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 laus shrewdly omitted the word Roman,—“and we have the best reason to believe that the valor which has distinguished your highness will be rivaled by that political sagacity which you have already exhibited on many occasions.”

“Your illustrious highness is requested,” replied Rudolph, “to accept our cordial thanks for the good wishes you have expressed. Hungary may rest assured that no provocation from our side shall be permitted to disturb the peace and amity that now happily unite that kingdom and the empire. The humiliation of King Bela on the Marchfield has been effaced. In order now to exhibit to your illustrious highness the consideration in which we hold your wisdom, I request you to favor me with your views on the proper course to be taken in the present conjuncture. These states are now without a formal government capable of exercising concentrated authority, however useful their local assemblies may be. The heir to the ancient throne of Bohemia is but a child. The country must be placed as speedily as possible in subordination to constituted authority. Your highness’ views will be most welcome.”

“The electorate is not a numerous body,” rejoined Ladislaus. “The reduction of one vote will not only be a serious step in itself as tending to alienate a kingdom, never more than half acquired, from all participation in imperial affairs; and any assault on the body of the electoral college will be certainly resented by the other electors, who will all be alarmed at the prospect of an attack on themselves. The