CHAPTER IX.
WIDOW PLEADS FOR THE BODY OF HER DEAD HUSBAND.
During the following month of March, 1279, Rudolph, Albert, Bruno bishop of Olmütz, and Brother Primus held a solemn conference at Vienna. Each came to the meeting the representative of a distinct power, then struggling for pre-eminence, to some extent, in rivalry of the others. Rudolph embodied the imperial power on the new basis, assumed since his election, of abandoning German claims in Italy and seeking a compensation of equal importance in the eastern provinces of Europe. Albert strove to establish the principle of a new sovereignty, distinct from the empire with its center at Vienna. Bruno maintained the cause of Rome, then putting forth ceaseless efforts to include the Greek provinces within its jurisdiction. Brother Primus advocated the foundation ofa religious-military authority on the principle of knightly organization, but directed against heresy in all its forms. This new combination he strove to constitute a permanent jurisdiction combined with the others.
“A new era opens before us,” said Rudolph abruptly; “we must confront fresh combinations. For cen-
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