Nothing that I say will keep him from his riotous comrades and licentious ways.

I have spoken till I am weary of speaking, and all is in vain.

And now that this terrible scourge of God has fallen upon the city, instead of turning from their evil courses with fear and loathing, he and such as he are but the more reckless and impious, and turn into a jest even this fearful visitation.

They scour the streets as before, and drink themselves drunk night by night.

Ah, should the pestilence reach some amongst them, what would be their terrible doom! I cannot bear even to think of it! Yet that is too like to be the end of my wretched boy, my poor, unhappy Frederick!".