THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
Then Bertha, his true-born sister, was brought to the royal presence. Charles embraced and kissed her, weeping with
tenderness. She was seventeen years old, and had not been in the palace since the day when Pepin was slain and
Charles fled. Charles furnished her with a fine escort of noble ladies to attend her, and she dwelt thereafter in the royal
palace.
Charlemagne’s Coronation
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Charles assumed the rule and created twelve counselors to advise him. The first was Duke Namo of
Bavaria, the second Bernard of Clairmont, the third the King of Hungary, the fourth the King of
Bohemia, the fifth the Marquis Berlingher, the sixth Agnentin, the seventh Ogier of Africa, the
eighth Bevis of Agrismont, the ninth and tenth his brothers, Duke Aymon and Otho of England,
the eleventh Solomon of Brittany, and the twelfth Morand of Riviera. These began to deliberate
about Charles coronation and by his command sent messages throughout Christendom solemnly
declaring that Charles pardoned all persons for past injuries and besought them for peace. Soon
after it was decided by the full council to send ambassadors to Gerard of the Thicket, and for the
better success of their mission, in accordance with Charles’ wish, they dispatched Duke Namo and
Solomon, Duke of Brittany.
In those days, the Pope died at Rome and Cardinal Leo of Clairmont was elected to succeed him.
He came to Paris to have Charles crowned. Charlemagne’s fame was already spreading throughout
the world and Galafron, King of Spain, recalled how that same Mainet who had stayed so long at his
court was none other than Charles, son of Pepin who had reconquered his realm. Galafron was
overjoyed at this, since he knew that Charles wished to take Galeana as his lawful wife. Therefore
he called together his sons and told them how everything stood, and desired them to go to France
for the feast of Charles’ coronation, and for the marriage feast of Galeana, to conclude peace with
Charles. Marsilius turned to his brothers and asked them what they thought of this. The answered