"They have now lost all hope in Austria," said Klindworth; "they feel themselves in the power of Prussia; with a few promises, a few kind words, and a few threats it will not be difficult to gain them over to her side, for of this I am certain, they only want some reasonable and honourable excuse to join her." The emperor was silent. "If, however," said Klindworth with animation, "Prussia at once obtains what she desires, namely immediate and important accessions of territory, the complete annexation of Hanover, Hesse, &c.,--if only sufficient pressure is applied as to enable South Germany to retain its sovereign independence--the result will not be the union of Germany, that popular idea of all poets, singers, and beer-drinkers; on the contrary, it will be its separation, and all the blood that has been shed will only have been for the aggrandizement of Prussia. Domestic nationality, that feeling so dear to the German, will be directed against Prussia, and the national sympathy will turn towards Austria." "Will this be possible?" asked the emperor. "Certain," replied Klindworth; "if Austria, penetrated by another spirit, uses with prudent policy those powers which are now once more so active and potent--alas! that it should be so; but we must work with what will effect most." "That is?" asked the emperor. "Sire," said Klindworth, "if Prussia is increased in size by these annexations, and obtains the leadership in North Germany, she will be compelled to adopt a strict, unbending government, for the German races do not easily assimilate. One iron hand will be laid on North Germany, and the other constantly raised to menace South Germany. Then Austria must arise with fresh strength, as the shield of individual government, of independence, and of Liberty." Napoleon smiled. "Of liberty?" "Why not?" cried Klindworth; "severe sicknesses are healed by means of dangerous poisons." "But where is the skilful physician?" asked the emperor, laughing, "who can administer to sick Austria the proper dose of this poison? Count Mensdorff or Metternich?" "I think I have found this physician," said Klindworth, gravely, without appearing perplexed. The groom of the chambers entered. "Colonel Favé is in the ante-room, sire." The emperor rose. "In one moment," he said. Klindworth stood up and came nearer to the emperor. "This physician," he said, in a low voice, "is von Beust." Puzzled and amazed, the emperor gazed at him. "Beust!" he cried, "the Protestant! Do you believe that the emperor----" "I do believe it," said Klindworth; "but at all events, Herr von Beust is here; your majesty can sound him for yourself, and see whether my opinion is well founded." He fixed his sharp eyes longer and more firmly than before upon the emperor, with a penetrating glance. Napoleon smiled.