On bended knees they asked me not to voluntarily return the principality to the King, who was likely to give them a ruler rapacious or cruel or indifferent.

And while they understood what a sacrifice it meant to me, they asked me to bend my will to the King's and wed the Prince, vowing that I alone should be recognized as their sovereign ruler.

Since my coronation they said that they had known the first happiness in years.

Herr, it was so pathetic! I love my people, who, after all, are not adopted since I was born here.

So I gave my promise, and, heaven forgive me, I was about to break it! There are some things, Herr, which the publican does not understand.