But I'm afraid it's useless.

You see, these old customs go such a way back, and are so grounded in conditions.

We think they might be changed, if those who rule could be got to see how cruel and ugly they are; but probably they couldn't.

I'm afraid that the Emperor of Austria himself couldn't change them, in his sovereign plenitude of power.

The Emperor is only an old custom too, and he's as much grounded in the conditions as any." This was the serious way Rose felt that March ought always to talk; and he was too much grieved to laugh when he went on.