man literature, its short-comings, and the means for its improvement.
[Footnote: This treatise appeared during the Bavarian war of succession,
in the winter of 1779] Until then, a truce. I insist upon it--good
German authors are entirely wanting to us Germans. They may appear a
long time after I have joined Voltaire and Algarotti in the Elysian
Fields." [Footnote: The king's words.--See "Posthumous Works," vol. II.,
p. 293.]

"They are already here," cried Herzberg, zealously. "We have, for
example, Lessing, who has written two dramas, of which every nation
might be proud--'Minna von Barnhelm, and Emilia Calotti.'"

"I know nothing of them," said the king, with indifference. "I have
never heard of your Lessing."

"Your majesty, this wonderful comedy, 'Minna von Barnhelm,' was written
for your majesty's glorification."

"The more the reason why I should not read it! A German comedy! That
must be fine stuff for the German theatre, the most miserable of all.
In Germany, Melpomene has untutored admirers, some walking on stilts,
others crawling in the mire, from the altars of the goddess. The Germans
will ever be repulsed, as they are rebels to her laws, and understand
not the art to move and interest the heart."

"But, sire, you have never deigned to become acquainted with 'Minna von
Barnhelm' nor 'Emilia Calotti.'"

"Well, well, Herzberg, do not be so furious; you are a lover of German
literature, and some allowance must be made for those who are in love.
You will not persuade me to read your things which you call German
comedies and tragedies. I will take good care; my teeth are not strong
enough to grind such hard bits. Now do not be angry, Herzberg. The
first leisure hours that I have in this campaign I shall employ on my
treatise."

"And the first leisure hours that I have," growled the minister, "I
shall employ to translate a portion of Tacitus into our beautiful German
language, to send to your majesty."

"You are incorrigible," said Frederick, smiling. "We shall see, and
until then let us keep the peace, Herzberg. When one is about to go
to war, it is well to be at peace with one's conscience and with his
friends; so let us be good friends."

"Your majesty, your graciousness and kindness make me truly ashamed,"
said the minister, feelingly. "I beg pardon a thousand times, if I have
allowed myself to be carried away with unbecoming violence in my zeal
for our poor neglected German literature."

"I approv