The feelings, yearnings, dreams, resolutions that darkly and confusedly found their way into this boy's soul had to be shared, had to be reflected in another soul, and Carlos was the only one who was able to dream and yearn with him and who could share them. A mind such as that of de Posa had to strive to enjoy his superiority early on, and the loving Carlos clung to him so subserviently, so teachably! De Posa saw himself in this beautiful mirror and enjoyed his own reflection.

A character such as that of Posa that unfolds as it later unfolds in the drama had to have begun early to practice these passionate emotions on a fruitful subject: a benevolence that would ultimately embrace all of mankind had to have had its roots in closer (personal) ties. This creative and fiery mind had to soon have found a subject on which he could work; could it have been offered to him and his outpourings in a more beautiful one than in a prince's son who had tender and lively feelings and who freely gravitated towards him? However, even already in these early days, the seriousness of his (Posa's) character becomes apparent in certain traits; already then de Posa is the colder friend of later days, and his heart, already then too all-embracing in order to 'pull itself together' for a single partner, had to be conquered by great sacrifice.