Tries the dread summits of Cæsarian power.
With unexpected legions bursts away,
And sees defenceless realms receive his sway....
The baffled prince in honour's flattering bloom
Of hasty greatness finds the fatal doom;
His foes' derision and his subjects' blame,
And steals to death from anguish and from shame.'
Johnson, Vanity of Human Wishes.
[388] The following nine reasons for the long continuance of the Empire in the House of Hapsburg are given by Pfeffinger (Vitriarius Illustratus), writing early in the eighteenth century:—
- 1. The great power of Austria.
- 2. Her wealth, now that the Empire was so poor.
- 3. The majority of Catholics among the electors.
- 4. Her fortunate matrimonial alliances.
- 5. Her moderation.
- 6. The memory of benefits conferred by her.
- 7. The example of evils that had followed a departure from the blood of former Cæsars.
- 8. The fear of the confusion that would ensue if she were deprived of the crown.
- 9. Her own eagerness to have it.