[History of Friedrich II. of Prussia Vol. XIII. (of XXI.) by Thomas Carlyle]@TWC D-Link bookHistory of Friedrich II. of Prussia Vol. XIII. (of XXI.) CHAPTER V 30/33
After strict examinations, and approval of Walrave and his works at Brieg, he again takes the road; enters Breslau, in considerable state (November 4th); where many Persons of Quality are waiting, and the general Homaging is straightway to be,--or indeed should have been some days ago, but has fallen behind by delays in the Neisse affair. The Breslau HULDIGUNG,--Friedrich sworn to and homaged with the due solemnities as "Sovereign Duke of Lower Silesia,"-- was an event to throw into fine temporary frenzy the descriptive Gazetteers, and Breslau City, overflowing with Quality people come to act and to see on the occasion. Event which can be left to the reader's fancy, at this date.
There were Corporations out in quantity, "all in cloaks" and with sublime Addresses, partly in poetry, happily rather brief.
There were beautiful Prussian Life-guards "First Battalion," admirable to the softer sex, not to speak of the harder); much military resonance and splendor. Friedrich drove about in carriages-and-six, "nay carriage-and-eight, horses cream-color:" a very high King indeed; and a very busy one, for those four days (November 4th-8th) 1741), but full of grace and condescension.
The HULDIGUNG itself took effect on the 7th; in the fine old Rathhaus, which Tourists still know,--the surrounding Apple-women sweeping themselves clear away for one day.
Ancient Ducal throne and proper apparatus there was; state-sword unluckily wanting: Schwerin, who was to act Grand-Marshal, could find no state-sword, till Friedrich drew his own and gave it him.
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