Commentary on the Splendor of the Arch-Offices in the Coronations of Charles VII, Maria Amalia, and Francis

who was kneeling, had the crown placed upon him by the Electors of Mainz and Cologne, as well as by the first legate of Trier, Ingelheim, who all had applied their hands simultaneously and together. The consecrator then finished his pious prayers, wishing every prosperity to the anointed and crowned Roman-German Emperor. Having taken the book of the Gospels into his lap, he held the Emperor before him, who, having placed his fingers on the Gospel, swore in the following manner:

I profess and promise before God and his angels to preserve the law and justice and peace for the holy churches of God, and to be of benefit to the people subjected to me and to do justice, to preserve the rights of the Kingdom, saving a fitting regard for divine mercy, as I shall be better able to find with the counsel of the Princes and the Faithful of the Kingdom and my own; I wish to show fitting and canonical honor to the most holy Roman Pontiff and the Roman church and the other pontiffs and churches of God; also, those things which have been bestowed and granted to the church and ecclesiastical men by Emperors and Kings, I will inviolably preserve for them and will cause them to be preserved. I wish to grant the congruent honor to the abbots, orders, and vassals of the Kingdom, with our Lord Jesus Christ granting me help, strength, and glory!

This oath having been spoken, the Emperor was led back to his oratory by the Elector of Mainz, the first legates, and the bearers of the insignia, with the officials remaining on either side. The consecrator also returned under his canopy, washing his hands and resuming his ring and gloves. When the Gospel was sung, the book of the Gospels brought from Aachen was given by the deacon and director of the choir to the Elector of Mainz, who offered it to the Emperor to be kissed, and the legate of Trier provided the incense. The Creed and the Offertory were also heard, during which time the Emperor was led away to the sacrifice by the Elector of Mainz, the legate of Trier, the assisting bishops, and other leaders of the church. Kissing the paten and offering a gift into the basin provided by the master of ceremonies, he returned to his oratory, accompanied by the previous retinue. These things finished, incense was given not only to the consecrator but also to the Emperor; furthermore, the Elector of Mainz and Ingelheim offered the kiss of peace and holy water to him. As the preface began, the Prince Elector of Mainz and the legate