But I do not
think that it will promote propriety or prevent crime."
The king had listened to him with increasing interest, his brow
growing clearer and clearer as the bold speaker continued. When he
finished, the king ceased his walk, and stood motionless before him,
looking fully into his excited countenance.
"It is, then, your positive conviction that a secret police brings
with it those evils you have depicted?"
"Yes, your majesty, it is my positive conviction."
"He may be right," said the king, thoughtfully. "Nothing demoralizes
men so much as spies and denunciations, and a good government should
punish and not reward the miserable spies who betray their fellow-
creatures for gold with the wicked intention of bringing them into
misfortune. A good government should not follow the Jesuits' rule--
'That the end consecrates the means.'"
"Will your majesty, then, graciously allow me to dispense with a
secret police?"
"Well, yes. We will remain as we are, and De Sartines may keep his
secret police. It would not suit us, and Berlin shall not be still
further demoralized by spies and betrayers. Therefore, no more of
the secret police.
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