on
afterwards, others from different parts, till, in the end, there were
about Sixty in all. Rigorous, punctilious avoidance of offence to the
Catholic minorities, or of whatever least thing Silesian Law does not
permit, is enjoined upon them; 'to preach in barns or town-halls, where
by Law you have no Church.' Their salary is about 30 pounds a year;
they are all put under supervision of the Chaplain of Margraf Karl's
Regiment" (a judicious Chaplain, I have no doubt, and fit to be a
Bishop); and so far as appears, mere benefit is got of them by Schlesien
as well as by Friedrich, in this function. Friedrich is careful to keep
the balance level between Catholic and Protestant; but it has hung
at such an angle, for a long while past! In general, we observe
the Catholic Dignitaries, and the zealous or fanatic of that creed,
especially the Jesuits, are apt to be against him: as for the
non-fanatic, they expect better government, secular advantage; these
latter weigh doubtfully, and with less weight whichever way. In the
general population, who are Protestant, he recognizes friends;--and has
sent them Sixty Preachers, which by Law was their due long since.
Here follow two little traits, comic or tragi-comic, with which we can
conclude:--

"Detached Jesuit parties, here and there, seem to have mischief in hand
in a small way, encouraging deserters and the like;--and we keep an
eye on them. No discontent elsewhere, at least none audible; on the
contrary, much enlisting on the part of the Silesian youth, with other
good symptoms. But in the Dom, there is, singular to say, a Goblin found
walking, one night;--advancing, not with airs from Heaven, upon
the Prussian sentry there! The Prussian sentry handles arms; pokes
determinedly into the Goblin, and finding him solid, ever more
determinedly, till the Goblin shrieked 'Jesus Maria!' and was hauled
to the Guard-house for investigation." A weak Goblin; doubtless of the
valet kind; worth only a little whipping; but testifies what the spirit
is.

"Another time, two deserter Frenchmen getting hanged [such the law in
aggravated cases], certain polite Jesuits, who had by permission been
praying and extreme-unctioning about them, came to thank the Colonel
after all was over. Colonel, a grave practical man, needs no 'thanks;'
would, however, 'advise your Reverences to teach your people that
perjury is not permissible, that an oath sworn ought to be kept;' and
in fine 'would advise you Ho