had characterized the outline of Sin Sin Wa became apparent.
"Yes, that is true; I cannot deny that. Why have we no good writers in Germany?"
"We have them, sire," said Gellert, with noble pride. "We boast a Maskow, a Kramer--who has set Bossuet aside."
"How!" cried the king, astonished; "Bossuet? Ah, sir, how is it possible for a German to set Bossuet aside?"
"Kramer has done so, and with great success," said Gellert, smiling. "One of your majesty's most learned professors has said that Kramer has the eloquence of Bossuet, and more profound historical accuracy."
The king appeared really astonished, and walked several times thoughtfully up and down his room.
"Was my learned professor capable of deciding that question?"
"Why does no one translate Tacitus?"
"Tacitus is difficult," said Gellert, smiling; "there are some bad French translations of this author."