ill allow for the leaden quality in
some parts]:--KING (in a passion). 'How is it possible, my Lord, to
believe things so contradictory? It is mighty fine all this that you now
tell me, on the part of the King of England; but how does it correspond
to his last Speech to his Parliament [19th April last, when Mr. Viner
was in such minority of one] and to the doings of his Ministers at
Petersburg [a pretty Partition-Treaty that; and the Excellency Finch
still busy, as I know!] and at the Hague [Excellency Trevor there, and
this beautiful Joint-Resolution and Advice which is coming!] to stir up
allies against me? I have reason rather to doubt the sincerity of the
King of England. They perhaps mean to amuse me. [That is Friedrich's
real opinion. [His Letter to Podewils (Ranke, ii. 268).]] But, by God,
they are mistaken! I will risk everything rather than abate the least of
my pretensions.'"

Poor Hyndford said and mumbled what he could; knew nothing what
instructions Finch had, Trevor had, and--KING. "'My Lord, there seems
to be a contradiction in all this. The King of England, in his Letter,
tells me you are instructed as to everything; and yet you pretend
ignorance! But I am perfectly informed of all. And I should not be
surprised if, after all these fine words, you should receive some strong
letter or resolution for me,'"--Joint-Resolution to Advise, for example?

Hyndford, not in the strength of conscious innocence, stands silent; the
King, "in his heat of passion," said to Podewils:--KING TO PODEWILS (on
the sudden). "'Write down, that my Lord would be surprised [as he
should be] to receive such Instructions!'" (A mischievous sparkle,
half quizzical, half practical, considerably in the Friedrich
style.)--Hyndford, "quite struck, my Lord, with this strange way of
acting," and of poking into one, protests with angry grunt, and "was put
extremely upon my guard." Of course Podewils did net write....

HYNDFORD. "'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.' ...
That expression made him smile, and he began to look a little cooler....
'Shall we apply to Vienna, your Majesty?'

FRIEDRICH. "'Follow your own will in that.'

HYNDFORD. "'Would your Majesty consent now to stand by his Excellency
Gotter's original Offer at Vienna on your part? Agree, namely, in
consideration of Lower Sile