Menelaus: Let me be frank.
We are weak, and therefore our weapons must be
diplomacy and tact. Inadequate,
I admit, but not perhaps quite hopeless.
Whereas even to suggest a show of strength
as a way out, given our present weakness,
is palpable folly.
Look at it this way, my boy.
Mobs in their emotions are much like children,
subject to the same tantrums and fits of fury.
But this anger must be treated with great patience,
rather like a fire that gets out of control.
Hands off is best. You sit quietly by,
watching and waiting, patiently biding your time
while their fury runs its course unchecked.
With any luck, it quickly burns itself out,
and in the lull, while the wind is shifting,
anything you want is yours for the asking.
Anger, however, is only one of their moods;
pity is another -- but precious assets, both,
if you know what you're doing.
