It is affecting to observe in the history of Germany, through what woes humanity has passed in attaining even its present position of civilization. It is to be hoped that the human family may never again suffer what it has already endured. We shall be indeed insane if we do not gain some wisdom from the struggles and the calamities of those who have gone before us. The narrative of the career of the Austrian Empire, must, by contrast, excite emotions of gratitude in every American bosom. Our lines have fallen to us in pleasant places; we have a goodly heritage.
It is the author's intention soon to issue, as the second of this series, the History of the Empire of Russia.
CHAPTER I. RHODOLPH OF HAPSBURG. From 1232 to 1291.
Hawk's Castle.--Albert, Count of Hapsburg.--Rhodolph of Hapsburg.--His Marriage and Estates.--Excommunication and its Results.--His Principles of Honor.--A Confederacy of Barons.--Their Route.--Rhodolph's Election as Emperor of Germany.--The Bishop's Warning.--Dissatisfaction at the Result of the Election.--Advantages accruing from the Possession of an interesting Family.--Conquest.--Ottocar acknowledges the Emperor; yet breaks his Oath of Allegiance.--Gathering Clouds.--Wonderful Escape.--Victory of Rhodolph.--His Reforms. Page 17
CHAPTER II. REIGNS OF ALBERT I., FREDERIC, ALBERT AND OTHO. From 1291 to 1347.
Anecdotes of Rhodolph.--His Desire for the Election of his Son.--His Death.--Albert.--His Unpopularity.--Conspiracy of the Nobles.--Their Defeat.--Adolphus of Nassau chosen Emperor.--Albert's Conspiracy.-- Deposition of Adolphus and Election of Albert.--Death of Adolphus.--The Pope Defied.--Annexation of Bohemia.--Assassination of Albert.--Avenging Fury.--The Hermit's Direction.--Frederic the Handsome.--Election of Henry, Count of Luxemburg.--His Death.--Election of Louis of Bavaria.--Capture of Frederic.--Remarkable Confidence toward a Prisoner.--Death of Frederic.--An early Engagement.--Death of Louis.--Accession of Albert. Page 34
CHAPTER III. RHODOLPH II., ALBERT IV. AND ALBERT V. From 1389 to 1437.
Rhodolph II.--Marriage of John to Margaret.--Intriguing for the Tyrol.--Death of Rhodolph.--Accession of Power to Austria.--Dividing the Empire.--Delight of the Emperor Charles.--Leopold.--His Ambition and successes.--Hedwige, Queen of Poland.--"The Course of true Love never did run smooth."--Unhappy Marriage of Hedwige.--Heroism of Arnold of Winkelreid.--Death of Leopold.--Death of Albert IV.--Accession Of Albert V.--Attempts of Sigismond to bequeath to Albert V. Hungary and Bohemia. Page 48