stepping by degrees to the oracular
points, which have a light in them when flung open. But in respect of
practical interest, this of October, 1755 (which would get to Potsdam
probably in few weeks after) must have surpassed all the others. Marvels
many, one after the other: [For example, or in recapitulation: a Treaty
of Warsaw or Leipzig, to partition him (18th May, 1745); Treaty of
Petersburg (22d May, 1746, new form of Warsaw Treaty, with Czarina
superadded); tremulous Quasi-Accession thereto of his Polish Majesty
(most tremulous, hypothetic Quasi-Accession, "Yes-AND-No," 15th August,
1747, and often afterwards); first Deliberation of the Russian Senate,
15th May, 1753; &c. &c. For example, or in recapitulation: a Treaty
of Warsaw or Leipzig, to partition him (18th May, 1745); Treaty of
Petersburg (22d May, 1746, new form of Warsaw Treaty, with Czarina
superadded); tremulous Quasi-Accession thereto of his Polish Majesty
(most tremulous, hypothetic Quasi-Accession, "Yes-AND-No," 15th August,
1747, and often afterwards); first Deliberation of the Russian Senate,
15th May, 1753; &c. &c.] no doubt left, long since, of the constant
disposition, preparation and fixed intention to partition him. But
here, in this last indication by the Russian Senate,--which kindles into
dismal evidence so many other enigmatic tokens,--there has an ulterior
oracular point disclosed itself to Friedrich; in vaguer condition, but
not less indubitable, and much more perilous: namely, That now, at last
(end of 1755), the Two Imperial Majesties, very eager both, consider
that the time is come. And are--as Friedrich looks abroad on the
Austrian-Russian marchings of troops, campings, and unusual military
symptoms and combinations--visibly preparing to that end.

"They have agreed to attack me next Year (1756), if they can; and next
again (1757), without IF:" so Friedrich, putting written word and public
occurrence together, gradually reads; and so, all readers will see,
the fact was,--though Imperial Majesty at Schonbrunn, as we shall find,
strove to deny it when applied to; and scouted, as mere fiction
and imagination, the notion of such an "Agreement." Which I infer,
therefore, NOT to have existed in parchment; not in parchment, but
only in reality, and as a mutual Bond registered in--shall we say "in
Heaven", as some are wont?--registered, perhaps, in TWO Places, very
separate indeed! No truer "Agreement" ever did exist;--though a devout
Imper