Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 edition. Excerpt:... the Princess Charlotte, King Leopold, had assigned it as a refuge. The ex-King received us very courteously. But he was a most unimpressive old man. His personal history had indeed been an honourable one. He had supported himself through many years of poverty and exile, and as King he had at least committed no conspicuous fault. But I confess I could not help looking at him as the son and representative of that Egalite of the Revolution who had had the baseness to vote for the death of his cousin, King Louis XVI. I could not wish success to a dynasty with such a terrible blot on its escutcheon. His Queen was as full of dignity and distinction in her manners and in her face as he was deficient in both. The other figure I have referred to as one which I encountered at this time was of a very different type. Nowhere had lawless mobs been more violent than in Berlin. The reigning King was a well-meaning but a weak and impulsive man, bending before every wind that blew. In moments of revolution, when authority is at an end and anarchy reigns supreme, every constituted Government must depend on its armed force. And the military were marched into Berlin. But just when they were called upon to act, the King gave way, and they were ordered to retire before an armed mob. Of course the whole army felt it bitterly. Young Prince Frederick, the second heir to the throne, full of the spirit of his profession--nowhere more proud and sensitive than in Prussia--was one of the officers who thought themselves exposed to a dishonour. He came to England, and I was presented to him at a large party at Stafford House. He was then a beautiful youth, with a charming countenance and the most Vol. i. 20 noble aspect. Of course I spoke to him sympathetically,...