In recompense for overtures to France he has been snubbed. In recompense for others to Russia he has been ignored. Neither Austria nor Italy love him. He has weakened the Triple Alliance, alienated England, and lost his place. When he ascended the throne Germany's position on the continent was preponderant. That position is Russia's to-day.
Had he had the power—which he has always denied—to return to France the keys of Metz and Strasburg, and had he had the ability—which others have denied for him—to coalesce with France and Russia he would have been warlord indeed. As it is, failing in an effort to realize the dream of Napoleon I., he has at present writing subsided into a martinet.
What the future holds for Germany and for him the future will tell. But into the future it is not given to any one, even to an emperor, to look.
[Footnote 1: G. B. Malleson: The Refounding of the German Empire.]
[Footnote 2: The house is called "A la derniere Cartouche," and is the subject of De Neuville's splendid painting.]
[Footnote 3: "Not having been able to die in the midst of my troops, nothing remains for me but to place my sword in the hands of your Majesty."]