The Imperial crown belonged to no one as yet after the death of Matthias, and was open therefore to his competition.
Anhalt demanded of Savoy 15,000 men for the maintenance of the good cause, asserting that "it would be better to have the Turk or the devil himself on the German throne than leave it to Ferdinand." The triumvirate ruling at Prague-Thurn, Ruppa, and Hohenlohe--were anxious for a decision from Frederic.

That simple-hearted and ingenuous young elector had long been troubled both with fears lest after all he might lose the crown of Bohemia and with qualms of conscience as to the propriety of taking it even if he could get it.

He wrestled much in prayer and devout meditation whether as anointed prince himself he were justified in meddling with the anointment of other princes.

Ferdinand had been accepted, proclaimed, crowned.

He artlessly sent to Prague to consult the Estates whether they possessed the right to rebel, to set aside the reigning dynasty, and to choose a new king.