"They want to renew the days of Canossa!" he said to himself; "they deceive themselves. I will not be a servant to the Church; I will struggle and fight for the power to be her protector. And now, to work!"
He rang, the groom of the chambers appeared.
"Let States-Chancellor Klindworth be sent for without delay!"
"At your majesty's command!"
The emperor seated himself at his writing-table, and looked through various papers. But this occupation was merely mechanical. His thoughts often wandered, and the paper in his hand sank slowly down, while his eyes gazed thoughtfully into space.
Klindworth entered. His face, with its downcast eyes, was as unmoved and impenetrable as ever. His hands were folded on his breast, he bowed deeply, and remained standing near the door.
The emperor looked up as he entered, and returned his respectful greeting by a slight inclination of the head.
"Do you know what I have decided to do, my dear Klindworth?" he asked, with a piercing glance at the old man's face.
"I do know it, your imperial majesty!"
"And what do you say to it?"