As soon as it arrived, the electors unanimously declared Charles their Emperor on 28th June.[269] [Footnote 267: _Ven.

Cal._, ii., 1227.] [Footnote 268: _L.

and P._, iii., 326.] [Footnote 269: _L.

and P._, iii., 339.] Thus was completed the shuffling of the cards for the struggle which lasted till Henry's death.

Francis had now succeeded to Louis, Charles to both his grandfathers, and Henry at twenty-eight was the _doyen_ of the princes of Europe.