came to ask for her advice; a sixth, her purity; and ninety others, her beauty; and the last of all her, domestic habits. When a lover enumerates such a register of the perfections of his beloved, it is very dubious whether in reality she possesses one of them; but the public at large is very seldom mistaken to the advantage of the person thus canvassed, though very often to her disadvantage.
Miss Libussa’s good qualities being thus generally acknowledged, she became evidently the most important pretender to the throne. But the preference given to a younger sister, as experience teaches, has disturbed the harmony of many a family; and it was to be feared that it might here also disturb the peace of the country. This consideration embarrassed the sage guardians of the people so much that they could not come to a decision. A speaker was wanting, who by the power of his eloquence could stimulate the goodwill of the electors;—and he made his appearance in proper time.
Wladomir, a Bohemian grandee, next in rank to the Duke, was an old admirer of Libussa, and had, during the life-time of Krokus, asked for her hand. He was one of the most faithful vassals of the Duke, who loved him like a son.