“Today the pool was more crowded than usual, and the men in it more rambunctious, stimulated by warmth and rivalry. Steam rose from the surface of the water, making the large room misty, and in spite of the huge fire in the broad fireplace, the air was chill, touched by the first, early snow that was falling on Aachen, beyond the thick stone walls of the swimming pool. Karl-lo-Magne sloshed energetically as he swam the length of the pool, well ahead of his courtiers. It pleased him to send a fin...e spray with every stroke of his powerful arms. Reaching the end of the pool, he stood up, the water coming half-way up his chest, and laughed. “More! You men, try harder! Swim, damn your eyes! Swim!” Then he laughed again at the efforts the rest made. He leaned back against the marble sides of the pool and smiled, thoroughly enjoying himself. His kinsman, Einhard, reached him slightly ahead of the rest and grabbed hold of the lip of the pool; he was much shorter than his cousin, and when he stood on his feet, his head was almost completely underwater.MoreLessRead More Read Less
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