He was silent a moment, considering, perhaps, how to use most wisely this opportunity.
"Let us apply that principle to the other countries of the world," he went on, at last. "Let us suppose that the people of each country were asked to choose freely for themselves their form of government. How many of the present governments would stand that test? Do you think the government of Germany would?"
"No," said the Prince; "I suppose not. Our people are all socialists, so my father says. But they are not fit to govern."
"Whose fault is that? Have you tried to make them fit? Besides, their fitness or unfitness has nothing to do with it. It is their country; let them grow fit by experience. But I believe they are fit. How many of your great men have come from humble life?"
"Oh, a great many, I dare say!" answered the Prince, impatiently. "But a body needs a head. It must be governed by a head, not by a stomach!"
"Ah," said Vard, "but, as a matter of fact, every body is governed by its stomach. Not till the stomach is satisfied does the head get a chance. And, to govern wisely, the head must be a part of the body, not something distinct from it. How is it to govern wisely, if it is not always in close touch with the body, aware of its every need? It is only when the head is distinct from the body that it lets the body starve and wastes its substance on vain and unnecessary things."
"I suppose," said the Prince with a smile, "that you refer to our army and navy."
"To the army and navy of every nation. Could the people choose, how many battleships would Germany build next year?"
The Prince shrugged his shoulders helplessly.
"How can I answer such questions? I do not know. But I do know that I have been born in a certain position, and that I must maintain it."