The Empire of Austria; Its Rise and Present Power | Page 4

Character of Francis, Duke of Lorraine.--Policy of European
Courts.--Plan of the Allies.--Siege of Prague.--Desperate Condition of
the Queen--Her Coronation in Hungary.--Enthusiasm of the
Barons.--Speech of Maria Theresa.--Peace with Frederic of
Prussia.--His Duplicity.--Military Movement of the Duke of
Lorraine.--Battle of Chazleau.--Second Treaty with
Frederic.--Despondency of the Duke of Bavaria.--March of
Mallebois.--Extraordinary Retreat of Belleisle.--Recovery of Prague by
the Queen. Page 427

CHAPTER XXVIII.
MARIA THERESA. From 1743 to 1748.
Prosperous Aspect of Austrian Affairs.--Capture of Egea.--Vast Extent
of Austria.--Dispute with Sardinia.--Marriage of Charles of Lorraine
with the Queen's Sister.--Invasion of Alsace.--Frederic overruns
Bohemia.--Bohemia recovered by Prince Charles.--Death of the

Emperor Charles VII.--Venality of the old Monarchies.--Battle of
Hohenfriedberg.--Sir Thomas Robinson's Interview with Maria
Theresa.--Hungarian Enthusiasm.--The Duke of Lorraine Elected
Emperor.--Continuation of the War.--Treaty of Peace.--Indignation of
Maria Theresa. Page 444

CHAPTER XXIX.
MARIA THERESA. From 1748 to 1759.
Treaty of Peace.--Dissatisfaction of Maria Theresa.--Preparation for
War.--Rupture between England and Austria.--Maria
Theresa.--Alliance with France.--Influence of Marchioness of
Pompadour.--Bitter Reproaches between Austria And
England.--Commencement of the Seven Years' War.-- Energy of
Frederic of Prussia.--Sanguinary Battles.--Vicissitudes of
War.--Desperate Situation of Frederic.--Elation of Maria Theresa.--Her
Ambitious Plans.--Awful Defeat of the Prussians at Berlin. Page 461

CHAPTER XXX.
MARIA THERESA. From 1759 to 1780.
Desolations of War.--Disasters of Prussia.--Despondency of Frederic.--
Death of the Empress Elizabeth.--Accession of Paul III.--Assassination
of Paul III.--Accession Of Catharine.--Discomfiture of the Austrians.--
Treaty of Peace.--Election of Joseph to the Throne of the
Empire.--Death of Francis.--Character of Francis.--Anecdotes.--Energy
of Maria Theresa.--Poniatowski.--Partition of Poland.--Maria Theresa
as a Mother.--War with Bavaria.--Peace.--Death of Maria
Theresa.--Family of the Empress.--Accession of Joseph II.--His
Character. Page 478

CHAPTER XXXI.
JOSEPH II. AND LEOPOLD II. From 1780 to 1792.
Accession of Joseph II.--His Plans of Reform.--Pius VI.--Emancipation
of the Serfs.--Joseph's Visit to his Sister, Maria Antoinette.--Ambitious
Designs.--The Imperial Sleigh Ride.--Barges on the

Dneister.--Excursion to the Crimea.--War with Turkey.--Defeat of the
Austrians.--Great Successes.--Death of Joseph.--His
Character.--Accession of Leopold II.--His Efforts to confirm
Despotism.--The French Revolution.--European Coalition.--Death of
Leopold.--His Profligacy.--Accession of Francis II.--Present Extent and
Power of Austria.--Its Army.--Policy of the Government. Page 493

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.
In the small canton of Aargau, in Switzerland, on a rocky bluff of the
Wulpelsberg, there still remains an old baronial castle, called Hapsburg,
or Hawk's Castle. It was reared in the eleventh century, and was
occupied by a succession of warlike barons, who have left nothing to
distinguish themselves from the feudal lords whose castles, at that
period, frowned upon almost every eminence of Europe. In the year
1232 this castle was occupied by Albert, fourth Count of Hapsburg. He
had acquired some little reputation for military prowess, the only
reputation any one could acquire in that dark age, and became
ambitious of winning new laurels in the war with the infidels in the
holy land. Religious fanaticism and military ambition were then the
two great powers which ruled the human soul.
With the usual display of semi-barbaric pomp, Albert made

arrangements to leave his castle to engage in the perilous holy war
against the Saracens, from which few ever returned. A few years were
employed in the necessary preparations. At the sound of the bugle the
portcullis was raised, the drawbridge spanned the moat, and Albert, at
the head of thirty steel-clad warriors, with nodding plumes, and banners
unfurled, emerged from the castle, and proceeded to the neighboring
convent of Mari. His wife, Hedwige, and their three sons, Rhodolph,
Albert and Hartman, accompanied him to the chapel where the
ecclesiastics awaited his arrival. A multitude of vassals crowded around
to witness the imposing ceremonies of the church, as the banners were
blessed, and the knights, after having received the sacrament of the
Lord's Supper, were commended to the protection of God. Albert felt
the solemnity of the hour, and in solemn tones gave his farewell
address to his children.
"My sons," said the steel-clad warrior, "cultivate truth and piety; give
no ear to evil counselors, never engage in unnecessary war, but when
you are involved in war be strong and brave. Love peace even better
than your own personal interests. Remember that the counts of
Hapsburg did not attain their heights of reputation and glory by fraud,
insolence or selfishness, but by courage and devotion to the public weal.
As long as you follow their footsteps, you will not only retain, but
augment, the possessions and dignities of your illustrious ancestors."
The tears and sobs of his wife and family interrupted him while he
uttered these parting words. The