To this Head may be referr'd all _the Contentions_ of such _Princes_, as were foreseen might be _dangerous to the Commonwealth_. These were debated in the _General Council_. For _Aimoinus_, lib. 4 cap. I. where he speaks of _Clotharius_, Son of _Chilperic_, from whom Queen _Brunechild_ demanded the Kingdom of _Austratia_, says thus:--"_Clotharius_ made answer, that she ought to call a _Convention_ of the _Nobles_ of the _Franks_, and there debate (by common Consent) an Affair relating to the Community. That as for him, he would submit to their judgment in all Things, and would not obstruct in any Measure whatever they should command." The same Thing is recorded in the _Appendix_ to _Gregory_ of _Tours_, lib. II. "_Clotharius_ (says he) made Answer to her, that he would refer the Difference between them, to the Determination of the _Select Franks_, and promis'd to fulfil whatsoever they should ordain." Also _Aimoinus_ lib. 5. cap. 12. where he speaks of King _Lewis_ the _Pious_, who was grievously tormented with the Contentions of his Sons, says thus,--"When Autumn approached, they whose Sentiments differ'd from the Emperor's, were for having the _General Convention_ held in some Town of _France_.--_Item_ cap. 13. He appointed the _General Convention_ of his People to be held at _Thionville_. And after a little Time, summon'd his People to meet on the Feast of St. _Martin_, and used all his Endeavours to recal his Son _Pipin_ who had absented himself; but he refused to come, &c." _Gaguinus_ making Mention of this Same Passage, says; "When the Conspirators found out they should not be able to dethrone the King, without the Consent of the _Nobility in Convention_, they labour'd by all Means to have the _Great Council_ held within the Limits of _France_. But _Lewis_ knowing for certain that those _Franks_ were gained by his Enemies against him, refused it, and summon'd the Convention to meet at _Mentz_, and ordered that none should be admitted _Armed_ to the Council. But his Sons, (who had conspired against their Father) lest they should want the _Authority_ of a _Publick Convention_, assembled a Council at _Compiegne_, consisting of the Bishops and Nobility of the Kingdom. And _Lotharius_ taking his Father out of Custody, brought him to _Compiegne_." Again, _Aimoinus_, lib. 5. cap. 38. where he speaks of Lewis _the Stammerer_, who held a _Council_ at _Marsua_, wherein he treated a Peace with his Cousin, says: "In that _Placitum_, or _Parliament_, these Articles which follow were agreed upon between them, _by and with the Consent of the faithful Subjects of the Realm_."