If your chance comes to serve, you will have to take him as he is, a pleasure-loving prince. And he will have to take you as you are, which is rather like one of those square-shaped fighting dogs that low men tow about on ropes. Not that you are without a fitful charm, Tom.
The quote reflects the complex relationship between the speaker and the prince, highlighting the prince's carefree nature and the speaker's rough, perhaps unrefined character. It suggests that serving the prince means accepting both his indulgent lifestyle and the speaker's own unconventional demeanor. The comparison to a square-shaped fighting dog indicates a sense of loyalty but also implies a certain clumsiness or toughness in personality.
This juxtaposition underlines the theme of acceptance in relationships, especially in hierarchical settings. The speaker acknowledges their differences but also hints at an underlying charm that makes the bond between them unique. Ultimately, it reveals an understanding of human imperfections, setting the stage for a relationship built on mutual recognition of each other's complexities.
