"Henry's weakness is fatal to the princes of Germany," said Frederick. "He became emperor without having any of the qualifications and he has succeeded in causing all the princes to join together against him."
"Yes," responded the commander, "but his courage is greater than his luck."
"He should have joined to his courage a better behavior," said Mersburg, "and not take along with him a crowd of mistresses who only weaken his moral and physical strength."
"It is rare," said the officer, "that a ruler, no matter how important it may be for him to set an example, have other morals than those of his century. You know what kind we have in this century. To give you an example, the Emperor in trying to control the election of the Pope, succeeded in stimulating the jealousy of Alexander II who had his competitor removed. You will admit that the rules of morality suffer from such a procedure."
"Princes should not have anything to do with the affairs of the Church," said Frederick, "except to prevent the Church from usurping the authority of the state; and that is precisely what Henry has not done and what has caused so many wars in all parts of Germany. Saxony especially which has just come from a state of paganism should not be forced to accept what comes from the priests and you will admit that this country has been interfered with too much."
"There is one thing bad in all governments," said the officer, "It is that it is very rare that politics are in harmony with the fundamental principles of custom and religion."
"Do you know why?" asked Frederick.
"I am trying to find the reason."
"It is," responded the prince, "because the rules of politics are perpetually in opposition with the customs and religion. As a result of this, the sovereign whose policy is to try to make his subjects happy, finds that he is obliged to go against his first instincts of honor. The government of Henry furnishes a very good example of this. This ruler offends the morals by leaving his wife, the daughter of the Marquis of Ferrare, by whom he has had no children. He takes with him some mistresses who will give him what he needs to keep the throne in his
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