"My Lady, the Emperor's Court is lit by candles; I stand now in the radiance of the sun."
The lady turned her dancing eyes upon him.
"If that is a compliment, my Lord, 'tis fit for Frankfort itself; if it merely refers to the undoubted fact that the sun is shining bravely on you, and that the Court is dim by comparison, think not you will deter me from going there, for I should dearly love to witness the pageantry of the capital."
"Indeed, Countess, if you fail to do so it will not be through lack of invitation."
"When invitation comes I shall eagerly accept it."
"I sincerely trust you will, my Lady."
"Perhaps you also will be there, and may not have forgotten me. If I see you, I shall ask you to point out to a stranger those who are notable."
"Such is my most devout wish, although I lacked the courage to give expression to it."
"But I breathe a warning to you. My uncle tells me you spoke slightingly of the Emperor last night. I was grieved to hear it, for I am a loyal subject of his, and were I a man, would draw sword, did any in my presence allude to the head of the state in other terms than those of respect."