While the negotiations between the emperor and Wallenstein were
pending Franz Albert was employed by the latter in endeavouring to
bring about a secret understanding with the court of Dresden.
When Gustavus was blockaded in Nuremberg by Wallenstein Franz
Albert left the camp of the latter and presented himself in that
of Gustavus as a convert to the Reformed Religion and anxious to
serve as a volunteer under him. No quarrel or disagreement had, so
far as is known, taken place between him and Wallenstein, nor has
any explanation ever been given for such an extraordinary change
of sides, made, too, at a moment when it seemed that Gustavus was
in a position almost desperate. By his profession of religious
zeal he managed to win the king's heart, but Oxenstiern, when he
saw him, entertained a profound distrust of him, and even warned
the king against putting confidence in this sudden convert.
Gustavus, however, naturally frank and open in disposition, could
not believe that treachery was intended, and continued to treat him
with kindness. After the assault made by Gustavus upon Wallenstein's
position Franz Albert quitted his camp, saying that he was desirous
of raising some troops for his service in his father's territory.
He rejoined him, however, with only his personal followers, on the
very day before the battle of Lutzen, and was received by Gustavus
with great cordiality, although the absence of his retainers
increased the general doubts as to his sincerity.
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