¶ We now return to Berlin. In May, the blood-letting was over, but no prospect of political reform seemed immediately possible.
Bismarck began using what might be called underground methods to head off the demand for that long-promised democratic Constitution.
¶ Already the King began to see more clearly. It struck him that this brazen-faced giant might be useful, later on. Had not Bismarck said in his now widely quoted speech: “Soon or late, the God who directs the battle will cast his iron dice!” It gave His Majesty courage!
¶ The King looked to right and left, dissolved one Diet after the other, till he had one to suit him. Otto nudged his King. That momentary weakness of marching with the democrats was something His Majesty wished to forget!
¶ Bismarck’s position must be clearly set forth. He was no mere reactionary, brandishing his fists at new leaders, who favored the common people. He knew all about this liberty, equality and fraternity business, from across the Vosges—and he despised the cure-all.
Here is the idea in a few words: Bismarck was not fighting political liberalism, as an end; instead, he protested with his giant’s strength at the implied destruction of the Old Regime.
¶ He laid the revolt largely to the bureaucratic system, which he characterized as “The animal with the pen!”
He stood fast by his good old Prussian dogma, as outlined in “I am a Prussian!” paralleling “Rule Britannia,” and other national hymns.
The song is sung with wild martial vigor, akin to the furious appeal of ancient Polish melodies: