Apparently he sat negligently and thoughtlessly, but the fact was, that as he bent gracefully to his work, the position of his legs, arms and head, was all carefully studied. His composure did not leave him for a moment though the work was apparently done in feverish haste. The King watched him closely and seemed to guess his intention. The page without thinking or losing time, wrote as if by dictation, he did not erase a single word, he did not stop for a moment. The pen stopped only when the letter was finished. Then he read it through and rose.
The King evidently curious and wishing to be indulgent came nearer.
'Read!' said he.
Brühl's voice trembled and was faint. Who would have thought that that fear was simulated? The King encouraging the boy, said kindly:
'Slowly, distinctly, aloud!'
The young page then began to read and his voice, which was at first faint, became sonorous. The face of Augustus depicted by turn surprise, joy, hilarity, and bewilderment.
When Brühl finished he did not dare to raise his eyes.
'Once more from the beginning,' said the King.
This time Brühl read more distinctly and more boldly.
The King's face became radiant; he clapped his hands.