"But how, then," persists Valori; "but-- ?" "One day the King answered me," says Valori, "'MON AMI, if you want to get the mouse, don't shut, the trap; leave the trap open (ON LAISSE LA SOURICIERE OUVERTE)!'" Which was a beam of light to the inquiring thought of Valori, a military man of some intelligence.

[See VALORI, i.

222, 224, 228.] That, in fact, is Friedrich's purpose privately formed.

He means that the Austrians shall consider him cowed into nothing, as he understands they already do; that they shall enter Silesia in the notion of chasing him; and shall, if need be, have the pleasure of chasing him,--till perhaps a right moment arrive.

For he is full of silent finesse, this young King; soon sees into his man, and can lead him strange dances on occasion.