Princess Katharine the Heroic

By Contributing Writer, Jeannette Paulson

 Once upon a time, 1547  A. D. to be exact, there was a princess who loved her people and showed it by doing daring deeds.

Katharine married Henry, Prince of Schwartzburg, when she was still young.   She loved him and worked with him to serve their subjects.    When she was 27,  he died.   Refusing to wallow in self-pity and fear, she bravely carried on the work they had begun. This was the time of the Reformation and she was promoting Lutheran doctrine.  She set up a new system for education in the schools and colleges, and worked to secure rights and privileges for her subjects and justice in the courts.

Once year in particular she had occasion to demonstrate loyalty and love to her subjects.  I cannot do better than quote A. H. Alexander from his book Ladies of the Reformation:

We little realize the awful havoc that used to follow in the train of armies when they were merely passing through some territory that perhaps had nothing to do with their quarrels and therefore was not equipped for defense.

Katharine was about thirty-eight years old when such a dreadful dilemma threatened her domain. The cruel Duke of Alva, already famous or infamous for the barbarities of his Spanish soldiers, had to pass through her land on a mission from the Emperor, Charles V. On hearing of this, Katharine at once wrote to the Emperor asking for the protection of herself and her subjects, and the Emperor pledged his royal word that she should not be molested. On her side she promised that her people would provide food for the army.

Anticipating possible violence and pillage that the officers would not be able to control, she at once ordered the bridge through the town to be destroyed, having another one built on the outskirts. Also she announced that merchants and householders could bring their valuables for safe custody into her castle.

All this was done, and then came a day when a courier arrived with a letter from the Duke of Alva asking for permission for himself, the Duke of Brunswick, and their officers to have breakfast at her castle. Although these names spoke terror to most people, Katharine knew that to refuse their demands would be disastrous, for they would come and take by force what was not offered them. So she sent them a courteous invitation, at the same time reminding them of the letters of protection that she had had from the Emperor.

Soon were seen from the castle the sparkling of spears in the morning light, the floating banners. They could hear the tramp of war-horses. The officers alighted and the two dukes saluted Katharine, who gave them a friendly reception and led them to a well-spread table. They sat down to a hearty breakfast.Almost at once Katharine was called out of the hall and found a courier waiting for her with the news that some Spanish soldiers in passing through one village had used violence and driven away cattle belonging to the peasants. She immediately ordered the castle staff to arm themselves and to close and bar the castle gates. Returning to the banqueting hall she told the duke of the violation of the Emperor’s commands. They merely laughed, and one of the officers answered her that small disasters of this kind were the common occurrences of war and were unavoidable.

‘That remains to be seen’,  answered Katharine. ‘My duty is to see that my people suffer no loss. All must be returned or–’ raising her voice to a high pitch of threatening, ‘princes’ blood shall go for oxen blood.’

Disgusted with the light way they took her words she left the hall without pausing for argument, and sigh called her men. The doors opened again, and to the dismay of the visitors a party of armed men entered and took up positions behind each seat.The Duke of Alva looked aghast. There was no doubt of the Princess’s determination. All knew they were cut off from their army, so somehow their hostess must be propitiated. The Duke of Brunswick had the good sense to burst out into good-matured laughter, and praised her courage and ingenuity. He begged her to keep calm and prevailed on the Duke of Alva to give her full satisfaction. So matters were speedily adjusted and at the end both sides parted in a courteous manner and all grievances were smoothed out.

This incident won for Katharine the surname of ‘the Heroic’ among her delighted people.

Katharine knew that true love is active.  True love calls us to defend those in our charge. It calls us to advance truth and justice. Maybe even to corner a Duke who threatens to trample the helpless.  God, help us to love like Katharine the Heroic!