The Pope rebuked Kaiser Joseph for such compliance in the Silesian matter: "Holy Father," answered this Kaiser (not of distinguished orthodoxy in the House), "I am too glad he did not ask me to become Lutheran; I know not how I should have helped myself!" [Pauli, _ Allgemeine Preussische Staats-Geschichte_ (viii.

298-592); Busching, _Erdbeschreibung_ (viii.

700-739); &c .-- Heinrich Wuttke, _Friedrichs des Grossen Besitzergreifung von Schlesien_ (Seizure of Silesia by Friedrich, 2 vols.

Leipzig, 1843), I mention only lest ingenuous readers should be tempted by the Title to buy it.

Wuttke begins at the Creation of the World; and having, in two heavy volumes, at last struggled down close TO the BESITZERGREIFUNG or Seizure in question, calls halt; and stands (at ease, we will hope) immovably there for the seventeen years since.] These are the Three Epochs;--most things, in respect of this Third or Reformation Epoch, stepping steadily downward hitherto.