fugitives
he has no watchword, and he commanded me to go to the devil."

A murmur of rage was heard amongst the generals. The prince let his
glance wander from one to the other of these dark faces.

"Gentlemen," said he, "the tempest will soon be over, and the sun will
shine again for you; I am the only cloud now round about you, and I will
withdraw."

"What! will you desert us?" said the generals, sadly.

"Do I not belong to the third army corps?" said the prince, with a
painful smile. "It may be that the king will command his soldiers to
have no intercourse with the commander of the third army corps, and you
can understand that I prefer to anticipate him."

"Will your highness allow me to accompany you?" said the Duke of Bevern.
"I also will not allow myself to be despised and railed at without any
opportunity accorded me of explanation."

The prince shook his head.

"You must remain, general; the army cannot spare its brave leaders. I,
however--I must go. I will be the peace-offering for you all. I am sure
this will content my brother the king."

"Allow me, at least, to accompany your royal highness," said General
Schmettau. "The king commanded me, through his adjutant, to withdraw,
and never dare to present myself before his eyes again. I also must
leave the army."

The prince gave him his hand.

"You are, then, a welcome companion. Let us ride on to Bautzen, where we
can refresh ourselves, and then go on to Dresden."

"Will you really leave us?" said the Duke of Wurtemberg, sadly.

"Would you have me wait for still further degradation?" said the prince.
"No, it is enough--more than I can bear.--My horse! General, let us
mount."

The two horses were brought forward. The generals placed themselves
in front, to take leave of their former commander-in-chief, with all
military honor.

Prince Augustus rode slowly on. Everywhere he met sad faces and eyes
filled with tears. Tears indeed were in his own eyes, but he would not
weep--not now; there was time enough for tears. He could weep during the
sad remainder of his life. He forced his voice to be firm, and, waving
his sword to the generals, as a last greeting, he said:

"I hope no one of you will hold me for a coward. I am forced by the king
to leave the army." He turned his horse, and, followed by Schmettau,
with head erect, he moved slowly off.

"Now, by Heaven," cried Ziethen, "he shall not leave the camp in this
contemptible way! I will give him