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。
