CHAPTER XII.. Character of Maximilian.--Succession of Rhodolph Iii.

CHARACTER OF MAXIMILIAN.--SUCCESSION OF RHODOLPH III. From 1576 to 1604.

Character of Maximilian.--His Accomplishments.--His Wife.--Fate of his Children.--Rhodolph III.--The Liberty of Worship.--Means of Emancipation.--Rhodolph's Attempts against Protestantism.--Declaration of a higher Law.--Theological Differences.--The Confederacy at Heilbrun.--The Gregorian Calendar.--Intolerance in Bohemia.--The Trap of the Monks.--Invasion of the Turks.--Their Defeat.--Coalition with Sigismond.--Sale of Transylvania.--Rule of Basta.--The Empire captured and recaptured.--Devastation of the Country.--Treatment of Stephen Botskoi. Page 182