I remember at one audience where I submitted to the Emperor the Roumanian plans for a closer connection with the Monarchy--plans which I shall allude to in a later chapter--and in doing so I was naturally bound to state what the Roumanians proposed respecting the closer connection with Hungary, and also what changes would be necessitated thereby in the Hungarian administration.

The Emperor at once broke off the conversation, saying that it was a matter of Hungarian internal policy.
The old Emperor was almost invariably kind and friendly, and to the very last his knowledge of the smallest details was astonishing.

He never spoke of the different Roumanian Ministers as the Minister of Agriculture, of Trade, or whatever it might be, but mentioned them all by name and never made a mistake.
I saw him for the last time in October, 1916, after my definite return from Roumania, and found him then quite clear and sound mentally, though failing in bodily health.
The Emperor Francis Joseph was a "Grand Seigneur" in the true sense of the word.

He was an Emperor and remained always unapproachable.
Everyone left his presence feeling he had stood before an Emperor.

His dignity in representing the monarchical idea was unsurpassed by any sovereign in Europe.
He was borne to his grave at a time of great military successes for the Central Powers.