Page:Gregor The story of Bohemia.pdf/453

 mostly in his power, he compelled them to take the oath of allegiance, which was done with great solemnity in the cathedral at Hradschin. The chief officers of the State, not wishing to violate their oath of allegiance to the queen, had left the city. Charles appointed other officers to take their places; then called a Diet, which granted him a heavy subsidy. He then took his departure for Frankfort, where he was chosen by the electors Emperor of Germany (1742).

Meanwhile the Hungarians had espoused the cause of Maria Theresa, calling her their “king,” and raised a large army to go to her assistance. The English and the Russians also lending their aid, her condition began to assume a more hopeful aspect. In order to be rid of her most formidable rival, she ceded the whole of Silesia to Frederick, and also the county of Kladrau, which had always been an integral part of Bohemia. The Elector of Saxony also joining in this peace, the queen was now free to turn her whole strength against the French and the Bavarians.

The allies under the command of Marshal Belleisle, to the number of 30,000, invaded Bohemia and shut themselves up in Prague, where they were besieged by Charles of Lorraine, the queen’s brother-in-law.

The French defended themselves bravely for eleven weeks, at the close of which they were reduced to such want that they ate horseflesh. While in this extremity, a large army of their countrymen were coming to their assistance; but they were prevented from crossing the boundaries by Charles, who raised the siege to go to meet the new enemy. The opportunity was embraced by the French army to leave the city, which was done in December during a season of very cold