Bethinking me of the occupation which had amused my leisure hours
during the weary months when we were shut up by you in Nuremberg,
I obtained leave of absence, attired myself as a craftsman, and made
my way to Prague. There I found the count confined to his couch by
a wound and unable to move. The countess had no thought of quitting
him. Her anxiety was wholly for her daughter, a girl of fifteen,
whom the emperor purposed to shut up in a convent and force to
change her religion, and then to bestow her hand upon one of his
favourites, with her father's confiscated estates as her dowry.
"I succeeded in effecting her escape, disguised as a boy; I myself
travelling in the disguise of a peasant with a wagon. We were
making our way towards the Swedish lines when we came across your
army, which had, unknown to me, suddenly moved hither. I and my
cart were requisitioned for the service of the army. On the night
of my arrival here I resumed my disguise as a craftsman, left my wagon,
and with my young companion took up my lodging here, intending to
remain quietly working at the craft I assumed until an opportunity
offered for continuing our journey. Accident obtained me employment
here, and as rumour said that overtures for peace were passing
between yourself and the Swedish chancellor, I may frankly say
that I determined to use the position in which I accidentally found
myself for the benefit of the country I served, by ascertaining,
if I could, how far your excellency was in earnest as to the offers
you were making.
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