proud plans. You wish to make your name renowned. General, I
consider you are much in fault as to this war. You were the king's
confidant--you had your spies everywhere, who, for heavy rewards,
imparted to you the news by which you stimulated the king."

"If in your eyes," said Winterfeldt, proudly, "it is wrong to spend
your gold to find out the intrigues of your own, your king's, and
your country's enemies, I acknowledge that I am in fault, and
deserve to be punished. Yes, everywhere I have had my spies, and
thanks to them, the king knows Saxony's, Austria's, and Russia's
intentions. I paid these spies with my own gold. Your highness may
thus perceive that I am not entirely dependent on those jewels of my
wife which are said to be in the Empress of Russia's possession."

At this moment the Prince of Prussia, who had been a silent witness
to this scene, approached General Winterfeldt.

"General," said he, in a loud, solemn voice, "you are the cause of
this unfortunate war which will soon devastate our poor land. The
responsibility falls upon your head, and woe to you if this war,
caused by your ambition, should be the ruin of our beloved country!
I would, if there were no punishment for you on earth, accuse you
before the throne of God, and the blood of the slaughtered sons of
my country, the blood of my future subjects, would cry to Heaven for
revenge! Woe to you it this war should be the ruin of Prussia!"
repeated Prince Henry. "I could never forgive that; I would hold
your ambition responsible for it, for you have access to the king's
heart, and instead of dissipating his distrust against these foreign
nations, you have endeavored to nourish it--instead of softening the
king's anger, you have given it fresh food."