The year of our Lord 1054 delighted everyone with beautiful weather. After a frosty and prolonged period, as was typical for the lands of that time, a beautiful spring arrived, followed by a hot summer. The castle in Quedlinburg, illuminated by the sun's rays, experienced a veritable invasion of distinguished guests. Among them were Emperor Henry, later named number III, Duke Bretislaus, and Duke Casimir, known by posterity as the Restorer.
The aim of the congress was for the emperor to reconcile the two feuding princes, who had been waging a devastating war for almost twenty years. These struggles were not in line with the emperor's plans, as they could have led to the abandonment of Christianity, especially by the Polans, where Duke Casimir ruled.
The emperor's attention to Casimir's aid was particularly focused on the fact that the entire turmoil had resulted from Bretislaus's attack on Casimir, weakened by a pagan rebellion. No sooner had this revolt been suppressed than the prince was forced to oppose the Czech invasion. Bretislaus occupied most of the country. This led to the prince's departure from the country to seek foreign aid. Fortunately, the young prince managed to gather allies in Hungary and Germany and was able to return to Poland in 1039 with 500 armed warriors.
It was not for nothing that the blood of his great grandfather, Bolesław, flowed in Casimir's veins. Through persistent and persistent actions, he united the fragmented country under his rule. Using some against others, he united Greater Poland, Lesser Poland, the Sieradz-Łęczna region, and the Lubusz region. More and more of the country returned to his scepter. In the year of our Lord 1041, he chose Kraków as his seat. He sent envoys to Pope Benedict to condemn Bretislaus's invasion. Unfortunately, the pope, eager for Czech ducats, did not act as Casimir had hoped. After the envoys returned, the prince simply said to his council: "Well, I wanted to, but I must follow in my grandfather's footsteps." A violent and unexpected attack by the warriors led to the defeat of the Czech troops. Silesia was returned to Casimir's domain. However, Bretislaus had no intention of relinquishing what he believed was his legal right. After all, Silesia was Czech and should remain so. He sent letters filled with indignation to the emperor and the pope and awaited their decisions. He knew his chances of armed struggle were slim, as Casimir had proven to be an admirably gifted strategist. However, he presented valuable arguments in his letters.
After all, it was thanks to his domain that the Polans began to believe in the true God, and in return, they owed him something. These arguments reached both the emperor and the pope, who summoned both warring factions to an agreement and ordered them to appear in Quedlinburg to sign a peace treaty. Neither of the combatants dared to oppose this drafted directive. That's why the castle survived the invasion of the distinguished guests. At first glance, Bretislaus had the strongest arguments, and that's why he was so confident of his success that upon his return, he announced a grand feast among his subjects. How could it be otherwise? Once, he had more ducats to pay judges. Two, significantly greater importance in Europe. Three, the Christian tradition, which had long since become established.
What could Casimir have to oppose this? Perhaps only the cunning and intelligence that characterized most of the Piast dynasty.
The first day of the imperial court arrived. In the massive castle hall at the top, the emperor sat. Opposite him, the two feuding princes began to glare at each other with an evil eye. It was obvious that only Henry's presence prevented them both from reaching for the swords hanging at their sides. Seeing what was coming, the emperor nodded to both and spoke these words:
"My lords, do not resort to violence, but begin to discuss how to restore peace in your domains."
This conflict was between God and truth, as the emperor intended, for thanks to him, neither vassal could grow too powerful. Although vassalage existed only on paper, both had to respect the imperial will in some way. Now the emperor faced a dilemma: who should be given more truth in this conflict? The Czechs, who, despite having supported him for a long time, might have grown too powerful, or the Poles, who, despite having received less support so far, offered no less hope for the future. Casimir knew this perfectly well and decided to play this card. Brzetysław, however, being theoretically closer to the emperor, spoke first:
"Sir, I am very glad that you have allowed me to appear in your presence. This one beside me, calling himself a prince, has stretched out his arrogant hand against me and God, wanting to take what does not belong to him.
Here he glanced slyly at Casimir, forcing him onto the defensive in the first words of his speech. However, the grandson of the great Bolesław had no intention of accepting this, and seemingly played the role of the supplicant:
"Your Imperial Majesty, it is true that we have only just begun to benefit from Your blessings and graces, yet we desire to do so with all our hearts. Your gracious gaze enlightens our domain and allows it to flourish in the Lord's grace. You yourself know, O Lord, how difficult it is to convince others of the truth. Only Your help in this can convince them that the only truth will prevail in our lands. Just think how the Holy Father will look at you. When he learns that with your wise judgment you have driven stray souls back to the Church's domain."
Both Brzetysław and Henry were speechless. Casimir struck a completely unexpected note. Instead of convincing who is speaking truth and who is false, he clearly showed Henry that by supporting his claim to be the defender of the Church, he could be recognized. Brzetysław tried to play his tune again:
"Sir, I understand that the lands of Greater Poland and Lesser Poland can stand with Casimir. May it be my loss." But Silesia is in my domain and belongs to it forevermore...
Henry said nothing, just stared intently at Casimir. A verbal exchange ensued, lasting two days. However, Casimir's advantage in the verbal clash became increasingly clear. Finally, unwilling to incur the emperor's wrath, Brzetysław had to give in. At one point, Casimir proposed:
"I don't want to be considered stubborn, so I propose a fair solution: although it's not fair, I will pay 500 marks of silver and 30 gold for the disputed land over a period of 50 years. I believe this will reward and satisfy the ruler of Bohemia present here."
This was a significant argument, as Brzetysław, exhausted by fighting and bribes, was finding his coffers increasingly empty. A substantial inflow of cash over 50 years could strengthen him, and weaken Casimir enough that he would willingly surrender the provinces to him before that period expired. With a sly smile, he agreed to this arrangement, and the emperor proudly announced the end of the dispute to the pope. The fact that after the first tribute, Brzetysław's eyes never saw the second, or any others, is a completely different story. It is not for nothing that Casimir earned the nickname the Restorer.
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