A few hours after the departure of the courier, the heavy movement
of wheels in the court below announced to the king, who was standing
impatiently at his window, the arrival of the expected generals. In
the same moment, his chamberlain, opening wide the library door,
ushered them into his presence.

"Ah!" said the king, welcoming them pleasantly, "I see I am not so
entirely without friends as my enemies think. I have but to call,
and Marshal Schwerin, that is, wisdom and victory, is at my side;
and Generals Winterfeldt and Retzow, that is, youth and courage,
boldness and bravery, are ready to give me all the assistance in
their power. Sirs, I thank you for coming to me at once. Let us be
seated; listen to what I have to say, and upon what earnest
important subjects I wish your advice."

And in a few words the king first showed them the situation of
Europe and of his own states, so as to prepare them for the more
important subjects he had to introduce before them.

"You will now understand," said he, "why I was so willing to make
this contract with England. I hoped thereby to gain Russia, who is
allied to England, to my side. But these hopes have been destroyed.
Russia, angry with Britain for having allied herself to Prussia, has
broken her contract. Bestuchef, it is true, wavered for a moment
between his love of English guineas and his hatred of me, but hate
carried the day."

"But, sire," said Retzow, hastily, "if your majesty can succeed in
making a reconciliation between France and England, you may become
the ally of these two powerful nations. Then let Austria, Russia,