the diplomats have failed to arrange with the pen should be settled
with the sword. These are my reasons, gentlemen, which make it my
duty to assemble an army; therefore I have called you together." His
fiery eyes flashed around the circle, peeling into the thin,
withered faces of his generals, and encountering everywhere a grave,
earnest mien.

The king repressed with an effort a sigh; then continued, with a
mild voice: "My feeble old age does not allow me to travel as in my
fiery youth. I shall use a post-carriage, and you, gentlemen, have
the liberty to do the same. On the day of battle you will find me
mounted; you will follow my example. Until then, farewell!"
[Footnote: The king's words.--See "Prussia, Frederick the Great,"
vol. iii.]

"Long live the king!" cried General von Krokow; and all the generals
who formerly joined in this cry of the Prussian warrior, now
repeated it in weak, trembling tones. Frederick smiled a
recognition, bowing on all sides, then turned slowly away, leaning
upon his staff.

When once more alone, the youthful expression faded from his eyes,
and the gloomy shadows of old age settled down upon his thoughtful
brow. "They have all grown old and morose," said he, mildly, "they
will not show any more heroism; the fire of ambition is quenched in
their souls! A warm stove must warm their old limbs. Oh! it is a
pitiful thing to grow old; and still they call themselves the images
of God! Poor boasters, who, with a breath of the Almighty, are
overturned and bent as a blade of grass in the sand!"