The quest of the pirate-knight is to conquer all China, to become its
emperor, to fall upon it, inspired by the God of battles. What matters
it that the Chinese will not resist, that they will fall prostrate
before him? The grandeur of Tartarin's setting forth has nothing to do
with his getting there.
At Kiel all was prepared. Germany trembled with impatience and this is
what she heard:--
"Imperial power means sea power: the existence of the one depends upon
the other. The squadron which your ships will reinforce must act and
hold itself as the symbol of Imperial and maritime power; it must live
on good terms of friendship with all its comrades of the fifteen
foreign fleets out yonder, so as energetically to protect the interests
of the Fatherland against any one who would injure a German. Let every
European over them, every German merchant, and, above all, every
foreigner in the land to which we are going, or with whom we may have
to do, understand that the German Michael has firmly planted on this
soil his shield bearing the Imperial Eagle, so as to be able, once and
for all, to give his protection to all those who may require it of him.
May our fellow-countrymen out yonder be firmly convinced that, no
matter what their situation, be they priests or merchants, the
protection of the German Empire will be extended to them with all
possible energy by means of the warships of the Imperial fleet. And
should any one ever infringe our just rights strike him with your
mailed fist! If God so will He shall bind about your young brow
laurels of which none, throughout all Germany, shall be jealous!
"Firmly convinced that, following the example of good models (and
models are not lacking to our house, Heaven be praised!), you will
fulfil my wishes and my vows, I drink to your health and wish a good
journey, all success, and, a safe return! Hurrah for Prince Henry!"
Prince Henry's incredible reply was as follows--
"As children we grew up together.
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