“There can be no doubt,” he continued, “that your Majesty’s task will be as glorious as it will be tremendous.”
When this was translated to Karl he turned imperiously to M. Robinson.
“Tell the Duke,” he said, “that my designs are not disclosed even to my intimates.”
This was a little softened in the translation, but Marlborough was fine enough to catch the full meaning of the words.
He was quite indifferent to this rude rebuff; he had discovered all he wished to know and continued to discuss indifferent matters, soon taking his leave, nor did Karl seek to detain him, but most coldly accepted his adieux.
As the two Englishmen went away in Baron Görtz’s carriage, Marlborough whispered to the other:
“We need not trouble at all about that young mad-man—his one design is to dethrone the Czar—God help him!” he added, taking a pinch of snuff.
“Your grace thinks he will not succeed?” asked the English minister, who was secretly impressed by Karl’s immense success and inclined to believe him invincible.
“My dear Robinson,” replied the Duke suavely, “these heroes who feed on military glory are bound to die of hunger some day.”
With which remark Marlborough, who was quite satisfied now that Karl would never trouble Western Europe, dismissed the famous captain from his thoughts.