745 -*- that Frederick awaited the coming of his enemies, grimly determined that both he and his army should be totally destroyed sooner than ^* give up one foot of ground." Now let us turn to our map for a sec- ond and find Striegau, which has three hills near by. Every day Frederick came galloping from his camp at Jauemik,— a few miles southeast of Striegau, and rode up one of these hills, which commanded a view of the moimtains separating Bohemia 192 HOHENFRIEDBURG and Silesia. Through his powerful spy- glass he closely scanned every opening in the grim, dark mountain range, for it was from that direction he expected his foes to come. : ^' But your Majesty, why leave those mountain passes unguarded? " asked the French Ambassador in surprise. ** My friend,'' replied the King, '* if you want to catch the mouse, do not shut the trap, leave the trap wide open! " At last, one day— it was the third of June— King Frederick's long spyglass revealed moving objects through the gaps in the rocks! They were coming then? Yes, surely coming, thousands of them. With banners flung to the breeze and bands filling the air with martial music, the Austrian and Saxon armies 193 FREDERICK THE GREAT streamed out through those mountain passes. Ah! how confident was that mighty host? '^ Blow, blow loud the bugles, and make the hills resound with the roll of the diamis; for to-morrow— to-mor- row, we rid our Queen of this trouble- some King of Prussia! " All during that afternoon and until a late hour at night they poured unhin- dered into Silesia. The newly kindled watch-fires lighted up the darkness of the night. Watch-fires burned also in the Prus- sian camp, and sentries paced up and down,— so the returning Austrian scout reported to his chief, and truly so they did, but what the scout failed to discover was, that those bright fires burned in an 194 HOHENFRIEDBURG empty camp! And the sentries were all that remained of the Prussian army. • Under cover of the darkness, Fred- erick's troops had silently— oh, so si- lently stolen away. Not a word spoken, nor the glimmer of a light seen, as they cautiously, stealthily slipped away to be in position to strike at the enemy in the morning from an unexpected quarter. Every man, from the lowest soldier in the ranks up to the commanding officer, was resolved to do his best on the mor- row. They had heard the whispered rumor that this combined army had boasted at home of its intention to wipe out the Prussians, and reduce their King to the position of an elector. ^' Elector, indeed, let them try it! '' 195 FREDERICK THE GREAT It was toward those tliree hills of Striegau and Hohenfriedburg that those silent soldiers of Prussia were making their way that night— sometimes wading through streams of water up to their waists. There was no rest for them, nor any sleep, and neither rest nor sleep could be expected on the coming day save only for those who should fall asleep to wake no more. Before the sun rose in the morning the Prussians astonished the Saxon force at Striegau by a morning greeting of shot and shell! A fierce conflict followed for the possession of those important hills. Maria Theresa's Saxon allies fought desperately for her, heroically contest- ing every inch of ground gained by her foe. Two hours only, and then what re- 196 HOHENFRIEDBURG mained of the Saxon army was pushed back to those mountain passes through which it had come so gloriously only the day before— a thoroughly beaten army. Where was Prince Charles all this time, that he did not come to the assist- ance of his allies'? Finishing his morn- ing sleep. And not until he was aroused by the startling news that the Prussians were advancing upon him, did he learn of the disaster to his friends. In the furious battle then fought near Hohenfriedburg, the Austrians fared no better than did the Saxons. Prince Charles was completely overwhelmed, suffering a total defeat. At even such an early hour as eight o'clock that morning, he, too, was in retreat; making for the mountains and 197 FREDERICK THE GREAT home again as fast as possible. But there were no waving flags nor joyous music this time. Frederick the Great could count this battle of Hohenfriedburg surely a tri- umph, a glorious victory— though at the cost of thousands of brave lives. Both sides had lost heavily. Following the retreating enemy the next day, Frederick drove him further into Bohemia. Both armies then went into camp in Bohemia, Prince Charles at Konigsgratz, a fortified town, while King Frederick stationed himself at Chlum, a small vil- lage, near enough to Konigsgratz, to watch his foe. Prince Charles also kept a pretty sharp lookout on all that was doing in the Prussian camp. 198 HOHENFRIEDBURG Each day, King and Prince would mount a convenient hill, and through their long spy-glasses look closely for any suspicious movements the other might be making. How King Frederick longed for peace those days! Again England urged Maria Theresa to make friends with Frederick —but to no purpose—*^ Give me just one more battle,'' she implored, *^ just one more." The fearful game of war between the beautiful, high-spirited young Queen and the ambitious King must be played to the bitter end! Through his glass Frederick could see reinforcements pouring into Konigs- gratz— ten thousand fresh soldiers at one time— and seven thousand at an- 199 FREDERICK THE GREAT other! But there were none coming to him. He was in fact growing weaker and weaker day by day from the neces- sity of sending detachments to other threatened points. And to get food for men and horses was ever becoming more difficult. Prince Charles, among friends, had no such trouble, but found people ready to furnish supplies to aid him against the enemy of their Queen. Those were dark, gloomy days indeed. Bitterly disappointed over his failure to secure a new treaty of peace, Frederick finally decided that he could no longer remain in Bohemia. He must get back to Silesia before Prince Charles barred the way. His glass had shown unusual activity in the Austrian camp, which boded no good to him. 200 HOHENFRIEDBURG Keeping well ahead of the Austrians, the Prussian army picked its way through the rough, rocky country, every- where annoyed and hindered by those wild Pandours. 201 CHAPTER XXn SOHR "TN the month of September King Fred- -^ erick reached a point on his home- ward march where it seemed safe to stop and forage. But ere long an Austrian deserter came into camp and from him it was learned that Prince Charles was moving rapidly, and was already farther north than the King,— intending to block the way to Silesia. Not pleasant news surely, for this small force of barely eighteen thousand hungry men, who knew that the enemy was fully thirty thousand strong and with plenty of rations ! There was noth- 202 SOHR ing to do then, but to move on with all possible speed. ^' Camp packed and ready to march at ten in the morning," was the King's order. It was not at all to Frederick's taste to rmi away from his foes, but this was a case where ^^ discretion is the better part of valor." While the Prussian soldiers were hastily stowing away camp furniture, and Frederick was in his tent planning a line of march— the Austrians were stealing through the surrounding woods in absolute silence, groping their way through the darkness of the night toward a small village called Sohr. The Prince was trying Frederick's successful tac- tics. What a surprise he intended for 203 FREDERICK THE GREAT the King of Prussia in the morning? Before the dawn of day on the thirti- eth of September, 1745, the Prussian camp was a busy place. Here, horses sad- dling, there, army wagons getting filled; in another place, soldiers hauling artil- lery into line. And in his tent sat Fred- erick giving final orders to his officers for the march, '^ at ten, sharp "— ** The Austrians! the Austrians are upon us! " cried an orderly rushing to the King's tent. What a plight to be caught in! Camp nearly packed, no breakfast eaten, and the enemy at the door. " To arms, to arms! " was the sharp, quick order, and seizing a field-glass Frederick sprang upon his horse and galloped out to a hill. It was indeed 204 SOHR true. There were the Austrians,— very nearly double the number he could com- mand. There was not a moment to lose —he must decide then and there what he would better do,— run, or stay and chance a battle? Could he order those brave men of his to run— in the face of an enemy? No! he would remain and stake all on a battle. Frederick resolutely deter- mined to throw his own poor, small force against the greater number without de- lay; not giving Prince Charles the chance to attack first. The faculty to think quickly, and act promptly, is a very valuable one some- times. I am sure you have all noticed that King Frederick possessed it to a large degree. Much of his success was 205 FREDERICK THE GREAT undoubtedly due to rapidly formed plans made at a critical moment, where an- other, less ready, would have been over- whelmed. Soon the weak and the strong were locked in a life-and-death struggle I Oh! how madly, furiously they battled! Up the steep sides of a hill charged the Prussian infantry, determined to capture the Austrian battery holding a commanding position at the top and look- ing as if it could ne^-er be taken. What difference did it make if there were twenty-eight big guns spitting out death and destruction upon them? They were after those gims, and meant to have them. Meeting the fiery shower from above, the brave, intrepid Prussians re- coiled and dropped quivering, back,— 206 SOHR but only to re-form and try it again and yet again. When it seemed hopeless to make any further attempt to climb those dizzy heights in the face of that fierce rain of shot and shell, a small body of reserves came up to their assistance, and— well, Prince Charles lost his twenty-eight guns! Severely beaten at every point, after an engagement lasting five hours, the beaten Prince Charles and what was left of his army made off to the forest. Fred- erick, with the survivors of that terrible morning's work, returned to camp— and breakfast. After a five day's rest he continued his march to Silesia. There was no one to interfere with him now, and in due 207 FREDERICK THE GREAT time all were safe on their own ground once more. On the 30th of October King Fred- erick returned to Berlin. Would Maria Theresa grant him peace now? She had had her ** one more battle.^' 208 CHAPTER XXni KESSELSDORF TT was generally understood that -'- Prince Charles had gone into winter quarters. On the contrary, he was just as busy as he could be perfecting a plan, formed with the aid of the Saxons, for the invasion of Prussia! While the Austrians kept Frederick engaged in Silesia, the Saxon half of the combination would steal into his king- dom and capture Berlin! A fine scheme, was it not? Every detail of this new effort to destroy the young soldier King was most carefully arranged and the greatest 209 FREDERICK THE GREAT secrecy was to be observed,— for well they knew it was necessary to take the wary King off his guard, or he would contrive some way to thwart them. When a secret is given into the keep- ing of several persons, it usually hap- pens that one among them begins to talk. So it was in this Prussian invasion secret. One of the prime movers dropped a hint of what was going on, in the presence of a Swedish nobleman, who, it appears, was friendly to the King of Prussia. Hastening to Berlin, the nobleman told the King what he had heard. It was enough to convince Frederick that he was in great peril. A plan of defense was quickly mapped out. King Frederick hurried back to 210 KESSELSDORF Silesia to be ready for Prince Charles there, while his able old general, Leo- pold,— father of Prince Leopold, who, you remember, distinguished himself at Glogau,— would see to it that the Saxons did not cross the frontier and do any damage in Prussia. -. Now, this preparation for the enemy was also a secret— with this difference, it was kept a secret. So the Austrian commander confidently marched on toward Silesia. The wily King remained quiet until the right moment, when he also got his force in motion, straight toward the oncoming enemy. The van- guard of the Austrian army was found at Hennersdorf and completely cut to pieces. The next day the Prussians con- tinued their advance expecting to try 211 FREDERICK THE GREAT issues with the main army,— but— where was it? Making all possible haste back home into Bohemia again. There still remained the partner in this scheme to be dealt with. Greneral Leopold, early in the morning of Novem- ber 29th, crossed over into Saxony in search of the Saxon army, seizing towns as he went along through the country. King Frederick stood ready to join his general when he had located the enemy, should his extra force be needed. With the ground frozen hard, sometimes cov- ered with snow, it was difficult for the troops to march; but on they struggled through Saxony to within a few miles of its capital, Dresden, before they found the army they were seeking. And then, such a meeting! 212 KESSELSDORF Near the village of Kesselsdorf were tliirty-five thousand of the enemy's sol- diers; and with such strength in big guns and position as might well cause even such a stout-hearted old warrior as Leopold to hesitate about making an attack. But the general studied the sit- uation and carefully mapped out the campaign, and on December 15th drew his men up in line of battle. When all was ready the old officer un- covered his head and reverently offered up a prayer for the help he felt they would need that day. ^' On, on, in God's name! " he shouted at the close of the prayer, waving his cap high above his gray head. His men needed no second bidding, steadily they advanced toward Kesselsdorf, the ene- 213 FREDERICK THE GREAT my's stronghold. Before them rose a high slope over which they must go in order to reach the village beyond. When you hear that on the top of this rising, slippery ground, the Saxons had planted thirty-one big guns, you will un- derstand what a task Leopold required of his followers when he cried, " On, on, in God's name! '' Up the icy sides of the steep incline the Prussians gallantly struggled to reach the top,— then down, down they were forced to go by the fearful deluge of fire which poured upon them from those thirty-one guns! Bravely rallying they made another attempt, again that withering blast of death from those black iron throats sent them reeling, tumbling to the bottom. 214 KESSELSDORF " Victory, victory! " shouted the Sax- ons as the Prussians slipped and stag- gered in this second repulse. And '' Victory, victory! '' was still their cry as they dashed out from their almost im- pregnable position down upon the disap- pointed Prussian ranks. It sounds very fine so far,— and per- haps many of those shouting Saxons be- lieved that when a history of that charge should be written, it would tell how glo- riously they had whipped King Fred- erick's men that day at Kesselsdorf,— but— something happened! Wise old General Leopold was quick to notice the advantage the Saxons gave him by coming out of their stronghold where he could reach them, and— the his- tory books record a great and brilliant 215 FREDERICK THE GREAT victory for Prussia. Instead of Berlin, it was Dresden that was forced to re- ceive a conquering army. Three days after the battle Eong Fred- erick entered the capital. He greeted his successful general joyfully, giving him great praise for this victory. This battle of Kesselsdorf ended the second war for Silesia. The new treaty of peace was signed on Christmas day, seventeen hundred and forty-five. The very best Christmas present Frederick could have received was that document giving him Peace. It made it possible for him to return to Berlin, and try to forget the harsh discords of strife and battle through the sweet strains of music and pleasant companionship of friends. ''Long live Frederick the Great!" 216 KESSELSDORF shouted his enthusiastic subjects as the victorious King drove homeward in an open coach. The streets of Berlin were thronged with an excited populace, cheering and crying, ^^ Frederick the Great! " ^' Fred- erick the G-reat! " Again at night Berlin burst forth in a blaze of light, as it had done once before in welcome to its baby Prince. Could Frederick William have known that his music-loving, poetical son would become such a hero how happy he would have been! Europe was amazed at the brilliant manner in which Frederick had over- thrown his enemies. Here, surely, was a young king fully capable of taking care of himself. 217 FREDERICK THE GREAT And now we gladly turn from such harrowing scenes of death and destruc- tion, to look upon a brighter picture. Frederick at once applied himself to the task of repairing the enormous damages caused by the wars. He went among his people to see where assistance was most needed in rebuilding the shattered towns and villages. Every person re- ceived payment in full for any supplies furnished for the army, and all horses killed in action— indeed, even those cap- tured by the enemy— were generously paid for. Do not imagine by this liberality that King Frederick had barrels full of money tucked away in the cellar, as did his father, King Frederick William; on the contrary, any money barrels he might 218 KESSELSDORF have had were very nearly emptied by this time; and the strictest economy was necessary. You see, success did not make Fred- erick the Great indifferent to his people. He desired that the suffering from these wars of his should be as light as possible. And much to his honor there was no need- less destruction of property in the en- emy's country. ^^ I would not henceforth attack a cat, except to defend myself," declared our hero as he prepared to enjoy the peace so dearly won. A little more than a year passed and the cottage-palace, Sans Souci, was com- pleted. King Frederick gave a splendid house-warming at which two hundred guests sat down to dinner. The cele- 219 FREDERICK THE GREAT brated French writer, Voltaire, was made welcome at Sans Souci and Fred- erick—so glad to exchange the sword for the pen— devoted many happy hours to literary work with the great poet. . Again the Court of Prussia became the gayest in all Europe. There were won- derful balls, private theatricals and fine concerts. Then, when Prussia had been enjoying peace for about five years and the mournful traces of her dreadful ex- periences were gradually passing away, King Frederick conceived the idea of treating his friends and the people to a tournament— a genuine tournament- such as the knights of old engaged in. An amphitheatre of immense size was constructed in the garden of the Palace of Berlin. Richly upholstered seats 220 Queen Elizabeth Christina. {From painting in the Hohenzollem Museum.) KESSELSDORF were arranged on one side for the noble guests of the King, while along the op- posite side were places for the city of- ficials and their families and the citizens generally of Berlin. The night of the contest, thousands of lights of many colors twinkled and sparkled, casting such a brilliant glow that one might well imagine that glori- ous day had returned and chased black night away. A full band rendered fine music. Upon a raised platform at the head of the course were seated the King and Queen, also the Queen-Mother, Sophia Dorothea; the royal ladies each most splendidly attired and glittering with precious jewels. Just below, upon an- other platform was the King's pretty 221 FREDERICK THE GREAT sister, the Princess Amelia, whose pleas- ant duty it was to present the prizes to the lucky winners. The gorgeous gowns, sparkling coro- nets and ornaments worn by the ladies, together with the showy court dress, uni- forms and jeweled orders of the nobles, made a scene of splendor never to be forgotten by those whose privilege it was to see it. The music, gay laugh and chatter were suddenly hushed by a loud blare of trumpets and all attention centred upon the entrance to the course. As the mag- nificent curtains rolled apart a large body of servants, richly and gayly dressed and bearing silken banners in their hands, came marching in to the accompaniment of lively music. FoUow- 222 KESSELSDORF ing these, rode the brave knights who were to try for the King's favors in the tournament. The signal given, away the knights galloped with lances poised, each eager to slip his long weapon through the sus- pended rings and, by his dexterity in securing the greatest number, bear away a trophy. Then again, with their jave- lins in hand they would rush with a bold dash to sever at a stroke a wooden head from its body. Our old fighting friend. General Schwerin, acted as one of the judges. This tournament was indeed a magnif- icent affair, and gave the people much to talk about for many days. But, my young friends, you are not to understand by these royal entertainments that Fred- 223 FREDERICK THE GREAT erick the Great thought only of pleasure; far from it, for he was proving himself to be as good and wise a sovereign as he was a soldier. And he worked as hard in the upbuilding of his country as ever he did in the destructive business of war. Nevertheless, through these busy years Frederick's mind was not al- together at ease. He was at peace with all the world, to be sure, but Europe was full of war still. England, France, Aus- tria, Spain and Russia were engaged in settling their differences by the sword. When fire is consuming one's neigh- bor's house, it is well to be watchful lest the wind blow the sparks his own way. So, King Frederick kept a sharp lookout and brought his army up to the required strength and readiness. 224 KESSELSDORF I am sorry that I cannot tell you of a long life of peace and happiness from now on, for Frederick the Great. But instead, he only enjoyed ten years of peace— ten short years, when again the battlefield claimed him and Prussia's brave, loyal sons. Not only was Silesia in danger, but the Kingdom of Prussia was threatened! It was a fight for home and country this time; and at such odds. Austria, France, and Russia had formed an alliance for the purpose of crushing him. Just think how the sol- dier-king was surrounded by enemies. He must in fact keep turning all around, to ward them off. Austria must be chased away from Silesia; Russia, pre- vented from invading his kingdom, from 225 FREDERICK THE GREAT the east, and France,— yes, France, too, must not be allowed to steal Prussian property lying near her own borders on the west! Could any one person— be he never so great a hero— expect to escape when so pressed on every side? We shall see. 226 CHAPTER XXIV LOBOSITZ /^N the twenty-eighth of August, 1756, ^-^ the Prussian troops, fully equipped for war, with their King leading, were on their way to Saxony, intending to force a passage through that country into Bohemia, and settle accounts with Maria Theresa, first. At Frederick's ap- proach the small Saxon army fled to the rocky hills, where, safe from attack, it remained for several weeks; the river Elbe, flowing in front, added to its se- curity. Seeing how impossible it would be to dislodge the Saxons, King Frederick 227 FREDERICK TEE GREAT siUToiinded theii' stronghold and tried what hunger would do toward driving them out. ^When this Saxon force was on the verge of starvation, it appealed to Maria Theresa for help. A detach- ment under General Brown was sent by the queen to extricate her friends, from what had become a 23rison. The wide-awake yoimg King had no intention of allowing Brown to slip by, but met him at a place called Lobositz. After a conflict lasting seven hours, the Austrian rescuers were defeated and driven home again. A week or two later, the Saxons tried to manoeuvre their way out. rather than die in those rocky caves and hollows: that effort also failed, and the Saxon aiiny was forced to siu'render. 228 LOBOSITZ Frederick now had complete control of Saxony. He went into winter quar- ters in Dresden, and prepared for the spring campaign. This was the begin- ning of the third Silesian war, which seemed likely to be the most serious of all. Some of the devices by which the en- emy tried to communicate with the of- ficials in Dresden were indeed very odd. A certain lady of high degree received as a present a cask of choice wine. Now King Frederick was perfectly willing the good lady should enjoy her wine,— but he wanted the cask! So the wine was all drawn off, and nicely bottled and handed over to its owner. The empty cask was then carried away and carefully exam- ined,— behold! a false bottom! And there securely pressed between this false 229 FREDERICK THE GREAT bottom and the real one lay a batch of secret letters! Then to another lady were sent some very fine sausages,— certainly they were harmless! Who would think of enclos- ing secrets in sausages? But,— surely there was something strange and tough in the midst of the various things sau- sages are made of? Better open them. Sure enough, there were more private dispatches concealed in the innocent- looking sausages. The King's position was becoming daily more and more critical. All de- noimced him for what he had done in Saxony, and were more than ever deter- mined to crush him! Maria Theresa cried out for '^ ven- 230 LOBOSITZ geance.'' The German States were aroused— France volunteered an army of one himdred thousand, to help sweep that '' dangerous, bad man '' out of the way. There were now arrayed against him —besides his old enemy, Austria— Rus- sia, France, Sweden, and Poland! The only friendly nation was England. Frederick knew only too well that he faced the possibility of complete over- throw in the unequal struggle about to begin. In January, he made a hasty visit to Berlin, and while there he wrote instruc- tions for the safeguarding of the royal family, should that catastrophe overtake him. When Frederick left Berlin, to return 231 FREDERICK THE GREAT to the army, a small pMal filled with a powerful poison was in his pocket! It might be the hour of Prussia's doom! —but her king would not live to suffer the humiliation of capture by any of his besetting foes! He kept this deadly drug always at hand. • Those were sad hearts indeed, at the palace, when the final farewells were spoken, and King Frederick rode off toward Dresden and the work ahead for him. The parting with the Queen Mother was forever. Sophia Dorothea's blessing were the last words he would ever hear from her dear lips. 232 CHAPTER XXV PRAGUE — KOLIN nnHE winter passed, and the spring of -■- the year 1757 found four armies with swords buckled on, bayonets brightened, powder-flasks filled, and huge cannon all ready for this enterprise of putting an end to the King of Prussia! The Austrians thought that Frederick would stay in Saxony, and put himself on the defensive, when they should at- tack him. When was our soldier-king ever willing to wait for an enemy to come to him? In the latter part of April, the Prussians were marching in 233 FREDERICK THE GREAT three columns,— right into Bohemia and on to the Capital! It was a very astonished Austrian army that was called, on the sixth of May, to defend itself. All day long, from nine o'clock in the morning until eight o'clock in the evening, the two forces wrestled in that terrible conflict. When the darkness of night settled over the sad havoc of the day, this, the fa- mous battle of Prague, was a Prussian victory. The grandmothers of some of my young friends may recall playing in their early days the pianoforte piece, called '' The Battle of Prague." They will tell you how they pressed the loud pedal firmly down in order to imitate the roaring of cannon and rolling of 234 PRAGUE — KOLIN drums, which the composer intended should illustrate this battle, won by Frederick the Great. It was not a complete victory, how- ever, as fully forty thousand of the de- feated army succeeded in getting into Prague; and the city withstood all ef- forts to take it by storm. The only hope then was the starving method through a siege. Before long, however, Frederick learned that Maria Theresa was sending a second army, to rescue her imprisoned troops. This was serious news, but it had to be faced. And so King Frederick turned himself about to join with other divi- sions of his army, in an endeavor to beat back this new force. It was at Kolin 235 FREDERICK THE GREAT that they met. A fierce and bloody bat- tle followed; and, for the first time, Maria Theresa could claim a victory over her hated enemy! • ISTot an easy victory, by any means, though the Austrians outnumbered the Prussians by several thousands; but so it happened, after hours of hard, deter- mined fighting, and fine heroic deeds done on both sides,— the battle finally went against Frederick, and he was forced to order retreat. Poor King! This was a hard blow, and when he viewed all that was left of his gallant Life Guard,— barely four hundred,— when before the battle one thousand picked men had proudly an- swered to roll call,— the hot tears fell from his eyes. 236 PRAGUE — KOLIN And following this great misfortune came the sad news that the Queen- Mother, Sophia Dorothea, was dead. Truly, Frederick's troubles were heavy. But what rejoicing there was at the Court of Vienna! The happy young Queen decorated her officers, com- manding that day at Kolin, with hand- some medals; and bestowed other marks of favor upon them. That defeat was the signal for France, Eussia, Sweden, and the United German States, to push their armies forward, and seize upon the different parts of Frederick's kingdom; which each ruler claimed as his share of the spoils. The heavy tramp, tramp, tramp of thousands of armed men, and the sound of trumpets and drums, filled the air of 237 FREDERICK THE GREAT Europe. It would take far too long to describe all the battles Frederick the Great fought during the next six years of this third, and happily, last Silesian war. It will suffice to give you the names of the principal engagements, and tell you where he was victorious, and where —as must sometimes happen in a long war— he tasted the bitterness of defeat. There were hours, during that long, unequal struggle, when Frederick— in spite of his supreme courage, and faith in himself, and his brave troops, was on the verge of despair! Then again, when ruination stared him in the face, —after some appalling disaster, and his numerous enemies were shouting in joy and triumph, over his supposed downfall, 238 PRAGUE — KOLIN —up he would spring and achieve a bril- liant triumph, stifling their loud rejoi- cings; leaving them dumb with astonish- ment. 239 CHAPTER XXVI ROSSBACH nnHE battle of Rossbach was the next -■- after Kolin, on the fifth of Novem- ber, 1757. Here the Prussians fought the French, and totally defeated them. After this splendid success, Frederick hastened to Silesia, for Prince Charles was there again, very busy seizing towns and issuing proclamations, in the Queen's name! After a hard, weary march, and within touch of the enemy, King Frederick called his officers together, and told them that notwithstanding the Austrians were 240 ROSSBACH very nearly three to their one, he should give battle just as soon as he reached them, adding, that success depended on their loyalty and heroism— but— that if any feared to share his peril, that one was free to retire. Not an officer accepted the offer; all declared themselves ready to do their ut- most. ^' Shortly, we shall have beaten the enemy or else be all dead," King Fred- erick said on leaving. Going among his soldiers, the night before the expected engagement, the King found them to a man, ready— yes, eager to give Prince Charles another proof of what they would dare and do for King and country. All knew the great advantage the Aus- 241 FREDERICK THE GREAT trians had in numbers, still in answer to the King's farewell words,— ^^ Good night to you, to-morrow then we shall either have beaten the enemy, or else be all dead,'' one and all shouted, " Yea, dead, or else the enemy beaten." Is it any wonder that, with such a spirit in the hearts of his men, Frederick numbered the battle of the next day— the fifth of December— among his tri- umphs? This was the battle of Leuthen, noted as a marvellous achievement. Many years after, another famous soldier,— the great Napoleon,— during his imprison- ment on the lonely, rocky island of the sea, had this to say of Leuthen: '' This battle is a masterpiece of movements, of manoeuvres, and of resolution. It is 242 ROSSBACH enough to immortalize Frederick, and to rank him among the greatest generals." In the following year, 1758, in the month of August, Frederick was forced to divide his army, leaving part to pro- tect Silesia, and with the remainder hurry home to Prussia and turn the Rus- sians out of his kingdom; for while he had been engaged in Silesia, a Russian armed force had stolen into Prussia and was trying to capture the fortified town of Ciistrin,— the same Ciistrin where poor Fritz was imprisoned, you remem- ber,— and as that town was only sixty miles from Berlin, we can well under- stand the need for haste. Frederick's ability to move his army quickly from place to place astonished and bewildered his enemies. After a 243 FREDERICK THE GREAT rapid march lie came within reach of the intruders near the village of Zorndorf, on the twenty-fifth of August, and a fierce battle followed. Leaving his new foes thoroughly beaten and wishing they had never left Russia, back to Saxony the King hastened, for he was needed there to aid his brother, Prince Henry, to repel a threatened attempt of the Aus- trians to rescue Dresden. Something most unusual happened after the return to Saxony. It is hard to account for it,— but the truth is, Fred- erick was taken by surprise! General Daun, commanding Maria Theresa's army, really succeeded in catching our soldier unawares near the village of Hochkirch, and in consequence defeated him. 244 ROSSBACH In addition to this misfortune, word was brought to camp, that his best-loved sister, Wilhelmina, was no more. Fred- erick was on the verge of despair. All, everything, seemed going from him. His kingdom in great peril! And mother and sister gone forever. A soldier knows what to expect in open warfare, but the hired assassin is not one of the legitimate weapons of war. It was during this campaign that Frederick, though thinking deeply one day, noticed that the hand of his servant trembled as he placed a cup of chocolate upon the table for him. Looking up quickly the sharp eyes of the King de- tected a guilty expression in the man's face. '^ I am certain you have been 245 FREDERICK THE GREAT bribed to poison me," he said sternly. The s errant stoutly denied the accusa- tion. Nevertheless, Frederick gave some of the chocolate to a dog, and then there was positive proof that he had narrowly escaped death, as poor doggie died in a short time. The would-be murderer finally confessed his guilt and revealed the names of those who had hired him to commit the terrible crime. Frederick sent the man quietly away to prison and told no one of the attempt to poison him. 246 CHAPTER XXVn KUNNERSDORF WE cannot pass over the battle of Kunnersdorf, for this engage- ment was fraught with such momentous consequences to Frederick. With less than fifty thousand men he boldly at- tacked the combined Eussian and Aus- trian forces, numbering fully ninety thousand. It was near the village of Kunnersdorf and not far from Frankfurt on the river Oder, we know so well, that Frederick took such great chances. It was like the last effort put forth by a drowning man, to reach shore. The fighting began early 247 FREDERICK THE GREAT in the morning of the twelfth day of Au- gust, now the year 1759, and continued until the close of day. The sun went down on a ruined Prussian army, and a king bemoaning that he still lived! ** My coat is riddled with bullets, two horses were killed under me! My mis- fortune is that I am still alive," he wrote to his friends at Berlin, after the day was done. '' I will not survive the destruction of my coimtry. Farewell forever." It is quite likely that in the dark hours, fol- lowing this crushing defeat, King Fred- erick often felt in his pocket to make sure that the small phial of poison was safe and ready. I am very, very glad that he did not yield to the temptation to taste of its 248 KUNNERSDORF deadly contents, and so put an end to his misery. Surely Frederick was great in winning battles,— and he was also great in defeat. It is fine indeed to win laurels, but it is also fine to rally from misfortune, and, with renewed energy and courage, take up the fight again. Just one year after the unfortunate battle of Kunnersdorf, Frederick was again in Silesia contending for the prov- ince. He had only the shadow of his once splendid army, but there was the same old spirit in leader and men. On the thirty-first of August, 1760, the Austrians were defeated at Liegnitz. Then, a month later, Frederick hurried back to Berlin, where a combined Russian and Austrian force was making itself 249 FREDERICK THE GREAT yery much at home. The intruders did not wait for his coming, but made good time in leaving when it was known he was near! Then back again to Saxony in Novem- ber, where, with a force of forty thou- sand, he defeated Daun and his sixty- five thousand at Torgau. We now come to the final battle, which ended the long seven years' war. This was the battle of Friedberg which was a splendid vic- tory and proved to be the last. King Frederick was not present. Prince Henry had the honor of winning this engagement on the twenty-ninth day of October in the year 1762. Europe had seen enough of war with its wretched consequences, and all agreed that it was time for peace. And peace 250 KUNNERSDORF was very, very welcome to the weary King of Prussia. The last treaty between the two war- ring majesties was signed at Huberts- bough, on the fifteenth of February, 1763, and was never more broken. Si- lesia belonged to Prussia now and for- ever. Again was it necessary to rebuild towns and villages, and this the soldier- king set about doing without delay. Time could and did restore them, but the thousands of brave lives swept away during that struggle for the possession of Silesia were gone beyond recall, so ter- rible a thing is war. The inhabitants of the dearly won province were nearly ruined, and in or- der to assist them the King remitted all 251 FREDERICK THE GREAT taxes for six months. In two other provinces he relieved the people from paying taxes for two years. Frederick the Great has fought and added territory to his kingdom, and from henceforth his life-work is to be the de- veloping and strengthening of that king- dom. With the same untiring energy shown during his hard campaigns, Fred- erick soon had over twelve thousand new houses and barns built to shelter his un- fortunate subjects. And then the indus- tries which had received a check were encouraged to begin again. New manu- factures were started. Prussian linen and woolen cloths found a market in Spain, Italy, and even in far-away China. Away off in the northern provinces there were acres and acres of marshy 252 KUNNERSDORF waste ground. This seemingly useless land did not escape Frederick's atten- tion; he caused the water to be drained off and the ground made fit to cultivate. But the country was too large for the number of inhabitants; there was room for many, many more. Our wise King offered very liberal inducements to colo- nists to come and settle in Prussia. For each new family he built a house, and gave a cow, and I believe a pig also. And besides, the settlers were not re- quired to pay any taxes for the first ten years. One time when King Frederick was making his annual inspection, he met one of these newcomers to whom he spoke. Here was the chance to get more favors from his Majesty— so the man 253 FREDERICK THE GREAT thought, for it was well understood tliat Erederick was verr desirous of increas- ing the population. So iq a complaining voice he informed the King that he was about to remove his wife and children to some other country, where thev would aU " be better off." " You are quite in the right, my good iiiti: 1." briskly rejoined the King. ** for ii I knew of a place where I should be better off than where I am. I would cer- tainly go there myself." and rode on. The result of this policy of colonizing was sixty new villages. 26i CHAPTER xxvra SANS souci rpHE victorious monarch longed for -^ his cottage-palace at Potsdam. And as Sans Souci was hereafter his favorite dwelling-place, it is well to take a little peep at it. The building is only one-story high, but raised from the ground by three steps which are on all sides. A dome gives additional height to one part, then finishing off the top of the remainder is a stone balustrade bear- ing at intervals pieces of statuary and large vases for flowers. Not an impos- ing palace for a king, but this was in- tended to be his home,— a place where '255 FREDERICK THE GREAT lie might lay aside some of the formali- ties and splendors necessary to his posi- tion as a reigning sovereign, and enjoy, as a man, such pleasures as suited his tastes. The river Havel flows at the foot of the hill upon which Sans Souci stands. I must tell you a little story connected with the laying out of the spacious gar- dens about Sans Souci. It seems that right in line with one of the proposed paths stood an old mill. The landscape gardener wanted the obstruction re- moved, and a sinn of money was offered to the miller for it, but the old man re- fused to sell— for generations back his people had lived and ground their com right there, and he and his sons should go on doing the same. A larger amoimt of money was offered, still the miller 256 SANS SOUCI stoutly refused to part with his prop- erty. Finally King Frederick said to him: " Don't you know that if I please I may take your mill, turn you out, and not pay you a farthing for it? " ^^ Aye, that you might, if there were no such thing as a Supreme Court of Justice in Berlin." This bold and significant answer greatly amused Frederick and he laughed heartily. The shrewd old miller was right; how could he consistently use his arbitrary power in such a case when his aim had always been to give to his people just and good laws? Laws that would protect the poorest peasant in his kingdom as well as those who were born to high station and wealth. The 257 FREDERICK THE GREAT humblest subject in the land could bring his grievance to a Couii: of Justice, and if he then considered himself unjustly dealt by, he could appeal to his Majesty. ■ "When presenting a petition to the King the custom was to kneel before his Majesty. This Frederick forbade his subjects doing, saying that such a pos- ture should only be when appealing to the ^^ Supreme Being." YThen we think of the absolute power held by sovereigns over the life and lib- eity of theii^ subjects in those days, and how little regard was usually paid to the peasant class, Frederick the Great's rec- ognition of the fact that all men have rights is the more remarkable. To be sure, there were times when his idea of justice did not entirely agree with the 2o8 SANS SOUCI written law, but he was determined that the powerful should not oppress the weak. Well, the weatherbeaten old mill was left to creak and whirr to its heart's content as it industriously ground out the flour for its master; and the path was turned in another direction. Voltaire, who made long visits at Sans Souci, and others who enjoyed the King's hospitality, have given us little glimpses of the home life there. "When the first tinge of color appeared along the horizon to proclaim that day was breaking, a single attendant entered his Majesty's room, and when necessary lighted a fire. There was no Baron This or That standing ready to clasp a jew- eled garter upon the royal right leg, 259 FREDERICK THE GREAT while a nobleman of lesser degree se- cured its mate about the left, and a third exalted personage was honored by being permitted to di^aw the fresh linen over Ms august master's shoulders, as was the custom at the morning toilets of some monarchs; no, indeed, Frederick the Great had too much to do to waste time with such fonnalities. After arising from the little, narrow, hard bed upon which he always slept at Sans Souci, the same servant who took charge of the fire rendered whatever assistance was required. Then, with his customary blue uniform, faced with red and here and there a small silver ornament, closely buttoned, and breakfast eaten, the King of Prussia was ready for the business of the day. And, believe me, no king ever 260 SANS SOU CI worked harder in the interests of his kingdom than our hero during those ^ busy morning hours. Promptly at eleven o'clock each day a soldier brought the king's horse and away Frederick galloped to the Potsdam parade ground, there to review his Guards. And at the very same hour all commanders of regiments throughout his dominions were doing the very same with their own commands. The review over, then a stroll through the gardens conversing with some of his high officers, or perhaps a guest or two— but back to Sans Souci in time for dinner at one o'clock. Now when you learn that the services of four cooks were required to prepare this midday meal, you will see how sad 261 FREDERICK THE GREAT it would have been to spoil such an elab- orate dinner by tardiness. There was a French cook, an Italian cook, a Prussian cook and even an Austrian cook engaged in the kitchen at Sans Souci. Each cook was expected to furnish four special dishes for dinner and two particularly tempting viands for supper. Many delightful hours with pen and paper followed dinner, for Frederick the King had not outgrown the boy Fritz's fondness for verse-making. In these happy play times Frederick wrote a '' History of the Seven Years' War," '' Memoirs of the House of Branden- berg," '' The Art of War," and indeed, a niunber of short poems. When the day was done and the King and his guests— Frederick enjoyed the 262 SANS SOUCI companionsliip of men of learning and ability— had partaken of the delicacies prepared by the four cooks for supper, all repaired to the music room for the nightly concert. Do you recall the secret music lessons which caused poor Fritz so much trouble years ago? Quantz, the teacher engaged by Queen Sophia Doro- thea at that time, is now the leader of the royal band. Frederick has become an excellent performer and often takes the solo parts with his flute, at other times playing with the band. It would not do to neglect mentioning other members of the royal household at Sans Souci— the King's dogs— for they were in fact his faithful friends. There were always five or six slender, graceful Italian greyhounds roaming 263 FREDERICK THE GREAT about the palace with the greatest free- dom. The handsome blue satin furniture bore unmistakable eridenees of the lib- erty enjoyed by the King's four-footed friends. Scattered about the rooms were always to be found a number of balls with which Frederick and his dogs often indulged in a good frolic. A work Frederick was greatly inter- ested in was the new Military Academy he established at Berlin. And then there was the Orphan House at Potsdam, where six thousand little children were cared for at his own expense. And here also were received the little sons and daughters of soldiers and peasants who were imable to provide for them. The boys were trained to be soldiers some day. Without the wise economy King 264 .SANS SOUOI Frederick used in governing his country and tlie personal sacrifices lie willingly made— using his own private purse freely— Prussia could not have advanced so rapidly in these years of peace. Never forgetting that there was a to- morrow coming and that it was well to be prepared for whatever it might bring forth, Frederick caused large granaries to be built in the agricultural districts so that during a rich harvest grain could be stored away against a time of need. And through this thoughtful provision for the future, when a dreadful famine spread over Germany in the year 1772, causing death and great suffering, Prus- sia escaped these horrors and was even able to send com to her starving neigh- bors. 265 FREDERICK THE GREAT Never for a moment did the older powers of Europe lose sight of that '' dangerous, bad man/' as Maria The- resa styled her adversary. They had been forced to admit Prussia into the family circle of nations, and so strong and vigorous was this new member, that, '' What will King Frederick say to it? " often acted as a check when some ag- gressive policy toward a weaker neighbor was contemplated. And because King Frederick said an emphatic ^^ No, you must not," an effort made by Austria to absorb a portion of Bavaria came to naught, greatly to the vexation of the warlike Queen. It was following this short Bavarian war that Frederick started a movement to unite the G-erman Princes in a pro- 266 SANS SOUCI tective League, in order to curb Aus- tria's encroacliinents upon Germany. You see, Maria Theresa lost none of her vigor and spirit through her disappoint- ment in failing to send Elng Frederick home empty-handed. Indeed she con- tinued to govern her country with mas- terful power and courage up to the time of her death, which was on the 29th of November, 1780, after a reign of forty years. The Grand Reviews held once a year in Silesia and at Berlin attracted world- wide attention. Men of prominence from all countries eagerly sought an op- portunity to witness the most perfectly drilled army in all Europe go through its manoeuvres. When General Lafay- ette returned to France after helping 267 FREDERICK THE GREAT us in our struggle for independence, he visited the "King of Prussia for the pur- pose of enjoying the brilliant spectacle. Frederick the soldier on these occa- sions was a stern and exacting critic. He required perfection in his officers and men. A dishonest State official or serv- ant caught robbing him of money would be forgiven, but the least mistake or the slightest evidence of carelessness dis- covered during these annual drills was very severely pimished. A matter of interest to us in the last year of Frederick's life was a treaty be- tween Prussia and the United States whereby both coimtries promised friend- ship to each other. It is pleasant to think that this contract arranged be- tween Frederick the Great and our rep- 268 SANS SOUCI resentative, Benjamin Franklin, ,has never been broken. One almost forgets that all this time there was a Queen of Prussia. The forced marriage of Fritz and the Prin- cess Elizabeth Christina never brought any happiness to either. Their lives were spent apart after a few years, and it was only on some grand public occa- sion, either at the Palace of Berlin or at the Charlottenberg Palace, that the royal couple ever met. Queen Elizabeth Christina never entered Sans Souci, not even during the hours of pain and sick- ness which in the advancing years af- flicted the King. There is nothing in the thin, stooping figure so familiar to all at Potsdam, with 269 FREDERICK THE GREAT the crumpled felt hat upon his head, a dark-blue uniform buttoned close, show- ing wear and disfigured bv ugly, little brown spots, to remind one of the fastidi- ous Crown Prince who delighted in red dressing gowns and curling locks. And those brown spots?— unmistakable evi- dences that the King of Prussia had a fondness for snuff! Yes, really, Fred- erick became addicted to that strange and untidy habit. He owned a dozen or more costly snuff-boxes, many encrusted with precious jewels. Two of these snuff-boxes he always carried with him. A dying monarch might be forgiven if he ceased to take an active interest in public affairs. But our brave Frederick, though engaged in a final battle in which he knows there can only be surrender 270 SANS SOUCI for Mm, his poor body worn to a shadow and quivering with pain, heroically at- tends to the business of his kingdom with amazing energy and clearness of mind. Forced to spend his last days and nights propped up in a chair, as the only way to avoid distressing suffocating at- tacks, yet Frederick the Grreat wasted not a precious moment of the little time of life left him. Even just the day be- fore his last on earth he kept three clerks busy. Oh, it was hard for this great man to take time to die! The closing scene in our hero's life is in keeping with the stern and often bit- ter experiences which had befallen him. There was no tender, gentle woman's hand at Sans Souci to administer to his comfort. The sorrowing men of his 271 FREDERICK THE GREAT household were about him, and one lov- ing old attendant held the dying King in his arms for an hour or more. Still we cannot but picture a poor, lonely sufferer taking his farewell of earthly things, as even kings must do. Almost at the very last he tried to give the watchword for the night to the officer of the Guards standing near, but his strength had been spent and only silence followed the attempt to speak. A look of sorrow passed over the King's face as he turned his head away and settled down in his chair. Later he rallied and looking about the room, noticed one of his dogs lying upon a stool and shivering from the cool night air which was necessary for his master's comfort. Making a great effort to speak, 272 SANS SOUGI Frederick in Ms kindness of heart bade some one cover the delicate greyhound with a quilt. Soon after this kindly thought for his dog's welfare Frederick the Great's busy, eventful life came to a close, and he passed away into an everlasting peace. This was on Thursday morning, the 17th day of August in the year 1786. Just seventy-four years since the bells of Berlin joyfully heralded the birth of an heir to the kingdom of Prussia. They laid him to rest beside his father King Frederick William I., in the little chapel of the church at Potsdam. Frederick the Great had no children, and as his brother, August William, the next in line, was dead, he named this brother's son, Frederick William, his 273 FREDERICK THE GREAT successor. The kingdom lie gave into his nephew's keeping was half as large again as when he ascended the throne. In his final instructions to his heir, Fred- erick wrote, ^* To be a king is a chance, but never forget that you are a man.'' The sums of money willed to relatives and friends were small, all coming strictly from his private purse. From an overflowing treasury Frederick took nothing, for '' that,'' he reminds them, '' is not mine, it belongs to the State." The new King, Frederick William II., was a very different character from his illustrious uncle. But we need not fol- low the fortunes of this King of Prussia, only it may interest you to know that it was his grandson, King William I. of Prussia, who was in the year 1871 274 SANS SOUCI elected by the German States to be their Emperor. He was the first of the Hohen- zoUern family called to that high posi- tion. And it is his grandson, King Will- iam II., whom we all know so well as Kaiser William, who is now the German Emperor. THE END. j275 Jl Bov Of a Cbou$(ina Vears Jigo By Harriet T. Comstock Large i2mo Profusely illustrated with full-page draw- ings and chapter headings by Georgb Varian $i.oo IT will at once be understood that the "boy" of the story is Alfred the Great in his youth, but it cannot be understood how delightful a story this is until it is seen and read. The splendid pictures of George Varian make this book superior among juveniles. '• Not a boy lives who will not enjoy this book thoroughly. There is a good deal of first-class historical information woven into the story, but the best part of it is the splendid impression of times and manners it gives in old England a thousand years ago." — Louisville Courier- Journal. •• Mrs. Comstock writes very appreciatively of Little Alfred, who was after, ward the Great, and from mighty meagre materials creates a story that hangs to. gether well. The illustrations for this volume sire especially beautiful." — Boston Home Journal. Cbe Story of Joan of Hrc boys m girls By Kate E. Carpenter Illustrated by Amy Brooks, also from paintings, and with map Large i2mo Cloth $i.oo THE favorite story of Joan of Ajc is here treated in a uniquely attractive way. " Aunt Kate " tells the story of Joan of Arc to Master Harold, aged ii, and to Misses Bessie and Marjorie, aged lo and 8, respec- tively, to their intense delight. They look up places on the map, and have a fine time while hearing the thrilling story, told in such simple language that they can readily under- stand it all. Parents and teachers vdll also be greatly interested in this book from an educational point of view. •• The tale is well told and the children will delight in it.** — Chicago Post. "Told so simply and clearly that young readers cannot fail to be entertained •ltd instructed." — Congregattanalist, Boston. |b THE STORY OF 1 JOAN OFARC KfOR BOYS AND GIRLS Jl NXATE E.CARPEKTER dWx!Mk*i^ §^K -4 -i_K I^^^^A^ 1 "'"^- For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishers, LOTHROP, LEE & 5HEPARD CO.. BOSTON CHILDREN OF OTHER LANDS SERIES When I Was a Boy in Japan By Sakae Shioya Illustrated from photographs i2mo Cloth $.75 THE author was born fifty miles from Tokio, and at the age of twelve began the study of English at a Methodist school. Later he studied Natural Science in the First Imperial College at Tokio, after which he taught English and Mathematics. He came to America in 1 90 1, received the degree of Master of Arts at the University of Chicago, and took a two years' post-graduate course at Yale before returning to Japan. No one could be better qualified to introduce the Japanese to those in America, and he has done it in a way that will delight both children and parents. When a Qirl in Italy By Marietta Ambrosi 12 mo Cloth Illustrated $.75 THE author, Marietta Ambrosi, was born in Tyrol, having an American- bom mother of Italian descent, and a Veronese father. Her entire girlhood was spent in Brescia and other cities of Northern Italy, and in early womanhood she came with her family to America. Her story gives a most graphic account of the industries, social customs, dress, pleasures, and religious observances of the Italian common people. When I Was a Boy in China By Yax Phou Lee i2mo Cloth Illustrated from photographs $.75 NJEW YORK INDEPENDENT says: '-Van Phou Lee was one of ^ ^ the young men sent to this country to be educated here, and finally matriculated at YaJe. where he graduated M\-ith honor. 'When I was a Boy in China' embodies his recollections of his native country. It is certainly attractive, with more room for nature to operate and play in freely than is generally attributed to Chinese life," For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishers LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON American Heroes and Heroines american^ heroes heroTnes nUWi CWWINCION BOUVt By Pauline Carrington Bouve Illustrated i2mo Cloth $1.25 THIS book, which will tend directly toward the making of patriotism in young Americans, contains some twenty brief, clever and attractive sketches of famous men and women in American history, among them Father Marquette, Anne Hutchinson, Israel Putnam, Molly Pitcher, Paul Jones, Dolly Madison, Daniel Boone, etc. Mrs. Bouv^ is well known as a writer both of fiction and history, and her work in this case is admirable. •• The style of the book for simplicity and clearness of expression could hardly be excelled." — Boston Budget. The Scarlet Patch The Story of a Patriot Boy in the Mohawk Valley By Mary E. Q. Brush Illustrated by George W. Picknell $1.25 "npHE Scarlet Patch" was the badge of a Tory organization, and a JL loyal patriot boy, Donald Bastien, is dismayed at learning that his uncle, with whom he is a ''bound boy," is secretly connected with this treacherous band. Thrilling scenes follow in which a faithful Indian figures prominently, and there is a vivid presentation of the school and home life as well as the public affairs of those times. " A book that will be most valuable to the library of the young boy." — Provi- dence News. Stories of Brave Old Times Some Pen Pictures of Scenes Which Took Place Previous to, or Connected With, the American Revolution By Helen M. Cleveland Profusely illustra- ted Large i2mo Cloth $1.25 IT is a book for every library, a book for adults, and a book for the young. Per- haps no other book yet written sets the great cost of freedom so clearly before the young, consequently is such a spur to patriotism. " It can unqualifiedly be commended as a book for youthful readers; its great wealth of illustrations adding to its value." — Chicago Neivs. For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishers, LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON Famous Children By H. TwiTCKZLL r::^s:ri:ei S:,25 TTTE haveherea =::s: v^:-::e :::k. t-llizg •^ not of the chiidhocrd o: t'rst ■ >,: .-.;•; afterwards become famou?. :.:: :r. :;r /. : .\s cbildren are famous in Lis::: y. 5:-;, .mi s.::.. For convenience the su: r::; .\:e g:::7ri s; •* Royal Children," "Chi.dAi::s:s. ' 'Lear-ei Ojiidren," "Devoted Children," " Cnild Mar- tyrs," and ** Heroic Crildren." and ihe names of the '•twolirJepnr.cr?,-- Louis XVII.. Mo- zart, St. Genevieve. Di^di, sr. d Joan of Arc are here, as well is those of n-.3.-T --.::e. ♦FAMOUS* CHILD RE-N The Story o! the Cid For Young People By Calvin Dill Wilson MR. WILSON, a well-k: Southey ' s trar. 5 '. i : i ; - . young, a book tha: - ;; --_— '7 ]■ ^"'' ei from :-- ihe :-- and Jason's Quest Ev D.O. S. L:~zii. a. ^:. 'Roxdur.-Li-c S:-::: i: NOTHING:-- :e:t:f: :: anon of : :; i :. 1 ; ..^ time store in then r..:: : s .-.:. able to any one wd : 1 tured, or happier td.i". ?:: t of telling a story, ar. i :de r ing-s have lent great spu^i: :o term .00 Het^oes of the Crusades C:ih ^e idusira-rns 51.50 By A^LA-VDA M. DovG THE romantic interest in the days ct cr^va.::;.-. s:> t-:^.y exempur-ei dv the " Heroes of the Crusades,'' is permanent and properly so. This book is fitted to keep it alive without descending to improbafaifity or cheap sensationalism. For sale by all bookfttllers or »ent postpaid oa receipt of pric* by the publishers, LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON JUN 12 1908 Deacidfiec -sirc 1-e cccKweecer :r:cess. I^ieurr3iiz:rc scerx: lUagresiLr^ CxiCe --aTT-ertbate: jpj 2001 PresenrationT^chnologies