You are a sacred charge. We must return you to Graustark as--
er--inviolate as when you departed. We--we couldn't think of
subjecting you to the peril of a--that is to say, it might prove
fatal. Graustark, in that event, would be justified in hanging two of
her foremost citizens and yours truly from gibbets designed
especially for the blackest of traitors."
"I see, Dank. If I find happiness, you are almost sure to find
disgrace and death, eh? It doesn't seem a fair division, does it? I
suppose you all feel that the worst thing that can possibly happen is
for me to find happiness."
"If I were the Prince of Graustark I should first think of the
happiness of my subjects. I would not offend."
"Well put, Boske, but fortunately you are not the Prince. I sometimes
wish that you were. It would relieve me of a tremendous
responsibility. I am not mean enough, however, to wish a crown upon
you, old fellow. You are lucky to be who and what you are. No one
cares what you do, so long as you are honourable about it. With me it
is different.
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