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 “Your highness may not be aware,” said Solomon, “that since the last unhappy effort of your illustrious father, large sums are due to members of my nation at Brünn, Olmütz, and also in Hungary. These claims have not been pressed, as we know the exhausted condition of Bohemia. They form now a serious demand which the Hungarian court has promised to enforce, all the more rigorously as the lady Judith expects of her brother vengeance for the dreadful injuries committed against her. I am authorized to grant acquittance of these claims on the same terms suggested by my lord of Osterna.”

“Your highness certainly does not recall the fact,” remarked Prokop, “and I believe it has been studiously concealed, that as the honored and lamented Queen Kunigunde’s chaplain I administered the rite of baptism that admitted the heir to the Bohemian throne into the church. Your highness, however, is aware that the lamented queen, your royal mother, as a Russian princess, favored the Greek communion, and largely aided in promoting sympathy with that expression of our faith throughout Bohemia. Her highness’ almost sudden demise deprived your royal mind of that affection, and that wise statesmanship that at once formed the solace of your life, and the power of your throne.”

With much difficulty could Wenzel reply to these addresses. His heart was profoundly touched; and with an evident feeling of intense remorse, as well as of his personal subjection, he replied with emotion, “I am not the author of these proceedings. I would