sake, to Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle so called), with a view to the
waters there. Intends to try for a little improvement in health, as
the basis of ulterior things. Health has naturally suffered a
little in these War-hardships; and the Doctors recommend Aix.
After Wesel, and the Westphalian Inspections, Friedrich,
accordingly, proceeds to Aix; and for about a fortnight (23th
August-9th September) drinks the waters in that old resting-place
of Charlemagne;--particulars not given in the Books; except that
"he lodged with Baege" (if any mortal now knew Baege), and did an
Audience or so to select persons now unknown. He is not entirely
incognito, but is without royal state; the "guard of twenty men,
the escort of 160 men," being no men of his, but presumably mere
Town-guard of Aix coming in an honorary way. Aix is proud to see
him; he himself is intent on the waters here at old Aix:--


Aquisgranum, urbs regalis,
Sedes Regni principalis:--
)

My friend, this was Charlemagne's high place; and his dust lies
here, these thousand years last past. And there used to soar "a
very large Gilt Eagle," ten feet wide or so, aloft on the
Cathedral-steeple there; Eagle turned southward when the Kaiser was
in Frankenland, eastward when he was in Teutsch or Teuton-land;
in fact, pointing out the Kaiser's whereabouts to loyal mankind.
[Kohler, Reichs-Historie. ] Eagle which shines
on me as a human fact; luminously gilt, through the dark
Dryasdustic Ages, gone all spectral under Dryasdust's sad handling.
Friedrich knows farther, that for many centuries after, the