do no harm to appeal to the
prince's conscience to lead an honorable life, and direct his thoughts
more to study than to love, but you shall not make a hypocrite of him
and misuse his natural good-nature. If the Rosicrucians try to force
the prince and rule him, I will show them that I am master, and will
no longer suffer their absurdities, but will break up the whole nest
of them! I have been much, annoyed at the deep despondency of the crown
prince. You shall not represent to him that baseness and virtue are the
same, and that he is the latter when he betrays those to whom he has
sworn fidelity and affection. An honorable man must, above all, he
cognizant of benefits, and not forsake those who have sacrificed
their honor and love to him, and have proved their fidelity. Have you
understood me, gentlemen?"

"It will be my holy duty to follow strictly your majesty's commands,"
said Bischofswerder.

"And I also will strive to promote the will of my king," asserted
Woellner.

"It will be necessary to do so, or you two gentlemen may find yourselves
at Spandau. I would say to you once for all, I will not suffer any
sects; every one can worship God in his own way. No one shall have the
arrogant presumption to declare himself one of the elect. We are
all sinners. The Rosicrucians are not better than the Illuminati or
Freemasons, and none are more worthy than the tailor and cobbler who
does his duty. Adieu!"

The king nodded quickly and pointed to the door out of which the two
brothers were about to disappear, when he called them back.

"If the prince is not at the palace on your return, I advise you not to
pursue him, but reflect that the Invisibles may have summoned him to
a communion of spirits; I believe, too, that I kept you waiting; but
without doubt you were comforted by the Fathers, who bore you away upon
their wings, and gave you food and drink! Those who are protected by
the spirits, and can summon them at pleasure, can never want. If you are
hungry, call up the departed Lucullus, that he may provide for you to
eat; and if you have no earthly seat, summon Semiramis that she may send
you her hanging gardens for the quiet repose of the elect! I am rejoiced
that you have enjoyed such celestial refreshments in the corridor.
Adieu!"

The king gazed sadly after them. Approaching Herzberg, he said: "I felt,
as I looked at the two rogues, that it was a pity to grow old. Did you
think that I would let them off so easil