And when I am king you shall be my first counsellor and greatest lord.

I will degrade from office and dignity those proud nobles who have been traitors at heart to my kingly father, and to you I will give their broad lands and high titles.

We will thus be comrades and friends through life.

You would never desert me, would you, Paul ?" "I would lay down my life for your highness," cried Paul with enthusiasm.

"I will live and die true to the Red Rose--to the sign of the silver swan." The little prince's eyes kindled.
"I believe you would.