“How do you like Alexandra?”
“She is, in truth, imperially beautiful,” answered Beck.
“But you heard her cruel remarks about the poor Poles?”
“Yes, I heard what she said, and am not astonished that a Russian lady, whose father is governor, should think as he does; it is very natural,” replied the professor.
Adolph appeared to be overwhelmed with sadness.
“Will you not go with us on our tour of inspection?” asked Edward.
“After such a painful exhibition of Alexandra’s sentiments, I need something to distract my thoughts.”
“Have you noticed that the bust and portrait of the emperor, seated on his throne, is to be seen in every corridor, chamber, and salon of the palace?” remarked Edward. “He is like an idol in the house, before which even the lovely head of Alexandra bows in reverence. This fact is of the highest interest to me. Man must have a god, a sovereign being, to serve. In Russia, the emperor is this sovereign; and Almighty God in heaven is, as the Russians imagine, the vassal of the emperor; for bishops, priests, and popes can only teach and preach that which the imperial sovereign commands and permits. And such a sovereign is to sit upon the throne of the new German Empire! A glorious prospect for us!”
“Ridiculous nonsense!” exclaimed the young nobleman. “The German nation would never submit to such a yoke of tyranny. Germans will never become slaves!”
“Do not be too confident, Von Sempach! A keen observer has said that the Germans are a most servile people.”