For this little Margrave of Brandenburg, who calls himself
King of Prussia, will annihilate us all it we do not ruin him in
advance. I, for my part, swear him a perpetual resistance, a
perpetual enmity! I will perish willingly in this fight if only my
insults are revenged and my honor remains untarnished. Hasten,
therefore, to acquaint your courts with all that has occurred here."
"I will be the first to obey your majesty," said the French
ambassador, Count Broglio, approaching the queen. "I will repeat
your words to my exalted master; I will portray to your majesty's
lovely daughter, the Dauphine of France, the sufferings her royal
mother has endured, and I know she will strain every nerve to send
you aid. With your gracious permission, I will now take my leave,
for to-day I start for Paris."
"To Paris!" cried the queen; "would you leave my court in the hour
of misfortune?"
"I would be the last to do this, unless forced by necessity," said
the count; "but the King of Prussia has just dismissed me, and sent
me my passport!"
"Your passport! dismissed you!" repeated the queen. "Have I heard
aright? Do you speak of the King of Prussia? Has he then made
himself King of Saxony?"
Before anyone had time to answer the queen's painful questions, the
door was opened, and the king's ministers entered; beside them was
to be seen the pale, terrified countenance of Count Leuke, the
king's chamberlain.
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