"Exactly for that reason I believe both sides are determined on hostilities. If they only wished to threaten, and to use their armaments as a weight in the balance, by which they might obtain a diplomatic compromise, all the government newspapers would be clattering the sword. These assurances of peace disquiet me. Each side seeks the best casus belli, and desires to throw the blame of a rupture on the opponent. I am convinced we shall soon be in the midst of war unless a miracle occurs. Count Platen will not believe it."
"The ostrich," said the king.
Meding smiled, and proceeded:--
"This situation is more dangerous for your majesty and for Hanover than for any other state. In the moment of action Prussia will respect nothing."
"I have already declared that under any circumstance I shall remain neutral," said the king.
"Certainly, your majesty; but no treaty is concluded. Count Platen has only expressed your majesty's intention to remain neutral generally to Count Ysenberg; but, from fear of giving offence in Frankfort and Vienna, no negotiations are proceeding and no treaty is concluded."
"Do you regard a formal treaty as needful?" asked the king.
"I regard it as indispensable. Prussia will willingly conclude such a treaty now, and once concluded she will respect it. In the moment of action she will ask more, and after victory, I think a treaty of neutrality will be the guarantee of the independence--yes, even of the existence--of Hanover."
The king sat upright.
"Do you hold it possible that Prussia could think of attacking the existence of Hanover?"