"That of the lion on the wasp."
"What wasp induces you to quote such a fable? The wasp killed the lion by stinging him to death."
"It was certainly a poor, bad-tempered lion, and consequently weak. I should not have thought of that apologue."
"But the wasp was angry and fond of stinging. Perhaps the apologue is apropos?"
"Does your majesty think so?"
"Yes."
"Sire, you say what is not true."
Frederick took the young girl's wrist and pressed it convulsively, until he had nearly crushed it. This strange act was caused both by anger and love. Porporina did not change her countenance, and the king said, as he looked at her red and swollen hand:
"You are a woman of courage."
"Not so, sire: but I do not, like those around you, pretend to be a coward."