FREDERICK THE GREAT AND HIS COURT.



BOOK I.



CHAPTER I.

THE QUEEN SOPHIA DOROTHEA.


The palace glittered with light and splendor; the servants ran here
and there, arranging the sofas and chairs; the court gardener cast a
searching glance at the groups of flowers which he had placed in the
saloons; and the major domo superintended the tables in the picture
gallery. The guests of the queen will enjoy to-night a rich and
costly feast. Every thing wore the gay and festive appearance which,
in the good old times, the king's palace in Berlin had been wont to
exhibit. Jesting and merrymaking were the order of the day, and even
the busy servants were good-humored and smiling, knowing that this
evening there was no danger of blows and kicks, of fierce threats
and trembling terror. Happily the king could not appear at this
ball, which he had commanded Sophia to give to the court and
nobility of Berlin.