At Kiel all was prepared.  Germany trembled with impatience and this is what she heard:—­

“Imperial power means sea power:  the existence of the one depends upon the other.  The squadron which your ships will reinforce must act and hold itself as the symbol of Imperial and maritime power; it must live on good terms of friendship with all its comrades of the fifteen foreign fleets out yonder, so as energetically to protect the interests of the Fatherland against any one who would injure a German.  Let every European over them, every German merchant, and, above all, every foreigner in the land to which we are going, or with whom we may have to do, understand that the German Michael has firmly planted on this soil his shield bearing the Imperial Eagle, so as to be able, once and for all, to give his protection to all those who may require it of him.  May our fellow-countrymen out yonder be firmly convinced that, no matter what their situation, be they priests or merchants, the protection of the German Empire will be extended to them with all possible energy by means of the warships of the Imperial fleet.  And should any one ever infringe our just rights strike him with your mailed fist!  If God so will He shall bind about your young brow laurels of which none, throughout all Germany, shall be jealous!

“Firmly convinced that, following the example of good models (and models are not lacking to our house, Heaven be praised!), you will fulfil my wishes and my vows, I drink to your health and wish a good journey, all success, and, a safe return!  Hurrah for Prince Henry!”

Prince Henry’s incredible reply was as follows—­

“As children we grew up together.  Later, when we grew to manhood, it was given to us to look into each other’s eyes and to remain faithfully united to each other.  For your Majesty the Imperial Crown has been girt with thorns.  Within my narrower sphere and with my feeble strength strengthened by my vows, I have endeavoured to help your Majesty as a soldier and a citizen. . . .

“I am very sincerely grateful to your Majesty for the trust which you place in my feeble person.  And I can assure your Majesty that it is not laurels that tempt me, nor glory.  One thing and one only leads me on, it is to go and proclaim in a foreign land the gospel of the sacred person of your Majesty and to preach it as well to those who will hear it as to those who will not.  It is this that I intend to blazon upon my flag and wherever I may go.  Our comrades share these sentiments!  Eternal life to our well-beloved Emperor!”

Such gems must be left intact.  One should read them again and again, line by line.  Ponderous eloquence, fustian bombast, and mouldy pathos combine with the display of pomp, to excite world-wide admiration.  This play of well-rehearsed parts is given before an audience of generals, high officials and politicians, and the scene is set at Kiel, that moving pedestal which the King of Prussia inaugurated when he made all the fleets of Europe file past him.