History of the German People from the First Authentic Annals to the Present Time (Volume 10) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1916. Excerpt: ... quite amiable. D'Alembert wrote to an intimate lady friend in Paris that no one was more optimistic than the king; "the nature of his company' is of peculiar charm, is serene, and mild, and didactic." Despite all this, the Frenchman was astonished at the German prince's knowledge of French literature, to the study of which he seemed to have devoted his whole life. "I am unable to quote any important passage from our poets which he does not know as well as I," said d'Alembert. Frederick showed him his choice little library in the gymnasium at Sans Souci, and walked with him for two hours in the picture gallery, "disputing equally eloquently about painting, warfare and politics." The guest, however, was not specially pleased with his stay at Charlottenburg: the castle, which still bore evidence of the hostile invasion, was very uncomfortable and the meals to which generals and statesmen received invitations were tedious. All the gentlemen seemed to be monks from La Trappe, who spoke no word and contented themselves with laughing at what they heard, thinking thus to fulfill their duty. D'Alembert and the king attended the performance of Graun's "Te Deum" in the royal chapel. At Schonhausen he was introduced to the queen, and on the 14th of July was present at a meeting of the Academy of Berlin. The critical moment had come. At Potsdam the king asked his guest what he was expecting, and whether he would pity the poor orphans. The philosopher had long been prepared. As early as 1752, during a serious illness of Maupertuis, d'Alembert was offered the chairmanship in the academy. He now declared he was not willing to renounce his Fatherland, and Frederick replied that he would wait, and withdraw his "culpable" demands. D'Alembert was filled with love for freedo...