at I say. There is something in my heart that
leaves me no rest night and day. Its palpitations strike like a
death-watch. There is something gnawing there incessantly; at times I
feel that it has nearly pierced my life, that death is surely near. And
I am dying of the wretchedness and disgrace which he who is enthroned in
France has brought upon Prussia! I am dying, and he will win further
triumphs; the whole of Europe will lie prostrate at his feet, and his
songs of victory will be my dirge, leaving me no rest even in my grave.
But hush, hush! Let us say no more. I have allowed you to look into the
depths of my soul. You, my friend, are the only one to whom I sometimes
raise the veil covering my bleeding heart. But tell no one what you have
seen; keep my secret a little while longer, my dear Caroline.--And how
is your friend, excellent Baron von Stein? You told me yesterday you had
received letters from him. What does he write? Where does he live?"

"He lives in Bruenn; his wife and children have joined him, and his life
therefore is outwardly at least less sad than formerly. He is in
constant communication with the prominent statesmen of Germany; all
patriots hope in him, and receive advice and consolation from him. He is
preparing quietly and secretly the great work of deliverance, which,
when completed, will delight the eyes of my queen and receive her
blessing. His eyes are constantly turned toward Prussia, and it is his
profoundest sorrow that he is not permitted in these times to devote his
services to the king."

"Yes," said the queen, sighing, "it is the terrible misfortune of the
king that, in times so calamitous as these, he is deprived of the
assistance of the patriotic men who alone would be able to save him and
the state. The tyrannous decrees of Napoleon have taken his noblest and
best servants from him. Stein is in exile. Hardenberg has to keep aloof
from us because the emperor so ordered it. We might have ministers
competent to hold the helm of the ship of state and take her
successfully into port, but we are not allowed to employ them. Our
interests are consequently intrusted to weak and ill-disposed ministers,
who will ruin them, and we shall perish, unless assistance come
soon--very soon! Stein and Hardenberg are exiled, and we have only
Minister Altenstein, who is bold enough to propose the voluntary cession
of Silesia to the king! Oh, my beloved, unfortunate Prussia, where is
there a prospect of