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Of Prussia, Volume XIII. by Thomas Carlyle + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of Friedrich II. of Prussia, Vol. +XIII. (of XXI.), by Thomas Carlyle + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: History of Friedrich II. of Prussia, Vol. XIII. (of XXI.) + Frederick The Great--First Silesian War, Leaving the General + European One Ablaze All Round, Gets Ended--May, 1741-July, + 1742. + +Author: Thomas Carlyle + +Release Date: June 13, 2008 [EBook #2113] +Last Updated: November 30, 2012 + + + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF FRIEDRICH II. *** + + + + +Produced by D.R. Thompson and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + HISTORY OF FRIEDRICH II. OF PRUSSIA + </h1> + <h2> + FREDERICK THE GREAT <br /> <br /> by Thomas Carlyle + </h2> + <h3> + Volume XIII. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <div class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <big><b>BOOK XIII. — FIRST SILESIAN WAR, + LEAVING THE GENERAL EUROPEAN ONE ABLAZE ALL ROUND, GETS ENDED. — + May, 1741-July, 1742. </b></big> </a><br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> + <b>Chapter I. — BRITANNIC MAJESTY AS PALADIN OF THE PRAGMATIC.</b> + </a><br /> + <div class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> CUNCTATIONS, YET INCESSANT AND UBIQUITOUS + ENDEAVORINGS, OF HIS BRITANNIC </a><br /> + </div> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> <b>Chapter II. — CAMP OF STREHLEN.</b> + </a><br /> + <div class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> EXCELLENCY HYNDFORD HAS HIS FIRST AUDIENCE + (Camp of Mollwitz, May 7th); </a><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> + EXCELLENCY ROBINSON BUSY IN THE VIENNA HOFRATH CIRCLES, TO PRODUCE A + </a><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> EXCELLENCY ROBINSON HAS AUDIENCE OF + FRIEDRICH (Camp of Strehlen, 7th </a><br /> + </div> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> <b>Chapter III. — GRAND REVIEW AT + STREHLEN: NEIPPERG TAKES AIM AT BRESLAU.</b> </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0004"> <b>Chapter IV. — FRIEDRICH TAKES THE FIELD + AGAIN, INTENT ON HAVING NEISSE.</b> </a><br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> + <b>Chapter V. — KLEIN-SCHNELLENDORF: FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A + FASHION.</b> </a><br /> + <div class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> EXCELLENCY HYNDFORD BRINGS ABOUT A MEETING AT + KLEIN-SCHNELLENDORF (9th </a><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> FRIEDRICH + TAKES NEISSE BY SHAM SIEGE (CAPTURE NOT SHAM); GETS HOMAGED IN </a><br /> + </div> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> <b>Chapter VI. — NEW MAYOR OF + LANDSHUT MAKES AN INSTALLATION SPEECH.</b> </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0007"> <b>Chapter VII. — FRIEDRICH PURPOSES TO MEND + THE KLEIN-SCHNELLENDORF FAILURE: FORTUNES OF THE BELLEISLE ARMAMENT.</b> + </a><br /> + <div class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> THE FRENCH SAFE IN PRAG; KAISERWAHL JUST + COMING ON. </a><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> BROGLIO HAS A BIVOUAC OF + PISEK; KHEVENHULLER LOOKS IN UPON THE DONAU </a><br /> + </div> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> <b>Chapter VIII. — FRIEDRICH STARTS + FOR MORAVIA, ON A NEW SCHEME HE HAS.</b> </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0009"> <b>Chapter IX. — WILHELMINA GOES TO SEE THE + GAYETIES AT FRANKFURT.</b> </a><br /> + <div class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> WILHELMINA AT THE CORONATION. </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0021"> THE DUCHESS DOWAGER OF WURTEMBERG, RETURNING FROM + BERLIN FAVORS US WITH </a><br /> + </div> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> <b>Chapter X. — FRIEDRICH DOES HIS + MORAVIAN EXPEDITION WHICH PROVES A MERE</b> </a><br /> + <div class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> IGLAU IS GOT, BUT NOT THE MAGAZINE AT IGLAU. + </a><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> THE SAXONS THINK IGLAU ENOUGH; THE + FRENCH GO HOME. </a><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> FRIEDRICH SUBMERGES + THE MORAVIAN COUNTRIES; BUT CANNOT BRUNN, WHICH IS </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0026"> THE SAXONS HAVE NO CANNON FOR BRUNN, CANNOT + AFFORD ANY; THERE IS A HIGH </a><br /> + </div> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> <b>Chapter XI. —NUSSLER IN NEISSE, + WITH THE OLD DESSAUER AND WALRAVE.</b> </a><br /> + <div class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> HOW NUSSLER HAPPENED TO BE IN NEISSE, MAY, + 1742. </a><br /> + </div> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> <b>Chapter XII. — PRINCE KARL DOES + COME ON.</b> </a><br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> <b>Chapter XIII. + —BATTLE OF CHOTUSITZ.</b> </a><br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> <b>Chapter + XIV. — PEACE OF BRESLAU.</b> </a><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + BOOK XIII. — FIRST SILESIAN WAR, LEAVING THE GENERAL EUROPEAN ONE + ABLAZE ALL ROUND, GETS ENDED. — May, 1741-July, 1742. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter I. — BRITANNIC MAJESTY AS PALADIN OF THE PRAGMATIC. + </h2> + <p> + Part, is now perhaps conceivable to readers. But as to the Second, the + Germanic or Pragmatic Part,—articulate History, after much + consideration, is content to renounce attempting these; feels that these + will remain forever inconceivable to mankind in the now altered times. So + small a gentleman; and he feels, dismally though with heroism, that he has + got the axis of the world on his shoulder. Poor Majesty! His eyes, proud + as Jove's, are nothing like so perspicacious; a pair of the poorest eyes: + and he has to scan with them, and unriddle under pain of death, such a + waste of insoluble intricacies, troubles and world-perils as seldom was,—even + in Dreams. In fact, it is of the nature of a long Nightmare Dream, all + this of the Pragmatic, to his poor Majesty and Nation; and wakeful History + must not spend herself upon it, beyond the essential. + </p> + <p> + May 12th, betimes this Year, his Majesty got across to Hanover, Harrington + with him; anxious to contemplate near at hand that Camp of the Old + Dessauer's at Gottin, and the other fearful phenomena, French, Prussian + and other, in that Country. His Majesty, as natural, was much in Germany + in those Years; scanning the phenomena; a long while not knowing what in + the world to make of them. Bully Belleisle having stept into the ring, it + is evident, clear as the sun, that one must act, and act at once; but it + is a perfect sphinx-enigma to say How. Seldom was Sovereign or man so + spurred, and goaded on, by the highest considerations; and then so held + down, and chained to his place, by an imbroglio of counter-considerations + and sphinx-riddles! Thrice over, at different dates (which shall be + given), the first of them this Year, he starts up as in spasm, determined + to draw sword, and plunge in; twice he is crushed down again, with sword + half drawn; and only the third time (in 1743) does he get sword out, and + brandish it in a surprising though useless manner. After which he feels + better. But up to that crisis, his case is really tragical,—had idle + readers any bowels for him; which they have not! One or two Fractions, + snatched from the circumambient Paper Vortex, must suffice us for the + indispensable in this place:— + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CUNCTATIONS, YET INCESSANT AND UBIQUITOUS ENDEAVORINGS, OF HIS BRITANNIC + </h2> + <p> + MAJESTY (1741-1743). + </p> + <p> + ... After the wonderful Russian Partition-Treaty, which his English + Walpoles would not hear of,—and which has produced the Camp of + Gottin, see, your Majesty!—George does nothing rashly. Far from it: + indeed, except it be paying money, he becomes again a miracle of + cunctations; and staggers about for years to come, like the—Shall we + say, like the White Hanover Horse amid half a dozen sieves of beans? Alas, + no, like the Hanover Horse with the shadows of half a dozen + Damocles'-swords dangling into the eyes of it;—enough to drive any + Horse to its wit's end!— + </p> + <p> + "To do, to dare," thinks the Britannic Majesty;—yes, and of daring + there is a plenty: but, "In which direction? What, How?" these are + questions for a fussy little gentleman called to take the world on his + shoulders. We suppose it was by Walpole's advice that he gave her + Hungarian Majesty that 200,000 pounds of Secret-Service Money;—advice + sufficiently Walpolean: "Russian Partition-Treaties; horrible to think of;—beware + of these again! Give her Majesty that cash; can be done; it will keep + matters afloat, and spoil nothing!" That, till the late Subsidy payable + within year and day hence, was all of tangible his Majesty had yet done;—truly + that is all her Hungarian Majesty has yet got by hawking the world, + Pragmatic Sanction in hand. And if that were the bit of generosity which + enabled Neipperg to climb the Mountains and be beaten at Mollwitz, that + has helped little! Very big generosities, to a frightful cipher of + Millions Sterling through the coming years, will go the same road; and + amount also to zero, even for the receiving party, not to speak of the + giving! For men and kings are wise creatures. + </p> + <p> + But wise or unwise, how great are his Britannic Majesty's activities in + this Pragmatic Business! We may say, they are prodigious, incessant, + ubiquitous. They are forgotten now, fallen wholly to the spiders and the + dust-bins;—though Friedrich himself was not a busier King in those + days, if perhaps a better directed. It is a thing wonderful to us, but + sorrowful and undeniable. We perceive the Britannic Majesty's own little + mind pulsing with this Pragmatic Matter, as the biggest volcano would do;—shooting + forth dust and smoke (subsidies, diplomatic emissaries, treaties, offers + of treaty, plans, foolish futile exertions), at an immense rate. When the + Celestial Balances are canting, a man ought to exert himself. But as to + this of saving the House of Austria from France,—surely, your + Britannic Majesty, the shortest way to that, if that is so indispensable, + were: That the House of Austria should consent to give up its stolen + goods, better late than never; and to make this King of Prussia its + friend, as he offers to be! Joined with this King, it would manage to give + account of France and its balloon projects, by and by. Could your + Britannic Majesty but take Mr. Viner's hint; and, in the interim, mind + your OWN business!—His Britannic Majesty intends immediate fighting; + and, both in England and Hanover, is making preparation loud and great. + Nay, he will in his own person fight, if necessary, and rather likes the + thought of it: he saw Oudenarde in his young days; and, I am told, traces + in himself a talent for Generalship. Were the Britannic Majesty to draw + his own puissant sword!-His own puissant purse he has already drawn; and + is subsidizing to right and left; knocking at all doors with money in + hand, and the question, "Any fighting done here?" In England itself there + goes on much drilling, enlisting; camping, proposing to camp; which is + noisy enough in the British Newspapers, much more in the Foreign. One + actual Camp there was "on Lexden Heath near Colchester," from May till + October of this 1741, [Manifold but insignificant details about it, in the + old Newspapers of those Months.]—Camp waiting always to be shipped + across to the scene of action, but never was:—this actual Camp, and + several imaginary ones here, which were alarming to the Continental + Gazetteer. In England his Majesty is busy that way; still more among his + Hanoverians, now under his own royal eye; and among his Danes and + Hessians, whom he has now brought over into Hanover, to combine with the + others. Danes and Hessians, 6,000 of each kind, he for some time keeps + back in stall, upon subsidy, ready for such an occasion. Their "Camp at + Hameln," "Camp at Nienburg" (will, with the Hanoverians, be 30,000 odd); + their swashing and blaring about, intending to encamp at Hameln, at + Nienburg, and other places, but never doing it, or doing it with any + result: this, with the alarming English Camps at Lexden and in Dreamland, + which also were void of practical issue, filled Europe with rumor this + Summer.—Eager enough to fight; a noble martial ardor in our little + Hercules-Atlas! But there lie such enormous difficulties on the threshold; + especially these Two, which are insuperable or nearly so. + </p> + <p> + Difficulty FIRST, is that of the laggard Dutch; a People apt to be heavy + in the stern-works. They are quite languid about Pragmatic Sanction, these + Dutch; they answer his Britannic Majesty's enthusiasm with an obese + torpidity; and hope always they will drift through, in some way; buoyant + in their own fat, well ballasted astern; and not need such swimming for + life. "What a laggard notion," thinks his Majesty; "notion in ten pair of + breeches, so to speak!" This stirring up of the Dutch, which lasts year on + year, and almost beats Lord Stair, Lord Carteret, and our chief Artists, + is itself a thing like few! One of his Britannic Majesty's great + difficulties;—insuperable he never could admit it to be. "Surely you + are a Sea-Power, ye valiant Dutch; the OTHER Sea-Power? Bound by Barrier + Treaty, Treaty of Vienna, and Law of Nature itself, to rise with us + against the fatal designs of France; fatal to your Dutch Barrier, first of + all; if the Liberties of Mankind were indifferent to you! How is it that + you will not?" The Dutch cannot say how. France rocks them in security, by + oily-mouthed Diplomatists, Fenelon and others: "Would not touch a stone of + your Barrier, for the world, ye admirable Dutch neighbors: on our honor, + thrice and four times, No!" They have an eloquent Van Hoey of their own at + Paris; renowned in Newspapers: "Nothing but friendship here!" reports Van + Hoey always; and the Dutch answer his Britannic Majesty: "Hm, rise? Well + then, if we must!"—but sit always still. + </p> + <p> + Nowhere in Political Mechanics have I seen such a Problem as this of + hoisting to their feet the heavy-bottomed Dutch. The cunningest leverage, + every sort of Diplomatic block-and-tackle, Carteret and Stair themselves + running over to help in critical seasons, is applied; to almost no + purpose. Pull long, pull strong, pull all together,—see, the heavy + Dutch do stir; some four inches of daylight fairly visible below them: + bear a hand, oh, bear a hand!—Pooh, the Dutch flap down again, as + low as ever. As low,—unless (by Diplomatic art) you have WEDGED them + at the four inches higher; which, after the first time or two, is + generally done. At the long last, partially in 1743 (upon which his + Britannic Majesty drew sword), completely in 1747, the Dutch were got to + their feet;—unfortunately good for nothing when they were! Without + them his Britannic Majesty durst not venture. Hidden in those dust-bins, + there is nothing so absurd, or which would be so wearisome, did it not at + last become slightly ludicrous, as this of hoisting the Dutch. + </p> + <p> + Difficulty SECOND, which in enormity of magnitude might be reckoned first, + as in order of time it ranks both first and last, is: The case of dear + Hanover; case involved in mere insolubilities. Our own dear Hanover, which + (were there nothing more in it) is liable, from that Camp at Gottin, to be + slit in pieces at a moment's warning! No drawing sword against a nefarious + Prussia, on those terms. The Camp at Gottin holds George in checkmate. And + then finally, in this same Autumn, 1741, when a Maillebois with his 40 or + 50,000 French (the Leftward or western of those Two Belleisle Armies), + threatening our Hanover from another side, crossed the Lower Rhine—But + let us not anticipate. The case of Hanover, which everybody saw to be his + Majesty's vulnerable point, was the constant open door of France and her + machinations, and a never-ending theme of angry eloquences in the English + Parliament as well. + </p> + <p> + So that the case of Hanover proved insoluble throughout, and was like a + perpetual running sore. Oh the pamphleteerings, the denouncings, the + complainings, satirical and elegiac, which grounded themselves on Hanover, + the CASE OF THE HANOVER FORCES, and innumerable other Hanoverian cases, + griefs and difficulties! So pungently vital to somnambulant mankind at + that epoch; to us fallen dead as carrion, and unendurable to think of. My + friends, if you send for Gentlemen from Hanover, you must take them with + Hanover adhering more or less; and ought not to quarrel with your bargain, + which you reckoned so divine! No doubt, it is singular to see a Britannic + Majesty neglecting his own Spanish War, the one real business he has at + present; and running about over all the world; busy, soul, body and + breeches-pocket, in other people's wars; egging on other fighting, + whispering every likely fellow he can meet, "Won't you perhaps fight? Here + is for you, if so!"—hand to breeches-pocket accompanying the word. + But it must be said, and ought to be better known than in our day it is, + His Majesty's Ministers, and the English State-Doctors generally, were + precisely of the same mind. TO them too the Austrian Quarrel was + everything, their own poor Spanish Quarrel nothing; and the complaint they + make of his Majesty is rather that he does not rush rapidly enough, with + brandished sword, as well as with guineas raining from him, into this one + indispensable business. "Owing to his fears for Hanover!" say they, with + indignation, with no end of suspicion, angry pamphleteering and covert + eloquence, "within those walls" and without. + </p> + <p> + The suspicion of Hanover's checking his Majesty's Pragmatic velocity is + altogether well founded; and there need no more be said on that Hanover + score. Be it well understood and admitted, Hanover was the Britannic + Majesty's beloved son; and the British Empire his opulent milk-cow. + Richest of milk-cows; staff of one's life, for grand purposes and small; + beautiful big animal, not to be provoked; but to be stroked and milked:—Friends, + if you will do a Glorious Revolution of that kind, and burn such an amount + of tar upon it, why eat sour herbs for an inevitable corollary therefrom! + And let my present readers understand, at any rate, that,—except in + Wapping, Bristol and among the simple instinctive classes (with whom, it + is true, go Pitt and some illustrious figures),—political England + generally, whatever of England had Parliamentary discourse of reason, and + did Pamphlets, Despatches, Harangues, went greatly along with his Majesty + in that Pragmatic Business. And be the blame of delirium laid on the right + back, where it ought to lie, not on the wrong, which has enough to bear of + its own. And go not into that dust-whirlwind of extinct stupidities, O + reader:—what reader would, except for didactic objects? Know only + that it does of a truth whirl there; and fancy always, if you can, that + certain things and Human Figures, a Friedrich, a Chatham and some others, + have it for their Life-Element. Which, I often think, is their principal + misfortune with Posterity; said Life-Element having gone to such an + unutterable condition for gods and men. + </p> + <p> + "One other thing surprises us in those Old Pamphlets," says my + Constitutional Friend: "How the phrase, 'Cause of Liberty' ever and anon + turns up, with great though extinct emphasis, evidently sincere. After + groping, one is astonished to find it means Support of the House of + Austria; keeping of the Hapsburgs entire in their old Possessions among + mankind! That, to our great-grandfathers, was the 'Cause of Liberty;'—said + 'Cause' being, with us again, Electoral Suffrage and other things; a + notably different definition, perhaps still wider of the mark. + </p> + <p> + "Our great-grandfathers lived in perpetual terror that they would be + devoured by France; that French ambition would overset the Celestial + Balance, and proceed next to eat the British Nation. Stand upon your guard + then, one would have said: Look to your ships, to your defences, to your + industries; to your virtues first of all,—your VIRTUTES, manhoods, + conformities to the Divine Law appointed you; which are the great and + indeed sole strength to any Man or Nation! Discipline yourselves, wisely, + in all kinds; more and more, till there be no anarchic fibre left in you. + Unanarchic, disciplined at all points, you might then, I should say, with + supreme composure, let France, and the whole World at its back, try what + they could do upon you and the unique little Island you are so lucky as to + live in?—Foolish mortals: what Potentiality of Battle, think you + (not against France only, but against Satanas and the Ministers of Chaos + generally), would a poor Friedrich Wilhelm, not to speak of better, have + got out of such a Possession, had it been his to put in drill! And drill + is not of soldiers only; though perhaps of soldiers first and most + indispensably of all; since 'without Being,' as my Friend Oliver was wont + to say, 'Well-being is not possible.' There is military drill; there is + industrial, economic, spiritual; gradually there are all kinds of drill, + of wise discipline, of peremptory mandate become effective everywhere, + 'OBEY the Laws of Heaven, or else disappear from these latitudes!' Ah me, + if one dealt in day-dreams, and prophecies of an England grown celestial,—celestial + she should be, not in gold nuggets, continents all of beef, and seas all + of beer, Abolition of Pain, and Paradise to All and Sundry, but in that + quite different fashion; and there, I should say, THERE were the + magnificent Hope to indulge in! That were to me the 'Cause of Liberty;' + and any the smallest contribution towards that kind of 'Liberty' were a + sacred thing!— + </p> + <p> + "Belleisle again may, if he pleases, call his the Cause of Sovereignty. A + Sovereign Louis, it would appear, has not governing enough to do within + his own French borders, but feels called to undertake Germany as well;—a + gentleman with an immense governing faculty, it would appear? Truly, good + reader, I am sick of heart, contemplating those empty sovereign + mountebanks, and empty antagonist ditto, with their Causes of Liberty and + Causes of Anti-Liberty; and cannot but wish that we had got the ashes of + that World-Explosion, of 1789, well riddled and smelted, and the poor + World were quit of a great many things!"— + </p> + <p> + My Constitutional Historian of England, musing on Belleisle and his + Anti-Pragmatic industries and grandiosities,—"how Chief-Bully + Belleisle stept down into the ring as a gay Volunteer, and foolish + Chief-Defender George had to follow dismally heroic, as a Conscript of + Fate,"—drops these words: in regard to the Wages they respectively + had:— + </p> + <p> + "Nations that go into War without business there, are sure of getting + business as they proceed; and if the beginning were phantasms,—especially + phantasms of the hoping, self-conceited kind,—the results for them + are apt to be extremely real! As was the case with the French in this War, + and those following, in which his Britannic Majesty played chief + counter-tenor. From 1741, in King Friedrich's First War, onwards to + Friedrich's Third War, 1756-1763, the volunteer French found a great deal + of work lying ready for them,—gratuitous on their part, from the + beginning. And the results to them came out, first completely visible, in + the World-Miracles of 1789, and the years following! + </p> + <p> + "Nations, again, may be driven upon War by phantasm TERRORS, and go into + it, in sorrow of heart, not gayety of heart; and that is a shade better. + And one always pities a poor Nation, in such case;—as the very + Destinies rather do, and judge it more mercifully. Nay, the poor + bewildered Nation may, among its brain-phantasms, have something of + reality and sanity inarticulately stirring it withal. It may have a real + ordinance of Heaven to accomplish on those terms:—and IF so, it will + sometimes, in the most chaotic circuitous ways, through endless hazards, + at a hundred or a hundred thousand times the natural expense, ultimately + get it done! This was the case of the poor English in those Wars. + </p> + <p> + "They were Wars extraneous to England little less than to France; neither + Nation had real business in them; and they seem to us now a very mad + object on the part of both. But they were not gratuitously gone into, on + the part of England; far from that. England undertook them, with its big + heart very sorrowful, strange spectralities bewildering it; and managed + them (as men do sleep-walking) with a gloomy solidity of purpose, with a + heavy-laden energy, and, on the whole, with a depth of stupidity, which + were very great. Yet look at the respective net results. France lies down + to rot into grand Spontaneous-Combustion, Apotheosis of Sansculottism, and + much else; which still lasts, to her own great peril, and the great + affliction of neighbors. Poor England, after such enormous stumbling among + the chimney-pots, and somnambulism over all the world for twenty years, + finds on awakening, that she is arrived, after all, where she wished to + be, and a good deal farther! Finds that her own important little errand is + somehow or other, done;—and, in short, that 'Jenkins's Ear [as she + named the thing] HAS been avenged,' and the Ocean Highways 'opened' and a + good deal more, in a most signal way! For the Eternal Providences—little + as poor Dryasdust now knows of it, mumbling and maundering that sad stuff + of his—do rule; and the great soul of the world, I assure you once + more, is JUST. And always for a Nation, as for a man, it is very + behooveful to be honest, to be modest, however stupid!"— + </p> + <p> + By this time, however,—Mollwitz having fallen out, and Belleisle + being evidently on the steps,—his Britannic Majesty recognizes + clearly, and insists upon it, strengthened by his Harringtons and + everybody of discernment, That, nefarious or not, this Friedrich will + require to be bargained with. That, far from breaking in upon him, and + partitioning him (how far from it!), there is no conceivable method of + saving the Celestial Balances till HE be satisfied, in some way. This is + the one step his Britannic Majesty has yet made, out of these his choking + imbroglios; and truly this is one. Hyndford, his best negotiator, is on + the road for Friedrich's Camp; Robinson at Vienna, has been directed to + say and insist, "Bargain with that man; he must be bargained with, if our + Cause of Liberty is to be saved at all?"— + </p> + <p> + And now, having opened the dust-bin so far, that the reader's fancy might + be stirred without affliction to his lungs and eyes, let us shut it down + again,—might we but hope forever! That is too fond a hope. But the + background or sustaining element made imaginable, the few events deserving + memory may surely go on at a much swifter pace. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter II. — CAMP OF STREHLEN. + </h2> + <p> + Friedrich's Silesian Camps this Summer, Camp of Strehlen chiefly, were + among the strangest places in the world. Friedrich, as we have often + noticed, did not much pursue the defeated Austrians, at or near Mollwitz, + or press them towards flat ruin in their Silesian business: it is clear he + anxiously wished a bargain without farther exasperation; and hoped he + might get it by judicious patience. Brieg he took, with that fine outburst + of bombardment, which did not last a week: but Brieg once his, he fell + quiet again; kept encamping, here there, in that Mollwitz-Neisse region, + for above three months to come; not doing much, beyond the indispensable; + negotiating much, or rather negotiated with, and waiting on events. [In + Camp of Mollwitz (nearer Brieg than the Battle-field was) till 28th May + (after the Battle seven weeks); then to Camp at Grotkau (28th May-9th + June, twelve days); thence (9th June) to Friedewalde, Herrnsdorf; to + Strehlen (21st June-20th August, nine or ten weeks in all). See <i>Helden-Geschichte</i>, + i. 924, ii. 931; Rodenbeck, Orlich, &c.] + </p> + <p> + Both Armies were reinforcing themselves; and Friedrich's, for obvious + reasons, in the first weeks especially, became much the stronger. Once in + May, and again afterwards, weary of the pace things went at, he had + resolved on having Neisse at once; on attacking Neipperg in his strong + camp there, and cutting short the tedious janglings and uncertainties. He + advanced to Grotkau accordingly, some twelve or fifteen miles nearer + Neisse (28th May,—stayed till 9th June), quite within wind of + Neipperg and his outposts; but found still, on closer inspection, that he + had better wait;—and do so withal at a greater distance from + Neipperg and his Pandour Swarms. He drew back therefore to Strehlen, + northwestward, rather farther from Neisse than before; and lay encamped + there for nine or ten weeks to come. Not till the beginning of August did + there fall out any military event (Pandour skirmishing in plenty, but + nothing to call an event); and not till the end of August any that pointed + to conclusive results. As it was at Strehlen where mostly these + Diplomacies went on, and the Camp of Strehlen was the final and every way + the main one, it may stand as the representative of these Diplomatizing + Camps to us, and figure as the sole one which in fact it nearly was. + </p> + <p> + Strehlen is a pleasant little Town, nestled prettily among its granite + Hills, the steeple of it visible from Mollwitz; some twenty-five miles + west of Brieg, some thirty south of Breslau, and about as far northwest of + Neisse: there Friedrich and his Prussians lie, under canvas mainly, with + outposts and detachments sprinkled about under roofs:—a Camp of + Strehlen, more or less imaginable by the reader. And worth his imagining; + such a Camp, if not for soldiering, yet for negotiating and wagging of + diplomatic wigs, as there never was before. Here, strangely shifted + hither, is the centre of European Politics all Summer. From the utmost + ends of Europe come Ambassadors to Strehlen: from Spain, France, England, + Denmark, Holland,—there are sometimes nine at once, how many + successively and in total I never knew. [<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> i. + 932.] They lodge generally in Breslau; but are always running over to + Strehlen. There sits, properly speaking, the general Secret Parliament of + Europe; and from most Countries, except Austria, representatives attend at + Strehlen, or go and come between Breslau and Strehlen, submissive to the + evils of field-life, when need is. A surprising thing enough to mankind, + and big as the world in its own day; though gone now to small bulk,—one + Human Figure pretty much all that is left of memorable in it to mankind + and us. + </p> + <p> + French Belleisle we have seen; who is gone again, long since, on his wide + errands; fat Valori too we have seen, who is assiduously here. The other + figures, except the English, can remain dark to us. Of Montijos, the + eminent Spaniard, a brown little man, magnificent as the Kingdom of the + Incas, with half a page of titles (half a peck, five-and-twenty or more, + of handles to his little name, if you should ever require it); who, + finding matters so backward at Frankfurt, and nothing to do there, has + been out, in the interim, touring to while away the tedium; and is here + only as sequel and corroboration of Belleisle,—say as bottle-holder, + or as high-wrought peacock's-tail, to Belleisle:—of the eminent + Montijos I have to record next to nothing in the shape of negotiation + ("Treaty" with the Termagant was once proposed by him here, which + Friedrich in his politest way declined); and shall mention only, That his + domestic arrangements were sumptuous and commodious in the extreme. Let + him arrive in the meanest village, destitute of human appliances, and be + directed to the hut where he is to lodge,—straightway from the + fourgons and baggage-chests of Montijos is produced, first of all, a round + of arras hangings, portable tables, portable stove, gold plate and silver; + thus, with wax-lights, wines of richest vintage, exquisite cookeries, + Montijos lodges, a king everywhere, creating an Aladdin's palace + everywhere; able to say, like the Sage Bias, OMNIA MEA NAECUM PORTO. These + things are recorded of Montijos. What he did in the way of negotiation has + escaped men's memory, as it could well afford to do. + </p> + <p> + Of Hyndford's appurtenances for lodging we already had a glimpse, through + Busching once;—pointing towards solid dinner-comforts rather than + arras hangings; and justifying the English genius in that respect. The + weight of the negotiations fell on Hyndford; it is between him and French + Valori that the matter lies, Montijos and the others being mere satellites + on their respective sides. Much battered upon, this Hyndford, by + refractory Hanoverians pitting George as Elector against the same George + as King, and egging these two identities to woful battle with each other,—"Lay + me at his Majesty's feet" full length, and let his Majesty say which is + which, then! A heavy, eating, haggling, unpleasant kind of mortal, this + Hyndford; bites and grunts privately, in a stupid ferocious manner, + against this young King: "One of the worst of men; who will not take up + the Cause of Liberty at all, and is not made in the image of Hyndford at + all." They are dreadfully stiff reading, those Despatches of Hyndford: but + they have particles of current news in them; interesting glimpses of that + same young King;—likewise of Hyndford, laid at his Majesty's feet, + and begging for self and brothers any good benefice that may fall vacant. + We can discern, too, a certain rough tenacity and horse-dealer finesse in + the man; a broad-based, shrewdly practical Scotch Gentleman, wide awake; + and can conjecture that the diplomatic function, in that element, might + have been in worse hands. He is often laid metaphorically at the King's + feet, King of England's; and haunts personally the King of Prussia's elbow + at all times, watching every glance of him, like a British house-dog, that + will not be taken in with suspicious travellers, if he can help it; and + casting perpetual horoscopes in his dull mind. + </p> + <p> + Of Friedrich and his demeanor in this strange scene, centre of a World all + drawing sword, and jumbling in huge Diplomatic and other delirium about + his ears, the reader will desire to see a direct glimpse or two. As to the + sad general Imbroglio of Diplomacies which then weltered everywhere, + readers can understand that, it has, at this day, fallen considerably + obscure (as it deserved to do); and that even Friedrich's share of it is + indistinct in parts. The game, wide as Europe, and one of the most + intricate ever played by Diplomatic human creatures, was kept studiously + dark while it went on; and it has not since been a pleasant object of + study. Many of the Documents are still unpublished, inaccessible; so that + the various moves in the game, especially what the exact dates and + sequence of them were (upon which all would turn), are not completely + ascertainable,—nor in truth are they much worth hunting after, + through such an element. One thing we could wish to have out of it, the + one thing of sane that was in it: the demeanor and physiognomy of + Friedrich as there manifested; Friedrich alone, or pretty much alone of + all these Diplomatic Conjurers, having a solid veritable object in hand. + The rest—the spiders are very welcome to it: who of mortals would + read it, were it made never so lucid to him? Such traits of Friedrich as + can be sifted out into the conceivable and indubitable state, the reader + shall have; the extinct Bedlam, that begirdled Friedrich far and wide, + need not be resuscitated except for that object. Of Friedrich's fairness, + or of Friedrich's "trickiness, machiavelism and attorneyism," readers will + form their own notion, as they proceed. On one point they will not be + doubtful, That here is such a sharpness of steady eyesight (like the + lynx's, like the eagle's), and, privately such a courage and fixity of + resolution, as are highly uncommon. + </p> + <p> + April 26th, 1741, in the same days while Belleisle arrived in the Camp at + Mollwitz, and witnessed that fine opening of the cannonade upon Brieg, + Excellency Hyndford got to Berlin; and on notifying the event, was invited + by the King to come along to Breslau, and begin business. England has been + profuse enough in offering her "good offices with Austria" towards making + a bargain for his Prussian Majesty; but is busy also, at the Hague, + concerting with the Dutch "some strong joint resolution,"—resolution, + Openly to advise Friedrich to withdraw his troops from Silesia, by way of + starting fair towards a bargain. A very strong resolution, they and the + Gazetteers think it; and ask themselves, Is it not likely to have some + effect? Their High Mightinesses have been screwing their courage, and + under English urgency, have decided (April 24th), [<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> + i. 964; the ADVICE itself, a very mild-spoken Piece, but of riskish nature + think the Dutch, is given, ib. 965, 966.] "Yes, we will jointly so + advise!" and Friedrich has got inkling of it from Rasfeld, his Minister + there. Hyndford's first business (were the Dutch Excellency once come up, + but those Dutch are always hanging astern!) is to present said "Advice," + and try what will come of that, An "Advice" now fallen totally + insignificant to the Universe and to us,—only that readers will wish + to see how Friedrich takes it, and if any feature of Friedrich discloses + itself in the affair. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EXCELLENCY HYNDFORD HAS HIS FIRST AUDIENCE (Camp of Mollwitz, May 7th); + </h2> + <p> + AND FRIEDRICH MAKES A MOST IMPORTANT TREATY,—NOT WITH HYNDFORD. + </p> + <p> + May 2d, Hyndford arrived in Breslau; and after some preliminary + flourishings, and difficulties about post-horses and furnitures in a seat + of War, got to Brieg; and thence, May 7th, "to the Camp [Camp of Mollwitz + still], which is about an English mile off,"—Podewils escorting him + from Brieg, and what we note farther, Pollnitz too; our poor old Pollnitz, + some kind of Chief Goldstick, whom we did not otherwise know to be on + active duty in those rude scenes. Belleisle had passed through Breslau + while Hyndford was there:—"am unable to inform your Lordship what + success he has had." Brieg Siege is done only three days ago; Castle all + lying black; and the new trenching and fortifying hardly begun. In a word, + May 7th, 1741, "about 11 A.M.," Excellency Hyndford is introduced to the + King's Tent, and has his First Audience. Goldstick having done his + motions, none but Podewils is left present; who sits at a table, taking + notes of what is said. Podewils's Notes are invisible to me; but here, in + authentic though carefully compressed state, is Hyndford's minute + Narrative:— + </p> + <p> + Excellency Hyndford mentioned the Instructions he had, as to "good + offices," friendship and so forth. "But his Prussian Majesty had hardly + patience to hear me out; and said in a passion [we rise, where possible, + Hyndford's own wording; readers will allow for the leaden quality in some + parts]:—KING (in a passion). 'How is it possible, my Lord, to + believe things so contradictory? It is mighty fine all this that you now + tell me, on the part of the King of England; but how does it correspond to + his last Speech to his Parliament [19th April last, when Mr. Viner was in + such minority of one] and to the doings of his Ministers at Petersburg [a + pretty Partition-Treaty that; and the Excellency Finch still busy, as I + know!] and at the Hague [Excellency Trevor there, and this beautiful + Joint-Resolution and Advice which is coming!] to stir up allies against + me? I have reason rather to doubt the sincerity of the King of England. + They perhaps mean to amuse me. [That is Friedrich's real opinion. [His + Letter to Podewils (Ranke, ii. 268).]] But, by God, they are mistaken! I + will risk everything rather than abate the least of my pretensions.'" + </p> + <p> + Poor Hyndford said and mumbled what he could; knew nothing what + instructions Finch had, Trevor had, and—KING. "'My Lord, there seems + to be a contradiction in all this. The King of England, in his Letter, + tells me you are instructed as to everything; and yet you pretend + ignorance! But I am perfectly informed of all. And I should not be + surprised if, after all these fine words, you should receive some strong + letter or resolution for me,'"—Joint-Resolution to Advise, for + example? + </p> + <p> + Hyndford, not in the strength of conscious innocence, stands silent; the + King, "in his heat of passion," said to Podewils:—KING TO PODEWILS + (on the sudden). "'Write down, that my Lord would be surprised [as he + should be] to receive such Instructions!'" (A mischievous sparkle, half + quizzical, half practical, considerably in the Friedrich style.)—Hyndford, + "quite struck, my Lord, with this strange way of acting," and of poking + into one, protests with angry grunt, and "was put extremely upon my + guard." Of course Podewils did net write.... + </p> + <p> + HYNDFORD. "'Europe is under the necessity of taking some speedy + resolution, things are in such a state of crisis. Like a fever in a human + body, got to such a height that quinquina becomes necessary.' ... That + expression made him smile, and he began to look a little cooler.... 'Shall + we apply to Vienna, your Majesty?' + </p> + <p> + FRIEDRICH. "'Follow your own will in that.' + </p> + <p> + HYNDFORD. "'Would your Majesty consent now to stand by his Excellency + Gotter's original Offer at Vienna on your part? Agree, namely, in + consideration of Lower Silesia and Breslau, to assist the Queen with all + your troops for maintenance of Pragmatic Sanction, and to vote for the + Grand-Duke as Kaiser?' + </p> + <p> + KING. "'Yes' [what the reader may take notice of, and date for himself]. + </p> + <p> + HYNDFORD. "'What was the sum of money then offered her Hungarian Majesty?' + </p> + <p> + "King hesitated, as if he had forgotten; Podewils answered, 'Three million + florins (300,000 pounds).' + </p> + <p> + KING. "'I should not value the money; if money would content her Majesty, + I would give more.'... Here was a long pause, which I did not break;"—nor + would the King. Podewils reminded me of an idea we had been discoursing of + together ("on his suggestion, my Lord, which I really think is of + importance, and worth your Lordship's consideration"); whereupon, on such + hint, + </p> + <p> + HYNDFORD. "'Would your Majesty consent to an Armistice?' + </p> + <p> + FRIEDRICH. "'Yes; but [counts on his fingers, May, June, till he comes to + December] not for less than six months,—till December 1st. By that + time they could do nothing,'" the season out by that time. + </p> + <p> + HYNDFORD. "'His Excellency Podewils has been taking notes; if I am to be + bound by them, might I first see that he has mistaken nothing?' + </p> + <p> + KING. "'Certainly!'"—Podewils's Note-protocol is found to be correct + in every point; Hyndford, with some slight flourish of compliments on both + sides, bows himself away (invited to dinner, which he accepts, "will + surely have that honor before returning to Breslau");—and so the + First Audience has ended. [Hyndford's Despatches, Breslau, 5th and 13th + May, 1741. Are in State-Paper Office, like the rest of Hyndford's; also in + British Museum (Additional MSS. 11,365 &c.), the rough draughts of + them.] Baronay and Pandours are about,—this is ten days before the + Ziethen feat on Baronay;—but no Pandour, now or afterwards, will + harm a British Excellency. + </p> + <p> + These utterances of Friedrich's, the more we examine them by other lights + that there are, become the more correctly expressive of what Friedrich's + real feelings were on the occasion. Much contrary, perhaps, to expectation + of some readers. And indeed we will here advise our readers to prepare for + dismissing altogether that notion of Friedrich's duplicity, mendacity, + finesse and the like, which was once widely current in the world; and to + attend always strictly to what Friedrich says, if they wish to guess what + he is thinking;—there being no such thing as "mendacity" + discoverable in Friedrich, when you take the trouble to inform yourself. + "Mendacity," my friends? How busy have the Owls been with Friedrich's + memory, in different countries of the world;—perhaps even more than + their sad wont is in such cases! For indeed he was apt to be of swift + abrupt procedure, disregardful of Owleries; and gave scope for + misunderstanding in the course of his life. But a veracious man he was, at + all points; not even conscious of his veracity; but had it in the blood of + him; and never looked upon "mendacity" but from a very great height + indeed. He does not, except where suitable, at least he never should, + express his whole meaning; but you will never find him expressing what is + not his meaning. Reticence, not dissimulation. And as to "finesse,"—do + not believe in that either, in the vulgar or bad sense. Truly you will + find his finesse is a very fine thing; and that it consists, not in + deceiving other people, but in being right himself; in well discerning, + for his own behoof, what the facts before him are; and in steering, which + he does steadily, in a most vigilant, nimble, decisive and intrepid + manner, by monition of the same. No salvation but in the facts. Facts are + a kind of divine thing to Friedrich; much more so than to common men: this + is essentially what Religion I have found in Friedrich. And, let me assure + you, it is an invaluable element in any man's Religion, and highly + indispensable, though so often dispensed with! Readers, especially in our + time English readers, who would gain the least knowledge about Friedrich, + in the extinct Bedlam where his work now lay, have a great many things to + forget, and sad strata of Owl-droppings, ancient and recent, to sweep + away!— + </p> + <p> + To Friedrich a bargain with Austria, which would be a getting into port, + in comparison to going with the French in that distracted voyage of + theirs, is highly desirable. "Shall I join with the English, in hope of + some tolerable bargain from Austria? Shall I have to join with the French, + in despair of any?" Readers may consider how stringent upon Friedrich that + question now was, and how ticklish to solve. And it must be solved soon,—under + penalty of "being left with no ally at all" (as Friedrich expresses + himself), while the whole world is grouping itself into armed heaps for + and against! If the English would but get me a bargain—? Friedrich + dare not think they will. Nay, scanning these English incoherences, these + contradictions between what they say here and what they do and say + elsewhere, he begins to doubt if they zealously wish it,—and at last + to believe that they sincerely do not wish it; that "they mean to amuse + me" (as he said to Hyndford)—till my French chance too is over. "To + amuse me: but, PAR DIEU—!" His Notes to Podewils, of which Ranke, + who has seen them, gives us snatches, are vivid in that sense: "I should + be ashamed if the cunningest Italian could dupe me; but that a lout of a + Hanoverian should do it!"—and Podewils has great difficulty to keep + him patient yet a little; Valori being so busy on the other side, and the + time so pressing. Here are some dates and some comments, which the reader + should take with him;—here is a very strange issue to the + Joint-Resolution of a strong nature now on hand! + </p> + <p> + A few days after that First Audience, Ginkel the Dutch Excellency, with + the due Papers in his pocket, did arrive. Excellency Hyndford, who is not + without rough insight into what lies under his nose, discovers clearly + that the grand Dutch-English Resolution, or Joint-Exhortation to evacuate + Silesia, will do nothing but mischief; and (at his own risk, persuading + Ginkel also to delay) sends a Courier to England before presenting it. And + from England, in about a fortnight, gets for answer, "Do harm, think you? + Hm, ha!—Present it, all the same; and modify by assurances + afterwards,"—as if these would much avail! This is not the only + instance in which St. James's rejects good advice from its Hyndford; the + pity would be greater, were not the Business what it is! Podewils has the + greatest difficulty to keep Friedrich quiet till Hyndford's courier get + back. And on his getting back with such answer, "Present it all the same," + Friedrich will not wait for that ceremony, or delay a moment longer. + Friedrich has had his Valori at work, all this while; Valori and Podewils, + and endless correspondence and consultation going on; and things + hypothetically almost quite ready; so that— + </p> + <p> + June 5th, 1741, Friedrich, spurring Podewils to the utmost speed, and + "ordering secrecy on pain of death," signs his Treaty with France! A kind + of provisional off-and-on Treaty, I take it to be; which was never + published, and is thought to have had many IFS in it: signs this Treaty;—and + next day (June 6th, such is the impetuosity of haste) instructs his + Rasfeld at the Hague, "You will beforehand inform the High Mightinesses, + in regard to that Advice of April 24th, which they determined on giving + me, through the Excellency Herr von Ginkel along with Excellency Hyndford, + That such Advice can, by me, only be considered as a blind complaisance to + the Court of Vienna's improper urgencies, improper in such a matter. That + for certain I will not quit Silesia till my claims be satisfied. And the + longer I am forced to continue warring for them here," wasting more + resource and risk upon them, "the higher they will rise!" [<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> + i. 963.] And this is what comes of that terribly courageous Dutch-English + "Joint-Resolution of a strong nature;" it has literally cut before the + point: the Exhortation is not yet presented, but the Treaty with France is + signed in virtue of it!— + </p> + <p> + Undoubtedly this of June 5th is the most important Treaty in the + Austrian-Succession War, and the cardinal element of Friedrich's procedure + in that Adventure. And it has never been published; nor, till Herr + Professor Ranke got access to the Prussian Archives, has even the date of + signing it been rightly known; but is given two or three ways in different + express Collections of Treaties. [Scholl, ii. 297 (copying "Flassan, <i>Hist. + de la Diplom. Franc.</i> v. 142"), gives "5th July" as the date; Adelung + (ii. 357, 390, 441) guesses that it was "in August;" Valori (i. 108), who + was himself in it, gives the correct date,—but then his Editor + (thought inquiring readers) was such a sloven and ignoramus. See Stenzel, + iv. 143; Ranke, ii. 274.] Herr Ranke knows this Treaty, and the + correspondences, especially Friedrich's correspondence with Podewils + preparatory to it; and speaks, as his wont is, several exact things about + it; thanks to him, in the circumstances. I wish it could be made, even + with his help, fully intelligible to the reader! For, were the Treaty + never so express, surely the mode of keeping it, on both parts, was very + strange; and that latter concerns us somewhat. + </p> + <p> + A very fast-and-loose Treaty, to all appearance! Outwardly it is a mere + Treaty of Alliance, each party guaranteeing the other for Fifteen Years; + without mention made of the joint Belleisle Adventure now in the wind. But + then, like the postscript to a lady's letter, there come "secret articles" + bearing upon that essential item: How France, in the course of this + current season 1741, is to bring an Army across the Rhine in support of + its friend Kur-Baiern VERSUS Austria; is, in the same term of time, to + make Sweden declare war on Russia (important for Friedrich, who is never + sure a moment that those Russians will not break in upon him); and + finally, most important of all, That France "guarantees Lower Silesia with + Breslau to his Prussian Majesty." In return for which his Prussian Majesty—will + do what? It is really difficult to say what: Be a true ally and second to + France in its grand German Adventure? Not at all. Friedrich does not yet + know, nor does Belleisle himself quite precisely, what the grand German + Adventure is; and Friedrich's wishes never were, nor will be, for the + prosperity of that. Support France, at least in its small Bavarian + Anti-Austrian Adventure? By no means definitely even that. "Maintain + myself in Lower Silesia with Breslau, and fight my best to such end:" + really that, you might say, is in substance the most of what Friedrich + undertakes; though inarticulately he finds himself bound to much more,—and + will frankly go into it, IF you do as you have said; and unless you do, + will not. Never was a more contingent Treaty: "unless you stir up Sweden, + Messieurs; unless you produce that Rhine Army; unless—" such is + steadily Friedrich's attitude; long after this, he refuses to say whom he + will vote for as Kaiser: "Fortune of War will decide it," answers he, in + regard to that and to many other things; and keeps himself to an + incomprehensible extent loose; ready, for weeks and months after, to make + bargain on his own Silesian Affair with anybody that can. [Ranke, ii. 271, + 275, 280.] + </p> + <p> + For indeed the French also are very contingent; Fleury hanging one way, + Belleisle pushing another; and know not how far they will go on the grand + German Adventure, nor conclusively whether at all. Here is an Anecdote by + Friedrich himself. Valori was, one night, with him; and, on rising to take + leave, the fat hand, sticking probably in the big waistcoat-pocket, + twitched out a little diplomatic-looking Note; which Friedrich, with + gentle adroitness (permissible in such circumstances), set his foot upon, + till Valori had bowed himself out. The Note was from Amelot, French + Minister of the Foreign Department: "Don't give his Prussian Majesty + Glatz, if it can possibly be helped." Very well, thought Friedrich; and + did not forget the fine little Note on burning it. [<i>OEuvres de + Frederic,</i> ii. 90.] There went, in French couriers' bags, a great many + such, to Austria some of them, of far more questionable tenor, within the + next twelve months. + </p> + <p> + Two things we have to remark: FIRST, That Friedrich, with an eye to real + business on his part in the Bavarian Adventure, in which Kur-Pfalz is sure + to accompany, volunteered (like a real man of business, and much to + Belleisle's surprise) to renounce the Berg-Julich controversy, and let + Kur-Pfalz have his way, that there might be no quarrelling among allies. + This too is contingent; but was gladly accepted by Belleisle. SECOND, That + Belleisle had instructed Valori, Not to insist on active help from + Friedrich in the German Adventure, but merely to stipulate for his + Neutrality throughout, in case they could get no more. How joyfully would + Friedrich have accepted this,—had Valori volunteered with it, which + he did not! [Ranke, ii. 280.] But, after all, in result it was the same; + and had to be,—PLUS only a great deal of clamor by and by, from the + French and the Gazetteers, about the Article in question. + </p> + <p> + Was there ever so contingent a Treaty before? It is signed, Breslau, 5th + June, 1741, and both parties have their hands loose, and make use of their + liberty for months to come; nay, in some sort, all along; feeling how + contingent it was! Friedrich did not definitely tie himself till 4th + November next, five months after: when he signed the French-Bavarian + Treaty, renounced Berg-Julich controversies, and fairly went into the + French-Bavarian, smaller French Adventure; into the greater, or + wide-winged Belleisle one, he never went nor intended to go,—perhaps + even the contrary, if needful. Readers may try to remember these + elucidative items, riddled from the immensities of Dryasdust: I have no + more to give, nor can afford to return upon it. May not we well say, as + above, "A Treaty thought to have many IFS in it!"—And now, 8th June, + comes solemnly the Joint-Resolution itself; like mustard (under a flourish + of trumpets) three days after dinner:— + </p> + <p> + "CAMP OF GROTKAU, 8th JUNE. Hyndford and Ginkel [the same respectable old + Ginkel whom we used to know in Friedrich Wilhelm's time], having, + according to renewed order, got out from Breslau with that formidable + Dutch-English 'Advice' or Joint-Exhortation in their pocket, did this day + in the Camp at Grotkau present the same. A very mild-spoken Piece, though + it had required such courage; and which is not now worth speaking of, + things having gone as we see. Friedrich received it with a gracious mien: + 'Infinitely sensible to the trouble his Britannic Majesty and their High + Mightinesses took with his affairs; Document should receive his best + consideration,'—which indeed it has already done, and its Answer + withal: A FRENCH Treaty signed three days ago, in virtue of it! 'Might I + request a short Private Audience of your Majesty?' solicits Hyndford, + intending to modify by new assurances, as bidden.—'Surely,' answers + Friedrich. + </p> + <p> + "The two Excellencies dine with the King, who is in high spirits. After + dinner, Hyndford gets his Private Audience; does his best in the way of + 'new assurances;' which produce what effect we can fancy. Among other + things, he appeals to the King's 'magnanimity, how grand and generous it + will be to accept moderate terms from Austria, to—' KING + (interrupting): 'My Lord, don't talk to me of magnanimity, a Prince + [acting not for himself but for his Nation] ought to consult his interest + in the first place. I am not against Peace: but I expect to have Four + Duchies given me.'" [State-Paper Office (Hyndford, Breslau, 12th June, + 1741).] + </p> + <p> + Hyndford and Ginkel slept that night in Grotkau Town: "at 4 next morning + the King sent us word, That if we had a mind to see the Army on march," + just moving off, Strehlen way, "we might come out by the North Gate." We + accordingly saw the whole Army leave Camp; and march in four columns + towards Friedewald, where Marshal Neipperg is encamped. "Not a bit of it, + your Excellency! Neipperg is safe at Neisse; amid inaccessible embankments + and artificial mud: and these are mere Hussar-Pandour rabble out here; + whom a push or two sends home again,—would it could keep them there! + But they are of sylvan (or SALVAGE) nature, affecting the shade; and burst + out, for theft and arson, sometimes at great distances, no calculating + where. The King's Army lay all that night upon their arms, and encamped + next morning, the 10th. I believe nothing happened that day, for we were + obliged to stay at Grotkau, for want of post-horses, a good part of it." + </p> + <p> + Hyndford hears (in secret Opposition Circles, and lays the flattering + unction to his soul and your Lordship's): "The King of Prussia's Army, as + I am informed, unless he will take counsel, another campaign will go near + to ruin. Everything is in the greatest disorder; utmost dejection amongst + the Officers from highest to lowest;"—fact being that the King has + important improvements and new drillings in view (to go on at Strehlen), + Cavalry improvements, Artillery improvements, unknown to Hyndford and the + Opposition; and will not be ruined next campaign. "I hope the news we have + here, of the taking of Carthagena, is true," concludes he. Alas, your + Excellency! + </p> + <p> + By a different hand, from the southward Hungarian regions, far over the + Hills, take this other entry; almost of enthusiastic style:— + </p> + <p> + "PRESBURG, 25th JUNE. Maria Theresa, in high spirits about her English + Subsidy and the bright aspects, left Vienna about a week ago for Presburg + [a drive of fifty miles down the fine Donau country]; and is celebrating + her Coronation there, as Queen of Hungary, in a very sublime manner. + Sunday, 25th June, 1741, that is the day of putting on your Crown,—Iron + Crown of St. Stephen, as readers know. The Chivalry of Hungary, from Palfy + and Esterhazy downward, and all the world are there; shining in loyalty + and barbaric gold and pearl. A truly beautiful Young Woman, beautiful to + soul and eye, devout too and noble, though ill-informed in Political or + other Science, is in the middle of it, and makes the scene still more + noticeable to us. See, as the finish of the ceremonies, she has mounted a + high swift horse, sword girt to her side,—a great rider always, this + young Queen;—and gallops, Hungary following like a comet-tail, to + the Konigsberg [KING'S-HILL so called; no great things of a Hill, O + reader; made by barrow, you can see], to the top of the Konigsberg; there + draws sword; and cuts, grandly flourishing, to the Four Quarters of the + Heavens: 'Let any mortal, from whatever quarter coming, meddle with + Hungary if he dare!' [Adelung, ii. 293, 294.] Chivalrous Hungary bursts + into passionate acclaim; old Palfy, I could fancy, into tears; and all the + world murmurs to itself, with moist-gleaming eyes, 'REX NOSTER!' This is, + in fact, the beautifulest King or Queen that now is, this radiant young + woman; beautiful things have been, and are to be, reported of her; and she + has a terrible voyage just ahead,—little dreaming of it at this + grand moment. I wish his Britannic Majesty, or Robinson who has followed + out hither, could persuade her to some compliance on the Silesian matter: + what a thing were that, for herself, and for all mankind, just now! But + she will not hear of that; and is very obstinate, and her stupid Hofraths + equally and much more blamably so. Deaf to hard Facts knocking at their + door; ignorant what Noah's-Deluges have broken out upon them, and are + rushing on inevitable." + </p> + <p> + By a notable coincidence, precisely while those sword-flourishings go on + at Presburg, Marechal Excellency Belleisle is making his Public Entry into + Frankfurt-on-Mayn: [25th June, 1741 (Adelung, ii. 399).] Frankfurt too is + in cheery emotion; streets populous with Sunday gazers, and critics of the + sublime in spectacle! This is not Belleisle's first entrance; he himself + has been here some time, settling his Household, and a good many things: + but today he solemnly leads in his Countess and Appendages (over from + Metz, where Madame and he officially reside in common times, "Governor of + Metz," one of his many offices);—leads in Madame, in suitably + resplendent manner; to kindle household fire, as it were; and indicate + that here is his place, till he have got a Kaiser to his mind. Twin + Phenomena, these two; going on 500 miles apart; unconscious of one + another, or of what kinship they happen to have!— + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EXCELLENCY ROBINSON BUSY IN THE VIENNA HOFRATH CIRCLES, TO PRODUCE A + </h2> + <p> + COMPLIANCE. + </p> + <p> + Britannic George, both for Pragmatic's sake and for dear Hanover's, + desires much there were a bargain made with Friedrich: How is the + Pragmatic to be saved at all, if Friedrich join France in its Belleisle + machinations, thinks George? And already here is that Camp of Gottin, + glittering in view like a drawn sword pointed at one's throat or at one's + Hanover. Nay, in a month or two hence, as the Belleisle schemes got above + ground in the shape of facts, this desire became passionate, and a bargain + with Prussia seemed the one thing needful. For, alas, the reader will see + there comes, about that time, a second sword (the Maillebois Army, + namely), pointed at one's throat from the French side of things: so that a + Paladin of the Pragmatic, and Hanoverian King of England, knows not which + way to turn! George's sincerity of wish is perhaps underrated by + Friedrich; who indeed knows well enough on which side George's wishes + would fall, if they had liberty (which they have not), but much overrates + "the astucity" of poor George and his English; ascribing, as is often + done, to fine-spun attorneyism what is mere cunctation, ignorance, + negligence, and other forms of a stupidity perhaps the most honest in the + world! By degrees Friedrich understood better; but he never much liked the + English ways of doing business. George's desire is abundantly sincere, not + wholly resting on sublime grounds; and grows more and more intense every + day; but could not be gratified for a good while yet. + </p> + <p> + Co-operating with Hyndford, from the Vienna side, is Excellency Robinson; + who has a still harder job of it there. Pity poor Robinson, O English + reader, if you can for indignation at the business he is in. Saving the + Liberties of Europe! thinks Robinson confidently: Founding the English + National Debt, answers Fact; and doing Bottom the Weaver, with long ears, + in the miserablest Pickleherring Tragedy that ever was!—This is the + same Robinson who immortalized himself, nine or ten years ago, by the + First Treaty of Vienna; thrice-salutary Treaty, which DISJOINED Austria + from Bourbon-Spanish Alliances, and brought her into the arms of the + grateful Sea-Powers again. Imminent Downfall of the Universe was thus, + glory to Robinson, arrested for that time. And now we have the same + Robinson instructed to sharpen all his faculties to the cutting pitch, and + do the impossible for this new and reverse face of matters. What a change + from 1731 to 1741! Bugbear of dreadful Austrian-Spanish Alliance dissolves + now into sunlit clouds, encircling a beautiful Austrian Andromeda, about + to be devoured for us; and the Downfall of the Universe is again imminent, + from Spain and others joining AGAINST Austria. Oh, ye wigs, and eximious + wig-blocks, called right-honorable! If a man, sovereign or other, were to + stay well at home, and mind his own visible affairs, trusting a good deal + that the Universe would shift for itself, might it not be better for him? + Robinson, who writes rather a heavy style, but is full of inextinguishable + heavy zeal withal, will have a great deal to do in these coming years. + Ancestor of certain valuable Earls that now are; author of immeasurable + quantities of the Diplomatic cobwebs that then were. + </p> + <p> + To a modern English reader it is very strange, that Austrian scene of + things in which poor Robinson is puffing and laboring. The ineffable + pride, the obstinacy, impotency, ponderous pedantry and helplessness of + that dull old Court and its Hofraths, is nearly inconceivable to modern + readers. Stupid dilapidation is in all departments, and has long been; all + things lazily crumbling downwards, sometimes stumbling down with great + plunges. Cash is done; the world rising, all round, with plunderous + intentions; and hungry Ruin, you would say, coming visibly on with + seven-league boots: here is little room for carrying your head high among + mankind. High nevertheless they do carry it, with a grandly mournful + though stolid insolent air, as if born superior to this Earth and its + wisdoms and successes and multiplication-tables and iron ramrods,—really + with "a certain greatness," says somebody, "greatness as of great + blockheadism" in themselves and their neighbors;—and, like some + absurd old Hindoo Idol (crockery Idol of Somnauth, for instance, with the + belly of him smashed by battle-axes, and the cart-load of gold coin all + run out), persuade mankind that they are a god, though in dilapidated + condition. That is our first impression of the thing. + </p> + <p> + But again, better seen into, there is not wanting a certain worthily + steadfast, conservative and broad-based high air (reminding you of "Kill + our own mutton, Sir!" and the ancient English Tory species), solid and + loyal, though stolid Ancient Austrian Tories, that definition will suffice + for us;—and Toryism too, the reader may rely on it, is much + patronized by the Upper Powers, and goes a long way in this world. Nay, + without a good solid substratum of that, what thing, with never so many + ballot-boxes, stump-orators, and liberties of the subject, is capable of + going at all, except swiftly to perdition? These Austrians have taken a + great deal of ruining, first and last! Their relation to the then + Sea-Powers, especially to England embarked on the Cause of Liberty, fills + one with amazement, by no means of an idolatrous nature; and is difficult + to understand at all, or to be patient with at all. + </p> + <p> + Of disposition to comply with Prussia, Robinson finds, in spite of + Mollwitz and the sad experiences, no trace at Vienna. The humor at Vienna + is obstinately defiant; simply to regard Friedrich as a housebreaker or + thief in the night; whom they will soon deal with, were they once on foot + and implements in their hand: "Swift, ye Sea-Powers; where are the + implements, the cash, that means implements?" The Young Hungarian Majesty + herself is magnificently of that opinion, which is sanctioned by her + Bartensteins and wisest Hofraths, with hardly a dissentient (old + Sinzendorf almost alone in his contrary notion, and he soon dies). + Robinson urges the dangers from France. No Hofrath here will allow himself + to believe them; to believe them would be too horrible. "Depend upon it, + France's intentions are not that way. And at the worst, if France do rise + against us, it is but bargaining with France; better so than bargaining + with Prussia, surely. France will be contentable with something in the + Netherlands; what else can she want of us? Parings from that outskirt, + what are these compared with Silesia, a horrid gash into the vital parts? + And what is yielding to the King of France, compared with yielding to your + Prussian King!"— + </p> + <p> + It is true they have no money, these blind dull people; but are not the + Sea-Powers, England especially, there, created by Nature to supply money? + What else is their purpose in Creation? By Nature's law, as the Sun mounts + in the Ecliptic and then falls, these Sea-Powers, in the Cause of Liberty, + will furnish us money. No surrender; talk not to me of Silesia or + surrender; I will die defending my inheritances: what are the Sea-Powers + about, that they do not furnish more money in a prompt manner? These are + the things poor Robinson has to listen to: Robinson and England, it is + self-evident at Vienna, have one duty, that of furnishing money. And in a + prompt manner, if you please, Sir; why not prompt and abundant? + </p> + <p> + An English soul has small exhilaration, looking into those old + expenditures, and bullyings for want of promptitude! But if English souls + will solemnly, under high Heaven, constitute a Duke of Newcastle and a + George II. their Captains of the march Heavenward, and say, without + blushing for it, nay rejoicing at it, in the face of the sun, "You are the + most godlike Two we could lay hold of for that object,"—what have + English souls to expect? My consolation is, and, alas, it is a poor one, + the money would have been mostly wasted any way. Buy men and gunpowder + with your money, to be shot away in foreign parts, without renown or use: + is that so much worse than buying ridiculous upholsteries, idle luxuries, + frivolities, and in the end unbeautiful pot-bellies corporeal and + spiritual with it, here at home? I am struck silent, looking at much that + goes on under these stars;—and find that misappointment of your + Captains, of your Exemplars and Guiding and Governing individuals, higher + and lower, is a fatal business always; and that especially, as highest + instance of it, which includes all the lower ones, this of solemnly + calling Chief Captain, and King by the Grace of God, a gentleman who is + NOT so (and SEEMS to be so mainly by Malice of the Devil, and by the very + great and nearly unforgivable indifference of Mankind to resist the Devil + in that particular province, for the present), is the deepest fountain of + human wretchedness, and the head mendacity capable of being done!— + </p> + <p> + As for the brave young Queen of Hungary, my admiration goes with that of + all the world. Not in the language of flattery, but of evident fact, the + royal qualities abound in that high young Lady; had they left the world, + and grown to mere costume elsewhere, you might find certain of them again + here. Most brave, high and pious-minded; beautiful too, and radiant with + good-nature, though of temper that will easily catch fire: there is + perhaps no nobler woman then living. And she fronts the roaring elements + in a truly grand feminine manner; as if Heaven itself and the voice of + Duty called her: "The Inheritances which my Fathers left me, we will not + part with these. Death, if it so must be; but not dishonor:—Listen + not to that thief in the night!" Maria Theresa has not studied, at all, + the History of the Silesian Duchies; she knows only that her Father and + Grandfather peaceably held them; it was not she that sent out Seckendorf + to ride 25,000 miles, or broke the heart of Friedrich Wilhelm and his + Household. Pity she had not complied with Friedrich, and saved such rivers + of bitterness to herself and mankind! But how could she see to do it,—especially + with little George at her back, and abundance of money? This, for the + present, is her method of looking at the matter; this magnanimous, heroic, + and occasionally somewhat female one. + </p> + <p> + Her Husband, the Grand Duke, an inert, but good-tempered, well-conditioned + Duke after his sort, goes with her. Him we shall see try various things; + and at length take to banking and merchandise, and even meal-dealing on + the great scale. "Our Armies had most part of their meal circuitously from + him," says Friedrich, of times long subsequent. Now as always he follows + loyally his Wife's lead, never she his: Wife being, intrinsically as well + as extrinsically, the better man, what other can he do?—Of + compliance with Friedrich in this Court, there is practically no hope till + after a great deal of beating have enlightened it. Out of deference to + George and his ardors, they pretend some intention that way; and are + "willing to bargain, your Excellency;"—no doubt of it, provided only + the price were next to nothing! + </p> + <p> + And so, while the watchful edacious Hyndford is doing his best at + Strehlen, poor Robinson, blown into triple activity, corresponds in a + boundless zealous manner from Vienna; and at last takes to flying + personally between Strehlen and Vienna; praying the inexorable young Queen + to comply a little, and then the inexorable young King to be satisfied + with imaginary compliance; and has a breathless time of it indeed. His + Despatches, passionately long-winded, are exceedingly stiff reading to the + like of us. O reader, what things have to be read and carefully forgotten; + what mountains of dust and ashes are to be dug through, and tumbled down + to Orcus, to disengage the smallest fraction of truly memorable! Well if, + in ten cubic miles of dust and ashes, you discover the tongue of a + shoe-buckle that has once belonged to a man in the least heroic; and wipe + your brow, invoking the supernal and the infernal gods. My heart's desire + is to compress these Strehlen Diplomatic horse-dealings into the smallest + conceivable bulk. And yet how much that is not metal, that is merely + cinders, has got through: impossible to prevent,—may the infernal + gods deal with it, and reduce Dryasdust to limits, one day! Here, however, + are important Public News transpiring through the old Gazetteers:— + </p> + <p> + "MUNCHEN, JULY 1st [or in effect a few days later, when the Letters DATED + July 1st had gone through their circuitous formalities], [Adelung, ii. + 421.] Karl Albert Kur-Baiern publicly declares himself Candidate for the + Kaisership; as, privately, he had long been rumored and believed to be. + Kur-Baiern, they say, has of militias and regulars together about 30,000 + men on foot, all posted in good places along the Austrian Frontier; and it + is commonly thought, though little credible at Vienna, that he intends + invading Austria as well as contesting the Election. To which the Vienna + Hofrath answers in the style of 'Pshaw!' + </p> + <p> + "VERSAILLES, 11th JULY. Extraordinary Council of State; Belleisle being + there, home from Frankfurt, to take final orders, and get official fiat + put upon his schemes. 'All the Princes of the Blood and all the Marechals + of France attend;' question is, How the War is to be, nay, Whether War is + to be at all,—so contingent is the French-Prussian Bargain, signed + five weeks ago. Old Fleury, to give freedom of consultation and vote, + quits the room. Some are of opinion, one Prince of the Blood emphatically + so, That Pragmatic Sanction should be kept, at least War AGAINST it be + avoided. But the contrary opinion triumphs, King himself being strongly + with it; Belleisle to be supreme in field and cabinet; shall execute, like + a kind of Dictator or Vice-Majesty, by his own magnificent talent, those + magnificent devisings of his, glorious to France and to the King. [Ib. + 417, 418; see also Baumer, p. 104 (if you can for his date, which is given + in OLD STYLE as if it were in New; a very eclipsing method!).] These many + months, the French have been arming with their whole might. The Vienna + people hear now, That an 'Army of 40,000 is rumored to be coming,' or even + two Armies, 40,000 each; but will not imagine that this is certain, or + that it can be seriously meant against their high House, precious to gods + and men. Belleisle having perfected the multiplex Army details, rushes + back to Frankfurt and his endless Diplomatic businesses (July 25th): + Armies to be on actual march by the 10th of August coming. 'During this + Versailles visit, he had such a crowd of Officers and great people paying + court to him as was like the King's Levee itself.' [Barbier, ii. 305.] + </p> + <p> + "PASSAU, 31st JULY. Passau is the Frontier Austrian City on the Donau + (meeting of the Inn and Donau Valleys); a place of considerable strength, + and a key or great position for military purposes. Austrian, or + Quasi-Austrian; for, like Salzburg, it has a Bishop claiming some + imaginary sovereignties, but always holds with Austria. July 31st, early + in the morning, a Bavarian Exciseman ('Salt-Inspector') applied at the + gate of Passau for admission; gate was opened;—along with the + Exciseman 'certain peasants' (disguised Bavarian soldiers) pushed in; held + the gate choked, till General Minuzzi, Karl Albert's General, with horse, + foot, cannon, who had been lurking close by, likewise pushed in; and at + once seized the Town. Town speedily secured, Minuzzi informs the Bishop, + who lives in his Schloss of Oberhaus (strongish place on a Hill-top, other + side the Donau), That he likewise, under pain of bombardment, must admit + garrison. The poor Bishop hesitates; but, finding bombardment actually + ready for him, yields in about two hours. Karl Albert publishes his + Manifesto, 'in forty-five pages folio' [Adelung, ii. 426.] (to the effect, + 'All Austria mine; or as good as all,—if I liked!'); and fortifies + himself in Passau. 'Insidious, nefarious!' shrieks Austria, in + Counter-Manifesto; calculates privately it will soon settle Karl Albert,—'Unless, + O Heavens, France with Prussia did mean to back him!'—and begins to + have misgivings, in spite of itself." + </p> + <p> + Misgivings, which soon became fatal certainties. Robinson records, + doubtless on sure basis, though not dating it, a curious piece of + stage-effect in the form of reality; "On hearing, beyond possibility of + doubt, that Prussia, France, and Bavaria had combined, the whole Aulic + Council," Vienna Hofrath in a body, "fell back into their chairs [and + metaphorically into Robinson's arms] like dead men!" [Raumer, p. 104.] Sat + staring there;—the wind struck out of them, but not all the folly by + a great deal. Now, however, is Robinson's time to ply them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EXCELLENCY ROBINSON HAS AUDIENCE OF FRIEDRICH (Camp of Strehlen, 7th + </h2> + <p> + August, 1741). + </p> + <p> + By unheard-of entreaties and conjurations, aided by these strokes of fate, + Robinson has at length extorted from his Queen of Hungary, and her wise + Hofraths, something resembling a phantasm of compliance; with which he + hurries to Breslau and Hyndford; hoping against hope that Friedrich will + accept it as a reality. Gets to Breslau on the 3d of August; thence to + Strehlen, consulting much with Hyndford upon this phantasm of a + compliance. Hyndford looks but heavily upon it;—from us, in this + place, far be it to look at all:—alas, this is the famed Scene they + Two had at Strehlen with Friedrich, on Monday, August 7th; reported by the + faithful pen of Robinson, and vividly significant of Friedrich, were it + but compressed to the due pitch. We will give it in the form of Dialogue: + the thing of itself falls naturally into the Dramatic, when the flabby + parts are cut away;—and was perhaps worthier of a Shakspeare than of + a Robinson, all facts of it considered, in the light they have since got. + </p> + <p> + Scene is Friedrich's Tent, Prussian Camp in the neighborhood of the little + Town of Strehlen: time 11 o'clock A.M. Personages of it, Two British + subjects in the high Diplomatic line: ponderous Scotch Lord of an edacious + gloomy countenance; florid Yorkshire Gentleman with important Proposals in + his pocket. Costume, frizzled peruke powdered; frills, wrist-frills and + other; shoe-buckles, flapped waistcoat, court-coat of antique cut and much + trimming: all this shall be conceived by the reader. Tight young Gentleman + in Prussian military uniform, blue coat, buff breeches, boots; with alert + flashing eyes, and careless elegant bearing, salutes courteously, raising + his plumed hat. Podewils in common dress, who has entered escorting the + other Two, sits rather to rearward, taking refuge beside the writing + apparatus.—First passages of the Dialogue I omit: mere pickeerings + and beatings about the bush, before we come to close quarters. For + Robinson, the florid Yorkshire Gentleman, is charged to offer,—what + thinks the reader?—two million guilders, about 200,000 pounds, if + that will satisfy this young military King with the alert Eyes! + </p> + <p> + ROBINSON.... "'Two hundred thousand pounds sterling, if your Majesty will + be pleased to retire out of Silesia, and renounce this enterprise!' + </p> + <p> + KING. "'Retire out of Silesia? And for money? Do you take me for a beggar! + Retire out of Silesia, which has cost me so much treasure and blood in the + conquest of it? No, Monsieur, no; that is not to be thought of! If you + have no better proposals to make, it is not worth while talking.' These + words were accompanied with threatening gestures and marks of great + anger;" considerably staggering to the Two Diplomatic British gentlemen, + and of evil omen to Robinson's phantasm of a compliance. Robinson + apologetically hums and hahs, flounders through the bad bit of road as he + can; flounderingly indicates that he has more to offer. + </p> + <p> + KING. "'Let us see then (VOYONS), what is there more?' + </p> + <p> + ROBINSON (with preliminary flourishings and flounderings, yet confidently, + as now tabling his best card).... "'Permitted to offer your Majesty the + whole of Austrian Guelderland; lies contiguous to your Majesty's + Possessions in the Rhine Country; important completion of these: I am + permitted to say, the whole of Austrian Guelderland!' Important indeed: a + dirty stripe of moorland (if you look in Busching), about equivalent to + half a dozen parishes in Connemara. + </p> + <p> + KING. "'What do you mean? [turning to Podewils]—QU'EST-CE QUE NOUS + MANQUE DE TOUTE LA GUELDRE (How much of Guelderland is theirs, and not + ours already)?' + </p> + <p> + PODEWILS. "'Almost nothing (PRESQUE RIEN). + </p> + <p> + KING (to Robinson). "'VOICI ENCORE DE GUEUSERIES (more rags and rubbish + yet)! QUOI, such a paltry scraping (BICOQUE) as that, for all my just + claims in Silesia? Monsieur—!' His Majesty's indignation increased + here, all the more as I kept a profound silence during his hot + expressions, and did not speak at all except to beg his Majesty's + reflection upon what I had said.—'Reflection?'" asks the King, with + eyes dangerous to behold;—"My Lord," continues Robinson, heavily + narrative, "his contempt of what I had said was so great," kicking his + boot through Guelderland and the guilders as the most contemptible of + objects, "and was expressed in such violent terms, that now, if ever (as + your Lordship perceives), it was time to make the last effort;" play our + trump-card down at once; "a moment longer was not to be lost, to hinder + the King from dismissing us;" which sad destiny is still too probable, + after the trump-card. Trump-card is this: + </p> + <p> + ROBINSON.... "'The whole Duchy of Limburg, your Majesty! It is a Duchy + which—' I extolled the Duchy to the utmost, described it in the most + favorable terms; and added, that 'the Elector Palatine [old Kur-Pfalz, on + one occasion] had been willing to give the whole Duchy of Berg for it.' + </p> + <p> + PODEWILS. "'Pardon, Monsieur: that is not so; the contrary of so; + Kur-Pfalz was not ready to give Berg for it!'—[We are not deep in + German History, we British Diplomatic gentlemen, who are squandering, now + and of old, so much money on it! The Aulic Council, "falls into our arms + like dead men;" but it is certain the Elector Palatine was not ready to + give Berg in that kind of exchange.] + </p> + <p> + KING. "'It is inconceivable to me how Austria should dare to think of such + a thing. Limburg? Are there not solemn Engagements upon Austria, + sanctioned and again sanctioned by all the world, which render every inch + of ground in the Netherlands inalienable?' + </p> + <p> + ROBINSON. "'Engagements good as against the French, your Majesty. + Otherwise the Barrier Treaty, confirmed at Utrecht, was for our behoof and + Holland's.' + </p> + <p> + KING. "'That is your present interpretation, But the French pretend it was + an arrangement more in their favor than against them.' + </p> + <p> + ROBINSON. "'Your Majesty, by a little Engineer Art, could render Limburg + impregnable to the French or others.' + </p> + <p> + KING. "'Have not the least desire to aggrandize myself in those parts, or + spend money fortifying there. Useless to me. Am not I fortifying Brieg and + Glogau? These are enough: for one who intends to live well with his + neighbors. Neither the Dutch nor the French have offended me; nor will I + them by acquisitions in the Netherlands. Besides, who would guarantee + them?' + </p> + <p> + ROBINSON. "'The Proposal is to give guarantees at once.' + </p> + <p> + KING. "'Guarantees! Who minds or keeps guarantees in this age? Has not + France guaranteed the Pragmatic Sanction; has not England? Why don't you + all fly to the Queen's succor?'"—Robinson, inclined to pout, if he + durst, intimates that perhaps there will be succorers one day yet. + </p> + <p> + KING. "'And pray, Monsieur, who are they?' + </p> + <p> + ROBINSON. "'Hm, hm, your Majesty.... Russia, for example, which Power with + reference to Turkey—' + </p> + <p> + KING. "'Good, Sir, good (BEAU, MONSIEUR, BEAU), the Russians! It is not + proper to explain myself; but I have means for the Russians' [a Swedish + War just coming upon Russia, to keep its hand in use; so diligent have the + French been in that quarter!]. + </p> + <p> + ROBINSON (with some emphasis, as a Britannic gentleman). "'Russia is not + the only Power that has engagements with Austria, and that must keep them + too! So that, however averse to a breach—' + </p> + <p> + KING ("laying his finger on his nose," mark him;—aloud, and with + such eyes). "'No threats, Sir, if you please! No threats' ["in a loud + voice," finger to nose, and with such eyes looking in upon me]. + </p> + <p> + HYNDFORD (heavily coming to the rescue). "'Am sure his Excellency is far + from such meaning, Sire. His Excellency will advance nothing so very + contrary to his Instructions.'—Podewils too put in something proper" + in the appeasing way. + </p> + <p> + ROBINSON. "'Sire, I am not talking of what this Power or that means to do; + but of what will come of itself. To prophesy is not to threaten, Sire! It + is my zeal for the Public that brought me hither; and—' + </p> + <p> + KING. "'The Public will be much obliged to you, Monsieur! But hear me. + With respect to Russia, you know how matters stand. From the King of + Poland I have nothing to fear. As for the King of England,—he is my + relation [dear Uncle, in the Pawnbroker sense], he is my all: if he don't + attack me, I won't him. And if he do, the Prince of Anhalt [Old Dessauer + out at Gottin yonder] will take care of him.' + </p> + <p> + ROBINSON. "'The common news now is [rumor in Diplomatic circles, rather + below the truth this time], your Majesty, after the 12th of August, will + join the French. [King looks fixedly at him in silence.] Sire, I venture + to hope not! Austria prefers your friendship; but if your Majesty disdain + Austria's advances, what is it to do? Austria must throw itself entirely + into the hands of France,—and endeavor to outbid your Majesty.' + [King quite silent.] + </p> + <p> + "King was quite silent upon this head," says Robinson, reporting: silence, + guesses Robinson, founded most probably upon his "consciousness of guilt"—what + I, florid Yorkshire Gentleman, call GUILT, as being against the Cause of + Liberty and us!"From time to time he threw out remarks on the + advantageousness of his situation:—" + </p> + <p> + KING.... "'At the head of such an Army, which the Enemy has already made + experience of; and which is ready for the Enemy again, if he have + appetite! With the Country which alone I am concerned with, conquered and + secured behind me; a Country that alone lies convenient to me; which is + all I want, which I now have; which I will and must keep! Shall I be + bought out of this country? Never! I will sooner perish in it, with all my + troops. With what face shall I meet my Ancestors, if I abandon my right, + which they have transmitted to me? My first enterprise; and to be given up + lightly?'"—With more of the like sort; which Friedrich, in writing + of it long after, seems rather ashamed of; and would fain consider to have + been mock fustian, provoked by the real fustian of Sir Thomas Robinson, + "who negotiated in a wordy high-droning way, as if he were speaking in + Parliament," says Friedrich (a Friedrich not taken with that style of + eloquence, and hoping he rather quizzed it than was serious with it, [<i>OEuvres + de Frederic,</i> ii. 84.]—though Robinson and Hyndford found in him + no want of vehement seriousness, but rather the reverse!)—He + concludes: "Have I need of Peace? Let those who need it give me what I + want; or let them fight me again, and be beaten again. Have not they given + whole Kingdoms to Spain? [Naples, at one swoop, to the Termagant; as + broken glass, in that Polish-Election freak!] And to me they cannot spare + a few trifling Principalities? If the Queen does not now grant me all I + require, I shall in four weeks demand Four Principalities more! [Nay, I + now do it, being in sibylline tune.] I now demand the whole of Lower + Silesia, Breslau included;—and with that Answer you can return to + Vienna.' + </p> + <p> + ROBINSON. "'With that Answer: is your Majesty serious?' + </p> + <p> + KING. "'With that.'" A most vehement young King; no negotiating with him, + Sir Thomas! It is like negotiating for the Sibyl's Books: the longer you + bargain, the higher he will rise. In four weeks, time he will demand Four + Principalities more; nay, already demands them, the whole of Lower Silesia + and Breslau. A precious negotiation I have made of it! Sir Thomas, + wide-eyed, asks a second time:— + </p> + <p> + ROBINSON. "'Is that your Majesty's deliberate answer?' + </p> + <p> + KING. "'Yes, I say! That is my Answer; and I will never give another.' + </p> + <p> + HYNDFORD and ROBINSON (much flurried, to Podewils). "'Your Excellency, + please to comprehend, the Proposals from Vienna were—' + </p> + <p> + KING. "'Messieurs, Messieurs, it is of no use even to think of it.' And + taking off his hat," slightly raising his hat, as salutation and finale, + "he retired precipitately behind the curtain of the interior corner of the + tent," says the reporter: EXIT King! + </p> + <p> + ROBINSON (totally flurried, to Podewils). "'Your Excellency, France will + abandon Prussia, will sacrifice Prussia to self-interest.' + </p> + <p> + PODEWILS. "'No, no! France will not deceive us; we have not deceived + France.'" (SCENE CLOSES; CURTAIN FALLS.) [State-Paper Office (Robinson to + Harrington, Breslau, 9th August, 1741); Raumer, pp. 106-110. Compare <i>OEuvres + de Frederic,</i> ii. 84; and Valori, i. 119, 122.] + </p> + <p> + The unsuccessfulest negotiation well imaginable by a public man. Strehlen, + Monday, 7th August, 1741:—Friedrich has vanished into the interior + of his tent; and the two Diplomatic gentlemen, the wind struck out of them + in this manner, remain gazing at one another. Here truly is a young Royal + gentleman that knows his own mind, while so many do not. Unspeakable + imbroglio of negotiations, mostly insane, welters over all the Earth; the + Belleisles, the Aulic Councils, the British Georges, heaping coil upon + coil: and here, notably, in that now so extremely sordid murk of + wiggeries, inane diplomacies and solemn deliriums, dark now and obsolete + to all creatures, steps forth one little Human Figure, with something of + sanity in it: like a star, like a gleam of steel,—shearing asunder + your big balloons, and letting out their diplomatic hydrogen;—salutes + with his hat, "Gentlemen, Gentlemen, it is of no use!" and vanishes into + the interior of his tent. It is to Excellency Robinson, among all the sons + of Adam then extant, that we owe this interesting Passage of History,—authentic + glimpse, face to face, of the young Friedrich in those extraordinary + circumstances: every feature substantially as above, and recognizable for + true. Many Despatches his Excellency wrote in this world,—sixty or + eighty volumes of them still left,—but among them is this One: the + angriest of mankind cannot say that his Excellency lived and embassied + quite in vain! + </p> + <p> + The Two Britannic Gentlemen, both on that distressing Monday and the day + following, had the honor to dine with the King: who seemed in exuberant + spirits; cutting and bantering to right and left; upon the Court of + Vienna, among other topics, in a way which I Robinson "will not repeat to + your Lordship." Bade me, for example, "As you pass through Neisse, make my + compliments to Marshal Neipperg; and you can say, Excellency Robinson, + that I hope to have the pleasure of calling, one of these days!"—Podewils, + who was civil, pressed us much to stay over Wednesday, the 9th. "On + Thursday is to be a Grand Review, one of the finest military sights; to + which the Excellencies from Breslau, one and all, are coming out." But we, + having our Despatches and Expresses on hand, pleaded business, and + declined, in spite of Podewils's urgencies. And set off for Breslau, + Wednesday, morning,—meeting various Excellencies, by degrees all the + Excellencies, on the road for that Review we had heard of. + </p> + <p> + Readers must accept this Robinsoniad as the last of Friedrich's Diplomatic + performances at Strehlen, which in effect it nearly was; and from these + instances imagine his way in such things. Various Letters there are, to + Jordan principally, some to Algarotti; both of whom he still keeps at + Breslau, and sends for, if there is like to be an hour of leisure. The + Letters indicate cheerfulness of humor, even levity, in the Writer; which + is worth noting, in this wild clash of things now tumbling round him, and + looking to him as its centre: but they otherwise, though heartily and + frankly written, are, to Jordan and us, as if written from the teeth + outward; and throw no light whatever either on things befalling, or on + Friedrich's humor under them. Reading diligently, we do notice one thing, + That the talk about "fame (GLOIRE)" has died out. Not the least mention + now of GLOIRE;—perception now, most probably, that there are other + things than "GLOIRE" to be had by taking arms; and that War is a terribly + grave thing, lightly as one may go into it at first! This small inference + we do negatively draw, from the Friedrich Correspondence of those months: + and except this, and the levity of humor noticeable, we practically get no + light whatever from it; the practical soul and soul's business of + Friedrich being entirely kept veiled there, as usual. + </p> + <p> + And veiled, too, in such a way that you do not notice any veil,—the + young King being, as we often intimate, a master in this art. Which useful + circumstance has done him much ill with readers and mankind. For if you + intend to interest readers,—that is to say, idle neighbors, and + fellow-creatures in need of gossip,—there is nothing like unveiling + yourself: witness Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and many other poor waste + creatures, going off in self-conflagration, for amusement of the parish, + in that manner. But may not a man have something other on hand with his + Existence than that of "setting fire to it [such the process terribly IS], + to show the people a fine play of colors, and get himself applauded, and + pathetically blubbered over?" Alas, my friends!— + </p> + <p> + It is certain there was seldom such a life-element as this of Friedrich's + in Summer, 1741. Here is the enormous jumbling of a World broken loose; + boiling as in very chaos; asking of him, him more than any other, "How? + What?" Enough to put GLOIRE out of his head; and awaken thoughts,—terrors, + if you were of apprehensive turn! Surely no young man of twenty-nine more + needed all the human qualities than Friedrich now. The threatenings, the + seductions, big Belleisle hallucinations,—the perils to you + infinite, if you MISS the road. Friedrich did not miss it, as is well + known; he managed to pick it out from that enormous jumble of the + elements, and victoriously arrived by it, he alone of them all. Which is + evidence of silent or latent faculty in him, still more wonderful than the + loud-resounding ones of which the world has heard. Probably there was not, + in his history, any chapter more significant of human faculty than this, + which is not on record at all. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter III. — GRAND REVIEW AT STREHLEN: NEIPPERG TAKES AIM AT + BRESLAU, + </h2> + <p> + BUT ANOTHER HITS IT. + </p> + <p> + A day or two before that famous Audience of Hyndford and Robinson's, + Neipperg had quitted his impregnable Camp at Neisse, and taken the field + again; in the hope of perhaps helping Robinson's Negotiation by an inverse + method. Should Robinson's offers not prove attractive enough, as is to be + feared, a push from behind may have good effects. Neipperg intends to have + a stroke on Breslau; to twitch Breslau out of Friedrich's hands, by a + private manoeuvre on new resources that have offered themselves. [<i> + Helden-Geschichte,</i> i. 982, and ii. 227.] + </p> + <p> + In Breslau, which is by great majority Protestant in creed and warmly + Prussian in temper, there has been no oppression or unfair usage heard of + to any class of persons; and certainly in the matter of Protestant and + Catholic, there has been perfect equality observed. True, the change from + favor and ascendency to mere equality, is not in itself welcome to human + creatures:—one conceives, for various reasons of lower and higher + nature, a minority of discontented individuals in Breslau, zealous for + their creed and old perquisites sacred and profane; who long in secret, + sometimes vocally to one another, for the good old times,—when souls + were not liable to perish wholesale, and people guilty only of loyalty and + orthodoxy to be turned out of their offices on suspicion. Friedrich says, + it was mainly certain zealous Old Ladies of Quality who went into this + adventure; and from whispering to one another, got into speaking, into + meeting in one another's houses for the purpose of concerting and + contriving. [<i>OEuvres,</i> ii. 82, 83.] Zealous Old Ladies of Quality,—these + we consider were the Talking-Apparatus or Secret-Parliament of the thing: + but it is certain one or two Official Gentlemen (Syndic Guzmar for + instance, and others NOT yet become Ex-Official) had active hand in it, + and furnished the practical ideas. + </p> + <p> + Continual Correspondence there was with Vienna, by those Old Ladies; + Guzmar and the others shy of putting pen to paper, and only doing it where + indispensable. Zealous Addresses go to her Hungarian Majesty, "Oh, may the + Blessed Virgin assist your Majesty!"—accompanied, it is said, with + Subscriptions of money (poor old souls); and what is much more dangerous + and feasible, there goes prompt notice to Neipperg of everything the + Prussian Army undertakes, and the Postscript always, "Come and deliver us, + your Excellency." Of these latter Documents, I have heard of some with + Syndic Guzmar's and other Official hands to them. Generally such things + can, through accidental Pandour channels, were there no other, easily + reach Neipperg; though they do not always. Enough, could Neipperg appear + at the Gates of Breslau, in some concerted night-hour, or push out + suitable Detachment on forced-march that way,—it is evident to him + he would be let in; might smother the few Prussians that are in the Dom + Island, and get possession of the Enemy's principal Magazine and the + Metropolis of the Province. Might not the Enemy grow more tractable to + Robinson's seductions in such case? + </p> + <p> + Neipperg marches from Neisse (1st-6th August) with his whole Army; first + some thirty miles westward up the right or southern bank of the Neisse; + then crosses the Neisse, and circles round to northward, giving Friedrich + wide room: [Orlich, i. 130, 133.] that night of Robinson's Audience, when + Friedrich was so merry at dinner, Neipperg was engaged in crossing the + River; the second night after, Neipperg lay encamped and intrenched at + Baumgarten (old scene of Friedrich's Pandour Adventure), while Hyndford + and Robinson had got back to Breslau. In another day or so, he may hope to + be within forced-march of Breslau, to detach Feldmarschall Browne or some + sharp head; and to do a highly considerable thing? + </p> + <p> + Unluckily for Neipperg's Adventure, the Prussians had wind of it, some + time ago. They have got "a false Sister smuggled into that Old-Ladies' + Committee," who has duly reported progress; nay they have intercepted + something in Syndic Guzmar's own hand: and everything is known to + Friedrich. The Protestant population, and generally the practical quiet + part of the Breslauers, are harassed with suspicion of some such thing, + but can gain no certainty, nor understand what to do. Protestants + especially, who have been so zealous, "who were seen dropping down on the + streets to pray, while the muffled thunder came from Mollwitz that day," + [Ranke, ii. 289.]—fancy how it would now be, were the tables + suddenly turned, and indignant Orthodoxy made supreme again, with memory + fresh! But, in fact, there is no danger whatever to them. Schwerin has + orders about Breslau; Schwerin and the Young Dessauer are maturely + considering how to manage. + </p> + <p> + Readers recollect how Podewils pressed the Two Britannic Excellencies to + stay in Strehlen a day or two longer: "Grand Review, with festivities, + just on hand; whole of the Foreign Ministers in Breslau invited out to see + it,"—though Hyndford and Robinson would not consent; but left on the + 9th, meeting the others at different points of the road. Next day, + Thursday, 10th August, was in fact a great day at Strehlen; grand muster, + manoeuvring of cavalry above all, whom Friedrich is delighted to find so + perfect in their new methods; riding as if they were centaurs, horse and + man one entity; capable of plunging home, at full gallop, in coherent + masses upon an enemy, and doing some good with him. "Neipperg's + Croat-people, and out-pickets on the distant Hill-sides, witnessed these + manoeuvres," [Ranke, ii. 288.] I know not with what criticism. + Furthermore, about noon-time, there was heard (mark it, reader) a distant + cannon-shot, one and no more, from the Northern side; which gave his + Majesty a lively pleasure, though he treated it as nothing. All the + Foreign Ministers were on the ground; doubtless with praises, so far as + receivable; and in the afternoon came festivities not a few. A great day + in Strehlen:—but in Breslau a much greater; which explained, to our + Two Excellencies, why Podewils had been so pressing! + </p> + <p> + August 10th, at six in the morning, Schwerin, and under him the Young + Dessauer,—who had arrived in the Southwestern suburbs of Breslau + overnight, with 8,000 foot and horse, and had posted themselves in a + vigilant Anti-Neipperg manner there, and laid all their plans,—appear + at the Nicolai Gate; and demand, in the common way, transit for their + regiments and baggages: "bound Northward," as appears; "to Leubus," where + something of Pandour sort has fallen out. So many troops or companies at a + time, that is the rule; one quantity of companies you admit; then close + and bolt, till it have marched across and out at the opposite Gate; after + which, open again for a second lot. But in this case,—owing to + accident (very unusual) of a baggage-wagon breaking down, and people + hurrying to help it forward,—the whole regiment gets in, escorted as + usual by the Town-guard. Whole regiment; and marches, not straight + through; but at a certain corner strikes off leftward to the Market-place; + where, singular to say, it seems inclined to pause and rearrange itself a + little. Nay, more singular still, other regiments (owing to like + accidents), from other Gates, join it;—and—in fact—"Herr + Major of the Town-guard, in the King's name, you are required to ground + arms!" What can the Town Major do; Prussian grenadiers, cannoneers, + gravely environing him? He sticks his sword into the scabbard, an Ex-Town + Major; and Breslau City is become Friedrich's, softly like a movement + during drill. [<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> i. 982, n. 227, 268; Adelung, ii. + 439; Stenzel, iv. 152.] + </p> + <p> + Not the least mistake occurred. Cannon with case-shot planted themselves + in all the thoroughfares, Horse-patrols went circulating everywhere; + Town-arsenal, gates, walls, are laid hold of; Town-guards all disarmed, + rather "with laughter on their part" than otherwise: "Majesty perhaps will + give us muskets of his own;—well!" The operation altogether did not + last above an hour-and-half, and nobody's skin got scratched. Towards 9 + A.M. Schwerin summoned the Town Dignitaries to their Rathhaus to swear + fealty; who at once complied; and on his stepping out with proposal, to + the general population, of "a cheer for King Friedrich, Duke of Lower + Silesia," the poor people rent the skies with their "Friedrich and Silesia + forever!" which they repeated, I think, seven times. Upon which Schwerin + fired off his signal-cannon, pointing to the South; where other posts and + cannons took up the sound, and pushed it forward, till, as we noticed, it + got to Friedrich in few minutes, on the review-ground at Strehlen; right + welcome to him, among the manoeuvrings there. Protestant Breslau or + cordwainer Doblin cannot lament such a result; still less dare the devout + Old Ladies of Quality openly lament, who are trembling to the heart, poor + old creatures, though no evil came of it to them; penitent, let off for + the fright; checking even their aspirations henceforth. + </p> + <p> + Syndic Guzmar and the peccant Officials being summoned out to Strehlen, it + had been asked of them, "Do you know this Letter?" Upon which they fell on + their knees, "ACH IHRO MAJESTAT!" unable to deny their handwriting; yet + anxious to avoid death on the scaffold, as Friedrich said was usual under + such behavior; and were sent home, after a few hours of arrest. [Orlich, + i. 134; <i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> ii. 228.] Schwerin (as King's substitute + till the King himself one day arrive) continued to take the Homaging, and + to make the many new arrangements needful. All which went off in a soft + and pleasantly harmonious manner;—only the Jesuits scrupling a + little to swear as yet; and getting gently sent their ways, with revenues + stopt in consequence. Otherwise the swearing, which lasted for several + days, was to appearance a joyful process, and on the part of the general + population an enthusiastic one, "ES LEBE KONIG FRIEDRICH!" rising to the + welkin with insatiable emphasis, seven times over, on the least signal + given. Neipperg's Adventure, and Orthodox Female Parliament, have issued + in this sadly reverse manner. + </p> + <p> + Robinson and Hyndford have to witness these phenomena; Robinson to shoot + off for Presburg again, with the worst news in the world. Queen and + Hofraths have been waiting in agony of suspense, "Will Friedrich bargain + on those gentle terms, and help us with 100,000 men?" Far from it, my + friends; how far! "My most important intelligence," writes the Russian + Envoy there, some days ago, ["5 August, 1741," not said to whom (in Ranke, + ii. 324 n.).] "is, that a Bavarian War has broken out, that Kur-Baiern is + in Passau. God grant that Monsieur Robinson may succeed in his + negotiation! All here are in the completest irresolution, and total + inactivity, till Monsieur Robinson return, or at least send news of + himself." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IV. — FRIEDRICH TAKES THE FIELD AGAIN, INTENT ON HAVING + NEISSE. + </h2> + <p> + This Breslau Adventure, which had yielded Friedrich so important an + acquisition, was furthermore the cause of ending these Strehlen + inactivities, and of recommencing field operations. August 11th, Neipperg, + provoked by the grievous news just come from Breslau, pushes suddenly + forward on Schweidnitz, by way of consolation; Schweidnitz, not so strong + as it might be made, where the Prussians have a principal Magazine: "One + might at least seize that?" thinks Neipperg, in his vexed humor. But here + too Friedrich was beforehand with him; broke out, rapidly enough, to + Reichenbach, westward, which bars the Neipperg road to Schweidnitz: upon + which,—or even before which (on rumor of it coming, which was not + YET true),—Neipperg, half done with his first day's march, called + halt; prudently turned back, and hastened, Baumgarten way, to his strong + Camp at Frankenstein again. His hope in the Schweidnitz direction had + lasted only a few hours; a hope springing on the mere spur of pique, soon + recognizable by him as futile; and now anxieties for self-preservation had + succeeded it on Neipperg's part. For now Friedrich actually advances on + him, in a menacing manner, hardly hoping Neipperg will fight; but + determined to have done with the Neisse business, in spite of strong camps + and cunctations, if it be possible. [Orlich, i. 137, 138.] + </p> + <p> + It was August 16th, when Friedrich stirred out of Strehlen; August 21st, + when he encamped at Reichenbach. Till September 7th, he kept manoeuvring + upon Neipperg, who counter-manoeuvred with vigilance, good judgment, and + would not come to action: September 7th, Friedrich, weary of these + hagglings, dashed off for Neisse itself, hoped to be across Neisse River, + and be between Neisse Town and Neipperg, before Neipperg could get up. + There would then be no method of preventing the Siege of Neisse, except by + a Battle: so Friedrich had hoped; but Neipperg again proved vigilant. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, September 11th, Friedrich's Vanguard was actually across the + Neisse; had crossed at a place called Woitz, and had there got Two Pontoon + Bridges ready, when Friedrich, in the evening, came up with the main Army, + intending to cross;—and was astonished to find Neipperg taking up + position, in intricate ground, near by, on the opposite side! Ground so + intricate, hills, bogs, bushes of wood, and so close upon the River, there + was no crossing possible; and Friedrich's Vanguard had to be recalled. Two + days of waiting, of earnest ocular study; no possibility visible. On the + third day, Friedrich, gathering in his pontoons overnight, marched off, + down stream: Neisse-wards, but on the left or north bank of the River; + passed Neisse Town (the River between him and it); and encamped at Gross + Neundorf, several miles from Neipperg and the River. Neipperg, at an equal + step, has been wending towards his old Camp, which lies behind Neisse, + between Neisse and the Hills: there, a river in front, dams and muddy + inundations all round him, begirt with plentiful Pandours, Neipperg waits + what Friedrich will attempt from Gross Neundorf. + </p> + <p> + From Gross Neundorf, Friedrich persists twelve days (13th-25th September), + studying, endeavoring; mere impossibility ahead. And by this time (what is + much worth noting), Hyndford, silently quitting Breslau, has got back to + these scenes of war, occasionally visible in Friedrich's Camp again;—on + important mysterious business; which will have results. Valori also is + here in Camp; these two Excellencies jealously eying one another; both of + them with teeth rather on edge,—Europe having suddenly got into such + a plunge (as if the highest mountains were falling into the deepest seas) + since Friedrich began this Neipperg problem of his;—in which, after + twelve days, he sees mere impossibility ahead. + </p> + <p> + On the twelfth day, Friedrich privately collects himself for a new method: + marches, soon after midnight, [26th September, 2 A.M.: Orlich, i. 144.] + fifteen miles down the River (which goes northward in this part, as the + reader may remember); crosses, with all his appurtenances, unmolested; and + takes camp a few miles inland, or on the right bank, and facing towards + Neisse again. He intends to be in upon Neipperg front the rear quarter; + and cut him off from Mahren and his daily convoys of food. "Daily food cut + off,—the thickest-skinned rhinoceros, the wildest lion, cannot stand + that: here, for Neipperg, is one point on which all his embankments and + mud-dams will not suffice him!" thinks Friedrich. Certain preliminary + operations, and military indispensabilities, there first are for + Friedrich,—Town of Oppeln to be got, which commands the Oder, our + rearward highway; Castle of Friedland, and the country between Oder and + Neisse Rivers:—while these preliminary things are being done + (September 28th-October 3d), Friedrich in person gradually pushes forward + towards Neipperg, reconnoitring, bickering with Croats: October 3d, + preliminaries done, Neipperg's rear had better look to itself. + </p> + <p> + Neipperg, well enough seeing what was meant, has by this time come out of + his mud-dams and impregnabilities; and advanced a few miles towards + Friedrich. Neipperg lies now encamped in the Hamlet of Griesau, a little + way behind Steinau,—poor Steinau, which the reader saw on fire one + night, when Friedrich and we were in those parts, in Spring last. + Friedrich's Camp is about five miles from Neipperg's on the other side of + Steinau. A tolerable champaign country; I should think, mostly in stubble + at this season. Nearly midway between these two Camps is a pretty Schloss + called Klein-Schnellendorf, occupied by Neipperg's Croats just now, of + which Prince Lobkowitz (he, if I remember, but it matters nothing), an + Austrian General of mark, far away at present, is proprietor. + </p> + <p> + Friedrich's Oppeln preparations are about complete; and he intends to + advance straightway. "Hold, for Heaven's sake, your Majesty!" exclaims + Hyndford; getting hold of him one day (waylaying him, in fact; for it is + difficult, owing to Valori); "Wait, wait; I have just been to the—to + the Camp of Neipperg," silently gesticulates Hyndford: "Within a week all + shall be right, and not a drop of blood shed!" Friedrich answers, by + silence chiefly, to the effect, "Tush, tush;" but not quite negatively, + and does in effect wait. We had better give the snatch of Dialogue in + primitive authentic form; date is, Camp of Neundorf, September 22d:— + </p> + <p> + FRIEDRICH (pausing impatiently, on the way towards his tent). "'MILORD, DE + QUOI S'AGIT-IL A PRESENT (What is it now, then)?' + </p> + <p> + HYNDFORD. "'Should much desire to have some assurance from your Majesty + with regard to that neutrality of Hanover you were pleased to promise.' + All else is coming right; hastening towards beautiful settlement, were + that settled. + </p> + <p> + FRIEDRICH. "'Have not I great reason to be dissatisfied with your Court? + Britannic Majesty, as King of England and as Elector of Hanover, is + wonderful! Milord, when you say a thing is white, Schweichelt, the + Hanoverian Excellency, calls it black, and VICE VERSA. But I will do your + King no harm; none, I say! Follow me to dinner; dinner is cold by this + time; and we have made more than one person think of us. Swift! [and + EXIT].'" [Hyndford's Despatch, Neisse, 4th October, 1741.] + </p> + <p> + This is a strange motion on the part of Hyndford; but Friedrich, severely + silent to it, understands it very well; as readers soon will, when they + hear farther. But marvellous things have happened on the sudden! In these + three weeks, since the Camp of Strehlen broke up, there have been such + Events; strategic, diplomatic: a very avalanche of ruin, hurling Austria + down to the Nadir; of which it is now fit that the reader have some faint + conception, an adequate not being possible for him or me:— + </p> + <p> + "AUGUST l5th, 1741. Robinson reappears in Presburg; and precious surely + are the news he brings to an Aulic Council fallen back in its chairs, and + staring with the wind struck out of it. Their expected Seizure of Breslau + gone heels over head, in that way; Friedrich imperiously resolute, + gleaming like the flash of steel amid these murky imbecilities, and + without the Cession of Silesia no Peace to be made with him! And all this + is as nothing, to news which arrives just on the back of Robinson, from + another quarter. + </p> + <p> + "AUGUST 15th-21st. French Army of 40,000 men, special Army of Belleisle, + sedulously equipt and completed, visibly crosses the Rhine at Fort Louis + (an Island Fortress in the Rhine, thirty miles below Strasburg; STONES of + it are from the old Schloss of Hagenau);—steps over deliberately + there; and on the sixth day is all on German ground. These troops, to be + commanded by Belleisle, so soon as he can join them, are to be the Elector + of Bavaria's troops, Kur-Baiern Generalissimo over Belleisle and them; [<i>Fastes + de Louis XV.,</i> ii. 264.] and they are on rapid march to join that + ambitious Kurfurst, in his Passau Expedition; and probably submerge Vienna + itself. + </p> + <p> + "And what is this we hear farther, O Robinson, O Excellencies Hyndford, + Schweichelt and Company: That another French Army, of the same strength, + under Maillebois, has in the self-same days gone across the Lower Rhine + (at Kaisersworth, an hour's ride below Dusseldorf)! At Kaisersworth; + ostensibly for comforting and strengthening Kur-Koln (the lanky + Ecclesiastical Gentleman, Kur-Baiern's Brother), their excellent ally, + should anybody meddle with him. Ostensibly for this; but in reality to + keep the Sea-Powers, and especially George of England quiet. It marches + towards Osnabruck, this Maillebois Army; quarters itself up and down, + looking over into Hanover,—able to eat Hanover, especially if joined + by the Prussians and Old Leopold, at any moment. + </p> + <p> + "These things happen in this month of August, close upon the rear of that + steel-shiny scene in the Tent at Strehlen, where Friedrich lifted his hat, + saying, ''T is of no use, Messieurs!'—which was followed by the + seizure of Breslau the wrong way. Never came such a cataract of evil news + on an Aulic Council before. The poor proud people, all these months they + have been sitting torpid, helpless, loftily stupid, like dumb idols; 'in + flat despair,' as Robinson says once, 'only without the strength to be + desperate.' + </p> + <p> + "Sure enough the Sea-Powers are checkmated now. Let them make the least + attempt in favor of the Queen, if they dare. Holland can be overrun, from + Osnabruck quarter, at a day's warning. Little George has his Hanoverians, + his subsidized Hessians, Danes, in Hanover, his English on Lexden Heath: + let him come one step over the marches, Maillebois and the Old Dessauer + swallow him. It is a surprising stroke of theatrical-practical Art; + brought about, to old Fleury's sorrow, by the genius of Belleisle, aud + they say of Madame Chateauroux; enough to strike certain Governing Persons + breathless, for some time; and denotes that the Universal Hurricane, or + World-Tornado, has broken out. It is not recorded of little George that he + fell back in his chair, or stared wider than usual with those fish-eyes: + but he discerned well, glorious little man, that here is left no shadow of + a chance by fighting; that he will have to sit stock-still, under awful + penalties; and that if Maria Theresa will escape destruction, she must + make her peace with Friedrich at any price." + </p> + <p> + This fine event, 80,000 French actually across the Rhine, happened in the + very days while Friedrich and Neipperg had got into wrestle again,—Neipperg + just off from that rash march for Schweidnitz, and whirling back on rumor + (15th August), while the first instalment of the French were getting over. + Friedrich must admit that the French fulfil their promises so far. A week + ago or more, they made the Swedes declare War against Russia, as + covenanted. War is actually declared, at Stockholm, August 4th, the + Faction of Hats prevailing over that of Nightcaps, after terrible debates + and efforts about the mere declaring of it, as if that alone were the + thing needed. We mentioned this War already, and would not willingly + again. One of the most contemptible Wars ever declared or carried on; but + useful to Friedrich, as keeping Russia off his hands, at a critical time, + and conclusively forbidding help to Austria from that quarter. + </p> + <p> + Marechal de Belleisle, wrapt in Diplomatic and Electioneering business, + cannot personally take command for the present; but has excellent + lieutenants,—one of whom is Comte de Saxe, Moritz our old friend, + afterwards Marechal de Saxe. Among the finest French Armies, this of + Belleisle's is thought to be, that ever took the field: so many of our + Nobility in it, and what best Officers, Segurs, Saxes, future Marechal's, + we have. Army full of spirit and splendor; come to cut Germany in four, + and put France at last in its place in the Universe. Here is courage, here + is patriotism, of a sort. And if this is not the good sort, the divinely + pious, the humanly noble,—Fashionable Society feels it to be so, and + can hit no nearer. New-fashioned "Army of the Oriflamme," one might call + this of Belleisle's; kind of Sham-Sacred French Army (quite in earnest, as + it thinks);—led on, not by St. Denis and the Virgin, but by Sun-god + Belleisle and the Chateauroux, under these sad new conditions! Which did + not prosper as expected. + </p> + <p> + "Let the Holy German Reich take no offence," said this Army, eager to + conciliate: "we come as friends merely; our intentions charitable, and + that only. Bavarian Treaty of Nymphenburg (18th May last) binds us + especially, this time; Treaty of Westphalia binds us sacredly at all + times. Peaceable to you, nay brotherly, if only you will be peaceable!" + Which the poor Reich, all but Austria and the Sea-Powers, strove what it + could to believe. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the German shore out of Elsass, "every Officer put, the + Bavarian Colors, cockade of blue-and-white, on his hat;" [Adelung, ii. + 431.] a mere "Bavarian Army," don't you see? And the 40,000 wend steadily + forward through Schwaben eastward, till they can join Karl Albert + Kur-Baiern, who is Generalissimo, or has the name of such. They march in + Seven Divisions. Donauworth (a Town we used to know, in Marlborough's time + and earlier) is to be their first resting-point; Ingolstadt their + place-of-arms: will readers recollect those two essential circumstances? + To Donauworth is 250 miles; to Passau will be 180 more: five or six long + weeks of marching. But after Donauworth they are to go, the Infantry of + them are, in boats; Horse, under Saxe, marching parallel. Forward, ever + forward, to Passau (properly to Scharding, twelve miles up the Inn Valley, + where his Bavarian Highness is in Camp); and thence, under his Bavarian + Highness, and in concert with him, to pour forth, deluge-like, upon Linz, + probably upon Vienna itself, down the Donau Valley,—why not to + Vienna itself, and ruin Austria at one swoop? [Espagnac, <i>Histoire de + Maurice Comte de Saxe</i> (German Translation, Leipzig, 1774), i. 83:—an + excellent military compend. <i>Campagnes des Trois Marechaux</i> + (Maillebois, Broglio, Belleisle: Armsterdam. 1773), ii. 53-56:—in + nine handy little volumes (or if we include the NOAILLES and the COIGNY + set, making "CING MARECHAUX," nineteen volumes in all, and a twentieth for + INDEX); consisting altogether of Official Letters (brief, rapid, meant for + business, NOT for printing in the Newspapers); which are elucidative + BEYOND bargain, and would even be amusing to read,—were the topic + itself worth one's time.] + </p> + <p> + The second or Maillebois French Army spreads itself, by degrees, + considerably over Westphalia;—straitened for forage, and otherwise + not the best of neighbors. But, in theory, in speech, this too was + abundantly conciliatory,—to the Dutch at least. "Nothing earthly in + view, nothing, ye magnanimous Dutch, except to lodge here in the most + peaceable manner, paying our way, and keep down disturbances that might + arise in these parts. That might arise; not from you, ye magnanimous High + Mightinesses, how far from it! Nor will we meddle with one broken brick of + your respectable Barrier, or Barrier Treaty, which is sacred to us, or do + you the shadow of an injury. No; a thousand times, upon our honor, No!" + For brevity's sake, I lend them that locution, "No, a thousand times,"—and + in actual arithmetic, I should think there are at least four or five + hundred times of it,—in those extinct Diplomatic Eloquences of + Excellency Fenelon and the other French;—vaguely counting, in one's + oppressed imagination, during the Two Years that ensue. For the Dutch + lazily believed, or strove to believe, this No of Fenelon's; and took an + obstinate laggard sitting posture, in regard to Pragmatic Sanction; + whereby the task of "hoisting" them (as above hinted), which fell upon a + certain King, became so famous in Diplomatic History. + </p> + <p> + Imagination may faintly picture what a blow this advent of Maillebois was + to his Britannic Majesty, over in Herrenhausen yonder! He has had of Danes + six thousand, of Hessians six, of Hanoverians sixteen,—in all some + 30,000 men, on foot here since Spring last, camping about (in two + formidable Camps at this moment); not to mention the 6,000 of English on + Lexden Heath, eager to be shipped across, would Parliament permit; and now—let + him stir in any direction if he dare. Camp of Gottin like a drawn sword at + one's throat (at one's Hanover) from the east; and lo, here a twin fellow + to it gleaming from the south side! Maillebois can walk into the throat of + Hanover at a day's warning. And such was actually the course proposed by + Maillebois's Government, more than once, in these weeks, had not Friedrich + dissuaded and forbidden. It is a strangling crisis. What is his Britannic + Majesty to do? Send orders, "Double YOUR diligence, Excellency Robinson!" + that is one clear point; the others are fearfully insoluble, yet pressing + for solution: in a six weeks hence (September 27th), we shall see what + they issue in!— + </p> + <p> + As for Robinson, he is duly with the Queen at Presburg; duly conjuring + incessantly, "Make your peace with Friedrich!" And her Majesty will not, + on the terms. Poor Robinson, urged two ways at once, is flurried doubly + and trebly; tossed about as Diplomatist never was. King of Prussia flashes + lightning-looks upon him, clapping finger to nose; Maria Theresa, knowing + he will demand cession of Silesia, shudders at sight of him; and the Aulic + Council fall into his arms like dead men, murmuring, "Money; where is your + money?" + </p> + <p> + "AUGUST 29th. While Friedrich was pushing into Neipperg, in the Baumgarten + Country, and could get no battle out of him, Excellency Robinson reappears + at Breslau; Maria Theresa, after deadly efforts on his part, has mended + her offers, in these terrible circumstances; and Robinson is here again. + 'Half of Silesia, or almost half, provided his Majesty will turn round, + and help against the French:' these, secretly, are Robinson's rich offers. + The Queen, on consenting to these new offers, had 'wrung her hands,' like + one in despair, and said passionately, 'Unless accepted within a + fortnight, I will not be bound by them!' 'Admit his Excellency to the + honor of an interview,' solicits Hyndford; 'his offers are much mended.' + Notable to witness, Friedrich will not see Robinson at all this time, nor + even permit Podewils to see him; signifies plainly that he wants to hear + no more of his offers, and that, in fact, the sooner he can take himself + away from Breslau, it will be the better. To that effect, Robinson, + rushing back in mortified astonished manner, reports progress at Presburg; + to that and no better. 'High Madam,' urges Robinson, still indefatigable, + 'the King of Prussia's help would be life, his hostility is death at this + crisis. Peace must be with him, at any price!' 'Price?' answers her + Majesty once: 'If Austria must fall, it is indifferent to me whether it be + by Kur-Baiern or Kur-Brandenburg!' [Stenzel, iv. 156.] Nevertheless, in + about a week she again yields to intense conjuring, and the + ever-tightening pressure of events;—King George, except it be for + counselling, is become stock-still, with Maillebois's sword at his throat; + and is, without metaphor, sinking towards absolute neutrality: 'Cannot + help you, Madam, any farther; must not try it, or I perish, my Hanover and + I!'—So that Maria Theresa again mends her offers: 'Give him all + Lower Silesia, and he to join with me!' and Robinson post-haste despatches + a courier to Breslau with them. Notable again: King Friedrich will not + hear of them; answers by a 'No, I tell you! Time was, time is not. I have + now joined with France; and to join against it in this manner? Talk to me + no more!'" [Friedrich to Hyndford: <i>"Au Camp [de Neuendorf] 14me + septembre," 1741. "Milord j'ai recu les nouvelles propositions d'alliance + que l'infatigable Robinson vous envoie. Je les trouve aussi chimeriques + que les precedentes."—"Ces gens sont-ils fols, Milord, de s'imaginer + que je commisse la trahison de tourner en leur faveur mes armes, et de"—"Je + vous prie de ne me plus fatiguer avec de pareilles propositions, et de me + croire assez honnete homme pour ne point violer mes engagements.—</i> + FREDERIC." (British Museum: Hyndford Papers, fol. 133.)]... + </p> + <p> + Here is a catastrophe for the Two Britannic Excellencies, and the Cause of + Freedom! Robinson, in dudgeon and amazement, has hurried back to Presburg, + has ceased sending even couriers; and, in a three weeks hence (9th + October, a day otherwise notable), wishes "to come home," the game being + up. [His Letter, "9th October, 1741" (in Lord Mahon's <i>History of + England,</i> iii. Appendix, p. iii: edit. London, 1839)]. Such is + Robinson's gloomy view: finished, he, and the game lost,—unless + perhaps Hyndford could still do something? Of which what hope is there! + Hyndford, who has a rough sagacity in him, and manifests often a strong + sense of the practical and the practicable, strikes into—Readers, + from the following Fragments of Correspondence, now first made public, + will gather for themselves what new course, veiled in triple mystery, + Hyndford had struck into. Four bits of Notes, well worth reading, under + their respective dates:— + </p> + <p> + 1. EXCELLENCY HYNDFORD TO SECRETARY HARRINGTON (Two Notes). "BRESLAU, 2d + SEPTEMBER, 1711 [on the heel of Robinson's second miscarriage].... My + Lord, all these contretemps are very unlucky at present, when time is so + precious; for France is pressing the King of Prussia in the strongest + manner to declare himself; but whatever eventual preliminaries may be + probably agreed between them, I still doubt if they have any Treaty + signed"—have had one, any time these three months (since 5th June + last); signed sufficiently; but of a most fast-and-loose nature; neither + party intending to be rigorous in keeping it. "I wish to God the Court of + Vienna may be brought to think before it is too late." [HYNDFORD PAPERS + (Brit. Mus. Additional MSS. 11,366), ii. fol. 91.] + </p> + <p> + 2. "BRESLAU, 6th SEPTEMBER.... I am not without hopes of succeeding in a + project which has occurred to me on this occasion, and which seems to be + pretty well relished by some people [properly by one individual, Goltz, + the King's Adjutant and factotum], who are in great confidence about the + King of Prussia's person; and I think it is the only thing that now + remains to be tried; and as it is the least of two evils, I hope I shall + have the King my Master's approbation in attempting it; and if the Court + of Vienna will open their eyes, they must see it is the only thing left to + save them from utter destruction;"—and, finally, here it is:— + </p> + <p> + "Since Mr. Robinson left this place,—["Sooner YOU go, the better, + Sir!"],—"I have been sounding the people afore mentioned, the + individual afore hinted at, 'Whether the King of Prussia would hearken to + a Neutrality with respect to the Queen of Hungary, and at the same time + fulfil his engagements to his Majesty with respect to the defence of his + Majesty's German Dominions, IF she would give him the Lower Silesia with + Breslau?' At first they rejected it; saying it was a thing they dared not + propose. However, I have reason to believe, by a Letter I saw this day, + that it has been proposed to the King, and that he is not absolutely + averse to it. I shall know more in a few days; but if it can be done at + all, it must be done in the very greatest secrecy, for neither the King + nor his Ministers wish to appear in it; and I question if his Minister + Podewils will be informed of it." [<i>Hyndford Papers,</i> fol. 97, 98.] + </p> + <p> + 3. EXCELLENCY ROBINSON (in a flutter of excitement, temporary hope and + excitement, about Goltz) TO HYNDFORD, AT BRESLAU. + </p> + <p> + "PRESBURG, 8th SEPTEMBER (N.S.), 1741. My Lord, I could desire your + Lordship to summon up, if it were necessary, the spirit of all your + Lordship's Instructions, and the sense of the King, of the Parliament, and + of the whole British Nation. It is upon this great moment that depends the + fate, not of the House of Austria, not of the Empire, but of the House of + Brunswick, of Great Britain, and of all Europe. I verily believe the King + of Prussia does not himself know the extent of the present danger. With + whatever motive he may act, there is not one, not that of the mildest + resentment, that can blind him to this degree, of himself perishing in the + ruin he is bringing upon others. With his concurrence, the French will, in + less than six weeks, be masters of the German Empire. The weak Elector of + Bavaria is but their instrument: Prague and Vienna may, and probably will, + be taken in that short time. Will even the King of Prussia himself be + reserved to the last? + </p> + <p> + "Upon this single transaction [of your Lordship's affair with the + mysterious individual] depend the CITA MORS, or the VICTORIA LAETA of all + Europe. Nothing will equal the glory of your Lordship, in the latter case, + but that to be acquired by the King of Prussia in his immediate imitation + of the great Sobieski"—reputed "savior of Vienna," O your + Excellency!... "Prince Lichtenstein will, if found in time upon his + estates in Bohemia, be, I believe, the person to repair to the King of + Prussia, the moment your Lordship shall have signed the Preliminaries. + Once again, give me leave, my Lord, to express my most ardent wishes, my"—T. + ROBINSON. [<i>Hyndford Papers,</i> fol. 102.] + </p> + <p> + 4. EXCELLENCY HYNDFORD TO SECRETARY HARRINGTON. + </p> + <p> + "BRESLAU, 9th SEPTEMBER,... Received a message to meet him,"—HIM, + for we now speak in the singular number, though still without naming + Goltz,—"one of the persons I mentioned in my former Despatch: in a + very unsuspected place; for we have agreed to avoid all appearance of + familiarity. He told me he had received a Letter this morning from the + Camp,"—Prussian Majesty's Camp, or Bivouac (in the Munsterberg + Hill-Country), on that march towards Woitz, for crossing the Neisse upon + Neipperg, which proved impracticable,—"and that he could with + pleasure tell me that the King agreed to this last trial, although he + would not, nor could appear in it.... Then this person read to me a Paper, + but I could not see whether it was the King's hand or not; for when I + desired to take a copy, he said he could not show me the original; but + dictated as follows:— + </p> + <p> + "'Toute la Basse Silesie, la riviere de Neisse pour limite, la ville de + Neisse a nous, aussi bien que Glatz; de l'autre cote de l'Oder l'ancien + limite entre les Duches de Brieg et d'Oppeln. Namslau a nous. Les affaires + de religion IN STATU QUO. Point de dependance de la Boheme; cession + eternelle. En echange nous n'irons pas plus loin. Nous assiegerons Neisse + PRO FORMA: le commandant se rendra et sortira. Nous prendrons les + quartiers tranquillement, et ils pourront mener leur Armee oh ils + voudront. Que tout cela soit fini en douze jours.'" That is to say:— + </p> + <p> + "'The whole of Lower Silesia, Neisse Town included; Neisse River for + boundary:—Glatz withal. Beyond the Oder, for the Duchies of Brieg + and Oppeln the ancient limits. Namslau ours. Affairs of Religion to + continue IN STATU QUO. No dependence [feudal tie or other, as there used + to be] on Bohemia; cession of Silesia to be absolute and forever.—We, + in return, will proceed no farther. We will besiege Neisse for form; the + Commandant shall surrender and depart. We will pass quietly into + winter-quarters; and the Austrian Army may go whither it will. Bargain to + be concluded within twelve days.'" [Coxe (iii. 272) gives this + Translation, not saying whence he had it.]—Can his Excellency + Hyndford get Vienna, get Feldmarschall Reipperg with power from Vienna, to + accept: Yes or No? Excellency Hyndford thinks, Yes; will try his very + utmost!— + </p> + <p> + "He (Goltz) then tore the Paper in very small pieces; and he repeated + again, that if the affair should be discovered, both the King and he were + determined to deny it.... 'But how about engagements with regard to my + Master's German Dominions; not a word about that?' He answered, 'You have + not the least to fear from France;' protested the King of Prussia's great + regard for his Majesty of England, &c. I told him these fine words did + not satisfy me; and that if this affair should succeed, I expected there + should be some stipulation." [<i>Hyndford Papers,</i> fol. 115.] Yes; and + came, about a fortnight hence, "waylaying his Majesty" to get one,—as + readers saw above. + </p> + <p> + Prussian Dryasdust (poor soul, to whom one is often cruel!) shall glad + himself with the following Two bits of Autography from Goltz, who had + instantly quitted Breslau again;—and, to us, they will serve as date + for the actual arrival of Excellency Hyndford in those fighting regions, + and commencement of his mysterious glidings about between Camp and Camp. + </p> + <p> + GOLTZ TO THE EXCELLENCY HYNDFORD, AT BRESLAU (most Private). + </p> + <p> + "AU CAMP DE NEUENDORF, 16me septembre, a 9 heures du seir. (1.) "MILORD,—Vons + savez que je suis porte pour la bonne cause. Sur ce pied je prends la + liberte de vous conseiller en ami et serviteur, de venir ici incessamment, + et de presser votre voyage de sorte que vous puissiez paraitre + publiquement lundi [18th] vers midi. Vous trouverez 6 (SIC) chevaux de + postes a Olau et a Grottkau tout prets. Hatez-vous, Milord, tout ce que + vous pourrez au monde. J'ai l'honneur de" Meaning, in brief English:— + </p> + <p> + "Be at Neundorf here, publicly, on Monday next, 18th, towards noon." + Things being ripe. "Haste, Milord, haste!" + </p> + <p> + "Ce 18me a 3 heures apres-midi. (2). "Je suis an desespoir, Milord, de + votre maladie. Voici le courrier que vous attendiez. Venez le plutot que + vous pourrez au monde; si non, dites au General Marwitz de quoi il s'agit, + afin qu'il puisse me le faire savoir.... Le courrier serait arrive quatre + heures plutot, si nous ne l'avions renvoye au Comte Neuberg (SIC) a cause + de votre maladie.—GOLTZ." [<i>Hyndford Papers,</i> fol. 150-152.]—That + is to say:— + </p> + <p> + "Distressed inexpressibly by your Lordship's biliary condition. One cannot + travel under colic;—and things were so ripe! Courier would have + reached you four hours sooner, but we had to send him over to Neipperg + first. Come, oh come!"—Which Hyndford, now himself again, at once + does. + </p> + <p> + This is the Mystery, which, on September 22d, had arrived at that stage, + indicated above: "Tush! Follow me: Dinner is already falling cold, and + there are eyes upon us!" And in about another fortnight—But we shall + have to take the luggage with us, too, what minimum of it is + indispensable! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter V. — KLEIN-SCHNELLENDORF: FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A + FASHION. + </h2> + <p> + While these combined Mysteries and War-movements go on, in Neisse and its + Environs, the World-Phenomena continue,—in Upper Austria and + elsewhere. Of which take these select summits, or points chiefly luminous + in the dusk of the forgotten Past:— + </p> + <p> + LINZ, SEPTEMBER 14th. Karl Albert, being joined some days ago at Scharding + by the first three French Divisions, 15,000 men in all (the other four + Divisions of them are still in the Donauworth-Ingolstadt quarter, making + their manifold arrangements), has pushed forward, sixty miles + (land-marches, south side of the Donau, which makes a bend here), and this + day, September 14th, appears at Linz. Pleasant City of Linz; where, as + readers may remember, Mr. John Kepler, long ago, busy discovering the + System of the World (grandest Conquest ever made, or to be made, by the + Sons of Adam), had his poor CAMERA OBSCURA set out, to get himself a + livelihood in the interim: here now is Karl Albert's flag on the winds, + and, as it were, the Oriflamme with it, on a singularly different + Adventure. "Open Gates!" demands Karl Albert with authority: "Admit me to + my Capital of Upper Austria!" Which cannot be denied him, there being + nothing but Town-guards in the place. + </p> + <p> + Karl Albert continued there some weeks, in a serenely victorious posture; + doing acts of authority; getting homaged by the STANDE; pushing out his + forces farther and farther down the Donau, post after post,—victorious + Oriflamme-Bavarian Army may be 40,000 strong or so, in those parts. + Friedrich urged him much to push on without pause, and take opportunity by + the forelock; sent Schmettau (elder of the two Schmettaus, who is much + employed on such business) to urge him; wrote an express Paper of + Considerations pressingly urgent: but he would not, and continued pausing. + </p> + <p> + Vienna, all in terror, is fortifying itself; citizens toiling at the + earthworks, resolute for making some defence; Constituted Authorities, + National Archives even, Court in a body, and all manner of Noble and + Official people, flying else-whither to covert: chiefly to Presburg, where + her Majesty already is. The Archives were carried to Gratz; the two + Dowager Empresses (for there are two, Maria Theresa's Mother, and Maria + Theresa's Aunt, Kaiser Joseph's Widow) fled different ways,—I forget + which. An agitated, paralyzed population. Except the diligent wheelbarrows + on the ramparts, no vehicle is rolling in Vienna but furniture-wagons + loading for flight. General Khevenhuller with 6,000, who pesides with fine + scientific skill, and an iron calmness and clearness, over these + fortifyings, is the only force left. [Anonymous, <i>Histoire de la + Derniere Guerre de Boheme</i> (a Francfort, 1745-1747, 4 tomes), i. 190. A + lively succinct little Book, vague not false; still readable, though not + now, as then, with complete intelligence, to the unprepared reader. Said, + in Dictionaries, to be by Mauvillon PERE, though it resembles nothing else + of his that is known to me.]' Neipperg's, our only Army in the world, is + hundreds of miles away, countermarching and manoeuvring about Woitz, and + Neisse Town and River,—pretty sure to be beaten in the end,—and + it is high time there were a Silesian bargain had, if Hyndford can get us + any. + </p> + <p> + DRESDEN, SEPTEMBER 19th (Excellency Hyndford just recovering from his + colic, in Breslau), Kur-Sachsen, after many waverings, signs Treaty of + Copartnery with France and Bavaria, seduced by "that Moravia," and the + ticklings of Belleisle acting on a weak mind. [Adelung, ii. 469, 304, + 503.] His troops are 20,000, or rather more; said to be of good quality, + and well equipped. In February last we saw him engaged in Russian, + Anti-Prussian Partition schemes. In April, as these suddenly (on sight of + the Camp of Gottin) extinguished themselves, he agreed to go, in the + pacific way, with her Hungarian Majesty for friend (Treaty with her, + signed 11th April); but never went (Treaty never ratified); kept his + 20,000 lying about in Camp, in an enigmatic manner,—first about + Torgau, latterly in the Lausitz, much nearer to the ERZGEBIRGE + (Metal-Mountains), Frontier of Bohemia;—and now signs as above; + intent to march as soon as possible. Is to have Four Circles of Bohemia, + imaginary Kingships of Moravia, and other prizes. Belleisle has tickled + that big trout: Belleisle could now have the Election as he wishes it, + would the Electors but be speedy; but they will not, and he is obliged to + push continually. + </p> + <p> + "Moriamur pro Rege nostro Maria Theresia," IN THE POETIC, AND THEN ALSO IN + THE PROSE FORM. + </p> + <p> + PRESBURG, SEPTEMBER 21st. This is the date (or chief date, for, alas, + there turn out to be two!) of the world-famous "MORIAMUR PRO REGE NOSTRO + MARIA THERESIA;" of which there are now needed Two Narratives; the + generally received (in part mythical) going first, in the following + strain:— + </p> + <p> + "The Queen has been in Presburg mainly, where the Hungarian Diet is + sitting, ever since her Coronation-ceremony. On the 11th September [or + 11th and 21st together], the afflicted Lady makes an appearance there, + which, for theatrical reality, has become very celebrated. Alas, it is but + three months since she galloped to the top of the Konigsberg, and cut + defiantly with bright sabre towards the Four Points of the Universe; and + already it has come to this. Hungarian Magnates in high session, the high + Queen enters, beautiful and sad,—and among her Ministers is + noticeable a Nurse with the young Archduke, some six months old, a fine + thriving child, perhaps too wise for his age, who became Kaiser Joseph II. + in after time. + </p> + <p> + "The Hungarian Session is not on record for me, Hall of meeting, Magyar + Parliamentary eloquence unknown; nor is any point conspicuously visible, + exact and certain, except these [alas, not even these]: That it was the + 11th of September; that her Majesty coming forward to speak, took the + child in her arms, and there, in a clear and melodiously piercing voice, + sorrow and courage on her noble face, beautiful as the Moon riding among + wet stormy clouds, spake, as the Hungarian Archives still have it, a short + Latin Harangue; in substance as follows:... 'Hostile invasion of Austria; + imminent peril, to this Kingdom of Hungary, to our person, to our + children, to our crown. Forsaken by all,—AB OMNIBUS DERELICTI + [Britannic Majesty himself standing stock-still,—blamably, one + thinks, the two swords being only at HIS throat, and a good way off!]—I + have no resource but to throw myself on the loyalty and help of Your + renowned Body, and invoke the ancient Hungarian virtue to rise swiftly and + save me!' Whereat the assembled Hungarian Synod, their wild Magyar hearts + touched to the core, start up in impetuous acclaim, flourish aloft their + drawn swords, and shout unanimously in passionate tenor-voice, 'MORIAMUR + (Let us die) for our Rex Maria Theresa!' [<i>Maria Theresiens Leben</i> + (which speaks hypothetically), iv, 44; Coxe, iii. 270 (who is positive, + "after examining the Documents").] Which were not vain words. For a + general 'Insurrection' was thereupon decreed; what the Magyars call their + 'Insurrection,' which is by no means of rebellious nature; and many + noblemen, old Count Palfy himself a chief among them, though past + threescore and ten, took the field at their own cost; and the noise of the + Hungarian Insurrection spread like a voice of hope over all Pragmatic + countries."— + </p> + <p> + A very beautiful heroic scene; which has gone about the world, circulating + triumphantly through all hearts for above a Century past; and has only of + late acknowledged itself mythical,—not true, except as toned down to + the following stingy prose pitch:— + </p> + <p> + PRESBURG, SEPTEMBER 21st. Maria Theresa, since that fine Coronation-scene, + June 28th, has had a mixed time of it with her Hungarian Diet; soft + passages alternating with hard: a chivalrous people, most consciously + chivalrous; but a constitutional withal, very stiff upon their Charter + (PACTA CONVENTA, or whatever the name is); who wrangle much upon + privileges, upon taxes, and are difficult to keep long in tune. Ten days + ago (September 11th), her Majesty tried them on a new tack; summoned them + to her Palace; threw herself upon their nobleness, "No allies but you in + the world" (and other fine things, authentically, as above, legible in the + Archives to this day):—so spake the beautiful young Queen, her eyes + filling with tears as she went on, and yet a noble fire gleaming through + them. Which melted the Hungarian heart a good deal; and produced fine + cheering, some persons even shedding tears, and voices of "Life and + Fortune to your Majesty!" being heard in it. In which humor the Diet + returned to its Session-House, and voted the "Insurrection,"—or + general Arming of Hungary, County by County, each according to its own + contingent;—with all speed, in pursuance of her Majesty's implied + desire. This was voted in rapid manner; but again, in the detail of + executing, it was liable to haggles. From this day, however, matters did + decidedly improve; PACTA CONVENTA, or any remainder of them, are got + adjusted,—the good Queen yielding on many points. So that, September + 20th, Grand-Duke Franz is elected Co-regent,—let him start from + Vienna instantly, for Instalment;—and it is hoped the Insurrection + will go well, and not prove haggly, or hang fire in the details. + </p> + <p> + At any rate, next day, September 21st, Duke Franz, who arrived last night,—and + Baby with him, or in the train of him (to the joy of Mamma!)—is in + the Palace Audience-Hall, "at 8 A.M.;" ready for the Diet, and what + Homagings aud mutual Oath, as new Co-regent, are necessary. Grand-Duke + Franz, Mamma by his side, with the suitable functionaries; and to rearward + Nurse and Baby, not so conspicuous till needed. Diet enters with the + stroke of 8; solemnity proceeds. At the height of the solemnity, when Duke + Franz, who is really risen now to something of a heroic mood, in these + emergencies and perils, has just taken his Oath, and will have to speak a + fit word or two,—the Nurse, doubtless on hint given, steps forward; + holds up Baby (a fine noticing fellow, I have no doubt,—"weighed + sixteen pounds avoirdupois when born"); as if Baby too, fine mutual + product of the Two Co-regents, were mutually swearing and appealing. + Enough to touch any heart. "Life and blood (VITAM ET SANGUINEM) for our + Queen and Kingdom!" exclaims the Grand-Duke, among other things. "Yes, + VITAM ET SANGUINEM!" re-echoes the Diet, "our life and our blood!" + many-voiced, again and again;—and returns to its own Place of + Session, once more in a fine strain of loyal emotion. + </p> + <p> + And there, O reader, is the naked truth, neither more nor less. It was + some Vienna Pamphleteer of theatrical imaginative turn, finding the thing + apt, a year or two afterwards—who by kneading different dates and + objects into one, boldly annihilating time and space, and adding a little + paint,—gave it that seductive mythical form. From whom Voltaire + adopted it, with improvements, especially in the little Harangue; and from + Voltaire gratefully the rest of mankind. [Voltaire, <i>Siecle de Louis + XV.,</i> c. 6 (<i>OEuvres,</i> xxviii. 78); Coxe, <i>House of Austria,</i> + iii. 270; and innumerable others (who give this Myth)]; <i>Maria + Theresiens Leben,</i> p. 44 n. (who cites the Vienna Pamphleteers, without + much believing them); Mailath (a Hungarian), <i>Geschichte des + OEsterrichischen Kaiser-Staats</i> (Hamburg, 1850), v. 11-13 (who explodes + the fable). Cut down to the practical, it stands as above:—by no + means a bad thing still. That of "bringing in Baby" was a pretty touch in + the domestic-royal way;—and surely very natural; and has no "art" in + it, or none to blame and not love rather, on the part of the bright young + Mother, now girdled in such tragic outlooks, and so glad to have Baby back + at least, and Papa with him! It is certain the "Insurrection" was voted + with enthusiasm; and even became rapidly a fact. And there was, in few + months hence, an immense mounted force of Hungarians raised, which + galloped and plundered (having almost no pay), and occasionally fenced and + fought, very diligently during all these Wars. Hussars, Croats, Pandours, + Tolpatches, Warasdins, Uscocks, never heard of in war before: who were + found very terrible to look upon once, in the imagination or with the + naked eye; but whose fighting talent, against regular troops, was next to + worthless; and who gradually became hateful rather than terrible in the + military world. + </p> + <p> + HANOVER, SEPTEMBER 27th. Britannic Majesty, reduced to that frightful + pinch, has at last given way. Treaty of Neutrality for Hanover; engagement + again to stick one's puissant Pragmatic sword into its scabbard, to be + perfectly quiescent and contemplative in these French-Bavarian + Anti-Austrian undertakings, and digest one's indignation as one can. For + our Paladin of the Pragmatic what a posture! This is the first of Three + Attempts by our puissant little Paladin to draw sword;—not till the + third could he get his sword out, or do the least fighting (even foolish + fighting) with all the 40,000 he had kept on pay and subsidy for years + back. The Neutrality was for Hanover only, and had no specific limit as to + time. Opportunities did rise; but something always rose along with them,—mainly + the impossibility of hoisting those lazy Dutch,—and checked one's + noble rage. His Majesty has covenanted to vote for Karl Albert as Kaiser; + even he, and will make the thing unanimous! A thoroughly check-mated + Majesty. Passing home to England, this time in a gloomy condition of mind, + shortly after these humiliations, he was just issuing from Osnabruck by + the Eastern Gate, when Maillebois's people entered by the Western,—the + ugly shoes of them insulting his kibes in this manner. And a furious + Anti-Walpole Parliament, most perturbed of National Palavers, is waiting + him at St. James's. Heavy-laden little Hercules that he is! + </p> + <p> + Karl Albert lay at Linz for a month longer (till October 24th, six weeks + in all); pausing in uncertainties, in a pleasant dream of victory and + sovereignty; not pouncing on Vienna, as Friedrich urged on the French and + him, to cut the matter by the root. He does push forward certain troops, + Comte de Saxe with Three Horse Regiments as vanguard, ever nearer to + Vienna; at last to within forty miles of it; nay, light-horse parties came + within twenty-five miles. And there was skirmishing with Mentzel, a + sanguinary fellow, of whom we shall hear more; who had got "1,000 + Tolpatches" under him, and stood ruggedly at bay. + </p> + <p> + Karl Albert has been sending out sovereign messages from Linz: Letters to + Vienna;—one letter addressed "To the Arch-duchess Maria Theresa;" + which came back unopened, "No such person known here." October 2d, he is + getting homaged at Linz, by the STANDE of the Province,—on summons + sent some time before,—many of whom attend, with a willing enough + appearance; Kur-Baiern rather a favorite in Upper Austria, say some. Much + fine processioning, melodious haranguing, there now is for Karl Albert, + and a pleasant dream of Sovereignty at Linz: but if he do not pounce upon + Vienna till Khevenhuller get it fortified? Khevenhuller is drawing home + Italian Garrisons, gradually gathering something like an Army round him. + In Khevenhuller's imperturbable military head, one of the clearest and + hardest, there is some hope. Above all, if Neipperg's Army were to + disengage itself, and be let loose into those parts? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EXCELLENCY HYNDFORD BRINGS ABOUT A MEETING AT KLEIN-SCHNELLENDORF (9th + </h2> + <p> + October, 1741). + </p> + <p> + It was the second day after that Homaging at Linz, when Hyndford (Sept. + 22d) with mysterious negotiations, now nearly ripe, for disengaging + Neipperg, waylaid his Prussian Majesty; and was answered, as we saw, with + "Tush, tush! Dinner is already cold!" + </p> + <p> + It must be owned, these Friedrich-Hyndford Negotiations, following on an + express French-Prussian Treaty of June 5th, which have to proceed in such + threefold mystery now and afterwards, are of questionable distressing + nature: nor can the fact that they are escorted copiously enough by a + correspondent sort on the French side, and indeed on the Austrian and on + all sides, be a complete consolation,—far otherwise, to the + ingenuous reader. Smelfungus indignantly calls it an immorality and a + dishonor, "a playing with loaded dice;" which in good part it surely was. + Nor can even Friedrich, who has many pleas for himself, obtain spoken + acquittal; unspoken, accompanied with regrets and pity, is all even + Friedrich can aspire to. My own impression is, Smelfungus, if candid, + would on clearer information and consideration have revoked much of what + he says here in censure of Friedrich. At all events, if asked: Where then + is the specifical not "superstitious" WANT of "veracity" you ever found in + Friedrich? and How, OTHERWISE than even as Friedrich did, would you, most + veracious Smelfungus, have plucked out your Silesia from such an Element + and such a Time?—he would be puzzled to answer. I give his Fragment + as I find it, with these deductions:— + </p> + <p> + "What negotiating we have had, and shall have," exclaims Smelfungus, my + sad foregoer,—"fit rather to be omitted from a serious History, + which intends to be read by human creatures! Bargaining, Promising, + Non-performing. False in general as dicers' oaths; false on this side and + on that, from beginning to end. Intercepted Letters from Fleury; Letter + dropping from Valori's waistcoat-pocket, upon which Friedrich claps his + foot: alas, alas, we are in the middle of a whole world of that. Friedrich + knows that the French are false to him; he by no means intends to be + romantically true to them, and that also they know. What is the use to + human creatures of recording all that melancholy stuff? If sovereign + persons want their diplomacies NOT to be swept into the ash-pit, there are + two conditions, especially one which is peremptory: FIRST, that they + should not be lies;—SECOND, that they should be of some importance, + some wisdom; which with known lies is not a possible condition. To unravel + cobwebs, and register laboriously and date and sort in the sorrow of your + soul the oaths of crowned dicers,—what use is it to gods or men? + Having well dressed and sliced your cucumber, the next clear human duty + is: Throw it out of window. In that foul Lapland-witch world, of seething + Diplomacies and monstrous wigged mendacities, horribly wicked and + despicably unwise, I find nothing notable, memorable even in a small + degree, except this aspect of a young King who does know what he means in + it. Clear as a star, sharp as cutting steel (very dangerous to hydrogen + balloons), he stands in the middle of it, and means to extort his own from + it by such methods as there are. + </p> + <p> + "Magnanimous I can by no means call Friedrich to his allies and neighbors, + nor even superstitiously veracious, in this business: but he thoroughly + understands, he alone, what just thing he wants out of it, and what an + enormous wigged mendacity it is he has got to deal with. For the rest, he + is at the gaming-table with these sharpers; their dice all cogged;—and + he knows it, and ought to profit by his knowledge of it. And in short, to + win his stake out of that foul weltering mellay, and go home safe with it + if he can." + </p> + <p> + Very well, my friend! Let us keep to windward of the Diplomatic + wizard's-caldron; let Hyndford, Valori and Company preside over it, + throwing in their eye of newt and limb of toad, as occasion may be. + Enough, if the reader can be brought to conceive it; and how the young + King,—who perhaps alone had real business in this foul element, and + did not volunteer into it like the others, though it now unexpectedly + envelops him like a world-whirlwind (frightful enough, if one spoke of + that to anybody), is struggling with his whole soul to get well out of it. + As supremely adroit, all readers already know him; his appearance what we + called starlike,—always something definite, fixed and lucid in it. + </p> + <p> + He is dexterously holding aloof from Hyndford at present, clinging to + French Valori as his chosen companion: we may fancy what a time he has of + it, like a polygamist amid jealous wives. It will quicken Hyndford, he + perceives, in these ulterior stages, to leave him well alone. Hyndford + accordingly, as we have noticed, could not see the King at all; had to try + every plan, to watch, waylay the King for a bit of interview, when + indispensable. However, Hyndford, with his Neipperg in sight of the peril, + manages better than Robinson with his Aulic Council at a distance: besides + he is a long-headed dogged kind of man, with a surly edacious strength, + not inexpert in negotiation, nor easily turned aside from any purpose he + may have. + </p> + <p> + Between the two Camps, nearly midway, lies a Hamlet called + Klein-Schnellendorf, LITTLE Schnellendorf, to distinguish it from another + Schnellendorf called GREAT, which is a mile or two northwestward, out of + the straight line. Not far from the first of these poor Hamlets lies a + Schloss or noble Mansion, likewise called Klein-Schnellendorf, belonging + to a certain Count von Sternberg, who is not there at present, but whose + servants are, and a party of Croats over them for some days back: a + pleasant airy Mansion among pleasant gardens, well shut out from the + intrusion of the world. Upon this Castle of Klein-Schnellendorf judicious + Hyndford has cast his eye:—and Neipperg, now come to a state of + readiness, approves the suggestion of Hyndford, and promptly at the due + moment converts it into a fact. Arrests namely, on a given morning (the + last act of his Croats there, who withdrew directly with their batch of + prisoners), every living soul within or about the Mansion;—"suspected + of treason;" only for one day;—and in this way, has it reduced to + the comfortable furnished solitude of Sleeping Beauty's Castle; a place + fit for high persons to hold a Meeting in, which shall remain secret as + the grave. Such a thing was indispensable. For Friedrich, keeping shy of + Hyndford, as he well may with a Valori watching every step, has, by words, + by silences, when Hyndford could waylay him for a moment, sufficiently + indicated what he will and what he will not; and, for one indispensable + condition, in the present thrice-delicate Adventure, he will not sign + anything; will give and take word of honor, and fully bind himself, but + absolutely not put pen to paper at all. Neipperg being willing too, + judicious Hyndford finds a medium. Let the parties meet at + Klein-Schnellendorf, and judicious Hyndford be there with pen and paper. + [Orlich, i. 146; <i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> i. 1009.] + </p> + <p> + Monday, 9th October, 1741, accordingly, there is meeting to be held. + Hyndford, Neipperg with his General Lentulus (a Swiss-Austrian General, + whose Son served under Friedrich afterwards), these wait for Friedrich, on + the one hand:—"to fix some cartel for exchange of prisoners," it is + said;—in these precincts of Klein-Schnellendorf; which are silent, + vacant, yet comfortably furnished, like Sleeping Beauty's Castle. And + Friedrich, on the other hand, is actually riding that way, with Goltz;—visiting + outposts, reconnoitring, so to speak. "Dine you with Prince Leopold (the + Young Dessauer), my fine Valori; I fear I shan't be home to dinner!" he + had said when going off; hoodwinking his fine Valori, who suspects + nothing. At a due distance from Klein-Schnellendorf, the very groom is + left behind; and Friedrich, with Goltz only, pushes on to the Schloss. All + ready there; salutations soon done; business set about, perfected:—and + Hyndford with pen and ink in his hand, he, by way of Protocol, or summary + of what had been agreed on, on mutual word of honor, most brief but most + clear on this occasion, writes a State Paper, which became rather famous + afterwards. This is the Paper in condensed state; though clear, it is very + dull! + </p> + <p> + KLEIN-SCHNELLENDORF, 9th OCTOBER, 1741. Britannic Excellency Hyndford + testifies, That, here and now, his Majesty of Prussia, and Neipperg on + behalf of her Hungarian Majesty do, solemnly though only verbally, agree + to the following Four Things:— + </p> + <p> + "FIRST, That General Neipperg, on the 16th of the month [this day week] + shall have liberty to retire through the Mountains, towards Moravia; + unmolested, or with nothing but sham-attacks in the rear of him. SECOND, + That, in consequence, his Prussian Majesty, on making sham-siege of + Neisse, shall have the place surrendered to him on the fifteenth day. + THIRD, That there shall be, nay in a sense, there hereby is, a Peace made; + his Majesty retaining Neisse and Silesia [according to the limits known to + us:—nothing said of Glatz]; and that a complete Treaty to that + effect shall be perfected, signed and ratified, before the Year is out. + FOURTH, That these sham-hostilities, but only sham, shall continue; and + that his Majesty, wintering in Bohemia, and carrying on sham-hostilities + [to the satisfaction of the French], shall pay his own expenses, and do no + mischief." [Given in <i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> i. 1009; in &c.] + </p> + <p> + To these Four Things they pledge their word of honor; and Hyndford signs + and delivers each a Copy. Unwritten a Fifth Thing is settled, That the + present transaction in all parts of it shall be secret as death,—his + Majesty expressly insisting that, if the least inkling of it ooze out, he + shall have right to deny it, and refuse in any way to be bound by it. + Which likewise is assented to. + </p> + <p> + Here is a pretty piece of work done for ourself and our allies, while + Valori is quietly dining with the Prince of Dessau! The King stayed about + two hours; was extremely polite, and even frank and communicative. "A very + high-spirited young King," thinks Neipperg, reporting of it; "will not + stand contradiction; but a great deal can be made of him, if you go into + his ideas, and humor him in a delicate dexterous way. He did not the least + hide his engagements with France, Bavaria, Saxony; but would really, so + far as I Neipperg could judge, prefer friendship with Austria, on the + given terms; and seems to have secretly a kind of pique at Saxony, and no + favor for the French and their plans." [Orlich, i. 149 (in condensed + state).] + </p> + <p> + "Business being done [this is Hyndford's report], the King, who had been + politeness itself, took Neipperg aside, beckoning Hyndford to be of the + party, 'I wish you too, my Lord, to hear every word:—his Britannic + Majesty knows or should know my intentions never were to do him hurt, but + only to take care of myself; and pray inform him [what is the fact] that I + have ordered my Army in Brandenburg to go into winter-quarters, and break + up that Camp at Gottin.' Friedrich's talk to Neipperg is, How he may + assault the French with advantage: 'Join Lobkowitz and what force he has + in Bohmen; go right into your enemies, before they can unite there. If the + Queen prosper, I shall—perhaps I shall have no objection to join her + by and by? If her Majesty fail; well, every one must look to himself.'" + These words Hyndford listened to with an edacious solid countenance, and + greedily took them down. [Hyndford's Despatch, Breslau, 14th October, + 1741.] + </p> + <p> + Once more, a curious glimpse (perhaps imprudently allowed us, in the + circumstances) into the real inner man of Friedrich. He had, at this time, + now that the Belleisle Adventure is left in such a state, no essential + reason to wish the French ruined,—nor probably did he; but only + stated both chances, as in the way of unguarded soliloquy; and was willing + to leave Neipperg a sweet morsel to chew. Secret mode of corresponding + with the Court of Austria is agreed upon; not direct, but through certain + Commandants, till the Peace-Treaty be perfected,—at latest "by + December 24th," we hope. And so, "BON VOYAGE, and well across the + Mountains, M. LE MARECHAL; till we meet again! And you, Excellency + Hyndford, be so good you as write to me,—for Valori's behoof,—complaining + that I am deaf to all proposals, that nothing can be had of me. And other + Letters, pray, of the like tenor, all round; to Presburg, to England, to + Dresden:—if the Couriers are seized, it shall be well. 'Your Letter + to myself, let a trumpet come with it while I am at dinner,' and Valori + beside me!"—"Certainly, your Majesty," answers Hyndford; and does + it, does all this; which produces a soothing effect on Valori, poor soul! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FRIEDRICH TAKES NEISSE BY SHAM SIEGE (CAPTURE NOT SHAM); GETS HOMAGED IN + </h2> + <p> + BRESLAU; AND RETURNS TO BERLIN. + </p> + <p> + Thus, if the Austrians hold to their bargain, has Friedrich, in a most + compendious manner, got done with a Business which threatened to be + infinite: by this short cut he, for his part, is quite out of the + waste-howling jungle of Enchanted Forest, and his foot again on the firm + free Earth. If only the Austrians hold to their bargain! But probably he + doubts if they will. Well, even in that case, he has got Neisse; stands + prepared for meeting them again; and, in the mean while, has freedom to + deny that there ever was such a bargain. + </p> + <p> + Of the Political morality of this game of fast-and-loose, what have we to + say,—except, that the dice on both sides seem to be loaded; that + logic might be chopped upon it forever; that a candid mind will settle + what degree of wisdom (which is always essentially veracity), and what of + folly (which is always falsity), there was in Friedrich and the others; + whether, or to what degree, there was a better course open to Friedrich in + the circumstances:—and, in fine, it will have to be granted that you + cannot work in pitch and keep hands evidently clean. Friedrich has got + into the Enchanted Wilderness, populous with devils and their works;—and, + alas, it will be long before he get out of it again, HIS life waning + towards night before he get victoriously out, and bequeath his conquest to + luckier successors! It is one of the tragic elements of this King's life; + little contemplated by him, when he went lightly into the Silesian + Adventure, looking for honor bright, what he called "GLOIRE," as one + principal consideration, hardly a year ago!— + </p> + <p> + Neipperg, according to covenant, broke up punctually that day week, + October 16th; and went over the Mountains, through Jagerndorf, Troppau, + towards Mahren; Prussians hanging on his rear, and skirmishing about, but + only for imaginary or ostensible purposes. After a three-weeks march, he + gets to a place called Frating, [Espagnac, i. 104.] easternmost border of + Mahren, on the slopes of the Mannhartsberg Hill-Country, which is within + wind of Vienna itself; where, as we can fancy, his presence is welcome as + morning-light in the present dark circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Friedrich, on the morrow after Neipperg went, invested Neisse (October + 17th); set about the Siege of Neisse with all gravity, as if it had been + the most earnest operation; which nobody of mankind, except three or four, + doubted but it was. Before opening of the trenches, Leopold young Dessauer + took the road for Glatz Country, and the adjoining Circles of Bohemia; + there to canton himself, peaceably according to contract; and especially + to have an eye upon Glatz, should the Klein-Schnellendorf engagement go + awry in any point. The King in his Dialogue with Neipperg had said several + things about Glatz, and what a sacrifice he made there for the sake of + speedy pace, the French having guaranteed him Glatz, though he now forbore + it. Leopold, who has with him some 15,000 horse and foot, cantons himself + judiciously in those ultramontane parts,—"all the artillery in the + Glatz Country;" [<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> ii. 431; Orlich, i. 174.]—and + we shall hear of him again, by and by, in regard to other business that + rises there. + </p> + <p> + Neisse is a formidable Fortress, much strengthened since last year; but + here is a Besieger with much better chance! He marked out parallels, sent + summonses, reconnoitred, manoeuvred,—in a way more or less + surprising to the eye of Valori, who is military, and knows about sieges. + Rather singular, remarks Valori; good engineers much wanted here! But the + bombardment did finally begin: night of October 26th-27th, the Prussiaus + opened fire; and, at a terrible rate, cannonaded and bombarded without + intermission. In point of fire and noise it is tremendous; Valori trusts + it may be effective, in spite of faults; goes to Breslau in hope: "Yes, go + to Breslau, MON CHER VALORI; wait for me there. Neipperg be chased, say + you? Shall not he,—if we had got this place!" And so the fire + continues night and day. [<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> i. 1006.] + </p> + <p> + Fantastic Bielfeld, in his semi-fabulous style, has a LETTER on this + bombardment, attractive to Lovers of the Picturesque,—(written long + afterwards, and dated &c. WRONG). As Bielfeld is a rapid clever + creature of the coxcomb sort, and doubtless did see Neisse Siege, and + entertained seemingly a blazing incorrect recollection of it, his + Pseudo-Neisse Letter may be worth giving, to represent approximately what + kind of scene it was there at Neisse in the October nights:— + </p> + <p> + "Marechal Schwerin was lodged in a Village about three-quarters of a mile + from Head-Quarters. One day he did me the honor to invite me to dinner; + and even offered me a horse to ride thither with him. I found excellent + company; a superb repast, and wine of the gods. Host and guests were in + high spirits; and the pleasures of the table were kept up so late, that it + was midnight when we rose. I was obliged to return to Head-Quarters, + having still to wait upon the King, as usual. The Marechal was kind enough + to lend me another horse; but the groom mischievously gave me the charger + which the Marechal rode at the Battle of Mollwitz; a very powerful animal, + and which, from that day, had grown very skittish. + </p> + <p> + "I was made aware of this circumstance, before we were fairly out of the + Village; and the night being of the darkest, I twenty times ran the risk + of breaking my neck. We had to pass over a hill, to get to Head-Quarters. + When I reached the top, a shudder came over me, and my hair stood on end. + I had nobody with me but a strange groom. The country all around was + infested with troops and marauders; I was mounted on an unmanageable + horse. Under my feet, so to say, I saw the bombardment of the Town of + Neisse. I heard the roar of cannon and doleful shrieks. Above our + batteries the whole atmosphere was inflamed; and to complete the calamity, + I missed the way, and got lost in the darkness. Finally, in descending the + hill, my horse, frightened, made a terrible swerve or side-jump. I did not + know the cause; but after having, with difficulty, got him into the road + again, I found myself opposite to a deserter who had been hanged that day! + I was horribly disgusted by the sight; the gallows being very low, and the + head of the malefactor almost parallel with mine. I spurred on, and + galloped away from such unpleasant night-company. At last I arrived at + Head-Quarters, all in a perspiration. I sent my horse back; and went in to + the King, who asked me at once, why I was so heated. I made his Majesty a + faithful report of all my disasters. He laughed much; and advised me + seriously not again to go out by night, and alone, beyond the circuit of + Head-Quarters." [Bielfeld, ii. 31, 32.] + </p> + <p> + After four days and nights of this sublime Playhouse thunder (with real + bullets in it, which killed some men, and burnt considerable property), + the Neisse Commandant (not Roth this time, Roth is now in Brunn),—his + "fortnight of siege," October 17th to October 31st, being accomplished or + nearly so,—beat chamade; and was, after grave enough treatying, + allowed to march away. Marched, accordingly, on the correct + Klein-Schnellendorf terms; most of his poor garrison deserting, and taking + Prussian service. Ever since which moment, Neisse, captured in this + curious manner, has been Friedrich's and his Prussia's. + </p> + <p> + November 1st, the Prussian soldiers entered the place; and Friedrich, + after diligent inspection and what orders were necessary, left for Brieg + on the following day;—where general illuminating and demonstrating + awaited him, amid more serious business. After strict examinations, and + approval of Walrave and his works at Brieg, he again takes the road; + enters Breslau, in considerable state (November 4th); where many Persons + of Quality are waiting, and the general Homaging is straightway to be,—or + indeed should have been some days ago, but has fallen behind by delays in + the Neisse affair. + </p> + <p> + The Breslau HULDIGUNG,—Friedrich sworn to and homaged with the due + solemnities as "Sovereign Duke of Lower Silesia,"—was an event to + throw into fine temporary frenzy the descriptive Gazetteers, and Breslau + City, overflowing with Quality people come to act and to see on the + occasion. Event which can be left to the reader's fancy, at this date. + There were Corporations out in quantity, "all in cloaks" and with sublime + Addresses, partly in poetry, happily rather brief. There were beautiful + Prussian Life-guards "First Battalion," admirable to the softer sex, not + to speak of the harder); much military resonance and splendor. Friedrich + drove about in carriages-and-six, "nay carriage-and-eight, horses + cream-color:" a very high King indeed; and a very busy one, for those four + days (November 4th-8th) 1741), but full of grace and condescension. The + HULDIGUNG itself took effect on the 7th; in the fine old Rathhaus, which + Tourists still know,—the surrounding Apple-women sweeping themselves + clear away for one day. Ancient Ducal throne and proper apparatus there + was; state-sword unluckily wanting: Schwerin, who was to act + Grand-Marshal, could find no state-sword, till Friedrich drew his own and + gave it him. [<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> i. 1022, 1025; ii. 349.] + </p> + <p> + Podewils the Minister said something, not too much; to which one + Prittwitz, head of a Silesian Family of which we shall know individuals, + made pithy and pretty response, before swearing. "There were above Four + Hundred of Quality present, all in gala." The customary Free-Gift of the + STANDE Friedrich magnanimously refused: "Impossible to be a burden to our + Silesia in such harassed war-circumstances, instead of benefactor and + protector, as we intended and intend!" The Ceremony, swearing and all, was + over in two hours; hundreds of silver medals, not to speak of the gold + ones, flying about; and Breslau giving itself up joyfully to dinner and + festivities. And, after dinner, that evening, to Illumination; followed by + balls and jubilations for days after, in a highly harmonious key. Of the + lamps-festoons, astonishing transparencies, and glad symbolic devices, I + could say a great deal; but will mention only two, both of comfortably + edible or quasi-edible tendency:—1. That of David Schulze, Flesher + by profession; who had a Transparency large as life, representing his own + fat Person in the act of felling a fat Ox; to which was appended this + epigraph:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Wer mir wird den Konig in Preussen verachten, + Den will ich wie diesen Ochsen schlacten." + + "Who dares me the King of Prussia insult, + Him I will serve like this fat head of nolt." + + Signed "DAVID SCHULER, A BRANDENBURGER."— +</pre> + <p> + And then, + </p> + <p> + 2. How, in another quarter, there was set aloft IN RE, by some Pastry-cook + of patriotic turn: "An actual Ox roasted whole; filled with pheasants, + partridges, grouse, hares and geese; Prussian Eagle atop, made of roasted + fowls, larks and the like,"—unattainable, I doubt, except for money + down. [<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> ii. 359.] + </p> + <p> + On the fifth morning, 9th November,—after much work done during this + short visit, much ceremonial audiencing, latterly, and raising to the + peerage,—Friedrich rolled on to Glogau. Took accurate survey of the + engineering and other interests there, for a couple of days; thence to + Berlin (noon of the 11th), joyfully received by Royal Family and all the + world;—and, as we might fancy, asking himself: "Am I actually home, + then; out of the enchanted jungles and their devilries; safe here, and + listening, I alone in Peace, to the universal din of War?" Alas, no; that + was a beautiful hypothesis; too beautiful to be long credible! Before + reaching Berlin,—or even Breslau, as appears,—Friedrich, + vigilantly scanning and discerning, had seen that fine hope as good as + vanish; and was silently busy upon the opposite one. + </p> + <p> + In a fortnight hence, Hyndford, who had followed to Berlin, got transient + sight of the King one morning, hastening through some apartment or other: + "'My Lord,' said the King, 'the Court of Vienna has entirely divulged our + secret. Dowager Empress Amelia [Kaiser Joseph's widow, mother of Karl + Albert's wife] has acquainted the Court of Bavaria with it; Wasner + [Austrian Minister at Paris] has told Fleury; Sinzendorf [ditto at + Petersburg] has told the Court of Russia; Robinson, through Mr. Villiers + [your Saxon Minister], has told the Court of Dresden; and several members + of your Government in England have talked publicly about it!' And, with a + shrug of the shoulders, he left me,"—standing somewhat agape there. + [Hyndford's Despatch, Berlin, 28th November, 1741; Ib. Breslau, 28th + October (secret already known).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VI. — NEW MAYOR OF LANDSHUT MAKES AN INSTALLATION SPEECH. + </h2> + <p> + The late general Homaging at Breslau, and solemn Taking Possession of the + Country by King Friedrich, under such peaceable omens, had straightway, as + we gather, brought about, over Silesia at large, or at least where + pressingly needful, various little alterations,—rectifications, by + the Prussian model and new rule now introduced. Of which, as it is better + that the reader have some dim notion, if easily procurable, than none at + all, I will offer him one example;—itself dim enough, but coming at + first-hand, in the actual or concrete form, and beyond disputing in + whatever light or twilight it may yield us. + </p> + <p> + At Landshut, a pleasant little Mountain Town, in the Principality of + Schweidnitz, high up, on the infant River Bober, near the Bohemian + Frontier—(English readers may see QUINCY ADAMS'S description of it, + and of the long wooden spouts which throw cataracts on you, if walking the + streets in rain [John Quincy Adams (afterwards President of the United + States), <i>Letters on Silesia</i> (London, 1804). "The wooden spouts are + now gone" (<i>Tourist's Note, of</i> 1858).]): at Landshut, as in some + other Towns, it had been found good to remodel the Town Magistracy a + little; to make it partly Protestant, for one thing, instead of Catholic + (and Austrian), which it had formerly been. Details about the "high + controversies and discrepancies" which had risen there, we have absolutely + none; nor have the special functions of the Magistracy, what powers they + had, what work they did, in the least become distinct to us: we gather + only that a certain nameless Burgermeister (probably Austrian and + Catholic) had, by "Most gracious Royal Special-Order," been at length + relieved from his labors, and therewith "the much by him persecuted and + afflicted Herr Theodorus Spener" been named Burgermeister instead. Which + respectable Herr Theodorus Spener, and along with him Herr Johann David + Fischer as RATHS-SENIOR, and Herr Johann Caspar Ruffer, and also Herr + Johann Jacob Umminger, as new Raths (how many of the old being left I + cannot say), were accordingly, on the 4th of December, 1741, publicly + installed, and with proper solemnity took their places; all Landshut + looking on, with the conceivable interest and astonishment, almost as at a + change in the obliquity of the ecliptic,—change probably for the + better. + </p> + <p> + Respectable Herr Theodorus Spener (we hope it is SpeNer, for they print + him SPEER in one of the two places, and we have to go by guess) is ready + with an Installation Speech on the occasion; and his Speech was judged so + excellent, that they have preserved it in print. Us it by no means strikes + by its Demosthenic or other qualities: meanwhile we listen to it with the + closest attention; hoping, in our great ignorance, to gather from it some + glimmerings of instruction as to the affairs, humors, disposition and + general outlook and condition of Landshut, and Silesia in that juncture;—and + though a good deal disappointed, have made an Abstract of it in the + English language, which perhaps the reader too, in his great ignorance, + will accept, in defect of better. Scene is Landshut among the Giant + Mountains on the Bohemian Border of Silesia: an old stone Town, where + there is from of old a busy trade in thread and linen; Town consisting, as + is common there, of various narrow winding streets comparable to + spider-legs, and of a roomy central Market-place comparable to the body of + the spider; wide irregular Market-place with the wooden spouts (dry for + the moment) all projecting round it. Time, 4th December, 1741 (doubtless + in the forenoon); unusual crowd of population simmering about the + Market-place, and full audience of the better sort gravely attentive in + the interior of the Rathhaus; Burgermeister Spener LOQUITUR [<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> + ii. 416.] (liable to abridgment here and there, on warning given):— + </p> + <p> + "I enter, then, in the name of the Most Holy Trinity, upon an Office, to + which Divine Providence has appointed, and the gracious and potent hand of + a great King has raised me. Great as is the dignity [giddy height of + Mayoralty in Landshut], though undeserved, which the Ever-Merciful has + thus conferred upon me, equally great and much greater is the burden + connected therewith. I confess"—He confesses, in high-stalking + earnest wooden language very foreign to us in every way: (1.) That his + shoulders are too weak; but that he trusts in God. For (2.) it is God's + doing; and He that has called Spener, will give Spener strength, the + essential work being to do God's will, to promote His honor, and the + common weal. (3.) That he comes out of a smaller Office (Office not + farther specified, probably exterior to the RATHS-COLLEGE, and subaltern + to the late tyrannous Mayor and it), and has taken upon him the Mayoralty + of this Town (an evident fact!); but that the labor and responsibility are + dreadfully increased; and that the point is not increase of honor, of + respectability or income, but of heavy duties. (A sonorous, pious-minded + Spener; much more in earnest than readers now think!) + </p> + <p> + It is easy, intimates he, to govern a Town, if, as some have perhaps done, + you follow simply your own will, regardless of the sighs and complaints + your subjects utter for injustice undergone,—indifferent to the + thought that the caprice of one Town Sovereign is to be glorified by so + many thousand tears (dim glance into the past history of Landshut!). Such + Town Sovereign persecutes innocence, stops his ears to its cry; flourishes + his sharp scourge;—no one shall complain: for is it not justice? + thinks such a Town Sovereign. The reason is, He does not know himself, + poor man; has had his eye always on the duties of his subjects towards + him, and rarely or never on his towards them. A Sovereign Mayor that + governs by fear,—he must live in continual fear of every one, and of + himself withal. A weak basis: and capable of total overturn in one day. On + the contrary, the love of your burgher subjects: that, if you can kindle + it, will go on like a house on fire (AUSBRUCH EINES FEURES), and streams + of water won't put it out.... "And [let us now take Spener's very words] + if a man keep the fear of God before his eyes, there will be no need for + any other kind of fear. + </p> + <p> + "I will therefore, you especially High-honored Gentlemen, study to direct + all my judicial endeavors to the honor of the great God, and to inviolable + fidelity towards my most gracious King and Lord [Friedrich, by Decision of + Providence—at Mollwitz and elsewhere]. + </p> + <p> + "To the Citizens of this Town, from of old so dear to me, and now by Royal + grace committed to my charge, and therefore doubly and trebly to be held + dear, I mean to devote myself altogether. I will, on every occasion and + occurrence, still more expressly than aforetime, stand by them; and when + need is, not fail to bring their case before the just Throne of our + Anointed [Friedrich, by Decision of Providence]. Justice and fairness I + will endeavor, under whatever complexities, to make my loadstar. Yes, I + shall and will, by means of this my Office, equip myself with weapons + whereby I may be capable to damp such humors (INTELLIGENTIEN), should such + still be (but I believe there are now none such), as may repugn against + the Royal interest, with possibility of being dangerous; and to put a + bridle on mouths that are unruly. And, to say much in little compass, I + will be faithful to God, to my King and to this Town. + </p> + <p> + "Having now the honor and happiness to be put into Official friendship + with those Gentlemen who, as Burgermeisters, and as old and as new Members + of Council, have for long years made themselves renowned among us, I will + entertain, in respect of the former [the old] a firm confidence That the + zeal they have so strongly manifested for behoof of the most serene + Archducal House of Austria will henceforth burn in them for our most + Beloved Land's Prince whom God has now given us; that the fire of their + lately plighted truth and devotion, towards his Royal Majesty, shall shine + not in words only, but in works, and be extinguished only with their + lives. [Can that be, O Spener or Speer? Are we alarm-clocks, that need + only to be wound up, and told at what hour, and for whom?] God, who puts + Kings in and casts them out, has given to us a no less potent Sovereign + than supremely loving Land's-Father, who, by the renown of his more than + royal virtues, had taken captive the hearts of his future subjects and + children still sooner than even by his arms, familiar otherwise to + victory, he did the Land. And who shall be puissant and mighty enough, now + to lead men's minds in a contrary direction; to control the Most High + Power, ruler over hearts and Lands, who had decreed it should be so; and + again to change this change? [Hear Spener: he has taken great pains with + his Discourse, and understands composition!] + </p> + <p> + "This change, High-honored Gentlemen [of the Catholic persuasion], is also + for you a not unhappy one. For our now as pious as wise King will, + especially in one most vital point, take pattern by the King of all Kings; + and means to be lord of his subjects only, not of the consciences of his + subjects. He requires nothing from you but what you are already bound by + God, by conscience, and duty, to render: to wit, obedience and inviolable + unbroken fidelity. And by that, and without more asked than that, you will + render yourselves worthy of his protection, and become partakers of the + Royal favor. Nay you will render yourselves all the worthier in that high + quarter, and the more meritorious towards our civic commonweal, the more + you, High-honored Gentlemen [of the Catholic persuasion], accept, with all + frankness of colleague-love and amity, me and the Evangelical brother + Raths now introduced by Royal grace and power; and make the new position + generously tenable and available to us;—and thereby bind with us the + more firmly the band of peace and colleague-unity, for helping up this + dear, and for some years greatly fallen, Town along with us. + </p> + <p> + "We, for our poor part, will, one and all, strive only to surpass each + other in obedience and faith to our Most Gracious King. We will, as + Regents of the Citizenry committed to us, go before them with a good + example; and prove to all and every one, That, little and in war untenable + as our Landshut is, it shall, in extent and impregnability of faith + towards its Most Dearest Land's-Prince, approve itself unconquerable. As + well I as"—Professes now, in the most intricate phraseology, that + he, and Fischer and Umminger (giving not only the titles, but a succinct + history of all three, in a single sentence, before he comes to the verb!), + bring a true heart, &c. &c.—Or would the reader perhaps like + to see it IN NATURA, as a specimen of German human-nature, and the art + these Silesian spinners have in drawing out their yarns? + </p> + <p> + "As well I as [1.] The Titular Herr Johann David Fischer, distinguished + trader and merchant of this Town, who, by his tradings in and beyond our + Silesian Countries, has made himself renowned, and by his merit and + address in particular instances [delicate instances known to Landshut, not + to us] has made himself beloved, who has now been installed as + Raths-Senior; and also as [2.] The Titular Herr Johann Caspar Ruffer, + well-respected Citizen, and Revenue-office Manager here, who for many + years has with much fidelity and vigilance managed the Revenue-office, and + who for his experience in the economic constitution of this Town has been + all-graciously nominated Raths-Herr;—and not less [3.] The Titular + Johann Jacob Umminger, whilom Advocate at Law in Breslau, who, for his + good studies in Law, and manifested skill in the practice of Law, has been + an all-graciously nominated Supernumerary Councillor and Notary's-Adjunct + among us:—As well I as these Three not only assure you, High-honored + Gentlemen, of all imaginable estimation and return of love on our part; + but do likewise assure all and sundry these respectable Herren Town-Jurats + [specially present], representing here the universal well-beloved + Citizenry of our Town,—that we bring a heart sincere, and intent + only on aiming at the welfare of a Citizenry so loveworthy. We have the + firm purpose by God's grace, so to order our walk, and so to conduct our + government that we may, one day, when summoned from our judgment-seats to + answer before the Universal Judgment-seat of Christ, be able to say, with + that pious King and Judge of Israel: 'Lord, thou knowest if we have walked + uprightly before thee.' And we hope to understand that the rewards of + justice, in that Life, will be much more than those of injustice in this. + </p> + <p> + "We believe that the Most High will, in so far, bless these our honest + purposes and wholesome endeavors, as that the actual fruits thereof will + in time coming, and when Peace now soon expected (which God grant) has + returned to us, be manifest; and that if, in our Office, as is common, we + should rather have thorns of persecution than roses of recompense to + expect, yet to each of us there will at last accrue praise in the Earth + and reward in Heaven. [Hear Spener!] + </p> + <p> + "Meanwhile we will unite all our wishes, That the Almighty may vouchsafe + to his Royal Majesty, our now All-dearest Duke and Land's-Father, many + long years of life and of happy reign; and maintain this All-highest + Royal-Prussian and Elector-Brandenburgic House in supremest splendor and + prosperity, undisturbed to the end of all Days; and along with it, our + Town-Council, and whole Merchantry and Citizenry, safe under this Prussian + Sceptre, in perpetual blessing, peace and unity [what a modest prayer!]: + to all which may Heaven speak its powerful Amen!" [<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> + ii. 416-422.]— + </p> + <p> + Whereupon solemn waving of hats; indistinct sough of loyal murmur from the + universal Landshut Population; after which, continued to the due extent, + they return to their spindles and shuttles again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VII. -- FRIEDRICH PURPOSES TO MEND THE KLEIN-SCHNELLENDORF + FAILURE: FORTUNES OF THE BELLEISLE ARMAMENT. + </h2> + <p> + We shall not dwell upon the movements of the French into Germany for the + purpose of overwhelming Austria, and setting up four subordinate little + Sovereignties to take their orders from Louis XV. The plan was of the mad + sort, not recognized by Nature at all; the diplomacy was wide, expensive, + grandiose, but vain and baseless; nor did the soldiering that followed + take permanent hold of men's memory. Human nature cannot afford to follow + out these loud inanities; and, at a certain distance of time, is bound to + forget them, as ephemera of no account in the general sum. Difficult to + say what profit human nature could get out of such transaction. There was + no good soldiering on the part of the French except by gleams here and + there; bad soldiering for the most part, and the cause was radically bad. + Let us be brief with it; try to snatch from it, huge rotten heap of old + exuviae and forgotten noises and deliriums, what fractions of perennial + may turn up for us, carefully forgetting the rest. + </p> + <p> + Maillebois with his 40,000, we have seen how they got to Osnabruck, and + effectually stilled the war-fervor of little George II.; sent him home, in + fact, to England a checkmated man, he riding out of Osnabruck by one gate, + the French at the same moment marching in by the other. There lies + Maillebois ever since; and will lie, cantoned over Westphalia, "not nearer + than three leagues to the boundary of Hanover," for a year and more. There + let Maillebois lie, till we see him called away else-wither, upon which + the gallant little George, check-mate being lifted, will get into notable + military activity, and attempt to draw his sword again,—though + without success, owing to the laggard Dutch. Which also, as British + subjects, if not otherwise, the readers of this Book will wish to see + something of. Maillebois did not quite keep his stipulated distance of + "three leagues from the boundary" (being often short of victual), and was + otherwise no good neighbor. Among his Field-Officers, there is visible + (sometimes in trouble about quarters and the like) a Marquis du Chatelet,—who, + I find, is Husband or Ex-Husband to the divine Emilie, if readers care to + think of that! [<i>Campagnes</i> (i. 45, 193); and French Peerage-Books,? + DU CHATELAT.] Other known face, or point of interest for or against, does + not turn up in the Maillebois Operation in those parts. + </p> + <p> + As for the other still grander Army, Army of the Oriflamme as we have + called it,—which would be Belleisle's, were not he so overwhelmed + with embassying, and persuading the Powers of Germany,—this, since + we last saw it, has struck into a new course, which it is essential to + indicate. The major part of it (Four rear Divisions! if readers recollect) + lay at Ingolstadt, its place of arms; while the Vanward Three Divisions, + under Maurice Comte de Saxe, flowed onward, joining with Bavaria at + Passau; down the Donau Country, to Linz and farther, terrifying Vienna + itself; and driving all the Court to Presburg, with (fabulous) "MORIAMUR + PRO REGE NOSTRO MARIA THERESIA," but with actual armament of Tolpatches, + Pandours, Warasdins, Uscocks and the like unsightly beings of a predatory + centaur nature. Which fine Hungarian Armament, and others still more + ominous, have been diligently going on, while Karl Albert sat enjoying his + Homagings at Linz, his Pisgah-views Vienna-ward; and asking himself, + "Shall we venture forward, and capture Vienna, then?" + </p> + <p> + The question is intricate, and there are many secret biasings concerned in + the solution of it. Friedrich, before Klein-Schnellendorf time, had + written eagerly, had sent Schmettau with eager message, "Push forward; it + is feasible, even easy: cut the matter by the root!" This, they say, was + Karl Albert's own notion, had not the French overruled him;—not + willing, some guess, he should get Austria, and become too independent of + them all at once. Nay, it appears Karl Albert had inducements of his own + towards Bohemia rather. The French have had Kur-Sachsen to manage withal; + and there are interests in Bohemia of his and theirs,—clippings of + Bohemia promised him as bribes, besides that "Kingdom of Moravia," to get + his 21,000 set on march. "Clippings of Bohemia? Interests of Kur-Sachsen's + in that Country?" asks Karl Albert with alarm: and thinks it will be + safer, were he himself present there, while Saxony and France do the + clippings in question! Sure enough, he did not push on. Belleisle, from + the distance, strongly opined otherwise; Karl Albert himself had jealous + fears about Bohmen. Friedrich's importunities and urgencies were useless: + and the one chance there ever was for Karl Albert, for Belleisle and the + Ruin of Austria, vanished without return. + </p> + <p> + Karl Albert has turned off, leftwards, towards his Bohemian Enterprises: + French, Bavarians, Saxons, by their several routes, since the last days of + October, are all on march that way. We will mark an exact date here and + there, as fixed point for the reader's fancy. Poor Karl Albert, he had sat + some six weeks at Linz,—about three weeks since that Homaging there + (October 2d);—imaginary Sovereign of Upper Austria; looking over to + Vienna and the Promised Land in general. And that fine Pisgah-view was all + he ever had of it. Of Austrian or other Conquests earthly or heavenly, + there came none to him in this Adventure;—mere MINUS quantities they + all proved. For a few weeks more, there are, blended with awful portents, + an imaginary gleam or two in other quarters; after which, nothing but + black horror and disgrace, deepening downwards into utter darkness, for + the poor man. Belleisle is an imaginary Sun-god; but the poor Icarus, + tempted aloft in that manner into the earnest elements, and melting at + once into quills and rags, is a tragic reality!—Let us to our dates:— + </p> + <p> + "OCTOBER 24th, The Bavarian Troops, who had lain at Mautern on the Donau + some time, forty miles from Vienna and the Promised Land, got under way + again;—not FORWARD, but sharp to left, or northward, towards the + Bohemian parts. Thither all the Belleisle Armaments are now bound; and a + general rallying of them is to be at Prag; for conquest of that Country, + as more inviting than Austria at present. Comte de Saxe, who had lain at + St. Polten, a march to southward of Mautern, he with the Vanward of the + great Belleisle Army, bestirred himself at the same time; and followed + steadily (Karl Albert in person was with Saxe), at a handy distance by + parallel roads. To Prag may be about 200 miles. Across the Mannhartsberg + Country, clear out of Austria, into Bohmen, towards Prag. At Budweis, or + between that and Tabor, Towns of our old friend Zisca's, of which we shall + hear farther in these Wars; Towns important by their intricate environment + of rock and bog, far up among the springs of the Moldau,—there can + these Bavarians, and this French Vanward of Belleisle, halt a little, till + the other parties, who are likewise on march, get within distance." + </p> + <p> + For in these same days, as hinted above, the Rearward of the Belleisle + Army (Four Divisions, strength not accurately given) pushes forward from + Donauworth, well rested, through the Bavarian Passes, towards Bohemia and + Prag: these have a longer march (say 250 miles)? to northeast; and the + leader of them is one Polastron, destined unhappily to meet us on a future + occasion. With them go certain other Bavarians; accompanying or preceding, + as in the Vanward case. And then the Saxons (21,000 strong, a fine little + Army, all that Saxony has) are, at the same time, come across the Metal + Mountains (ERZGEBIRGE), in quest of those Bohemian clippings, of that + Kingdom of Moravia: and march from the westward upon Prag,—Rutowsky + leading them. Comte de Rutowsky, Comte de Saxe's Half-Brother, one of the + Three Hundred and Fifty-four:—with whom is CHEVALIER de Saxe, a + second younger ditto; and I think there is still a third, who shall go + unnamed. In this grand Oriflamme Expedition, Four of the Royal-Saxon + Bastards altogether." Who cost us more distinguishing than they are worth! + </p> + <p> + Chief General of these Saxons, says an Authentic Author, is Rutowsky; got + from a Polish mother, I should guess: he commands in chief here;—once + had a regiment under Friedrich Wilhelm, for a while; but has not much head + for strategy, it may be feared. But mark that Fourth individual of the + Three Hundred and Fifty-four, who has a great deal. Fourth individual, + called Comte de Saxe, who is now in that French Vanward a good way to + east, was (must I again remind you!) the produce of the fair Aurora von + Konigsmark, Sister of the Konigsmark who vanished instantaneously from the + light of day at Hanover long since, and has never reappeared more. It was + in search of him that Aurora, who was indeed a shining creature (terribly + insolvent all her life, whose charms even Charles XII. durst not front), + came to Dresden; and,—in this Comte de Saxe, men see the result. + Tall enough, restless enough; most eupeptic, brisk, with a great deal of + wild faculty,—running to waste, nearly all. There, with his black + arched eyebrows, black swift physically smiling eyes, stands Monseigneur + le Comte, one of the strongest-bodied and most dissolute-minded men now + living on our Planet. He is now turned of forty: no man has been in such + adventures, has swum through such seas of transcendent eupepticity + determined to have its fill. In this new Quasi-sacred French Enterprise, + under the Banner of Belleisle and the Chateauroux, he has at last, after + many trials, unconsciously found his culmination: and will do exploits of + a wonderful nature,—very worthy of said Banner and its patrons. + </p> + <p> + "Here, then, are Three streams or Armaments pouring forward upon Prag; + perhaps some 60,000 men in all:—a good deal uncertain what they are + to do at Prag, except arrive simultaneously so far as possible. Belleisle, + far off, has fallen sick in these critical days. Comte de Saxe cannot see + his way in the matter at all: 'What are we to live upon,' asks Comte de + Saxe, 'were there nothing more!'—For, simultaneously with these + Three Armaments on march, there is an important Austrian one, likewise on + the road for Prag: that of Grand-Duke Franz, who has left Presburg, with + say 30,000 (including the Pandour element); and duly meets the Neipperg, + or late Silesian Army;—well capable, now, to do a stroke upon the + Three Armaments, if he be speedy? 'November 7th' it was when Grand-Duke + Franz picked up Neipperg, 'at Frating' deep in Moravia (November 7th, the + very day while Friedrich was getting homaged in Breslau), and turned him + northwestward again. The Grand-Duke, in such strength, marches Rag-ward + what he can; might be there before the French, were he swift; and is at + any rate in disagreeable proximity to that Budmeis-Tabor Country, + appointed as one's halting-place." + </p> + <p> + And Belleisle, in these critical days, is—consider it!—"Poor + Belleisle, he has all the Election Votes ready; he has done unspeakable + labors in the diplomatic way; and leaves Europe in ebullition and + conflagration behind him. He has all these Armies in motion, and has got + rid of 'that Moravia,'—given it to Saxony, who adds the title 'King + of Moravia' to his other dignities, and has set on march those 21,000 men. + 'Would he were ready with them!' Belleisle had been saying, ever since the + Treaty for them,—Treaty was, September 19th. Belleisle, to expedite + him, came to Dresden [what day is not said, but deep in October]; + intending next for the Prag Country, there to commence General, the + diplomacies being satisfactorily done. Valori ran over from Berlin to wait + upon him there. Alas, the Saxons are on march, or nearly so; but the great + man himself, worn down with these Herculean labors, has fallen into + rheumatic fever; is in bed, out at Hubertsburg (serene Country Palace of + his Moravian Polish Majesty); and cannot get the least well, to march in + person with the Three Armaments, with the flood of things he has set + reeling and whirling at such rate. + </p> + <p> + "The sympathies of Valori go deep at this spectacle. The Alcides, who was + carrying the axis of the world, fallen down in physical rheumatism! But + what can sympathies avail? The great man sees the Saxons march without + him. The great man, getting no alleviation from physicians, determines, in + his patriotic heroism, to surrender glory itself; writes home to Court, + 'That he is lamed, disabled utterly; that they must nominate another + General.' And they nominate another; nominate Broglio, the fat choleric + Marshal, of Italian breed and physiognomy, whom we saw at Strasburg last + year, when Friedrich was there. Broglio will quit Strasburg too soon, and + come. A man fierce in fighting, skilled too in tactics; totally + incompetent in strategy, or the art of LEADING armies, and managing + campaigns;—defective in intelligence indeed, not wise to discern; + dim of vision, violent of temper; subject to sudden cranks, a headlong, + very positive, loud, dull and angry kind of man; with whose tumultuous + imbecilities the great Belleisle will be sore tried by and by. 'I reckon + this,' Valori says, 'the root of all our woes;' this Letter which the + great Belleisle wrote home to Court. Let men mark it, therefore, as a + cardinal point,—and snatch out the date, when they have opportunity + upon the Archives of France. [See Valori, i. 131.] + </p> + <p> + "Monseigneur the Comte de Saxe, before quitting the Vienna Countries, had + left some 10,000 French and Bavarians, posted chiefly in Linz, under a + Comte de Segur, to maintain those Donau Conquests, which have cost only + the trouble of marching into them. Count Khevenhuller has ceased working + at the ramparts of Vienna, nothing of siege to be apprehended now, civic + terror joyfully vanishing again; and busies himself collecting an Army at + Vienna, with intent of looking into those same French Segurs, before long. + It is probable the so-called Conquests on the Donau will not be very + permanent. + </p> + <p> + "NOVEMBER 19th-21st, The Three Belleisle Armaments, Karl Albert's first, + have, simultaneously enough for the case, arrived on three sides of Prag; + and lie looking into it,—extremely uncertain what to do when there. + To Comte de Saxe, to Schmettau, who is still here, the outlook of this + grand Belleisle Army, standing shelterless, provisionless, grim winter at + hand, long hundreds of miles from home or help, is in the highest degree + questionable, though the others seem to make little of it: 'Fight the + Grand-Duke when he comes,' say they; 'beat him, and—' 'Or suppose, + he won't fight? Or suppose, we are beaten by him?' answer Saxe and + Schmettau, like men of knowledge, in the same boat with men of none. (We + have no strong place, or footing in this Country: what are we to do? Take + Prag!' advises Comte de Saxe, with earnestness, day after day. [His + Letters on it to Karl Albert and others (in Espagnac, i. 94-99).)] 'Take + Prag: but how?' answer they. 'By escalade, by surprise, and sword in hand, + answers he: 'Ogilvy their General has but 3,000, and is perhaps no wizard + at his trade: we can do it, thus and thus, and then farther thus; and I + perceive we are a lost Army if we don't!' So counsels Maurice Comte de + Saxe, brilliant, fervent in his military views;—and, before it is + quite too late, Schmettau and he persuade Karl Albert, persuade Rutowsky + chief of the Saxons; and Count Polastron, Gaisson or whatever subaltern + Counts there are, of French type, have to accede, and be saved in spite of + themselves. And so, + </p> + <p> + "SATURDAY NIGHT, 25th NOVEMBER, 1741, brightest of moonshiny nights, our + dispositions are all made: Several attacks, three if I remember; one of + them false, under some Polastron, Gaisson, from the south side; a couple + of them true, from the northwest and the southeast sides, under Maurice + with his French, and Rutowsky with his Saxons, these two. And there is + great marching 'on the side of the Karl-Thor (Charles-Gate),' where + Rutowsky is; and by Count Maurice 'behind the Wischerad;'—and + shortly after midnight the grand game begins. That French-Polastron + attack, false, though with dreadful cannonade from the south, attracts + poor Ogilvy with almost all his forces to that quarter; while the couple + of Saxon Captains (Rutowsky not at once successful, Maurice with his + French completely so) break in upon Ogilvy from rearward, on the right + flank and on the left; and ruin the poor man. Military readers will find + the whole detail of it well given in Espagnac. Looser account is to be had + in the Book they call Mauvillon's." [<i>Derniere Guerre de Boheme,</i> i. + 252-264. Saxe's own Account (Letter to Chevalier de Folard) is in + Espagnac, i. 89 et seqq.] + </p> + <p> + One thing I remember always: the bright moonlight; steeples of Prag + towering serene in silvery silence, and on a sudden the wreaths of + volcanic fire breaking out all round them. The opposition was but + trifling, null in some places, poor Ogilvy being nothing of a wizard, and + his garrison very small. It fell chiefly on Rutowsky; who met it with + creditable vigor, till relieved by the others. Comte Maurice, too, did a + shifty thing. Circling round by the outside of the Wischerad, by rural + roads in the bright moonshine, he had got to the Wall at last, hollow + slope and sheer wall; and was putting-to his scaling-ladders,—when, + by ill luck, they proved too short! Ten feet or so; hopelessly too short. + Casting his head round, Maurice notices the Gallows hard by: "There, see + you, are a few short ladders: MES ENFANS, bring me these, and we will + splice with rope!" Supplemented by the gallows, Maurice soon gets in, cuts + down the one poor sentry; rushes to the Market-place, finds all his + Brothers rushing, embraces them with "VICTOIRE!" and "You see I am eldest; + bound to be foremost of you!" + </p> + <p> + "No point in all the War made a finer blaze in the French imagination, or + figured better in the French gazettes, than this of the Scalade of Prag, + 25th November, 1741. And surely it was important to get hold of Prag; + nevertheless, intrinsically it is no great thing, but an opportune small + thing, done by the Comte de Saxe, in spite of such contradiction as we + saw." + </p> + <p> + It was while news of this exploit was posting towards Berlin, but not yet + arrived there, that Friedrich, passing through the apartment, intimated to + Hyndford, "Milord, all is divulged, our Klein-Schnellendorf mystery public + as the house-tops;" and vanished with a shrug of the shoulders,—thinking + doubtless to himself, "What is OUR next move to be, in consequence?" + Treaty with Kur-Baiern (November 4th) he had already signed in + consequence, expressly declaring for Kur-Baiern, and the French intentions + towards him. This news from Prag—Prag handsomely captured, if Vienna + had been foolishly neglected—put him upon a new Adventure, of which + in following Chapters we shall hear more. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FRENCH SAFE IN PRAG; KAISERWAHL JUST COMING ON. + </h2> + <p> + Grand-Duke Franz, with that respectable amount of Army under him, ought + surely to have advanced on Prag, and done some stroke of war for relief of + it, while time yet was. Grand-Duke Franz, his Brother Karl with him and + his old Tutor Neipperg, both of whom are thought to have some skill in + war, did advance accordingly. But then withal there was risk at Prag; and + he always paused again, and waited to consider. From Frating, on the 16th, + [Espagnac, i. 87.] he had got to Neuhaus, quite across Mahren into + Bohemian ground, and there joined with Lobkowitz and what Bohemian force + there was; by this time an Army which you would have called much stronger + than the French. Forward, therefore! Yes; but with pauses, with + considerations. Pause of two days at Neuhaus; thence to Tabor (famed + Zisca's Tabor), a safe post, where again pause three days. From Tabor is + broad highway to Prag, only sixty miles off now:—screwing their + resolution to the sticking-point, Grand-Duke and Consorts advance at + length with fixed determination, all Friday, all Saturday (November 24th, + 25th), part of Sunday too, not thinking it shall be only PART; and their + light troops are almost within sight of Prag, when—they learn that + Prag is scaladed the night before, and quite settled; that there is + nothing except destruction to be looked for in Prag! Back again, + therefore, to the Tabor-and-Budweis land. They strike into that boggy + broken country about Budweis, some 120 miles south of Prag; and will there + wait the signs of the times. + </p> + <p> + Grand-Duke Franz had seen war, under Seckendorf, under Wallis and + otherwise, in the disastrous Turk Countries; but, though willing enough, + was never much of a soldier: as to Neipperg, among his own men especially, + the one cry is, He ought to go about his business out of Austrian Armies, + as an imbecile and even a traitor. "Is it conceivable that Friedrich could + have beaten us, in that manner, except by buying Neipperg in the first + place? Neipperg and the generality of them, in that luckless Silesian + Business? Glogau scaladed with the loss of half a dozen men; Brieg gone + within a week; Neisse ditto: and Mollwitz, above all, where, in spite of + Romer and such Horse-charging as was never seen, we had to melt, dissolve, + and roll away in the glitter of the evening sun!" The common notion is, + they are traitors, partial-traitors, one and all. [<i>Guerre de Boheme,</i> + saepius.] Poor Neipperg he has seen hard service, had ugly work to do: it + was he that gave away Belgrade to the Turks (so interpreting his orders), + and the Grand Vizier, calling him Dog of a Giaour: spat in his face, not + far from hanging him; and the Kaiser and Vienna people, on his coming + home, threw him into prison, and were near cutting off his head. And + again, after such sleety marchings through the Mountains, he has had to + dissolve at Mollwitz; float away in military deluge in the manner we saw. + And now, next winter, here is he lodged among the upland bogs at Budweis, + escorted by mere curses. What a life is the soldier's, like other men's; + what a master is the world! Aulic Cabinet is not all-wise; but may readily + be wiser than the vulgar, and, with a Maria Theresa at his head, it is + incapable of truculent impiety like that. Neipperg, guilty of not being a + Eugene, is not hanged as a traitor; but placed quietly as Commandant in + Luxemburg, spends there the afternoon of his life, in a more commodious + manner. Friedrich had, of late, rather admired his movements on the Neisse + River; and found him a stiff article to deal with. + </p> + <p> + The French, now with Prag for their place of arms, stretched themselves as + far as Pisek, some seventy miles southwestward; occupied Pisek, Pilsen and + other Towns and posts, on the southwest side, some seventy miles from + Prag; looking towards the Bavarian Passes and homeward succors that might + come: the Saxons, a while after, got as far as Teutschbrod, eighty miles + on the southeastward or Moravian hand. Behind these outposts, Prag may be + considered to hang on Silesia, and have Friedrich for security. This, in + front or as forecourt of Friedrich's Silesia, this inconsiderable section, + was all of Bohemian Country the French and Confederates ever held, and + they did not hold this long. As for Karl Albert, he had his new pleasant + Dream of Sovereignty at Prag; Titular of Upper Austria, and now of Bohmen + as well; and enjoyed his Feast of the Barmecide, and glorious repose in + the captured Metropolis, after difficulty overcome. December 7th, he was + homaged (a good few of the Nobility attending, for which they smarted + afterwards), with much processioning, blaring and TE-DEUM-ing: on the 19th + he rolled off, home to Munchen; there to await still higher + Romish-Imperial glories, which it is hoped are now at hand. + </p> + <p> + A day or two after the Capture of Prag, Marechal de Belleisle, partially + cured of his rheumatisms, had hastened to appear in that City; and for + above four weeks he continued there, settling, arranging, ordering all + things, in the most consummate manner, with that fine military head of + his. About Christmas time, arrived Marechal de Broglio, his unfortunate + successor or substitute; to whom he made everything over; and hastened off + for Frankfurt, where the final crisis of KAISERWAHL is now at hand, and + the topstone of his work is to be brought out with shouting. Marechal de + Broglio had an unquiet Winter of it in his new command; and did not extend + his quarters, but the contrary. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BROGLIO HAS A BIVOUAC OF PISEK; KHEVENHULLER LOOKS IN UPON THE DONAU + </h2> + <p> + CONQUESTS. + </p> + <p> + Grand-Duke Franz edged himself at last a little out of that Tabor-Budweis + region, and began looking Prag-ward again;—hung about, for some + time, with his Hungarian light-troops scouring the country; but still + keeping Prag respectfully to right, at seventy miles distance. December + 28th, to Broglio's alarm, he tried a night-attack on Pisek, the chief + French outpost, which lies France-ward too, and might be vital. But he + found the French (Broglio having got warning) unexpectedly ready for him + at Pisek,—drawn up in the dark streets there, with torrents of + musketry ready for his Pandours and him;—and entirely failed of + Pisek. Upon which he turned eastward to the Budweis-Tabor fastnesses + again; left Brother Karl as Commander in those parts (who soon leaves + Lobkowitz as Substitute, Vienna in the idle winter-time being preferable);—left + Brother Karl, and proceeded in person, south, towards the Donau Countries, + to see how Khevenhuller might be prospering, who is in the field there, as + we shall hear. + </p> + <p> + Of Pisek and the night-skirmish at Pisek, glorious to France, think all + the Gazettes, I should have said nothing, were it not that Marechal + Broglio, finding what a narrow miss he had made, established a night-watch + there, or bivouac, for six weeks to come; such as never was before or + since: Cavalry and Infantry, in quantity, bivouacking there, in the + environs of Pisek, on the grim Bohemian snow or snow-slush, in the depth + of winter, nightly for six weeks, without whisper of an enemy at any time; + whereby the Marechal did save Pisek (if Pisek was ever again in danger), + but froze horse and man to the edge of destruction or into it; so that the + "Bivouac of Pisek" became proverbial in French Messrooms, for a generation + coming. [<i>Guerre de Boheme,</i> ii. 23, &c.] And one hears in the + mind a clangorous nasal eloquence from antique gesticulative + mustachio-figures, witty and indignant,—who are now gone to silence + again, and their fruitless bivouacs, and frosty and fiery toils, tumbling + pell-mell after them. This of Pisek was but one of the many unwise + hysterical things poor Broglio did, in that difficult position; which, + indeed, was too difficult for any mortal, and for Broglio beyond the + average. + </p> + <p> + One other thing we note: Graf von Khevenhuller, solid Austrian man, issued + from Vienna, December 31st, last day of the Year, with an Army of only + some 15,000, but with an excellent military head of his own, to look into + those Conquests on the Donau. Which he finds, as he expected, to be mere + conquests of stubble, capable of being swept home again at a very rapid + rate. "Khevenhuller, here as always, was consummate in his choice of + posts," says Lloyd; [General Lloyd, <i>History of Seven-Years War,</i> + &c. (incidentally, somewhere).]—discovered where the ARTERIES of + the business lay, and how to handle the same. By choice of posts, by + silent energy and military skill, Khevenhuller very rapidly sweeps Segur + back; and shuts him up in Linz. There Segur, since the first days of + January, is strenuously barricading himself; "wedging beams from house to + house, across the streets;"—and hopes to get provision, the Donau + and the Bavarian streams being still open behind him; and to hold out a + little. It will be better if he do,—especially for poor Karl Albert + and his poor Bavaria! Khevenhuller has also detached through the Tyrol a + General von Barenklau (BEAR'S-CLAW, much heard of henceforth in these + Wars), who has 12,000 regulars; and much Hussar-folk under bloody + Mentzel:-across the Tyrol, we say; to fall in upon Bavaria and Munchen + itself; which they are too like doing with effect. Ought not Karl Albert + to be upon the road again? What a thing, were the Kaiser Elect taken + prisoner by Pandours! + </p> + <p> + In fine, within a short two weeks or so, Karl Albert quits Munchen, as no + safe place for him; comes across to Mannheim to his Cousin Philip, old + Kur-Pfalz, whom we used to know, now extremely old, but who has marriages + of Grand-daughters, and other gayeties, on hand; which a Cousin and + prospective Kaiser—especially if in peril of his life—might as + well come and witness. This is the excuse Karl Albert makes to an + indulgent Public; and would fain make to himself, but cannot. Barenklau + and Khevenhuller are too indisputable. Nay this rumor of Friedrich's + "Peace with Austria," divulged Bargain of Klein-Schnellendorf, if this + also (horrible to think) were true—! Which Friedrich assures him it + is not. Karl Albert writes to Friedrich, and again writes; conjuring him, + for the love of God, To make some thrust, then, some inroad or other, on + those man-devouring Khevenhullers; and take them from his, Karl Albert's, + throat and his poor Country's. Which Friedrich, on his own score, is + already purposing to do. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VIII. — FRIEDRICH STARTS FOR MORAVIA, ON A NEW SCHEME HE + HAS. + </h2> + <p> + The Austrian Court had not kept Friedrich's secret of Klein-Schnellendorf, + hardly even for a day. It was whispered to the Dowager Empress, or + Empresses; who whispered it, or wrote it, to some other high party; by + whom again as usual:—in fact, the Austrian Court, having once got + their Neipperg safe to hand, took no pains to keep the secret; but had + probably an interest rather in letting it filter out, to set Friedrich and + his Allies at variance. At all events, in the space of a few weeks, as we + have seen, the rumor of a Treaty between Austria and Friedrich was + everywhere rife; Friedrich, as he had engaged, everywhere denying it, and + indeed clearly perceiving that there was like to be no ground for + acknowledging it. The Austrian Court, instead of "completing the Treaty + before Newyear's-day," had broken the previous bargain; evidently not + meaning to complete; intent rather to wait upon their Hungarian + Insurrection, and the luck of War. + </p> + <p> + There is now, therefore, a new turn in the game. And for this also + Friedrich has been getting the fit card ready; and is not slow to play it. + Some time ago, November 4th,—properly November 1st, hardly three + weeks since that of Klein-Schnellendorf,—finding the secret already + out ("whispered of at Breslau, 28th October," casually testifies + Hyndford), he had tightened his bands with France; had, on November 4th, + formally acceded to Karl Albert's Treaty with France. [Accession agreed + to, "Frankfurt, Nov. 1st," 1741; ratified "Nov. 4th."] Glatz to be his: he + will not hear of wanting Glatz; nor of wanting elsewhere the proper + Boundary for Schlesien, "Neisse River both banks" (which Neipperg had + agreed to, in his late Sham-Bargain);—quite strict on these + preliminaries. + </p> + <p> + And furthermore, Kur-Sachsen being now a Partner in that French-Bavarian + Treaty,—and a highly active one (with 21,000 in the field for him), + who is "King of Moravia" withal, and has some considerable northern Paring + of Bohemia thrown in, by way of "Road to Moravia,"—Friedrich made, + at the same time, special Treaty with Kur-Sachsen, on the points specially + mutual to them; on the Boundary point, first of all. Which latter treaty + is dated also November 1st, and was "ratified November 8th." + </p> + <p> + Treaty otherwise not worth reading; except perhaps as it shows us + Friedrich putting, in his brief direct way, Kur-Sachsen at once into + Austria's place, in regard to Ober-Schlesien. "Boundary between your + Polish Majesty and me to be the River Neisse PLUS a full German mile;"—which + (to Belleisle's surprise) the Polish Majesty is willing to accept; and + consents, farther, Friedrich being of succinct turn, That Commissioners go + directly and put down the boundary-stones, and so an end. "Let the + Silesian matter stand where it stood," thinks Friedrich: "since Austria + will not, will you? Put down the boundary-pillars, then!"—an + interesting little glance into Friedrich's inner man. And a Prussian + Boundary Commissioner, our friend Nussler the man, did duly appear;—whom + perhaps we shall meet,—though no Saxon one quite did. [Busching, <i>Beitrage,</i> + i. 339 (? NUSSLER).] It is this boundary clause, it is Friedrich's little + decision, "Put down the pillars, then," that alone can now interest any + mortal in this Saxon Bargain; the clause itself, and the bargain itself, + having quite broken down on the Saxon side, and proved imaginary as a + covenant made in dreams. Could not be helped, in the sequel!— + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the preliminary diplomacies being done in this manner, + Friedrich had ordered certain of his own Forces to get in motion a little; + ordered Leopold, who has had endless nicety of management, since the + French and Saxons came into those Bohemian Circles of his, to go upon + Glatz; to lay fast hold of Glatz, for one thing. And farther eastward, + Schwerin, by order, has lately gone across the Mountains; seized Troppau, + Friedenthal; nay Olmutz itself, the Capital of Mahren,—in one day + (December 27th), garrison of Olmutz being too weak to resist, and the + works in disrepair. "In Heaven's name, what are your intentions, then?" + asked the Austrians there. "Peaceable in the extreme," answered Schwerin, + "if only yours are. And if they are NOT—!" There sits Schwerin ever + since, busy strengthening himself, and maintains the best discipline; + waiting farther orders. + </p> + <p> + "The Austrians will not complete their bargain of Klein-Schnellendorf?" + thinks this young King; "Very well; we will not press them to completion. + We will not ourselves complete, should they now press. We will try another + method, and that without loss of time."—It was a pungent reflection + with Friedrich that Karl Albert had not pushed forward on Vienna, from + Linz that time, but had blindly turned off to the left, and thrown away + his one chance. "Cannot one still mend it; cannot one still do something + of the like?" thinks Friedrich now: "Schwerin in Olmutz; Prussian Troops + cantoned in the Highlands of Silesia, or over in Bohemia itself, near the + scene of action; the Saxons eastward as far as Teutschbrod, still nearer; + the French triumphant at Prag, and reinforcement on the road for them: a + combined movement on Vienna, done instantly and with an impetus!" That is + the thing Friedrich is now bent upon; nor will he, like Karl Albert, be + apt to neglect the hour of tide, which is so inexorable in such + operations. + </p> + <p> + At Berlin, accordingly, he has been hurrying on his work, inspection, + preparation of many kinds,—Marriage of his Brother August Wilhelm, + for one business; [6th January, 1742 (in Bielfeld, ii. 55-69, exuberant + account of the Ceremony, and of B.'s part in it).]—and (January + 18th), after a stay of two months, is off fieldward again, on this new + project. To Dresden, first of all; Saxony being an essential element; and + Valori being appointed to meet him there on the French side. It is January + 20th, 1742, when Friedrich arrives; due Opera festivities, "triple salute + of all the guns," fail not at Dresden; but his object was not these at + all. Polish Majesty is here, and certain of the warlike Bastard Brothers + home from Winter-quarters, Comte de Saxe for one; Valori also, punctually + as due; and little Graf von Bruhl, highest-dressed of human creatures, who + is factotum in this Court. + </p> + <p> + "Your Polish Majesty, by treaty and title you are King of Moravia withal: + now is the time, now or never, to become so in fact! Forward with your + Saxons:" urges Friedrich: "The Austrians and their Lobkowitz are weak in + that Country: at Iglau, just over the Moravian border, they have formed a + Magazine; seize that, snatch it from Lobkowitz: that gives us footing and + basis there. Forward with your Saxons; Valori gives us so-many French; I + myself will join with 20,000: swift, steady, all at once; we can seize + Moravia, who knows if not Vienna itself, and for certain drive a stroke + right home into the very bowels of the Enemy!" That is Friedrich's theme + from the first hour of his arrival, and during all the four-and-twenty + that he stayed. + </p> + <p> + In one hour, Polish Majesty, who is fonder of tobacco and pastimes than of + business, declared himself convinced;—and declared also that the + time of Opera was come; whither the two Majesties had to proceed together, + and suspend business for a while. Polish Majesty himself was very easily + satisfied; but with the others, as Valori reports it, the argument was + various, long and difficult. "Winter time; so dangerous, so precarious," + answer Bruhl and Comte de Saxe: There is this danger, this uncertainty, + and then that other;—which the King and Valori, with all their + eloquence, confute. "Impossible, for want of victual," answers Maurice at + last, driven into a corner: "Iglau, suppose we get it, will soon be eaten; + then where is our provision?"—"Provision?" answers Valori: "There is + M. de Sechelles, Head of our Commissariat in Prag; such a Commissary never + was before." "And you consent, if I take that in hand?" urges Friedrich + upon them. They are obliged to consent, on that proviso. Friedrich + undertakes Sechelles: the Enterprise cannot now be refused. [<i>OEuvres de + Frederic</i>, ii. 170; Valori, i. 139; &c. &c.] "Alert, then; not + a moment to be lost! Good-night; AU REVOIR, my noble friends!"—and + to-morrow many hours before daybreak, Friedrich is off for Prag, leaving + Dresden to awaken when it can. + </p> + <p> + At Prag he renews acquaintance with his old maladroit Strasburg friend, + Marechal de Broglio, not with increase of admiration, as would seem; + declines the demonstrations and civilities of Broglio, business being + urgent: finds M. de Sechelles to be in truth the supreme of living + Commissaries (ready, in words which Friedrich calls golden, "to make the + impossible possible"): "Only march, then, noble Saxons: swift!"—and + dashes off again, next morning, to northeastward, through Leopold's + Bohemian cantonments, Glatz-ward by degrees, to be ready with his own + share of the affair; no delay in him, for one. January 24th, after + Konigsgratz and other Prussian posts,—January 24th, which is + elsewhere so notable a day,—his route goes northeast, to Glatz, a + hundred miles away, among the intricacies of the Giant Mountains, hither + side of the Silesian Highlands; wild route for winter season, if the young + King feared any route. From Berlin, hither and farther, he may have gone + well-nigh his seven hundred miles within the week; rushing on continually + (starts, at say four in the winter morning); doing endless business, of + the ordering sort, as he speeds along. + </p> + <p> + Glatz, a southwestern mountainous Appendage to Silesia, abutting on + Moravia and Bohemia, is a small strong Country; upon which, ever since the + first Friedrich times, we have seen him fixed; claiming it too, as + expenses from the Austrians, since they will not bargain. For he rises + Sibyl-like: a year ago, you might have had him with his 100,000 to boot, + for the one Duchy of Glogau; and now—! At Glatz or in these adjacent + Bohemian parts, the Young Dessauer has been on duty, busy enough, ever + since the late Siege of Neisse: Glatz Town the Young Dessauer soon got, + when ordered; Town, Population, Territory, all is his,—all but the + high mountain Fortress (centre of the Town of Glatzj), with its + stiff-necked Austrian Garrison shut up there, which he is wearing out by + hunger. We remember the little Note from Valori's waistcoat-pocket, "Don't + give him Glatz, if you can possibly help it!" In his latest treaties with + the French and their Allies, Friedrich has very expressly bargained for + the Country (will even pay money for it); [<i>OEuvres de Frederic,</i> ii. + 85.] and is determined to have it, when the Austrians next take to + bargaining. Of Glatz Fortress, now getting hungered out by Leopold's + Prussian Detachment, I will say farther, though Friedrich heeds these + circumstances little at present, that it stands on a scarped rock, girt by + the grim intricate Hills; and that in the Arsenal, in dusty fabulous + condition, lies a certain Drum, which readers may have heard of. Drum is + not a fable, but an antique reality fallen flaccid; made, by express + bequest, as is mythically said, from the skin of Zisca, above 300 years + ago: altogether mythic that latter clause. Drum, Fortress, Town, Villages + and Territory, all shall be Friedrich's, had hunger done its work. [Town + already, after short scuffle, 14th January, 1742; Fortress, by hunger (no + firing nor being fired on, in the interim), 25th April following,—when + the once 2,000 of garrison, worn to about 200, pale as shadows, marched + away to Brunn; "only ten of them able for duty on arriving." (Orlich, i. + 174.)] + </p> + <p> + Friedrich, while at Glatz this time, gave a new Dress to the Virgin, say + all the Biographers; of which the story is this. Holy Virgin stood in the + main Convent of Glatz, in rather a threadbare condition, when the + Prussians first approached; the Jesuits, and ardently Orthodox of both + sexes, flagitating Heaven and her with their prayers, that she would + vouchsafe to keep the Prussians out. In which case pious Madame Something, + wife of the Austrian Commandant, vowed her a new suit of clothes. Holy + Virgin did not vouchsafe; on the Contrary, here the Prussians are, and + Starvation with them. "Courage, nevertheless, my new friends!" intimates + Friedrich: "The Prussians are not bugaboos, as you imagined: Holy Virgin + shall have a new coat, all the same!" and was at the expense of the bit of + broadcloth with trimmings. He was in the way of making such investments, + in his light sceptical humor; and found them answer to him. At Glatz, and + through those Bohemian and Silesian Cantonments, he sets his people in + motion for the Moravian Expedition; rapidly stirs up the due Prussian + detachments from their Christmas rest among the Mountains; and has work + enough in these regions, now here now there. Schwerin is already in + Olmutz, for a month past; and towards him, or his neighborhood, the march + is to be. + </p> + <p> + January 26th, Friedrich, now with considerable retinue about him, gets + from Glatz to Landskron, some fifty miles Olmutz-ward; such a march as + General Stille never saw,—"through the ice and through the snow, + which covered that dreadful Chain of Mountains between Bohmen and Mahren: + we did not arrive till very late; many of our carriages broken down, and + others overturned more than once." [Stille (Anonymous, Friedrich's + Old-Tutor Stille), <i>Campagnes du Roi de Prusse</i> (English Translation, + 12mo, London, 1763), p. 5. An intelligent, desirable little Volume,—many + misprints in the English form of it.] At Landskron next day, Friedrich, as + appointed, met the Chevalier de Saxe (CHEVALIER, by no means Comte, but a + younger Bastard, General of the Saxon Horse); and endeavored to concert + everything: Prussian rendezvous to be at Wischau, on the 5th next; thence + straightway to meet the Saxons at Trebitsch (convenient for that Iglau),—if + only the Saxons will keep bargain. + </p> + <p> + January 28th, past midnight, after another sore march, Friedrich arrived + at Olmutz; a pretty Town,—with an excellent old Bishop, "a Graf von + Lichtenstein, a little gouty man about fifty-two years of age, with a + countenance open and full of candor; [Stille, p. 8.] in whose fine Palace, + most courteously welcomed, the King lodged till near the day of + rendezvousing. We will leave him there, and look westward a little; before + going farther into the Moravian Expedition. Friedrich himself is evidently + much bent on this Expedition; has set his heart on paying the Austrians + for their trickery at Klein-Schnellendorf, in this handsome way, and still + picking up the chance against them which Karl Albert squandered. If only + the French and Saxons would go well abreast with Friedrich, and thrust + home! But will they? Here is a surprising bit of news; not of good omen, + when it reaches one at Olmutz! + </p> + <p> + "LINZ, 24th JANUARY, 1742 [day otherwise remarkable]. After the much + barricading, and considerable defiance and bravadoing, by Comte de Segur + and his 10,000, he has lost this City in a scandalous manner [not quite + scandalous, but reckoned so by outside observers]; and Linz City is not + now Segur's, but Khevenhuller's. To Khevenhuller's first summons M. de + Segur had answered, 'I will hang on the highest gallows the next man that + comes to propose such a thing!'—and within a week [Khevenhuller + having seized the Donau River to rear of Linz, and blasted off the + Bavarian party there], M. de Segur did himself propose it ('Free + withdrawal: Not serve against you for a year'); and is this day beginning + to march out of Linz." [<i>Campagnes des Trois Marechaux,</i> iii. 280, + &c.; Adelung, iii. A, p. 12, and p. 15 (a Paris street-song on it).] + Here is an example of defending Key-Positions! If Segur's be the pattern + followed, those Conquests on the Donau are like to go a fine road!—There + came to Friedrich, in all privacy, during his stay in Olmutz at this + Bishop's, a Diplomatic emissary from Vienna, one Pfitzner; charged with + apologies, with important offers probably;—important; but not + important enough. Friedrich blames himself for being too abrupt on the + man; might perhaps have learned something from him by softer treatment. [<i>OEuvres + de Frederic,</i> ii. 109.] After three days, Pfitzner had to go his ways + again, having accomplished nothing of change upon Friedrich. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IX. — WILHELMINA GOES TO SEE THE GAYETIES AT FRANKFURT. + </h2> + <p> + On the day when Friedrich, overhung by the grim winter Mountains, was + approaching Glatz, same day when Segur was evacuating Linz on those sad + terms, that is, on the 24th day of January, 1742,—two Gentlemen were + galloping their best in the Frankfurt-Mannheim regions; bearing what they + reckoned glad tidings towards Mannheim and Karl Albert; who is there "on a + visit" (for good reasons), after his triumphs at Prag and elsewhere. The + hindmost of the two Gentlemen is an Official of rank (little conscious + that he is preceded by a rival in message-bearing); Official Gentleman, + despatched by the Diet of Frankfurt to inform Karl Albert, That he now is + actually Kaiser of the Holy Romish Empire; votes, by aid of Heaven and + Belleisle, having all fallen in his favor. Gallop, therefore, my Official + Gentleman:—alas, another Gentleman, Non-official, knowing how it + would turn, already sat booted and saddled, a good space beyond the walls + of Frankfurt, waiting till the cannon should fire; at the first burst of + cannon, he (cunning dog) gives his horse the spur; and is miles ahead of + the toiling Official Gentleman, all the way. [Adelung, iii. A, 52.] + </p> + <p> + In the dreary mass of long-winded ceremonial nothingnesses, and intricate + Belleisle cobwebberies, we seize this one poor speck of human foolery in + the native state, as almost the memorablest in that stupendous business. + Stupendous indeed; with which all Germany has been in travail these + sixteen months, on such terms! And in verity has got the thing called + "German Kaiser" constituted, better or worse. Heavens, was a Nation ever + so bespun by gossamer; enchanted into paralysis, by mountains of extinct + tradition, and the want of power to annihilate rubbish! There are + glittering threads of the finest Belleisle diplomacy, which seem to go + beyond the Dog-star, and to be radiant, and irradiative, like paths of the + gods: and they are, seem what they might, poor threads of idle gossamer, + sunk already to dusty cobweb, unpleasant to poor human nature; poor human + nature concerned only to get them well swept into the fire. The quantities + of which sad litter, in this Universe, are very great!— + </p> + <p> + Karl Albert, now at the top-gallant of his hopes: homaged Archduke of + Upper Austria, homaged King of Bohemia, declared Kaiser of the German + Nation,—is the highest-titled mortal going: and, poor soul, it is + tragical, once more, to think what the reality of it was for him. Ejection + from house and home; into difficulty, poverty, despair; life in furnished + lodgings, which he could not pay;—and at last heart-break, no refuge + for him but in the grave. All which is mercifully hidden at present; so + that he seems to himself a man at the top-gallant of his wishes; and lives + pleasantly, among his friends, with a halo round his head to his own + foolish sense and theirs. + </p> + <p> + "Karl Albert, Kurfurst of Baiern [lazy readers ought to be reminded], + whose achievements will concern us to an unpleasant extent, for some + years, is now a lean man of forty-five; lean, erect, and of middle + stature; a Prince of distinguished look, they say; of elegant manners, and + of fair extent of accomplishment, as Princes go. His experiences in this + world, and sudden ups and downs, have been and will be many. Note a few + particulars of them; the minimum of what are indispensable here. + </p> + <p> + "English readers know a Maximilian Kurfurst of Baiern, who took into + French courses in the great Spanish-Succession War; the Anti-Marlborough + Maximilian, who was quite ruined out by the Battle of Blenheim; put under + Ban of the Empire, and reduced to depend on Louis XIV. for a living,—till + times mended with him again; till, after the Peace of Utrecht, he got + reinstated in his Territories; and lived a dozen years more, in some + comparative comfort, though much sunk in debt. Well, our Karl Albert is + the son of that Anti-Marlborough Kurfurst Maximilian; eldest surviving + son; a daughter of the great Sobieski of Poland was his mother. Nay, he is + great-grandson of another still more distinguished Maximilian, him of the + Thirty-Years War,—(who took the Jesuits to his very heart, and let + loose Ate on his poor Country for the sake of them, in a determined + manner; and was the First of all the Bavarian KURFURSTS, mere Dukes till + then; having got for himself the poor Winter-King's Electorship, or split + it into two as ultimately settled, out of that bad Business),—great-grandson, + we say, of that forcible questionable First Kurfurst Max; and descends + from Kaiser Ludwig, 'Ludwig the BAIER,' if that is much advantage to him. + </p> + <p> + "In his young time he had a hard upcoming; seven years old at the Battle + of Blenheim, and Papa living abroad under Louis XIV.'s shelter, the poor + Boy was taken charge of by the victorious Austrian Kaisers, and brought up + in remote Austrian Towns, as a young 'Graf von Wittelsbach' (nothing but + his family name left him), mere Graf and private nobleman henceforth. + However, fortune took the turn we know, and he became Prince again; + nothing the worse for this Spartan part of his breeding. He made the Grand + Tour, Italy, France, perhaps more than once; saw, felt, and tasted; served + slightly, at a Siege of Belgrade (one of the many Sieges of Belgrade);—wedded, + in 1722, a Daughter of the late Kaiser Joseph's, niece of the late Kaiser + Karl's, cousin of Maria Theresa's; making the due 'renunciations,' as was + thought; and has been Kurfurst himself for the last fourteen Years, ever + since 1726, when his Father died. A thrifty Kurfurst, they say, or at + least has occasionally tried to be so, conscious of the load of debts left + on him; fond of pomps withal, extremely polite, given to Devotion and to + BILLETS-DOUX; of gracious address, generous temper (if he had the means), + and great skill in speaking languages. Likes hunting a little,—likes + several things, we see!—has lived tolerably with his Wife and + children; tolerably with his Neighbors (though sour upon the late Kaiser + now and then); and is an ornament to Munchen, and well liked by the + population there. A lean, elegaut, middle-sized gentleman; descended + direct from Ludwig the ancient Kaiser; from Maximilian the First Kurfurst, + who walked by the light of Father Lammerlein (LAMBKIN) and Company, + thinking IT light from Heaven; and lastly is son of Maximilian the Third + Kurfurst, whom learned English readers know as the Anti-Marlborough one, + ruined out by the Battle of Blenheim. + </p> + <p> + "His most important transaction hitherto has been the marriage with Kaiser + Joseph's Daughter;—of which, in Pollnitz somewhere, there is sublime + account; forgettable, all except the date (Vienna, 5th October, 1722), if + by chance that should concern anybody. Karl Albert (KURPRINZ, Electoral + Prince or Heir-Apparent, at that time) made free renunciation of all right + to Austrian Inheritances, in such terms as pleased Karl VI., the then + Kaiser; the due complete 'renunciations' of inheriting in Austria; and it + was hoped he would at once sign the Pragmatic Sanction, when published; + but he has steadily refused to do so; 'I renounced for my Wife,' says + Kurfurst Karl, 'and will never claim an inch of Austrian land on her + account; but my own right, derived from Kaiser Ferdinand of blessed + memory, who was Father of my Great-grandmother, I did not, do not, never + will renounce; and I appeal to HIS Pragmatic Sanction, the much older and + alone valid one, according to which, it is not you, it is I that am the + real and sole Heir of Austria.' + </p> + <p> + "This he says, and has steadily said or meant: 'It is I that am to be King + of Bohemia; I that shall and will inherit all your Austrias, Upper, Under, + your Swabian Brisgau or Hither Austria, and what of the Tyrol remained + wanting to me. Your Archduchess will have Hungary, the Styrian-Carinthian + Territories; Florence, I suppose, and the Italian ones. What is hers by + right I will be one of those that defend for her; what is not hers, but + mine, I will defend against her, to the best of my ability!' This was + privately, what it is now publicly, his argument; from which he never + would depart; refusing always to accept Kaiser Karl's new Pragmatic + Sanction; getting Saxony (who likewise had a Ferdinand great-grandmother) + to refuse,—till Polish Election compelled poor Saxony, for a time. + Karl Albert had likewise secretly, in past years, got his abstruse old + Cousin of the Pfalz (who mended the Heidelberg Tun) to back him in a + Treaty; nay, still better, still more secretly, had got France itself to + promise eventual hacking:—and, on the whole, lived generally on + rather bad terms with the late Kaiser Karl, his Wife's Uncle; any + reconciliation they had proving always of temporary nature. In the Rhenish + War (1734), Karl Albert, far from assisting the Kaiser, raised large + forces of his own; kept drilling them, in four or three camps, in an + alarming manner; and would not even send his Reich's Contingent (small + body of 3,000 he is by law bound to send), till he perceived the War was + just expiring. He was in angry controversy with the Kaiser, claiming + debts,—debts contracted in the last generation, and debts going back + to the Thirty-Years War, amounting to hundreds of millions,—when the + poor Kaiser died; refusing payment to the last, nay claiming lands left + HIM, he says, by Margaret Mouthpoke: [Michaelis, ii. 260; Buchholz, ii. 9; + Hormayr, <i>Anemonen,</i> ii. 182; &c.] 'Cannot pay your Serene + Highness (having no money); and would not, if I could!' Leaving Karl + Albert to protest to the uttermost;"—which, as we ourselves saw in + Vienna, he at once honorably did. + </p> + <p> + Karl Albert's subsequent history is known to readers; except the following + small circumstance, which occurred in his late transit, flight, or + whatever we may call it, to Mannheim, and is pleasantly made notable to us + by Wilhelmina. "His Highness on the way from Munchen," intimates our + Princess, "passed through Baireuth in a very bad post-chaise." This, as we + elsewhere pick out, was on January 16th; Karl Albert in post-haste for the + marriage-ceremony, which takes place at Mannheim to-morrow. [Adelung, iii. + A, 51.] "My Margraf, accidentally hearing, galloped after him, came up + with him about fifteen miles away: they embraced, talked half an hour; + very content, both." [Wilhelmina, ii. 334.] + </p> + <p> + And eight days afterwards, 24th January, 1742, busy Belleisle (how busy + for this year past, since we saw him in the OEil-de-Boeuf!) gets him + elected Kaiser;—and Segur, in the self-same hours, is packing out of + Linz; and one's Donau "Conquests," not to say one's Munchen, one's Baiern + itself, are in a fine way! The marriage-ceremony, witnessed on the 17th, + was one of the sublimest for Kur-Pfalz and kindred; and it too had + secretly a touch of tragedy in it for the Poor Karl Albert. A double + marriage: Two young Princesses, Grand-daughters, priceless Heiresses, to + old Kur-Pfalz; married, one of them to Duke Clement of Baiern, Karl + Albert's nephew, which is well enough: but married, the other and elder of + them, to Theodor of Deux-Ponts, who will one day—could we pierce the + merciful veil—be Kurfurst of Baiern, and succeed our own childless + Son! [Michaelis, ii. 265.] + </p> + <p> + "Kaiser Karl VII.," such the style he took, is to be crowned February + 12th; makes sublime Public Entry into Frankfurt, with that view, January + 31st;—both ceremonies splendid to a wonder, in spite of finance + considerations. Which circumstance should little concern us, were it not + that Wilhelmina, hearing the great news (though in a dim ill-dated state), + decided to be there and see; did go;—and has recorded her + experiences there, in a shrill human manner. Wishful to see our + fellow-creatures (especially if bound to look at them), even when they are + fallen phantasmal, and to make persons of them again, we will give this + Piece; sorry that it is the last we have of that fine hand. How welcome, + in the murky puddle of Dryasdust, is any glimpse by a lively glib + Wilhelmina, which we can discern to be human! Hear what Wilhelmina says + (in a very condensed form):— + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WILHELMINA AT THE CORONATION. + </h2> + <p> + Wilhelmina, in the end of January, 1742,—Karl Albert having shot + past, one day lately, in a bad post-chaise, and kindled the thought in + her,—resolved to go and see him crowned at Frankfurt, by way of + pleasure-excursion. We will, struggling to be briefer, speak in her + person; and indicate withal where the very words are hers, and where ours. + </p> + <p> + The Marwitz, elder Marwitz, her poor father being wounded at Mollwitz, [<i>Militair-Lexikon,</i> + iii. 23; and <i>Preussische Adels-Lexikon,</i> iii. 365.] had gone to + Berlin to nurse him; but she returned just now,—not much to my joy; + I being, with some cause, jealous of that foolish minx. The Duchess + Dowager of Wurtemberg also came, sorrow on her; a foolish talking woman, + always cutting jokes, making eyes, giggling and coquetting; "HAS some wit + and manner, but wearies you at last: her charms, now on the decline, were + never so considerable as rumor said; in the long-run she bores you with + her French gayeties and sprightliness: her character for gallantry is too + notorious. She quite corrupted Marwitz, in this and a subsequent visit; + turned the poor girl's head into a French whirligig, and undermined any + little moral principle she had. She was on the road to Berlin,"—of + which anon, for it is not quite nothing to us;—"but she was in no + hurry, and would right willingly have gone with us." And it required all + our female diplomacy to get her under way again, and fairly out of our + course. January 28th, SHE off to Berlin; WE, same day, to + Frankfurt-on-Mayn. [Wilhelmina, ii. 334; see pp. 335, 338, 347, &c. + for the other salient points that follow.] + </p> + <p> + Coronation was to have been (or we Country-folk thought it was), January + 31st: Let us be there INCOGNITO, the night before; see it, and return the + day after. That was our plan. Bad roads, waters all out; we had to go + night and day;—reached the gates of Frankfurt, 30th January late. + Berghover, our Legationsrath there, says we are known everywhere; + Coronation is not to be till February 12th! I was fatigued to death, a bad + cold on me, too: we turned back to the last Village; stayed there + overnight. Back again to Berghover, in secret (A LA SOURDINE), next night; + will see the Public Entry of Karl Albert, which is to be to-morrow (not + quite, my Princess; January 31st for certain, [Adelung, iii. A, 63; &c. + &c.] did one the least care). "It was a very grand thing indeed (DES + PLUS SUPERBES); but I will not stop describing it. Masked ball that night; + where I had much amusement, tormenting the masks; not being known to + anybody. We next day retired to a small private House, which Berghover had + got for us, out of Town, for fear of being discovered; and lodged there, + waiting February 12th, under difficulties." + </p> + <p> + The weather was bitterly cold; we had brought no clothes; my dames and I + nothing earthly but a black ANDRIENNE each (whatever that may be), to + spare bulk of luggage: strictest incognito was indispensable. The + Marwitzes, for giggling, raillery, French airs, and absolute impertinence, + were intolerable, in that solitary place. We return to Frankfurt again; + have balls and theatres, at least: "of these latter I missed none. One + evening, my head-dress got accidentally shoved awry, and exposed my face + for a moment; Prince George of Hessen-Cassel, who was looking that way, + recognized me; told the Prince of Orange of it;—they are in our box, + next minute!" + </p> + <p> + Prince George of Hessen-Cassel, did readers ever hear of him before? + Transiently perhaps, in Friedrich's LETTERS TO HIS FATHER; but have + forgotten him again; can know him only as the outline of a shadow. A fat + solid military man of fifty; junior Brother of that solid WILHELM, + Vice-regent and virtual "Landgraf of Hessen"—(VICE an elder and + eldest Brother, FRIEDRICH, the now Majesty of Sweden, who is actual + Hereditary Landgraf, but being old, childless, idle, takes no hold of it, + and quite leaves it to Wilhelm),—of whom English readers may have + heard, and will hear. For it is Wilhelm that hires us those "subsidized + 6,000," who go blaring about on English pay (Prince George merely + Commandant of them); and Wilhelm, furthermore, has wedded his + Heir-Apparent to an English Princess lately; [Princess Mary (age only + about seventeen), 28th June, 1740; Prince's name was Friedrich (became + Catholic, 1749; WIFE made family-manager in Consequence, &c. &c.).] + which also (as the poor young fellow became Papist by and by) costs + certain English people, among others, a good deal of trouble. Uncle + George, we say, is merely Commandant of those blaring 6,000; has had his + own real soldierings before this; his own labors, contradictions, in his + time; but has borne all patiently, and grown fat upon it, not quarrelling + with his burdens or his nourishments. Perhaps we may transiently meet him + again. + </p> + <p> + As to the Prince of Orange, him we have seen more than once in times past: + a young fellow in comparison, sprightly, reckoned clever, but somewhat + humpbacked; married an English Princess, years ago ("Papa, if he were as + ugly as a baboon!")—which fine Princess, we find, has stopt short at + Cassel, too fatigued on the present occasion. "His ESPRIT," continues + Wilhelmina, "and his conversation, delighted me. His Wife, he said, was at + Cassel; he would persuade her to come and make my acquaintance;"—could + not; too far, in this cold season. "These two Serene Highnesses would + needs take me home in their carriage; they asked the Margraf to let them + stay supper: from that hour they were never out of our house. Next + morning, by means of them, the secret had got abroad. Kur-Koln [lanky + hook-nosed gentleman, richest Pluralist in the Church] had set spies on + us; next evening he came up to me, and said, 'Madam, I know your Highness; + you must dance a measure with me!' That comes of one's head-gear getting + awry! We had nothing for it but to give up the incognito, and take our + fate!" + </p> + <p> + This dancing Elector of Koln, a man still only entering his forties, is + the new Emperor's Brother: [Clement August (Hubner, t. 134).] do readers + wonder to see him dance, being an Archbishop? The fact is certain,—let + the Three Kings and the Eleven Thousand Virgins say to it what they will. + "He talked a long time with me; presented to me the Princess Clemence his + Niece [that is to say, Wife of his Nephew ClemENT; one of the Two whom his + now Imperial Majesty saw married the other day], [Michaelis, ii. 256, 123; + Hubner, tt. 141, 134.] and then the Princess"—in fact, presented all + the three Sulzbach Princesses (for there is a youngest, still to wed),—"and + then Prince Theodor [happy Husband of the eldest], and Prince Clement + [ditto of the younger];" and was very polite indeed. How keep our + incognito, with all these people heaping civilities upon us? Let us send + to Baireuth for clothes, equipages; and retire to our country concealment + till they arrive. + </p> + <p> + "Just as we were about setting off thither, I waiting till the Margraf + were ready, the Xargraf entered, and a Lady with him; who, he informed me, + was Madame de Belleisle, the French Ambassador's Wife:"—Wife of the + great Belleisle, the soul of all these high congregatings, consultations, + coronations, who is not Kaiser but maker of Kaisers: what is to be done!—"I + had carefully avoided her; reckoning she would have pretensions I should + not be in the humor to grant. I took my resolution at the moment [being a + swift decisive creature]; and received her like any other Lady that might + have come to me. Her visit was not long. The conversation turned + altogether upon praises of the King [my Brother]. I found Madame de + Belleisle very different from the notion I had formed of her. You could + see she had moved in high company (SENTAIT SON MONDE); but her air + appeared to me that of a waiting-maid (SOUBRETTE), and her manners + insignificant." Let Madame take that. + </p> + <p> + "Monseigneur himself," when our equipages had come, "waited on me several + times,"—Monseigueur the grand Marechal de Belleisle, among the other + Principalities and Lordships: but of this lean man in black (who has done + such famous things, and will have to do the Retreat of Prag within year + and day), there is not a word farther said. Old Seckendorf too is here; + "Reich's-Governor of Philipsburg;" very ill with Austria, no wonder; and + striving to be well with the new Kaiser. Doubtless old Seckendorf made his + visit too (being of Baireuth kin withal), and snuffled his respects: much + unworthy of mention; not lovely to Wilhelmina. Prince of Orange, + hunchbacked, but sprightly and much the Prince, bore me faithful company + all the Coronation time; nor was George of Hessen-Cassel wanting, good fat + man. + </p> + <p> + Of the Coronation itself, though it was truly grand, and even of an + Oriental splendor,[<i>Anemonen,</i> ubi supra.] I will say nothing. The + poor Kaiser could not enjoy it much. He was dying of gout and gravel, and + could scarcely stand on his feet. Poor gentleman; and the French are + driven dismally out of Linz; and the Austrians are spreading like a + lava-flood or general conflagration over Baiern—Demon Mentzel, whom + they call Colonel Mentzel, he (if we knew it) is in Munchen itself, just + as we are getting crowned here! And unless King Friedrich, who is falling + into Mahren, in the flank of them, call back this Infernal Chase a little, + what hope is there in those parts!—The poor Kaiser, oftenest in his + bed, is courting all manner of German Princes,—consulting with + Seckendorfs, with cunning old stagers. He has managed to lead my Margraf + into a foolish bargain, about raising men for him. Which bargain I, on + fairly getting sight of it, persuade my Margraf to back out of; and, in + the end, he does so. Meanwhile, it detains us some time longer in + Frankfurt, which is still full of Principalities, busy with visitings and + ceremonials. + </p> + <p> + Among other things, by way of forwarding that Bargain I was so averse to, + our Official People had settled that I could not well go without having + seen the Empress, after her crowning. Foolish people; entangling me in new + intricacies! For if she is a Kaiser's Daughter and Kaiser's Spouse, am not + I somewhat too? "How a King's Daughter and an Empress are to meet, was + probably never settled by example: what number of steps down stairs does + she come? The arm-chair (FAUTEUIL), is that to be denied me?" And numerous + other questions. The official people, Baireuthers especially, are in + despair; and, in fact, there were scenes. But I held firm; and the Berlin + ambassadors tempering, a medium was struck: steps of stairs, to the due + number, are conceded me; arm-chair no, but the Empress to "take a very + small arm-chair," and I to have a big common chair (GRAND DOSSIER). So we + meet, and I have sight of this Princess, next day. + </p> + <p> + In her place, I confess I would have invented all manner of etiquettes, or + any sort of contrivance, to save myself from showing face. "Heavens! The + Empress is below middle size, and so corpulent (PUISSANTE), she looks like + a ball; she is ugly to the utmost (LAIDE AU POSSIBLE), and without air or + grace." Kaiser Joseph's youngest Daughter,—the gods, it seems, have + not been kind to her in figure or feature! And her mind corresponds to her + appearance: she is bigoted to excess; passes her nights and days in her + oratory, with mere rosaries and gaunt superstitious platitudes of that + nature; a dark fat dreary little Empress. "She was all in a tremble in + receiving me; and had so discountenanced an air, she could n't speak a + word. We took seats. After a little silence, I began the conversation, in + French. She answered me in her Austrian jargon, That she did not well + understand that language, and begged I would speak to her in German. Our + conversation was not long. Her Austrian dialect and my Lower-Saxon are so + different that, till you have practised, you are not mutually intelligible + in them. Accordingly we were not. A by-stander would have split with + laughing at the Babel we made of it; each catching only a word here and + there, and guessing the rest. This Princess was so tied to her etiquette, + she would have reckoned it a crime against the Reich to speak to me in a + foreign language; for she knew French well enough. + </p> + <p> + "The Kaiser was to have been of this visit; but he had fallen so ill, he + was considered even in danger of his life. Poor Prince, what a lot had he + achieved for himself!" reflects Wilhelmina, as we often do. He was soft, + humane, affable; had the gift of captivating hearts. Not without talent + either; but then of an ambition far disproportionate to it. "Would have + shone in the second rank, but in the first went sorrowfully eclipsed," as + they say! He could not be a great man, nor had about him any one that + could; and he needed now to be so. This is the service a Belleisle can do; + inflating a poor man to Kaisership, beyond his natural size! Crowned + Kaiser, and Mentzel just entering his Munchen the while; a Kaiser bedrid, + stranded; lying ill there of gout and gravel, with the Demon Mentzels + eating him:—well may his poor little bullet of a Kaiserinn pray for + him night and day, if that will avail!— + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DUCHESS DOWAGER OF WURTEMBERG, RETURNING FROM BERLIN FAVORS US WITH + </h2> + <p> + ANOTHER VISIT. + </p> + <p> + I am sorry to say this is almost the last scene we shall get out of + Wilhelmina. She returns to Baireuth; breaks there conclusively that unwise + Frankfurt bargain; receives by and by (after several months, when much has + come and gone in the world) the returning Duchess of Wurtemberg, effulgent + Dowager "spoken of only as a Lais:" and has other adventures, alluded to + up and down, but not put in record by herself any farther.—Sorrowfully + let us hear Wilhelmina yet a little, on this Lais Duchess, who will + concern us somewhat. Dowager, much too effulgent, of the late Karl + Alexander, a Reichs-Feldmarschall (or FOURTH-PART of one, if readers could + remember) and Duke of Wurtemberg,—whom we once dined with at Prag, + in old Friedrich-Wilhelm and Prince-Eugene times:— + </p> + <p> + "This Princess, very famous on the bad side, had been at Berlin to see her + three Boys settled there, whose education she [and the STANDE of + Wurtemberg, she being Regent] had committed to the King. These Princes had + been with us on their road thither, just before their Mamma last time. The + Eldest, age fourteen, had gone quite agog (S'ETOIT AMOURACHE) about my + little Girl, age only nine; and had greatly diverted us by his little + gallantries [mark that, with an Alas!]. The Duchess, following somewhat at + leisure, had missed the King that time; who was gone for Mahren, January + 18th. ... I found this Princess wearing pretty well. Her features are + beautiful, but her complexion is faded and very yellow. Her voice is so + high and screechy, it cuts your ears; she does not want for wit, and + expresses herself well. Her manners are engaging for those whom she wishes + to gain; and with men are very free. Her way of thinking and acting offers + a strange contrast of pride and meanness. Her gallantries had brought her + into such repute that I had no pleasure in her visits." [Wilhelmina, ii. + 335.] No pleasure; though she often came; and her Eldest Prince, and my + little Girl—Well, who knows! + </p> + <p> + Besides her three Boys (one of whom, as Reigning Duke, will become + notorious enough to Wilhelmina and mankind), the Lais Duchess has left at + Berlin—at least, I guess she has now left him, in exchange perhaps + for some other—a certain very gallant, vagabond young Marquis + d'Argens, "from Constantinople" last; originally from the Provence + countries; extremely dissolute creature, still young (whom Papa has had to + disinherit), but full of good-humor, of gesticulative loyal talk, and + frothy speculation of an Anti-Jesuit turn (has written many frothy Books, + too, in that strain, which are now forgotten): who became a very great + favorite with Friedrich, and will be much mentioned in subsequent times. + </p> + <p> + "In the end of July," continues Wilhelmina, "we went to Stouccard + [Stuttgard, capital of Wurtemberg, O beautiful glib tongue!], whither the + Duchess had invited us: but—" And there we are on blank paper; our + dear Wilhelmina has ceased speaking to us: her MEMOIRS end; and oblivious + silence wraps the remainder!— + </p> + <p> + Concerning this effulgent Dowager of Wurtemberg, and her late ways at + Berlin, here, from Bielfeld, is another snatch, which we will excerpt, + under the usual conditions: + </p> + <p> + "BERLIN, FEBRUARY, 1742 [real date of all that is not fabulous in + Bielfeld, who chaotically dates it "6th December" of that Year]. ... A day + or two after this [no matter WHAT] I went to the German Play, the only + spectacle which is yet fairly afoot in Berlin. In passing in, I noticed + the Duchess Dowager of Wurtemberg, who had arrived, during my absence, + with a numerous and brilliant suite, as well to salute the King and the + Queens [King off, on his Moravian Business, before she came], and to unite + herself more intimately with our Court, as to see the Three Princes her + Children settled in their new place, where, by consent of the States of + Wurtemberg, they are to be educated henceforth. + </p> + <p> + "As I had not yet had myself presented to the Duchess, I did not presume + to approach too near, and passed up into the Theatre. But she noticed me + in the side-scenes; asked who I was [such a handsome fashionable fellow], + and sent me order to come immediately and pay my respects. To be sure, I + did so; was most graciously received; and, of course, called early next + day at her Palace. Her Grand-Chamberlain had appointed me the hour of + noon. He now introduced me accordingly: but what was my surprise to find + the Princess in bed; in a negligee all new from the laundress, and the + gallantest that art could imagine! On a table, ready to her hand, at the + DOSSIER or bed-bead, stood a little Basin silver-gilt, filled with Holy + Water: the rest was decorated with extremely precious Relics, with a + Crucifix, and a Rosary of rock-crystal. Her dress, the cushions, quilt, + all was of Marseilles stuff, in the finest series of colors, garnished + with superb lace. Her cap was of Alencon lace, knotted with a ribbon of + green and gold. Figure to yourself, in this gallant deshabille, a charming + Princess, who has all the wit, perfection of manner—and is still + only thirty-seven, with a beauty that was once so brilliant! Round the + celestial bed were courtiers, doctors, almoners, mostly in devotional + postures; the three young Princes; and a Dame d'Atours, who seemed to look + slightly ENNUYEE or bored." I had the honor to kiss her Serene Highness's + hand, and to talk a great many peppered insipidities suitable to the + occasion. + </p> + <p> + Dinner followed, more properly supper, with lights kindled: "Only I cannot + dress, you know," her Highness had said; "I never do, except for the + Queen-Mother's parties;"—and rang for her maids. So that you are led + out to the Anteroom, and go grinning about, till a new and still more + charming deshabille be completed, and her Most Serene Highness can receive + you again: "Now Messieurs! Pshaw, one is always stupid, no ESPRIT at all + except by candlelight!"—After which, such a dinner, unmatchable for + elegance, for exquisite gastronomy, for Attic-Paphian brilliancy and + charm! And indeed there followed hereupon, for weeks on weeks, a series of + such unmatchable little dinners; chief parts, under that charming + Presidency, being done by "Grand-Chamberlain Baron de" Something-or-other, + "by your humble servant Bielfeld, M. Jordan, and a Marquis d'Argens, + famous Provencal gentleman now in the suite of her Highness:" [Bielfeld, + ii. 74-78.]—feasts of the Barmecide I much doubt, poor Bielfeld + being in this Chapter very fantastic, MISDATEful to a mad extent; and + otherwise, except as to general effect, worth little serious belief. + </p> + <p> + We shall meet this Paphian Dowager again (Crucifix and Myrtle joined): + meet especially her D'Argens, and her Three little Princes more or less;—wherefore, + mark slightly (besides the D'Argens as above):— + </p> + <p> + "1. The Eldest little Prince, Karl Eugen; made 'Reigning Duke' within + three years hence [Mamma falling into trouble with the STANDE]: a man + still gloomily famous in Germany [Poet Schiller's Duke of Wurtemberg], of + inarticulate, extremely arbitrary turn,—married Wilhelmina's + Daughter by and by [with horrible usage of her]; and otherwise gave + Friedrich and the world cause to think of him. + </p> + <p> + "2. The Second little Prince, Friedrich Eugen, Prussian General of some + mark, who will incidentally turn up again, He was afterwards Successor to + the Dukedom [Karl Eugen dying childless]; and married his Daughter to Paul + of Russia, from whom descend the Autocrats there to this day. + </p> + <p> + "3. Youngest little Prince, Ludwig Eugen, a respectable Prussian Officer, + and later a French one: he is that 'Duc de Wirtemberg' who corresponds + with Voltaire [inscrutable to readers, in most of the Editions]; and need + not be mentioned farther." [See Michaelis, iii. 449; Preuss, i. 476; &c. + &c.] + </p> + <p> + But enough of all this. It is time we were in Mahren, where the Expedition + must be blazing well ahead, if things have gone as expected. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter X. — FRIEDRICH DOES HIS MORAVIAN EXPEDITION WHICH PROVES A + MERE + </h2> + <p> + MORAVIAN FORAY. + </p> + <p> + While these Coronation splendors had been going on, Friedrich, in the + Moravian regions, was making experiences of a rather painful kind; his + Expedition prospering there far otherwise than he had expected. This + winter Expedition to Mahren was one of the first Friedrich had ever + undertaken on the Joint-stock Principle; and it proved of a kind rather to + disgust him with that method in affairs of war. + </p> + <p> + A deeply disappointing Expedition. The country hereabouts was in bad + posture of defence; nothing between us and Vienna itself, in a manner. + Rushing briskly forward, living on the country where needful, on that + Iglau Magazine, on one's own Sechelles resources; rushing on, with the + Saxons, with the French, emulous on the right hand and the left, a Captain + like Friedrich might have gone far; Vienna itself—who knows!—not + yet quite beyond the reach of him. Here was a way to check Khevenhuller in + his Bavarian Operations, and whirl him back, double-quick, for another + object nearer home!—But, alas, neither the Saxons nor the French + would rush on, in the least emulous. The Saxons dragged heavily arear; the + French Detachment (a poor 5,000 under Polastron, all that a captious + Broglio could be persuaded to grant) would not rush at all, but paused on + the very frontier of Moravia, Broglio so ordering, and there hung supine, + or indeed went home. + </p> + <p> + Friedrich remonstrated, argued, turned back to encourage; but it was in + vain. The Saxon Bastard Princes "lived for days in any Schloss they found + comfortable;" complaining always that there was no victual for their + Troops; that the Prussians, always ahead, had eaten the country. No end to + haggling; and, except on Friedrich's part, no hearty beginning to real + business. "If you wish at all to be 'King of Moravia,' what is this!" + thinks Friedrich justly. Broglio, too, was unmanageable,—piqued that + Valori, not Broglio, had started the thing;—showed himself captious, + dark, hysterically effervescent, now over-cautious, and again capable of + rushing blindly headlong. + </p> + <p> + To Broglio the fact at Linz, which everybody saw to be momentous, was + overwhelming. Magnanimous Segur, and his Linz "all wedged with beams," + what a road have they gone! Said so valiantly they would make defence; and + did it, scarcely for four days: January 24th; before this Expedition could + begin! True, M. le Marechal, too true:—and is that a reason for + hanging back in this Mahren business; or for pushing on in it, + double-quick, with all one's strength? "But our Conquests on the Donau," + thinks Broglio, "what will become of them,—and of us!" To Broglio, + justly apprehensive about his own posture at Prag and on the Donau, there + never was such a chance of at once raking back all Austrians homewards, + post-haste out of those countries. But Broglio could by no means see it + so,—headstrong, blusterous, over-cautious and hysterically headlong + old gentleman; whose conduct at Prag here brought Strasburg vividly to + Friedrich's memory. Upon which, as upon the ghost of Broglio's Breeches, + Valori had to hear "incessant sarcasms" at this time. + </p> + <p> + In a word, from February 5th, when Friedrich, according to bargain, + rendezvoused his Prussians at Wischau to begin this Expedition, till April + 5th, when he re-rendezvoused them (at the same Wischau, as chanced) for + the purpose of ending it and going home,—Friedrich, wrestling his + utmost with Human Stupidity, "MIT DER DUMMHEIT [as Schiller sonorously + says], against which the very gods are unvictorious," had probably two of + the most provoking months of his Life, or of this First Silesian War, + which was fruitful in such to him. For the common cause he accomplished + nearly nothing by this Moravian Expedition. But, to his own mind, it was + rich in experiences, as to the Joint-Stock Principle, as to the Partners + he now had. And it doubtless quickened his steps towards getting + personally out of this imbroglio of big French-German Wars,—home to + Berlin, with Peace and Silesia in his pocket,—which had all along + been the goal of his endeavors. As a feat of war it is by no means worth + detailing, in this place,—though succinct Stille, and bulkier German + Books give lucid account, should anybody chance to be curious. [Stille, <i>Campaigns + of the King of Prussia,</i> i. 1-55; <i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> ii. + 548-611; <i>OEuvres de Frederic,</i> ii. 110-114; Orlich, ii.; &c. + &c.] Only under the other aspect, as Friedrich's experience of + Partnership, and especially of his now Partners, are present readers + concerned to have, in brief form, some intelligible notion of it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IGLAU IS GOT, BUT NOT THE MAGAZINE AT IGLAU. + </h2> + <p> + Friedrich was punctual at Wischau; Head-quarters there (midway between + Olmutz and Brunn), Prussians all assembled, 5th February, 1742. Wischau is + some eighty miles EAST or inward of Iglau; the French and Saxons are to + meet us about Trebitsch, a couple of marches from that Teutschbrod of + theirs, and well within one march of Iglau, on our route thither. The + French and Saxons are at Trebitsch, accordingly; but their minds and wills + seem to be far elsewhere. Rutowsky and the Chevalier de Saxe command the + Saxons (20,000 strong on paper, 16,000 in reality); Comte de Polastron the + French, who are 5,000, all Horse. Along with whom, professedly as French + Volunteer, has come the Comte de Saxe, capricious Maurice (Marechal de + Saxe that will be), who has always viewed this Expedition with disfavor. + Excellency Valori is with the French Detachment, or rather poor Valori is + everywhere; running about, from quarter to quarter, sometimes to Prag + itself; assiduous to heal rents everywhere; clapping cement into manifold + cracks, from day to day. Through Valori we get some interesting glimpses + into the secret humors and manoeuvres of Comte Maurice. It is known + otherwise Comte Maurice was no friend to Belleisle, but looked for his + promotion from the opposite or Noailles party, in the French Court: at + present, as Valori perceives, he has got the ear of Broglio, and put much + sad stuff into the loud foolish mind of him. + </p> + <p> + To these Saxon gentlemen, being Bastard-Royal and important to conciliate, + Friedrich has in a high-flown way assigned the Schloss of Budischau for + quarters, an excellent superbly magnificent mansion in the neighborhood of + Trebitsch, "nothing like it to be seen except in theatres, on the + Drop-scene of <i>The Enchanted Island;"</i> [Stille, <i>Campaigns,</i> p. + 14.] where they make themselves so comfortable, says Friedrich, there is + no getting them roused to do anything for three days to come. And yet the + work is urgent, and plenty of it. "Iglau, first of all," urges Friedrich, + "where the Austrians, 10,000 or so, under Prince Lobkowitz, have posted + themselves [right flank of that long straggle of Winter Cantonments, which + goes leftwards to Budweis and farther], and made Magazines: possession of + Iglau is the foundation-stone of our affairs. And if we would have Iglau + WITH the Magazines and not without, surely there is not a moment to be + wasted!" In vain; the Saxon Bastard Princes feel themselves very + comfortable. It was Sunday the 11th of February, when our junction with + them was completed: and, instead of next morning early, it is Wednesday + afternoon before Prince Dietrich of Anhalt-Dessau, with the Saxon and + French party roused to join his Prussians and him, can at last take the + road for Iglau. Prince Dietrich makes now the reverse of delay; marches + all night, "bivouacs in woods near Iglau," warming himself at stick-fires + till the day break; takes Iglau by merely marching into it and scattering + 2,000 Pandours, so soon as day has broken; but finds the Magazines not + there. Lobkowitz carted off what he could, then burnt "Seventeen Barns + yesterday;" and is himself off towards Budweis Head-quarters and the + Bohemian bogs again. This comes of lodging Saxon royal gentlemen too well. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE SAXONS THINK IGLAU ENOUGH; THE FRENCH GO HOME. + </h2> + <p> + Nay, Iglau taken, the affair grows worse than ever. Our Saxons now declare + that they understand their orders to be completed; that their Court did + not mean them to march farther, but only to hold by Iglau, a solid footing + in Moravia, which will suffice for the present. Fancy Friedrich; fancy + Valori, and the cracks he will have to fill! Friedrich, in astonishment + and indignation, sends a messenger to Dresden: "Would the Polish Majesty + BE 'King of Moravia,' then, or not be?" Remonstrances at Budischau rise + higher and higher; Valori, to prevent total explosion, flies over once, in + the dead of the night, to deal with Rutowsky and Brothers. Rutowsky + himself seems partly persuadable, though dreadfully ill of rheumatism. + They rouse Comte Maurice; and Valori, by this Comte's caprices, is driven + out of patience. "He talked with a flippant sophistry, almost with an + insolence" says Valori; "nay, at last, he made me a gesture in speaking,"—what + gesture, thumb to nose, or what, the shuddering imagination dare not + guess! But Valori, nettled to the quick, "repeated it," and otherwise gave + him as good as he brought. "He ended by a gesture which displeased me"—"and + went to bed." [Valori, i. 148, 149.] This is the night of February 18th; + third night after Iglau was had, and the Magazines in it gone to ashes. + Which the Saxons think is conquest enough. + </p> + <p> + Poor Polish Majesty, poor Karl Albert, above all, now "Kaiser Karl VII.," + with nothing but those French for breath to his nostrils! With his fine + French Army of the Oriflamme, Karl Albert should have pushed along last + Autumn; and not merely "read the Paper" which Friedrich sent him to that + effect, "and then laid it aside." They will never have another chance, his + French and he,—unless we call this again a chance; which they are + again squandering! Linz went by capitulation; January 24th, the very day + of one's "Election" as they called it: and ever since that day of Linz, + the series of disasters has continued rapid and uniform in those parts. + Linz gone, the rest of the French posts did not even wait to capitulate; + but crackled all off, they and our Conquests on the Donau, like a train of + gunpowder, and left the ground bare. And General von Barenklau + (BEAR'S-CLAW), with the hideous fellow called Mentzel, Colonel of + Pandours, they have broken through into Bavaria itself, from the Tyrol; + climbing by Berchtesgaden and the wild Salzburg Mountains, regardless of + Winter, and of poor Bavarian militia-folk;—and have taken Munchen, + one's very Capital, one's very House and Home!—Poor Karl Albert,—and, + what is again remarkable, it was the very day while he was getting + "crowned" at Frankfurt, "with Oriental pomp," that Mentzel was about + entering Munchen with his Pandours. [Coronation was February 12th; + Capitulation to Mentzel, "Munchen, February 13th," is in <i> Guerre de + Boheme,</i> ii. 56-59.] And this poor Archduke of the Austrian, King of + Bohemia, Kaiser of the Holy Romish Reich Teutsch by Nation, is becoming + Titular merely, and owns next to nothing in these extensive Sovereignties. + Judge if there is not call for despatch on all sides!—The Polish + Majesty sent instant rather angry order to his Saxons, "Forward, with you; + what else! We would be King in Mahren!" + </p> + <p> + The Saxons then have to march forward; but we can fancy with what a will. + Rutowsky flings up his command on this Order (let us hope, from rheumatism + partly), and goes home; leaving the Chevalier de Saxe to preside in room + of him. As for Polastron, he produces Order from Broglio, "Iglau got, + return straightway;" must and will cross over into Bohemia again; and + does. Nay, the Comte de Saxe had, privately in his pocket, a Commission to + supersede Polastron, and take command himself, should Polastron make + difficulties about turning back. Poor Polastron made no difficulties: + Maurice and he vanish accordingly from this Adventure, and only the + unwilling Saxons remain with Friedrich. Poor Polastron ("a poor weak + creature," says Friedrich, "fitter for his breviary than anything else") + fell sick, from the hardships of campaigning; and soon died, in those + Bohemian parts. Maurice is heard of, some weeks hence, besieging Eger;—very + handsomely capturing Eger: [19th April, 1742 (<i>Guerre de Boheme,</i> ii. + 78-65).]—on which service Broglio had ordered him after his return. + The former Commandant of the Siege, not very progressive, had just died; + and Broglio, with reason (all the more for his late Moravian procedures) + was passionate to have done there. One of the first auspicious exploits of + Maurice, that of Eger; which paved the way to his French fortunes, and + more or less sublime glories, in this War. Friedrich recognizes his + ingenuities, impetuosities, and superior talent in war; wrote high-flown + Letters of praises, now and then, in years coming; but, we may guess, + would hardly wish to meet Maurice in the way of joint-stock business + again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FRIEDRICH SUBMERGES THE MORAVIAN COUNTRIES; BUT CANNOT BRUNN, WHICH IS + </h2> + <p> + THE INDISPENSABLE POINT. + </p> + <p> + February 19th, these sad Iglau matters once settled, Friedrich, followed + by the Saxons, plunges forward into Moravia; spreads himself over the + country, levying heavy contributions, with strict discipline nevertheless; + intent to get hold of Brunn and its Spielberg, if he could. Brunn is the + strong place of Moravia; has a garrison of 6 or 7,000; still better, has + the valiant Roth, whom we knew in Neisse once, for Commandant: Brunn will + not be had gratis. + </p> + <p> + Schwerin, with a Detachment of 6,000 horse and foot, Posadowsky, Ziethen, + Schmettau Junior commanding under him, has dashed along far in the van; + towards Upper Austria, through the Town of Horn, towards Vienna itself; + levying, he also, heavy contributions,—with a hand of iron, and not + much of a glove on it, as we judge. There is a grim enough Proclamation + (in the name of a "frightfully injured Kaiser," as well as Kaiser's Ally), + still extant, bearing Schwerin's signature, and the date "STEIN, 26th Feb. + 1742." [In <i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> ii. 556.] Stein is on the Donau, a + mile or two from Krems, and twice as far from Mautern, where the now + Kaiser was in Autumn last. Forty and odd miles short of Vienna: this + proved the Pisgah of Schwerin in that direction, as it had done of Karl + Albert. Ziethen, with his Hussars coursed some 20 miles farther, on the + Vienna Highway; and got the length of Stockerau; a small Town, notable + slightly, ever since, as the Prussian NON-PLUS-ULTRA in that line. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Prince Lobkowitz is rallying; has quitted Budweis and the + Bohemian Bogs, for some check of these insolences. Lobkowitz, rallying to + himself what Vienna force there is, comes, now in good strength, to + Waidhofen (rearward of Horn, far rearward of Stein and Stockerau), so that + Ziethen and Schwerin have to draw homeward again. Lobkowitz fortifies + himself in Waidhofen; gathers Magazines there, as if towards weightier + enterprises. For indeed much is rallying, in a dangerous manner; and + Moravia is now far other than when Friedrich planned this Expedition. And + at Vienna, 25th February last, there was held Secret Council, and (much to + Robinson's regret) a quite high Resolution come to,—which Friedrich + gets to know of, and does not forget again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE SAXONS HAVE NO CANNON FOR BRUNN, CANNOT AFFORD ANY; THERE IS A HIGH + </h2> + <p> + RESOLUTION TAKEN AT VIENNA (February 25th): FRIEDRICH QUITS THE MORAVIAN + ENTERPRISE. + </p> + <p> + Friedrich keeps his Head-quarter, all this while, closer and closer upon + Brunn. First, chiefly at a Town called Znaim, on the River Taya; + many-branched river, draining all those Northwestern parts; which sends + its widening waters down to Presburg,—latterly in junction with + those of the Morawa from North, which washes Olmutz, drains the Northern + and Eastern parts, and gives the Country its name of "Moravia." Brunn lies + northeast of Friedrich, while in Znaim, some fifty miles; the Saxon + head-quarter is at Kromau, midway towards that City. After Znaim, he + shifts inward, to Selowitz, still in the same Taya Valley, but much nearer + Brunn; and there continues. [At Znaim, 19th February-9th March; at + Selowitz, 13th March-5th April (Rodenbeck, i. 65).] + </p> + <p> + Striving hard for Brunn; striving hard, under difficulties, for so many + things distant and near; we may fancy him busy enough;—and are + surprised at the fractions of light Jordan Correspondence which he still + finds time for. Pretty bits of Letters, in prose and doggerel, from and to + those Moravian Villages; Jordan, "twice a week," bearing the main weight; + Friedrich, oftener than one could hope, flinging some word of answer,—very + intent on Berlin gossip, we can notice. "Vattel is still here, your + Majesty," [<i>OEuvres,</i> xvii. 163, &c.] insinuates Jordan:—young + Vattel, afterwards of the DROIT DES GENS, whom his Majesty might have + kept, but did not.—What more of your D'Argens, then; anything in + your D'Argens? Friedrich will ask. "For certain, D'Argens is full of + ESPRIT," answers Jordan, in a dexterous way; and How the Effulgent of + Wurtemberg" has quarrelled outright with her D'Argens, and will not eat + off silver (D'ARGENT), lest she have to name him by accident!"—with + other gossip, in a fine brief airy form, at which Jordan excels. Cheering + the rare leisure hour, in one's Tent at Selowitz, Pohrlitz, Irrlitz, far + away!—There are also orders about CICERO and Books. Of Business for + most part, or of private feelings, nothing: Berlin gossip, and Books for + one's reading, are the staple. But to return. + </p> + <p> + Out from Head-quarters, diligent operations shoot forth, far enough, along + those Taya-Morawa Valleys, where Hungarian "Insurgents" are beginning to + be dangerous. South of Brunn, all round Brunn, are diligent operations, + frequent skirmishings, constant strict levyings of contributions. The + saving operation, Friedrich well sees, would be to get hold of Brunn: but, + unluckily, How? Vigilant Roth scorns all summoning; sallies continually in + a dangerous manner; and at length, when closer pressed, burns all the + Villages round him: "we counted as many as sixteen villages laid in + ashes," says Friedrich. Here is small comfort of outlook. + </p> + <p> + And then the Saxons, at Kromau or wherever they may be: no end of trouble + and vexation with these Saxons. Their quarters are not fairly allotted, + they say; we make exchange of quarters, without improvement noticeable. + "One fine day, on some slight alarm, they came rushing over to us, all in + panic; ruined, merely by Pandour noises, had not we marched them back, and + reinstated them." Friedrich sends to Silesia for reinforcements of his + own, which he can depend upon. Sends to Silesia, to Glatz and the Young + Dessauer;—nay to Brandenburg and the Old Dessauer? ultimately. + Finding Roth would not yield, he has sent to Dresden for Siege-Artillery: + Polish Majesty there, titular "King of Moravia," answers that he cannot + meet the expense of carriage. "He had just purchased a green diamond which + would have carried them thither and back again:" What can be done with + such a man?—And by this time, early in March, Hungarian "MORIAMUR + PRO REGE" begins to show itself. Clouds of Hungarian Insurgents, of the + Tolpatch, Pandour sort, mount over the Carpathians on us, all round the + east, from south to north; and threaten to penetrate Silesia itself. So + that we have to sweep laboriously the Morawa-Taya Valleys; and undertake + first one and then another outroad, or sharp swift sally, against those + troublesome barbarians. + </p> + <p> + And more serious still, Prince Karl and the regular Army, quickened by + such Khevenhuller-Barenklau successes in the Donau Countries, are + beginning to stir. Prince Karl, returning from Vienna and its + consultations, took command, 4th March; [<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> ii. + 557.] with whom has come old Graf von Konigseck, an experienced head to + advise with; Prince Karl is in motion, skirting us southward, about + Waidhofen, where Lobkowitz lay waiting him with Magazines ready. Rumor + says, the force in those parts is already 40,000, with more daily coming + in. Friedrich has of his own, apart from the Saxons, some 24,000. Prince + Karl, with so many heavy troops, and with unlimited supply of light, is + very capable of doing mischief: he has orders (and Friedrich now knows of + it) To go in upon us;—such their decision in Secret Council at + Vienna, on the 25th of February last, That he must go and fight us:—"Better + we met him with fewer thrums on our hands!" thinks Friedrich; and beckons + the Old Dessauer out of Brandenburg withal. "Swift, your Serenity; + hitherward with 20,000!" Which the Old Dessauer (having 30,000 to pick + from, late Camp-of-Gottin people) at once sets about. Will be a security, + in any event! [Orlich, i. 221: Date of the Order, "13th March, 1742."] To + finish with Brunn, Friedrich has sent for Siege-Artillery of his own; he + urges Chevalier de Saxe to close with him round Brunn, and batter it + energetically into swift surrender. Is it not the one thing needful? + Chevalier de Saxe admits, half promises; does not perform. Being again + urged, Why have not you performed? he answers, "Alas, your Majesty, here + are Orders for me to join Marshal Broglio at Prag, and retire altogether + out of this!" + </p> + <p> + "Altogether out of it," thinks Friedrich to himself: "may all the Powers + be thanked! Then I too, without disgrace, can go altogether out of it;—and + it shall be a sharp eye that sees me in joint-stock with you again, M. le + Chevalier." Friedrich has written in his HISTORY, and Valori used to hear + him often say in words, Never were tidings welcomer than these, that the + Saxons were about to desert him in this manner. Go: and may all the Devils—But + we will not fall into profane swearing. It is proper to get out of this + Enterprise at one's best speed, and never get into the like of it again! + Friedrich (on this strange Saxon revelation, 30th March) takes instant + order for assembling at Wischau again, for departing towards Olmutz; + thence homewards, with deliberate celerity, by the Landskron + mountain-country, Tribau, Zwittau, Leutomischl, and the way he came. He + has countermanded his Silesian reinforcements; these and the rest shall + rendezvous at Chrudim in Bohemia; whitherwards the two Dessauers are + bound:—in Brunn, with its wrecked environs, famed Spielberg looking + down from its conical height, and sixteen villages in ashes, Roth shall do + his own way henceforth. + </p> + <p> + The Saxons pushed straight homewards; did not "rejoin Broglio," rejoin + anybody,—had, in fact, done with this First Silesian War, as it + proved; and were ready for the OPPOSITE side, on a Second falling out! + Their march, this time, was long and harassing,—sad bloody passage + in it, from Pandours and hostile Village-people, almost at starting, "four + Companies of our Rear-guard cut down to nine men; Village burnt, and + Villagers exterminated (SIC), by the rescuing party." [Details in <i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> + ii. 606; in &c. &c.] They arrived at Leitmeritz and their own + Border, "hardly above 8,000 effective." Naturally, in a highly indignant + humor; and much disposed to blame somebody. To the poor Polish + NON-Moravian Majesty, enlightened by his Bruhls and Staff-Officers, it + became a fixed truth that the blame was all Friedrich's,—"starving + us, marching us about!"—that Friedrich's conduct to us was + abominable, and deserved fixed resentment. Which accordingly it got, from + the simple Polish Majesty, otherwise a good-natured creature;—got, + and kept. To Friedrich's very great astonishment, and to his considerable + disadvantage, long after! + </p> + <p> + Friedrich's look, when Valori met him again coming home from this Moravian + Futility, was "FAROUCHE," fierce and dark; his laugh bitter, sardonic; + harsh mockery, contempt and suppressed rage, looking through all he said. + A proud young King, getting instructed in several things, by the stripes + of experience. Look in that young Portrait by Pesne, the full cheeks, and + fine mouth capable of truculence withal, the brow not unused to knit + itself, and the eyes flashing out in sharp diligent inspection, of a + somewhat commanding nature. We can fancy the face very impressive upon + Valori in these circumstances. Poor Valori has had dreadful work; running + to and fro, with his equipages breaking, his servants falling all sick, + his invaluable D'Arget (Valori's chief Secretary, whom mark) quite + disabled; and Valori's troubles are not done. He has been to Prag lately; + is returning futile, as usual. Driving through the Mountains to rejoin + Friedrich, he meets the Prussians in retreat; learns that the Pandours, + extremely voracious, are ahead; that he had better turn, and wait for his + Majesty about Chrudim in the Elbe region, upon highways, and within reach + of Prag. + </p> + <p> + Friedrich, on the 5th of April, is in full march out of the Moravian + Countries,—which are now getting submerged in deluges of Pandours; + towards the above-said Chrudim, whereabouts his Magazines lie, where + privately he intends to wait for Prince Karl, and that Vienna Order of the + 25th February, with hands clearer of thrums. The march goes in proper + columns, dislocations; Prince Dietrich, on the right, with a separate + Corps, bent else-whither than to Chrudim, keeps off the Pandours. A march + laborious, mountainous, on roads of such quality; but, except + baggage-difficulties and the like, nothing material going wrong. "On the + 13th [April], we marched to Zwittau, over the Mountain of Schonhengst. The + passage over this Mountain is very steep; but not so impracticable as it + had been represented; because the cannon and wagons can be drawn round the + sides of it." [Stille, p. 86.] Yes;—and readers may (in fancy) look + about them from the top; for we shall go this road again, sixteen years + hence; hardly in happier circumstances! + </p> + <p> + Friedrich gets to Chrudim, April 17th; there meets the Young Dessauer with + his forces: by and by the Old Dessauer, too, comes to an Interview there + (of which shortly). The Old Dessauer—his 20,000 not with him, at the + moment, but resting some way behind, till he return—is to go + eastward with part of them; eastward, Troppau-Jablunka way, and drive + those Pandour Insurgencies to their own side of the Mountains: a job Old + Leopold likes better than that of the Gottin Camp of last year. Other part + of the 20,000 is to reinforce Young Leopold and the King, and go into + cantonments and "refreshment-quarters" here at Chrudim. Here, living on + Bohemia, with Silesia at their back, shall the Troops repose a little; and + be ready for Prince Karl, if he will come on. That is what Friedrich looks + to, as the main Consolation left. + </p> + <p> + In Moravia, now overrun with Pandours, precursors of Prince Karl, he has + left Prince Dietrich of Anhalt, able still to maintain himself, with + Olmutz as Head-quarters, for a calculated term of days: Dietrich is, with + all diligence, to collect Magazines for that Jablunka-Troppau Service, and + march thither to his Father with the same (cutting his way through those + Pandour swarms); and leaving Mahren as bare as possible, for Prince Karl's + behoof. All which Prince Dietrich does, in a gallant, soldier-like, + prudent and valiant manner,—with details of danger well fronted, of + prompt dexterity, of difficulty overcome; which might be interesting to + soldier students, if there were among us any such species; but cannot be + dwelt upon here. It is a march of 60 or 70 miles (northeast, not northwest + as Friedrich's had been), through continual Pandours, perils and + difficulties:—met in the due way by Prince Dietrich, whose toils and + valors had been of distinguished quality in this Moravian Business. Take + one example, not of very serious nature (in the present March to Troppau):— + </p> + <p> + "OLISCHAU, EVENING OF APRIL 21st. Just as we were getting into Olischau + [still only in the environs of Olmutz], the Vanguard of Prince Karl's Army + appeared on the Heights. It did not attack; but retired, Olmutz way, for + the night. Prince Dietrich, not doubting but it would return next day, + made the necessary preparations overnight. Nothing of it returned next + day; Prince Dietrich, therefore, in the night of April 22d, pushed forward + his sick-wagons, meal-wagons, heavy baggage, peaceably to Sternberg; and, + at dawn on the morrow, followed with his army, Cavalry ahead, Infantry to + rear;" nothing whatever happening,—unless this be a kind of thing:—"Our + Infantry had scarcely got the last bridge broken down after passing it, + when the roofs of Olischau seemed as it were to blow up; the Inhabitants + simultaneously seizing that moment, and firing, with violent diligence, a + prodigious number of shot at us,—no one of which, owing to their + hurry and the distance, took any effect;" [Stille, p. 50.] but only + testified what their valedictory humor was. + </p> + <p> + Or again—(Place, this time, is UNGARISCH-BROD, near Goding on the + Moravian-Hungarian Frontier, date MARCH 13th; one of those swift Outroads, + against Insurgents or "Hungarian Militias" threatening to gather):—... + "Godinq on our Moravian side of the Border, and then Skalitz on their + Hungarian, being thus finished, we make for Ungarisch-Brod," the next + nucleus of Insurgency. And there is the following minute phenomenon,—fit + for a picturesque human memory: "As this, from Skalitz to Ungarisch-Brod, + is a long march, and the roads were almost impassable, Prince Dietrich + with his Corps did not arrive till after dark. So that, having + sufficiently blocked the place with parties of horse and foot, he had, in + spite of thick-falling snow, to wait under the open sky for daylight. In + which circumstances, all that were not on sentry lay down on their arms;" + slept heartily, we hope; "and there was half an ell of snow on them, when + day broke." [BERICHT VON DER UNTERNEHMUNG DES &c. (in Seyfarth, <i>Beylage,</i> + i. p. 508).] When day broke, and they shook themselves to their feet + again,—to the astonishment of Ungarisch-Brod!... + </p> + <p> + There had been fine passages of arms, throughout, in this Business, round + Brunn, in the March home, and elsewhere; and Friedrich is well contented + with the conduct of his men and generals,—and dwells afterwards with + evident satisfaction on some of the feats they did. [For instance, + TRUCHSESS VON WALDBURG'S fine bit of Spartanism (14th March, at Lesch, + near Brunn, near AUSTERLITZ withal), which was much celebrated; King + himself, from Selowitz, heard the cannonading (Seyfarth, <i>Beylage,</i> + i. 518-520). Selchow's feat (ib. 521). Fouquet's (this is the CAPTAIN + Fonquet, with "MY two candles, Sir," of the old Custrin-Prison time; who + is dear to Friedrich ever since, and to the end): "Account of Fouquet's + Grenadier Battalion, to and at Fulnek, January-April, 1742 (is in <i>Feldzuge + der Preussen,</i> i. 176-184); especially his March, from Fulnek, + homewards, part of Prince Dietrich's that way (in Seyfarth, <i>Beylage,</i> + i. 510-515). With various others (in SEYFARTH and FELDZUGE): well worth + reading till you understand them.] I am sorry to say, General Schwerin has + taken pique at this preference of the Old Dessauer for the Troppau + Anti-Pandour Operation; and is home in a huff: not to reappear in active + life for some years to come. "The Little Marlborough,"—so they call + him (for he was at Blenheim, and has abrupt hot ways),—will not + participate in Prince Karl's consolatory Visit, then! Better so, thinks + Friedrich perhaps (remembering Mollwitz): "This is the freak of an + imitation ANGLAIS!" sneers he, in mentioning it to Jordan.—Friedrich's + Synopsis of this Moravian Failure of an Expedition, in answer to Jordan's + curiosity about it,—curiosity implied, not expressed by the modest + Jordan, is characteristic:— + </p> + <p> + "Moravia, which is a very bad Country, could not be held, owing to want of + victual; and the Town of Brunn could not be taken, because the Saxons had + no cannon; and when you wish to enter a Town, you must first make a hole + to get in by. Besides, the Country has been reduced to such a state: that + the Enemy cannot subsist in it, and you will soon see him leave it. There + is your little military lesson; I would not have you at a loss what to + think of our Operations; or what to say, should other people talk of them + in your presence!" [Friedrich to Jordan (<i>OEuvres,</i> xvii. 196), + Chrudim, 5th May, 1742.] + </p> + <p> + "Winter Campaigns," says Friedrich elsewhere, much in earnest, and looking + back on this thing long afterwards, "Winter Campaigns are bad, and should + always be avoided, except in cases of necessity. The best Army in the + world is liable to be ruined by them. I myself have made more Winter + Campaigns than any General of this Age; but there were reasons. Thus:— + </p> + <p> + "In 1740," Winter Campaign which we saw, "there were hardly above two + Austrian regiments in Silesia, at Karl VI.'s death. Being determined to + assert my right to that Duchy, I had to try it at once, in winter, and + carry the war, if possible, to the Banks of the Neisse. Had I waited till + spring, we must have begun the war between Crossen and Glogau; what was + now to be gained by one march would then have cost us three or four + campaigns. A sufficient reason, this, for campaigning in winter. + </p> + <p> + "If I did not succeed in the Winter Campaign of 1742," Campaign which we + have just got out of, "which I made with a design to deliver the Elector + of Bavaria's Country, then overrun by Austria, it was because the French + acted like fools, and the Saxons like traitors." Mark that deliberate + opinion. + </p> + <p> + "In 1745-46," Winter Campaign which we expect to see, "the Austrians + having got Silesia, it was necessary to drive them out. The Saxons and + they had formed a design to enter my Hereditary Dominions, to destroy them + with fire and sword. I was beforehand with them. I carried the War into + the heart of Saxony." [MILITARY INSTRUCTIONS WRITTEN BY &c. + "translated by an Officer" (London, 1762), pp. 171, 172. One of the best, + or altogether the best, of Friedrich's excellent little Books written + successively (thrice-PRIVATE, could they have been kept so) for the + instruction of his Officers. Is to be found now in <i>OEuvres de Frederic,</i> + xxviii. (that is vol. i. of the <i>"OEuvres Militaires,"</i> which occupy + 3 vols.) pp. 4 et seqq.] + </p> + <p> + Digesting many bitter-enough thoughts, Friedrich has cantoned about + Chrudim; expecting, in grim composed humor, the one Consolation there can + now be. February 25th, as readers well know, the Majesty of Hungary and + her Aulic Council had decided, "One stroke more, O Excellency Robinson; + one Battle more for our Silesian jewel of the crown! If beaten, we will + then give it up; oh, not till then!" Robinson and Hyndford,—imagination + may faintly represent their feelings, on the wilful downbreak of + Klein-Schnellendorf; or what clamor and urgency the Majesty of Britain and + they have been making ever since. But they could carry it no further: "One + stroke more!" + </p> + <p> + At Chrudim, and to the right and the left of it, sprinkled about in long, + very thin, elliptic shape (thirty or forty miles long, but capable of + coalescing "within eight-and-forty hours"), there lies Friedrich: the Elbe + River is behind him; beyond Elbe are his Magazines, at Konigsgratz, + Nimburg, Podiebrad, Pardubitz; the Giant Mountains, and world of Bohemian + Hills, closing-in the background, far off: that is his position, if + readers will consult their Map. The consolatory Visit, he privately + thinks, cannot be till the grass come; that is, not till June, two months + hence; but there also he was a little mistaken. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XI. —NUSSLER IN NEISSE, WITH THE OLD DESSAUER AND WALRAVE. + </h2> + <p> + The Old Dessauer with part of his 20,000,—aided by Boy Dietrich + (KNABE, "Knave Dietrich," as one might fondly call him) and the Moravian + Meal-wagons,—accomplished his Troppau-Jablunka Problem perfectly + well; cleaning the Mountains, and keeping them clean, of that Pandour + rabble, as he was the man to do. Nor would his Expedition require + mentioning farther,—were it not for some slight passages of a purely + Biographical character; first of all, for certain rubs which befell + between his Majesty and him. For example, once, before that Interview at + Chrudim, just on entering Bohemia thitherward, Old Leopold had seen good + to alter his march-route; and—on better information, as he thought + it, which proved to be worse—had taken a road not prescribed to him. + Hearing of which, Friedrich reins him up into the right course, in this + sharp manner:— + </p> + <p> + "CHRUDIM, 21st APRIL. I am greatly surprised that your Serenity, as an old + Officer, does not more accurately follow my orders which I give you. If + you were skilfuler than Caesar, and did not with strict accuracy observe + my orders, all else were of no help to me. I hope this notice, once for + all, will be enough; and that in time coming you will give no farther + causes to complain." [King to Furst Leopold (Orlich, i. 219-221).] + </p> + <p> + Friedrich, on their meeting at Chrudim, was the same man as ever. But the + old Son of Gunpowder stood taciturn, rigorous, in military business + attitude, in the King's presence; had not forgotten the passage; and + indeed he kept it in mind for long months after. And during all this + Ober-Schlesien time, had the hidden grudge in his heart;—doing his + day's work with scrupulous punctuality; all the more scrupulous, they say. + Friedrich tried, privately through Leopold Junior, some slight touches of + assuagement; but without effect; and left the Senior to Time, and to his + own methods of cooling again. + </p> + <p> + Besides that of keeping down Hungarian Enterprises in the Mountains, Old + Leopold had, as would appear, to take some general superintendence in + Ober-Schlesien; and especially looks after the new Fortification-work + going on in those parts. Which latter function brought him often to + Neisse, and into contact with the ugly Walrave, Engineer-in-Chief there. A + much older and much worthier acquaintance of ours, Herr + Boundary-Commissioner Nussler, happens also to be in Neisse;—waiting + for those Saxon Gentlemen; who are unpunctual to a degree, and never come + (nor in fact ever will, if Nussler knew it). Luckily Nussler kept a + Notebook; and Busching ultimately got it, condensed it, printed it;—whereby + (what is rare, in these Dryasdust labyrinths, inane spectralities and + cinder-mountains) there is sudden eyesight vouchsafed; and we discern + veritably, far off, brought face to face for an instant, this and that! I + must translate some passages,—still farther condensed:— + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW NUSSLER HAPPENED TO BE IN NEISSE, MAY, 1742. + </h2> + <p> + Nussler had been in this Country, off and on, almost since Christmas last; + ready here, if the Saxons had been ready. As the Saxons were not ready, + and always broke their appointment, Nussler had gone into the Mountains, + to pass time usefully, and take preliminary view of the ground. + </p> + <p> + ... "From Berlin, 20th December, 1741; by Breslau,"—where some pause + and correspondence;—"thence on, Neisse way, as far as Lowen [so well + known to Friedrich, that Mollwitz night!]. From Berlin to Lowen, Nussler + had come in a carriage: but as there was much snow falling, he here took a + couple of sledges; in which, along with his attendants, he proceeded some + fifty miles, to Jauernik, a stage beyond Neisse, to the southwest. + Jauernik is a little Town lying at the foot of a Hill, on the top of which + is the Schloss of Johannisberg. Here it began to rain; and the getting up + the Hill, on sledges, was a difficult matter. The DROST [Steward] of this + Castle was a Nobleman from Brunswick-Luneburg; who, for the sake of a + marriage and this Drostship for dowry, had changed from Protestant to + Roman Catholic,"—poor soul! "His wife and he were very polite, and + showed Nussler a great deal of kindness. Nussler remarked on the left side + of this Johannisberg," western side a good few miles off, "the pass which + leads from Glatz to Upper and Lower Schlesien,"—where the reader too + has been, in that BAUMGARTEN SKIRMISH, if he could remember it,—"with + a little Block-house in the bottom," and no doubt Prussian soldiers in it + at the moment. "Nussler, intent always on the useful, did not institute + picturesque reflections; but considered that his King would wish to have + this Pass and Block-house; and determined privately, though it perhaps lay + rather beyond the boundary-mark, that his Master must have it when the + bargaining should come.... + </p> + <p> + "On the homeward survey of these Borders, Nussler arrived at Steinau + [little Village with Schloss, which we saw once, on the march to Mollwitz, + and how accident of fire devoured it that night], and at sight of the + burnt Schloss standing black there, he remembered with great emotion the + Story of Grafin von Callenberg [dead since, with her pistols and + brandy-bottle] and of the Grafin's Daughter, in which he had been + concerned as a much-interested witness, in old times.... For the rest, the + journey, amid ice and snow, was not only troublesome in the extreme, but + he got a life-long gout by it [and no profit to speak of]; having sunk, + once, on thin ice, sledge and he, into a half-frozen stream, and got + wetted to the loins, splashing about in such cold manner,—happily + not quite drowned." The indefatigable Nussler; working still, like a very + artist, wherever bidden, on wages miraculously low. + </p> + <p> + The Saxon Gentlemen never came;—privately the Saxons were quite off + from the Silesian bargain, and from Friedrich altogether;—so that + this border survey of Nussler's came to nothing, on the present occasion. + But it served him and Friedrich well, on a new boundary-settling, which + did take effect, and which holds to this day. Nussler, during these + operations, and vain waitings for the Saxons, had Neisse for + head-quarters; and, going and returning, was much about Neisse; Walrave, + Marwitz (Father of Wilhelmina's baggage Marwitz), Feldmarschall Schwerin + (in earlier stages), and other high figures, being prominent in his circle + there. + </p> + <p> + "The old Prince of Dessau came thither: for some days. [Busching, <i>Beitrage,</i> + i. 347 (beginning of May as we guess, but there is no date given).] He was + very gracious to Nussler, who had been at his Court, and known him before + this. The Old Dessauer made use of Walrave's Plate; usually had Walrave, + Nussler, and other principal figures to dinner. Walrave's Plate, every + piece of it, was carefully marked with a RAVEN on the rim,—that + being his crest ["Wall-raven" his name]: Old Dessauer, at sight of so many + images of that bird, threw out the observation, loud enough, from the top + of the table, 'Hah, Walrave, I see you are making yourself acquainted with + the RAVENS in time, that they may not be strange to you at last,'"—when + they come to eat you on the gibbet! (not a soft tongue, the Old + Dessauer's). "Another day, seeing Walrave seated between two Jesuit + Guests, the Prince said: 'Ah, there you are right, Walrave; there you sit + safe; the Devil can't get you there!' As the Prince kept continually + bantering him in this strain, Walrave determined not to come; sulkily + absented himself one day: but the Prince sent the ORDINANZ (Soldier in + waiting) to fetch him; no refuge in sulks. + </p> + <p> + "They had Roman-Catholic victual for Walrave and others of that faith, on + the meagre-days; but Walrave eat right before him,—evidently nothing + but the name of Catholic. Indeed, he was a man hated by the Catholics, for + his special rapacity on them. 'He is of no religion at all,' said the + Catholic Prelate of Neisse, one day, to Nussler; (greedy to plunder the + Monasteries here; has wrung gold, silver aud jewels from them,—nay + from the Pope himself,—by threatening to turn Protestant, and use + the Monasteries still worse. And the Pope, hearing of this, had to send + him a valuable Gift, which you may see some day.' Nussler did, one day, + see this preciosity: a Crucifix, ebony bordered with gold, and the Body + all of that metal, on the smallest of altars,—in Walrave's bedroom. + But it was the bedroom itself which Nussler looked at with a shudder," + Nussler and we: "in the middle of it stood Walrave's own bed, on his right + hand that of his Wife, and on his left that of his Mistress:"—a + brutish polygamous Walrave! "This Mistress was a certain Quarter-Master's + Wife,"—Quarter-Master willing, it is probable, to get rid of such an + article gratis, much more on terms of profit. "Walrave had begged for him + the Title of Hofrath from King Friedrich,"—which, though it was but + a clipping of ribbon contemptible to Friedrich, and the brute of an + Engineer had excellent talents in his business, I rather wish Friedrich + had refused in this instance. But he did not; "he answered in gibing tone, + 'I grant you the Hofrath Title for your Quarter-Master; thinking it but + fit that a General's'—What shall we call her? (Friedrich uses the + direct word)—'should have some handle to her name.'" [Busching, <i>Beitrage,</i> + i. 343-348.] + </p> + <p> + It was this Mistress, one is happy to know, that ultimately betrayed the + unbeautiful Walrave, and brought him to Magdeburg for the rest of his + life.—And now let us over the Mountains, to Chrudim again; a hundred + and fifty miles at one step. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XII. — PRINCE KARL DOES COME ON. + </h2> + <p> + It was before the middle of May, not of June as Friedrich had expected, + that serious news reached Chrudim. May 11th, from that place, there is a + Letter to Jordan, which for once has no verse, no bantering in it: Prince + Karl actually coming on; Hussar precursors, in quantity, stealing across + to attack our Magazines beyond Elbe;—and in consequence, Orders are + out this very day: "Cantonments, cease; immediate rendezvous, and + Encampment at Chrudim here!" Which takes effect two days hence, Monday, + 13th May: one of the finest sights Stille ever saw. "His Majesty rode to a + height; you never beheld such a scene: bright columns, foot and horse, + streaming in from every point of the compass, their clear arms glittering + in the sun; lost now in some hollow, then emerging, winding out with + long-drawn glitter again; till at length their blue uniforms and actual + faces come home to you. Near upon 30,000 of all arms; trim exact, of stout + and silently good-humored aspect; well rested, by this time;—likely + fellows for their work, who will do it with a will. The King seemed to be + affected by so glorious a spectacle; and, what I admired, his Majesty, + though fatigued, would not rest satisfied with reports or distant view, + but personally made the tour of the whole Camp, to see that everything was + right, and posted the pickets himself before retiring." [Stille, p. 57 (or + Letter X.).] + </p> + <p> + Prince Karl, since we last heard of him, had hung about in the Brunn and + other Moravian regions, rallying his forces, pushing out Croat parties + upon Prince Dietrich's home-march, and the like; very ill off for food, + for draught-cattle, in a wasted Country. So that he had soon quitted + Mahren; made for Budweis and neighborhood:—dangerous to Broglio's + outposts there? To a "Castle of Frauenberg," across the Moldau from + Budweis; which is Broglio's bulwark there, and has cost Broglio much + revictualling, reinforcing, and flurry for the last two months. Prince + Karl did not meddle with Brauenberg, or Broglio, on this occasion; leaves + Lobkowitz, with some Reserve-party, hovering about in those parts;—and + himself advances, by Teutschbrod (well known to the poor retreating Saxons + latcey!) towards Chrudim, on his grand Problem, that of 25th February + last. Cautiously, not too willingly, old Konigseck and he. But they were + inflexibly urged to it by the Heads at Vienna; who, what with their + Bavarian successes, what with their Moravian and other, had got into a + high key;—and scorned the notion of "Peace," when Hyndford (getting + Friedrich's permission, in the late Chrudim interval) had urged it again. + [Orlich, i. 226.] + </p> + <p> + Broglio is in boundless flurry; nothing but spectres of attack looming in + from Karl, from Khevenhuller, from everybody; and Eger hardly yet got. + [19th April (<i>Guerre de Boheme,</i> ii. 77-81.) Fine reinforcement, + 25,000 under a Due d'Harcourt; this and other good outlooks there are; but + it is the terrible alone that occupy Broglio. And indeed the poor man—especially + ever since that Moravian Business would not thrive in spite of him—is + not to be called well off! Friedrich and he are in correspondence, by no + means mutually pleasant, on the Prince-Karl phenomenon. "Evidently + intending towards Prag, your Majesty perceives!" thinks Broglio. "If not + towards Chrudim, first of all, which is 80 miles nearer him, on his rode + to Prag!" urges Friedrich, at this stage: "Help me with a few regiments in + this Chrudim Circle, lest I prove too weak here. Is not this the bulwark + of your Prag just now?" In vain; Broglio (who indeed has orders that way) + cannot spare a man. "Very well," thinks Friedrich; and has girded up his + own strength for the Chrudim phenomenon; but does not forget this new + illustration of the Joint-Stock Principle, and the advantages of Broglio + Partnership. + </p> + <p> + Friedrich's beautiful Encampment at Chrudim lasted only two days. + Precursor Tolpatcheries (and, in fact, Prince Karl's Vanguard, if we knew + it) come storming about, rifer and rifer; attempting the Bridge of Kolin + (road to our Magazines); attempting this and that; meaning to get between + us and Prag; and, what is worse, to seize the Magazines, Podiebrad, + Nimburg, which we have in that quarter! Tuesday, May 15th, accordingly, + Friedrich himself gets on march, with a strong swift Vanguard, horse and + foot (grenadiers, hussars, dragoons), Prag-ward,—probably as far as + Kuttenberg, a fine high-lying post, which commands those Kodin parts;—will + march with despatch, and see how that matter is. The main Army is to + follow under Leopold of Anhalt-Dessau to-morrow, Wednesday," so soon as + their loaves have come from Konigsgratz,"—for "an Army goes on its + belly," says Friedrich often. Loaves do not come, owing to evil chance, on + this occasion: Leopold's people "take meal instead;" but will follow, next + morning, all the same, according to bidding. Readers may as well take + their Map, and accompany in these movements; which issue in a notable + conclusive thing. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday morning, 15th May, Friedrich marches from Chrudim; on which same + morning of the 15th, Prince Karl, steadily on the advance he too, is + starting,—and towards the same point,—from a place called + Chotieborz, only fifteen miles to southward of Chrudim. In this way, + mutually unaware, but Prince Karl getting soonest aware, the Vanguards of + the Two Armies (Prince Karl's Vanguard being in many branches, of Tolpatch + nature) are cast athwart each other; and make, both to Friedrich and + Prince Karl, an enigmatic business of it for the next two days. Tuesday, + 15th, Friedrich marching along, vigilantly observant on both hands, some + fifteen miles space, came that evening to a Village called Podhorzan, with + Height near by; [Stille, pp. 60, 61.] Height which he judged unattackable, + and on the side of which he pitches his camp accordingly,—himself + mounting the Height to look for news. News sure enough: there, south of us + on the heights of Ronnow, three or four miles off, are the Enemy, camped + or pickeering about, 7 or 8,000 as we judge. Lobkowitz, surely not + Lobkowitz? He has been gliding about, on the French outskirts, far in the + southwest lately: can this be Lobkowitz, about to join Prince Karl in + these parts?—Truly, your Majesty, this is not Lobkowitz at all; this + is Prince Karl's Vanguard, and Prince Karl himself actually in it for the + moment,—anxiously taking view of your Vanguard; recognizing, and + admitting to himself, "Pooh, they will be at Kuttenberg before us; no use + in hastening. Head-quarters at Willimow to-night; here at Ronnow + to-morrow: that is all we can do!" [Orlich, i. 233.] + </p> + <p> + To-morrow, 16th May, before sunrise at Podhorzan, the supposed Lobkowitz + is clean vanished: there is no Enemy visible to Friedrich, at Ronnow or + elsewhere. Leaving Friedrich in considerable uncertainty: clear only that + there are Enemies copiously about; that he himself will hold on for + Kuttenberg; that young Leopold must get hitherward, with steady celerity + at the top of his effort,—parts of the ground being difficult; + especially a muddy Stream, called Dobrowa, which has only one Bridge on it + fit for artillery, the Bridge of Sbislau, a mile or two ahead of this. + Instructions are sent Leopold to that effect; and farther that Leopold + must quarter in Czaslau (a substantial little Town, with bogs about it, + and military virtues); and, on the whole, keep close to heel of us, the + Enemy in force being near, Upon which, his Majesty pushes on for + Kuttenberg; Prince Leopold following with best diligence, according to + Program. His Majesty passed a little place called Neuhof that afternoon + (Wednesday, 16th May); and encamped a short way from Kuttenberg, behind or + north of that Town,—out of which, on his approach, there fled a + considerable cloud of Austrian Irregulars, and "left a large baking of + bread." Bread just about ready to their order, and coming hot out of the + ovens; which was very welcome to his Majesty that night; and will yield + refreshment, partial refreshment, next morning, to Prince Leopold, not too + comfortable on his meal-diet just now. + </p> + <p> + Poor Prince Leopold had his own difficulties this day; rough ground, very + difficult to pass; and coming on the Height of Podhorzan where his Majesty + was yesterday, Leopold sees crowds of Hussars, needing a cannon-shot or + two; sees evident symptoms, to southward, that the whole Force of the + Enemy is advancing upon him! "Speed, then, for Sbislau Bridge yonder; + across the Dobrowa, with our Artillery-wagons, or we are lost!" Prince + Karl, with Hussar-parties all about, is fully aware of Prince Leopold and + his movements, and is rolling on, Ronnow-ward all day, to cut him off, in + his detached state, if possible. Prince Karl might, with ease, have broken + this Dobrowa Bridge; and Leopold and military men recognize it as a + capital neglect that he did not. + </p> + <p> + Leopold, overloaded with such intricacies and anxieties, sends off three + messengers, Officers of mark (Schmettau Junior one of them), to apprise + the King: the Officers return, unable to get across to his Majesty; + Leopold sends proper detachment of horse with them,—uncertain still + whether they will get through. And night is falling; we shall evidently be + too late for getting Czaslau: well if we can occupy Chotusitz and the + environs; a small clay Hamlet, three miles nearer us. It was 11 at night + before the rear-guard got into Chotusitz: Czaslau, three miles south of + us, we cannot attend to till to-morrow morning. [Orlich, pp. 236-239.] And + the three messengers, despatched with escort, send back no word. Have they + ever got to his Majesty? Leopold sends off a fourth. This fourth one does + get through; reports to his Majesty, That, by all appearance, there will + be Battle on the morrow early; that not Czaslau, but only Chotusitz is + ours; and that Instructions are wanted. Deep in the night, this fourth + messenger returns; a welcome awakening for Prince Leopold; who studies his + Majesty's Instructions, and will make his dispositions accordingly. + </p> + <p> + It is 2 or 3 in the morning, [Ib. p. 238.] in Leopold's Camp,—Bivouac + rather, with its face to the south, and Chotusitz ahead. Thursday, 17th + May, 1742; a furiously important Day about to dawn. High Problem of the + 23th February last; Britannic Majesty and his Hyndfords and Robinsons + vainly protesting:—it had to be tried; Hungarian Majesty having got, + from Britannic, the sinews for trying it: and this is to be the Day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XIII. —BATTLE OF CHOTUSITZ. + </h2> + <p> + Kuttenberg, Czaslau, Chotusitz and all these other places lie in what is + called the Valley of the Elbe, but what to the eye has not the least + appearance of a hollow, but of an extensive plain rather, dimpled here and + there; and, if anything, rather sloping FROM the Elbe,—were it not + that dull bushless brooks, one or two, sauntering to NORTHward, not + southward, warn you of the contrary. Conceive a flat tract of this kind, + some three or four miles square, with Czaslau on its southern border, + Chotusitz on its northern; flanked, on the west, by a straggle of + Lakelets, ponds and quagmires (which in our time are drained away, all but + a tenth part or so of remainder); flanked, on the east, by a considerable + puddle of a Stream called the Dobrowa; and cut in the middle by a nameless + poor Brook ("BRTLINKA" some write it, if anybody could pronounce), running + parallel and independent,—which latter, of more concernment to us + here, springs beyond Czaslau, and is got to be of some size, and more + intricate than usual, with "islands" and the like, as it passes Chotusitz + (a little to east of Chotusitz);—this is our Field of Battle. Sixty + or more miles to eastward of Prag, eight miles or more to southward of + Elbe River and the Ford of Elbe-Teinitz (which we shall hear of, in years + coming). A scene worth visiting by the curious, though it is by no means + of picturesque character. + </p> + <p> + Uncomfortably bare, like most German plains; mean little hamlets, which + are full of litter when you enter them, lie sprinkled about; little + church-spires (like suffragans to Chotusitz spire, which is near you); a + ragged untrimmed country: beyond the Brook, towards the Dobrowa, two or + more miles from Chotusitz, is still noticeable: something like a + Deer-park, with umbrageous features, bushy clumps, and shadowy vestiges of + a Mansion, the one regular edifice within your horizon. Schuschitz is the + name of this Mansion and Deer-park; farther on lies Sbislau, where Leopold + happily found his Bridge unbroken yesterday. + </p> + <p> + The general landscape is scrubby, littery; ill-tilled, scratched rather + than ploughed; physiognomic of Czech Populations, who are seldom trim at + elbows: any beauty it has is on the farther side of the Dobrowa, which + does not concern Prince Leopold, Prince Karl, or us at present. Prince + Leopold's camp lies east and west, short way to north of Chotusitz. + Schuschitz Hamlet (a good mile northward of Sbislau) covers his left, the + chain of Lakelets covers his right: and Chotusitz, one of his outposts, + lies centrally in front. Prince Karl is coming on, in four columns, from + the Hills and intricacies south of Czaslau,—has been on march all + night, intending a night-attack or camisado if he could; but could not in + the least, owing to the intricate roadways, and the discrepancies of pace + between his four columns. The sun was up before anything of him appeared:—drawing + out, visibly yonder, by the east side of Czaslau; 30,000 strong, they say. + Friedrich's united force, were Friedrich himself on the ground, will be + about 28,000. + </p> + <p> + Friedrich's Orders, which Leopold is studying, were: "Hold by Chotusitz + for Centre; your left wing, see you lean it on something, towards Dobrowa + side,—on that intricate Brook (Brtlinka) or Park-wall of Schuschitz, + [SBISLAU, Friedrich hastily calls it (<i>OEuvres,</i> ii. 121-126); Stille + (p. 63) is more exact.] which I think is there; then your right wing + westwards, till you lean again on something: two lines, leave room for me + and my force, on the corner nearest here. I will start at four; be with + you between seven and eight,—and even bring a proportion of Austrian + bread (hot from these ovens of Kuttenberg) to refresh part of you." + Leopold of Anhalt, a much-comforted man, waits only for the earliest gray + of the morning, to be up and doing. From Chotusitz he spreads out + leftwards towards the Brtlinka Brook,—difficult ground that, unfit + for cavalry, with its bog-holes, islands, gullies and broken surface; + better have gone across the Brtlinka with mere infantry, and leant on the + wall of that Deer-park of Schuschitz with perhaps only 1,000 horse to + support, well rearward of the infantry and this difficult ground? So men + think,—after the action is over. [Stille, pp. 63, 67.] And indeed + there was certainly some misarrangement there (done by Leopold's + subordinates), which had its effects shortly. + </p> + <p> + Leopold was not there in person, arranging that left wing; Leopold is + looking after centre and right. He perceives, the right wing will be his + best chance; knows that, in general, cavalry must be on both wings. On a + little eminence in front of his right, he sees how the Enemy comes on; + Czaslau, lately on their left, is now getting to rear of them:—"And + you, stout old General Buddenbrock, spread yourself out to right a little, + hidden behind this rising ground; I think we may outflank their left wing + by a few squadrons, which will be an advantage." + </p> + <p> + Buddenbrock spreads himself out, as bidden: had Buddenbrock been + reinforced by most of the horse that could do no good on our LEFT wing, it + is thought the Battle had gone better. Buddenbrock in this way, secretly, + outflanks the Austrians; to HIS right all forward, he has that string of + marshy pools (Lakes of Czirkwitz so called, outflowings from the Brook of + Neuhof), and cannot be taken in flank by any means. Brook of Neuhof, which + his Majesty crossed yesterday, farther north;—and ought to have + recrossed by this time?—said Brook, hereabouts a mere fringe of + quagmires and marshy pools, is our extreme boundary on the west or right; + Brook of Brtlinka (unluckily NOT wall of the Deer-park) bounds us + eastward, or on our left, Prince Karl, drawn up by this time, is in two + lines, cavalry on right and left, but rather in bent order; bent towards + us at both ends (being dainty of his ground, I suppose); and comes on in + hollow-crescent form;—which is not reckoned orthodox by military + men. What all these Villages, human individuals and terrified deer, are + thinking, I never can conjecture! Thick-soled peasants, terrified + nursing-mothers: Better to run and hide, I should say; mount your garron + plough-horses, hide your butter-pots, meal-barrels; run at least ten miles + or so!— + </p> + <p> + It is now past seven, a hot May morning, the Austrians very near;—and + yonder, of a surety, is his Majesty coming. Majesty has marched since + four; and is here at his time, loaves and all. His men rank at once in the + corner left for them; one of his horse-generals, Lehwald, is sent to the + left, to put straight what my be awry there (cannot quite do it, he + either);—and the attack by Buddenhrock, who secretly outflanks here + on the right, this shall at once take effect. No sooner has his Majesty + got upon the little eminence or rising ground, and scanned the Austrian + lines for an instant or two, than his cannon-batteries awaken here; give + the Austrian horse a good blast, by way of morning salutation and overture + to the concert of the day. And Buddenbrock, deploying under cover of that, + charges, "first at a trot, then at a gallop," to see what can be done upon + them with the white weapon. Old Uuddenbrock, surely, did not himself RIDE + in the charge? He is an old man of seventy; has fought at Oudenarde, + Malplaquet, nay at Steenkirk, and been run through the body, under Dutch + William; is an old acquaintance of Charles XII.s even; and sat solemnly by + Friedrich Wilhelm's coffin, after so much attendance during life. The + special leader of the charge was Bredow; also a veteran gentleman, but + still only in the fifties; he, I conclude, made the charge; first at a + trot, then at a gallop,—with swords flashing hideous, and eyebrows + knit. + </p> + <p> + "The dust was prodigious," says Friedrich, weather being dry and ground + sandy; for a space of time you could see nothing but one huge whirlpool of + dust, with the gleam of steel flickering madly in it: however, + Buddenbrock, outflanking the Austrian first line of horse, did hurl them + from their place; by and by you see the dust-tempest running south, faster + and faster south,—that is to say, the Austrian horse in flight; for + Buddenbrock, outflanking them by three squadrons, has tumbled their first + line topsy-turvy, and they rush to rearward, he following away and away. [<i>OEuvres + de Frederic,</i> ii. 123.] Now were the time for a fresh force of Prussian + cavalry,—for example, those you have standing useless behind the + gullies and quagmires on your left wing (says Stille, after the event);—due + support to Buddenbrock, and all that Austrian cavalry were gone, and their + infantry left bare. + </p> + <p> + But now again, see, do not the dust-clouds pause? They pause, mounting + higher and higher; they dance wildly, then roll back towards us; too + evidently back. Buddenbrock has come upon the secoud line of Austrian + horse; in too loose order Buddenbrock, by this time, and they have broken + him:—and it is a mutual defeat of horse on this wing, the Prussian + rather the worse of the two. And might have been serious,—had not + Rothenburg plunged furiously in, at this crisis, quite through to the + Austrian infantry, and restored matters, or more. Making a confused result + of it in this quarter. Austrian horse-regiments there now were that fled + quite away; as did even one or two foot-regiments, while the Prussian + infantry dashed forward on them, escorted by Rothenburg in this manner,—who + got badly wounded in the business; and was long an object of solicitude to + Friedrich. And contrariwise certain Prussian horse also, it was too + visible, did not compose themselves till fairly arear of our foot. This is + Shock First in the Battle; there are Three Shocks in all. + </p> + <p> + Partial charging, fencing and flourishing went on; but nothing very + effectual was done by the horse in this quarter farther. Nor did the fire + or effort of the Prussian Infantry in this their right wing continue; + Austrian fury and chief effort having, by this time, broken out in an + opposite quarter. So that the strain of the Fight lies now in the other + wing over about Chotusitz and the Brtlinka Brook; and thither I perceive + his Majesty has galloped, being "always in the thickest of the danger" + this day. Shock Second is now on. The Austrians have attacked at + Chotusitz; and are threatening to do wonders there. + </p> + <p> + Prince Leopold's Left Wing, as we said, was entirely defective in the eye + of tacticians (after the event). Far from leaning on the wall of the + Deer-park, he did not even reach the Brook,—or had to weaken his + force in Chotusitz Village for that object. So that when the Austrian foot + comes storming upon Chotusitz, there is but "half a regiment" to defend + it. And as for cavalry, what is to become of cavalry, slowly threading, + under cannon-shot and musketry, these intricate quagmires and gullies, and + dangerously breaking into files and strings, before ever it can find + ground to charge? Accordingly, the Austrian foot took Chotusitz, after + obstinate resistance; and old Konigseck, very ill of gout, got seated in + one of the huts there; and the Prussian cavalry, embarrassed to get + through the gullies, could not charge except piecemeal, and then though in + some cases with desperate valor, yet in all without effectual result. + Konigseck sits in Chotusitz;—and yet withal the Russians are not out + of it, will not be driven out of it, but cling obstinately; whereupon the + Austrians set fire to the place; its dry thatch goes up in flame, and poor + old Konigseck, quite lame of gout, narrowly escaped burning, they say. + </p> + <p> + And, see, the Austrian horse have got across the Brtlinka, are spread + almost to the Deer-park, and strive hard to take us in flank,—did + not the Brook, the bad ground and the platoon-firing (fearfully swift, + from discipline and the iron ramrods) hold them back in some measure. They + make a violent attempt or two; but the problem is very rugged. Nor can the + Austrian infantry, behind or to the west of burning Chotusitz, make an + impression, though they try it, with levelled bayonets and deadly energy, + again and again: the Prussian ranks are as if built of rock, and their + fire is so sure and swift. Here is one Austrian regiment, came rushing on + like lions; would not let go, death or no-death:—and here it lies, + shot down in ranks; whole swaths of dead men, and their muskets by them,—as + if they had got the word to take that posture, and had done it hurriedly! + A small transitory gleam of proud rage is visible, deep down, in the soul + of Friedrich as he records this fact. Shock Second was very violent. + </p> + <p> + The Austrian horse, after such experimenting in the Brtlinka quarter, + gallop off to try to charge the Prussians in the rear;—"pleasanter + by far," judge many of them, "to plunder the Prussian Camp," which they + descry in those regions; whither accordingly they rush. Too many of them; + and the Hussars as one man. To the sorrowful indignation of Prince Karl, + whose right arm (or wing) is fallen paralytic in this manner. After the + Fight, they repented in dust and ashes; and went to say so, as if with the + rope about their neck; upon which he pardoned them. + </p> + <p> + Nor is Prince Karl's left wing gaining garlands just at this moment. Shock + Third is awakening;—and will be decisive on Prince Karl. Chotusitz, + set on fire an hour since (about 9 A.M.), still burns; cutting him in two, + as it were, or disjoining his left wing from his right: and it is on his + right wing that Prince Karl is depending for victory, at present; his left + wing, ruffled by those first Prussian charges of horse, with occasional + Prussian swift musketry ever since, being left to its own inferior luck, + which is beginning to produce impression on it. And, lo, on the sudden + (what brought finis to the business), Friedrich, seizing the moment, + commands a united charge on this left wing: Friedrich's right wing dashes + forward on it, double-quick, takes it furiously, on front and flank; + fifteen field-pieces preceding, and intolerable musketry behind them. So + that the Austrian left wing cannot stand it at all. + </p> + <p> + The Austrian left wing, stormed in upon in this manner, swags and sways, + threatening to tumble pell-mell upon the right wing; which latter has its + own hands full. No Chotusitz or point of defence to hold by, Prince Karl + is eminently ill off, and will be hurled wholly into the Brtlinka, and the + islands and gullies, unless he mind! Prince Karl,—what a moment for + him!—noticing this undeniable phenomenon, rapidly gives the word for + retreat, to avoid worse. It is near upon Noon; four hours of battle; very + fierce on both the wings, together or alternately; in the centre (westward + of Chotusitz) mostly insignificant: "more than half the Prussians" + standing with arms shouldered. Prince Karl rolls rapidly away, through + Czaslau towards southwest again; loses guns in Czaslau; goes, not quite + broken, but at double-quick time for five miles; cavalry, Prussian and + Austrian, bickering in the rear of him; and vanishes over the horizon + towards Willimow and Haber that night, the way he had come. + </p> + <p> + This is the battle of Chotusitz, called also of Czaslau: Thursday, 17th + May, 1742. Vehemently fought on both sides;—calculated, one may + hope, to end this Silesian matter? The results, in killed and wounded, + were not very far from equal. Nay, in killed the Prussians suffered + considerably the worse; the exact Austrian cipher of killed being 1,052, + while that of the Prussians was 1,905,—owing chiefly to those fierce + ineffectual horse-charges and bickerings, on the right wing and left; + "above 1,200 Prussian cavalry were destroyed in these." But, in fine, the + general loss, including wounded and missing, amounted on the Austrian side + (prisoners being many, and deserters very many) to near seven thousand, + and on the Prussian to between four and five. [Orlich, i. 255; <i>Feldzuge + der Preussen,</i> p. 113; Stille, pp. 62-71; Friedrich himself, <i>OEuvres,</i> + ii. 121-126; and (ib. pp. 145-150) the Newspaper "RELATION," written also + by him.] Two Generals Friedrich had lost, who are not specially of our + acquaintance; and several younger friends whom he loved. Rothenburg, who + was in that first charge of horse with Buddenbrock, or in rescue of + Buddenbrock, and did exploits, got badly hurt, as we saw,—badly, not + fatally, as Friedrich's first terror was,—and wore his arm in a + sling for a long while afterwards. + </p> + <p> + Buddenbrock's charge, I since hear, was ruined by the DUST; [<i>OEuvres de + Frederic,</i> ii. 121.] the King's vanguard, under Rothenburg, a + "new-raised regiment of Hussars in green," coming to the rescue, were + mistaken for Austrians, and the cry rose, "Enemy to rear!" which brought + Rothenburg his disaster. Friedrich much loved and valued the man; employed + him afterwards as Ambassador to France and in places of trust. Friedrich's + Ambassadors are oftenest soldiers as well: bred soldiers, he finds, if + they chance to have natural intelligence, are fittest for all kinds of + work.—Some eighteen Austrian cannon were got; no standards, because, + said the Prussians, they took the precaution of bringing none to the + field, but had beforehand rolled them all up, out of harm's way.—Let + us close with this Fraction of topography old aud new:— + </p> + <p> + "King Friedrich purchased Nine Acres of Ground, near Chotusitz, to bury + the slain; rented it from the proprietor for twenty-five years. [<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> + ii. 634.] I asked, Where are those nine acres; what crop is now upon them? + but could learn nothing. A dim people, those poor Czech natives; stupid, + dirty-skinned, ill-given; not one in twenty of them speaking any German;—and + our dragoman a fortuitous Jew Pedler; with the mournfulest of human faces, + though a head worth twenty of those Czech ones, poor oppressed soul! The + Battle-plain bears rye, barley, miscellaneous pulse, potatoes, mostly + insignificant crops;—the nine hero-acres in question, perhaps still + of slightly richer quality, lie indiscriminate among the others; their + very fence, if they ever had one, now torn away. + </p> + <p> + "The Country, as you descend by dusty intricate lanes from Kuttenberg, + with your left hand to the Elbe, and at length with your back to it, would + be rather pretty, were it well cultivated, the scraggy litter swept off, + and replaced by verdure and reasonable umbrage here and there. The Field + of Chotusitz, where you emerge on it, is a wide wavy plain; the steeple of + Chotusitz, and, three or four miles farther, that of Czaslau (pronounce + 'KOTusitz,' 'CHASlau'), are the conspicuous objects in it. The Lakes + Friedrich speaks of, which covered his right, and should cover ours, are + not now there,—'all, or mostly all, drained away, eighty years ago,' + answered the Czechs; answered one wiser Czech, when pressed upon, and + guessed upon; thereby solving the enigma which was distressful to us. + Between those Lakes and the Brtlinka Brook may be some two miles; + Chotusitz is on the crown of the space, if it have a crown. But there is + no 'height' on it, worth calling a height except by the military man; no + tree or bush; no fence among the scrubby ryes and pulses: no obstacle but + that Brook, which, or the hollow of which, you see sauntering steadily + northward or Elbe-ward, a good distance on your left, as you drive for + Chotusitz and steeple. Schuschitz, a peaked brown edifice, is visible + everywhere, well ahead and leftwards, well beyond said hollow; something + of wood and 'deer-park' still noticeable or imaginable yonder. + </p> + <p> + "Chotusitz itself is a poor littery place; standing white-washed, but much + unswept: in two straggling rows, now wide enough apart (no Konigseck need + now get burnt there): utterly silent under the hot sun; not a child looked + out on us, and I think the very dogs lay wisely asleep. Church and steeple + are at the farther or south end of the Village, and have an older date + than 1742. High up on the steeple, mending the clock-hands or I know not + what, hung in mid-air one Czech; the only living thing we saw. Population + may be three or four hundred,—all busy with their teams or + otherwise, we will hope. Czaslau, which you approach by something of + avenues, of human roads (dust and litter still abounding), is a much + grander place; say of 2,000 or more: shiny, white, but also somnolent; + vast market-place, or central square, sloping against you: two shiny + Hotels on it, with Austrian uniforms loitering about;—and otherwise + great emptiness and silence. The shiny Hotels (shine due to paint mainly) + offer little of humanly edible; and, in the interior, smells strike you as—as + the OLDEST you have ever met before. A people not given to washing, to + ventilating! Many gospels have been preached in those parts, aud abstruse + Orthodoxies, sometimes with fire and sword, and no end of emphasis; but + that of Soap-and-Water (which surely is as Catholic as any, and the + plainest of all) has not yet got introduced there!" [Tourist's Note (13th + September, 1858).] + </p> + <p> + Czaslau hangs upon the English mind (were not the ignorance so total) by + another tie: it is the resting-place of Zisca, whose drum, or the fable of + whose drum, we saw in the citadel of Glatz. Zisca was buried IN his skin, + at Czaslau finally: in the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul there; with + due epitaph; and his big mace or battle-club, mostly iron, hung honorable + on the wall close by. Kaiser Ferdinand, Karl V.'s brother, on a Progress + to Prag, came to lodge at Czaslau, one afternoon: "What is that?" said the + Kaiser, strolling over this Peter-and-Paul's Church, and noticing the + mace. "Ugh! Faugh!" growled he angrily, on hearing what; and would not + lodge in the Town, but harnessed again, and drove farther that same night. + The club is now gone; but Zisca's dust lies there irremovable till + Doomsday, in the land where his limbs were made. A great behemoth of a + war-captain; one of the fiercest, inflexiblest, ruggedest creatures ever + made in the form of man. Devoured Priests, with appetite, wherever + discoverable: Dishonorers of his Sister; murderers of the God's-witness + John Huss; them may all the Devils help! Beat Kaiser Sigismund + SUPRA-GRAMMATICAM again and ever again, scattering the Kitter hosts in an + extraordinary manner;—a Zisca conquerable only by Death, and the + Pest-Fever passing that way. + </p> + <p> + His birthplace, Troznow, is a village in the Budweis neighborhood, 100 + miles to south. There, for three centuries after him, stood "Zisca's Oak" + (under shade of which, his mother, taken suddenly on the harvest-field, + had borne Zisca): a weird object, gate of Heaven and of Orcus to the + superstitious populations about. At midnight on the Hallow-Eve, dark + smiths would repair thither, to cut a twig of the Zisca Oak: twig of it + put, at the right moment, under your stithy, insures good luck, lends pith + to arm and heart, which is already good luck. So that a Bishop of those + parts, being of some culture, had to cut it down, above a hundred years + ago,—and build some Chapel in its stead; no Oak there now, but an + orthodox Inscription, not dated that I could see. [Hormayr, <i>OEsterreichischer + Plutarch,</i> iii. (3tes), 110-145.] + </p> + <p> + Friedrich did not much pursue the Austrians after this Victory; having + cleared the Czaslau region of them, he continued there (at Kuttenberg + mainly); and directed all his industry to getting Peace made. His + experiences of Broglio, and of what help was likely to be had from + Broglio,—whom his Court, as Friedrich chanced to know, had ordered + "to keep well clear of the King of Prussia,"—had not been + flattering. Beaten in this Battle, Broglio's charity would have been a + weak reed to lean upon: he is happy to inform Broglio, that though kept + well clear of, he is not beaten. + </p> + <p> + [MAP GOES HERE—-Book xiii, page 164——missing] + </p> + <p> + Blustering Broglio might have guessed that HE now would have to look to + himself. But he did not; his eyes naturally dim and bad, being dazzled at + this time, by "an ever-glorious victory" (so Broglio thinks it) of his own + achieving. Broglio, some couple of days after Czaslau, had marched hastily + out of Prag for Budweis quarter, where Lobkowitz and the Austrians were + unexpectedly bestirring themselves, and threatening to capture that + "Castle of Frauenberg" (mythic old Hill-castle among woods), Broglio's + chief post in those regions. Broglio, May 24th, has fought a handsome + skirmish (thanks partly to Belleisle, who chanced to arrive from Frankfurt + just in the nick of time, and joined Broglio): Skirmish of Sahay; + magnified in all the French gazettes into a Victory of Sahay, victory + little short of Pharsalia, says Friedrich;—the complete account of + which, forgotten now by all creatures, is to be read in him they call + Mauvillon; [<i>Guerre de Boheme,</i> ii. 204.] and makes a pretty enough + piece of fence, on the small scale. Lobkowitz had to give up the + Frauenberg enterprise; and cross to Budweis again, till new force should + come. + </p> + <p> + "Why not drive him out of Budweis," think the Two French Marshals, "him + and whatever force can come? If those lucky Prussians would co-operate, + and those unlucky Saxons, how easy were it!"—Belleisle sets off to + persuade Friedrich, to persuade Saxony (and we shall see him on the + route); Broglio waiting sublime, on the hither side of the Moldau, well + within wind of Budweis, till Belleisle prevail, and return with said + co-operation, What became of Broglio, waiting in this sublime manner, we + shall also have to see; but perhaps not for a great while yet (cannot + pause on such absurd phenomena yet),—though Broglio's catastrophe is + itself a thing imminent; and, within some ten days of that astonishing + Victory of Sahay, astonishes poor Broglio the reverse way. A man born for + surprises! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XIV. — PEACE OF BRESLAU. + </h2> + <p> + In actual loss of men or of ground, the results of that Chotusitz Affair + were not of decisive nature. But it had been fought with obstinacy; with + great fury on the Austrian side (who, as it were, had a bet upon it ever + since February 25th), Britannic George, and all the world, looking on: + and, in dispiritment and discredit to the beaten party, its results were + considerable. The voice of all the world, declaring through its Gazetteer + Editors, "You cannot beat those Prussians!" voice confirmed by one's own + sad thoughts:—in such sounding of the rams horns round one's + Jericho, there is always a strange influence (what is called panic, as if + Pan or some god were in it), and one's Jericho is the apter to fall! + </p> + <p> + Among the Austrian Prisoners, there was a General Pallandt, mortally + wounded too; whom Friedrich, according to custom, treated with his best + humanity, though all help was hopeless to poor Pallandt. Calling one day + at Pallandt's sick-couch, Friedrich was so sympathetic, humane and noble, + that Pallandt was touched by it; and said, "What a pity your noble Majesty + and my noble Queen should ruin one another, for a set of French intruders, + who play false even to your Majesty!" "False?" Friedrich inquires farther: + Pallandt, a man familiar at Court, has seen a Letter from Fleury to the + Queen of Hungary, conclusive as to Fleury's good faith; will undertake, if + permitted, to get his Majesty a sight of it. Friedrich permits; the Fleury + letter comes; to the effect: "Make peace with us, O Queen; with your + Prussian neighbor you shall make—what suits you!" Friedrich read; + learned conclusively, what perhaps he had already as good as known + otherwise; and drew the inference. [<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> ii. 633; + Hormayr, <i>Anemonen,</i> ii. 186; Adelung, iii. A, 149 n.] Actual copy of + this letter the most ardent Gazetteer curiosity could not attain to, at + that epoch; but the Pallandt story seems to have been true;—and as + to the Fleury letter in such circumstances, copies of various Fleury + letters to the like purport are still public enough; and Fleury's private + intentions, already guessed at by Friedrich, are in our time a secret to + nobody that inquires about them. + </p> + <p> + Certain enough, Peace with Friedrich is now on the way; and cannot well + linger:—what prospect has Austria otherwise? Its very supplies from + England will be stopped. Hyndford redoubles his diligence; Britannic + Majesty reiterates at Vienna: "Did not I tell you, Madam; there is no hope + or possibility till these Prussians are off our hands!" To which her + Hungarian Majesty, as the bargain was, now sorrowfully assents; + sorrowfully, unwillingly,—and always lays the blame on his Britannic + Majesty afterwards, and brings it up again as a great favor she had done + HIM. "Did not I give up my invaluable Silesia, the jewel of my crown, for + you, cruel Britannic Majesty with the big purse, and no heart to speak + of?" This she urges always, on subsequent occasions; the high-souled Lady; + reproachful of the patient, big-pursed little Gentleman, who never answers + as he might, "For ME, Madam? Well—!" In short, Hyndford, Podewils + and the Vienna Excellencies are busy. + </p> + <p> + Of these negotiations which go on at Breslau, and of the acres of + despatchcs, English, Austrian, and other, let us not say one word. Enough + that the Treaty is getting made, and rapidly,—though military + offences do not quite cease; clouds of Austrian Pandours hovering about + everywhere in Prince Karl's rear; pouncing down upon Prussian outposts, + convoys, mostly to little purpose; hoping (what proves quite futile) they + may even burn a Prussian magazine here or there. Contemptible to the + Prussian soldier, though very troublesome to him. Friedrich regards the + Pandour sort, with their jingling savagery, as a kind of military vermin; + not conceivable a Prussian formed corps should yield to any odds of + Pandour Tolpatch tagraggery. Nor does the Prussian soldier yield; though + sometimes, like the mastiff galled by inroad of distracted weasels in too + great quantity, he may have his own difficulties. Witness Colonel Retzow + and the Magazine at Pardubitz ("daybreak, May 24th") VERSUS the infinitude + of sudden Tolpatchery, bursting from the woods; rabid enough for many + hours, but ineffectual, upon Pardubitz and Retzow. A distinguished Colonel + this; of whom we shall hear again. Whose style of Narrative (modest, + clear, grave, brief), much more, whose vigilant inexpugnable procedure on + the occasion, is much to be commended to the military man. [Given in + Seyfarth, <i>Beylage,</i> i. 548 et seqq.] Friedrich, the better to cover + his Magazines, and be out of such annoyances, fell back a little; + gradually to Kuttenberg again (Tolpatchery vanishing, of its own accord); + and lay encamped there, head-quarters in the Schloss of Maleschau near by,—till + the Breslau Negotiations completed themselves. + </p> + <p> + Prince Karl, fringed with Tolpatchery in this manner, but with much + desertion, much dispiritment, in his main body,—the HOOPS upon him + all loose, so to speak,—staggers zigzag back towards Budweis, and + the Lobkowitz Party there; intending nothing more upon the Prussians;—capable + now, think some NON-Prussians, of being well swept out of Budweis, and + over the horizon altogether. If only his Prussian Majesty will co-operate! + thinks Belleisle. "Your King of Prussia will not, M. le Marechal!" answers + Broglio:—No, indeed; he has tried that trade already, M. le + Marechal! think Broglio and we. The suspicions that Friedrich, so + quiescent after his Chotusitz, is making Peace, are rife everywhere; + especially in Broglio's head and old Fleury's; though Belleisle persists + with emphasis, officially and privately, in the opposite opinion, "Husht, + Messieurs!" Better go and see, however. + </p> + <p> + Belleisle does go; starts for Kuttenberg, for Dresden; his beautiful + Budweis project now ready, French reinforcements streaming towards us, + heart high again,—if only Friedrich and the Saxons will co-operate. + Belleisle, the Two Belleisles, with Valori and Company, arrived June 2d at + Kuttenberg, at the Schloss of Maleschau;—"spoke little of + Chotusitz," says Stille; "and were none of them at the pains to ride to + the ground." Marechal Belleisle, for the next three days, had otherwise + speech of Friedrich; especially, on June 5th, a remarkable Dialogue. + "Won't your Majesty co-operate?" "Alas, Monseigneur de Belleisle—" + How gladly would we give this last Dialogue of Friedrich's and + Belleisle's, one of the most ticklish conceivable: but there is not + anywhere the least record of it that can be called authentic;—and we + learn only that Friedrich, with considerable distinctness, gave him to + know, "clearly" (say all the Books, except Friedrich's own), that + co-operation was henceforth a thing of the preter-pluperfect tense. "All + that I ever wanted, more than I ever demanded, Austria now offers; can any + one blame me that I close such a business as ours has all along been, on + such terms as these now offered me are?" + </p> + <p> + It is said, and is likely enough, the Pallandt-Fleury Letter came up; as + probably the MORAVIAN FORAY, and various Broglio passages, would, in the + train of said Letter. To all which, and to the inexorable painful + corollary, Belleisle, in his high lean way, would listen with a stern + grandiose composure. But the rumors add, On coming out into the Anteroom, + dialogue and sentence now done, Monseigneur de Belleisle tore the peruke + from his head; and stamping on it, was heard to say volcanically, "That + cursed parson,—CE MAUDIT CALOTTE [old Fleury],—has ruined + everything!" Perhaps it is not true? If true,—the prompt valets + would quickly replace Monseigneur's wig; chasing his long strides; and + silence, in so dignified a man, would cloak whatever emotions there were. + [Adelung, iii. A, 154; &c. &c. <i>Guerre de Boheme,</i> (silent + about the wig) admits, as all Books do, the perfect clearness;—compare, + however, <i>OEuvres de Frederic;</i> and also Broglio's strange darkness, + twelve days later, and Belleisle now beside him again (<i>Campagnes des + Trois Marechaux,</i> v. 190, 191, of date 17th June);—darkness due + perhaps to the strange humor Broglio was then in?] He rolled off, he and + his, straightway to Dresden, there to invite co-operation in the Budweis + Project; there also in vain.—"CO-operation," M. le Marechal? Alas, + it has already come to operation, if you knew it! Aud your Broglio is—Better + hurry back to Prag, where you will find phenomena! + </p> + <p> + June 15th, Friedrich has a grand dinner of Generals at Maleschau; and + says, in proposing the first bumper, "Gentlemen, I announce to you, that, + as I never wished to oppress the Queen of Hungary, I have formed the + resolution of agreeing with that Princess, and accepting the Proposals she + has made me in satisfaction of my rights,"—telling them withal what + the chief terms were, and praising my Lord Hyndford for his great + services. Upon which was congratulation, cordial, universal; and, with + full rummers, "Health to the Queen of Hungary!" followed by others of the + like type, "Grand-Duke of Lorraine!" and "The brave Prince Karl!" + especially. + </p> + <p> + Brevity being incumbent on us, we shall say only that the + Hyndford-Podewils operations had been speeded, day and night; brought to + finis, in the form of Signed Preliminaries, as "Treaty of Breslau, 11th + June, 1742;" and had gone to Friedrich's satisfaction in every particular. + Thanks to the useful Hyndford,—to the willing mind of his Britannic + Majesty, once so indignant, but made willing, nay passionately eager, by + his love of Human Liberty and the pressure of events! To Hyndford, some + weeks hence, [2d August (<i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> ii. 729).]—I + conclude, on Friedrich's request,—there was Order of the Thistle + sent; and grandest investiture ever seen almost, done by Friedrich upon + Hyndford (Jordan, Keyserling, Schwerin, and the Sword of State busy in it; + Two Queens and all the Berlin firmament looking on); and, perhaps better + still, on Friedrich's part there was gift of a Silver Dinner-Service; gift + of the Royal Prussian Arms (which do enrich ever since the Shield of those + Scottish Carmichaels, as doubtless the Dinner-Service does their + Plate-chest); and abundant praise and honor to the useful Hyndford, heavy + of foot, but sure, who had reached the goal. + </p> + <p> + This welcome Treaty, signed at Breslau, June 11th, and confirmed by + "Treaty of Berlin, July 28th," in more explicit solemn manner, to the + self-same effect, can be read by him that runs (if compelled to read + Treaties); [In <i>Helden-Geschichte,</i> i. 1061-1064 (Treaty of Breslau), + ib. 1065-1070 (that of Berlin); to be found also in Wenck, Rousset, + Scholl, Adeluug, &c.] the terms, in compressed form, are:— + </p> + <p> + 1. "Silesia, Lower and Upper, to beyond the watershed and the Oppa-stream,—reserving + only the Principality of Teschen, with pertinents, which used to be + reckoned Silesian, and the ulterior Mountain-tops [Mountain-tops good for + what? thought Friedrich, a year or two afterwards!]—Silesia wholly, + within those limits, and furthermore the County Glatz and its + dependencies, are and remain the property of Friedrich and of his Heirs + male or female; given up, and made his, to all intents and purposes, + forevermore. With which Friedrich, to the like long date, engages to rest + satisfied, and claim nothing farther anywhere. + </p> + <p> + 2. "Silesian Dutch-English Debt [Loan of about Two Millions, better half + of it English, contracted by the late Kaiser, on Silesian security, in + that dreadful Polish-Election crisis, when the Sea-Powers would not help, + but left it to their Stockbrokers] is undertaken by Friedrich, who will + pay interest on the same till liquidated. + </p> + <p> + 3. "Religion to stand where it is. Prussian Majesty not to meddle in this + present or in other Wars of her Hungarian Majesty, except with his ardent + wishes that General Peace would ensue, and that all his friends, Hungarian + Majesty among others, were living in good agreement around him." + </p> + <p> + This is the Treaty of Breslau (June 11th, 1742), or, in second more solemn + edition, Treaty of Berlin (July 28th following); signed, ratified, + guaranteed by his Britannic Majesty for one, [Treaty of Westminster, + between Friedrich aud George, 29th (18th) November, 1842 (Scholl, ii. + 313).] and firmly planted on the Diplomatic adamant (at least on the + Diplomatic parchment) of this world. And now: Homewards, then; march!— + </p> + <p> + Huge huzzaing, herald-trumpeting, bob-majoring, bursts forth from all + Prussian Towns, especially from all Silesian ones, in those June days, as + the drums beat homewards; elaborate Illuminations, in the short nights; + with bonfires, with transparencies,—Transparency inscribed + "FREDERICO MAGNO (To Friedrich THE GREAT)," in one small instance, still + of premature nature. [<i>Helden-Geschichte</i> (ii. 702-729) is endless on + these Illuminations; the Jauer case, of FREDERICO MAGNO (Jauer in + Silesia), is of June 15th (ib. 712).] + </p> + <p> + Omitting very many things, about Silesian Fortresses, Army-Cantons, + Silesian settlements, military and civil, which would but weary the + reader, we add only this from Bielfeld: dusty Transit of a victorious + Majesty, now on the threshold of home. Precise date (which Bielfeld + prudently avoids guessing at) is July 11th, 1742; "M. de Pollnitz and I + are in the suite of the King:— + </p> + <p> + "We never stopped on the road, except some hours at Frankfurt-on-Oder, + where the Fair was just going on. On approaching the Town, we found the + highway lined on both sides with crowds of traders, and other strangers of + all nations; who had come out, attracted by curiosity to see the conqueror + of Silesia, and had ranged themselves in two rows there. His Majesty's + entry into Frankfurt, although a very triumphant one, was far from being + ostentatious. We passed like lightning before the eyes of the spectators, + and we were so covered with dust, that it was difficult to distinguish the + color of our coats and the features of our faces. We made some purchases + at Frankfurt; and arrived safely in the Capital [next day], where the King + was received amidst the acclamations of his People." [Bielfeld, ii. 51.] + </p> + <p> + Here is a successful young King; is not he? Has plunged into the Mahlstrom + for his jewelled gold Cup, and comes up with it, alive, unlamed. Will he, + like that DIVER of Schiller's, have to try the feat a second time? Perhaps + a second time, and even a third!— + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of Friedrich II. of Prussia, +Vol. XIII. (of XXI.), by Thomas Carlyle + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF FRIEDRICH II. *** + +***** This file should be named 2113-h.htm or 2113-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/1/1/2113/ + +Produced by D.R. 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