TohisaffinitywiththeElectorofSaxony，whomGustavushadcausetotreatwithforbearance，theLandgravewasindebtedforthefavourabletermsheobtainedfromtheking，whocontentedhimselfwiththesurrenderofhisfortressofRusselheim，andhispromiseofobservingastrictneutralityduringthewar。TheCountsofWesterwaldandWetteranalsovisitedtheKinginFrankfort，toofferhimtheirassistanceagainsttheSpaniards，andtoconcludeanalliance，whichwasafterwardsofgreatservicetohim。

ThetownofFrankfortitselfhadreasontorejoiceatthepresenceofthismonarch，whotooktheircommerceunderhisprotection，andbythemosteffectualmeasuresrestoredthefairs，whichhadbeengreatlyinterruptedbythewar。

TheSwedisharmywasnowreinforcedbytenthousandHessians，whichtheLandgraveofCassecommanded。GustavusAdolphushadalreadyinvestedKoenigstein；KostheimandFloersheimsurrenderedafterashortsiege；hewasincommandoftheMaine；andtransportswerepreparingwithallspeedatHoechsttocarryhistroopsacrosstheRhine。

ThesepreparationsfilledtheElectorofMentz，AnselmCasimir，withconsternation；andhenolongerdoubtedbutthatthestormofwarwouldnextfalluponhim。AsapartisanoftheEmperor，andoneofthemostactivemembersoftheLeague，hecouldexpectnobettertreatmentthanhisconfederates，theBishopsofWurtzburgandBamberg，hadalreadyexperienced。ThesituationofhisterritoriesupontheRhinemadeitnecessaryfortheenemytosecurethem，whilethefertilityaffordedanirresistibletemptationtoanecessitousarmy。

Miscalculatinghisownstrengthandthatofhisadversaries，theElectorflatteredhimselfthathewasabletorepelforcebyforce，andwearyoutthevalouroftheSwedesbythestrengthofhisfortresses。

Heorderedthefortificationsofhiscapitaltoberepairedwithalldiligence，provideditwitheverynecessaryforsustainingalongsiege，andreceivedintothetownagarrisonof2，000Spaniards，underDonPhilipdeSylva。TopreventtheapproachoftheSwedishtransports，heendeavouredtoclosethemouthoftheMainebydrivingpiles，andsinkinglargeheapsofstonesandvessels。Hehimself，however，accompaniedbytheBishopofWorms，andcarryingwithhimhismostpreciouseffects，tookrefugeinCologne，andabandonedhiscapitalandterritoriestotherapacityofatyrannicalgarrison。

Butthesepreparations，whichbespokelessoftruecouragethanofweakandoverweeningconfidence，didnotpreventtheSwedesfrommarchingagainstMentz，andmakingseriouspreparationsforanattackuponthecity。WhileonebodyoftheirtroopspouredintotheRheingau，routedtheSpaniardswhoremainedthere，andleviedcontributionsontheinhabitants，anotherlaidtheRomanCatholictownsinWesterwaldandWetterauundersimilarcontributions。ThemainarmyhadencampedatCassel，oppositeMentz；andBernhard，DukeofWeimar，madehimselfmasteroftheMaeusethurmandtheCastleofEhrenfels，ontheothersideoftheRhine。Gustavuswasnowactivelypreparingtocrosstheriver，andtoblockadethetownonthelandside，whenthemovementsofTillyinFranconiasuddenlycalledhimfromthesiege，andobtainedfortheElectorashortrepose。

ThedangerofNuremberg，which，duringtheabsenceofGustavusAdolphusontheRhine，Tillyhadmadeashowofbesieging，and，intheeventofresistance，threatenedwiththecruelfateofMagdeburg，occasionedthekingsuddenlytoretirefrombeforeMentz。

LestheshouldexposehimselfasecondtimetothereproachesofGermany，andthedisgraceofabandoningaconfederatecitytoaferociousenemy，hehastenedtoitsreliefbyforcedmarches。OnhisarrivalatFrankfort，however，heheardofitsspiritedresistance，andoftheretreatofTilly，andlostnotamomentinprosecutinghisdesignsagainstMentz。

FailinginanattempttocrosstheRhineatCassel，underthecannonofthebesieged，hedirectedhismarchtowardstheBergstrasse，withaviewofapproachingthetownfromanoppositequarter。

Herehequicklymadehimselfmasterofalltheplacesofimportance，andatStockstadt，betweenGernsheimandOppenheim，appearedasecondtimeuponthebanksoftheRhine。ThewholeoftheBergstrassewasabandonedbytheSpaniards，whoendeavouredobstinatelytodefendtheotherbankoftheriver。Forthispurpose，theyhadburnedorsunkallthevesselsintheneighbourhood，andarrangedaformidableforceonthebanks，incasethekingshouldattemptthepassageatthatplace。

Onthisoccasion，theking’simpetuosityexposedhimtogreatdangeroffallingintothehandsoftheenemy。Inordertoreconnoitretheoppositebank，hecrossedtheriverinasmallboat；

hehadscarcelylandedwhenhewasattackedbyapartyofSpanishhorse，fromwhosehandsheonlysavedhimselfbyaprecipitateretreat。

Havingatlast，withtheassistanceoftheneighbouringfishermen，succeededinprocuringafewtransports，hedespatchedtwoofthemacrosstheriver，bearingCountBraheand300Swedes。

Scarcelyhadthisofficertimetoentrenchhimselfontheoppositebank，whenhewasattackedby14squadronsofSpanishdragoonsandcuirassiers。

Superiorastheenemywasinnumber，CountBrahe，withhissmallforce，bravelydefendedhimself，andgainedtimeforthekingtosupporthimwithfreshtroops。TheSpaniardsatlastretiredwiththelossof600men，sometakingrefugeinOppenheim，andothersinMentz。Alionofmarbleonahighpillar，holdinganakedswordinhispaw，andahelmetonhishead，waserectedseventyyearsaftertheevent，topointouttothetravellerthespotwheretheimmortalmonarchcrossedthegreatriverofGermany。

GustavusAdolphusnowconveyedhisartilleryandthegreaterpartofhistroopsovertheriver，andlaidsiegetoOppenheim，which，afterabraveresistance，was，onthe8thDecember，1631，carriedbystorm。

FivehundredSpaniards，whohadsocourageouslydefendedtheplace，fellindiscriminatelyasacrificetothefuryoftheSwedes。ThecrossingoftheRhinebyGustavusstruckterrorintotheSpaniardsandLorrainers，whohadthoughtthemselvesprotectedbytheriverfromthevengeanceoftheSwedes。Rapidflightwasnowtheironlysecurity；

everyplaceincapableofaneffectualdefencewasimmediatelyabandoned。

Afteralongtrainofoutragesonthedefencelesscitizens，thetroopsofLorraineevacuatedWorms，which，beforetheirdeparture，theytreatedwithwantoncruelty。TheSpaniardshastenedtoshutthemselvesupinFrankenthal，wheretheyhopedtodefythevictoriousarmsofGustavusAdolphus。

ThekinglostnotimeinprosecutinghisdesignsagainstMentz，intowhichthefloweroftheSpanishtroopshadthrownthemselves。

WhileheadvancedontheleftbankoftheRhine，theLandgraveofHesseCasselmovedforwardontheother，reducingseveralstrongplacesonhismarch。

ThebesiegedSpaniards，thoughhemmedinonbothsides，displayedatfirstabolddetermination，andthrew，forseveraldays，ashowerofbombsintotheSwedishcamp，whichcostthekingmanyofhisbravestsoldiers。

Butnotwithstanding，theSwedescontinuallygainedground，andhadatlastadvancedsoclosetotheditchthattheypreparedseriouslyforstormingtheplace。Thecourageofthebesiegednowbegantodroop。

TheytrembledbeforethefuriousimpetuosityoftheSwedishsoldiers，ofwhichMarienberg，inWurtzburg，hadaffordedsofearfulanexample。

ThesamedreadfulfateawaitedMentz，iftakenbystorm；

andtheenemymightevenbeeasilytemptedtorevengethecarnageofMagdeburgonthisrichandmagnificentresidenceofaRomanCatholicprince。

Tosavethetown，ratherthantheirownlives，theSpanishgarrisoncapitulatedonthefourthday，andobtainedfromthemagnanimityofGustavusasafeconducttoLuxembourg；thegreaterpartofthem，however，followingtheexampleofmanyothers，enlistedintheserviceofSweden。

Onthe13thDecember，1631，thekingmadehisentryintotheconqueredtown，andfixedhisquartersinthepalaceoftheElector。Eightypiecesofcannonfellintohishands，andthecitizenswereobligedtoredeemtheirpropertyfrompillage，byapaymentof80，000florins。ThebenefitsofthisredemptiondidnotextendtotheJewsandtheclergy，whowereobligedtomakelargeandseparatecontributionsforthemselves。ThelibraryoftheElectorwasseizedbythekingashisshare，andpresentedbyhimtohischancellor，Oxenstiern，whointendeditfortheAcademyofWesterrah，butthevesselinwhichitwasshippedtoSwedenfounderedatsea。

AfterthelossofMentz，misfortunestillpursuedtheSpaniardsontheRhine。

Shortlybeforethecaptureofthatcity，theLandgraveofHesseCasselhadtakenFalkensteinandReifenberg，andthefortressofKoningsteinsurrenderedtotheHessians。TheRhinegrave，OttoLouis，oneoftheking’sgenerals，defeatednineSpanishsquadronswhowereontheirmarchforFrankenthal，andmadehimselfmasterofthemostimportanttownsupontheRhine，fromBopparttoBacharach。

AfterthecaptureofthefortressofBraunfels，whichwaseffectedbytheCountofWetterau，withtheco-operationoftheSwedes，theSpaniardsquicklylosteveryplaceinWetterau，whileinthePalatinatetheyretainedfewplacesbesidesFrankenthal。LandauandKronweisenbergopenlydeclaredfortheSwedes；Spiresofferedtroopsfortheking’sservice；

ManheimwasgainedthroughtheprudenceoftheDukeBernardofWeimar，andthenegligenceofitsgovernor，who，forthismisconduct，wastriedbeforethecouncilofwar，atHeidelberg，andbeheaded。

Thekinghadprotractedthecampaignintothedepthofwinter，andtheseverityoftheseasonwasperhapsonecauseoftheadvantagehissoldiersgainedoverthoseoftheenemy。Buttheexhaustedtroopsnowstoodinneedofthereposeofwinterquarters，which，afterthesurrenderofMentz，Gustavusassignedtothem，initsneighbourhood。

Hehimselfemployedtheintervalofinactivityinthefield，whichtheseasonoftheyearenjoined，inarranging，withhischancellor，theaffairsofhiscabinet，intreatingforaneutralitywithsomeofhisenemies，andadjustingsomepoliticaldisputeswhichhadsprungupwithaneighbouringally。HechosethecityofMentzforhiswinterquarters，andthesettlementofthesestateaffairs，andshowedagreaterpartialityforthistown，thanseemedconsistentwiththeinterestsoftheGermanprinces，ortheshortnessofhisvisittotheEmpire。Notcontentwithstronglyfortifyingit，heerectedattheoppositeanglewhichtheMaineformswiththeRhine，anewcitadel，whichwasnamedGustavusburgfromitsfounder，butwhichisbetterknownunderthetitleofPfaffenrauborPfaffenzwang*——

*Priests’plunder；alludingtothemeansbywhichtheexpenseofitserectionhadbeendefrayed——

WhileGustavusAdolphusmadehimselfmasteroftheRhine，andthreatenedthethreeneighbouringelectorateswithhisvictoriousarms，hisvigilantenemiesinParisandSt。Germain’smadeuseofeveryartificetodeprivehimofthesupportofFrance，and，ifpossible，toinvolvehiminawarwiththatpower。ByhissuddenandequivocalmarchtotheRhine，hehadsurprisedhisfriends，andfurnishedhisenemieswiththemeansofexcitingadistrustofhisintentions。

AftertheconquestofWurtzburg，andofthegreaterpartofFranconia，theroadintoBavariaandAustrialayopentohimthroughBambergandtheUpperPalatinate；andtheexpectationwasasgeneral，asitwasnatural，thathewouldnotdelaytoattacktheEmperorandtheDukeofBavariaintheverycentreoftheirpower，and，bythereductionofhistwoprincipalenemies，bringthewarimmediatelytoanend。Buttothesurpriseofbothparties，Gustavusleftthepathwhichgeneralexpectationhadthusmarkedoutforhim；

andinsteadofadvancingtotheright，turnedtotheleft，tomakethelessimportantandmoreinnocentprincesoftheRhinefeelhispower，whilehegavetimetohismoreformidableopponentstorecruittheirstrength。NothingbuttheparamountdesignofreinstatingtheunfortunatePalatine，FrederickV。，inthepossessionofhisterritories，bytheexpulsionoftheSpaniards，couldseemtoaccountforthisstrangestep；andthebeliefthatGustavuswasabouttoeffectthatrestoration，silencedforawhilethesuspicionsofhisfriendsandthecalumniesofhisenemies。ButtheLowerPalatinatewasnowalmostentirelyclearedoftheenemy；andyetGustavuscontinuedtoformnewschemesofconquestontheRhine，andtowithholdthereconqueredcountryfromthePalatine，itsrightfulowner。InvaindidtheEnglishambassadorremindhimofwhatjusticedemanded，andwhathisownsolemnengagementmadeadutyofhonour；GustavusrepliedtothesedemandswithbittercomplaintsoftheinactivityoftheEnglishcourt，andpreparedtocarryhisvictoriousstandardintoAlsace，andevenintoLorraine。

AdistrustoftheSwedishmonarchwasnowloudandopen，whilethemaliceofhisenemiesbusilycirculatedthemostinjuriousreportsastohisintentions。Richelieu，theministerofLouisXIII。，hadlongwitnessedwithanxietytheking’sprogresstowardstheFrenchfrontier，andthesuspicioustemperofLouisrenderedhimbuttooaccessibletotheevilsurmiseswhichtheoccasiongaveriseto。

FrancewasatthistimeinvolvedinacivilwarwithherProtestantsubjects，andthefearwasnotaltogethergroundless，thattheapproachofavictoriousmonarchoftheirpartymightrevivetheirdroopingspirit，andencouragethemtoamoredesperateresistance。Thismightbethecase，evenifGustavusAdolphuswasfarfromshowingadispositiontoencouragethem，ortoactunfaithfullytowardshisally，theKingofFrance。ButthevindictiveBishopofWurtzburg，whowasanxioustoavengethelossofhisdominions，theenvenomedrhetoricoftheJesuitsandtheactivezealoftheBavarianminister，representedthisdreadedalliancebetweentheHuguenotsandtheSwedesasanundoubtedfact，andfilledthetimidmindofLouiswiththemostalarmingfears。Notmerelychimericalpoliticians，butmanyofthebestinformedRomanCatholics，fullybelievedthatthekingwasonthepointofbreakingintotheheartofFrance，tomakecommoncausewiththeHuguenots，andtooverturntheCatholicreligionwithinthekingdom。

Fanaticalzealotsalreadysawhim，withhisarmy，crossingtheAlps，anddethroningtheViceregentofChristinItaly。Suchreportsnodoubtsoonrefutethemselves；yetitcannotbedeniedthatGustavus，byhismanoeuvresontheRhine，gaveadangeroushandletothemaliceofhisenemies，andinsomemeasurejustifiedthesuspicionthathedirectedhisarms，notsomuchagainsttheEmperorandtheDukeofBavaria，asagainsttheRomanCatholicreligionitself。

ThegeneralclamourofdiscontentwhichtheJesuitsraisedinalltheCatholiccourts，againstthealliancebetweenFranceandtheenemyofthechurch，atlastcompelledCardinalRichelieutotakeadecisivestepforthesecurityofhisreligion，andatoncetoconvincetheRomanCatholicworldofthezealofFrance，andoftheselfishpolicyoftheecclesiasticalstatesofGermany。

ConvincedthattheviewsoftheKingofSweden，likehisown，aimedsolelyatthehumiliationofthepowerofAustria，hehesitatednottopromisetotheprincesoftheLeague，onthepartofSweden，acompleteneutrality，immediatelytheyabandonedtheiralliancewiththeEmperorandwithdrewtheirtroops。

Whatevertheresolutiontheseprincesshouldadopt，Richelieuwouldequallyattainhisobject。BytheirseparationfromtheAustrianinterest，FerdinandwouldbeexposedtothecombinedattackofFranceandSweden；

andGustavusAdolphus，freedfromhisotherenemiesinGermany，wouldbeabletodirecthisundividedforceagainstthehereditarydominionsofAustria。

Inthatevent，thefallofAustriawasinevitable，andthisgreatobjectofRichelieu’spolicywouldbegainedwithoutinjurytothechurch。

If，ontheotherhand，theprincesoftheLeaguepersistedintheiropposition，andadheredtotheAustrianalliance，theresultwouldindeedbemoredoubtful，butstillFrancewouldhavesufficientlyprovedtoallEuropethesincerityofherattachmenttotheCatholiccause，andperformedherdutyasamemberoftheRomanChurch。

TheprincesoftheLeaguewouldthenappearthesoleauthorsofthoseevils，whichthecontinuanceofthewarwouldunavoidablybringupontheRomanCatholicsofGermany；theyalone，bytheirwilfulandobstinateadherencetotheEmperor，wouldfrustratethemeasuresemployedfortheirprotection，involvethechurchindanger，andthemselvesinruin。

Richelieupursuedthisplanwithgreaterzeal，themorehewasembarrassedbytherepeateddemandsoftheElectorofBavariaforassistancefromFrance；

forthisprince，asalreadystated，whenhefirstbegantoentertainsuspicionsoftheEmperor，enteredimmediatelyintoasecretalliancewithFrance，bywhich，intheeventofanychangeintheEmperor’ssentiments，hehopedtosecurethepossessionofthePalatinate。Butthoughtheoriginofthetreatyclearlyshowedagainstwhatenemyitwasdirected，MaximiliannowthoughtpropertomakeuseofitagainsttheKingofSweden，anddidnothesitatetodemandfromFrancethatassistanceagainstherally，whichshehadsimplypromisedagainstAustria。Richelieu，embarrassedbythisconflictingalliancewithtwohostilepowers，hadnoresourceleftbuttoendeavourtoputaspeedyterminationtotheirhostilities；

andaslittleinclinedtosacrificeBavaria，ashewasdisabled，byhistreatywithSweden，fromassistingit，hesethimself，withalldiligence，tobringaboutaneutrality，astheonlymeansoffulfillinghisobligationstoboth。Forthispurpose，theMarquisofBrezewassent，ashisplenipotentiary，totheKingofSwedenatMentz，tolearnhissentimentsonthispoint，andtoprocurefromhimfavourableconditionsforthealliedprinces。

ButifLouisXIII。hadpowerfulmotivesforwishingforthisneutrality，GustavusAdolphushadasgravereasonsfordesiringthecontrary。

ConvincedbynumerousproofsthatthehatredoftheprincesoftheLeaguetotheProtestantreligionwasinvincible，theiraversiontotheforeignpoweroftheSwedesinextinguishable，andtheirattachmenttotheHouseofAustriairrevocable，heapprehendedlessdangerfromtheiropenhostility，thanfromaneutralitywhichwassolittleinunisonwiththeirrealinclinations；and，moreover，ashewasconstrainedtocarryonthewarinGermanyattheexpenseoftheenemy，hemanifestlysustainedgreatlossifhediminishedtheirnumberwithoutincreasingthatofhisfriends。Itwasnotsurprising，therefore，ifGustavusevincedlittleinclinationtopurchasetheneutralityoftheLeague，bywhichhewaslikelytogainsolittle，attheexpenseoftheadvantageshehadalreadyobtained。

Theconditions，accordingly，uponwhichheofferedtoadopttheneutralitytowardsBavariaweresevere，andsuitedtotheseviews。HerequiredofthewholeLeagueafullandentirecessationfromallhostilities；

therecalloftheirtroopsfromtheimperialarmy，fromtheconqueredtowns，andfromalltheProtestantcountries；thereductionoftheirmilitaryforce；

theexclusionoftheimperialarmiesfromtheirterritories，andfromsupplieseitherofmen，provisions，orammunition。

Hardastheconditionswere，whichthevictorthusimposeduponthevanquished，theFrenchmediatorflatteredhimselfheshouldbeabletoinducetheElectorofBavariatoacceptthem。

Inordertogivetimeforanaccommodation，Gustavushadagreedtoacessationofhostilitiesforafortnight。ButattheverytimewhenthismonarchwasreceivingfromtheFrenchagentsrepeatedassurancesofthefavourableprogressofthenegociation，aninterceptedletterfromtheElectortoPappenheim，theimperialgeneralinWestphalia，revealedtheperfidyofthatprince，ashavingnootherobjectinviewbythewholenegociation，thantogaintimeforhismeasuresofdefence。

FarfromintendingtofetterhismilitaryoperationsbyatrucewithSweden，theartfulprincehastenedhispreparations，andemployedtheleisurewhichhisenemyaffordedhim，inmakingthemostactivedispositionsforresistance。Thenegociationaccordinglyfailed，andservedonlytoincreasetheanimosityoftheBavariansandtheSwedes。

Tilly’saugmentedforce，withwhichhethreatenedtooverrunFranconia，urgentlyrequiredtheking’spresenceinthatcircle；butitwasnecessarytoexpelpreviouslytheSpaniardsfromtheRhine，andtocutofftheirmeansofinvadingGermanyfromtheNetherlands。Withthisview，GustavusAdolphushadmadeanofferofneutralitytotheElectorofTreves，PhilipvonZeltern，onconditionthatthefortressofHermansteinshouldbedelivereduptohim，andafreepassagegrantedtohistroopsthroughCoblentz。ButunwillinglyastheElectorhadbeheldtheSpaniardswithinhisterritories，hewasstilllessdisposedtocommithisestatestothesuspiciousprotectionofaheretic，andtomaketheSwedishconquerormasterofhisdestinies。

Tooweaktomaintainhisindependencebetweentwosuchpowerfulcompetitors，hetookrefugeintheprotectionofFrance。Withhisusualprudence，RichelieuprofitedbytheembarrassmentsofthisprincetoaugmentthepowerofFrance，andtogainforheranimportantallyontheGermanfrontier。AnumerousFrencharmywasdespatchedtoprotecttheterritoryofTreves，andaFrenchgarrisonwasreceivedintoEhrenbreitstein。ButtheobjectwhichhadmovedtheElectortothisboldstepwasnotcompletelygained，fortheoffendedprideofGustavusAdolphuswasnotappeasedtillhehadobtainedafreepassageforhistroopsthroughTreves。

PendingthesenegociationswithTrevesandFrance，theking’sgeneralshadentirelyclearedtheterritoryofMentzoftheSpanishgarrisons，andGustavushimselfcompletedtheconquestofthisdistrictbythecaptureofKreutznach。Toprotecttheseconquests，thechancellorOxenstiernwasleftwithadivisionofthearmyupontheMiddleRhine，whilethemainbody，underthekinghimself，beganitsmarchagainsttheenemyinFranconia。

Thepossessionofthiscirclehad，inthemeantime，beendisputedwithvariablesuccess，betweenCountTillyandtheSwedishGeneralHorn，whomGustavushadlefttherewith8，000men；andtheBishopricofBamberg，inparticular，wasatoncetheprizeandthesceneoftheirstruggle。

CalledawaytotheRhinebyhisotherprojects，thekinghadlefttohisgeneralthechastisementofthebishop，whoseperfidyhadexcitedhisindignation，andtheactivityofHornjustifiedthechoice。

Inashorttime，hesubduedthegreaterpartofthebishopric；

andthecapitalitself，abandonedbyitsimperialgarrison，wascarriedbystorm。ThebanishedbishopurgentlydemandedassistancefromtheElectorofBavaria，whowasatlengthpersuadedtoputanendtoTilly’sinactivity。Fullyempoweredbyhismaster’sordertorestorethebishoptohispossessions，thisgeneralcollectedhistroops，whowerescatteredovertheUpperPalatinate，andwithanarmyof20，000menadvanceduponBamberg。Firmlyresolvedtomaintainhisconquestevenagainstthisoverwhelmingforce，HornawaitedtheenemywithinthewallsofBamberg；butwasobligedtoyieldtothevanguardofTillywhathehadthoughttobeabletodisputewithhiswholearmy。

Apanicwhichsuddenlyseizedhistroops，andwhichnopresenceofmindoftheirgeneralcouldcheck，openedthegatestotheenemy，anditwaswithdifficultythatthetroops，baggage，andartillery，weresaved。ThereconquestofBambergwasthefruitofthisvictory；

butTilly，withallhisactivity，wasunabletoovertaketheSwedishgeneral，whoretiredingoodorderbehindtheMaine。Theking’sappearanceinFranconia，andhisjunctionwithGustavusHornatKitzingen，putastoptoTilly’sconquests，andcompelledhimtoprovideforhisownsafetybyarapidretreat。

ThekingmadeageneralreviewofhistroopsatAschaffenburg。

AfterhisjunctionwithGustavusHorn，Banner，andDukeWilliamofWeimar，theyamountedtonearly40，000men。HisprogressthroughFranconiawasuninterrupted；forTilly，fartooweaktoencounteranenemysosuperiorinnumbers，hadretreated，byrapidmarches，towardstheDanube。

BohemiaandBavariawerenowequallyneartotheking，and，uncertainwhitherhisvictoriouscoursemightbedirected，Maximiliancouldformnoimmediateresolution。Thechoiceoftheking，andthefateofbothprovinces，nowdependedontheroadthatshouldbeleftopentoCountTilly。Itwasdangerous，duringtheapproachofsoformidableanenemy，toleaveBavariaundefended，inordertoprotectAustria；stillmoredangerous，byreceivingTillyintoBavaria，todrawthithertheenemyalso，andtorenderittheseatofadestructivewar。Thecaresofthesovereignfinallyovercamethescruplesofthestatesman，andTillyreceivedorders，atallhazards，tocoverthefrontiersofBavariawithhisarmy。

NurembergreceivedwithtriumphantjoytheprotectoroftheProtestantreligionandGermanfreedom，andtheenthusiasmofthecitizensexpresseditselfonhisarrivalinloudtransportsofadmirationandjoy。

EvenGustavuscouldnotcontainhisastonishment，toseehimselfinthiscity，whichwastheverycentreofGermany，wherehehadneverexpectedtobeabletopenetrate。Thenobleappearanceofhisperson，completedtheimpressionproducedbyhisgloriousexploits，andthecondescensionwithwhichhereceivedthecongratulationsofthisfreecitywonallhearts。HenowconfirmedthealliancehehadconcludedwithitontheshoresoftheBaltic，andexcitedthecitizenstozealousactivityandfraternalunityagainstthecommonenemy。

AfterashortstayinNuremberg，hefollowedhisarmytotheDanube，andappearedunexpectedlybeforethefrontiertownofDonauwerth。

AnumerousBavariangarrisondefendedtheplace；andtheircommander，RodolphMaximilian，DukeofSaxeLauenburg，showedatfirstaresolutedeterminationtodefendittillthearrivalofTilly。

ButthevigourwithwhichGustavusAdolphusprosecutedthesiege，sooncompelledhimtotakemeasuresforaspeedyandsecureretreat，whichamidstatremendousfirefromtheSwedishartilleryhesuccessfullyexecuted。

TheconquestofDonauwerthopenedtothekingthefurthersideoftheDanube，andnowthesmallriverLechaloneseparatedhimfromBavaria。

TheimmediatedangerofhisdominionsarousedallMaximilian’sactivity；

andhoweverlittlehehadhithertodisturbedtheenemy’sprogresstohisfrontier，henowdeterminedtodisputeasresolutelytheremainderoftheircourse。OntheoppositebankoftheLech，nearthesmalltownofRain，Tillyoccupiedastronglyfortifiedcamp，which，surroundedbythreerivers，badedefiancetoallattack。

AllthebridgesovertheLechweredestroyed；thewholecourseofthestreamprotectedbystronggarrisonsasfarasAugsburg；andthattownitself，whichhadlongbetrayeditsimpatiencetofollowtheexampleofNurembergandFrankfort，securedbyaBavariangarrison，andthedisarmingofitsinhabitants。TheElectorhimself，withallthetroopshecouldcollect，threwhimselfintoTilly’scamp，asifallhishopescentredonthissinglepoint，andherethegoodfortuneoftheSwedeswastosuffershipwreckforever。

GustavusAdolphus，aftersubduingthewholeterritoryofAugsburg，onhisownsideoftheriver，andopeningtohistroopsarichsupplyofnecessariesfromthatquarter，soonappearedonthebankoppositetheBavarianentrenchments。ItwasnowthemonthofMarch，whentheriver，swollenbyfrequentrains，andthemeltingofthesnowfromthemountainsoftheTyrol，flowedfullandrapidbetweenitssteepbanks。Itsboilingcurrentthreatenedtherashassailantswithcertaindestruction，whilefromtheoppositesidetheenemy’scannonshowedtheirmurderousmouths。If，indespiteofthefurybothoffireandwater，theyshouldaccomplishthisalmostimpossiblepassage，afreshandvigorousenemyawaitedtheexhaustedtroopsinanimpregnablecamp；andwhentheyneededreposeandrefreshmenttheymustprepareforbattle。Withexhaustedpowerstheymustascendthehostileentrenchments，whosestrengthseemedtobiddefiancetoeveryassault。Adefeatsustaineduponthisshorewouldbeattendedwithinevitabledestruction，sincethesamestreamwhichimpededtheiradvancewouldalsocutofftheirretreat，iffortuneshouldabandonthem。

TheSwedishcouncilofwar，whichthekingnowassembled，stronglyurgeduponhimalltheseconsiderations，inordertodeterhimfromthisdangerousundertaking。Themostintrepidwereappalled，andatroopofhonourablewarriors，whohadgrowngrayinthefield，didnothesitatetoexpresstheiralarm。Buttheking’sresolutionwasfixed。

"What！"saidhetoGustavusHorn，whospokefortherest，"havewecrossedtheBaltic，andsomanygreatriversofGermany，andshallwenowbecheckedbyabrookliketheLech？"Gustavushadalready，atgreatpersonalrisk，reconnoitredthewholecountry，anddiscoveredthathisownsideoftheriverwashigherthantheother，andconsequentlygaveaconsiderableadvantagetothefireoftheSwedishartilleryoverthatoftheenemy。Withgreatpresenceofmindhedeterminedtoprofitbythiscircumstance。AtthepointwheretheleftbankoftheLechformsananglewiththeright，heimmediatelycausedthreebatteriestobeerected，fromwhich72field-piecesmaintainedacrossfireupontheenemy。WhilethistremendouscannonadedrovetheBavariansfromtheoppositebank，hecausedtobeerectedabridgeovertheriverwithallpossiblerapidity。Athicksmoke，keptupbyburningwoodandwetstraw，concealedforsometimetheprogressoftheworkfromtheenemy，whilethecontinuedthunderofthecannonoverpoweredthenoiseoftheaxes。Hekeptalivebyhisownexamplethecourageofhistroops，anddischargedmorethan60cannonwithhisownhand。ThecannonadewasreturnedbytheBavarianswithequalvivacityfortwohours，thoughwithlesseffect，astheSwedishbatteriesswepttheloweroppositebank，whiletheirheightservedasabreast-worktotheirowntroops。Invain，therefore，didtheBavariansattempttodestroytheseworks；thesuperiorfireoftheSwedesthrewthemintodisorder，andthebridgewascompletedundertheirveryeyes。Onthisdreadfulday，Tillydideverythinginhispowertoencouragehistroops；andnodangercoulddrivehimfromthebank。Atlengthhefoundthedeathwhichhesought，acannonballshatteredhisleg；andAltringer，hisbravecompanion-in-arms，was，soonafter，dangerouslywoundedinthehead。Deprivedoftheanimatingpresenceoftheirtwogenerals，theBavariansgavewayatlast，andMaximilian，inspiteofhisownjudgment，wasdriventoadoptapusillanimousresolve。OvercomebythepersuasionsofthedyingTilly，whosewontedfirmnesswasoverpoweredbythenearapproachofdeath，hegaveuphisimpregnablepositionforlost；andthediscoverybytheSwedesofaford，bywhichtheircavalrywereonthepointofpassing，acceleratedhisingloriousretreat。Thesamenight，beforeasinglesoldieroftheenemyhadcrossedtheLech，hebrokeuphiscamp，and，withoutgivingtimefortheKingtoharasshiminhismarch，retreatedingoodordertoNeuburghandIngolstadt。WithastonishmentdidGustavusAdolphus，whocompletedthepassageoftheriveronthefollowingdaybeholdthehostilecampabandoned；

andtheElector’sflightsurprisedhimstillmore，whenhesawthestrengthofthepositionhehadquitted。"HadIbeentheBavarian，"saidhe，"thoughacannonballhadcarriedawaymybeardandchin，neverwouldIhaveabandonedapositionlikethis，andlaidopenmyterritorytomyenemies。"

Bavarianowlayexposedtotheconqueror；and，forthefirsttime，thetideofwar，whichhadhithertoonlybeatagainstitsfrontier，nowflowedoveritslongsparedandfertilefields。Before，however，theKingproceededtotheconquestoftheseprovinces，hedeliveredthetownofAugsburgfromtheyokeofBavaria；

exactedanoathofallegiancefromthecitizens；andtosecureitsobservance，leftagarrisoninthetown。Hethenadvanced，byrapidmarches，againstIngolstadt，inorder，bythecaptureofthisimportantfortress，whichtheElectorcoveredwiththegreaterpartofhisarmy，tosecurehisconquestsinBavaria，andobtainafirmfootingontheDanube。

ShortlyaftertheappearanceoftheSwedishKingbeforeIngolstadt，thewoundedTilly，afterexperiencingthecapriceofunstablefortune，terminatedhiscareerwithinthewallsofthattown。ConqueredbythesuperiorgeneralshipofGustavusAdolphus，helost，atthecloseofhisdays，allthelaurelsofhisearliervictories，andappeased，byaseriesofmisfortunes，thedemandsofjustice，andtheavengingmanesofMagdeburg。Inhisdeath，theImperialarmyandthatoftheLeaguesustainedanirreparableloss；

theRomanCatholicreligionwasdeprivedofitsmostzealousdefender，andMaximilianofBavariaofthemostfaithfulofhisservants，whosealedhisfidelitybyhisdeath，andeveninhisdyingmomentsfulfilledthedutiesofageneral。HislastmessagetotheElectorwasanurgentadvicetotakepossessionofRatisbon，inordertomaintainthecommandoftheDanube，andtokeepopenthecommunicationwithBohemia。

Withtheconfidencewhichwasthenaturalfruitofsomanyvictories，GustavusAdolphuscommencedthesiegeofIngolstadt，hopingtogainthetownbythefuryofhisfirstassault。Butthestrengthofitsfortifications，andthebraveryofitsgarrison，presentedobstaclesgreaterthananyhehadhadtoencountersincethebattleofBreitenfeld，andthewallsofIngolstadtwerenearputtinganendtohiscareer。

Whilereconnoitringtheworks，a24-pounderkilledhishorseunderhim，andhefelltotheground，whilealmostimmediatelyafterwardsanotherballstruckhisfavourite，theyoungMargraveofBaden，byhisside。Withperfectself-possessionthekingrose，andquietedthefearsofhistroopsbyimmediatelymountinganotherhorse。

TheoccupationofRatisbonbytheBavarians，who，bytheadviceofTilly，hadsurprisedthistownbystratagem，andplacedinitastronggarrison，quicklychangedtheking’splanofoperations。Hehadflatteredhimselfwiththehopeofgainingthistown，whichfavouredtheProtestantcause，andtofindinitanallyasdevotedtohimasNuremberg，Augsburg，andFrankfort。ItsseizurebytheBavariansseemedtopostponeforalongtimethefulfilmentofhisfavouriteprojectofmakinghimselfmasteroftheDanube，andcuttingoffhisadversaries’suppliesfromBohemia。

HesuddenlyraisedthesiegeofIngolstadt，beforewhichhehadwastedbothhistimeandhistroops，andpenetratedintotheinteriorofBavaria，inordertodrawtheElectorintothatquarterforthedefenceofhisterritories，andthustostriptheDanubeofitsdefenders。

Thewholecountry，asfarasMunich，nowlayopentotheconqueror。

Mosburg，Landshut，andthewholeterritoryofFreysingen，submitted；

nothingcouldresisthisarms。Butifhemetwithnoregularforcetoopposehisprogress，hehadtocontendagainstastillmoreimplacableenemyintheheartofeveryBavarian——religiousfanaticism。

SoldierswhodidnotbelieveinthePopewere，inthiscountry，anewandunheard-ofphenomenon；theblindzealofthepriestsrepresentedthemtothepeasantryasmonsters，thechildrenofhell，andtheirleaderasAntichrist。Nowonder，then，iftheythoughtthemselvesreleasedfromallthetiesofnatureandhumanitytowardsthisbroodofSatan，andjustifiedincommittingthemostsavageatrocitiesuponthem。

WoetotheSwedishsoldierwhofellintotheirhands！Allthetormentswhichinventivemalicecoulddevisewereexercisedupontheseunhappyvictims；

andthesightoftheirmangledbodiesexasperatedthearmytoafearfulretaliation。GustavusAdolphus，alone，sulliedthelustreofhisheroiccharacterbynoactofrevenge；andtheaversionwhichtheBavariansfelttowardshisreligion，farfrommakinghimdepartfromtheobligationsofhumanitytowardsthatunfortunatepeople，seemedtoimposeuponhimthestricterdutytohonourhisreligionbyamoreconstantclemency。

Theapproachofthekingspreadterrorandconsternationinthecapital，which，strippedofitsdefenders，andabandonedbyitsprincipalinhabitants，placedallitshopesinthemagnanimityoftheconqueror。

Byanunconditionalandvoluntarysurrender，ithopedtodisarmhisvengeance；

andsentdeputieseventoFreysingentolayathisfeetthekeysofthecity。

StronglyasthekingmighthavebeentemptedbytheinhumanityoftheBavarians，andthehostilityoftheirsovereign，tomakeadreadfuluseoftherightsofvictory；pressedashewasbyGermanstoavengethefateofMagdeburgonthecapitalofitsdestroyer，thisgreatprincescornedthismeanrevenge；andtheveryhelplessnessofhisenemiesdisarmedhisseverity。ContentedwiththemorenobletriumphofconductingthePalatineFrederickwiththepompofavictorintotheverypalaceoftheprincewhohadbeenthechiefinstrumentofhisruin，andtheusurperofhisterritories，heheightenedthebrilliancyofhistriumphalentrybythebrightersplendourofmoderationandclemency。

TheKingfoundinMunichonlyaforsakenpalace，fortheElector’streasureshadbeentransportedtoWerfen。Themagnificenceofthebuildingastonishedhim；andheaskedtheguidewhoshowedtheapartmentswhowasthearchitect。"Noother，"repliedhe，"thantheElectorhimself。"——

"Iwish，"saidtheKing，"IhadthisarchitecttosendtoStockholm。"

"That，"hewasanswered，"thearchitectwilltakecaretoprevent。"

Whenthearsenalwasexamined，theyfoundnothingbutcarriages，strippedoftheircannon。Thelatterhadbeensoartfullyconcealedunderthefloor，thatnotracesofthemremained；andbutforthetreacheryofaworkman，thedeceitwouldnothavebeendetected。

"Riseupfromthedead，"saidtheKing，"andcometojudgment。"

Thefloorwaspulledup，and140piecesofcannondiscovered，someofextraordinarycalibre，whichhadbeenprincipallytakeninthePalatinateandBohemia。Atreasureof30，000goldducats，concealedinoneofthelargest，completedthepleasurewhichtheKingreceivedfromthisvaluableacquisition。

AfarmorewelcomespectaclestillwouldhavebeentheBavarianarmyitself；

forhismarchintotheheartofBavariahadbeenundertakenchieflywiththeviewofluringthemfromtheirentrenchments。Inthisexpectationhewasdisappointed。Noenemyappeared；noentreaties，howeverurgent，onthepartofhissubjects，couldinducetheElectortorisktheremainderofhisarmytothechancesofabattle。ShutupinRatisbon，heawaitedthereinforcementswhichWallensteinwasbringingfromBohemia；

andendeavoured，inthemeantime，toamusehisenemyandkeephiminactive，byrevivingthenegociationforaneutrality。ButtheKing’sdistrust，toooftenandtoojustlyexcitedbyhispreviousconduct，frustratedthisdesign；andtheintentionaldelayofWallensteinabandonedBavariatotheSwedes。

ThusfarhadGustavusadvancedfromvictorytovictory，withoutmeetingwithanenemyabletocopewithhim。ApartofBavariaandSwabia，theBishopricsofFranconia，theLowerPalatinate，andtheArchbishopricofMentz，layconqueredinhisrear。AnuninterruptedcareerofconquesthadconductedhimtothethresholdofAustria；andthemostbrilliantsuccesshadfullyjustifiedtheplanofoperationswhichhehadformedafterthebattleofBreitenfeld。IfhehadnotsucceededtohiswishinpromotingaconfederacyamongtheProtestantStates，hehadatleastdisarmedorweakenedtheLeague，carriedonthewarchieflyatitsexpense，lessenedtheEmperor’sresources，emboldenedtheweakerStates，andwhilehelaidundercontributionthealliesoftheEmperor，forcedawaythroughtheirterritoriesintoAustriaitself。

Wherearmswereunavailing，thegreatestservicewasrenderedbythefriendshipofthefreecities，whoseaffectionshehadgained，bythedoubletiesofpolicyandreligion；and，aslongasheshouldmaintainhissuperiorityinthefield，hemightreckononeverythingfromtheirzeal。

ByhisconquestsontheRhine，theSpaniardswerecutofffromtheLowerPalatinate，evenifthestateofthewarintheNetherlandsleftthematlibertytointerfereintheaffairsofGermany。

TheDukeofLorraine，too，afterhisunfortunatecampaign，hadbeengladtoadoptaneutrality。Eventhenumerousgarrisonshehadleftbehindhim，inhisprogressthroughGermany，hadnotdiminishedhisarmy；and，freshandvigorousaswhenhefirstbeganhismarch，henowstoodinthecentreofBavaria，determinedandpreparedtocarrythewarintotheheartofAustria。

WhileGustavusAdolphusthusmaintainedhissuperioritywithintheempire，fortune，inanotherquarter，hadbeennolessfavourabletohisally，theElectorofSaxony。BythearrangementconcertedbetweentheseprincesatHalle，afterthebattleofLeipzig，theconquestofBohemiawasintrustedtotheElectorofSaxony，whiletheKingreservedforhimselftheattackupontheterritoriesoftheLeague。ThefirstfruitswhichtheElectorreapedfromthebattleofBreitenfeld，wasthereconquestofLeipzig，whichwasshortlyfollowedbytheexpulsionoftheAustriangarrisonsfromtheentirecircle。Reinforcedbythetroopswhodesertedtohimfromthehostilegarrisons，theSaxonGeneral，Arnheim，marchedtowardsLusatia，whichhadbeenoverrunbyanImperialGeneral，RudolphvonTiefenbach，inordertochastisetheElectorforembracingthecauseoftheenemy。Hehadalreadycommencedinthisweaklydefendedprovincetheusualcourseofdevastation，takenseveraltowns，andterrifiedDresdenitselfbyhisapproach，whenhisdestructiveprogresswassuddenlystopped，byanexpressmandatefromtheEmperortosparethepossessionsoftheKingofSaxony。

Ferdinandhadperceivedtoolatetheerrorsofthatpolicy，whichreducedtheElectorofSaxonytoextremities，andforciblydriventhispowerfulmonarchintoanalliancewithSweden。Bymoderation，equallyill-timed，henowwishedtorepairifpossibletheconsequencesofhishaughtiness；andthuscommittedaseconderrorinendeavouringtorepairthefirst。Todeprivehisenemyofsopowerfulanally，hehadopened，throughtheinterventionofSpain，anegociationwiththeElector；andinordertofacilitateanaccommodation，TiefenbachwasorderedimmediatelytoretirefromSaxony。

ButtheseconcessionsoftheEmperor，farfromproducingthedesiredeffect，onlyrevealedtotheElectortheembarrassmentofhisadversaryandhisownimportance，andemboldenedhimthemoretoprosecutetheadvantageshehadalreadyobtained。Howcouldhe，moreover，withoutbecomingchargeablewiththemostshamefulingratitude，abandonanallytowhomhehadgiventhemostsolemnassurancesoffidelity，andtowhomhewasindebtedforthepreservationofhisdominions，andevenofhisElectoraldignity？

TheSaxonarmy，nowrelievedfromthenecessityofmarchingintoLusatia，advancedtowardsBohemia，whereacombinationoffavourablecircumstancesseemedtoensurethemaneasyvictory。Inthiskingdom，thefirstsceneofthisfatalwar，theflamesofdissensionstillsmoulderedbeneaththeashes，whilethediscontentoftheinhabitantswasfomentedbydailyactsofoppressionandtyranny。Oneveryside，thisunfortunatecountryshowedsignsofamournfulchange。Wholedistrictshadchangedtheirproprietors，andgroanedunderthehatedyokeofRomanCatholicmasters，whomthefavouroftheEmperorandtheJesuitshadenrichedwiththeplunderandpossessionsoftheexiledProtestants。Others，takingadvantagethemselvesofthegeneraldistress，hadpurchased，atalowrate，theconfiscatedestates。Thebloodofthemosteminentchampionsoflibertyhadbeensheduponthescaffold；andsuchasbyatimelyflightavoidedthatfate，werewanderinginmiseryfarfromtheirnativeland，whiletheobsequiousslavesofdespotismenjoyedtheirpatrimony。Stillmoreinsupportablethantheoppressionofthesepettytyrants，wastherestraintofconsciencewhichwasimposedwithoutdistinctiononalltheProtestantsofthatkingdom。

Noexternaldanger，nooppositiononthepartofthenation，howeversteadfast，noteventhefearfullessonsofpastexperiencecouldcheckintheJesuitstherageofproselytism；wherefairmeanswereineffectual，recoursewashadtomilitaryforcetobringthedeludedwandererswithinthepaleofthechurch。TheinhabitantsofJoachimsthal，onthefrontiersbetweenBohemiaandMeissen，werethechiefsufferersfromthisviolence。Twoimperialcommissaries，accompaniedbyasmanyJesuits，andsupportedbyfifteenmusketeers，madetheirappearanceinthispeacefulvalleytopreachthegospeltotheheretics。

Wheretherhetoricoftheformerwasineffectual，theforciblyquarteringthelatteruponthehouses，andthreatsofbanishmentandfinesweretried。

Butonthisoccasion，thegoodcauseprevailed，andtheboldresistanceofthissmalldistrictcompelledtheEmperordisgracefullytorecallhismandateofconversion。Theexampleofthecourthad，however，affordedaprecedenttotheRomanCatholicsoftheempire，andseemedtojustifyeveryactofoppressionwhichtheirinsolencetemptedthemtowreakupontheProtestants。Itisnotsurprising，then，ifthispersecutedpartywasfavourabletoarevolution，andsawwithpleasuretheirdeliverersonthefrontiers。

TheSaxonarmywasalreadyonitsmarchtowardsPrague，theimperialgarrisonseverywhereretiredbeforethem。Schloeckenau，Tetschen，Aussig，Leutmeritz，soonfellintotheenemy’shands，andeveryRomanCatholicplacewasabandonedtoplunder。ConsternationseizedallthePapistsoftheEmpire；

andconsciousoftheoutrageswhichtheythemselveshadcommittedontheProtestants，theydidnotventuretoabidethevengefularrivalofaProtestantarmy。AlltheRomanCatholics，whohadanythingtolose，fledhastilyfromthecountrytothecapital，whichagaintheypresentlyabandoned。Praguewasunpreparedforanattack，andwastooweaklygarrisonedtosustainalongsiege。

ToolatehadtheEmperorresolvedtodespatchField-MarshalTiefenbachtothedefenceofthiscapital。Beforetheimperialorderscouldreachthehead-quartersofthatgeneral，inSilesia，theSaxonswerealreadyclosetoPrague，theProtestantinhabitantsofwhichshowedlittlezeal，whiletheweaknessofthegarrisonleftnoroomtohopealongresistance。

Inthisfearfulstateofembarrassment，theRomanCatholicsofPraguelookedforsecuritytoWallenstein，whonowlivedinthatcityasaprivateindividual。Butfarfromlendinghismilitaryexperience，andtheweightofhisname，towardsitsdefence，heseizedthefavourableopportunitytosatiatehisthirstforrevenge。

IfhedidnotactuallyinvitetheSaxonstoPrague，atleasthisconductfacilitateditscapture。Thoughunprepared，thetownmightstillholdoutuntilsuccourscouldarrive；andanimperialcolonel，CountMaradas，showedseriousintentionsofundertakingitsdefence。Butwithoutcommandandauthority，andhavingnosupportbuthisownzealandcourage，hedidnotdaretoventureuponsuchastepwithouttheadviceofasuperior。

HethereforeconsultedtheDukeofFriedland，whoseapprobationmightsupplythewantofauthorityfromtheEmperor，andtowhomtheBohemiangeneralswerereferredbyanexpressedictofthecourtinthelastextremity。He，however，artfullyexcusedhimself，onthepleaofholdingnoofficialappointment，andhislongretirementfromthepoliticalworld；whileheweakenedtheresolutionofthesubalternsbythescrupleswhichhesuggested，andpaintedinthestrongestcolours。

Atlast，torendertheconsternationgeneralandcomplete，hequittedthecapitalwithhiswholecourt，howeverlittlehehadtofearfromitscapture；andthecitywaslost，because，byhisdeparture，heshowedthathedespairedofitssafety。HisexamplewasfollowedbyalltheRomanCatholicnobility，thegeneralswiththeirtroops，theclergy，andalltheofficersofthecrown。Allnightthepeoplewereemployedinsavingtheirpersonsandeffects。TheroadstoViennawerecrowdedwithfugitives，whoscarcelyrecoveredfromtheirconsternationtilltheyreachedtheimperialcity。Maradashimself，despairingofthesafetyofPrague，followedtherest，andledhissmalldetachmenttoTabor，whereheawaitedtheevent。

ProfoundsilencereignedinPrague，whentheSaxonsnextmorningappearedbeforeit；nopreparationsweremadefordefence；

notasingleshotfromthewallsannouncedanintentionofresistance。

Onthecontrary，acrowdofspectatorsfromthetown，alluredbycuriosity，cameflockinground，tobeholdtheforeignarmy；andthepeacefulconfidencewithwhichtheyadvanced，resembledafriendlysalutation，morethanahostilereception。Fromtheconcurrentreportsofthesepeople，theSaxonslearnedthatthetownhadbeendesertedbythetroops，andthatthegovernmenthadfledtoBudweiss。ThisunexpectedandinexplicableabsenceofresistanceexcitedArnheim’sdistrustthemore，asthespeedyapproachoftheSilesiansuccourswasnosecrettohim，andasheknewthattheSaxonarmywastooindifferentlyprovidedwithmaterialsforundertakingasiege，andbyfartooweakinnumberstoattempttotaketheplacebystorm。Apprehensiveofstratagem，heredoubledhisvigilance；andhecontinuedinthisconvictionuntilWallenstein’shouse-steward，whomhediscoveredamongthecrowd，confirmedtohimthisintelligence。"Thetownisourswithoutablow！"

exclaimedheinastonishmenttohisofficers，andimmediatelysummoneditbyatrumpeter。

ThecitizensofPrague，thusshamefullyabandonedbytheirdefenders，hadlongtakentheirresolution；allthattheyhadtodowastosecuretheirpropertiesandlibertiesbyanadvantageouscapitulation。

NosoonerwasthetreatysignedbytheSaxongeneral，inhismaster’sname，thanthegateswereopened，withoutfartheropposition；anduponthe11thofNovember，1631，thearmymadetheirtriumphalentry。

TheElectorsoonafterfollowedinperson，toreceivethehomageofthosewhomhehadnewlytakenunderhisprotection；foritwasonlyinthecharacterofprotectorthatthethreetownsofPraguehadsurrenderedtohim。TheirallegiancetotheAustrianmonarchywasnottobedissolvedbythesteptheyhadtaken。InproportionasthePapists’apprehensionsofreprisalsonthepartoftheProtestantshadbeenexaggerated，sowastheirsurprisegreatatthemoderationoftheElector，andthedisciplineofhistroops。Field-MarshalArnheimplainlyevinced，onthisoccasion，hisrespectforWallenstein。

Notcontentwithsparinghisestatesonhismarch，henowplacedguardsoverhispalace，inPrague，topreventtheplunderofanyofhiseffects。

TheRomanCatholicsofthetownwereallowedthefullestlibertyofconscience；andofallthechurchestheyhadwrestedfromtheProtestants，fouronlywerenowtakenbackfromthem。Fromthisgeneralindulgence，nonewereexcludedbuttheJesuits，whoweregenerallyconsideredastheauthorsofallpastgrievances，andthusbanishedthekingdom。

JohnGeorgebeliednotthesubmissionanddependencewithwhichtheterroroftheimperialnameinspiredhim；nordidheindulgeatPrague，inacourseofconductwhichwouldassuredlyhavebeenpursuedagainsthimselfinDresden，byimperialgenerals，suchasTillyorWallenstein。

Hecarefullydistinguishedbetweentheenemywithwhomhewasatwar，andtheheadoftheEmpire，towhomheowedobedience。Hedidnotventuretotouchthehouseholdfurnitureofthelatter，while，withoutscruple，heappropriatedandtransportedtoDresdenthecannonoftheformer。

Hedidnottakeuphisresidenceintheimperialpalace，butthehouseofLichtenstein；toomodesttousetheapartmentsofonewhomhehaddeprivedofakingdom。Hadthistraitbeenrelatedofagreatmanandahero，itwouldirresistiblyexciteouradmiration；

butthecharacterofthisprinceleavesusindoubtwhetherthismoderationoughttobeascribedtoanobleself-command，ortothelittlenessofaweakmind，whichevengoodfortunecouldnotembolden，andlibertyitselfcouldnotstripofitshabituatedfetters。

ThesurrenderofPrague，whichwasquicklyfollowedbythatofmostoftheothertowns，effectedagreatandsuddenchangeinBohemia。

ManyoftheProtestantnobility，whohadhithertobeenwanderingaboutinmisery，nowreturnedtotheirnativecountry；andCountThurn，thefamousauthoroftheBohemianinsurrection，enjoyedthetriumphofreturningasaconquerortothesceneofhiscrimeandhiscondemnation。

Overtheverybridgewheretheheadsofhisadherents，exposedtoview，heldoutafearfulpictureofthefatewhichhadthreatenedhimself，henowmadehistriumphalentry；andtoremovetheseghastlyobjectswashisfirstcare。Theexilesagaintookpossessionoftheirproperties，withoutthinkingofrecompensingforthepurchasemoneythepresentpossessors，whohadmostlytakentoflight。

Eventhoughtheyhadreceivedapricefortheirestates，theyseizedoneverythingwhichhadoncebeentheirown；

andmanyhadreasontorejoiceattheeconomyofthelatepossessors。

Thelandsandcattlehadgreatlyimprovedintheirhands；

theapartmentswerenowdecoratedwiththemostcostlyfurniture；

thecellars，whichhadbeenleftempty，wererichlyfilled；

thestablessupplied；themagazinesstoredwithprovisions。

Butdistrustingtheconstancyofthatgoodfortune，whichhadsounexpectedlysmileduponthem，theyhastenedtogetquitoftheseinsecurepossessions，andtoconverttheirimmoveableintotransferableproperty。

ThepresenceoftheSaxonsinspiredalltheProtestantsofthekingdomwithcourage；and，bothinthecountryandthecapital，crowdsflockedtothenewlyopenedProtestantchurches。Many，whomfearalonehadretainedintheiradherencetoPopery，nowopenlyprofessedthenewdoctrine；

andmanyofthelateconvertstoRomanCatholicismgladlyrenouncedacompulsorypersuasion，tofollowtheearlierconvictionoftheirconscience。

Allthemoderationofthenewregency，couldnotrestrainthemanifestationofthatjustdispleasure，whichthispersecutedpeoplefeltagainsttheiroppressors。Theymadeafearfulandcrueluseoftheirnewlyrecoveredrights；and，inmanypartsofthekingdom，theirhatredofthereligionwhichtheyhadbeencompelledtoprofess，couldbesatiatedonlybythebloodofitsadherents。

Meantimethesuccourswhichtheimperialgenerals，GoetzandTiefenbach，wereconductingfromSilesia，hadenteredBohemia，wheretheywerejoinedbysomeofTilly’sregiments，fromtheUpperPalatinate。Inordertodispersethembeforetheyshouldreceiveanyfurtherreinforcement，ArnheimadvancedwithpartofhisarmyfromPrague，andmadeavigorousattackontheirentrenchmentsnearLimburg，ontheElbe。Afterasevereaction，notwithoutgreatloss，hedrovetheenemyfromtheirfortifiedcamp，andforcedthem，byhisheavyfire，torecrosstheElbe，andtodestroythebridgewhichtheyhadbuiltoverthatriver。

Nevertheless，theImperialistsobtainedtheadvantageinseveralskirmishes，andtheCroatspushedtheirincursionstotheverygatesofPrague。

BrilliantandpromisingastheopeningoftheBohemiancampaignhadbeen，theissuebynomeanssatisfiedtheexpectationsofGustavusAdolphus。

Insteadofvigorouslyfollowinguptheiradvantages，byforcingapassagetotheSwedisharmythroughtheconqueredcountry，andthen，withit，attackingtheimperialpowerinitscentre，theSaxonsweakenedthemselvesinawarofskirmishes，inwhichtheywerenotalwayssuccessful，whiletheylostthetimewhichshouldhavebeendevotedtogreaterundertakings。ButtheElector’ssubsequentconductbetrayedthemotiveswhichhadpreventedhimfrompushinghisadvantageovertheEmperor，andbyconsistentmeasurespromotingtheplansoftheKingofSweden。

TheEmperorhadnowlostthegreaterpartofBohemia，andtheSaxonswereadvancingagainstAustria，whiletheSwedishmonarchwasrapidlymovingtothesamepointthroughFranconia，Swabia，andBavaria。AlongwarhadexhaustedthestrengthoftheAustrianmonarchy，wastedthecountry，anddiminisheditsarmies。Therenownofitsvictorieswasnomore，aswellastheconfidenceinspiredbyconstantsuccess；itstroopshadlosttheobedienceanddisciplinetowhichthoseoftheSwedishmonarchowedalltheirsuperiorityinthefield。TheconfederatesoftheEmperorweredisarmed，ortheirfidelityshakenbythedangerwhichthreatenedthemselves。EvenMaximilianofBavaria，Austria’smostpowerfulally，seemeddisposedtoyieldtotheseductivepropositionofneutrality；whilehissuspiciousalliancewithFrancehadlongbeenasubjectofapprehensiontotheEmperor。

ThebishopsofWurtzburgandBamberg，theElectorofMentz，andtheDukeofLorraine，wereeitherexpelledfromtheirterritories，orthreatenedwithimmediateattack；TreveshadplaceditselfundertheprotectionofFrance。ThebraveryoftheHollandersgavefullemploymenttotheSpanisharmsintheNetherlands；

whileGustavushaddriventhemfromtheRhine。PolandwasstillfetteredbythetrucewhichsubsistedbetweenthatcountryandSweden。

TheHungarianfrontierwasthreatenedbytheTransylvanianPrince，Ragotsky，asuccessorofBethlenGabor，andtheinheritorofhisrestlessmind；

whilethePortewasmakinggreatpreparationtoprofitbythefavourableconjunctureforaggression。MostoftheProtestantstates，encouragedbytheirprotector’ssuccess，wereopenlyandactivelydeclaringagainsttheEmperor。AlltheresourceswhichhadbeenobtainedbytheviolentandoppressiveextortionsofTillyandWallensteinwereexhausted；allthesedepots，magazines，andrallying-points，werenowlosttotheEmperor；andthewarcouldnolongerbecarriedonasbeforeatthecostofothers。Tocompletehisembarrassment，adangerousinsurrectionbrokeoutintheterritoryoftheEns，wheretheill-timedreligiouszealofthegovernmenthadprovokedtheProtestantstoresistance；andthusfanaticismlititstorchwithintheempire，whileaforeignenemywasalreadyonitsfrontier。

Aftersolongacontinuanceofgoodfortune，suchbrilliantvictoriesandextensiveconquests，suchfruitlesseffusionofblood，theEmperorsawhimselfasecondtimeonthebrinkofthatabyss，intowhichhewassonearfallingatthecommencementofhisreign。

IfBavariashouldembracetheneutrality；ifSaxonyshouldresistthetemptingoffershehadheldout；andFranceresolvetoattacktheSpanishpoweratthesametimeintheNetherlands，inItalyandinCatalonia，theruinofAustriawouldbecomplete；

thealliedpowerswoulddivideitsspoils，andthepoliticalsystemofGermanywouldundergoatotalchange。

ThechainofthesedisastersbeganwiththebattleofBreitenfeld，theunfortunateissueofwhichplainlyrevealedthelongdecideddeclineoftheAustrianpower，whoseweaknesshadhithertobeenconcealedunderthedazzlingglitterofagrandname。ThechiefcauseoftheSwedes’superiorityinthefield，wasevidentlytobeascribedtotheunlimitedpoweroftheirleader，whoconcentratedinhimselfthewholestrengthofhisparty；and，unfetteredinhisenterprisesbyanyhigherauthority，wascompletemasterofeveryfavourableopportunity，couldcontrolallhismeanstotheaccomplishmentofhisends，andwasresponsibletononebuthimself。ButsinceWallenstein’sdismissal，andTilly’sdefeat，theveryreverseofthiscoursewaspursuedbytheEmperorandtheLeague。Thegeneralswantedauthorityovertheirtroops，andlibertyofactingattheirdiscretion；

thesoldiersweredeficientindisciplineandobedience；thescatteredcorpsincombinedoperation；thestatesinattachmenttothecause；

theleadersinharmonyamongthemselves，inquicknesstoresolve，andfirmnesstoexecute。WhatgavetheEmperor’senemysodecidedanadvantageoverhim，wasnotsomuchtheirsuperiorpower，astheirmannerofusingit。TheLeagueandtheEmperordidnotwantmeans，butamindcapableofdirectingthemwithenergyandeffect。

EvenhadCountTillynotlosthisoldrenown，distrustofBavariawouldnotallowtheEmperortoplacethefateofAustriainthehandsofonewhohadneverconcealedhisattachmenttotheBavarianElector。

TheurgentwantwhichFerdinandfelt，wasforageneralpossessedofsufficientexperiencetoformandtocommandanarmy，andwillingatthesametimetodedicatehisservices，withblinddevotion，totheAustrianmonarchy。

ThischoicenowoccupiedtheattentionoftheEmperor’sprivycouncil，anddividedtheopinionsofitsmembers。Inordertoopposeonemonarchtoanother，andbythepresenceoftheirsovereigntoanimatethecourageofthetroops，Ferdinand，intheardourofthemoment，hadofferedhimselftobetheleaderofhisarmy；butlittletroublewasrequiredtooverturnaresolutionwhichwastheoffspringofdespairalone，andwhichyieldedatoncetocalmreflection。Butthesituationwhichhisdignity，andthedutiesofadministration，preventedtheEmperorfromholding，mightbefilledbyhisson，ayouthoftalentsandbravery，andofwhomthesubjectsofAustriahadalreadyformedgreatexpectations。

Calledbyhisbirthtothedefenceofamonarchy，ofwhosecrownsheworetwoalready，FerdinandIII。，KingofHungaryandBohemia，united，withthenaturaldignityofheirtothethrone，therespectofthearmy，andtheattachmentofthepeople，whoseco-operationwasindispensabletohimintheconductofthewar。Nonebutthebelovedheirtothecrowncouldventuretoimposenewburdensonapeoplealreadyseverelyoppressed；

hispersonalpresencewiththearmycouldalonesuppresstheperniciousjealousiesoftheseveralleaders，andbytheinfluenceofhisname，restoretheneglecteddisciplineofthetroopstoitsformerrigour。Ifsoyoungaleaderwasdevoidofthematurityofjudgment，prudence，andmilitaryexperiencewhichpracticealonecouldimpart，thisdeficiencymightbesuppliedbyajudiciouschoiceofcounsellorsandassistants，who，underthecoverofhisname，mightbevestedwithsupremeauthority。

Butplausibleasweretheargumentswithwhichapartoftheministrysupportedthisplan，itwasmetbydifficultiesnotlessserious，arisingfromthedistrust，perhapseventhejealousy，oftheEmperor，andalsofromthedesperatestateofaffairs。Howdangerouswasittoentrustthefateofthemonarchytoayouth，whowashimselfinneedofcounselandsupport！Howhazardoustoopposetothegreatestgeneralofhisage，atyro，whosefitnessforsoimportantaposthadneveryetbeentestedbyexperience；whosename，asyetunknowntofame，wasfartoopowerlesstoinspireadispiritedarmywiththeassuranceoffuturevictory！Whatanewburdenonthecountry，tosupportthestatearoyalleaderwasrequiredtomaintain，andwhichtheprejudicesoftheageconsideredasinseparablefromhispresencewiththearmy！

Howseriousaconsiderationfortheprincehimself，tocommencehispoliticalcareer，withanofficewhichmustmakehimthescourgeofhispeople，andtheoppressoroftheterritorieswhichhewashereaftertorule。

Butnotonlywasageneraltobefoundforthearmy；anarmymustalsobefoundforthegeneral。SincethecompulsoryresignationofWallenstein，theEmperorhaddefendedhimselfmorebytheassistanceofBavariaandtheLeague，thanbyhisownarmies；anditwasthisdependenceonequivocalallies，whichhewasendeavouringtoescape，bytheappointmentofageneralofhisown。Butwhatpossibilitywasthereofraisinganarmyoutofnothing，withouttheall-powerfulaidofgold，andtheinspiritingnameofavictoriouscommander；aboveall，anarmywhich，byitsdiscipline，warlikespirit，andactivity，shouldbefittocopewiththeexperiencedtroopsofthenorthernconqueror？

InallEurope，therewasbutonemanequaltothis，andthatonehadbeenmortallyaffronted。

Themomenthadatlastarrived，whenmorethanordinarysatisfactionwastobedonetothewoundedprideoftheDukeofFriedland。

Fateitselfhadbeenhisavenger，andanunbrokenchainofdisasters，whichhadassailedAustriafromthedayofhisdismissal，hadwrungfromtheEmperorthehumiliatingconfession，thatwiththisgeneralhehadlosthisrightarm。Everydefeatofhistroopsopenedafreshthiswound；everytownwhichhelost，revivedinthemindofthedeceivedmonarchthememoryofhisownweaknessandingratitude。

Itwouldhavebeenwellforhim，if，intheoffendedgeneral，hehadonlylostaleaderofhistroops，andadefenderofhisdominions；

buthewasdestinedtofindinhimanenemy，andthemostdangerousofall，sincehewasleastarmedagainstthestrokeoftreason。

Removedfromthetheatreofwar，andcondemnedtoirksomeinaction，whilehisrivalsgatheredlaurelsonthefieldofglory，thehaughtydukehadbeheldthesechangesoffortunewithaffectedcomposure，andconcealed，underaglitteringandtheatricalpomp，thedarkdesignsofhisrestlessgenius。Tornbyburningpassionswithin，whileallwithoutbespokecalmnessandindifference，hebroodedoverprojectsofambitionandrevenge，andslowly，butsurely，advancedtowardshisend。AllthatheowedtotheEmperorwaseffacedfromhismind；whathehimselfhaddonefortheEmperorwasimprintedinburningcharactersonhismemory。Tohisinsatiablethirstforpower，theEmperor’singratitudewaswelcome，asitseemedtotearinpiecestherecordofpastfavours，toabsolvehimfromeveryobligationtowardshisformerbenefactor。Inthedisguiseofarighteousretaliation，theprojectsdictatedbyhisambitionnowappearedtohimjustandpure。Inproportionastheexternalcircleofhisoperationswasnarrowed，theworldofhopeexpandedbeforehim，andhisdreamyimaginationrevelledinboundlessprojects，which，inanymindbutsuchashis，madnessalonecouldhavegivenbirthto。

Hisserviceshadraisedhimtotheproudestheightwhichitwaspossibleforaman，byhisownefforts，toattain。Fortunehaddeniedhimnothingwhichthesubjectandthecitizencouldlawfullyenjoy。

Tillthemomentofhisdismissal，hisdemandshadmetwithnorefusal，hisambitionhadmetwithnocheck；buttheblowwhich，atthedietofRatisbon，humbledhim，showedhimthedifferencebetweenORIGINALandDEPUTEDpower，thedistancebetweenthesubjectandhissovereign。Rousedfromtheintoxicationofhisowngreatnessbythissuddenreverseoffortune，hecomparedtheauthoritywhichhehadpossessed，withthatwhichhaddeprivedhimofit；andhisambitionmarkedthestepswhichithadyettosurmountupontheladderoffortune。Fromthemomenthehadsobitterlyexperiencedtheweightofsovereignpower，hiseffortsweredirectedtoattainitforhimself；thewrongwhichhehimselfhadsufferedmadehimarobber。Hadhenotbeenoutragedbyinjustice，hemighthaveobedientlymovedinhisorbitroundthemajestyofthethrone，satisfiedwiththegloryofbeingthebrightestofitssatellites。

Itwasonlywhenviolentlyforcedfromitssphere，thathiswanderingstarthrewindisorderthesystemtowhichitbelonged，andcameindestructivecollisionwithitssun。

GustavusAdolphushadoverrunthenorthofGermany；oneplaceafteranotherwaslost；andatLeipzig，thefloweroftheAustrianarmyhadfallen。

TheintelligenceofthisdefeatsoonreachedtheearsofWallenstein，who，intheretiredobscurityofaprivatestationinPrague，contemplatedfromacalmdistancethetumultofwar。Thenews，whichfilledthebreastsoftheRomanCatholicswithdismay，announcedtohimthereturnofgreatnessandgoodfortune。

ForhimwasGustavusAdolphuslabouring。Scarcehadthekingbeguntogainreputationbyhisexploits，whenWallensteinlostnotamomenttocourthisfriendship，andtomakecommoncausewiththissuccessfulenemyofAustria。ThebanishedCountThurn，whohadlongenteredtheserviceofSweden，undertooktoconveyWallenstein’scongratulationstotheking，andtoinvitehimtoaclosealliancewiththeduke。Wallensteinrequired15，000menfromtheking；andwiththese，andthetroopshehimselfengagedtoraise，heundertooktoconquerBohemiaandMoravia，tosurpriseVienna，anddrivehismaster，theEmperor，beforehimintoItaly。

Welcomeaswasthisunexpectedproposition，itsextravagantpromiseswerenaturallycalculatedtoexcitesuspicion。GustavusAdolphuswastoogoodajudgeofmerittorejectwithcoldnesstheoffersofonewhomightbesoimportantafriend。ButwhenWallenstein，encouragedbythefavourablereceptionofhisfirstmessage，reneweditafterthebattleofBreitenfeld，andpressedforadecisiveanswer，theprudentmonarchhesitatedtotrusthisreputationtothechimericalprojectsofsodaringanadventurer，andtocommitsolargeaforcetothehonestyofamanwhofeltnoshameinopenlyavowinghimselfatraitor。Heexcusedhimself，therefore，onthepleaoftheweaknessofhisarmywhich，ifdiminishedbysolargeadetachment，wouldcertainlysufferinitsmarchthroughtheempire；

andthus，perhaps，byexcessofcaution，lostanopportunityofputtinganimmediateendtothewar。Heafterwardsendeavouredtorenewthenegociation；butthefavourablemomentwaspast，andWallenstein’soffendedprideneverforgavethefirstneglect。

Buttheking’shesitation，perhaps，onlyacceleratedthebreach，whichtheircharactersmadeinevitablesoonerorlater。

Bothframedbynaturetogivelaws，nottoreceivethem，theycouldnotlonghaveco-operatedinanenterprise，whicheminentlydemandedmutualsubmissionandsacrifices。

WallensteinwasNOTHINGwherehewasnotEVERYTHING；hemusteitheractwithunlimitedpower，ornotatall。Socordially，too，didGustavusdislikecontrol，thathehadalmostrenouncedhisadvantageousalliancewithFrance，becauseitthreatenedtofetterhisownindependentjudgment。Wallensteinwaslosttoaparty，ifhecouldnotlead；thelatterwas，ifpossible，stilllessdisposedtoobeytheinstructionsofanother。IfthepretensionsofarivalwouldbesoirksometotheDukeofFriedland，intheconductofcombinedoperations，inthedivisionofthespoiltheywouldbeinsupportable。TheproudmonarchmightcondescendtoaccepttheassistanceofarebellioussubjectagainsttheEmperor，andtorewardhisvaluableserviceswithregalmunificence；buthenevercouldsofarlosesightofhisowndignity，andthemajestyofroyalty，astobestowtherecompensewhichtheextravagantambitionofWallensteindemanded；

andrequiteanactoftreason，howeveruseful，withacrown。

Inhim，therefore，evenifallEuropeshouldtacitlyacquiesce，WallensteinhadreasontoexpectthemostdecidedandformidableopponenttohisviewsontheBohemiancrown；andinallEuropehewastheonlyonewhocouldenforcehisopposition。ConstitutedDictatorinGermanybyWallensteinhimself，hemightturnhisarmsagainsthim，andconsiderhimselfboundbynoobligationstoonewhowashimselfatraitor。

TherewasnoroomforaWallensteinundersuchanally；anditwas，apparently，thisconviction，andnotanysupposeddesignsupontheimperialthrone，thathealludedto，when，afterthedeathoftheKingofSweden，heexclaimed，"Itiswellforhimandmethatheisgone。