e you
are." Henri (in silence, still more indignant) sends military reports
exclusively. March 26th, Henri's gloom reaches the igniting point; he
writes to Chief-Clerk Eichel:--

"Monsieur, you are aware that Adjutant von Anhalt is on the way hither.
To judge by his orders, if they correspond to the Letters I have had
from the King, Adjutant von Anhalt's appearance here will produce
an embarrassment, from which I am resolved to extricate myself by a
voluntary retirement from office. My totally ruined (ABIMEE) health,
the vexations I have had, the fatigues and troubles of war, leave in
me little regret to quit the employment. I solicit only, from your
attentions and skill of management, that my retreat be permitted to take
place with the decency observed towards those who have served the State.
I have not a high opinion of my services; but perhaps I am not mistaken
in supposing that it would be more a shame to the King than to me if
he should make me endure all manner of chagrins during my retirement."
[Schoning, iii. 307.]

Eichel sinks into profound reflection; says nothing. How is this fire to
be got under? Where is the place to trample on it, before opening door
or window, or saying a word to the King or anybody?

HENRI (same day, 26th March). "My dearest Brother,--In the List you send
me of those seventeen Austrian regiments, several, I am informed, are
still in Saxony; and by all the news that I get, there are only eight
gone towards Silesia."--"From Leipzig my accounts are, the Reichs Army
is to make a movement in advance, and Prince Xavier with the Saxons was
expected at Naumburg the 20th ult. I know not if you have arranged
with Duke Ferdinand for a proportionate succor, in case his French also
should try to penetrate into Saxony upon me? I am, with the profoundest
attachment, your faithful and devoted servant and Brother."

KING (30th March). "Seventeen of them, you may depend; I am too well
informed to be allowed to doubt in any way. What you report of the
Reichsfolk and Saxons moving hither, thither; that seems to me a bit
of game on their part. They will try to cut one post from you, then
another, unless you assemble a corps and go in upon them. Till
you decide for this resolution, you have nothing but chicanes and
provocations to expect there. As to Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick, I don't
imagine that his Orders [from England] would permit him what you propose
[for relief of yourself]: at any rate, you wil