e army slept. But at
night they did not sleep; as soon as evening came, all the tents were
taken down, the cannon were planted, and behind them the regiments
were placed in line of battle. Thus they stood listening in breathless
silence for any sound or movement that would announce the enemy's
approach. All were ready and waiting for them, determined to die rather
than surrender.

In spite of privations, want of rest and food, the army remained
hopeful, for their king shared their danger, wants, and sleepless
nights. He was always with them--he hungered and worked with them.
If the soldiers were deprived of their rations, they had at least
the consolation of knowing that the king suffered likewise. This
strengthened and encouraged them.

The Prussians had fortitude to bear their sufferings, but their enemy
had not the patience to wait. Butterlin, the Russian commander, tired of
watching Frederick, withdrew to Poland; and Loudon, not feeling secure
now in his isolated position, retired also.

After four weeks of agony and want, the Prussian army could leave their
encampment and seek both food and rest. They were to recruit themselves
in the villages in the vicinity of Strehlen; the king and his staff were
to rest at Voiseilvitz. The house of the magistrate had been chosen
as the only dwelling-place fit for these noble guests. The magistrate,
elated at the honor, was marching from room to room, scolding, imploring
his servants to have every thing clean and orderly.

"Remember," said he, "a king is to inhabit this house; he will be
enraged if there is the least spot or stain upon the floors or windows,
for of course he wears beautiful garments, covered with pearls and
diamonds, and embroidered in gold and silver. How fearful, then, would
it be were he to ruin them at my house! He would be infuriated, for
money is scarce now, and I dare say as hard for him to get as for us."

At last, thanks to threats and entreaties, the house was in readiness
for the king. The front room was beautifully clean, and white blinds
were at the windows. The deal table was covered with a snow-white damask
cloth. Beside a window in which were placed some bright plants, an old
leathern arm-chair was standing, which the magistrate intended for a
throne. The walls were covered with some portraits of the royal family
of Prussia. Around a wretched engraving of Frederick a wreath of
immortelles and forget-me-nots was woven. In a corner stood a lar