complished story teller. He also had some success as a playwright (Margot and Seestern) and with children's stories, Erich und Erika, Christmas in a Monastery, and Fireside Stories. But the life of a poet was denied him. He was forced at 17 by his militaristic father into a brief, unhappy Army career (won the Iron Cross) from which he escaped to study and practice law until 1877 when he entered the diplomatic service under paternal pressure, and influence from the Bismarck family. This he hoped would allow time for artistic work,

In 1875, he married Augusta, Countess von Sandels. Their first two children died in Paris where he served six months as third Secretary in the German Embassy, along with Bernard Bulow, with whom he corresponded in most affectionate tones for years. Transferred to Munich, he worked congenially under the intellectually inclined von Werthen. Later he regarded the Munich days, with the artistic society, as his happiest. He had six children there.

His first political crisis came (during the Ambassador's absence, leaving him representing the Prussian and Imperial government) when the unfortunate King Ludwig (patron of Wagner) was dethroned for alleged homosexuality and insanity. Eulenberg discovered the King after his suicide at Lake Starnberg, where Eulenberg had frequently been a guest at the King's parties. Ludwig was succeeded by his incurably insane brother Otto, under a regency, lasting till 1913, when Otto was deposed (he died three years later, probably never knowing he had been king). In Munich, a King Ludwig Brotherhood, with branches throughout Bavaria, was set up to perpetuate the memory of the "Fairy King."

Eulenberg first met Prince William the year of Ludwig's suicide. It was expected the Prince would have little to do except keep out of trouble and wait for the crown (his father waited impatiently for decades) but the next year Emperor William I and his son both died within a few months, leaving Eulenberg's friend as German Emperor. Eulenberg was henceforth expected to accompany the monarch on Norwegian cruises and hunts at Prince Dohna's estate at Prokelwitz. The Emperor was a frequent guest at Liebenberg.

While he was Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg his father died and Eulenberg attempted to retire to Liebenberg and artistic pursuits. The Emperor would not consent, and Bismarck, not yet out of office, found him useful, urged him to spend all possible time with Wilhelm, though the tormenting cruises invariably resulted in seasickness and bronchial ailments, requiring frequent recuperations at Gastein spa. Never robust, he was ultimately the only member of the court able to abstain from the ridiculous morning exercises and constant hi-jinks. He did enjoy the long intimate walks with Wilhelm.

In 1890, Eulenberg became minister to Wurtemburg in Stuttgart, where again there were troubles over the homosexual King Karl's affairs with carpenters and others "beneath his station." Wurtemburg's semi-independence created considerable friction, which Eulenberg was at pains to soothe till he became Bavarian Ambassador. His duties as unofficial" ambassador from the Imperial Government to the Emperor" increased. Privy counsellor Holstein patronized Eulenberg heavily at this time, warping all policy, domestic and foreign, to prevent any possible return by Bismarck. Their relationship became a violently off-and-on affair when Holstein realized Eulenberg was not his mouthpiece.

When Caprivi retired as Chancellor, Eulenberg chose his successor (bypassing ambitious cousin Botho) and exerted considerable skill keeping the doddering Hohenlowe safely in office. In 1900, Eulenberg shifted the carefully groomed Bernard Bulow into the post. Bulow seems to have been little better than Caprivi or Hohenlowe, but he could get on charmingly with the Emperor, Holstein, the Reichstag and even the Army no mean feat. The talent kept him in office during almost a decade of constant crisis. But he

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