Flemming laughed, and with apparent courtesy, touched his hat.
"I do not make war on women," said he, "and I do what I consider good for my master. I will neither bow to, nor gratify women's caprices."
Then, setting spurs to his horse, he galloped away.
War had now begun in good earnest between them. Cosel wept with anger, and awaited Augustus's return.
Augustus returned early the next day, and he had already been informed of everything that had occurred, for when Flemming met him on the road, he said to him,--
"I wonder that you, an old soldier and a diplomat, cannot live in peace with one woman."
"Your Majesty," returned the General, "I live in peace with many, but I cannot with those who think themselves goddesses and queens. That woman ruins the country, and does not respect any one."
"But I love this woman, and I require her to be obeyed."
"No one slighted her, until she began to insult every one."
The King was silent, and Flemming added, confidentially,--