The objects of this book 421 Criticism of naval and military strategy is no part of its purpose 422 Nor the ultimate political settlement of Europe 424 Nor an inquisition into 'German atrocities' 424 But the basis of Germany's policy must be understood 425 And what we are fighting for and against 425 The causes of German strength 427 The causes of British weakness 427 Illusions as to the progress of the war 428 The real cause of our going to war 430 Democracy is not by its nature invincible 431 Leadership is our chief need 433 The folly of telling half-truths to the People 435 PART I THE CAUSES OF WAR Then _Apollyon_ strodled quite over the whole breadth of the way, and said, I am void of fear in this matter, prepare thyself to die; for I swear by my infernal Den, that thou shalt go no further; here will I spill thy soul. And with that he threw a flaming Dart at his breast, but _Christian_ had a shield in his hand, with which he caught it, and so prevented the danger of that. Then did _Christian_ draw, for he saw 'twas time to bestir him: and _Apollyon_ as fast made at him, throwing Darts as thick as Hail; by the which, notwithstanding all that _Christian_ could do to avoid it, _Apollyon_ wounded him in his _head_, his _hand_, and _foot_: this made _Christian_ give a little back; _Apollyon_ therefore followed his work amain, and _Christian_ again took courage, and resisted as manfully as he could. This sore Combat lasted for above half a day, even till _Christian_ was almost quite spent; for you must know that _Christian_, by reason of his wounds, must needs grow weaker and weaker. Then _Apollyon_ espying his opportunity, began to gather up close to _Christian_, and wrestling with him, gave him a dreadful fall; and with that _Christian's_ sword flew out of his hand. Then said _Apollyon, I am sure of thee now_: and with that he had almost pressed him to death, so that _Christian_ began to despair of life. But as God would have it, while Apollyon was fetching of his last blow, thereby to make a full end of this good man, _Christian_ nimbly reached out his hand for his Sword, and caught it, saying, _Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy! when I fall I shall arise_; and with that gave him a deadly thrust, which made him give back, as one that had received his mortal wound: _Christian_ perceiving that, made at him again, saying, _Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us_. And with that _Apollyon_ spread forth his dragon's wings, and sped him away, that _Christian_ for a season saw him no more.