I have already given you my personal opinion; it now rests with me
to obey you, as a soldier, as a subject. This I will do joyfully,
without complaining."
"I also," said Prince Augustus William, earnestly. "Like my brother,
I will know how to subdue my own opinions and fears, and to follow
in silent obedience my king and my chieftain."
The king threw a glance of hatred upon the pale, disturbed
countenance of the prince.
"You will go where I command you," said he, sharply; and not giving
the prince time to answer, he turned abruptly to Marshal Schwerin.
"Well, marshal, do you wish for a furlough, during this war? You
heard me say I would refuse it to no one."
"I demand nothing of your majesty, but to take part in the first
battle against your enemies. I do not ask who they are. The hour for
consultation is past: it is now time to act. Let us to work, and
that right quickly."
"Yes, to battle, sire," cried Retzow, earnestly. "As soon as your
majesty has said that this war is irrevocable, your soldiers must
have no further doubts, and they will follow you joyfully, to
conquer or to die."
"And you, Winterfeldt," said the king, taking his favorite's hand
tenderly; "have you nothing to say? Or have the Prince of Prussia's
fears infected you, and made of you a coward?"
"Ah, no! sire," said Winterfeldt, pressing the king's hand to his
breast; "how could my courage fail, when it is Prussia's hero king
that leads to battle? How can I be otherwise than joyous and
confident of victory, when Frederick calls us to fight against his
wicked and arrogant enemies? No! I have no fears; God and the true
cause is on our side.
Pages:
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311