Page:Gregor The story of Bohemia.pdf/118

 Pope. The King of Bohemia, again, was one of the seven electors of the emperor The emperor claimed feudal sovereignty over the country, enforcing his claim whenever it was for his interest to do so. As was the case in all European countries in those ages, the Pope and priesthood, together with the various orders of monks, exerted a wide and powerful influence. In the earlier history of Christianity this influence was good; but as the Church grew strong in worldly power, it grew weak spiritually, and the monasteries, instead of being the seats of learning, became the dens of wickedness.

Education, at this time, was mostly confined to the clerical profession. Václav III wished to establish a higher institution of learning in Prague; but the nobility opposed this, claiming that, with such superior educational advantages, the clergy would become so powerful that they would regard themselves as above the nobility. The schools were always built in connection with the churches and monasteries.

When King Václav II died, he left, besides one son, four daughters, the eldest of whom, Anna, was married to Henry, the Duke of Carinthia. When Václav III undertook the expedition to Poland, he left the government in the hands of this duke. When the news of the king’s assassination reached Bohemia, some of the nobles thought it advisable to elect Duke Henry to the throne; others preferred Rudolph, the son of Albert, who had succeeded his father in the empire. Before definite action could be taken, the emperor declared that, as Bohemia was a feudal de-