It is indeed refreshing, in the midst of the long list of selfish and ambitious sovereigns who have disgraced the thrones of Europe, to meet with such a prince as Maximilian, a gentleman, a philosopher, a philanthropist and a Christian.  Henry of Valois, on his return from Poland to France, visited Maximilian at Vienna.  Henry was considered one of the most polished men of his age.  He remarked in his palace at Paris that in all his travels he had never met a more accomplished gentleman than the Emperor Maximilian.  Similar is the testimony of all his contemporaries.  With all alike, at all times, and under all circumstances, he was courteous and affable.  His amiability shone as conspicuously at home as abroad, and he was invariably the kind husband, the tender father, the indulgent master and the faithful friend.

In early life he had vigorously prosecuted his studies, and thus possessed the invaluable blessing of a highly cultivated mind.  Fond of the languages, he not only wrote and conversed in the Latin tongue with fluency and elegance, but was quite at home in all the languages of his extensive domains.  Notwithstanding the immense cares devolving upon the ruler of so extended an empire, he appropriated a portion of time every day to devotional reading and prayer; and his hours were methodically arranged for business, recreation and repose.  The most humble subject found easy access to his person, and always obtained a patient hearing.  When he was chosen King of Poland, some ambassadors from Bohemia voluntarily went to Poland to testify to the virtues of their king.  It was a heartfelt tribute, such as few sovereigns have ever received.

“We Bohemians,” said they, “are as happy under his government as if he were our father.  Our privileges, laws, rights, liberties and usages are protected and defended.  Not less just than wise, he confers the offices and dignities of the kingdom only on natives of rank, and is not influenced by favor or artifice.  He introduces no innovations contrary to our immunities; and when the great expenses which he incurs for the good of Christendom render contributions necessary, he levies them without violence, and with the approbation of the States.  But what may be almost considered a miracle is, the prudence and impartiality of his conduct toward persons of a different faith, always recommending union, concord, peace, toleration and mutual regard.  He listens even to the meanest of his subjects, readily receives their petitions and renders impartial justice to all.”

Not an act of injustice sullied his reign, and during his administration nearly all Germany, with the exception of Hungary, enjoyed almost uninterrupted tranquillity.  Catholics and Protestants unite in his praises, and have conferred upon him the surname of the Delight of Mankind.  His wife Mary was the daughter of Charles V. She was an accomplished, exemplary woman, entirely devoted to the Catholic faith.  For this