Page:Gregor The story of Bohemia.pdf/427

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To Close of Thirty Years’ War.
413

dictated that great care should be exercised so as not to alarm the country by a premature disclosure of these plans.

Before Maximilian took his departure to Bavaria, Prince Charles of Lichtenstein came to Prague, having been appointed by Ferdinand viceroy of the kingdom. As soon as he assumed control of the government, all those that had been sent into exile by the Directors now returned, the chief among these being the Jesuits, who again took possession of their college.

Meanwhile Buquoi marched into Moravia, where the authorities, encouraged by the presence of Bethlen Gabor, still remained in rebellion. Before the end of the year they, too, were compelled to surrender. At the same time the Elector of Saxony induced the Silesians to make a treaty of peace, promising to secure for them the confirmation of their political and religious liberties. As a result of this, Frederick, who had taken refuge in their capital, was obliged to leave the country.

Of all those that had taken part in the rebellion, General Mansfield alone remained in the field. He had his army in the western part of Bohemia; and while he remained in the land, it was sound policy for the emperor not to interfere in matters of religion; and this the more so since it was only on that condition that the Elector of Saxony was lending him his aid. Neither were there any preparations made to bring to trial the leaders of the rebellion; so that, depending upon the assurance of the Duke of Bavaria, many of those that had fled now returned, while others remained at home, trusting in this false security.