Barbarossa; An Historical Novel of the XII Century.
Page 17
_CHAPTER XV_.
_THE ANTI-POPE_.
Although Lanzo was merely the Duke of Saxony's buffoon, the Count couldnot but feel very uneasy, as he thought of their late conversation. Theallusions to his intimacy with Bonello annoyed him, and he feltsurprised to think that hitherto he had been blind to all thedifficulties in which his position as godson to the Emperor hadinvolved him. For it was highly probable that Barbarossa would refusehis consent to any alliance between him and the family of Bonello.
Under the influence of these reflections, Rechberg proceeded throughthe camp, without at first remarking the extraordinary calm whichpervaded everything. The deserted streets and empty tents seemed toindicate that the troops were on some expedition, but when heapproached the tent, or rather the palace of the Emperor, he saw oneach side of the road both knights and men-at-arms drawn up in order ofbattle. Frederic's tent and all those in its vicinity were decked withflowers and ornamented with rich carpets, and Erwin soon learned thatit was for the solemn reception of the pretended Pope Victor, whoseentrance into the camp was already heralded by a full flourish oftrumpets.
In the eyes of the young Count, Victor was merely an illustrious andimportant personage, for he could not admit his claims to the Papalthrone, which, of right, belonged to Alexander III. He knew Victor'sirresolute character, and as his very appearance was disagreeable tohim, he decided not to present himself to the Emperor until after theceremonies of the reception were concluded.
The Emperor had taken infinite pains to receive his Pope with becomingpomp; not because he wished to honor the head of the Church, butbecause he thought it expedient to give as much importance to the manwhom he considered necessary to the accomplishment of his own projects,and with this view all the actions of the Emperor manifested a profoundrespect for the Head of the Church. He rode on his left hand, a littleto the rear, as though he did not presume to put himself on an equalitywith the chief of Christendom. Barbarossa wore a scarlet doublet, overwhich was thrown the Imperial mantle, clasped with gold links andsilver crescents. On his head was the crown, and in his hand thesceptre. His face was dignified and composed, and as they neared thecamp and the crowd could judge better of his movements, he was moredemonstrative in his attentions to the Anti-Pope; whose hand neverceased from blessing the bystanders.
Victor's tall stature, his bearing, and even his costume, were ratherthose of a temporal prince than those of a spiritual shepherd. Over hisshoulders hung a scarlet robe, richly embroidered in gold, and on hislong curling looks was placed the triple crown of Rome; his featuresreflected the pride and arrogance of his disposition.
Immediately after the Emperor rode Henry the Lion, the Dukes ofAustria, of Bohemia, and of Rottemburg, and the Landgrave of Thuringen,followed by a brilliant array of princes and nobles. The escort waspreceded by the military band, which marched, with a flourish oftrumpets, about a hundred yards in advance of the Pope. But, althoughon all sides there were soldiers and martial standards, there was noreligious display, no religious banners or chants; not even a cross wasto be seen; for Victor's entry to the camp showed plainly that he wasbut a creature of the Emperor, from whom he derived all his pomp andgreatness.
Frederic dismounted before his tent, and following an ancient custom,came forward respectfully, to hold the Pope's stirrup. But here theCardinal Octavian, for such was his real title, showed an utter want oftact. Affecting to be deeply engaged in conversation with his immediateattendants, he permitted the Emperor to remain too long in hishumiliating posture.
Frederic colored up with anger and mortification, while his Chancellorsmiled with inward satisfaction. Rinaldo had long advised thediscontinuance of this idle and useless ceremony, but the Emperor, withmore foresight than his minister, judged that the moment was not yetripe for the abolition of a custom which seemed to establish thesupremacy of the chief of Christendom.
At last Octavian dismounted; he took the monarch in his arms and gavehim the kiss of peace, and then, turning towards the assembledmultitude, he gave them his benediction, and entered the Imperial tent.