"It shall be done," said the emperor, "he shall be invited here; I can then take further steps. But now," he continued, "what is to be done? is the situation hopeless?"
"Your majesty," replied Count Mensdorff, "the army still numbers 180,000 men; at the present moment they are certainly in no condition to carry on any military operation; but only time and re-formation are required to enable them to offer fresh resistance to the enemy. The fortified camp of Olmütz affords rest and safety, and the field-marshal is withdrawing his head-quarters there, to draw the enemy away from Vienna."
"To draw them away from Vienna!" repeated the emperor; "it is terrible; this enemy whom I hoped to overthrow for ever, already threatens me in my capital!"
"It is to be hoped," said Count Mensdorff, "that the Prussian army will follow the field-marshal, and be detained before Olmütz; in the meantime Vienna must be covered to provide for every contingency, and to enable us to attack the enemy on two sides when we can resume offensive measures."
General Knesebeck nodded approval, the emperor cast a look of excitement on his minister.
"And to obtain this," added Count Mensdorff, "we need Hungary and the Italian army."
The emperor rose.
"Do you believe," he cried vehemently, "that from the mouth of Hungary the words that saved Austria will again resound: Moriamur pro rege nostro?"
"Pro rege nostro," said Count Mensdorff, clearly pronouncing each word, "yes, I do believe it--if your majesty will be rex Hungariæ!"
"Am I not?" cried the emperor. "What shall I do to make Hungary draw the sword for me?"