d happiness! Open wide
your portals, for your lord is returning to you. Let your walls resound
as did Memnon's pillar, when the sun's rays first greeted it, after a
long night. Your night is passed, Sans-Souci; you will be again warmed
by the sunbeams from your master's eyes!"

The king smilingly drew his enthusiastic friend back to his seat.

"You are, and always will be a child--an overgrown child."

"Sire," said D'Argens, "that is because I am pious. It is written, 'If
you do not become as little children you cannot enter the kingdom of
heaven!' Now, Sans-Souci is my kingdom! I have become as the children,
that I might be received at the side of my king, and begin once more the
days of happiness."

The king gently shook his head. "Oh, I fear, my friend, that the days of
happiness will not recommence; the sun which once illumined Sans-Souci
has set. Our lips have forgotten how to smile, and joy is dead in our
hearts. How many illusions, how many hopes and wishes I still indulged,
when I last descended the steps of Sans-Souci; how poor, and weak, and
depressed I shall feel in ascending them!"

"What? your majesty poor! You who return so rich in fame, crowned with
imperishable laurels?"

"Ah, marquis, these laurels are bathed in blood, and paid for bitterly
and painfully with the lives of many thousands of my subjects. The
wounds are still gaping which my land received during the war, and they
will require long years to heal. Do not speak to me of my laurels; fame
is but cold and sorrowful food! In order to prize fame, one should lay
great weight on the judgment of men; I have lost all faith in them.
Too many bitter experiences have at length destroyed my faith and
confidence. I can no longer love mankind, for I have ever found them
small, miserable, and crafty. Those for whom I have done most have
betrayed and deceived me the most deeply. Think of Chafgotch, he whom
I called friend, and who betrayed me in the hour of danger! Remember
Warkotch, whom I preferred to so many others, whom I overloaded with
proofs of my love, and who wished to betray and murder me! Think of the
many attempts against my life, which were always undertaken by those
whom I had trusted and benefited! Think of these things, marquis, and
then tell me if I should still love and trust mankind!"

"It is true, sire," said the marquis, sadly; "your majesty has had
a wretched experience, and mankind must appear small to you, who are
yourself so g