THE HERO OF ZENTA

Life Stories for Young People

PRINCE EUGENE
THE NOBLE KNIGHT

Translated from the German of
L. Würdig

BY
GEORGE P. UPTON

Author of “Musical Memories,” “Standard Operas,” etc.
Translator of “Memories,” “Immensee,” etc.

WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS

CHICAGO
A. C. McCLURG & CO.
1910

Copyright
A. C. McClurg & Co.
1910
Published September 24, 1910

THE PLIMPTON PRESS
[W · D · O]
NORWOOD · MASS · U · S · A

Translator’s Preface

The story of the brilliant career of Eugene,generally known as Prince Eugene of Savoy,has its special lesson for youth. He wasintended for the Church, but was ambitious for amilitary career. Louis the Fourteenth had markedout for him the profession of an abbé; but monarchs,even the most powerful, do not always dispose.When “the little Capuchin,” as he was contemptuouslycalled, applied to that sovereign for a commissionin the French army and was refused it, heshook the French dust from his feet and went toAustria, resolved that France some day should sufferfor that refusal. The story shows how his resolutionwas carried out. The Austrian Emperor gladlywelcomed him. He rose from a subordinate positionin the army to become one of the greatest generalsof his time. All Europe felt the strength of the“little Capuchin’s” arm. He was a born soldierand war was the passion of his life. His career,seems almost like an inspiration. He won battles,often against largely superior forces, by the rapidityand dash of his attacks, by a personal courage whichnever wavered, and by a magnetic influence whichinspired the admiration of his own soldiers and fearamong his enemies. He was in the field more thanfifty years. The ten peaceful years of his life weredevoted to literature and the arts; but the battle-fieldwas the scene of his life’s success. The storywhich his life has for youth is the result which maybe accomplished, not merely on battle-fields, but inevery department of action, by determined purpose,resolute will, and tireless industry. The “littleCapuchin” spurned the ease and comfort and luxuryof an abbé for the rough fare of the soldier, and madehimself the foremost general of his time by the exerciseof these qualities.

G. P. U.

Chicago, July, 1910.

Contents

CHAPTER PAGE

  Prologue xi

I The Little Capuchin 13

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