History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 12 — John Shaqi
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 12Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 12
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
"Adieu, my dear Voltaire; may Heaven preserve from misfortune the man I
should so like to sup with at night, after fighting in the morning!
The Swan of Padua [Algarotti, with his big hook-nose and dusky solemnly
greedy countenance] is going, I think, to Paris, to profit by my
absence; the Philosopher Geometer [big Maupertuis, in red wig and yellow
frizzles, vainest of human kind] is squaring curves; poor little Jordan
[with the kindly hazel eyes, and pen that pleasantly gossips to us]
is doing nothing, or probably something near it. Adieu once more, dear
Voltaire; do not forget the absent who love you. FREDERIC." [_OEuvres de
Frederic,_ xxii. 57.]
SCHWERIN AT LIEGNITZ; FRIEDRICH HUSHES UP THE GLOGAU PROBLEM, AND STARTS
WITH HIS BEST SPEED FOR BRESLAU.
Meanwhile, on the Western road, and along the foot of the snowy peaks
over yonder, Schwerin with the small Right column is going prosperously
forwards. Two columns always, as the reader recollects,--two parallel
military currents, flowing steadily on, shooting out estafettes, or
horse-parties, on the right and left; steadily submerging all Silesia as
they flow forward. Left column or current is in slight pause at Glogau
here; but will directly be abreast again. On Tuesday, 27th, Schwerin
is within wind of Liegnitz; on Wednesday morning, while the fires are
hardly lighted, or the smoke of Liegnitz risen among the Hills, Schwerin
has done his feat with the usual deftness: Prussian grenadiers came
softly on the sentry, softly as a dream; but with sudden levelling of
bayonets, sudden beckoning, "To your Guard-house!"--and there, turn the
key upon his poor company and him. Whereupon the whole Prussian column
marches in; tramp tramp, without music, through the streets: in the
Market-place they fold themselves into a ranked mass, and explode into
wind-harmony and rolling of drums. Liegnitz, mostly in nightcap, looks
cautiously out of window: it is a deed done, IHR HERREN; Liegnitz ours,
better late than never; and after so many years, the King has his own
again. Schwerin is sumptuously lodged in the Jesuits, Palace: Liegnitz,
essentially a Protestant Town, has many thoughts upon this event, but as
yet will be stingy of speaking them.
Thus is Liegnitz managed. A pleasant Town, amid pleasant hills on the
rocky Katzbach; of which swift stream, and other towns and passes on it,
we shall yet hear more. Population, silently industrious in weaving and
otherwise, is now above 14,000; was then perhaps about half that number.
Patiently inarticulate, by no means bright in speech or sentiment; a
much-enduring, steady-going, frugal, pious and very desirable people.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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