The Medieval Elbe
Slavs and Germans on the Frontier

The Deeds of Wiprecht

Duke of Verona


The emperor, therefore, lest he leave anything unfinished behind their backs, directed his army against the Veronese. At the same time, Peter Leo had confirmed by oath that he himself was ready to come to his aid, having given hostages in the meantime, as well as copious silver as payment to all the troops. While the emperor remained at the House of Theodoric [in Rome], they set their camps against Verona. The duke of Verona observed (although too late) that he did not have the strength to resist the royal majesty. Sending envoys, he sued for peace. Providing in every way reparations for everything, he deserved to be reconciled by some kind of agreement. He promised that he would show his obedience with gifts and services, so that he might at least be consulted about his power and his city. Wiprecht was therefore directed to Verona on account of the agreement concerning these reparations. The emperor awaited Wiprecht’s return at the House of Theodoric.
[Here follows the entirety of the Lion Section]
Then, having received hostages from the duke of Verona, along with the silver he had demanded —namely five hundred shallow bowls, just as many silver and gold dishes, and 4,000 marks— the emperor finally obtained the desired peace. The emperor sought Wiprecht’s advice as to how to send off the Czech as befits imperial honour. Wiprecht said: 'In this, it will seem enough if you offer sufficient silver for his and his men’s expenses, along with two bowls and as many dishes. Also, you should bestow two dishes on each of his milites, together with two sets of clothes, as is fitting the royal munificence. In addition, by letters you should make known to his father every act of strength they accomplished in your company.' Approving his advice, the emperor inquired once more:

Analysis

The appearance of Peter Leo in this passage suggests it pertains to 1111, rather than 1084.  Moreover, no "duke" of Verona existed, nor did the margrave of Verona oppose Henry IV then.  This plausibly refers to the Doge of Venice, whose negotiations with Henry V were confirmed in a charter issued at Verona in 1111.   Note that the Lion story has been inserted into the framework of this passage.   Note also that the last paragraph here, describing how Czech forces were rewarded with some of the bowls and silver acquired from the "duke of Verona," was incorporated into the opening paragraph of the second part of the Vratislav section.  This presumably results from the fusion of two narratives, probably separately concerning events in 1084 and 1111.