Page:Gregor The story of Bohemia.pdf/133



Charles was in France with his father, a dispute was going on between Pope Clement VI and Louis, the German emperor. The Pope finally succeeded in winning the electors to his side, Louis was deposed, and the Bohemian king elected in his place. As King of Bohemia he was the first of that name; but as emperor he is known in history as Charles IV.

Although duly elected, Charles was by no means in possession of the imperial crown; and, for a while, war with Louis seemed to be inevitable; but when hostilities were on the point of breaking out, Louis died, and Charles imagined now that he could secure the prize without any opposition. But here he was mistaken. Two of the electors declared the election of Charles null and void, and began to look about for another candidate. But it seems that the imperial crown was not so very desirable, judging from the scarcity of aspirants to the dignity. It was first offered to Edward of England, who refused it; then to the Margrave of Meissen, who likewise declined the honor; and finally to Count Günther of Schwarzburg, who accepted it. This Günther was a mercenary adventurer, who had served under various princes, and who cared so little for the imperial crown that when Charles offered to buy it of him, he gladly accepted the proffered sum of 20,000 pounds of silver.

As Bohemia had always had a great deal of trouble 2em