This was worse than Jena.

A defeat on the field of battle can be avenged; here the enemies were his own countrymen; it was Prussian subjects who had made the King the laughing-stock of Europe.

Only a few months ago he had pleaded that they should not lose that confidence between King and people which was the finest tradition of the Prussian State; could this confidence ever be restored when the blood of so many soldiers and citizens had been shed?
He felt as though someone had struck him in the face, for his country's dishonour was to him as his own; he became ill with gall and anger.

He had only two thoughts: first to restore to the King courage and confidence, and then--revenge on the men who had done this thing.

He at least was not going to play with the revolution.