Why, being so great a body of men--for you are a great body--fifteen thousand, I have heard, but that will be understated; am I right ?' The man gurgled in his throat.
'Why, then, being so considerable a party,' resumed Otto, 'do you not come before me boldly with your wants ?--what do I say?
with your commands?
Have I the name of being passionately devoted to my throne?
I can scarce suppose it.

Come, then; show me your majority, and I will instantly resign.

Tell this to your friends; assure them from me of my docility; assure them that, however they conceive of my deficiencies, they cannot suppose me more unfit to be a ruler than I do myself.

I am one of the worst princes in Europe; will they improve on that ?' 'Far be it from me.

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