Old Fritz: The Chamber Hussar's Tale(s)

[selenak]

We've recently come across a gold mine, to wit, firstly, the account of Fritz' chamber hussar, Schöning about our anti hero's day to day schedule during the last decades of his life, and secondly, the disgruntled comments by Fritz' other chamber hussar, Neumann. The main gist of this post are the Schöning quotes, but first, have some context.

( Who is Schöning? Some very positive answers. )

Lest you believe that everyone was a fan of Schöning's: certainly not. felis next unearthed the other chamber hussar serving Fritz in his final years, Gottfried Neumann.

( Neumann speaks )

With the scene thus set, let's proceed to what Schöning actually had to say about Old Fritz: The Autumn Years, once a complete copy of his book was found.

A general observation: the early 19th century editor with his comments is very early 19th century - this being 1808, he's suffering from the national humiliation of Prussia having been beaten by Napoleon, so thinking about the Fritzian glory days is great, but he does slightly chide Fritz for his Schöning-testified attitude towards religion, saying that the great King could not see where all this encouragement of mockery of religion would lead to, the horrible excesses from which consequences we're all suffering today. (He means the French Revolution, without which no Napoleon.)

Let's start of with Schöning's description of Fritz in old age: Friedrich II was about 5 feet 5 inches tall. The strength of the body was appropriate for his medium size. His stature was well proportioned, the chest raised and broad, the body not at all skinny, not fat, and the head hanging a little to the right, which probably came from playing the flute. The nose was long but well built; the eyes not too big, not too small, but lively and fiery; the gait a little sloppy, but quick and proud.

What makes the Schöning volume an invaluable resource is the detailed description of Fritz' day to day routine.

( Days in the life of Old Fritz: Winter Edition )

( Whereas in Springtime.... )

( Concert tales )

( Fritz: Not Your Dream Boss, or: How To Not Handle Your Staff )

Insert obvious comment about son of FW repeating patterns of abuse here.

( Meanwhile, guests who weren't servants )

( (Lack of) religion and body issues )

( Budget for kitchen and servants )

( Fritz: Your Dream Owner (If You're A Dog) )

( Fasting, parents, trivia )