The Greater Lion
One summer morning, in 1874, while Emperor William I was taking the water cure at Ems, the following humorous incident happened. He and Emperor Alexander II had as usual taken their morning walk together, and then seated themselves on a bench of the promenade near the Trinkhalle. The chance of getting a good look at the two rulers was not to be lost by the summer guests, and soon a crowd was walking up and down in front of their bench. The Czar who did not like to be stared at, made an impatient remark about it, when Emperor William, pointing to Bismarck who was just passing and bowing respectfully, said:
“Now we shall have peace!”
“Why so?” asked the Czar, surprised.
“Why?” returned the Emperor, “because there goes Bismarck; he is more famous than we are! The people will run after him now and give us a rest.”