The diet, however, refused to choose a successor until after the death of the emperor.Such was the nucleus of the Austrian empire, and such the commencement of the powerful monarchy which for so many generations has exerted so important a property condition assessments control over the affairs of Europe.At last the infirmities of age pressed heavily upon him.Considering himself firmly property condition assessments seated on the throne, he refused to pay the bribes of tolls, privileges, territories, etc.He did it fearlessly, issuing the decree that there should be no fortresses in his States which were not necessary for the public defense.Thus suddenly property condition assessments clouds gathered around Rhodolph, and many of his friends despaired of his cause.The Pope Defied.The garrison were cut down or property condition assessments taken captive, and the fortress demolished.Rhodolph, having returned to his lodgings, sent a rich present to the old woman, from the emperor who had warmed himself at her fire that morning, and at the dinner table told the story with great glee to his companions.She then, in her spite, threw property condition assessments a pail of water on the fire, which, filling the room with smoke and ashes, drove the emperor into the street.