Still the spirit of independence in Italy had been amply asserted.

This is notably displayed in the address presented to Frederick, before his coronation, by the senate of Rome.

Regenerated by Arnold of Brescia's revolutionary mission, the Roman people assumed its antique majesty in these remarkable words: 'Thou wast a stranger; I have made thee citizen; thou camest from regions from beyond the Alps; I have conferred on thee the principality.'[1] Presumptuous boast as this sounded in the ears of Frederick, it proved that the Italic nation had now sharply defined itself against the Church and the barbarians.

It still accepted the Empire because the Empire was the glory of Italy, the crown that gave to her people the presidency of civilization.

It still recognized the authority of the Church because the Church was the eldest daughter of Italy emergent from the wrecks of Roman society.