I had to keep the princess devoted to me--and yet indifferent to me: I had to show affection for her--and not feel it.

I had to make love for another, and that to a girl who--princess or no princess--was the most beautiful I had ever seen.

Well, I braced myself to the task, made no easier by the charming embarrassment with which I was received.

How I succeeded in carrying out my programme will appear hereafter.
"You are gaining golden laurels," she said.

"You are like the prince in Shakespeare who was transformed by becoming king.