Old Burgsdorf's growl now became almost a shriek of pain. "It is unheard
of," he said, in quite an audible voice.

With a proud movement of the head the Elector turned to him. "Burgsdorf,"
he said, "you were to learn to wait; be silent, then, as becomes an humble
scholar."

Again the Elector turned to the chamberlain. "That is all I have to say to
you, Schulenburg. I hope you have forgotten nothing, and that you will
punctiliously execute every command."

"I trust that your highness is convinced of my zeal and fidelity," replied
the chamberlain, bowing reverentially. "I shall punctiliously execute all
your orders, and have only to ask further when I am to set off?"

"Immediately," said the Elector, "and travel post haste. Farewell! But
hark! Schulenburg, you have obtained my official dispatches, now I shall
add a little private errand. When you have communicated all this to the
Stadtholder, exactly as directed, then converse a little with him in the
most friendly manner, and in the course of conversation, as if of your own
accord, sound Count Schwarzenberg as to his inclination to pay us a speedy
visit in Prussia, the better to consult with us concerning the onerous
duties of the administration. Then ask him casually, but in quite an
innocent manner, whom he would recommend meanwhile as his substitute.[37]
And now, God speed you, Schulenburg, go and carry out all my orders to the
letter. As you pass out, send in to me the two gentlemen waiting in the
antechamber."

With a condescending nod of the head, he offered his hand to the
chamberlain, who pressed it fervently to his lips, and then left the
cabinet with hasty steps.

"And now for you, gentlemen," cried the Elector, advancing a few paces to
meet Herr von Kreytz and Herr von Kospoth, who were just entering the
cabinet. "I have an important commission to intrust to both of you. You
are both to proceed to Poland and announce my father's death to King
Wladislaus. That is your affair specially, John von Kospoth. You know how
to frame courteous speeches, and will inform the King that my father
(peace be to his ashes!) has not been a more submissive vassal than his
successor Frederick expects to be; you will tell him that the Dukes of
Prussia are very faithful and obedient servants to the King of Poland, and
know very well that they should be his Majesty's most humble vassals."

Again a passionate murmur proceeded from the window, and Burgsdorf's
flushed, angry