g figure, this Winterfeld; dangerous to the
Austrians. The most shining figure in the Prussian Army, except its
Chief; and had great thoughts in his head. Prussia is not skilful to
celebrate her Heroes,--the Prussian Muse of History, choked with dry
military pipe-clay, or with husky cobwebbery and academic pedantry, how
can she?--but if Prussia can produce heroes worth celebrating, that
is the one important point. Apart from soldiership, and the outward
features which are widely different, there is traceable in Winterfeld
some kinship in soul to English Chatham his contemporary; though he has
not had the fame of Chatham.

Winterfeld was by no means universally liked; as what brave man is or
can be? Too susceptible to flattery; too this, too that. He is, one
feels always, except Friedrich only, the most shining figure in the
Prussian Army: and it was not unnatural he should be Friedrich's
one friend,--as seems to have been the case. Friedrich, when this
Job's-message reached him (in Erfurt Country, eight days hence), was
deeply affected by it. To tears, or beyond tears, as we can fancy.
"Against my multitude of enemies I may contrive resources," he was heard
to say; "but I shall find no Winterfeld again!" Adieu, my one friend,
real Peer, sole companion to my lonely pilgrimage in these perilous high
regions.

"The Prince of Prussia, contrariwise," says a miserable little Note,
which must not be withheld, "brightened up at the news: 'I shall now die
much more content, knowing that there is one so bad and dangerous man
fewer in the Army!' And, six months after, in his actual death-moments,
he exclaimed: 'I end my life, the last period of which has cost me so
much sorrow; but Winterfeld is he who shortened my days!'" [Preuss, ii.
75; citing Retzow.]--Very bitter Opposition humors circulating, in their
fashion, there as elsewhere in this world!

Bevern, the millstone of Winterfeld being off his neck, has become a
more responsible, though he feels himself a much-delivered man. Had
not liked Winterfeld, they say; or had even hated him, since those
bad Zittau times. Can now, at any rate, make for Schlesien and the
meal-magazines, when he sees good. He will find meal readier there; may
he find other things corresponding! Nobody now to keep him painfully
manoeuvring in these parts; with the King's Army nearer to him, but meal
not.

On the third day after (September 10th), Bevern, having finished
packing, took the road for Sch