"And we--? may we go likewise, your excellency?" asked Mr. Wenzel,
timidly.

"Yes, you may go," said Thugut. "But only on one condition. Mr.
Wenzel, you must first recite to me the song which the honorable
people were howling when you came here."

"Ah, your excellency, I only know a single verse by heart!"

"Well, then, let us have that verse. Out with it! I tell you, you
will not leave this room until you have recited it. Never fear,
however; for whatever it may be, I pledge you my word that no harm
shall befall you."

"Very well," said Mr. Wenzel, desperately. "I believe the verse
reads as follows:"

"'Triumph! triumph! es siegt die gute Sache!
Die Turkenknechte flieh'n!
Laut tont der Donner der gerechten Sache,
Nach Wien und nach Berlin.'"

[Footnote:
"Triumph! triumph! the good cause conquers
The despots' minions flee!
The thunders of the just cause Reach Vienna and Berlin!"
This hymn was universally sung at that time (1797) in all the German
States, not merely by the popular classes, but likewise in the
exclusive circles of the aristocracy. It is found in a good many
memoirs of that period.]