e darkest, I twenty times ran the
risk of breaking my neck. We had to pass over a hill, to get to
Head-Quarters. When I reached the top, a shudder came over me, and my
hair stood on end. I had nobody with me but a strange groom. The country
all around was infested with troops and marauders; I was mounted on an
unmanageable horse. Under my feet, so to say, I saw the bombardment
of the Town of Neisse. I heard the roar of cannon and doleful shrieks.
Above our batteries the whole atmosphere was inflamed; and to complete
the calamity, I missed the way, and got lost in the darkness. Finally,
in descending the hill, my horse, frightened, made a terrible swerve or
side-jump. I did not know the cause; but after having, with difficulty,
got him into the road again, I found myself opposite to a deserter who
had been hanged that day! I was horribly disgusted by the sight; the
gallows being very low, and the head of the malefactor almost parallel
with mine. I spurred on, and galloped away from such unpleasant
night-company. At last I arrived at Head-Quarters, all in a
perspiration. I sent my horse back; and went in to the King, who asked
me at once, why I was so heated. I made his Majesty a faithful report of
all my disasters. He laughed much; and advised me seriously not again
to go out by night, and alone, beyond the circuit of Head-Quarters."
[Bielfeld, ii. 31, 32.]

After four days and nights of this sublime Playhouse thunder (with real
bullets in it, which killed some men, and burnt considerable property),
the Neisse Commandant (not Roth this time, Roth is now in Brunn),--his
"fortnight of siege," October 17th to October 31st, being accomplished
or nearly so,--beat chamade; and was, after grave enough treatying,
allowed to march away. Marched, accordingly, on the correct
Klein-Schnellendorf terms; most of his poor garrison deserting, and
taking Prussian service. Ever since which moment, Neisse, captured in
this curious manner, has been Friedrich's and his Prussia's.

November 1st, the Prussian soldiers entered the place; and Friedrich,
after diligent inspection and what orders were necessary, left for Brieg
on the following day;--where general illuminating and demonstrating
awaited him, amid more serious business. After strict examinations, and
approval of Walrave and his works at Brieg, he again takes the road;
enters Breslau, in considerable state (November 4th); where many Persons
of Quality are waiting, and the general Hom