ed in the peace of Prague that each Prince
is at liberty to man his fortresses with his own people, which
clause gives validity to this assertion of right."[39]

"Your Electoral Highness!" cried Burgsdorf, "that was spoken like a man!
Begin the good work in earnest, and command the Stadtholder without delay
to swear in the other governors of your remaining fortresses!"[40]

"You are of opinion, then, that this is very necessary, and that these
gentlemen might refuse to swear allegiance to me alone?"

"Yes, sir, I am strongly of that opinion, and would venture to lay a wager
that Colonel von Rochow at Spandow, and Goldacker and Kracht in Berlin,
will not take oath to your Electoral Highness."

"Woe to them if they do it not!" cried the Elector, with flashing eyes. "I
shall prove to them that they must bow in obedience to me, and that I
recognize no other lord but myself within the limits of my own dominions.
Now go back to the Mark, Burgsdorf, and do as I have bidden you. You may
also, as would once have been so pleasant to you, go over right often to
Berlin. Attend well to all that is going on, for it may be that I shall
soon have occasion for you there. Be on your guard, therefore, colonel,
and be pretty circumspect in word and deed. Ponder upon the advice given
you by the little Electoral Prince once: 'Learn and wait.'"

"Sir, you give me another thrust!" cried Burgsdorf; "but it does me good,
and I am glad of it. Yes, I shall learn and wait, for I see plainly the
last night of the world has not come yet, and my dearest master will not
always have to act so on the defensive as now; when the right time comes,
he will strike and prove to all his enemies, even the mightiest of them,
that he is more powerful than they. Mark now, mark my words; Schwarzenberg
may look out!"

"But meanwhile let Burgsdorf look out! Farewell now, Burgsdorf, you have
received my orders. Execute them."

"Now," cried the Elector, after the colonel had left the room--"now, my
dear Leuchtmar, you know all my views and plans. But the most weighty,
important, and difficult task I have reserved for you."

"I think I know what your highness means," said Leuchtmar, smiling. "Your
precautionary measures have been taken in all directions; as early as
yesterday your envoys departed laden with most submissive messages of
respect for the Emperor. Only in one direction have you done nothing, and
that remains for me. I am to go to Sweden, am I not?"