"Well," said the king, "why do you not answer me?"
"Why does your majesty seek to terrify me by doubting what I have said?"
"You are not at all afraid. On the contrary, I find your glance today hardy indeed."
"Sire, we fear only the things we hate. Why do you wish me to fear you?"
Frederick erected all the scales of his crocodile armor, to avoid being moved by this reply, the most coquettish he had ever obtained from Porporina. He at once changed his intention: a great art it is to do so, and far more difficult than people usually think.
"Why did you faint yesterday at the theatre?"
"Sire, it is of the least possible interest to your majesty. It is my own secret."
"What had you at breakfast this morning, which makes you so unconcerned in your language?"
"I had recourse to a certain flacon, which filled me with confidence in the kindness and justice of him who brought it."
"Ah! you considered that a declaration," said the king in the most icy manner and with a smile of cynical disdain.
"Thank God! I did not," said the young girl, with an expression of sincere sorrow.
"Because I know your majesty makes none but declarations of war even to women."
"You are neither the Czarina, nor Maria Theresa: what war can I wage on you?"
"What wasp induces you to quote such a fable? The wasp killed the lion by stinging him to death."
"It was certainly a poor, bad-tempered lion, and consequently weak. I should not have thought of that apologue."
"But the wasp was angry and fond of stinging. Perhaps the apologue is _apropos?_"
Frederick took the young girl's wrist and pressed it convulsively, until he had nearly crushed it. This strange act was caused both by anger and love. Porporina did not change her countenance, and the king said, as he looked at her red and swollen hand:
"Not so, sire: but I do not, like those around you, pretend to be a coward."
"That to avoid death, people often kill themselves. Were I in your place, I would not wish to be so terrible."
"With whom are you in love?" said the king, again changing the subject.
"That has nothing to do with the fate of Prussia, and for that reason the king need ask no questions."
"Yet you must make up your mind to do so. You did not save the king's life, signorina."