Yes, a new period must commence for him; his would be a brilliant
future, for the prince royal had always been loving and gracious to
him, and the young king must remember that it was Pollnitz who
induced Frederick William to pay the prince's debts. The king must
remember this, and, for the services he had rendered, raise him to
honor and dignity; he must be the favorite, the envied, feared, and
powerful favorite, before whom all should bend the knee as to the
king himself. The king was young, inexperienced, and easily led; he
had a warm heart, a rich imagination, and an ardent love of pleasure
and splendor. These qualities must be cultivated in the young king;
by these reins he would control him; and while intoxicated with
pleasure and delight, he lay on his sweet-scented couch,
strengthening himself for new follies, Pollnitz would reign in his
stead, and be the real king.
These were no chimeras, no vain dreams, but a well-considered plan,
in which Pollnitz had a powerful abettor in the person of
Fredersdorf, chamberlain of the young king, who had promised that he
should be the first that the king should call for.
For this reason Pollnitz stood nearest the door; for this reason he
so proudly regarded the courtiers who were breathlessly awaiting the
opening of that door.
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