Page:Zawis and Kunigunde (1895).djvu/257



The sudden imprisonment of Zawis, and the expected interposition of imperial troops in concerns that had hitherto fallen exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Bohemian crown created some excitement. The barons shunned the palace, and incurred the enmity of the court party. The fatal temptation of imperial favor, although utterly insincere, had begun to produce its effect. A semblance of judicial proceedings must be maintained.

Accordingly a full council assembled; and Zawis and Nicolas Jaroslav appeared, the former heavily manacled.

The latter, emboldened by his own integrity, adopted an injured tone, and demanded that some accusation, to which he might answer, should be presented. “Such has ever been the law and custom in Bohemia,” he averred.

“Before any man can be held to trial, or even made prisoner, a statement of the charge against him must be lodged in court. I demand a procedure according to the ancient rights of Bohemia.”

“Do you not believe,” inquired bishop Tobias, “that the lords spiritual and temporal here assembled are