sovereign, and the happiness of his subjects. All this, dear
Chamisso, took place in the sun: she was kneeling two steps from
me, and I, without a shadow, could not dart through the air, nor
fall on my knees before the angelic being. Oh, what would I not now
have given for a shadow! To conceal my shame, agony, and despair, I
buried myself in the recesses of the carriage. Bendel at last
thought of an expedient; he jumped out of the carriage. I called
him back, and gave him out of the casket I had by me a rich diamond
coronet, which had been intended for the lovely Fanny.

He stepped forward, and spoke in the name of his master, who, he
said, was overwhelmed by so many demonstrations of respect, which he
really could not accept as an honour--there must be some error;
nevertheless he begged to express his thanks for the goodwill of the
worthy townspeople. In the meantime Bendel had taken the wreath
from the cushion, and laid the brilliant crown in its place. He
then respectfully raised the lovely girl from the ground; and, at
one sign, the clergy, magistrates, and all the deputations withdrew.
The crowd separated to allow the horses to pass, and we pursued our
way to the town at full gallop, through arches ornamented with
flowers and branches of laurel. Salvos of artillery again were
heard. The carriage stopped at my gate; I hastened through the
crowd which curiosity had attracted to witness my arrival.
Enthusiastic shouts resounded under my windows, from whence I
showered gold amidst the people; and in the evening the whole town
was illuminated. Still all remained a mystery to me, and I could
not imagine for whom I had been taken. I sent Rascal out to make
inquiry; and he soon obtained intelligence that the good King of
Prussia was travelling through the country under the name of some
count; that my aide-de-camp had been recognised, and that he had