The rest of the day passed in continuous negotiations over the truce which, by arrangement with the Saxon troops, was to last until noon of the next day.  In this business I noticed the very pronounced activity of a former college friend, Marschall von Bieberstein, a lawyer who, in his capacity as senior officer of the Dresden Communal Guard, distinguished himself by his boundless zeal amid the shouts of a mighty band of fellow-orators.  On that day a certain Heinz, formerly a Greek colonel, was placed in command of the armed forces.  These proceedings did not seem at all satisfactory to Bakunin, who put in an occasional appearance.  While the provisional government placed all its hopes on finding a peaceful settlement of the conflict by moral persuasion, he, on the contrary, with his clear vision foresaw a well-planned military attack by the Prussians, and thought it could only be met by good strategic measures.  He therefore urgently pressed for the acquisition of some experienced Polish officers who happened to be in Dresden, as the Saxon revolutionaries appeared to be absolutely lacking in military tactics.  Everybody was afraid to take this course; on the other hand, great expectations were entertained from negotiations with the Frankfort States Assembly, which was on its last legs.  Everything was to be done as far as possible in legal form.  The time passed pleasantly enough.  Elegant ladies with their cavaliers promenaded the barricaded streets during those beautiful spring evenings.  It seemed to be little more than an entertaining drama.  The unaccustomed aspect of things even afforded me genuine pleasure, combined with a feeling that the whole thing was not quite serious, and that a friendly proclamation from the government would put an end to it.  So I strolled comfortably home through the numerous barricades at a late hour, thinking as I went of the material for a drama, Achilleus, with which I had been occupied for some time.

At home I found my two nieces, Clara and Ottilie Brockhaus, the daughters of my sister Louisa.  They had been living for a year with a governess in Dresden, and their weekly visits and contagious good spirits delighted me.  Every one was in a high state of glee about the revolution; they all heartily approved of the barricades, and felt no scruples about desiring victory for their defenders.  Protected by the truce, this state of mind remained undisturbed the whole of Friday (5th May).  From all parts came news which led us to believe in a universal uprising throughout Germany.  Baden and the Palatinate were in the throes of a revolt on behalf of the whole of Germany.  Similar rumours came in from free towns like Breslau.  In Leipzig, volunteer student corps had mustered contingents for Dresden, which arrived amid the exultation of the populace.  A fully equipped defence department was organised at the Town Hall, and young Heine, disappointed like myself in his hopes of the performance of Lohengrin,