with Ottokar concerning the double wedding of the royal children was again renewed; and lest something should again happen to prevent carrying out the plan, the marriage ceremony was actually performed. Guta, the daughter of Rudolph, was married to Václav, and Agnes, the sister of Václav, to Rudolph’s son, of the same name. As none of the children were more than ten years old, they still remained with their parents, Václav living with his mother in Prague.
Otto of Brandenburg was made regent of Bohemia, and appointed guardian of the young prince.
OTTO OF BRANDENBURG.
After the departure of Rudolph from Bohemia, the greatest disorder and misery prevailed. The regent filled the land with swarms of favorites brought from Brandenburg, whose interest in the country extended no further than their own purses. These favorites held the most lucrative positions; but, not being satisfied with their incomes, they got money from the people by the most cruel extortions.
The native lords added to the state of anarchy that prevailed by forcibly seizing the estates that had been given them by Václav I, but taken away by his son, Premysl Ottokar. Instead of putting down such disturbances, Otto encouraged them, since they gave him the opportunity to interfere and obtain rich rewards from those enjoying his favor. Not satisfied with this, he plundered the churches and monasteries of their wealth, enriching thus his own estates in Germany. Entering into an understanding with some of the native lords, he deprived the queen of her estates, using the income for his own benefit; and finally
