FORE:A son was born and died. A daughter came, Wilhelmina. But a daughter could not inherit the crown. Another son was born and died. There was great anxiety at court, from fear that the direct line of succession might not be preserved. But on the 24th of January, 1712, when the monarchy was but twelve years old, the little prince was born who subsequently obtained such renown as Frederick the Great. The king, his grandfather, was aged and infirm. The excessive joy with which he greeted little Fritz, as he fondly called the child, was cordially reciprocated throughout the Prussian nation. The realm blazed with bonfires and illuminations, and resounded with every demonstration of public joy. The young prince was christened with great pomp, Charles Frederick. The emperor, Charles VI., was present on the occasion, and in the solemnities there were blended the most imposing civil, military, and ecclesiastical rites. The baptism took place on the 31st of January, 1712, when the babe was a week old. The young prince subsequently dropped the name of Charles, and Frederick became his sole designation. Wilhelmina, Frederick¡¯s sister, was about three years older than himself. We shall have frequent occasion to allude to her in the course of this history, as between her and her brother there sprang up a warm attachment, which was of life-long continuance. Ten children were subsequently born to the royal pair, making fourteen in all, most of whom attained mature years.
FORE: Frederick¡¯s Attempt to Rescue his Brother.¡ªCaptured Dispatches.¡ªBattle of Hochkirch.¡ªDefeat and Retreat of Frederick.¡ªDeath of Wilhelmina.¡ªLetter to Voltaire.¡ªRejoicings at Vienna.¡ªThe Siege of Neisse.¡ªThe Siege of Dresden.¡ªConflagrations and Terror.¡ªThe Siege raised by Frederick.¡ªResults of the Third Campaign.¡ªUnavailing Efforts for Peace.¡ªDespair of Frederick.¡°The King of Prussia can not sleep. The officers sit up with him every night, and in his slumbers he raves and talks of spirits and apparitions.¡±
FORE:
THREE:¡°His diet was regulated at a sum which made it barely sufficient to prevent actual starvation. His apartment was most miserable, and almost entirely devoid of furniture. He was in great want of linen, and of others of the first necessaries of life. At nine o¡¯clock at night his candle was taken from him, while pen, ink, paper, and books were alike denied him.¡±
THREE:572 His feet and legs became cold. Death was stealing its way toward the vitals. About nine o¡¯clock Wednesday evening a painful cough commenced, with difficulty of breathing, and an ominous rattle in the throat. One of his dogs sat by his bedside, and shivered with cold; the king made a sign for them to throw a quilt over it.
