"He really charged you with this commission?"

"Yes, sire: it appears that his obstinacy is beginning to relent,
and that he thinks of submitting."

The king was silent, and walked thoughtfully to and fro, with
clouded brow, then remained standing before Pollnitz, and looked
sharply and piercingly at him.

"You rejoice," he said, coldly, "but you only think of your own
advantage. You are indifferent to the sorrow we are preparing for my
brother. You only think that your debts will be paid. Yes, I will
pay them, but I shall never forget that you have betrayed my
brother's confidence."

"I only acted according to your majesty's commands," said Pollnitz,
confounded. "Certainly, but if you had resisted my commands, I would
have esteemed and prized you the more. Now, I shall pay your debts,
but I shall despise you. No one has reasons for thanking you."

"Sire, I desire no other thanks. Had I been paid with money for my
services, instead of fine speeches, I would have been as rich as
Croesus."

"And a beggar in virtue," said the king, smiling. "But go, I was
wrong to reproach you. I shall now go to Berlin, and when my brother
arrives he shall find me there. Go now, my grand chamberlain, and
take the prince my permission for a three days' absence."