Page:Gregor The story of Bohemia.pdf/345

 simple Word of God was to be accepted as the law of life, without any idle discussions and speculations.

The brethren lived pure, industrious lives, holding the law of mutual helpfulness above all commandments; but as they did not conform to either of the established forms of worship, the Calixtine or Catholic, the priests of the neighboring districts rose against them, calling their worship blasphemy, and their holy lives hypocrisy. For a long time Rokycan refused to take any steps against them; but when they began to ordain their own priests, thus severing all connection with the established Church, he lost all patience, and determined to suppress such heresies by force. In the storm that followed, the colony of Kunwald was entirely destroyed, many of the brethren were imprisoned, while others escaped, hiding themselves in the mountains and forests. The adherents of the new faith were indeed scattered, but their faith was not destroyed; it was cherished in secret, waiting to make its appearance as soon as the favorable moment arrived.

Antonio Bonifini, an Italian who lived several years at the court of Matthias, gives the following account of the character of the Bohemians:

“The Čechs excel other nations in well-developed physique, strength of body, beauty and profusion of locks, and an agreeable demeanor. They pay a great deal of attention to their dress, arraying themselves with much elegance and taste, as though they were born to nothing but war and luxury. They are exceedingly amiable, and possess the ability of winning the friendship of others.”