"If you consider it necessary, and the etiquette of your court allows----"
"Bah! the etiquette is not so strictly adhered to with us. Besides, the Rojanows belong to the nobility of your country, do they not?"
"Certainly."
"Well, then, you are in every case entitled to the presentation. I consider it by all means desirable, for I have set my mind on seeing your 'Arivana' at our Court Theatre; and as soon as the Duke knows you and your work, that will be done beyond a doubt."
The words betrayed the passionate admiration the young Prince felt for his friend; but the latter only shrugged his shoulders slightly.
"Possibly, particularly if you plead for me; but I do not like to succeed under protection. I am no poet of renown. Indeed, I'm not sure whether I am a poet; and if my work cannot smooth a way for itself----"
"You would be obstinate enough to keep it from publicity; that is like you. Have you no ambition at all?"
"Perhaps only too much, and from that arises originally what you call my obstinacy. I never could bow down and subordinate myself in life. I could not; my whole nature rose against it, and I am not at all suited to the ways of your court."
"Who told you that?" laughed Egon. "They will flatter and spoil you there, just like everywhere else. It is your nature to rise everywhere like a meteor, and one does not expect these stars to travel in old routes. Besides, you have from the start the exceptional position of guest and foreigner, and when you are once summoned by the halo of poesy, then----"
"Then it is with that you intend to keep me here in your country?"