Joachim Friedrich's eldest Son, Johann Sigismund, Electoral Prince of Brandenburg, had already, in 1594, married one of Albert Friedrich the hypochondriac Duke of Preussen's daughters; and there was a promising family of children; no lack of children.

Nevertheless prudent Joachim Friedrich himself, now a widower, age towards sixty, did farther, in the present emergency, marry another of these Princesses, a younger Sister of his Son's Wife,--seven months after George Friedrich's death,--to make assurance doubly sure, A man not to be balked, if he can help it.

By virtue of excellent management,--Duchess, Prussian STANDE (States), and Polish Crown, needing all to be contented,--Joachim Friedrich, with gentle strong pressure, did furthermore squeeze his way into the actual Guardianship of Preussen and the imbecile Duke, which was his by right.

This latter feat he achieved in the course of another year (11th March, 1605); [Stenzel, i.

358.] and thereby fairly got hold of Preussen; which he grasped, "knuckles-white," as we may say; and which his descendants have never quitted since.
Good management was very necessary.