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Rh bles against the pontiff's support of Otho. By putting in the front the promise of young Alexis to aid in bringing about the union of the churches, the pope might be induced to support him. If he did so he could hardly continue to support Otho, since Philip's influence with the army would then be too powerful to be disregarded. If the pope refused, it remained to be seen what could be done through Boniface with the Venetians and the Crusaders.

Boniface visits Rome.

Boniface reached Home early in March, 1202. Alexis had already been received in solemn audience by the pope, the cardinals, and the Roman nobility. He had asked for justice against his uncle. He urged that the whole city desired that he should become emperor, and he insisted much upon his power to bring about a union of the two churches. The pope seems to have hesitated as to the answer which he should give. The offer was tempting, and especially perhaps because Alexis insisted that he had a large party devoted to his interests in the New Home which would be ready to rise on his approach. The pope concluded by distinctly refusing to promise any aid to Alexis. On the arrival of Boniface the proposals were again submitted, but with a like result. Shortly afterwards the latter left Rome in deep disappointment, having altogether failed in the accomplishment of his and Philip's designs.

From the moment of the failure in Rome, Boniface turned his attention to the execution of his designs by means of the army under his command. After a short visit made by himself and Alexis to Boniface's domains at Montferrat, we find the pretender at Verona, the city which commands the Brenner Pass, by which the German pilgrims came, as well as the road through Lombardy along which the Crusaders coming from France must needs travel.

He goes to Venice.

On August 15, 1202, Boniface arrived in Venice. He found the army, as we already seen, on the Lido in a state of the greatest distress. Forbidden to leave the island, plague-stricken, in need of provisions, wishing to