I made it a point of honor with myself to redress all that had got out of square; in which I was not unsuccessful; not even in the Lausitz [after those Zittau disasters] last of all.

But no sooner had I hastened this way to face new enemies, than Winterfeld was beaten and killed near Gorlitz, than the French entered the heart, of my States, than the Swedes blockaded Stettin.
Now there is nothing effective left for me to do: there are too many enemies.

Were I even to succeed in beating two armies, the third would crush me.

The enclosed Note [in cipher] will show you what I am still about to try: it is the last attempt.
"The gratitude, the tender affection, which I feel towards you, that friendship, true as the hills, constrains me to deal openly with you.
No, my divine Sister, I shall conceal nothing from you that I intend to do; all my thoughts, all my resolutions shall be open and known to you in time.

I will precipitate nothing: but also it will be impossible for me to change my sentiments....
"As for you, my incomparable Sister, I have not the heart to turn you from your resolves.