They left the house, and advanced to the Rondel, where the superb statue of Flora was reclining.
"There, under this marble form, is the vault in which I shall lie down to sleep," said Frederick. "I began my building at Weinberg with this vault. But it is a profound secret; guard it well, also, dear friend! The living have a holy horror of death; it is not well to speak of graves or death lightly!"
D'Argen's eyes were filled with tears. "Oh, sire! may this marble lie immovable, and the grave beneath it be a mystery for many long years!"
The king shook his head lightly, and a heavenly peace was written on his features. "Why do you wish that?" said he. Then pointing to the grave, he said: "When I lie there—Je serais sans souci!" [Footnote: Nicolai, "Anecdotes of King Frederick.">[
"Sans souci!" repeated D'Argens, in low tones, deeply moved, and staring at the vault.
The king took his hand smilingly. "Let us seek, even while we live, to be sans souci, and as evidence that I will strive for this, this house shall be called 'Sans-Souci!'"
BOOK IV.
CHAPTER I.
THE PROMISE.
It was a lovely summer day. The whole earth seemed to look up with a smile of faith, love, and happiness into the clear, blue heavens, whose mysterious depths give promise of a brighter and better future. Sunshine and clouds were mirrored in the rapid river and murmuring brook; the stately trees and odorous flowers bowed with the gentle west wind, and gave a love-greeting to the glorious vault above.