and that he hoped his son would ever shew himself sensible of the kindness exerted in his behalf. Frederick was also induced to write a letter of thanks to the emperor, wherein he was obliged to express the same sentiments. In the public circular, however, wherein the king communicated the pardon of the prince to the several courts, he gave, as the only causes, his royal mercy and parental clemency.

A separate house, as a residence, was assigned to Frederick at Custrin, as also a small number of domThe latter he was estics and a very limited income. obliged to husband very economically, and to render regular accounts of his expenditure. At the sessions of the board, where he appeared for the first time on November 21st, he took part as the youngest war and domain councillor, without the privilege of a vote, however. In the individual portions of his new vocation, in police and financial affairs, as also in rural economy and the management of domains, he received Otherwise his situaseparate theoretical instruction. tion was still very much confined. He durst not leave the city. French books and even musical exercises were prohibited.

President Munchow took pains, however, to make his sojourn at Custrin as agreeable as possible; neither were social attractions wanting, which soon restored the natural serenity and ingenuousness of Frederick's mind. Among others the widowed Countess von Mantruffel had won his regards, though by the charms of a cultivated mind. Nor was the prohibi

tion in regard to music strictly observed, as he was permitted to receive lessons from Fredersdorf, a very accomplished player on the flute. Frederick had previously become acquainted with him in passing on a journey through Frankfort. Afterwards he became Frederick's privy chamberlain; and Fredersdorf remained dear to him till his death.

General Grumbkow, in the interest of the Austrian party, made every exertion to bring about a complete reconciliation between father and son. In May, Frederick received the first nearer proof of parental forgiveness: some religious books and an admonitory letter. But several months passed by before the king could bring himself to see Frederick again. At length he arrived at Custrin, on the occasion of a journey, on August 15, 1731. He sent for Frederick. The personal appearance of his son had changed so much during the past year, that it could not but make a favourable impression on the king.

The French levity of his manners was gone, and manly seriousness had taken its place. As soon as the king saw the prince, the latter fell at his feet; the king permitted him to rise, and in an emphatical speech again placed his transgressions before him; told him nothing had wounded him so sensibly as the Crown Prince's want of confidence in him; that all he had done for the good of his house and the state, was intended only for him, and that he had desired nothing but the friendship of the Crown Prince.

During the interview, the latter conducted himself

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so much to the satisfaction of his father, and answered the questions propounded to him, concerning the history of his flight, with so much candour and sincerity, that all the past was graciously forgiven. When the king was ready to continue his journey, and Frederick accompanied him to the carriage, his father embraced him before all the people, assured him that he no longer doubted his fidelity, and should take further care of his interest. Frederick was affected with lively joy, as were also the surrounding crowds, who had gathered around the building and awaited in anxious expectation the result of this interview.

The immediate consequence of this reconciliation was, that Frederick received greater liberty than before, although the king by no means intended to place things on their old footing. He wisely determined, in reference to the true welfare of his son, to let him thoroughly complete his apprenticeship at Custrin. He was obliged to attend the meetings of the board as formerly, but so that he sat next the president, signed with him, and gave his vote in all matters. At the same time he was to visit the royal domains in the neighbourhood of Custrin, accompanied by an experienced councillor, and practically study all subjects which he had hitherto only learnt theoretically. His domestic conveniences were also cared for; his wardrobe was enlarged, and an equipage was at his disposal.

Frederick devoted himself with great zeal to his enlarged sphere of action. In his journeys to the