"I must not conceal from your imperial majesty," continued Count Mensdorff in a calm voice, "that several parties in the army severely blame Count Clam-Gallas; they say he did not conduct his operations at the right time nor obey the orders that were given him." "Count Clam!" exclaimed the emperor. "I do not believe it." "I thank your imperial majesty for that word," said Count Mensdorff, "and I venture to add that I believe from his devotion to your majesty and to Austria, Count Clam-Gallas would be incapable of military negligence; nevertheless, he is my relative, he belongs to the great aristocracy of the empire--the public voice accuses him, and will condemn him the more easily if his justification is not brilliant and complete. I beg your majesty to call him to account." "It shall be done," said the emperor, "he shall be invited here; I can then take further steps. But now," he continued, "what is to be done? is the situation hopeless?" "Your majesty," replied Count Mensdorff, "the army still numbers 180,000 men; at the present moment they are certainly in no condition to carry on any military operation; but only time and re-formation are required to enable them to offer fresh resistance to the enemy. The fortified camp of Olmütz affords rest and safety, and the field-marshal is withdrawing his head-quarters there, to draw the enemy away from Vienna." "To draw them away from Vienna!" repeated the emperor; "it is terrible; this enemy whom I hoped to overthrow for ever, already threatens me in my capital!" "It is to be hoped," said Count Mensdorff, "that the Prussian army will follow the field-marshal, and be detained before Olmütz; in the meantime Vienna must be covered to provide for every contingency, and to enable us to attack the enemy on two sides when we can resume offensive measures." General Knesebeck nodded approval, the emperor cast a look of excitement on his minister. "And to obtain this," added Count Mensdorff, "we need Hungary and the Italian army." The emperor rose. "Do you believe," he cried vehemently, "that from the mouth of Hungary the words that saved Austria will again resound: _Moriamur pro rege nostro?_" "_Pro rege nostro_," said Count Mensdorff, clearly pronouncing each word, "yes, I do believe it--if your majesty will be _rex Hungariæ!_" "Am I not?" cried the emperor. "What shall I do to make Hungary draw the sword for me?" "Forget and forgive," said Count Mensdorff, "and restore to Hungary her independence beneath the crown of St. Stephen." The emperor was silent. "And the Italian army?" he then asked. "Must be recalled as quickly as possible, to cover Vienna, and to march against the enemy!" "And what will become of Italy?" asked the emperor. "Italy must be given up," said Count Mensdorff, sighing. The emperor gave him a penetrating look. "Give up Italy?" he asked, hesitatingly, and cast down his eyes.