STRAMMFEST [falling on his knee]. You are, God help me, all that
is left to me of the only power I recognize on earth [he kisses
her hand].

THE GRAND DUCHESS [indulgently]. Idolater! When will you learn
that our strength has never been in ourselves, but in your
illusions about us? [She shakes off her kindliness, and sits down
in his chair.] Now tell me, what are your orders? And do you mean
to obey them?

STRAMMFEST [starting like a goaded ox, and blundering fretfully
about the room]. How can I obey six different dictators, and not
one gentleman among the lot of them? One of them orders me to
make peace with the foreign enemy. Another orders me to offer all
the neutral countries 48 hours to choose between adopting his
views on the single tax and being instantly invaded and
annihilated. A third orders me to go to a damned Socialist
Conference and explain that Beotia will allow no annexations and
no indemnities, and merely wishes to establish the Kingdom of
Heaven on Earth throughout the universe. [He finishes behind
Schneidekind's chair.]

THE GRAND DUCHESS. Damn their trifling!

STRAMMFEST. I thank Your Imperial Highness from the bottom of my
heart for that expression. Europe thanks you.

THE GRAND DUCHESS. M'yes; but--[rising]. Strammfest, you know
that your cause--the cause of the dynasty--is lost.