assador again, and sent to tell him through the aide-de-camp
on duty that his Majesty had nothing further to communicate to the
ambassador.' The difference in the effect of the abbreviated text of the
Ems telegram, as compared with that produced by the original, was not the
result of stronger words but of the form, which made this announcement
appear decisive, while Abeken's version would only have been regarded as a
fragment of a negotiation still pending and to be continued at Berlin.
After I had read out the concentrated edition to my two guests, Moltke
remarked: 'Now it has a different ring; it sounded before like a parley;
now it is like a flourish in answer to a challenge.' I went on to explain:
'If in execution of his Majesty's order I at once communicate this text,
which contains no alteration in or addition to the telegram, not only to
the newspapers, but also by telegraph to all our embassies, it will be
known in Paris before midnight, and not only an account of its contents,
but also an account of the manner of its distribution, will have the
effect of a red rag upon the Gallic bull. Fight we must, if we do not want
to act the part of the vanquished without a battle. Success, however,
essentially depends upon the impression which the origination of the war
makes upon us and others; it is important that we should be the party
attacked, and that we fearlessly meet the public threats of France.' This
explanation brought about in the two generals a revulsion to a more joyous
mood, the liveliness of which surprised me. They had suddenly recovered
their pleasure in eating and drinking, and spoke in a more cheerful vein.
Roon said: 'Our God of old lives still, and will not let us perish in
disgrace.' "(211)

The telegram devised at the Berlin dinner-party soon reached Paris. For a
second time the 14th day of July was to be a date of doom in French
history. The Emperor and his council deliberated on the grave question of
calling out the reserves. The decisive step had been pressed by Marshal
Leboeuf the night before without success. He now returned to the charge,
and this time his proposal was resolved upon. It was about four o'clock.
The marshal had hardly left the room before new scruples seized his
colleagues. The discussion began over again, and misgivings revived. The
Emperor showed himself downcast and worn out. Towards five o'clock
somebody came to tell them it was absolutely necessary that ministers
should pre