Collected works > Edinburgh edition, 1894-98 - Works of Robert Louis Stevenson > Volume 9, 1895 - Romances Volume II

THE PRINCE
the internal history of this correspondence, that any
interference will be merely hurtful. Such a paper
as your Highness proposes would be to stultify the
whole previous policy of Griinewald.'
' The policy of Griinewald ! ' cried the Prince.
' One would suppose you had no sense of humour !
Would you fish in a coffee cup ? '
'With deference, your Highness,' returned the
Baron, * even in a coffee cup there may be poison.
The purpose of this war is not simply territorial
enlargement; still less is it a war of glory; for, as
your Highness indicates, the state of Griinewald
is too small to be ambitious. But the body politic
is seriously diseased ; republicanism, socialism, many
disintegrating ideas are abroad ; circle within circle,
a really formidable organisation has grown up about
your Highness's throne.'
' I have heard of it, Herr von Gondremark,' put in
the Prince ; ' but I have reason to be aware that
yours is the more authoritative information.'
i I am honoured by this expression of my Prince's
confidence,' returned Gondremark, unabashed. * It
is, therefore, with a single eye to these disorders
that our present external policy has been shaped.
Something was required to divert public attention,
to employ the idle, to popularise your Highness's
rule, and, if it were possible, to enable him to reduce
the taxes at a blow and to a notable amount. The
proposed expedition — for it cannot without hyperbole
be called a war — seemed to the council to combine
the various characters required ; a marked improve-
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