The king sighed, and his head sank upon his breast. He sat thus for some time in deep discouragement; but presently he repeated to himself:
"Why did I undertake this war—why?" echoed he aloud. "For the honor and safety of Germany. How sorely soever war may press upon my age and infirmities, it is my duty to check the ambition of a house whose greed has no bounds, save those which are made for it by the resistance of another power as resolute as itself. I am, therefore, the champion of German liberties, and cannot, must not sheathe my sword. But this inactivity is demoralizing my army, and it must come to an end. We must retreat or advance—then let us advance!"
Here the king rang his bell. A valet entered, whom he ordered to go at once to the generals and staff-officers and bid them assemble at headquarters in fifteen minutes from that time.
"Gentlemen," said the king, "we cross the Elbe to-morrow."
At these words every countenance there grew bright, and every voice was raised in one long shout:
"Long live the king! Long live Frederick the Great!"
The king tried his best to look unmoved.
"Peace! peace! you silly, old fellows," said he. "What do you suppose the boys will do out there, if you raise such a clamor indoors? Do you approve of the move? Speak, General Keller."
"Sire, while out on a reconnaissance yesterday, I discovered a crossing where we may go safely over, without danger from the enemy's bullets."
"Good. Are you all of one mind?"