'Approach the facts.' 'The routine of business was proceeded with,' replied the official, now visibly twittering.
'It is very strange, Herr Cancellarius, that you should so persistently avoid my questions,' said the Prince.

'You tempt me to suppose a purpose in your dulness.

I have asked you whether all was quiet; do me the pleasure to reply.' 'Perfectly--O, perfectly quiet,' jerked the ancient puppet, with every signal of untruth.
'I make a note of these words,' said the Prince gravely.

'You assure me, your sovereign, that since the date of my departure nothing has occurred of which you owe me an account.' 'I take your Highness, I take the Herr Doctor to witness,' cried Greisengesang, 'that I have had no such expression.' 'Halt!' said the Prince; and then, after a pause: 'Herr Greisengesang, you are an old man, and you served my father before you served me,' he added.

'It consists neither with your dignity nor mine that you should babble excuses and stumble possibly upon untruths.