He reigned according to the precepts of sages; he lived after the example of the Sybarites.

But his soldier's mind, which was but too easily given up to beauty, was not quenched in love; he only gave his heart to women, he reserved his head for glory, war, and the government of his states.

Mirabeau, then a young man, had stayed at his court, on his way to Berlin, to catch the last glimpses of the shining genius of the great Frederic.

The Duke of Brunswick had favourably received and appreciated Mirabeau.

These two men, placed in such different ranks, resembled each other by their qualities and defects.