14/36 Success succeeded success with such rapidity, that the confederate barons, struck with consternation, exclaimed, "All opposition is fruitless. Rhodolph of Hapsburg is invincible." They consequently dissolved the alliance, and sought peace on terms which vastly augmented the power of the conqueror. He led his armies to the gates of the city, and extorted satisfaction. The Bishop of Basle, a haughty prelate of great military power, and who could summon many barons to his aid, ventured to make arrogant demands of this warrior flushed with victory. The palace and vast possessions of the bishop were upon the other side of the unbridged Rhine, and the bishop imagined that he could easily prevent the passage of the river. |