"Perhaps too for a new John Sobieski?" asked Bismarck, with a slight smile.
"And I must really own," continued Benedetti calmly, "that I was not in a position to deny the justice of these hopes."
Count Bismarck looked at him amazed and enquiringly.
"Two-thirds of the southern army," said Benedetti, "stand in the immediate vicinity of Vienna, the Prater is turned into a bivouac, and the fortified camp at Floridsdorf could make a strong resistance; the troops of the southern army are full of confidence from recent victory, and are inspired with the best dispositions, the Arch-Duke Albert is a general of great determination, and the chief of his general staff, Lieutenant Field-Marshal von John, an officer of fine and quick intelligence."
Count Bismarck listened in silence. A scarcely perceptible smile played round his lips.
"And Hungary?" he asked negligently.
"Negotiations have been carried on with Count Andrassy and the Deak party, and if they will but grant a self-constituted government, and agree to the arming of the Honveds, a mighty rising may be expected in Hungary."
"If they grant it," said Count Bismarck. "Hungary has been often deceived, besides our troops have been before Presburg ever since the battle of Blumenau, and have only not taken it on account of the armistice. The key of Hungary is in our hands."
"They are persuaded in Vienna," proceeded Benedetti, "that the Prussian army has suffered greatly in the various engagements, and also from sickness."
"We suffer most from standing still," cried Bismarck vehemently.