1634: The Bavarian Crisis

Chapter 18

Dramatis Nuptialis

Vienna

There had been a great spate of diplomatic activity, Maria Anna knew. Requests for the issuance of ecclesiastical dispensations for multiple lines of consanguineal and affinal relationships between the prospective bride and groom had gone from Vienna to Rome by the fastest post possible, accompanied by letters from the nuncio. Undoubtedly, similar requests and letters had been sent from Munich. After some very brief vacillation on the part of the pope-or, possibly on the part of the cardinals and other curial officials, which had scarcely been surprising, since Cousin Philip's ambassador would almost certainly have been pressuring for a delay-they had received word. The pope would do all that was necessary and would do it as quickly as possible.

Thus, today's audience, for Papa to announce a wedding date: July