_
No. Because there is something stronger in me, conquering the repulsion.
My temperament, character, destiny. I am impelled to war. A dozen
generations of soldiers in my blood press me on. My whole education
presses me on. My sympathies and my religious sense make me tremble
before the impending horror, but--I confess to you--I believe I want
this war.
CHIEF OF STAFF
[_Without turning._
So do we all. War is the soldier's work. And he does not want to play
all his life. Look. We land here and here and here.
[_He indicates places on the map with a paper-cutter, speaking with
growing excitement._
No defenses, except at this place--a masonry fort built thirty years
ago. Bad cement, moreover. Fraudulent contractor. Then--
MINISTER OF WAR
[_Returning to his desk, resolutely._
No, you old hawk, we're not going to do it. We'll be content to settle
ourselves in peaceful graves, you and I and the old Chief. No war, no
war!
CHIEF OF STAFF
[_Calmly._
That is sentiment. Here is fact. We land here and here and here. Then
march down here and up there, uniting the armies.
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