Mother and Son
On the same day the Prince talked with his mother about the events we
have described, and at last they spoke of Schwarzenberg, whom they
equally disliked. "When he entered our service," said the Electoress,
"he was poor; now he is rich. Indeed he has a larger private fortune
than we. Tell me of any good thing he has done. It is an indelible stain
upon him that he has enriched himself while the people have sunk with
utter wretchedness through hunger, war, and pestilence. A man who can do
such a thing is capable of any meanness or villainy. I believe, my son,
that he is in the pay of the Emperor's party. But God watches over us.
They maintain in Vienna that your father is far less sharp-sighted than
he really is. The fools! With the good Catholic Schwarzenberg at the
head of Protestant Brandenburg no wonder they have high expectations at
the court of Vienna. But wisdom and intelligence on the Spree and the
Havel are perhaps even stronger than on the Danube. Let them continue to
believe that Schwarzenberg will accomplish his purpose; let them keep up
their delusion as to this crafty, egotistical, covetous, corruptible
man! The Elector, gentle, sick, and heroic in endurance, is wiser, or at
least as wise, as any of these gentleman, who think they have him
entrapped. It is little matter to him what the Count wishes. Would you
leave him in the service of the State if your father to-day should place
the cares of government upon your shoulders?"
"God will guide me," replied the Prince.
"But if it should become necessary, then certainly you would dismiss the
Count immediately, as he has discharged Pruckmann and others because
they have opposed the Emperor's politics."
"No, Mother, out of respect to my father I could not discharge him at
once. That would be looked upon by the people as a reproach against my
father. But I would not endure him long."
"My dear son, by these words you show me that you recognize filial duty
and that you are ready to perform it. God's blessing will be upon you
for it. When I look into your eyes, my son, something tells me your
politics will not be those of your father. In your nature there is a
resolute determination which is lacking in your father's. The times need
men of iron. Anvil and hammer! That is the watchword of our time."