He saw the State which he had made, and which he loved as a father, subjected to the experiment of young and inexperienced control.
He saw overthrown that carefully planned system by which the peace of Europe was made to depend upon the prosperity of Germany.

Changes were made in the working of that Constitution which it seemed presumption for anyone but him to touch.

His policy was deserted, his old enemies were taken into favour.

Can we wonder that he could not restrain his impatience?
He felt like a man who sees his heir ruling in his own house during his lifetime, cutting down his woods and dismissing his old servants, or as if he saw a careless and clumsy rider mounted on his favourite horse.
From all parts of Germany deputations from towns and newspaper writers came to visit him.

He received them with his customary courtesy, and spoke with his usual frankness.