“But can it hold what it has secured without a struggle?” said the Electoress. “God, who has helped us now, will help us again,” he answered. “Certainly, if those who are attached to our side do all in their power also,” replied the Electoress. “But how do matters stand in our country? You know we can do nothing without its approval. My brother asks in this letter whether he can surely depend upon us for money or for troops if necessary. You certainly understand the importance of the question.” The Chancellor looked thoughtful. “It must be acknowledged,” he said, “we cannot return an absolutely definite answer. Alas! the unfortunate divisions in our own church! On the one hand, Lutherans! On the other, Reformers! But we may yet accomplish in State affairs much that seems impossible if only we begin aright. Much depends upon him out there [pointing to the antechamber]. He enjoys the confidence of our gracious Elector—if he—” “He is a Catholic,” suddenly interposed the Margrave. “You know that well enough. He has betrayed the confidence of my brother.” Pruckmann signified assent. The Electoress replied: “Dear brother-in-law, perhaps you are going too far. Schwarzenberg has administered the affairs of the country for years with great wisdom.” “Only the more completely to deceive,” said the Margrave. “Again, you are going too far,” said the Electoress, “but we will hear what he himself has to say.” Schwarzenberg entered. He was a man of tall, commanding figure. The pallor of his sunken cheeks and high forehead spoke of physical weakness, the fire in his large black eyes of abundant mental strength. Upon his dark cloak he wore the insignia of the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John. His sword also indicated that he belonged to the order. It was long and broad, while that worn by the Chancellor was short and narrow. The Electoress communicated to him the contents of her brother’s letter. He listened to her with a gravity which showed he was deeply interested. At last he said: “Bohemia is a volcano which has been emitting fire and flame these two hundred years, thereby causing widespread devastation. One of its eruptions once swept across the frontier of Brandenburg. The gallant Bernese quenched it with their blood.” Thereupon Margrave Sigismund answered: “But who aroused the Bohemians’ wrath at that time? Who took from them their noblest man, the pious Huss? While he lived peace prevailed in the land. It was his shameful death and the attacks upon his followers that kindled Bohemian fury.”