With a superior force in front, with the Archdukes Ferdinand and Charles threatening to raise Bohemia and Hungary on his flanks, while two Prussian armies were about to throw themselves on his rear, his position was fully as serious as that of Hannibal before Cannae, from which the Carthaginian freed himself only by that staggering blow.

Did that example inspire the French Emperor, or did he take counsel from his own boundless resources of brain and will?
Certain it is that, after a passing fit of discouragement, he braced himself for a final effort, and staked all on the effect of one mighty stroke.

In order to hurry on the battle he feigned discouragement and withdrew his lines from Austerlitz to the Goldbach.

Already he had sent General Savary to the Czar with proposals for a short truce.[40] The word truce now spelt guile; its offer through Savary, whose hands were stained with the blood of the Duc d'Enghien, was in itself an insult, and Alexander gave that envoy the coolest reception.

In return he sent Prince Dolgoruki, the leader of the bellicose youths now high in favour, who proudly declared to the French Emperor the wishes of his master for the independence of Europe--adding among other things that Holland must be free and have Belgium added to it.
This suggestion greatly amused Napoleon, who replied that Russia ought now to think of her own advantages on the side of Turkey.