THE WORLD SET FREE
better. Don't think I forget my kingship, Firmin, don't imagine that. I am a king, a kingly king, by right divine. The fact that I am also a chattering young man makes not the slightest difference to that. But the proper text-book for kings, Firmin, is none of the court memoirs and Welt-Politik books you would have me read; it is old Fraser's Golden Bough. Have you read that, Firmin?"
Firmin had.
"Those were the authentic kings. In the end they were cut up and a bit given to everybody. They sprinkled the nations—with kingship."
Firmin turned himself round and faced his royal master.
"What do you intend to do, sir?" he asked. "If you will not listen to me, what do you propose to do this afternoon?"
The king flicked crumbs from his coat.
"Manifestly war has to stop for ever, Firmin. Manifestly this can only be done by putting all the world under one government. Our crowns and flags are in the way. Manifestly they must go."
"Yes, sir," interrupted Firmin, "but what government? I don't see what government you get by a universal abdication!"
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