RAISERS TAME POET.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 491, 6 September 1915, Page 6

RAISERS TAME POET.

CONFIDENCES THAT MUST NOT BE REVEALED.

1 The "Lokalanzeiger" reproduces from the "Munchener Neueste Naclirichten" an account of the meeting of the poet 'Ganghof ec wifli the Ger--1 man Emperor near Lemberg. "With a cordial laugh," says the | writer, "the Kaiser stretched out his, [hand to the poet-' and -exclaimed: 'Ganghofer! Are you then everywhere?' "When his Majesty heard that Ganghofer had not yet lunched, he said: 'Good gracious, you must have something immediately.' His Majesty ordered a cup .of, tea./to be brought, and with his ow ; n hand took some biscuits from a tin'box, and filled Ganghofei-'s ; pocket with them, exhorting him meanwhile to eat 1,, : - ; "When his Majesty heard that Ganghofer had met Dr Sven Hedin at JPrzemysl, his Majesty brightened, and he said:— - j ■ "*I am glad you got to know him. This Swede is a splendid man. When !ybti see him again, greet hitn cordially from me.' Just then a Russian aeroplane hove in sight. Its appearance was the signal for a cloud of shrapnel from the German anti-aircraft guns. The Kaiser calmly surveyed the shootng, laconically observing 'Top short/ Succeeding shots also fell shprt His Majesty nodded his head, thoughtfully remarking: 'Yes, to have wings means that the others always come too late.' "Suddenly the Kaiser turned to the poet and said in a subdued voice, slowly and meaningly emphasising every syllable: 'Ganghofer, what do you say of Italy?' (This, was on j June 23. As late as May 8, the Kaiser expressed the firm belief that * 'even if a portion- of the Italian : people were misled by the war instigators, one could • rely on the King.') "After a pause, Ganghofer replied: 'Your Majesty, what has happened is better for Austria and ourselves. Aclean table is the best piece of furniture in an honest hOiise;' "The Kaiser nodded. Then with a sigh and straightening himself up, he bade the poet good-bye with a word which must be kept secret, though it may be said it contained a joyful promise- signifying another ..i steel band of cohesion. It may be announced on the day of fulfilment. ; Thai day will come soon." " '.':