Camerarius assured Jocher that his master was the Hercules to untie the Gordian knot, and the lion of the tribe of Judah.

How either the lion of Judah or Hercules were to untie the knot which was popularly supposed to have been cut by the sword of Alexander did not appear, but Maximilian at any rate was moved neither by entreaties nor tropes.

Being entirely averse from entering himself for the German crown, he grew weary at last of the importunity with which the scheme was urged.

So he wrote a short billet to his councillor, to be shown to Secretary Neu.
"Dear Jocher," he said, "I am convinced one must let these people understand the matter in a little plainer German.

I am once for all determined not to let myself into any misunderstanding or even amplifications with the House of Austria in regard to the succession.