History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 13Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 13
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
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; _Helden-Geschichte,_ 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.
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."
Chapter IV. -- FRIEDRICH TAKES THE FIELD AGAIN, INTENT ON HAVING NEISSE.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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