Electors): they two did it. Archbishop of Mainz had himself a
pleasant accidental acquaintance with Rudolf,--a night's lodging
once at Hapsburg, with escort over the Hills, in dangerous
circumstances;--and might the more readily be made to understand
what qualities the man now had; and how, in justness of insight,
toughness of character, and general strength of bridle-hand, this
actually might be the adequate man.


KAISER RUDOLF AND BURGGRAF FRIEDRICH III.

Last time we saw Rudolf, near thirty years ago, he was some
equerry or subaltern dignitary among the Ritters of King Ottocar,
doing a Crusade against the Prussian Heathen, and seeing his
master found Konigsberg in that country. Changed times now!
Ottocar King of Bohemia, who (by the strong hand mainly, and money
to Richard of Cornwall, in the late troubles) has become Duke of
Austria and much else, had himself expected the Kaisership; and of
all astonished men, King Ottocar was probably the most astonished
at the choice made. A dread sovereign, fierce, and terribly
opulent, and every way resplendent to such degree; and this
threadbare Swiss gentleman-at-arms, once "my domestic" (as Ottocar
loved to term it), preferred to me! Flat insanity, King Ottocar
thought; refused to acknowledge such a Kaiser; would not in the
least give up his unjust properties, or even do homage for them or
the others.

But there also Rudolf contrived to be ready for him. Rudolf
invaded his rich Austrian territories; smote down Vienna, and
all resistance that there was; [1276 (Kohler, p. 253).] forced