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 all the calculations of
the Great Powers is _Modern Greece_.
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