The Grange advance. [volume] (Red Wing, Minn.) 1873-1877, 1876-04-19

his lawful wife, but having no prince
ly blood in her veins, she could not
sit on the throne by his side, nor
claim the title of Duchess. This title
could be conferred upon her only by
the German Emperor.
Leopold of Austria, who was then
the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire of
German Nationality, as his curious
title was, however, was decidedly
averse to comforting such distinctions
and privileges upon low-born people,
for whom he entertained the utmost
contempt. He was, beside, some
what effeminate person, and he had
heard, with horror and disgust of the
escapades and violent deeds of the
young ruler Of Anhalt.
So, when Leopold applied to him for
the elevation of his wife, Anna Liza,
to the ducal dignity, the Emperor sent
back a very curt and almost impolitc
refusal. Nothing could exceed Leo
pold' anger upon receiving this reply.
For days he raved like a mailman ::
with his own hands he tore down the
painted emblems Of the Emperor s
power, and he had penned already a
grotesque letter to his imperial name
sake, when his wife, Anna Liza, sug-
gested to him to go personally to
Vienna, and see if he could not Der.
suade his Imperial Majesty to grant
his wish.
Leopold said he would go.
''But you must promise me one
thing, love-" she added. s'You must
keep your temper in check. If the
Emperor proves memorable, why, then
leave him without getting angry"
Her husband promised that, too
but the idea that he should keep his
temper under any sort of provocation
was a ludicrous one. Anna Liza
learned him and his character to know
much better by and by.
The Duke went to Vienna, and ap-
piled to the Emperor for an interview.
At first Leopold the First felt disposed
not to admit Leopold of Anhalt at all
to his presence. Had he adhered to it
he would have saved himself terrible
humiliation.
But he changed his mind, and said
to the chamberlain in waiting.
"Admit his highness
Leopold was ushered in.
At first he was humble enough
toward the Emperor of the Holy Ro-
man Empire of German Nationality.
But, when the latter said to him:
"My dear Duke, how could you have
been guilty of such misstep as to
marry the daughter of a low shop
keeper = the Dukes anger was arous-
ed.
'Your Majesty" he replied, ''would
not allow any one to talk disrespect-
fully about the Empress. In the same
manner forbid you to use such expires.
sions about my wife -
The Emperor raised his eyebrows.
He was amazed beyond expression, for
no one had ever ventured to address
him in that strain. But glance at
the Duke, who stood before him with
a terrible scow1, convinced him that
he had dangerous adversary to deal
with.
''This audience is at an end - said
the Emperor motioning toward the
door.
cit is not, your Majesty - cried the
Duke, no longer able to control his
wrath; 81 shall not leave this room I'M
til you have written me a letter MAX
ing my wife Duchess -
So saying he took from his belt two
pistols, and throwing one of them to
the Emperor, he added:
81 have as good blood in me as Au-
strian ever had. You have insulted
my wife, and you shall answer for it
now and here, pistol in hand, or give
me satisfaction by writing the letter l
demand -
The Emperor was speech less with
terror; for the flashing eyes of the
Duke showed him plainly that he was
in dead earnest. He cast a timid glance
to it and locked it.
"Will you write the letter ask
your Majesty for the last time - roar
ed the Duke.
The Emperor humbled himself by COM
plying with the Dukes demand. The
letter was written, and Leopold peck
eted it with profound bow. Then he
unlocked the door and hurriedly left the
Imperial Palace. The Emperor was
overcome with shame and rage.
But what was he to do? The best
policy for him to adopt was that of ST.
lence. So Leopold of Anhalt was per-
mitted to leave Vienna without let or
hindrance.
Upon his return to Dessau, Anna
Liza was solemnly proclaimed a
Princess of the German Empire. She
lived happily with her eccentric hus-
band, to whom she bore large family
of children.
The peculiar manner in which he
obtained the Emperor's consent to her
elevation to the ducal dignity, did not
become known until after Iannold e