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History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 08 by Thomas Carlyle
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it him as one help. This he had to leave with the Prince for some
days. On getting it back, he found inside on the fly-leaf,
sketched in pencil,"--what is rather notable to History,--"the
figure of a man on his knees, with two swords hanging crosswise
over his head; and at the bottom these words of Psalm
Seventy-third (verses 25, 26), Whom have I in Heaven but
thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee.
My flesh and my heart fainteth and faileth; but God is the
strength of my heart, and my portion forever." --
Poor Friedrich, this is a very unexpected pen-sketch on his part;
but an undeniable one; betokening abstruse night-thoughts and
forebodings in the present juncture!--

"Whoever considers this fine knowledge of religion, and reflects
on the peculiar character and genius of the young Herr, which was
ever struggling towards light and clearness (for at that time he
had not become indifferent to religion, he often prayed with my
Father on his knees),--will find that it was morally impossible
this young Prince could have thought [as some foolish persons have
asserted] of throwing himself into the arms of Papal Superstition
[seeking help at Vienna, marrying an Austrian Archduchess, and I
know not what] or allow the intrigues of Catholic Priests to"--
Oh no, Herr Muller, nobody but very foolish persons could imagine
such a thing of this young Herr.

"When my Father, Herr von Katte's execution being ended, hastened
to the Crown-Prince; he finds him miserably ill (SEHR ALTERIRT);
advises him to take a cooling-powder in water, both which
materials were ready on the table. This he presses on him: but the
Prince always shakes his head." Suspects poison, you think?
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