early in such spirit, we are come to what you now see;--and shall
advance still farther, if it please Beelzebub, who is generally
kind to those that serve him well.' Such is the doctrine of this
impudent Pamphlet; 'original Manuscripts' of which are still
purchased by simple persons,--who have then nobly offered them to
me, thrice over, gratis or nearly so, as a priceless curiosity.
A new printed edition of which, probably the fifth, has appeared
within few years. Simple persons, consider it a curious and
interesting Document; rather ambiguous in origin perhaps, but
probably authentic in substance, and throwing unexpected light on
the character of Frederick whom men call the Great. In which new
light they are willing a meritorious Editor should share.

"Who wrote that Pamphlet I know not, and am in no condition to
guess. A certain snappish vivacity (very unlike the style of
Frederick whom it personates); a wearisome grimacing,
gesticulating malice and smartness, approaching or reaching the
sad dignity of what is called 'wit' in modern times; in general
the rottenness of matter, and the epigrammatic unquiet graciosity
of manner in this thing, and its elaborately INhuman turn both of
expression and of thought, are visible characteristics of it.
Thought, we said,--if thought it can be called: thought all
hamstrung, shrivelled by inveterate rheumatism, on the part of the
poor ill-thriven thinker; nay tied (so to speak, for he is of
epigrammatic turn withal), as by cross ropes, right shoulder to
left foot; and forced to advance, hobbling and jerking along, in
that sad guise: not in the way of walk, but of saltation and
dance; and this towards a false not a true aim, rather no-whither
than some-whither:--Here were features leading one to think of an
illustrious Prince de Ligne as perhaps concerned in the affair.