The point was, To choose as Hochmeister some man of German influence, of power and connection in the Country, who might help them to their so-called right.

With this view, they chose one and then another of such sort;--and did not find it very hopeful, as we shall see.
Albert was chosen Grand-Master of Preussen, in February, 1511; age then twenty-one.

Made his entry into Konigsberg, November next year; in grand cavalcade, "dreadful storm of rain and wind at the time,"-- poor Albert all in black, and full of sorrow, for the loss of his Mother, the good Polish Princess, who had died since he left home.

Twenty months of preparation he had held since his Election, before doing anything: for indeed the case was intricate.

He, like his predecessor in office, had undertaken to refuse that Homage to Poland; the Reich generally, and Kaiser Max himself, in a loose way of talk, encouraging him: "A piece of the Reich," said they all; "Teutsch Ritters had no power to give it away in that manner." Which is a thing more easily said, than made good in the way of doing.
Albert's predecessor, chosen on this principle, was a Saxon Prince, Friedrich of Meissen; cadet of Saxony; potently enough connected, he too; who, in like manner, had undertaken to refuse the Homage.