udly back, and gazing earnestly at his
listeners, interrupted him, saying:

"Now, sirs, perhaps you see the dangers by which we are surrounded.
Under the circumstances, I owe it to myself, to my honor, and to the
security of my land, to attack Austria and Saxony, and so to nip their
abominable designs in me bud, before their allies are ready to give
them any assistance. I am prepared, and the only question to be answered
before setting our army in motion, is where to commence the attack to
our advantage? For the deciding of this question, I have called you
together. I have finished and now, Marshal Schwerin, it is your turn."

The old gray warrior arose. It may be that he was convinced by the
powerful proofs and words of the king, or that knowing that his will was
law it were vain to oppose him, but he was now as strongly for war as
the king or Winterfeldt.

"If there is to be war," said he, enthusiastically, "let us start
to-morrow, take Saxony, and, in that land of corn, build magazines for
the holding of our provisions, so as to secure a way for our future
operations in Bohemia."

"Ah! now I recognize my old Schwerin," said the king, gayly pressing the
marshal's hand. "No more delay! 'To anticipate' is my motto, and shall,
God willing, be Prussia's in future."

"And our army," said Winterfeldt, with sparkling eyes, "has been
accustomed, for hundreds of years, not only to defend themselves,
but also to attack. Ah, at last it is to be granted us to fight our
arch-enemies in open field, mischief-making Austria, intriguing Saxony,
barbarous Russia, and finally lying, luxurious France, and to convince
them that, though we do not fear their anger, we share their hatred with
our whole hearts."

"And you, Retzow," said the king, sternly, turning to the general, who
was sitting silently with downcast head; "do your views coincide with
Schwerin's? Or do you still think it were better to wait?"

"Yes, sire," said Retzow, sadly; "I think delay, under the present
threatening circumstances, would be the wisest course; I--"

He was interrupted by the entrance of a valet, who approached the king,
and whispered a few words to him.

Frederick turned smilingly to the generals. "The princes, my brothers,
have arrived," said he; "they were to be here at this hour to hear the
result of our consultation. And, it strikes me, they arrive at the right
moment. The princes may enter."

CHAPTER IX. THE KING AND HIS BROTHERS.