Page:Readings in European History Vol 1.djvu/203

 The Disruption of Charlemagne s Empire 167 the river. The Northmen then destroyed the tower; and afterward they ceased not to assault the city itself. The bishop was heartbroken over this heavy loss. He straightway sent to Count Herkenger and begged him to go at once to Germany and ask Henry, duke of Austrasia, to aid him and the Christian people. Herkenger hastened to carry out the mission intrusted to him, and persuaded Henry to come with an army to Paris. He, however, ac- complished nothing there and soon returned to his own country. Then Gauzelin, who sought in all possible ways to help the Christian people, decided to come to a friendly under- standing with Sigfried, king of the Danes, to secure the deliverance of the city from siege. Unhappily, while negotiations were going on, the bishop fell into sore infirmity. He ended his life and was buried in his city. The Northmen were aware of his death; and before it was announced to the citizens, the Northmen pro- claimed from the gates that the bishop was dead. The people were exhausted by the siege and overwhelmed by the death of their father; they lost courage and abandoned themselves to sorrow. But Odo, the illustrious count, gave them renewed strength with his brave words. The Northmen ceased not to attack the city daily ; many Valiant were killed and still more were disabled by wounds, and conduct <> food began to give out in the city. At this time Hugo, the of P ' aris venerable abbot, departed this life and was buried in the monastery of St. German Antisdoro. Odo saw how the people were falling into despair, and he went forth secretly to seek aid from the nobles of the kingdom, and to send word to the emperor that the city would soon be lost unless help came. When Odo returned to Paris he found the people lamenting his absence. Nor did he reenter the city without a remarkable incident. The Northmen had learned that he was coming back, and they blocked his way to the gate. But Odo, though his horse was killed, struck down his enemies right and left, forced his way into the city, and brought joy to the anxious people. . ..