In the prime of manhood he is an old man, but he is beginning to accommodate himself to life, only he can't bear the sight of a strange face.

I had a hard battle with him, for as the eldest son, the castle and estate, according to the law, belong to him, but he wanted to resign his rights and put me in his place.

Even when he had brought my mother over to his side, and my uncle and brothers and sisters tried to persuade me to yield to his wish, I remained resolute.
I would not touch what did not belong to me, and our youngest boy, Wolfgang, has grown up, and can fill my place wherever it is necessary.
When the entreaties and persuasions became too strong for me, I saddled my horse and went away again.

It was hard for my mother to let me go, but I had tasted the delight of travelling, and rode off as if to a wedding.

If I must be perfectly frank, I'll confess that I resigned castle and estates like a troublesome restraint.