THE WORLD SET FREE
up some sort of general control for International affairs—a sort of Hague Court with extended powers—that is no reason whatever for losing sight of the principles of national and imperial autonomy."
"Firmin," said the king, "I am going to set my brother kings a good example."
Firmin intimated a curiosity that veiled a dread.
"By chucking all that nonsense," said the king.
He quickened his pace as Firmin, who was already a little out of breath, betrayed a disposition to reply.
"I am going to chuck all that nonsense," said the king, as Firmin prepared to speak. "I am going to fling my royalty and empire on the table—and declare at once I don't mean to haggle. It's haggling—about rights—has been the devil in human affairs, for—always. I am going to stop this nonsense."
Firmin halted abruptly. "But, sir!" he cried.
The king stopped six yards ahead of him and looked back at his adviser's perspiring visage.
"Do you really think, Firmin, that I am here as—as an infernal politician to put my crown and my flag and my claims and so forth in the way of peace? That little Frenchman is right. You know he is right as well as I do. Those things are over. We—we kings and rulers and
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