"I have studied neither high politics nor statesmanship, though in the days when thee did flatter me thee said I had a gift for such things.

Thee did not speak the truth.

And now I will say that I do not respect thee.

No matter how high thee may climb, still I shall not respect thee; for thee will ever gain ends by flattery, by subtlety, and by using every man and every woman for selfish ends.

Thee cannot be true-not even to that which by nature is greatest in thee.".
He withered under her words.
"And what is greatest in me ?" he asked abruptly, his coolness and self-possession striving to hold their own.
"That which will ruin thee in the end." Her eyes looked beyond his into the distance, rapt and shining; she seemed scarcely aware of his presence.