Once, while living on his Silesian estates, whose extent was equal to a
small kingdom, he became ill, and was obliged to send for the district
physician. This man, who afterwards obtained a world-wide reputation,
was then young, unknown, and apparently an ordinary country doctor.
The prince, however, soon perceived that he was far superior to his
circumstances and position, and placed himself upon a very confidential
footing with him. One day he complained of the desolation and monotony
of his life and asked, in a tone between jest and earnest, what he
should do with himself.
"Give your life a purpose, Prince," replied Dr. Backer, "strive for
something."
Prince Louis smiled scornfully.
"For what shall I strive? Everything to which the rest of you aspire,
which you are struggling with your best powers to attain, I already
possess! Money? I cannot spend half my income unless I light my
cigars with hundred-thaler notes, or wish to bore a hole through the
earth. Women's favour? My visiting cards will obtain more than is
desirable for me. Honours? At six and twenty years old, I have the
grand cross of the highest orders, and have the precedence of every one
except a few princes of the blood.
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