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 creased until his mind gave way to insanity. The first appearance of this was in 1600, when he imagined that conspirators were about him trying to take his life. This state of his mind continued many months; but when negotiations were afoot with the Pope and with Spain about appointing his oldest brother Matthias his succeessor, he suddenly recovered and resumed the government. This attack of insanity was followed by others; but in the intervals his mind seemed to be clear, and he would by no means consent to give up the crown.

By the exertions of the more zealous Catholics, an edict was passed against the Picards, as the Moravian Brethren were called by their enemies. Their chief church in New Boleslav was taken from them, and they were persecuted in many other ways. The Evangelicals were alarmed by this action, seeing in it a portent as to what they themselves might expect, but they were powerless to avert it. The Catholics, however, were content to make haste slowly, knowing that if matters went on as they did, they would soon be able to advance a step further. They were also encouraged in this belief by what took place in Styria.

In the first years of the reign of Rudolph, Styria was governed by Archduke Maximilian, the brother of the king. He ruled all classes with justice and moderation; consequently the Protestants increased in numbers and strength. But all this was changed when, at the death of the archduke, his son Ferdinand, a pupil of the Jesuits, succeeded his father in the government. He abrogated all the privileges that had been granted to the Protestants, drove their clergy out of the country,