“He is an honest man,” the Prince commented as he read it, “I will keep this letter.”
He did keep it, and it was given many years after to George the Third by his mother.
The Princess of Wales, it cannot be doubted, was very much beloved by her husband. He had quite forgotten that early love affair with his cousin, Wilhelmina, and it is said was never tired of appearing in public with Augusta, that the people might frequently see and admire her; and admire her they certainly did.
Even sharp-tongued old Sarah of Marlborough had a kind word for her.
“The Princess speaks English much better than any of the family that have been here so long,” she wrote to her confidant, Lord Stair, “appears good-natured and civil to everybody: never saying anything to offend, as the late Queen did perpetually, notwithstanding her great understanding and goodness.”[59]
Among other artistic accomplishments Frederick wrote poetry, and the following verses addressed to his wife under the name of “Sylvia” could only have been written by a very devoted husband and lover:—
SONG.
The Charms of Sylvia.[60]
By the Prince of Wales on the Princess.
’Tis not the liquid brightness of those eyes