is laid under a contribution of war for the amount of twenty-five millions of florins, payable within twenty four hours.
“‘Manteuffel.
“‘Headquarters, Frankfort, July 30, 1866.’”
“Three of the principal bankers of Frankfort were immediately delegated to present themselves before General Manteuffel, to remind him of the promises given by his predecessor, and to entreat him to withdraw this fresh imposition. All that they obtained was a delay of three times twenty-four hours.
“‘I know,’ said Manteuffel to them, ‘that I shall be compared to the Duke of Alva, but I am only here to execute the orders of my superiors.’
“‘And what shall you do if, between now and Sunday, we have not paid?’ asked a member of the deputation—‘you will not——?’
“‘I read the word on your lips,’ rejoined the General; ‘alas! yes, I shall give up the town to pillage.’
“‘In that case, why do you not at once, like Nero, set fire to the four corners of Frankfort?’
“To this sally General Manteuffel contented himself by answering: ‘Rome arose only more fair from her ashes.’[201]
“Before quitting the General, the deputation asked whether this imposition would be the last.