"I know nothing, your majesty, of what Count Platen did, or did not do; but of this I am certain, King George believes himself to be maintaining the most complete neutrality."
"You do not believe he has concluded a treaty with Austria?" asked the king.
"No, your majesty, I do not believe it, for the king said in the most decided way, he would take no part whatever in this unholy war. Nevertheless----"
"Nevertheless?" asked the king.
"Nevertheless his majesty said in the most clear and straightforward manner," added Schneider, "that the Prussian endeavour to alter the German Confederation of States into one Confederated State would never obtain his consent, and that he should oppose with all his power any such attempted reform of the Confederation, and should defend his own sovereignty and the complete independence of his crown."
King William shook his head.
"I ventured to remark, that I was sure no one, your majesty least of all, thought of interfering with the sovereignty of any prince, but that a stronger military union was needful for Germany, and that the most powerful state must be the leader of this offensive and defensive alliance. I added that his majesty had been brought up as an English prince, but that the policy of a small state like Hanover, could not be conducted on the principles of a first-class power, with large fleets and armies at command."
"Did not his majesty take that amiss?" asked King William.
"Not at all," returned Schneider, "he heard me with the greatest kindness, and without interrupting me; he then said, without any heat, but with the greatest firmness, 'My dear Schneider, my royal rights do not depend on the extent of my territory. I hold my crown from God, just as much as the ruler of the largest kingdom, in the world, and never will I abate one tittle of my sovereign and absolute independence, be the consequence what it may!' I remarked to his majesty that it was not my business to interfere in any way with politics, but that the decided declaration he had just made was of such great importance at the present moment, that I felt it would be my duty as a true servant to my king to communicate it to your majesty on my return. King George fully agreed, and declared that his opinion on this subject was no secret, and that he was ready to act up to it. He then dismissed me in the most gracious and friendly manner."
"Then they are all against me!" cried King William after a moment's reflection, and with a very sorrowful expression.