thanks for the tender part you take in my lot.
Would to Heaven the valor of my Army might procure us a stable Peace!
That ought to be the aim of War. Adieu, my dear Sister; I embrace you
tenderly, assuring you of the lively affection with which I am--F."
[_OEuvres,_ xxvii. i. 291.]

2. PRINCE OF PRUSSIA TO VALORI (who is still at Berlin, but soon going
as it proves,--Broglio's explosion at the Lines of Gross-Sedlitz being
on hand, during the King's absence, in these very hours) ["5th-6th
October" (Valori, ii. 353).]

"CAMP OF LOBOSITZ, 5th October, 1756.

"You will know the news of the day; and I am persuaded you take part
in it. All you say to me betokens the conspiracy there is for the
destruction of our Country. If that is determined in the Book of Fate,
we cannot escape it.

"Had my advice been asked, a year ago, I should have voted to preserve
the Alliance [with YOU] which we had been used to for sixteen years
[strictly for twelve, though in substance ever since 1740], and which
was by nature advantageous to us. But if my advice were asked just now,
I should answer, That the said method being now impossible, we are in
the case of a ship's captain who defends himself the best he can, and
when all resources are exhausted, has, rather than surrender on shameful
conditions, to fire the powder-magazine, and blow up his ship. You
remember that of your Francois I."--FORS L'HONNEUR; ah yes, very
well!--"Perhaps it will be my poor Children who will be the victims of
these past errors,"--for such I still think them, I for my part.

"The Gazettes enumerate the French troops that are to besiege Wesel,
Geldern [Wesel they will get gratis, poor Geldern will almost break
their heart first], and take possession of Ost-Friesland; the Russian
Declaration [Manifesto not worth reading] tells us Russia's intentions
for the next year [most truculent intentions]: we will defend ourselves
to the last drop of our blood, and perish with honor. If you have any
counsel farther, I pray you give it me.

MAP GOES HERE--BETWEEN P. 350 AND 351 Chap VII book 17

"Remain always my friend; and believe that in all situations I will
remain yours; and trying to do what my duty is, will not forfeit the
sentiments on your part which have been so precious to me. Your servant,
GUILLAUME." [Valori, ii. 204-206.]

"Pity this good Prince contemplating the downfall of his House,"
suggests Valori: "He deserved a better fate! He would be in despair to