GEORGE V.
One morning, when the trees on either side of the long avenue leading
from Hanover to the royal residence were still clad in their brightest,
freshest green, a carriage rolled rapidly along, and approached the
gilded iron gate which shuts off the outer entrance to the castle.
The carriage drew up before the entrance to the inner courtyard.
A slight man, somewhat under the middle height, alighted; he was about
thirty-six years of age, very fair, with a long drooping moustache upon
the upper lip, and he was dressed in black with a grey overcoat.
This man walked in at the side gateway in the corner of the principal
building of the old electoral and royal palace, built by the renowned
Le Notre, and resembling a miniature of Versailles; he passed through a
long passage which led directly to King George V.'s Cabinet.
Before the door of this cabinet, which was on the ground floor, with a
small entrance from the park and garden, sat the king's groom of the
chambers. Close to the entrance of the royal apartments was the waiting
room for the gentlemen summoned by the king, chiefly adorned by the
portraits of celebrated Prussians. There were represented in life-size
Bluecher and Ziethen, and there was an exquisite painting of Prince
Louis Ferdinand of Prussia, who fell at Saalfeld.
The gentleman who had left the carriage, and reached the entrance to
the royal apartments, asked the groom of the chambers:
"Is his majesty alone?"
He had risen and taken the visitor's overcoat, and he replied in broken
German with a strong English accent:
"Privy Councillor Lex is with his Majesty."
"Will you announce me!"
The groom of the chambers knocked loudly at the king's door, and the
clear voice of George V. was heard. He cried--"Come in!" in English.
The attendant returned after a few minutes.
"The king begs M. Meding to wait a moment."
And he opened the door of the waiting-room, which Meding the councillor
of state entered.
The room was empty. Meding took up a position on a large sofa.
After about five minutes the door opened, and a gentleman, somewhat
bent with age, entered. His hair and moustache were as white as snow,
and he wore the uniform of a Hanoverian lieutenant-general, with the
golden epaulettes of an adjutant-general. His breast was decorated with
the Grand Cross of the Guelphic Order, and with the medals of 1813, and
Waterloo. It was General Tschirschnitz, the king's right hand in
military affairs, the medium of every appointment in the army.
Meding rose with the words, "Good morning, your excellency."
"Good morning!" replied the general, in a curt military tone, whilst he
laid a large closed portfolio on the table. "Are you here so early?
Shall we have long to wait? I hope you have not much to do."
"The king is working with his cabinet councillor, and apparently
writing letters; how long that will last, it is difficult to tell. As
far as I am concerned I have only a little to do, and my audience will
not take long."
The general threw himself back in his chair with a loud groan.
"Do you know, my dear Meding," he said after a pause, "how long I have
waited already, during the course of my life?" and he raised himself a
little and looked inquiringly at his friend.
Meding by slightly shrugging his shoulders implied that it was
impossible to reply to the question.
"Eight years, seven months, three weeks, and four days!" cried the
general in a loud voice, and with great disgust.
Meding could not help laughing aloud.
"Your excellency has certainly suffered to the utmost, and your
patience has stood the proof!"
"I have a book," said the general dismally, with a sort of grim humour,
"in which I have written down every day since I first received my
commission from my late lamented master, the length of time I have
passed in this waiting room. It now amounts to eight years, seven
months, three weeks, and four days. What do you say to that? They say,"
he continued, "that I am sixty-eight years old. It is not true; I have
_lived_ but fifty-nine years, five months, one week, and three days.
The rest of the time I have _waited!_"
And the general threw himself back in the arm-chair with a look of
resignation.
"I must say, your excellency," said Meding, "it would never have
occurred to me to make a statement of the hours fruitlessly passed in
the ante-chamber. I should prefer for them to remain uncertain, and to
allow the dark moments passed in this _salle des pas perdus_, to fall
into oblivion."
"You are still young, and inclined to dawdle away your time," replied
the general, "but I----"
"Your excellency's time is much more valuable than mine," said Meding,
politely.
At this moment a bell was heard.
A few minutes afterwards the groom of the chambers appeared, and
called--"M. Meding."
He bowed to the general and walked to the royal apartments. He passed
through the ante-room, the doors of which were set wide open, and
entered the king's cabinet.
In this cabinet, filled with many different flowering plants, and
with windows wide open to the garden, sat the king at a square
writing-table. George V. was at this time forty-six years of age, a
handsome man in perfect health. The regular and classic features of his
race were seen in their purest lines in a face beaming with
cheerfulness and amiability; but which also expressed much royal
dignity. A slightly upturned fair moustache covered the upper lip, and
few of those who for the first time saw the king's free movements, and
the rapid changes of his expressive face, discovered the fact that he
was totally blind. The king wore the uniform of the Jaeger guard
regiment, comfortably unbuttoned. Across his breast, beneath his
uniform, ran the dark blue ribbon of the Order of the Garter. He also
wore the small crosses of the Orders of Guelph and Ernest Augustus.
Near the king, stood the privy councillor, Dr. Lex, a small, dried-up
looking man with thick grey hair, sharp, intelligent features, and a
modest, almost bashful manner. He was in the act of arranging his
papers.
A small King Charles spaniel lay at the king's feet.
"Good morning! my dear Meding!" cried the king in his clear voice, "I
am delighted to see you. Seat yourself and tell me the news. What says
public opinion in my kingdom?"
"Good morning, your majesty," replied Meding with a low bow, as he took
a chair opposite the king.
The privy councillor had arranged his papers and slowly withdrew.
"I must impart to your majesty," said Meding, "that public opinion is
much excited, and is making every effort to urge on a war; it desires
your majesty to unite with Austria, and at once take a decided step
against Prussia."
"Why so?" asked the king, "the amiable newspapers of the opposition
often sigh for a Prussian head."
"Why, your majesty," replied Meding, "it is difficult to say why--so
many and such different influences are at work; but the fact
remains--all public opinion in the kingdom of Hanover craves to unite
in common cause with Austria."
"Extraordinary," said George V.; "Count Decken spoke just in the same
tone when he was here yesterday; he was furiously Austrian!"
"Count Decken, your majesty, speaks from the heart of the German union
he created. He is also a violent admirer of Herr von Beust----"
"I know! I know!" exclaimed the king, "but is he quite right in
saying that the whole world--the army, especially the younger
officers,--predict a war with Prussia?"
"He is right, your majesty," replied Meding.
The king thought for a moment.
"And what do you do to stem this flood?" he then asked.
"I seek to calm, to guide, and to enlighten as far as my influence
extends by means of the press, for I consider this flood pernicious; it
tends to war, the greatest misfortune which could fall upon Germany,
and such a war would place Hanover in a most dangerous position."
"Right! quite right!" cried the king, with animation, "every thing must
be done to allay this warlike and anti-Prussian excitement. You know
how strong is my conviction that a good understanding between the two
first powers of the confederacy is the only sure foundation for the
welfare of Germany, and what efforts I have made to maintain this. You
know, too, how highly I prize the friendship of Prussia. They call me,"
added the king, "the enemy of Prussia, but indeed I am not. I defend my
right of perfect independence and sovereignty, but I most ardently
desire to live in peace and unity with Prussia. Those who would
interrupt this peace are ignorant of the true interests of both states.
They talk in Berlin of the policy of Frederick the Great; how little
they understand his policy! How highly did Frederick II. esteem the
alliance of Hanover, from whence he obtained the Duke of Brunswick, his
best general! And how great and beneficial were the results of this
alliance, though it was directed against Austria. Oh! that it were
possible to unite the two powers in a real and lasting friendship, and
that it might be granted me to be the dot over the _i_ in this
alliance! But should a rupture--which God forbid!--actually occur, I
will take no part in so deplorable a war on either side."
The king said all this with the clearness and decision with which he
always spoke to those completely in his confidence, for he loved to
express his views to them on every question with great distinctness,
that they might be able fully to carry out his plans and wishes.
"You are very right," he added, "in doing all you can to oppose this
warlike and anti-Prussian propaganda."
"I am rejoiced," exclaimed Meding, "to hear your Majesty's views so
plainly stated. My position, from being by birth a Prussian, is in this
crisis extremely painful. What I regard as most desirable for the
interest of Hanover and your majesty, purely from my own conviction,
may easily be imputed to other motives, and will by some be so imputed.
It is therefore doubly necessary that I should always be completely
informed what your majesty's views really are, that I may act
accordingly."
"Do not trouble yourself to fight against foolish notions," said the
king, with his peculiarly engaging and gracious smile. "I am sure, my
dear Meding, you will always have my interests and the interests of
Hanover at heart. You know I regard public opinion as the sixth great
power of Europe--perhaps as the first--and the press, the organ of this
great power, I wish to use as a mainspring of royalty. I desire to hear
what the people say and think, and, in the organs of the government
alone, to see my wishes and intentions expressed. I wish to know the
real thoughts and opinions of the people, whether they are right or
wrong, and I wish the people to know my views and desires. Thus perfect
openness exists between my subjects and myself, and the interests of
the crown are furthered. You know so well how to express my thoughts,
and have created for me what I long ardently desired and held to be
necessary--do not fear any mistrust or misconception."
And the king offered his hand to Meding. He rose and pressed his lips
on the royal hand.
"Your majesty has always permitted me," he then said, "to express my
views and opinions freely and without reserve on all questions of
state, whether foreign or domestic, and this right is an unspeakable
assistance in the fulfilment of the difficult task which your majesty
has given me. I humbly beg your permission in this grave moment freely
to express my opinion."
"Speak, speak, my dear Meding, I listen anxiously," said the king, as
he leant back in his arm-chair, and supported his head with his hand.
"Your majesty knows that it is a kind of _mot d'ordre_ of German, yes,
even of European diplomacy, _not_ to believe in a war between Prussia
and Austria. This seems to me like the conduct of the ostrich, who hid
his head, hoping to escape danger by not seeing it."
"You believe in war, then?" asked the king, without changing his place.
"I believe in it, your majesty, from the present state of affairs. The
disputed questions are on a steep incline, and have rolled down too far
to return. The despatches from Berlin and Vienna confirm my views that
war is inevitable, as well as the Austrian and Prussian official and
unofficial press."
"They speak most peaceably, you told me so yesterday," interrupted the
king.
"Exactly for that reason I believe both sides are determined on
hostilities. If they only wished to threaten, and to use their
armaments as a weight in the balance, by which they might obtain a
diplomatic compromise, all the government newspapers would be
clattering the sword. These assurances of peace disquiet me. Each side
seeks the best _casus belli_, and desires to throw the blame of a
rupture on the opponent. I am convinced we shall soon be in the midst
of war unless a miracle occurs. Count Platen will not believe it."
"The ostrich," said the king.
Meding smiled, and proceeded:--
"This situation is more dangerous for your majesty and for Hanover than
for any other state. In the moment of action Prussia will respect
nothing."
"I have already declared that under any circumstance I shall remain
neutral," said the king.
"Certainly, your majesty; but no treaty is concluded. Count Platen has
only expressed your majesty's intention to remain neutral generally to
Count Ysenberg; but, from fear of giving offence in Frankfort and
Vienna, no negotiations are proceeding and no treaty is concluded."
"Do you regard a formal treaty as needful?" asked the king.
"I regard it as indispensable. Prussia will willingly conclude such a
treaty now, and once concluded she will respect it. In the moment of
action she will ask more, and after victory, I think a treaty of
neutrality will be the guarantee of the independence--yes, even of the
existence--of Hanover."
The king sat upright.
"Do you hold it possible that Prussia could think of attacking the
existence of Hanover?"
"I would neglect no guarantee to the contrary," replied Meding; "the
war about to break out is a war for existence: old Germany will fall in
ruins; under such circumstances we must not expect to be particularly
respected. A veritable treaty of neutrality, concluded now, not only
secures our existence, but perhaps our full independence in a new
Germany, for, I must repeat it, I believe if Prussia once signed such a
treaty it would under any circumstances be respected."
"But," objected the king, "they are daily telling me how prejudicial a
treaty with Prussia will be, supposing Austria is victorious."
"I have heard this remarkable logic," replied Meding, "and I cannot
understand it. If Austria is the conqueror, will she give Hanover to
Prussia? Besides, your Majesty knows I do not believe in Austria's
success."
The king was silent.
"It is a difficult position," he said, at last. "Sir Charles Wyke was
here yesterday, conjuring me to be firm to Austria and the confederacy.
He brought me a letter from Lord Clarendon to the same purport."
The king took a small key and opened a sliding panel in his writing
table, and, after feeling in the recess for a minute, he handed Meding
a letter across the table.
"Read this."
Meding looked through the paper.
"I quite understand the policy of England, your majesty," he then said:
"in London they wish to maintain peace at any price, yet they desire to
lecture Prussia on the Danish question. They hope, if your majesty
places yourself decidedly and without reserve on the side of Austria
and the Saxon party in Frankfort, Prussia will withdraw from the
struggle in alarm, and make concessions, perhaps call on England to
mediate; by which means the English cabinet might find an opportunity
of effecting something in favour of Denmark. I think they are quite out
in their reckoning. But be it as it may, your majesty has to guide the
policy of Hanover, and not of England. Lord Clarendon's letter is
useless, unless he promises the English fleet to back it up. If your
majesty should get into danger and difficulty from following the advice
here given, not a single English man-of-war would come to your
assistance. England undertakes the part of that evil demon, who
appeared to Hector under the form of his brother Deiphobus, and who
urged him to the combat with Achilles, but who had vanished when the
Trojan hero looked round for a fresh spear. I wish," continued Meding,
after a short pause, "to tell you of an idea, which if carried out
would greatly remove the objections made to the conclusion of a treaty
of neutrality."
The king raised himself in his chair, and fixed his eyes with a look of
such interest on the speaker it was almost impossible to believe them
sightless.
"Your majesty doubtless remembers," said Meding, "the immense advantage
derived from your close alliance with Hesse Cassel during the last
political crisis, and the strong and beneficial influence it had on the
course of events; this alliance alone prevented Herr von Beust's
unheard-of Augustenburg policy from being carried out, and the whole
confederacy broken up. According to my convictions, your majesty in
this dangerous crisis should act entirely in concert with Hesse Cassel,
and gain the Grand Duke of Oldenburg to take part in an alliance of
neutrality. Your majesty would thus be at the head of a group willing
to have you for a leader; you would secure the future safety of
Hanover, do Prussia a service, and divide the displeasure of Austria
amongst several pairs of shoulders. It is my firm conviction that in
concert with Hesse Cassel you should conclude a treaty of neutrality
with Prussia. Should this treaty not be respected hereafter--which I
own I consider impossible--at least a compact body will be ready to
defend it. I believe a firm and energetic step in this direction will
do more to prevent war than Lord Clarendon's advice of entire devotion
to Austria."
"When Medingceased speaking, the king, who had listened to him with
the greatest interest, struck the table with two of the fingers of his
right hand.
"You are right," he cried aloud; "you are perfectly right."
He pressed with his left hand upon a knob attached to his writing
table. The groom of the chambers entered.
"The privy councillor immediately!" exclaimed the king.
As the attendant withdrew, the king said:--
"Do you think the Prince of Hesse will be inclined to take this step
with me?"
"I know that the Minister Abee is quite of my mind," replied Meding;
"and I know his Royal Highness the Prince of Hesse has the greatest
satisfaction in acting in concert with your majesty."
"I must beg you, my dear Meding," said the king, "to go yourself to
Hesse Cassel, and propose this to the prince."
A knock was heard at the outer door. The groom of the chambers opened
it, announcing--"The Privy Councillor."
"My dear Lex," said the king, "Meding has given me an idea which I wish
to carry out immediately. He thinks that I ought at once, in common
with the Prince of Hesse, to conclude a solid treaty of neutrality with
Prussia. I will send Meding to Cassel without delay, as I am sure he is
the best ambassador for bringing the matter to a happy conclusion."
Meding bowed to the king, and said:
"I must tell your majesty that Count Platen quite approves of this
step, and has authorized me to tell your majesty so."
"_Tant mieux, tant mieux_," said the king; "what do you think of it, my
dear Lex?"
"I perfectly approve," he replied, in a clear, somewhat sharp voice;
"if your Majesty had concluded a treaty of neutrality at all with
Prussia, I should be much happier, but if it is done in common with
Hesse Cassel, the guarantees are stronger."
"Will you kindly draw me up a proposal," said the king to Lex, "with
Meding's assistance, for him to take with him to the Prince of Hesse,
and bring it to me to sign immediately."
"At your command, your majesty," replied Lex.
"How does the affair of the trades-law go on?" asked the king.
"Your majesty," replied Meding, "the guilds are all much excited, and
think the removal of all protection will cause their destruction. I do
all I can to enlighten them, and by means of the press, I point to
England as an example, where the various guilds, without the
intervention of government, exercise so great a municipal influence. I
hope the horror of innovation may give way here before clearer
knowledge; the minister Bacmeister grasps the whole question with so
soothing, so prudent, and so skilful a hand, that I have no fear of its
success."
"I am sorry," said the king, "that the good people of the guilds should
feel injured; but they will soon find out that the removal of all
constraint benefits them, and the guilds, from hated and stagnant
institutions, will become powerful living organs. Even if otherwise,
the greatest freedom of action is needful, in the sphere of national
economy. How much I rejoice to find in my minister Bacmeister, a mind
so swift and capable in receiving my ideas, and a hand so skilful in
executing them."
"Indeed, your majesty," replied Meding, "Bacmeister is the most able
and talented man I have ever known; personally, he has great influence
with the opposition, and almost every evening he is at a kind of
parliamentary club, formed by himself, with the assistance of Miguel
and Albrecht. Many things have been discussed there in a friendly
spirit, which would otherwise have caused the greatest bitterness and
strife in the chambers."
"That is exactly what I have always felt!" exclaimed the king; "they
talk so much in Germany of public life, and yet they understand nothing
of it, since they are not capable of meeting a political foe on neutral
ground, as a gentleman.--Were you at the opera yesterday?" he asked,
changing the subject.
"No," replied Meding; "but Schladebach told me he was much
dissatisfied, and that he should write a severe criticism."
"He is right," said the king. "I shall be anxious to read his critique;
Doctor Schladebach has a fine appreciation of art, and much tact in
expressing his opinion. If we could but find an equally good critic for
the theatre!"
"I am exerting myself to find such a critic," said Meding; "but I must
still beg your Majesty's patience. Talent is not easily found, nor
quickly formed."
"True, true," said the king, "_chi va piano va sano_; but I hope we may
find a critic of real talent. It is indispensable for any form of art,
if it is really to flourish, and to fulfil its grand mission. And now
adieu, my dear Meding, go with God's help, and with much friendship on
my part, to the Prince of Hesse. Come back soon!"
"God bless you!"
Meding and Lex left the cabinet.
George V. remained alone.
For a time he sat quietly in his chair, his eyes fixed on the table.
"It is too true--it is too true," he said at last in a low tone; "the
great conflict draws near. The German confederacy, which has been so
beneficial, and which for fifty years has maintained peace in Germany
and in Europe, cracks in all its parts, and will break up in the mighty
struggle. The only hand that could have calmed this mighty uproar with
a sign rests in the grave. The emperor Nicholas is no longer here to
grasp the rolling wheel of fate with his strong hand. And weight on
weight is heaped upon me, now by one, then by the other side; where
shall I turn? how shall I save the fair, rich, and faithful land which
God has entrusted to me, and which has been bound to my ancestors for a
thousand years in joy and woe?"
The king remained silent for some time; then he rose, and, supporting
his hand on the back of his chair, he turned to the side of the room
where the portraits were hung of King Ernest Augustus and Queen
Frederica, and he sank slowly on his knees.
"Oh! Thou almighty, triune God!" he said, in a voice low indeed, but so
fervent that it filled the room; "Thou seest my heart, Thou knowest how
I have wrestled in prayer to Thee in the dark hours of my life; Thou
gavest strength to my soul, to bear my heavy fate, never to look upon
the face of wife or child; Thou gavest me light and strength in those
troublous times when I first governed this land: bless me now, grant me
wisdom, enlighten my understanding, that I may know how to save my
country, and lead me graciously through the storms of this day! Yet not
my will, but Thine be done; and if it is decreed that care and sorrow
must be my lot, give me strength to bear, courage to endure!"
The king's prayer ceased, and deep silence prevailed. Suddenly a gust
of wind slammed-to the open window, something heavy fell to the ground,
and the sound of shattered glass was heard.
The small King Charles spaniel barked.
The king started, rose quickly, and returned to his chair. Then he
pressed the knob of his electric bell.
The groom of the chambers entered.
"What fell on the ground near the window?" asked the king quickly.
The attendant hastened to look.
"It is the rose, that her majesty the queen had had forced, and that
she placed here."
"Is the flower hurt?"
"The flowers are all broken," replied the groom of the chambers, as he
picked up the pieces of the pot, and pushed the scattered earth aside.
The king shuddered slightly.
"The flowers are all broken," he repeated half to himself, lifting his
head and raising his enquiring eyes to heaven.
"Who is in the ante-room?" he asked.
"General von Tschirschnitz, Count Platen, General von Brandis, and the
minister Bacmeister."
"Call all these gentlemen," commanded the king.
The groom of the chambers placed four chairs near the writing table and
withdrew.
After a few moments the four gentlemen entered the cabinet, the
attendant announcing them by name.
"Good morning, gentlemen," cried the king as they came in; "seat
yourselves."
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Count Platen zu Hallermund, a
descendant of the well-known Count Platen so frequently spoken of in
connexion with the Koenigsmark mystery, took the chair nearest the king.
He was a man of fifty years of age, with regular and agreeable
features, the glossy black of his thick hair and moustache seemed
hardly to accord with his years, though it did so completely with the
youthful and elastic bearing of his slight and elegant figure.
On the other side of the king sat the Minister of the Interior,
Bacmeister, a man little older than Count Platen, but who bore far more
the stamp of his age. His thin fair hair was grey, and his features had
an expression of weariness, partly from the fatigue of an overworked
mind, partly from sickness and bodily suffering. Only when his
attention was aroused did his features start into life, his eyes
sparkled with high and unusual intelligence, and an expression of fine
irony played round his intellectual mouth.
When he spoke, his words were accompanied by the most animated and
expressive action, which implied besides the words he uttered many
unspoken thoughts, his clear and well-toned voice, his excellent choice
of words, combined with this action, and fluent eloquence, greatly
influenced even his political opponents, who could not resist the
impression, and who usually fell _sous le charme_ of this, at first
sight, uninteresting person.
Both the ministers wore the blue coat of office, with black velvet
collars.
The Minister of War, General von Brandis, was a man seventy-one years
old; a follower of the iron Duke of Wellington, he had served in Spain
and taken part in the campaigns of 1813 and 1815. Jovial cheerfulness
beamed from his fresh, healthy face, which was surmounted by a short
black wig. His upper lip was concealed by a small black moustache.
He seated himself at the side of the table, opposite the king, as did
General Tschirschnitz.
"I have called you together, gentlemen," said the king, "because at
this grave moment I wish again to hear your opinions and to express my
will. I have called for you, General Brandis, and for you, my Adjutant
General, as representatives of the military relations of the kingdom;
for you, Count Platen, as my Minister of Foreign Affairs, to whose
especial department the most important questions belong; and for you,
my dear Bacmeister, because you know so well the interior condition of
the country and the opinions of the people; and," he added with a
gracious smile, "because I place extreme confidence in your views and
advice."
The Minister of the Interior bowed.
"You remember, gentlemen, that a short time ago in the large council
which I held here, and at which you were present, the great question
arose of what position Hanover must take in the lamentable quarrel
which, unhappily, grows sharper and more threatening between the two
great powers of Germany. The military gentlemen, especially General von
Jacobi, declared unanimously that the army was not in a state of
preparation for immediate war--which God forbid! a mobilization and
general military preparation is on political grounds highly
undesirable: on the other hand it is necessary, from a military point
of view, to make some arrangement to prevent our being surprised
unprepared. To reconcile these opinions I commanded the yearly
exercises to be held at an earlier time, so that the troops may be more
ready to march in case of need, and also that the people may not be
inconvenienced by having the exercises during the harvest. The
difficulties are constantly increasing, and an outbreak of hostilities
appears unavoidable. Then arises the serious question for Hanover,
whether to take part on one or the other side would be possible or
advisable; or whether the strictest neutrality should be maintained. I
beg you, Count Platen, first to give us your views."
Count Platen spoke:--
"I do not doubt, your majesty, the gravity of the position, but I do
not believe a war will really ensue. We have so often seen great
_echauffements_ in the political world, which yet have all cooled down
again. I then humbly give my opinion that the moment has not yet come
for forming or expressing any decision."
A slight, almost imperceptible, smile passed over the king's face.
General von Tschirschnitz shook his head.
"If it were needful to take a definite and positive course," added
Count Platen, "it would certainly not be my advice that we should place
ourselves decidedly on one or the other side. We have interests on both
sides to consider, and we do not know which will be victorious.
Neutrality appears to me our natural course."
"You would advise me, then, to conclude a treaty of neutrality?" asked
the king.
"A treaty, your majesty!" replied Count Platen, his slender figure
seeming to contract; "a treaty is the last step I should recommend; it
would give great offence in Vienna, and if a war never broke out we
should scarcely be forgiven."
"But how are we to maintain neutrality without a treaty?" asked the
king.
"We can conclude it at any moment," said Platen; "they will be only too
delighted in Berlin to find we shall not act against them."
"You would then----" asked the king.
"Gain time, your majesty--gain time," said Count Platen; "we are now in
request on both sides, and we should lose our favourable position if we
decided positively for either. The longer we wait, the more
advantageously we can place ourselves."
The king covered his face and eyes with his hand, and remained silent
for a moment; then he turned to the other side, and said:--
"And what do you think, Bacmeister?"
He replied in the low voice which always so magically compelled
attention:
"It is always my principle, your majesty, to be perfectly clear as to
the later consequences of present actions. The position which your
majesty now takes will have very important results. Your majesty can
join either Austria or Prussia. Should you cast in your lot with
Austria,--and should Prussia be as completely beaten as they hope she
will be in Vienna,--and as I do not think she will be, perhaps you
would gain more extended power and greater influence in Germany; but
should the play be adverse, the forfeit is your crown. Such a policy
may be bold and great, but it risks all on the game. Should your
majesty decide on this course, the decision must be your own: no
minister could advise his master to use his crown as the stake in a
dangerous game. Should your majesty join with Prussia, you follow the
course natural to Hanover, and in case of victory your position will
not be so brilliant, neither do you run so great a danger in case of
defeat, for Austria, though victorious, cannot weaken Hanover. But your
majesty still fortunately possesses the power of maintaining
neutrality, which they are willing to accept in Berlin, and in return
you preserve the safety of your country and your crown; perhaps you
will even partake of the advantages of victory without the sacrifices
of war. According to my views the decision cannot be doubtful, and I
pronounce unhesitatingly for neutrality. But," continued the minister
with greater energy, "neutrality must be sealed at once by the most
binding treaty. As events progress, I see with dread the moment
approaching when Prussia will no longer be satisfied with neutrality
alone, but will demand what your majesty cannot and will not grant.
Nothing can be gained by delay and hesitation except mistrust on both
sides, and at last the complete isolation of Hanover in a war in which
we are not strong enough to stand alone and unprotected. I give my
voice therefore for the immediate conclusion of a binding treaty of
neutrality."
"General von Brandis?" said the king.
The general replied without the least change in the expression of his
cheerful, smiling face:
"Your majesty knows I hate Prussia. As a child I remember the
occupation of 1803, and the impression made on me then I never lost. I
tell your majesty openly, my dearest wish would be gratified if I might
draw my old sword on the side of Austria. But I acknowledge that the
Minister of the Interior is perfectly right in his reasoning, and I
fully subscribe to his views."
"And you, General von Tschirschnitz?" inquired the king.
"Your majesty," said the general, in his bluff, soldier-like voice, "I
must strongly protest against the statement that the army is unfit for
an active campaign. According to my opinion the army is ready to march
and to do its duty, and to gain honour for the name of Hanover, and in
the pages of history. I say this from complete conviction, and I shall
never alter my views. As to political considerations and interests, I
would rather your majesty did not ask me about them. I own the
reasoning of the Minister of the Interior is correct. As a soldier I
lament our neutrality, and I would far rather be marching beside you at
the head of the brave Hanoverian army. If your majesty has decided on
neutrality, I should advise you immediately to make the measure strong
and unalterable. I abhor all half measures and uncertain situations,
and I have never seen any good result from them."
The king raised himself from the position in which he had been
listening, and said:
"You all then, gentlemen, advise the neutrality of Hanover in the
deplorable war now, alas! impending between Austria and Prussia. Count
Platen, only, believes we ought to gain time, and to put off the
conclusion of a treaty, whilst Herr Bacmeister and the generals desire
an immediate treaty that we may not lose the favourable moment. For
myself, I incline to the views of the Minister of the Interior for the
reasons he has so plainly stated. I beg you, my dear count, to act
after my views," he said, turning to Count Platen, "and immediately to
commence the necessary negotiations with Count Ysenburg."
"If you command it, your majesty," replied Count Platen, with evident
reluctance, "yet surely you will wait at least a few days, until the
situation is more declared, and we learn what is really taking place in
Austria, and their wishes in Vienna. Count Ingelheim imparted to me
this morning, that Prince Karl Solms is on his way hither, with an
important charge from the emperor."
The king raised his head with an expression of astonishment.
"My brother Karl?" he cried, "what brings him here?"
"I do not know, your majesty," said Count Platen, "and Count Ingelheim
did not know, or would not disclose, but we must wait to hear this
mission before taking a decided step towards Prussia."
The king considered. Bacmeister shook his head in silence.
A knock was heard at the outer door. The groom of the chambers
announced Herr Meding, who entered the cabinet and said:
"His royal highness Prince Karl Solms has just arrived, and requests an
audience."
The king rose.
"Where is the prince?"
"He is with her majesty the queen, awaiting your majesty's commands."
The king rang.
"Beg Prince Karl to come," he said to the attendant who appeared; "you,
gentlemen," he continued, turning to the ministers, "must kindly remain
at Herrenhausen to breakfast, the privy councillor will be your host.
My dear general, I thank you, and will no longer detain you. We cannot
to-day do our regular work. I beg you to return to-morrow."
The four gentlemen withdrew. Lex walked up to the king's writing-table.
"The letter to the prince of Hesse, your majesty,--a short explanation,
that your majesty under any circumstances desires to remain neutral,
and confiding the rest to Herr Meding's personal explanation."
"It is quite right, give it me," said the king.
Lex placed the letter on the table, dipped a pen in the ink and gave it
to the king, placing his hand on the exact spot on the paper for the
signature. The king wrote in large bold characters: "George Rex."
"Is it right?" he inquired.
"Perfectly," replied Lex. He took the paper and withdrew.
Scarcely had he left the cabinet when the groom of the chambers threw
open the doors with the words: "His royal highness Prince Karl."
The prince who entered was the king's step-brother, from Queen
Frederica's previous marriage with the prince of Solms-Braunfels. He
was a man of about fifty, tall and slight, with short grey hair; he
resembled the king, though his features were much less regular; his
face had the colouring of health, but an expression that told of
suffering.
The prince wore the full uniform of an Austrian major general; in his
hand he held his hat with its green plume and a sealed letter. On his
breast he wore the Hanoverian Guelphic Order, and around his neck the
Austrian Order of Leopold.
He hastened to the king who embraced him warmly.
"My dear Karl," cried King George, "what procures me the unexpected
happiness of seeing you here? But first tell me how are your people?"
"Thank you for your kind interest," replied the prince, "we are all
better at home, and my wife has quite recovered."
"And the Duchess of Ossuna?"
"I have excellent accounts of her."
"And you--how is your health?"
"My nerves plague me at times, otherwise I am well."
"So!" said the king, "and now sit down and tell me what brought you
here. I heard a rumour through Count Ingelheim."
The prince seated himself near the king. "I wish I came in less serious
times, on a less serious mission," he said sighing; "the emperor sends
me to you. Here is his letter."
And he gave the king the note which he held in his hand. The king took
it and passed his fingers lightly over the seal, then he laid it on the
table before him.
"Do you know the contents; is there anything important in it?" he
asked.
"Nothing important; only my credentials. My mission is personal."
"Speak then. I am anxious to hear."
"The emperor has determined," said the prince, "to commence a war, and
to carry it on with all his power for the future formation of Germany,
since he is convinced that by such a war, and by a decided Austrian
victory alone, can lasting peace be procured, and lasting safety and
independence for the princes of Germany."
"Then I was not mistaken," said the king, "war is decreed."
"It is," replied the prince, "and the emperor ardently desires to be
surrounded in this war by the German princes, as he was at the
Fuerstentag at Frankfort."
"When they tried to catch me," said the king; "but go on."
"The emperor," added the prince, "prizes the alliance of Hanover above
all things. He commanded me to say that he considered the interests of
the Houses of Guelph and Hapsburg identical in Germany."
"The Guelphs have always fought against the imperial family," said the
king.
"The emperor," proceeded the prince, "hopes that the old and intimate
relations between Hanover and Austria may continue during the present
crisis. He considers that at the congress of Vienna, Hanover did not
receive her proper position in Germany, especially in North Germany.
Called upon to be a powerful and independent barrier against Prussia's
hegemonistic struggles, Hanover was yet left too weak through the
diplomacy of the Vienna congress."
"Because Metternich's efforts were not supported," interrupted the
king, half to himself.
"The emperor," continued the prince, "is desirous of repairing the
errors of the Vienna congress by a new formation and organization of
Germany, and for this purpose he wishes to conclude an offensive and
defensive treaty with Hanover."
"On what basis?" asked the king.
"The most important points of the alliance which the emperor has in his
mind are these," said the prince. "Hanover shall immediately place her
whole army on a war footing, and in common with Austria, and at the
same time, shall declare war against Prussia. In return the emperor
will place the Kalik Brigade now at Holstein at your disposal, and will
offer you General von Gablenz for a time as its commander. He promises
his utmost support to Hanover should the war be unfavourable, and in
case of victory he guarantees that Holstein and Prussian Westphalia
shall be incorporated with your kingdom."
"In case of victory?" said the king; "do you believe in victory?"
The prince was silent for a moment.
"I am an Austrian general," he then said.
"Lay aside the Austrian general for a moment, and answer me as my
brother."
"If our forces are properly led, and actively employed," replied the
prince, after a short hesitation; "and if Germany supports us strongly
and energetically, we must be successful. Our artillery is excellent,
and our cavalry very superior to the Prussian."
"Hum!" said the king; "yet let us put aside these considerations, or
you will believe me to be swayed entirely by interested motives, and I
assure you it is not so. In this crisis there is a higher principle
than success, and by this principle alone will I be guided."
"I humbly beg you," said the prince, "to consider the future advantage
and greatness to be gained for your country, and not to forget that
Prussia, with her power and her present political tendencies, is a
dangerous and threatening neighbour to Hanover."
The king remained for some little time silent and thoughtful.
"My dear Karl," he then said, "be assured that everything that comes
from the emperor shall receive my gravest consideration and hearty
respect, and that, by giving me the happiness of seeing you as his
messenger, he has strengthened still more my feelings of regard. I am
always ready to show my enduring friendship to Austria and to the house
of Hapsburg. But here--I must say it at once--principles enter into the
question, which as the ruler of my country and a member of the German
confederacy stand higher than all. At this moment I will give you no
definite answer. You can remain here a few days?"
"A few days certainly," replied the prince; "the emperor awaits my
return with anxiety, and I cannot stay long."
"I will not detain you long, and your proposals shall at once be laid
before my ministers."
The king rang, and said to the attendant who appeared,
"If the gentlemen have breakfasted, beg them to come here."
Shortly afterwards Count Platen, General Brandis, and Bacmeister
entered the room.
Prince Karl greeted them separately with great heartiness, and they all
seated themselves around the king's writing-table.
George V. spoke:
"The situation we have just discussed is somewhat modified. My brother
Karl is the bearer of a proposal from his imperial majesty of Austria
of a distinct treaty of alliance under certain conditions. I beg you,
my dear Karl, to recapitulate the conditions."
The prince repeated the points which he had previously named to the
king.
Count Platen rubbed his hands together laughingly.
"Your majesty perceives," he said, in a low voice to the king, "we are
wooed by both sides. What a favourable position our policy has
secured!"
Bacmeister shook his head slowly, and twisted the thumbs of his folded
hands, an expression of amused irony playing around his mouth.
"Your Highness," he said, "speaks of the important acquisitions of
Hanover in case of victory. But what will happen--we must consider
every side of the question--if Prussia should be the conqueror?"
"Under all circumstances the emperor guarantees to support Hanover,"
said the prince.
"How would his imperial majesty be able, if Austria were vanquished, to
support Hanover against victorious Prussia?" asked Bacmeister.
"No discussion now, I beg, my dear minister," said the king.
"Gentlemen," he added, "you have heard the proposal. On this occasion I
will depart from my usual custom, and at once tell you my views. I take
up my position on the standing-point that a war between two members of
the German confederacy is, according to the laws of that confederacy,
impossible. Such a war, alas! can and may come upon us, like a
convulsion of nature, or some scourge of God;--to contemplate it
beforehand, to conclude treaties on the subject, I hold to be
irreconcilable with my duty as a German prince. I should by such a
treaty take part in the guilt of a rupture of the confederacy so
blessed to Germany and the whole of Europe. Never, with my consent,
shall Hanoverian troops fight against German soldiers, except from dire
necessity.
"But there is another reason why I cannot subscribe to this treaty. I
cannot consent to the eventual enlargement of Hanover; I cannot sign a
treaty by which I stretch out my hand for my neighbour's goods. It is
my joy and my pride that throughout the country I rule, there is not a
foot's breadth of earth that has not descended to me by legitimate
inheritance; shall I now sign a treaty for the acquisition of lands
that do not belong to me? Westphalia belongs to the King of Prussia,
with whom not only do I live in peace, but to whom, as a member of the
confederacy, I regard my obligations as sacred. Holstein belongs by
right I know not to whom--to the Grand Duke of Oldenburg, to the Duke
of Augustenburg, to Prussia,--I cannot enter into the difficult
subject,--certainly it does not belong to me. No, gentlemen, I cannot
part with the happy knowledge that I hold my kingdom entirely from
God's justice, and by God's grace: never," cried the king, striking his
right hand upon the table, "will I stretch out this hand to take what
is not mine. Hence, according to my views, the treaty proposed is
inadmissible. A proposal, however, from his Imperial Majesty of Austria
has an undoubted right to our gravest and most earnest consideration. I
therefore beg each of you conscientiously to think through this
subject, to weigh it deeply, and express all that can be said against
my opinions. Not to-day, but to-morrow I will preside at a council of
my assembled ministers, including your absent colleagues, in order to
decide upon our answer. For to-day I thank you, I will let you know the
hour of council for to-morrow."
The king rose.
With grave looks and in silence the ministers left the cabinet.
Prince Solms gazed sorrowfully before him.
"Am I right?" asked the king.
The prince looked at his royal brother with an expression of deep
veneration.
"You are right," he said in a low tone, "and yet," he added, his eyes
growing sadder and his head sinking down, "yet very, very wrong."
"Now, my dear Karl," said the king cheerfully, "you shall go out with
me. I wish to go where you must be my guide."
He pressed on a second knob at the right hand side of his
writing-table. The groom of the chambers of the private apartments
appeared, from a door leading to the king's bed-room.
"I am going out," said the king, buttoning his uniform.
The attendant handed him his cap and gloves.
"Does your majesty wish for a cigar?"
"No. Inform the equerry on duty that I shall not want him. The prince
will accompany me."
The king took the prince's arm and walked through the corridor, passing
various bowing lacqueys in their scarlet livery, to the principal
entrance. In the hall leading to the door an animated conversation was
heard.
"Who is that?" asked the king.
"Count Alfred Wedell and Devrient."
The persons mentioned stood close together in the vestibule engaged in
so engrossing a conversation that they did not perceive the king's
approach.
Count Alfred Wedell, the king's chamberlain, and governor of the
castle, was a tall, strongly-built young man of about thirty years of
age, with a healthy complexion, and handsome, though decidedly marked
features. He was in undress uniform, a blue coat with a red collar, and
he stood opposite the famous Hanoverian actor, Devrient, a man well
past sixty, who had taken part in the German wars for freedom, but who
felt so little the burden of his years that he still played Hamlet with
great success. Neither when off the stage did his animated face, his
sparkling eyes, nor his upright figure, show any sign of age.
"Good morning, Devrient," said the king in his clear voice, stopping in
the middle of the hall.
The gentlemen broke off their conversation, and Devrient hastened to
the king.
"Well, how are you?" said George V. kindly. "Always fresh and active.
Devrient is an example to us all," he said, turning to Prince Solms,
"he has the secret of eternal youth."
"Your majesty," said Devrient, "the youth you so graciously ascribe to
me has a behind the scenes. I am not always before the lamps, the gout
is a very poor prompter. I came to beg your commands for the next
rehearsal, but I see your majesty is going out."
"I am busy to-day, dear Devrient," said the king, "and to-morrow. Will
you come to me the day after to-morrow?"
"At your command, your majesty."
And, with a friendly nod, the king went through the great entrance,
both doors of which had been opened by the porter.
As they entered the courtyard of the castle, where the sentries on
guard presented arms, Prince Karl asked:--
"Where are you going?"
"To the mausoleum," said the king.
Taking his brother's arm, he walked firmly and quickly through the
castle courtyard.
Devrient turned to Count Wedell after he had watched the king for a
moment.
"When I see our master walking thus, and when I think of the times in
which we live, I could wish to conjure all the good angels of heaven to
watch over his dear head. It does not please me," he added, gloomily,
"to see him leaning on the arm of an Austrian general. God grant it may
be no evil omen."
"You are incorrigible!" cried Count Wedell, "will you again rant on
politics, and air your hatred against Austria? All Germany takes the
emperor's side; shall the king sacrifice himself for Prussia?"
"I do not love the Austrian uniform," said Devrient, moodily.
"I wish we had thirty thousand of them here," cried Count Wedell; "I
will remind you of to-day, Devrient, when the great victory is won, and
when grateful Austria----"
"Gratitude from the House of Austria!" cried Devrient, with a
theatrical tone and gesture; and without saying another word he put on
his hat and rushed through the open door, along the broad alley which
led from Herrenhausen to the city.
Count Wedell laughed, and shook his head as he retreated into the
interior of the castle.
In a deep wood in the gardens of Herrenhausen is the tomb of King
Ernest Augustus and Queen Frederica, similar to the mausoleum at
Charlottenburg, where Frederick William III. of Prussia and Queen
Louisa rest.
The king and queen lie chiselled in marble by a master's hand upon a
sarcophagus, in a building resembling a temple, the light from above
falling with wonderful effect upon the beautiful, lifelike figures. The
building in its profound stillness and pious simplicity impresses the
beholder with the full majesty of death, not to be felt without a
shudder, but also with the perfect peace of eternal rest.
A single sentry stood before the entrance.
Four persons were leaving the mausoleum in silence, evidently impressed
by the royal tomb. The castellan followed them.
Three of these persons were old acquaintances from Blechow--the pastor
Berger, his daughter Helena, and the eldest son of Baron von
Wendenstein. Their companion was a young man of about seven or eight
and twenty, who was evidently a clergyman, from his plain black dress
and white neck-tie; his smooth, fair hair hung low on his temples, and
surrounded a round, shiny face, which was neither handsome nor
interesting. His small grey eyes, partly concealed by eyelids
habitually cast down, were quick and rather hard, and on his thin,
firmly closed lips appeared an expression of self-satisfaction and
ascetic assumption, which formed a remarkable contrast to the
amiability and calm cheerfulness of old pastor Berger, who wore his
usual dress--a closely buttoned black coat, and the square _berretta_
of the Lutheran clergy.
The whole party advanced slowly up the wide avenue leading from the
mausoleum to the park immediately surrounding the castle.
They had not gone far from the mausoleum, when they heard the sentinel
present arms, and the castellan said in a low voice:--
"His majesty the king!"
George V. appeared from a side walk, leaning on the arm of Prince
Solms.
The three gentlemen removed their hats, and they all respectfully stood
still.
"They are acknowledging you," whispered the prince.
The king touched his cap.
"Who is it?" he asked.
"From his dress, a Lutheran clergyman," replied the prince.
The king stood still and exclaimed:
"Herr pastor!"
Pastor Berger walked up to him and said in a firm, clear voice,
"I salute most respectfully my royal master and supreme bishop!"
The king started when he heard his voice.
"Have I not met you formerly in Wendland?"
"It is too gracious of your majesty to remember it. I am the pastor
Berger from Blechow."
"Quite right, quite right," exclaimed the king with satisfaction; "I
remember the great pleasure your loyal reception gave me, and all the
interesting things you told me of the customs of your people. How glad
I am to meet you here! What brings you to Hanover?"
"Your majesty, my strength is not what it used to be, and I am obliged
to think of procuring some assistance that my flock may not suffer from
my increasing age. The service must not grow old and feeble. I
therefore greatly wish my sister's son, the candidate Behrman, to be
appointed as my adjunct, and, if God wills, my successor in my holy
office. I came hither to make my request to the consistory."
"It is granted, my dear pastor," cried the king; "the qualifications of
your nephew are doubtless correct, or you would not make the request.
Your nephew is your adjunct. How happy I am to fulfil your wishes here
and at once."
Touched and surprised, the pastor could only say: "I thank your majesty
from my heart."
"And now, my dear pastor, I must take care that you are shown
everything worth seeing in Hanover. Make yourself quite at home at the
castle. To-morrow I shall expect you to dinner; come an hour
beforehand. You must tell me much about my dear, faithful Wendland.
Have you seen the park and the hot-houses?"
"We were on our way, your majesty. I have just left the mausoleum, and
I am still deeply impressed. I lifted up my soul to God there, and
prayed fervently that he would protect your majesty in these difficult
and dangerous times."
The king looked very grave.
"Yes," he then said, "the days are dark and difficult, and we need
God's blessing. I will do what you have done. I will pray at the grave
of my parents for strength and wisdom. Farewell; we meet to-morrow."
And with a soldier's salute he turned away and walked towards the
mausoleum.
Pastor Berger looked after him with great emotion; he raised his hand
as if impelled by some unseen power, and he said in a clear voice,
which resounded strangely through the wooded solitude:
"The Lord bless thee and keep thee! The Lord lift up the light of His
countenance and be gracious unto thee! The Lord lift up the light of
His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace! Amen!"
At the first words of this blessing, King George stood still and
removed his cap. A deep feeling of devotion appeared in his face.
As the pastor's words ceased, he covered his head, greeted him by a
silent movement of the hand, and slowly entered the quiet, simple
building, which protected the last rest of his parents.