Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-03-07

jected to the fullest penalty of the existingl
law ; each speaking according to the par
ticnlar feeling which influenced him.
Some, however, were more benevolent,
as well as wiser, and after having conyersed
apart-they earnestly implored the empe-
ror to examine the matter in bis own mind,
and decide it according to the great wis
dom which he had received from heaven.l
When the king had well observed the
affection which each ofthese bore to him and
among the various opinions offered, had cho-i
sen that which be had previously determined |
to foiic", i. thus spoke tc hiA courseiicIs
"You know that men are subject to various
accidents, and that it often happens that
things which commence with misfortune
have moro favorable issue; we must not
grieve for this affair, which, by its novelty
and gravity, has surpassed our foresight,
but far rather piously seek for and respect
the intentions of Providence: who is ney
er deceived, and who knows how to turn
evil to good. shall not, therefore, subject
my secretary, for this deplorable affair, to
a chastisement which will increase instead
of effacing the dishonor of my daughter.
| think that it is more wise, and that it
better becomes the dignity of our empire
to pardon their youth-and unite them in
legitimate marriage-and thus give their
ldisgracefu fault color of honor"
i Having listened to the advice of the king,
: all loudly rejoiced and loaded with praises
the benevoence and ability of his grand
soul and lofty mind. Eginhard was ordered
to enter.
j When the secretary appeared, the king
saluted him as had been resolved, and said
to him with tranquil countenance: "You
have laid before us your complaints that
our royal munifcence has not worthily re-
warded your services. To speak truly, it is
f your own negligence which should
be accused, for despite so many and
so great affairs of which 1 alone have
borne the burden, if had kno,en anything
of your desires, would have accorded to
your services the honers which are due to
them. Not to detain you with long dis
course, | shall, however, put an end to your
complaints by magnificent gift; as | wish
always to see you as faithful to me as here>
4 tofore, and attached to my person, will
: give you my daughter in marriage-she
who, in moment of peril-so faithfully
a did bear you upon her shoulders"
Immediately, according to the orders OF
{ the king, and amidst numerous suite, EN-
:. ma, the young princess, entered, her cheeks
! covered with burning blushe-. The empe-
n within the hands of Eginhard, and endowed
} her with rich dowry, many domains
Y much gold and great property.
If The most pious emperor, Louis la De
3. bounarie, who succeeded Cbar!emagne
J. likewise gave to Eginhard the domain o
J. Michlenstadt and that of Muhlenheim, which
= is now called Seligestadt.
o It was chiefly out Of his great gratitude
that Eginhard became the biograpber o
e the magnanimous Charlemagne. He wrote
i a perfect life of the emperor, justly setting
l. forth his royal and great deeds. Wher
r the death Of the emperor drew near, ht
e sent Eginhard to Rome to procure the con
o frmation of his will !; but such was his at
# tachmcnt to his secretary, that this was tht
= only occasion upon which he suffered hin
J. to leave his service near his person.
e. In her old age, troubled by remorse a
e her early sin, Emma left Eginhard and re
Y paired to nunnery, where she ended he
j, days. She was tenderly beloved by Egin
d hard, who thus writes of her after death
d to dear friend, Loup, Abbot of Ferries
J. Gall my labors, all my cares for the affair
y of my friends, or my own, are nothing t.
f re; all is efaced, all sinks before the cru
). ell sorrow with which the death Of her, wh'
At was formerly my faithful wife, has strucl
l. me; who was also my sister and my cher
l. ished companion. 1t it misery whicl
le cannot end; for her merits are so decpl
le engraven in my memory that nothing ca
tear them thence. What redoubles m
1t grief-and every day aggravates ray woun
k is, to thus see that all my wishes hav
is been without effect, and that the hope
I'd which have placed in the intervention of th
ne holy martyrs are deceived. Accordingly,th tn
e. words of those who attempt to console mt
i'd and which have often succeeded with othe
er men, do nothing but reopen and cruell
as envenomen the wound of my heart fe
ief they call upon me to support with courag
We sorrows which they do not feel, and ask m
% to congratulate myself upon trial wherei
ed they are incapable of pointing out to m
the slightest subject for contentment"
re- Eginhard died in 839, in the monastel
lin of Sligestadt, which be had founded. ii
Id ashes repose in peace beside those of Il
re daughter of Charlemagne.
\