Charlemagne's intention was to restrain the power
of the nobility within proper bounds, and to hinder them from oppressing
the freemen and the clergy. He balanced the several orders of the state,
and remained perfect master of them all. The whole was united by the
strength of his genius. He led the nobility continually from one
expedition to another, giving them no time to form conspiracies, but
employing them entirely in the execution of his designs. The empire was
supported by the greatness of its chief; the prince was great, but the
man was greater. The kings, his children, were his first subjects, the
instruments of his power and patterns of obedience. He made admirable
laws; and, what is more, he took care to see them executed. His genius
diffused itself through every part of the empire. We find in this
prince's laws a comprehensive spirit of foresight, and a certain force
which carries all before it. All pretexts for evading the duties are
removed, neglects are corrected, abuses reformed or prevented.
[131]
He
knew how to punish, but he understood much better how to pardon. He was
great in his designs, and simple in the execution of them. No prince
ever possessed in a higher degree the art of performing the greatest
things with ease, and the most difficult with expedition. He was
continually visiting the several parts of his vast empire, and made them
feel the weight of his hand wherever it fell. New difficulties sprang up
on every side, and on every side he removed them. Never prince had more
resolution in facing dangers; never prince knew better how to avoid
them. He mocked all manner of perils, and particularly those to which
great conquerors are generally subject, namely, conspiracies. This
wonderful prince was extremely moderate, of a very mild character, plain
and simple in his behaviour. He loved to converse freely with the lords
of his court. He indulged, perhaps, too much his passion for the fair
sex; a failing, however, which in a prince who always governed by
himself; and who spent his life in a continual series of toils; may
merit some allowance. He was wonderfully exact in his expenses,
administering his demesnes with prudence, attention, and economy. A
father might learn from his laws how to govern his family; and we find
in his capitularies the pure and sacred source whence he derived his
riches.
[132]
I shall add only one word more: he gave orders that the
eggs in the bartons on his demesnes, and the superfluous garden-stuff,
should be sold;
[133]
he distributed among his people all the riches of
the Lombards, and the immense treasures of those Huns that had plundered
the whole world.
