The queen was there, pale, and trembling with anger. With the proud
pathos of misfortune, and humiliated royalty, she apprised them of
the repeated insults she had endured, and commanded them to write at
once to their different courts, imploring their rulers to send aid
to her sorely threatened kingdom.

"And if these princes," said she, impetuously, "help us to battle
against this usurper, in defending us they will be defending their
own rights and honor. For my cause is now the cause of all kings;
for if my crown falls, the foundation of their thrones will also
give way. For this little Margrave of Brandenburg, who calls himself
King of Prussia, will annihilate us all it we do not ruin him in
advance. I, for my part, swear him a perpetual resistance, a
perpetual enmity! I will perish willingly in this fight if only my
insults are revenged and my honor remains untarnished. Hasten,
therefore, to acquaint your courts with all that has occurred here."

"I will be the first to obey your majesty," said the French
ambassador, Count Broglio, approaching the queen. "I will repeat
your words to my exalted master; I will portray to your majesty's
lovely daughter, the Dauphine of France, the sufferings her royal
mother has endured, and I know she will strain every nerve to send
you aid. With your gracious permission, I will now take my leave,
for to-day I start for Paris."

"To Paris!" cried the queen; "would you leave my court in the hour
of misfortune?"

"I would be the last to do this, unless forced by necessity," said
the count; "but the King of Prussia has just dismissed me, and sent