THE SCENE: After Charlemagne rescued Pope Leo from a papal revolt, the Pope rewarded Charlemagne with a surprise gift that, if we are to believe Notker the Stammerer, was most unwelcome.
THE TEXT: As Charles stayed in Rome for a few days for the sake of the army, the bishop of the apostolic see called together all who were able to come from the neighboring districts and then, in their presence and in the presence of all the counts of the unconquered Charles, he declared him to be Emperor and Defender of the Roman Church. Now Charles had no guess of what was coming; and, though he could not refuse what seemed to have been divinely preordained for him, nevertheless he received his new title with no show of thankfulness.
– Gesta Karoli, Notker the Stammerer, 9th Century AD
