The World-ruler recognised from whence his deepest wound had come, and who it was that cried his world-plan final halt. It was the spirit of free Manhood loosed from the nature-soil of race, that had faced him in this Lombard Bond. He made short work of both the older foes: to the High-priest he gave his hand,–he fell with crushing force upon the selfish Guelphs; and so, once more arrived at summit of his power and undisputed might,–he spake the Lombards free, and struck with them a lasting peace.