life was in imminent danger. Meanwhile several members of
the royal family had tried to make an impression on the K.'s
mind. When his own tools, who, up to that moment, had been
pushing him on, told him that L.'s life was in jeopardy, and
that the regiments refused to fight, he began to yield. But
even then his behaviour left no doubt that the personal
safety of L[ola] M[ontez] was his paramount motive. He
himself ran to her house, which the mob had begun to pluck
down; regardless of all royal dignity, he exposed his person
to all the humiliation which the intercourse with an
infuriated mob might subject him to.... Certainly, that day
was the most disgraceful royalty has yet had in Bavaria.

... You will find it natural that the first announcement of
L.M.'s forced departure begot universal exultation. In the
streets one met only smiling countenances; new hopes were
kindled. People wished, and therefore believed, that the
K[ing] having at last become aware of the true state of the
nation's mind, had made a noble sacrifice. A few days were
sufficient to undeceive them. The K.'s mind was in a sort of
fearful excitement, alternating between fits of depression
and thoughts of vengeance.... It is impossible to foresee
what things will lead to, and where the persecution is to
stop. The opinion gains credit that his intention is to
bring L[ola] M[ontez] back. Evidently he is acting, not only
from a thirst for vengeance, but also under the fatal
influence of an irresistible and sinister passion for that
woman.

A few days later, Ludwig, to test public opinion, went to the Opera.

"I have lost my taste for spectacles," he said to his companion, "but
I wish to see if I am still King in the hearts of the people I have
served."

He was not long in doubt, for the moment he entered his box the
audience stood up and cheered him vigorously. This was enough; and,
without waiting for the curtain to rise, he returned to the Palace.

"After all, my subjects still trust me," he said. "I was sure of
them."

III

There was another display of loyalty elsewhere. The Munich garrison,
under Ludwig's second son, Prince Luitpold, took a fresh oath _en
masse_, swearing fidelity to the new constitution. It was, however, a
little late in the day. Things had gone too far; and Lola, who had
merely gone a few