e described only what was to the credit of the princes,
the victories, the battles; they have forgotten to mention that in the
year 1617 as a result of the misery caused by the war throughout all
Transylvania not a single child was born, but we know it, for we felt
it with the people. Now, thanks to Heaven, we are masters in our
native land. By the peace of Saint Gotthard both the Roman Emperor and
the Turkish have alike agreed not to send any more of their troops
into Transylvania, and have put such a restraint upon each other that
they have assured us some respite, so that we are not compelled either
to take up arms against the one or for the other, but can give our
energies to healing the wounds of our fatherland that have bled for a
century. For a Golden Age is dawning. The entire land struggles and
bleeds; we alone enjoy peace; in our country only is the Hungarian
master independent. It is true the country is not large, but it
belongs to us, and even if we are a small people we recognize no
greater ones over us. But now there are people who would shorten the
Golden Age: there are people who do not concern themselves with the
cost to the country of a war unwisely begun, if only their ambition,
if only their greed, be fattened. And if by chance their opponent
conquers they will not be ruined with their fatherland, but will
simply turn their coat, join the conqueror and share with him the
booty."

"That's a slander!" was hissed from the rear, in a voice that Banfy
recognized as Nalaczy's.

The crowd turned threateningly toward the corner from which the voice
had come.

"Let him alone, my friends," said Banfy. "Very likely it is some
satellite of Michael Teleki's. He too shall have the advantage of
freedom of speech. But I, who know the swift mode of thought of the
states throughout the country, I can tell you quietly that this rash
step will never be taken in lawful fashion. But should secret
stratagems, or unforeseen violence attempt to accomplish what would
not succeed in open attack, they will find me on the spot. If
necessary I will defend the country even against the Prince. Hear now
what the intriguers have planned in order to entangle us against our
will in snares out of which we have escaped. In spite of the peace,
Turks and Tartars at times fall upon our borders, plunder the people,
set the towns on fire,--in short, in every possible way obtrude upon
us their friendship. A week ago they laid waste Schassb