IV - Richardis: Plot Summary

Summary

When Karl ascends the throne, he marries the beautiful and virtuous Richardis. She is such an exceptional person that many at court become jealous and suspicious of her and attack her with lies. They will come to a bad end because of their jealousy.

Early one morning when the king is at mass, one of his retainers, Sigerat, follows him and tells him that his wife is behaving in a manner that dishonored the king. Karl demands to know whether she has done anything that compromised the honor and reputation of the empire. Sigerat tells the emperor of Richardis's unfaithfulness, suggesting that he be hanged if he is lying.

Karl hastens back to his chambers. When Richardis inquires about his early return from mass, Karl hits her hard. He threatens to kill her if the charges against her are true. Suspecting slander, Richardis asks him what the charges are. Karl tells her, adding that she is not worthy to be the queen of the empire.

Richardis agrees that if she were guilty of such an offense, she should lose her life; but with God's help she will clear herself, just as Susanna did. Richardis sends for four bishops to hear her confession and prays and fasts, putting herself in God's hands.

When the day of her trial arrives, bishops, dukes, and others come to watch the ordeal. The bishops and dukes want to spare her, but Richardis insists on going through the ordeal of the burning wax shirt.