A Source Book of Mediæval History: Documents Illustrative of European Life and Institutions from the German Invasions to the Renaissance
History
A Source Book of Mediæval History: Documents Illustrative of European Life and Institutions from the German Invasions to the Renaissance
Middle Ages -- Sources
Therefore, we exhort you not only not to neglect the study of
letters, but also with most humble mind, pleasing to God, to study
earnestly in order that you may be able more easily and more
correctly to penetrate the mysteries of the divine Scriptures.
Since, moreover, images [similes], tropes[196] and like figures are
found in the sacred pages, nobody doubts that each one in reading
these will understand the spiritual sense more quickly if
previously he shall have been fully instructed in the mastery of
letters. Such men truly are to be chosen for this work as have both
the will and the ability to learn and a desire to instruct others.
And may this be done with a zeal as great as the earnestness with
which we command it. For we desire you to be, as the soldiers of
the Church ought to be, devout in mind, learned in discourse,
chaste in conduct, and eloquent in speech, so that when any one
shall seek to see you, whether out of reverence for God or on
account of your reputation for holy conduct, just as he is edified
by your appearance, he may also be instructed by the wisdom which
he has learned from your reading or singing, and may go away
gladly, giving thanks to Almighty God.
FOOTNOTES:
[119] Thomas Hodgkin, _Charles the Great_ (London, 1903), p. 222.
[120] The German name for Aix-la-Chapelle was Aachen. From Roman times
the place was noted throughout Europe for its warm sulphur springs and
for centuries before Charlemagne's day it had been a favorite resort
for health-seekers. It was about the middle of his reign that
Charlemagne determined to have the small palace already existing
rebuilt, together with its accompanying chapel. Marbles and mosaics
were obtained at Rome and Ravenna, and architects and artisans were
brought together for the work from all Christendom. The chapel was
completed in 805 and was dedicated by Pope Leo III. Both palace and
chapel were destroyed a short time before the Emperor's death,
probably as the result of an earthquake. The present town-house of
Aix-la-Chapelle has been constructed on the ruins of this palace. The
chapel, rebuilt on the ancient octagonal plan in 983, contains the
tomb of Charlemagne, marked by a stone bearing the inscription "Carolo
Magno." Besides Aachen, Charlemagne had many other residences, as
Compiegne, Worms, Attigny, Mainz, Paderborn, Ratisbon, Heristal, and
Thionville.
[121] A loose, flowing outer garment, or cloak. It was a feature of
ancient Greek dress.
[122] Hadrian I., 772-775. Charlemagne's first visit to Rome was in
774.
[123] Leo III., 795-816. The Roman dress was donned by Charlemagne
during his visit in 800 [see p. 130].
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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