What remained of this hero's life was one continued series of victory, for which he was less beholden to fortune than to those personal endowments which he derived from nature and from industry.

That rapid progress of conquest which we so much admire in ancient history, was here renewed in modern annals; and without that cause to which, in former ages, it had ever been owing.

Military nations were not now engaged against an undisciplined and unwarlike people; nor heroes set in opposition to cowards.

The veteran troops of Ferdinand, conducted by the most celebrated generals of the age, were foiled in every encounter; and all Germany was overrun in an instant by the victorious Swede.

But by this extraordinary and unexpected success of his ally, Charles failed of the purpose for which he framed the alliance.