In character the Emperor is free from vanity and simple in his tastes. He has suffered so much that even had he not had dignity and courage as inborn qualities he must have gained them, otherwise he could never have survived the repeated blows of fate. He is sparing of words, but his thought penetrates below the surface. “His calm placidity enables him to see through the transparent motive of the self-seeker, the charity-mongering toady--a rare gift of kingship. An indulgent smile perhaps, but few stars and crosses are to be had for incense-burning to this Habsburg.” In spite of being a constitutional ruler, it is the personality of the Emperor that counts in a way that is felt in no other country. Perhaps it is because he forms the only link among so many nationalities, so many jarring, turbulent, and opposed aspirations, that his person is so strongly revered. Whatever else divides the Magyar from the Austrian and the Slav from the Magyar, here they are all at one. Quiet, reserved, shrewd, and kindly, he has learnt by many bitter experiences to play his hard part to perfection. The Austrian National Anthem evokes as much feeling as in more homogeneous countries. [Illustration: AUSTRIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM {_Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser, {God preserve our gracious Emp’ror, Unsern guten Kaiser Franz!_} Franz our sov’reign, great is he:} {_Hoch als Herrscher, hoch als Weiser, {Wise as Ruler, deep in knowledge, Steht er in des Ruhmes Glanz!_} Nations his renown may see!} _Liebe windet Lorbeerreiser Love entwines a crown of laurel Ihm zum ewig grünen Kranz! That shall all unfading be! Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser, God preserve our gracious Emp’ror, Unsern guten Kaiser Franz!_ Franz our sov’reign, great is he! _Über blühende Gefilde O’er a vast and mighty Empire Reicht sein Scepter weit und breit; Rules our Sov’reign day by day; Säulen seines Throns sind Milde, Though he wields a potent sceptre, Biedersinn und Redlichkeit, All beneficent his sway; Und von seinem Wappenschilde From his shield the Sun of Justice Strahlet die Gerechtigkeit. Ever casts its purest sway! Gott erhalte, etc._ God preserve, etc. _Sich mit Tugenden zu schmücken, To adorn himself with virtues Achtet er der Sorgen wert: He, and all successful, tries; Nicht um Völker zu erdrücken Ne’er against his loving people Flammt in seiner Hand das Schwert. Does his hand in anger rise! Sie zu segnen, zu beglücken, No! to see them free and happy, Ist der Preis, den er begehrt. This he holds the highest prize. Gott erhalte, etc._ God preserve, etc.