Bismarck began using what might be called underground methods to head off the demand for that long-promised democratic Constitution. ¶ Already the King began to see more clearly. It struck him that this brazen-faced giant might be useful, later on. Had not Bismarck said in his now widely quoted speech: "Soon or late, the God who directs the battle will cast his iron dice!" It gave His Majesty courage! ¶ The King looked to right and left, dissolved one Diet after the other, till he had one to suit him. Otto nudged his King. That momentary weakness of marching with the democrats was something His Majesty wished to forget! ¶ Bismarck's position must be clearly set forth. He was no mere reactionary, brandishing his fists at new leaders, who favored the common people. He knew all about this liberty, equality and fraternity business, from across the Vosges--and he despised the cure-all. Here is the idea in a few words: Bismarck was not fighting political liberalism, as an end; instead, he protested with his giant's strength at the implied destruction of the Old Regime. ¶ He laid the revolt largely to the bureaucratic system, which he characterized as "The animal with the pen!" He stood fast by his good old Prussian dogma, as outlined in "I am a Prussian!" paralleling "Rule Britannia," and other national hymns. The song is sung with wild martial vigor, akin to the furious appeal of ancient Polish melodies: I am a Prussian! see my colors gleaming-- The black-white standard floats before me free; For Freedom's rights, my fathers' heart-blood streaming, Such, mark ye, mean the black and white to me! Shall I then prove a coward? I'll e'er be marching forward! Though day be dull, though sun shine bright on me, I am a Prussian, will a Prussian be! Sixteen years later, when endeavoring with all his strength to bring about German National unity, his "Prussians we are and Prussians we will remain" was used against him with mocking effect. * * * * * ¶ By October, nerves were steadied. The King sent Gen. Wangrel to occupy Berlin and disperse the radicals--with cannon, if necessary. That speech has the right sound; but William has before this veered around many times, like a weather-vane, and may he not shift again? For the instant, he stood for the Old Regime and Divine-right. ¶ The following month William appointed Brandenberg, an old-line Prussian aristocrat, Prime Minister. The siege of Berlin was declared; the Assembly protested but finally gave in. Along in December, without consulting the Assembly, William invited the states to send delegates to Berlin and made an alliance of three kings--Prussia, Saxony and Hanover. ¶ What is going to happen next? 34 At last the people have a share in their government, but Bismarck sees to it that the radicals are not favored.