Frederic, having gained so signal a victory, again proposed peace.  England, exceedingly desirous to detach from the allies so energetic a foe, urged the queen, in the strongest terms, to accede to the overtures.  The queen, however, never dismayed by adversity, still adhered to her resolve to reconquer Silesia.  The English cabinet, finding Maria Theresa deaf to all their remonstrances and entreaties, endeavored to intimidate her by the threat of withdrawing their subsidies.

The English ambassador, Sir Thomas Robinson, with this object in view, demanded an audience with the queen.  The interview, as he has recorded it, is worthy of preservation.

“England,” said the ambassador to the queen, “has this year furnished five million, three hundred and ninety-three thousand seven hundred and sixty-five dollars.  The nation is not in a condition to maintain a superiority over the allies in the Netherlands, Italy and Silesia.  It is, therefore, indispensable to diminish the force of the enemy.  France can not be detached from the alliance.  Prussia can be and must be.  This concession England expects from Austria.  What is to be done must be done immediately.  The King of Prussia can not be driven from Bohemia this campaign.  By making peace with him, and thus securing his voluntary withdrawal, your majesty can send troops to the Netherlands, and check the rapid progress of the French, who now threaten the very existence of England and Holland.  If they fall, Austria must inevitably fall also.  If peace can be, made with Prussia France can be checked, and the Duke of Lorraine can be chosen emperor.”

“I feel exceedingly grateful,” the queen replied, “to the king and the English nation, and am ready to show it in every way in my power.  Upon this matter I will consult my ministers and acquaint you with my answer.  But whatever may be the decision, I can not spare a man from the neighborhood of the King of Prussia.  In peace, as well as in war, I need them all for the defense of my person and family.”

“It is affirmed,” Sir Thomas Robinson replied, “that seventy thousand men are employed against Prussia.  From such a force enough might be spared to render efficient aid in Italy and in the Netherlands.”

“I can not spare a man,” the queen abruptly replied.

Sir Thomas was a little touched, and with some spirit rejoined, “If your majesty can not spare her troops for the general cause, England will soon find it necessary to withdraw her armies also, to be employed at home.”

This was a home thrust, and the queen felt it, and replied, “But why may we not as well detach France from the alliance, as Prussia?”

“Because Prussia,” was the reply, “can be more easily induced to accede to peace, by allowing her to retain what she now has, than France can be induced to yield, by surrendering, as she must, large portions of her present acquisitions.”

“I must have an opportunity,” Maria Theresa continued, “to strike Prussia another blow.  Prince Charles has still enough men to give battle.”