The want of laws could only be supplied by the influence of religion, and their foreign and domestic counsels were moderated by the authority of the bishop.

His alms, his sermons, his correspondence with the kings and prelates of the West, his recent services, their gratitude, and oath, accustomed the Romans to consider him as the first magistrate or prince of the city.

The Christian humility of the popes was not offended by the name of Dominus, or Lord; and their face and inscription are still apparent on the most ancient coins.

[46] Their temporal dominion is now confirmed by the reverence of a thousand years; and their noblest title is the free choice of a people, whom they had redeemed from slavery.
[Footnote 42: I have traced the Roman duchy according to the maps, and the maps according to the excellent dissertation of father Beretti, (de Chorographia Italiae Medii Aevi, sect.xx.p.

216-232.) Yet I must nicely observe, that Viterbo is of Lombard foundation, (p.