"I cannot," said Count Mensdorff, in a melancholy voice, "consider this opportunity as favourable; to open two theatres of war at once, is play which neither the present resources of Austria nor my hopes for her future justify; especially when one enemy is so powerful, and so untiringly energetic, that we shall need all our strength to withstand him."
"Energetic?" said the emperor softly: "at Olmütz the strong man quietly gave way."
"Olmütz will not be repeated; the Emperor Nicholas is dead, and between Alexander and us lies Sebastopol!"
The emperor was silent.
"May I humbly suggest to your majesty's attention," said Count Mensdorff, after a moment's pause, during which he looked through his papers, "that the Duc de Gramont presses for an answer on the subject of the French Treaty, to be concluded on condition that we give up Venetia."
"Can the answer no longer be postponed?" asked the emperor.
"No, your majesty; the ambassador declares that an undecided answer will be regarded as a definite refusal."
"What would you do?"
Count Mensdorff spoke slowly and calmly. "If your imperial majesty has decided, as indeed you have, to undertake at the present moment a mighty war for the re-establishment of the Austrian power in Germany, that object is great enough to set aside every other; it is noble and costly enough to demand a sacrifice. The house of Hapsburg was powerful in Europe without Venice, it has not obtained power with that province; on the contrary, many embarrassments, troubles, and difficulties. The war in Germany, and about Germany, would have greater chance of success if the enemy in the south were removed, our own army there set free, whilst our alliance with France would hinder Prussia from concentrating her army against us. The enemy would be occupied on two sides, whilst we should be able to throw our whole force on one point, and our present unfavourable position would be turned completely to our advantage. Under such a constellation a second Olmütz would be possible, or, if the sword decided, success would be far more certain. Your majesty," concluded Count Mensdorff, calmly meeting the emperor's searching, anxious gaze, "I would yield Venetia."
The emperor bit his lips in silence.