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 nation I cannot remain as your vassal, for I should become a traitor to my people, for whom I have sworn to live and to die, just as sacredly as you have sworn to elevate the Germans. I thank your majesty for the favors thus far bestowed upon my family, and request you to transfer them to my young uncle, Hypolit of Felsenburk, for whose behoof I give up my estates, my wealth, placing them, with all my titles, rights, privileges, into your hands that you may dispose of them as I have taken the liberty to request.”

The Emperor lost his self-control.

“Why are you so obstinate?” he exclaimed. “Really I did not suspect you to be like other women, who in childish ill-temper suddenly break and destroy everything that does not go according to their way. Such action is unworthy of you, Countess. I have held you in higher estimation than that.”

“Perhaps you will again place me higher than I stand in your estimation now, when you are convinced that I was performing no deceitful artifice to persuade you to adopt my