In concerting a plan of offensive operations from Bohemia, the allies were going far to determine the conduct of Austria.
On that same day the peace Congress was opened at Prague.

Its proceedings were farcical from the outset.

Only Anstett and Humboldt, the Russian and Prussian envoys, were at hand; and at the appointment of the former, an Alsatian by birth, Napoleon expressed great annoyance.

The difficulties about the armistice also gave him the opportunity, which he undoubtedly sought, of further delaying negotiations.

In vain did Metternich point out to the French envoy, Narbonne, at Prague, that these frivolous delays must lead to war if matters were not amicably settled by August 10th, at midnight.[333] In vain did Narbonne and Caulaincourt beg their master to seize this opportunity for concluding a safe and honourable peace.