MAJOR SEMPLE LISLE* 55 



The accounts given by all ftrangers are laid 

 before the King; and are, if there is any thing 

 extraordinary in the report or perfon, noticed 

 by his Majefty. The old warlike monarch ufed 

 to receive reports in the moft perfed military 

 Ityle; for however engaged in ftudy or bulinefs, 

 his paraphernalia of fword, cane,'hat, and gloves, 

 always lay fo that he could reach them in a 

 moment. A fingle page waited in the anti- 

 chamber; and when any reports were brought, 

 announced them to the King, who putting on 

 his hat, cane, and gloves, and flicking his 

 iword by his lide, made a military hobble, (for 

 age at that time prevented him from raifing his 

 boots,) into the anti-chamber. Here the great 

 Frederic, with all martial form, flood with his 

 hat in his hand till the officer had made his re- 

 port ; and then facing about, he retreated in the 

 fame manner he had before advanced. 



As foon as I had drefled myfelf, which in 

 compliment to the King, I did in the Pruflian 

 ftyle, with boots half way up my thigh, and a 

 queue down to my rump, I waited on thofe to 

 whom I had letters, particularly the Count de 

 Goertz, his Majefly's Aid-du-Camp. I aflced 

 him how I might accomplifli the obje(5l of my 

 voyage to Potfdam. He informed me, that for 

 perfons who came recommended it was the eti- 

 quette to write to the King, and alk his per- 



E 4 . million 



