"But if the emperor, as a matter of course, refuses this unreasonable and presumptuous demand?"
"Then he withdraws his troops. Peace—peace! I know that you love the elector: let us not discuss his acts, but consider their bearings upon the welfare of Austria. For months the emperor has been trying to arrange matters, but all in vain. Count Strattmann, the last envoy, who had a long personal interview with Max, says that he will not retreat from his exactions. He assumes the chief command, or his troops are this day ordered to Bavaria."
"The emperor will never yield. He ought not to yield."
"The decision of this difficulty has been left with me. Max is close at hand, in Essek, awaiting my determination. And now, Eugene, what answer shall I send him?"
"There is but one. The Austrian army cannot spare the Duke of
Lorraine."
"But still less can it spare the Bavarian troops. How many men did you say that we counted in all?"
"Fifty thousand, your highness."
"And of these, how many are from Bavaria?"
"Eight thousand infantry," said Eugene, with a sigh.
"And four thousand cavalry. In all, twelve thousand; and let us do him justice: the troops of the elector are an admirably disciplined and efficient body of men. Now, if we lose this number, our forces are reduced to thirty-eight thousand. Can we confront a hundred thousand Turks with such a handful?"