Seite 782 von 1118

No sooner had he uttered these words than he bit his tongue,

perceiving that he had suffered himself to be overcome by

vexation; he muttered in a low voice, "Now for the storm!" and

raising his eyes timidly, he was astonished to see the cardinal,

whom he never could comprehend, pass from the severe air of

authority and rebuke, to that of a soft and pensive gravity.

"It is but too true," said Frederick. "Such is our terrible and

miserable condition! We exact rigorously from others, that which

it may be we would not be willing to render ourselves; we judge,

correct, and reprimand, and God alone knows what we would do in

the same situation, what we have done in similar situations. But,

woe be to me, if I take my weakness for the measure of another's

duty, for the rule of my instruction! Nevertheless it is certain,

that while imparting precepts, I should also afford an example to

my neighbour, and not resemble the pharisee, who imposes on

others enormous burthens, which he himself would not so much as

touch with his finger.