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 characterized the modern world, in distinction from the ancient, by the tendency of nations to draw near to each other, and to enter into some form of league resting on the same basis as the great Christian society of men; and that basis is 'the precept of the Book of books, "Do unto others as ye would they should do unto you."' Accordingly, the main task of politics in his age seemed to him to be to establish international relations upon a basis of genuine reciprocity under the guarantee of respect for established rights and the conscientious observance of contracts. Such was the science of politics, according to one who was fin, faux, and fanfaron; and diplomacy was the art and daily application of the science. When Count Buol Schauenstein retired from the office of Foreign Minister in Austria, Metternich's strongest recommendation of Count Rechberg as successor consisted in the formula that he was 'a pupil of his school'. Lord Augustus Loftus doubted whether the recommendation would have the weight with Lord Palmerston which was attached to it by the venerable Prince.

In a chapter which it is difficult to reconcile in tone and purpose with the Preface of his great work, Grotius admits a wide latitude to 'amphibologies', and, although he disallows them where the 'honour of God', or charity toward our neighbour, or reverence toward superiors, or the making of contracts, or 'the nature of the thing itself' of which we treat, requires a clear unmasking of ourselves, he is manifestly troubled by the discord between word and deed in the affairs of men, and by the fact that mendacity has been a frequent instrument and support of success. In a less awkward and