INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. II
with me, two nights after the king dined with me, which was trouble enough, for tho' his majesty came extreme private, yet so many followed him, that I was forced to have five or six tables. He was so good to invite himself too, for I am always afraid of too great honours, which occasions too great expense ; and, as for the dancing, you know what a trouble seven or eight women, with as many men, make."
1704. June 7. " I dined yesterday at Madame la Grande Chamballan's with the Princess of Anhalt, who is a very civil agreeable old woman with a great deal of fire for her age. She is now at Potsdam and I believe her daughter
- Hanerette ' with her whose shape is good still, but her face
red and quite spoiled."
The two next letters refer to the visit of the Duke of Marlborough after the battle of Blenheim : —
1704. November 18. To Mr. Whitworth, our Minister in Russia. " The Duke of Marlborough having desired me to speak to the Grand Chambellan who is hereditary postmaster here to order relays to be ready for him in his Prussian Majesty's territories, he has accordingly given the necessary orders for everything to be in a readiness on the road, and his majesty's own horses will be sent to bring the Duke some of the last stages. They intend to receive him with all the honours due to his quality and high merits, and the great glory he has so justly acquired in the empire. They have given particular directions for his reception in all the great towns, and for firing the cannon where he passes ; and the Hotel des Ambassadeurs is preparing here for his lodging and entertainment. The Prince Royal expresses a great impatience to have the Duke here both for the desire he has of seeing the person of so great a General and particularly because his majesty has given his highness hopes that he may set forward on his travels soon after the Duke has been here."
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