Part 6

Some Days after this, the Ambassador of _Poland_ went again in Ceremony, but with his own Coaches, to the Palace _la Favorita_, where, in the Presence of all the Imperial Family, all the Ministers and Privy Counsellors, and the Knights of the Golden Fleece, he solemnly renounc'd the Right of Succession in the Name of the King his Master, and of the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_, in case it pleas'd God that the Emperor should dye without Male Issue. The Count _de Sinzendorf_, Chancellor of the Court, read the Act of Renunciation to all present, after which the Emperor demanded the Consent of the Archduchess, and the Princess giving her said Consent, the Emperor order'd an Oath thereupon to be administer'd to her, which she took accordingly before the Archbishop of _Valencia_. This Prelate being dress'd in his Pontificalibus before an Altar that had been erected in the Chamber, gave the Book of the Gospels to the Princess, who laying her Hands thereon, solemnly renounc'd the Rights of Succession. The Ambassador swore the same Thing in the Name of the King his Master, and the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_.

In a few Days after this was done, the Electoral Prince set out from _Dresden_, and came to a House made ready for him Two Leagues from _Vienna_. Having sent Notice of his Arrival to the Emperor, the Empresses and the Archduchess, the Emperor dispatch'd the Count _de Molard_ the chief Steward of his Kitchen to him, as the Empresses and the Archduchesses did the Gentlemen of their Housholds, to compliment him thereupon: Next Day the Prince came _incognito_ to the Convent of Nuns founded by the Empress _Amelia_, who also repair'd thither with the Two Archduchesses her Daughters. After an Interview of about Half an Hour, the Archduchess, that was to be marry'd, and the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_, went to the Church, and there confess'd; which done, the Prince return'd to his House, which, as I have had the Honour to observe to you, was Two Leagues from _Vienna_. He came again from thence next Day at Six in the Evening, and alighted at the Palace _la Favorita_, where being conducted into the great Chamberlain's Apartment, he there chang'd his Cloaths, and was then introduc'd by the great Chamberlain to the Emperor, and his Imperial Majesty led him to the Empress's Apartment, where were the Two Empress Dowagers and all the Archduchesses. The Emperor presented the Prince to them, and then they went to the Chapel in the following Order: The March was begun by all the Lords and Ladies of the Court; then came the Electoral Prince, with one of his Gentlemen, bearing a Wax Candlestick before him. The Emperor immediately follow'd the Prince, and then came the Three Empresses and the Archduchess, who was supported by the Two Empress Dowagers, the Empress Regent walking foremost, as she always did where-ever they went: The latter had on a Straw-colour'd Gown of Silver Tissue, adorn'd with Diamonds, and her Head Dress was adorn'd all over with Pearls like Pears. The Archduchess, whom I shall hereafter call the _Electoral Princess_, was also very richly dress'd; she wore a Fardingale, and her Gown was of Silver Brocade adorn'd with Diamonds: Next to the Princess the Three Archduchesses walk'd one after another, led each by their Equerries: These Princesses were follow'd by their Ladies, whose Dresses were of extraordinary Magnificence. As soon as the Electoral Prince and Princess were arriv'd in the Chapel, they received the nuptial Benediction from the Archbishop of _Vienna_. When the Ceremony was ended, the Imperial Family return'd to the Empress's Closet, where they stay'd near Two Hours, and then repair'd to the Table, in the same Order as they observ'd when they went to the Church. The Hall of the Festival was set off in an extraordinary manner; the Table was plac'd upon a Floor rais'd Three Steps, which form'd an oblong Square. The Emperor and the Three Empresses sate at one End; the Electoral Princess sate on the Right Side of the Table, and at the Right Hand of the Empress Mother; the Electoral Prince, who had the second Place on the Right Hand of the Princess, had a Chair with only a Back to it, and was serv'd by one of his own Chamberlains; whereas the Princess and the Archduchesses sate in Arm-chairs, and were attended by the Emperor's Chamberlains: Over-against the Princess, on the Left Hand of the Empress _Amelia_, sate the Archduchess her Daughter, and the Two Archduchesses the Emperor's Sisters: The Court Ladies stood all round the Table till their Imperial Majesties had each drank once, and then they went to sit down at Tables serv'd in different Rooms, but return'd to the Desart: There was such a Number of Services, that the Supper held a long time, during which it was animated by excellent Music: In the same Room a Sort of Gallery was erected for the _Turkish_ Ambassador, who saw all the Supper, and was attended by 30 of his Domestics. Care was taken to serve him with Sweetmeats and other Refreshments; and the Interpreter having ask'd him what he thought of the Magnificence of the Court of _Vienna_; he answer'd very gallantly, That noble as this Appearance was, there was nothing so grand in the whole Entertainment as the Person of the Empress.

After Supper was ended, the Empress Dowagers led the Princess into her own Apartment, and did not retire till she was in Bed: Next Day the Prince and Princess receiv'd the Compliments of the whole Court; they din'd afterwards with the Emperor and the Empresses, and at Night went and saw a new Opera, that was compos'd upon account of their Nuptials. The Emperor sate there as usual, with the Empress on his Left Hand, and the Archduchesses one after another in the same Row; the Electoral Princess preserv'd the Precedence due to her Birth; the Electoral Prince sate in the same Line as the Emperor, but after all the Archduchesses. The Opera was most magnificent, yet I thought it very tedious, for really 'twas too long; and besides, the Heat was intolerable: When the Opera was over, the Imperial Family supp'd together, as they did next Day at Dinner, which was the last Meal that the Prince and Princess made at _Vienna_; for as soon as they rose from Table, they took Leave of the Emperor and the Empresses, and set out for _Dresden_. There arose some Difficulty touching the Ceremonial that was to be observ'd as they pass'd thro' _Prague_, to avoid which the Electoral Prince went before, and pass'd round the Town; but the Princess made her Entry there.

* * * * *

As soon as the Princess was gone, I began to think what a tedious Journey I should have before I could join my Regiment, which, as I have had the Honour to tell you, was in _Sicily_. As this Journey would naturally keep me a long time out of my own Country, I was willing first of all to settle my Affairs. For this Reason I desir'd a Month's Furlough, and went to _Dresden_, from whence I sent for my Steward to come and meet me. I chose to stay at _Dresden_ rather than _Berlin_, not only on account of the Solemnity of the Princess's Entry, of which I was fond to be a Spectator, but because of the Enemies I had at the Court of _Prussia_, who would perhaps have done me some ill Office with the King. Having set out from _Vienna_ a few Days after the Electoral Princess, I arrived at _Dresden_ the same Day that her Highness made her Entry there. The Preparations made for receiving the Princess were of the utmost Magnificence, so that one could hardly imagine any thing more rich and gay. In order to give you some Idea of the _Polish_ Magnificence, I will resume my Narrative from the Time of the Princess's Departure from _Prague_.

As soon as the King had Notice that the Princess was gone from _Prague_, he sent the Count _de Wackerbarth_, Grand Master of the Artillery, at the Head of several Gentlemen, to meet her: The Count, who met the Princess on the Frontiers of _Bohemia_, complimented her in the King's Name, and presented those Officers to her which his Majesty sent to attend her; for till then she had been waited on by the Officers of the Emperor, who had all along defray'd her Expences. Her Highness proceeded in her Journey to _Pirna_, the first Town in _Saxony_, where she was receiv'd by the Electoral Prince, and saluted by the Cannon of the Castle of _Sonnenstein_. Next Day, at 7 o'Clock in the Morning, the Prince and Princess went on board the _Bucentaure_, which was a Galley finely rigg'd, and call'd by that Name, because 'twas built after the Model of the _Bucentaure_ of _Venice_: Their Galley was accompany'd by 100 Gondolas, painted and richly gilded, and by 12 Fregates, from 6 to 12 Guns each: All the Gondoliers and Sailors had Jackets of Sky-blue Sattin, and Breeches of yellow Sattin, lac'd with Silver. With this gallant Fleet, worthy to carry _Thetis_ and _Amphitrite_, the Prince and Princess arriv'd within Half a League of _Dresden_.

The King went in Cavalcade to the Place where the Princess landed, some Hours before her Arrival, and was attended by the Nobility of his Court, all richly dres'd. The King especially was attir'd most sumptuously, in shorn Velvet of a purple Colour, adorn'd with Diamonds, to the Value of Two Millions of Crowns: He caus'd his Standard to be carry'd before him by a _Polander_, arm'd _cap-a-pie_. As soon as he came to the Landing-Place, he made a Review of the Train that was to compose the Entry, and retir'd afterwards to a magnificent Tent, lin'd with yellow Velvet, adorn'd with Silver Lace, to wait the Arrival of the Princess.

As soon as the _Bucentaure_ came near enough to be seen from Land, she made a triple Discharge of all her Artillery, which were answer'd by the Cannon of Five Yatchts that were at Anchor on the _Elbe_, over-against the King's Tent, and from the Batteries on Shore.

During this the King went to the Ships, over a Bridge erected for that Purpose, and cover'd with green Tapistry, sprinkled with Flowers. The _Bucentaure_ dropping her Anchor, the Princess made ready to meet the King: When she came near him, she would fain have kiss'd his Hand, but the Monarch embrac'd her tenderly, and conducted her to his Tent, where he had some Conversation with the Prince and Princess, and then left them to return to _Dresden_.

The Prince and Princess sate down to Table, and a grand Breakfast was serv'd up; then the Boards of the Tent were struck down, that their Highnesses might see the Troops and Equipage march by that were to compose their Retinue at their Entry into _Dresden_: All this lasted about Two Hours; then came a stately Coach drawn by Eight Horses, being the Equipage that was for the Princess, who sate in it alone, while the Prince her Husband rode on Horseback, and they made their Entry with all the Pomp and Magnificence possible.

I own to you, _Madame_, that I was so charmed with the Disposition that was observ'd in this Procession, and especially with the Richness and Elegancy of the Habiliments, that I cannot resist the Temptation I feel to give you the Particulars, but must submit to it, tho' I run the Risque perhaps of being thought too tedious.

The Cavalcade was open'd by the King's Harbinger on Horseback, in the _Saxon_ Livery, which was yellow Cloth, with broad Lace of blue Velvet, mix'd with Silver Lace.

Then came 2 Post Masters.

The Baron _de Mordax_, Post Master General, preceded by his Domestics on Foot.

40 Post Masters of _Saxony_ clad in white with yellow Lace, the whole edg'd with Silver, as were also the Housings of their Horses, which were all over black.

100 Postilions dress'd in yellow with blue Lace, they had Caps like Dragoons, and the Housings of their Horses were embroider'd with the King's Arms.

120 Led Horses richly caparison'd, belonging to the chief Lords of the Court.

A Kettle-Drummer and 6 Trumpets, dress'd in the antique Garb in black Cloth and yellow, with Gold Lace.

50 Halberdiers on Horseback, dress'd also in the antique manner, in the yellow, black and gold Colours, bearing Halberds: These represented the ancient Guards of the Electors of _Saxony_.

The Nobility of _Lusatia_ dress'd in black Velvet, with Buttons and Button-holes of Gold.

24 Horses cover'd with great Housings of yellow Cloth, adorn'd with 2 Silver Lace Edgings, and the embroider'd Arms of the 24 Cities or Provinces of _Saxony_ and _Poland_.

A Kettle-Drummer and 6 Trumpets, habited like the former.

The Nobility of _Saxony_ dress'd in black Velvet Coats, with Buttons and Loops of Gold, and Waistcoats of Gold Brocade.

50 Halberdiers on Horseback, dress'd and arm'd like the former.

A Regiment of Dragoons, whose Regimental Cloaths were red, fac'd with grey, and edg'd with Silver Galoon; the Housings of the Horses were likewise red, and embroider'd with Silver; and the Dragoons were dress'd exactly like the Officers, only they had not Silver Lace.

120 Coaches and 6 Horses belonging to the Chamberlains and Ministers, each preceded by Lackeys and Running-Footmen, and surrounded by Heydukes, with 2 Pages in Front.

The King's Huntsmen, consisting of 200 Persons, dress'd in green with Silver Lace.

A Regiment of Horse-Grenadiers, cloath'd in red, turn'd up with green: The Officers had Gold Lace, and their Caps were likewise embroider'd with Gold.

An Equerry of the Princess Royal, attended by 2 Grooms in the _Saxon_ Livery on Horseback.

25 Hunting Horses, all _English_, belonging to the Electoral Prince: The Horses were cover'd with Housings of yellow Cloth, lac'd with Silver, and embroider'd with the Arms of _Poland_ and _Saxony_.

Another of the Electoral Prince's Equerries, at the Head of 36 Led Horses belonging to his Highness, which had Housings of yellow Velvet, adorn'd with Lace and Fringe of Silver; the Arms of _Poland_ and _Saxony_ being embroider'd upon each of the Saddle-cloths in 2 Escutcheons under a Royal Pavilion.

A Regiment of _Cuirassiers_, having their Cuirasses gilt, with white and straw-colour'd Plumes on their Helmets.

A Herald at Arms, wearing a Vest of yellow and blue Velvet, embroider'd with Silver, and a Cap of black Velvet, adorn'd with white and blue Plumes of Feathers.

A Kettle-Drummer and 12 Trumpeters in the Livery of _Saxony_.

3 of the King's Equerries, follow'd by 36 _English_ Horses, belonging to his Majesty, with Housings like to those of the Prince's Hunting Horses.

The Governor and Sub-Governor of the Pages, in Cloaks of black Damask, adorn'd with black and Gold Lace.

24 of the King's Pages, dress'd in the antique Mode, with Cloaks of blue and yellow Sattin, adorn'd with Lace, in the _Saxon_ Livery; and with black Velvet Caps, adorn'd with white and blue Plumes.

40 Manag'd Horses, with Housings of yellow Velvet, embroider'd with Silver, led by Grooms in the _Saxon_ Livery on Horseback.

An Equerry, follow'd by a Couple of Grooms in the _Saxon_ Livery on Horseback.

24 Coaches of the King as Elector, with Sets of Horses of several Colours.

A Kettle-Drummer and 12 Trumpeters in the _Saxon_ Livery.

A Litter of the King's, plated all over with Silver, and adorn'd with yellow Velvet, embroider'd with Silver, carry'd by a Couple of Mules, richly harness'd: Their Bells were all of Silver, and their Pannels of yellow Velvet, embroider'd with Silver; they had great Plumes on their Heads of blue and white Feathers, and the Muleteers were dress'd in the _Spanish_ Mode, but in the _Saxon_ Livery.

After this Litter there follow'd 24 Mules, cover'd with yellow Cloth Housings, lac'd with Silver, and embroider'd with the Royal Arms; they had blue and white Plumes of Feathers, and their Bells and Paniers were of solid Silver.

A Regiment of _Cuirassiers_, whose Cuirasses were wash'd with Silver, and Helmets tufted with red and white Plumes.

A Herald at Arms, with a Vest of straw-colour'd Velvet, embroider'd with Gold, with the Arms of _Poland_.

2 Equerries in the _Polish_ Habit.

A Kettle-Drummer and 12 of the King's Trumpeters in the _Polish_ Dress, in Scarlet with blue Velvet Lace, mix'd with Gold Lace.

36 _Polish_ Led Horses, having red Velvet Housings, with the King's Arms in Gold Embroidery.

A Governor of the _Polish_ Pages on Horseback, follow'd by 24 Pages in the _Polish_ Habit, of Scarlet with Vests of blue Sattin, the whole edg'd with an open Gold Lace.

3 of the King's Equerries in the _Polish_ Dress, Follow'd by 24 _Turkish_ Horses richly caparison'd _alamode de Turky_, led by Grooms in the _Polish_ Livery, but _Turkish_ Habit, walking on Foot, and bearing each on their Left Arm a Tyger's Skin, edg'd with scarlet Velvet, lac'd with Gold, and embroider'd with the King's Arms.

24 open Calashes, drawn each by 6 _Polish_ Horses, drove by Coachmen and Postilions in the _Polish_ Habit.

A Litter of red _Spanish_ Leather, lin'd with straw-colour'd Velvet, embroider'd with Gold, carry'd by 2 Mules, caparison'd after the _Turkish_ Mode, with Pannels of scarlet Velvet, embroider'd with Gold, and drove by Muleteers in the _Turkish_ Dress, but with the _Polish_ Livery.

24 Mules caparison'd after the _Turkish_ manner, with scarlet Velvet embroider'd with Gold.

A Regiment of Horse-Grenadiers dress'd in red, fac'd with blue, as were also the Officers, only with the Addition of a Silver Lace.

All the Colonels and Generals of the Troops dress'd uniform in Scarlet, with gilt Buttons.

The Veldt Marshal the Count _de Flemming_.

A Regiment of Dragoons in a red Livery fac'd with blue; only the Officers had their Facings and Vest embroider'd with Silver.

2 Harbingers of the Court.

All the Gentlemen of the Bedchamber, the Chamberlains and Ministers on Horseback, who were follow'd at some Distance by the Grand Marshal.

A Regiment of Dragoons, dress'd in red with yellow Facings, and the Coats of the Officers edg'd with a Gold Lace.

12 Running-Footmen with blue Damask Jackets lac'd with Silver, and Sashes of yellow Damask, embroider'd with Silver, and encompass'd with a Silver Fringe; these were follow'd by 24 Heydukes in the _Saxon_ Livery.

The Hundred _Swiss_ Guards, dress'd after the antique manner in the _Saxon_ Liveries, walking in Two Files, with their Officers in the _French_ Mode at their Head, in Sky-blue Coats, all of the same Pattern, with Silver Buttons and Button-holes, and Belts of Silver.

The Electoral Prince of _Saxony_ was in the midst of the Hundred _Swiss_; he had a Coat on of Cloth of Silver, embroider'd with Gold and Diamonds, and was mounted on a fine _Spanish_ Horse, the intire Equipage whereof was of Gold adorn'd with Diamonds. The Count _de Lutzelbourg_, great Steward of his Houshold, and the Baron _de Galen_, one of the Prince's Chamberlains, immediately follow'd him.

The Prince was attended by 36 Footmen in the _Saxon_ Livery, and by a Company of the King's Life-Guards.

Then came at a little Distance a Moor on Horseback, in the _Turkish_ Dress, all in Gold and Silver Brocade, bearing a Quiver of Arrows; he was follow'd by 24 Moors, dress'd also in the _Turkish_ Habit, in scarlet Cloaths edg'd with blue and Gold Lace, and long Vests of white Sattin; and upon their Turbans they wore very fine Tufts of Feathers.

Immediately after came the Princess's Coach between Two Files of the Hundred _Swiss_; 'twas adorn'd with crimson Velvet, cover'd all over with Gold Embroidery; the Roof was adorn'd with 8 great Plumes of white Feathers, and in the middle there were Tufts of Herons Feathers: This Equipage was drawn by 8 stately _Neapolitan_ Horses, which had Harnesses of Crimson Velvet embroider'd with Gold, and Plumes of white Feathers upon their Heads, with noble Housings of Crimson Velvet embroider'd with Gold, and edg'd with Gold Fringe, which hung down to the Ground: The Coachman, Postilions and 8 Grooms led the Horses by Strings and Reins of Gold, and they had Coats of crimson Velvet, with Waistcoats fac'd with blue Velvet, and adorn'd with a broad Gold Lace.

Immediately after her Highness's Coach the chief Steward of her Houshold follow'd on Horseback, attended by 24 Turks in Scarlet, with fine Tufts of Feathers on their Turbans.

A Company of the Life-Guards.

5 Coaches with the _Saxon_ Livery, in which sat the Princess's chief Lady and her Maids of Honour.

A Regiment of Horse, in a red Livery fac'd with blue, clos'd the March.

With this pompous Train the Princess arriv'd at the Palace: The Streets thro' which her Highness pass'd were lin'd with 5000 Foot in new Cloaths: The Electoral Prince handed the Princess out of her Coach, and led her into the grand Apartment, where were the King and Queen and the whole Court: From the very Entrance of the Palace to the Guard-Room the Hundred _Swiss_ were drawn up in Two Rows under Arms: The Guard-Room was lin'd with the Horse-Guards in scarlet Coats fac'd with blue, and blue Cloth Waistcoats embroider'd with Gold: The Life-Guards form'd the second Row, next to the Horse-Guards.

The King and Queen went to the third Antichamber to meet the Princess, when the King presented her to the Queen, whose Hand her Highness offer'd to kiss; but her Majesty embrac'd her, and taking her by the Hand, led her after the King into the Chamber of Audience: They stay'd there a few Moments, and then their Majesties and their Highnesses went into the Closet, from whence the Queen led her back in a little time to the Chamber of Audience, where she presented all the Ladies to her. Afterwards the Princess being fatigued retir'd to her Apartment, and the Court broke up till next Morning, when there was a _Te Deum_ sung, during which there was a triple Discharge of the Cannon from the Ramparts, and of the small Arms from all the Infantry: After this Solemnity was over, the King and Queen din'd in State, at a Table forming an oblong Square, rais'd Three Steps from the Floor, and plac'd under a magnificent Canopy: The Prince and Princess din'd with their Majesties, the Prince at one End of the Table near the King, and the Princess at the other End by the Queen: They had Arm-Chairs, but not so high as were those of their Majesties.

At the same time there were 9 Tables spread for 30 Guests apiece, for the Ladies, the Courtiers, and the Foreigners: There was a fine Concert of Music during the Dinner, and at Night an _Italian_ Opera.

The Court did not assemble next Day till the Evening, when there was a grand Ball, which the King open'd with the Queen: Their Majesties danc'd a _Polish_ Dance to the Music of Kettle-Drums and Trumpets: When the Dance was over, the King led the Queen to a Place that was rais'd Three Steps above the Floor, under a rich Canopy. He then danc'd with the Princess, who danc'd afterwards with the Queen; and then the Queen danc'd with the Prince, who danc'd afterwards with the Princess: When all these Dances were ended, they began Minuets, and the Ball lasted till 2 o'Clock in the Morning, only it was thrice interrupted by Three Collations, which were serv'd up by 24 _Polish_ Pages, as many _Saxon_ Pages, and by the same Number of Moors and Turks, who had all the same Habits as they wore upon the Day of the Entry, which was a Sight as singular as it was magnificent.

The next Day after this Ball, which was the 5th of _September_, a Comedy was perform'd by _French_ Comedians, who play'd _Ariane_, and _l'Ete des Coquettes_.

On the 6th there was a Battle of Beasts in Areas that were built for the Purpose.

On the 7th there was a grand _Italian_ Opera, intitul'd _Theophanes_, in which the famous Musicians _Senesino_ and _Bercelli_ perform'd surprisingly. The Opera being longer than ordinary, the King, who sat in the Pit, supp'd there with the Queen and their Royal Highnesses: And at the same time there were little Tables serv'd in the Boxes for the Ladies.