his wrath upon more senseless objects, and to flourish a hammer
instead of his crutch. Under the influence of the gout, this proud
and haughty monarch became an humble carpenter; when chained to one
spot by his disease, and unable to direct the affairs of State, he
attempted to banish thought and suffering, by working with his
tools. Often in passing near the palace at a late hour of the night,
you might hear the heavy blows of a hammer, and consider them a
bulletin of the king's health. If he worked at night, the good
people of Berlin knew their king to be sleepless and suffering, and
that it would be dangerous to meet him in his walk on the following
day, for some thoughtless word, or careless look, or even the cut of
a coat, would bring down on the offender a stinging blow or a severe
reprimand. Only a few days had passed since the king had caused the
arrest of two young ladies, and sent them to the fortress of
Spandau, because, in walking through the park at Schonhausen, he
overheard them declare the royal garden to be "charmant! charmant!"
One French word was sufficient to condemn these young girls in the
eyes of the king; and it was only after long pleading that they were
released from confinement. The men were fearful of being seized by
the king, and held as recruits for some regiment; and the youths
trembled if they were caught lounging about the streets. As soon,
therefore, as the king left the proud castle of his ancestors, all
who could fled from the streets into some house or by-way, that they
might avoid him.

But now they had nothing to fear. His queen dared to wear her
jewels; his subjects walked unmolested through the streets, for the
king was suffering, chained to his chair, and occupying himself with
his tools. This employment had a beneficial effect: it not only
caused the king to forgot his sufferings, but was often the means of