Note 387 — Chapter XIX · THE PEACE OF WESTPHALIA: LAST STAGE IN THE DECLINE OF THE EMPIRE.
Reading edition
'The bold Bavarian, in a luckless hour, Tries the dread summits of Cæsarian power. With unexpected legions bursts away, And sees defenceless realms receive his sway.... The baffled prince in honour's flattering bloom Of hasty greatness finds the fatal doom; His foes' derision and his subjects' blame, And steals to death from anguish and from shame.' Johnson, Vanity of Human Wishes.