We Belgians have too long been struggling against the water not to have learned to fear it. I am also afraid of water.
JEANNE
But what is more terrible, the Prussians or water?
GENERAL
Bowing.
Madame is right. The Prussians are not more terrible, but they are worse.
LAGARD
Yes. We have no other choice. It is terrible to release water from captivity, the beast from its den, nevertheless it is a better friend to us than the Prussians. I would prefer to see the whole of Belgium covered with water rather than extend a hand of reconciliation to a scoundrel! Neither they nor we shall live to see that, even if the entire Atlantic Ocean rush over our heads.
Brief pause.
GENERAL