will make the thing
unanimous!
Thomas Carlyle
74 FIRST SILESIAN WAR ENDS.
[book XIII.
4th Oct. 1741.
"Neuberg (sic) a cause de voire maladie. " -- " Goltz. " *--That
is to say:
"Distressed inexpressibly by your Lordship's biliary con-
"dition. 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.
This is the Mystery, which, on October 4th, had
arrived at that stage, indicated above: "Tush! Follow
me: Dinner is already falling cold, and there are eyes
upon us! " Five days after that Dinner -- But we
shall have to take the luggage with us, what minimum
of it is indispensable!
? Hyndford Papers, fol. 150-152.
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? CHAP. v. ] FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 75
Uth Sept. --9th Oct. 1741.
CHAPTER V.
KLEIN-SCHNELLENDORF: FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A
FASHION.
While these combined Mysteries and War-move-
ments go on, in Neisse and its Environs, the World-
Phenomena continue, -- in Upper Austria and else-
where. Of which take these select summits, or points
chiefly luminous in the dusk of the forgotten Past:
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 ar-
rangements), 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 liveli-
hood 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.
Karl Albert continued there some weeks, in a serenely
victorious posture; doing acts of authority; getting homaged
by the Stdnde; 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
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? 76 FIRST SILESIAN WAR ENDS. [book XIII.
14th Sept. --9th Oct. 1741.
Two Schmettaus, who is much employed on such business) to
urge him; wrote an express Paper of Considerations press-
ingly urgent; but he would not, and continued pausing.
Vienna, all in terror, is fortifying itself; citizens toiling
at the earthworks, resolute for making some defence; Con-
stituted Authorities, National Archives even, Court in a
body, and all manner of Noble and Official people, flying
elsewhither 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 Thersea's Aunt, Kaiser Joseph's Widow)
fled different ways -- I forget which. An agitated, paralysed
population. Except the diligent wheelbarrows on the ram-
parts, no vehicle is rolling in Vienna but furniture-wagons
loading for flight. General Khevenhiiller with 6,000, who
presides with fine scientific skill, and an iron calmness and
clearness, over these fortifyings, is the only force left. *
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.
Dresden, Seplemberldth (Excellency Hyndford just recover-
ing from his colic, in Breslau), Kur-Sachsen, after many
waverings, signs Treaty of Copartnery with France and Ba-
varia, seduced by "that Moravia," ana the ticklings of Belle-
isle actingj on a weak mind. ** 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-Prus-
sian 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
* Anonymous, Ilisloire de la Derniere Guerre de Bohdme (kFrancfort
1745-47), i. 190. A lively succinct little Book, vague not false; still read-
able, though not now, as then, with complete intelligence, to the unpre-
pared reader. Said to be by Mauvillon Pere, though it resembles nothing
else of his that is known to me.
** Adelung, ii. 469, 304, 503.
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? CHAP. v. ] FRIKDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 77
21st Sept. 1741.
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 Bohe-
mia, 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 conti-
nually.
"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-cere-
"mony. 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 Konigs-
"berg, 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.
"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, beau-
"tiful 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
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? 78 FIRST SILESIAN WAR ENDS. [BOOK XIII.
21st Sept. 1741.
"' our person, to our children, to our crown. Forsaken by all,
'"--ab omnibus derelicli' (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! '* 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
"three score 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. " --
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:
Fresburg, September 21st. Maria Theresa, since that fine
Coronation scene, June 25th, has had a mixed time of it with
her Hungarian Diet; soft passages alternating with hard:
a chivalrous people, most consciously chivalrous; but a con-
stitutional withal, very stiff upon their Charter (Pacta Con-
venta, or whatever the name is); who wrangle much upon
privileges, upon taxes, and are diflicult 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 shed-
ding tears, and voices of " Life and Fortune for your Majesty! "
* Maria Thercsiens Leben (which speaks hypothetically), iv. 44; Coxe,
ii. 270 (who is positive, "after examining the Documents").
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? CHAP. v. ] FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 79
21st Sept. 1741.
being heard in it. In which humour 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, Sep-
tember 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.
^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, "at8 a. m. ;" ready for the Diet, and whatHomagings
and mutual Oath, as new Co-regent, are necessary. Grand-
Duke Franz, Mamma by his side, with the suitable function-
aries; and to rearward Nurse and. Baby, not so conspicuous
till needed. Diet enters with the stroke of 8; solemnity pro-
ceeds. 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
fiven, steps forward; holds up Baby (a fine noticing fellow,
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! " reechoes 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.
And there, 0 reader, is the naked truth, neither more nor
less. It was some Vienna Pamphleteer of theatrical imagin-
ative 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. Prom whom Voltaire adopted
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? 80 FIRST SILESIAN WAR ENDS. [book XIII.
27th Sept. 1741.
it, with improvements, especially in the little Harangue; and
from Voltaire gratefully the rest of mankind. * 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 out-
looks, and so glad to have Baby back at least, and Papa with
him! It is certain the "Insurrection" was voted with enthu-
siasm; 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 imagina-
tion 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.
Hanover, September 21th. Britannic Majesty, reduced to
that frightful pinch, had at last given way. Treaty of Neu-
trality 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
* Voltaire, Steele de Louis XV, c. 6 (CEuvres, xxviii. 78); Coxe, House
of Austria, iii. 270; and innumerable others (who give this Myth); Maria
Theresiens Leben, p. 44n. (who cites the Vienna Pamphleteers, without:
much believing them); Mailath (a Hungarian), Geschiehte des CEsterreichi-
sehen Kaiser-Slaats (Hamburg, 1850), v. 11-13 (who explodes the fable).
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? CHAP. y. ] FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 81
14th Sept. --9th Oct. 1741.
will make the thing unanimous! A thoroughly checkmated
Majesty. Passing home to England, this time in a gloomy
condition of mind. shortly after these humiliations, he was
just issuing from Osnabriick 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 Pala-
vers, is waiting him at St. James's. Heavy-laden little Her-
cules that he is!
Karl Albert lay at Linz for a month longer (till
October 24th, six weeks in all); pausing in uncertain-
ties, 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.
Karl Albert has been sending out sovereign messages
from Linz: Letters to Vienna; -- one letter addressed,
"To the Archduchess 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 appear-
ance; Kur-Baiern rather a favourite in Upper Austria,
say some. Much fine processioning, melodious ha-
ranguing, there now is for Karl Albert, and a pleasant
dream of Sovereignty at Linz: but if he do not pounce
upon Vienna till Khevenhiiller get it fortified? Kheven-
Carlyh, Frederick the Great. VII. 6
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? 82 F1RST SILESIAN WAR ENDS. [book Xiii.
9th Oct. 1741.
huller is drawing home Italian Garrisons, gradually-
gathering something like an Army round him. In
Khevenhiiller'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?
Excellency Hyndford brings about a Meeting at Klein-
Schnellendorf (9th October 1741).
It was the second day after that Homaging at Linz,
when Hyndford (October 4th) with mysterious negotia-
tions, now nearly ripe, for disengaging Neipperg, way-
laid his Prussian Majesty; and was answered, as we-
saw, with "Tush, tush! Dinner is already cold! "
It must be owned, these Friedrich-Hyndford Nego-
tiations, following on an express French-Prussian Treaty
of June 5th, which have to proceed in such threefold
mystery now and afterwards, are of questionable dis-
tressing 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 in-
genuous reader. Smelfungus indignantly calls it an
immorality and a dishonour, "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
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? CHAP. V. ]" FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 83
8th Oct. 1741.
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:
"What negotiating we have had, and shall have," exclaims
"Smelfungus, my sad foreeoer, -- "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 ashpit, 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 no-
"table, 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.
"Magnanimous I can by no means call Friedrich to his
"allies and neighbours, nor even superstitiously veracious, in
"this business: but he thoroughly understands, he alone,
6*
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? 84 FIRST SILESIAN WAR ENDS. [book Xrtt.
9th Oct. 1741.
"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 melley, and go home safe with it if he can. "
Very well, my friend! Let us keep to windward of
the Diplomatic wizard's-cauldron; 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 busi-
ness in this foul element, and did not volunteer into it
like the others, though it now unexpectedly envelops
him like a world-whirl wind (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.
He is dextrously holding aloof from Hyndford at
present, clinging to French Valori as his chosen com-
panion: 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 in-
terview, 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 longheaded dogged kind of man, with a surly
edacious strength, not inexpert in negotiation, nor
easily turned aside from any purpose he may have.
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? CHAP. v. J FEIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 85
Sth Oct. 1741.
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 north-westward, 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 ser-
vants 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 Hynd-
ford has cast his eye: -- and Neipperg, now come to
a state of readiness, approves the suggestion of Hynd-
ford, 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 plaee 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 in-
dispensable condition, in the present thrice-delicate
Adventure, he will not sign anything; will give and
take word of honour, and fully bind himself, but ab-
solutely not put pen to paper at all. Neipperg being
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? 86 FIRST SILESIAN WAR ENDS. [book XIII.
9th Oct. 1741.
willing too, judicious Hyndford finds a medium. Let
the parties meet at Klein-Schnellendorf, and judicious
Hyndford be there with pen and paper. *
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, recon-
noitring, so to speak. "Dine you with Prince Leopold
(the Young Dessauer), my fine Valori; I fear I sha'n't
be home to dinner! " he had said when going off; hood-
winking 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 to, on mutual
word of honour, most brief but most clear on this oc-
casion, writes a State Paper, which became rather
famous afterwards. This is the Paper in condensed
state; though clear, it is very dull!
Klein-Schnellendorf, SthOctober 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:
"First, That General Neipperg, on the 16 th of the month"
(this day week), "shall have liberty to retire through the
* Orlich, 1. 146; Helilen-Geschichte, i. 1009.
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? CHAP. v. ] FRIEDMCH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 87
9th Oct. 1741.
"Mountains, towards Moravia; unmolested, or with nothing
"but sham-attacks in the rear of him. Second, That, in con-
"sequence, his Prussian Majesty, on making sham-siege of
"Neisse, shall have the place surrender 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. "*
To these Four Things they pledge their word of honour;
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 in-
sisting 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.
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 staid about two hours;
was extremely polite, and even frank and communi-
cative. "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 humour him in a delicate dextrous
"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 Aus-
"tria, on the given terms; and seems to have secretly
"a kind of pique at Saxony, and no favour for the
"French and their plans. " **
* Given in Uelden-Geschichle, i. 1009; in &c.
** Orlich, i. 149 (in condensed state).
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? 88 FIRST SILBSIAN WAR ENDS. [bOOk VIII.
9th Oct. 1741.
"Business being done" (this is Hyndford's report),
"the King, who had been politeness itself, took Neip-
"perg 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 in-
"tentions 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 Lobko-
"witz 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 counten-
ance, and greedily took them down. *
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 Neip-
perg a sweet morsel to chew. Secret mode of corre-
sponding 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
* Hyndford's Despatch, Breslau, 14th October 1741.
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? CHAr. V. ] FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 89
9th Oct. 1741.
'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!
Friedrieh takes Neisse by Sham Siege (Capture not Sham);
gets Homaged in Breslati; and returns to Berlin.
4th Oct. 1741.
"Neuberg (sic) a cause de voire maladie. " -- " Goltz. " *--That
is to say:
"Distressed inexpressibly by your Lordship's biliary con-
"dition. 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.
This is the Mystery, which, on October 4th, had
arrived at that stage, indicated above: "Tush! Follow
me: Dinner is already falling cold, and there are eyes
upon us! " Five days after that Dinner -- But we
shall have to take the luggage with us, what minimum
of it is indispensable!
? Hyndford Papers, fol. 150-152.
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? CHAP. v. ] FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 75
Uth Sept. --9th Oct. 1741.
CHAPTER V.
KLEIN-SCHNELLENDORF: FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A
FASHION.
While these combined Mysteries and War-move-
ments go on, in Neisse and its Environs, the World-
Phenomena continue, -- in Upper Austria and else-
where. Of which take these select summits, or points
chiefly luminous in the dusk of the forgotten Past:
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 ar-
rangements), 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 liveli-
hood 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.
Karl Albert continued there some weeks, in a serenely
victorious posture; doing acts of authority; getting homaged
by the Stdnde; 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
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? 76 FIRST SILESIAN WAR ENDS. [book XIII.
14th Sept. --9th Oct. 1741.
Two Schmettaus, who is much employed on such business) to
urge him; wrote an express Paper of Considerations press-
ingly urgent; but he would not, and continued pausing.
Vienna, all in terror, is fortifying itself; citizens toiling
at the earthworks, resolute for making some defence; Con-
stituted Authorities, National Archives even, Court in a
body, and all manner of Noble and Official people, flying
elsewhither 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 Thersea's Aunt, Kaiser Joseph's Widow)
fled different ways -- I forget which. An agitated, paralysed
population. Except the diligent wheelbarrows on the ram-
parts, no vehicle is rolling in Vienna but furniture-wagons
loading for flight. General Khevenhiiller with 6,000, who
presides with fine scientific skill, and an iron calmness and
clearness, over these fortifyings, is the only force left. *
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.
Dresden, Seplemberldth (Excellency Hyndford just recover-
ing from his colic, in Breslau), Kur-Sachsen, after many
waverings, signs Treaty of Copartnery with France and Ba-
varia, seduced by "that Moravia," ana the ticklings of Belle-
isle actingj on a weak mind. ** 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-Prus-
sian 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
* Anonymous, Ilisloire de la Derniere Guerre de Bohdme (kFrancfort
1745-47), i. 190. A lively succinct little Book, vague not false; still read-
able, though not now, as then, with complete intelligence, to the unpre-
pared reader. Said to be by Mauvillon Pere, though it resembles nothing
else of his that is known to me.
** Adelung, ii. 469, 304, 503.
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? CHAP. v. ] FRIKDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 77
21st Sept. 1741.
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 Bohe-
mia, 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 conti-
nually.
"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-cere-
"mony. 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 Konigs-
"berg, 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.
"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, beau-
"tiful 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
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? 78 FIRST SILESIAN WAR ENDS. [BOOK XIII.
21st Sept. 1741.
"' our person, to our children, to our crown. Forsaken by all,
'"--ab omnibus derelicli' (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! '* 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
"three score 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. " --
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:
Fresburg, September 21st. Maria Theresa, since that fine
Coronation scene, June 25th, has had a mixed time of it with
her Hungarian Diet; soft passages alternating with hard:
a chivalrous people, most consciously chivalrous; but a con-
stitutional withal, very stiff upon their Charter (Pacta Con-
venta, or whatever the name is); who wrangle much upon
privileges, upon taxes, and are diflicult 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 shed-
ding tears, and voices of " Life and Fortune for your Majesty! "
* Maria Thercsiens Leben (which speaks hypothetically), iv. 44; Coxe,
ii. 270 (who is positive, "after examining the Documents").
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? CHAP. v. ] FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 79
21st Sept. 1741.
being heard in it. In which humour 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, Sep-
tember 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.
^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, "at8 a. m. ;" ready for the Diet, and whatHomagings
and mutual Oath, as new Co-regent, are necessary. Grand-
Duke Franz, Mamma by his side, with the suitable function-
aries; and to rearward Nurse and. Baby, not so conspicuous
till needed. Diet enters with the stroke of 8; solemnity pro-
ceeds. 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
fiven, steps forward; holds up Baby (a fine noticing fellow,
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! " reechoes 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.
And there, 0 reader, is the naked truth, neither more nor
less. It was some Vienna Pamphleteer of theatrical imagin-
ative 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. Prom whom Voltaire adopted
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? 80 FIRST SILESIAN WAR ENDS. [book XIII.
27th Sept. 1741.
it, with improvements, especially in the little Harangue; and
from Voltaire gratefully the rest of mankind. * 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 out-
looks, and so glad to have Baby back at least, and Papa with
him! It is certain the "Insurrection" was voted with enthu-
siasm; 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 imagina-
tion 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.
Hanover, September 21th. Britannic Majesty, reduced to
that frightful pinch, had at last given way. Treaty of Neu-
trality 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
* Voltaire, Steele de Louis XV, c. 6 (CEuvres, xxviii. 78); Coxe, House
of Austria, iii. 270; and innumerable others (who give this Myth); Maria
Theresiens Leben, p. 44n. (who cites the Vienna Pamphleteers, without:
much believing them); Mailath (a Hungarian), Geschiehte des CEsterreichi-
sehen Kaiser-Slaats (Hamburg, 1850), v. 11-13 (who explodes the fable).
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? CHAP. y. ] FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 81
14th Sept. --9th Oct. 1741.
will make the thing unanimous! A thoroughly checkmated
Majesty. Passing home to England, this time in a gloomy
condition of mind. shortly after these humiliations, he was
just issuing from Osnabriick 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 Pala-
vers, is waiting him at St. James's. Heavy-laden little Her-
cules that he is!
Karl Albert lay at Linz for a month longer (till
October 24th, six weeks in all); pausing in uncertain-
ties, 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.
Karl Albert has been sending out sovereign messages
from Linz: Letters to Vienna; -- one letter addressed,
"To the Archduchess 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 appear-
ance; Kur-Baiern rather a favourite in Upper Austria,
say some. Much fine processioning, melodious ha-
ranguing, there now is for Karl Albert, and a pleasant
dream of Sovereignty at Linz: but if he do not pounce
upon Vienna till Khevenhiiller get it fortified? Kheven-
Carlyh, Frederick the Great. VII. 6
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? 82 F1RST SILESIAN WAR ENDS. [book Xiii.
9th Oct. 1741.
huller is drawing home Italian Garrisons, gradually-
gathering something like an Army round him. In
Khevenhiiller'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?
Excellency Hyndford brings about a Meeting at Klein-
Schnellendorf (9th October 1741).
It was the second day after that Homaging at Linz,
when Hyndford (October 4th) with mysterious negotia-
tions, now nearly ripe, for disengaging Neipperg, way-
laid his Prussian Majesty; and was answered, as we-
saw, with "Tush, tush! Dinner is already cold! "
It must be owned, these Friedrich-Hyndford Nego-
tiations, following on an express French-Prussian Treaty
of June 5th, which have to proceed in such threefold
mystery now and afterwards, are of questionable dis-
tressing 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 in-
genuous reader. Smelfungus indignantly calls it an
immorality and a dishonour, "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
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? CHAP. V. ]" FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 83
8th Oct. 1741.
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:
"What negotiating we have had, and shall have," exclaims
"Smelfungus, my sad foreeoer, -- "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 ashpit, 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 no-
"table, 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.
"Magnanimous I can by no means call Friedrich to his
"allies and neighbours, nor even superstitiously veracious, in
"this business: but he thoroughly understands, he alone,
6*
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? 84 FIRST SILESIAN WAR ENDS. [book Xrtt.
9th Oct. 1741.
"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 melley, and go home safe with it if he can. "
Very well, my friend! Let us keep to windward of
the Diplomatic wizard's-cauldron; 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 busi-
ness in this foul element, and did not volunteer into it
like the others, though it now unexpectedly envelops
him like a world-whirl wind (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.
He is dextrously holding aloof from Hyndford at
present, clinging to French Valori as his chosen com-
panion: 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 in-
terview, 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 longheaded dogged kind of man, with a surly
edacious strength, not inexpert in negotiation, nor
easily turned aside from any purpose he may have.
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? CHAP. v. J FEIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 85
Sth Oct. 1741.
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 north-westward, 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 ser-
vants 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 Hynd-
ford has cast his eye: -- and Neipperg, now come to
a state of readiness, approves the suggestion of Hynd-
ford, 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 plaee 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 in-
dispensable condition, in the present thrice-delicate
Adventure, he will not sign anything; will give and
take word of honour, and fully bind himself, but ab-
solutely not put pen to paper at all. Neipperg being
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? 86 FIRST SILESIAN WAR ENDS. [book XIII.
9th Oct. 1741.
willing too, judicious Hyndford finds a medium. Let
the parties meet at Klein-Schnellendorf, and judicious
Hyndford be there with pen and paper. *
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, recon-
noitring, so to speak. "Dine you with Prince Leopold
(the Young Dessauer), my fine Valori; I fear I sha'n't
be home to dinner! " he had said when going off; hood-
winking 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 to, on mutual
word of honour, most brief but most clear on this oc-
casion, writes a State Paper, which became rather
famous afterwards. This is the Paper in condensed
state; though clear, it is very dull!
Klein-Schnellendorf, SthOctober 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:
"First, That General Neipperg, on the 16 th of the month"
(this day week), "shall have liberty to retire through the
* Orlich, 1. 146; Helilen-Geschichte, i. 1009.
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? CHAP. v. ] FRIEDMCH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 87
9th Oct. 1741.
"Mountains, towards Moravia; unmolested, or with nothing
"but sham-attacks in the rear of him. Second, That, in con-
"sequence, his Prussian Majesty, on making sham-siege of
"Neisse, shall have the place surrender 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. "*
To these Four Things they pledge their word of honour;
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 in-
sisting 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.
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 staid about two hours;
was extremely polite, and even frank and communi-
cative. "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 humour him in a delicate dextrous
"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 Aus-
"tria, on the given terms; and seems to have secretly
"a kind of pique at Saxony, and no favour for the
"French and their plans. " **
* Given in Uelden-Geschichle, i. 1009; in &c.
** Orlich, i. 149 (in condensed state).
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? 88 FIRST SILBSIAN WAR ENDS. [bOOk VIII.
9th Oct. 1741.
"Business being done" (this is Hyndford's report),
"the King, who had been politeness itself, took Neip-
"perg 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 in-
"tentions 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 Lobko-
"witz 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 counten-
ance, and greedily took them down. *
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 Neip-
perg a sweet morsel to chew. Secret mode of corre-
sponding 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
* Hyndford's Despatch, Breslau, 14th October 1741.
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? CHAr. V. ] FRIEDRICH GETS NEISSE, IN A FASHION. 89
9th Oct. 1741.
'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!
Friedrieh takes Neisse by Sham Siege (Capture not Sham);
gets Homaged in Breslati; and returns to Berlin.
