The Medieval Elbe
Slavs and Germans on the Frontier

The Deeds of Wiprecht

Ecclesiastical


Standing around the emperor then were the archbishops of Mainz and Cologne, the bishops of Halberstadt and Münster, the abbots of Fulda and Hersfeld, and the other princes, along with the Czech youth.
Therefore, the emperor exhorted the archbishop of Mainz, together with the rest of the aforesaid bishops and abbots, and other princes to go to him wisely. He entreated them earnestly that, in his stead, they each—inspired by the king’s devotion to them and with a view to a twofold reward—bestow on Wiprecht some kind of benefice out of the incomes of their churches and offices, as they might see fit. Moreover, they should not doubt him to be entirely prepared to make up, as soon as it should be convenient, whatever amount they themselves should deem worthy.
In the emperor's presence, they all carried out solemnly this handing over of benefices. The archbishop of Mainz conceded to Wiprecht a benefice of 1,300 talents, the archbishop of Cologne the whole district called Orla, the bishops of Halberstadt and Münster 50 talents each, and the abbots of Fulda and Hersfeld 300 each.

Analysis

This insert records fiefs conceded to Wiprecht by ecclesiastical princes whose personal names are omitted but who are unlikedly to have been in Henry IV's entourage during the Italian Campaign.  For instance, the bishop of Halberstadt at that time was a steadfast enemy of the king, among the last of the Saxon rebels to finally reconcile with him.  The archbishop of Mainz, Siegfried, was likewise opposed to Henry.  For whatever reason, a monk of Pegau wanted not only to record these grants, but to associate them with the Italian campaign.  That they were to be understood as linked to this particular scene is clear from the fact that whoever appended them to the "Lion" text, also added at line at its outset to have them present throughout the event.