[225] Viii., 21.
[226] See C. Mirbt's special study of the conflict, Die Absetzung Heinrichs IV. (1888), p. 103.
[227] Liber ad Amicum, 1. viii.
[228] A translation may be read in Delarc, iii., 252.
[229] One recent student, Dr. Albert Dammann (Der Sieg Heinrichs IV. in Kanossa, 1907 and 1909), goes to the other extreme, and concludes that Henry blockaded Canossa with a large army and compelled the Pope to withdraw his censure, without a single act of penance.
[230] Ep., iv., 12.
[231] For instance he describes a dramatic scene in which Henry shrinks from receiving the sacred host, whereas Gregory says (Ep., iv., 12) that he admitted Henry to communion. His story is full of contradictions.
[232] Iv., 12.
[233] Gregorian writers said afterwards that Henry's royal dignity was not restored at Canossa. In point of fact he actually signed his promise of reform as "king" and he refused to take an oath on the express ground that the word of a king of Germany sufficed. Gregory made no complaint on this score until years afterwards, though Henry resumed his royal character the moment he left Canossa.
[234] Iv., 24.