"
"But they will hear the voice of his cannon," cried the queen,
impetuously; "the thunder of our artillery and the anger of God will
annihilate them, and they will fall to the ground as if struck by
lightning before the swords blessed by our holy priests."
The door of the antechamber was at this moment opened violently, and
the queen's chamberlain appeared upon its threshold.
"Your majesty, a messenger from the King of Prussia requests an
audience," said he.
The queen's brow became clouded, and she blushed with anger. "Tell
this messenger that I am not in a condition to receive his visit,
and that he must therefore impart to you his message."
"It is, no doubt, another of his hypocritical, friendly assurances,"
said the queen, as the chamberlain left. "He has, no doubt, some
evil design, and wishes to soothe us before he strikes."
The chamberlain returned, but his countenance was now white with
terror.
"Well!" said the queen, "what is this message?"
"Ah, your majesty," stammered the trembling courtier, "my lips would
not dare to repeat it; and I could never find the courage to tell
you what he demands."
"What he demands!" repeated the queen; "has it come to that, that a
foreign prince commands in our land? Go, countess, and in my name,
fully empowered by me, receive this King of Prussia's message; then
return, and dare not keep the truth from me.
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