Borck, Grumkow, Thulmeyer in it, old real friends aud pretended
new; which set poor Wilhelmina wringing her hands (having had a
Letter from Mamma overnight); but did bring about a solution.
It was Friday, 11th of May; a day of crisis in Wilhelmina's
history; Queen commanding one thing, King another, and the hour of
decision come.

Entering, announcing themselves, with dreadful solemnity, these
gentlemen, Grumkow the spokesman, in soft phrase, but with strict
clearness, made it apparent to her, That marry she must,--the
Hereditary Prince of Baireuth,--and without the consent of both
her parents, which was unattainable at present, but peremptorily
under the command of one of them, whose vote was the supreme.
Do this (or even say that you will do it, whisper some of the
well-affected), his Majesty's paternal favor will return upon you
like pent waters;--and the Queen will surely reconcile herself (or
perhaps turn it all her own way yet! whisper the well-affected).
Refuse to do it, her Majesty, your Royal Brother, you yourself
Royal Highness, God only knows what the unheard-of issue will be
for you all! Do it, let us advise you: you must, you must!--
Wilhelmina wrung her hands; ran distractedly to and fro;
the well-affected whispering to her, the others "conversing at a
window." At length she did it. Will marry whom her all-gracious
Papa appoints; never wished or meant the least disobedience;
hopes, beyond all things, his paternal love will now return, and
make everybody blessed;--and oh, reconcile Mamma to me, ye
well-affected! adds she.--Bravissimo! answer they: her Majesty,
for certain, will reconcile herself; Crown-Prince get back from
Custrin, and all will be well. [Wilhelmina, i. 327-333.]