But above all things, we demand Gibraltar of you:--which can still less be complied with.

Termagant Elizabeth has set her heart on Gibraltar: that, in such opportunity as this unexpected condition of the Balances now gives her, is the real cause of the War.
Cession of Gibraltar: there had been vague promises, years ago, on the Kaiser's part; nay George himself, raw to England at that date, is said to have thought the thing might perhaps be done.--"Do it at once, then!" said the Termagant Queen, and repeated, with ever more emphasis;--and there being not the least compliance, she has opened parallels before the place, and begun war and ardent firing there; [22d February, 1727 (Scholl, ii.

212).

Salmon, _Chronological Historian_ (London, 1747; a very incorrect dark Book, useful only in defect of better), ii.

173.
Coxe, _Memoirs of Walpole,_ i.