[388] The following nine reasons for the long continuance of the Empire in the House of Hapsburg are given by Pfeffinger (_Vitriarius Illustratus_), writing early in the eighteenth century:-- 1. The great power of Austria. 2. Her wealth, now that the Empire was so poor. 3. The majority of Catholics among the electors. 4. Her fortunate matrimonial alliances. 5. Her moderation. 6. The memory of benefits conferred by her. 7. The example of evils that had followed a departure from the blood of former Cæsars. 8. The fear of the confusion that would ensue if she were deprived of the crown. 9. Her own eagerness to have it. [389] The Pope undertook a journey to Vienna to mollify Joseph, and met with a sufficiently cold reception. When he saw the famous minister Kaunitz and gave him his hand to kiss, Kaunitz took it and shook it. [390] 'You are in your own house: be the master.' [391] Joseph II was foiled in his attempt to assert them. [392] Goethe spent some time in studying law at Wetzlar among those who practised in the Kammergericht. [393] Cf. Pütter, _Historical Developement of the Political Constitution of the German Empire_, vol. iii. [394] Frederick the Great said of the Diet, 'Es ist ein Schattenbild, eine Versammlung aus Publizisten die mehr mit Formalien als mit Sachen sich beschäftigen, und, wie Hofhunde, den Mond anbellen.' [395] Cf. Haüsser, _Deutsche Geschichte_; Introduction. [396] Quoted by Haüsser. [397] Rotteck and Welcker, _Staats Lexikon_, s. v. 'Deutsches Reich.' [398] _Deutschlands Erwartungen vom Fürstenbunde_, quoted in the _Staats Lexikon_. CHAPTER XX. FALL OF THE EMPIRE. [Sidenote: Francis II, 1792-1806.] [Sidenote: Napoleon, Emperor of the West.] [Sidenote: Belief of Napoleon that he was the successor of Charlemagne.] [Sidenote: Attitude of the Papacy towards Napoleon.]