KING PRIEDRICH'S ENIGMA GETS MORE AND MORE STRINGENT.

Friedrich's situation, in those fatefully questionable months and
for many past (especially from January 16th to July),--readers must
imagine it, for there is no description possible. In many
intricacies Friedrich has been; but never, I reckon, in any equal
to this. Himself certain what the Two Imperial Women have vowed
against him; self and Winterfeld certain of that sad truth; and all
other mortals ready to deny it, and fly delirious on hint of it,
should he venture to act in consequence! Friedrich's situation is
not unimaginable, when (as can now be done by candid inquirers who
will take trouble enough) the one or two internal facts of it are
disengaged from the roaring ocean of clamorous delusions which then
enveloped them to everybody, and are held steadily in view, said
ocean being well run off to the home of it very deep underground.
Lies do fall silent; truth waits to be recognized, not always in
vain. No reader ever will conceive the strangling perplexity of
that situation, now so remote and extinct to us. All I can do is,
to set down what features of it have become indisputable; and leave
them as detached traceries, as fractions of an outline, to coalesce
into something of image where they can.

Winterfeld's opinion was, for some time past, distinct:
"Attack them; since it is certain they only wait to attack us!"
But Friedrich would by no means listen to that. "We must not be the
aggressor, my friend; that would spoil all. Perhaps the English
will pacify the Russian CATIN for me; tie her, with packthreads,
bribes and intrigues, from stirring? Wait, watch!" Fiery