The Secret History of the Court of Berlin; The Private Lives of William II (the Kaiser) and His Consort (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1914. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XV EXAMPLES OF WILLIAM II.'s EGOTISM--THE EMPEROR AND LORD LONSDALE--THE QUESTION OF LJSSEMAJEST& AND MEGALOMANIA--THE EMPEROR'S LOVE OF BEAUTIFUL HANDS George III. found a louse on his plate at dinner and ordered his whole household shorn, men and women alike; that was brutal, and tyrannical, and every tyrant has in him the making of a complete egoist . In the case alluded to, the egoist turned madman every few years. Yet, when King George first uttered the maxim: "Having no wish save the prosperity of my dominions, I must look upon all who would not heartily assist me as bad men as well as bad subjects," no one had the temerity to say that his excessive love of. self was proof of a deranged mind. Frederick William IV. thought exactly like George III., but had not stamina enough to act accordingly. His gra ad-nephew (Ludwig) was his altar ego in that respect, and his surviving grand-nephew (William), improving on the British ancestor, adopted Caligula's mottoes: "There is but one master, one king," and " Let them hate me, if they but fear me." The last phrase he used frequently in his public speeches during the first half-dozen years of his reign; after the appearance of Quidde's pamphlet, he dropped both, to avoid odious comparisons, and went back to George's petulant screech: "I wish you well; therefore, if you do not agree with me, as scoundrels and traitors I will flog you into obedience." Long years of acquaintance with the Kaiser have convinced me that he is morally irresponsible for many of hjs countless acts of assumption, injustice, incivility, and brow-beating. He cannot help them. Taking interest in no one but his ego, and viewing society (so far as it does not directly contribute to his momentary comfort) as something not to be reckoned with...