He was silent and reserved, shrinking from observation and mirth, and either engaged in meditation or prayer.
The gloomy aspect of the future was also capable of furnishing the youth with sufficient food for reflection.

The death of Rodolph spread consternation over Saxony and Suabia: both circles were crippled by internal dissensions, and unable to profit by their victory.

Inspired by this, and by his rival's death, and encouraged by the attitude and successes of the Lombards, Henry meditated an invasion of Italy, and the conquest of Rome itself.

He reorganized a powerful army, and penetrated Lombardy, leaving Frederick of Hohenstaufen to hold Suabia in check, while Saxony was convulsed by the rival schemes of Otto and Herman.
Never before had the Holy See seemed in such imminent danger.

England and France looked coldly on, and the emperor of the East sympathized with his brother of Austria.
Gregory alone awaited the storm calm and fearless, relying upon the sacredness and justice of his cause, neither dismayed nor discouraged by the fickle course of human events.