It was only in whispers that the name of Friedrich was connected
with this fine scheme; and all parties were glad to get it soon
buried again. A bright idea; but had come a century too soon.
Of another Carteret Negotiation with Kaiser Karl, famed as
"Conferences of Hanau," which had almost come to be a Treaty, but
did not; and then, failing that, of a famous Carteret "Treaty of
Worms," which did come to perfection, in these same localities
shortly afterwards; and which were infinitely interesting to our
Friedrich, both the Treaty and the Failure of the Treaty,--we
propose to speak elsewhere, in due time.

As to Friedrich's own endeavors and industries, at Regensburg and
elsewhere, for effective mediation of Peace; for the Reich to
mediate, and have "Army of Mediation;" for a "Union of Swabian
Circles" to do it; for this and then for that to do it;--as to
Friedrich's own efforts and strugglings that way, in all likely and
in some unlikely quarters,--they were, and continued to be,
earnest, incessant; but without result. Like the spurring of horses
really DEAD some time ago! Of which no reader wishes the details,
though the fact has to be remembered. And so, with slight
indication for Friedrich's sake,--being intent on the stage of
events,--we must leave that shadowy hypothetic region, as a wood in
the background; the much foliage and many twigs and boughs of which
do authentically TAKE the trouble to be there, though we have to
paint it in this summary manner.



Chapter V.