Page:Zawis and Kunigunde (1895).djvu/49

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THE BATTLE
45

gress in civilization has been and must be founded. These combined forces are united in the spirit that directs the proceedings whereof our present surroundings form a part. Some of these principles apply to one side and some to the other. The countries beyond us are agitated by this new spirit which has long been in contention with the older one that expressed itself in native efforts at patriotism more or less wise. The collision has attained its extreme of violence on the scene where we now find ourselves. It is not two men, nor even two ambitions or dynasties, that contend in this vicinity. The old investigating philosophy and the new superstition are the real antagonists. It is the realm of reason and reasonableness in contention with the factilious fear that begets ferocity, that meet on this battle-ground That is what I regard as the issue now pending in close proximity to where we are seated.

“Rudolph is not ignorant of the real nature of the contest, or who is the real commander-in-chief. He takes his orders from Rome. He is poor; he is ambitious, restless in temper; and he regards the blinding power of the superstitious imagination as at present the stronger party, and therefore the more useful ally. He has made his contract accordingly. If I have not forgotten the school of Sora I would add that this determination springs from a fixed natare which will descend to Rudolph’s line. Otakar has been stung to indignation and imprudence by the duplicity of his former friend of Rome, and the subtle craft of his imperial antagonist. The Tchekh