Einhard — страница 3

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as an intellectual friend.”[xv] In the court of Charlemagne we see Einhard being involved in different high state affairs. One of those was Charlmange’s partition of the kingdom among his sons. Royal Frankish Annals states: “All these things were set down in writing and conveyed by Einhard to Pope Leo III, so that he might assent to them with his own signature”[xvi] Another time Eihanrd took part in state business with Charles was in 813 at the diet of Aachan when he spoke in favor of elevating of Louis the Pious to co-emperor status. As Ermold the Black recorded it Einhard characterized Louis the Pious as a very able person for king’s throng: “….You have a son with an extremely fine character, who, because of his merits, is able to hold your kingdoms.”[xvii]

These are the two times when Einhard’s officially involved in making of Frankish history, although it wasn’t a big part he played. But if we look at the writing of fellow courtiers it is evident that he and the king were very close.[xviii] It may be possible that this close friendship that they both shared might have shaped Charlemagne’s decisions. It is only an idea, which is not evident and not necessarily true, but nevertheless should be considered when one’s analyzing position of Einhard in the court of Charles the Great. Thus it may well be a fair assumption to say that Einhard did have a bit of influence and power in that court when compared to other courtiers. During the reign of Louis the Pious Einhard and his wife Emma received properties from the emperor in the

year of 815, as a reward for his services to both emperors.[xix] As a lay abbot he was often preoccupied with the maters like building churches and legal issues. One could see him at court only at certain times of the year to perform duties he usually did with the emperor Charles the Great. On top of these duties, it is also believed that Einhard’s writings were done outside of court, most likely when he was at his residences. Perhaps it was the health problems that he had, that made him spent certain times of the year in his residences, but never the less he still participated in Louis the Pious government.[xx] Another responsibility of Einhard at Louis the Pious court was to tutor and guard Louis’ son Lothar, though in one of the letters it is clear that the emperor to be

wasn’t too happy of this, and thus this tutorship did not prevent the rebuke of Charles’ grandchildren against their father.[xxi] Analyzing Einhard’s personality is no easy task. For in his correspondence there are only a few that actually talk about his personal life. Einhard did not trust the communication through letters, one can especially see his position on reporting important information via letters in his message to a certain R. in which Einhard says that letter will reveal all of the information in it if it got into wrong hands, but a loyal messenger will not, even if he’s tortured.[xxii] Looking at this very trait of Einhard one can conclude that he was a very careful man. But the main characteristic of Einhard is that he was very prudent. The Astronomer calls

him “the most prudent man of his time”.[xxiii] The proof of this extraordinary prudence maybe found in the fact that Einhard new how to deal with people. He knew just when to be bold with people, and criticize them, in a way that will profit him and leave him with spotless reputation. Also he knew when to be patient, and not offend people. For example in the documents collected we see just a few cases when he actually does criticize someone, but he has the grounds to do so. Faithfulness and loyalty was the quality of Einhard that made and still makes people to respect him. When one looks at Einhard’s life, as portrayed by the documents we have, one can’t find even one that suggests the opposite. In fact Einhard first of all demonstrated faithfulness to the kings he

served. To show his great loyalty, faithfulness and appreciation to his king, Einhard wrote a beautiful biography called The Life of Charlemagne. Einhard also speaks with love, and loyalty to Louis, in one of his letters to Louis’ sons. He says: “I have always equally loved you and my most pious lord, your father, and have always equally wished for the well-being of both of you.” Another point that greatly suggests that Eihard was a faithful man was his strong belief in Christianity and upholding of commandments. Not only did he follow the commandments he also built churches and brought the holy martyrs to Francia.[xxiv] As was mentioned before Einhard was faithful and loyal to his kings. He spoke with love of both of them. Looking at the documents presented to us, one can