Page:Zawis and Kunigunde (1895).djvu/136

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132
A WIDOW PLEADS

turies Bohemia has resisted our development. Now that power is effectually broken. They confronted us indeed recently, with the old spirit, notwithstanding the loss of their great prince; but the unity and resources of the kingdom have been shattered. Bohemia must blend with the empire. Poland, Silesia, Brandenburg, Austria, and the Adriatic provinces have been disposed of. Bohemia no longer possesses a coast or a harbor. Look to it, Albert, that your favorite policy of an Austrian empire to the East and South, shall include control of the Adriatic.”

“We are divided by mountains, jealousies, and tongues,” replied Albert. “Venice is still strong; Italy restless; Sicily controls commerce; Spain acquiring consolidation. Our first policy is to unify our populations.”

“In order to effect that purpose,” exclaimed Bruno, eagerly, “the authority of the holy father is essential. Through the one sacred Latin tongue, and uniformity of creed, alone can the newly acquired populations be harmonized. Our chief antagonist, Constantinople, has been humbled since 1204, and the glorious crusades have placed outer as well as inner Europe at our feet. By the former we have acquired military supremacy, and provinces; and by the latter we have possessed magistracies, dignities and lands easily acquired during the absence of leaders and defenders. Our monastic fortresses and garrisons hold internal Europe.”

“True, lord bishop,” observed brother Primus, “but while the crusades have thus benefited your outward