While these all important matters were under discussion, the queen, on the 13th of March, gave birth to a son, the Archduke Joseph.  This event strengthened the queen’s resolution, to preserve, not only for herself, but for her son and heir, the Austrian empire in its integrity.  From her infancy she had imbibed the most exalted ideas of the dignity and grandeur of the house of Hapsburg.  She had also been taught that her inheritance was a solemn trust which she was religiously bound to preserve.  Thus religious principle, family pride and maternal love all now combined to increase the inflexibility of a will which by nature was indomitable.

CHAPTER XXVII.

MARIA THERESA.

From 1741 to 1743.

Character of Francis, Duke of Lorraine.—­Policy of European Courts.—­Plan of the Allies.—­Siege of Prague.—­Desperate Condition of the Queen.—­Her Coronation in Hungary.—­Enthusiasm of the Barons.—­ Speech of Maria Theresa.—­Peace with Frederic of Prussia.—­His Duplicity.—­Military Movement of the Duke of Lorraine.—­Battle of Chazleau.—­Second Treaty with Frederic.—­Despondency of the Duke of Bavaria.—­March of Mallebois.—­Extraordinary Retreat of Belleisle.—­Recovery of Prague by the Queen.

Maria Theresa, as imperial in spirit as in position, was unwilling to share the crown, even with her husband.  Francis officiated as her chief minister, giving audience to foreign ambassadors, and attending to many of the details of government, yet he had but little influence in the direction of affairs.  Though a very handsome man, of polished address, and well cultivated understanding, he was not a man of either brilliant or commanding intellect.  Maria Theresa, as a woman, could not aspire to the imperial throne; but all the energies of her ambitious nature were roused to secure that dignity for her husband.  Francis was very anxious to secure for himself the electoral vote of Prussia, and he, consequently, was accused of being willing to cede Austrian territory to Frederic to purchase his support.  This deprived him of all influence whenever he avowed sentiments contrary to those of the queen.

England, jealous of the vast continental power of France, was anxious to strengthen Austria, as a means of holding France in check.  Seldom, in any of these courts, was the question of right or wrong considered, in any transaction.  Each court sought only its own aggrandizement and the humiliation of its foes.  The British cabinet, now, with very considerable zeal, espoused the cause of Maria Theresa.  Pamphlets were circulated to rouse the enthusiasm of the nation, by depicting the wrongs of a young and beautiful queen, so unchivalrously assailed by bearded monarchs in overwhelming combination.  The national ardor was thus easily kindled.  On the 8th of August the King of England, in an animated speech from the throne, urged Parliament to support Maria Theresa, thus to