e I rich
and influential, had I protection to give and benefits to dispense, then
would the Princes far and near gladly bethink themselves of the claims of
consanguinity, and overwhelm me with civilities and attentions. But I am
powerless, and they dread lest I should need their protection and their
influence; therefore are they forgetful of family ties! But they shall
find themselves mistaken in me, my dear relatives! They shall be forced
some day to acknowledge that the Elector of Brandenburg is self-sustaining,
and stands erect without the aid of foreign supports. You look
at me doubtfully, and perhaps think me a braggart, promising great
things which I may never be able to perform? It would seem so,
indeed, now, for where are the means for accomplishing such aims? Wretched
and in the process of dissolution is all about me, nowhere do I see
determined friends, efficient followers!"

"Oh, gracious sir, in that you go too far! You know yourself how much
Schwarzenberg is hated in all your territories, how ardently all patriots
long for his deposition from the government; for the league with the
Emperor is detestable to everybody, and fear of Catholic domination and
desire for the Swedish alliance prevail among all your subjects."

"Yes," cried the Elector, "adherents of Sweden there are in my dominions,
and Schwarzenberg has indeed opponents enough. But he has friends as well,
whom he has purchased with his good money and his protection. But tell me,
where is an Electoral party, one deserving the name by its unity and
determination, a party which looks not to the right or left, but straight
ahead in the direction that I shall take? The old friends of my house are
dispersed, hunted into banishment, exiled, or dead; on whom else could I
depend? All positions in the army and government, all offices has
Schwarzenberg filled with his own creatures; and should I venture to step,
in their way, and endeavor to effect their and his ruin, I might easily
come to ruin myself. In what direction, then, can I look for help?"

"To yourself, most noble sir, to your own mind and heart!" cried
Leuchtmar, with enthusiasm.

"It is as you say, I should be a fool were I to seek protection elsewhere.
Protection from the Emperor, the empire, Poland? Protection from comrades
in the faith or blood relations? My empire is within myself, and by God's
help the foundations shall be laid! 'Man forges his own fortunes.' That is
a good old proverb. W