"Had we made peace," he said, "before the fall of Metz, we might at least have saved Lorraine." He hoped against hope that he might still be able to do so.

With all the resources of his intellect and his eloquence he tried to break down the opposition of the Count.

When Metz was refused to him then he pleaded for Belfort.

Let us hear what Favre, who was present at the decisive interview, tells us; we may use his authority with more confidence that he was a silent and passive auditor.
"One must have been present at this pathetic scene to have an idea of the superhuman resources which the illustrious statesman displayed.

I still see him, pale, agitated, now sitting, now springing to his feet; I hear his voice broken by grief, his words cut short, his tones in turn suppliant and proud; I know nothing grander than the sublime passion of this noble heart bursting out in petitions, menaces, prayers, now caressing, now terrible, growing by degrees more angry in face of this cruel refusal, ready for the last extremities, impervious to the counsels of reason, so violent and sacred were the sentiments by which he was governed." Bismarck remained obdurate; he would surrender neither Metz nor Belfort.
Then Thiers cried out: "Well, let it be as you will; these negotiations are a pretence.
We appear to deliberate, we have only to pass under your yoke.