To a just Providence was necessary an instrument, at once penetrating, persevering, and convinced, to accomplish a great work.

I am this instrument.

I possess penetration, perseverance, conviction; I govern a mysterious people, who has taken for its motto, the motto of God, '_Patiens quia oeternus_.'" The prince moved.

"I divine, monseigneur, why you are raising your head, and are surprised at the people I have under my command.

You did not know you were dealing with a king--oh! monseigneur, king of a people very humble, much disinherited; humble because they have no force save when creeping; disinherited, because never, almost never in this world, do my people reap the harvest they sow, nor eat the fruit they cultivate.