Two years after this, in 1154, Frederick made his first journey to Rome, and but for a pestilence which broke out among his soldiers, would have permanently settled Italian affairs. Returning to Germany, he exercised his authority as effectively as any of his predecessors had done. He summoned Archbishop Arnold, of Mayence, and the Count Palatine Hermann before him because of their bloody conflicts during his absence, through which several provinces had been devastated. They were powerful princes, but Frederick did not hesitate to punish them severely. A dog was fastened to the Count Palatine and his associates, and they were compelled to go a mile with it amid the derision of high and low. The same penalty was pronounced against the Archbishop, but was remitted in consideration of his position and age. Soon after this, the Emperor mustered a strong force and destroyed the castles of the robber knights along the Rhine, who had plundered the fertile districts in their vicinity and rendered life insecure. The German people joyfully listened to the accounts of these exploits. They were proud of their Emperor, and hope now rose in many a breast that all the burdens and misfortunes from which they had suffered would be speedily removed. The Emperor hastened from Reichstag to Reichstag, everywhere suggesting, reproving, and rewarding. He compelled King Boleslaus IV of Poland to recognize him as feudal lord and to make compensation to the children of his brother, Ladislaus; this resulted in taking Silesia from Poland and making it a separate duchy. The power of the Empire steadily increased. Order and quiet were everywhere restored, the cities were prosperous and the people were happy and contented. Feared abroad, loved and honored at home, the Emperor was at the very summit of his power. In the Reichstag at Würzburg (1157) representatives from Italy, France, Burgundy, Denmark, Spain, England, and Greece were present and paid homage to the German Emperor. The King of England was also conspicuous in displaying his good feeling, and sent costly gifts. Chapter III The Italian Campaigns There was little sincerity in the protestations of loyalty which the Italian cities made to the Emperor; indeed their disrespect for him was soon openly displayed. Milan defied his authority with contemptuous arrogance. Tortoria,[10] which had been destroyed by Frederick, was rebuilt under Milan’s protection. The Milanese also demanded homage from Lodi[11] and when that city refused to break faith with the Emperor, they advanced upon it in force, drove away its citizens, robbed them of their property, and demolished the city’s walls. Complaints of these acts of violence were made to the Reichstag at Worms, and after the hearing it was decided to send an expedition to Italy for the punishment of the audacious rebels.