A bolt from the clear sky could not have alarmed the Austrian field-marshal more than these words from the much-feared King, and his alarm increased when the rumor spread that he was approaching. The report was true. The energetic hero hurried forward as rapidly as the condition of his army would permit, so as to reach Saxony and bring relief to his brother, Prince Henry, who was hard-pressed by the Austrians. His plan was to drive the Austrians from Neisse, which had been besieged by them for a long time; but Daun, as soon as he was aware of Frederick’s approach, withdrew in alarm and entrenched himself in a strong position. The King had no intention of attacking the enemy in his stronghold. He paid not the slightest attention to him, but as if in utter contempt took a position right before his eyes at Hochkirch, where on October 14, 1758, the battle occurred. The King evidently carried his audacious plan too far. He even allowed his enemy to go on entrenching himself without once disturbing him. The day before the sudden attack made by the Austrians he observed that they were throwing up defenses upon a mountain side, opposite one of the wings of his army, as boldly and openly as if they expected no interference. The Prussian general in command of that wing sent an aide to the King’s headquarters with information of the enemy’s operations. The King said to the aide:
“What good news bring you?”
The aide expressed his misgivings, and asked if his Majesty would order them to open fire on the enemy. The commander of the nearest battery had assured them the enemy was in range.
“No, no,” replied the King, “pay no attention to them. I shall catch them in the morning.”
He took his leave, but just as he was going out the King called him back.
“Listen! Have you any idea what a cannon-shot might cost me?”
The question surprised the aide, but he knew the King would prefer the best answer he could make than no reply at all, so he said:
“One shot might cost Your Majesty a Friedrich d’or.”
“Well,” continued the King, “and how many Friedrich d’ors do you suppose those fellows over there are worth?” At last the King said: “Well, you may fire a few shots, nothing more.”
This was done, but the firing was useless.