There are
people who are docile and obedient toward fate. I am not one of
them. Having lived for others, I dare at least die for myself,
careless what the world may say. Nothing shall force me to prefer a
weak old age to death. I will dare all for the accomplishment of my
plans; they failing, I will die an honorable death. But no! no!"
said the king, smiling after a short pause. "I will not indulge in
such sad and despairing thoughts on the day which has shown me the
first ray of sunlight after so many storms. Perhaps the year sixty-
two will be more fortunate than the one just passed. I stand no
longer alone; I have my friends and my allies. Why should I carp,
that the world calls them unbelievers? I have seen Christians betray
and murder one another. Perhaps unbelievers are better Christians
than believers. We will try them, at least. When all deserted me,
they offered me the hand of friendship. This is the first sunbeam
which has greeted me. Perhaps bright days may now follow the storms.
May God grant it!" [Footnote: The king was not deceived. The Empress
Elizabeth died in the commencement of the year 1762. Her successor
Peter the Third, was a passionate admirer of Frederick the Great,
and he now became the ally of Prussia.
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