- Does not love, friendship, duty call me to partake the joys
that each affords! - And shall I refuse the tender invitation! - No! the
world cannot condemn me for following motives such as these; and even
the royal Charles himself is too generous not to acquit me of
ingratitude or cowardice.
It must indeed be confessed he had potent inducements for his return to
Paris, to combat against those of continuing in the king of Sweden's
service; and both by turns appeared so prevalent, that it is uncertain
which would have got the better, had not an accident happened, which
unhappily determined him in favour of the latter.
Colonel Poniatosky, who had attended Stanislaus into Poland, now the
disturbances of that kingdom were quieted, on hearing the king of Sweden
was on some new expedition, obtained leave of Stanislaus to return to
the camp, and implored his majesty's permission to be one of those who
should partake the glorious toils he was now re-entering into. To which
he replied, that he should be glad to have him near his person, but
feared he would be wanted in Poland. No, may it please your majesty,
resumed Poniatosky, there seems to be no longer any business in that
kingdom for a soldier: - all seem ready to obey the royal Stanislaus out
of affection to his person, and admiration of those virtues they are now
perfectly convinced of; nor is Augustus in a condition to violate the
treaty of resignation: - refuse me not therefore I beseech your majesty,
continued he, falling upon both his knees, what I look on as my greatest
happiness, as it is my greatest glory.
The king seemed very well pleased at the emphasis with which he
expressed himself; and having raised him from the posture he was in, be
it so, cried he, henceforward we will be inseparable.
Horatio was charmed with this testimony of love and zeal in a person,
who had doubtless friends and kindred who would have been glad he had
less attachment to a service so full of dangers as that of the king of
Sweden, and somewhat ashamed he had ever entertained a thought of
quitting it, resolved, as he had been more obliged, not to shew less
gratitude than Poniatosky. Therefore, without any further deliberation,
retired to his quarters, and prepared the following answers to the
letters had been brought him. As all things in a lover's heart yields to
the darling object, the first he wrote was to his mistress.
To mademoiseile DE PALFOY.
"With what transports I received yours,
adorable Charlotta, I am little able to
express! - To find I am not forgotten! - That
what I have done is approved by her for
whom alone I live, and whose praise alone can
make me vain, so swallowed up all other considerations,
that it had almost made me quit
Alranstadt that moment, and fly to pour beneath
your feet my gratitude and joy!
