rights of the Four Cantons in their character of common
wardens, and hence would act not merely in her own name, but in
conjunction with Glarus, in case the latter were willing, with the
proviso also of a full report to the other two cantons, "until God
would make them of the same mind"--and, that it was just as much her
intention to respect the rights of the people of the abbacy, with whom
"she would cheerfully sit down, hear their grievances and judge therein
with moderation and dispatch, as is becoming in such affairs, meanwhile
pledging person and property not to suffer them to be injured or
oppressed, so far as life and property can reach. Let it be known too
in what a friendly and brotherly manner Zurich and Glarus have ever
behaved toward their subjects, and that up to this time their rule has
never been dreaded. Letters and seals should also be prepared, which,
if God please, no one shall break in all coming time. All this done,
the serious question should be put to the people of the abbacy, whether
they will agree to break up the monastery, and if so, it shall be done
promptly and peacefully, unless resistance is offered." It appears,
however, that this was not anticipated, for several other doubtful
points are added to the opinion, with the express injunction: "These
must not be made known to the people of the abbacy, until the business
is finished." But if peaceful measures did not suffice to carry out the
plan, compulsion was to be used: "If any one wishes to fight, an appeal
for help shall be made to our confederates of St. Gall and the people
of the abbacy, and with God's favor the places shall be taken by force
of arms." As soon as they are taken, Luzern and Schwyz shall be written
to, and the proceeding justified on the score of necessity, the
hostility of the abbot against Zurich, and the urgent need of the
people of the abbacy. Meanwhile those monks, who can be caught, shall
be thrown into prison, a thorough search made, inventories drawn up,
and "if the treasure cannot be found, the monks who know anything about
it, shall be further questioned upon oath, until the whole truth come
to light. When everything is finished and sealed before the government
at Zurich, the people of the abbacy shall take the oath of allegiance,
whilst Toggenburg is silenced by hopes of greater freedom." In fine,
the opinion gives it as the aim of all these counsels, "that the monk
may no longer be a stallion to beget more of h