Page:Gregor The story of Bohemia.pdf/323

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To Ferdinand I.
311

them in Germany as frightful heretics, deserving the abhorrence of all faithful Christians.

THE EMBASSY TO CONSTANTINOPLE.

When the Bohemians were continually disappointed in their hopes to see Rokycan confirmed as archbishop, and also some provisions made for the carrying out of the Compactata, they concluded that it would be a good plan to seek help from the Greek Church in the East. An embassy was, therefore, fitted out to Constantinople. The delegates were received with the greatest kindness, and strong hopes were entertained of bringing the undertaking to a successful issue, when all these hope were dashed to the ground by the capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453.

KING LADISLAV.

In 1453, Frederick, taking with himself the Prince Ladislav, went to Rome to be crowned Emperor of Germany.

During his absence his lords rose in rebellion, gained possession of many cities, so that when he returned, he found himself surrounded by all manner of difficulties. The Bohemians embraced this opportunity to induce him to give up their prince. In the same year Ladislav was declared King of Bohemia, and George Poděbrad was appointed his regent, with the provision that he was to hold the governorship six years longer. This agreement put an end to all trouble; for Poděbrad’s government, backed by royal authority, was unquestionably accepted by all.

In the fall of 1453 the youthful king came to