A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country/Aldrude
ALDRUDE, Countess of Bertinoro, in Romagna, an Italian Heroine of the Twelfth Century,
Of a noble family, the Frangipani, originally from Rome. Aldrude is celebrated for her magnanimity, wit, and politeness. Beautiful and majestic in her person, her mind seems to have united greatness with elegance; but those qualifications might have remained unknown, had it not been for the exertions she made in favour of the distressed inhabitants of Ancona.
This city, situated upon the Adriatic Sea, had frequently changed masters; but, about the middle of the twelfth century, it became, we know not how, a sort of free republic, under the protection of the Greek emperors, who had a commissary, and, without doubt, some troops, resident there. Being on the sea-coast, the possession of it was of importance, as it afforded them entrance into Italy, where their jealousy of the German emperors, against whom the little states were always revolting, led them to desire a footing. The citizens of Ancona were able seamen, and encroached materially on the trade of Venice. In July, 1167, Frederic I. who knew the cabals of the court of Constantinople against him, undertook the siege of this city; but, having an open sea, and encouraged by the Greeks, the inhabitants made so brave a defence, that the emperor was glad to make peace with them, and raise the siege a few days after.
The same subjects of discontent remaining in 1172, the Venetians agreed to unite their naval powers, with the forces of the emperor Frederic, under the command of the archbishop of Mayence, his lieutenant-general in Italy: the former prevented any thing entering or going out, and the latter blockaded it very closely by land. The inhabitants defended themselves very bravely; but, were reduced to such an extremity by famine, that they at length sent deputies to the archbishop, offering him an immense sum to raise the siege; but he refused them, with insult, saying, "It would be folly to accept a part, when the whole was in his power." The deputies made him a spirited reply; but returned disheartened to the city. In the consultations which followed, some were for submitting unconditionally, as was demanded; and others preferred dying sword in hand. An old man, who had lived more than a century, re-animated their courage, by proposing the employment of their treasures in procuring succours from the neighbouring princes: and then, if their applications proved fruitless, he advised them to throw their riches into the sea, and sell their lives as dear as possible.
Deputies were accordingly sent, by some stratagem, through the Venetian fleet, to William degli Adelardi, of Ferrara, and the Countess of Bertinoro, who engaged in the cause, with all that zeal and alacrity, which animates generous minds to aid the distressed.
The archbishop, alarmed at the succours he heard were preparing for the besieged, caused letters, as if from their deputies, to be thrown into the city, saying, they had bad success in their negociations; and, that they must expect no help, Some of the most enlightened of the inhabitants detected the forgery, and calmed the anxious minds of the affrighted populace, by solemnly assuring them they were false.
In the mean time, through many difficulties and interruptions, the troops of the countess Aldrude, and of William Adelardi, advanced, preceded by a standard of cloth of gold. They were composed of twelve squadrons, each of two hundred choice men; and an innumerable multitude of regular and light infantiy. They encamped upon a hill, not far from the Archbishop; and when it was night, William ordered his men to place two or more lighted candles at the tops of their pikes and lances. Alarmed, by this means, with the idea, that their number was immense, the Archbishop drew back a little from the city, to secure a height, that nature had rendered very strong.
William harangued his army, who heard him with loud applause; and, at the close of his speech, Aldrude also came forward, and addressed them as follows:
"Encouraged and fortified by the favour and mercy of heaven, I have resolved, contrary to the general usage of women, to speak to you here, because I hope to say something that may be useful, though unadorned with the figures of eloquence, and the reasonings of philosophy. It often happens, that a simple discourse acts upon the mind, when one more laboured merely pleases the ear. It is neither a love of power, or worldly advantage, which has led me here. Since the death of my husband, I reign with an aching heart, over all his domains, without any contest. It is enough for me to keep what I possess. What animates me, is the miserable situation of Ancona; the tears of its ladies, who fear to fall into the power of the besiegers. Need I enter into the detail? It is to succour men, worn by famine, fatigued by frequent combats, exposed constantly to new toils, to new dangers, that I come, with my only son, who, though a child, inherits his father's greatness of soul, and shews the same courage and the same zeal for the protection and defence of his friends. And you, warriors of Lombardy and Romagna, who are no less distinguished for your fidelity than your valour, the same cause brings you here. You obey the orders, and imitate the example of William Adelardi, who, listening only to his natural generosity, and love of freedom, has hazarded his own fortune, and that of his friends and vassals, for the deliverance of Ancona, I know not how to praise him as I ought, because language is not equal to the expression of our thoughts and wishes! We become truly virtuous, only when we prize virtue more than wealth and honour!—This glorous enterprise has, as yet, succeeded, since you have passed through countries occupied by your enemies. But, it is now time that the seed should produce fruit. It is time to make a trial of your strength, since you have occasion to make a trial of your courage. Hence, then, without delay, which enfeebles the minds of most men. Be under arms at the first break of day; so that the rising sun may beam upon the victory, which the Most High promises to your charity. May my prayers draw down a blessing upon you; and, may the sight of those beautiful ladies who accompany me, animate you! If knights are accustomed to display their skill and strength, in cruel combats, for pleasure only; if they expose their lives in honour of scarce-remembered beauty; how much more ought you to make efforts for the victory! you, who by the motive of your enterprise alone, augment the glory of your name, and acquire the esteem of the world? Let not your hands, then, spare the rebels! Be your swords bathed in the biood of those who resist! Indulgence is not for those, who, whilst they can do evil, will not pardon!"
"This discourse," says the historian of Aldrude, "made the battalions flourish like a lily:—they shouted with joy, and danced to the sound of trumpets and tambourines."
No battle, however, was fought. The Archbishop fled during the night, and all the city came to render thanks to Aldrude and William, and to offer them the most magnificent presents.
The Countess returned, with her guards, to her domains, meeting many detachments of the enemy upon the road, with whom they had skirmishes; but her party always overcame.