Hist.
German.p.

216.) Yet Gundling (in Henrico Aucupe) is not satisfied of his descent from Witikind.] [Footnote 118: See the treatise of Conringius, (de Finibus Imperii Germanici, Francofurt.

1680, in 4to.: ) he rejects the extravagant and improper scale of the Roman and Carlovingian empires, and discusses with moderation the rights of Germany, her vassals, and her neighbors.] [Footnote 119: The power of custom forces me to number Conrad I.and Henry I., the Fowler, in the list of emperors, a title which was never assumed by those kings of Germany.

The Italians, Muratori for instance, are more scrupulous and correct, and only reckon the princes who have been crowned at Rome.] The Imperial dignity of Charlemagne was announced to the East by the alteration of his style; and instead of saluting his fathers, the Greek emperors, he presumed to adopt the more equal and familiar appellation of brother.

[120] Perhaps in his connection with Irene he aspired to the name of husband: his embassy to Constantinople spoke the language of peace and friendship, and might conceal a treaty of marriage with that ambitious princess, who had renounced the most sacred duties of a mother.