That is sentiment. Here is fact. We land here and here and here. Then march down here and up there, uniting the armies. Rich country. I've never seen it, but I know it better than any letter-carrier in the district. We live on the land, burning and pillaging if the inhabitants don't give us what we want. A little dose will tame them. We'll sweep all before us in six weeks.

minister of war

[In mock protest.

Stop, man, stop! You make me want to try it.

chief of staff

I can't stop. It's a game with me. I play it all day in my thoughts and all night I direct campaigns in my dreams. A great game. Only sometimes I get tired of playing it on paper, and want to hear the real guns and see the real battalions.

[A secretary enters with a message.

secretary

[To Minister of War.

A message from the King sent over from the Foreign Office. The Prime Minister was not there.