"From his dress, a Lutheran clergyman," replied the prince.
The king stood still and exclaimed:
"Herr pastor!"
Pastor Berger walked up to him and said in a firm, clear voice,
"I salute most respectfully my royal master and supreme bishop!"
The king started when he heard his voice.
"Have I not met you formerly in Wendland?"
"It is too gracious of your majesty to remember it. I am the pastor Berger from Blechow."
"Quite right, quite right," exclaimed the king with satisfaction; "I remember the great pleasure your loyal reception gave me, and all the interesting things you told me of the customs of your people. How glad I am to meet you here! What brings you to Hanover?"
"Your majesty, my strength is not what it used to be, and I am obliged to think of procuring some assistance that my flock may not suffer from my increasing age. The service must not grow old and feeble. I therefore greatly wish my sister's son, the candidate Behrman, to be appointed as my adjunct, and, if God wills, my successor in my holy office. I came hither to make my request to the consistory."