y between Sweden and Denmark, which in order to quicken, Charles
the young king of Sweden made a descent upon the isle of Zealand. This
was executed with great success. Charles was the first man who landed;
and here he exhibited such marks of courage and conduct, far above his
years, as equally astonished and intimidated his adversaries. Then he
determined to besiege Copenhagen; a resolution that struck such terror
into the Danes, that they proceeded with redoubled diligence in the
treaty, which was brought to a conclusion, between Denmark, Sweden,
and Holstein, about the middle of August. Then the Swedes retired to
Schonen, and the squadrons of the maritime powers returned from the
Baltic.

SECOND TREATY OF PARTITION.

When the new partition treaty was communicated by the ministers of the
contracting parties to the other powers of Europe, it generally met with
a very unfavourable construction. Saxony and the northern crowns were
still embroiled with their own quarrels, consequently could not give
much attention to such a remote transaction. The princes of Germany
appeared cautious and dilatory in their answers, unwilling to be
concerned in any plan that might excite the resentment of the house of
Austria. The elector of Brandenburgh in particular had set his heart
upon the regal dignity, which he hoped to obtain from the favour
and authority of the emperor. The Italian states were averse to the
partition treaty, from their apprehension of seeing France in possession
of Naples and other districts of their country. The duke of Savoy
affected a mysterious neutrality, in hopes of being, able to barter
his consent for some considerable advantage. The Swiss cantons declined
acceding as guarantees. The emperor expressed his astonishment that any
disposition should be made of the Spanish monarchy without the consent
of the present possessor, and the states of the kingdom. He observed,
that neither justice nor decorum could warrant the contracting powers
to compel him, who was the rightful heir, to accept a part of his
inheritance within three months, under penalty of forfeiting even that
share to a third person not yet named; and he declared that he could
take no final resolution until he should know the sentiments of his
catholic majesty, on an affair in which their mutual interest was so
nearly concerned. Leopold was actually engaged in a negotiation with the
king of Spain, who signed a will in favour of his second so