We ask for a city absolutely French, you refuse it to us; it is to avow that you have resolved to wage against us a war of extremity.

Do it! Ravish our provinces, burn our houses, cut the throats of their unoffending inhabitants, in a word, complete your work.

We will fight to the last breath; we shall succumb at last, but we will not be dishonoured." It was a burst of passion, all the more admirable that Thiers knew his threats were vain; but it was not ineffective.

Bismarck was troubled; he said he understood what they suffered; he would be glad to make a concession, "but," he added, "I can promise nothing; the King has commanded me to maintain the conditions, he alone has the right to modify them; I will take his orders; I must consult with Mons.

de Moltke." He left the room; it was nearly an hour before he could find Moltke; then he returned to give the answer to the Frenchmen.