History of Friedrich II of Prussia V 11 [65]
but it is well guessed he means to do so, and that France is at
his back in some sort. Kur-Baiern, probably Kur-Sachsen, and
plenty more, France being secretly at their back. What low
condition Austria stands in, all its ready resources run to the
lees, is known; and that France, getting lively at present with
its Belleisles and adventurous spirits not restrainable by Fleury,
is always on the watch to bring Austria lower; capable, in spite
of Pragmatic Sanction, to snatch the golden moment, and spring
hunter-like on a moribund Austria, were the hunting-dogs once out
and in cry. To Friedrich it seems unlikely the Pragmatic Sanction
will be a Law of Nature to mankind, in these circumstances.
His opinion is, "the old political system has expired with the
Kaiser." Here is Europe, burning in one corner of it by Jenkins's
Ear, and such a smoulder of combustible material awakening nearer
hand: will not Europe, probably, blaze into general War;
Pragmatic Sanction going to waste sheepskin, and universal
scramble ensuing? In which he who has 100,000 good soldiers, and
can handle them, may be an important figure in urging claims, and
keeping what he has got hold of!--
Friedrich's mind, as to the fact, is fixed: seize Silesia we will:
but as to the manner of doing it, Schwerin and Podewils modify
him. Their counsel is: "Do not step out in hostile attitude at the
very first, saying, 'These Duchies, Liegnitz, Brieg, Wohlau,
Jagerndorf, are mine, and I will fight for them;' say only,
'Having, as is well known, interests of various kinds in this
Silesia, I venture to take charge of it in the perilous times now
come, and will keep it safe for the real owner.' Silesia seized in
this fashion," continue they, "negotiate with the Queen of
Hungary; offer her help, large help in men and money, against her
other enemies; perhaps she will consent to do us right?"--
"She never will consent," is Friedrich's opinion. "But it is worth
trying?" urge the Ministers.--"Well," answers Friedrich, "be it in
that form; that is the soft-spoken cautious form: any form will
do, if the fact be there." That is understood to have been the
figure of the deliberation in this conclave at Reinsberg, during
the four days. [Stenzel (from what sources he does not clearly
say, no doubt from sources of some authenticity) gives this as
summary of it, iv. 61-65.] And now it remains only to fix the
Military details, to be ready in a minimum of time; and to keep
our preparations and intentions in impenetrable darkness from all
men, in the interim. Adieu, Messieurs.
And so, on the 1st of November, fifth morning since they came,
Schwerin and Podewils, a world of new business silently ahead of
them, return to Berlin, intent to begin the same. All the Kings
will have to take their resolution on this matter; wisely, or else
unwisely. King Friedrich's, let it prove the wisest or not, is
notably the rapidest,--complete, and fairly entering upon action,
on November 1st. At London the news of the Kaiser's death had
arrived the day before; Britannic Majesty and Ministry, thrown
much into the dumps by it, much into the vague, are nothing like
so prompt with their resolution on it. Somewhat sorrowfully in the
vague. In fact, they will go jumbling hither and thither for about
three years to come, before making up their minds to a resolution:
so intricate is the affair to the English Nation and them!
Intricate indeed; and even imaginary,--definable mainly as a
bottomless abyss of nightmare dreams to the English Nation and
them! Productive of strong somnambulisms, as my friend has it!--
MYSTERY IN BERLIN, FOR SEVEN WEEKS, WHILE THE PREPARATIONS GO
ON; VOLTAIRE VISITS FRIEDRICH TO DECIPHER IT, BUT CANNOT.
Podewils and Schwerin gone, King Friedrich, though still very busy
in working-hours, returns to his society and its gayeties and
brilliancies; apparently with increased appetite after these four
days of abstinence. Still busy in his working-hours, as a King
must be; couriers coming and going, hundreds of businesses
despatched