In 1727 the King was spending the spring in Pillnitz, where the troops were camping. They tried new cannons which were able to break the rock on which Königstein was built.
"I know some rocks," said Count Wackerbarth to the King, "which would resist those cannons."
"Where?" asked Augustus.
Wackerbarth looked at the King, and it seemed as if he were sorry for what he had said.
"Where?" repeated the King.
"At Stolpen; the basalt rocks would resist."
"In Stolpen!" exclaimed Augustus, and he was gloomy.
There was a moment of silence. The King walked to and fro impatiently; it was evident that he was tormented by some fancy which he did not want to satisfy.
"In Stolpen!" repeated he. "One could try the cannon on those rocks."
The general looked timidly at the King, who, as if he were pricked by that look, exclaimed,--