victory and
crush the enemy completely."

"That will be easy work," said Montalembert, in a flattering tone. "The
army of the King of Prussia is scattered and flying in every direction;
they must be prevented from reassembling; the scattering troops must be
harassed and more widely separated, and every possibility of retreat cut
off for Frederick."

"Well, well, if that must be," said Soltikow, apathetically, placing the
cup just filled with wine to his lips, "let Field-Marshal Daun undertake
the duty. I have won two battles; I will wait and rest; I make no other
movements till I hear of two victories won by Daun. It is not reasonable
or just for the troops of my empress to act alone." [Footnote:
Soltikow's own words.--See Archenholtz, p. 266.]

"But," said the Marquis Montalembert, giving himself the appearance
of wishing not to be heard by Loudon, "if your excellency now remains
inactive and does not press forward vigorously, the Austrians alone will
reap the fruits of your victory."

"I am not at all disposed to be jealous," said Soltikow, laughing; "from
my heart I wish the Austrians more success than I have had. For my
part, I have done enough. [Footnote: Historical.] Fill your glasses,
messieurs, fill your glasses! We have won a few hours of happiness from
the goddess Bellona; let us enjoy them and forget all our cares. Let us
drink once more, gentlemen. Long live our charming mistress, the Empress
Elizabeth!" The Russian officers clanged their glasses and chimed in
zealously, and the fragrant Rhine wine bubbled like foaming gold in the
silver cups. Soltikow swallowed it with ever-increasing delight, and he
became more and more animated.

The officers sat round the table with glowing cheeks and listened to
their worshipped general who, in innocent gayety, related some scenes
from his youth, and made his hearers laugh so loud, so rapturously,
that the walls trembled, and Fritz Kober, who was crouching down in the
bushes, could with difficulty prevent himself from joining in heartily.

The gayety of the Russians became more impetuous and unbridled. They
dreamed of their home; here and there they began to sing Russian
love-songs. The Cossacks, on the floor, grinned with delight and hummed
lightly the refrain.

The wine began to exercise its freedom and equality principles upon
the heart, and all difference of rank was forgotten. Every countenance
beamed with delight; every man laughed and jested, sang and dr