The Merchant of Berlin - An Historical Novel by L. (Luise) Mühlbach
page 45 of 462 (09%)
page 45 of 462 (09%)
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courier" of another battle, subsequent to that of Liegnitz, which
had resulted favorably for the Prussians, he was composing, with the courage of a lion, an extra, which fairly glowed with ardent hatred against the oppressors and cannibals, namely, the Russians and the Austrians; and declared that the salvation of all Germany depended on the supreme dominion of Prussia. The bold editor of the _Vossian Gazette_ in this article called upon the people to fly to arms against the "incendiary oppressors of Freedom and the people's rights," as he called the Russians; he exhorted even the women and girls to fight, and called upon them to grasp the sword in their tender hands instead of the needle. Finally, he entreated all Berlin, if ever the _incendiary enemy_ should approach the gates, rather to let the whole city be destroyed by fire, and bury themselves in the ruins before they submitted to the foe. Mr. Kretschmer then laid his pen down, and revised with a satisfied look what he had written. "That will have an effect," said he, rubbing his hands together, delighted. "When his majesty, our heroic king, returns victorious to Berlin, I will send him this sheet of the _Vossian Gazette_, and I know that he will be satisfied with my heroism." He looked again at the paper. "Beautiful, beautiful!" exclaimed he, with a self-satisfied smile. "My pen has shot nothing less than bomb-shells and grape, and my ink has turned into whole streams of the enemy's blood. And why should I not be bold, it being perfectly safe, since the king must certainly be victorious, and the enemy has no idea of visiting Berlin? Tschernitscheff and Tottleben are quietly encamped |
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