77-88.) [Illustration: Ditcar the Monk recognizing the Head of Morvan----273] On arriving at Angers, Louis found the Empress Hermengarde dying; and two days afterwards she was dead.

He had a tender heart, which was not proof against sorrow; and he testified a desire to abdicate and turn monk.

But he was dissuaded from his purpose; for it was easy to influence his resolutions.

A little later, he was advised to marry again, and he yielded.

Several princesses were introduced; and he chose Judith of Bavaria, daughter of Count Welf (Guelf), a family already powerful and in later times celebrated.