As he said this he put his hand on the bell to call a messenger.

The Ministers all sprang from their chairs and assured him that he might depend upon them, and they would support him to the end.

Such were the circumstances in which Roon summoned Bismarck.

None the less the influence of the Queen and the Crown Prince were so strong that the King still doubted whether he ought to continue the struggle; on one thing he was determined, that if he had to give way he would abdicate.

Two days later he again asked Roon his advice.