"The Jurists objected to our assuming the privileges of citizenship.
"The House which acknowledged our election was dissolved, naturally enough, by Metternich's order. A new one met, and, as we had in the meanwhile been re-elected, it confirmed the validity of our election. Your father--I fully acknowledge his many acts of benevolence--was obliged to extend his hand to us in order that we might take the oath.
"There are no words that fitly describe the wicked man who lived in the imperial city, and to whom the sovereign German princes were obedient subjects. In future days it will seem incredible, that, in obedience to orders from Vienna, the German princes ordered our youth, under heavy penalties, to desist from improving their physical strength by gymnastic exercises.
"Perhaps you never knew that even singing clubs were forbidden, and that officials who had been connected with them were regarded with suspicion.
"Is it conceivable that a government which forbids physical development by means of gymnastics, and spiritual elevation by means of song, can for a moment have faith in its own stability?
"I am not easily moved to hatred; but, even now, the name of that man fills me with indignation.
"What crime had we been guilty of? Why, only this: with a youthful confidence in solemn promises, we had simply held fast to the idea that Germany had freed itself from the Corsican yoke in order to become a free, united empire.
"You cannot conceive, your Highness, how many noble-hearted men were thrown into dungeons, or driven into exile in those days. Who can measure what noble gifts ran to waste.
"When I think of these things, a sad picture presents itself to my mind's eye.
"Among our fellow-prisoners at the fortress, there was a young man who had already begun to lecture at the university.