Page:Marquis de Sade - Adelaide of Brunswick.djvu/89

 serious threat. He asked Frederick to return at once in order to take command of this army.

"My Prince," said Mersburg, "you are now in a position to choose between love and glory; but I imagine that a Prince of Saxony will always choose the latter. Do not let the wagging tongues accuse you of a weakness which would dishonor your name forever. Love is the recreation of a sovereign, but glory should be his only thought. Posterity, which will judge you, will not pardon you for having wavered."

"I shall not waver, my friend," said Frederick quickly, "and to prove it to you, we will leave instantly."

Frederick and Mersburg rode as fast as they could toward Dresden, but at some distance from this city they learned that the troops of the Emperor were between him and the city and that if he tried to go through, he might be taken prisoner. Frederick was not to be stopped in his attempt to make his way through and as he advanced, a detachment of the Emperor's army captured him and took him to the castle.

Frederick was instantly recognized and taken to the closest captivity where he did not even have the pleasure of having the company of Mersburg. The latter had succeeded in escaping. He left a letter for Frederick in which he told him that he would join the troops which were defending Dresden.

Frederick thanked Heaven for the brave people in his states and waited for his delivery from prison. Leaving him in his solitary confinement, we can now return to Frankfort where Adelaide and Bathilda are preparing for a new life.