feated Albert, and compelled him to retreat with loss and disgrace (November, 1426).
That the cause of the emperor did not look very hopeful is proved by the fact that Ulric of Rosenberg, one of the stanchest of Catholics, made a treaty of peace with the Taborites, and that against the earnest remonstrance of the emperor, who wrote to him as follows: “All good people can see how the Taborites are striving to inveigle you and some other lords into their snares; but, for Heaven’s sake, take counsel together and devise some means of saving yourself without being taken in so shamefully by those knaves.” But Ulric, looking to his own safety, and to the preservation of his estates, gave no heed to these words.
THE FALL OF SIGMUND CORVINUS.
The Polish prince, Sigmund Corvinus, was at all times greatly beloved by the people; but not reading aright the signs of the times, he committed an act of indiscretion, which at once hurled him from the pinnacle of his glory, and almost cost him his life.
After the war had continued so many years and no definite results were secured, the people began to grow weary, and a great reaction set in, in regard to religious matters. The people of Prague spoke with displeasure of the extreme views of the Taborites, and even declared the teachings of Wycliffe heretical. The followers of Hus now began to fear that if the teachings of the English reformer were allowed to fall into disrepute, the same fate would inevitably follow those of their own great teacher; and to prevent such a misfortune a grand disputation was appointed to be held during the Christmas holidays.
