The message reads as follows: "The King
sent for the Ambassador of the Republic this afternoon and outlined a
plan that would satisfy the royal government. The Ambassador regretted
that he was unable to consider any compromise. The King replied that
then he could have nothing more to say in the matter."
MINISTER OF WAR
There's ginger, by Heaven! The other was a dove-peep to a parley. This
is a trumpet call of defiance.
CHIEF OF STAFF
[_With quiet delight._
The Republic will never swallow that.
PRIME MINISTER
They are not supposed to. They will declare war, and then be the
aggressors.
MINISTER OF WAR
[_Exultantly._
Our God of old lives yet and will not let us perish in disgrace!
CHIEF OF STAFF
[_Looking about._
My helmet. Damn it! Where is my helmet? I am going to dig at the plans
once more. If God lets me lead the armies in such a fight, the devil can
come when I'm through and fetch away the old carcass.
PRIME MINISTER
[_To_ MINISTER OF WAR.
Where's your Secretary?
MINISTER OF WAR
[_Crossing to door._
Secretary, here!
[SECRETARY _enters.
Pages:
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27