doubt left, long since, of the constant disposition, preparation
and fixed intention to partition him. But here, in this last
indication by the Russian Senate,--which kindles into dismal
evidence so many other enigmatic tokens,--there has an ulterior
oracular point disclosed itself to Friedrich; in vaguer condition,
but not less indubitable, and much more perilous: namely, That now,
at last (end of 1755), the Two Imperial Majesties, very eager both,
consider that the time is come. And are--as Friedrich looks abroad
on the Austrian-Russian marchings of troops, campings, and unusual
military symptoms and combinations--visibly preparing to that end.

"They have agreed to attack me next Year (1756), if they can; and
next again (1757), without IF:" so Friedrich, putting written word
and public occurrence together, gradually reads; and so, all
readers will see, the fact was,--though Imperial Majesty at
Schonbrunn, as we shall find, strove to deny it when applied to;
and scouted, as mere fiction and imagination, the notion of such an
"Agreement." Which I infer, therefore, NOT to have existed in
parchment; not in parchment, but only in reality, and as a mutual
Bond registered in--shall we say "in Heaven", as some are wont?--
registered, perhaps, in TWO Places, very separate indeed! No truer
"Agreement" ever did exist;--though a devout Imperial Majesty
denies it, who would shudder at the lie direct.

Poor Imperial Majesty: who can tell her troubles and straits in
this abstruse time! Heaven itself ordering her to get back the
Silesia of her Fathers, if she could;--yet Heaven always looking
dubious, surely, upon this method of doing it. By solemn Public
Treaties signed in sight of all mankind; and contrariwise, in the
very same moments, by Secret Treaties, of a fell nature, concocted