Emperor Henry III once learned of a cleric who kept a relationship with an unconscionable woman, and so decided to bring him back to the right path. So on a saint’s day he ordered the priest, whom he knew had spent the previous night with the woman, to celebrate the mass.
The priest declined the order, insisting on his refusal even when the emperor threatened him with excommunication. As soon as he was banned, he packed all of his belongings together and prepared to depart. When the emperor heard of this, he called the priest before him, receiving him cordially and praising him for his resolve: “Because you have shown that you fear God more than man, you have shown yourself worthy of a higher place in Christianity.” With these words, the emperor showed his intention to promote the priest to bishop, which he then carried out.
Once during the Easter season the emperor spent some time in Mainz. In his company were many high-ranking people, among them the archbishop of Cologne and the abbot of St. Gallen. On the first day of Easter, a conflict occurred between the servants of these two princes, each of which claimed the place of honor for their respective lords. Strong words came quickly to deeds, finally resulting in blood being spilled on the church floor.
As the lords learned of this nonsense, they hurried to part their people. The church was cleaned and prepared for the service. The mass was read, and after the sequences, the following verse was sung:
“Hunc diem gloriosum fecisti” (Make this day one of glory).
Then, from above, an evil voice was heard:
“Hunc diem bellicosum ego feci” (Make this day one of violence).
All those present were taken with fear, but the emperor gathered his wits and said, “I will show you who hates peace, that this day will be in reality a glorious one. I will not take food or drink until by the grace of the Holy Spirit I have comforted the poor.” With this, he laid aside his expensive regalia and let it be told in the city that all the poor who wish for food and drink should come to the royal residence.
And so indeed was the day a glorious one. The emperor and his followers served the gathered crowd without themselves taking part until late in the night, to the glory of the Holy Spirit and to the shame of the suffering devil.