Under the pretext that he was attacking the policy of the Ministers, he was undermining the loyalty of the people, for few could doubt that it was the Emperor at whom the criticisms were aimed.
In his isolation and retirement, the old uncompromising spirit of his ancestors once more awoke in him.

He had been loyal to the Crown--who more so ?--but his loyalty had limits.

His long service had been one of personal and voluntary affection; he was not a valet, that his service could be handed on from generation to generation among the assets of the Crown.

"After all," he would ask, "who are these Hohenzollerns?
My family is as good as theirs.

We have been here longer than they have." Like his ancestors who stood out against the rule of the Great Elector, he was putting personal feeling above public duty.