On my head rests the
responsibility."
"If your majesty commands I must obey, but I take these gentlemen to
witness that I but do it on compulsion."
And amid the breathless silence of the room, the king took the
medicine.
"Now your majesty must rest," said Ellart; "you must, by no means,
return to Berlin; by my holy right of physician, I forbid it."
"And why should I return to Berlin?" said the king, laughingly. "Why
should our harmless pleasure and amusements be given up? Are we not
to act Voltaire's 'Death of Caesar?' No, I will not return to
Berlin. A trifle such as the emperor's death should not create such
great disturbances. We will remain here and renew our former happy
days, and forget that we have any duty but our enjoyment. Now,
gentlemen, leave me, I am well. You see, Ellart, I did well to take
that medicine; I will dress. Fredersdorf, remain here. Jordan, send
me Secretary Eichel. I must dictate a few necessary letters, and
then, gentlemen, we will meet in the music room, where I am to play
a duet with Quantz. I invite you as audience."
The king dismissed his friends with a gracious smile, jested gayly
with Fredersdorf, and then dictated three letters to his secretary.
One was to Marshal von Schwerin, the other to the Prince of Anhalt
Dessau, and the third to Ambassador Podrilse.
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