For This Reason He Was Also Very Sparing Of Entering Into
Any Discourse Of The Chevalier's Court, Or Of That
Of the king of
France, and answered all the questions put to him by the count, that his
youth, and
Being of foreign extraction, hindered him from being let into
any secrets of state.
After a pretty long conversation, the count led him to the king of
Sweden's apartment, where, just as they were about to enter, he asked
him if he could speak Latin; for, said he, tho' his majesty understands
French, he never could be brought to speak it, nor is pleased to be
addressed in that language. Horatio thanked him for this information,
and told him, that tho' he could not boast of being able to deliver
himself with an affluence becoming the presence of so great a prince,
yet he would chuse rather to shew his bad learning, than his want of
ambition to do every thing that might render himself acceptable.
As he spoke these words, he found himself in his presence. - The king was
encompassed by the officers of the army, to whom he was giving some
directions; but seeing count Piper, and a stranger with him, he left off
what he was saying, and, without giving him time to speak, cried, Count,
who have you brought me here? One, may it please your majesty, replied
he, who brings his credentials with him, and has no need of my
intercession to engage his welcome. While the count Was making this
reply, the king, who had an uncommon quickness in his eyes, measured
Horatio from head to foot; and our young soldier of fortune, without
being daunted, put one knee to the ground, and delivered his packet with
these words: - The princes, by whom I have the honour to be sent,
commanded me to assure your majesty, that they participate in all your
dangers, rejoice in all your glories, and pray, that as you only conquer
for the good of others, the sword you draw, in the cause of justice, may
at last be sheathed in a lasting and universal peace.
I am afraid it will be long before all that is necessary for that
purpose is accomplished, said the king; wrong, when established, not
easily gives place to right; - but we are yet young enough to hope it.
He broke open his letters as he spoke this; and while he was examining
them, took his eye off the paper several times to look on Horatio, and
then read again.
When he had done, I am much obliged, said he, to the zeal these letters
tell me you have expressed for my service, and shall not be
ungrateful: - we are here idle at present but shall not long be so; and
you will have occasions enough to prove your courage, and gratify that
love of arms which, my brother informs me, is the predominant passion of
your soul.
After this he asked him several questions concerning the chevalier St.
George, the queen, and princess Louisa; to which Horatio answered with
great propriety, but mingled with such encomiums of the royal persons,
as testified his gratitude for the favours he received from them.
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