“So empty, Adam Schwarzenberg, that my servants can not obtain their wages, and if a beggar were to accost me on my way to church, I could give him nothing, because not a florin is to be found in my own purse—­so empty, that our whole project of the Electoral Prince’s return threatens to be wrecked thereby, for our son has incurred debts which we are not able to liquidate.  Schlieben informs us that the debts of the Electoral Prince amount probably to seven thousand dollars, and, besides that, he needs at least two thousand dollars more to defray the expenses of his journey home, together with his retinue, his carriage, and his horses.”

“That is indeed a bad business,” said the count thoughtfully, “for it is almost impossible to raise money in these hard times.  Nevertheless a remedy shall and must be found, provided that my most gracious Sovereign will condescend to accept aid from his most humble servant and retainer.”

“What say you, Adam?  You will help me again?” asked the Elector.  “Twice you have rescued me already from want, and supported my poverty with your wealth.  I am your debtor, your insolvent debtor, who pays no interest, to say nothing of the capital.”

“But like a magnanimous, high-spirited gentleman, always give the greater for the less,” cried Schwarzenberg, smiling.  “It is true I had the good fortune to be able to lend your highness a hundred thousand dollars on two occasions, but your highness gave me in pledge two fair domains in Cleves, which surely would be worth more than the sum lent if they should be sold.”

“But nobody would buy them now because war and pestilence rage there, and no one knows who is master there.  I give them to you, however, these domains of Huissen and Neustadt:  from this very hour they are yours, and I shall forthwith make out for you a deed of donation.”

“Oh, my most revered sir, how kind and generous you are!” said Schwarzenberg, “and how you shame me with your magnanimity and goodness!  With grateful and submissive heart I accept your gift, and shall this very day tear to pieces both the bonds, and lay them at your Electoral Highness’s feet.”

“By no means, Adam,” said the Elector, almost indignantly, “for then I should not have presented you with Huissen and Neustadt, but you would have paid for them!”

“Then, at least, let me add now another sum, most honored sir, and condescend to accept from me fifty thousand dollars without writing an acknowledgement of debt.”

“Will you lend me fifty thousand dollars?” asked the Elector, joyfully surprised.

“I received important remittances of money from my mastership Sonnenburg, and have also saved something from my estates,” said the count.  “It is true for the time being I have nothing left for myself, but it is better that the servant should suffer privation than his lord.  I shall have the honor of transmitting to your highness this very day the fifty thousand dollars in specie and reliable bills of exchange.”