Austria has already cost Germany much blood, and will cause her to shed still more.

Believe it, my nephew, and guard yourself against Austria's ambition for territorial aggrandizement.

You see, I am like all old people, always teaching youth, while we have much to learn ourselves.

We are all pupils, and our deeds are ever imperfect." "Your majesty cannot believe that of himself.

The sage of Sans-Souci is the type, the master, and teacher of all Europe." "My son," replied the king, "the great men of antiquity recognized it as the acme of wisdom, that they must be mindful that 'in the midst of life we are in death.' At the gay festivities and the luxurious feasts they were interrupted in the merry song and voluptuous dance, with the warning: 'Remember, O man, that thou must die!' Let us profit by their wisdom! I have startled you from the banquet of life, and I doubt not that many singers and dancers will be enraged that I should put an end to the feasts of roses and the merry dance in such an abominable manner.
It would be an evil omen in our warlike undertaking, if the rosy lips of the beauties should breathe curses to follow us; therefore, we must try to conciliate them, and leave a good souvenir in their hearts.