Notwithstanding the enthusiasm of the citizens, they
began to be hungry, and to long greatly for the conclusion of these
solemnities. Still the king came not. The Berliners waited awhile
longer, and then one after another quietly withdrew. This bad
example was speedily imitated, and the gay cortege of riders grew
small by degrees and beautifully less. At sunset but a few hundred
citizens remained at the gate, and even these heroic Spartans showed
but little of the enthusiasm of the morning.
Marquis d'Argens was in despair, and if Frederick had arrived at
this moment he would have heard a reproachful phillipic from his
impatient friend instead of a hearty welcome. But fortune did not
favor him. so far as to give him the opportunity to relieve his
temper. The king did not appear. The marquis at last proposed to the
citizens to get torches, and thus in spite of the darkness give to
their king a glittering reception. They agreed cheerfully, and the
most of them dashed off to the city to make the necessary
preparations.
The streets were soon brilliantly lighted, and now in the distance
the king's carriage was seen approaching. Throughout the vast train
shouts and vivats were heard, and the proud voices of this happy
people filled the air as with the thunder of artillery.
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