But less moved by their threats than their entreaties, the Pontiff accused them of weakness and insolence.

There was another reason sufficient to deter him from confirming the nomination of Rodolph, had none other opposed it.

All Italy, with few exceptions, espoused the cause of Henry, and waited only the pontifical coronation of his rival, to rise in open rebellion.

When the history of the times is carefully studied, it will be confessed that the Pope's refusal to accede to Rodolph's request was dictated by the greatest wisdom, enlightened and purified by the greatest virtue and forbearance.
Still hoping to arrest the purple tide of civil war, Gregory despatched legate after legate to Henry, charging them to omit no lawful means to incline the monarch to peace, and induce him to abide by the decision of a diet which should be convened to judge between him and his rival.

This was the pacific adjustment to which the Pontiff looked.