"If there is to be war," said he, enthusiastically, "let us start
to-morrow, take Saxony, and, in that land of corn, build magazines
for the holding of our provisions, so as to secure a way for our
future operations in Bohemia."

"Ah! now I recognize my old Schwerin," said the king, gayly pressing
the marshal's hand. "No more delay! 'To anticipate' is my motto, and
shall, God willing, be Prussia's in future."

"And our army," said Winterfeldt, with sparkling eyes, "has been
accustomed, for hundreds of years, not only to defend themselves,
but also to attack. Ah, at last it is to be granted us to fight our
arch-enemies in open field, mischief-making Austria, intriguing
Saxony, barbarous Russia, and finally lying, luxurious France, and
to convince them that, though we do not fear their anger, we share
their hatred with our whole hearts."

"And you, Retzow," said the king, sternly, turning to the general,
who was sitting silently with downcast head; "do your views coincide
with Schwerin's? Or do you still think it were better to wait?"

"Yes, sire," said Retzow, sadly; "I think delay, under the present
threatening circumstances, would be the wisest course; I--"

He was interrupted by the entrance of a valet, who approached the
king, and whispered a few words to him.

Frederick turned smilingly to the generals. "The princes, my
brothers, have arrived," said he; "they were to be here at this hour
to hear the result of our consultation. And, it strikes me, they