ill not,
on the terms. Poor Robinson, urged two ways at once, is flurried doubly
and trebly; tossed about as Diplomatist never was. King of Prussia
flashes lightning-looks upon him, clapping finger to nose; Maria
Theresa, knowing he will demand cession of Silesia, shudders at sight of
him; and the Aulic Council fall into his arms like dead men, murmuring,
"Money; where is your money?"

"AUGUST 29th. While Friedrich was pushing into Neipperg, in the
Baumgarten Country, and could get no battle out of him, Excellency
Robinson reappears at Breslau; Maria Theresa, after deadly efforts on
his part, has mended her offers, in these terrible circumstances; and
Robinson is here again. 'Half of Silesia, or almost half, provided his
Majesty will turn round, and help against the French:' these, secretly,
are Robinson's rich offers. The Queen, on consenting to these
new offers, had 'wrung her hands,' like one in despair, and said
passionately, 'Unless accepted within a fortnight, I will not be bound
by them!' 'Admit his Excellency to the honor of an interview,' solicits
Hyndford; 'his offers are much mended.' Notable to witness, Friedrich
will not see Robinson at all this time, nor even permit Podewils to see
him; signifies plainly that he wants to hear no more of his offers, and
that, in fact, the sooner he can take himself away from Breslau, it
will be the better. To that effect, Robinson, rushing back in mortified
astonished manner, reports progress at Presburg; to that and no
better. 'High Madam,' urges Robinson, still indefatigable, 'the King
of Prussia's help would be life, his hostility is death at this crisis.
Peace must be with him, at any price!' 'Price?' answers her Majesty
once: 'If Austria must fall, it is indifferent to me whether it be by
Kur-Baiern or Kur-Brandenburg!' [Stenzel, iv. 156.] Nevertheless,
in about a week she again yields to intense conjuring, and the
ever-tightening pressure of events;--King George, except it be for
counselling, is become stock-still, with Maillebois's sword at his
throat; and is, without metaphor, sinking towards absolute neutrality:
'Cannot help you, Madam, any farther; must not try it, or I perish, my
Hanover and I!'--So that Maria Theresa again mends her offers: 'Give
him all Lower Silesia, and he to join with me!' and Robinson post-haste
despatches a courier to Breslau with them. Notable again: King Friedrich
will not hear of them; answers by a 'No, I tell you! Time was, time
is no