Page 169 - A Jacobite Exile

"Now, Stanislas," Charlie said. "We can talk freely together. Do you know
Warsaw?"

"I have been there several times, sir, but I never stopped there long. Still, I

can find my way about the town."

"When were you there last?"

"Some two months ago. It was just before I entered the Swedish service."

"And what do the people say about the war?"

"They are bitterly opposed to it. The king entered upon it without
consulting the diet, which was altogether contrary to the constitution. It is

true that the king may do so, in cases of emergency, and obtain the sanction
of the diet afterwards. There was no urgency here, and the king made his
agreement with the czar and the king of Denmark without anyone knowing

of it. He certainly obtained a sort of sanction from the diet afterwards, but
everyone knows how these things are worked. He has a strong party, of

course, because it is the interest of a great many people to retain him in
power, as no one can say who would be chosen to succeed him. But among
the people in general, the traders and the peasants, he is hated, and so are

his Saxon soldiers.

"Suppose he had gained a slice of Swedish territory. It would not have
benefited them; while, as it is, all sorts of misfortunes and troubles have
come upon the country, and none can say how much greater may ensue.

"Poland is always split up into parties. They used to unite against the Turk,

and they would unite again against the Swedes, if their country was
invaded; but as long as King Charles keeps his army beyond the frontier,
they are too deeply engaged in their own quarrels to think of anything else."

"Then, even if I were known, in the city, to be in the Swedish service, there

would be little danger, Stanislas?"