[History of Friedrich II. of Prussia Vol. XXI. (of XXI.) by Thomas Carlyle]@TWC D-Link bookHistory of Friedrich II. of Prussia Vol. XXI. (of XXI.) CHAPTER II 4/63
They are eloquent, ruggedly strong Essays, those of Mirabeau Junior upon Free Trade:--they contain, in condensed shape, everything we were privileged to hear, seventy years later, from all organs, coach-horns, jews-harps and scrannel-pipes, PRO and CONTRA, on the same sublime subject: "God is great, and Plugson of Undershot is his Prophet. Thus saith the Lord, Buy in the cheapest market, sell in the dearest!" To which the afflicted human mind listens what it can;--and after seventy years, mournfully asks itself and Mirabeau, "M.
le Comte, would there have been in Prussia, for example, any Trade at all, any Nation at all, had it always been left 'Free'? There would have been mere sand and quagmire, and a community of wolves and bisons, M.le Comte.
Have the goodness to terminate that Litany, and take up another!" We said, Friedrich began his problem on the first morrow morning; and that is literally true, that or even MORE.
Here is how Friedrich takes his stand amid the wreck, speedy enough to begin: this view of our old friend Nussler and him is one of the Pieces we can give,--thanks to Herr Busching and his _Beitrage_ for the last time! Nussler is now something of a Country Gentleman, so to speak; has a pleasant place out to east of Berlin; is LANDRATH (County Chairman) there, "Landrath of Nether-Barnim Circle;" where we heard of the Cossacks spoiling him: he, as who not, has suffered dreadfully in these tumults.
Here is Busching's welcome Account. LANDRATH NUSSLER AND THE KING (30th March-3d April, 1763). "MARCH 30th, 1763, Friedrich, on his return to Berlin, came by the route of Tassdorf,"-- Tassdorf, in Nether-Barnim Circle (40 odd miles from Frankfurt, and above 15 from Berlin);--"and changed horses there.
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