The feeble cantons would seek the protection of a powerful chief; the citizens of a wealthy town, ever liable to be robbed by bishop or baron, looked around for some warrior who had invincible troops at his command for their protection.

Thus Rhodolph of Hapsburg was chosen chief of the mountaineers of Uri, Schweitz and Underwalden; and all their trained bands were ready, when his bugle note echoed through their defiles, to follow him unquestioning, and to do his bidding.

The citizens of Zurich chose Rhodolph of Hapsburg as their prefect or mayor; and whenever his banner was unfurled in their streets, all the troops of the city were at his command.
The neighboring barons, alarmed at this rapid aggrandizement of Rhodolph, formed an alliance to crush him.

The mountaineers heard his bugle call, and rushed to his aid.

Zurich opened her gates, and her marshaled troops hastened to his banner.