Life of Count Rumford. 299 



"The amusements were refined, from their being at court. 

 The Elector, at the age of seventy-one, having married an 

 Italian princess of seventeen, it gave rise to a joke that it was 

 only the numbers reversed. Unfortunately it proved more than 

 simply a reversement of numbers. The Electrice, besides being 

 accomplished and handsome, intense in her love for and inde- 

 fatigable in the pursuit of amusement, contrasted greatly with 

 the Elector's years, his want of rest and quiet. But on account 

 of the beautiful, spirited princess, all was gayety. Balls suc- 

 ceeding balls ; drawing-rooms, concerts, the same. The splen- 

 did palace of Nymphenbourg, the summer court residence, be- 

 came the seat of hilarity, fashion, and elegance. The young 

 Electrice figured at the head of it, singing agreeably, often 

 performing in public, and dancing well, though a little lame. 

 It was amusing to bystanders to be witnesses to the conjugal 

 struggles ; the Elector looking steadfastly to the door, impatient 

 for the moment to arrive to retire, and she, in the supplicating, 

 artful manner of youth, saying, 4 One dance more ! One dance 

 more ! ' 



" The German ladies, in general, are accomplished and 

 charming, vying with Parisieners, yet less celebrated ; possess- 

 ing the more substantial qualities of the English, those of sin- 

 cerity. The German gentlemen are profound in knowledge, 

 strict in probity, with not a shadow of conceit or foppery, with 

 perfect high-breeding. Undoubtedly this is why their seminaries 

 of learning are so esteemed and sought after. It is not in these 

 schools that a child would be taught duplicity, or independent 

 rudeness of manners, as in many others. But at this moment 

 the word was Reform. The effects of the French Revolution, 

 the great upsetter of everything, were then felt, though now, 

 fortunately, it is at an end, and the scales of justice, wisdom, 

 and good order have resumed their activity. 



11 1 do not wish to cast blame on my father, persuaded that 

 in what he did, it being according to the customs of the times, 

 he considered it doing right. He was besides upheld by the 

 kindness of the Elector, as well as allowed by him the means. 

 He seemed to be a real favorite of the Elector's, and on his side 



