falls aswoon. Could not be helped: and the whole world saw it;
and Guy Dickens and the Diplomatists wrote home about it, and
there rose rumor and gossip enough! [Dickens, of 2d June, 1731 (in
pathetic terms); Wilhelmina, i. 341 (without pathos).] But that
was the naked truth of it: hot weather, agitation, want of sleep,
want of food; not aversion to the Hereditary Prince, nothing of
that. Rather the contrary, indeed; and, on better acquaintance,
much the contrary. For he proved a very rational, honorable and
eligible young Prince: modest, honest, with abundance of sense and
spirit; kind too and good, hot temper well kept, temper hot not
harsh; quietly holds his own in all circles; good discourse in
him, too, and sharp repartee if requisite,--though he stammered
somewhat in speaking. Submissive Wilhelmina feels that one might
easily have had a worse husband. What glories for you in England!
the Queen used. to say to her in old times: "He is a Prince, that
Frederick, who has a good heart, and whose genius is very small.
Rather ugly than handsome; slightly out of shape even (UN PEU
CONTREFAIT). But provided you have the complaisance to suffer his
debaucheries, you will quite govern him; and you will be more King
than he, when once his Father is dead. Only see what a part you
will play! It will be you that decide on the weal or woe of
Europe, and give law to the Nation," [Wilhelmina, i. 143.]--in a
manner! Which Wilhelmina did not think a celestial prospect even
then. Who knows but, of all the offers she had, "four" or three
"crowned heads" among them, this final modest honest one may be
intrinsically the best? Take your portion, if inevitable, and
be thankful!--

The Betrothal follows in about a week: Sunday, 3d June, 1731; with
great magnificence, in presence of the high guests and all the