s far, shall not have my
hands tied when the moment for stern action arrives.

KING

[_With a whimsical smile._

After all, my good Prime Minister, it is _my_ kingdom, you know.

PRIME MINISTER

[_Moved._

Your Majesty knows that what I have done I have done for your glory.
The liberals have cursed me for a reactionary through the length and
breadth of the kingdom; because I served you, and served you in all love
and devotion.

KING

I know your devotion. But give me a fresh example of it. Keep my kingdom
at peace with the world.

PRIME MINISTER

That I cannot do.

KING

You cannot? You _will_ not.

PRIME MINISTER

I could not face my conscience, or make my peace with God, if I weakened
now and allowed the golden opportunity to pass by. For your Majesty's
sake as well as for our country's.

KING

For mine?

PRIME MINISTER

Your Majesty has forgotten that your throne was built by war and rests
on force. Force only, military prestige only, can uphold you. The rebels
of labor have crept close to your throne now. Ten more years of peace,
and you are cast out overnight, to wander over Europe, a homeless
absurdity, a king without a chair to sit on.

KING

[_With flashing eyes._

We shall see!

PRIME MINISTER

[_Quietly._

May I ask your Majesty in all humility and devotion to give me back that
slip of paper?

KING

You have thought of our national honor, our prestige, our commercial
growth, our dynastic life. Have you given no thought at all to the men
you send to death to purchase these?

PRIME MINISTER

A man has no higher privilege than to die for his country. I beg your
Majesty--the paper?

KING

[_Tearing the paper once across._

And the women?

PRIME MINISTER

[_Grimly._

We'll find them new husbands, your Majesty. The paper, if you please.

KING

[_Tearing the paper into shreds._

I forbid this war!

PRIME MINISTER

[_With controlled anger._

My God, your Majesty! You are letting a sentiment master you. There are
worse things than war. There are possibilities in peace infinitely worse
than any war, or there would be no war. War may kill a million bodies,
but a wicked peace can snuff out unnumbered souls!

KING

I will take my chances with peace.

MINISTER OF WAR

It is for you we are fighting, your Majesty, but not for you only, not
for your glory only and the permanence of your House, but for the
permanence of th