obligations to these excellent traitors, for they have enabled us to
render the Hungarians submissive, just as the traitors who conspired
here at Vienna two years ago enabled us to do the same thing to the
population of the capital. A conspiracy discovered by the
authorities is always a good thing, because it furnishes us with an
opportunity to make an example, to tell the nation through the
bloody heads of the conspirators: 'Thus, thus, all will be treated
who dare to plot against the government and against their masters!'
The Viennese have grown very humble and obedient since the day they
saw Hebenstreit, the commander of the garrison, on the scaffold, and
Baron Riedel, the tutor of the imperial children, at the pillory.
And the Hungarians, too, have learned to bow their heads ever since
the five noble conspirators were beheaded on the Generalwiese, in
front of the citadel of Ofen. Believe me, count, that day has
contributed more to the submissiveness of Hungary than all the
favors and privileges which the Emperors of Austria have bestowed
upon the Magyars. Nations are always frivolous and impudent
children: he who tries to educate them tenderly is sure to spoil
them; but raise them in fear and trembling, and they will become
quiet and obedient men. And for that reason, I tell you once more,
don't call those men, now that they are dead, accursed traitors, for
they have been very useful to us; they have been the instrument with
which we have chastised the whole overbearing people of Austria and
Hungary, and those were blessed days for us when we mowed down the
high-born traitors of both countries. The sword of our justice
performed a noble work on that day, for it struck down a savant and
a poet, a count and a distinguished prelate. Oh, what a pity that
there was no prince among them!"

"Well, a prince might have been found likewise," said Count Saurau,