of the gods, and have taught
me early to renounce it. Life is not consumed in pleasure, but in toil,
and I believe its only happiness consists in the fact that at last, when
weary and worn, we will sink into the grave--to an eternal rest! Every
human being must work according to his abilities, and in the position
which Fate has assigned to him. To maintain this position, his honor is
at stake--the best and most sacred gift confided to man. You will
not desert it--not despair in life because your dream of bliss is not
realized."

"Sire," answered Moritz, with a cry of anguish, "it is no dream, but a
reality!"

"Happiness is only ideal," said the king, slowly shaking his head. "What
we sigh for to-day, we curse on the morrow as a misfortune. Let this
serve as a lesson to you. Toil on--you are a scholar; woo Science for
your bride. Her charms will never fade. In youth as in old age she will
attract you by her beauty and constancy--that which you cannot hope for
from women."

"Sire," asked Moritz, in deep dejection, "will you not grant the
petition of my heart? Will you condemn this poor, innocent young girl
who prays your majesty through me, to a long, joyless existence, to a
daily-renewing sorrow?"

The king shrugged his shoulders. "I have already said that happiness is
imaginary; I might have added unhappiness also. General von Leuthen's
daughter will accustom herself to the misfortune of being a rich man's
wife, and finally will drive with a smiling face in her four-in-hand
gilded carriage!"

"Sire, I swear to you that you mistake this dear, noble-hearted young
girl, you--"

"Enough!" interrupted the king. "I have given my consent to General von
Leuthen, and I cannot recall it. Moreover, the marriage of the daughter
of my general with you would be a misalliance--ridiculous. In the
republic of intellect and science, you may have a very high position,
but in my earthly kingdom you hold too modest a one to presume to raise
your eyes to a noble young lady. I regret that I can offer you no other
consolation than to listen to reason, and be resigned. As we cannot
bring down the moon to earth, we must content ourselves with a lamp to
light up our small earthly abode. If this ever should fail you, then
come to me and I will assist you. I cannot, to be sure, give you the
moon, for that belongs as little to me as the bride of the rich Herr
Ebenstreit von Leuthen. One cannot give away that which one does not
possess. Fare