Page:History of the Thirty Years' War - Gindely - Volume 1.djvu/118

 thought of, both in Vienna and Presburg, as the person to be employed in a mediation. In the very beginning of June the Emperor invited him to Vienna to assist in the consultation in reference to the insurrection.

In spite of the confidence reposed in him in Vienna, the thought could not be concealed that the events themselves pointed out to this man his place. The struggle in Bohemia was rooted in the opposition of Catholics and Protestants, and each must attach himself to the side to which he belonged, regardless of those consequences, whether of victory or defeat, which might reach quite beyond the real object of the contest. It was therefore thought of Z̃erotín that he could not do otherwise than join his companions in the faith, nay, perhaps had already done this, and was acting in collusion with the Bohemians. His call to Vienna was prompted quite as much by mistrust as trust; it was supposed that he would not, if committed to the other side, obey the call, and then it would at least be known how it stood with him. Those who were suspicious advised that, in case Z̃erotín should come to Vienna, he should be seized, since his ultimate connection with the Protestants was certain, and, if he should be held a prisoner, Moravia would be without a head, and would not rise.

Arrived in Vienna, Z̃erotín recommended the use of peaceful measures for quieting the insurrection, and especially that the Archduke Maximilian should be immediately sent to Bohemia as a mediator. His demeanor, his counsels, and his evident interest in the welfare of the imperial house, dispelled all suspicion. The Emperor praised the counsels, but did not follow them; for instead of notifying the Bohemians that Maximilian would be deputed to them as mediator, he sent that patent which