True Invention: That is, of the inventions which have been invented by the German nation

Just as the one who leads such a mighty army and rules under his power has no need to request anything from one who cannot protect himself with his own strength. And it might look a certain way if the Pope, having conquered the Lombard King Desiderius with his own power and brought his entire land under himself, had perhaps by right of a free gift (but not of a political secular possession, as that does not befit a person of spiritual status) been able to hand the same over to Emperor Carlo Magno. Otherwise, however, and in the contrary case, if Emperor Carolus were to be instructed to bring such a kingdom under himself by the right of war, or if such an admonition were to occur, such a gift and handover would properly be considered worthless, superfluous, and foolish.

Since in such a way, the insane and possessed are also accustomed to distributing foreign kingdoms and lordships to others, or to appropriate them for themselves without great laughter and scorn from bystanders. Likewise, it is to be concluded regarding the Roman Empire and Imperial throne, as neither the Pope nor the Roman people had it in possession and security at that time, but rather it was set among so many excellent potentates as a special little wreath of honor and