4 FEBRUARY 1832, Page 10

FREDERIC THE SECOND, OR CHARLES THE TWELFTH?

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.

22d January 1832. SIR-Among the extracts given in your Paper of the week before last, front Lord DOVER'S Life of Frederic the Second of Prussia, an incident is recorded relative to that Prince, so similar to one told by VOLTAIRE concerning CHARLES the Twelfth of Sweden, as to appear worthy of remark. If the cir- cumstance I allude to be really true in both instances, the coincidence is singu- lar; but if otherwise, would it not be well to endeavour to ascertain which- of • the heroes in question is jusily entitled to the credit of so pertinent a reply? I have reason to believe that the selfsame anecdote has been related of HENRY the Fourth of France ; but I cannot now call to mind the name of the bio- grapher in whose pages I ant with it. I subjoin the extract from Lord DOVER, and the corresponding one from VOLTAIRE; and, begging you to excuse this. intrusion, I am, Sir, yours, A FARMER'S DAUGHTER.

• [FROM LORD DOVER'S WORK.]

During one of his (Frederic's) campaigns, the bread supplied to the army was etc- ceediugly bad,,and the soldiers complained loudly of it. Frederic took an opportunity. when the soldiers were round him, of asking his neighbour for a piece of the bread. He ate it before them with apparent appetite>. and then said-" In truth, this bread is not very good: however, one can eat it when one is hungry. I will take care, as soon as it is possible, that we have better; until then, let us make a virtue of necessity."

[FROM VOLTAIRE'S LIFE OF CHARLES THE TWELFTH.]

Le Marquis de Broncos, depths ambassadeur en Suede, m's cont e qu'un soldat OSA presenter an Roi avec murmure, en presence de toute Formee. no moreean the pain noir et moisi, fitit d'orge et d'avoine souk nourritttre, gulls avaient :dors, et dent ils n'avaieut pas meme suftisamment. Le Roi recut le morceau the pain sans s'emonvoir, le inaugea tout entier, et dit eusuite froidement an soldat-" 11 n'est pas bon, maisii peat se manger."