As emperor, Rhodolph could call the armies of the Germanic princes into the field; but these princes moved reluctantly, unless roused by some question of great moment to them all.

And when these heterogeneous troops of the empire were assembled, there was but a slender bond of union between them.
But Rhodolph possessed mental resources equal to the emergence.

As cautious as he was bold, as sagacious in council as he was impetuous in action, he calmly, and with great foresight and deliberation, prepared for the strife.

To a monarch in such a time of need, a family of brave sons and beautiful daughters, is an inestimable blessing.

Rhodolph secured the Duke of Sclavonia by making him the happy husband of one of his daughters.