erwards, it chanced that Wallenstein himself met a soldier straying in
the field, whom he caused to be seized, as having violated the law, and
condemned to the gallows without a trial, by his usual word of doom: "Let
the rascal be hung!" The soldier protested, and proved his innocence.
"Then let them hang the innocent," cried the inhuman Wallenstein; "and
the guilty will tremble the more." The preparations for carrying this
sentence into effect had already commenced, when the soldier, who saw
himself lost without remedy, formed the desperate resolution that he
would not die unrevenged. Rushing furiously upon his leader, he was
seized and disarmed by the bystanders before he could carry his intention
into effect. "Now let him go," said Wallenstein; "it will excite terror
enough.""--ED.

{9} Poniatowski was the commander of the Polish legion in the armies of
Napoleon, by whom he was highly respected. At the battle of Leipzig,
fought in October 1813, Poniatowski and Marshal MacDonald were appointed
to command the rear of Napoleon's army, which, after two days hard
fighting, was compelled to retreat before the Allies. These generals
defended the retreat of the army so gallantly, that all the French
troops, except those under their immediate command, had evacuated the
town. The rear-guard was preparing to follow, when the only bridge over
the Elster that remained open to them was destroyed, through some
mistake. This effectually barred the escape of the rear of Napoleon's
army. A few, among whom was Marshal MacDonald, succeeded in swimming
across; but Poniatowski, after making a brave resistance, and refusing to
surrender, was drowned in making the same attempt.--ED.

{10} Leipzig has long been famous as the chief book-mart of Germany. At
the great Easter meetings, publishers from all the different states
assemble at the "Buchhandler Borse," and a large amount of business is
done. The fairs of Leipzig have done much towards establishing the
position of this city as one of the first trading towns in Germany. They
take place three times annually: at New-year, at Easter, and at
Michaelmas; but the Easter fair is by far the most important. These
commercial meetings last about three weeks, and during this time the town
presents a most animated appearance, as the streets are thronged with the
costumes of almost every nation, the smart dress of the Tyrolese
contrasting gaily with the sombre garb of the Polish Jews.