“Europe is under the necessity of taking some speedy resolution, things are in such a state of crisis. Like a fever in a human body, got to such a height that quinquina becomes necessary. Shall we apply to Vienna, your majesty?”
A transient smile flitted across the king’s countenance. Then, looking cold again, he added, “Follow your own will in that.”
“Would your majesty,” Lord Hyndford replied, “engage to stand by his excellency Gotter’s original offer at Vienna on your part? That is, would you agree, in consideration of the surrender to you of Lower Silesia and Breslau, to assist the Queen of Austria, with all your troops, for the maintenance of the Pragmatic Sanction, and to vote for the Grand-duke Francis as emperor?”
“Yes,” was the monosyllabic reply.
“What was the sum of money your majesty then offered the Queen of Austria?” Lord Hyndford inquired.
The king hesitated, as though he had forgotten. But his secretary answered, “Three million florins ($1,500,000).”
“I should not value the money,” the king added. “If money would content her I would give more.”
After a long pause Lord Hyndford inquired, “Would your majesty consent to an armistice?”
“Yes,” Frederick replied; “but for not less than six months” (counting on his fingers from May to December)—“till December 1. The season then would be so far gone that they could do nothing.”
As the secretary, Podewils, had been taking notes, Lord Hyndford requested permission to look at them, that he might see that no mistake had been made. The king assented, and then Lord Hyndford bowed himself out. Thus ended the audience.