Swan King

The local swans still have five cygnets and they're going so big and strong. I'm always so proud of them.

« The reconciliation overwhelms Paul, it leads abruptly to a fundamental change in his state of mind, he loses ‘all composure’. Both distance from and proximity to Ludwig have immediate physiological and psychological effects. Physical closeness to Ludwig evokes in him feelings of ‘happiness’, ‘bliss’, ‘pleasure and contentment’. When Paul is present at Ludwig’s public appearances on official business, yet unable to approach the king, he is moved to tears and his heart rate quickens. Conversely, a temporary separation from Ludwig leads to feelings of abandonment, he withdraws into a ‘sacred solitude’. Visits to the theatre and attendance at evening gatherings cannot dispel his thoughts of Ludwig.