Clara (proudly). I have no reason to be ashamed of my past.
Princess. Indeed? What sort of a past has it been, then?
Clara. One full of suffering, princess—and of work. (A pause.)
Princess. Do you know what the King's past has been?
Clara (drooping her head). Ah, yes.
Princess. Yours will be tarred with the same brush—no matter what it really has been.
Clara. I know that. He has told me so.
Princess. Really!—After all, is it a sacrifice you are making for his sake? Do you love the King?
Clara (faintly). Yes.
Princess. Then listen to me. If you loved the King, you would have made a real sacrifice for him. We are women, you and I; we can understand these things without many words. But such a sacrifice does not consist in consenting to be his queen.