The early history of rites of supplication
Geoffrey Koziol
Suppliques are one variant of a widely occuring type late medieval diplomatic form - the petition which also includes bills English Chancery and requetes French parlement. All descend from Carolingian supplication, in petitioners adopted language gestures prayer to address kings, kings replied grace beneficence. In these ways, supplication was constructed underscore analogy between rule king King that is represented as model for earthly kingship. Although later petitions more streamlined, being geared towards expressing relevant legal issues succinctly, original resonances remained. Whether papal Curia, chancery, or royal entry, supplications still emphasize humility petitioner clemency ruler, tend speak require special, equitable action lord whose alone can dispense rigors law because he rules image God.