2110 BC
Germany

I, Bismark, am the most eligible bachelor on the continent. Perhaps Germany should throw its fortunes in with another ruler, a marriage of our nations, our destinies, our schicksale.

France

Our friend, Saint Joan, is happy and of fine culture, but She may be too weak to make a good partner. Beloved Joan, Beautiful Angel, Heavenly Joan, give me some saltpeter. Darf ich mit Ihnen unter vier Augen sprechen, heh, heh?

England

Queen Elizabeth, is wealthy, but She covets our rightful inheritance. Her ships are even now exploring our coastline. Sweet Elizabeth, perhaps you would consider a trade, eh? I give you a little and you give me a little. (Sie sieht aus, als ob sie kein Wässerchen trüben könnte!)

Russia

Czarina Catherine is our good neighbor. She could be a good ally -- if she remembers her place.  Dearest Catherine. Is that a new dress? It looks wonderful on you. Here is your annual tribute. What do you mean it's not enough? And by the way, could you tell your Cossacks to get off the Palace lawn? They're trampling on the roses, wenn ich bitten darf.

Germany

If Bismark, were to ally with Joan, or Elizabeth or Catherine, the other two would no doubt be jealous, even angry. The problem is how to keep them happy without a commitment. Hmmm.

Diplomatic Considerations: Keeping good relations with your neighbors is of critical importance. Trade frequently with other nations (except do not trade your map until your native lands are settled). War should only come on your own terms, so avoid foreign entanglements.  Only enter a treaty when there are substantial reasons to do so. The diplomacy above is a variation of Zachriel's famous Luxembourg strategy.