It is to be hoped that the human family may never again suffer what it has already endured.

We shall be indeed insane if we do not gain some wisdom from the struggles and the calamities of those who have gone before us.

The narrative of the career of the Austrian Empire, must, by contrast, excite emotions of gratitude in every American bosom.
Our lines have fallen to us in pleasant places; we have a goodly heritage.
It is the author's intention soon to issue, as the second of this series, the History of the Empire of Russia.
JOHN S.C.ABBOTT.
Brunswick, Maine, 1859.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
RHODOLPH OF HAPSBURG.
From 1232 to 1291.
Hawk's Castle .-- Albert, Count of Hapsburg .-- Rhodolph of Hapsburg .-- His Marriage and Estates .-- Excommunication and its Results .-- His Principles of Honor .-- A Confederacy of Barons .-- Their Route .-- Rhodolph's Election as Emperor of Germany .-- The Bishop's Warning .-- Dissatisfaction at the Result of the Election .-- Advantages accruing from the Possession of an interesting Family .-- Conquest .-- Ottocar acknowledges the Emperor; yet breaks his Oath of Allegiance .-- Gathering Clouds .-- Wonderful Escape .-- Victory of Rhodolph .-- His Reforms.

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