Page:Marquis de Sade - Adelaide of Brunswick.djvu/80

 been better to have entered into his states rather than to retire because of a simple letter. And then on top of that he gave some orders which will never be executed."

"What are those orders?" asked Mersburg.

"All the commanders of castles have the order to arrest Frederick on sight. I have my orders as all the others."

"Sir," said Frederick rising with pride, "do not compromise your position by not obeying your orders. I am Prince Frederick of Saxony and I am your prisoner."

"Milord," said the commander, "do you believe me capable of abusing to that point the laws of hospitality? You came here as a guest and you will enjoy all the rights and privileges of being one. The first virtues of a military man are frankness and loyalty. I would be blamed by the Emperor himself if I acted in a different way. But it is not a question of the emperor in this matter; it is a question of the heart. The obeying of such orders would be a betrayal for which I would blush for the rest of my life. That is what we were talking about a little while ago, the conflict between politics and morality; I shall not desert the latter, and so be free. Be free as long as you wish. I will tell my master what I have done and he is too just not to approve my conduct. If that is not true then I shall leave his service."

"Sir," said Frederick, "I could not accept this noble act of generosity if I did not consider myself useful to my country. But I shall always consider myself as your prisoner, and if your master ever blames you, I shall come to you in order that you may carry out your orders."

Frederick wanted to leave the castle at once, but the commander would not let him.

"To beg you to do me the honor of staying with me, Prince, is the only portion of my duty that I want to exercise. Accord me this favor, or you will make me believe that you do not believe in my sincerity."

"My fine fellow," said Frederick shaking the hand of this generous man, "I would lack sincerity myself if I did not believe in yours. I want to be your friend eternally and I hope you will be mine."

The prince having consented to spend several days at the