Page:Gregor The story of Bohemia.pdf/428

 The leaders of the rebellion found to their sorrow that the confidence placed in the magnanimity of the victors had been fearfully misplaced. February 20, 1621, three months after the battle of the White Mountain, an order came from Vienna commanding the arrest of all the leaders of the insurrection. All those that were found in Prague were immediately seized and cast into prison; those living out of Prague were sought out, and also brought to Prague, to be tried before the court organized for this purpose by the viceroy, Charles of Lichtenstein. Shortly after this, a manifesto was given out by the emperor, ordering the exile of all Calvinistic ministers, and also those of the Moravian Brethren; for these sects were not included among those having the protection of the Elector of Saxony. As this blow struck but a small part of the population, the Lutherans or Evangelicals still deluded themselves with the hope that no such severe measures would be taken against them.

While the preparations for trial were made at Prague, the emperor tried by various methods to induce Mansfield to surrender Pilsen. A truce was finally made, during which Mansfield left the country, going to Palatine to the assistance of Frederick. During his absence, his unworthy lieutenant surrendered the city to the enemy, and thus the whole of Bohemia was in the power of Ferdinand.

The court for the trial of the rebels being composed entirely of the enemies of the country, little hopes were entertained that justice would be tempered with mercy; and yet the decisions were far more severe than had been expected. Twenty-seven of the insurgents were condemned to death, and many others to various griev-