"Now I live here [...] like an old hermit, in the house of my ancestors. I live among graying memories, but I also observe what happens in the outside world – I hear only a faint echo of it, in this remote desolation. It may surprise you to discover that, although my hair is gray, my heart is young and longs to take part in life, outside the castle walls, where the destinies of nations are forged and the wars of this world are fought. Once upon a time, I took part in this game and pulled quite a few strings."