Chapter 1

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