We are ready, but there is one country which must be kept from the ranks of our enemies.
That country is England.

England must be dealt with diplomatically.' He looks across the continent to you, Prince.

This is the friendly message which I have brought from his own lips." The Prince stirred his coffee thoughtfully.

He was a man just passing middle-age, with grey hair, thin in places but carefully trimmed, brushed sedulously back from his high forehead.

His moustache, too, was grey, and his face was heavily lined, but his eyes, clear and bright, were almost the eyes of a young man.
"You can reassure the Emperor," he declared.