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Updated: June 23, 2025
"That was the most glittering, dazzling piece for a concert which I ever heard," said Balby, "and Mr. Zoller may well be proud of it, but I counsel him not to play it before the King of Prussia; he would, in his jealousy, declare it was not music, nothing but sound, and signifying nothing." "Bravo, my friend," said Frederick, taking his friend's hand; "yes, he would say that. Mr.
Behind this stranger there stood another, in plain, simple clothes; under one arm he carried a small bag, and under the other a case that contained either a yard-stick or a flute. He returned the colonel's salutation with a grimace and a profound bow. A short pause ensued, then the supposed strangers laughed heartily and exclaimed: "Do you not know us, Balby?"
The king was angry, and walked silently along for a time; suddenly remaining standing, he gazed steadily at Balby, and broke out into a loud, merry laugh, that startled the passers-by, and made them look wonderingly after him. "Balby, my friend," he said, still laughing, "I will tell you something amusing.
I am filled with profound gratitude to your majesty for having in vented a new costume for me, whose lovely color will make me appear like a large coffee-bean, and make all the coffee sisters adore me." The king was highly amused. "This dress certainly has the power of enchantment. When Colonel Balby puts on these clothes he will be invisible, but he shall not undergo this transformation alone.
He is a free man!" "Truly, these poor apprentices would not believe that a king was envying them their fate," said Balby, laughing. "Still they are to be envied," said the king, "for they are free. No, no, at present I envy no one, the world and its sunshine belong to me. We will go to Amsterdam, and enjoy the galleries and museums."
"We must leave off the old man altogether; therefore, you ask but little in requiring us to take off our shoes before entering your state apartment." He stooped to undo the buckles of his shoes, and when Balby wished to assist him, he resisted. "No, no; you shall not loosen my shoes you are too worthy for that.
The king listened to all this with suppressed merriment, and gave Balby a significant look. "Bring my flute, brother; I will convince madame that I am indeed a virtuoso." "Let us hear," said Madame Blaken, seating herself upon the sofa from which the king had just arisen. Frederick made, with indescribable solemnity, a profound bow to the hostess.
"Oh no, I find it pleasant to serve myself, to be my own master and servant at the same time. Allow me this rare pleasure for a few hours longer, Balby." The king took his friend's arm, and recommenced his search for paintings and treasures to adorn his gallery at Sans-Souci. Everywhere he was received kindly and respectfully, for all recognized them as purchasers, and not idle sight-seers.
Niclas saw nothing great stamped upon my brow; to him I had the face of a criminal my passport only made an honest man of me. Come, friends, let us refresh ourselves." While eating, the king chatted pleasantly with Balby of the charming adventures of the day.
With a solemn bow, the king offered Balby the clothes. The colonel received this strange present with an astonished and somewhat confused countenance. The king laughed merrily. "What," he said, pathetically, "are you not contented with the favor I have shown you?"
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