Prince Bismarck has, it is said, partly written five chapters
of his intended book, and, it is added, has asked Professor Geffcken to write from his dictation, a remarkable instance of the lion lying down with the lamb, when we remember the persecution to which the Professor was subjected a year or two ago. The book, it is said by the omniscient M. de Blowitz, will contain many curious stories as to the war of 1866. Some of these are cited as a sample. They show that the late Emperor William was much given to weeping on the necks of the people whom he defeated. At his first interview with the Emperor Francis Joseph after the Treaty of Prague, he threw himself into the arms of the Austrian Sovereign, dissolved in tears. Again, when he had written " and sent off" an un- pleasant ultimatum to the King of Saxony, he wept to think of " the chagrin it would cause the King of Saxony," and of "the pain which would be felt by Francis Joseph." Not to be outdone, Prince Bismarck wept too, and bathed his master's hand in his tears. Evidently the Prussian Monarch and his Minister shared the sentiments of that much-maligned reptile, the crocodile, and considered tears the best sauce with which to eat Kingdoms. M. de Blowitz adds that if Prince Bismarck denies the authenticity of these disclosures, he cannot stand by them, " however trustworthy my informa- tion." " There are diplomatists concerning whom, even when you tell the absolute truth about them, it is prudent not to be too positive, so that you can withdraw without being wanting in respect to yourself or your readers."
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