"A kingdom if he was a nobleman; 50,000 ducats if he was a man of the people."
"Holy father, it is a small reward for such a great service."
"You have your choice between death and a royal reward!"
"This is the point you were trying to reach, holy father?"
"Do as you please; think it over, and we will talk about it again. This time you can buy your life and freedom for a less price; yes, a very small service."
"What would that be, holy father?"
"Listen to me. I wish you to swear that you will do me a very small favour. King Gustaf Adolf wears on the forefinger of his right hand a small copper ring. It is of no value to him, but it is of great importance to me, young friend; as I am an antiquary, I should like to have a remembrance of a king, whom I must hate as an enemy, but admire as a man."
"And the ring?"
"The ring; you must swear to deliver it into my hands before the next new moon. Do this, and you are free!"
"Oh, only a small sin against the seventh commandment? And you have the absolution ready before-hand; is it not so? Go, miserable thief, and thank your stars that my arm is bound; or by Heaven, it would teach you to have respect for a Christian's honour!"