i792- Peter, a tale. 303 



" The third day the prison gates were flung open. I 

 was desired to walk out ; a detachment were waiting for 

 me j I was encircled by them, and led to the barracks 

 gieen. From afar I perceived the regiment drawn up, 

 and the horrid machine that was to put an end to a wretch- 

 ed liie. The idea that my misery was now completed 

 restored the force I had lost. A convulsive motion gave 

 precipitancy to my steps j my tongue of itself muttered 

 Theresa's name j while I walked on my eyes were wildly ia 

 search of *lier j I bled with anguilh, that I could not see 

 her 3 at last I arrived. 



" My sentence was read j I was given into the hands 

 of the executioner •, and was preparing for the mortal 

 blow, when sudden and loud ihrleks kept back his falling 

 Tw-m. I once more stared round, and saw a figure, half 

 naked, pale, and bloody, endeavouring to make way through 

 the guards that surrounded me ; it was Frederick. 



'' Friends 1" exclaimed he, " I am the guilty man ; I deserve 

 deatii ; pardon the innocent. I wiihed to seduce his wife j 

 he puniflied me ; he did what was just 5 you must be sa- 

 vages if you attempt his life." The colonel of the regi_ 

 ment flew to Frederick in order to calm him. He points 

 ed out the law that doomed to death whoever raised his 

 hand against his officer. " I was not his officer," cried 

 Frederick, " for 1 had given him his liberty the evening 

 before under ray hand. He is no more in your power." 

 The astoniilied officers afscmbled together. Frederick and 

 humanity were my advocates ; I was brought Jjack to pri^ 

 son •, Frederick wrote to the minister, — accused himself, — 

 aflced my pardon, — and obtained it. 



" Aimar, Theresa, and myself, went and threw ourselves 

 at the feet of our deliverer. He confirmed tlic presents he 

 had made me of my liberty, which he wifhed to heighten 

 b^ others that we would not receive. Wc returned to 



