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Friedrich Wilhelm, alone against the whispers of his own heart and the voices of all men, yields at last in this cause. That Donhof and Schwerin, with their talk of mercy, with "their eyes upon the Rising Sun," as is evident, have done themselves no good, and shall perhaps find it so one day. But that, at any rate, Friedrich's life is spared; Katte's execution shall suffice in that kind.
In a still more crowded part of Berlin the Donhof Platz has recently been transformed, from a barren square surrounding the statue of that great Prussian, Baron von Stein, into a lovely garden-spot, with flowers and trees and birds for the cheer of the hurrying multitudes.
"No," he said solemnly "no, Count Dönhof, so long as I can not govern my land in peace, I dare seek no other bride than my own good sword." And smilingly, as if he had heard nothing, as if nothing uncommon had happened, the Elector returns to the conservatory. The Princess Hildegarde also smiles, looks cheerful and happy, and dances with all the cavaliers. But not with the Elector!
So would Donhof represent the thing, "fact being," says my Dryasdust, "it was a case of house-breaking with theft to the value of 6,000 thalers and this musketeer the ringleader!" Well; but was Schlubhut sentenced to hanging? Do you keep two weights and two measures, in that Criminal-Collegium of yours, then?
The King's daughter, the Emperor's grandchild, is exalted so high over the little Elector, the powerless duke, that he actually can not venture to sue for her hand, but must have his good fortune announced to him. Count Gerhard von Dönhof is selected by the King to execute this delicate commission, and doubts not that his proposition will be auspiciously received.
The two who dissented, invoking royal clemency and pardon, were Major-Generals by rank, Schwerin, as some write, one of them, or if not Schwerin, then Linger; and for certain, Donhof, two worthy gentlemen not known to any of my readers, nor to me, except as names, The rest are all coldly of opinion that the military code says Death.
"Your highness should carry home with you a lasting memento of these days," whispered the courtier. "What mean you, Count Dönhof?" "I believe that if you were to ask the hand of Princess Hildegarde, their Majesties would cheerfully grant you their consent and bestow upon you a royal bride." Gravely the Elector shook his head.
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