"I am; for in Prussia I recognize the backbone of our national existence; she is not prepossessing, but steadfast and reliable. "I lived at the time of the war of liberation; many who were of my age took part in the war that saved us. Our section stood with Napoleon, but Prussia saved Germany. She has dallied a great while before claiming her reward for that service; but at last she receives it." The Prince arose, and, resting both hands on his writing-table, said, "That is the very reason I sent for you. Both they and we--both high and low--must extinguish the memories of 1866. We have all much to forgive, and much to learn." And then the Prince asked me whether I believed that the majority of the House of Delegates agreed with us? I was obliged to express my doubts on that head. "I have made up my mind, however," exclaimed the Prince, "whether the delegates agree with me, or otherwise. You are an old, tried soldier. Are you ready to ally yourself with me--no, not with me--with the Fatherland?" "How?" "Call it a _coup d'etat_, if you choose--we dare not let names frighten us--these are times in which legal forms must be disregarded. Are you willing to accept the presidency of my cabinet, so that your fair name may lend its lustre to my actions? You shall bear testimony to my love of country." "I am willing, your Highness, to sacrifice the short span of life that is yet left me; but I am not an adept in state affairs." "That is no matter; others will attend to that. What I require is the moral influence of your presence. Your son-in-law, Colonel Karsten, is willing to accept the portfolio of Secretary of War." I informed the Prince that I would be obliged to insist on important conditions: not from distrust of him, but of his noble associates who had deserted us in 1848, and had used us liberals as cat's-paws. I told him that, in my opinion, Germany would either emerge from this war as a great power, or disappear from the roll of nations. "We hope for the best, and we must conquer, for defeat would be destruction." As a first condition, I requested the Prince to give me a written assurance that he resigned all privileges which would interfere with German unity. He smiled. I do not know whether it was in scorn, or whether he had not heard my last words. He rose, placed his hand on my shoulder, and said, "You are a good man." I, too, was obliged to smile, and answered, "What else should I be, your Highness?" "Is not what you demand of me equivalent to an abdication?" "No; it is nothing more than retiring to the position held by the princes before domestic dissensions enabled Louis XIV. to wrest Alsace and Lorraine from the German Empire." It was with an air of embarrassment that the Prince said: "Here is my hand. I have a right to do this, and desire to be the first to hail the victorious King of Prussia as Emperor." The Prince touched a bell, and a lackey entered, whom he told to bid Colonel Karsten come.