and Cobenzl saw in Napoleon's need of a recognition of his new imperial title a means of assuring a corresponding change of title for the Hapsburg Dominions.

Francis had long been weary of the hollow dignity of Elective Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

The faded pageantry of Ratisbon and Frankfurt was all that remained of the glories of the realm of Charlemagne: the medley of States which owned him as elected lord cared not for the decrees of this ghostly realm; and Goethe might well place in the mouth of his jovial toper, in the cellar scene of "Faust," the words: "Dankt Gott mit jedem Morgen Dass Ihr nicht braucht fuer's Roem'sche Reich zu sorgen!" In that bargaining and burglarious age, was it not better to build a more lasting habitation than this venerable ruin?
Would not the hereditary dominions form a more lasting shelter from the storm?
Such were doubtless the thoughts that prompted the assumption of the title of Hereditary Emperor of Austria (August 11th, 1804).

The letter-patent, in which this change was announced, cited as parallels "the example of the Imperial Court of Russia in the last century and of the new sovereign of France." Both references gave umbrage to Alexander, who saw no parallel between the assumption of the title of Emperor by Peter the Great and the game of follow-the-leader played by Francis to Napoleon.[5] Prussian complaisance to the French Emperor was at this time to be expected.

Frederick William III.