But the reserved power in Spain, Italy, and Southern Germany was sure enough to make itself felt sooner or later on the Catholic side.
Meantime the Estates of Bohemia knew well enough that the Imperial house was bent on destroying the elective principle of the Empire, and on keeping the crown of Bohemia in perpetuity.

They had also discovered that Bishop-Archduke Leopold had been selected by Rudolph as chief of the reactionary movement against Protestantism.

They could not know at that moment whether his plans were likely to prove fantastic or dangerous.
So Matthias came to Prague at the invitation of the Estates, entering the city with all the airs of a conqueror.

Rudolph received his brother with enforced politeness, and invited him to reside in the Hradschin.

This proposal was declined by Matthias, who sent a colonel however, with six pieces of artillery, to guard and occupy that palace.