40 FAMILY ECONOMY. authority, and taught it by her example. As she governed her household at Mirow with the utmost discretion, so she continued to discharge that office at Strelitz with the same punctuality. Without descending from her station to an improper level, she kept an eye upon the different departments of the establishment, and the conduct of the persons to whom they were entrusted. This, however, did not proceed from parsimony, but a sense of duty, and the conviction that inattention to little things is the parent of of great disorder. Every thing was conducted with uniformity; and though the etiquette of a court was regularly kept up, it was observed with as much ease as the order of a private family. The morning hours were devoted to study and needle-work, lace-making and embroidery, at which the princesses and their ladies were remarkably expert: then, if the weather permitted, a short excursion took place round the park; and, on their return, the party dressed for dinner, which was always served up at one o'clock in public, and that with much state formality. Coffee followed, after which the company dispersed to pursue such amusements as suited their inclinations; but, in general, dancing and cards filled up the remaining part of the evening till the regular hour of retirement, which was between ten and eleven. Such was the ordinary mode of living in the palace of Strelitz during the time of the duchess dowager, PICTURE OF THE COURT. 41 and so it continued to be when her son returned. from his travels, and took upon himself the management of his hereditary estates. Nothing, in fact, could be more amiable and praiseworthy than the conduct of this prince; for, instead of indulging that spirit of extravagance and innovation on attaining maturity, which too often plunges young men of rank in inextricable difficulties, he carefully adhered to the prudent plan laid down by his excellent parent, by whose advice and direction he cheerfully abided as long as she lived. Thus, the most complete unity prevailed within the palace, and throughout the principality, the whole of which had the appearance of one family. Of this pleasing scene, which realized the picture of a perfect court, drawn by the admirable Fenelon, an eye witness has left the following sketch: "They have no ambition here, but that of serving their prince and country: they idle not away their time, but act with the utmost diligence in their respective departments: they behave with a just dignity and decorum, avoiding the extremes of meanness and pride: they are content with their paternal fortunes, which set them above the inordinate desire of riches: they are open and sincere, which renders them lovers of truth: they have no occasion to cringe to a prince whose aversion is flattery: they have the highest ideas of honour; and, consequently, are true to their engagements: they 42 PICTURE OF THE COURT. have an inviolable regard for all civil duties: they have a love for their prince on account of his virtues, and esteem him for his capacity: to conclude, it may be truly said, that, instead of encouraging the ridicule of virtue, this court is a pattern of morality and religion, a school of probity and honour, a seminary of politeness, and, in fine, the seat of every social virtue. This is no exaggeration, but a fair portrait. The court of Strelitz, indeed, is not very numerous, but it is one of the most regular and most agrceable of any in the whole empire. No private family is governed with more order; and, perhaps, no prince is served by abler officers, and with greater diligence and affection. Many of the gentlemen employed in the civil department would do honour to the first court in Europe for their integrity and abilities." (Dr. Nugent's Travels in Germany, vol. I. p. 344.) The description of the ducal residence, as given by the same accurate writer, may not be unsuitable in this place. "In the year 1712, Adolphus-Frederic, Duke of Strelitz, and his whole family, narrowly escaped perishing in a great fire, which broke out in the night, and burned down the old palace, with all its costly furniture and valuable effects. In consequence of this misfortune, his serene highness began to erect a sumptuous palace in 1726, about two English miles from the town of Strelitz, in a very |