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 to decide on something definite,” the old man began. “Once more I tell you to consider well our condition, that we are without protection, without hope. The committee of the older members decided in a preliminary council that there was nothing left but to accept the secretly offered friendship of Frederick of Prussia; to send a delegate and let him know, that, under certain conditions, we are ready to become his allies.”

The harper, who had modestly stepped back among the youngest members, now quickly returned to his former place before the old man.

“You have accepted me as a Brother; oh, prove your brotherhood to me; patiently allow me to say a few words.”

“You are at liberty to speak,” the old man replied.

“I hear that you want to go to a king. How can it be that so many wise men forget that kings have always been the greatest enemies of the Bohemian people? Who of the long list of kings called to the Bohemian