Nevertheless, and in spite of the belief that they must
at all costs keep up their spirits, and persuade themselves not only that they are going to win but are winning, they cannot resist the scientific habit of constantly measuring how much water there is in the reservoir and calculating their strength as com- pared with that of their enemies. Such comparisons just now, however optimistically made, are bound to show them that the automatic changes are all setting in one direction. The inevitable tendency is for the Central Powers to get relatively weaker in men and munitions. We may be certain, then, that the Germans are bound at this moment to be dominated by the thought of " Now or never!" " Let us strike while we are stronger than the enemy, and before the position is altered in their favour." But the moment that stage is reached there cornea the megalomaniac appeal which is always dear to the German heart : " If we are to strike, let us strike so smashing a blow as will overwhelm all possible resistance. Lot us make
the supremo effort while there is still time, and while we have still so good a margin of superiority in hand."
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