- Von Plehve: A short victorious war maybe what Russia needs in her present situation.
- Lamsdorf: It may be neither short, nor victorious.
- Tsarina Alexandra: Do you not consider it a piece of criminal insolence for working men to consider approaching their sovereign in person?
- Prince Mirsky: Madame, they are not in the mood to be taught manners. Sire...
- Tsar Nicholas II: I won't receive such a deputation. Under the circumstances I would appear to be surrendering to a mob. I am surprised that you should advise me to do so.