"Tell me, from what must I succor the Princess?
Is she a prisoner in a castle over which some ogre rules?
Well, then, I'll be Sir Galahad." My jesting tone jarred on her nerves.

She straightened in her chair.
"Monsieur is amused," she said coldly.
"And he asks a thousand pardons!" I cried contritely.

"Command me," and I grew chilled and serious.
"You have heard that I am to wed Prince Ernst of Wortumborg ?" "Yes." I gnawed the ends of my mustache.
"Monsieur, it is against my will, my whole being.

I have no desire to contribute a principality and a wife to a man who is not worthy of one or the other.

I refuse to become the King's puppet, notwithstanding his power to take away my principality and leave me comparatively without resources.