he
thunder roar and growl, for the thunder has somewhat of the voice of God,
and there is something exalted and majestic in the lightning's flash.
Only, gracious sir, it must not strike, but content itself with harmless
shining. Will you most kindly promise me thus much, gracious sir?"

"Am I Jupiter, that I hold the lightning in my hand, and can direct its
stroke?"

"Yes, indeed, sir, Jupiter you are, in your native element, amid the flash
of lightnings and the roar of thunder."

The Elector smiled. "Tell me, Leuchtmar, am I really then of so fiery a
temperament and of so passionate a nature? Why do you not answer me? The
truth, Leuchtmar, the truth!"

"Well, the truth is that your highness is of quite a fiery temperament and
of a tolerably passionate nature. But you are not to blame for this, for
it was entailed upon you with your Hohenzollern blood. You are the worthy
descendant of your ancestor Albert Achilles; and be glad of this, sir, for
by sluggish blood and soft complexion great things have never been
accomplished."

"Then you expect me to accomplish great things?"

"Yes, your highness, such are indeed my expectations, and I glory in them!"

"We will talk of this hereafter, friend," said the Elector, gently shaking
his head. "But now let us forget what I have become since yesterday, and
consider that I have a heart, which is young still and full of love and
ardor, despite all it has suffered. Two months ago, when the doctors told
me that my dear father's case was hopeless, I dispatched secret messages
to two friends, and requested them to come here and tarry in the
neighborhood of Koenigsberg until I should have them summoned by a courier.
I was not willing to vex my father in the least degree during his
lifetime, and would not even see my friends in secret, but preferred to
wait patiently until I could do so openly.[32] The two friends whom I sent
for to be near me were Burgsdorf and yourself, my Leuchtmar. But to you I
gave previously another commission. Have you executed it?"

"Yes, your highness, I have executed it."

"You have been to Holland? At The Hague and at Doornward?"

"I have been there, gracious sir!"

"You have been there," repeated Frederick William, drawing a deep breath.
"O Leuchtmar! you men in private life are happy because you are free. You
can go whither you will, and follow the dictates of your own hearts. But
we, poor slaves to our position, must accommodate ourselves to
cir