work of two, and nobody can notice that the other arm resting in
his coat-breast is of cork, so expert is he,"--will do in this
matter what is feasible; probably not much for the present. He is
to call on Voltaire, as he passes, who is in Holland again, at the
Hague for some months back; and deliver him "a little cask of
Hungary Wine," which probably his Majesty had thought exquisite.
Of which, and the other insignificant passages between them, we
hear more than enough in the writings and correspondences of
Voltaire about this time.

In such way Friedrich disposes of his Bielfelds; who are rather
numerous about him now and henceforth. Adventurers from all
quarters, especially of the literary type, in hopes of being
employed, much hovered round Friedrich through his whole reign.
But they met a rather strict judge on arriving; it cannot be said
they found it such a Goshen as they expected.

Favor, friendly intimacy, it is visible from the first, avails
nothing with this young King; beyond and before all things he will
have his work done, and looks out exclusively for the man ablest
to do it. Hence Bielfeld goes to Hanover, to grin out euphuisms,
and make graceful courtbows to our sublime little Uncle there.
On the other hand, Friedrich institutes a new Knighthood, ORDER OF
MERIT so called; which indeed is but a small feat, testifying mere
hope and exuberance as yet; and may even be made worse than
nothing, according to the Knights he shall manage to have.
Happily it proved a successful new Order in this last all-
essential particular; and, to the end of Friedrich's life,
continued to be a great and coveted distinction among
the Prussians.