Summary

Part IV is titled The Empire: Prague. In Chapter 27, Matthew and Diana arrive in Prague in March with the household scattered and in disarray. Emperor Rudolf II refuses to see Matthew, and they soon learn he tends to keep ambassador and important visitors waiting. Prague is a sanctuary for creatures, especially witches because Rudolf covets their power. Philippe sends a triptych (a tri-fold painting) and Matthew sends it as a gift to the emperor. Rudolf summons Matthew, saying he must bring “the book. And the witch” (389). The meeting is tense. Gallowglass hands over the Voynich manuscript. Rudolf and the other officials are angry, saying they have already seen this book. Matthew makes it clear he wants to see Edward Kelley and the other manuscript (that he and Diana believe to be the Ashmole 782).

In Chapter 28, Diana receives a gift from Rudolf, an automaton...