^ 
 
 i 
 
COUNT BRUHL 
 
THE LOTUS LIBRARY 
 
 Foolscap 8vo, top edge gilt, with bookmark. 
 Leather, |L00 net. 
 
 Zyte. Bv'Hector Malot. In Preparation, 
 
 The Dream. By Emile Zola. „ ,^ 
 
 Sidonie*s Revenge. By A. Daudet. 
 
 The Poison Dealer. By G. Ohnet. 
 
 Sevastopol. By Leo Tolstoy. 
 
 The Woman of Mystery. By Georges Ohnet. 
 
 The Disaster. By Paul and Victor Margueritte. 
 
 The Diamond Necklace. By F. Fu>3CK-BRENTANn. 
 
 Cagliostro & Co. By Franz Funck-Brentano. 
 
 Count Bruhl. By Joseph Kraszewski. 
 
 The Latin Quarter. By Henry Merger. 
 
 Salammbo. By GusrAVE Flaubert. 
 
 Thais. By Anaiole France. 
 
 The Nabob. By Alphonse Daudet. 
 
 Drink. By Zola. 
 
 Madame Boyary. By Gostave Flaubert. 
 
 The Black Tulip. By Alexandre Dumas. 
 
 Sapho. By Alphonse Daudet. 
 
 A Woman's Soul. By Guy de Maupassani. 
 
 La Faustin. By Edmond de Goncourt. 
 
 A Modern Man's Confession. By Alfred deMusset. 
 
 The Matapan Jewels. By Fortune du Boisgobev. 
 
 Vathek. By William Beckford. 
 
 Romance of a Harem. Translated from the French 
 
 by C. Forestier-Walker. 
 Woman and Puppet. By Pierre Louys. 
 The Blackmailers. By Emile Gaboriau. 
 The Mummy's Romance. By Theophile Gauher. 
 The Blue Duchess. By Paul Bourget. 
 A Woman's Heart. By Paul BouRGEr. 
 A Good-natured Fellow. By Paul de Koch. 
 Andre Cornells. By Paul Bourget. 
 The Rival Actresses. By Georges Ohnei. 
 Our Lady of Lies. By Paul Bourget. 
 Their Majesties the Kings. By Jules Lemaitre. 
 Mademoiselle de Maupin. By Theophile Gautier. 
 In Deep Abyss. By Georges Ohnet. 
 The Popinjay. By Alphonse Daudet. 
 The Temptation of Saint Anthony. By G. Fi aubert. 
 Captain Fracasse. By Theophile Gautier. 
 He and She. By Paul de Musset. 
 A Passion of the South. By Alphonse Daudet. 
 The Kreutzer Sonata. By Leo Tolstoy. 
 The Outlaw of Iceland. By Victor Hugo. 
 
i • 
 • • > 3 
 
 • • • 
 
They pushed on at a smart trot.' 
 
 COUNT BRUBL. 
 
 Frontispiece f 
 seep. 268. 
 
m.^j% 
 

 
"7 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 CHAPTER I 7 
 
 CHAPTER II ....'.. 23 
 
 CHAPTER III . . . . . . 50 
 
 CHAPTER IV . . . . . . 72 
 
 CHAPTER V 78 
 
 CHAPTER VI ...... 89 
 
 CHAPTER VII 99 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 119 
 
 CHAPTER IX 135 
 
 CHAPTER X .150 
 
 CHAPTER XI 170 
 
 CHAPTER XII .187 
 
 CHAPTER XIII 203 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 211 
 
 CHAPTER XV 223 
 
 CHAPTER XVI . • . . . . .234 
 
 M40733 
 
6 Contents 
 
 PAGE 
 
 CHAPTER XVII . . . . . .250 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 261 
 
 CHAPTER XIX 284 
 
 CHAPTER XX . . . . •. . 293 
 
 CHAPTER XXI 303 
 
 CHAPTER XXII . . . . . .315 
 
COUNT BRUHL 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 One beautiful autumn day, towards sunset, the 
 last flourishes of a trumpet calling the huntsmen 
 together, resounded through a forest of -beech trees. 
 The group of court huntsmen passed along the 
 wide highway that divided this ancient wilderness, 
 accompanied by men armed with boar-spears and 
 carrying nets ; the horsemen wore green dresses with 
 gold braid, and hats ornamented with black feathers : 
 in the centre of the party were waggons laden with 
 venison and adorned with green boughs. The hunt 
 must have been successful, for the huntsmen were in 
 high spirits, and from the waggons protruded the 
 horns of deer, and the heads of boars with bloody tusks. 
 
 The retinue of the lord came first ; there were 
 beautiful horses, and several lady riders with lovely 
 faces. All were dressed as for a festival, for hunting 
 was a favourite amusement with Augustus II, who 
 at that time ruled more or less happily over Saxony 
 and Poland. 
 
 The King himself led the hunt, and at his side 
 rode his eldest son, the prince then dearest to 
 Saxony, and the one towards whom the eyes of the 
 nation were directed with expectation. The King 
 looked well, despite his advanced age, and rode his 
 horse like a knight ; whilst his son, who also looked 
 
8 Count Briihl 
 
 well but whose face wore a sweeter expression, looked 
 rather like his younger brother. A numerous and 
 brilliant court surrounded the two lords. They 
 were to pass the night at Hubertsburg, where the 
 Prince would offer hospitality to his father, for 
 the hunting castle belonged to him. The Princess 
 Josepha, daughter-in-law to the King, and daughter 
 of the Imperial house of Hapsburg, recently married 
 to Frederick, awaited them at Hubertsburg. The 
 King's court was so numerous that it was impossible 
 to lodge it in the castle, and for this reason tents 
 had been pitched in the grove for the greater part of 
 the retinue. The tables were already laid for supper, 
 and the moment the King entered the castle, the hunts- 
 men dispersed to find the lodgings assigned to them. 
 Dusk began to fall ; the tents were full of bustle 
 and animation, the young men's laughter, hitherto 
 restrained by the presence of the King, now re- 
 sounded more freely. They were thirsty, and 
 drinking commenced although the signal for 
 supper had not been given. Soon they began dis- 
 puting as to which was the prettiest lady, who 
 was the best marksman, and to whom the King 
 had shown most favour. The Prince was the hero 
 of the day ; a boar was rushing on him, and he had 
 shot it in the forehead. Everyone admired his 
 presence of mind as with steady arm he aimed 
 and fired. When the huntsmen rushed forward to 
 dispatch the wild beast with their hunting knives, 
 it already lay on the ground bathed in its own 
 blood. On this, King Augustus had kissed his son 
 on the forehead approvingly, and the Prince had 
 pressed his father's hand to his lips, but he remained 
 as calm and composed after the victory as he had 
 
Count Briihl 9 
 
 been before. The only sign of good humour he 
 had shown was, that he ordered a pipe to be brought 
 him, and blew forth a larger cloud than usuaL In 
 those times men had begun to use that now universal 
 plant — tobacco. Augustus the Strong smoked a 
 great deal, his son. Prince Frederick, was a 
 passionate smoker. During a feast the men could 
 not forego their pipes. At the court of the Prussian 
 King, pipes were served out to everyone, and the 
 man who felt sick from smoking was the laughing- 
 stock of the others. It was the height of fashion 
 to suck at a pipe from morning till night. The 
 women despised the habit, but their aversion did 
 not prevent the men from indulging to excess in 
 the fragrant weed. Only the youngsters were 
 forbidden to smoke, the habit being coupled with 
 such vices as gambling and drinking. Therefore 
 there were no pipes under the tents. 
 
 The weary horsemen dismounted, and seated 
 themselves wherever they could, some on the ground, 
 some on benches, and others on rugs. Arrangements 
 had been made for another hunt on the following 
 day, in another part of the forest, and orders had 
 been given for everyone to be in readiness. 
 
 Not very far from the groups of elderly gentlemen, 
 a very handsome youth walked to and fro from the 
 road leading to the castle. He might have been recog- 
 nised by his dress as a page in the service of the King. 
 His noble carriage, and slightly effeminate figure, 
 attracted the attention even of the most indifferent. 
 His dress was elegant, his wig carefully arranged ; his 
 pink and white face beneath was almost as beautiful 
 as that of a girl about to smile ; he had intelligent 
 eyes that could be merry or sad, brilliant or dull; 
 
10 Count Briihl 
 
 they could even express that which [was not in the 
 soul. 
 
 This beautiful youth attracted like an enigma. 
 Almost everyone, the King not excepted, loved him, 
 yet, while both polite and useful, there was not a 
 more retiring person in the court. He never boasted, 
 never attempted to show his superiority, but if asked 
 to do anything he did it easily, quickly, and with 
 exceeding intelligence. 
 
 He was a petty noble from Thuringia, the youngest 
 of four brothers, the Briihls von Gangloffs-Sammem. 
 Having sold his small mortgaged estate, his father 
 became a councillor at the little court of Weissenf elds ; 
 and as he did not know what to do with his son he 
 placed him in the service of the Princess Frederick 
 Elizabeth, who generally resided at Leipzig. The 
 Princess at that time came constantly to Weissenfelds 
 for market days ; Augustus the Strong was also very 
 fond of these markets, and it is said that on one 
 occasion the young page attracted the attention of the 
 King by his beautiful face. The Princess willingly 
 gave him to the monarch. 
 
 It was wonderful that a boy who had never seen so 
 magnificent a court, so much etiquette, should under- 
 stand his duties so well from the first day, that he 
 surpassed the older pages in his zeal and ability. 
 The King smiled kindly on him ; he was pleased 
 with the humility of the boy, who looked into his 
 eyes, guessed his thoughts and worshipped the 
 majesty of the Roi-8oleil. 
 
 Those* who served with him, envied him, but were 
 soon captivated by his sweetness, modesty, and readi- 
 ness to serve them too. They had no fears ; such a 
 modest boy could never rise very high. He was poor, 
 
Count Briihl ii 
 
 and the Bruhl family, although, of ancient lineage, 
 had so fallen, that its rich relations had forgotten it. 
 The youth therefore had neither influence nor wealth 
 to advance him, merely a sweet and smiling face. 
 
 And indeed, he was very beautiful. The women, 
 especially the older ones, looked at him coquettishly, 
 and he lowered his eyes bashfully. Malicious 
 words, the wit of pages, characteristics these of the 
 young men of the court, never escaped his lips. 
 Briihl admired the lords, the dignitaries, the ladies, 
 his equals, and even the King's lackeys, to whom he 
 was invariably courteous, as though already aware of 
 the great secret that the greatest things are often 
 accomplished through the meanest persons, that 
 lackeys have quietly overthrown ministers, whilst the 
 ministers could do nothing against them. All this 
 the lucky youth guessed through the instinct with 
 which Mother Nature had endowed him. 
 
 At that moment, as Henry Briihl walked alone up 
 and down the path leading from the castle to the tent, 
 those who knew him might have said that he indulged 
 in this solitary stroll to avoid being in the way of 
 others, while, being seen of everyone, he would be 
 in readiness for any service. Such persons are 
 favoured by good fortune. As he thus walked 
 aimlessly to and fro there came from the castle a 
 young good-looking boy, about the same age, but 
 different in dress and mien to modest Briihl. 
 
 It was evident that the new-comer was well satisfied 
 with himself. He was tall and strong, his black eyes 
 looked forth sharply. He walked swiftly with lordly 
 gait, having one hand placed in his richly embroidered 
 vest and the other hidden in the shirt of his green 
 braided hunting dress. His features also were quiet 
 
12 Count Bruhl 
 
 different to those of Briihl ; the latter looked more 
 like a courtier, the former like a soldier. 
 
 Everyone he met on his way bowed to him, and 
 greeted him kindly, for from early youth he had 
 been the Prince's companion. His name was Count 
 Alexandre Sulkowski, he had been brought to the 
 court of Frederick as a page, and was already a; 
 prominent huntsman. And this meant a great deal, 
 for the Prince, to whom hunting was rather a serious: 
 occupation than a distraction, entrusted hiin ^ithi 
 what he cherished most in the world. ' ■ 
 
 Sulkowski was respected and dreaded, fo?P althoilgh 
 Augustus II with his health and strength seemed ta 
 be i mmortal, yet sooner or later the god was bound 
 to die like any other mortal. Thus Sulkowski, in 
 his relation to the new rising sun, was regarded as a. 
 star shining on the horizon of Saxony. ' 
 
 On seeing Sulkowski, the page assumed his modest 
 mien, bowed slightly, smiled sweetly, and seemed as 
 pleased as though he had met the most beautiful 
 woman in the court of the King. Sulkowski received 
 this mute and respectful greeting with dignified 
 benevolence. He slackened his pace, and drawing 
 near to Briihl, addressed him gaily ^ 
 
 'How are you, Henry? What are you thinking 
 about in this solitude? Happy boy, you can rest, 
 whilst I have much to do.' ' ' 
 
 ' If the Count would order me to help him ? ' 
 
 * No thank you. I must fulfil my own duties ! 
 Work for such a guest as our gracious lord is 
 agreeable.' 
 
 He sighed slightly. 
 • * Well,' he continued, ' the hunt was successful.* 
 
 * Yes, very successful indeed,' replied Briihl. * His 
 
Gount Bruhl i3 
 
 Majesty has not been in such a good humour for a 
 long time.* 
 
 Sulkowski bent close to Briihl's ear. 
 
 ' And who rules now in the chamber ? ' 
 
 ''I do not know. At present there is an inter- 
 regnum.' 
 
 ^That's impossible 1 ' said Sulkowski laughing. 
 ' Is it not Dieskau ? ' 
 
 * I don't know.' 
 
 *Is it possible, that you, the King's page, do not 
 know?' . ; . 
 
 Bnihl looked at him, and smiled. 
 
 ' A laithful page should not know anything.' 
 
 ^ I understand,' said Sulkowski, ' but between our 
 selves-^' 
 
 Briihl drew near the Count, and whispered some 
 thing in his ear. 
 
 'Intermezzo!' said /Sulkowski. *It seems that 
 after so many love affairs, that have cost our dear 
 lord so much money, and caused him so much pain, 
 intermezzo will do.' 
 
 Sulkowski was no longer in a hurry, either to go 
 to the tents, whither his steps appeared to be bent, 
 or to return to the castle. Taking Briihl's arm, an 
 action which evidently gave the page great satisfaction, 
 he walked with him. 
 
 * I must rest awhile,' said he, ' and although we are 
 both too weary to converse, I am glad to be with you.' 
 
 ' I do not feel tirfed,' i-eplied Briihl, 'when I am in 
 your company. From the first moment when I was 
 m fortunate as to meet you, I conceived for you, my 
 dear Count, deep respect, tod permit me also to add, 
 the most affectionate, friendship. Must I tell you the 
 imih. ? . WeU th6n^ I came here with a presentiment 
 
14 Count Briihl 
 
 — with a hope — that I might have the pleasure of 
 seeing you/ 
 
 The Count looked into Briihl' s face, which was 
 beaming with joy. 
 
 * I can assure you,' said he, * that I am not ungrate- 
 ful. In the court such disinterested friendship is 
 rare, and if we help each other, we can rise to high 
 appointments.' 
 
 Their eyes met, Briihl nodded. 
 
 * The King is fond of you.' 
 
 * Do you think so ? ' asked Briihl, modestly. 
 
 * I can assure you of it ; I have heard it from his 
 Majesty's own lips ; he praised your zeal and intelli- 
 gence. As for me, the Prince loves me, and I can 
 say with pride that he calls me his friend. I doubt 
 if he could get along without me.' 
 
 * Yes,' said Briihl with animation, *you were so 
 fortunate as to be the Prince's companion, from the 
 time he was a mere boy, and you have had time to 
 win his heart; and who would not love you if he 
 knew you well? As for me, I am a stranger here, 
 though I am thankful to the Princess for placing me 
 at the King's court. I try to show my gratitude, but 
 the parquetry of a court is very slippery. The 
 more zeal I show for the lord, whom I respect and 
 love, the more jealousy I excite. For every smile 
 bestowed on me by the lord, I am repaid with the 
 venom of envy. So one must tremble when one 
 might be the happiest of mortals.' 
 
 Sulkowski listened with an air of distraction. 
 
 *Yes! That's true,' he rejoined quietly. 'But 
 you have much in your favour and no reason to 
 fear. 1 observe that you have adopted an excellent 
 method : you are modest and patient. The principal 
 
Count Briihl 15 
 
 thing at court is to remain passive, then you will 
 advance ; he who is restless soon falls.' 
 ; ' Your advice is most precious,' exclaimed Bruhl. 
 ' I am indeed fortunate to have such an adviser.' 
 
 The Count seemed flattered at the exclamation, he 
 smiled proudly, pleased at the acknowledgment of 
 his own powers of which he was fully persuaded. 
 
 'Don't be afraid, Briihl,' he said. 'Go forward 
 boldly and count on me.' 
 
 Those words seemed to arouse Briihl's enthusiasm, 
 he clasped his hands as though in prayer, and his 
 face was radiant ; then he extended a hand to 
 Sulkowski in token of his gratitude. The Count 
 magnanimously took it with the condescending air 
 of a benefactor. 
 
 At that moment the trumpet resoiinded from the 
 castle ; the sound must have • meant something to 
 the young favourite, for signing to his friend that 
 he must hasten, he ran towards the castle. 
 
 Briihl remained alone, hesitating as to what he 
 should do with himself. The King had granted 
 him leave for the evening, consequently he was 
 entirely free. Supper had begun beneath the tents. 
 At first he had intended to go there and enjoy 
 himself with the others, but after looking on for a 
 moment, he turned into a side path, and walked 
 slowly and thoughtfully to the forest. Probably he 
 wished to be alone with his thoughts, although his 
 youthful eyes were not suggestive of deep speculation. 
 It might be nearer truth to think that in a court 
 full of love intrigues, he too had some love affair ; 
 but on his serene face no trace of such trouble could 
 be detected. Briihl did not sigh, his look was cold 
 and calm, he frowned, and appeared rather to be 
 
16 Count Briihl 
 
 calculating something, than struggling against a 
 X:)articular sentiment. 
 
 He passed tents, horses, and packs of hounds; 
 he passed the fires, built up by the people assembled 
 for the hunt, who were eating the black bread 
 they had brought with them in their bags, whilst 
 venison was roasting for the nobles. The great 
 majority of these were Slavs, called Wends, and 
 they chatted quietly together in a tongue incom- 
 prehensible to the Germans. Several huntsmen 
 kept guard over them, and whilst supper was 
 prepared for the hounds, no one took the least 
 trouble to ask these people if they had had anything 
 to eat. Their supper of bread and water was soon 
 finished, and they lay down on the grass to rest, 
 that they might be in readiness for the work of the 
 morrow. 
 
 Scarcely glancing at them, Briihl walked '^quietly 
 forward. It was a lovely evening, peaceful and 
 bright, and had it not been for the [yellow leaves 
 falling from the beech-trees, one might have thought 
 it was summer. 
 
 . Beyond the grove in which they were encamped 
 all was still ; the noise scarcely penetrated thither ; 
 trees concealed the castle ; one could have imagined 
 oneself far from the haunts of man. 
 
 Arrived here Briihl raised his head, and breathed 
 more freely ; his face assumed a different expression ; 
 it lost its childish charm, and an ironical smile 
 flitted across it. He thought he was alone, and 
 was greatly surprised, almost frightened, at seeing 
 two men lying beneath an enormous beech-tree. 
 He retreated, and looked at them attentively. Those 
 two men, lying beneath a tree not far from the- 
 
Count Briihl 17 
 
 King's camp, appeared to liim suspicious characters. 
 Beside them lay their travelling bags and sticks. 
 
 The dusk prevented him from seeing their faces 
 very clearly, or- noticing what clothes they wore, 
 but after awhile Bruhl was able to distinguish 
 that they were young men. 
 
 What could they have been doing so close to the 
 King ? Curiosity, fear and suspicion, kept him rooted 
 to the spot. He wondered whether it would not be 
 right to return to the the tents and give warning of 
 the presence of two suspicious strangers. He changed 
 his mind however, and drawn more by instinct than 
 reason, moved forward, and approached so near to the 
 strangers that they could see him. His appearance must 
 have astonished them, for one of them rose hastily, 
 and seemed about to ask what he was doing there. 
 
 Without waiting for this question, Briihl advanced 
 a few steps further, and asked severely : 
 
 * What are you doing here ? ' 
 
 'We are resting,' replied the man. 'Is it for- 
 bidden here for travellers to rest ? ' 
 
 The voice was mild, and the speech indicated an 
 educated man. 
 
 ' The King's court and his Majesty in person are 
 not far distant,' said Briihl. 
 
 ' Are we in the way ? ' asked the stranger, who 
 did not appear to be in the least alarmed. 
 
 'No,' answered Briihl with animation, 'but if 
 you were noticed here, you might be suspected of 
 evil designs.' 
 
 The man who remained seated laughed and rose, 
 and when he came out from beneath the shadow of 
 the trees, Briihl beheld a good-looking man, with 
 long hair and a noble mien. By his dress he was 
 
 B 
 
18 Count Bruhl 
 
 easily to be recognised as a 'student from one of the 
 German universities. 
 
 ' What are j^ou doing here ? ' Briihl repeated. 
 
 * We are wandering about that we may thank God 
 by admiring nature and breathing the air of the 
 forest, and that in this quiet we may lull our souls 
 to prayer,' the youth said slowly. * Night surprised 
 us here ; we should not have known of the presence 
 of the King and his court, had it not been for the 
 noise of the huntsmen.' 
 
 The words as well as the way they were pronounced 
 Struck Briihl. The man seemed to be from another 
 world. 
 
 'Permit me, sir,' the student continued quietly, 
 ' to introduce myself to you who seem to have some 
 official position. I am Nicolaus Louis, Count and Lord 
 of Zinzendorf and Pottendorf, at present studiosus, 
 searching for the source of wisdom and light, a traveller, 
 who has lost his way in the maze of this world.' 
 
 On hearing the name, Briihl looked at the stranger 
 more attentively. The moon lit up the beautiful face 
 of the student. They both remained silent for a time, 
 as though not knowing what to say. 
 
 ' I am Henry Briihl, his Majesty's page.' 
 
 Zinzendorf measured him with his eyes. 
 
 ' I pity you very much,' he said sighing. 
 
 ' Why ? ' asked the astonished page. 
 
 * Because to be courtier means to be a slave, to be 
 a page means to be a servant, and although I respect 
 the King, I prefer to serve the King of Heaven, to 
 love Jesus Christ, our Saviour. You found us when 
 we were praying, when we were trying to unite our 
 thoughts with our Lord, who has saved us through 
 His blood.' 
 
Count Briihl 19 
 
 Briihl was so astonished that he moved away from 
 the youth, who went on pathetically, though 
 sweetly : 
 
 ' I know that to you, in whose ears the prattle 
 and laughter of the court still ring, this must seem 
 strange and perchance irreverent, but I consider it 
 my duty, every time I have an opportunity, to speak 
 as a Christian should.' 
 
 Briihl remained silent. Zinzendorf approached him. 
 
 * It is the hour of prayer .... listen, the forest 
 rustles, glory to God on high ! The brook whispers 
 the prayer, the moon shines forth to light the prayer 
 of nature, why then should not our hearts unite with 
 our Saviour at this solemn moment ? ' 
 
 The astonished page listened, and appeared not to 
 understand. 
 
 *You behold an odd, whimsical fellow,' said 
 Zinzendorf, *but you meet many odd, whimsical 
 society men, and you forgive their fancies ; can you 
 not then have some indulgence for an enthusiasm 
 arising from the pure source of the soul ? ' 
 
 ' Yes,' murmured Briihl. ' I am pious myself, 
 but—' 
 
 ' But you keep your piety hidden in the secret 
 places of your heart, fearing to show it to profane 
 persons. As for me, I show it forth like a flag, 
 because I am ready to defend it with my life and my 
 blood. Brother in Christ, if the life of the court 
 weigh heavily on you, for I cannot otherwise explain 
 your solitary evening wandering, sit with us, and let 
 us pray together. I feel the need of prayer, and 
 when it is made stronger by two or three praying 
 together, it might reach the throne of Him who gave 
 His blood for us worms.' 
 
20 Count Briihl 
 
 Briilil moved away, as though afraid the strangers 
 would detain him. 
 
 'I am accustomed to pray alone/ he replied, 
 * besides my duties call me, you must therefore 
 excuse me.' 
 
 He made a gesture in the direction whence noise 
 could be heard. 
 
 ' I pity you,' exclaimed Zinzendorf . ' If we could 
 only sing a prayer — ' 
 
 The page interrupted him : ' The grand huntsman, 
 or some chamberlain might hear us, and order us to 
 be put in prison, not here, for there is no prison 
 here, but we should be taken to Dresden, and put in 
 the Frauenkirche guardhouse.' 
 
 He shrugged his shoulders as he spoke, bowed 
 lightly, and would have departed, had not Zinzendorf 
 barred his way. 
 
 ' Is it true, that it is forbidden to be here ? ' he 
 asked. 
 
 ' Your presence might bring suspicion on you, and 
 cause you some trouble. I advise you to be off. 
 Beyond Hubertsburg there is an inn, where you 
 would be more comfortable than beneath this tree.' 
 
 ' Which road shall w^e take, so that we may not be 
 in the way of his Majesty ? ' asked Zinzendorf. 
 
 Briihl pointed with his hand, and said : 
 
 * It would be difficult for you to find the highway 
 but if you will accept me as your guide, I am at your 
 service.' 
 
 Zinzendorf and his companion picked up their 
 sticks and bags, and followed Briihl, who seemed by 
 no means pleased at the meeting. Zinzendorf had 
 had time to cool down from the state of enthusiasm 
 in which the page had found him. It was evident 
 
Count Briihl 21 
 
 that lie was a man accustomed to the best society, for 
 he had excellent manners. Having growTi more calm, 
 he endeavoured to excuse himself for the speech he 
 had made. 
 
 'Do not be surprised,' said he calmly, 'we call 
 ourselves Christians but in reality we are heathens, 
 despite the promise we made at our baptism. I 
 consider it the duty of every Christian to preach. 
 The aim of my life is not only to preach, but also to 
 set a good example. What is the use of preaching, 
 if deeds do not follow our words? Catholics and 
 Protestants, we are all heathens in our way of living. 
 We do not worship gods, but we make sacrifices 
 to them. A few priests quarrel about dogmas, but 
 our Saviour's blood is wasted, for people do not wish 
 to be saved.' 
 
 He sighed. At that moment they came in sight 
 of the camp, where drinking was at its height. 
 Zinzendorf looked towards it, and exclaimed : 
 
 ' This is a veritable bacchanalia ! It seems to me, 
 that I hear evoe ! Let us hasten ! I have no desire 
 to hear and see Christians enjoying themselves in so 
 heathenish a way.' 
 
 Briihl made no reply. They passed by the camp, 
 and soon reached the highway. Having pointed out 
 the road to the student, he ran quickly to the lighted 
 tent. 
 
 Zinzendorf s words were still resounding in his 
 ears when he perceived a strange sight in the tent. 
 It is true, that in those times it was nothing sur- 
 prising, but very few people made such an exhibition 
 of themselves in public, as did the militar>^ councillor 
 Pauli that evening. He was lying on the ground in 
 the centre of the tent ; i beside him there stood a 
 
22 Count Briihl 
 
 large, empty, big-bellied bottle ; his face was crimson ; 
 his dress unbuttoned and torn ; while beside him 
 sat a hound, evidently his favourite, licking his face 
 and whining. 
 
 Those who stood around were splitting their sides 
 with laughter. 
 
 It was no unusual thing for the military councillor 
 Pauli, whose duty it was to be near the King ready 
 to write his letters, to be thus overcome with wine, 
 but never was he so drunk or so much laughed at as 
 on that night. 
 
 As soon as Briihl noticed it, he rushed to the 
 unfortunate man and lifted him from the ground. 
 The others, having come to their senses, helped him, 
 and with a great effort they put the councillor on a 
 heap of hay lying in the corner of the tent. Pauli 
 opened his eyes, looked at the surrounding faces, 
 and mumbled : 
 
 ' Briihl, thank you — I know everything, I under- 
 stand, I am not drunk — ^You are a good boy, Briihl, 
 I thank you.' 
 
 Then he closed his eyes, sighed and muttered, 
 ' Hard service ! ' and fell asleep. 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
 The pages of Augustus II had rooms in the King's 
 castle, where they awaited their orders during the 
 time they were on duty. Their horses were always 
 in readiness in case they might be sent on some 
 errand. They relieved each other by turns at the 
 door and attended the King in the antechamber, 
 and often, when no other messenger was at hand, 
 were sent to carry orders and despatches. Briihl 
 always performed this arduous service with great zeal 
 when his turn came, and even willingly took the 
 place of others, so that the King, seeing him 
 frequently, grew accustomed to his face and 
 services. 
 
 ' Briihl, you are again here,' he would say smiling. 
 
 ' At your Majesty's command.' 
 
 ' Are you not tired ? ' 
 
 *My greatest happiness is to look at your 
 Majesty.' And the boy would bow, and the King 
 would clap him on the shoulder. 
 
 Never was anything either impossible or too 
 difficult for him ; he ran immediately and fulfilled 
 his orders at once. 
 
 They were waiting one day for the courier. In 
 those days the post was often late ; a horse would 
 die on the road, or a river overflow, or a postillion 
 become sick, and in consequence there was no fixed 
 hour for the arrival of the post. Ever since the 
 morning the military councillor Pauli, who used 
 
24 Count Briihl 
 
 to write the King's letters, had been waiting for 
 his orders. 
 
 Pauli, whom we saw drunk in Hubertsburg, slept 
 during the night, rose in the morning, dressed 
 himself and felt quite well except that he was still 
 very thirsty. 
 
 He was aware that nature had provided water for 
 him to drink, but he despised the simple beverage 
 and used to say God created it for geese and not 
 for men. Consequently he quenched his thirst with 
 wine ; he felt better and more lively. 
 
 He remembered that Briihl had come to his 
 assistance in that awful moment of drunkenness, 
 and from that moment a friendship sprang up 
 between old Pauli and the young page. 
 
 Briihl, who did not despise anybody's favour, 
 became attached to the councillor. Pauli was an 
 elderly man, prematurely aged by his intemperate 
 habits : he was very fat and could hardly walk, and, 
 after dinner, would even dose standing up. Pauli's 
 face was red, verging to purple, and his whole body 
 seemed to be swollen. 
 
 But when he dressed in his best for the court, 
 when he buttoned up, pulled himself together and 
 assumed his official demeanour, one really could 
 take him for a respectable person. He was so 
 accustomed to the King and the King to him, that 
 from one word, or even a look from Augustus, he 
 could spin out whole letters, guessing the thought, 
 grasping the style, and the King never needed to 
 make any corrections. For this reason he was fond 
 of Pauli, and requisitioned his services continually ; 
 for this reason too, he forgave him when he got drunk 
 and was incapacitated from fulfilling his duties. 
 
Count Briihl . 25 
 
 Then the lackeys were obliged to wake him up 
 and the councillor would open his eyes, and murmur, 
 ' Wait a minute ! I am ready ! ' though he did not 
 rise till he became sober. Then he would rise, wash 
 himself with cold water, drink a big glass of strong 
 wine, and go to the King. 
 
 Such things used to happen in those days, not to 
 Pauli alone ; the King's friend Fleming used to 
 get drunk and many others too. People merely 
 laughed at a drunken man for having so weak a 
 hea(J. 
 
 That day when they were waiting for the courier ^ 
 Pauli was sitting in the marshals' room, yawning. 
 He selected a comfortable chair, stretched his legs, 
 drooped his head a little and fell a-thinking. He 
 could not dose. Who could travel with Morpheus 
 into the country of dreams, not being prepared 
 with good food for the journey ? 
 
 The pictures that hung in the room were too 
 familiar to his gaze to interest him. He could not 
 look at them, so he yawned again, this time so 
 outrageously that his jaws cracked. It was a heart- 
 rending sight to see such a respectable councillor 
 yawn because he had nothing to eat. 
 
 The clock struck ten, then eleven, and still Pauli 
 sat yawning and trembling on account of the empti- 
 ness of his stomach. At that moment he felt the 
 most miserable of men. 
 
 At eleven o'clock Briihl, who was waiting for the 
 hour of his service, entered. He was lovely in his 
 page's dress, worn with great elegance ; nobody could 
 rival him in the freshness of the lace on his cuffs, the 
 cut of his dress, and his exquisitely combed wig. As 
 usual, he smiled sweetly. Everyone was conquered 
 
2^ n Count Briihl 
 
 by his smiles, his words, and the grace of all his 
 movements. Pauli, catching sight of him, put out 
 his hand withoy.t rising. 
 Briihl ran to him and said : 
 
 * How happy I am to see you ! ' And he bowed 
 humbly. 
 
 ' Briihl, you alone can save me ! " said Pauli. 
 * Just imagine, I have not yet had my breakfast ! 
 When will that courier arrive ? ' 
 
 The page looked at the clock and shrugged his 
 shoulders. 
 
 * Chi lo sa? ' he answered in that language which 
 with French, was then used at court, for Italians were 
 then quite numerous in Dresden. 
 
 * Eleven ! and I have not had my breakfast ! I 
 shall die of starvation ! ' Having said this, Pauli 
 yawned once more and shivered. 
 
 Briihl stood thoughtful, then he whispered in 
 Pauli 's ear : 
 
 ^ Est modus in rebus I Why do you sit here as 
 though you were on a public road ? There is a room 
 with a door opening on the corridor leading to the 
 kitchen ; there I could manage to get you served 
 with something.' 
 
 The councillor's eyes brightened, and he tried to 
 rise, always a difficulty with him. He was obliged 
 to put both hands on the arms of the chair, and 
 leaning heavily on his elbows, at length succeeded. 
 
 * My dear boy,' he exclaimed, ' help me then, if you 
 can.' 
 
 Briihl nodded and they disappeared through the 
 door of the next room. Here, as though Pauli had 
 been expected, some enchanted force had prepared a 
 table. There stood a large chair, as if made for him, 
 
Count Bruhl 27 
 
 and on the snow-white table a soup tureen, a covered 
 dish and a large bottle of golden wine. 
 
 Pauli, having perceived this, hastened to occupy 
 the chair, as if afraid that someone else might step in 
 before him, seized the napkin and stretched his arm 
 towards the soup tureen ; suddenly he remembered 
 Briihl and said : 
 
 * And you ? ' 
 
 The page shook his head. 
 
 * It's for you, my dear sir.' 
 
 * May the gods reward you for this ! ' exclaimed 
 Pauli enthusiastically. 'May Venus give you the 
 prettiest girl in Dresden ; may Hygiea give you a 
 stomach with which you can digest stones ; may 
 Bacchus give you everlasting thirst and the means 
 to quench it with Hungarian wine ; may — ' 
 
 But the tempting dishes did not permit him to 
 finish. Briihl stood smiling at the councillor. 
 Pauli poured out the first glass of wine. He expected 
 an ordinary, light Hungarian wine, which they 
 usually served at the court, but when he tasted it, 
 his face brightened, his eyes shone, and having drunk 
 he leaned back in his chair and smiled. 
 
 * Divine drink ! My dear boy, you are working 
 miracles ! Where did you get it from ? I know 
 that wine, it's King's Tokay ; smell it, taste it — it's 
 ambrosia, nectar ! ' 
 
 * You must show your favour to the bottle, and not 
 leave its contents to the profane, who would drink it 
 without proper appreciation.' 
 
 * That would certainly be a profanation,' exclaimed 
 the councillor, pouring out another large glass. ' To 
 your health, to your success. Briihl — I shall be 
 thankful to you till the day of my death — you saved 
 
28 Count Briihl 
 
 my life. An hour longer and I should have been a 
 dead man ; I felt that my life was slipping away.' 
 
 * I am very glad,' said Briihl, ' that I have been 
 able to be of service to you, sir. But pray, drink ! ' 
 
 Pauli drank another glass, smacked his lips, and 
 said : 
 
 * What a wine ! What a wine ! Every glass 
 tastes better than the last. It's like a good friend 
 whom the more we know the better we love. But, 
 Briihl, when the post comes, and his Majesty calls 
 me, if it should be necessary for me to write a letter 
 to Berlin or Vienna — ' 
 
 In the meanwhile he poured out the third glass. 
 
 * Such a small bottle for you is nothing ; it is only 
 a stimulans.^ 
 
 * Briihl, you are right. I have drunk more than 
 that in my life.' He laughed. 'The worst thing is 
 to mix the drinks. Who knows in what relation they 
 stand to each other ? There might meet two bitter 
 foes, for instance, the French with German wine ; 
 they begin to fight in the stomach and head, and the 
 man suffers. But when one drinks an honest, intelli- 
 gent, matured wine, then there is no danger, it does 
 no harm.' 
 
 Speaking thus the councillor ate the meat, drank 
 the Tokay and smiled again. Briihl stood, looked, 
 and when the glass was empty, he filled it once 
 more. 
 
 At length the food having all disappeared, there 
 remained only the wine. 
 
 Pauli sighed and mumbled : 
 
 ' But the letters ! ' 
 
 * Would you be afraid ? ' 
 
 * You are right, if I were afraid, I should be a 
 
Count Briihl 29 
 
 coward, and that is a despicable thing. Fill up ! 
 . To your health ! You shall get on ! It's brighter 
 in my head ! It seems that the sun has come out 
 from beneath the clouds, for everything looks 
 brighter. I feel as if I could write more fluently 
 than ever ! ' 
 
 Briihl filled the glass constantly. 
 
 The councillor looked at the bottle, and observing 
 that it was larger at the bottom, promised himself 
 that the wine would last still for some time. 
 
 ' I have nothing to be afraid of,' said Pauli as 
 though wishing to reassure himself. * I don't know 
 whether you remember or not. I remember once on 
 a very warm day, when his Majesty was writing to 
 that unfortunate Cosel, I drank some treacherous 
 wine. It tasted as good as this Tokay, but it was 
 treacherous. When I went out into the street my 
 head swam. It was too bad, for I was obliged to 
 write the letters. Two courtiers seized my arms — 
 it seemed to me that I was flying ; they put me at 
 the table, they put a pen in my hand the' paper 
 before me ; the King said a few words and I wrote 
 an excellent letter. But if you killed me I could not 
 remember what I wrote then. Suffice it that the 
 letter was good, and the King, laughing, gave me a 
 magnificent ring as a souvenir of that day.' 
 
 The wine was poured from the bottle to the glass, 
 from the glass into the throat. The councillor 
 smiled. 
 
 'Hard service,' he said quietly, 'but the wine is 
 excellent.' 
 
 During the conversation the bottle was emptied. 
 The last glass was a little clouded ; Briihl wished to 
 push it aside. 
 
30 Count Briihl 
 
 * Tyrant ! ' cried the councillor. ' What are you 
 doing ? It is the nature of the wine to have dregs, 
 they are not to be wasted, but exist to hide the virtue 
 which is in it, — the elixir, the essence.' 
 
 While Pauli was emptying the last glass, Briihl 
 bent forward and took from under the table another 
 bottle. Seeing it, the councillor wished to rise, but 
 the sight rivetted him to his chair. 
 
 ' What do I see ? ' he cried. 
 
 'It's another volume,' said the page quietly, 'of 
 the work. It contains its conclusion, its quintessence. 
 As you are fond of literature — ' 
 
 Pauli bent his head. 
 
 ' Who would not be fond of such literature ? ' 
 sighed he. 
 
 ' — I have been trying to get you a complete work,' 
 continued the bpy. ' I could not get both volumes 
 of the same edition. The second volume is editio 
 'princi'ps.^ 
 
 ' Ah ! ' exclaimed Pauli approaching the glass. 
 ' Pour me only one page of that respectable volume.' 
 
 ' But it will spoil. You must finish the bottle.' 
 
 ' That's true ! But the letters ! The letters ! ' said 
 Pauli. 
 
 ' There will be none to-day.' 
 
 ' Would that that were true,' Pauli sighed. 
 
 Briihl poured out another glass ; Pauli drank it. 
 
 ' This wine the King alone drinks when he doesn't 
 feel well,' whispered Briihl. 
 
 ' Panaceum universale I The lips of a woman are 
 not sweeter.' 
 
 ' Oh ! oh ! ' exclaimed the youth. 
 
 'It is quite different for you,' said the coimcillor, 
 ' but for me they have lost all sweetness. But the 
 
Count Bruhl 31 
 
 wine ! wine is a nectar which, never loses its charm. 
 Were it not for these letters ! ' 
 
 ' You are still thinking of them ? ' 
 
 * Well, let the deuce take them.' 
 
 The councillor drank, but the wine was beginning 
 to take effect. He grew heavier, he smiled, and 
 then closed his eyes. 
 
 * Now a short nap,' said he. 
 
 ' But you must finish the bottle,' said the page. 
 
 *Yes, it is the duty of an honest man to finish 
 that which he began,' said Pauli. 
 
 Having poured out the last glass, Briihl brought 
 forward a pipe and tobacco. 
 
 * Will you not smoke ? ' he said. 
 
 ' You are an angel ! ' exclaimed Pauli opening his 
 eyes. *You remembered about that also. But 
 suppose this herb intoxicates me further? What 
 do you say ? ' 
 
 * It will make you sober,' said Briihl handing him 
 the pipe. 
 
 *How can I resist such a tempting offer! Come 
 what may, give it to me. Perchance the postillion 
 will break his neck, and will not come. I don't 
 wish him evil, but I would prefer that he stayed 
 away.' 
 
 They both laughed. The councillor smoked 
 assiduously. 
 
 ' Very strong tobacco ! ' 
 
 * The King smokes it,' said the page, 
 
 * But he is stronger than I am.' 
 
 The tobacco evidently made him more intoxicated 
 for he began to mumble. He smoked for a little 
 while longer, then the pipe slipped from his hand, 
 his head dropped, and he began to snore. 
 
32 Count Briihl 
 
 Briihl looked at liim, smiled, went quietly to the 
 door, and disappeared behind it. Then he ran 
 straight to the King's ante-room. 
 
 A young, well-dressed boy, of lordly mien, also in 
 page's costume, stopped him. 
 
 It was the Count Anthony Moszynski. He was 
 distinguished among the other pages of the King, 
 by his pale face, black hair, expressive although not 
 beautiful features, eyes full of fire, but above all by 
 his aristocratic bearing and stiff manners. He was 
 with Sulkowski at the Prince's court, then he passed, 
 to that of Augustus II, who, it was said, liked his 
 liveliness and inteUigence, and a brilliant career was 
 prophesied for him. 
 
 * Briihl,' said he. ' Where have you been ? " 
 The page hesitated to answer. 
 
 * In the marshals' room.' 
 
 * It is your hour now.' 
 
 * I know it, but I am not too late,' he answered, 
 glancing at the clock. 
 
 * I thought,' said Moszynski laughing, ' that I 
 should have to take your place.' 
 
 Something like anger flashed across Briihl' s facCj 
 but it became serene again immediately. 
 
 * My dear Count,' said he sweetly, ' you favourites 
 are permitted not to be punctual, but it would be 
 unpardonable in me. I have often acted as a 
 substitute for others, but no one has yet been 
 substituted for me.' 
 
 * You wish to imply that no one is able to act as 
 substitute for you,' said Moszynski. 
 
 ' You are good-humouredly joking at my simplicity. 
 I try to learn that in which you lords are masters.' 
 Moszynski put out his hand. 
 
Count Briihl 33 
 
 * It's dangerous to fight you with words. I would 
 prefer swords.* 
 
 Briihl assumed a humble mien. 
 
 ^I do not think I am superior in anything/ he 
 said quietly. 
 
 ' Well, I wish you good luck during your service,' 
 said Moszynski. ' Good-bye ! ' 
 
 He left the room. 
 
 Briihl breathed more freely. He went slowly to the 
 window, and stood there seemingly looking with 
 indifference into a courtyard paved with stones. 
 Beneath him swarmed a numerous company of busy 
 courtiers. Soldiers in magnificent uniforms, chamber- 
 lains in dresses richly embroidered with gold, many 
 lackeys and other servants moved quickly about ; 
 several post-chaises stood near the steps and yellow- 
 dressed carriers waited for their masters ; further 
 there were carriages with German and Polish harness, 
 hayduks in scarlet, kozaks, all constituting a variegated 
 and picturesque whole. A chamberlain came out 
 from the King. 
 
 ' The post has not yet come ? ' he asked Briihl. 
 'Not yet.' 
 
 * As soon as it comes, bring the letters at once. 
 Where is Pauli ? ' 
 
 ' In the marshal's room.' 
 
 * Very well, he must wait.' 
 
 Briihl bowed and returned to the window, looking 
 through it impatiently until he perceived, galloping 
 in on a foaming horse, a postillion with a trumpet 
 slung across his shoulder, and a leathern bag on his 
 chest. 
 
 The page flew downstairs as fast as he could, and 
 before the servants had noticed the postillion, he 
 c 
 
34 Count Briihl 
 
 seized hold of the letters. A silver tray was in 
 readiness in the ante-room ; Briihl placed the letters 
 on it, and entered the King's apartment. 
 
 Augustus was walking to and fro with the Count 
 Hoym. Seeing the page, tray, and letters, he put 
 out his hand and took the letters and broke the seals. 
 
 Briihl waited, while the King and Hoym read the 
 letters. 
 
 ' Ah ! ' exclaimed Augustus. ' Be quick, and call 
 Pauli; 
 
 Briihl did not move. 
 
 * Go and call Pauli to me,' repeated the King 
 impatiently. 
 
 The page bowed, rushed out of the room and looked 
 into the marshal's room. Pauli was sleeping like a 
 log. Briihl returned to the King. 
 
 " Your Majesty ! ' stammered Briihl. ' Councillor 
 Pauli—' 
 
 * Is he here ? ' 
 
 * Yes, your Majesty.' 
 
 * Then why doesn't he come ? ' 
 
 * The councillor,' said the page, dropping his eyes, 
 * is not well.' 
 
 * Were he dying, you must bring him here,' cried 
 the King. *Let him fulfil his duties, then he can 
 die if he wishes to do so.' 
 
 Briihl ran out again, and entering the room, looked 
 at the sleeping man, then returned to the King. 
 Augustus' eyes burned with increasing anger, he 
 began to grow pale, which was the worst sign ; when 
 he became white people trembled. 
 
 Briihl stopped at the door, silent. 
 
 ' Pauli ! ' cried the King, rapping the floor with 
 his foot. 
 
Count Briihl 35 
 
 ' The councillor is — ' 
 
 ' Drunk ? ' Augustus guessed. ' Ah, the dirty old 
 pig ! Why could he not abstain for these few hours ? 
 Pour water on him ! Conduct him to the f pun tain ! 
 Let the doctor give him some medicine and make 
 him sober if but for one hour. Then the beast 
 might die ! ' 
 
 Briihl promptly obeyed. He tried to wake up the 
 councillor, but he was lying like a log; the only 
 doctor who could bring him to his senses was time. 
 Briihl, coming back slowly, seemed to hesitate, as 
 though pondering something in his mind. He 
 entered the King's room as noiselessly as he could. 
 
 The King stood in the centre holding the papers 
 in his hand ; his brows were contracted. 
 
 ^Pauli!' 
 
 ' It is impossible to awaken him.' 
 
 ' I wish he would die ! But the letters ! Who 
 will write them ? Do you hear ? ' 
 
 'Your Majesty,' said Briihl humbly, 'my daring 
 is great, almost criminal, but my love for your 
 Majesty must be my excuse. One word from your 
 Majesty — a small indication — and I will try to write 
 the letters — ' 
 
 ' You, youngster ? ' 
 
 Briihl blushed. 
 
 ' Your Majesty shall punish me — ' 
 
 Augustus looked at him penetratingly. 
 
 ' Come,' said he going to the window. ' There is 
 the letter ; read it, and give a negative answer, but 
 you must hint that the answer is not definite. Let 
 them think that there is some hope, but do not 
 actually show it. Do you understand ? ' 
 
 Briihl bowed and wished to go out with the letter. 
 
36 
 
 Count Briihl 
 
 * Where are you going ? ' cried the King. ' Sit at 
 this table and write at once.' 
 
 The page bowed again and sat on the edge of the 
 chair which was upholstered in silk ; he turned up 
 his lace cuffs, bent over the paper and wrote with a 
 rapidity that astonished the King. 
 
 Augustus II looked attentively, as though at a 
 curious phenomenon, at the good-looking boy, who 
 assumed the gravity of a chancellor and wrote the 
 diplomatic letter as easily as he would have written 
 a love-letter. 
 
 One might have thought, that the page, in accom- 
 plishing a task so important to his future, had 
 forgotten about his pose. 
 
 Apparently he sat negligently and thoughtlessly, 
 but the fact was, that as he bent gracefully to his 
 work, the position of his legs, arms and head, was 
 all carefully studied. His composure did not leave 
 him for a moment though the work was apparently 
 done in feverish haste. The King watched him 
 closely and seemed to guess his intention. The page 
 without thinking or losing time, .wrote as if by 
 dictation, he did not erase a single word, he did not 
 stop for a moment. The pen stopped only when the 
 letter was finished. Then he read it through and 
 rose. 
 
 The King evidently curious and wishing to be 
 indulgent came nearer. 
 
 ' Read ! ' said he. 
 
 Briihl's voice trembled and was faint. Who would 
 have thought that that fear was simulated ? The 
 King encouraging the boy, said kindly : 
 
 ^ Slowly, distinctly, aloud ! ' 
 
 The young page then began to read and his voice, 
 
Count Briihl 37 
 
 which was at first faint, became sonorous. The face 
 of Augustus depicted by turn surprise, joy, hilarity, 
 and bewilderment. 
 
 When Briihl finished he did not dare to raise his 
 eyes. 
 
 * Once more from the beginning,' said the King. 
 
 This time Briihl read more distinctly and more 
 boldly. 
 
 The King's face became radiant ; he clapped his 
 hands. 
 
 ' Excellent ! ' cried he. ' Pauli could not do better, 
 not even so well. Copy it.' 
 
 Briihl bowing humbly presented the letter to the 
 King, which was so well written that it was not 
 necessary to cop}^ it. 
 
 Augustus clapped him on the shoulder. 
 
 ' From to-day, you are my secretary. I will have 
 no more to do with Pauli ; may the deuce take him ! 
 Let him drink and die ! ' 
 
 The King rang the bell, a chamberlain entered. 
 
 ' Count,' said Augustus, ' give orders that Pauli is 
 to be carried home ; when he becomes sober express 
 to him my great displeasure. I never wish to see 
 him again ! Briihl is my secretary from to-day. 
 Discharge him from his duties as a page.' 
 
 The chamberlain smiled at the boy standing 
 modestly aside. 
 
 'He saved me from a great trouble,' said the King. 
 ' I know Pauli, he will be drunk till to-morrow, and 
 it was necessary to send the letter at once.' 
 
 The King went to the table to sign the letter. 
 
 'Make a copy of it,' said he. 
 
 ' I will copy it from memory,' said Briihl quietly. 
 
 ' What a keen secretary I have now ! ' exclaimed 
 
38 Count Briihl 
 
 Augustus. * Pray give orders that he is to be paid 
 the three hundred thalers.' 
 
 When Briihl approached to thank him, the King 
 put out his hand to be kissed, an especial sign of 
 favour. 
 
 A moment later a courier, having taken the sealed 
 letter, conveyed it away at a gallop, blowing his 
 trumpet. Briihl slipped out into the ante-room. 
 Here the story of the letter and his unexpected pro- 
 motion, told by the chamberlain Frisen, aroused 
 curiosity and envy. When Briihl appeared all eyes 
 turned to him, but in the new favourite of the King, 
 one could see no trace of pride — on the contrary, he 
 was as humble as if he were ashamed of his deed. 
 
 Moszynski rushed to him. 
 
 ' What do I hear ? ' he exclaimed. ' Briihl his 
 Majesty's amanuensis ? When ? How ? ' 
 
 'Let me come to myself from fear and astonish- 
 ment,' said Briihl quietly. * I do not know how it 
 happened. Providence watched over me, un pauvre 
 cadet de famille. My love for the King worked a 
 miracle. I am dazed.' 
 
 Moszynski looked at him. 
 
 * If your good luck continues, you will soon be 
 ahead of us all. We must recommend ourselves to 
 your favour.' 
 
 ' Count, be merciful, and do not mock a poor boy 
 like me.' 
 
 Saying this, Briihl, as if he were tired, wiped 
 the perspiration from his forehead and sat on the 
 nearest chair. 
 
 ' One would think,' said Moszynski, ' that he had 
 met with the greatest misfortune.' 
 
 This was lost on Briihl, for he was deep in thought. 
 
Count Briihl 39 
 
 All in tlie room dropped their voices to a whisper 
 as they told the story of the lucky boy to those who 
 came in. The news spread in the town and when 
 in the evening Briihl appeared in the theatre among 
 the? pages, Snlkowski, who attended the Prince, came 
 to congratulate him. 
 
 Briihl seemed to be very grateful and could not 
 find words to thank him for his kiildness. 
 
 * Do you see, Briihl,' whispered Sulkowski, looking 
 upon him protectingly, ' I told you that they would 
 appreciate you at your right value. I was not 
 mistaken in thinking that our lord's eagle eye had 
 singled you out in the crowd.' 
 
 They applauded the singer ; Sulkowski also 
 clapped his hands, but turning to his friend he 
 said : 
 
 ' I applaud you.' 
 
 The page bowed humbly, blushing. 
 
 After the end of the play he had a chance of dis- 
 appearing, and the friends who looked for him in the 
 castle and in his rooms could not find him. They 
 thought it was his modesty ; it was nice of him not 
 to boast of his good fortune. On enquiry his 
 servant told them that he had gone out. 
 
 The fact was, that after the opera Briihl stole 
 into the Castle street and from it he went towards 
 Taschenberg, where Cosel formerly lived, and which 
 was now occupied by a daughter of the Emperor 
 of Austria, Josepha. 
 
 Those who met him might have suspected that 
 he was going to deposit his laurels at the feet of 
 some goddess. It was very probable. He was 
 twenty years of age, he was very good-looking, 
 and the women, spoiled by Augustus, were very 
 
40 Count Briihl 
 
 coquettish. It was evident that he was anxious not 
 to be seen or recognised, for his face was wrapped 
 in his mantle and every time he heard steps he 
 hastened his own. 
 
 He entered the house next to the princess's palace, 
 ran up the stairs, and knocked three times at the 
 door. 
 
 There was no answer. Having waited a little 
 while, he knocked again in the same way. 
 
 Slow steps were heard within, the door opened 
 a little, and the head of an old man appeared. Briihl 
 slipped in quickly. 
 
 The room into which he entered, lighted by one 
 candle held by the servant standing at the door, 
 was full of bookshelves and somewhat gloomy. 
 The old servant, questioned in whispers, pointed to 
 the door in lieu of an answer. Briihl threw off his 
 cloak and going on tip-toe approached the door at 
 which he knocked softly. 
 
 * Favor isca ! ' 
 
 The large room into which the page now entered 
 was lighted by two candles under green shades. 
 There were several tables loaded with books, between 
 two windows there was a large crucifix, on the sofa 
 a guitar was lying. 
 
 At the table leaning on one hand, stood an elderly, 
 slightly bent man : his face was yellowish, bony ; 
 he wore a long beard ; his eyes were black. By his 
 features it was easy to recognise an Italian. There 
 was something enigmatical about his thin, pale lips, 
 but the whole face was rather jovial than mysterious. 
 There was something ironical as well as kindly in 
 it. A large hooked nose almost covered his lower lip. 
 
 On his closely-shaven hair he wore a black silk 
 
Count Briihl 4i 
 
 cap ; his dress was long and dark ; it indicated a 
 priest. 
 
 He welcomed Briihl with outstretched arms. 
 
 ' Ah ! it's you, my dear boy ! How glad I am to 
 see you.' 
 
 The youth bent humbly and kissed his hand. 
 
 The host seated himself on the sofa, at the same 
 time pointing to a chair for Briihl, who sat down, 
 still holding his hat. 
 
 'Ecco! Ecco!' whispered the old man. 'You 
 think you bring me news, but I already know about 
 it. I am truly delighted. You see Providence 
 rewards, God helps those who worship Him.' 
 
 ' I am thankful to Him,' said Briihl quietly. 
 
 ' Remain faithful to the creed to which you have 
 opened your heart, and you shall see.' He raised his 
 hand. ' You shall go far, far. I am telling you that. 
 I am poor and humble, but I am the Lord's servant.' 
 
 He looked at the humble page, and having accom- 
 plished his pious duty, added joyfully : 
 
 ' Have you been to the opera ? How did Celesta 
 sing ? Did the King look at her ? Was the Prince 
 there ? ' 
 
 Padre Guarini was the name of the man to whom 
 Briihl paid this visit ; he was the Prince's confessor, 
 confidant of the Princess, spiritual father of the young 
 count, but he seemed to care as much about the opera 
 as about the conversion of the young man sitting 
 before him. 
 
 He asked about the tenor, the orchestra, the 
 audience, and at length if the page went behind the 
 stage. 
 
 ' I ? ' asked Briihl with astonishment. 
 
 ' I should think no worse of you for that, if for the 
 
42 Count Briihl 
 
 sake of music, of art, you wished to see how those 
 angels look as common mortals, divested of the 
 glitter and sparkle of the stage. Celesta sang like 
 an angel but she is ugly as a devil. There is no 
 danger that the King will fall in love with her.' 
 
 And Padre Quarini laughed. 
 
 ' And who rules over the King ? ' asked he. And 
 without waiting for an answer, he said : ' It seems 
 that, just as in Poland, the election is coming.' 
 
 He laughed again. 
 
 ' But tell me something new ; besides that you 
 have become the King's secretary.' 
 
 * I have nothing to say, except that nothing can 
 change my heart.' 
 
 'Yes, yes, I advise you to be a good Catholic, 
 although secretly. We can't expect from the present 
 King much zeal for the faith. We must be satisfied 
 with him as he is, but his successor will be different ; 
 our pious lady Josepha will not permit him to leave 
 the path of truth. The Prince is pious, a faithful 
 husband, a zealous Catholic. When he becomes ruler 
 we shall be mighty. Let us be patient and we will 
 manage the Protestants. Chi va 'piano, va sano — qui 
 va sano, va lontano ! ' He repeated the word lontano 
 several times and sighed. 
 
 ' Asa souvenir of this fortunate day,' added he, 'I 
 must bless you ; it will bring you good luck. Wait.' 
 
 Padre Guarini pulled out a drawer and took from 
 it a black rosary on which were a cross and medallion. 
 
 ' The Holy Father blessed it ; to the one who 
 recites it every day, pardon is granted.' 
 
 Briihl murmured something indistinctly by way of 
 thanks, kissed his hand and rose. 
 
 Padre Guarini bent over and whispered something 
 
Count Briihl 43 
 
 in his ear. The page, having nodded in the affirmative, 
 kissed his hand again and went out. The old servant 
 awaited him at the door with a candle. Briihl gave 
 him a thaler, wrapped himself in his mantle and 
 descended the stairs. On reaching the door he looked 
 cautiously down the street, and seeing no one pressed 
 forward. Then he stopped, seeming in doubt as to 
 where to go. He put the rosary which he was hold- 
 ing in his hand in a side pocket, and looked for a 
 familiar house near St Sophia Church. 
 
 He glanced round once more. The door was 
 opened. A little oil lamp gave a pale light. The 
 spacious Grothic hall was quiet and solitary. Briihl 
 rang the bell on the first floor. A female servant 
 came and opened it. 
 
 ' Is the minister at home ? ' he asked. 
 
 ' Yes, sir, but he is engaged with visitors.' 
 
 * Visitors ? ' repeated Briihl, hesitating as to what 
 to do. 'Who is there?' 
 
 ' Some pious young men from Leipzig.' 
 
 Briihl was still hesitating, when a dignified middle- 
 aged man appeared in the doorway and conducted 
 him to a further apartment. 
 
 'I do not wish to intrude,' said the page, bowing. 
 
 'You never intrude,' said the host coolly and 
 distinctly. 'The people will not crowd my house 
 any more now. Pray, come in. In a Protestant 
 country one enters a clergyman's house secretly, as 
 the first Christians did into the catacombs. Glory 
 to those who pass our threshold.' 
 
 So saying he entered with Briihl into a large, 
 modestly furnished room. Here were two young 
 men, and it seemed to Briihl that he knew the taller 
 of the two. He could not however remember where 
 
44 Count Brlihl 
 
 he had seen him. The tall man also looked attentively 
 at Briihl, and approaching him, said : 
 
 ' If I am not mistaken, this is the second time we 
 have met. I am indebted to your kindness that I 
 did not fall into the hands of the King's servants and 
 was not treated as a vagabond.' 
 
 ' Count Zinzendorf — ' 
 
 'Brother in Christ,' answered the youth, *and were 
 you Catholic, Aryan, Wicklyffite or of any denomina- 
 tion, I should always greet you as a brother in Christ.' 
 
 The host, whose face was severe and to whom 
 bushy, contracted eyebrows gave a still more gloomy 
 expression groaned. 
 
 ' Count, let your dreams alone ; the chaff must be 
 separated from the grain, although they both grow 
 on one stem.' 
 
 Briihl was silent. 
 
 ' What news from the court ? ' asked the host. 
 * There does not seem to be any change ; prayers 
 in the morning, opera in the evening. But pray be 
 seated.' 
 
 They all sat. Zinzendorf looked at Briihl piercingly, 
 as though wishing to penetrate into his soul, but those 
 windows, Briihl' s beautiful eyes, through which he 
 hoped to look within him, avoided meeting his. 
 
 ■ Is it true that they are going to build a Catholic 
 church ? ' asked the host. 
 
 ' I don't know anything definite about it,' answered 
 Briihl. 
 
 ' It would be scandalous ! ' the minister moaned. 
 
 ' Why ? ' interrupted Zinzendorf. ' We complain 
 that they are not tolerant ; should we then retaliate ? 
 The glory of Christ may be sung in many ways. 
 Why not by Catholics as well as by us ? ' 
 
Count Briihl 45 
 
 Briihl nodded in the affirmative, but as he did so 
 he encountered a severe glance from the host ; so he 
 stopped the gesture, and changed his expression into 
 a double-faced smile. 
 
 ' Count,' said the minister, ' those are the ideas of 
 youth, beautiful in your mouth, but impossible in 
 life. As one cannot sit on two chairs, so one cannot 
 confess two religions, for in that case, like some 
 people in very high positions, we have no religion.' 
 
 The minister sighed ; they all understood to whom 
 he was alluding. Briihl pretended not to hear ; 
 perchance he was sorry he had fallen among these 
 men, discussing such delicate questions. Zinzendorf, 
 on the contrary, seemed to be perfectly happy. 
 
 'But how can we spread the truth and convert 
 the people if we mix not with those of other creeds ? 
 Christ mixed with Pharisees and heathens and con- 
 verted them by His kindness.' 
 
 'You are young, and you dream,' sighed the 
 minister, ' but when you will be called upon to fight, 
 and to change your dreams into action — ' 
 
 ' That's what I desire ! ' the young enthusiast cried, 
 lifting his hands. 'Did I only love myself, I would 
 go into the desert to seek for Christ in contemplation ; 
 but I love my fellow-man, everybody, even those who 
 are in error ; that is why I shall act and try to realise 
 my dreams, as you put it.' 
 
 The minister, Briihl, and the other young man, 
 each listened with quite different feelings. The 
 first stood gloomy and irritated, the second was 
 embarrassed although he smiled, and the other was 
 filled with admiration for each of his friend's words. 
 
 ' I think that your zeal,' said the minister, ' would 
 diminish at court.' 
 
46 Count Briihl 
 
 ^ Shall we have the pleasure of seeing you at the 
 court ? ' Briihl asked quietly. 
 
 * Never ! ' exclaimed Zinzendorf . * I, at court ? 
 There is no power that could bring me there. My 
 court is where there are poor people, my future is to 
 apply Christ's teaching to my life. I go to preach 
 Christ's love. At court I should be sneered at. — I 
 shall search for another field in order to accomplish 
 that whereunto I am called.' 
 
 ' But your family, Count ? ' said the minister. 
 
 *My father is in heaven,' answered Zinzendorf. 
 * To Him alone I owe obedience.' 
 
 Briihl came to the conclusion that he had nothing 
 to do there. Zinzendorf frightened him by his 
 extraordinary speech. He took the minister aside, 
 whispered with him for a moment, and took his 
 leave. He bowed from afar in true courtly manner 
 to the apostle and went out. It would be difficult to 
 say whether he was more sincere with the Jesuit 
 or with the minister, but the fact remains that 
 although he visited both, he flattered Padre Quarini 
 more than the Rev. Knofl. 
 
 In the street Briihl again hesitated. The Prince's 
 palace was not far distant. Two guards were at 
 the door. The young page went into the courtyard 
 and ran to the left wing. The open door and the 
 light in the window tempted him to try his luck 
 at the court also. Here lived the Countess Kolo wrath, 
 lady in waiting to the princess, her favourite, a much 
 respected and middle-aged lady ; she was fond of the 
 young page, who would bring her all the gossip of 
 the court. 
 
 He could enter her apartments at any hour of the 
 day, and took advantage of that privilege very freely, 
 
Count Briihl 
 
 but' in such, a way as not to be seen by the people, 
 or to give them a chance to know about his intimacy 
 with, the Countess. 
 
 In the ante-room a lackey, in the court livery, 
 opened the door and showed in the page. Briihl 
 entered on tip-toe. The drawing-room was lighted 
 with a few wax candles. To the right, through the 
 half-opened door a stream of bright light was seen, 
 and at the noise of Briihl' s shoes on the shining 
 parquetry floor, a child's head appeared. 
 Briihl stepped softly forward. 
 
 'Ah! it's you. Monsieur Henry,' said afresh voice. 
 * Wait a moment.' 
 
 The head disappeared, but soon the door opened 
 wide and an eight year old girl came to it. She 
 wore a satin dress ornamented with lace, silk a jour 
 stockings, shoes with high heels ; her hair was 
 curled and powdered, and she looked more like a 
 doll than a child. She smiled to Briihl, curtseyed 
 to him, as it was customary in the court and as she 
 was taught by her maitre de hallet^ Monsieur Favier. 
 She had the comically serious mien of those china 
 figures made in Meissen. 
 
 Briihl bowed to her as he would have done to an 
 elderly lady. The child looked seriously at him 
 with a pair of big black eyes, but all at once her 
 seriousness forsook her and she burst into laughter. 
 The comedy was over. 
 
 ' How do you do, Henry ? ' 
 ' And how is her Excellency ? ' 
 *Her Excellency, my mother, prays with the 
 Princess. Padre Guarini recites a litany, and I am 
 bored. Listen, Briihl, let us play at court ; I shall 
 be the queen and you the great chamberlain.' 
 
48 Count Briihl 
 
 'I would do it willingly, my dear Frances,' but 
 I must return to the King's service before playing.' 
 
 'You are not polite towards the ladies ! " answered 
 the little Countess with the air of an old lady, which 
 made her very amusing. 
 
 'I will not love you, and should you ever fall 
 in love with me — ' 
 
 'Ah ! yes, it will be soon,' said Briihl laughing. 
 
 'Then you will see how cruel I shall be,' added 
 Frances. 
 
 Saying this she almost turned her back on Briihl, 
 took a fan from a chair, inclined her head back- 
 wards, pouted her lips and looked at Briihl with 
 contempt. In the eyes of that girl there was already 
 reflected the frivolity of the times. 
 
 Briihl stood enchanted and the scene would 
 perhaps have lasted much longer had it not been 
 interrupted by the rustling of a silk gown and 
 then by laughter. 
 
 ' Francesca ! Briihl, you are courting my daughter.' 
 
 The lady who said these words, was tall, majestic, 
 still very beautiful, and above all had an aristocratic 
 bearing. She was Frances's mother. Frances did 
 not become confused, she repeated her curtsey and 
 then ran to her. Briihl bowed humbly and then 
 looked with ecstasy into the Countess's black eyes. 
 
 She was no longer young but her features were 
 still very beautiful. The whiteness of her com- 
 plexion was enhanced by black hair, that night 
 innocent of powder, but carefully dressed. Her figure, 
 notwithstanding its ample form, was still graceful. 
 She looked at the page with half-closed eyes. 
 
 'Frances,' said she, 'go to Fraiilein Braun ; I 
 must have some conversation with Henry.' 
 
Count Briihl 49 
 
 The girl looked roguishly at her mother and dis- 
 appeared through the door. The Countess, rapidly 
 moving her fan, walked to and fro in the room, 
 then bending towards Briihl, spoke confidentially. 
 
 Briihl followed her respectfully, although some- 
 times he approached perchance too near. 
 
 Even the pictures on the walls heard not that 
 conversation, and half an hour later the page was 
 sitting in the King's ante-room, apparently dozing. 
 
CHAPTER III 
 
 Ten 5'ears have passed since that prologue to Briihl's 
 life, since that first scene in a long drama. Briihl 
 was still that brilliant, affable, charming young 
 man, whose fascination even his foes could not resist. 
 
 In the magnificent court of the Louis XIV of the 
 North, whom the flatterer called Apollo-Hercules, 
 the people and favourites were changed. A few 
 days after that on which Briihl succeeded to 
 Pauli's office, Augustus II's favourite became his 
 aide-de-camp. 
 
 When old Fleming died, Briihl was placed in 
 charge of the King's secret archives. Humble 
 and exceedingly polite, Briihl succeeded in over- 
 throwing two ministers : Fleming and Manteufel. 
 Soon he was created a chamberlain, and promoted 
 to wear a key, as badge of office ; the key to the 
 king's heart and exchequer he had already possessed 
 for some time ; at length he became a grand 
 chamberlain and was given a new appointment 
 created specially for him, that of grand maitre de la 
 garde-rohe. To this office belonged the care of the 
 libraries, art galleries and other collections of 
 Augustus II, who could do nothing without 
 Briihl. Many others could not do without him 
 either, and he, as if needing everyone himself, 
 as if afraid of everyone, bowed, smiled, and 
 respected even the door keeper of the castle. 
 
 King Augustus the Strong had changed a great 
 
Count Briihl 5i 
 
 deal since the daj^s when he could drink so much. 
 He still preserved the stature of Hercules but 
 no longer possessed his strength. No more could 
 he dig his spurs into his horse's flanks or saw 
 his head off. Carefully dressed and smiling he 
 would walk with a stick, and if he lingered for 
 a longer time than usual to chat with a lady he 
 would look round for a chair, for he felt pain 
 in the toe, which the surgeon Weiss cut off, risking 
 his head, but saving the King's life. The surgeon's 
 head still existed, but the toe did not, and thus 
 the King could not stand for long at a time. It 
 was a glorious memory that tournament in which 
 Augustus conquered the heart of Princess Lubonirski. 
 The King's loves were scattered throughout the 
 world. Even the last, Orzelska, now the Princess 
 Holstein Beck, was a respectable mother of a 
 family, for in the year 1732, during the carnival, 
 she gave birth to the future head of the princely 
 house. 
 
 The King would have felt lonely had not the 
 Italian nightingale, Faustina Bordoni, brightened 
 his gloomy thoughts by her lovely voice. The 
 singer was married to the famous composer of 
 those times, Hasse, whom however they sent to 
 Italy, in order to give him a chance to cultivate 
 his art and that he might not disturb his wife. 
 Hasse composed masterpieces inspired by the 
 yearning of his heart. 
 
 That year the carnival promised to be brilliant, 
 but there was a lack of money, which the King 
 could not bear : Briihl, who could manage every- 
 thing, was the only man who could assure tranquillity 
 to the King's mind. Therefore, during the carnival 
 
52 Count Briihl 
 
 the King entrusted the modest Briihl with the 
 portfolio of the minister of finance. 
 
 In vain the modest young official tried to excuse 
 himself from such an honour, but King Augustus II 
 would brook no refusal, would listen to no excuses, 
 and commanded him to provide him with money. 
 From that moment it was Briihl's duty to make 
 the Pactolus flow continually with gold, although it 
 would be mixed with blood and tears. 
 
 Briihl was no longer a humble page, but a man 
 with whom the most influential dignitaries were 
 obliged to reckon. The King would permit no 
 word against him, and would frown threateningly 
 if any were ventured. In him alone he found that 
 for which he had formerly looked in ten other 
 men. Briihl knew all about pictures, he was fond 
 of music, he understood how to get money from 
 those who were moneyless, how to be blind when 
 occasion demanded, how to be dumb when it was 
 prudent ; he was always obedient. 
 
 Through the King's munificence he was then 
 given a house near the castle, and he soon turned 
 it into a palace. 
 
 The evening before Shrove-Tuesday the newly 
 created minister was sitting in his palace ; he was 
 thoughtful, and seemed to be awaiting the arrival of 
 someone. 
 
 The room in which he sat might have been the 
 boudoir of the most fastidious woman spoiled by the 
 luxury of the court. In gilded frames shone mirrors ; 
 the walls were covered with lilac-coloured silk ; on 
 the mantle-pieces, tables, consols, there was a perfect 
 museum of china and bronzes ; the floor was covered 
 with a soft carpet. 
 
Count Briihl 53 
 
 Briihl, with his legs stretched out, lying back in 
 the recesses of a comfortable arm chair, his hand 
 shining with splendid rings, seemed to be absorbed 
 in thought and perplexities. From time to time, at 
 the sound of an opening door, he would listen, but 
 when nobody came, he returned to his thoughts and 
 calculations. 
 
 Sometimes he would glance at the clock standing 
 on the mantle-piece, for a man burdened with so 
 many duties was obliged to count his time as he 
 counted the money. 
 
 Nothwithstanding work and emotions, his youthful 
 face had not lost its freshness, his eyes shone 
 brilliantly as ever ; one felt that he was a man reserved 
 for the future, who had more hopes than remini- 
 scences. 
 
 At the further end of the house doors could be 
 heard opening one after another. Briihl listened — 
 steps approached. The steps were those of a man, 
 though cautious and soft ; the tread of one person. 
 
 * It's he,' whispered Briihl, and rose from the chair. 
 
 The knock at the door was gentle and full of respect, 
 as though the fingers that rapped were swathed in 
 cotton wool. 
 
 ' Enter ! ' said Briihl softly, and the door opened 
 noiselessly. At the door stood a man, such as one 
 could only find at the court, for they are born for the 
 court ; though cradled in a stable, their coffin would 
 certainly be found in a palace. He was tall, strong 
 and flexible in every movement as a juggler. 
 
 At the first glance one could read nothing in the 
 man's face, for its features were insignificant, neither 
 ugly nor comely, the expression was cole} and vulgar. 
 Clean-shaven, his lips closed so tightly that one could 
 
54 Count Briihl 
 
 hardly see them, the new-comer stood humbly at the 
 door and waited to be questioned. 
 
 His dress did not betray to what class he belonged. 
 It was neither elegant nor striking. The coat he 
 wore was grey with steel bnttohs ; the rest was black ; 
 at his side hung a sword with dark enamelled hilt ; 
 on his head he had a wig, which was rather official 
 arid dignified than coquettish. Under his arm he held 
 a black hat, innocent of galoons ; and he had no lace 
 round his sleeves. Briihl on seeing the man, rose 
 quickly as though moved by a spring, and walked 
 across the room. 
 
 ' Hans,' said he, ' we have but half an hour. I sent 
 for you about an unfortunate affair. Open the door 
 arid see that there is no one in the ante-room.' 
 
 The obedient Hans Henniche quickly opened the 
 door, looked through it, and signed that there was 
 no one. 
 
 ' You know,' said Briihl, ' that his Majesty was kind 
 enough to appoint me Secretary of the Treasury,' 
 
 * I wanted to congratulate your Excellency,' said 
 Henniche with a bow. 
 
 ' Don't trouble yourself,' said Briihl with the well- 
 assumed mien of an embarrassed man. ' It's a new 
 burden on my feeble shoulders,' 
 
 *Your Excellency is too modest,' said Henniche 
 with a new bow. 
 
 ' Hans,' said Briihl, ' do you wish to help me, to be 
 my right hand ? Will you swear to be faithful and 
 obedient to me? Do you wish to go with me, even if 
 we have to break our necks ? ' 
 
 'But you and I can't break our necks,' said 
 Henniche, smiling cynically. 
 
 ' Stronger people than we have done so before now,' 
 
Count Briihl 55 
 
 ' Yes, but they were not so cunning as we are ! 
 Strength means nothing, if one does not know how to 
 use it. I guarantee you that we shall succeed, pro- 
 vided I can do what I please.' 
 
 'Remember only,' Briihl said coolly, 'that these 
 are not trifling words, but a solemn oath.' 
 
 Henniche raised his hand and said ironically : 
 
 ' 1 swear — but on what, my lord and master ? ' 
 
 ' On God ! ' said Briihl, bending his head piously. 
 ' Henniche, you know that I am a religious man, you 
 mustn't joke.' 
 
 ' Your Excellency, I never joke. Joking is a very 
 costly thing, and many people pay for it with their 
 lives.' 
 
 ' If you help me,' added Briihl, ' I promise to make 
 you rich, powerful, important.' 
 
 ' Before all, the first,' said Henniche, ' for riches 
 mean everything.' 
 
 ' You forget the one who although rich went to 
 Konigstein.' 
 
 ' Do you know why ? ' 
 
 'Lord's disgrace. God's disgrace.' 
 * 'No, it's trifling with the sleeper,' said Henniche. 
 ' An intelligent man ought to put a sleeper on the 
 altar and pray to it : the women do everything.' 
 
 ' But they fall also : Cosel is in Stolpen.' 
 
 ^ And who overthrew Cosel ? ' asked Henniche. 
 ' If you look through a glass you will see the white 
 fingers of the Countess DenhofE and a small sleeper, 
 under which the great King was held.' 
 
 Briihl sighed but made no remark. 
 
 ' Your Excellency entered on a new life yesterday, 
 and ought to remember one word : woman.' 
 
 ' I remember it,' Briihl said gloomily, ' but we 
 
56 Count Bruhl 
 
 don't have time to talk about it. Then you are 
 with me ? ' 
 
 'For life or death,' answered Henniche. *I am a 
 man of no importance but great experience ; and 
 believe me that my wisdom is quite equal to those 
 who bear silver trays to drawing-rooms. I need 
 make no secret to you that for a long time I served 
 as a lackey and used to open the door. But before 
 that they opened to me. My first experience was in 
 Liitzen as a revenue officer.' 
 
 ' That is why I need you. The King needs money 
 and the country is already overtaxed. The people 
 groan and complain.' 
 
 ' Who would listen to them ? ' answered Henniche 
 indifferently. ' They will never be satisfied, they 
 will always complain. One must squeeze them as 
 one squeezes a lemon for the juice.' 
 
 ' But how ? ' 
 
 ' We shall find the means.' 
 
 * They will complain.' 
 
 * To whom ? ' said Henniche laughing. ' Can we not 
 close the road with bars, and send those who are too 
 noisy to Konigstein, or Sonnenstein, or Plissenburg, 
 for the sake of the King's tranquillity ? ' 
 
 'Yes, that's true,' said Briihl thoughtfully, 'but it 
 won't bring any money.' 
 
 ' On the contrary, we must be severe, if we wish to 
 obtain it.' 
 
 Briihl listened attentively. 
 
 ' We need a great deal of money ; the carnival 
 will be costlj^' 
 
 ' Yes, and all that is spent at court does not sink into 
 the ground, it returns to the people, therefore they can 
 pay. We need money for the King and for ourselves.' 
 
Count Briihl 57 
 
 Briihl smiled and said : 
 
 * Naturally, we cannot toil for nothing/ 
 
 * And endure so many curses.' 
 
 *Well, when it is a matter of duty, one cannot 
 pay attention to cursing. The King must have that 
 which he needs.' 
 
 ' And we, what is due to us,' Henniche added. 
 
 Briihl stepped before him and said after careful 
 thought : — 
 
 * Then keep your eyes and ears open ; inform me 
 about everything, work for me and for yourself; I 
 have already so much to do, that I can undertake no 
 more without you.' 
 
 ' Rely on me,' said Henniche. ' I quite understand, 
 that while working for you, I work for myself. I 
 don't promise you Platonic love ; for thus if I mis- 
 take not, they call kissing the gloves, having no 
 respect for the hands. One must clearly define the 
 business. I shall remember my own interests ; you 
 and I will not forget the King.* 
 
 He bowed. Briihl clapped him on the shoulder. 
 
 * Henniche, I shall help you to rise.' 
 
 'Provided it's not too high, and not in the new 
 market square,' whispered Henniche. 
 
 *You may be easy about that. And now, what 
 would you advise me to do in order that I may not 
 lose my footing at the court ? It is easy to mount 
 the ladder, but the question is not to break one's neck.' 
 
 'I have only one piece of advice,' said the former 
 lackey, ' everything is done bv the women.' 
 
 ' Oh ! Oh ! ' said Briihl, ' there are other means too.* 
 
 ' YeSy I know that your Excellency has Padre 
 Guarini on his side.' 
 
 * Silence, Henniche ! ' 
 
^d. Count Bmhl 
 
 ' I am already silent, but I must add all the same, 
 that your Excellency must bear in mind the power 
 of women, it will do no harm to have two strings to 
 one's bow.' 
 
 Brlihl sighed. 
 
 ' I shall remember your advice.' 
 
 They were both silent for a few moments. 
 
 *How does your Excellency stand with the Count 
 Sulkowski ? ' whispered Henniche. ' One must not 
 forget that the sun sets, that the people are mortal, 
 that the sons succeed the fathers, and Sulkowski the 
 Brlihls.' 
 
 ' Oh ! ' said Briihl, 'he is my friend.' 
 
 ' I would prefer that his wife was your Excellency's 
 friend,' said Henniche. ' I put more faith in her.' 
 
 ' Sulkowski has a noble heart.' 
 
 'I don't deny it, but the best heart prefers the 
 chest in which it beats. And how about the Count 
 Moszynski ? ' 
 
 Briihl shivered and blushed : looked at Henniche 
 sharply, as though he would learn whether he men- 
 tioned the name with any design. But Henniche' s 
 face was placid and indifferent. 
 
 ' The Count Moszynski is of no importance what- 
 ever,' hissed Briihl, ' and he never shall be of any 
 importance.' 
 
 'His Majesty gave him his own daughter,' said 
 Henniche slowly. 
 
 Briihl was silent. 
 
 ' The people have evil tongues,' continued Henniche. 
 ' They say that Fraulein Cosel would have preferred 
 to marry someone else than Moszynski.' 
 
 'Yes,' cried Briihl passionately. 'He has stolen 
 her from me.' 
 
Count Briihl 59 
 
 ' Then lie has done your Excellency a great favour,' 
 said Henniche laughing, ' instead of one tool, you 
 can have two.' 
 
 They looked into each other's eyes. Briihl was 
 gloomy. 
 
 ' Enough of it,' said he. ' Remember that you are 
 mine and count on me. Your office will be here ; 
 to-morrow I shall send you an official appointment.^ 
 
 Henniche bowed. 
 
 *And salary corresponding with my official 
 position.' 
 
 ' Yes, if you find the means to pay it with.' 
 
 ' That is my business.' 
 
 *ltislate; good-night.' 
 
 Henniche bowed and went out as quietly, as he 
 came. 
 
 Briihl rang the bell ; a lacke}^ promptly attended. 
 
 ' I must be in the castle in half-an-hour : my 
 post-chaise ! ' 
 
 ' It is ready.' 
 
 ' Domino, masque ? ' 
 
 'Everything is ready,' and having said this the 
 lackey opened the door and conducted Briihl to a 
 large dressing-room. 
 
 Brlihl's dressing-room was already considered one 
 of the sights of the capital. Round it were large 
 wardrobes of carved oak ; between two windows 
 stood a table and on it a large mirror in a china 
 frame composed of cupids and flowers. Round the 
 table, winter and summer, there were always a pro- 
 fusion of roses and lilies of the valley. And on the 
 table were disposed such an array of toilet articles 
 as might have belonged to a woman. The wardrobes 
 contained dresses with shoes, swotds, hats, and 
 
60 Count Briihl 
 
 watches to match each, for the fashion demanded 
 that everything should be in harmony. 
 
 For that evening the most important detail was 
 the domino and not the dress. In a special wardrobe 
 was everything necessary for fancy balls. Briihl 
 was not quite decided in his choice of a dress. It 
 was a very important matter, for the King was fond 
 of difficulty in recognising his guests ; and perchance 
 Briihl did not wish to be recognised at all. 
 
 The lackey, walking after him with a candelabra, 
 waited for the order. 
 
 ' Where is that dress of a Venetian noble ? ' asked 
 Briihl turning to the lackey. 
 
 The servant ran to a wardrobe standing in a 
 corner and handed him the dress. 
 
 Briihl began to dress hastily. The dress was 
 becoming to him ; everything was black, even the 
 sword. The only shining ornament was a heavy 
 gold chain on which hung a medallion on which was 
 the figure of Augustus the Strong. Briihl looked 
 at himself in the mirror and put on a mask. In 
 order not to be easily recognised he glued to his 
 chin a little Spanish beard. 
 
 He changed the rings on his fingers and went 
 downstairs. 
 
 At the door the post-chaise was in readiness. 
 
 The two carriers wore red woollen caps, short 
 dark brown cloaks and masks. The moment Briihl 
 entered the carriage and drew the green curtain 
 he was driven to the castle. 
 
 In the principal gate the guards, gorgeously 
 dressed, permitted only the lords' carriages and 
 post-chaises to pass, thrusting back the curious 
 crowd with halberds. 
 
Count Briihl ei 
 
 The court was already crowded with equipages, 
 post-chaises and servants. The castle was profusely 
 lighted : that day two courts were united, those of 
 the King and the Prince. 
 
 Within the castle there were already numerous 
 guests, all in fancy dress. Briihl' s post-chaise 
 stopped at the door and a Venetian nobleman stepped 
 out gravely. Just as he was about to mount the 
 stairs, there appeared another Italian but quite 
 differently dressed. He was tall, strong, stiff, with 
 a soldierly bearing, and was dressed like a bandit 
 taken from Salvator Rosa's picture. The costume 
 was very becoming to him. His head was covered 
 with a light, iron helmet, on his chest he wore 
 armour ornamented with gold, over his shoulder 
 was thrown a short cloak, at his side he had a sword, 
 and at his belt a dagger. His face was covered with 
 a frightful mask, with long moustachios and a small 
 beard. 
 
 Briihl glanced at the unpleasant mask and walked 
 upstairs, but the bandit followed him. 
 
 ' Signore I ' he hissed, ' come sta ? ' 
 
 Briihl merely nodded. The bandit came close to 
 him, bent over him and whispered evidently some- 
 thing disagreeable in his ear, for Briihl drew aside 
 impatiently. The bandit laughed and said : 
 
 * A rivederei, carissimo, a rivederci I ' and continued 
 to follow him. 
 
 One could already hear the music. When they 
 both reached the rooms, Briihl disappeared in the 
 crowd. The rich, resplendent dresses of the women, 
 were shining with precious stones. Everybody 
 moved about, laughed, muttered, exclaimed, came 
 and went. 
 
62 Count Brlihl 
 
 In magnificent Polish dresses, tkeir swords 
 ornamented with precious stones, w^alked several 
 senators who were easily recognised, for they wore 
 only a small black strip over their eyes, in obedience 
 to the King's order, that everyone should wear a 
 mask. There were many Turks and Spaniards ; 
 several monks, women disguised as bats, many 
 mythological goddesses and Venetians were to be 
 distinguished among clowns, harlequins, and cupids 
 with bows and arrows. There were also Queen 
 Elizabeth, Mary Stuart, Henry IV, and many others. 
 
 The King, leaning on a gold-headed stick, walked 
 slowly, talked to the women, and tried to recognise 
 them. It was not difficult for him, he knew them 
 all, at least those who were worthy to be known. 
 
 In one of the King's rooms were beautiful ladies 
 sitting in the booths distributing refreshments.. 
 Beyond the King's apartments, the Princess Josepha 
 and her court received the distinguished guests. 
 Among her ladies in waiting the most brilliant was 
 Frances Kolowrath, the same who, when but eight 
 years of age, could so well play the role of a lady 
 of the court. Now she was a beautiful young 
 lady, coquettish, lively, proud, and covered with 
 diamonds. 
 
 The Princess Josepha did not participate much 
 in such amusements ; she was there only to please 
 her father-in-law and her husband. Her proud 
 mien, severe and not beautiful face, cold manners, 
 did not attract the people. Everybody knew she 
 was not fond of amusements, that she preferred 
 family life, prayers and gossip. Severe with herself 
 she was the same with others, and looked sharply at 
 those around her. Her surroundings were stiff and 
 
Count Briihl 63 
 
 cold. Nobody dared to joke for fear of the lady's 
 disapp roval of any outburst of levity. Even during 
 the fancy dress ball, Josepha did not forget that she 
 was the daughter of an emperor. 
 
 Polite, affable, silent, the Prince Frederick stood 
 beside her ; he was good-looking but also cold and 
 stiff like a statue. He was pleased that others 
 enjoyed themselves, but took no part in the 
 entertainment. One could see, that notwith- 
 standing his youth, he was both physically and 
 spiritually heavy, especially spiritually. 
 
 Splendidly dressed and lordly-looking, Sulkowski, 
 the acknowledged favourite of the Prince, stood 
 behind him, ready to carry out his orders. The 
 Prince would often turn to him, ask some question 
 and having received the answer, nod his head in 
 sign of satisfaction. 
 
 On seeing them together, one could easily guess 
 their relation to each other. The servant was much 
 more lord than the lord himself, who merely repre- 
 sented his office but did not feel it. Sulkowski on 
 the contrary assumed great airs and looked proudly 
 on the people around him. 
 
 He was also better looking than the Prince, who 
 nothwithstanding his youthful age and good health 
 looked like a common German. 
 
 Round Augustus the Strong's table a more joyful 
 company was gathered. Bare-shouldered women 
 tried to attract the attention of the King, who 
 looked on their charms with indifference. 
 
 Briihl entered, as it seemed to him, without being 
 noticed ; he did not speak and seemed to be 
 looking for someone. As he passed through the 
 refreshment rooms he did not notice that the 
 
64 Count Briihl 
 
 bandit was following him. His beautiful figure 
 attracted the women and several of them tried 
 to stop him, but he looked at them indifferently, 
 and passed on. One or two tried to intrigue him 
 but laughing he whispered their names and they 
 let him alone. 
 
 The King looked at him and said to Frisen : 
 
 'If a Prussian prince were here, he would steal 
 that man for his guard. Who is he ? ' 
 
 No one could answer the question for certain. 
 The bandit disappeared behind the columns. 
 
 In the meantime Briihl was stopped by a gipsy. 
 She was old, tall, leaning on a stick, and covered 
 with a long silk cloak. Through the small mask 
 could be seen the yellowish wrinkled face of the 
 wDman. She put out her hand and paling asked 
 him to give her his that she might tell his fortune. 
 
 Briihl had no wish to look into the future and 
 wanted to pass the gipsy, but she insisted. 
 
 * Non ahiate paura ! ' whispered she. ' I will tell 
 you of good fortune.' 
 
 Briihl put out his hand. The gipsy lifted it and 
 having examined it, shook her head. 
 
 * A splendid future ! ' she said. ' You will be 
 marvellously successful, but I cannot promise you 
 much happiness.' 
 
 *How can that be,' said Briihl, *to have success 
 and not be happy ? ' 
 
 'For one can be happy but not successful,' 
 exclaimed the old woman. 'And would you know 
 the reason that you will lack happiness, — you have 
 no heart.' 
 
 Briihl smiled ironically. 
 
 ' You don't love anybody,' continued the woman. 
 
Count Briihl 65 
 
 * What more ? ' he asked. 
 
 'You are ungrateful,' she whispered, 'you are 
 blind, you are only pursuing greatness.' 
 
 'X see,' said Briihl, 'that you take me for some- 
 body else.' 
 
 The woman wrote on his palm ; Briihl wihhdrew 
 his hand, mixed quickly with the crowd and dis- 
 appeared. Perchance he preferred to wander un- 
 known among the guests. At length he noticed 
 a woman who absorbed his whole attention. 
 
 Her fantastic, oriental costume, was meant to repre- 
 sent some queen, Semiramis or Cleopatra, it was diffi- 
 cult to say who, for its magnificence was greater than 
 its historical exactness. The great thing in those 
 days was to be magnificently dressed, not archaeo- 
 logically exact. So the lady, who wished to appear 
 a majestic ruler, succeeded by means of her dress 
 which was made of gold brocade, over which a trans- 
 parent veil fell from her diamond crown to her dainty 
 feet ; round her white neck hung a magnificent 
 amethyst necklace ; her girdle was set with 
 diamonds ; she held a sceptre in her hand ; and 
 her bearing was that of one who ruled not only 
 over people, but also over their hearts. 
 
 Her hair was dark, covered with gold powder ; 
 the lower part of her face was of great beauty. 
 
 As she passed, everyone gave way to her, nobody 
 dared to speak to her. She looked round indifferently. 
 
 Briihl stood near a column, hesitated for a moment, 
 and then greeted her, touching the brim of his hat. 
 She stopped. Briihl put out his hand and she gave 
 him hers on which he wrote her name. 
 
 She looked at him attentively, and walked further 
 on ; Briihl followed her. She turned several times 
 
 E 
 
66 Count Briihl 
 
 and seeing that he followed her, she stopped again. 
 A bench nestled among some palms, and here the 
 queen sat down. Briihl stood. She looked at him 
 and when he gave her his hand, she wrote H. B. 
 on it and laughed. 
 
 * It's no wonder, Countess, that I recognise you,' 
 lie said, 'for I could not mistake you, even were 
 you not dressed like a queen. But I wonder how 
 you recognised me ? ' 
 
 'By the dress of a member of the Council of 
 Trent,' said the lady. 'And to whom would it be 
 more becoming than to you ? * 
 
 ' Countess, you are beautiful.' 
 
 She accepted the compliment without paying much 
 heed to it. 
 
 ' But beautiful,' he continued, ' like a marble 
 statue, and cold like the marble.' 
 . ' What more ? ' asked the woman. ' Say something 
 more amusing, I have heard that so many times.' 
 
 ' What else could I say to you ? ' said Briihl with 
 trembling voice. ' Every time I look at you my anger 
 is aroused, storms of vengeance and jealousy shake 
 me.' 
 
 'Very pathetic,' whispered the woman. 'What 
 more ? ' 
 
 ' Had I the heart, I would curse the hour I first saw 
 you,' said Briihl passionately. ' But a glance at you 
 conquers me. You have a power over me possessed 
 by no one else.' 
 ; ' Is that true ? ' the woman coolly inquired. 
 
 ' Is it necessary to swear it to you ? ' 
 'I do not need your oath. I merely wanted to be^ 
 convinced, and very often an oath fails.' 
 
 She looked at him piercingly. : 
 
Count Briihl 67 
 
 ' But my love — ' said Briihl. 
 The woman laughed. 
 
 * Briihl,' she said, ' I believe you were in love with 
 me, I am not surprised at that. I was young, I had 
 a good name and I could assure a splendid future to 
 the man I married ; but your love might have been 
 that we see everyday, burning in the morning and 
 quenched in the evening. I do not want such 
 love.' 
 
 ' I gave you proof of my constancy,' said Briihl 
 with animation. * My love for you began when I was 
 a mere lad and was not quenched even when you took 
 all hope away ; it lasts although repulsed and 
 despised.' 
 
 ' Is it love or ambition ? ' asked the woman. ' For 
 with you ambition dominates everything.' 
 
 ' I do not deny that since I cannot be happy, my 
 aim is now to be strong and to be feared.' 
 
 The woman looked at him and spoke slowly. 
 
 ^ I do not know what the future may have in store 
 for us. Wait, be faithful to me. I will be frank 
 with you ; I was fond of you ; with you I could have 
 been happy ; we are alike in character. — But things 
 are better as they are. Husband and wife are two 
 fighting enemies ; we can be faithful friends to each 
 other.' 
 
 * Friends ! ' said Briihl, ' it sounds like a funeral to 
 my love for you. Your husband will be your lover 
 and I your friend ; that means a despised friend.' 
 
 ' A husband a lover ? ' said the woman laughing. 
 * Where did you hear of that ? Those two words 
 swear at each other. My husband, I hate him, I 
 despise him, I can't bear him ! ' 
 
 ' But you married him.' 
 
68 Count Briihl 
 
 ' My father, the King, married me to him ; but 
 "believe me, it is well that it happened so. With him 
 my heart is free, I am myself and shall preserve my- 
 self for the future. I believe in my star.' 
 
 ' Will our stars ever meet ? ' 
 
 *If they are destined for each other, they will.' 
 
 ' You say this so indifferently — ' 
 
 * I always control my feelings, whether I love or 
 hate. The sentiment that betrays itself, becomes the 
 prey of the people.' 
 
 ' But how can one believe in it, if one cannot see 
 it?' 
 
 ' Then what is faith ? ' said the woman laughing. 
 * The one who loves must feel, and he who cannot 
 guess the woman's love is not worthy of it.' 
 
 Having said this, she very quickly, and before 
 Briihl could realise it, disappeared. 
 
 He was standing thoughtfully, when a rather 
 remarkable clown — for he had diamond buttons — 
 appeared. He seemed to be looking for someone and 
 seeing only the Venetian, stopped, gazing at him 
 attentively. He bent down, wishing to look under 
 the mask, but Briihl pressed it over his face with 
 his hand. 
 
 ' Cavaliero nero ! ' said the clown, ^ what did the 
 queen say to you ? Do you know her ? ' 
 
 ' Sono un forestiere — Addioy hissed Briihl and 
 made off, but the clown followed him. Presently he 
 met the bandit to whom the clo\vn whispered : 
 
 ' Who is he ? ' 
 
 ' Briihl.' 
 
 ' Ah ! ' exclaimed the clown. ' I guessed it was he 
 by the hatred I felt towards him. But are you sure 
 it was he ? ' 
 
Count Briihl 69 
 
 'I? Who hate him more than you, Count? I 
 would recognise him even in hell.' 
 
 The clown suddenly darted forward, for he caught 
 sight of the queen. The bandit, thankful, wandered 
 about without aim. The guests grew more and more 
 animated and those who were searching for each other 
 could hardly move among the dense crowd. Laughter 
 and chatting were louder than the music. Briihl 
 directed his steps towards the apartment where the 
 Princess was receiving the people. A monk seized 
 his hand. 
 
 ' If you did not wish to be recognised,' said he in 
 Italian, 'j^ou have not succeeded. Who would not 
 recognise you, the Secretary of the Treasury ? ' 
 
 And he laughed. 
 
 * How could they recognise me ? ' asked Briihl. 
 
 * By your way of walking and by your beautiful 
 dress.' 
 
 Briihl could not be sure that he recognised the 
 monk ; he disappeared in the crowd. He could have 
 sworn it was Padre Gaurini, but could he suppose 
 that a Jesuit would be at a fancy dress ball ? 
 
 A little disappointed, he found himself in a room 
 lighted with alabaster lamps. Here a tall woman 
 struck him with her fan. He recognised her and 
 had no doubt that she knew also who he was. 
 
 * Briihl, accept my congratulations,' said she. 
 ' What for ? ' 
 
 * You have already mounted very high, but be 
 careful, for iion si va sano. You must lean on the 
 arm of a woman, who often raises a man as though 
 he had wings.' 
 
 Briihl sighed. 
 
 * I know for whom you sigh,' she continued, 'and 
 
70 Count Briihl 
 
 what there is in your heart. But you must forget 
 the ungrateful queen and look for another.' 
 
 ' To search, in order to be repulsed and despised ! ' 
 
 * Only the one who is unworthy of you could despise 
 you, and such a woman is not to be regretted.' 
 
 She bent close to his ear, and having whispered 
 something in it, disappeared in the crowd. He passed 
 on. Opposite him was Frances Kolowrath's table, 
 surrounded by young men. The girl laughing, her 
 parted lips showing her teeth, handed the glasses of 
 wine. He looked at her from a distance. She was 
 tempting and graceful, but her cool coquettishness 
 frightened him. . He stood for a long while deep in 
 thought, and then turned aside. 
 
 Hardly had he sat down on a chair, in order to rest 
 for he was tired, when the bandit sat beside him. 
 
 *Not long ago,' said he, 'you were flirting with a 
 queen, and now you are thinking of that young girl. 
 Am I not right ? ' 
 
 Briihl shook his head without answering. 
 
 * She is a rich girl, and she has plenty of diamonds. 
 — Are you not fond of them ? ' 
 
 Briihl turned his head away and did not answer. 
 But the bandit spoke further. 
 
 ' Look, what dainty hands, what round arms, what 
 a fresh face. It's a bite for a minister if not for a 
 king ; but Augustus H is too old, and the Prince is 
 too pious, — you may have her. And after that, I 
 don't know what might happen, for look how she 
 smiles on twenty young men, and it's dreadful what 
 her eyes are saying ! She is the very wife for such 
 a man as you. They married Hasse, a great musician, 
 to Faustina ; such an artist as you must marry Frances 
 Kolowrath. See how admirably she already plays 
 
Count Brlihl 71 
 
 her part and what a success she will have in the role 
 of la grande coquette ! ' 
 
 One could see by an impatient movement that 
 Briihl was terribly annoyed, but he did not lose 
 his head, he did not change his position, he did not 
 look at the bandit ; he rose and w^ent off. His 
 tormentor searched for him in vain, he was no longer 
 in the palace^ 
 
 The music played and the masqueraders danced 
 till daybreak. 
 
 The last couple still whirled in the King's apart- 
 ments, while, in the chapel of the castle in Taschenberg, 
 Padre Guarini put ashes on the young Prince, his 
 consort and the Catholic court. 
 
CHAPTER IV 
 
 Notwithstanding the carnival, notwithstanding the 
 enormous buildings in course of construction with 
 which the King tried to amuse himself, notwithstand- 
 ing the magnificence by which he was surrounded, 
 Augustus II began to be w^earied. They wanted 
 him to marry for the sake of distracting his thoughts 
 — he yawned and laughed ; he had no wish for a 
 wedding, for they w^ere expensive, and the wedding 
 worthy of such a monarch was bound to cost much. 
 His foot pained him, he was sad. The world had no 
 interest for him ; he tasted of so many pleasures, that 
 at the bottom of the cup, there remained only dregs. 
 The most beautiful girls ceased to attract him, in his 
 memory there passed in review an endless number of 
 lovely forms, shining for a moment and withered so 
 quickly. The Princess Tubonirska was old, the 
 Countess Cosel locked up, the others scattered 
 throughout the world. Unable to be happy, he 
 wanted to be great. Therefore he sent servants to 
 Africa and built. 
 
 Enormous barracks were built in New Citj^-, rebuilt 
 by him in the Old City, the Catholic church and 
 palaces were in course of erection. 
 
 The King would go to Konigstein to look at the 
 walls and find them gone ; he would go to Huberts- 
 burg and be wearied ; he would give orders that he 
 was to be driven to Moritzburg and there fiind 
 nothing to interest him. Dresden simply bored him. 
 
Count Briihl 73 
 
 Had anyone suggested it to him, he would probably 
 have ordered the toAvn to be fired, in order to build 
 it again, though the idea was not new. 
 
 While he was in Poland his affections were with 
 Dresden, but when he was in Dresden he was longing 
 after Warsaw. November the second, the day of 
 St Hubert patron of hunting, was always celebrated 
 with a great display ; the two courts, that of the 
 King and that of the Prince went to Hubertsburg. 
 The grand huntsman of the court was Herr von 
 Leibnitz, the grand falconer the Count Moszynski. 
 
 But the King found St Hubert too old-fashioned 
 and the hunting monotonous. He was seized with 
 restlessness. On New Year's day the market at 
 Leipzig attracted him ; the horse dealers promised 
 to bring splendid horses, but the King found they 
 were hacks ; and the actresses brought from Belgium 
 had false teeth. 
 
 On the sixth of January Augustus returned to 
 Dresden for the opening of the carnival, and at the 
 first ball he perceived that the faces of the women 
 were withered, that their eyes lacked fire, and their 
 lips were pale. He thought that he would enjoy 
 Poland better, therefore he left the carnival, for the 
 Prince and Padre Guarini and ordered the carriages 
 to be got ready to convey him to Warsaw. 
 
 Briihl was in constant attendance. Others had 
 disappeared, changed for fresh faces ; but he, who 
 from a page had become the minister, was inde- 
 spensable to the King. The money flowed to the 
 Treasury, the heavy taxes filled the coffers. 
 
 The noblemen grumbled, but there was a remedy : 
 the court was filled with foreigners, Italians, 
 Frenchmen, Dutch, Danes, Prussians, Bavarians 
 
74 Count Briihl 
 
 flourished at the court and the Saxon noblemen 
 returned to their estates to make money for the 
 King. 
 
 Briihl's opinion was that his Majesty was right in 
 maintaining that those made the best servants whose 
 whole career depended on the favour of the King. 
 
 On the tenth of January the courtyard of the 
 castle was full of horses, carriages and people. 
 The Polish and Saxon courts were ready for the 
 journey. The rooms were filled with those who 
 were to accompany the King. Augustus II was 
 taking leave of his son and his wife. 
 
 The former majesty in his face was replaced by 
 impatience and weariness. The Prince was tender 
 towards his father, while his wife, the Princess 
 Josepha, was majestic. Frederick looked into his 
 father's eyes and smiled sweetly. Briihl entered : . 
 there were some papers to be signed and money 
 to be taken for the journey. 
 
 The King looked sharply towards the Secretary 
 of the Treasury and asked : 
 
 * Briihl, have you the money ? ' 
 
 * Yes, your Majesty ! ' answered he bowing. 
 The lord's face brightened. 
 
 *T(Ook,' said he to his son, ' what a servant ! I 
 commend him to you — he is the man wh<D relieved 
 me of my money troubles. Remember ! I am 
 indebted to him for the order that prevails.' 
 
 Frederick looked into his father's eyes, as though 
 wishing to show him that he promised to obey. 
 
 'Had I a few more men like him in Poland,' 
 continued the King, 'I should have restored order 
 in the republic and introduced ,the same system as 
 I have in Saxony. Ah, those Polish, so-called friends 
 
Count Bftihl 75 
 
 and faithful servants, suck as Lipski, Hozynsz and 
 others, are all afraid of the nobility, and they fool 
 me. But let us be patient, I shall end all that, 
 several heads shall fall off and then everything will 
 be quiet. I cannot bear a public that dares to 
 murmur Avhen I command. — Enough of it.' 
 
 The interrupted leave-taking was continued: 
 Frederick kissed his father's hand. Lackeys, pages 
 and servants were ready in the ante-room. The 
 officials and clergy stood quietly in a corner. The 
 King smiled to all. He repeated to the huntsmen his 
 order to take care of the twelve bisons brought from 
 Bialowiezer and kept in Kreirn near Moritzburg and 
 moved towards a carriage standing ready. 
 
 The postillions were already mounted ; in the 
 courtyard stood bareheaded burghers, at whom the 
 King only glanced and whom he commanded to pay 
 their taxes : a moment later everything was quiet in 
 the castle and in Dresden. 
 
 Everyone had plenty of time to rest until the 
 King returned, when it would fall to their lot to 
 amuse him again. 
 
 The whole retinue, escorted by a detachment of 
 cavalry, had already reached the bridge, while 
 Briihl's carriage still stood in the courtyard of the 
 castle. The King's favourite came out thoughtfully 
 and saw Sulkowski. Briihl's face brightened at. 
 once ; he seized Sulkowski's arm and conducted 
 him to one of the nearest rooms. 
 
 Briihl's face expressed the tenderest friendship. 
 Sulkowski was indifferent. 
 
 ' How happy I am,' said Briihl, ' to be able once 
 more to win a place in your affections.' And his 
 voice was as sweet as his words. 
 
76 Count Briihl 
 
 * Briihl, listen ! ' Sulkowski interrupted. ' I also 
 remind you of our agreement. In good fortune or 
 bad, we shall remain friends.' 
 
 * Do you need to remind me ? ' exclaimed Briihl. 
 I love you, I respect you, I am grateful to you, I 
 
 am your friend.' 
 
 * Give me a proof of it.' 
 
 * As soon as I have opportunity ! Pray, give me 
 that opportunity ! Dear Count, I am yours ! Do 
 not forget me ! You know what I mean — ' 
 
 ' Fraiilein Kolowrath ! ' said Sulkowski laughing. 
 * Grand hien vous fasse, you shall have her. Her 
 mother is in your favour.' 
 
 'But she?' 
 
 ' Oh ! don't be afraid, nobody will stand in your way. 
 One must be as brave as you to attain to such bliss.' 
 
 ' I missed a greater and the only bliss,' said Briihl, 
 sighing. 
 
 Sulkowski slapped him on the shoulder and said 
 laughing : 
 
 ' I see that Moszynski is right in hating you.' 
 
 ' Nonsense ! ' protested Briihl. 
 
 ' Oh ! don't deny it. It's difficult to conceal 
 anything at court. You and the Countess Moszynski 
 are better friends than if you were married.' 
 
 Briihl shrugged his shoulders. 
 . ' My heart owns only Frances Kolowrath.' 
 
 * Her hand is waiting for you.' 
 
 ' Her mother herself will propose her to you. And 
 it is time that Frances was married, for her eyes shine 
 strangely.' 
 
 ' Like stars ! ' Briihl exclaimed. 
 
 ' What would the Countess Moszynski say to that ? ' 
 
 Suddenly Briihl seized Sulkowski's hand. 
 
Count Briihl 77 
 
 * Count,' said he, 'do not forget me and speak in 
 my favour to the Prince. I fear whether I sufficiently 
 showed my respect and attachment to him, as well 
 as towards the pure and saintly Princess. — Tell him — ' 
 
 'You speak for us to the King,' interrupted the 
 Count, 'and I will do the same for you with the 
 Prince. And then, my Briihl, you will not be with- 
 out protectors. Padre Guarini tries to convert you, 
 the Countess thinks of you as her future son-in-law, 
 and I should not be surprised if jou had still 
 another friend at court.' 
 
 ' All that is nothing if you are not with me,' said 
 Briihl. — ' I would give up Guarini and Kolowrath 
 in your favour.' 
 
 ' But you would not give up Moszynski,' said 
 Sulkowski laughing. 'And now good luck to your 
 journey ; remember me in Poland to all my country- 
 men.' 
 
 ' Not to their wives and daughters ? ' 
 
 'Yes, should some of them ask after me — but 
 I doubt it. I prefer German women.' 
 
 'I too ! ' said Briihl. 
 
 They had already reached the door. 
 
 ' Eh, hien, a la vie, a la mort! ' 
 
 They shook hands. Briihl hastened towards the 
 carriage. At the farther end of the courtyard 
 Padre Guarini was standing, making the sign of 
 the cross over Briihl as he drove off, following his 
 master to Warsaw, 
 
CHAPTER V 
 
 It was the beginning of January 1733. In the 
 morning Prince Frederick returned from hunting 
 at Hubertsburg. Sulkowski was with him. In 
 the evening the incomparable Faustina was going 
 to sing in the opera. The Prince was as great 
 an admirer of her voice and beauty as his father. 
 The singer would tyrannise over her competitors, 
 would persecute those who had not the good fortune 
 to please her, and when she deigned to sing there 
 was quiet in the hall as in a church ; if anyone 
 dared to sneeze he might be sure that she would 
 become his bitterest foe. The opera called ' Cleophia ' 
 was announced and Prince Frederick enjoyed the 
 prospect. 
 
 In the afternoon, the Prince, dressed in a splendid 
 robe de ehambre, was sitting in an armchair, digesting 
 with that pleasant feeling produced by a strong 
 stomach and excellent cooking. 
 
 Sulkowski stood opposite him. From time to 
 time the Prince would look at his friend, smile, 
 and smoke on in silence. 
 
 The friend and servant looked with pleasure on 
 his happy master, sharing his happiness silently. 
 
 The Prince's face beamed, but it was his habit, 
 when in a happy mood, to speak very little and 
 to think. Nobody knew what about. Sometimes 
 he would raise his drooping head, look at Sulkowski 
 and say : 
 
 73 
 
Count Briihl 79 
 
 *H'm! Sulkowski?' 
 
 * I am here.' 
 
 Then he would nod and that was the end of it. 
 A quarter of an hour would elapse and the Prince 
 would call him again by his Christian name, or 
 caressingly in the Italian language. The Count 
 would reply as before that he was there and the 
 eloquent silence would follow. 
 
 The Prince spoke but little and only when obliged 
 to do so. He disliked anything unexpected. His 
 life must flow quietly, monotonously. The afternoon 
 hours, when he only received his most familiar 
 friends, were those he enjoyed best. In the fore- 
 noon he was obliged to give audience, to listen, 
 to talk, to sign papers. After such efforts the 
 afternoon siesta was delightful to him. When 
 there was no opera he would go to Princess Josepha, 
 listen to some music, and the day would end with a 
 supper. 
 
 Never before did the courtiers have a lord more 
 easy to entertain. He was satisfied though one 
 day resembled another as two drops of water. 
 
 That day the afternoon siesta had just begun ; 
 the Prince was smoking a second pipe, when 
 Sulkowski, noticing something through the window, 
 hesitated a moment and then went towards the 
 door. The Prince's eyes followed him. 
 
 ' Sulkowski ! ' he said softly. 
 
 ^I return at once,' answered the Count, opening 
 the door and disappearing through it. In the ante- 
 room two pages and some servants were waiting. 
 
 'Don't let anybody in without my special per- 
 mission,' said Sulkowski. 
 
 All heads bowed. 
 
80 
 
 Count Briihl 
 
 Sulkowski went out, rushed down the stairs, and 
 stopped in the doorway petrified. 
 
 ' Briihl ? You here ? ' 
 
 Wrapped in a fur cloak covered with snow, cold, 
 tired, pale and troubled, there stood the favourite of 
 Augustus II. In the courtyard one might have seen 
 a carriage with two tired horses ; the postillions had 
 already dismounted and were also so tired that they 
 could hardly keep on their feet. 
 
 Briihl did not answer : he made him understand 
 by his look that he wished to enter and to rest. This 
 sudden arrival had something so mysterious about 
 it, that Sulkowski, being very much troubled about 
 it, led the way to a room situated on the ground floor. 
 The servants recognised Briihl, and pressed for- 
 ward, but he dismissed them with a wave of the hand 
 and entered the room with Sulkowski. Briihl quickly 
 divested himself of his furs. The Count stood 
 waiting. 
 
 'For Heaven's sake, Briihl, what news do you 
 bring ? ' 
 
 Briihl sat down on a chair as though not having 
 heard the question, and leaned his sorrowful head 
 on his hand. The favourite of the Prince, uneasy 
 and impatient, stood before him, but pride prevented 
 him from insisting. — He waited. 
 
 Briihl rose and sighed, looked around, wrung his 
 hands and cried : 
 
 ' My most gracious lord, the King, is dead ! ' 
 
 Over Sulkowski's face there passed like lightning 
 an expression difficult to define — fear and joy mixed. 
 He moved as though about to run, but stopped. 
 
 'Nobody come before me from Warsaw?' asked 
 Briihl. 
 
Count Briihl 
 
 81 
 
 * Nobody.' 
 
 * Then the Prince knows nothing ? ' 
 
 * No, he does not even suspect anything,' said 
 Sulkowski. ' The Prince must be notified at once,' 
 continued the Count. *But tell me, how was it? 
 The King was in good health.' 
 
 Briihl sighed pitifully. 
 
 *0n the sixteenth we came to Warsaw,' he said 
 quietly. ' The road was most abominable : in some 
 places snow drifts, in others mud. The King was 
 tired and impatient, but catching sight of Warsaw, 
 his face brightened up. We sent couriers ahead ; 
 the reception was splendid notwithstanding the 
 wretched weather, the cannons boomed, the regiment 
 of musketeers was splendid. The carriage stopped 
 at the door of the Saxon Palace. As the King 
 alighted he knocked his foot against the step, in the 
 place which has troubled him continually since Weiss 
 amputated his big toe. We noticed that he grew 
 pale and leaned on his stick. Two pages ran to help 
 him, and leaning on them he entered the palace, 
 where the clergy, the lords and the ladies awaited 
 him in large numbers. The King was obliged to 
 sit down immediately and he told the Grrand Marshal 
 to shorten the reception as he did not feel well. As 
 soon as he entered the chamber he ordered Dr Weiss 
 to be called, complaining that he felt his foot hot and 
 wet. They cut the boot ; it was full of blood. Weiss 
 grew pale : the foot was already swollen and 
 discoloured ; yet notwithstanding that — ' 
 
 ^ Cut it short,' cried Sulkowski. ' Someone might 
 tell the Prince that you have arrived.' 
 
 Briihl came near to him. 
 
 * Count,' said he, ' I — we should come to some 
 
82 Count BrUhl 
 
 understanding before we venture to do anything. 
 The Prince loA^ed his father dearly, the shock he will 
 receive — will it not be necessary to prepare him for 
 the news ? ' 
 
 ^Yes, buthow?' 
 
 * My advice is,' said Briihl, ' that we should do 
 nothing without first consulting Padre Guarini and 
 the Princess.' 
 
 Sulkowski looked at him with ill-disguised dis- 
 content. 
 
 ^ But it seems to me,' said he, ' that the Prince 
 ueeds neither the Princess's help nor the spiritual 
 consolation of his confessor.' 
 
 ' I should think — ' said Briihl, and suddenly con- 
 fused he looked towards the door which opened and 
 Padre Guarini appeared. It was difficult to guess how 
 he could have learned so quickly of Briihl's arrival. 
 He walked straight to him ; his face was sad although 
 it was difficult for him to change its naturally cheerful 
 expression ; he opened his arms as though he would 
 like to embrace him. Briihl would probably have kissed 
 his hand had there not been a witness. Therefore 
 he only advanced and drooping his head said : 
 
 ' The King is dead.' 
 
 * Eviva il re ! ' answered the Jesuit quietly, raising 
 his eyes. ' God's designs are impenetrable. Does 
 the Prince know it ? ' 
 
 *Not yet,' said Sulkowski drily, looking at the 
 Jesuit askance. 
 
 Guarini purposely averted his gaze. 
 
 *My wish,' said Briihl, *is to spare the Prince's 
 feelings and take the advice of the Princess.' 
 
 Guarini nodded and Sulkowski shrugged his 
 shoulders and looked at Briihl with discontent. 
 
Count Briihl 83 
 
 * Then let us alKgo tofthe Princess,' he said, 'for 
 there is not a moment to be lost.' 
 
 Briihl glanced at his travelling clothes. 
 
 * I can't go as I am,' said he. ' You both go to the 
 Princess ; I shall order my clothes to be brought 
 here and dress first.' 
 
 Sulkowski agreed in silence to the proposition, 
 Guarini nodded in the affirmative, and they turned 
 towards the door. Briihl threw himself into a chair, 
 as though unable to stand on his feet. 
 
 Sulkowski followed the Jesuit quite unwillingly, 
 leaving Briihl who leaned his head on his hand and 
 became thoughtful. 
 
 This resting and thinking did not last very long ; 
 as soon as the two disappeared in the dark corridor 
 of the castle, Briihl rose quickly, hurried to the door, 
 opened it, and looked into the ante-room. 
 
 There stood a lackey as if waiting for orders. 
 
 ' Send page Berlepsch at once to me.' 
 
 The servant went off and five minutes later a boy, 
 wearing the uniform of the King's pages, rushed in 
 out of breath. 
 
 Briihl, standing near the door, put his hand on the 
 boy's shoulder. 
 
 'Berlepsch, I hope you have confidence in me ; 
 don't ask any questions but go to the Prince's 
 apartments, and on your own responsibility, under- 
 stand, on your own responsibility tell the Prince that 
 I have arrived. Listen ! If anything prevented you 
 all would be useless.' 
 
 The intelligent boy looked into Briihl's eyes, did 
 not say a word, and went out. Briihl again sat at 
 the table and covered his face with his hands. 
 
 It was quiet about him, but he trembled at the 
 
84 Count Briihl 
 
 slightest noise. There was some stir and bustle on 
 the upper floor, and on the stairs one could hear 
 someone rushing down ; a good-looking man, with 
 an ironical smile, appeared in the doorway, and said : 
 
 'His Royal Highness, the Prince, having learned 
 by an accident about your arrival, commands you at 
 once to bring him the dispatches.' 
 
 Briihl pretended to be embarrassed. 
 
 ' I am not dressed.' 
 
 'Come as you are.' 
 
 ' Such is the order ? ' 
 
 ' Word for word.' 
 
 Briihl rose as if he were forced, but he was 
 satisfied inwardly. 
 
 They both went silently upstairs. 
 
 The door opened, Briihl entered slowly with such 
 a sorrowful expression on his face, that the Prince 
 dropped his pipe and rose. 
 
 The door closed and Briihl fell on his knees. 
 
 *I bring to Your Majesty the saddest news, but 
 first bow down at the feet of the new King. Our 
 most gracious lord, the King, is dead.' 
 
 Frederick stood for a while as if turned into a 
 block of stone ; he covered his face. There was a 
 moment of silence ; at length Frederick gave Briihl 
 his hand to be kissed and made a sign to him to rise. 
 
 ' Briihl, how and when did it happen ? ' 
 
 ' On the first day of February, the King Augustus 
 the Great died in my arms and entrusted me with 
 his last will, with the jewels of the Crown and secret 
 papers. I, myself, brought the jewels and the papers 
 and I deposit them at the feet of your Majesty.' 
 
 Frederick again gave him his hand to be kissed ; 
 Briihl bent very low and pretended to be crying; 
 
Count Briihl 85 
 
 covering his eyes with a handkerchief, he sobbed. 
 The new King also took out a handkerchief and 
 began to weep for his father, whom he loved and 
 respected. 
 
 ' Briihl, tell me, how did this misfortune occur ? ' 
 he said quietly. 
 
 In a muffled voice, trying to master his emotion, 
 Briihl narrated the circumstances of the illness, its 
 course, and told of the King's patience and peace at 
 the moment of death. At length he took out a 
 letter and handed it to Frederick, who impatiently 
 tore open the envelope. After having read it, he 
 kissed it. j 
 
 The letter contained the blessing and recommenda- 
 tion of his most faithful and best servant, the 
 messenger of his last will. Frederick looked at 
 Briihl and sighed. 
 
 'I will do as my father advises and commands 
 me.' 
 
 The letter was still lying on Frederick's knees, 
 when the door leading to the Princess's rooms opened, 
 and there entered Josepha dressed in black, Sulkowski 
 and Guarini. 
 
 How surprised they were at seeing Frederick 
 crying, Briihl in his travelling clothes standing at 
 the door, and the opened letter ! 
 
 Frederick, still sobbing, threw himself into his 
 wife's arms ; she began to cry also, according to the 
 Spanish etiquette prescribed to i-ulers and their 
 courtiers as the form of sorrow and expression of 
 grief. 
 
 Sulkowski looked at Briihl with disapproval and 
 whispered to him : 
 
 ' You told me, you would wait for me/ 
 
SQ Count Briihl 
 
 ^ Someone betrayed the secret of my arrival ; they 
 called me ; I was obliged to obey.' 
 
 ' Who did that ? ' 
 
 ^Watzdorf; 
 
 Sulkowski seemed to be trying to remember the 
 name. 
 
 The five people gathered in that room made an 
 interesting group. Frederick alone was really 
 sorrowful. Accustomed to respect and love his 
 father, overwhelmed by grief and the fear of the 
 burden that now fell on his shoulders, Frederick's 
 face was very much changed. Usually serene and 
 quiet, it was now twisted with grief which he could 
 not conceal. Josepha's sorrow was more simulated 
 than true ; she never forgot for a moment her dignity 
 and etiquette. Sulkowski was thoughtful and 
 gloomy, as a man who, coming into power, calculates 
 how to begin. His great self-esteem never left him 
 even in the presence of the lady, to whom his respect 
 was due. 
 
 Padre Guarini bent his head, closed his eyes, 
 and twitched his face with an expression well 
 assumed for the moment. Briihl while not forgetting 
 that he should appear to be overwhelmed by sorrow, 
 could not abstain from glancing from time to time 
 at those present, especially at Sulkowski. He 
 seemed to see an adversary. 
 
 While the Princess tried to comfort her husband, 
 Sulkowski mustered up courage and coming nearer 
 proposed that he should call the dignitaries for a 
 council and announce to the capital and the country, 
 by ordering the bells to be rung, that Augustus H 
 was dead. 
 
 Josepha looked at the intruding adviser with some 
 
Count Briihl 87 
 
 aversion, whispered sometliing to her husband, and 
 majestically directed her steps towards the same 
 door through which she had entered a short time 
 before, Guarini following her. 
 
 Those who remained were silent for a time. 
 Briihl waited for orders which the new King did 
 not dare to give ; Sulkowski gave Briihl to under- 
 stand that he had better leave them. 
 
 Briihl hesitated, and then he left the room. 
 Frederick did not notice him go out. They 
 remained alone, till suddenly Frederick took the 
 handkerchief from his eyes and said : 
 
 'Where is Briihl?* 
 
 'He went out.* 
 
 'He must not leave me. Pray command him to 
 stay here.* 
 
 Sulkowski wished to protest, but then he opened 
 the door, whispered through it and returned. 
 
 ' One must bear God's will as a man and king,* 
 said he familiarly. ' The King has no time for 
 sorrow.* 
 
 Frederick only made a gesture. 
 
 ' The council shall be called at once.* 
 
 ' Then go and preside at it ; I can't,' said the King. 
 ' Call Briihl here.* ^ 
 
 ' But why is Briihl necessary ? ' said Sulkowski in 
 a tone of reproach. 
 
 'He? In his arms my father died. Father 
 recommended him to me, I wish to have him, let 
 him come.' 
 
 'They have sent for him,' Sulkowski said 
 shrugging his shoulders impatiently. 
 
 'Joseph, don't be angry,* said Frederick in a 
 plaintive tone. 
 
88 
 
 Count Briihl 
 
 As he said this the bells began to ring mournfully 
 in the churches of the capital of Saxony. Frederick 
 kneeled and prayed. Sulkowski followed his example. 
 One after the other the bells rang out, the solemn 
 sounds forming a gloomy choir, accompanied by the 
 whispering of the people, whispering to each other 
 the sad news. 
 
CHAPTER VI 
 
 While the preceding events were taking place in 
 the castle, preparations were in progress at the 
 opera for the performance of ' Cleophila.' 
 
 The splendour with which the operas were put 
 upon the stage, a hundred horses and camels 
 appearing with numberless artistes in gorgeous 
 oriental costumes, and the fairy-like effects produced 
 by elaborate machinery, combined to attract as 
 large an audience as did the charming voice of 
 Signora Faustina Bordoni. 
 
 Faustina, the first singer of those times, famous 
 for her victory over the equally famous Cuzzoni, 
 was prima donna in the full meaning of the word, 
 on the stage, behind the scenes, and beyond. 
 Signora Bordoni, although married to the great com- 
 poser, Johanet Hasse, could forget him. The marriage 
 had been broken the next day by command of the 
 King, who sent the musician to Italy to study there. 
 
 As the carriage bringing Briihl and the sad news 
 of the death of Augustus the Strong neared the castle 
 Faustina was sitting in the small drawing-room 
 arranged for her near the stage, and having removed 
 her furs was about to issue her orders. 
 
 The prima donna was not very young, but notwith- 
 standing her Italian beauty, which blossoms and 
 withers quickly, she preserved her voice, the charm 
 of her figure, and the beauty of her face, the features 
 of Juno with which nature had endowed her. 
 
 89 
 
90 
 
 Count Briihl 
 
 She was not a delicate woman, but strong and 
 majestic, witli the form of a statue, as though made 
 from one block by the energetic chisel of Michael 
 Angelo. 
 
 Her beauty was equal to her voice. Everything 
 was in harmony with her character ; her head of a 
 goddess, bosom of a nymph, hand of a Bacchante, 
 figure of an Amazon, hands and feet of a princess, 
 abundant black hair like the mane of an Arabian 
 horse. In her face, notwithstanding the classical 
 beauty of her features, there was more strength than 
 womanly sweetness. Not infrequently her black 
 eyebrows contracted in a frown, her nostrils dilated 
 with anger, and behind her pink lips her white 
 teeth gleamed angrily. 
 
 Her manner was that of a woman accustomed to 
 command, to receive homage, fearing nought, daring 
 even to hurl her thunderbolts at crowned heads. 
 
 The drawing-room was elegantly furnished with 
 gold, the furniture upholstered with blue satin, 
 and the dressing-table, covered with lace, was 
 loaded with silver and china. The wardrobes for 
 her dresses were ornamented with bronze, and from 
 the ceiling descended a china chandelier like a 
 basket of flowers. 
 
 Three servants stood at the door waiting for orders. 
 One could recognise that two of them were Italian 
 women, for they had not given up their national 
 coifure. Faustina glanced at the clock, threw her- 
 self on the sofa, and, half leaning and half sitting, 
 played with the silk sash of her large, silk rohe de 
 chawhre. 
 
 The servants were silent. 
 
 There was a knock at the door. Faustina did not 
 
Count Brlihl 91 
 
 move, but glancing towards a good-looking young 
 man who appeared in the doorway, greeted him with 
 a smile. 
 
 It was the tenor, Angelo Monticelli. It was easy 
 to see that he was also Italian ; but while Faustina 
 was the personification of Italian energy and liveli- 
 ness, he was the embodiment of almost womanly 
 charm. Young, remarkably handsome, with 
 long black hair falling over his shoulders, he 
 seemed to be born for the roles of innamorati, of 
 lovers and gods. The classical Apollo, playing 
 the lute, could not have been more charming. Only 
 he lacked the pride and energy of the god. 
 
 He bent to salute Faustina, who hardly nodded 
 to him. 
 
 ' Angelo ! ' said Faustina, * you run after those 
 horrid German women — you will lose your voice. 
 Fie ! How you can see a woman in those German 
 girls ! Look at their hands and feet ! ' 
 
 * Signora ! ' said Angelo, placing one hand on his 
 chest and looking into a mirror, for he was in love 
 with himself. ' Signora, non e vero ! ' 
 
 'You would tell me, by way of excuse,' said 
 Faustina laughing, ' that they run after you.' 
 
 * Not that either ; I am longing for the Italian 
 sky, Italian faces, and the heart of an Italian woman 
 — I wither here — ' 
 
 Faustina glanced at him and made a sign to the 
 servants to leave the room. 
 
 ' Ingrato ! ' whispered she. ' We all pet you, and 
 yet you complain.* 
 
 Then she turned her gaze to the ceiling taking 
 no notice of Monticelli's devouring eyes. 
 
 * Has Abbuzzi come ? ' she asked. 
 
92 Count Briihl 
 
 ' I don't know.' 
 
 ' You do not wish to know about Abbuzzi ! ' 
 
 ' I don't care about her.' 
 
 ' When you are talking to me ! But I am neither 
 jealous of her nor your Apollo-like beauty ; only 
 I hate her, and I can't bear you.' 
 
 ' Why not ? ' 
 
 * Because you are a doll. Look at the clock and 
 go and dress.' 
 
 As she spoke a new face appeared in the doorway ; 
 it was the cheerful Puttini. 
 
 * My humblest homage,' said he. ' But perchance 
 I interrupt a duet ; excuse me.' 
 
 He glanced at Angek). Faustina laughed and 
 shrugged her shoulders. 
 
 * We sing duets only on the stage,' said she. 
 ' You are all late to-day. Go and dress.' 
 
 She jumped down from the sofa ; Angelo moved 
 towards the door ; Puttini laughed and remained 
 where he was. 
 
 'My* costume is ready, I shall not be late.' 
 
 The door opened noisily and in rushed a man 
 dressed in black ; his round face, with small nose 
 and low forehead, expressed fear. 
 
 Faustina who was in continual dread of fire, 
 shrieked : 
 
 ' Holy Virgin, help ! Fire ! Fire ! ' 
 
 'Where? Where?' 
 
 The new-comer, much surprised, stood still. His 
 name was Klein, a member of the orchestra, 
 Faustina's great admirer, a friend of the Italians, 
 and an enthusiastic musician. 
 
 His Christian name was Johan, Faustina changed 
 it into Giovanni and called him Piccolo. 
 
Count Briihl 93 
 
 ' Piccolo ! are you mad ? What is the matter with 
 you ? ' she cried. 
 
 ' The King is dead ! King Augustus the Strong 
 died in Warsaw.' 
 
 At this, Faustina screamed piercingly, covering 
 her face with her hands ; the rest stood silent. 
 Klein left the door open and the actors began to 
 crowd in. The great majority of them were already 
 half dressed for the performance of * Cleophila.' 
 Abbuzzi rushed in with naked bosom. Her beauty 
 was striking even when compared with Faustina ; 
 only she was small and still more lively. 
 
 Catherine Piluga, with a crowd of Italians and 
 French, half dressed, with frightened faces, folloAved 
 Abbuzzi. All pressed round Faustina exclaiming 
 in all possible voices : * II re e morto ! ' Their 
 faces expressed more fear than sorrow. Faustina 
 alone was silent, and did not seem much afraid 
 of the news. All looked at her hoping that she 
 would speak, but she would not betray her thoughts. 
 
 The bells resounded throughout the whole city. 
 
 ' There will be no performance to-night, go home ! * 
 she cried imperatively. 
 
 But they did not obey her ; frightened, they stood 
 as though rivetted to the spot. 
 
 * Go home ! ' repeated Faustina. ^ We have nothing 
 to do here ; we shall not play for some time.' 
 
 The crowd began to withdraw, murmuring. As 
 soon as the last had gone, Abbuzzi also disappeared, 
 and Faustina lay on the sofa not seeming to notice 
 an elderly gentleman standing quietly apart. 
 
 He coughed softly. 
 
 'Ah! It's you?' 
 
 * Yes,' said the German, indifferently. 
 
94 Count Briihl 
 
 It was Hasse, Faustina's husband. 
 
 ' What are you thinking about ? About a new 
 Requiem for the dead King ? ' 
 
 'You have guessed almost right,' answered the 
 composer. * I was wondering if the mass : Sulla 
 morte d'un eroe, which I composed some time ago, 
 would be suitable for the funeral service. I am a 
 musician, and even grief turns with me to music' 
 
 'But what will become of us now?' sighed 
 Faustina. 
 
 ' Chi lo sa?^ 
 
 They were both silent ; Hasse walked to and fro, 
 then stopped in front of his wife. 
 
 * I think we need not fear,' said he, ' for there is 
 hardly anyone who could be put in my place, not 
 even such a one as Popora, and there is absolutely no 
 one to rival Faustina.' 
 
 ' Flatterer,' said the Italian. ' Faustina's voice is 
 like a candle that burns brightly — it will be ex- 
 tinguished one day.' 
 
 ' Not very soon,' answered the thoughtful German, 
 ' you know that better than I do.' 
 
 'But that quiet, pious, modest, ruled-by-his-wife 
 new King — ' 
 
 Hasse laughed. 
 
 ^E un fanatico per la musica, e fanatieo per la 
 Faustina.' 
 
 * Chi lo saf whispered the singer thoughtfully, 
 * Well, if he is not all that you say, we must make 
 him so.' A bright idea flashed through her brain, 
 *Poor old Augustus is dead,' said she in a lowered 
 voice. 'I should like to make a beautiful speech 
 over his grave, but I can't.' 
 
 Hasse shrugged his shoulders. 
 
Count Briihl 95 
 
 * There will be plenty of funeral speeches,' he said 
 almost in a whisper, * but history will not be indulgent 
 to him. He was a magnificent tyrant and lived for 
 himself only. Saxony will breathe more freely.' 
 
 * You are unjust,' Faustina exclaimed. * Could 
 Saxony be more happy, more brilliant, more favoured ? 
 The glory of that hero is reflected in her.' 
 
 Hasse smiled painfully. 
 
 *He may have looked like a hero, when "from his 
 box in the opera, covered with diamonds, he smiled 
 upon you, but the whole country paid for those 
 diamonds with tears. Joy and singing resounded 
 through Dresden, moaning and crying throughout 
 Saxony and Poland. In the capital there was luxury, 
 in the country misery and woe.' 
 
 Faustina sprang to her feet, she was indignant. 
 
 ' Tace ! I will not permit you to say anything 
 against him ; your words betoken horrid jealousy.' 
 
 ' No,' said Hasse quietly, looking at her. * My 
 love was absorbed by the music, I loved the beautiful 
 Faustina for her voice, and was entranced when I 
 heard it or even thought of it.' 
 
 At that moment the door opened a little way, and 
 then closed again immediately, but Faustina had 
 perceived who was there and called him in. It was 
 Watzdorf, the same who had called Briihl to the 
 Prince. His figure and movements resembled those 
 of the bandit of the fancy dress ball. For a courtier 
 the expression of his face was unusual, an ironical 
 smile, merciless and biting, overspread his features, 
 which were illumined by piercing eyes. 
 
 *I thought,' said he, entering and smiling to 
 Faustina, ' that you had not yet heard what had ' 
 happened.' 
 
96 Count Briih] 
 
 ' But it was announced urbi et orbi by the sound 
 of the bells,' replied the Italian approaching him. 
 
 * Yes, but the bells ring all the same for funeral or 
 wedding; you might even suppose that a princess 
 was born and that they called you to rejoice.' 
 
 *Poor King,' Faustina sighed. 
 
 *Yes,' said Watzdorf maliciously, 'he lived long, 
 had at least three hundred mistresses, scattered 
 millions, • drank rivers of wine, wore out plenty of 
 horses' shoes, and cut off many heads — was it not 
 time after such labour to lie down to rest ? ' 
 
 None ventured to interrupt the speaker ; Hasse 
 eyed him furtively. 
 
 ' What will happen next ? ' asked Faustina. 
 
 'We had an opera called II re Augusto., we shall 
 now have a new, but will it be a better one? The 
 daughter of the emperors, Padre Gruarini, Padre 
 Salerno, Padre Toyler and Padre Kopper. Faustina 
 shall sing as she used to sing before ; Hasse shall 
 compose operas as he composed before. It will be 
 worse for us court composers when the first roles are 
 taken by foreign pages and foreign lackeys.' 
 
 Hasse bowed and said in a low voice : 
 
 ' Enough ! Enough ! Suppose someone should 
 be listening at the door. It is dangerous even to 
 listen to such a speech as yours ! ' 
 
 Watzdorf shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 'Where were you in March last year?' asked 
 Faustina carelessly. 
 
 'I? In March? Wait — well — I don't remember.' 
 
 ' I see you were not in New Market Square where 
 the drama entitled "Major d'Argelles" was played.' 
 
 Watzdorf said nothing. 
 
 'Don't you remember that d'Argelles who spoke 
 
Count Briihl 97 
 
 the truth invariably, sparing no one? I could see 
 him from a window. I pitied the poor man whom 
 they put in the pillory surrounded by the crowd. 
 The* executioner broke a sword over his head, gave 
 him tw^o slaps on the face, and thrust into his mouth 
 a bunch of .his libellous writings. Then he was 
 incarcerated in Kaspelhouse in Dantzig till his death.' 
 
 *An interesting story,' said Watzdorf ironically, 
 *but I pity more the man who acted so cruelly 
 towards Major d'Argelles.' 
 
 Watzdorf looked at Faustina triumphantly and 
 continued, 
 
 * Signora Faustina, during the morning you wall 
 be able to rest and get strength for your voice so 
 as to be able to charm the new king and rule over 
 him as you ruled over the deceased. And I can 
 tell you that it wdll be an easier task. Augustus 
 the Strong was a great seducer, whilst his son is 
 fond of smoking the same jjipe ; when they hand 
 him a new one he shakes his head, and if he could 
 he would be angry.' 
 
 He laughed and continued : — 
 
 ' Well, I am not needed here, you know all about 
 it, and I must hasten to get my mourning suit 
 ready for to-morrow. I must show my sorrow 
 outwardly if I cannot within ; no one can see into 
 my heart.' 
 
 ' I have forgotten,' said he suddenly turning from 
 the door to Faustina, ' to ask you how you stand 
 with Sulkowski ? To-morrow he ascends the throne, 
 and to-morrow also Briihl will either return to 
 Thuringia or accept the position of a lackey in order 
 to overthrow him at the opportune moment. Briihl 
 and Padre Guarini are the best of friends.' 
 
98 Count Bruhl 
 
 Hasse called ' hush ! ' Watzdorf suddenly covered 
 his mouth with his hand. 
 
 ' Is it not allowed ? I am silent then.' 
 
 Faustina was confused. ' Signore,' said she, coming 
 near him, ' you are incorrigible. Be careful.' 
 
 She placed a finger on his lips. 
 
 * I fear nothing,' said Watzdorf sighing. ' I have 
 no other ambition than to remain an honest man, 
 and should they put me in Konigstern I will not 
 be tempted to change my opinion, it is worth 
 something.' 
 
 *I hope you may not be your own prophet,' said 
 Hasse clasping his hand. ' Think what you please, 
 but say nothing.' 
 
 ' There would be no merit if I did not try to 
 spread my thoughts among people,' answered 
 Watzdorf already at the door. ' I wish you a very 
 good-night.' 
 
 And he disappeared. 
 
 ' There is no doubt that he will end in Konigstein, 
 or if there should be no room for him there, then 
 in Sonnenstein or Pleissenburg.' 
 
 And Hasse sighed. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
 
 The next morning one could hardly see any signs 
 of grief or mourning in the town, but a general 
 feeling of uneasiness and curiosity had been 
 aroused. 
 
 Small groups of people might be seen near the 
 castle and in Taschenburg trying to guess what 
 was going on. 
 
 There was unusual animation but the order of 
 changing guards was unchanged. Carriages with 
 drawn curtains and closed porte-ehaises went to 
 and fro through the streets. It was a quiet, subdued 
 animation, however. The official signs of mourning 
 did not yet appear, and there was no grief visible 
 on any face. Every courier on horseback was an 
 object of curiosity to the crowd who tried to guess 
 his errand. The people whispered but did not 
 dare to speak aloud. Konigstein was near, and 
 it seemed that at the head of the government the 
 same officials would remain, carrying out the same 
 policy, for the Prince, the present Elector, out 
 of respect to his late father would not introduce 
 any strangers, and he was .too fond of peace and 
 quiet to be bothered with changes. They guessed 
 only that Briihl might fall and that Sulkowski would 
 rise above all. But no one knew how he would 
 exercise his power. 
 
 Round Briihl's house situated in the New Market 
 Square everything was quiet. They only knew 
 
 99 
 
100 Count Briihl 
 
 that, tlie day before, he had brought the crown jewels 
 and the King's secret archives. 
 
 The whole day passed in this apparent quiet. 
 The smaller officials did not know to whom they 
 should bow or whom avoid. 
 
 Henniche, Briihl' s confidential man, that ex-lackey 
 whom although promoted to the rank of councillor 
 the people still called by that name, was sitting 
 in his house situated near that of his protector. 
 
 At the time of his marriage Henniche never dreamt 
 of how high he might rise, for he had married a 
 servant, whose only claim to his favour was youth 
 and some slight beauty. To-day, when both had 
 disappeared, Henniche's wife although a good woman 
 was a veritable torture to her husband, for she bore 
 such evident traces of her low origin, that he could 
 not bring her forward. Nothwithstanding her love 
 for her lord and master, she tormented him by 
 her talkativeness and petty ways. He had only just 
 got rid of her and yawned leaning on his elbows, when 
 there entered his room, without being announced, 
 a good-looking man, elegantly dressed — although 
 already in mourning — and evidently a courtier. 
 
 From, his face oue could not guess much more 
 than that he was an intelligent and cunning man, 
 two qualities necessary for a life among intrigues, 
 which, like the wheels of passing carriages, might 
 catch and crush a man.. 
 
 The new-comer threw his hat on a chair, took out 
 a snuff-box and handing it to Henniche, who looked 
 at him inquisitively, said : 
 
 ' Well, what do you think, how will it be ? ' 
 
 'I don't think anything; I wait and watch,' 
 answered Henniche quietly. 
 
Count BriiHl 
 
 101 
 
 ' You think, Briihl ? ' ' ' : 
 
 • They looked into each other's eyes. 
 
 ' What does the world say ? ' asked Henniche. 
 
 ' Everybody says that which he wishes for ; some 
 say that Briihl will be driven away and perhaps 
 imprisoned ; others say that Briihl will remain and 
 drive out the rest. And what do you think ? ' 
 
 'I told you, I don't think anything,' answered 
 Henniche. ' Should they succeed in overthrowing 
 Briihl, I shall help them : should Briihl be successful 
 in overthrowing them, I shall help Briihl. Thank 
 God, I am not yet in so high a position, as to break 
 my neck, should I fall down.' 
 
 The new-comer laughed. 
 
 ' The fact is that the only safe policy is to wait and 
 not mix oneself up in anything.' 
 
 ' Yes, yes, my dear councillor Globig,' said Henniche 
 rising, ' it's dangerous to go forward as well as to 
 remain in the rear ; the wisest course is to remain in 
 the middle. But, between ourselves, I wager you 
 anything you like — even my wife against another 
 better-looking one, for she tried me to-day by her 
 prattle — that Briihl will not fall and that nobody will 
 be able to rival him : from to-day begins the reign 
 of Briihl I, and let us pray that it lasts as long as 
 possible. We shall both be satisfied. But you 
 must have come from the castle? What news 
 there ? ' 
 
 ' Nothing, quiet as the grave ; they prepare for 
 mourning, that's all. Padre Guarini passes from the 
 Prince to the Princess ; Sulkowski watches them 
 closely, and as to Briihl, I don't even know what has 
 become of him.' 
 
 ' He will not be lost,' said Henniche. 
 
102 Count Briihl 
 
 ^ It seems that the Princess will not be satisfied if 
 she becomes only the wife of an Elector.' 
 
 'Briihl shall make her a Queen/ said Henniche 
 laughing. 
 
 At that moment horses' hoofs resounded in the 
 street ; both men rushed to the window, in time to 
 see a detachment of cavalry gallop to the castle. A 
 court lackey entered the house. Henniche ran to the 
 door ; Globig took his hat. There was a knock and 
 the lackey appeared holding a letter in his hand. 
 Henniche glanced at it and Globig looked inquisi- 
 tively at the message but could not read it, for their 
 host put it into his pocket and dismissed the lackey. 
 
 Again they remained alone. 
 
 ' There is no secret,' said Henniche smiling, ' a 
 great deal of money is needed. It is not forthcoming 
 but must be had.' 
 
 Globig advanced towards the door.; Henniche took 
 up his hat. 
 
 'Henniche, I hope we shall always pull together.' 
 
 ' Even if we have to fall,' said the host smiling 
 ironically. 
 
 ' That is not necessary,' answered Globig quickly. 
 ' On the contrary, if one of us should fall, the other 
 must remain and help him to rise. We must climb 
 together.' 
 
 ' And if we fall, push each other down.' 
 
 'No, we should require no help from each other 
 for that.' 
 
 They shook hands. 
 
 Henniche was just going out when he met a new- 
 comer in the ante-room ; this was a tall man with 
 thin arms and long legs and an ugly but intelligent 
 face. 
 
Count Briihl 103 
 
 * Look, lie is here also/ said Henniche laughing. 
 The tall man entered bowing. 
 
 * Well, what news ? Do we fall or rise ? ' 
 
 ' You must be patient and wait,' said the host. 
 
 * When there is the question of our skins ! ' answered 
 the new-comer. 
 
 ' My dear councillor Loss, our skins sown together 
 would not cover a comfortable seat. Everything rests 
 on someone who has broader shoulders than ours. 
 Have you heard anything ? ' 
 
 ' Just what everyone expected ; Sulkowski is prime 
 minister.' 
 
 *Very interesting indeed ! ' Henniche hissed. 
 * Sulkowski, being a Catholic, cannot preside at state 
 councils in Protestant Saxony, unless he becomes a 
 Lutheran, and should he do this the Prince would 
 spit in his face, not to speak of the Princess.' 
 
 *You are right,' said Councillor Globig, ^I never 
 thought of that.' 
 
 *You forget,' said Loss showing a row of long 
 teeth, ' that his majesty can change the law.' 
 
 ' Without convocation of the diet ? ' asked Henniche. 
 
 ' Yes, here he is ruler,' replied Loss, * and Saxony 
 is not Poland, where the nobles do as they please and 
 the King is obliged to bow to their will.' 
 
 Henniche cleared his throat, for steps were heard 
 at the door and at that moment there appeared a large, 
 fat man, who without taking off his hat, looked at the 
 three men. 
 
 He was another councillor. Hammer. 
 
 ' What is it, a diet ? ' said he slowly imcovering 
 his head. 
 
 ' This is quite unexpected,' said Henniche angrily 
 ' speaking frankly, one would think that we conspire' 
 
104 Count Bmh] 
 
 ^ Wlio does anything to-day ? The work will not 
 begin till to-morrow,' said Hammer. ' To-day every- 
 one thinks of himself and makes a compromise with 
 his conscience, lest he should seem to be against the 
 rising sun by saluting the setting one ; it is well 
 known that if one turns one's face towards the West, 
 one turns something else to the East.' 
 
 They all laughed. 
 
 ' Hammer,' said Globig, * you who know everything, 
 tell us, what news have you ? ' 
 
 ' Bells, bells, bells ! ' answered Hammer. ' Even 
 if I knew anything I would not say, for who 
 knows to-day, who is his friend and who his foe? 
 One must be silent, one must cry with one eye 
 and laugh with the other and be silent, silent ! 
 Henniche has his hat,' said he after a pause, ' are you 
 going out ? ' 
 
 ' I must,' said the host, ' duty ! ' 
 
 ^Yes! it is the most important thing,' said 
 Hammer. * To-day, everybody serves himself — there 
 is no more exacting master.' 
 
 ' Don't you know anything new ? ' said Globig in 
 a low voice coming near Hammer. 
 
 * On the contrary, I have much news, but I shall 
 not tell it, except one item.' 
 
 All drew nearer. 
 
 ^ We Saxons do not count at present, Poles are the 
 most important. They are sure of the succession 
 to the principality of Saxonj^, but to get the Polish 
 crown Sapiechas, Lipskis, Czartoryskis, Lubonirskis, 
 Moszynskis, and Sulkowskis are necessary.' 
 
 * You have put Sulkowski last ? ' — asked Loss 
 ironically. 
 
 *For this reason, that he should be at the head,' 
 
Count Briihl 105 
 
 said Hammer ; ' and now, gentlemen, I wish you 
 good-bye.' 
 
 He put on his hat and went out first followed by the 
 others. The host remained behind evidently wishing 
 to go alone. 
 
 At the door of the house everyone of them looked 
 round cautiously, and they all went in different 
 directions. 
 
 In the square could be seen groups of people and 
 soldiers marching. The same curiosity was aroused 
 in other houses of the capital of Saxony, but until the 
 evening nobody could say anything for certain. 
 
 The dusk was falling, when a poiie-cJiaise stopped 
 at the house in which Padre Guarini lived. He was 
 in the same room in which we saw him previously 
 with Briihl. Here, the confessor to the Prince and 
 Princess, the most powerful although the most 
 modest man in the court, received his friends. The 
 modest old man would have contented himself with 
 a couple of rooms, but as he was obliged to receive 
 many distinguished guests, he occupied the whole 
 house. According to the rank of his visitor, he 
 received him either in his study or his drawing-room, 
 the latter being beautifully furnished and ornamented 
 with pictures by old masters. 
 
 A tall man alighted from the porte-cJiaise dressed 
 in dark clothes and wearing a sword. By his face 
 one could see he was a foreigner ; his features were 
 delicate, aristocratic but faded. A sweet smile 
 brightened his face. His forehead was high and 
 white, his eyes were large and dark ; a Roman nose, 
 thin lips, and a clean shaven face showed that he 
 was a man of gentle birth. He wore a black cloak 
 and white lace cuffs to his dress. 
 
106 Count Briihl 
 
 He ran upstairs, rang the bell, and when Guarini's 
 old servant opened the door, he entered without 
 asking any questions and without giving his name. 
 The old servant hastened to open not the door of the 
 study but that of the drawing-room. 
 
 The room was dark and unoccupied, but Padre 
 Guarini entered almost at the same moment ; not 
 a little surprised at seeing the new-comer, he bent 
 his head humbly and crossed his arms on his chest. 
 
 The stranger drew near and they kissed each 
 other's shoulders, Guarini bending almost to his hand. 
 
 *You didn't expect me,' said the guest, 'I did 
 not know myself that I should come to-day. You 
 can guess what brings me here — the present situation 
 is of the greatest importance.' 
 
 ' Yesterday I sent a letter asking for instructions,' 
 answered the host. 
 
 ' I have brought them to you. Lock the door. 
 We must be alone.' 
 
 * It is not necessary,' answered Guarini, ' we are 
 quite safe here.' 
 
 ' Then let us not waste time ! How do things 
 stand ? What is going to happen ? Are you afraid 
 of anything ? Do you need any help ? Speak and 
 let us be advised beforehand.' 
 
 Guarini became silent, weighing that which he was 
 going to say. Although the stranger wore civil dress, 
 he said to him : 
 
 ' Most Reverend Father, you know as well as I do 
 the state of affairs at the court. The Prince is a 
 zealous Catholic, the Princess, if it were possible, is 
 still more zealous. The first favourite Sulkowski is also 
 a Catholic. Everyone about them confesses to our 
 holv faith.' 
 
Count Briihl 107 
 
 ' But Sulkowski ! I heard that he will be the most 
 important figure in the future. The Prince is good, 
 of weak character, and lazy, consequently someone 
 must rule for him. Can we trust Sulkowski ? ' 
 
 Guarini became thoughtful, looked into the eyes 
 of the stranger, put one hand on his mouth and 
 shook his head. 
 
 ' He is a Catholic,' said he after a pause, ' but he 
 is cold, his ambition is stronger than his faith ; his 
 longer influence would be perilous both for us and 
 Catholicism. There is no doubt.' 
 
 ' But, as far as I know, it is impossible to overthrow 
 him,' said the guest. ' Is the Princess strong enough ? ' 
 
 ' By her face and character ? ' whispered the Jesuit. 
 ' Do you think, then, that in that quiet nature of the 
 Prince, there will ever arise the blood and the passions 
 of Augustus the Strong ? Is it possible ? Then of 
 what account would the Princess be? Sulkowski 
 will suggest other women to him, in order to rule 
 through them.' 
 
 The stranger frowned. 
 
 * Your views are too gloomy,' said he ' we must find 
 some remedy.' 
 
 'I have thought it over beforehand,' began Guarini 
 seating his guest on the sofa and taking a chair beside 
 him. ' We must have near the Prince a man whom 
 we can be sure will serve us, who would also depend 
 upon us. Frederick is lazy, we must make him a soft 
 bed, provide him with his favourite amusements, give 
 him operas, hunting and pictures. Who knows, 
 perhaps something more,' said he sighing. 
 
 Again the stranger frowned. 
 
 ' It is too bad,' he interrupted, ' that for so great a* 
 purpose, we must use base means ; it is sad — ' 
 
108 Count Briihl 
 
 * Cum finis est licitus, etiarn media licita smit,^ 
 quoted Guarini quietly. ' We cannot limit the means : 
 they are different in every case.' 
 
 ' I understand,' said the guest, ' it is of the greatest 
 importance that we do not expose ourselves to 
 calumny. The question is about the salvation of 
 our souls, about holding our position here, where 
 previously Luther was omnipotent. We haA^e tools, 
 it would be sinful if we dropped them for the sake 
 of scruples, we must rather lose one soul than 
 sacrifice thousands.' 
 
 Guarini listened humbly. 
 
 'Father,' said he quietly, 'I have told myself the 
 same a hundred times, and that is why I serve as 
 best I can, not always in the direction conscience 
 would direct, but often like a pulcinello of the Prince, 
 like an impresario behind the stage, like a councillor 
 there, where advice is necessary. When the question 
 is how to take a stronghold, and when one cannot 
 take it by force of arms, one takes it by strategy. 
 Media sunt licita.'' 
 
 ' We don t need to repeat that to each other,' said 
 the guest. ' Tell me all about your plans.' 
 
 ' We must act with caution,' began Guarini. ' You 
 must not be scandalised at our actions ; sometimes 
 you will have cause to sigh over our wickedness, but 
 Aveak people must be guided by the cords of their 
 own passions. — We are sure of the Princess ; our first 
 duty is, if possible, to make her influence stronger. 
 But that most pious lady, I am forced to admit, is the 
 most unbearable in private life, and the King must 
 have some distraction, for he could not live without 
 it. If we do not furnish it, he will supply it for 
 himself — ' 
 
Count Briihl 109 
 
 He paused and then continued : 
 
 ' Sulkowski will not listen to anybody, lie will 
 sacrifice everything for himself ; in order to keep the 
 King under his domination, he will give him every- 
 thing he wishes for. We never can be certain of him ; 
 we must overthrow him.' 
 
 * By what means ? ' 
 
 ^1 shall come to that; Providence has given us a 
 tool. We have a man. Briihl is that man.' 
 
 * Protestant,' said the stranger. 
 
 ' He is a Protestant in Saxony and publicly ; but 
 in Poland and in his private life he is a Catholic. 
 We must permit that ; you know what our Maldonatus 
 says : — Onando vohis dissimidantihus religio vera 
 aliquod detrimentum aeceptura sit aut aliqua religio 
 falsa confirmaretur, alias ittam dissimulare licet, 
 aliqua causa legitima interveniente^ Briihl shall be 
 or rather is a Catholic. We shall find him a 
 Catholic wife, whom he will accept from the Prince's 
 and our hands ; we shall help him to overthrow 
 Sulkowski ; with Briihl we are lords here. Nobody 
 will suspect that we have had a hand in the matter, 
 for nobody could suspect us of helping a Protestant 
 against a Catholic' 
 
 ' But are you sure of him ? ' 
 
 Guarini smiled. 
 
 ' He shall be dependent upon us ; should he 
 attempt to betray us, he would fall to-morrow ; we 
 have plenty of means to accomplish that.' 
 
 ' I cannot deny that the plan is excellent,' said the 
 stranger after a moment of thought, ' but the execution 
 of it seems to me doubtful.' 
 
 * Joannis Maldonati Summula. Colomae, 1605, p. 5 
 
110 Count Briihl 
 
 ^ Yes, just at present,' said Padre Guarini, 'it may 
 take us one or percliance two years' work, using all 
 possible means, but with God's help victory is certain 
 as far as in human affairs one can be certain of 
 anything.' 
 
 * Do you count on the Prince's character ? ' 
 
 ^ Yes,' answered Guarini, ' having been his con- 
 fessor for so many years I know him well.' 
 
 ' What about the Princess ? ' asked the guest. 
 
 ' She is a worthy lady and a saint, but God has not 
 endowed her with any feminine charm. She will not 
 satisfy the Prince.' 
 
 ^ For God's sake ! I hope you will not persuade 
 him to lead the lascivious life that his father did ! ' 
 
 ' We need not restrain him from that,' said Guarini, 
 * his natural disposition will not allow him to create 
 a public scandal, ^but it would be impossible to put 
 a bridle on his passions. They wdll be secret but 
 stubborn. We must overlook many things in order 
 to make him remain a Catholic' 
 
 The stranger became sad. 
 
 ' What an awful thing it is to be obliged to soil 
 oneself for the sake of the holy truth ! ' 
 
 ' Well, there must be some scapegoat, such as I,' 
 said Guarini jocosely. ' The people envy me — ' 
 
 'Not I,' interrupted the visitor, 'not I ! ' 
 
 ' What are your orders ? ' asked Guarini. 
 
 'Your plans shall be considered by our council,' 
 answered the stranger. ' In the meanwhile you 
 must act. We shall send you our instructions soon.' 
 
 ' Briihl shall remain. The Prince, with tears, has 
 promised his wife to fulfil his father's last wish. 
 Sulkowski shall only be the apparent ruler, Briihl 
 shall be the true one, and then — ' 
 
Count Briihl iii 
 
 ' You think you will be able to overthrow him ? ' 
 
 ^ We are certain ; we all act against the man, who 
 has not the slightest idea of danger, and Briihl's 
 ambition is the best weapon in our hands.' 
 
 ' But Briihl ! ' 
 
 'He is a devil in human form, but a devil who 
 prays and is equally ready to crush his enemy, and 
 suffers from no qualms of conscience. Then he is 
 sweet, polite and winning to the highest degree.' 
 
 They became silent, the stranger thoughtful. 
 
 * Any progress in conversion ? ' asked he after a 
 moment's pause. 
 
 * In this nest of heresy ? ' said Guarini, ' here, 
 where Protestantism dominates ? The progress is 
 very small, and the souls, which our fishermen's 
 nets pull to the shore, are not worth much. Their 
 descendants may pay for our labour. And then 
 there is a new heresy spreading rapidly, the fight 
 against which may be more difficult than against 
 the others.' 
 
 'What is it?' 
 
 ' Nothing new, any more than other heresies ; but 
 the apostle of it is a powerful, exalted, self-satisfied 
 man. We have to fight not only a dogma, for with 
 him dogma is of secondary importance, but a new 
 social organisation, which he proposes to build. 
 Falsehood takes the brightness from truth. In the 
 woods beyond the town, the committee of the 
 Moravian Brothers, something like a monastic 
 order without any rules, was organised and 
 prospers.' 
 
 ' Tell me more about it,' said the guest, with 
 animation. ' I have heard nothing about it.' 
 
 'A strange fanatic, not of religion but of the 
 
112 • Count Briihl 
 
 social organisation and tlie way of living, attempted 
 in the name of Christ and his teaching, to create 
 a new State. Christ is the King of that republic. 
 Separated, but living in the same spot, there dwell 
 troops of women, girls and children. They are 
 united by joining in common prayers and meals. 
 The powerful lord, Count Zinzendorf, granted land 
 to the community and became its minister and 
 preacher. Work and prayer, strict discipline and 
 brotherly love, rule over the Moravian Brothers of 
 Herrnhut.' 
 
 The stranger listened attentively. 
 
 ' And you permitted the spreading of heresy ? ' 
 he exclaimed. 
 
 'I tried to stop it, but in vain,' said Guarini. 
 ' Investigations were made, and I hope Zinzendorf 
 will be banished.' 
 
 'But they must have committed some abomina- 
 tions ! ' said the guest. 
 
 ' The most careful investigations failed to discover 
 anything vicious. Those people confess different 
 creeds, but they are united in one strange com- 
 munity, in w^hich there is no private property, no 
 poor people, no orphans ; they constitute one family, 
 the father of which is Christ.' 
 
 ' Horrendum ! ' exclaimed the stranger. ' And the 
 marriages ? ' 
 
 ' They are strictly observed, but as they believe 
 that they are directly ruled by Christ, you may 
 guess how marriages are contracted. The young 
 men draw their wives by lots and the couples live 
 an exemplary life.' 
 
 'You tell me of strange things. But may they 
 not be false rumours ? ' 
 
Count Briihl 113 
 
 ' I was there myself, and I saw tlie praying bands 
 of maidens with, purple sashes, of married women 
 with blue, and of widows with white.' 
 
 The guest sighed. 
 
 ' I trust you will not suffer the sect to grow.' 
 
 *We must cut off its head,' said Guarini. 
 ' Zinzendorf shall be banished, then the community 
 will scatter.' 
 
 * Have you seen this Zinzendorf ? ' 
 
 'Yes, several times, for he does not avoid the 
 Catholic priests : on the contrary, he discourses 
 willingly w4th them, not about theology, however, 
 but about the first Christians, their life and our 
 Saviour's love, the axle-tree, according to him, round 
 which the Christian world ought to revolve.' 
 
 At this moment the old servant appeared in the 
 doorway. Padre Guarini, having excused himself, 
 went to the ante-room where he found one of the 
 King's lackeys. The Prince had sent for his 
 confessor. 
 
 It was necessary to take leave of the guest, to 
 whom paper, pen and ink were given, and he settled 
 himself to write as though in his own house. Padre 
 Guarini took leave of his guest and preceded by 
 the lackey, hastened to the Prince. 
 
 Frederick was sitting in the same room in which 
 he had learned about his father's death. He held 
 a pipe, his head drooped, and he was silent as usual. 
 Only the wrinkles of his forehead indicated that he 
 was thinking hard. 
 
 When Padre Guarini entered the Prince wished 
 to rise, but the Jesuit held him gently to his chair 
 and kissed his hand. At a little distance stood 
 Sulkowski, who would not leave his master even 
 
 H 
 
114 Count Briihl 
 
 for a moment. His face was beaming triumphantly 
 but lie tried to be sad officially. 
 
 Padre Quarini could take more liberties ; he knew 
 that notwithstanding the official mourning, a little 
 distraction would be necessary; consequently his 
 manner was almost jovial, he took a stool and sat 
 near the Prince, and looking into his eyes, spoke in 
 Italian with animation. 
 
 ' We must pray for our late King, but it is not 
 proper to mourn too much over that which is natural 
 and necessary. Too intense grief is injurious to the 
 health, and then your Royal Highness has no time 
 for it. It is necessary to rule and to keep in good 
 health.' 
 
 The Prince smiled. 
 
 ^ I saw Frosch in the ante-room,' continued the 
 Jesuit, 'he looks as if someone had put him into 
 vinegar ; he cries because he cannot play tricks on 
 Horch.* They sit in opposite corners and put out 
 their tongues at each other.' 
 
 * It must be very amusing I ' whispered the Prince : 
 
 * but it would not be decorous for me to see it ; it is 
 the time of mourning.' 
 
 The Jesuit was silent. 
 
 'Frosch is very amusing, and I like him,' added 
 the Prince, and looked at Sulkowski, who walked 
 softly to and fro. The Padre tried to read the 
 Count's face, but saw only pride and self-satisfaction. 
 The Prince pointed at him and whispered — 'Good 
 friend — all my hopes are centred in him — but for 
 him I could not have peace.' 
 
 The Jesuit nodded in sign of approval 
 
 * Two court fools. 
 
Count Brlihl 115 
 
 Sulkowski knowing that to prolong the conver- 
 sation would bore the Prince, came to him and said : 
 
 'It is difficult to find amusement for your Royal 
 Highness amid so many troubles.' 
 
 'I think,' said the Jesuit, ' that with your good-will 
 everything can be done.' 
 
 ' Yes, in Saxony,' answered Sulkowski at whom 
 the Prince was looking and nodding affirmatively, 
 ' but in Poland — ' 
 
 'Our late King left many friends and faithful 
 servants there. What does Briihl say ? ' asked 
 Guarini. 
 
 The Prince looked at Sulkowski as if authorising 
 him to answer. The Count hesitated a moment, 
 then said : 
 
 ' Briihl assured us that our friends there will work 
 zealously at the coming election. But who knows 
 that Leszezynski, France and intrigues will not stand 
 in our way ? For that we need money.' 
 
 ' Briihl must furnish it,' said the Prince. ' He is 
 very able at that.' 
 
 Sulkowski became silent. 
 
 * We shall all do our best and put the crown of a 
 king on the head of our gracious lord. — ' 
 
 'And Josepha's,' added Frederick quickly. 'It 
 is due to her ; she cannot remain the wife of the 
 Elector of Saxony.' 
 
 Both men nodded ; the Prince smoked his pipe 
 and became thoughtfiil. It seemed that he would 
 talk further on the same subject when he bent to 
 Guarini and whispered : 
 
 'Frosch sitting in the corner must be very 
 amusing ; you say they showed each other their 
 tongues ? ' 
 
116 Count Briihl 
 
 * I am certain I saw two red tongues, but I don't 
 know whether they showed them to each other or 
 to me.' 
 
 The Prince, forgetting himself, laughed aloud, 
 then he put his hand to his mouth and became 
 silent. 
 
 And it was not until after a long while that Frederick 
 bent again to Guarini's ear and whispered : 
 
 * Have you seen Faustina ? ' 
 ' No,' answered the Jesuit. 
 
 ' Ah ? No ? Why ? Assure her of my favour, 
 only she must take care of her voice. I appreciate 
 her ver}'' much. E una diva! She sings like an 
 angel ! No other can rival her. I shall be longing 
 to hear her. Now she must sing in church, there at 
 least I may listen to her.' 
 
 Sulkowski disliked that whispering : he moved 
 aside, and then came near the Prince. Frederick 
 again pointed him out to the x>i'iest. 
 
 ' He will be my prime minister — my right hand.' 
 
 'I am glad to hear such good news,' said Guarini, 
 clapping his hands softly. ' Saxony is to be con- 
 gratulated at having at her head such a man and 
 such a good Catholic as the Count.' 
 
 The Prince looked round. 
 
 * If my Saxon subjects object to having a Catholic 
 as my prime minister, Briihl will do whatever I 
 command.' 
 
 * I have nothing against Briihl,' said the Jesuit, 
 ' but he is a stubborn Protestant.' 
 
 To this the Prince answered : ' Pshaw ! ' and waved 
 his hand. 
 
 Sulkowski looked suspiciously at the Jesuit, who 
 assumed a humble and quiet mien . 
 
Count Briihl 117 
 
 At that moment Moszynski was announced, and 
 the Prince ordered him to be shown in. 
 
 ' I wished to take leave of your Royal Highness,' 
 he said bending to kiss Frederick's hand. 'I am 
 going to Warsaw : we cannot neglect the election.' 
 
 *Very well, go then,' said the Prince sighing. 
 * Although Briihl assures me — ' 
 
 * Briihl knows neither Poland nor the Poles,' said 
 Moszynski with fervour. ' It is our affair.' 
 
 Suddenly, Frederick rose, and exclaimed as if 
 he had recollected something : 
 
 ' By the bye ! You are going to Warsaw ! Pray 
 remember about those hounds that were left in 
 Wilanow. I must have them ! Send someone by 
 poHe-chaise with them. There are no better hounds 
 than they are. You know — ' 
 
 'Yes, they are black,' said Moszynski. 
 
 'Jupiter, Diana, and Mercury,' enumerated the 
 Prince. ' Pray send them to me at once.' 
 
 ' I think they had better stay there,' said Moszynski. 
 ' When the Prince becomes King ' 
 
 ' My dear Count, send me also Corregio's Madonna ! 
 Take it from the Saxony Palace and send it ! It is a 
 masterpiece ! ' 
 
 Moszynski bowed. 
 
 ' Any further orders ? ' asked he. 
 
 ' Greet the musketeers ; my father was very fond of 
 them.' 
 
 The remembrance of his father made him gloomy, 
 he sat down. Sulkowski, always anxious that his 
 master should have that of which he was fond, went 
 to tell a lackey to bring a fresh pipe. The Prince 
 seized it quickly and began to smoke. 
 
 All were silent. Guarini looked attentively at 
 
118 Count Briihl 
 
 Frederick ; Moszynski waited in vain, for the Prince 
 was so much, absorbed in his pipe that he forgot about 
 everything else. 
 
 At length Moszynski kissed the Prince's hand and 
 took his leave. Frederick smiled on him affection- 
 ately, but said not a word more. 
 
 Sulkowski conducted Moszynski to the ante-room ; 
 the Prince remained with Guarini. Hardly had the 
 door closed when the Prince turned to the Jesuit. 
 
 ' That's nothing,' he whispered, ' when they only 
 show each other their tongues, but when Frosch begins 
 to abuse Horch, and the latter begins to kick, and 
 then when both go under the table and fight, then 
 one can die of laughter.' 
 
 Guarini seemed to share the Prince's appreciation 
 of the comical attitude of two fighting fools. 
 
 ' No,' continued the Prince, ' one cannot let them 
 into the dining-room to-morrow ; but later on, for 
 they must not forget their excellent tricks.' 
 
 Guarini got up ; it seemed that he was hastening 
 to return to the guest he had left at his house. The 
 Prince changed the subject of conversation, and said : 
 
 ' Don't be angry, that I propose to make Briihl a 
 minister although he is a Protestant. He shall be 
 quickly converted, for he is an intelligent man, and I 
 shall command him — you shall see.' 
 
 Guarini made no answer ; he bowed and went out. 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 
 During the reign of Augustus the Strong, Dresden 
 was not lacking in beautiful women. Notwitlistand- 
 ing sad experiences of the King's instability, every 
 beautiful woman hoped to be able to attract his 
 attention, although they well knew that it would not 
 be for long. Among the young ladies there was not 
 however, one more beautiful, more coquettish, more 
 vivacious, or better able to please, than the young 
 Countess Frances Kolowrath, the same who, several 
 years before, received Bruhl in the Taschenberg Palace, 
 the same, whom we saw in one of the booths during 
 the fancy dress ball in the castle. The high rank of 
 her mother, who was the principal lady-in-waiting at 
 the court of the Princess, gave her the privilege of 
 precedence before all other ladies except the princesses 
 of the ruling houses : the favours of Princess Josephina, 
 hopes of a brilliant future, her family name, all made 
 the girl proud and self-willed. The older she grew 
 the more difficult it was for her mother to control her. 
 An only child and much petted, notwithstanding the 
 Princess's severity, she was able to throw off the 
 court etiquette, and form many acquaintances and 
 love intrigues. She did not seem to care much about 
 the future. She looked upon matrimony as upon 
 freedom from a yoke which she could not bear. 
 
 A few days after the news of the King's death, when 
 the court was obliged to go into mourning and all 
 amusements were stopped, Lady Frances was bored 
 
120 Count Briihl 
 
 more than ever. The black dress, which she was 
 obliged to put on, was becoming to her, but she 
 disliked it very much. That evening she stood in 
 her room before her mirror and admired her beautiful 
 figure and features. 
 
 As dusk fell she rang the bell and ordered lights to 
 be brought. She was alone, for her mother was at the 
 court, and she did not know what to do with herself. 
 Walking to and fro she noticed a box and took it 
 from a little table. She brought it near the light and 
 opened it with a little key she carried in her pocket. 
 
 The box was full of small jewels and pieces of 
 paper. One could guess that these were letters 
 addressed to herself. 
 
 Some of them she put aside with a smile, the others 
 she read and became thoughtful. Then she locked 
 the box and lay down on the sofa, looking at a little 
 ring that glistened on her finger. It was an old, 
 black enamelled ring, with an inscription in gold on 
 it : A hora y siempre. 
 
 In the young lady's room, besides the door leading 
 to her mother's apartment, there was another little 
 door concealed in the wall, leading to some side stairs. 
 Just as she became thoiightful over the ring, the 
 door opened quietly and someone looked through it 
 cautiously : the young lady turned her head, saw who 
 it was, and rose from the sofa with an exclamation. 
 The good-looking young Watzdorf stood before her. 
 We saw him at Faustina's comically joking, and ironi- 
 cally sneering. To-day his face, usually ironical, 
 bore quite another expression ; it was almost sad and 
 thoughtful. 
 
 The beautiful Frances, as if afraid at his appearance, 
 stood silent, 
 
Count Briihl 121 
 
 Watzdorf seemed to beseech, her forgiveness with, 
 his eyes. 
 
 ^ Christian, how could you ! ' she said at length, 
 with a voice in whicK there was true or artificial 
 emotion. ' How could you do this, when there are 
 so many people about ? Someone will see you and 
 tell about it The Princess is severe, and my 
 mother — ' 
 
 * Nobody could see me,' said Watzdorf coming 
 nearer. * Frances, my goddess ! I have been waiting 
 for hours under the stairs, in order to see j^ou alone 
 for a moment. Your mother prays with the Princess," 
 there is nobody in the house.' 
 
 ' Ah ! those stolen moments ! ' cried Frances. ' I 
 don't much like such secret happiness.' 
 
 'Patience, till the other comes,' said Watzdorf 
 taking her hand. 'I hope — -' 
 
 * Not I,' interrupted the girl, ' they will dispose of 
 me, against my will, as they would dispose of a piece 
 of furniture. The Princess, the Prince, my mother, 
 Padre Guarini — I am a slave.' 
 
 * Then let us run away from here ! ' 
 
 ' Where ? ' asked Frances laughing. ' To Austria, 
 where we shall be caught by the Emperor's police : 
 to Prussia, where the Brandenburgian would stop us. 
 Let us. run [ That is all very well, but how and with 
 what ? You have nothing, except your salary at the 
 court, and I have only the favour of the Prince and 
 Princess.' 
 
 * But your mother's heart — ' 
 
 'That heart will search out happiness for me in 
 diamonds — it understands no other.' 
 
 ' Frances, my goddess ! How cruel you are to-day, 
 you take all my hope from me ! ' 
 
122 Count Briihl 
 
 *I can't give that which. I don't possess myself/ 
 said the girl coolly and sadly. 
 
 ' For you don't love me.' 
 
 The lovely girl looked at him reproachfully. 
 
 * I never loved anybody but you ! ' said she. ' I 
 shall never be able to love anybody else, and because 
 I love you, I should like to speak frankly with you.' 
 
 Watzdorf cast his eyes on the floor. 
 
 'I understand,' he muttered. — 'You wish to 
 convince me, that because you love me, you cannot 
 be mine, and that I must give you up. Such is the 
 logic of love in courts. Because you love me, because 
 I love you, you must marry another man — ' 
 
 ' Yes ; I must marry the first one they give me ; 
 but that man shall not have my heart.' 
 
 ' It's hideous ! ' interrupted Watzdorf. ' You do 
 not wish to sacrifice anything for me.' 
 
 ' For I do not wish to bring evil on you,' said the 
 girl. ' They would catch us to-morrow if we fly to- 
 day, you would be sent to Konigstein, and they would 
 marry ime to'the man whom they have selected forme.' 
 
 ' I think I shall go to Konigstein in any case,' said 
 Watzdorf. ' I cannot shut my mouth looking at this 
 horrible life, at this despotism of a lackey. I say 
 what I think, and that is, as you know, the way to 
 get there, where one speaks only to four walls of the 
 prison.' 
 
 ' Listen, Christian, instead of talking, we ought to 
 be silent,' said the girl, ' instead of wishing to improve 
 them, we ought to despise them and rule them.' 
 
 ' Giving in to their fancies, and lying for a life- 
 time, cheating them, and soiling oneself — ' said 
 Watzdorf. ' What a lovely life ! ' 
 
 ' Then is it better to give up everything ? ' said the 
 
Count Briihl 123 
 
 girl laugliing. ' I, a woman, I am not so tragical, I 
 take life as it is.' 
 
 'I despise it,' muttered Watzdorf. 
 
 The girl put out her hand to him. 
 
 ' Poor enthusiast ! ' she sighed. * Ah ! how I pity 
 you and myself ; there is no hope for us — and if we 
 could catch a moment of happiness, it is amidst 
 falsehood and lying.' 
 
 She came near him, put one hand on his shoulder, 
 and the other she put round his neck. 
 
 ' Ah ! this life ! ' she whispered, ^ one must be drunk 
 in order to bear it.' 
 
 ' And be a cheat ! ' added Watzdorf, who seized her 
 hand and kissed it passionately. ' Frances, you don't 
 love me ; you love the life m6re than me ; the world 
 and the golden fetters.' 
 
 The girl was silent and sad. 
 
 ' Who knows ? ' she said. ' I dou't know myself. 
 They brought me up, cradling me in falsehood and 
 teaching me how to lie, in the meanwhile arousing 
 in me a desire for sensation, distraction, luxury and 
 enjoyment. I am not certain of my own heart, for I 
 was corrupted before I began to live.' 
 
 ' Love ought to make us both better,' said Watzdorf 
 looking into her eyes passionately. ' I was also a 
 courtier before I loved you — by that love I became a 
 man ; I became purified in its flames.' 
 
 The girl laid her head on his shoulder and spoke 
 to him in a whisper; they both seemed to forget 
 about the whole world. Their eyes spoke more than 
 their lips ; their hands met and joined. 
 
 They forgot themselves to such a degree that they 
 did not notice that the same door by which 
 Watzdorf had entered opened, and the threatening, 
 
124 Count Briihl 
 
 pale and angry face of the girl's mother appeared 
 through it. 
 
 Seeing her daughter with a man whom she did 
 not recognise at once, she was struck dumb. She 
 made a step forward and pulled Watzdorf by his 
 sleeve. Her lips trembled and her eyes were full 
 of awful anger ; the girl turned and perceived the 
 thunder-bolt look of her mother. But she was 
 not afraid. She retreated a step, while Watzdorf 
 not knowing yet who had disturbed them, mechanically 
 searched for his sword. 
 
 Only when he turned and saw the Countess did 
 he become pale and stood silent like a criminal 
 caught red-handed in the act. 
 
 The Countess could not speak, because of her 
 great anger : she breathed heavily, pressing her 
 bosom with one hand, with the other pointing 
 imperiously to the door. 
 
 Watzdorf before obeying bent over the girl's hand 
 and pressed it to his lips ; the mother pulled it from 
 him, and trembling continually pointed to the door. 
 
 Watzdorf looked at the pale girl and went out 
 slowly. The Countess fell on the sofa — her daughter 
 remained cold and indifferent like a statue. The 
 Countess cried from anger. 
 
 * Shame on you ! ' cried she, * you dare to receive 
 that man in your room ! ' 
 
 ' Because I Ioa' e him ! ' answered the girl calmly. 
 
 ' And you dare to tell me that ! ' 
 
 ' Why should I not say what I feel ? ' 
 
 The Countess sobbed. 
 
 'And you think that because of your stupid love 
 for that good-for-nothing man, who is hardly tolerated 
 in the court, I shall sacrifice your future ? Never ! ' 
 
Count Briihl 125 
 
 * I did not expect that I could be happy and 
 honest,' answered the girl coolly. 
 
 * You are mad ! ' cried the mother. 
 
 The girl sat in the chair opposite her mother, 
 took a flower from the bouquet standing on the 
 table, and raised it to her lips. Cold and ironical 
 resignation was depicted on her face ; the mother 
 looked at her and was frightened. 
 
 * Happily, he could go out without being noticed,' 
 she murmured to herself. ' To-morrow I shall order 
 that door to be fastened, and I shall lock you in like 
 a slave. Could I ever have expected to see such a 
 thing?' 
 
 The girl, biting the flower, seemed to be ready 
 to listen to any reproaches her mother might heap 
 on her. The disdainful silence of her daughter 
 made the Countess still more angry. She sprang 
 from the sofa and walked rapidly across the room. 
 
 'If Watzdorf shall dare to speak, or look at you, 
 woe betide him ! I shall fall at the feet of the 
 Princess, I shall pray Sulkowski, and they will 
 lock him up for ever.' 
 
 *I don't think he would like to expose himself 
 to that,' said the girl. * To-day I took all hope from 
 him. I told him that I may not dispose of myself ; 
 that they would treat me like a slave; that I shall 
 marry the man they destine for me, but that I shall 
 not love him — ' 
 
 * You dare to tell me that ! ' 
 
 * I say what I think. The man who would marry 
 me, will know what to expect from me.' 
 
 The Countess looked at her daughter threateningly 
 
 but she was silent. Suddenly she wrung her hands.. 
 
 '. Ungrateful ! ' she cried more tenderly. ' The 
 
126 Count Briihl 
 
 moment I try to secure for you with our lady tlie 
 most brilliant future, you — ' 
 
 ' I am quite aware that I shall be led like a 
 sacrifice, dressed in brocade,' rejoined the girl 
 laughing bitterly. ' Such a future is unavoidable.' 
 
 'Yes, for you know that you cannot resist the 
 will of your mother and that of the Princess and 
 the Prince.' 
 
 ' Who has no will whatever,' said the girl ironically. 
 
 ' Silence ! ' interrupted her mother threateningly. 
 * I came to tell you about happiness, and I found 
 shame ! ' 
 
 ' It was not necessary to tell me of that which 
 I was aware. Sulkowski is married, consequently 
 1 must marry the other minister, Briihl. I expected 
 that. Indeed, it's a great happiness ! ' 
 
 ' Greater than you deserve,' answered her mother. 
 ' What could you have against the nicest man in 
 the world ? ' 
 
 ' Nothing whatever ; I am as indifferent to him as " 
 if he were the most stupid and the most horrid. 
 He or another is just the same to me, if I can 
 not marry the one whom I love.' 
 
 ' Don't dare to pronounce his name : I hate him ! 
 If he dares to make one step he is lost ! ' 
 
 * I shall warn him : I don't wish him to come to 
 nought : I wish him to avenge me.' 
 
 ' Don't you dare to speak to him ! I forbid you ! ' 
 
 The girl became silent. The Countess, having 
 noticed that she was five minutes late for her duties 
 at the court, said : 
 
 ' You come with me ; the Princess commanded 
 you to come. You know how you should behave.' 
 
 A few minutes later both ladies went out. It was 
 
Count Briihl 127 
 
 suj^per time. The strict etiquette introduced from 
 the Austrian court and severely observed by the 
 Princess Josephine did not permit anyone to sit at the 
 same table with the Prince and Princess, except the 
 ministers. The other dignitaries of the court, Avho 
 were present during meal times sat at another table 
 in a separate room, That day the Prince supped alone 
 with his consort. Padre Guarini sat on a stool apart 
 to keep them company. Before the court went into 
 mourning he would amuse the Prince by joking with 
 Frosch and Horch, who usually would fight, while the 
 Prince would laugh to encourage them, and be in his 
 best humour. The new mourning did not permit the 
 fools to perform, but in consideration of the necessity 
 of distraction for the Princess, Guarini allowed 
 Frosch and Horch to be present in the dining- 
 room, but they were not permitted to play their 
 usual jokes. They were placed in such a way that 
 the Prince would notice them immediately. 
 
 The table was set magnificently and lighted pro- 
 fusely. Frederick entered with his consort whose 
 common features were in striking contrast to the 
 serene and beautiful although cold face of her husband. 
 The type of the Hapsburgs was not well represented in 
 Josephine, who although still young had none of the 
 charm of youth ; the hanging lower lip, gloomy 
 expression, something common and severe in her face, 
 made her repulsive. 
 
 Whilst Padre Guarini recited the henedicite, the 
 Prince and Princess stood with piously clasped 
 hands, the servants waiting. As Frederick sat down 
 he caught sight of Frosch and Horch who had 
 assumed such a dignified and pompous mien that 
 they were more ridiculous than ever. 
 
128 Count Briihl 
 
 Frosch was almost dwarfish ; Horch. tall and thin. 
 They were both dressed alike. Although the court 
 was in mourning the fools wore red tail coats and 
 blue trousers. Frosch's wig was curled like a sheep- 
 skin, while Horch's hair was flat. Frosch stood in 
 the position of the Colossus of Rhodes, with hands 
 placed behind his back. Horch stood stretched like 
 a soldier, with arms straight down his sides. Both 
 were very amusing. 
 
 The Prince having noticed them smiled. While 
 eating and drinking with a famous appetite, 
 Frederick looked from time to time at his favourites ; 
 he was sorry he could not permit them to play 
 their jokes, but they would have been too noisy. 
 The sight of them alone made the Prince happy, 
 but he had another source of happiness in that 
 Sulkowski and Briihl were such good friends. 
 Briihl willingly resigned his appointment as Grand 
 Marshal of the court, which dignity the Prince 
 bestowed upon Sulkowski, and was content to be 
 the president of the ministers and Secretary of the 
 Treasury. It was only a matter of form, as 
 Sulkowski was expected to keep everything under 
 his own control. 
 
 But the future was not certain. 
 
 Briihl seemed to be Sulkowski's best friend, and 
 the latter being sure of the Prince's favour did not 
 fear him as a rival. 
 
 Having put the whole burden of ruling on these two 
 men, the Prince felt at ease to lead his own monotonous 
 life. He only longed after the opera, after Faustina, 
 and after hunting. But all that was bound to return 
 after the mourning was over. In Poland the Count 
 Moszynski, the Bishop Lipski and others were work- 
 
Count Briihl 129 
 
 ing hard to assure the Prince's election as King, and 
 Briihl guaranteed that it would be done. 
 
 A few days after the news of his father's death, 
 Frederick declared that he would not change anything. 
 But Saxony expected some improvements, and was 
 soon disillusioned and informed that she must not 
 expect anything. The taxes were as heavy as ever. 
 
 That evening when the Prince went to his apart- 
 ment, Sulkowski and Briihl followed him. 
 
 In another room some courtiers were grouped round 
 Josephine, and between them was the joking Padre 
 Guarini. The Princess, having remained to talk to 
 them for a time, retired to her own room followed by 
 the Countess Kolowrath, who told her daughter to 
 follow her. 
 
 Josephine stood in the centre of the drawing-room 
 as though expecting something. The young girl 
 entered without the least sign of fear. The Princess 
 asked her to come near and said : 
 
 ' My dear girl, it is time to think of your future — I 
 am willing to do something for you.' 
 
 The mother fearing some improper answer said : 
 
 * We shall ever be thankful to your Royal Highness.' 
 
 ' I know that you are a good Catholic,' continued 
 the Princess, ' therefore, I must assure you before all, 
 that your future husband, although not bom in the 
 Catholic faith, shall embrace it. Consequently you 
 shall have the merit of gaining one soul for God.' 
 
 The girl listened quite indifferently. The Princess 
 looked at her but failed to see any emotion in her 
 face. 
 
 ' I congratulate you,' added she, * on the choice 
 made for you by myself and your mother ; the man 
 destined for your husband is very pious, of great 
 I 
 
130 Count Briihl 
 
 character and keen intelligence — it is the Secretary 
 of the Treasury, Briihl.' 
 
 Josephine looked again at the girl, who stood 
 silent. 
 
 'You must permit him to approach you, so that 
 you may get to know each other, and I hope you will 
 be happy.' 
 
 The mother pushed the girl towards the Princess ; 
 Frances resented being pushed, bent her head and 
 moved aside. 
 
 Thus the day ended, memorable in the life of the 
 girl, who looked so indifferently on her future. 
 
 The next day, probably by permission of the 
 Countess, Briihl paid his respects to the young girl 
 who was sitting alone. After a moment's reflection 
 she allowed him to be shown in. She received him 
 in the same room in which yesterday, leaning on 
 Watzdorf's shoulder, she had said good-bye to 
 happiness. 
 
 The mourning was very becoming to her : her 
 beauty seemed still greater on the dark background 
 of her black dress. Besides paleness there was no 
 other sign of suffering on her face ; cool and brave 
 resignation lent something imposing to her features. 
 
 Briihl, who was one of the most refined dandies of 
 his time, attributed great importance to dress, and 
 was dressed that day with particular care. The 
 eweet smile did not leave his too delicate face even 
 for a moment. In the same proportion that the young 
 lady wished to be sober and thoughtful, did he wish 
 to be joyful and happy. 
 
 He advanced quickly to the table behind which 
 she was sitting ; she nodded slightly and pointed to 
 a chair standing near. 
 
Count Briihl 131 
 
 *I see,' said Briihl, 'that you have assumed a sad 
 expression to be in harmony with your mourning, 
 while I—' 
 
 ' You are more lively to-day than ever,' interrupted 
 the young lady. ' May I ask what makes jon so 
 happy ? ' 
 
 ' I hope you are aware of the cause,' said Briihl 
 raising his hand to his heart. 
 
 * Let us not play a comedy,' said Frances, ' neither 
 you can deceive me, nor I you. They commanded 
 me to marry you, while 1 love another man ; they 
 command you to marry me, while you love another 
 woman. Those are not very joyful things.' 
 
 ' I, in love with another ? ' said Briihl, with well- 
 assumed surprise. 
 
 ' For a long time you have loved, and passionately, 
 the Countess Moszynski ; of this both she and her 
 husband and everyone else, is aware, and you think 
 that I, living in the court, do not know it ? ' 
 
 ' If you wish me to confess that I was in love with 
 her—' 
 
 * Oh ! the old love is lasting.' 
 
 * But you tell me that you love.' 
 
 * Yes, I don't conceal that I love another man.' 
 'Whom?' 
 
 'There is no need to betray his and my secret. 
 — Suffice it that I am sincere when I tell you of this.' 
 
 * It is very sad news for me ! ' exclaimed Briihl. 
 
 ' It is still sadder for myself. Could you not find 
 another woman, with whom you could be happy ? ' 
 
 She looked at him : Briihl grew confused. 
 
 ' It is the will of the Prince and Princess.' 
 
 'As well as Padre Gnarini's,' said the young lady. 
 ' I understand. Is it then irrevocable ? ' 
 
132 Count Briihl 
 
 * Madam,' said Briihl, ' I hope that I shall win your 
 regard — I — ' 
 
 'I have no hopes, but as our matrimony is in- 
 evitable, it would be well to prepare ourselves for 
 that which we must expect.' 
 
 ' I shall try to make you happy.' 
 
 * Thank you, but I think I had better take care of 
 my happiness myself, and you of yours. I don't 
 forbid you to love Moszynski, for even were I to 
 forbid you to do so, it would be useless. Cosel's 
 daughter inherited her mother's beauty and power — 
 which unfortunately, I don't possess.' 
 
 ' You are cruel.' 
 
 ' No, I am sincere, that's all.' 
 
 Briihl, notwithstanding' a great faculty for conver- 
 sation, felt that words failed him. His situation 
 became painful, while the young lady did not show 
 that she was disturbed in the least. 
 
 * Notwithstanding all, I am not in despair,' he 
 said after a pause. 'I have known you ever since 
 you were a mere child, I have been your admirer 
 for a long time ; that which you said about the 
 Countess Moszynski was only' a fancy, already passed 
 and forgotten. My heart is free, and it is yours. 
 I hope you will be able to throw off your aversion 
 to me.' 
 
 * I have no aversion to you ; you are a matter of 
 perfect indifference to me,' the young lady 
 interrupted. 
 
 ' Even that means something.' 
 'It means, that you might awaken my aversion, 
 while wishing to awaken love. — It is very possible.' 
 Briihl rose ; his face was burning. 
 
 * Perchance never a wooer met with a worse re- 
 
Count Briihl 133 
 
 ception/ lie said sighing. ' But I shall be able to 
 overcome this impression/ 
 
 * Do as you please, but remember, that if I become 
 a victim, I shall marry you, for I must, but you 
 know now what awaits you.' 
 
 Having said this, she rose ; Briihl smiling as 
 sweetly as he could, wished to take hold of her hand, 
 but she withdrew, and said : 
 
 ' I wish you good-bye.' 
 
 The secretary left the room : his face was sweet 
 and serene as ever, and nobody could have guessed 
 his defeat. 
 
 While walking with elastic step across the draw- 
 ing-room, he met the Countess Kolowrath, who, 
 before speaking, looked at him sharply — but dis- 
 covered nothing. 
 
 ' Have you seen Frances ? ' she asked. 
 
 'I return from her.' 
 
 ' How did she receive you ? ' 
 
 Briihl did not answer at once. 
 
 'As one receives someone who is not welcome,' 
 he said at length. 
 
 ' Ah ! you have plenty of time. — For many reasons 
 I should not care to hasten the wedding.' 
 
 ' I am not of your opinion, for I know that it is 
 easiest to conquer the heart, when one is sure of 
 the hand,' said Briihl. 'The approach of the 
 wedding would give us a chance to know each other, 
 and I hope that your daughter knowing me better, 
 and my sentiment — ' 
 
 The Countess smiled. 
 
 ' Enough for to-day,' said she, ' cela viendra. 
 Frances is so beautiful that it is impossible not to 
 worship her, but she is proud and high-spirited like 
 
134 Count Briihl 
 
 a goddess. If our old King were living, I should 
 fear for her, for she could make an impression even 
 on him.' 
 
 Briihl, having made some further remark, left her 
 with a sweet smile. When he entered his post-chaise, 
 waiting for him at the door, his face became gloomy. 
 
 * I should like to know,' said he to himself, 'whom 
 she loves. She had always so many admirers, and 
 was so sweet to them all, that it is impossible to 
 guess who succeeded in winning her heart, but her 
 beauty is necessary to me. Who knows ! The 
 Prince may not always be faithful to his wife, — 
 and in that case — ' 
 
 He finished his thought with a smile. 
 
 ' She may not love me, but our common interests 
 will make us friends. Then they know about 
 Moszynski ; it is difficult to conceal love.' 
 
 Drowned in his thoughts, Briihl did not notice 
 that his post-chaise had stopped before the door 
 of his house. 
 
 Numerous servants waited for him. The moment 
 he alighted his face was sweetly smiling. 
 
 He ran upstairs. Henniche was waiting for him. 
 The faithful servant looked better and more healthy 
 than usual. His face was smiling ironically. Briihl 
 entered the office, where he found Griobig, Hammer, 
 and Loss. All rose to greet ,his Excellency, followed 
 by Henniche. 
 
 The secretary was ready to look through some 
 papers, when Henniche whispered. 
 
 ' You are wanted there.' 
 
 And he pointed to the door of the drawing-room. 
 There, Padre. Guarini, dressed in a grey coat was 
 walking to and fro. 
 
CHAPTER IX 
 
 The Prince could rest quietly ; in Poland numerous 
 adherents were working for him, in Dresden Sulkowski 
 and Briihl, equally ambitious, though the former was 
 more sure of his position. The Prince loved him 
 and, what was more important, was accustomed to 
 him. He had been with Frederick ever since they 
 were mere boys. Together they received their first 
 impressions, together they became men. Sulkowski 
 knew his master, for he had watched him as he grew. 
 Briihl divined him. 
 
 When Augustus II became a Catholic in order to 
 get the Polish crown, the Pope Clement XI, made 
 every effort that the son might not follow his mother, 
 a zealous Protestant, but that he should follow his 
 father's religion, a matter of indifference to the King 
 who did not believe in anything. For Augustus the 
 Strong was an irritating problem to the Church. 
 
 It was uncertain which way the election would 
 go in Poland ; in Protestant Saxony Catholicism was 
 an obstacle and a peril. Then the mother, Queen 
 Eberhardin, neQ Beirenth, and the grandmother 
 Anna Sophia, the Danish Princess, watched that 
 the son and grandson might not follow his father. 
 Both ladies were Protestant fanatics. But this is 
 certain, that Augustus II, in his efforts to make 
 a hereditary monarchy of Poland, even if he were 
 obliged to sacrifice part of it, was inclined to make 
 his son a Catholic — otherwise it was immaterial to 
 
136 Count Briihl 
 
 him. Urged by the Pope, Augustus the Strong on 
 the 4th of September 1701 swore that his son should 
 be brought up a Catholic, and on February 8th 1702, 
 he assured the Saxon states that his son should be 
 Lutheran. The fact was that he did not know 
 which policy was the best. 
 
 When Frederick was yet a mere boy, his grand- 
 mother appointed Alexander von Miltitz as tutor. 
 The man was not fitted for the position. The 
 contemporary documents say that the grandmother 
 had not much judgment ; she was ruled by 
 Protestant motives, and after dinner knew less than 
 in the morning what she was doing. The little 
 Frederick was taken from the Queen Eberhardin 
 and placed in the care of the grandmother. 
 Alexander von Miltitz being pedantic, avaricious, 
 dull and lazy, could not have had any good influence. 
 As he was indifferent in the matter of religion, the 
 Protestant clergymen^surrounded the young Prince, 
 and did not permit him to come in contact with 
 Catholics. Furstenburg notified the Pope about it 
 and an admonition came from Rome. 
 
 When Frederick was twelve years old he was 
 taken out of the women's hands and sent .with a 
 tutor to travel, but he soon came back. Both queens, 
 being afraid that he might be made a Catholic, 
 ordered him, when fourteen years of age, to make 
 a public confession of Protestantism and then he 
 received confirmation. The King, who was then in 
 Danzig, wrote to the Pope about it, assuring him 
 that were he not hindered by certain circumstances, 
 he would have those who had dared to take such 
 a bold step without his knowledge, punished. 
 
 The circumstances then were such tliat Augustus 
 
Count Briihl 137 
 
 was obliged to smooth matters over with. Rome by 
 promising that Frederick should be converted. 
 General Koss was brought from Poland and 
 appointed the Prince's instructor. Sulkowski was 
 already with the Prince. 
 
 In 1711 Augustus took his son to Poland from 
 whence they went to Prague and here the consulta- 
 tion with the Pope's nuncio Albani took place. The 
 result of it was that they determined to change the 
 Prince's whole court, and to surround him with 
 Catholics. Frederick knew nothing about it and on 
 his return to Dresden he went to a Lutheran church. 
 
 Then General Koss, by the King's command, 
 dismissed Baron von Miltitz together with the other 
 members of the court, with the exception of the 
 physician and the cook, and the Jesuit father Salerno 
 took the Prince's education in hand. In the mean- 
 time Augustus II sent his son to travel, commanding 
 him to go first to Venice. In those days the Venetian 
 carnivals held in St Mark's Square were still very 
 famous. In January 1712 they started on the A'oyage 
 which, in order to keep the Prince from Protestant 
 influence, was to last for seven years. All the letters 
 the Prince wrote to his family were read by the 
 Saxon General, Lutzelburg, a shrewd man, but 
 whose morals were not of the best. 
 
 The Prince, being from the first troubled by his 
 conscience, succeeded in communicating with and 
 asking help from the Queen of England, Anne, and 
 Frederick IV, King of Denmark. Queen Anne 
 invited him to come to England, the King of Den- 
 mark wrote that should he become a Catholic, he 
 would lose all chance of the throne of Denmark. 
 
 In the same year, the Pope assured Augustus II 
 
138 Count BrUhl 
 
 that ill the event of the Protestant princes attacking 
 him, he, the Pope, would support him. In the 
 meantime the Prince, accompanied by Sulkowski, 
 who, being the same age, became his favourite, 
 travelled incognito in Italy, under the name of the 
 Count of Luzacia. His court, besides Sulkowski, 
 was composed of two generals, Koss and Lutzelburg, 
 and of Father Salerno in civilian's clothes, and of 
 another Jesuit, a Saxon, Father Vogler. The secretary 
 was also a Jesuit, whose name was Kopper, who 
 also wore the garments of a civilian and travelled 
 under the name of Weddernoy. Consequently the 
 influence on the Prince was constant and as it went 
 on several years was difficult to resist. From 
 Venice they went to Bologna, where the Prince was 
 received solemnly by the officials of the Pope. Here 
 Father Salerno succeeded in converting the Prince. 
 The confession of the faith was made in strictest 
 secrecy, before Cardinal Cassoni. Later both Albani 
 and Salerno were rewarded with the hats of Cardinals. 
 The conversion remained a secret for a long 
 time, and as the Saxon states requested that the 
 Prince might return, Augustus, not wishing to irritate 
 them, ordered that the proposed journey to Rome be 
 abandoned. In 1713 the Prince was returning home, 
 when he was told to stay for some time at Diissel- 
 dorf at the court of the Elector Palatine, a very 
 zealous Catholic ; later he went on to the court of 
 Louis XIV, who had been advised by the Pope of 
 his conversion. There was 'a rumour of a plot made 
 by his Protestant relations about the conversion of the 
 Prince, but the affair remains in obscurity. They 
 feared continually that the Prince might never 
 become a Protestant again. 
 
Count Briihl . 139 
 
 In Paris the Prince was very well received, as one 
 can see from the letters of the old Princess of 
 Orleans ; they found him very agreeable although he 
 spoke but little, a habit that remained with him 
 through life. 
 
 From France they took the Prince not to England 
 as the original project was, but through Lyons and 
 Marseilles again to Venice, where the signoria did 
 everything to amuse him. Masquerades, regattas, 
 comedies, balls succeeded each other. 
 
 By the advice of Pope Clement XI, it was decided 
 to marry the Prince to a Catholic princess ; for this 
 purpose they began to search Venice through Father 
 Salerno ; the Count von Harkenberg and the Prince 
 Eugene helped so much that a Princess was promised. 
 They took the Prince to Vienna ; he could not take 
 one step without his father's permission. 
 
 The conversion was still secret, although the 
 reason for sparing the sensibility of the queen-mother 
 ceased, for she died. In October of 1717, on a certain 
 morning, the Count von Lutzelburg ordered the 
 whole court to be ready at ten o'clock in the ante- 
 room of the Prince. About eleven o'clock, the 
 carriage of the papal nuncio drew up in front of the 
 palace and Monsignor Spinoli alighted from it and 
 was conducted to the Prince. Shortly after that 
 there came a little man with a casket under his arm 
 and the Count von Lutzelburg said to the courtiers 
 that in the Prince's room something was going on, 
 and that the Protestants could look at it or not. The 
 door opened, the nuncio was reading, and the Prince, 
 not being well and lying in bed, listened with great^ 
 piety. After the Mass the nuncio left and the Prince 
 said to his Protestant courtiers : 
 
140 Count Briihl 
 
 * Gentlemen, now you know what I am, and I beg 
 of you to follow me.' 
 
 To this Greneral Kospoth answered : 
 
 ' We have not yet had time to realise it, it is 
 difficult to decide at once.' 
 
 The Prince said : 
 
 ' You are right, one must first of all become good 
 Christians, then Catholics.' 
 
 The secret was unveiled ; the following Sunday 
 the Prince went to the Jesuit church and took the 
 Communion. There was great joy in Rome over this 
 success. 
 
 Saxony was again assured that the Protestant 
 religion should be respected, but it was easy to 
 foresee that efforts would be made towards conver- 
 sions. They kept the Prince seven months in Vienna, 
 Augustus furnished plenty of money for a splendid 
 court and balls ; and there he was married, in 1719, 
 to the Archduchess Maria Josephine. 
 
 During the whole of that time Sulkowski was con- 
 tinually with the Prince. He returned with tlie 
 court to Dresden where the Emperor's daughter was 
 received with the greatest honours. Sulkowski by 
 habit and necessity shared in all the amusements of 
 the Prince, his hunting parties, theatres and art. 
 During his travels with the Prince in Germany, 
 France and Italy, he saw a great deal and educated 
 himself ; he learned to know the world, and what 
 was more important, Frederick's likes and dislikes. 
 He was able to take advantage of them, by pleasing 
 him, to rule him, and he felt that he was so necessary 
 to him that nobody could overthrow him. The 
 Prince was very familiar with him, and the critical 
 times made their relations still closer. The 
 
Count Briihl 141 
 
 friends tliat Sulkowski made in various courts 
 strengthened him still more, for he knew that in 
 case of emergency he could count on them. 
 
 Therefore he neither feared Briihl's competition nor 
 anybody else's. Through his wife, nee Hein Jettingen, 
 he was sure of having the Princess on his side. 
 
 He was less humble than Briihl, but a more 
 consummate courtier, more daring, in a word he 
 was a ' cavalier ' as they said in those times, of 
 the best sort. Tall and polished, Sulkowski had not 
 the ability necessary for a prime minister, but 
 he was proud and very ambitious. Less familiar 
 with the affairs of state than Briihl, who for a long 
 time worked in Augustus' private office, he was sure 
 of the help of a man from whom he expected assistance. 
 Consequently he determined to become a ruler, being 
 persuaded that he would be able to hold the position. 
 Sulkowski's way of living was more modest than 
 Briihl's, for he was not fond of luxury. Sulkowski's 
 court was not very numerous, the servants not very 
 refined, the carriages not very elegant. 
 
 The portfolio was about to be handed to him, when 
 one morning, before he went to see the Prince, he 
 sent for his man. Sulkowski was reading a French 
 book, waiting, when the councillor Ludovici, whom 
 he had sent for, entered, out of breath. Ludovici 
 held the same position with Sulkowski that Henniche 
 did with Briihl : he was his factotum, principal clerk 
 in his office and adviser. 
 
 One glance at the man was sufficient to indicate 
 who he was. His face bore no special characteristic, 
 but it could change and assume any expression that 
 was necessary. His whole face was covered with 
 wrinkles ; his eyes were black, and his mouth moved 
 
142 Count Briihl 
 
 so quickly that it was impossible to describe its 
 shape ; while in motion it made Ludovici unpleasing. 
 It was necessary to be accustomed to him in order 
 to tolerate him. Fortunately for Sulkowski he was 
 accustomed to him, and by his own dignified manner 
 he could control Ludovici's impatience. Having 
 entered he leaned on the chair nearest to hand and 
 awaited the new minister's orders. 
 
 Sulkowski seemed to be thinking whether or not 
 he would make a confidant of the councillor, and 
 his thoughtful attitude excited the latter's curiosity, 
 
 ' It is very unpleasant,' he said at length rising 
 and looking out of the window, ' that living in the 
 court, and having the confidence of the Elector as 
 I have, I must yet resort to certain precautions.' 
 
 Ludovici smiled, lowered his eyes, but did not 
 dare to interrupt. 
 
 ' I can say frankly,' continued Sulkowski, ' that 
 I am not afraid of anybody, but in the meanwhile 
 I must not trust anybody.' 
 
 ' Excellent ! Beautiful ! ' said Ludovici, ' we must 
 trust no one. A very intelligent man once said to 
 me that one must treat one's friends in such a way 
 as though we expected that to-morrow they would 
 become our foes.' 
 
 ' The question is not that they might become my 
 foes, but that they shall not harm me ; but I must 
 know about their plans and movements.' 
 
 * Excellent ! Beautiful ! ' Ludovici repeated. 
 
 ' Until now this was not necessary, to-day it 
 seems to me unavoidable.' 
 
 * Excellent ! Beautiful ! ' Ludovici repeated. ' Yes ! 
 we must have men who will keep their eyes open 
 on everything.' 
 
Count Briihl 143 
 
 *Yes, even on people in higk positions/ said 
 Sulkowski emphatically. 
 
 Ludovici looked and being uncertain that he rightly 
 caught the meaning of the words, waited. He did 
 not know how high his suspicions would reach. 
 
 Sulkowski was unwilling to explain himself better. 
 
 ' I cannot,' he said with some hesitation, ' look 
 into all the official doings of my colleagues.' 
 
 ' Official doings ! ' said Ludovici, laughing, ' that 
 is a trifle ; their private doings are more important 
 to your Excellency.' 
 
 * Consequently I should like to have — ' 
 
 * Excellent, beautiful — a little report,' rejoined 
 Ludovici, ' every day, regularly. Written or verbal ? ' 
 
 They both hesitated. 
 
 'Verbal will do,' said Sulkowski, 'you might 
 bring it to me in person, after getting the necessary 
 material.' 
 
 *Yes, truly, yes. I — and I can assure your 
 Excellency, that you cannot have a more faithful 
 servant.' 
 
 Here he bowed very respectfully and then raised 
 his head. 
 
 * I would take the liberty of making some sugges- 
 tions,' Ludovici said softly. 'The foreign resident 
 ministers should be carefully watched, for what 
 else are they than official spies of their countries? 
 I do not exclude even the Count von Wallen stein 
 although he is the master of ceremonies. And then 
 the Prussian Waldburg, the Marquise de Monte, the 
 resident minister Woodward, the Count Weisbach, 
 and the Baron Zulich.' 
 
 * Ah ! my dear Ludovici, very often the foreign 
 countries are not as dangerous as home intrigues.' 
 
144 Count Briihll 
 
 * Excellent, beautiful,' Ludovici said. * Yes ! Yes ! 
 Yes ! Nobody respects the minister Briihl more 
 than I do.' 
 
 At that moment Sulkowski looked at Ludovici, 
 the councillor at him, laughed, raised his hand, 
 turned his head aside, and became silent. Thus 
 they understood each other. 
 
 ' He is my friend,' said Sulkowski, ' a man whose 
 great talents I appreciate.' 
 
 'Talents — great, unusual, enormous, fearful,' 
 Ludovici affirmed with animation. , ' Oh, yes ! ' 
 
 ' You must know that the late King recommended 
 him very strongly to the Prince, that he is going 
 to marry the Countess Kolowrath, that the Princess 
 thinks much of him. Notwithstanding all that, you 
 would be wrong in interpreting my thoughts if you 
 suppose that I distrust him, that I fear him — ' 
 
 ' Yes, but it is better to be cautious, and it is neces- 
 sary to watch — through him flows the river of silver 
 and gold.' 
 
 Sulkowski changed the subject of conversation and 
 said : 
 
 ' They complain to me that Watzdorf has too ready 
 a tongue.' 
 
 ' The younger one,' Ludovici interrupted, ' yes, yes 
 unbridled, but it is a mill that grinds away its own 
 stones ; his talk will harm himself alone, and then he 
 cannot help being angry, because — ' 
 
 He did not finish, for a loud noise was heard in the 
 ante-room. Sulkowski listened, Ludovici became 
 silent, and his face and manner changed ; from a 
 courtier he became a dignified official. Pushing, 
 interrupted by a woman's laughter, was heard. 
 Evidently someone was trying to enter by force. 
 
Count Briihl 145 
 
 Sulkowski gave Ludovici to understand that the 
 interview was over for the present and advanced 
 towards the door, through which there appeared a 
 lady dressed A^ery strangely. 
 
 Figures such as she presented are seen only on 
 screens or made of china. Over-dressed and very plain , 
 thin, sallow, smelling of Veau de la reine (THongrie, 
 wearing a large wig, the little woman rushed in 
 looking sweetly at Sulkowski with her small eyes. 
 
 The moment that this unwelcome guest took the 
 room by storm, Ludovici bowed humbly, left the 
 room, and the new-comer looked at him and said : 
 
 ' Ah ! ce cher comte ! You see, you ungrateful, 
 before you could learn that I was in Dresden, as soon 
 as I had kissed the hand of my august pupil, I came 
 to see you. N'est ce pas joli de via part ? ' 
 
 Sulkowski bowed and wanted to kiss her hand, but 
 she struck him with her fan and said : 
 
 ' Let that be — I am old, it would not be seemly ; 
 but let me sit somewhere.' 
 
 She looked round and sat on the nearest chair. 
 
 * I must breathe ; I wanted to talk to you privately.' 
 Sulkowski stood before her ready to listen. 
 
 ' Well, we have lost our great magnificent Augustus. ' 
 She sighed, so did Sulkowski. 
 
 * It's a pity that he died, but between ourselves, he 
 lived long enough, he abused his life a great deal — I 
 cannot speak about that : des liorreurs ! What will 
 become now of you, poor orphans ? The Prince ? He 
 is inconsolable in his grief ? True ? Yes ? I came 
 from my court with condolences to my august and 
 dearest pupil.' 
 
 She bent a little and leaned on the arm of the chair, 
 raising the fan to her mouth. 
 
146 Count Briihl 
 
 * What news ? My dear Count, what news ? 1 
 already know that you have been appointed to a 
 j5osition due to you. We are all glad of it, for we 
 know that our court can count on you.' 
 
 Sulkowski bowed. 
 
 From those words it was easy to guess that the 
 new-comer was sent by the Austrian court. She was 
 a famous teacher of the Archduchess Josephine, 
 Fraulein Kling, whom they used to send where a man 
 would attract too much attention. Fraulein Kling 
 was one of the most able dij)lomats in the service of 
 the Austrian court. 
 
 ' I suppose you already know about everything.' 
 
 ' Dear Count, I don't know anything ; I know only 
 that the Kiirfurst loves you, that Briihl is going to 
 help you. But pray, tell me, who is this Briihl ? ' 
 
 Sulkowski became thoughtful. 
 
 ' He is a friend of mine ! ' he answered at length. 
 
 * Now I understand. You know that the Princess 
 promised him the Countess Kolowrath's hand and 
 that the girl, as it seems, does not fancy him very 
 much. Was Briihl not madly in love with the 
 Countess Moszynski ? ' 
 
 All this was said so quickly, that it gave Sulkowski 
 no time to think over his answer. 
 
 * Yes,' said he shortly, * it seems that he is going to 
 marry.' 
 
 ' But he is a Lutheran ? ' 
 
 ' He is going to be converted to Catholicism.' 
 
 ' It is to be hoped not in the same way as the late 
 magnificent and great Augustus II, who used to put 
 rosaries round the necks of his favourite hounds.' 
 
 Sulkowski was silent. 
 
 * What more ? I have not yet seen the Prince — has 
 
Count Briihl 147 
 
 he changed ? Has he become sadder ? I pity him ! 
 Mourning — he will not have an opera for a long 
 time. And what about Faustina ? Is she superseded 
 by someone else ? ' 
 
 * The Prince wishes to keep everything as it was 
 during his late father's life. Nobody could supersede 
 Faustina.' 
 
 * But she is old.' 
 
 ' She charms with her voice alone.' 
 
 Fraulein covered her face with her fan and moved 
 her head. 
 
 ' It is a very delicate question,' she said softly, 'for 
 me as a woman, but I am inquisitive, I must know. 
 My dear Count, tell me, is he still faithful to his 
 wife ? I love her so much, my dear, august pupil ! ' 
 
 The Count retreated. 
 
 Mt is beyond my doubt,' said he with animation. 
 * The Princess does not leave him for a moment ; she 
 accompanies him to the hunting parties, to Huberts- 
 burg and Diannenburg.' 
 
 * In. order that he may become sooner tired of her,' 
 whispered the lady. 'That's unwise — I am always 
 afraid of that passion which must be in his blood.' 
 
 She looked at the Count, who shook his head. 
 
 ' The Prince is so pious,' said he. 
 
 Fraulein Kling covered her smile with her fan. The 
 windows of the room in which they were sitting looked 
 on the square. Although they spoke quite loudly, some 
 laughter and shouting became so overpowering, that 
 Sulkowski, frowning, could not help turning towards 
 the window to see what was going on in the street. 
 
 In those times street noises and shouting of the mob 
 were.. very rare. If anything of the kind happened 
 the cause for it was nearly always an official one. In 
 
148 Count Briihl 
 
 this case, one could see through the windows crowds 
 of people in the street, in the windows and doors 
 of the opposite houses. Amongst the crowd, moving 
 like a wave, a strange procession advanced. 
 
 Fraulein Kling, very curious, sprang from her chair 
 and rushed to the window, and, having pushed aside 
 the curtain, she and Sulkowski looked into the street 
 
 The crowd passed under the windows, rushing 
 after a man dressed in dark clothes and sitting on a 
 donkey, his face turned toward the ass's tail. The 
 donkey was led by a man dressed in red. It was 
 painful to look at the unfortunate culprit, an elderly 
 man, bent and crushed by shame. From the window 
 one could see his pale face with the painful expression 
 of a punished man, who, judging by his dress, belonged 
 to the better class. His pockets were full of papers 
 sticking out ; his clothes were unbuttoned and 
 threadbare. A kind of stupor evidently followed 
 the humiliation, for he mechanically clasped the 
 donkey in order not to fall, he did not look at what 
 was going on around him, though men armed 
 with halberds surrounded him, while the always 
 merciless crowd threw mud and small stones at him. 
 His dress and face was covered with dirt. The men 
 laughed, the children rushed, screamed and thought- 
 lessly tortured the unfortunate man. 
 
 'What is it?' cried Fraulein Kling. * What is 
 going on ? I don't understand ! ' 
 
 ' Oh ! nothing ! ' said Sulkowski indifferently, ' a very 
 simple thing. It cannot be permitted that any scribbler 
 can dare to criticise the people belonging to the upper 
 classes, and speak about them disrespectfully.' 
 
 * Naturally,' answered Fraulein Kling, ' one cannot 
 permit them to attack the most sacred things.' 
 
Count Briihl 149 
 
 ' That man,' said Sulkowski, ' is an editor of some 
 paper called a gazette, or news ; his name is Erell. 
 We noticed that he took too many liberties. At 
 length he said something very outrageous in the 
 Dresden Merkwurdigkeiten and they ordered him to 
 be put on such a donkey as he is himself.' 
 
 ' Et c'est juste ! ' cried Fraulein Kling. ' One must 
 be severe with such people. I should like to see the 
 same in Vienna, that w^e might catch those who 
 take the liberty of speaking about our secrets in 
 Hamburg and the Hague.' 
 
 They looked through the window on the shouting 
 crowd. Erell, an old man, evidently exhausted, 
 swayed to the right and to the left and seemed likely 
 to fall from the donkey. At the bend in the street 
 he disappeared and Fraulein Kling returned to her 
 arm-chair ; Sulkowski took another, and they began 
 to talk. The host however answered her questions 
 cautiousl}^ and coolly. 
 
 ' My dear Count,' the lady at length added, ' you 
 must understand that my court is anxious that the 
 Kurfiirst and his consort should be surrounded by 
 people with sound common sense. It is true, that 
 officially you have accepted the Pragmatic Sanction, 
 but — someone might easily tempt you. My court 
 trusts you, my dear Count, and you can count on it, 
 for we know how to be grateful.' 
 
 * I consider myself the most faithful servant of His 
 Imperial Majesty,' said Sulkowski : Fraulein Kling 
 rose, looked in a mirror, smiled and curtseyed. 
 Sulkowski offered her his arm and conducted her 
 downstairs, to the court post-chaise waiting at the 
 door, which was lifted by two porters in yellow livery, 
 who carried off the smiling lady. • 
 
CHAPTER X 
 
 Soon after the events described, one day after 
 dinner, which was served in those days before two 
 in the Castle, Briihl entered his house. 
 
 On his face, usually serene, one could see traces 
 of irritation. He glanced at the clock and hastened 
 to his dressing-room. Four lackeys here waited for 
 his Excellency, the fifth was Henniche standing at 
 the door ; his face was very sour. 
 
 Briihl having noticed him, asked : 
 
 * What do you want ? ' 
 
 ' A very important affair,' said Henniche. 
 
 * I have no time just now,' said Briihl impatiently. 
 *I am still more pressed than your Excellency,' 
 
 muttered the factotum. 
 
 Seeing that he would not be able to get rid of him, 
 Briihl came to him and waited to hear what he had 
 to say. But the councillor shook his head, signifying 
 that he could not speak before witnesses. Briihl 
 took him into the next room, locked the door, and 
 said : 
 
 ' Speak quickly.' 
 
 Henniche put his bony hand into one of his pockets, 
 took from it something shining, and handed it to 
 Briihl. 
 
 It was a medal as large as a thaler. Briihl took it 
 to the window, for the day was dark, and examined 
 it : one side of it represented a throne with a man 
 in a sitting posture, dressed in a morning gown and 
 
Count Briihl 151 
 
 holding a pipe ; it \Vas easy to guess that it repre- 
 sented the young Kurfiirst ; three men, two of them 
 in pages' costumes, the third one in livery, supported 
 the throne. On the other side could be read the 
 following verse relating to Briihl, Sulkowski and 
 Henniche : 
 
 Wir sind unserer drei 
 
 Zwei Pagen und ein Lakai. 
 
 Briihl threw the medal on the floor ; Henniche 
 stooped and picked it up from under the sofa where 
 it had rolled. Briihl was angry and thoughtful. 
 
 * What does your Excellency say to that ? ' said 
 Henniche. 
 
 'What? Give me the man who did it, and you 
 shall see,' cried Briihl. 
 
 ' It was stamped :in Holland,' said Henniche, ' and 
 we cannot get at them there. But it came from 
 Saxony, for in Holland nobody cares that I was a 
 lackey and both your Excellencies were pages. It 
 came from Saxony ! * 
 
 'Then we must find the man who did it,' cried 
 Briihl. 'Don't spare money, but find him.' 
 
 Henniche shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 'Give me that medal,' said Briihl. 'Where did 
 you get it from ? ' 
 
 'Someone put it on my desk. I have no doubt 
 you will find one also.' 
 
 'I shall send the culprit to Konigstein,' cried 
 Briihl. ' We made Erell ride on a donkey, but this 
 one will be safer in a dungeon.' 
 
 'In the first place we must find him,' muttered 
 Henniche. ' I will attend to that.' 
 
 ' We must buy out the medal and destroy it and 
 you will find the culprit. One can do a great deal 
 
152 Count Briihl 
 
 with a couple of thousand Itialers. Send some 
 intelligent man to Holland.' 
 
 'I shall go myself,' said Henniche, 'and I shall 
 find him. He would not be a man who, having done 
 such a witty thing, did not boast about it to anybody. 
 We shall get him.' 
 
 Briihl was in a hurry, so he nodded and went 
 out. Henniche left the room also. 
 
 The minister, still gloomier now, washed his face, 
 dressed carefully, matching his sword, snuff-box, 
 wig and hat to his suit. The carriage waited at the 
 door. As soon as he got in, the equipage rolled 
 towards the suburb of Wilsdurf. At the entrance to 
 it, he stopped the carriage, put on a light cloak, 
 told the coachman to return, waited till the carriage 
 was at a certain distance, looked round carefully, 
 and seeing only common people he advanced and 
 turned towards a large garden ; he followed a path 
 till he came to a gate of which he had the key ; he 
 looked once. more round, opened the door and entered 
 a small garden at the end of which could be seen a 
 modest country house surrounded by lilac bushes. 
 The birds chirped in the bushes — everything else 
 was quiet. 
 
 Briihl, with bent head and thoughtful, walked 
 sloAvly along the path bordered with trees. The noise 
 of an opening window woke him up. In the window 
 appeared a very beautiful lady who seemed to expect 
 him. He caught sight of her and his face brightened. 
 He took off his hat and saluted her, putting his left 
 hand on his heart. 
 
 Those who knew the perfect splendour of the un- 
 rivalled beauty of the Countess Cosel, then locked up 
 in a solitary castle, would recognise in the lady 
 
Count Briihl 153 
 
 standing at the window some likeness to that 
 unfortunate woman. She was not as beautiful as 
 her mother, not having her regular features, but she 
 inherited her dignified and majestic mien and the 
 power of her glance. 
 
 The lady standing at the window was the Countess 
 Moszynski, whose husband was preparing in Warsaw 
 for the election of the Prince. She preferred to remain 
 in Dresden. 
 
 When Briihl reached the threshold she came to 
 meet him. The interior of the house was more 
 luxurious than one would have expected from its 
 modest exterior. It was ornamented with mirrors, 
 luxurious furniture and full of the scent of flowers. 
 In the first large, quiet room> there was a table set 
 for two people, shining with silver, china and cut 
 glass. 
 
 ' So late — ' whispered the Countess, whose hand 
 Briihl kissed. 
 
 * Yes,' answered the minister, looking at his watch 
 set with diamonds, ' but I was prevented by an im- 
 portant and unpleasant incident.' 
 
 * Unpleasant ? What was it ? ' 
 
 ^ Let us not speak about it to-day. I should like 
 to forget it.' I 
 
 ' But I would like to know it.' 
 
 * My dear Countess, you shall learn it in tinie,' said 
 Briihl, sitting opposite her. ' It is no wonder that a 
 man who has reached my position by degrees has 
 enemies in those who remain behind him, and who 
 avenge their inferiority by calumnies.' 
 
 The Countess listened attentively, made a trifling 
 movement with her hand, and said : 
 
 ' Calumnies ! And you are so weak that you pay 
 
154 Count Briihl 
 
 attention to them, that they hurt you ? I should 
 have my doubts about you, my dear Henry, if you are 
 so weak. The one who wishes to play a great part 
 in the world, must pay no heed to the hissing of 
 spectators. It does not amount to anything. If you 
 feel hurt by such trifles, you will never rise high. 
 One must be superior to such things.' 
 
 'A vile insult,' rejoined Briihl. 
 
 ' What do you care about the barking of a dog 
 behind a hedge ? ' 
 
 ' It irritates me.' 
 
 ' Be ashamed of yourself.' 
 
 ' You do not know what there is in question.' 
 
 Having said this Briihl took the medal from his 
 pocket and showed it to the Countess. She looked 
 at both sides, read the inscription, smiled, shrugged 
 her shoulders, and wanted to throw it through the 
 window, but Briihl stopped her. 
 
 *I need it,' said he. 
 
 'What for?' 
 
 ' I must find out who did it. The joke came from 
 Saxony. If we don't punish the man who did it — ' 
 
 ' In the first place you must find him,' said the 
 Countess, ' and then you had better think it over, if 
 by taking revenge you would not be giving too great 
 an importance to some childish folly.' 
 
 ' They are too daring,' cried Briihl. ' We were 
 obliged to make Erell ride a donkey through the 
 town, and it would be necessary to send the man who 
 ordered this medal to be struck, to Konigstein.' 
 
 The Countess shrugged her shoulders con- 
 temptuously. 
 
 ' Believe me, it would be better to leave vengeance 
 to Sulkowski,' she said. 'As long as you share the 
 
Count Briihl 155 
 
 responsibility of state affairs with, him, see that every- 
 thing painful falls on him ; you take that which is 
 agreeable. But I hope that you will not be long in 
 partnership with him/ she added. 
 
 * I don't know how long it will last/ said Briihl. 
 * As far as I can see, we must wait till he makes some 
 mistake through being too confident about his own 
 powers.' 
 
 ' You are right, and that will come soon. Sulkowski 
 is very proud and too conceited ; he thinks that he 
 can do anything be likes with the Prince. One must 
 give him a chance to turn a summersault. In the 
 meantime il tirera les marrons du feu.'' 
 
 The Countess laughed, Briihl remained gloomy. 
 
 An intelligent-looking servant, wearing high-heeled 
 shoes and dressed like Liotard's famous ' Chocolate 
 girl,' brought in a silver soup tureen. She smiled to 
 Briihl as she put the]dish onithe table and disappeared. 
 
 The tete a tete dinner was animated by a lively 
 conversation. The Countess asked about Fraulein 
 Kling, about her mission, even about Briihl's coming 
 marriage. 
 
 ' I don't think that you will cease to love me,' she 
 said sighing, ' the girl does not love you, and you are 
 indifferent towards her ; you marry to win favour 
 with the Princess and the old Countess Kolowrath ; 
 I know that and therefore I keep quiet.' 
 
 ' You are right,' said Briihl, ' I have not a second 
 beart, and the one I had, I gave to you. I marry 
 because it is necessary, as it is necessary also for me 
 to share government affairs with Sulkowski.' 
 
 ' Try to become indispensable to the Prince : amuse 
 him, hunt witb him, leave him as little as possible. 
 If I am not mistaken, Sulkowski will wish to take it 
 
156 Count Briihl 
 
 easy, to play the part of the grand seigneur, yon must 
 become indespensable to the King, — I call him king 
 already, for I am certain that he will be elected. 
 He must have somebody always near him, he is weak, 
 and likes the faces he is most accustomed to. You 
 must remember all this.' 
 
 ' Dear Countess ! ' said Briihl, taking hold of her 
 hand, 'be my guide, my Egeria, my Providence, and 
 I shall be sure of my future.' 
 
 At that moment voices were heard at the gate. 
 The servant rushed in frightened. The Countess 
 rose frowning, angry. 
 
 * What is it ? ' she cried. 
 
 'Some one — I don't know, somebody from the 
 court, with a letter or invitation, asks to be admitted.' 
 
 ' Here ? But who could have told him that I was 
 •here? I don't receive anyone here.' 
 
 Hardly had she pronounced the last words, when 
 amongst the trees in the garden appeared a man in 
 a chamberlain's dress. The gardener tried to bar 
 his way but the chamberlain, paying no heed to him, 
 advanced slowly. Briihl bent forward, looked through 
 the window, recognised Watzdorf and at a signal 
 from the Countess withdrew to the next room, closing 
 the door behind him. The Countess ordered the 
 servant to remove the second plate from the table, 
 which was done in the twinkling of an eye, but the 
 second glass was forgotten. The Countess sat at the 
 table, looking with uneasiness towards the garden : 
 she frowned and trembled with anger. In the mean- 
 while Watzdorf came to the house and seeing the 
 Countess through the window, said to the gardener : 
 
 * 1 told you that the Countess was here, I knew it.' 
 Saying this he bowed with an ironical smile, logk- 
 
Count Briih] 157 
 
 ing impudently round as if expecting to see someone 
 else. 
 
 The Countess assumed a very severe expression 
 when he entered. 
 
 * What are you doing here ? ' she asked threateningly. 
 ' I beg a thousand pardons ! I am the most 
 
 awkward of men and the most unfortunate of 
 chamberlains. The Prince gave me a letter for you. 
 I went to your palace but could not find you there. 
 The Prince's letter is very urgent. I was obliged 
 to try and find you, and I came here.' 
 
 'I am not surprised that you tracked me like a 
 hound,' hissed the Countess, "^ but I don't like to be 
 the game.' 
 
 Watzdorf appeared to be delighted at her anger. 
 He glanced at the chair on which hung a napkin left, 
 by Briihl. The Countess noticed when he smiled at 
 this discovery. She did not grow confused; but was 
 angry in the highest degree. 
 
 * Where is that letter ? ' she asked. 
 
 Watzdorf smiled ironically and began to search his 
 pockets, muttering in the meanwhile impertinently : 
 
 ' Well, this house is charmingly situated for two.' 
 
 He took out several things and among them as if 
 by accident the medal, then he added : 
 
 ' Just imagine the daring of these agitators ! Who 
 could have expected anything like this ? ' 
 
 He put the medal on the table and searched further 
 in his pockets. The Countess took the medal and 
 looked at it, pretending that she had not seen it 
 before : then she said indifferently, replacing it on 
 the table : 
 
 * A very poor joke indeed ! It does not hurt 
 anybody.' 
 
158 
 
 Count Briihl 
 
 Watzdorf looked at her. 
 
 * It might suggest something to the Prince.' 
 
 * What ? ' asked the Countess. 
 
 * That he might find other props,' said Watzdorf. 
 ' Whom ? You, Frosch and Horch ? ' 
 
 * Countess, you are malicious.' 
 
 ' With you one might become mad. Where is that 
 letter ? ' 
 
 ' I am in despair ! It seems that I have lost 
 it.' 
 
 'Running after me for the purpose of amusing 
 me,' muttered the Countess, 'to disturb me when I 
 wish to be alone.' 
 
 * Alone ! ' Watzdorf repeated, smiling ironically 
 and looking at the chair with the napkin. 
 
 ' I understand you,' the Countess burst out. ' Did 
 the Count Moszynski tell you to spy on me ? ' 
 
 At that moment the rustling of a silk dress was 
 heard, and a lady who a few minutes previously had 
 entered the room and slipped behind a Chinese 
 screen, came slowly to the centre of the room. 
 
 Watzdorf was struck dumb with amazement. 
 There was something so unusual in the apparition 
 that even the Countess trembled. 
 
 The lady was tall and not young ; her gaze was 
 piercing ; her mien majestic ; her face beautiful 
 notwithstanding her age ; she was dressed so 
 strangely that one might have thought she was mad. 
 She wore a large gown, bordered with galoons. 
 The girdle w^orn on the dress underneath was golden 
 with black cabalistic signs ; on her black hair she 
 wore a kind of turban with a band made of parch- 
 ment inscribed with Hebrew letters, the ends of the 
 band hansjino: over her shoulders. 
 
Count Briihl 159 
 
 She looked piercingly at the intruder, frowned 
 contemptuously, and]said severely : 
 
 ' What do you wish for here ? Did you come to 
 spy on my daughter and her mother in order to 
 entertain the Prince by telling him that you have 
 seen the old Cosel? You son of "the pagan and 
 buffoon from Mansfeld," do you intend to annoy me 
 also ? Get out ! Let us alone ! ' 
 
 She pointed to the door. Watzdorf, confused, 
 retreated. His eyes shone angrily — ^he went out. 
 Cosel followed him with her eyes, then she turned to 
 her daughter. 
 
 It was not her day for her visit from Stolpen, and 
 this time the Countess Moszynski did not expect her. 
 Thinking that Briilil when he saw Watzdorf go out 
 would return, she grew confused. The Countess Cosel 
 sat on the chair previously occupied by Briihl. After 
 having driven off the intruder she became almost 
 absent-minded as she struck the table with her white 
 and still beautiful hand and gazed round the room. 
 
 'I came unexpectedly,' she said at length, not 
 looking at her daughter, * but you permitted me to 
 receive people here whom I wished to see. I asked 
 the minister to come here.' 
 
 Moszynski 's face expressed surprise. 
 
 * Don't be afraid ; I expect him only towards 
 evening,' added Cosel. * But who was here with 
 you ? Why did he hide ? ' 
 
 Moszynski was silent, not knowing what to answer : 
 her mother looked at her silently with a kind of pity. 
 
 M understand,' said she with a disdainful smile. 
 * Some court intrigue. New master, new servants ; 
 you must try not to fall on that slippery ice.' 
 
 What Moszynski was afraid of happened at that 
 
160 Count Briihl 
 
 moment. Briihl appeared at the door, and having 
 perceived the woman whom he had never seen before 
 but guessed who she was, became dumb with astonish- 
 ment and did not know what to do. 
 
 Moszynski blushed, then grew pale. Cosel looked 
 at the man, trying as it seemed to guess his character. 
 
 * Then it is he ? ' said she smiling. ' Who is he ? ' 
 ' The minister Briihl,' her daughter answered. 
 
 * Everything new now ! Briihl ! I don't remember. 
 Come nearer,' she said to Briihl, ' don't be afraid. 
 You see before you a priestess of a new faith. Have 
 you heard of me ? I am the widow of Augustus the 
 Strong. I was his wife. You see the Countess Cosel, 
 famous throughout the world both for her success and 
 her misfortunes. At my feet lay the rulers of the 
 world, I commanded millions. Augustus loved 
 nobody but me.' 
 
 She spoke quietly ; her daughter did not dare to 
 interrupt her ; Briihl stood silent, and leaning a little 
 forward seemed to listen attentively. 
 
 ' You have chanced to see the queen who has come 
 from another world — she was dead, buried, but she 
 is still living in order to convert unbelievers to the 
 true faith of the one God who appeared to Moses in a 
 burning bush.' 
 
 The Countess Moszynski trembled and by her 
 furtive looks seemed to beseech her mother to be 
 silent. 
 
 Perchance Cosel understood that look, for she rose 
 and said : 
 
 'I am going to rest, I shall not interrupt your 
 councils any more. Cosel' s daughter ought to rule 
 over Saxony — I understand — ' 
 
 Having said this she moved majestically towards 
 
Count Briihl i6i 
 
 the same door bj^ which Briihl had entered, and 
 through which she disappeared. 
 
 By the other door the servant appeared with a dish. 
 
 * I am going,' whispered Briihl, taking his hat. ' It 
 is an unlucky day, but I am glad that that malicious 
 Watzdorf did not see me here.' 
 
 'He had a medal,' said the Countess, 'he was 
 delighted with it : I see that he is your bitter foe. 
 What have you done to him ? * 
 
 * Nothing, except that I was too polite to him.' 
 
 ' He is a poisonous snake, I know him,' said the 
 Countess. 
 
 ' He is a buffoon like his father,' Briihl said con- 
 temptuously, * but if he gets in my way — ' 
 
 ' That inscription on the medal, does it not sound 
 like some of his sneers ? ' 
 
 Briihl looked at the Countess ; her suspicion 
 seemed to be probable. 
 
 ' I shall give orders that he is to be watched,' he 
 said shortly. ' If it is as you think, he is not long for 
 this world.' 
 
 Having said this he kissed the Countess's hand, 
 took his mantle, thrown into a dark corner near the 
 door and therefore not observed by Watzdorf, and 
 went out. 
 
 He returned by the same path by which he came 
 full of hope for a long and free conversation ; now he 
 was thinking how he could return home without 
 being noticed. 
 
 He passed the gate neglecting to keep a look-out 
 and he needed all his presence of mind in order not 
 to betray his emotion, when he perceived Watzdorf 
 standing opposite and saluting him with an ironical 
 smile. 
 
162 Count Briihl 
 
 Briihl returned the salute with perfect ease and 
 
 amiability. 
 
 ' You here ! ' Briihl exclaimed. ' How glad I am ! * 
 ' It is I who can call myself happy/ said Watzdorf, 
 
 ^ for I never expected to meet your Excellency under 
 
 the apple trees. If I remember well, the fruit of an 
 
 apple tree is called forbidden.' 
 
 * Yes,' said Briihl laughing. ' But I did not come 
 for forbidden fruit. The Countess Cosel wished to 
 see me, for she has a request to make to the Prince.' 
 
 There was so much probability in it that 
 Watzdorf became confused. 
 
 * And you, chamberlain, what are you doing in the 
 country ? ' asked Briihl. 
 
 ' I was searching for happiness which I cannot find 
 elsewhere,' Watzdorf muttered. 
 ^ Under the apple trees ? ' 
 ' One might find it more easily there than at court.' 
 
 * I see you do not like court life ? ' 
 
 *I have no talent for it,' ansAvered Watzdorf 
 walking beside Briihl. 
 
 ' But you have wit, a sharp tool, with which you 
 need not be afraid of anything.' 
 
 * Yes, it's a good tool for making enemies,' said 
 Watzdorf. 
 
 They walked in silence for a while. Watzdorf 
 appearing to think over something. 
 
 *I have not yet had the opportunity to present 
 my congratulations to your Excellency,' said he. 
 
 'What? 'asked Briihl. 
 
 * They say that the most able minister is going 
 to marry the most beautiful young lady in the 
 court.' 
 
 There was so much passion in his voice, that it 
 
Count Briihl i63 
 
 struck Briihl suddenly that Watzdorf might be the 
 man whom the beautiful Frances loved. It was only 
 a supposition, or rather a presentiment. Briihl 
 trembled. 'If that is so, then the author of the 
 medal and the beloved of my future wife must be 
 put in a safe place,' he thought. 
 
 But nothing was yet proved. They looked at 
 each other smiling, but with hatred in their hearts. 
 The more Briihl hated anyone the more sweet he 
 was towards him : it was not in vain that he had 
 been brought up in the school of Augustus the 
 Strong. 
 
 *Your Excellency neglects the Prince,' said 
 Watzdorf. 'The Count Sulkowski is too busy, 
 and Frosch and Horch and Padre Guarini do not 
 suffice for him.' 
 
 Briihl smiled as sweetly as he could. 
 
 * You are right, I should like to compete even with 
 Frosch and Horch to amuse our gracious Prince, 
 but I have no -time, for I must try to conquer the 
 heart of the young lady of whom you have just 
 made mention.' 
 
 'That is not necessary,' said Watzdorf, 'the one 
 who shall have her hand, and the rest — does not 
 need her heart. It might be left to someone else. 
 Your Excellency has an excellent example of this 
 in the Count Moszynski, who does not care for his 
 wife's heart.' 
 
 Briihl blushed ; he stopped, still smiling, but he 
 was out of patience with this preaching man. 
 
 ' My dear sir,' he said, ' let us speak frankly : 
 have I done you any wrong that you should prick 
 me, or is it only a habit of yours to bite everybody ? ' 
 
 ' Both,' answered Watzdorf, ' but I did not expect 
 
164 Count Briihl 
 
 that such a giant as your Excellency would feel the 
 pricking of such a small fly as I am.' 
 
 *I feel no pain,' said Briihl, 'but it tickles me. 
 Would is not be better to make a friend of me ? ' 
 
 Watzdorf laughed. 
 
 ' Ministers have no friends,' he said, ^ it is written 
 in the most elementary catechism of politicians.' 
 
 Here Watzdorf saluted and turned into a side 
 street. 
 
 It was something like a declaration of war. Briihl 
 was struck dumb with astonishment. 
 
 ' He declares war ? He must be crazy ! Why 
 such a dislike towards me ? I must find out ! ' 
 
 He went swiftly homeward. As soon as he entered 
 his house, he went to Henniche's ofiice. Henniche 
 was a little surprised at seeing him. 
 
 * Give orders that Chamberlain Watzdorf is to be 
 watched,' said Briihl. ' But as Watzdorf is very 
 cunning you must choose a man more cunning than 
 he. Bribe Watzdorf's servants and search his 
 papers.' 
 
 * Watzdorf ? ' repeated Henniche surprised. ' Have 
 you any reason to suspect him ? ' 
 
 *Yes.' 
 
 ' Must he be sacrificed ? ' 
 
 Briihl was thoughtful for a while. 
 
 ' We shall see,' he said, * I don't like to make 
 enemies, but if it is necessary — ' 
 
 ' Is he in the way ? ' 
 
 ' I don't like him.' 
 
 ' One can always find something against him.' 
 
 'Yes, find it then, and have it in store,' muttered 
 Briihl. ' I always tried to be amiable. I must show 
 now that I can be threatening,' 
 
Count Briihl 165 
 
 Henniclie looked at hiin ironically — Briilil left 
 the room without leaving noticed it. 
 
 Watzdorf, who at the turn of the road separated 
 from Briihl, walked swiftly at first, then slowly, 
 wandering without any aim. His face was gloomy, 
 for he felt that in satisfying his own irritation he 
 had committed a grave mistake which he would 
 redeem very dearly. He was too angry with Briihl 
 to be able to control himself. 
 
 Watzdorf although brought up at the court and 
 accustomed to look at its perversity, which might 
 corrupt him also, was a man to be feared for his 
 honesty and integrity. All who surrounded him 
 shocked him. The air which he breathed seemed 
 to him infected and he w^as disgusted with it. 
 
 His love for Frances Kolowrath also contributed 
 to make him hate the world, which had corrupted 
 the beautiful girl. He saw all her faults : coquettish- 
 ness, levity, pride, egotism and lack of heart, but 
 notwithstanding that, he loved her madly, weeping 
 over her and himself. All her drawbacks he 
 attributed to her education, to the court and its 
 customs, the air which she breathed. 
 
 He was in despair. — All noticed lately that 
 Watzdorf had grown gloomy and irritable to a 
 degree. If he could he would avenge her on 
 somebody, and as Briihl was Frances's fiance, on him 
 he concentrated his whole anger. 
 
 The courtiers, his former friends, avoided Watzdorf : 
 some of them spoke frankly, that he was smelling like 
 a corpse. 
 
 Having nothing else to do he went almost 
 mechanically towards Faustina's house. The first 
 part of the mourning was over and there were 
 
166 Count Briihl 
 
 already whispers of an opera. Sulkowski and Briilil 
 knowing how fond the Prince was of music and of 
 Faustina, were inclined to persuade him to have 
 a performance. 
 
 Although Hasse was the husband of the diva they 
 did not live together. II divino Sassone, as the 
 Italians called him, occupied a separate house. 
 Faustina's house was luxuriously furnished. She 
 gave the orders for each performance, and received 
 those who applied for appointments at the theatre. 
 
 Watzdorf asked the lackey if his mistress was 
 at home, and received an answer in the affirmative. 
 When announced, and entering the drawing-room, 
 he found the beautiful Italian standing in the centre 
 of the room ; while Padre Guarini, dressed in 
 civilian's clothes was walking to and fro. His face 
 was smiling while Faustina was red with anger. 
 
 Guarini, seeing Watzdorf, said to him, pointing 
 to the singer : 
 
 * Look what this woman is doing with me, the 
 most peaceful man in the world. Furioso diavolo ! 
 Furioso I If she was singing instead of shrieking — ' 
 
 Faustina turned to Watzdorf. 
 
 *Be my witness,' she shrieked, *he wishes to make 
 a puppet of me that I may not have my own will. 
 To-morrow his protege would ruin my theatre. No, 
 he must be dismissed ! ' 
 
 ' Why ? ' said Guarini quietly. ' Because the 
 beautiful youth does not admire you? Because he 
 prefers the bhie eyes of the Frenchwoman to yours ? ' 
 
 Faustina clapped her hands. 
 
 * Do you hear him, that abominable prete ? ' cried 
 she. ' Do I need his homage ? Have I not enough 
 of that ? I am disgusted with it ! ' 
 
Count Briihl i67 
 
 ' Yes, as if woman had ever enough of it,' laughed 
 Guarini. 
 
 ' But about whom, is this question ? ' asked 
 Watzdorf. 
 
 * Un 'poverino ! ' the Jesuit answered, ^ whom that 
 pitiless woman wished to drive from the theatre.' 
 
 * Un assassino ! Un traditore ! Una spia ! ' cried 
 Faustina. 
 
 Watzdorf, although feeling sad, was amused by 
 this quarrel between a priest and an actress. 
 
 * I shall reconcile you,' said he, ' wait ! ' 
 
 They both looked at him, for the reconciliation was 
 a doubtful one. 
 
 *Let the culprit go,' said Watzdorf, 'and in his 
 place, as a good actor is necessary, put one of the 
 ministers. There are no better actors than they ! 
 And as Faustina would not quarrel with a minister, 
 there will be peace.' 
 
 Guarini nodded, Faustina became silent, and threw 
 herself on a sofa. The Jesuit took the chamberlain 
 by the arm and led him to the window. 
 
 ' Carissimo ! ' he said sweetly, ' it is still very far to 
 hot weather, and you seem already to be sun-struck.' 
 
 ' No, I am not mad yet,' said Watzdorf, ' I cannot 
 guarantee, however, that I shall not become mad soon.' 
 
 ' What is the matter with you ? Confess ! ' 
 
 ' Shall Faustina's knee be a confessional ? ' 
 
 ' What a heathen ! ' laughed the Jesuit, * What 
 is the matter with you ? Tell me ! ' 
 
 ' The world seems to me stupid, that's all ! ' 
 
 'Carissimo! Perdona^' said the. Jesuit. 'But it 
 seems to me that you are stupid, if you say such 
 things. I shall give you some advice. When you 
 have an excess of bad humour, go into the forest ; 
 
168 Count Briihl 
 
 there you may swear as much as you like, shout 
 as much as you like, and then return to town 
 quieted. You know that in old times they used that 
 remedy for those who could not hold their tongues.' 
 
 Watzdorf listened indifferently. 
 
 'I pity you,' added Guarini. 
 
 * If you knew how I pity you all,' Watzdorf sighed 
 * But who could say whose pity is the better ? ' 
 
 ' Then let us leave it,' said the Jesuit taking his 
 hat. He came to Faustina and bowed to her humbly. 
 
 ' Once more I pray your Excellency for the poverino, 
 don't dismiss him for my sake.' 
 
 ' You can do what you please without me,' answered 
 Faustina, ' but should you force me to sing with 
 him, I give you my word that I shall slap his face 
 in public' 
 
 Guarini inclined his head, bowed, and went to 
 the Prince with his report. 
 
 It was the hour of rest which Frederick enjoyed 
 after doing nothing the whole day. The hour in 
 which he smoked his pipe, enjoyed the tricks of 
 Frosch and Horch, and the company of Briihl and 
 Sulkowski, for no one else could see him then. 
 
 Guarini entered whenever he liked. He was the 
 more amiable companion. The Prince was fond 
 of laughing, and Guarini made him laugh : when 
 he wanted to be silent, Guarini was silent : when 
 asked a question, he answered mirthfully, never 
 contradicting. 
 
 Briihl was alone in the room with the Kurfiirst. He 
 stood at the master's chair and whispered something. 
 The Prince listened attentively and nodded. 
 
 ' Father, do you hear what Briihl says ? ' said the 
 Prince to the Jesuit as he entered. 
 
Count Briihl i69 
 
 Guarini came nearer. 
 
 * Speak on,' said Frederick. 
 
 Briihl began to talk, looking significantly at 
 Guarini. 
 
 ' He is ironical, and for a long time has been too 
 biting and too bitter.' 
 
 ' Oh ! That's too bad ! ' the Prince whispered. 
 
 * About whom is this question ? ' asked the Jesuit. 
 
 ^ I have dared to call his Royal Highness' s attention 
 to Chamberlain Watzdorf.' 
 
 Guarini recalled his meeting with the man. 
 
 ' The fact is,' he said, ' that I also find him strange.' 
 
 * And at the court it is contagious,' Briihl added. 
 The Prince sighed, evidently already bored, and 
 
 did not answer. 
 
 * Where is that fool Frosch ? ' he said suddenly. 
 * I am sure he is already asleep in some corner.' 
 
 The Jesuit ran to the door and made a sign. 
 Frosch and Horch rushed into the room so precipi- 
 tously that Horch fell down and Frosch jumped on 
 his back. The Prince began to laugh heartily. 
 
 The humiliated Horch tried to avenge him- 
 self on his adversary, rose, thinking that he could 
 shake him off, but the cautious little man slipped 
 down and hid behind a chair. 
 
 Frederick's eyes followed them — ^he was anxious to 
 see the result of the contest. Behind the chair both 
 fools, squealing, began to fight. Frederick laughed 
 and forgot all about what he had heard that day. It 
 would be difficult to say how long this would have 
 lasted if Guarini had not whispered to the Prince that 
 it was time to go to the chapel for prayers ; the Prince 
 becoming suddenly grave went with the Jesuit to the 
 chapel, where the Princess was already awaiting them. 
 
CHAPTER XI 
 
 One day towards evening both the great ministers 
 were sitting in Sulkowski's house : they were silent 
 and seemed to try to penetrate each other's thoughts. 
 Through the open window came the joyful chirping 
 of the birds and the rumbling of carriages. 
 
 The faces of the two rivals to a close observer 
 bore a striking difference. One who looked at 
 Briihl at a moment when he thought he was 
 not observed, would have seen under that sweet 
 smile a cold perversity, the depths of which 
 were frightening. In his eyes could be seen the 
 keenness and cunning of a society man who 
 guesses and understands everything, who pene- 
 trates the springs of social movements and does 
 not hesitate to take hold of them, if he can do so 
 safely, and provided they can be turned to his own 
 advantage. 
 
 Sulkowski was a proud petty noble, who having 
 become a lord, thought that he was so sure of his 
 high position/ that he believed everything was sub- 
 servient to him. He treated Briihl as malum neces- 
 sarium and looked down upon him i with that 
 superiority, sure of itself, which shuts its eyes to 
 peril. He was not lacking in ideas, but he was lazy 
 and disliked every effort. 
 
 Looking on them it was easy to guess the result 
 of so unequal a fight, for never did a beautiful face 
 conceal more falsehood than that of Briihl, who, 
 
Count Briihl in 
 
 wlien he knew that he was watched, could assume 
 an innocent, childlike expression. 
 
 Two men of such calibre, placed in opposition, 
 could not help fighting, but they did not fight yet ; 
 on the contrary they seemed to be the best of friends. 
 Some instinct made Sulkowski feel that Briihl was 
 his antagonist, but he laughed at the idea. Briihl 
 was perfectly aware that he would not be able to 
 rule absolutely over the Prince, until he overthrew 
 Sulkowski, who furnished arms against himself. 
 Although he could dissimulate and wait, Sulkowski 
 sometimes avowed to himself, that he disliked the 
 omnipotence of the Jesuit at the court, and that the 
 Princess's influence also stood in his way. 
 
 He did not make Briihl his confidant, but he did 
 not exercise sufficient caution and permitted him to 
 guess. While Briihl and Guarini were the best of 
 friends Sulkowski kept aloof from him. He was 
 very respectful towards the Princess, but did not 
 try to win her particular favour. Sometimes he 
 would say something that would have passed muster 
 under the rule of Augustus, but was unadvisable 
 with so severe a Princess. 
 
 Father Guarini, knowing that the Prince was fond 
 of him, bowed to him but kept his distance. 
 
 He very seldom met Briihl alone, as one of them 
 was obliged to be always with the Prince, to keep 
 him amused. 
 
 Evidently they had said all they had to say to each 
 other, for Sulkowski was silent, and Briihl did not 
 interrupt him, but he did not leave him, plainly 
 wishing to say something further before he left. 
 
 After a long silence, the Count said : 
 
 ' All that must remain entre nous. The house of 
 
172 Count Briihl 
 
 Hapsburg is near an end, the glory of the 
 Saxon family should begin. I know well,, that we 
 gave up all right of inheritance, that we accepted the 
 Pragmatic Sanction, but with the death of the 
 Emperor, things must take another turn for us. 
 We should, at least, take Bohemia, even Silesia, 
 recompensing Prussia elsewhere. I told you that 
 I made a plan. I told Ludovici to make a copy 
 of it.' 
 
 'I should like to have it and to think it over,' 
 said Briihl. ' The plan is good and worthy of you 
 and most important for the future of Saxony. I 
 need hardly say that it will give me great pleasure 
 to assist in its realisation. You have in me the 
 most zealous helper and servant. Tell Ludovici to 
 make a copy for me.' 
 
 *I do not wish,' said Sulkowski flattered by his 
 approval, ' that this plan for the division of Austria 
 be seen twice by Ludovici. I shall make a copy of 
 it myself.' 
 
 Briihl smiled very sweetly. 
 
 'It would be a great favour,' he said, 'the means 
 of realising such a wonderful project must be thought 
 over beforehand. One could find in Berlin — ' 
 
 ' Ah ! ' said Sulkowski smiling, ' there is no doubt 
 that it will be well received there : I rest assured 
 that Prussia is our best friend.' 
 
 'I agree with you,' said Briihl, 'the question is 
 only that they might not wish too much.' , 
 
 ' But it's not yet time to treat about it.' 
 
 * But it is to prepare the way for the strategy we 
 are going to use.' 
 
 After saying this, Briihl rose and observed care- 
 lessly : 
 
Count Briihl 173 
 
 ' I am almost certain that that medal was stamped 
 by someone from Dresden, and I have my suspicions 
 as to who did it.' 
 
 Sulkowski turned to him. 
 
 * Who could be that daring man ? ' 
 
 ' Who could be, if not a courtier, who is confident 
 that his position will protect him ? A man of small 
 importance would not dare, for he Would know that 
 it would bring him in contact with the executioner 
 and the pillory.' 
 
 ' Yes, but as he attacked our august lord, he might 
 meet with something worse, because we could not 
 overlook that.' 
 
 ' I think likewise ! ' said Briihl. ' They are already 
 too daring and the good-heartedness of our Prince 
 and your magnanimity give them still more courage. 
 Have you noticed how daring Watzdorf junior is ? ' 
 
 Sulkowski looked at Briihl with pity. 
 
 'You don't like Watzdorf,' he said. 'He is a 
 buffoon like his father, but not dangerous.' 
 
 ' Excuse me,' said Briihl with animation. ' The 
 one who trifles with everything, will not respect 
 anything. He will harm me, and you, my dear 
 Count, and at length, our gracious lord.' 
 
 ' He would not dare.' 
 
 Then taking hold of Briihl's button, he said 
 confidentially : 
 
 * Tell me frankly, why do you dislike him ? ' 
 'He annoys me,' said Briihl, 'by his jokes.' 
 
 'I think you imagine,' Sulkowski continued, 'that 
 he is in love with Frances Kolo wrath.' 
 
 ' I should not mind that, because it would prove his 
 good taste,' said Briihl apparently with indifference, 
 although he was irritated. 
 
174 Count Briihl 
 
 * But he annoys the Countess Moszynski for whom 
 I have the greatest regard.' 
 
 ' Ah ! ' exclaimed Sulkowski laughing. 
 
 'The Countess could defend herself,' Briihl said. 
 
 * She could ask the Prince to punish the man, but 
 the worst of it is that he slanders us all, without any 
 exception.' 
 
 ' What ? Me also ? ' asked Sulkowski. 
 
 * I could prove it to you.' 
 
 ' It would be too daring ! ' said Sulkowski. 
 ' Take my word for it. I think that he ordered that 
 medal to be struck — ' said Briihl. 
 
 ' It is only a suspicion, my dear Briihl.' 
 
 ' Perhaps it is more than a suspicion,' said Briihl. 
 
 * I am certain that he personally gave away four such 
 medals.' 
 
 ' To whom ? ' 
 
 . ' To the people belonging to the court. Where 
 does he get so many of them ? And why such zeal 
 in distributing a medal which I buy out and destroy ? ' 
 
 ' But are you certain of it ? ' 
 
 * Henniche will furnish you with the names of the 
 people.' 
 
 ^ That alters the question,' Sulkowski said. 'It is 
 a fact, and although I explain it by his animosity 
 towards you, it hurts me also.' 
 
 ' To be quite certain,' Briihl remarked, ' I must tell 
 you frankly, that I ordered secret search to be made in 
 his rooms. A number of those medals were found, 
 which left no doubt that he was the author of them 
 and you must punish him for that. In your high 
 position you might be indifferent,' Briihl continued 
 with well-played animation, ' but for such a small 
 man as I am — ' 
 
Count Briihl 175 
 
 Sulkowski frowned. 
 
 ^ I never could suspect that Watzdorf would be 
 capable of such villainy.' 
 
 ' You shall have proofs of it, but, in that case, I 
 shall not act without you ; only I beg of you to 
 punish him. To Konigstein — ' 
 
 Sulkowski became thoughtful. 
 
 ' I would pity him,' he said, ' but if he is guilty — ' 
 
 * I shall not ask the Prince to do that — you must 
 act. I am your servant, your assistant. I am nobody, 
 and I don't wish to be anybody by myself : my 
 warmest wish is to remain Sulkowski's right hand.' 
 
 Sulkowski took his hand and said with his usual 
 pride : 
 
 ' I wish to have you for my friend, only my friend, 
 my dear Briihl, and for my part, I shall serve you 
 ^s a friend. I need you, and I can be useful to you.' 
 
 They shook hands ; Briihl played admirably the 
 part of being moved. 
 
 ' Listen, Briihl, I speak as a friend ; many people 
 know that Watzdorf is in love with Frances ; if you 
 wish to get rid of him for that reason, believe me 
 they will accuse you and not me.' 
 
 Briihl simulated surprise also admirably. 
 
 ' My dear Count,' he said with animation, ' I am 
 not jealous at all, but I can be for my lord's and your 
 honour. To-day they attack us as well as the throne, 
 to-morrow they will attack our gracious lord alone. 
 We must prevent that.' 
 
 'You are right,' said Sulkowski coolly, 'but we 
 must prove that he is guilty.' 
 
 ' Naturally,' said Briihl, going towards the door. 
 
 * Au revoirl ' 
 
 Yes, at the shooting,' said Briihl. 'The Prince, 
 
176 Count Briihl 
 
 needs some distraction, and we must furnish it — He 
 is passionately fond of shooting — It is such an 
 innocent amusement.' 
 
 BriihLhastened, for it was time to go to the park 
 where targets were placed, and the court was going 
 there. They did not wish to shoot in the castle 
 grounds in order to preserve the appearance of 
 mourning. 
 
 In the park, situated near Dresden, the court often 
 found enjoyment. Beautiful avenues of linden trees, 
 enormous beech trees and oaks, a great number of 
 statues, and a lake, made that spot one of the most 
 charming round Dresden. It was situated only about 
 half an hour from the capital. The park in which 
 there was an amphitheatre was surrounded by a 
 densely wooded forest. The scent of freshly opened 
 buds and the quiet made the place charming. 
 
 The targets were placed in the amphitheatre. 
 Father Guarini, not satisfied with the preparations 
 made by the huntsmen, and knowing Frederick's 
 character, wanted to prepare some surprise for him 
 and was busy all the morning. Not far from the 
 amphitheatre a shanty was erected, at which a guard 
 was placed with orders not to allow anybody in, for 
 it contained Father Guarini's secret. Three times 
 the Jesuit came with some boxes, and every time he, 
 and several men who helped him, remained there 
 quite a long time. The Jesuit's face beamed with 
 satisfaction when he came for the last time. 
 Evidently he had got everything ready, for, when 
 the rumbling of carriages were heard, the Jesuit 
 putting his hands behind his back, walked quietly 
 down the avenue leading to the amphitheatre. The 
 royal carriages, preceded by the runners, with lackeys 
 
Count Briihl 177 
 
 in front and rear, cavaliers on horseback, and beauti- 
 ful ladies, arrived one after another. The Prince 
 was accompanied by his consort who never would 
 leave him, especially when there were ladies in the 
 party. The Countess Kolowrath with her daughter, 
 ladies-in-waiting, chamberlains, pages, followed the 
 Prince. Sulkowski and Briihl in elegant hunting 
 costumes walked beside him. 
 
 The rifles were ready, the huntsmen in charge and 
 the pages were to hand them. As Frederick got ready 
 to shoot, Father Guarini appeared in the right-hand 
 alley. He pretended to be very much surprised to 
 see the court : he approached the Prince humbly, and 
 exclaimed : 
 
 ' Ah ! Your Highness, what do I see ? Shooting 
 at the target — what a splendid amusement ! ' 
 
 ' Is it not ? ' said Frederick laughing, * but you 
 shoot only at souls.' 
 
 ' And not very fortunately either — I miss very 
 often,' rejoined the Jesuit sighing. ' Here the com- 
 petitition will be splendid. But where are the prizes.' 
 
 ' What prizes ? ' the Prince asked, a little surprised. 
 
 ^Your Highness must pardon me,' answered 
 Guarini, ' but to put it plainly, those who prove the 
 best marksmen ought to get some souvenir for their 
 skill.' 
 
 *I had not thought of that,' the Prince replied, 
 looking round as if searching for someone. 
 
 ' If it is permitted me,' said Guarini bowing, ' I 
 will offer five prizes. I cannot give much, for I am 
 poor, but for the amusement of my beloved lord, I 
 deposit my modest gift at his feet.' 
 
 The Prince's eyes brightened. 
 
 'What? What?' he asked. 
 
178 
 
 Count Briihl 
 
 * It is my secret ! ' said tlie Padre, ' I cannot disclose 
 it until tlie riglit time.' 
 
 He pointed to the shanty. 
 
 * My prizes are there. There are five of them for 
 the five best shots.' 
 
 It looked like some funny joke, for Father Guarini 
 was always most anxious to amuse the Prince ; very 
 often his jokes were not very new or very elegant, 
 but he always succeeded in making Frederick laugh. 
 
 'You make me anxious to see your prizes,' said 
 Frederick. 
 
 * The only condition I would make, is that your 
 Highness does not compete. There is no doubt that 
 nobody here shoots better, but I have not prepared a 
 prize worthy of your royal hand. Consequently — ' 
 
 The eloquence in his eyes ended the sentence. 
 
 Frederick began to shoot first. Being used to a 
 rifle since he was a mere boy, it was true that very 
 few people could compete with him, and directly he 
 took hold of a rifle he became so absorbed in the 
 sport that he paid no attention to anything else. 
 
 The targets were so arranged that if the ball struck 
 the centre, a white and green — Saxon colours — little 
 flag sprang out : a yellow and black flag — colours of 
 Dresden — marked the first circle beyond the centre ; 
 and a black flag marked the further circles. 
 
 When Frederick began to shoot and hit the centre 
 with one ball after another, he was applauded by the 
 whole court. After having shot a great many times, 
 the others shot by turns : Sulkowski, Briihl, the 
 envoys of foreign courts, the old General Bandissin, 
 the Count Wackerbarth-Salmour, the Count Los, the 
 Baron Shonberg, the Count Gersdorf and the rest. 
 Every shot was marked. The Prince seemed to wait 
 
Count Briihl 179 
 
 impatiently for tlie distribution of Father Guarini's 
 prizes. 
 
 It happened that after counting all the marks, old 
 Bandissin won the first prize. The Prince rose 
 from his chair, gazing after Guarini, who told a 
 lackey to bring out the first prize from the shanty. 
 
 Curiosity was at its height. The door opened, and 
 two lackeys in court livery — yellow tail coats with 
 blue facings — brought out a large basket covered 
 with a white cloth. 
 
 ' General,' Guarini said seriously, ' it is not my fault 
 that you do not receive a prize more suitable to your 
 age, but it so pleased the Fates, and nobody can 
 avoid his destiny.' 
 
 They opened the basket and took from it an 
 enormous goose, but not in its natural attire. A 
 clever artist had made a very amusing thing of it. 
 On its wings a silk dress, such as was then worn by 
 fashionable ladies, had been put ; on its feet there 
 were slippers, while its head was ornamented with a 
 wig and feathers. 
 
 The apparition of the frightened bird was received 
 with a burst of laughter, as it began to scream and 
 wanted to fly away ; but its wings were entangled in 
 the dress, its feet in the shoes ; so it opened its beak 
 as if crying for help and rolled among the spectators. 
 
 The Prince laughed till the tears came ; all 
 laughed, even the stern Princess. 
 
 ' The second prize ! ' cried Frederick. 
 
 *Your Majesty,' said Guarini, 'The first prize is 
 called Angelo Vamorosal.^ 
 
 ' Who takes the second prize ? ' the Prince asked. 
 
 The second prize was won by Sulkowski, who was 
 disgusted with Guarini 's joke. 
 
180 
 
 Count Briihl 
 
 The second basket was brought out — and from it 
 jumped a monkey dressed as a clown ; the monkey 
 was not less frightened than the goose, but notwith- 
 standing the clothing, it began to run away and 
 having reached the first tree climbed up it. 
 
 The Prince seized a rifle and fired : the monkey 
 screaming, hanging bleeding on the branch, fell to 
 the ground. 
 
 The third prize, destined for Briihl, was an 
 enormous hare, dressed as Crispino. The Prince 
 killed the hare also. He was much excited and happy ; 
 his hands trembled, his eyes shone, he laughed. 
 
 The fourth prize was a rabbit dressed as Scara- 
 rnuzzia. It was also killed by the Prince. 
 
 The last prize was a very amusing one, and it was 
 spared : it was an enormous turkey clad as Dottore, 
 with a tail coat, wig, waistcoat and everything that 
 belonged to its official costume. Its comical gravity 
 saved its life. 
 
 They all laughed heartily. 
 
 The Prince thanked Guarini and made him a 
 longer speech than usual. He assured the Jesuit 
 that not only would he never forget that excellent 
 farce, but that he should order it to be repeated. 
 
 They shot till dark : the evening was quiet and 
 warm, the air sweetly scented and the landscape 
 charming ; nobody wished to return to town ; the 
 court dispersed, forming small groups. 
 
 It happened that the Chamberlain Watzdorf stood 
 by the side of the beautifiil Frances Kolowrath. Her 
 mother noticed it and tried to separate them, but 
 she did not succeed. Not wishing to draw more 
 attention to them than was proper, she was obliged 
 to leave them alone. 
 
Count Briihl isi 
 
 Watzdorf did not neglect to take advantage of his 
 opportunity. Usually ironical, that evening he was 
 sad and depressed. As there was nobody near them 
 he could speak to the girl. 
 
 ^ I am grateful to fate,' said he, ' for the opportunity 
 it gives me of seeing you to-day : and this happens 
 very seldom. The opportunity is the more precious 
 to me, as I see you for the last time.' 
 
 ' What do you mean ? Why for the last time ? ' 
 asked the girl with uneasiness. 
 
 * I feel that over me hangs the vengeance of that 
 minister-page. They dog my footsteps, they have 
 bribed my servants, for many of my papers are 
 missing. They must have taken them secretly, and 
 if that is so, I am lost.' 
 
 ' Run away ! ' cried the girl passionately. * I be- 
 seech you by our love, run away. Nobody watches 
 you just now, take the best horse, and in a couple of 
 hours you will be in Bohemia.' 
 
 *Yes, and to-morrow the Austrians would catch 
 me.' 
 
 ' Then flee to Prussia, to Holland, to France,' said 
 the girl wildly. 
 
 ' I have no means,' answered Watzdorf, ^ and what 
 is worse the charm of life is lost to me. There is no 
 happiness for me. Frances — do not forget me — and 
 avenge me. You will become that man's wife, be 
 his executioner — ' 
 
 Watzdorf looked into her eyes ; they shone with 
 love. 
 
 ' Should you not see me to-morrow at the court, it 
 will mean that I am lost,' he continued. ' I have a 
 presentiment of which I cannot get rid.' 
 
 * But what reasons have you to suspect this ? ' 
 
182 Count Briihl 
 
 * An hour ago I found everything upside down in 
 my room ; the lackey has disappeared. Farewell,' 
 he said with a voice full of emotion. ' You will live, 
 I shall die between four gloomy walls. Frances, I 
 beseech you, drop a handkerchief for a souvenir. 
 I shall carry it on my heart ; looking at it my grief 
 will be less painful.' 
 
 The girl dropped the handkerchief : Watzdorf 
 stooped, picked it up, and hid it in his bosom. 
 
 ' Thank you,' said he. ' One moment more, and 
 I shall not see your eyes again. Farewell, Frances, 
 addio, my sweetest ! ' 
 
 The girl's mother came up at that moment, and, 
 taking advantage of the general confusion, she pulled 
 her daughter away almost by force. Watzdorf 
 withdrew. At a distance of a few steps from him, 
 Sulkowski encountered Briihl, while Guarini enter- 
 tained the Prince. • 
 
 'One word — ' said Briihl, 'my suppositions were 
 right.' 
 
 ' What suppositions ? ' the Count asked indifferently. 
 
 ' I ordered Watzdorf 's apartments to be searched 
 and they found fifty copies of the medal and a letter 
 from the manufacturer, who tried to justify himself 
 because he could not execute a better facsimile of the 
 drawing sent him. It is absolute proof that he is 
 guilty.' 
 
 Sulkowski grew pale. 
 
 Briihl slipped a paper into his hand. 
 
 ' Take this : I do not wish to do anything on my 
 own responsibility ; do what you please, but if you 
 don't put Watzdorf in Konigstein, who knows if 
 one of us will not take his place there ? Impudence 
 can do much — Count, do what you please, but I 
 
Count Briihl i83 
 
 wash my hands of it. — I would not condescend to a 
 search to avenge myself — but the Prince is attacked 
 — It's crimen IcBsae majestatis and for that death 
 is the penalty.' 
 
 Having said this Briihl stepped aside quickly ; 
 his face assumed its usual sweet smile. He perceived 
 the Countess Moszynski and he turned towards her, 
 bowing in a most ceremonious and respectful way. 
 
 Frances Kolowrath followed her mother ; she was 
 silent and proud ; she gazed several times after 
 Watzdorf and paid not the slighest attention to 
 what was going on around her. 
 
 While she was so deeply thoughtful Briihl came 
 to her, bowed respectfully and smiled sweetly. The 
 proud girl's eyes shone ; she drew herself up and 
 looked at the minister contemptuously. 
 
 ' Don't you think,' Briihl said, ' that we succeeded 
 in amusing the Prince ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, and you proved a good marksman,' answered 
 the girl. ' I don't doubt that you could shoot just 
 as well at people — ' 
 
 Briihl looked sharply at her. 
 
 *I am not very skilful,' he said coolly, *but if 
 I were obliged to defend His Majesty, I don't 
 doubt I should shoot well. I noticed that you 
 enjoyed your conversation with the Chamberlain 
 Watzdorf.' 
 
 * Yes,' said the girl, ' Watzdorf is very witty, he 
 shoots with words as you do with balls.' 
 
 ' That is a very dangerous weapon. If one does 
 not know how to handle it,' said Briihl, ' one might 
 shoot oneself.* 
 
 The girl's mother interrupted this unpleasant 
 (joiiyersation, Fr^nc^s' look closed it. She wishecj 
 
184 Count Briihl 
 
 to intercede with Briihl, but pride closed her mouth : 
 besides she was not certain that Watzdorf did not 
 exaggerate his peril. 
 
 The Princess had already left with her ladies in 
 waiting, the Prince still remained. Sulkowski tried 
 to come near him, and the Prince expressing his 
 desire to walk some little distance, the favourite 
 seized the opportunity and walked at his side. Briihl 
 accompanied the Countess Kolowrath. 
 
 Sulkowski did not wish to postpone the affair, for 
 he was afraid that Watzdorf might fly if it were 
 delayed. 
 
 * It's a very unpleasant duty,' said Sulkowski, ' to 
 be obliged to spoil your majesty's humour after such 
 pleasant amusement.' 
 
 Having listened to this, Frederick became gloomy, 
 and looked askance at his minister, who continued : 
 
 ' The matter is pressing ; Briihl and I and even 
 your Majesty are exposed to the ridicule of the 
 whole of Europe : I did not speak before, wishing 
 to spare your Majesty's feelings. — In Holland an 
 abominable medal has been struck — ' 
 
 Frederick stopped ; his face grew as pale as his 
 father's used to do when extremely angry, and he 
 lost control of himself. 
 
 * I did not wish to mention it, until we had found 
 the culprit,' Sulkowski wound up. 'I and Briihl 
 would forgive the offence to ourselves, but we cannot 
 forgive the insult to your Majesty.' 
 
 ' But who ? Who ? ' asked Frederick. 
 
 ' The man whose whole family including himself, 
 owes everything to your Majesty's father. It is 
 unheard of gratitude and daring — ' 
 
 * Who ? Who ? ' exclaimed Frederick, 
 
Count Briihl 185 
 
 ' The Chamberlain Watzdorf.' 
 
 * Have yoTi proofs ? ' 
 
 * I have a letter found in his rooms and several 
 medals.' 
 
 * I don't wish to see them,' the Prince said extending 
 his arm, * nor him either ; away, away — ' 
 
 * Shall we let him go unpunished ? ' Sulkowski asked. 
 * It cannot be. He will carry his calumnies and spread 
 them in other countries.' 
 
 * The Chamberlain Watzdorf ? Watzdorf junior ? ' 
 repeated Frederick. 'But what do you propose?' 
 Saying this he wiped the perspiration from his 
 forehead. 
 
 * Konigstein,' said Sulkowski shortly. 
 
 There was a moment of silence. The Prince 
 walked slowly, with bowed head. It was the first 
 offence that he was obliged to punish. 
 
 ' Where is Briihl ? ' he asked. 
 
 ' Briihl left it to me,' answered the Count. 
 
 * Watzdorf ! Konigstein ! ' repeated Frederick 
 sighing. Then stopping he turned to Sulkowski 
 and said : — * I don't wish to hear any more about 
 it ; do what you please.' 
 
 Sulkowski turned to Guarini, who walked behind 
 them, and signed to him to approach, for he was 
 the best man to amuse the Prince. The Padre 
 ran as quickly as he could, guessing that he was 
 needed. 
 
 'I am in despair! ' cried he, 'my goose Angelo o 
 Vamorosal is lost, flew away, seeing that Bandissin 
 did not care for it ; I am sure it will commit suicide 
 in the forest. I rushed after it and was unfortunate 
 to take three ladies for my goose ; they will never 
 forgive m^ this,' 
 
186 Count Briihl 
 
 The Prince's gloomy face brightened up ; his white 
 teeth appeared from beneath tightened lips. He 
 looked at the Jesuit as if wishing to find the necessary 
 cheeriness in the bright smiling face, remembering 
 the Italian pulcinello. 
 
 Guarini having guessed that something must have 
 saddened the good lord, did his best to counteract its 
 bad influence. 
 
 And in proportion as the Italian's jokes came out, 
 the Prince seemed to forget all else and smiled. But 
 the merry Father was obliged to renew his efforts to 
 disperse the returning cloud, and he did not stop his 
 joking until he heard the loud, hearty laughter, which 
 announced that the Prince had forgotten about the 
 sorrows of this world. 
 
 The next day the Chamberlain Watzdorf disap- 
 peared ; he was the first victim of that reign. A few 
 days later they began to whisper that Watzdorf had 
 been escorted to Konigstein. The Prince never 
 mentioned his name ; Sulkowski and Briihl did not 
 wish to know anything about the affair. 
 
 Fear fell on the court and on the secret enemies of 
 the two ministers. 
 
 In The Jlistorical Mercury, a newspaper published 
 in Paris, there appeared the following paragraph : 
 
 * Those who were familiar with the playful and 
 satirical mind of that young nobleman, who was 
 mixed up in certain affairs after the death of Augustus 
 the Strong, and who showed his cutting wit, will not 
 be astonished at the sad lot which befel him.' 
 
 Watzdorf never again appeared in this world. He 
 died in Konigstein after fourteen years of seclusion, 
 killed by longing and solitude, 
 
CHAPTER XII 
 
 A YEAR after the preceding events, the palace occupied 
 by Briihl was profusely illuminated. Nowhere was 
 greater magnificence displayed during festivities than 
 in Dresden, nowhere more enjoyment than in the 
 capital of Saxony, where the tradition of luxury had 
 been left by Augustus the Strong/ From the court 
 the luxury spread amongst those who surrounded the 
 Prince, and on those who came in contact with them, 
 even extending to rich burghers. The banks in 
 those times gave balls for the court ; everyone who 
 furnished opportunity for enjoyment and could do 
 something unusual in the way of entertaining, was 
 welcomed. 
 
 Fireworks, illuminations, flowers, music, pictures 
 were employed whenever there was opportunity for 
 displaying them. 
 
 Briihl was one of the greatest spendthrifts among 
 the nouveaux riches ; he astounded even those whom 
 nothing could surprise. The illumination of his 
 palace surpassed everything of the kind ever seen in 
 Dresden. A great crowd gazed from a respectful 
 distance at the house of such a grandee ; the palace 
 shone with multi-coloured lanterns and wreaths of 
 flowers. Over the porte-cochere, on a shield, from 
 which two garlands of pink and white flowers hung 
 down were the letters F and H lovingly blent. A 
 little lower were placed two transparent shields with 
 heraldic hieroglyphics unintelligible to the crowd 
 
 187 
 
188 Count Brlihl 
 
 The courtiers explained that these were the coats of 
 arms of the newly married couple. 
 
 The crowd had been standing for a long time when 
 from the palace came a carriage preceded by runners 
 and postillions on horseback. The carriage contained 
 the mother, and the newly-married couple, coming to 
 their home after the reception at the court. The 
 beautiful young wife was about to enter the house for 
 the first time. 
 
 Although no other guests were expected, on both 
 sides of the stairs up to the first floor stood numerous 
 lackeys wearing magnificent scarlet livery ; on the 
 first floor stood butlers and the minister's pages. 
 
 The house was furnished with princely magnifi- 
 cence ; china, silver, bronzes, rugs and thousands of 
 hihelots ornamented it. Briihl explained this luxury 
 by saying that he wished to do honour to his lord ; he 
 declared that he spent his last penny in order to 
 contribute to the magnificence of the house of Saxony. 
 When the carriage stopped in front of the house, the 
 Countess, assisted by her son-in-law, alighted first 
 and went upstairs. Briihl offered his arm to his wife 
 but she pretended not to see his movement and 
 walked independently beside him. Her beautiful 
 face was sad, stern and proud. There was not the 
 slightest trace of joy on her gloomy features. She 
 looked with indifference on the luxury of the house, 
 as though she did not care to see it ; she walked like 
 a victim, who knows that she cannot change her fate 
 and does not expect any happiness. She evidently 
 had had time to grow cold, to think the matter over, 
 to become familiar with her situation, for her face 
 was chilly as a piece of marble. If there was grief 
 within her, it had become chronic, slowly devouring. 
 
Count Briihl i89 
 
 The Countess Kolowrath stopped in the drawing- 
 room and turned to look after the married couple. 
 Frances came to her and was silent. On her other 
 side Briihl, wearing a blue and gold velvet dress, 
 stood smiling sweetly at his mother-in-law. 
 
 The Countess kissed her daughter silently on the 
 forehead, and although the life of the court had 
 hardened her, tears appeared in her eyes, while the 
 newly married lady remained indifferent. 
 
 * Be happy,' the mother whispered. * I bless you. 
 Be happy ! ' and she pressed her hands to her eyes 
 to hide her emotion. Briihl seized the other hand 
 and kissed it. 
 
 ' You need not be left alone,' the mother continued 
 in a broken voice. * It was my duty to accompany 
 you here and to give you my blessing ; but I don't 
 wish to intrude upon you ; 1 myself need rest after 
 such emotion.' 
 
 She turned to Briihl. 
 
 * I commend you to your wife,' she said, ' be kind 
 to her, love her. Frances will become accustomed to 
 you ; be happy ! The happiness of this world is 
 fragile and unstable — one must try to make life sweet 
 and not embitter it. Frances, I hope that you will be 
 good to him — ' 
 
 She covered her eyes, as though some thought had 
 prevented her from finishing what she had had in 
 her mind. 
 
 Once more she bent over her daughter's forehead 
 and kissed it. The son-in-law graciously offered his 
 arm and conducted her downstairs to the court- 
 carriage waiting for her, which she entered and hid 
 herself from the gaze of the crowd. 
 
 The young bride remained alone for a time and 
 
190 Count Bruhl 
 
 when Briihl returned and wished to take hold of her 
 arm, she looked at him surprised as if she had 
 forgotten where she was and that she had become 
 his wife. 
 
 * For God's sake/ the minister whispered, ' let us 
 look happy at least before strangers. On the stage 
 of life, we are all actors ' — it was his favourite saying 
 — * let us play our part well.' 
 
 Having said this he offered her his arm and con- 
 ducted her through the row of lighted rooms, to her 
 apartment. Everything she looked at was so magni- 
 ficent, that to anyone but her it would have been a 
 succession of surprises. She walked not looking 
 and not seeing. At length they came to her dressing- 
 room, situated in front of the chamber, in which two 
 alabaster lamps were thro\^dng a pale, mysterious 
 light. 
 
 The young lady, seeing the open door before her, 
 stopped ; looked round for a chair, sat on one standing 
 near the dressing-table, and became thoughtful. 
 
 They were alone ; only the murmuring of the 
 crowd admiring the illuminations was heard. 
 
 * Madam/ said Briihl sweetly, *you are in your 
 own house, and your most obedient servant stands 
 before you.' 
 
 He wished to kneel ; Frances rose suddenly, sighed, 
 as if throwing off a burden, and said with a voice 
 in which there was sadness : 
 
 *I have had enough of this comedy, played the 
 whole day, and it is not necessary for us to continue 
 it. We must be sincere and frank ; let us be so from 
 the first day. We have contracted, not matrimony, 
 not a union of hearts, but a bargain ; let us try to 
 make it advantageous to us both.' 
 
Count Briihl i9l 
 
 Speaking thus and not looking at her husband, she 
 began to take off her wreath and veil. There was no 
 emotion in her voice. 
 
 ' If you do not wish anyone to overhear our con- 
 versation,' she added, ' be so kind as to assure your- 
 seK that nobody listens at the door.' 
 
 * I am sure of that, for I have given orders,' said 
 Briihl, 'and usually my orders are executed.' 
 
 Frances took some perfume from a bottle standing 
 on the dressing-table and put it on her temples. 
 
 ' I cannot be happy,' she continued while un- 
 dressing, ' as other women are ; the man whom I 
 oved, I don't conceal that, is in a dark prison ; you 
 love another woman, therefore we are indifferent to 
 each other : although nobody told me what kind of 
 sacrifice I am destined for, I understand it all the 
 same. But I wish to enjoy life and I shall enjoy it — 
 I must have all its pleasures. The poison must be 
 sweetened ; that I deserve. I like luxury and I shall 
 have it ; I must have distraction in order not to cry ; 
 I must have noise in order not to hear the voice of 
 my heart : 1 must have all that. — You are a stranger 
 to me, I am a stranger to you. — We may be good 
 friends, if you try to deserve my friendship. Who 
 knows, I may take a fancy and be good to you for 
 a few days, but I will not be anybody's slave — even — ' 
 
 She turned to Briihl who stood silent and 
 embarrassed. 
 
 * Do you understand me ? ' 
 The minister remained silent. 
 ' Nobody said a word about it to me/ she con- 
 tinued. ' I guessed it with the instinct of a woman ; 
 I know to what I am destined. — ' 
 
 ' Madam,' Briihl interrupted, ' there are things 
 
192 Count Briihl 
 
 about which one must not speak ; to betray them 
 means — ' 
 
 ' You don't need to tell me that, I know everything. 
 I can reveal to you, what you think is a secret. 
 Augustus II wished to be famous by his amours, his 
 pious son would not wish to be suspected of it. 
 Therefore everything must be an*anged in such a 
 way that nobody can see or hear.* 
 
 She laughed ironically. 
 
 * I expect, if I give you power, favour, that I must 
 have something in return, and I demand that my 
 fancies shall be respected ; and it is quite sure 
 I shall have fancies. I am anxious to know life, I 
 am thirsty for it ; I must become intoxicated in order 
 to forget my pain. Do you think,' said she with 
 animation, * that I shall ever forget about that Uxi- 
 fortunate man ? I see the walls, between which he 
 is shut, the dark room, hard bed, the face of his 
 jailer, and himself looking through a small window. 
 But in that man dwells a strong spirit, which may 
 keep him alive till the door of the prison is opened. 
 Is it true that your other victim, the poor Hoym, has 
 hanged himself in the prison ? ' 
 
 Briihl looked at the floor. 
 
 * Yes,' he said drily, * it is no great loss ; I shall 
 not cry for him.' 
 
 * Nor I either,' rejoined Frances, 'but I shall never 
 forget the other man. You understand that the 
 hand that has done this, although I was bound to it 
 in church, — cannot touch mine. We are and shall 
 remain strangers.' 
 
 She smiled ironically and continued : 
 *You became a Catholic, although this is also a 
 secret. It commends you to me ! What tact and 
 
Count Briihl 193 
 
 policy ! The king of Poland must have a Catholic 
 for his minister in Poland — Briihl there is Catholic ; 
 the Kurfiirst of Saxony must have a Protestant 
 minister in Saxony : Briihl here will be a zealous 
 Lutheran. If Zinzendorf became King of the 
 Moravian Brothers I am sure you virould belong 
 to the Herrnhut community — C'est parfait! C'est 
 delieieux ! ' 
 
 'Madam,' said Briihl with emotion in his voice, 
 * unknowingly you wound me very severely. I am 
 a Christian and a pious one ; denomination to me 
 is a secondary thing, by the Gospel, our Saviour's 
 love — ' 
 
 He raised his eyes. 
 
 * It is a part of your role ; I understand,' said 
 Frances. ' Then let us leave it, I should like to 
 rest and be alone.' 
 
 She looked into his eyes. 
 
 ' But what would the servants say ? What would 
 the people say if you dismiss me like that? It 
 cannot be ! ' 
 
 ' It cannot be otherwise ! ' Frances exclaimed. 
 'You can spend the night here on the sofa or in 
 an armchair, I will lock myself in the bedroom.' 
 
 Briihl looked at her uneasily. 
 
 * Then permit me to go and change my clothes 
 and to return here. Nobody will know what our 
 mutual relations are, but nobod)'^ must guess it.' 
 
 * I understand that ! It must be a secret and we 
 must appear the most loving couple. Our platonic 
 marriage will be very amusing. The men will 
 envy you, the women will envy me ; you are not 
 bad-looking for the women ; the king is better 
 looking than you, but then he is a king ! I prefer 
 
1&4 Count Briihl 
 
 to be the mistress of the King secretly, than the 
 wife of his minister openly.* 
 
 She began to laugh sarcastically. 
 
 ' I can imagine how his Majesty will be afraid 
 to look at me in the presence of his consort — ' 
 
 * Madam,' said Briihl wringing his hands, 'the 
 walls have ears.' 
 
 Frances shrugged her shoulders. 
 
 * You know,' whispered Briihl, ' that should 
 there be even the slightest suspicion, we are both 
 lost.' 
 
 'Especially I,' the woman rejoined, 'as I should 
 have to remain with you en tete a tete, without any 
 hope of consolation, and that would poison my life. — 
 Consequently I shall be silent.' 
 
 Briihl slipped out of the room. The rooms 
 through which he passed were still illuminated ; 
 he walked slowly and at the other end of the house 
 entered his dressing-room. Two lackeys waited for 
 him knowing that he would come to undress. 
 
 A morning attire lay on the table ; it consisted 
 of a gorgeous rohe de cJiamhre made of blue Lyons 
 satin with bright flowers, snow white linen, and 
 light silk slippers. 
 
 As orders were given to extinguish the lights, the 
 lackey took a silver candelabra and lighted Briihl 
 to his chamber. At the door the minister dismissed 
 him with a nod and entered. 
 
 There was no one in the dressing-room, the door 
 leading to the bed-chamber was locked. 
 
 Briihl looked through the window, the street was 
 already empty. The illuminations were out ; a 
 night lamp burned at a corner ; a clock in the 
 town struck midnight. Over the black houses. 
 
Count Briihl 195 
 
 standing in half shadow, the moon stood surrounded 
 by fleecy clouds. 
 
 The night was warm, quiet. 
 
 In the chamber there was not the slightest 
 movement. 
 
 The husband of the beautiful Frances walked 
 several times to and fro looking for a place to rest. 
 He was obliged to content himself with a small 
 sofa and a chair instead of a bed. He lay down, 
 smiled sardonically, thinking about the future, then 
 began to doze. 
 
 He dreamed of gold, diamonds, lace, of princely 
 luxury, but not of a human face and heart ; then 
 about white clouds with his own monogram, over 
 which there shone the coronet of a Count. 
 
 When he opened his eyes, it was already daylight. 
 He ran down from his improvised and uncomfortable 
 bed, and went quickly to his apartment. 
 
 First he looked at a clock and was surprised to 
 find that it was already six o'clock, at which hour 
 he usually began his work. When he entered his 
 study he saw Father Guarini standing in the centre 
 and smiling sweetly. 
 
 The Jesuit put out his hand to him ; Briihl, 
 confused and blushing slightly, kissed it. Before 
 they spoke their eyes met. Then Guarini said 
 mysteriously : 
 
 * Ministers cannot sleep long even the first night 
 after their wedding, especially when they havt^ an 
 powerful enemies as you have.' 
 
 ' With you. Father, and with the Princess's 
 protection, I need not be afraid,' said Bruhl 
 
 'It is always necessary to be cautious,' whispered 
 Guarini, ' kings do not rule for ever, my dear Briihl. 
 
196 Count Briihl 
 
 * But you, Fathers/ said Briihl also in a whisper, 
 *rule, and shall rule over the King, and his 
 conscience.* 
 
 My dear friend, I am not immortal, I am already 
 old, and I feel that it will soon be all over with me.* 
 
 They were silent for some time. Guarini walked 
 to and fro, with his hands behind his back. 
 
 *The Princess and I have prepared the Prince 
 von Lichtenstein,' said he, * but it goes very slowly. 
 We shall not hasten with that campaign, we must 
 wait until I and circumstances have prepared our 
 lord. At present Sulkowski is first with him. 
 vSulkowski is everything. On your side you have the 
 memory of his father; try to have something more — ' 
 
 He became silent. 
 
 ^ Piano, piano, pianissimo!' whispered the Jesuit. 
 * One must know how to talk to our lord. Al canto 
 si eonosce Vueello, ed al parlat il cervello.' 
 
 Next he began to whisper in Briihrs ear, then 
 having glanced at the clock he took his hat and 
 rushed out. 
 
 There was a rap at the other door. 
 
 The yellow, contorted face of Henniche appeared 
 through the half-opened door, and then the whole 
 man appeared. Under his arm he had a pile of 
 papers. 
 
 First he glanced at Briihl's face consulting it as if 
 it were a barometer to tell his humour. 
 
 * Your Excellency,' he said, ' in the first place, 
 my congratulations.' 
 
 'Business before all,' the minister interrupted, 
 ' we need money, money, and always money for the 
 court, for our affairs in Poland, for the King, for me 
 for you, not to mention Sulkowski,' 
 
Count Briihl 197 
 
 * They whisper,' said Henniche. ' The noblemen are 
 angry, the townsmen grumble and appeal to their 
 privileges, to imviunitates.' 
 
 ' Who ? ' asked Briihl. 
 
 * Almost all of them.' 
 
 * But who is at their head ? Who speaks most ? ' 
 
 * Many of them.' 
 
 * Send the Swiss guard, seize a few of them and 
 send them to Pleissenburg. There they will keep quiet.' 
 
 * But whom shall I choose ? ' 
 
 ' I should doubt your acuteness if you do not under- 
 stand. Do not reach so high as to touch some partisan 
 of Sulkowski's. Do not reach too low, for it would 
 be useless. Do not take a man who has relations at 
 the court — ' 
 
 * But the reason ? ' asked the ex-lackey. 
 Briihl laughed. 
 
 * Must I give you a reason ? A word spoken too 
 loud, crivien laesae viajestatis. You should under- 
 stand if you are not a blockhead,' 
 
 * I understand,' said Henniche sighing. 
 Briihl began to walk to and fro. 
 
 'You must tell Globig to carry out my orders. 
 During the last hunting-party a petition was nearly 
 handed to the Prince. A nobleman hid behind a 
 bush. A few hours before a hunting-party, or a 
 ride, or a walk, the roads should be inspected and 
 guards posted. Nobody should be allowed to approach 
 the Prince — ' 
 
 *I cannot do everything by myself. There are 
 Loss, Hammer, Globig and others.' 
 
 * You must supervise them.' 
 
 The conversation changed into a confidential 
 whispering, but it did not last long. BriiH yawned, 
 
198 Count Brlihl 
 
 Henniche understood and went out. Chocolate was 
 brought. Briihl swallowed it quickl}^, drank some 
 water, and rang the bell for a lackey to help him to dress. 
 In the dressing-room everything was ready, and 
 the changing of clothes did not take long. The 
 porte-chaise with porters stood at the door. It was 
 nine o'clock when the minister ordered them to carry 
 him to the house occupied by the Austrian envoy, 
 the Prince Venceslas von Lichtenstein. The house 
 stood in the Old Market Square and the journey was 
 not a long one. This hour Briihl usually spent 
 with the King, but to-day he took advantage of his 
 wedding and went to see the Prince von Lichtenstein. 
 Briihl did not forget that that morning it was 
 essential he should appear to everybody the happiest 
 man in the world ; therefore although he was tired, 
 his face beamed with joy. 
 
 The Prince von Lichtenstein, a lord, and, in the 
 full meaning of the word, a courtier of one of the 
 oldest ruling housed. in Europe, was a man well fitted 
 for his position. He was tall, good-looking ; his 
 features were regular, his mien was lordl}^ ; he was 
 affable and polite ; in his eyes one could see intelli- 
 gence and diplomatic cunning. Although Briihl was 
 only 3 petty nobleman, but now, as prime minister 
 of a Prince related to the reigning house of Austria, 
 and as husband of the Countess Kolowrath, almost 
 equal to Lichtenstein, he was clever enough not 
 to show it and he greeted the envoy with respect. 
 
 They entered the study. The Prince asked Briihl 
 to be seated, and he himself took a chair opposite him. 
 *I return,' Briihl said 'to our conversation of 
 yesterday.' 
 
 ' My dear Briihl, I assure you that you may expect 
 
Count Briihl 199 
 
 every assistance from my court ; title, wealth, protec- 
 tion, but we must go hand in hand — you understand.' 
 
 Briihl put out his hand immediately. 
 
 *Yes,' he said, 'we must go hand in hand. But 
 nobody must see our hands — the greatest secrecy 
 must be observed, otherwise everything would come 
 to nought. I should be overthrown and with me 
 the man who serves you faithfully.' 
 
 ' Do you doubt? ' asked the Prince? ' My word is 
 as good as that of the Emperor.' 
 
 ' I am satisfied with your word,' said Briihl. 
 
 ' Is it the case, that Sulkowski has some plans ? ' 
 the Prince asked. 
 
 ' There is no doubt about that.' 
 
 ' But nothing definite.' 
 
 * On the contrary, the plan is written.' 
 
 ' Have you seen it ? ' 
 
 Briihl smiled and did not answer. 
 
 ' Could you get it ? ' asked the Prince. 
 
 Briihl's smile became still more significant. The 
 Prince ben.t towards him and seized both his 
 hands. 
 
 ' If you give me that plan in writing — ' 
 
 He hesitated for a moment. 
 
 ' It would mean much the same as giving you my 
 head,' said Briihl. 
 
 ' But I hope you could trust me with your head,' 
 the Prince rejoined. 
 
 ' Certainly,' said Briihl, ' but once the plan is in 
 your hands there could be no further alteration, one 
 of us must fall, and you know how attached the 
 Prince is to him.' 
 
 Lichtenstein rose from his seat. 
 
 'But we have on our side the Princess, Father 
 
200 Count Briihl 
 
 Guarini, you^ Father Volger and Faustina,' lie said 
 eagerly. 
 
 Briihl smiled. ' Sulkowski has on his side the 
 Prince's favour and heart.' 
 
 ' Yes, it is true, that weak people are stubborn, 
 said the Prince, ' but acting on them slowly and 
 intelligently one can always influence them. Never 
 too suddenly, for their feebleness, which they feel, 
 makes them stubborn ; one must act on them in such 
 a way as to make them believe that they act by 
 themselves.' 
 
 * Sulkowski was the Prince's playmate in boyhood, 
 he trusts him in matters in which he would trust 
 nobody else.' 
 
 *I do not deny that the work is difficult, but I do 
 not think it impossible,' answered Lichtenstein. ' But 
 that plan ? Have you seen it ? Have you read it ? ' 
 
 Briihl checked the Prince's impatience by a cool 
 business question. 
 
 * Prince, permit me to speak first about the 
 conditions.' 
 
 'With the greatest pleasure.' 
 
 * I am very sorry, for I respect Sulkowski for other 
 reasons,' said Briihl; *he is attached to the Prince, 
 he is faithful to him ; he thinks he could make 
 Saxony powerful ; but if his influence increases, his 
 ambition may lead him on wrong roads. Sulkowski 
 does not appreciate our saintly Princess ; Sulkowski 
 does not respect the clergy.' 
 
 'My dear Briihl,' interrupted the Prince, * I know 
 him as well as you do, if not better ; he does not stand 
 on ceremony when he is with me ; I knew him in 
 Vienna, where he was with the Prince.' 
 
 ' We must overthrow Sulkoiwsk.' said Briihl 
 
Count Briihl 201 
 
 empliatically. *I ask for nothing more, but this 
 must be done for the King's and the country's good. 
 Then I shall remain alone, and in me you will have 
 the most faithful servant.' 
 
 ' But that plan ? That plan ? ' repeated Lichten- 
 stein. ' Give it to me and I consent to everything.' 
 
 Briihl put his hand carelessly into his side pocket ; 
 seeing this, Lichenstein drew nearer. 
 
 Briihl took out a paper and held it before the 
 Prince's eyes. But at the moment when the paper 
 was about to pass into Lichtenstein's hands, there 
 was a rap at the door, and a lackey, appearing on 
 the threshold, announced : 
 
 * The Count Sulkowski.' 
 
 In the twinkling of an eye the paper disappeared 
 into a pocket and Briihl, sitting comfortably back 
 in his chair, was taking snuff from a gold snuff box. 
 
 Sulkowski, standing in the doorway, looked at Briihl 
 and Lichtenstein, but more especially at his competitor 
 who put out his hand to him and smiled sweetly. 
 
 * What an early bird you are ! ' said Sulkowski. 
 * The very next day after your wedding you visit 
 ambassadors in the morning. I thought you were 
 still at your lady's feet.' 
 
 'Duties before all,' Briihl answered. 'I was told 
 that the Prince was going to Vienna, and I came to 
 take leave of him.' 
 
 * Prince, are you going to Vienna ? ' asked Sulkow- 
 ski surprised. ' I did not know anything about it.' 
 
 Lichtenstein seemed a little embarrassed. 
 
 *I do not know yet — perchance — ' he stammered 
 after a pause. ' I said something about it yesterday 
 at the court, and I see that Briihl, who knows about 
 everything, has learned it.' 
 
CHAPTER XIII • 
 
 The two antagonists were still to all appearances the 
 best of friends, although, on both sides there had 
 begun a secret conflict. That same morning Sulkowski 
 spoke to Ludovici about Briilil's marriage. 
 
 Ludovici was more suspicious than the Count. 
 
 * Count,' said he, 'that marriage ought to make us 
 careful. Briihl has married not the Countess 
 Kolowrath alone, but with her he has married the 
 Austrian Court, Father Quarini and the Princess. 
 Briihl is sweet as honey, but he overthrew Fleury, 
 Manteufl, Wackerbarth and Hoym ; he put Watzdorf 
 into Konigstein ; I do not trust Briihl.' 
 
 Sulkowski began to laugh. 
 
 'My dear Ludovici,' he said proudly, 'remember 
 who they were, and who I am ! He will not be 
 able to overthrow me were he helped by Guarini 
 and all the Austrians. I shall drive off Guarini 
 and all the Jesuits. 1 shall give other courtiers to 
 the Princess. With regard to Hoym and Watzdorf, 
 you are mistaken, I sent them away, not he.' 
 
 'That is to say he did it by means of your 
 Excellency's hands ; is facit, cui prodest ; I remember 
 that when I studied law. Watzdorf was in love with 
 his present wife.' 
 
 'You must not try to teach me anything about 
 court affairs,' said Sulkowski, ' I know what I am 
 about, and none of you know how strong my influence 
 is with the Prince.' 
 
 ' I do not doubt that,' Ludovici said bowing. 
 
 Sulkowski however remembered that conversation. 
 
Count Briihl 203 
 
 Althougli lie did not betray his thouglits even to his 
 confidant, Ludovici, the Count had distrusted Briihl 
 for some time. It was a suspicious circumstance 
 to him that Briihl was continually with Frederick^ 
 remaining for hours with him together with the 
 two fools and Guarini, and accompanied him every- 
 where, so that the Prince grew accustomed to his 
 face. Several times already he had asked after Briihl 
 when he had been absent longer than usual. Little 
 by little his presence became indispensable. 
 
 Sulkowski did not even dream that this could 
 menace him, but he did not wish for any rivals ; 
 he was jealous, and alone must be the object of 
 the Prince's favour. 
 
 * Briihl must be got rid of,' he said to himself. * I 
 shall easily find an excuse. I must prepare the Prince. ' 
 
 The same day after dinner, when the Prince retired 
 as usual to his apartment, put on his rohe de chambre, 
 sat in a chair and began to smoke a pipe, Sulkowski 
 entered followed by a man carrying a case ; he took 
 it from the servant in the ante-room and brought it 
 t o the Prince's room. 
 
 The Prince during his travels in Italy had taken a 
 fancy to certain masterpieces of Italian art. Wishing 
 to imitate his father, and having inherited his love 
 of music, hunting, luxury, theatres, and even for 
 Leipzig fairs, he also inherited his love of art. He 
 was passionately fond of pictures, he would purchase 
 as many as he could get hold of to increase the 
 collection started hy Augustus II. 
 
 The best way to please him was either to tell him 
 of some good picture, or present him with one. 
 Usually cold and phlegmatic Augustus' successor 
 would become quite another man at the sight of 
 
204 Count Briihl 
 
 a good picture ; his eyes would shine as they did 
 on hearing Faustina's voice. It seemed almost that 
 thought circulated more quickly through his brain, 
 and, usually silent, he would talk and exclaim. 
 
 Even in his saddest mood, at the mention of a 
 picture or an opera, his face would brighten up. 
 Sulkowski, no less than others, was aware of this 
 weak point in his lord. 
 
 Augustus III began to blow out the first whiffs of 
 smoke when Sulkowski appeared on the threshold 
 with the case. He looked round him, drew himself 
 up, put out his hand, without a word. Evidently he 
 guessed the contents of the case, personally brought 
 by his favourite. 
 
 The King's eyes brightened. — As he disliked talking 
 he urged Sulkowski by gestures only to be quick and 
 disclose what he had brought. 
 
 ' Your Majesty,' the Count said in a whisper, ' this 
 is certainly a masterpiece, but — ' 
 
 ' But what ? ' muttered the King frowning. 
 
 * But,' the minister said, ' the subject is a little too my- 
 thological and if by accident her Majestyshould come — ' 
 
 The King became gloomy and less insistent ; his 
 face was stern and he moved his head significantly. 
 
 Sulkowski put the case in a corner ; Frederick's 
 eyes followed it. ' And who painted it ? ' he asked. 
 
 * The divine Titian Vecello,' said Sulkowski. ' It 
 is not very large, but a true masterpiece.' 
 
 On hearing the name the King bowed as though 
 greeting Titian himself, and whispered : 
 
 * Gran maestro ! ' 
 
 Sulkowski turned the conversation. The King 
 looked at him as though he did not understand, 
 became thoughtful and said to himself : 
 
Count Briihl 205 
 
 ' Tropjpo mitologieo ! H'm ! ' 
 
 After a while when the minister spoke of hunting 
 he said, ' What does it represent ? ' 
 
 The Count made a gesture with his hand. 
 
 ' A very improper scene,' he said. 
 
 ' Fie ' Hide it ! If the Queen should come in, or 
 Father Guarini — fie ! ' 
 
 Notwithstanding his apparent disapproval, his 
 gaze turned constantly to the case. 
 
 ' I think it would be best to take it away,' said 
 Sulkowski, going towards the case. 
 
 The King frowned. 
 
 ' But just tell me what it represents.' 
 
 'Mars and Venus at the moment when Vulcan 
 catches them in flagrante and puts a net round them.' 
 
 The King shut his eyes and waved his hand. 
 
 * Fie ! Fie ! ' he exclaimed. 
 Sulkowski put the case under his arm. 
 
 * But to see it for the sake of art,' said the King, 
 ' is only an ordinary sin. I shall confess it to Father 
 Guarini — three paters and all is over — ' 
 
 He stretched out his arm, Sulkowski smiled, 
 opened the case, lifted the cover, and moved the 
 picture towards the King. The pipe fell from his 
 hands. 
 
 It was indeed a small masterpiece. The woman 
 it represented was the same belle who sat for Titian's 
 Venus and Diana ; a marvellously beautiful woman, 
 but in very fact in a very mythological position. 
 
 The King looked at it furtively, evidently ashamed 
 of his curiosity ; he blushed, but* continued to gaze 
 at the picture. He repeated, ' un gran maestro ! ' 
 His eyes shone. He paid no attention to Sulkowski 
 and began to whisper : 
 
206 Count Briihl 
 
 ' Venus is very beautiful. Classical forms ! What 
 a cliarming, what a lovely favola ! ' 
 
 Suddenly overcome with shame, he looked round, 
 pushed aside the picture, spat, made the sign of the 
 cross, and said severely : 
 
 ' Away with it ! I do not wish to lose my soul. 
 Why do you show me such things ? ' 
 
 * But what about the painting, your Majesty ? ' 
 
 * It is a masterpiece, but aw^ay with it ! ' 
 Sulkowski shut the case and was about to carry it 
 
 away, when the King stopped him. 
 
 ' Wait — it is better that no one else should be 
 scandalised by it ; put it there in the corner ; then 
 we shall see — we shall burn it.' 
 
 * Burn such a masterpiece ? ' 
 
 The King became thoughtful and continued to 
 smoke the pipe. The minister put the case behind 
 the sofa and returned to the King. Still under the 
 influence of the picture Augustus III continually 
 murmured : ' Diavolo inearnato ! ' and he shrugged 
 his shoulders, 'but the picture is admirable. If 
 Mars were not there, and if one could change Venus 
 into repenting Magdalene, I would hang it in my room.' 
 
 * Your Majesty, there is no indecency in works of 
 art, one admires only the picture of a master.' 
 
 The King was silent. 
 
 * I must confess to Father Guarlni,' he said 
 presently. 
 
 ' I am sure that the Padre himself,' said Sulkowski, 
 'would look at this masterpiece, and not think of 
 confession.' 
 
 ' Siete un hirhante ! ' muttered the King. ' Tace ! 
 hasto, ! ' 
 
 Thus the conversation about Titian's Venus ended, 
 
Count Briihl 207 
 
 and as Briihl was not there the King asked after him. 
 Sulkowski sighed. Augustus III glanced at him. 
 
 ' I see,' said Sulkowski, ' that Briihl supersedes 
 me in your Majesty's favour, and the sight hurts an 
 old and faithful servant like myself. For that alone 
 I could dislike him.' 
 
 The King cleared his throat significantly. 
 
 'He is a useful man, but has many drawbacks,' 
 continued Sulkowski. ' I am afraid of him. He is 
 mixed up with everything, he takes hold of every- 
 thing — he squanders the money — is fond of luxury — ' 
 
 'Oh! Oh! Oh!' muttered the King, shaking 
 his head. 
 
 *It is true, your Majesty.' 
 
 Sulkowski became silent and looked sad. The 
 King pitied him. 
 
 ' Sulkowski,' he said, ' don't be afraid, there is 
 plenty of room for both of you, and you will always 
 stand first with me.' 
 
 After these words, which were quite an effort for 
 the silent Augustus III, Sulkowski kissed his hand. 
 The King embraced him. 
 
 'You are my true friend, but I need Briihl.' 
 
 This time Sulkowski did not press the matter 
 further, but made up his mind to pursue the same 
 subject on some future occasion, and allow it to act 
 slowly on the King ; he noticed however, that 
 Augustus III was growing accustomed to Briihl, and 
 of this he was afraid. 
 
 The King smoked his pipe contentedly, sitting up 
 straight in his chair, blinking his eyes and thinking, 
 as he was wont to do when at peace with all the 
 world. There was a soft rap at the door. It 
 amiounced that some privileged person, one who was 
 
208 Count Briihl 
 
 permitted to enter tlie King's room without being 
 previously announced, was coming. It was Father 
 Guarini. He entered quietly and smiling ; the King 
 greeted him with a friendly nod, and continued to 
 smoke his pipe and blink his eyes. Sulkowski, 
 silent, stood near him. 
 
 The Jesuit's eyes, searching round the room, were 
 quick to notice the case behind the sofa. He went 
 towards it as though wishing to inspect something 
 with which he was not familiar. The King seeing 
 his movement, blushed and looked reproachfully at 
 Sulkowski, who rushed to the priest and whispered 
 something to him ; Augustus HI evidently wishing 
 to be beforehand with his excuse muttered to Guarini, 
 
 ' I did not wish to look at it — it is mythology.' 
 
 ' Eh ! ' answered the Padre laughing, ' mythology 
 might be dangerous for your Majesty, but not for an 
 old man like me.' 
 
 Sulkowski tried to stop the priest, but the Padre 
 insisted, while the King was embarrassed, and he 
 frowned at Sulkowski. Guarini had no wish to give 
 in, and repeated, 'I must see it.' 
 
 Sulkowski's position became unpleasant, for 
 through this picture he had now compromised the 
 King, who always wished to be regarded as a man 
 of severe morals. 
 
 ' Sentile ! ' said Guarini to Sulkowski, ' if you do 
 not show me the picture, I might think that you have 
 brought something very ugly into the palace, and 
 that you are endeavouring to serve two gods at the 
 same time, — ruling the country and being fond of 
 art, — one of these two you must do badly, for the 
 saying is — cJii due lepri caccia, una non piglia e 
 Valtralaseia.' 
 
Count Briihl 209 
 
 Sulkowski's conscience pricked him, and he went 
 towards the case followed by the Jesuit. The King 
 inclined his head towards the window. They lifted 
 the cover ; Guarini clapped his hands. 
 
 ' A masterpiece ! ' he exclaimed, ' miraviglia ! But 
 why do you say that the picture is immoral? On 
 the contrary ! The culprits are punished. Vulcan 
 catches them, and he, according to sensus paganorum, 
 represents God's justice. As to Venus, the poor thing 
 is not dressed, ma — ' 
 
 The Jesuit waved his hand. The King looked at 
 him relieved and happy at this explanation, and cried 
 to Sulkowski : ' Bring it here ! Show it to me ! ' 
 
 The minister brought the picture. The King was 
 looking at Venus with evident admiration, when there 
 happened what they dreaded most. While all were 
 bent over Venus, the door leading from the Queen's 
 apartment opened and Queen Josephine, like an 
 avenging angel, proudly entered the room. 
 
 In the twinkling of an eye the cover was replaced, 
 Father Guarini retreated towards the window, the 
 King looked up to the ceiling, and Sulkowski tried 
 to conceal the case. But nothing can escape a jealous 
 and suspicious woman. The Queen Josephine guessed 
 everything, blushed, frowned and moved towards the 
 King who slowly rose to greet her. 
 
 ' We are to have an opera to-day,' he said, ' Faustina 
 will sing.' 
 
 'Very well,' the Queen answered, looking at 
 Sulkowski, 'but I see that you have some other 
 entertainment here. What is it that the Count 
 so carefully conceals ? ' 
 
 The Queen painted herself and was fond of art, 
 and by the shape of the case easily guessed its con- 
 o 
 
210 
 
 Count Briihl 
 
 tents. The King, knowing her strict and exaggerated 
 modesty, grew confused. 
 
 * An interesting picture,' the King said, * but a 
 little too mythological ! ' 
 
 Josephine blushed, grew angry, and looked at 
 Sulkowski. 
 
 ' I am also fond of art,' she said, ' but not that art 
 which panders to vulgar, sensual propensities ; the 
 best painting cannot redeem a wicked thought.' 
 
 Understanding the nature of the picture the Queen 
 could not insist on seeing it, and perchance imagined 
 it worse than it was. 
 
 Sulkowski guessed that she was angry with him 
 for showing a lewd picture to the King. It was a 
 fact, that the Queen suspected the courtiers of inducing 
 the King to indulge in such amours as his father had, 
 and she considered that to show Augustus III lewd 
 pictures would be one of the means of corrupting him. 
 
 Father Guarini changed the subject of conversation, 
 protected Sulkowski, saved the King from embarrass- 
 ment, and began to talk about the quarrels of Italian 
 actors, whom he continually had to reconcile. 
 
 The Queen remained deep in thought and gloomy ; 
 she did not know how to conceal her thoughts. The 
 King knew that she would scold him severely for 
 being too familiar with Sulkowski ; he sighed and 
 longed for the opera, where, in his musical ecstasies, 
 he might forget the sorrows that were unavoidable in 
 private life, even though he occupied a throne where 
 he could sit half the day smoking a pipe in a robe de 
 ehavihre and smiling at the fancies of a slow imagination. 
 
 Sulkowski and Guarini slipped out, leaving the 
 consorts alone, which was the best way of putting the 
 Queen into a better frame of mind. 
 
CHAPTER XIV 
 
 One of the greatest enjoyments of the court of 
 Saxony during the reign of both Augustus's was 
 the opera, one of the best of those times in Europe 
 and in some respect perhaps leven superior to the 
 most famous theatres and orchestras. 
 
 Excellent as was the selection of singers in Augustus 
 the Strong's times, the opera was in no way inferior 
 during the reign of his son, who was also fond of 
 music. While listening to the music he was exempt 
 from talking, which he disliked, and permitted to 
 plunge into reverie, in which he spent almost his 
 whole life. 
 
 The French singers of the King, at the head of 
 whom was Louis Andre, numbered about twenty 
 and with them from time to time sang Germans, such 
 as the tenor Gotzel, and Italians such as Annibal. 
 
 The court orchestra under the famous Hasse, 
 Faustina's husband in name, was composed of fifty 
 members ; besides this there was also a Polish 
 orchestra for chamber music, conducted by Schltze, 
 which consisted of seventeen members. The King 
 would take it to Warsaw when staying there a long 
 time. 
 
 Operas and French comedies were performed by 
 turns, for which purpose there were eleven actors 
 and sixteen actresses, and in order to vary the per- 
 formance there was a French ballet composed of 
 sixty people under the direction of M. Faxier 
 
212 Count Briihl 
 
 EnormouB sums of money were spent to maintain 
 so large a company. When they were going to give 
 Hasse's opera * Egio/ for which Metastasio wrote the 
 libretto on the triumph of Caesar, conqueror of 
 barbarism, there were on the stage a hundred horses, 
 the whole Roman senate, knights, lictors, pretorian 
 guards, heavy and light cavalry, infantry ; and the 
 booty was represented by gold and silver lent from 
 the king's treasury for use on the stage. The spec- 
 tators were amazed, the members of the orchestra 
 were stupefied, and it is a fact that the drummer 
 made a hole in the drum from sheer astonishment. 
 There were two hundred and fifty people on the stage ; 
 the opera house was lighted with eight thousand wax 
 candles and the manager was brought specially from 
 Paris ; his name was Servadoni. Some of the 
 performances cost as much as 100,000 thalers. 
 
 Faustina Bordoni, still beautiful in figure and 
 fascinating in voice, made a great impression on 
 Augustus III. Tlie same opera would be repeated 
 again and again for months and the enthusiastic and 
 dreamy king never tired of the same songs, which 
 would lull him charmingly in the land of dreams. 
 
 About that time, besides Faustina, who ruled 
 absolutely behind the stage, appeared the so-called 
 Faustina the second, Teresa Abbuzzi Todeschi, not 
 younger, but perhaps more beautiful, and equally 
 daring. It was said that Briihl was her patron. 
 
 That day, after being performed many times, 
 ' Cleophile ' was again to be repeated. The King 
 was already in his box, ^he theatre was full, the hour 
 arrived — but the curtain did not rise. 
 
 This was most unusual. But la diva Faustina was 
 a privileged person ; they waited patiently. 
 
Count Briihl 213 
 
 In the mean while a storm was raging behind the 
 stage. Faustina would not sing with Teresa — Teresa 
 swore that she would not appear on the stage with 
 Faustina. 
 
 Nobody knew why they were so angry. They both 
 quarrelled madly, but though their tongues were let 
 loose, they did not reveal the cause of their wrath. 
 
 A third singer, called Piloja, stood aside, listening 
 to the stream of coarse street language, and smiled as 
 though the spectator of a comedy. 
 
 The voices from behind the stage reached the hall, 
 and Sulkowski sent a page to learn what the trouble 
 was. The page returned, having learned no more 
 than that it would require Neptune with a three- 
 pronged fork to pacify the excited waves. Sulkowski 
 whispered to the King and a page was despatched for 
 Father Guarini who alone could unravel the mystery. 
 
 In the meanwhile Faustina and Teresa stood 
 opposite to each other as though ready for a fight, 
 both were ready dressed for the stage and neither 
 paid any attention to the fact that their anger [ruined 
 the colours with which their faces were painted. 
 
 The duel might have been fought, had not Father 
 Guarini rushed in like Deus ex viachina. Seeing him 
 both women became silent. The Padre looked at 
 them, then took Faustina aside. He seemed to be 
 scolding her tenderly. 
 
 A wave of expectation followed the dispute. The 
 orchestra began to tune their instruments. Faustina 
 went immediately to the mirror, which was a good 
 sign, and Guarini began to talk to Teresa, thi-eatening 
 her with a finger laid on his big nose. Teresa was 
 nearly crying. They whispered for a while, then the 
 Padre cried : 
 
214 Count Briihl 
 
 * Pace I If you are stubborn, mia cava, you might 
 cader dalla papella nelle hrage. Hasten. The over- 
 ture should commence. The King is waiting.' 
 
 At that moment Briihl came behind the stage ; he 
 looked at Faustina, nodded to her, then at Teresa, to 
 whom he made some sign, and while the orchestra 
 was playing, all took their places. 
 
 Father Guarini nodded to Briihl, and they both 
 went through narrow passages in which the managers 
 were omnipotent, making storms, thunderbolts, ruling 
 over heavens and gods, into a small room behind the 
 stage, in which a dressing table and women's clothing 
 indicated that it was the dressing room of one of 
 these ladies, who not long ago quarrelled so passion- 
 ately, and who were now singing a most harmonious 
 duet. 
 
 Guarini and Briihl were both tired and silent, they 
 sat beside each other, looking into each other's faces ; 
 the Jesuit began to smile. 
 
 ' Here ' he said, ' nobody can see or hear us, it is the 
 hiding place of that viper Teresa, here we are safe 
 Let us talk.' 
 
 He clasped Briihl's knee. 
 
 Briihl bent to the Jesuit's ear. 
 
 ' Lichtenstein has the plan ; go with him to 
 Vienna.' 
 
 * Va bene,' said Guarini. ' I prepared the Queen. 
 I am certain that Sulkowski threatens that he will 
 drive us from the court, that he will separate the 
 Kiag from the Queen, and that he will give him 
 somebody else.' 
 
 The Jesuit laughed and shrugged his shoulders. 
 ' He thought of it a little too late ! ' 
 Briihl's face became gloomy. 
 
Count Briihl 215 
 
 ' One must know how to act with the King,' said 
 Guarini. ' It is not his fault that he inherited his 
 father's passions and that he must fight against them. 
 The Bible calls it visiting the sins of the fathers 
 upon the children. The Great Augustus in giving 
 him life gave him also a passionate disposition. He 
 will not be able to control it, therefore we must at 
 least guard it from scandal, shield his sins and make 
 them secret, and not allow them to be suspected. If 
 we required from him absolute purit}^ of life, there 
 would be outbursts of this passion. Cosa fatta eapo 
 ha. What is done is well done. Sulkowski calculated 
 badly, poor thing ; the place is taken, the transaction 
 is closed and although the King loves him he will 
 not betray his secret to him. We are the masters of 
 the situation ; and I rejoice, &r I know that I save a 
 soul — the sin I take on myself.' 
 
 They began to whisper. 
 
 'Sulkowski,' said Briihl, 'is wearied; the King 
 made him a general, and he cannot become famous 
 by knightly deeds during the peace. He mentioned 
 that he would like to make a military excursion on 
 the Rhine or into Hungary. Did the King himself 
 suggest that idea to him ? During that time — ' 
 
 Guarini muttered that he understood and approved 
 the idea. 
 
 ' I will tell the King that Sulkowski needs rest, 
 and everything shall be done.' 
 
 The Italian made some quick gestures like a 
 magician's pass before Briihl's eyes, rose and 
 continued : 
 
 'Go to the King, applaud Faustina in order to 
 please him ; do not prevent Sulkowski from being 
 near the King. I have good reason to believe that 
 
216 Count Briihl 
 
 lie is going to criticise the singer ; the King will be 
 annoyed, and it will be useful.' 
 
 He laughed, made a movement with his head, 
 opened the door, and having stepped out into 
 the dark labyrinth of passages behind the stage, 
 disappeared. 
 
 Briihl presently appeared in the King's box. 
 
 The opera house was profusely illuminated. The 
 court, as splendid as in Augustus II's time, was 
 gathered there. The Polish nobles, clad in their rich 
 national costumes, shining with precious stones, 
 occupied the first places. The King looked towards 
 them with a friendly smile. Among the ladies one 
 could see the most brilliant stars of the court ; the 
 richly dressed Countess Moszynski, proud Frau 
 Briihl, quiet Countess Sulkowski, the wives of the 
 envoys, the Queen's ladies-in-waiting, everybody who 
 had access to the court. 
 
 The King turned towards the stage every time the 
 beautiful Faustina came upon it, and listening to her 
 voice, closed his eyes as if he dreamed of angels. 
 Sometimes he would applaud la diva, and then 
 everybody clapped their hands. 
 
 The King very seldom looked towards the beautiful 
 ladies and when he did glance their way, his eyes 
 immediately returned to Faustina. 
 
 His admiration for her was justified by her voice. 
 
 Frau Briihl, luxuriously dressed, was sitting 
 opposite the King, looking thoughtful. Her great 
 challenging beauty attracted everyone's attention ; 
 the King alone remained unconscious of it, or did 
 not wish to see her, and had not Augustus HI been a 
 simple-minded man, one might have suspected that he 
 wished to hide something. 
 
Count Briihl 217 
 
 Beside Frau Briihl, sat, modestly dressed, the 
 Countess Sulkowski, formerly the Queen's lady-in- 
 waiting, nee von Stein Jettigen. Her beautiful face 
 had not the irresistible charm so attractive in Frau 
 Briihl. With the Countess Sulkowski was a young 
 girl. Nobody knew her. But being with the 
 Countess as well as by her face and dress, one could 
 guess that she belonged to a distinguished family. 
 
 The beautiful women of those times, more than 
 any other, were remarkable for their ample, round 
 figures. Small and frail girls found no admirers. 
 Those famous favourites of Augustus II's were almost 
 all bold riders, fond of hunting, of rifles and horses, 
 looking like silvan goddesses, not frightened to meet 
 a wild beast. 
 
 The unknown young girl, sitting with the Countess 
 Sulkowski, was one of those beauties and looked like 
 a flower blossoming on a strong stem. Pink and 
 white, built like Diana, black-eyed and black-haired, 
 she looked about her boldly and proudly. But in 
 that daring manner there was yet a childlike 
 innocence of any experience of the world. Her eyes 
 looked at everything with childlike enthusiasm and 
 boldness. 
 
 A black dress with some scarlet ribbons and a few 
 jewels enhanced her wonderful beauty ; all eyes were 
 turned inquisitively towards her, and their owners 
 asked feverishly : 
 
 ' Who is she ? ' 
 
 Frau Briihl also looked at her neighbour. 
 
 The Countess Moszynski did not take her eyes off 
 her, and the young men went in search of the Countess 
 Sulkowski' s servants in order to learn something from 
 them ; but they learned nothing more than that the 
 
218 Count Briihl 
 
 young lady was the Countess' relation, and that she 
 came from Vienna. 
 
 In the meanwhile Sulkowski, having noticed that 
 Briihl went to his wife, bent to the King's ear and 
 whispered : 
 
 'Your Majesty, works of art are worthy of admira- 
 tion, but the work of the Creator also deserves atten- 
 tion. Athough the Countess Stein is my wife's 
 relation, I venture to draw your Majesty's attention 
 to her extraordinary beauty. Neither Titian nor 
 Paul Veronese ever created anything like her.' 
 
 On hearing this, the King turned, as though 
 frightened, to his minister, looked at him reproach- 
 fully and in surprise, and plunged into further 
 admiration of Faustina's voice and charms. Sul- 
 kowski withdrew. He knew the King so well that 
 he was certain that, struggle with himself as he might, 
 he would play the same comedy as he did with 
 Titian's Venus. He was right in his supposition. 
 The King with great caution, pretending that he 
 looked elsewhere, directed his eyes to the beautiful 
 Countess Stein. Then as though alarmed by her 
 loveliness, he turned his eyes back to the stage. Some 
 time elapsed and the King looked again at her. 
 Augustus ni's head still turned towards the stage, 
 but his half-closed eyes gazed on that shining 
 star. 
 
 As he looked round the King's eyes met Frau 
 Bruhl's, whose white finger lay against her little 
 nose as if she were threatening him. 
 
 At that moment the King began to clap his Hands 
 applauding the singer, and everybody followed his 
 example. A keen observer would have seen how 
 Faustina frowned at the King; how Frau Briihl 
 
Count Briihl 219 
 
 looked at him impatiently, how Moszynski eyed her 
 husband, and how Briihl smiled maliciously. 
 
 At last the grand finale resounded with the power 
 of all the voices ; the opera was ended. The ladies 
 rose and with them the beautiful Countess Stein, 
 the star of that evening ; her graceful figure appeared 
 then in all its splendour. The King dared not look 
 again in her direction. 
 
 The court, after supper, retired before midnight. 
 Briihl having received the King's orders went home ; 
 Sulkowski remained. Frosch and Horch slept in 
 the corners. Augustus III donned a robe de eliamhr^e 
 and smoked a pipe in his own apartment, for the 
 smell of tobacco was forbidden in the rooms which 
 he shared in common with the Queen. All those 
 who smoked had separate rooms for the purpose ; 
 the ladies, feeling an aversion to the fumes, would 
 not suffer smoking in theirs. 
 
 ' I don't know ' Sulkowski said, ' whether your 
 Majesty deigned to look at Adelaida Stein, but I 
 venture to insist that she is unusually beautiful. 
 If our lord the King, Augustus the Strong, of blessed 
 memory, were alive, I am sure he would admire her 
 extremely.' 
 
 The King turned, looked at Sulkowski, but said 
 not a word. Sulkowski laughed, took the King's 
 hand and kissed it. 
 
 *I am your Majesty's old servant,' continued he, 
 ' and I admire my lord's virtue. Your Majesty lives 
 like a model nobleman, although kings have some 
 privileges. During the performance to-day I noticed 
 with what admiration the women looked towards 
 your Majest3\ Adelaida Stein told my wife that she 
 never saw a better-looking man than your Majesty.' 
 
220 Count BrUhl 
 
 He became silent. The King played with his 
 china pipe and did not look at him, pretending that 
 he heard not the tempter. 
 
 ' Faustina sang like a nightingale,' said the King, 
 changing the drift of the conversation. 
 
 * But Faustina looks well only on the stage. If 
 I am not mistaken she is nearly forty and Italian 
 women grow old quickly ; Adelaida Stein is lovely.' 
 
 Augustus III, instead of answering, shrugged his 
 shoulders. 
 
 ' May it be permitted me to express my admiration ? 
 Your Majesty might be a saint, and yet not a happy 
 man. The court is not a monastery.' 
 
 Augustus III listened, looking at the ceiling. 
 
 * Would your Majesty permit my wife to present 
 her relation at court ? ' asked Sulkowski not abashed 
 at the King's silence. 
 
 'Ask the Queen,' impatiently said the King. 
 
 ' Adelaida Stein is an orphan : her only relation 
 is my wife. We should like to do something for 
 her future. If she were to win your Majesty's 
 favour, here in the court, she might find a husband, 
 and I know that she would like to stay here.' 
 
 Again he was silent, waiting for a word in reply. 
 The King's reticence led him into an error : he 
 thought he must be more explicit. Therefore he 
 continued : 
 
 ' If your Majesty should care for Adelaida Stein, 
 nobody would guess your fancy.' 
 
 He looked at the King, whose face grew pale, his 
 hands trembled and his eyes fell. Sulkowski 
 became frightened and ceased speaking. Augustus 
 III rose. 
 
 * Sulkowski/ he said in a suppressed voice. ' I 
 
Count Briihl 221 
 
 do not wish to be angry with yoM — but you forget 
 yourself.* 
 
 He paced up and down, his face flushed ; evidently 
 he was struggling with himself, trying to prevent 
 his anger from bursting forth. 
 
 Never had his favourite seen him so angry with 
 him. He was alarmed and kneeling on one knee 
 put out his hand for the King's hand. Augustus III 
 hesitated, but at length he gave it to him. 
 
 ' Not a word more ; everything is forgotten. Stein 
 must leave Dresden at once.' 
 
 Thus saying, he turned away. 
 
 'To-morrow,' the King said after a moment of 
 silence, ' send hounds and huntsmen to Hubertsburg. 
 I have not hunted for a long time. Briihl and you 
 shall come with me — the Queen also. I wish to 
 hunt for three days. First day reindeer, the second 
 par force, the third woodcock.' 
 
 Sulkowski bowed. 
 
 ' I shall give orders at once.' 
 
 *Yes, have everything ready — we start in the 
 morning.' 
 
 And having dismissed Sulkowski with a nod of 
 his head, Augustus directed his steps towards the 
 Queen's apartment. The minister followed him, 
 and silently asked for the King's hand. Augustus 
 III seemed to have already forgotten all that had 
 happened, gave it willingly, and smiled as carelessly 
 and cordially as usual. 
 
 The next and the following days they hunted in 
 Hubertsburg and the forests by which it was 
 surrounded. The King was in a good humour, 
 which was the case every time the hunt was 
 successful. Briihl and Sulkowski accompanied him 
 
222 Count BrtiHl 
 
 The first day the Queen mentioned that she had 
 heard from Padre Guarini, who loved Sulkowski, 
 that the Count would like* to make a military 
 excursion on the Rhine and into Hungary. It was 
 attributed to his desire to get military experience 
 in order to be better able to serve Saxony. The 
 King listened to his consort and shook his head. 
 
 ' He is already a good general,' he said, ' I cannot 
 get along without him.' 
 
 The Queen did not insist. The third day they 
 returned to Dresden and the same day the King 
 ordered arrangements to be made for target practice 
 in the courtyard of the castle. His usual companions 
 tried their skill against his, but Briihl, although he 
 shot well, took great care not to shoot better than the 
 King. 
 
 Having rested for one day, the King went to hunt 
 in Klappendorf . The following day he hunted rein- 
 deer in Grossenhayn, then in Stanchitz, and passed 
 the night in Moritzburg. 
 
 Then he returned to Dresden, for Faustina was going 
 to sing. The ladies occupied the same places ; 
 Augustus ni looked at Faustina alone. Only when 
 he perceived General Bandissin turning towards him, 
 did he look round. 
 
 Countess Sulkowski occupied her box by herself. 
 The King breathed more freely. He made some 
 remark to the General and when the singing began, 
 turning his eyes towards the stage, he glanced at 
 Frau Briihl, who, sad and thoughtful and more 
 beautiful than ever, was looking with contempt as 
 if the whole world was a matter of indifference to her. 
 
CHAPTER XV 
 
 The King*s birthday, the seventh of October, was 
 celebrated at Hubertsburg Castle. Augustus III 
 was very strict about maintaining the etiquette of 
 the court, introduced by the Queen. The whole 
 court was gorgeously dressed at eight o'clock in the 
 morning, waiting in the large hall for the King, 
 whose custom it was at this hour to attend Mass. 
 All the men wore orange-yellow uniforms, but as 
 they were going to hunt immediately after breakfast, 
 they wore jack-boots. Emerging from the chapel, 
 the King and Queen, and everybody from the court 
 who wished to please them, repaired to the so-called 
 Rubenstein Cross. From there the hunt started, and 
 the King rode after reindeer which had been brought 
 to the spot for the purpose. Sulkowski, Briihl, the old 
 General Bandissin and all the men belonging to the 
 court accompanied the King, who was in an excellent 
 humour. In the morning the Queen had prepared 
 a surprise and presented him with her own portrait 
 painted by herself. Having kissed the hand of the 
 august artist, the King ordered the precious picture 
 to be hung in his room. Sulkowski brought 
 from Giustinian's in Venice a very beautiful picture 
 by Palma Veccio, and deposited it at the King's 
 feet. Briihl brought him a picture painted by 
 Rembrandt. Pictures always pleased the King welL 
 Those which he liked, he would order to be hung 
 in his room and would gaze at them in silence, and 
 only when tired of looking at them would he order 
 them to be hung in the new gallery* 
 
224 Count Briihl 
 
 Tliey killed three reindeer that day and the King 
 became still more good-humoured, he did not speak 
 more, but he smiled, winked his eyes, raised his 
 head, and his face beamed with satisfaction. He 
 smiled several times to Sulkowski, as if wishing 
 to smooth over any impression that he was still 
 angry after that unfortunate evening. 
 
 The hunt was over early and they went to Huberts- 
 burg, where dinner awaited them. During the hunt 
 the Queen was present, and although her gloomy face 
 betrayed that she was tired, she made an effort to 
 smile and be agreeable to everybody. Even Sulkowski 
 got a few kind words from her. 
 
 As soon as dinner was over they started for Dresden, 
 where an opera, three ballets between the acts, the 
 smiles of Faustina and a cantata composed by Hasse 
 specially for the day, awaited the King. At five 
 o'clock, the curtain rose in the theatre, lighted mag- 
 nificently and filled with the court beautifully dressed, 
 and Faustina, dressed more carefully than ever, came 
 forth staring at the King's box. 
 
 The new King was beaming with joy, quite happy 
 because his life flowed smoothly, not disturbed by any- 
 thing. He never asked the Fates for more, neither 
 for fame, nor conquests ; all he cared for was perfect 
 quiet, during which he could eat, laughing at Frosch 
 and Horch, then smoke a pipe,4ook at good pictures, 
 listen to Padre Guarini's chatter, enjo}^ Faustina's 
 singing and go to bed, with no misgivings for the 
 next day. 
 
 In his quiet life there was however a dark secret. 
 No one knew the King better than Sulkowski, but 
 even from him was hidden one of the corners of his 
 character, in which was hiding a passion ashamed to 
 show itself to the world and the people. 
 
Count Briihl 225 
 
 Father Guarini alone, as a confessor, knew how 
 strong that passion was, and he alone could entirely 
 subdue the King. Following his directions Briihl 
 as sistedby his mother-in-law and his wife took the 
 impregnable stronghold and was master of it before 
 Sulkowski made the attempt. When he took that 
 unfortunate step it was already too late. The place 
 was taken, another was already in possession, even 
 his best friend Briihl, who pretended that he knew 
 nothing and that he did not wish to know anything, 
 never betraying the secret even by the slightest 
 allusion, and was more powerful than Sulkowski who 
 never even suspected that there could be anyone more 
 essential to the King than himself. 
 
 After the attempt with Adelaida Stein, he felt still 
 stronger, thinking that his failure was the best proof 
 that no one could dominate the King by means of a 
 woman. While he felt so assured he stood on the 
 edge of a precipice which he did not see. 
 
 Faustina made a great effort that day and sang 
 marvellously. The King raising his eyes was in 
 ecstasies. It seemed that he was looking only at her, 
 although a sharp eye could have detected that from 
 time to time he glanced towards Briihl 's wife. 
 
 Frau Briihl was charming that day. Everybody 
 was astounded that Briihl could afford to pay for all 
 the luxury with which she was surrounded. Frau 
 Briihl evidently wished to be the greatest beauty 
 of that evening and she had put on a gold and white 
 dress in which she looked like a virgin. A very 
 becoming head-dress, with a stream of diamonds, 
 white lace on satin, diamond earrings, that shone like 
 two big stars, made her the queen of the evening. 
 
 The Countess Moszynski with her severely beauti- 
 ful features, reminding many of Cosel, was beautiful 
 P 
 
226 Count Briihl 
 
 but in no way did she rival Frau Briihl. All eyes 
 looked at her, she did not look at anybody. Leaning 
 on one arm, she turned towards the stage, but her 
 eyes fixed on one spot were sad. 
 
 Briihl was envied, at which he smiled. Dressed 
 as gorgeously as his wife, looking fresh and young, 
 he seemed rather to be a dissipated lazy man, than 
 the most hard-working of ministers to whom the fate 
 of the state was entrusted. 
 
 After the first act, a French ballet followed, con- 
 ducted by Monsieur Favier, with the famous solo 
 dancer Desmoyers, Mademoiselles Rottier and Vauria- 
 ville, who were dressed as ideal peasants. 
 
 After the opera the elite of the court were invited 
 to a supper, as was the custom in the time of 
 Augustus the Strong. 
 
 The enormous hall of the castle was illuminated*with 
 thousands of candles ; the table was set for eighty 
 people ; there was a separate table for the King and 
 Queen. According to the etiquette of the Austrian 
 court only cardinals were invited to the King's table. 
 
 The King was in an excellent humour that night ; 
 the Queen was gloomy, uneasy, and sad as usual. 
 The beautiful women, who softened her cold and 
 majestic bearing by their charms, saddened and 
 irritated her, although the King gave her no reason 
 to be jealous : on the contrary he was most attentive 
 to his consort and did not gaze at any of the ladies 
 present. 
 
 The supper was served very ceremoniously. The 
 dishes were brought in with great pomp, and every 
 toast was announced by trumpet and drums. After 
 ten o'clock all left the table in excellent humour ; the 
 King accompanied by S\ilkowski and Briihl went to 
 his apartment. Passing the row of ladies Augustus 
 
Count Briihl 227 
 
 III affected not to see any of tliem, but when lie 
 passed Briihl's wife he exchanged with her a signifi- 
 cant look. 
 
 Sulkowski did not see anything, neither did he 
 guess anything. Taking advantage of the King's 
 good humour he decided to speak to him confidentially 
 and try to overthrow Briihl. Augustus was equally 
 kind to them both. 
 
 They entered the room where the lackej^s were in 
 readiness to undress the King and to give him his 
 much-preferred rohe de eliamhre. Both ministers 
 waited till the lackeys were dismissed, when Sulkow- 
 ski whispered something to the King, smiled and 
 pointed to Briihl. The minister noticed the move- 
 ment and came near ; Sulkowski began to whisper to 
 him. It was evident that Briihl did not like what he 
 said, he looked at the King, hesitated a little as though 
 he regretted leaving them together, then he bowed 
 submissively and left the room. 
 
 When the door was closed, Augustus III smiled 
 and sitting in a chair, said laconically as was his 
 custom : 
 
 ' There are only you and Briihl.' 
 
 Sulkowski did not like the sound of the rival name, 
 but he was obliged to put up with it. 
 
 The pictures presented to the King that day stood 
 before him, and he looked at them with evident delight. 
 Sulkowski tried to guess the King's thoughts. 
 
 * Yes,' said he after a while, ' Briihl is excellent for 
 many reasons ; he is modest, intelligent, never 
 contradicts me. I do what I please with -him. I 
 am very satisfied with him.' 
 
 The King only nodded. Perhaps it may have 
 seemed to him strange that Sulkowski should speak in 
 that patronising way about Briihl, but he did not showit 
 
228 Count Briihl 
 
 The minister walked to and fro as if he were in his 
 own room. 
 
 ' I have not the slightest reason, as I said,' continued 
 Sulkowski, * to be dissatisfied with Briihl ; he is 
 intelligent and capable, but has some faults — ' 
 
 The King looked at him sharply ; Sulkowski 
 finished imperturbably. 
 
 ' He is a spendthrift, he will cost us too much/ 
 
 Having said this the Count stopped before the 
 King, as if waiting for some reply. The King cleared 
 his throat, raised his eyes and was silent. 
 
 * He is a good man — ' he whispered at length, see- 
 ing that the Count waited for his answer. 
 
 He finished by stroking the arm of his chair and 
 looking at the pictures. 
 
 ' If my gracious lord will permit me to express my 
 thoughts — ' Sulkowski continued. 
 
 Augustus nodded affirmatively. The minister bent 
 a little and said in a whisper : 
 
 * Not now, for we need Briihl, but later on we could 
 get along with small officials and thus save a great 
 deal of money, foi it would be very difficult to teach 
 him economy. Athough I fear no rivalry, because I 
 am sure of the heart of my gracious lord, why should 
 we make Briihl unhappy by letting his ambition 
 grow? The Emperor would give the Kolowraths 
 some estate in Bohemia, if your Majesty were to ask 
 him. They could not retire there — ' 
 
 Sulkowski looked to see what impression his sug- 
 gestion had on the King, but he was gazing so 
 intently at the pictures that he seemed not to hear. 
 
 The Count added — ' Later, later ! ' but Augustus 
 glancing at him replied neither in the negative nor 
 affirmative and got rid of him by silence. 
 
 After a time he rose to look at the pictures, walked 
 
Count Briihl 229 
 
 several times across the room and yawned, which was 
 the sign that he wished to retire. Sulkowski, not at 
 all satisfied with the result of his proposal, kissed the 
 King's hand and left the room. 
 
 While this was going on in the castle, Briihl, sent 
 away on some pretext, gave orders that he was to be 
 carried home. In front of him there was another 
 porte-chaise which he recognised as his wife's. They 
 both alighted almost at the same moment. Briihl, 
 who seldom met his wife, offered her his arm. She 
 was about to refuse it but upon reflection accepted 
 it, smiling ironically, and not saying a word she went 
 upstairs with him. 
 
 On the stairs Briihl did not speak, but when they 
 reached the first floor, although the lady wished to 
 withdraw her arm, he did not allow her to do so and 
 escorted her to her apartment. They found them- 
 selves again in the same room in which the first night 
 after their wedding they held that interesting 
 conversation. 
 
 From that moment they had met only for a moment 
 and in the presence of witnesses. In the mornings 
 the mother would be with her daughter, would take 
 her to her house and keep her there under some 
 .pretext. 
 
 Briihl's duty was only to satisfy all his wife's 
 fancies, which he already willingly performed ; for 
 the rest they lived as strangers, meeting only when 
 obliged, and getting as little in each other's way as 
 possible. Briihl was patient and polite. Sometimes 
 he would meet his wife's inquisitive glance which she 
 withdrew as soon as he noticed it. 
 
 Frances changed a great deal : she grew still bolder 
 and more fanciful, she learned how to command her 
 household, and required that her will should be 
 
230 Count Briihl 
 
 obeyed in the twinkling of an eye : sometimes she 
 was unnaturally merry, sometimes mercilessly ironical, 
 sometimes coquettish with strangers, so much so as 
 even to arouse jealousy in such an indifferent husband 
 as Briihl seemed to be ; she grew more beautiful 
 every day. Although he was in love with the 
 Countess Moszynski and although it was suspected 
 that he had relations with Abbuzzi, being yet a 
 young man he could not be indifferent to his wife's 
 charms, which seemed to mock his passionate 
 looks. 
 
 When they entered the dressing room Frau Briihl 
 withdrew her arm and, going to the dressing table, 
 put down her gloves. She expected that her husband 
 would leave her and was surprised to see him standing 
 between a table and a chair. 
 
 Her look seemed to say : ' You are still here ? * 
 Briihl's enigmatical smile seemed to answer : ' Yes, 
 madam, I am waiting.' 
 
 ' Have you anything to tell me ? ' asked she. 
 
 ' Will you not permit me to sit down and rest, and 
 look on your beauty ? ' 
 
 Frances turned and laughed, shrugging her white 
 shoulders ; then she turned again towards the mirror 
 not without a certain coquettish movement, which 
 Briihl noticed. 
 
 ' Will you not agree that my position is a very 
 peculiar one ? ' 
 
 ' Mine is also peculiar ; but neither you nor I need 
 be surprised at that.' 
 
 ' You made me hope, that sometimes — you might 
 have a fancy even for your husband.' 
 
 * Yes ! It may be that I said that, I do not 
 remember,' she answered carelessly, ' but it is certain 
 that I have not that fancy yet. Go and play cards 
 
Count Briihl 231 
 
 with Moszynski or amuse yourself with Abbuzzi, and 
 let me alone. You worry me.' 
 
 ' I ask you only for a moment's conversation.' 
 
 * Let us talk then but about something else.' 
 ' About the King ? ' said Briihl. 
 
 ' I do not know if that will be permitted,' answered 
 Frances laughing. 
 
 * Between ourselves — we have no sentiments, only 
 a common interest.' 
 
 * You are right ; then ? ' 
 
 ' How is the King disposed towards Sulkowski ? 
 asked Briihl. 
 
 There was a long silence. Could one have 
 seen within the woman's heart, one would have 
 noticed that the question hurt her. She knew 
 that [this man did not care much for her, and 
 because of some strange caprice she wanted to 
 please him, in order to enjoy tormenting him. An 
 indifferent question hurt her but she did not betray it. 
 
 * Ah ! ' she exclaimed. ' You wish me to be sincere ? 
 Sulkowski, you and even the King, you worry me 
 horribly ! What do I care about your ambitions and 
 your quarrels ? I wish to enjoy life ! The King is 
 a doll without life ! ' 
 
 * For God's sake ! ' exclaimed Briihl, wringing his 
 hands. 
 
 ' Nobody is listening to us,' said she indifferently. 
 ' You told me to amuse myself with the doll, or rather 
 you gave me to understand that he might play with 
 me, but you can't expect me to be in love with him. 
 You know the King best. Good-looking, kind, in- 
 capable of anything doubtful, passionate without 
 sentiment, attached without courage to show it, pious 
 and superstitious, lascivious, timid, thoughtless, 
 tiresome — dreadfully so.' 
 
232 Count Briihl 
 
 'Madam,' Briihl cried, *were all that true you 
 should not say it, and I should not listen to it.' 
 
 * Then let us yawn,' the woman answered and she 
 opened her mouth: then she threw herself on the 
 sofa as if she were tired, her head hanging do^oi, 
 her arms fallen along her body ; in that melancholy 
 and coquettish position she was charming. Briihl 
 looked and sighed. 
 
 * You asked me about Sulkowski,' said Frances slowly. 
 The minister nodded. 
 
 * Who can guess what that doll the King thinks ? 
 Has he a heart ? Is he capable of love ? Can he 
 love anybody sufficiently to become attached ? He is 
 fond of Sulkowski as he is of his two fools, I know 
 nothing more.' 
 
 ' But if we are to rule, I through you,' said Briihl, 
 * we must get rid of him.' 
 
 * And send him to Kbni^stein as you did Watzdorf ? ' 
 the woman rejoined frowning. 
 
 The name fell as a stone between them ; the 
 minister grew confused. 
 
 *I give you my word, that it was not I, but 
 Sulkowski, who sent Watzdorf to Konigstein.' 
 
 * The word of a diplomatist ? ' 
 
 ' No, of an honest man,' said Briihl, putting his 
 hand on his breast. ' You could not say that I got 
 rid of him on account of jealousy. Till now I have 
 had no right to be jealous — ' 
 
 * What do you mean by till now ? Do you expect 
 to have the right ? ' 
 
 'It seems to me,' said Briihl gallantly, 'if not to- 
 day then to-morrow you may tire of this, who knows ? 
 Perchance you might deign to look at your servant.' 
 
 * It seems to me that jou will have to wait a long 
 time for that,' the woman whispered. 
 
Count Briihl 233 
 
 'I shall be patient,' said BriiliL 
 
 ' Croyez et huvez de Veau^'' rejoined the woman. 
 
 Briihl shivered but said coolly : 
 
 ' You ought to help me to overthrow Sulkowski.' 
 
 'Yes, mother told me the same, implying that 
 he might introduce Adelaida Stein or some other 
 woman to the King. What do I care for that ? ' 
 
 * But are you not fond of diamonds, dresses, luxury, 
 high living ? ' Briihl asked. 
 
 They looked into each other's eyes. 
 
 'Very well then,' she said, 'we shall overthrow 
 Sulkowski, it will be a revenge for Watzdorf ; it will 
 be a distraction. We shall overthrow that boaster.' 
 
 ' But you must act carefully, slowly, you must — ' 
 
 He wanted to explain to her at length, when 
 Frances rose, as if lacking in patience. 
 
 ' You think I need some instruction ? ' she said 
 laughing. 'And what am I a woman for? You 
 think it necessary to teach me cunning, how to pour 
 the poison by drops, how to whisper traitorous 
 words ? How to answer suspicions with a double- 
 meaning word ? Ah ! my dear sir, I was brought 
 up at court. I looked at you ministers, my mother 
 was my teacher, who, while still in the cradle, taught 
 me how to lie, how to love falsehood ! ' 
 
 And she laughed strangely, almost desperately. 
 
 ' Be assured, I shall overthrow him, and when I 
 choose, you also — ' 
 
 Suddenly she became silent, she put a handkerchief 
 to her eyes, and went slowly to her chamber. She 
 locked the door behind her ; Briihl remained alone. 
 
CHAPTER XYI 
 
 'In a narrow street near the wall of the old city, not 
 far from the river Elbe, stood a small house in a 
 garden surrounded with a wall. One could easily 
 see that it had been recently erected, and care had 
 been taken to make it handsomer than the other 
 houses. On the walls the architect had suspended 
 stone flowers, round the windows were placed 
 ornaments, graceful curves took the place of straight 
 lines, thus making the building very fantastic. 
 
 On the gate stood two vases brought from Italy in 
 order to remind one of that country. On one side of 
 the house a verandah also reminded one of the Italian 
 pergole. The front of the house turned towards 
 the river Elbe. Young trees already gave some 
 shadow, and two old linden trees, which remained 
 from byegone times, spread their branches widely. 
 
 One autumn evening a woman was sitting on the 
 balcony. She was the personification of wistful 
 longing. She was young, beautiful, but sad as 
 night ; her black eyebrows were contracted, in her 
 dark eyes shone tears ; she put her elbows on her 
 knees, leaned her head on her hands, and looked into 
 the distance. 
 
 It was easy to recognise in her an Italian, for such 
 a beautiful form nature grants only to her elect 
 children, growing in air filled with the scent of 
 orange blossoms. On the half-open red lips, between 
 which could be seen her white teeth, there lingered 
 a song. Her thoughts interrupted it, the voice 
 
Count Briihl 235 
 
 stopped, and after a while flowed on again like a 
 dream, then died away in silence, changing into a sigh. 
 
 She was alone, her thoughts concentrated on her- 
 self, turned into stone by longing, wearied of life. 
 The song flowed from habit, the tears flowed from 
 the heart. 
 
 Dressed as if she were in her own country, she 
 could dream about the warm Italian autumn, for the 
 day was warm. She wore a light dress, slipping 
 from her shoulders, her black hair was loose, her 
 arms were bare. It was difficult to guess her age — 
 the first years of youth had hardly passed and it 
 was followed by those in which one longs after youth 
 and looks forward to the future, though fearing the 
 latter in the meanwhile. Her eyes were already 
 familiar with tears and the mouth seemed no more 
 to yearn after kisses, for she was already familiar 
 with their sweetness. Her body was near the dreary 
 river Elbe under the sky of the North, but her 
 thoughts were far beyond the mountains and seas. 
 
 To the left the sun was setting in an orange-yellow 
 sky and she turned her eyes in that direction. Just 
 then steps were heard in the narrow street. The 
 dreamy woman heard them and awoke from her 
 dreams. She became frightened and listened. 
 Someone knocked at the gate. Afraid, she wrapped 
 herself in her gown, gathered up her dishevelled 
 hair and disappeared into the house. 
 
 Another knock was heard at the gate. An old 
 grey-haired man, wearing only a shirt and a cotton 
 cape opened the door and looked out. At the gate 
 stood a good-looking man, who, without asking per- 
 mission, walked through. The old man muttered 
 something, closed the door and followed him. 
 
 The new-comer asked the old man in Italian 
 
236 Count Briihl 
 
 whether Teresa was at home and received from him 
 an answer in the affirmative. He went quickly 
 towards the house, the door of which stood open. The 
 entrance hall was empty ; he went upstairs and 
 knocked at the door; an old, poorly dressed woman 
 opened it and let him in. 
 
 The guest entered and found only the stool upon 
 which the Italian was sitting a short time ago. The 
 door leading to the balcony was open. The view 
 from here was so charming that he stopped, looked 
 at it and grew meditative. 
 
 The rustling of a dress was heard behind him, and 
 the same woman whom we saw on the balcony 
 advanced slowly. She now wore a voluminous black 
 dress and her hair was negligently tied. Her face 
 bore the same expression of weariness. 
 
 She nodded as her guest turned to greet her. 
 They spoke in Italian. 
 
 * What is the matter with you ? ' the stranger asked. 
 *I am not well! I am dying from longing,' 
 
 answered the Italian sadly. * I cannot live here ! ' 
 ' Where does such despair come from ? ' 
 ' From the air ! ' the woman cried, throwing herself 
 
 on a sofa. 
 
 The man sat opposite her on a chair. 
 
 * From the air ! ' she repeated, * I cannot breathe 
 here ! I cannot live here ! I must die here ! ' 
 
 ' But what is the matter ? ' 
 
 * You see ' 
 
 * Then again that longing ? ' 
 
 * It has never left me.' 
 
 *I am sure Faustina has done something again,' 
 said the visitor. It was Briihl, as one could guess. 
 
 ' Faustina ? ' she said looking at him angrily. 
 ' You think and talk only of her ! ' 
 
Count Briih] 
 
 237 
 
 * Why do you not eclipse Faustina ? Why do you 
 not try to please the King ? She is older * 
 
 * She is a witch as old as the world — ■' interrupted 
 Teresa. * An abominable comedian. But with that 
 King ■ 
 
 * Pray, speak with respect about him ! ' 
 Teresa's mouth twitched. 
 
 * I will give you some advice,' said Briihl, * when 
 you sing, always turn towards the King, look at him, 
 smile to him, be coquettish. If he applaud you, you 
 are first.' 
 
 ' But in the meanwhile that old Faustina is first. 
 The King is ruled by habit, and has no taste. She 
 has a coarse voice and grey hair. But it does not 
 matter, she is a diva, and we eompars I ' 
 
 ' Teresa, listen,' said Briihl, ' do not despair, it 
 shall be changed, Faustina shall return home, you 
 shall remain.' 
 
 * I would prefer the contrary,' Teresa muttered. 
 
 ^I have not time to-day to talk that matter over 
 with you,' said Briihl. *At any minute I expect 
 Padre Guarini to rap at the door. Tell old Beppo 
 to let him in. I could not see him elsewhere and I 
 told him to come here. Give him something sweet, 
 but not your lips which are the sweetest, and leave 
 us alone.' 
 
 Teresa listened with indifference ; then as though 
 forced to obey, she rose and moved slowly towards the 
 door calling her old woman, to whom she whispered 
 a few words. Briihl paced up and down the room. 
 
 Teresa turned, looked at him and went to the 
 sofa, but a muffled knock at the door forced her to 
 rise again to welcome the Jesuit. 
 
 A swift step was heard on the stairs and the long 
 iaee of the Padre, smiling kindly, appeared in the 
 
238 Count Brtihl 
 
 doorway. He noticed Teresa as she put in order the 
 things scattered about the room. 
 
 ' Let that be,' he exclaimed. ' I am not a guest, 
 but one of the family. I feel so happy to be with 
 my countrymen.' 
 
 Briihl came over to Quarini. 
 
 * What news ? ' he asked. ' Is he going away ? ' 
 
 ' Yes,' said the Padre laughing. * The King himself 
 told him to go and rest after working so hard. Do 
 you understand? Very cleverly done. I never 
 expected the Queen to be so cunning. She said to 
 the King, " I know that you will be longing after 
 Sulkowski, that we shall not be able to find a 
 substitute for him, but he is killing himself with 
 hard work. He is made for the active life of a 
 soldier, let him go and smell some powder, and 
 return refreshed." The King kissed her hand, 
 thanking her for her sympathy for his favourite, 
 and he said : "I shall tell Sulkowski to-day to go 
 and travel, and pay his expenses." We must not 
 stint the money ! Let him go ! Let him go ! ' 
 exclaimed Guarini. 
 
 Briihl accompanied him. 
 
 ' Let him go ! ' 
 
 ^He shall stay a few months,' the Padre con- 
 tinued, 'we shall have plenty of time in which to 
 prepare the King's mind to dismiss him.' 
 
 Briihl's face brightened. 
 
 ' During that time you know what you have to 
 do,' added Guarini. ' You must not act against him ; 
 that would be dangerous. Leave that to me and 
 the Queen. Sulkowski hurt many by his pride ; 
 as soon as they realise that his good luck may 
 forsake him, they will help us. You must remain 
 his friend till the end.' 
 
Count Briihl 239 
 
 ' That was my idea also,' said Briihl, * even t shall 
 p;'otest against his departure, arguing that I shall 
 not be able to do everything without Sulkowski/ 
 
 'Very well,' said Guarini. ^ Al 7iemico il ponte 
 d'oro chi fuge — when the King asks for money, give 
 it lavishly.' 
 
 ' Even to the last thaler,' said Briihl, rubbing his 
 hands ; then recollecting that he must show his 
 gratitude, he kissed the priest's hand. 
 
 ' Lontano dagli oceJii^ lontano dot cuore,^ muttered 
 'the Padre. ' Tlie King will get accustomed to you.' 
 
 They both walked to and fro, the Padre was 
 pondering. 
 
 'He leaves his wife, she will communicate with 
 him,' he said quietly. 
 
 ' We must have some people round her.' 
 
 ' One would do,' said Guarini, ' but it seems that 
 she is not so easy to deal with, and it is difficult 
 to find a man for such a function.' 
 
 They began to whisper. 
 
 'Agoceia agoecia si cavala'pietra — ' added the Padre 
 
 Teresa entered from the other room ; she was 
 better dressed out of respect to the priest ; she 
 brought some fruit which she placed on the table. 
 
 The priest clapped her on the shoulder in the 
 Italian fashion, she kissed his hand. He took 
 several medals from his pocket, and gave Teresa 
 one for herself, and two for her mother and the 
 old Beppo, for which she kissed his hand again. 
 
 The dusk was already falling when Briihl and the 
 Padre left the room in which Teresa remained, as 
 sad as before. The old mother came to keep her 
 company, but they both longed so wistfully after their 
 own sun-bathed country that they could not speak. 
 
 They had not yet lighted the lamp in order not 
 
240 Count Briihl 
 
 to attract the mosquitoes, wlien there was again a 
 rap at the door. Teresa did not rise although sha 
 was curious to know who was there : who could 
 bring her any consolation ? 
 
 They could hear a conversation being carried on in 
 Italian with Beppo on the stairs ; it was a woman's 
 voice. Teresa sprang from her seat, her mother 
 also rose. In the dusk they perceived on the 
 threshold a tall, well-dressed and good-looking 
 woman, and Teresa to her great surprise recognised 
 her antagonist Faustina. 
 
 The stage queen looked round the room and 
 seemed to be thinking what to say. 
 
 Teresa stood silent. 
 
 ' Do you see, I come to you, I ! ' Faustina said 
 laughing. * I waited in vain for you to come to me, 
 and I came to make peace ! My dear Teresa, we 
 are Italians, both from that beautiful country, where 
 the oranges blossom, and instead of making our 
 life sweet, we poison it. Give me your hand and 
 let us be friends.' 
 
 Teresa hesitated, then she began to cry and threw 
 herself on Faustina's neck. 
 
 ' I never was your foe ! ' she exclaimed. ' I have 
 not taken a lover from you, I never spoke ill of you.' 
 
 ' Let us forget about the past ! ' Faustina rejoined. 
 ' Let us not speak of it, let us be friends. Our life 
 is bitter enough, poisoned by others ; we need not 
 help them.' 
 
 Faustina sighed. 
 
 * I come to you, for I pity you ; but what is the 
 use of good advice and of kind words ? They are 
 too late, nobody can stop that which is to be.' 
 
 She became silent ; Teresa's mother left the room ; 
 the two women seated themselves. 
 
Count Briihl 241 
 
 * The people mar our happiness,' said Faustina, 
 *and we must swallow our tears. It is not our 
 world — and at their court one must walk as 
 cautiously as on ice, in order not to slip or fall. 
 Fortunately I have the King, and he will be faithful 
 to my voice. He is a good creature, who goes to 
 his box as a horse to his stable, and I furnish him 
 with his food of songs.' 
 
 She laughed and bent and kissed Teresa's 
 forehead. 
 
 * I pity you, you are in that man's hands ' 
 Teresa looked timidly round and said : 
 
 ' I am afraid of my own mother.' 
 
 * And I am not afraid of anybody,' said Faustina. 
 ' But tell me do you know him ? ' 
 
 Teresa shivered. 
 
 'He is a dreadful man ! ' Faustina said. ' He is 
 sweet, kind, but his laughter hisses like that of a 
 serpent ; he smiles but he has no heart. And so 
 pious, so modest — ' 
 
 Faustina shook herself and continued : 
 
 'I have come to tell you, that soon he will rule 
 absolutely over us all, and then woe to any of us if 
 we resist him. Poverina ! ' 
 
 Teresa was silent. Faustina continued : 
 
 ' Perhaps he is good to you, but if you could henr 
 complaints, as I do everyday, about his oppression, 
 you would hate him.' 
 
 ' My dear Faustina,' Teresa at last replied, ' I am 
 80 glad you came to see me. I am so miserable ! I 
 dream continually of the Adriatic sea : it seems to 
 me that I sit on the threshold of our cottage — lucciole 
 fly in the air, Alidrea plays the guitar — the song 
 resounds, the wind brings the scent of flowers. I 
 wake up, listen : the wind- rustles, but it brings 
 
 Q 
 
242: Count Briihl 
 
 snow, and the strange tongue resounds and the people 
 laugh and their irony wounds and their love humiliates.' 
 Teresa covered her face with her hands. 
 
 * Cara viia/ said Faustina kissing her, * therefore 
 kt us not tease each other but help each other on 
 this thorny path.' 
 
 And she put out her hand whispering : 
 
 * Be careful of that man, for he is dreadful, and 
 may the Madonna take care of you.' 
 
 Teresa rose and accompanied her to the door. 
 
 * Addio ! ' she said. * May God reward you for your 
 good heart ; you came when I was sad — I am happier 
 now that we are friends.' 
 
 Thus they separated and the thoughtful Faustina, 
 whose porte-chaise was waiting in front of the house, 
 told the men to carry her home. She was obliged to 
 pass the castle. The dusk was not yet as dark in 
 the street as it was in the houses and one could 
 recognise people's faces. Faustina looking dis- 
 tractedly in front of her recognised, in a porte-chaise 
 passing hers, Sulkowski's pale face and black 
 moustache. 
 
 She rapped at the window and cried : 
 
 ' Fermate ! ' 
 
 Sulkowski leaned out. Both porte-chaises stopped 
 so that their windows were opposite each other and 
 their occupants could converse. 
 
 Faustina dropped the glass ; the minister, a little 
 surprised, looked at her. 
 
 ' I must have a word with your Excellency,' she 
 said in Italian. 
 
 * Beautiful diva ! ' said the Count, ' if it is a question 
 of some quarrel, Padre Guarini is for that ; if about 
 some favour, our gracious King never refuses you 
 anything, but I have no time to listen to you ! ' 
 
Count Briihl 243 
 
 * Count ! the question is not about myself, not 
 about a favour, but about you and the King,' said 
 Faustina boldly. 
 
 * I am at your service and I listen to you,' said the 
 Count smiling. 
 
 * Ah ! if you would also believe me ! ' 
 
 The Count was silent and tried to control his 
 impatience. 
 
 ' Count,' said Faustina, ' is it true that you are 
 going away, that you leave the place to your foes ? ' 
 
 Sulkowski laughed. 
 
 * I have no foes,' he said quietly, ' and were I so 
 fortunate as to have them, (for I should consider it an 
 honour to gain enemies by serving the King), I should 
 not be afraid of them.' 
 
 ' Do not mistrust me,' rejoined Faustina. ' But 
 from behind the stage one sees the world well and 
 one knows people better than in the drawing-room. 
 Count, I am a friend of yours, for you love the King 
 and you wish for the welfare of this country which 
 I consider my second fatherland. You wish that 
 others also loved the King but they think only of 
 themselves and do not care about the country at all.' 
 
 Sulkowski fro^vned. 
 
 'But who? Who?' 
 
 ' Are you blind then ? ' Faustina exclaimed. * Do 
 you not see anything ? Have I to open your eyes ? 
 The Queen is jealous of the King's favours towards 
 you, the almighty Padre Guarini is your foe and 
 Briihl your rival. They made a plot secretly, they 
 send you away in order to take from you the King's 
 heart. And you do not see it ! That man will take 
 your place ! ' 
 
 Saying this she wrung her hands ; Sulkowski 
 listened ; his pale face flushed. 
 
244 Count Briihl 
 
 'My dear Signora,' he said, 'these are dreams and 
 visions. I am going, but I myself asked for leaVe 
 of absence ; I have no enemies and I am sure of 
 the King's heart. Be assured it is gossip, flying 
 round the court like mosquitoes about the marshes. 
 Believe me, I am not blind and it is difficult to fool 
 me and still more difficult to get rid of me.' 
 
 He began to laugh. He wished to withdraw when 
 Faustina exclaimed : 
 
 ' Count, is it possible that you are so blind ? Your 
 noble character does not admit of treachery which 
 everybody sees.' 
 
 ' Because all that has no sense. Briihl would not 
 dare, even had he such allies as the Queen and the 
 venerable Padre.' 
 
 Faustina lowered her head and said slowly : 
 
 * Therefore that which is destined is unavoidable. 
 Chi a la morte e destinato, muore santo o disperato. 
 Addio, signo'i- donte and may Providence guide you 
 and bring you back. Do not stay long away. You 
 may recolle'^t Faustina's warning, but it will be too 
 late.' 
 
 The Count took hold of her hand. 
 
 'Beautiful and good-hearted signora,' he said, 'I 
 am very grateful to you, for that which you have done 
 is the proof of a good heart. I know how to ap- 
 preciate it. But things are not as bad as you imagine. 
 I can call the King my best friend ; I trust him and 
 shall not be disappointed ! Be easy about me ! ' 
 
 Faustina said nothing more ; the Count saluted 
 her. 
 
 But he changed his plans and ordered his men to 
 bear him to Brlihl's palace. 
 
 It was a time at which he had a good chance of 
 finding him at home. He did not need to ask to 
 
Count Briihl 245 
 
 be admitted, for before the almighty Sulkowski all 
 doors were thrown open. 
 Briihl was at home. 
 
 Sulkowski rushed upstairs and did not notice that 
 a page preceded him through another door to tell 
 his master about the visitor. 
 
 Briihl was with Henniche whom he dismissed, and 
 before Sulkowski, who was obliged to pass through 
 several drawing-rooms, reached his study, he fell on 
 his knees before a crucifix and began to pray. 
 
 The easy manner in which he assumed that position 
 proved that it was not for the first time that he found 
 it advisable that a visitor should come upon him 
 unexpectedly praying. 
 
 The contemporary writers assure us that Briihl was 
 very often found praying. 
 
 Sulkowski entered the room without knocking at 
 the door and stood there in surprise ; it was the first 
 time he had seen Briihl praying and he could hardly 
 believe his OT\m eyes ; he stood motionless, while 
 Briihl with his back turned, as though 'he had not 
 heard the door open, knelt, sighing. At length he 
 beat upon his breast, bending his head as low as a 
 beggar in front of a church asking for alms. 
 
 Sulkowski could not have suspected that all this 
 was a comedy, for he entered unannounced and in 
 the dusk the porte-chaise could not have been noticed. 
 
 The farce lasted quite a long time, and every time 
 Briihl lifted his hand Sulkowski could see a rosary- 
 round his wrist. At length the Count coughed 
 slightly. 
 
 Briihl started as if frightened, and having per- 
 ceived Sulkowski covered his eyes : 
 
 ' Ah ! dear Count ! You must excuse me — I am 
 ashamed — -but sometimes one needs to pray — so much 
 
246 Count Briihl 
 
 time do we give to the pleasures of life and it is only- 
 right that some should be given to prayer — ' 
 
 * It is I that must beg your pardon,' said Sulkowski 
 advancing slowly, ' and I am edified by your piety. 
 Forgive me that I have interrupted you.' 
 
 * I was just finishing,' Briihl said pointing to the 
 sofa. 
 
 Two candles were burning on the table. 
 
 * A man who prays like that,' thought Sulkowski, 
 * cannot be bad and perverse ; it is impossible.' 
 
 A heavy weight fell from his breast. He looked 
 at Briihl who seemed to be still in pious ecstasies. 
 
 * Well,' said Sulkowski, seating himself comfort- 
 ably on the sofa, * you know that I am going away.' 
 
 Briihl's face became melancholy. 
 
 * You must do as you please,' he said slowly, ' as 
 for me I neither approve your voyage, nor do I advise 
 it. Speaking fra:ikly, I was against it and I am still. 
 In the first place nobody can be a substitute for you 
 with the Kitig. I can and I must be frank with you. 
 The Queen is a saint, but she is a woman. If you go 
 her influence will increase and the King will fall 
 under her and Guarini's influence. You know that 
 I am a good Catholic but I should dislike to see the 
 King's mind too much under the influence of the 
 priests. Our gracious lord hearkens too much to them 
 already and hurts the feelings of his Saxon subjects.' 
 
 Sulkowski listened very attentively. 
 
 *My dear Briihl,' he said, 'you are right and I 
 endorse your opinion. All that you say is true. You 
 blame me for going away, but I am a soldier. The 
 King made me commander of his army. I expect 
 a war and I persuaded the King that war is inevitable, 
 that Saxony must take advantage of the situation of 
 Austria. That is the reason why I wish to acquire 
 
Count Briihl 247 
 
 military experience ; I go, but not to satisfy my 
 fancy — ' 
 
 * I would prefer that you stayed,* Briihl rejoined, 
 
 * And do you know what they say ? * asked 
 Sulkowski. 
 
 Brlihl's face expressed surprise. 
 
 * It is very curious,' said Sulkowski slowly. * They 
 warn me not to go, for you and Guarini have made a 
 plot against me, to send me away purposely, in order 
 to overthrow me.' 
 
 Briihl wrung his hands, sprang from his chair and 
 said angrily : 
 
 * Show me that slanderer ! They dare to say that 
 against me ! I and Father Guarini ! I who fear 
 him as a pestilence ! I would dare to attack you 
 whom the King calls friend ! It is stupid and 
 ridiculous ! ' 
 
 'Calm yourself,' said Sulkowski laughing. 'I told 
 you this to show you how stupid people are. I hope 
 you do not think that I distrust or fear you.' 
 
 And he added after a while : 
 
 ' It is possible that a foolish man might make such 
 an attempt, but it would cost him dear ; I am sure of 
 the King's favour, he has no secrets from me.' 
 
 He shrugged his shoulders contemptuously. 
 
 ' In that case,' Briihl rejoined, * I shall still more 
 insist that you remain.' 
 
 * Excuse me, but exactly for the same reason I 
 must go, in order to prove to the idiots that I am not 
 afraid of anybody.' 
 
 Briihl waved his hand. 
 
 ' I am sure it came from Berlin, where the gossip 
 about Saxony originated,' he said. 
 
 ' I am going to Prague to-morrow,' said Sulkowski, 
 for I must look at Prague from a strategical points 
 
248 Count Briihl 
 
 of view, as we are going to take it. Can I take 
 leave of your wife ? ' 
 
 Briihl rang the bell. The lackey entered. 
 
 * Is your mistress at home ? ' 
 
 * Yes, your Excellency.' 
 
 * Announce the Count Sulkowski and me.' 
 
 The lackey left the room ; there was silence ; then 
 he returned and said : 
 
 * My lady is ready to receive your Excellencies.' 
 Sulkowski rose from the sofa and went to the 
 
 drawing-room ; Briihl followed him, smiling not- 
 withstanding the emotions he had just experienced. 
 
 In the drawing-room Briihl' s beautiful wife was 
 waiting for them. She had just returned from the 
 Queen's cerde, which was usually held from four to 
 six o'clock. She was dressed and radiant in her 
 beauty which astonished more than attracted. There 
 was something wild in her eyes, something cruel in 
 her mouth, those who looked at her became uneasy. 
 It was the reflection of the disquiet raging in her 
 soul. 
 
 She looked at Sulkowski. 
 
 * I have come to take leave of you.' said Sulkowski 
 with indifference, bowing slightly. * I am sure you 
 know I am going away. I am sorry to leave such a 
 charming court, but there are duties — ' 
 
 ' Ah, yes,' said the beautiful Frances, * I heard at 
 her Majesty's eerde that you are leaving us. I was 
 very much surprised.' 
 
 * Did your husband not tell you about it ? ' asked 
 Sulkowski. 
 
 * My husband ! ' said Frau Briihl, making a funny 
 face, ' he is so busy that sometimes I do not see him 
 for a month. I have to learn his whereabouts from 
 other people.' 
 
Count Briihl 249 
 
 * You OTiglit to scold him for it.' 
 
 * Why ? ' said Frances ironically. * He is free and 
 I am free also. Can there be anything more agree- 
 able in matrimony ? We have not time to be saturated 
 with each other and we are happy.' 
 
 She looked scornfully at her husband, who took it 
 as mirthfully as he could and laughed in the most 
 natural way. 
 
 * Does the countess remain ? ' the lady asked. 
 
 ' Unfortunately, I must leave her ! ' rejoined 
 Sulkowski. ' Although I should like her to accom- 
 pany me on the campaign.' 
 
 * Then you think of fighting ? ' 
 
 * Yes ! Pray wish me good luck that I may bring 
 you a Turk's head.' 
 
 'I do not wish for that,' she said maliciously. 
 * Bring back your own head safe, that will suffice. 
 With a wreath of laurels on it, it would look very 
 well on a medal.' 
 
 Her own allusion to a medal recalled Watzdorf 
 to her memory and made her eyes burn with fire. 
 
 * I wish you good luck,' she said, making a curtsey. 
 Her eyes said something else. 
 
 Sulkowski bowed carelessly. The hostess turned 
 towards her apartment. The host took Sulkowski 
 by the arm, and whispering something confidentially, 
 led him back to his study. 
 
CHAPTER XVII 
 
 One winter evening, several months after Sulkowski's 
 departure, Father Guarini entered the King's room. 
 It was the hour which Augustus III was accustomed 
 either to spend in the Queen's apartment, or in the 
 opera, or shooting at a target. 
 
 Tliat day Augustus III remained closeted in his 
 room. Twice a chamberlain came to tell him that 
 the Queen was waiting for him, but he sent him 
 away. It was a sign that the King was in a very bad 
 humour. So they told Father Guarini about it and 
 he rushed to the rescue. He alone could improve 
 his temper. The old priest entered smiling as 
 usual. 
 
 The King looked at him gloomily and turned away 
 his head. 
 
 Notwithstanding that, the Padre sat on a stool and 
 said : 
 
 * May I ask your Majesty what makes my lord so 
 sad ? His faithful servant is sorry.' 
 
 Augustus III moved his head, muttered something 
 and took a pipe. 
 
 'It would relieve your Majesty,' continued the 
 Jesuit, * if your Majesty would tell me.' 
 
 ' A trifle,' said the King. 
 
 * Then it is not worth while to be sad about,' rejoined 
 the Padre. 
 
 ' A trifle ! ' the King repeated, and having risen, 
 he walked to and fro, sighing, as was his custom 
 when angry. 
 
 Guarini watched him attentively. 
 
 'It is bad,' he said, 'that your Majesty, working so 
 hard, does not try to find some amusement. Distrac- 
 
Count Bmhl 251 
 
 tion is necessary to a man. St John in Patmos had a 
 tame partridge.' 
 
 ' Partridge ! ' the King repeated thoughtfully. ^ I 
 prefer hunting for woodcock.' 
 
 He resumed his walk, sighing. 
 
 ' We must have either an opera, or hunting, or 
 pictures.' 
 
 Augustus III waved his hand. 
 
 ' Where is Briihl ? ' asked the Padre. 
 
 *Ah! Briihl! Only Briihl ! But he is busy, 
 poor man, let him rest. Briihl is a good man.' 
 
 ' Excellent ! ' affirmed Guarini. ' But it is not with 
 him that your Majesty is angry ? ' 
 
 * The idea ! Briihl — capital fellow, Briihl ! ' said 
 the King, but lowered his head. 
 
 * Well, I do not suppose that your Majesty is craving 
 for Sulkowski.' 
 
 The King stopped suddenly, and Guarini recognised 
 that he had discovered the cause of the King's bad 
 humour. 
 
 'Yes, Sulkowski,' said the King, 'just imagine, 
 Josephine does not like him. How can anyone help 
 liking Sulkowski ? Tell me that.' 
 
 Guarini became silent. The question was straight 
 but he did not answer it. 
 
 The King repeated : 
 
 ' Father, how can one help liking Sulkowski ? ' 
 
 The Jesuit thought for a long time. The moment 
 was decisive, it Was necessary that the attack should 
 be skilful, and he thought how to do it. 
 
 ' Your Majesty,' said he, ' personally I have nothing 
 against Sulkowski. As a Catholic he is indifferent, 
 that is true. Then it seems to me that he does 
 not show sufficient respect to our saintly Queen.' 
 
 ' Oh ! Oh ! ' broke in the King. 
 
 * At least people think so,' said Guarini imperturb- 
 
252 Count Briihl 
 
 ably. 'It is certain that your Majesty's favour made 
 him very proud.' 
 
 As the King listened he grew gloomier. 
 
 * Your Majesty,' said Guarini with ardour, 'we are 
 alone, nobody but God hears us. Pray tell me, as 
 on confession, did Sulkowski never lead the King 
 into temptation ? ' 
 
 At this Augustus III blushed, turned his back and 
 continued to perambulate the room. His silence was 
 an answer in the affirmative. Guarini laughed. 
 
 * Is it not too daring ? I can understand that a servant 
 and friend might sometimes like to take something on 
 his own conscience for his master's sake, but he 
 might at least wait until a sign is given him to act so.' 
 
 The King went on with his walk. 
 
 ' The Queen has a presentiment,' said the Padre. 
 ' And no wonder ! But satis of this. It is well 
 known that he has some plans against Austria, 
 against the house from which we have our Queen, 
 and against our promises — ' 
 
 Augustus sat in an arm-chair as if he were tired 
 and looked at the priest. 
 
 ' His worse fault is his pride which makes him 
 believe that he can do anything he likes with the 
 King. There are people who have heard him say 
 so. A little humiliation would do him good, for 
 it is not well that people should say he rules over 
 Saxony and not our gracious King.' 
 
 ' Eh ! Eh ! ' said the King, 'who says so ? Who- 
 ever it is, hang him ! ' 
 
 ' Those who heard Sulkowski boast.' 
 
 ' Boast ! That is bad ! ' rejoined the King. ' I 
 shall scold him for that ! * 
 
 Guarini saw that the King was already tired of 
 the subject, and he tried to find something to amuse 
 him, certain that the seed would take root and grow 
 
Count Briihl 253 
 
 At that moment a chamberlain entered again and 
 announced that the Queen was waiting for the King 
 to have some music. 
 
 ' Let us go ! ' said Augustus III sighing. 
 
 Guarini bowed and they went. The lackeys 
 preceded them with candelabras. 
 
 The Queen's apartments were furnished according 
 to Josephine's taste. There w^as no luxury, but 
 in the severity one could trace the majesty of the 
 emperor's palace.* 
 
 The pictures were all religious'. Instead of 
 bibelots there were plenty of relics and crosses. 
 The court was composed of elderly ladies and so 
 chosen that their beauty would not prove distracting 
 to the King. 
 
 That day, John George Pisendel, the most famous 
 violinist of those times, was going to give a concert 
 in the court music hall. Besides him Pantaleon 
 Heberstreit was going to play on an instrument 
 invented by himself and called a clavicembolo. 
 Buffardia and Quanz were to play the flute. 
 
 The Queen, already a little annoyed, walked to and 
 fro waiting for her consort. When he entered she 
 came up to him and tried to read his humour in 
 his face and she understood that he was displeased. 
 Music was the best remedy. 
 
 As soon as the King sat down and Buffardia began 
 to play the flute, the clouds dispersed and the fore- 
 head became serene. The Queen remained behind 
 the King for a moment and made a sign to Guarini. 
 The Jesuit had only time to whisper : 
 
 ' Poea roba — Sulkowski.' 
 
 The Queen hastened her pace and reached her 
 chair beside that of the King. The orchestra struck 
 up an overture and the King listened to it with 
 great attention . 
 
254 Count Briihl 
 
 During the concert it was evident that the Queen was 
 thinking about something more important than the 
 music. Pisendel in vain did his best, the Queen did 
 not seem to hear him. Briihl's wife was also present 
 at the concert ; she was sitting beside her mother ; 
 the minister stood behind the King and looked as 
 modest as if he were not prime minister and also the 
 only minister. 
 
 Padre Guarini passing by him, whispered : 
 
 ^ The iwar has begun, the enemy defends himself, 
 we must concentrate all our forces, be on your guard.' 
 
 Briihl stood quiet as though he had not heard 
 anything. Buffardia and Quanz played a duet. The 
 King closed his eyes and enjoyed the music. Anyone 
 seeing the scornful looks of Briihl's wife directed at 
 the King, would have been surprised and frightened 
 at the contempt writh which she dared to look at him. 
 
 Behind her chair stood the minister's retinue who 
 were admitted to the concert, and among them might 
 have been seen a young man looking so much like 
 Watzdorf that he might have been taken for his ghost. 
 Frau Briihl's eyes often wandered in that direction, 
 rested on the beautiful face of the youth and tried to 
 meet his eyes ; their glance met and the youth blushed. 
 
 After the concert supper was announced, vrith a 
 separate table for their Majesties. The King had 
 such a famous appetite that he seemed to forget about 
 everything else : but after supper he asked Briihl to 
 follow him to his apartment. 
 
 The greater part of the court dispersed ; the ladies 
 remained for evening prayers, for there was a custom 
 that on certain days they recited prayers conducted 
 by Father Guarini. 
 
 That day the spiritual exercitia took place in the 
 Queen's little chapel and then only was the rest of the 
 court dismissed 
 
Count Briihl 255 
 
 Guarini was also going when the Queen called 
 him. 
 
 ' Father, how was it ? The King — ' 
 
 * Began to talk about Sulkowski of his own accord. 
 He is very sorry that there are people who are against 
 Sulkowski. As I was asked I could not be silent and 
 I began the war.' 
 
 * But what ? what ? ' the Queen asked inquisitively. 
 ' I said as much as I could] without wearying the 
 
 King,' said Guarini. * I told him everything I had 
 in my heart.' 
 
 ' And the King ? ' 
 
 *He listened in silence.' 
 
 * Do you think it will make any impression on 
 him?' 
 
 * Undoubtedly, but we must repeat the attacks. 
 Sulkowski will return, we must press the matter, he 
 must find the King cool ; otherwise the old friendship 
 would assert itself, he would take his old place and 
 nobody would be able to move him from it. We must 
 not ask too much ; we cannot ask to be allowed to act 
 with him as with Hoym. One cannot prove much 
 against him. It would do if he were dismissed.' 
 
 ' But you know how fond the King is of him,' said 
 the Queen, ' would he not take advantage of that ? 
 A godless man as he is would be ready to use any 
 means. Did you ever see him in a church ? And 
 you know that he never observes Lent.' 
 
 The Queen shivered and became silent for a moment. 
 
 * I shall not give in,' she added, ' you must act also. 
 Briihl cannot.' 
 
 * I will act, only at the last moment,' said Guarini, 
 * and very carefully. For good work one must use all 
 possible means. God will help us. When does he 
 return ? ' 
 
 * His wife expects him every day ; he wrote to the 
 
256 Count Briihl 
 
 King that he would be back this week. We must 
 hasten/ said the Queen. 
 
 Guarini bowed humbly and went out. 
 
 The next day in the morning, Briihl was in the 
 King's room. His duties were not fatiguing but 
 tiresome. Usually Augustus was silent ; one was 
 obliged to stand looking at him and to bow when he 
 smiled or cleared his throat. 
 
 Briihl had additional trouble ini watching the King 
 80 closely that no one could unexpectedly approach 
 him. ; at all audiences, without any exception, Briihl 
 was present. If the King was going to Mass the 
 way was cleared of all persons who did not belong to 
 the court. Nobody could approach him without the 
 minister's permission or in his absence. It seemed that 
 Augustus III, who above all things was fond of quiet 
 and afraid of surprises, was glad of this, for he never 
 tried to get free and was grateful to his guardians. 
 
 After the Mass and audiences, during which the 
 silent King did not waste many words, Briihl remained 
 with him alone. 
 
 He could guess that the King wished to converse 
 about something, for he walked uneasily about, 
 stopped opposite him, blinked his eyes, smiled sadly, 
 but could not begin the conversation. At length he 
 stopped, put his hands on the minister's shoulders 
 and asked : 
 
 ' Briihl, what do you think of Sulkowski ? ' 
 
 Although Briihl was prepared, he could not answer 
 at once and dropped his eyes. 
 
 ' Sire,' he answered, * I am sure I think the same as 
 your Majesty.' 
 
 * And do you know what I think of him ? ' 
 
 *I do not know, but I am my lord's faithful 
 servant and thus I retain those whom he likes as 
 friends, and as foes those whom the King dislikes.' 
 
Count Briihl 257 
 
 The King's face brightened. 
 
 ' Briihl ! I love you ! ' he exclaimed. 
 
 The minister bent to kiss his lord's hand. 
 
 ' Briihl, I love you very much/ added Augustus, 
 *and that is why I ask your advice. Listen, they 
 frighten me about him ' 
 
 He looked into Briihl's eyes solemnly. 
 
 ' Speak frankly ' 
 
 * I have nothing against Sulkowski, but my lord's 
 favour, which makes me humble, arouses great pride 
 in him ; it may be that he boasted that he can do 
 anything, not only in the state affairs, but also with 
 your Majesty.' 
 
 ' H'm ! You say it may be ! Yes, it may be ! ' 
 said the King. ' Between ourselves, he knows 
 nothing of music, and doe^ not understand much 
 about pictures : he is satisfied when the subject is 
 nude 1 What a Venus he brought here once, and 
 what trouble I had with the Queen about it ! She 
 ordered the picture to be burnt. Well, it is true 
 also, that he takes too many liberties ' 
 
 Augustus III, not finishing his sentence, looked 
 out of the window, became dreamy and yawned. 
 
 * What do you think,' he asked ' is it an authentic 
 Ribera, sent yesterday from Venice ? ' 
 
 Briihl shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 ' I am of your Majesty's opinion.' 
 
 ' It might be Ribera.' 
 
 ' Yes, it might be Ribera,' Briihl repeated. 
 
 ' But it might be il Erote * 
 
 * There is no doubt that it looks like Frate ' 
 
 * Briihl, you are an expert.' 
 
 ' I learn from your Majesty.' 
 
 Augustus well-satisfied came to Briihl and 
 whispered to him. 
 
 ''The Queen wishes me to send him away^ for 
 
258 Count Briihl 
 
 somebody told her that he induced me to have some 
 amours — ' 
 
 ' Nobody could suspect your Majesty of that ! ' 
 cried Briihl. * Everybody knows your virtuous life.' 
 
 ' I shall never give cause to be suspected,* 
 the King whispered. ' Never, never ! I prefer ' 
 
 He could not finish. Briihl whispered. 
 
 * Nobody, not a soul could suspect your Majesty.' 
 'It n?ust be so,' whispered Augustus. ' Do you 
 
 think that he knows something? Does he suspect 
 me? He?' 
 
 * I am sure he does not know anything yet, but if 
 he is here continually, spying — he could — who could 
 foresee- ' 
 
 The King, alarmed, drew himself up. 
 
 * If it is so, then I must dismiss him : yes, yes, it 
 will be better. You shall take his place with me.' 
 
 Briihl again kissed his lord's hand. Augustus 
 was still sad, he sighed, his eyes filled with tears — 
 it distressed him to part with his friend. 
 
 ' Briihl,' said he, * it is decided ; the Queen wishes 
 it to be so, Guarini advises it, you have nothing 
 against it ; but tell me, how can it be done ? 
 How ? ' 
 
 The minister drooped his head and assumed an 
 embarrassed mien. The King looked at him await- 
 ing his decision. 
 
 *Your Majesty,' said Briihl raising his head, 
 'there are good reasons for disgrace, but I would 
 not advise you to be severe with him ; it will suffice 
 to dismiss him, and not to let him see his lord's 
 face. Banishment from the court is the worst of 
 punishments.' 
 
 * Yes,' the King muttered, ' but I shall leave him 
 a small pension.' 
 
 - Ha looked at Briihl who nodded in the affirmative. 
 
Count Briihl 259 
 
 ' * Then banishment/ Augustus added, ' and I leave 
 the execution of it to you. Do what you please, but 
 save me any annoyance. Let him go ' 
 
 Augustus having shunted his trouble on to some- 
 body else's shoulders, was already serene again. 
 
 'Briihl,' he said, 'announce to the Queen that I 
 should like to see her ; the Queen either prays or 
 paints ; if she paints I can see her.' 
 
 Briihl went out ; five minutes later, the King, pre- 
 ceded by a chamberlain, went to his consort's apart- 
 ments. He found her painting. A young artist 
 stood respectfully behind her. The august artist 
 was painting a head of Christ. The fact was that 
 very little was done by her, for the artist, when the 
 Queen was absent, corrected and improved that 
 which was badly done ; but the next day the Queen 
 thought it was her own work and was satisfied with 
 herself. That way the picture progressed ; when it 
 was finished it was said that it was painted by the 
 Queen and the court admired her talent. 
 
 When the King entered, the Queen did not rise, 
 but pointed at the work. Augustus stood behind 
 her and admired the picture, which having been 
 recently improved by the artist was not at all bad. 
 The King, having complimented the Queen, made a 
 sign to the artist to retire for a time into the next room, 
 which he did as quickly as he could, bowing humbly. 
 
 Augustus III bent to the Queen's ear and said : 
 
 * It shall be as you wish ; we shall dismiss 
 Sulkowski ; I came to tell you this.' 
 
 The Queen turned quickly and smiled at the King. 
 
 ' But not a word ! ' said the King. ' Briihl will 
 arrange the matter, I do not wish to trouble myself 
 about it.' 
 
 ' You do not need to,' said the Queen. * Guarini 
 and Briihl will do everything.' 
 
260 Count Briihl 
 
 Tlie King did not wisli to prolong the subject and 
 began to talk about the picture. 
 
 *I congratulate you on your colouring,' lie said, 
 * tres fin, and very fresh. Listarde could not paint 
 a better pastel ; you paint beautifully — only do not 
 permit that artist to spoil your work and do not 
 follow any advice/ 
 
 'He only sharpens my pencils,' said the Queen. 
 
 ' Beautiful head ! I shall hang it in my room 
 if you will make me a present of it,' and he smiled. 
 
 As the dinner hour had not yet arrived, the King 
 bowed, kissed the Queen's hand and went to his 
 apartment ; on his way he nodded to the artist to 
 go and help the Queen with her artistic effort. 
 
 The King's face beamed with satisfaction now 
 that he had got rid of his trouble. To-day he was 
 altogether a different man from yesterday ; his fore- 
 head was serene, there was a smile on his lips, he 
 breathed more freely and could think of something 
 else. He cared less for Sulkowski than for his 
 disturbed peace and few unpleasant days. He was 
 ready to sacrifice a man in order to get rid as soon 
 as possible of any difficulty in his own life. 
 
 Briihl was waiting in the King's apartment. The 
 King, having glanced at him, laughed and said : 
 
 ' The affair is finished : after dinner shooting at a 
 target, in the evening a concert, to-morrow an opera.' 
 
 He drew near the minister and added : 
 
 ' Nobody must mention his name ; all is over.' 
 
 He thought for a moment. 
 
 ' Employ anybody you wish, provided I do not 
 know anything more about the affair.' 
 
 He became thoughtful and ended with : 
 
 ' Listen Briihl, it is Ribera — ' 
 
 'Yes, your Majesty, it is Ribera,' affirmed the 
 minister. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 The carnival promised to be brilliant that year. In 
 Saxony everything was satisfactory; tie noblemen, who 
 dared murmur, were sent to Pleissenburg ; in Poland 
 quiet was assured by the last Sobieski. Faustina 
 always sang marvellously, and there was plenty of 
 game in the forests round Hubertsburg. Day after 
 day, arranged in advance, passed very pleasantly. 
 
 The blessed peacefulness was disturbed by the 
 news that Sulkowski was returning ; it hastened 
 the Queen's attack and sealed his sentence. It was 
 not expected that the favourite would be admitted 
 to see the King. 
 
 Henniche and his accomplices gave orders that 
 all roads w»re to be watched ; the guards were at the 
 gates, private detectives watched Sulkowski's palace. 
 
 The general-minister's carriage came. His wife 
 had intended to go towards Prague and meet him, 
 but they were afraid of that, and the Countess 
 Kolow'rath told her that the Queen desired her to 
 be in readiness in case she was called to the castle, 
 and that she must not leave Dresden. The Countess 
 was obliged to obey. 
 
 On the first of February, 1738, the Count 
 Sulkowski arrived at Pirma, where he stopped to 
 feed and water the horses before proceeding to 
 Dresden. In the inn a courier sent on ahead 
 prepared everything for the minister's reception. 
 Nobody yet cotdd even suspect his downfall. The 
 whole borough, the officials, burgomasters, in gala 
 uniforms, were awaiting, notwithstanding the intense 
 cold, the man whom they thought to be almighty 
 and before whom all trembled. 
 
262 Count Briihl 
 
 The courier announced the arrival of his Excellency 
 for four o'clock ; but as that day there was a heavy 
 fall of snow, he did not arrive at the appointed hour. 
 While all eyes were looking down the road in the 
 direction of Prague, a cavalier wrapped in a mantle 
 came from the direction of Dresden and stopped 
 his tired horse before the inn. The owner of the 
 inn called 'The Crown,' Jonas Render, a very 
 resolute man, having perceived the stranger, who 
 at any other time would have been very welcome, 
 rushed to tell him that there was no room for him. 
 
 ' Excuse me, sir — we expect his Excellency the 
 Count Sulkowski -^ I have no room either for you or 
 your horse ; but at the ' Palm Branch,' an inn kept 
 by my brother-in-law, the accommodation is not bad.' 
 The stranger hardly listened to Jonas. He threw 
 the reins on the horse's neck and looked towards 
 the inn. He was a middle-aged man, as one could 
 judge by the wrinkles round his eyes, for the rest 
 of his face — it must have been done on account of 
 the cold — was wrapped in a shawl and his cap 
 was drawn over his eyes. 
 
 ' Exactly,' he muttered, * because his Excellency is 
 going to stay here, I must find a room, because I am 
 sent to him.' 
 
 The innkeeper bowed and took hold of the horse. 
 ' That alters the case,' he said, ' pray come in and 
 warm yourself. Hot wine with spices is ready, and 
 there is nothing better than gliikicein for the cold. 
 The horse shall be taken to the stable.' 
 . A groom took the tired grey horse. The inn- 
 keeper conducted the stranger to a room ; he looked 
 at him in order to guess who he was, but he failed to 
 do so either by his dress, or his mien. The dress 
 was an ordinary one, the speech pure ])ut not Saxon ; 
 his manner full of assurance betrayed a courtier, but 
 
Count Briihl 263 
 
 not one of great importance, since he came on horse- 
 back without a servant and he wore jack-boots. 
 
 For such a great lord as Sulkowski, every room 
 was engaged, as his retinue was large ; there remained 
 only the innkeeper's room, into which the stranger 
 was shown. 
 
 The room was clean and bright and a good fire was 
 burning in the fireplace. Hender helped the stranger 
 to take off his large mantle and the shawl, from under 
 which there appeared the thin, bony face of an official. 
 His eyes were piercing and his mouth twitched. 
 
 Hender looked at him, and as he was very shrewd 
 at reading character, he said to himself : 
 
 * He is a dangerous man.' 
 
 But it was necessary to be overwhelmingly polite to 
 such a dangerous-looking messenger from the capital. 
 Therefore he placed a chair near the fireplace and 
 asked the stranger, who received all civilities very 
 indifferently, to sit down. Several times when the host 
 ventured some remark he received no answer. He 
 brought a glass of hot wine and handed it to the travel- 
 ler, who accepted it, but did not even thank him for it. 
 
 * This must be a man of some importance,' said 
 Hender to himself. 
 
 He became even more civil, and told his two 
 children to keep away ; at that moment a trumpet 
 resounded, Sulkowski was coming. The innkeeper 
 rushed out to receive him. 
 
 The stranger remained motionless, deep in thought. 
 The minister was brought triumphantly to the room 
 assigned to him ; the servants brought the boxes, 
 Hender returned to his room and found the stranger 
 sitting before the fire and drinking the wine. He 
 did not appear to hear the host, who felt it his duty 
 to say doud : 
 
 ' His Excellency has arrived ! * 
 
264 Count Bruhl 
 
 The guest made a grimace ; he finished his wine, 
 shook Jiis head, took his cap and went out. 
 
 Had Jonas Hender been acquainted with Dresden 
 and had to do with higher officials, he would have 
 recognised in his guest, Ludovici. 
 
 The councillor slowly opened the door and entered 
 the room in which Sulkowski was resting. 
 
 The table was set, the servants were busy, a young 
 aide-de-camp stood in the window, Sulkowski was 
 lying on the sofa. 
 
 When he perceived Ludovici, 'he sprang up, beam- 
 ing with joy. 
 
 ' It is you ! ' he exclaimed. ' How good of you to 
 come to meet me ! I am very grateful to you, for 
 I shall get some news ; the last letters were very 
 insignificant. How are you ? ' 
 
 The councillor's face was not indicative of good 
 news. He was silent and looked askance at the 
 aide-de-camp. Sulkowski passed to the other room 
 and nodded to Ludovici to follow him. He was 
 surprised at the councillor's long face. The Count 
 was in an excellent humour. On the Ehine and in 
 Hungary he had been well received, thanks to letters 
 of introduction and to his position. He returned 
 happy and still more proud, with a greater supply 
 of self-assurance than ever. 
 
 No sooner had they entered the room than the 
 Count begun to ask questions, to which th? answers 
 were scanty, Ludovici seeming to lack courage to speak- 
 He looked sadly at the Count's joy, which he was about 
 to destroy or perchance change into despair. 
 
 He let the Count speak, who laughing told him of 
 his success, of the honours with which he Lad been 
 received, of the experience he had gained. It seemed 
 that he thought he would become as famous as 
 Maurice de Saxe. 
 
Count Briihl 265 
 
 Ludovici looked and shook his head. 
 
 ' What is the matter with you?^ asked Sulkowski. 
 ' Are you cold ? Why don't you speak ? ' 
 
 Ludovici glanced round. 
 
 'I do not bring good news,' he said, ' that is why 
 I do not hasten to talk.' 
 
 * Is my wife well ? ' 
 
 * Yes, thank God.' 
 'Is the King well?' 
 'Yes, but— ' 
 
 Ludovici looked at the Count and said sadly : 
 
 ' But you will find him changed. A great many 
 things are changed. I was against your travelling.' 
 
 ' What has happened ? ' said Sulkowski carelessly. 
 
 ' The worst that could happen. Your enemies 
 accused you ; the Queen is at their head, then Guarini, 
 and the cunning Briihl. We are lost.' 
 
 Sulkowski looked at him as at a madman, shrugged 
 his shoulders and laughed. 
 
 * You must be dreaming.' 
 
 'I should like to dream,' said Ludovici gloomily. 
 * There is no time for illusions, we must try to save 
 ourselves, if there is still time for that. I came, 
 risking my life, to warn you. The gates are guarded, 
 the houses are surrounded by spies : if you come to 
 Dresden, so that they recognise you at the gate, they 
 will not admit you to the King ; such are the orders.' 
 
 ' But it cannot be,' the Count cried passionately. 
 ' It is a stupid hoax, someone has told the King some 
 nonsense, and you believed it. There is no man in 
 this world who could take the King's heart from me. 
 It is impossible, it is a lie ! I laugh at it ! They 
 would dare not to admit me to the King ? Ludovici, 
 you have lost your senses — ' 
 
 Ludovici looked at the minister with a kind of 
 commiseration. 
 
266 Count Briihl 
 
 Sulkowski walked to and fro, laughing to himself. 
 
 * Where did you get that stupid gossip from ? ' 
 asked he. 
 
 ' From the best source. I gave my word that I would 
 not reveal the name of the person who told me and 
 ordered me to warn you. That which I say is true.' 
 
 ' But how could it come to that ? ' asked Sulkowski 
 a little alarmed. 
 
 * The King is weak/ said Ludovici, ' the Queen 
 is a stubborn woman, Father Guarini is the most 
 cunning of men, and Briihl is master of the art of 
 using other people to achieve his aims. Your 
 Excellency never tried to hide his aversion to priests, 
 and such is the result of their work. Everything is 
 arranged. They forced your dismissal upon the 
 King. You will be banished from the court with a 
 small pension, so that you will not hinder Briihl from 
 making millions. They are afraid of your influence 
 over the King and they will not permit you to see him.* 
 
 Sulkowski frowned. 
 
 ' Are you sure of it ? ' he asked. 
 
 ' Very sure ! the guards at the gate have orders 
 not to let you in ; the castle is also guarded.' 
 
 ' And the King does not even wish to see me ! ' 
 burst out Sulkowski. 
 
 'The King is a slave,' said Ludovici. 
 
 Sulkowski relapsed into thought. 
 
 * If you intend to go with all your retinue to 
 Dresden,' Ludovici continued, ' you will fall into 
 their hands. H there is any means you could use to 
 see the King, don't hesitate to act. You have some 
 influence, take advantage of it, but it will be a fight 
 for life or death, with the Queen, confessor and Briihl.' 
 
 Sulkowski paced to and fro, frowning, then he 
 asked : 
 
 ' Are you sure of what you say ? ' 
 
Count Briihl 267 
 
 'As I live; 
 
 ' Then be it so, but — I am not afraid of them ; they 
 cannot crush me as they did Hoym and the rest. We 
 shall see. Let us now have something to eat. I shall 
 leave my retinue here and we shall go to Dresden on 
 horseback. I should like to know who would dare to 
 bar my access to the King to-morrow. We shall see ! 
 Can we not reach town without being recognised? 
 
 ' We must ! ' answered Ludovici. 
 
 ' Come then and let us eat well, that they may not 
 guess anything here.' 
 
 Having said this he returned to the other room in 
 which the meal was ready. They spoke very little 
 and only of extraneous matters as they eat. Ludovici 
 had a very good appetite, while Sulkowski seemed 
 only to be thirsty, he drank so much. 
 
 The Count said to his aide-de-camp : 
 
 * Count, you and the horses are tired ; stay over night 
 at Pirma. I wish to take my wife by surprise and go 
 to Dresden on horseback with the Councillor Ludovici.' 
 
 The aide-de-camp seemed to be very much sur- 
 prised, for Sulkowski was fond of travelling in 
 comfort, with much pomp and ceremony : such an 
 incognito during bad weather, on the road covered with 
 snow, in the night, seemed very strange. Sulkowski 
 noticing his astonishment said with a smile : 
 
 ' There is nothing extraordinary in my project, 
 sometimes one must satisfy a fancy although one is 
 not very young.' 
 
 Having said this, he took his aide-de-camp aside 
 and gave him secret orders. 
 
 The aide-de-camp left the room at once. 
 
 Sulkowski stood silent and pensive. 
 
 Soon two saddled horses stood at the door of the 
 inn; the minister was advised at least to take a 
 groom, but he refused. The journey for Ludovici, 
 
268 Count BrUhl 
 
 who had already made it coming from Dresden and 
 who was not accustomed to riding on horseback, was 
 more painful than for the Count; but he did not 
 wish to let him go alone. 
 
 Fortunately for both of them the weather improved, 
 the snow ceased to fall. The horses were accustomed 
 to the road on which they travelled often and 
 followed the highway. The sun was setting, they 
 pushed on at a smart trot, the Count ahead, the 
 councillor behind him, both silent. 
 
 They quickly passed villages, houses and inns. 
 The night was quite dark and the numerous lights 
 in the distance presently announced that they were 
 approaching Dresden. Here the road was less lonely. 
 Several sledges passed, men on horseback and 
 pedestrians. Against the bright sky could be seen 
 the dark towers of the churches. 
 
 Sulkowski slackened the speed of his horse until 
 Ludovici came up with him. 
 
 ' If they guard the gate,' he said, ' we must use 
 some precautions.' 
 
 ' Your Excellency will wrap himself in the cloak and 
 will follow me. It is true that they guard the gates, 
 but they look for the equipages and retinue with 
 which they expect you.' 
 
 * You said that they watch my house also ? ' 
 
 ' Yes,' Ludovici answered. 
 
 ' I must go there on foot and enter without being 
 noticed.' 
 
 ' I would not advise you to do that,' said Ludovici, 
 ' in our times one cannot be sure of the servants, some 
 of them might betray us.' 
 
 Sulkowski laughed bitterly. 
 
 ' It is very amusing,' he said, ' who could have 
 told me this morning that I should not be able to 
 pass the night in safety in Dresden ? ' 
 
Count Briihl 21)9 
 
 He shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 ' If my position is so dangerous,' he said proudly, 
 after a while, * then I do not wish to expose any one 
 else. Take care of the horses, and I shall find a place 
 to pass the night, and then do what I have to do.' 
 
 Thus saying he turned his horse, covered his face 
 with the mantle, let Ludovici pass in front, bent to 
 the saddle, and having assumed the mien of a 
 groom, following his master, followed the councillor. 
 They approached the gate. In very truth the 
 guards were there, but Ludovici gave them some 
 name and as they did not pay much attention to 
 two men on horseback they entered the town. 
 A soldier rushed after Ludovici. 
 ' Do you come from Pirma ? ' 
 ' Yes,' answered Ludovici. 
 
 ' Did you hear anything of the Count Sulkowski, 
 who is expected to-day ? ' 
 
 * The inn called the Crown,' said Ludovici, 'was 
 engaged for his Excellency, but a courier came to 
 say that he would not be leaving Prague for two days.' 
 The soldiers returned, glad that they would not 
 be obliged to watch very closely during the night 
 and the Count with the councillor proceeded. 
 
 In the town there was still much stir as was usual 
 during the carnival. Sulkowski dismounted near 
 the post office, gave the horse to Ludovici, and 
 went towards his palace. 
 
 He no longer doubted that what Ludovici had lately 
 told him was true, and tried to enter his house 
 unperceived. Even he hesitated whether it would 
 not be better to pass the night elsewhere ; but his 
 pride prevented him from hiding like a culprit. The 
 question was how to enter unnoticed by servants 
 whom he distrusted. Not being accustomed to 
 subterfuges he did not know how to act. 
 
270 Count Briihl 
 
 A strange feeling was aroused in him at the sight 
 of the people, many of whom he recognised, of 
 passing carriages, of all that merry carnival 
 movement. Smaller officials passed him without 
 recognition of the man wrapped in the mantle; 
 before whom, not long since, they almost kneeled. 
 His situation seemed to him like a dream, the 
 danger a nightmare. He was angry that he could 
 have believed it. He measured the position he 
 occupied with the menace of downfall, and could 
 not imagine it possible. 
 
 Under the influence of these thoughts he went 
 more boldly. At about the distance of a furlong, 
 he noticed several dark figures walking about and 
 apparently awaiting somone. Those figures, hiding 
 stealthily in corners, were the best proof that the 
 house was watched. Sulkowski entered a side 
 street, uncertain what to do. At that moment he 
 recollected a man whom he could trust. It was 
 Father Vogler, a Jesuit, the King's former confessor, 
 an old man, who apparently left the court of his 
 own will, giving way to Father Guarini. 
 
 He lived quietly, seldom showing himself in the 
 court, and entirely engrossed in his books. Formerly 
 the King's favourite, now almost forgotten, for he 
 did not know how to amuse him. Father Vogler 
 was a silent retiring man. He was Sulkowski's 
 chaplain and confessor and had gained his esteem. 
 Although Vogler apparently lived far from the 
 intrigues of the court, even Guarini seemed to fear 
 him and was very respectful towards him. Vogler 
 did not hide his dislike of Briihl and although he 
 said little, one could see that he disliked the court 
 and everything that was going on there. Sulkowski 
 remembered that Vogler had warned him before 
 his departure that he should not stay away long,. 
 
Count Briihl 271 
 
 that lie should not be too confident of the King's 
 favour, and should not trust those who were 
 apparently his best friends. 
 
 If anyone was well informed it was certainly 
 Vogler. The Count, being obliged to steal through 
 the old market and a much populated street leading 
 to the castle in which the Jesuit lived, wrapped the 
 cloak very carefully around him and walked in 
 the shadow of the houses in order that he might 
 not be recognised. Carriages were going towards 
 the castle and he recognised Briihl's post-chaise 
 and smiled bitterly. The street scene with Erell 
 led by on a donkey recurred to his mind, and it 
 seemed to him that he had met with a similar fate 
 to that of the editor. 
 
 The house, in which Vogler lived, belonged to 
 the castle, and the entrance to it was from a small 
 dark street. He knew that Vogler occupied the 
 second floor. He passed the dark stairs, and rang 
 the bell at the door which he found with difficulty 
 in the darkness. 
 
 He waited long. A small boy with a candle in 
 his hand opened the door. 
 
 * Is Father Vogler at home ? ' 
 
 The boy looked timidly at the stranger and 
 hesitated as to what to answer. 
 
 ' I wish to see Father Vogler on urgent business,' 
 he said. 
 
 The boy left the door open and disappeared into 
 the room. He returned shortly and showed the 
 Count into a small room full of books and book- 
 shelves, and a large table on which was an abundant 
 supply of papers. A reading lamp was burning. 
 From an old chair, upholstered with leather, rose 
 a tall, thin, bent, bald-headed man. He seemed 
 to be surprised at such a late .call and turned his 
 
272 Count Briihl 
 
 feeble eye on the visitor, wliose face was still half 
 covered with the mantle. Only when the boy closed 
 the door, did Sulkowski uncover his face and head 
 and come near Father Vogier, who seizing him by 
 the hand cried out with astonishment. 
 
 ' Hsh ! ' cried Sulkowski. 
 
 Vogier embraced him and made him sit down on a 
 chair, then he went to the ante-room and gave some 
 orders to the boy. 
 
 The Count leaned thoughtfully on the table. 
 
 *I see/ said the Jesuit, coming back, 'that you 
 know all, although nobody here knows yet. Has 
 anybody seen you ? ' 
 
 * I came here straight from my journey,* answered 
 the Count. * In Pirma I learned about the plot, and 
 by your manner I see that it is true. Is it true? 
 Then they dread — ' 
 
 Vogier shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 *Yes, your good friends await you with this 
 surprise,' he said slowly, ' they will not admit you to 
 the King.' 
 
 * It is I who will prepare a surprise for them and 
 see the King notwithstanding them all,' cried 
 Sulkowski. ' They are mistaken ; the King under 
 pressure would give in in my absence, but if I get half 
 an hour's conversation with him, I shall regain my 
 influence and then — Then,' cried Sulkowski rising 
 and clenching his fist, * it will not be I that will be 
 sent away, but those who dared to intrigue against me.' 
 
 He became silent. 
 Vogier wrung his hands. 
 
 * The question is where I can pass the night and 
 wait till to-morrow, so that they may not know that I 
 have arrived. I am sure that they will not give 
 orders that I am not to be admitted to the court ; by 
 my right and my rank I have free access to the King 
 
Count Briihl 273 
 
 at any hour. At eleven o'clock the King is alone ; 
 Briihl is not with him.' 
 
 The Jesuit listened attentively, not showing what 
 he thought of the Count's plan. 
 
 'You have nothing to lose, you must try to win,' 
 he said. 
 
 * Will you have the courage to let me sleep here ? ' 
 asked Sulkowski with a smile of doubt. 
 
 * You are welcome ; my humble dwelling is at your 
 service. Yoa are safe here, for nobody calls on me.' 
 
 Sulkowski's eyes shone. 
 
 *If I am able to see the King, I am sure of 
 winning — ' 
 
 *May God help you,' whispered Vogler. 
 
 The next morning Briihl heard through Henniche, 
 that Sulkowski was not expected to arrive for two 
 more days. In the court the whole plot had been 
 kept in great secresy ; the Countess Sulkowski, whom 
 the Queen alwaj^s received very kindly had not the 
 slightest suspicion. The King was in an excellent 
 humour. 
 
 Early in the morning Briihl came to the King for 
 his orders, and having left Guarini with him, returned 
 to his palace. Here he changed his clothes, because 
 the etiquette required him to do so several . times 
 during the day, and ordered his porte-chaise to carry 
 him to the Countess Moszynski. He now felt at home 
 in her house, for her husband had died a few months 
 previously, and Briihl was certain that she was too 
 much in love with him to marry anybody else. His 
 relations of tender friendship with the beautiful 
 widow were no secret. Every day he would take 
 counsel with her, every morning the Countess 
 Moszynski would visit him. It was known that she 
 did what she pleased with him. Very often when they 
 had something very urgent to communicate to the 
 
 8 
 
274 Count Briihl 
 
 minister, for he did nothing without her advice, 
 they would go to the Countess to find him there. 
 
 That day Briihl also went to her house as though it 
 were his own. The Countess on seeing him said : 
 
 ' Has Sulkowski arrived ? ' 
 
 ' Not yet ! I had news from Pinna ; they do not 
 expect him for two days.' 
 
 The Countess Moszynski shook her head with 
 evident dissatisfaction. 
 
 * It is not natural,' she said, ' it is suspicious. His 
 wife told me that at the latest she expected him last 
 night. Somebody must have warned him.' 
 
 ' Impossible ! Nobody knows ! ' 
 The Countess laughed. 
 
 * Let us count up how many people know the 
 secret,' she said, counting on her fingers. ' The 
 Queen, the Countess Kolowrath, the King, Guarini, 
 you, I, and to be sure, your wife. If she was not told 
 she would guess: let us add Henniche. Have you 
 ever heard of a secret being kept by eight persons ? ' 
 
 Briihl shook his head carelessly. 
 
 * Even if he had learned, it would not help him at 
 all. The Queen wearied the King so much about 
 Sulkowski, that for the sake of his beloved peace he 
 must give him up.' 
 
 The subject of conversation was soon changed. 
 Briihl, however, nothwithstanding his apparent calm, 
 was thoughtful and gloomy. Towards noon, just as 
 he wa« about to take leave of the Countess, there was 
 a rap at the door, and Henniche rushed in. 
 
 His changed face and hurried entrance into the 
 drawing-room announced bad news. The Countess 
 sprang from her seat. Briihl ran to him. 
 
 Henniche could not speak. 
 
 'Henniche, what is the matter? Come to your 
 senses ! ' exclaimed Briihl. 
 
Count Briihl 275 
 
 ' What is the matter with me ? Sulkowski has been 
 in town ever since last night, at eleven o'clock he 
 came to the castle, and asking no permission, entered 
 the King's room. Father Guarini, who was with the 
 King, said that his Majesty became white as marble. 
 The Count, as if not aware of anything wrong, greeted 
 the King in most tender words and kneeling he said 
 that his first step was to fall at his Majesty's feet. 
 The King became tender and embraced him. The 
 Count began to talk about his travels and made the 
 King laugh — and thus he resumed his former duties. 
 At this moment Sulkowski is with the King ; every- 
 body is alarmed in the castle : the Queen weeps, 
 Guarini is pale — everything is lost.' 
 
 Briihl and the Countess looked at each other. 
 
 Briihl did not appear to be frightened but very 
 much annoyed. 
 
 * Henniche, listen ! ' he said, ' Sulkowski cannot 
 remain with the King for ever ; I do not wish to meet 
 him ; let me know when he leaves the castle. They 
 watched well at the gates and fulfilled my orders 
 nicely ! ' added the minister drily. 
 
 He went to the Countess, kissed her hand, whisper- 
 ing a few words, and went out with Henniche. 
 
 The scene described by Henniche was very interest- 
 ing indeed. A ghost would not have been more 
 alarming in the castle than the sudden appearance 
 of Sulkowski. When he entered the King's room. 
 Augustus HI was struck dumb with surprise, for the 
 things he most disliked were reproaches and quarrels. 
 Father Guarini, notwithstanding his usual self-com- 
 posure, could not conceal his confusion. Sulkowski 
 kneeling greeted the King with apparent joy, telling 
 him how happy he was to look on his lord's face again. 
 This calmed Augustus a little. Guarini noticed, 
 liowever, that he only smiled, but said not a word. 
 
276 
 
 Count Briihl 
 
 The Padre's first intention was to remain to the end 
 of the interview, but later on it occurred to his mind, 
 that it was his duty to communicate the incident to 
 the Queen in order that some precautions might be 
 taken at once. In consequence, having listened to 
 Sulkowski's narration for about an hour, he was 
 obliged to leave the room. Sulkowski spoke merrily 
 and quickly as though in a fever. Although he did 
 not, even by the slightest allusion, let it be known 
 that he knew what was going to happen to him, one 
 could guess by his agitation and daring that he was 
 playing his last card. The King glanced round as 
 if he were afraid and grew more and more stiff : one 
 moment his face grew brighter, the next it became cold. 
 
 As long as Father Guarini was in the room, the Count 
 confined his conversation to his travels ; when Guarini 
 left the room he changed both the tone and subject. 
 
 * Your Majesty,' he said, ' I was longing to see my 
 liege : I had a sad presentiment, although thank 
 God, it is not realised, and your Majesty's heart is 
 the best guarantee that it could not be realised. I 
 have served my lord since childhood, I sacrificed my 
 life to him, and I am ready to sacrifice the rest of my 
 days ; I was able to gain my lord's favour and confi- 
 dence, my conscience does not reproach me with 
 anything ; I am not afraid of the plots of my enemies, 
 even if I had any, and I do not believe I have them, 
 for I have done no harm to anybody.' 
 
 The King listened with forced dignity, which did 
 not promise well. 
 
 Sulkowski asked to be permitted once more to kiss 
 the King's hand ; Augustus gave it to him muttering, 
 changing uneasily from one foot to the other, but not 
 saying one intelligible word. The Count's enthu- 
 siasm increased and he spoke with growing fever. 
 
 ' Sire, my lord, I believe in your heart as I believe 
 
Count Briihl 
 
 277 
 
 in God. Only may tlie intriguers not take it from 
 me by their calumnies ! ' 
 
 ' OL. ! Oh ! ' interrupted Augustus, ' there are no 
 intrigues here.' 
 
 *Into what court are they not able to penetrate? 
 What dress must they assume ? ' said Sulkowski 
 laughing. ^ Sire, I am a soldier and I speak straight. 
 There are bad people and those who are the sweetest, 
 the most humble, the most useful, they are the most 
 dangerous. Sire, and my lord, I do not wish to name 
 the others — but Briihl must be dismissed, otherwise 
 he will get all into his own power and deprive your 
 Majesty of his best friends, in order that he may rule 
 absolutely.' 
 
 Thus saying he looked at the King's face, which 
 became crimson and then pale, his eyes assumed a 
 wild expression, the result of suppressed anger- 
 Sulkowski, knowing well that it was necessary to 
 conquer the outburst in order to dominate the 
 monarch, favoured peace above all things ; the anger 
 never lasted long. Several times the King had wished 
 to break the chain of dependence, but every time he 
 had shirked the effort necessary to effect it. The 
 Count had seen him several times in that state of 
 mind and became still bolder. 
 
 * Sire,' he said, following the King, who went to 
 the window, * your Majesty respects the memory of 
 his great father ; may he serve as an example ! He 
 never permitted anyone to domineer over him, neither 
 the Queen, nor favourites, nor ministers, nor priests. 
 He ruled supreme. Your Majesty has only to wish, 
 to command, and those who murmur will become 
 silent ; the chain shall be broken. One must have 
 courage to live and to rule, and for that one must 
 break all chains.' 
 
 The King listened but grew more and more 
 
278 Count Briihl 
 
 frightened ; lie stopped up both his ears and instead 
 of answering retreated further and further towards 
 the window. 
 
 Sulkowski having gone so far could not retreat, 
 and determined to strike the iron while it was hot. 
 
 ' I know,' he said, Hhat I attempt a great thing, 
 but I do so out of love for my lord, whom I wish to 
 see as great and as happy as his father was. Your 
 Majesty wishes for a peaceful life, and it will come 
 as soon as your Majesty asserts his authority. Those 
 tutors, Guarini and Briihl, must be sent away. The 
 Queen is a saint, let her pray for us and edify us 
 by her virtues, and we, sire, shall go and conquer 
 Hungary, for the Emperor Karl VI will not live long. 
 Your Majesty will breathe more freely in the camp.* 
 
 Sulkowski laughed. The King looked sullenly 
 about him : not a movement, not a word betrayed his 
 thoughts. 
 
 He was evidently tired. 
 
 Happily a movement in the corridor announced the 
 dinner. Augustus made a movement as if he wished 
 to go. Sulkowski seized his hand and kissed it. 
 The King blushed. At that moment the Grand 
 Marshall of the court entered and perceived Sulkowski - 
 taking leave of the King in such a tender way, that 
 he did not doubt that the Count had returned to his 
 former favour. 
 
 Unfortunately the last part of that conversation was 
 overheard by the Queen and Guarini, who stood at 
 the door. 
 
 Sulkowski went out, assured that he would be able 
 to change everything and that no danger threatened 
 him. He greeted the courtiers and officials whom 
 he met in the castle with his former pride, and after 
 a short conversation with them, he ordered a porte- 
 chaise to be brous^ht for him and was borne home. 
 
Count Briihl 279 
 
 He was persuaded tliat all trouble was over and 
 that lie had conquered all obstacles. He believed in 
 the King's heart. He received his wife with a serene 
 face and told Ludovici to prepare all documents 
 accusing Briihl of false accounts, showing his abuses, 
 etc. Ludovici having received these orders went out 
 immediately to see that they were fulfilled. 
 
 While this was going on, the King had no appetite 
 at the commencement of his meal. His attendants 
 knew him well and immediately used the most 
 effectual remedy. Frosch and Horch were soon before 
 him, looking at each other challengingly. Frosch 
 with his hands in his pockets did not wish to look 
 at Horch, while the latter having contorted his mouth, 
 and half-closed his eyes, pointed at his adversary 
 with his finger and slowly advanced towards him. 
 
 When he was near he gave him a ferocious kick. 
 Frosch shrieked, the King looked and his face 
 brightened. Then the two fools began to abuse each 
 other. 
 
 ' Traitor,' cried Frosch opposite Horch, ' you have 
 not the courage to challenge such a hero as I am, for 
 you know that I could crush you ! You take me by 
 treachery and you shall be punished for it.' 
 
 Horch pretended to be frightened, kneeled, clasped 
 his hands and seemed to beg for mercy. But Frosch 
 rushed upon him, but it happened that he passed 
 over his adversary's head and found himself mounted 
 on his shoulders. Horch had risen and holding 
 Frosch b}^ his feet began to race round the room with 
 him. In the meantime Frosch pounded Horch on the 
 back with his fist and seized him by the ears and 
 both then rolled on the floor. 
 
 The King, having forgotten all his troubles, began 
 to laugh; the entertainment restored his appetite 
 and he ate voraciously. 
 
280 Count Briihl 
 
 The Queen, although it did not amuse her at all, 
 pretended to laugh also. 
 
 In addition to this a few glasses of good wine im- 
 proved the King's humour so much that Josephine 
 did not doubt that after dinner she would be able to 
 renew her attacks upon Sulkowski. 
 
 Briihl and Guarini were waiting in the King's 
 apartments. The minister did not hesitate on his 
 own responsibility to give orders that in the event 
 of Sulkowski appearing he was to be told that the 
 King could not receive him. The chamberlains were 
 told to excuse themselves as best they could, but not 
 to admit the Count. 
 
 It was a serious fight in which it was difficult to 
 foresee who could win, because Sulkowski 's speech 
 would have made a great impression on the King but 
 for the fact that the Queen overheard some of the 
 Count's insinuations and his advice to the King to 
 try and recover his independence. 
 
 After dinner, Augustus as usual hastened to his 
 apartment to smoke his pipe and enjoy his robe de 
 chambre ; he was already taking leave of the Queen, 
 not having mentioned a word about Sulkowski, when 
 she stopped him: 'Augustus,'^ she said, * I heard 
 what Sulkowski was advising you.' 
 
 'Where? How?' 
 
 * I was at the door,' answered the Queen, * and I 
 am glad I was there though it was by an accident. 
 You are as kind as an angel and a King cannot be 
 kind. That audacious fellow offended the King's 
 majesty, he has offended you and me ; he dared to 
 advise you to lead a bad life. Augustus, if this man 
 remains in the court, God's punishment will descend 
 upon us. How could you suffer — ' 
 
 *Well? What?' said the King. 'It worries me. 
 I need rest. Drive him away then,' 
 
Count Briihl 28i 
 
 ' Give orders ! ' 
 
 Augustus nodded in the affirmative. But mis- 
 trusting Mm tlie Queen sent for Guarini and told 
 him to act immediately. 
 
 Apprehensive and confused Briihl waited for the 
 King. Seeing him Augustus did not say a word and 
 sat down in an arm-chair. Almost at the same 
 moment Guarini entered laughing. 
 
 'Sire, we have at last found what we lost. 
 Sulkowski has come back ; evidently he must have 
 come to the conclusion that it is useless to hunt after 
 happiness. Chi sta bene, non si muove. Evidently 
 he was not satisfied here, but he has come back just 
 the same, for elsewhere must have been worse.' 
 
 Augustus began to smoke and pointed at Briihl 
 with his pipe. 
 
 ' He is at fault,' he said. * Why did they let him in ? 
 The Queen listened — he talked nonsense — phew ! ' 
 
 * Sire, I am not guilty, somebody betrayed our 
 secret,' said Briihl. 
 
 *Do what you please,' said the King with asperity. 
 * I do not wish to know anything. Write a warrant, 
 I will sign it — ' 
 
 * There is no reason for your Majesty to be in a 
 bad humour and spoil your health,' Guarini said. 
 ' Faustina is going to sing to-night with Abbuzzi, 
 they now love each other very tenderly.' 
 
 Augustus looked round and muttered : 
 
 ' Amor quel die piaee! '* 
 
 It was the beginning of a song which he was 
 nearly humming. 
 
 Guarini, taking great pains to disperse the king's 
 gloomy feelings, ordered a magnificent portrait 
 painted by Giorgione, and recently purchased in 
 Venice, to be brought. The King on seeing it said 
 enthusiastically : 'A, che hello ! ' 
 
282 Count Briihl 
 
 He again forgot about everything. 
 
 * What softness of the brush, what colouring, what 
 life ! * he exclaimed, delighted with the picture, and 
 his eyes smiled. 
 
 Half-an-hour later Faustina asked for an audience 
 on important theatre afFairs, and it was granted. 
 
 All withdrew and she entertained the King for 
 about half-an-hour with a very animated conversa- 
 tion ; when she left, Augustus was beaming with 
 delight as if there were neither ministers, nor state 
 afFairs, nor any sorrows in this world. The clouds 
 were entirely dispersed. 
 
 It was not so easy a matter to calm the anxiety 
 of the Queen and her accomplices in the plot. They 
 knew how daring Sulkowski was, how he loved the 
 King, how many friends he had at the court, and 
 how, as he was familiar with the habits of the King, 
 he could easily reach him. Consequently guards 
 were stationed all round the Count's palace, round 
 the opera, at the side door of the castle, at the 
 entrance leading to the King's apartments. 
 
 Guarini did not leave the King for a moment, the 
 Queen was watchful; Briihl and the Countess 
 Moszynski took counsel together : Henniche, Globig, 
 Loss, Hammer, and the whole crowd of officials 
 employed by Briihl, scattered through the town and 
 took up their appointed stations. 
 
 Their movements were a matter of the most perfect 
 indifference to Sulkowski, as, sure of his victory, he 
 drew up a report with which he proi)osed to over- 
 throw his adversary. The Count was persuaded 
 that his speech had made a deep impression on the 
 King, and that it would counterbalance everything 
 else. 
 
 His wife, less confident, went to pay a visit to the 
 Queen. She was not received. Alarmed by this 
 
Count Briihl 283 
 
 she insisted on obtaining a short audience and at 
 length it was granted. 
 
 The Queen received her very coolly, but following 
 Guarini's advice she pretended not to know anything 
 about the affairs of the court and that she did not 
 wish to be mixed up in anything. 
 
 The Countess Sulkowski, upon entering the room 
 in which the Queen was reading a pious book, did 
 not know what to say. 
 
 With a smile, she told the Queen, that she came to 
 share her happiness with her beloved lady, that her 
 husband had arrived. From that she passed to the 
 rumour, that her husband's enemies wished to injure 
 him. 
 
 ' My dear Countess,' said the Queen, ' pray, let us 
 talk about something else ; I am occupied with my 
 children, prayers and art, but I do not mix in the 
 affairs of the court and I do not wish to know any- 
 thing about them.' 
 
 Once more the Countess attempted to explain, but 
 the Queen repeated : 
 
 * I know nothing. The King does not ask for my 
 advice, I do not interfere with his affairs — ' 
 
 After a short conversation the subject of which 
 was a newly converted Israelite, and Lent prayers, 
 the Countess took leave of the Queen. 
 
 It would be difficult to guess whether she be- 
 lieved in the Queen's ignorance about the intrigues 
 of the court. But accustomed to trust her husband, 
 she calmed herself and went home. 
 
 Ludovici appeared late in the evening but his 
 manner indicated nothing good. He came to tell 
 the Count that he found insuperable difficulties in 
 finding documents, that the officials did not want to 
 obey him, and that consequently it was impossible 
 to have the papers ready for the next day. 
 
CHAPTER XIX 
 
 There are people like Sulkowski, who do not wish, to 
 see or to believe when there is danger. Neither what 
 his wife told him, about her very cool reception by 
 the Queen, nor what Ludovici communicated to him, 
 took one iota from the assurance the Count had in 
 himself or from his faith in the future. 
 
 It seemed to him that the King was so fond of him, 
 that he could not get along without him, and he was 
 perfectly confident. His wife, a timid and modest 
 lady, well knowing the life of the court and the value 
 of that which is called the King's favour^ was very 
 much afraid although she did not show it. She was 
 aware that disgrace in Saxony, especially when it 
 was trumped up by one's antagonists, did not end 
 in a simple dismissal and banishment. It was 
 usually followed by the confiscation of the estates 
 and very often by imprisonment for life without trial. 
 Sulkowski, in disgrace, could be threatening to his 
 enemies through his connections with the courts of 
 France, Austria, and Prussia ; what then could be 
 more natural than to imprison him for safety ? 
 
 The Countess spent the night in fear, hiding her 
 tears from her husband, for she did not wish to 
 discourage him. 
 
 Her husband, on the contrary, was in high spirits, 
 repeating to his wife what he had said to the King, 
 and what impression it made on him. He flattered 
 himself, that he had broken the snares which his foes 
 had set for him ; that everything would be as it was 
 before, that he would overthrow the whole of that 
 clique, and so surround the Queen, as to render her 
 harmless for the future. 
 
Count Briihl 285 
 
 The next morning, the fifth of February, the Count 
 was up very early, dressed, and, according to his old 
 habit, went to the castle. 
 
 Had he possessed more penetration and less con- 
 fidence in himself, he would easily have noticed that 
 everyone in the court, on perceiving him, became 
 grave ; some of the courtiers drew aside and those, 
 who could not avoid meeting him, were very cold 
 and spoke but little. Sulkowski being privileged to 
 see the King at any time he liked, went straight to 
 his room, but the Baron von Lowendhal barred his 
 way and told him very politely, that the King being 
 very busy had given orders that no one was to be 
 admitted, without any exception. 
 
 ' But this order cannot apply to me,' said Sulkowski 
 smiling. 
 
 'I do not know about that,' answered Lowendhal, 
 * perchance it may be cancelled later, but for the 
 present you must excuse me for executing my orders.' 
 
 Sulkowski not wishing to condescend to a quarrel, 
 sure that later he would be able to avenge such 
 improper behaviour, saluted, turned and went off. 
 
 He determined to come again at eleven o'clock, 
 when the King used to receive everj^body. Coming 
 down from the stairs, he perceived Briihl's 'porte- 
 chaise and it angered him. 
 
 * Patience,' he said to himself, ' these are their last 
 efforts, for they would not dare to shut the door in 
 my face. We shall see — ' 
 
 He went to Ludovici's office and found him pale 
 and confused. 
 
 * The papers ? Have you the papers ? ' asked the Count. 
 
 * I have not got them up to the present ; there is 
 something mysterious about the way the officials 
 treat me — it does not portend anything good to us.' 
 
 ' I understand,' said the Count laughing, ' they see 
 
286 
 
 Count Briihl 
 
 their near downfall and lose tlieir heads. I have not 
 yet seen the King ; they told me he was very busy. 
 They must hold council what to do with Sulkowski, 
 who ruins all their plans.' 
 
 He laughed ; Ludovici sighed but did not dare to 
 tell him that he was mistaken. 
 
 The Count hesitated as to whether or not he should 
 call on Briihl, who ought to have already paid a visit 
 to him. That was also a kind of a declaration of war. 
 
 * His conscience is not clear,' he said to himself, 
 *he does not dare to see me, he is packing his 
 baggage, sure of dismissal.' 
 
 Ludovici that day was not communicative, he 
 sighed, became pensive, paced the room and moaned. 
 It made Sulkowski laugh. 
 
 As he had nothing to do he determined to pay a visit 
 to the Countess Moszynski in order to see whether he 
 would be received, and to enjoy the Countess's fright. 
 
 Accordingly he went to the Countess, but she begged 
 to be excused, as the hour was early and she not dressed. 
 He returned home where he found his wife very uneasy. 
 
 Joking at her useless fears, he told her that he 
 was going again to the King. It was a quarter to 
 eleven when Sulkowski went again to the castle. 
 There were very few people in the ante-room. 
 
 As Sulkowski approached the door leading to the 
 King's apartments, a page rushed out and told him 
 that the King was in the Queen's apartments. He 
 had no desire to go to the Queen, for there he would 
 not be received without being first announced. Not 
 knowing what to do with himself, he went to his 
 porte-chaise. His first idea was to return home, but 
 thinking that such an early return would frighten 
 his wife, he preferred to go elsewhere. 
 
 The second failure to see the King made him 
 thoughtful ; naturally there was some intrigue but 
 
Count Briihl 287 
 
 he did not believe it could have any result. He 
 determined to overcome all difficulties by patience 
 and constancy, not to show any impatience ; and he 
 was sure that he would conquer. 
 
 Faustina's house was on his way, and he determined 
 to call on her. He knew how much the King 
 admired the singer and he hoped to be able to 
 learn something from her. 
 
 Already in the ante-room he heard such a noise that 
 he thought of withdrawing, not wishing to find himself 
 in improper company. All at once the door opened 
 and out came Amorevoli, Monticelli, Abbuzzi, Puttini, 
 Pilagia and a few Frenchmen, talking very loud 
 and quarrelling. Catching sight of Sulkowski, they 
 became silent, giving way to him and bowing humbly. 
 
 Faustina, who drove them out, stood on the thres- 
 hold ; she became confused at sight of the Count, 
 but smiling she asked him to come in. 
 
 ' When did your Excellency return ? ' she exclaimed, 
 * for I did not know you were back.' 
 
 *Well, up to the present I am half incognito,' said 
 the Count smiling. ' Just imagine, my beautiful lady, 
 that since yesterday I have not seen the King. I ! ' 
 said he pointing to himself. * Twice they would not 
 admit me to his Majesty. I began to believe that my 
 absence made me forget the customs of the court, and 
 I came to beg you for some explanation.' 
 
 *The Count is kind enough to joke with me,' 
 the singer replied, looking at him with a mixture 
 of commiseration and fear. ' I only know the stage 
 court. On the stage I am either a Queen or a 
 goddess, but when I am off the stage I know nothing 
 of what is going on in the world.' 
 
 'But,' said Sulkowski in a low voice, *tell me, 
 have you heard anything ? Am I really threatened 
 by your friend Guarini ? ' 
 
288 Count Briihl . 
 
 *I do not know anything,' said Faustina, shaking 
 her head. 'I have enough of my own theatrical 
 sorrows. It is very probably that they are plotting 
 against you, but you. Count, you need not be afraid.' 
 
 * Neither am I afraid, but I would like to tirer au 
 clair and to know what it is.' 
 
 *It is jealousy and competition,' Faustina rejoined, 
 ' In theatres they are very common, we are well 
 acquainted with them.' 
 
 ' And the remedy ? ' 
 
 Faustina shrugged her shoulders. 
 
 ' Some people would withdraw ; those who wish 
 to fight it out, must stick to their guns, for they 
 will never find peace.' 
 
 Sulkowski did not dare to remind her of the 
 warning she had given him ; her speech and manner 
 were now quite different ; she was afraid. 
 
 Seeing that he would not learn much from her, 
 the Count asked about the new opera, about Hasse, 
 and took leave of her. 
 
 He determined to go straight home. Nothwith- 
 standing the confidence which had not yet left him, 
 he was depressed and obliged to keep a close watch 
 on himself, lest the impatience which was taking 
 hold of him should show itself. 
 
 In front' of his palace he found a court carriage. 
 The Baroness von Lowendhal, daughter of the Grand 
 Master of Ceremonies was with his wife. Sulkowski 
 entered the drawing-room. 
 
 The two ladies were sitting on the sofa and chatting 
 with vivacity. The Baroness von Lowendahl, a very 
 lively though not very young person, and always 
 the best informed about everything, sprang from the 
 sofa and greeted the Count as he entered. On her face 
 one might discern much distraction and nervousness. 
 
 * Count, you will be able to tell us the latest news, 
 
Count Briihl 289 
 
 she said shaking hands with him, 'what is going 
 on at the court? Some changes are expected, and 
 we do not know what they may be.' 
 
 ' But where does such a supposition come from ? * 
 asked the Count. 
 
 ' An hour ago,' said the lady animated, ' the 
 King sent for old General Bandissin, who is 
 suffering with gout and commanded him to come 
 to the castle. The general who could hardly walk 
 across the rooift with a stick, begged to be excused, 
 giving his illness^ as his reason ; nothwithstanding 
 that they sent again for him and I saw him going 
 to the castle.' 
 
 'I do not know what that means,' answered 
 Sulkowski quietly. 'I went twice to the castle 
 and could not see the King ; it's extremely amusing.* 
 
 He began to laugh, while the Baroness prattled on. 
 
 * They say that Bandissin, who has already asked 
 several times to be pensioned, will get his release 
 at last. He needs rest. But the worst thing is, it 
 seems thg,t my father is going to be dismissed.' 
 
 ' I do not believe it,' said Sulkowski, * but as I was 
 absent from Dresden for several months, I am not 
 au courant of affairs just now.' 
 
 The Baroness looked at him. 
 
 ' It is very easy to guess. The positions are 
 required for others.' 
 
 ' Better not talk of these things,' said the Countess 
 ' I am afraid to say a word.' 
 
 The Count shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 ' Vain fears,' he said, ' all that will soon be changed.' 
 
 A lackey rushed in. 
 
 ' His Excellency the Grand Master of Ceremonies, 
 Baron von Lowendhal and His Excellency General 
 Bandissin,' he announced. 
 
 All looked at each other, the Countess grew pale. 
 T 
 
290 Count Briihl 
 
 ' Show them in,' said the Count advancing towards 
 the door. 
 
 The guests entered, and Lowendhal, having noticed 
 his daughter, looked at her as though in reproach at 
 finding her there. 
 
 The greeting was stiff, Sulkowski received them 
 coldly, not being able to explain their visit. He 
 motioned to them to be seated, when Bandissin said : 
 
 * Count, we wish to speak to you without witnesses, 
 we are sent by the King.' 
 
 Sulkowski's face did not change, he pointed to the 
 next room. 
 
 The ladies, who could not hear the conversation, 
 demained seated, frightened and curious. 
 
 The Countess trembled, feeling that this boded 
 no good. 
 
 The Baroness wished to leave, but the Countess 
 retained her by force, and she had not the strength 
 to resist. 
 
 When the men entered the other room, Bandissin, 
 an old and obedient soldier, took from his pocket 
 and with evident pain a warrant signed by the King. 
 
 He handed it in silence to Sulkowski, who, in pass- 
 ing the threshold of that room, seemed to have 
 strayed into another world, and stood pale and as 
 though thunderstruck. 
 
 He took the paper with trembling hands, read it, 
 but did not understand. 
 
 Lowendhal, who pitied him and wished to get it 
 pver as soon as possible, seeing that the Count did 
 not understand what it was all about, passed behind 
 him and read the warrant aloud. 
 
 It was very short and ran as follows : 
 
 *His Majesty the King, having noticed that the 
 Count Sulkowski has several times, and especially 
 at the last interview forgotten himself and lacked the 
 
Count Briihl 291 
 
 respect due to His Majesty, has determined to take 
 from him all the appointments the Count has held at 
 the court, and dismiss him from all duties. In con- 
 sideration of his long service, however. His Majesty 
 leaves him the pension of a general.' 
 
 Sulkowski expected something worse from the fate 
 which other men had met ; therefore as he now under- 
 stood the meaning of the warrant, he recovered. 
 
 'His Majesty's wall,' he said, 'is sacred to me. 
 Although I feel unjustly hurt, evidently by the 
 machinations of my rivals, I shall bear my lot. If I 
 have ever forgotten myself towards his Majesty, it 
 was because of the love I have for my King, and not 
 from any lack of respect.' 
 
 Neither Bandissin nor Lowendhal replied. 
 Sulkowski, before whom not long ago they had almost 
 kneeled, noticed the effect of his disgrace first upon them. 
 
 Their former affability was gone. Bandissin. 
 looked at him as on an inferior. In the faces of both 
 gentlemen one could see that all they desired was to 
 get rid of him as soon as possible. 
 
 Both bowed coolly, and distantly. Sulkowski 
 returned their bow and conducted them back to the 
 drawing-room. Here they saluted the ladies from a 
 distance and went out as soon as they could. The 
 Count politely escorted them to the ante-room and 
 returned so serene, that his wife could not read in 
 his face what had happened. 
 
 The Baroness Low^endhal waited hoping to be 
 enlightened, and dared not ask him. 
 
 Sulkowski looked at his wife whose face betrayed 
 anxious curiosity. 
 
 ' Thank God,' said he, in a voice which trembled 
 slightly, ' we are free. His Majesty has pleased to 
 dismiss me from my duties. Although I regret to 
 be obliged to leave my beloved lord, t do not feel at 
 
292 Count Briihl 
 
 all liurt. It would be difficult for an honest man to 
 remain at the court under existing circumstances.' 
 
 His wife covered her face. 
 
 'My dear,' said the Count, 'be calm, pray. The 
 reason for my dismissal is this. It seems that I forgot 
 myself in the respect due to his Majesty, in that I spoke 
 the unadvisable and unpleasant truth ; the King is 
 kind enough to leave me the pension of a general and 
 give me precious liberty — we shall go to .Vienna.' 
 
 The Baroness Lowendhal looked at the Count with 
 admiration. She could not understand the equani- 
 mity with which he received the news of his downfall 
 from his former high position. The fact was that 
 Sulkowski's pride permitted him neither to feel nor 
 to show that he was hurt. After the first shock he 
 pulled himself together and accepted his fate in a 
 truly lordly way. 
 
 It was possible that he still had hope. 
 
 The Countess cried. 
 
 The Baroness understood that her presence was 
 superfluous, for she could not offer consolation and 
 her presence prevented them from consoling each 
 other ; she silently pressed her friend's hand and 
 slipped from the room. 
 
 The Countess continued to weep. 
 , ' My dearest,' exclaimed the Count, ' I pray you to be 
 brave. It is not advisable to show that we are hurt. We 
 have to be thankful to the King that I was not sent to 
 Konigstein, and that instead of confiscating my estates 
 they leave me a pension. The banishment to Nebigan 
 is not very dreadful and does not exclude all hope — of 
 overthrowing all that scaffolding built by my honest, 
 sweet, faithful friend, Briihl ! Pray, be calm — ' 
 
 But the woman was not easily consoled. 
 
 Sulkowski looked at his watch, offered his wife his 
 arm and whispering gently, conducted her to her room. 
 
CHAPTER XX 
 
 If there is anything that can arouse the greatest 
 contempt for mankind it is the sight of the sudden 
 downfall of the favourite of fortune, who, not long 
 since, was idolised by his fellows. 
 
 There is in that something so vile and degrading^ 
 that the heart shudders ; but in such situations a 
 man learns to value others at their right price and tests 
 his best friends. No one who has not passed through 
 a similar crisis, can understand how bitter is the 
 feeling that arises in the heart. 
 
 Sulkowski, who from childhood had been with 
 Augustus and who was accustomed to be treated as 
 his friend, bore his fate with dignity ; he could not. 
 however, restrain the scorn excited in him by the 
 two gentlemen dispatched to him by the King 
 
 He at once sent for Ludovici. The councillor owed 
 him everything ; but fear for his future, for his position, 
 prompted him not to come, excusing himself on the 
 plea that he was very husy, 
 
 ' It will be necessary,' the Count said quietly, ' for 
 me to pay the knave a visit and get my papers back, 
 if he has not already given them to Briihl, in order 
 in that way to purchase his pardon.' 
 
 In the afternoon of the same day, the Count went 
 to the Castle. On his way he endured a veritable 
 martyrdom. 
 
 The news of Sulkowski's do^wnfall was already 
 known in town, and although he had never wronged 
 anybody, and could have sinned only by his pride 
 against his subordinates, being even too good to 
 many of them, all felt it their duty to show him 
 how glad they were to hear of his disgrace. 
 
294 Count Briihl 
 
 He passed by Bruhl's offices ; the clerks noticed 
 him through the windows, and, putting their pens 
 behind their ears, with their hands in their pockets, 
 they rushed out into the street in order to sneer at 
 their former master. 
 
 Sulkowski saw and heard what was going on 
 around him, but he exercised so much self-control 
 that neither by sign nor glance did he betray that 
 he saw or felt anything. He passed on slowly, 
 hearing their ironical exclamations. 
 
 At every step of the way he met those who only 
 yesterday bowed humbly as they passed him, but 
 to-day they pretended not to see him., or looked at 
 him impertinently, in order to show that they might 
 disregard him. 
 
 Carriages passed by from which heads would be 
 stretched and eyes follow him. In the castle the appari- 
 tion of a ghost would not have caused greater fear. 
 
 They dared not shut the doors in his face, but 
 even the lackeys would not make way for him. 
 
 Sulkowski seeing this would perhaps have with- 
 drawn but he determined to see the King once more. 
 
 Being familiar with the King's regular habits, he 
 knew that he passed that hour in the Queen's apart- 
 ments. It was possible that the servants would warn 
 the King but he determined to take his chance. 
 
 He entered a certain room in which fortunately 
 there was no one, and this man, whose orders were 
 formerly obeyed by the whole court, stood modestly in 
 a corner, thinking over his situation. At that moment 
 the King entered with a chamberlain ; when Sul- 
 kowski kneeled the King was frightened and wished 
 to retreat. 
 
 The count seized his legs. 
 
 ' Sire ! ' he exclaimed, ' do not send your servant 
 away, without a hearing. 
 
Count Briihl 295 
 
 * Ever since childhood I have been fortunate in faith- 
 fully fulfilling my duties towards your Majesty.' 
 The King's face depicted the greatest alarm. 
 
 * Sulkowski — ' he said, ' — I cannot — I do not wish 
 to hear anything — ' 
 
 'I beseech your Majesty,' rejoined the Count, 'to 
 listen to me ; I ask for nothing, except that I may 
 go away cleared, for my conscience is clean. Sire, 
 kindly remember the years we spent together ; have 
 I ever forgotten myself or overstepped the boundaries 
 of respect? Those who wish to get rid of me, are 
 afraid that someone watching over them might dis- 
 cover their deeds, and they send me away because I 
 am faithful to your Majesty — Sire — ' 
 
 Augustus covered his eyes with trembling hands 
 and tapping the floor with his feet, repeated : 
 
 * I do not wish to hear — ' 
 
 ' I only want to justify myself.' 
 
 ' Enough ! ' cried the King, * my firm resolution is 
 to part with you ; that cannot be changed. Neither 
 to yourself nor to your family shall any^evil^befall — 
 be at ease, but go, go, go ! ' 
 
 The King said this with evident fear, afraid lest 
 he might give way should no one come in. 
 
 ' Sire,' cried the Count desperately rising from the 
 ground, * may it be permitted me to thank your 
 Majesty for the favours I have received from the 
 King, and to kiss his hand for the last time ? ' 
 
 The King was near to tears, but there was a 
 chamberlain present, a witness and spy in one ; 
 therefore he put out his trembling hand, which the 
 Count covered with kisses. 
 
 ' Sire ! ' he cried, ' that hand repulses an innocent 
 man ! I repeat that I am innocent, because I could 
 have sinned only by the excess of my love towards 
 your Majesty.' 
 
290 Count Briihl 
 
 The uneasiness and alarm on the King's face 
 increased. 
 
 * Enough ! ' he exclaimed, * I cannot listen to you, 
 I command you to leave.' 
 
 Sulkowski bowed in silence and withdrew- 
 Augustus rushed to the door leading to the Queen's 
 apartment. 
 
 The count needed a few minutes to collect his 
 thoughts and gather strength ; he leaned against the 
 wall, pressed his forehead with his hands, and stood 
 there for some time ; he was about to go when a 
 chamberlain entered and told him in the most 
 impertinent tone to leave the room. 
 
 ' His majesty commands you by me,' he said, ' to 
 leave the castle at once and not to show yourself at 
 the court. His Majesty's will is that you live at 
 Nebigan.' 
 
 Sulkowski glanced proudly at the man, made no 
 reply and went out. 
 
 His last effort was frustrated, and there remained 
 nothing, but to drink the cup without shrinking. A 
 craving for revenge arose in his heart, but he quelled 
 it, for he knew that his enemies had the advantage. 
 
 He returned home in order to tranquillise his wife 
 and assure her that she need fear nothing worse . 
 
 The banishment to Nebigan, situated near Dresden* 
 permitted the hope of meeting the King and of 
 justifying himself. To this his wife replied : 
 
 'Briihl will not be satisfied with banishment, we 
 shall be in his hands ! He will find some reasons to 
 renew his attack ; let us leave this cursed Saxony 
 immediately : let us go to Vienna, to Poland, any- 
 where you please, except remain here ! ' 
 
 During the whole evening, the people gathered 
 round Sulkowski's palace, looking in at the 
 windows, anxious to see the ashes of the sacrifice. 
 
Count Briihl 297 
 
 From time to time Sulkowski came to the window 
 and4ooked at the vile crowd. Nobody called on him 
 that evening. But an official document was handed 
 to the porter, in which the King dismissed the Count 
 from his duties of Grand Chamberlain and Grand 
 Equerry of the court. 
 
 The Count laid the paper on the table. 
 
 The same evening there was a reception at Bruhl's 
 palace. The minister's face expressed uneasiness ; 
 he was tired after the fight. He threw himself into 
 an arm-chair when his wife came into the drawing- 
 room. 
 
 She looked at him scornfully. 
 
 *I ought to congratulate you,' she said, *you are 
 master of the situation, king of Saxony and Poland ; 
 Henniche is the lieutenant general ; Loss, Hammer 
 and Globig viceroys.' 
 
 ' And you are the queen,' rejoined Briihl smiling, 
 * a double titre.^ 
 
 'Yes,' she said laughing, ' I am beginning to get 
 accustomed to my situation, I find it quite bearable.' 
 
 She shrugged her shoulders. 
 
 * Provided it lasts longer than Sulkowski's reign.' 
 
 ' I should add, that you are very clever, having 
 laid your throne on women's shoulders. The Queen, 
 T, the Countess Moszynski, and Fraulein Hernberg — 
 not counting Abbuzzi, for she is a supernumary . ' 
 
 * It is your fault that I must seek for hearts outside 
 my own house.' 
 
 ' Ah ! hearts ! hearts ! ' interrupted his wife, 
 'neither you nor I have any right to speak about 
 hearts. We have fancies, but not hearts ; we have 
 senses, but not sentiments, but — it is better so.' 
 
 She turned from him. 
 
 * One word,' said Briihl, ' later the guests will 
 arrive and I shall not have a chance of talking to you.' 
 
298 
 
 Count Briihl 
 
 'What is it?' 
 
 Briihl bent close to her ear. 
 
 * You are compromising yourself.' 
 
 * The idea!' 
 
 * That young employe from my office — ' 
 She blushed and said angrily : 
 
 'I have my fancies! Nobody can stop them. 
 Pray do not mix yourself up in my affairs, as I 
 do not mix in yours.' 
 
 'Madam!' 
 
 Here the Countess Moszynski entered : she was 
 beaming with animation. She put out her hands 
 to Frau Briihl and said : 
 
 ' There is victory sur tout la ligne ! In town they 
 speak of nothing else ; they wonder, they tremble — ' 
 
 ' They rejoice,' added Briihl. 
 
 ' I am not certain of that,' the Countess interrupted, 
 ' but we are pleased at the downfall of that proconsul. 
 Once and for all we are en famille and are not 
 required to bow to that proud lord.' 
 
 * What news ? What does he intend to do ? ' asked 
 Briihl. 
 
 ' If you know him,' the Coii:itess said, ' you should 
 readily guess. Naturally he will go to ^^TeLigan, where 
 he will shake his head as he used to do and try 
 to see the King, and to intrigue in order to regain 
 his favour.' 
 
 Briihl laughed. 
 
 ' Yes, it is very" probable ; but, dear Countess — 
 from Nebigan it is not far to Dresden, neither is 
 it far from Konigstein — I doubt — ' 
 
 At that moment a new-comer, Countess Hernberg, 
 the wife of the Austrian envoy, entered. She was 
 a beautiful, black-eyed Viennese, with aristocratic 
 features, who was also Briihl's Egeria, and said 
 without any greeting : 
 
Count Brlihl 299 
 
 ^ I make a wager that they go to Vienna.' 
 
 Briihl made a grimace. 
 
 The two ladies began to converse together and the 
 Countess Moszynski took Briihl aside. 
 
 'You make a mistake,' she said. 'Never do 
 anything by halves ; you ought to have shut him — ' 
 
 ' The King would never consent,' said Briihl, ' by 
 asking too much, we might make him resist, and 
 Sulkowski would have our heads cut off. Then, 
 I know the 'Count too well, and that is why I do 
 not fear him, he is a weak-minded man, he cannot 
 make a plot. Before he leaves Nebigan I shall find 
 proofs that he appropriated two million thalers and 
 then Konigstein will be justified — ' 
 
 ' Briihl ! ' laughed the Countess, ' two million 
 thalers — and you — ' 
 
 ' I do not have one single penny for myself,' 
 exclaimed Briihl, ' only for the receptions, by which 
 I endeavour to do honour to my King. I am in 
 debt.' 
 
 Then he whispered : 
 
 'Do not think that I am so stupid as to let the 
 prey go before it is killed ; but I was obliged to 
 do it with two blows. I shall get him away from 
 Nebigan as soon as I wish. In the meanwhile I 
 gather proofs. In a few weeks' time the King will 
 consent to anything.' 
 
 He laughed strangely, when the Grand Minister 
 of Ceremonies, entering, obliged him to leave the 
 Countess, who joined the ladies. 
 
 ' How did he receive the news ? ' asked Briihl. 
 
 ' At first he was dismayed, but after a time, 
 bravely and proudly.' 
 
 'But the Chamberlain Frisen told me,' hissed 
 Briihl, 'that having surprised the King in the 
 castle, he crawled to his feet.' 
 
300 Count Briihl 
 
 * It is possible/ said Lowendhal, * But — ' 
 
 He did not have time to finish the sentence, for 
 the butler made signs to Briihl from the door, and 
 he was obliged to leave his guest and go and find 
 out why he had been called. He passed through 
 the drawing-room with some uneasiness, for although 
 the King was carefully watched, he feared that the 
 former favourite had succeeded in stealing into the 
 castle. 
 
 Henniche was waiting in the study, sitting comfort- 
 ably in an armchair. Although he made some 
 movement as the minister entered, one could see 
 that he played with him, knowing that he was more 
 necessary to Briihl, than Briihl to him. 
 
 * What is this urgent business you have to com- 
 municate ? ' said Briihl reproachfully. ' The people 
 will think that something has happened.' 
 
 * Let them think,' said Henniche impatiently. 
 * Your Excellency amuses himself and I work ; I cannot 
 satisfy your fancies.' 
 
 ' Are you mad ? ' 
 
 ' I ? ' asked Henniche qaickly. 
 
 * You forget yourself,' said Briihl. 
 Henniche laughed. 
 
 ' Let us drop that ; to others you may be a great 
 man, but not to me ' 
 He waved his hand. 
 ' To what would you amount without me ? ' 
 
 * And what about you, without me ? ' cried Briihl 
 vehemently. 
 
 ' I am a fork, with which every minister must eat ; 
 it's quite different.' 
 Briihl quieted down. 
 ' Well, tell me, what news ? ' 
 
 * Instead of thanking me, your Excellency scolds 
 me. It is true that Henniche was a lackey, but 
 
Count Briihl 301 
 
 precisely for tliat reason, he does not like to be 
 reminded of the fact.' 
 
 Saying this he unfolded some papers. 
 
 ' Here is what I have brought ; I made Ludovici 
 drunk, I have assured him that we shall appoint him 
 a councillor in the secret department, and I guarantee 
 that he shall keep it in such secrecy that nobody shall 
 learn about it ! I have already some accusations. 
 There are sums taken from the custom house, there 
 are receipts of money not paid to the army. Ho ! 
 ho ! plenty to accuse him of. How could he buy 
 estates otherwise ? ' 
 
 ' You must have proofs,' said Briihl. 
 
 'Black and white,' Henniche returned. 
 
 ' When could you have them ready ? ' 
 
 ' In a few days.' 
 
 ' There is no hurry,' said Briihl, * the King must 
 rest after his first effort. Faustina shall sing, Guarini 
 shall make him laugh, we shall shoot ; the incident 
 in the corridor will be forgotten, then we shall be able 
 to act. The essential thing is to keep all in secrecy ; 
 he must not suspect anything and run away.' 
 
 Henniche, who looked attentively at his master, 
 added : 
 
 ' We must watch him at Nebigan ; we must tell 
 some of our lackeys to enter his service ; they will" 
 act as spies.' 
 
 ' Very good,' said Briihl. 
 
 ' I should think it is very good, as I never suggest 
 anything bad,' rejoined Henniche. 
 
 ' If he escapes to Vienna, or to Prussia, even to 
 Poland,' said Briihl thoughtfully, ' it would be a very 
 unpleasant and dangerous occurrence.' 
 
 *Yes, dangerous,' said Henniche fixing his wig, 
 * for although he is not very cunning, it is never wise 
 to despise an enemy.' 
 
302 Count Briihl 
 
 'Then it is understood,' whispered Briihl, 'you 
 collect proofs of guilt. It would not be proper for 
 me, who succeed him, to act openly against him.' 
 
 Before leaving he added : 
 
 ' Listen, Henniche, you cannot go away, it will be 
 better to send Globig. Such a man as Sulkowski 
 cannot be put in one room, especially when it is 
 probable that he will remain there a long time. Do 
 you understand ? Tell Globig to go to the command- 
 ant and let him choose a few good rooms for the 
 Count, that he may be quite comfortable. They 
 might clean the rooms and have them ready, but 
 they must not know for whom they are destined.' 
 
 Henniche laughed. 
 
 ' Your Excellency forgets that for such a game I 
 must be rewarded.' 
 
 ' When he is in the cage,' Briihl said. ' And it 
 seems to me that you do not forget yourself.' 
 
 * We are both alike,' rejoined Henniche folding the 
 papers. * Why should we cheat each other ? We 
 know each other well.' 
 
 Briihl, although the ex-lackey treated him so 
 brutally, did not dare to answer ; he needed him. 
 
 The minister returned with a serene face to the 
 drawing-room, where the card tables were quite ready. 
 The Countess Moszynski, tapping the table with her 
 fingers, waited for him. 
 
 ' Sit down,' she said, ' at this hour all business 
 goes to bed.' 
 
CHAPTER XXI 
 
 The last days of the carnival were more merry than 
 in former years, because everyone tried to make the 
 King cheerful, on whose forehead could often be seen 
 something like sadness and yearning. 
 
 He yawned very often during the afternoon, and 
 Guarini's jokes could not make him laugh. They 
 asked Faustina to sing the King's favourite songs. 
 Frosch and Horch were promised a reward for good 
 tricks. They induced the King to shoot every day 
 at a target. The entertainments at the castle were 
 very brilliant. Briihl would hardly leave the castle ; 
 he would stand at the door trying to guess the King's 
 thoughts. Sometimes Augustus would be in a better 
 humour and would smile ; but very often too, during 
 the laughter, a cloud would come and the monarch's 
 face would become suddenly gloomy ; then he would 
 turn to the window, and appeared not to see or to 
 hear anything. 
 
 The next day Sulkowski received an order to go 
 immediately to Nebigan. He was obliged to leave 
 Dresden. The people were waiting for him on his 
 way in order to jeer at him. 
 
 His little dog Fido was running after his carriage, 
 someone shot him. It was done in the day time, in 
 the town, and no one said anything. The Countess 
 cried, the Count said not a word, he bore it stoically, 
 pretending to know nothing about it. 
 
 The vile mob accompanied him beyond the bridge, 
 running and shouting after him. The coachman 
 urged the horses, the Count looked into the distance 
 and did not even move — he felt superior to it all. 
 
 Briihl was told all about this ; he only smiled. 
 
 At last the new minister learned through his 
 
304 Count Briihl 
 
 spies that Sulkowski's downfall aroused in the court 
 rather regret and fear than pleasure. They 
 murmured everywhere. 
 
 The only remedy for that was to isolate the King 
 so that no unauthorised word could penetrate to 
 him. During the next few days, immediately the 
 new officials were appointed, Bnihl's brother became 
 the Grand Marshal of the court, the pages and 
 lackeys whom they suspected of having any relations 
 with Sulkowski, were changed. 
 
 Augustus got everything he was fond of, but he 
 was strictly watched. He felt happy, since he could 
 satisfy his habits and besides that, desired nothing else. 
 
 It was impossible immediately to think of restrain- 
 ing the Queen's influence, but it was in Briihrs plans 
 to do so. He determined to act through his wife 
 alone, for he feared that Guarini would not consent 
 to use such radical measures. Briihl felt omnipotent, 
 and his viceroys, as they called his councillors, grew 
 more and more arrogant. 
 
 They were still afraid of Sulkowski and it was 
 necessary to finish with him once and for ever. 
 Henniche collected proofs of money appropriated. 
 The action that now had to be put through was, to 
 confiscate the Fiirstenburg Palace, given to him by 
 the King, to take from him Nebigan Castle, and lock 
 him up in Konigstein. As there had been many 
 similar examples in the reign of Augustus the 
 Strong, Briihl expected to be able to carry out his 
 plans very easily. Sulkowski, free, was dangerous. 
 Sulkowski in Vienna would be threatening. 
 
 Briihl was still more alarmed that the Count did 
 not seem to be crushed by his misfortune. He 
 ordered his furniture to be brought from Dresden to 
 Nebigan, and the beautiful situation of the castle 
 made sojourn in it quite bearable. From his window 
 
Count Briihl 305 
 
 Sulkowski could see the tower of the King's castle, 
 in which he had been such a powerful man. 
 
 The carnival drew to its end, the Count did not 
 leave Nebigan. 
 
 Every day his steps were dogged by spies, but 
 they could not learn anything. Nobody visited him 
 from town. Every day the Count's servants would 
 go to Dresden for provisions, but they had no inter- 
 course with anyone except the shopkeepers. 
 
 The. Count would spend whole days reading, con- 
 versing with his wife, and writing letters, but the 
 spies never learned how they were sent. 
 
 One morning Briihl entered the King's room with 
 a pile of papers. The King hated the mere sight of 
 papers, and talk about intrigues. One word would 
 make him sullen. 
 
 Briihl would shorten the disagreeable duty by 
 handing to the King documents ready for his 
 signature. Augustus III would sit at a table and 
 would sign them like a machine, not looking at the 
 documents ; his signature was always the same, 
 clear, precise, majestic and quiet. 
 
 That day, the King, having noticed the papers, was 
 preparing to perform his onerous duty, but Briihl 
 stood motionless, and did not unfold the documents. 
 
 An enquiring look made him speak. 
 
 * Sire,' he said, *I have to-day such a disagreeable 
 affair that for the sake of my lord's peace I should 
 like not to speak about it.' 
 
 The King twisted his mouth. 
 
 * I would have preferred that somebody else should 
 have done this, but nobody would take my place,' said 
 Briihl sighing. * Consequently I must speak myself.' 
 
 ' H'm ? ' said Augustus. 
 
 'Your Majesty knows well,' Briihl continued, 
 'that I am not mixed up in Sulkowski's affairs.' 
 u 
 
306 Count Briihl 
 
 * It is over ! Enougli of it ! ' interrupted the King 
 impatiently. 
 
 * Not altogether,' rejoined Briihl, * and that is why 
 I feel so unhappy. I took his duties, I am an 
 honest man, I was obliged to investigate everything.* 
 
 The King stared at Briihl ; there was something 
 alarming in that look. 
 
 * Among his papers were found some letters 
 accusing your Majesty's ungrateful servant ; there 
 were many abuses ; deficits in the accounts — ' 
 
 The King cleared his throat. 
 
 * But I still have money ? ' he asked with energy. 
 
 * Yes, but not as much as there ought to be,' said 
 the minister. * But the worst is this, that the letters 
 exchanged between Sulkowski and some foreign 
 courts condemn him as a most dangerous man. If 
 he goes to Poland he will be protected by the laws 
 of the republic ; should he go to Vienna, he might 
 be a menace to us there. In a word, wherever 
 Sulkowski might go — ' 
 
 Briihl looked attentively at the King's face as he 
 said this, but although he knew his character well^ 
 he could not guess what impression he had made on 
 Augustus by his speech. Augustus looked surprised, 
 gazed round the room, grew red and pale by turns, 
 appeared confused, but did not say a word. 
 
 The minister waited for the answer. Augustus 
 cleared his throat, coughed loudly and looked 
 challengingly at Briihl. 
 
 'Your Majesty,' Briihl continued, 'knows that I 
 am against severe measures. I also loved that man, 
 he was my friend as long as he was faithful to my 
 lord. To-day as a minister, as a faithful servant, I 
 must act against my heart.' 
 
 It was evidently an understood thing between 
 Briihl and Guarini, that the Padre was to enter 
 
Count Briihl 307 
 
 during this conversation, and in lie came. But tHe 
 King made quite a different use of his presence and 
 asked after Faustina. 
 
 *She is very well,' answered Guarini laughing. 
 
 * Chi ha la sanita, e rieeo, e se no 7 sa.' 
 
 But Briihl stood there like an executioner. * Will 
 Your Majesty permit me to finish my unpleasant busi- 
 ness ? ' he said. * Father Guarini knows all about it.' 
 
 ' Ah ! He knows ! Very well ! ' said the King 
 and turning to the Padre asked him : * And what 
 do you think of it ? ' 
 
 The Padre shrugged his shoulders. ' I hold the 
 same opinion as my gracious lord,' he said laughing. 
 
 * I am a priest, it is not for me to judge these things.' 
 
 There was a pause ; Augustus looked at the floor ; 
 Briihl was frightened. 
 
 * During the reign of Augustus the Strong, 
 Sulkowski would by this time have been in 
 Konigstein,' said Briihl. 
 
 * No ! No ! ' said Augustus, looking at Briihl and 
 growing pale ; then he rose and paced to and fro. 
 
 Guarini stood sighing. 
 
 *I never insisted on treating anyone severely,' 
 rejoined Briihl. ' I was and I am for clemency, but 
 there are proofs of such ingratitude — ' 
 
 The Jesuit raised his eyes and sighed again. He 
 and Briihl both watched the King's every movement 
 and did not know what to think. Never before had 
 he been a riddle to them, knowing him they were 
 sure of being able to make him give in, but the 
 question was, how to do it without wearying him, for 
 then he would be angry with them for tiring him. 
 Briihl looked at Guarini as though urging him to 
 finish the matter. The Padre looked back at the 
 minister with the same silent request. Augustus 
 directed his gaze steadily to the floor. 
 
308 Count Briihl 
 
 *Wliat are your Majesty's orders?' asked BriiM 
 persisting. 
 
 ' What about ? ' muttered the King. 
 
 'About Sulkowski.' 
 
 ' Ah ! yes — yes — ' 
 
 And again he looked down at the floor. 
 
 At length he turned to Briihl, and as it seemed 
 with a great effort, pointing to the table, said : 
 
 ' Leave the papers until to-morrow.' 
 
 The minister grew confused, for he was not willing 
 to leave the papers. Although he was sure that the 
 King would not read them he was cautious, and being 
 afraid that something unexpected might happen, 
 wished to finish the business at one blow. He 
 looked at Guarini. 
 
 ' Sire,' said the Jesuit softly, *it is such a bitter pill 
 that it is not worth while to taste it twice. Alcun 
 pensier no paga mai debito. Why think it over ? ' 
 
 The King did not answer ; presently he turned to 
 Briihl and said : * In the afternoon shooting at the 
 target in the castle.' 
 
 The order was significant, Briihl was confounded. 
 
 ' The last reindeer tired us,' added the King, ' but 
 it was worthy of our efforts.' 
 
 He was silent again. 
 
 'And the last died,' he added sighing. 
 
 The clock pointed to the hour at which the King 
 was accustomed to go to the Queen ; he ordered a 
 chamberlain to be called. 
 
 Briihl was dismissed, having gained nothing, and 
 his efforts were frustrated. He did not know why the 
 King resisted him. The King hastened off. They 
 were obliged to leave him, and Briihl called the Padre 
 into the next room. 
 
 He threw the papers on the table. 
 
 ' I am at a loss to understand it ! ' he cried. 
 
Count Briihl 309 
 
 * Patienza I Col tempo e colla paglia niaturano le 
 nespole ! ' answered Guarini. ' Wait till to-morrow ; 
 you could not expect to do it so soon. The King 
 must grow accustomed to the idea, and as he dislikes 
 every fresh attack, you will succeed.* 
 
 The minister relapsed into thought. 
 
 * At any rate, it is bad,' he said, ' that he is still 
 so fond of Sulkowski.' 
 
 They began to whisper, taking counsel of each 
 other. The Jesuit went to the Queen, Briihl returned 
 home with the papers. 
 
 The King being fond of regular habits, while 
 smoking his pipe in the afternoon, would never see 
 anyone except those who could amuse him. Even 
 Briihl was then obliged to forget his duties as prime 
 minister and assume the role of one of the King's 
 fools. But, as there was no danger on those after- 
 noons, the minister showed himself very seldom. 
 The King amused himself with his fools, and was 
 not permitted to send for anybody outside the court, 
 for even if Briihl's creatures received such an order, 
 they would find some pretext for not fulfilling it, 
 until they had consulted the minister. 
 
 From the time of Augustus the Strong there 
 remained in the court the famous fool Joseph 
 Frohlich, who wore a silver chamberlain's key on 
 his back containing a quart of wine. 
 
 Briihl, who distrusted him as much as the Baron 
 Schmiedel, tried to get him dismissed, but Augustus 
 would not permit him to drive off all his father's 
 faithful servants. Frohlich had his own house beyond 
 the bridge, was well to do, and seldom appeared at 
 court ; but every time he came, Augustus would 
 laugh as soon as he caught sight of his round face. 
 
 That afternoon Briihl was not with the King. 
 Frosch had a swollen face, the result of a blow 
 
310 Count Briihl 
 
 from Horch, and could not come to amtise the 
 King. Therefore no one was surprised when the 
 King told the page to go and bring Frohlich. 
 
 The fool was very much surprised when he received 
 the order to go to the castle. He quickly donned 
 one of the three hundred dresses purchased for him 
 by Augustus the Strong, hung his famous key on his 
 back, and rushed through the bridge thinking by 
 what joke he could best amuse the King. 
 
 Even fools have hours in which they do not care 
 to laugh. Frohlich, semi^er nuiiqiiam traurigy as 
 the motto ran on a medal struck in his honour, was 
 in such a mood that day that he was not frohlich but 
 sour as vinegar. He would not confess it, but he liked 
 the times of Augustus II better than those of his son. 
 
 But the habit of being amusing to order enabled 
 him to be merry when he appeared before the King. 
 
 Besides being witty, Frohlich was a very able 
 conjuror, and it was just then more easy for him to 
 begin by some trick than a witticism. 
 
 Kneeling before the King, Frohlich said that he 
 ran so fast that his throat was dry. He took off his 
 key and asked if his Majesty would be kind enough 
 to permit him to strengthen his forces by a draught 
 of wine. The King clapped his hands and told a 
 page to bring a bottle. 
 
 In the meantime Frohlich employed himself clean- 
 ing his key which was a little rusty, and from which 
 he was going to drink, complaining that he seldom 
 used it now. The page stood with the bottle ready to 
 pour in the wine, when Frohlich looking at the bottom 
 of his key, grew frightened at seeing something in it. 
 
 * Who woidd have expected,' he exclaimed, * that a 
 bird would build a nest in it ? ' And a canary flew 
 out of the key. The King laughed ; but that was 
 not all ; there was still something more in the key 
 
Count Briihl 311 
 
 and the fool took out a pile of ribbons, six hand- 
 kerchiefs, a candle, and a handful of nuts. Then he 
 said that not being certain that there was not an 
 enchanted princess in the key, he would prefer to 
 drink the King's health from a glass. After some 
 refreshment, the fool began to amuse the King by- 
 imitating well-known actors. 
 
 The entertainment lasted about half an hour. 
 The King laughed, but Frohlich noticed that in 
 spite of his apparent mirth, he was uneasy, perplexed 
 and distracted. He wondered what the cause could 
 be, when, to his surprise, the King went to the 
 farthest window, and motioned to him to follow. 
 
 There was something so mysterious and unusual 
 in this that Frohlich was alarmed. He followed 
 the King, however, to the window, where he was 
 standing, looking round undecided and alarmed. 
 The fool could not solve the riddle. 
 'Frohlich, listen,' said the King in a whisper, 
 * h'm ! laugh aloud, laugh, but listen to what I am 
 going to say, Do you understand ? ' 
 
 As yet the fool did not understand, but he began 
 to laugh so loudly as to deafen the loudest conversation. 
 The King took hold of his ear and drew it almost 
 to his lips. 
 
 ' Frohlich is faithful, honest, will not betray me,* he 
 said. * To-day, go secretly to Nebigan. Understand ? 
 Tell him, understand, to escape at once to Poland.' 
 
 Frohlich could not understand why the King should 
 use him as a secret messenger. It did not strike him 
 to think of Sulkowski. He made a gesture that he 
 did not understand. The King bent again over his 
 ear and said one word only • ' Sulkowski ! ' 
 
 Having said this, as though frightened at having 
 mentioned a name forbidden to be spoken at the 
 court, he drew aside, Frohlich could not laugh 
 
312 Count Briihl 
 
 any more. He was so frightened that he did not 
 yet comprehend. 
 
 His face must have expressed the doubt, for the 
 King told him again to laugh, aloud, repeating the 
 order precisely. 
 
 He spoke quickly, incoherently, but at length the 
 fool understood that the King told him to warn the 
 Count of his danger, and bid him escape to Poland. 
 
 In order not to arouse suspicion Augustus con- 
 tinued for a time to listen to the fool's jokes and then 
 taking a handful of gold pieces from his pocket, put 
 them into Frohlich's hands. 
 
 * Go ! ' said the King. 
 
 Frohlich, after being permitted to kiss the King's 
 hand, went out and ran home as fast as he could. 
 
 He hardly grasped what had happened to him. It 
 was necessary to collect his thoughts and take counsel 
 with himself, how he could best fulfil the King's order, 
 for he was afraid of his entourage. 
 
 He fell into deep thought, and sighed. The task 
 was difficult. Even had he been less familiar with 
 the life of the court and the fate of favourites, he 
 could easily guess that there were plenty of spies 
 round Nebigan and probably also in the castle. 
 
 Frohlich was a well-known person, but happily the 
 frequent fancy-dress balls, given during the reign of 
 Augustus the Strong, accustomed most people to the 
 art of disguising themselves. Frohlich closeted him- 
 self in his room and without losing time commenced 
 to work at his transformation. 
 
 It was early in February, the river Elbe was covered 
 with strong ice, and it seemed to Frohlich that access 
 to Nebigan was easiest and safest from the river. It . 
 was too late to travel on foot, so he hired a sledge at 
 Briesnitz, and having promised the driver high pay, 
 was driven swiftly to an inn in the village of Nebigan 
 
Count Briihl 313 
 
 Telling tlie driver to wait, he went out through, 
 another door and walked towards the river. 
 
 He felt that only by some good luck could he fulfil 
 his dangerous mission. On arriving at the castle he 
 hesitated, then he entered the courtyard and ran as 
 fast as he could to the hall. It was dark and no one 
 was about. Sulkowski never kept many servants and 
 now he had still less. The stairs were dark, and only 
 on ascending them did he hear voices. In the ante- 
 room the servants were quarrelling over their game 
 of cards. 
 
 At the sight of a strangely dressed man, coming at 
 such an unusual hour, they sprang to their feet, 
 asking him what he wanted. 
 
 Frohlich said that he must see the Count at once. 
 The butler first searched his pockets, fearing that he 
 might carry arms, or might have come with some evil 
 design, then went to the Count to announce the 
 stranger. 
 
 There was some stir in the castle : the wig, the 
 clothes and the handkerchief with which his face was 
 covered did not permit them to recognise Frohlich. 
 They showed him into a drawing-room, just lighted 
 for the purpose. Sulkowski was pale but quiet and 
 as proud as if he were still prime minister. The 
 visitor requested that the servant might be dismissed. 
 The request aroused some suspicion and alarm, but 
 the Count did not betray his feelings. As soon as 
 they were alone, Frohlich uncovered his face. 
 
 ' Two hours ago,' he said, ' I was called to the King ; 
 I shall repeat his own words : '* To-day, secretly, go 
 to Nebigan — tell him to escape at once to Poland." ' 
 
 Sulkowski listened indifferently. 
 
 * The King told you this ? ' he asked. 
 
 * Yes, and with fear lest he might be overheard, as 
 though he were a slave and not a king.' 
 
314 Count Briihl 
 
 * He is a slave and will remain so for ever/ sighed 
 Sulkowski. 
 
 He became pensive. 
 
 ' May God reward you/ he said presently, * for the 
 trouble you have taken for me, or rather for the 
 King. How can I show you my gratitude ? ' 
 
 'Only by this, that your Excellency fulfils the 
 King's will to-night.' 
 
 The Count stood as if riveted to the ground. 
 • Frohlich went out to find his sledge, while the 
 Count still stood undecided as to what to do. 
 
 He knew enough of Briihl to understand that his 
 wisest course was to follow the King's advice. 
 
 The next day as the King was returning from 
 chapel, Guarini came to him to wish him good 
 morning. To this the King would usually answer by 
 sounds similar to those produced by clearing his throat, 
 laughter or hiccoughs. The King's face indicated 
 excellent health, which he inherited from his father, 
 and as he did not abuse it, it served him admirably. 
 
 Guarini with other courtiers accompanied the King. 
 
 The King looked at him inquisitively several times, 
 as if trying to learn something from the expression of 
 his face ; at length he said laconically : ' Cold.' 
 
 * I feel it, for at best I am an Italian,' said Guarini, 
 'but notwithstanding the cold,' he continued in a 
 whisper, ' there are people who do not fear to travel. 
 A certain Count whose name I will not mention, for he 
 was unfortunate enough to fall into disgrace — started 
 last night, so I heard, to an unknown destination.' 
 
 The King as though not hearing made no answer. 
 
 Briihl was waiting in the King's room with the 
 documents, but he was distracted and morose. 
 
 Augustus came to him quickly. * Briihl ! those 
 papers of yesterday ; we must finish with them.' 
 
 ' All is over,' ansA veered the minister, sighing. 
 
CHAPTER XXII 
 
 BrUhl conquered, but for many years he was 
 afraid of the revenge Sulkowski might take, which, 
 however, the latter never attempted. Sulkowski, 
 having purchased a large estate from the King 
 Leszczynski, and also being occupied in admini- 
 strating his other estate in Silesia, being moreover 
 created prince by the Emperor of Austria, enjoyed his 
 life and did not trouble to recall himself to Augustus 
 III, now so completely dominated by Briihl. 
 
 The present stoiy is only a preface to Briihrs life 
 who until the death of Augustus ruled over Saxony and 
 Poland ; he became a Polish nobleman and, as he him- 
 self said, played a most interesting role as a favourite, 
 whom good luck never deserted till the day of his 
 death. It would be unsatisfactory to give a mere 
 synopsis of this curious drama. Brtihl is a historical 
 figure as well as a remarkable type of his epoch ; in 
 Briihl's life, that of Augustus III appears as in a mirror. 
 
 Here the story might close, had not tradition left 
 an interesting incident which may form a fitting 
 epilogue to the tale. 
 
 In 1756, during the war with Prussia, when Briihl 
 was in the height of his power, he was obliged to fl^^ 
 to Poland with Augustus III, who left to the victor 
 all his property — his palaces, libraries, galleries, 
 collections. It was late in the autumn and the court 
 carriages, on account of bad roads and the scarcity 
 of horses in Silesia, were divided into several groups. 
 It so happened that the King was in the first of these 
 and his minister in the last. Briihl greatly feared 
 capture by the King of Prussia who hated him, and 
 in consequence endeavoured to reach Augustus in 
 
316 Count Briihl 
 
 whose company he felt safer. But misfortune 
 pursued him ; the horses dropped dead, the wheels 
 broke, and haste was impossible. The rain rendered 
 the roads so bad that double teams for the carriages 
 were insufficient. Briihl was obliged to accept his 
 fate. Recent events had much depressed him, he 
 had lost millions and was obliged to fly to Poland 
 where he could not rule so absolutely as in Saxony. 
 No wonder then that the pet of fortune was gloomy, 
 frightened and impatient. Sometimes he was so 
 absent-minded that he did not even understand what 
 was said to him. 
 
 Evening was approaching, it was raining hard, the 
 horses could hardly drag themselves along, when the 
 steeples and lights of a small hamlet appeared 
 through the grey curtain of rain. Briihl expected 
 to find the King here, but at the posting station he 
 was told that his Majesty was going to pass the night 
 about twenty miles further on, and it was impossible 
 to get horses. Briihl promised to buy the horses but 
 nobody would accept his offer and he was forced to 
 seek a lodging in the village. 
 
 His numerous attendants, for he had lately been 
 made a Count, dispersed to find him decent accom- 
 modation. There was only one inn called ' Ye Old 
 Horse,' which was occupied by a Polish nobleman 
 and his retinue. The minister thought that at the 
 sound of his name the inn would be immediately 
 vacated in his favour, for the Polish nobles were very 
 polite, outside their house of parliament, and Briihl 
 was omnipotent and could reward the courtesy with 
 the gift of some state property. Count Briihl's major- 
 domo hastened to 'Ye Old Horse' where he found 
 the numerous and lordly retinue of someone whom 
 they called prince. Without asking the name of the 
 nobleman he preferred his request, or, as he thought, 
 
Count Briihl 317 
 
 command, that they should vacate it in favour of his 
 Excellency the Count Briihl. The prince, on hearing 
 the name made a grimace, pondered a while, and 
 answered in very good German, even betraying the 
 Saxon accent, that he would not give up the inn, but 
 would share it with the minister. 
 
 In the meantime the sleet was beating so effectually 
 against the windows of the Count's carriage that it 
 found its way inside. The messenger returned with 
 the answer and Briihl, not apprehending any incon- 
 venience from meeting a stranger ordered them to 
 drive to the inn. 
 
 He expected that someone would come out to meet 
 him, but he was mistaken. It was Briihl's custom 
 to double his civility when he was slighted, and he 
 alighted from the carriage with a determination to 
 put the proud nobleman to shame by his amiability. 
 The butler threw open the door, and the minister 
 hastened into a large room, in which there was a fire 
 in the grate, and two lighted candles on the table. 
 Looking round for the prince, he perceived, standing 
 at the further end of the room, not in the least em- 
 barrassed at the meeting, only a little older, but still 
 more proud than ever — Sulkowski. 
 
 The prince stood silently looking down on his 
 adversary, without greeting him. 
 
 Briihl grew pale and wanted to withdraw, thinking 
 that he had fallen into an ambush. His face changed 
 so strangely, that Sulkowski could not help smiling. 
 
 Evidently recollecting Guarini and his Italian 
 proverbs, he said : 
 
 ^ Si rineontrano gli uomini^ e non le montagne.^ 
 
 Briihl stood astounded 
 
 ' I am sure you know the fable,' said Sulkowski, 
 * about a storm, during which a wolf found himself 
 in a cavern with a lamb — it is something like that 
 
318 Count Briihl 
 
 with us ! During such bad weather it would not bo 
 right to refuse hospitality even to a foe.' 
 Briihl was silent. 
 
 * Count, you may rest assured that I shall not 
 take advantage of the situation, in order to annoy 
 you,' added Sulkowski. ' Our meeting amuses me 
 very much, especially when I think that I am 
 avenged by your fate after fourteen years.' 
 
 * Prince ! ' said Briihl very sweetly. 
 
 * Count ! ' Sulkowski rejoined, 'had it depended 
 upon you, I should have had a lodging in Konigstein 
 instead of a principality.' 
 
 * Prince ! ' retorted Briihl, ' you attribute to me 
 greater power than I had. The reasons of your 
 downfall were, in the first place, your own lack of 
 foresight, secondly, right or not, the King's anger, 
 and lastly, his Majesty's will, of which I was merely 
 the executioner.' 
 
 ' Count ! ' said the Prince, * you should put it 
 as it will be written in history, namely, that the King 
 was and is the executor of your fancies — ' 
 
 * Prince, you are mistaken — ' 
 
 ' I hope you do not think me so stupid,' rejoined 
 Sulkowski, * that knowing your character and the situa- 
 tion, 1 could be persuaded that you were innocent.' 
 
 * 1 call God to witness ! ' cried Briihl, clasping hid 
 hands. 
 
 *That is very comfortable,' answered Sulkowski, 
 *for that witness never comes on earth. The best 
 proof is the fate you have met with. The fruits of 
 your policy are : the Prussian invasion, and the 
 King's shameful flight.' 
 
 Briihl was indignant. 
 
 * It is only a beginning and not the end,' he said, * we 
 shall see what will become of the invaders and of us.* 
 
 *Yes,' said Sulkowski smiling, * the King and 
 
Count Brlihl 319 
 
 you, that is to say, you, are going to make another 
 country happy, and do with Poland as you have 
 done with Saxony.' 
 
 *In the administration at Saxony,' Brlihl said 
 sarcastically, 'I had no need to introduce anything 
 new, it sufficed to follow the steps of my worthy 
 predecessor.' 
 
 Sulkowski's eyes shone. 
 
 * Your predecessor planned quite differently for 
 the future of Saxony,' said Sulkowski proudly, * and 
 the best proof of that w^as the plan you gave to the 
 Austrian Court through the Prince von Lichtenstein.' 
 
 Briihl was confused. 
 
 ' I ? I know nothing about it,' he muttered sulkily. 
 
 Sulkowski laughed, and paced to and fro. 
 
 ' Briihl, list-en ; I speak as formerly, without 
 giving you your title,' he said, *do not play the 
 fool with me, for it is useless.' 
 
 *I have nothing to reproach myself with,' said 
 Briihl, * and I forgive you. Prince, you are talking 
 like a competitor who failed to accomplish what 
 good fortune gave to me.' 
 
 ' How can you call that good fortune ? * said 
 Sulkowski laughing. * Padre Guarini, or — ' 
 
 Briihl blushed, the prince shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 'Upon my honour. Count, I admire you from a 
 distance, but you must not tell me that I would 
 have done the same in your place ! I most humbly 
 avow that I could not use so much falsehood as 
 you did for your plans. I wanted to see Saxony 
 powerful and Augustus III famous; he was noble 
 but weak and lazy ; I wanted to supply him with 
 my energy. What I possess I owe to the King's 
 munificence and not to dishonest calculations.' 
 
 * Prince ! ' exclaimed Briihl, ' that is too much ! ' 
 Sulkowski turned to him and continued : — • 
 
320 Count Briihl 
 
 * But we can be honest and laugh at this 
 comedy behind the scenes as the Roman augurs 
 did. You may be to others as innocent as Ephraim, 
 but to me you will always remain Briihl, whom I 
 remember wearing the uniform of a page and 
 saluting the lackeys.' 
 
 With these words, Sulkowski took his fur cap, 
 and taking no further notice of Briihl, walked out. 
 The wind was still howling, the rain pouring down, 
 but the prince ordered his carriage to be brought 
 round. 
 
 The servants were amazed but ventured no remark, 
 
 * Not a word ! We go to the next village, but we 
 leave here and at once.' 
 
 He did not return to the room in which he had 
 left Briihl ; even the icy cold was preferable to that, 
 and when after a long delay the carriage came to the 
 door, he sprang in, and answered the servant's enquiry 
 where to drive to, with : 'Anywhere you please.' 
 
 Against the lighted panes of the window there 
 appeared the shadow of a man, as of one peering into 
 the darkness. The carriage rolled away into the night 
 and the shadow of the man at the window disappeared. 
 
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