He bestowed kingdoms and principalities upon his kindred--put away the devoted wife of his youthful days, and another, a daughter of Hapsburgh's imperial house, joyfully accepted his proud alliance.

Offspring gladdened his anxious sight; a diadem was placed on its infant brow, and it received the homage of princes, even in its cradle.

Now he was indeed a monarch--a legitimate monarch--a monarch by divine appointment--the first of an endless succession of monarchs.

But there were other monarchs who held sway in the earth.

He was not content.
He would reign with his kindred alone.