[_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.