It was exceedingly difficult for any man, from the Archduke Maximilian down, to define his creed.

A marriage, therefore; between a man and woman of discordant views upon this topic was not startling, although in general not considered desirable.
There were, however, especial reasons why this alliance should be distasteful, both to Philip of Spain upon one side, and to the Landgrave Philip of Hesse on the other.

The bride was the daughter of the elector Maurice.

In that one name were concentrated nearly all the disasters, disgrace, and disappointment of the Emperor's reign.

It was Maurice who had hunted the Emperor through the Tyrolean mountains; it was Maurice who had compelled the peace of Passau; it was Maurice who had overthrown the Catholic Church in Germany, it was Maurice who had frustrated Philip's election as king of the Romans.