Original: John I , as Saxony 's incumbent king , was subordinate and owed allegiance to the Emperor , although he , like the other German princes , retained some of the prerogatives of a sovereign ruler , including the ability to enter into diplomatic relations with other states .
Simplified: John I , as Saxony 's king , was below the Emperor , although he , like the other German princes , kept some of the rights of a sovereign ruler , including sending ambassadors other states .