- ARCHIVE - Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire

[unmerged(9600)]

André de Laurendau looks rather irritated at the Genoan.

"And I suppose you would have the sheep choose their shepherds as well? Madness. Fortunately, the noble Duke of Savoy will soon end this madness, before it destroys us all."

 

[Voshkod]

Deep in prayer, the Archbishop is oblivious to the talk around him, until he hears the Hungarian ask about his weapon. He stares at Herrman.

"My weapon is now a cross. It should only frighten the unholy. What about it frightens you, child of the dragon?"

 

[unmerged(17500)]

Stefano Lancetto speaks

"Your regal of regals, we are honored to be in your presence, your highness Joachim of the Grief. I would like to take this opportunity to repeat Venezia's command and solemn promise to protect the Holy Mother Chruch by your side. However your Imperial majesty, there will be no peace. Ugo and Hungary must pay for their sins, and the sword of God will have to march to do so. If the Empire, the so called sword and shield of the Church refuses to do so, then Venezia will take up the cause itself. We have seen much weakness recently. In the northern steppe of Lithuania, thousands of Catholics were taken as slaves or killed. The Muslim threat came to Macedonia, and again nothing was done. Venezia was threatened by a heretic, we asked for his highness Joachim, before this war, to use his power to keep the peace, and at the time nothing, again was done. I am finished waiting for the Empire to stick to its oaths of protecting Christianity, for it is becoming clearer that nothing was ever meant to be done and now is not the time for peace, not after what has happened. No peace will be put forth between Hungary and Venezia, unless one is finally destroyed.

If I may speak freely your highness, for I think someone needs to advize you on how the Empire is seen externaly. You speak of forgiveness, well Hungary had little need for forgiveness, even when its demands were met. If Venezia ever desired to join the Empire, it has now been guaranteed that with the vissible ineffectiveness of the protection of Catholic states, that Venezia will never join. Such is the Empire's loss. Such is the loss of all Catholics. We have seen that Rome even feels the recent ineffectiveness, and has looked to allie itself with nations outside of the Empire to guarantee its protection.

Let me get to my point. The Empire is losing face, pure and simple. It has, as its first and primary duty, the responsibility to protect Catholic lands from evil and Satanic forces. To regain the lost respect, Hungary must be punished, and I say Hungary and not Ugo, for the nation has been excommunicated, and as you have seen the nation is in full support of the pederast Ugo. We must send a message, that these actions are unacceptable under God. If the Empire does nothing, which I think it will, then these are truly dangerous times, and the Papal States are in the right looking for a more faithful sword and shield.

Let me remind his higness
-Ugo has been excommunicated, and proven a heretic.
-His armies are made up of schismatics who, pilliage, rape, and burn the holy city of St. Mark.
-The Muslims fund the very armies that tear through the holy city.

Take this as advice from a friend, your higness for Venezia only wishes for yor improved health.

Now Laurendau, I have great respect for your nation and for you. However I think that this issue with Genoa has been taken too seriously. Firstly it seems like an internal issue for Piedmonte and Genoa to deal with instead of the Empire. If those two nations then fail, then something may have to be done. However we hope that this is not an excuse for finding war, where war does not excist. "​

Lancetto sits waiting for a response.

 

[Alex_pharaoh]

André de Laurendau looks rather irritated at the Genoan.

"And I suppose you would have the sheep choose their shepherds as well? Madness. Fortunately, the noble Duke of Savoy will soon end this madness, before it destroys us all."

Even as the man obviously spoke louder then the Prince Grimaldi, he answered:

"Shepards? Sheep? I didn't spoke about people being animals, but being a flock. Even so, if it is madness, let it be madness. But this madness that doesn't harm the will of God and the will of our holy Church has brought prosperity to not only the Republic of Genoa and the rest of the region. So, this "madness" that you call it has proven successfull, loyal and in favor of the will of God by all ways possible. Why would you wish to destroy such wonderfull thing happening to the Republic of Genoa?"

 

[unmerged(5630)]

Quietly lurking in the back of the room since the Emperor's speech, a man in a simple full-body cloak chose that moment to approach the Bavarian delegate and whisper into his ear. Bowing deeply, Schroder retreated behind the cloaked figure, who began speaking in a low and deep voice...

"Fellow Princes of the Empire and their delegates, esteemed guests... and scoundrels in our midst... I, Duke Albrecht the Third of Bavaria, have travelled to your sanctum so that I might speak directly on behalf of my realm in these troubled times."

As he speaks, the hood is twitched down revealing a more haggard yet still recognizable face to those who were familiar with the Duke's appearance.

"There are two swords of Holy Empire, two swords that defend Christendom from the devil. All within should reverence and swear their undying loyalty to the temporal majesties that wield those two swords, something we most often fail to do in more than words. For those still confused, I speak of his Majesty the Emperor and his Holiness the Pope. No longer will I myself echo only the right words."

"As we speak here, a rider makes for Rome. This rider is none other than his Eminence the Cardinal-Archbishop of Munich on a pilgrimage and a mission of holy purpose he has undertaken for my sake. Once there, he will ask that the Pope grant me the boon of receiving Holy Orders from his hands should I prove worthy. I have one heir and, God granting, another on the way and thus my duty to family is complete. Now I would do homage and duty to God as a simple member of his priesthood."

With this the Duke lets his cloak fall to the ground revealing a white tunic emblazoned with a blue cross the same shade of the Bavarian arms.

"I have heard the Archbishop of Cologne speak and it has emblazoned the fire already in my heart. If the Pope affirms this vision as a true and holy one, I shall swear myself as a Crusader in this mission to slay the dragon which would seek to drown us all in blood and heresy."

He takes a breath and resumes before anyone may cut in.

"Further, to his Majesty I once again affirm my allegiance. What he decrees Bavarian arms will be first to enforce. Where his sword is bared, so shall Bavarian swords be unsheathed. His is the Imperial dignity and Bavaria will defend it against any and all. It is well known that my distaste for Venice runs deep, though not so deep as Hungary's actions would reach towards, yet I will defend it to the last should his Majesty request that. He should consider Bavarian soldiers to be as his own. This I swear before God and all present here today. Whatever negotiations given here today, whatever agreements made binding by his Majesty, will have the full force of my Princely crown behind them as well no matter the outcome."

 

[Fireblade]

A man dressed in jet black armor is observed by the janitors, entering in the early morning, before any other Prince or Ambassador arrives. The man takes a seat on the back of a bench, and reads a copy in Italian of Boccaccio's "Decameron". The janitors, thinking his early arrival to be rather odd, bow and smile at him, and he nods slightly to them. Carrying on their work, the janitors.. and later, the Imperial Princes, pay no attention to him.

The man watches for hours as the delegates argue back and forth. Finally, during a short lull, the man suddenly stands, and in a booming voice, addresses the room.

"Joachim, Emperor Elect, King of Romans, Sweden, Duke of Pommern, Lord of Much Else, and Princes of the Holy Roman Empire! I am Andrea Julian, Duke of Taranto, Royal Governor of Napoli, Margrave of Ostein, and Prince of the Holy Roman Empire! If my credentials to the last be in doubt, for I have not beforehand arrived in this hall, then let this document prove my heritage!"

Prinz Andrea pulls several vellum documents from a small bag, and hands them to an Imperial officer, who hands them to the Emperor.

"My birthright to the Margravate of Ostein, King Joachim, from my mother, Louisa von Ostein."

Andrea smiles grimly, then pounds a clenched fist into an open palm.

"My arrival to-day was to swear fealty for the Margravate of Ostein to your Majesty. But, as we know, there are matters that now concern the Kingdom of Naples.."

A finger, accusing, points towards the representative of Genoa.

"You, Georgio di Grimaldi! You, who prattle on and on about 'Italy', which in your twisted madman delusions also include the Kingdom of Naples.. which has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with Italy!, now lower yourself to the level of common swine by actually going along with the insanity in Genoa! Elections.. from commoners!"

Prince Andrea spits on the floor, and laughs softly.

"Know this, Georgio. I, and King René, do not look kindly on the stupid actions of the Genovese. Unless this 'election' is repudiated at once, we shall have no choice but to declare war upon Genoa. We Neapolitans know how to govern, and if the Genovese are incapable of doing so, then I suppose the duty falls upon us.."

Prince Andrea then slowly turns his gaze towards the obviously mad Archbishop of Cologne.

"My lord, the Papacy is not infallible. I, and many others, see the obvious hypocrasy in punishing Ugo in one hand and patting the Dog of Venice on the other. Venice.. the city built on trade with the east.. not a word was said about this, but yet, when Ugo moves with some CHRISTIANS against the heretical Dog of Venice, he is excommunicated and damned to hell!"

Prince Andrea flips a copy of Dante's Inferno to the Archbishop.

"May I suggest you read this? As you'll see, not even the Pope is safe from the fires of Hell.."

Finally, Prince Andrea's smile turns from smug coldness to something approaching warmth. He bows towards the King of Romans.

"Your Majesty, whenever the opportunate moment presents itself, perhaps I could properly swear fealty as Margrave of Ostein to yourself?"

 

[Petrarca]

Rozmberk responded to Grimaldi: "Well, it is indeed pleasant to see Genoa honoring her commitments, regardless of the nature of those ties. I remember the days when Genoa felt quite the opposite towards her obligations... those were unpleasant times. But unpleasantness is such a passing thing when life is full of such beauty. Why, take the scenery of this country: magnificent, and filled with fine game. I highly recommend it."

"Ah, yes, the matter at hand. The Emperor declares this a conflict between Duke Antonio and Prince Ugo. Yet Genoa is rallied to the cause, with Duke Antonio specifically citing a war "for fair Lombardy." We know the ambitions harbored towards the coronet of Milan by her western neighbors, and now I am to understand that this war is waged for greater prize than the representatives gives it credit for, for to defeat Hungary would be to eliminate the princes who pledge support for the Sforza. This is not war between single men, any more than a bloody street fight between rival factions is the play of small children," Rozmberk commented with his usual locquacity to a simple issue.

 

[Petrarca]

After the Emperor's speech ended, with Joachim variously looking at Rozmberk, Herrman, and Ladislav, each in different sections of the hall, Wenzel von Dohna approached Ladislav: "What transpired with the Bavarians, Majesty?"

"Rozmberk ate Austria, and his brother tried to make him the next course," Ladislav commented curtly. Joachim's speech had not gone over well.

"Ah, yes, I see, Majesty," von Dohna finished. He had hoped for some breakthrough with the Bavarians, but while their Duke was neutral he was clearly not friendly.



Ladislav breathed in deeply after de Laurendau's speech. The Emperor's blunt speech caused him to wonder, Does he not understand what we must do? Surely he must, yet he ignores it.

"Honorable lords of the Diet," he began, "and others," looking at Grimaldi and Lancetto, "herr de Laurendau raised an excellent point. By an oath we took before God and the Diet in the cathedral of Esztergom, we swore to defend Hungary. To abrogate that oath is to renounce the Crown Law of Hungary, that divinely inspired concept that binds Hungary."

"Our dear envoy, Count Rozmberk, has conducted well the defense of our position. Indeed, the Duke of Piemonte has written to us, asking for some punishment of the Palatine. The Crown Law, however, stays our hand and requires the Diet of Hungary perform any such censure. And now we find that the Duke Antonio, who declined our meeting in Dijon without reason, wars upon our Palatine."

"The climate of blood that grips the Empire cannot go on," he said, glancing at Cardinal Archbishop von der Pfalz. "Some would take pleasure in a victorious campaign resplendent with glories, enjoying the fruits of victory without thought of victory's cost. We do not."

"Duke Antonio's men cite the sack of Venice as incitement to the Duke's passions. A fiery exchange took place between the Palatine and the Duke, all begun by the Duke's indignation to the conduct of our campaign."

"The privileges of power must be matched by the responsibilities of office. We are King of Hungary, and with the authority we wield we bear responsibility for that which transpires in the wars of Hungary. If the Duke takes grave offense at our conduct, then let him hold forth to he liable for all that transpires in the campaigns. Spare the Palatine the insults tossed about, and speak to us for we shirk not that which was entrusted to us by the Diet of Hungary."

"If this body desires investigation or censure of those culpable, then we stand here ready. None would blame the common soldier for the sack of Venice. None should blame the soldier's commander. Instead blame us, for as King we sanction without question or hesitation the leadership of Hungary's Palatine. There is no need for clash of arms by rash men when we stand here, prepared to honor our duty to Hungary. That duty demands we not let others be castigated when it is ourselves who bear willingly the responsbility inherent in our position."



Afterwards, von Dohna whispered to Ladislav: "If Your Majesty is ignored..."

"Then the Emperor too is ignored," he responded, wondering whether the delegates would acknowledge his assumption.

 

[unmerged(9313)]

Georgio di Grimaldi calmly listened to the man from Burgundia, and the man from Hungaria calmly. He had not the strength nor the vitality to speak passionatly, so he responded calmly:

"Well, Sir of Hungary, Italia is what your lord invaded and razed..."

Herrman spoke.

"Italy? We invaded and razed Venice, my good man."

He then looked at the Venetian and shook his head while he smiled.

"Well, there you have it gentlemen. Venice does not want peace. The Doge would rather sacrifice what is left of the realm. That is his choice to make. We have noted it."

 

[unmerged(9313)]

Herrman looked through his notes and then spoke.

"It seems some here do not understand how the situation in the Dual Monarchy is. You all seem very bent on putting the sceptre of guilt in someone's hands, and right now it has landed with lord Ugo. Indeed, lord Ugo is subject to Ladislavus, and appointed leader of the army of both the king and the Diet. However, let me state a few things that seem to be ignored by most of you.
Ugo did lead the final assault on Venice and the subsequent pillage and raze of that city. Of course he did. He was the commander of the army, for God's sake. He drew up the tactical plan for final attack and co-ordinated the Hungarian and Bohemian armies to their tasks. Tasks that were agreed on in advance. Ugo did not simply get this idea and then immediately followed it through. That would be denying what kind of tactician lord Ugo is. He wrote up the plan and then he sent it to king Ladislavus for approval. I agree, that destroying Venice was a big step and to some it might seem overly strong. But lord Ugo did NOT act without approval from king Ladislavus. The roles of the individual army groups were approved by our king personally. Perhaps some of you should make an effort to find out what the role of the Bohemian army was and what the role of the Hungarian army was. Many of you seem desperately misinformed.
King Ladislavus had the plans for the destruction of Venice in his hands and approved them. For that Hungary salutes him, for it was a difficult decision to make, but it was also the right decision. Lord Palatine Ugo carried out the deed, and the deed was approved by king Ladislavus. There are your facts, gentlemen. Any issue you might have with lord Ugo you also have with king Ladislavus.
And now you demand that Bohemia put its sword to rest against Genoa and Piemonte. Gentlemen, let me explain to you what kind of unfortunate action you are asking my king to take. King Ladislavus is our king through good and bad. We, the Hungarian nobility, have sworn to come to the aid of the crown of Bohemia, should it ever need it. In us Ladislavus has a mighty sword, unlike any other in Christianity. Militarily we are stronger than our king, but it does not matter. There is mutual respect and honour between us. However, the oath goes both ways. The king and the nobility of Bohemia is also bound by oath to come to the aid of Hungary in case of aggression against us. Mylords, that is the very FOUNDATION of the Ausgleich and the Union of Arms. A common understanding that the two realms need each other. The king has the responsibility to protect Hungary and in return he has the privilege of our protection. This issue of mutual protection also applies to king Ladislavus and Lord Palatine Ugo personally. Lord Ugo would do his utmost to protect his king and in return both lord Ugo and the Magnates of Hungary expect the king to protect the champion of the Hungarian nobility.
I am sorry to say this, but if king Ladislavus does not aid us in the war against Genoa and Piemonte, he will be breaking our agreement and in effect seize to be our king by that agreement. So what the Empire is demanding of king Ladislavus is to give up his very own crown. While I respect the desire to keep the peace between Imperial realms, this is asking too much. I doubt the Empire has the authority to force a king to give up his crown. The Emperor acknowledges Ladislavus' right to the Hungarian crown. The Emperor himself made sure that the Ausgleich was negotiated through. Will the Emperor now deny king Ladislavus his god-given right?
This matter exceeds that of Genoa versus Hungary or Piemonte versus Hungary. It involves the very core of the dual monarchy and its future. But then on the other hand, many of you would like to see an end to the Dual Monarchy, don't you?"

 

[Voshkod]

The Archbishop slowly stands. He pulls his sword from the table and sheathes it beneath his robes.

"Very well, my weapon is away. I shall only unsheathe it again when ordered by the Emperor, by the Pope, or by God.

"I know full well that the Eastern Dragon is not the only concern of this . . . august body. I will speak on these other matters, but here I speak only with my own authority.

"First, there in Genoa.

"For many years, my home, Cologne, was controlled by the burghers and peasants. We put a stop to that by point of sword. Let the peasants of Genoa burn. Restore the proper authority. But let us not become too involved in crushing the lice on the body Imperial that we ignore the dragon looming large.

"For the Duke of Bavaria, my blessings. He has seen the truth. If the Emperor will not act, then the armies of Cologne will follow the Duke to the East.

"Prince Andrea, I have read Dante's poisonous little tome. I know full well that the Papacy has not always been the spiritual sword of the Lord on earth. I pray that this Pope is. But if he is not. . . if he does not understand the threat he faces . . . " The Archbishop trails off, shaking his head sadly.

"And finally," he says, pointing at King Ladislav, "this Dragon would accuse me of looking to glory in a war to the East. I only look for the glory of the Lord. War is an evil upon the Earth. But, at times, it is a necessary one. As fire can burn out infection, war can destroy evil."

 

[unmerged(9313)]

The Archbishop slowly stands. He pulls his sword from the table and sheathes it beneath his robes.

"Very well, my weapon is away. I shall only unsheathe it again when ordered by the Emperor, by the Pope, or by God.

"I know full well that the Eastern Dragon is not the only concern of this . . . august body. I will speak on these other matters, but here I speak only with my own authority.

"First, there in Genoa.

"For many years, my home, Cologne, was controlled by the burghers and peasants. We put a stop to that by point of sword. Let the peasants of Genoa burn. Restore the proper authority. But let us not become too involved in crushing the lice on the body Imperial that we ignore the dragon looming large.

"For the Duke of Bavaria, my blessings. He has seen the truth. If the Emperor will not act, then the armies of Cologne will follow the Duke to the East.

"Prince Andrea, I have read Dante's poisonous little tome. I know full well that the Papacy has not always been the spiritual sword of the Lord on earth. I pray that this Pope is. But if he is not. . . if he does not understand the threat he faces . . . " The Archbishop trails off, shaking his head sadly.

"And finally," he says, pointing at King Ladislav, "this Dragon would accuse me of looking to glory in a war to the East. I only look for the glory of the Lord. War is an evil upon the Earth. But, at times, it is a necessary one. As fire can burn out infection, war can destroy evil."

Herrman claps his hands after regaining his nerves.

"Bravo! Braaaa-vo! A dramatic spectacle indeed. But I have seen and heard better displays of "visions" from drunks in the streets. Any man can come in here and claim to have spoken with the Divine, being ordered to slay a "Dragon in the East". Nonsense, archbishop. We are not impressed. Not even with your handling of your sword. That was... just interesting.
Now, let us be more secular about the matter. Am I to understand that Cologne wishes for war between itself and Hungary? Over what matter? The ex-communication of the Lord Palatine? To revenge Venice? Or our disobediance towards the corrupt bishop of Rome?
Oh yes. How spiritual the bishops are. So many of them ride to war and these servants of the peaceloving Christ... bear swords, as we have clearly seen. Threatening with war, ready to ride and slay and conquer. You, archbishop are no different from any secular lord and that says a lot. Hungary is ready to wage war on any foe, and if Cologne wants to "smite" us with the "fury of God", then let them try. We are ready. Pff! Visions and dragons and beasts and the revenge of the Divine.
Let me ask you this, archbishop. If God does not approve of Lord Ugo's and king Ladislavus' actions, why did our side conquer Venice? Why have we been victorious in war, when God apparantly is supposed to be against us? Is the "Other Side" stronger than God, for you seem to believe that we are aided by something else than the Almighty. Rubbish, that is what this vision of yours is. And I do say that you had no contact with God whatsoever. The very outcome of this war proves the opposite. And a holy man wielding a sword like that. It breaks my heart to see what the clergy has become these days. More warriors than shepherds."

 

[BusterBunny]

Görlitz, amazed at the number of nobles suddenly appearing in the Diet, had stayed silent for a while, listening to all the parties. At a moment of silence, he stood up and addressed the Emperor.

"Your Most August Imperial Majesty graces this noble assembly with your presence, my lord.

The wars that have plagued France and England for more than a hundred years have seen many horrors as I was told. Calais was destroyed many times, as well as smaller villages. Orléans laid in ruins at some point, Paris was burned in part. The abbaye of St-Clermont was completely emptied of its riches, and it is said that everything that was remotely golden in Notre-Dame Cathedral is now in London.

The house of Plantagenet and the House of Valois have never been called barbaric.

So let's not jump to conclusion just as yet as to wether Ugo of Hungary is barbaric, or simply hurt by the events.

I would like to point out that the destruction of Venice COULD have been averted. The Doge of Venice was invited to meet the armies of the Dual Monarchy, with any allies they could see fit, in the fields of their choice. If they would the result of that battle would seal the faith of this war.

The Doge never answered. It was an ultimatum, and it wasn't answered. Ugo of Hungary would have been called a liar if he hadn't done what he had said he would do.

To this day, the maintenance of larges armies such as the ones of the Doge, and the one of the Dual Monarchy, are draining ressources respectively in Hellas and in Veneto. Maintaining this war is costly for the people of these lands.

We would love to confront the armies of the Doge. But, they are protected, through clever rights of passage allowed by the Pope, in lands owned by my Lord the Count Palatine of the Rhine, and thus by His Most August Imperial Majesty, but controlled by His Holiness. They can reach us, but we can't reach them.

So the war drags on. It empties coffers, it stops trade... though I've heard that Piemonte and Venice are still, somehow, profitting from this... it kills people.

I do not know what to call a man that let his city destroyed like that. I would say if the man who destroyed the city is barbaric, then obviously the man who could have averted it but didn't is as barbaric.

So, in the end, this is just another war, like many other wars we've seen. We can settle it peacefully, we can settle it with swords, by I do not think we should maintain it forever.

The excommunication is, obviously, debattable. It is political before anything else, since the Doge of Venice wasn't excommunicated for allowing the conversion of his own people to the muslim heathens.

That, the Archbishop of Cologne, I am sure, would condemn with much fury, since the killing of people is one thing, since redemption is upon them, but that the damnation of souls to the muslim faith is eternal. If this matter doesn't concern the Archbishop of Cologne as much as the excommunication of Ugo of Hungary, perhaps My Lord Archbishop would discuss the matter with the Archbishop Montpetit, from the Holy Inquisition, and Archbishop von Wittelsbach from Mainz.

Your Most August Imperial Majesty, let's not get entangled in what people call "Italy". You are King of the Romans, you wear the Iron Crown of the Lombards, so any talks of "Italy" is simply used to create a sense of "unity" between Imperial and Non-Imperial subjects who, in the end, I would see as a DIRECT menace to His Most August Imperial Majesty's Crown. For what would happen if Venice, Milan, Genoa, Piemonte, Firenze down to Roma would come to unity, such as what we seem to see more and more nowadays? It would mean that Lombardy would be reborn, and that You would have to give them back this crown, which is yours by the will of God.

Your Most August Imperial Majesty, within these walls, we have all parties represented. I have received a letter from my Lord, who is ready for peace if the Dual Monarchy and Venice reach an agreement under your mediation. I read part of his letter, perhaps, to let you understand his thinking.

My responsability remains to my familly, the House von Wittelsbach. Rex Ladislavus is a wise man, and will understand my willingness for peace. Within the Diet, there needs to be a concensus around the peacefull resolution of this war. The root cause of this war is titles, mainly, and perhaps with a new push from His Most August Imperial Majesty will we be allowed to finally come back home. Many talk of His Most August Imperial Majesty as Joachim the Strong, but it is becoming even more obvious with time that from Strong he will become Mediator. And for a man of peace, I am most certain that the name "Mediator" is even more powerfull than "Strong", and through time, people will say "Joachim of the Grief and Erick von Wittelsbach could both have been called the Strong, but chose to become even more".

If the matter of this war is the titles of Croatia, Dobrudja and Dalmatia, perhapes there is something to do there? Surely, my Lord the count Palatine of the Rhine thinks so."

 

[Alex_pharaoh]

The Archbishop slowly stands. He pulls his sword from the table and sheathes it beneath his robes.

"Very well, my weapon is away. I shall only unsheathe it again when ordered by the Emperor, by the Pope, or by God.

"I know full well that the Eastern Dragon is not the only concern of this . . . august body. I will speak on these other matters, but here I speak only with my own authority.

"First, there in Genoa.

"For many years, my home, Cologne, was controlled by the burghers and peasants. We put a stop to that by point of sword. Let the peasants of Genoa burn. Restore the proper authority. But let us not become too involved in crushing the lice on the body Imperial that we ignore the dragon looming large.

"For the Duke of Bavaria, my blessings. He has seen the truth. If the Emperor will not act, then the armies of Cologne will follow the Duke to the East.

"Prince Andrea, I have read Dante's poisonous little tome. I know full well that the Papacy has not always been the spiritual sword of the Lord on earth. I pray that this Pope is. But if he is not. . . if he does not understand the threat he faces . . . " The Archbishop trails off, shaking his head sadly.

"And finally," he says, pointing at King Ladislav, "this Dragon would accuse me of looking to glory in a war to the East. I only look for the glory of the Lord. War is an evil upon the Earth. But, at times, it is a necessary one. As fire can burn out infection, war can destroy evil."

Then Georgio Grimaldi responded:

"Peasants are the ones who choose what Noble shall rule them. Prosperity and happyness is being seen in the Republic of Genoa. Even so, we are criticized without any reason, even if we never bent really the mandates of God."

 

[unmerged(9313)]

Hermann nods towards Görlitz.

"Indeed, we wish for peace. But to quote the... hmm, noble Venetians words recently:

However your Imperial majesty, there will be no peace. Ugo and Hungary must pay for their sins, and the sword of God will have to march to do so. If the Empire, the so called sword and shield of the Church refuses to do so, then Venezia will take up the cause itself.

and

No peace will be put forth between Hungary and Venezia, unless one is finally destroyed.

and

To regain the lost respect, Hungary must be punished, and I say Hungary and not Ugo, for the nation has been excommunicated, and as you have seen the nation is in full support of the pederast Ugo.

Later today Hungary will offer its last peace proposal to Venice. If they refuse our mercy one more time, our goal shall be annexation, for with the Venetian's own words, that apparently must be. "Unless one is finally destroyed." Indeed."

 

[BusterBunny]

Görlitz answers:

"These are sad words, indeed, but one must remember that Palatine Ugo also has said harsh words of war. So these are normal indeed to be heard.

The one that amazes me the most, however, is these words you quote:

To regain the lost respect, Hungary must be punished, and I say Hungary and not Ugo, for the nation has been excommunicated, and as you have seen the nation is in full support of the pederast Ugo.

The others, I can live with. But these I have a problem with. The regions of Hungary HAVE NOT been excommunicated. How can the Church excommunicated whole regions as large as Hungary? It would be a first! It is undoable.

Perhaps the Doge was drunk. Or thought he was in control of the Church. This asks for many questions.

However, I propose this to Lord Ugo of Hungary. Let his King, Rex Ladislavus, propose the peace. And let him propose it, by letter, to this most noble Diet, for His Most August Imperial Majesty to consider. At that point, His Majesty Joachim of the Grief would be able to mediate between both parties, and come to, hopefully, a mutual understanding between both parties."

 

[Petrarca]

Ondrej Rozmberk coughed discreetly when Görlitz said "by letter." He gestured with a nod over to the other side of the Diet where Ladislav stood with his courtiers, waiting for a response from those who demanded Ugo's condemnation.

 

[BusterBunny]

Then Georgio Grimaldi responded:

"Peasants are the ones who choose what Noble shall rule them. Prosperity and happyness is being seen in the Republic of Genoa. Even so, we are criticized without any reason, even if we never bent really the mandates of God."

Görlitz coughed and answered.

"What is this thinking? The right to rule is given by God, not by the peasants! The peasants do their work in the field, owned by their lords. Their duty, under God, is to obey, and to work. Not to choose which Ruler-for-a-day they want! This is ridiculous."

 

[BusterBunny]

Ondrej Rozmberk coughed discreetly when Görlitz said "by letter." He gestured with a nod over to the other side of the Diet where Ladislav stood with his courtiers, waiting for a response from those who demanded Ugo's condemnation.

Görlitz stroke his forehead with his hand seeing the King of Bohemia and Hungary standing in the Diet.

"Obviously, His Royal Majesty Rex Ladislavus being here, I invite him, should he choose to, to expose himself the peace he would be willing to accept to all of us"

 

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Görlitz answers:

"These are sad words, indeed, but one must remember that Palatine Ugo also has said harsh words of war. So these are normal indeed to be heard.

The one that amazes me the most, however, is these words you quote:



The others, I can live with. But these I have a problem with. The regions of Hungary HAVE NOT been excommunicated. How can the Church excommunicated whole regions as large as Hungary? It would be a first! It is undoable.

Perhaps the Doge was drunk. Or thought he was in control of the Church. This asks for many questions.

However, I propose this to Lord Ugo of Hungary. Let his King, Rex Ladislavus, propose the peace. And let him propose it, by letter, to this most noble Diet, for His Most August Imperial Majesty to consider. At that point, His Majesty Joachim of the Grief would be able to mediate between both parties, and come to, hopefully, a mutual understanding between both parties."

Herrman thinks for a moment.

"Our offer of peace is extremely generous concidered the alternative. I doubt Lord Ugo or the Diet who came up with it will accept any significant alterations to it. But I guess our king could present it and if it does take a bit of mediation and negotiation, well... Lord Ugo has proved open to compromises in the past, hence the Ausgleich."