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The Story of Bohemia.

In 1447, another delegation was sent to Rome, to ask for the confirmation of Rokycan. The answer given was significant as showing the attitude of the Church toward Bohemia.

Henry Kalteisen, famed as one of the most eloquent doctors at the Council of Basil, said to the delegates: “There is much that is tangled in Bohemia; it would take an Italian, or some one equally wise, to devise some remedy. Therefore, beseech the Pope to send you such a one; for, indeed, he will never consent to confirm Rokycan, unless he abjure the chalice.

“The German States hold you as heretics, trying on all occasions to prove this. There are those here that declare that the document you bring is not from the whole nation; and if this be the case, you shall pay the penalty in fire. If Rokycan will be obedient in all things, accepting the teachings of Rome, he will be confirmed; but if not, he will be excommunicated with all his adherents. Give up that chalice, and conform yourself to the Church of Rome; for as long as you do not, the Germans will storm, and the time will come when you shall be compelled to do it. Various things are said of that Rokycan; I shall investigate the matter when I get to your country; but if he give up the chalice, he shall be archbishop, and obtain whatever other dignity he desire.”

From the tone of the above address, it is needless to add that the delegation was fruitless of results.

The same year that the delegation went to Rome another also went to Vienna, to try to induce the emperor to come to some terms in regard to the young prince; but he, as before, sought refuge in procrastination.