And privately, we need not doubt, the matter continues painful to his Majesty.
One thing is certain, precisely a week after, his Majesty,--much fluctuating in mind evidently, for the Document "has been changed three or four times within forty-eight hours,"-- presents his final answer to Hotham.

Which runs to this effect ("outrageous," as Hotham defines it):-- "1.

For Hanover and your great liberality on that score, much obliged; but upon reconsideration think it will not do.2.Marriage FIRST, Prince of Wales to Wilhelmina,--Consent with pleasure.3.Marriage SECOND, Crown-Prince Friedrich with your Amelia,--for that also we are extremely wishful, and trust it will one day take effect: but first these Seville-Treaty matters, and differences between the Kaiser and allied English and French will require to be pulled straight; that done, we will treat about the terms of Marriage SECOND.

One indispensable will be,--That the English guarantee our Succession in Julich and Berg." [Hotham's Despatch, 18th May, 1730.] "Outrageous" indeed!--Crown-Prince sends, along with this, a loving message by Hotham, of earnestly deprecating tenor, to the Britannic Majesty; "begs his Britannic Majesty not to reject the King's Proposals, whatever they may be,--this for poor Sister Wilhelmina's sake.

'For though he, the Crown-Prince, was determined to lose his life sooner than marry anybody but the Princess Amelia, yet if this Negotiation were broken off, his Father would go to extremities to force him and his poor Sister into other engagements.'"-- Which, alas, what can it avail with the Britannic Majesty, in regard to such outrageous Propositions from the Prussian?
Britannic Majesty's Ministry, as always, answers by return of Courier:--"MAY 22d.