battlements, no portcullis nor drawbridge, to
remind the beholder of the contentions of men, and of the uncertain
history of mortals.

"And as I was wrapped in astonishment and delight in the contemplation
of the peaceful aspect of the valley and the unguarded castle, I turned
round, and beheld the walls of my castle no longer to exist. Here, at
least, my dream did not deceive me, for yesterday I saw the battlements
fall, and the watch-tower sink, over which my banner had formerly
floated. No stone of Wuertemberg was more to be seen, but in its place
stood a temple, ornamented with pillars and cupola, such as is to be
found in Rome and Greece. Meditating how all this change could have
come to pass, I observed some men in foreign costume, not far from me,
inspecting the country.

"One of these men, in particular, drew my attention. He led a beautiful
youth by the hand, and pointed out to him the valley which lay at their
feet, the surrounding mountains, the river, the towns and villages in
the neighbourhood, and in the distance. Upon a closer inspection, I
observed the man had the features of my brother George, and it struck
me that he must belong to the race of my ancestors, and be a true
Wuertemberger. He descended with the boy from the hill into the valley
below, followed by the other man at a respectful distance. I stopped
the last man, and asked him who the other person was that had described
the country to the lad; 'That was the King,' said he, and followed the
rest."

The Duke was silent, and looked inquisitively at the knights, as if to
hear their opinion. No one answered for some time, at length the knight
of Lichtenstein said, "I am now sixty-five years old, and have seen and
heard much in the world; many things come to pass which astonish the
human mind, but in which a pious man may distinguish the finger of God.
Believe me, that dreams also are of his sending, as nothing happens
upon earth without some reason. As there were seers and prophets in
ancient times, why should not the Lord send one to his saints in our
days, to open the dark gates of futurity to the mind of an unfortunate
man through the channel of a dream, and give him an insight into coming
happier days? Despond not, therefore, my lord! The enemy has burnt your
castle--in one day you have lost a dukedom; but your name will
nevertheless not become extinct, and your remembrance will not be
washed out from Wuertemberg's history."

"A King----"