I know you, and I know very well that you are playing a double game.
But I warn you not to follow the promptings of your wicked heart. I
desire my brother to marry, do you hear? I will it, and you, the
grand chamberlain, Baron Pollnitz, shall feel my anger if he does
not consent."

"And if he does?" said Pollnitz, in his laughing, shameless manner;
"if I persuade the prince to submit to your wishes, what recompense
shall I receive?"

"On the day of their betrothal, I will raise your income five
hundred crowns, and pay your debts."

"Ah, sire, in what a pitiable dilemma you are placing me! Your
majesty wishes Prince Henry to engage himself as soon as possible,
and I must now wish it to be as late as possible."

"And why?"

"Because I must hasten to make as many debts as possible, that your
majesty may pay them."

"You are and will remain an unmitigated fool; old age will not even
cure you," said the king, smiling. "But speak, do you think my
brother may be brought to reason?"

Pollnitz shrugged his shoulders, gave a sly smile, but was silent.

"You do not answer me. Is my brother in love? and has he confided in
you?"