#bardili

1703. Mart. - den 7. Gewiß ists, daß sich ein zärtliches Gemüth zu solcher Veränderung langsam würde entschlossen, sondern wenigstens, so lang es immer möglich, und die Gelegenheit es lidte, der Commodität bedient haben. Es war dieses ein Werck eines rechten Philosophi, alles so schnell zu vergessen, und darnach zu eilen, worvor sonsten ein jeder eine Aversion hat. Und dieses ist eben das Kennzeichen eines vortrefflichen Sinnes, und eines edlen Gemüths, wenn es das Gute eben so gleich gültig, und ohne Bewegung verlassen, als deme, was unangenehm, freudig entgegen gehen kan. Man sahe auch so gar keine Empfindlichkeit über deme, was Sie verliessen, auf dieser gantzen Reyse an Ihnen, daß die Begierde nach denen bevorstehenden Beschwerlichkeiten täglich sich vergrössert, und Ihnen Stunde und Weile lang wurde, biß Sie die Pohlnischen Gräntzen erreichten, wie dann fast bey jeder Veränderung der Posten das Dero erste Frage war, wie weit es noch nach Pohlen, und nach Warschau seye, waren dahero gantz froh, daß sie bald aus denen Pommerischen in die Cassubische Gräntzen kamen, welches den 4ten Tag, nachdem Sie von Berlin aufgebrochen, glücklich, jedoch wegen der grossen Kälte, und sehr tieffen Schnees nicht sonder hefftige Beschwerlichkeit geschahe. Hier bekamen Sie schon einen Vorschmack von Pohlen: Dann hier hatte alles eine andere Gestalt, als in denen Ländern, welche Sie bißhero passiret.

1703. Mart. - 7th.

It's certain, that a tender mind would have decided on such changes slowly, but at least, as long as if it were ever possible, and the possibility would suffer it, make use of the commodity. Such was the work of a true philosopher, to forget all of it so quickly, and to rush towards that of which everyone else has an aversion to. And this exactly is the indicator of a superb sense and a noble mind, when it can leave the good just as indifferently and without motion, as it can go joyfully towards that which is uncomfortable. One also didn't see any pettishness at all during the entire journey on Him about what He left, that the desire for these impending difficulties increased daily, and hour and while were getting long for him until He reached the Polish borders, as then at nearly every change of the posts His first question was, how far it is still till Poland and till Warsaw, was therefore very happy that they soon came out of those Pomeranian into the Kashubian borders, which happened on the 4th day after He had departed from Berlin, fortunately, however because of the great cold and very deep snow not without severe troubles. Here He already got a foretaste of Poland: Because here everything had a different shape than in those countries which He had until now passed through.

(edited 7th August, 2025)

Johann Wendel Bardili was born 24th March 1676 in Reutlingen to Karl Bardili (*27th January 1641, Tübingen, +12th July 1711, Göppingen) and his wife Christina née Kurrer (*25th December 1646, Reutlingen, +13th December 1691, Calw) in the Duchy of Württemberg. Bardili was born into a line of physicians as both his father, as well his paternal grandfather (also Karl, *25th May 1600, Stuttgart, +8th November 1647, Tübingen) were medical doctors. The latter was even a ducal personal physician.

He was immatriculated into the university of Tübingen in 1692 to study theology, became a bacchalaureate in 1694, a magister in 1695, and defended his thesis "Exercitatio Theologica De Thesauro Ecclesiæ Romanæ Indulgentiario" (Theological Exercise on the Treasury of Indulgences of the Roman Church) in 1700.

In 1703 he was contracted to accompany Prince Maximilian Emanuel von Württemberg on his journey to and with Karl XII. There is an archival item which documents Duchess Eleonora Juliane's instructions to him, however it's not digitized and therefore beyond my current state of research. An arrangement like this, that a recent university graduate would accompany a noble charge on a Grand Tour or academic studies abroad was quite common, and one of the ways that men of more modest means could travel and broaden their own education. In this case though while he certainly saw many places and their curiosities, Maximilian's journey is one of clear military menteeship with Karl XII as his foremost teacher.

The role he is ascribed according to the title of that item is that of a teacher. Oftentimes he is also referred to as travel preacher for the prince. The only self-ascribed role we have for that time period is that of a secretary in his own publication. His book on Max does not contain any further descriptions of his work during Max's lifetime. After his death Bardili was assigned the task of arranging his funeral.

After this had been accomplished he returned to Stuttgart and took up a professorship there at the Gymnasium Illustre in 1710 which position he held until 1730.

During this time falls his marriage on the 10th July 1714 with the fifteen year old Maria Eleonora Meurer (*8th July 1699, Stuttgart, +23rd September 1753, Herbrechtingen), the daughter of the gymnasium's headmaster, Tobias Meurer (*4th March 1648, Besigheim, +28th February 1725, Stuttgart) and his second wife Maria Elisabetha née Härlin (*10th November 1662, +15th June 1707, Stuttgart), who in a first marriage was married to Georg Sigmund Schott.

In the same year he published his account on the aftermath of the battle of Poltava, the flight through the Ukrainian steppe to Bender. The same book was reprinted in Stralsund in 1715 without the foreword, but an added section propagandising news about Karl XII.

I admit that I struggled to understand where and when Bardili managed to reunite with the prince (or if he did at all), as other servants seem to have made their way to him right after his capture. So for a time I wasn't sure if that was actually his account or if he had published someone elses, especially since both editions were published anonymously, and in the foreword to his Max biography where the account is added as well he doesn't clearly claim ownership of it.

However a source detailing the events of the year 1727, especially surrounding the area of Tübingen, makes mention of Bardili and this account. Here it is said that Bardili published the first part of his account "as is known" without his name, and is now looking for a publisher for the second part of his account, probably meaning what would eventually result in the 1730 first edition of it. The most telling piece of information, which helps clear up the remaining confusion of his whereabouts right after the battle of Poltava: that he went to Bender since he was ripped from his prince after the battle of Poltava.

The first ten children of Bardili were born in Stuttgart between 1715 and 1731, the last four in Herbrechtingen up until 1737. Two were stillbirths, the others were 8 girls and 4 boys. One daughter Christiana Elisabeth (*14th March 1717) went on to marry a son of Johann David Frisch, who we will get to know as well.

He finally published the book on Prince Maximilian Emanuel in 1730 on his own dime. The reason he gives that his account was so delayed is that he did not want to burden the prince's mother with the renewed attention brought to her deceased son, which was apparently still causing her a great deal of grief, even years later. After she had died in 1724, there were no more concerns however.

In the same year he was made provost of Herbrechtingen where he worked and lived out the remaining years of his life until his death on 12th September 1740, dying at the age of 64.

link to part one of the transcript and translation of his work

Sources:

1703. Mart. - den 10ten. Inzwischen waren der Printz doch immer gutes Muths, und blieben vest auf der Meynung, daß dieses alles nur Spargementen, und von denen erdichtet wären, die solches wahr zu seyn wünschten, und das um so mehr, weilen man jederzeit gewohnt war, von denen Schweden viel falsches vorzugeben, diese aber mit ihrem tapferen Stillschweigen sich begnügten, und mehrers thaten als schrieben, nach der Art der alten Teutschen, von denen es heißt: Plura dicenda & scribeda faciebant, quàm facta scribebant. Das ist: Sie schrieben nicht so viel, was sie gethan, als sie thaten, was schreibens- und rühmenswürdig war. Worauf sich auch der Printz verließ, und indessen mit Besichtigung der Stadt, des Zeughauses und übriger Raritäten, darunter der Tauffstein in den Marien-Kirche, der 24000 Reichsthaler gekostet, und das Gemähld vom Jüngsten Gericht, worvor Käyser Rudolph II. 40000 fl. ein König in Franckreich aber eine Tonne Golds geboten, sich divertirten, anbey hoffeten, Sie würden von Ihro Königl. Maj. in Pohlen, welche damals sich mit Dero Hoff-Staat 6. Meil oberhalb Dantzig, nemlich in Marienburg aufhielten, nächstens mehrers durch den Herrn Prælat Osiander vernehmen, als welcher Sich dahin begabe, nicht allein des jüngern Printzens, welcher in Dreßden zuruck geblieben, engagement und accommodement vollends in Richtigkeit zu bringen, sondern auch das Vorhaben dieses Printzen an dasigem Hoff bekannt zu machen, mithin um benöthigte Pass- und Escorte, durch die Pohlnische Armée biß an die Schwedische Postirungen sicher gelangen zu können, sich gebührend zu bewerben, welches alles derselbige nicht allein wohl und glücklich ausgerichtet, indem Ihro Königl. Maj. zu der Fürstl. Bedienung, und Unterhalt des Printzen in Dreßden nach Dero Königl. Generosität gnädigsten Befehl dahin ertheilten, darneben auch diesen, welcher zur Schwedischen Armée zu gehen willens war, mit Passporten und Befehlen an Dero hohe Herren Generals in Pohlen versahen, sondern auch vor sich ein allergnädigstes Diploma erhielte, krafft dessen Er zu einem Kirchen- und Consistorial-Rath von dem König allergnädigst ernennet wurde: Bekame darneben von Sr. Königl. Maj. Friedens-Vorschläge, welche Er von dem König unterschrieben König Carl vorstellen solte, die auch ziemlichen Ingress fanden, ausser einem Puncten, den man Schwedischer Seits nicht accordiren wolte. Weilen man bißhero keine Gewißheit von des Königs in Schweden Leben oder Tod wußte, so fragte Herr Praelat Osiander den König in Pohlen, was S. Maj. von Solchem wisse? deme Sie antworteten: Er lebet, und solle leben, dann es wäre schad, wann ein Solcher Herr umkäme: welche Rede hernach König Carolo hinterbracht, und nicht ohne Bewegung angehört wurde.

1703. Mart. - 10th.

In the meantime the Prince however was always in good spirits and remained firmly of the opinion, that these all were just false news, and invented by those who wished this to be true, and even more so, because one was at all times used to purport many wrong things about the Swedes, these however settled for their brave silence, and acted more than they wrote, in the manner of the old Germans, of which it is written: Plura dicenda & scribeda faciebant, quàm facta scribebant. That is: They wrote not so much about what they had done, than they did, what was worthy of writing and praising. This the Prince relied on too, and in the meantime diverted himself with the sightseeing of the city, the armory and other rarities, including the baptismal font in the St. Mary's Church, which had cost 24000 Reichstaler, and the painting of the the Last Judgement, for which Emperor Rudolph II. had offered 40000 fl., a king of France however a ton of gold, meanwhile hoped that He would soon hear more from His Royal Majesty in Poland, who at the time was staying 6 miles above Danzig, specifically in Marienburg, through the Prelate Osiander, since He was taking Himself there, not only to fully arrange the engagement and accommodement of the younger Prince, who had stayed in Dresden, but also to announce the intention of this Prince at the Court there, thus to properly apply for the needed pass and escort to safely arrive through the Polish army at the Swedish positions, all of which the same not only achieved well and fortunately, since His Royal Majesty issued with His Royal generosity there his most gracious order for the Princely service and maintenance of the Prince in Dresden, besides that equipped the one, who was willing to go to the Swedish army, with passports and orders to His lord gentlemen generals in Poland, but also for himself received a diploma through the power of which He was named a Church and Consistorial Councillor: In addition received from His Royal Majesty peace proposals, which, signed by the King, he was supposed to present to King Carl, which indeed found some ingress, except for one point, which one didn’t want to accord from the Swedish side. Since one until now didn’t know no certainty of the King in Sweden’s life or death, the Prelate Osiander thus asked the King in Poland, what His Majesty knew of Him? which He answered: He lives, and shall live, because it would be a shame, when Such a Lord would lose his life: of which speech King Carolo was afterwards informed of, and was not listened to without emotion.

1703. Mart. - den 21. Es war uns also nicht schwer, von solchen lieben Leuten, und solchem angenehmen Ort zu scheiden, giengen dahero Morgends sehr frühe weiter nach Starry Bozoffky, woselbsten nach unserer Ankunfft ein Pohlnischer Edelmann uns besuchte, und vielleicht, wer wir wären, und wohin wir gedächten, ausforschen wolte. Nachdeme man Ihme aber nicht völlige Satisfaction gabe, und gleichwohlen sagte, daß der Principal dieser Reyß-Compagnie ein Gesandter seye, der gar secrete Commissionen hätte, nahme Er bald, nicht sonders vergnügt, wieder seinen Abschied, nachdem er in dem Hinausgehen, (wie wir erst hernach von dem Gutscher erfahren) mit Scurva Syny (welches ein Pohlnisches Scheltwort ist,) um sich geworffen. Hier wurde unsere Gefährtschafft durch einen Armenischen Priester, welcher ebenfalls auf Warschau, und von da nach Constantinopel gedachte, verstärcket. Uber unserem prächtigen Mittag-Mahl, welches auf Pohlnisch-oben beschriebene Weise gehalten wurde, gabe es allerhand erbauliche Discourse von dem Unterscheid des ruhigen Haus- und dieses beschwerlichen Reys-Lebens, da dann keiner war, der nicht bey gegenwärtigen Umständen, und damahliger würcklicher Empfindung des Unterscheids, jenes diesem weit vorzoge. Dann die Miseria, die sich keiner, als der sie erfahren, recht vorstellen kan, widerlegte und überwand in der That alles, was man etwan für dieserley Art zu leben vorbringen oder sprechen möchte.

1703. Mart. - 21st.

It therefore wasn’t difficult for us to part from such lovely people and such a pleasant place, thus went very early in the morning further till Starry Bozoffky, whereat after our arrival a Polish nobleman visited us, and maybe wanted to determine who we were and where we were headed. But after one didn’t give Him full satisfaction and at the same time said, that the principal of this travel company was an envoy, who even had secret commissions, He soon, not especially happily, took his leave again, after he had while walking out (as we then only learned from the driver afterwards) thrown around Scurva Syny (which is a Polish abusive word). Here our company was reinforced by an Armenian priest, who was headed towards Warsaw as well and from there to Constantinopel, During our splendid lunch, which was held in the Polish-above described manner, there were all kinds of elevating discourses on the difference of the calm home- and this arduous travel life, since there then was no-one, who at the current circumstances and at the time real perception of the difference, preferred that by far before this. Because the misery, which no-one, but who experienced it, can correctly imagine, disproved and surmounted indeed everything, which one might argue or speak for this way to live.

first part - previous part - next part foreword first travelogue

Scurva Syny probably is "kurwa syny" which can be translated as whoresons

1703. Mart. - den 31ten zu Okoinovv kommt der Printz zum König Sie wurden ohne von jemanden befragt, und angehalten zu werden, in der ersten Stunde nach dero Ankunfft vor Ihro Königl. Majestät gelassen, und von denenselbigen gantz gnädig empfangen: überreichten nach ihrem ersten Compliment das von der Frau Mutter mitgegebene Schreiben, mit geziemender Ehrerbiethigkeit an den König, der sich herauf ihres Wohlstands erkundigte, und fragte: Ob sich der Printz auch resolviren könte, mit in das Feld zu gehen? Als er nun darauf mit einem frölichen Ja geantwortet, und bezeuget, daß es ihme die grösseste Plaisir von der Welt seyn würde, wann Sie Ihne mit zunehmen Gnädigst geruhen wolten, haben Ihro Majestät ein besonders Wohlgefallen gezeiget, auch sogleich die Ordre gestellt, daß demselben die benöthigte Equipage angeschafft wurde. Die Frau Mutter übergabe also nach dem Innhalt des überreichten Brieffs den Printzen dem Befehl und Willen dieses Christlichen Königes, und überliessen Ihnen die Wahl, ob Sie in Ansehung seiner Jugend etwa Ihne lieber nacher Stockholm biß zu mehrerer Erstarckung zu dem dasigen Holsteinischen Printzen schicken, oder mit sich in die Campagne nehmen wolten, darauf dann der König die erste Marque seiner Königlichen Zuneigung gegen dem Printzen darinnen gabe, daß er solchen lieber bey sich, als in Stockholm unter der Aufsicht anderer haben und wissen wolte: welches nachgehends der Frau Mutter, deren der König durch ein Schreiben sein Wohlgefallen an dem Printzen mit den gnädigsten Expressionen bezeugt, zu vernehmen zwar erfreulich, aber auch wegen des schwachen Alters des Printzens etwas sorglichs war: doch überliessen Sie alles GOtt und dem König, und hatten die gewisse Hoffnung, daß diese es gut machen würden. Dem Printzen wurde die Königl. Tafel auf beständig, und denen Bedienten biß auf die Laquayen die Versorgung ebenfalls aus der Königl. Küchen, auch nach dasigem Orts schlechter Beschaffenheit ein Quartier angewiesen, welches von der Hoffnung, die man sich von der Commodität eines Orts, da der König sein Quartier genommen, vorhero gemacht, weit weit entfernet war: Doch konten Sie sich um so viel besser darein schicken, weilen Sie nicht allein bereits in der Reyse dahin übel accomodirt zu seyn gelernet, sondern auch des Königs, und Printzen von Gotha Exempla vor sich sahen, die ebenfalls mit etwas geringem sich begnügten. Nebst diesem wurde Ihme auch ein Königl. Page und Laquay zur Bedienung zugeordnet, welche aber hernach in dem Felde, da ohnedem der König nicht überflüßig Diener hatte, wegen vieler Geschäfften bey dem Königl. Hofe, solche nicht lang bestreiten konten, dahero der Printz zu dero Hülffe mehrere Leute in Dienste nahmen, übrigens aber die Königl. Versicherung empfiengen, von Hofe und aus der Königl. Cassa mit aller Nothdurfft versorgt zu werden. Und weilen es nun an deme war, daß man nechstens mit zu Felde gehen, und sich zu dem Ende mit Pferdten, Zelten, Betten, Knechten, Gewöhr etc. versehen mußte, so machten Ihro Königl. Majestät hieran selbsten den Anfang, und verehrten dem Printzen nach und nach unterschiedliche Pferdte, mit allem zugehörigen Zeuge und Gewöhr, auch Zelten vor sich und dero Bedienten, worzu die Beuthen, die man kurz vorhero bey Klizow gemacht, wohl zu statten kamen.

1703. Mart. - 31st in Okoinovv the Prince joins the King

Without being questioned by anyone or stopped He was let in front of His Royal Majesty within the first hour after his arrival, and was most graciously received by the same: after the first compliment he handed over the letter given to him by his Mother to take with him to the King with the due deference, who thereupon inquired upon her wellbeing and asked: If the Prince could resolve upon going into the field as well? As he now hereon answered with a cheerful Yes, and attested that it would be the greatest pleasure in the world for him, if He graciously deigned to take Him with him, His Majesty showed a special delight, as well as immediately gave the order that the required equipage be acquired for the same. The Mother surrendered therefore according to the content of the presented letter the Prince into the command and will of this Christian King, and left Him the choice, whether He in view of his youth would perhaps rather send Him to Stockholm to the there residing Holsatian Prince until his further strengthening, or to take him with him on campaign, whereafter then the King gave the first sign of his Royal affection towards the Prince by rather wanting to know and have him with himself than in Stockholm under the supervision of others: which subsequently was pleasing to hear for the Mother, to whom the King attested his delight with the Prince in the most gracious expressions, but also concerning because of the weak age of the Prince: but she left everything to GOd and the King, and had the sure hope that these would do well. To the Prince the Royal table was permanently assigned, and to those servants, except for the lackeys, the provision from the Royal kitchen too, as well as quarters according to the bad quality of the place there, which was far from the hope one had raised beforehand about the commodity of the place where the King had taken his quarters: But He could resign himself to this the better, since He not only learned during the journey there to be badly accommodated, but also saw the King’s and Prince’s of Gotha example in front of himself, which were also making do with something poor. Next to this a Royal page and lackey were designated to Him for service, which however afterwards in the field, since the King didn’t have needless servants anyways, because of much business at the Royal Court, couldn’t maintain such for long, therefore the Prince took several people into service to their help, however after all received the Royal assurance to be provided by the Court and from the Royal treasury with all necessities. And since it was imminent, that one soon wanted to go along into the field, and for this purpose had to furnish oneself with horses, tents, beds, servants, arms etc., this His Royal Majesty made the start for this himself and bequeathed the Prince little by little with different horses, with all accompanying equipment and arms, as well tents for him and his servants, for which the spoils, that one had gained shortly beforehand at Klizow, came in handy.

1703. Mart. - den 16ten - Poln. Preussen - In Pohlen kostets nicht viel einen todt schlagen. Als man nun mit diesem allem parat war, geschahe endlich der Aufbruch von Dantzig in das Pohlnische Gebieth, oder in das Königl. Preussen. Es sahe eben nicht zum lustigsten aus, sich in ein solches Land allein mit Papiernen Escorten versehen, mitten unter 2 Pohlnische streitende Partheyen zu wagen, woselbsten es auch in denen friedlichen Zeiten nicht allzu sicher zu reysen, indeme unter dem Schein der Freyheit, deren sich diese Nation vor andern rühmet, viele Feindseeligkeiten so wohl zwischen ihnen selbst, als gegen die Frembde verübet werden, und eben vor so keine grosse Sache gehalten wird, einander todt zu schlagen, wie sie dann diesen expressam legem von Casimiro Magno haben: quamvis occidens hominem, secundum DEI & Legum Sanctiones, esset capitali pœna plectendus: Nos tamen rigorem illum temperantes statuimus, quòd occidens militem (id est nobilem) triginta (& juxta constitutionem sequenti tempore factam, 60) marcas grossorum parentibus, pueris vel amicis solvere teneatur. Das ist: Obwohl ein Todtschläger nach denen Göttlich- und Menschlichen Gesetzen am Leben zu straffen wäre, so ordnen wir dennoch diese Schärffe einiger Massen zu mässigen, und wollen hiemit, daß wenn ein solcher (es ist aber von einem Edelmann die Rede) einen Soldaten (das ist, einen Edelmann) todtschlägt, er gehalten seyn soll, entweder an dessen Elter oder Kinder, oder Freunde 30 (und nach der neuen Satzung 60) Marck Groschen zu zahlen. Und dieses gilt, wenn ein Edelmann den andern todtschläget: bringt aber ein Edelmann einen geringen Mann um, so bezahlt der Todtschläger 30 Marck, davon die Helffte dem Herrn, deme jener Unterthan war, die andere Helffte aber denen nächsten Anverwandten des Erschlagenen zukommt. Erschlägt aber ein Cmeto, das ist ein Bauer, den andern, so gibt er dem Castellan vier Marck, und den Kindern des ermordeten 6 Marck: Kan er aber nicht so viel Geld aufbringen, so wird er erst am Leben gestrafft. Es hat zwar nach diesem der König Stephanus verordnet, daß der Todtschlag an und mit dem Leben solle gestrafft werden, jedoch gehet solches nicht die Edelleute, welche doch fast den grössesten Hauffen in Pohlen ausmachen, sondern allein die gemeine Leute an. Doch scheinen auch diese Gesetze, wie viele Exempla, zeugen, da auch Edelleute von vornehmen Familien, um des Mords Fremder willen, am Leben gestrafft worden, in denen neuern Zeiten gemildert zu seyn, welches gewiß Dinge seynd, die einem Reysenden leicht einen Scrupel machen können.

1703. Mart. - 16th - Polish Prussia - In Poland it doesn’t cost much to strike someone dead.

As one was now ready with all this, finally the departure from Danzig into the Polish territory, or Royal Prussia,  occurred. It certainly didn’t look like the most amusing prospect to venture into such a land, only equipped with paper escorts, into the middle of 2 Polish warring parties, whereat it wasn’t all too safe to travel in peaceful times as well, as under the cloak of freedom, for which the nation lauds itself before others, many hostilities between each other but against the strangers as well are committed, and isn’t even thought to be a big issue, to strike each other dead, as they then have this expressam legem from Casimiro Magno: quamvis occidens hominem, secundum DEI & Legum Sanctiones, esset capitali pœna plectendus: Nos tamen rigorem illum temperantes statuimus, quòd occidens militem (id est nobilem) triginta (& juxta constitutionem sequenti tempore factam, 60) marcas grossorum parentibus, pueris vel amicis solvere teneatur. That is: Although a manslaughterer should be punished with his life after those Divine and Human laws, we order however to moderate this severity somewhat, and hereby will, that when such a one (it is however meant a nobleman) strikes a soldier (that is, a nobleman) dead, he should be compelled to either pay to his parents or children or friends 30 (and after the new statute 60) mark Groschen. And this applies, when a nobleman strikes the other dead: if however a nobleman kills a lowborn man, the manslaughterer then pays 30 marck, of which half goes to the Lord, whom yonder was subject to, but the other half to those next of kin of the slaughtered one. If however a Cmeto, that is a farmer, strikes dead another one, he then gives the castellan four marck, and the children of the murdered 6 marck: However if he can’t raise that much money, only then will he be punished with his life. Admittedly after him the King Stephanus decreed that manslaughter shall be punished with one’s life, however this doesn’t concern the noblemen, which nearly make up the greatest lot in Poland, but solely the common people. But even these laws, as many examples show, since noblemen from distinguished families were punished with their life for the murder of foreigners, have been softened in these new times, which are surely things that can easily give a traveler qualms.

1703. Aprilis. Nun ware es an deme, daß oben gemeldter Onoltzbachische Herr geheimbde Rath Baron von Voit, der biß dato bey dem Printzen verbliebe und sich aufhielte, wegen eingefallener Trauer und Tod seines Herrns zu Anspach ihne verlassen muste, daher dieser den König ersuchte, seine Stelle mit einem andern Cavalier allergnädigst zu versehen, welches Sie auch so wohl thaten, daß man ohnschwehr abnehmen konnte, Sie wissen schon wohl, was zu einer solchen Persohn vor Qualitæten erfordert werden, indem Sie an seiner Statt einen der geschicktesten und gelehrtesten Cavalieren dem Printzen zugaben, sich selbsten aber der Hoffmeisters Verrichtung anzunehmen gnädigst vorbehielten. Es fiele zwar dem Printzen etwas empfindlichs, diesen Herrn Baron so bald wieder zu verliehren, indeme Er von dessen trefflicher Conduite, stattlicher Erfahrenheit, und hohen Verstand vieles zu profitiren hoffte, doch wurde Er durch einen so beliebigen Wechsel wieder consolirt, zumahlen da jener nicht aufzuhalten ware, indem er wegen veränderter Regierung in Anspach, allwo er zu Hauß, nothwendig seyn muste. Er nahme dahero seinen Abschied bey Ihro Königl. Majestät, danckte Denenselben vor die Königliche Gnade, womit Sie den Printzen aufgenommen, und befahl Denselben Dero ferneren Hulde, gabe anbei die Versicherung, daß die Frau Mutter und das gesambte Hochfürstliche Hauß dardurch sehr soulagirt und aufgerichtet würden. Darauf er dann, nachdem ihme der König durch eine Verehrung ein Zeichen seiner besonderen Gnade gegeben, den Königlichen Hof, mithin auch seinen Printzen verließ. Und weilen man hier einige Tage stille lag, so versäumeten Se. Durchl. nicht so wohl nacher Hauß, als auch an Dero nächst Anverwandte zu schreiben, und Selbige Seines Wohlstands zu versichern.

1703. Aprilis.

Now it was time, that the above mentioned Ansbachian Lord Privy Councillor Baron von Voit, who until now remained and stayed with the Prince, because of the arisen mourning and death of his Lord in Ansbach had to leave him, therefore he appealed to the King, to most graciously furnish his place with a different cavalier, which He did so well too, that one could easily deduce that He knew quite well what qualities are needed for such a person, as He in his place gave one of the most skillful and learned cavaliers to the Prince, but graciously reserved for himself to assume the steward’s tasks. It was admittedly quite difficult for the Prince to lose this Baron so soon already, as He had hoped to profit much from his excellent conduct, considerable experience and superb wit, but He was consoled again through such a delightful change, especially since such was unstoppable, as he necessarily had to be in Ansbach because of the change in administration, where he was at home. He therefore took his leave from His Royal Majesty, thanked the same for his Royal Grace, with which He had received the Prince, and recommended the Same into His further favour, gave at that the assurance, that the Mother and the entire High Princely House were thereby much comforted and uplifted. Thereupon he, after the King had given him a sign of his special Grace through an honouring, left the Royal Court, thus his Prince as well. And since one laid still here for a couple of days, His Serene Highness didn’t neglect to write home as well as to His next of kin, to assure the Same of His wellbeing.

1703. Aprilis. - Der Pohlnische Adel nimmt keine frembde Titul an. Selbigen Abend da wir in Okoinow anlangten, kamen auch der Lithauische Feld-Herr und Schatzmeister Sapieha Gebrüder mit einem prächtigen Gefolg von Pohlnischen Edelleuthen, die ihre Bediente waren, bey dem König an. Diese hatten damahls mit dem Oginsky einen hefftigen Streit, und da dieser jenem zu mächtig war, suchten sie Schutz bey diesem König, und folgten dahero schon lange Ihme im Felde nach: Sie waren damahls beyde alte Herren, und wegen ihrer Macht, Reichthums, auch hohen Verstands, darinn sonderlich der Schatzmeister oder Podskarbi excellirte, in grossem Ansehen, wie dann eben darum der König diesen sehr wohl leiden mochte, und mit Ihme öfters viele Stunden Lateinisch discurirte, und delibirirte. Er redete neben dieser und seiner Pohlnischen Mutter-Sprach auch Frantzösisch, hatten einen Sohn, der Pisarz, oder Notarius campestris in Lithauen war, welches man vor eine noble Dignität daselbsten hält. Es ist diese Familie eine der Allervornehmsten und Mächtigsten in Pohlen und Lithauen, und hat die Ehre gehabt, daß der Römische Kayser dieser beeden Brüder Herrn Vatter als einen Gesandten vom König Wladislao den Titul eines Fürsten des Römischen Reichs anerbote, welchen aber anzunehmen Er mit aller modestie abschlug, in dem Er sagte, Er habe unter dem einigen Nahmen eines Pohlnischen Edelmanns, alle Titul, die Ihme gebührten, mit sich nacher Wien gebracht. Dann es halten die Pohlen darfür, es werde nicht allein der Majestät ihres Königes etwas benommen, sondern auch einem auswärtigen Fürsten einiges Recht über einen Pohlnischen von Adel verstattet, wenn sie von einem solchen neue Ehren-Titul annehmen: Ja sie meynen, es seye einem freyen Adel, der unter sich an grossen Tituln einander gleich ist, solche Ehre sehr nachtheilig, wie dann aus eben dieser Ursache ehemalen die Pohlnische Senatores, die mit Sigismundo ihrem König nacher Wien, an den Kayserl. Hof kamen, dergleichen Ehren-Titul, da Kayser Maximilianus denen Vornehmsten derselben den Fürstlichen, denen übrigen aber, den Gräfflichen Titul zu Bezeugung seiner Gnade offerirt, ebenfalls abgebetten und gesagt: Sie wollen mit ihrem Lands-Adel zu frieden seyn, indem sie vermeynten, Ihr König und die Republique gebe ihnen überflüßig gnug Ehre und Ansehen. Woraus dann abzunehmen, da Sie ihren Lands-Adel nicht geringer halten, als den Fürsten- Grafen- und Baronen-Stand, wie dann auch diejenige, die unter ihnen Principes, oder Comites, oder Barones genennet werden, dessentwegen vor einem andern von Adel, der über einnigen District zu gebiethen hat, keine prærogativ haben, es seye dann Er habe ein höheres Ambt von der Crone, oder in Lithauen. Doch liessen sich diese Sapieha les Comtes von denen Schweden heissen, von denen Pohlen aber wurden Sie nach ihren Aembtern titulirt. Wie hoch diese beyde Herren bey dem Könige angesehen, liesse sich wohl daraus schliessen, daß Er dieselbige erst bey der Nacht zu Pferd einige Zeit gegen Warschau begleitete. Der Printz wurde bald mit diesen Herren bekandt, und sonderlich von dem Schatzmeister, welcher ein besonderer Liebhaber der Jagd ware, sehr geliebet, wie Sie dann nachgehends öffters, wann Sie etwa einen müßigen Tag gehabt, sich mit Jagen divertirt.

1703. Aprilis. - The Polish nobility doesn’t take on foreign titles.

The same evening that we reached Okoinow, the Lithuanian commander and treasurer brothers Sapieha with a splendid entourage of Polish nobles, which were their servants, arrived at the King. These at the time had a severe dispute with Oginsky, and since he was too powerful for those, they sought protection with this King, and therefore had already been following Him in the field for long: They were at the time both old gentlemen, and because of their power, wealth, as well as high wit, in which especially the treasurer or Podskarbi excelled, in great esteem, as then because of this the King liked him very well, and oftentimes debated and deliberated with him for many hours in Latin. He spoke next to this and his Polish mother tongue French as well, had a son, who was Pisarz, or Notarius campestris, in Lithuania, which one there thinks to be a noble dignity. This family is one of the most noble and powerful in Poland and Lithuania, and had the honour, that the Roman Emperor had offered the father of these two brothers as an envoy of King Wladislao the title of a Prince of the Roman Empire, but which He refused to accept with all modesty by saying, He has under the sole name of a Polish noble brought all titles which are due to him with him to Vienna. Because the Poles consider that not alone something is taken from the Majesty of the King, but also that a foreign Prince is permitted some right over a Pole of nobility, when they accept from such a new honorary title: They indeed think, such an honour would be detrimental to a free nobility, which is equal amongst each other in great titles, as then for exactly this reason once the Polish senators, that came with their King Sigismundo to Vienna to the Imperial Court, when Emperor Maximilianus offered the foremost of the same the princely, those others however the comital title as proof of his Grace, apologised as well and said: They wanted to be satisfied with their landed nobility, as they thought Their King and the Republique were giving them superfluous honour and esteem enough. From which can be believed that they don’t think their landed nobility less as the prince, count or baron class, as then those, that among them are called Principes, or Comites, or Barones, also don’t have a prerogative because of this over someone else of nobility, that rules over some amount of land, except if He has a higher office from the Crown or in Lithuania. But those Sapiehas let themselves be called les Comtes from those Swedes, but from those Poles They were titled according to their offices. How highly esteemed these two Lords were by the King could arguably be concluded that he accompanied the same on horse for some time towards Warsaw already at night. The Prince was soon acquainted with these two Lords, and especially loved very much by the treasurer, who was a special connoisseur of the hunt, as They then afterwards occasionally, whenever They had an idle day, diverted themselves with hunting.