Page:History of the Thirty Years' War - Gindely - Volume 1.djvu/145

 set himself against the Protestant Estates of the Empire in Germany. How could he now deny in Bohemia the principles he had hitherto maintained? When Ferdinand was informed of this negative answer, he wrote the Duke once and again, praying him, for God’s sake, to take a part in the negotiations, since his sentiments would be his only warrant that every demand of the Protestants would not be granted. As his entreaties became at each repetition more urgent, Maximilian finally, on the 17th of January, promised that he would deliberate on the subject. A few days later he gave his word that he would take part in the mediation, provided only that nothing should be required of him in the transactions which would tend to the disadvantage of the Catholic Church. This condition was quite satisfactory to Ferdinand, and the Duke’s participation in the meeting at Eger was therefore looked upon as settled.

We have hitherto but remarked that the Directors, and especially Ruppa, viewed with disfavor a peaceful adjustment with the Emperor. What attitude the country itself would assume towards this new phase of adjustment became apparent when the Diet called for March 18th (1619) came together and the Directors reported upon the state of the army and the necessity of a new armament. The Diet perceived that the resistance could not be maintained without further sacrifice, and was therefore willing, by imposing new taxes, to provide means for filling up the ranks of the enlisted troops, and also to augment the number of fighting men by repeating the call for a levy. In view of the evils resulting from this latter measure during the previous year, it may well be wondered that resort should again be had to a call of so many thousands of men, unused to war, poorly supplied, into the service;