Page:History of the Thirty Years' War - Gindely - Volume 1.djvu/123

 insurrection were not disinclined to a reconciliation with the Emperor, provided that terms but reasonably favorable should be offered. Solms’ endeavor, therefore, was by all means to remove this peace sentiment, and this he could best effect by promises. He requested the Directory to send confidentially to him several men, to whom he would confide important information, in response to which request Ruppa, Smir̃ickýSmiřický [sic], and two others came to him, to whom he declared without reserve, and in the name of his sovereign, that the latter, in connection with several princes of the Union, had considered the question of supporting the Bohemians, and had determined that they would not allow the Emperor to enlist troops in their lands, or to march them through those lands, and would endeavor to prevent any others from rendering him aid. If, therefore, Spain from the side of Flanders, or any of the German princes—naming especially the Duke of Bavaria—should offer support to Matthias, the Union would summon all its forces to the resistance. The Palsgrave would at the same time represent in Savoy and Venice the interests of the Bohemians, in order thence to obtain subsidies. Nor would he by any means excuse himself from the rendering of direct aid, but would leave this to depend upon further negotiations. He desired, first of all, to know what was the exact aim of the Bohemian agitation, whether it were a defence against the Emperor, or an attack upon him.

A speedier and more ample support than that offered by the Palsgrave could not have been reasonably expected by the Bohemians. Ruppa first, in behalf of his colleagues, poured forth his thankful utterances for the offers, and promised that the secret should be faithfully kept in the bosoms of the Directors. He gave assurance that the