Their secret plans were so well laid, and they were so secure of success, that the Elector of Mentz tauntingly and boastingly said to Albert, "I need only sound my hunting-horn and a new emperor will appear." Albert, however, succeeded by sagacity and energy, in dispelling this storm which for a time threatened his entire destruction.

By making concessions to the pope, he finally won him to cordial friendship, and by the sword vanquishing some and intimidating others, he broke up the league.

His most formidable foe was his brother-in-law, Wenceslaus, King of Bohemia.

Albert's sister, Judith, the wife of Wenceslaus, had for some years prevented a rupture between them, but she now being dead, both monarchs decided to refer their difficulties to the arbitration of the sword.

While their armies were marching, Wenceslaus was suddenly taken sick and died, in June, 1305.