Page:History of the Thirty Years' War - Gindely - Volume 1.djvu/89

 of Prague, with the direction that it be read from the pulpits, and that the people be exhorted to pray for the successful issue of the meeting of the Estates. The direction was strictly carried out, and awakened intense excitement among the people of Prague. Such determination had been expected from the Defensors, but not from the pastors.

Promptly, on the 21st of May, the second Protestant Diet was opened. Before the arrival of the hour it was clear that, in spite of the imperial prohibition, the meeting would not be less fully attended than had been that of March. Of the cities, indeed, only Kuttenberg, Kaur̃imKouřim [sic], Chrudim, Beraun, Jungbunzlau, and Schlan sent deputies. But even this little company, in view of the menaces of the government and the mute attitude of Prague, was noteworthy. The nobility were more numerously represented than before. Not all, however, who had arrived in Prague were as yet in the Carolinum, where the sessions were to be held, when two officials, sent by the Regents with a message, made their appearance there. The Emperor had again, in another letter, repeated his command for the closing of the Protestant Diet. He uttered himself as mildly as in the last, and declared that he had no intention to abridge the liberty of the Estates. The officers requested those present to betake themselves to the castle to learn the contents of this last imperial paper.

Scarcely a hundred persons, perhaps, obeyed from the start this request; but, like an avalanche, the company grew as it moved through the city towards its destination. Arrived at the castle, the Estates were invited into the hall of the Regents, and as there was not room for all, a part had to stand outside of the open doors. The chief