The wife of Sigismond was a worthless woman, described by an Austrian historian as "one who believed in neither God, angel nor devil; neither in heaven nor hell." Sigismond had set his heart upon bequeathing to Albert the crowns of both Hungary and Bohemia, which magnificent accessions to the Austrian domains would elevate that power to be one of the first in Europe.

But Barbara, his queen, wished to convey these crowns to the son of the pagan Jaghellon, who had received the crown of Poland as the dowry of his reluctant bride, Hedwige.
Sigismond, provoked by her intrigues for the accomplishment of this object, and detesting her for her licentiousness, put her under arrest.
Sigismond was sixty-three years of age, in very feeble health, and daily expecting to die.
He summoned a general convention of the nobles of Hungary and Bohemia to meet him at Znaim in Moravia, near the frontiers of Austria, and sent for Albert and his daughter to hasten to that place.

The infirm emperor, traveling by slow stages, succeeded in reaching Znaim.

He immediately summoned the nobles to his presence, and introducing to them Albert and Elizabeth, thus affectingly addressed them: "Loving friends, you know that since the commencement of my reign I have employed my utmost exertions to maintain public tranquillity.

Now, as I am about to die, my last act must be consistent with my former actions.
At this moment my only anxiety arises from a desire to prevent dissension and bloodshed after my decease.