Note 51 — Chapter XIII · THE CAMPAIGN OF MOLLWITZ.

Leopold of Anhalt-Dessau was one of the most extraordinary men of any age. His life was but a constant whirlwind of battle, almost from his birth in 1676, to his death in 1747. His face was of the “color of gunpowder,” and his fearless, tumultuous soul was in conformity with the rugged body in which it was incased. The whole character of the man may be inferred from the following prayer, which it is said he was accustomed to offer before entering battle: “O God! assist our side. At least, avoid assisting the enemy, and leave the result to me.” Leopold, called the Old Dessauer, and his son, the Young Leopold, were of essential service to Frederick in his wars. Pages might be filled illustrative of the character of this eccentric man.