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
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.
"Moriamur pro Rege nostro Maria Theresia," IN THE POETIC, AND THEN ALSO
IN THE PROSE FORM.
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:--
"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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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