k of angering
Elector Friedrich. Even Dutch William, anxious for it, in sight of the
future, had not yet prevailed.

The negotiation had lasted some seven years, without result. There is no
doubt but the Succession War, and Marlborough, would have brought it to
a happy issue: in the mean while, it is said to have succeeded at last,
somewhat on the sudden, by a kind of accident. This is the curious
mythical account; incorrect in some unessential particulars, but in the
main and singular part of it well-founded. Elector Friedrich, according
to Pollnitz and others, after failing in many methods, had sent 100,000
_ thalers _ (say 15,000 pounds) to give, by way of--bribe we must call
it,--to the chief opposing Hofrath at Vienna. The money was offered,
accordingly; and was refused by the opposing Hofrath: upon which the
Brandenburg Ambassador wrote that it was all labor lost; and even
hurried off homewards in despair, leaving a Secretary in his place. The
Brandenburg Court, nothing despairing, orders in the mean while, Try
another with it,--some other Hofrath, whose name they wrote in cipher,
which the blundering Secretary took to mean no Hofrath, but the Kaiser's
Confessor and Chief Jesuit, Pater Wolf. To him accordingly he hastened
with the cash, to him with the respectful Electoral request; who
received both, it is said, especially the 15,000 pounds, with a _ Gloria
in excelsis; _ and went forthwith and persuaded the Kaiser. [Pollnitz,
_ Memoiren, _ i. 310.]--Now here is the inexactitude, say Modern Doctors
of History; an error no less than threefold. 1. Elector Friedrich was
indeed advised, in cipher, by his agent at Vienna, to write in person
to--"Who is that cipher, then?" asks Elector Friedrich, rather puzzled.
At Vienna that cipher was meant for the Kaiser; but at Berlin they
take it for Pater Wolf; and write accordingly, and are answered with
readiness and animation. 2. Pater Wolf was not official Confessor, but
was a Jesuit in extreme favor with the Kaiser, and by birth a nobleman,
sensible to human decorations. 3. He accepted no bribe, nor was any
sent; his bribe was the pleasure of obliging a high gentleman who
condescended to ask, and possibly the hope of smoothing roads for St.
Ignatius and the Black Militia, in time coming. And THUS at last, and
not otherwise than thus, say exact Doctors, did Pater Wolf do the thing.
[G. A. H. Stenzel, _ Geschichte des Preussischen Staats _ (Hamburg,
1841), iii. 104 _ (Berliner