would, the Powers _must_ put a stop
to the wholesale slaughter of Armenian Christians.

So the six Ambassadors of the six Great European States came together and
gravely discussed what should be done.

One of the ways of diplomacy is to act very slowly. This gives time for
things to come right again of themselves, and also time for the people to
cool down, and not disturb the game by foolish outbursts of sentiment.

And another of the ways of diplomacy in this Eastern Question has been,
with great show of indignation, to threaten the Sultan with destruction
unless--he promises certain reforms for the future.

This, of course, he is perfectly willing to do. He solemnly pledges
protection to the Christians, and punishment to their persecutors, without
the slightest intention of carrying out the promised reforms. Indeed, he
knows that he could not do it even if he wanted to. And the Powers know it
too, just as well as they know _they_ would not carry out their threat to
destroy his rickety throne.

But all this talk gives time, and two or three more years are thus gained
for the Sultan and for the Powers, too; and in the mean time the people
are pacified, because they think something is being done toward wiping
out the great iniquity in the East.

But as I said, the Ambassadors of the six Powers not long ago came
together, and under instructions from their various governments talked
over the Armenian atrocities. Just as they were cautiously and solemnly
preparing their decision, or _ultimatum_, as it is called (which was the
old threat to the Sultan if the Christians were not protected), something
unexpected happened.

It was not a part of the diplomatic game at all; and it was the act of an
insignificant Kingdom, which had nothing whatever to say in the great
European Concert.

The name of this insignificant Kingdom is the most splendid and renowned
in the history of the world.

For two thousand years people in all other lands have been trying to do
things as well as they did. But no such pictures, no such statues, no such
architecture as theirs has ever been produced. No men have talked and
thought as wisely upon great subjects. No poets have excelled theirs in
grandeur. No women have been more perfect types of beauty and refinement;
and no men more liberty-loving, grand, and heroic.

Now, do you know the name of this people? They were the _Ancient Greeks_.
And the brave little Kingdom which has just upset al