COUNT.
She has rejected you.
KARL. What has that to do with the matter? Women are often perverse, and not always the best judges of their own welfare; and you know she MUST be mine—
COUNT.
Must?—
KARL.
Yes, MUST. I have the king's promise, and Frederick was never known to break his word.
COUNT.
You surely will not marry her against her will?
KARL. Why not? Sophia is the only woman I ever loved: and now that I have her sure, think you I will resign her?
COUNT. And think you the king will force an angel into the arms of a monster? He can not be so great a tyrant—
KARL.
Tyrant!
COUNT. Yes. Man was created to cherish woman, not to oppress her; and he is the worst of tyrants who would injure that sex whom heave ordains it his duty to protect.
KARL.
Apply you this to the king?