"Well?"
"And the master who has such followers is fortunate."
"You mean to say that I have none such; or, rather, that I no longer have them. You are right, if that be what you mean."
"I did not mean that; your majesty would find, I am sure, were there occasion, followers as devoted as Salcede."
"Well, duke, do not look gloomy; I am sad enough already. Do be gay."
"Gayety cannot be forced, sire."
The king struck the table angrily. "You are a bad friend," said he; "I lost all, when I lost my former ones."
"May I dare to say to your majesty that you hardly encourage the new ones."
The king looked at him with an expression which he well understood.
"Ah! your majesty reproaches me with your benefits," said he, "but I do not reproach you with my devotion."