it." [Footnote: The king's own words--See "Confidential Letters."]

Just at that moment the prince tried to seize the battle door. Herr
Behnisch felt the movement, and was on the point of turning around,
when Frederick stopped him, by saying, "I believe it is time to
commence a regular course of instruction for the prince. At eight
years of age the education of an heir to the throne must progress
rapidly, and be regulated by fixed principles. I will write out my
instructions, that you may always have them before you."

"It will be my most earnest endeavor to follow your majesty's
commands to the letter," answered the tutor, who saw not the little
prince, with beaming face, behind him, swinging the battledoor high
in the air.

"I am about to enter upon a new war; no one knows if he will ever
return from a campaign. I dare not spare my life, when the honor and
fame of my house are at stake. Our life and death, however, are in
God's hands. Before we risk our lives, we should put every thing in
order, and leave nothing undone which it is our duty to do. I will
write my instructions to-day, and send them to you. Promise me, upon
your word of honor as a man, that you will act upon them, as long as
you are tutor to Prince Frederick William, even if I should not
return from the campaign."

"I promise it to your majesty," answered the tutor. "I will, in all
things, according to the best of my ability, follow your majesty's
instructions."

"I believe you; I take you to be an honorable man," said the king.