So many troops or companies at a time, that is the rule; one quantity of companies you admit; then close and bolt, till it have marched across and out at the opposite Gate; after which, open again for a second lot.

But in this case,--owing to accident (very unusual) of a baggage-wagon breaking down, and people hurrying to help it forward,--the whole regiment gets in, escorted as usual by the Town-guard.

Whole regiment; and marches, not straight through; but at a certain corner strikes off leftward to the Market-place; where, singular to say, it seems inclined to pause and rearrange itself a little.

Nay, more singular still, other regiments (owing to like accidents), from other Gates, join it;--and--in fact--"Herr Major of the Town-guard, in the King's name, you are required to ground arms!" What can the Town Major do; Prussian grenadiers, cannoneers, gravely environing him?
He sticks his sword into the scabbard, an Ex-Town Major; and Breslau City is become Friedrich's, softly like a movement during drill.

[_Helden-Geschichte,_ i.