e monarchical principle, which we know is better and
higher than the principle of democracy, since it is the earthly symbol
of God's singleness of rule, and comes direct from God.

CHIEF OF STAFF

[_Coolly._

Moreover, your Majesty, it works!

KING

This is a matter of war and peace, not a matter of monarchy or
democracy.

PRIME MINISTER

Your Majesty does not see far enough. Give us war, and we keep our
monarchy. Give us peace, and we plunge within ten years into the rapids
of revolution and democracy.

KING

[_Simply._

I will take my chances with peace.

PRIME MINISTER

[_Stern and cold._

Very good, your Majesty. Then you may paddle your bark alone. I resign.

MINISTER OF WAR

And I resign!

CHIEF OF STAFF

And I!

KING

[_Crossing to the window, where he stands with his back turned to the
others. His voice is uncertain._

I did not expect that of you.

PRIME MINISTER

[_Moved._

Oh, your Majesty! You know what my love has been--

KING

[_Turning._

Half the country will fall from me if you three desert me.

PRIME MINISTER

It is not desertion, your Majesty. It is loyalty to something even
higher than the King, the principle that makes him King.

KING

[_Perplexed._

Perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps I am sentimental--

MINISTER OF WAR

[_Gently._

Your Majesty is humane, but perhaps a deeper humanity demands a
hardening of the heart sometimes.

KING

[_To_ MINISTER OF WAR.

But you always detested war. You called yourself my Minister not of War,
but of Peace.

MINISTER OF WAR

[_Rigidly._

When the honor of our country is at stake--

KING

[_Impatiently._

But nobody is attacking our honor!

PRIME MINISTER

[_Bluntly._

The case is as I said. We need this war, and we must have it.

KING

[_Torn by his conflicting desires._

I cannot let you resign. There is no one else I can trust as I trust you
three. But not war, not war!

PRIME MINISTER

I am a lover of peace, but the time has come when we must have war.

MINISTER OF WAR

It is our sacred duty, your Majesty, to draw our swords for light and
justice when God calls!

CHIEF OF STAFF

And God has always been with us. God will be with us now!

KING

[_White and tense._

You are three strong men against me. I want peace, but I am helpless
without you three. For I am an anachronism. Not nature but human force,
fighting against nature, keeps