We will remark only, what is very indisputable, that Friedrich, owing to the Regie, or to other causes, did get the humble overplus necessary for him; and did stand ready for any war which might have come (and which did in a sort come); that he more and more relaxed the Regie, as it became less indispensable to him; and was willing, if he found the Caricatures and Opposition Placards too high posted, to save the poor reading people any trouble that was possible.
A French eye-witness testifies: "They had no talent, these Regie fellows, but that of writing and ciphering; extremely conceited too, and were capable of the most ridiculous follies.

Once, for instance, they condemned a common soldier, who had hidden some pounds of tobacco, to a fine of 200 thalers.

The King, on reviewing it for confirmation, wrote on the margin: 'Before confirming this sentence, I should wish to know where the Soldier, who gets 8 groschen [ninepence halfpenny] in the 5 days, will find the 200 crowns for paying this Fine!'" [Laveaux (2d edition), iii.

228.] Innumerable instances of a constant disposition that way, on the King's part, stand on record.

"A crown a head on the import of fat cattle, Tax on butcher's-meat ?" writes he once to De Launay: "No, that would fall on the poorer classes: to that I must say No.