Page:Zawis and Kunigunde (1895).djvu/146

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142
MARRIAGE OF ZAWIS AND KUNIGUNDE

small harvest. Gradually from year to year the area of culture spread; many exiles returned to re-occupy now weedy and shrub-grown fields. Forest and camp restored a few more for the tillage of the soil, and Bohemia arose as if from the dead. Not until then did Pietro and Eudocia depart for their destined duties in Gran. Here Pietro assumed the office vacated by Prokop two years previously, and with Eudocia renewed avowed Waldensian ministrations among the rapidly increasing Christian community of that place.

During this interval Queen Kunigunde resided at Kœnigin-gratz, whither imperial jealousy had banished her from Prague; and the fidelity of some Bohemian nobles had provided a modest maintenance according to the known purpose of the deceased king. At this place, in the early spring of 1280, a small company of strangers quietly assembled. These persons consisted of some Bohemian lords of the queen’s party who perceived the necessity of sustaining thefortunes of the royal house now represented only by young Wenzel, detained out of the kingdom by Otto of Brandenburg, and according to general report treated with harshness and neglect.

Here arrived a cortege that had been expected and prepared for, Lord Zawis and his sister Lady Ludmila, Lord Drda, several retainers, i ncluding Prokop, and two servants, Teresa and Milada from Fürstenberg. Both companies assembled in the queen’s residence. Documents had been prepared and were now spread before the company. All being seated,