Later, when we grew to manhood, it
was given to us to look into each other's eyes and to remain faithfully
united to each other. For your Majesty the Imperial Crown has been
girt with thorns. Within my narrower sphere and with my feeble
strength strengthened by my vows, I have endeavoured to help your
Majesty as a soldier and a citizen. . . .
"I am very sincerely grateful to your Majesty for the trust which you
place in my feeble person. And I can assure your Majesty that it is
not laurels that tempt me, nor glory. One thing and one only leads me
on, it is to go and proclaim in a foreign land the gospel of the sacred
person of your Majesty and to preach it as well to those who will hear
it as to those who will not. It is this that I intend to blazon upon
my flag and wherever I may go. Our comrades share these sentiments!
Eternal life to our well-beloved Emperor!"
Such gems must be left intact. One should read them again and again,
line by line. Ponderous eloquence, fustian bombast, and mouldy pathos
combine with the display of pomp, to excite world-wide admiration.
This play of well-rehearsed parts is given before an audience of
generals, high officials and politicians, and the scene is set at Kiel,
that moving pedestal which the King of Prussia inaugurated when he made
all the fleets of Europe file past him.
William II looks upon history as a vulgar photographic plate designed
for the purpose of "taking" him in all his poses and in such places as
he may select and appoint.
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