The present of Hanover on those terms implied for the recipient Russia's disapproval and the hostility of England.[76] This was the news brought by Haugwitz to Berlin.

Frederick William was now on the horns of the very dilemma which he had sought to avoid.
Either he must accept Napoleon's terms, or defy the conqueror to almost single combat.

The irony of his position was now painfully apparent.

In his longing for peace and retrenchment he had dismissed his would-be allies, and had sent his own soldiers grumbling to their homes.

Moreover, he was tied by his previous action.