Such
a paper as your Highness proposes would be to stultify the whole
previous policy of Grunewald.'
'The policy of Grunewald!' cried the Prince. 'One would suppose you
had no sense of humour! Would you fish in a coffee cup?'
'With deference, your Highness,' returned the Baron, 'even in a
coffee cup there may be poison. The purpose of this war is not
simply territorial enlargement; still less is it a war of glory;
for, as your Highness indicates, the state of Grunewald is too small
to be ambitious. But the body politic is seriously diseased;
republicanism, socialism, many disintegrating ideas are abroad;
circle within circle, a really formidable organisation has grown up
about your Highness's throne.'
'I have heard of it, Herr von Gondremark,' put in the Prince; 'but I
have reason to be aware that yours is the more authoritative
information.'
'I am honoured by this expression of my Prince's confidence'
returned Gondremark, unabashed. 'It is, therefore, with a single
eye to these disorders that our present external policy has been
shaped. Something was required to divert public attention, to
employ the idle, to popularise your Highness's rule, and, if it were
possible, to enable him to reduce the taxes at a blow and to a
notable amount. The proposed expedition - for it cannot without
hyperbole be called a war - seemed to the council to combine the
various characters required; a marked improvement in the public
sentiment has followed even upon our preparations; and I cannot
doubt that when success shall follow, the effect will surpass even
our boldest hopes.
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