province of the empire instead of an accretion or adjunct to it; andin religion we are to be subordinated completely to the deadening influence of Roman subtlety that is to leave us no thought which it does not suggest, and no mind but such as merges in blind veneration for Roman dogmatism. The leavening process in both respects will now be intensified with more material and more fervor than ever. We are scarcely ina condition to resist, much less to counteract either. Wisdom indeed must that statesman possess who can preserve his country from sucha combination of perils.”
“Surely I can perform my partin this great duty,” earnestly pleaded Kunigunde. “Indeed, dear Zawis, you can command my utmost devotion.”
“So far as I can at present perceive the propriety of your action, dear Kunigunde,” thoughtfully rejoined Zawis, “it will consist in prudent silence and watchfulness. First, our house will be the resort of spies sent hither by the emperor and his agents and masters, both lay and clerical. I perceive plots and counterplots. They will watch who comes and goes in order to find who are our friends and partizans. Next, our own countrymen will plan and combine. Your wisdom towards them will consist of friendliness and in showing them consideration. Bohemian eratitude is composed largely of earnestness for favors yet in expectancy. The few official positions to be bestowed, after the young king’s restoration, poorly paid and uncertain, will speedily develop a host of applicants.
