CHARLEMAGNE

Thème.

Chaelemagne's reign is one of the longest known in history ; it did not last less than forty-six years, and was filled with great wars and works.

In 772, Charlemagne undertook to conquer the Saxons, and it took him thirty-two years to carry out his plans. His aim was generous, but he often used barbarous means in carrying

it out. He also warred against the Saracens in Spain, and it was during his returning to France that Roland was killed in the défile of Roncevaux. Legend soon took hold of that event, and Roland was made the hero of a poem called " La Chanson de Roland."

In 800, Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Occident by Pope Léo III. At that time he ruled over France, Germany, three-fourths of Italy, and a large part of Spain. His empire was divided in comtés, over each of which an officiai called comte ruled. He made a large number of new laws, and had many churches built both in Germany and in France.

Charlemagne was an uneducated man, but he understood very well the advantages of éducation, and went so far as to hâve a school in his own palace.

Yet in spite of ail thèse qualities, that great monarch was still a barbarian. His manners were rude, and he knew no other pleasures than hunting and swimming.

He was tall, with a broad f orehead, bright eyes, a large nose, and prominent cheek-bones.

He died on the 28th of January, 814, and it is with justice that historians consider him to hâve been one of the greatest kings of the world.