In Praise of the Too-Clement Emperor: The Problem of Forgiveness in the Astronomer'sVita Hludowici imperatoris
Andrew Romig
Readers of the Astronomer's ninth-century biography Frankish emperor Louis Pious have long tried to make sense a curious critique in its preface concerning emperor's extreme capacity forgive. Written fluid and erudite Latin, evocative classical styles yet bearing distinct stamp Carolingian innovation, Vita Hludowici imperatoris begins by claiming that memorialization past princes can be great use present for teaching correct behavior. Pious, it says, embodied four virtues particular. He was life paragon temperance, personification wisdom, an unwavering devotee justice, epitome manly courage; “he clung so fully their company,” text says fawningly, “that you did not know which one admire more him.” Still, continues, “the envious could find only fault he had succumbed: too merciful (nimis clemens).”
Speculum