Gentlemenofthenoblesthousescontendedforthehonourofservinghim，andevenimperialchamberlainsresignedthegoldenkeytotheEmperor，tofillasimilarofficeunderWallenstein。Hemaintainedsixtypages，whowereinstructedbytheablestmasters。Hisantichamberwasprotectedbyfiftylifeguards。Histableneverconsistedoflessthan100covers，andhisseneschalwasapersonofdistinction。Whenhetravelled，hisbaggageandsuiteaccompaniedhiminahundredwagons，drawnbysixorfourhorses；hiscourtfollowedinsixtycarriages，attendedbyfiftyledhorses。Thepompofhisliveries，thesplendourofhisequipages，andthedecorationsofhisapartments，wereinkeepingwithalltherest。Sixbaronsandasmanyknights，wereinconstantattendanceabouthisperson，andreadytoexecutehisslightestorder。Twelvepatrolswenttheirroundsabouthispalace，topreventanydisturbance。Hisbusygeniusrequiredsilence。
Thenoiseofcoacheswastobekeptawayfromhisresidence，andthestreetsleadingtoitwerefrequentlyblockedupwithchains。
Hisowncirclewasassilentastheapproachestohispalace；
dark，reserved，andimpenetrable，hewasmoresparingofhiswordsthanofhisgifts；whilethelittlethathespokewasharshandimperious。
Heneversmiled，andthecoldnessofhistemperamentwasproofagainstsensualseductions。Everoccupiedwithgrandschemes，hedespisedallthoseidleamusementsinwhichsomanywastetheirlives。
ThecorrespondencehekeptupwiththewholeofEuropewaschieflymanagedbyhimself，and，thataslittleaspossiblemightbetrustedtothesilenceofothers，mostoftheletterswerewrittenbyhisownhand。
Hewasamanoflargestature，thin，ofasallowcomplexion，withshortredhair，andsmallsparklingeyes。Agloomyandforbiddingseriousnesssatuponhisbrow；andhismagnificentpresentsaloneretainedthetremblingcrowdofhisdependents。
InthisstatelyobscuritydidWallensteinsilently，butnotinactively，awaitthehourofrevenge。ThevictoriouscareerofGustavusAdolphussoongavehimapresentimentofitsapproach。Notoneofhisloftyschemeshadbeenabandoned；andtheEmperor’singratitudehadloosenedthecurbofhisambition。Thedazzlingsplendourofhisprivatelifebespokehighsoaringprojects；and，lavishasaking，heseemedalreadytoreckonamonghiscertainpossessionsthosewhichhecontemplatedwithhope。
AfterWallenstein’sdismissal，andtheinvasionofGustavusAdolphus，anewgeneralissimowastobeappointed；anditnowappearedadvisabletouniteboththeimperialarmyandthatoftheLeagueunderonegeneral。
MaximilianofBavariasoughtthisappointment，whichwouldhaveenabledhimtodictatetotheEmperor，who，fromaconvictionofthis，wishedtoprocurethecommandforhiseldestson，theKingofHungary。
Atlast，inordertoavoidoffencetoeitherofthecompetitors，theappointmentwasgiventoTilly，whonowexchangedtheBavarianfortheAustrianservice。TheimperialarmyinGermany，aftertheretirementofWallenstein，amountedtoabout40，000men；
thatoftheLeaguetonearlythesamenumber，bothcommandedbyexcellentofficers，trainedbytheexperienceofseveralcampaigns，andproudofalongseriesofvictories。Withsuchaforce，littleapprehensionwasfeltattheinvasionoftheKingofSweden，andthelesssoasitcommandedbothPomeraniaandMecklenburg，theonlycountriesthroughwhichhecouldenterGermany。
AftertheunsuccessfulattemptoftheKingofDenmarktochecktheEmperor’sprogress，GustavusAdolphuswastheonlyprinceinEuropefromwhomoppressedlibertycouldlookforprotection——theonlyonewho，whilehewaspersonallyqualifiedtoconductsuchanenterprise，hadbothpoliticalmotivestorecommendandwrongstojustifyit。
BeforethecommencementofthewarinLowerSaxony，importantpoliticalinterestsinducedhim，aswellastheKingofDenmark，toofferhisservicesandhisarmyforthedefenceofGermany；
buttheofferofthelatterhad，tohisownmisfortune，beenpreferred。
Sincethattime，WallensteinandtheEmperorhadadoptedmeasureswhichmusthavebeenequallyoffensivetohimasamanandasaking。
ImperialtroopshadbeendespatchedtotheaidofthePolishking，Sigismund，todefendPrussiaagainsttheSwedes。WhenthekingcomplainedtoWallensteinofthisactofhostility，hereceivedforanswer，\"TheEmperorhasmoresoldiersthanhewantsforhimself，hemusthelphisfriends。\"
TheSwedishambassadorshadbeeninsolentlyorderedbyWallensteintowithdrawfromtheconferenceatLubeck；andwhen，unawedbythiscommand，theywerecourageousenoughtoremain，contrarytothelawofnations，hehadthreatenedthemwithviolence。FerdinandhadalsoinsultedtheSwedishflag，andinterceptedtheking’sdespatchestoTransylvania。
HealsothreweveryobstacleinthewayofapeacebetwixtPolandandSweden，supportedthepretensionsofSigismundtotheSwedishthrone，anddeniedtherightofGustavustothetitleofking。DeigningnoregardtotherepeatedremonstrancesofGustavus，heratheraggravatedtheoffencebynewgrievances，thanaccededtherequiredsatisfaction。
Somanypersonalmotives，supportedbyimportantconsiderations，bothofpolicyandreligion，andsecondedbypressinginvitationsfromGermany，hadtheirfullweightwithaprince，whowasnaturallythemorejealousofhisroyalprerogativethemoreitwasquestioned，whowasflatteredbythegloryhehopedtogainasProtectoroftheOppressed，andpassionatelylovedwarastheelementofhisgenius。But，untilatruceorpeacewithPolandshouldsethishandsfree，anewanddangerouswarwasnottobethoughtof。
CardinalRichelieuhadthemeritofeffectingthistrucewithPoland。
Thisgreatstatesman，whoguidedthehelmofEurope，whileinFranceherepressedtherageoffactionandtheinsolenceofthenobles，pursuedsteadily，amidstthecaresofastormyadministration，hisplanofloweringtheascendancyoftheHouseofAustria。
Butcircumstancesopposedconsiderableobstaclestotheexecutionofhisdesigns；andeventhegreatestmindscannot，withimpunity，defytheprejudicesoftheage。TheministerofaRomanCatholicking，andaCardinal，hewaspreventedbythepurpleheborefromjoiningtheenemiesofthatchurchinanopenattackonapowerwhichhadtheaddresstosanctifyitsambitiousencroachmentsunderthenameofreligion。
TheexternaldeferencewhichRichelieuwasobligedtopaytothenarrowviewsofhiscontemporarieslimitedhisexertionstosecretnegociations，bywhichheendeavouredtogainthehandofotherstoaccomplishtheenlightenedprojectsofhisownmind。AfterafruitlessattempttopreventthepeacebetweenDenmarkandtheEmperor，hehadrecoursetoGustavusAdolphus，theheroofhisage。
Noexertionwassparedtobringthismonarchtoafavourabledecision，andatthesametimetofacilitatetheexecutionofit。Charnasse，anunsuspectedagentoftheCardinal，proceededtoPolishPrussia，whereGustavusAdolphuswasconductingthewaragainstSigismund，andalternatelyvisitedtheseprinces，inordertopersuadethemtoatruceorpeace。Gustavushadbeenlonginclinedtoit，andtheFrenchministersucceededatlastinopeningtheeyesofSigismundtohistrueinterests，andtothedeceitfulpolicyoftheEmperor。
Atruceforsixyearswasagreedon，Gustavusbeingallowedtoretainallhisconquests。Thistreatygavehimalsowhathehadsolongdesired，thelibertyofdirectinghisarmsagainsttheEmperor。
ForthistheFrenchambassadorofferedhimtheallianceofhissovereignandconsiderablesubsidies。ButGustavusAdolphuswasjustlyapprehensivelesttheacceptanceoftheassistanceshouldmakehimdependentuponFrance，andfetterhiminhiscareerofconquest，whileanalliancewithaRomanCatholicpowermightexcitedistrustamongtheProtestants。
Ifthewarwasjustandnecessary，thecircumstancesunderwhichitwasundertakenwerenotlesspromising。ThenameoftheEmperor，itistrue，wasformidable，hisresourcesinexhaustible，hispowerhithertoinvincible。SodangerousacontestwouldhavedismayedanyotherthanGustavus。Hesawalltheobstaclesanddangerswhichopposedhisundertaking，butheknewalsothemeansbywhich，ashehoped，theymightbeconquered。Hisarmy，thoughnotnumerous，waswelldisciplined，inuredtohardshipbyasevereclimateandcampaigns，andtrainedtovictoryinthewarwithPoland。Sweden，thoughpoorinmenandmoney，andovertaxedbyaneightyears’war，wasdevotedtoitsmonarchwithanenthusiasmwhichassuredhimofthereadysupportofhissubjects。InGermany，thenameoftheEmperorwasatleastasmuchhatedasfeared。TheProtestantprincesonlyawaitedthearrivalofadeliverertothrowoffhisintolerableyoke，andopenlydeclarefortheSwedes。EventheRomanCatholicstateswouldwelcomeanantagonisttotheEmperor，whoseoppositionmightcontrolhisoverwhelminginfluence。ThefirstvictorygainedonGermangroundwouldbedecisive。Itwouldencouragethoseprinceswhostillhesitatedtodeclarethemselves，strengthenthecauseofhisadherents，augmenthistroops，andopenresourcesforthemaintenanceofthecampaign。
IfthegreaterpartoftheGermanstateswereimpoverishedbyoppression，theflourishingHansetownshadescaped，andtheycouldnothesitate，byasmallvoluntarysacrifice，toavertthegeneralruin。
Astheimperialistsshouldbedrivenfromthedifferentprovinces，theirarmieswoulddiminish，sincetheyweresubsistingonthecountriesinwhichtheywereencamped。Thestrength，too，oftheEmperorhadbeenlessenedbyill-timeddetachmentstoItalyandtheNetherlands；
whileSpain，weakenedbythelossoftheManillagalleons，andengagedinaseriouswarintheNetherlands，couldaffordhimlittlesupport。
GreatBritain，ontheotherhand，gavetheKingofSwedenhopeofconsiderablesubsidies；andFrance，nowatpeacewithitself，cameforwardwiththemostfavourableoffers。
ButthestrongestpledgeforthesuccessofhisundertakingGustavusfound——inhimself。Prudencedemandedthatheshouldembracealltheforeignassistancehecould，inordertoguardhisenterprisefromtheimputationofrashness；butallhisconfidenceandcouragewereentirelyderivedfromhimself。Hewasindisputablythegreatestgeneralofhisage，andthebravestsoldierinthearmywhichhehadformed。
FamiliarwiththetacticsofGreeceandRome，hehaddiscoveredamoreeffectivesystemofwarfare，whichwasadoptedasamodelbythemosteminentcommandersofsubsequenttimes。Hereducedtheunwieldysquadronsofcavalry，andrenderedtheirmovementsmorelightandrapid；and，withthesameview，hewidenedtheintervalsbetweenhisbattalions。Insteadoftheusualarrayinasingleline，hedisposedhisforcesintwolines，thatthesecondmightadvanceintheeventofthefirstgivingway。
Hemadeupforhiswantofcavalry，byplacinginfantryamongthehorse；
apracticewhichfrequentlydecidedthevictory。Europefirstlearnedfromhimtheimportanceofinfantry。AllGermanywasastonishedatthestrictdisciplinewhich，atthefirst，socreditablydistinguishedtheSwedisharmywithintheirterritories；alldisorderswerepunishedwiththeutmostseverity，particularlyimpiety，theft，gambling，andduelling。
TheSwedisharticlesofwarenforcedfrugality。Inthecamp，theKing’stentnotexcepted，neithersilvernorgoldwastobeseen。
Thegeneral’seyelookedasvigilantlytothemoralsastothemartialbraveryofhissoldiers；everyregimentwasorderedtoformrounditschaplainformorningandeveningprayers。Inallthesepointsthelawgiverwasalsoanexample。Asincereandardentpietyexaltedhiscourage。Equallyfreefromthecoarseinfidelitywhichleavesthepassionsofthebarbarianwithoutacontrol，——andfromthegrovellingsuperstitionofFerdinand，whohumbledhimselftothedustbeforetheSupremeBeing，whilehehaughtilytrampledonhisfellow-creature——
intheheightofhissuccesshewaseveramanandaChristian——
intheheightofhisdevotion，akingandahero。Thehardshipsofwarhesharedwiththemeanestsoldierinhisarmy；maintainedacalmserenityamidstthehottestfuryofbattle；hisglancewasomnipresent，andheintrepidlyforgotthedangerwhileheexposedhimselftothegreatestperil。Hisnaturalcourage，indeed，toooftenmadehimforgetthedutyofageneral；andthelifeofakingendedinthedeathofacommonsoldier。Butsuchaleaderwasfollowedtovictoryalikebythecowardandthebrave，andhiseagleglancemarkedeveryheroicdeedwhichhisexamplehadinspired。Thefameoftheirsovereignexcitedinthenationanenthusiasticsenseoftheirownimportance；
proudoftheirking，thepeasantinFinlandandGothlandjoyfullycontributedhispittance；thesoldierwillinglyshedhisblood；andtheloftyenergywhichhissinglemindhadimpartedtothenationlongsurviveditscreator。
Thenecessityofthewarwasacknowledged，butthebestplanofconductingitwasamatterofmuchquestion。EventotheboldChancellorOxenstiern，anoffensivewarappearedtoodaringameasure；theresourcesofhispoorandconscientiousmaster，appearedtohimtooslendertocompetewiththoseofadespoticsovereign，whoheldallGermanyathiscommand。Buttheminister’stimidscrupleswereoverruledbythehero’spenetratingprudence。\"IfweawaittheenemyinSweden，\"
saidGustavus，\"intheeventofadefeateverythingwouldbelost，byafortunatecommencementinGermanyeverythingwouldbegained。
Theseaiswide，andwehavealonglineofcoastinSwedentodefend。
Iftheenemy’sfleetshouldescapeus，orourownbedefeated，itwould，ineithercase，beimpossibletopreventtheenemy’slanding。
EverythingdependsontheretentionofStralsund。Solongasthisharbourisopentous，weshallbothcommandtheBaltic，andsecurearetreatfromGermany。Buttoprotectthisport，wemustnotremaininSweden，butadvanceatonceintoPomerania。Letustalknomore，then，ofadefensivewar，bywhichweshouldsacrificeourgreatestadvantages。
Swedenmustnotbedoomedtobeholdahostilebanner；ifwearevanquishedinGermany，itwillbetimeenoughtofollowyourplan。\"
GustavusresolvedtocrosstheBalticandattacktheEmperor。
Hispreparationsweremadewiththeutmostexpedition，andhisprecautionarymeasureswerenotlessprudentthantheresolutionitselfwasboldandmagnanimous。Beforeengaginginsodistantawar，itwasnecessarytosecureSwedenagainstitsneighbours。
AtapersonalinterviewwiththeKingofDenmarkatMarkaroed，Gustavusassuredhimselfofthefriendshipofthatmonarch；hisfrontieronthesideofMoscowwaswellguarded；PolandmightbeheldincheckfromGermany，ifitbetrayedanydesignofinfringingthetruce。Falkenberg，aSwedishambassador，whovisitedthecourtsofHollandandGermany，obtainedthemostflatteringpromisesfromseveralProtestantprinces，thoughnoneofthemyetpossessedcourageorself-devotionenoughtoenterintoaformalalliancewithhim。LubeckandHamburgengagedtoadvancehimmoney，andtoacceptSwedishcopperinreturn。
EmissarieswerealsodespatchedtothePrinceofTransylvania，toexcitethatimplacableenemyofAustriatoarms。
Inthemeantime，SwedishleviesweremadeinGermanyandtheNetherlands，theregimentsincreasedtotheirfullcomplement，newonesraised，transportsprovided，afleetfittedout，provisions，militarystores，andmoneycollected。Thirtyshipsofwarwereinashorttimeprepared，15，000menequipped，and200transportswerereadytoconveythemacrosstheBaltic。AgreaterforceGustavusAdolphuswasunwillingtocarryintoGermany，andeventhemaintenanceofthisexceededtherevenuesofhiskingdom。Buthoweversmallhisarmy，itwasadmirableinallpointsofdiscipline，courage，andexperience，andmightserveasthenucleusofamorepowerfularmament，ifitoncegainedtheGermanfrontier，anditsfirstattemptswereattendedwithsuccess。
Oxenstiern，atoncegeneralandchancellor，waspostedwith10，000meninPrussia，toprotectthatprovinceagainstPoland。Someregulartroops，andaconsiderablebodyofmilitia，whichservedasanurseryforthemainbody，remainedinSweden，asadefenceagainstasuddeninvasionbyanytreacherousneighbour。
Thesewerethemeasurestakenfortheexternaldefenceofthekingdom。
Itsinternaladministrationwasprovidedforwithequalcare。
ThegovernmentwasintrustedtotheCouncilofState，andthefinancestothePalatineJohnCasimir，thebrother-in-lawoftheKing，whilehiswife，tenderlyashewasattachedtoher，wasexcludedfromallshareinthegovernment，forwhichherlimitedtalentsincapacitatedher。
Hesethishouseinorderlikeadyingman。Onthe20thMay，1630，whenallhismeasureswerearranged，andallwasreadyforhisdeparture，theKingappearedintheDietatStockholm，tobidtheStatesasolemnfarewell。TakinginhisarmshisdaughterChristina，thenonlyfouryearsold，who，inthecradle，hadbeenacknowledgedashissuccessor，hepresentedhertotheStatesasthefuturesovereign，exactedfromthemarenewaloftheoathofallegiancetoher，incaseheshouldnevermorereturn；andthenreadtheordinancesforthegovernmentofthekingdomduringhisabsence，ortheminorityofhisdaughter。Thewholeassemblywasdissolvedintears，andtheKinghimselfwassometimebeforehecouldattainsufficientcomposuretodeliverhisfarewelladdresstotheStates。
\"Notlightlyorwantonly，\"saidhe，\"amIabouttoinvolvemyselfandyouinthisnewanddangerouswar；Godismywitnessthat_I_donotfighttogratifymyownambition。ButtheEmperorhaswrongedmemostshamefullyinthepersonofmyambassadors。Hehassupportedmyenemies，persecutedmyfriendsandbrethren，trampledmyreligioninthedust，andevenstretchedhisrevengefularmagainstmycrown。
TheoppressedstatesofGermanycallloudlyforaid，which，byGod’shelp，wewillgivethem。
\"Iamfullysensibleofthedangerstowhichmylifewillbeexposed。
Ihaveneveryetshrunkfromthem，norisitlikelythatIshallescapethemall。Hitherto，Providencehaswonderfullyprotectedme，butIshallatlastfallindefenceofmycountry。IcommendyoutotheprotectionofHeaven。Bejust，beconscientious，actuprightly，andweshallmeetagainineternity。
\"Toyou，myCounsellorsofState，Iaddressmyselffirst。
MayGodenlightenyou，andfillyouwithwisdom，topromotethewelfareofmypeople。You，too，mybravenobles，Icommendtothedivineprotection。
ContinuetoproveyourselvestheworthysuccessorsofthoseGothicheroes，whosebraveryhumbledtothedusttheprideofancientRome。Toyou，ministersofreligion，Irecommendmoderationandunity；beyourselvesexamplesofthevirtueswhichyoupreach，andabusenotyourinfluenceoverthemindsofmypeople。Onyou，deputiesoftheburgesses，andthepeasantry，Ientreattheblessingofheaven；mayyourindustryberewardedbyaprosperousharvest；yourstoresplenteouslyfilled，andmayyoubecrownedabundantlywithalltheblessingsofthislife。
Fortheprosperityofallmysubjects，absentandpresent，IoffermywarmestprayerstoHeaven。Ibidyouallasincere——itmaybe——aneternalfarewell。\"
TheembarkationofthetroopstookplaceatElfsknaben，wherethefleetlayatanchor。Animmenseconcourseflockedthithertowitnessthismagnificentspectacle。Theheartsofthespectatorswereagitatedbyvariedemotions，astheyalternatelyconsideredthevastnessoftheenterprise，andthegreatnessoftheleader。
AmongthesuperiorofficerswhocommandedinthisarmywereGustavusHorn，theRhinegraveOttoLewis，HenryMatthias，CountThurn，Ottenberg，Baudissen，Banner，Teufel，Tott，Mutsenfahl，Falkenberg，Kniphausen，andotherdistinguishednames。Detainedbycontrarywinds，thefleetdidnotsailtillJune，andonthe24thofthatmonthreachedtheIslandofRugeninPomerania。
GustavusAdolphuswasthefirstwholanded。Inthepresenceofhissuite，hekneltontheshoreofGermanytoreturnthankstotheAlmightyforthesafearrivalofhisfleetandhisarmy。HelandedhistroopsontheIslandsofWollinandUsedom；uponhisapproach，theimperialgarrisonsabandonedtheirentrenchmentsandfled。HeadvancedrapidlyonStettin，tosecurethisimportantplacebeforetheappearanceoftheImperialists。
BogislausXIV。，DukeofPomerania，afeebleandsuperannuatedprince，hadbeenlongtiredoutbytheoutragescommittedbythelatterwithinhisterritories；buttooweaktoresist，hehadcontentedhimselfwithmurmurs。Theappearanceofhisdeliverer，insteadofanimatinghiscourage，increasedhisfearandanxiety。SeverelyashiscountryhadsufferedfromtheImperialists，theriskofincurringtheEmperor’svengeancepreventedhimfromdeclaringopenlyfortheSwedes。
GustavusAdolphus，whowasencampedunderthewallsofthetown，summonedthecitytoreceiveaSwedishgarrison。BogislausappearedinpersoninthecampofGustavus，todeprecatethiscondition。
\"Icometoyou，\"saidGustavus，\"notasanenemybutafriend。
IwagenowaragainstPomerania，noragainsttheGermanempire，butagainsttheenemiesofboth。Inmyhandsthisduchyshallbesacred；
anditshallberestoredtoyouattheconclusionofthecampaign，byme，withmorecertainty，thanbyanyother。Looktothetracesoftheimperialforcewithinyourterritories，andtomineinUsedom；
anddecidewhetheryouwillhavetheEmperorormeasyourfriend。
Whathaveyoutoexpect，iftheEmperorshouldmakehimselfmasterofyourcapital？WillhedealwithyoumorelenientlythanI？Orisityourintentiontostopmyprogress？Thecaseispressing:decideatonce，anddonotcompelmetohaverecoursetomoreviolentmeasures。\"
Thealternativewasapainfulone。Ontheoneside，theKingofSwedenwasbeforehisgateswithaformidablearmy；ontheother，hesawtheinevitablevengeanceoftheEmperor，andthefearfulexampleofsomanyGermanprinces，whowerenowwanderinginmisery，thevictimsofthatrevenge。Themoreimmediatedangerdecidedhisresolution。
ThegatesofStettinwereopenedtotheking；theSwedishtroopsentered；
andtheAustrians，whowereadvancingbyrapidmarches，anticipated。
ThecaptureofthisplaceprocuredforthekingafirmfootinginPomerania，thecommandoftheOder，andamagazineforhistroops。Topreventachargeoftreachery，BogislauswascarefultoexcusethissteptotheEmperoronthepleaofnecessity；butawareofFerdinand’simplacabledisposition，heenteredintoaclosealliancewithhisnewprotector。
BythisleaguewithPomerania，GustavussecuredapowerfulfriendinGermany，whocoveredhisrear，andmaintainedhiscommunicationwithSweden。
AsFerdinandwasalreadytheaggressorinPrussia，GustavusAdolphusthoughthimselfabsolvedfromtheusualformalities，andcommencedhostilitieswithoutanydeclarationofwar。TotheotherEuropeanpowers，hejustifiedhisconductinamanifesto，inwhichhedetailedthegroundswhichhadledhimtotakeuparms。MeanwhilehecontinuedhisprogressinPomerania，whilehesawhisarmydailyincreasing。ThetroopswhichhadfoughtunderMansfeld，DukeChristianofBrunswick，theKingofDenmark，andWallenstein，cameincrowds，bothofficersandsoldiers，tojoinhisvictoriousstandard。
AttheImperialcourt，theinvasionofthekingofSwedenatfirstexcitedfarlessattentionthanitmerited。TheprideofAustria，extravagantlyelatedbyitsunheard-ofsuccesses，lookeddownwithcontemptuponaprince，who，withahandfulofmen，camefromanobscurecornerofEurope，andwhoowedhispastsuccesses，astheyimagined，entirelytotheincapacityofaweakopponent。ThedepreciatoryrepresentationwhichWallensteinhadartfullygivenoftheSwedishpower，increasedtheEmperor’ssecurity；forwhathadhetofearfromanenemy，whomhisgeneralundertooktodrivewithsucheasefromGermany？
EventherapidprogressofGustavusAdolphusinPomerania，couldnotentirelydispelthisprejudice，whichthemockeriesofthecourtierscontinuedtofeed。HewascalledinViennatheSnowKing，whomthecoldofthenorthkepttogether，butwhowouldinfalliblymeltasheadvancedsouthward。Eventheelectors，assembledinRatisbon，disregardedhisrepresentations；and，influencedbyanabjectcomplaisancetoFerdinand，refusedhimeventhetitleofking。ButwhiletheymockedhiminRatisbonandVienna，inMecklenburgandPomerania，onestrongtownafteranotherfellintohishands。
Notwithstandingthiscontempt，theEmperorthoughtitpropertooffertoadjusthisdifferenceswithSwedenbynegociation，andforthatpurposesentplenipotentiariestoDenmark。
Buttheirinstructionsshowedhowlittlehewasinearnestintheseproposals，forhestillcontinuedtorefusetoGustavusthetitleofking。
HehopedbythismeanstothrowonthekingofSwedentheodiumofbeingtheaggressor，andtherebytoensurethesupportoftheStatesoftheempire。
TheconferenceatDantzicproved，asmightbeexpected，fruitless，andtheanimosityofbothpartieswasincreasedtoitsutmostbyanintemperatecorrespondence。
Animperialgeneral，TorquatoConti，whocommandedinPomerania，had，inthemeantime，madeavainattempttowrestStettinfromtheSwedes。
TheImperialistsweredrivenoutfromoneplaceafteranother；
Damm，Stargard，Camin，andWolgast，soonfellintothehandsofGustavus。
TorevengehimselfupontheDukeofPomerania，theimperialgeneralpermittedhistroops，uponhisretreat，toexerciseeverybarbarityontheunfortunateinhabitantsofPomerania，whohadalreadysufferedbuttooseverelyfromhisavarice。OnpretenceofcuttingofftheresourcesoftheSwedes，thewholecountrywaslaidwasteandplundered；
andoftenwhentheImperialistswereunableanylongertomaintainaplace，itwaslaidinashes，inordertoleavetheenemynothingbutruins。
ButthesebarbaritiesonlyservedtoplaceinamorefavourablelighttheoppositeconductoftheSwedes，andtowinallheartstotheirhumanemonarch。TheSwedishsoldierpaidforallherequired；
noprivatepropertywasinjuredonhismarch。TheSwedesconsequentlywerereceivedwithopenarmsbothintownandcountry，whilsteveryImperialistthatfellintothehandsofthePomeranianpeasantrywasruthlesslymurdered。ManyPomeraniansenteredintotheserviceofSweden，andtheestatesofthisexhaustedcountrywillinglyvotedthekingacontributionof100，000florins。
TorquatoConti，who，withallhisseverityofcharacter，wasaconsummategeneral，endeavouredtorenderStettinuselesstothekingofSweden，ashecouldnotdeprivehimofit。
HeentrenchedhimselfupontheOder，atGartz，aboveStettin，inorder，bycommandingthatriver，tocutoffthewatercommunicationofthetownwiththerestofGermany。NothingcouldinducehimtoattacktheKingofSweden，whowashissuperiorinnumbers，whilethelatterwasequallycautiousnottostormthestrongentrenchmentsoftheImperialists。
Torquato，toodeficientintroopsandmoneytoactupontheoffensiveagainsttheking，hopedbythisplanofoperationstogivetimeforTillytohastentothedefenceofPomerania，andthen，inconjunctionwiththatgeneral，toattacktheSwedes。SeizingtheopportunityofthetemporaryabsenceofGustavus，hemadeasuddenattemptuponStettin，buttheSwedeswerenotunpreparedforhim。AvigorousattackoftheImperialistswasfirmlyrepulsed，andTorquatowasforcedtoretirewithgreatloss。Forthisauspiciouscommencementofthewar，however，Gustavuswas，itmustbeowned，asmuchindebtedtohisgoodfortuneastohismilitarytalents。TheimperialtroopsinPomeraniahadbeengreatlyreducedsinceWallenstein’sdismissal；moreover，theoutragestheyhadcommittedwerenowseverelyrevengeduponthem；
wastedandexhausted，thecountrynolongeraffordedthemasubsistence。
Alldisciplinewasatanend；theordersoftheofficersweredisregarded，whiletheirnumbersdailydecreasedbydesertion，andbyageneralmortality，whichthepiercingcoldofastrangeclimatehadproducedamongthem。
Underthesecircumstances，theimperialgeneralwasanxioustoallowhistroopsthereposeofwinterquarters，buthehadtodowithanenemytowhomtheclimateofGermanyhadnowinter。
Gustavushadtakentheprecautionofprovidinghissoldierswithdressesofsheep-skin，toenablethemtokeepthefieldeveninthemostinclementseason。Theimperialplenipotentiaries，whocametotreatwithhimforacessationofhostilities，receivedthisdiscouraginganswer:\"TheSwedesaresoldiersinwinteraswellasinsummer，andnotdisposedtooppresstheunfortunatepeasantry。
TheImperialistsmayactastheythinkproper，buttheyneednotexpecttoremainundisturbed。\"TorquatoContisoonafterresignedacommand，inwhichneitherrichesnorreputationweretobegained。
Inthisinequalityofthetwoarmies，theadvantagewasnecessarilyonthesideoftheSwedes。TheImperialistswereincessantlyharassedintheirwinterquarters；Greifenhagan，animportantplaceupontheOder，takenbystorm，andthetownsofGartzandPiritzwereatlastabandonedbytheenemy。InthewholeofPomerania，Greifswald，Demmin，andColbergaloneremainedintheirhands，andthesethekingmadegreatpreparationstobesiege。TheenemydirectedtheirretreattowardsBrandenburg，inwhichmuchoftheirartilleryandbaggage，andmanyprisonersfellintothehandsofthepursuers。
ByseizingthepassesofRiebnitzandDamgarden，GustavushadopenedapassageintoMecklenburg，whoseinhabitantswereinvitedtoreturntotheirallegianceundertheirlegitimatesovereigns，andtoexpeltheadherentsofWallenstein。TheImperialists，however，gainedtheimportanttownofRostockbystratagem，andthuspreventedthefartheradvanceoftheking，whowasunwillingtodividehisforces。
TheexileddukesofMecklenburghadineffectuallyemployedtheprincesassembledatRatisbontointercedewiththeEmperor:
invaintheyhadendeavouredtosoftenFerdinand，byrenouncingtheallianceoftheking，andeveryideaofresistance。But，driventodespairbytheEmperor’sinflexibility，theyopenlyespousedthesideofSweden，andraisingtroops，gavethecommandofthemtoFrancisCharlesDukeofSaxe-Lauenburg。ThatgeneralmadehimselfmasterofseveralstrongplacesontheElbe，butlostthemafterwardstotheImperialGeneralPappenheim，whowasdespatchedtoopposehim。
Soonafterwards，besiegedbythelatterinthetownofRatzeburg，hewascompelledtosurrenderwithallhistroops。Thusendedtheattemptwhichtheseunfortunateprincesmadetorecovertheirterritories；
anditwasreservedforthevictoriousarmofGustavusAdolphustorenderthemthatbrilliantservice。
TheImperialistshadthrownthemselvesintoBrandenburg，whichnowbecamethetheatreofthemostbarbarousatrocities。TheseoutrageswereinflicteduponthesubjectsofaprincewhohadneverinjuredtheEmperor，andwhom，moreover，hewasattheverytimeincitingtotakeuparmsagainsttheKingofSweden。Thesightofthedisordersoftheirsoldiers，whichwantofmoneycompelledthemtowinkat，andofauthorityovertheirtroops，excitedthedisgustevenoftheimperialgenerals；
and，fromveryshame，theircommander-in-chief，CountSchaumburg，wishedtoresign。
Withoutasufficientforcetoprotecthisterritories，andleftbytheEmperor，inspiteofthemostpressingremonstrances，withoutassistance，theElectorofBrandenburgatlastissuedanedict，orderinghissubjectstorepelforcebyforce，andtoputtodeathwithoutmercyeveryImperialsoldierwhoshouldhenceforthbedetectedinplundering。Tosuchaheighthadtheviolenceofoutrageandthemiseryofthegovernmentrisen，thatnothingwaslefttothesovereign，butthedesperateextremityofsanctioningprivatevengeancebyaformallaw。
TheSwedeshadpursuedtheImperialistsintoBrandenburg；
andonlytheElector’srefusaltoopentohimthefortressofCustrinforhismarch，obligedthekingtolayasidehisdesignofbesiegingFrankfortontheOder。HethereforereturnedtocompletetheconquestofPomerania，bythecaptureofDemminandColberg。Inthemeantime，Field-MarshalTillywasadvancingtothedefenceofBrandenburg。
Thisgeneral，whocouldboastasyetofneverhavingsufferedadefeat，theconquerorofMansfeld，ofDukeChristianofBrunswick，oftheMargraveofBaden，andtheKingofDenmark，wasnowintheSwedishmonarchtomeetanopponentworthyofhisfame。DescendedofanoblefamilyinLiege，TillyhadformedhismilitarytalentsinthewarsoftheNetherlands，whichwasthenthegreatschoolforgenerals。HesoonfoundanopportunityofdistinguishinghimselfunderRodolphII。inHungary，whereherapidlyrosefromonesteptoanother。Afterthepeace，heenteredintotheserviceofMaximilianofBavaria，whomadehimcommander-in-chiefwithabsolutepowers。
Here，byhisexcellentregulations，hewasthefounderoftheBavarianarmy；
andtohim，chiefly，Maximilianwasindebtedforhissuperiorityinthefield。
UpontheterminationoftheBohemianwar，hewasappointedcommanderofthetroopsoftheLeague；and，afterWallenstein’sdismissal，generalissimooftheimperialarmies。Equallysterntowardshissoldiersandimplacabletowardshisenemies，andasgloomyandimpenetrableasWallenstein，hewasgreatlyhissuperiorinprobityanddisinterestedness。
Abigotedzealforreligion，andabloodyspiritofpersecution，co-operated，withthenaturalferocityofhischaracter，tomakehimtheterroroftheProtestants。Astrangeandterrificaspectbespokehischaracter:oflowstature，thin，withhollowcheeks，alongnose，abroadandwrinkledforehead，largewhiskers，andapointedchin；
hewasgenerallyattiredinaSpanishdoubletofgreensatin，withslashedsleeves，withasmallhighpeakedhatuponhishead，surmountedbyaredfeatherwhichhungdowntohisback。HiswholeaspectrecalledtorecollectiontheDukeofAlva，thescourgeoftheFlemings，andhisactionswerefarfromeffacingtheimpression。Suchwasthegeneralwhowasnowtobeopposedtotheheroofthenorth。
Tillywasfarfromundervaluinghisantagonist，\"TheKingofSweden，\"
saidheintheDietatRatisbon，\"isanenemybothprudentandbrave，inuredtowar，andintheflowerofhisage。Hisplansareexcellent，hisresourcesconsiderable；hissubjectsenthusiasticallyattachedtohim。
Hisarmy，composedofSwedes，Germans，Livonians，Finlanders，ScotsandEnglish，byitsdevotedobediencetotheirleader，isblendedintoonenation:heisagamesterinplayingwithwhomnottohavelostistohavewonagreatdeal。\"
TheprogressoftheKingofSwedeninBrandenburgandPomerania，leftthenewgeneralissimonotimetolose；andhispresencewasnowurgentlycalledforbythosewhocommandedinthatquarter。
Withallexpedition，hecollectedtheimperialtroopswhichweredispersedovertheempire；butitrequiredtimetoobtainfromtheexhaustedandimpoverishedprovincesthenecessarysupplies。Atlast，aboutthemiddleofwinter，heappearedattheheadof20，000men，beforeFrankfortontheOder，wherehewasjoinedbySchaumburg。
LeavingtothisgeneralthedefenceofFrankfort，withasufficientgarrison，hehastenedtoPomerania，withaviewofsavingDemmin，andrelievingColberg，whichwasalreadyhardpressedbytheSwedes。ButevenbeforehehadleftBrandenburg，Demmin，whichwasbutpoorlydefendedbytheDukeofSavelli，hadsurrenderedtotheking，andColberg，afterafivemonths’siege，wasstarvedintoacapitulation。
AsthepassesinUpperPomeraniawerewellguarded，andtheking’scampnearSchwedtdefiedattack，Tillyabandonedhisoffensiveplanofoperations，andretreatedtowardstheElbetobesiegeMagdeburg。
ThecaptureofDemminopenedtothekingafreepassageintoMecklenburg；
butamoreimportantenterprisedrewhisarmsintoanotherquarter。
ScarcelyhadTillycommencedhisretrogrademovement，whensuddenlybreakinguphiscampatSchwedt，thekingmarchedhiswholeforceagainstFrankfortontheOder。Thistown，badlyfortified，wasdefendedbyagarrisonof8，000men，mostlycomposedofthoseferociousbandswhohadsocruellyravagedPomeraniaandBrandenburg。Itwasnowattackedwithsuchimpetuosity，thatonthethirddayitwastakenbystorm。
TheSwedes，assuredofvictory，rejectedeveryofferofcapitulation，astheywereresolvedtoexercisethedreadfulrightofretaliation。
ForTilly，soonafterhisarrival，hadsurroundedaSwedishdetachment，and，irritatedbytheirobstinateresistance，hadcuttheminpiecestoaman。
ThiscrueltywasnotforgottenbytheSwedes。\"NewBrandenburgQuarter\"，theyrepliedtotheImperialistswhobeggedtheirlives，andslaughteredthemwithoutmercy。Severalthousandswereeitherkilledortaken，andmanyweredrownedintheOder，therestfledtoSilesia。
AlltheirartilleryfellintothehandsoftheSwedes。Tosatisfytherageofhistroops，GustavusAdolphuswasunderthenecessityofgivingupthetownforthreehourstoplunder。
Whilethekingwasthusadvancingfromoneconquesttoanother，and，byhissuccess，encouragingtheProtestantstoactiveresistance，theEmperorproceededtoenforcetheEdictofRestitution，and，byhisexorbitantpretensions，toexhaustthepatienceofthestates。
Compelledbynecessity，hecontinuedtheviolentcoursewhichhehadbegunwithsucharrogantconfidence；thedifficultiesintowhichhisarbitraryconducthadplungedhim，hecouldonlyextricatehimselffrombymeasuresstillmorearbitrary。ButinsocomplicatedabodyastheGermanempire，despotismmustalwayscreatethemostdangerousconvulsions。Withastonishment，theprincesbeheldtheconstitutionoftheempireoverthrown，andthestateofnaturetowhichmatterswereagainverging，suggestedtothemtheideaofself-defence，theonlymeansofprotectioninsuchastateofthings。
ThestepsopenlytakenbytheEmperoragainsttheLutheranchurch，hadatlastremovedtheveilfromtheeyesofJohnGeorge，whohadbeensolongthedupeofhisartfulpolicy。Ferdinand，too，hadpersonallyoffendedhimbytheexclusionofhissonfromthearchbishopricofMagdeburg；andfield-marshalArnheim，hisnewfavouriteandminister，sparednopainstoincreasetheresentmentofhismaster。ArnheimhadformerlybeenanimperialgeneralunderWallenstein，andbeingstillzealouslyattachedtohim，hewaseagertoavengehisoldbenefactorandhimselfontheEmperor，bydetachingSaxonyfromtheAustrianinterests。GustavusAdolphus，supportedbytheProtestantstates，wouldbeinvincible；
aconsiderationwhichalreadyfilledtheEmperorwithalarm。
TheexampleofSaxonywouldprobablyinfluenceothers，andtheEmperor’sfateseemednowinamannertodependupontheElector’sdecision。
Theartfulfavouriteimpresseduponhismasterthisideaofhisownimportance，andadvisedhimtoterrifytheEmperor，bythreateninganalliancewithSweden，andthustoextortfromhisfears，whathehadsoughtinvainfromhisgratitude。Thefavourite，however，wasfarfromwishinghimactuallytoenterintotheSwedishalliance，but，byholdingalooffrombothparties，tomaintainhisownimportanceandindependence。Accordingly，helaidbeforehimaplan，whichonlywantedamoreablehandtocarryitintoexecution，andrecommendedhim，byheadingtheProtestantparty，toerectathirdpowerinGermany，andtherebymaintainthebalancebetweenSwedenandAustria。
ThisprojectwaspeculiarlyflatteringtotheSaxonElector，towhomtheideaofbeingdependentuponSweden，oroflongersubmittingtothetyrannyoftheEmperor，wasequallyhateful。Hecouldnot，withindifference，seethecontrolofGermanaffairswrestedfromhimbyaforeignprince；andincapableashewasoftakingaprincipalpart，hisvanitywouldnotcondescendtoactasubordinateone。Heresolved，therefore，todraweverypossibleadvantagefromtheprogressofGustavus，buttopursue，independently，hisownseparateplans。Withthisview，heconsultedwiththeElectorofBrandenburg，who，fromsimilarcauses，wasreadytoactagainsttheEmperor，but，atthesametime，wasjealousofSweden。InaDietatTorgau，havingassuredhimselfofthesupportofhisEstates，heinvitedtheProtestantStatesoftheempiretoageneralconvention，whichtookplaceatLeipzig，onthe6thFebruary1631。Brandenburg，HesseCassel，withseveralprinces，counts，estatesoftheempire，andProtestantbishopswerepresent，eitherpersonallyorbydeputy，atthisassembly，whichthechaplaintotheSaxonCourt，Dr。HoevonHohenegg，openedwithavehementdiscoursefromthepulpit。TheEmperorhad，invain，endeavouredtopreventthisself-appointedconvention，whoseobjectwasevidentlytoprovideforitsowndefence，andwhichthepresenceoftheSwedesintheempire，renderedmorethanusuallyalarming。EmboldenedbytheprogressofGustavusAdolphus，theassembledprincesassertedtheirrights，andafterasessionoftwomonthsbrokeup，withadoptingaresolutionwhichplacedtheEmperorinnoslightembarrassment。ItsimportwastodemandoftheEmperor，inageneraladdress，therevocationoftheEdictofRestitution，thewithdrawalofhistroopsfromtheircapitalsandfortresses，thesuspensionofallexistingproceedings，andtheabolitionofabuses；and，inthemeantime，toraiseanarmyof40，000men，toenablethemtoredresstheirowngrievances，iftheEmperorshouldstillrefusesatisfaction。
AfurtherincidentcontributednotalittletoincreasethefirmnessoftheProtestantprinces。TheKingofSwedenhad，atlast，overcomethescrupleswhichhaddeterredhimfromacloseralliancewithFrance，and，onthe13thJanuary1631，concludedaformaltreatywiththiscrown。AfteraseriousdisputerespectingthetreatmentoftheRomanCatholicprincesoftheempire，whomFrancetookunderherprotection，andagainstwhomGustavusclaimedtherightofretaliation，andaftersomelessimportantdifferenceswithregardtothetitleofmajesty，whichtheprideofFrancewaslothtoconcedetotheKingofSweden，Richelieuyieldedthesecond，andGustavusAdolphusthefirstpoint，andthetreatywassignedatBeerwaldinNeumark。Thecontractingpartiesmutuallycovenantedtodefendeachotherwithamilitaryforce，toprotecttheircommonfriends，torestoretotheirdominionsthedeposedprincesoftheempire，andtoreplaceeverything，bothonthefrontierandintheinteriorofGermany，onthesamefootingonwhichitstoodbeforethecommencementofthewar。Forthisend，Swedenengagedtomaintainanarmyof30，000meninGermany，andFranceagreedtofurnishtheSwedeswithanannualsubsidyof400，000dollars。
IfthearmsofGustavusweresuccessful，hewastorespecttheRomanCatholicreligionandtheconstitutionoftheempireinalltheconqueredplaces，andtomakenoattemptagainsteither。
AllEstatesandprinceswhetherProtestantorRomanCatholic，eitherinGermanyorinothercountries，weretobeinvitedtobecomepartiestothetreaty；neitherFrancenorSwedenwastoconcludeaseparatepeacewithouttheknowledgeandconsentoftheother；andthetreatyitselfwastocontinueinforceforfiveyears。
GreataswasthestruggletotheKingofSwedentoreceivesubsidiesfromFrance，andsacrificehisindependenceintheconductofthewar，thisalliancewithFrancedecidedhiscauseinGermany。Protected，ashenowwas，bythegreatestpowerinEurope，theGermanstatesbegantofeelconfidenceinhisundertaking，fortheissueofwhichtheyhadhithertogoodreasontotremble。HebecametrulyformidabletotheEmperor。TheRomanCatholicprincestoo，who，thoughtheywereanxioustohumbleAustria，hadwitnessedhisprogresswithdistrust，werelessalarmednowthatanalliancewithaRomanCatholicpowerensuredhisrespectfortheirreligion。Andthus，whileGustavusAdolphusprotectedtheProtestantreligionandthelibertiesofGermanyagainsttheaggressionofFerdinand，Francesecuredthoseliberties，andtheRomanCatholicreligion，againstGustavushimself，iftheintoxicationofsuccessshouldhurryhimbeyondtheboundsofmoderation。
TheKingofSwedenlostnotimeinapprizingthemembersoftheconfederacyofLeipzigofthetreatyconcludedwithFrance，andinvitingthemtoacloserunionwithhimself。TheapplicationwassecondedbyFrance，whosparednopainstowinovertheElectorofSaxony。
Gustavuswaswillingtobecontentwithsecretsupport，iftheprincesshoulddeemittooboldastepasyettodeclareopenlyinhisfavour。
Severalprincesgavehimhopesofhisproposalsbeingacceptedonthefirstfavourableopportunity；buttheSaxonElector，fullofjealousyanddistrusttowardstheKingofSweden，andtruetotheselfishpolicyhehadpursued，couldnotbeprevailedupontogiveadecisiveanswer。
TheresolutionoftheconfederacyofLeipzig，andthealliancebetwixtFranceandSweden，werenewsequallydisagreeabletotheEmperor。
Againstthemheemployedthethunderofimperialordinances，andthewantofanarmysavedFrancefromthefullweightofhisdispleasure。
Remonstranceswereaddressedtoallthemembersoftheconfederacy，stronglyprohibitingthemfromenlistingtroops。Theyretortedwithexplanationsequallyvehement，justifiedtheirconductupontheprinciplesofnaturalright，andcontinuedtheirpreparations。
Meantime，theimperialgenerals，deficientbothintroopsandmoney，foundthemselvesreducedtothedisagreeablealternativeoflosingsighteitheroftheKingofSweden，oroftheEstatesoftheempire，sincewithadividedforcetheywerenotamatchforeither。
ThemovementsoftheProtestantscalledtheirattentiontotheinterioroftheempire，whiletheprogressofthekinginBrandenburg，bythreateningthehereditarypossessionsofAustria，requiredthemtoturntheirarmstothatquarter。AftertheconquestofFrankfort，thekinghadadvanceduponLandsbergontheWarta，andTilly，afterafruitlessattempttorelieveit，hadagainreturnedtoMagdeburg，toprosecutewithvigourthesiegeofthattown。
Thericharchbishopric，ofwhichMagdeburgwasthecapital，hadlongbeeninthepossessionofprincesofthehouseofBrandenburg，whointroducedtheProtestantreligionintotheprovince。ChristianWilliam，thelastadministrator，had，byhisalliancewithDenmark，incurredthebanoftheempire，onwhichaccountthechapter，toavoidtheEmperor’sdispleasure，hadformallydeposedhim。
InhisplacetheyhadelectedPrinceJohnAugustus，thesecondsonoftheElectorofSaxony，whomtheEmperorrejected，inordertoconferthearchbishopriconhissonLeopold。
TheElectorofSaxonycomplainedineffectuallytotheimperialcourt；
butChristianWilliamofBrandenburgtookmoreactivemeasures。
RelyingontheattachmentofthemagistracyandinhabitantsofBrandenburg，andexcitedbychimericalhopes，hethoughthimselfabletosurmountalltheobstacleswhichthevoteofthechapter，thecompetitionoftwopowerfulrivals，andtheEdictofRestitutionopposedtohisrestoration。
HewenttoSweden，and，bythepromiseofadiversioninGermany，soughttoobtainassistancefromGustavus。Hewasdismissedbythatmonarchnotwithouthopesofeffectualprotection，butwiththeadvicetoactwithcaution。
ScarcelyhadChristianWilliambeeninformedofthelandingofhisprotectorinPomerania，thanheenteredMagdeburgindisguise。Appearingsuddenlyinthetowncouncil，heremindedthemagistratesoftheravageswhichbothtownandcountryhadsufferedfromtheimperialtroops，oftheperniciousdesignsofFerdinand，andthedangeroftheProtestantchurch。Hetheninformedthemthatthemomentofdeliverancewasathand，andthatGustavusAdolphusofferedthemhisallianceandassistance。Magdeburg，oneofthemostflourishingtownsinGermany，enjoyedunderthegovernmentofitsmagistratesarepublicanfreedom，whichinspireditscitizenswithabraveheroism。Ofthistheyhadalreadygivenproofs，inthebolddefenceoftheirrightsagainstWallenstein，who，temptedbytheirwealth，madeonthemthemostextravagantdemands。
Theirterritoryhadbeengivenuptothefuryofhistroops，thoughMagdeburgitselfhadescapedhisvengeance。Itwasnotdifficult，therefore，fortheAdministratortogaintheconcurrenceofmeninwhosemindstherememberanceoftheseoutrageswasstillrecent。
AnalliancewasformedbetweenthecityandtheSwedishking，bywhichMagdeburggrantedtothekingafreepassagethroughitsgatesandterritories，withlibertyofenlistingsoldierswithinitsboundaries，andontheotherhand，obtainedpromisesofeffectualprotectionforitsreligionanditsprivileges。
TheAdministratorimmediatelycollectedtroopsandcommencedhostilities，beforeGustavusAdolphuswasnearenoughtoco-operatewithhim。Hedefeatedsomeimperialdetachmentsintheneighbourhood，madeafewconquests，andevensurprisedHalle。Buttheapproachofanimperialarmyobligedhimtoretreathastily，andnotwithoutloss，toMagdeburg。GustavusAdolphus，thoughdispleasedwithhisprematuremeasures，sentDietrichFalkenberg，anexperiencedofficer，todirecttheAdministrator’smilitaryoperations，andtoassisthimwithhiscounsel。Falkenbergwasnamedbythemagistratesgovernorofthetownduringthewar。ThePrince’sarmywasdailyaugmentedbyrecruitsfromtheneighbouringtowns；andhewasableforsomemonthstomaintainapettywarfarewithsuccess。
AtlengthCountPappenheim，havingbroughthisexpeditionagainsttheDukeofSaxe-Lauenburgtoaclose，approachedthetown。
DrivingthetroopsoftheAdministratorfromtheirentrenchments，hecutoffhiscommunicationwithSaxony，andcloselyinvestedtheplace。
HewassoonfollowedbyTilly，whohaughtilysummonedtheElectorforthwithtocomplywiththeEdictofRestitution，tosubmittotheEmperor’sorders，andsurrenderMagdeburg。ThePrince’sanswerwasspiritedandresolute，andobligedTillyatoncetohaverecoursetoarms。
Inthemeanwhile，thesiegewasprolonged，bytheprogressoftheKingofSweden，whichcalledtheAustriangeneralfrombeforetheplace；
andthejealousyoftheofficers，whoconductedtheoperationsinhisabsence，delayed，forsomemonths，thefallofMagdeburg。Onthe30thMarch1631，Tillyreturned，topushthesiegewithvigour。
Theoutworksweresooncarried，andFalkenberg，afterwithdrawingthegarrisonsfromthepointswhichhecouldnolongerhold，destroyedthebridgeovertheElbe。Ashistroopswerebarelysufficienttodefendtheextensivefortifications，thesuburbsofSudenburgandNeustadtwereabandonedtotheenemy，whoimmediatelylaidtheminashes。
Pappenheim，nowseparatedfromTilly，crossedtheElbeatSchonenbeck，andattackedthetownfromtheoppositeside。
Thegarrison，reducedbythedefenceoftheoutworks，scarcelyexceeded2000infantryandafewhundredhorse；asmallnumberforsoextensiveandirregularafortress。Tosupplythisdeficiency，thecitizenswerearmed——adesperateexpedient，whichproducedmoreevilsthanthoseitprevented。Thecitizens，atbestbutindifferentsoldiers，bytheirdisunionthrewthetownintoconfusion。Thepoorcomplainedthattheywereexposedtoeveryhardshipanddanger，whiletherich，byhiringsubstitutes，remainedathomeinsafety。Theserumoursbrokeoutatlastinanopenmutiny；indifferencesucceededtozeal；
wearinessandnegligencetooktheplaceofvigilanceandforesight。
Dissension，combinedwithgrowingscarcity，graduallyproducedafeelingofdespondence，manybegantotrembleatthedesperatenatureoftheirundertaking，andthemagnitudeofthepowertowhichtheywereopposed。
Butreligiouszeal，anardentloveofliberty，aninvinciblehatredtotheAustrianyoke，andtheexpectationofspeedyrelief，banishedasyettheideaofasurrender；anddividedastheywereineverythingelse，theywereunitedintheresolvetodefendthemselvestothelastextremity。
Theirhopesofsuccourwereapparentlywellfounded。TheyknewthattheconfederacyofLeipzigwasarming；theywereawareofthenearapproachofGustavusAdolphus。BothwerealikeinterestedinthepreservationofMagdeburg；andafewdaysmightbringtheKingofSwedenbeforeitswalls。
AllthiswasalsoknowntoTilly，who，therefore，wasanxioustomakehimselfspeedilymasteroftheplace。Withthisview，hehaddespatchedatrumpeterwithletterstotheAdministrator，thecommandant，andthemagistrates，offeringtermsofcapitulation；
buthereceivedforanswer，thattheywouldratherdiethansurrender。
Aspiritedsallyofthecitizens，alsoconvincedhimthattheircouragewasasearnestastheirwords，whiletheking’sarrivalatPotsdam，withtheincursionsoftheSwedesasfarasZerbst，filledhimwithuneasiness，butraisedthehopesofthegarrison。Asecondtrumpeterwasnowdespatched；butthemoremoderatetoneofhisdemandsincreasedtheconfidenceofthebesieged，andunfortunatelytheirnegligencealso。
Thebesiegershadnowpushedtheirapproachesasfarastheditch，andvigorouslycannonadedthefortificationsfromtheabandonedbatteries。
Onetowerwasentirelyoverthrown，butthisdidnotfacilitateanassault，asitfellsidewiseuponthewall，andnotintotheditch。
Notwithstandingthecontinualbombardment，thewallshadnotsufferedmuch；
andthefireballs，whichwereintendedtosetthetowninflames，weredeprivedoftheireffectbytheexcellentprecautionsadoptedagainstthem。Buttheammunitionofthebesiegedwasnearlyexpended，andthecannonofthetowngraduallyceasedtoanswerthefireoftheImperialists。Beforeanewsupplycouldbeobtained，Magdeburgwouldbeeitherrelieved，ortaken。Thehopesofthebesiegedwereonthestretch，andalleyesanxiouslydirectedtowardsthequarterinwhichtheSwedishbannerswereexpectedtoappear。GustavusAdolphuswasnearenoughtoreachMagdeburgwithinthreedays；securitygrewwithhope，whichallthingscontributedtoaugment。Onthe9thofMay，thefireoftheImperialistswassuddenlystopped，andthecannonwithdrawnfromseveralofthebatteries。AdeathlikestillnessreignedintheImperialcamp。
Thebesiegedwereconvincedthatdeliverancewasathand。
Bothcitizensandsoldierslefttheirpostsupontherampartsearlyinthemorning，toindulgethemselves，aftertheirlongtoils，withtherefreshmentofsleep，butitwasindeedadearsleep，andafrightfulawakening。
Tillyhadabandonedthehopeoftakingthetown，beforethearrivaloftheSwedes，bythemeanswhichhehadhithertoadopted；
hethereforedeterminedtoraisethesiege，butfirsttohazardageneralassault。Thisplan，however，wasattendedwithgreatdifficulties，asnobreachhadbeeneffected，andtheworkswerescarcelyinjured。
Butthecouncilofwarassembledonthisoccasion，declaredforanassault，citingtheexampleofMaestricht，whichhadbeentakenearlyinthemorning，whilethecitizensandsoldierswerereposingthemselves。
Theattackwastobemadesimultaneouslyonfourpoints；thenightbetwixtthe9thand10thofMay，wasemployedinthenecessarypreparations。
Everythingwasreadyandawaitingthesignal，whichwastobegivenbycannonatfiveo’clockinthemorning。Thesignal，however，wasnotgivenfortwohourslater，duringwhichTilly，whowasstilldoubtfulofsuccess，againconsultedthecouncilofwar。
Pappenheimwasorderedtoattacktheworksofthenewtown，wheretheattemptwasfavouredbyaslopingrampart，andadryditchofmoderatedepth。Thecitizensandsoldiershadmostlyleftthewalls，andthefewwhoremainedwereovercomewithsleep。Thisgeneral，therefore，foundlittledifficultyinmountingthewallattheheadofhistroops。
Falkenberg，rousedbythereportofmusketry，hastenedfromthetown-house，wherehewasemployedindespatchingTilly’ssecondtrumpeter，andhurriedwithalltheforcehecouldhastilyassembletowardsthegateofthenewtown，whichwasalreadyinthepossessionoftheenemy。
Beatenback，thisintrepidgeneralflewtoanotherquarter，whereasecondpartyoftheenemywerepreparingtoscalethewalls。
Afteranineffectualresistancehefellinthecommencementoftheaction。
Theroaringofmusketry，thepealingofthealarm-bells，andthegrowingtumultapprisedtheawakeningcitizensoftheirdanger。
Hastilyarmingthemselves，theyrushedinblindconfusionagainsttheenemy。
Stillsomehopeofrepulsingthebesiegersremained；butthegovernorbeingkilled，theireffortswerewithoutplanandco-operation，andatlasttheirammunitionbegantofailthem。Inthemeanwhile，twoothergates，hithertounattacked，werestrippedoftheirdefenders，tomeettheurgentdangerwithinthetown。Theenemyquicklyavailedthemselvesofthisconfusiontoattacktheseposts。Theresistancewasneverthelessspiritedandobstinate，untilfourimperialregiments，atlength，mastersoftheramparts，felluponthegarrisonintherear，andcompletedtheirrout。Amidstthegeneraltumult，abravecaptain，namedSchmidt，whostillheadedafewofthemoreresoluteagainsttheenemy，succeededindrivingthemtothegates；herehefellmortallywounded，andwithhimexpiredthehopesofMagdeburg。Beforenoon，alltheworkswerecarried，andthetownwasintheenemy’shands。
Twogateswerenowopenedbythestormingpartyforthemainbody，andTillymarchedinwithpartofhisinfantry。Immediatelyoccupyingtheprincipalstreets，hedrovethecitizenswithpointedcannonintotheirdwellings，theretoawaittheirdestiny。Theywerenotlongheldinsuspense；awordfromTillydecidedthefateofMagdeburg。
Evenamorehumanegeneralwouldinvainhaverecommendedmercytosuchsoldiers；butTillynevermadetheattempt。Leftbytheirgeneral’ssilencemastersofthelivesofallthecitizens，thesoldierybrokeintothehousestosatiatetheirmostbrutalappetites。
TheprayersofinnocenceexcitedsomecompassionintheheartsoftheGermans，butnoneintherudebreastsofPappenheim’sWalloons。Scarcelyhadthesavagecrueltycommenced，whentheothergateswerethrownopen，andthecavalry，withthefearfulhordesoftheCroats，pouredinuponthedevotedinhabitants。
Herecommencedasceneofhorrorsforwhichhistoryhasnolanguage——
poetrynopencil。Neitherinnocentchildhood，norhelplessoldage；
neitheryouth，sex，rank，norbeauty，coulddisarmthefuryoftheconquerors。
Wiveswereabusedinthearmsoftheirhusbands，daughtersatthefeetoftheirparents；andthedefencelesssexexposedtothedoublesacrificeofvirtueandlife。Nosituation，howeverobscure，orhoweversacred，escapedtherapacityoftheenemy。Inasinglechurchfifty-threewomenwerefoundbeheaded。TheCroatsamusedthemselveswiththrowingchildrenintotheflames；Pappenheim’sWalloonswithstabbinginfantsatthemother’sbreast。SomeofficersoftheLeague，horror-struckatthisdreadfulscene，venturedtoremindTillythathehaditinhispowertostopthecarnage。\"Returninanhour，\"
washisanswer；\"IwillseewhatIcando；thesoldiermusthavesomerewardforhisdangerandtoils。\"Thesehorrorslastedwithunabatedfury，tillatlastthesmokeandflamesprovedachecktotheplunderers。
Toaugmenttheconfusionandtodiverttheresistanceoftheinhabitants，theImperialistshad，inthecommencementoftheassault，firedthetowninseveralplaces。Thewindrisingrapidly，spreadtheflames，tilltheblazebecameuniversal。Fearful，indeed，wasthetumultamidcloudsofsmoke，heapsofdeadbodies，theclashofswords，thecrashoffallingruins，andstreamsofblood。Theatmosphereglowed；
andtheintolerableheatforcedatlasteventhemurdererstotakerefugeintheircamp。Inlessthantwelvehours，thisstrong，populous，andflourishingcity，oneofthefinestinGermany，wasreducedtoashes，withtheexceptionoftwochurchesandafewhouses。TheAdministrator，ChristianWilliam，afterreceivingseveralwounds，wastakenprisoner，withthreeoftheburgomasters；mostoftheofficersandmagistrateshadalreadymetanenviabledeath。Theavariceoftheofficershadsaved400oftherichestcitizens，inthehopeofextortingfromthemanexorbitantransom。ButthishumanitywasconfinedtotheofficersoftheLeague，whomtheruthlessbarbarityoftheImperialistscausedtoberegardedasguardianangels。
Scarcelyhadthefuryoftheflamesabated，whentheImperialistsreturnedtorenewthepillageamidtheruinsandashesofthetown。
Manyweresuffocatedbythesmoke；manyfoundrichbootyinthecellars，wherethecitizenshadconcealedtheirmorevaluableeffects。
Onthe13thofMay，Tillyhimselfappearedinthetown，afterthestreetshadbeenclearedofashesanddeadbodies。
Horribleandrevoltingtohumanitywasthescenethatpresenteditself。
Thelivingcrawlingfromunderthedead，childrenwanderingaboutwithheart-rendingcries，callingfortheirparents；
andinfantsstillsuckingthebreastsoftheirlifelessmothers。
Morethan6，000bodieswerethrownintotheElbetoclearthestreets；
amuchgreaternumberhadbeenconsumedbytheflames。
Thewholenumberoftheslainwasreckonedatnotlessthan30，000。
Theentranceofthegeneral，whichtookplaceonthe14th，putastoptotheplunder，andsavedthefewwhohadhithertocontrivedtoescape。Aboutathousandpeopleweretakenoutofthecathedral，wheretheyhadremainedthreedaysandtwonights，withoutfood，andinmomentaryfearofdeath。Tillypromisedthemquarter，andcommandedbreadtobedistributedamongthem。Thenextday，asolemnmasswasperformedinthecathedral，and`TeDeum’sungamidstthedischargeofartillery。Theimperialgeneralrodethroughthestreets，thathemightbeable，asaneyewitness，toinformhismasterthatnosuchconquesthadbeenmadesincethedestructionofTroyandJerusalem。
Norwasthisanexaggeration，whetherweconsiderthegreatness，importance，andprosperityofthecityrazed，orthefuryofitsravagers。
InGermany，thetidingsofthedreadfulfateofMagdeburgcausedtriumphantjoytotheRomanCatholics，whileitspreadterrorandconsternationamongtheProtestants。LoudlyandgenerallytheycomplainedagainstthekingofSweden，who，withsostrongaforce，andintheveryneighbourhood，hadleftanalliedcitytoitsfate。
Eventhemostreasonabledeemedhisinactioninexplicable；
andlestheshouldloseirretrievablythegoodwillofthepeople，forwhosedeliverancehehadengagedinthiswar，Gustavuswasunderthenecessityofpublishingtotheworldajustificationofhisownconduct。
Hehadattacked，andonthe16thApril，carriedLandsberg，whenhewasapprisedofthedangerofMagdeburg。Heresolvedimmediatelytomarchtothereliefofthattown；andhemovedwithallhiscavalry，andtenregimentsofinfantrytowardstheSpree。ButthepositionwhichheheldinGermany，madeitnecessarythatheshouldnotmoveforwardwithoutsecuringhisrear。Intraversingacountrywherehewassurroundedbysuspiciousfriendsanddangerousenemies，andwhereasingleprematuremovementmightcutoffhiscommunicationwithhisownkingdom，theutmostvigilanceandcautionwerenecessary。TheElectorofBrandenburghadalreadyopenedthefortressofCustrintotheflyingImperialists，andclosedthegatesagainsttheirpursuers。IfnowGustavusshouldfailinhisattackuponTilly，theElectormightagainopenhisfortressestotheImperialists，andtheking，withanenemybothinfrontandrear，wouldbeirrecoverablylost。Inordertopreventthiscontingency，hedemandedthattheElectorshouldallowhimtoholdthefortressesofCustrinandSpandau，tillthesiegeofMagdeburgshouldberaised。
Nothingcouldbemorereasonablethanthisdemand。TheserviceswhichGustavushadlatelyrenderedtheElector，byexpellingtheImperialistsfromBrandenburg，claimedhisgratitude，whilethepastconductoftheSwedesinGermanyentitledthemtoconfidence。Butbythesurrenderofhisfortresses，theElectorwouldinsomemeasuremaketheKingofSwedenmasterofhiscountry；besidesthat，bysuchastep，hemustatoncebreakwiththeEmperor，andexposehisStatestohisfuturevengeance。
TheElector’sstrugglewithhimselfwaslongandviolent，butpusillanimityandself-interestforawhileprevailed。
UnmovedbythefateofMagdeburg，coldinthecauseofreligionandthelibertiesofGermany，hesawnothingbuthisowndanger；
andthisanxietywasgreatlystimulatedbyhisministerVonSchwartzenburgh，whowassecretlyinthepayofAustria。Inthemeantime，theSwedishtroopsapproachedBerlin，andthekingtookuphisresidencewiththeElector。Whenhewitnessedthetimoroushesitationofthatprince，hecouldnotrestrainhisindignation:\"MyroadistoMagdeburg，\"saidhe；
\"notformyownadvantage，butforthatoftheProtestantreligion。
Ifnoonewillstandbyme，Ishallimmediatelyretreat，concludeapeacewiththeEmperor，andreturntoStockholm。IamconvincedthatFerdinandwillreadilygrantmewhateverconditionsImayrequire。
ButifMagdeburgisoncelost，andtheEmperorrelievedfromallfearofme，thenitisforyoutolooktoyourselvesandtheconsequences。\"
Thistimelythreat，andperhaps，too，theaspectoftheSwedisharmy，whichwasstrongenoughtoobtainbyforcewhatwasrefusedtoentreaty，broughtatlasttheElectortohissenses，andSpandauwasdeliveredintothehandsoftheSwedes。
ThekinghadnowtworoutestoMagdeburg；onewestwardledthroughanexhaustedcountry，andfilledwiththeenemy’stroops，whomightdisputewithhimthepassageoftheElbe；theothermoretothesouthward，byDessauandWittenberg，wherebridgesweretobefoundforcrossingtheElbe，andwheresuppliescouldeasilybedrawnfromSaxony。
ButhecouldnotavailhimselfofthelatterwithouttheconsentoftheElector，whomGustavushadgoodreasontodistrust。
Beforesettingoutonhismarch，therefore，hedemandedfromthatprinceafreepassageandlibertyforpurchasingprovisionsforhistroops。
Hisapplicationwasrefused，andnoremonstrancescouldprevailontheElectortoabandonhissystemofneutrality。Whilethepointwasstillindispute，thenewsofthedreadfulfateofMagdeburgarrived。
TillyannounceditsfalltotheProtestantprincesinthetoneofaconqueror，andlostnotimeinmakingthemostofthegeneralconsternation。
TheinfluenceoftheEmperor，whichhadsensiblydeclinedduringtherapidprogressofGustavus，afterthisdecisiveblowrosehigherthanever；andthechangewasspeedilyvisibleintheimperioustoneheadoptedtowardstheProtestantstates。
ThedecreesoftheConfederationofLeipzigwereannulledbyaproclamation，theConventionitselfsuppressedbyanimperialdecree，andalltherefractorystatesthreatenedwiththefateofMagdeburg。
Astheexecutorofthisimperialmandate，TillyimmediatelyorderedtroopstomarchagainsttheBishopofBremen，whowasamemberoftheConfederacy，andhadhimselfenlistedsoldiers。TheterrifiedbishopimmediatelygaveuphisforcestoTilly，andsignedtherevocationoftheactsoftheConfederation。Animperialarmy，whichhadlatelyreturnedfromItaly，underthecommandofCountFurstenberg，actedinthesamemannertowardstheAdministratorofWirtemberg。
ThedukewascompelledtosubmittotheEdictofRestitution，andallthedecreesoftheEmperor，andeventopayamonthlysubsidyof100，000dollars，forthemaintenanceoftheimperialtroops。