Burgsdorf handed this message to the Prince on the forenoon of the day it was received. He hoped that he would graciously receive the message, meet his friends, consult with them about the condition of the country, settle upon some plan of action for its relief, and afterwards lay it before the Elector, and especially insist upon Schwarzenberg’s dismissal. But Burgsdorf had greatly deceived himself. The Prince, whose motto was the words of the Psalm “Lord, show me the way that I must go,” had decided upon his homeward journey the position he would take at the Electoral Court. After reading the message he looked earnestly at Burgsdorf and said: “You know the story of Absalom, how he sat by the gate and did obeisance to all who came nigh to the King for judgment and stole the hearts of the men of Israel. Do you think these stories are unknown to me? I know also the story in which we are told how David met Saul, who would have killed him in the cave, and how some of David’s friends bade him kill Saul. You ought to know these stories; but better still you ought to understand that mere knowing is of little use. ‘Be it far from me,’ said David, ‘to lay my hand upon the Lord’s anointed.’ You seem astonished that I have referred to these past events. You certainly do not desire to make an attempt upon the life of the Prince of this country. But I say to you, ‘Far be it from me to stretch out my hand against the country’s anointed,’ so take back the message. If my father seeks my advice, my word for the good cause shall not be lacking, so far as God gives me the power to perceive what is right.” Chapter XXIV Mother and Son