all hope.

I now repented my folly and vanity; I had brought my misfortunes on
myself. I had myself rendered my dungeon impenetrable. Death would have
followed but for the dependence I placed in the court of Vienna.

The officers remarked the loss of my fortitude and thoughtfulness; the
verses I wrote were desponding. The only comfort they could give
was--"Patience, dear Trenck; your condition cannot be worse; the King may
not live for ever." Were I sick, they told me I might hope my sufferings
would soon have an end. If I recovered they pitied me, and lamented
their continuance. What man of my rank and expectations ever endured
what I did, ever was treated as I have been treated!

CHAPTER VI.

Peace had been concluded nine months. I was forgotten. At last, when I
supposed all hope lost, the 25th of December, and the day of freedom,
came. At the hour of parade, Count Schlieben, lieutenant of the guards,
brought orders for my release!

The sub-governor supposed me weaker in intellect than I was, and would
not too suddenly tell me these tidings. He knew not the presence of
mind, the fortitude, which the dangers I had seen had made habitual.

My doors for the LAST TIME resounded! Several people entered; their
countenances were cheerful, and the sub-governor at their head at length
said, "This time, my dear Trenck, I am the messenger of good news. Prince
Ferdinand has prevailed on the King to let your irons be taken off."
Accordingly, to work went the smith. "You shall also," continued he,
"have a better apartment." "I am free, then," said I. "Speak! fear not!
I can moderate my transports."

"Then you are free!" was the reply.

The sub-governor first embraced me, and afterwards his attendants.

He asked me what clothes I would wish. I answered, the uniform of my
regiment. The tailor took my measure. Reichmann told him it must be
made by the morning. The man excused himself because it was Christmas
Eve. "So, then, this gentleman must remain in his dungeon because it is
holiday with you." The tailor promised to be ready.

I was taken to the guard-room, congratulations were universal, and the
town-major administered the oath customary to all state prisoners.

1st. That I should avenge myself on no man.

2nd. That I should neither enter the Prussian nor Saxon states.

3rd. That I should never relate by speech or in writing what had
happened to me.

4th. And that, so long as the K