Punch (60.1871)

THEY rode into Berlin in triumph, the grand new Emperor and the brave Crown Prince. The pen of Walter
Scott, whose memory is about to be nobly honoured in Britain, might register the thoughts of the illustrious
father and son.

" What spell was good King ' William's,' say ?
******

His was the patriot's binning thought
Of Freedom's battle bravely fought,
Of castles stormed, of cities freed,
Of deep design, and daring deed."

The same poet might tell us of the thoughts that occupied the gallant Prince's mind, only the famous passage
in the Lord of the Isles does not exactly apply in his case; in fact, it does not apply at all; and though this is a
trifle, it is well to be careful about trifles. We will assume, however, that Fritz was thinking of his charming Prin-
cess, who was just then looking " the incarnation of health and happiness."

They rode along in glory, when the Royal pair became aware of a Presence, which came between them. There
was a benignant and affable countenance, pertaining to one who had ridden in, dividing father from son.

" Where's Moltke ? " was the new-comer's bland yet peremptory demand.

" Who is this Person?" said the Emperor, looking, yet only for a moment, as if he were about to order the
stranger to be blown away from Krupp's very largest steel gun, with an extra charge. Then the divine instinct which
exists in anointed Sovereigns of the right kind came upon him, and he grew conscious that he beheld a superior. He
was about to dismount, and pay homage after the fashion of the Hermit (in Mr. Parnell's famous poem)—

"When the strange Partner seemed no longer Man,"

but the Partner calmly said,

, " All right, Imperial Majesty, keep your saddle. Speech taken as read, my brave. How do you do, Fritz?

But where's Moltke ? "

" Why, it is dear old Punch ! " said Frederic William Nicholas Charles, K.G-.

" Of course it is ; but none so old, young Prince. Behold this gambado ! " Here he caused his gallant steed
to execute a remarkable feat. " Could you do it better, valiant horseman that you are?"