Chapter X: Letter V: SIR, Dresden, August 30, 1729 (1)

From _Blanckenbourg_ we have till'd Lands, and fruitful Fields; with Woods of Oak interspers'd all the way, till we come to MAGDEBOURG, the Capital of a Dutchy of that Name, formerly an Archbishoprick, but secularised at the Treaty of _Westphalia_, in favour of the House of _Brandenbourg_, to whom that Dutchy was yielded in exchange for their resigning Hither _Pomerania_ to _Sweden_. This City has for these two Centuries past, suffer'd very much. It was besieg'd by the Emperor _Charles_ V. who squeez'd considerable Sums from it. But it fared worse in that unhappy War which divided _Germany_ during the space of 30 Years; for the Counts _de Tilly_ and _Papenheim_ commanding the Imperial Army in 1631, took it by Storm, put the Inhabitants to the Sword, and reduc'd the whole City almost to Ashes. Nevertheless, 'tis since pretty well recover'd, and has some fine Houses. The great Square before the King's Palace has few equal to it for its Extent, and for the fine Houses that encompass it, which are all uniform, three Stories high, and were all raised in this Reign. In this same Square there's an Arsenal, which really is not so magnificent as that of _Berlin_, but may be rank'd among the chief Arsenals in _Europe_. This is a populous Town, and has a more flourishing Trade than any other City in the King of _Prussia_'s Dominions.

The great Church, which was formerly the Metropolitan, is ancient, and one of the largest and most magnificent Buildings in _Germany_. It has still some Reliques to shew, particularly the Basin in which _Pilate_ washed his Hands, after having pass'd Sentence of Death upon our Saviour; the Lanthorn[49] which _Judas_ made use of when he went to apprehend him; a Thorn of the Crown that was planted on his Head: and things of the like kind.

The Chapter of _Magdebourg_ is still, bating the change of Religion, on the same footing as before the Reformation. The Canons must all make Proof of their Nobility; tho' 'tis a _Punctilio_ with which the King, who confers all the Prebends and Dignities of the Chapter, sometimes dispenses. The present Provost is the Duke of _Saxe-Barbi_, who succeeded his Father in that Dignity, which brings him in 12000 Crowns a-year. He lives in a fine House on the great Square, fronting the Palace, built by the Order of King _Frederic_ I. who also caus'd a Citadel to be erected here, on the other side of the _Elbe_, over which there is a Bridge. That King began likewise to fortify the Town; and King _Frederic-William_, who carried on, and finish'd the Fortifications, has now made _Magdebourg_ one of the most important Places in _Europe_. M. _de Walrave_, Chief Engineer, had the Direction of those Works, which are a Proof of his great Ability.

The Margrave _Albert_ of _Brandenbourg_[50], Brother to the late King _Frederic_ I. is Governour of the Dutchy of _Magdebourg_; as is the Prince of _Anhalt-Dessau_ of the Town, where he has a numerous Garrison under his command. The Arsenal, which is a fine Structure, and full of Cannon, and small Arms, is worth seeing.

The King of _Prussia_ having it much at heart to render _Magdebourg_ a flourishing Town, has transferr'd the Regency of the Dutchy hither, which was heretofore at _Halle_; and for this reason there are several good Houses in the Town. The Dutchy of _Magdebourg_ is one of the best Provinces in the _Prussian_ Dominions. It has a great Income from the _Elbe_, and the Salt-Works. The Catholicks are allowed a Toleration of their Religion in the Dutchy, and have Churches in the Town.

The Roads from _Magdebourg_ to _Leipsic_, are so bad at this time, by reason of the Rains that have fallen for some Days past, that I have been three Days in getting from the one Town to the other. Indeed I went some Leagues out of my way, on purpose to see BARBI and COHTEN. The first of these Towns belongs to a Prince of the House of _Saxony_, of the Branch of _Weissenfeld_; and has nothing considerable but the Prince's Palace, which makes a good appearance, and has commodious Apartments, elegantly furnished. There is a Salon, and a Closet, the Cielings of which are painted by _Peine_, and not the worst things he has done. The Palace has Gardens delightfully situate by the side of the _Elbe_. The Duke _de Barbi_ is the only Prince of the House of _Saxony_ who professes the _Calvinist_ Religion, in which he was educated by his Father, who was at first a _Lutheran_. This Prince is a comely handsome young Man. He married _N---- de Wirtemberg-Oels_[51], but has no Children. He has been in the Service of _Prussia_, and is Grand Provost of the Chapter of _Magdebourg_, and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle of _Poland_.

COHTEN, which is bigger than _Barbi_ by one half, belongs to a Prince of _Anhalt_[52]; the only one of his Branch, tho' he has had two Wives. I desired leave to kiss his Hand; but he excused himself by pretending an Indisposition. I have observed that petty Princes are always more difficult of Access than great ones. The Town has no Fortifications; and I walk'd about a good while to see if there was any thing remarkable, but 'twas to no purpose; and I was oblig'd to confine myself to my Inn, which was one of the worst in _Europe_.

LEIPSIC stands in a fruitful Plain. This City, so famous for its Fairs, and for its University, may justly pass for the Jewel of the Electorate of _Saxony_; not only for the Beauty of its Structures, but for the considerable Revenue which it yields to its Sovereign, the King of _Poland_. 'Tis small, and fac'd with Ramparts, and a Ditch; but all these Fortifications are of little consequence. Its Castle, or rather Citadel, which joins to the Town, is a Place of greater Importance. There is always a good Garrison and Governour in it, who is at present General _Baumgarten_. As the Castle passes under the Denomination of the King's House, the _Roman_ Catholicks have had a Chapel there ever since _Augustus_ II. embraced their Religion.

The Suburbs of _Leipsic_ are very large. The City has four Gates newly built of Free-Stone, which are magnificent, tho' not according to the Rules of Architecture.

At each Gate they have newly set up a Mile-Post, such as the _Romans_ had formerly. There are the like Posts at the Gates of all the Towns, and even at the Villages in the Electorate of _Saxony_. From hence they count the Leagues, which are divided at the end of every Quarter of a Mile, by other Posts not so big, upon all the great Roads, shewing the Distances of the Places, and of the chief Towns; which is a mighty Convenience to Travellers, who were heretofore often impos'd upon by the Post-Masters, as to the Length of the Roads.

The Houses of _Leipsic_ are large, very high, and substantially built of Free-Stone; and their being adorn'd with great fine Windows helps to set them off to the Eye. The Ground-Floors of most of the Houses are Warehouses, in which the foreign Merchants store the Goods they sell at the Fairs, which are three in number every Year, _viz._ at _New-Year's-day_, _Easter_, and _Michaelmass_. The Concourse of Foreigners here at the Fair-Season, is so great that 'tis often a hard matter to get a Lodging here for Love or Money. I myself saw in 1709, at the _New-year's_ Fair, the late King of _Prussia_, the King and Queen of _Poland_, and 44 Princes or Princesses of Sovereign Families. The two Kings and the Queen lodged at the House of _Appel_, a Merchant; where the King of _Poland_ always resides when he comes to _Leipsic_.

The University, formerly so famous, is very much decay'd: That of _Halle_, its Neighbour, and its Rival, in the King of _Prussia_'s Dominions, takes away a great many Students from it. They say that for some time past there have been more able Professors at _Halle_, where besides 'tis much cheaper living than at _Leipsic_; and where the Students are not such Spendthrifts, nor so much addicted to Expence and Gallantry.

The Gardens of Messieurs _Appel_ and _Pose_, Merchants, in the Suburbs, are worth seeing. The first is large and magnificent: In the second are very uncommon Plants, cultivated with very great Care. The Gardeners of _Leipsic_, who are reckon'd the best in all _Germany_, value themselves upon forcing Nature; so that I have seen here, at _Easter_ Fair, the Fruits, Flowers, and Pulse, of all the Seasons. The Asparagus here is delicious, and extraordinary large. Another Nicety at _Leipsic_, is its Larks, which are sent over all _Germany_; nay, to _Poland_, _Holland_ and _Denmark_. I was assured, but I will not vouch for the Truth of it, that the very Custom-Duty paid for Larks at _Leipsic_, amounted to 12000 Crowns a-year; which Sum I thought the more considerable, because I think I have heard it said, that 60 Larks pay but a Grosh[53] the Duty; judge then how many there must be to make up the Sum of 12000 Crowns. But be it true or false, 'tis certain that there is not a Country in the World where these Birds are taken in such quantities; for, from _Michaelmass_ to _Martinmass_, the Fields are cover'd with 'em.

Another Singularity is the multitude of Nightingales, in the Woods near _Leipsic_; whereof they take great numbers, and keep them in Cages: The Innkeeper's Daughter, where I lodged, had seven of them; and I have seen a great many at other Houses.

'Tis surprizing that so plentiful a Country as _Saxony_ shou'd have no better Ordinarys. I don't mean _Leipsic_ and _Dresden_, where, considering one is in _Germany_, we come off pretty well; tho' were it so in _Holland_, the _Netherlands_, or in _France_, we shou'd not think ourselves well us'd. I mean the little Towns and Villages in a Road so frequented as that from _Leipsic_ to _Dresden_. There's Provision to be had at these Ordinarys, but then 'tis so ill dress'd, and the Houses so nasty, that 'tis enough to turn one's Stomach.

Setting out from _Leipsic_, at the opening of the Gates, I came betimes to WERMSTORF, or HUBERTSBOURG, (St. _Hubert_'s Palace,) a magnificent Hunting-Seat, which the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_ is building at the Entrance of a Forest, where there are several Roads cut. This House is five Miles from _Leipsic_, and eight from _Dresden_; and when 'tis finish'd, will be large and magnificent: Men are hard at work upon it, and the main Body of it is already compleated. Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess, generally hunt here at Spring and Autumn. The Equipage for the Stag-hunting is very fine, the Liveries being Yellow, with Facings of blue Velvet, and Silver Lace at all the Seams.

After I had walk'd an Hour or two at _Hubertsbourg_, I proceeded on my Journey, and came to Dinner at MEISSEN, the Capital of _Misnia_. This City has nothing particular, besides its Manufacture of Porcellane, which is so finely painted and enamell'd with Gold, that it is more beautiful than the Porcellane of _Japan_, and much dearer. The Invention of it is owing to an Alchymist, or one that pretended to be such; who had persuaded a great many People he cou'd make Gold. The King of _Poland_ believ'd it as well as others, and to make sure of his Person, caus'd him to be committed to the Castle of _Konigstein_, three Miles from _Dresden_. There, instead of making Gold, that solid precious Metal, which puts Mankind on committing so many Follies, he invented Brittle Porcellane; by which, in one Sense, he made Gold, because the great Vent of that Ware brings a deal of Money into the Country.

After having pass'd the _Elbe_, over a wooden Bridge, going out of _Meissen_, I came in less than three Hours to DRESDEN, the Capital of the Electorate of _Saxony_. The City is pretty large, fortify'd with Art and Regularity; and very lightsome. Its Houses are high and substantial, the Streets broad, strait, well pav'd, neat, and in the Night-time well lighted. There are great Squares in it; and the whole City is so well laid out, that _Dresden_ may be rank'd among the finest in the World.

The _Elbe_ divides it into two Parts; which are distinguished by Old and New _Dresden_, and join'd together by a Bridge of Stone.

In order to give you a more perfect Idea of this City, I shall point out to you such things as I took most notice of. I shall begin with Old _Dresden_, which is the first that we come to from _Meissen_. At the Entrance of the Town, on the right hand, there is a great House, called the Palace of the _Indies_, or _Holland_ House, which the King bought some Years ago of his Prime Minister, the Marshal Count _de Fleming_. All the Rooms of this Palace, which consists of three Stories, are so many Closets of _Japan_ and _China_ Wares. I don't believe that all the Warehouses in _Amsterdam_ put together, are capable of furnishing such a quantity of uncommon old Porcellane, as is to be found here. The value of it is computed at a Million of Crowns. The very Houshold-Goods are _Indian_. There is one Set of Furniture, the like of which I never saw elsewhere: It consists of Feathers of various Colours, and all natural; inlaid with so much Art, that it might be taken for a fine flower'd Sattin.

This magnificent Palace has a Garden belonging to it, which looks towards the _Elbe_. It is adorn'd with Statues of white Marble, which the King caus'd to be purchas'd at _Rome_, of the Cardinals _Annibal_ and _Alexander Albani_, Nephews to _Clement_ XI. These Statues are much more priz'd here than they were at _Rome_.

Near the Palace of the _Indies_ stands that of the Cadets; a magnificent Structure built by the States of _Saxony_, for maintaining two Companies of Cadets, all Gentlemen of the Country; who are there instructed in all the Sciences fitting for Persons of Quality.

Farther up in the same Street, there is an Amphitheatre, or Area, for the Battles of wild Beasts; of which a great number is kept for that purpose. Here are Lions, Tigers, Bears; in short, all the fiercest Animals from the four Quarters of the World.

The Bridge over the _Elbe_, which joins Old _Dresden_ to the New, is scarce to be parallel'd, either for its Length or Substance. It has lately been made broader by forming Demy-Arches which support the Riders on each side. The Barriers are of Iron, well wrought. An Equestrian Statue of the King is going to be erected upon it.

The Palace or Castle joins to the Bridge, at the Entrance of New _Dresden_. This is an ancient Structure, which makes but a mean Appearance; and 'tis said, that the King intends it shall be pull'd down, and another built in its room; and that his Majesty has set apart eight Millions of Crowns for the Expence of it.

The inside of the Castle surpasses the outside. The State-Room is splendidly furnish'd. The Great Gallery contains several Curiosities, such as antique Busts, Vessels, and Pictures.

This Palace has two Chapels, one of which belongs to the _Roman_ Catholicks, and the other to the _Lutherans_. The first was heretofore the Theatre for Operas, but the King turn'd it into a Chapel, upon account of the Marriage of his only Son with the Archdutchess, eldest Daughter to the Emperor _Joseph_; the second was always the Chapel of the Electors of _Saxony_. The King might, if he pleas'd, have order'd Mass to be celebrated in it, but he wou'd not give his Subjects that Handle for Complaint; besides, the late Queen, his Wife, having always stuck to the _Lutheran_ Religion, in which she was born, he left her that Chapel for her use. The Treasure of it is extremely rich, and contains Vessels, Chasubles, and other things heretofore consecrated and given to this Chapel by the Piety of the Electors.

The Royal Treasury, commonly call'd the _Grune Gewölbe_, (the Green Vault,) is in the Palace. They are three arch'd Rooms, which contain immense Riches, and shine all over with Gold, Precious Stones, and Diamonds. 'Tis one of the finest Places in the World. There are several Sets of Brilliant Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, Pearls, Saphirs, and other Precious Stones. Every Set is compleat, and consists of Buttons for Clothes, Loops for Hats, Swords, Hangers, Canes, Sleeve-Buttons, Shoe-Buckles, Muffs, and Sword-Belts, Snuff-Boxes, Watches, Tweezer-Cases, Pocket-Books; in short, all the Jewels that can possibly be imagin'd, even to the Furniture of a Horse; so that were I to write down every Particular, I should furnish you a Volume. And they all look the better, for being ranged with wonderful Nicety in Cases of Crystal.

To the Castle belongs a Garden, call'd the _Zwinger Garten_, which is the _Tuilleries_ of _Dresden_, but not extensive enough to deserve the Name of a Garden. 'Tis encompass'd with Buildings of Free-Stone, which are Green-Houses for Orange-Trees. The Structure consists but of one Floor, on which are rais'd six large Pavilions, _viz._ three in front at the Entrance, two on the sides, and one over the Portico at the Entrance; which have all a Communication with one another, by a Platform that has Balustrades adorn'd with Statues. It wou'd be hard to lay what Order of Architecture prevails most in this Edifice, the Carv'd-Work with which it is decorated, being more of the _Gothic_ than the modern Taste.

Near to this Building there's a Palace which makes a great Shew, but the Apartments are by much too small, and too low for the Ornaments employ'd about them. The King caus'd this House to be built for the Countess _de Cosel_, at the time when that Lady was in high Favour. No Cost was spar'd in it; but 'tis pity that a more skilful Architect had not been pitched upon to conduct it.

There are five or six other Houses, which are here call'd _Hotels_, but in _Italy_ wou'd certainly pass for Palaces. The Hotel _de Fuhl_ in the Street of _Pirnitz_ is one of this number. It was erected by the Great Marshal _de Fuhl_ who on his Death-bed left it to his Wife, of whom it was purchas'd by the Count _de Fleming_. That Minister sold it soon after to the King, who made considerable Embellishments in it, and furnished it richly. In this Condition his Majesty gave it in 1728, to the Marshal _de Wackerbarth_, to make him amends when he had been burnt out of the House he liv'd in, as Governour of _Dresden_. After this, the Governour's House being rebuilt, the King bought the other House again of the Count _de Wackerbarth_, and has made it a Depositary of his Medals, Antiquities, and Curiosities.

To be sure you have heard that this Fire broke out at the Governour's House in the Night-time, while the King of _Prussia_ was here. His Majesty actually lodg'd at the Governour's House; and was in Bed when the Fire burst out with such fury that he had but just time to make his Escape in his Night-Gown, and to save a little Box in which there were Papers of consequence; for the Floor of his Bed-Chamber fell in, the moment after the King was gone out of it. An Officer, his Wife, and her Maid-Servant perish'd in the Flames. The Count _de Wackerbarth_ only sav'd his Wardrobe and his Plate; for his fine Library, and a noble Collection which he had of Drawings, one of the compleatest and best chosen Setts in _Europe_, were consum'd.

The Hotel of _Hoyhm_ is the most considerable Building in _Dresden_. In about six Years time it had four different Owners. It was founded by the King's Favourite, the Count _de Fitztuhm_[54], his Great Chamberlain, and Minister of State; who having been kill'd in a Duel at _Warsaw_, by the Count _de St. Gilles_, a _Piedmontese_ that came to _Poland_ to seek his Fortune, his Widow sold it to Marshal _Fleming_, who dying at _Vienna_ not long after he had purchased it, the House fell to his Son, a weakly Child, who did not long survive him. His Mother, who was a _Radzivil_, was his Heiress, and one of the greatest Matches in _Europe_. She was soon after married again to a _Polander_ whom she follow'd into his own Country; and when she left _Dresden_, she sold her House to the Count _de Hoym_, who at present occupies it.

Not far from this House are the King's Stables, which are well worth seeing, there being a great number of wonderful fine Horses, and some of all sorts of the rarest Breeds. Over the Stables, are Rooms full of fine Equipage, consisting of sumptuous Saddles and Housings, Sleds and magnificent Harness. Many of these Equipages are of the _Turkish_ Mode, and plated with massy Silver, adorn'd with precious Stones.

The Arsenal, which is much boasted of here, cannot be reckon'd a fine one by any but such as have not seen the Arsenal of _Berlin_, to which it is not to be compar'd. There are several Rooms in it full of Arms, Brass Cannon, Helmets, and Cuirasses, which are the Tapestry of Arsenals.

Thus, Sir, you have all that I observed in _Dresden_: it remains for me to give you some Account of its Suburbs, and of the Pleasure-Houses which the King has in the Neighbourhood of this City.

The Suburbs of _Dresden_ are very extensive, but have no Building of consequence, except the Palace in the King's great Garden, built by his Majesty's Mother, and that call'd the _Turkish_ Palace, because it is furnished entirely after the _Turkish_ manner. The King gave an Entertainment at this Palace to the Princess his Daughter-in-law, on account of her Arrival at _Dresden_, which was so particular that I think it deserves a Digression.

Upon the Feast-Day, the whole Court appeared at the _Turkish_ Palace, in the Habits of _Turks_. The King came in the Dress of a _Sultan_, but without any Attendance. His Majesty was soon after follow'd by the Princess his Daughter-in-law, with her Ladies. Her Royal Highness, for whom the Entertainment was made, found a Body of Janizaries drawn up in the Court-Yard of the Palace. The King receiv'd her at the Entrance of his Apartment, and conducted her into a Hall spread with fine Tapestry, and laid with Cushions richly embroider'd.

The King and Princess being seated, were served by twenty-four Negroes in sumptuous Dresses, with Sherbet, Coffee, and Sweet-Meats, in great Vessels of massy Silver; nor were scented Waters, and perfumed Handkerchiefs forgot. After this Collation, they drew near the Windows to see the _Pillau_ (which is the Rice of _Turky_) and the King's Bounty-Money distributed to the Janizaries. This was follow'd by a Comedy, with an Entertainment of _Turkish_ Dances. Then came the Supper, the Guests sitting cross-legg'd upon the Cushions, and the Courses being served up after the fashion of _Turky_, by the Negroes and young _Turks_. While they were at Table, the Company was diverted by the various Leaps and Postures of certain Tumblers and Rope-Dancers. Supper being over, they went into the Garden, which was illuminated with several Thousands of Crystal Lamps. There was Tilting, and shooting at the Mark, and whenever the Mark was hit, a Sky-Rocket was sent up, which for the time seem'd to sprinkle Thousands of Stars among those in the Firmament. After this, the Company retir'd into the Palace, where the King and the Princess open'd the Ball, and there was dancing till five o'clock in the Morning, when the Ball was concluded with a sumptuous Breakfast that was serv'd at the several Tables, after the manner of our own Country; which, with the leave of the _Mussulmen_, is as good as theirs.

The finest Royal Houses, are _Pilnitz_ and _Moritzbourg_. The King, who is certainly of all Sovereigns the most magnificent, keeps Men continually at work, in embellishing those Places. The Works are carried on by the Direction of Mons. _Bot_, whom I think to be not inferior to _Bernini_, and I doubt not, such is my high Idea of him, that as he is supported by the Generosity of a Great King, he will accomplish such Works as are worthy of himself, and of his Master too.

I have now done with the Description of the Palaces and Royal Houses, in which, I own I have been defective, and would gladly have been excus'd from giving it; but you would have it, and I cou'd not help gratifying you. I pass now to something more important; and shall entertain you with the present State of the Royal Family, and the Characters of the most distinguish'd Persons at Court.

FREDERIC-AUGUSTUS II. King of _Poland_, and Elector of _Saxony_, is the Chief of this August Family. This Monarch, whom no Man surpasses in Strength and Dexterity, and whom few Princes equal in Generosity, is the second Son of _John George_ III. Elector of _Saxony_. He succeeded his Brother _John George_ IV. in the Electorate, and was chose King of _Poland_ after the Death of the Great _Sobieski_, notwithstanding the Intrigues of the Emissaries of _France_ who declared for the Prince of _Conti_.

When _Frederic-Augustus_ ascended the Throne, he brought all the Virtues to it fitting for a Great King. The Agreeableness of his Person, his Majestic Air, his Heroic Strength, his Good-Nature, his Politeness, and his well-known Valour, were the least of his Qualities. Never was any Prince more magnificent, nor did any one either give more, or with a better Grace. As a General and a Statesman, he was never too much lifted up by Prosperity, nor shock'd by Adversity; so that he was observed, when in the depth of his Misfortunes, to act and treat even with his Enemies, with that Air of Complaisance and Satisfaction, which Men inur'd to great Affairs know how to assume, in the midst of the cruellest Mortifications. This Prince, in his Youth, travelled to the chief Countries of _Europe_, and where-ever he came, was admir'd for his Strength, his Air, and Dexterity. Amongst other Adventures, a very odd one befel him in his Travels, at _Venice_. There happen'd to be in that City a famous Astrologer, who had the Reputation of being well read in the Book of Fate. The King, who was only Prince at that time, had a mind that he should calculate his Nativity, and for that purpose went to the Astrologer's House, accompanied by two Gentlemen. They were all three dress'd in plain Apparel, and the Prince, to disguise himself still the more, had conceal'd his brown Hair under a fair Peruke. He enter'd the last Man, into the Astrologer's House, and seem'd to be rather as an Attendant, than a Companion of the others. But to him the Astrologer first address'd himself, calling him by the Titles of _My Lord_ and _Highness_. The Prince told him that his Rank in the World was much too mean for such high Compliments; but the Astrologer made answer, he knew very well whom he spoke to, and that it was in vain for him to think of concealing himself from such a Man as he. The Prince and his small Retinue were then conducted by him into a Closet, where he shewed him a Looking-Glass. _Cast your Eye on that Mirror_, said he to the Prince, _and there you will see the principal Events of your Life_. The Prince without any scruple, look'd accordingly, and saw himself at first in the Habit of an Elector; afterwards, with a Crown on his Head, and a royal Mantle on his Shoulders; and at last, full of Wounds, and bath'd in his Blood.

This Story, which I should not give you for true, if I had not heard it from a great Nobleman who told me he had it from the King's own Mouth, is however, not without a Parallel; for it is pretended, that a Mason told Madam _de Maintenon_, when she was no more than Madam _Scarron_, what her Fortune and Rank would be in _France_. I could mention several other Instances to you of the same nature, which all surprize me, tho' they don't convince me. Be it as it will, two Articles of the Prediction made to the King of _Poland_ are fully accomplished; as to the third, may Heaven confound the Astrologer[55].

The King of _Poland_ spends part of his time in his Kingdom, and part of it in his Electorate. 'Tis true, that he seems to take more delight in _Saxony_ than in _Poland_; and 'tis in my Opinion very natural for him to do so; _Saxony_ being his hereditary Country, where he is so absolute that his Will is the Law of his Subjects, by whom he is rather ador'd than belov'd: besides, 'tis _Saxony_ that furnishes him wherewithal to support his Dignity, and offers him every thing conducive to the Pleasures of a Great King; and it is there that he has a Court, the most brilliant in _Europe_, not only for its Splendor, but for Magnificence and Pleasures; whereas in _Poland_, he has only the vain Pageantry of Royalty; being under greater Limitations than any Sovereign in the World; so that the least Innovation, the least Act of Authority, makes the _Poles_ clamorous, and they presently think they are excused from paying him that Obedience which they owe him. All the Gentlemen here are their own Masters; and the Noblemen behave so much like Sovereigns, that they never go to Court but to demand Favours, which if they obtain, they go away ungrateful, and if they are deny'd, they retire with the Intention of taking a Revenge on the first Opportunity: For the Climate being rough, the People are fierce; and the King, tho' adored in _Saxony_, is scarce beloved in _Poland_.

The Electoral Prince, this King's only Son, is lusty, proper, and well made, and like the King his Father is adroit in all bodily Exercises. He loves Pleasure, but 'tis with Moderation, and is heartily attach'd to the Religion which he has embrac'd. He is stiff and reserved, without being haughty, which is a Temper that he derives from the late Queen his Mother[56], whom he very much resembles. To such as have the Honour of Access to him, and of being known to him, he is gracious, familiar and very civil. His Royal Highness has been admit'd for his good Qualities in a great part of _Europe_, particularly in _Germany_, _France_, and _Italy_, where he has spent several Years. No Son can have more respect to a Parent than he has for the King his Father, whose Will and Pleasure he never oppos'd in any one Instance; and whose Person he has always honour'd even in his Ministers. Of all Pleasures he seems to bestow most Time in Hunting; nevertheless he makes it only as an Amusement without being passionately fond of it. His Royal Highness's Confident is _Solckofski_ or _Sulkowski_[57], a _Polish_ Gentleman who was once his Page; and by thus making him his Favourite, for which he cannot but be applauded, he shews that he is capable of distinguishing true Merit. I had frequently the Honour of making my Compliments to this Prince while he was at _Paris_, and this is now the second time that I have had the same favour at _Dresden_, where I find he is the same gracious Personage as ever. The last time that I had the Honour of being introduc'd to him he talk'd a great deal to me about _Paris_, and when he dismiss'd me, he said he was sorry to think that _Dresden_ would not afford me so many Pleasures as _Paris_.

The same Day that I waited on the Prince, I was introduced to the Princess his Royal Highness's Consort, who is the late Emperor _Joseph_'s eldest Daughter. The Voice of the People is unanimous in the Character of this Princess. All Mankind agrees that she has not her superior for Good-nature, Piety, Charity, Modesty, and in a word for all, the Virtue of the Soul: To please her Husband, and to give her Children an Education suitable to their Birth, is her principal Endeavour. 'Tis rare to find a happier Couple than their Royal Highnesses; for Marriage, which generally cools the warmest Passions, seems on the contrary to have animated their reciprocal Affection to such a degree that they are a Pattern for the Imitation of their Court.

Their Royal Highnesses Children are so young that I shall say but little of them[58]. Their eldest Son very much resembles the Pictures that I have seen of the Emperor _Joseph_ when he was a Child. This young Prince seems to me to be of a very delicate Constitution, and has so great a Weakness in his Knees that he can scarce stand: The Physicians say it will go off as he grows up, but their Promises are no Gospel for me.

The two Princes of the Blood, who commonly reside at _Dresden_, are _John-Adolphus_ of _Saxe-Weissenfels_[59], a Prince of uncommon Merit, whose Sentiments and Actions are no disparagement to his Birth; and _Maurice-William_ of _Saxe-Zeits_, the last of his Branch. He was persuaded by his Uncle the late Cardinal _de Saxe-Zeits_ to abjure the _Lutheran_ Religion and to embrace the ecclesiastical State: He is Bishop of _Konigsgratz_ in _Bohemia_, Provost of _Alten Ottingen_ in _Bavaria_, and a Canon of _Cologne_, _Liege_, and _Aichstedt_, and is descended from such a Family that it may be presum'd, he will some day or other, be advanc'd to the Purple[60].

N. B. _What follows, is a more particular Account of the Electoral Family of +Saxony+, translated from the Baron's State of it; which is prefix'd to the second Edition of these +Memoirs+._

_Augustus_ III. King of _Poland_ Great Duke of _Lithuania_ and Elector of _Saxony_, was born the seventh of _October_ 1696. He is the only Son of _Augustus_ II. the last King of _Poland_ and of _Eberhardina_ of _Brandenbourg-Bareith_. His Grandmother, _Anne_ Princess Royal of _Denmark_, Widow of _John George_ the third Elector of _Saxony_, took care of him in his Infancy, and impress'd him with those Sentiments of Piety, Humanity, and Justice, which render him at this day the Darling of his People, and the Pattern of Kings.

At a proper Age, the King his Father took him out of the hands of the Women, and committed him to the Care of Monsieur _de Miltitz_, a Gentleman of a good Family; whom Learning, good Behaviour and solid Virtue render'd worthy of such an Employment.

The Prince, who always found Charms in Virtue, was sensible of the Merit of his Governor: He lov'd him, was inseparable from him, and receiv'd his Advice with a Docility, which, at his tender Age, was a presage he wou'd be possess'd of that Fund of Wisdom which now renders him worthy of his Throne.

While the young Prince was under the Conduct of the Women, God was pleas'd to touch the Heart of the late King his Father: That Monarch, who happen'd to be born a _Lutheran_, was converted to the _Roman_ Catholick Religion, and not long after elected King of _Poland_; and his Majesty being convinc'd of the Purity of the Religion which he had embrac'd, was inclin'd to make a Convert also of the Prince his Son. Nevertheless, such was the Respect the King had for her Royal Highness his Mother, that he was loth that august Princess shou'd be an Eye-witness of the young Prince's renouncing a Religion which she had taught him, and to which she was strenuously attach'd: He resolv'd therefore to remove him, and sent him to _Francfort_ to be present at the Coronation of the Emperor _Charles_ VI. His Companion in this Journey, was M. _de Miltitz_; but as this Gentleman's Attachment to _Luther_'s Doctrine made the King apprehensive that he wou'd thwart his Views, he recall'd him, and appointed the Count _de Costa_, and the Baron _de Hagen_, to be his Son's Governors.

The Count who was a _Polander_ and Palatine of _Livonia_, was not only of noble Birth, but a Gentleman of solid Piety, profound Learning, great Probity, and as much respected for his Principles as belov'd for his good Behaviour and Politeness.

The Baron _de Hagen_ was of a Family of some Distinction in the Electorate of _Triers_: He was Ambassador from the King at the Emperor's Election, and at his Coronation at _Francfort_: His Behaviour was more grave than the Count _de Costa_'s, but he was not inferior to the Count for Learning, Integrity, and good Sense.

Under the Conduct of these two Gentlemen, the Prince set out to visit a part of _Germany_ and _Italy_, where he embrac'd the _Roman_ Catholick Religion; his Profession of which, was however for a long time as private as it is now exemplary; for he did not declare his alteration of Religion 'till after the Death of her most Serene Highness his Grandmother, who died the first of _July_ 1717. During this the Prince made the Tour of _France_, where, tho' he travell'd under the Name of the Count _de Misnia_, _Lewis_ XIV. caus'd all the Honours to be paid to him which were due to the Son of a great King.

The Court of _France_ was charm'd with that Politeness, that noble Modesty, and that Fund of Wisdom which accompany'd this Prince's Actions and Conversation: They admir'd him and were sorry for his Departure. He travell'd a second time to _Italy_, where he acquired that fine Taste of Men and Things and that Knowledge of Architecture, Painting, and other curious Arts, which is so useful for great Princes. _Germany_, upon the return of this Prince, bless'd itself for having given him birth, and offer'd up Prayers that all its Princes might be like him. His Royal Highness stay'd a considerable while at _Vienna_, where he maintain'd the Reputation he had acquir'd in the several Countries he had seen. He returned at length to _Saxony_, where there was an universal Joy for his Arrival. The _Saxons_ were charm'd to see the Prince that was design'd by Heaven to be their Sovereign, so worthy of that Command. One day or other, they said, we shall lose the most righteous of Kings, and the best of Masters, but we shall find restor'd in his Son, his heroic Stature, his majestic Air, his Magnanimity, the same Temper for Goodness, Equity and Generosity; the Spirit of the great _Augustus_ will be always present with us; and all our Loss will be that of his Personal Appearance.

Not long after the Prince's Return to _Dresden_, _Augustus Christopher_ Count _de Wackerbarth_[61] treated at _Vienna_ for the Marriage of his Royal Highness to the most serene Archdutchess _Maria Josepha_, eldest Daughter of the late Emperor _Joseph_. The Count _de Flemming_, Prime Minister and Velt-Marshal of _Saxony_, solemnly demanded the most serene Archdutchess in Marriage; and the Prince repair'd to _Vienna_ to espouse her. The Ceremony was perform'd in the Chapel of _la Favorita_, with all the Pomp suitable to so great a Match. Some Days after this, their Royal Highnesses set out for _Dresden_, where they were receiv'd with an unparallell'd Magnificence. _Augustus_ II. the most splendid of Kings, and a Prince who had the best Fancy for ordering of Entertainments, outdid himself; he thought nothing too good for celebrating the Nuptials of his so worthy a Son, with a Princess whose Ancestors were all Emperors.

The Rejoicings having lasted forty Days, the King set out for his Kingdom, leaving the Prince Regent, as he always did whenever he went from his Electorate.

In 1726, the Prince himself took a Journey to _Poland_, to which Country he had once before accompanied the King his Father in 1711, but then made no long stay. There he won the Hearts of the chief Nobility, who from that moment thought him worthy of succeeding one day to their Governor, the Great _Augustus_. They were pleased to see, that he honour'd their Countryman, the Count _Sulkowski_, with his Confidence, and they thought it a happy Omen for their Nation, blessing their Stars, that the Prince distinguished Virtue in one born among themselves.

His Royal Highness being convinced that of all the Sums laid out by Princes, there are none less liable to censure than what they expend in Buildings, undertook that of _Wermsdorf_, which he afterwards call'd _Hubertsbourg_; and he finish'd that great Work in a little time, by the assistance of the King his Father: For, in short, it would have been impossible for his Royal Highness to have defray'd all the Expence of it himself. It was already very wonderful to see with what Prudence he directed his Finances. His Revenue being settled, his Expence was suitable to his Rank; he had a numerous Houshold, his Hunting Equipage was sumptuous, yet he did good to all that made their Necessity known to him; his Charities were truly Royal, every body was paid; the Noblemen and the Tradesmen receiv'd their Pensions and Salaries punctually; and his Accounts were so regularly kept and discharged by the Count _Sulkowski_, that the Prince was never in debt.

The Prince commonly spent the Season for hunting the Stag at _Hubertsbourg_, and employ'd the remainder of his time at _Dresden_, in all manner of Exercises, being admired in every Action, for the Grace, Strength, and Dexterity with which he perform'd it, as well as for the Sobriety and Regularity of his Manners; for he kept as regular Hours then, as he does now.

_Augustus_ III. never knew what it was to be idle or vicious. Such is his Chastity and Fidelity to his august Spouse, that he never gave her the least Reason so much as to suspect his Honour. He games only for amusement, and never plays so high that the loss of the Stake can put those out of temper who have the Honour to be of his Party. But of all the Virtues of _Augustus_ III. there is none, most certainly, which has made him more the Favourite of Heaven, than the inviolable Respect he always manifested for the King his Father, who tenderly lov'd him; and never was a Son, Heir to so powerful a Dominion, more affected for the loss of a Father, than he was when he heard of the death of his. His Affliction was impress'd deeply in his Countenance, when he receiv'd the homage of his capital City, at his first appearance in publick; and to this very day, he is ready to melt in tears at the sight of any Object that calls him to mind; for which reason the People of _Dresden_, rather than renew his Sorrow, forbear the mention of a King whom _Europe_ has plac'd in the Rank of its greatest Men.

Prince FREDERIC-AUGUSTUS, when he became Elector, did not alter his Manners, but retain'd the same Piety, the same Regularity. He kept most of the Servants of the late King his Father, and settled Pensions on those whom he thought fit to dismiss. His first Care, when he came to the Electorate, was to provide himself with Ministers, whose Candor and Sincerity were above Envy it self. For this purpose, he call'd to his Cabinet-Council, the Count _de Gabaleon-Wackerbarth-Salmour_, M. _de Baudissin_, the Count _Sulkowski_, and M. _de Bruhl_; to the two last of whom he committed the Direction of Affairs.

All _Saxony_ applauded this Choice, and doubted not of being very happy under the Reign of a Prince, who was capable of forming so true a Judgment of Persons for his Ministers. But what the _Saxons_ saw with extraordinary Satisfaction, was the sure Proof the King gave of his Gratitude and Esteem for Virtue, in recalling M. _de Miltitz_, heretofore his Governor, who for some Years past was retired to his Estate. This Gentleman wou'd fain have been excus'd from returning to Court, alledging his great Age, and his being a Stranger to Business; when his Majesty sent him word, that he requir'd no more at his hands than what his Health wou'd permit; that he knew his Probity, his Love for his Country, and his Attachment to himself; that therefore he was willing he shou'd be near his Person, and assist him with his Advice, which he knew wou'd be solid, by what he gave him when he had the charge of his Education. In this manner FREDERIC-AUGUSTUS, by the display of his Gratitude, an uncommon Virtue (especially among Princes) encourag'd his Courtiers to do what might also give them a Title to it.

These great Qualities procur'd him the Suffrages of the most judicious Part of the Republic of _Poland_ which chose him for King. His Majesty having sent the Count _de Gabaleon-Wackerbarth-Salmour_, and M. _Baudissin_ to _Warsaw_, with the Character of Plenipotentiaries, to take care of his Interests, these Ministers found the _Polish_ Lords very much divided: Foreign Gold, with the Intrigues, Cabals, and ensnaring Promises of a Minister who was lavish of it; all these had corrupted a great number of them, and others were oppress'd, and must undoubtedly have submitted to Violence, if they had not had a very great share of Courage and Love to their Country. God, who never abandons the Virtuous, was their Support and their Protector, as well as the Shield of the Plenipotentiaries, whose sacred Character could not guard them from all manner of Outrage. And tho' the Blood of the _Jagellons_, which flows in this Prince's Veins, tho' his being the Son of one of the greatest Kings that _Poland_ ever had, as well as his own Dignity of a Sovereign, ought to have procured him the Respect of all the _Poles_, yet every Person and Thing belonging to him at _Warsaw_, was maltreated. Such was, at that time, the unhappy Fate of _Poland_; Oppression and Tyranny having succeeded the glorious, mild, and peaceful Reign of _Augustus_ II.

Mean time, those generous Noblemen who had so bravely stood up in the defence of the Liberties and Honour of their Country, after having tried all their Efforts to reclaim their wandering Brethren, found they could not succeed, and therefore broke up; after which, they met in the very same Place where _Henry de Valois_ had been elected, and there they chose and proclaim'd AUGUSTUS Elector of _Saxony_, King of _Poland_. They then sent a Deputation to his Majesty, to intreat him to come immediately, with the Queen his Consort, to take possession of the Throne. The King comply'd with their Intreaty, and set out from _Dresden_, after having return'd solemn Thanks to God, the sovereign Disposer of Crowns, and of the Fortune of Kings.

In a few days the Queen followed the King, and overtook him at _Tarnovitz_, where their Majesties received the grand Deputation from _Poland_; and after giving them Audience, proceeded in their Journey towards _Cracow_. There the King made his Royal Entry on the 14th of _January_ 1734, and on the 17th of that Month, their Majesties were consecrated and crowned by _Lipsky_ the Bishop of that See.

Some time after this august Ceremony, which, in _Poland_, is absolutely necessary and essential for a King Elect, the Queen return'd to _Saxony_; but the King staid at _Cracow_, where he held a Diet, in which he made several Regulations for restoring the Tranquillity of the Kingdom. When the Diet was ended, his Majesty march'd towards _Dantzic_, which the _Russians_, his Allies, had invested, in order to drive out the Primate and his Adherents, who were retir'd thither.

But after a March of several Days, which the Severity of the Weather render'd very painful, his Majesty yielded to the Instances that were made to him from _Saxony_, to assist in Person at the opening of the Assembly of States which he was under a necessity of calling; and he returned to _Dresden_, where his Arrival caus'd an inexpressible Joy. Mean time the Army, under the Command of the Prince of _Saxe-Weissenfels_ continued its March towards _Dantzic_.

The King was accompanied by a great number of _Polish_ Noblemen, who finding themselves unable to oppose the Rage of the Primate's Party in their several Countries, came to seek shelter in _Saxony_, where his Majesty receiv'd them, and still entertains them, in a manner which cannot but convince them of his Gratitude, and give them greater Hopes of what Favours they may expect, when the Tranquillity of _Poland_ is restor'd.

The King, after his Return from _Cracow_, summon'd the States of his Electorate, and open'd the Assembly with the usual Ceremonies. He was seated on his Throne, accompanied by the chief Lords of his Court, as well the _Polish_ as _Saxons_. M. _de Miltitz_, his Privy Counsellor, sat on the Right-hand of the Throne; and, in the King's Name, made a Speech to the States, wherein he declared to them that his Majesty intended to make no Innovation in the Affairs of Religion, but to let his Protestant Subjects enjoy their Privileges, as they had been granted and confirm'd to them by the late King. Then they told him the Motives which had engag'd the King to call them together, and demanded the necessary Subsidies for defraying the extraordinary Expences which his Majesty had been necessarily involved in thro' the Calamities of the Time. M. _de Hesler_, Administrator of the Office of hereditary Marshal of _Saxony_, return'd an Answer in the Name of the States, and spoke with a Dignity, and all the Decorum due to so august an Assembly. He assur'd the King of the respectful and inviolable Fidelity and Attachment of his Subjects to his sacred Person. And in truth, 'tis impossible for a People to be better affected to their Sovereign, and more disposed to contribute to every thing that is capable of augmenting his Glory.

The King's voluntary Declaration to his States that he would make no Innovation in the Affairs of Religion, won the Hearts of his Subjects to such a degree, that there is not a _Saxon_ who would make any scruple to sacrifice his Life and Fortune for his Service. And the said Declaration does equal Honour to the Justice of the Monarch, and the Wisdom of his Ministers.

While the King was employ'd with his States in securing the Happiness and Tranquility of _Saxony_, his Majesty received Advice, that his Army, after having join'd the _Russians_, had obliged the _Dantzickers_ to surrender, and that the _Polish_ Lords of the contrary Party petition'd for leave to remove to some Place where they might pay him their homage. The King, in imitation of the great Emperor whose Name he bears, after having made a Conquest, thought, like him, of nothing more than to make those happy whom the Fortune of War had submitted to his Arms. His Majesty did not take any advantage of his Victory, but forgetting past Offences, repair'd to the Abbey of _Oliva_, near _Dantzic_, where he receiv'd the Submission of the _Dantzickers_, and the Allegiance of the Lords that were the Primate's Adherents. By his Modesty and Goodness, he charm'd the Vanquished, and convinc'd them of their Obligation to pay him that Esteem which before perhaps they did not think was their Duty to grant to him. The Greatness of his Soul, which inclines him to sympathize with the Misfortunes of the Unhappy, hinder'd him from entering _Dantzic_, the desolate State of that City being so afflicting a Scene to him, that he cou'd not bear to see it. The _Dantzickers_, by their submission, were become his Subjects; their present Misfortunes, and their past Mistakes, affected him to such a degree, that he was fearful of being put in mind of them, and refus'd to appear among them, crown'd with those Laurels which he had reap'd by their defeat. So much Modesty, worthy of the most glorious Triumph, gain'd him the Prayers of the People, in which his Majesty saw more Charms, than he wou'd have found in Trophies, and the most stately Triumphal Arches.

The King having provided for the pressing Necessities of his Kingdom, return'd to his Electorate, where the States continued their Deliberations ever since his Absence. Now that his Majesty is return'd, the Care of the State is almost his constant Employment. His Recreations are either taking the Air on horseback, Hunting, the _Italian_ Opera, or else going to Concerts, which the Queen, who is a great Lover of Music, causes to be perform'd in her own Apartment. Their Majesties generally dine together, and admit the Nobility of both Sexes to their Table.

There, the King observes that Temperance which so much becomes sovereign Princes. All his Hours, as has been already observ'd, are regulated; and all his Actions accompanied with Devotion, good Order, and Equity. Never did King better discharge that sacred Character; being always firm and tranquil, Danger cou'd never affright him. He accepted the Crown, tho' he saw he cou'd never fix it on his Head without infinite Pains, Peril, and Cares. The Advantage he had gain'd over his Enemies did not seem to have flush'd him; he was sorry he had not been able to reclaim them by gentle Methods, and ascribes the happy Success of his Arms solely to Providence.