ression of thanks of the prince elector. "I
would only protect Germany against Austria's grasp, and preserve the
equilibrium of the German empire. Believe me, the house of Hapsburg is
a dangerous enemy for the little German principalities, and if my
successor does not bear it in mind, and guard himself against their
flatteries and cat's-paws, Austria will fleece him as the cat the mouse
who is enticed by the odor of the bacon. Prussia shall be neither a
mouse in the German empire, nor serve as a roast for Austria. But she
shall be a well-trained shepherd's dog for the dear, patient herd, and
take care that none go astray and are lost."

"Your majesty has drawn an unfortunate character for the future of our
country," sighed Herzberg, thoughtfully, "and I must grant that it
is sketched with severe but correct outlines so it follows that poor
Germany has many combats and hardships in store."

"What do you mean?" asked the king. "What characteristic did I name?"

"Your majesty pointed out Austria as the cat watching for prey in
Germany. Prussia, on the contrary, as the shepherd's dog, which should
watch the native herd, and occasionally bite those who wander from the
flock. The comparison is apt, and clearly exposes the natural hostility
of the two nations. Nature has placed the cat and the dog in eternal
enmity, and there is no compromise to be thought of, to say nothing of
friendship. There may, now and then, be a truce; the cat may draw in
her claws, and the dog may cease to howl and growl, but the combat will
renew itself, and never end, but in the death of one party, and the
victorious triumph of the other."

"You are right," said the king, nodding slightly. "From this natural
hostility will proceed many combats and storms for our land, and much
blood will be shed on its account. Let us look to the future, and try to
ward off the coming evil, in erecting high barriers against the cat-like
springs of the enemy. I will think out a security for Germany. But
first, mon cher ami, we have to care for our own country and people.
The war has greatly injured my poor subjects. Industry is prostrated
and prosperity disturbed. We must seek new sources of acquisition, and
sustain those which are exhausted. For this, we must think of fresh
taxes, and other sources of income."

"Sire," said Herzberg, shrugging his shoulders, "the taxes are already
so heavy that it will be difficult to increase them."

"You are greatly mistaken,