“There is a risk, sire.”
Karl smiled contemptuously.
“And if you lose, it will be disaster for Sweden,” added the Count.
“If I lose?” repeated the King, with rising wrath. “Do you not know that it is impossible for me to lose?”
“Ah, sire!” murmured the minister sadly.
Karl suddenly laughed, throwing back his head and showing his fierce white teeth.
“You think that the Czar of Muscovy can defeat me!” he said.
The minister answered:
“Marlborough thinks that you attempt the impossible, sire.”
The King was really angry now.