“Ah! without doubt, you wish to finish the epistle of Horace, of which we spoke a few days since.  If I remember correctly, this epistle relates to the useless offering of a lamb or black ram.  Well, I give up this translation for the present; we have no time for it; and I cannot possibly give you leave of absence this evening.”

“And yet I dare to repeat my request,” said Fredersdorf, with passionate excitement.  “Sire, my business cannot be postponed, and I beseech you to grant me a few hours.”

“If you will not yield to the earnest wish of your friend, you will be forced to submit to the command of your king,” said Frederick, sternly.  “I forbid you to leave your room this evening.”

“Have pity, sire, I entreat you!  I wish but for two hours of liberty.  I tell you my business is most important; the happiness of my life depends upon it.”

The king shrugged his shoulders contemptuously.  “The happiness of your life!  How can this poor, short-sighted, vain race of mortals decide any question relating to ‘the happiness of life’?  You seek it to-day, perhaps, in riches; to-morrow in the arms of your beloved; and the next day you turn away from and despise both the one and the other.  I cannot fulfil your wish; I have important work for you, and will not grant you one moment’s absence.”

“Sire, I must—­”

“Not another word! you remain here; I command you not to leave this room!”

“I will not obey this command,” said Fredersdorf, completely beside himself with rage and despair.  “Will your majesty dismiss me from your service, withdraw your favor, and banish me forever from your presence?  I must and will have some hours of liberty this evening.”

The king’s eyes flashed lightning, and his features assumed so threatening an expression, that Fredersdorf, though completely blinded by passion, trembled.  Without a word in reply, the king stepped hastily to the door which led into the corridor.  Two soldiers stood before the door.

“You will see that no one leaves this room,” said Frederick—­“you will fire upon any one who opens the door.”  He turned and fixed his eyes steadily upon the pale face of the secretary.  “I said to you that you were the prisoner of your king to-day.  You would not understand my jest.  I will force you to see that I am in earnest.  The guards stand before this, door; the other door leads to my apartment, and I will close it.  You shall not work with me to-day; you are not worthy of it.  You are a bold rebel, deserving punishment, and ‘having eyes see not.’”

Fredersdorf had not the courage to reply.  The king stepped hastily through the room and opened the tapestry door; as he stood upon the threshold, he turned once again.  “Fredersdorf, the time will come when you will thank me for having been a stern king.”  He closed the door, placed the key in his pocket, and returned to his room, where Jordan awaited him.