"
The Czarina, did not answer, but began to look through the letters.
The Czar liked that, for then there would be occasion for
quarrelling; and he always wished for a quarrel in order to keep
his energies active.
"Pardon me, Peter," said his wife, "but is it right that you should
apply to the Swedish Government about the Dutch ships?"
"Yes, it is! All that I do is right!"
"I don't understand it. Our Russians fired by mistake at friendly
Dutch vessels, and you demand indemnity from the Swedes because the
mischance occurred in Swedish waters."
"Yes, according to Roman law, the injury must be made good in the
land where it happened...."
"Yes, but...."
"It is all the same anyhow: he who can pay, pays; I cannot, and the
Dutch will not, therefore the Swedes must! Do you understand?"
"No."
"The Swedes have incited the Turks against me; they must pay for
that."
"May be! But why do you write so harshly to the Dutch Government
since you like the Dutch?"
"Why! Because since the Peace of Utrecht, Holland is on the decline.
It is all over with Holland; on to the rubbish-heap with it! I hold
on to England, since France is also declining."
"Should one abandon one's old friends?..."
"Certainly, when they are no more good. Moreover, there is no
friendship in love and in politics.
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