The suppressed embitterment of which he had long been the object at Rome was now transformed into open and violent persecution. During these struggles King Ludwig held his protecting hand over his old teacher,[1] and sent him the following letter:—
“My dear Dean von Döllinger,
“I intended to have called upon you to-day, but, unfortunately I am hindered by indisposition from carrying out my purpose, and expressing my very heartiest wishes for your happiness and blessing on the occasion of your birthday.
“I therefore send you my congratulations in this manner.
“I hope that God may grant you still many years of unimpaired intellect and health, so that you may lead to a victorious end the struggle which you began for the honour of religion and science, for the welfare of the Church and the State.
“Do not weary in this so serious and important combat! May you ever be upheld by the consciousness that millions look up to you with confidence as the champion and pillar of truth, and who abandon themselves to the certain hope that you and your undaunted fellow-fighters will put the Jesuitical intrigues to shame and shed the light of victory over human malice and darkness.
“May God grant it, and I pray it of Him with my whole soul!
“Renewing my most sincere and affectionate wishes for your happiness and welfare, I send you, my dear Dean von Döllinger, my kindest regards, and remain, with good-will and unshakable confidence, always
“Your greatly attached King,
“Ludwig.