Thus only do I conceive of royalty, and thus only will I carry it out till the end of my days.

Not the right to pardon, but the right to punish, is that whereby the ruler manifests himself before the lower classes of mankind.
God's thunder should be on his lips, and the king's wrath should descend like lightning on the head of the guilty." "But God is not only wrathful, but also merciful and forgiving," said Catharine, as she lightly and shyly leaned her head on the king's shoulder.
"Just that is the prerogative of God above kings; that He can, as it pleases Him, show mercy and grace, where we can only condemn and punish.
There must be something in which God is superior to kings, and greater than they.

But how, Kate, you tremble, and the lovely smile has vanished from your countenance! Be not afraid of me, Kate! Be always frank with me, and without deceit; then I shall always love you, and iniquity will then have no power over you.

And now, Kate, tell me, and explain to me.
You do not know that you love me ?" "No, I do not know, your majesty.

And how should I be able to recognize, and know, and designate by name what is strange to me, and what I have never before felt ?" "How, you have never loved, Kate ?" asked the king with a joyful expression.
"Never.