"
"Well, well," said Frederick, smilingly, "do not look too sharply at
my claims to such world-wide renown, or my fame will lose a portion
of its lustre. You will see that chance has done almost every thing
for me--more than my own valor and wisdom, and the bravery of my
troops combined. Chance has been my best ally during this entire
war. [Footnote: The king's own words.] Chance enabled me to escape
the famine camp of Bunzelwitz--chance gave me the victory over my
enemies. Speak no more of my fame, marquis, at least not in this
sacred room, where Cicero, Caesar, Lucretius, and Thucydides look
down upon us from the walls; where the voiceless books with their
gilded letters announce to us that we are surrounded by great
spirits. Speak not of fame to me, D'Argens, when from yonder book-
shelf I see the name of Athalie. I would rather have written
Athalie, than to have all the fame arising from this seven years'
war." Footnote: Ibid.]
"Herein I recognize the peaceful, noble tastes of my king," said
D'Argens, deeply moved; "years of hardship and victory have not
changed him--the conquering hero is the loving friend and the wise
philosopher.
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