the land of Germany to complain of this unheard-of and arbitrary
infringement of the peace. At the throne of the German emperor I
will demand by what right the King of Prussia dares to enter Saxony
with his army and take possession of my cities. You can depart, sir;
I have no further answer for his majesty!"

The count, bowing reverentially to the king and queen, left the
royal tent.

Every eye was fixed upon the prime minister. From him alone, who was
considered the soul of the kingdom of Saxony, help and counsel was
expected. All important questions were referred to him, and all were
now eagerly looking for his decision. But the powerful favorite was
in despair. He knew how utterly impossible it was to withstand the
King of Prussia's army. Every arrangement for this war had been made
on paper, but in reality little had been accomplished. The army was
not in readiness! The prime minister had been in want of a few
luxuries of late, and had, therefore, as he believed there would be
no war until the following spring, reduced it. He knew how little
Saxony was prepared to battle against the King of Prussia's
disciplined troops, and the ambassador's friendly assurances did not
deceive him.

"Well, count," said the king, after a long pause, "how is this
strange request of Frederick II., that we should remain neutral, to
be answered?"

Before the count was able to answer, the queen said, in a loud
voice: