Chancellor, I greatly protest this attack on Count Becker's integrity. Though he has made mistakes in the past, which of us has not? Count Becker has consistently shown himself to be a wise, brave, and honorable man. His rebellion against his Duke was short-lived and settled in a peaceful manner. His personal actions during the Cataclysm made Prague the safest city in the entire Reich. He inspired his people to the defense of their lands and his stand against the Poles was a key part of the Franconian defenses.

Indeed, even during this period, Count Becker went out of his way to aid others in need. He made a valiant attempt to defend Breslau from assault and he led the pacification of Nuremburg at a time when there were no Bavarian forces available for the task. I would like to emphasize this last action above all others. At a time when I was nearly universally reviled for my involvement in the Swabian Civil War, Count Becker looked beyond personal opinions and reputations and acted for the good of the people, regardless of the qualities of their leaders.

It is for this reason that I agreed to allow the trial to be held in Count Becker's jurisdiction. He has displayed nothing but honor and wisdom in his long service to the Reich. It is disgraceful for a man such as yourself to disparage his action.