This State, lying equally convenient to both Austria and Bavaria, by both of these kingdoms had for many years been regarded with a wistful eye.

The manner in which Austria secured the prize is a story well worth telling, as illustrative of the intrigues of those times.
It will be remembered that John, the arrogant King of Bohemia, engaged for his son the hand of Margaret, the only daughter of the Duke of Carinthia.

Tyrol also was one of the possessions of this powerful duke.
Henry, having no son, had obtained from the emperor a decree that these possessions should descend, in default of male issue, to his daughter.
But for this decision the sovereignty of these States would descend to the male heirs, Albert and Otho of Austria, nephews of Henry.

They of course disputed the legality of the decree, and, aided by the Emperor Louis of Bavaria, obtained Carinthia, relinquishing for a time their claim to Tyrol.

The emperor hoped to secure that golden prize for his hereditary estates of Bavaria.
When John, the son of the King of Bohemia, was but seventeen years of age, and a puny, weakly child, he was hurriedly married to Margaret, then twenty-two.