Those, indeed, one may really own; but we possess our friends only as they possess us.

Like a mirror, a friend gives us only what we ourselves give.

No king is great enough to produce his own image unless he stands before the glass." "Teach me, Karl, to stand before the glass," said Max, plaintively.
"You are before it now, my dear boy," I answered.

"These new friends are giving you only what you give them.

With me, you have always been before the glass." "That has been true," said Max, "ever since the first day you entered Hapsburg.