Thus Charles V., when but twenty years of age, was the King of Spain and the crowned Emperor of Germany.

It is a great mistake to suppose that youthful precocity is one of the innovations of modern times.
In the changes of the political kaleidoscope, Austria had now become a part of Spain, or rather a prince of Austrian descent, a lineal heir of the house of Hapsburg, had inherited the dominion of Spain, the most extensive monarchy, in its continental domains and its colonial possessions, then upon the globe.

The Germanic confederation at this time made a decided step in advance.

Hitherto the emperors, when crowned, had made a sort of verbal promise to administer the government in accordance with the laws and customs of the several states.

They were, however, apprehensive that the new emperor, availing himself of the vast power which he possessed independently of the imperial crown, might, by gradual encroachments, defraud them of their rights.