A most small sphere, but then a genuine one: nor did he seek even this, had it not forced itself upon him.

And truly we might ask, What has become of the other more considerable "spheres" in that epoch?
The supremest loud-trumpeting "political activities" which then filled the world and its newspapers, what has the upshot of them universally been?
Zero, and oblivion; no other.

While this poor Friedrich-Wilhelm sphere is perhaps still a countable quantity.

Wise is he who stays well at home, and does the duty he finds lying there!-- Great favor from the Protestant public: but, on the other hand, his Majesty had given offence in high places.

What help for it?
The thing was a point of conscience with him; natural to the surly Royal Overseer, going his rounds in the world, stick in hand! However, the Kaiser was altogether gloomy of brow at such disobedience.