The Monarchies of Continental Europe. The Empire of Austria; its rise and present power ... Third edition

Front matter

THE EMPIRE OF AUST1UA. THE MONARCHIES OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE. THE EMPIRE OF AUSTRIA; ITS RISE AND PRESENT POWER. BY JOHN S. C ABBOTT. THIRD EDITION. NEW YORK. PUBLISHED BY MASON BROTHERS. CINCINNATI : RICKEY, MAIXORY & CO. 1859. Entered, according to Act os Congress, in the year 135S, by MASON" BROTHERS, In 'Jio dork's (Mice of the District Court for tlio Southern District of New York. STEREOTYPED ]iT PRINTED BY THOMAS K. SMITH, 82 & 84 Beekman SL C, A. ALVORD. 15 Vaudewater St.

Preface

. The studies of the author of this work, for the last ten years, in writing the "History of Napoleon Bonaparte," and "The French Revolution of 1789," have necessarily made him quite familiar with the monarchies of Europe. He has met with so much that was strange and romantic in their career, that he has been interested to undertake, as it were, a biography of the Monarchies of Continental Europe — their birth, education, exploits, progress and present condition. He has commenced with Austria. There are abundant materials for this work. The Life of Austria embraces all that is wild and wonderful in history ; her early struggles for aggrandizement — the fierce strife with the Turks, as wave after wave of Moslem invasion rolled up the Danube — the long Conflicts and bloody persecutions of the Reformation — the thirty years' religious war — the meteoric career of Gustavus Adolphus and Charles XII. shooting athwart the lurid storms of battle — the intrigues of Popes — the enormous pride, power and encroachments of Louis XIV. — the warfare of the Spanish succession and the Polish dismemberment — all these events combine in a sublime tragedy which fiction may in vain attempt to parallel.

PREFACE.

. VI It is affecting to observe in the history of Germany, through what woes humanity has passed in attaining even its present position of civilization. It is to be hoped that the human family may never again suffer what it has already endured. We shall be indeed insane if we do not gain some wisdom from the struggles and the calamities of those who have gone before us. The narrative of the career of the Austrian Em pire, must, by contrast, excite emotions of gratitude in every American bosom. Our lines have fallen to us in pleasant places ; we have a goodly heritage. It is the author's intention soon to issue, as the second of this series, the History of the Empire of Russia. JOHN S. C. ABBOTT. Brunswick, Maine, 1859. CONTENTS

Chapter I. Rhodolph Of Hapsburg

From 1232 to 1291. PACK IIawk's Castle. — Albert, Count of Hapsburg. — Rhodolph of Hapsburg. — His Marriage and Estates. — Excommunication and its Results. — His Principles of Honor.— A Confederacy of Barons. — Their Route. — Riiodolph's Election as Empekoe of Germany. — The Bishop's Warning. — Dissatisfaction at the Result of the Election. — Advantages accruing from the Possession of an interesting Family. — Conquest. — Ottocar acknowledges the Emperor; yet breaks his Oath of Allegiance. — Gathering Clouds. — "Wonderful Escape. — Victory of Rhodolph. — His Reforms 17

Chapter II. Reigns Of Albert

I., FREDERIC, ALBERT AND OTHO. From 1291 to 1347. Anecdotes of Rhodolph. — His Desire for the Election of his Son. — His Death. — Albert. — His Unpopularity. — Conspiracy of the Nobles. — Their Defeat. — Adolphus of Nassau chosen Emperor. — Albert's Conspiracy. — Deposition of Adolphus and Election of Albert. — Death of Adolphus. — The- Pope Defied. — Annexation of Bohemia. — Assassination of Albert. — Avenging Fury. — The Hermit's Direction. — Frederic the Handsome. — Election of IIrnry, Count of Luxemburg. — His Death. — Election of Louis of Bavaria. — Capture of Frederic. — Remarkable Confidence toward a Prisoner. — Death of Frederic. — An early Engagement. — Death of Louis.— Accession of Albert 34

CHAPTER II

I. RHODOLPH II., ALBERT IV. AND ALBERT V. From 1339 to 1437. Rhodolph II. — Marriage of John to Margaret. — Intriguing for the Tyrol. — Death of Rhodolph. — Accession of Power to Austria. — Dividing the Empire. — Dklioht of the Emperor Charles. — Leopold. — His Ambition and Successes. — Hedwige, Queen of Poland. — "The Course of true Love never did kun smooth." — Unhappy Marriage of Hedwige. — Heroism of Arnold of wlnkelrf.id. — death of leopold. — death of albert iv. — accession of al- BERT V. — Attempts of Sigismond to bequeath to Albert V. Hungary and Bohemia ...:..... 43 i* CONTENTS. VIII

Chapter IV. Albert, Ladislaus And Frederic

From 1440 to 14S9. PAGE Increasing Honors of Albert V.— Encroachments of the Turks.— The Christians Routed.— Terror of the Hungarians. — Death of Albert. — Magnanimous Conduct of Albert of Bavaria.— Internal Troubles. — Precocity of Ladislaus.— Fortifications raised by the Turks.— John Capistrun. — Rescue of Belgrade. — The Turks Dispersed. — Exultation over the Victory. — Death of Hunniades.— Jealousy of Ladislaus.— His Death.— Brotherly Quarrels. — Devastations by the Turks. — Invasion of Austria. — Repeal ok the Compromise. — The Emperor a Fugitive 63

Chapter V

. THE EMPERORS FREDERIC II. AND MAXIMILIAN I. From 1477 to 1500. Wanderings of tiie Empbror Frederic. — Proposed Alliance with the Duke of Burgundy. — Mutual Distrust. — Marriage of Mart. — The Age of Chivalry. — The Motive inducing the Lord of Praunstein to declare War. — Death of Frederic II.— The Emperor's Secret.— Designs of the Turks.— Death of Mahomet II.— First Establishment of Standing Armies. — Use of Gunpowder.— Energy of Maximilian.— French Aggressions.— TnE League to expel the French. — Disappointments of Maximilian. — Bribing the Pope. Invasion of Italy— Capture and Recapture.— The Chevalier de Bayard. 77 CHAPTER VT. MAXIMILIAN I. From 1500 TO 1519. Base Treachery of the Swiss Soldiers.— Perfidy of Ferdinand of Arragon. —Appeals by Superstition.— Coalition with Spain.— The League of Cambray.— Infamy of toe Pope.— The King's Apology.— Failure of the Plot Germany aroused.— Confidence of Maximilian.— Longings for the Pontifical Chair.— Maximilian Bribed.— Leo X.— Dawning Prosperity.— Matrimonial Projects.— Commencement of the War of Reformation.— Sickness of Maximilian.— His last Directions.— His Death.— The Standard by which his Character is to be Judged q.

Chapter VII. Charles

V. AND TnE REFORMATION. From 1519 to 1531. Charles V. of Spain.-His Election as Emperor of Germany.-IIis Coronation.-The First Constitution.-Peogress of the Reformation—The Pope's Bull against Luther. -His Contempt for his Holiness -The Diet at Wurms.-Fkei.eric-s Objection to the Condemnation of Luther by the Dim CONTENTS. IX TT T ~ PAGE — He obtains for Lutoer tub Eight of Defense. — Luther's triumphal marcn to the tribunal. — cliarles urged to violate his safe conduct.— Luther's Pathos.— Marriage of Sister Catharine Bora to Luther.—Ter rible Insurrection.— The Holy League.— The Protest of Spires.—Confes sion of Augsburg.— The Two Confessions.— Compulsory Measures 106

Chapter VIII. Charles

V. AND THE REFORMATION. From 1531 to 1552. Determination to crush Protestantism. — Incursion of the Turks. Valor of TnE Protestants. — Preparations for renewed Hostilities. — Augmentation of the Protestant Forces. — The Council of Trent.— Mutual Consternation. — Defeat of the Protestant Army. — Unlooked-for Succor. — Revolt in the Emperor's Army. — The Fluctuations of Fortune. — Ignoble Revenge. — Capture of "Wittemberg. — Protestantism apparently crushed. — Plot aoainst Charles.— Maurice of Saxony. — A Change of Scene.— The Biter bit— The Emperor humbled.— His Flight.— His determined Will 121

Chapter IX. Charles

V. AND THE TURKISH WARS. From 1552 to 1555. The Treaty of Passau. — The Emperor yields. — nis continued Reverses. — TnE Toleration Compromise. — Mutual Dissatisfaction. — Remarkable Despondency ok the Emperor Charles. — His Address to the Convention at Brussels.— Tiie Convent of St. Justus. — Charles returns to Spain. — His Convent Life. — The Mock Burial.— His Death. — His Traits of Character.— TnE King's Compliment to Titian.— The Condition of Austria.— Rapid Advance of the Turks.— Reasons for the Inaction of the Christians. — The Sultan's Method of Overcoming Difficulties. — The little Fortress of Guntz. — What it accomplished 136

Chapter X. Ferdinand

I. — HIS WARS AND INTRIGUES. From 1555 to 1562. John of Tapoli. — The Instarilitt of Compacts. — The Sultan's Demands. — A Reign of War. — Powers and Duties of the Monarchs of Bohemia. — The Diet.— The Kino's Desire to crush Protestantism. — The Entrance to Prague. — Terror of Tns Inhabitants. — The King's Conditions. — The Bloody Diet. — Disciplinary Measures. — The establishment of the Order of Jesuits. — Abdication of Charles V. in Favor of Ferdinand. — Power of the Pope.— Paul IV.— A quiet but powerful Blow.— The Peocress of the Reformers. — Attempts to reconcile the Protestants.— The unsuccessful Assembly :::*"■: " 1S1 CONTENTS. X

Chapter XI. Death Of Ferdinand

I.— ACCESSION OF MAXIMILIAN IL From 15G2 to 1576. PAGE The Council of Trent— Spread of the Reformation. — Ferdinand's Attempt to influence the Pope.— His Arguments against Celibacy. — Stubbornness of the Pope. — Maximilian II. — Displeasure of Ferdinand. — Motives foe not abjuring the Catholic Faitu. — Religious Strife in Europe. — Maximilian's Address to Charles IX. — Mutual Toleration. — Romantic Pastime of Wae. — Heroism of Nicholas, Count of Zrini. — Accession of Power to Austria. — Accession of Rhodolph III. — Death of Maximilian 16C

Chapter XII. Character Of Maximilian

— SUCCESSION OF RHODOLPH III. From 1576 to 1G04. Character of Maximilian. — His Accomplishments. — Ills Wife. — Fate of his Children. — Rhodolph III. — The Liberty of Worship. — Means of Emancipation. — Riiodolph's Attempts against Protestantism. — Declaration of a higher Law. — Theological Differences. — The Confederacy at Heilbeun. — The Gregorian Calendar. — Intolerance in Bohemia. — The Trap of the Monks. — Invasion of the Turks. — Their Defeat. — Coalition with Sigismond. — Sale of Transylvania. — Rule of Basta. — The Empire captured and recaptured.— Devastation of the Country.— Treatment of Stephen Botskoi 1S2

Chapter XIII. Rhodolph III

AND MATTHJAS. From 1604 to 1609. Botskoi's Manifesto. — Horrible Suffering in Transylvania. — Character of Botskoi.— Confidence of the Protestants.— Superstition of Eiiodolpii.— His Mystio Studies.— Acquirements of Matthias.— Schemes of Matthias. His increasing Power.— Treaty with the Turks.— Demands on Rhodolph.— The Compromise.— Perfidy of Matthias.— The Margravite.— Filibustering! —The People's Diet.— A Hint to Royalty.— The Bloodless Triumph.— Demands of tuk Germans.— Address of the Prince of Anhalt to the King 193

Chapter XIV

ElfQDOkPH III. AND MATTHIAS. From 1609 to 1612. piFFICULTIES AS TO THE SUCCESSION.— HOSTILITY OF HENRY IV. TO THE HOUSE OF Austria.— Assassination pa Henry IV.— Similarity in Sully's and Napoleon's Plans.— Exultation of the Catholics.— The Brother's Compact — pow RnODOLni kept it.— Secure of Prague.— Ehodolph a Prisoner.— The CONTENTS. XI Kino's Abdication. — Conditions attached to the Crown.— Rage of Rho- DOLrii. — Matthias elected King. — The Emperor's Residence.— Rejoicings ok ■me Protestants. — Reply of the Ambassador. — The Nuremberg Diet. — The unkindebt Cut of all.— Rhodolpu's Humiliation akd Death 213

Chapter XV. Matthias

From 1G12 to 1619. Matthias elected Emperor of Germany. — His despotic Character. — His Plans thwarted. — Mulheim. — Gathering Clouds. — Family Intrigue. — Coronation of Ferdinand. — His Bigotry. — Henry, Count of Thurn. — Convention at Prague. — The King's Reply. — The Die cast. — Amusing Defense of an Outrage. — Ferdinand's Manifesto. — Seizure of Cardinal Klesis. — Tije King's Rage. — Retreat of the King's Troops. — Humiliation of Ferdinanp. — The Difficulties referred.— Death of Matthias.. .. 239

Chapter XVI. Ferdinand II

From 1619 to 1621. Possessions of the Emperor. — Power of the Protestants of Bohemia. — General Spirit of Insurrection. — Anxiety of Ferdinand. — Insurrection led by Count Thurn. — Unpopularity of the Emperor. — Affecting Declaration of the Emperor. — Insurrection in Vienna. — The Arrival of Sucook. — Eerdi nand seeks the imperial throne. — repudiated by bohemia. — tlie palatin- ATE.— Frederic offered the Crown of Bqhemia. — Frederic crowned. — Revolt in Hungary.— Desperate Condition of the Emperor. — Catholic League. — The Calvinists and the Puritans. — Duplicity of the Emperor. — Foreign Combinations. — Truce between the Catholics and the Protestants. — The Attack upon Bohemia.— Battle of the White Mountain 245

CHAPTER XV IT.

FERDINAND II. From 1621 to 1629. Pusillanimity of Frederic. — Intreaties of the Citizens of Prague. — Shameful Flight of Frederic. — Vengeance inflicted upon Bohemia.— Protestantism and civil Freedom. — Vast Power of the Emperor. — 'Alarm of Eukope. —James I. — Treaty of Marriage for the Prince of Wales. — Cardinal Richelieu. — New Leaoue of the Protestants.— Desolating War. — Defeat of the King of Denmark. — Energy of Wallenstein. — Triumph of Ferdinand.— New Acts of Intolerance. — Severities in Bohemia. — Desolation of the Kingdom.— Dissatisfaction of the Duke of Bavaria. — Meeting of the Catholic Princes. — The Emperor Humbled ■ 2-si^ CONTENTS, XII

CHAPTER XVI II.

FERDINAND II. AND GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS. From 1629 to 1632. PAGE Vexation of Ferdinand. — Gustavus Adolphus. — Address to the Nobles of Sweden. — March of Gustavus. — Appeal to the Protestants. — Magdeburg joins Gustavus. — Destruction of the City. — Consternation of the Protestants. — Exultation of the Catholics. — The Elector of Saxony driven from his Domains. — Battle of Leipsic. — The Swedes penetrate Bohemia. — Freedom of Conscience established. — Death of Tilly. — The Retirement of Wallenstein. — The Command resumed by Wallenstein. — Capture of Prague,— Encounter between Wallenstein and Gustavus.— Battle of Lutzen,— Death of Gustavus 2T0

CHAPTER XIX. FERDINAND II.

, FERDINAND III. AND LEOPOLD I. From 1632 to 1662. Character of Gustavus Adolphus. — Exultation of the Imperialists. — Disgrace of Wallenstein. — He offers to surrender to the Swedish General, — His Assassination.— Ferdinand's Son elected as ins Successor. — Death of Ferdinand.— Close of the War. — Abdication of Christina. — Charles Gustavus. — Preparations for War. — Death qf Ferdinand III. — Leopold elected Emperor.— Hostilities Renewed.— Death of Charles Gustayu&. — Diet convened. — Invasion of the Turks f , , 295

CHAPTER XX. LEOPOLD

I. From 1662 to 1697. Invasion of the Turks.— A Treaty concluded— Possessions of Leopold.— In. vasion of the French. — League of Augsburg. — Devastation of the Palatinate.— Invasion of Hungary.— Emeric Tekeli.— Union of Emerio Tekeli with the Turks.— Leopold applies to Sobieski.— He immediately marches to his Aid.— The Turks conquered. — Sobieski's triumphal Receptions. Meanness of Leopold.— Eevengf. upon Hungary.— Peace concluded.— Contest for Spain gil

CHAPTER XXI. LEOPOLD

I. AND THE SPANISH SUCCESSION From 169T to 1710. The Spanish Succession.— The Impotence of Charles II.— Appkal to toe Pope. —His Decision.— Death of Charles II.— Accession of Philip V.— Indignation of Austria.— The Outbreak of War.— Charles III. crowned.— Insurrection in Hungary.— Defection of Bavaria.— The Battle of Blenheim.— CONTENTS. XIII PAGE Death of Leopold I. — Eleonoea. — Acoession of Joseph I. — Charles XII. of Sweden. — Charles HI. of Spain.— Battle of Malplaquet. — Charles at Barcelona.— Charles at Madrid 828

CHAPTER XXII. JOSEPH

I. AND CHARLES VI. From 1710 to 1717. Perplexities in Madrid. — Flight of Charles. — Retreat of the Austrian Army. — Stanhope's Division cut off. — Capture of Stanhope. — Staeemueeg assailed. — Retreat to Barcelona. — Attempt to pacify Hungary. — The Hungarian Diet. — Baronial crowning of Ragotsky. — Renewal of the Hungarian War. — Enterprise of Herkeville. — The Hungarians cuushed. — Lenity of Joseph. — Death of Joseph.— Accession of Charles VI. — His Career in Si*ain. — Capture of Barcelona. — The Siege. — The Rescue. — Character of Charles. — Cloisters of Montserrat. — Increased Efforts for the Spanish Crown. — Charles crowned Emperor of Austria and Hungary. — Bohemia. — Deplorable Condition of Louis XIV 345

CHAPTER XXIII. CHARLES VI.

From 1716 to 1727. Heroic Decision of Eugene. — Battle of Belgrade.— Utter Rout of the Turks. — Possessions of Ciiarle6 VI. — The Elector of Hanover succeeds to the English Throne.— Preparations for War.— State of Italy. — Philip V. op Spain.— Diplomatic Agitations. — Palace of St. Ildefonso. — Order of the Golden Fleece. — Rejection of Maria Anne.— Contest for the Rock of Gibraltar. — Dismissal of Ripperda. — Treaty of Vienna. — Peace concluded.. . . 362

CHAPTER XXI

v. CHARLES VI. AND THE POLISH WAR. From 1727 to 1735. Cardinal Fleury. — The Emperor of Austria urges the Pragmatic Sanction. — He promises his two Daughters to the two Sons of the Queen of Spain. — France, England and Spain unite against Austria.— Ciiaeles VI. I6SUES Orders to prepare for War. — His Perplexities. — Secret Overtures to England. — The Crown of Poland. — Meeting of the Polish Congress. — Stanislaus goes to Poland.— Augustus III. crowned.— War.— Charles sends an Army to Lombardt.— Difficulties of Prince Eugene.— Charles's Displeasure with England.— Letter to Count Kinsky.— Hostilities renewed CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXV. CHARLES VI.

AND THE TURKISH WAE EENEWED. From 1735 to 1739. PAGE Anxiety of Austrian Office-holders. — Maria Theresa. — The Duke of Lorraine. — Distraction of the Emperor. — Tuscany assigned to the Duke of Lorraine. — Death of Eugene. — Rising Greatness of Russia. — New War with the Turks.— Condition of the Army. — Commencement of Hostilities-— Capture of Nissa.— Inefficient Campaign.— Disgrace of Seckkndorf.— The Duke of Lorraine placed in Command.— Siege of Orsoya.— Belgrade besieged by the Turks.— The third Campaign.— Battle of Crotzka. — Defeat of the Austrians.— Consternation in Vienna.— Barbarism of the Turks.— The Surrender of Belgrade 394

CHAPTER XXVI. MARIA THERESA.

From 1739 to 1741. Anguish of the King.— Letter to the Queen of Russia.— The imperial Circular.— Deplorable Condition of Austria.— Death of Charles VI.— Accession of Maria Theresa.— Vigorous Measures of the Queen.— Claim of the Duke of Bavaria.— Eesponses from the Courts.— Coldness of the French Court.— Frederic of Prussia.— His Invasion of Silesia.— March of the Austrians.— Battle of Molnitz.— Firmness of Maria Theresa.— Proposed Division of Plunder.— Villainy of Frederic— Interview with the King.— Char acter of Frederic. — Commencement of the general Invasion 411

CHAPTER XXVII.

M A E I A THERESA. From 1741 to 1748. Character of Francis, Duke of Lorraine.— Policy of European Courts — Plan of the Allies.-Siege of Prague.-Desperate Condition of the Qufen -Her Coronation in Hungary.-Entiiusiasm of the Barons.— Speech of Maria Theresa.-Peace with Frederio of Pkussia.-His Du*plicity -Military Movement of the Duke of Lorraine.-Battle of Chazleau.-Sfoond Treaty ■with Frederic. -Despondency of the Duke of Bavaria.-Marcii of Mallebo.s.-Extraori.inaet Retreat of Bei.le.si.e.-Recovery of Peague by the Queen 427

CHAPTER XXVIII. MA

El A THEE ES A. From 1743 to 1743. Prosperous Aspect of Austrian Affairs.-Capture of Egra.-Vast Extent o-- AUSTRIA.-DISPUTE WITH S ARDINIA.^MarR, AGE OF C.ARI.ES OF LOKKABn^ CONTENTS. XV me Queen's Sister.— Invasion of Alsace.— Frederic overruns Bohemia.— AG* Bohemia recovered by Prince Charles— Death of the Emperor Charles VII.— Venality of the old Monarchies.— Battle of Hohenfriedberg— Sir Thomas P.obinso.n's Interview with Maria Theresa.— Hungarian Enthu siasm. — The Duke of Lorraine elected Emperor.— Continuation of the War. — Treaty of Peace.— Indignation of Maria Theresa 444

CHAPTER XXIX. MAEIA THERESA.

From 1743 to 1759. Treaty of Peace. — Dissatisfaction of Maria Theresa. — Preparation foe War.— Rupture between England and Austria. — Maria Theresa. — Alliance with France. — Influence of Marchioness of Pompadour. — Bitter Reproaches between Austria and England. — Commencement of the Seven Tears' War. — Energy of Frederic of Prussia. — Sanguinart Battles. — Vicissitudes of War. — Desperate Situation of Frederi*. — Elation of Maria Theresa. — Her ambitioub Plans. — Awful Defeat of the Prussians at Berlin 461

CHAPTER XXX. MARIA THERESA.

From 1759 to 17S0. Desolations of War. — Disasters of Prussia. — Despondency of Frederic. — Death of the Empress Elizabeth. — Accession of Paul III. — Assassination of Paul III. — Accession of Catharine. — Discomfiture of the Austrians. — Treaty of Peace. — Election of Joseph to the Throne of the Empire. — Death of Francis. — Character of Francis. — Anecdotes. — Energy of Maria Theresa. — Poniatowski. — Partition of Poland. — Maria Theresa as a Mother. — War with Bavaria. — Peace. — Death of Maria Theresa. — Family of the Empress. — Accession of Joseph II. — His Character 478

CHAPTER XXXI. JOSEPH II.

AND LEOPOLD II. From 1780 to 1792. Accession of Joseph II. — His Plans of Reform.— Pius VI. — Emancipation of the Serfs.— Joseph's Visit to his Sister, Maria Antoinette. — Ambitious Designs. — The Imperial Sleigh Ride. — Barges on the Dneister.— Excursion to the Crimea.— War with Turkey. — Defeat of the Austrians. — Great Successes. — Death of Joseph. — His Character. — Accession of Leopold II. — His Efforts to confirm Despotism. — The French Revolution. — European Coalition.— Death of Leopold.— His Profligacy.— Accession of Francis II. —Present Extent and Power of Austria. — Its Army. — Policy of the Government 4^3

Chapter I. Rhodolph Of Hapsburg

From 1232 to 1291. Hawk's Castle. — Albert, Count of Hapsburg.— Ehodolph of Hapsburg. — nis Marriage and Estates. — Excommunication and its Results. — His Principles of Honor. — A Confederacy of Barons. — Their Route. — Rhodolpii's Election as Emperor of Germany. — The Bishop's Warning.— Dissatisfaction at the Result of the Election. — Advantages accruing from the Possession of an interesting family. — conquest — ottocar acknowledges the emperor; yet breaks ills Oath of Allegiance. — Gathering Clouds. — Wonderful Escape. — Victory of Ehodolph. — His Reforms. TN the small canton of Aargau, in Switzerland, on a rocky -*- bluff of the Wulpelsberg, there still remains an old baronial castle, called Hapsburg, or Hawk's Castle. It wras reared in the eleventh century, and was occupied by a succession of warlike barons, who have left nothing to distinguish them selves from the feudal lords whose castles, at that period, frowned upon almost every eminence of Europe.

In the year 1232 this castle was occupied by Albert, fourth Count of Hapsburg. He had acquired some little reputation for military prowess, the only reputation any one could acquire in that dark age, and became ambitious of winning new lau rels in the war with the infidels in the holy land. Religious fanaticism and military ambition were then the two great powers which ruled the human soul. With the usual display of semi-barbaric pomp, Albert made arrangements to leave his castle to engage in the perilous holy war against the Saracens, from which few ever returned. A few years were employed in the necessary preparations. At the sound of the bugle the portcullis was raised, the draw- L* bridge spanned the moat, and Albert, at the head of thirty steel clad warriors, with nodding plumes, and banners un furled, emerged from the castle, and proceeded to the neighboring convent of Mari.

His wife, Hedwige, and their three sons, Rhodolph, Albert and Hartman, accompanied him to the chapel where the ecclesiastics awaited his arrival. A multitude of vassals crowded around to witness the im posing ceremonies of the church, as the banners were blessed, and the knights, after having received the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, were commended to the protection of God. Albert felt the solemnity of the hour, and in solemn tones gave his farewell address to his children. " My sons," said the steel-clad warrior, " cultivate truth and piety ; give no ear to evil counselors, never engage in unnecessary war, but when you are involved in war be strong and brave. Love peace even better than your own personal interests. Remember that the counts of Hapsburg did not attain their heights of reputation and glory by fraud, insolence or selfishness, but by courage and devotion to the public weal.

As long as you follow their footsteps, you will not only retain, but augment, the possessions and dignities of your illustrious ancestors." The tears and sobs of his wife and family interrupted him while he uttered these parting words. The bugles then sounded. The knights mounted their horses ; the clatter of hoofs was heard, and the glittering cavalcade soon disappeared in the forest. Albert had left his ancestral castle, never to return. He had but just arrived in Palestine, when he was taken sick at Askalon, and died in the year 1240. Rhodolph, his eldest son, was twenty-two years of age at the time of his father's death. Frederic IL, one of the most renowned monarchs of the middle ages, was then Emperor ot that conglomeration of heterogeneous States called Germany. Each of these States had its own independent ruler and laws but they were all held together by a common bond for mutual RHODOLPH OF HAPSBURG. 19 protection, and some one illustrious sovereign was chosen as Emperor of Germany, to preside over their common affairs.

The Emperor of Germany, having influence over all these States, was consequently, in position, the great man of the age. Albert, Count of Hapsburg, had been one of the favorite captains of Frederic II. in the numerous wars which desolated Europe in that dark age. He was often at court, and the em peror even condescended to present his son Rhodolph at the font for baptism. As the child grew, he was trained to all athletic feats, riding ungovernable horses, throwing the jave lin, wrestling, running, and fencing. He early gave indications of surprising mental and bodily vigor, and, at an age when most lads are considered merely children, he accom panied his father to the camp and to the comt. Upon the death of his father, Rhodolph inherited the ancestral castle, and the moderate possessions of a Swiss baron.

He was sur rounded by barons of far greater wealth and power than him self, and his proud spirit was roused, in disregard of his father's counsels, to aggrandize his fortunes by force of arms, the only way then by which wealth and power could be attained. He exhausted his revenues by maintaining a princely establish ment, organized a well-selected band of his vassals into a military corps, which he drilled to a state of perfect discipline, and then commenced a series of incursions upon his neighbors. From some feeble barons he won territory, thus extending his domains ; from others he extorted money, thus enabling him to reward his troops, and to add to their number by engaging fearless spirits in his service wherever he could find them. In the year 1245, Rhodolph strengthened himself still more by an advantageous marriage with Gertrude, the beau tiful daughter of the Count of Hohenberg.

With his bride he received as her dowry the castle of Oeltingen, and very con siderable territorial possessions. Thus in five years Rhodolph, by that species of robbery which was then called heroic adventure, and by a fortunate marriage, had more than doubled his hereditary inheritance. The charms of his bride, and the care of his estates seem for a few years to have arrested the progress of his ambition ; for we can find no further notice oi him among the ancient chronicles for eight years. But, with almost all men, love is an ephemeral passion, which is eventually vanquished by other powers of the soul. Ambition slum bered for a little time, but was soon roused anew, invigorated by repose. In 1253 we find Rhodolph heading a foray of steel-clad knights, with their banded followers, in a midnight attack upon the city of Basle.

They break over all the defenses, sweep all opposition before them, and in the fury of the fight, either by accident or as a necessity of war, sacrilegiously set fire to a nunnery. For this crime Rhodolph was excommu nicated by the pope. Excommunication was then no farce. There were few who dared to serve a prince upon whom the denunciations of the Church had fallen. It was a stunning blow, lrom which few men could recover. .Rhodolph, instead of sinking in despair, endeavored, by new acts of obedience and devotion to the Church, to obtain the revocation of the sentence. In the region now called Prussia, there was then a barbaric pagan race, against whom the pope had published a crusade. Into this war the excommunicated Rhodolph plunged with all the impetuosity of his nature ; he resolved to work out abso lution, by converting, with all the potency of fire and sword, the barbarians to the Church.

His penitence and zeal seem to have been accepted, for we soon find him on good terms again with the pope. He now sought to have a hand in every quar rel, far and near. Wherever the sounds of war are raised, the shout of Rhodolph is heard urging to the strife. In every hot and fiery foray, tho steed of Rhodolph is rearing and plunging, and his saber strokes fill in ringing blows upon cuirass and helmet. He efficiently aided the city of Stras- RHODOLPH OP HAPSBURG. 21 bourg in their war against their bishop, and received from them in gratitude extensive territories, while at the same time they reared a monument to his name, portions of which still exist. His younger brother died, leaving an only daughter, Anne, with a large inheritance. Rhodolph, as her guardian, came into possession of the oounties of Kyburg, Lentzburg and Baden, and other scattered domains.

This rapidly-increasing wealth and power, did but increase his energy and his spirit of encroachment. And yet he adopted principles of honor which were far from common in that age of barbaric violence. He would never stoop to or dinary robbery, or harass peasants and helpless travelers, as was constantly done by the turbulent barons around him. His warfare was against the castle, never against the cottage. He met in arms the panoplied knight, never the timid and crouching peasant. He swept the roads of the banditti by which they were infested, and often espoused the cause of citizens aud freemen against the turbulent barons and haughty prelates. He thus gained a wide-spread reputation for justice, as well as for prowess, and the name of Rhodolph of Haps burg was ascending fast into renown.