Thus did he argue within himself for one moment; the next, other reasons, directly opposite to these, presented themselves.—­Dorilaus, cried he, demands all my obedience;—­all my gratitude:—­without protection I had been an outcast in the world!—­Whatever honours, whatever happiness I enjoy, is it not to him I owe them!  Can I refuse then to comply with commands, which, he says, are necessary to his peace!—­Besides, was it not Charlotta that inspired this ardor in me for great actions!  Was not the possession of that charming maid, the sole end I proposed to myself in all I have undertaken! and shall I, by refusing her request, madly run the risque of losing her for ever!—­Does not she wish, her father persuade, and Dorilaus enjoin me to return!—­Does not love, friendship, duty call me to partake the joys that each affords!—­And shall I refuse the tender invitation!—­No! the world cannot condemn me for following motives such as these; and even the royal Charles himself is too generous not to acquit me of ingratitude or cowardice.

It must indeed be confessed he had potent inducements for his return to Paris, to combat against those of continuing in the king of Sweden’s service; and both by turns appeared so prevalent, that it is uncertain which would have got the better, had not an accident happened, which unhappily determined him in favour of the latter.

Colonel Poniatosky, who had attended Stanislaus into Poland, now the disturbances of that kingdom were quieted, on hearing the king of Sweden was on some new expedition, obtained leave of Stanislaus to return to the camp, and implored his majesty’s permission to be one of those who should partake the glorious toils he was now re-entering into.  To which he replied, that he should be glad to have him near his person, but feared he would be wanted in Poland.  No, may it please your majesty, resumed Poniatosky, there seems to be no longer any business in that kingdom for a soldier:—­all seem ready to obey the royal Stanislaus out of affection to his person, and admiration of those virtues they are now perfectly convinced of; nor is Augustus in a condition to violate the treaty of resignation:—­refuse me not therefore I beseech your majesty, continued he, falling upon both his knees, what I look on as my greatest happiness, as it is my greatest glory.

The king seemed very well pleased at the emphasis with which he expressed himself; and having raised him from the posture he was in, be it so, cried he, henceforward we will be inseparable.

Horatio was charmed with this testimony of love and zeal in a person, who had doubtless friends and kindred who would have been glad he had less attachment to a service so full of dangers as that of the king of Sweden, and somewhat ashamed he had ever entertained a thought of quitting it, resolved, as he had been more obliged, not to shew less gratitude than Poniatosky.  Therefore, without any further deliberation, retired to his quarters, and prepared the following answers to the letters had been brought him.  As all things in a lover’s heart yields to the darling object, the first he wrote was to his mistress.