was under such omens that the Polish Election of 1733 had to transact
itself. Austria, Russia, Prussia, as next Neighbors, were the chief
voting parties, if they cared to intrude;--which Austria and Russia were
clear for doing; Prussia not clear, or not beyond the indispensable
or evidently profitable. Seckendorf, and one Lowenwolde the Russian
Ambassador at Berlin, had, some time ago, in foresight of this
event, done their utmost to bring Friedrich Wilhelm into
co-operation,--offering fine baits, "Berg and Julich" again, among
others;--but nothing definite came of it: peaceable, reasonably safe
Election in Poland, other interest Friedrich Wilhelm has not in the
matter; and compliance, not co-operation, is what can be expected of him
by the Kaiser and Czarina. Co-operating or even complying, these three
could have settled it; and would,--had no other Neighbor interfered. But
other neighbors can interfere; any neighbor that has money to spend, or
likes to bully in such a matter! And that proved to be the case, in this
unlucky instance.

Austria aud Russia, with Prussia complying, had,--a year ago, before the
late August's decease, his life seeming then an extremely uncertain one,
and foresight being always good,--privately come to an understanding,
[31st December, 1731, "Treaty of Lowenwolde" (which never got completed
or became valid): Scholl, ii. 223.] in case of a Polish Election:--

"1. That France was to have no hand in it whatever,--no tool of France
to be King; or, as they more politely expressed it, having their eye
upon Stanislaus, No Piast or native Pole could be eligible.

"2. That neither could August's Son, the new August, who would then be
Kurfurst of Saxony, be admitted King of Poland.--And, on the whole,

"3. That an Emanuel Prince of Portugal would be the eligible man."
Emanuel of Portugal, King of Portugal's Brother; a gentleman without
employment, as his very Title tells us: gentleman never heard of before
or since, in those parts or elsewhere, but doubtless of the due harmless
quality, as Portugal itself was: he is to be the Polish King,--vote
these Intrusive Neighbors. What the vote of Poland itself may be, the
Destinies do not, of late, ask; finding it a superfluous question.

So had the Three Neighbors settled this matter:--or rather, I
should say, so had Two of them; for Friedrich Wilhelm wanted, now or
afterwards, nothing in this Election, but that it should not take fire
and kindle him. Two