C. P. To tell you the truth, I don't take him as seriously as he takes himself. Nobody could.
Tino. After what has happened I certainly shall not again. It's entirely owing to him that I've lost my kingdom and that the hateful VENIZELOS is back in Athens and that ALEXANDER is seated on my throne. If your beloved father had only left me alone I should have worried through all right.
C. P. I always tell him he tries to do too much, but he's so infatuated with being an Emperor that there's no holding him. You know he's absolutely convinced that he and the Almighty are on special terms of partnership.
Tino. I've done a bit myself in that line and I know it doesn't pay.
C. P. I daresay I shall do it when my time comes.
Tino. If it ever comes.
C. P. If it depended on me alone things would go all right. I'm told the people like me, and even the Socialists swear by me.
Tino. How can you believe such nonsense? I tried to act on that principle and here I am. And poor Russian NICKIE has had an even worse fall—all through believing he had the people on his side.
C. P. Well, but I know they're all fond of me; but my All-Highest One may get knocked out before I get my chance, and may carry me down with him.
Tino. Well, we must try to bear up, even if he should go the way NICKIE has gone. In the meantime the War doesn't look particularly promising, does it?