only spur to my exertions, and when he looked on me with smiling benevolence, it seemed to me as if a sunbeam of fortune shone from his large blue eyes into my heart.  I have learned to love the king as a man, and because I love mankind I love the king.  It is said that he likes the French better than he does us, and prefers every thing that comes from them; but, indeed, he was the first to supply his wants from my manufactories, and in that way to encourage me to new undertakings.[1] Mankind, in general, do not like to see others favored by fortune in their enterprises and they hate him who succeeds where they have failed.  I have experienced that often in life.  I knew that men hated me because I was more fortunate than they were, and yet I saw how they cringed before me, and flattered me.  Oh, my child, how many bitter and painful experiences do I not owe to my wealth!  In wealth lies Wisdom, if one would only listen to her.  It has humbled and subdued me, for I said to myself, ’How quickly would all these men who now surround me with attention and flattery, disappear if I became suddenly poor!’ These princes and counts, who now invite me as a guest to their tables, would no longer know me if I appeared before them as a poor man.  Wealth is rank and worth; and no prince’s title, no star of honor, shines so brightly as golden coin.  But we must learn how to use it, and not convert the means of fortune into the end.  We must also learn to despise men, and yet to love mankind.  My philosophy may be condensed into a few sentences.  Strive for gold; not to take, but to give.  Be kind and faithful to all men; most faithful, however, to thyself, thy honor, and thy country.”

Elise looked at him with a strange expression:  “You love all mankind!  Do you then include our country’s enemies?”

“The enemies of our country are the only men whom I hate,” cried Gotzkowsky quickly.

“Even were they noble and good?” asked Elise with reproachful tone.

Gotzkowsky looked at her with astonishment and curiosity, and a cloud flitted across his brow.  Then, as if shocked at his own thoughts, he shook his head, and murmured in a low tone, “No, that were too terrible!” He rose and paced the room in thoughtful mood.  Suddenly a burst of lively music and gleeful shouts were heard from the garden.  Gotzkowsky’s brow brightened immediately, and he extended his hand with a tender look.

“Come, my child,” exclaimed he, “come, and see how happy you have made men!  Come, and see the power of wealth!”

[Footnote 1:  “Gotzkowsky founded the first large velvet and silk manufactories in Berlin.  He was also the first to attend the Leipsic fair with domestic goods, and thus open the commerce with Poland and Russia.”—­History of a Patriotic Merchant of Berlin, 1768, pages 10-12.]

* * * * *

CHAPTER II.

The Workman’s holiday.