Zwickau

“ The characteristic teaching of the Zwickau movement, so closely linked with the peasant rising, was the great emphasis laid upon the “inner word.” Divine revelation, said Münzer, was not received from the church, nor from preaching, least of all from the dead letter of the Bible; it was received solely and directly from the Spirit of God. It is this daring faith in divine illumination that brings the Zwickau teachers most nearly into touch with the Anabaptists. But if they are not typical of Anabaptism, still less are the later representatives of the movement in the last sad months at Münster. ”

“ The mind becomes interested as well as the eye. You may grow dreamy over the fabulous adventures of the fair Princess Schwanhildis, in whose adventures, as implied in hoary tradition, the place originated; and if you desire proof, is it not found in the three swans, still borne in the town arms? Or you may revert to the sixth century only, when the Wends had a colony here, and worshipped Zwicz, one of their Sclavish fire-gods in the Aue, or meadow—whence the present name, Zwickau. Or you may remember that Luther often mounted the tower to gaze on the widespread view ”

“ He was in danger of being drawn out of the path of positive reformation into that of violent revolutionism. The leisure of the Wartburg gave him time for calm reflection on himself and his work, and the extravagances of the Wittenberg fanatics and the wild excuses of the prophets of Zwickau (§ 124, 1) could be estimated with a freedom from prejudice that would have been impossible to one living and moving in the midst of them. ”

“ The Zwickau prophets and Thomas Münzer (silenced last year at Wittemberg by Luther's return from the Wartburg) , have promised them all they actually expected from Luther. Once more, they say, God is sending inspired men on earth, to introduce a new order of things, no more to teach the saints how to bow, suffer, and be patient; but how to fight and avenge themselves of their adversaries, and to reign. ”

“ For six years he preached his new gospel, under difficulties, in various seats of his order, lastly at Zwickau, whence he was called to Gotha (Aug. 1524) by Duke John at the general desire. Here he married Margaret Jäcken, a lady of good family. He was intimately connected with the general progress of the reforming movement, and was especially in the confidence of Luther. ”

“ Its result was, with some few exceptions, a riveting of the peasant's chains and an increase of his burdens. More than 1,000 castles and religious houses were destroyed in Germany alone during 1525. Many priceless works of mediæval art of all kinds perished. But we must not allow our regret at such vandalism to blind us in any way to the intrinsic righteousness of the popular demands.
The elements of revolution now became absorbed by the Anabaptist movement, a continuation primarily in the religious sphere of the doctrines of the Zwickau enthusiasts and also in many respects of Thomas Münzer. ”

“ To most English readers the Prinzenraub was an unknown story until a few years ago, when Thomas Carlyle published it from his vigorous pen in the Westminster Review, where all the circumstances are brought before us in the very vividness of life. "Were I touring in those parts, I would go and see," says the author, referring to the rumour that the estate bestowed on the Triller remained still in possession of his posterity. By inquiry at Altenburg, I learned that this estate lay in the neighbourhood of Zwickau, so, as I also was bound for the Bohemian frontier, I did go and see on the way. ”

“ In the dreadful alternative before them every soldier received a welcome to express his thoughts; every retainer enjoyed the right to elicit the best counsel by interposing his own sentiment. The fatal absence of the one mind whom all would have obeyed to the death, the disposition to look to that source alone, both from confidence and from habit, at length turned the course of debate to the question: “What would Zawis himself have done in such a conjuncture?”
“I know,” said Witek, “my brother’s face has never turned from his foe, and his hand has never failed when an enemy came before him. ”

“ This he does by the secret intrigues of the zealous minions who traverse our land to betray us to Rudolph’s master. But be of good cheer, lady; if there be warmth in Bohemian hearts, and devotion in Bohemian loyalty, that warmth and that loyalty would commend themselves to your acceptance.”
“Good Lord Zawis,” answered the queen, moved to tears by the earnest sympathy of her companion, “where do you think they will dispose of my boy, this day torn from me by a mock marriage, sanctioned by those called the priests of God? Surely such acts are neither religion nor humanity.” ”

“ Her half-religious costume, and her veil prevent inquiry as to her purposes. I apprehend some ill if you should place yourself beyond the power of your own defenders.”
“I thank you for you solicitude, my dear,” replied Zawis. “Your personal regard suggests these fears. I have received the king’s formal invitation by royal messenger; and I cannot even suspect the young sovereign of Bohemia of aught but friendly motives. I have always received from the king generous marks of respect and confidence; and I cannot feel at liberty to attribute to his highness any motive but those of kingly honor. ”

“ Tall, with grave but winning features, with a kind and generous heart and winning manner, Zwingli's personality was most fascinating. A scholar but no pedant, a plain but vigorous speaker, of sound and practical judgment, with vast stores of learning, and an unusual elevation of mind, he was also broadminded and compassionate. It may be mentioned that he provided on Ufenau Island in Zurich lake a last asylum for Ulrich von Hutten, who had been rejected by Erasmus and driven from Germany. ”

“ I pray not, as our Euchitce brethren, for your peace which is eternal love from above; but I commune with you through the gracious spirit in whom we dwell.”
“To your keeping I commit this,” said Pietro, handing her the cross. “I will endeavor to procure the case that enclosed it.”
“You will deliver this packet to the king of Hungary,” said Lord Zawis, when Pietro appeared before him. “I rely on your prudence and courage. Lord Boppo will return with you. His presence and influence can procure us allies in the north such as no other living man can command.” ”

“ The Zwinglians thought that free preaching extended to the Five Cantons as well as to the Common Lands; and on the other hand the Five Cantons naturally held themselves free to act as they pleased in their own territory. Thus the peace which placed Zurich at the height of her power contained in itself the seeds of future war. As a politician, if not as a theologian, Zwingli was justified in his preference for force. ”

“ As if to make up for the silence with which the guests had hitherto listened to Zicci, every tongue was now loosened; every man talked, no man listened. In the serene beauty of the night and scene there was something wild and fearful in the contrast of the hubbub and Babel of these disorderly roysterers. One of the Frenchmen in especial, the young Due de R—,—a nobleman of the highest rank, and of all the quick, vivacious, and irascible temperament of his countrymen,—was particularly noisy and excited. ”

“ Those eyes met his, and he could not withdraw from the charm of their gaze. He felt her heart throbbing beneath his own; her breath came warm upon his cheek. He trembled,—he, the lofty, the mysterious Zicci,—who seemed to stand aloof from his race. With a deep and burning sigh he murmured, “Isabel, I love thee!” That beautiful face, bathed in blushes, drooped upon his bosom; and as he bent down, his lips sought the rosy mouth,—a long and burning kiss. Danger, life, the world were forgotten! Suddenly Zicci tore himself from her. ”

“ Zigg spake: "The thin habit of spirits is beyond the force of weapons."
"Pish!" said Spitfire. "Was this a spirit? I hold it rather a simulacrum or illusion prepared for us by Witchland's cunning, to darken our counsel and shake our resolution."
*⁠*⁠*
On the morrow while yet sunrise was red, Lord Zigg went down to the sea-shore to bathe in the great rock pools that face southward across the little bay of Owlswick. The salt air was fresh after the rain. The wind that had veered to the east blew in cold and pinching gusts. In a rift between slate-blue clouds the low sun flamed blood-red. ”

“ The Prince seemed ghastly pale, while the gaze of the Corsican bent upon him with an intent and stern brightness that the conscience-stricken host cowered and quailed beneath. Not till he had drained the draught and replaced the glass upon the board did Zicci turn his eyes from the Prince; and he then said, “Your wine has been kept too long,—it has lost its virtues. It might disagree with many; but do not fear, it will not harm me, Prince. ”

“ The menacing aspect of affairs, the desolation of the kingdom, the appalling ruin impending, created the most grave apprehension. “Our first care must be to provision our fortress,” declared Zawis. “The fugitives have not wholly ceased to reach us. Our numbers are unusual, and we know not how soon we may receive a visit from our recent guests under other and more avowed conditions. On the side of Bohemia we are safe. Rudolph’s allies have departed. He is poor. ”

“ The young queen came surrounded with attendants exclusively foreign. But the government administered by aliens created violent, albeit suppressed antagonism. The boy king yearned for the presence and sympathy of his mother, whom he had not seen during more than four years. Queen Kunigunde, Zawis and their son, with a few chosen attendants, assumed at Wenzel’s special command a permanent residence in the royal palace; and all parties yielded pre-eminence to the commanding mind, energy, and dignity of Lord Zawis, as the person best capable of directing state affairs in the present emergency. ”

“ I remember that in the midst of our most clamorous gayety my eye fell upon the foreign cavalier, Signor Zicci, whose conversation had so enchanted us all, and I felt a certain chill come over me to perceive that he bore the same calm and unsympathizing smile upon his countenance which had characterized it in his singular and curious stories of the court of Louis XV. I felt, indeed, half inclined to seek a quarrel with one whose composure was almost an insult to our disorder. ”

“ Among our first duties must be the task of providing adequate provision for the widow of our deceased sovereign. If my counsel and aid can be of any service they are most cheerfully at your command.”
“You have my most grateful recognition of your generous and dutiful engagement, good Lord Zawis,” answered the queen. “Every sentiment of knightly devetion and patriotic fidelity will be required to répair the disasters of our country.”
“Herein now is Bohemia doubly unhappy and oppressed,” answered Zawis. ”

“ Zbyszko wondered at Zych's long thin figure, at his thin face with its enormous nose and at his laughing round eyes.
"O!" said he, "with such a neighbor there will be no sadness, if God only restore my uncle's health."
"It is good to have a joyful neighbor, because with a jolly fellow there will be no quarrel," answered Zych. "Now listen to what I tell you. You have been away from home a long time, and you will not find much comfort in Bogdaniec. ”

“ A third combat by the same victorious knight is disallowed. Even imperial rank must obey implicitly the rules of the tourney. Lord Zawis retired amid tumultuous applause from the Bohemians, while the Austrians maintained an ominous silence. A herald invited the conqueror to receive customary compliments from the ladies of his party. Advancing towards the queen, Zawis removed his helmet, and exhibited a face of singular manliness and intelligence. Proudly the Lady Ludmila presented the conqueror, who although well known, must come in his character as disputant as a stranger. ”

“ Zbyszko breathed with relief and said:
"I will perish with some consolation."
They both began to sigh, and the old nobleman spoke with emotion:
"You mustn't break down with sorrow. Your bones will not search for one another at the day of judgment. I have ordered an honest coffin of oak planks for you. Even the canons of the church of Panna Marya could not have any better. You will not perish like a peasant. I will not permit them to decapitate you on the same cloth on which they behead burghers. ”

“ John Schönbrunner, formerly canon of Zurich, who had retired to Zug at the epoch of the Reformation, could not restrain his tears; "Whatever may have been thy creed," said he, "I know, Zwingle, that thou hast been a loyal confederate! May thy soul rest with God!"
But the pensioners of the foreigner, on whom Zwingle had never ceased to make war, required that the body of the heretic should be dismembered, and a portion sent to each of the Five Cantons. "Peace be to the dead! and God alone be their Judge!" exclaimed the avoyer Golder and the landamman Thoss of Zug. ”

“ The occurence being at once reported to Lord Zawis, the three members of the Order of Jesus Christ appeared before their indignant host soon after dawn. “Depart at once from these premises,” commanded Zawis. “Every principle of knighthood, hospitality and honor, you have violated. I grieve to find the sacred name of Jesus Christ associated with such dark treachery.” “Is there no grace for needed refreshment?” replied Brother Primus. “The dungeon or the highway is your only choice,” exclaimed Zawis. “Begone!” A strong guard immediately conducted the prisoners to the outer gate. ”