Latin Blog

Arnulf of Metz

2007-05-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

Translaion is the copyrighted property of Sarah Brush (nee Hamilton)
Vita Arnulfi Episcopi Mettensis, ed., B. Krusch, MGH SRM II pp. 426-446.

HERE BEGINS THE LIFE OF THE HOLY ARNULF BISHOP AND CONFESSOR.

In the name of the omnipotent God and Jesus Christ our Lord, his son, I have come to write the life or acts of the most holy bishop Arnulf, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, who rested in him, and through the direction from the Lord of good things: Open your mouth and I will fill it. Therefore his deeds must not be kept secret and as an example of good works they shall be made public. Without doubt they made him a citizen with God’s attendants, the saints.

1. Therefore, the blessed Bishop Arnulf was of the Frankish race. He was of reasonable rank, being born to noble parents, and was extremely rich in worldly goods. However he became more noble and more lofty because he continually persisted in the faith of Christ. Thus, from the narration of those that knew him, I have come to know about many laudable works which he performed many of which will be written down here by me. I rate the content of these works so highly that we shall begin describing him from the very beginning that is from the day of his birth.

2. Therefore, there was living in that place, a certain stranger who had come from neighbouring Italy. He was a servant of God by the name of Stephen. After a brief silence following the exalted beginning of his birth, at length, a message from heaven was given to this man. The prophetic voice commenced in him and he said, “Seek to know, everyone and listen! A certain boy is born here. This boy, who is lofty and great and should be carried with honour, will be great in the house of God and of men.” Which matter the truth of events then proved.

3. After this, being of laudable character and full of the grace of God, the time came when he was handed over to the instruction in the study of letters. Soon, having been handed over to a teacher, being naturally acute of mind with an extensive memory, he shone amiably among his other companions. With Christ dwelling in him, he was subject to all, yet he was loftier than all in faith and charity. When he came to the age of maturity, having been well taught, he was handed over to Gundulf, the underking, mayor of the palace or royal advisor, to be trained in good works. From there, when he had received this training, he then made himself ready and through many proofs he proved himself worthy to the minister of King Theudebert.

4. Who is able to describe his virtue of making war or his power in arms? More particularly who can describe how he had often driven away the troops of an enemy people with his own sword? On account of this, through Christ, he who a little while ago was seen to be almost the last of all was made first of all, so that six provinces – which many household members then served and even now serve – might be ruled with judgement under his ministration alone. For he was earnest in prayer and in fasting and he inclined himself to mercy for the poor. So just as it is written, he returned to God what was God’s and gave to Caesar what belonged to Caesar.

5. Meanwhile, with much ado, in the company of his assembled friends and parents he married a girl from a most noble and illustrious family, according to admirable custom and because God thus wished it. For the same Lord granted to him especially a gift like the splendour of two gems which were worthy in the world so that he received the joy of two sons from that distinguished woman. While these things were done, just as we said above, he blossomed first with many divers honours in the palace and in service. However he was perpetually vigilant in meditation around the monasteries or holy places.

6. During this time there was in royal service, a distinguished man called Romaricus, who was joined to the household by love and affection of the holy man. After deliberation and following the instructions of the Lord, who said, Go, sell all that you have and give it to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven and come follow me. Leaving all behind on account of Christ, this man arranged to go on a pilgrimage to Lérins to the monastery, there. However by pursuing this cause with all these desires, he hindered the wishes of the Most High. For, God Almighty did not judge that these two men who shone together in the world like two lamps should be hidden in this way, as the Lord says: No-one burns a lamp and places it under a bushel but in the open so that it may shine for all who are in the house.
[Addition in one MS:
I come to narrate one miracle at least of the many which he performed but I consider this should be weighed first because he is said to have performed this one before he had come to the seat of the episcopate. Equally when he repented on account of his sins, it happened that when he crossed the bridge of the river Moselle and he discerned an immense impenetrable vision of the abyss he took out a ring which he had with him by chance and with these words he threw it into the river, “As I throw this ring,” he said, “I will think of the forgiveness of sins which I will receive from it.” After some years, when he had then ascended to the rank of a priest, a fish was carried to him by a certain fisherman. When the holy man had received this fish by the action of grace, he ordered it to be prepared for his evening meal because he abstained from meat by custom. When the minister received it and gutted it according to the custom, he found that same ring inside the entrails of that fish. He was ignorant of what had happened and marvelling at the matter he carried it to the holy pontiff. Recognising what had happened the faithful man gave thanks to God for the forgiveness of sins. He led a life afterwards without relapse into sin. Also after these things he afflicted himself with fasts, vigils and prayers. Indeed that ring is held in the palace even now. God should be praised for his magnificence and all should be amazed that, in the presence of God, the holy man merited to be established in faith with the effect that, having been subjected by errors, he was freed by the remission of his sins. Without a doubt this could not have been done unless it were done most properly by God.]

7. Since the Eternal Director was both perpetually watchful as well as most powerful in these various good things, it happened, by chance that the town of Metz needed a patron. Then, in one voice, the people exclaimed that Arnulf, member of the royal household and royal counsellor, should be bishop. He was compelled to it because it was pleasing to God yet he wept when he received the town and governance. Thereafter he bore the episcopal garb and he wished that he might hold the dignity of office and the pre-eminence of the palace mindfully. Soon such great, perfect munificence in alms to the poor grew so that, as the news spread, uncountable troops of paupers rushed to the holy Bishop Arnulf to be helped, even from far off regions and cities.

8. For, indeed, he was continually mindful and attentive in all good deeds, especially in the support of monks or pilgrims. He kept watch most devotedly, so that, whomever he received into his hospitality, he himself washed their feet with his own hands and took care of their clothes and refreshment, and soon, he received others in need of refreshment. Furthermore, who can describe the pattern of his abstinences, or most particularly how sometimes he would only eat barley bread or drink a beaker of water after a fast of three days or longer? Indeed he was continually dressed in a lowly manner with a hidden hair tunic and he bore a double cross for his limbs because of his vigils and fasts.

9. Now I shall set out to describe at least some of the many miracles which he did. Indeed, the holy man was in the neighbouring parts of Vosges, at the estate of the holy Stephen. A certain woman named Betilla was miserably seized by a demon and was often so strongly shaken that it endangered her life. When she had begun to rave in the presence of the holy patron, as always, he was moved to great pity and said, “Alas, a most miserable kind of human! How greatly does the enemy prevail, that he may possess this abode where Christ ought to live?” With night coming on, he ordered the woman to devote herself to a vigil. When the holy man had given himself to prayer, soon he separated the demon, shouting and wailing, from the woman. Everyone rejoiced. In that very place he commanded the woman, who for a long while had been oppressed and infirm because of the enemy, to go away uninjured and happy.

10. Indeed, about this same time, the whole church was accustomed to celebrate a three day fast. According to the custom, the holy man set out from the city and the civitas with a cross and with a mixed group of people, praying for grace and suddenly a woman from the middle of the crowd, who was seized by a demon, began to shout. When he saw her, he made the sign of the cross. At once she was snatched away from the enemy and cured. Also, at a later time, he came to the town basilica of the Holy Cross for the sake of giving prayers and giving of treasure. There he met with a girl who was raving miserably in a Bacchic frenzy. When he saw her he was moved by mercy and said to his archdeacon, “Tonight, brother, we shall celebrate prayers and vigils for the sake of this miserable creature and, when daybreak overtakes night, likewise what possesses her will be overtaken through us.” The next day, when they had done what was agreed, they found the girl freed from the old enemy. It was done in this way so that the sanctity of this man cured even those who had been lost for a long time.

11. Then at the time of King Dagobert, when Arnulf was serving in the palace, a certain leper began to shout asking for food or clothing. At once Arnulf ordered the man to be led to the hospital. Therefore, following his usual custom, he valued piety and, since the man was a foreigner, he wished to inquire if he had been cleansed by the sacrament of baptism. Unexpectedly, he answered, “Not at all, my Lord, for, unhappy man as I am, I was cast out from the company of people and who would bestow the grace of baptism on me?” Then the bishop said, “Do not be afraid, brother, it is possible. You only have to believe in Christ and it will be the wish of the Lord, that you shall receive a double medal both for your soul and for your body.” Therefore, having received baptism from the holy man, suddenly the leprosy was separated from his body and afterwards he who had previously been a sinner and a leper was made of healthy substance in both mind and body.

12. Yet after this, when he visited the estates of Tours with the aforementioned king, by chance, there was a certain noble boy by the name of Noddilus and his parent, who loved him so much that he buried him with great weeping. Indeed he was joined to him with indissoluble affection being close by both blood and by friendship. Then the king hastened from that town as quickly as possible and was not there to denounce the people who were counselling that the boy’s drooping head should be cut off and his body be delivered into a fire for burning, according to the pagan custom. However, as we believe, events were then ruled by the will of the almighty God, as the holy Bishop Arnulf had not yet gone out to the countryside. Having learned of this counsel, he went swiftly to Noddilus and he explained the cause of his unhappiness more by sobbing than by words. Immediately, therefore, the eminent man went to the bed of the dead man with haste. When he had prostrated on the ground, he prayed for a very long time. Then, at length, he spoke to the half living man, as was his custom, saying, “Get up my son!” he said, “If perhaps you have done anything evil, so that you may receive double medicine.” He rejoiced exceedingly that the man had come to God. Scarcely had he uttered the words which he considered with his heart, but the man was shaken with final the struggle. What more need I say? Warm water was brought forth and, with his own hands, the holy man washed the face, hands and feet of the sick man with great diligence and anointed the body with holy oil. It was done in this way, so that on that day suffering from no infirmity, he took to the road happy and rejoicing and went into the town with other uninjured people.

13. Indeed, there is a miracle which he performed at another time which should not be kept secret. One day, a certain wicked man, by the name of Noddo, was drunk with wine and a stuffed belly. Along with his companions he dared to dishonour the holy man, saying that it was clear that he was not a worshipper of God but more properly a man devoted to pleasure, with whom, it is well known, not only the king but also the queen hastens to one bed at the hour of night. Indeed, then Noddo drew away a companion and went to bed with him under the same cover. By the order of the Lord, it happened that all his clothes were surrounded with flames. In that very place, with urgent voices, they prayed for water to throw against the flames which were springing up. Yet the water did not extinguish the flames which were sent down by divine power. They burned, miserably, around their buttocks and genitals and their linen shirts burned also and they were not able to strip their burning clothes from their bodies. What more need I say? Since they were not able to do it any other way, they went outside and rolled like pigs in the dirt proclaiming their concupiscence. Yet their genitals burned more and more with the fire sent down from heaven. Then, indeed, as I think, because of that which is written down, Are you drawing away to your secret place? There I shall follow, was fulfilled against them. Thus divine censure ordered it and it was done so that those who had dishonoured the holy bishop sensed punishment in this way. For never again after that time was the aforesaid Noddo found in such transgressions as it was ordered that the royal sword should justly cut off his wickedness together with his life and so that he should not die alone, soon, his son was condemned by the same sentence and was killed.

14. Around that time, when he had expended nearly all the treasure on the poor there was a silver dish weighing seventy-two pounds left. Chuc, a certain nobleman of high rank, procured this dish, after some of the alms – those which were necessary – had been given to the poor. Yet the almighty God did not endure that he, a layman who had previously been consecrated in honour of the blessed Stephen the protomartyr, should benefit. Indeed the aforesaid Chuc was prostrated on his knees by death and the dish was carried to the aforesaid King Chlothar. Then the king learned from those who told it to him that this dish had been given for alms to the poor by the holy Bishop Arnulf. Soon, by wonderful inspiration and heavenly action, he quickly ordered the same dish with a hundred gold coins placed on top of it to be carried to Metz to the holy pontiff. It was done in this way so that both those on the list of the poor and others were turned away from poverty through the sustenance of the alms of God. The possession of the saints which had been given by them once was returned without any other expense.

15. Then these and more miracles like them began to grow through him to the benefit of the people. Soon he sought places away from the clamours of the common people. There, often concealed like a prisoner, he was free to attend most eagerly to holy prayers alone with God heeding to the advice of the Most High who said Seek and see since I am the Lord. For, having withdrawn into a little cell, he frequently beat the sky, night and day, with his prayers at the villa of Dodigny which was neighbouring with Vosges and particularly at Chaussy which was not very far from the town.

16. While in these prayers, Christ’s most holy fighter fought vigorously against the devil. His conscience was pricked that, while he was away, the people given to him by God might receive less nourishment of eternal life. Quickly Arnulf began to entreat the king most earnestly that he might give his son as bishop. Sending letters through messengers, Arnulf declared himself a sinner and unworthy of his work. He said that they should elect a bishop who might properly preach the word of God to the people like sowing seeds. With the people abandoned in this way, King Chlothar was soon filled with an extraordinary vexation. He sought from all his remaining counsellors if the holy Bishop Arnulf had ceased to visit the palace. Among many other things he sent letters to him saying, “Lord and father, although you have written through your letter that we ought to elect another as successor in your place. No-one may presume to do so with my assurance.” To this again, in return, Arnulf said, “We receive your warnings on account of your devotion with great joy. Through divine guidance we believe that you have been warned by the Lord yet despite this we have written again sadly that we have not chosen to be absent from your sight. More precisely, lord and father, may it please you, we have been compelled by devotion and resolved to seek after the doing of good works. We do not seek by any means that you should leave us without your peace or communion on account of divine love.” Indeed the aforesaid King Chlothar cared for Arnulf with such faith and love that, when he had elevated his son Dagobert to the highest position, the same king had handed his son into Arnulf’s hand for governing and instruction. Arnulf educated him with most high and profound wisdom, so that the king was said by the nation of the Secambrori to be not at all like him.

17. However when he arranged to hasten to the desert with indissoluble love, being prudent, King Dagobert suspected it. The king wished to terrify him a little so that he should not depart from his comfort or counsel and said to him, “Your most dear sons thus have a loss for unless you stay with us, I will chop off their heads.” To this, he responded, saying, “The lives of my sons are in the hand of God. You do not now possess your own life, since you set out to carry away the life from innocents.” Then, the king was angered and turned against him. He seized the sword which was hanging at the side of one of his officers and held it with his hand. Then the blessed Arnulf was uncertain whether he was about to die as a result of the anger of the petty king. He said firmly, “What are you doing, oh worthless man? Do you wish to repay my goodness with wickedness? Now, look at me! I am ready! Exercise your arm in my blood so that it may be pleasing to your soul. I do not doubt that I will die at the command of Him who gave me life and who died for me.” Then one nobleman said, “Oh good king do not act impiously to yourself and to Him! Do you not see that the holy man wishes for martyrdom and is destined to it? Why are you not afraid to attack a servant of our Lord Christ?” When he had said this, being ordered by God, the man took hold of his enraged anger for a short time.

18. During all this the queen was also there. Recalling her guilts, the queen ran to the feet of the holy man and begged him with tears that he might be compassionate, saying, “Go to the desert, lord, as you wish. In that way we shall keep peace with you, whom we have attacked and treated with wickedness.” Then, having been given this chance, the holy man went out from the palace and behold! He found an almost innumerable multitude of the lame, of the blind and of many poor people, of widows and orphans, standing by the gateways. When they had seen him, they all began to cry aloud, saying, “Oh holy shepherd, why do you leave us behind, miserable as we are? Who will have pity on us or who will bestow us with food and clothing? For if you are stolen away we will all die because we will be naked and consumed by hunger. We implore you for the sake of Christ, do not abandon us.” Then he wept and addressed them with soothing voice, saying, “The Lord will give you a shepherd who will attend to your feeding in pity and mercy. For, henceforth, you will not see my face for a long time but just as Christ says, you should do, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.’ Be prepared in fruitfulness to one another. May you have mercy so that, although you are now restrained with poverty and misery, in the future life you shall happily deserve to reign with Christ, just as Lazarus the beggar was transported by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. Thus, you should seek the Lord and your soul may live both here and in eternity.” When he had said this, at once, according to his prayers he went to his prayers.

19. A little while after these deeds, as he was perpetually intent on meditation the holy Goericus Abbo was elected as successor to the just man. Indeed this was fitly ordered by God so that a holy man should succeed another holy man. When he heard this, Romaricus, who was a distinguished man from the parts of Vosges, set out to see the blessed Arnulf. He prepared a proper place for them to meet each other in the vast desert.

20. As soon as night approached on that day he came to a town where a miracle had been worked through that same nourish-making bishop, of which I ought not to be silent. It happened by chance that a devouring fire attacked the storeroom of the king and the great high flames leapt up all around the house and menacingly rose up to the top of it. Suddenly all the citizens rose up and saw its destruction. They were turned to lamentation and clamour. Hearing this we quickly came to the house of the holy man to find him. He was sweetly singing psalms, as was always his custom. At once, Romaricus seized his hand and said, “Go out, Lord, behold! Our horses are out through the gates, so that the fire does not burn you in this town which would not be fitting.” To this, Arnulf said, “By no means will I go most dear man. Lead me there and we shall see this impious fire, which has grown fat, and place me next to it. If God wishes that I should burn, behold, I am in his hand.” Then, holding his holy hand, we came to the fire and soon, being ordered by him, we prostrated in prayer. When the chapter had been said, we all rose up. Then, raising up his hand against the huge flames, he made the sign of the cross. Soon, in an amazing way as if struck from heaven, yet without injury to anyone, having been totally twisted back below the walls, the fire turned inwards. Thereafter we, who were secure from the danger which had now been put down, gave thanks to God, said matins and returned to our beds. In that very place, the following vision appeared to one of the brothers. Looking towards the sky, he saw such fiery flames depicting the sign of the cross and, at once, a voice spoke down from the sky from the side of the cross, saying, “Do you perceive this sign?” It said, “This night, Bishop Arnulf has freed this whole town from fire.” The brother narrated this vision to all of us as we were wondering at the miracle, which we had seen, of the fire being put out.

21. A few days after this, the blessed man left behind all worldly things and, having given a great deal of money to the poor, he was then safe and secure of his treasure stored up in heaven. Not many days later that man, who, to be like Christ, was then poor in the world, but rich in the virtue of the Lord, set out for the desert among the beasts and wild woods just like a new Elijah. At the customary little house he resounded praise to God daily with meditation. Indeed, having set up a little monastery, there he established some lepers to whom he expended most faithful service with his own hand. Continually he drew away the shoes from their feet and cleaned them. He often washed their heads and feet and also prepared well-arranged beds for them, most zealously, every day. For, not abhorring the service of cooking, the same holy bishop and cook attended to the feeding of his companions, often hungering himself. Although his bed-cover, was vile in the eyes of men, it was most beautiful in the sight of angels. Since he had been separated from smooth and precious clothes as far as this matter is concerned, he furnished his bed with haircloth. In these things, therefore and in other innumerable good things, he lived the angelic life.

HERE BEGINS THE PASSING OF THE HOLY BISHOP ARNULF WHO DIED ON 18TH JULY

22. Then Almighty God wished to call his warrior to his destined reward and he was driven to his final day. Knowing the time was approaching the most religious man Romaricus was present and he stood ready for the glorious departure with the other monks. Then, the most righteous bishop who was the elect of God spoke, saying, “Good men and friends of the Lord, pray to Christ for me. Now the day is here in which I appear to be presented to my Judge. What shall I do? Nothing good is done in this world; being surrounded with all wickedness and sins, I am bound by sin. On account of this I beg you, pray to the Lord that I might merit indulgence.” The holy man said this since it is written The first to present his case seems right till another comes forward to question him. Meanwhile the hour came when the holy soul was to be carried to Christ by the hands of the holy angels. Without doubt there was great praise in that place of high virtue in heaven and there was great sorrow for the poor of Christ and of the monks on earth. Soon following the custom of holy and sacred Gospel and, as one reads in the psalms, mourning and singing resounded their voices. Indeed the illustrious man, Romaricus led away his most holy body. He carried Arnulf to be buried with dignity and honour to a place where he had influence that is in the castle of Remiremont.

23. After several years had passed, Bishop Goericus, Arnulf’s most elect successor, sought counsel with a meeting of clerics and also with a huge band of people. With two other bishops agreeing, they sought the desert together. Keeping watch in that place with reverent celebrations, they carried the holy body out from the stone vessel. They placed the body onto a pallet and soon, eagerly taking up their journey, they returned to the town with joy. For a sweet smell came out from the holy limbs and filled all those who saw it. Thereafter on the journey, as I believe, miracles were performed through the body as I will describe.

24. When the bearers came to a certain stream, they were cut off from their going by the slippery earth banks which spread out on either side of their path. Then those at the back, who carried the pallet, began slipping and tumbled down. Yet as I believe, at once, angels lifted them up. For the first of those present went back without steps, and having lifted the pallet up in the air, they took steps freely. Having got up, those who had fallen crossed the river and rejoined their colleagues.

25. Soon afterwards on this journey another miracle appeared to follow. There was a certain lewd man in the district of Chaumontois by the name of Cionta. Although he had often managed to turn him back, Arnulf had not been able to lead this man to penance with amends so that, he left him unrepentant in this earthly life. By chance, it happened that, in the house of the same lewd speaker, there was an oratory into which travellers could come. As they set out for the house so that they might honour the holy body in the basilica with vigils they came to the boundaries of the most lewd man suddenly the transportation was held so that they were not able to convey the holy body any further. Behold, on account of this perplexity which faced the priests and all the people they were ignorant as to what house they might turn since the day had then declined to the sign of evening. Then Noddo, the duke who was one of the travellers said, “Do you see? The body declines to go to the land of this the lewd man. Indeed, my villa is far yet we may be able reach it before night closes up. It is clean and prepared and there I will be able to refresh the whole company in such a way, as I disclosed to the judge Immus, in proper measure with a barrel of beer.” Hearing this, all the people turned back that way and they proceeded with great speed because they were more able to carry themselves as they sensed that they should carry themselves whilst the day still had light. They came through to the destined place. Then Noddo said, “Now, therefore, the blessed Lord Arnulf might feed you this night as, being away from you, he is more able to be there to intercede for you.” At once he grew in such exuberance in the middle of his drink, so that to the help of all those with him, he remained that way even until the next day.

26. Yet after this, they came to the town with great prosperity and happiness. Behold! Soon the whole city ran to meet him with crosses and candles and with great rejoicing and admiration for their shepherd whom a little while ago they sent away to the judgement of one departed. Now they perceived that the heavens were reigning and taking the holy body into the basilica of the holy apostles with reverence and great exultation, they put him back in the tomb. Soon, he, who was buried in the house of Christ in a tomb which had been bought in the desert, would demonstrate miracles to his citizens.

27. Indeed, a certain woman by the name of Julia, who had been blinded from light for a long time, went to the tomb. There, having prostrated herself, she prayed with faith. She, who had been without the custom of light for many years time, received her desire. She who was accustomed to walk with the help of an outside hand was then able to see for herself and left that place and turned back to her lodging with happiness.

28. Again I shall not be silent but disclose another miracle, which the power of God showed to a religious man, Abbot Arnegausius. A certain woman by the name of Ciorcilla who was living in the suburb of Metz dared to work on the day of the Lord. Yet soon, by the striking down of divine power, both her hands were contracted. Then being weighed down with such a great anchor she went to the aforesaid abbot. He ordered her to hurry, with faith, to the tomb of the holy bishop. There, with the doors bolted, she found the tomb of the saint before the torches of the basilica. She prostrated herself before the torches and gave herself totally into prayer with tears, crying out and imploring the holy Bishop Arnulf to cure her. At once, her fingers, which had then been turned into her palms for a long time, sprang back from the rigour which had held them. She received her former health and soon, she turned back to her own home, uninjured and happy, whence she had come sad and crippled.

29. Around the same time, there was a weakly man by the name of Cero, whose feet were miserably contracted. He went everywhere with the help of staffs and was scarcely able to touch the floor with his feet and only then with great injury. With his sticks, he prostrated himself in prayer at the shrine of the holy man in order that he might be cured. At once, the contracted nerves were relaxed and he rose up fit and happy. He, who was only able to come to the holy sepulchre in order to be cured with the aid of staffs, returned to his home by the power of his own feet.

30. We value to set in writing these few examples of the many miracles and good works of the holy man. If we had studied to insert all of the other good things which he did, by placing pen to parchment, it would be an enormous volume^ and there would not be enough days to read it. Therefore I shall undertake to proffer a few of many, so that I should not set up loathing in those hearing. May the intercession of the holy Arnulf give help to us in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ to whom is honour, power and continual glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

^ Varying endings in different MSS
… Of many of the holy man’s miracles, these few, I have chosen to be written down lest we create loathing in the ears of those who hear read eagerly. With the help of Almighty God Jesus Christ our Saviour to whom is all power and glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen. HERE ENDS THE PASSING OF THE HOLY BISHOP ARNULF.
… it was a great volume for readers. Now indeed a few of the many will suffice to be told. HERE ENDS THE LIFE OF THE HOLY CONFESSOR ARNULF BISHOP OF METZ.
…it was a great volume for readers. We have chosen to narrate at least some from the many lest we create loathing in the ears of those hearing them with the help of God almighty and Jesus Christ our Redeemer to whom is unending power and glory for ever and ever, Amen. Behold most reverend Lord Pontiff Chlodulf I have written that life and deeds of your predecessor which you asked me to write. You have judged it just and perfect as you hold his see, his many rules and acts.

HERE ENDS THE LIFE OF THE MOST BLESSED BISHOP ARNULF.

Lantbert of Lyons

2007-05-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Translation is the copyrighted property of Sarah Brush (nee Hamilton)

Vita Lantberti Fontanellensis, ed.W. Levison, Monumenta Germaniae Historica Scriptores Rerum Merovingicarum V pp. 606-612.

THE DEEDS OF LORD LANTBERT ABBOT OF FONTANELLA AND ARCHBISHOP OF LYONS.

1. Lantbert, who was a truly illustrious and noble man, was born to a most noble family, to a father by the name of Erlebertus who came from the territory of Le Ternois. Lantbert succeeded first after the great Wandrille in the rule of the monastery of that admirable father, the priest of the Lord. Here in the court of the young King Chlothar, the son of Clovis, Lantbert first performed service in the garb of the secular world. However his mind gasped more for another form of service just as is evidenced by the turn of events. Then, in the eighth year of the reign of the aforesaid young king, he left the service of the doomed king. He was stripped of the iron of sword and other weapons and he hastened most devotedly to the shining camp of Christ. He was dressed in the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of faith and the sword of the Holy Spirit and battled happily against the invisible enemy. His head was tonsured in that monastery under the aforesaid venerable father Wandrille of holy memory, four years before that servant of Christ passed on and took up his journey of the fathers. Lantbert’ maternal uncles were men who were most illustrious and noble in the world. They were called Hrotbertus and Haltbertus. Of these two the first, Hrotbertus was the senior referendary of the palace at that time. The second, Haltbertus, later received the clerical habit from that holy man Lantbert. These same men led the illustrious man to that monastery of Fontanella with great honour. Yet they wished to turn him from his intention so that he might rather continue in the life of ordinary people. As well as other small gifts of divers kinds, on the day that his hair was cut off, he gave the aforesaid great Father Wandrille seventy gold shillings which were elegantly worked onto his ornamental garments and possessions, that is to say on his girdle and belt and on some vessels. These were from the possessions of his most rich and honourable parents. They shone with great honour and were greatly admired in the royal house. Indeed, just as he had showed himself to be noble in the business of the world, thus he made himself even more noble by the life of innocence. Yet the aforesaid admirable father of that monastery loved his innocent chastity and his conversation. Indeed by his order he assumed the rule of the order after him, as is now to be described in this present work.

2. Therefore, when the aforesaid blessed man of Christ Wandrille had held that monastery in his rule from when it was first built for the space of nineteen years and five months, it then happened that he was in a decrepit and old state. Having lived ninety-six years before the day of his death, he was seized with a languor. Then, as he was placed at the end of his life and the whole flock of brothers was in intense contest because he was dying, they asked him whom they should institute as leader after his death. To which the following response is said to have been given: “To you my illustrious sons, I believe God will give the best of leaders after my death. However as a supplicant servant I implore clemency that he might give a worthy steward to his family who may give double tribute of alms to him. You indeed my most dear ones take heed of his wishes and place all those things which are to be done to his judgement. Do not weary yourself further over my passing. More precisely, defend me with your prayers and always remember my warnings. Today I commend the care of you, all my flock, to the great Christ. May he allow that you retain my little warnings and guard his most sweet commands continually so that in this way you might happily merit to come to him in eternal brightness. However there are two of my most agreeable sons here to whom the place of rule may come after my imminent death.” Indeed Lantbert was one of these two and the other was the most illustrious Ansbert. These two were companions in the work of God and were greatly and most excellently distinguished with the virtues of religion. When this same servant of God had completed his holy speech, he returned his soul to heaven to be joined with the angelic choruses and to possess the joy of paradise. This was on the 22nd July, the seventh day in the seventh year of the indiction. After his glorious transition the whole convent of monks beseeched Christ for clemency. They all celebrated for three days with the devotion of fasting. When this had been most devotedly celebrated the convent of monks elected the aforesaid Lantbert to have charge of the place of rule. This was in the year of the incarnation of our Lord 663 in the year of the indiction written above which was the eleventh year of the reign of the aforesaid young King Chlothar and the seventh year of Pope Vitalianus. He remained in that monastery for thirteen years and eight months during the reigns of the three royal brothers who held the sceptre of the kingdom of the Franks in turn that is Chlothar, Childeric and Theuderic.

3. Indeed that same venerable Father Lantbert was chaste in work and profuse in charity. He was most firm in faith as well as prudent in counsel and conspicuous in goodness. Not only was he affable in conversation and visibly best in all things but he was also great in stature and beautiful in appearance. Indeed he was most elegant from the base of his feet up to the height of his head. During that time all these aforesaid kings reached out to him and no other both in mutual conversation and from the descriptions in laws or letters. Also they wished to call him, ‘Lord’ and ‘our venerable Father in Christ Abbot Lantbert.’ Indeed when the life of the aforesaid young King Chlothar was finished he left his brothers Childeric and Theuderic surviving and there arose between them a truly heated battle for the highest position of the kingdom with some favouring the part of Childeric and with others inclining to Theuderic. However that venerable man retained caution within himself so that he inclined to neither part. At that time, one faction of the people rose above the other part. For when Childeric was raised onto the seat of the kingdom, Lantbert was accommodated with great honour in his house so that, whatever he asked from the king, he gained without the obstacle of any difficulties. Also, from the largesse of certain possessions which king gave to the same venerable father and the same monastery, it remained rich in wealth. Then at the petition of his queen, Bilichild, and of his venerable bishops – that is Bishop Leudegar of good memory who afterwards was made a most glorious martyr, and also Bishop Nivo and Bishop Ermonius – and of some other illustrious men who were called, Fulcoaldus, Almaricus, Vulfoaldus, the mayor of the palace, Bavo, Waningus, Adalbertus, Gerinus the brother of the aforesaid Bishop Leudegar, the king gave two properties to the aforesaid venerable father which are called Osmoy and Varenne. These were situated in the region of Le Talou next to the rivers called Arques and Varenne. They were given along with all those things adjacent to them that is Cressy, Cideville, Magnerot, Neon, Toscaria and likewise the same land on the shore of the sea and the areas of salt-works and fisheries which had been established there as well as the vineyards in Warnacus next to the river Seine which were situated in the region of Le Vexin with all the things that went with them. Acting with authority from his two privileges, he lawfully handed all these things into the possession of the same venerable father of that monastery of Fontanella. Indeed this royal gift was given along with the delightful palace of Arlaunus, in the eleventh year of the aforesaid king’s reign in Austrasia which was his first year of his rule in Neustria. At that most shining monastery it was in the fifth year of the rector who received the place of rule after the death of the great and most happy father, Wandrille the most noble priest of Christ. Indeed many of the divers gifts and possessions of that same king which were given to the most reverend father remain extant, even now, but it would be most laborious to enumerate them. Indeed, among other divers gifts he also gave part of the forest of Jumièges to that same venerable father. Some of this forest remains in our privilege and is held in that remote monastery founded from that sacred treasure. For, if anyone had read certain texts, he would find the designated places where the boundary of this gift ends.

4. At that time, there arose a quarrel, which was far from petty, between that venerable father Lantbert and the most reverend Filibertus, who was the rector of the monastery of Jumièges, concerning the boundary of that forest. On account of his authority and that of the aforesaid king granted in a letter directed to him concerning this matter, the great Pontiff Audoin of Rouen of glorious memory restored concord to true peace. He divided that forest with equal share between those same nourishing fathers. Since the major portion seemed to be conferred to father Lantbert, with Lantbert’s consent, the aforesaid bishop conferred another small portion from that division to the basilica of the noble Denis, martyr of Christ. This is situated on the edge of the hollow Seine in a place which is called Duclair and Lidoaldus held the place of rule there. As Lantbert was manifest in sanctity, there were always such signs of perfection in him that he opened the way of holy salvation to his citizens through his preaching and he instructed the ignorant of the people with the sense of a shining example. Having been inflamed with the vigour of the supernal spirit he also restored discords back to the splendour of concord with great industry.

5. However the aforesaid King Childeric was robbed of his life and his kingdom by the ambushes of his attendants that is to say by Amalbertus and Ingobertus and also by Bodilo and Lupus and others together with his wife Bilichild and his son Dagobert. The body of the aforementioned great … [man was buried by the priest Audoin.]

Ansbert of Rouen

2007-05-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

Translation is the copyrighted property of Sarah Brush (nee Hamilton)

Vita Ansberti Episcopi, ed. W. Levison, Monumenta Germaniae Historica Scriptores Rerum Merovingicarum V pp. 613-643.

HERE BEGINS THE PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF THE HOLY AND VENERABLE ANSBERT, THE HONOURABLE BISHOP AND CONFESSOR FOR HILDBERT, THE PRIEST OF CHRIST, ABBOT OF THE MONASTERY OF FONTANELLA AS WRITTEN BY AIGRADUS, LESSER SERVANT OF THE SERVANT OF THE LORD.

By the benevolence of divine mercy, we come to narrate the acts of the excellent sanctity of Ansbert, pontiff of the church of Rouen, thus humbly fulfilling the command of your holy devotion. However I am pressed truly on account of two things in the preliminaries of such a work; on the one hand, I feel I should turn aside from this work because of the lack of sense in it and the worthlessness of my discourse, and, on the other hand, I am encouraged by the order of your loving fatherly care and, if I were to be disobedient of this order I would be performing wickedness. However, through this faith by which his clear speech and acts became known to us and with the help of his intercessions, although my text may be awkward I may produce an eloquent text for the faithful. Indeed, as the angel said to Tobias “It is good to keep close the secret of a king but it is honourable to reveal the works of God.” For, to conceal the works of the elect of the Lord through silence and not to make them manifest through the illumination of writing to the use and edification of the listeners, is believed to be an act of the greatest laziness and torpor. Indeed praise of Him is cultivated through the acts of the saints and the edification of innocent desire is kindled in the minds of the faithful people. Lest a long prologue produces loathing ¬– and because brief narration excites greater fervour for listening – with God commanding, we attend to your orders and we will tread upon the journey of narration. For even if serene eloquence of mind should attend me and language should be prepared with proper service, it is not possible for my eloquence to offer praise worthy of his speech and sanctity, which remain in your pious memory.
HERE ENDS THE PREFACE.

HERE BEGINS THE LIFE OF THE HOLY ANSBERT.

1. Therefore at that time when Chlothar, son of Clovis and his queen Balthild, steered the kingdoms of the Franks together with his brothers, that is to say Childeric and Theuderic, Bishop Ansbert of good memory of the holy church of Rouen was born to a noble family at a paternal estate called Chaussy, in the district of the Vexin. He was shining with virtue and worthy for the office of priest. His father was called Siwinus. However disdaining from the nobility of his forefathers, as soon as he was of age he chose to be rated only by the fatherly love of the Creator. At that time, his father performed military service under the aforesaid king and he fulfilled the debt of his present life to all mortals communally. However it is not necessary to calculate and to number the origin of his earthly dignity or of the blessed man’s glorious father. Indeed he possessed all the glory of the love of truth and contempt for the world. For, as if loathing the nobility of his descent even then in boyhood, he strove only for the love of Christ and loathed all superfluous honours. Indeed his parents handed him over to vigorous teachers in order that he should be taught letters. He was taught without the example of anyone else. For indeed, he was in this a charming infant, a modest child and a noble young man. When he became an adult, his worldly father loved only him and was keen for him to be employed in hunting and to be armed for the charms of the world. However, the young son loathed everything which delighted the aged father.

2. In these days there was a certain illustrious man by the name of Hrotbertus, who was from a good line of birth and was also a ring-bearer to King Chlothar. The aforesaid distinguished Siwinus sought this man’s daughter, the most religious and noble Agadrisma, because he wished her to be married to his son. There was no delay. He proffered his approval to the request of the aforesaid noble Hrotbertus and when the day had been fixed, the pure girl was pledged to the pure young man. Then, because they both desired to retain whole minds and pure bodies, they prayed earnestly to almighty God that he might deign to repel the poisons of delight from their hearts. The blessed virgin Agadrisma prayed that her beauty might be turned to deformity and straightaway the Lord granted her prayers. Her face soon appeared ulcerated and was completely covered with a most foul leprosy so that anyone who saw her would instantly judge that she should be segregated away from the community of men. Then her father quickly sent orders to his doctors. He said that if they were able to bring aid to his dear offspring through remedies they might be rewarded with just recompense. Yet, however much they pressed upon this work, instantly, by Christ’s work, she appeared so much more deformed and ulcerated. Then her father sensed that his daughter had been struck by this affliction through the work of divine power. He asked her whether she had chosen through her prayers to end her life in virginity. “My father,” she said, “I chose it that way and I beg with all exertion and through the piety of the most high that I should deserve to be a maidservant to abstinence and chastity and not to unbridled luxury. For Christ is the betrothed whom I desire and he himself brings this molestation to my body so that he should bestow splendour to my soul. For he is a perpetual guard over me and he concedes to preserve one intended to be placed in perpetual virginity. This present life entices me, pious father, but it deceives because all that is in the world is vanity and longing of the eyes and the world and its desire will pass away but whoever will have committed to the wish of God remains in eternity just as the Lord remains in eternity.” Hearing this, her father summoned the noble Siwinus and unfolded the circumstances surrounding his daughter in clear terms. To this Siwinus replied, “It is proper to follow the wish of God in all things and not to will anything contrary to his command. His judgements may be secret but they are always just.” Having been called there, the blessed Ansbert was present when the agreement was changed, so that the holy virgin Agadrisma was called to be the bride of Christ and not his own. When this was done, she was sent to the town of Rouen to the holy Bishop Audoin so that, having been promised in virginity, she might merit to be consecrated by the precepts of his benediction and dressed in sacred garments. This was concluded and she was returned to pristine beauty and elegance of appearance straightaway so that all might call her a teacher since Christ himself had chosen her for his betrothed and perennial maidservant.

3. After this, the holy governess was sent to the nunnery at Oroër, which is situated in the district of Beauvais next to the wall of the town of Beauvais. Furthermore, the noble Hrotbertus, father of the holy virgin and his brother Haltbertus, were uncles to the holy Father Lantbert, the successor of the holy Wandrille in the governing of the order who led his life in the territory of Thérouanne. Following a time in Fontanella, one of these, the aforesaid Haltbertus was made a monk in the monastery under the aforesaid abbot Lantbert.

4. After this, Ansbert, the man of the Lord, was led by his father into the king’s court, against his wishes. As he was renowned for the sharpness of his intelligence, he became a skilled court scribe, the compiler of the royal privileges and a royal ring-bearer by which the same privileges were indicated. Having been placed there, he turned himself to the Lord with the examples and humility of pious doctrines. He longed to leave the world behind and to enter a monastery. Up till then he had been dressed in the habit of the laity. He had invited many others to the prize of eternal happiness by exhorting them through the aforesaid holy and wise doctrines. Thus, as he advanced everyday and grew in the Lord, he sought to increase the grace granted to him from Christ. Indeed, in the presence of the king and princes the divers music of combining instruments was heard, by accustomed practice, resounding in strings and pipes. He said to himself, “Oh good author you will hear the unfailing canticles of angels in the heavens which are performed charmingly and delightfully with such diligence. In this way praise to you may be created unceasingly by the resounding of these choruses. For if you prove such great ability to mortals they might provoke the souls of those listening by the knowledge of arts and sweet songs. In this way, they may praise you, Lord, Creator of all things, with such devotion!” Furthermore he added, “Praise the lord, all you faithful on the drums and on strings, praise him in strings and pipes,’ and so forth until the end of the psalm.

5. Although he remained at the royal court he did not forget the gospel-writer who says, Unless you leave everything behind you will not be able to be my disciple, Being inspired by divine providence, he chose to leave the earthly military service and to serve as a soldier for the heavenly King. Then he burned with the fire of divine love and he was bathed with the light of the Holy Spirit. Having gone out from the palace without any of his fellows or his servants, he wished to confess his desire. He took up the road which leads to the province of Rouen and he came to the convent at Fontanella in the territory of Rouen. There, on the great river Seine, the noble priest of the Lord Wandrille had built a monastery. There he led a laudable life with a great cohort of monks under the yoke of a holy rule. Indeed, when Ansbert had received hospitality in that same monastery, by the order of the holy man and according to the monastic law, he began to implore them humbly as if he were a servant until he was deemed worthy to see the holy father of the monastery. When the ministers of the father had announced the request to that pious man, at length he ordered the aforesaid elegant young man to be led into his presence. Having prostrated himself on the ground, he humbly adored the waiting Christ in such a great father and asked that he would make him a monk. He said that he would renounce the worldly body and mind and he said that he wished the hair to be cut off from his head, in the love of Christ, as it was ordered. Thus he violently entreated that he might be adopted as a monk. However the venerable father heard his holy and worthy postulation to God and said that he wished to have an end to consideration, so that, just as the apostolic and monastic rules teach, he should know to what he came. When this had been fulfilled, the renowned father received a spiritual brother in the spirit. They fulfilled his pious wishes, just as he had asked, and they handed him over to be dressed in the habit of clerical office.

6. Therefore from that time, the man of God started to burn with a love of reading the holy scriptures and he began to harvest those most sweet fruits with great zeal for the sake of understanding them. When the blessed father Wandrille perceived that the aforesaid young man possessed a sharpness of intelligence, he quickly ordered him to be given an abundance of volumes of different kinds. When Ansbert had hastened through them by diligently reading, he found the opinion of a certain holy father written in this way; “A monk lives in the monastery under one discipline of the father and the fellowship of many, so that he may learn humility from one and patience from another.” He read these and other things, hastening through them with his eyes which overflowed with tears like rain. He began to conduct himself most attentively so that he should be strong enough to fulfil what he read. Firstly, he took care to lay down a certain fundamental custom of all virtue and humility in his heart, imitating he who says: Learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart. Thus he submitted his devoted neck to the yoke of sweet Jesus and to his light burden. He was confirmed in the meeting of all the monks, being most humble and obedient to all. He was frequent in vigils, perpetual in prayers and fervent in spirit. He gloried in hope and served the Lord without intermission. He was also given an excess of tears due to the compunction of his heart which was infused with the Holy Spirit. When he had risen before the hour of vigils and prostrated himself with devoted prayers, he grew weary and he was touched with a sign which told him that he should rouse his brothers in order that they should sing repeatedly to the Lord. In the convent of prayers, he presented himself before all the others. In this also, just as in other acts, he demonstrated an imitable life to the monks. Thus the man of God who ruled over the government of the place, chided many by reproving them, and proved them guilty of their faint-heartedness. On account of this, though only recently converted into the work of God, the aforesaid young man outstripped them by his observation of the law. According to the monastic pattern, Wandrille began to love Ansbert more dearly because was worthy of high esteem, in every way, on account of his religious devotion. One day in the meeting of all the monks he humbly entreated Wandrille the noble priest of the Lord that he should grant him paternal licence to apply himself to work with his hands everyday outside the customary work of the brothers so that he might mortify his limbs which were his earthly hindrances. When he had made this request, the brothers were astonished at his worthy devotion to God and gave thanks to God. Indeed the spiritual father from whom he sought indulgence for himself praised him and began to fulfil his request with great devotion.

7. At that time, through the encouragement of the man of God, the blessed Wandrille began to plant and cultivate some vines approximately five hundred paces south of the aforesaid monastery. Once, while Ansbert, the aforementioned man of God, was working there with his brothers, Theuderic the young, future king, came upon them whilst he was hunting, as was the custom of the young men of the time. He came up to that man of God who converted him again to be prudent through doctrine, humble in custom and most holy by imitation. For the prince had already been consecrated a priest by Audoin, the holy pontiff of the church of Rouen. The same man of Christ fortified him with holy pious benediction and instructed him with encouragement through the priestly authority of many holy doctrines. Moreover, he predicted that he would be the future king. When Theuderic made some attempt to deny that this would come about, the man of God responded, “You know that you will be elevated to the honour of kingship; but you will know many in the kingdom who are turned against you and you will bear it. In this way you will obtain a victory from your enemies yet only after much labour.” The events that followed later proved what he said To this the young Theuderic said, “If the pious command of omnipotent God does establish me at the height of power in the kingdom I shall make you a worthy bishop of God so that the church of the faithful may grow through your holy doctrine.” Since the priest of the Lord said that he was unworthy of carrying such a great burden, the holy man announced that he would ascend fully to the height from the hereditary succession of the kingdom. Doubting him somewhat thus far he persisted, saying, “In this you will have sown the seeds of faith through my words. Although today at this wintry time, the place where your tent was pitched now seems beaten-down on account of the signs of trampling feet, it will produce green vegetation. Thus, near to the remains of those same tent skins, it will remain more green than other parts of the district for a long time.” In this way it happened exactly according to what the man of God decreed in the presence of those there. Indeed, that place where the tent was once fixed appears greener than any other part of the district, both in winter and in summer up till this day. Oh how great was the renowned glory of that holy man! The Almighty wished to demonstrate his praiseworthy merit by such signs, so that his virtue was made manifest to the people by such a presage and he blossomed just like a palm in the house of Christ. When the aforesaid man of the Lord had completed his manual work he was revived by very little sleep yet he exerted himself again with meditation of all that is holy. He shone with the light of such great humility, obedience and devotion and his heart burned with the fervour of true love of all those around him that he was venerated by everyone with wonder. Indeed he was always burning with desire for future glory, and was unfailing in the work of God.

8. Therefore the material of this work is now seen to tell how the holy man was chosen and constituted in the ruling of the place. When Wandrille, the renowned priest of the Lord had held the rule of that convent for a space of nearly twenty years, ever since the first day of its foundation, he was placed in a state of decrepitude. Before crossing over from this life, one day he was seized with languor and he came near to the end. Before the meeting of all the monks, with a voice full of tears, someone asked him whom they should elect from one another as leader. The following answer is said to have been returned, “There are two in our presence, my most shining sons, and these rectors have been chosen in my place. Protect my fragile retreat with your prayers and always remember our admonitions. By the great Christ I commit the care to our pastor who will conserve you with vigilance perpetually until the end.” When he had been received into the heavenly kingdom by the community of angels, the band of all the monks prayed to the Lord Christ for piety and celebrated three days of fasting. When they had done this, by the order of God they elected Lantbert, the servant of the Lord who was splendid in piety and noble in origins. He was born in the territory of Le Ternois to a father by the name of Erlebertus who had happily donated much treasure on the aforesaid Fontanella in that same region of le Ternois. That same venerable father Lantbert was full of charity, prominent in chastity and firm in faith. He was a provider of counsels who was laudable in goodness. Moreover he was affable in conversation as well as becoming in face and stature. Furthermore he was worthy of veneration by all because he was fervent in the Christian religion. Having been inspired by the grace of divine charity, the same father Lantbert laudably venerated Ansbert the servant of Christ like a father and he loved him as his son. In the sight of the Lord they were to each other one heart and one soul. Furthermore he who received the care of government sought the consultation of the holy Father Ansbert in managing the flock of the Lord. According to the rule of the holy fathers he acted strenuously and without blame in all things. Having incited many people by his examples of pious actions and by the sedulous exhortations of his words they seized the path of holy living.

9. King Theuderic, son of King Clovis, and Queen Balthild bestowed a certain paternal estate called Donzère on this venerable father Lantbert. The estate was beyond the river Rhône in the region which is properly called Provence. That is to say he gave this gift to the monks living in the convent of Fontanella so that, they could provide the church with oil for lamps and other things which were necessary. In this aforementioned place, the father built a noble convent of monks directed by monks from the convent of Fontanella who executed their work laudably and diligently. From this small gift a great monastery arose there and was distinguished in that region above all the others. This place was subject to the said monastery of Fontanella for many years until the time of the division of the kingdom, the discord of princes and the invasion of the wicked people of the Arabs. Then, along with other venerable places it was depopulated for some time and this brought an end to the subjection.

10. Also under his rule, the blessed Ermenlandus from the aforesaid monastery of Fontanella, as directed by the same father Lantbert, sought a certain island in the middle of the river Loire in the same region of Nantes which is called Indre from the venerable Pontiff Pascarius of Nantes. There he built a venerable convent of monks of the same name. In bestowing this gift, the aforesaid bishop Pascarius had ordered that after the death of the same venerable father Ermenlandus of the monastery of Fontanella they should establish for him rectors who were inhabitants from the aforesaid place through all successive generations. Likewise they should declare most openly the funds of the same place which till then were preserved in the aforesaid monastery of Fontanella.

11. Also the blessed pontiff of Christ, Erembertus of Toulouse, and the holy priest Condedus and the anchorite from the island of Britain assumed the habit, name and dignity of a monk of God from the aforementioned father Lantbert, in the aforesaid monastery of Fontanella, when he held the rule of the place. Indeed there were many more things about this great father which happened through him or under his rule which we could recount, if we did not have to hurry on to other things for the sake of God and for the use of this place. We described these more fully, some time ago, in the Book of Deeds as an example to those to come and for their memory.

12. We shall describe briefly how, indeed, he was elected to the rule of Lyons, the most celebrated town of Gaul. Therefore when Genesius, the holy bishop of the town, had died, Lantbert’s laudable acts commended his worthy life to God in that very place. The pious King Theuderic and the famous Pippin, son of Ansegislus, that is to say the cousin of the blessed father Wandrille, took counsel with the leading men of the palace. Thus with divine providence and with the unanimous vote of the people of that town and of that region they elected him as bishop. Although he resisted it for a long time on account of his humility and did not wish to receive it he was compelled by royal command and by priestly election. Thus he was ordained the metropolitan pontiff of that town. Having been directed to that province with the worthy honour of his priests, he ruled the flock of Christ irreprehensibly and humbly by means of his accustomed holy piety and exemplary acts and speech. Having been called by God, he was stripped of the earthly chains of corruption and passed happily and with joy to the supernal city.

13. In the aforesaid monastery of Fontanella, after the departure of the same holy pontiff, Lantbert, by divine will, the monks of that same congregation unanimously elected the blessed Ansbert to be placed over them as rector. When he received the care of government he meditated assiduously, as if he had received a great burden, that is to say to rule the souls of the flock committed to him by the Lord and to take care for the morals of many. Since, he was skilled more than all in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, incessantly he gave out the food of eternal vigour to the flock which was committed to him and he showed them the way of holy life through his words and actions. For, just as other leaders, so he was more humble than all. He was meagre in dress, moderate in food and devoted to perpetual abstinence. He was also richly adorned with chastity, cheerful of heart and healthy in body. He yielded to the virtues of patience and charity and having heaped up an abundance of riches he also indulged in the largesse of almsgiving. Being thus adorned by the works of holy virtue, he shone with fire like a lamp among the brothers. Indeed, one day, as he was reciting the proclamations of divine law to the whole monastery, as was his usual custom in the same way that the flaming hearts of those listening were turned to the ardour of charity by the abundance of his eloquence, so many of them were compelled to tears. They gave great thanks to the omnipotent God, saying, “Blessed omnipotent God, though we do not deserve such a thing, you have given to us such a master by the inspiration of your piety.” He was highly esteemed by all as a true father and they acted towards him as devoted sons. But he always took care to be loved more than feared and to pledge his soul to the ever-watchful care for the saving of souls. Therefore, when the prerogatives of the merits of the same blessed father became known further away, many people flocked to him from every direction and sought salvation through his beneficial counsels. Since he shone with the dignity of the priesthood, he received the confessions of those flocking to him. He gave advice for their spiritual health and told them how they could be saved. He told them that they should keep immovably to the ways of justice without failure due to any weariness. Through his doctrine and prayers many who were strengthened and fortified, rushed to the grace of conversion. Many brought gifts wrought from different kinds of precious metals and other possessions as well as much land in divers places and territories. The curious reader may easily find out about all of these by inspection of the wills and donations of the faithful. Also it is common knowledge that the gifts amount to thousands. For he passed through everything with the sanctity of religion according to God. He was prudent with the power of argument and news of his laudable, or more precisely imitable, goodness and religious devotion spread everywhere.

14. In the aforesaid venerable monastery of Fontanella among the happy deeds of his goodness he founded a hospital for the weak and infirm poor. Furthermore, in resemblance of the number of the apostles he established twelve men as deputies for that same matter, and these men gave out alms generously. Also he founded two other houses for the poor and infirm of Christ in the same monastery. According to the sacred number, he made these in eight days, and eight people lived in each one. In these places he resolved to lavish food for the needs of those without, everyday for ever. There was no other freedom of hours for them. During the hours which were set aside day and night they resided in the house of the Lord and followed the divine oration and freedom devotedly. At that time they offered the Saviour and Victim of the holy sacrifices for the salvation of the people of Christ and the universal church everywhere. Oh what great and glorious works of this holy father which cannot be described so well, with such words, as they stand together with virtues!

15. Meanwhile, laying these aside, with the help of supernal grace of piety, I set out to narrate how this same venerable man ascended to the grade of pontiff. In those days it fell about that the blessed Audoin, the pontiff of the town of Rouen who was full of virtues and holy acts, was called by the Lord and happily departed this world. The blessed father Ansbert attended this man’s funeral, together with some of the other monks and with many cohorts of the clerics and priests of Christ. They solemnly celebrated the vigils of his sacred departure and honoured him with the proper dignities of the funeral service. After his holy burial, so that the church should not endure the loss of the pastor who had died, all the citizens of the town of Rouen sent a petition to the glorious King Theuderic. Then with his permission and authority, they elected the blessed Ansbert to be consecrated bishop over them. The king rejoiced at his election because he knew that wisdom overflowed abundantly in that holy father and because he also knew that he was strong in religious devotion. There was no delay. Some legates came to the blessed father Ansbert and disclosed the order of the king. The king was holding his royal court in the villa of Clichy-la-Garenne, which is in the Parisian territory. There he considered the profit and defence of the kingdom with a great convention of people around him. These legates compelled Ansbert to go there in order that the king might consult him as to how he should conduct the business of the kingdom, as he was accustomed to do – for Ansbert was the king’s confessor. However, when the aforesaid man of God heard this, he knew well that he would not be summoned to that place unless it was for the king to proffer his assent to his election to the town of Rouen. Furthermore it is said that, on account of humility, he responded to the legates of the king that he was exempt because he was not worthy of the office of pastoral care. They hurriedly carried back to the king and announced the response which they had received. Following this the king sent them to him again. Cunningly the king said that he would do nothing against his wishes after they had talked together over what he wished to do about the office of pontiff. As he was full of the wisdom of holy simplicity, he resolved to go to visit the king. Then he was elected by the unanimous vote of the holy priests, the king and his princes and by the citizens of the aforesaid metropolitan town. He was taken into the palace by the holy archbishop Lantbert of the see of Lyons and by other holy bishops who had convened together in that place and he was consecrated in the pontificate of the church of Rouen. This was done by order of divine providence so that he who had been faithful in a few things was set over many by the Lord so that he might give an abundant measure of food to his household at the proper time.

16. Then, having been elevated to the pontifical honour and burden, he began to shine more fully with works of holiness. He began to radiate with the light of preaching and, just like the burning light no longer under a bushel but placed on a stand, he dispelled the shadows of errors and showed the true way to all. He began to act in piety and mercy to all, to care for the poor incessantly, to defend the cause of widows and orphans, to take particular care of pilgrims and guests, to administer the distribution of alms to all, generously and joyfully. At all times, he hastened to demonstrate these things and similar examples to those people subjected to him. For he blossomed under that church of Christ just as he had flourished before at the monastery. He grew with graces, and decreased in wealth. Sometimes he came into the place where the treasures of the church were stored away and ordered some to be presented to him and he ordered others to be noted down. He reserved a great deal so that the pious giving of alms from the purse of the holy mother of the church might proceed with the benign fruit of piety. For he sent out those things which had been collected together and for a long time had been without occupation, in order to curb the penury of true hunger, which then gravely pressed the people everywhere and he sent out the treasure which had been useless for a long time for the proper use of the needy. At another time, he made his dispensation with prayers. For it then fell about that a crowd of poor people clamoured together outside, seeking alms. Hearing this and recollecting the divine sentence which says, “A man who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry and not be heard” he gave them alms, generously and made all of them return home rejoicing. Therefore at that time when he solemnly celebrated the solemnities of the mass in his see, the people of the diocese came together from all over in a great multitude of both men and women. Having read the reading of the holy gospel, he turned to the people and began to predict many things to come, both things which were good, bad or to be feared. In order that he might not bruise one or extol the other, he impressed on them that the avid longing for profits of eternal happiness should be sought. Since he predicted many things to them about the present and the future through the illustration of the Holy Spirit on account of that great and excellent grace of prediction which had been given to him, they were all compelled and, having been kindled by the fire of divine fear, they were set on fire to do penance and other exercises of good works. They gave thanks to the great dispenser of all good things who gave them such a cure. Not because of their own merit but because of his personal piety he conceded that they might temper their memory of the pastor whom they had recently sent away, by vision of his body. Since the whole church rejoiced over the pious pastor, the town celebrated in the illustrious prophet and all of the country exulted magnificently in such wisdom and prudence from the counsellor. Yet having completed the solemnities of the mass, he ordered all the citizens, that is to say the noble and common people, to be led in for the feast which had been prepared. There, when he had made them all lie down in their places in a proper manner, he himself sat at the table of the poor, imitating the one who, although he was rich, was made poor on our account and who also promised in retribution of just words, saying whatever you did for one of the least of these you did for me. Oh what a shining pontiff who gave double nourishment to his household everyday! He filled their bodies with earthly food and refreshed their souls with the food of the divine word.

17. Indeed, since he kept vigils most attentively for the health of souls, also he would call the archdeacons together and remind them that they should diligently take great care of the people and the restoration of churches with great honour. Also, they were accustomed to exempt that part of the town owned by the pontiff from the census of the public districts, according to canon laws and they most benignly granted free benevolence in the restorations of churches by the priest of the same temple of God. He was also eager to rule more with love than to hold dominion with terror. Then as he had obtained the first pontifical grade it was agreed that inviolate fraternal love should be held as his first care and special labour. Now indeed no-one was ever able to deny with his tongue that Ansbert’s charity flowed fully in all things.

18. Meanwhile, while I remember his grace in all things, he also exercised great solicitude and ever-vigilant care over the holy congregation of monks at the convent of Fontanella, in many ways. Among other remaining deeds of his prerogative, the authority of his privilege is published by the inhabitants of the aforesaid convent with great devotion, out of love for God and reverence for the saints. Since he was consecrated in the pontificate by the election of the holy priests and of all the citizens of Rouen and with the consent of the glorious King Theuderic, due to his great fervour of love, he always held the aforesaid convent venerably and published the authority of his privilege. For, through the succession of time, according to the rule of the holy father Benedict and as was their privilege under the authority of the preceding kings, that is to say of Clovis, Chlothar, Childeric and Theuderic, which described the authority of their privilege that they might elect for themselves an abbot from among themselves, this law ordered, by the word of binding justice, that both those under his rule and those before and after, who were to serve the Lord as soldiers, should zealously and faithfully serve Christ, according to the rule of the holy Father Benedict, just as it was under his rule. If anyone in the future tried to deviate, or were driven to deviate, from the proper way and observation of the rule of the holy Benedict either through culpable sin or through the negligence of the shepherd, then the convocation of remaining holy priests and soldiers of Christ should come together, and those failing should be led back through the council to a pristine state. If indeed, with him placed in pontifical authority, they had scorned his authority and chosen to lead the wicked life and way of living, they should know that they were eternally damned under the chains of anathema. However the authority of this privilege was declared in the general synod in the town of Rouen in the 682nd year after the incarnation of the Lord in the tenth year of the indiction, which was the sixteenth year of the reign of the aforesaid glorious Theuderic and the fifth year of the episcopate of the aforesaid venerable bishop. There, many things being acceptable to God were discussed for the future usefulness of the church. Also present were other holy pontiffs and venerable men who had been called out especially by the bishop from each of their parishes and sees. Their names are written below:
I, Ansbert, archbishop of the town of Rouen, and the following people presided over this council. Bishop Ratbertus, Bishop Regulus, Bishop Ageradus of the town of Chartres, Ansoaldus, Bishop of the town of Poitiers, Aquilinus, bishop of the town of Evreux, Bishop Chadoenus, Bishop Armonius, Bishop Salvius, Bishop Desiderius, Bishop Fulcramnus, Bishop John, Bishop Willibertus, Gerebaldus, bishop of the town of Bayeux, Bishop Taurinus, Aunobertus, bishop of the town of Sées, Abbot Celsus, Abbot Audomarus, Abbot Scladio, Abbot Bosochindus, Genardus, the glorious deputy of the aforesaid great bishop, the venerable Archdeacons Ermentramnus, Ferrocinctus and Forcianus. Also there was present a great number of priests and deacons residing there and from the surrounding area. By order of the holy pontiff, Ragnomirus the reader certified and recorded the acts of this holy council and the authority of this privilege.

19. When these powerful men had gathered together to him, the same venerable bishop exhorted the great men always to serve fervently with souls devoted to the commands of Christ. He also urged them that they should always give thanks to Christ who, by his own death and resurrection, breathed life into our death with the hope of resurrection, offering eternal life and shaking the horror of eternal death. Thus he persuaded them that they should hold onto life and should not fear the end of life.

20. However among those remaining acts of his goodness, which he performed during his episcopate, we come to narrate how, for Christ’s sake, he also translated the body of the venerable and holy Bishop Audoin to a more eminent place in the church of the holy Peter which is in the suburb of the town of Rouen. Thus, since he had gathered together many craftsmen from different provinces, he put together a tomb of amazing magnitude. This can be seen with the human eye, even now, decorated with precious metals of gold and silver and adorned with precious gems. Therefore, a day was chosen and during the solemnities of the Ascension of the Lord Christ, with a multitude of priests and monks and other clerics united together, he ordered that holy body to be raised with great reverence. It was re-entombed with a great amount of honour in the apse of the aforesaid church of the holy Peter with the praise of hymns and with the clerics singing happily and with joy. Among the other venerable men in this holy convent there was also Genardus, the most excellent deputy of Ansbert. It was he who had made the preparations for a great feast since such an innumerable group of people had come together from many places for the holy translation of so venerable a bishop. However when the solemnities of the mass had been completed, by order of the holy pontiff, the aforesaid Genardus sat to eat with the noble men while, according to his usual custom, the excellent pontiff Ansbert lay down with the pilgrims and poor people with whom he rejoiced to take his feast. For, in performing the office of ministry on that day, he humbly showed his allegiance to the poor and needy by restoring them. He was most agreeable with a merry face and appearance. He deserved to be the minister of the poor man or more precisely he deserved to be the minister of the Lord Christ who promised that anyone who gives to the needy would be given more treasure in heaven. Great care was given to those visiting there or who were there as guests. Meanwhile his character was equal to the munificence of his soul and his ministry was equal to his faith. Not only did he give sufficient food to those in need, but he also gave covering to their bodies and generously gave them money. Therefore, a host of divers people frequently came to him from various regions. He enriched them both personally and, through excellent men, with both the wealth of encouragement and the worthy pontifical blessing from God. He joyfully distributed the necessary subsistence for the body without want. Indeed many wondered how the pious giver afforded to support such a flow of giving. For even though the substance of the giver had been exhausted, however, through faith, there was always money for alms. Indeed, at the aforesaid translation of the venerable and blessed pontiff Audoin, all the citizens of the town of Rouen and the inhabitants of the surrounding monasteries, that is to say the clerics and nuns, merited to be made anew from the abundant gift of the venerable bishop. Thereafter, the anniversary of the translation was always celebrated by all the citizens of the town with solemn celebrations in commemoration of the blessed pontiff Audoin. Yet that same pontiff of distinguished life always remembered the people committed to him by the Lord. According to the order of his ministry, he frequently went around his own parishes, for the sake of delivering the dew of holy preaching and the sweetness of holy living into their minds. Also, he always surrounded himself with men of excellent life for this work of holy ministry. With their help secured, he could lead the believing people to the kingdom through the eternal vision. Thus he held together many servants of God by the grace of preaching.

21. However that enemy who is the adversary of humankind and the rival of good deeds pledged death to men because of his envy. He worked with most cunning arts so that a man who was splendid in the world and more splendid in Christ should be deprived of his proper pontifical see and that there should be pain for the people through the loss of such a great pastor. For when savage discord arose among the princes of the Franks from various divisions in the kingdom, the cunning enemy of mankind caused the envy of wicked men to be waged against the servant of God. Through the devil, they fraudulently suggested to Prince Pippin that the holy man had plotted wicked deeds against him. For with the illustrious Warratto withdrawn from the first place of order he was supplanted by his wicked son Giselmarus and, by the Lord’s command, Pippin achieved the position of the prefect of administration. At that time, having been accused by that same prince, the aforesaid holy pontiff was found at fault. He was sent into exile at the monastery of Hautmont, which is in the territory of Famars, and Hinaut on the river Sambre. At this time, the venerable abbot Aldulfus presided there. Therefore, with no crime extant, he humbly entered upon the hardship of exile.
[One MS adds in verse:
Clement, a little while ago sent from Rome by Trajan the Caesar and Ansbert here from Rouen by the prince of the Franks. He saved many people by his holy dogma and here he leads many by virtue to the heavenly path. In coming to him all of them were saved at the insula and also thereafter many were saved at the river Sambre. For the enemy strove to strike against them with hurts. On account of this Christ gave him great profits like those of a soldier]

22. Indeed, when Ansbert arrived at the aforesaid monastery, he began to show the example of light to all the local inhabitants by his accustomed holy life and by his works of pious religion. He found them fervent in the divine religion but after a little space of time by his example and doctrine he rendered them even more fervent. Indeed, he frequently prostrated himself by passing the night in long, enduring fasts and vigils and he was stiffened with an assiduous rain of prayers and of tears. The Almighty blessed him so that all the local inhabitants immediately sensed his imitable devotion to Christ and loved him with a singular affection and wished that he would be with them for a long time. Indeed he declared the works of usefulness to many of the inhabitants among those around him at the convent and his lessons remain useful today. However by the cunning instigation of the ancient enemy the envy of some wicked men burned against that same man of God. They endeavoured to suggest to the aforesaid prince that he should inflict a greater pain of exile on him. Wherefore the same shining pastor sent for the aforesaid venerable father Aldulfus and directed him to the aforesaid most excellent prince together with other venerable men, humbly satisfying the wishes of his heart. Ansbert cast aside the grade of bishop which he had not received through his own will as he had received that ministry by the order of the prince and by election by the people. On account of this, the aforesaid father of the monastery proceeded to that same celebrated prince. Secure in God’s help, he succeeded in accomplishing what he had sought by urging. The same prince recalled that he was closely related to Wandrille, the holy father, under whose holy discipline the aforesaid holy Pontiff Ansbert had risen some time ago to the rule of the order. As the deeds were done wrongly, he yielded over the matter with clemency and gave him licence to return to his own see. Yet this was not to be because it was prevented by divine order, as we shall continue to describe.

23. On his return, the aforesaid venerable Abbot Aldulfus published the command of the prince. In response, the same holy pontiff said, “I thank you good Jesus who broke the chains of your servant and gave pleasing words to the prince. You freed me from the hand of those rising against me and you also threw me into this hardship of exile through your love.” Indeed, he remembered what he had read somewhere, that great men endure many things and that, being living examples themselves, they should instruct others to endure. Therefore he did not cease to afflict himself incessantly with humble spirit and contrite heart, offering worthy oblation to the Most High everyday with praise. For if he had lived during the time of the persecutions of Nero or of Decius there is no doubt that he would have held no great fear of the power of fire nor the savaging of beasts nor the suspension from a young colt, nor the tip of a sword of the persecutors on account of confession of the Lord Christ.

24. Indeed, knowing from divine revelation that the day of his calling was imminent – for he merited an angelic visitation – again he sent his humble petition to the aforesaid religious prince asking that he should grant licence for the remains of his body to be carried to the monastery of Fontanella where some time ago he had commanded the rule of the order for the Lord. That prince agreed to the petition and so that it might be done freely, he conceded immediately. Although a few of those with him differed from him, however many were comforted by the Lord even though, the same father stood in little need for human consolation because he delighted in angelic obsequies. Indeed on the 9th February, when the hour of his calling was imminent, he called his cohort of brothers together and celebrated the solemnities of the mass for himself. Then, having taken the body and blood of the Lord, he prepared himself. Signing himself and all those around him with the sign of the cross he received his last rest and sleeping in the quietness of death he crossed happily from the world. His holy soul, which was generous and sincere and uncontaminated by all contact with the world, was received by the angelic chorus into the consort of the holy so that it might be established there for ever in perpetual happiness.

25. When they had washed the body and came to dress him in the shroud, they found the skin in the bends of his knees and elbows hardened as a result of his constant prayers. Thus what he had done living, his limbs sought to do in death and the discharged flesh stretched itself out. Thus that holy body was dressed in the great ambition of faith and covered all over from above with only a wax linen as he himself had foretold. This was accomplished for him by the Lord so that his bones would be taken to be buried in the aforesaid monastery of Fontanella. For the brothers took care that he should be dressed just as he was accustomed to be when he assisted at the holy altars of Christ. However when they wished to place the waxed cloth from his head, they saw that his eyes were open so that he looked like one who was living. Some even said that he was alive again. Indeed his face was flushed with a rosy coloured glow. Furthermore certain men said that it was as if he was indignant at the prospect of the imposition of the wax cloth. For they saw that he was not without his glory which is the glory of God in his holy triumph. His funeral rites were performed with the religious dedication of faith. That place was so blessed to have possessed such a patron and so unfortunate to have lost so much. Afterwards they buried him with great and worthy honour.

26. Indeed, when the lamps of oil before his tomb were full of liquid and had been lit by faithful men, they not only burned unceasingly day and night but also overflowed. The brothers wondered at this fact and thought that it was sent by divine glory. They placed another vessel which was filled by the trickles of that divine gift of oil. Oh great and renowned pastor! Most celebrated Ansbert, you glorious personification of happiness! For your merit did not need to be proven by signs since the operation of your glorious and admirable way of life which was full of virtues afforded a perpetual sign of your holy virtue. But what more need I say? The Lord allowed many miracles and signs to be worked through him in that place.

27. Indeed when seventeen days had passed, the legates who had been sent to the aforesaid prince returned with the licence which they had received from him so that his body might justly be transferred by them to Fontanella according to his wish without any impediment of law. When they opened his tomb, they thought that his venerable body would now stink after it had been buried for such a long time. However the whole church was filled with such a most sweet fragrant smell like the aroma of various flowers. Moreover little drops of balsam flowed from the tomb. The brothers who had come from their own provinces to see him and those he had kept with him in exile wished to change his clothes and to dress him with new garments. Having taken off his clothes before he was put back in the tomb just as previously they found the sign of the Lord’s cross on his arms and a similar rosy colour so that all the faithful understood clearly that because he had carried the armour of Christ in his heart while he was living, marks of the cross were shown on his body in death.

28. Then he was dressed in pontifical garments and placed on a litter. The prelates went before him with spices and incense. The citizens of Rouen and monks of the convent of Fontanella who had come to him lifted up that venerable body and bearing that precious burden and praising with tears, they took up their way. Also, the aforesaid venerable abbot Aldulfus along with a large cohort of his monks and innumerable people of both sexes attended him. They carried banners of the holy cross, as well as candles and lamps of different kinds. As they went they all sang the melody of hymns, canticles and religious poems in his sweet praise. The choruses of love resounded together with the discordant sounds of divers languages. Since that place was truly happy to have had such a pastor and had received such a patron so sweetly as they carried his holy and venerable bones over the earth, they were confident that he was in the heavens and giving them his protection. The venerable body of the precious confessor was carried to the monastery of Fontanella by these troops of faithful people, surrounded and honoured with music. However, the venerable abbot Aldulfus, together with his counts who were his companions on the journey, acted as servants to the body with great honour as far as the royal town of Venette which is situated in the region of Beauvais by the river Oise.

29. When they came to a town called Solèsmes on the river Selle in the territory of Hinaut, they turned aside in search of hospitality because they were fatigued from the long journey there and in need of refreshment. There a certain man ran up to them carrying his daughter who was destroyed by a paralysing malady of her limbs. She did not even have the strength to move her feet and walk so that she seemed as if she was dead. Calling with great prayers and with weeping this man implored the holy bishop Ansbert to bring health back to his only daughter. Since the ministers and custodians of the most holy body permitted that the bier might stay the night, they spent the whole night in vigils and singing divine hymns. In the morning the man found his daughter healthy. Thus he rejoiced and gave thanks to God and to Ansbert, the holy bishop, in many different ways. He returned home with his daughter, rejoicing. Oh God how awesome are you in your holiness who worked a miracle through your servant Ansbert in this way with glorious merit.

30. Therefore, when they reached the place at which they were supposed to stop, for the sake of resting, instead, coming to another town, they chose to pass the coming night resting there. However when they wished to divert to that place, the body of the most holy bishop remained immovable in the hands of those carrying it like a great heavy burden. Then most of the other men came and tried to help but nevertheless the body remained as immovable as before. When they had understood that the body was divinely acted upon, they changed their journey to another place. Having moved there with speed, attended by divine virtue, they came through to the appropriate place. It was believed that they were made to wait by holy God for the sake of the dignity of the bishop. Thereafter, throughout the whole of the pious journey, the almighty Lord showed his attendants places which were suitable for the limbs of his servant.

31. Indeed, when they came to the aforementioned town of Venette, a great crowd of people from the same province of the town of Rouen was at hand to greet the body of the holy bishop. Among them were the bishops and fathers of the holy monasteries along with the neighbouring clergy of their venerable lord, that same holy pontiff as well as innumerable common people both men and women. They came to him with great devotion and with the singing of psalms. From that place, the venerable abbot Aldulfus and those accompanying him on his journey turned back to their own monastery.

32. The miracle which was performed through the servant of Christ in the town of Fresnoy, which is situated in the region of Beauvais, is one which my pen rejoices to describe among these things which have been written together. When his holy body had been carried to that same town, a certain local woman who was bound in chains and was vexed by an unworldly spirit was led to the body. “Why,” she said, “Have you brought Ansbert the servant of Jesus Christ our Lord into this province who expelled me from my proper see?” When the same woman had approached and had touched the covering which covered the body, she shouted with a great voice and at once by the merits of the holy pontiff, she spewed out the enemy of humankind with blood and gore. Thus a great miracle was done. Indeed she gave thanks to Almighty God and to the holy Ansbert through whom she had been cured from a pernicious spirit and had received health and been returned to herself. Oh blessed Lord Christ, King of all the world and creator and guardian of all that is holy you deigned to perform miracles through the great merit of his servant. Then in the same town, in honour of the holy bishop Ansbert, a church was built by the faithful people. His bed remained in the same church from a long time and signs of virtue were performed there on account of the divine merit of that same holy man.

33. When approximately twenty days and more had passed they came into the territory of Rouen in a place which is called Paldriac. There the Almighty Lord deigned to show a miracle in the same way through the merits of his same holy bishop, this time to more senior men. A certain woman who had been seized by a demon was led by her parents, bound in chains, to seek the protection of the holy man. When she came to the bed where the body of the holy man was preserved she touched the cloth with which it was covered. Raising her voice to the stars, straightaway she was freed from the demon and made most healthy by the grace of God and by the merits of the holy Ansbert. Now healthy, she turned back to her own home by her own powers. Glory honour and power be to our God, who thus triumphs in the merits of the holy bishop with signs of miracles.

34. Indeed, in this place in which the Almighty performed this miracle there was a paternal estate of certain illustrious men, namely Bertold and Radamastus, some four miles distant from the monastery of Fontanella. Indeed, it is said that when they tried to lift the most sacred body, it was held immovable, as if they strove with a great stone with iron nails and bands. Since it was not able to be moved, Radamastus, the possessor of the place is reported to have said, “Alas, Ansbert, faithful servant of Christ who is stationed among the train of his worshippers, remember us whom you loved in life and defend us from the joys of the world. Now, Christ returns you to us here. For that reason, I offer this treasure to Almighty God and to you, most holy bishop. I give it to you for all time.” Indeed, Radamastus, that honourable man himself, and his brother Bertold immediately gave up everything which they possessed in treasure and material things. They delivered it all to the blessed Bishop Ansbert and also to the monastery of Fontanella. Thus they shook off the yoke of liberty and they received the yoke of service to the Lord with subjected necks. In that very place they assumed together the name and habit of monks. Indeed on the aforesaid property of the men, that is to say on the public road and the paved area which lies next to Rouen and leads to the town, a wooden cross was erected by the faithful where the body of the holy and venerable pontiff Ansbert paused, in honour and in memory of him. There, many infirm people, who were vexed by diverse illnesses, frequently received the gift of health through the generosity of the Lord and because of the merits of the holy Ansbert. There, around the anniversary of day of that he paused there or came to that place which is the 10th March, innumerable people come together to honour him and pray to him. They solemnly render prayers to the pious Lord with great devotion of vigils, divine hymns and diverse gifts. In that same place through his many merits signs of miracles were constantly performed which surpass the knowledge of this narrator by their great number. For there those deprived of light received their sight and the lame received the power of walking. Those whose tongues were bound also received the power of words. People without the office of their ears received hearing. Demons were frequently expelled from the human bodies which they possessed.

35. Indeed on the 8th April, a certain woman who had been paralysed for many years came to that same place where the symbol of the holy cross had been erected. Coming there with true faith, she was restored to pristine health and her limbs which had not pressed the earth for a long time because they were feeble were suddenly changed as soon as she was touched with the relics. We thank God without measure because he deigned to show such miracles on account of his aforesaid servant. Also, following this time in that place, a church was built in honour of the holy Bishop Ansbert by the august and excellent work of the venerable Abbot Hiltbertus the successor of the same holy father in the ruling of the order at Fontanella.

36. Yet passing over these things, we set our pen to the order of the translation of the aforesaid servant of Christ. Those who came with his body and who transferred him to the monastery of Fontanella, carried him into that church of the holy apostle Paul. The old and young, the boys and infants and the whole chorus of monks wept. Indeed, the venerable abbot Hiltbertus who was strong in holiness and had assumed the upright life along with the brothers, approached the venerable body, thinking that it would smell from so long a time in the tomb – for it was nearly thirty days since it had been buried. Yet when they had removed the garment covering his holy head such a sweet smell flowed out from it that the church was filled with the odour of divers spices and incense. Indeed his face was turned red as if he was in a deep sleep, giving the impression of one living. Many holy bishops and venerable fathers surveyed the face. It seemed to all the people who were there that it was a stupendous sign of a miracle. Then they wrapped the body in clean muslin and an intricate covering. They placed his venerable body in the tomb which they had prepared for him in the same church of the holy Apostle Paul next to the tomb of the most holy Father Wandrille with all diligence, fear and praise. This was on the 11th March in the 695th year from the incarnation of Jesus Christ our lord God to whom is honour and power, right and order through all eternity for ever and ever. Amen
[One MS adds:
In the fourth year of the reign of Childebert, king of the Franks which was eighth of the leadership of duke Pippin the elder, the fifth year of the presidency of Sergius as apostolic pope, year ten of the rule of Emperor Justinian II, which is the year of our Lord 695, the nourish-giving man, Ansbert of glorious memory and pontiff of the town of Rouen sought the kingdom of heaven, in the octave of the 9th of February in the territory of Hagnau and monastery of Hautmont under the abbot Hadulfus and where he was worthily consigned to the tomb. Then seventeen days after, he was lifted up and was carried away to the monastery of Fontanella accompanied with signs of virtue. On the thirtieth day the teacher of the people was buried in the church next to his fellow angelic man and famous Father Wandrille. Here ends the Life of the holy Archbishop Ansbert.]

Sulpicius of Bourges

2007-05-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

translation copyrighted property of Sarah Brush (nee Hamilton)

Vita Sulpicii Episcopi Biturgi, ed. B. Krusch, Monumenta Germaniae Historica Scriptores Rerum Merovingicarum IV pp. 364-380.

[HERE BEGINS THE PROLOGUE OF THE HOLY BISHOP SULPICIUS.

From the beginning of time and in all periods of history throughout the world, I believe that men elected by God – in whom the grace of the Holy Spirit shines back and who, through signs of the Lord’s miracles, are themselves seen to show consolation and provocation of those seeking – have not been wanting. Indeed in modern times He deemed it worthy to show many amazing wonders through his one bishop, Sulpicius, to whose life my sermon is worthily dedicated. Concerning this work, I have been ordered by the brothers that I ought to write down the things which I know in order to leave it for future posterity. Indeed, I know myself to be unequal to the task of this work to which I have been enjoined and I know that I am not able to note down the great virtues of the man of God which he worked from the beginning of his adolescence with fitting words, as it would be proper to pour forth. However, so as not to refuse their injunction insolently and because I saw him little, I have taken care to bind together information both from the relation of those who ministered to him from his adolescence to his old age and decrepitude and that of many more faithful people who saw and noted not a little.
HERE ENDS THE PROLOGUE.

HERE BEGINS THE LIFE OF THE SAME.]
1. Therefore the holy and most blessed Bishop Sulpicius remained in the house of his parents, while he lived a worldly life. Being devoted to good works, he was seen to do nothing else but construct a monastery or build a church or to keep himself tirelessly busy in mercy for the poor. He was seen to express the bond of marriage with his love of chastity and when the Lord deigned to satisfy his prayers and good intentions, with his hair cut off from the crown of his head, he received the burden of clerical office. He succeeded the steps of ecclesiastical dignities until he ascended to the burden of the bishopric by election of the people and with the support of the clergy in the city of Bourges. Thus it was done with the help of God. No-one else persisted in that office, according to the church law, more than he did. He endeavoured to care for the poor with such great effort that they always had nourishments and were covered with some form of clothing and he imparted to them whatever was useful or necessary.

2. After some time, a noble man from the palace of the king, by the name of Theudogisilus then compelled his cause to the Lord and was seen to seek the memorable Pontiff Sulpicius. Being accustomed to love, Sulpicius received him joyfully and called out his entertainment. Since it was the time of winter and the ministers seemed to suffer from the cold, they arranged a great heaped fire. While no-one was paying attention to the fire, by chance it happened that it nearly consumed his house. A great flame from the fire began to grow so that the feasters and others were struck with fear. They were thinking of nothing else than to proceed by swift running out of the house. When they got up, the fire grew greater and greater. The blessed bishop lifted up his eyes to heaven and imposed the sign of the cross with his hand. The fire ceased that very moment. All those who saw this divine miracle gave thanks. After this the pontiff drew his hand to himself. It was just as if the fire was put out by the coming of a multitude of much water over it.

3. After a short space of time, a certain man brought his adolescent son – about the age of ten – whose tongue, from his birth, had never formed any speech. In this state, his parents made him come to the aforementioned bishop. Indeed that man held his hands and eyes, which were full of tears, to heaven. He prayed to God that he might deign through his mercy to open the boy’s mouth. After the priest had made his oration, he rose from the dust and touched the tongue of the boy. By the interceding mercy of Christ, at once, he spoke.

4. I have not yet thought of setting down a description of that time when he, the holy man gave leave for no-one, neither heretic, gentile or Jew, to live in the city of Bourges without the grace of baptism. For the Jews were seen to be present in the aforesaid city at that time. They frequently spoke to him with fawning and he would speak the divine word to them just as it is said in the Gospel, because whoever is not renwed by water and by the Holy Spirit shall not possess the kingdom of God. By day and by night he prayed earnestly for their conversion by the Lord’s mercy and that, at first a few, then all of them should submit to him and come together to the grace of baptism in the church. Having been baptised by the bishop himself, they are indeed seen to live under the Christian tradition.

5. Who out of the clergy, in comparison with the blessed man, could be thus able to maintain a vigil for continual nights or to fast for a month? He endured the whole night at the church for the sake of singing psalms not going out from there unless he had performed all the psalms up to the last number.

6. At that same time, being filled with longing, King Dagobert ordered his general, his man Lollonus, who was without any vestige of mercy, that the people of Bourges should at once be placed under law and under him and should live and serve the king’s command. At this affliction, all the people of that region came in a crowd to the memorable man of God in such a multitude of lamenting, with moaning being raised up in a confused voice, imploring the man of God that he should come down to him. However, having been moved by piety and not holding up to their wailing and tears, he demanded God’s mercy through the imposition of a fast. The clergy and people fasted for three days so that they might be brought to remembrance and might be relieved of their affliction. He sent a certain man from his clergy, one Ebargisilus by name to the most glorious King Clovis. He was commissioned to beg him, with all humility and lamentation and tears, that he should send goodness into the kingdom which had been invaded by wickedness. Indeed by this fact, the king was scared off and at once, he informed the people that they were freed of that census. He ordered the assessment which had been made for presentation to be returned. Indeed, having been relieved from affliction, those people remain in total liberty up to this present day.

7. The memorable pontiff saw himself seriously encumbered with such a great task between the care of the church and the care for the poor as well as the business of the whole community that he asked the king for a partner to support this burden. The king offered his approval to this. That which he had sought was given and thus it was done. Indeed, because of his humility, that man who cared first for the poor was then seen to give help more and more to the defence of the poor. Indeed, some drew away from him because he had left the episcopate and handed it over to another. He took pleasure in the multiplication of others becoming dedicated to God but he persisted in the work undertaken and fleeing human praise and shunning the boasting of vanity, he persisted always in this work so that he might relieve the poor from need everywhere.

8. However, after the span of his life was completed, he went to the Lord full of days. When he was carried from the church to his tomb, such a multitude of poor people who were in mourning came together in the same place, so that all the streets were crowded. They raised a disorderly voice up into the air so that such a cracking was heard just as if great thunder was seen to strike that place. Indeed, among the beating voices nothing was heard except all those shouting, “Good Shepherd why do you desert us? Or to whom do you leave us today? In your death all of us die.” He came to the basilica which he himself had previously ordered to be built. When his body had been carried into the sepulchre, the poor could not sustain his absence. They lay like cadavers in the church in such a great multitude that the clerics were not free or able to ministrate in the church and carry out the offices.

9. There was no delay, in a few days, a certain disabled man, whose limbs had been withered for a long time with a contraction of the sinews so that he could not walk by himself, persisted in prayer in that place. At once, he received health so that he returned to the city without a sustaining stick and going by himself.

10. What more can I say? The venerable lord abbot and his monks were seen to devote themselves so much to the office of God and to vigils continually day and night, in the aforesaid basilica, that therein, by the grace of the Holy Spirit they swept away, so they say, many diverse infirmities from the great multitude of mourning people that came to that same place. For there, sight might be returned to the blind, hearing to the deaf, walking to the lame and those who might be seen to be inflicted with the atrocious cruelty of malign spirits – which are believed to be the cause of many sicknesses – all joyfully received health by the intercession of the aforesaid blessed man and returned home. Many of those who came into the city who, they said, had been struck with blindness for a long time were seeing clearly and many others were brought to health from divers infirmities.

11. Indeed, when the Lord saw fit to show in him the miraculous power of healing, not only did his fame fill the neighbourhood of the city, indeed, it flew also to distant areas of the region so that uncountable multitudes of mourning people flowed together in divers vehicles to the place of the tomb of the aforesaid man so that the capacity of his basilica was almost not able to receive such a multitude, but for the providence of that aforesaid abbot who had extended a great part of the building. From this multitude, many of the sick, having received health in that place and blessing the mercy of the Lord, returned to their homes joyfully.

12. What shall I say of that lamp which is before his tomb which they say was once full and overflowing with such a great amount of oil which fell over onto the ground? Many who were anointed with this oil were healed from infirmity.

13. With the Lord working there, the blind were given illumination, demons were sent out fleeing, the infirm were also healed and there, praise be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, all, for ever and ever. Amen.

[Version 2 only:
13. Indeed it would be too long to describe everything which the Lord deigned to demonstrate with signs of health. Nor may such things be described in a letter because, thus far, these pages have described how many people depressed with diverse illnesses became well. These things briefly may suffice.

14. That place, the basilica, where the memorable man of God is buried, is called Navis, because the port of ships is seen to be there. It is a most lovely place between two rivers with pastures and woods and vineyards in great number, with fields and rivers flowing between huge plains so that there, the inhabitants may be seen to possess the image of paradise. In that place, the grace of the Lord deigns to preserve the health of human kind, being himself present, who lives in perfect Trinity and reigns, one God, eternal and without end, remaining unchangeable for ever and ever, Amen.
HERE ENDS THE LIFE OF THE HOLY BISHOP SULPICIUS.]

Austrigisilus of Bourges

2007-05-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

translation copyright Sarah Brush (nee Hamilton)

Austrigisilus of Bourges

Vita Austrigisili Episcopi Biturgi, ed. B. Krusch, Monumenta Germaniae Historica Scriptores Rerum Merovingicarum IV pp. 188-208.

HERE BEGINS THE LIFE OF THE HOLY AUSTRIGISILUS BISHOP AND CONFESSOR.

1. Austrigisilus was born to a man by the name Auginus, a native of the town of Bourges. His father was a parent of noble descent and did not lack opulence or great riches but was sufficient in the substance of all things. Indeed when Austrigisilus was in his boyhood he was instructed in sacred letters. When he had crossed from youth to a more robust age he was sent by his father into the indulgence of the glorious King Guntram. There he served prudently for a long time under the discipline of the secular world. He was most favoured by the king and most loved by all his companions to such a great extent that the king offered to wipe his hands with a linen cloth. This was the service which he himself was accustomed to perform for the king because he was called the naperer. After a time he departed from secular life and most vigilantly pressed upon alms giving and vigils. He spent day and night in prayers and longed for the heavenly kingdom with unutterable love. Thus in this world he was seen to serve most faithfully the One to whom he greedily desired to be joined inseparably in the heavens.

2. At one time he began to be pressed by his parents that he should take a wife. Shunning the loss of modesty and the troubles of marriage he refused the marriage and said, “The wish and power of the Lord must be awaited in this matter. I will follow his command, whether good or bad, without doubt. If he judges it to be good I fear that I shall lose something, if he judges it to be bad I fear that I will not be able to care. What things may come to me in my doubt after a space of some thought which are to be involved in marriage with a woman? As I am able to live freely why should I deliver myself to another servitude?” Hearing this his parents began to be afflicted with sadness and to urge him more intently that he should act according to their wish in this instance. So that he was not seen to make them unhappy and because he desired to have their prayers thus he promised that if it happened that it was the wish of the Lord he would do what they urged him to do.

3. When he was in the service of the aforesaid king he began to turn this matter over in his mind so that he asked what would be worthy of him. It came into his mind that there were three men from the neighbourhood and nearby who were equals in the nation and of similar family and status. Writing their names on three sheets of parchment he placed them under the cloth on the altar in the basilica of the holy John near the town of Chalon-sur-Saône. He prayed that he might persist in prayer three nights without taking possession of sleep and after the passage of three nights he might stretch forth his hand so that the Lord should deign to move him so that he should seize a slip of parchment and whoever’s name he found written on it he should seek his daughter as his wife. When he had passed one night without the repose of sleep he began to be vexed with sleep as he came to the altar. Around the middle of the night he was then not able to bear the numbness of sleep on bended knee so he lay on a bed and fell asleep. Behold two old men stood before the altar in sight of him. They had old and worthy faces. One said to the other, “To whose daughter will this Austrigisilus be betrothed?” The second said to the one asking, “Do you not know that he is already betrothed?” He said, “To whose daughter.” The other answered, “To the daughter of the Judge Justus.” Having been awakened from this vision, he began to deliberate who this Justus might be and whose judge he was and whether he had an unmarried daughter. Since he could not discover who he was Austrigisilus became doubtful of the petition. He came by custom to the court of the king and came into the fort where he possessed lodgings. Among the strangers congregated in that place there was a stranger, a poor old man with his wife. When she had seen him that woman began to say, “Landlord stand a little while and I will recount to you the vision which I have just seen of you at the dawn. I seemed to hear a great resounding crash like the voices of psalm singing and I said to your host, ‘Man what is this which I hear? Surely some festivities are to be celebrated today by the priests. Where shall the procession be?’ and he said to me, ‘Our Landlord Austrigisilus takes a wife.’ Then I went into the street with joy and with great alacrity to see the girl so that I might consider her face and appearance. When the clerics had come through this street in white vestments carrying crosses and singing psalms, according to the custom of processions, you came the last of them and the face of the future followed behind you. Being curious, I looked and I did not see one of our sex nor was a girl which you should take as wife seen to be present. I said to your host, ‘Where is the girl which our Landlord has received?’ However he said, ‘Do you not see her in his hands?’ and I looked. I could see nothing in your hands but the book of the gospel.” Then the blessed man understood that, according to her vision and his dream, he had been called by the wish of God to marry that little woman which is the office of priest. When he had come into the palace beating himself he uncovered the host of hosts. When he entered the house of the king by his custom the king blessed the business in these words and in this order with a loud voice: “You have placed the crown of precious stones on his head,” and the other things which follow in that psalm. From then he was confirmed in this hope of faith on account of the calling from the Lord. He began act more zealously in good works and ceased to think any further of the marriage which was to have happened.

4. The master of all malice, the envious and cunning enemy of human kind saw that Austrigisilus thirsted for the blessed eternal life with great ardour. He began to prepare temptations with his deceptions so that he might able to inhibit the servant of God from this holy intention. There was then in the palace of the king a certain wild man called Bethelenus who was endowed with power and excessive pride. He fraudulently governed the affairs of the treasury in a reckless way. When it came to be known by the king that he showed him false authority, the king said, “Who, has given this order?” He said, “Austrigisilus the naperer.” Having been sent for and questioned, Austrigisilus denied what he had not done. The king was turned into rage and as he was judging them, he ordered that they should fight in the field of combat on account of this matter so that the judgement of the Lord would show who lied. When it was the day instituted for deciding, Austrigisilus rose in the morning and directed two of his boys to take a round shield with a javelin into the field where the king was accustomed to watch the fighters. Meanwhile he went to the basilica of the holy Marcellus to offer prayers of thanks according to his custom. He met a certain poor man and he would have given him more but he did not have more than a triens because he had already given away those which he had possessed to similar causes. Then there came into his mind that prophecy which says, “Blessed is he who watches over the destitute and the poor. The Lord freed him in the day of evil and will not hand him over to the hand of his enemy.” Having given the man the triens he entered the basilica. Having sent out prayers he defended himself with the sign of the cross, which is the armour of God. Being faithful in his justice and not daunted by the just judgement of the Lord, he went hurrying to the contest. When he stood ready for the coming of the enemy in that place behold a certain man who was a servant of Bethelenus came up panting. He announced to the king with a face full of mourning that the noble Bethelenus was dead. The king began to inquire how his destruction had happened so quickly. The messenger spoke to the king in this way with these words, “When your servant Bethelenus came to the palace yesterday he stayed at Aury. Today when the day dawned he ordered an extremely tame horse to be prepared for him and having mounted it he remained fixed and immovable. When he pierced the horse with his heels it sprang up with great speed and with great zeal. It began to bend his limbs in divers ways and to put its head down with its forelegs and to shake its hind legs in the air. Then at length either because it struck a short tree or by the impetus of a whirlwind it swung and threw the noble Bethelenus onto the ground from on high yet this was not enough. The horse turned on him and bashed his brains with all his feet so that gore thrust forth through his nose and ears so that he gave out his spirit even before he was lifted from the ground. This was done according to what is written: “You lose, those of you who are called liars” and “A false witness will not be saved.”’ Having heard this, the king summoned Austrigisilus to him and said to him, “The Lord has fought for you. You have displayed his help most faithfully. Bethelenus is dead because he was punished by divine power.” Yet, Austrigisilus did not rejoice over the loss of his enemy but gave thanks to God because the Lord had preserved his hand unstained by the man’s blood, remembering the verse of the psalm. “Lord you have looked at my humility and have made my soul safe from necessities and not confined me in that hand of the enemy and you have served your faithful unhappy servant.” Then the Lord, who is supernal piety and divine power, determined that the servant, whom he had saved from departure from this world through the onslaught of the temptations of the devil, was worthy to be a priest.

5. After this, Austrigisilus began to persist more attentively in good works in love and dedication to God. He began to desire the burden of clerical office more earnestly. On account of this he hesitated to seek the king. There was then among the other courtiers in the house of the king a most noble and prudent man by the name of Aetherius. He was endowed with unparalleled caution and the king entrusted the handling of all things to him with especial trust. Aetherius was then ordained with the dignity of the episcopate as bishop of the most noble Gallic city of Lyons. This man loved the aforesaid servant of God most exceedingly. Austrigisilus asked him to seek permission from the king that he might come to the honour of clerical office. Aetherius suggested it and accomplished it. Having received letters Austrigisilus proceeded to the town of Auxerre and there, with his hair cut off by the blessed Bishop Aunarius, he was made a cleric and ordained as a sub-deacon. He then returned from there to the aforesaid Aetherius. He had then received the episcopate and received Austrigisilus most benignly with unspeakable joy and ordained him priest and abbot of the basilica of the blessed Nicetius, bishop and confessor. From the affairs of the church and on account of his love of perfection he gave him the town by the name of Albigny for his future use.

6. When the time of the grape harvest came the grapes were already ripened too soon when the blessed Austrigisilus went to collect the grape harvest. First he ordered a vessel which might contain new wine to be prepared. It was done. With the vessels full of new wine, he took up one of the vessels, which they call a cuppa, which could hold nearly a hundred and eighty gallons and he left it empty. Up till then scarcely one amphora of new wine had been squeezed out. Since no one else was there, when it had been put back, the man of God ordered the one which was empty to be put in with the others. Having gone into the same cellar he prayed and made the sign of the cross. In the morning he went back to the basilica. When the guard of the wine cellar entered to inspect the cellar and to see if the vessels with new wine were safe he saw that the one which had remained empty overflowed just like the other vessels. It bubbled up with such fullness that great quantities of new wine fell over the edge onto the ground. Having been struck dumb by the great mystery he ran from the cellar to the holy man of God at the basilica and announced to him, what had happened. Imposing silence on him the holy man said. “See that you tell no-one.” There was no doubt that the Lord had deigned to do this for him on account of the merit and prayers of the aforesaid servant of the Lord.

7. After this, the Lord wished to promote him according to his holy intention. At that time the aforesaid man of God was with the most blessed bishop Aetherius in a certain town in the territory of Geneva. Near a lake not far from the town there was a castle which was deserted and empty of all inhabitants. Inside there were the ruins of a church. When the aforesaid blessed Austrigisilus had gone into that place for the sake of praying he found no guard nor any cleric. However he sought out the hosts enclosed in the sacristy and with evening coming in, he wished to celebrate mass in the basilica. There was no water with which he could either wash his hands or mix with the wine. He said to his servant Marculfus – who was at that time a reader but is now the abbot in the basilica where the body of that blessed man is seen to be buried – “Seek out a little water so that we may celebrate the mass here.” What they sought they did not find. Having gone back to him in the church, they found the hosts released from the aumbrey, which they had previously seen to be closed. When they had entered they found the man of God standing and holding before him two cups one filled with water the other with wine. They were dumbstruck when they sensed this miracle and they were trembled with a great deal of fear.

8. Since the Lord wished to carry him to a more elevated rank of honour when Apollinaris the bishop of Bourges died, the holy Austrigisilus was asked for to be elected as bishop by all the people and they received the consent of the king. He ruled the church in this rank of dignity for twelve years just as he had always known because it had been revealed to him by an angel. For when he entered the first boundary of the aforesaid city he stayed the night in the town of Germigny-l’Exempt. Calling to him his deacon Sulpicius – who was to be his successor afterwards – and his deacon Desiderius he said to them, “The Lord has deigned to reveal to me this night that I will rule the church of Bourges in this rank of dignity for twelve years.”

9. At that time there was a certain woman from the suburb of that city who had been affected with a paralysing disease of the limbs and contracted sinews. For a long time she was almost unable to move her limbs for her own use except when it was necessary. Indeed she was carried by the hands of others when necessity occurred. She asked her neighbours to carry her to the holy man and she was carried to the altar. When the holy man had come into the church to fulfil the divine office according to the custom he saw the wretched cripple lying by the altar and saying to him, “Holy Austrigisilus help me!” In response he said, “The piety and power of the Lord are able to save you.” Raising his hand and eyes to heaven Austrigisilus said, “Extend your hand.” But she said, “I cannot.” Taking up her right hand and passing his finger on her palm he moved her fingers, which the sickness had previously adhered to her hands. He did the same to all her limbs and then she stood up on her feet. Having been restored to complete health she started out again by the power of her own limbs as the healthy are accustomed to do. He said to her, “Take care of your limbs so that you do not tumble down to complete corruption lest by chance worse touches you. For it is said that you laboured before in this infirmity because you had lived a life devoted to the luxury of pleasure.”

10. At that time in the town of Bourges there was a woman of most noble mind and illustrious birth by the name of Bertoara. She was a servant dedicated to God. When she prepared to serve vigils at night according to her custom, she found a pauper by the name of Beroadus lying in the street under the eaves of a certain house. He was without bread and his limbs were contracted. She began to enquire the cause of his misery and why he lay there but he said “I have now lain tortured by this disease for a long time and there is no-one to help me. Although I want to, I am not able to go to the church so that I may be led to go into the sight of the holy Austrigisilus.” Hearing this, she sighed. Compelled with compassion for this poor man, she ordered her boys to lift him up from the ground and, with him lifted up by their hands, to carry him to the church like a lifeless body in a funeral procession. She ordered him to be placed by the altar where the oft-mentioned man of God would then go. Investigating the contracted debility he sensed in his spirit that the man had been struck with the most wicked spirit because of his sin. Having been struck by the power he had been inflicted with the grinding of poverty. Austrigisilus ordered him to be carried to a more remote place. Having been prostrated in prayer for a long time afterwards he approached the poor man. Unless I am deceived he ordered him to be sent into a bath. Touching him with his hands, Austrigisilus extended all his limbs and beseeched help from the Lord. In this way he accomplished what he sought. Supernal grace was present and the poor man was restored with complete health. Afterwards, as was seen by everyone, he lived for many years with no disability of his limbs.

11. At this time there was a certain religious matron of noble birth by the name of Paterna who had the credit of a girl in attendance of her household by the name of Augusta. It happened that this girl was struck by the despoiler of all impurity. Having lost the light of clarity she was inflicted with total blindness. The aforementioned lady wrote a letter and sent it with the girl to the oft-mentioned man of God asking that she be cured from the blindness by his prayers. Understanding this he looked up to the heavens and asked for God’s help. Having taken up oil he blessed it and smeared the blind eyes with it. Having offered his prayers, she who had been blind for a long time thenceforth received the riches of seeing with open eyes.

12. After this time, there was an illustrious matron by the name of Austroberta who had been widowed by the most illustrious man Chramnoald and was then dedicated to God. It is said that the following was done in her presence. One of her millers by the name of Leudomarus was vexed by a most atrocious disease. She had a repository of bread, which the aforementioned Austrigisilus had blessed and had sent to her with certain letters. She had kept this bread for this very use so that if anyone was seen to be afflicted by any disease it might be given to them with complete faith that it would cure them. She asked the aforesaid miller to be seized and ordered a piece of this bread to be put into his mouth. He declined to receive it inside his mouth. However as he was unwilling they constrained him to open his mouth and forced a piece of this bread into his throat. After this there was no delay. He spewed out all the sadness which vexed him and was made healthy and he can be seen to perform his office today.

13. At that time on the Lord’s day a certain mill-worker by the name of Monulfus was inspired by a devilish spirit. In accordance with his industrious devotion to work, he wished to work on the millstone to improve it. Having taken up a two-edged blade – which is called a Scotta in the common language – he began to grind the millstone. On account of this sin his hand cleaved to the handle of the tool and no one was able to take his hand away from it. His hand was contracted with such great restriction that blood began to pour forth between his fingers and to make a loathsome stench on account of it to all those who saw it. Monulfus came to the aforesaid man of God. Asking for God’s help Austrigisilus seized the hand where it was joined to the tool. First he began extending the fingers where that tool adhered. He touched that tool and his hand and thrust away all the harshness of pain. Monulfus was made healthy and went away.

14. There was then an adolescent girl from the village of Bridoré not far from the town of Bourges by the name of Friovala. She was greatly loved by her parents. A most worthless spirit vexed her with cruel oppression and torture so that she had no rest day and night from crying out because of the frenetic disease. In this way she had fallen into such madness that her parents could not recognise her. She made a loud noise like that of the voices of wild animals and the complaining voices of birds joined together in a great cacophony. Her parents mourned and the neighbours sympathised with them. Indeed they were amazed that someone of such a tender age was able to sustain the unhappy grief of such cruelty. She was led to the oft-mentioned man of God. Sensing that there was a spirit in her he knew that this grief was afflicted by the cunning of the enemy. He ordered her to be taken near the altar. Having taken up the bread and the chalice according to the custom he offered the spiritual hosts to the Lord. He made the body of the Lord ready and completed the prayers of mystery. First he ordered the host to be given to the girl and when she received it she ceased from her vociferous speaking. He blessed her vestments and ordered her to be robed by her parents with religious vestments. He said that she ought to abstain from meat and from wine. It was done. From that hour the demon fled and the girl was restored to complete health. Today she can be seen to spend her time in laudable living in the monastery with the blessed recluse Bertoara among the other servants of God.

15. There was then in the city of Bourges a certain very poor young man by the name of Leonastis who had been contracted with a debility for a long time. The soles of his feet cleaved to his knees and he was carried on the shoulders of others. When the most blessed man Austrigisilus slept in the Lord the poor man followed the bier on which his holy body was carried to the basilica where it came to be buried. Lying before the tomb that night his limbs, which had been without use, were relaxed dry. With the office of his feet recovered, afterwards he was seen to walk upright with them in that city.

16. We should not pass by what the venerable priest Januarius told us. When Austrigisilus was buried by the blessed bishop Raurecus the aforementioned man of God was present. The body of the holy man was placed in the tomb and the aforesaid pontiff buried him. When he was placed in the tomb according to the custom, the aforesaid bishop Raurecus was standing at his feet and the aforesaid priest Januarius saw that the oft-mentioned holy Austrigisilus clothed in white vestments and with a noble face, was seen to stand by at the right hand of Raurecus. Although he was amazed by this vision it was suddenly carried away from his eyes. There was no doubt that the angel of God, the guard of that Austrigisilus, who was always with him until his death, appeared to the aforesaid priest.

17. It would take a long time if I were to unfold every sign and cure which the Lord performed everyday through his servant and to tell how people were cured of all infirmities through prayer and acts; how those who were damned to a sentence of death and held in chains were freed from their chains through his prayer and fled to the church with no obstacle from the guards or how many poor people, widows and orphans were sustained by his alms. God, the holy angels and those who saw these things were the witnesses. Now the great prolixity of this work might be ended with this sheet. He died full of days with full confession. His soul went to the Lord. The earth was returned to the earth. We are not able to equal his merits with intercession nor even to merit to be imitators being near God who lives in the perfect Trinity and reigns through every age and forever, Amen.

II. HERE BEGINS THE BOOK OF HIS MIRACLES.

1. Of the miracles of the blessed Austrigisilus bishop and confessor which the Lord deigned to work after his death, we tell, with rustic words, a few of the many riches of his miracles which remain untold.

2. While the blessed man still lived he always cared everyday as a pious pastor to all those of the church committed to him and he chose to free them from the raging teeth of the wolf. Then, a most savage man by the name of Warnachar came from the palace of King Theuderic with his permission. He desired the profits of despicable avarice and was given to great pride. As he ruled the town or region of Bourges under his tribute at that time he taxed the gold and silver of everybody and he collected it for his own use. He carried it away from the king and he made them tributaries. The people ran together to the blessed Austrigisilus so that he might free them from a worthless life and asked that he should help them with his holy prayers. Then, on account of the guilt of his great crimes, the blessed man prostrated himself in prayer day and night so that the Lord’s piety might deign to free the people committed to him from the raging enemy. It was done. When Warnachar himself approached the gates of the city of Bourges, Austrigisilus bravely went out to meet him and guarded the wall against him so that he should stand in battle for justice on the day of the Lord. On account of the defence of these people and of the error of his life he desired the matter to be decided even until death if it should be pleasing to the Lord. The blessed Austrigisilus said to him, “When you come to the place which you seek what do you hope to do? The Lord resists your evil wish and does not permit you to enter the walls of the city nor to make your assessment.” Austrigisilus was not received by Warnachar with honour but the bishop fulfilled that which is written in the psalms: “Be virulent and comfort your heart all who hope in the Lord.” Then Warnachar was vehemently kindled to fury because of that evil which cleaved to his heart and he was not able to fulfil his task. He went back to the palace with great fury so that he might announce to the king that he was not able to fulfil his task on account of Austrigisilus. Then, at that time, the blessed Austrigisilus left this life with a glorious departure and the people committed to him remained safe.

3. Then, being worthy through his works and merits and having been elected by all, his blessed deacon Sulpicius was made his successor in that town and assumed the pontifical office. There was no delay. After that time the most cruel Warnachar of whom we made mention before, having returned from the palace, hurried to fulfil that wicked task which the terrible ancient enemy hand planted in his heart so that he might make the town and area of Bourges and all those living there into his tributaries. Then the blessed Sulpicius was anxious about what he himself ought to do about the matter and asked the Lord for help. Since the blessed man was full of clemency and of plain and humble heart, he dreaded to resist his evil with great fear but he began to beseech Warnachar with tears that those whom he had not made tributaries at the time of the blessed Austrigisilus of Bourges he should also not make tributaries under his own time. However that cruel man whom the priest of God beseeched did not wish to answer at all. Then the blessed man called him to witness by the sacred ministries that he would not live a wicked lifestyle in his time through this work. Indeed after he received the treasure, the shrewd prelate rejoiced and went to the basilica of the holy Austrigisilus not puffed up in his heart but inflated in body as if he had advanced with the zeal of prayers. Warnachar came to the place where the blessed man had been buried with remarkable honour by the faithful Christians. Looking into the crypt he saw him adorned with gold and silver in an amazing way and, having been filled with envy in his heart, he made a sermon in this way. “Austrigisilus ought to give his gold and silver to the poor and yet he ordered it to be placed over his tomb on account of worldly dignity.” He did not say this on account of his care for the poor but, having been filled with avarice, he became like Judas Iscariot. Having gone back from Austrigisilus’s tomb he went round the altars for the sake of prayer. While he walked through that basilica a pole on which the cloths hung, dropped from on high and fell onto his head. He was struck with such a blow that gore flowed down through his eyes and beard and blood fell down onto the ground. Then Warnachar shouted with what voice he was able saying, “While Austrigisilus lived he was always offensive to me and went against me and now that he has died he has dragged me near to death.” Thus the unlucky man was struck by a miracle of the Lord. He did not acknowledge his crime nor ask for forgiveness from the holy man of God. However, having been kindled thus far in his malice he wished to hasten quickly to the town of Autun so that he might tear down and condemn the bishop of that place. He stayed not far away from the town at the villa of Anlezy. When they had all lain down to sleep the most ferocious man entered the latrine on account of a pain in his stomach. When he sat there in the place of habit at once he fell asleep. When he had woken up he said to his ministers who stood round before him; “Austrigisilus and Sulpicius sent a wash basin with a gold pitcher to me this hour. Which of you took this away from me?” They denied these things which they had not seen and as he spoke these words to them all his intestines and his liver were turned out through the rear end of his body. At this hour with continual excreting of dung he breathed out his spirit in a most unpleasant manner. After that time he did not dare to fulfil the wickedness of such perfidy. In this he fulfilled what is written in the psalms; “He treasures and ignores those who congregate to him and his iniquity descending onto his head.”

4. After the day on which the glorious Austrigisilus went to the Lord, many miracles were done in the place where he rested in body and in other places where the blessed man had lived or through beds where he had lain. In the region of Bourges in a town which is called Stivalis next to the village of Chabris, there was a property belonging to the holy man. There he had a house where he had lived and a bed in which he had lain. When they were raised up on this, carried on it or even if they merely touched it many infirm people were cured from divers illnesses. One sick man came there and dedicated a candle which he placed before the bed so that it shone the whole night. Having gone back there he found the embers of that candle on the bed and yet he found no marks of burning on the cover of the bed.

5. After that time, when Pippin, the prince of the Franks, wished to fight against Eudo, the prince of the province of Aquitaine, he entered the region of Bourges. Barbarians from his army came to the aforesaid house so that they might burn it with fire. The locals who lived together there came and said to them, “Do not send fire into this house!” and “Behold the place and bed on which Austrigisilus the holy man of God had lain where everyday almighty God works many miracles!” However the barbarians despised what they had said and encircled the whole house with fire so that it burned. At once in that hour those who burned the house with fire were seized and handed over to devils. One of those who had set the fire had taken the hosts from that house which burned then vehemently. That man threw himself into the flames and ended his life there. Others mangled themselves with their teeth. Indeed some mutilated each others’ limbs. Others came to the castle where Pippin waited with the army of the Franks. However as soon as they understood what they had attacked they were thoroughly frightened with great fear and the prince ordered that no one should dare to touch the houses or property of the holy Austrigisilus.

6. Not much time later, when Prince Eudo of Aquitaine had encompassed the city of Bourges with siege, he ordered one of his noblest men, a man by the name of Agnus, to hold the dwelling at the monastery of the blessed Austrigisilus and to pay the means of staying there. However he handed over to his counts whatever he was able to find in the monastery to be divided among them so that none of the possessions of the brothers were left. When the town was handed over to the aforesaid prince and the peace was announced in all areas, the abbot of the monastery, a man by the name of Berctoradus, went away from the town with letters and came to Agnus and said to him, “Accept this little silver gift which remained from the treasure of the unfortunate brothers who serve the holy Austrigisilus and have mercy on the deprived servants so that they might be able to live and to pray for you.” But the aforesaid Agnus was shrewd and did not wish to answer him what he asked but refused him. He said, “The prince ordered me to fetch you to be handed over into custody or into captivity and do you press me with words of the fasting of the brothers.” The abbot announced to the brothers that they were not able to obtain what he had demanded from the savage man so that he commended them to beseech clemency from the Lord. Then the monks remained faithful and without doubt. They began to pray before the tomb of the blessed Austrigisilus and to say, “Lord snatch us, your servants, from our enemy! We make you our refuge. Teach us to do your will because you are our God and the most savage man has dragged away from us our substance which, being full of piety, you have given to us.” There was no delay, the unlucky Agnum led away with him whatever he was able to find in the villas of the holy Austrigisilus whether herds of cattle, beasts of burden and many other plough-teams so that he led them all into the homeland from which he had come. As he made his journey the holy Austrigisilus appeared to him in a dream and said to him, “Why have you deprived me so gravely and have left my servants in grieving?” Saying these things he struck him on the head. Being vigilant he shouted with what voice he was able saying, “Run to me quickly! Austrigisilus has struck me on the head and there is no hope of my living. Go quickly to Prince Eudo who had ordered me to touch the belongings of the holy Austrigisilus and beseech him that he might redeem me of his own faculties, because I have done this evil for his sake and I expect to lose my life on account of it.” Hearing this Prince Eudo was somewhat struck by fear and ordered that all which the unhappy man had taken away ought to be returned. He ordered all his best men that no-one should dare to touch the belongings of the holy God. When the aforesaid prince sat at a table, he remembered the injury of the previously mentioned Agnum and sent a small silver dish to him through a legate. When he saw such small a gift he said, “Such a small allowance for so long a journey or torture as I truly fear that I shall receive?” Saying these things he ended his life. That which is witnessed in the prophet’s sermon was fulfilled, “Whoever performs iniquity they shall be killed whoever truly looks to the Lord the earth is their inheritance.”

7. There was no delay. After that time, one of the noblemen of Prince Eudo a man by the name of Fredegisilus plundered a beast of burden from the monastery of the holy Austrigisilus. When he had led many other treasures to his home and had lifted them up he rejoiced at the gain. At once at that hour he caught fever so that he possessed no faculty or hope of living. He recalled the words that he had heard before from Prince Eudo and many other people. The abbot Salomonus spoke saying, “None of you should presume to touch these little places of the holy Austrigisilus because he has killed those noble people who turned against him. Indeed he afflicted those ignoble people and tortured them with savage punishment.” Having been terrified with fear he quickly sent monks serving as messengers who returned the treasure to its proper place and restored it to those serving the blessed Austrigisilus so that they might help him with his prayers. There was no delay. The father of the monastery sent his legates with letters. He ordered that they should visit the sick man and they should present the benediction of the aforesaid holy man to him. However when they had come where Fredegisil lay with little chance of life they presented the benediction which they had received from the tomb from those serving that holy man. He, giving thanks, invoked the name of the blessed Austrigisilus. Because he said it with such great reverence, he received vigour at once from his letters and he ordered his ministers to report where the beasts of burden were. He ordered that they should return into his hands those things which he had dragged away with evil. When he had returned them at once he was made well. Rejoicing, he started up and went back home even though he had been carried before as a sick man by other hands. In this way it fulfilled what the Lord said through his prophet, “I do not want the death of a sinner but that he should be converted and live,” and again, “When you lament as a convert then you will be saved.”

8. Also at that time, one of the counts of Prince Eudo was a man by the name of Adroaldus. He violently took his pleasureat a high castle in the region of Bourges. He seized a man by the name of Bertheradus. He was the abbot from the monastery of the holy Austrigisilus there. He abducted the man who held the ministry of that holy place and held him as a captive for ransom so that he might be able to possess whatever that abbot had in gold and silver for his ransom. Having been constrained thus far, he found a golden chalice and other sacred vessels from that aforesaid monastery and handed them over to the aforesaid count. He returned with no little pain to the brothers and with groans and sighs in his prayers, day and night, he asked for solace from the holy Austrigisilus. He asked that man of God that the Lord’s piety might restore what human desire had dragged away. There was no delay. Great fear then entered the heart of Adroaldus so that he ate no food nor did he drink anything. Neither was he able to sleep, to stand nor to sit in one place and he ignored what he ought to do. There was with him a servant of God by the name of Wilicramnus and Adroaldus sought counsel from him as to what he ought to do. He revealed the cause for which he had approached him before. Wilicramnus, who was most skilled and full of wisdom, told Adroaldus that if he had anything from the ministry or from the belongings of the holy confessor Austrigisilus, he should not be slow to return it to the holy place. He confessed according to what he had been asked and said that he had a gold chalice and some vessels which the abbot Bertheradus had given to him for his ransom. When the servant of God heard this he said, “Have you not heard the story of the blessed Austrigisilus and what has been done to those who act against him − that he has killed or beaten them? If you wish to live until morning quickly return those things whence you got them.” Hearing these things, he was filled with great fear and promised to return all those things which he obtained from there and sent them to the holy Austrigisilus through his legates. Soon he received pristine health and, as long as he lived, he fulfilled his prayers in that monastery and did not appear meagre in his gifts but in fact he was most generous. In this he fulfilled what is written in that which the Lord says, “Whoever confesses before me I will comfort and I will be with them in the presence of my father who is in heaven.”

9. At that time there was a man of the city of Bourges by the name of Lupus. Having been given to good practices he was humble and wise. He led a sober and chaste life. He went to the town of Tours with a burning desire to pray there. When he had prayed in the basilica of the holy confessor Martin for a long time and had asked for forgiveness on account of his sins, he rose up from prayer. Then one of the servants of the Lord who had seen him so long in fruitful and honest prayer approached him and said to him, “What is your name? Where have you come from and for what purpose?” He responded, “I am Lupus. I live in Bourges and I have come here to pray for my sins.” The man said, “I have something to say from the servants of the holy Austrigisilus. I was in Bourges in the spirit a few days ago days but I was never there in body and as I am certain that you believe me and I give notice to you that I shall lift the error from your heart. Is there a church of the holy Sulpicius between two rivers of the streams of the Auron and the Yèvre?” He answered, “Yes, indeed there is.” The other said, “Is there another church dedicated to the holy Austrigisilus on the eastern bank so that the lamps of that church are able to be seen by the other?” He said, “It is so.” The servant of God said to the other, “Believe me because a few days ago I was at the church of the blessed Austrigisilus in spirit and I will tell you what I saw. Before the register which is before the hosts of the aforesaid church, I saw the blessed apostle Peter standing near at the invitation of the blessed Austrigisilus. With him there was the holy Laurianus, Sulpicius and many other holy men who rest in body in the region of Bourges. Before them at a distance there stood Adroaldus, Bladegisilus, Suffronius, Guntaldus and many others who had attacked the region of Bourges and had destroyed the houses of God. While I stood there I saw Austrigisilus prostrated at the feet of the blessed Peter and he asked for justice and I saw him say, ‘Give us justice from these who held our houses oppressed and who dragged away the substance from the poor and from our servants!’ As Austrigisilus was praying in this way the apostle Peter ordered that they drag some of the men away to be beaten with cudgels and the others to be mangled by the sword. They led some to prayer and others to sulphurous fire. However the young virgin, whom the blessed Peter held by the hand, struck Adroaldus on the head so that she dragged him to death. Then the holy Sulpicius prayed saying that he should concede life to Adroaldus. On the contrary Austrigisilus spoke in this way, ‘You were always weak and you persevered in your weakness. Do you not vindicate your servants who are calling to you day and night?’ Saying these things the vision which I saw in spirit was carried away from my eyes.” When Lupus had heard all these things he sought benediction from the servant of God. Having gone back to the town he told the brothers what he had heard from the servant of God. Not long after this, that Adroaldus was seized by a fever and finished his life. There was no doubt after this that the servant of God had seen Austrigisilus who had accused him. Then he did not live long afterwards so that everyone received the sentence according to what he had done whether good or bad.

10. Also at that time when Prince Eudo lived at Bourges, one of his noblemen received a lodging for his sojourning in the house of the holy Austrigisilus in that town. He ordered his juniors in a wicked way that they should stock the hearths from the roofs of his houses and when necessity came they should burn them for fire. The abbot from that monastery of that blessed Austrigisilus sent letters to the aforesaid man through some of his monks saying that they would give him as much wood as they were able to from other places and that he should not burn the house of holy God. What they had sought he did not wish to fulfil. When the morning came, they lit the fires which they had made from his house three days before. The aforesaid duke lay in bed and was deep down in sleep. The holy man of God Austrigisilus appeared to him in his sleep, saying, “Why oh stupid man do you burn my houses with fire?” Saying these things he struck him with a blow in the throat so that gore flowed from his ears. Being woken he said to his ministers who were standing around. “In this hour Austrigisilus struck me in the throat.” Immediately the unhappy man predicted that he was going to die. It happened as he said. News came into the court of the prince that his most honoured servant, who had burned the house of the holy Austrigisilus, was dead because the holy Austrigisilus had struck him in the throat, on account of his actions. The news filled them all with great terror. The prince ordered that never again should anyone dare to touch those things belonging to the holy Austrigisilus. If anyone had touched anything they should return it immediately and should ask for forgiveness. In this way the fame of the glorious confessor went out so that even to this very day anyone who has touched the possessions of his monastery with presumption at once he believes that he is about to die.

11. Prince Eudo once came to the monastery of the holy Austrigisilus for the sake of praying. Having prayed he began to say to the brothers, “Which of you may do justice to me from the holy Austrigisilus? I believed a just judge had come to me when Chucianus gave the sacrament to me in this place.” Repeating this speech he said, “Holy Austrigisilus grant your justice to me if I had not believed you, Chucianus would not have fled from me. I pray that you do me justice and I shall restore all the goods to your servants.” Indeed after he had judged the faith of Eudo at the tomb of the blessed Austrigisilus, Chucianus cheated him and fled to Prince Charles in Francia. At that very moment when the aforesaid prince asked for justice from Austrigisilus, the aforesaid Chucianus was struck with a vehement blow so that coming close to death he shouted and said, “Austrigisilus beats me on account of the sacrament which I gave at his tomb and, because I cheated him through Eudo, Austrigisilus sends me to divers tortures.” Unless I am deceived they held him chained or bound, because he wished to chew himself with his teeth, until he finished his life. So it is written: “Whoever judges more does not flee from sin.”

12. In that time the deputy of that monastery of the holy Austrigisilus, a man by the name of Vaddemarus, decided to walk to the town of Poitiers for the sake of the advantage of the monastery. Having received the benediction of the brothers of the holy Austrigisilus, he took up his journey. When he had come to the river which is called the Vienne where it there is a port called Cenon he wished to cross the river but he found no man nor ships which might steer him. With the evening of the day coming then they did not have lodgings to stay in and they were without food for their horses. The normal lodgings where they were accustomed to stay were far beyond the river. Because he satisfied his heart with such things, he looked over the river and they saw some ships prepared on the shore. Vaddemarus was firm in faith and without doubts. He began to invoke the name of the Lord and the holy Austrigisilus and urged those who were with him, saying, “Invoke the name of the holy Austrigisilus so that on account of our merits and prayers our Lord may deign to send men to lead the ships which we can see. Thus we might come to our destination tonight.” With these prayers the ships moved through to him by poles and oars without human steering and came right up to the place where they stood. Without doubt the angel of the Lord was present and led the vessels on account of the merits of the holy Austrigisilus. Seeing such a great miracle they were filled with great joy and praised God with glory because he did not forsake his servants who placed their hope in him. The boats came up because of their fear and because of their prayers and sailed to the shore safe and unharmed by whirlwinds. That day they came with joy to the place where they were accustomed to stay. In these events the truth which is written in the gospel was fulfilled, “If you have faith the size of a grain of mustard you may say to the mountain cross here and it will cross,” and again “whatever you ask for, believing in prayer, you shall receive and it will be done to you,” and that, “With God all things are possible.”

13. At that time a mute man from Britain came to the monastery of the holy God. There he was received in hospitality by the faithful servants of God and was sustained by their alms with food and clothing. The mute man came into the church everyday with the servants of God for the sake of prayer but, although he wished to pray, he was not able to do so because he was unable to speak. On the feast day of the blessed Austrigisilus he came before his tomb but as he stood there he began cough up blood through his mouth. Then the key-holder or custodian of the church began to protest at him and to say, “Come out into the street lest you bring forth any more loathsome blood onto the floor!” But as he spoke the mute began to shout and to say in his rustic British tongue, “I am a freedman, I am a freedman!” For he wished to say ‘I am liberated.’ At once he was freed from the chains of his tongue so that he spoke plainly and he told his name to all who were there and had come to the feast and said that the name he had in his holy baptism was Emmo. Afterwards he lived and served there for many years.

14. At that time there was a certain woman by the name Selitrudis from a place called Villeneuve on the river Auron in the region of the town of Bourges. She had been deaf for a long time and sought the tomb of the blessed confessor most devotedly. As soon as she entered the hall at once she received her health. What sort of person am I to delay? As soon as she sensed health she returned to her home. That disease was suddenly halted. However, knowing that this calamity, which she had carried, had come because she was guilty of crimes, she had come into the aforesaid hall with a great groan supporting herself with a staff and groaning because she was weary, she received pristine health through the prayers of the blessed man.

15. A certain girl from the villa of Baniac who was then blind with the light removed had prayed faithfully at the tomb of the blessed man and, receiving sight, she was empowered with clear vision.

16. Therefore at that time a certain man by the name Amalricus who was besieged by a wicked devil. His elbows and knees were contracted and he had not been able to sustain labour for a long time. He came devotedly to the tomb of the blessed man. Soon, with his limbs freed, he was proved to be restored with complete health so that he was able to use them for his everyday needs.

17. Also I believe that a young man from that region who was yoked with a bent hand was miraculously cured in the same way.

18. At that time a certain woman with debilitated feet, who had been sustained by sticks for many years, was restored to complete health at that tomb of the blessed bishop.

HERE ENDS THE LIFE OF THE HOLY AUSTRIGISILUS BISHOP AND CONFESSOR.

Incipit novae

2007-05-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

As I've evidently failed entirely to update the LATIN blog as it is rather tricky to get back into the latin mindset when I'm busily running youth work, I've decided to use this blog as a place to publish the translations I made of some saints lives which were originally in Latin. The next few posts comprise the English text with a reference to the location of the oringial Latin text.

Magistra Latinae urgentis

2005-09-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

nonnumquam quaeror locutionem nouem latine reddere. Hodie his verbis missi mirabile femina:

operae si pretium est bis fac opera

Amico suo sunt qui laborat in theatro quodam ubi oportet omnia referre.

De Carminae Vesperis

2005-07-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

Cantabamus Carminam latinam antinquam apud ecclesiam hieri. Non obliviscavi carminam sed nunc intelligo verbos latinos. Curiosissime erat. Includo carminam hic:

Te lucis ante terminum,
Rerum Creator poscimus,
Ut pro tua clementia
Sis præsul et custodia.
Procul recedant somnia,
Et noctium phantasmata;
Hostemque nostrum comprime,
Ne polluantur corpora.
Præsta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar Unice,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito
Regnans per omne sæculum.

Requiescat in pacem

2005-04-02T22:11:00.000-08:00

Papa Johannes Paulus II migravit ad dominum hodie.

Homo honoris lapsit
Homo precorum periit
Homo virtutis obiit
Mundus plorat.

Carmina Medievalia

2005-03-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

Heri in ecclesiam hac carminam V. Fortunati cantabamus. In Anglia cantabamus sed meliora est in Latina:

Vexilla regis prodeunt,
fulget crucis mysterium,
quo carne carnis conditor
suspensus est patibulo.

Confixa clavis viscera
tendens manus, vestigia
redemptionis gratia
hic inmolata est hostia.

Quo vulneratus insuper
mucrone diro lanceae,
ut nos lavaret crimine,
manavit unda et sanguine.

Inpleta sunt quae concinit
David fideli carmine,
dicendo nationibus:
regnavit a ligno deus.

Arbor decora et fulgida,
ornata regis purpura,
electa, digno stipite
tam sancta membra tangere!

Beata cuius brachiis
pretium pependit saeculi!
statera facta est corporis
praedam tulitque Tartari.

Fundis arome cortice,
vincis sapore nectare,
iucunda fructu fertili
plaudis triumpho nobili.

Salve ara, salve victima
de passionis gloria,
qua vita mortem pertulit
et morte vitam reddidit.

Accipe stellam cadentem

2005-02-21T09:31:00.000-08:00

Gratias A A Milnei Briano Staplesioque pro hos verbos hodie.

Quo plus
NINGIT - tiddely pum
Eo plus cadit
NIVIS - tiddely pum
Et Frigorem
DIGITORUM - tiddely pum
Ignorat
Quivis - tiddely pum

est vita

2004-10-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Heri amicus meus me docuit novas latinas vocabulas sapientiae:

Nil esther rantzen!

et autem alteram me docuit sed meminisse non possum. Eheu!

Amore verborum

2004-10-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

Cum iuvenis meis loquebar dominica, nonnullos partes biblae sacrae leximus. Gaius verbum lexit quam non cognovit sed cognovi. Verbum indefatigabilis erat. Memini hoc verbum discere cum librum legerem apud scholam me undecim annos vivente. Tunc in mentem meam intravit quondam carminam latinam quod cantaveram me infante et, plus multos annos me intelligente linguam latinam cantavi. Curiosus est. Cantabat verbos quos cognovi sed cognitione nuove inveni.

discriminibus lingua latina

2004-10-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

Non solum dux iuvenorum sed etiam interpres linguae latinae discriminibus sum. Heri studenta mea litteras mobilis recepi. Me reddere latina petit nonnullas uerbas quas in terras australis lexerat:

qui procul hinc quiante diem periit sed miles sed pro patria.

Etiam hodie litteras in carta recepi studenta sed non studenta mea. Apud me sed non mihi.

Hoc mundus curiosum et curiosium verum est

Quod erat demonstrandum

2004-09-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Difficilis est in hoc mephemeris scribere. Sic brevibus scriptoribus adhuc demonstratus est. Igitur inspirationem peto altiis alteriis:

Omnia possum in eo qui me confortat.

Quid agis, medice?

2004-09-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

Apologia pro silencio meo. Diebus recentibus occupatis multo labore in primam hebdomadem novi rectoris nostris. Autem nunc tempore felicitate scribere nonnullos verbos possum. Cum non laborarem ego videre expositiones flexanimas mihi placet. Inveni multas paginas electronicas qui me docuit dicta nova illustrorum hominum (maximam partem Henrico Barbato in libro suo Lingua Latina Occasionibus Omnibus compositam est) et, ut bona magistra docet, vostris nunc doceo:

Terminantore: Fac ut gaudeam.
Ager Somnia: Si tu id aeficas, ei venient.
J. Maguire: Monstra mihi pecuniam!
Stella Bella: Sit vis nobiscum! etiamque... Postatem obscuri lateris nescitis.
Magus Oziensis: Certe, toto, sentio nos in kansate non iam adesse

Etiam hodie Latine Reddeo dictum Matrice:

Cochleare non est !

rumores in foro

2004-09-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

In internetum hodie nonnullas paginas electronicas utilissimas inveni quas utilare potero. Prima pagina introduxit me ad verbis novis. Secundam pagina optima amici mei Davi.

Tamen alteram paginam lexi. Pagina curiosissima est. Anno Domini MDLIX Aliqui sapientes Anglie reddent ritus ecclesiasticos ut omnes gentes intellegerem sed in anno domini MDLX alteri sapientes editionem Latinam usu academiarum divulgaverunt. Insanus mundus est.

discens et docens

2004-09-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hodie literras recepi studenta mea. Scripsit verbos bonos quos hic scribo:

Mater tua criceta fuit, et pater tuo redoluit bacarum sambucus.

Gratias ago ad C. Lestera et hominibus M. Pythonis!

primus inter pares

2004-09-09T23:01:00.000-07:00

hodie mephemeres veres scribere incipio. Lexi nonnullos libros latinos ut verbos inveniam sed invenire non aliquis satis potui. Ideo solum cogitates mei propono. Et cogitatum meum hodie est: quare aliqui Latine reddere libros recentes?

Explanationem tituli

2004-09-08T16:48:00.002-07:00

Titulum huius paginae MEPHEMERIS est quem duo verbis creavi. araneum qui indicat domum arachnis et ephemeris qui indicat volumines eventorum. Novum verbum spero verbum anglicanum incultum "blog" simulare.