'A dead dog in a canal is more alive.

And the question, Gotthold, the question that I have to face is this: Can I not, with effort and self-denial, can I not become a tolerable sovereign ?' 'Never,' replied Gotthold.

'Dismiss the notion.

And besides, dear child, you would not try.' 'Nay, Gotthold, I am not to be put by,' said Otto.

'If I am constitutionally unfit to be a sovereign, what am I doing with this money, with this palace, with these guards?
And I--a thief--am to execute the law on others ?' 'I admit the difficulty,' said Gotthold.
'Well, can I not try ?' continued Otto.