TohisaffinitywiththeElectorofSaxony，whomGustavushadcausetotreatwithforbearance，theLandgravewasindebtedforthefavourabletermsheobtainedfromtheking，whocontentedhimselfwiththesurrenderofhisfortressofRusselheim，andhispromiseofobservingastrictneutralityduringthewar。TheCountsofWesterwaldandWetteranalsovisitedtheKinginFrankfort，toofferhimtheirassistanceagainsttheSpaniards，andtoconcludeanalliance，whichwasafterwardsofgreatservicetohim。
ThetownofFrankfortitselfhadreasontorejoiceatthepresenceofthismonarch，whotooktheircommerceunderhisprotection，andbythemosteffectualmeasuresrestoredthefairs，whichhadbeengreatlyinterruptedbythewar。
TheSwedisharmywasnowreinforcedbytenthousandHessians，whichtheLandgraveofCassecommanded。GustavusAdolphushadalreadyinvestedKoenigstein；KostheimandFloersheimsurrenderedafterashortsiege；hewasincommandoftheMaine；andtransportswerepreparingwithallspeedatHoechsttocarryhistroopsacrosstheRhine。
ThesepreparationsfilledtheElectorofMentz，AnselmCasimir，withconsternation；andhenolongerdoubtedbutthatthestormofwarwouldnextfalluponhim。AsapartisanoftheEmperor，andoneofthemostactivemembersoftheLeague，hecouldexpectnobettertreatmentthanhisconfederates，theBishopsofWurtzburgandBamberg，hadalreadyexperienced。ThesituationofhisterritoriesupontheRhinemadeitnecessaryfortheenemytosecurethem，whilethefertilityaffordedanirresistibletemptationtoanecessitousarmy。
Miscalculatinghisownstrengthandthatofhisadversaries，theElectorflatteredhimselfthathewasabletorepelforcebyforce，andwearyoutthevalouroftheSwedesbythestrengthofhisfortresses。
Heorderedthefortificationsofhiscapitaltoberepairedwithalldiligence，provideditwitheverynecessaryforsustainingalongsiege，andreceivedintothetownagarrisonof2，000Spaniards，underDonPhilipdeSylva。TopreventtheapproachoftheSwedishtransports，heendeavouredtoclosethemouthoftheMainebydrivingpiles，andsinkinglargeheapsofstonesandvessels。Hehimself，however，accompaniedbytheBishopofWorms，andcarryingwithhimhismostpreciouseffects，tookrefugeinCologne，andabandonedhiscapitalandterritoriestotherapacityofatyrannicalgarrison。
Butthesepreparations，whichbespokelessoftruecouragethanofweakandoverweeningconfidence，didnotpreventtheSwedesfrommarchingagainstMentz，andmakingseriouspreparationsforanattackuponthecity。WhileonebodyoftheirtroopspouredintotheRheingau，routedtheSpaniardswhoremainedthere，andleviedcontributionsontheinhabitants，anotherlaidtheRomanCatholictownsinWesterwaldandWetterauundersimilarcontributions。ThemainarmyhadencampedatCassel，oppositeMentz；andBernhard，DukeofWeimar，madehimselfmasteroftheMaeusethurmandtheCastleofEhrenfels，ontheothersideoftheRhine。Gustavuswasnowactivelypreparingtocrosstheriver，andtoblockadethetownonthelandside，whenthemovementsofTillyinFranconiasuddenlycalledhimfromthesiege，andobtainedfortheElectorashortrepose。
ThedangerofNuremberg，which，duringtheabsenceofGustavusAdolphusontheRhine，Tillyhadmadeashowofbesieging，and，intheeventofresistance，threatenedwiththecruelfateofMagdeburg，occasionedthekingsuddenlytoretirefrombeforeMentz。
LestheshouldexposehimselfasecondtimetothereproachesofGermany，andthedisgraceofabandoningaconfederatecitytoaferociousenemy，hehastenedtoitsreliefbyforcedmarches。OnhisarrivalatFrankfort，however，heheardofitsspiritedresistance，andoftheretreatofTilly，andlostnotamomentinprosecutinghisdesignsagainstMentz。
FailinginanattempttocrosstheRhineatCassel，underthecannonofthebesieged，hedirectedhismarchtowardstheBergstrasse，withaviewofapproachingthetownfromanoppositequarter。
Herehequicklymadehimselfmasterofalltheplacesofimportance，andatStockstadt，betweenGernsheimandOppenheim，appearedasecondtimeuponthebanksoftheRhine。ThewholeoftheBergstrassewasabandonedbytheSpaniards，whoendeavouredobstinatelytodefendtheotherbankoftheriver。Forthispurpose，theyhadburnedorsunkallthevesselsintheneighbourhood，andarrangedaformidableforceonthebanks，incasethekingshouldattemptthepassageatthatplace。
Onthisoccasion，theking’simpetuosityexposedhimtogreatdangeroffallingintothehandsoftheenemy。Inordertoreconnoitretheoppositebank，hecrossedtheriverinasmallboat；
hehadscarcelylandedwhenhewasattackedbyapartyofSpanishhorse，fromwhosehandsheonlysavedhimselfbyaprecipitateretreat。
Havingatlast，withtheassistanceoftheneighbouringfishermen，succeededinprocuringafewtransports，hedespatchedtwoofthemacrosstheriver，bearingCountBraheand300Swedes。
Scarcelyhadthisofficertimetoentrenchhimselfontheoppositebank，whenhewasattackedby14squadronsofSpanishdragoonsandcuirassiers。
Superiorastheenemywasinnumber，CountBrahe，withhissmallforce，bravelydefendedhimself，andgainedtimeforthekingtosupporthimwithfreshtroops。TheSpaniardsatlastretiredwiththelossof600men，sometakingrefugeinOppenheim，andothersinMentz。Alionofmarbleonahighpillar，holdinganakedswordinhispaw，andahelmetonhishead，waserectedseventyyearsaftertheevent，topointouttothetravellerthespotwheretheimmortalmonarchcrossedthegreatriverofGermany。
GustavusAdolphusnowconveyedhisartilleryandthegreaterpartofhistroopsovertheriver，andlaidsiegetoOppenheim，which，afterabraveresistance，was，onthe8thDecember，1631，carriedbystorm。
FivehundredSpaniards，whohadsocourageouslydefendedtheplace，fellindiscriminatelyasacrificetothefuryoftheSwedes。ThecrossingoftheRhinebyGustavusstruckterrorintotheSpaniardsandLorrainers，whohadthoughtthemselvesprotectedbytheriverfromthevengeanceoftheSwedes。Rapidflightwasnowtheironlysecurity；
everyplaceincapableofaneffectualdefencewasimmediatelyabandoned。
Afteralongtrainofoutragesonthedefencelesscitizens，thetroopsofLorraineevacuatedWorms，which，beforetheirdeparture，theytreatedwithwantoncruelty。TheSpaniardshastenedtoshutthemselvesupinFrankenthal，wheretheyhopedtodefythevictoriousarmsofGustavusAdolphus。
ThekinglostnotimeinprosecutinghisdesignsagainstMentz，intowhichthefloweroftheSpanishtroopshadthrownthemselves。
WhileheadvancedontheleftbankoftheRhine，theLandgraveofHesseCasselmovedforwardontheother，reducingseveralstrongplacesonhismarch。
ThebesiegedSpaniards，thoughhemmedinonbothsides，displayedatfirstabolddetermination，andthrew，forseveraldays，ashowerofbombsintotheSwedishcamp，whichcostthekingmanyofhisbravestsoldiers。
Butnotwithstanding，theSwedescontinuallygainedground，andhadatlastadvancedsoclosetotheditchthattheypreparedseriouslyforstormingtheplace。Thecourageofthebesiegednowbegantodroop。
TheytrembledbeforethefuriousimpetuosityoftheSwedishsoldiers，ofwhichMarienberg，inWurtzburg，hadaffordedsofearfulanexample。
ThesamedreadfulfateawaitedMentz，iftakenbystorm；
andtheenemymightevenbeeasilytemptedtorevengethecarnageofMagdeburgonthisrichandmagnificentresidenceofaRomanCatholicprince。
Tosavethetown，ratherthantheirownlives，theSpanishgarrisoncapitulatedonthefourthday，andobtainedfromthemagnanimityofGustavusasafeconducttoLuxembourg；thegreaterpartofthem，however，followingtheexampleofmanyothers，enlistedintheserviceofSweden。
Onthe13thDecember，1631，thekingmadehisentryintotheconqueredtown，andfixedhisquartersinthepalaceoftheElector。Eightypiecesofcannonfellintohishands，andthecitizenswereobligedtoredeemtheirpropertyfrompillage，byapaymentof80，000florins。ThebenefitsofthisredemptiondidnotextendtotheJewsandtheclergy，whowereobligedtomakelargeandseparatecontributionsforthemselves。ThelibraryoftheElectorwasseizedbythekingashisshare，andpresentedbyhimtohischancellor，Oxenstiern，whointendeditfortheAcademyofWesterrah，butthevesselinwhichitwasshippedtoSwedenfounderedatsea。
AfterthelossofMentz，misfortunestillpursuedtheSpaniardsontheRhine。
Shortlybeforethecaptureofthatcity，theLandgraveofHesseCasselhadtakenFalkensteinandReifenberg，andthefortressofKoningsteinsurrenderedtotheHessians。TheRhinegrave，OttoLouis，oneoftheking’sgenerals，defeatednineSpanishsquadronswhowereontheirmarchforFrankenthal，andmadehimselfmasterofthemostimportanttownsupontheRhine，fromBopparttoBacharach。
AfterthecaptureofthefortressofBraunfels，whichwaseffectedbytheCountofWetterau，withtheco-operationoftheSwedes，theSpaniardsquicklylosteveryplaceinWetterau，whileinthePalatinatetheyretainedfewplacesbesidesFrankenthal。LandauandKronweisenbergopenlydeclaredfortheSwedes；Spiresofferedtroopsfortheking’sservice；
ManheimwasgainedthroughtheprudenceoftheDukeBernardofWeimar，andthenegligenceofitsgovernor，who，forthismisconduct，wastriedbeforethecouncilofwar，atHeidelberg，andbeheaded。
Thekinghadprotractedthecampaignintothedepthofwinter，andtheseverityoftheseasonwasperhapsonecauseoftheadvantagehissoldiersgainedoverthoseoftheenemy。Buttheexhaustedtroopsnowstoodinneedofthereposeofwinterquarters，which，afterthesurrenderofMentz，Gustavusassignedtothem，initsneighbourhood。
Hehimselfemployedtheintervalofinactivityinthefield，whichtheseasonoftheyearenjoined，inarranging，withhischancellor，theaffairsofhiscabinet，intreatingforaneutralitywithsomeofhisenemies，andadjustingsomepoliticaldisputeswhichhadsprungupwithaneighbouringally。HechosethecityofMentzforhiswinterquarters，andthesettlementofthesestateaffairs，andshowedagreaterpartialityforthistown，thanseemedconsistentwiththeinterestsoftheGermanprinces，ortheshortnessofhisvisittotheEmpire。Notcontentwithstronglyfortifyingit，heerectedattheoppositeanglewhichtheMaineformswiththeRhine，anewcitadel，whichwasnamedGustavusburgfromitsfounder，butwhichisbetterknownunderthetitleofPfaffenrauborPfaffenzwang*——
*Priests’plunder；alludingtothemeansbywhichtheexpenseofitserectionhadbeendefrayed——
WhileGustavusAdolphusmadehimselfmasteroftheRhine，andthreatenedthethreeneighbouringelectorateswithhisvictoriousarms，hisvigilantenemiesinParisandSt。Germain’smadeuseofeveryartificetodeprivehimofthesupportofFrance，and，ifpossible，toinvolvehiminawarwiththatpower。ByhissuddenandequivocalmarchtotheRhine，hehadsurprisedhisfriends，andfurnishedhisenemieswiththemeansofexcitingadistrustofhisintentions。
AftertheconquestofWurtzburg，andofthegreaterpartofFranconia，theroadintoBavariaandAustrialayopentohimthroughBambergandtheUpperPalatinate；andtheexpectationwasasgeneral，asitwasnatural，thathewouldnotdelaytoattacktheEmperorandtheDukeofBavariaintheverycentreoftheirpower，and，bythereductionofhistwoprincipalenemies，bringthewarimmediatelytoanend。Buttothesurpriseofbothparties，Gustavusleftthepathwhichgeneralexpectationhadthusmarkedoutforhim；
andinsteadofadvancingtotheright，turnedtotheleft，tomakethelessimportantandmoreinnocentprincesoftheRhinefeelhispower，whilehegavetimetohismoreformidableopponentstorecruittheirstrength。NothingbuttheparamountdesignofreinstatingtheunfortunatePalatine，FrederickV。，inthepossessionofhisterritories，bytheexpulsionoftheSpaniards，couldseemtoaccountforthisstrangestep；andthebeliefthatGustavuswasabouttoeffectthatrestoration，silencedforawhilethesuspicionsofhisfriendsandthecalumniesofhisenemies。ButtheLowerPalatinatewasnowalmostentirelyclearedoftheenemy；andyetGustavuscontinuedtoformnewschemesofconquestontheRhine，andtowithholdthereconqueredcountryfromthePalatine，itsrightfulowner。InvaindidtheEnglishambassadorremindhimofwhatjusticedemanded，andwhathisownsolemnengagementmadeadutyofhonour；GustavusrepliedtothesedemandswithbittercomplaintsoftheinactivityoftheEnglishcourt，andpreparedtocarryhisvictoriousstandardintoAlsace，andevenintoLorraine。
AdistrustoftheSwedishmonarchwasnowloudandopen，whilethemaliceofhisenemiesbusilycirculatedthemostinjuriousreportsastohisintentions。Richelieu，theministerofLouisXIII。，hadlongwitnessedwithanxietytheking’sprogresstowardstheFrenchfrontier，andthesuspicioustemperofLouisrenderedhimbuttooaccessibletotheevilsurmiseswhichtheoccasiongaveriseto。
FrancewasatthistimeinvolvedinacivilwarwithherProtestantsubjects，andthefearwasnotaltogethergroundless，thattheapproachofavictoriousmonarchoftheirpartymightrevivetheirdroopingspirit，andencouragethemtoamoredesperateresistance。Thismightbethecase，evenifGustavusAdolphuswasfarfromshowingadispositiontoencouragethem，ortoactunfaithfullytowardshisally，theKingofFrance。ButthevindictiveBishopofWurtzburg，whowasanxioustoavengethelossofhisdominions，theenvenomedrhetoricoftheJesuitsandtheactivezealoftheBavarianminister，representedthisdreadedalliancebetweentheHuguenotsandtheSwedesasanundoubtedfact，andfilledthetimidmindofLouiswiththemostalarmingfears。Notmerelychimericalpoliticians，butmanyofthebestinformedRomanCatholics，fullybelievedthatthekingwasonthepointofbreakingintotheheartofFrance，tomakecommoncausewiththeHuguenots，andtooverturntheCatholicreligionwithinthekingdom。
Fanaticalzealotsalreadysawhim，withhisarmy，crossingtheAlps，anddethroningtheViceregentofChristinItaly。Suchreportsnodoubtsoonrefutethemselves；yetitcannotbedeniedthatGustavus，byhismanoeuvresontheRhine，gaveadangeroushandletothemaliceofhisenemies，andinsomemeasurejustifiedthesuspicionthathedirectedhisarms，notsomuchagainsttheEmperorandtheDukeofBavaria，asagainsttheRomanCatholicreligionitself。
ThegeneralclamourofdiscontentwhichtheJesuitsraisedinalltheCatholiccourts，againstthealliancebetweenFranceandtheenemyofthechurch，atlastcompelledCardinalRichelieutotakeadecisivestepforthesecurityofhisreligion，andatoncetoconvincetheRomanCatholicworldofthezealofFrance，andoftheselfishpolicyoftheecclesiasticalstatesofGermany。
ConvincedthattheviewsoftheKingofSweden，likehisown，aimedsolelyatthehumiliationofthepowerofAustria，hehesitatednottopromisetotheprincesoftheLeague，onthepartofSweden，acompleteneutrality，immediatelytheyabandonedtheiralliancewiththeEmperorandwithdrewtheirtroops。
Whatevertheresolutiontheseprincesshouldadopt，Richelieuwouldequallyattainhisobject。BytheirseparationfromtheAustrianinterest，FerdinandwouldbeexposedtothecombinedattackofFranceandSweden；
andGustavusAdolphus，freedfromhisotherenemiesinGermany，wouldbeabletodirecthisundividedforceagainstthehereditarydominionsofAustria。
Inthatevent，thefallofAustriawasinevitable，andthisgreatobjectofRichelieu’spolicywouldbegainedwithoutinjurytothechurch。
If，ontheotherhand，theprincesoftheLeaguepersistedintheiropposition，andadheredtotheAustrianalliance，theresultwouldindeedbemoredoubtful，butstillFrancewouldhavesufficientlyprovedtoallEuropethesincerityofherattachmenttotheCatholiccause，andperformedherdutyasamemberoftheRomanChurch。
TheprincesoftheLeaguewouldthenappearthesoleauthorsofthoseevils，whichthecontinuanceofthewarwouldunavoidablybringupontheRomanCatholicsofGermany；theyalone，bytheirwilfulandobstinateadherencetotheEmperor，wouldfrustratethemeasuresemployedfortheirprotection，involvethechurchindanger，andthemselvesinruin。
Richelieupursuedthisplanwithgreaterzeal，themorehewasembarrassedbytherepeateddemandsoftheElectorofBavariaforassistancefromFrance；
forthisprince，asalreadystated，whenhefirstbegantoentertainsuspicionsoftheEmperor，enteredimmediatelyintoasecretalliancewithFrance，bywhich，intheeventofanychangeintheEmperor’ssentiments，hehopedtosecurethepossessionofthePalatinate。Butthoughtheoriginofthetreatyclearlyshowedagainstwhatenemyitwasdirected，MaximiliannowthoughtpropertomakeuseofitagainsttheKingofSweden，anddidnothesitatetodemandfromFrancethatassistanceagainstherally，whichshehadsimplypromisedagainstAustria。Richelieu，embarrassedbythisconflictingalliancewithtwohostilepowers，hadnoresourceleftbuttoendeavourtoputaspeedyterminationtotheirhostilities；
andaslittleinclinedtosacrificeBavaria，ashewasdisabled，byhistreatywithSweden，fromassistingit，hesethimself，withalldiligence，tobringaboutaneutrality，astheonlymeansoffulfillinghisobligationstoboth。Forthispurpose，theMarquisofBrezewassent，ashisplenipotentiary，totheKingofSwedenatMentz，tolearnhissentimentsonthispoint，andtoprocurefromhimfavourableconditionsforthealliedprinces。
ButifLouisXIII。hadpowerfulmotivesforwishingforthisneutrality，GustavusAdolphushadasgravereasonsfordesiringthecontrary。
ConvincedbynumerousproofsthatthehatredoftheprincesoftheLeaguetotheProtestantreligionwasinvincible，theiraversiontotheforeignpoweroftheSwedesinextinguishable，andtheirattachmenttotheHouseofAustriairrevocable，heapprehendedlessdangerfromtheiropenhostility，thanfromaneutralitywhichwassolittleinunisonwiththeirrealinclinations；and，moreover，ashewasconstrainedtocarryonthewarinGermanyattheexpenseoftheenemy，hemanifestlysustainedgreatlossifhediminishedtheirnumberwithoutincreasingthatofhisfriends。Itwasnotsurprising，therefore，ifGustavusevincedlittleinclinationtopurchasetheneutralityoftheLeague，bywhichhewaslikelytogainsolittle，attheexpenseoftheadvantageshehadalreadyobtained。
Theconditions，accordingly，uponwhichheofferedtoadopttheneutralitytowardsBavariaweresevere，andsuitedtotheseviews。HerequiredofthewholeLeagueafullandentirecessationfromallhostilities；
therecalloftheirtroopsfromtheimperialarmy，fromtheconqueredtowns，andfromalltheProtestantcountries；thereductionoftheirmilitaryforce；
theexclusionoftheimperialarmiesfromtheirterritories，andfromsupplieseitherofmen，provisions，orammunition。
Hardastheconditionswere，whichthevictorthusimposeduponthevanquished，theFrenchmediatorflatteredhimselfheshouldbeabletoinducetheElectorofBavariatoacceptthem。
Inordertogivetimeforanaccommodation，Gustavushadagreedtoacessationofhostilitiesforafortnight。ButattheverytimewhenthismonarchwasreceivingfromtheFrenchagentsrepeatedassurancesofthefavourableprogressofthenegociation，aninterceptedletterfromtheElectortoPappenheim，theimperialgeneralinWestphalia，revealedtheperfidyofthatprince，ashavingnootherobjectinviewbythewholenegociation，thantogaintimeforhismeasuresofdefence。
FarfromintendingtofetterhismilitaryoperationsbyatrucewithSweden，theartfulprincehastenedhispreparations，andemployedtheleisurewhichhisenemyaffordedhim，inmakingthemostactivedispositionsforresistance。Thenegociationaccordinglyfailed，andservedonlytoincreasetheanimosityoftheBavariansandtheSwedes。
Tilly’saugmentedforce，withwhichhethreatenedtooverrunFranconia，urgentlyrequiredtheking’spresenceinthatcircle；butitwasnecessarytoexpelpreviouslytheSpaniardsfromtheRhine，andtocutofftheirmeansofinvadingGermanyfromtheNetherlands。Withthisview，GustavusAdolphushadmadeanofferofneutralitytotheElectorofTreves，PhilipvonZeltern，onconditionthatthefortressofHermansteinshouldbedelivereduptohim，andafreepassagegrantedtohistroopsthroughCoblentz。ButunwillinglyastheElectorhadbeheldtheSpaniardswithinhisterritories，hewasstilllessdisposedtocommithisestatestothesuspiciousprotectionofaheretic，andtomaketheSwedishconquerormasterofhisdestinies。
Tooweaktomaintainhisindependencebetweentwosuchpowerfulcompetitors，hetookrefugeintheprotectionofFrance。Withhisusualprudence，RichelieuprofitedbytheembarrassmentsofthisprincetoaugmentthepowerofFrance，andtogainforheranimportantallyontheGermanfrontier。AnumerousFrencharmywasdespatchedtoprotecttheterritoryofTreves，andaFrenchgarrisonwasreceivedintoEhrenbreitstein。ButtheobjectwhichhadmovedtheElectortothisboldstepwasnotcompletelygained，fortheoffendedprideofGustavusAdolphuswasnotappeasedtillhehadobtainedafreepassageforhistroopsthroughTreves。
PendingthesenegociationswithTrevesandFrance，theking’sgeneralshadentirelyclearedtheterritoryofMentzoftheSpanishgarrisons，andGustavushimselfcompletedtheconquestofthisdistrictbythecaptureofKreutznach。Toprotecttheseconquests，thechancellorOxenstiernwasleftwithadivisionofthearmyupontheMiddleRhine，whilethemainbody，underthekinghimself，beganitsmarchagainsttheenemyinFranconia。
Thepossessionofthiscirclehad，inthemeantime，beendisputedwithvariablesuccess，betweenCountTillyandtheSwedishGeneralHorn，whomGustavushadlefttherewith8，000men；andtheBishopricofBamberg，inparticular，wasatoncetheprizeandthesceneoftheirstruggle。
CalledawaytotheRhinebyhisotherprojects，thekinghadlefttohisgeneralthechastisementofthebishop，whoseperfidyhadexcitedhisindignation，andtheactivityofHornjustifiedthechoice。
Inashorttime，hesubduedthegreaterpartofthebishopric；
andthecapitalitself，abandonedbyitsimperialgarrison，wascarriedbystorm。ThebanishedbishopurgentlydemandedassistancefromtheElectorofBavaria，whowasatlengthpersuadedtoputanendtoTilly’sinactivity。Fullyempoweredbyhismaster’sordertorestorethebishoptohispossessions，thisgeneralcollectedhistroops，whowerescatteredovertheUpperPalatinate，andwithanarmyof20，000menadvanceduponBamberg。Firmlyresolvedtomaintainhisconquestevenagainstthisoverwhelmingforce，HornawaitedtheenemywithinthewallsofBamberg；butwasobligedtoyieldtothevanguardofTillywhathehadthoughttobeabletodisputewithhiswholearmy。
Apanicwhichsuddenlyseizedhistroops，andwhichnopresenceofmindoftheirgeneralcouldcheck，openedthegatestotheenemy，anditwaswithdifficultythatthetroops，baggage，andartillery，weresaved。ThereconquestofBambergwasthefruitofthisvictory；
butTilly，withallhisactivity，wasunabletoovertaketheSwedishgeneral，whoretiredingoodorderbehindtheMaine。Theking’sappearanceinFranconia，andhisjunctionwithGustavusHornatKitzingen，putastoptoTilly’sconquests，andcompelledhimtoprovideforhisownsafetybyarapidretreat。
ThekingmadeageneralreviewofhistroopsatAschaffenburg。
AfterhisjunctionwithGustavusHorn，Banner，andDukeWilliamofWeimar，theyamountedtonearly40，000men。HisprogressthroughFranconiawasuninterrupted；forTilly，fartooweaktoencounteranenemysosuperiorinnumbers，hadretreated，byrapidmarches，towardstheDanube。
BohemiaandBavariawerenowequallyneartotheking，and，uncertainwhitherhisvictoriouscoursemightbedirected，Maximiliancouldformnoimmediateresolution。Thechoiceoftheking，andthefateofbothprovinces，nowdependedontheroadthatshouldbeleftopentoCountTilly。Itwasdangerous，duringtheapproachofsoformidableanenemy，toleaveBavariaundefended，inordertoprotectAustria；stillmoredangerous，byreceivingTillyintoBavaria，todrawthithertheenemyalso，andtorenderittheseatofadestructivewar。Thecaresofthesovereignfinallyovercamethescruplesofthestatesman，andTillyreceivedorders，atallhazards，tocoverthefrontiersofBavariawithhisarmy。
NurembergreceivedwithtriumphantjoytheprotectoroftheProtestantreligionandGermanfreedom，andtheenthusiasmofthecitizensexpresseditselfonhisarrivalinloudtransportsofadmirationandjoy。
EvenGustavuscouldnotcontainhisastonishment，toseehimselfinthiscity，whichwastheverycentreofGermany，wherehehadneverexpectedtobeabletopenetrate。Thenobleappearanceofhisperson，completedtheimpressionproducedbyhisgloriousexploits，andthecondescensionwithwhichhereceivedthecongratulationsofthisfreecitywonallhearts。HenowconfirmedthealliancehehadconcludedwithitontheshoresoftheBaltic，andexcitedthecitizenstozealousactivityandfraternalunityagainstthecommonenemy。
AfterashortstayinNuremberg，hefollowedhisarmytotheDanube，andappearedunexpectedlybeforethefrontiertownofDonauwerth。
AnumerousBavariangarrisondefendedtheplace；andtheircommander，RodolphMaximilian，DukeofSaxeLauenburg，showedatfirstaresolutedeterminationtodefendittillthearrivalofTilly。
ButthevigourwithwhichGustavusAdolphusprosecutedthesiege，sooncompelledhimtotakemeasuresforaspeedyandsecureretreat，whichamidstatremendousfirefromtheSwedishartilleryhesuccessfullyexecuted。
TheconquestofDonauwerthopenedtothekingthefurthersideoftheDanube，andnowthesmallriverLechaloneseparatedhimfromBavaria。
TheimmediatedangerofhisdominionsarousedallMaximilian’sactivity；
andhoweverlittlehehadhithertodisturbedtheenemy’sprogresstohisfrontier，henowdeterminedtodisputeasresolutelytheremainderoftheircourse。OntheoppositebankoftheLech，nearthesmalltownofRain，Tillyoccupiedastronglyfortifiedcamp，which，surroundedbythreerivers，badedefiancetoallattack。
AllthebridgesovertheLechweredestroyed；thewholecourseofthestreamprotectedbystronggarrisonsasfarasAugsburg；andthattownitself，whichhadlongbetrayeditsimpatiencetofollowtheexampleofNurembergandFrankfort，securedbyaBavariangarrison，andthedisarmingofitsinhabitants。TheElectorhimself，withallthetroopshecouldcollect，threwhimselfintoTilly’scamp，asifallhishopescentredonthissinglepoint，andherethegoodfortuneoftheSwedeswastosuffershipwreckforever。
GustavusAdolphus，aftersubduingthewholeterritoryofAugsburg，onhisownsideoftheriver，andopeningtohistroopsarichsupplyofnecessariesfromthatquarter，soonappearedonthebankoppositetheBavarianentrenchments。ItwasnowthemonthofMarch，whentheriver，swollenbyfrequentrains，andthemeltingofthesnowfromthemountainsoftheTyrol，flowedfullandrapidbetweenitssteepbanks。Itsboilingcurrentthreatenedtherashassailantswithcertaindestruction，whilefromtheoppositesidetheenemy’scannonshowedtheirmurderousmouths。If，indespiteofthefurybothoffireandwater，theyshouldaccomplishthisalmostimpossiblepassage，afreshandvigorousenemyawaitedtheexhaustedtroopsinanimpregnablecamp；andwhentheyneededreposeandrefreshmenttheymustprepareforbattle。Withexhaustedpowerstheymustascendthehostileentrenchments，whosestrengthseemedtobiddefiancetoeveryassault。Adefeatsustaineduponthisshorewouldbeattendedwithinevitabledestruction，sincethesamestreamwhichimpededtheiradvancewouldalsocutofftheirretreat，iffortuneshouldabandonthem。
TheSwedishcouncilofwar，whichthekingnowassembled，stronglyurgeduponhimalltheseconsiderations，inordertodeterhimfromthisdangerousundertaking。Themostintrepidwereappalled，andatroopofhonourablewarriors，whohadgrowngrayinthefield，didnothesitatetoexpresstheiralarm。Buttheking’sresolutionwasfixed。
\"What！\"saidhetoGustavusHorn，whospokefortherest，\"havewecrossedtheBaltic，andsomanygreatriversofGermany，andshallwenowbecheckedbyabrookliketheLech？\"Gustavushadalready，atgreatpersonalrisk，reconnoitredthewholecountry，anddiscoveredthathisownsideoftheriverwashigherthantheother，andconsequentlygaveaconsiderableadvantagetothefireoftheSwedishartilleryoverthatoftheenemy。Withgreatpresenceofmindhedeterminedtoprofitbythiscircumstance。AtthepointwheretheleftbankoftheLechformsananglewiththeright，heimmediatelycausedthreebatteriestobeerected，fromwhich72field-piecesmaintainedacrossfireupontheenemy。WhilethistremendouscannonadedrovetheBavariansfromtheoppositebank，hecausedtobeerectedabridgeovertheriverwithallpossiblerapidity。Athicksmoke，keptupbyburningwoodandwetstraw，concealedforsometimetheprogressoftheworkfromtheenemy，whilethecontinuedthunderofthecannonoverpoweredthenoiseoftheaxes。Hekeptalivebyhisownexamplethecourageofhistroops，anddischargedmorethan60cannonwithhisownhand。ThecannonadewasreturnedbytheBavarianswithequalvivacityfortwohours，thoughwithlesseffect，astheSwedishbatteriesswepttheloweroppositebank，whiletheirheightservedasabreast-worktotheirowntroops。Invain，therefore，didtheBavariansattempttodestroytheseworks；thesuperiorfireoftheSwedesthrewthemintodisorder，andthebridgewascompletedundertheirveryeyes。Onthisdreadfulday，Tillydideverythinginhispowertoencouragehistroops；andnodangercoulddrivehimfromthebank。Atlengthhefoundthedeathwhichhesought，acannonballshatteredhisleg；andAltringer，hisbravecompanion-in-arms，was，soonafter，dangerouslywoundedinthehead。Deprivedoftheanimatingpresenceoftheirtwogenerals，theBavariansgavewayatlast，andMaximilian，inspiteofhisownjudgment，wasdriventoadoptapusillanimousresolve。OvercomebythepersuasionsofthedyingTilly，whosewontedfirmnesswasoverpoweredbythenearapproachofdeath，hegaveuphisimpregnablepositionforlost；andthediscoverybytheSwedesofaford，bywhichtheircavalrywereonthepointofpassing，acceleratedhisingloriousretreat。Thesamenight，beforeasinglesoldieroftheenemyhadcrossedtheLech，hebrokeuphiscamp，and，withoutgivingtimefortheKingtoharasshiminhismarch，retreatedingoodordertoNeuburghandIngolstadt。WithastonishmentdidGustavusAdolphus，whocompletedthepassageoftheriveronthefollowingdaybeholdthehostilecampabandoned；
andtheElector’sflightsurprisedhimstillmore，whenhesawthestrengthofthepositionhehadquitted。\"HadIbeentheBavarian，\"saidhe，\"thoughacannonballhadcarriedawaymybeardandchin，neverwouldIhaveabandonedapositionlikethis，andlaidopenmyterritorytomyenemies。\"
Bavarianowlayexposedtotheconqueror；and，forthefirsttime，thetideofwar，whichhadhithertoonlybeatagainstitsfrontier，nowflowedoveritslongsparedandfertilefields。Before，however，theKingproceededtotheconquestoftheseprovinces，hedeliveredthetownofAugsburgfromtheyokeofBavaria；
exactedanoathofallegiancefromthecitizens；andtosecureitsobservance，leftagarrisoninthetown。Hethenadvanced，byrapidmarches，againstIngolstadt，inorder，bythecaptureofthisimportantfortress，whichtheElectorcoveredwiththegreaterpartofhisarmy，tosecurehisconquestsinBavaria，andobtainafirmfootingontheDanube。
ShortlyaftertheappearanceoftheSwedishKingbeforeIngolstadt，thewoundedTilly，afterexperiencingthecapriceofunstablefortune，terminatedhiscareerwithinthewallsofthattown。ConqueredbythesuperiorgeneralshipofGustavusAdolphus，helost，atthecloseofhisdays，allthelaurelsofhisearliervictories，andappeased，byaseriesofmisfortunes，thedemandsofjustice，andtheavengingmanesofMagdeburg。Inhisdeath，theImperialarmyandthatoftheLeaguesustainedanirreparableloss；
theRomanCatholicreligionwasdeprivedofitsmostzealousdefender，andMaximilianofBavariaofthemostfaithfulofhisservants，whosealedhisfidelitybyhisdeath，andeveninhisdyingmomentsfulfilledthedutiesofageneral。HislastmessagetotheElectorwasanurgentadvicetotakepossessionofRatisbon，inordertomaintainthecommandoftheDanube，andtokeepopenthecommunicationwithBohemia。
Withtheconfidencewhichwasthenaturalfruitofsomanyvictories，GustavusAdolphuscommencedthesiegeofIngolstadt，hopingtogainthetownbythefuryofhisfirstassault。Butthestrengthofitsfortifications，andthebraveryofitsgarrison，presentedobstaclesgreaterthananyhehadhadtoencountersincethebattleofBreitenfeld，andthewallsofIngolstadtwerenearputtinganendtohiscareer。
Whilereconnoitringtheworks，a24-pounderkilledhishorseunderhim，andhefelltotheground，whilealmostimmediatelyafterwardsanotherballstruckhisfavourite，theyoungMargraveofBaden，byhisside。Withperfectself-possessionthekingrose，andquietedthefearsofhistroopsbyimmediatelymountinganotherhorse。
TheoccupationofRatisbonbytheBavarians，who，bytheadviceofTilly，hadsurprisedthistownbystratagem，andplacedinitastronggarrison，quicklychangedtheking’splanofoperations。Hehadflatteredhimselfwiththehopeofgainingthistown，whichfavouredtheProtestantcause，andtofindinitanallyasdevotedtohimasNuremberg，Augsburg，andFrankfort。ItsseizurebytheBavariansseemedtopostponeforalongtimethefulfilmentofhisfavouriteprojectofmakinghimselfmasteroftheDanube，andcuttingoffhisadversaries’suppliesfromBohemia。
HesuddenlyraisedthesiegeofIngolstadt，beforewhichhehadwastedbothhistimeandhistroops，andpenetratedintotheinteriorofBavaria，inordertodrawtheElectorintothatquarterforthedefenceofhisterritories，andthustostriptheDanubeofitsdefenders。
Thewholecountry，asfarasMunich，nowlayopentotheconqueror。
Mosburg，Landshut，andthewholeterritoryofFreysingen，submitted；
nothingcouldresisthisarms。Butifhemetwithnoregularforcetoopposehisprogress，hehadtocontendagainstastillmoreimplacableenemyintheheartofeveryBavarian——religiousfanaticism。
SoldierswhodidnotbelieveinthePopewere，inthiscountry，anewandunheard-ofphenomenon；theblindzealofthepriestsrepresentedthemtothepeasantryasmonsters，thechildrenofhell，andtheirleaderasAntichrist。Nowonder，then，iftheythoughtthemselvesreleasedfromallthetiesofnatureandhumanitytowardsthisbroodofSatan，andjustifiedincommittingthemostsavageatrocitiesuponthem。
WoetotheSwedishsoldierwhofellintotheirhands！Allthetormentswhichinventivemalicecoulddevisewereexercisedupontheseunhappyvictims；
andthesightoftheirmangledbodiesexasperatedthearmytoafearfulretaliation。GustavusAdolphus，alone，sulliedthelustreofhisheroiccharacterbynoactofrevenge；andtheaversionwhichtheBavariansfelttowardshisreligion，farfrommakinghimdepartfromtheobligationsofhumanitytowardsthatunfortunatepeople，seemedtoimposeuponhimthestricterdutytohonourhisreligionbyamoreconstantclemency。
Theapproachofthekingspreadterrorandconsternationinthecapital，which，strippedofitsdefenders，andabandonedbyitsprincipalinhabitants，placedallitshopesinthemagnanimityoftheconqueror。
Byanunconditionalandvoluntarysurrender，ithopedtodisarmhisvengeance；
andsentdeputieseventoFreysingentolayathisfeetthekeysofthecity。
StronglyasthekingmighthavebeentemptedbytheinhumanityoftheBavarians，andthehostilityoftheirsovereign，tomakeadreadfuluseoftherightsofvictory；pressedashewasbyGermanstoavengethefateofMagdeburgonthecapitalofitsdestroyer，thisgreatprincescornedthismeanrevenge；andtheveryhelplessnessofhisenemiesdisarmedhisseverity。ContentedwiththemorenobletriumphofconductingthePalatineFrederickwiththepompofavictorintotheverypalaceoftheprincewhohadbeenthechiefinstrumentofhisruin，andtheusurperofhisterritories，heheightenedthebrilliancyofhistriumphalentrybythebrightersplendourofmoderationandclemency。
TheKingfoundinMunichonlyaforsakenpalace，fortheElector’streasureshadbeentransportedtoWerfen。Themagnificenceofthebuildingastonishedhim；andheaskedtheguidewhoshowedtheapartmentswhowasthearchitect。\"Noother，\"repliedhe，\"thantheElectorhimself。\"——
\"Iwish，\"saidtheKing，\"IhadthisarchitecttosendtoStockholm。\"
\"That，\"hewasanswered，\"thearchitectwilltakecaretoprevent。\"
Whenthearsenalwasexamined，theyfoundnothingbutcarriages，strippedoftheircannon。Thelatterhadbeensoartfullyconcealedunderthefloor，thatnotracesofthemremained；andbutforthetreacheryofaworkman，thedeceitwouldnothavebeendetected。
\"Riseupfromthedead，\"saidtheKing，\"andcometojudgment。\"
Thefloorwaspulledup，and140piecesofcannondiscovered，someofextraordinarycalibre，whichhadbeenprincipallytakeninthePalatinateandBohemia。Atreasureof30，000goldducats，concealedinoneofthelargest，completedthepleasurewhichtheKingreceivedfromthisvaluableacquisition。
AfarmorewelcomespectaclestillwouldhavebeentheBavarianarmyitself；
forhismarchintotheheartofBavariahadbeenundertakenchieflywiththeviewofluringthemfromtheirentrenchments。Inthisexpectationhewasdisappointed。Noenemyappeared；noentreaties，howeverurgent，onthepartofhissubjects，couldinducetheElectortorisktheremainderofhisarmytothechancesofabattle。ShutupinRatisbon，heawaitedthereinforcementswhichWallensteinwasbringingfromBohemia；
andendeavoured，inthemeantime，toamusehisenemyandkeephiminactive，byrevivingthenegociationforaneutrality。ButtheKing’sdistrust，toooftenandtoojustlyexcitedbyhispreviousconduct，frustratedthisdesign；andtheintentionaldelayofWallensteinabandonedBavariatotheSwedes。
ThusfarhadGustavusadvancedfromvictorytovictory，withoutmeetingwithanenemyabletocopewithhim。ApartofBavariaandSwabia，theBishopricsofFranconia，theLowerPalatinate，andtheArchbishopricofMentz，layconqueredinhisrear。AnuninterruptedcareerofconquesthadconductedhimtothethresholdofAustria；andthemostbrilliantsuccesshadfullyjustifiedtheplanofoperationswhichhehadformedafterthebattleofBreitenfeld。IfhehadnotsucceededtohiswishinpromotingaconfederacyamongtheProtestantStates，hehadatleastdisarmedorweakenedtheLeague，carriedonthewarchieflyatitsexpense，lessenedtheEmperor’sresources，emboldenedtheweakerStates，andwhilehelaidundercontributionthealliesoftheEmperor，forcedawaythroughtheirterritoriesintoAustriaitself。
Wherearmswereunavailing，thegreatestservicewasrenderedbythefriendshipofthefreecities，whoseaffectionshehadgained，bythedoubletiesofpolicyandreligion；and，aslongasheshouldmaintainhissuperiorityinthefield，hemightreckononeverythingfromtheirzeal。
ByhisconquestsontheRhine，theSpaniardswerecutofffromtheLowerPalatinate，evenifthestateofthewarintheNetherlandsleftthematlibertytointerfereintheaffairsofGermany。
TheDukeofLorraine，too，afterhisunfortunatecampaign，hadbeengladtoadoptaneutrality。Eventhenumerousgarrisonshehadleftbehindhim，inhisprogressthroughGermany，hadnotdiminishedhisarmy；and，freshandvigorousaswhenhefirstbeganhismarch，henowstoodinthecentreofBavaria，determinedandpreparedtocarrythewarintotheheartofAustria。
WhileGustavusAdolphusthusmaintainedhissuperioritywithintheempire，fortune，inanotherquarter，hadbeennolessfavourabletohisally，theElectorofSaxony。BythearrangementconcertedbetweentheseprincesatHalle，afterthebattleofLeipzig，theconquestofBohemiawasintrustedtotheElectorofSaxony，whiletheKingreservedforhimselftheattackupontheterritoriesoftheLeague。ThefirstfruitswhichtheElectorreapedfromthebattleofBreitenfeld，wasthereconquestofLeipzig，whichwasshortlyfollowedbytheexpulsionoftheAustriangarrisonsfromtheentirecircle。Reinforcedbythetroopswhodesertedtohimfromthehostilegarrisons，theSaxonGeneral，Arnheim，marchedtowardsLusatia，whichhadbeenoverrunbyanImperialGeneral，RudolphvonTiefenbach，inordertochastisetheElectorforembracingthecauseoftheenemy。Hehadalreadycommencedinthisweaklydefendedprovincetheusualcourseofdevastation，takenseveraltowns，andterrifiedDresdenitselfbyhisapproach，whenhisdestructiveprogresswassuddenlystopped，byanexpressmandatefromtheEmperortosparethepossessionsoftheKingofSaxony。
Ferdinandhadperceivedtoolatetheerrorsofthatpolicy，whichreducedtheElectorofSaxonytoextremities，andforciblydriventhispowerfulmonarchintoanalliancewithSweden。Bymoderation，equallyill-timed，henowwishedtorepairifpossibletheconsequencesofhishaughtiness；andthuscommittedaseconderrorinendeavouringtorepairthefirst。Todeprivehisenemyofsopowerfulanally，hehadopened，throughtheinterventionofSpain，anegociationwiththeElector；andinordertofacilitateanaccommodation，TiefenbachwasorderedimmediatelytoretirefromSaxony。
ButtheseconcessionsoftheEmperor，farfromproducingthedesiredeffect，onlyrevealedtotheElectortheembarrassmentofhisadversaryandhisownimportance，andemboldenedhimthemoretoprosecutetheadvantageshehadalreadyobtained。Howcouldhe，moreover，withoutbecomingchargeablewiththemostshamefulingratitude，abandonanallytowhomhehadgiventhemostsolemnassurancesoffidelity，andtowhomhewasindebtedforthepreservationofhisdominions，andevenofhisElectoraldignity？
TheSaxonarmy，nowrelievedfromthenecessityofmarchingintoLusatia，advancedtowardsBohemia，whereacombinationoffavourablecircumstancesseemedtoensurethemaneasyvictory。Inthiskingdom，thefirstsceneofthisfatalwar，theflamesofdissensionstillsmoulderedbeneaththeashes，whilethediscontentoftheinhabitantswasfomentedbydailyactsofoppressionandtyranny。Oneveryside，thisunfortunatecountryshowedsignsofamournfulchange。Wholedistrictshadchangedtheirproprietors，andgroanedunderthehatedyokeofRomanCatholicmasters，whomthefavouroftheEmperorandtheJesuitshadenrichedwiththeplunderandpossessionsoftheexiledProtestants。Others，takingadvantagethemselvesofthegeneraldistress，hadpurchased，atalowrate，theconfiscatedestates。Thebloodofthemosteminentchampionsoflibertyhadbeensheduponthescaffold；andsuchasbyatimelyflightavoidedthatfate，werewanderinginmiseryfarfromtheirnativeland，whiletheobsequiousslavesofdespotismenjoyedtheirpatrimony。Stillmoreinsupportablethantheoppressionofthesepettytyrants，wastherestraintofconsciencewhichwasimposedwithoutdistinctiononalltheProtestantsofthatkingdom。
Noexternaldanger，nooppositiononthepartofthenation，howeversteadfast，noteventhefearfullessonsofpastexperiencecouldcheckintheJesuitstherageofproselytism；wherefairmeanswereineffectual，recoursewashadtomilitaryforcetobringthedeludedwandererswithinthepaleofthechurch。TheinhabitantsofJoachimsthal，onthefrontiersbetweenBohemiaandMeissen，werethechiefsufferersfromthisviolence。Twoimperialcommissaries，accompaniedbyasmanyJesuits，andsupportedbyfifteenmusketeers，madetheirappearanceinthispeacefulvalleytopreachthegospeltotheheretics。
Wheretherhetoricoftheformerwasineffectual，theforciblyquarteringthelatteruponthehouses，andthreatsofbanishmentandfinesweretried。
Butonthisoccasion，thegoodcauseprevailed，andtheboldresistanceofthissmalldistrictcompelledtheEmperordisgracefullytorecallhismandateofconversion。Theexampleofthecourthad，however，affordedaprecedenttotheRomanCatholicsoftheempire，andseemedtojustifyeveryactofoppressionwhichtheirinsolencetemptedthemtowreakupontheProtestants。Itisnotsurprising，then，ifthispersecutedpartywasfavourabletoarevolution，andsawwithpleasuretheirdeliverersonthefrontiers。
TheSaxonarmywasalreadyonitsmarchtowardsPrague，theimperialgarrisonseverywhereretiredbeforethem。Schloeckenau，Tetschen，Aussig，Leutmeritz，soonfellintotheenemy’shands，andeveryRomanCatholicplacewasabandonedtoplunder。ConsternationseizedallthePapistsoftheEmpire；
andconsciousoftheoutrageswhichtheythemselveshadcommittedontheProtestants，theydidnotventuretoabidethevengefularrivalofaProtestantarmy。AlltheRomanCatholics，whohadanythingtolose，fledhastilyfromthecountrytothecapital，whichagaintheypresentlyabandoned。Praguewasunpreparedforanattack，andwastooweaklygarrisonedtosustainalongsiege。
ToolatehadtheEmperorresolvedtodespatchField-MarshalTiefenbachtothedefenceofthiscapital。Beforetheimperialorderscouldreachthehead-quartersofthatgeneral，inSilesia，theSaxonswerealreadyclosetoPrague，theProtestantinhabitantsofwhichshowedlittlezeal，whiletheweaknessofthegarrisonleftnoroomtohopealongresistance。
Inthisfearfulstateofembarrassment，theRomanCatholicsofPraguelookedforsecuritytoWallenstein，whonowlivedinthatcityasaprivateindividual。Butfarfromlendinghismilitaryexperience，andtheweightofhisname，towardsitsdefence，heseizedthefavourableopportunitytosatiatehisthirstforrevenge。
IfhedidnotactuallyinvitetheSaxonstoPrague，atleasthisconductfacilitateditscapture。Thoughunprepared，thetownmightstillholdoutuntilsuccourscouldarrive；andanimperialcolonel，CountMaradas，showedseriousintentionsofundertakingitsdefence。Butwithoutcommandandauthority，andhavingnosupportbuthisownzealandcourage，hedidnotdaretoventureuponsuchastepwithouttheadviceofasuperior。
HethereforeconsultedtheDukeofFriedland，whoseapprobationmightsupplythewantofauthorityfromtheEmperor，andtowhomtheBohemiangeneralswerereferredbyanexpressedictofthecourtinthelastextremity。He，however，artfullyexcusedhimself，onthepleaofholdingnoofficialappointment，andhislongretirementfromthepoliticalworld；whileheweakenedtheresolutionofthesubalternsbythescrupleswhichhesuggested，andpaintedinthestrongestcolours。
Atlast，torendertheconsternationgeneralandcomplete，hequittedthecapitalwithhiswholecourt，howeverlittlehehadtofearfromitscapture；andthecitywaslost，because，byhisdeparture，heshowedthathedespairedofitssafety。HisexamplewasfollowedbyalltheRomanCatholicnobility，thegeneralswiththeirtroops，theclergy，andalltheofficersofthecrown。Allnightthepeoplewereemployedinsavingtheirpersonsandeffects。TheroadstoViennawerecrowdedwithfugitives，whoscarcelyrecoveredfromtheirconsternationtilltheyreachedtheimperialcity。Maradashimself，despairingofthesafetyofPrague，followedtherest，andledhissmalldetachmenttoTabor，whereheawaitedtheevent。
ProfoundsilencereignedinPrague，whentheSaxonsnextmorningappearedbeforeit；nopreparationsweremadefordefence；
notasingleshotfromthewallsannouncedanintentionofresistance。
Onthecontrary，acrowdofspectatorsfromthetown，alluredbycuriosity，cameflockinground，tobeholdtheforeignarmy；andthepeacefulconfidencewithwhichtheyadvanced，resembledafriendlysalutation，morethanahostilereception。Fromtheconcurrentreportsofthesepeople，theSaxonslearnedthatthetownhadbeendesertedbythetroops，andthatthegovernmenthadfledtoBudweiss。ThisunexpectedandinexplicableabsenceofresistanceexcitedArnheim’sdistrustthemore，asthespeedyapproachoftheSilesiansuccourswasnosecrettohim，andasheknewthattheSaxonarmywastooindifferentlyprovidedwithmaterialsforundertakingasiege，andbyfartooweakinnumberstoattempttotaketheplacebystorm。Apprehensiveofstratagem，heredoubledhisvigilance；andhecontinuedinthisconvictionuntilWallenstein’shouse-steward，whomhediscoveredamongthecrowd，confirmedtohimthisintelligence。\"Thetownisourswithoutablow！\"
exclaimedheinastonishmenttohisofficers，andimmediatelysummoneditbyatrumpeter。
ThecitizensofPrague，thusshamefullyabandonedbytheirdefenders，hadlongtakentheirresolution；allthattheyhadtodowastosecuretheirpropertiesandlibertiesbyanadvantageouscapitulation。
NosoonerwasthetreatysignedbytheSaxongeneral，inhismaster’sname，thanthegateswereopened，withoutfartheropposition；anduponthe11thofNovember，1631，thearmymadetheirtriumphalentry。
TheElectorsoonafterfollowedinperson，toreceivethehomageofthosewhomhehadnewlytakenunderhisprotection；foritwasonlyinthecharacterofprotectorthatthethreetownsofPraguehadsurrenderedtohim。TheirallegiancetotheAustrianmonarchywasnottobedissolvedbythesteptheyhadtaken。InproportionasthePapists’apprehensionsofreprisalsonthepartoftheProtestantshadbeenexaggerated，sowastheirsurprisegreatatthemoderationoftheElector，andthedisciplineofhistroops。Field-MarshalArnheimplainlyevinced，onthisoccasion，hisrespectforWallenstein。
Notcontentwithsparinghisestatesonhismarch，henowplacedguardsoverhispalace，inPrague，topreventtheplunderofanyofhiseffects。
TheRomanCatholicsofthetownwereallowedthefullestlibertyofconscience；andofallthechurchestheyhadwrestedfromtheProtestants，fouronlywerenowtakenbackfromthem。Fromthisgeneralindulgence，nonewereexcludedbuttheJesuits，whoweregenerallyconsideredastheauthorsofallpastgrievances，andthusbanishedthekingdom。
JohnGeorgebeliednotthesubmissionanddependencewithwhichtheterroroftheimperialnameinspiredhim；nordidheindulgeatPrague，inacourseofconductwhichwouldassuredlyhavebeenpursuedagainsthimselfinDresden，byimperialgenerals，suchasTillyorWallenstein。
Hecarefullydistinguishedbetweentheenemywithwhomhewasatwar，andtheheadoftheEmpire，towhomheowedobedience。Hedidnotventuretotouchthehouseholdfurnitureofthelatter，while，withoutscruple，heappropriatedandtransportedtoDresdenthecannonoftheformer。
Hedidnottakeuphisresidenceintheimperialpalace，butthehouseofLichtenstein；toomodesttousetheapartmentsofonewhomhehaddeprivedofakingdom。Hadthistraitbeenrelatedofagreatmanandahero，itwouldirresistiblyexciteouradmiration；
butthecharacterofthisprinceleavesusindoubtwhetherthismoderationoughttobeascribedtoanobleself-command，ortothelittlenessofaweakmind，whichevengoodfortunecouldnotembolden，andlibertyitselfcouldnotstripofitshabituatedfetters。
ThesurrenderofPrague，whichwasquicklyfollowedbythatofmostoftheothertowns，effectedagreatandsuddenchangeinBohemia。
ManyoftheProtestantnobility，whohadhithertobeenwanderingaboutinmisery，nowreturnedtotheirnativecountry；andCountThurn，thefamousauthoroftheBohemianinsurrection，enjoyedthetriumphofreturningasaconquerortothesceneofhiscrimeandhiscondemnation。
Overtheverybridgewheretheheadsofhisadherents，exposedtoview，heldoutafearfulpictureofthefatewhichhadthreatenedhimself，henowmadehistriumphalentry；andtoremovetheseghastlyobjectswashisfirstcare。Theexilesagaintookpossessionoftheirproperties，withoutthinkingofrecompensingforthepurchasemoneythepresentpossessors，whohadmostlytakentoflight。
Eventhoughtheyhadreceivedapricefortheirestates，theyseizedoneverythingwhichhadoncebeentheirown；
andmanyhadreasontorejoiceattheeconomyofthelatepossessors。
Thelandsandcattlehadgreatlyimprovedintheirhands；
theapartmentswerenowdecoratedwiththemostcostlyfurniture；
thecellars，whichhadbeenleftempty，wererichlyfilled；
thestablessupplied；themagazinesstoredwithprovisions。
Butdistrustingtheconstancyofthatgoodfortune，whichhadsounexpectedlysmileduponthem，theyhastenedtogetquitoftheseinsecurepossessions，andtoconverttheirimmoveableintotransferableproperty。
ThepresenceoftheSaxonsinspiredalltheProtestantsofthekingdomwithcourage；and，bothinthecountryandthecapital，crowdsflockedtothenewlyopenedProtestantchurches。Many，whomfearalonehadretainedintheiradherencetoPopery，nowopenlyprofessedthenewdoctrine；
andmanyofthelateconvertstoRomanCatholicismgladlyrenouncedacompulsorypersuasion，tofollowtheearlierconvictionoftheirconscience。
Allthemoderationofthenewregency，couldnotrestrainthemanifestationofthatjustdispleasure，whichthispersecutedpeoplefeltagainsttheiroppressors。Theymadeafearfulandcrueluseoftheirnewlyrecoveredrights；and，inmanypartsofthekingdom，theirhatredofthereligionwhichtheyhadbeencompelledtoprofess，couldbesatiatedonlybythebloodofitsadherents。
Meantimethesuccourswhichtheimperialgenerals，GoetzandTiefenbach，wereconductingfromSilesia，hadenteredBohemia，wheretheywerejoinedbysomeofTilly’sregiments，fromtheUpperPalatinate。Inordertodispersethembeforetheyshouldreceiveanyfurtherreinforcement，ArnheimadvancedwithpartofhisarmyfromPrague，andmadeavigorousattackontheirentrenchmentsnearLimburg，ontheElbe。Afterasevereaction，notwithoutgreatloss，hedrovetheenemyfromtheirfortifiedcamp，andforcedthem，byhisheavyfire，torecrosstheElbe，andtodestroythebridgewhichtheyhadbuiltoverthatriver。
Nevertheless，theImperialistsobtainedtheadvantageinseveralskirmishes，andtheCroatspushedtheirincursionstotheverygatesofPrague。
BrilliantandpromisingastheopeningoftheBohemiancampaignhadbeen，theissuebynomeanssatisfiedtheexpectationsofGustavusAdolphus。
Insteadofvigorouslyfollowinguptheiradvantages，byforcingapassagetotheSwedisharmythroughtheconqueredcountry，andthen，withit，attackingtheimperialpowerinitscentre，theSaxonsweakenedthemselvesinawarofskirmishes，inwhichtheywerenotalwayssuccessful，whiletheylostthetimewhichshouldhavebeendevotedtogreaterundertakings。ButtheElector’ssubsequentconductbetrayedthemotiveswhichhadpreventedhimfrompushinghisadvantageovertheEmperor，andbyconsistentmeasurespromotingtheplansoftheKingofSweden。
TheEmperorhadnowlostthegreaterpartofBohemia，andtheSaxonswereadvancingagainstAustria，whiletheSwedishmonarchwasrapidlymovingtothesamepointthroughFranconia，Swabia，andBavaria。AlongwarhadexhaustedthestrengthoftheAustrianmonarchy，wastedthecountry，anddiminisheditsarmies。Therenownofitsvictorieswasnomore，aswellastheconfidenceinspiredbyconstantsuccess；itstroopshadlosttheobedienceanddisciplinetowhichthoseoftheSwedishmonarchowedalltheirsuperiorityinthefield。TheconfederatesoftheEmperorweredisarmed，ortheirfidelityshakenbythedangerwhichthreatenedthemselves。EvenMaximilianofBavaria，Austria’smostpowerfulally，seemeddisposedtoyieldtotheseductivepropositionofneutrality；whilehissuspiciousalliancewithFrancehadlongbeenasubjectofapprehensiontotheEmperor。
ThebishopsofWurtzburgandBamberg，theElectorofMentz，andtheDukeofLorraine，wereeitherexpelledfromtheirterritories，orthreatenedwithimmediateattack；TreveshadplaceditselfundertheprotectionofFrance。ThebraveryoftheHollandersgavefullemploymenttotheSpanisharmsintheNetherlands；
whileGustavushaddriventhemfromtheRhine。PolandwasstillfetteredbythetrucewhichsubsistedbetweenthatcountryandSweden。
TheHungarianfrontierwasthreatenedbytheTransylvanianPrince，Ragotsky，asuccessorofBethlenGabor，andtheinheritorofhisrestlessmind；
whilethePortewasmakinggreatpreparationtoprofitbythefavourableconjunctureforaggression。MostoftheProtestantstates，encouragedbytheirprotector’ssuccess，wereopenlyandactivelydeclaringagainsttheEmperor。AlltheresourceswhichhadbeenobtainedbytheviolentandoppressiveextortionsofTillyandWallensteinwereexhausted；allthesedepots，magazines，andrallying-points，werenowlosttotheEmperor；andthewarcouldnolongerbecarriedonasbeforeatthecostofothers。Tocompletehisembarrassment，adangerousinsurrectionbrokeoutintheterritoryoftheEns，wheretheill-timedreligiouszealofthegovernmenthadprovokedtheProtestantstoresistance；andthusfanaticismlititstorchwithintheempire，whileaforeignenemywasalreadyonitsfrontier。
Aftersolongacontinuanceofgoodfortune，suchbrilliantvictoriesandextensiveconquests，suchfruitlesseffusionofblood，theEmperorsawhimselfasecondtimeonthebrinkofthatabyss，intowhichhewassonearfallingatthecommencementofhisreign。
IfBavariashouldembracetheneutrality；ifSaxonyshouldresistthetemptingoffershehadheldout；andFranceresolvetoattacktheSpanishpoweratthesametimeintheNetherlands，inItalyandinCatalonia，theruinofAustriawouldbecomplete；
thealliedpowerswoulddivideitsspoils，andthepoliticalsystemofGermanywouldundergoatotalchange。
ThechainofthesedisastersbeganwiththebattleofBreitenfeld，theunfortunateissueofwhichplainlyrevealedthelongdecideddeclineoftheAustrianpower，whoseweaknesshadhithertobeenconcealedunderthedazzlingglitterofagrandname。ThechiefcauseoftheSwedes’superiorityinthefield，wasevidentlytobeascribedtotheunlimitedpoweroftheirleader，whoconcentratedinhimselfthewholestrengthofhisparty；and，unfetteredinhisenterprisesbyanyhigherauthority，wascompletemasterofeveryfavourableopportunity，couldcontrolallhismeanstotheaccomplishmentofhisends，andwasresponsibletononebuthimself。ButsinceWallenstein’sdismissal，andTilly’sdefeat，theveryreverseofthiscoursewaspursuedbytheEmperorandtheLeague。Thegeneralswantedauthorityovertheirtroops，andlibertyofactingattheirdiscretion；
thesoldiersweredeficientindisciplineandobedience；thescatteredcorpsincombinedoperation；thestatesinattachmenttothecause；
theleadersinharmonyamongthemselves，inquicknesstoresolve，andfirmnesstoexecute。WhatgavetheEmperor’senemysodecidedanadvantageoverhim，wasnotsomuchtheirsuperiorpower，astheirmannerofusingit。TheLeagueandtheEmperordidnotwantmeans，butamindcapableofdirectingthemwithenergyandeffect。
EvenhadCountTillynotlosthisoldrenown，distrustofBavariawouldnotallowtheEmperortoplacethefateofAustriainthehandsofonewhohadneverconcealedhisattachmenttotheBavarianElector。
TheurgentwantwhichFerdinandfelt，wasforageneralpossessedofsufficientexperiencetoformandtocommandanarmy，andwillingatthesametimetodedicatehisservices，withblinddevotion，totheAustrianmonarchy。
ThischoicenowoccupiedtheattentionoftheEmperor’sprivycouncil，anddividedtheopinionsofitsmembers。Inordertoopposeonemonarchtoanother，andbythepresenceoftheirsovereigntoanimatethecourageofthetroops，Ferdinand，intheardourofthemoment，hadofferedhimselftobetheleaderofhisarmy；butlittletroublewasrequiredtooverturnaresolutionwhichwastheoffspringofdespairalone，andwhichyieldedatoncetocalmreflection。Butthesituationwhichhisdignity，andthedutiesofadministration，preventedtheEmperorfromholding，mightbefilledbyhisson，ayouthoftalentsandbravery，andofwhomthesubjectsofAustriahadalreadyformedgreatexpectations。
Calledbyhisbirthtothedefenceofamonarchy，ofwhosecrownsheworetwoalready，FerdinandIII。，KingofHungaryandBohemia，united，withthenaturaldignityofheirtothethrone，therespectofthearmy，andtheattachmentofthepeople，whoseco-operationwasindispensabletohimintheconductofthewar。Nonebutthebelovedheirtothecrowncouldventuretoimposenewburdensonapeoplealreadyseverelyoppressed；
hispersonalpresencewiththearmycouldalonesuppresstheperniciousjealousiesoftheseveralleaders，andbytheinfluenceofhisname，restoretheneglecteddisciplineofthetroopstoitsformerrigour。Ifsoyoungaleaderwasdevoidofthematurityofjudgment，prudence，andmilitaryexperiencewhichpracticealonecouldimpart，thisdeficiencymightbesuppliedbyajudiciouschoiceofcounsellorsandassistants，who，underthecoverofhisname，mightbevestedwithsupremeauthority。
Butplausibleasweretheargumentswithwhichapartoftheministrysupportedthisplan，itwasmetbydifficultiesnotlessserious，arisingfromthedistrust，perhapseventhejealousy，oftheEmperor，andalsofromthedesperatestateofaffairs。Howdangerouswasittoentrustthefateofthemonarchytoayouth，whowashimselfinneedofcounselandsupport！Howhazardoustoopposetothegreatestgeneralofhisage，atyro，whosefitnessforsoimportantaposthadneveryetbeentestedbyexperience；whosename，asyetunknowntofame，wasfartoopowerlesstoinspireadispiritedarmywiththeassuranceoffuturevictory！Whatanewburdenonthecountry，tosupportthestatearoyalleaderwasrequiredtomaintain，andwhichtheprejudicesoftheageconsideredasinseparablefromhispresencewiththearmy！
Howseriousaconsiderationfortheprincehimself，tocommencehispoliticalcareer，withanofficewhichmustmakehimthescourgeofhispeople，andtheoppressoroftheterritorieswhichhewashereaftertorule。
Butnotonlywasageneraltobefoundforthearmy；anarmymustalsobefoundforthegeneral。SincethecompulsoryresignationofWallenstein，theEmperorhaddefendedhimselfmorebytheassistanceofBavariaandtheLeague，thanbyhisownarmies；anditwasthisdependenceonequivocalallies，whichhewasendeavouringtoescape，bytheappointmentofageneralofhisown。Butwhatpossibilitywasthereofraisinganarmyoutofnothing，withouttheall-powerfulaidofgold，andtheinspiritingnameofavictoriouscommander；aboveall，anarmywhich，byitsdiscipline，warlikespirit，andactivity，shouldbefittocopewiththeexperiencedtroopsofthenorthernconqueror？
InallEurope，therewasbutonemanequaltothis，andthatonehadbeenmortallyaffronted。
Themomenthadatlastarrived，whenmorethanordinarysatisfactionwastobedonetothewoundedprideoftheDukeofFriedland。
Fateitselfhadbeenhisavenger，andanunbrokenchainofdisasters，whichhadassailedAustriafromthedayofhisdismissal，hadwrungfromtheEmperorthehumiliatingconfession，thatwiththisgeneralhehadlosthisrightarm。Everydefeatofhistroopsopenedafreshthiswound；everytownwhichhelost，revivedinthemindofthedeceivedmonarchthememoryofhisownweaknessandingratitude。
Itwouldhavebeenwellforhim，if，intheoffendedgeneral，hehadonlylostaleaderofhistroops，andadefenderofhisdominions；
buthewasdestinedtofindinhimanenemy，andthemostdangerousofall，sincehewasleastarmedagainstthestrokeoftreason。
Removedfromthetheatreofwar，andcondemnedtoirksomeinaction，whilehisrivalsgatheredlaurelsonthefieldofglory，thehaughtydukehadbeheldthesechangesoffortunewithaffectedcomposure，andconcealed，underaglitteringandtheatricalpomp，thedarkdesignsofhisrestlessgenius。Tornbyburningpassionswithin，whileallwithoutbespokecalmnessandindifference，hebroodedoverprojectsofambitionandrevenge，andslowly，butsurely，advancedtowardshisend。AllthatheowedtotheEmperorwaseffacedfromhismind；whathehimselfhaddonefortheEmperorwasimprintedinburningcharactersonhismemory。Tohisinsatiablethirstforpower，theEmperor’singratitudewaswelcome，asitseemedtotearinpiecestherecordofpastfavours，toabsolvehimfromeveryobligationtowardshisformerbenefactor。Inthedisguiseofarighteousretaliation，theprojectsdictatedbyhisambitionnowappearedtohimjustandpure。Inproportionastheexternalcircleofhisoperationswasnarrowed，theworldofhopeexpandedbeforehim，andhisdreamyimaginationrevelledinboundlessprojects，which，inanymindbutsuchashis，madnessalonecouldhavegivenbirthto。
Hisserviceshadraisedhimtotheproudestheightwhichitwaspossibleforaman，byhisownefforts，toattain。Fortunehaddeniedhimnothingwhichthesubjectandthecitizencouldlawfullyenjoy。
Tillthemomentofhisdismissal，hisdemandshadmetwithnorefusal，hisambitionhadmetwithnocheck；buttheblowwhich，atthedietofRatisbon，humbledhim，showedhimthedifferencebetweenORIGINALandDEPUTEDpower，thedistancebetweenthesubjectandhissovereign。Rousedfromtheintoxicationofhisowngreatnessbythissuddenreverseoffortune，hecomparedtheauthoritywhichhehadpossessed，withthatwhichhaddeprivedhimofit；andhisambitionmarkedthestepswhichithadyettosurmountupontheladderoffortune。Fromthemomenthehadsobitterlyexperiencedtheweightofsovereignpower，hiseffortsweredirectedtoattainitforhimself；thewrongwhichhehimselfhadsufferedmadehimarobber。Hadhenotbeenoutragedbyinjustice，hemighthaveobedientlymovedinhisorbitroundthemajestyofthethrone，satisfiedwiththegloryofbeingthebrightestofitssatellites。
Itwasonlywhenviolentlyforcedfromitssphere，thathiswanderingstarthrewindisorderthesystemtowhichitbelonged，andcameindestructivecollisionwithitssun。
GustavusAdolphushadoverrunthenorthofGermany；oneplaceafteranotherwaslost；andatLeipzig，thefloweroftheAustrianarmyhadfallen。
TheintelligenceofthisdefeatsoonreachedtheearsofWallenstein，who，intheretiredobscurityofaprivatestationinPrague，contemplatedfromacalmdistancethetumultofwar。Thenews，whichfilledthebreastsoftheRomanCatholicswithdismay，announcedtohimthereturnofgreatnessandgoodfortune。
ForhimwasGustavusAdolphuslabouring。Scarcehadthekingbeguntogainreputationbyhisexploits，whenWallensteinlostnotamomenttocourthisfriendship，andtomakecommoncausewiththissuccessfulenemyofAustria。ThebanishedCountThurn，whohadlongenteredtheserviceofSweden，undertooktoconveyWallenstein’scongratulationstotheking，andtoinvitehimtoaclosealliancewiththeduke。Wallensteinrequired15，000menfromtheking；andwiththese，andthetroopshehimselfengagedtoraise，heundertooktoconquerBohemiaandMoravia，tosurpriseVienna，anddrivehismaster，theEmperor，beforehimintoItaly。
Welcomeaswasthisunexpectedproposition，itsextravagantpromiseswerenaturallycalculatedtoexcitesuspicion。GustavusAdolphuswastoogoodajudgeofmerittorejectwithcoldnesstheoffersofonewhomightbesoimportantafriend。ButwhenWallenstein，encouragedbythefavourablereceptionofhisfirstmessage，reneweditafterthebattleofBreitenfeld，andpressedforadecisiveanswer，theprudentmonarchhesitatedtotrusthisreputationtothechimericalprojectsofsodaringanadventurer，andtocommitsolargeaforcetothehonestyofamanwhofeltnoshameinopenlyavowinghimselfatraitor。Heexcusedhimself，therefore，onthepleaoftheweaknessofhisarmywhich，ifdiminishedbysolargeadetachment，wouldcertainlysufferinitsmarchthroughtheempire；
andthus，perhaps，byexcessofcaution，lostanopportunityofputtinganimmediateendtothewar。Heafterwardsendeavouredtorenewthenegociation；butthefavourablemomentwaspast，andWallenstein’soffendedprideneverforgavethefirstneglect。
Buttheking’shesitation，perhaps，onlyacceleratedthebreach，whichtheircharactersmadeinevitablesoonerorlater。
Bothframedbynaturetogivelaws，nottoreceivethem，theycouldnotlonghaveco-operatedinanenterprise，whicheminentlydemandedmutualsubmissionandsacrifices。
WallensteinwasNOTHINGwherehewasnotEVERYTHING；hemusteitheractwithunlimitedpower，ornotatall。Socordially，too，didGustavusdislikecontrol，thathehadalmostrenouncedhisadvantageousalliancewithFrance，becauseitthreatenedtofetterhisownindependentjudgment。Wallensteinwaslosttoaparty，ifhecouldnotlead；thelatterwas，ifpossible，stilllessdisposedtoobeytheinstructionsofanother。IfthepretensionsofarivalwouldbesoirksometotheDukeofFriedland，intheconductofcombinedoperations，inthedivisionofthespoiltheywouldbeinsupportable。TheproudmonarchmightcondescendtoaccepttheassistanceofarebellioussubjectagainsttheEmperor，andtorewardhisvaluableserviceswithregalmunificence；buthenevercouldsofarlosesightofhisowndignity，andthemajestyofroyalty，astobestowtherecompensewhichtheextravagantambitionofWallensteindemanded；
andrequiteanactoftreason，howeveruseful，withacrown。
Inhim，therefore，evenifallEuropeshouldtacitlyacquiesce，WallensteinhadreasontoexpectthemostdecidedandformidableopponenttohisviewsontheBohemiancrown；andinallEuropehewastheonlyonewhocouldenforcehisopposition。ConstitutedDictatorinGermanybyWallensteinhimself，hemightturnhisarmsagainsthim，andconsiderhimselfboundbynoobligationstoonewhowashimselfatraitor。
TherewasnoroomforaWallensteinundersuchanally；anditwas，apparently，thisconviction，andnotanysupposeddesignsupontheimperialthrone，thathealludedto，when，afterthedeathoftheKingofSweden，heexclaimed，\"Itiswellforhimandmethatheisgone。
