Prince Paul (interrupting). You surprise me very much, Baron.
Baron R. I cannot understand your nature.
Prince Paul (smiling). If my nature had been made to suit your comprehension rather than my own requirements, I am afraid I would have made a very poor figure in the world.
Count R. There seems to be nothing in life about which you would not jest.
Prince Paul. Ah! my dear Count, life is much too important a thing ever to talk seriously about it.
Czare. (coming back from the window). I don't think Prince Paul's nature is such a mystery. He would stab his best friend for the sake of writing an epigram on his tombstone, or experiencing a new sensation.
Prince Paul. Parbleu! I would sooner lose my best friend than my worst enemy. To have friends, you know, one need only be good-natured; but when a man has no enemy left there must be something mean about him.
Czare. (bitterly). If to have enemies is a measure of greatness, then you must be a Colossus, indeed, Prince.
Prince Paul. Yes, I know I'm the most hated man in Russia, except your father, [9]except your father, of course,[9] Prince. He doesn't seem to like it much, by the way, but I do, I assure you. (Bitterly.) I love to drive through the streets and see how the canaille scowl at me from every corner. It makes me feel I am a power in Russia; one man against a hundred millions! Besides, I have no ambition to be a popular hero, to be crowned with laurels one year and pelted with stones the next; I prefer dying peaceably in my own bed.
Czare. And after death?