The Emperor, the Empress Regent and the Empress Mother went to the Apartment of the Empress Dowager, where, after mutual Compliments of Congratulation, their Majesties din’d together. In the Evening the Emperor and the Empresses went to pay a Visit to the Archduchess, that was to be marry’d, where the whole Court was present, and there was great Play, after which their Imperial Majesties and the Archduchess went and supp’d with the EmpressAmelia.
Some Days after this, the Ambassador ofPolandwent again in Ceremony, but with his own Coaches, to the Palacela Favorita, where, in the Presence of all the Imperial Family, all the Ministers and Privy Counsellors, and the Knights of the Golden Fleece, he solemnly renounc’d the Right of Succession in the Name of the King his Master, and of the Electoral Prince ofSaxony, in case it pleas’d God that the Emperor should dye without Male Issue. The Countde Sinzendorf, Chancellor of the Court, read the Act of Renunciation to all present, after which the Emperor demanded the Consent of the Archduchess, and the Princess giving her said Consent, the Emperor order’d an Oath thereupon tobe administer’d to her, which she took accordingly before the Archbishop ofValencia. This Prelate being dress’d in his Pontificalibus before an Altar that had been erected in the Chamber, gave the Book of the Gospels to the Princess, who laying her Hands thereon, solemnly renounc’d the Rights of Succession. The Ambassador swore the same Thing in the Name of the King his Master, and the Electoral Prince ofSaxony.
In a few Days after this was done, the Electoral Prince set out fromDresden, and came to a House made ready for him Two Leagues fromVienna. Having sent Notice of his Arrival to the Emperor, the Empresses and the Archduchess, the Emperor dispatch’d the Countde Molardthe chief Steward of his Kitchen to him, as the Empresses and the Archduchesses did the Gentlemen of their Housholds, to compliment him thereupon: Next Day the Prince cameincognitoto the Convent of Nuns founded by the EmpressAmelia, who also repair’d thither with the Two Archduchesses her Daughters. After an Interview of about Half an Hour, the Archduchess, that was to be marry’d, and the Electoral Prince ofSaxony, went to the Church, and there confess’d; which done, the Prince return’d to his House, which, as I have had the Honour to observe to you, was Two Leagues fromVienna. He came again from thence next Day at Six in the Evening, and alighted at the Palacela Favorita, where being conducted into the great Chamberlain’s Apartment, he there chang’d his Cloaths, and was then introduc’d by the great Chamberlain to the Emperor, and his Imperial Majesty led him to the Empress’s Apartment, where were the Two Empress Dowagers and allthe Archduchesses. The Emperor presented the Prince to them, and then they went to the Chapel in the following Order: The March was begun by all the Lords and Ladies of the Court; then came the Electoral Prince, with one of his Gentlemen, bearing a Wax Candlestick before him. The Emperor immediately follow’d the Prince, and then came the Three Empresses and the Archduchess, who was supported by the Two Empress Dowagers, the Empress Regent walking foremost, as she always did where-ever they went: The latter had on a Straw-colour’d Gown of Silver Tissue, adorn’d with Diamonds, and her Head Dress was adorn’d all over with Pearls like Pears. The Archduchess, whom I shall hereafter call theElectoral Princess, was also very richly dress’d; she wore a Fardingale, and her Gown was of Silver Brocade adorn’d with Diamonds: Next to the Princess the Three Archduchesses walk’d one after another, led each by their Equerries: These Princesses were follow’d by their Ladies, whose Dresses were of extraordinary Magnificence. As soon as the Electoral Prince and Princess were arriv’d in the Chapel, they received the nuptial Benediction from the Archbishop ofVienna. When the Ceremony was ended, the Imperial Family return’d to the Empress’s Closet, where they stay’d near Two Hours, and then repair’d to the Table, in the same Order as they observ’d when they went to the Church. The Hall of the Festival was set off in an extraordinary manner; the Table was plac’d upon a Floor rais’d Three Steps, which form’d an oblong Square. The Emperor and the Three Empresses sate at one End; the Electoral Princess sate on the Right Side of the Table, and at the Right Hand of the Empress Mother;the Electoral Prince, who had the second Place on the Right Hand of the Princess, had a Chair with only a Back to it, and was serv’d by one of his own Chamberlains; whereas the Princess and the Archduchesses sate in Arm-chairs, and were attended by the Emperor’s Chamberlains: Over-against the Princess, on the Left Hand of the EmpressAmelia, sate the Archduchess her Daughter, and the Two Archduchesses the Emperor’s Sisters: The Court Ladies stood all round the Table till their Imperial Majesties had each drank once, and then they went to sit down at Tables serv’d in different Rooms, but return’d to the Desart: There was such a Number of Services, that the Supper held a long time, during which it was animated by excellent Music: In the same Room a Sort of Gallery was erected for theTurkishAmbassador, who saw all the Supper, and was attended by 30 of his Domestics. Care was taken to serve him with Sweetmeats and other Refreshments; and the Interpreter having ask’d him what he thought of the Magnificence of the Court ofVienna; he answer’d very gallantly, That noble as this Appearance was, there was nothing so grand in the whole Entertainment as the Person of the Empress.
After Supper was ended, the Empress Dowagers led the Princess into her own Apartment, and did not retire till she was in Bed: Next Day the Prince and Princess receiv’d the Compliments of the whole Court; they din’d afterwards with the Emperor and the Empresses, and at Night went and saw a new Opera, that was compos’d upon account of their Nuptials. The Emperor sate there as usual, with the Empress on his Left Hand, and the Archduchesses one after anotherin the same Row; the Electoral Princess preserv’d the Precedence due to her Birth; the Electoral Prince sate in the same Line as the Emperor, but after all the Archduchesses. The Opera was most magnificent, yet I thought it very tedious, for really ’twas too long; and besides, the Heat was intolerable: When the Opera was over, the Imperial Family supp’d together, as they did next Day at Dinner, which was the last Meal that the Prince and Princess made atVienna; for as soon as they rose from Table, they took Leave of the Emperor and the Empresses, and set out forDresden. There arose some Difficulty touching the Ceremonial that was to be observ’d as they pass’d thro’Prague, to avoid which the Electoral Prince went before, and pass’d round the Town; but the Princess made her Entry there.
As soon as the Princess was gone, I began to think what a tedious Journey I should have before I could join my Regiment, which, as I have had the Honour to tell you, was inSicily. As this Journey would naturally keep me a long time out of my own Country, I was willing first of all to settle my Affairs. For this Reason I desir’d a Month’s Furlough, and went toDresden, from whence I sent for my Steward to come and meet me. I chose to stay atDresdenrather thanBerlin, not only on account of the Solemnity of the Princess’s Entry, of which I was fond to be a Spectator, but because of the Enemies I had at the Court ofPrussia, who would perhaps have done me some ill Office with the King. Having set out fromViennaa few Days after the Electoral Princess, I arrived atDresdenthe same Day that her Highness made her Entry there. ThePreparations made for receiving the Princess were of the utmost Magnificence, so that one could hardly imagine any thing more rich and gay. In order to give you some Idea of thePolishMagnificence, I will resume my Narrative from the Time of the Princess’s Departure fromPrague.
As soon as the King had Notice that the Princess was gone fromPrague, he sent the Countde Wackerbarth, Grand Master of the Artillery, at the Head of several Gentlemen, to meet her: The Count, who met the Princess on the Frontiers ofBohemia, complimented her in the King’s Name, and presented those Officers to her which his Majesty sent to attend her; for till then she had been waited on by the Officers of the Emperor, who had all along defray’d her Expences. Her Highness proceeded in her Journey toPirna, the first Town inSaxony, where she was receiv’d by the Electoral Prince, and saluted by the Cannon of the Castle ofSonnenstein. Next Day, at 7 o’Clock in the Morning, the Prince and Princess went on board theBucentaure, which was a Galley finely rigg’d, and call’d by that Name, because ’twas built after the Model of theBucentaureofVenice: Their Galley was accompany’d by 100 Gondolas, painted and richly gilded, and by 12 Fregates, from 6 to 12 Guns each: All the Gondoliers and Sailors had Jackets of Sky-blue Sattin, and Breeches of yellow Sattin, lac’d with Silver. With this gallant Fleet, worthy to carryThetisandAmphitrite, the Prince and Princess arriv’d within Half a League ofDresden.
The King went in Cavalcade to the Place where the Princess landed, some Hours before her Arrival, and was attended by the Nobility of his Court, all richly dres’d. The King especiallywas attir’d most sumptuously, in shorn Velvet of a purple Colour, adorn’d with Diamonds, to the Value of Two Millions of Crowns: He caus’d his Standard to be carry’d before him by aPolander, arm’dcap-a-pie. As soon as he came to the Landing-Place, he made a Review of the Train that was to compose the Entry, and retir’d afterwards to a magnificent Tent, lin’d with yellow Velvet, adorn’d with Silver Lace, to wait the Arrival of the Princess.
As soon as theBucentaurecame near enough to be seen from Land, she made a triple Discharge of all her Artillery, which were answer’d by the Cannon of Five Yatchts that were at Anchor on theElbe, over-against the King’s Tent, and from the Batteries on Shore.
During this the King went to the Ships, over a Bridge erected for that Purpose, and cover’d with green Tapistry, sprinkled with Flowers. TheBucentauredropping her Anchor, the Princess made ready to meet the King: When she came near him, she would fain have kiss’d his Hand, but the Monarch embrac’d her tenderly, and conducted her to his Tent, where he had some Conversation with the Prince and Princess, and then left them to return toDresden.
The Prince and Princess sate down to Table, and a grand Breakfast was serv’d up; then the Boards of the Tent were struck down, that their Highnesses might see the Troops and Equipage march by that were to compose their Retinue at their Entry intoDresden: All this lasted about Two Hours; then came a stately Coach drawn by Eight Horses, being the Equipage that was for the Princess, who sate in it alone, while the Prince her Husband rode on Horseback, andthey made their Entry with all the Pomp and Magnificence possible.
I own to you,Madame, that I was so charmed with the Disposition that was observ’d in this Procession, and especially with the Richness and Elegancy of the Habiliments, that I cannot resist the Temptation I feel to give you the Particulars, but must submit to it, tho’ I run the Risque perhaps of being thought too tedious.
The Cavalcade was open’d by the King’s Harbinger on Horseback, in theSaxonLivery, which was yellow Cloth, with broad Lace of blue Velvet, mix’d with Silver Lace.
Then came 2 Post Masters.
The Baronde Mordax, Post Master General, preceded by his Domestics on Foot.
40 Post Masters ofSaxonyclad in white with yellow Lace, the whole edg’d with Silver, as were also the Housings of their Horses, which were all over black.
100 Postilions dress’d in yellow with blue Lace, they had Caps like Dragoons, and the Housings of their Horses were embroider’d with the King’s Arms.
120 Led Horses richly caparison’d, belonging to the chief Lords of the Court.
A Kettle-Drummer and 6 Trumpets, dress’d in the antique Garb in black Cloth and yellow, with Gold Lace.
50 Halberdiers on Horseback, dress’d also in the antique manner, in the yellow, black and gold Colours, bearing Halberds: These represented the ancient Guards of the Electors ofSaxony.
The Nobility ofLusatiadress’d in black Velvet, with Buttons and Button-holes of Gold.
24 Horses cover’d with great Housings of yellow Cloth, adorn’d with 2 Silver Lace Edgings, and the embroider’d Arms of the 24 Cities or Provinces ofSaxonyandPoland.
A Kettle-Drummer and 6 Trumpets, habited like the former.
The Nobility ofSaxonydress’d in black Velvet Coats, with Buttons and Loops of Gold, and Waistcoats of Gold Brocade.
50 Halberdiers on Horseback, dress’d and arm’d like the former.
A Regiment of Dragoons, whose Regimental Cloaths were red, fac’d with grey, and edg’d with Silver Galoon; the Housings of the Horses were likewise red, and embroider’d with Silver; and the Dragoons were dress’d exactly like the Officers, only they had not Silver Lace.
120 Coaches and 6 Horses belonging to the Chamberlains and Ministers, each preceded by Lackeys and Running-Footmen, and surrounded by Heydukes, with 2 Pages in Front.
The King’s Huntsmen, consisting of 200 Persons, dress’d in green with Silver Lace.
A Regiment of Horse-Grenadiers, cloath’d in red, turn’d up with green: The Officers had Gold Lace, and their Caps were likewise embroider’d with Gold.
An Equerry of the Princess Royal, attended by 2 Grooms in theSaxonLivery on Horseback.
25 Hunting Horses, allEnglish, belonging to the Electoral Prince: The Horses were cover’d with Housings of yellow Cloth, lac’d with Silver, and embroider’d with the Arms ofPolandandSaxony.
Another of the Electoral Prince’s Equerries, at the Head of 36 Led Horses belonging to his Highness, which had Housings of yellow Velvet,adorn’d with Lace and Fringe of Silver; the Arms ofPolandandSaxonybeing embroider’d upon each of the Saddle-cloths in 2 Escutcheons under a Royal Pavilion.
A Regiment ofCuirassiers, having their Cuirasses gilt, with white and straw-colour’d Plumes on their Helmets.
A Herald at Arms, wearing a Vest of yellow and blue Velvet, embroider’d with Silver, and a Cap of black Velvet, adorn’d with white and blue Plumes of Feathers.
A Kettle-Drummer and 12 Trumpeters in the Livery ofSaxony.
3 of the King’s Equerries, follow’d by 36EnglishHorses, belonging to his Majesty, with Housings like to those of the Prince’s Hunting Horses.
The Governor and Sub-Governor of the Pages, in Cloaks of black Damask, adorn’d with black and Gold Lace.
24 of the King’s Pages, dress’d in the antique Mode, with Cloaks of blue and yellow Sattin, adorn’d with Lace, in theSaxonLivery; and with black Velvet Caps, adorn’d with white and blue Plumes.
40 Manag’d Horses, with Housings of yellow Velvet, embroider’d with Silver, led by Grooms in theSaxonLivery on Horseback.
An Equerry, follow’d by a Couple of Grooms in theSaxonLivery on Horseback.
24 Coaches of the King as Elector, with Sets of Horses of several Colours.
A Kettle-Drummer and 12 Trumpeters in theSaxonLivery.
A Litter of the King’s, plated all over with Silver, and adorn’d with yellow Velvet, embroider’d with Silver, carry’d by a Couple ofMules, richly harness’d: Their Bells were all of Silver, and their Pannels of yellow Velvet, embroider’d with Silver; they had great Plumes on their Heads of blue and white Feathers, and the Muleteers were dress’d in theSpanishMode, but in theSaxonLivery.
After this Litter there follow’d 24 Mules, cover’d with yellow Cloth Housings, lac’d with Silver, and embroider’d with the Royal Arms; they had blue and white Plumes of Feathers, and their Bells and Paniers were of solid Silver.
A Regiment ofCuirassiers, whose Cuirasses were wash’d with Silver, and Helmets tufted with red and white Plumes.
A Herald at Arms, with a Vest of straw-colour’d Velvet, embroider’d with Gold, with the Arms ofPoland.
2 Equerries in thePolishHabit.
A Kettle-Drummer and 12 of the King’s Trumpeters in thePolishDress, in Scarlet with blue Velvet Lace, mix’d with Gold Lace.
36PolishLed Horses, having red Velvet Housings, with the King’s Arms in Gold Embroidery.
A Governor of thePolishPages on Horseback, follow’d by 24 Pages in thePolishHabit, of Scarlet with Vests of blue Sattin, the whole edg’d with an open Gold Lace.
3 of the King’s Equerries in thePolishDress, Follow’d by 24TurkishHorses richly caparison’dalamode de Turky, led by Grooms in thePolishLivery, butTurkishHabit, walking on Foot, and bearing each on their Left Arm a Tyger’s Skin, edg’d with scarlet Velvet, lac’d with Gold, and embroider’d with the King’s Arms.
24 open Calashes, drawn each by 6PolishHorses, drove by Coachmen and Postilions in thePolishHabit.
A Litter of redSpanishLeather, lin’d with straw-colour’d Velvet, embroider’d with Gold, carry’d by 2 Mules, caparison’d after theTurkishMode, with Pannels of scarlet Velvet, embroider’d with Gold, and drove by Muleteers in theTurkishDress, but with thePolishLivery.
24 Mules caparison’d after theTurkishmanner, with scarlet Velvet embroider’d with Gold.
A Regiment of Horse-Grenadiers dress’d in red, fac’d with blue, as were also the Officers, only with the Addition of a Silver Lace.
All the Colonels and Generals of the Troops dress’d uniform in Scarlet, with gilt Buttons.
The Veldt Marshal the Countde Flemming.
A Regiment of Dragoons in a red Livery fac’d with blue; only the Officers had their Facings and Vest embroider’d with Silver.
2 Harbingers of the Court.
All the Gentlemen of the Bedchamber, the Chamberlains and Ministers on Horseback, who were follow’d at some Distance by the Grand Marshal.
A Regiment of Dragoons, dress’d in red with yellow Facings, and the Coats of the Officers edg’d with a Gold Lace.
12 Running-Footmen with blue Damask Jackets lac’d with Silver, and Sashes of yellow Damask, embroider’d with Silver, and encompass’d with a Silver Fringe; these were follow’d by 24 Heydukes in theSaxonLivery.
The HundredSwissGuards, dress’d after the antique manner in theSaxonLiveries, walking in Two Files, with their Officers in theFrenchMode at their Head, in Sky-blue Coats, all of the same Pattern, with Silver Buttons and Button-holes, and Belts of Silver.
The Electoral Prince ofSaxonywas in the midst of the HundredSwiss; he had a Coat on of Cloth of Silver, embroider’d with Gold and Diamonds, and was mounted on a fineSpanishHorse, the intire Equipage whereof was of Gold adorn’d with Diamonds. The Countde Lutzelbourg, great Steward of his Houshold, and the Baronde Galen, one of the Prince’s Chamberlains, immediately follow’d him.
The Prince was attended by 36 Footmen in theSaxonLivery, and by a Company of the King’s Life-Guards.
Then came at a little Distance a Moor on Horseback, in theTurkishDress, all in Gold and Silver Brocade, bearing a Quiver of Arrows; he was follow’d by 24 Moors, dress’d also in theTurkishHabit, in scarlet Cloaths edg’d with blue and Gold Lace, and long Vests of white Sattin; and upon their Turbans they wore very fine Tufts of Feathers.
Immediately after came the Princess’s Coach between Two Files of the HundredSwiss; ’twas adorn’d with crimson Velvet, cover’d all over with Gold Embroidery; the Roof was adorn’d with 8 great Plumes of white Feathers, and in the middle there were Tufts of Herons Feathers: This Equipage was drawn by 8 statelyNeapolitanHorses, which had Harnesses of Crimson Velvet embroider’d with Gold, and Plumes of white Feathers upon their Heads, with noble Housings of Crimson Velvet embroider’d with Gold, and edg’d with Gold Fringe, which hung down to the Ground: The Coachman, Postilions and 8 Grooms led the Horses by Strings and Reins of Gold, and they had Coats of crimson Velvet, with Waistcoats fac’d with blue Velvet, and adorn’d with a broad Gold Lace.
Immediately after her Highness’s Coach the chief Steward of her Houshold follow’d on Horseback, attended by 24 Turks in Scarlet, with fine Tufts of Feathers on their Turbans.
A Company of the Life-Guards.
5 Coaches with theSaxonLivery, in which sat the Princess’s chief Lady and her Maids of Honour.
A Regiment of Horse, in a red Livery fac’d with blue, clos’d the March.
With this pompous Train the Princess arriv’d at the Palace: The Streets thro’ which her Highness pass’d were lin’d with 5000 Foot in new Cloaths: The Electoral Prince handed the Princess out of her Coach, and led her into the grand Apartment, where were the King and Queen and the whole Court: From the very Entrance of the Palace to the Guard-Room the HundredSwisswere drawn up in Two Rows under Arms: The Guard-Room was lin’d with the Horse-Guards in scarlet Coats fac’d with blue, and blue Cloth Waistcoats embroider’d with Gold: The Life-Guards form’d the second Row, next to the Horse-Guards.
The King and Queen went to the third Antichamber to meet the Princess, when the King presented her to the Queen, whose Hand her Highness offer’d to kiss; but her Majesty embrac’d her, and taking her by the Hand, led her after the King into the Chamber of Audience: They stay’d there a few Moments, and then their Majesties and their Highnesses went into the Closet, from whence the Queen led her back in a little time to the Chamber of Audience, where she presented all the Ladies to her. Afterwards the Princess being fatigued retir’d to her Apartment, and the Court broke up till next Morning,when there was aTe Deumsung, during which there was a triple Discharge of the Cannon from the Ramparts, and of the small Arms from all the Infantry: After this Solemnity was over, the King and Queen din’d in State, at a Table forming an oblong Square, rais’d Three Steps from the Floor, and plac’d under a magnificent Canopy: The Prince and Princess din’d with their Majesties, the Prince at one End of the Table near the King, and the Princess at the other End by the Queen: They had Arm-Chairs, but not so high as were those of their Majesties.
At the same time there were 9 Tables spread for 30 Guests apiece, for the Ladies, the Courtiers, and the Foreigners: There was a fine Concert of Music during the Dinner, and at Night anItalianOpera.
The Court did not assemble next Day till the Evening, when there was a grand Ball, which the King open’d with the Queen: Their Majesties danc’d aPolishDance to the Music of Kettle-Drums and Trumpets: When the Dance was over, the King led the Queen to a Place that was rais’d Three Steps above the Floor, under a rich Canopy. He then danc’d with the Princess, who danc’d afterwards with the Queen; and then the Queen danc’d with the Prince, who danc’d afterwards with the Princess: When all these Dances were ended, they began Minuets, and the Ball lasted till 2 o’Clock in the Morning, only it was thrice interrupted by Three Collations, which were serv’d up by 24PolishPages, as manySaxonPages, and by the same Number of Moors and Turks, who had all the same Habits as they wore upon the Day of theEntry, which was a Sight as singular as it was magnificent.
The next Day after this Ball, which was the 5th ofSeptember, a Comedy was perform’d byFrenchComedians, who play’dAriane, andl’Ete des Coquettes.
On the 6th there was a Battle of Beasts in Areas that were built for the Purpose.
On the 7th there was a grandItalianOpera, intitul’dTheophanes, in which the famous MusiciansSenesinoandBercelliperform’d surprisingly. The Opera being longer than ordinary, the King, who sat in the Pit, supp’d there with the Queen and their Royal Highnesses: And at the same time there were little Tables serv’d in the Boxes for the Ladies.
There were also several very splendid Feasts on the Days following: On the 10th all these Rejoicings were concluded by a Pastoral, that was play’d in the Garden of the King’s Palace. There the King supp’d with the Queen and their Royal Highnesses, and 10 Tables were spread for 20 Guests at each, and serv’d all with Porcelain for the Court and Foreigners: After Supper there was a fine Firework play’d, representing the carrying off of the Golden Fleece: That was the last of the Entertainments I was present at, and I made ready to set out forSicily, where my Employment required my Presence: Yet, before I leaveDresden, I must say a Word or two concerning the August Family, which resided there at that time.
The Royal Family consisted then of but Four Persons, the King, the Queen, the Electoral Prince and Princess.
The King is one of the best Princes that I ever knew; ’tis impossible to see him without beingcaptivated by his graceful Mien; and his Civility wins the Hearts of all his Courtiers; he has all the Qualities fitting for a great King: His Father dying without Issue, he succeeded him in the Electorate ofSaxony; and soon after, upon the Death ofJohn Sobieski, thePoleschose him for their King: When he was no more than Elector, he commanded the Emperor’s Army, and gave authentic Proofs of his Wisdom and Valour.
The Queen is of the Family ofBrandenbourgh Bareith, and was espous’d to the King, even before he was Elector: She is a Princess of a stately Port, and must have formerly been a Toast, on account of her Beauty, at the Time when she had more Colour in her Face, and less Flesh upon her Bones than she has now. She is very fond of Retirement, and bestows great Charities: She resides commonly atTorgau, or atPretsch, and comes but very seldom toDresden: She has a separate House from the King’s, which is very suitable to her Dignity; she has also a separate Chapel, the King having given her the old Chapel atDresdenand caus’d another to be built for Himself and the Catholics.
The Electoral Prince resembles the Queen very much: He is tall and very well set, and his Air plainly discovers him to be what he is: He delights very much in Hunting, and those Pleasures that require Exercise; which to be sure is very serviceable to him, for I thought him inclinable to grow fat: This Prince was very carefully educated by the Electoress his Grandmother, who was a Princess ofDenmark: When he was able to support the Fatigues of Travelling the King sent him toItaly, and from thence toFrance, with a Retinue becoming the Son of aKing; after which the Prince went toVienna, and ’twas during the Stay he made at the Court that he had an Opportunity of observing the great Qualities of the Archduchess, now the Electoral Princess: You’ll judge by the Account I have had the Honour to give you of this Princess, that it were almost impossible but she must be very much belov’d at the Court ofSaxony; and she soon got the good Wishes of the whole Nation, so that the very People who conceiv’d some Umbrage at the Prince’s Marriage, for Fear of their Religion, were quickly reconcil’d to it: For indeed what Violence was there room to apprehend from a Princess so highly distinguish’d for her Moderation and Good-nature?
These,Madame, were at the time the whole Royal Family; but now ’tis augmented by several Princes and Princesses, whom the Electoral Prince has had by the Princess his Spouse. Tho’ the Royal Family was not numerous when I was there, yet the Number and Magnificence of the Princes and Courtiers, who were then atDresden, made it very splendid: I had the Honour to know most of them very well, and found them all alike, behaving affable to Foreigners, and agreeable to their Birth: I don’t undertake now to give you the Characters of those whom I had the Honour to be particularly acquainted with, being sensible that perhaps it would be a little too tedious: Nothing remains for me therefore but to give you some Account of the City ofDresden.[11]Dresdenis one of the finest Towns inGermanyfor its Situation and its Structures; ’tis the Capital ofMisniainUpper Saxony.Charlemainwas the first that caus’d it to be fortify’d; it has been for time out of Mind the ordinary Residence of the Dukes and Electors ofSaxony, who have caus’d its Fortifications to be considerably augmented, and ’tis now a very strong Place: ’Tis divided by the RiverElbeinto Two Parts, call’dThe New TownandThe Old Town. In the latter stands the Prince’s Palace, which was formerly a very fine Building, but only a Part of it is remaining, the rest being consum’d by Fire. That which still exists contains very fine Apartments, which the King has accommodated to the modern Taste, and they are nobly furnished; but they belong only to the King and Queen; and the Prince and Princess live in a separate Palace, which communicates therewith by Galleries: This Palace was built by the Countess ofCosel, who liv’d in it when she was in high Favour. The Rooms are a little of the smallest, but perfectly well dispos’d, and they are adorn’d with fine Paintings, and very richly furnish’d: Near the King’s Palace there’s a very fine Garden, call’dZuinger-Garten, which is semi-circled in the Shape of a Horse-shoe, with magnificent Buildings that form Arches, over which there runs an open Gallery, which unites Three large Pavilions: In the middlemost there’s a fine Grotto, on a Level with the Garden. The upper Story contains a very beautiful Saloon fac’d with Marble, with gilded Ornaments; the Ceiling is magnificent; the Windows instead of common Glass are embellished with very fine large Plate-Glass. The rest of the Building, which joins to this Garden, is of the same Magnificence, but yet perhaps a little too much incumber’d with carv’d Work.
Next to the Garden there is nothing finer to be seen than the King’s Stables and Riding-House. Over the Stables there are very fine large Rooms, in which is kept all the Furniture for the Horses: In this Part there is also a Number of stately Buildings, which renderOld Dresdena very agreeable Place. The Streets are broad, most of them regular and well pav’d, and great Care is taken to keep up good Government in it.
This Quarter communicates with the new Town by a very beautiful Stone-Bridge: The first thing one meets with entring intoNew Dresdenis a House that belongs to the King, and is call’dThe Palace ofHolland, because all the China Ware or Furniture, with which ’tis adorn’d, came from that Country: The Gardens of this House are very pleasant; and its Situation most charming by reason of the RiverElbe, which runs just by it.
The Inhabitants ofDresdenare Lutherans, as well as those of the rest ofSaxony, and the Catholics have not so much as one Church in it; for the King being not willing to infringe the Laws of the Country, is content to have one Chapel there for himself and his Family. The Elector ofSaxonybears the Title ofGrand Marshal of the Empire, and is the Third in Rank among the Secular Electors.
Thus,Madame, have I given you what I saw most remarkable in the Electorate ofSaxony: I own to you, I lik’d the Country very much, and the Civilities that I had the Honour to receive from the King, made me wish one while for a Place in his Service; but I made no Attempt for it, and very seriously bethought myself of my Journey toSicily.
When I leftDresden, I took the Road toMunich, to which I made very great Haste, because I was so teiz’d with my old Ailment, for whichLa Peroniehad me under Cure atParis, that I did not care to delay, putting myself into the Hands of a Surgeon: The Person, who undertook me, was no less a Man than the Elector’s own Surgeon; who indeed gave me Ease for a few Days, but afterwards I was tormented worse than ever. However, I took the Opportunity of the easy Intervals I enjoy’d from the Surgeon’s Remedies to pay my Compliments to the Princes: I accompany’d them in Hunting and other Parties of Pleasure, as if I had been in perfect Health: The Countde Charolois, who was still at the Court ofBavaria, made an Agreement with the Princes ofBavaria, to ride Post toSaltzbourg, to see anItalianOpera, which the Archbishop gave there every Year to celebrate his Birth-Day: TheBavarianPrinces set out first, and lodged in a paltry Cabaret in the Suburbs, because they had a Mind to beincog.The Countde Charoloisset out fromMunichat 8 o’Clock at Night, with only one Gentleman and myself: We rode all Night, and next Day at 5 in the Evening arriv’d atSaltzbourg: We alighted at the same Cabaret where theBavarianPrinces were, and went all together to the Opera: It was begun before we came, for which I was not a little sorry, because it was a Piece that was well worth seeing from the Beginning to the End of it: I assure you,Madame, that I never saw any thing so extraordinary: The Theatre, the Actors, the Performance were all to the utmost Degree ridiculous! The Opera Room was so low, that the Actors almost touch’d the Ceiling with their Heads: The Singing and Dancingwere something comical: What most diverted me were the Interludes, which wereexecutedby the Archbishop’s Pages. They consisted of Three Entries: The first was of Shepherds, who were known by their Dress; and they had not only Crooks in their Hands, but Sheep appear’d every now-and-then upon the Scene: The second Entry was of Huntsmen, who had all Hunting Horns; and while these danc’d, some, who mov’d the Machine, made the Skins of Hares stuff’d with Straw skip up and down the Stage: The third was of Fishermen, who carry’d Lines, to which were fasten’d Trouts; others appear’d with Nets full of live Fish, which made a very odd Shew, and was certainly the only one of the Kind: I must not forget to tell you, that, during the Performance, such Complaisance was shewn to all the Spectators, that they were presented with great Silver Goblets full of Wine or Beer to refresh them: The Princes diverted themselves very much with this Piece, and ’twas a long rime before they could get the Archbishop’s Opera out of their Heads: For my Part, I can scarce forbear Laughing to this Day, whenever I think on’t.
Notwithstanding all that the Princes could do to beincog.they were known, and the Archbishop, who was inform’d of their Arrival upon the very Day, immediately sent one of his Gentlemen to invite them to Supper, desiring at the same time to be excus’d for not waiting on them in Person, which he assur’d them he should have done, if he had not been made acquainted, that they were willing to beincog.TheBavarianPrinces were ready enough to accept of the Archbishop’s Supper; and for my own Part, I had so little Hopes of finding any thing that was goodin that pitiful Cabaret where we were, that I should have been glad with all my Heart to have been at the Archbishop’s Table. But the Countde Charoloiswould by no means accept of the Invitation, and out of Complaisance to him, theBavarianPrinces refus’d it likewise; however, they paid the Archbishop a Visit, and the Countde Charoloiswent along with them by the Name of the Countde Dammartin; I had also the Honour to accompany them: The Archbishop receiv’d the Princes without any Ceremony, according to their Desire, and they stood all the time of the Visit, which was very short. The Princes return’d to the Inn, where we had a Supper, serv’d up exactly in theGoutof our Opera. Mean time, we had not eaten any thing for 24 Hours; and to refresh us, the first Dish that was brought in was Lobsters and a Sallad, and the next a Leveret, which was not dress’d enough, and therefore we sent it to the Kitchen to be turn’d into a Ragou; but ’tis probable, that our Cook had not Experience enough to make Ragous; for he only put our Leveret in a large Kettle of Water, and boil’d it to a Jelly; and in this Condition it was serv’d up: This insipid Dish was follow’d by a Couple of Ducks and Four Thrushes. Notwithstanding the Scantiness of this Repast, they did not rise from Table till late at Night, and then the Princes ofBavariawent to Bed, but as for the Countde Charolois, he would stay in the Place no longer than he had supp’d, and I had the Honour to go off with him. We return’d toMunich, but went by the way ofAlten-Ottingen, in order to see the Treasure that is kept in the Vestry of the miraculous Chapel of the Virgin: This Treasure, which contain’d very fine Things, was inrich’d withAbundance of noble Presents, made by most of the Sovereigns inEurope. From thence we set out forMunich, where we arriv’d after a Ramble of Three Days and as many Nights, in which we could boast of having travell’d near 40GermanLeagues, to see the most scoundrel Opera that could ever be imagin’d.
The Fatigue of this Journey made my Disorder much worse: The Surgeons atMunicheven refus’d to take me in hand, and all my Friends advis’d me to make a Tour toParis, where the most able Professors in Arts of all Sorts are more easy to be found. I was very loth to take their Advice, for ’twas high time for me to think of going to my Regiment, and I was afraid, that by a longer Delay I should suffer: At the same time I was so horribly plagued by my Distemper, that I resolv’d to go toParis. But, before I set out, I wrote to the Countde S——, to tell him the Condition I was in, tho’ I assur’d him that I would stay no longer atParisthan was necessary for my Cure. Whether my Declaration was relish’d or not I can’t tell; all that I know for certain is, that I receiv’d no Answer. I was sorry to leaveMunich, and no doubt,Madame, you are surpriz’d to find me going forParis, as it were in spite of my Will, and I assure you, that I made Reflections upon my Indifference for this City, in which I always found so many things to charm me, tho’ I was fully sensible, that the Miscarriage I had in all my Undertakings was the thing that made me heartily weary of staying in it.
This therefore was the first time that I may say I set out forPariswith Regret: I went thither by the way ofStrasbourg, and when I arriv’dI put myself again into the Hands ofla Peronie, who in less than a Month’s Time made me sound! During that Space I notify’d my Arrival to some particular Friends, who kept me Company till I was perfectly cur’d. They told me surprizing News, of which I had already been informed by several Letters; but ’twas all so improbable, I never could believe it to be true. Millions was the Word in every body’s Mouth, and he that was but a Lackey one Day, was the next a Lord. ’Twas sufficient only to be seen in the famous Street ofQuinquempoix, and unless you were quite forsaken by your Guardian Angel, you were sure of going off of the Place with immense Wealth. I was advis’d to do as others did, and to try if Fortune was still resolv’d to frown upon me: A great many Persons were nam’d to me that had actually got Millions, who came first into the Street with almost nothing in their Pockets; that was my Case exactly: But the Hopes of good Luck made me resolve to try my Fortune, as soon as I was able to stir abroad: And thither I actually went, and put myself in the Rank with those who sacrific’d to Fortune: I had the best Luck in the World at first setting out, and without knowing how or which way, found myself possess’d in a little time of a considerable Sum, such that I am even asham’d to tell you how much it amounted to, since you would absolutely pronounce me a Madman, for not knowing when I had enough; but in short I began so well, that I thought it would be cowardly to stop, and therefore I push’d on; but was quickly sensible that I had committed a gross Blunder in not drawing back; for my Millions vanish’d almost in the same manner as they came, and without knowing why or wherefore, I found my Purseempty, and was forc’d, whether I would or no, to renounce that Sort of Negociation.
While the domestic Affairs of the Kingdom were in this Fluctuation, the Army ofFrancepress’d theSpaniardsvery hard. The Campaign inNavarreprov’d very successful. I have already had the Honour to acquaint you of the Taking ofFontarabia, which was follow’d soon after by the Conquest ofSt. Sebastian. TheGermanson their Part made themselves Masters of almost allSicily, so that the King ofSpainseem’d almost reduced to a Necessity of demanding Peace, and that very soon. CardinalAlberoniwas not disturb’d at the Advantages of his Enemy, and had a very great Dependence on the Uneasiness of the People ofBretagne, where he had a Party actually form’d, that was to declare openly againstSpain, upon the first Motion which that Crown should make towards the Coasts of that Province. The Cardinal caus’d the Duke ofOrmondto sail to that Province, but ’twas to no Purpose; for the Regent had been appriz’d of all these Schemes, and so well concerted his Measures, that ’twas impossible for the Duke ofOrmondto undertake any thing on that Side. Nevertheless, some MalecontentBretons, who were Refugees inSpain, assur’d me, that if the Duke had arriv’d sooner, the Blow would not have fail’d, the whole Province would have revolted, and caus’d the States General to assemble, and declare the King ofSpainRegent. For my Part, who knew all the Leaders of this Party full well, I did not think the Success of this Affair so very sure. Those Gentlemen were indeed Persons of a great deal of Sense, but of stronger Passions; and to say all in a few Words, they play’d at high Game, to think of surprizing theRegent! His Wisdom prevented all the Calamities which the Kingdom was threaten’d with: He sent a Sovereign Court toBretagne, of whichM. de Chateauneufwas President, and he supported its Authority by a Body of Troops under the Command of the Marshalde Montesquiou. They began to make a Search after the Authors of the Rebellion, and ’twas expected that a great deal of Blood would be spilt, yet there were only a few Gentlemen, who paid for all with the Loss of their Heads. They say, that among those Gentlemen One might have escap’d, if he had thought fit; but when he was going on board, and saw the Waves very swelling, he remember’d that some body had told him, he should perishpar la Mer, i. e. by Sea, and the Fear of Drowning made him turn back, so that he was apprehended, and had his Head cut off by a Hangman, whose Name wasla Mer. A great Matter of Triumph this was to the Fortune-tellers!
Besides these, Warrants were issued against several other Gentlemen, but they being not afraid of the Sea, made no Scruple to expose themselves to it: Some fled toSpain, and some toHanover, where the King ofEnglandgranted them anAsylum, without violating the Alliance made withFrance, which imported, that the Two Kings should give no Shelter in their Kingdoms to the revolted Subjects of either; for the Duchy ofHanoverbeing an Electorate, was not included in this Treaty.
’Twas well for a great many People ofBretagne, that Warrants were issued out against them; for most of them had but little to leave behind, and they were receiv’d inSpainas Persons that had sacrific’d their All for that Crown.Most of these were made Colonels by the Cardinal, tho’ he knew not whether they had ever been in the Service, while others, that had really abandoned considerable Estates, were so unfortunate as to have the least Reward.