By such fierce riding, and defiance of the winter elements and rules of regimen, his Majesty returned to Potsdam with ill symptoms of health;--symptoms never seen before; except transiently, three years ago, after a similar bout; when the Doctors, shaking their heads, had mentioned the word "Gout."-- "NARREN-POSSEN!" Friedrich Wilhelm had answered, "Gout ?"--But now, February, 1729, it is gout in very deed.

His poor Majesty has to admit: "I am gouty, then! Shall have gout for companion henceforth.

I am breaking up, then ?" Which is a terrible message to a man.

His Majesty's age is not forty-one till August coming; but he has hunted furiously.
Adoring Fassmann gives a quite touching account of Friedrich Wilhelm's performances under gout, now and generally, which were begun on this occasion.

How he suffered extremely, yet never neglected his royal duties in any press of pain.