[34] Cf. Cambridge Mod. Hist., vol. i. 299 ff.
[35] This is the usual interpretation. But Ottokar Lorenz, Deutschland Geschichtsquellen im Mittelalter, ii. 280, reminds us that this solution is not found in the Emperor’s ‘Diary.’ Cf. Kollarii Analecta Monumentorum Vindobonensia, ii. p. 675.
[36] The Aulic Council was also to act as a supreme administrative body.
[37] The idea of dividing Germany into circles dates from the reign of Albert II. The four then instituted were now increased to ten—
1. Franconia.
2. Suabia, including the Duchy of Wurtemberg, the Margraviate of Baden, and 32 imperial cities.
3. Bavaria, with the Archbishopric of Salzburg.
4. The Upper Rhine, including Lorraine.
5. Lower Rhine, composed of the three Ecclesiastical Electorates.
6. Westphalia, Julich, Cleves, Berg, the County of Oldenburg, and numerous Bishoprics.