"Why? Count Mensdorff gave me reasons in its favour, which I must own made a powerful impression upon me."
Klindworth's eyes sparkled, and he raised his bent figure somewhat, whilst the movement of his fingers grew quicker, and his voice became more animated, and louder than before.
"All political reasons, your majesty, speak against this alliance, and on these grounds: perhaps, I grant it, opposed to this coalition, Prussia may give way--perhaps, but how far? Will your majesty obtain what you desire? No! the quarrel is but patched up, and under such circumstances that Prussia must win. I do not even believe that they will yield in Berlin. I believe that they will fight, though opposed to the French alliance--and then what occurs? If your majesty conquers, the reward of victory will not be yours. Do you believe the Emperor Napoleon will permit the sole supremacy of Austria over a united Germany? To obtain the fruits of victory you would be forced to commence a fresh war against your former ally, who would join hands with your conquered rival. The benefit of an alliance with France is also doubtful, since France is not in a position for any military undertaking."
"Is that certain?" asked the emperor, with surprise.
"Your majesty is aware that I am careful in making distinct assertions, and that I possess means of information which may always be relied on. At this moment France cannot place 100,000 men in the field."
The emperor was silent.
"If, however, the benefits of this alliance are doubtful and insecure," said Klindworth, "two great and certain evils must result from it."
The emperor looked at him expectantly.
"In the first place, your majesty, the position of the house of Hapsburg and of Austria in Germany would be deeply compromised by a French alliance. Should your majesty obtain success, half success at the best, public opinion would always regard Prussia as a national martyr, sacrificed to the hereditary enemy of the German nation. This would give Prussia great additional strength, and it would be a fair ground upon which to renew the struggle under more favourable circumstances."
"Opinion in Germany is on my side," said the emperor.