"Yes, sire, we are the same men," replied Count Palfy.
"Why are you here again?"
"To repeat our remonstrances, sire. The kingdom of Hungary has chosen the same representatives, that your majesty may see how unalterable is our determination to defend our rights with our lives. Hungary has not changed her attitude, sire, and she will never change it."
"Nor shall I ever change mine," cried Joseph, passionately.
"My will to-day is the same as it was six years ago."
"Then, sire, you must expect an uprising of the whole Hungarian nation," returned Count Palfy, gravely. "For the last time we implore your majesty to restore us our rights."
"What do you call your rights?" asked Joseph, sarcastically.
"All that for centuries past has been guaranteed to us by our constitution; all that each king of Hungary, as he came to the throne, has sworn to preserve inviolate. Sire, we will not become an Austrian province; we are Hungarians, and are resolved to retain our nationality. The integrity of Hungary is sorely threatened; and if your majesty refuse to rescue it, we must ourselves hasten to the rescue. Not only our liberties are menaced, but our moneyed interests too. Hungary is on the road to ruin, if your majesty does not consent to revoke your arbitrary laws, or—"
"Or?"—asked Joseph, as Palfy hesitated.
"On the road to revolution," replied the deputy firmly.