History of Friedrich II of Prussia, vol 18 | Page 7

making instant restitution to Saxony, with ample
damages on the nail; that right be done to Kurfursts of this Reich. To
such height of vigor has the Reich's- Diet gone;--and was voting it at
Regensburg January 10th, 1757; [ Helden-Geschichte, italic> iv. 252, 302, 330; Stenzel, v. 32.] that very day when nefarious
Friedrich at Berlin, case-hardened in iniquity to such a pitch, sat
writing his INSTRUCTION TO COUNT FINCK, which we read not
long since. Simultaneous movements, unknown to one another, in this
big wrestle.
Reich's-Diet perfected its Vote; had it quite through, and sanctioned by
the Kaiser's Majesty, January 29th: "Arming to be a TRIPLUM" (triple
contingent required of you this time); with Romish-months
(ROMERMONATE) of cash contributions from all and sundry
(rigorously gathered, I should hope, where Austria has power), so many
as will cover the expense. Army to be got on actual foot hastily,
instantly if possible: an "EILENDE REICHS-EXECUTIONS
ARMEE;" so it ran, but the word EILENDE (speedy) had a mischance
in printing, and was struck off into ELENDE (contemptibly wretched):
so that on all Market-Squares and Public Places of poor Teutschland,
you read flaming Placards summoning out, not a speedy or immediate,
but "a MISERABLE Reich's Execution Army!" A word which, we

need not say, was laughed at by the unfeeling part of the public; and
was often called to mind by the Reich's Execution Army's
performances, when said SPEEDY Army did at last take the field.
For the Reich performed its Vote; actually had a Reich's Execution
Army; the last it ever had in this world, not by any means the worst it
ever had, for they used generally to be bad. Commanders, managers are
named, Romermonate are gathered in, or the sure prospect of them; and,
through May-June, 1757, there is busy stir, of drumming, preparing and
enlisting, all over the Reich. End of July, we shall see the Reich's Army
in Camp; end of August, actually in the field; and later on, a touch of
its fighting withal. Many other things the Reich tried against
unfortunate Friedrich,--gradual advance, in fact, to Ban of the Reich (or
total anathema and cutting-off from fire and water): but in none of
these, in Ban as little as any, did it come to practical result at all, or
acquire the least title to be remembered at this day. Finis of Ban, some
eight months hence, has something of attractive as futility, the curious
Death of a Futility. Finis of Ban (October 14th, already indicated) we
may for one moment look in upon, if there be one moment to spare; the
rest--readers may fancy it; and read only of the actuality and fighting
part, which will itself be enough for them on such a matter.
FRIEDRICH SUDDENLY MARCHES ON PRAG.
Four Invasions, from their respective points of the compass, northeast,
northwest, southeast and southwest: here is a formidable outlook for
the one man against whom they are all advancing open- mouthed. The
one man--with nothing but a Duke of Cumberland and his Observation
Army for backing in such duel--had need to look to himself! Which, we
well know, he does; wrapt in profoundly silent vigilance, with his plans
all laid. Of the Four Invasions, three, the Russian, French, Austrian, are
very large; and the two latter, especially the last, are abundantly
formidable. The Swedish, of which there is rumoring, he hopes may
come to little, or not come at all. Nor is Russia, though talking big, and
actually getting ready above 100,000 men, so immediately alarming.
Friedrich always hopes the English, with their guineas and their
managements, will do something for him in that quarter; and he knows,
at worst, that the Russian Hundred Thousand will be a very
slow-moving entity. The Swedish Invasion Friedrich, for the present,
leaves to chance: and against Russia, he has sent old Marshal Lehwald

into those Baltic parts; far eastward, towards the utmost Memel
Frontier, to put the Country upon its own defence, and make what he
can of it with 30,000 men,--West-Prussian militias a good few of them.
This is all he can spare on the Swedish-Russian side: Austria and
France are the perilous pair of entities; not to be managed except by
intense concentration of stroke; and by going on them in succession, if
one have luck!--
Friedrich's motions and procedures in canton-quarters, through Winter
and in late months, have led to the belief that he means to stand on the
defensive; that the scene of the Campaign will probably be Saxony; and
that Austria, for recovering injured Saxony, for recovering dear Silesia,
will have to take an invasive attitude. And Austria is busy everywhere
preparing with that view. Has Tolpatcheries, and advanced Brigades,
still harassing about in the Lausitz. A great Army assembling at
Prag,--Browne forward towards the