The empire of Austria: its rise and present power

Front matter

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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.

VI PREFACE.

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 Empire, 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.

Beunswick, Maine, 1859.

Chapter I. Ehodolph Op Hapsburg

FAO>

Hawk's Castle. — Albert, Count of Hapsburo. — Rhodolph of Hapsburg. — His Marriage and Estates. — Excommunication and its Eesults. — His Principles of Honor. — A Confederacy of Barons. — Their Route. — Rhodolph'b 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.— OtTOOAR ACKNOWLEDGES THK

Emperor ; yet breaks his Oath of Allegiance.— Gathering Clouds. — Wonderful Escape.— Victory of Rhodolph. — His Reforms IT

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. — Hts 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 Henry, Count of Luxemburg.— His Death. — Election of Louis of Bavakia. — Capture of Frederic. — Remarkable Confidence toward a Prisoner. — Death of Frederic. — An early Engagement. — Death of Louis. — Accession of Albert 84

Chapter III

RHODOLPH II., ALBERT IV. AND ALBERT V.

From 1339 to 143T.

Rhodolph II. — Marriage of John to Margaret.— Intriguing for the Tyrol. — Death of Rhodolph. — Accession of Power to Austria. — Dividing the Empire.— Delight of the Emperor Charles.— Leopold. — His Ambition and Successes.— Hedwige, Queen of Poland. — "The Coukse of true Love never did run smooth."— Unhappy Marriage of Hedwige.— Heroism of Arnold of wlnkelreid. — death of leopold. — death of albert iv. — accession of al- BERT V. — Attempts of Sigismond to bequeath to Albert V. Hungary and Bohemia , , 48

1*

Viii CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IY.

ALBERT, LADISLAUS AND FEEDEEIC.

PAGB

Increasing Honors of Albert V.— Encroachments op the Titers.— The Christians EOUTED.— TEEROR OF THE HUNGARIANS. — DEATH OF ALBERT. — MAGNANI- MOUS Conduct of Albert of Bavaria.— Internal Troubles.— Precocity of Ladislaus.— Fortifications raised by the Turks. — John Capistrun. — Eescub 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. — Eepeal of the Compromise.— The Emperor a Fugitive 63

Chapter V

THE EMPEROES FREDERIC II. AND MAXIMILIAN L

From 1477 to 1500.

Wanderings of the Emperor Frederic. — Proposed Alliance -with the Dukb of Burgundy.— Mutual Distrust. — Marriage of Mary.— 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.— LV.e of Gunpowder. — Energy of Maximilian. — French Aggressions. — The League to expel the French.— Disappointments of Maximilian.— Bribing the Pope. Invasion of Italy. — Capture and Recapture. — The Chevalier de Bayard, 77

CHAPTER YI.

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 the 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 4 91

Chapter VII

CHARLES V. AND THE REFORMATION.

From 1519 to 1581.

Charles V. of Spain.— His Election as Emperor of Germany.— His Coronation.— The First Constitution.— Progress of the Reformation.— The Pope's Bull against Luther. — His Contempt fob his Holiness.— The Diet at Worms. — Frederic's Objection to the Condemnation of Luther by the Diet.

CONTENTS. IX

PAGB

— He obtains fob Lutheb the Eight of Defense. — Luther's triumphal Mabch to the Tribunal. — Charles urged to Violate his Safe Conduct.— Luther's Patmos. — Marriage of Sister Catharine Bora to Luther. — Terrible Insurrection.— The Holy League. — The Protest of Spires.— Confession 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. — Valob op the 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 against Charles. — Maurice of Saxony. — A Change of Scene. — The Biteb bit— Tub 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. — His continued Revebses.— Thb

TOLEBATTON COMPROMISE.— MUTUAL DISSATISFACTION. — REMARKABLE DESPON- DENCY of the Emperor Charles. — His Address to the Convention at Brussels .The Convent of St. Justus. — Charles returns to Spain. — His Convent

Life. — The Mock Burial.— His Death.— His Traits of Character.— The King's Compliment to Titian. — The Condition of Austria. — Rapid Advance of the Turks. — Reasons fob the Inaction of the Christians. — The Sultan's Method of Overcoming Difficulties. — The little Fortress of Guntz. — What it accomplished...... 186

Chapter X. Ferdinand I. — His Wars And Intrigues

From 1555 to 1562.

John of Tapoli.— The Instability of Compacts. — The Sultan's Demands. — A Reign of Wab. — Powers and Duties of the Monarchs of Bohemia. — Thb Diet.— The King's Desire to orush Protestantism. — The Entrance to Prague. — Terror of the Inhabitants. — The King's Conditions. — Thb Bloody Diet. — Disciplinary Measures. — The establishment of the Ordeb of Jesuits. — Abdication of Charles V. in Favor of Ferdinand. — Power of the Pope.— Paul IV. — A quiet but powerful Blow. — The Progress of thb Eefobmebs. — Attempts to reconcile the Protestants.— The unsuccessful Assembly 151

X CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XI. DEATH OF FERDINAND L— ACCESSION OF MAXIMILIAN IL rjura

The Council of Trent.— Spread of the Reformation.— Ferdinand's Attempt to influence the pope.— hl8 arguments against celibacy. — stubbornness of the Pope. — Maximilian II. — Displeasure of Ferdinand.— Motives fob

NOT ABJURING THE CATHOLIC FAITH.— RELIGIOUS STRIFE IN EUROPE.— MAXIMIL- IAN'S Address to Charles IX. — Mutual Toleration. — Romantic Pastime of War.— Heroism of Nicholas, Count of Zrini.— Accession of Power to Austria.— Accession of Rhodolph III.— Death of Maximilian 166

Chapter XII

CHARACTER OF MAXIMILIAN.— SUCCESSION OF RHODOLPH IIL From 15T6 to 1604.

Character of Maximilian. — His Accomplishments.— His Wife.— Fate of his Children.— Rhodolph III.— The Liberty of Worship. — Means of Emancipation. — Rhodolph's Attempts against Protestantism. — Declaration of a higher Law.— Theological Differences. — The Confederacy at Heilbrun. — The Gregorian Calendar.— Intolerance in Bohemia.— The Trap of thr Monks.— In vasion 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 182

Chapter XIII

RHODOLPH III. AND MATTHIAS.

From 1604 to 1609.

Botskoi's Manifesto. — Horrible Suffering in Transylvania.— Character of Botskoi. — Confidence of the Protestants.— Superstition of Rhodolph. — His Mystic 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 the Germans.— Address of the Prince of Anhalt to the King 19S

Chapter XIV

RHODOLPH III. AND MATTHIAS.

From 1609 to 1612.

Difficulties as to the Succession. — Hostility of Henry IV. to the House or Austria. — Assassination of Henry IV. — Similarity in Sully's and Napoleon's Plans.— Exultation of the Catholics. — The Brother's Compact.— How Rhodolph kept it.— Seizure of Prague.— Rhodolph a Prisoner.— Thb

CONTENTS. XI

PAGB

Kino's Abdication. — Conditions attached to the Crown.— Rage of Rhodolph. — Matthias elected King. — The Emperor's Residence. — Rejoicings of the Peotestant8. — Reply of the Ambassadors. — The Nuremberg Diet. — The

UNKINDEST CUT OF ALL. — RhoDOLPH'S HUMILIATION AND DEATH 213

Chapter XV. Matthias

From 1612 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. — The King's Rage. — Retreat of the King's Troops.— Humiliation of Ferdinand. —The Difficulties referred.— Death of Matthias.... ^ ..-..:

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 bt Count Thurn. — Unpopularity of the Emperor. — Affecting Declaration of the Emperor. — Insurrection in Vienna. — The Arrival of Succor. — Ferdi nand seeks the imperial throne. — repudiated by bohemia. — the palatinate. — Frederic offered the Crown of Bohemia. — Frederic crowned. — Revolt in Hungary. — Desperate Condition of TnE 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 XVII. 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 Europe. — James I. — Treaty of Marriage for the Prince of Wales. — Cardinal Richelieu. — New League 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 261

Xll CONTENTS.

Chapter XVIII

FEEDINAND II. AND GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS.

PAGS

Vexation of Ferdinand. — Gustavus Adolphus.— Address to the Nobles op 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 279

Chapter XIX

FERDINAND II., FERDINAND III. AND LEOPOLD 1.

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 his Successor. — Death of Ferdinand.— Close of the War. — Abdication of Christina. — Charles Gustavus.— Preparations for War. — Death of Ferdinand III. — Leopold elected Emperor. — Hostilities Renewed. — Death of Charles Gustavus. — Diet convened. — Invasion of the Tueks 295

Chapter XX. Leopo L*d I

From 1662 to 1697.

Invasion of the Turks. — A Treaty concluded. — Possessions of Leopold. — Invasion 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. — Revenge upon Hungary. — Peace concluded. — Contest fob Spain 81 1

Chapter XXI

LEOPOLD I. AND THE SPANISH SUCCESSION From 1697 to 1710.

The Spanish Succession. — The Impotence of Charles II. — Appeal to the 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. XU1

PAGH

Death of Leopold I. — Eleonoea. — Accession of Joseph I.— Charles XII. of Sweden.— Charles III. of Spain.— Battle of Malplaquet.— Charles at Barcelona. — Charles at Madrid 32b

Chapter XXII

JOSEPH I. AND CHARLES YI.

'erplexities in Madrid. — Flight of Charles. — Retreat of the Austrian Army. — Stanhope's Division cut off. — Capture of Stanhope. — Starembeeg assailed. — Retreat to Barcelona. — Attempt to pacify Hungary. — The Hungarian Diet. — Baronial crowning of Ragotsky. — Renewal of the Hungarian War. — Enterprise of Herbeville. — The Hungarians crushed. — Lenity of Joseph. — Death of Joseph. — Accession of Charles VI. — His Career in Spain. — 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

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

CHAPTER XXIY.

CHARLES VI. AND THE POLISH WAR.

CJardinal 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. — Charles VI. issues 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 Lombard y.— Difficulties of Prince Eugene.— Charles's Displeasure with England.— Letter to Count Kinsky. — Hostilities renewed 878

XIV CONTENTS.

Chapter XXV

CHAELES VI. AND THE TURKISH WAR RENEWED.

FAGS

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 *-ith the Turks.— Condition of the Army.— Commencement of Hostilities*— Capture of Nissa. — Inefficient Campaign. — Disgrace of Seckendorf. — The Duke of Lorraine placed in Command. — Siege of Orsova. — Belgrade besieged by the Turks. — The third Campaign. — Battle of Crotzka. — Defeat of the au8trians. — consternation in vienna. — barbarism of the turks. — The Surrender of Belgrade 394

Chapter XXVI. Maria Theresa

From 1739 to 1741. p.nguish of the klng. — letter to the queen of russia. — the imperial circu- LAR. — Deplorable Condition of Austria. — Death of Charles VI.— Accession of Maria Theresa. — Vigorous Measures of the Queen. — Claim of the Duke of Bavaria.— Responses from the Courts. — Coldness of the French Court. — Frederic of Prussia. — His Invasion of Silesia. — March of the Austrian. — 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. Maria Theresa

From 1741 to 1743.

Character of Francis, Duke of Lorraine.— Policy of European Courts. — Pla a of the Allies. — Siege of Prague. — Desperate Condition of the Queen — Hbr Coronation in Hungary. — Enthusiasm of the Barons. — Speech of Maria Theresa. — Peace with Frederic of Prussia. — His Duplicity. — Military

MOTEMENT OF THE DUKE OF LORRAINE. — BATTLE OF CHAZLEAU. — SECOND TREATY

wiTii Frederic. — Despondency of the Duke of Bavaria. — March of Malleboip —Extraordinary Retreat of Belleisle. — Recovery of Prague by the Queen

Chapter XXVIII.. Maria Theresa

From 1743 to 1748.

Prosperous Aspect of Austrian Affairs. — Capture of Egra. — Vast Extent of Austria.— Dispute with Sardinia.— Marriage of Charles of Lorraine with

CONTENTS. XV

PAGB

the Queen's Sister. — Invasion of Alsace.— Frederic overruns Bohemia. — Bohemia recovered ey Prince Charles. — Death of the Emperor Charles VII. — Venality of the old Monarchies. — Battle of Hohenfriepberg. — Sir Thomas Robinson's Interview with Maria Theresa.— Hungarian Enthusiasm. — The Duke of Lorraine elected Emperor.— Continuation of the War. — Treaty of Peace. — Indignation of Maria Theresa 444

Chapter XXIX. Maria Theresa

From 1748 to 1759.

Treaty of Peace. — Dissatisfaction of Maria Theresa. — Preparation fob 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 Years' War. — Energy of Frederic of Prussia. — Sanguinary Battles. — Vicissitudes of War. — Desperate Situation of Frederi*. — Elation of Maria Theresa. — Her ambitious 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

-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 Govern-

XVI CONTENTS.

Chapter XXXII. Austria And The French Revolutions

Accession of Francis II.— Campaigns against Napoleon.— The Italian Republics.— The Kingdom of Italy. — Hostility of England to the Feench Revolution. —The Downfall of Napoleon, and Consequent Downfall of Feee Institutions throughout Eueope.— TnE Congress of Vienna. — Expulsion of the Bourbons from France. — Restoration of the Empire under Louis Napoleon.— Revolutions throughout Europe. — Hungarian Revolution.— Russian Intervention.— Fall of Hungary.— Liberation of Italy.— Present Prospects 505

Chapter I. Ehodolph Op Hapsburg

From 1232 to 1291.

Hawk's Castle. — Albeet, Count of Hapsbueg.— Rhodolph of HApsbtteg. — Hra Mabriage and Estates. — Excommunication and its Results. — His Principles of Honoe. — A Confederacy of Barons.— Theie Route.— Rhodolph'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 his Oath of Allegiance. — Gathering Clouds. — Wonderful Escape. — Victory of Rhodolph. — His Refoems.

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 was reared in the eleventh century, and was occupied by a succession of warlike barons, who have left nothing to distinguish themselves 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 laurels 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-

1* bridge spanned the moat, and Albert, at the head of thirty steelclad warriors, with nodding plumes, and banners unfurled, 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 imposing 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 Bounded. 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 II., one of the most renowned monarchs of the middle ages, was then Emperor of 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 HAPSBTJEG. 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 emperor 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 javelin, 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 accompanied his father to the camp and to the court. Upon the death of his father, Rhodolph inherited the ancestral castle, and the moderate possessions of a Swiss baron. He was surrounded by barons of far greater wealth and power than himself 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 establishment, 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 beautiful daughter of the Count of Hohenberg. With his bride he received as her dowry the castle of Oeltingen, and very considerable 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 of 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 slumbered 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 excommunicated 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, from 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 pngan 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 absolution, 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 quarrel, 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, the steed of Rhodolph is rearing and plunging, and his saber strokes fall in ringing blows upon cuirass and helmet. He efficiently aided the city of Stras-

EHODOLPH OP HAPSBUEG. 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 counties of Kybur'g, 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 ordinary 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 and 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 Hapsburg was ascending fast into renown. Every post of authority then required the agency of a military arm. The feeble cantons would seek the protection of a powerful chief; the citizens of a wealthy town, ever liable to be robbed by bishop or baron, looked around for some warrior who had invincible troops at his command for their protection. Thus Rhodolph of Hapsburg was chosen chief of the mountaineers of Uri, Schweitz and Underwalden ; and all their trained bands were ready, when his bugle note echoed through their defiles, to follow him unquestioning, and to do his bidding. The citizens of Zurich chose Rhodolph of Hapsburg as their prefect or mayor ; and whenever his banner was unfurled in their streets, all the troops of the city were at his command.