From the depths of my heart, I said: "Your dynasty, you and your house, should remain our chief; but they should be subject to the greater commonwealth."
"Subject?" said the Prince. He evidently expected that I would withdraw or modify the word; but I felt that I could not do so.
And then he took my hand in his and said:
"I knew that these were your thoughts; I assumed as much. But I feel grateful that you have allowed me to hear them from your own lips. Do you believe that the majority of my--or our--people feel as you do?"
"No, I do not believe so. That is, they do not feel so to-day, but they will to-morrow. Deeds--deeds of sacrifice--are the most powerful instructors; they teach men what they should think, and even find a voice for what has been slumbering in their souls, but which--through pride and anger, or through want of courage--they have not even dared to think of."
"You are not an enthusiast."
"I do not believe I am one. The people love the princes from force of habit, and will be none the less glad to love them when reflection and reason permit them to do so."
"Have you ever had the desire to occupy a position of authority under the government?"
"Certainly; it was my greatest desire, and I believe--"
"You ought to be President of the ministry."