𝒥’s Reviews > The Reluctant Empress: A Biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria > Status Update

“ count alexander mensdorff-pouilly wrote to his cousin, prince ernst of coburg, " may the souls of the many fallen, in the form of dream figures, disturb the nocturnal rest of those who, now comfortably ensconced behind their desks, plan political washouts. " ”

“ yesterday gisela, visiting with sisi, sat in the little red armchair of our poor little one, which stands in the den, and at that, both of us cried, but gisela, happy at this new place of honor, kept laughing so charmingly. ”

“ she was more and more aware of her exalted position: she was the empress, the first lady of the land. ”

“ valerie's response to this communication is also recorded in her diary. " now i see the reason why papa stands so very alone, takes no pleasure in dealings with relatives, is therefore dependent on the advice of strangers, often unreliable men. i always thought that i should blame mama for it. " ”

[ at the emperor's side, / linked to him by tribe and feeling, / rich in charm that never withers, / rules our lovely empress. / what fortune has praised most highly, / let heaven shower on her! / hail franz joseph, hail elise, / blessings on habsburg's entire house! ]

“ ich bin ein sonntagskind, ein kind der sonne;
die goldnen strahlen wand sie mir zum throne,
mit ihrem glanze flocht sie meine krone,
in ihrem lichte ist es, dass ich wohne. ”

[i am sunday's child, a child of the sun; / her golden rays she wove into my throne, / with her glow she wove my crown, / it is in her light that i live.]

“ when ludovika was later asked whether the girl's feelings had actually been considered in this decision, she always gave the same answer: "one does not send the emperor of austria packing." ”