Do you think that you, as a statesman--you see, I will put the burden upon your shoulders, because, if you choose, you can speak for your country--do you think that you have a right to refuse from Germany the return of Alsace and Lorraine?
Do you think that you can look your country in the face if you refuse on her behalf the greatest gift which has ever yet been offered to any nation--the gift of Egypt?
The old alliances are out of date.

The balance of power has shifted.

I ask you, Monsieur Douaille, as you value the prosperity and welfare of your country, to weigh what I have said and what our great Russian friend has said, word by word.

England has made no sacrifices for you.

Why should you sacrifice yourself for her ?" Monsieur Douaille stroked his little grey imperial.
"That is well enough," he muttered, "but without the English Navy the balance of power upon the Continent is entirely upset." "The balance of power only according to the present grouping of interests," Mr.Grex pointed out.