Gloria, laus et honor

Gloria, laus et honor. Theodulf of Orleans* (d. 821). Theodulf (or Theodulph) of Orleans was a prominent figure in the literary revival at the time of Charlemagne, but was imprisoned by the Emperor’s successor, Louis (ca. 818) on suspicion of involvement in a rebellion (ca. 817). According to a charming legend in Clichtoveus’ Elucidatorium Ecclesiasticum Paris (1516), he secured his freedom by writing ‘Gloria, laus et honor’: the King, passing by in the Palm Sunday procession, heard Theodulf singing it from his cell and thereupon released him. This fabulous story is said also to give rise to the manner in which seven boys later initiated the hymn from a high place in the church...