But if she were not the princess, I would be willing to give my life--nay, more, I would almost be willing to take hers--rather than see her marry Maximilian of Hapsburg.

Happiness could not come from such a union.
Should Max marry a burgher girl, his father and mother would never look upon his face again.

It would alienate his subjects, humble his house, and bring him to the level of the meanest noble on the Danube.

To all these dire consequences Max was quite as wide awake as I.He had no intention of bringing them upon his house, though for himself he would have welcomed them.

So I felt little uneasiness; but when a great love lays hold upon a great heart, no man may know the outcome..