第9章

Withtherapidityoflightninghewasonthespottorallyhisdiscomfitedtroops；andhispowerfulwordwasitselfsufficienttostoptheflightofthefugitives。Supportedbythreeregimentsofcavalry，thevanquishedbrigades，forminganew，facedtheenemy，andpressedvigorouslyintothebrokenranksoftheSwedes。Amurderousconflictensued。

Thenearnessoftheenemyleftnoroomforfire-arms，thefuryoftheattacknotimeforloading；manwasmatchedtoman，theuselessmusketexchangedfortheswordandpike，andsciencegavewaytodesperation。

Overpoweredbynumbers，theweariedSwedesatlastretirebeyondthetrenches；

andthecapturedbatteryisagainlostbytheretreat。

Athousandmangledbodiesalreadystrewedtheplain，andasyetnotasinglestepofgroundhadbeenwon。

Inthemeantime，theking’srightwing，ledbyhimself，hadfallenupontheenemy’sleft。ThefirstimpetuousshockoftheheavyFinlandcuirassiersdispersedthelightly-mountedPolesandCroats，whowerepostedhere，andtheirdisorderlyflightspreadterrorandconfusionamongtherestofthecavalry。Atthismomentnoticewasbroughttheking，thathisinfantrywereretreatingoverthetrenches，andalsothathisleftwing，exposedtoaseverefirefromtheenemy’scannonpostedatthewindmillswasbeginningtogiveway。WithrapiddecisionhecommittedtoGeneralHornthepursuitoftheenemy’sleft，whileheflew，attheheadoftheregimentofSteinbock，torepairthedisorderofhisrightwing。Hisnoblechargerborehimwiththevelocityoflightningacrossthetrenches，butthesquadronsthatfollowedcouldnotcomeonwiththesamespeed，andonlyafewhorsemen，amongwhomwasFrancisAlbert，DukeofSaxeLauenburg，wereabletokeepupwiththeking。Herodedirectlytotheplacewherehisinfantryweremostcloselypressed，andwhilehewasreconnoitringtheenemy’slineforanexposedpointofattack，theshortnessofhissightunfortunatelyledhimtooclosetotheirranks。

AnimperialGefreyter*，remarkingthateveryonerespectfullymadewayforhimasherodealong，immediatelyorderedamusketeertotakeaimathim。

"Fireathimyonder，"saidhe，"thatmustbeamanofconsequence。"

Thesoldierfired，andtheking’sleftarmwasshattered。Atthatmomenthissquadroncamehurryingup，andaconfusedcryof"thekingbleeds！

thekingisshot！"spreadterrorandconsternationthroughalltheranks。

"Itisnothing——followme，"criedtheking，collectinghiswholestrength；

butovercomebypain，andnearlyfainting，herequestedtheDukeofLauenburg，inFrench，toleadhimunobservedoutofthetumult。Whilethedukeproceededtowardstherightwingwiththeking，makingalongcircuittokeepthisdiscouragingsightfromthedisorderedinfantry，hismajestyreceivedasecondshotthroughtheback，whichdeprivedhimofhisremainingstrength。

"Brother，"saidhe，withadyingvoice，"Ihaveenough！lookonlytoyourownlife。"Atthesamemomenthefellfromhishorsepiercedbyseveralmoreshots；andabandonedbyallhisattendants，hebreathedhislastamidsttheplunderinghandsoftheCroats。

Hischarger，flyingwithoutitsrider，andcoveredwithblood，soonmadeknowntotheSwedishcavalrythefalloftheirking。

Theyrushedmadlyforwardtorescuehissacredremainsfromthehandsoftheenemy。Amurderousconflictensuedoverthebody，tillhismangledremainswereburiedbeneathaheapofslain——

*Gefreyter，apersonexemptfromwatchingduty，nearlycorrespondingtothecorporal——

ThemournfultidingssoonranthroughtheSwedisharmy；butinsteadofdestroyingthecourageofthesebravetroops，itbutexciteditintoanew，awild，andconsumingflame。Lifehadlessenedinvalue，nowthatthemostsacredlifeofallwasgone；deathhadnoterrorsforthelowlysincetheanointedheadwasnotspared。WiththefuryoflionstheUpland，Smaeland，Finland，EastandWestGothlandregimentsrushedasecondtimeupontheleftwingoftheenemy，which，alreadymakingbutfeebleresistancetoGeneralHorn，wasnowentirelybeatenfromthefield。Bernard，DukeofSaxe-Weimar，gavetothebereavedSwedesanobleleaderinhisownperson；andthespiritofGustavusledhisvictorioussquadronsanew。Theleftwingquicklyformedagain，andvigorouslypressedtherightoftheImperialists。Theartilleryatthewindmills，whichhadmaintainedsomurderousafireupontheSwedes，wascapturedandturnedagainsttheenemy。Thecentre，also，oftheSwedishinfantry，commandedbythedukeandKnyphausen，advancedasecondtimeagainstthetrenches，whichtheysuccessfullypassed，andretookthebatteryofsevencannons。Theattackwasnowrenewedwithredoubledfuryupontheheavybattalionsoftheenemy’scentre；

theirresistancebecamegraduallyless，andchanceconspiredwithSwedishvalourtocompletethedefeat。Theimperialpowder-waggonstookfire，and，withatremendousexplosion，grenadesandbombsfilledtheair。

Theenemy，nowinconfusion，thoughttheywereattackedintherear，whiletheSwedishbrigadespressedtheminfront。Theircouragebegantofailthem。Theirleftwingwasalreadybeaten，theirrightwavering，andtheirartilleryintheenemy’shands。Thebattleseemedtobealmostdecided；anothermomentwoulddecidethefateoftheday，whenPappenheimappearedonthefield，withhiscuirassiersanddragoons；

alltheadvantagesalreadygainedwerelost，andthebattlewastobefoughtanew。

TheorderwhichrecalledthatgeneraltoLutzenhadreachedhiminHalle，whilehistroopswerestillplunderingthetown。Itwasimpossibletocollectthescatteredinfantrywiththatrapidity，whichtheurgencyoftheorder，andPappenheim’simpatiencerequired。Withoutwaitingforit，therefore，heorderedeightregimentsofcavalrytomount；andattheirheadhegallopedatfullspeedforLutzen，toshareinthebattle。

Hearrivedintimetowitnesstheflightoftheimperialrightwing，whichGustavusHornwasdrivingfromthefield，andtobeatfirstinvolvedintheirrout。Butwithrapidpresenceofmindheralliedtheflyingtroops，andledthemoncemoreagainsttheenemy。

Carriedawaybyhiswildbravery，andimpatienttoencountertheking，whohesupposedwasattheheadofthiswing，heburstfuriouslyupontheSwedishranks，which，exhaustedbyvictory，andinferiorinnumbers，were，afteranobleresistance，overpoweredbythisfreshbodyofenemies。

Pappenheim’sunexpectedappearancerevivedthedroopingcourageoftheImperialists，andtheDukeofFriedlandquicklyavailedhimselfofthefavourablemomenttore-formhisline。ThecloselyserriedbattalionsoftheSwedeswere，afteratremendousconflict，againdrivenacrossthetrenches；andthebattery，whichhadbeentwicelost，againrescuedfromtheirhands。Thewholeyellowregiment，thefinestofallthatdistinguishedthemselvesinthisdreadfulday，laydeadonthefield，coveringthegroundalmostinthesameexcellentorderwhich，whenalive，theymaintainedwithsuchunyieldingcourage。ThesamefatebefelanotherregimentofBlues，whichCountPiccolominiattackedwiththeimperialcavalry，andcutdownafteradesperatecontest。

Seventimesdidthisintrepidgeneralrenewtheattack；sevenhorseswereshotunderhim，andhehimselfwaspiercedwithsixmusketballs；

yethewouldnotleavethefield，untilhewascarriedalonginthegeneralroutofthewholearmy。Wallensteinhimselfwasseenridingthroughhisrankswithcoolintrepidity，amidstashowerofballs，assistingthedistressed，encouragingthevaliantwithpraise，andthewaveringbyhisfearfulglance。Aroundandclosebyhimhismenwerefallingthick，andhisownmantlewasperforatedbyseveralshots。Butavengingdestinythisdayprotectedthatbreast，forwhichanotherweaponwasreserved；onthesamefieldwherethenobleGustavusexpired，Wallensteinwasnotallowedtoterminatehisguiltycareer。

LessfortunatewasPappenheim，theTelamonofthearmy，thebravestsoldierofAustriaandthechurch。Anardentdesiretoencounterthekinginperson，carriedthisdaringleaderintothethickestofthefight，wherehethoughthisnobleopponentwasmostsurelytobemet。

Gustavushadalsoexpressedawishtomeethisbraveantagonist，butthesehostilewishesremainedungratified；deathfirstbroughttogetherthesetwogreatheroes。Twomusket-ballspiercedthebreastofPappenheim；

andhismenforciblycarriedhimfromthefield。Whiletheywereconveyinghimtotherear，amurmurreachedhim，thathewhomhehadsought，laydeadupontheplain。Whenthetruthofthereportwasconfirmedtohim，hislookbecamebrighter，hisdyingeyesparkledwithalastgleamofjoy。

"TelltheDukeofFriedland，"saidhe，"thatIliewithouthopeoflife，butthatIdiehappy，sinceIknowthattheimplacableenemyofmyreligionhasfallenonthesameday。"

WithPappenheim，thegoodfortuneoftheImperialistsdeparted。

Thecavalryoftheleftwing，alreadybeaten，andonlyralliedbyhisexertions，nosoonermissedtheirvictoriousleader，thantheygaveupeverythingforlost，andabandonedthefieldofbattleinspiritlessdespair。Therightwingfellintothesameconfusion，withtheexceptionofafewregiments，whichthebraveryoftheircolonelsGotz，Terzky，Colloredo，andPiccolomini，compelledtokeeptheirground。

TheSwedishinfantry，withpromptdetermination，profitedbytheenemy’sconfusion。Tofillupthegapswhichdeathhadmadeinthefrontline，theyformedbothlinesintoone，andwithitmadethefinalanddecisivecharge。Athirdtimetheycrossedthetrenches，andathirdtimetheycapturedthebattery。Thesunwassettingwhenthetwolinesclosed。Thestrifegrewhotterasitdrewtoanend；

thelasteffortsofstrengthweremutuallyexerted，andskillandcouragedidtheirutmosttorepairinthesepreciousmomentsthefortuneoftheday。

Itwasinvain；despairendowseveryonewithsuperhumanstrength；

noonecanconquer，noonewillgiveway。Theartofwarseemedtoexhaustitspowersononeside，onlytounfoldsomenewanduntriedmasterpieceofskillontheother。

Nightanddarknessatlastputanendtothefight，beforethefuryofthecombatantswasexhausted；andthecontestonlyceased，whennoonecouldanylongerfindanantagonist。Botharmiesseparated，asifbytacitagreement；thetrumpetssounded，andeachpartyclaimingthevictory，quittedthefield。

Theartilleryonbothsides，asthehorsescouldnotbefound，remainedallnightuponthefield，atoncetherewardandtheevidenceofvictorytohimwhoshouldholdit。Wallenstein，inhishastetoleaveLeipzigandSaxony，forgottoremovehispart。

Notlongafterthebattlewasended，Pappenheim’sinfantry，whohadbeenunabletofollowtherapidmovementsoftheirgeneral，andwhoamountedtosixregiments，marchedonthefield，buttheworkwasdone。Afewhoursearlier，soconsiderableareinforcementwouldperhapshavedecidedthedayinfavouroftheImperialists；

and，evennow，byremainingonthefield，theymighthavesavedtheduke’sartillery，andmadeaprizeofthatoftheSwedes。

Buttheyhadreceivednoorderstoact；and，uncertainastotheissueofthebattle，theyretiredtoLeipzig，wheretheyhopedtojointhemainbody。

TheDukeofFriedlandhadretreatedthither，andwasfollowedonthemorrowbythescatteredremainsofhisarmy，withoutartillery，withoutcolours，andalmostwithoutarms。TheDukeofWeimar，itappears，afterthetoilsofthisbloodyday，allowedtheSwedisharmysomerepose，betweenLutzenandWeissenfels，nearenoughtothefieldofbattletoopposeanyattempttheenemymightmaketorecoverit。

Ofthetwoarmies，morethan9，000menlaydead；astillgreaternumberwerewounded，andamongtheImperialists，scarcelyamanescapedfromthefielduninjured。TheentireplainfromLutzentotheCanalwasstrewedwiththewounded，thedying，andthedead。

Manyoftheprincipalnobilityhadfallenonbothsides。

EventheAbbotofFulda，whohadmingledinthecombatasaspectator，paidforhiscuriosityandhisill-timedzealwithhislife。

Historysaysnothingofprisoners；afurtherproofoftheanimosityofthecombatants，whoneithergavenortookquarter。

PappenheimdiedthenextdayofhiswoundsatLeipzig；anirreparablelosstotheimperialarmy，whichthisbravewarriorhadsooftenledontovictory。

ThebattleofPrague，where，togetherwithWallenstein，hewaspresentascolonel，wasthebeginningofhisheroiccareer。Dangerouslywounded，withafewtroops，hemadeanimpetuousattackonaregimentoftheenemy，andlayforseveralhoursmixedwiththedeaduponthefield，beneaththeweightofhishorse，tillhewasdiscoveredbysomeofhisownmeninplundering。Withasmallforcehedefeated，inthreedifferentengagements，therebelsinUpperAustria，though40，000strong。AtthebattleofLeipzig，heforalongtimedelayedthedefeatofTillybyhisbravery，andledthearmsoftheEmperorontheElbeandtheWesertovictory。Thewildimpetuousfireofhistemperament，whichnodanger，howeverapparent，couldcool，orimpossibilitiescheck，madehimthemostpowerfularmoftheimperialforce，butunfittedhimforactingatitshead。

ThebattleofLeipzig，ifTillymaybebelieved，waslostthroughhisrashardour。AtthedestructionofMagdeburg，hishandsweredeeplysteepedinblood；warrenderedsavageandferocioushisdisposition，whichhadbeencultivatedbyyouthfulstudiesandvarioustravels。Onhisforehead，tworedstreaks，likeswords，wereperceptible，withwhichnaturehadmarkedhimathisverybirth。

Eveninhislateryears，thesebecamevisible，asoftenashisbloodwasstirredbypassion；andsuperstitioneasilypersuadeditself，thatthefuturedestinyofthemanwasthusimpressedupontheforeheadofthechild。AsafaithfulservantoftheHouseofAustria，hehadthestrongestclaimsonthegratitudeofbothitslines，buthedidnotsurvivetoenjoythemostbrilliantproofoftheirregard。

AmessengerwasalreadyonhiswayfromMadrid，bearingtohimtheorderoftheGoldenFleece，whendeathovertookhimatLeipzig。

ThoughTeDeum，inallSpanishandAustrianlands，wassunginhonourofavictory，Wallensteinhimself，bythehastewithwhichhequittedLeipzig，andsoonafterallSaxony，andbyrenouncinghisoriginaldesignoffixingtherehiswinterquarters，openlyconfessedhisdefeat。

Itistruehemadeonemorefeebleattempttodispute，eveninhisflight，thehonourofvictory，bysendingouthisCroatsnextmorningtothefield；

butthesightoftheSwedisharmydrawnupinorderofbattle，immediatelydispersedtheseflyingbands，andDukeBernard，bykeepingpossessionofthefield，andsoonafterbythecaptureofLeipzig，maintainedindisputablyhisclaimtothetitleofvictor。

Butitwasadearconquest，adearertriumph！Itwasnottillthefuryofthecontestwasover，thatthefullweightofthelosssustainedwasfelt，andtheshoutoftriumphdiedawayintoasilentgloomofdespair。

He，whohadledthemtothecharge，returnednotwiththem；

therehelayuponthefieldwhichhehadwon，mingledwiththedeadbodiesofthecommoncrowd。Afteralongandalmostfruitlesssearch，thecorpseofthekingwasdiscovered，notfarfromthegreatstone，which，forahundredyearsbefore，hadstoodbetweenLutzenandtheCanal，andwhich，fromthememorabledisasterofthatday，stillbearsthenameoftheStoneoftheSwede。Coveredwithbloodandwounds，soasscarcelytoberecognised，trampledbeneaththehorses’hoofs，strippedbytherudehandsofplunderersofitsornamentsandclothes，hisbodywasdrawnfrombeneathaheapofdead，conveyedtoWeissenfels，andtheredelivereduptothelamentationsofhissoldiers，andthelastembracesofhisqueen。Thefirsttributehadbeenpaidtorevenge，andbloodhadatonedforthebloodofthemonarch；

butnowaffectionassumesitsrights，andtearsofgriefmustflowfortheman。Theuniversalsorrowabsorbsallindividualwoes。

Thegenerals，stillstupefiedbytheunexpectedblow，stoodspeechlessandmotionlessaroundhisbier，andnoonetrustedhimselfenoughtocontemplatethefullextentoftheirloss。

TheEmperor，wearetoldbyKhevenhuller，showedsymptomsofdeep，andapparentlysincerefeeling，atthesightoftheking’sdoubletstainedwithblood，whichhadbeenstrippedfromhimduringthebattle，andcarriedtoVienna。"Willingly，"saidhe，"wouldIhavegrantedtotheunfortunateprincealongerlife，andasafereturntohiskingdom，hadGermanybeenatpeace。"Butwhenatrait，whichisnothingmorethanaproofofayetlingeringhumanity，andwhichamereregardtoappearancesandevenself-love，wouldhaveextortedfromthemostinsensible，andtheabsenceofwhichcouldexistonlyinthemostinhumanheart，has，byaRomanCatholicwriterofmoderntimesandacknowledgedmerit，beenmadethesubjectofthehighesteulogium，andcomparedwiththemagnanimoustearsofAlexander，forthefallofDarius，ourdistrustisexcitedoftheothervirtuesofthewriter’shero，andwhatisstillworse，ofhisownideasofmoraldignity。

Butevensuchpraise，whateveritsamount，ismuchforone，whosememoryhisbiographerhastoclearfromthesuspicionofbeingprivytotheassassinationofaking。

Itwasscarcelytobeexpected，thatthestrongleaningofmankindtothemarvellous，wouldleavetothecommoncourseofnaturethegloryofendingthecareerofGustavusAdolphus。

ThedeathofsoformidablearivalwastooimportantaneventfortheEmperor，nottoexciteinhisbitteropponentareadysuspicion，thatwhatwassomuchtohisinterests，wasalsotheresultofhisinstigation。

Fortheexecution，however，ofthisdarkdeed，theEmperorwouldrequiretheaidofaforeignarm，andthisitwasgenerallybelievedhehadfoundinFrancisAlbert，DukeofSaxeLauenburg。Therankofthelatterpermittedhimafreeaccesstotheking’sperson，whileitatthesametimeseemedtoplacehimabovethesuspicionofsofouladeed。Thisprince，however，wasinfactnotincapableofthisatrocity，andhehadmoreoversufficientmotivesforitscommission。

FrancisAlbert，theyoungestoffoursonsofFrancisII，DukeofLauenburg，andrelatedbythemother’ssidetotheraceofVasa，had，inhisearlyyears，foundamostfriendlyreceptionattheSwedishcourt。SomeoffencewhichhehadcommittedagainstGustavusAdolphus，inthequeen’schamber，was，itissaid，repaidbythisfieryyouthwithaboxontheear；

which，thoughimmediatelyrepentedof，andamplyapologizedfor，laidthefoundationofanirreconcileablehateinthevindictiveheartoftheduke。FrancisAlbertsubsequentlyenteredtheimperialservice，whereherosetothecommandofaregiment，andformedacloseintimacywithWallenstein，andcondescendedtobetheinstrumentofasecretnegociationwiththeSaxoncourt，whichdidlittlehonourtohisrank。Withoutanysufficientcausebeingassigned，hesuddenlyquittedtheAustrianservice，andappearedintheking’scampatNuremberg，toofferhisservicesasavolunteer。ByhisshowofzealfortheProtestantcause，andprepossessingandflatteringdeportment，hegainedtheheartoftheking，who，warnedinvainbyOxenstiern，continuedtolavishhisfavourandfriendshiponthissuspiciousnewcomer。

ThebattleofLutzensoonfollowed，inwhichFrancisAlbert，likeanevilgenius，keptclosetotheking’ssideanddidnotleavehimtillhefell。Heowed，itwasthought，hisownsafetyamidstthefireoftheenemy，toagreensashwhichhewore，thecolouroftheImperialists。

HewasatanyratethefirsttoconveytohisfriendWallensteintheintelligenceoftheking’sdeath。Afterthebattle，heexchangedtheSwedishservicefortheSaxon；and，afterthemurderofWallenstein，beingchargedwithbeinganaccompliceofthatgeneral，heonlyescapedtheswordofjusticebyabjuringhisfaith。

HislastappearanceinlifewasascommanderofanimperialarmyinSilesia，wherehediedofthewoundshehadreceivedbeforeSchweidnitz。

Itrequiressomeefforttobelieveintheinnocenceofaman，whohadrunthroughacareerlikethis，oftheactchargedagainsthim；

but，howevergreatmaybethemoralandphysicalpossibilityofhiscommittingsuchacrime，itmuststillbeallowedthattherearenocertaingroundsforimputingittohim。GustavusAdolphus，itiswellknown，exposedhimselftodanger，likethemeanestsoldierinhisarmy，andwherethousandsfell，he，too，mightnaturallymeethisdeath。

Howitreachedhim，remainsindeedburiedinmystery；buthere，morethananywhere，doesthemaximapply，thatwheretheordinarycourseofthingsisfullysufficienttoaccountforthefact，thehonourofhumannatureoughtnottobestainedbyanysuspicionofmoralatrocity。

Butbywhateverhandhefell，hisextraordinarydestinymustappearagreatinterpositionofProvidence。History，toooftenconfinedtotheungratefultaskofanalyzingtheuniformplayofhumanpassions，isoccasionallyrewardedbytheappearanceofevents，whichstrikelikeahandfromheaven，intothenicelyadjustedmachineryofhumanplans，andcarrythecontemplativemindtoahigherorderofthings。Ofthiskind，isthesuddenretirementofGustavusAdolphusfromthescene；——

stoppingforatimethewholemovementofthepoliticalmachine，anddisappointingallthecalculationsofhumanprudence。Yesterday，theverysoul，thegreatandanimatingprincipleofhisowncreation；

to-day，struckunpitiablytothegroundintheverymidstofhiseagleflight；

untimelytornfromawholeworldofgreatdesigns，andfromtheripeningharvestofhisexpectations，helefthisbereavedpartydisconsolate；

andtheproudedificeofhispastgreatnesssunkintoruins。

TheProtestantpartyhadidentifieditshopeswithitsinvincibleleader，andscarcelycanitnowseparatethemfromhim；withhim，theynowfearallgoodfortuneisburied。ButitwasnolongerthebenefactorofGermanywhofellatLutzen:thebeneficentpartofhiscareer，GustavusAdolphushadalreadyterminated；andnowthegreatestservicewhichhecouldrendertothelibertiesofGermanywas——todie。

Theall-engrossingpowerofanindividualwasatanend，butmanycameforwardtoessaytheirstrength；theequivocalassistanceofanover-powerfulprotector，gaveplacetoamorenobleself-exertiononthepartoftheEstates；andthosewhowereformerlythemereinstrumentsofhisaggrandizement，nowbegantoworkforthemselves。

Theynowlookedtotheirownexertionsfortheemancipation，whichcouldnotbereceivedwithoutdangerfromthehandofthemighty；

andtheSwedishpower，nowincapableofsinkingintotheoppressor，washenceforthrestrictedtothemoremodestpartofanally。

TheambitionoftheSwedishmonarchaspiredunquestionablytoestablishapowerwithinGermany，andtoattainafirmfootinginthecentreoftheempire，whichwasinconsistentwiththelibertiesoftheEstates。

Hisaimwastheimperialcrown；andthisdignity，supportedbyhispower，andmaintainedbyhisenergyandactivity，wouldinhishandsbeliabletomoreabusethanhadeverbeenfearedfromtheHouseofAustria。

Borninaforeigncountry，educatedinthemaximsofarbitrarypower，andbyprinciplesandenthusiasmadeterminedenemytoPopery，hewasillqualifiedtomaintaininviolatetheconstitutionoftheGermanStates，ortorespecttheirliberties。ThecoercivehomagewhichAugsburg，withmanyothercities，wasforcedtopaytotheSwedishcrown，bespoketheconqueror，ratherthantheprotectoroftheempire；andthistown，prouderofthetitleofaroyalcity，thanofthehigherdignityofthefreedomoftheempire，flattereditselfwiththeanticipationofbecomingthecapitalofhisfuturekingdom。

Hisill-disguisedattemptsupontheElectorateofMentz，whichhefirstintendedtobestowupontheElectorofBrandenburg，asthedowerofhisdaughterChristina，andafterwardsdestinedforhischancellorandfriendOxenstiern，evincedplainlywhatlibertieshewasdisposedtotakewiththeconstitutionoftheempire。Hisallies，theProtestantprinces，hadclaimsonhisgratitude，whichcouldbesatisfiedonlyattheexpenseoftheirRomanCatholicneighbours，andparticularlyoftheimmediateEcclesiasticalChapters；anditseemsprobableaplanwasearlyformedfordividingtheconqueredprovinces，(aftertheprecedentofthebarbarianhordeswhooverrantheGermanempire，)

asacommonspoil，amongtheGermanandSwedishconfederates。

InhistreatmentoftheElectorPalatine，heentirelybeliedthemagnanimityofthehero，andforgotthesacredcharacterofaprotector。ThePalatinatewasinhishands，andtheobligationsbothofjusticeandhonourdemandeditsfullandimmediaterestorationtothelegitimatesovereign。

But，byasubtletyunworthyofagreatmind，anddisgracefultothehonourabletitleofprotectoroftheoppressed，heeludedthatobligation。

HetreatedthePalatinateasaconquestwrestedfromtheenemy，andthoughtthatthiscircumstancegavehimarighttodealwithitashepleased。HesurrenderedittotheElectorasafavour，notasadebt；

andthat，too，asaSwedishfief，fetteredbyconditionswhichdiminishedhalfitsvalue，anddegradedthisunfortunateprinceintoahumblevassalofSweden。OneoftheseconditionsobligedtheElector，aftertheconclusionofthewar，tofurnish，alongwiththeotherprinces，hiscontributiontowardsthemaintenanceoftheSwedisharmy，aconditionwhichplainlyindicatesthefatewhich，intheeventoftheultimatesuccessoftheking，awaitedGermany。

HissuddendisappearancesecuredthelibertiesofGermany，andsavedhisreputation，whileitprobablysparedhimthemortificationofseeinghisownalliesinarmsagainsthim，andallthefruitsofhisvictoriestornfromhimbyadisadvantageouspeace。

Saxonywasalreadydisposedtoabandonhim，Denmarkviewedhissuccesswithalarmandjealousy；andevenFrance，thefirmestandmostpotentofhisallies，terrifiedattherapidgrowthofhispowerandtheimperioustonewhichheassumed，lookedaroundattheverymomenthepasttheLech，forforeignalliances，inordertochecktheprogressoftheGoths，andrestoretoEuropethebalanceofpower。

BookIV。

Theweakbondofunion，bywhichGustavusAdolphuscontrivedtoholdtogethertheProtestantmembersoftheempire，wasdissolvedbyhisdeath:

theallieswerenowagainatliberty，andtheiralliance，tolast，mustbeformedanew。Bytheformerevent，ifunremedied，theywouldlosealltheadvantagestheyhadgainedatthecostofsomuchbloodshed，andexposethemselvestotheinevitabledangerofbecomingoneaftertheotherthepreyofanenemy，whom，bytheirunionalone，theyhadbeenabletoopposeandtomaster。NeitherSweden，noranyofthestatesoftheempire，wassinglyamatchwiththeEmperorandtheLeague；and，byseekingapeaceunderthepresentstateofthings，theywouldnecessarilybeobligedtoreceivelawsfromtheenemy。Unionwas，therefore，equallyindispensable，eitherforconcludingapeaceorcontinuingthewar。Butapeace，soughtunderthepresentcircumstances，couldnotfailtobedisadvantageoustothealliedpowers。WiththedeathofGustavusAdolphus，theenemyhadformednewhopes；andhowevergloomymightbethesituationofhisaffairsafterthebattleofLutzen，stillthedeathofhisdreadedrivalwasaneventtoodisastroustotheallies，andtoofavourablefortheEmperor，nottojustifyhiminentertainingthemostbrilliantexpectations，andnottoencouragehimtotheprosecutionofthewar。Itsinevitableconsequence，forthemomentatleast，mustbewantofunionamongtheallies，andwhatmightnottheEmperorandtheLeaguegainfromsuchadivisionoftheirenemies？Hewasnotlikelytosacrificesuchprospects，asthepresentturnofaffairsheldouttohim，foranypeace，nothighlybeneficialtohimself；andsuchapeacetheallieswouldnotbedisposedtoaccept。Theynaturallydetermined，therefore，tocontinuethewar，andforthispurpose，themaintenanceoftheexistingunionwasacknowledgedtobeindispensable。

Buthowwasthisuniontoberenewed？andwhenceweretobederivedthenecessarymeansforcontinuingthewar？ItwasnotthepowerofSweden，butthetalentsandpersonalinfluenceofitslateking，whichhadgivenhimsooverwhelminganinfluenceinGermany，sogreatacommandoverthemindsofmen；andevenhehadinnumerabledifficultiestoovercome，beforehecouldestablishamongthestatesevenaweakandwaveringalliance。Withhisdeathvanishedall，whichhispersonalqualitiesalonehadrenderedpracticable；

andthemutualobligationofthestatesseemedtoceasewiththehopesonwhichithadbeenfounded。Severalimpatientlythrewofftheyokewhichhadalwaysbeenirksome；othershastenedtoseizethehelmwhichtheyhadunwillinglyseeninthehandsofGustavus，butwhich，duringhislifetime，theydidnotdaretodisputewithhim。

Someweretempted，bytheseductivepromisesoftheEmperor，toabandonthealliance；others，oppressedbytheheavyburdensofafourteenyears’war，longedforthereposeofpeace，uponanyconditions，howeverruinous。Thegeneralsofthearmy，partlyGermanprinces，acknowledgednocommonhead，andnoonewouldstooptoreceiveordersfromanother。

Unanimityvanishedalikefromthecabinetandthefield，andtheircommonwealwasthreatenedwithruin，bythespiritofdisunion。

GustavushadleftnomaleheirtothecrownofSweden:

hisdaughterChristina，thensixyearsold，wasthenaturalheir。

Theunavoidableweaknessofaregency，suitedillwiththatenergyandresolution，whichSwedenwouldbecalledupontodisplayinthistryingconjuncture。ThewidereachingmindofGustavusAdolphushadraisedthisunimportant，andhithertounknownkingdom，toarankamongthepowersofEurope，whichitcouldnotretainwithoutthefortuneandgeniusofitsauthor，andfromwhichitcouldnotrecede，withoutahumiliatingconfessionofweakness。

ThoughtheGermanwarhadbeenconductedchieflyontheresourcesofGermany，yeteventhesmallcontributionofmenandmoney，whichSwedenfurnished，hadsufficedtoexhaustthefinancesofthatpoorkingdom，andthepeasantrygroanedbeneaththeimpostsnecessarilylaiduponthem。

TheplundergainedinGermanyenrichedonlyafewindividuals，amongthenoblesandthesoldiers，whileSwedenitselfremainedpoorasbefore。Foratime，itistrue，thenationalgloryreconciledthesubjecttotheseburdens，andthesumsexacted，seemedbutasaloanplacedatinterest，inthefortunatehandofGustavusAdolphus，toberichlyrepaidbythegratefulmonarchattheconclusionofagloriouspeace。Butwiththeking’sdeaththishopevanished，andthedeludedpeoplenowloudlydemandedrelieffromtheirburdens。

ButthespiritofGustavusAdolphusstilllivedinthementowhomhehadconfidedtheadministrationofthekingdom。Howeverdreadfultothem，andunexpected，wastheintelligenceofhisdeath，itdidnotdeprivethemoftheirmanlycourage；andthespiritofancientRome，undertheinvasionofBrennusandHannibal，animatedthisnobleassembly。

Thegreatertheprice，atwhichthesehard-gainedadvantageshadbeenpurchased，thelessreadilycouldtheyreconcilethemselvestorenouncethem:notunrevengedwasakingtobesacrificed。

Calledontochoosebetweenadoubtfulandexhaustingwar，andaprofitablebutdisgracefulpeace，theSwedishcouncilofstateboldlyespousedthesideofdangerandhonour；andwithagreeablesurprise，menbeheldthisvenerablesenateactingwithalltheenergyandenthusiasmofyouth。Surroundedwithwatchfulenemies，bothwithinandwithout，andthreatenedoneverysidewithdanger，theyarmedthemselvesagainstthemall，withequalprudenceandheroism，andlabouredtoextendtheirkingdom，evenatthemomentwhentheyhadtostruggleforitsexistence。

Thedeceaseoftheking，andtheminorityofhisdaughterChristina，renewedtheclaimsofPolandtotheSwedishthrone；andKingLadislaus，thesonofSigismund，sparednointriguestogainapartyinSweden。

Onthisground，theregencylostnotimeinproclaimingtheyoungqueen，andarrangingtheadministrationoftheregency。Alltheofficersofthekingdomweresummonedtodohomagetotheirnewprincess；

allcorrespondencewithPolandprohibited，andtheedictsofpreviousmonarchsagainsttheheirsofSigismund，confirmedbyasolemnactofthenation。

ThealliancewiththeCzarofMuscovywascarefullyrenewed，inorder，bythearmsofthisprince，tokeepthehostilePolesincheck。

ThedeathofGustavusAdolphushadputanendtothejealousyofDenmark，andremovedthegroundsofalarmwhichhadstoodinthewayofagoodunderstandingbetweenthetwostates。TherepresentationsbywhichtheenemysoughttostirupChristianIV。againstSwedenwerenolongerlistenedto；andthestrongwishtheDanishmonarchentertainedforthemarriageofhissonUlrickwiththeyoungprincess，combined，withthedictatesofasounderpolicy，toinclinehimtoaneutrality。

Atthesametime，England，Holland，andFrancecameforwardwiththegratifyingassurancestotheregencyofcontinuedfriendshipandsupport，andencouragedthem，withonevoice，toprosecutewithactivitythewar，whichhithertohadbeenconductedwithsomuchglory。

WhateverreasonFrancemighthavetocongratulateitselfonthedeathoftheSwedishconqueror，itwasasfullysensibleoftheexpediencyofmaintainingthealliancewithSweden。

Withoutexposingitselftogreatdanger，itcouldnotallowthepowerofSwedentosinkinGermany。Wantofresourcesofitsown，wouldeitherdriveSwedentoconcludeahastyanddisadvantageouspeacewithAustria，andthenallthepasteffortstolowertheascendancyofthisdangerouspowerwouldbethrownaway；ornecessityanddespairwoulddrivethearmiestoextortfromtheRomanCatholicstatesthemeansofsupport，andFrancewouldthenberegardedasthebetrayerofthoseverystates，whohadplacedthemselvesunderherpowerfulprotection。

ThedeathofGustavus，farfrombreakingupthealliancebetweenFranceandSweden，hadonlyrendereditmorenecessaryforboth，andmoreprofitableforFrance。Now，forthefirsttime，sincehewasdeadwhohadstretchedhisprotectingarmoverGermany，andguardeditsfrontiersagainsttheencroachingdesignsofFrance，couldthelattersafelypursueitsdesignsuponAlsace，andthusbeenabledtosellitsaidtotheGermanProtestantsatadearerrate。

Strengthenedbythesealliances，securedinitsinterior，anddefendedfromwithoutbystrongfrontiergarrisonsandfleets，theregencydidnotdelayaninstanttocontinueawar，bywhichSwedenhadlittleofitsowntolose，while，ifsuccessattendeditsarms，oneormoreoftheGermanprovincesmightbewon，eitherasaconquest，orindemnificationofitsexpenses。Secureamidstitsseas，Sweden，evenifdrivenoutofGermany，wouldscarcelybeexposedtogreaterperil，thanifitvoluntarilyretiredfromthecontest，whiletheformermeasurewasashonourable，asthelatterwasdisgraceful。Themoreboldnesstheregencydisplayed，themoreconfidencewouldtheyinspireamongtheirconfederates，themorerespectamongtheirenemies，andthemorefavourableconditionsmighttheyanticipateintheeventofpeace。Iftheyfoundthemselvestooweaktoexecutethewide-rangingprojectsofGustavus，theyatleastowedittothisloftymodeltodotheirutmost，andtoyieldtonodifficultyshortofabsolutenecessity。

Alas，thatmotivesofself-interesthadtoogreatashareinthisnobledetermination，todemandourunqualifiedadmiration！

Forthosewhohadnothingthemselvestosufferfromthecalamitiesofwar，butwererathertobeenrichedbyit，itwasaneasymattertoresolveuponitscontinuation；fortheGermanempirewas，intheend，todefraytheexpenses；andtheprovincesonwhichtheyreckoned，wouldbecheaplypurchasedwiththefewtroopstheysacrificedtothem，andwiththegeneralswhowereplacedattheheadofarmies，composedforthemostpartofGermans，andwiththehonourablesuperintendenceofalltheoperations，bothmilitaryandpolitical。

ButthissuperintendencewasirreconcileablewiththedistanceoftheSwedishregencyfromthesceneofaction，andwiththeslownesswhichnecessarilyaccompaniesallthemovementsofacouncil。

ToonecomprehensivemindmustbeintrustedthemanagementofSwedishinterestsinGermany，andwithfullpowerstodetermineatdiscretionallquestionsofwarandpeace，thenecessaryalliances，ortheacquisitionsmade。Withdictatorialpower，andwiththewholeinfluenceofthecrownwhichhewastorepresent，mustthisimportantmagistratebeinvested，inordertomaintainitsdignity，toenforceunitedandcombinedoperations，togiveeffecttohisorders，andtosupplytheplaceofthemonarchwhomhesucceeded。

SuchamanwasfoundintheChancellorOxenstiern，thefirstminister，andwhatismore，thefriendofthedeceasedking，who，acquaintedwithallthesecretsofhismaster，versedinthepoliticsofGermany，andintherelationsofallthestatesofEurope，wasunquestionablythefittestinstrumenttocarryouttheplansofGustavusAdolphusintheirfullextent。

OxenstiernwasonhiswaytoUpperGermany，inordertoassemblethefourUpperCircles，whenthenewsoftheking’sdeathreachedhimatHanau。Thiswasaheavyblow，bothtothefriendandthestatesman。

Sweden，indeed，hadlostbutaking，Germanyaprotector；

butOxenstiern，theauthorofhisfortunes，thefriendofhissoul，andtheobjectofhisadmiration。Thoughthegreatestsuffererinthegeneralloss，hewasthefirstwhobyhisenergyrosefromtheblow，andtheonlyonequalifiedtorepairit。Hispenetratingglanceforesawalltheobstacleswhichwouldopposetheexecutionofhisplans，thediscouragementoftheestates，theintriguesofhostilecourts，thebreakingupoftheconfederacy，thejealousyoftheleaders，andthedislikeofprincesoftheempiretosubmittoforeignauthority。

Buteventhisdeepinsightintotheexistingstateofthings，whichrevealedthewholeextentoftheevil，showedhimalsothemeansbywhichitmightbeovercome。Itwasessentialtorevivethedroopingcourageoftheweakerstates，tomeetthesecretmachinationsoftheenemy，toallaythejealousyofthemorepowerfulallies，torousethefriendlypowers，andFranceinparticular，toactiveassistance；butaboveall，torepairtheruinededificeoftheGermanalliance，andtoreunitethescatteredstrengthofthepartybyacloseandpermanentbondofunion。

ThedismaywhichthelossoftheirleaderoccasionedtheGermanProtestants，mightasreadilydisposethemtoacloseralliancewithSweden，astoahastypeacewiththeEmperor；anditdependedentirelyuponthecoursepursued，whichofthesealternativestheywouldadopt。

Everythingmightbelostbytheslightestsignofdespondency；

nothing，buttheconfidencewhichSwedenshowedinherself，couldkindleamongtheGermansanoblefeelingofself-confidence。

AlltheattemptsofAustria，todetachtheseprincesfromtheSwedishalliance，wouldbeunavailing，themomenttheireyesbecameopenedtotheirtrueinterests，andtheywereinstigatedtoapublicandformalbreachwiththeEmperor。

Beforethesemeasurescouldbetaken，andthenecessarypointssettledbetweentheregencyandtheirminister，apreciousopportunityofactionwould，itistrue，belosttotheSwedisharmy，ofwhichtheenemywouldbesuretotaketheutmostadvantage。Itwas，inshort，inthepoweroftheEmperortotallytoruintheSwedishinterestinGermany，andtothishewasactuallyinvitedbytheprudentcouncilsoftheDukeofFriedland。

Wallensteinadvisedhimtoproclaimauniversalamnesty，andtomeettheProtestantstateswithfavourableconditions。

InthefirstconsternationproducedbythefallofGustavusAdolphus，suchadeclarationwouldhavehadthemostpowerfuleffects，andprobablywouldhavebroughtthewaveringstatesbacktotheirallegiance。

Butblindedbythisunexpectedturnoffortune，andinfatuatedbySpanishcounsels，heanticipatedamorebrilliantissuefromwar，and，insteadoflisteningtothesepropositionsofanaccommodation，hehastenedtoaugmenthisforces。Spain，enrichedbythegrantofthetenthoftheecclesiasticalpossessions，whichthepopeconfirmed，senthimconsiderablesupplies，negociatedforhimattheSaxoncourt，andhastilyleviedtroopsforhiminItalytobeemployedinGermany。

TheElectorofBavariaalsoconsiderablyincreasedhismilitaryforce；

andtherestlessdispositionoftheDukeofLorrainedidnotpermithimtoremaininactiveinthisfavourablechangeoffortune。

ButwhiletheenemywerethusbusytoprofitbythedisasterofSweden，Oxenstiernwasdiligenttoavertitsmostfatalconsequences。

Lessapprehensiveofopenenemies，thanofthejealousyofthefriendlypowers，heleftUpperGermany，whichhehadsecuredbyconquestsandalliances，andsetoutinpersontopreventatotaldefectionoftheLowerGermanstates，or，whatwouldhavebeenalmostequallyruinoustoSweden，aprivateallianceamongthemselves。

Offendedattheboldnesswithwhichthechancellorassumedthedirectionofaffairs，andinwardlyexasperatedatthethoughtofbeingdictatedtobyaSwedishnobleman，theElectorofSaxonyagainmeditatedadangerousseparationfromSweden；andtheonlyquestioninhismindwas，whetherheshouldmakefulltermswiththeEmperor，orplacehimselfattheheadoftheProtestantsandformathirdpartyinGermany。SimilarideaswerecherishedbyDukeUlricofBrunswick，who，indeed，showedthemopenlyenoughbyforbiddingtheSwedesfromrecruitingwithinhisdominions，andinvitingtheLowerSaxonstatestoLuneburg，forthepurposeofformingaconfederacyamongthemselves。

TheElectorofBrandenburg，jealousoftheinfluencewhichSaxonywaslikelytoattaininLowerGermany，alonemanifestedanyzealfortheinterestsoftheSwedishthrone，which，inthought，healreadydestinedforhisson。

AtthecourtofSaxony，Oxenstiernwasnodoubthonourablyreceived；

but，notwithstandingthepersonaleffortsoftheElectorofBrandenburg，emptypromisesofcontinuedfriendshipwereallwhichhecouldobtain。

WiththeDukeofBrunswickhewasmoresuccessful，forwithhimheventuredtoassumeaboldertone。SwedenwasatthetimeinpossessionoftheSeeofMagdeburg，thebishopofwhichhadthepowerofassemblingtheLowerSaxoncircle。Thechancellornowassertedtherightsofthecrown，andbythisspiritedproceeding，putastopforthepresenttothisdangerousassemblydesignedbytheduke。Themainobject，however，ofhispresentjourneyandofhisfutureendeavours，ageneralconfederacyoftheProtestants，miscarriedentirely，andhewasobligedtocontenthimselfwithsomeunsteadyalliancesintheSaxoncircles，andwiththeweakerassistanceofUpperGermany。

AstheBavariansweretoopowerfulontheDanube，theassemblyofthefourUpperCircles，whichshouldhavebeenheldatUlm，wasremovedtoHeilbronn，wheredeputiesofmorethantwelvecitiesoftheempire，withabrilliantcrowdofdoctors，counts，andprinces，attended。

Theambassadorsofforeignpowerslikewise，France，England，andHolland，attendedthisCongress，atwhichOxenstiernappearedinperson，withallthesplendourofthecrownwhoserepresentativehewas。

Hehimselfopenedtheproceedings，andconductedthedeliberations。

Afterreceivingfromalltheassembledestatesassurancesofunshakenfidelity，perseverance，andunity，herequiredofthemsolemnlyandformallytodeclaretheEmperorandtheleagueasenemies。

ButdesirableasitwasforSwedentoexasperatetheill-feelingbetweentheemperorandtheestatesintoaformalrupture，thelatter，ontheotherhand，wereequallyindisposedtoshutoutthepossibilityofreconciliation，bysodecidedastep，andtoplacethemselvesentirelyinthehandsoftheSwedes。Theymaintained，thatanyformaldeclarationofwarwasuselessandsuperfluous，wheretheactwouldspeakforitself，andtheirfirmnessonthispointsilencedatlastthechancellor。Warmerdisputesaroseonthethirdandprincipalarticleofthetreaty，concerningthemeansofprosecutingthewar，andthequotawhichtheseveralstatesoughttofurnishforthesupportofthearmy。Oxenstiern’smaxim，tothrowasmuchaspossibleofthecommonburdenonthestates，didnotsuitverywellwiththeirdeterminationtogiveaslittleaspossible。

TheSwedishchancellornowexperienced，whathadbeenfeltbythirtyemperorsbeforehim，totheircost，thatofalldifficultundertakings，themostdifficultwastoextortmoneyfromtheGermans。Insteadofgrantingthenecessarysumsforthenewarmiestoberaised，theyeloquentlydweltuponthecalamitiesoccasionedbytheformer，anddemandedrelieffromtheoldburdens，whentheywererequiredtosubmittonew。

Theirritationwhichthechancellor’sdemandformoneyraisedamongthestates，gaverisetoathousandcomplaints；

andtheoutragescommittedbythetroops，intheirmarchesandquarters，weredweltuponwithastartlingminutenessandtruth。

Intheserviceoftwoabsolutemonarchs，Oxenstiernhadbutlittleopportunitytobecomeaccustomedtotheformalitiesandcautiousproceedingsofrepublicandeliberations，ortobearoppositionwithpatience。

Readytoact，theinstantthenecessityofactionwasapparent，andinflexibleinhisresolution，whenhehadoncetakenit，hewasatalosstocomprehendtheinconsistencyofmostmen，who，whiletheydesiretheend，areyetaversetothemeans。

Promptandimpetuousbynature，hewassoonthisoccasionfromprinciple；

foreverythingdependedonconcealingtheweaknessofSweden，underafirmandconfidentspeech，andbyassumingthetoneofalawgiver，reallytobecomeso。Itwasnothingwonderful，therefore，if，amidsttheseinterminablediscussionswithGermandoctorsanddeputies，hewasentirelyoutofhissphere，andifthedeliberatenesswhichdistinguishesthecharacteroftheGermansintheirpublicdeliberations，haddrivenhimalmosttodespair。Withoutrespectingacustom，towhicheventhemostpowerfuloftheemperorshadbeenobligedtoconform，herejectedallwrittendeliberationswhichsuitedsowellwiththenationalslownessofresolve。Hecouldnotconceivehowtendayscouldbespentindebatingameasure，whichwithhimselfwasdecideduponitsbaresuggestion。Harshly，however，ashetreatedtheStates，hefoundthemreadyenoughtoassenttohisfourthmotion，whichconcernedhimself。Whenhepointedoutthenecessityofgivingaheadandadirectortothenewconfederation，thathonourwasunanimouslyassignedtoSweden，andhehimselfwashumblyrequestedtogivetothecommoncausethebenefitofhisenlightenedexperience，andtotakeuponhimselftheburdenofthesupremecommand。

Butinordertopreventhisabusingthegreatpowersthusconferreduponhim，itwasproposed，notwithoutFrenchinfluence，toappointanumberofoverseers，infact，underthenameofassistants，tocontroltheexpenditureofthecommontreasure，andtoconsultwithhimastothelevies，marches，andquarteringsofthetroops。

Oxenstiernlongandstrenuouslyresistedthislimitationofhisauthority，whichcouldnotfailtotrammelhimintheexecutionofeveryenterpriserequiringpromptitudeorsecrecy，andatlastsucceeded，withdifficulty，inobtainingsofaramodificationofit，thathismanagementinaffairsofwarwastobeuncontrolled。ThechancellorfinallyapproachedthedelicatepointoftheindemnificationwhichSwedenwastoexpectattheconclusionofthewar，fromthegratitudeoftheallies，andflatteredhimselfwiththehopethatPomerania，themainobjectofSweden，wouldbeassignedtoher，andthathewouldobtainfromtheprovinces，assurancesofeffectualcooperationinitsacquisition。Buthecouldobtainnothingmorethanavagueassurance，thatinageneralpeacetheinterestsofallpartieswouldbeattendedto。Thatonthispoint，thecautionoftheestateswasnotowingtoanyregardfortheconstitutionoftheempire，becamemanifestfromtheliberalitytheyevincedtowardsthechancellor，attheexpenseofthemostsacredlawsoftheempire。

TheywerereadytogranthimthearchbishopricofMentz，(whichhealreadyheldasaconquest，)andonlywithdifficultydidtheFrenchambassadorsucceedinpreventingastep，whichwasasimpoliticasitwasdisgraceful。Thoughonthewhole，theresultofthecongresshadfallenfarshortofOxenstiern’sexpectations，hehadatleastgainedforhimselfandhiscrownhismainobject，namely，thedirectionofthewholeconfederacy；hehadalsosucceededinstrengtheningthebondofunionbetweenthefouruppercircles，andobtainedfromthestatesayearlycontributionoftwomillionsandahalfofdollars，forthemaintenanceofthearmy。

TheseconcessionsonthepartoftheStates，demandedsomereturnfromSweden。

AfewweeksafterthedeathofGustavusAdolphus，sorrowendedthedaysoftheunfortunateElectorPalatine。Foreightmonthshehadswelledthepompofhisprotector’scourt，andexpendedonitthesmallremainderofhispatrimony。Hewas，atlast，approachingthegoalofhiswishes，andtheprospectofabrighterfuturewasopening，whendeathdeprivedhimofhisprotector。Butwhatheregardedasthegreatestcalamity，washighlyfavourabletohisheirs。Gustavusmightventuretodelaytherestorationofhisdominions，ortoloadthegiftwithhardconditions；

butOxenstiern，towhomthefriendshipofEngland，Holland，andBrandenburg，andthegoodopinionoftheReformedStateswereindispensable，feltthenecessityofimmediatelyfulfillingtheobligationsofjustice。

Atthisassembly，atHeilbronn，therefore，heengagedtosurrendertoFrederick’sheirsthewholePalatinate，boththepartalreadyconquered，andthatwhichremainedtobeconquered，withtheexceptionofManheim，whichtheSwedesweretohold，untiltheyshouldbeindemnifiedfortheirexpenses。TheChancellordidnotconfinehisliberalitytothefamilyofthePalatinealone；theotheralliedprincesreceivedproofs，thoughatalaterperiod，ofthegratitudeofSweden，which，however，shedispensedatlittlecosttoherself。

Impartiality，themostsacredobligationofthehistorian，herecompelsustoanadmission，notmuchtothehonourofthechampionsofGermanliberty。

HowevertheProtestantPrincesmightboastofthejusticeoftheircause，andthesincerityoftheirconviction，stillthemotivesfromwhichtheyactedwereselfishenough；andthedesireofstrippingothersoftheirpossessions，hadatleastasgreatashareinthecommencementofhostilities，asthefearofbeingdeprivedoftheirown。Gustavussoonfoundthathemightreckonmuchmoreontheseselfishmotives，thanontheirpatrioticzeal，anddidnotfailtoavailhimselfofthem。

Eachofhisconfederatesreceivedfromhimthepromiseofsomepossession，eitheralreadywrested，ortobeafterwardstakenfromtheenemy；

anddeathalonepreventedhimfromfulfillingtheseengagements。

Whatprudencehadsuggestedtotheking，necessitynowprescribedtohissuccessor。Ifitwashisobjecttocontinuethewar，hemustbereadytodividethespoilamongtheallies，andpromisethemadvantagesfromtheconfusionwhichitwashisobjecttocontinue。

ThushepromisedtotheLandgraveofHesse，theabbaciesofPaderborn，Corvey，Munster，andFulda；toDukeBernardofWeimar，theFranconianBishoprics；

totheDukeofWirtemberg，theEcclesiasticaldomains，andtheAustriancountieslyingwithinhisterritories，allunderthetitleoffiefsofSweden。Thisspectacle，sostrangeandsodishonourabletotheGermancharacter，surprisedtheChancellor，whofounditdifficulttorepresshiscontempt，andononeoccasionexclaimed，"Letitbewritinourrecords，foraneverlastingmemorial，thataGermanprincemadesucharequestofaSwedishnobleman，andthattheSwedishnoblemangrantedittotheGermanuponGermanground！"

Afterthesesuccessfulmeasures，hewasinaconditiontotakethefield，andprosecutethewarwithfreshvigour。SoonafterthevictoryatLutzen，thetroopsofSaxonyandLunenburgunitedwiththeSwedishmainbody；

andtheImperialistswere，inashorttime，totallydrivenfromSaxony。

Theunitedarmyagaindivided:theSaxonsmarchedtowardsLusatiaandSilesia，toactinconjunctionwithCountThurnagainsttheAustriansinthatquarter；apartoftheSwedisharmywasledbytheDukeofWeimarintoFranconia，andtheotherbyGeorge，DukeofBrunswick，intoWestphaliaandLowerSaxony。

TheconquestsontheLechandtheDanube，duringGustavus’sexpeditionintoSaxony，hadbeenmaintainedbythePalatineofBirkenfeld，andtheSwedishGeneralBanner，againsttheBavarians；

butunabletoholdtheirgroundagainstthevictoriousprogressofthelatter，supportedastheywerebythebraveryandmilitaryexperienceoftheImperialGeneralAltringer，theywereunderthenecessityofsummoningtheSwedishGeneralHorntotheirassistance，fromAlsace。

ThisexperiencedgeneralhavingcapturedthetownsofBenfeld，Schlettstadt，Colmar，andHagenau，committedthedefenceofthemtotheRhinegraveOttoLouis，andhastilycrossedtheRhinetoformajunctionwithBanner’sarmy。Butalthoughthecombinedforceamountedtomorethan16，000，theycouldnotpreventtheenemyfromobtainingastrongpositionontheSwabianfrontier，takingKempten，andbeingjoinedbysevenregimentsfromBohemia。InordertoretainthecommandoftheimportantbanksoftheLechandtheDanube，theywereunderthenecessityofrecallingtheRhinegraveOttoLouisfromAlsace，wherehehad，afterthedepartureofHorn，founditdifficulttodefendhimselfagainsttheexasperatedpeasantry。

Withhisarmy，hewasnowsummonedtostrengthenthearmyontheDanube；

andaseventhisreinforcementwasinsufficient，DukeBernardofWeimarwasearnestlypressedtoturnhisarmsintothisquarter。

DukeBernard，soonaftertheopeningofthecampaignof1633，hadmadehimselfmasterofthetownandterritoryofBamberg，andwasnowthreateningWurtzburg。ButonreceivingthesummonsofGeneralHorn，withoutdelayhebeganhismarchtowardstheDanube，defeatedonhiswayaBavarianarmyunderJohndeWerth，andjoinedtheSwedesnearDonauwerth。Thisnumerousforce，commandedbyexcellentgenerals，nowthreatenedBavariawithafearfulinroad。ThebishopricofEichstadtwascompletelyoverrun，andIngoldstadtwasonthepointofbeingdeliveredupbytreacherytotheSwedes。Altringer，fetteredinhismovementsbytheexpressorderoftheDukeofFriedland，andleftwithoutassistancefromBohemia，wasunabletochecktheprogressoftheenemy。

ThemostfavourablecircumstancescombinedtofurthertheprogressoftheSwedisharmsinthisquarter，whentheoperationsofthearmywereatoncestoppedbyamutinyamongtheofficers。

AlltheprevioussuccessesinGermanywereowingaltogethertoarms；

thegreatnessofGustavushimselfwastheworkofthearmy，thefruitoftheirdiscipline，theirbravery，andtheirperseveringcourageundernumberlessdangersandprivations。Howeverwiselyhisplanswerelaidinthecabinet，itwastothearmyultimatelythathewasindebtedfortheirexecution；andtheexpandingdesignsofthegeneraldidbutcontinuallyimposenewburdensonthesoldiers。

Allthedecisiveadvantagesofthewar，hadbeenviolentlygainedbyabarbaroussacrificeofthesoldiers’livesinwintercampaigns，forcedmarches，stormings，andpitchedbattles；foritwasGustavus’smaximnevertodeclineabattle，solongasitcosthimnothingbutmen。

Thesoldierscouldnotlongbekeptignorantoftheirownimportance，andtheyjustlydemandedashareinthespoilwhichhadbeenwonbytheirownblood。Yet，frequently，theyhardlyreceivedtheirpay；

andtherapacityofindividualgenerals，orthewantsofthestate，generallyswallowedupthegreaterpartofthesumsraisedbycontributions，orleviedupontheconqueredprovinces。Foralltheprivationsheendured，thesoldierhadnootherrecompensethanthedoubtfulchanceeitherofplunderorpromotion，inbothofwhichhewasoftendisappointed。

DuringthelifetimeofGustavusAdolphus，thecombinedinfluenceoffearandhopehadsuppressedanyopencomplaint，butafterhisdeath，themurmurswereloudanduniversal；andthesoldieryseizedthemostdangerousmomenttoimpresstheirsuperiorswithasenseoftheirimportance。Twoofficers，PfuhlandMitschefal，notoriousasrestlesscharacters，evenduringtheKing’slife，settheexampleinthecampontheDanube，whichinafewdayswasimitatedbyalmostalltheofficersofthearmy。Theysolemnlyboundthemselvestoobeynoorders，tillthesearrears，nowoutstandingformonths，andevenyears，shouldbepaidup，andagratuity，eitherinmoneyorlands，madetoeachman，accordingtohisservices。"Immensesums，"theysaid，"weredailyraisedbycontributions，andalldissipatedbyafew。

Theywerecalledouttoserveamidstfrostandsnow，andnorewardrequitedtheirincessantlabours。Thesoldiers’excessesatHeilbronnhadbeenblamed，butnooneevertalkedoftheirservices。

Theworldrungwiththetidingsofconquestsandvictories，butitwasbytheirhandsthattheyhadbeenfoughtandwon。"

Thenumberofthemalcontentsdailyincreased；andtheyevenattemptedbyletters，(whichwerefortunatelyintercepted，)toseducethearmiesontheRhineandinSaxony。NeithertherepresentationsofBernardofWeimar，northesternreproachesofhisharsherassociateincommand，couldsuppressthismutiny，whilethevehemenceofHornseemedonlytoincreasetheinsolenceoftheinsurgents。Theconditionstheyinsistedon，werethatcertaintownsshouldbeassignedtoeachregimentforthepaymentofarrears。FourweekswereallowedtotheSwedishChancellortocomplywiththesedemands；andincaseofrefusal，theyannouncedthattheywouldpaythemselves，andnevermoredrawaswordforSweden。

Thesepressingdemands，madeattheverytimewhenthemilitarychestwasexhausted，andcreditatalowebb，greatlyembarrassedthechancellor。

Theremedy，hesaw，mustbefoundquickly，beforethecontagionshouldspreadtotheothertroops，andheshouldbedesertedbyallhisarmiesatonce。

AmongalltheSwedishgenerals，therewasonlyoneofsufficientauthorityandinfluencewiththesoldierstoputanendtothisdispute。

TheDukeofWeimarwasthefavouriteofthearmy，andhisprudentmoderationhadwonthegood-willofthesoldiers，whilehismilitaryexperiencehadexcitedtheiradmiration。Henowundertookthetaskofappeasingthediscontentedtroops；but，awareofhisimportance，heembracedtheopportunitytomakeadvantageousstipulationsforhimself，andtomaketheembarrassmentofthechancellorsubservienttohisownviews。

GustavusAdolphushadflatteredhimwiththepromiseoftheDuchyofFranconia，tobeformedoutoftheBishopricsofWurtzburgandBamberg，andhenowinsistedontheperformanceofthispledge。

Heatthesametimedemandedthechiefcommand，asgeneralissimoofSweden。

TheabusewhichtheDukeofWeimarthusmadeofhisinfluence，soirritatedOxenstiern，that，inthefirstmomentofhisdispleasure，hegavehimhisdismissalfromtheSwedishservice。Buthesoonthoughtbetterofit，anddetermined，insteadofsacrificingsoimportantaleader，toattachhimtotheSwedishinterestsatanycost。

HethereforegrantedtohimtheFranconianbishoprics，asafiefoftheSwedishcrown，reserving，however，thetwofortressesofWurtzburgandKoenigshofen，whichweretobegarrisonedbytheSwedes；

andalsoengaged，innameoftheSwedishcrown，tosecuretheseterritoriestotheduke。Hisdemandofthesupremeauthoritywasevadedonsomespeciouspretext。Thedukedidnotdelaytodisplayhisgratitudeforthisvaluablegrant，andbyhisinfluenceandactivitysoonrestoredtranquillitytothearmy。Largesumsofmoney，andstillmoreextensiveestates，weredividedamongtheofficers，amountinginvaluetoaboutfivemillionsofdollars，andtowhichtheyhadnootherrightbutthatofconquest。Inthemeantime，however，theopportunityforagreatundertakinghadbeenlost，andtheunitedgeneralsdividedtheirforcestoopposetheenemyinotherquarters。

GustavusHorn，afterashortinroadintotheUpperPalatinate，andthecaptureofNeumark，directedhismarchtowardstheSwabianfrontier，wheretheImperialists，stronglyreinforced，threatenedWuertemberg。

Athisapproach，theenemyretiredtotheLakeofConstance，butonlytoshowtheSwedestheroadintoadistricthithertounvisitedbywar。

ApostontheentrancetoSwitzerland，wouldbehighlyserviceabletotheSwedes，andthetownofKostnitzseemedpeculiarlywellfittedtobeapointofcommunicationbetweenhimandtheconfederatedcantons。

Accordingly，GustavusHornimmediatelycommencedthesiegeofit；

butdestituteofartillery，forwhichhewasobligedtosendtoWirtemberg，hecouldnotpresstheattackwithsufficientvigour，topreventtheenemyfromthrowingsuppliesintothetown，whichthelakeaffordedthemconvenientopportunityofdoing。He，therefore，afteranineffectualattempt，quittedtheplaceanditsneighbourhood，andhastenedtomeetamorethreateningdangerupontheDanube。

AttheEmperor’sinstigation，theCardinalInfante，thebrotherofPhilipIV。ofSpain，andtheViceroyofMilan，hadraisedanarmyof14，000men，intendedtoactupontheRhine，independentlyofWallenstein，andtoprotectAlsace。ThisforcenowappearedinBavaria，underthecommandoftheDukeofFeria，aSpaniard；and，thattheymightbedirectlyemployedagainsttheSwedes，Altringerwasorderedtojointhemwithhiscorps。Uponthefirstintelligenceoftheirapproach，HornhadsummonedtohisassistancethePalsgraveofBirkenfeld，fromtheRhine；andbeingjoinedbyhimatStockach，boldlyadvancedtomeettheenemy’sarmyof30，000men。

ThelatterhadtakentherouteacrosstheDanubeintoSwabia，whereGustavusHorncamesocloseuponthem，thatthetwoarmieswereonlyseparatedfromeachotherbyhalfaGermanmile。

But，insteadofacceptingtheofferofbattle，theImperialistsmovedbytheForesttownstowardsBriesgauandAlsace，wheretheyarrivedintimetorelieveBreysack，andtoarrestthevictoriousprogressoftheRhinegrave，OttoLouis。Thelatterhad，shortlybefore，takentheForesttowns，and，supportedbythePalatineofBirkenfeld，whohadliberatedtheLowerPalatinateandbeatentheDukeofLorraineoutofthefield，hadoncemoregiventhesuperioritytotheSwedisharmsinthatquarter。

Hewasnowforcedtoretirebeforethesuperiornumbersoftheenemy；

butHornandBirkenfeldquicklyadvancedtohissupport，andtheImperialists，afterabrieftriumph，wereagainexpelledfromAlsace。

Theseverityoftheautumn，inwhichthishaplessretreathadtobeconducted，provedfataltomostoftheItalians；andtheirleader，theDukeofFeria，diedofgriefatthefailureofhisenterprise。

Inthemeantime，DukeBernardofWeimarhadtakenuphispositionontheDanube，witheighteenregimentsofinfantryand140squadronsofhorse，tocoverFranconia，andtowatchthemovementsoftheImperial-Bavarianarmyuponthatriver。NosoonerhadAltringerdeparted，tojointheItaliansunderFeria，thanBernard，profitingbyhisabsence，hastenedacrosstheDanube，andwiththerapidityoflightningappearedbeforeRatisbon。ThepossessionofthistownwouldensurethesuccessoftheSwedishdesignsuponBavariaandAustria；

itwouldestablishthemfirmlyontheDanube，andprovideasaferefugeincaseofdefeat，whileitalonecouldgivepermanencetotheirconquestsinthatquarter。TodefendRatisbon，wastheurgentadvicewhichthedyingTillylefttotheElector；andGustavusAdolphushadlamenteditasanirreparableloss，thattheBavarianshadanticipatedhimintakingpossessionofthisplace。Indescribable，therefore，wastheconsternationofMaximilian，whenDukeBernardsuddenlyappearedbeforethetown，andpreparedinearnesttobesiegeit。

Thegarrisonconsistedofnotmorethanfifteencompanies，mostlynewly-raisedsoldiers；althoughthatnumberwasmorethansufficienttowearyoutanenemyoffarsuperiorforce，ifsupportedbywell-disposedandwarlikeinhabitants。ButthiswasnotthegreatestdangerwhichtheBavariangarrisonhadtocontendagainst。

TheProtestantinhabitantsofRatisbon，equallyjealousoftheircivilandreligiousfreedom，hadunwillinglysubmittedtotheyokeofBavaria，andhadlonglookedwithimpatiencefortheappearanceofadeliverer。Bernard’sarrivalbeforethewallsfilledthemwithlivelyjoy；andtherewasmuchreasontofearthattheywouldsupporttheattemptsofthebesiegerswithout，byexcitingatumultwithin。Inthisperplexity，theElectoraddressedthemostpressingentreatiestotheEmperorandtheDukeofFriedlandtoassisthim，wereitonlywith5，000men。SevenmessengersinsuccessionweredespatchedbyFerdinandtoWallenstein，whopromisedimmediatesuccours，andevenannouncedtotheElectorthenearadvanceof12，000menunderGallas；

butatthesametimeforbadethatgeneral，underpainofdeath，tomarch。

MeanwhiletheBavariancommandantofRatisbon，inthehopeofspeedyassistance，madethebestpreparationsfordefence，armedtheRomanCatholicpeasants，disarmedandcarefullywatchedtheProtestantcitizens，lesttheyshouldattemptanyhostiledesignagainstthegarrison。Butasnoreliefarrived，andtheenemy’sartilleryincessantlybatteredthewalls，heconsultedhisownsafety，andthatofthegarrison，byanhonourablecapitulation，andabandonedtheBavarianofficialsandecclesiasticstotheconqueror’smercy。

ThepossessionofRatisbon，enlargedtheprojectsoftheduke，andBavariaitselfnowappearedtoonarrowafieldforhisbolddesigns。

HedeterminedtopenetratetothefrontiersofAustria，toarmtheProtestantpeasantryagainsttheEmperor，andrestoretothemtheirreligiousliberty。HehadalreadytakenStraubingen，whileanotherSwedisharmywasadvancingsuccessfullyalongthenorthernbankoftheDanube。AttheheadofhisSwedes，biddingdefiancetotheseverityoftheweather，hereachedthemouthoftheIser，whichhepassedinthepresenceoftheBavarianGeneralWerth，whowasencampedonthatriver。

PassauandLintztrembledfortheirfate；theterrifiedEmperorredoubledhisentreatiesandcommandstoWallenstein，tohastenwithallspeedtothereliefofthehard-pressedBavarians。ButherethevictoriousBernard，ofhisownaccord，checkedhiscareerofconquest。HavinginfrontofhimtheriverInn，guardedbyanumberofstrongfortresses，andbehindhimtwohostilearmies，adisaffectedcountry，andtheriverIser，whilehisrearwascoveredbynotenableposition，andnoentrenchmentcouldbemadeinthefrozenground，andthreatenedbythewholeforceofWallenstein，whohadatlastresolvedtomarchtotheDanube，byatimelyretreatheescapedthedangerofbeingcutofffromRatisbon，andsurroundedbytheenemy。HehastenedacrosstheIsertotheDanube，todefendtheconquestshehadmadeintheUpperPalatinateagainstWallenstein，andfullyresolvednottodeclineabattle，ifnecessary，withthatgeneral。ButWallenstein，whowasnotdisposedforanygreatexploitsontheDanube，didnotwaitforhisapproach；

andbeforetheBavarianscouldcongratulatethemselvesonhisarrival，hesuddenlywithdrewagainintoBohemia。Thedukethusendedhisvictoriouscampaign，andallowedhistroopstheirwell-earnedreposeinwinterquartersuponanenemy’scountry。

WhileinSwabiathewarwasthussuccessfullyconductedbyGustavusHorn，andontheUpperandLowerRhinebythePalatineofBirkenfeld，GeneralBaudissen，andtheRhinegraveOttoLouis，andbyDukeBernardontheDanube；thereputationoftheSwedisharmswasasgloriouslysustainedinLowerSaxonyandWestphaliabytheDukeofLunenburgandtheLandgraveofHesseCassel。ThefortressofHamelwastakenbyDukeGeorge，afterabravedefence，andabrilliantvictoryobtainedovertheimperialGeneralGronsfeld，bytheunitedSwedishandHessianarmies，nearOldendorf。

CountWasaburg，anaturalsonofGustavusAdolphus，showedhimselfinthisbattleworthyofhisdescent。Sixteenpiecesofcannon，thewholebaggageoftheImperialists，togetherwith74colours，fellintothehandsoftheSwedes；3，000oftheenemyperishedonthefield，andnearlythesamenumberweretakenprisoners。ThetownofOsnaburgsurrenderedtotheSwedishColonelKnyphausen，andPaderborntotheLandgraveofHesse；while，ontheotherhand，Bueckeburg，averyimportantplacefortheSwedes，fellintothehandsoftheImperialists。