The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz Volume I Part 6

This Prince, in his Youth, travelled to the chief Countries of _Europe_, and where-ever he came, was admir'd for his Strength, his Air, and Dexterity. Amongst other Adventures, a very odd one befel him in his Travels, at _Venice_. There happen'd to be in that City a famous Astrologer, who had the Reputation of being well read in the Book of Fate.

The King, who was only Prince at that time, had a mind that he should calculate his Nativity, and for that purpose went to the Astrologer's House, accompanied by two Gentlemen. They were all three dress'd in plain Apparel, and the Prince, to disguise himself still the more, had conceal'd his brown Hair under a fair Peruke. He enter'd the last Man, into the Astrologer's House, and seem'd to be rather as an Attendant, than a Companion of the others. But to him the Astrologer first address'd himself, calling him by the t.i.tles of _My Lord_ and _Highness_. The Prince told him that his Rank in the World was much too mean for such high Compliments; but the Astrologer made answer, he knew very well whom he spoke to, and that it was in vain for him to think of concealing himself from such a Man as he. The Prince and his small Retinue were then conducted by him into a Closet, where he shewed him a Looking-Gla.s.s. _Cast your Eye on that Mirror_, said he to the Prince, _and there you will see the princ.i.p.al Events of your Life_. The Prince without any scruple, look'd accordingly, and saw himself at first in the Habit of an Elector; afterwards, with a Crown on his Head, and a royal Mantle on his Shoulders; and at last, full of Wounds, and bath'd in his Blood.

This Story, which I should not give you for true, if I had not heard it from a great n.o.bleman who told me he had it from the King's own Mouth, is however, not without a Parallel; for it is pretended, that a Mason told Madam _de Maintenon_, when she was no more than Madam _Scarron_, what her Fortune and Rank would be in _France_. I could mention several other Instances to you of the same nature, which all surprize me, tho' they don't convince me. Be it as it will, two Articles of the Prediction made to the King of _Poland_ are fully accomplished; as to the third, may Heaven confound the Astrologer[55].

The King of _Poland_ spends part of his time in his Kingdom, and part of it in his Electorate. 'Tis true, that he seems to take more delight in _Saxony_ than in _Poland_; and 'tis in my Opinion very natural for him to do so; _Saxony_ being his hereditary Country, where he is so absolute that his Will is the Law of his Subjects, by whom he is rather ador'd than belov'd: besides, 'tis _Saxony_ that furnishes him wherewithal to support his Dignity, and offers him every thing conducive to the Pleasures of a Great King; and it is there that he has a Court, the most brilliant in _Europe_, not only for its Splendor, but for Magnificence and Pleasures; whereas in _Poland_, he has only the vain Pageantry of Royalty; being under greater Limitations than any Sovereign in the World; so that the least Innovation, the least Act of Authority, makes the _Poles_ clamorous, and they presently think they are excused from paying him that Obedience which they owe him. All the Gentlemen here are their own Masters; and the n.o.blemen behave so much like Sovereigns, that they never go to Court but to demand Favours, which if they obtain, they go away ungrateful, and if they are deny'd, they retire with the Intention of taking a Revenge on the first Opportunity: For the Climate being rough, the People are fierce; and the King, tho' adored in _Saxony_, is scarce beloved in _Poland_.

The Electoral Prince, this King's only Son, is l.u.s.ty, proper, and well made, and like the King his Father is adroit in all bodily Exercises. He loves Pleasure, but 'tis with Moderation, and is heartily attach'd to the Religion which he has embrac'd. He is stiff and reserved, without being haughty, which is a Temper that he derives from the late Queen his Mother[56], whom he very much resembles. To such as have the Honour of Access to him, and of being known to him, he is gracious, familiar and very civil. His Royal Highness has been admit'd for his good Qualities in a great part of _Europe_, particularly in _Germany_, _France_, and _Italy_, where he has spent several Years. No Son can have more respect to a Parent than he has for the King his Father, whose Will and Pleasure he never oppos'd in any one Instance; and whose Person he has always honour'd even in his Ministers. Of all Pleasures he seems to bestow most Time in Hunting; nevertheless he makes it only as an Amus.e.m.e.nt without being pa.s.sionately fond of it. His Royal Highness's Confident is _Solckofski_ or _Sulkowski_[57], a _Polish_ Gentleman who was once his Page; and by thus making him his Favourite, for which he cannot but be applauded, he shews that he is capable of distinguishing true Merit. I had frequently the Honour of making my Compliments to this Prince while he was at _Paris_, and this is now the second time that I have had the same favour at _Dresden_, where I find he is the same gracious Personage as ever. The last time that I had the Honour of being introduc'd to him he talk'd a great deal to me about _Paris_, and when he dismiss'd me, he said he was sorry to think that _Dresden_ would not afford me so many Pleasures as _Paris_.

The same Day that I waited on the Prince, I was introduced to the Princess his Royal Highness's Consort, who is the late Emperor _Joseph_'s eldest Daughter. The Voice of the People is unanimous in the Character of this Princess. All Mankind agrees that she has not her superior for Good-nature, Piety, Charity, Modesty, and in a word for all, the Virtue of the Soul: To please her Husband, and to give her Children an Education suitable to their Birth, is her princ.i.p.al Endeavour. 'Tis rare to find a happier Couple than their Royal Highnesses; for Marriage, which generally cools the warmest Pa.s.sions, seems on the contrary to have animated their reciprocal Affection to such a degree that they are a Pattern for the Imitation of their Court.

Their Royal Highnesses Children are so young that I shall say but little of them[58]. Their eldest Son very much resembles the Pictures that I have seen of the Emperor _Joseph_ when he was a Child. This young Prince seems to me to be of a very delicate Const.i.tution, and has so great a Weakness in his Knees that he can scarce stand: The Physicians say it will go off as he grows up, but their Promises are no Gospel for me.

The two Princes of the Blood, who commonly reside at _Dresden_, are _John-Adolphus_ of _Saxe-Weissenfels_[59], a Prince of uncommon Merit, whose Sentiments and Actions are no disparagement to his Birth; and _Maurice-William_ of _Saxe-Zeits_, the last of his Branch. He was persuaded by his Uncle the late Cardinal _de Saxe-Zeits_ to abjure the _Lutheran_ Religion and to embrace the ecclesiastical State: He is Bishop of _Konigsgratz_ in _Bohemia_, Provost of _Alten Ottingen_ in _Bavaria_, and a Canon of _Cologne_, _Liege_, and _Aichstedt_, and is descended from such a Family that it may be presum'd, he will some day or other, be advanc'd to the Purple[60].

N. B. _What follows, is a more particular Account of the Electoral Family of +Saxony+, translated from the Baron's State of it; which is prefix'd to the second Edition of these +Memoirs+._

_Augustus_ III. King of _Poland_ Great Duke of _Lithuania_ and Elector of _Saxony_, was born the seventh of _October_ 1696. He is the only Son of _Augustus_ II. the last King of _Poland_ and of _Eberhardina_ of _Brandenbourg-Bareith_. His Grandmother, _Anne_ Princess Royal of _Denmark_, Widow of _John George_ the third Elector of _Saxony_, took care of him in his Infancy, and impress'd him with those Sentiments of Piety, Humanity, and Justice, which render him at this day the Darling of his People, and the Pattern of Kings.

At a proper Age, the King his Father took him out of the hands of the Women, and committed him to the Care of Monsieur _de Milt.i.tz_, a Gentleman of a good Family; whom Learning, good Behaviour and solid Virtue render'd worthy of such an Employment.

The Prince, who always found Charms in Virtue, was sensible of the Merit of his Governor: He lov'd him, was inseparable from him, and receiv'd his Advice with a Docility, which, at his tender Age, was a presage he wou'd be possess'd of that Fund of Wisdom which now renders him worthy of his Throne.

While the young Prince was under the Conduct of the Women, G.o.d was pleas'd to touch the Heart of the late King his Father: That Monarch, who happen'd to be born a _Lutheran_, was converted to the _Roman_ Catholick Religion, and not long after elected King of _Poland_; and his Majesty being convinc'd of the Purity of the Religion which he had embrac'd, was inclin'd to make a Convert also of the Prince his Son. Nevertheless, such was the Respect the King had for her Royal Highness his Mother, that he was loth that august Princess shou'd be an Eye-witness of the young Prince's renouncing a Religion which she had taught him, and to which she was strenuously attach'd: He resolv'd therefore to remove him, and sent him to _Francfort_ to be present at the Coronation of the Emperor _Charles_ VI. His Companion in this Journey, was M. _de Milt.i.tz_; but as this Gentleman's Attachment to _Luther_'s Doctrine made the King apprehensive that he wou'd thwart his Views, he recall'd him, and appointed the Count _de Costa_, and the Baron _de Hagen_, to be his Son's Governors.

The Count who was a _Polander_ and Palatine of _Livonia_, was not only of n.o.ble Birth, but a Gentleman of solid Piety, profound Learning, great Probity, and as much respected for his Principles as belov'd for his good Behaviour and Politeness.

The Baron _de Hagen_ was of a Family of some Distinction in the Electorate of _Triers_: He was Amba.s.sador from the King at the Emperor's Election, and at his Coronation at _Francfort_: His Behaviour was more grave than the Count _de Costa_'s, but he was not inferior to the Count for Learning, Integrity, and good Sense.

Under the Conduct of these two Gentlemen, the Prince set out to visit a part of _Germany_ and _Italy_, where he embrac'd the _Roman_ Catholick Religion; his Profession of which, was however for a long time as private as it is now exemplary; for he did not declare his alteration of Religion 'till after the Death of her most Serene Highness his Grandmother, who died the first of _July_ 1717. During this the Prince made the Tour of _France_, where, tho' he travell'd under the Name of the Count _de Misnia_, _Lewis_ XIV. caus'd all the Honours to be paid to him which were due to the Son of a great King.

The Court of _France_ was charm'd with that Politeness, that n.o.ble Modesty, and that Fund of Wisdom which accompany'd this Prince's Actions and Conversation: They admir'd him and were sorry for his Departure. He travell'd a second time to _Italy_, where he acquired that fine Taste of Men and Things and that Knowledge of Architecture, Painting, and other curious Arts, which is so useful for great Princes. _Germany_, upon the return of this Prince, bless'd itself for having given him birth, and offer'd up Prayers that all its Princes might be like him. His Royal Highness stay'd a considerable while at _Vienna_, where he maintain'd the Reputation he had acquir'd in the several Countries he had seen. He returned at length to _Saxony_, where there was an universal Joy for his Arrival. The _Saxons_ were charm'd to see the Prince that was design'd by Heaven to be their Sovereign, so worthy of that Command. One day or other, they said, we shall lose the most righteous of Kings, and the best of Masters, but we shall find restor'd in his Son, his heroic Stature, his majestic Air, his Magnanimity, the same Temper for Goodness, Equity and Generosity; the Spirit of the great _Augustus_ will be always present with us; and all our Loss will be that of his Personal Appearance.

Not long after the Prince's Return to _Dresden_, _Augustus Christopher_ Count _de Wackerbarth_[61] treated at _Vienna_ for the Marriage of his Royal Highness to the most serene Archdutchess _Maria Josepha_, eldest Daughter of the late Emperor _Joseph_. The Count _de Flemming_, Prime Minister and Velt-Marshal of _Saxony_, solemnly demanded the most serene Archdutchess in Marriage; and the Prince repair'd to _Vienna_ to espouse her. The Ceremony was perform'd in the Chapel of _la Favorita_, with all the Pomp suitable to so great a Match. Some Days after this, their Royal Highnesses set out for _Dresden_, where they were receiv'd with an unparallell'd Magnificence. _Augustus_ II. the most splendid of Kings, and a Prince who had the best Fancy for ordering of Entertainments, outdid himself; he thought nothing too good for celebrating the Nuptials of his so worthy a Son, with a Princess whose Ancestors were all Emperors.

The Rejoicings having lasted forty Days, the King set out for his Kingdom, leaving the Prince Regent, as he always did whenever he went from his Electorate.

In 1726, the Prince himself took a Journey to _Poland_, to which Country he had once before accompanied the King his Father in 1711, but then made no long stay. There he won the Hearts of the chief n.o.bility, who from that moment thought him worthy of succeeding one day to their Governor, the Great _Augustus_. They were pleased to see, that he honour'd their Countryman, the Count _Sulkowski_, with his Confidence, and they thought it a happy Omen for their Nation, blessing their Stars, that the Prince distinguished Virtue in one born among themselves.

His Royal Highness being convinced that of all the Sums laid out by Princes, there are none less liable to censure than what they expend in Buildings, undertook that of _Wermsdorf_, which he afterwards call'd _Hubertsbourg_; and he finish'd that great Work in a little time, by the a.s.sistance of the King his Father: For, in short, it would have been impossible for his Royal Highness to have defray'd all the Expence of it himself. It was already very wonderful to see with what Prudence he directed his Finances. His Revenue being settled, his Expence was suitable to his Rank; he had a numerous Houshold, his Hunting Equipage was sumptuous, yet he did good to all that made their Necessity known to him; his Charities were truly Royal, every body was paid; the n.o.blemen and the Tradesmen receiv'd their Pensions and Salaries punctually; and his Accounts were so regularly kept and discharged by the Count _Sulkowski_, that the Prince was never in debt.

The Prince commonly spent the Season for hunting the Stag at _Hubertsbourg_, and employ'd the remainder of his time at _Dresden_, in all manner of Exercises, being admired in every Action, for the Grace, Strength, and Dexterity with which he perform'd it, as well as for the Sobriety and Regularity of his Manners; for he kept as regular Hours then, as he does now.

_Augustus_ III. never knew what it was to be idle or vicious. Such is his Chast.i.ty and Fidelity to his august Spouse, that he never gave her the least Reason so much as to suspect his Honour. He games only for amus.e.m.e.nt, and never plays so high that the loss of the Stake can put those out of temper who have the Honour to be of his Party. But of all the Virtues of _Augustus_ III. there is none, most certainly, which has made him more the Favourite of Heaven, than the inviolable Respect he always manifested for the King his Father, who tenderly lov'd him; and never was a Son, Heir to so powerful a Dominion, more affected for the loss of a Father, than he was when he heard of the death of his. His Affliction was impress'd deeply in his Countenance, when he receiv'd the homage of his capital City, at his first appearance in publick; and to this very day, he is ready to melt in tears at the sight of any Object that calls him to mind; for which reason the People of _Dresden_, rather than renew his Sorrow, forbear the mention of a King whom _Europe_ has plac'd in the Rank of its greatest Men.

Prince FREDERIC-AUGUSTUS, when he became Elector, did not alter his Manners, but retain'd the same Piety, the same Regularity. He kept most of the Servants of the late King his Father, and settled Pensions on those whom he thought fit to dismiss. His first Care, when he came to the Electorate, was to provide himself with Ministers, whose Candor and Sincerity were above Envy it self. For this purpose, he call'd to his Cabinet-Council, the Count _de Gabaleon-Wackerbarth-Salmour_, M. _de Baudissin_, the Count _Sulkowski_, and M. _de Bruhl_; to the two last of whom he committed the Direction of Affairs.

All _Saxony_ applauded this Choice, and doubted not of being very happy under the Reign of a Prince, who was capable of forming so true a Judgment of Persons for his Ministers. But what the _Saxons_ saw with extraordinary Satisfaction, was the sure Proof the King gave of his Grat.i.tude and Esteem for Virtue, in recalling M. _de Milt.i.tz_, heretofore his Governor, who for some Years past was retired to his Estate. This Gentleman wou'd fain have been excus'd from returning to Court, alledging his great Age, and his being a Stranger to Business; when his Majesty sent him word, that he requir'd no more at his hands than what his Health wou'd permit; that he knew his Probity, his Love for his Country, and his Attachment to himself; that therefore he was willing he shou'd be near his Person, and a.s.sist him with his Advice, which he knew wou'd be solid, by what he gave him when he had the charge of his Education. In this manner FREDERIC-AUGUSTUS, by the display of his Grat.i.tude, an uncommon Virtue (especially among Princes) encourag'd his Courtiers to do what might also give them a t.i.tle to it.

These great Qualities procur'd him the Suffrages of the most judicious Part of the Republic of _Poland_ which chose him for King. His Majesty having sent the Count _de Gabaleon-Wackerbarth-Salmour_, and M.

_Baudissin_ to _Warsaw_, with the Character of Plenipotentiaries, to take care of his Interests, these Ministers found the _Polish_ Lords very much divided: Foreign Gold, with the Intrigues, Cabals, and ensnaring Promises of a Minister who was lavish of it; all these had corrupted a great number of them, and others were oppress'd, and must undoubtedly have submitted to Violence, if they had not had a very great share of Courage and Love to their Country. G.o.d, who never abandons the Virtuous, was their Support and their Protector, as well as the Shield of the Plenipotentiaries, whose sacred Character could not guard them from all manner of Outrage. And tho'

the Blood of the _Jagellons_, which flows in this Prince's Veins, tho' his being the Son of one of the greatest Kings that _Poland_ ever had, as well as his own Dignity of a Sovereign, ought to have procured him the Respect of all the _Poles_, yet every Person and Thing belonging to him at _Warsaw_, was maltreated. Such was, at that time, the unhappy Fate of _Poland_; Oppression and Tyranny having succeeded the glorious, mild, and peaceful Reign of _Augustus_ II.

Mean time, those generous n.o.blemen who had so bravely stood up in the defence of the Liberties and Honour of their Country, after having tried all their Efforts to reclaim their wandering Brethren, found they could not succeed, and therefore broke up; after which, they met in the very same Place where _Henry de Valois_ had been elected, and there they chose and proclaim'd AUGUSTUS Elector of _Saxony_, King of _Poland_. They then sent a Deputation to his Majesty, to intreat him to come immediately, with the Queen his Consort, to take possession of the Throne. The King comply'd with their Intreaty, and set out from _Dresden_, after having return'd solemn Thanks to G.o.d, the sovereign Disposer of Crowns, and of the Fortune of Kings.

In a few days the Queen followed the King, and overtook him at _Tarnovitz_, where their Majesties received the grand Deputation from _Poland_; and after giving them Audience, proceeded in their Journey towards _Cracow_. There the King made his Royal Entry on the 14th of _January_ 1734, and on the 17th of that Month, their Majesties were consecrated and crowned by _Lipsky_ the Bishop of that See.

Some time after this august Ceremony, which, in _Poland_, is absolutely necessary and essential for a King Elect, the Queen return'd to _Saxony_; but the King staid at _Cracow_, where he held a Diet, in which he made several Regulations for restoring the Tranquillity of the Kingdom. When the Diet was ended, his Majesty march'd towards _Dantzic_, which the _Russians_, his Allies, had invested, in order to drive out the Primate and his Adherents, who were retir'd thither.

But after a March of several Days, which the Severity of the Weather render'd very painful, his Majesty yielded to the Instances that were made to him from _Saxony_, to a.s.sist in Person at the opening of the a.s.sembly of States which he was under a necessity of calling; and he returned to _Dresden_, where his Arrival caus'd an inexpressible Joy. Mean time the Army, under the Command of the Prince of _Saxe-Weissenfels_ continued its March towards _Dantzic_.

The King was accompanied by a great number of _Polish_ n.o.blemen, who finding themselves unable to oppose the Rage of the Primate's Party in their several Countries, came to seek shelter in _Saxony_, where his Majesty receiv'd them, and still entertains them, in a manner which cannot but convince them of his Grat.i.tude, and give them greater Hopes of what Favours they may expect, when the Tranquillity of _Poland_ is restor'd.

The King, after his Return from _Cracow_, summon'd the States of his Electorate, and open'd the a.s.sembly with the usual Ceremonies. He was seated on his Throne, accompanied by the chief Lords of his Court, as well the _Polish_ as _Saxons_. M. _de Milt.i.tz_, his Privy Counsellor, sat on the Right-hand of the Throne; and, in the King's Name, made a Speech to the States, wherein he declared to them that his Majesty intended to make no Innovation in the Affairs of Religion, but to let his Protestant Subjects enjoy their Privileges, as they had been granted and confirm'd to them by the late King. Then they told him the Motives which had engag'd the King to call them together, and demanded the necessary Subsidies for defraying the extraordinary Expences which his Majesty had been necessarily involved in thro' the Calamities of the Time. M. _de Hesler_, Administrator of the Office of hereditary Marshal of _Saxony_, return'd an Answer in the Name of the States, and spoke with a Dignity, and all the Decorum due to so august an a.s.sembly. He a.s.sur'd the King of the respectful and inviolable Fidelity and Attachment of his Subjects to his sacred Person. And in truth, 'tis impossible for a People to be better affected to their Sovereign, and more disposed to contribute to every thing that is capable of augmenting his Glory.

The King's voluntary Declaration to his States that he would make no Innovation in the Affairs of Religion, won the Hearts of his Subjects to such a degree, that there is not a _Saxon_ who would make any scruple to sacrifice his Life and Fortune for his Service. And the said Declaration does equal Honour to the Justice of the Monarch, and the Wisdom of his Ministers.

While the King was employ'd with his States in securing the Happiness and Tranquility of _Saxony_, his Majesty received Advice, that his Army, after having join'd the _Russians_, had obliged the _Dantzickers_ to surrender, and that the _Polish_ Lords of the contrary Party pet.i.tion'd for leave to remove to some Place where they might pay him their homage. The King, in imitation of the great Emperor whose Name he bears, after having made a Conquest, thought, like him, of nothing more than to make those happy whom the Fortune of War had submitted to his Arms. His Majesty did not take any advantage of his Victory, but forgetting past Offences, repair'd to the Abbey of _Oliva_, near _Dantzic_, where he receiv'd the Submission of the _Dantzickers_, and the Allegiance of the Lords that were the Primate's Adherents. By his Modesty and Goodness, he charm'd the Vanquished, and convinc'd them of their Obligation to pay him that Esteem which before perhaps they did not think was their Duty to grant to him. The Greatness of his Soul, which inclines him to sympathize with the Misfortunes of the Unhappy, hinder'd him from entering _Dantzic_, the desolate State of that City being so afflicting a Scene to him, that he cou'd not bear to see it.

The _Dantzickers_, by their submission, were become his Subjects; their present Misfortunes, and their past Mistakes, affected him to such a degree, that he was fearful of being put in mind of them, and refus'd to appear among them, crown'd with those Laurels which he had reap'd by their defeat. So much Modesty, worthy of the most glorious Triumph, gain'd him the Prayers of the People, in which his Majesty saw more Charms, than he wou'd have found in Trophies, and the most stately Triumphal Arches.

The King having provided for the pressing Necessities of his Kingdom, return'd to his Electorate, where the States continued their Deliberations ever since his Absence. Now that his Majesty is return'd, the Care of the State is almost his constant Employment. His Recreations are either taking the Air on horseback, Hunting, the _Italian_ Opera, or else going to Concerts, which the Queen, who is a great Lover of Music, causes to be perform'd in her own Apartment. Their Majesties generally dine together, and admit the n.o.bility of both s.e.xes to their Table.

There, the King observes that Temperance which so much becomes sovereign Princes. All his Hours, as has been already observ'd, are regulated; and all his Actions accompanied with Devotion, good Order, and Equity. Never did King better discharge that sacred Character; being always firm and tranquil, Danger cou'd never affright him. He accepted the Crown, tho' he saw he cou'd never fix it on his Head without infinite Pains, Peril, and Cares. The Advantage he had gain'd over his Enemies did not seem to have flush'd him; he was sorry he had not been able to reclaim them by gentle Methods, and ascribes the happy Success of his Arms solely to Providence.

Thus have I given you a very imperfect Account of the Virtues and Actions of a King, which plainly denote that the perfect honest Man (a t.i.tle not unworthy even of the sacred Majesty of Kings) forms his Character. As for his Stature, 'tis such as, one wou'd think, those ought to have who are born to command. He has a robust and vigorous Const.i.tution, a sound Judgment, a happy Memory, a generous and beneficent Soul, the necessary Const.i.tuents of the Hero and the Christian. His Conduct is regulated by a great Attachment to the Principles of Religion. His Aim and his Application are to render his Subjects happy; and he only longs for Peace that they may taste the Fruits of it.

As to her MAJESTY the QUEEN, the Name of that august Princess, whom Heaven has endowed with all manner of Virtues, to be the worthy Wife of a King, is MARIA JOSEPHA, who was born the 8th of _December_ 1699, and is the eldest Daughter of _Joseph_ Emperor of the _Romans_, and of _Wilhelmina-Amelia_ of _Brunswic-Lunenbourg-Hanover_. Her Marriage to the King, then the Prince Royal, was celebrated at _Vienna_, the 20th of _August_ 1719, betwixt 8 and 9 a Clock at Night, in the Chapel of the Palace of the _Favorita_, by the Pope's Nuncio, who next day perform'd the solemn Ma.s.s. In a few days after, this Princess set out with her Husband for _Saxony_. It has already been observed with what Pomp she was received by the King her Father-in-law; and the Veneration paid her by the Subjects, was equal to the Magnificence of her Reception by the King. The Returns that the Princess made on her part, manifested a Goodness which nothing cou'd resist; so that she had the Homage and the Hearts both of the Courtiers and the common People. Being the Daughter of a Princess, whom the World respects even more for her Virtues than for the Splendour of that extraordinary Grandeur with which she is inviron'd, her Royal Highness's sole Concern was to walk in the Steps of that august Mother, the Pattern of Princesses, and the Honour of Religion. She conceiv'd a Respect for the King her Father-in-law, and the Queen her Mother-in-law, from which she never departed; and now that she is a Sovereign, she has no other Cares than to render a Nation happy which is worthy of being so for its Affection and Fidelity to its Electors. She is inviolably attach'd to her Duties, full of Tenderness and Respect for her Husband, and always wisely employ'd in what may procure him solid Comfort. She continually gives him Examples of Piety and Charity; she is beneficent to all that make their Necessities known to her, and seems to think every unfortunate Subject merits her Protection. The Care she takes of her Children is not only the Care of a tender Mother, but of a Queen, who, in love to the State, is desirous to form their Minds, so as to render them worthy of being its Sovereigns, and to procure them the advantage of being more respected, if possible, for their Virtues than their Birth.

The Queen, who went with the King to _Cracow_, and there receiv'd the Crown, return'd after her Coronation to _Saxony_, where she is belov'd and reverenc'd by People of all Ranks. This august Princess seems to have an Air of Gravity, as have all the Princes of the most serene House of _Austria_; but as she is serious, so she is discreet, modest, and good-natur'd. She was educated, as are all the Archdutchesses, in the knowledge of Things useful for those who are born to govern States; she speaks several Languages very readily, and particularly the _Latin_, in such a manner as both charms and surprizes the _Poles_. She is Mistress of History and Geography, and has a solid Taste of Musick, Painting, and all the Sciences in general: Yet never did Queen take less Pride in her Talents; for, by kindly condescending to accommodate her self to the Capacities of those with whom she converses, she conceals all her Superiority. Her high Rank serves only to render her affable; she is the Mother of the People, and particularly of the Poor. And to sum up the Character of this great Princess, it may be said in short, that she is a virtuous Wife, a faithful Companion, a tender Mother, and a compa.s.sionate Sovereign.

His Royal Highness the PRINCE ROYAL and ELECTORAL was born at _Dresden_, the 5th of _September_ 1722, and baptized in the _Roman_ Catholick Church, by the Name of _Frederic-Christian_: He is handsome, and has a Countenance full of Good-nature, and indeed his Goodness charms all that pay their court to him. His Knowledge and Learning are beyond one of his tender Years; he talks several Languages justly, and with ease; and his strong Inclination to follow the wise Counsels of his Governor, the Count _Gabaleon-Wackerbarth-Salmour_, is a sure Presage that when he comes to the Age of Maturity, he will walk in the glorious Steps of the King his Father.

As to their Royal Highnesses the other Princes, the eldest of them, Prince AUGUSTUS-ALBERT-CHRISTIAN-XAVIER was born the 25th of _August_ 1730. He is handsome, full of Life and Spirit, and already discovers a great Inclination to every thing military. He is infinitely better pleased to see the Officers of his Regiment about him than the Women his Attendants.

The Noise of Drums and Trumpets is the most agreeable Music to him, and according to all appearance, 'tis what he will always prefer to the Flute.

When he went with their Majesties to _Cracow_, and heard talk of the Ravages committed by the Palatine of _Kiow_, he said, he had a mind to go and fight him, and cut off his Head. In fine, all the Actions of this young Prince give hopes that he will add one to the Number of Heroes descended from the august Blood of _Saxony_.

CHARLES-CHRISTIAN-JOSEPH came into the World _July_ 13, 1733, so that his Royal Highness is too young as yet for any Character in History; and I shall proceed next to their Royal Highnesses the Princesses.

Her Royal Highness MARY-AMELIA, their Majesties eldest Daughter, was born at _Dresden_, the 24th of _September_ 1724. She is fair, very well shap'd, and has the Air of her Mother. Her Features are regular, and 'tis heartily to be wish'd that the Small-Pox may spare them. The Care the Queen takes of her Education is so well bestow'd on her, that she is much better form'd than Princesses of her Age generally are.

MARY-ANNE-SOPHIA was born the 24th of _August_ 1728. She is brown, and likely to be much admir'd for her Beauty. There is something in her Physiognomy so subtle and witty, that she has already secur'd the Suffrages of the Courtiers.

The Princess MARY-JOSEPHA was born the 4th of _November_ 1731. Heaven has been pleas'd to grant her a share of Beauty with all the Princes and Princesses her Brothers and Sisters.

I should make some mention of all the PRINCES and PRINCESSES of the BLOOD, _viz._ all the most serene Dukes, Princes and Princesses of the Family of _Saxony_, particularly those who are deriv'd from the _Albertine_ Branch, as descending with the King from the Elector _John-George_ I. who form'd the four Branches, _viz._ the Electoral Branch, and those of _Weissenfels_, _Mersbourg_, and _Zeits_. But as this is only an Epitome of _Augustus_ III's Court, I shall only take notice of those Princes who reside there; _viz._ JOHN-ADOLPHUS Duke of SAXE-WEISSENFELS, and the Princess CHRISTINA of SAXE-WEISSENFELS.

The Duke, who was born _September_ 4, 1685, is of a good Stature. His Air, Behaviour, and way of thinking, denote his Birth; and never was Prince more worthy of being so. He is beneficent, generous; and all the Qualities which attract Love and Esteem are united in his Person. After having spent his early Days in the Service of _Hesse-Ca.s.sel_, he enter'd into that of the late King; and in the several Campaigns which he made in _Germany_, _Italy_, _Flanders_, and _Poland_, he always signaliz'd his Valour; and particularly not long ago, when he supported the Reputation of the King's Arms before _Dantzic_ in a conspicuous manner. His Goodness, his Modesty, and his Care to distinguish true Merit, gain him the Love and Veneration both of the Officers and Soldiers. This Prince is actually a Lieutenant-General in the Emperor's Army, General of the _Saxon_ Horse and Foot, Colonel of the Life-Guards, and of a Regiment of Foot, and Knight of the Order of the _White Eagle_. He is the Widower of _Caroline_ Princess of _Saxe-Eysenach_, and professes the _Lutheran_ Religion.

The Princess CHRISTINA of SAXE-WEISSENFELS, who was born the 27th of _July_ 1690, adheres to the _Roman_ Catholic Doctrine, Prince _Albert_ her Father being a Convert to that Communion. She is of a good Stature, has a grand Majestic Air, and her Behaviour is graceful and polite. Her most serene Highness receives all that draw near to her with Respect and Kindness, and demonstrates her high Birth only by discharging the Obligations of it. She is so firmly attach'd to the Queen by the Bands of Love and Virtue that she is caress'd and distinguish'd by her; and all the Court honours and respects her more out of Inclination than Duty.