'I have fought with the Swedes against the Brandenburgers, and again with the Brandenburgers against the Swedes, my time and conditions with the latter having been duly carried out.

I have afterwards in the Bavarian service fought against Swedes and Brandenburgers combined, besides having undergone the great wars on the Danube against the Turk, and two campaigns with the Messieurs in the Palatinate, which latter might be better termed holiday-making than fighting.' 'A soldierly record in very truth,' cried the Mayor, stroking his white beard.

'I hear that you are also powerfully borne onwards in prayer and song.

You are, I perceive, one of the old breed of '44, Colonel--the men who were in the saddle all day, and on their knees half the night.

When shall we see the like of them again?
A few such broken wrecks as I are left, with the fire of our youth all burned out and nought left but the ashes of lethargy and lukewarmness.' 'Nay, nay,' said Saxon, 'your position and present business will scarce jump with the modesty of your words.