Leopold, the father of William, by these events was plunged into the deepest dejection.

No effort of his friends could lift the weight of his gloom.

In a retired apartment of one of his castles he sat silent and woful, apparently incapacitated for any exertion whatever, either bodily or mental.

The affairs of his realm were neglected, and his bailiffs and feudal chiefs, left with irresponsible power, were guilty of such acts of extortion and tyranny, that, in the province of Suabia the barons combined, and a fierce insurrection broke out.

Forty important towns united in the confederacy, and secured the co-operation of Strasburg, Mentz and other large cities on the Rhine.