It sobered the Count, but drove the pity out of him.
'Dare is not a word for Anjou, sire,' he replied, picking his phrases; 'but Bertran is not with me.' Before the old man could break again into savagery he went on to his main purpose.

'Sire, short speeches are best.
You seek to draw my ill-humours, but you shall not draw them.

As son and servant of your Grace I came in, and so will go out.

As a son I have knelt to the King my father, as servant I am ready to obey him.

Let that marriage, designed in the cradle by the French King and you, go on.