Charles XII.'s defiant wanderings through Saxony had given Cosel the
idea of seizing him, and thus avenging the humiliations of her
oppressed country. It was she who had suggested the idea to
Schulenberg. She did not mention it to the King first, for she was sure
he would not listen to her plans. She therefore was obliged to plot
alone. She gained Flemming over to her side, and although he disliked
the favourite, he nevertheless promised to aid her patriotic plan.
Schulenberg promised it the support of his cavalry.
Cosel declared that once the deed was accomplished, although Augustus
might be indignant at first, he would soon be obliged to give way.
Still Schulenberg was commissioned to find out what Augustus would
think of such a scheme.
Although he said not a word to any one on leaving the King's presence,
they could see by his face that the plan had been rejected.
But in spite of this, Cosel was not discouraged. She felt strong enough
to fight the King himself.
Augustus had no secrets from her, and the same evening he told her of
his conversation with Schulenberg. Hearing which, the Countess
exclaimed,--
"What? Your Majesty does not wish to avenge his wrongs?"
"Let us talk no more of the matter," said the King, frowning.
Seeing it was not a good time to press the subject, Cosel turned the
conversation, and told him all the court gossip.
For a long time she had been urging the King to take her to see the
alchemist. Bottiger was at this time shut up in a tower of the castle,
but although kept in perpetual imprisonment, he was always treated with
the respect due to a man from whom gold is expected.
Fuerstenberg was for ever persuading the King that their object would
soon be accomplished, and he was always at work with the prisoner,
either in his own laboratory or in that of the alchemist. Bottiger's
lodging was very comfortable, almost magnificent. He had a garden
filled with flowers, and there were plenty of silver dishes on his
table, at which he frequently entertained his numerous guests. Seeing
he could not possibly escape, he succeeded in making Fuerstenberg
believe that he was seriously thinking of how to manufacture gold. He
exhausted all his formulas, read all the books on alchemy,--but every
effort proved fruitless.
Knowing the great influence Cosel possessed, the prisoner sought to
gain her favour, sending her every day the most beautiful flowers from
his garden.
The Countess was anxious to see him--the King postponed the visit. But
that day she was so persistent, so tender, and, at the same time, so
beautiful, that Augustus rose, and offering her his arm, said,--
"Come, let us go and see Bottiger."
There was no one at hand who could be sent to announce the King's
visit, but, chancing to look through the window, Augustus saw Froelich
the fool, who was trying to rid himself of the courtiers, who were bent
on teasing him.
The King called him.
"A most suitable messenger," said he to Cosel. "I will send him on
before us, so as to give the alchemist a chance of dressing decently;
and also to make sure that we do not find him in improper company."
Bottiger, whose good graces were considered most important, received
even the fair sex.
Froelich appeared on the threshold.
"I appoint you my chamberlain until the evening," said the King,
laughing, "so you must not say that you carry the key in vain. Go and
tell Bottiger that the goddess Diana will visit him to-day."
"In company with Apollo," added Cosel.
Froelich went out with much gravity, and proceeded by way of the balcony
to the corner tower.
A gay company was assembled round the alchemist's table that day.
Glasses and witty sayings were circulating freely. Amongst the guests
were Prince Fuerstenberg, Secretary Nehmitz, and an ardent admirer of
alchemy, Tschirahaussen. The thick walls of the tower were covered with
silk brocade, brightened by many mirrors, and enriched by gilded
furniture and bronzes. A small staircase connected this room with the
laboratory beneath, and with the sleeping room above.
Bottiger was distinguished among his guests by his beautiful figure and
merry face, on which intelligence and wit were plainly visible. He was
carefully dressed, and looked more like a nobleman than a man who was
shut up in prison and obliged to wither over crucibles. He was a most
jovial companion at the dinner-table, a most eloquent wit in society.
The company was just drinking his health, and the apothecary was ready
to respond to the toast, when the King's ambassador, with his pointed
hat, and this day a red swallow-tail coat, appeared on the threshold.
"Ah! Froelich," exclaimed the party.
"What do you want?" inquired Bottiger.
"I am not a common Froelich to-day," replied the fool gravely. "It
has pleased His Majesty to appoint me as his chamberlain for
four-and-twenty hours, and in fulfilment of my duties I am come to
announce to you that Diana, accompanied by Apollo, will honour Herr
Bottiger with a visit. _Dixi!_"
He rapped with his stick. All the guests sprang to their feet. Bottiger
and Nehmitz began to clear the table. The window was thrown open, and a
servant despatched for fresh flowers. The guests disappeared by the
side balconies, for they knew that the king would come by way of the
back balcony. The alchemist, Fuerstenburg, and Nehmitz alone remained to
greet them.
The furniture was hastily placed in proper order, the floor was strewn
with flowers, and Bottiger stood on the threshold with a bouquet.
Soon the room was brightened by the arrival of Cosel in the full
splendour of her beauty. The prisoner knelt.
"We always receive a goddess kneeling," said he, "and the best
sacrifice we can offer her is scented flowers."
Cosel smilingly accepted the flowers her host offered, and then looked
around inquisitively, wondering that there was not the least indication
of the great work that was in progress.
The King followed her, and explained that they were not in the
laboratory.
"But I should like to see that mysterious sanctuary," said she.
"Madam," replied Bottiger, "it is such a fearful den, the air is so
unhealthy, and the aspect so sad, that a goddess should not descend
into such a hell."
"But woman's curiosity!" sighed Cosel, and looked at Augustus. The King
looked at Fuerstenberg; but the Prince only shrugged his shoulders.
"The Countess is not accustomed to such dark stairs," added the
alchemist.
But Cosel replied,--
"The goddess commands, guide us!"
Saying this, she turned towards the door; but Bottiger pressed a button
in the opposite wall, and immediately a secret door flew open, and
beside this the alchemist stood, candelabra in his hand.
Augustus offered no opposition, and they all descended the dark, narrow
stairs, and entered a room, the walls of which were black with smoke.
Against its thick walls were several stoves, on which stood cold
retorts and crucibles; there were several articles of furniture of
strange shapes, and a number of bottles and jars. On the tables lay
large folios with brass clasps, rolls of parchment, and various kinds
of tools.
The apartment had such a strange, gloomy, and mysterious aspect that it
frightened the Countess, who was leaning on the King's arm.
Having raised the light, Bottiger stood silently watching them.
Augustus looked round the laboratory that contained such wonderful
hopes with a certain degree of respect. Suddenly he advanced to the
table, and his gaze rested on an object that lay among the papers.
It was a cup of the colour of jasper. The King, who was a great admirer
of china, thought it a product of Japan.
"Bottiger," he exclaimed, "that looks like Japanese china, although it
is of a different shape to theirs."
"Your Majesty," replied the host, bowing reverently, "that is my
plaything. I tried to make china from the lime they brought me
wherewith to make gold."
The King took the cup, examined it carefully, and then held it against
the light.
"You say you made this?"
Bottiger bent down and picked up several fragments, then from beneath
the papers he drew forth several saucers, which he handed to the King
and Cosel.
"Why, it is the most beautiful china in the world!" exclaimed Augustus.
Bottiger was silent.
"You are truly a discoverer! You have found out a wonderful secret! For
God's sake, make porcelain for me! I paid fifty thousand thalers for
one Chinese service. The Prussian robbed me; he took away a company of
my best-looking soldiers: you can make porcelain, and you say nothing
about it!"
"It was only an experiment."
"A most successful experiment! Bottiger, you shall make the first
service for Diana!"
Seeing the King's enthusiasm, Fuerstenberg and Nehmitz both approached
to look at the wonderful discovery, but the Prince was dissatisfied,
for he feared the alchemist would neglect the gold for the porcelain.
The King rejoiced more over this discovery than he would have done had
he been told that the Swedes had left Saxony. He took the cup, and,
after again expressing his great satisfaction, turned towards the door.
To save the King and Cosel the trouble of ascending the narrow stairs,
Bottiger opened the door that led directly into his garden, from whence
they returned to the back balcony.
That was a memorable day in the history of Saxony, which in Bottiger's
accidental discovery of an art which had long been kept secret under
pain of death, had indeed gained a veritable gold mine.
A few days later, news of a more dramatic character shocked the whole
of Dresden. Although Schulenberg had given up all idea of seizing the
person of Charles XII., the more daring Cosel, assisted by Flemming,
had not the slightest intention of relinquishing it. Every day, the
King of Sweden gave them an opportunity of carrying out their bold
plan; but the number of persons necessary for its satisfactory
accomplishment was lacking.
On September 1st, the same day on which he and the Emperor signed the
ratification of the treaty granting freedom to Protestants, Charles
XII. left Altrandstadt. He journeyed towards the North, following his
army, which, under the command of Rhenskyold, had begun to leave Saxony
for Silesia and Poland. The greater part had already left Saxony, but a
few regiments still remained at Leipzic.
By September 6th, Charles had reached Oberan, near Meissen. It was such
a beautiful day that he went out riding; as they ascended a hill, one
of his followers directed his attention to the spires of the Dresden
churches.
For some time Charles remained gazing at them, thoughtful and silent,
then, addressing the few officers who accompanied him, he said,--
"It is so near, we must go there."
It was between three and four in the afternoon when the unexpected
guests arrived at the gates of Dresden. Finding the gate closed,
Charles XII. told the officer in command that he had come with messages
from the Swedish King. Hearing this, the officer conducted him and his
suite to the guard-room. Now it happened that at the same moment
Flemming passed by, and he was greatly alarmed at recognizing the King.
At this hour Augustus was usually to be found taking exercise in the
armoury. This afternoon Countess Cosel was also there, admiring the
skill and strength displayed by her lover in breaking iron. Her merry
laugh was re-echoing through the hall, when a knock was heard at the
door.
"Come in!" called the King.
He turned towards the door as he spoke, but started, and then appeared
as though changed to a block of stone on seeing his enemy, Charles XII.
Flemming, who followed him, made signs to Countess Cosel, that he only
awaited her signal, to summon the soldiers and seize their important
guest.
Augustus was still standing motionless, when Charles greeted him
cheerfully, exclaiming,--
"Well, brother! how are you?"
Countess Cosel turned purple, and, seizing the King by the arm,
whispered,--
"For God's sake, consent!"
It seemed as though Charles XII. had overheard her words, for his face
grew stern, and Augustus, turning to the Countess, said stiffly,--
"I beg you; I command you to leave us!"
The Countess, with her accustomed vivacity, was about to make some
reply, when the King, frowning angrily, exclaimed,--
"Go!"
Cosel withdrew, glancing angrily at Charles, who stood quietly looking
at the armour. She took Flemming's arm; that courtier's eyes were also
glowing with anger. He shrugged his shoulders. Augustus cast on them a
glance that commanded them both to be silent, and then greeted his
visitor politely,--
"We have heard much talk of your strength," said Charles, sneeringly,
"and we should be pleased to see one of those miracles you perform so
easily."
An iron rod lay on the floor; Augustus raised it.
"Give me your hand." said he, smiling, "and do not be afraid, I will
not hurt you."
Charles extended his broad, rough hands. Twisting the rod with perfect
ease, Augustus bound his enemy's hands. The two men looked into each
other's eyes. Then Augustus broke the fetters, and threw them on the
floor. The Swedish King did not utter a word, but began to inspect the
armoury.
"You have plenty of arms," said the Swede laconically, "what a pity
that you lack men to use them."
From the armoury, both Kings proceeded to the palace, as Charles wished
to pay his respects to the Queen, for whom he had as great a respect as
he had contempt for Augustus.
In the meantime, the news that Charles XII. was in Dresden spread
rapidly through the city.
His name always excited great interest. The Protestants, knowing what
he had done for their coreligionists in Silesia, were anxious to see
him. That young King, a few years over twenty, was the wonder of all
Europe. Count Flemming and all who were attached to Augustus II. were
indignant at the boldness of the young hero, who thus set the conquered
King at defiance, by coming unarmed into his capital. Flemming and
Cosel were furious, and uttered threats of vengeance. The former
ordered some of the soldiers to be fetched from the garrison, and
wished to capture the enemy, despite the King's prohibition. Anna
seized a pistol, and declared she would follow him down the street, and
shoot him.
The excitement was considerable and universal, and could not fail to be
noticed by Augustus and Charles as they passed to the palace. The King
alone was perfectly calm, and by his manner commanded every one to keep
quiet. He, as well as Charles, noticed the preparations that had been
made, but the Swede's courage did not fail him for a moment, neither
did he lose his self-possession. He made no attempt to shorten his
visit, and as Augustus was pleased to entertain him, perhaps to test
his courage, his visit was a long one. He remained for half an hour at
the castle, and this gave Flemming plenty of time to collect the
soldiers and place them in readiness; then, fearing the King would not
consent to his enemy being captured in Dresden, he despatched a
detachment of cavalry to capture him on his way to Meissen.
While Charles XII. was talking with the Queen, Flemming succeeded in
calling Augustus from the room. "Your Majesty," he exclaimed
vehemently, "this is the only moment in which we shall be able to
avenge all our wrongs. Charles XII. is in your Majesty's hands."
"Trusting to my honour," replied Augustus, "therefore not a hair of his
head shall be hurt."
"It would be ridiculous to show magnanimity to a man who has brought
such calamities on your Majesty. I shall capture him, even if I am
beheaded for so doing."
"There is something far more important than your head to be considered
in this matter," replied the King, "and that is my honour as a King. Do
not dare to do anything of the sort!"
"Then there is nothing further for me to do than to break the sword
with which I have served your Majesty." He made a movement as he spoke,
as though about to carry out his threat, but Augustus stopped him.
"Flemming," said he, sternly, "do not forget that I am here; that this
is my business, and that no one commands here except me!"
Flemming's wrath was extreme.
"Your Majesty will lose another crown by acting thus!"
With these words he rushed away, and the King returned quietly to the
Queen's apartments, where he had left his guest. Charles XII. did not
even look at him as he entered, although he guessed that outside the
door he had been the subject of conversation.
While this was taking place at the castle, Cosel was watching in the
street, waiting to fire at Charles XII. as soon as he appeared. Zaklika
endeavoured to dissuade her from her purpose, telling her that the
populace would immediately rise in his defence, for Charles was a
staunch protector of the Protestants. And indeed this would have been
the feeling among the greater portion of the crowd now waiting in the
streets.
When Charles XII. was ready to depart, Augustus ordered his own horse
to be brought, so that he might accompany his guest. The streets were
thronged with people, the windows were filled with curious heads, a
profound silence reigned, as the two Kings rode along the streets; it
seemed as though the waiting multitude held their breath, in their
anxiety to catch the conversation of the riders. All eyes were turned
towards Charles, who rode calmly along without exhibiting the least
sign of feeling or emotion. Beside him rode Augustus, looking gloomy
and thoughtful, but at the same time majestic. They turned towards the
gate leading to Meissen. The King had sent orders that three cannons
should be fired in honour of the Swede. When the first shot was fired,
and Charles turned to express his thanks, Augustus touched his hat, and
smiled indifferently. At the gate, the cannon were fired a second time.
Charles now wished to take leave of his host, but Augustus knew
Flemming and his people too well not to suspect that they had prepared
some ambush. He knew also that the only way in which he could protect
the Swede was by accompanying him until he was out of reach of danger.
Augustus accompanied his guest to Neudorf; here they shook hands and
parted. Charles XII. galloped on his way, but Augustus sat motionless
for a few moments, gazing straight before him, wondering whether after
all he had done well in listening to the dictates of honour.
He was still waiting there, when Flemming arrived foaming with rage.
"Your Majesty," said he, "doubtless thinks that Europe will admire your
magnanimity, but if you imagine that it will counterbalance the
imprisonment at Patkul, you are greatly mistaken. The people will laugh
at such heroism."
"Silence, Flemming," cried the King threateningly, then turning his
steed, he galloped away alone in the direction of the city.
He dismounted at the Palace of the Four Seasons, where he found Cosel
even more indignant than Flemming.
"Do not come near me!" she exclaimed, sobbing. "You have made a
grievous mistake. I do not wish to see you any more. Twenty millions of
money, hundreds of thousands of soldiers, the death of your officers,
your own shame, all this you might have avenged, and you would not. You
were afraid!"
The King threw himself on the sofa, and allowed the Countess to storm
as she pleased--he did not utter a word. Only when, exhausted by
passion, she sank into an arm-chair, he remarked coldly,--
"I had no wish to stain my honour with such a revenge!"
The next day, seeing that every one reproached him for his lenity, he
summoned a council of war, which being presided over by Flemming,
declared that it would have been right to imprison the Swedish King,
and force him to sign a fresh treaty, seeing he had so frequently
violated all the laws of nations.
The King heard them in silence.
The Swedish envoy at Vienna, having heard of the council, remarked
contemptuously,--
"These people decide on the second day what they should have done the
day before."