Culture. So, for long, I thought. I looked upon Germany's golden granaries, plucked from ground once barren; its busy mills and furnaces, its outstretching commerce and teeming people and noble seats of learning, all mellowing in the sun, and I heard you say they were dedicate to me, and I was proud. You have honored me, my Emperor, and now I am here to be abased by you. All the sweet garments you have robed me in, tear them off me and send me naked out of Germany.

Emperor. You would not have me sign?

Culture. I warn you first to know yourself, you who have gloated in a looking-glass too long.

Emperor. I sign, so that Germany may be greater still, to spread your banner farther; thus I make the whole world cultured.

Culture. My banner needs no such spreading. It has ever been your weakness to think that I have no other home save here in Germany. I have many homes, and the fairest is in France.

Emperor. If that were true, Germany would care less for you.

Culture. If that is true, I have never had a home in Germany. I am no single nation's servant, no single race's Queen. I am not of German make. My banner is already in every land on which you would place your heel. Culture spreads not by way of maiming freedom. I'll not have you say you fight for me. Find some other reason.

Emperor. The jealousies of nations – Culture. All are guilty there. Jealousy, not love of money, is the root of all evil; that was a misprint. Yet I know of nothing those others want that is yours to give, save peace. What do you want of them? Bites out of each, and when they refuse to be dismembered you cry: "The blood be on their heads; they force me into war."

Emperor. Germany must expand. That is her divine mission; I have it from on high.

Culture. Your system of espionage is known to be tolerably complete.

Emperor. All Germany is with me. I hold in leash the mightiest machine for war the world has forged.

Culture. I have seen your legions, and all are with you. Never was a Lord more trusted. O Emperor, does that not make you pause?

Emperor. France invades little Belgium.

Culture. Chivalrous France! Never! Emperor, I leave one last word to you at the parting of the ways. France, Russia, Britain, these are great opponents, but it is not they will bring the pillars of Germany down. Beware of Belgium!