Carlyle's "History of Friedrich II of Prussia" BOOK VIII.
Page: 43

answered there: Gravenitz quite over with it! Alas, yes; lately
fallen from her high estate in Wurtemberg, and become the topic of
dinner-tables; seized by soldiers in the night-time; vain her high
refusals, assurances of being too unwell to dress, "Shall go in
your shift, then,"--is in prison, totally eclipsed. [Michaelis,
iii. 440; Pollnitz, i. 297.] Calming her fury, she will get out;
and wearisomely wander about in fashionable capitals, TOUJOURS UN
LAVEMENT A SES TROUSSES!

"There were other subjects touched upon; and I always endeavored
to deduce something of moral instruction from them," being a
military gentleman of the old school.

"Among other things, he said, He liked the great world, and was
charmed to observe the ridiculous weak side of some people.
'That is excellent,' said I, 'if one profit by it oneself: but if
it is only for amusement, such a motive is worth little; we should
rather look out for our own ridiculous weak side.' On rising,
Hofmarschall Wolden said to me," without much sincerity, "'YOU
have done well to preach a little morality to him.' The Prince
went to a window, and beckoned me thither.

"'You have learned nothing of what is to become of me?' said he.
I answered: 'It is supposed your Royal Highness will return to
Berlin, when the Marriage [Wilhelmina's] takes place; but as to
what will come next, I have heard nothing. But as your Highness
has friends, they will not fail to do their endeavor; and M. de
Grumkow has told me he would try to persuade the King to give you
a regiment, in order that your Highness might have something to
do.' It seemed as if that would give him pleasure. I then took the
liberty of saying: 'Monseigneur, the most, at present, depends on
yourself.--'How so?' asked he. I answered, 'It is only by showing
good conduct, and proofs of real wisdom and worth, that the King's
entire favor can be gained First of all, to fear God'"--And, in
fact, I launched now into a moral preachment, or discursive
Dialogue, of great length; much needing to have the skirts of it
tucked up, in a way of faithful abridgment, for behoof of poor
English readers. As follows:--