Charlemagne quotes

Charlemagne was a medieval Frankish king and emperor, often called the "Father of Europe." His reign united much of Western and Central Europe and led to a revival of art, culture, and learning known as the Carolingian Renaissance. He remains a legendary figure for his role in shaping European history and identity. Here are 10 of his quotes:

Bishops should despise this world and inspire others by their example to seek after heavenly things. But now you are corrupted by ambition beyond all the rest of mankind; and one of them not content with holding the first episcopal see in Germany has dared without my approval to claim my golden sceptre, which I carry to signify my royal will, in order that he might use it as his pastoral staff.

Charlemagne

It is not lack of self-restraint but care for others which makes me dine in Lent before the hour of evening.

Charlemagne

You nobles, you sons of my leading men, soft and dandified, trusting in your birth and your wealth, paying no attention to my command and your advancement, you neglected the pursuit of learning and indulged yourselves in the sport of pleasure and idleness and foolish pastimes. By the King of the heavens I think nothing of your nobility and your beauty. Others can admire you. Know this without any doubt; unless you rapidly make up for your idleness by eager effort, you will never receive any benefit from Charlemagne.

Charlemagne

Take care that none of them escapes.

Charlemagne

Nothing of that which was gained by fraud can go to the liberation of his soul. Let his wealth be divided among the workmen of this our building, and the poorer servants of our palace.

Charlemagne

Fathers and guardians, bishops of our Church, you ought to minister to the poor, or rather to Christ in them, and not to seek after vanities. But now you act quite contrary to this; and are vainglorious and avaricious beyond all other men.

Charlemagne

If only I could have a dozen churchmen as wise and as well taught in all human knowledge as were Jerome and Augustine!

Charlemagne

Let my armies be the rocks and the trees and the birds in the sky.

Charlemagne

To have another language is to possess a second soul.

Charlemagne