mean obedience to your king and general.  I forgive you for this; and now I must speak to you as a friend, and not as a king.  You are wandering in dangerous paths, young man.  Turn now, while there is yet time; turn before the abyss opens which will swallow you up!  No man can serve two masters, or strive successfully after two objects.  He who wills something, must will it wholly; must give his undivided heart and strength to its attainment; must sacrifice every thing else to the one great aim!  You are striving for love and fame at the same time, and you will forfeit both.  Love makes a man soft and yielding.  He who leaves a mistress behind him cannot go bravely and defiantly into battle, though women despise men who are not gallant and laurel-crowned.  Strive then, Trenck, first to become a hero; then it will be time to play the lover.  Pluck your laurels first, and then gather the myrtle-wreath.  If this counsel does not suit you, then give up your ambition, and the path to fame which you have chosen.  Lay aside your sword; though I can promise you that soon, and with honor, you may hope to use it.  But lay it aside, and take up the pen or the hammer; build yourself a nest; take a wife, and thank God for the gift of a child every twelve months; and pray that the sound of battle may be heard only in the distance, and the steps of soldiers may not disturb your fields and gardens.  That is also a future, and there are those who are content with it; whose ears are closed to the beat of drums and the sound of alarm-bells which now resound throughout Europe.  Choose, then, young man.  Will you be a soldier, and with God’s help a hero? or will you go again ’upon the chase?’”

“I will be a soldier,” cried Trenck, completely carried away.  “I will win fame, honor, and distinction upon the battle-field, and above all I will gain the approbation and consideration of my king.  My name shall be known and honored by the world.”

“That is a mighty aim,” said the king, smiling, “and it requires the dedication of a life.  You must offer up many things, and above all other things ‘the chase.’  I do not know what you have sought, and I do not wish to know.  I counsel you though, as a friend, to give up the pursuit.  I have placed the two alternatives before you, and you have made your choice—­you will be a brave soldier.  Now, then, from this time onward, I will be inexorable against even your smallest neglect of duty.  In this way only can I make of you what you resolve to be—­a gallant and stainless officer.  I will tell your captain to watch you and report every fault; I will myself observe and scrutinize your conduct, and woe to you if I find you again walking in crooked paths!  I will be stern and immovable.  Now, monsieur, you are warned, and cannot complain if a wild tempest bursts over your head; the guilt and responsibility will be yours.  Not another word!  Adieu!”

Long after Trenck had left the room, the king stood thoughtfully looking toward the door through which the tall, graceful figure of the young officer had disappeared.