Commencement of the Sixth Campaign.--The Fortified Camp at Bunzelwitz.--Skillful Engineering.--Unintermitted Toil of the Soldiers.--Retreat of the Russians.--Loss of Schweidnitz.-- Peculiar Treatment of General Zastrow.--Close of the Sixth Campaign.--The King at Breslau.--Desponding Letter to D’Argens.-- Death of Elizabeth of Russia.--Accession of Peter III.--His Marriage with the Daughter of a Prussian General.--Takes the Baptismal Name of Catharine.--Assassination of Peter III.-- Curious Proclamation by the Empress.--Commencement of the Seventh Campaign.--Alliance of Russia with Prussia.--Withdrawal from the Alliance.--Termination of the War 522 CHAPTER XXXIV. THE PARTITION OF POLAND. The King patronizes literary and scientific Men.--Anecdotes.-- The Family Quarrel.--Birth of Frederick William III.--Rapid Recuperation of Prussia.--The King’s Tour of Observation.--Desolate Aspect of the Country.--Absolutism of Frederick.--Interview between Frederick and D’Alembert.--Unpopularity of Frederick.--Death of the King of Poland.--Plans for the Partition of Poland.--Intrigues of Catharine.--Interview between Frederick and the Emperor Joseph.-- Poland seized by Russia, Prussia, and Austria.--The Division of the Spoil.--Remorse of Maria Theresa.--Indifference of Frederick to public Opinion 536 CHAPTER XXXV. LIFE’S CLOSING SCENES. Character of the Crown Prince.--Stratagem of the Emperor Joseph II.--Death of the Empress Catharine of Russia.--Matrimonial Alliance of Russia and Prussia.--Death of the King of Bavaria.-- Attempt to Annex Bavaria to Austria.--Unexpected Energy of Frederick.--Court Intrigues.--Preparations for War.--Address to the Troops.--Declaration of War.--Terror in Vienna.--Irritability of Frederick.--Death of Voltaire.--Unjust Condemnation of the Judges.--Death of Maria Theresa.--Anecdote.--The King’s Fondness for Children.--His Fault-finding Spirit.--The King’s Appearance.-- The Last Review.--Statement of Mirabeau.--Anecdote related by Dr. Moore.--Frederick’s Fondness for Dogs.--Increasing Weakness.-- Unchanging Obduracy toward the Queen.--The Dying Scene 550 ILLUSTRATIONS. Frederick the Great. Æt. 73 _Frontispiece._ Page Frederick the Great 19 Baptism of Frederick 22 Frederick William 23 The little Drummer 29 The Arsenal 31 The Sausage Car 33 Making a Soldier of him 39 Captain of the Giant Guards 43