With sagacity and self-denial above his years, the young prince devoted himself to business, relinquishing all pursuits of pleasure.

Fortunately, during his minority he had honorable and able teachers who stored his mind with useful knowledge, and fortified him with principles of integrity.

The change from the most desolating anarchy to prosperity and peace was almost instantaneous.

Albert had the judgment to surround himself with able advisers.

Salutary laws were enacted; justice impartially administered; the country was swept of the banditti which infested it, and while all the States around were involved in the miseries of war, the song of the contented husbandman, and the music of the artisan's tools were heard through the fields and in the towns of happy Austria.
Sigismond, second son of the Emperor Charles IV., King of Bohemia, was now emperor.