"Yet, count, remember that we have sworn an eternal friendship within the last five minutes. What can he or I be the worse for my knowing his great and good qualities?"
"My dear young friend, when you are as old as I am, you will see the improprieties of such questions."
"Well, then, to come to the point; is he a great general?"
"He speaks French better than any other prince in Germany."
"Is he an able politician?"
"You must see him on horseback; he rides like a centaur."
"Well, then, in one sentence, will he fight the French?"
"That wholly depends on whether he turns his horse's head towards Paris or Berlin."
"Count, but one question more, which you may answer without a riddle. Do you think that he will receive my mission cordially?"
"He speaks your language; he wears your broad cloth; he loves your porter; and he has married one of your princesses."