genuine greatness, Luis, I intend to rear this young human plant whose
existence is due to weakness and sin."

Quijada again summoned up his courage, and observed:

"Yet, as the son of my august ruler, this child may make claims which are
of this world."

"What claims?" cried the Emperor suspiciously. "His birth?--the law
gives him none. What earthly possessions may perhaps come to him he will
owe solely to my favour, and it would choose for him the only right way.
Claims--mark this well, my friend--claims to the many things which will
remain of my greatness and power when I have closed my pilgrimage beneath
the sun, can be made by one person only--Don Philip, my oldest son and
lawful heir."

Not until after he had rested in his study did Charles resume the
interrupted conversation, and say:

"It may be that this boy will grow up into a more brilliant personality
than my son Philip; but you Castilians and faithful servants of the Holy
Church ought to rejoice that Heaven has chosen my lawful son for your
king, for he is a thorough Spaniard, and, moreover, cautious, deliberate,
industrious, devout, and loyal to duty. True, he knows not how to win
love easily, but he possesses other means of maintaining what is his and
still awaits him in the future. My pious son will not let the gallows
become empty in this land of heretical exaltation. Had the Germans put
him in my place, he would have become a gravedigger in their evangelical
countries. He never gave me what is called filial affection, not even
just now in the parting hour; yet he is an obedient son who understands