He had heard that new emissaries would come to Neuschwanstein the next morning to take him away, with the help of doctors and keepers; and he knew that he would be a will-less prisoner in their hands. The excited condition in which he had passed the previous day had been succeeded by indifference to everything, to everyone. After Count Dürckheim's departure he seemed to be completely broken. He thought no more of resistance. Another thought ceaselessly occupied his mind. When during the course of the Friday he showed apparent calm, it was because the idea of suicide was paramount. Unceasingly he walked up and down the throne-room, and talked aloud of shortening his life. Every now and then he addressed a few words to Weber. "Do you believe in the immortality of the soul?" he asked. "Yes," answered the servant. "I too believe in it," said Ludwig. "I believe in the immortality of the soul, and in the justice of God." "From the heights of life to be dashed down into a nothing!" he continued. "A spoiled life! I cannot endure it. I could agree to their taking my crown from me, but I cannot survive their declaring me to be mad. I cannot possibly endure being treated like my brother Otto, whom every keeper dares to order about, whom they threaten with a clenched fist when he will not obey!" The thought of death had taken possession of his mind. He asked his servants for cyanide of potassium; they replied that they could not give it to him. Despite the rain which was falling that night, he went out several times on to the balcony of the castle, which overhangs the dizzy chasm of the Pöllat. He ordered Mayr to give him the key of the high tower of the castle, but the servant pretended that he could not find it. A spring from the tower and the King would be saved! "When my barber comes to-morrow," he said, "he may look for my head in the Pöllat." And he added: "I hope that God will vouchsafe to pardon me this step!... I cannot spare my mother the pain I shall cause her," he continued. "They are driving me to death! But my blood will be on all those who have betrayed me!" He was particularly bitter against his uncle. "A well-beloved relation who usurps supreme authority, and imprisons me," he said. "He is no Prince Regent; he is a Prince Rebel!" Baroness Truchsesz still continued to remain in the ante-room; her presence began to be painful to him. He desired her removal, but gave express orders that it should be done gently and with consideration. The valet, Weber, had twice been in his service. Ludwig gave him a diamond clasp which he was in the habit of wearing in his hat. "I have no money with which to reward you," he said. "Receive instead my clasp and this note of hand. If they compel you to give up the diamonds, my document will insure you a compensation of 25,000 marks." He gave him, in addition, his prayer-book, which was much used. "Pray for me," he said. [37]