and it is not my fault,
indeed, that it is otherwise. I have been long in foreign lands and
studied and worked in the first jewelry establishments of Paris. But I
find no apprentices here capable of executing such artistic and delicate
work, and can only have ordinary gold and silver ware made here, such as
forks, spoons, mourning rings, and articles of that kind; but for my finer
ornaments and such costly rings as these I must send to Paris and Lyons,
where the goldsmith's art flourishes, while it is frightfully depressed
here, both for the want of purchasers and artisans."

"Then we must see to it," said Frederick William, "that such times are
ushered in, that men shall feel free to purchase golden trinkets, and that
clever workers in gold be attracted here, in order that we may dispense
with foreign manufactures. As soon as the times become somewhat more
tranquil, we, too, will have need of goods of that sort, for not long
since all the jewels of our house were stolen.[34] But I tell you, Master
Dusnack, we shall only buy such things as have been designed and executed
at home. Therefore exert yourself, and procure good workmen. For this time
I must needs content myself with foreign wares and select a seal ring. I
therefore take this one with the ruby, and you must engrave our country's
coat of arms upon it without delay."

"Your highness's orders shall be obeyed," replied the jeweler
respectfully. "Does your highness merely wish the coat of arms upon the
seal, or would you like a motto added?"

"Yes, master, a motto shall be added, to run thus, 'Lord, make known to me
the way in which I should go.' Will you write it down, master, that you
may not forget it?"

"Your Electoral Highness, it is not necessary, for you have impressed it
on my heart."

"Go then, master, and inscribe it for me right plainly on the stone."

The Elector turned to Baron Leuchtmar von Kalkhun as soon as the jeweler
had taken his departure, saying, "Now for you, friend, and our plans of
government."

II.--PLANS FOE THE FUTURE.

"Yes, friend, I want to discuss government affairs with you," continued
the Elector, with a faint smile, sinking back in the armchair before the
writing table. "Sit down, Leuchtmar, quite close to me, for I shall now
disclose to you what no other mortal ear must hear; I shall reveal to you
my thoughts and plans. Man is, after all, but a weak and tender creature,
and it is a necessity with him to have some