Joseph II. and His Court
L. Muhlbach Joseph II. and His Court Table of Contents
Joseph II. and His Court...... 1 L. Muhlbach...... 1 MARIA THERESA...... 5 CHAPTER I. THE CONFERENCE...... 5 CHAPTER II. THE LETTER...... 11 CHAPTER III. THE TOILET OF THE EMPRESS...... 16 CHAPTER IV. HUSBAND AND WIFE...... 18 CHAPTER V. THE ARCHDUKE JOSEPH...... 25 CHAPTER VI. KAUNITZ...... 28 CHAPTER VII. THE TOILET...... 30 CHAPTER VIII. THE RED STOCKINGS...... 33 CHAPTER IX. NEW AUSTRIA...... 35 ISABELLA...... 38 CHAPTER X. THE YOUNG SOLDIER...... 38 CHAPTER XI. THE EMPRESS AND HER SON...... 43 CHAPTER XII. AN ITALIAN NIGHT...... 48 CHAPTER XIII. ISABELLA OF PARMA...... 51 CHAPTER XIV. THE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY...... 54 CHAPTER XV. THE DREAM OF LOVE...... 59 CHAPTER XVI. GLUCK...... 64 CHAPTER XVII. THE NEW OPERA...... 67 CHAPTER XVIII. RANIER VON CALZABIGI...... 69 CHAPTER XIX. THE BIRTHDAY...... 71 CHAPTER XX. ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE...... 75 CHAPTER XXI. "IN THREE YEARS, WE MEET AGAIN."...... 80 CHAPTER XXII. CHE FARO SENZA EURYDICE...... 84 KING OF ROME...... 89 CHAPTER XXIII. FATHER PORHAMMER AND COUNT KAUNITZ...... 89 CHAPTER XXIV. MATRIMONIAL PLANS...... 92 CHAPTER XXV. JOSEPHA OF BAVARIA...... 99 CHAPTER XXVI. THE MARRIAGE NIGHT...... 103 CHAPTER XXVII. AN UNHAPPY MARRIAGE...... 108 CHAPTER XXVIII. A STATESMAN'S HOURS OF DALLIANCE...... 112 CHAPTER XXIX. PRINCE KAUNITZ AND RITTER GLUCK...... 117 CHAPTER XXX. AN UNFORTUNATE MEETING...... 120 CHAPTER XXXI. MOURNING...... 124 CHAPTER XXXII. THE IMPERIAL ABBESS...... 127 CHAPTER XXXIII. THE CO−REGENT...... 130 CHAPTER XXXIV. HAROUN AL RASCHID...... 135 CHAPTER XXXV. THE DISGUISE REMOVED...... 138 CHAPTER XXXVI. ROSARY AND SCEPTRE...... 140 CHAPTER XXXVII. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ABBESS AND AN EMPRESS...... 142 CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE REIGNING EMPRESS...... 145 CHAPTER XXXIX. THE CO−REGENT DEPOSED...... 150 CHAPTER XL. MOTHER AND SON...... 153 CHAPTER XLI. DEATH THE LIBERATOR...... 157 CHAPTER XLII. THE MIRROR...... 161 CHAPTER XLIII. THE INTERVIEW WITH KAUNITZ...... 165
i Joseph II. and His Court Table of Contents
Joseph II. and His Court CHAPTER XLIV. THE ARCHDUCHESS JOSEPHA...... 170 CHAPTER XLV. THE DEPARTURE...... 173 CHAPTER XLVI. INOCULATION...... 175 CHAPTER XLVII. AN ADVENTURE...... 182 CHAPTER XLVIII. THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON...... 186 CHAPTER XLIX. TWO AFFIANCED QUEENS...... 191 EMPEROR OF AUSTRIA...... 195 CHAPTER L. THE DINNER AT THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR'S...... 195 CHAPTER LI. MARIANNE'S DISAPPEARANCE...... 200 CHAPTER LII. COUNT FALKENSTEIN...... 203 CHAPTER LIII. WHAT THEY FOUND AT WICHERN...... 206 CHAPTER LIV. THE SOMNAMBULIST...... 211 CHAPTER LV. THE PROPHECY...... 215 CHAPTER LVI. THE GIFT...... 220 CHAPTER LVII. THE CONFERENCE...... 223 CHAPTER LVIII. KAUNITZ...... 225 CHAPTER LIX. SOUVENIR D'EPERIES...... 227 CHAPTER LX. FREDERICK THE GREAT...... 231 CHAPTER LXI. THE PRIMA DONNA...... 233 CHAPTER LXII. FREDERICK THE GREAT AND PRINCE KAUNITZ...... 237 CHAPTER LXIII. RUSSIA A FOE TO ALL EUROPE...... 240 CHAPTER LXIV. THE MAP OF POLAND...... 243 CHAPTER LXV. THE COUNTESS WIELOPOLSKA...... 247 CHAPTER LXVI. THE EMPEROR AND THE COUNTESS...... 249 CHAPTER LXVII. MARIA THERESA...... 253 CHAPTER LXVIII. MARIE ANTOINETTE AND COURT ETIQUETTE...... 254 CHAPTER LXIX. THE TRIUMPH OF DIPLOMACY...... 258 CHAPTER LXX. GOSSIP...... 260 CHAPTER LXXI. AN EXPLANATION...... 265 CHAPTER LXXII. FAMINE IN BOHEMIA...... 270 CHAPTER LXXIII. THE BLACK BROTH...... 274 CHAPTER LXXIV. THE EXTORTIONERS OF QUALITY...... 278 CHAPTER LXXV. DIPLOMATIC ESOTERICS...... 284 CHAPTER LXXVI. RUSSIA SPEAKS...... 288 CHAPTER LXXVII. THE LAST PETITION...... 292 CHAPTER LXXVIII. FINIS POLONIE...... 295 CHAPTER LXXIX. THE MAD COUNTESS...... 299 CHAPTER LXXX. THE BETROTHAL...... 304 CHAPTER LXXXI. FRANZ ANTONY MESMER...... 307 CHAPTER LXXXII. THERESE VON PARADIES...... 308 CHAPTER LXXXIII. THE FIRST DAY OF LIGHT...... 312 CHAPTER LXXXIV. DIPLOMATIC STRATEGY...... 317 CHAPTER LXXXV. DOMINUS AC REDEMPTOR NOSTER...... 319 CHAPTER LXXXVI. HEART−STRUGGLES...... 323 CHAPTER LXXXVII. THE FORCED BRIDAL...... 326 CHAPTER LXXXVIII. PRINCE LOUIS DE ROHAN...... 330 CHAPTER LXXXIX. THE POLES AT VIENNA...... 335
ii Joseph II. and His Court Table of Contents
Joseph II. and His Court CHAPTER XC. THE LAST FAREWELL...... 340 CHAPTER XCI. THE CONCERT...... 343 CHAPTER XCII. THE CATASTROPHE...... 348 MARIE ANTOINETTE...... 351 CHAPTER XCIII. LE ROI EST MORT, VIVE LE ROI!...... 351 CHAPTER XCIV. THE MEMORANDA...... 355 CHAPTER XCV. FRANCE AND AUSTRIA...... 358 CHAPTER XCVI. THE KING'S LIST...... 361 CHAPTER XCVII. THE FIRST PASQUINADE...... 364 CHAPTER XCVIII. THE NEW FASHIONS...... 366 CHAPTER XCIX. THE TEMPLE OF ETIQUETTE...... 368 CHAPTER C. THE NEW FASHIONS AND THEIR UNHAPPY RESULTS...... 371 CHAPTER CI. SUNRISE...... 373 CHAPTER CII. THE FOLLOWING DAY...... 378 CHAPTER CIII. THE LAST APPEAL...... 382 CHAPTER CIV. THE FLIGHT...... 385 CHAPTER CV. JOSEPH IN FRANCE...... 387 CHAPTER CVI. THE GODFATHER...... 390 CHAPTER CVII. THE GODFATHER...... 392 CHAPTER CVIII. THE ARRIVAL AT VERSAILLES...... 394 CHAPTER CIX. COUNT FALKENSTEIN IN PARIS...... 397 CHAPTER CX. THE QUEEN AND THE "DAMES DE LA HALLE."...... 402 CHAPTER CXI. THE ADOPTED SON OF THE QUEEN...... 405 CHAPTER CXII. "CHANTONS, CELEBRONS NOTRE REINE."...... 408 CHAPTER CXIII. THE HOTEL TURENNE...... 410 CHAPTER CXIV. THE DENOUEMENT...... 413 CHAPTER CXV. THE PARTING...... 415 CHAPTER CXVI. JOSEPH AND LOUIS...... 418 CHAPTER CXVII. THE PROMENADE AND THE EPIGRAM...... 420 CHAPTER CXVIII. THE DINNER EN FAMILLE...... 424 CHAPTER CXIX. A VISIT TO JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU...... 428 CHAPTER CXX. THE PARTING...... 432 CHAPTER CXXI. DEATH OF THE ELECTOR OF BAVARIA...... 436 CHAPTER CXXII. A PAGE FROM HISTORY...... 443 CHAPTER CXXIII. THE EMPEROR AS COMMANDER−IN−CHIEF...... 444 CHAPTER CXXIV. SECRET NEGOTIATIONS FOR PEACE...... 446 CHAPTER CXXV. FRATERNAL DISCORD...... 450 CHAPTER CXXVI. THE DEFEAT...... 454 CHAPTER CXXVII. THE REVENGE...... 458 CHAPTER CXXVIII. A LETTER TO THE EMPRESS OF RUSSIA...... 462 CHAPTER CXXIX. THE GRATITUDE OF PRINCES...... 465 CHAPTER CXXX. FREDERICK THE GREAT...... 468 CHAPTER CXXXI, "THE DARKEST HOUR IS BEFORE DAY."...... 471 CHAPTER CXXXII. THE EMPEROR AND HIS MOTHER...... 474 CHAPTER CXXXIII. PRINCE POTEMKIN...... 477 CHAPTER CXXXIV. THE PRUSSIAN AMBASSADOR...... 481 CHAPTER CXXXV. THE AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR...... 485
iii Joseph II. and His Court Table of Contents
Joseph II. and His Court CHAPTER CXXXVI. THE EMPRESS CATHARINE...... 489 CHAPTER CXXXVII. THE CZARINA AND HER MASTER...... 492 CHAPTER CXXXVIII. A DIPLOMATIC DEFEAT...... 497 CHAPTER CXXXIX. THE CZARINA AND THE KAISER...... 500 THE REIGN OF JOSEPH...... 504 CHAPTER CXL. THE OATH...... 504 CHAPTER CXLI. PRINCE KAUNITZ...... 506 CHAPTER CXLII. THE BANKER AND HIS DAUGHTER...... 510 CHAPTER CXLIII. THE COUNTESS BAILLOU...... 514 CHAPTER CXLIV. THE EXPULSION OF THE CLARISSERINES...... 517 CHAPTER CXLV. COUNT PODSTADSKY'S ESCORT...... 520 CHAPTER CXLVI. THE LAMPOON...... 521 CHAPTER CXLVII. THE PETITIONERS...... 524 CHAPTER CXLVIII. THE PETITIONERS...... 526 CHAPTER CXLIX. THE LADY PATRONESS...... 529 CHAPTER CL. MOTHER AND SON...... 531 CHAPTER CLI. THE TWO OATHS...... 535 CHAPTER CLII. NEW−FASHIONED OBSEQUIES...... 540 CHAPTER CLIII. THE POPE IN VIENNA...... 543 CHAPTER CLIV. THE FLIGHT...... 546 CHAPTER CLV. THE MARRIAGE BEFORE GOD...... 550 CHAPTER CLVI. THE PARK...... 552 CHAPTER CLVII. THE PARTING...... 555 CHAPTER CLVIII. COLONEL SZEKULY...... 557 CHAPTER CLIX. THE POPE'S DEPARTURE...... 561 CHAPTER CLX. THE REPULSE...... 567 CHAPTER CLXI. THE COUNT IN THE PILLORY...... 569 CHAPTER CLXII. THE NEMESIS...... 572 CHAPTER CLXIII. HORJA AND THE REBELLION IN HUNGARY...... 575 CHAPTER CLXIV. THE JEW'S REVENGE...... 577 CHAPTER CLXV. THE FAVOR OF PRINCES...... 582 CHAPTER CLXVI. THE DEPUTATION FROM HUNGARY...... 586 CHAPTER CLXVII. THE RECOMPENSE...... 589 CHAPTER CLXVIII. THE REBELLION IN THE NETHERLANDS...... 594 CHAPTER CLXIX. THE IMPERIAL SUITOR...... 598 CHAPTER CLXX. THE LAST DREAM OF LOVE...... 601 CHAPTER CLXXI. THE TURKISH WAR...... 604 CHAPTER CLXXII. MARRIAGE AND SEPARATION...... 607 CHAPTER CLXXIII. THE LAST DREAM OF GLORY...... 613 CHAPTER CLXXIV. THE HUNGARIANS AGAIN...... 617 CHAPTER CLXXV. THE REVOCATION...... 621 CHAPTER CLXXVI. THE DEATH OF THE MARTYR...... 624
iv Joseph II. and His Court
L. Muhlbach
Translated From The German By Adelaide Dev. Chaudron
This page copyright © 2001 Blackmask Online. http://www.blackmask.com
• MARIA THERESA
• CHAPTER I. THE CONFERENCE. • CHAPTER II. THE LETTER. • CHAPTER III. THE TOILET OF THE EMPRESS. • CHAPTER IV. HUSBAND AND WIFE. • CHAPTER V. THE ARCHDUKE JOSEPH. • CHAPTER VI. KAUNITZ. • CHAPTER VII. THE TOILET. • CHAPTER VIII. THE RED STOCKINGS. • CHAPTER IX. NEW AUSTRIA.
• ISABELLA
• CHAPTER X. THE YOUNG SOLDIER. • CHAPTER XI. THE EMPRESS AND HER SON. • CHAPTER XII. AN ITALIAN NIGHT. • CHAPTER XIII. ISABELLA OF PARMA. • CHAPTER XIV. THE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY. • CHAPTER XV. THE DREAM OF LOVE. • CHAPTER XVI. GLUCK. • CHAPTER XVII. THE NEW OPERA. • CHAPTER XVIII. RANIER VON CALZABIGI. • CHAPTER XIX. THE BIRTHDAY. • CHAPTER XX. ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE. • CHAPTER XXI. "IN THREE YEARS, WE MEET AGAIN." • CHAPTER XXII. CHE FARO SENZA EURYDICE.
• KING OF ROME
• CHAPTER XXIII. FATHER PORHAMMER AND COUNT KAUNITZ. • CHAPTER XXIV. MATRIMONIAL PLANS. • CHAPTER XXV. JOSEPHA OF BAVARIA. • CHAPTER XXVI. THE MARRIAGE NIGHT. • CHAPTER XXVII. AN UNHAPPY MARRIAGE. • CHAPTER XXVIII. A STATESMAN'S HOURS OF DALLIANCE. • CHAPTER XXIX. PRINCE KAUNITZ AND RITTER GLUCK. • CHAPTER XXX. AN UNFORTUNATE MEETING. • CHAPTER XXXI. MOURNING. • CHAPTER XXXII. THE IMPERIAL ABBESS.
Joseph II. and His Court 1 Joseph II. and His Court
• CHAPTER XXXIII. THE CO−REGENT. • CHAPTER XXXIV. HAROUN AL RASCHID. • CHAPTER XXXV. THE DISGUISE REMOVED. • CHAPTER XXXVI. ROSARY AND SCEPTRE. • CHAPTER XXXVII. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ABBESS AND AN EMPRESS. • CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE REIGNING EMPRESS. • CHAPTER XXXIX. THE CO−REGENT DEPOSED. • CHAPTER XL. MOTHER AND SON. • CHAPTER XLI. DEATH THE LIBERATOR. • CHAPTER XLII. THE MIRROR. • CHAPTER XLIII. THE INTERVIEW WITH KAUNITZ. • CHAPTER XLIV. THE ARCHDUCHESS JOSEPHA. • CHAPTER XLV. THE DEPARTURE. • CHAPTER XLVI. INOCULATION. • CHAPTER XLVII. AN ADVENTURE. • CHAPTER XLVIII. THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON. • CHAPTER XLIX. TWO AFFIANCED QUEENS.
• CHAPTER L. THE DINNER AT THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR'S. • CHAPTER LI. MARIANNE'S DISAPPEARANCE. • CHAPTER LII. COUNT FALKENSTEIN. • CHAPTER LIII. WHAT THEY FOUND AT WICHERN. • CHAPTER LIV. THE SOMNAMBULIST. • CHAPTER LV. THE PROPHECY. • CHAPTER LVI. THE GIFT. • CHAPTER LVII. THE CONFERENCE. • CHAPTER LVIII. KAUNITZ. • CHAPTER LIX. SOUVENIR D'EPERIES. • CHAPTER LX. FREDERICK THE GREAT. • CHAPTER LXI. THE PRIMA DONNA. • CHAPTER LXII. FREDERICK THE GREAT AND PRINCE KAUNITZ. • CHAPTER LXIII. RUSSIA A FOE TO ALL EUROPE. • CHAPTER LXIV. THE MAP OF POLAND. • CHAPTER LXV. THE COUNTESS WIELOPOLSKA. • CHAPTER LXVI. THE EMPEROR AND THE COUNTESS. • CHAPTER LXVII. MARIA THERESA. • CHAPTER LXVIII. MARIE ANTOINETTE AND COURT ETIQUETTE. • CHAPTER LXIX. THE TRIUMPH OF DIPLOMACY. • CHAPTER LXX. GOSSIP. • CHAPTER LXXI. AN EXPLANATION. • CHAPTER LXXII. FAMINE IN BOHEMIA. • CHAPTER LXXIII. THE BLACK BROTH. • CHAPTER LXXIV. THE EXTORTIONERS OF QUALITY. • CHAPTER LXXV. DIPLOMATIC ESOTERICS. • CHAPTER LXXVI. RUSSIA SPEAKS. • CHAPTER LXXVII. THE LAST PETITION. • CHAPTER LXXVIII. FINIS POLONIE. • CHAPTER LXXIX. THE MAD COUNTESS. • CHAPTER LXXX. THE BETROTHAL.
Joseph II. and His Court 2 Joseph II. and His Court
• CHAPTER LXXXI. FRANZ ANTONY MESMER. • CHAPTER LXXXII. THERESE VON PARADIES. • CHAPTER LXXXIII. THE FIRST DAY OF LIGHT. • CHAPTER LXXXIV. DIPLOMATIC STRATEGY. • CHAPTER LXXXV. DOMINUS AC REDEMPTOR NOSTER. • CHAPTER LXXXVI. HEART−STRUGGLES. • CHAPTER LXXXVII. THE FORCED BRIDAL. • CHAPTER LXXXVIII. PRINCE LOUIS DE ROHAN. • CHAPTER LXXXIX. THE POLES AT VIENNA. • CHAPTER XC. THE LAST FAREWELL. • CHAPTER XCI. THE CONCERT. • CHAPTER XCII. THE CATASTROPHE.
• MARIE ANTOINETTE
• CHAPTER XCIII. LE ROI EST MORT, VIVE LE ROI! • CHAPTER XCIV. THE MEMORANDA. • CHAPTER XCV. FRANCE AND AUSTRIA. • CHAPTER XCVI. THE KING'S LIST. • CHAPTER XCVII. THE FIRST PASQUINADE. • CHAPTER XCVIII. THE NEW FASHIONS. • CHAPTER XCIX. THE TEMPLE OF ETIQUETTE. • CHAPTER C. THE NEW FASHIONS AND THEIR UNHAPPY RESULTS. • CHAPTER CI. SUNRISE. • CHAPTER CII. THE FOLLOWING DAY. • CHAPTER CIII. THE LAST APPEAL. • CHAPTER CIV. THE FLIGHT. • CHAPTER CV. JOSEPH IN FRANCE. • CHAPTER CVI. THE GODFATHER. • CHAPTER CVII. THE GODFATHER. • CHAPTER CVIII. THE ARRIVAL AT VERSAILLES. • CHAPTER CIX. COUNT FALKENSTEIN IN PARIS. • CHAPTER CX. THE QUEEN AND THE "DAMES DE LA HALLE." • CHAPTER CXI. THE ADOPTED SON OF THE QUEEN. • CHAPTER CXII. "CHANTONS, CELEBRONS NOTRE REINE." • CHAPTER CXIII. THE HOTEL TURENNE. • CHAPTER CXIV. THE DENOUEMENT. • CHAPTER CXV. THE PARTING. • CHAPTER CXVI. JOSEPH AND LOUIS. • CHAPTER CXVII. THE PROMENADE AND THE EPIGRAM. • CHAPTER CXVIII. THE DINNER EN FAMILLE. • CHAPTER CXIX. A VISIT TO JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU. • CHAPTER CXX. THE PARTING. • CHAPTER CXXI. DEATH OF THE ELECTOR OF BAVARIA. • CHAPTER CXXII. A PAGE FROM HISTORY. • CHAPTER CXXIII. THE EMPEROR AS COMMANDER−IN−CHIEF. • CHAPTER CXXIV. SECRET NEGOTIATIONS FOR PEACE. • CHAPTER CXXV. FRATERNAL DISCORD. • CHAPTER CXXVI. THE DEFEAT. • CHAPTER CXXVII. THE REVENGE. • CHAPTER CXXVIII. A LETTER TO THE EMPRESS OF RUSSIA.
Joseph II. and His Court 3 Joseph II. and His Court
• CHAPTER CXXIX. THE GRATITUDE OF PRINCES. • CHAPTER CXXX. FREDERICK THE GREAT. • CHAPTER CXXXI, "THE DARKEST HOUR IS BEFORE DAY." • CHAPTER CXXXII. THE EMPEROR AND HIS MOTHER. • CHAPTER CXXXIII. PRINCE POTEMKIN. • CHAPTER CXXXIV. THE PRUSSIAN AMBASSADOR. • CHAPTER CXXXV. THE AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR. • CHAPTER CXXXVI. THE EMPRESS CATHARINE. • CHAPTER CXXXVII. THE CZARINA AND HER MASTER. • CHAPTER CXXXVIII. A DIPLOMATIC DEFEAT. • CHAPTER CXXXIX. THE CZARINA AND THE KAISER.
• THE REIGN OF JOSEPH.
• CHAPTER CXL. THE OATH. • CHAPTER CXLI. PRINCE KAUNITZ. • CHAPTER CXLII. THE BANKER AND HIS DAUGHTER. • CHAPTER CXLIII. THE COUNTESS BAILLOU • CHAPTER CXLIV. THE EXPULSION OF THE CLARISSERINES. • CHAPTER CXLV. COUNT PODSTADSKY'S ESCORT. • CHAPTER CXLVI. THE LAMPOON. • CHAPTER CXLVII. THE PETITIONERS. • CHAPTER CXLVIII. THE PETITIONERS. • CHAPTER CXLIX. THE LADY PATRONESS. • CHAPTER CL. MOTHER AND SON. • CHAPTER CLI. THE TWO OATHS. • CHAPTER CLII. NEW−FASHIONED OBSEQUIES. • CHAPTER CLIII. THE POPE IN VIENNA. • CHAPTER CLIV. THE FLIGHT. • CHAPTER CLV. THE MARRIAGE BEFORE GOD. • CHAPTER CLVI. THE PARK. • CHAPTER CLVII. THE PARTING. • CHAPTER CLVIII. COLONEL SZEKULY. • CHAPTER CLIX. THE POPE'S DEPARTURE. • CHAPTER CLX. THE REPULSE. • CHAPTER CLXI. THE COUNT IN THE PILLORY. • CHAPTER CLXII. THE NEMESIS. • CHAPTER CLXIII. HORJA AND THE REBELLION IN HUNGARY. • CHAPTER CLXIV. THE JEW'S REVENGE. • CHAPTER CLXV. THE FAVOR OF PRINCES. • CHAPTER CLXVI. THE DEPUTATION FROM HUNGARY. • CHAPTER CLXVII. THE RECOMPENSE. • CHAPTER CLXVIII. THE REBELLION IN THE NETHERLANDS. • CHAPTER CLXIX. THE IMPERIAL SUITOR. • CHAPTER CLXX. THE LAST DREAM OF LOVE. • CHAPTER CLXXI. THE TURKISH WAR. • CHAPTER CLXXII. MARRIAGE AND SEPARATION. • CHAPTER CLXXIII. THE LAST DREAM OF GLORY. • CHAPTER CLXXIV. THE HUNGARIANS AGAIN. • CHAPTER CLXXV. THE REVOCATION. • CHAPTER CLXXVI. THE DEATH OF THE MARTYR.
Joseph II. and His Court 4 Joseph II. and His Court
JOSEPH II. AND HIS COURT
An Historical Novel
MARIA THERESA
CHAPTER I. THE CONFERENCE.
In the council−chamber of the Empress Maria Theresa, the six lords, who composed her cabinet council, awaited the entrance of their imperial mistress to open the sitting.
At this sitting, a great political question was to be discussed and its gravity seemed to be reflected in the faces of the lords, as, in low tones, they whispered together in the dim, spacious apartment, whose antiquated furniture of dark velvet tapestry corresponded well with the anxious looks of its occupants.
In the centre of the room stood the Baron von Bartenstein and the Count von Uhlefeld, the two powerful statesmen who for thirteen years had been honored by the confidence of the empress. Together they stood, their consequence acknowledged by all, while with proud and lofty mien, they whispered of state secrets.
Upon the fair, smooth face of Bartenstein appeared an expression of haughty triumph, which he was at no pains to conceal; and over the delicate mouth of Von Uhlefeld fluttered a smile of ineffable complacency.
"I feel perfectly secure," whispered Von Bartenstein. "The empress will certainly renew the treaties, and continue the policy which we have hitherto pursued with such brilliant results to Austria."
"The empress is wise," returned Uhlefeld. "She can reckon upon our stanch support, and so long as she pursues this policy, we will sustain her."
While he spoke, there shot from his eyes such a glance of conscious power, that the two lords who, from the recess of a neighboring window, were watching the imperial favorites, were completely dazzled.
"See, count" murmured one to the other, "see how Count Uhlefeld smiles to−day. Doubtless he knows already what the decision of the empress is to be; and that it is in accordance with his wishes, no one can doubt who looks upon him now."
"It will be well for us," replied Count Colloredo, "if we subscribe unconditionally to the opinions of the lord chancellor. I, for my part, will do so all the more readily, that I confess to you my utter ignorance of the question which is to come before us to−day. I was really so preoccupied at our last sitting that I I failed exactly to comprehend its nature. I think, therefore, that it will be well for us to vote with Count von Uhlefeld that is, if the president of the Aulic Council, Count Harrach, does not entertain other opinions."
Count Harrach bowed. "As for me," sighed he, "I must, as usual, vote with Count Bartenstein. His will be, as it ever is, the decisive voice of the day; and its echo will be heard from the lips of the empress. Let us echo them both, and so be the means of helping to crush the presumption of yonder crafty and arrogant courtier."
As he spoke he glanced toward the massive table of carved oak, around which were arranged the leathern arm−chairs of the members of the Aulic Council. Count Colloredo followed the glance of his friend, which, with a supercilious expression, rested upon the person to whom he alluded. This person was seated in one of the chairs, deeply absorbed in the perusal of the papers that lay before him upon the table. He was a man of slight and elegant proportions, whose youthful face contrasted singularly with the dark, manly, and weather−beaten
MARIA THERESA 5 Joseph II. and His Court countenances of the other members of the council. Not a fault marred the beauty of this fair face; not the shadow of a wrinkle ruffled the polish of the brow; even the lovely mouth itself was free from those lines by which thought and care are wont to mark the passage of man through life. One thing, however, was wanting to this beautiful mask. It was devoid of expression. Those delicate features were immobile and stony, No trace of emotion stirred the compressed lips; no shadow of thought flickered over the high, marble brow; and the glance of those clear, light−blue eyes was as calm, cold, and unfeeling as that of a statue. This young man, with Medusa−like beauty, was Anthony Wenzel von Kaunitz, whom Maria Theresa had lately recalled from Paris to take his seat in her cabinet council.
The looks of Harrach and Colloredo were directed toward him, but he appeared not to observe them, and went on quietly with his examination of the state papers.
"You think, then, count," whispered Colloredo, thoughtfully, "that young Kaunitz cherishes the absurd hope of an alliance with France?"
"I am sure of it. I know that a few days ago the French ambassador delivered to him a most affectionate missive from his friend the Marquise de Pompadour; and I know too that yesterday he replied to it in a similar strain: It is his fixed idea, and that of La Pompadour also, to drive Austria into a new line of policy, by making her the ally of France."
Count Colloredo laughed. "The best cure that I know of for fixed ideas is the madhouse," replied he, "and thither we will send little Kaunitz if "
He ceased suddenly, for Kaunitz had slowly raised his eyes from the table, and they now rested with such an icy gaze upon the smiling face of Colloredo, that the frightened statesman shivered.
"If he should have heard me!" murmured he. "If he " but the poor count had no further time for reflection; for at that moment the folding−doors leading to the private apartments of the empress were thrown open, and the lord high steward announced the approach of her majesty.
The councillors advanced to the table, and in respectful silence awaited the imperial entrance.
The rustling of silk was heard; and then the quick step of the Countess Fuchs, whose duty it was to accompany the empress to the threshold of her council−chamber, and to close the door behind her.
And now appeared the majestic figure of the empress. The lords laid their hands upon their swords, and inclined their heads in reverence before the imperial lady, who with light, elastic step advanced to the table, while the Countess Fuchs noiselessly closed the door and returned.
The empress smilingly acknowledged the salutation, though her smile was lost to her respectful subjects, who, in obedience to the strict Spanish etiquette which prevailed at the Austrian court, remained with their heads bent until the sovereign had taken her seat upon the throne.
One of these subjects had bent his head with the rest, but he had ventured to raise it again, and he at least met the glance of royalty. This bold subject was Kaunitz, the youngest of the councillors.
He gazed at the advancing empress, and for the first time a smile flitted over his stony features. And well might the sight of his sovereign lady stir the marble heart of Kaunitz; for Maria Theresa was one of the loveliest women of her day. Though thirty−six years of age, and the mother of thirteen children, she was still beautiful, and the Austrians were proud to excess of her beauty. Her high, thoughtful forehead was shaded by a profusion of blond hair, which lightly powdered and gathered up behind in one rich mass, was there confined by a golden net. Her
MARIA THERESA 6 Joseph II. and His Court large, starry eyes were of that peculiar gray which changes with every emotion of the soul; at one time seeming to be heavenly−blue, at another the darkest and most flashing brown. Her bold profile betokened great pride; but every look of haughtiness was softened away by the enchanting expression of a mouth in whose exquisite beauty no trace of the so−called "Austrian lip" could be seen. Her figure, loftier than is usual with women, was of faultless symmetry, while her graceful bust would have seemed to the eyes of Praxiteles the waking to life of his own dreams of Juno.
Those who looked upon this beautiful empress could well realize the emotions which thirteen years before had stirred the hearts of the Hungarian nobles as she stood before them; and had wrought them up to that height of enthusiasm which culminated in the well−known shout of
"MORIAMUR PRO REGE NOSTRO!"
"Our king!" cried the Hungarians, and they were right. For Maria Theresa, who with her husband, was the tender wife; toward her children, the loving mother; was in all that related to her empire, her people, and her sovereignty, a man both in the scope of her comprehension and the strength of her will. She was capable of sketching bold lines of policy, and of following them out without reference to personal predilections or prejudices, both of which she was fully competent to stifle, wherever they threatened interference with the good of her realm, or her sense of duty as a sovereign.
The energy and determination of her character were written upon the lofty brow of Maria Theresa; and now, as she approached her councillors, these characteristics beamed forth from her countenance with such power and such beauty, that Kaunitz himself was overawed, and for one moment a smile lit up his cold features.
No one saw this smile except the imperial lady, who had woke the Memnon into life; and as she took her seat upon the throne, she slightly bent her head in return.
Now, with her clear and sonorous voice, she invited her councillors also to be seated, and at once reached out her hand for the memoranda which Count Bartenstein had prepared for her examination.
She glanced quickly over the papers, and laid them aside. "My lords of the Aulic Council," said she, in tones of deep earnestness, "we have to−day a question of gravest import to discuss. I crave thereunto your attention and advice. We are at this sitting to deliberate upon the future policy of Austria, and deeply significant will be the result of this day's deliberations to Austria's welfare. Some of our old treaties are about to expire. Time, which has somewhat moderated the bitterness of our enemies, seems also to have weakened the amity of our friends. Both are dying away; and the question now before us is, whether we shall extinguish enmity, or rekindle friendship? For seventy years past England, Holland, and Sardinia have been our allies. For three hundred years France has been our hereditary enemy. Shall we renew our alliance with the former powers, or seek new relations with the latter? Let me have your views, my lords."
With these concluding words, Maria Theresa waved her hand, and pointed to Count Uhlefeld. The lord chancellor arose, and with a dignified inclination of the head, responded to the appeal.
"Since your majesty permits me to speak, I vote without hesitation for the renewal of our treaty with the maritime powers. For seventy years our relations with these powers have been amicable and honorable. In our days of greatest extremity when Louis XIV. took Alsatia and the city of Strasburg, and his ally, the Turkish Sultan, besieged Vienna when two powerful enemies threatened Austria with destruction, it was this alliance with the maritime powers and with Sardinia, which, next to the succor of the generous King of Poland, saved our capital, and Savoy held Lombardy in check, while England and Holland guarded the Netherlands, which, since the days of Philip II., have ever been the nest of rebellion and revolt. To this alliance, therefore, we owe it that your majesty still reigns over those seditious provinces. To Savoy we are indebted for Lombardy; while France,
MARIA THERESA 7 Joseph II. and His Court perfidious France, has not only robbed us of our territory, but to this day asserts her right to its possession! No, your majesty so long as France retains that which belongs to Austria, Austria will neither forgive her enmity nor forget it. See, on the contrary, how the maritime powers have befriended us! It was THEIR gold which enabled us first to withstand France, and afterward Prussia