Astolph the Lombard.
PEPIN.
Humph! What prelate gave
Authority to him? He could not use
Your services by force.
CARLOMAN.
I left the convent
At his request alone, in opposition
To bishop Damiani. I am free!
I proved it, acting freely.
PEPIN.
Whew!—this Astolph ...?
CARLOMAN.
Would save you from alliance with the Pope,
Alliance with a foreign tyranny,
Opposed to human life and thwarting it.
Astolph is on your borders, and a King
Is more your natural fellow than this Pope,
Who seizes on the natural power of Kings,
Confusing his tiara with their crowns.
I speak the truth, for Zacharias travels
In haste to put his yoke on France and you.
Before he can arrive ...