DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.63447#0417
TRIUMPH OF THE TIARA.
401
confidants, he used widely different language to the new
Pontiff and to the world at large. He addressed a most
submissive letter, full of protestations of obedience and
regard, to Innocent:—
“ We have learnt with extreme satisfaction,” he says,
“ that our old friend has become our father. We con-
sider that your elevation to the Pontificate will put an
end to discord. In this firm persuasion, we, for our
part, promise to employ all our strength, and to make
every effort, in the maintenance of the dignity of the
Roman Church, and the protection of ecclesiastical
liberty; and, save in the maintenance of our special
rights and the honour of the Crown, we promise to show
ourselves an obedient son to yourself, and to be submis-
sive and full of affectionate regard.”
Te Deums were chanted in all the churches of the
Empire, to celebrate the election of the new Pope, and an
apparent interval of harmony reigned over the Christian
world.
Imperial ambassadors were sent to treat with the
Pope, and after some evasions, for form’s sake, on the
ground of the anathema out against Frederick, Innocent
absolved the deputation, and negotiations for peace were
entered upon.
No serious difficulties were made on either side until
the question of the independence of the Guelph party
was brought forward.
Frederick insisted on the submission of the cities of
Lombardy; the Pope as determinedly refused, and sent
messengers to them desiring them to stand to their arms ;
and a symptom of the falling fortunes of Frederick was
soon seen in the return of the important city of Viterbo
to its natural allegiance. Alarmed on hearing it had
suddenly risen in favour of the Pope, he hurried thither
in person, but only arrived in time to see his soldiers
beaten and ill-used, and thrust without the gates by
the adherents of Rome. Lodi, Assisi, Radicofani and
Perugia immediately followed the example of Viterbo.
Innocent IV. spared neither treasure nor promises, and
n D
401
confidants, he used widely different language to the new
Pontiff and to the world at large. He addressed a most
submissive letter, full of protestations of obedience and
regard, to Innocent:—
“ We have learnt with extreme satisfaction,” he says,
“ that our old friend has become our father. We con-
sider that your elevation to the Pontificate will put an
end to discord. In this firm persuasion, we, for our
part, promise to employ all our strength, and to make
every effort, in the maintenance of the dignity of the
Roman Church, and the protection of ecclesiastical
liberty; and, save in the maintenance of our special
rights and the honour of the Crown, we promise to show
ourselves an obedient son to yourself, and to be submis-
sive and full of affectionate regard.”
Te Deums were chanted in all the churches of the
Empire, to celebrate the election of the new Pope, and an
apparent interval of harmony reigned over the Christian
world.
Imperial ambassadors were sent to treat with the
Pope, and after some evasions, for form’s sake, on the
ground of the anathema out against Frederick, Innocent
absolved the deputation, and negotiations for peace were
entered upon.
No serious difficulties were made on either side until
the question of the independence of the Guelph party
was brought forward.
Frederick insisted on the submission of the cities of
Lombardy; the Pope as determinedly refused, and sent
messengers to them desiring them to stand to their arms ;
and a symptom of the falling fortunes of Frederick was
soon seen in the return of the important city of Viterbo
to its natural allegiance. Alarmed on hearing it had
suddenly risen in favour of the Pope, he hurried thither
in person, but only arrived in time to see his soldiers
beaten and ill-used, and thrust without the gates by
the adherents of Rome. Lodi, Assisi, Radicofani and
Perugia immediately followed the example of Viterbo.
Innocent IV. spared neither treasure nor promises, and
n D