Theganus: THEGANI VITA HLVDOWICI IMPERATORIS (9th century A.D.)

1. Regnante domino nostro Iesu Christo in perpetuum. Anno incarnationis eius octingentesimo tredecimo, qui est annus regni gloriosi et orthodoxi imperatoris Karoli quadragesimus quintus, illius Karoli qui de prosapia sancti Arnulfi, pontificis Christi, ortus est, sicut paterno relatu didicimus, et multae testantur historiae.

1. While our Lord Jesus Christ reigns forever. In the year of his incarnation 813, which is the year of the reign of the glorious and orthodox Emperor Charles the 45th, that Charles who sprang from the stock of Saint Arnulf, pontiff of Christ, as we have learned by paternal report, and as many histories bear witness.

Sanctus Arnulfus cum esset in iuventute dux, genuit Ansgisum ducem; Ansgisus dux genuit Pippinum seniorem et ducem: Pippinus senior et dux genuit Karolum seniorem et ducem: Karolus senior et dux genuit Pippinum, quem Stephanus Romanus pontifex consecravit et unxit in regem: Pippinus senior et rex genuit Karolum, quem Leo Romanus pontifex consecravit et unxit ad imperatorem in ecclesia ubi beatissimum corpus apostolorum principis Petri requiescit, die natalis domini nostri Iesu Christi.

Saint Arnulf, when he was in youth a duke, begot Ansgisus the duke; Ansgisus the duke begot Pippin the Elder and duke: Pippin the Elder and duke begot Karolum the Elder and duke: Karolus the Elder and duke begot Pippin, whom Stephen the Roman pontiff consecrated and anointed as king: Pippin the Elder and king begot Karolum, whom Leo the Roman pontiff consecrated and anointed as emperor in the church where the most blessed body of the prince of the apostles, Peter, rests, on the day of the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Qui cum in iuventute erat, supradictus imperator desponsavit sibi nobilissimi generis Suavorum puellam, nomine Hildigardam, quae erat de cognatione Gotefridi ducis Alamannorum. Gotefridus dux genuit Huochingum, Huochingus genuit Nebi; Nebe genuit Immam; Imma vero genuit Hiltigardam beatissimam reginam. Postquam autem eam supradictus imperator in matrimonium assumpsit, genuit ex ea tres filios, quorum unus vocabatur nomine patris sui Karolus, alter vero Pippinus, qui erat rex super Italiam, tertius vero vocabatur Hludowicus, qui erat rex super Aquitaniam.

2. When he was in youth, the aforesaid emperor espoused to himself a maiden of the most noble stock of the Suavorum, named Hildigardam, who was of the kin of Gotefridus, duke of the Alamannorum. Gotefridus the duke begot Huochingum; Huochingus begot Nebe; Nebe begot Immam; Imma moreover begot Hiltigardam, the most blessed queen. After the aforesaid emperor had taken her in marriage, she bore him three sons, one of whom was called by his father’s name Karolus, another Pippinus, who was king over Italy, and the third was called Hludowicus, who was king over Aquitainia.

Diu vivebat pater eorum cum eis feliciter, et utiliter instruebat eos liberalibus disciplinis et mundanis legibus.

Their father lived with them long and happily, and usefully instructed them in the liberal disciplines and in worldly laws.

3. Sed ille qui iunior natu erat, semper ab infantia sua timere Deum et amare didicerat, et quicquid sui habebat, propter nomen Domini pauperibus distribuebat. Erat enim optimus filiorum eius, sicut ab exordio mundi frequenter iunior frater seniorem fratrem meritis praecedebat. In filiis primi parentis generis humani primo declaratum est, quem Dominus in evangelio suo Abel iustum nominat.

3. But he who was younger in birth had always from his infancy learned to fear God and to love him, and whatever of his he had he distributed to the poor for the sake of the name of the Lord. For he was the best of his sons, just as from the beginning of the world the younger brother frequently preceded the elder brother in merits. Among the sons of the first parent of the human race was first revealed him whom the Lord in his Gospel calls righteous Abel.

Abraham duos filios habuit, sed iunior melior seniori effectus est. Isaac duos filios habuit, sed iunior electus est. Iesse multos filios habuit, sed novissimus, qui erat pastor ovium, ad regni gubernacula super omnem Israelem Deo iubente in regem electus et unctus est.

Abraham had two sons, but the younger proved better than the elder. Isaac had two sons, but the younger was chosen. Jesse had many sons, but the last, who was a shepherd of sheep, by God's bidding was chosen and anointed to the government of the kingdom over all Israel as king.

Cuius de semine olim Christus promissus incarnari dignatus est. Talia et similia enumerare prolixum est.

Of whose seed once the promised Christ deigned to be incarnate. To enumerate such and similar things is prolix.

4. Supradictus vero Hludowicus postquam ad aetatem pervenit, desponsavit sibi filiam nobilissimi ducis Ingorammi, qui erat filius fratris Hruotgangi, sancti pontificis. Supradicta vero virgo Irmingarda vocabatur, quam cum consilio et consensu patris reginam constituit, atque ex ea tres filios habuit adhuc vivente patre, quorum unus vocabatur Hlutharius, alter Pippinus, tertius aequivocus eius Hludowicus.

4. The aforesaid Hludowicus, however, after he came to age, betrothed to himself the daughter of the most noble duke Ingorammi, who was the son of the brother of Hruotgang, the holy pontiff. The aforesaid maiden was called Irmingarda, whom he established as queen with the counsel and consent of her father, and from her he had three sons while his father was still living, of whom one was called Hlutharius, another Pippinus, the third his namesake Hludowicus.

5. Imperator autem magnus Karolus bene et utiliter regebat et diligebat regnum suum. Anno regni eius quadragesimo secundo obiit Pippinus filius eius, anno aetatis suae XXXIII. Sequenti vero anno Karolus, primogenitus filius eius ex regina supradicta Hiltigarda, obiit.

5. The great Emperor Charles governed his kingdom well and usefully and cherished it. In the 42nd year of his reign Pippin, his son, died, in the 33rd year of his age. In the following year Charles, his firstborn son by the aforesaid queen Hiltigarda, died.

Solus Hludowicus ad regni gubernacula remansit.

Alone Hludowicus remained at the reins of the kingdom.

6. Supradictus vero imperator cum iam intellexit appropinquare sibi diem obitus sui - senuerat enim valde - vocavit filium suum Hludowicum ad se cum omni exercitu, episcopis, abbatibus, ducibus, comitibus, locopositis: habuit generale colloquium cum eis Aquis Grani palatio pacifice et honeste, admonens ut fidem erga filium suum ostenderent, interrogans omnes a maximo usque ad minimum, si eis placuisset, ut nomen suum, id est imperatoris, filio suo Hludowico tradidisset. Illi omnes exsultando responderunt, Dei admonitionem esse illius rei. Quod factum, in proxima die dominica ornavit se cultu regio, et coronam capiti suo imposuit; incedebat clare decoratus et ornatus, sicut ei decuerat.

6. The aforesaid emperor, however, when he now perceived the day of his death approaching — for he had grown very old — called his son Hludowicus to him with all his army, bishops, abbots, dukes, counts, locoposits: he held a general colloquy with them at the palace of Aquis Grani peacefully and honorably, admonishing them to show fidelity toward his son, asking all, from the greatest to the least, whether it pleased them that he should hand over his name, that is, the imperial title, to his son Hludowicus. They all, rejoicing, answered that it was God’s admonition in that matter. Which done, on the next Sunday he arrayed himself in royal dress and placed a crown upon his head; he proceeded clearly decorated and adorned, as became him.

Perrexit ad ecclesiam, quam ipse a fundamento construxerat, pervenit ante altare quod erat in eminentiori loco constructum ceteris altaribus, et consecratum in honore domini nostri Iesu Christi; super quod coronam auream, aliam quam ille gestabat in capite suo, iussit imponi. Postquam diu oraverunt ipse et filius eius, locutus est ad filium suum coram omni multitudine pontificum et optimatum suorum, admonens eum imprimis omnipotentem Deum diligere ac timere, eius praecepta servare in omnibus, ecclesias Dei gubernare et defendere a pravis hominibus. Sororibus suis et fratribus qui erant natu iuniores, et nepotibus et omnibus propinquis suis indeficientem misericordiam semper ostendere praecepit.

He proceeded to the church which he himself had built from its foundation, and arrived before the altar that had been set up in a more eminent place than the other altars, and consecrated in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ; upon which he ordered a golden crown to be placed, another than that which he wore on his head. After he and his son had prayed for a long time, he spoke to his son before the whole multitude of bishops and his nobles, admonishing him first to love and fear Almighty God, to keep his precepts in all things, to govern and defend the churches of God from wicked men. He commanded that he always show unfailing mercy to his sisters and to brothers who were younger in birth, and to nephews and all his kinsfolk.

Deinde sacerdotes honorare ut patres, populum diligere ut filios, superbos et nequissimos homines in viam salutis coactos dirigere, coenobiorum consolator fuisset et pauperum pater. Fideles ministros et Deum timentes constitueret, qui munera iniusta odio haberent. Nullum ab honore suo sine causa discretionis eiecisset, et semet ipsum omni tempore coram Deo et omni populo irreprehensibilem demonstrare.

He then honored priests as fathers, loved the people as sons, guided proud and most wicked men, when compelled, into the way of salvation, and was the consoler of the monasteries and father of the poor. He appointed faithful ministers who feared God and who held unjust gifts in hatred. He expelled no one from his honor without a cause of discretion, and showed himself at all times before God and all the people blameless.

Postquam haec verba et alia multa coram multitudine filio suo ostenderet, interrogavit eum, si oboediens voluisset esse praeceptis suis. At ille respondit, libenter oboedire, et cum Dei adiutorio omnia praecepta, quae mandaverat ei pater, custodire. Tunc iussit eum pater, ut propriis manibus elevasset coronam, quae erat super altare, et capiti suo imponeret ob recordationem omnium praeceptorum quae mandaverat ei pater.

After he had shown these words and many other things before the multitude to his son, he asked him if he would wish to be obedient to his precepts. But he answered that he would gladly obey, and with God's aid keep all the precepts which his father had commanded him. Then the father ordered him to lift with his own hands the crown which was upon the altar, and to place it on his head as a remembrance of all the precepts which his father had commanded.

At ille iussionem patris implevit. Quod factum, audientes missarum sollemnia ibant ad palatium. Sustinuit enim filius patrem eundo et redeundo, quamdiu cum eo erat filius.

But he fulfilled his father's command. When this was done, those hearing the solemnities of the Mass went to the palace. For the son accompanied the father in coming and going, so long as the son was with him.

Non post multos dies magnificis donis et innumeris honoravit eum pater suus, et dimisit eum ire Aquitaniam. Antequam divisi fuissent, amplexantes enim se et osculantes, propter gaudium amoris flere coeperunt. Ille perrexit in Aquitaniam, et dominus imperator tenuit regnum et nomen suum honorifice, sicut dignum erat.

Not long after, his father honored him with magnificent gifts and innumerable honors, and sent him away to go to Aquitaine. Before they were separated — for embracing and kissing one another, they began to weep because of the joy of their love. He went on into Aquitaine, and the lord emperor held the kingdom and his name honorably, as was fitting.

7. Postquam divisi fuerant, dominus imperator nihil aliud coepit agere, nisi in orationibus et elemosinis vacare, et libros corrigere. Et quattuor evangelia Christi, quae praetitulantur nomine Mathaei, Marci, Lucae et Iohannis, in ultimo ante obitus sui diem cum Graecis et Syris optime correxerat.

7. After they had parted, the lord emperor began to do nothing else except devote himself to prayers and alms, and to correct books. And the four Gospels of Christ, which bear the names of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, he had most excellently corrected in Greek and Syriac on the last day before his death.

Sequenti vero anno, qui est annus regni eius XLVI., mense Ianuario accepit dominum imperatorem post balneum febris. Cumque per singulos dies languor ingravesceret, nihil comedens neque bibens, nisi modicum aquae ad recreationem corporis, septimo die postquam laborare nimis secum coepit, iussit familiarissimum pontificem suum Hildibaldum venire ad se, ut ei sacramenta dominici corporis et sanguinis tribueret, ut exitum suum confirmaret. Quod factum, laboravit in infirmitate diem illum et noctem sequentem.

In the following year, which is the 46th year of his reign, in the month of January the lord emperor contracted a fever after a bath. And when the weakness grew worse day by day, eating and drinking nothing except a little water to refresh the body, on the seventh day after he began to suffer overly, he ordered his most familiar pontiff Hildibald to come to him, that he might administer to him the sacraments of the Lord’s body and blood, to confirm his passing. This done, he labored in infirmity that day and the following night.

In crastinum vero, luce adveniente, sciens quod facturus erat, extensa manu dextera, virtute qua poterat, signum sanctae crucis fronti imprimens, et super pectus et omne corpus consignavit. Novissime autem colligens pedes suos, extendens brachia et manus super corpus, clausit oculos suos, psallens hunc versum leniter: In manus tuas Domine commendo spiritum meum. Statim post haec in senectute bona plenus dierum perrexit in pace: ipso eodemque die humatum est corpus eius in ecclesia, quam ipse construxerat Aquis Grani palatio, anno aetatis suae LXXII., indictione septima.

On the next day, with the light coming, knowing what he was about to do, he stretched out his right hand and, with whatever strength he had, imprinted the sign of the holy cross on his forehead, and sealed it upon his breast and whole body. Finally, gathering his feet together, and stretching his arms and hands over his body, he closed his eyes, softly singing this verse: "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." Immediately after these things, in a good old age, full of days, he passed away in peace; and on that same day his body was buried in the church which he himself had built at the palace of Aquis Grani, in the 72nd year of his age, indiction seven.

8. Post obitum gloriosissimi supradicti imperatoris Karoli perrexit filius eius Hludowicus de partibus Aquitaniae, venit Aquis Grani palatium, et suscipit omnia regna quae tradidit Deus patri suo sine ulla contradictione. Qui est annus incarnationis Domini octingentesimus decimus quartus, qui est primus annus regni eius. Post patrem sedit in supradicto palatio, et imprimis cum maxima festinatione iussit ostendere sibi omnes thesauros patris in auro, in argento, in gemmis pretiosissimis, et in omni suppellectili.

8. After the death of the most glorious aforesaid emperor Charles his son Hludowicus set out from the parts of Aquitaine, came to the palace of Aquis Granni, and assumed all the kingdoms which God had handed to his father without any contradiction. This is the year of the Lord’s incarnation 814, which is the first year of his reign. After his father he sat in the aforesaid palace, and first, with the greatest haste, ordered that all his father’s treasures be shown to him in gold, in silver, in most precious gems, and in all household furnishings.

Dedit sororibus suis partem earum legalem, et quicquid remanserat, dedit pro anima patris. Maximam partem thesauri misit Romam temporibus beati Leonis papae, et quicquid super hoc remanserat, sacerdotibus et pauperibus, advenis, viduis, orfanis, omnia distribuit, nihil sibi reservans praeter mensam unam argenteam, quae triformis est, in modum quasi tres clippei in unum coniuncti; ipsam sibi retinuit ob amorem patris, et tamen eam alio pretio redemit quod pro patre tradidit.

She gave to her sisters their lawful part, and whatever remained she gave for the soul of her father. She sent the greatest part of the treasure to Rome in the time of blessed Pope Leo, and whatever besides this remained she distributed to priests and to the poor, to strangers, widows, and orphans, reserving nothing for herself except one silver table, which is threefold, in the manner as if three clipei joined into one; she retained that for herself out of love for her father, and yet she redeemed it at another price which she bestowed for her father.

9. Hoc facto, legati venerunt ad eum ex omnibus regnis et provinciis, exteris nationibus, et omnes qui sub dicione erant patris sui, nuntiantes pacem et fidem erga eum observare, et spontaneum obsequium non coacti obtulerunt. Inter quos venerunt legati Graecorum cum Amalhario Treverensi episcopo, qui erat legatus piae memoriae Karoli ad principem Constantinopolitanum cuius nomen modo memoriae non occurrit. Illi venientes, in solio patris collocatum dominum Hludowicum invenerunt, quia sic Dominus ordinavit.

9. When this was done, envoys came to him from all kingdoms and provinces, from foreign nations, and from all who were under his father’s jurisdiction, announcing that they observed peace and fidelity toward him, and tendering spontaneous obedience not by compulsion. Among these came envoys of the Greeks with Amalharius, bishop of Trier, who had been the legate of Charles of pious memory to the prince of Constantinople, whose name at this time does not occur to memory. They arriving found Lord Hludowicus seated upon his father’s throne, because thus the Lord ordained.

Ille eos benigne suscipiens, et dona eorum cum gratiarum actione suscepit, et colloquium familiare interim quousque cum eo erant, habebat. Non post multos dies magnis honoribus decoravit eos, et dimisit ire ad propria, et ante eos misit missos suos, praeparare eis quicquid desiderabant ad opus eorum, quousque fuissent in regno eius.

He, receiving them kindly, accepted their gifts with thanksgiving, and meanwhile held familiar converse so long as they were with him. Not many days later he adorned them with great honours, and dismissed them to go to their own, and sent his messengers before them to prepare for them whatever they desired for their work, until they had arrived in his kingdom.

10. Eodem anno iussit supradictus princeps renovare omnia praecepta, quae sub temporibus patrum suorum gesta erant ecclesiis Dei, et ipse manu propria ea cum subscriptione roboravit.

10. In the same year the aforesaid prince ordered the renewal of all the precepts which had been enacted in the times of his fathers for the churches of God, and he himself with his own hand confirmed them with his subscription.

11. Interim venerunt legati Beneventorum, qui omnem terram Beneventi suae potestati tradiderunt, et multa milia aureorum per annos singulos ad censum tradere promiserunt: quod ita perfecerunt usque in hodiernum diem.

11. Meanwhile the legates of the Beneventans came, who surrendered all the land of Benevento to his power, and promised to render many thousands of gold coins each year as a census; which they have thus performed to this present day.

12. Eodem tempore venit Bernhardus, filius fratris sui Pippini, et tradidit semet ipsum ei ad procerem, et fidelitatem cum iuramento promisit. Suscepit eum libenter dominus Hludowicus, et magnis donis ac honorificis honoravit eum; permisit eum iterum ire incolumem in Italiam.

12. At the same time Bernhardus, son of his brother Pippin, came and gave himself to him as a magnate, and promised fidelity with an oath. Lord Hludowicus received him gladly, and honored him with great gifts and honors; he permitted him again to go safely into Italy.

13. Eodem tempore supradictus princeps misit legatos suos super omnia regna sua inquirere et investigare, si alicui aliqua iniustitia perpetrata fuisset, et si aliquem invenissent qui haec dicere voluisset, et cum verissimis testibus hoc comprobare potuisset, statim cum eis in praesentiam eius venire praecepit. Qui egressi, invenerunt innumeram multitudinem oppressorum aut ablatione patrimonii, aut expoliatione libertatis; quod iniqui ministri, comites, et locopositi per malum ingenium exercebant. Haec omnia supradictus princeps destruere iussit acta, quae impie in diebus patris sui per iniquorum ministrorum manus facta fuerant.

13. At the same time the aforesaid prince sent his legates over all his kingdoms to inquire and investigate whether any injustice had been perpetrated against anyone, and if they should find anyone who wished to say these things, and could prove it with the most truthful witnesses, he commanded that they should immediately come with them into his presence. Who, having gone forth, found an innumerable multitude oppressed either by the removal of patrimony or by the stripping of liberty; which wicked ministers, counts, and stewards exercised by evil disposition. All these acts the aforesaid prince ordered to be destroyed, which had been impiously done in the days of his father by the hands of unjust ministers.

Patrimonia oppressis reddidit, iniuste ad servitium inclinatos absolvit, et omnibus praecepta facere iussit, et manu propria cum conscriptione confirmavit. Fecit enim hoc diu temporis.

He restored patrimonies to the oppressed, absolved those unjustly inclined to servitude, and ordered that precepts be made for all, and confirmed them with his own hand together with the conscription. For he did this for a long time.

14. Alio anno regni sui habuit generale placitum suum in partibus Saxoniae, et ibi multa bona constituit, et legatio Danaorum ad eum venit postulans pacem; et omnes qui in circuitu erant paganorum nationum ad eum venerunt; et supradictus Bernhardus ibi ad eum venit, quem dimisit ire iterum in Italiam. Dominus Hludowicus, postquam confirmavit confinia regni sui illis partibus, rediit ad sedem suam Aquis Grani palatio, ibique hiemem transegit.

14. In the other year of his reign he held his general placitum in the parts of Saxony, and there established many good matters, and a legation of the Danes came to him asking for peace; and all those who were in the circuit of pagan nations came to him; and the aforesaid Bernhard came there to him, whom he dismissed to go again into Italy. Lord Hludowicus, after he had confirmed the confines of his kingdom in those parts, returned to his seat at the palace of Aquis Grani, and there passed the winter.

15. Anno sequenti direxit exercitum suum contra Sclavos in oriente positos; qui valde oppresserunt eos, et victores Deo donante exstiterunt. Hoc facto, unus quisque rediit ad propria.

15. In the following year he marshaled his army against the Slavs placed in the east; who had greatly oppressed them, and they proved victors, God granting. This done, each one returned to his own.

16. Eodem anno Leo papa Romanus obiit, et Stephanus post eum successit. Qui statim postquam pontificatum suscepit, iussit omnem populum Romanum fidelitatem cum iuramento promittere Hludowico; et dirigens legatos suos ad supradictum principem, nuntians ei, ut libenter eum videre voluisset in loco ubicumque ei placuisset. Quod audiens, magno tripudio repletus coepit gaudere, et statim iussit missos suos obviam ire sancto pontifici cum salutationibus magnis, et servitia praeparare.

16. In the same year Pope Leo the Roman died, and Stephen succeeded him. Who, as soon as he had assumed the pontificate, ordered all the Roman people to swear fealty by oath to Hludowicus; and sending his legates to the aforesaid prince, announcing to him that he would gladly have wished to see him in any place that pleased him. Which when heard, he, filled with great joy, began to rejoice, and immediately ordered his missi to go meet the holy pontiff with great salutations, and to prepare services.

Perrexit post missos dominus Hludowicus obviam supradicto pontifici, obviantes sibi in campo magno Remensium, descendit uterque de equo suo, et princeps prosternens se cum omni corpore in terra tribus vicibus ante pedes tanti pontificis, et tertia vice erectus salutavit pontificem istis verbis dicens: Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Deus dominus, et illuxit nobis. Et respondit pontifex: Benedictus sit dominus Deus noster, qui tribuit oculis nostris videre secundum David regem.

The lord Hludowicus then proceeded after the envoys to meet the aforesaid pontiff; meeting him in the great field of the Rheims, each dismounted from his horse, and the prince, casting himself down with his whole body on the earth three times before the feet of so great a pontiff, and on the third time rising, greeted the pontiff with these words, saying: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. The Lord God, and he has shone upon us. And the pontiff answered: Blessed be the Lord our God, who has granted to our eyes to see, according to King David.

Amplexantes enim se et osculantes pacifice, perrexerunt ad ecclesiam; qui cum diu orarent, erexit se pontifex, et excelsa voce cum clero suo fecit ei laudes regales.

Embracing one another and kissing peacefully, they proceeded to the church; and when they had prayed for a long time, the pontiff rose, and with his clergy in a loud voice rendered to him royal praises.

17. Postea pontifex honoravit eum magnis honoribus et multis, et reginam Irmingardam, et omnes optimates et ministros eius. Et in proxima die dominica in ecclesia ante missarum sollemnia coram clero et omni populo consecravit eum, et unxit eum ad imperatorem, et coronam auream mirae pulchritudinis cum pretiosissimis gemmis ornatam, quam secum apportaverat, posuit super caput eius. Et Irmingardam reginam appellavit Augustam, et posuit coronam auream super caput eius.

17. Afterwards the pontiff honored him with great and manifold honors, and [honored] Queen Irmingard, and all the leading men and his ministers. And on the next Sunday in the church, before the solemnities of the Masses, in the presence of the clergy and all the people, he consecrated him and anointed him as emperor, and placed upon his head a golden crown of wondrous beauty, adorned with most precious gems, which he had brought with him. And he called Irmingard queen Augusta, and placed a golden crown upon her head.

Quamdiu ibi erat beatissimus papa, cottidie colloquium habebant de utilitate sanctae Dei ecclesiae. Postquam dominus imperator eum honoravit magnis et innumeris donis, tripliciter et amplius quam suscepisset ab eo, sicut semper solebat agere, magis dare quam accipere, dimisit eum ire Romam cum legatis suis, quibus praecepit ubique in itinere suo honestum servitium exhibere.

As long as the most blessed pope was there, they held daily conferences about the welfare of the holy Church of God. After the lord emperor honored him with great and innumerable gifts, threefold and more than he had received from him — as he was always wont to do, to give rather than to receive — he dismissed him to go to Rome with his legates, to whom he commanded to exhibit everywhere on their journey an honorable service.

18. Postquam Romam venit, non post multos dies supradictus papa obiit. Postmodum claruit Dei manifestatione in nonnullis miraculis, quod ipse erat vivens verus Dei cultor. Post eum successit Paschalis papa.

18. After he came to Rome, not many days later the aforesaid pope died. Afterwards he shone by a divine manifestation in several miracles, showing that he himself was a true living worshipper of God. After him Pope Paschalis succeeded.

19. Inde revertens dominus imperator venit Aquis Grani palatium ad sedem suam. Pollebat enim de die in diem in virtutibus sacris, quod prolixum est enumerare. Erat enim statura mediocri, oculis magnis et claris, vultu lucido, naso longo et recto, labiis non nimis densis nec nimis tenuis, forti pectore, scapulis latis, brachiis fortissimis, ita ut nullus ei in arcu vel lancea sagittando aequiperare poterat: manibus longis, digitis rectis, tibiis longis et ad mensura graciles, pedibus longis, voce virili.

19. Thence returning the lord emperor came to the palace at Aquae Grani to his seat. For he was growing mightier day by day in sacred virtues, which it would be long to enumerate. He was of medium stature, with large bright eyes, a clear countenance, a long straight nose, lips neither too thick nor too thin, a strong chest, broad shoulders, very mighty arms, so that no one could match him in archery with bow or in casting the lance; long hands, straight fingers, long tibiae slender in proportion, long feet, and a manly voice.

Lingua graeca et latina valde eruditus, sed graecam melius intellegere poterat quam loqui; latinam vero sicut naturalem aequaliter loqui poterat. Sensum vero in omnibus scripturis spiritalem et moralem, nec non et anagogen optime noverat. Poetica carmina gentilia quae in iuventute didicerat, respuit, nec legere, nec audire, nec docere voluit.

Very learned in the Greek and Latin tongue, he could understand Greek better than he could speak it; he could, however, speak Latin equally as if it were his natural language. He moreover knew the spiritual and moral sense in all the Scriptures, and also the anagogical sense most excellently. He rejected the poetic songs of the gentiles which he had learned in his youth, and would neither read, nor hear, nor teach them.

Erat fortis in membris suis, agilis et impiger, tardus ad irascendum et facilis ad miserandum. Quotiens mane in cottidianis diebus ad ecclesiam perrexerat causa orationis, flexis genibus fronte tetigit pavimentum, humiliter diu orans, aliquando cum lacrimis; et omnibus moribus bonis semper ornatus. In tantum largus, ut antea nec in antiquis libris nec modernis temporibus auditum est, ut villas regias, quae erant patris sui et avi et tritavi, fidelibus suis tradidit eas in possessionem sempiternam, et praecepta constituit, et anuli sui impressione cum consubscriptione manu propria roboravit.

He was strong in his limbs, agile and indefatigable, slow to anger and ready to pity. As often as in the mornings of ordinary days he had gone to church for the sake of prayer, with bent knees he touched the pavement with his forehead, humbly praying for a long time, sometimes with tears; and was always adorned with all good manners. So generous, to such an extent that it had not before been heard either in ancient books or in modern times, that he handed over the royal villas, which had belonged to his father and grandfather and great-great-grandfather, to his faithful ones as an everlasting possession, and established precepts, and confirmed them with the impression of his ring together with a subscription in his own hand.

Fecerat enim hoc diu temporis. Erat enim in cibo potuque sobrius, et in indumentis suis moderabilis. Numquam aureo resplenduit vestimento, nisi tantum in summis festivitatibus, sicut patres eius solebant agere.

For he had done this for a long time. For he was sober in food and drink, and moderate in his garments. He never gleamed in golden clothing, except only on the highest festivals, as his fathers were wont to do.

Tunc nihil in illis diebus se induit praeter camisiam et femoralia nisi cum auro texta, lembo aureo, baltheo aureo praecinctus et ense auro fulgente, ocreas aureas et clamidem cum auro textam, et coronam auream in capite gestans, et baculum aureum in manu tenens. Numquam in risum exaltavit vocem suam, nec quando in summis festivitatibus ad laetitiam populi procedebant themilici, scurri et mimi cum coraulis et citharistis ad mensam coram eo, tunc ad mensuram ridebat populus coram eo, ille numquam nec dentes candidos suos in risu ostendit. Cottidie ante cibum elemosinarum largitionem pauperibus exhibuit, et ubicumque erat, xenodochia secum habebat.

Then in those days he put on nothing but a shirt and breeches except those woven with gold, girded with a golden border and a golden balteus and a sword flashing with gold, wearing golden greaves and a cloak woven with gold, and bearing a golden crown on his head and holding a golden staff in his hand. He never raised his voice to laughter, nor, when at the great festivals the themilici, buffoons and mimes with corauls and citharists came forward to the table before him — and then the people laughed to the full measure before him — did he ever even show his white teeth in a laugh. Daily, before the meal and the distribution of alms, he provided for the poor, and wherever he was he carried hospices with him.

In mense autem Augusto, quando cervi pinguissimi sunt, venatione vacabat, usque dum aprorum tempus advenerat.

In the month of August, when the stags are fattest, he devoted himself to hunting, until the season of boars had arrived.

20. Omnia prudenter et caute agens, nihil indiscrete faciens praeter quod consiliariis suis magis credidit quam opus esset; quod ei fecit occupatio psalmodiae et lectionum assiduitas, et aliud, quod ille non incipiebat. Quia iam dudum illa pessima consuetudo erat, ut ex vilissimis servis fiebant summi pontifices: hoc non prohibuit; tamen maximum malum est in populo christiano, sicut testantur Regum historiae de Hieroboam filio Nabad, qui erat servus regis Salomonis, et post eum principatum habebat super decem tribus filiorum Israel. Refert enim scriptura de eo: Post haec verba non est reversus Hieroboam de via sua pessima, sed e contrario fecit de novissimis populi sacerdotes excelsorum.

20. Doing all things prudently and cautiously, doing nothing indiscreetly except that which he entrusted to his counselors more than was necessary; which was brought upon him by his occupation with psalmody and the assiduity of readings, and another thing, that he did not begin. For already long since the very bad custom had prevailed that from the most lowly slaves the high priests were made: he did not forbid this; nevertheless it is a great evil in the Christian people, as the histories of the Kings testify concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat, who was a servant of King Solomon, and afterwards held rule over the ten tribes of the sons of Israel. For Scripture reports of him: "After these things Jeroboam did not turn back from his very wicked way, but on the contrary made priests of the high places out of the lowest of the people."

Quicumque volebat, implebat manum suam, et fiebat sacerdos excelsorum. Et propter hanc causam peccavit domus Hieroboam, et eversa est, et deleta de superficie terrae. Postquam illi tales culmen regiminis arripiunt, numquam sunt antea tam mansueti et sic domestici ut non statim incipiant esse iracundi, rixosi, maliloqui, obstinati, iniuriosi, et minas omnibus subiectis promittentes, et per huiuscemodi negotia cupiunt ab omnibus timeri ac laudari.

Whoever wished filled his hand, and became a sacerdos excelsorum. And for this cause the house of Hieroboam sinned, and was overthrown, and wiped out from the surface of the earth. After those men seize such a summit of rule, they are never before so meek and so domesticated but that they immediately begin to be iracund, quarrelsome, maliloquent, obstinate, injurious, and making threats and promises to all their subjects; and by such dealings they desire to be feared and praised by all.

Turpissimam cognationem eorum a iugo debitae servitutis nituntur eripere, et libertatem imponi. Tunc aliquos eorum liberalibus studiis instruunt, alios nobilibus feminis coniungunt, et propinquas eorum filios nobilium in coniugium compellunt accipere. Nullus enim cum eis aequanimiter vivere potest, nisi hi soli qui talem coniunctionem cum eis habent; ceteri vero cum maxima tristitia, gemendo et flendo, ducunt dies suos.

They strive to tear away their most shameful kinship from the yoke of owed servitude, and to impose liberty. Then they educate some of them in liberal studies, join others to noble women, and compel their kinsfolk to receive the sons of nobles in marriage. For no one can live with them equably, except those alone who have such a conjunction with them; the rest, however, lead their days with the greatest sadness, groaning and weeping.

Propinqui vero supradictorum, postquam aliquid intellegunt, senes nobiles derident atque despiciunt, sunt elati, instabiles, incontinentes, impudici, inverecundi: unicuique tamen parvum bonum remanet. Postquam autem a se sanctam verecundiam proiciunt Domini eorum, nolunt intellegere scripturam canonicam, quod apostolorum concilium nominatur; ibi enim praecepit dicens: Quod si episcopus pauperes parentes habuerit, tribuat eis quasi pauperibus, ut non res ecclesiastica pereat. Librum sancti Gregorii qui praetitulatur Pastoralis, nolunt accipere.

But the relatives of the aforesaid, when they perceive anything, deride and despise the noble elders; they are haughty, unstable, incontinent, shameless, and without modesty: yet to each one a small good remains. But after they cast away from themselves the holy reverence due to their lord, they will not wish to understand the canonical Scripture, which is called the council of the apostles; for there he commanded, saying: "If a bishop has poor parents, let him assign to them as to the poor, so that no ecclesiastical property perish." They refuse to accept the book of Saint Gregory which is entitled the Pastoralis.

Nullus enim credi potest quomodo se continent, nisi hi soli qui hoc malum sine ulla intermissione patiuntur. Propinqui vero eorum, postquam aliquid intellegunt, quod maximum periculum est dantibus et accipientibus, ad sacrum ordinem pertrahuntur. Et licet sint aliquid periti, tamen superat eorum doctrinam criminum multitudo.

For no one can be believed as to how they restrain themselves, except only those who endure this evil without any intermission. But the relatives of these, after they learn something — which is the greatest peril to givers and receivers — are drawn into the sacred order. And although they are somewhat experienced, yet the multitude of their crimes overcomes their doctrine.

Fit plerumque, ut pastor in ecclesia aliquos neglegentes noxios ausus non est canonica iustitia provocare propter crimina propinquorum; illud sacrum ministerium plerumque a nonnullis valde despicitur, propter quod a talibus exhibetur. Et ideo omnipotens Deus cum regibus et principibus hanc pessimam consuetudinem amodo et deinceps eradicare et suffocare dignetur, ut amplius non fiat in populo christiano. Amen.

It often happens that a pastor in the church, because of the crimes of relatives, does not dare to invoke canonical justice against some negligent and harmful persons; that sacred ministry is therefore often greatly despised by certain people because of what is exhibited by such. And so may Almighty God, with kings and princes, deign henceforth to eradicate and to choke off this very bad custom, so that it may no longer occur among the Christian people. Amen.

21. Supradictus vero imperator denominavit filium suum Hlutharium, ut post obitum suum omnia regna quae tradidit ei Deus per manum patris susciperet, atque nomen haberet et imperium patris; ceteri filii ob hoc indignati sunt.

21. The aforesaid emperor moreover named his son Hlutharius, that after his death he might receive all the kingdoms which God had handed over to him by the hand of his father, and that he might have the name and the imperium of his father; the other sons were on that account indignant.

22. Ipso eodemque anno Bernhardus, filius Pippini ex concubina natus, per exhortationem malorum hominum extollens se adversus patruelem suum, voluit eum a regno expellere. Habebat enim impios consiliarios hinc inde. Quod audiens dominus imperator, perrexit de Aquis Grani palatio, pervenit Cavillonis civitatem, ubi obviam ei venit Bernhardus cum consiliariis suis impiis, et sese repraesentabant et commendati sunt.

22. In that same year Bernhard, the son of Pippin born of a concubine, urged on by evil men and raising himself against his cousin, sought to expel him from the kingdom. For he had impious counsellors here and there. Which when the lord emperor heard, he departed from the palace of Aquis Grani, went to the city of Cavillonis, where Bernhard met him with his impious counsellors, and they presented themselves and were received.

Imperator vero celebravit ibidem natalem Domini.

The emperor, however, celebrated there the Nativity of the Lord.

Inde revertens venit ad sedem suam Aquis Grani, et post pascha habuit conventum magnum populorum, et omnes investigavit infidelium nequissimas conspirationes huius rei. Inventi sunt autem nonnulli in hac seditione esse lapsos ex utrisque Francorum et Langobardorum, qui omnes iudicati sunt ad mortem, praeter episcopos, qui postmodum depositi in confessione eorum facti sunt. Hoc fuit Anshelmus Mediolanensis, et Thedulfus Aurelianensis, et Wolvoldus Cremonensis.

Thence returning he came to his seat at Aquis Grani, and after Easter held a great assembly of the peoples, and investigated all the most wicked conspiracies of the infidels in this matter. Now some were found to have fallen into this sedition from both the Franks and the Lombards, who were all condemned to death, except the bishops, who afterward, being deposed, were made in their confession. These were Anshelm of Milan, and Theodulf of Orléans, and Wolvold of Cremona.

Illud iudicium mortale, quod ceteris factum fuerat, imperator exercere noluit; sed consiliarii Bernhardum luminibus privarunt, similiter et exhortatores suos Egittheum, Reginhardum, et Reginharium, qui erat filius filiae Hardrade, qui erat dux Austriae infidelissimus, qui iam dudum insurgere in dominum Karolum voluit et ei regnum minuere, qui eodem supplicio ipse deputatus est, sicut filiae suae filius sustinuit cum consentaneis suis.

That mortal judgment, which had been inflicted on the others, the emperor would not carry out; but the counsellors deprived Bernhard of his eyes, likewise their instigators Egittheus, Reginhard, and Reginharius, who was the son of Hardrad’s daughter, Hardrad being the most faithless duke of Austria, who long had wished to rise up against Lord Charles and to lessen his kingdom, and who himself was subjected to the same punishment, as his daughter’s son endured with his associates.

23. Tertio die post amissionem luminum Bernhardus obiit. Quod audiens imperator, magno cum dolore flevit multis temporibus, et confessionem dedit coram omnibus episcopis suis, et iudicio eorum paenitentiam suscepit propter hoc tantum, quia non prohibuit consiliariis suis hanc debilitatem agere. Ob hanc causam multa dedit pauperibus propter purgationem animae suae.

23. On the third day after the loss of his sight Bernhard died. Which when the emperor heard, he wept with great sorrow for many a time, and made confession before all his bishops, and by their judgment undertook penance for this only reason, because he had not prevented his counsellors from committing this weakness. For this cause he gave much to the poor for the purgation of his soul.

24. Eodem tempore iussit fratres suos tonsurare, Druogonem, Hug et Theodoricum, discordiam ad mitigandam, et liberalibus disciplinis iussit instrui, quos postmodum honorifice constituit, Druogoni episcopatum dedit, et Hugoni coenobia multa.

24. At the same time he ordered his brothers Druogon, Hug, and Theodoric to be tonsured, to mitigate discord, and to be instructed in the liberal disciplines, whom afterwards he honorably established: he gave the bishopric to Druogon, and many monasteries to Hug.

25. Tunc perrexit dominus imperator partibus Britanniae cum exercitu, et ibi Murcomannus dux eorum interfectus est, et omnem terram illam suae dicioni subegit. Inde regrediens invenit Irmingardam reginam febricitantem, quae non post multos dies obiit in pace.

25. Then the lord emperor proceeded to the parts of Britain with an army, and there their leader Murcomannus was slain, and he subjugated that entire land to his dominion. Returning thence he found Queen Irmingard feverish, who did not many days later die in peace.

26. Sequenti vero anno accepit filiam Hwelfi ducis sui, qui erat de nobilissima progenie Bawariorum, et nomen virginis Iudith, quae erat ex parte matris, cuius nomen Eigilwi, nobilissimi generis Saxonici, eamque reginam constituit. Erat enim pulchra valde. Eodem anno Ingilenheim in villa regia generale placitum suum inibi habuit.

26. In the following year he took the daughter of his duke Hwelf, who was of the most noble progeny of the Bavarians, and the virgin’s name was Iudith, whose mother’s name was Eigilwi, of the most noble Saxon stock, and he made her queen. For she was very beautiful. In the same year at Ingilenheim in the royal villa he held his general placitum there.

27. Sequenti anno exercitum suum misit adversus orientales Sclavos, quorum dux nominabatur Liduit, quem in fuga verterunt et terram illam vastaverunt. Inde regredientes venerunt domum.

27. In the following year he sent his army against the eastern Slavs, whose duke was called Liduit, whom they put to flight and devastated that land. Thence, returning, they came home.

28. Sequenti anno habuit placitum suum generale, et ibi Hlutharius, filius suus primogenitus ex regina Irmingarda, suscepit in coniugium filiam Hugi comitis, qui erat de stirpe cuiusdam ducis nomine Etih, qui erat timidus super omnes homines. Sic enim cecinerunt ei domestici sui, ut aliquando pedem foris saepe ponere ausus non fuisset. Iam tunc imminebat ei infidelitas, quam per suggestionem supradicti soceri sui et aliorum iniquorum multorum ostendit in patrem.

28. In the following year he held his general placitum, and there Hlutharius, his firstborn son by Queen Irmingarda, took in marriage the daughter of Count Hugo, who was of the stock of a certain duke named Etih, who was more fearful than all men. For thus his household sang to him, that at times he would not have dared often to set foot outdoors. Even then a disloyalty threatened him, which he revealed against his father by the instigation of the aforesaid father‑in‑law and many other wicked men.

Inde regrediens Hlutharius venit Wormaciam cum uxore.

Thereupon, returning, Hlutharius came to Wormacia with his wife.

29. Sequenti anno habuit generale placitum suum Attiniaco palatio. Inde direxit filium suum Hlutharium cum coniuge Irmingarda in Italiam. Dominus vero imperator perrexit inde, venit Franchonovurt, ibique natalem Domini celebravit.

29. In the following year he held his general placitum at the palace of Attiniac. Thence he sent his son Hlutharius with his wife Irmingarda into Italy. But the lord emperor proceeded thence, came to Franchonovurt, and there celebrated the Nativity of the Lord.

30. Postea misit legatos suos, Adalungum venerabilem abbatem et presbyterum, et Hunfridum qui erat dux super Redicam partibus Romae, propter quandam insolentiam quam Romanus populus super Romanum pontificem Pascalem dixit, imputantes ei, quod nonnullorum homicida fuisset. Qui supradictus pontifex cum iuramento purificavit se in Lateranensi patriarchio coram supradictis legatis et populo Romano, cum episcopis XXXIV, et presbyteris et diaconibus quinque. Illis missis abeuntibus, statim supradictus papa obiit, cuius funus Romanus populus in ecclesia beati Petri apostoli humari noluit, antequam Eugenius papa post eum successit, et ipse iussit sepelire corpus eius in loco quem ipse vivus construxerat.

30. Afterwards he sent his legates, Adalungus the venerable abbot and priest, and Hunfrid who was duke over the Redicam parts at Rome, because of a certain insolence which the Roman people spoke against the Roman pontiff Paschal, accusing him that he had been the murderer of some. The aforesaid pontiff, who with an oath purified himself in the Lateran patriarchal church before the aforesaid legates and the Roman people, with bishops 34, and with five priests and deacons. Those men having been sent away and departed, immediately the aforesaid pope died, whose funeral the Roman people would not allow to be buried in the church of the blessed Apostle Peter, until Pope Eugenius succeeded him, and he himself ordered that his body be buried in the place which he had built while alive.

31. Anno sequenti imperator perrexit alia vice in Britanniam, et omnem terram illam magna plaga vastavit propter infidelitatem eorum.

31. In the following year the emperor went again into Britain, and devastated all that land with a great plague on account of their infidelity.

32. Alio anno erat Aquis palatio cum magno exercitu, et ibi venerunt legati Bulgarorum portantes dona: quos benigne suscipiens, dimisit ire ad propria.

32. In another year he was at Aquis palatio with a great army, and there came legates of the Bulgars bearing gifts: whom, receiving kindly, he dismissed to return to their own homes.

33. Sequenti vero anno erat in palatio regio Ingilenheim, et ibi ad eum venit Heriolt de Danais, quem dominus imperator elevavit de sacro fonte baptismatis, et uxorem eius elevavit de fonte domina Iudith augusta. Tunc dominus imperator magnam partem Fresonum dedit ei, et honorificis donis ornavit eum, et cum legatis suis dimisit eum ire cum pace.

33. In the following year, however, he was in the royal palace Ingilenheim, and there to him came Heriolt of the Danes, whom the lord emperor elevated from the sacred font of baptism, and raised his wife from the font, Lady Judith Augusta. Then the lord emperor gave him a large part of the Frisians, adorned him with honorific gifts, and dismissed him to go with his legates in peace.

34. Alio anno direxit exercitum suum obviam Sarracenis. Sequenti anno so perrexit de Ingilenheim, post generale placitum suum pervenit ad Commarciacum.

34. In another year he directed his army to meet the Saracens. In the next year he proceeded from Ingilenheim; after his general council he arrived at Commarciacum.

35. Alio anno venit Wormatiam, ubi et Karolo filio suo, qui erat ex Iudith augusta natus, terram Alamannicam, et Redicam, et partem aliquam Burgundiae, coram filiis suis Hluthario et aequivoco suo tradidit; et illi inde indignati sunt una cum Pippino germano eorum.

35. In another year he came to Wormatiam, where he delivered to his son Karolo, who was born of Judith Augusta, the Alemannic land, and Redicam, and some part of Burgundy, in the presence of his sons Hluthario and his namesake; and they thereupon were indignant together with their brother Pippin.

36. Alio vero anno perrexit dominus imperator de Aquis Grani palatio, pervenit ad Compendium, ibique venit obviam ei Pippinus filius eius cum magnatis primis patris sui, Hilduvino archicapellano, et Iesse Ambianensi episcopo, Hug et Matfrido, Elisachar abbate, Gotefrido, et multis aliis perfidis, et voluerunt dominum imperatorem de regno expellere; quod prohibuit dilectus aequivocus filius eius. Supradicti impii obicientes ei multa contraria, quod impium est fari vel credi. Dixerunt Iudith reginam violatam esse a quodam duce Bernhardo, qui erat de stirpe regali, et domini imperatoris ex sacro fonte baptismatis filius, mentientes omnia; suscipientes reginam Iudith, eamque vi velantes et in monasterium mittentes, et fratres eius Chuonradum et Ruodolfum tondentes et in monasterio mittentes.

36. In another year the lord emperor moreover proceeded from the palace of Aquis Granus, arrived at Compendium, and there met by way of reception Pippin his son with the chief magnates of his father, Hilduvin the archchaplain, and Jesse, bishop of Amiens, Hug and Matfrid, Elisachar the abbot, Gotefrid, and many others perfidious, and they desired to expel the lord emperor from the kingdom; which was prevented by his beloved aequivocal son. The aforesaid impious men, casting many contrary charges against him, which it is wicked to speak or to believe, said that Queen Judith had been violated by a certain duke Bernhard, who was of royal stock, and the lord emperor’s son from the sacred font of baptism, inventing all things; seizing Queen Judith, veiling her by force and sending her into a monastery, and tonsuring her brothers Chuonrad and Ruodolf and sending them into a monastery.

37. Ipso eodemque anno pervenit dominus imperator ad Niwimagun castrum, quod situm est super fluvium quod dicitur Walum: et multitudo hominum ex omnibus regnis suis venit ad eum, inter quos venerunt supradicti adversarii eius, et superaverat eos dominus imperator, et divisit eos atque commendavit. Et Hlutharius filius eius cum iuramento fidelitatem promisit, ut post hoc numquam talia committere debuisset. Et ibi Iesse iusto iudicio episcoporum depositus est.

37. In that same year the lord emperor came to the castle Niwimagun, which is situated on the river called Walum: and a multitude of men from all his kingdoms came to him, among whom came his aforesaid adversaries; and the lord emperor overcame them, and divided them and committed them. And Hlutharius his son with an oath promised fidelity, so that thereafter he should never commit such things. And there Jesse was deposed by the just judgment of the bishops.

Ibi fuit aequivocus filius eius, qui in omnibus laboribus patris adiutor eius exstitit. Inde venit dominus imperator Aquis ad sedem suam, et supradicta coniux venit ibi obviam ei, quam honorifice suscepit, iubente Gregorio Romano pontifice cum aliorum episcoporum iusto iudicio.

There was there his namesake son, who in all his father's labors stood forth as his helper. Thence the lord emperor came to Aquis to his seat, and the aforesaid wife came there to meet him, whom he received honorably, Gregorius the Roman pontiff ordering it with the just judgment of the other bishops.

38. Sequenti vero anno imperator in palatio Theodonis erat cum filiis suis Hluthario et Hludowico: et ibi supradictus dux venit Bernhardus, et purificavit se de supradicto stupro, postquam nullus inventus est, qui ausus fuisset cum armis supradictam rem ei imponere.

38. In the following year the emperor was in Theodon’s palace with his sons Hlutharius and Hludowico: and there the aforesaid duke Bernhard came, and cleared himself of the aforesaid charge of rape, after no one was found who had dared with arms to impose the aforesaid matter upon him.

39. Alio vero anno post pascha auditum est, quod aequivocus filius eius cum consilio Hlutharii voluisset visitare patrem in hoste, et venit usque ad monasterium sancti Nazarii, et modico tempore ibi residens, usque dum pater eius Magontiam veniens, et coadunato exercitu secutus est eum. Filius vero eius supradictus revertens domum, et exspectavit adventum patris, et voluit se defendere. Pater vero veniens, iussit eum venire ad se; quem benigne suscipiens, habuerunt colloquium pacificum, et non post multos dies cum magno amore diviserunt se. Filius domi sedebat, et pater reversus est in Franciam.

39. In another year after Easter it was heard that his illegitimate son, with the counsel of Hlutharius, had wished to visit his father among the enemy, and he came as far as the monastery of Saint Nazarius, and dwelling there for a short time until his father came to Magontia, and with the army gathered followed him. But the aforesaid son returning home awaited the coming of his father, and wished to defend himself. The father, however, coming, ordered him to come to him; whom receiving kindly, they had a peaceful conference, and not many days afterwards with great love they parted. The son remained at home, and the father returned into Francia.

40. Cum ergo venit ad palatium Franchonovurt, ibi obviam ei venit Hlutharius filius eius, postulans patrem, ut semet ipsum purificare licuisset, quod nec per voluntatem eius, nec per exhortationem eius frater ullam molestiam patri fecisset: et quam verum hoc sit, nonnullis est cognitum.

40. Therefore when he came to the palace of Franchonovurt, there Hlutharius his son met him, asking his father that it be permitted for him to purify himself, since neither by his will nor by his exhortation had the brother done any harm to the father: and how true this is, it is known to some.

41. Interim quo rex ibidem manebat, auditum est, quod Pippinus filius eius commotionem patri fatere voluisset. Qui concite perrexit Limodiam civitatem obviam eius, iussit ire filium cum uxore et liberis in Franciam. In primis audiens imperium patris, incipiebat ire usque ad Theotuadum palatium; inde revertens perrexit in Aquitaniam: imperator inde revertens, venit Aquis ad sedem suam, et fuit ibi non multum tempus.

41. Meanwhile, while the king stayed there, it was heard that Pippin, his son, had wished to confess the disturbance to his father. He swiftly proceeded to the city Limodia to meet him, and ordered his son to go with his wife and children into Francia. At first, on hearing his father’s command, he began to go as far as the palace of Theotuadus; then returning, he went into Aquitaine: the emperor then returning came to Aix to his seat, and was there not a long time.

Inde regrediens, venit Wormaciam civitatem ante sanctum tempus quadragesimae.

Returning thence, he came to the city of Worms before the holy time of Lent.

42. Post pascha audivit, ut iterum filii sui ad eum venire voluissent non pacifice: qui congregavit exercitum, perrexit obviam eis usque in magnum campum qui est inter Argentoriam et Basilam, qui usque hodie nominatur Campus Mendacii, ubi plurimorum fidelitas exstincta est. Filii autem eius perrexerunt obviam ei cum Gregorio papa Romano; et quicquid postulabant, nihil eis pater consentiens. Non post multos dies venerunt ad colloquium imperator et supradictus pontifex; qui non diu loquentes, honoravit eum pontifex imprimis magnis et innumeris donis.

42. After Easter he heard that his sons again wished to come to him not peacefully: who gathered an army, and went to meet them as far as the great field which is between Argentoriam and Basilam, which even to this day is called the Field of Lies, where the fidelity of very many was extinguished. But his sons went to meet him with Gregory the Roman pope; and whatever they demanded, the father consented to nothing. Not many days later the emperor and the aforesaid pontiff came to a conference; who, after speaking not long, the pontiff honored him above all with great and innumerable gifts.

Postquam uterque rediit ad tabernaculum, misit imperator dona regalia per Adalungum venerabilem abbatem atque presbyterum supradicto pontifici. Tunc consiliati sunt nonnulli, ut imperatorem derelinquerent, et ad filios eius pervenirent, imprimis qui eum antea offendebant; ceterisque sequentibus, quadam nocte pars maxima dimisit eum, et tentoria eorum relinquentes pervenerunt ad filios. In crastinum aliqui qui remanserant, venerunt ad imperatorem, quibus praecepit dicens: Ite, ait, ad filios meos.

After each had returned to his tent, the emperor sent royal gifts by Adalung, the venerable abbot and priest, to the aforesaid pontiff. Then some counseled that they abandon the emperor and go over to his sons, especially those who had formerly offended him; and with the others following, on a certain night the greater part dismissed him, and, leaving their tents, came to the sons. On the next day some who had remained came to the emperor, to whom he gave this command, saying: "Go," he said, "to my sons."

Nolo ut ullus propter me vitam aut membra dimittat. At illi infusi lacrimis recedebant ab eo. Iam tunc separatam habebant uxorem suam ab eo, cum iuramento confirmantes, ut nec ad mortem nec ad debilitationem eam habere desiderarent. Qui statim miserunt partibus Italiae in civitatem Tartunam, ibi eam habentes.

I do not wish that anyone on my account should forfeit life or limbs. But they, bathed in tears, withdrew from him. Already then they had separated his wife from him, confirming by oath that they would desire to have her neither unto death nor unto debilitation. They at once sent her into the regions of Italy to the city Tartuna, keeping her there.

Non multo tempore postea susceperunt patrem, et duxerunt eum cum illis; quod facto, diviserunt se ibi; Pippinus perrexit in Aquitaniam, Hludowicus in Bawariam.

Not long afterward they took up their father and led him with them; that done, they separated there; Pippinus proceeded into Aquitaine, Hludowicus into Bavaria.

43. Hlutharius vero duxit secum patrem ad Compendium palatium, et ibi valde afflixit eum cum episcopis et ceteris nonnullis. Iusserunt eum, ut in monasterium iret, et ibi fuisset omnibus diebus vitae suae. Quod ille renuens, non consensit voluntati eorum.

43. Hlutharius, however, led his father with him to the Compendium palace, and there greatly afflicted him with bishops and several others. They ordered him to go into a monastery, and to be there all the days of his life. Which he, refusing, did not consent to their will.

Omnes enim episcopi molesti fuerunt ei, et maxime hi, qui ex vilissima servili condicione honoratos habebat, cum his qui ex barbaris nationibus ad hoc fastigium perducti sunt.

For all the bishops were troublesome to him, and especially those whom he had honoured from the most vile servile condition, together with those who were led to that high station from barbarian nations.

44. Elegerunt tunc unum impudicum et crudelissimum, qui dicebatur Ebo, Remensis episcopus, qui erat ex originalium servorum stirpe, ut eum immaniter afflixisset cum confinctionibus ceterorum. Inaudita locuti sunt, inaudita fecerunt, cottidie improperantes ei. Abstulerunt ei gladium a femore suo, iudicio servorum suorum induentes eum cilicio. Tunc impletum epilogium Hieremiae prophetae dicentis: Servi dominati sunt nostri.

44. They then chose one shameless and most cruel man, who was called Ebo, bishop of Rheims, who was of the stock of original slaves, to afflict him barbarously with the contrivances of the others. They spoke unheard-of things, they did unheard-of things, daily railing at him. They took the sword from his thigh, and, by the judgment of their servants, put a hair-shirt upon him. Then was fulfilled the epilogue of the prophet Jeremiah, saying: "Our servants have been lords over us."

O qualem remunerationem reddidisti ei! Fecit te liberum, non nobilem, quod impossibile est. Post libertatem vestivit te purpura et pallio; tu eum induisti cilicio. Ille te pertraxit immeritum ad culmen pontificale; tu eum falso iudicio voluisti expellere a solio patrum suorum.

O what a remuneration you have rendered to him! He made you free, not noble, which is impossible. After freedom he clothed you in purple and in the pallium; you clothed him in cilicium. He hauled you up undeserved to the pontifical summit; you, by false judgment, wished to expel him from the throne of his fathers.

Crudelis, cur non intellexisti praecepta dominica: Non est servus supra dominum. Quamobrem contempsisti praecepta apostolica illius, qui usque ad tertium caelum raptus erat, ut inter angelos disceret, quid hominibus imperaret? Ille sic praecepit dicens: Omnibus potestatibus sublimioribus subiecti estote.

Cruel one, why did you not understand the Lord’s precepts: A servant is not above his lord. Wherefore did you despise the apostolic precepts of him who had been rapt up even to the third heaven, that he might learn among the angels what he should command to men? He thus commanded, saying: Be subject to all superior powers.

Non est enim potestas nisi a Domino. Et iterum alius dicit: Deum timete, regem honorificate. Servi subditi estote in omni timore dominis, non tantum bonis et modestis, sed etiam discolis: haec est enim gratia.

For there is no power except from the Lord. And again another says: Fear God, honor the king. Servants, be subject to your masters in all fear, not only to the good and meek, but also to the disobedient; for this is grace.

Tu vero Deum non timuisti, nec regem honorasti. Si unusquisque gratiam Dei adipisci poterit talia faciendo, profecto iram Dei habebit talia contemnendo. Crudelis, quis consiliarius tuus fuit, aut ductor tuus?

You, however, did not fear God, nor did you honor the king. If every one could obtain the grace of God by doing such things, assuredly he would have the wrath of God by despising such things. Cruel one, who was your counsellor, or your leader?

Nonne ille, qui est rex super omnes filios superbiae? qui dicebat Deo creatori suo: Haec omnia tibi dabo, si procidens adoraberis me! O domine Iesu Christe, ubi erat angelus tuus; qui omnia primogenita Aegypti una nocte facile delevit? et ille qui in castris Assyriorum sub Sennacherib, rege iniquo, nocte una centum octuaginta quinque milia perfidorum exstinxit, testante Esaia propheta?

Is not he who is king over all the sons of pride? who said to God, his Creator: I will give you all these things, if, falling down, you will worship me! O Lord Jesus Christ, where was your angel, who easily destroyed all the firstborn of Egypt in one night? and he who in the camps of the Assyrians under Sennacherib, an unjust king, in one night extinguished 185,000 of the perfidious, Isaiah the prophet bearing witness?

Aut ille as qui Herodem iuniorem contionantem percussit, ut statim scatere coepit vermibus? Et tu terra, quae eum sustulisti illo in tempore, quare non aperuisti os tuum, ut devorares eum, sicut iam olim fecisti Dathan et Abiron? Tu non intellexisti triformem legem tuam quae dicit: Cibaria et virga et onus asino, panis et disciplina et opus servo.

Or that ass who struck Herod the Younger as he was haranguing, so that he straightaway began to gush with worms? And you, earth, which then received him at that time, why did you not open your mouth to devour him, as once aforetime you did Dathan and Abiron? Did you not understand your threefold law which says: fodder and rod and burden for the ass, bread and discipline and work for the servant.

Tibi vaticinavit Zacharias propheta, dicens: Non vivas, quia mendacium locutus es in nomine Domini. Deus manifestavit malitiam tuam, et conservavit illi regnum et gloriam suam. Propter cupiditatem et mendacium magna te impietate perdidisti.

The prophet Zacharias prophesied to you, saying: "You shall not live, because you have spoken falsehood in the name of the Lord." God revealed your malice, and preserved for him his kingdom and his glory. On account of cupidity and falsehood you have ruined yourself by great impiety.

Corrue nunc in opproprium omnibus diebus vitae tuae. Per praecipitia cupiditatis et falsitatis crescat ignominia tua de die in diem, sicut numerus parvus per artem arithmeticam surgit in maximum. Crudelis, adhuc imperfectum est canonicum iudicium tuum.

Fall now into opprobrium for all the days of your life. Through the precipices of cupidity and falsity may your ignominy grow from day to day, as a small number by the art of arithmetic rises into the maximum. Crudelis, your canonical judgment is still imperfect.

Necesse est enim, ut perfectum fiat iudicium ad maiorem ignominiam tuam. Patres tui erant pastores caprarum, non consiliarii principum. Tu cum ceterorum iudicio Iesse a sacerdotio deposuisti; nunc iterum revocasti eum in gradum pristinum.

For it is necessary that judgment be made complete to your greater ignominy. Your fathers were shepherds of goats, not counsellors of princes. By the judgment of others you deposed Jesse from the priesthood; now again you have recalled him to his pristine rank.

Aut tunc, aut nunc falsum iudicium exhibuisti; imitator eius fuisti, de quo poeta in libro sexto Aeneidos canit:

Either then or now you have shown a false judgment; you were an imitator of him, of whom the poet in book six of the Aeneid sings:

Infelix Theseus, Flegiasque miserrimus omnes

Unhappy Theseus, and most wretched Flegias, all

Admonet, et magna testatur voce per umbras:

He warns, and with a loud voice bears witness through the shades:

Discite iustitiam moniti et non temnere Divos.

Learn justice, warned, and do not despise the gods.

Vendidit hic auro patriam, dominumque potentem

This man sold his country for gold, and (sold) his mighty lord.

Imposuit, fixit leges pretio atque refixit.

He imposed, he fixed laws for a price, and fixed them again.

Quid possum tibi amplius dicere? Nec si linguam habuissem ferream et labia aenea, omnes nequitias tuas explanare nec enumerare potuissem. Sed si aliquis fuisset, qui poetico carmine omnia facinora tua rimari voluisset, forsitan Smirnamum vatem, vetustum Homerum, Mincianumque Maronem cum Ovidio superare potuisset.

What more can I say to you? Nor if I had an iron tongue and brazen lips could I explain or enumerate all your wickednesses. But if there had been one who wished to search out all your deeds in poetic song, perhaps the Smyrnan bard, ancient Homer, and Mincian Maro together with Ovid might have surpassed them.

Sed temptatio piissimi principis, quam pertulit a nequissimis, nihil ob aliud fuisse creditur, nisi ut probaretur eius bonitas, sicut et patientia beati Iob. Sed magna discrepatio erat inter persecutoribus utriusque. Qui beato Iob insultabant, reges fuisse leguntur in libro beati Tobiae: qui istum vero maxime affligebant, legales servi eius fuerunt ac patrum suorum.

But the temptation of the most pious prince, which he endured from the most wicked, is believed to have been for no other reason than to prove his goodness, just as the patience of the blessed Job. Yet there was a great difference between their persecutors. Those who railed at the blessed Job are read to have been kings in the book of the blessed Tobit: but those who most grievously afflicted this man were his lawful servants and those of their fathers.

45. De Compendio postea duxerunt piissimum principum ad Aquis Grani palatium. Hoc audiens aequivocus eius filius, recessit a Bawaria magno dolore compulsus ob iniuriam patris. Qui veniens ad palatium Franchonovurt, statim inde direxit legatos suos Gozbaldum abbatem et presbyterum et Morhardum palatinum comitem, postulans et imperans, ut erga patrem humaniorem exhibere sententiam.

45. Shortly afterwards they led the most pious of princes to the palace at Aquae Grani. Hearing this, his son of doubtful legitimacy withdrew from Bavaria, driven by great sorrow on account of the injury to his father. He, coming to the palace Franchonovurt, immediately thereupon dispatched his envoys Gozbaldus, abbot and priest, and Morhardus, palatine count, requesting and commanding that a more humane judgment be shown toward his father.

Quod frater eius Hlutharius benigne non susceperat. Postquam illi legati reversi sunt, statim alios destinavit ad patrem, qui prohibiti sunt ne eum viderent.

Which his brother Hlutharius had not received kindly. After those legates returned, he immediately sent others to the father, who were prevented from seeing him.

46. Postea perrexit Hlutiarius de Aquis Grani palatio, pervenit Magontiam, ubi obviam venit ei frater, et colloquium inaequale habuerunt ibi propter hoc, quia omnes quos Hlutharius habebat secum, adversarii erant patris sui iniuste; quos autem Hludowicus habebat secum, fideles erant patri suo ac sibi. Inde revertens Hlutharius venit Aquis palatium, celebravitque natalem Domini adhuc clauso patre.

46. Afterwards Hlutiarius departed from the palace of Aquis Grani, reached Magontia, where his brother met him, and they there had an unequal conference because all whom Hlutharius had with him were unjustly adversaries of his father; but those whom Hludowicus had with him were faithful to their father and to him. Thence returning, Hlutharius came to the palace at the Waters, and celebrated the Nativity of the Lord with his father still confined.

47. Post sanctum diem epiphaniae iterum Hludowicus misit legatos suos ad patrem, Grimaldum venerabilem abbatem atque presbyterum et Gebaardum nobilissimum atque fidelissimum ducem. Qui venientes Aquis, consensit eis Hlutharius, ut viderent patrem cum insidiatoribus, quorum unus vocabatur Othgarius episcopus, alter vero Righardus perfidus. Venientes legati ad conspectum principis, humiliter prosternentes se pedibus eius.

47. After the holy day of Epiphany Hludowicus again sent his legates to his father, Grimaldus, a venerable abbot and presbyter, and Gebaard, a most noble and most faithful duke. When they, arriving at Aquis, Hlutharius consented to allow them to see the father with the insidiators, one of whom was called Othgarius the bishop, the other indeed Righardus the perfidious. The legates, coming into the prince’s presence, humbly prostrated themselves at his feet.

Post haec salutaverunt eum ab aequivoco filio suo. Secreta vero verba noluerunt ei indicare propter insidiatores praesentes, sed aliquo motu signorum fecerunt eum intellegi, ut aequivocus eius hoc consentire noluisset supplicium patris.

After this they greeted him as his equivocal son. They would not disclose secret words to him because of the insidiators present, but by some motion of signs they caused him to be understood that his equivocal one would not wish to consent to the punishment of the father.

48. Illis missis abeuntibus, statim Hlutharius compellens patrem, ut cum eo iret iterum ad Compendium, qui consentiens filio perrexit cum eo. Hoc audiens aequivocus filius eius, coadunata multitudine secutus est eos; qui cum non longe esset ab eis, Hlutharius dimisit patrem, et recessit ab eo cum consiliariis suis impiis. Aequivocus vero filius eius pervenit ad eum, et honorifice suscepit eum, et reduxit iterum ad Aquis ad sedem suam, et Deo iubente restituit eum in regnum et in locum suum. Et ibi pariter sanctum pascha Domini celebraverunt.

48. After those sent had gone away, immediately Hlutharius, addressing his father to go with him again to Compendium, who consenting to his son went with him. Hearing this his namesake son, having gathered a multitude, followed them; and when not far from them, Hlutharius dismissed his father, and withdrew from him with his impious counselors. But his namesake son came to him, and received him honorably, and led him back again to Aquis to his seat, and by God's bidding restored him to the kingdom and to his place. And there together they celebrated the holy Pasch of the Lord.

Hoc audiens Ebo, statim fugam iniit; qui comprehensus, coactus perductus est ad praesentiam principis, qui commendavit eum ad custodiendum.

Hearing this, Ebo at once took flight; who, having been seized, was compelled and led into the presence of the prince, who entrusted him to custody.

49. Eodem anno, qui est annus regni eius XXI., omnibus indulgentiam praestitit, qui eum coacti reliquerunt. Et hoc non fuit ei et onerosum vel grave, qui est piissimus imperatorum, quod antea pepercit inimicis suis, implens illud evangelicum praeceptum, quo dictum est: Dimittite, et dimittetur vobis. Praemium bonum et magnum praeparat ei, qui hoc praeceptum constituit: Quem enim diligit Dominus corripit; flagellat autem omnem filium quem recipit; et qui sponte correptiones Domini non suscipit, filius eius fieri non poterit.

49. In the same year, which is the year of his reign 21., he granted indulgence to all who had left him under compulsion. And this was neither burdensome nor grievous to him, who is the most pious of emperors, for formerly he spared his enemies, fulfilling that evangelical precept which says: "Forgive, and it will be forgiven to you." A good and great reward is prepared for him who established this precept: for whom the Lord loves he chastises; moreover he scourges every son whom he receives; and he who of his own accord does not accept the corrections of the Lord cannot be made his son.

50. Sed summopere praecavendum est, ne amplius fiat, ut servi sint consiliarii sui; quia si possunt, hoc maxime construunt, ut nobiles opprimant, et eos cum vilissima propinquitate eorum exaltare studeant. Hoc non condecet sanctae dignitati suae, hoc raro contigerat temporibus sanctae memoriae genitoris sui, ut aliquis de talibus ad honorem conscendit. Hunc maxima disciplina perdocuit, ne superbire inciperet.

50. But utmost caution must be taken, lest it happen any more that slaves be his advisers; for if they can, they most of all contrive to oppress the nobles, and strive to exalt those of the vilest intimacy with them. This does not become his holy dignity; this had rarely come to pass in the times of his father of holy memory, that any one of such persons mounted to honor. The greatest discipline taught him not to begin to be proud.

Hoc exemplum nunc exercere maximum opus est. Quando in temptatione sua erat mitissimus principum, hi tales tam molesti ei fuerunt, qui eis immeritis omnem benignitatem exhibuit. Quid subiectis faciant, nulli interrogandum opus est.

To put this example into practice now is a greatest work. When in his temptation he was the mildest of princes, these very men were so troublesome to him, to whom he had shown all kindness undeservedly. There is no need to ask anyone what they do to those subject to them.

51. Postquam praevaluit imperator, misit fideles legatos suos partibus Italiae, ut reducerent coniugem suam saepe mendaciis afflictam. Qui venientes susceperunt eam honorifice, et perduxerunt eam cum iucunditate et laetitia ad praesentiam principis, qui erat tunc temporis in Aquis Grani palatio.

51. After the emperor prevailed, he sent his faithful legates to regions of Italy to bring back his wife, often afflicted by falsehoods. These, on arriving, received her honorably, and conducted her with pleasure and cheer to the presence of the prince, who at that time was in the palace at Aquis Grani.

52. Hlutharius vero residens in civitate Cavillonum, ubi multa mala commiserat, expoliando ecclesias Dei, fideles patris sui, ubicumque eos comprehendere potuerat, praeter legatos tantum, martyres exhibuit. Insuper et sanctimonialis feminam, quae erat soror ducis Bernhardi, nomine Gerbirch, iussit in vase vinatico claudere, et proicere in flumen Ararim, de quo poeta canit:

52. Hlutharius, however, residing in the city of the Cavillonum, where he had committed many evils by plundering the churches of God, exposed the faithful of his father, wherever he could apprehend them, as martyrs, except only the legates. Moreover he ordered a sanctimonial woman, who was the sister of Duke Bernard, named Gerbirch, to be shut up in a wine‑vessel and cast into the river Arar, of which the poet sings:

Aut Ararim Parthus bibet, aut Germania Tigrim.

Either the Parthian will drink the Arar, or Germany the Tigris.

Ibi eam diu affligens, quousque exstinxit eam iudicio coniugum impiorum consiliariorum eius, implens psalmodicam prophetiam: Cum sancto sanctus eris, et cum perverso perversus.

There, afflicting her for a long time, until he destroyed her by the judgment of his impious spouses’ counselors, fulfilling the psalmic prophecy: “With the holy you will be holy, and with the perverse you will be perverse.”

53. Post hoc misit legatos suos imperator ad illum, Marachwardum venerabilem abbatem, cum ceteris fidelibus suis, cum epistulis exhortatoriis, quibus admonuit eum imprimis, ut recordatus fuisset omnipotentis Dei et mandatorum eius, ut averteret se a via sua prava, ut intellegeret quam districtum iudicium esset Dominum contemnere in praeceptis suis. Dicit enim Deus inter alia praecepta: Honora patrem et matrem, et: Qui maledixerit patri vel matri, morte moriatur. Hoc praeceptum non per prophetas mandavit neque per apostolos, sed ipse Deus scribendo observare praecepit, et quam grave sit hoc praetermittere, in libro Deutronomio postmodum ostendit dicens: Si genuerit homo filium contumacem et protervum, qui non audiat patris aut matris imperium, et coercitus oboedire contempserit, apprehenderent eum, et ducent ad seniores civitatis illius et ad portam iudicii, dicentque ad eos: Filius iste noster protervus et contumax est, monita nostra audire temnit, comissationibus vacat et luxuriae atque conviviis; lapidibus eum obruet populus civitatis, et morietur, ut auferatis malum de medio vestri.

53. After this the emperor sent his legates to him, Marachwardus the venerable abbot, with his other faithful men, with exhortatory letters in which he admonished him chiefly that he remember Almighty God and his commandments, that he turn away from his perverse way, that he understand how severe a judgment it is to contemn the Lord in his precepts. For God says among other precepts: Honour father and mother, and: Whoever curses father or mother, let him die the death. This precept he commanded not by the prophets nor by the apostles, but God himself commanded to be observed in writing, and how grave it is to omit it he afterwards shows in the book of Deuteronomy, saying: If a man has begotten a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the command of his father or his mother, and, when chastened, despises to obey, they shall seize him and bring him to the elders of that city and to the gate of judgment, and shall say to them: This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not heed our admonitions, he devotes himself to revels and to licentiousness and to banquets; the people of the city shall stone him and he shall die, that you may purge the evil from your midst.

Et universus Israel audiens pertimescat.

And let all Israel, hearing, be terrified.

54. Postquam Hlutharius locutus fuisset cum supradictis missis, legationem eorum grave ac dure suscepit, et minas eis promisit, quod adhuc non est impletum, neque postmodum fiet. Illi revertentes ab eo, venerunt ad imperatorem, nuntiantes ei omnia quae audierant. Inde pater eius ingemiscens, congregavit multitudinem copiosam, et perrexit post eum ubi audierat eum esse.

54. After Hlutharius had spoken with the aforesaid envoys, he received their legation grievously and sternly, and threatened them, which has not yet been fulfilled, nor will be afterward. They, returning from him, came to the emperor, reporting to him all that they had heard. Then his father, groaning, gathered a large multitude, and went after him to the place where he had heard him to be.

Venerunt filii eius obviam ei, Pippinus ab occidente et aequivocus eius ab oriente, uterque cum magna multitudine ad obsequium patris. Cumque properarent Aurelianensium civitati, ubi erat Hlutharius prope cum seductoribus suis impiis, de quibus superius mentio facta est, noluit quiescere exhortationibus patris; sed quadam nocte elongavit se ab eo quasi fugiendo. Tunc imperator misit legatos suos post illum, Badaradum episcopum Saxonicum, et Gebehardum nobilissimum ac fidelissimum ducem, et Berengarium sapientem, propinquum suum.

His sons came to meet him, Pippinus from the west and his namesake from the east, each with a great multitude to the obedience of their father. And as they hastened to the city of the Aurelianenses, where Hlutharius was near with his impious seducers, of whom mention was made above, he would not heed his father’s exhortations; but on a certain night he withdrew himself from him as if fleeing. Then the emperor sent his legates after him: Badaradus, a Saxon bishop, and Gebehard, a most noble and most faithful duke, and Berengar the wise, his kinsman.

Qui venientes ad eum, statim supradictus episcopus praecepit ei cum edictu omnipotentis Dei sanctorumque omnium eius, ut se alienaret a societate impiorum seductorum eius, ut licuisset fideles imperatoris ostendere, si voluntas Dei esset, ut discordia eorum permaneret, an non. Post legationem episcopi supra nominati duces protulerunt quod eis imperatum fuerat. Quos statim rogavit ad modicum tempus egredi foras, et statim iterum revocavit, deprecans eos, ut ei consilium dedissent de omnibus actis suis.

Who, coming to him, the aforesaid bishop immediately commanded him, by the edict of Almighty God and of all his saints, that he withdraw himself from the fellowship of his impious seducers, so that it might be permitted to show the emperor’s faithful, if the will of God were, whether their discord would remain or not. After the bishop’s legation the above‑named leaders produced what had been commanded them. Whom he immediately requested to go out for a short time, and immediately again recalled, beseeching them to give him counsel concerning all his actions.

At illi instruxerunt eum, ut veniret ad misericordiam patris cum ceteris seductoribus, promittentes pacem. Et ille cum eis promisit venire. Inde regredientes legati venerunt ad principem, nuntiantes ei quae gesta erant.

But they instructed him to come to the mercy of the father with the other seducers, promising peace. And he promised to come with them. Thence returning, the envoys came to the prince, announcing to him what had been done.

55. Post eos venit Hlutharius ubi erat imperator, pater eius, sedens in papilione suo, quod erat extensum in altum valde in campo magno, ubi eum exercitus omnis contemplari potuit, et filii eius fideles steterunt iuxta eum. Tunc veniens Hlutharius cecidit ad pedes patris, et post eum socer eius Hug timidus. Tunc Matfridus, et ceteri omnes qui primi erant in facinore illo, postquam surrexerunt de terra, confessi sunt se valde deliquisse.

55. After them came Hlutharius to where the emperor his father sat in his pavilion, which was set up very high in a great field, where the whole army could behold him, and his faithful sons stood beside him. Then Hlutharius, coming, fell at his father’s feet, and after him his father‑in‑law Hug, timid. Then Matfridus, and all the others who had been foremost in that crime, after they rose from the ground, confessed that they had greatly erred.

Post haec iuravit Hlutharius patri suo fidelitatem, ut omnibus imperiis suis oboedire debuisset, et ut iret in Italiam et ibi maneret, et inde non exiret nisi per iussionem patris. Tunc iuraverunt et ceteri. Post haec piissimus princeps indulgentiam dedit eis, si hoc iuramentum conservarent.

After these things Hlutharius swore fidelity to his father, that he should obey all his commands, and that he should go into Italy and remain there, and should not depart from there except by the order of his father. Then the others also swore. After this the most pious prince granted them indulgence, if they would keep this oath.

Dimisit eos habere patrimonia et omnia quae habebant, praeter quod ipse manu propria tradidit eis. Diviserunt se ibi, et Hlutharius perrexit in Italiam cum consentaneis suis pessimis, et statim Matfridus, qui erat maximus incentor omnium illorum malorum, mortuus est et ceteri nonnulli. Hi vero qui remanserant, febre correpti sunt.

He permitted them to hold their patrimonies and all that they possessed, excepting what he himself delivered to them with his own hand. They dispersed there, and Hlutharius proceeded into Italy with his most wicked associates, and straightway Matfridus, who was the chief instigator of all those evils, died, and several others. But those who remained were seized by fever.

56. Imperator vero inde regrediens, venit ad palatium Theodonis, et ibi totam hiemem peregit. Post natalem Domini altero anno habuit conventum magnum populorum, et ibi Ebo turpissimus rusticus venit, quem ibi episcopi firmiter movere non ausi sunt, timentes ut eorum proditor exsistere debuisset. Et ideo suaserunt eum, ut se concederet ministerium sacerdotale minime habere posse; quod et ita fecit, et ideo sic plane dimissus est.

56. The emperor, however, returning thence, came to Theodon's palace, and there passed the whole winter. After the Lord's Nativity in the second year he held a great assembly of peoples, and there came Ebo, a most shameful rustic, whom the bishops there did not dare to move firmly, fearing that he would have proved their betrayer. And therefore they urged him to concede that he could in no wise hold the priestly ministry; which he did, and therefore was thus plainly dismissed.

Quod adhuc omnino emendare opus est, quia melior est iustum iudicium sanctorum patrum exercere in eo, quam falsam pietatem sub obtentu religionis demonstrare.

Which still altogether needs to be corrected, for it is better to exercise the just judgment of the holy fathers in it than to display false piety under the pretext of religion.

57. Ipso eodemque anno perrexit imperator partibus Lugdunensium, ubi obviam ei venerunt filii sui Pippinus et aequivocus filius eius, qui adhuc imitator filiorum est suprascriptorum, qui natum iuniores fuerunt. Ibi sedebat imperator cum filiis suis, quousque legati in Italiam venerunt ad Hlutharium, et inde revertentes pervenerunt ad eum. Inde reversus est imperator, venit Aquis ad sedem suam: et Pippinus reversus est in Aquitaniam, et aequivocus imperatoris perrexit partibus Austriae.

57. In that same year the emperor proceeded into the regions of Lyon (Lugdunenses), where his sons Pippinus and his aequivocal son met him — the latter still an imitator of the aforesaid younger-born sons. There the emperor sat with his sons until envoys came into Italy to Hlutharium, and returning from thence they reached him. The emperor then returned, came to Aix to his seat; and Pippinus returned into Aquitaine, while the emperor’s aequivocal son set out for the regions of Austria.

58. Eodem anno ipso in itinere obiit Berengarius, dux fidelis et sapiens, quem imperator cum filiis suis luxit multo tempore. Iste est annus vicesimus secundus regni domini Hludowici piissimi imperatoris, quem conservare et protegere diu in hoc saeculo dignetur feliciter commorantem, et post haec discurrentia tempora perducere concedat ad societatem omnium sanctorum eius ille, qui est benedictus in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

58. In that same year, on the journey itself, Berengarius died, a faithful and wise duke, whom the emperor mourned with his sons for a long time. This is the 22nd year of the reign of our lord Hludowicus the Most Pious, emperor; whom may he deign to preserve and protect long in this world, happily dwelling, and after these passing times may he grant to bring to the fellowship of all his saints him who is blessed for ages of ages. Amen.

[Supplement to the Vienna Manuscript]

Anno vero regni sui XXIII. habuit imperator colloquium cum fidelibus suis in praedio regali Theodonis mense Maio. Et ibi venerunt legati Hlutharii a partibus Italiae, Walach qui erat abbas, et Rihhardus perfidus, et Ebarhardus fidelis cum ceteris nonnullis, nuntiantes eum libenter venire ad patrem, si pacifice potuisset.

In the 23rd year of his reign the emperor held a colloquy with his faithful at the royal estate of Theodon in the month of May. And there came the envoys of Hlutharius from the regions of Italy, Walach who was abbot, and Rihhardus the perfidious, and Ebarhardus the faithful with several others, announcing that he would gladly come to the father, if he could do so peacefully.

Tunc aliqui episcopi et ceteri optimates promiserunt ei fidem cum iuramento, si infirmitas non prohibuisset. Tunc praenuntiavit dominus imperator generale concilium suum Wormaciam civitatem habere, et iussit ut Hlutharius ibi obviam venisset mediante mense Septembrio. Cumque die statuto imperator Wormaciam deveniret cum magna multitudine, et filii sui Pippinus et Hludowicus cum exercitu eorum, ibi iterum venientes legati Hlutharii, et nuntiaverunt Hlutharium in febribus interea valde laborare, et minime venire potuisse.

Then some bishops and the other optimates promised him fidelity with an oath, if infirmity had not prevented. Then the lord emperor announced that his general council would be held at the city Wormaciam, and ordered that Hlutharius should come there to meet him in the midst of September. And when, on the appointed day, the emperor came to Wormaciam with a great multitude, and his sons Pippinus and Hludowicus with their army, the envoys of Hlutharius coming there again reported that Hlutharius was meanwhile laboring very greatly with fevers, and had in no wise been able to come.

Eodem anno supradictus Walah mortuus est et ceteri nonnulli infidelium. Eodem anno Hetti beatus Treverensis archiepiscopus, divino iussu instinctus, asportavit corpus sancti Castoris de loco in quo antea requiescebat, qui vocabatur Caradona, ad locum qui vocatur Confluentes, ubi Mosella in Renum intrat, ad monasterium quod ipse supradictus archiepiscopus a fundamento construxerat, sicut ei in visu praecepit sanctus Maternus, qui erat tertius Treverensis archiepiscopus. Et in festivitate sancti Martini venit sanctum corpus ad Confluentes cum magno honore; et in crastinum die dominico consecravit supradictus pontifex illam ecclesiam in honore sancti Castoris et omnium sanctorum confessorum.

In the same year the aforesaid Walah died and several other infidels. In the same year Hetti, blessed archbishop of Treveris, urged by divine command, conveyed the body of Saint Castor from the place where he had formerly rested, which was called Caradona, to the place called Confluentes, where the Mosella enters the Rhine, to the monastery which the aforesaid archbishop himself had built from the foundation, as Saint Maternus, who was the third archbishop of Treveris, had commanded him in a vision. And on the feast of Saint Martin the holy body came to Confluentes with great honor; and on the following Sunday the aforesaid pontiff consecrated that church in honor of Saint Castor and of all the holy confessors.

Et post consecrationem suscepit sanctum corpus, et collocavit illud in ecclesia honorifice, sicut dignum erat. Octavo vero die post consecrationem, quod est XIV Kal. Decemb.

And after the consecration he received the holy body, and placed it in the church honorably, as was fitting. On the eighth day after the consecration, which is 14 days before the Kalends of December.

die dominico, venit dominus imperator cum coniuge et liberis, et post missarum sollemnia obtulit ibi maxima dona in auro et argento, et mansit ibi duos dies et totidem noctes; et honoravit eum supradictus pontifex cum coniuge et liberis et omni cum familia sua donis innumeris. Dominus imperator rediit Aquis ad sedem suam, et ibi totam hiemem permansit.

die dominico, the lord emperor came with his spouse and children, and after the solemnities of the masses he offered there very great gifts in gold and silver, and remained there two days and as many nights; and the aforesaid pontiff honored him with his spouse and children and all his household with innumerable gifts. The lord emperor returned to Aquis to his seat, and there remained the whole winter.

Anno vero XXIV. praenuntiavit imperator, ut cum omni exercitu voluisset ire Romam cum filiis suis Pippino et Hludowico, et statuit seditiones in nonnullis locis contra Danaos. Illi vero Danai nave venientes ad unam seditionem, et interfecerunt ibi innumerabilem multitudinem christianorum; et ibi cecidit Hemminch qui erat ex stirpe Danorum, dux christianissimus, et Eccihardus alius dux, et multi optimates imperatoris; et aliqui comprehensi sunt et postea redempti.

In the 24th year the emperor announced that he wished to go to Rome with the whole army and with his sons Pippino and Hludowico, and he raised seditions in some places against the Danes. Those Danes, however, coming by ship to one of these uprisings, killed there an innumerable multitude of Christians; and there fell Hemminch, who was of the stock of the Danes, a most Christian duke, and Eccihardus another duke, and many nobles of the emperor; and some were captured and afterwards ransomed.

Hoc audiens imperator, dimisit iter quod praenuntiatum habebat, et revertens ad praedium Gundulfi, cum omni exercitu venit Noviomagum castrum, quod situm est super fluvium Valum.

Hearing this, the emperor dismissed the journey he had announced, and returning to Gundulf's estate, with the whole army came to the castle Noviomagus, which is situated on the river Valus.