It was evident that a man of such a character would wish to govern, and not simply reign.

He would not be willing long to efface himself behind the imposing figure of the great Chancellor.

Bismarck had prophesied that the Emperor would be his own Chancellor, yet he did not have the wis- dom to resign when the old Emperor died, and to depart with dignity.

He clung to power.

From the beginning friction developed between the two.