“I promise it.  I promise, if your highness requests the expression of my views and opinions, to give you the truth, according to the inmost convictions of my heart.”

“No, Leuchtmar, in important matters you must give me your opinion, even when I have not asked for it.”

“Well then, your highness, I promise that too.”

“And on my side I promise always to listen patiently, and not to become angry and excited, even when our opinions disagree and you utterly oppose me.  You smile and shake your head.  Probably you think that I can not keep my promise.”

“I do think so, your highness; yet I fear not, and shall courageously weather the storm.  I am already old and have witnessed the gathering of many a tempest, have seen the clouds burst, and afterward seen the bright blue sky and cheerful sunshine again.  I shall not fear, even though the thunder roar and growl, for the thunder has somewhat of the voice of God, and there is something exalted and majestic in the lightning’s flash.  Only, gracious sir, it must not strike, but content itself with harmless shining.  Will you most kindly promise me thus much, gracious sir?”

“Am I Jupiter, that I hold the lightning in my hand, and can direct its stroke?”

“Yes, indeed, sir, Jupiter you are, in your native element, amid the flash of lightnings and the roar of thunder.”

The Elector smiled.  “Tell me, Leuchtmar, am I really then of so fiery a temperament and of so passionate a nature?  Why do you not answer me?  The truth, Leuchtmar, the truth!”

“Well, the truth is that your highness is of quite a fiery temperament and of a tolerably passionate nature.  But you are not to blame for this, for it was entailed upon you with your Hohenzollern blood.  You are the worthy descendant of your ancestor Albert Achilles; and be glad of this, sir, for by sluggish blood and soft complexion great things have never been accomplished.”

“Then you expect me to accomplish great things?”

“Yes, your highness, such are indeed my expectations, and I glory in them!”

“We will talk of this hereafter, friend,” said the Elector, gently shaking his head.  “But now let us forget what I have become since yesterday, and consider that I have a heart, which is young still and full of love and ardor, despite all it has suffered.  Two months ago, when the doctors told me that my dear father’s case was hopeless, I dispatched secret messages to two friends, and requested them to come here and tarry in the neighborhood of Koenigsberg until I should have them summoned by a courier.  I was not willing to vex my father in the least degree during his lifetime, and would not even see my friends in secret, but preferred to wait patiently until I could do so openly.[32] The two friends whom I sent for to be near me were Burgsdorf and yourself, my Leuchtmar.  But to you I gave previously another commission.  Have you executed it?”