"Your position is incredible," said the priest.
"I do not belittle the prospect you open before me. I see the practical difficulties, but I see well the magnificence beyond them."
"Then why do you hesitate?"
"I don't hesitate. A man is contemptible who stands shivering and longing outside of what he dare not attempt. I would dare if I longed. But I don't long."
"Monseigneur believes there will be complications?"
"I know my own obstinacy. A man who tried to work me with strings behind a throne, would think he was struck by lightning."
"Sire," Madame de Ferrier spoke out, "this is the hour of your life. Take your kingdom."
"I should have to take it, madame, if I got it. My uncle of Provence has nothing to give me. He merely says—'My dear dauphin, if Europe knocks Napoleon down, will you kindly take hold of a crank which is too heavy for me, and turn it for the good of the Bourbons? We may thus keep the royal machine in the family!'"
"You have given no adequate reason for declining this offer," said the priest.
"I will give no reason. I simply decline."