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History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 12 by Thomas Carlyle
page 10 of 255 (03%)
Besitzergreifung von Schlesien (Seizure of Silesia by
Friedrich, 2 vols. Leipzig, 1843), I mention only lest ingenuous
readers should be tempted by the Title to buy it. Wuttke begins at
the Creation of the World; and having, in two heavy volumes, at
last struggled down close TO the BESITZERGREIFUNG or Seizure in
question, calls halt; and stands (at ease, we will hope) immovably
there for the seventeen years since.]

These are the Three Epochs;--most things, in respect of this Third
or Reformation Epoch, stepping steadily downward hitherto. As to
the Fourth Epoch, dating "13th Dec. 1740," which continues, up to
our day and farther, and is the final and crowning Epoch of
Silesian History,--read in the following Chapters.



Chapter II.

FRIEDRICH MARCHES ON GLOGAU.

At what hour Friedrich ceased dancing on that famous Ball-night of
Bielfeld's, and how long he slept after, or whether at all, no
Bielfeld even mythically says: but next morning, as is patent to
all the world, Tuesday, 13th December, 1740, at the stroke of nine,
he steps into his carriage; and with small escort rolls away
towards Frankfurt-on-Oder; [ Helden-Geschichte, italic> i. 452; Preuss, Thronbesteigung,
p. 456.] out upon an Enterprise which will have results for himself
and others.

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