“You are leaving Brunswick, chevalier?”
“In two or three days, your highness.”
“I heard this morning that a Jew has brought a complaint against you for beating him because he asked you to give him security for a bill of exchange which he was afraid of.”
“My lord, I cannot answer for the effects of my indignation against a rascal who dared to come and insult me in my own house, but I do know that if I had given him security I should have impugned my own honour. The impertinent scoundrel threatened to have me arrested, but I know that a just Government rules here, and not arbitrary power.”
“You are right; it would be unjust to have you arrested, but he is afraid for his ducats.”
“He need not be afraid, my lord, for the bill is drawn by a person of honour and of high station in society.”
“I am delighted to hear it. The Jew said he would never have discounted the bill if you had not mentioned my name.”
“That’s a lie! Your highness’ name never passed, my lips.”
“He also says that you endorsed the bill with a false name.”
“Then he lies again, for I signed myself Seingalt, and that name is mine.”