Saxony--that is to say, Augustus the Third, and his minister, Count
Bruhl--hated Frederick from instinct, from envy, from resentment.
This insignificant and small neighbor had spread her wings and made
so bold a flight, that Saxony was completely over-shadowed.

England hated no one, but she feared Prussia and France, and this
fear led her to master the old-rooted national hatred to Russia, and
form an alliance with her for mutual protection. But the English
people did not share the fears of their king; they murmured over
this Russian ally, and this discontent, which found expression in
Parliament, rang so loudly, that Frederick might well have heard it,
and formed his own conclusions as to the result. But did he hear it?
Was the sound of his flute so loud? Was his study hermetically
sealed, so that no echo from the outside world could reach his ears?

There was no interruption to his quiet, peaceful life; he hated
nobody, made no warlike preparations; his soldiers exercised no more
than formerly. Truly they exercised; and at the first call to
battle, 150,000 men would be under arms.

But Frederick seemed not inclined to give this call; not inclined to
exchange the calm pleasures of Sans-Souci for the rude noises of
tents and battle-fields. He seemed to be in peaceful harmony with
all nations. He was particularly friendly and conciliating toward
the Austrian embassy; and not only was the ambassador, Count Peubla
invited often to the royal table, but his secretary, Baron
Weingarten. came also to Potsdam and Sans-Souci. The king appeared
attached to him, and encouraged him to come often, to walk in the
royal gardens.