"Visit him soon, and be assured you
shall never come in vain. I will take care that the king receives
you always."
Gellert looked up smilingly at the major. "My dear sir, in many
respects I am quite an old-fashioned man; for example, I have read a
great deal in the Old Scriptures for instruction. I have read, 'Put
not your trust in princes.' These words seem wise to me, and you
must allow me to interpret them literally, and act accordingly."
Gellert withdrew, and hastened home. The major returned to the king,
admiring, almost envying, Gellert's modest, independent, and
beautiful character.
"Quintus," said the king, "I thank you sincerely for my new German
acquaintance. The poet is better than the philosopher. Gellert is
the wisest and cleverest poet of his time--a much worthier man than
Gottsched, with all his pompous knowledge. Gellert's fame will
outlive his. He is perhaps the only German who will not be
forgotten. He attempts but little, and succeeds well."
CHAPTER XIV.
THE KING AND THE VILLAGE MAGISTRATE.
In the little village of Voiseilvitz, near the Silesian frontier,
there was a great stir and excitement.
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