But the assembled nobles dreaded the least delay.

Already their cause was weakened by indecision, and a hostile army was in the field, receiving daily accessions.

Though May had been fixed for the opening of the diet, so great was the impatience of Rodolph and his barons, that it was concluded in the middle of March.

No sooner had the legates delivered their instructions, than deliberations were virtually begun.

The chiefs directed all their efforts to induce the legates to sanction the election of a king, and confirm their choice.