ThesentenceofproscriptionpronouncedupontheElectorsoondetachedthefreecitiesfromtheUnion；andtheprincesquicklyfollowedtheirexample。Fortunateinpreservingtheirowndominions，theyabandonedtheElector，theirformerchief，totheEmperor’smercy，renouncedtheUnion，andvowednevertoreviveitagain。
ButwhilethusingloriouslytheGermanprincesdesertedtheunfortunateFrederick，andwhileBohemia，Silesia，andMoraviasubmittedtotheEmperor，asingleman，asoldieroffortune，whoseonlytreasurewashissword，ErnestCountMansfeld，dared，intheBohemiantownofPilsen，todefythewholepowerofAustria。
LeftwithoutassistanceafterthebattleofPraguebytheElector，towhoseservicehehaddevotedhimself，andevenuncertainwhetherFrederickwouldthankhimforhisperseverance，healoneforsometimeheldoutagainsttheimperialists，tillthegarrison，mutinyingforwantofpay，soldthetowntotheEmperor。
Undismayedbythisreverse，heimmediatelycommencednewleviesintheUpperPalatinate，andenlistedthedisbandedtroopsoftheUnion。
Anewarmyof20，000menwassoonassembledunderhisbanners，themoreformidabletotheprovinceswhichmightbetheobjectofitsattack，becauseitmustsubsistbyplunder。Uncertainwherethisswarmmightlight，theneighbouringbishopstrembledfortheirrichpossessions，whichofferedatemptingpreytoitsravages。But，pressedbytheDukeofBavaria，whonowenteredtheUpperPalatinate，Mansfeldwascompelledtoretire。
Eluding，byasuccessfulstratagem，theBavariangeneral，Tilly，whowasinpursuitofhim，hesuddenlyappearedintheLowerPalatinate，andtherewreakeduponthebishopricsoftheRhinetheseveritieshehaddesignedforthoseofFranconia。WhiletheimperialandBavarianalliesthusoverranBohemia，theSpanishgeneral，Spinola，hadpenetratedwithanumerousarmyfromtheNetherlandsintotheLowerPalatinate，which，however，thepacificationofUlmpermittedtheUniontodefend。
Buttheirmeasuresweresobadlyconcerted，thatoneplaceafteranotherfellintothehandsoftheSpaniards；andatlast，whentheUnionbrokeup，thegreaterpartofthecountrywasinthepossessionofSpain。
TheSpanishgeneral，Corduba，whocommandedthesetroopsaftertherecallofSpinola，hastilyraisedthesiegeofFrankenthal，whenMansfeldenteredtheLowerPalatinate。ButinsteadofdrivingtheSpaniardsoutofthisprovince，hehastenedacrosstheRhinetosecureforhisneedytroopsshelterandsubsistenceinAlsace。Theopencountriesonwhichthisswarmofmauraudersthrewthemselveswereconvertedintofrightfuldeserts，andonlybyenormouscontributionscouldthecitiespurchaseanexemptionfromplunder。Reinforcedbythisexpedition，MansfeldagainappearedontheRhinetocovertheLowerPalatinate。
Solongassuchanarmfoughtforhim，thecauseoftheElectorFrederickwasnotirretrievablylost。Newprospectsbegantoopen，andmisfortuneraisedupfriendswhohadbeensilentduringhisprosperity。
KingJamesofEngland，whohadlookedonwithindifferencewhilehisson-in-lawlosttheBohemiancrown，wasarousedfromhisinsensibilitywhentheveryexistenceofhisdaughterandgrandsonwasatstake，andthevictoriousenemyventuredanattackupontheElectorate。
Lateenough，heatlastopenedhistreasures，andhastenedtoaffordsuppliesofmoneyandtroops，firsttotheUnion，whichatthattimewasdefendingtheLowerPalatinate，andafterwards，whentheyretired，toCountMansfeld。
Byhismeanshisnearrelation，Christian，KingofDenmark，wasinducedtoaffordhisactivesupport。Atthesametime，theapproachingexpirationofthetrucebetweenSpainandHollanddeprivedtheEmperorofallthesupplieswhichotherwisehemightexpectfromthesideoftheNetherlands。MoreimportantstillwastheassistancewhichthePalatinatereceivedfromTransylvaniaandHungary。
ThecessationofhostilitiesbetweenGaborandtheEmperorwasscarcelyatanend，whenthisoldandformidableenemyofAustriaoverranHungaryanew，andcausedhimselftobecrownedkinginPresburg。
Sorapidwashisprogressthat，toprotectAustriaandHungary，BoucquoiwasobligedtoevacuateBohemia。ThisbravegeneralmethisdeathatthesiegeofNeuhausel，as，shortlybefore，thenolessvaliantDampierrehadfallenbeforePresburg。Gabor’smarchintotheAustrianterritorywasirresistible；theoldCountThurn，andseveralotherdistinguishedBohemians，hadunitedtheirhatredandtheirstrengthwiththisirreconcileableenemyofAustria。AvigorousattackonthesideofGermany，whileGaborpressedtheEmperoronthatofHungary，mighthaveretrievedthefortunesofFrederick；but，unfortunately，theBohemiansandGermanshadalwayslaiddowntheirarmswhenGabortookthefield；andthelatterwasalwaysexhaustedattheverymomentthattheformerbegantorecovertheirvigour。
MeanwhileFrederickhadnotdelayedtojoinhisprotectorMansfeld。
IndisguiseheenteredtheLowerPalatinate，ofwhichthepossessionwasatthattimedisputedbetweenMansfeldandtheBavariangeneral，Tilly，theUpperPalatinatehavingbeenlongconquered。Arayofhopeshoneuponhimas，fromthewreckoftheUnion，newfriendscameforward。
AformermemberoftheUnion，GeorgeFrederick，MargraveofBaden，hadforsometimebeenengagedinassemblingamilitaryforce，whichsoonamountedtoaconsiderablearmy。ItsdestinationwaskeptasecrettillhesuddenlytookthefieldandjoinedMansfeld。
Beforecommencingthewar，heresignedhisMargraviatetohisson，inthehopeofeluding，bythisprecaution，theEmperor’srevenge，ifhisenterprizeshouldbeunsuccessful。Hisneighbour，theDukeofWirtemberg，likewisebegantoaugmenthismilitaryforce。
ThecourageofthePalatinerevived，andhelabouredassiduouslytorenewtheProtestantUnion。ItwasnowtimeforTillytoconsultforhisownsafety，andhehastilysummonedtheSpanishtroops，underCorduba，tohisassistance。Butwhiletheenemywasunitinghisstrength，MansfeldandtheMargraveseparated，andthelatterwasdefeatedbytheBavariangeneralnearWimpfen1622。
Todefendakingwhomhisnearestrelationpersecuted，andwhowasdesertedevenbyhisownfather-in-law，therehadcomeforwardanadventurerwithoutmoney，andwhoseverylegitimacywasquestioned。
Asovereignhadresignedpossessionsoverwhichhereignedinpeace，tohazardtheuncertainfortuneofwarinbehalfofastranger。
Andnowanothersoldieroffortune，poorinterritorialpossessions，butrichinillustriousancestry，undertookthedefenceofacausewhichtheformerdespairedof。Christian，DukeofBrunswick，administratorofHalberstadt，seemedtohavelearntfromCountMansfeldthesecretofkeepinginthefieldanarmyof20，000menwithoutmoney。
Impelledbyyouthfulpresumption，andinfluencedpartlybythewishofestablishinghisreputationattheexpenseoftheRomanCatholicpriesthood，whomhecordiallydetested，andpartlybyathirstforplunder，heassembledaconsiderablearmyinLowerSaxony，underthepretextofespousingthedefenceofFrederick，andofthelibertiesofGermany。
"God’sFriend，Priest’sFoe"，wasthemottohechoseforhiscoinage，whichwasstruckoutofchurchplate；andhisconductbeliedonehalfatleastofthedevice。
Theprogressofthesebandittiwas，asusual，markedbythemostfrightfuldevastation。EnrichedbythespoilsofthechaptersofLowerSaxonyandWestphalia，theygatheredstrengthtoplunderthebishopricsupontheUpperRhine。Drivenfromthence，bothbyfriendsandfoes，theAdministratorapproachedthetownofHoechstontheMaine，whichhecrossedafteramurderousactionwithTilly，whodisputedwithhimthepassageoftheriver。
Withthelossofhalfhisarmyhereachedtheoppositebank，wherehequicklycollectedhisshatteredtroops，andformedajunctionwithMansfeld。
PursuedbyTilly，thisunitedhostthrewitselfagainintoAlsace，torepeattheirformerravages。WhiletheElectorFrederickfollowed，almostlikeafugitivemendicant，thisswarmofplundererswhichacknowledgedhimasitslord，anddignifieditselfwithhisname，hisfriendswerebusilyendeavouringtoeffectareconciliationbetweenhimandtheEmperor。FerdinandtookcarenottodeprivethemofallhopeofseeingthePalatinerestoredtohisdominion。
Fullofartificeanddissimulation，hepretendedtobewillingtoenterintoanegotiation，hopingtherebytocooltheirardourinthefield，andtopreventthemfromdrivingmatterstoextremity。JamesI。，everthedupeofSpanishcunning，contributednotalittle，byhisfoolishintermeddling，topromotetheEmperor’sschemes。
FerdinandinsistedthatFrederick，ifhewouldappealtohisclemency，should，firstofall，laydownhisarms，andJamesconsideredthisdemandextremelyreasonable。Athisinstigation，theElectordismissedhisonlyrealdefenders，CountMansfeldandtheAdministrator，andinHollandawaitedhisownfatefromthemercyoftheEmperor。
MansfeldandDukeChristianwerenowatalossforsomenewname；
thecauseoftheElectorhadnotsettheminmotion，sohisdismissalcouldnotdisarmthem。Warwastheirobject；itwasallthesametotheminwhosecauseornameitwaswaged。AftersomevainattemptsonthepartofMansfeldtobereceivedintotheEmperor’sservice，bothmarchedintoLorraine，wheretheexcessesoftheirtroopsspreadterroreventotheheartofFrance。Heretheylongwaitedinvainforamasterwillingtopurchasetheirservices；tilltheDutch，pressedbytheSpanishGeneralSpinola，offeredtotakethemintopay。
AfterabloodyfightatFleuruswiththeSpaniards，whoattemptedtointerceptthem，theyreachedHolland，wheretheirappearancecompelledtheSpanishgeneralforthwithtoraisethesiegeofBergen-op-Zoom。ButevenHollandwassoonwearyofthesedangerousguests，andavailedherselfofthefirstmomenttogetridoftheirunwelcomeassistance。MansfeldallowedhistroopstorecruitthemselvesfornewenterprisesinthefertileprovinceofEastFriezeland。DukeChristian，passionatelyenamouredoftheElectressPalatine，withwhomhehadbecomeacquaintedinHolland，andmoredisposedforwarthanever，ledbackhisarmyintoLowerSaxony，bearingthatprincess’sgloveinhishat，andonhisstandardsthemotto"AllforGodandHer"。Neitheroftheseadventurershadasyetruntheircareerinthiswar。
Alltheimperialterritorieswerenowfreefromtheenemy；
theUnionwasdissolved；theMargraveofBaden，DukeChristian，andMansfeld，drivenfromthefield，andthePalatinateoverrunbytheexecutivetroopsoftheempire。ManheimandHeidelbergwereinpossessionofBavaria，andFrankenthalwasshortlyafterwardscededtotheSpaniards。ThePalatine，inadistantcornerofHolland，awaitedthedisgracefulpermissiontoappease，byabjectsubmission，thevengeanceoftheEmperor；andanElectoralDietwasatlastsummonedtodecidehisfate。Thatfate，however，hadbeenlongbeforedecidedatthecourtoftheEmperor；thoughnow，forthefirsttime，werecircumstancesfavourableforgivingpublicitytothedecision。AfterhispastmeasurestowardstheElector，Ferdinandbelievedthatasincerereconciliationwasnottobehopedfor。
Theviolentcoursehehadoncebegun，mustbecompletedsuccessfully，orrecoiluponhimself。Whatwasalreadylostwasirrecoverable；
Frederickcouldneverhopetoregainhisdominions；
andaprincewithoutterritoryandwithoutsubjectshadlittlechanceofretainingtheelectoralcrown。DeeplyasthePalatinehadoffendedagainsttheHouseofAustria，theservicesoftheDukeofBavariawerenolessmeritorious。IftheHouseofAustriaandtheRomanCatholicchurchhadmuchtodreadfromtheresentmentandreligiousrancourofthePalatinefamily，theyhadasmuchtohopefromthegratitudeandreligiouszealoftheBavarian。Lastly，bythecessionofthePalatineElectoratetoBavaria，theRomanCatholicreligionwouldobtainadecisivepreponderanceintheElectoralCollege，andsecureapermanenttriumphinGermany。
ThelastcircumstancewassufficienttowinthesupportofthethreeEcclesiasticalElectorstothisinnovation；
andamongtheProtestantsthevoteofSaxonywasaloneofanyimportance。
ButcouldJohnGeorgebeexpectedtodisputewiththeEmperoraright，withoutwhichhewouldexposetoquestionhisowntitletotheelectoraldignity？Toaprincewhomdescent，dignity，andpoliticalpowerplacedattheheadoftheProtestantchurchinGermany，nothing，itistrue，oughttobemoresacredthanthedefenceoftherightsofthatchurchagainstalltheencroachmentsoftheRomanCatholics。
ButthequestionherewasnotwhethertheinterestsoftheProtestantsweretobesupportedagainsttheRomanCatholics，butwhichoftworeligionsequallydetested，theCalvinisticandthePopish，wastotriumphovertheother；towhichofthetwoenemies，equallydangerous，thePalatinatewastobeassigned；andinthisclashingofoppositeduties，itwasnaturalthatprivatehateandprivategainshoulddeterminetheevent。ThebornprotectorofthelibertiesofGermany，andoftheProtestantreligion，encouragedtheEmperortodisposeofthePalatinatebyhisimperialprerogative；
andtoapprehendnoresistanceonthepartofSaxonytohismeasuresonthemeregroundofform。IftheElectorwasafterwardsdisposedtoretractthisconsent，Ferdinandhimself，bydrivingtheEvangelicalpreachersfromBohemia，wasthecauseofthischangeofopinion；and，intheeyesoftheElector，thetransferenceofthePalatineElectoratetoBavariaceasedtobeillegal，assoonasFerdinandwasprevailedupontocedeLusatiatoSaxony，inconsiderationofsixmillionsofdollars，astheexpensesofthewar。
Thus，indefianceofallProtestantGermany，andinmockeryofthefundamentallawsoftheempire，which，ashiselection，hehadsworntomaintain，FerdinandatRatisbonsolemnlyinvestedtheDukeofBavariawiththePalatinate，withoutprejudice，astheformran，totherightswhichtherelationsordescendantsofFrederickmightafterwardsestablish。Thatunfortunateprincethussawhimselfirrevocablydrivenfromhispossessions，withouthavingbeenevenheardbeforethetribunalwhichcondemnedhim——aprivilegewhichthelawallowstothemeanestsubject，andeventothemostatrociouscriminal。
ThisviolentstepatlastopenedtheeyesoftheKingofEngland；
andasthenegociationsforthemarriageofhissonwiththeInfantaofSpainwerenowbrokenoff，Jamesbeganseriouslytoespousethecauseofhisson-in-law。AchangeintheFrenchministryhadplacedCardinalRichelieuattheheadofaffairs，andthisfallenkingdomsoonbegantofeelthatagreatmindwasatthehelmofstate。TheattemptsoftheSpanishViceroyinMilantogainpossessionoftheValtelline，andthustoformajunctionwiththeAustrianhereditarydominions，revivedtheoldendreadofthispower，andwithitthepolicyofHenrytheGreat。ThemarriageofthePrinceofWaleswithHenriettaofFrance，establishedacloseunionbetweenthetwocrowns；
andtothisalliance，Holland，Denmark，andsomeoftheItalianstatespresentlyacceded。Itsobjectwastoexpel，byforceofarms，SpainfromtheValtelline，andtocompelAustriatoreinstateFrederick；
butonlythefirstofthesedesignswasprosecutedwithvigour。
JamesI。died，andCharlesI。，involvedindisputeswithhisParliament，couldnotbestowattentionontheaffairsofGermany。SavoyandVenicewithheldtheirassistance；andtheFrenchministerthoughtitnecessarytosubduetheHuguenotsathome，beforehesupportedtheGermanProtestantsagainsttheEmperor。Greataswerethehopeswhichhadbeenformedfromthisalliance，theywereyetequalledbythedisappointmentoftheevent。
Mansfeld，deprivedofallsupport，remainedinactiveontheLowerRhine；
andDukeChristianofBrunswick，afteranunsuccessfulcampaign，wasasecondtimedrivenoutofGermany。AfreshirruptionofBethlenGaborintoMoravia，frustratedbythewantofsupportfromtheGermans，terminated，likealltherest，inaformalpeacewiththeEmperor。
TheUnionwasnomore；noProtestantprincewasinarms；
andonthefrontiersofLowerGermany，theBavarianGeneralTilly，attheheadofavictoriousarmy，encampedintheProtestantterritory。
ThemovementsoftheDukeofBrunswickhaddrawnhimintothisquarter，andevenintothecircleofLowerSaxony，whenhemadehimselfmasteroftheAdministrator’smagazinesatLippstadt。Thenecessityofobservingthisenemy，andpreventinghimfromnewinroads，wasthepretextassignedforcontinuingTilly’sstayinthecountry。
But，intruth，bothMansfeldandDukeChristianhad，fromwantofmoney，disbandedtheirarmies，andCountTillyhadnoenemytodread。Why，then，stillburdenthecountrywithhispresence？
Itisdifficult，amidsttheuproarofcontendingparties，todistinguishthevoiceoftruth；butcertainlyitwasmatterforalarmthattheLeaguedidnotlaydownitsarms。TheprematurerejoicingsoftheRomanCatholics，too，werecalculatedtoincreaseapprehension。
TheEmperorandtheLeaguestoodarmedandvictoriousinGermanywithoutapowertoopposethem，shouldtheyventuretoattacktheProtestantstatesandtoannulthereligioustreaty。
HadFerdinandbeeninrealityfarfromdisposedtoabusehisconquests，stillthedefencelesspositionoftheProtestantswasmostlikelytosuggestthetemptation。Obsoleteconventionscouldnotbindaprincewhothoughtthatheowedalltoreligion，andbelievedthatareligiouscreedwouldsanctifyanydeed，howeverviolent。UpperGermanywasalreadyoverpowered。
LowerGermanyalonecouldcheckhisdespoticauthority。HeretheProtestantsstillpredominated；thechurchhadbeenforciblydeprivedofmostofitsendowments；andthepresentappearedafavourablemomentforrecoveringtheselostpossessions。AgreatpartofthestrengthoftheLowerGermanprincesconsistedintheseChapters，andthepleaofrestoringitsowntothechurch，affordedanexcellentpretextforweakeningtheseprinces。
Unpardonablewouldhavebeentheirnegligence，hadtheyremainedinactiveinthisdanger。TheremembranceoftheravageswhichTilly’sarmyhadcommittedinLowerSaxonywastoorecentnottoarousetheEstatestomeasuresofdefence。Withallhaste，thecircleofLowerSaxonybegantoarmitself。Extraordinarycontributionswerelevied，troopscollected，andmagazinesfilled。NegociationsforsubsidiesweresetonfootwithVenice，Holland，andEngland。Theydeliberated，too，whatpowershouldbeplacedattheheadoftheconfederacy。
ThekingsoftheSoundandtheBaltic，thenaturalalliesofthiscircle，wouldnotseewithindifferencetheEmperortreatingitasaconqueror，andestablishinghimselfastheirneighbourontheshoresoftheNorthSea。
ThetwofoldinterestsofreligionandpolicyurgedthemtoputastoptohisprogressinLowerGermany。ChristianIV。ofDenmark，asDukeofHolstein，washimselfaprinceofthiscircle，andbyconsiderationsequallypowerful，GustavusAdolphusofSwedenwasinducedtojointheconfederacy。
ThesetwokingsviedwitheachotherforthehonourofdefendingLowerSaxony，andofopposingtheformidablepowerofAustria。Eachofferedtoraiseawell-disciplinedarmy，andtoleaditinperson。HisvictoriouscampaignsagainstMoscowandPolandgaveweighttothepromisesoftheKingofSweden。
TheshoresoftheBalticwerefullofthenameofGustavus。
ButthefameofhisrivalexcitedtheenvyoftheDanishmonarch；
andthemoresuccesshepromisedhimselfinthiscampaign，thelessdisposedwashetoshowanyfavourtohisenviedneighbour。
BothlaidtheirconditionsandplansbeforetheEnglishministry，andChristianIV。finallysucceededinoutbiddinghisrival。
GustavusAdolphus，forhisownsecurity，haddemandedthecessionofsomeplacesofstrengthinGermany，wherehehimselfhadnoterritories，toafford，incaseofneed，aplaceofrefugeforhistroops。
ChristianIV。possessedHolsteinandJutland，throughwhich，intheeventofadefeat，hecouldalwayssecurearetreat。
Eagertogetthestartofhiscompetitor，theKingofDenmarkhastenedtotakethefield。AppointedgeneralissimoofthecircleofLowerSaxony，hesoonhadanarmyof60，000meninmotion；theadministratorofMagdeburg，andtheDukesofBrunswickandMecklenburgh，enteredintoanalliancewithhim。EncouragedbythehopeofassistancefromEngland，andthepossessionofsolargeaforce，heflatteredhimselfheshouldbeabletoterminatethewarinasinglecampaign。
AtVienna，itwasofficiallynotifiedthattheonlyobjectofthesepreparationswastheprotectionofthecircle，andthemaintenanceofpeace。ButthenegociationswithHolland，England，andevenFrance，theextraordinaryexertionsofthecircle，andtheraisingofsoformidableanarmy，seemedtohavesomethingmoreinviewthandefensiveoperations，andtocontemplatenothinglessthanthecompleterestorationoftheElectorPalatine，andthehumiliationofthedreadedpowerofAustria。
Afternegociations，exhortations，commands，andthreatshadinvainbeenemployedbytheEmperorinordertoinducetheKingofDenmarkandthecircleofLowerSaxonytolaydowntheirarms，hostilitiescommenced，andLowerGermanybecamethetheatreofwar。CountTilly，marchingalongtheleftbankoftheWeser，madehimselfmasterofallthepassesasfarasMinden。AfteranunsuccessfulattackonNieuburg，hecrossedtheriverandoverrantheprincipalityofCalemberg，inwhichhequarteredhistroops。Thekingconductedhisoperationsontherightbankoftheriver，andspreadhisforcesovertheterritoriesofBrunswick，buthavingweakenedhismainbodybytoopowerfuldetachments，hecouldnotengageinanyenterpriseofimportance。
Awareofhisopponent’ssuperiority，heavoidedadecisiveactionasanxiouslyasthegeneraloftheLeaguesoughtit。
WiththeexceptionofthetroopsfromtheSpanishNetherlands，whichhadpouredintotheLowerPalatinate，theEmperorhadhithertomadeuseonlyofthearmsofBavariaandtheLeagueinGermany。
Maximilianconductedthewarasexecutorofthebanoftheempire，andTilly，whocommandedthearmyofexecution，wasintheBavarianservice。
TheEmperorowedsuperiorityinthefieldtoBavariaandtheLeague，andhisfortuneswereintheirhands。Thisdependenceontheirgoodwill，butillaccordedwiththegrandschemes，whichthebrilliantcommencementofthewarhadledtheimperialcabinettoform。
HoweveractivetheLeaguehadshownitselfintheEmperor’sdefence，whiletherebyitsecureditsownwelfare，itcouldnotbeexpectedthatitwouldenterasreadilyintohisviewsofconquest。Or，iftheystillcontinuedtolendtheirarmiesforthatpurpose，itwastoomuchtobefearedthattheywouldsharewiththeEmperornothingbutgeneralodium，whiletheyappropriatedtothemselvesalladvantages。AstrongarmyunderhisownorderscouldalonefreehimfromthisdebasingdependenceuponBavaria，andrestoretohimhisformerpre-eminenceinGermany。Butthewarhadalreadyexhaustedtheimperialdominions，andtheywereunequaltotheexpenseofsuchanarmament。Inthesecircumstances，nothingcouldbemorewelcometotheEmperorthantheproposalwithwhichoneofhisofficerssurprisedhim。
ThiswasCountWallenstein，anexperiencedofficer，andtherichestnoblemaninBohemia。FromhisearliestyouthhehadbeenintheserviceoftheHouseofAustria，andseveralcampaignsagainsttheTurks，Venetians，Bohemians，Hungarians，andTransylvanianshadestablishedhisreputation。HewaspresentascolonelatthebattleofPrague，andafterwards，asmajor-general，haddefeatedaHungarianforceinMoravia。TheEmperor’sgratitudewasequaltohisservices，andalargeshareoftheconfiscatedestatesoftheBohemianinsurgentswastheirreward。Possessedofimmenseproperty，excitedbyambitiousviews，confidentinhisowngoodfortune，andstillmoreencouragedbytheexistingstateofcircumstances，heoffered，athisownexpenseandthatofhisfriends，toraiseandclotheanarmyfortheEmperor，andevenundertookthecostofmaintainingit，ifhewereallowedtoaugmentitto50，000men。
Theprojectwasuniversallyridiculedasthechimericaloffspringofavisionarybrain；buttheofferwashighlyvaluable，ifitspromisesshouldbebutpartiallyfulfilled。CertaincirclesinBohemiawereassignedtohimasdepots，withauthoritytoappointhisownofficers。
Inafewmonthshehad20，000menunderarms，withwhich，quittingtheAustrianterritories，hesoonafterwardsappearedonthefrontiersofLowerSaxonywith30，000。TheEmperorhadlentthisarmamentnothingbuthisname。Thereputationofthegeneral，theprospectofrapidpromotion，andthehopeofplunder，attractedtohisstandardadventurersfromallquartersofGermany；
andevensovereignprinces，stimulatedbythedesireofgloryorofgain，offeredtoraiseregimentsfortheserviceofAustria。
Now，therefore，forthefirsttimeinthiswar，animperialarmyappearedinGermany；——aneventwhichifitwasmenacingtotheProtestants，wasscarcelymoreacceptabletotheCatholics。WallensteinhadorderstounitehisarmywiththetroopsoftheLeague，andinconjunctionwiththeBavariangeneraltoattacktheKingofDenmark。
ButlongjealousofTilly’sfame，heshowednodispositiontosharewithhimthelaurelsofthecampaign，orinthesplendourofhisrival’sachievementstodimthelustreofhisown。Hisplanofoperationswastosupportthelatter，buttoactentirelyindependentofhim。
Ashehadnotresources，likeTilly，forsupplyingthewantsofhisarmy，hewasobligedtomarchhistroopsintofertilecountrieswhichhadnotasyetsufferedfromwar。Disobeying，therefore，theordertoformajunctionwiththegeneraloftheLeague，hemarchedintotheterritoriesofHalberstadtandMagdeburg，andatDessaumadehimselfmasteroftheElbe。Allthelandsoneitherbankofthisriverwereathiscommand，andfromthemhecouldeitherattacktheKingofDenmarkintherear，or，ifprudent，entertheterritoriesofthatprince。
ChristianIV。wasfullyawareofthedangerofhissituationbetweentwosuchpowerfularmies。HehadalreadybeenjoinedbytheadministratorofHalberstadt，whohadlatelyreturnedfromHolland；henowalsoacknowledgedMansfeld，whompreviouslyhehadrefusedtorecognise，andsupportedhimtothebestofhisability。Mansfeldamplyrequitedthisservice。HealonekeptatbaythearmyofWallensteinupontheElbe，andpreventeditsjunctionwiththatofTilly，andacombinedattackontheKingofDenmark。Notwithstandingtheenemy’ssuperiority，thisintrepidgeneralevenapproachedthebridgeofDessau，andventuredtoentrenchhimselfinpresenceoftheimperiallines。
ButattackedintherearbythewholeforceoftheImperialists，hewasobligedtoyieldtosuperiornumbers，andtoabandonhispostwiththelossof3，000killed。Afterthisdefeat，MansfeldwithdrewintoBrandenburg，wherehesoonrecruitedandreinforcedhisarmy；
andsuddenlyturnedintoSilesia，withtheviewofmarchingfromthenceintoHungary；and，inconjunctionwithBethlenGabor，carryingthewarintotheheartofAustria。AstheAustriandominionsinthatquarterwereentirelydefenceless，WallensteinreceivedimmediateorderstoleavetheKingofDenmark，andifpossibletointerceptMansfeld’sprogressthroughSilesia。
ThediversionwhichthismovementofMansfeldhadmadeintheplansofWallenstein，enabledthekingtodetachapartofhisforceintoWestphalia，toseizethebishopricsofMunsterandOsnaburg。
Tocheckthismovement，TillysuddenlymovedfromtheWeser；
buttheoperationsofDukeChristian，whothreatenedtheterritoriesoftheLeaguewithaninroadinthedirectionofHesse，andtoremovethithertheseatofwar，recalledhimasrapidlyfromWestphalia。
Inordertokeepopenhiscommunicationwiththeseprovinces，andtopreventthejunctionoftheenemywiththeLandgraveofHesse，TillyhastilyseizedallthetenablepostsontheWerhaandFulda，andtookupastrongpositioninMinden，atthefootoftheHessianMountains，andattheconfluenceoftheseriverswiththeWeser。HesoonmadehimselfmasterofGoettingen，thekeyofBrunswickandHesse，andwasmeditatingasimilarattackuponNordheim，whenthekingadvanceduponhimwithhiswholearmy。Afterthrowingintothisplacethenecessarysuppliesforalongsiege，thelatterattemptedtoopenanewpassagethroughEichsfeldandThuringia，intotheterritoriesoftheLeague。
HehadalreadyreachedDuderstadt，whenTilly，byforcedmarches，cameupwithhim。AsthearmyofTilly，whichhadbeenreinforcedbysomeofWallenstein’sregiments，wassuperiorinnumberstohisown，theking，toavoidabattle，retreatedtowardsBrunswick。
ButTillyincessantlyharassedhisretreat，andafterthreedays’skirmishing，hewasatlengthobligedtoawaittheenemynearthevillageofLutterinBarenberg。TheDanesbegantheattackwithgreatbravery，andthricedidtheirintrepidmonarchleadtheminpersonagainsttheenemy；butatlengththesuperiornumbersanddisciplineoftheImperialistsprevailed，andthegeneraloftheLeagueobtainedacompletevictory。
TheDaneslostsixtystandards，andtheirwholeartillery，baggage，andammunition。Severalofficersofdistinctionandabout4，000menwerekilledinthefieldofbattle；andseveralcompaniesoffoot，intheflight，whohadthrownthemselvesintothetown-houseofLutter，laiddowntheirarmsandsurrenderedtotheconqueror。
Thekingfledwithhiscavalry，andsooncollectedthewreckofhisarmywhichhadsurvivedthisseriousdefeat。Tillypursuedhisvictory，madehimselfmasteroftheWeserandBrunswick，andforcedthekingtoretireintoBremen。Renderedmorecautiousbydefeat，thelatternowstooduponthedefensive；anddeterminedatalleventstopreventtheenemyfromcrossingtheElbe。Butwhilehethrewgarrisonsintoeverytenableplace，hereducedhisowndiminishedarmytoinactivity；
andoneafteranotherhisscatteredtroopswereeitherdefeatedordispersed。
TheforcesoftheLeague，incommandoftheWeser，spreadthemselvesalongtheElbeandHavel，andeverywheredrovetheDanesbeforethem。
TillyhimselfcrossingtheElbepenetratedwithhisvictoriousarmyintoBrandenburg，whileWallensteinenteredHolsteintoremovetheseatofwartotheking’sowndominions。
ThisgeneralhadjustreturnedfromHungarywhitherhehadpursuedMansfeld，withoutbeingabletoobstructhismarch，orpreventhisjunctionwithBethlenGabor。Constantlypersecutedbyfortune，butalwayssuperiortohisfate，Mansfeldhadmadehiswayagainstcountlessdifficulties，throughSilesiaandHungarytoTransylvania，where，afterall，hewasnotverywelcome。RelyingupontheassistanceofEngland，andapowerfuldiversioninLowerSaxony，GaborhadagainbrokenthetrucewiththeEmperor。Butinplaceoftheexpecteddiversioninhisfavour，MansfeldhaddrawnuponhimselfthewholestrengthofWallenstein，andinsteadofbringing，required，pecuniaryassistance。ThewantofconcertintheProtestantcounselscooledGabor’sardour；andhehastened，asusual，toavertthecomingstormbyaspeedypeace。Firmlydetermined，however，tobreakit，withthefirstrayofhope，hedirectedMansfeldinthemeantimetoapplyforassistancetoVenice。
CutofffromGermany，andunabletosupporttheweakremnantofhistroopsinHungary，Mansfeldsoldhisartilleryandbaggagetrain，anddisbandedhissoldiers。Withafewfollowers，heproceededthroughBosniaandDalmatia，towardsVenice。Newschemesswelledhisbosom；buthiscareerwasended。
Fate，whichhadsorestlesslysportedwithhimthroughout，nowpreparedforhimapeacefulgraveinDalmatia。DeathovertookhiminthevicinityofZarain1626，andashorttimebeforehimdiedthefaithfulcompanionofhisfortunes，Christian，DukeofBrunswick——
twomenworthyofimmortality，hadtheybutbeenassuperiortotheirtimesastheyweretotheiradversities。
TheKingofDenmark，withhiswholearmy，wasunabletocopewithTillyalone；
muchless，therefore，withashatteredforcecouldheholdhisgroundagainstthetwoimperialgenerals。TheDanesretiredfromalltheirpostsontheWeser，theElbe，andtheHavel，andthearmyofWallensteinpouredlikeatorrentintoBrandenburg，Mecklenburg，HolsteinandSleswick。
Thatgeneral，tooproudtoactinconjunctionwithanother，haddispatchedTillyacrosstheElbe，towatch，ashegaveout，themotionsoftheDutchinthatquarter；butinrealitythathemightterminatethewaragainsttheking，andreapforhimselfthefruitsofTilly’sconquests。ChristianhadnowlostallhisfortressesintheGermanStates，withtheexceptionofGluckstadt；
hisarmiesweredefeatedordispersed；noassistancecamefromGermany；
fromEngland，littleconsolation；whilehisconfederatesinLowerSaxonywereatthemercyoftheconqueror。TheLandgraveofHesseCasselhadbeenforcedbyTilly，soonafterthebattleofLutter，torenouncetheDanishalliance。Wallenstein’sformidableappearancebeforeBerlinreducedtheElectorofBrandenburghtosubmission，andcompelledhimtorecognise，aslegitimate，Maximilian’stitletothePalatineElectorate。ThegreaterpartofMecklenburghwasnowoverrunbyimperialtroops；andbothdukes，asadherentsoftheKingofDenmark，placedunderthebanoftheempire，anddrivenfromtheirdominions。
ThedefenceoftheGermanlibertiesagainstillegalencroachments，waspunishedasacrimedeservingthelossofalldignitiesandterritories；
andyetthiswasbutthepreludetothestillmorecryingenormitieswhichshortlyfollowed。
ThesecrethowWallensteinhadpurposedtofulfilhisextravagantdesignswasnowmanifest。HehadlearnedthelessonfromCountMansfeld；
butthescholarsurpassedhismaster。Ontheprinciplethatwarmustsupportwar，MansfeldandtheDukeofBrunswickhadsubsistedtheirtroopsbycontributionsleviedindiscriminatelyonfriendandenemy；butthispredatorylifewasattendedwithalltheinconvenienceandinsecuritywhichaccompanyrobbery。
Likeafugitivebanditti，theywereobligedtostealthroughexasperatedandvigilantenemies；toroamfromoneendofGermanytoanother；
towatchtheiropportunitywithanxiety；andtoabandonthemostfertileterritorieswhenevertheyweredefendedbyasuperiorarmy。
IfMansfeldandDukeChristianhaddonesuchgreatthingsinthefaceofthesedifficulties，whatmightnotbeexpectediftheobstacleswereremoved；whenthearmyraisedwasnumerousenoughtooveraweinitselfthemostpowerfulstatesoftheempire；
whenthenameoftheEmperorinsuredimpunitytoeveryoutrage；andwhen，underthehighestauthority，andattheheadofanoverwhelmingforce，thesamesystemofwarfarewaspursued，whichthesetwoadventurershadhithertoadoptedattheirownrisk，andwithonlyanuntrainedmultitude？
WallensteinhadallthisinviewwhenhemadehisboldoffertotheEmperor，whichnowseemedextravaganttonoone。Themorehisarmywasaugmented，thelesscausewastheretofearforitssubsistence，becauseitcouldirresistiblybeardownupontherefractorystates；themoreviolentitsoutrages，themoreprobablewasimpunity。Towardshostilestatesithadthepleaofright；towardsthefavourablydisposeditcouldallegenecessity。Theinequality，too，withwhichitdealtoutitsoppressions，preventedanydangerousunionamongthestates；
whiletheexhaustionoftheirterritoriesdeprivedthemofthepowerofvengeance。ThusthewholeofGermanybecameakindofmagazinefortheimperialarmy，andtheEmperorwasenabledtodealwiththeotherstatesasabsolutelyaswithhisownhereditarydominions。
Universalwastheclamourforredressbeforetheimperialthrone；
buttherewasnothingtofearfromtherevengeoftheinjuredprinces，solongastheyappealedforjustice。ThegeneraldiscontentwasdirectedequallyagainsttheEmperor，whohadlenthisnametothesebarbarities，andthegeneralwhoexceededhispower，andopenlyabusedtheauthorityofhismaster。TheyappliedtotheEmperorforprotectionagainsttheoutragesofhisgeneral；butWallensteinhadnosoonerfelthimselfabsoluteinthearmy，thanhethrewoffhisobediencetohissovereign。
Theexhaustionoftheenemymadeaspeedypeaceprobable；
yetWallensteincontinuedtoaugmenttheimperialarmiesuntiltheywereatleast100，000menstrong。Numberlesscommissionstocolonelciesandinferiorcommands，theregalpompofthecommander-in-chief，immoderatelargessestohisfavourites，forhenevergavelessthanathousandflorins，enormoussumslavishedincorruptingthecourtatVienna——allthishadbeeneffectedwithoutburdeningtheEmperor。
TheseimmensesumswereraisedbythecontributionsleviedfromthelowerGermanprovinces，wherenodistinctionwasmadebetweenfriendandfoe；
andtheterritoriesofallprincesweresubjectedtothesamesystemofmarchingandquartering，ofextortionandoutrage。
Ifcreditistobegiventoanextravagantcontemporarystatement，Wallenstein，duringhissevenyearscommand，hadexactednotlessthansixtythousandmillionsofdollarsfromonehalfofGermany。
Thegreaterhisextortions，thegreatertherewardsofhissoldiers，andthegreatertheconcoursetohisstandard，fortheworldalwaysfollowsfortune。Hisarmiesflourishedwhileallthestatesthroughwhichtheypassedwithered。Whatcaredheforthedetestationofthepeople，andthecomplaintsofprinces？Hisarmyadoredhim，andtheveryenormityofhisguiltenabledhimtobiddefiancetoitsconsequences。
ItwouldbeunjusttoFerdinand，werewetolayalltheseirregularitiestohischarge。HadheforeseenthathewasabandoningtheGermanStatestothemercyofhisofficer，hewouldhavebeensensiblehowdangeroustohimselfsoabsoluteageneralwouldprove。Theclosertheconnexionbecamebetweenthearmy，andtheleaderfromwhomflowedfavourandfortune，themorethetieswhichunitedbothtotheEmperorwererelaxed。
Everything，itistrue，wasdoneinthenameofthelatter；
butWallensteinonlyavailedhimselfofthesuprememajestyoftheEmperortocrushtheauthorityofotherstates。Hisobjectwastodepresstheprincesoftheempire，todestroyallgradationofrankbetweenthemandtheEmperor，andtoelevatethepowerofthelatteraboveallcompetition。
IftheEmperorwereabsoluteinGermany，whothenwouldbeequaltothemanintrustedwiththeexecutionofhiswill？TheheighttowhichWallensteinhadraisedtheimperialauthorityastonishedeventheEmperorhimself；butasthegreatnessofthemasterwasentirelytheworkoftheservant，thecreationofWallensteinwouldnecessarilysinkagainintonothinguponthewithdrawalofitscreativehand。Notwithoutanobject，therefore，didWallensteinlabourtopoisonthemindsoftheGermanprincesagainsttheEmperor。ThemoreviolenttheirhatredofFerdinand，themoreindispensabletotheEmperorwouldbecomethemanwhoalonecouldrendertheirill-willpowerless。Hisdesignunquestionablywas，thathissovereignshouldstandinfearofnooneinallGermany——
besideshimself，thesourceandengineofthisdespoticpower。
Asasteptowardsthisend，WallensteinnowdemandedthecessionofMecklenburg，tobeheldinpledgetilltherepaymentofhisadvancesforthewar。FerdinandhadalreadycreatedhimDukeofFriedland，apparentlywiththeviewofexaltinghisowngeneraloverBavaria；
butanordinaryrecompensewouldnotsatisfyWallenstein’sambition。
Invainwasthisnewdemand，whichcouldbegrantedonlyattheexpenseoftwoprincesoftheempire，activelyresistedintheImperialCouncil；
invaindidtheSpaniards，whohadlongbeenoffendedbyhispride，opposehiselevation。ThepowerfulsupportwhichWallensteinhadpurchasedfromtheimperialcouncillorsprevailed，andFerdinandwasdetermined，atwhatevercost，tosecurethedevotionofsoindispensableaminister。
Foraslightoffence，oneoftheoldestGermanhouseswasexpelledfromtheirhereditarydominions，thatacreatureoftheEmperormightbeenrichedbytheirspoils1628。
WallensteinnowbegantoassumethetitleofgeneralissimooftheEmperorbyseaandland。Wismarwastaken，andafirmfootinggainedontheBaltic。
ShipswererequiredfromPolandandtheHansetownstocarrythewartotheothersideoftheBaltic；topursuetheDanesintotheheartoftheirowncountry，andtocompelthemtoapeacewhichmightpreparethewaytomoreimportantconquests。ThecommunicationbetweentheLowerGermanStatesandtheNorthernpowerswouldbebroken，couldtheEmperorplacehimselfbetweenthem，andencompassGermany，fromtheAdriatictotheSound，theinterveningkingdomofPolandbeingalreadydependentonhim，withanunbrokenlineofterritory。
IfsuchwastheEmperor’splan，Wallensteinhadapeculiarinterestinitsexecution。ThesepossessionsontheBalticshould，heintended，formthefirstfoundationofapower，whichhadlongbeentheobjectofhisambition，andwhichshouldenablehimtothrowoffhisdependenceontheEmperor。
Toeffectthisobject，itwasofextremeimportancetogainpossessionofStralsund，atownontheBaltic。Itsexcellentharbour，andtheshortpassagefromittotheSwedishandDanishcoasts，peculiarlyfitteditforanavalstationinawarwiththesepowers。
Thistown，thesixthoftheHanseaticLeague，enjoyedgreatprivilegesundertheDukeofPomerania，andtotallyindependentofDenmark，hadtakennoshareinthewar。Butneitheritsneutrality，noritsprivileges，couldprotectitagainsttheencroachmentsofWallenstein，whenhehadoncecastalonginglookuponit。
Therequesthemade，thatStralsundshouldreceiveanimperialgarrison，hadbeenfirmlyandhonourablyrejectedbythemagistracy，whoalsorefusedhiscunninglydemandedpermissiontomarchhistroopsthroughthetown，Wallenstein，therefore，nowproposedtobesiegeit。
TheindependenceofStralsund，assecuringthefreenavigationoftheBaltic，wasequallyimportanttothetwoNorthernkings。Acommondangerovercameatlasttheprivatejealousieswhichhadlongdividedtheseprinces。
InatreatyconcludedatCopenhagenin1628，theyboundthemselvestoassistStralsundwiththeircombinedforce，andtoopposeincommoneveryforeignpowerwhichshouldappearintheBalticwithhostileviews。
ChristianIV。alsothrewasufficientgarrisonintoStralsund，andbyhispersonalpresenceanimatedthecourageofthecitizens。
SomeshipsofwarwhichSigismund，KingofPoland，hadsenttotheassistanceoftheimperialgeneral，weresunkbytheDanishfleet；
andasLubeckrefusedhimtheuseofitsshipping，thisimperialgeneralissimooftheseahadnotevenshipsenoughtoblockadethissingleharbour。
Nothingcouldappearmoreadventurousthantoattempttheconquestofastronglyfortifiedseaportwithoutfirstblockadingitsharbour。
Wallenstein，however，whoasyethadneverexperiencedacheck，wishedtoconquernatureitself，andtoperformimpossibilities。Stralsund，opentothesea，continuedtobesuppliedwithprovisionsandreinforcements；
yetWallensteinmaintainedhisblockadeonthelandside，andendeavoured，byboastingmenaces，tosupplyhiswantofrealstrength。
"Iwilltakethistown，"saidhe，"thoughitwerefastenedbyachaintotheheavens。"TheEmperorhimself，whomighthavecausetoregretanenterprisewhichpromisednoverygloriousresult，joyfullyavailedhimselfoftheapparentsubmissionandacceptablepropositionsoftheinhabitants，toorderthegeneraltoretirefromthetown。Wallensteindespisedthecommand，andcontinuedtoharassthebesiegedbyincessantassaults。
AstheDanishgarrison，alreadymuchreduced，wasunequaltothefatiguesofthisprolongeddefence，andthekingwasunabletodetachanyfurthertroopstotheirsupport，Stralsund，withChristian’sconsent，threwitselfundertheprotectionoftheKingofSweden。TheDanishcommanderleftthetowntomakewayforaSwedishgovernor，whogloriouslydefendedit。
HereWallenstein’sgoodfortuneforsookhim；and，forthefirsttime，hisprideexperiencedthehumiliationofrelinquishinghisprey，afterthelossofmanymonthsandof12，000men。ThenecessitytowhichhereducedthetownofapplyingforprotectiontoSweden，laidthefoundationofaclosealliancebetweenGustavusAdolphusandStralsund，whichgreatlyfacilitatedtheentranceoftheSwedesintoGermany。
HithertoinvariablesuccesshadattendedthearmsoftheEmperorandtheLeague，andChristianIV。，defeatedinGermany，hadsoughtrefugeinhisownislands；buttheBalticcheckedthefurtherprogressoftheconquerors。Thewantofshipsnotonlystoppedthepursuitoftheking，butendangeredtheirpreviousacquisitions。Theunionofthetwonorthernmonarchswasmosttobedreaded，because，solongasitlasted，iteffectuallypreventedtheEmperorandhisgeneralfromacquiringafootingontheBaltic，oreffectingalandinginSweden。Butiftheycouldsucceedindissolvingthisunion，andespeciallysecuringthefriendshipoftheDanishking，theymighthopetooverpowertheinsulatedforceofSweden。
Thedreadoftheinterferenceofforeignpowers，theinsubordinationoftheProtestantsinhisownstates，andstillmorethestormwhichwasgraduallydarkeningalongthewholeofProtestantGermany，inclinedtheEmperortopeace，whichhisgeneral，fromoppositemotives，wasequallydesiroustoeffect。Farfromwishingforastateofthingswhichwouldreducehimfromthemeridianofgreatnessandglorytotheobscurityofprivatelife，heonlywishedtochangethetheatreofwar，andbyapartialpeacetoprolongthegeneralconfusion。ThefriendshipofDenmark，whoseneighbourhehadbecomeasDukeofMecklenburgh，wasmostimportantforthesuccessofhisambitiousviews；andheresolved，evenatthesacrificeofhissovereign’sinterests，tosecureitsalliance。
BythetreatyofCopenhagen，ChristianIV。hadexpresslyengagednottoconcludeaseparatepeacewiththeEmperor，withouttheconsentofSweden。Notwithstanding，Wallenstein’spropositionwasreadilyreceivedbyhim。InaconferenceatLubeckin1629，fromwhichWallenstein，withstudiedcontempt，excludedtheSwedishambassadorswhocametointercedeforMecklenburgh，alltheconqueststakenbytheimperialistswererestoredtotheDanes。Theconditionsimposeduponthekingwere，thatheshouldinterferenofartherwiththeaffairsofGermanythanwascalledforbyhischaracterofDukeofHolstein；
thatheshouldonnopretextharasstheChaptersofLowerGermany，andshouldleavetheDukesofMecklenburghtotheirfate。
ByChristianhimselfhadtheseprincesbeeninvolvedinthewarwiththeEmperor；henowsacrificedthem，togainthefavouroftheusurperoftheirterritories。AmongthemotiveswhichhadengagedhiminawarwiththeEmperor，nottheleastwastherestorationofhisrelation，theElectorPalatine——yetthenameofthatunfortunateprincewasnotevenmentionedinthetreaty；whileinoneofitsarticlesthelegitimacyoftheBavarianelectionwasexpresslyrecognised。
ThusmeanlyandingloriouslydidChristianIV。retirefromthefield。
Ferdinandhaditnowinhispower，forthesecondtime，tosecurethetranquillityofGermany；anditdependedsolelyonhiswillwhetherthetreatywithDenmarkshouldorshouldnotbethebasisofageneralpeace。Fromeveryquarterarosethecryoftheunfortunate，petitioningforanendoftheirsufferings；thecrueltiesofhissoldiers，andtherapacityofhisgenerals，hadexceededallbounds。Germany，laidwastebythedesolatingbandsofMansfeldandtheDukeofBrunswick，andbythestillmoreterriblehordesofTillyandWallenstein，layexhausted，bleeding，wasted，andsighingforrepose。Ananxiousdesireforpeacewasfeltbyallconditions，andbytheEmperorhimself；involvedashewasinawarwithFranceinUpperItaly，exhaustedbyhispastwarfareinGermany，andapprehensiveofthedayofreckoningwhichwasapproaching。
But，unfortunately，theconditionsonwhichalonethetworeligiouspartieswerewillingrespectivelytosheaththesword，wereirreconcileable。
TheRomanCatholicswishedtoterminatethewartotheirownadvantage；
theProtestantsadvancedequalpretensions。TheEmperor，insteadofunitingbothpartiesbyaprudentmoderation，sidedwithone；
andthusGermanywasagainplungedinthehorrorsofabloodywar。
FromtheverycloseoftheBohemiantroubles，Ferdinandhadcarriedonacounterreformationinhishereditarydominions，inwhich，however，fromregardtosomeoftheProtestantEstates，heproceeded，atfirst，withmoderation。ButthevictoriesofhisgeneralsinLowerGermanyencouragedhimtothrowoffallreserve。AccordinglyhehaditintimatedtoalltheProtestantsinthesedominions，thattheymusteitherabandontheirreligion，ortheirnativecountry，——abitteranddreadfulalternative，whichexcitedthemostviolentcommotionsamonghisAustriansubjects。
InthePalatinate，immediatelyaftertheexpulsionofFrederick，theProtestantreligionhadbeensuppressed，anditsprofessorsexpelledfromtheUniversityofHeidelberg。
Allthiswasbutthepreludetogreaterchanges。IntheElectoralCongressheldatMuehlhausen，theRomanCatholicshaddemandedoftheEmperorthatallthearchbishoprics，bishoprics，mediateandimmediate，abbaciesandmonasteries，which，sincetheDietofAugsburg，hadbeensecularizedbytheProtestants，shouldberestoredtothechurch，inordertoindemnifythemforthelossesandsufferingsinthewar。
ToaRomanCatholicprincesozealousasFerdinandwas，suchahintwasnotlikelytobeneglected；buthestillthoughtitwouldbeprematuretoarousethewholeProtestantsofGermanybysodecisiveastep。
NotasingleProtestantprincebutwouldbedeprived，bythisrevocationofthereligiousfoundations，ofapartofhislands；
forwheretheserevenueshadnotactuallybeendivertedtosecularpurposestheyhadbeenmadeovertotheProtestantchurch。Tothissource，manyprincesowedthechiefpartoftheirrevenuesandimportance。
All，withoutexception，wouldbeirritatedbythisdemandforrestoration。
Thereligioustreatydidnotexpresslydenytheirrighttothesechapters，althoughitdidnotallowit。Butapossessionwhichhadnowbeenheldfornearlyacentury，thesilenceoffourprecedingemperors，andthelawofequity，whichgavethemanequalrightwiththeRomanCatholicstothefoundationsoftheircommonancestors，mightbestronglypleadedbythemasavalidtitle。Besidestheactuallossofpowerandauthority，whichthesurrenderofthesefoundationswouldoccasion，besidestheinevitableconfusionwhichwouldnecessarilyattendit，oneimportantdisadvantagetowhichitwouldlead，was，thattherestorationoftheRomanCatholicbishopswouldincreasethestrengthofthatpartyintheDietbysomanyadditionalvotes。
SuchgrievoussacrificeslikelytofallontheProtestants，madetheEmperorapprehensiveofaformidableopposition；
anduntilthemilitaryardourshouldhavecooledinGermany，hehadnowishtoprovokeapartyformidablebyitsunion，andwhichintheElectorofSaxonyhadapowerfulleader。Heresolved，therefore，totrytheexperimentatfirstonasmallscale，inordertoascertainhowitwaslikelytosucceedonalargerone。Accordingly，someofthefreecitiesinUpperGermany，andtheDukeofWirtemberg，receivedorderstosurrendertotheRomanCatholicsseveraloftheconfiscatedchapters。
ThestateofaffairsinSaxonyenabledtheEmperortomakesomebolderexperimentsinthatquarter。InthebishopricsofMagdeburgandHalberstadt，theProtestantcanonshadnothesitatedtoelectbishopsoftheirownreligion。Bothbishoprics，withtheexceptionofthetownofMagdeburgitself，wereoverrunbythetroopsofWallenstein。Ithappened，moreover，thatbythedeathoftheAdministratorDukeChristianofBrunswick，Halberstadtwasvacant，aswasalsotheArchbishopricofMagdeburgbythedepositionofChristianWilliam，aprinceoftheHouseofBrandenburgh。
FerdinandtookadvantageofthecircumstancetorestoretheseeofHalberstadttoaRomanCatholicbishop，andaprinceofhisownhouse。
Toavoidasimilarcoercion，theChapterofMagdeburghastenedtoelectasonoftheElectorofSaxonyasarchbishop。Butthepope，whowithhisarrogatedauthorityinterferedinthismatter，conferredtheArchbishopricofMagdeburgalsoontheAustrianprince。
Thus，withallhispiouszealforreligion，Ferdinandneverlostsightoftheinterestsofhisfamily。
Atlength，whenthepeaceofLubeckhaddeliveredtheEmperorfromallapprehensionsonthesideofDenmark，andtheGermanProtestantsseemedentirelypowerless，theLeaguebecominglouderandmoreurgentinitsdemands，Ferdinand，in1629，signedtheEdictofRestitution，sofamousbyitsdisastrousconsequences，whichhehadpreviouslylaidbeforethefourRomanCatholicelectorsfortheirapprobation。
Inthepreamble，heclaimedtheprerogative，inrightofhisimperialauthority，tointerpretthemeaningofthereligioustreaty，theambiguitiesofwhichhadalreadycausedsomanydisputes，andtodecideassupremearbiterandjudgebetweenthecontendingparties。
Thisprerogativehefoundeduponthepracticeofhisancestors，anditspreviousrecognitionevenbyProtestantstates。SaxonyhadactuallyacknowledgedthisrightoftheEmperor；anditnowbecameevidenthowdeeplythiscourthadinjuredtheProtestantcausebyitsdependenceontheHouseofAustria。Butthoughthemeaningofthereligioustreatywasreallyambiguous，asacenturyofreligiousdisputessufficientlyproved，yetfortheEmperor，whomustbeeitheraProtestantoraRomanCatholic，andthereforeaninterestedparty，toassumetherightofdecidingbetweenthedisputants，wasclearlyaviolationofanessentialarticleofthepacification。Hecouldnotbejudgeinhisowncause，withoutreducingthelibertiesoftheempiretoanemptysound。
Andnow，invirtueofthisusurpation，Ferdinanddecided，"Thateverysecularizationofareligiousfoundation，mediateorimmediate，bytheProtestants，subsequenttothedateofthetreaty，wascontrarytoitsspirit，andmustberevokedasabreachofit。"
Hefurtherdecided，"That，bythereligiouspeace，CatholicproprietorsofestateswerenofurtherboundtotheirProtestantsubjectsthantoallowthemfulllibertytoquittheirterritories。"
Inobediencetothisdecision，allunlawfulpossessorsofbenefices——
theProtestantstatesinshortwithoutexception——wereordered，underpainofthebanoftheempire，immediatelytosurrendertheirusurpedpossessionstotheimperialcommissioners。
Thissentenceappliedtonolessthantwoarchbishopricsandtwelvebishoprics，besidesinnumerableabbacies。
TheedictcamelikeathunderboltonthewholeofProtestantGermany；
dreadfuleveninitsimmediateconsequences；butyetmoresofromthefurthercalamitiesitseemedtothreaten。TheProtestantswerenowconvincedthatthesuppressionoftheirreligionhadbeenresolvedonbytheEmperorandtheLeague，andthattheoverthrowofGermanlibertywouldsoonfollow。Theirremonstranceswereunheeded；
thecommissionerswerenamed，andanarmyassembledtoenforceobedience。
TheedictwasfirstputinforceinAugsburg，wherethetreatywasconcluded；
thecitywasagainplacedunderthegovernmentofitsbishop，andsixProtestantchurchesinthetownwereclosed。TheDukeofWirtembergwas，inlikemanner，compelledtosurrenderhisabbacies。Theseseveremeasures，thoughtheyalarmedtheProtestantstates，wereyetinsufficienttorousethemtoanactiveresistance。TheirfearoftheEmperorwastoostrong，andmanyweredisposedtoquietsubmission。
Thehopeofattainingtheirendbygentlemeasures，inducedtheRomanCatholicslikewisetodelayforayeartheexecutionoftheedict，andthissavedtheProtestants；
beforetheendofthatperiod，thesuccessoftheSwedisharmshadtotallychangedthestateofaffairs。
InaDietheldatRatisbon，atwhichFerdinandwaspresentinpersonin1630，thenecessityoftakingsomemeasuresfortheimmediaterestorationofageneralpeacetoGermany，andfortheremovalofallgrievances，wasdebated。ThecomplaintsoftheRomanCatholicswerescarcelylessnumerousthanthoseoftheProtestants，althoughFerdinandhadflatteredhimselfthatbytheEdictofRestitutionhehadsecuredthemembersoftheLeague，anditsleaderbythegiftoftheelectoraldignity，andthecessionofgreatpartofthePalatinate。
ButthegoodunderstandingbetweentheEmperorandtheprincesoftheLeaguehadrapidlydeclinedsincetheemploymentofWallenstein。
AccustomedtogivelawtoGermany，andeventoswaytheEmperor’sowndestiny，thehaughtyElectorofBavarianowatoncesawhimselfsupplantedbytheimperialgeneral，andwiththatoftheLeague，hisownimportancecompletelyundermined。Anotherhadnowsteppedintoreapthefruitsofhisvictories，andtoburyhispastservicesinoblivion。
Wallenstein’simperiouscharacter，whosedearesttriumphwasindegradingtheauthorityoftheprinces，andgivinganodiouslatitudetothatoftheEmperor，tendednotalittletoaugmenttheirritationoftheElector。DiscontentedwiththeEmperor，anddistrustfulofhisintentions，hehadenteredintoanalliancewithFrance，whichtheothermembersoftheLeagueweresuspectedoffavouring。
AfearoftheEmperor’splansofaggrandizement，anddiscontentwithexistingevils，hadextinguishedamongthemallfeelingsofgratitude。
Wallenstein’sexactionshadbecomealtogetherintolerable。
Brandenburgestimateditslossesattwenty，Pomeraniaatten，HesseCasselatsevenmillionsofdollars，andtherestinproportion。
Thecryforredresswasloud，urgent，anduniversal；allprejudiceswerehushed；RomanCatholicsandProtestantswereunitedonthispoint。
TheterrifiedEmperorwasassailedonallsidesbypetitionsagainstWallenstein，andhisearfilledwiththemostfearfuldescriptionsofhisoutrages。Ferdinandwasnotnaturallycruel。IfnottotallyinnocentoftheatrocitieswhichwerepractisedinGermanyundertheshelterofhisname，hewasignorantoftheirextent；andhewasnotlonginyieldingtotherepresentationoftheprinces，andreducedhisstandingarmybyeighteenthousandcavalry。Whilethisreductiontookplace，theSwedeswereactivelypreparinganexpeditionintoGermany，andthegreaterpartofthedisbandedImperialistsenlistedundertheirbanners。
TheEmperor’sconcessionsonlyencouragedtheElectorofBavariatobolderdemands。SolongastheDukeofFriedlandretainedthesupremecommand，histriumphovertheEmperorwasincomplete。
TheprincesoftheLeagueweremeditatingasevererevengeonWallensteinforthathaughtinesswithwhichhehadtreatedthemallalike。
Hisdismissalwasdemandedbythewholecollegeofelectors，andevenbySpain，withadegreeofunanimityandurgencywhichastonishedtheEmperor。TheanxietywithwhichWallenstein’senemiespressedforhisdismissal，oughttohaveconvincedtheEmperoroftheimportanceofhisservices。Wallenstein，informedofthecabalswhichwereformingagainsthiminRatisbon，lostnotimeinopeningtheeyesoftheEmperortotherealviewsoftheElectorofBavaria。
HehimselfappearedinRatisbon，withapompwhichthrewhismasterintotheshade，andincreasedthehatredofhisopponents。
LongwastheEmperorundecided。Thesacrificedemandedwasapainfulone。
TotheDukeofFriedlandaloneheowedhispreponderance；hefelthowmuchhewouldloseinyieldinghimtotheindignationoftheprinces。
Butatthismoment，unfortunately，hewasunderthenecessityofconciliatingtheElectors。HissonFerdinandhadalreadybeenchosenKingofHungary，andhewasendeavouringtoprocurehiselectionashissuccessorintheempire。Forthispurpose，thesupportofMaximilianwasindispensable。Thisconsiderationwastheweightiest，andtoobligetheElectorofBavariahescruplednottosacrificehismostvaluableservant。
AttheDietatRatisbon，therewerepresentambassadorsfromFrance，empoweredtoadjustthedifferenceswhichseemedtomenaceawarinItalybetweentheEmperorandtheirsovereign。Vincent，DukeofMantuaandMontferrat，dyingwithoutissue，hisnextrelation，Charles，DukeofNevers，hadtakenpossessionofthisinheritance，withoutdoinghomagetotheEmperorasliegelordoftheprincipality。
EncouragedbythesupportofFranceandVenice，herefusedtosurrendertheseterritoriesintothehandsoftheimperialcommissioners，untilhistitletothemshouldbedecided。Ontheotherhand，FerdinandhadtakenuparmsattheinstigationoftheSpaniards，towhom，aspossessorsofMilan，thenearneighbourhoodofavassalofFrancewaspeculiarlyalarming，andwhowelcomedthisprospectofmaking，withtheassistanceoftheEmperor，additionalconquestsinItaly。
InspiteofalltheexertionsofPopeUrbanVIII。toavertawarinthatcountry，FerdinandmarchedaGermanarmyacrosstheAlps，andthrewtheItalianstatesintoageneralconsternation。
HisarmshadbeensuccessfulthroughoutGermany，andexaggeratedfearsrevivedtheoldenapprehensionofAustria’sprojectsofuniversalmonarchy。
AllthehorrorsoftheGermanwarnowspreadlikeadelugeoverthosefavouredcountrieswhichthePowaters；Mantuawastakenbystorm，andthesurroundingdistrictsgivenuptotheravagesofalawlesssoldiery。
ThecurseofItalywasthusaddedtothemaledictionsupontheEmperorwhichresoundedthroughGermany；andevenintheRomanConclave，silentprayerswereofferedforthesuccessoftheProtestantarms。
AlarmedbytheuniversalhatredwhichthisItaliancampaignhaddrawnuponhim，andweariedoutbytheurgentremonstrancesoftheElectors，whozealouslysupportedtheapplicationoftheFrenchambassador，theEmperorpromisedtheinvestituretothenewDukeofMantua。
ThisimportantserviceonthepartofBavaria，ofcourse，requiredanequivalentfromFrance。TheadjustmentofthetreatygavetheenvoysofRichelieu，duringtheirresidenceinRatisbon，thedesiredopportunityofentanglingtheEmperorindangerousintrigues，ofinflamingthediscontentedprincesoftheLeaguestillmorestronglyagainsthim，andofturningtohisdisadvantageallthetransactionsoftheDiet。ForthispurposeRichelieuhadchosenanadmirableinstrumentinFatherJoseph，aCapuchinfriar，whoaccompaniedtheambassadorswithoutexcitingtheleastsuspicion。OneofhisprincipalinstructionswasassiduouslytobringaboutthedismissalofWallenstein。
Withthegeneralwhohadledittovictory，thearmyofAustriawouldloseitsprincipalstrength；manyarmiescouldnotcompensateforthelossofthisindividual。Itwouldthereforebeamasterstrokeofpolicy，attheverymomentwhenavictoriousmonarch，theabsolutemasterofhisoperations，wasarmingagainsttheEmperor，toremovefromtheheadoftheimperialarmiestheonlygeneralwho，byabilityandmilitaryexperience，wasabletocopewiththeFrenchking。
FatherJoseph，intheinterestsofBavaria，undertooktoovercometheirresolutionoftheEmperor，whowasnowinamannerbesiegedbytheSpaniardsandtheElectoralCouncil。"Itwouldbeexpedient，"
hethought，"togratifytheElectorsonthisoccasion，andtherebyfacilitatehisson’selectiontotheRomanCrown。
Thisobjectoncegained，Wallensteincouldatanytimeresumehisformerstation。"TheartfulCapuchinwastoosureofhismantotouchuponthisgroundofconsolation。
ThevoiceofamonkwastoFerdinandII。thevoiceofGod。
"Nothingonearth，"writeshisownconfessor，"wasmoresacredinhiseyesthanapriest。Ifitcouldhappen，heusedtosay，thatanangelandaRegularweretomeethimatthesametimeandplace，theRegularshouldreceivehisfirst，andtheangelhissecondobeisance。"
Wallenstein’sdismissalwasdeterminedupon。
Inreturnforthispiousconcession，theCapuchindexterouslycounteractedtheEmperor’sschemetoprocurefortheKingofHungarythefurtherdignityofKingoftheRomans。Inanexpressclauseofthetreatyjustconcluded，theFrenchministersengagedinthenameoftheirsovereigntoobserveacompleteneutralitybetweentheEmperorandhisenemies；while，atthesametime，RichelieuwasactuallynegociatingwiththeKingofSwedentodeclarewar，andpressinguponhimtheallianceofhismaster。
Thelatter，indeed，disavowedthelieassoonasithadserveditspurpose，andFatherJoseph，confinedtoaconvent，mustatonefortheallegedoffenceofexceedinghisinstructions。Ferdinandperceived，whentoolate，thathehadbeenimposedupon。"AwickedCapuchin，"hewasheardtosay，"hasdisarmedmewithhisrosary，andthrustnothinglessthansixelectoralcrownsintohiscowl。"
ArtificeandtrickerythustriumphedovertheEmperor，atthemomentwhenhewasbelievedtobeomnipotentinGermany，andactuallywassointhefield。Withthelossof18，000men，andofageneralwhoalonewasworthwholearmies，heleftRatisbonwithoutgainingtheendforwhichhehadmadesuchsacrifices。BeforetheSwedeshadvanquishedhiminthefield，MaximilianofBavariaandFatherJosephhadgivenhimamortalblow。AtthismemorableDietatRatisbonthewarwithSwedenwasresolvedupon，andthatofMantuaterminated。VainlyhadtheprincespresentatitintercededfortheDukesofMecklenburgh；
andequallyfruitlesshadbeenanapplicationbytheEnglishambassadorsforapensiontothePalatineFrederick。
Wallensteinwasattheheadofanarmyofnearlyahundredthousandmenwhoadoredhim，whenthesentenceofhisdismissalarrived。
Mostoftheofficerswerehiscreatures:——withthecommonsoldiershishintwaslaw。Hisambitionwasboundless，hisprideindomitable，hisimperiousspiritcouldnotbrookaninjuryunavenged。Onemomentwouldnowprecipitatehimfromtheheightofgrandeurintotheobscurityofaprivatestation。Toexecutesuchasentenceuponsuchadelinquentseemedtorequiremoreaddressthanitcosttoobtainitfromthejudge。
Accordingly，twoofWallenstein’smostintimatefriendswereselectedasheraldsoftheseeviltidings，andinstructedtosoftenthemasmuchaspossible，byflatteringassurancesofthecontinuanceoftheEmperor’sfavour。
Wallensteinhadascertainedthepurportoftheirmessagebeforetheimperialambassadorsarrived。Hehadtimetocollecthimself，andhiscountenanceexhibitedanexternalcalmness，whilegriefandragewerestorminginhisbosom。Hehadmadeuphismindtoobey。
TheEmperor’sdecisionhadtakenhimbysurprisebeforecircumstanceswereripe，orhispreparationscomplete，fortheboldmeasureshehadcontemplated。HisextensiveestateswerescatteredoverBohemiaandMoravia；andbytheirconfiscation，theEmperormightatoncedestroythesinewsofhispower。Helooked，therefore，tothefutureforrevenge；andinthishopehewasencouragedbythepredictionsofanItalianastrologer，wholedhisimperiousspiritlikeachildinleadingstrings。Senihadreadinthestars，thathismaster’sbrilliantcareerwasnotyetended；andthatbrightandgloriousprospectsstillawaitedhim。Itwas，indeed，unnecessarytoconsultthestarstoforetellthatanenemy，GustavusAdolphus，woulderelongrenderindispensabletheservicesofsuchageneralasWallenstein。
"TheEmperorisbetrayed，"saidWallensteintothemessengers；
"Ipitybutforgivehim。ItisplainthatthegraspingspiritoftheBavariandictatestohim。Igrievethat，withsomuchweakness，hehassacrificedme，butIwillobey。"Hedismissedtheemissarieswithprincelypresents；
andinahumbleletterbesoughtthecontinuanceoftheEmperor’sfavour，andofthedignitieshehadbestoweduponhim。
Themurmursofthearmywereuniversal，onhearingofthedismissaloftheirgeneral；andthegreaterpartofhisofficersimmediatelyquittedtheimperialservice。ManyfollowedhimtohisestatesinBohemiaandMoravia；othersheattachedtohisinterestsbypensions，inordertocommandtheirserviceswhentheopportunityshouldoffer。
ButreposewasthelastthingthatWallensteincontemplatedwhenhereturnedtoprivatelife。Inhisretreat，hesurroundedhimselfwitharegalpomp，whichseemedtomockthesentenceofdegradation。SixgatesledtothepalaceheinhabitedinPrague，andahundredhouseswerepulleddowntomakewayforhiscourtyard。Similarpalaceswerebuiltonhisothernumerousestates。