Page:Zawis and Kunigunde (1895).djvu/182



The dreary winter dragged itself slowly away, all the more noticeably dilatory as men’s hopes had confidently centered in the revival of national autonomy, at least nominally, at the close of Otto’s term of regency. In May, 1283, the emperor expressed himself satisfied that peace and obedience were assured in Bohemia. A numerous cavalcade, unexpectedly brilliant, conducted young Wenzel to Prague. Here a faded court in some degree restored, and also disappointed public expectation. The young queen came surrounded with attendants exclusively foreign. But the government administered by aliens created violent, albeit suppressed antagonism. The boy king yearned for the presence and sympathy of his mother, whom he had not seen during more than four years. Queen Kunigunde, Zawis and their son, with a few chosen attendants, assumed at Wenzel’s special command a permanent residence in the royal palace; and all parties yielded pre-eminence to the commanding mind, energy, and dignity of Lord Zawis, as the person best capable of directing state affairs in the present emergency. Zawis knew, counseled, directed, and soon controlled by the force of his per-