e me for
the past! How entirely did his assurance of favour overpower my whole
soul! He had read the history of my life. When prince of Prussia, he
had been an eyewitness, in Magdeburg, of my martyrdom, and my attempts to
escape. His Majesty parted from me with tokens of esteem and
condescension.--My eyes bade adieu, but my heart remained in the marble
chamber, in company with a prince capable of sensations so dignified; and
my wishes for his welfare are eternal.

I have since travelled through the greater part of the Prussian states.
Where is the country in which the people are all satisfied? Many
complained of hard times, or industry unrewarded. My answer was:--

"Friends, kneel with the rising sun, and thank the God of heaven that you
are Prussians. I have seen and known much of this world, and I assure
you, you are among the happiest people of Europe. Causes of complaint
everywhere exist; but you have a king, neither obstinate, ambitious,
covetous, nor cruel: his will is that his people should have cause of
content, and should he err by chance, his heart is not to blame if the
subject suffers."

Prussia is neither wanting in able nor learned men. The warmth of
patriots glows in their veins. Everything remains with equal stability,
as under the reign of Frederic; and should the thunder burst, the ready
conductors will render the shock ineffectual.

Hertzberg still labours in the cabinet, still thinks, writes, and acts as
he has done for years. The king is desirous that justice shall be done
to his subjects, and will punish, perhaps, with more severity, whenever
he finds himself deceived, than from the goodness of his disposition,
might be supposed. The treasury is full, the army continues the same,
and there is little reason to doubt but that industry, population, and
wealth will increase. None but the vile and the wicked would leave the
kingdom; while the oppressed and best subjects of other states would fly
from their native country, certain of finding encouragement and security
in Prussia.

The personal qualities of Fredric William merit description. He is tall
and handsome, his mien is majestic, and his accomplishments of mind and
body would procure him the love of men, were he not a king. He is
affable without deceit, friendly and kind in conversation, and stately
when stateliness is necessary. He is bountiful, but not profuse; he
knows that without economy the Prussian must sink. He is not