"The enclosed proposition of Count Pückler to reënforce the garrisons of the Silesian fortresses deserves the most serious and speedy consideration. Hence, I order you to carry it out without delay, and to save no expense in doing so. The fortresses must be defended at any price, and to the last man, and I shall cause such commanders to be beheaded as fail to do their duty.
"FREDERICK WILLIAM."
"Are you satisfied?" asked the king, when the count had finished.
"I thank your majesty in the name of Silesia," said the count, solemnly. "Breslau will not fall into the hands of the enemy. I pledge you my head that it will not. I now request your majesty to let me withdraw."
"When do you intend to set out?"
"This very hour."
"But you told me you had arrived only an hour ago. You ought to take rest till to-morrow."
"Your majesty, every day of delay exposes your Silesia to greater dangers. Permit me, therefore, to set out at once."
"Well, do so, and may God be with you!"
The king gazed after the count with a long, musing glance. "Oh," he sighed, mournfully, "if he had been commander of Magdeburg, it would be mine still!"