第3章

ThisMansfeldnowappearedinBohemia，and，bytheoccupationofPilsen，stronglyfortifiedandfavourabletotheEmperor，obtainedafirmfootinginthecountry。ThecourageoftherebelswasfartherincreasedbysuccourswhichtheSilesianStatesdespatchedtotheirassistance。

BetweentheseandtheImperialists，severalbattleswerefought，farindeedfromdecisive，butonlyonthataccountthemoredestructive，whichservedasthepreludetoamoreseriouswar。Tocheckthevigourofhismilitaryoperations，anegotiationwasenteredintowiththeEmperor，andadispositionwasshowntoaccepttheprofferedmediationofSaxony。

Butbeforetheeventcouldprovehowlittlesinceritytherewasintheseproposals，theEmperorwasremovedfromthescenebydeath。

WhatnowhadMatthiasdonetojustifytheexpectationswhichhehadexcitedbytheoverthrowofhispredecessor？Wasitworthwhiletoascendabrother’sthronethroughguilt，andthenmaintainitwithsolittledignity，andleaveitwithsolittlerenown？AslongasMatthiassatonthethrone，hehadtoatonefortheimprudencebywhichhehadgainedit。

Toenjoytheregaldignityafewyearssooner，hehadshackledthefreeexerciseofitsprerogatives。TheslenderportionofindependencelefthimbythegrowingpoweroftheEstates，wasstillfartherlessenedbytheencroachmentsofhisrelations。Sicklyandchildlesshesawtheattentionoftheworldturnedtoanambitiousheirwhowasimpatientlyanticipatinghisfate；andwho，byhisinterferencewiththeclosingadministration，wasalreadyopeninghisown。

WithMatthias，thereigninglineoftheGermanHouseofAustriawasinamannerextinct；forofallthesonsofMaximilian，oneonlywasnowalive，theweakandchildlessArchdukeAlbert，intheNetherlands，whohadalreadyrenouncedhisclaimstotheinheritanceinfavourofthelineofGratz。TheSpanishHousehadalso，inasecretbond，resigneditspretensionstotheAustrianpossessionsinbehalfoftheArchdukeFerdinandofStyria，inwhomthebranchofHapsburgwasabouttoputforthnewshoots，andtheformergreatnessofAustriatoexperiencearevival。

ThefatherofFerdinandwastheArchdukeCharlesofCarniola，Carinthia，andStyria，theyoungestbrotheroftheEmperorMaximilianII。；hismotheraprincessofBavaria。Havinglosthisfatherattwelveyearsofage，hewasintrustedbythearchduchesstotheguardianshipofherbrotherWilliam，DukeofBavaria，underwhoseeyeshewasinstructedandeducatedbyJesuitsattheAcademyofIngolstadt。

Whatprincipleshewaslikelytoimbibebyhisintercoursewithaprince，whofrommotivesofdevotionhadabdicatedhisgovernment，maybeeasilyconceived。Carewastakentopointouttohim，ontheonehand，theweakindulgenceofMaximilian’shousetowardstheadherentsofthenewdoctrines，andtheconsequenttroublesoftheirdominions；

ontheother，theblessingsofBavaria，andtheinflexiblereligiouszealofitsrulers；betweenthesetwoexampleshewaslefttochooseforhimself。

Formedinthisschooltobeastoutchampionofthefaith，andapromptinstrumentofthechurch，heleftBavaria，afteraresidenceoffiveyears，toassumethegovernmentofhishereditarydominions。TheEstatesofCarniola，Carinthia，andStyria，who，beforedoinghomage，demandedaguaranteeforfreedomofreligion，weretoldthatreligiouslibertyhasnothingtodowiththeirallegiance。

Theoathwasputtothemwithoutconditions，andunconditionallytaken。

Manyyears，however，elapsed，erethedesignswhichhadbeenplannedatIngolstadtwereripeforexecution。Beforeattemptingtocarrythemintoeffect，hesoughtinpersonatLorettothefavouroftheVirgin，andreceivedtheapostolicbenedictioninRomeatthefeetofClementVIII。

ThesedesignswerenothinglessthantheexpulsionofProtestantismfromacountrywhereithadtheadvantageofnumbers，andhadbeenlegallyrecognizedbyaformalactoftoleration，grantedbyhisfathertothenobleandknightlyestatesoftheland。Agrantsoformallyratifiedcouldnotberevokedwithoutdanger；butnodifficultiescoulddeterthepiouspupiloftheJesuits。Theexampleofotherstates，bothRomanCatholicandProtestant，whichwithintheirownterritorieshadexercisedunquestionedarightofreformation，andtheabusewhichtheEstatesofStyriamadeoftheirreligiousliberties，wouldserveasajustificationofthisviolentprocedure。Undertheshelterofanabsurdpositivelaw，thoseofequityandprudencemight，itwasthought，besafelydespised。Intheexecutionoftheseunrighteousdesigns，Ferdinanddid，itmustbeowned，displaynocommoncourageandperseverance。

Withouttumult，andwemayadd，withoutcruelty，hesuppressedtheProtestantserviceinonetownafteranother，andinafewyears，totheastonishmentofGermany，thisdangerousworkwasbroughttoasuccessfulend。

But，whiletheRomanCatholicsadmiredhimasahero，andthechampionofthechurch，theProtestantsbegantocombineagainsthimasagainsttheirmostdangerousenemy。AndyetMatthias’sintentiontobequeathtohimthesuccession，metwithlittleornooppositionintheelectivestatesofAustria。EventheBohemiansagreedtoreceivehimastheirfutureking，onveryfavourableconditions。

Itwasnotuntilafterwards，whentheyhadexperiencedtheperniciousinfluenceofhiscouncilsontheadministrationoftheEmperor，thattheiranxietywasfirstexcited；andthenseveralprojects，inhishandwriting，whichanunluckychancethrewintotheirhands，astheyplainlyevincedhisdispositiontowardsthem，carriedtheirapprehensiontotheutmostpitch。Inparticular，theywerealarmedbyasecretfamilycompactwithSpain，bywhich，indefaultofheirs-maleofhisownbody，FerdinandbequeathedtothatcrownthekingdomofBohemia，withoutfirstconsultingthewishesofthatnation，andwithoutregardtoitsrightoffreeelection。Themanyenemies，too，whichbyhisreformsinStyriathatprincehadprovokedamongtheProtestants，wereveryprejudicialtohisinterestsinBohemia；andsomeStyrianemigrants，whohadtakenrefugethere，bringingwiththemintotheiradoptedcountryheartsoverflowingwithadesireofrevenge，wereparticularlyactiveinexcitingtheflameofrevolt。Thusill-affecteddidFerdinandfindtheBohemians，whenhesucceededMatthias。

Sobadanunderstandingbetweenthenationandthecandidateforthethrone，wouldhaveraisedastormeveninthemostpeaceablesuccession；

howmuchmoresoatthepresentmoment，beforetheardourofinsurrectionhadcooled；whenthenationhadjustrecovereditsdignity，andreasserteditsrights；whentheystillheldarmsintheirhands，andtheconsciousnessofunityhadawakenedanenthusiasticrelianceontheirownstrength；whenbypastsuccess，bythepromisesofforeignassistance，andbyvisionaryexpectationsofthefuture，theircouragehadbeenraisedtoanundoubtingconfidence。

DisregardingtherightsalreadyconferredonFerdinand，theEstatesdeclaredthethronevacant，andtheirrightofelectionentirelyunfettered。Allhopesoftheirpeacefulsubmissionwereatanend，andifFerdinandwishedstilltowearthecrownofBohemia，hemustchoosebetweenpurchasingitatthesacrificeofallthatwouldmakeacrowndesirable，orwinningitswordinhand。

Butwithwhatmeanswasittobewon？Turnhiseyeswherehewould，thefireofrevoltwasburning。SilesiahadalreadyjoinedtheinsurgentsinBohemia；Moraviawasonthepointoffollowingitsexample。

InUpperandLowerAustriathespiritoflibertywasawake，asithadbeenunderRodolph，andtheEstatesrefusedtodohomage。

HungarywasmenacedwithaninroadbyPrinceBethlenGabor，onthesideofTransylvania；asecretarmingamongtheTurksspreadconsternationamongtheprovincestotheeastward；

and，tocompletehisperplexities，theProtestantsalso，inhishereditarydominions，stimulatedbythegeneralexample，wereagainraisingtheirheads。Inthatquarter，theirnumberswereoverwhelming；inmostplacestheyhadpossessionoftherevenueswhichFerdinandwouldneedforthemaintenanceofthewar。

Theneutralbegantowaver，thefaithfultobediscouraged，theturbulentalonetobeanimatedandconfident。OnehalfofGermanyencouragedtherebels，theotherinactivelyawaitedtheissue；

Spanishassistancewasstillveryremote。Themomentwhichhadbroughthimeverything，threatenedalsotodeprivehimofall。

Andwhenhenow，yieldingtothesternlawofnecessity，madeoverturestotheBohemianrebels，allhisproposalsforpeacewereinsolentlyrejected。CountThurn，attheheadofanarmy，enteredMoraviatobringthisprovince，whichalonecontinuedtowaver，toadecision。TheappearanceoftheirfriendsisthesignalofrevoltfortheMoravianProtestants。Bruennistaken，theremainderofthecountryyieldswithfreewill，throughouttheprovincegovernmentandreligionarechanged。Swellingasitflows，thetorrentofrebellionpoursdownuponAustria，whereaparty，holdingsimilarsentiments，receivesitwithajoyfulconcurrence。Henceforth，thereshouldbenomoredistinctionsofreligion；equalityofrightsshouldbeguaranteedtoallChristianchurches。TheyhearthataforeignforcehasbeeninvitedintothecountrytooppresstheBohemians。Letthembesoughtout，andtheenemiesoflibertypursuedtotheendsoftheearth。

NotanarmisraisedindefenceoftheArchduke，andtherebels，atlength，encampbeforeViennatobesiegetheirsovereign。

FerdinandhadsenthischildrenfromGratz，wheretheywerenolongersafe，totheTyrol；hehimselfawaitedtheinsurgentsinhiscapital。

Ahandfulofsoldierswasallhecouldopposetotheenragedmultitude；

thesefewwerewithoutpayorprovisions，andthereforelittletobedependedon。Viennawasunpreparedforalongsiege。

ThepartyoftheProtestants，readyatanymomenttojointheBohemians，hadthepreponderanceinthecity；thoseinthecountryhadalreadybeguntolevytroopsagainsthim。Already，inimagination，theProtestantpopulacesawtheEmperorshutupinamonastery，histerritoriesdivided，andhischildreneducatedasProtestants。Confidinginsecret，andsurroundedbypublicenemies，hesawthechasmeverymomentwideningtoengulfhishopesandevenhimself。TheBohemianbulletswerealreadyfallingupontheimperialpalace，whensixteenAustrianbaronsforciblyenteredhischamber，andinveighingagainsthimwithloudandbitterreproaches，endeavouredtoforcehimintoaconfederationwiththeBohemians。Oneofthem，seizinghimbythebuttonofhisdoublet，demanded，inatoneofmenace，"Ferdinand，wiltthousignit？"

Whowouldnotbepardonedhadhewaveredinthisfrightfulsituation？

YetFerdinandstillrememberedthedignityofaRomanemperor。

Noalternativeseemedlefttohimbutanimmediateflightorsubmission；

laymenurgedhimtotheone，prieststotheother。Ifheabandonedthecity，itwouldfallintotheenemy’shands；withVienna，Austriawaslost；

withAustria，theimperialthrone。Ferdinandabandonednothiscapital，andaslittlewouldhehearofconditions。

TheArchdukeisstillengagedinaltercationwiththedeputedbarons，whenallatonceasoundoftrumpetsisheardinthepalacesquare。

Terrorandastonishmenttakepossessionofallpresent；

afearfulreportpervadesthepalace；onedeputyafteranotherdisappears。

ManyofthenobilityandthecitizenshastilytakerefugeinthecampofThurn。ThissuddenchangeiseffectedbyaregimentofDampierre’scuirassiers，whoatthatmomentmarchedintothecitytodefendtheArchduke。Abodyofinfantrysoonfollowed；

reassuredbytheirappearance，severaloftheRomanCatholiccitizens，andeventhestudentsthemselves，takeuparms。AreportwhicharrivedjustatthesametimefromBohemiamadehisdeliverancecomplete。

TheFlemishgeneral，Bucquoi，hadtotallydefeatedCountMansfeldatBudweiss，andwasmarchinguponPrague。TheBohemianshastilybrokeuptheircampbeforeViennatoprotecttheirowncapital。

Andnowalsothepasseswerefreewhichtheenemyhadtakenpossessionof，inordertoobstructFerdinand’sprogresstohiscoronationatFrankfort。

IftheaccessiontotheimperialthronewasimportantfortheplansoftheKingofHungary，itwasofstillgreaterconsequenceatthepresentmoment，whenhisnominationasEmperorwouldaffordthemostunsuspiciousanddecisiveproofofthedignityofhisperson，andofthejusticeofhiscause，while，atthesametime，itwouldgivehimahopeofsupportfromtheEmpire。Butthesamecabalwhichopposedhiminhishereditarydominions，labouredalsotocounteracthiminhiscanvassfortheimperialdignity。NoAustrianprince，theymaintained，oughttoascendthethrone；leastofallFerdinand，thebigotedpersecutoroftheirreligion，theslaveofSpainandoftheJesuits。Topreventthis，thecrownhadbeenoffered，evenduringthelifetimeofMatthias，totheDukeofBavaria，andonhisrefusal，totheDukeofSavoy。

Assomedifficultywasexperiencedinsettlingwiththelattertheconditionsofacceptance，itwassought，atallevents，todelaytheelectiontillsomedecisiveblowinAustriaorBohemiashouldannihilateallthehopesofFerdinand，andincapacitatehimfromanycompetitionforthisdignity。ThemembersoftheUnionleftnostoneunturnedtogainoverfromFerdinandtheElectorateofSaxony，whichwasboundtoAustrianinterests；theyrepresentedtothiscourtthedangerswithwhichtheProtestantreligion，andeventheconstitutionoftheempire，werethreatenedbytheprinciplesofthisprinceandhisSpanishalliance。BytheelevationofFerdinandtotheimperialthrone，Germany，theyfurtherasserted，wouldbeinvolvedintheprivatequarrelsofthisprince，andbringuponitselfthearmsofBohemia。

Butinspiteofallopposinginfluences，thedayofelectionwasfixed，FerdinandsummonedtoitaslawfulkingofBohemia，andhiselectoralvote，afterafruitlessresistanceonthepartoftheBohemianEstates，acknowledgedtobegood。Thevotesofthethreeecclesiasticalelectorateswereforhim，Saxonywasfavourabletohim，Brandenburgmadenoopposition，andadecidedmajoritydeclaredhimEmperorin1619。

Thushesawthemostdoubtfulofhiscrownsplacedfirstofallonhishead；

butafewdaysafterhelostthatwhichhehadreckonedamongthemostcertainofhispossessions。WhilehewasthuselectedEmperorinFrankfort，hewasinPraguedeprivedoftheBohemianthrone。

AlmostallofhisGermanhereditarydominionshadinthemeantimeenteredintoaformidableleaguewiththeBohemians，whoseinsolencenowexceededallbounds。InageneralDiet，thelatter，onthe17thofAugust，1619，proclaimedtheEmperoranenemytotheBohemianreligionandliberties，whobyhisperniciouscounselshadalienatedfromthemtheaffectionsofthelateEmperor，hadfurnishedtroopstooppressthem，hadgiventheircountryasapreytoforeigners，andfinally，incontraventionofthenationalrights，hadbequeathedthecrown，byasecretcompact，toSpain:theythereforedeclaredthathehadforfeitedwhatevertitlehemightotherwisehavehadtothecrown，andimmediatelyproceededtoanewelection。AsthissentencewaspronouncedbyProtestants，theirchoicecouldnotwellfalluponaRomanCatholicprince，though，tosaveappearances，somevoiceswereraisedforBavariaandSavoy。

ButtheviolentreligiousanimositieswhichdividedtheevangelicalandthereformedpartiesamongtheProtestants，impededforsometimetheelectionevenofaProtestantking；

tillatlasttheaddressandactivityoftheCalvinistscarriedthedayfromthenumericalsuperiorityoftheLutherans。

Amongalltheprinceswhowerecompetitorsforthisdignity，theElectorPalatineFrederickV。hadthebestgroundedclaimsontheconfidenceandgratitudeoftheBohemians；andamongthemall，therewasnooneinwhosecasetheprivateinterestsofparticularEstates，andtheattachmentofthepeople，seemedtobejustifiedbysomanyconsiderationsofstate。FrederickV。wasofafreeandlivelyspirit，ofgreatgoodnessofheart，andregalliberality。HewastheheadoftheCalvinisticpartyinGermany，theleaderoftheUnion，whoseresourceswereathisdisposal，anearrelationoftheDukeofBavaria，andason-in-lawoftheKingofGreatBritain，whomightlendhimhispowerfulsupport。AlltheseconsiderationswereprominentlyandsuccessfullybroughtforwardbytheCalvinists，andFrederickV。waschosenkingbytheAssemblyatPrague，amidstprayersandtearsofjoy。

ThewholeproceedingsoftheDietatPraguehadbeenpremeditated，andFrederickhimselfhadtakentooactiveashareinthemattertofeelatallsurprisedattheoffermadetohimbytheBohemians。

Butnowtheimmediateglitterofthisthronedazzledhim，andthemagnitudebothofhiselevationandhisdelinquencymadehisweakmindtotremble。Aftertheusualmannerofpusillanimousspirits，hesoughttoconfirmhimselfinhispurposebytheopinionsofothers；

buttheseopinionshadnoweightwithhimwhentheyrancountertohisowncherishedwishes。SaxonyandBavaria，ofwhomhesoughtadvice，allhisbrotherelectors，allwhocomparedthemagnitudeofthedesignwithhiscapacitiesandresources，warnedhimofthedangerintowhichhewasabouttorush。EvenKingJamesofEnglandpreferredtoseehisson-in-lawdeprivedofthiscrown，thanthatthesacredmajestyofkingsshouldbeoutragedbysodangerousaprecedent。Butofwhatavailwasthevoiceofprudenceagainsttheseductiveglitterofacrown？

Inthemomentofboldestdetermination，whentheyareindignantlyrejectingtheconsecratedbranchofaracewhichhadgovernedthemfortwocenturies，afreepeoplethrowsitselfintohisarms。Confidinginhiscourage，theychoosehimastheirleaderinthedangerouscareerofgloryandliberty。

Tohim，astoitsbornchampion，anoppressedreligionlooksforshelterandsupportagainstitspersecutors。Couldhehavetheweaknesstolistentohisfears，andtobetraythecauseofreligionandliberty？

Thisreligionproclaimstohimitsownpreponderance，andtheweaknessofitsrival，——two-thirdsofthepowerofAustriaarenowinarmsagainstAustriaitself，whileaformidableconfederacy，alreadyformedinTransylvania，would，byahostileattack，furtherdistracteventheweakremnantofitspower。

Couldinducementssuchasthesefailtoawakenhisambition，orsuchhopestoanimateandinflamehisresolution？

Afewmomentsofcalmconsiderationwouldhavesufficedtoshowthedangeroftheundertaking，andthecomparativeworthlessnessoftheprize。

Butthetemptationspoketohisfeelings；thewarningonlytohisreason。

Itwashismisfortunethathisnearestandmostinfluentialcounsellorsespousedthesideofhispassions。Theaggrandizementoftheirmaster’spoweropenedtotheambitionandavariceofhisPalatineservantsanunlimitedfieldfortheirgratification；thisanticipatedtriumphoftheirchurchkindledtheardouroftheCalvinisticfanatic。CouldamindsoweakasthatofFerdinandresistthedelusionsofhiscounsellors，whoexaggeratedhisresourcesandhisstrength，asmuchastheyunderratedthoseofhisenemies；ortheexhortationsofhispreachers，whoannouncedtheeffusionsoftheirfanaticalzealastheimmediateinspirationofheaven？

Thedreamsofastrologyfilledhismindwithvisionaryhopes；

evenloveconspired，withitsirresistiblefascination，tocompletetheseduction。"Hadyou，"demandedtheElectress，"confidenceenoughinyourselftoacceptthehandofaking’sdaughter，andhaveyoumisgivingsabouttakingacrownwhichisvoluntarilyofferedyou？

Iwouldrathereatbreadatthykinglytable，thanfeastatthyelectoralboard。"

FrederickacceptedtheBohemiancrown。ThecoronationwascelebratedwithunexampledpompatPrague，forthenationdisplayedallitsrichesinhonourofitsownwork。SilesiaandMoravia，theadjoiningprovincestoBohemia，followedtheirexample，anddidhomagetoFrederick。

Thereformedfaithwasenthronedinallthechurchesofthekingdom；

therejoicingswereunbounded，theirattachmenttotheirnewkingborderedonadoration。DenmarkandSweden，HollandandVenice，andseveraloftheDutchstates，acknowledgedhimaslawfulsovereign，andFredericknowpreparedtomaintainhisnewacquisition。

HisprincipalhopesrestedonPrinceBethlenGaborofTransylvania。

ThisformidableenemyofAustria，andoftheRomanCatholicchurch，notcontentwiththeprincipalitywhich，withtheassistanceoftheTurks，hehadwrestedfromhislegitimateprince，GabrielBathori，gladlyseizedthisopportunityofaggrandizinghimselfattheexpenseofAustria，whichhadhesitatedtoacknowledgehimassovereignofTransylvania。

AnattackuponHungaryandAustriawasconcertedwiththeBohemianrebels，andbotharmiesweretounitebeforethecapital。Meantime，BethlenGabor，underthemaskoffriendship，disguisedthetrueobjectofhiswarlikepreparations，artfullypromisingtheEmperortoluretheBohemiansintothetoils，byapretendedofferofassistance，andtodeliveruptohimalivetheleadersoftheinsurrection。

Allatonce，however，heappearedinahostileattitudeinUpperHungary。

Beforehimwentterror，anddevastationbehind；alloppositionyielded，andatPresburghereceivedtheHungariancrown。TheEmperor’sbrother，whogovernedinVienna，trembledforthecapital。HehastilysummonedGeneralBucquoitohisassistance，andtheretreatoftheImperialistsdrewtheBohemians，asecondtime，beforethewallsofVienna。

ReinforcedbytwelvethousandTransylvanians，andsoonafterjoinedbythevictoriousarmyofBethlenGabor，theyagainmenacedthecapitalwithassault；allthecountryroundViennawaslaidwaste，thenavigationoftheDanubeclosed，allsuppliescutoff，andthehorrorsoffaminewerethreatened。Ferdinand，hastilyrecalledtohiscapitalbythisurgentdanger，sawhimselfasecondtimeonthebrinkofruin。Butwantofprovisions，andtheinclementweather，finallycompelledtheBohemianstogointoquarters，adefeatinHungaryrecalledBethlenGabor，andthusoncemorehadfortunerescuedtheEmperor。

Inafewweeksthescenewaschanged，andbyhisprudenceandactivityFerdinandimprovedhispositionasrapidlyasFrederick，byindolenceandimpolicy，ruinedhis。TheEstatesofLowerAustriawereregainedtotheirallegiancebyaconfirmationoftheirprivileges；

andthefewwhostillheldoutweredeclaredguiltyof`lese-majeste’

andhightreason。DuringtheelectionofFrankfort，hehadcontrived，bypersonalrepresentations，towinovertohiscausetheecclesiasticalelectors，andalsoMaximilian，DukeofBavaria，atMunich。

Thewholeissueofthewar，thefateofFrederickandtheEmperor，werenowdependentonthepartwhichtheUnionandtheLeagueshouldtakeinthetroublesofBohemia。ItwasevidentlyofimportancetoalltheProtestantsofGermanythattheKingofBohemiashouldbesupported，whileitwasequallytheinterestoftheRomanCatholicstopreventtheruinoftheEmperor。IftheProtestantssucceededinBohemia，alltheRomanCatholicprincesinGermanymighttremblefortheirpossessions；

iftheyfailed，theEmperorwouldgivelawstoProtestantGermany。

ThusFerdinandputtheLeague，FredericktheUnion，inmotion。

ThetiesofrelationshipandapersonalattachmenttotheEmperor，hisbrother-in-law，withwhomhehadbeeneducatedatIngolstadt，zealfortheRomanCatholicreligion，whichseemedtobeinthemostimminentperil，andthesuggestionsoftheJesuits，combinedwiththesuspiciousmovementsoftheUnion，movedtheDukeofBavaria，andalltheprincesoftheLeague，tomakethecauseofFerdinandtheirown。

AccordingtothetermsofatreatywiththeEmperor，whichassuredtotheDukeofBavariacompensationforalltheexpensesofthewar，orthelosseshemightsustain，Maximiliantook，withfullpowers，thecommandofthetroopsoftheLeague，whichwereorderedtomarchtotheassistanceoftheEmperoragainsttheBohemianrebels。

TheleadersoftheUnion，insteadofdelayingbyeverymeansthisdangerouscoalitionoftheLeaguewiththeEmperor，dideverythingintheirpowertoaccelerateit。Couldthey，theythought，butoncedrivetheRomanCatholicLeaguetotakeanopenpartintheBohemianwar，theymightreckononsimilarmeasuresfromallthemembersandalliesoftheUnion。

WithoutsomeopensteptakenbytheRomanCatholicsagainsttheUnion，noeffectualconfederacyoftheProtestantpowerswastobelookedfor。

Theyseized，therefore，thepresentemergencyofthetroublesinBohemiatodemandfromtheRomanCatholicstheabolitionoftheirpastgrievances，andfullsecurityforthefutureexerciseoftheirreligion。Theyaddressedthisdemand，whichwasmoreovercouchedinthreateninglanguage，totheDukeofBavaria，astheheadoftheRomanCatholics，andtheyinsistedonanimmediateandcategoricalanswer。

Maximilianmightdecidefororagainstthem，stilltheirpointwasgained；

hisconcession，ifheyielded，woulddeprivetheRomanCatholicpartyofitsmostpowerfulprotector；hisrefusalwouldarmthewholeProtestantparty，andrenderinevitableawarinwhichtheyhopedtobetheconquerors。

Maximilian，firmlyattachedtotheoppositepartyfromsomanyotherconsiderations，tookthedemandsoftheUnionasaformaldeclarationofhostilities，andquickenedhispreparations。WhileBavariaandtheLeaguewerethusarmingintheEmperor’scause，negotiationsforasubsidywereopenedwiththeSpanishcourt。AllthedifficultieswithwhichtheindolentpolicyofthatministrymetthisdemandwerehappilysurmountedbytheimperialambassadoratMadrid，CountKhevenhuller。

Inadditiontoasubsidyofamillionofflorins，whichfromtimetotimeweredoledoutbythiscourt，anattackupontheLowerPalatinate，fromthesideoftheSpanishNetherlands，wasatthesametimeagreedupon。

DuringtheseattemptstodrawalltheRomanCatholicpowersintotheLeague，everyexertionwasmadeagainstthecounter-leagueoftheProtestants。

Tothisend，itwasimportanttoalarmtheElectorofSaxonyandtheotherEvangelicalpowers，andaccordinglytheUnionwerediligentinpropagatingarumourthatthepreparationsoftheLeaguehadfortheirobjecttodeprivethemoftheecclesiasticalfoundationstheyhadsecularized。

AwrittenassurancetothecontrarycalmedthefearsoftheDukeofSaxony，whommoreoverprivatejealousyofthePalatine，andtheinsinuationsofhischaplain，whowasinthepayofAustria，andmortificationathavingbeenpassedoverbytheBohemiansintheelectiontothethrone，stronglyinclinedtothesideofAustria。ThefanaticismoftheLutheranscouldneverforgivethereformedpartyforhavingdrawn，astheyexpressedit，somanyfairprovincesintothegulfofCalvinism，andrejectingtheRomanAntichristonlytomakewayforanHelvetianone。

WhileFerdinandusedeveryefforttoimprovetheunfavourablesituationofhisaffairs，Frederickwasdailyinjuringhisgoodcause。

ByhiscloseandquestionableconnexionwiththePrinceofTransylvania，theopenallyofthePorte，hegaveoffencetoweakminds；

andageneralrumouraccusedhimoffurtheringhisownambitionattheexpenseofChristendom，andarmingtheTurksagainstGermany。HisinconsideratezealfortheCalvinisticschemeirritatedtheLutheransofBohemia，hisattacksonimage-worshipincensedthePapistsofthiskingdomagainsthim。

Newandoppressiveimpostsalienatedtheaffectionsofallhissubjects。

ThedisappointedhopesoftheBohemiannoblescooledtheirzeal；

theabsenceofforeignsuccoursabatedtheirconfidence。Insteadofdevotinghimselfwithuntiringenergiestotheaffairsofhiskingdom，Frederickwastedhistimeinamusements；insteadoffillinghistreasurybyawiseeconomy，hesquanderedhisrevenuesbyaneedlesstheatricalpomp，andamisplacedmunificence。Withalight-mindedcarelessness，hedidbutgazeathimselfinhisnewdignity，andintheill-timeddesiretoenjoyhiscrown，heforgotthemorepressingdutyofsecuringitonhishead。

Butgreatlyasmenhaderredintheiropinionofhim，Frederickhimselfhadnotlessmiscalculatedhisforeignresources。

MostofthemembersoftheUnionconsideredtheaffairsofBohemiaasforeigntotherealobjectoftheirconfederacy；others，whoweredevotedtohim，wereoverawedbyfearoftheEmperor。

SaxonyandHesseDarmstadthadalreadybeengainedoverbyFerdinand；

LowerAustria，onwhichsideapowerfuldiversionhadbeenlookedfor，hadmadeitssubmissiontotheEmperor；andBethlenGaborhadconcludedatrucewithhim。Byitsembassies，thecourtofViennahadinducedDenmarktoremaininactive，andtooccupySwedeninawarwiththePoles。

TherepublicofHollandhadenoughtodotodefenditselfagainstthearmsoftheSpaniards；VeniceandSaxonyremainedinactive；

KingJamesofEnglandwasoverreachedbytheartificeofSpain。

Onefriendafteranotherwithdrew；onehopevanishedafteranother——

sorapidlyinafewmonthswaseverythingchanged。

Inthemeantime，theleadersoftheUnionassembledanarmy；——

theEmperorandtheLeaguedidthesame。ThetroopsofthelatterwereassembledunderthebannersofMaximilianatDonauwerth，thoseoftheUnionatUlm，undertheMargraveofAnspach。

Thedecisivemomentseemedatlengthtohavearrivedwhichwastoendtheselongdissensionsbyavigorousblow，andirrevocablytosettletherelationofthetwochurchesinGermany。Anxiouslyonthestretchwastheexpectationofbothparties。Howgreatthenwastheirastonishmentwhensuddenlytheintelligenceofpeacearrived，andbotharmiesseparatedwithoutstrikingablow！

TheinterventionofFranceeffectedthispeace，whichwasequallyacceptabletobothparties。TheFrenchcabinet，nolongerswayedbythecounselsofHenrytheGreat，andwhosemaximsofstatewereperhapsnotapplicabletothepresentconditionofthatkingdom，wasnowfarlessalarmedatthepreponderanceofAustria，thanoftheincreasewhichwouldaccruetothestrengthoftheCalvinists，ifthePalatinehouseshouldbeabletoretainthethroneofBohemia。InvolvedatthetimeinadangerousconflictwithitsownCalvinisticsubjects，itwasoftheutmostimportancetoFrancethattheProtestantfactioninBohemiashouldbesuppressedbeforetheHuguenotscouldcopytheirdangerousexample。InorderthereforetofacilitatetheEmperor’soperationsagainsttheBohemians，sheofferedhermediationtotheUnionandtheLeague，andeffectedthisunexpectedtreaty，ofwhichthemainarticlewas，"ThattheUnionshouldabandonallinterferenceintheaffairsofBohemia，andconfinetheaidwhichtheymightaffordtoFredericktheFifth，tohisPalatineterritories。"Tothisdisgracefultreaty，theUnionweremovedbythefirmnessofMaximilian，andthefearofbeingpressedatoncebythetroopsoftheLeague，andanewImperialarmywhichwasonitsmarchfromtheNetherlands。

ThewholeforceofBavariaandtheLeaguewasnowatthedisposaloftheEmperortobeemployedagainsttheBohemians，whobythepacificationofUlmwereabandonedtotheirfate。

Witharapidmovement，andbeforearumouroftheproceedingsatUlmcouldreachthere，MaximilianappearedinUpperAustria，whentheEstates，surprisedandunpreparedforanenemy，purchasedtheEmperor’spardonbyanimmediateandunconditionalsubmission。

InLowerAustria，thedukeformedajunctionwiththetroopsfromtheLowCountriesunderBucquoi，andwithoutlossoftimetheunitedImperialandBavarianforces，amountingto50，000men，enteredBohemia。AlltheBohemiantroops，whichweredispersedoverLowerAustriaandMoravia，weredrivenbeforethem；

everytownwhichattemptedresistancewasquicklytakenbystorm；

others，terrifiedbythereportofthepunishmentinflictedonthese，voluntarilyopenedtheirgates；nothinginshortinterruptedtheimpetuouscareerofMaximilian。TheBohemianarmy，commandedbythebravePrinceChristianofAnhalt，retreatedtotheneighbourhoodofPrague；where，underthewallsofthecity，Maximilianofferedhimbattle。

Thewretchedconditioninwhichhehopedtosurprisetheinsurgents，justifiedtherapidityoftheduke’smovements，andsecuredhimthevictory。

Frederick’sarmydidnotamountto30，000men。EightthousandofthesewerefurnishedbythePrinceofAnhalt；10，000wereHungarians，whomBethlenGaborhaddespatchedtohisassistance。

AninroadoftheElectorofSaxonyuponLusatia，hadcutoffallsuccoursfromthatcountry，andfromSilesia；thepacificationofAustriaputanendtoallhisexpectationsfromthatquarter；BethlenGabor，hismostpowerfulally，remainedinactiveinTransylvania；

theUnionhadbetrayedhiscausetotheEmperor。NothingremainedtohimbuthisBohemians；andtheywerewithoutgoodwilltohiscause，andwithoutunityandcourage。TheBohemianmagnateswereindignantthatGermangeneralsshouldbeputovertheirheads；

CountMansfeldremainedinPilsen，atadistancefromthecamp，toavoidthemortificationofservingunderAnhaltandHohenlohe。

Thesoldiers，inwantofnecessaries，becamedispirited；

andthelittledisciplinethatwasobserved，gaveoccasiontobittercomplaintsfromthepeasantry。ItwasinvainthatFrederickmadehisappearanceinthecamp，inthehopeofrevivingthecourageofthesoldiersbyhispresence，andofkindlingtheemulationofthenoblesbyhisexample。

TheBohemianshadbeguntoentrenchthemselvesontheWhiteMountainnearPrague，whentheywereattackedbytheImperialandBavarianarmies，onthe8thNovember，1620。Inthebeginningoftheaction，someadvantagesweregainedbythecavalryofthePrinceofAnhalt；

butthesuperiornumbersoftheenemysoonneutralizedthem。

ThechargeoftheBavariansandWalloonswasirresistible。

TheHungariancavalrywasthefirsttoretreat。TheBohemianinfantrysoonfollowedtheirexample；andtheGermanswereatlastcarriedalongwiththeminthegeneralflight。Tencannons，composingthewholeofFrederick’sartillery，weretakenbytheenemy；

fourthousandBohemiansfellintheflightandonthefield；

whileoftheImperialistsandsoldiersoftheLeagueonlyafewhundredwerekilled。Inlessthananhourthisdecisiveactionwasover。

FrederickwasseatedattableinPrague，whilehisarmywasthuscuttopieces。Itisprobablethathehadnotexpectedtheattackonthisday，sincehehadorderedanentertainmentforit。

Amessengersummonedhimfromtable，toshowhimfromthewallsthewholefrightfulscene。Herequestedacessationofhostilitiesfortwenty-fourhoursfordeliberation；buteightwasalltheDukeofBavariawouldallowhim。Frederickavailedhimselfofthesetoflybynightfromthecapital，withhiswife，andthechiefofficersofhisarmy。

Thisflightwassohurried，thatthePrinceofAnhaltleftbehindhimhismostprivatepapers，andFrederickhiscrown。"IknownowwhatIam，"

saidthisunfortunateprincetothosewhoendeavouredtocomforthim；

"therearevirtueswhichmisfortuneonlycanteachus，anditisinadversityalonethatprinceslearntoknowthemselves。"

PraguewasnotirretrievablylostwhenFrederick’spusillanimityabandonedit。

ThelighttroopsofMansfeldwerestillinPilsen，andwerenotengagedintheaction。BethlenGabormightatanymomenthaveassumedanoffensiveattitude，anddrawnofftheEmperor’sarmytotheHungarianfrontier。ThedefeatedBohemiansmightrally。

Sickness，famine，andtheinclementweather，mightwearouttheenemy；

butallthesehopesdisappearedbeforetheimmediatealarm。

FrederickdreadedtheficklenessoftheBohemians，whomightprobablyyieldtothetemptationtopurchase，bythesurrenderofhisperson，thepardonoftheEmperor。

Thurn，andthoseofthispartywhowereinthesamecondemnationwithhim，founditequallyinexpedienttoawaittheirdestinywithinthewallsofPrague。TheyretiredtowardsMoravia，withaviewofseekingrefugeinTransylvania。FrederickfledtoBreslau，where，however，heonlyremainedashorttime。HeremovedfromthencetothecourtoftheElectorofBrandenburg，andfinallytookshelterinHolland。

ThebattleofPraguehaddecidedthefateofBohemia。

Praguesurrenderedthenextdaytothevictors；theothertownsfollowedtheexampleofthecapital。TheEstatesdidhomagewithoutconditions，andthesamewasdonebythoseofSilesiaandMoravia。TheEmperorallowedthreemonthstoelapse，beforeinstitutinganyinquiryintothepast。

Reassuredbythisapparentclemency，manywho，atfirst，hadfledinterrorappearedagaininthecapital。Allatonce，however，thestormburstforth；

forty-eightofthemostactiveamongtheinsurgentswerearrestedonthesamedayandhour，andtriedbyanextraordinarycommission，composedofnativeBohemiansandAustrians。Ofthese，twenty-seven，andofthecommonpeopleanimmensenumber，expiredonthescaffold。

Theabsentingoffendersweresummonedtoappeartotheirtrial，andfailingtodoso，condemnedtodeath，astraitorsandoffendersagainsthisCatholicMajesty，theirestatesconfiscated，andtheirnamesaffixedtothegallows。Thepropertyalsooftherebelswhohadfalleninthefieldwasseized。Thistyrannymighthavebeenborne，asitaffectedindividualsonly，andwhiletheruinofoneenrichedanother；

butmoreintolerablewastheoppressionwhichextendedtothewholekingdom，withoutexception。AlltheProtestantpreacherswerebanishedfromthecountry；theBohemiansfirst，andafterwardsthoseofGermany。

The`LetterofMajesty’，Ferdinandtorewithhisownhand，andburnttheseal。

SevenyearsafterthebattleofPrague，thetolerationoftheProtestantreligionwithinthekingdomwasentirelyrevoked。

ButwhateverviolencetheEmperorallowedhimselfagainstthereligiousprivilegesofhissubjects，hecarefullyabstainedfrominterferingwiththeirpoliticalconstitution；andwhilehedeprivedthemofthelibertyofthought，hemagnanimouslyleftthemtheprerogativeoftaxingthemselves。

ThevictoryoftheWhiteMountainputFerdinandinpossessionofallhisdominions。Iteveninvestedhimwithgreaterauthorityoverthemthanhispredecessorsenjoyed，sincetheirallegiancehadbeenunconditionallypledgedtohim，andnoLetterofMajestynowexistedtolimithissovereignty。Allhiswisheswerenowgratified，toadegreesurpassinghismostsanguineexpectations。

Itwasnowinhispowertodismisshisallies，anddisbandhisarmy。

Ifhewasjust，therewasanendofthewar——ifhewasbothmagnanimousandjust，punishmentwasalsoatanend。ThefateofGermanywasinhishands；thehappinessandmiseryofmillionsdependedontheresolutionheshouldtake。Neverwassogreatadecisionrestingonasinglemind；neverdidtheblindnessofonemanproducesomuchruin。

BookII。

TheresolutionwhichFerdinandnowadopted，gavetothewaranewdirection，anewscene，andnewactors。FromarebellioninBohemia，andthechastisementofrebels，awarextendedfirsttoGermany，andafterwardstoEurope。Itis，therefore，necessarytotakeageneralsurveyofthestateofaffairsbothinGermanyandtherestofEurope。

UnequallyastheterritoryofGermanyandtheprivilegesofitsmembersweredividedamongtheRomanCatholicsandtheProtestants，neitherpartycouldhopetomaintainitselfagainsttheencroachmentsofitsadversaryotherwisethanbyaprudentuseofitspeculiaradvantages，andbyapoliticunionamongthemselves。IftheRomanCatholicswerethemorenumerousparty，andmorefavouredbytheconstitutionoftheempire，theProtestants，ontheotherhand，hadtheadvantageofpossessingamorecompactandpopulouslineofterritories，valiantprinces，awarlikenobility，numerousarmies，flourishingfreetowns，thecommandofthesea，andevenattheworst，certaintyofsupportfromRomanCatholicstates。IftheCatholicscouldarmSpainandItalyintheirfavour，therepublicsofVenice，Holland，andEngland，openedtheirtreasurestotheProtestants，whilethestatesoftheNorthandtheformidablepowerofTurkey，stoodreadytoaffordthempromptassistance。Brandenburg，Saxony，andthePalatinate，opposedthreeProtestanttothreeEcclesiasticalvotesintheElectoralCollege；whiletotheElectorofBohemia，astotheArchdukeofAustria，thepossessionoftheImperialdignitywasanimportantcheck，iftheProtestantsproperlyavailedthemselvesofit。

TheswordoftheUnionmightkeepwithinitssheaththeswordoftheLeague；

orifmattersactuallycametoawar，mightmaketheissueofitdoubtful。

But，unfortunately，privateinterestsdissolvedthebandofunionwhichshouldhaveheldtogethertheProtestantmembersoftheempire。

Thiscriticalconjuncturefoundnonebutsecond-rateactorsonthepoliticalstage，andthedecisivemomentwasneglectedbecausethecourageousweredeficientinpower，andthepowerfulinsagacity，courage，andresolution。

TheElectorofSaxonywasplacedattheheadoftheGermanProtestants，bytheservicesofhisancestorMaurice，bytheextentofhisterritories，andbytheinfluenceofhiselectoralvote。Upontheresolutionhemightadopt，thefateofthecontendingpartiesseemedtodepend；

andJohnGeorgewasnotinsensibletotheadvantageswhichthisimportantsituationprocuredhim。Equallyvaluableasanally，bothtotheEmperorandtotheProtestantUnion，hecautiouslyavoidedcommittinghimselftoeitherparty；neithertrustinghimselfbyanyirrevocabledeclarationentirelytothegratitudeoftheEmperor，norrenouncingtheadvantageswhichweretobegainedfromhisfears。

Uninfectedbythecontagionofreligiousandromanticenthusiasmwhichhurriedsovereignaftersovereigntoriskbothcrownandlifeonthehazardofwar，JohnGeorgeaspiredtothemoresolidrenownofimprovingandadvancingtheinterestsofhisterritories。

HiscotemporariesaccusedhimofforsakingtheProtestantcauseintheverymidstofthestorm；ofpreferringtheaggrandizementofhishousetotheemancipationofhiscountry；ofexposingthewholeEvangelicalorLutheranchurchofGermanytoruin，ratherthanraiseanarmindefenceoftheReformedorCalvinists；ofinjuringthecommoncausebyhissuspiciousfriendshipmoreseriouslythantheopenenmityofitsavowedopponents。ButitwouldhavebeenwellifhisaccusershadimitatedthewisepolicyoftheElector。If，despiteoftheprudentpolicy，theSaxons，likeallothers，groanedatthecrueltieswhichmarkedtheEmperor’sprogress；ifallGermanywasawitnesshowFerdinanddeceivedhisconfederatesandtrifledwithhisengagements；

ifeventheElectorhimselfatlastperceivedthis——themoreshametotheEmperorwhocouldsobaselybetraysuchimplicitconfidence。

IfanexcessiverelianceontheEmperor，andthehopeofenlarginghisterritories，tiedthehandsoftheElectorofSaxony，theweakGeorgeWilliam，ElectorofBrandenburg，wasstillmoreshamefullyfetteredbyfearofAustria，andofthelossofhisdominions。

WhatwasmadeareproachagainsttheseprinceswouldhavepreservedtotheElectorPalatinehisfameandhiskingdom。Arashconfidenceinhisuntriedstrength，theinfluenceofFrenchcounsels，andthetemptationofacrown，hadseducedthatunfortunateprinceintoanenterpriseforwhichhehadneitheradequategeniusnorpoliticalcapacity。

Thepartitionofhisterritoriesamongdiscordantprinces，enfeebledthePalatinate，which，united，mighthavemadealongerresistance。

ThispartitionofterritorywasequallyinjurioustotheHouseofHesse，inwhich，betweenDarmstadtandCassel，religiousdissensionshadoccasionedafataldivision。ThelineofDarmstadt，adheringtotheConfessionofAugsburg，hadplaceditselfundertheEmperor’sprotection，whofavoureditattheexpenseoftheCalvinistsofCassel。

Whilehisreligiousconfederatesweresheddingtheirbloodfortheirfaithandtheirliberties，theLandgraveofDarmstadtwaswonoverbytheEmperor’sgold。ButWilliamofCassel，everywayworthyofhisancestorwho，acenturybefore，haddefendedthefreedomofGermanyagainsttheformidableCharlesV。，espousedthecauseofdangerandofhonour。SuperiortothatpusillanimitywhichmadefarmorepowerfulprincesbowbeforeFerdinand’smight，theLandgraveWilliamwasthefirsttojointheheroofSweden，andtosetanexampletotheprincesofGermanywhichallhadhesitatedtobegin。Theboldnessofhisresolvewasequalledbythesteadfastnessofhisperseveranceandthevalourofhisexploits。Heplacedhimselfwithunshrinkingresolutionbeforehisbleedingcountry，andboldlyconfrontedthefearfulenemy，whosehandswerestillreekingfromthecarnageofMagdeburg。

TheLandgraveWilliamdeservestodescendtoimmortalitywiththeheroicraceofErnest。Thydayofvengeancewaslongdelayed，unfortunateJohnFrederick！Noble！never-to-be-forgottenprince！

Slowlybutbrightlyitbroke。Thytimesreturned，andthyheroicspiritdescendedonthygrandson。AnintrepidraceofprincesissuesfromtheThuringianforests，toshame，byimmortaldeeds，theunjustsentencewhichrobbedtheeoftheelectoralcrown——toavengethyoffendedshadebyheapsofbloodysacrifice。Thesentenceoftheconquerorcoulddeprivetheeofthyterritories，butnotthatspiritofpatriotismwhichstakedthem，northatchivalrouscouragewhich，acenturyafterwards，wasdestinedtoshakethethroneofhisdescendant。

ThyvengeanceandthatofGermanywhettedthesacredsword，andoneheroichandaftertheotherwieldedtheirresistiblesteel。

Asmen，theyachievedwhatassovereignstheydarednotundertake；

theymetinagloriouscauseasthevaliantsoldiersofliberty。

Tooweakinterritorytoattacktheenemywiththeirownforces，theydirectedforeignartilleryagainstthem，andledforeignbannerstovictory。

ThelibertiesofGermany，abandonedbythemorepowerfulstates，who，however，enjoyedmostoftheprosperityaccruingfromthem，weredefendedbyafewprincesforwhomtheywerealmostwithoutvalue。

Thepossessionofterritoriesanddignitiesdeadenedcourage；

thewantofbothmadeheroes。WhileSaxony，Brandenburg，andtherestdrewbackinterror，Anhalt，Mansfeld，thePrinceofWeimarandothersweresheddingtheirbloodinthefield。TheDukesofPomerania，Mecklenburg，Luneburg，andWirtemberg，andthefreecitiesofUpperGermany，towhomthenameofEMPERORwasofcourseaformidableone，anxiouslyavoidedacontestwithsuchanopponent，andcrouchedmurmuringbeneathhismightyarm。

AustriaandRomanCatholicGermanypossessedinMaximilianofBavariaachampionasprudentashewaspowerful。Adheringthroughoutthewartoonefixedplan，neverdividedbetweenhisreligionandhispoliticalinterests；nottheslavishdependentofAustria，whowaslabouringforHISadvancement，andtrembledbeforeherpowerfulprotector，Maximilianearnedtheterritoriesanddignitiesthatrewardedhisexertions。TheotherRomanCatholicstates，whichwerechieflyEcclesiastical，toounwarliketoresistthemultitudeswhomtheprosperityoftheirterritoriesallured，becamethevictimsofthewaroneafteranother，andwerecontentedtopersecuteinthecabinetandinthepulpit，theenemywhomtheycouldnotopenlyopposeinthefield。Allofthem，slaveseithertoAustriaorBavaria，sunkintoinsignificancebythesideofMaximilian；inhishandalonetheirunitedpowercouldberenderedavailable。

TheformidablemonarchywhichCharlesV。andhissonhadunnaturallyconstructedoftheNetherlands，Milan，andthetwoSicilies，andtheirdistantpossessionsintheEastandWestIndies，wasunderPhilipIII。andPhilipIV。fastvergingtodecay。

Swollentoasuddengreatnessbyunfruitfulgold，thispowerwasnowsinkingunderavisibledecline，neglecting，asitdid，agriculture，thenaturalsupportofstates。TheconquestsintheWestIndieshadreducedSpainitselftopoverty，whiletheyenrichedthemarketsofEurope；thebankersofAntwerp，Venice，andGenoa，weremakingprofitonthegoldwhichwasstillburiedintheminesofPeru。

ForthesakeofIndia，Spainhadbeendepopulated，whilethetreasuresdrawnfromthencewerewastedinthere-conquestofHolland，inthechimericalprojectofchangingthesuccessiontothecrownofFrance，andinanunfortunateattackuponEngland。Buttheprideofthiscourthadsurviveditsgreatness，asthehateofitsenemieshadoutliveditspower。DistrustoftheProtestantssuggestedtotheministryofPhilipIII。thedangerouspolicyofhisfather；

andtherelianceoftheRomanCatholicsinGermanyonSpanishassistance，wasasfirmastheirbeliefinthewonder-workingbonesofthemartyrs。

Externalsplendourconcealedtheinwardwoundsatwhichthelife-bloodofthismonarchywasoozing；andthebeliefofitsstrengthsurvived，becauseitstillmaintainedtheloftytoneofitsgoldendays。

Slavesintheirpalaces，andstrangersevenupontheirownthrones，theSpanishnominalkingsstillgavelawstotheirGermanrelations；

thoughitisverydoubtfulifthesupporttheyaffordedwasworththedependencebywhichtheemperorspurchasedit。ThefateofEuropewasdecidedbehindthePyreneesbyignorantmonksorvindictivefavourites。

Yet，eveninitsdebasement，apowermustalwaysbeformidable，whichyieldstononeinextent；which，fromcustom，ifnotfromthesteadfastnessofitsviews，adheredfaithfullytoonesystemofpolicy；

whichpossessedwell-disciplinedarmiesandconsummategenerals；which，wheretheswordfailed，didnotscrupletoemploythedagger；

andconvertedevenitsambassadorsintoincendiariesandassassins。

Whatithadlostinthreequartersoftheglobe，itnowsoughttoregaintotheeastward，andallEuropewasatitsmercy，ifitcouldsucceedinitslongcherisheddesignofunitingwiththehereditarydominionsofAustriaallthatlaybetweentheAlpsandtheAdriatic。

Tothegreatalarmofthenativestates，thisformidablepowerhadgainedafootinginItaly，whereitscontinualencroachmentsmadetheneighbouringsovereignstotremblefortheirownpossessions。

ThePopehimselfwasinthemostdangeroussituation；

hemmedinonbothsidesbytheSpanishViceroysofNaplesontheoneside，andthatofMilanupontheother。VenicewasconfinedbetweentheAustrianTyrolandtheSpanishterritoriesinMilan。

SavoywassurroundedbythelatterandFrance。Hencethewaveringandequivocalpolicy，whichfromthetimeofCharlesV。hadbeenpursuedbytheItalianStates。ThedoublecharacterwhichpertainedtothePopesmadethemperpetuallyvacillatebetweentwocontradictorysystemsofpolicy。

IfthesuccessorsofSt。PeterfoundintheSpanishprincestheirmostobedientdisciples，andthemoststeadfastsupportersofthePapalSee，yettheprincesoftheStatesoftheChurchhadinthesemonarchstheirmostdangerousneighbours，andmostformidableopponents。If，intheonecapacity，theirdearestwishwasthedestructionoftheProtestants，andthetriumphofAustria，intheother，theyhadreasontoblessthearmsoftheProtestants，whichdisabledadangerousenemy。Theoneortheothersentimentprevailed，accordingastheloveoftemporaldominion，orzealforspiritualsupremacy，predominatedinthemindofthePope。ButthepolicyofRomewas，onthewhole，directedtoimmediatedangers；anditiswellknownhowfarmorepowerfulistheapprehensionoflosingapresentgood，thananxietytorecoveralonglostpossession。AndthusitbecomesintelligiblehowthePopeshouldfirstcombinewithAustriaforthedestructionofheresy，andthenconspirewiththeseveryhereticsforthedestructionofAustria。Strangelyblendedarethethreadsofhumanaffairs！WhatwouldhavebecomeoftheReformation，andofthelibertiesofGermany，iftheBishopofRomeandthePrinceofRomehadhadbutoneinterest？

FrancehadlostwithitsgreatHenryallitsimportanceandallitsweightinthepoliticalbalanceofEurope。AturbulentminorityhaddestroyedallthebenefitsoftheableadministrationofHenry。Incapableministers，thecreaturesofcourtintrigue，squanderedinafewyearsthetreasureswhichSully’seconomyandHenry’sfrugalityhadamassed。

Scarceabletomaintaintheirgroundagainstinternalfactions，theywerecompelledtoresigntootherhandsthehelmofEuropeanaffairs。

ThesamecivilwarwhicharmedGermanyagainstitself，excitedasimilarcommotioninFrance；andLouisXIII。attainedmajorityonlytowageawarwithhisownmotherandhisProtestantsubjects。

Thisparty，whichhadbeenkeptquietbyHenry’senlightenedpolicy，nowseizedtheopportunitytotakeuparms，and，underthecommandofsomeadventurousleaders，begantoformthemselvesintoapartywithinthestate，andtofixonthestrongandpowerfultownofRochelleasthecapitaloftheirintendedkingdom。Toolittleofastatesmantosuppress，byaprudenttoleration，thiscivilcommotioninitsbirth，andtoolittlemasteroftheresourcesofhiskingdomtodirectthemwithenergy，LouisXIII。wasreducedtothedegradationofpurchasingthesubmissionoftherebelsbylargesumsofmoney。Thoughpolicymightinclinehim，inonepointofview，toassisttheBohemianinsurgentsagainstAustria，thesonofHenrytheFourthwasnowcompelledtobeaninactivespectatoroftheirdestruction，happyenoughiftheCalvinistsinhisowndominionsdidnotunseasonablybethinkthemoftheirconfederatesbeyondtheRhine。

AgreatmindatthehelmofstatewouldhavereducedtheProtestantsinFrancetoobedience，whileitemployedthemtofightfortheindependenceoftheirGermanbrethren。ButHenryIV。wasnomore，andRichelieuhadnotyetrevivedhissystemofpolicy。

WhilethegloryofFrancewasthusuponthewane，theemancipatedrepublicofHollandwascompletingthefabricofitsgreatness。

Theenthusiasticcouragehadnotyetdiedawaywhich，enkindledbytheHouseofOrange，hadconvertedthismercantilepeopleintoanationofheroes，andhadenabledthemtomaintaintheirindependenceinabloodywaragainsttheSpanishmonarchy。Awarehowmuchtheyowedtheirownlibertytoforeignsupport，theserepublicanswerereadytoassisttheirGermanbrethreninasimilarcause，andthemoreso，asbothwereopposedtothesameenemy，andthelibertyofGermanywasthebestwarrantforthatofHolland。Butarepublicwhichhadstilltobattleforitsveryexistence，which，withallitswonderfulexertions，wasscarceamatchfortheformidableenemywithinitsownterritories，couldnotbeexpectedtowithdrawitstroopsfromthenecessaryworkofself-defencetoemploythemwithamagnanimouspolicyinprotectingforeignstates。

Englandtoo，thoughnowunitedwithScotland，nolongerpossessed，undertheweakJames，thatinfluenceintheaffairsofEuropewhichthegoverningmindofElizabethhadprocuredforit。ConvincedthatthewelfareofherdominionsdependedonthesecurityoftheProtestants，thispoliticprincesshadneverswervedfromtheprincipleofpromotingeveryenterprisewhichhadforitsobjectthediminutionoftheAustrianpower。

Hersuccessorwasnolessdevoidofcapacitytocomprehend，thanofvigourtoexecute，herviews。WhiletheeconomicalElizabethsparednothertreasurestosupporttheFlemingsagainstSpain，andHenryIV。againsttheLeague，Jamesabandonedhisdaughter，hisson-in-law，andhisgrandchild，tothefuryoftheirenemies。

Whileheexhaustedhislearningtoestablishthedivinerightofkings，heallowedhisowndignitytosinkintothedust；

whileheexertedhisrhetorictoprovetheabsoluteauthorityofkings，heremindedthepeopleoftheirs；andbyauselessprofusion，sacrificedthechiefofhissovereignrights——thatofdispensingwithhisparliament，andthusdeprivinglibertyofitsorgan。Aninnatehorroratthesightofanakedswordavertedhimfromthemostjustofwars；

whilehisfavouriteBuckinghampractisedonhisweakness，andhisowncomplacentvanityrenderedhimaneasydupeofSpanishartifice。

Whilehisson-in-lawwasruined，andtheinheritanceofhisgrandsongiventoothers，thisweakprincewasimbibing，withsatisfaction，theincensewhichwasofferedtohimbyAustriaandSpain。

TodiverthisattentionfromtheGermanwar，hewasamusedwiththeproposalofaSpanishmarriageforhisson，andtheridiculousparentencouragedtheromanticyouthinthefoolishprojectofpayinghisaddressesinpersontotheSpanishprincess。Buthissonlosthisbride，ashisson-in-lawlostthecrownofBohemiaandthePalatineElectorate；

anddeathalonesavedhimfromthedangerofclosinghispacificreignbyawarathome，whichheneverhadcouragetomaintain，evenatadistance。

Thedomesticdisturbanceswhichhismisgovernmenthadgraduallyexcitedburstforthunderhisunfortunateson，andforcedhim，aftersomeunimportantattempts，torenounceallfurtherparticipationintheGermanwar，inordertostemwithinhisownkingdomtherageoffaction。

Twoillustriousmonarchs，farunequalinpersonalreputation，butequalinpoweranddesireoffame，madetheNorthatthistimetoberespected。UnderthelongandactivereignofChristianIV。，Denmarkhadrisenintoimportance。Thepersonalqualificationsofthisprince，anexcellentnavy，aformidablearmy，well-orderedfinances，andprudentalliances，hadcombinedtogiveherprosperityathomeandinfluenceabroad。GustavusVasahadrescuedSwedenfromvassalage，reformeditbywiselaws，andhadintroduced，forthefirsttime，thisnewly-organizedstateintothefieldofEuropeanpolitics。

Whatthisgreatprincehadmerelysketchedinrudeoutline，wasfilledupbyGustavusAdolphus，hisstillgreatergrandson。

Thesetwokingdoms，onceunnaturallyunitedandenfeebledbytheirunion，hadbeenviolentlyseparatedatthetimeoftheReformation，andthisseparationwastheepochoftheirprosperity。

Injuriousasthiscompulsoryunionhadprovedtobothkingdoms，equallynecessarytoeachapartwereneighbourlyfriendshipandharmony。

Onboththeevangelicalchurchleaned；bothhadthesameseastoprotect；

acommoninterestoughttounitethemagainstthesameenemy。

Butthehatredwhichhaddissolvedtheunionofthesemonarchiescontinuedlongaftertheirseparationtodividethetwonations。

TheDanishkingscouldnotabandontheirpretensionstotheSwedishcrown，northeSwedesbanishtheremembranceofDanishoppression。

Thecontiguousboundariesofthetwokingdomsconstantlyfurnishedmaterialsforinternationalquarrels，whilethewatchfuljealousyofbothkings，andtheunavoidablecollisionoftheircommercialinterestsintheNorthSeas，wereinexhaustiblesourcesofdispute。

AmongthemeansofwhichGustavusVasa，thefounderoftheSwedishmonarchy，availedhimselftostrengthenhisnewedifice，theReformationhadbeenoneoftheprincipal。Afundamentallawofthekingdomexcludedtheadherentsofpoperyfromallofficesofthestate，andprohibitedeveryfuturesovereignofSwedenfromalteringthereligiousconstitutionofthekingdom。ButthesecondsonandsecondsuccessorofGustavushadrelapsedintopopery，andhissonSigismund，alsokingofPoland，hadbeenguiltyofmeasureswhichmenacedboththeconstitutionandtheestablishedchurch。

HeadedbyCharles，DukeofSudermania，thethirdsonofGustavus，theEstatesmadeacourageousresistance，whichterminated，atlast，inanopencivilwarbetweentheuncleandnephew，andbetweentheKingandthepeople。DukeCharles，administratorofthekingdomduringtheabsenceoftheking，hadavailedhimselfofSigismund’slongresidenceinPoland，andthejustdispleasureofthestates，toingratiatehimselfwiththenation，andgraduallytopreparehiswaytothethrone。

HisviewswerenotalittleforwardedbySigismund’simprudence。

AgeneralDietventuredtoabolish，infavouroftheProtector，theruleofprimogeniturewhichGustavushadestablishedinthesuccession，andplacedtheDukeofSudermaniaonthethrone，fromwhichSigismund，withhiswholeposterity，weresolemnlyexcluded。Thesonofthenewking(whoreignedunderthenameofCharlesIX。)wasGustavusAdolphus，whom，asthesonofausurper，theadherentsofSigismundrefusedtorecognize。

Butiftheobligationsbetweenmonarchyandsubjectsarereciprocal，andstatesarenottobetransmitted，likealifelessheirloom，fromhandtohand，anationactingwithunanimitymusthavethepowerofrenouncingtheirallegiancetoasovereignwhohasviolatedhisobligationstothem，andoffillinghisplacebyaworthierobject。

GustavusAdolphushadnotcompletedhisseventeenthyear，whentheSwedishthronebecamevacantbythedeathofhisfather。

ButtheearlymaturityofhisgeniusenabledtheEstatestoabridgeinhisfavourthelegalperiodofminority。

Withagloriousconquestoverhimselfhecommencedareignwhichwastohavevictoryforitsconstantattendant，acareerwhichwastobeginandendinsuccess。TheyoungCountessofBrahe，thedaughterofasubject，hadgainedhisearlyaffections，andhehadresolvedtosharewithhertheSwedishthrone。But，constrainedbytimeandcircumstances，hemadehisattachmentyieldtothehigherdutiesofaking，andheroismagaintookexclusivepossessionofaheartwhichwasnotdestinedbynaturetoconfineitselfwithinthelimitsofquietdomestichappiness。

ChristianIV。ofDenmark，whohadascendedthethronebeforethebirthofGustavus，inaninroaduponSweden，hadgainedsomeconsiderableadvantagesoverthefatherofthathero。GustavusAdolphushastenedtoputanendtothisdestructivewar，andbyprudentsacrificesobtainedapeace，inordertoturnhisarmsagainsttheCzarofMuscovy。

Thequestionablefameofaconquerornevertemptedhimtospendthebloodofhissubjectsinunjustwars；buthenevershrunkfromajustone。

HisarmsweresuccessfulagainstRussia，andSwedenwasaugmentedbyseveralimportantprovincesontheeast。

Inthemeantime，SigismundofPolandretainedagainstthesonthesamesentimentsofhostilitywhichthefatherhadprovoked，andleftnoartificeuntriedtoshaketheallegianceofhissubjects，tocooltheardourofhisfriends，andtoembitterhisenemies。

Neitherthegreatqualitiesofhisrival，northerepeatedproofsofdevotionwhichSwedengavetoherlovedmonarch，couldextinguishinthisinfatuatedprincethefoolishhopeofregaininghislostthrone。

AllGustavus’sovertureswerehaughtilyrejected。UnwillinglywasthisreallypeacefulkinginvolvedinatediouswarwithPoland，inwhichthewholeofLivoniaandPolishPrussiaweresuccessivelyconquered。

Thoughconstantlyvictorious，GustavusAdolphuswasalwaysthefirsttoholdoutthehandofpeace。

ThiscontestbetweenSwedenandPolandfallssomewhereaboutthebeginningoftheThirtyYears’WarinGermany，withwhichitisinsomemeasureconnected。

ItwasenoughthatSigismund，himselfaRomanCatholic，wasdisputingtheSwedishcrownwithaProtestantprince，toassurehimtheactivesupportofSpainandAustria；whileadoublerelationshiptotheEmperorgavehimastillstrongerclaimtohisprotection。ItwashisrelianceonthispowerfulassistancethatchieflyencouragedtheKingofPolandtocontinuethewar，whichhadhithertoturnedoutsounfavourablyforhim，andthecourtsofMadridandViennafailednottoencouragehimbyhigh-soundingpromises。WhileSigismundlostoneplaceafteranotherinLivonia，Courland，andPrussia，hesawhisallyinGermanyadvancingfromconquestafterconquesttounlimitedpower。

Nowonderthenifhisaversiontopeacekeptpacewithhislosses。

Thevehemencewithwhichhenourishedhischimericalhopesblindedhimtotheartfulpolicyofhisconfederates，whoathisexpensewerekeepingtheSwedishheroemployed，inordertooverturn，withoutopposition，thelibertiesofGermany，andthentoseizeontheexhaustedNorthasaneasyconquest。Onecircumstancewhichhadnotbeencalculatedon——

themagnanimityofGustavus——overthrewthisdeceitfulpolicy。

Aneightyears’warinPoland，sofarfromexhaustingthepowerofSweden，hadonlyservedtomaturethemilitarygeniusofGustavus，toinuretheSwedisharmytowarfare，andinsensiblytoperfectthatsystemoftacticsbywhichtheywereafterwardstoperformsuchwondersinGermany。

AfterthisnecessarydigressionontheexistingcircumstancesofEurope，Inowresumethethreadofmyhistory。

Ferdinandhadregainedhisdominions，buthadnotindemnifiedhimselffortheexpensesofrecoveringthem。Asumoffortymillionsofflorins，whichtheconfiscationsinBohemiaandMoraviahadproduced，wouldhavesufficedtoreimbursebothhimselfandhisallies；

buttheJesuitsandhisfavouritessoonsquanderedthissum，largeasitwas。

Maximilian，DukeofBavaria，towhosevictoriousarm，principally，theEmperorowedtherecoveryofhisdominions；who，intheserviceofreligionandtheEmperor，hadsacrificedhisnearrelation，hadthestrongestclaimsonhisgratitude；andmoreover，inatreatywhich，beforethewar，thedukehadconcludedwiththeEmperor，hehadexpresslystipulatedforthereimbursementofallexpenses。

Ferdinandfeltthefullweightoftheobligationimposeduponhimbythistreatyandbytheseservices，buthewasnotdisposedtodischargeitathisowncost。Hispurposewastobestowabrilliantrewardupontheduke，butwithoutdetrimenttohimself。Howcouldthisbedonebetterthanattheexpenseoftheunfortunateprincewho，byhisrevolt，hadgiventheEmperorarighttopunishhim，andwhoseoffencesmightbepaintedincoloursstrongenoughtojustifythemostviolentmeasuresundertheappearanceoflaw。That，then，Maximilianmayberewarded，Frederickmustbefurtherpersecutedandtotallyruined；

andtodefraytheexpensesoftheoldwar，anewonemustbecommenced。

Butastillstrongermotivecombinedtoenforcethefirst。

HithertoFerdinandhadbeencontendingforexistencealone；

hehadbeenfulfillingnootherdutythanthatofself-defence。

Butnow，whenvictorygavehimfreedomtoact，ahigherdutyoccurredtohim，andherememberedthevowwhichhehadmadeatLorettoandatRome，tohisgeneralissima，theHolyVirgin，toextendherworshipevenattheriskofhiscrownandlife。

Withthisobject，theoppressionoftheProtestantswasinseparablyconnected。

MorefavourablecircumstancesforitsaccomplishmentcouldnotofferthanthosewhichpresentedthemselvesatthecloseoftheBohemianwar。

Neitherthepower，norapretextofright，werenowwantingtoenablehimtoplacethePalatinateinthehandsoftheCatholics，andtheimportanceofthischangetotheCatholicinterestsinGermanywouldbeincalculable。Thus，inrewardingtheDukeofBavariawiththespoilsofhisrelation，heatoncegratifiedhismeanestpassionsandfulfilledhismostexaltedduties；hecrushedanenemywhomhehated，andsparedhisavariceapainfulsacrifice，whilehebelievedhewaswinningaheavenlycrown。

IntheEmperor’scabinet，theruinofFrederickhadbeenresolveduponlongbeforefortunehaddecidedagainsthim；butitwasonlyafterthiseventthattheyventuredtodirectagainsthimthethundersofarbitrarypower。

AdecreeoftheEmperor，destituteofalltheformalitiesrequiredonsuchoccasionsbythelawsoftheEmpire，pronouncedtheElector，andthreeotherprinceswhohadbornearmsforhimatSilesiaandBohemia，asoffendersagainsttheimperialmajesty，anddisturbersofthepublicpeace，underthebanoftheempire，anddeprivedthemoftheirtitlesandterritories。TheexecutionofthissentenceagainstFrederick，namelytheseizureofhislands，was，infurthercontemptoflaw，committedtoSpainasSovereignofthecircleofBurgundy，totheDukeofBavaria，andtheLeague。HadtheEvangelicUnionbeenworthyofthenameitbore，andofthecausewhichitpretendedtodefend，insuperableobstaclesmighthavepreventedtheexecutionofthesentence；

butitwashopelessforapowerwhichwasfarfromamatchevenfortheSpanishtroopsintheLowerPalatinate，tocontendagainsttheunitedstrengthoftheEmperor，Bavaria，andtheLeague。