"I agree entirely with Marshal Schwerin," said Retzow. "Like him, I
think Prussia should not venture into this strife, because she is
too weak to withstand such powerful adversaries."

"You speak prudently," said Frederick, scornfully. "And now,
Winterfeldt, are you also against this war?"

"No, sire," cried Winterfeldt, "I am for the attack, and never were
circumstances more favorable than at present. Austria has as yet
made no preparations for war; her armies are scattered, and her
finances are in disorder; and now it will be an easy task to attack
her and subdue her surprised army."

The king looked at him pleasantly, and turning to the other
generals, said quietly.

"We must not be carried away by the brave daring of this youth; he
is the youngest among us, and is, perhaps, misled by enthusiasm. But
we old ones must reflect; and I wished to convince you that I had
not failed to do this. But all has been in vain."

"Now is the time," said Winterfeldt, with sparkling eyes, "to
convince the crippled, unwieldy Austrian eagle that the young eagle
of Prussia has spread her wings, and that her claws are strong
enough to grasp all her enemies and hurl them into an abyss."

"And if the young eagle, in spite of his daring, should have to
succumb to the superiority of numbers," said Marshal Schwerin,
sadly. "If the balls of his enemies should break his wings, thereby