s, and that the laurels which crowned it could never
fade. They were now confident, courageous, ready for the battle, and,
although they had at first disapproved of the king's plan of attacking
the enemy who had twice overcome them, now that he was in their midst
they felt secure of success.

Spies reported that the Austrian army had left their camp at sunrise and
advanced toward Leuthen; they spoke much and loudly of the strength of
the enemy, and of the eagerness of the soldiers to fall upon the weak
Prussian army.

At a sign from the king, Seidlitz approached him, and informed him of
the latest rumors.

"It is a fearful army we are to attack," said Seidlitz; "more than twice
our number."

"I am aware of the strength of the enemy," said the king, quietly, "but
nothing is left for me but victory or death. Were they stationed upon
the church-tower of Breslau I would attack them."

Then approaching the other generals, he continued in a loud voice:

"You are aware, gentlemen, that Prince Charles, of Lothringen, succeeded
in taking Schweidnitz, defeating the Duke of Bevern, and has made
himself master of Breslau, while I was protecting Berlin from the French
army. The capital of Silesia, and all the munitions of war stowed there,
have been lost. All these circumstances are calculated to distress
me deeply, had I not a boundless confidence in your courage, your
resolution, and your devoted love to your country. There is, I think,
not one among us who has not been distinguished for some great, some
noble deed. I feel assured that your courage will not now fail in this
hour of direst need. I would feel as if I had accomplished nothing
were I to leave Silesia in the possession of the Austrians. Against all
acknowledged rules of war, I am determined to attack the army of
Charles of Lothringen, though it is three times as strong as my own.
Notwithstanding the number of the enemy, or its advantageous position,
I feel confident of success. This step must be taken, or all is lost! We
must defeat the Austrians, or fall beneath their batteries! This is
my opinion, and thus I shall act. Make my determination known to
every officer. Acquaint the soldiers with the events that will soon
occur--tell them that I require unconditional obedience! Remember that
you are Prussians!--do not show yourselves unworthy of the name! But
should there be any among you who fear to share these dangers with us,
they can leave at once, and shall not