"I feel shame to say that he has taken even the holy God's place in my heart.

Perhaps it is for that sin that God now punishes me." "Fear not on that score, Dorothy," replied the queen.

"God will not punish you for feeling the love which He Himself has put into your heart.

I would willingly give my crown could I feel such love for a worthy man who would in return love me for myself.

But I cannot feel, nor can I have faith.
Self-interest, which is so dominant in all men, frightens me, and I doubt their vows." "Surely, any man would love you for your own sake," said Dorothy, tenderly.
"It may be that you speak truly, child; but I cannot know when men's vows are true nor when they are false.