and then make known my
purpose; you will then be able to decide how far you can give me counsel
and aid."

"Let us step into this window-niche," said the prior; "we will be more
secure from eavesdroppers. Now, signor, I am ready to listen."

The stranger bowed. "First, I must pray your worship's forgiveness, for
having dared to deceive you. I am no merchant, and have nothing to do
with relics; I am a soldier! my name is Cocceji, and I have the honor to
be an adjutant of the King of Prussia. My royal master has intrusted me
with a most important and secret mission, and I am commissioned by your
brother, the Abbe Bastiani, to ask in his name for your assistance in
this great matter."

"In what does your mission consist?" said the prior, calmly.

The Baron Cocceji smiled. "It is difficult--yes, impossible to tell you
in a few words. Your worship must allow me a wider scope, in order to
explain myself fully."

"Speak on!" said the prior.

"I see, by the maps and the arrangements of the pins, that your worship
knows exactly the position and circumstances of my royal master, whom
all Europe admires and wonders at, and whom his enemies fear most when
they have just defeated him. They know that my king is never so great,
never so energetic and bold in action, as when he is seemingly at a
disadvantage, and overwhelmed by misfortunes. The bold glance of the
great Frederick discovers ever-new fountains of help; he creates in
himself both power and strength, and when his enemies think they have
caught the royal lion in their nets, his bold eye has already discovered
the weak spot; he tears it apart, and makes his foes, bewildered with
terror and astonishment, fly before him. It is true, the king has
just lost three battles! The Austrians and Russians defeated him at
Hochkirch, at Kunersdorf, and at Mayen. But what have they gained?
They have, in these three battles, lost more than the king; they have
exhausted their resources--their own, and those of their allies; but
Frederick stands still opposed to them, full of strength and power. His
army is enlarged; from every side, from every province, shouting crowds
stream onward to join the colors of their king. Enthusiasm makes a youth
of the graybeard, and changes boys to men. Each one of them will have
his part in the experience and fame of the great Frederick, and demands
this of him as a holy right. The king's treasury is not exhausted; the
people, with joy and gladness, have