The king went quickly up to him, and spread out his arms.
"We will not say adieu, my dear Tschirschnitz," he cried; "I hope we shall meet happily and soon, when this sad war is over, and that you will give me your valued counsels for many years."
And he pressed the general to his heart.
"Accept the nomination of general of the infantry as a proof of my gratitude and affection," he said in a low voice.
The general bowed in silence.
"Your majesty will permit me," he then said, "to return to Hanover? An old invalid can do nothing against the enemy," he added bitterly.
"Go, my dear general," said the king; "the queen needs the advice of true servants."
The crown prince came forward.
"I beg you to greet my mother from me," he said affectionately.
"Farewell, your royal highness," replied the general; "you see an old servant of your father, and of your grandfather, depart. So do the old times vanish: may the future bring new men, but guard the old truth."