"Cruel! why? I only repeat your words. Cruel, because I cannot forget! The words of Barbarina cannot be forgotten. In that respect at least I am like other men."
"And in that respect should your majesty the least resemble them. The little windspiel may revenge its injuries, but the eagle forgives, and soars aloft so high in the heavens that the poor offender is no longer seen and soon forgotten. Your majesty is like the eagle, why can you not also forget?"
"I cannot and I will not! I remind you of that hour, because I wish to ask now for the same frankness of speech. I wish to hear the truth once more from those proud lips. Barbarina, will you tell me the truth?"
"Yes, on condition that your majesty promises to forget the past."
"I promise not to remind you of it."
"I thank your majesty; I will speak the truth."
"You swear it?"
"I swear it."
"Well, then, why did you wound your foot?"
Barbarina trembled and was silent; she had not the courage to raise her eyes from the floor.