reat. The eagle which soars proudly toward the sun, must
think the world smaller and smaller, the higher he soars; the objects
which delight us poor earth-worms, who are grovelling in the dust, and
mistake an atom floating in the sunshine for the sun itself, must indeed
appear insignificant to you."

"Do not flatter me, marquis! Let us, when together, hear a little of
that truth which is so seldom heard among men, and of which the name
is scarcely known to kings. You flattered me, because you had not the
courage to answer my question concerning the unworthiness of mankind,
when I said I could no longer love or trust them! You feel, however,
that I am right, and you will know how to pardon me, when I appear
to the world as a cold, hard-hearted egotist. It is true my heart has
become hardened in the fire of many and deep sufferings! I loved mankind
very dearly, marquis; perhaps that is the reason I now despise them so
intensely; because I know they are not worthy of my love!"

"But, sire, you love them still; for your heart is possessed of that
Godlike quality--mercy--which overlooks and pardons the faults and
failings of mankind. Intolerance is not in the nature of my king, and
forgiveness and mercy are ever on his lips."

"I will endeavor to verify your words, dear friend," said the king,
offering D'Argens his hand. "And should I not succeed, you must forgive
me, and remember how deeply I have suffered, and that my heart is
hardened by the scars of old wounds. But I will indulge such sad
thoughts no longer. Only look how Sans-Souci gleams before us! Every
window which glitters in the sunlight seems to greet me with shining
eyes, and the whispering leaves appear to bid me welcome. There are the
windows of my library, and behind them await the great spirits of my
immortal friends, who look at me and shake their gray heads at the
weak child who has returned to them old and bowed down. Csesar looks
smilingly at the laurels I have brought, and Virgil shakes his curly
locks, and lightly hums one of his divine songs, which are greater than
all my victories. Come, marquis, come! we will go, in all modesty and
humility to these gifted spirits, and entreat them not to despise us,
because we are so unlike them."

As the carriage reached the lowest terrace, Frederick sprang out with
the elasticity of youth, and began to ascend the steps so lightly and
rapidly, that the marquis could scarcely follow him.

From time to time the