Prac. Pas. Not at all. The more especially as it would be a great expense to the enemy.
Theo. Pas. (with dignified resentment). I see you consider the subject a proper topic for raillery! It is a very fine day!
Prac. Pas. (in a conciliatory tone). No, no, I can assure you I am deeply interested. But how about our Fleet—surely that should protect us?
Theo. Pas. You must be very much behind the age to say so. Our Fleet is practically valueless. It is perfectly easy to invade us at a dozen places. If the French went to Ireland (as they did in the last century), the conquest of England would be assured. They would (with the assistance of a friendly peasantry), get their supplies and make good their footing.
Prac. Pas. But how about our Army?
Theo. Pas. A farce! An expensive farce. We have no Regulars, the Militia exists only on paper, and the Volunteers are valueless.
Prac. Pas. Then why not have a Conscription—that would bring up our Army with a run?
Theo. Pas. A Conscription! My dear Sir, the nation wouldn't think of such a thing! No, not for a single moment!
Prac. Pas. (after a pause). Well, what is to be done?
Theo. Pas. (promptly). Nothing, except to write to the papers and submit to our fate.