With the life story of Henry IV, the most popular king of the French, Heinrich Mann crowns his work. This significant historical novel in two parts represents, both historically representative and psychologically masterful, the unparalleled attempt to create a "true parable" between spirit and action. Ultimately, Henry IV fails; he encounters the limits of historical circumstances. At the end of the novel, the early arrival addresses his people from a cloud: "Do not fear the knives that are drawn against you. I feared them for no reason. Do better than I did. I waited too long.".