HISTORY OF FRIEDRICH II. OF PRUSSIA
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labor done in this world; and seems to anticipate nothing but more
still coming. Quiet stoicism, capable enough of what joy there
were, but not expecting any worth mention; great unconscious and
some conscious pride, well tempered with a cheery mockery of
humor,--are written on that old face; which carries its chin well
forward, in spite of the slight stoop about the neck; snuffy nose
rather flung into the air, under its old cocked-hat,--like an old
snuffy lion on the watch; and such a pair of eyes as no man or
lion or lynx of that Century bore elsewhere, according to all the
testimony we have. "Those eyes," says Mirabeau, "which, at the
bidding of his great soul, fascinated you with seduction or with
terror (portaient, au gre de son ame heroique, la
seduction ou la terreur)." [Mirabeau,
Histoire Secrete de la Cour de Berlin, Lettre 28??
(24 September, 1786) p. 128 (in edition of Paris, 1821)].
Most excellent potent brilliant eyes, swift-darting as the stars,
steadfast as the sun; gray, we said, of the azure-gray color;
large enough, not of glaring size; the habitual expression of them
vigilance and penetrating sense, rapidity resting on depth.
Which is an excellent combination; and gives us the notion of a
lambent outer radiance springing from some great inner sea of
light and fire in the man. The voice, if he speak to you, is of
similar physiognomy: clear, melodious and sonorous; all tones are
in it, from that of ingenuous inquiry, graceful sociality, light-
flowing banter (rather prickly for most part), up to definite word
of command, up to desolating word of rebuke and reprobation;
a voice "the clearest and most agreeable in conversation I ever
heard," says witty Dr. Moore. [Moore, View of Society and Manners
in France, Switzerland and Germany (London, 1779), ii. 246.]
"He speaks a great deal," continues the doctor; "yet those who
hear him, regret that he does not speak a good deal more.
His observations are always lively, very often just; and few men
possess the talent of repartee in greater perfection."

Just about threescore and ten years ago, [A.D. 1856,--17th August,