I rejoice in it, and so long as you do not forsake me, I am conscious that it is your own free choice and not force which retains you." "I will give you an outward sign of our bond of union," cried the prince.

"I will do it today, as a twofold danger hangs over us--the king menaces you, and war menaces me." "Is it then true, do you go with the king to the field ?" groaned Wilhelmine.
"Do you wish me to remain ?" cried the prince, his eyes flashing.

"Shall I here seek pleasure, with effeminate good nature, while the king, in spite of his age, exposes himself to all the fatigue of a campaign and the danger of battle?
This war of the Bavarian succession is unfortunate, and no one knows whether the German empire will derive any important advantage from our sustaining by force of arms a little duchy.
It is a question whether it would not be better to abolish the little principalities, in order to strengthen the greater German powers.

The king will support Bavaria, because he envies Austria its possession, and, as he has decided upon war, it becomes his crown prince to yield to his decision without murmuring.

Therefore, Wilhelmine, I will today witness to you the oath of fidelity.