Withtherapidityoflightninghewasonthespottorallyhisdiscomfitedtroops；andhispowerfulwordwasitselfsufficienttostoptheflightofthefugitives。Supportedbythreeregimentsofcavalry，thevanquishedbrigades，forminganew，facedtheenemy，andpressedvigorouslyintothebrokenranksoftheSwedes。Amurderousconflictensued。
Thenearnessoftheenemyleftnoroomforfire-arms，thefuryoftheattacknotimeforloading；manwasmatchedtoman，theuselessmusketexchangedfortheswordandpike，andsciencegavewaytodesperation。
Overpoweredbynumbers，theweariedSwedesatlastretirebeyondthetrenches；
andthecapturedbatteryisagainlostbytheretreat。
Athousandmangledbodiesalreadystrewedtheplain，andasyetnotasinglestepofgroundhadbeenwon。
Inthemeantime，theking’srightwing，ledbyhimself，hadfallenupontheenemy’sleft。ThefirstimpetuousshockoftheheavyFinlandcuirassiersdispersedthelightly-mountedPolesandCroats，whowerepostedhere，andtheirdisorderlyflightspreadterrorandconfusionamongtherestofthecavalry。Atthismomentnoticewasbroughttheking，thathisinfantrywereretreatingoverthetrenches，andalsothathisleftwing，exposedtoaseverefirefromtheenemy’scannonpostedatthewindmillswasbeginningtogiveway。WithrapiddecisionhecommittedtoGeneralHornthepursuitoftheenemy’sleft，whileheflew，attheheadoftheregimentofSteinbock，torepairthedisorderofhisrightwing。Hisnoblechargerborehimwiththevelocityoflightningacrossthetrenches，butthesquadronsthatfollowedcouldnotcomeonwiththesamespeed，andonlyafewhorsemen，amongwhomwasFrancisAlbert，DukeofSaxeLauenburg，wereabletokeepupwiththeking。Herodedirectlytotheplacewherehisinfantryweremostcloselypressed，andwhilehewasreconnoitringtheenemy’slineforanexposedpointofattack，theshortnessofhissightunfortunatelyledhimtooclosetotheirranks。
AnimperialGefreyter*，remarkingthateveryonerespectfullymadewayforhimasherodealong，immediatelyorderedamusketeertotakeaimathim。
\"Fireathimyonder，\"saidhe，\"thatmustbeamanofconsequence。\"
Thesoldierfired，andtheking’sleftarmwasshattered。Atthatmomenthissquadroncamehurryingup，andaconfusedcryof\"thekingbleeds！
thekingisshot！\"spreadterrorandconsternationthroughalltheranks。
\"Itisnothing——followme，\"criedtheking，collectinghiswholestrength；
butovercomebypain，andnearlyfainting，herequestedtheDukeofLauenburg，inFrench，toleadhimunobservedoutofthetumult。Whilethedukeproceededtowardstherightwingwiththeking，makingalongcircuittokeepthisdiscouragingsightfromthedisorderedinfantry，hismajestyreceivedasecondshotthroughtheback，whichdeprivedhimofhisremainingstrength。
\"Brother，\"saidhe，withadyingvoice，\"Ihaveenough！lookonlytoyourownlife。\"Atthesamemomenthefellfromhishorsepiercedbyseveralmoreshots；andabandonedbyallhisattendants，hebreathedhislastamidsttheplunderinghandsoftheCroats。
Hischarger，flyingwithoutitsrider，andcoveredwithblood，soonmadeknowntotheSwedishcavalrythefalloftheirking。
Theyrushedmadlyforwardtorescuehissacredremainsfromthehandsoftheenemy。Amurderousconflictensuedoverthebody，tillhismangledremainswereburiedbeneathaheapofslain——
*Gefreyter，apersonexemptfromwatchingduty，nearlycorrespondingtothecorporal——
ThemournfultidingssoonranthroughtheSwedisharmy；butinsteadofdestroyingthecourageofthesebravetroops，itbutexciteditintoanew，awild，andconsumingflame。Lifehadlessenedinvalue，nowthatthemostsacredlifeofallwasgone；deathhadnoterrorsforthelowlysincetheanointedheadwasnotspared。WiththefuryoflionstheUpland，Smaeland，Finland，EastandWestGothlandregimentsrushedasecondtimeupontheleftwingoftheenemy，which，alreadymakingbutfeebleresistancetoGeneralHorn，wasnowentirelybeatenfromthefield。Bernard，DukeofSaxe-Weimar，gavetothebereavedSwedesanobleleaderinhisownperson；andthespiritofGustavusledhisvictorioussquadronsanew。Theleftwingquicklyformedagain，andvigorouslypressedtherightoftheImperialists。Theartilleryatthewindmills，whichhadmaintainedsomurderousafireupontheSwedes，wascapturedandturnedagainsttheenemy。Thecentre，also，oftheSwedishinfantry，commandedbythedukeandKnyphausen，advancedasecondtimeagainstthetrenches，whichtheysuccessfullypassed，andretookthebatteryofsevencannons。Theattackwasnowrenewedwithredoubledfuryupontheheavybattalionsoftheenemy’scentre；
theirresistancebecamegraduallyless，andchanceconspiredwithSwedishvalourtocompletethedefeat。Theimperialpowder-waggonstookfire，and，withatremendousexplosion，grenadesandbombsfilledtheair。
Theenemy，nowinconfusion，thoughttheywereattackedintherear，whiletheSwedishbrigadespressedtheminfront。Theircouragebegantofailthem。Theirleftwingwasalreadybeaten，theirrightwavering，andtheirartilleryintheenemy’shands。Thebattleseemedtobealmostdecided；anothermomentwoulddecidethefateoftheday，whenPappenheimappearedonthefield，withhiscuirassiersanddragoons；
alltheadvantagesalreadygainedwerelost，andthebattlewastobefoughtanew。
TheorderwhichrecalledthatgeneraltoLutzenhadreachedhiminHalle，whilehistroopswerestillplunderingthetown。Itwasimpossibletocollectthescatteredinfantrywiththatrapidity，whichtheurgencyoftheorder，andPappenheim’simpatiencerequired。Withoutwaitingforit，therefore，heorderedeightregimentsofcavalrytomount；andattheirheadhegallopedatfullspeedforLutzen，toshareinthebattle。
Hearrivedintimetowitnesstheflightoftheimperialrightwing，whichGustavusHornwasdrivingfromthefield，andtobeatfirstinvolvedintheirrout。Butwithrapidpresenceofmindheralliedtheflyingtroops，andledthemoncemoreagainsttheenemy。
Carriedawaybyhiswildbravery，andimpatienttoencountertheking，whohesupposedwasattheheadofthiswing，heburstfuriouslyupontheSwedishranks，which，exhaustedbyvictory，andinferiorinnumbers，were，afteranobleresistance，overpoweredbythisfreshbodyofenemies。
Pappenheim’sunexpectedappearancerevivedthedroopingcourageoftheImperialists，andtheDukeofFriedlandquicklyavailedhimselfofthefavourablemomenttore-formhisline。ThecloselyserriedbattalionsoftheSwedeswere，afteratremendousconflict，againdrivenacrossthetrenches；andthebattery，whichhadbeentwicelost，againrescuedfromtheirhands。Thewholeyellowregiment，thefinestofallthatdistinguishedthemselvesinthisdreadfulday，laydeadonthefield，coveringthegroundalmostinthesameexcellentorderwhich，whenalive，theymaintainedwithsuchunyieldingcourage。ThesamefatebefelanotherregimentofBlues，whichCountPiccolominiattackedwiththeimperialcavalry，andcutdownafteradesperatecontest。
Seventimesdidthisintrepidgeneralrenewtheattack；sevenhorseswereshotunderhim，andhehimselfwaspiercedwithsixmusketballs；
yethewouldnotleavethefield，untilhewascarriedalonginthegeneralroutofthewholearmy。Wallensteinhimselfwasseenridingthroughhisrankswithcoolintrepidity，amidstashowerofballs，assistingthedistressed，encouragingthevaliantwithpraise，andthewaveringbyhisfearfulglance。Aroundandclosebyhimhismenwerefallingthick，andhisownmantlewasperforatedbyseveralshots。Butavengingdestinythisdayprotectedthatbreast，forwhichanotherweaponwasreserved；onthesamefieldwherethenobleGustavusexpired，Wallensteinwasnotallowedtoterminatehisguiltycareer。
LessfortunatewasPappenheim，theTelamonofthearmy，thebravestsoldierofAustriaandthechurch。Anardentdesiretoencounterthekinginperson，carriedthisdaringleaderintothethickestofthefight，wherehethoughthisnobleopponentwasmostsurelytobemet。
Gustavushadalsoexpressedawishtomeethisbraveantagonist，butthesehostilewishesremainedungratified；deathfirstbroughttogetherthesetwogreatheroes。Twomusket-ballspiercedthebreastofPappenheim；
andhismenforciblycarriedhimfromthefield。Whiletheywereconveyinghimtotherear，amurmurreachedhim，thathewhomhehadsought，laydeadupontheplain。Whenthetruthofthereportwasconfirmedtohim，hislookbecamebrighter，hisdyingeyesparkledwithalastgleamofjoy。
\"TelltheDukeofFriedland，\"saidhe，\"thatIliewithouthopeoflife，butthatIdiehappy，sinceIknowthattheimplacableenemyofmyreligionhasfallenonthesameday。\"
WithPappenheim，thegoodfortuneoftheImperialistsdeparted。
Thecavalryoftheleftwing，alreadybeaten，andonlyralliedbyhisexertions，nosoonermissedtheirvictoriousleader，thantheygaveupeverythingforlost，andabandonedthefieldofbattleinspiritlessdespair。Therightwingfellintothesameconfusion，withtheexceptionofafewregiments，whichthebraveryoftheircolonelsGotz，Terzky，Colloredo，andPiccolomini，compelledtokeeptheirground。
TheSwedishinfantry，withpromptdetermination，profitedbytheenemy’sconfusion。Tofillupthegapswhichdeathhadmadeinthefrontline，theyformedbothlinesintoone，andwithitmadethefinalanddecisivecharge。Athirdtimetheycrossedthetrenches，andathirdtimetheycapturedthebattery。Thesunwassettingwhenthetwolinesclosed。Thestrifegrewhotterasitdrewtoanend；
thelasteffortsofstrengthweremutuallyexerted，andskillandcouragedidtheirutmosttorepairinthesepreciousmomentsthefortuneoftheday。
Itwasinvain；despairendowseveryonewithsuperhumanstrength；
noonecanconquer，noonewillgiveway。Theartofwarseemedtoexhaustitspowersononeside，onlytounfoldsomenewanduntriedmasterpieceofskillontheother。
Nightanddarknessatlastputanendtothefight，beforethefuryofthecombatantswasexhausted；andthecontestonlyceased，whennoonecouldanylongerfindanantagonist。Botharmiesseparated，asifbytacitagreement；thetrumpetssounded，andeachpartyclaimingthevictory，quittedthefield。
Theartilleryonbothsides，asthehorsescouldnotbefound，remainedallnightuponthefield，atoncetherewardandtheevidenceofvictorytohimwhoshouldholdit。Wallenstein，inhishastetoleaveLeipzigandSaxony，forgottoremovehispart。
Notlongafterthebattlewasended，Pappenheim’sinfantry，whohadbeenunabletofollowtherapidmovementsoftheirgeneral，andwhoamountedtosixregiments，marchedonthefield，buttheworkwasdone。Afewhoursearlier，soconsiderableareinforcementwouldperhapshavedecidedthedayinfavouroftheImperialists；
and，evennow，byremainingonthefield，theymighthavesavedtheduke’sartillery，andmadeaprizeofthatoftheSwedes。
Buttheyhadreceivednoorderstoact；and，uncertainastotheissueofthebattle，theyretiredtoLeipzig，wheretheyhopedtojointhemainbody。
TheDukeofFriedlandhadretreatedthither，andwasfollowedonthemorrowbythescatteredremainsofhisarmy，withoutartillery，withoutcolours，andalmostwithoutarms。TheDukeofWeimar，itappears，afterthetoilsofthisbloodyday，allowedtheSwedisharmysomerepose，betweenLutzenandWeissenfels，nearenoughtothefieldofbattletoopposeanyattempttheenemymightmaketorecoverit。
Ofthetwoarmies，morethan9，000menlaydead；astillgreaternumberwerewounded，andamongtheImperialists，scarcelyamanescapedfromthefielduninjured。TheentireplainfromLutzentotheCanalwasstrewedwiththewounded，thedying，andthedead。
Manyoftheprincipalnobilityhadfallenonbothsides。
EventheAbbotofFulda，whohadmingledinthecombatasaspectator，paidforhiscuriosityandhisill-timedzealwithhislife。
Historysaysnothingofprisoners；afurtherproofoftheanimosityofthecombatants，whoneithergavenortookquarter。
PappenheimdiedthenextdayofhiswoundsatLeipzig；anirreparablelosstotheimperialarmy，whichthisbravewarriorhadsooftenledontovictory。
ThebattleofPrague，where，togetherwithWallenstein，hewaspresentascolonel，wasthebeginningofhisheroiccareer。Dangerouslywounded，withafewtroops，hemadeanimpetuousattackonaregimentoftheenemy，andlayforseveralhoursmixedwiththedeaduponthefield，beneaththeweightofhishorse，tillhewasdiscoveredbysomeofhisownmeninplundering。Withasmallforcehedefeated，inthreedifferentengagements，therebelsinUpperAustria，though40，000strong。AtthebattleofLeipzig，heforalongtimedelayedthedefeatofTillybyhisbravery，andledthearmsoftheEmperorontheElbeandtheWesertovictory。Thewildimpetuousfireofhistemperament，whichnodanger，howeverapparent，couldcool，orimpossibilitiescheck，madehimthemostpowerfularmoftheimperialforce，butunfittedhimforactingatitshead。
ThebattleofLeipzig，ifTillymaybebelieved，waslostthroughhisrashardour。AtthedestructionofMagdeburg，hishandsweredeeplysteepedinblood；warrenderedsavageandferocioushisdisposition，whichhadbeencultivatedbyyouthfulstudiesandvarioustravels。Onhisforehead，tworedstreaks，likeswords，wereperceptible，withwhichnaturehadmarkedhimathisverybirth。
Eveninhislateryears，thesebecamevisible，asoftenashisbloodwasstirredbypassion；andsuperstitioneasilypersuadeditself，thatthefuturedestinyofthemanwasthusimpressedupontheforeheadofthechild。AsafaithfulservantoftheHouseofAustria，hehadthestrongestclaimsonthegratitudeofbothitslines，buthedidnotsurvivetoenjoythemostbrilliantproofoftheirregard。
AmessengerwasalreadyonhiswayfromMadrid，bearingtohimtheorderoftheGoldenFleece，whendeathovertookhimatLeipzig。
ThoughTeDeum，inallSpanishandAustrianlands，wassunginhonourofavictory，Wallensteinhimself，bythehastewithwhichhequittedLeipzig，andsoonafterallSaxony，andbyrenouncinghisoriginaldesignoffixingtherehiswinterquarters，openlyconfessedhisdefeat。
Itistruehemadeonemorefeebleattempttodispute，eveninhisflight，thehonourofvictory，bysendingouthisCroatsnextmorningtothefield；
butthesightoftheSwedisharmydrawnupinorderofbattle，immediatelydispersedtheseflyingbands，andDukeBernard，bykeepingpossessionofthefield，andsoonafterbythecaptureofLeipzig，maintainedindisputablyhisclaimtothetitleofvictor。
Butitwasadearconquest，adearertriumph！Itwasnottillthefuryofthecontestwasover，thatthefullweightofthelosssustainedwasfelt，andtheshoutoftriumphdiedawayintoasilentgloomofdespair。
He，whohadledthemtothecharge，returnednotwiththem；
therehelayuponthefieldwhichhehadwon，mingledwiththedeadbodiesofthecommoncrowd。Afteralongandalmostfruitlesssearch，thecorpseofthekingwasdiscovered，notfarfromthegreatstone，which，forahundredyearsbefore，hadstoodbetweenLutzenandtheCanal，andwhich，fromthememorabledisasterofthatday，stillbearsthenameoftheStoneoftheSwede。Coveredwithbloodandwounds，soasscarcelytoberecognised，trampledbeneaththehorses’hoofs，strippedbytherudehandsofplunderersofitsornamentsandclothes，hisbodywasdrawnfrombeneathaheapofdead，conveyedtoWeissenfels，andtheredelivereduptothelamentationsofhissoldiers，andthelastembracesofhisqueen。Thefirsttributehadbeenpaidtorevenge，andbloodhadatonedforthebloodofthemonarch；
butnowaffectionassumesitsrights，andtearsofgriefmustflowfortheman。Theuniversalsorrowabsorbsallindividualwoes。
Thegenerals，stillstupefiedbytheunexpectedblow，stoodspeechlessandmotionlessaroundhisbier，andnoonetrustedhimselfenoughtocontemplatethefullextentoftheirloss。
TheEmperor，wearetoldbyKhevenhuller，showedsymptomsofdeep，andapparentlysincerefeeling，atthesightoftheking’sdoubletstainedwithblood，whichhadbeenstrippedfromhimduringthebattle，andcarriedtoVienna。\"Willingly，\"saidhe，\"wouldIhavegrantedtotheunfortunateprincealongerlife，andasafereturntohiskingdom，hadGermanybeenatpeace。\"Butwhenatrait，whichisnothingmorethanaproofofayetlingeringhumanity，andwhichamereregardtoappearancesandevenself-love，wouldhaveextortedfromthemostinsensible，andtheabsenceofwhichcouldexistonlyinthemostinhumanheart，has，byaRomanCatholicwriterofmoderntimesandacknowledgedmerit，beenmadethesubjectofthehighesteulogium，andcomparedwiththemagnanimoustearsofAlexander，forthefallofDarius，ourdistrustisexcitedoftheothervirtuesofthewriter’shero，andwhatisstillworse，ofhisownideasofmoraldignity。
Butevensuchpraise，whateveritsamount，ismuchforone，whosememoryhisbiographerhastoclearfromthesuspicionofbeingprivytotheassassinationofaking。
Itwasscarcelytobeexpected，thatthestrongleaningofmankindtothemarvellous，wouldleavetothecommoncourseofnaturethegloryofendingthecareerofGustavusAdolphus。
ThedeathofsoformidablearivalwastooimportantaneventfortheEmperor，nottoexciteinhisbitteropponentareadysuspicion，thatwhatwassomuchtohisinterests，wasalsotheresultofhisinstigation。
Fortheexecution，however，ofthisdarkdeed，theEmperorwouldrequiretheaidofaforeignarm，andthisitwasgenerallybelievedhehadfoundinFrancisAlbert，DukeofSaxeLauenburg。Therankofthelatterpermittedhimafreeaccesstotheking’sperson，whileitatthesametimeseemedtoplacehimabovethesuspicionofsofouladeed。Thisprince，however，wasinfactnotincapableofthisatrocity，andhehadmoreoversufficientmotivesforitscommission。
FrancisAlbert，theyoungestoffoursonsofFrancisII，DukeofLauenburg，andrelatedbythemother’ssidetotheraceofVasa，had，inhisearlyyears，foundamostfriendlyreceptionattheSwedishcourt。SomeoffencewhichhehadcommittedagainstGustavusAdolphus，inthequeen’schamber，was，itissaid，repaidbythisfieryyouthwithaboxontheear；
which，thoughimmediatelyrepentedof，andamplyapologizedfor，laidthefoundationofanirreconcileablehateinthevindictiveheartoftheduke。FrancisAlbertsubsequentlyenteredtheimperialservice，whereherosetothecommandofaregiment，andformedacloseintimacywithWallenstein，andcondescendedtobetheinstrumentofasecretnegociationwiththeSaxoncourt，whichdidlittlehonourtohisrank。Withoutanysufficientcausebeingassigned，hesuddenlyquittedtheAustrianservice，andappearedintheking’scampatNuremberg，toofferhisservicesasavolunteer。ByhisshowofzealfortheProtestantcause，andprepossessingandflatteringdeportment，hegainedtheheartoftheking，who，warnedinvainbyOxenstiern，continuedtolavishhisfavourandfriendshiponthissuspiciousnewcomer。
ThebattleofLutzensoonfollowed，inwhichFrancisAlbert，likeanevilgenius，keptclosetotheking’ssideanddidnotleavehimtillhefell。Heowed，itwasthought，hisownsafetyamidstthefireoftheenemy，toagreensashwhichhewore，thecolouroftheImperialists。
HewasatanyratethefirsttoconveytohisfriendWallensteintheintelligenceoftheking’sdeath。Afterthebattle，heexchangedtheSwedishservicefortheSaxon；and，afterthemurderofWallenstein，beingchargedwithbeinganaccompliceofthatgeneral，heonlyescapedtheswordofjusticebyabjuringhisfaith。
HislastappearanceinlifewasascommanderofanimperialarmyinSilesia，wherehediedofthewoundshehadreceivedbeforeSchweidnitz。
Itrequiressomeefforttobelieveintheinnocenceofaman，whohadrunthroughacareerlikethis，oftheactchargedagainsthim；
but，howevergreatmaybethemoralandphysicalpossibilityofhiscommittingsuchacrime，itmuststillbeallowedthattherearenocertaingroundsforimputingittohim。GustavusAdolphus，itiswellknown，exposedhimselftodanger，likethemeanestsoldierinhisarmy，andwherethousandsfell，he，too，mightnaturallymeethisdeath。
Howitreachedhim，remainsindeedburiedinmystery；buthere，morethananywhere，doesthemaximapply，thatwheretheordinarycourseofthingsisfullysufficienttoaccountforthefact，thehonourofhumannatureoughtnottobestainedbyanysuspicionofmoralatrocity。
Butbywhateverhandhefell，hisextraordinarydestinymustappearagreatinterpositionofProvidence。History，toooftenconfinedtotheungratefultaskofanalyzingtheuniformplayofhumanpassions，isoccasionallyrewardedbytheappearanceofevents，whichstrikelikeahandfromheaven，intothenicelyadjustedmachineryofhumanplans，andcarrythecontemplativemindtoahigherorderofthings。Ofthiskind，isthesuddenretirementofGustavusAdolphusfromthescene；——
stoppingforatimethewholemovementofthepoliticalmachine，anddisappointingallthecalculationsofhumanprudence。Yesterday，theverysoul，thegreatandanimatingprincipleofhisowncreation；
to-day，struckunpitiablytothegroundintheverymidstofhiseagleflight；
untimelytornfromawholeworldofgreatdesigns，andfromtheripeningharvestofhisexpectations，helefthisbereavedpartydisconsolate；
andtheproudedificeofhispastgreatnesssunkintoruins。
TheProtestantpartyhadidentifieditshopeswithitsinvincibleleader，andscarcelycanitnowseparatethemfromhim；withhim，theynowfearallgoodfortuneisburied。ButitwasnolongerthebenefactorofGermanywhofellatLutzen:thebeneficentpartofhiscareer，GustavusAdolphushadalreadyterminated；andnowthegreatestservicewhichhecouldrendertothelibertiesofGermanywas——todie。
Theall-engrossingpowerofanindividualwasatanend，butmanycameforwardtoessaytheirstrength；theequivocalassistanceofanover-powerfulprotector，gaveplacetoamorenobleself-exertiononthepartoftheEstates；andthosewhowereformerlythemereinstrumentsofhisaggrandizement，nowbegantoworkforthemselves。
Theynowlookedtotheirownexertionsfortheemancipation，whichcouldnotbereceivedwithoutdangerfromthehandofthemighty；
andtheSwedishpower，nowincapableofsinkingintotheoppressor，washenceforthrestrictedtothemoremodestpartofanally。
TheambitionoftheSwedishmonarchaspiredunquestionablytoestablishapowerwithinGermany，andtoattainafirmfootinginthecentreoftheempire，whichwasinconsistentwiththelibertiesoftheEstates。
Hisaimwastheimperialcrown；andthisdignity，supportedbyhispower，andmaintainedbyhisenergyandactivity，wouldinhishandsbeliabletomoreabusethanhadeverbeenfearedfromtheHouseofAustria。
Borninaforeigncountry，educatedinthemaximsofarbitrarypower，andbyprinciplesandenthusiasmadeterminedenemytoPopery，hewasillqualifiedtomaintaininviolatetheconstitutionoftheGermanStates，ortorespecttheirliberties。ThecoercivehomagewhichAugsburg，withmanyothercities，wasforcedtopaytotheSwedishcrown，bespoketheconqueror，ratherthantheprotectoroftheempire；andthistown，prouderofthetitleofaroyalcity，thanofthehigherdignityofthefreedomoftheempire，flattereditselfwiththeanticipationofbecomingthecapitalofhisfuturekingdom。
Hisill-disguisedattemptsupontheElectorateofMentz，whichhefirstintendedtobestowupontheElectorofBrandenburg，asthedowerofhisdaughterChristina，andafterwardsdestinedforhischancellorandfriendOxenstiern，evincedplainlywhatlibertieshewasdisposedtotakewiththeconstitutionoftheempire。Hisallies，theProtestantprinces，hadclaimsonhisgratitude，whichcouldbesatisfiedonlyattheexpenseoftheirRomanCatholicneighbours，andparticularlyoftheimmediateEcclesiasticalChapters；anditseemsprobableaplanwasearlyformedfordividingtheconqueredprovinces，(aftertheprecedentofthebarbarianhordeswhooverrantheGermanempire，)
asacommonspoil，amongtheGermanandSwedishconfederates。
InhistreatmentoftheElectorPalatine，heentirelybeliedthemagnanimityofthehero，andforgotthesacredcharacterofaprotector。ThePalatinatewasinhishands，andtheobligationsbothofjusticeandhonourdemandeditsfullandimmediaterestorationtothelegitimatesovereign。
But，byasubtletyunworthyofagreatmind，anddisgracefultothehonourabletitleofprotectoroftheoppressed，heeludedthatobligation。
HetreatedthePalatinateasaconquestwrestedfromtheenemy，andthoughtthatthiscircumstancegavehimarighttodealwithitashepleased。HesurrenderedittotheElectorasafavour，notasadebt；
andthat，too，asaSwedishfief，fetteredbyconditionswhichdiminishedhalfitsvalue，anddegradedthisunfortunateprinceintoahumblevassalofSweden。OneoftheseconditionsobligedtheElector，aftertheconclusionofthewar，tofurnish，alongwiththeotherprinces，hiscontributiontowardsthemaintenanceoftheSwedisharmy，aconditionwhichplainlyindicatesthefatewhich，intheeventoftheultimatesuccessoftheking，awaitedGermany。
HissuddendisappearancesecuredthelibertiesofGermany，andsavedhisreputation，whileitprobablysparedhimthemortificationofseeinghisownalliesinarmsagainsthim，andallthefruitsofhisvictoriestornfromhimbyadisadvantageouspeace。
Saxonywasalreadydisposedtoabandonhim，Denmarkviewedhissuccesswithalarmandjealousy；andevenFrance，thefirmestandmostpotentofhisallies，terrifiedattherapidgrowthofhispowerandtheimperioustonewhichheassumed，lookedaroundattheverymomenthepasttheLech，forforeignalliances，inordertochecktheprogressoftheGoths，andrestoretoEuropethebalanceofpower。
BookIV。
Theweakbondofunion，bywhichGustavusAdolphuscontrivedtoholdtogethertheProtestantmembersoftheempire，wasdissolvedbyhisdeath:
theallieswerenowagainatliberty，andtheiralliance，tolast，mustbeformedanew。Bytheformerevent，ifunremedied，theywouldlosealltheadvantagestheyhadgainedatthecostofsomuchbloodshed，andexposethemselvestotheinevitabledangerofbecomingoneaftertheotherthepreyofanenemy，whom，bytheirunionalone，theyhadbeenabletoopposeandtomaster。NeitherSweden，noranyofthestatesoftheempire，wassinglyamatchwiththeEmperorandtheLeague；and，byseekingapeaceunderthepresentstateofthings，theywouldnecessarilybeobligedtoreceivelawsfromtheenemy。Unionwas，therefore，equallyindispensable，eitherforconcludingapeaceorcontinuingthewar。Butapeace，soughtunderthepresentcircumstances，couldnotfailtobedisadvantageoustothealliedpowers。WiththedeathofGustavusAdolphus，theenemyhadformednewhopes；andhowevergloomymightbethesituationofhisaffairsafterthebattleofLutzen，stillthedeathofhisdreadedrivalwasaneventtoodisastroustotheallies，andtoofavourablefortheEmperor，nottojustifyhiminentertainingthemostbrilliantexpectations，andnottoencouragehimtotheprosecutionofthewar。Itsinevitableconsequence，forthemomentatleast，mustbewantofunionamongtheallies，andwhatmightnottheEmperorandtheLeaguegainfromsuchadivisionoftheirenemies？Hewasnotlikelytosacrificesuchprospects，asthepresentturnofaffairsheldouttohim，foranypeace，nothighlybeneficialtohimself；andsuchapeacetheallieswouldnotbedisposedtoaccept。Theynaturallydetermined，therefore，tocontinuethewar，andforthispurpose，themaintenanceoftheexistingunionwasacknowledgedtobeindispensable。
Buthowwasthisuniontoberenewed？andwhenceweretobederivedthenecessarymeansforcontinuingthewar？ItwasnotthepowerofSweden，butthetalentsandpersonalinfluenceofitslateking，whichhadgivenhimsooverwhelminganinfluenceinGermany，sogreatacommandoverthemindsofmen；andevenhehadinnumerabledifficultiestoovercome，beforehecouldestablishamongthestatesevenaweakandwaveringalliance。Withhisdeathvanishedall，whichhispersonalqualitiesalonehadrenderedpracticable；
andthemutualobligationofthestatesseemedtoceasewiththehopesonwhichithadbeenfounded。Severalimpatientlythrewofftheyokewhichhadalwaysbeenirksome；othershastenedtoseizethehelmwhichtheyhadunwillinglyseeninthehandsofGustavus，butwhich，duringhislifetime，theydidnotdaretodisputewithhim。
Someweretempted，bytheseductivepromisesoftheEmperor，toabandonthealliance；others，oppressedbytheheavyburdensofafourteenyears’war，longedforthereposeofpeace，uponanyconditions，howeverruinous。Thegeneralsofthearmy，partlyGermanprinces，acknowledgednocommonhead，andnoonewouldstooptoreceiveordersfromanother。
Unanimityvanishedalikefromthecabinetandthefield，andtheircommonwealwasthreatenedwithruin，bythespiritofdisunion。
GustavushadleftnomaleheirtothecrownofSweden:
hisdaughterChristina，thensixyearsold，wasthenaturalheir。
Theunavoidableweaknessofaregency，suitedillwiththatenergyandresolution，whichSwedenwouldbecalledupontodisplayinthistryingconjuncture。ThewidereachingmindofGustavusAdolphushadraisedthisunimportant，andhithertounknownkingdom，toarankamongthepowersofEurope，whichitcouldnotretainwithoutthefortuneandgeniusofitsauthor，andfromwhichitcouldnotrecede，withoutahumiliatingconfessionofweakness。
ThoughtheGermanwarhadbeenconductedchieflyontheresourcesofGermany，yeteventhesmallcontributionofmenandmoney，whichSwedenfurnished，hadsufficedtoexhaustthefinancesofthatpoorkingdom，andthepeasantrygroanedbeneaththeimpostsnecessarilylaiduponthem。
TheplundergainedinGermanyenrichedonlyafewindividuals，amongthenoblesandthesoldiers，whileSwedenitselfremainedpoorasbefore。Foratime，itistrue，thenationalgloryreconciledthesubjecttotheseburdens，andthesumsexacted，seemedbutasaloanplacedatinterest，inthefortunatehandofGustavusAdolphus，toberichlyrepaidbythegratefulmonarchattheconclusionofagloriouspeace。Butwiththeking’sdeaththishopevanished，andthedeludedpeoplenowloudlydemandedrelieffromtheirburdens。
ButthespiritofGustavusAdolphusstilllivedinthementowhomhehadconfidedtheadministrationofthekingdom。Howeverdreadfultothem，andunexpected，wastheintelligenceofhisdeath，itdidnotdeprivethemoftheirmanlycourage；andthespiritofancientRome，undertheinvasionofBrennusandHannibal，animatedthisnobleassembly。
Thegreatertheprice，atwhichthesehard-gainedadvantageshadbeenpurchased，thelessreadilycouldtheyreconcilethemselvestorenouncethem:notunrevengedwasakingtobesacrificed。
Calledontochoosebetweenadoubtfulandexhaustingwar，andaprofitablebutdisgracefulpeace，theSwedishcouncilofstateboldlyespousedthesideofdangerandhonour；andwithagreeablesurprise，menbeheldthisvenerablesenateactingwithalltheenergyandenthusiasmofyouth。Surroundedwithwatchfulenemies，bothwithinandwithout，andthreatenedoneverysidewithdanger，theyarmedthemselvesagainstthemall，withequalprudenceandheroism，andlabouredtoextendtheirkingdom，evenatthemomentwhentheyhadtostruggleforitsexistence。
Thedeceaseoftheking，andtheminorityofhisdaughterChristina，renewedtheclaimsofPolandtotheSwedishthrone；andKingLadislaus，thesonofSigismund，sparednointriguestogainapartyinSweden。
Onthisground，theregencylostnotimeinproclaimingtheyoungqueen，andarrangingtheadministrationoftheregency。Alltheofficersofthekingdomweresummonedtodohomagetotheirnewprincess；
allcorrespondencewithPolandprohibited，andtheedictsofpreviousmonarchsagainsttheheirsofSigismund，confirmedbyasolemnactofthenation。
ThealliancewiththeCzarofMuscovywascarefullyrenewed，inorder，bythearmsofthisprince，tokeepthehostilePolesincheck。
ThedeathofGustavusAdolphushadputanendtothejealousyofDenmark，andremovedthegroundsofalarmwhichhadstoodinthewayofagoodunderstandingbetweenthetwostates。TherepresentationsbywhichtheenemysoughttostirupChristianIV。againstSwedenwerenolongerlistenedto；andthestrongwishtheDanishmonarchentertainedforthemarriageofhissonUlrickwiththeyoungprincess，combined，withthedictatesofasounderpolicy，toinclinehimtoaneutrality。
Atthesametime，England，Holland，andFrancecameforwardwiththegratifyingassurancestotheregencyofcontinuedfriendshipandsupport，andencouragedthem，withonevoice，toprosecutewithactivitythewar，whichhithertohadbeenconductedwithsomuchglory。
WhateverreasonFrancemighthavetocongratulateitselfonthedeathoftheSwedishconqueror，itwasasfullysensibleoftheexpediencyofmaintainingthealliancewithSweden。
Withoutexposingitselftogreatdanger，itcouldnotallowthepowerofSwedentosinkinGermany。Wantofresourcesofitsown，wouldeitherdriveSwedentoconcludeahastyanddisadvantageouspeacewithAustria，andthenallthepasteffortstolowertheascendancyofthisdangerouspowerwouldbethrownaway；ornecessityanddespairwoulddrivethearmiestoextortfromtheRomanCatholicstatesthemeansofsupport，andFrancewouldthenberegardedasthebetrayerofthoseverystates，whohadplacedthemselvesunderherpowerfulprotection。
ThedeathofGustavus，farfrombreakingupthealliancebetweenFranceandSweden，hadonlyrendereditmorenecessaryforboth，andmoreprofitableforFrance。Now，forthefirsttime，sincehewasdeadwhohadstretchedhisprotectingarmoverGermany，andguardeditsfrontiersagainsttheencroachingdesignsofFrance，couldthelattersafelypursueitsdesignsuponAlsace，andthusbeenabledtosellitsaidtotheGermanProtestantsatadearerrate。
Strengthenedbythesealliances，securedinitsinterior，anddefendedfromwithoutbystrongfrontiergarrisonsandfleets，theregencydidnotdelayaninstanttocontinueawar，bywhichSwedenhadlittleofitsowntolose，while，ifsuccessattendeditsarms，oneormoreoftheGermanprovincesmightbewon，eitherasaconquest，orindemnificationofitsexpenses。Secureamidstitsseas，Sweden，evenifdrivenoutofGermany，wouldscarcelybeexposedtogreaterperil，thanifitvoluntarilyretiredfromthecontest，whiletheformermeasurewasashonourable，asthelatterwasdisgraceful。Themoreboldnesstheregencydisplayed，themoreconfidencewouldtheyinspireamongtheirconfederates，themorerespectamongtheirenemies，andthemorefavourableconditionsmighttheyanticipateintheeventofpeace。Iftheyfoundthemselvestooweaktoexecutethewide-rangingprojectsofGustavus，theyatleastowedittothisloftymodeltodotheirutmost，andtoyieldtonodifficultyshortofabsolutenecessity。
Alas，thatmotivesofself-interesthadtoogreatashareinthisnobledetermination，todemandourunqualifiedadmiration！
Forthosewhohadnothingthemselvestosufferfromthecalamitiesofwar，butwererathertobeenrichedbyit，itwasaneasymattertoresolveuponitscontinuation；fortheGermanempirewas，intheend，todefraytheexpenses；andtheprovincesonwhichtheyreckoned，wouldbecheaplypurchasedwiththefewtroopstheysacrificedtothem，andwiththegeneralswhowereplacedattheheadofarmies，composedforthemostpartofGermans，andwiththehonourablesuperintendenceofalltheoperations，bothmilitaryandpolitical。
ButthissuperintendencewasirreconcileablewiththedistanceoftheSwedishregencyfromthesceneofaction，andwiththeslownesswhichnecessarilyaccompaniesallthemovementsofacouncil。
ToonecomprehensivemindmustbeintrustedthemanagementofSwedishinterestsinGermany，andwithfullpowerstodetermineatdiscretionallquestionsofwarandpeace，thenecessaryalliances，ortheacquisitionsmade。Withdictatorialpower，andwiththewholeinfluenceofthecrownwhichhewastorepresent，mustthisimportantmagistratebeinvested，inordertomaintainitsdignity，toenforceunitedandcombinedoperations，togiveeffecttohisorders，andtosupplytheplaceofthemonarchwhomhesucceeded。
SuchamanwasfoundintheChancellorOxenstiern，thefirstminister，andwhatismore，thefriendofthedeceasedking，who，acquaintedwithallthesecretsofhismaster，versedinthepoliticsofGermany，andintherelationsofallthestatesofEurope，wasunquestionablythefittestinstrumenttocarryouttheplansofGustavusAdolphusintheirfullextent。
OxenstiernwasonhiswaytoUpperGermany，inordertoassemblethefourUpperCircles，whenthenewsoftheking’sdeathreachedhimatHanau。Thiswasaheavyblow，bothtothefriendandthestatesman。
Sweden，indeed，hadlostbutaking，Germanyaprotector；
butOxenstiern，theauthorofhisfortunes，thefriendofhissoul，andtheobjectofhisadmiration。Thoughthegreatestsuffererinthegeneralloss，hewasthefirstwhobyhisenergyrosefromtheblow，andtheonlyonequalifiedtorepairit。Hispenetratingglanceforesawalltheobstacleswhichwouldopposetheexecutionofhisplans，thediscouragementoftheestates，theintriguesofhostilecourts，thebreakingupoftheconfederacy，thejealousyoftheleaders，andthedislikeofprincesoftheempiretosubmittoforeignauthority。
Buteventhisdeepinsightintotheexistingstateofthings，whichrevealedthewholeextentoftheevil，showedhimalsothemeansbywhichitmightbeovercome。Itwasessentialtorevivethedroopingcourageoftheweakerstates，tomeetthesecretmachinationsoftheenemy，toallaythejealousyofthemorepowerfulallies，torousethefriendlypowers，andFranceinparticular，toactiveassistance；butaboveall，torepairtheruinededificeoftheGermanalliance，andtoreunitethescatteredstrengthofthepartybyacloseandpermanentbondofunion。
ThedismaywhichthelossoftheirleaderoccasionedtheGermanProtestants，mightasreadilydisposethemtoacloseralliancewithSweden，astoahastypeacewiththeEmperor；anditdependedentirelyuponthecoursepursued，whichofthesealternativestheywouldadopt。
Everythingmightbelostbytheslightestsignofdespondency；
nothing，buttheconfidencewhichSwedenshowedinherself，couldkindleamongtheGermansanoblefeelingofself-confidence。
AlltheattemptsofAustria，todetachtheseprincesfromtheSwedishalliance，wouldbeunavailing，themomenttheireyesbecameopenedtotheirtrueinterests，andtheywereinstigatedtoapublicandformalbreachwiththeEmperor。
Beforethesemeasurescouldbetaken，andthenecessarypointssettledbetweentheregencyandtheirminister，apreciousopportunityofactionwould，itistrue，belosttotheSwedisharmy，ofwhichtheenemywouldbesuretotaketheutmostadvantage。Itwas，inshort，inthepoweroftheEmperortotallytoruintheSwedishinterestinGermany，andtothishewasactuallyinvitedbytheprudentcouncilsoftheDukeofFriedland。
Wallensteinadvisedhimtoproclaimauniversalamnesty，andtomeettheProtestantstateswithfavourableconditions。
InthefirstconsternationproducedbythefallofGustavusAdolphus，suchadeclarationwouldhavehadthemostpowerfuleffects，andprobablywouldhavebroughtthewaveringstatesbacktotheirallegiance。
Butblindedbythisunexpectedturnoffortune，andinfatuatedbySpanishcounsels，heanticipatedamorebrilliantissuefromwar，and，insteadoflisteningtothesepropositionsofanaccommodation，hehastenedtoaugmenthisforces。Spain，enrichedbythegrantofthetenthoftheecclesiasticalpossessions，whichthepopeconfirmed，senthimconsiderablesupplies，negociatedforhimattheSaxoncourt，andhastilyleviedtroopsforhiminItalytobeemployedinGermany。
TheElectorofBavariaalsoconsiderablyincreasedhismilitaryforce；
andtherestlessdispositionoftheDukeofLorrainedidnotpermithimtoremaininactiveinthisfavourablechangeoffortune。
ButwhiletheenemywerethusbusytoprofitbythedisasterofSweden，Oxenstiernwasdiligenttoavertitsmostfatalconsequences。
Lessapprehensiveofopenenemies，thanofthejealousyofthefriendlypowers，heleftUpperGermany，whichhehadsecuredbyconquestsandalliances，andsetoutinpersontopreventatotaldefectionoftheLowerGermanstates，or，whatwouldhavebeenalmostequallyruinoustoSweden，aprivateallianceamongthemselves。
Offendedattheboldnesswithwhichthechancellorassumedthedirectionofaffairs，andinwardlyexasperatedatthethoughtofbeingdictatedtobyaSwedishnobleman，theElectorofSaxonyagainmeditatedadangerousseparationfromSweden；andtheonlyquestioninhismindwas，whetherheshouldmakefulltermswiththeEmperor，orplacehimselfattheheadoftheProtestantsandformathirdpartyinGermany。SimilarideaswerecherishedbyDukeUlricofBrunswick，who，indeed，showedthemopenlyenoughbyforbiddingtheSwedesfromrecruitingwithinhisdominions，andinvitingtheLowerSaxonstatestoLuneburg，forthepurposeofformingaconfederacyamongthemselves。
TheElectorofBrandenburg，jealousoftheinfluencewhichSaxonywaslikelytoattaininLowerGermany，alonemanifestedanyzealfortheinterestsoftheSwedishthrone，which，inthought，healreadydestinedforhisson。
AtthecourtofSaxony，Oxenstiernwasnodoubthonourablyreceived；
but，notwithstandingthepersonaleffortsoftheElectorofBrandenburg，emptypromisesofcontinuedfriendshipwereallwhichhecouldobtain。
WiththeDukeofBrunswickhewasmoresuccessful，forwithhimheventuredtoassumeaboldertone。SwedenwasatthetimeinpossessionoftheSeeofMagdeburg，thebishopofwhichhadthepowerofassemblingtheLowerSaxoncircle。Thechancellornowassertedtherightsofthecrown，andbythisspiritedproceeding，putastopforthepresenttothisdangerousassemblydesignedbytheduke。Themainobject，however，ofhispresentjourneyandofhisfutureendeavours，ageneralconfederacyoftheProtestants，miscarriedentirely，andhewasobligedtocontenthimselfwithsomeunsteadyalliancesintheSaxoncircles，andwiththeweakerassistanceofUpperGermany。
AstheBavariansweretoopowerfulontheDanube，theassemblyofthefourUpperCircles，whichshouldhavebeenheldatUlm，wasremovedtoHeilbronn，wheredeputiesofmorethantwelvecitiesoftheempire，withabrilliantcrowdofdoctors，counts，andprinces，attended。
Theambassadorsofforeignpowerslikewise，France，England，andHolland，attendedthisCongress，atwhichOxenstiernappearedinperson，withallthesplendourofthecrownwhoserepresentativehewas。
Hehimselfopenedtheproceedings，andconductedthedeliberations。
Afterreceivingfromalltheassembledestatesassurancesofunshakenfidelity，perseverance，andunity，herequiredofthemsolemnlyandformallytodeclaretheEmperorandtheleagueasenemies。
ButdesirableasitwasforSwedentoexasperatetheill-feelingbetweentheemperorandtheestatesintoaformalrupture，thelatter，ontheotherhand，wereequallyindisposedtoshutoutthepossibilityofreconciliation，bysodecidedastep，andtoplacethemselvesentirelyinthehandsoftheSwedes。Theymaintained，thatanyformaldeclarationofwarwasuselessandsuperfluous，wheretheactwouldspeakforitself，andtheirfirmnessonthispointsilencedatlastthechancellor。Warmerdisputesaroseonthethirdandprincipalarticleofthetreaty，concerningthemeansofprosecutingthewar，andthequotawhichtheseveralstatesoughttofurnishforthesupportofthearmy。Oxenstiern’smaxim，tothrowasmuchaspossibleofthecommonburdenonthestates，didnotsuitverywellwiththeirdeterminationtogiveaslittleaspossible。
TheSwedishchancellornowexperienced，whathadbeenfeltbythirtyemperorsbeforehim，totheircost，thatofalldifficultundertakings，themostdifficultwastoextortmoneyfromtheGermans。Insteadofgrantingthenecessarysumsforthenewarmiestoberaised，theyeloquentlydweltuponthecalamitiesoccasionedbytheformer，anddemandedrelieffromtheoldburdens，whentheywererequiredtosubmittonew。
Theirritationwhichthechancellor’sdemandformoneyraisedamongthestates，gaverisetoathousandcomplaints；
andtheoutragescommittedbythetroops，intheirmarchesandquarters，weredweltuponwithastartlingminutenessandtruth。
Intheserviceoftwoabsolutemonarchs，Oxenstiernhadbutlittleopportunitytobecomeaccustomedtotheformalitiesandcautiousproceedingsofrepublicandeliberations，ortobearoppositionwithpatience。
Readytoact，theinstantthenecessityofactionwasapparent，andinflexibleinhisresolution，whenhehadoncetakenit，hewasatalosstocomprehendtheinconsistencyofmostmen，who，whiletheydesiretheend，areyetaversetothemeans。
Promptandimpetuousbynature，hewassoonthisoccasionfromprinciple；
foreverythingdependedonconcealingtheweaknessofSweden，underafirmandconfidentspeech，andbyassumingthetoneofalawgiver，reallytobecomeso。Itwasnothingwonderful，therefore，if，amidsttheseinterminablediscussionswithGermandoctorsanddeputies，hewasentirelyoutofhissphere，andifthedeliberatenesswhichdistinguishesthecharacteroftheGermansintheirpublicdeliberations，haddrivenhimalmosttodespair。Withoutrespectingacustom，towhicheventhemostpowerfuloftheemperorshadbeenobligedtoconform，herejectedallwrittendeliberationswhichsuitedsowellwiththenationalslownessofresolve。Hecouldnotconceivehowtendayscouldbespentindebatingameasure，whichwithhimselfwasdecideduponitsbaresuggestion。Harshly，however，ashetreatedtheStates，hefoundthemreadyenoughtoassenttohisfourthmotion，whichconcernedhimself。Whenhepointedoutthenecessityofgivingaheadandadirectortothenewconfederation，thathonourwasunanimouslyassignedtoSweden，andhehimselfwashumblyrequestedtogivetothecommoncausethebenefitofhisenlightenedexperience，andtotakeuponhimselftheburdenofthesupremecommand。
Butinordertopreventhisabusingthegreatpowersthusconferreduponhim，itwasproposed，notwithoutFrenchinfluence，toappointanumberofoverseers，infact，underthenameofassistants，tocontroltheexpenditureofthecommontreasure，andtoconsultwithhimastothelevies，marches，andquarteringsofthetroops。
Oxenstiernlongandstrenuouslyresistedthislimitationofhisauthority，whichcouldnotfailtotrammelhimintheexecutionofeveryenterpriserequiringpromptitudeorsecrecy，andatlastsucceeded，withdifficulty，inobtainingsofaramodificationofit，thathismanagementinaffairsofwarwastobeuncontrolled。ThechancellorfinallyapproachedthedelicatepointoftheindemnificationwhichSwedenwastoexpectattheconclusionofthewar，fromthegratitudeoftheallies，andflatteredhimselfwiththehopethatPomerania，themainobjectofSweden，wouldbeassignedtoher，andthathewouldobtainfromtheprovinces，assurancesofeffectualcooperationinitsacquisition。Buthecouldobtainnothingmorethanavagueassurance，thatinageneralpeacetheinterestsofallpartieswouldbeattendedto。Thatonthispoint，thecautionoftheestateswasnotowingtoanyregardfortheconstitutionoftheempire，becamemanifestfromtheliberalitytheyevincedtowardsthechancellor，attheexpenseofthemostsacredlawsoftheempire。
TheywerereadytogranthimthearchbishopricofMentz，(whichhealreadyheldasaconquest，)andonlywithdifficultydidtheFrenchambassadorsucceedinpreventingastep，whichwasasimpoliticasitwasdisgraceful。Thoughonthewhole，theresultofthecongresshadfallenfarshortofOxenstiern’sexpectations，hehadatleastgainedforhimselfandhiscrownhismainobject，namely，thedirectionofthewholeconfederacy；hehadalsosucceededinstrengtheningthebondofunionbetweenthefouruppercircles，andobtainedfromthestatesayearlycontributionoftwomillionsandahalfofdollars，forthemaintenanceofthearmy。
TheseconcessionsonthepartoftheStates，demandedsomereturnfromSweden。
AfewweeksafterthedeathofGustavusAdolphus，sorrowendedthedaysoftheunfortunateElectorPalatine。Foreightmonthshehadswelledthepompofhisprotector’scourt，andexpendedonitthesmallremainderofhispatrimony。Hewas，atlast，approachingthegoalofhiswishes，andtheprospectofabrighterfuturewasopening，whendeathdeprivedhimofhisprotector。Butwhatheregardedasthegreatestcalamity，washighlyfavourabletohisheirs。Gustavusmightventuretodelaytherestorationofhisdominions，ortoloadthegiftwithhardconditions；
butOxenstiern，towhomthefriendshipofEngland，Holland，andBrandenburg，andthegoodopinionoftheReformedStateswereindispensable，feltthenecessityofimmediatelyfulfillingtheobligationsofjustice。
Atthisassembly，atHeilbronn，therefore，heengagedtosurrendertoFrederick’sheirsthewholePalatinate，boththepartalreadyconquered，andthatwhichremainedtobeconquered，withtheexceptionofManheim，whichtheSwedesweretohold，untiltheyshouldbeindemnifiedfortheirexpenses。TheChancellordidnotconfinehisliberalitytothefamilyofthePalatinealone；theotheralliedprincesreceivedproofs，thoughatalaterperiod，ofthegratitudeofSweden，which，however，shedispensedatlittlecosttoherself。
Impartiality，themostsacredobligationofthehistorian，herecompelsustoanadmission，notmuchtothehonourofthechampionsofGermanliberty。
HowevertheProtestantPrincesmightboastofthejusticeoftheircause，andthesincerityoftheirconviction，stillthemotivesfromwhichtheyactedwereselfishenough；andthedesireofstrippingothersoftheirpossessions，hadatleastasgreatashareinthecommencementofhostilities，asthefearofbeingdeprivedoftheirown。Gustavussoonfoundthathemightreckonmuchmoreontheseselfishmotives，thanontheirpatrioticzeal，anddidnotfailtoavailhimselfofthem。
Eachofhisconfederatesreceivedfromhimthepromiseofsomepossession，eitheralreadywrested，ortobeafterwardstakenfromtheenemy；
anddeathalonepreventedhimfromfulfillingtheseengagements。
Whatprudencehadsuggestedtotheking，necessitynowprescribedtohissuccessor。Ifitwashisobjecttocontinuethewar，hemustbereadytodividethespoilamongtheallies，andpromisethemadvantagesfromtheconfusionwhichitwashisobjecttocontinue。
ThushepromisedtotheLandgraveofHesse，theabbaciesofPaderborn，Corvey，Munster，andFulda；toDukeBernardofWeimar，theFranconianBishoprics；
totheDukeofWirtemberg，theEcclesiasticaldomains，andtheAustriancountieslyingwithinhisterritories，allunderthetitleoffiefsofSweden。Thisspectacle，sostrangeandsodishonourabletotheGermancharacter，surprisedtheChancellor，whofounditdifficulttorepresshiscontempt，andononeoccasionexclaimed，\"Letitbewritinourrecords，foraneverlastingmemorial，thataGermanprincemadesucharequestofaSwedishnobleman，andthattheSwedishnoblemangrantedittotheGermanuponGermanground！\"
Afterthesesuccessfulmeasures，hewasinaconditiontotakethefield，andprosecutethewarwithfreshvigour。SoonafterthevictoryatLutzen，thetroopsofSaxonyandLunenburgunitedwiththeSwedishmainbody；
andtheImperialistswere，inashorttime，totallydrivenfromSaxony。
Theunitedarmyagaindivided:theSaxonsmarchedtowardsLusatiaandSilesia，toactinconjunctionwithCountThurnagainsttheAustriansinthatquarter；apartoftheSwedisharmywasledbytheDukeofWeimarintoFranconia，andtheotherbyGeorge，DukeofBrunswick，intoWestphaliaandLowerSaxony。
TheconquestsontheLechandtheDanube，duringGustavus’sexpeditionintoSaxony，hadbeenmaintainedbythePalatineofBirkenfeld，andtheSwedishGeneralBanner，againsttheBavarians；
butunabletoholdtheirgroundagainstthevictoriousprogressofthelatter，supportedastheywerebythebraveryandmilitaryexperienceoftheImperialGeneralAltringer，theywereunderthenecessityofsummoningtheSwedishGeneralHorntotheirassistance，fromAlsace。
ThisexperiencedgeneralhavingcapturedthetownsofBenfeld，Schlettstadt，Colmar，andHagenau，committedthedefenceofthemtotheRhinegraveOttoLouis，andhastilycrossedtheRhinetoformajunctionwithBanner’sarmy。Butalthoughthecombinedforceamountedtomorethan16，000，theycouldnotpreventtheenemyfromobtainingastrongpositionontheSwabianfrontier，takingKempten，andbeingjoinedbysevenregimentsfromBohemia。InordertoretainthecommandoftheimportantbanksoftheLechandtheDanube，theywereunderthenecessityofrecallingtheRhinegraveOttoLouisfromAlsace，wherehehad，afterthedepartureofHorn，founditdifficulttodefendhimselfagainsttheexasperatedpeasantry。
Withhisarmy，hewasnowsummonedtostrengthenthearmyontheDanube；
andaseventhisreinforcementwasinsufficient，DukeBernardofWeimarwasearnestlypressedtoturnhisarmsintothisquarter。
DukeBernard，soonaftertheopeningofthecampaignof1633，hadmadehimselfmasterofthetownandterritoryofBamberg，andwasnowthreateningWurtzburg。ButonreceivingthesummonsofGeneralHorn，withoutdelayhebeganhismarchtowardstheDanube，defeatedonhiswayaBavarianarmyunderJohndeWerth，andjoinedtheSwedesnearDonauwerth。Thisnumerousforce，commandedbyexcellentgenerals，nowthreatenedBavariawithafearfulinroad。ThebishopricofEichstadtwascompletelyoverrun，andIngoldstadtwasonthepointofbeingdeliveredupbytreacherytotheSwedes。Altringer，fetteredinhismovementsbytheexpressorderoftheDukeofFriedland，andleftwithoutassistancefromBohemia，wasunabletochecktheprogressoftheenemy。
ThemostfavourablecircumstancescombinedtofurthertheprogressoftheSwedisharmsinthisquarter，whentheoperationsofthearmywereatoncestoppedbyamutinyamongtheofficers。
AlltheprevioussuccessesinGermanywereowingaltogethertoarms；
thegreatnessofGustavushimselfwastheworkofthearmy，thefruitoftheirdiscipline，theirbravery，andtheirperseveringcourageundernumberlessdangersandprivations。Howeverwiselyhisplanswerelaidinthecabinet，itwastothearmyultimatelythathewasindebtedfortheirexecution；andtheexpandingdesignsofthegeneraldidbutcontinuallyimposenewburdensonthesoldiers。
Allthedecisiveadvantagesofthewar，hadbeenviolentlygainedbyabarbaroussacrificeofthesoldiers’livesinwintercampaigns，forcedmarches，stormings，andpitchedbattles；foritwasGustavus’smaximnevertodeclineabattle，solongasitcosthimnothingbutmen。
Thesoldierscouldnotlongbekeptignorantoftheirownimportance，andtheyjustlydemandedashareinthespoilwhichhadbeenwonbytheirownblood。Yet，frequently，theyhardlyreceivedtheirpay；
andtherapacityofindividualgenerals，orthewantsofthestate，generallyswallowedupthegreaterpartofthesumsraisedbycontributions，orleviedupontheconqueredprovinces。Foralltheprivationsheendured，thesoldierhadnootherrecompensethanthedoubtfulchanceeitherofplunderorpromotion，inbothofwhichhewasoftendisappointed。
DuringthelifetimeofGustavusAdolphus，thecombinedinfluenceoffearandhopehadsuppressedanyopencomplaint，butafterhisdeath，themurmurswereloudanduniversal；andthesoldieryseizedthemostdangerousmomenttoimpresstheirsuperiorswithasenseoftheirimportance。Twoofficers，PfuhlandMitschefal，notoriousasrestlesscharacters，evenduringtheKing’slife，settheexampleinthecampontheDanube，whichinafewdayswasimitatedbyalmostalltheofficersofthearmy。Theysolemnlyboundthemselvestoobeynoorders，tillthesearrears，nowoutstandingformonths，andevenyears，shouldbepaidup，andagratuity，eitherinmoneyorlands，madetoeachman，accordingtohisservices。\"Immensesums，\"theysaid，\"weredailyraisedbycontributions，andalldissipatedbyafew。
Theywerecalledouttoserveamidstfrostandsnow，andnorewardrequitedtheirincessantlabours。Thesoldiers’excessesatHeilbronnhadbeenblamed，butnooneevertalkedoftheirservices。
Theworldrungwiththetidingsofconquestsandvictories，butitwasbytheirhandsthattheyhadbeenfoughtandwon。\"
Thenumberofthemalcontentsdailyincreased；andtheyevenattemptedbyletters，(whichwerefortunatelyintercepted，)toseducethearmiesontheRhineandinSaxony。NeithertherepresentationsofBernardofWeimar，northesternreproachesofhisharsherassociateincommand，couldsuppressthismutiny，whilethevehemenceofHornseemedonlytoincreasetheinsolenceoftheinsurgents。Theconditionstheyinsistedon，werethatcertaintownsshouldbeassignedtoeachregimentforthepaymentofarrears。FourweekswereallowedtotheSwedishChancellortocomplywiththesedemands；andincaseofrefusal，theyannouncedthattheywouldpaythemselves，andnevermoredrawaswordforSweden。
Thesepressingdemands，madeattheverytimewhenthemilitarychestwasexhausted，andcreditatalowebb，greatlyembarrassedthechancellor。
Theremedy，hesaw，mustbefoundquickly，beforethecontagionshouldspreadtotheothertroops，andheshouldbedesertedbyallhisarmiesatonce。
AmongalltheSwedishgenerals，therewasonlyoneofsufficientauthorityandinfluencewiththesoldierstoputanendtothisdispute。
TheDukeofWeimarwasthefavouriteofthearmy，andhisprudentmoderationhadwonthegood-willofthesoldiers，whilehismilitaryexperiencehadexcitedtheiradmiration。Henowundertookthetaskofappeasingthediscontentedtroops；but，awareofhisimportance，heembracedtheopportunitytomakeadvantageousstipulationsforhimself，andtomaketheembarrassmentofthechancellorsubservienttohisownviews。
GustavusAdolphushadflatteredhimwiththepromiseoftheDuchyofFranconia，tobeformedoutoftheBishopricsofWurtzburgandBamberg，andhenowinsistedontheperformanceofthispledge。
Heatthesametimedemandedthechiefcommand，asgeneralissimoofSweden。
TheabusewhichtheDukeofWeimarthusmadeofhisinfluence，soirritatedOxenstiern，that，inthefirstmomentofhisdispleasure，hegavehimhisdismissalfromtheSwedishservice。Buthesoonthoughtbetterofit，anddetermined，insteadofsacrificingsoimportantaleader，toattachhimtotheSwedishinterestsatanycost。
HethereforegrantedtohimtheFranconianbishoprics，asafiefoftheSwedishcrown，reserving，however，thetwofortressesofWurtzburgandKoenigshofen，whichweretobegarrisonedbytheSwedes；
andalsoengaged，innameoftheSwedishcrown，tosecuretheseterritoriestotheduke。Hisdemandofthesupremeauthoritywasevadedonsomespeciouspretext。Thedukedidnotdelaytodisplayhisgratitudeforthisvaluablegrant，andbyhisinfluenceandactivitysoonrestoredtranquillitytothearmy。Largesumsofmoney，andstillmoreextensiveestates，weredividedamongtheofficers，amountinginvaluetoaboutfivemillionsofdollars，andtowhichtheyhadnootherrightbutthatofconquest。Inthemeantime，however，theopportunityforagreatundertakinghadbeenlost，andtheunitedgeneralsdividedtheirforcestoopposetheenemyinotherquarters。
GustavusHorn，afterashortinroadintotheUpperPalatinate，andthecaptureofNeumark，directedhismarchtowardstheSwabianfrontier，wheretheImperialists，stronglyreinforced，threatenedWuertemberg。
Athisapproach，theenemyretiredtotheLakeofConstance，butonlytoshowtheSwedestheroadintoadistricthithertounvisitedbywar。
ApostontheentrancetoSwitzerland，wouldbehighlyserviceabletotheSwedes，andthetownofKostnitzseemedpeculiarlywellfittedtobeapointofcommunicationbetweenhimandtheconfederatedcantons。
Accordingly，GustavusHornimmediatelycommencedthesiegeofit；
butdestituteofartillery，forwhichhewasobligedtosendtoWirtemberg，hecouldnotpresstheattackwithsufficientvigour，topreventtheenemyfromthrowingsuppliesintothetown，whichthelakeaffordedthemconvenientopportunityofdoing。He，therefore，afteranineffectualattempt，quittedtheplaceanditsneighbourhood，andhastenedtomeetamorethreateningdangerupontheDanube。
AttheEmperor’sinstigation，theCardinalInfante，thebrotherofPhilipIV。ofSpain，andtheViceroyofMilan，hadraisedanarmyof14，000men，intendedtoactupontheRhine，independentlyofWallenstein，andtoprotectAlsace。ThisforcenowappearedinBavaria，underthecommandoftheDukeofFeria，aSpaniard；and，thattheymightbedirectlyemployedagainsttheSwedes，Altringerwasorderedtojointhemwithhiscorps。Uponthefirstintelligenceoftheirapproach，HornhadsummonedtohisassistancethePalsgraveofBirkenfeld，fromtheRhine；andbeingjoinedbyhimatStockach，boldlyadvancedtomeettheenemy’sarmyof30，000men。
ThelatterhadtakentherouteacrosstheDanubeintoSwabia，whereGustavusHorncamesocloseuponthem，thatthetwoarmieswereonlyseparatedfromeachotherbyhalfaGermanmile。
But，insteadofacceptingtheofferofbattle，theImperialistsmovedbytheForesttownstowardsBriesgauandAlsace，wheretheyarrivedintimetorelieveBreysack，andtoarrestthevictoriousprogressoftheRhinegrave，OttoLouis。Thelatterhad，shortlybefore，takentheForesttowns，and，supportedbythePalatineofBirkenfeld，whohadliberatedtheLowerPalatinateandbeatentheDukeofLorraineoutofthefield，hadoncemoregiventhesuperioritytotheSwedisharmsinthatquarter。
Hewasnowforcedtoretirebeforethesuperiornumbersoftheenemy；
butHornandBirkenfeldquicklyadvancedtohissupport，andtheImperialists，afterabrieftriumph，wereagainexpelledfromAlsace。
Theseverityoftheautumn，inwhichthishaplessretreathadtobeconducted，provedfataltomostoftheItalians；andtheirleader，theDukeofFeria，diedofgriefatthefailureofhisenterprise。
Inthemeantime，DukeBernardofWeimarhadtakenuphispositionontheDanube，witheighteenregimentsofinfantryand140squadronsofhorse，tocoverFranconia，andtowatchthemovementsoftheImperial-Bavarianarmyuponthatriver。NosoonerhadAltringerdeparted，tojointheItaliansunderFeria，thanBernard，profitingbyhisabsence，hastenedacrosstheDanube，andwiththerapidityoflightningappearedbeforeRatisbon。ThepossessionofthistownwouldensurethesuccessoftheSwedishdesignsuponBavariaandAustria；
itwouldestablishthemfirmlyontheDanube，andprovideasaferefugeincaseofdefeat，whileitalonecouldgivepermanencetotheirconquestsinthatquarter。TodefendRatisbon，wastheurgentadvicewhichthedyingTillylefttotheElector；andGustavusAdolphushadlamenteditasanirreparableloss，thattheBavarianshadanticipatedhimintakingpossessionofthisplace。Indescribable，therefore，wastheconsternationofMaximilian，whenDukeBernardsuddenlyappearedbeforethetown，andpreparedinearnesttobesiegeit。
Thegarrisonconsistedofnotmorethanfifteencompanies，mostlynewly-raisedsoldiers；althoughthatnumberwasmorethansufficienttowearyoutanenemyoffarsuperiorforce，ifsupportedbywell-disposedandwarlikeinhabitants。ButthiswasnotthegreatestdangerwhichtheBavariangarrisonhadtocontendagainst。
TheProtestantinhabitantsofRatisbon，equallyjealousoftheircivilandreligiousfreedom，hadunwillinglysubmittedtotheyokeofBavaria，andhadlonglookedwithimpatiencefortheappearanceofadeliverer。Bernard’sarrivalbeforethewallsfilledthemwithlivelyjoy；andtherewasmuchreasontofearthattheywouldsupporttheattemptsofthebesiegerswithout，byexcitingatumultwithin。Inthisperplexity，theElectoraddressedthemostpressingentreatiestotheEmperorandtheDukeofFriedlandtoassisthim，wereitonlywith5，000men。SevenmessengersinsuccessionweredespatchedbyFerdinandtoWallenstein，whopromisedimmediatesuccours，andevenannouncedtotheElectorthenearadvanceof12，000menunderGallas；
butatthesametimeforbadethatgeneral，underpainofdeath，tomarch。
MeanwhiletheBavariancommandantofRatisbon，inthehopeofspeedyassistance，madethebestpreparationsfordefence，armedtheRomanCatholicpeasants，disarmedandcarefullywatchedtheProtestantcitizens，lesttheyshouldattemptanyhostiledesignagainstthegarrison。Butasnoreliefarrived，andtheenemy’sartilleryincessantlybatteredthewalls，heconsultedhisownsafety，andthatofthegarrison，byanhonourablecapitulation，andabandonedtheBavarianofficialsandecclesiasticstotheconqueror’smercy。
ThepossessionofRatisbon，enlargedtheprojectsoftheduke，andBavariaitselfnowappearedtoonarrowafieldforhisbolddesigns。
HedeterminedtopenetratetothefrontiersofAustria，toarmtheProtestantpeasantryagainsttheEmperor，andrestoretothemtheirreligiousliberty。HehadalreadytakenStraubingen，whileanotherSwedisharmywasadvancingsuccessfullyalongthenorthernbankoftheDanube。AttheheadofhisSwedes，biddingdefiancetotheseverityoftheweather，hereachedthemouthoftheIser，whichhepassedinthepresenceoftheBavarianGeneralWerth，whowasencampedonthatriver。
PassauandLintztrembledfortheirfate；theterrifiedEmperorredoubledhisentreatiesandcommandstoWallenstein，tohastenwithallspeedtothereliefofthehard-pressedBavarians。ButherethevictoriousBernard，ofhisownaccord，checkedhiscareerofconquest。HavinginfrontofhimtheriverInn，guardedbyanumberofstrongfortresses，andbehindhimtwohostilearmies，adisaffectedcountry，andtheriverIser，whilehisrearwascoveredbynotenableposition，andnoentrenchmentcouldbemadeinthefrozenground，andthreatenedbythewholeforceofWallenstein，whohadatlastresolvedtomarchtotheDanube，byatimelyretreatheescapedthedangerofbeingcutofffromRatisbon，andsurroundedbytheenemy。HehastenedacrosstheIsertotheDanube，todefendtheconquestshehadmadeintheUpperPalatinateagainstWallenstein，andfullyresolvednottodeclineabattle，ifnecessary，withthatgeneral。ButWallenstein，whowasnotdisposedforanygreatexploitsontheDanube，didnotwaitforhisapproach；
andbeforetheBavarianscouldcongratulatethemselvesonhisarrival，hesuddenlywithdrewagainintoBohemia。Thedukethusendedhisvictoriouscampaign，andallowedhistroopstheirwell-earnedreposeinwinterquartersuponanenemy’scountry。
WhileinSwabiathewarwasthussuccessfullyconductedbyGustavusHorn，andontheUpperandLowerRhinebythePalatineofBirkenfeld，GeneralBaudissen，andtheRhinegraveOttoLouis，andbyDukeBernardontheDanube；thereputationoftheSwedisharmswasasgloriouslysustainedinLowerSaxonyandWestphaliabytheDukeofLunenburgandtheLandgraveofHesseCassel。ThefortressofHamelwastakenbyDukeGeorge，afterabravedefence，andabrilliantvictoryobtainedovertheimperialGeneralGronsfeld，bytheunitedSwedishandHessianarmies，nearOldendorf。
CountWasaburg，anaturalsonofGustavusAdolphus，showedhimselfinthisbattleworthyofhisdescent。Sixteenpiecesofcannon，thewholebaggageoftheImperialists，togetherwith74colours，fellintothehandsoftheSwedes；3，000oftheenemyperishedonthefield，andnearlythesamenumberweretakenprisoners。ThetownofOsnaburgsurrenderedtotheSwedishColonelKnyphausen，andPaderborntotheLandgraveofHesse；while，ontheotherhand，Bueckeburg，averyimportantplacefortheSwedes，fellintothehandsoftheImperialists。
