CHAPTER XII.

Frederick the Great--His Childhood--Von Katte's Execution--Frederick at Potsdam--Frederick II., King of Prussia--Maria Theresa, Empress--War of Austrian Succession--Silesia--Personal Traits of the Two Sovereigns--Frederick Joins France against Austria--Peace of Dresden--Frederick Becomes "The Great"--Healing the Wounds Left by Two Wars--Voltaire's Influence--Frederick a Reformer and a Despot--Growth in Thought and Birth of a Native Literature--Voltaire at Frederick's Court--Change Wrought by a Nearer View of King and Poet