ngage himself as soon as possible, and I must
now wish it to be as late as possible."

"And why?"

"Because I must hasten to make as many debts as possible, that your
majesty may pay them."

"You are and will remain an unmitigated fool; old age will not even cure
you," said the king, smiling. "But speak, do you think my brother may be
brought to reason?"

Pollnitz shrugged his shoulders, gave a sly smile, but was silent.

"You do not answer me. Is my brother in love? and has he confided in
you?"

"Sire, I believe the prince is in love from ennui alone, but he swears
it is his first love."

"That is an oath that is repeated to each lady-love; I am not afraid of
it," said the king, smiling "Who is the enchantress that has heard his
first loving vows? She is doubtless a fairy--a goddess of beauty."

"Yes, sire, she is young and beautiful, and declares it is also her
first love, so no one can doubt its purity; no one understands love as
well as this fair lady; no other than Madame von Kleist, who, as your
majesty remembers, was lately divorced from her husband."

"And is now free to love again, as it appears," said the king, with a
mocking smile. "But the beautiful Louise von Schwerin is a dangerous,
daring woman, and we must check her clever plans in the bud. If she
desires to be loved by my brother, she possesses knowledge, beauty, and
experience to gain her point and to lead him into all manner of follies.
This affair must be brought quickly to a close, and Prince Henry
acknowledged to be the prince royal."

"Prince Henry goes this evening to Berlin to attend a feast given by the
Prince of Prussia," whispered Pollnitz.

"Ah! it is true the prince's arrest ceases at six o'clock, but he will
not forget that he needs permission to leave Potsdam."

"He will forget it, sire."

The king walked up and down in silence, and his countenance assumed an
angry and threatening appearance. "This struggle must be brought to a
close, and that speedily. My brother must submit to my authority. Go and
watch his movements; as soon as he leaves, come to me."

Long after Pollnitz had left him, the king paced his chamber in deep
thought. "Poor Henry! I dare not sympathize with you; you are a king's
son--that means a slave to your position. Why has Providence given
hearts to kings as to other men? Why do we thirst so for love? as the
intoxicating drink is always denied us, and we dare not drink it even
when offered by the most