Britain ... - Blue-Lite

NOTES TO THE VARANGIAN.
423
subject of the popular songs of the Anglo- Saxons, and even of
the Normans. They have now perished, but the Conqueror's
Secretary gives him the character of an heroic patriot. When
he had been made a commander in war, and a master of knights,
he achieved so many brilliant and warlike adventures, he conquered
his enemies so often, and he so frequently eluded them,
that he merits PERPETUAL FAME. He supported the ruins of
his falling country as long as it was possible, and he did not
suffer it to fall unrevenged." Hist. Mid. Ag.
( 10 ) And, having made this demon knight my captive,
Send him to France, a foot-slave for some lady. p. 269.
"Among the ancient knights, it was customary '
to send a
conquered captive as a present to some prince or favourite
lady." Vide Mons. de St. Palaye.
u
( ) On thy base Saxon slaves the coward English,
Whose name it is afoul disgrace to bear. . .
p. 271.
We have spoken before of the disgrace in which the haughty
Normans held the English.
( 12 )
A splendid palace purchased at proud Rome,
Where thy chief agents bribe the cardinals. . p. 275.
"Odo was a man of boundless ambition, too worldly and
daring for a bishop ; but he was nobly munificent and pos-
sessed shining talents. His patriotism hoped that all Italy
would be subject to the Normans, if a Norman obtained the
chair of St. Peter." See Lingard.
" He had earnestly sought the Popedom, and filled the wallets
of the pilgrims with letters and money to purchase the dignity
at Rome." Malm.
13
( )
but never will I bow
In worldly homage to the proudest head
That wears her diadem. ... p. 276.
" When the Legate required him (William the Conqueror)
to do homage to the Roman See, his answer to the Pope him-
self, the formidable Gregory VII., was, ' I- have been unwilling
to do fealty to you hitherto, and will not do it now ; because
I have never promised it, nor do I find that any of my predecessors
performed it to yours.' He would not allow any ecclesiastical
council in the kingdom to enjoin or forbid any thing but
what he had first ordained." Hist. Mid. Ag.