to hear you military people talking of cowardice. Why, you spend
your lives in an ecstasy of terror of imaginary invasions. I dont
believe you ever go to bed without looking under it for a
burglar.

MITCHENER (calmly). A very sensible precaution, Balsquith. I
always take it. And in consequence Ive never been burgled.

BALSQUITH. Neither have I. Anyhow dont you taunt me with
cowardice. (He posts himself on the hearthrug beside Mitchener on
his left.) I never look under my bed for a burglar. Im not always
looking under the nation's bed for an invader. And if it comes to
fighting Im quite willing to fight without being three to one.

MITCHENER. These are the romantic ravings of a Jingo civilian,
Balsquith. At least youll not deny that the absolute command of
the sea is essential to our security.

BALSQUITH. The absolute command of the sea is essential to the
security of the principality of Monaco. But Monaco isnt going to
get it.

MITCHENER. And consequently Monaco enjoys no security. What a
frightful thing! How do the inhabitants sleep with the
possibility of invasion, of bombardment, continually present to
their minds? Would you have our English slumbers broken in the
same way? Are we also to live without security?

BALSQUITH (dogmatically). Yes. Theres no such thing as security
in the world: and there never can be as long as men are mortal.