sword, and proclaimed with a loud voice Libussa Duchess of Bohemia; proposing that every onewho was of his opinion should also draw his sword to defend his choice. Many hundred swords were immediately seen glittering upon the election field; a general huzza announced the new princess; and everywhere the joyous exclamation was heard, “Let Libussa be our Duchess.”
A deputation was chosen, with prince Wladomir and Mizislas (the knight who first drew his sword) at its head, to announce to the young lady her elevation to the princely dignity. She accepted with modest blushes, the sovereignty over the people, and the charm of her glorious beauty subjected to her every heart. The people did homage to her with the greatest delight; and though both her sisters envied her, and employed their secret arts to avenge themselves upon her and the country on account of their supposed injury, and essayed by means of calumny to excite a dangerous fermentation in the nation, and thus to disturb the happiness of her reign, still Libussa knew how to counteract their unsisterly manoeuvres, and to render innocuous all their plans and sorceries, till at length they became tired of venting their ineffectual hatred upon her.