Now do not be angry, Herzberg.

The first leisure hours that I have in this campaign I shall employ on my treatise." "And the first leisure hours that I have," growled the minister, "I shall employ to translate a portion of Tacitus into our beautiful German language, to send to your majesty." "You are incorrigible," said Frederick, smiling.

"We shall see, and until then let us keep the peace, Herzberg.

When one is about to go to war, it is well to be at peace with one's conscience and with his friends; so let us be good friends." "Your majesty, your graciousness and kindness make me truly ashamed," said the minister, feelingly.

"I beg pardon a thousand times, if I have allowed myself to be carried away with unbecoming violence in my zeal for our poor neglected German literature." "I approve of your zeal, and it pleases me that you are a faithful knight, sans peur et sans reproche.