“Did you remember that our mothers were sisters when you plotted with Patkul to seize my Baltic Provinces?” demanded the King.
He spoke with the utmost calm, and with an air of moderation, but he contrived to emphasize the fact that the relationship to which the Elector had referred was on the female side only.
“I belong to my father’s family,” he added, in a fashion that showed contempt for all women.
Augustus did not know in what way to appeal to this icy character, this stern, harsh demeanor.
“I am at your mercy,” he repeated in desperation, “a fallen and a ruined man. Your vengeance should be satisfied. What would it mean to you to save Patkul? But an added glory. He was to have been married—the lady is of my court, young and delicate and good. To gain some hope for her lover she has fled into the wilderness of Lithuania to appeal to the Czar.”
“I have heard this before,” replied Karl.
“Think how she suffered before she was reduced to this wild journey.”
Karl rose.
“She has appealed to Peter,” he said. “Let Peter answer her.”
“But I,” said Augustus, “appeal to you, sire.”