tell me in mockery that Trenck is free?" She held the arm of the
king firmly, and half sinking to her knees, she looked up at him
breathlessly.

"No, Amelia," said Frederick, and his voice trembled with emotion. "No,
I have not that cruel courage. The hand of your clock points now to
twelve; at this moment Trenck leaves Magdeburg in a closed carriage,
accompanied by two soldiers. To-morrow he will reach Prague, and then he
is free to go where he will, only not in Prussia. Trenck is free."

"Trenck is free!" repeated Amelia, with a shout of joy; she sprang from
her knees, clasped the king in a close embrace, and wept upon his
bosom such tears as she had not shed for many long years--tears of holy
happiness, of rapture inexpressible; then suddenly releasing him, she
ran rapidly about the room, in the midst of bitter weeping breaking out
into loud ringing laughter, a laugh which rung so fresh, so joyous, it
seemed an echo from her far-off happy childhood. "Trenck is free! free!"
repeated she again; "and, oh, unspeakable happiness! I obtained him his
liberty! ah, no, not I, but a poor Savoyard who wished a dower for his
daughter. Oh, ye great ones of the earth, speak no more of your glory
and power, a poor Savoyard was mightier than you all! But no, no; what
have I said? you, my brother, you have released him. To you Trenck owes
his life and liberty. I thank you that these fearful chains, which
held my soul in bondage, have fallen apart. Once more I breathe freely,
without the appalling consciousness that every breath I draw finds this
echo in a cavern of the earth. You have released me from bondage, oh,
my brother, and henceforth I will love you with all the strength of my
being. Yes, I will love you," cried she, eagerly; "I will cling to you
with unchanging constancy; you will ever find in me a faithful ally. I
can be useful. I cannot act, but I can listen and watch. I will be your
spy. I will tell you all I see. I will read all hearts and make known to
you their thoughts. Even now I have something to disclose; do not trust
your brothers. Above all others put no faith in Prince Henry; he hates
you with a perfect hatred for the sake of Augustus William, who, he
says, died of your contempt and cruelty. Trust him in nothing; he is
ambitious, he envies you your throne; he hates me also, and calls me
always 'La fee malfaisant.' He shall be justified in this! I will be for
him La fee malfaisant. I will revenge myself for this