Casting another angry glance at the prince, he continued: "The officers who dine with the prince shall tease and annoy him, that he may become confident." "Your majesty," said the prince, timidly and imploringly, "I beg pardon a thousand times for being so awkward.

I am sorry, and I will be more careful in the future." The king paid no attention to him, but continued to write: "When you understand him better, try to learn his chief passion to uproot it, but to moderate it." [Footnote: This entire instruction is an exact translation of the original, which Frederick drew up in French, and which is included in his "Complete Works."] "My dear lord and king," began the prince again, "I beg you will have the goodness to give me my shuttlecock." The king was silent, and with apparent indifference commenced reading over what he had written.
Prince Frederick William waited a long time, but, on receiving no answer, and understanding that his pleading was in vain, his face grew red with anger, and his eyes flashed.

With an irritated, determined manner, he stepped close up to the king, his hands resting upon his hips.

"Your majesty," cried he, with a menacing tone, "will you give me my ball or not ?" The king now looked up at the prince, who regarded him in an insolent, questioning manner.

A smile, mild as the evening sunset, spread over the king's face; he laid his hand lovingly upon the curly head of the prince, saying: "They will never take away Silesia from you.