Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - Letter XVIII. Copenhagen
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152 LETTERS ON SWEDEN,
his faculties, it is too absurd to bo refuted. Their
oppressors had better have accused them of dabbling in
the black art, for the potent spell still keeps his wits
in bondage.
I cannot describe to you the effect it had on me to
see this puppet of a monarch moved by the strings
which Count Bernstorft’ holds fast ; sit, with vacant
eye, erect, receiving the homage of courtiers who mock
him with a show of respect. He is, in fact, merely a
machine of state, to subscribe the name of a king to
the acts of the Government, which, to avoid danger,
have no value unless countersigned by the Prince
Royal ;
for he is allowed to be absolutely an idiot,
excepting that now and then an observation or trick
escapes him, which looks more like madness than
imbecility.
What a farce is life. This effigy of majesty is
allowed to burn down to the socket, whilst the hapless
Matilda was hurried into an untimely grave.
"As flies to wanton boys, are we to the gods ;
They kill us for their sport."
Adieu !
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