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A few minutes afterward General von Kockeritz, with the memorial in his hands, reentered the cabinet of the king, who was still slowly pacing the room, without noticing the arrival of his adviser. "Your majesty," said the general, timidly, "here is the memorial of Ferdinand, duke of Brunswick." "Just lay it on my desk there," said the king, continuing his promenade.
Hereafter Lutheran principles shall be strictly adhered to in religious affairs, for they are entirely in harmony with the spirit and Founder of our religion. If he should not do so in the course of a few weeks, of course I shall dismiss him. You see, Kockeritz, I am speaking to you frankly and unreservedly, as if you were a true friend of mine, and I am treating you already as my adviser.
I have yielded to your more profound sagacity for the time being, but an inward voice tells me that it is wrong to break the peace because France at the present time is being threatened on all sides, and because her armies have been defeated." "Your majesty alone has to decide the whole question," said Kockeritz, solemnly.
Draw the sword for Prussia's honor and Germany's safety." "I implore your majesty likewise to do so," exclaimed General von Kockeritz. "I dare to implore your majesty, in the name of your people. Oh, sire, take a bold and manly resolution! Draw the sword for Prussia's honor and Germany's safety." The king had risen and paced the room with violent steps.
In every house were festivities in honor of the great battle of the nations fought at Leipsic. But during this universal exultation the king left Berlin, without his suite, attended only by his old friend, General Kockeritz, and rode to Charlottenburg.
"Yes, yes, the king has written that," said Haugwitz, folding the letter; "I must hastily dress, therefore, and repair to the palace. I am anxious to know whence this new wind is blowing, and who has succeeded in persuading the king to change his mind. Should my old friend, Kockeritz, after all, be favorable to France?
Will you forgive me for having hesitated until Natzmer would bring me Alexander's reply?" "Oh, sire," exclaimed Hardenberg, "my soul bows in joyous admiration, and your greatness and mildness make me blush." At this moment the door opened, and Kockeritz and Kalkreuth entered the cabinet. "Ah," exclaimed the king, meeting them, "my two generals whom I sent out on a reconnoissance!
"You believe, then, I would have dismissed him anyhow?" "Yes, I believe so, your majesty." "And you are right, Kockeritz. This gloomy and bigoted man has done a great deal of mischief in Prussia, and the genius of our country had veiled his head and fled before the spirits which Bischofswerder had called up.
Stepping up to his desk, he seized a piece of paper there, which he handed to his friend. "Just read that paper, and tell me what to do about it." "Ah, Lieutenant-General von Bischofswerder has sent in his resignation!" exclaimed Herr von Kockeritz, when he had read the paper. "Well, I must confess that the general has a very fine nose, and that he acted most prudently."
Herr von Kockeritz cast a rapid glance upon the king's countenance and seemed to have read his thoughts upon his clouded brow. "Your majesty," he said, gravely and slowly, "I do not mean to say any thing against Wollner, the minister, and his two counsellors, Hermes and Hiller, nor against Lieutenant-General von Bischofswerder." The frown had already disappeared from the king's brow.
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