"The Elector of Bavaria is not a man so easily set aside," was
Eugene's reply.
"And yet efforts are continually being made to set him aside," cried the elector, hastily.
"Who could be so presuming as to lay his sacrilegious hand upon the well-earned laurels of a warrior so distinguished as your highness?"
"Who? You know quite as well as I, that it is the Duke of Lorraine."
"Ah!" exclaimed Eugene, with enthusiasm, "who can compete with him? He is the greatest man of the age. As learned as he is brave; as prudent as he is resolute; a wise statesman, an unrivalled general; equally distinguished in the cabinet and the field. How fortunate I have been in having him for my master in the art of war!"
"You are modest," said the elector, derisively. "As for me, I have no ambition to follow any master in the art of war. I wish to carve out my own plans and schemes, and I am weary of being subject to the will of the Duke of Lorraine."
"He is commander-in-chief of the army," urged Eugene. "No army can be without a head, to which all its members must be subordinate."
"But why must that head be Charles of Lorraine, pray?"
"You surely would not dream of supplanting HIM!" cried Eugene.
"Yes, I would; and I have determined to submit to his dictation no longer. If I cannot have a command independent of the Duke of Lorraine, I shall withdraw my troops, remain in Bavaria, and leave my father-in-law to fight his own battles with the Turks."