He told her he had often resolved to die, in order to put an end to these tortures, but that then a glance of her eye, a word from her lips, had given him strength to live, and still longer endure these tortures, which were at the same time so full of rapture.
"But now, queen, now my strength is exhausted, and it is for you to give me life or death.

To-morrow I will ascend the scaffold, or you shall permit me to live, to live for you." Catharine trembled and looked at him wellnigh astounded.

He seemed so proud and imperative, she almost felt a fear for him, but it was the happy fear of a loving, meek woman before a strong, commanding man.
"Know you," said she, with a charming smile, "that you almost have the appearance of wishing to command me to love you ?" "No, queen," said he, proudly, "I cannot command you to love me, but I bid you tell me the truth.

I bid you do this, for I am a man who has the right to demand the truth of a woman face to face.

And I have told you, you are not the queen to me.