King William was silent for a moment, then he fixed his eyes with a look of firm resolution on his minister, and answered:
"Then the ambassadors shall declare war!"
"God save the king!" cried Count Bismarck, with a loud voice, and a look of the greatest satisfaction.
"Let the same be done in Dresden," said the king.
"In Dresden!" exclaimed Count Bismarck; "does your majesty believe that Herr von Beust----?"
"I have nothing to do with Herr von Beust," replied the king with dignity, "but I will once more offer King John my hand. If it be in vain, the guilt of what follows will not rest with me."
"But," said Count Bismarck, "may I beg your majesty immediately to command the military operations, which will be needful as soon as war has been declared."
"I will summon Moltke, and give the requisite orders," said the king.
"May I call your majesty's attention to one point?" asked Count Bismarck.
The king looked at him inquiringly.