Page:Historical paintings of the Slavic nations by Alfons Mucha (1921).pdf/24

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In the picture Milič stands on the ruins of the lair of vice, the present Bartolomějská Ulice in Prague. Over three hundred women of ill fame, through his powerful plea, have

turned from their evil lives. They come to him-renouncing their ornaments and jewels and beg for absolution.

King Charles the Fourth made a gift to Milič of this land in order that he might erect upon it a New Jerusalem for penitent women.

IV. HUS PREACHING IN THE CHAPEL OF BETHLEHEM
The Hussite Religious Period

IN THE year 1412 when three young men belonging to the congregation of Jan Hus were murdered for investigating the so-called miracle performed in the church of Prague, the adherents of the parish lived in constant excitement. The people of all elements of society attended the preaching of Jan Hus, paying the most careful attention to his words, for he it was who unveiled the vicious doings of those who claimed to be servants of God, but lived unrighteous lives and countenanced wicked practices. Even Jan Žižka, who later became the leader of the Hussite army, was frequently present at the preaching of Jan Hus. On the seat, at the right hand side of the picture, may be seen Queen Sophia, wife of Vaclav the Fourth, and beside her are the court ladies.