“He lacked both money and means,” said Patkul, who had a certain friendship for Augustus, and a clear understanding of his difficulties.
“I think, sire, you can hardly conceive how he was, and is, hampered by the Polish Diet and families like the Sapieha.”
“He should punish them all. Had I been King of Poland, by now there would not be a rebel left,” answered Peter gloomily. “What is the merit of governing if one cannot overcome opposition?”
Patkul remembered the fate of the Strelitz who had ventured to oppose the Czar’s innovations, and the vengeance he had taken on his own wife and sister; certainly Peter knew how to make himself both feared and obeyed.
“Poland is in reality a Republic,” said the Livonian, “and Augustus is not free, even to punish.”
“Ah, Poland!” exclaimed the Czar impatiently. “What matter the laws and constitution of Poland? She can be dismembered as easily as that,” and he pulled apart a piece of wood he had snatched up in his strong fingers.
“The King of Sweden may take the crown of Poland,” said Patkul, thinking to rouse the Czar.
“And invade Saxony, and frighten the Elector’s fiddlers and dainty ladies!” laughed Peter.
“And invade Russia, sire.”
Peter rose.