Euler eventually tired of the political repression in Russia and accepted the call of Frederick the Great to become a member of the Berlin Academy. The story is told that during a reception at Court, he was kindly received by the Queen Mother who required why so distinguished a scholar should be so timid and reticent he replied. Madame, it is because I have just come from a country where, when one speaks one is hanged. However, flattered by the warmth of the Russian feeling toward him and offended by the contrasting coolness of Frederick and his court.