Antony

ON SAINT ANTONY, OF THE ORDER OF FRIARS MINOR OF S. FRANCIS. AT PADUA IN THE VENETIAN DOMINION

IN THE YEAR MCCXXXI.

PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY.

On the Cult, & writers of his Life & miracles.

Antonius, of the Order of Minors, at Padua in the Venetian dominion (S.)

BY THE AUTHOR D. P.

[1] Patavium, commonly Padua, a city of Italy most ancient & most noble, once under its own jurisdiction, Most celebrated cult in Breviaries. now subject to the Dominion of the Venetians , the surname, most well-known everywhere to the faithful Christians, to the prefixed-titled S. Antony gave, on account of the frequent concourse of pilgrims thither to the sacred body of him, laid there in a most excellent chapel; as the great Father of Monks S. Antony, is commonly named de Vienna, on account of the body, near that metropolis of the Allobroges, in the monastery of his name wont to be honored. He is venerated there with a Double Office, with an Octave: which then with Hymns, Antiphons, & proper Lections, was made common to the whole Franciscan Order, by the indulgence of Boniface IX in the year MCCCCIII: for all, using the Roman Breviary , the feast of him wont to be celebrated under Semi-double rite, Clement X ordered to be observed under Double rite yearly .

[2] In the exemplars of Usuard, augmented for the use of various Churches, through Italy, Gaul, & Germany, which it would be long & useless to enumerate, the name of Antony is found ascribed; & the name in the Fasti, & indeed in that which is held according to the use of the Roman Curia, by Master Bellinus of Padua, of the Order of Hermit Friars of S. Augustine, printed at Venice in the year MCCCCXCVIII, & reprinted at Paris in the year MDXXI; in it, I say, he is praised in the first place thus: In the city of Padua the birthday of B. Antony, illustrious Confessor, of the Order of Friars Minor, who was most celebrated in life, miracles, & doctrine. Nearly the same all words, but in the last place, are held in the year MCCCCXC printed at Cologne & Lübeck, & is added: He used memory for books, so that by the supreme Pontiff Gregory IX he was called by the peculiar name Ark of the Testament. Among the other miracles of his virtues, by which he shone in life & in death, two he is read to have raised dead: With the Martyrology reformed by the mandate of Gregory XIII, about the year MDLXXXIV, Antony remained in the last place, under this formula: At Padua of S. Antony the Lusitanian, Confessor, of the Order of Minors, who in life, miracles & preaching was distinguished: which afterwards being transferred to the first place, the last words were slightly changed, so that now it is read. In life & miracles & preaching illustrious.

[3] The Saint had died in the year MCCXXI (actually MCCXXXI), after ten years passed in the Order; & in the year next following canonized, he remained under the earth until MCCLXIII; the celebrated feast at Padua: when S. Bonaventure raised him thence into a higher tomb, before the choir of the so far completed huge new church . Meanwhile so great was the veneration of the Paduans for this their new Saint, that in the year MCCLVII they decreed, with Saviolus as witness in the Dedicatory of the Treasure below to be praised, that on the festivity of B. Antony, or other occasions of the same festivity, in his square or near, as far as the street of Pontiscurvus, dice-throwers could not stay, nor whores or pimps, or evil men; prohibiting also common festivities; & more religiously observed. moreover that every year on the day eleventh of June, on which the city was begun, the Lord Bishop & all Ecclesiastics, with the Podestà & his Curia, & the Fraternities of the people, would go to the church of S. Antony, to hear Mass; & on the day twelfth of June, on which the suburbs of the city were begun, at Vespers as if celebrating there the birthday of his city, declared they wished, him to be held its Patron, equal to the first S. Prosdocimus the first Bishop. Hence that fervor in finishing the larger church; to whose first & new part as soon as it was opened to the people, was translated in the year MCCCX the said tomb. But far more celebrated was the translation of the holy body into a new ark, made in the year MCCCL: on whose account, in the year next following, it was decreed in the General Chapter at Lyons, that on the day XV February in double rite the divine Office should be made, as Wadding notes on that year num. 10. Pacieco below to be praised adds num. 143, that Pope Martin, for the anniversary of the same Translation, granted particular Indulgences, to be obtained in all churches of the Franciscan institute, & that these endure unto today. He adds also, that to the Saint himself in Lusitania the day Wednesday is held sacred. About the day Tuesday, elsewhere wont to be observed, many things will be said in the Analects.

[4] A brief Elogium of this S. Antony we have found, inserted in the book of Epilogues into the Deeds of the Saints by Bartholomew of Trent, Elogium from Bartholomew of Trent the contemporary. which book Ms. exists in the Barberini Library at Rome; the author indeed is entirely contemporary, nor perhaps did he survive many years the Translation of S. Dominic, made in the year MCCXXXIII, at which he writes he was present; about Antony thus: Antony, whom I saw & knew myself, was Spanish by race, first embracing the Rule of Augustine, then entering the order of Friars Minor, by word & example called many back from error. He desired also to preach to the Saracens, & from these to receive the crown of martyrdom. He was eloquent in speech, & drew many to Christ. In a certain Chapter of the Friars he made a Sermon; where with him speaking, S. Francis appeared to a certain Friar, blessing those gathered. He preached the Paduans, & led many usurers to restitution. He compiled books & Sermons. At last at a place which is called Cellas, in the Lord he rested; & thence to the church of S. Mary the Virgin, where the Friars Minor dwell, & where a noble monastery to the holy Confessor has been begun, he is translated. In death constituted, O glorious Lady &c. devoutly in his mouth he had: & to one of the Brothers he said; I see the Lord. More miracles also after death he worked, so that a boy & girl drowned in water, by his merits raised are read. So far Bartholomew, by the fact alone that he mentioned only a more noble monastery, as recently begun, sufficiently declaring himself to have written about the year MCCXL.

[5] Petrus Rodulfius Toßinianus, afterwards Bishop of Senigallia, in the History of the Seraphic Religion book 1 the Life by him in a compendium delivered page 83 thus concludes. Have written about his Life B. John Pecham, Archbishop of Canterbury; Fr. John of Cremona, Minister of the Province of S. Antony; Older writers about him & nearly contemporary, Fr. Matthew Pedelarius, Lector of the Province of Bologna; Fr. Raymundinus, Lector of Padua; Fr. Bartholomew of Trent, of the Order of Preachers. The words of this last we have already given: the first departed from the living in the year MCCXCII ; the three others are not named in the Library of Writers , nor from elsewhere has come to my notice the time in which they lived; I suspect however that all in the same century as the Saint, or at least in the next, flourished. Of these also one could have written the Legend, which we shall give from our parchment codex, written about CCL years ago, containing the Lives of eight Saints and Saintesses , of which the first is of S. Mary of Oignies, also in this month on the XXIII day to be given, the last of this S. Antony: which moreover we have from the Corsendonkan Ms. near Turnhout; & also from the Utrecht Ms. of S. Salvador, but in those things which follow the death contracted. This Life it seems most word for word was transcribed, by him who in more prolix style & with some additions afterwards composed the Life, edited by Laurentius Surius, which in the primitive style we have not yet been able to find; Surius however, although by some Franciscan Father gravely written & faithfully judged it, perhaps also the author of the Life, to be given from a Ms. yet changed the diction for the favor of the Reader, omitting most things little pertaining to history, yet without detriment of the history. If this is true, this also must, equally as the first, have been composed before the first Translation of the body: since neither of these mentions it. Therefore both willingly would I distinguish from that, which wrote a certain one with name suppressed, in the year after that Translation

LIII, which more augmented Surius got and changed the style, of Christ MCCCXVI; which, with the witness of the Rodulfius before-praised, was approved by Fr. Jacobus, then Minister of the Province of S. Antony, & by the whole Chapter, held at Verona; where caution was taken by the more discreet Fathers, that through the whole Order it should be held & read.

[6] In this Life although I scarcely doubt that of the aforesaid Translation a history is written, with the miracle of the incorrupt tongue, is sought another, published in 1316, as that matter is read num. 68 of the book of miracles, after the Life to be given (which book has the title, Legend of B. Antony of Padua, as is held in the Chronicles) yet this cannot be that which the Chapter approved; both because it contains nothing less than the history of his life, & because num. 65 a miracle done in the year MCCCLXVII is narrated. Nay indeed from various places of the Chronicles into one all things seem contracted, without order of time, & without any mention of that magnificent Translation of the year MCCCL. Since therefore the collector's chief scope was the miracles, I preferred to call the Book of miracles , than the Legend; even though by this name often Wadding alleges it, for which the book of miracles from a Ms. is given. who had it from the Ms. of the Nuns of S. Clare of Montefalco of the diocese of Assisi, as we found noted on the front of the apograph, communicated to us by Wadding's successor Harold, & here entire in the original style to be given; after the Epitome of miracles, in the order for Canonization, in the presence of Lord Pope Gregory IX recited; which Epitome, from the Ms. of the Anconitan Convent communicated, I make to be an Appendix of the Life.

[7] Another written about the year 1275, The Foundation of the three Orders, says Wadding, from the Memorial of the Order part I, where about the tenth General Hieronymus a Asculo it is written, relates, at the order of that General a Life of S. Antony was written. This General was elected in the year MCCLXXIV; nor is there doubt, that in the first years of his governance he took care of it. For afterwards he was so occupied with the public business of the whole Church, that he could not even be present at the General Chapter, indicted by himself in the year III of his governance, sent as Legate to compose peace between the Frenchman & Spaniard ; he attempted however to abdicate his magistracy by renouncing it, but in the following year was made Cardinal, & after a decade Supreme Pontiff, under the name Nicholas IV. is alleged from the Memorial of the Order in the Foundation of the 3 Orders. Of the said Memorial no trace anywhere do I find. The Foundation moreover of the three Orders is held in the Antwerp convent printed without year of impression, that it must be a most ancient edition. So however there is read: By the mandate of that General a certain Master, very famous, of great sufficiency & virtue, composed in a wonderful style the Life of B. Antony of Padua. This I would suspect to be that , whose style Surius changed, except that the notice of the double Translation is lacking in this, equally as in our older one. Therefore there remains only this, Epitome of Bartholomew Pisanus, that we at some time wish it to be brought to light. After this Life is to be numbered the Epitome, edited at the end of the XV century by Bartholomew Pisanus, in the book of Conformities of the life of B. Francis to the life of D. N. Jesus Christ, Page in us 79, where on the Province of Padua or of S. Antony, which Epitome will be of some use to us, going to treat of the various Translation of the holy body. Less ancient is of S. Antony of Padua, of the Order of Minors Confessor, & the Life newest of all is indicated: of the Evangelical truth most distinguished Preacher Life; by the work of R. P. Fr. Sanctos Saccensis of Bordeaux, of the same Order Lector General, of the same Divine of the Observant Province Father, from the Annals of Minors of R. P. Fr. Luke Wadding & other historians compiled; to which were added at the end, questions, additions, & resolutions, & finally Elogies of various authors on the holy man, at Padua MDCLXIII. This Life is praised, as accurately written; yet to our intent less necessary believed Father Joannes Baptista Romandiolus, also one or another book about the church of S. Antony; when he sent two other books on the same argument in Italian, as more useful in future; namely, the Religious memories of B. Valerius Polydorus, in which the church of S. Antony is treated, edited in the year MDXC at Venice; which Wadding much used; & the Treasure of the city of Padua, set forth by Petrus Saviolus from the city's own Archives, with the note of the year

MDCLXXXII.

[8] Allege also besides the aforesaid Wadding, broadly & diffusely written, also in Italian speech two Lives & in two books distinguished a History of S. Antony, which in Italian he edited in the year MDLII Hippolytus de Ponte, a Minor Conventual: but since from this I see nothing Wadding to have transferred into his Annals, this is argument to me, that nothing of great importance could be had from it, which already from elsewhere was not held; just as nothing singular has another shorter, which on the Life & Miracles of the same Saint, from the Chronicles of the Order, professes to have collected Fr. Bernardinus Genovesius the Sicilian, & into Chapters XL distinguished in Italian speech edited, at Rome in the year MDCVI; yet to Wadding neither in the Annals, nor in his Library (which thou wouldst wonder) is it known. Of greater use to us have been two Epitomes, in the Castilian idiom written: first, published at Madrid in the year MDCXLVII, by Fr. Michael Pacieco, Regular of the Order of D. N. Jesus Christ, & Administrator of the Royal Hospital, founded for the Lusitanians under the title of S. Antony. The other Epitome in the same language he inserted in his Seraphic Chronicle, in the year MDCLXXxIV published, book 3 chap. 9 & following 40, Damianus Comegius, the General Chronographer of the Observant Order: & two in Castilian. from each of which Epitomes some here and there various circumstances of many matters we have learned, with which we will enrich the Notes. Dedicated is moreover the prior Epitome to D. the Marquis Francisco de Melo, whom our Belgium a little before had as Governor ; who himself also through the Saint from a great peril of shipwreck freed, that silver trireme to Padua dedicated, of which in the Analects num. 9 occurs mention.

[9] At Padua nothing ancient remains in Mss. In the nomenclature of the Provinces of the Order, that, which otherwise could have been called Venetian, has the name of S. Antony among the Franciscans; in which the second Convent is reckoned the Paduan of S. Francis, so called, I believe, because the new structure had its beginning, in the very year in which he was canonized, with S. Antony still living & laboring, even though otherwise the temple had the name S. Mary. About this Convent Franciscus Gonzaga, General Minister, & at last holily dead Bishop of Mantua, laments, that to compress in very few words its praises he is compelled; because of the Fathers of this Province such was the negligence & carelessness, that whatever of letters, whether Apostolic or whatever others, pertaining to the foundation of this most celebrated Convent & its antiquity, were preserved in its archives, has miserably perished. The same, I believe, would have grieved over the Acts & Miracles of S. Antony, if he had had to bring them to light: therefore the more recent miracles are given. of these certainly nothing ancient there is found in manuscripts to be believed by us forces the silence of Wadding. Therefore despairing of the old, I wished to inquire, whether at least benefits of more recent memory there were duly recorded, whence the Analects might be augmented , to be given after the book of ancient Miracles. But was sent a little book again printed at Padua in the year MDCLXXXVII, containing graces from the year MDCLXVI obtained. Afterwards also I received from there another collection equally Italian, but Manuscript, in which were contained some singular things from the year LXI of this century unto XCIII, which similarly I will render into Latin; & also from other writers of other nations & languages other things, of whose authors each in its place I shall indicate.

LIFE

By an Anonymous very ancient Author. From our parchment Ms., & other Mss.

Antonius, of the Order of Minors, at Padua in the Venetian dominion (S.)

BHL Number: 0587, 0592

FROM MSS. CHAPTER I.

Beginnings among the Canons Regular, transition to the Friars Minor, eremitic life in Romagna.

[1] In Spain, in the city Lisbon (Ulysippone), which on the Western side of the Kingdom of Portugal, in the farthest bounds of the earth is situated; The Saint born at Lisbon, a certain very large church, in honor of the glorious Virgin Mother of God Mary a built consists, in which the precious body of B. Vincent the Martyr honorably rests, from whose Western valves' thresholds, the venerable parents of B. Antony b not far dwelling, in the first flower of youth this happy son c they begot; & a name to him Fernandus in the sacred d laver of baptism imposing, in the same church afterwards the boy to be educated they hand over, his boyhood being passed modestly, in morals & to be imbued with letters. Who, while, after boyish years simply passed at home, whatever the deceptive appearance of the world, & the petulance of the flesh suggested as pleasing to themselves, by no means did he loosen to these reins of concupiscence; but already disposing to serve God alone, more evidently in the progress of time he declared this by deed.

[2] For despising the world & enticements of the flesh, to a certain cenobium of S. Augustine, neighboring to the said city e, he becomes a Canon Regular, he betook himself; & there devout the habit of Religion he assumed. Where while the peace of his breast the importunate frequency of his dear friends was disturbing; having spent there about two years, to the holy Cross of Coimbra f, namely another monastery of the same Order he flew over; to which however, on account of the gravity of his morals, hardly did he obtain license from his Superior. Coming there, for greater quiet he passes to S. Cross of Coimbra: to obtain the desired quietude of mind, so much there in all perfection of religion he advanced his transfer made, that it could not be imputed to levity of heart. The Spirit moreover was already driving him, by a certain presage of future things, to the studies of divine letters; in which constantly meditating, not only how in a foreign field by extirpating vices, he might plant virtues, where much advanced in studies, himself first solicitously cultivating, he knew; but also how he might confirm the norm of faith, & refute errors, with the most firm sentences of the Fathers he fortified himself. And thus it was done, with him inspiring, who needs no interval of time in teaching, that not much after the man of God was full of the spirit of wisdom.

[3] He is moved by the martyrdom of Franciscans in Africa Meanwhile at Morocco is poured out the blood of the innocent by the profane; when there against Christ hatefully raging into the slaughter of the Friars g Minor drew the sword the King immense: where he shone with very many signs of prodigies: since he who descended from heaven, for whom they suffered, of the dying became reward the bread of life. Whose venerable Relics a certain famous man, by name Peter Infans, h from Morocco bringing; by their merits himself from grave perils his liberation, for imitation, & celebrated order of their passion he divulged. Then also to the ears of Fernandus the rumor of the deeds not vainly resounded : for suddenly elephant-like, to battle from the sight of blood, animated, he is wholly snatched up to the fervor of faith ; & the injury of Christ & the slaughter of the Martyrs with wonderful compassion turning back upon himself, nothing at all he reckons himself to do, unless he himself running against the tyrannical ferocity, the same for Christ with the aforesaid Martyrs the palm obtains. Happy this one, whom by fear of death the sword of the persecutor does not enervate, but for the better, as will appear, the ardor of perfect charity changes; therefore with seething mind what is to be done, devising; the habit of the Order of such men dead for Christ he assumes, & to follow their life deliberates; that even so more effectively to the desired contest of faith he may be able to attain i.

[4] And when the Friars of the said Order, near the city Coimbra dwelling, therefore to their Order he passes, to that monastery as is custom on a certain day, for asking alms, turned aside; seeing them the Servant of the Lord, by no means could contain himself further; but kindly aside led, all the conception of his mind he opened. Rejoices not a little at this the first simplicity of the Friars; & the day, on which this their joy might be fulfilled, they appoint; & so joyful, the Lord giving thanks, they depart. He indeed, the Prelate's license, though with difficulty, having obtained, joyful to the agreement prepares himself: but also the Friars according to the promise cheerfully return, the habit received, & to him in the very monastery of his own the habit of their Religion impose. Who while, after the change of habit, soon with the Friars departed thence; one of the Canons, over this showing himself to grieve more gravely than the rest, to him departing thus in bitterness of heart said: Go, said he, go, because perhaps thou shalt be a Saint. To whom humbly thus he replied: When thou shalt hear a Saint, God surely thou shalt praise k. He came therefore where the congregation of simple Friars was dwelling, which place namely S. Antony l was called; according to which name, Antony he henceforth asked to be called: that thus the solicitude of those inquiring him with pious caution he might delude, & their importunities under an unknown name more easily avoid.

[5] Fervent therefore, as has been said, for martyrdom, while against Christ the King of the earth was raging, in no way from this purpose could he rest; but thence wishing to sail to Mauritania, until at length, according to the license permitted him, to the land of the Saracens he passed over. But however much with effort to these things, which have been said, he strove; yet his desire in these he did not fulfill; of which the King of the reigning Lord decreed otherwise from human sense. For seized with too grave & long languor, nothing favorable for his vow he saw being done with himself; hindered by sickness he lands in Sicily: until compelled by very necessity, to the parts of the faithful to return he disposed. And when sailing to return to Spain he was seizing the way, it happened that to the parts of Sicily m with winds not favorable blowing he applied, & so utterly from his purpose he saw himself defrauded. There was pressing at that time the general Chapter of the Friars n, which was to be celebrated soon at Assisi. & thence to Assisi, Which when through the Friars came to Antony's notice, thither (as he was weak & infirm) somehow he arrived. The Chapter therefore being dissolved as is custom, & the Friars to their places everywhere being dismissed; alone Antony was sought by none; because, as he was unknown, so also unprofitable he seemed. With no mention therefore of his literature, or any other utility had, & into Romagna, to Friar Gratianus, who then was over the Friars o of Romagna, devout he approached; humbly asking, that him by the General Minister sought he might receive, & receiving in regular disciplines instruct.

[6] Whom the same Friar Gratianus kindly received, into Romagna with him led: & seeking a place of solitude, to the hermitage of Mount S. Paul p he sent. Whither after he came, he found there a certain longed-for cell in a crypt, where in the hermitage he lives most rigorously, secluded from the Friars, & fit for prayers, which for his uses from a certain Friar, who for himself had prepared it, he obtained. There a solitary, as far as was permitted, life he led; there with sacred meditations strengthening his spirit against temptations, in divine love he confirmed himself: there with nocturnal vigils alone in prayer he persisted; there himself totally to divine disposition commending, upwards the anchor of most firm hope he kept: there also with food of bread & water with such abstinence he macerated his body, that, with witnesses those who were present, at the hour of collation sometimes about to return to the Friars, with steps wavering from too great weakness, he could not support himself. So therefore the man of God Antony, & he humbly hides. although full of the gift of wisdom , for a long time a simple life among the simple led; so the height of arrogance with humble heart avoiding, under the appearance of an unlearned man so great light of divine grace he hid. For although, as from the premises it is plain, he had the most fervent zeal for the house of the lord, yet from his desire already once by divine nod defrauded, by himself again of earthly glory the weight he did not presume to assume; until, with him, to whom he had already commended himself, disposing, by manifest indication afterwards, his fame in the convent of simple men grew.

NOTES BY D. P.

CHAPTER II.

The Ordination of S. Antony, & fervent & fruitful preaching.

[7] Antony sent to Forlì to take Orders, After much time the Friars, for receiving Orders sent to the city Forlì, came together; among whom & a Antony, & also some Friars of the Preachers were present. And when at the hour of collation the Minister b of the place was urging the Preachers themselves, that some one of them might propose a word of exhortation to the Friars gathered; by God's nod it happened, that all refused to speak, & altogether asserted themselves unprepared for this. Then at length to Antony the same Minister, the Spirit strongly stirring himself, turned: & him, of whose knowledge nothing was clear to himself, for this work he calls; namely that he might propose to the midst of the Friars whatever the Spirit suggested to him. To which less fit the servant of God humbly answered: as one who was held more exercised in washing the utensils of the kitchen , & other such offices of meanness, than in expounding the mysteries of the divine words. But why should I delay with many words? Plainly, & compelled to preach, when he had received such grace from above, that memory he used for books; no other in him sign of knowledge however was detected, except that very rarely he spoke few things literally. Finally, although with what power he could he refused; yet to go against him commanding he was not able: & though unwilling, at last consenting, in the fear of the Lord, he began first simply to speak.

[8] he gives an amazing specimen of himself: But whose lamp, long under a bushel placed, the Lord on a candlestick now wished to set; in the progress of speech with such splendor of words, & such profundity of mystical sentences he suspended them; that of course at the unexpected outcome of the matter vehemently all who were present wondered, & scarcely ever to have heard such things they confessed. The Friars therefore filled with no little consolation, afterwards venerated in the man of God the brightness of supernal wisdom divinely veiled, venerated nonetheless the virtue of humility now tested. Not long after to the ears of the General Minister the deed came: who soon compelling Antony to come forth into public , the office of preaching c enjoined on him. And indeed he is worthily handed over to the ministry of the word; whereby he is ordained Preacher by the General, as one who flourishing with divine wisdom, of the poor in the college first proved poor in spirit, did not impudently snatch this honor for himself, before called by God. But that this calling done divinely may not be doubted, from his very dwelling equally also by death is proved. For constituted in this misery of pilgrimage, he flourished both in life & doctrine : of which, the former, that is the life, voluntary vileness, simple innocence, & care of discipline commend; the other, which is doctrine, charity joined with zeal, truth, modesty approve.

[9] he discharges this office, But how excellently all these things shone, since through individual matters briefly I cannot explain; I will touch at least succinctly, how to all equally he announced the truth. This indeed virtue in him shone in the eyes of all, which indeed is more powerful than miracles, by which many in life are deceptively deceived. Thus therefore the Saint, in the cups of doctrine wonderfully overflowing, with such a balance of justice rendered to each their own, that whether he spoke to the great or to little ones, equally all with the javelin of truth he struck. For he who already with so eager a heart had thirsted for the cup of passion before, by greatness of no one nor by fear of death for the truth did he yield; with wondrous fervor, but with admirable vigor, even resisted the tyranny of the great. For such with severity he rebuked certain reprehensible great persons, that other often famous preachers hearing this, themselves at the intrepid constancy of the man trembled; & by a certain blush of pusillanimity bathed, wishing rather to be far than to be present, with confused hand or garment covered their foreheads. Yet his speech was, according to diverse opportunities, with liberty, & grace; always seasoned with salt of grace : he was, I say, gracious & also severe, so that he might instill in hearers love & at the same time fear. Thus therefore in this dwelling of pilgrimage, distinguished in doctrine & life, the divine calling in the Saint most evidently he proves; which, as at the end will appear, multifold after death the brightness of miracles with necessary conclusion confirms.

[10] going far and wide. So Antony, having received the authority of preaching, did not negligently study to execute the office enjoined on him: but the quiet of the eremitage, by which he had till then been watching over himself, he then converted into the unusual labor for fraternal edification. For going around far & wide through cities & forts, he most fervently preached the word of life; & divinely instructed in all things, according to the diversity of hearers, to each he proposed what suited them. The learned in him wondered at such subtlety of intellect, & such splendid eloquence of tongue, which in all things they heard weighing words with wondrous weight of discretion . How profound he expressed concerning the sacred eloquences, Called the Ark of the Testament by the Pontiff. the supreme himself Pontiff of the Roman See testified, by whom the holy man Ark of the Testament, by a certain peculiar name, was called. For not only what pertain to the formation of morals, with placid speech he discussed; but also with most fitting reasons the perverse dogmas of heretics he confuted. For both at Rimini he converted very many heretics to the integrity of the Christian faith: among whom even a certain heresiarch, by name Bonovillus, for thirty years blinded by the darkness of pestilent error, to the light of truth he led, & even unto death made him stand by the mandates of the Church.

[11] But because it would be long to narrate in order, how many different provinces by preaching he traversed, how great reverence to him both of greater, However, these things omitted, the author passes to the death of the Saint, as of lesser, & how great affection of charity existed; how in various offices enjoined to him he bore himself, & how many lost souls he restored to their Creator, omitting all these things let us briefly pass; & the discourse, whither we tend, let us turn to the outcome of the matter. Yet in explaining afterwards his last course of life enough will be understood, how great efficacy of preaching of the true one sent by God, for a long time, in various parts of the earth, & adds only, that S. Francis appearing in the Chapter, was; since so much within the space of one d Lent in one city he accomplished. But this in his praise at present is not to be passed over , what at one time to the Friars, gathered at a Chapter in the Province e, this Saint of the title of the Cross, & the sweet sufferings of the passion of Jesus, with a sweet modulation preached: when the most blessed Father Francis, at that time corporally still living, but in another region then far removed, himself in the air to the sons, with a new & stupendous kind of miracle, presented. For, his preaching seems to have been approved. as if approving the discourse of the man of God, what was to be imitated by the hearers, he showed; to the happy eyes of one of those sitting nearby, as with arms extended on the gibbet of the cross, he appeared; & to the sons who were present blessing, with the sign of the Cross he sealed them.

NOTES BY D. P.

EMBOLISM.

From Surius, & the Annals of Wadding.

[12] The Saint acting at Padua the first time, It pleases here, with the too hurrying Author of the Life, somewhat to halt, & from Surius's Life & the Annals of the Order, to excerpt some more illustrious passages, not so conveniently collected elsewhere. The first is, what thou hast in chap. 30 of the Life prefixed-titled, & seems to look to the first time of S. Antony dwelling at Padua , related in these words: When the man of God was dwelling at Padua, at Lisbon two citizens with inexpiable hatred pursued each other: of whom one near the house of the blessed man's parents was dwelling: & when at evening hour he had found the son of his enemy in the square, with utmost cruelty he slew him, & in the dead of night in the garden of the man of God's parents, a pit being made, buried him. But since the one whose son had been killed was noble ; inquiry was made diligently, & was found, his son had passed by there, where his enemy was dwelling. So his house & garden being searched, nothing was found. They went to the neighboring houses, & in the garden of those the corpse of the boy was found. So the father of the holy man with all his family was thrown into chains, as guilty of that killing. This when through the spirit at Padua the man of God knew, he is transferred to Lisbon to free his father from the suspicion of killing: at evening from the Guardian he sought permission to depart, which to him was not denied. The same night by a great miracle he was brought to Lisbon , & at the next light to the Judge he betook himself, asking that the innocent ones loosed from chains he would suffer to depart home. With that one refusing in every way, he asked the corpse of the killed boy to be brought to him. When it was brought, he ordered the boy to rise, & to say, whether by his parents he had been killed. He rising, said that of his killing those were entirely unconscious: & so power to depart was given to them. Stayed the whole day with his parents the blessed man, & at morning by angelic ministry to Padua was led back.

[13] Likewise on another occasion, that he might help one accused of embezzlement. A similar case adds Paciecus num. 79. To the father of the same Saint Martinus had been committed a notable sum of Royal money, to be distributed among several lower ministers: which since he had not done with such caution, but that of many, who had received it, receipts were lacking; when reckoning of received & spent was to be rendered, & those called who were known to have received denied either the whole or part; nothing was closer, than that the same Martinus would be condemned of embezzlement, & on his all goods the Fiscus would lay a hand. He is therefore cited to court, together with others, who in denying receipt appeared would be obstinate. When suddenly before all stood , who in Italy was far away, Antony; & with grave & severe voice said, Thou so much at such hour, thou at such day didst receive: if you persist in denying, God will vindicate the truth violated: & having said this, he disappeared. But the efficacy of the words was such, that immediately they confessed, what before they had denied: & his property & fame remained intact to Martinus. With many things then Paciecus inquires, in what office then the father of the Saint was, & on what occasion to him the money was committed: which omitted, I pass to Chapter 17 of the Surian Life.

[14] Constant hammer of heretics, But the Saint of God's chief always study & effort was, that the most pernicious little foxes, which demolish the vineyard of the Lord of Sabaoth, namely pestilent heretics, & their false doctrines, with his powers he would attack, utterly destroy, & extirpate by the roots. Some heresiarchs in public disputations at Rimini, Toulouse, & Milan openly he refuted, & their errors before all he confuted. For he was instructed so much, both with efficacious sentences of divine scripture, & with solid & perspicuous reasonings; that those who were imbued with nefarious heresy, did not dare to stand before him or open their mouths: so that to him also it seemed to pertain, what the Lord promised his disciples: I shall give you a mouth & wisdom, which all adversaries of truth shall not be able to resist & to contradict. Luc. 21, 15 He detected in a wonderful way the frauds & cunning of heretics, retarded their efforts, exposed their abominable errors with much vituperation. Nor easily anyone at that time anywhere could be found, which he himself in some quarter publicly confessed, much fruit he makes among them: who so sharply & continually pursued them, & so continuous a storm of persecution stirred up against them. Whence it has happened , that he was generally said by all to be the unwearying hammer of heretics . Nor was the labor of the man of God without fruit, many heretics with their supporters, returning to the truth & obedience of holy Mother Church, . To usurers most efficacious was, what is held chap. 28 of the Life before cited. & he orders the heart of the usurer to be sought in his chest. At a certain usurer's obsequies the man of God about to preach, for the theme he took that from the Gospel: Where is thy treasure, there also is thy heart. Mat. 6, 21 In his sermon among others he said: This rich man is dead, & buried in hell. Go to his treasure, & in the midst of it you shall find his heart, his body now buried. They went, the man's relatives & friends, & the heart still warm in the midst of his money they found.

[15] To making Confessions integrally he leads many, When to the people preached this excellent herald of Christ, the speech from his mouth as from a burning furnace proceeding, wonderfully was wont to move hearers, & to penetrate the very marrows of souls, & much in them devotion & compunction, & hatred & detestation of vices, to excite; so that often one to another would say with much groaning: Alas me wretched, who never before this thought this to be a sin: which if I had known, surely I never would have committed it: And mutually they encouraged each other to making a Confession, to undertaking pilgrimages for religion's sake, to embracing fasts on certain days in honor of the mother of God, or to follow similar practices of piety. Who indeed could by saying attain, what tears were poured there, what sighs drawn from the depths of the breast, what beatings of breasts in stubborn sinners were seen? So much indeed the Lord magnified his holy one , that not only by daily customary he flashed with miracles, but also unheard-of signs by him were produced. For as blessed Nicholas is said to have appeared through a vision to Constantine the Great b, & his Prefect, & threatened threats, also appearing through a vision. unless they released innocent men cast into prison; so this blessed man, those whom through sin he saw to be held bound by the malign demon, & to tend to eternal death, was especially zealous in freeing. And some were wont to come to the Friars, while still the man of God lived, & affirm for certain, that to them lying in bed he had appeared, & had said: Rise, Martin; rise, Agnes: go to that Friar, & this or that sin to him confess, which in such a place thou hast perpetrated, of which no one besides God was conscious. By which means sins entirely hidden were expiated.

[16] He is heard with wonderful silence. So far Chapter 3, to which not unlike things are read in chapter 16, related to the time of the last Lent, through which at Padua he spoke to the people. There this also admirable is noted, that in such a crowd of those running together from everywhere to the sermons of Antony, no cry of those pressing themselves was heard, no dissolution was seen, no laughter, no voices were perceived, no cries of infants, by which even a little his sermons would be interrupted. They all stood with attentive ears, with eyes continuously most intent on the man of God, without any weariness, with much devotion supporting him, just as if not a man, but an Angel fallen from highest heaven, was preaching to them. Neither is this a wonder, since the Lord had poured upon him such grace, that with most eloquent tongue, with most clear voice, bringing forth his words like a kind of trumpet, he was both heard & understood by all. Nor does this lack wonder, since in a far-off region he had been born & raised for a long time, that in the Italian idiom so politely he was able to, what he wished, pronounce, as if outside Italy never he had set foot.

[17] Processions of flagellants introduced with him as author. Began then first men, by gathered troops, beating themselves, & devoutly singing pious canticles, to proceed. And that praiseworthy custom, set forth by such an author, afterwards by its increases was augmented; so that in almost all places of Italy most accurately even today c it is observed. This relates Wadding on the year MCCXXV num. 19, & at the same time notes, that although Polydorus Vergil book 7 de rerum invent. chap. 6 refers the flagellations applied to chastising the body to the times of the Apostles, yet before the times of S. Antony, no such clear memory among Authors is held of such congregations, or of men flagellating themselves in association: nor on that account are they to be disapproved, that a hundred years after arose the pernicious sect of Flagellants, with uncertain author; who poured forth several errors, & were condemned by Roman Pontiffs, especially Clement VI. For this notwithstanding, Devoutly & Christianly to flagellate, also in public supplications for the satisfaction of sins, just as S. Antony taught, the Church has always since his time permitted & praised. But I return to the Surian Life, of which the following article is chap. 11.

[18] By teaching & ruling he profits the Friars. Many distinguished monasteries of his Order indeed, by lecturing, disputing, preaching he illustrated & adorned; both with zeal of faith & fervor of leading souls to Christ, & with study of instructing the Friars, & also with desire of honoring the Institute or Order of his, which through that time on account of inexperience among most was in contempt. The same also himself in the Emilia province, for many years was Minister of Friars with praise. But although in doctrine & word in Italy hardly anyone he had as an equal; yet nonetheless in his Prefecture, or office of Minister, wonderfully convenient & humane he showed himself. But when in the city of Le Puy he was discharging the ministry of Guardian, there was a certain Notary , altogether lubricious, devoted to the flesh & world. Him whenever the man of God passed by, with head bared before him he bent his knee. He venerates a lubricious man But he thinking that to be done in his mockery & contumely, was perturbed in mind ; & gave in every way effort, that he might never have him to meet. But when on a certain day unexpectedly the holy man passed him, & thus, as we have said, behaved toward him; the man exasperated said: Unless I feared the wrath of God, with a sword would I strike thee, that thus thou makest me ridiculous. What does that mean, that before me thou bendest thy knee? Replied the blessed man: I willingly to God would have offered myself a Martyr, but to him it did not please. About thee however he revealed to me, that a splendid Martyr thou shalt be. I pray therefore, that when to the contest of martyrdom thou shalt come, thou wouldst wish to be mindful of me. He hearing this, laughed. But not long after a time, the Bishop d of Le Puy with many others set out for Jerusalem, as a future Martyr.

that he might preach Christ to the Saracens. And behold divinely moved that Notary, having sold all his things , with him entered on the journey. But when they had come to the Saracens, & the Bishop thus quite coldly was giving sermons, once indeed, & again, & a third time the Notary dissembled. But at last like B. Vincent e he rebukes the Bishop, that thus coldly the faith of Christ both he preaches & defends: & divinely inspired by the Spirit, with much fervor he began to teach the Saracens, that Christ is the true God & Son of God, but Mohammed is the son of Satan & perdition. Which they not bearing, seize the man, & for three days with dire tortures torment him. And when now he was led to death, he expounded to the Friars, that Antony had foretold, that he himself was to be a Martyr. This matter was an occasion to the people, for afterwards with much reverence B. Antony to be followed.

[19] Crossing from Province into Italy in the year MCCXXV, says Wadding num. 20, alleging authors the Chronicle of Marianus book 2 chap. 3, & Rodulfius Tossignianus in the History of Seraphic Religion fol. 280 & ff. already a second time (for the first time it had happened coming from Lusitania ) by a stormy sea was carried to Sicily.

There he built some monasteries, just as the local tradition & the fame of the Friars carries. At Cefalù, or Cephala one, where for more than three hundred years perpetually flourished a cypress, planted by his hands; another at Noto, In Sicily he founds certain Convents. in a most pleasant site; a third at Lentini. In the same kingdom, in the city of Patti, happened to him that miracle, that, when a certain one had the holy man in hatred, & grieved that he was held in esteem by the Bishop, he laid an ambush for his honor. He invited him that he should dine with him on Friday; but to him reclining he set out a fat capon, saying it is an Evangelical precept. Eat what is set before you, nor was it lawful for Antony to transgress this; & therefore he, however much it was Friday, ought to eat flesh . He, Where the bones of the capon eaten by him he turned into fish bones. expounding the text of the Gospel, on account of the weakness of his infirm body, ate the bird. Secretly the host immediately with his own began to murmur, & went to the Bishop , going to make faith with the capon's bones, that not so holy was the man as the people thought, but when the bones were immediately turned into fish bones, the man was astonished, & begged pardon. A similar thing reporting Paciecus num. 64: It was, says he, when some heretics, laughter for themselves, & a horned owl set out he renders savory. for the Saint shame believed they had prepared, by cooking & setting out a very large horned owl: which when he among those sitting cut, like a capon distributed, & by eating a most savory it was found, & likewise to those; turned to tears they cast forth their perfidy.

[20] From Sicily sent to Rome in the year MCCXXVII, by the Minister of that Province to undertake certain matters, From Rome he passes to Gaul: so great benevolence of the Princes of the Church toward himself he found, that by the supreme Pontiff himself, Gregory IX, his sermons with incredible study & devotion were heard… He was then made Guardian of Le Puy or Anicius in Gaul, with highest humanity & prudence he governed the Friars; & his neighbors by continuous preaching & wondrous example led back to a frugal life… By his work about this time a certain citizen of Brive, by name Quintus de Falcicis, at his expenses in the same city built a house for the Minors. Some stay in this house S. Antony made; & outside the city it is permitted to visit a cave, into which for sake of prayer & penance he was wont to retire. Not long after in the same province of Aquitaine he gave beginnings to another monastery, which from him received its name. Uncertain however is, whether on the journey toward Gaul, or rather on the return, in Forum Iulii & elsewhere he does various miracles. he gave beginning to the Convent of Gemona (a town it is in the region of Forum Iulii, situated in the mountains above Udine) which therefore from him received its name. Certainly a dead man there is said to have been raised by him , while the Convent was being built; as Wadding relates num. 19. The rest which miracles could be related, because to certain years they could not be bound, the same Wadding deferred to the last year. I, at the same time going to give all below, pass over these, that what were done with the General Minister at Assisi, before to Padua there to die he returned, I may transcribe here, just as the same Wadding relates them in the year MCCXXX num. 8. But without any, as elsewhere generally is wont, authors alleged ; I believe, because he had not thought this necessary.

[21] At Assisi, in the Chapter of the year 1230, It had been in that year, which was after the death of S. Francis the fourth, from the church of S. George of Assisi, to the Nuns of S. Clare within the city to be conceded for moving in, to the new most august Basilica, by Elias's work constructed, the body of the holy Patriarch was translated, on the day before Pentecost on day XXV May, with the supreme Pontiff assenting. On the occasion of that fabric the same Elias, by obtaining certain privileges, against the genuine observance of the Rule, especially about money matters, which in certain cases he obtained could be received through intermediary persons; while he was thinking he had rendered a thing pleasing, & wished to persuade the Friars, that not so to the nail nor to the letter observable was the norm handed down by S. Francis, except by men like him and near to God, against him stirred up the chief. For, those who of Francis spirit & will were participants, To the General Minister Elias, persuading poverty was to be relaxed. at these iniquitous persuasions perturbed, within themselves secretly had entered into counsel: for they did not dare into the public to break forth, fearing the indignant power of the man , & the abundant number of those who adhered to him, & in admitting privileges of relaxation consented, partly out of fear, partly out of simplicity & ignorance. But shaking off all fear two outstanding men, Antony the Lusitanian, called of Padua, & Adam f de Marisco the Englishman, resisted the man face to face, manfully objecting, these his privileges tended to the ruin of Religion & the subversion of Evangelical state.

[22] Antony intrepidly opposes himself with Fr. Adam: These leaders being set in the line, came other outstanding men, especially Albert Pisanus & John Bonelli the Florentine, the former Minister of England, the latter of the Province; who was celebrating the Arles Chapter, when, with this same S. Antony preaching, S. Francis appeared at the door, blessing the Friars. Yet no one dared openly to resist Elias, except these two, who openly wished the pure observance of the Rule to be unharmed. Yet they did not do so with impunity; for both with bad word & hard beating affected, the accomplices of Elias felt as troublesome contradictors: who as if against schismatics & dividers of the Order they contended must be punished. Therefore those seeing they were profiting nothing, & detriment to Religion threatening, against certain sentences severely passed against them, an appeal to the holy

See they interposed. Nonetheless Elias wished them to be cast into prison; & he flees to Rome to the Pope. & he would have done it, except by the authority of a certain grave man of Genoa, the Apostolic Penitentiary, Confessor of the Pope, zealot of regular observance, they were protected; by whose cunning from the hands of their persecutors they escaped; & with the Father Penitentiary himself fleeing from the face of the enemy, to the Lord Pope they went.

[23] Who having heard the complaint Hearing of the flight Elias, began to suspect & fear that complaints would be brought to the Pontiff, & urged by the friend Confessor: & sent messengers & letters through swift couriers, who would seize the fugitives or bring them back from the journey. They however taking care for themselves, from the royal way to byways deviated, & into ambushes prepared for them did not fall, with hastened step to the Pontiff hurrying. In the sight of the pious Father placed, gratefully by him they were received (for their virtue & doctrine for many days he had had inspected) & complaints placidly he received; Elias to the cause to be spoken he cites. groaning, that so quickly after the death of the Founder, the holy institute should be so shaken, & the sons in contrary studies divided. Sending therefore a runner he cited before himself the General Minister Elias, & all men of the Chapter, that to so great evil he might more maturely meet… He was present with all written; in one gathered before the Most Holy Lord, intrepidly many things to him those two objected, the Lusitanian & Englishman, who had fled from his face; the luxurious life, the horse well kept, several footmen, private food, & before all extorted, or fallaciously or surreptitiously obtained, from the Pontiff himself privileges.

[24] To these things Elias replied: I resisted, Holy Father, the election made about me after the Founder's death; & He tries to excuse himself; alleged, that I was of weaker constitution, than that on foot I could here and there through Provinces run about, or lead a strict common life. The electors however insisted, that the office imposed I should accept: for fulfilling which, if necessary, they wished that I should eat gold & have a horse. The office then admitted at their prayers, of a horse altogether I had need: for leading this a groom necessary: then for many ministries & various sallies, there is need of a servant: for feeding these moneys it behoves to have at hand : which although necessity & the consent of the Friars approved; nevertheless, for greater security of conscience , with your Holiness I dealt, that more amply these would be lawful for me. Then about the care of the fabric imposed on me, I signified the will of S. Francis, to me through him secretly opened, but with Antony refuting, & to your Holiness in part shown: nor for such a distinguished man & precious Relics could be prepared a worthy basilica, without much & diligent collection of money. And thus through each thing with such ornament of eloquence & apparent weight of reasons he answered, that to those hearing he seemed unjustly accused. But on the contrary arguing Antony: Most Holy Father, said he; if, according to the manner of speaking, it was conceded to him to eat gold , yet not to hoard gold; if to have a horse, not to scandal nobly to feed; if for the fabric modestly to collect, not the whole Order to plunder; if his necessities privately to indulge, not the life of a Prince to lead, & by bad example the whole Order to relax. Holy Father, this is the rule of living of this our Prior.

[25] Swelled with choler & bile Elias, nor could contain himself, but beyond all urbanity before the Pontiff said, that he was lying. absolved from office. Moved the Pontiff at the man's excess, to all silence enjoined; nor himself for half an hour anything said, drawing deep from his breast sighs, often lifting his eyes to heaven; until at last into these words he burst: Thou, Most High King, hast thought in thyself in thy tabernacle, what in this region at individual times was to come; & so to thy servant Francis various events thou hast shown, in that wonderful & mysterious statue, whose parts thou thyself didst explain to him. I fear, lest now now begin to appear these mysteries, & change the best color of gold from which the head was made, & decline into more humble metal. This head, which we appointed, far degenerates from the first. We indeed thought, that he would please the whole Order, on account of the familiarity & close intimacy which he had with S. Francis: but otherwise has it turned out than we hoped; nor to profit, but to hurt do we see the Institute committed to him. By our authority therefore we absolve him from the office, & we declare him absolved; & we wish that to another's election, in our presence, it be proceeded. Therefore with suffrages collected, with easy business & without any delay, by common consent he was elected to the General Minister, John Parens, Minister of Spain, by nation a Florentine, a holy & just man, fulfilling the offices of a true parent toward all. The elect the Pope willingly confirmed: Antony indeed asked to remain in the Curia, but Antony the Lusitanian & companion Adam, unjustly innodated with censures by Elias he declared , & for greater caution from the same absolved; adding thanks, because they had vigorously opposed themselves to the imminent ruin of the Order: but Antony he exhorted , that to cultivating his doctrine he should wholly devote himself: which more easily & equitably to do, he absolved him & exempted from any office & burden of Religion, asking that with him he would wish to stay in the Curia. refuses this & departs to Mount Alverna. He indeed, declining the honor of the Curia & crowds, withdrew to the mountain of Alverna, where with the Apostolic blessing for some time he stayed.

NOTES BY D. P.

CHAPTER III.

The arrival of S. Antony at Padua, his illness & death there.

[26] After therefore the course of his faithful servant Antony it pleased the Lord to consummate; Absolved from rule the Saint, one year before his happy passage, in the Chapter namely general a, in which the Translation of the Relics of the most blessed Father was made, the same man of God Antony from all rule of the Friars utterly is absolved, & to him general liberty of preaching in whatever parts is conceded. So the first course of this liberty he directed to the city of Padua, where already before the sincere devotion of the people, while he was compiling a little work of Dominical Sermons , he had experienced; now also, at the request of the Lord Ostian b Bishop, festive Sermons of Saints also to be connected with the aforesaid work, to complete this especially in the same city he disposed. To Padua he withdraws, going to finish there the sermons on the Saints: After he came there, soon he occupied his mind in pious studies

: & the whole there space of winter, with interspersed preaching at times, he passed.

But when the sacred c Lenten time came; the whole of it in daily preachings or in hearing confessions he wished to spend, About to begin Lenten sermons, he is almost suffocated by a demon: just as he did. But wishing to oppose his happy actions the enemy of human race, on a certain night about the beginning of Lent, when after labor to sleep he had given himself; his throat so strongly he constricted, that him, except by divine nod he had been prevented, he would have suffocated, as he himself afterwards familiarly related. And immediately invoking the name of the glorious Virgin, his eyes free he opened, & the whole little cell where he lay, he saw illustrated with the brightness of supernal light: which indeed not enduring to bear the enemy of light, departed.

[27] And when the Servant of the Lord, that which in the sacred time he had disposed to do, had begun to continue; with such desire of hearing him was inflamed the whole people, that with throngs running to him from everywhere, daily in the Churches had to be appointed stations

. the multitude of audience forced to lead out into the open field, Furthermore when the multitude of the people exceeded the capacities of the Churches, to the spacious places of fields he turned himself; & there with the rain of saving doctrine the thirsting from the abundance of the spirit he watered. Thither daily without intermission the whole frequency of the city of Padua was flowing: there, with the Clergy & religious men, was the Bishop present. Not only this, but from the adjacent cities, forts, & villages, an innumerable almost crowd assembled; & at nocturnal hours, he makes wondrous fruits: where he was about to preach, lighted with lamps hastening, a suitable place each for himself strove to pre-occupy. There with ambitious cult of garments rejected, of both sexes delicate & tender sat; & sent from above grace daily until the end humbly they expected. & by 30000 most attentively he is heard. He was attended moreover by all with such study, when the servant of the Lord spoke; that in thirty or more thousands of men hardly a murmur or noise was heard. But also the stationary stalls d, having closed the shops of saleable things, dared to sell nothing at all, until to their own with the sermon ended each one returned.

[28] But the word of God being finished, the whole crowd even to touch him through the very great devotion strove; so that going or coming, the sermon dismissed, very many approach Confession, often violently to be pressed he feared, except by a strong multitude of youth he was surrounded. There thou wouldst see to peace mortal enmities restored; there those detained in long captivity to be given liberty; there exchanges & usuries to be restored; there to be given back pledges, & debts to be relaxed. There each ones counsel for the quality of their crimes seeking, altogether themselves to stand by the man of God's judgment promised, & themselves to this very thing through a vision admonished most said. There public sinful women were converted, there various kinds of sinners running back to penance, so that not even for hearing Confessions sufficed Priests. So therefore the servant of God Antony, although by continuous illness & a certain troublesome natural e corpulence pressed; from preaching yet, & to touch his garment they strive. from hearing Confessions, & giving counsels, with no weight of labor was turned. So scattering the saving seeds of life, the spaces of forty days he ran through, & gathered an abundant harvest of the faithful for the Lord. So at last the merits of his servant the Lord wished to divulge to the people, whom in a short time openly to all he disposed to glorify; that with this man afterwards with greater devotion they might remember, whose already before the marks of sanctity they had known. For already so much from his merits the wondrous devotion of the whole people was presuming, that if anyone could even a little from his garment cut off, not small in this Relics he rejoiced to have. If anyone deserved either to address him or to touch him, that itself for a great gift he reckoned.

[29] But that this very glorification of himself the man of God foresaw, sufficiently evidently thus could be understood. For on a certain day the plain of Padua, He predicts the city will soon be glorified, & the site of the city itself, from a certain hill looking down; exulting in spirit, with great praises, the companion of the journey hearing, he began to extol, & with great honor soon was to be adorned he asserted. Which indeed how clearly the outcome of the matter itself has confirmed, from the day of his passing unto the present, Padua itself not unexperiencing congratulates itself; which, namely from the future affluence to his body. for the merits of the same Saint, is visited by the frequency of so innumerable peoples, & is honored with such worthy proclamations of praises & magnificent gifts: which, I say, possesses a treasure flowing with signs, & which rejoices in the title of so incomparable a thing: which in her Antony provides for so many wretched. Happy once in all things, Padua, not undeservedly rejoice & exult; & worthy of his blessing, The harvest approaching he withdraws to a solitary place, whence so gloriously enriched thou art, unto the end of the matter mayst thou keep the title. After these things, the time of harvest now pressing, the man of God saw the people in gathering crops to be occupied, & on this account he thought for a time he should cease from preaching. Wearied also with frequent conversation of seculars, from the tumult of the city he transferred himself; & to a solitary place, which is called f the field of S. Peter, for recreation of spirit he diverted. Whom a certain noble man, Tyso g by name, to whose dominion namely was subject the place of the Friars, with greatest devotion received, & hospitality humanely much & gratefully to him exhibited. To whom also after a few days, in a pleasant place, which not far from the house of the Friars planted with trees he had, a cell with his own hands, upon h a walnut tree, with branches from the trunk widened, he constructed; which fit for spiritual studies Antony gratefully assigned for his own use.

[30] Here therefore he whose conversation was in heaven, now from earth in the last time of life raised himself; where seized with infirmity, so that there, devoted to sacred meditations & devout prayers, he might purify from all contagion of earthly things his spirit, who thus to show is confirmed to be soon to be joined to the supernal spirits. Who when on a certain day at the hour of refection had come down to the Friars, suddenly with vehement illness began to be tormented; & lying on a little bed, soon of all corporeal vigor was destitute. And while more and more prevailed his sickness, orders himself brought back to Padua; not he long to survive was sensible. So, lest the Friars of the poor place be burdened, to Padua to be brought back i he asked: The Friars indeed, lest he leave them, as much as they could resisting; at last to his, though unwilling, desire consented, & with grief placed him in a chariot they sent off. Now he was not far from the city distant; when another certain Friar met him on the way, who to him for the sake of visiting was hastening: but persuaded to turn aside to the Nuns, seeing however in the vehicle the man of God by very great infirmity detained, he advised him, lest on account of the importunity of crowds, to the Friars of k S. Mary in the city he should enter; but rather to the cell of the Friars, who ministered divine things to the Lord-Ladies poor, he should turn aside. To whose counsel the servant of Christ acquiesced, & permitted himself to be led to the same cell.

[31] Not long after, with the disease growing, now began altogether to fail, & with evident signs to approach his exit. After therefore the holy Confession, & Absolution received, the Hymn of the blessed Virgin, namely, O glorious Lady l, he began to say: then with eyes raised upwards, there he most piously dies, year 1231. for some time in direct line he looked. And when most diligently thus intent, he was asked what he saw? he replied, I see my Lord. To the Friars bringing him as is custom the oil of Unction, he said to them; I have this unction within me: but, although it is not necessary that you do this to me; nevertheless it well pleases me, & is useful to me. Therefore receiving the Unction devoutly, the penitential Psalms he himself with the Friars chanted, & to the end fulfilled. After this a little, about a half hour, he endured; & thus among the hands of those assisting, lightly like one sleeping he expired. 13 June. m He died moreover on Friday the glorious Confessor of Christ Antony, on the day of the month June thirteenth, in the year of the Lord's Incarnation one thousand two hundred thirty-first.

NOTES BY D. P.

CHAPTER IV.

The contention over the body brought into the city, & his solemn burial among the Friars.

[32] [By the voices of the innocent the death of the Saint becomes known to the citizens:] After the death of the man of God, not immediately did the Friars wish to spread his passing, on this account that they feared the multitude of the tumultuous people would suddenly importunately rush upon them. But what altogether could not be hidden, in a more wonderful manner became known to all. For still all, besides those who had been present, what had happened were ignorant; when immediately in throngs through the city boys walking, thus crying out shouted; The holy Father is dead : Saint Antony is dead, they said. Which rumor immediately into all corners of the city ran, & soon filled the ears of the whole people. Hastened therefore, lest anyone seize the body, with a multitude of armed citizens of Capodiponte ran up: but also others without delay commonly of either sex & every condition came, & very much with one accord made a tearful lament a.

[33] who armed run up, that they may seize the body. But indeed beyond the others more lamentations of the poor Ladies of the Convent doubling, this at last for itself for solace through the Greater Men of the city to procure it disposed, that him, whom alive they could not have for their vow, at least through them dead they should not lose: for obtaining which immediately secretly from the Friars they sent messengers, & found many of the Greater Men agreeable to their petition. So coming the Friars, dwelling at the church of S. Mary the Virgin, where namely the holy man had chosen burial, demand the body be given to them: against whom the aforesaid citizens of Capodiponte standing, do not permit even to touch; but with the armed hand of strong men studiously guard. The Friars indeed thus having suffered repulse, consult the Bishop b what was to be done: & him, By the order of the Bishop the Podestà opposes himself: against such presumptions, in their cause kindly they find. Orders therefore the Bishop the Podestà of the City to come, & for the Friars to carrying the body as much as possible for protection to be made. But the aforesaid citizens nonetheless to the Podestà resist: themselves & their own for defending the Saint's body to dangers offer, & in this also with inveterate enmities disagreeing they agree. Deceit also suspecting, the body itself they wished to seize; & scarcely at last to this were led, that of the Minister c, on whom the cause of the Friars depended, they should await the arrival.

[34] However at night preparing force, they are prevented by a miracle. At midnight a great cry of the impatient people was made, in all ways desiring to see the Saint's body. It happened moreover again wonderfully, that with impetus made the cell of the Friars three times indeed they broke in, but stupefied & with blindness struck not even once, even with the doors opened, were they able to enter. The next day very many also from adjacent places flowed in; & those who by themselves to touch on account of the multitude the body could not, something of theirs through others for touching, as a belt, necklace, or ring, offered. The matter therefore pending on account of the absence of the Minister, the Friars on account of summer heat the body in a wooden little casket enclosed, & placed in a pit lightly covered with earth. And soon a rumor sounded in the people, that namely the body had been seized: & immediately furious all with swords & clubs into the cell rushing, in no way from the begun fury did they rest, until the deed & cause of the deed more curiously inspecting they understood.

[35] The case, to the Minister, Coming moreover the Minister at evening, without delay before him the often-mentioned citizens stand. Asking therefore from him with insistence the body, not only for this reasons they allege, but also threats they utter; namely that in the cause to anyone, neither for loss of things, nor for danger of death, would they yield. Whose irrational pertinacity the Minister hearing, humbly them & cautiously led; & the body itself unto the morrow to be guarded he asked. In the morning next to come, then to the Bishop brought, it is adjudged to the Friars: which was now the third day, the same Minister to the Podestà of the city went, & his counsel together & help he sought. Who with council convened, under the penalty of one hundred pounds, lest violence be done to the Friars by anyone he established, until the business should be heard by the Bishop & Clergy: ordering nonetheless the body itself by common consent of all to be guarded.

[36] On the fourth day therefore the Bishop with the Clergy diligently in the cause proceeded: & with many allegations heard here and there, the definitive sentence at last for the Friars he gave: especially because among them the Man of God burial, when he was approaching death, had chosen; with whom, while still safe he was living, going in & going out he exhibited himself as their equal cohabitor in all things. He announced therefore both to the Clergy, & to all the people, that for carrying out the body unanimously on the morrow they should come together: ordering also the Podestà, that faithfully to the Friars, lest any trouble they should suffer, he should stand by. So did the Podestà, through the middle d of the river, a bridge of ships to be put together; fearing, whence the people turned to sedition, lest a new sedition the aforesaid citizens perhaps should stir up; if through their territory the body, which by the sentence given against them they had lost, were seen to be carried. But these seen they nonetheless into sedition turned, the bridge of ships with attack made they broke down; moreover & to every danger pertinaciously offering themselves, if anyone against them or the body should presume to attempt, or persons, or houses, or anything of theirs should invade. Which the adverse part hearing similarly flew to arms, & against the destroyers of the bridge a line of battle no less courageous they directed.

[37] But seeing the Friars so destructive a peril to the city threatening, they feared not a little: with difficulty restrained by the Podestà: but also the poor Ladies, no less terrified, the body to be carried also with prayers they offered. Furthermore both they & those began to impute to their sins what had happened; & for the loss of the city with tearful voices to implore the clemency of God. Then the Podestà, not sustaining the sedition, the council as quickly as possible into the Palace at the cry of the herald compelled: & the authors of the whole evil into another part of the city he separated; & them, that none of them on that day return home, under the danger of all their own, with the threat of an oath he constrained. Which so done, the Bishop with the Clergy, the Podestà with the Magnates & Soldiers, & with innumerable multitude of people, with ordered processions to the cell go: the body from the pit they bring up, & shoulders for supporting the chief men submit. & a procession instituted, So at last, with hymns & praises, & with lamps in copious number gleaming, solemnly walking, to the church of S. Mary Mother of God they come: where him, the Bishop having completed the solemnities of the Masses, honorably on the day of his passing fifth they bury.

[38] the translation is celebrated with many miracles. But divine providence the storm of the aforementioned tumult permitted to be sent before, he who after a little of tranquility a serene more abundantly wished to diffuse; that the brightness of grace to follow might afterwards shine the more, the more turbulently the cloud of temptation itself had preceded. Is proven also in this, although not according to knowledge, the zeal of the people toward the Saint.

How great namely veneration he would be worthy of, with miracles after clarifying, they were about to have; for whom also so much, before the miracles, they had committed themselves to danger.

For the storm calmed, immediately on that day prodigies of miracles began to flash; so that, in whatever infirmity held they touched his tomb, immediately they received their desired health: Those indeed who could not approach or be brought on account of the crowd, were healed before all, even before the doors in the square

. There is stirred up beyond this an inenarrable devotion of the people, & coming with worthy honors extols the merits of the holy Man.

[39] First the citizens of Capodiponte of both sex, all universally small & great, Concourse from everywhere to the church,

with feet bare, with such reverence & humility came to prostrate themselves before the Saint's tomb, that by their penitence all to compassion they moved hearts. But also the Friars, with greatest piety moved, processionally met them. After whom the Bishop of the city, all the Clergy, & sacred Convents of Religious, a copious multitude with Masters of scholars, the Podestà with a throng of Potentates & frequency of Soldiers, & others of diverse offices professors of arts, many & great wax candles are brought. with individual processions ordered, on most decently established days & hours come; & each bearing wax tapers in their hands, with feet similarly bare, walk. Each troop, with artful variety of cult & forms distinguished, of such magnitude wax tapers preceded; that each, by the shoulders of many or wagons borne, could not be erected within the roof f of the church, except cut off; & not being able to bear them in on account of the very great multitude, outside the doors in the square they set them. Here days continuing with nights, neither yielding to cold nor heat, alternately others succeeded to others: thus worthy continuously praises heralds, & worthy to God & His Saint duties of honors they paid.

NOTES BY D. P.

CHAPTER V.

The Canonization of S. Antony, & a synopsis of his miracles.

[40] After such great wonders of Christ therefore, declared in his servant Antony, a celebrated fame to places lying around itself diffused, & various cities, provinces, languages, & kingdoms peoples to these called together a: who in throngs coming, paid immense thanks to the Lord; with magnificent praises extolling the merits of the Saint, The miracles growing, & preaching Padua itself dedicated to such honors as most blessed . Is extolled hence the faith of ecclesiastical religion, are crushed the biting teeth of the unfaithful, trying with open jaw to tear his bride with so many calumnies with rabid mouth. Cries therefore for these things one voice harmoniously of all, that the canonization of the Saint with vigilant zeal be procured, & the matter itself to the Apostolic See's hearing be quickly announced b. To this business therefore, both honorable by condition, & powerful in gravity messengers are sent: by the Pontifical command who when coming explain the cause of their journey, gratefully & kindly were received in the Roman Curia.

Wonder those hearing at this unexpected sudden surge of so many wonders: what is to be done with diligent counsel they treat: & at last more certain investigation of the miracles, together with examination to the venerable Bishop, & Priors of Saint Benedict c & of the Friars Preachers of Padua they entrust.

[41] The processes are formed at Padua, Furthermore the messengers having returned with joy, the Lord Pope's order is divulged. Gather rejoicing not a few of both sex, who the benefits of the holy man in themselves had experienced, to bear testimony to the truth. So a place is given to attestations: witnesses are admitted, with due cautions of circumstances applied: & legitimately proved miracles are put in writing. Two moreover, of the Apostolic See's legation discharging the office then in the Marca of Treviso Cardinals d at that time, by divine nod, had come to Padua: who in rescribed letters to the Curia their faith-worthy attestations also, for the confirmation of truth, added, over those things which they also about B. Antony after faith already made had known. To these things several persons, with the priors of e Religious & Clergy, with the nobler of the city & Counts, & are approved at Rome: very many venerable they elect, whom to the Roman Curia, instructed with the patronage of such great letters, again they send. With whom received with honor, is made a new discussion among the Princes of the Church about the canonization of the Saint: by whom the examination of the miracles & approval to the Lord Sabine Bishop f again is entrusted: which by him also briefly from unexpected, & also faithfully is dispatched.

[42] The cause to be concluded one intercedes, Then at length one of those an unusual acceleration in such things against the process of the business alleged, because from the very passing of the Saint not yet one year's times had revolved. There was present to the messengers not little desolate the divine providence of piety: which more wonderfully that, which altogether was not to be deferred, promoted; & to one of those who had pretended the impediment of haste, his beneplacit in this through such a vision he indicated. For he saw the supreme Pontiff with the Cardinals, in the consecration of a certain church, with himself also administering with the rest, occupied; until at last to placing the Relics in the altar it was come. So Relics being sought, & not found: a recent funeral, lying covered on the side, appeared; from which immediately to be given to him the Relics the Lord Pope demanded. warned by a dream he changes his sentence, To whom, that these are not Relics, replying; as quickly as possible them he ordered to approach, & the funeral covered without delay to uncover. & it was done that with them uncovering so much the Relics g pleased, that of them who would first take what, even mutually they contended. Awakening, he found those Paduans, in the morning standing before the doors; & immediately to his Clerics the vision he narrated; & for the Saint's Canonization congruently he expounded. From this therefore in the promotion of the Canonization was made this same one chief; & so at last with all consenting, the day of the Canonization is fixed opportune.

[43] Stands therefore on the appointed day the Pastor & Pontiff, adorned with the glory of solemn apparatus; stands, & declares him Saint the Pontiff. I say, with similar cult …, of Churches prelates, & with the copious multitude of the people surrounded. Standing therefore, the miracles read in public & approved, his hands toward heaven he extends; & the name of the Holy Trinity being invoked, the most blessed Priest & Confessor of Christ Antony to the Catalog of the Saints he inscribed; & his feast , on the day of his passing, on the Ides of June, solemnly to be celebrated he established. These were done at Spoleto, on the holy day h of Pentecost, in the year of the Incarnation of the Lord one thousand two hundred thirty-second; year 1232. of the Pontificate however of Lord Gregory Pope ninth the sixth. With which so accomplished, with highest exultation to Padua returned the Messengers, celebrating magnificently on the appointed day the solemnity of the most holy Father Antony. Lastly the miracles, solemnly, as has been said, approved, which in a wider treatise i digested, with the names of persons, & various manners by which they have been exhibited, I have found; to this also little work in summary & briefly I will annotate. The summa of Miracles is here proposed. In which indeed nineteen variously contracted are found erected; five paralytics solidified; & so many cured from the infirmity of hunchbacks; six blind illuminated, three deaf ears opened, & of the same number of mute tongues loosed: two from the falling sickness, the same number from fevers freed, but also two wonderfully dead raised. Some indeed others, which under this generality I cannot summarily touch, individually briefly I will explain.

[44] A woman fallen into the waters escapes with dry clothes: A certain woman, falling into water, S. Antony invoked; & with all extracting her wet everywhere , she alone entirely both in garments & body remained dry. Another woman wishing to visit the holy Man's sepulcher, while deputed to the custody of panic-grass k, on account of the multitude of sparrows, dared not to depart from the place; another keeps the crops untouched by sparrows: the very panic-grass from the importunity of those birds altogether untouched she obtained to be preserved, after she promised nine times to visit the tomb of the holy Man. Some, desperately laboring in shipwreck on the sea, with confession made vowed themselves to B. Antony; some are saved from the peril of shipwreck: & soon quickly to the port of salvation, with a certain ray of light visibly preceding them, they were led.

[45] A certain Sister of the Order of Poor Ladies, most gravely fearing the purgatorial fire, wishing to suffer she falls ill & is healed: through B. Antony obtained in this life to be purged: who also with very hard sufferings tortured, again of the other Sisters' intervention through the same deserved to be freed. A certain boy, his mother for him making a vow to Christ's servant , likewise a boy with vow neglected recurs. from a dangerous tumor of the neck was healed; with the same again sickness, while his mother neglected the vow, was struck: & with vow afterwards repeated & rendered, he is freed. A certain Soldier, from earliest age a heretic, sitting at table, of the miracles of the holy man heard those narrating: who mocking, a glass cup, which he was holding in his hand, to the ground from above threw, incredulous of the Saint's miracles, saying; If this glass Antony shall preserve unbroken, this one certainly I believe a Saint. Which, although dashed against a rock, yet wonderfully preserved; soon his errors renounced, with faith perfect he began to believe in Christ. A certain Cleric, deriding the inquisition of the miracles, the glass which he had dashed on the ground being preserved, he is converted. with most grave suffering is struck: who at last, to Blessed Antony with vow made, healed, becomes professor of his sanctity, taught by experience itself in himself, becomes l.

[46] Many other things also through B. Antony wonderfully done are, indeed not less true than those written above, although not so solemnly approved: of which still very few briefly to explain, The Saint appearing impedes the destined killing of a Presbyter, but several it pleases in general to touch on. Certain Paduan men conspired against the death of a certain Presbyter, & to him in a certain place hidden ambushes set. Where Saint Antony, in the effigy of one of the Friars, whom they did not know, appeared; & to them, awaiting the Priest to come, he from the place altogether did not depart. Whom when they ordered, that he pass thence; & not wishing to pass thence, their intention he said he knew; they suspected, the health of his arm obtained is lost by one to use it badly. lest someone perhaps had betrayed them; & began to ask, who he was. Who when he replied to be Antony, them very stupefied, so from the conceived perversity he withdrew; & to publicly confess what had happened, glory to God giving, he induced. A certain man, having one of his arms altogether useless, full health in it through B. Antony deserved: Who striving soon to pervert the Lord's benefit to wicked use, made himself not undeservedly unworthy of it. For when, on the occasion of received health, to enemies still vengeance he said he would render; with strength immediately lost, to the former state of infirmity he was returned .

[47] These for the present from B. Antony's miracles to explain, briefly to have touched may suffice: Epilogue. whose besides these by glorious merits, from the day of his passing unto now, of the variously troubled the necessities cease, dangers perish; leprosy, demons, error, death, calamity flee; sick people each rise as healthy; chains yield to captives, to shipwrecked seas; lost strengths & members retrieving of both sex of every age receive: which all if anyone require to be explained more, let those who truly feel these things relate, to whom also testimony of the truth let the Paduans bear m.

NOTES BY D.P.

APPENDIX

On the miracles produced for the Canonization. From the Ms. of the Convent of Ancona.

Antonius, of the Order of Minors, at Padua in the Venetian dominion (S.)

BHL Number: 0591

FROM MSS.

To the Praise & glory of omnipotent God, Father & Son, & Holy Spirit, & the glorious Virgin Mary, & S. Antony. The Miracles, which before the Lord Gregory Pope IX, with the whole Lateran people hearing, were recited; succinctly, with previous however truth, to excite the devotion of the faithful, we have undertaken to annotate.

PART I.

Health given to the sick, especially the contracted & paralytic.

[48] The contracted are healed with the hump removed; On the day namely, on which the body of B. Antony in the church of the holy Mother of God with praises & due honor was laid; a certain woman, Cuniza by name, monstrously contracted, with wooden instruments which are called ferulas, to the place of the sepulcher supported came: on whose shoulder a huge hump, from the concretion of humors arising, so miserably had her bent, that except by ferulas supported in no way could she walk. Who when before the Saint's tomb a little in prayer prostrate had stood; with the shoulder soon leveled , with all looking on the hump vanished; & with the ferulas put aside, the woman erect returned to her own.

[49] In the City of Padua a certain woman, Ricarda by name, likewise another, was almost known to all the citizens; who for the space of twenty years bearing dried legs, so much had been deformed, that by a certain callous union her knees adhered to her chest & feet to her buttocks. She when on a certain day for the sake of begging, with the other poor, to the memory of the holy Father borne on a litter had come; pressed by heavy sleep, seeing a girl healed from a hump, she was somewhat dozing, with head inclined upon the ground. While she was thus resting, a voice of one crying out she heard; Thanks be to God, for she has been freed. Roused at last the woman, a certain girl who had come as a hump-back, & by the most holy Father's merits restored to health was departing with many accompanying her, beheld. The woman therefore arose, that she also might enter to the tomb for the cause of curing. And when to the doors of the church she had approached; behold a certain boy seven years old appeared, & preceding her with joined hands, to the entrance invited: Come, come in the name of the Lord; for he will free thee. She, following the footsteps of him preceding, to the threshold of the church dragging herself she came; but when she was placed at the door, that boy disappeared; & led by an angel to the tomb, yet she herself to the enclosures of the sepulcher proceeded. With her praying, behold two balls, like an egg, between her thigh & sides burst forth; & with a certain humor subcutaneous running, the said balls to the lowest of her feet descended: & like shaken hands making noise, with many hearing they sounded. At last her legs, for the space of twenty years dried up, before the eyes of all were extended: & with the skin loosened, in year 20 of infirmity. revived fleshes to the former stature grew. So with the litter-bearers dismissed, the woman returned home: & through the middle of the city walking, with the citizens her acquaintances astonished, with firm steps she walked.

[50] A certain woman, Mary by name, when at a time she had followed her father's mares, beside the river which is called Brenta b, under a walnut tree had sat down; a certain black man, coming out of the stream, Then contracted for five years, in straight course came to her; & having taken her with arms, to another walnut tree from nearby quickly carried her. And when carried, wishing to use force on her, to the ground he had cast her; so miserably broken he left her, that with a humped chest & contracted knee, & also a vertebra of the hip distorted from the haunch c, by her father's leading to home she returned. Who for five years & more so contracted, to the most blessed Father Antony's tomb borne, through his merits to former health was restored. For it seemed to her, while she was being healed, between flesh & bones lightly a hand was being led; her limbs also, long with anxious pain worn out, like ointments more sweetly being soothed.

[51] & another from 8 years, But another woman, Gilla by name, from eight years contracted, with her left leg dried up & nerves shortened, could in no way set the step of her feet on the ground; whom her husband, named Marcoaldus, borne on a horse before the Saint's tomb suppliantly placed. And soon to prayer prone betaking herself, with such anguish she began to be urged, that the great heat, which had invaded her, not able to bear; with men carrying her, with a draught of cooler air her spirit she refreshed. And when brought back after a short time, before the Saint's tomb she was imploring mercy; the hand of a man, touching her womb, & her body trying to lift the woman felt. But she wishing to know, who he was who had touched her with hand; with eyes opened no one approaching her did she see. Understanding therefore the woman, that it was divine help which she felt; immediately by herself she rose up; & with the crutches dismissed, rejoicing & healthy with her husband she departed.

[52] A certain girl, Agnes by name, for three years destitute of all bodily strengths, suffered from the sickness which they call d atrophia; so that with the intestines bound by too great dryness, as quickly as she took food, through the mouth immediately undigested & raw entirely she sent back: at length the disease so prevailed, a girl retaining no food, that with her throat closed she could scarcely swallow saliva or anything soft. So brought on a certain day, & placed upon the Saint's tomb, with very great pain wounded, she seemed to approach death. And when the pain, which had pervaded her body, a little had receded; her mother, who was nearby, she was calling, saying, she from great hunger could swallow a whole bread. So taking up her daughter the mother rejoicing leading home, with food given her at once & retained, the dry body its former moisture recovered, & she returned to her own.

[53] At Capodiponte e a certain girl, Samaritana by name, another contracted in knees, for gathering legumes with other girls having entered her father's field, with knees suddenly contracted in no way could return; but with others carrying her she returned to the paternal threshold; & so with the illness growing, for three years crawling with her hands she walked; & with a miserable spectacle her buttocks dragged adhering to the ground. So on a certain day to the sepulcher of the Saint coming with her mother, Confession made, supplicant she approached the ark; & a very brief hour remaining there, by the most holy Father's merits to former health restored, on her own feet she returned to her own. Which when to the ears of the people of Capodiponte had been announced, with bells rung to her coming they went out to meet; & God's magnificence with eyed faith seeing, they praised with due veneration. A certain Frederic of the County f of Concordia, when at a time from the church of Pulcignis incautiously had fallen; Likewise contracted in the kidneys, with kidneys contracted, only with crutches supported, could walk, or move locally. Coming moreover to the sepulcher of the said Father, with vow made his former health he received; & with crutches dismissed, walking erect, with all who had seen him before wondering, to his own he returned.

[54] In the city of Venice a certain woman, Caesaria by name, another with hand & foot distorted, for two years & more with one hand contracted, her left foot from across bore distorted: who with miracles of the holy Father heard, to Padua quickly hurried. And when on account of the multitude of the infirm she could not approach the tomb , with her shin extended she tried to touch the place of the sepulcher . To which when she had stretched her foot, anxious for salvation, soon such pain seized her, that with her bowels stirred from the bottom & threatening to come out, from pain she sweated. Those who were present seeing the woman's anguish (for now from weakness she could not speak ) removing her from the sepulcher, near the temple wall for the sake of rest placed. Where when she stayed for some time, with sweat receding she rose; & with health of hand & foot obtained, due thanks giving to God, joyful she departed. Prosdocima, once wife of Mainerius de Nocrite, with hand & both feet contracted, likewise another, in a certain Mastellus g to the blessed Father's tomb was carried. Who when over the ark had been raised, her feet with all seeing were erected, & to former uses fully restored; her hand moreover a little trembling, began to be opened immediately & extended; so that, with the guards of the ark warning her in advance, that one she would close & again open.

[55] & with neck distorted, A certain Margarita of the Paduan city, when on a certain night by the benefit of sleep she was refreshing herself, from high to the ground she seemed to have fallen. Waking moreover the woman, was found to have a distorted neck, & her left hand together with her foot equally shortened, so that with heel suspended she could scarcely touch the ground with the tips of her toes. But when on a certain day upon the holy Father's tomb she had been placed; with the neck soon erect the head returned to its becoming state: & with hand & foot's health received, through the same Father's merits freed she came down. & another in foot, A certain boy , Alvertus by name, when from his birth unto the eleventh year, had had his left foot distorted ; the upper part toward the earth turned, the toes to the heel of the right foot reversed he bore; whose father, to direct the foot, woods often was wont to bind: but soon, on whatever occasion to loose it happened, to the accustomed twist it sprang back. So on a certain day, when the boy's mother to the ark of B. Antony with her son suppliant had approached; & when remaining there a little time, vehemently had sweated; from the guards of the ark restored to his mother, with soles turned to the ground home he returned.

[56] Massaguerra of h Saccile, for two years having his right leg contracted, bore his foot suspended. He when on a certain day, using crutches, contracted in leg for 6 years, to the ark of B. Antony had come; vehemently to sweat began. But when the anxiety of pain, which had invaded him, he could in no way bear; a little he withdrew himself from the ark. Those running who were present, trying to lift him up they erected; & soon with all seeing, the nerves of his foot were extended; he finally, with crutches dismissed, hastily returned home: to him ran out the whole neighborhood, & with tears poured & bells rung, gave thanks to God & B. Antony. A certain young man, Tridentinus by name, with a certain bone growing in his back's spine, a hump-back, for the space of five years walking hump-backed, with hands extended to his knees, supported by a certain crutch, to the sepulcher of the Saint came. Whom when his mother, full of faith, upon the ark had had a little raised; descending soon the hump, came down erect; & with his mother, with the crutch dismissed, joyful & praising to his own he returned.

[57] A certain man, Veridolus by name, from very great infirmity shaken, & another, with kidneys broken a hump drew; so that, with head almost let down to the ground, supported by litter-bearers, he walked. So by his mother's leading, of the holy Father coming to the sepulcher, began at once with such great pains to be urged, that with his whole body in a certain way dissolved, he was generally sweating. But with the sweat receding a little, the said man before those standing by extended his kidneys; & through the Saint's merits that hump disappeared, made level. In the city i of Treviso a certain woman, Venetiana by name, & a hump-back: for two years & more she had carried a hump in her chest, like a loaf; she bowed her head to her knees, when she moved herself by any necessity. Coming therefore to the blessed Father's tomb, for three days praying him, was restored to the desired health; & with the hump made level, & head raised, to God & B. Antony giving thanks, she departed.

[58] Colangria of Montagnana, for a year & month with body k dissolved, made a vow to the most holy Father , that to his tomb for the cause of health she would have herself carried. She when on a certain night, likewise a paralytic, lying on her bed, had fallen asleep; with a noise heard, as if the foot of the bed had been struck, awakened, trembling watchful she was awake. And when after a little again the bedside was being struck, fortifying herself with the sign of the Cross , the woman cried out; Who touches the bed? And she heard a voice saying to her, Boldly cross thyself. But she. Who art thou, Lord? I am, said Antony, And the woman crying out said to him; Holy Antony, free me. He replied: Behold, thou hast been made whole . In the morning, the woman healed arose; & through the Saint's merits feeling no weight at all, afterwards healthy remained. A certain Bartholomew of Plebe l Sacci, when from infancy he was mute , & a paralytic: & for fourteen years through the whole body with paralytic plague dissolved; to the sepulcher of the holy Father with vow made suppliant came. Where when, with faith & devotion full of prayer, he persisted; with the tongue's bond loosed, he confessed to God; & he who on a man's back borne had come, on his own feet was departing.

[59] A certain woman, Micholeta m by name, when for eleven years mute & speaking nothing at all had been, Mute & weak: of all body's strengths destitute she languished. Who when the wonders, by the holy Father's merits exhibited, from those telling she had received; to his sepulcher she had herself carried, for the sake of health. And when, with most full devotion asking mercy, before the ark she lay; through the same Father's merits, healthy

she departed. likewise a mute man of Forum Julii. A certain man, of Forum Julii, when he was groaning destitute of the tongue's office; to the ark of the most holy Father, led by his mother came. Who when before the tomb devout he stood, long lost reclaimed his speech. In the County of Ferrara, a certain woman, Maria by name, from four years with her whole body dissolved, continuous tremor of her head she endured. So to the place of the holy Father's sepulcher coming, & a Ferrarese paralytic: in devout prayer she remained; & suddenly her nerves began to be solidified, & her head from the customary tremor was quieted. And rising the woman, before many stood immobile upon her feet; & restored to plenary health, praising God, to her own she returned.

[60] Ermerina of Vicenza, for the space of five years with feet dissolved, when by any necessity she moved herself, likewise two others. with trembling motions her body forward & backward she bore. So coming to the holy Father's tomb she lay prostrate for prayer; & soon, the long desired health she merited to have. Likewise another Woman, Bilia by name, for three years with whole body dissolved; with trembling steps, to the holy Father's ark, distressed she came. And when before the tomb in prayer she had stayed for a longer time, with heat growing, a horrible tremor rushed upon her. They wept moreover the men & women, who were present, seeing these things. But when outside the temple's door carried, a little she had breathed; with the heat receding, the tremor equally departed; &, restored to former health, to her own with joy she returned.

NOTES BY D. P.

PART II.

On the blind illuminated, & various diseases cured.

[61] A certain man of Poccili, Sconitus by name, having his feet putrid, A gouty man is cured, & swelling with the knotted inflation of gout; borne on a man's back, to the sepulcher of the holy Father came. With Confession made, when from a certain Friar he had received penance; dismissed by him, to the Saint's tomb was brought. Where when devoutly he had asked the Saint's suffrages; soon with such velocity healed, to the Friar to whom he had confessed he returned, that from too great suddenness, the Friar himself astonished, here and there through the cloister him made walk. A certain Friar, Theodoric by name, of our Order, A one-eyed Friar, for two years deprived of vision of his left eye, from the bounds of Apulia, to the sepulcher of the holy Father Antony suppliant came. Who when for some time with the Friars at Padua he stayed, before the Saint's tomb the grace of health he was imploring more earnestly. At length obtaining the desired light, rejoicing & praising, to his fatherland, whence he had come, he returned. A certain Teutonic woman, by name a Carolina, for seven years destitute of the office of both lights, when to the holy Father's tomb devout she had come, for a small interval of time before the ark in prayer remained; seven years blind, & with the light recovered from heaven, rejoicing & praising, she returned to her own.

[62] A certain girl, Auriema by name, for a year & half deprived of the lights of her eyes, & another for a year and half: for recovering health was carried to the tomb of the holy Father. Who when the veil, with which the ark was covered, to her blind eyes she had applied; through his merits soon with eyelids opened, the long desired light she received. Leonardus of b Corniclanus, for three years deprived of the light of one eye entirely; likewise blinking for seven years, of the other so much in blindness, that he could not by voice distinguish acquaintances from unknown; to the reverend Father's tomb, for the cause of recovering salvation, came; and when, with prayer poured, for a small time before the ark he stayed; restored to the office of both lights he departed. Flos de Gemma of Loreto, when for seven years had been entirely deprived c of the office of the left eye ; coming to the blessed Father Antony's ark, & one-eyed, endowed with the desired light, giving thanks to God, to his own with joy he returned. A certain woman, Alexia by name, & blind, when for five years of both lights' use she had been totally deprived, to the sepulcher of the man of God, long lost through his merits received her sight.

[63] In the Paduan city a certain woman, Michalotta by name, & epileptic, suffering from epileptic plague, from the excess of the disease the light of her eyes had lost, & how often near death she appeared. Whom when her mother to the Saint's tomb for the cause of health had carried; upon the ark a little raised, soon with eyes opened she received the lost light, & from that time with epileptic plague was in no way troubled. One deaf man, A certain Rolandus , surnamed Bolgarus, with the sickness of his head very grave growing, for the space of twenty years made deaf; standing devout before the holy Father's tomb, to former health was restored , another, & rejoicing to his own returned. Leonardus of Venice, from four years, from contraction of humors, with ears obstructed, altogether deaf was made. He when on a certain day to the sepulcher of the man of God with suppliant devotion had approached, the desired at once he recovered hearing. Another moreover, Menicus d by name, for two years deaf existing; to the place of S. Antony's sepulcher, & a third, for the cause of obtaining health , came suppliant. Where when, mercy asking, he had been; restored to plenary health, praising God & joyful he departed.

[64] A certain Paduan citizen, Peter by name, had a daughter called Paduana; An epileptic & deprived of step, is cured by him living; who when she was four years old, & enjoyed no use of feet at all, like serpents crawling, with hands walked. They said however, that suffering from epileptic plague, she was wont to roll about often & fall. On a certain day, while the holy Father was still living, making journey through the city, he met her father; whom carrying in his arms he began to ask, that to his daughter he would deign to bless. Whose faith S. Antony attending, he blessed her at once & dismissed. The father of the girl returning home, sustained by a little chariot here and there through the house compelled her to walk, who in a short time so recovered, that with no support at all she needed; nor from that time, in which the Saint had signed her, did she afterwards feel any passion of epileptic disease. A certain boy, Simeon by name, for three years shaken by passions of the falling disease , prone to the earth as often his face he dashed; another at the tomb of the dead one, & so miserably palpitating after the fall, similar to a dead man he appeared. So solicitous his mother for her son's salvation, to the sepulcher of the most holy Father led him: & with prayer made returning home, in no way further any symptoms of the said suffering did he endure.

[65] In the county of Padua a certain woman, to a neighboring house for seeking fire went forth; are raised a girl drowned returning to her own, her little daughter following her, in a certain ditch, with water & mud filled, with back face floating she found. Running therefore weeping the mother, her drowned daughter from the lake of filth drew out, & placed her on the edge of the ditch. But flying to the sad spectacle not a few, a certain man of those standing by lifted her feet on high, with head turned downward, the drawn waters he was trying to expel. But not even so was voice in her, nor sense: because with lips & cheeks pressed together, all hope of salvation of all had departed. At length therefore with vow made, her mother promised a wax e icon to S. Antony's tomb to bring, if revived to her daughter to restore he would deign. Which sent forth; soon, with all seeing who were standing by, the girl moved her lips; & with someone's finger inserted into her mouth, the waters at once drunk she sent out; & through the holy Father's merits with vital warmth cherished, she lived again.

[66] & a boy. Something similar happened in the city of Comacchio. There was indeed there a certain man, Dominicus by name: who, that on a certain day he might do some work, going out from his house, had his little son in his footstep following. And when a little from the dwelling he had withdrawn, looking back he saw no one was with him. So astonished, around looking, his drowned son in a certain pond sad he beheld, & running soon drawn out, to the mother he handed over suffocated. Who immediately with vow made, with groaning voices the most holy Father's help invoking with whole heart, through his merits revived her son rejoicing she received.

[67] In Apulia in the city of Monopoli f, near the place of the Friars, a certain youth digging the earth, with a bank g from above falling, deathly was crushed. Whom when a certain boy had seen buried in earth, Is saved one oppressed by earth falling from above; running & wailing he announced to his mother. Furthermore the mother hearing this, began with palms her face to strike, & her hair to tear, & running with tears to the place of the Friars, with miserable voice cried out, saying; Run, Brothers, run: help me, because the earth has covered my son. Which heard running the Friars, with mattocks & other instruments began to dig, where the earth they had seen to have fallen; with the mother of the youth continually crying, S. Antony, restore to me my son. Digging therefore they found his feet, livid from the weight of the earth; then indeed his buttocks bruised by the earth. Others moreover striking h with hoes, in i the hood that he wore on his head three holes they made. And when the boy from under the earth they had drawn, alive he appeared, but heavily shaken. To the Friars asking how he could live under the ruin; he replied; B. Antony held his hand over my throat. Which hearing, very many who were standing by, to God & S. Antony paid due thanks.

[68] Incredulous of the miracles A certain Soldier of Salva-terra, Aleardinus by name, when from the early time of discretion he was deceived by heretical depravity, with wonders heard of the said Father, on a certain day with his wife & family to Padua coming placed at table, with the others dining concerning the miracles of S. Antony was talking. But with those asserting that he was the Saint of God, with the cup of glass which he held in his hand emptied, into these almost words he burst. from these he takes test in a glass dashed to the ground: If this cup unbroken he shall keep, whom you assert to be Saint; the others true I will confess that you contend to persuade me of him : & he threw from the seat, in which they were sitting at dinner, upon the pavement the cup. Wonderful to say! Dashed on the stone the glass resisted; &, with many seeing standing nearby in the square, unbroken it remained. Which miracle seen, by penitence led, the Soldier himself eagerly sprang forth to the glass; & bearing the unbroken with him, what had been said or done all in order to the Friars he related. With Confession devoutly made of his sins, with penance enjoined on himself humbly with devotion he received; & faithfully adhering to Christ, the virtue of him most constantly preached.

[69] A certain Cleric of k Anguillaria, Guidoctus by name, likewise a Cleric when on a certain day placed in the Chamber of the Lord Bishop of Padua, having secretly mocked the witnesses bearing witness about the miracles of the most holy Father; the following night through his whole body with pain most strongly began to be urged; so that, without any doubt , the judgment of death he believed was threatening him. But unworthy of mercy reckoning himself, is punished with pain of the whole body,

his mother humbly with prayers he approached, & that the grace of health he might deserve to obtain in his faith, a vow to the Saint to make he besought. Which done, before the day dawning he recovered; & he who had derided the witnesses of truth as faithless, the public witness himself of truth made, preached Christ's glory.

[70] By chance on a certain day men together & women, in number almost twenty-six, that to Venice they might go a ship one at S. Hilary they embarked. And when at the hour of Compline at the lagoon near S. George de Alga l they had come; with a most grave storm arisen to the aforesaid place they were trying to flee. Are freed 20 perishing in the Venetian sea. But prevailing the whirlwind shaken, to unknown to them altogether places they were carried: for a certain mist, with wind together & rain, so thick from above was lying, that hardly seeing each other, of salvation entirely they were despairing. At last with Confession made of their sins, & from the Priest who was present absolution received, with cries & tears howling, to God & B. Antony themselves suppliantly they devoted. Immediately with vow made, around the ship the storm quieted; with shadows lying upon them however, where they were, or whither they were going, no one of those present recognized. And behold from the ship itself a light came forth shining, which sailing & weeping together for joy was preceding; & them to the place of S. Mark the lesser, near Venice, safe led. To which when by the most holy Father's merits, from the hand of death snatched, they had come; soon the going-before from their eyes light disappeared, & with them placed in safety the conduct beyond it withdrew.

[71] A certain woman of Mount Silex m, making journey toward Padua with her husband, The pilgrimage to S. James denied, the irritated woman, with others accompanying, her preconceived gladness of mind with words & laughs she was showing: for her husband recently before had promised, that to S. James to visit with him the thresholds he would lead her, as she was asking. So wishing the aforesaid man her joy & laughter equally to temper, said to the woman: Why with so many words & laughs joyful dost thou overflow, & deceived by vain hope dost thou loosen thyself with importunate gesture? Know that I have altogether changed my purpose, & in no way shall go whither thou hastenest. And when the husband with such words exasperating her had persisted, after long at last silence with face changed, the woman replied to the rebuker; unless the promised journey of pilgrimage to me with work thou shalt compensate, know that I in the name of Jesus Christ & B. Antony in waters these which flow past must be drowned. But he in no way giving faith to her words, & throwing herself in the name of S. Antony, but rather with face hardened calling her foolish, the promise to fulfill more steadfastly refused. So with confidence lifted & all hope frustrated, the unhappy woman turned her hands on herself; & with B. Antony's name invoked, headlong she gave herself to the waters. But seeing the women who were present rolling in the middle of the waves, astonished very much with rapid course they flew; & forgetful of feminine modesty, with buttocks wet & all garments, from the waters they draw her out wrapped. Whom, when drawn out she had been, is saved from the water, & dry thence is led out. on the shore placing; wonderful certainly what I narrate! with the other women wringing their garments , & of the waters' abundance drawing out; she indeed not with a thread of the underweft wet, on the bank of the river was found. Which deed indeed although to silliness rather we ascribe than to virtue; yet of the holy Father these merits before God we believe could have obtained, that whom we have known truly always to have been a friend of simplicity, the simplicity of a woman, though foolish, in the middle of the waves he kept unharmed.

[72] Wishing any disease in place of purgatory, A certain Sister servient, of the Order of poor

Ladies, Oliva by name, when still the most holy Father's body was unburied, approached suppliant & kissing his hands; among other things moreover which she asked, to be indulged her by his merits she asked, that all penalty which by her sins requiring she had merited, in the present to her God would inflict, nor anything to be punished in the future would reserve. But with prayer made the woman entered the monastery , & becoming compos of her vow, & soon through her whole body with most strong pain tortured, from the immensity of pain herself to bear she could not, but the other Sisters with screams she greatly perturbed. Who having received a little health about night, on the following day with the other Sisters with them she secretly entered the refectory; & at table with others placed, with renewed pains began suddenly to be urged, so that in no way did she take food, but in the manner of a woman in childbirth here and there upon the table she rolled & cried out. with the Saint's tunic applied she is healed. At the order therefore of the Abbess she was carried to the infirmary; & she who with all vows asked the penalty to be inflicted on her in the present, with multiplied prayers from the same the remedies was demanding. At length remembering the woman a certain particle of the Saint's tunic to have at her hidden; soon brought to her over her body leading she applied, & immediately all pain departed.

[73] A certain woman of Trimegonum, Tumita n by name, when with the wonders of the holy Father heard, Panic-grass entrusted to her is kept from birds. to his sepulcher with highest desire she had longed, nor of coming had the faculty; namely because, for driving away the importunity of sparrows, of the panic-grass which she had at harvest, she had been appointed guardian; on a certain day coming to the enclosure, by which the aforesaid panic-grass was surrounded, to S. Antony she vowed a vow, that if it from sparrows he should keep untouched, his sepulcher's place nine times she would visit. With vow made, immediately in one column a great multitude of the said birds from the enclosure departed; nor upon the willows surrounding the panic-grass any, that she could see, sparrow remained.

[74] The vow neglected by the mother, the disease returns to the son: A certain Boy of the Paduan city, Henry by name, with inflated neck having endured the greatest suffering for fifteen days; his mother solicitous vowed to the Saint a head with neck of wax to his tomb to bring. And when on a certain day her son to the sepulcher of the most holy Father she had led; returning to her own the said boy health of neck immediately he obtained. But with the mother delaying to render the vow which she had promised, the boy's neck began again to be inflated, & with former pain to be urged. But she, conscious of her guilt, rightly grieved; & the promised head with neck of wax to the sepulcher of the Saint she sent. Which done the swollen neck, with the pain suddenly receding, subsided; & after a few days intervening, to plenary health was restored. A Soldier of Camporotundo, Bartholomew by name, had his daughter heavily afflicted with the disease of stone, the heavy pain of the stone is healed. so that at certain times of year like a dog, with the atrocity of distress, she barked. Whose mother with compassion, & with too great pain wounded, suppliantly & devoutly to B. Antony vowed a vow, beseeching, that the desired health of her daughter to render he would deign . With which sent, a certain little stone immediately through the lower parts the girl threw out, & thereafter of the aforementioned sickness no suffering she endured.

[75] Other miracles are passed over. These therefore aforesaid, & most others, signs of Virtues, the Lord of majesty through his servant Antony deigned to work, which are not written in this book: yet from many these few selecting I have written, that & to those wishing to add to his praise I might minister an occasion of glory, & by the brevity of style I might provoke study of reading. For if through each his signs were written; I fear lest, as the multitude a weariness, so also the magnitude of the works unaccustomed, in the minds of the weak the scruple of doubt might generate.

NOTES BY D. P.

COROLLARY

On the Canonization declared by Pontifical Bulls.

Antonius, of the Order of Minors, at Padua in the Venetian dominion (S.)

FROM MSS.

[76] By so many & so great & many more other miracles declared divinely the sanctity of Antony, quickly from the Apostolic See obtained, The Canonization celebrated 30 May, which from it could obtain certainty among mortals highest. Before the first year from death had flowed, the Canonization was celebrated , as said in the Life num. 33. on the day of Pentecost 30 May; & in the next month was issued a Bull; of which, says Wadding num. 14, I have seen many examples, differing only in the day of subscription. For since many things had to be transmitted, nor in one were they written or given day, of different times they bear marks. One is held in the Vatican Regesto num. 12, In the month of June the Bulls are dispatched: under Kal. July; & the series of the whole matter or original description, among ancient archives of Anagni found, is preserved at Rome in the Vatican by mandate of S. D. Gregory, to himself reported the Most Reverend D. Calligarius Bishop of Bertinoro, writes Rodulphus; which I however, says the same Wadding, was unable to detect. We desire certainly that it be detected. Meanwhile one Saviolus detected page 52, the following day, that is, on the second of Pentecost given, & directed to the Paduans in this tenor:

BULL OF CANONIZATION.

[77] Gregory the Bishop, Servant of the servants of God, of which a shorter one, to Venerable Brothers, Archbishops, Bishops, & beloved sons, to the Podestà & People of Padua, greeting & Apostolic blessing. The letters, which through the beloved sons G. Prior of S. Maria de Monte-Crucis, the Archdeacon & Canon, Fr. Gerardus, & Fr. Spinabellus; & the noble men Schinela & Robert Counts, Paschalis & Charles Paduans, your messengers , your devotion has sent to us, directed to the Paduans, with paternal benignity we have received; & both their series, & what to us on your behalf the same prudently took care to expound, we have understood diligently. For the rest, when both through the same letters, & through the messengers themselves you have humbly besought us; that, since the Lord has conferred such glory on the holy memory Blessed Antony, that (for giving knowledge of the first stole of his immortality, & a certain indication of the second) his sepulcher with so many & such miracles flashing, that his among other Saints not to be invoked his suffrages is unworthy; him to the Catalog of Saints to ascribe we should take care.

[78] We, although the Roman Church, in so sacred a business, has not so suddenly, but with gravity & very great maturity, been wont hitherto to proceed; yet the zeal of your sincere faith & devotion, which to Us & the same Church you are known to have, attending; at whose prayers the canonization had been matured for confounding heretical depravity, & strengthening the catholic faith; him to the Catalog of Saints, by the counsel of our Brothers, & of all the Prelates with the Apostolic See existing, we have taken to ascribe. Wishing therefore that the Paduan city, as a lamp placed upon a candlestick, may provide light to others by example; Your University we ask, we admonish more attentively, & we exhort, & in remission of sins enjoin upon you; that in the fear of the divine name, & love & devotion of the Apostolic See, immutably you may persist. For We, since we bear you in the bowels of Jesus Christ, to your honor & profit willingly, is signed 1 June: as much as with God we shall be able, we shall attend. Given at Spoleto, kal. June, of our Pontificate in the sixth year.

[79] A longer other, Another more prolix, & more universal, & given two days later, thus recites Wadding:

ANOTHER BULL.

Gregory the Bishop, servant of the servants of God, To Venerable Brothers, to all the faithful, Archbishops & Bishops; to beloved sons Abbots, Priors, & other Prelates of Churches, who shall inspect the present page, greeting & Apostolic blessing. Since the Lord says through the Prophet, I will give you to all peoples for praise & glory & honor; & through himself promises, that the Just like the sun in the sight of God shall shine; Soph. 3, 8, Mat. 13, 43 it is pious & just, that, those whom God by merit of sanctity crowns & honors in the heavens, we with the office of veneration may praise & glorify on earth: when he rather is praised & glorified in them, who is praiseworthy & glorious in the ages & in the Saints. For that his virtue's power he may wonderfully manifest, & the cause of our salvation mercifully work; his faithful, whom always he crowns in heaven, frequently also honors in the world; to their memories making signs & prodigies, through which heretical depravity may be confounded, & Catholic faith confirmed; the faithful, with the torpor of mind shaken, may be excited to insistence of good work; he expounds that God wishes his Saints to be honored also on earth,

heretics, with the mist of blindness in which they lie driven off, from the trackless may be led back to the way; & Jews & Pagans, with the true light known, may run back to Christ, the light, way, truth, & life.

[80] & that he declares it through miracles; Whence We, dearest, although not as great as we ought, as great as we can thanks we give to the Bestower of all graces; that in our days, for the confirmation of the Catholic faith, & for the confusion of heretical depravity, evidently he renews signs, & wonderfully changes; making those flash with miracles, who the Catholic faith, both with heart & mouth, & also with work, have strengthened. Of which number of holy memory B. Antony, of the Order of Friars Minor, who once living in the world flourished with great merits, now living in heaven flashes with many miracles, that his sanctity by certain indications may be proved. For when long ago venerable our Brother the Bishop, & beloved Sons the Podestà & Commune of the Paduans, to us through messengers their own & letters had humbly besought; in which Antony excels, that, since the Lord has conferred such glory on the same Saint, that for giving knowledge of the first stole of his immortality , & evident experiment of the second, his sepulcher so many & such miracles he gives to flash, that his among other Saints not to be invoked suffrages, is unworthy; about his miracles witnesses to be received we should order.

[81] We, attending, that, although for this that someone is a Saint with God in the triumphant Church , alone suffices final perseverance, according to that, Be faithful unto death & I will give thee a crown of life; for this however that he be held a Saint with men in the militant Church, two things are necessary, virtue of morals & truth of signs, namely merits & miracles; that these & those to each other attest, since neither merits without miracles, nor miracles without merits suffice fully, to provide among men testimony to sanctity; but when sound merits precede, the Pontiff finding, & clear miracles follow, they provide a certain indication of sanctity; that they may induce us to his veneration, whom God from preceding merits & subsequent signs exhibits to be venerated: which two from the words of the Evangelist are more fully gathered; They moreover going forth preached everywhere, with the Lord cooperating & the word confirming with the following signs: to the same Bishop, & beloved Sons Fr. Jordan of S. Benedict's, & I. * of S. Augustine's, Priors of the Order of Friars Preachers of Padua, the reception of witnesses about miracles of the same Saint, we have taken to commit. Apoc. 2, 10, Mat. 16, 20.

[82] Lately however, both through the relation of the aforesaid Bishop & Priors, from information sent to us, & through the depositions of witnesses on this received, of his virtues & insignia of miracles being made more certain, & having experienced sometime by ourselves the sanctity of life & admirable conversation of his, as he was with us sometime laudably conversing; to the same Bishop, Podestà & Commune aforesaid, through solemn messengers their own & letters to us with insistence again beseeching, he declares, that at the prayers of the Paduans that the same Friar to the Catalog of Saints we would deign to ascribe; that by Apostolic authority (as is fitting) a worthy honor be exhibited to him on earth, who (as by clear signs & evident arguments appears) is honored in heaven; him, who corporally dissolved with Christ to be deserved in heavenly places, lest his due honor & glory to detract in some way we would seem, if glorified by the Lord we would allow further by human devotion to be deprived; by the counsel of our Brothers & of Prelates all then at the Apostolic See existing, to the Catalog of Saints we have taken to ascribe.

[83] When therefore, according to the Gospel truth, no one lights a lamp & places it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, he has canonized him, that all who are in the house may see the light; & of the aforesaid Saint the lamp hitherto so has burned in this world, that by the grace of God, now not under a bushel, but upon a candlestick he has deserved to be placed; your University we ask, we admonish more attentively & we exhort, by Apostolic to you written mandates, that the devotion of the faithful to his veneration salutarily exciting, his festivity on the Ides of June every year you may celebrate, & cause solemnly to be celebrated: & to those celebrating the feast he grants Indulgence. that by his prayers the Lord besought, grace in the present & glory to us may grant in the future. Mat. 5, 16 We moreover desiring the sepulcher of so great a Confessor, who with the brightness of miracles illustrates the general Church, with congruent honors to be frequented; to all truly penitent & confessed, on his festivity it, unto the eighth day, every year with due reverence visiting; of omnipotent God's mercy & blessed Peter & Paul's authority confiding, one year from the penance enjoined on them we mercifully relax. Given at Spoleto III Nones of June, of our Pontificate in the sixth year. 3 June.

* John

ANOTHER LEGEND, OR THE BOOK OF MIRACLES

Once inserted into the Chronicles of the Order, & from the Mss. brought out by R. P. Luca Wadding.

Antonius, of the Order of Minors, at Padua in the Venetian dominion (S.)

BHL Number: 0595

FROM MSS. CHAPTER I.

Heretics confounded & converted by miracles.

[1] Preaching he is understood by every nation. The most glorious Father, S. Antony of Padua, one of the elect Companions of S. Francis: whom the same holy Father, on account of his life & fame of preaching, his Bishop a called; when at Rome in the Council, by mandate of the supreme Pontiff, to innumerable pilgrims, who there on account of Indulgences & the Council had gathered, he preached (for there were there Greeks, Latins, Franks, Teutons, Slavs, & English, & of other diverse languages) thus the Holy Spirit his tongue, as once of the holy Apostles, made wonderful; that all, who heard, not without the admiration of all clearly understood him: & each one heard his own language, in which he had been born. And then so arduous & mellifluous things he poured forth, that he rendered all suspended in stupor & admiration : on account of which the Pope, the Ark of the testament called him.

[2] When S. Antony was preaching at Rimini, where a great abundance of heretics was staying; At Rimini with heretics unwilling to hear, against their errors disputing, he desired them to be led back to the light of truth. They indeed, made stones by obstinacy, to his holy speeches not only not acquiesce, but to hear them totally despised. But Saint Antony, with God inspiring, approached on a certain day to the mouth of a river b, beside the sea, standing on the bank which approached the sea & the river; & began in the manner of a sermon the fish from the part of the Lord to call, saying: Hear the word of the Lord, fish of the sea & river, since it to hear despise the unfaithful heretics. he calls the fish to a sermon; Behold immediately approaches before S. Antony such a multitude of great & small fish, that never so great together in those parts was seen: & all kept their heads a little above the water. Thou wouldst see there fish great adhering to lesser, & arranged in a great number & wondrous order, & lesser under the wings of the great peacefully pass through & also remain. Thou wouldst see there species of various, & each to those like themselves running, & as a certain painted field, with variety of colors & figures wonderfully decorated, before the Saint's face arranged. Thou wouldst see there troops of fish, great & huge, as battle-lines of camps arranged, places at the preaching obtaining. Thou wouldst see there middling fish, middling places taking; &, as taught by God, without truculence in their places to stand. Thou wouldst see there of small fish a copious multitude, as pilgrims to the Indulgence approaching, & to the holy Father, as to a protector, more closely to approach. So that in this preaching, divinely arranged, first the smaller fish, second the middling, third where the water was deeper, the greatest fish, S. Antony attended.

[3] With them so arranged, S. Antony began solemnly to preach, saying: My brothers, Fish, you ought much for your measure to give thanks to the Creator, who in your dwelling gave you so noble an element, he makes words to the praise of the Creator: so that waters sweet & salty, as is expedient, you may have. Refuges moreover multifold he conferred, that you may avoid the inconveniences of tempest. He showed besides an element to you translucent & clear, that the ways through which you walk, & foods more fully you may see. That also you may live, the same Creator administers to you necessary foods. You in the creation of the world, for blessing, from God had the precept of multiplication. You in the flood, with other animals outside the ark perishing, without harm were reserved. You with wings adorned & with virtue strengthened, everywhere run, as it pleases. To you was given by command Jonah the Prophet of the Lord to keep, & him after the third day to set back on earth. You the census to the Lord Jesus Christ, when as poor he had not whence to pay the stater, offered. You, before the resurrection & after, were for food of the eternal King. For which all you ought much to praise & bless God, from whom so many singular goods beyond other animals you have received.

[4] At these words & similar exhortations, some fish emitted voices, others opened their mouths, & all heads they inclined; with signs which they could, praising the Most High. At this reverence of the fish exhilarated in the Holy Spirit Antony, they applaud in their own way; & with most high voice crying, said: Blessed be the eternal God: because more do honor the aquatic fish to God, than men heretics: & better do hear irrational beasts, than men in faith unfaithful. The more however Antony preached more, the more the multitude of fish grew; & none from their places which they had taken receded. At which miracle running together the people of the city, approaching also the said heretics, & seeing so unusual a miracle & worthy to be wondered at; compunct in heart, all at the feet of S. Antony, that he might make preaching to them , sat down. Then S. Antony opening his mouth, so wonderfully about the Catholic faith preached, with the conversion of many heretics following. that he converted all the heretics there existing , & the faithful strengthened in faith with joy & blessing sent away. The fish also leave from S. Antony, as if rejoicing, asking, with faces & heads applauding the Saint, to the parts of the sea various departed. The Saint moreover there for days very many preaching, by converting heretics, the greatest fruit made.

[5] In the parts of Toulouse, when the holy Man against a certain most perfidious heretic c about the saving Sacrament of the Eucharist most strongly disputed, & had almost converted him, convinced, to faith; after many things the heretic added; Let us leave, the presence of Christ in the Eucharist he said, words, let us come to deeds; If thou, Antony, through miracles canst show in the sight of all, that there is the body of Christ, with all heresy abjured, to the yoke of faith I will submit myself. And when the Saint most confidently replied he would do this; he subjoined. I will shut in an animal for three days, & with the hunger of famine I will torture it; & after the third day I will lead it out in the sight of all who will be present, & I will show to it ready foods; & thou shalt stand with that, which thou assertest is the body of Christ. If so much hungering an animal, leaving the fodder, shall hasten to that God, whom by every creature thou assertest to be adored, the Ecclesiastical faith I will truly believe. To whom the holy man gave assent without delay; & on the appointed day a concourse of people happens, he proves through a famished mule, & in a very wide square it is gathered. Is present that heretic, surrounded by a most wicked throng of his accomplices , leading out a mule, which by hunger of famine he had tortured, with fitting food. Celebrates there in a certain chapel S. Antony: & after the Mass in the sight of the people he brings the most holy of Christ's body: & with silence commanded he said to the mule; In the virtue & name of thy Creator, whom in hands, although unworthy, truly I hold; to thee I say, animal, & I command, that immediately humbly coming, due reverence thou make: that from this may know heretical depravity, that every creature is subject to its Creator, whom the Sacerdotal dignity treats continually at the altar. Meanwhile to the famished mule food is offered. Wonderful certainly! For the animal so tortured by hunger, in sight of Christ, the food set aside it adoring, after the words of S. Antony, the food disregarding, immediately with head bowed unto the knees, before the life-giving Sacrament knelt. Joy is made to Catholics, with heretics not undeservedly confounded: & that said heretic, according to the promise, yet with all heresy abjured, made faithful, obeyed the mandates of the Church.

[6] It happened once in the parts of Italy, that he was by heretics invited. Whose invitation the Saint accepted, that he might from their errors recall them, by the example of Christ, who therefore with publicans & sinners ate. And because cruelty presumes, with conscience perturbed; the heretics, To poisoned food provoked, whom frequently in sermons he confounded, devising malign things, poisonous & deadly food before B. Antony set: which by the holy Spirit was at once revealed. And when over their conceived malice with pious & peaceful exhortations he was rebuking; the heretics themselves lying, & imitating the father of lies the devil, said they had done this for no other reason, but that they could test that Gospel word's truth, by which is said; And if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. Mar. 16, 18 They urge therefore, that he take the food set out; promising, that if to him nothing harms, of the faith of the Gospel they shall adhere perpetually; & if he should fear to take the food, he takes it without harm, falsity they will judge to be contained in the Evangelical words. But S. Antony intrepid, over the food made the sign of the Cross; & the food taking with his hands , said to them: This I shall do, not as tempter of God, but as of your salvation & our faith of the Gospel constant & intrepid emulator. So with the food taken healthy he appeared, nor did he feel in body any harm: which seeing the heretics, to the Catholic faith were converted.

NOTES BY D. P.

CHAPTER II.

The Saint's miracles when he was Custodian of Limoges.

[7] When S. Antony was Custodian a of Limoges, in Holy week, At Limoges, at the same time at a sermon to the people, on the night of the Supper, at Limoges in the church of S. Peter de Quadrivio, at the morning hour, was sowing there gathered peoples the words of life. The Friars Minor in the Convent however, at the same hour of mid-night, of the morning Office the praises to the Lord were singing: Custodian moreover S. Antony was for one Lection to be read in the morning

Office ordered. While therefore the Friars in the Office had advanced unto the Lection, which S. Antony was about to read; suddenly he in the middle of the Choir appeared, & the Lection solemnly chanted. Astonished moreover were not undeservedly the Friars, at the same time in choir he appears with the Friars: who were present; because all, that he then was in the town for preaching, knew. For at one hour God's power made him to be with the Friars in choir, where the Lection he chanted, with which read he disappeared; & in the church of S. Peter with the people, to whom the seeds of life he sowed: but present in the church, so long was silent before the people, as long as the Lection he continued in the choir.

[8] A similar thing to have happened to him at Montpellier is read in a certain Legend of that Saint b, in this way: In the time when S. Antony was lecturing, The same happened to him at Montpellier; it happened him to preach once on a certain solemn feast, where the Clergy & the whole people were present. With the sermon begun, came to his memory enjoined on him a certain office, by forgetfulness to another not at all to have committed

. For the custom there was, on chief festivities, for two distinguished Friars at the Convent Mass to chant; & then on the servant of God this office incumbed. Whence very much from this grieving, & as if he wished to sleep upon the pulpit inclining himself, his head also with his cap immediately covering, the man of God at the same hour was seen in the church of the Friars to sing Alleluia, as also S. Francis at the Chapter of Arles. for a long hour his body in the pulpit before such a multitude remaining. To no one therefore doubt, that just as omnipotent God, the holy Doctor , namely S. Ambrose c, to the obsequies of B. Martin willed to translate; & B. Father Francis to Arles to the provincial Chapter carried, while this Saint about the title of the Cross was preaching; so to this venerable man wonderfully he granted; demonstrating, that to the same Saints in merits in some way he was equal. & with the aforesaid office diligently completed, into himself at once returning, the preaching which he had begun he excellently continued.

[9] In Limoges existing as Custodian, a certain Novice, named Peter, by breathing he frees a monk from temptation: of leaving the Order gravely was tempted. Then the man of God, by divine revelation instructed, of the flock entrusted to him bearing solicitous care, more inwardly compassionating the little sheep wandering; inflamed by the divine Spirit, into the mouth of the said Novice breathed, with his hand opening his jaws, saying: Receive the Spirit. Wonderful certainly! Immediately as the youth felt in himself the spirit of the holy Father, on the ground suddenly falling, breathed out his spirit. But when S. Antony, with the Friars who had run up standing by, him from the ground with his own hand raised; immediately taking back his spirit, asserted that he had been snatched to the choirs of angels , & wondrous secrets of God there to have seen narrated. The Saint moreover, willing, not to himself, but to God's power to attribute the said miracle; said to the said Novice, that of those things which had been revealed, more to say he would not care. From then from that Brother all temptation departed: nay, as the same related, from that then living in the Order, without any temptation's dart he endured: & with virtue from on high clothed, in holy conversation profiting, was made to others an example.

[10] At the same time, when the blessed Father with God leading to the Abbey of Solignac d, of the Limoges diocese, was descending; likewise another, by clothing him with his tunic. a certain Monk of the same monastery, from the lubricity of the flesh temptation had suffered long: against whose vexation & wicked impulse, although with fasts, vigils & prayers he wore his body, refreshment did not have. For God indeed his care & remedy to B. Antony was reserving. So when the said Monk had perceived B. Antony's sanctity; approaching him, & to him in Confession all his sins & the said temptation revealing confidently, his suffrage suppliantly & humbly he asked. But the holy & pious man, the Monk drawing aside, & his tunic from his own back stripping, the same to the perishing man delivered to be put on. Which put on, as if a certain force buried in the tunic, & from heart & most chaste body derived, by such weight of purity & cleanness that heat of lust was repressed, that from then motions of the flesh the said Monk in no way troubled, as he afterwards before many & several times testified.

[11] The woman's hairs torn out by her jealous husband, In the same country was a certain woman, to the Friars very devout; who for them sometimes bought necessities; & had a husband Jealous, & moreover impious. And when in a certain evening for the Friars' necessities long she had stood, so that at night she came home; her husband reproaching said; Now thou comest from thy lovers. It is true, said she, of the Friars Minor, whom for God I love, & on the occasion of these I stood so long. But he, full of anger, took her by the hairs; & so dragged her here and there, that all that hair & the hairs he tore out. Which seeing herself, the locks she had collected; & by faith enlightened, the hairs upon the pillow she placed; & them arranging there, her head upon them inclined: in the morning she sent to S. Antony that to her quickly he might come, because not was it well with her. Believing moreover the holy man that she wished to confess, to her to approach he hastened. And she: Brother Antony, behold how much I have suffered for your Brothers. And with what had been done narrated, in spirit she subjoined; & restored her husband's love. If, said she, you wish God for me to pray, I know that hairs God as before will restore to me. And the Saint; Go woman, hast thou made me for this come? And departing, made to be called the Friars, & narrated to them what had happened to the woman, & that also suppliantly was asking: & said: Let us pray, Brothers; & God shall regard (as I hope) her faith. And immediately, with the Saint praying, the hairs arranged of the woman's head are restored as before. Returning moreover her husband the woman showing her head, what had happened to her she narrated. Who astonished, & by God regarded internally, with suspicion & jealousy totally departing, obedient to the Brothers from then much was made & devout.

[12] When indeed the Saint had come to Brive, of the Limoges diocese; For the Friars laboring there first he received the place of the Friars Minor ; & in a certain crypt, removed from the place, a cell building for himself; & in stone a fount excavating, which flowing from the rock receives drops; there in great austerity of life solitary to contemplation he gave himself. When indeed the cook did not have what for the kitchen to the Friars he would prepare; signified the saint to a certain lady devoted to him, asking that to him from her garden she would send vegetables, with which the Friars subject to him he would refresh: then however was the greatest inundation of rains. So called the lady her maid, & her gently addressing, from rain he defends. asked that to the garden quickly she would hasten, & necessaries for making the kitchen to the Friars she would bring back. Which the maid much troublesomely bore, alleging the inundance of rains: to the garden however, conquered by her lady's prayers, at last she went, & necessaries for the kitchen of the Friars gathered, & to the place of the Friars far from the town distant brought back: & yet, although the rain never even for a moment ceased, was not in any part of her body or in her clothes wet. To her lady so altogether with dry clothes returning, reported, how continuously it was raining, & yet her the rain was not touching. Peter of Brive, of the said lady's son, Nobiliac e Canon, that miracle which from his mother he had heard, in praise of the Saint frequently, with exultation & joy, related.

[13] When indeed in the same country he was, in a certain evening after the hour of Compline, The devil's illusion he reveals, he in prayer, as was wont occupied, some Friars, the oratory leaving, saw a certain great field of a certain friend of the Friars full of men, who the field seemed totally to dissipate, & the ears by the roots to tear out. Sorrowing the damage of so great a friend of theirs, to the man of God with hurried step running, the damage of so great a friend of the Order with clamoring voices reported. To whom the man of God replied: Let them, Brothers, let them, & to prayer return; because this is our adversary, who is striving to give us an uneasy night , & from prayer your minds to perturb. Firmly know, that to the field of our devout one this time damage none or destruction will be brought. Obey the Friars the warnings of the holy Father, until morning the outcome of the matter awaiting: but in the morning the field everywhere observing, they saw it as before, untouched entirely & unhurt: from which both the devil's fraud they knew, & the devotion of the Saint & his prayer, from the known fraud of demons, in greater reverence they had.

[14] When once at S. Javanus f of Limoges diocese he was preaching; & predicts another. & such was the multitude of people gathered, that could not contain it the magnitude of the church, the man of God had to a certain square's width turn aside with the multitude of the people gathered. But when from wood suddenly for himself a place they had prepared, & the man of God that place had ascended, in the beginning he said to them; I know that the enemy will make insult to us in the sermon, but let us not be terrified, because his malice will hurt no one. A small delay he made, & the place in which the Saint was standing with all wondering collapsed, & neither to himself nor to anyone did it bring any harm: from which to greater reverence of the man of God the people were animated, in which they saw shining the spirit of prophecy, & with the place again prepared all heard him more attentively.

[15] When once at Bourges in a synod he was preaching, to g the Archbishop directing the word, with fervor of spirit he said; To thee I speak, Horned one. The Archbishop with fruit he rebukes. He began moreover certain vices, by which the Archbishop in conscience was wounded, with such fervor & such clear & solid testimonies of Scripture to detest; that suddenly began the Archbishop to compunction & tears, & to devotion not experienced hitherto, to be moved. With the synod finished, to him humbly taken aside, the wound of conscience he opened; & from then to God & Friars more devout, in God's service studiously occupied himself.

[16] The rain importunate to the sermon he suspends, When once at Limoges to the preaching the people he had called & such was the multitude of people, that narrow was reckoned any church for so great a multitude to be gathered; to a certain spacious place, where formerly had been palaces of Pagans, which place is called Pit of sand, the people he called; that there the people might better be received, & more congruently by celestial words be informed. While indeed the Saint, in the greatest fervor preaching, the people with mellifluous words to listen more attentively with mind he suspended; suddenly began to be heard thunders, fiery flashes seen, the earth all around drenched. & rain began to be sprinkled. But when the people, fearing tempest & rain, had begun from the place to be moved, & in mind to be perturbed; the man of God, them gently comforting, said:

Do not move yourselves, nor of the rain in any way fear; because I hope in him, whose hope does not confound, that now the rain to us will not harm. Acquiesced the people in the words of the man of God: & he who binds waters in the clouds, God himself so held the rain over them, that everywhere around the city most abundantly it was raining, & yet after the word of the holy man not a single drop upon the people fell, who in hearing the divine speeches was attending. When indeed with the sermon continued for a long pause he had made an end, & all rising, the earth everywhere most abundantly drenched, & the place in which they had stood without wetting they saw; God in his Saint they extolled the power.

NOTES BY D. P.

CHAPTER III.

Other miracles of the Saint in Italy & Gaul; dead raised, the martyrdom of a child not yet born predicted.

[17] Once with S. Antony preaching, arose from the people a certain fool, those hearing him in his preaching disturbing. A fool to sane mind he restores: Admonished moreover by the Saint gently to be silent; he replied, that he would not do so, until he gave him his cord. The Saint indeed loosing his little cord, gave it to him. Whom the fool embracing & kissing, sense recovered & the use of reason: & with all wondering before the Saint prostrate, for his cure giving thanks, to glorify God in his servant the whole people he excited.

[18] a letter written by him When indeed saint Antony at Padua by preaching, by hearing Confessions, & by giving spiritual counsels , not a little for some time had labored; for spiritual quiet desiring to prayer & contemplation to give himself, wrote to the Minister that to him he would concede, that to another place fit for this he could transfer himself. When indeed the letter he had written , & it in the study he had left; he approached to the Guardian & asked humbly, that to him he would procure some bearer of the said letter. Whom found, the servant of God to the study for that letter returned; but it diligently sought, where he had left it not he found. And thinking that perhaps, because to God it did not please that from that place he should withdraw, therefore the letter could not be found; carried by an Angel he wonders. with purpose changed he said to the Guardian, that that letter to send he did not care. Wonderful to say! With the days counted & completed, in which the messenger could, if sent by the Minister, have returned; B. Antony received from the Minister about those things which were contained in the aforesaid letter, a responsive epistle: namely that to the requested place to stay he could, for his spiritual consolation, pass over. To be believed reasonably, some

Angel, in the form of a servant, that letter to the Minister had carried; that to B. Antony he might satisfy, & his petition to be acceptable to God by such a miracle to demonstrate .

[19] B. Antony, of the good pleasure of S. Francis, was the first studying in Theology, with Friar Adam de a Marisco the Englishman, in the Order through general Chapter ordained: & they approached to the Abbot b of S. Andrew of Vercelli, who then among all Theologians more excellent was held, By the Abbot of Vercelli, whose disciple he had been, who & the books of B. Dionysius newly from Greek had translated into Latin, & most beautifully commented: for then from Milan to Vercelli had been transferred the general studium. The Abbot indeed them kindly received, & so much in them by elevation of mind he advanced, that the same Doctor Abbot said, himself taught by the unlearned, & the celestial hierarchies in their souls really to have depicted. In those moreover five c years, in which with him they studied in the books of B. Dionysius, is much praised his spirit. to such serenity of mind & light of wisdom they came, that those hierarchies, not only to have learned, but to have run through they seemed. Whence the same Venerable Abbot rendering testimony about B. Antony, Comment. chap. 3 particle

… d under letter V, thus says: Frequently love penetrates, where physical knowledge stands outside. We read for some holy Bishops, less imbued were with physical things; who, as the mystical Theology with the capture of mind drawing, the heavens penetrated, every physical knowledge most subtly transcending, unto the most blessed Trinity. Which & I in holy e Friar Antony, of the Order of Friars Minor with peculiar familiarity have experienced : who although less imbued with secular letters; with purity of soul & ardor of mind kindled, mystical theology with the capture of mind & fervently desired & abundantly drew; that I can say about him, what is written of John the Baptist; He was a burning & shining lamp: for because he burned with love interiorly, he shone exteriorly. &c. Joa. 5, 35.

[20] This holy man indeed did not presume to Lecture, however much asked by the Friars, He begins himself to lecture with B. Francis assenting. except with B. Francis's prior will: to whom such in writings is said to have given response: To my dearest Brother Antony, Friar Francis greeting in Christ. It pleases me that the sacred Theology thou shouldst lecture to the Friars, provided through such study the spirit thou shouldst not extinguish, as in the Rule is contained f. Farewell. And (as some report) B. Antony himself, sometime was the companion of B. Dominic g, while they were Canons Regular. When however once at Padua a certain Abbot of black Monks preaching, & the words of Paul to Dionysius commemorating he was hearing, wholly altered from the sweetness of the word of God, for a great space of time was rapt.

[21] The Psalter taken by theft, he recovers. When however at Montpellier to the Friars he was lecturing Theology; it happened that a certain Novice had departed from the Order, & with him at night a glossed Psalter of great value, with which the servant of the Lord taught, furtively nonetheless took. This moreover hearing the man of God, very grieved; & then, with prayer & divine power procuring, the devil with an axe to the Novice, through a certain bridge fleeing & crossing, met terribly, saying to him: Return to the servant of God Antony, & to thy Order with the Psalter; otherwise by the mandate of God I will kill thee, & into the river I will cast thee headlong. Trembled & was astonished the Novice: but still a little resisting, so much for an hour grew the devil, of tall magnitude made, & foul & horrid; that the Novice, soon by fear divine seized, returned to the man of God, offering the Psalter h, recognizing his fault, the Order tearfully going to ask.

[22] On a certain day, when B. Antony was coming to a certain town for the cause of preaching, a child under boiling water he keeps unharmed: a certain woman was holding her son near the cauldron next to the fire for the cause of bathing; & hearing that S. Antony wished to preach, from the fervor of hearing as if alienated, believing him to be placed in a basin, him in the cauldron she placed; & in haste forgetting her son, running to the preaching she left him there. But with the preaching heard when she returned home, asked by the neighbors where her son was; she remembered that him near the fire she had left, fearing him burnt, to tear out her hair, to rend her face, & to proclaim herself wretched. And when hastening, with many accompanying her, she came to home; she found the little one in the cauldron, playing with the boiling & bubbling water. Then all who were present, not undeservedly astonished, when the boy no sign had of injury, lifting up their voices, to God & the Saint they rendered thanks.

[23] When also once S. Antony a certain castle for the cause of preaching had entered; to his preaching a certain devout woman came, her son leaving in the cradle. Who after the sermon returning home, another deceased he raises. found her son dead lying in the cradle on his back. Who about her son's sorrowful death, to B. Antony was returned, him for the resuscitation of her son begging. Who to her condoling, confidently twice & a third time said: Go, because God will do good for thee. Who believing in the words of the Saint, returning home, alive she found her son, whom she had left dead; with little stones, which before he had never had, playing.

[24] He is seen holding the child Jesus in his arms: When moreover once in a certain city B. Antony was preaching; was hosted by a certain burgher, who assigned to him a certain chamber separate, that quiet to the study of contemplation he might give himself . With the blessed moreover Antony alone praying in the chamber, the burgher was going through his houses. Looking moreover solicitously from devotion at the place, where was praying S. Antony; he saw through a window embracing secretly a certain child, in the arms of S. Antony, most beautiful & pleasant: whom the Saint was embracing & kissing, incessantly his face contemplating. The burgher indeed, astonished & altered by the beauty of that boy, within himself, whence had come that so pleasing little one, was thinking. That moreover boy, the Lord Jesus, that by that burgher he was seen, to B. Antony revealed. Therefore B. Antony, after a long prayer calling the burgher, prohibited him, after the departure of the boy, as long as the Saint himself lived, what he had seen to reveal; yet after the death of the holy Father, the said vision the same burgher to the holy with tears revealed i.

[25] makes sins appear deleted: In the preaching of S. Antony a certain one was so compunct from sins, that none from groans could confess. To whom the Saint: Go, & all sins of thine, of which thou shalt remember, write on a little paper; & immediately bring to me: Which when he had done, all quickly were deleted.

[26] recognizes the demon under the form of a messenger: When once on a certain solemnity B. Antony in a certain church was preaching; the ancient enemy, in the form of a courier entering, brought letters to a certain noble Lady, whose son had special enmities; & in those letters was contained, that the said son of hers in such a place by his enemies had been slain. Then S. Antony, who nothing of that with corporal ears had heard, said immediately: Do not fear, Lady, because thy son lives, & is well, & safe will return: & this one, who now came, is the devil; who did this, that the preaching he might disturb. And immediately he like smoke vanished.

[27] When once S. Antony a certain Lady of k Anicium pregnant visited, to a pregnant one he predicts she will bear a Martyr; & she herself & her conceived one to him commended; after prayer to her returned, said to her: Stand in good hope & joy: for the Lord will give thee a son, who will be great in the Church of God, & he will be a Friar Minor & Martyr; & many to the palm of martyrdom by his preaching he will lead. She gave birth to a son, who was Philip named: he entered the Order of Friars Minor; & at length, when on this side of the sea very much he had advanced, by divine nod from devotion beyond the sea he passed. When indeed the castle of Azotus l was treacherously handed to the Saracens, which is fulfilled with Azotus taken by Saracens, & all the Christians almost two thousand had been delivered into the hands of barbarians, all by capital sentence were condemned.

When indeed among them was the said Friar Philip, he obtained that he be beheaded last, that all the others by comforting to the Lord he might win. All moreover by his words comforted, asked whether they wished, by denying the faith , death to escape, or by standing in faith of death the punishment to experience; unanimously they wished to hold the way, which Friar Philip should choose, replied. Then Friar Philip, all gathered, with efficacious & comforting preaching made, said: Dearest Brothers, be ye constant in faith: because this night, to me the Lord revealed, that with a thousand souls I am through the way of martyrdom of heaven the glory about to enter. And so exhorting all, & their Confession hearing, death for Christ's faith to choose rather they replied. And when the holy men for Christ's confession were beheaded, & he himself with 2000 whom he was animating tortured. & Friar Philip continuously by preaching in faith was strengthening; the Sultan m angry to him bit by bit the joints of his hands made to be cut. Who when not on account of this from preaching ceased; made him up to the navel to be flayed. But with him on account of this from comforting the Christians in no way quieting, his happy tongue he made to be cut. Who nonetheless mute, with inestimable fervor inflamed, continuously preached; until all were by sword consummated. Lastly indeed he himself, with hood removed with greatest devotion, beheaded, the palm of glorious martyrdom carried off. When moreover for four days the Saints' bodies unburied lay, came the Sultan to the place; & them without any stench, not without admiration, found incorrupt. From which clearly is shown, with what certainty has prevailed already completed B. Antony's Prophecy.

NOTES BY D. P.

CHAPTER IV.

Acts after the return from Gaul unto the holy death of Antony.

[28] When indeed afterwards from the Custodianship of Limoges unburdened, A glass cup broken; from Limoges toward Italy going with his companion, through the Province of Provence he was passing; in a certain small place a certain woman, them by report afflicted compassionating, them for God's love into her hospitality led. That therefore woman, as another Martha solicitous, bread & wine to the table set, & from a certain neighbor of hers a glass cup borrowed. But God, willing to make with the temptation an outcome, permitted that that woman, from the cask wine drawing for the Friars, incautiously of the cask the clepsydra a left open, & the wine through the whole pavement was poured out. The companion also of B. Antony, inadequately the cup receiving, it on the table so dashed, that the foot to one part, & the bowl whole to another part remained. About the end therefore of the dinner, when the woman fresh wine wished to offer to the Friars; entering the cellar, she found the wine to be all through the pavement poured out. She returned moreover to the Friars weeping most bitterly, with prayers he restores, & for the loss of the wine beyond measure afflicted. Which when she had revealed to blessed Antony; the Saint much compassionating her, his head upon the table among his palms reclining, prayed the Lord with fervor. And while the woman him thus praying was looking on (which is wonderful to say) the said glass cup, which was on one part of the table, upon the foot which was on the other, by its own motion or rather by divine impulse placed itself. Which seeing the woman & astonished, quickly the cup she received; & the cup strongly shaking, restored by the virtue of prayer she saw. Believing therefore the woman, that the virtue which the cup had restored, could the wine lost restore; & restores the spilled wine to its cask. with hurried step to the cellar she hastens, & the cask which barely before was well half, so full she finds, that to the summit of the cask the wine was gushing & boiling as if new. Which seen the woman was beyond measure rejoicing & astonished: but when S. Antony felt himself heard; immediately from the place, of true humility a disciple of Christ, lest by others he should be honored, withdrew b.

[29] In Italy indeed existing, to preaching & confessions to hear continually devoting himself, when at a time from preaching returning, In Italy he heals a contracted boy, through a solitary way he was walking, that of the returning multitude he might decline the applause; a certain woman, & herself by a shortcut walking, & the Saint through diverse ways very much in seeking laboring; with her little son carrying her own, with arms & legs from birth contracted, with the Saint meeting her, threw herself at his feet, beseeching with tearful groans, that to the desolate mother compassionating, with the sign of the Cross her son to bless he would deign: for she was hoping from this her son to obtain perfect health. Which when Christ's servant from profound humility was declining to do, she increasing her laments, & prayers doubling, Lord, have mercy on me, more insistently she was crying out. The pious man indeed, with afflicted mother's & languishing offspring's compassion moved, with his companion nonetheless exhorting, a man famous for goodness; the sick one, with the sign of the Cross made, in Christ's name & virtue blessed. Wonderful to say! Immediately the boy healthy arose; & whom the sad mother sick had borne, by his own virtue walking, home most joyful she brought back. The man also of God, not to his merits this, but to the faith of the woman ascribing; asked that, while he lived, to no one she should divulge.

[30] A certain girl named Paduana, when already four years she was, of the step of her feet deprived, in the manner of serpents crawling she went; & an epileptic girl besides. & with the falling sickness suffering, rolled frequently foaming, & to the ground she miserably dashed herself. Whom when her father , Peter by name, once was bearing in his arms; he met unexpectedly S. Antony, from a certain preaching, which he had made, returning: whom with great devotion & confidence he asked, that his daughter with the sign of the Cross he would consign. Whose sincere faith the blessed Father seeing, her from head to feet in the name of the Trinity consigned. Which done, came at once the wondrous power of God, which firm step to the infirm one provided, so that freely without anyone's help she could walk: from the falling disease also immediately her healthy he made c.

[31] In the Paduan city a certain noble woman, while she was accompanying Saint Antony, Fallen into mud she keeps her garments untouched: with a great multitude of people, going out for the cause of preaching to the fields ; at the passage of a certain meadow into mud she fell, with the press of those passing impelling. Who at the moment of her fall, to herself & her precious garments, which newly she had put on, danger to threaten not doubting, to God & his servant to be kept & protected herself humbly commended: she feared indeed her fierce husband's indignation to incur, if home she had returned with garments soiled. Was present immediately to that woman the Saint's patronage, which she asked. Wondrous certainly! With garments untouched at length from the mud proceeding, with all who were present & her fall had seen wondering, & God & the Saint praising, to the place of the preaching very joyful she came.

[32] Another certain woman, the man of God, going out outside to sow the living seed, from far absent she hears him preaching: desiring to follow, by her sick husband prohibited, remained home sad & wasted. Who walking on the upper floor of her house, through a window, which seemed suitable toward that region, devoutly began to look, in which at the same hour S. Antony was preaching, that at the sight at least of the region she might rejoice, of which to her had been denied access. Wonderful to say! While so the woman with suspended mind was looking; suddenly, with that virtue operating, of whom alone it is just desires to approve, the Saint's voice preaching to her ears sounded: with whose wondrous sanctity & sweetness held, while at the window she was drawing the hour, she to her husband from this rebuking replied; I hear Friar Antony preaching. Whom when he with word equally & mind was deriding; knowing that from two miles, by which was distant the place of preaching, a man's voice could not be heard; but that woman this certainly asserting, ascended that man to the same window, that what his wife affirmed he could experience. And from then to the servant of God with peculiar friendship adhering, the wife's devotion from then he did not impede.

[33] It happened frequently, that the man of God Antony, panting for the salvation of souls, remedies which he could to sinners, that from sin they might withdraw, he applied. Nay, what is wondrous, efficaciously he excites to penance; to many persons in the night sleeping he appeared; & calling them by name (as they were narrating to the Friars) these he added: Rise: Go to such a Friar, or to such a Priest, & confess to him such a sin, at such a time by thee in such a place committed: which yet no one else knew except God. And so through this way many sins, which from shame in no way dared to confess, by sacramental Confession were expiated.

[34] It happened moreover once, that a certain of Padua, Leonardus by name, whose excess a foot cut off to the man of God among other sins confessed, that with his foot he had struck his mother , so that to the ground she had fallen from the enormous impulse. Which the man of God horrified, in the fervor of spirit rebuking him, among other words of reprehension said: A foot, which strikes father or mother, ought immediately to be cut off. This moreover the man simple not rightly understanding, & on account of his fault & the Saint's exasperation made sad; home quickly returning, his foot immediately he mutilated. The rumor indeed of so great a crime immediately the whole city traversing, to the ears of Leonardus's mother came; who with haste home returning, & her son thus mutilated seeing, when the cause she had learned; went to the Friars, crying out: of Friar Antony she complains, who her son had killed on this account. The Saint moreover her excusing, legitimately himself excused: & soon to him coming, with prayer premised, anxious & devout, with prayer he restores. joining the foot to the shin, with the sign of the Cross made, with sacred hands for some time above smearing, immediately the foot so inserted & consolidated was to the shin. And the same arose the man eager & unhurt, exulting & leaping & praising God d.

[35] There was a certain powerful man, but most cruel tyrant, Eccelinus e of Romano, of Padua & surrounding places tyrannizing; Ezelinus the tyrant publicly daring to rebuke, who when in the beginning of his tyranny the slaughter of men most great had made in Bologna, perceiving this intrepid Father Antony, to him to go personally attempted: whom seeing he addresses with these words: O enemy of God, most savage tyrant, & rabid dog, how long shalt thou not cease to pour out the blood of Christians innocent? Behold remains the sentence of God over thee, most hard & horrid: & many other most grave & harsh things to him he said. The surrounding indeed satellites expected that he would order him, as he was wont, immediately to be slain: but otherwise was done , with God disposing. For the same tyrant, as suppliant has him, on account of the brightness from his face flashing; at the man's words compunct, & every ferocity of mind put aside, as a most gentle lamb made, at his neck with the girdle soon hung, before the man of God prostrate, not without all astonishment, who were present, his fault humbly told, amendment according to his good pleasure repromising: afterwards to his accomplices astonished said; Men fellow-soldiers, do not at this wonder: for most truly I say to you, that I saw a certain divine brightness from this Father's face proceed, which me so terrified, that at his terrible vision into the depth of hell I thought suddenly I was sunk. And from then in great devotion him he had, & as long as the Saint lived, from many evils which he had done, as he himself confessed afterwards, he withdrew himself.

[36] When indeed the holy man frequently against the said tyrant's cruelties boldly preached; he wishing the man of God's rectitude & justice cunningly to test, a solemn gift through the hands of his servants sent to him; saying to them; That, as humbly & devoutly as you can, to Friar Antony you shall present from my part; the offered gift in his name he refuses, if however that he shall receive, immediately him you shall kill: but if with indignation he shall repel, all things with patience bearing return, bringing no trouble to him. When indeed those fraudulent ministers before him with all reverence had presented themselves; they said, thy son Eccelinus of Romano to thy prayers commends himself, beseeching that this little gift, which to thee for devotion he sends, thou wouldst receive, & for the salvation of his soul to the Lord prayers pour. The holy Antony, with great indignation saying to them reproaches, & by him is praised: the whole gift rejected; from the rapines of men himself nothing to wish to receive asserting: but that all their things were in perdition; & that immediately they should depart, lest their house be polluted by their presence, he cried out. They indeed confused returned to the tyrant; to whom when all that had happened they had related, he said to them; He is a man of God, let us dismiss him, let him say for the rest what seems to him.

[37] to the field of S. Peter he withdraws, When therefore through all that Lent, & until Pentecost, with the fodder of the word of God he had fed the Paduan people, because the time of harvests was pressing, that to prayer & study of sacred Scripture in the time of vacation more conveniently he might attend, he transferred himself to a certain remote place, which is called the Field of S. Peter, in the house of a certain one who was a lover of Friars Minor, whom also there at his own expenses he sustained. [Him] himself as an Angel to him sent from God with great devotion he received: & at his urging, beneath a certain walnut tree, broad & leafy, three cells of mats he made to be made: in which he, & two companions of his most perfect, namely Friar f Lucas & Friar g Rogerius, more quietly to prayer & contemplation might attend. After a little of corporeal strengths he began suddenly to be destitute; & dies among the Nuns & therefore to the Convent of Padua to be carried he ordered; but with many running to meet him, the humble man such honors fleeing & applauses, to the place of the Friars, of the monastery of Ladies poor serving outside Padua, himself betook: where with the illness growing, after words of edification & signs of devotion, that most holy soul passed from this world to the Father. in year of age 36. There were moreover in all the years of B. Antony's whole life thirty-six: for he lived in his paternal home, for fifteen years; in the monastery of S. Vincent, for two years; in the monastery of holy Cross of Coimbra, nine years: lastly in the Order of B. Francis, illustrious with many signs & miracles, ten years he happily consummated.

NOTES BY D. P.

CHAPTER V.

Various miracles of the Saint after death in various places.

[38] At the very hour of death to the Abbot of Vercelli the Saint appearing, On the same day moreover, on which S. Antony migrated from this life, the most famous & in sacred Scriptures most erudite Abbot of Vercelli, was in his chamber, intent on divine meditations, solitary: whom the holy man, while he lived, with chief love had followed, & frequently with mutual colloquies of divine Scripture they fed themselves. Whence the same Abbot, in a certain Comment of his, of B. Antony himself says thus: Friar Antony, of the Order of Friars Minor, of pure theology in the mystical sense drew most fully, illustrated by the grace of God. When therefore the Abbot thus alone was staying; at the same hour in which he died, the servant of the Lord to him alone entering, after mutual salutation kindly the Saint added; Behold, in his fatherland he says to go, & frees him from angina. Lord Abbot, that leaving my little ass at Padua, I am going to my fatherland hastily: & immediately, when the Abbot in the throat, where then he was gravely suffering, more familiarly he had touched, & at once from sickness he had freed; going out outside, disappeared. He indeed the Abbot, considering that perhaps to his native fatherland, namely Spain, he was going; of his death totally ignorant, that him at least a little he might retain, arose; & him outside not finding, the servants of the monastery he met, where was Friar Antony anxiously inquired. To whom replying, that he had not come, & where he was they utterly knew not; he firmly asserted, that he just now had seen him, & to him such things he had said, & the Saint himself miraculously had cured, & suddenly had gone out. Was sent immediately to the place of the Friars, who were in that town, if perhaps they had seen him! & with him not found, the aforesaid Abbot to heart returning, most certainly understood, that the blessed Father, through the passing of death, to the celestial fatherland's feast happily had gone: & noting the time diligently, afterwards he found clearly, at the same hour at which to him he appeared, he migrated from this life.

[39] He is canonized as a Doctor of the Church, From that day therefore, of the divine face shining with regard, continually began miracles to overflow, prodigies to be done, & wondrous signs to be perpetrated: which to the ears of the Lord Pope Gregory IX brought, through solemn Paduan messengers, with prior examination & mature deliberation, on the day of Pentecost the same Pope, with indescribable solemnity, with the miracles read first before the multitude of Prelates & peoples, & by all approved, & in the Trinity's name to himself the sign of the Cross impressed, the blessed Father Antony ascribed to the Catalog of Saints, on the day of his death, June thirteenth yearly to be venerated: then, after Te Deum Laudamus solemnly chanted, with high voice he began that of Doctors Antiphon, O most excellent doctor, light of the Church: which indeed with all the Clergy solemnly chanted, after the Versicle, with proper Prayer most devoutly terminated.

[40] with Lisbon exulting, though ignorant of the matter: And on the same day all the Lisbon people, whence this Saint had originated, with greatest solemnity rejoiced: yet the cause of exulting of this kind utterly they were ignorant: for of his Canonization for that day nothing utterly they were thinking. Nay what was more wondrous, the very bells of the same city with no one ringing, by themselves giving sound, so to speak, of so great a Father glory to their citizens were proclaiming. After a small interval of time it was found , that on the same day the most blessed Antony had been raised by the grace of Canonization. With so great miracles therefore the mentioned city illuminated with flashings, the major altar of the Cathedral church, in honor of B. Antony himself, honorably dedicated: whose feast, with signs following, yearly there solemnly a is celebrated.

[41] In the same City of Lisbon, a certain little boy b, Parisius by name, of B. Antony by the line of family german, & son c of his sister, perhaps five years old, with other children in the sea playing, his nephew drowned he raises. with overturned boat, alone with the others swimming was drowned. The mother indeed after three hours running. her son dead from the fishermen received. The father indeed wished to bury him; the mother indeed cried, either him with me dismiss, or bury me with him. And turned to B. Antony, she said with tears: My brother, & if to strangers thou art pious & wondrous, to thy sister cruel shalt thou be? Be to me wretched propitious, & to me my son restore: for to thee I promise, that him in thy Order to divine service I will dedicate. Soon the boy arose unhurt; & with the mother fulfilling the vow, in the Order he holily lived & died.

[42] When once certain ones of the miracles of the Saints were colloquying with each other, & one of them B. Antony's prodigies much extolled; among other things that miracle of the glass, by an incredulous one upon stones from high cast & not broken, into the midst he recited. With this indeed heard, From a dry vine he gives wine, some other as derisively took a glass cup empty; & dry vines in his hand holding, said: If B. Antony from these vines grapes to be born should make, that the cup thence with must should be filled, this I would reckon a miracle; & then I would believe that miracle, which thou hast reported about the cup. Wonderful to say! Suddenly those vines grow green, & with green leaves are adorned: then grapes are born, flower, & ripen; at length from them wine is pressed, & the glass vessel totally is filled: which miracle seen astonished, from mockers were made praisers.

[43] The Queen of Leon great hope having in B. Antony, held her daughter of eleven years, dead, to a dying one appearing he heals,

against the will of the King & Barons, praying & saying: Blessed Antony, I was from thy fatherland, restore to me my daughter. At whose devotion arose the daughter, & her mother rebuked, saying: May spare thee God, mother: for now I would be among the Virgins in glory. Blessed Antony so insistently, at your prayers, God besought; that me to life restoring, to you he sent: but one thing know, that the Lord to me promised, that I would not stay with you except for fifteen days d.

[44] a blind man feigning he renders truly blind, When B. Antony at Padua with many miracles flashed; some heretics his prodigies deriding, wishing publicly to preach that they were fictions, came to Padua; & a band e dyed with blood upon the eyes of one of their companions binding, before the tomb with high voice they cried; weeping & saying, that he unjustly had been blinded; & therefore the people they were asking, that all for his illumination to B. Antony would supplicate. When moreover thus for a space of an hour they had stood; began, he who had feigned himself blind, with high voice to cry, B. Antony has restored to me sight. Then the companions running, & the band removing, that before the people of the feigned miracle f they might mock; over the band both eyes remained; & so were deluded those who were deluders. Whence terrified & compunct in heart, publicly confessing the fraud, after devout prayer all the light of faith, & he the light of his eyes from B. Antony deserved to obtain.

[45] & similar mockery with leprosy he punishes: When a certain leper, hearing the fame of the miracles of B. Antony, had himself carried to Padua; he met a certain heretical Soldier, who from B. Antony's miracles detracting, said: Whither goest thou, wretched one?

May thy leprosy come upon me, if thee Antony shall be able to free. The leper indeed confidently himself under the ark of B. Antony placed, & his suffrage devoutly implored. To whom sleeping B. Antony appeared saying: Rise quickly, because thou hast been cured of leprosy: & go to that Soldier, who my miracles derided, & bring to him sandals g, because with thy leprosy he is putrefying. The poor man rises healthy, & goes to that Soldier, by his incredulity leprous: & said to him, B. Antony commanded me, that to thee leper my sandals I should bring. He indeed the Soldier compunct, with a vow made that he would never detract from him, was from leprosy cleansed & cured.

[46] Once certain Paduans were awaiting a certain Presbyter to be killed on a certain way: the meditated killing he prevents, to whom visibly appeared B. Antony, saying to them: Why are you here? Withdraw quickly. They replied: Nay rather thou, good Brother, go on thy way, because we shall not at all withdraw from here. And when the Saint said, neither shall I withdraw from here; they said to him; Who art thou, who such things commandest us? He replied; I am S. Antony. And immediately they terrified to the ground fell, & the Saint disappeared. They indeed to that enemy with highest meekness approached; & with the vision related, peace among themselves confirmed: which was through the city publicly divulged.

[47] likewise vengeance to be taken: A certain Soldier, in a certain battle wounded so gravely, that by no remedy of physicians could be freed; with a vow made to B. Antony, was immediately to former health restored. But cured, ungrateful for grace he thought, how, since he was cured, he could best avenge himself. But blessed Antony the following night him to former infirmity led back, & ingratitude was punished.

[48] neglect of vow he chastises, When a certain Boy of Padua, Henry by name, his neck having inflated, gravely was tortured; with a vow made by his mother, that to him a neck of wax to the sepulcher she would bring, immediately he was cured. But with the mother dissembling the vow, again the neck is inflated, & he with too great pain is urged. The mother indeed with the conscience of her guilt grieved, & the promised waxen neck to the Saint brought, & immediately the boy was healed .

[49] he heals mute & deaf, A certain Abbot, with his faithful servant, who for twenty years had been mute & deaf, compassionating, vowed to B. Antony, that if he him to health restored, to guard his altar he perpetually to him would offer: who when he had sent him to his sepulcher, immediately he obtained perfect health, & there to guard the church remained.

[50] When once lady Aldonsia, daughter of lady Tarasia h Queen of Portugal, with such infirmity was burdened, To Aldonsia the royal dying girl appearing, that by physicians abandoned, of her life no hope remained; her Mother the Queen about her death was irremediably vexed: whence turned to B. Antony, with many tears him devoutly for suffrage invoked: Help me, most holy Father, because thou from this kingdom wast born: & pray for me to the Lord, that to my daughter he may grant health i. Aldonsia indeed the girl at night middle a little fell asleep, & saw B. Antony saying to her; Dost thou know me? I, said he, am S. Antony, who came to thee, by thy mother's prayers invoked: whence one of two choose, either to pay the debt of flesh, & the Lord will dismiss to thee thy sins, & due penalty, so that today with me thou shalt be in paradise; or with thy mother still in the world to remain, her with the option of life or death given he heals. & I will restore to thee continuous health. She indeed more bodily health loving, was there freed: & receiving a cord in the vision, with which the Saint was girt, began her mother crying out to call, saying: Lady, behold here is B. Antony, who me healthy has made. Immediately indeed the Queen, with other ladies running, her healthy finding, all to God & B. Antony thanks rendered.

NOTES BY D. P.

CHAPTER VI.

Eternal salvation cured for the desperate or about to despair, with himself & S. Francis appearing.

[51] There was in the kingdom of Portugal, in a place which Linhares a is called, a certain Lady of that castle very powerful, Lupa by name, having a certain demon for chambermaid, in the form of a woman, A Matron having long used a familiar demon, who with the devil instigating was most cruel, & ensnared in various crimes. What more? Since she had special devotion to B. Francis & B. Antony, in extreme infirmity desperate, on account of the magnitude of her sins, of the salvation of soul she did not care; nor did she wish, however much to this led, to confess. And when thus sad & desperate she lay; behold there entered two Friars Minor, her comforting, & to confession & penance leading. She refused, asserting that she had committed so many sins, by the Saints to hope of pardon is led & confesses: that God on account of any penance to mercy would not be bent. The Friar indeed, who seemed the older, said: if you wish your sins to confess & to be contrite of them, I receive all upon myself, & of my goods you a partaker I make, & by virtue of the Lord's Passion to you eternal life I promise. Altered was at these words the woman, & to penance animated; & from wolf to lamb converted, of her sins is contrite, & with great tears confesses; & after she the habit of the Friars Minor asked; & through the hand of that Friar receiving, in the Lord happily fell asleep: & immediately those Friars disappeared. Whence all thought not unreasonably, that those were S. Francis & S. Antony b, to whom so much she was devoted, & whom for her help she assiduously invoked. Her body indeed was in the Convent of Guarda c buried.

[52] whom snatched from him the demon complains; When after a little a certain squire wished to go to the said place Linhares, where the Lady Lupa had died, on a certain night he heard a certain voice as of a woman, tearfully saying: O wretched! evil service for thirteen years I did, & in vain I labored. The squire indeed all terrified, returning to himself, with the sign of the Cross fortifying himself, in the Lord comforted said: I adjure thee through Jesus Christ, that thou say, who thou art? & why dost thou weep? Replied she: I am the devil, who for thirteen years, in the form of a woman, to Lady Lupa lately dead in many crimes served; that her, by her sins requiring, after death with me I would lead to the depth of hell: but now at the end came two hooded Friars Minor, whom before she had loved; & her to penance inclining, & from my power her soul snatching, with them to the joys of heaven they bore. And this shall be to thee a sign of this truth. When thou shalt be at Linhares, where she died; thou shalt hear a rumor in the people, that a certain smith has killed his wife; but with two other souls he says compensated. & he shall be seized, & for uxoricide shall be hanged: & I, who was the cause of his killing, both the smith's & wife's souls to hell I shall lead; & for one lost two souls thence I shall gain. With these heard set out the Squire: & when he was at Linhares the smith hanged, who had killed his wife, he found: & he what he had heard to all wondering revealed.

[53] In the same kingdom of Portugal, in the town d Santarem, was in the time of King Denis e a woman a certain sinner, [Energumen persuaded by the demon she could not be saved, unless she killed herself,] who with great devotion was carried to S. Antony. She by the devil possessed, that her self she should kill was tempted: & it seemed to her, that Christ was speaking in her heart, by inspiring saying: Wretched, thou hast done against me so many iniquitous things, that, except perhaps by killing thyself, thou canst not be saved. When these & similar things internally persuading her not little disturbed, willing her to vex externally, appeared to her saying: I am whom thou hast offended; if however thou shalt go to the river which Tagus is called, & there for satisfaction of thy faults submerge thyself, I will remit all thy sins, & to thee eternal glory will grant. When these things frequently appearing he had said, & once her husband was away; deluded on a certain day, at the third hour she was going to the Tagus river, that by drowning the diabolical suggestion she might fulfill. She commends herself to S. Antony; & sleeping And passing before the church of the Friars Minor, that to B. Antony, whose feast it was, she might commend herself, into the same she entered: & prostrate before the altar in the chapel of S. Antony, with tears she prayed, saying Saint Antony, in thee always I have had confidence; I beseech thy benignity, that to me thou wouldst deign to reveal, whether to drown myself is the good pleasure of God, or totally to abstain.

[54] While moreover thus she was praying, sweetly she fell asleep; & appearing to her B. Antony, said: Rise, woman; & guard this f little paper, through which from the vexation of the demon thou shalt receive health. And rising from sleep, she found on her neck a certain charter of parchment, on which in golden letters such things were written: she receives from the appearing Saint an amulet, Behold the Cross of the Lord, flee adverse parts, the Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered, the root of David, Alleluia, Alleluia. And then that temptation she lost, & as long as she that little paper had, her the devil did not vex. But when King Denis these things her husband relating heard, the little paper aforesaid he had, & immediately again the devil her woman invaded. The husband indeed compassionating his wife, since the little paper to recover he could not; at length, with the Friars Minor mediating, a transcript of the little paper from the King he had; & given to the woman, her, as the principal little paper, from the vexation of demons freed. And devoutly with tearful contrition having confessed, & to God totally converted, for twenty years in holy conversation living, she ended in peace her days; to many miracles efficacious. & King Denis that charter among his Relics placed, with which, at S. Antony's invocation, many miracles were performed.

[55] In the Castle of the kingdom of Portugal, which Berta g is called, was a certain woman, Sera named, By her adulterous husband ill treated woman. who to the Most Blessed Francis & Antony singular devotion had. Her husband moreover was lubricious & wicked; who with concubines, with his wife abandoned , not only wicked life led; but his wife having hated, frequently struck & in many ways afflicted: by which so much the wife's grew sadness, that desperate she decided, that from so many distresses to escape, by hanging her life to end. And when on a certain night, with the husband absent, & others of the household sleeping, she had set up a rope in her chamber, while she ties a noose for herself, & within the noose she wished to place her neck, & herself with the devil instigating to strangle; at the door of the house was knocked strongly with a cry. Then the Lady immediately hiding the rope, to see who was knocking, approached: & when she had opened the door, she saw two Friars Minor, who her, that them within the house for the love of God she would receive, humbly asked. The Lady indeed asked them whence they were, & by what names they were called. Who when had replied, that from far parts they were, & one Francis & the other Antony was called; Enter, she said, with the Saints appearing to her she is saved, for the love of the Saints Francis & Antony: & with the table set while they were eating, with sacred discourses the Lady they refreshed. By which she altered to good, proposed, on account of their reverence, not to execute that night, what to her had suggested about hanging the enemy of human race.

[56] & the husband to good fruit is led back, The Friars enter the chamber assigned to them for sleep: the woman enters her bed: & at the same hour the same Friars to her husband appeared saying: We are Saints Francis & Antony, to thee sent by God, to thee announcing, that unless thou convert from thy evil way, & with concubines dismissed alone adhere to thy wife to us devoted, within three days thou shalt die, & in the chasm of hell shalt be sunk. For thy wife this night, by thy vexations afflicted, herself by the neck would have hanged; unless we to her hospitality had come. Thou therefore go to her, & as a sign ask from her the rope, with which she wished to strangle herself. Terrified, the man & suddenly excited, of his sins is contrite: & in the morning rising, came to his house. Had risen then his wife: & with the Friars not found, but the bed prepared, with the counsel of his wife revealed to him. as if no one had slept in it, she was not undeservedly astonished: because whence they had gone out, since all things were closed, she could not think. Then her husband coming, his wife kindly greeted, & said: Dearest, where is the cord with which this night thou wished to strangle thyself? But she standing astonished, I know well, said he, what grace to thee they made, & thee & me from death of body & soul Saints Francis & Antony freed, whom thou this past night didst receive in hospitality. Confesses she clearly the truth: & with her vision revealed, pardon asks humbly from his wife: & so both in all charity & concord long living, full of exercises of virtues, Saints Francis & Antony equally praised.

[57] Near the castle which is called Torres Novas h, in the village which is called Elbron, On the feast of S. Antony laboring in the kingdom of Portugal, was a certain married woman; who while on the feast of S. Antony to grind wheat, from the aforesaid village Elbron to the castle of Torres Novas, with a certain girl was hurrying; a vehement wind, from the anterior part rushing upon her, the sack with wheat, which she carried on her head, to the ground threw, & made her fall on her back. And immediately came a certain youth bright in face, who her soul receiving, began to lead her with him. And first he led her through a certain very wide field, she is alienated from her senses: from where to a certain well they came, horrible & very dark, from whose mouth horrible flames were seen to ascend up to heaven: smoke also most thick, black & fetid, thence exhaled; & there were heard from within of tormented & tormenting roars & strong cries, laments also, weeping & great wailing in the same chasm resounded. & with the punishments of hell shown to her by an Angel, And inside that woman with trembling looking, saw various kinds of men, & various offices in which they had transgressed, variously by demons tortured. For fraudulent merchants, fiery purses on their necks bore; usurers indeed, with burning money by the demons were fed; ravishers, adulterers, homicides, false witnesses, judges, other sinners with fitting penalties were tortured. Then she asked the youth her conductor , what was that place? Who replied, that it was the infernal well. And, what was wondrous, very many there she saw who still were alive, to those penal places deputed, & in the society of demons walking, from the city of Lisbon & town of Santarem, whose names he did not conceal: yet in those places she had never been, as was said. Nor does it seem incredible, if in a vision so future things as present are demonstrated.

[58] After these things that woman is led to another place, delightful & pleasant; painted with beautiful variety of herbs, & with all kinds of flowers & fruits adorned; in which she saw a certain great tent, very high, of wondrous magnitude placed: from which certain men most brilliant, with wondrous variety of garments adorned, crowns bearing on their heads, & the glory of paradise, two by two processionally proceeded: at the end indeed was one as a bridegroom, with wondrous adornment decorated, to whom that whole processional honor seemed to be attributed. Asked that youth by the woman, what was that place, & who were those, whom she had seen with such adornment & beautiful order walking; he replied, that place was the rest of souls, she learns the feast of the Saint is also held in heaven, & all those were saved; & that last one, with such pomp proceeding, was S. Antony, whose feast, just as on earth so was venerated, & much more excellently by the Saints in heaven: & on the solemnities of other Saints, others alternately solemnize similarly. And therefore, said the youth, hither thou hast been led, & these things hast seen; that on the Saints' festivities from servile work thou abstain, & to observe it more religiously. & to the Saints due reverence exhibit, especially by abstaining from evil works. While the soul moreover of that woman thus was being led, her body to the castle aforesaid to be buried by the people was borne, because totally dead she seemed. And while the place of burial was prepared, with all seeing & astonished & terrified, that woman arose; & first before them, afterwards before many others, & me i who these things wrote, the series of the aforesaid vision related.

[59] About the year of the Lord one thousand two hundred ninety-second, Robbers with the Saint preaching converted. related a certain man, very old, to a certain Friar Minor, that he himself B. Antony had seen; &, when robber & ravisher was, & of the number of twelve robbers who in the woods dwelt, for plundering & spoiling whatever travelers; all twelve, hearing the fame of B. Antony's preaching, mutually agreed, that to his preaching on a certain day, under unknown habit, they would gather: for those reporting to believe they could not, that of such efficacy was his word, that burning, like another Elijah, like a torch it seemed. On a certain day him preaching they come; who when his fiery eloquences a little had heard, began of their sins to be contrite & compunct; with the sermon finished, of their sins & crimes were compunct. Whom when the pious Father from Confession in order had heard; he forbade them, that in no way they should return to their accustomed crimes; to those not returning promising joys eternal, to those returning indeed unheard-of punishments. Related also the same old man, that some of them to accustomed offenses returned, & life (as the Saint had foretold) quickly with unhideable punishments ended; those not returning however, in peace & in the Lord rested. To that old man the Saint enjoined, that twelve times the thresholds of the Apostles he should visit; who on the twelfth returning from Rome, these things on the way to the Friar with tears related; expecting, according to the Saint's promise, of eternal life the joys, after this course of misery, to attain.

NOTES BY D. P.

CHAPTER VII.

Miracles by witnesses before the Bishop of Padua confirmed a, & some others.

[60] A Brother with tongue twisted mute & deaf, A certain Convert of the Nuns of Padua, of age twenty-five years, from birth deaf & mute, whose tongue was a little prominent outside the throat & most shortened in the manner of a vine of the press twisted, so that it seemed to one looking flexible b & wrinkled; once & a second time was by spiritual vision induced, that to B. Antony's suffrage he should turn with his whole heart. Who rude & beastly, ignorant what the vision designated; first through the house, afterwards through the squares S. Antony sought: on the third indeed, with the same vision similarly excited , to B. Antony's church coming, with the devotion which he could spent the night, & the Saint's help frequently invoked. After the ninth hour indeed, with a certain divine light surrounded, suddenly & over his whole body with too much sweat covered, great commotion to feel he began, his tongue rectified he receives the faculty of speaking. both in his head & in his members. What more? Suddenly was reduced his tongue to its due quantity, & of speech he received the benefit & hearing. For immediately was opened his mouth, God & B. Antony for so great a benefit blessing: &, what was wondrous, with a certain new tongue, but fully intelligible in that comprehended idiom, he spoke: nor did he know except few words, for common use of speaking necessary, to him divinely inspired, that those from men he had not learned; with all wondering, who him mute & deaf from birth reported. To the novelty of which miracle peoples of both sex flowing together, the young man, who before Peter was called, by reason of the prodigy, from then judged to be Antony to be called.

[61] Out of curiosity calling forth the demon A certain man near Padua, wishing certain hidden things to know through demons, on a certain night in a circle of incantations placed himself with a certain Cleric, who through magical art knew demons to invoke. When therefore he was within the circle, & the said Cleric demons invoked; came demons with highest noise & roaring. And when the man terrified knew not to the demons to respond anything, suddenly his tongue totally tearing out, & his eyes from his head plucked out. When moreover he opened his throat , no trace of tongue appeared: & in the place, he becomes blind & mute: where before had been the eyes, was too great & deep depression. When therefore with pain of heart on account of his fault & penalty he was vexed, & could not his sin confess; to B. Antony's suffrage to invoke totally himself converted. And when in the Convent for many days & nights praying he had remained, & the Friars in the Mass, but by the Saint under the Mass is cured. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, were chanting, & by the Priest the body of the Lord was elevated; new were to him eyes in his head restored. Gathered at such a miracle very many, & together with him praying God, were beseeching; that he who by S. Antony's merits to him eyes had restored, & his tongue to render he would deign. While indeed the Choir, Agnus Dei singing, Grant us peace, was finishing; God immediately his tongue restored & speech, with which B. Antony's wonders he extolled.

[62] A certain Friar named Bernardinus, of Parma originated, from too great infirmity for two months mute existing, to such weakness of spirits had come, From a suffocating humor mute, that he could not a candle extinguish applied to his breath. And although by the more skilled physicians of Lombardy, by red-hot iron, nine times, to his throat & once to his head applied, for his cure was labored; no remedy had, but rather an increase of infirmity. Threatening therefore the danger of suffocation, to S. Antony at Padua he is brought; & before the ark prostrate, the Saint's suffrage he asked devoutly. And there first began to spit, & breathe out strongly, still mute. Continuing moreover his prayer, with many Friars & frequency of people, at the sepulcher of the Saint is cured: who to him by reason of feast & miracle attended; suddenly, with horrible pus emitted, speech he recovered, & plenary health: & breaking forth in praise of the Saint, even that Antiphon, Salve Regina &c. with the Minister & Lector, who to such a miracle had run together, with joyful voices singing they finished.

[63] in water suffocated a boy, with him invoked is raised: A certain boy of twenty months, named Thomasinus, whose parents near the church of B. Antony of Padua dwelt, near a certain vessel full of water incautiously had been left. When indeed the said woman home returned, seeing the feet of the boy above the vessel a little prominent, approaching she sees the head of her son lower in the bottom of the vessel, with feet upward raised: & with wailing him she draws out, now dead & cold: who weeping & crying out the whole neighborhood immediately stirred. Came therefore very many, & some of the Friars with workmen, who some in the church of S. Antony were repairing: & the boy seeing extinguished totally, compassionated were with the mother's tearful pains. The mother indeed to B. Antony's merits turning, his help clamorously invoking, vowed that the weight of the boy in wheat she would give to the poor, if him B. Antony from the dead raised: & after a little the boy rises, & alive is restored to his mother.

[64] A certain woman of the Forlì diocese, Beatrix by name, a dangerous disease which narta is called, in the skull of her head rooted, in the size of a fist, suffered for ten years. Who when she could not find remedy by the most skilled wit of physicians; a woman from a grave ulcer is freed. began B. Antony's help most devoutly to invoke; promising, that if health to her he restored, his altar with silver thread she would surround. And the same night B. Antony to her sleeping appeared, & (as it seemed to her) that swelling, with the same patient's sweetness & complacence, into four parts divided, & so full restored health. Disappeared therefore the vision, but did not disappear the Saint's virtue. After a little, according to what the vision had demonstrated, that swelling into four parts is divided; & with great pus emitted, healthy & smooth it left the head of the Lady, S. Antony's miracles preaching. For to Padua she came, & according to her vow the tomb of the Saint with silver thread surrounded.

[65] A certain Friar, Cambius by name, of the Province of Romandiola, with horrible rupture, A Friar with the sepulcher touched is cured of hernia. of the intestines falling lower with weight, notwithstanding an iron circle applied, irremediably aggrieved, came on the day of S. Antony to Padua, that his help he might implore. And because, on account of the multitude of the sick for remedy running together, he could not among the columns of the tomb place himself; with his hand the sepulcher he touched, & it afterwards, with intestines falling, with great confidence, applied. Wondrous certainly! Immediately the intestines to their proper place returned, & the rupture in which was no small opening, so is closed & consolidated, that, as said Friar Cambius, hardly on the forehead was a part more solid, than the place of the aforesaid opening. Whence afterwards strongly leaping, to the Saint's praise he said: It is not long that such things to do I was not able.

[66] In the year of the Lord one thousand three hundred c sixty- seventh; When Prince of Aquitaine d Edward the illustrious, Unwillingly to a war in Spain to be led off, a great army of soldiers was gathering in aid of Peter King of Castile, through Henry his illegitimate brother from the kingdom ejected & put to flight; was commanded from the part of the said Lord Prince to a certain medical surgeon, who was called Peter, in the city of Bordeaux staying, that his line he should follow, for the cure perhaps of those to be wounded; which on account of many things was to the same Peter most grave & bitter. Seeing yet of the same

Prince the confirmed will, to whom to resist he did not dare; since to B. Antony special devotion he had; & this before the saint's image deprecating; to the Convent of Friars Minor of Bordeaux confidently he approached; & at his prayers a certain Friar, in a certain chapel, where was a certain image of B. Antony sculpted of wood, Mass of him celebrated. Which when devoutly the same Peter heard, intent on the same Saint's image; with great fervor prayed, that if the aforesaid way was not for the utility of his soul, B. Antony it mercifully should impede; & if it was, to this of the praying one's will should render inclined.

[67] with it refusing he is assured Wondrous certainly! While so saying, the image attentively he looked at, he beheld it the head here and there agitating, in the manner of a man denying something indicating. Who exceedingly astonished, thinking that perhaps from vehement imagination & of phantasy the smoke true, what was sophistical, seemed; all interior forces he gathered, his sight sharpened, & thus attentively the image observing the said prayer he resumes: & with him clearly seeing, again the wooden image as if denying, the head here and there shook. And Peter with the Mass said, with himself wondering departed; ignorant what such a portent designated; whether namely by such a sign S. Antony indicated, that the said Peter with the said line should not proceed; or, that if he should, it would be useful to his soul: & so astonished & doubtful to his own home he is returned. And after a little a messenger came to him from the part of the Lord Prince, that to his presence he should approach without delay. that he was not going. Approached immediately to the house of the said Prince Peter: whom the Seneschal meeting, said to him: Are you ready to go with the Lord Prince into Spain, as he enjoined on you? To whom Peter fearing replied, Lord I am ready to do in all things the Lord Prince's will. To whom the Seneschal smiling, with cheerful face replied; You speak well, as good & faithful: & the Lord Prince grants you for your consolation, that here you remain, unless you receive other in mandates. He indeed with joy the church of Friars Minor approached, & to S. Antony giving thanks, before some Friars the aforesaid he narrated; & that they are true, with letters touched sacrosanct, by oath confirmed.

[68] In the time when the Paduan City was snatched from the hand of the perfidious tyrant, the aforesaid Eccelinus de Romano, by the hand of the Lord, to his savage acts giving end; with the Legate e of the Church surrounding & his army with continuous siege the said city, on the night of B. Antony, Padua to be recovered by the Pontiff is foretold on the Octave of the Saint, when the Guardian of Friars Minor of Padua, Friar Bartholomew of Corradinus, by spending the night at the sepulcher of the same Saint was watching, & for the liberation of the said city meanwhile was begging with tearful prayers, from the said tomb such a voice sounded very clearly: Friar

Bartholomew, do not fear, nor be saddened so much; because on the octave of my festivity the Paduan city shall be reconquered, with accustomed liberty & ancient immunity to enjoy. So it happened, with the Lord disposing. This voice moreover several Friars f, then in the church watching, which thereafter is more festively venerated, testified that they truly had heard. Which afterwards to the Paduans' notice coming, they decreed his Octave solemn, like the feast, every year with immense gladness they would observe: which decree until g now, by God's grace, more diligently is observed.

[69] When in the year 1263 to the new church the body is to be transferred is dug up, In the year indeed of the Lord's incarnation one thousand two hundred sixty-third, after to God it pleased by the merits of his Saint, from under the yoke of the Eccelinus tyrant aforesaid, who had depopulated her, the city Paduan to snatch; her citizens, to the Saint with interior devotion fervent, a most great & solemn church for him built. The body moreover holy to translate establishing, when on the Octave h of the Lord's Resurrection, it, which long under earth had lain hidden, they had dug up; was found his tongue so fresh, ruddy & beautiful, which for twenty-seven years i & more under earth had lain hidden, as if at the same hour the most holy Father had departed. Which the venerable man, Friar Bonaventure, then General Minister of the Order, afterwards k Cardinal & Bishop of Albano, is found the tongue incorrupt. who was present at the joys of this Translation, in his hands reverently receiving; bedewed with the flow of tears, to address it began most devoutly with such words before many: O blessed tongue, which always the Lord hast blessed, & others to bless hast made; now manifestly appears, of how great merit thou art with God; & impressing on it sweet kisses & devout, ordered it apart honorably to be placed l.

[70] In the time indeed of the Lord Boniface m Pope eighth, The image in the tribune of the Lateran expressed cannot be effaced. was repaired the tribune of the Basilica of the Saviour of Rome in the Lateran, which Episcopium is called: for whose painting in mosaic work were deputed two Friars Minor, in that art skilled & not little experienced. With the images designed, which the same Pope there to be painted had ordered; seeing those Friars that still places remained, in which other images could be placed; of their own motion, or perhaps by divine instinct, the Blessed Francis & Antony n here and there they painted. Which to the same Lord Pope's notice brought, ordered certain Clerics, this to him from envy reporting, saying; of the image of S. Francis, after it is there, equanimously we tolerate; of Saint Antony of Padua here to do what have we? Go therefore, & his image destroy, & in place of him B. Gregory's image to be made cause. Who approaching, & one after another ascending o, confessed themselves by one terrible person, there to them visibly appearing, from high to the ground to be cast down; & as if into fury turned, from the begun were impeded. And (as the said Friars painters reported) some of them immediately, all the others within a short time spirit breathed out. Hearing this the said Pope, to the reporters commanded: Let, said he, stay that Saint as he wishes: because, as we see expressly, we could with him rather lose than gain.

[70] There was at Begium, a Castle of the kingdom of Portugal, a certain man Peter Petri by name, powerful & rich, & to the Order of Friars Minor with such love bound, Appear the Saints to the dying one, that to them he conferred there a place for building p a Convent, & for buildings many things gave. When moreover he was most gravely sick, on a certain night four Friars, with many others in his chamber watching, awaited his exit. Held from devotion the said Peter the habit of the Friars, & heal him; with which he had chosen to be buried: & behold two Friars Minor, one at his right, & another at his left, appeared to him: to whom one of them said: Peter, dost thou know us? And he: I know you to be Friars Minor, but I have no notice of the persons. And he: I am S. Francis, & this is S. Antony: & on account of the devotion which to us thou hast always had, & the benefits which to our Friars in this Convent thou hast exhibited, we have been sent to thee to console, & the habit in which afterwards he may die they bless. & from this sickness to cure. And then he Peter adoring, asked S. Francis, that the habit, which over himself he had, to bless he would deign: which done, both disappeared. And he with such velocity recovered, that all present to stupor turned; & from then twelve years he survived, of no treasures bearing the key, except of the chest in which was that blessed habit, with which he was dead & buried q.

NOTES BY D. P.

APPENDIX.

Antonius, of the Order of Minors, at Padua in the Venetian dominion (S.)

FROM A MS.

§. I. On the translations of the Body & Ark, & the incorrupt tongue of the Saint.

[72] The Paduan city had been, according to the Saint's prediction, in this Octave, freed from Eccelinus's tyranny in the year MCCLXII, as under the end of the Miracles premised num. 67 we have seen; nor did it doubt, to whom it ought to refer the receipt of so great a good. So with greatest study attempting the part of the larger Basilica, to that point more slowly advanced, from vestibule to choir, to bring to the summit, & into it from the old that (there verisimilarly still standing, where now the posterior part with the choir is) into the new it decreed to transfer the bones, on the next Easter's Octave, & the same VIII April: The bones dug up in the year 1263, 8 April, S. Bonaventure (as above num. 68 is read) executing the decree. By him then also to have been translated into a new chest, & a tomb more highly erected can not seem doubtful. Since indeed Polydorus & others say, the translation was made, to that place where now the Saint is honored; it pleases to believe, was hastened there some extemporary little chapel, in which the sacred Ark remained, until the year MCCCX, when (as Wadding has num. 6) Fr. Gonsalvus the General Minister, on the feast of Pentecost, then VII June celebrated the general Chapter at Padua, in year 1310, 3 June, in which was made the translation of the tomb of S. Antony to the middle of the church, certainly already at least the first part perfected, since the City in the year MCCCVII for that end had assigned a certain gabelle, returning yearly four thousand pounds of Mezzanin coin, as Polydorus says chap. 5. And by this reason I believe the commodity given to the Curators of the Antonian chapel, is transferred to the middle of the church. from the same new church's North side, with simpler work erected for the time, another in the same place more solidly & more amply to undertake, which today still perseveres, variously afterwards adorned, & at length with marbles clothed entirely.

[73] The incorrupt tongue is brought to the sacristy; The aforesaid exhumation of sacred bones, admirable made the tongue of the Saint, found such, as we read num. 68. but other there is not said, than that it ordered S. Bonaventure separately honorably to be placed, verisimilarly in the Sacristy. Bartholomew Pisanus, who at the end of the XV century flourished, in the book of Conformities part 2 page to me 82, Lord Friar Bonaventure, he says, Cardinal of Albano, being of the Order General, with the translation of the body made, when he had opened his ark, after * 25 years from his death, with the body dissolved, his tongue he found, secretly taken away is placed under the altar; sharp, entire & red in the mouth: which afterwards when a certain General wished from the place of Padua to bear away, never saw any gate whence he could exit. Whence the same in a certain placed in an altar: & to a certain Friar this being revealed by the General Minister, this Friar, after thirty four years coming to death, to the Friars indicated. Which reverently from the aforesaid altar taking in a certain crystal tabernacle they placed: & today the same to those looking is whole & sound.

[74] Polydorus adds, that the aforesaid altar major was, found in the place noted by L, placed in the middle now of the church, then indeed, when not yet was the posterior part built, of the anterior the last arch occupying; whose place even now is noted in the pavement, by a stone inscribed with the letter L. So he, from sole verisimilarly tradition: & therefore to his Annals to insert this Wadding did not wish: yet credible makes it the aforementioned L, to which not easily another explanation thou wouldst give, than that thus is begun the word Lingua; let Saviolus wish noted by it the word Locus, to demonstrate that in which the first sepulture of the Saint was. Meanwhile Polydorus chap. 33 describes the situation of the stone, somewhat from the middle declining toward the Chapel of the Saint; so however, that perpendicularly is laid under hanging from above of the Crucifix of gilded copper, by Donatello of Florence fabricated; & terminates the first part of the church, namely there where it agrees then to have stood the altar which I called major: where sometime had stood the high altar. in whose place afterwards succeeded an odeum, as was then the custom dividing the choir from the rest of the church, & a Crucifix from above hanging having which also for some time there hung with the Odeum removed, now indeed removed even itself & elsewhere seems translated: because the iconism of the church sent to us represents the choir free, & with a lower fence of three feet supported by columnettes is divided from the church.

[75] What kind was the crystal tabernacle above mentioned by the Pisan, not easily can I say; The tabernacle of the same tongue is silver. nor also when or by whom curating it was made, which like a Eucharistic ostensorium or remonstrantia we have received engraved elegantly in copper, where the sacred tongue obtains the place which in such a work the body of Christ is wont to hold. This whole here to exhibit superfluous I reckon, since such things are everywhere obvious, but great & with so much artifice elaborated. Enough that part to express by which is contained the Tongue.

[76] The base of the ostensorium or tabernacle has impressed on itself certain insignia of Nobles, of those perhaps whom they call the Presidents of the venerable Ark, every year wont to be elected; the Massarii formerly they called, that is of the sacred Mass or house or treasury guardians) whose beginning although the year MCCCXCVI to be older Polydorus reckons chap. 60; was verisimilarly by the Massarii the Ark cared for, cent. 15, he did not find however in public either of the city or of the sacristy writings of full government distinct notice before the year MCCCCV, in which on the day XX October, D. Francis son [N.] of Carrara Paduan deposits four hundred & four gold ducats, into the hands of Galvan Lactuca Paduan, Syndic of the Convent & Official of the fabric & church, professing himself to have received the same sum in his own & Colleagues' name, namely Rev. Antony of Padua Guardian, Rev. John of Brugine, of the Order of Minors John Galvan, Sulimanus Specialis, & John; Errigus the Notary. Is moreover the aforesaid tabernacle three altogether geometric feet high, as the same in the year MDCLXIX by the hand of Iacobus Ruphonius to be sculpted Pet. Sav. vot. cared for, & in the 17th cent. in copper sculpted. I understand Petrus Saviolus, voti reum. I have of the same tabernacle also another copy, of feet a little more than two, which in the year MDCXCIII at Augsburg of the Vindelici sculpted Leonardus Heckenaver, & Fr. Petrus Angelus Sandri Minor Conventual Venetian dedicated to Charles II Count of Lichtenstein, Prince & Bishop of Olmütz. In both the same are found at the base insignia, as also to see thou canst in the premised tablet.

[77] In this tabernacle (whose age that it exceeds one hundred years I would hardly doubt) found that in the year MDLXXXI, in year 1581 Ignatius Martinez kissed the tongue of the Saint, from our IV General Congregation from Rome to his country returning, P. Ignatius Martinez, the Lusitanian; & it for veneration's sake kissing, so suddenly changed was, a man already aged, & a year aging more than LX, that the spirit & tongue of the Saint he seemed to have put on. Therefore with the manner of old Rhetors put aside, he began to preach Apostolically, with such spirit & fruit, that he moved all Lusitania. The whole thereafter sixteen years to boys, poor, rude, slaves, soldiers, in Christian doctrine to be imbued & to piety to be formed, with great charity, with great ardor of spirit, he consumed… So on all feast days, once & again he preached to the people, & to those detained in galleys, & them with ardent words to detestation of sins inflamed: by which kind of speaking infinite would be to enumerate, what to the Lusitanian people utilities he procured, He went to houses that man, in the Academy of Évora before King Sebastian & his uncle Henry the Cardinal Doctor Theologian created; went that man, I say, doctor of the poor: gathered in the forum, in the garrisons, in the galleys multitude; where with his scepter, that is reed, the whole kind of speaking changes. venerable, began most resonant to teach; until sent by the Moderators to Coimbra, that to our he might be a perfect preacher's exemplar, who Christ should announce by words & morals & no other than the Crucified, in a short time extinguished was, on the day XXVIII February, in the year MDXCVIII, with such great mourning of the whole city & fame of sanctity left after himself, as is to read in our writers, & by name in Philippus Alegambe, in the Library of Writers of the Society, whence the premised we have excerpted to S. Antony's glory: much however more fully of the same deeds set forth P. Matthias Tanner, in the posthumous work most recently published whose title, the Society of Jesus the Imitator of the Apostles; or distinguished deeds & virtues of those, who from the Society of Jesus, in procuring the salvation of souls … through the whole world with special zeal sweated.

* rather 32

§ II. On the jawbone & other Relics outside the Ark & later translations.

[78] The jawbone separately is preserved, That the aforesaid tongue adhering to the sacred head he might more commodiously separate, S. Bonaventure removed from the same also the lower jawbone, says Polydorus (as if he wished to signify, that the found body, only with flesh consumed, with firm still union was entire) & so those two Relics remained separated from the other bones, which were enclosed within that ark where at present they rest. The most illustrious Guido Charles of France Bishop of Porto Cardinal of Bologna, of the Apostolic See through Italy Legate, who remembered himself by the merits & intercession of the Saint to have been freed from death, decreed for the jawbone to be cared a most elegant silver tabernacle, in which also are seen his insignia. It is indeed a most splendid work, having the form of a head, as if in the year 1263 separated, for whose face is the thickest crystal, through which the same is seen. Nor this only, but also one bone of one arm, as the tablets show, by the same sculptors elaborated in the years before noted, one indeed according to nature high two feet & four thumbs, the other to one foot & as many thumbs contracted; which here in smaller form thou seest.

[79] On the roll running below these words are read. To the translated Divine Antony, in the year 1263, & imposed on a silver head, Cardinal Guido this silver case gilded, of marks 36, for the mouth & holy arm prepares most devoutly, & addresses; O star of Spain, Gem of Poverty, Antony Equal to Scythia (rather Father of Knowledge), Form of Purity; Thou the Light of Italy, Doctor of Truth, that you solemnize Padua with signs of brightness. If the rhythm here already from the beginning there or elsewhere was read, it would have been to be wished, that those in its own age's Gothic, that is Teutonic letters, & with Latin numerals not Arabic ciphers nor Italian letters had expressed of that roll its not at all ancient author; By Guido the Legate kept for the Saint, then we would read no doubt, PR̄ SC̄ITIÆ, whence Par Scythiae made the unskillfulness of the transcriber, perhaps of Polydorus; certainly some one no than he himself was more careful to persons & times to distinguish. For are confused manifestly the translations two, one of the year MCCLXIII, under S. Bonaventure, in whose age no Bishop of Porto was Guido; the other, not in the year 1263 but 1350: made before the General Chapter, celebrated at Lyons in the year MCCCLI, in which decreed says Wadding, that on the day XV February by double rite should be made the Office of the Translation of S. Antony lately made, namely in the year preceding; of which num. 8 he had written, that the Legate sent into Lombardy … betook himself to Padua, where he caused the second translation to be made of the body of the same Divine, to the silver ark; & of the great part of the head, to the most precious case, at his expense skillfully elaborated. The occasion of confusing them provided Pisanus, with no order them collecting, from which would appear B. Antony's sanctity & excellence; among which the last place holds the translation preposterously written, just as first is narrated what the Legate, after what Bonaventure did.

[80] More accurately the whole action notes, but for the year MCCCXLIX, after the celebrated translation of the body 14 February. extending the year unto Easter, William & Albrigetus Cortusi, in the history of the novelties of Padua & Lombardy, from the year MCCLVI unto MCCCLXIV; in whom of book 10 chap. 1 thus is begun. Guido Count of Bologna of the supra mare, of the Title of S. Lucy Cardinal Presbyter, of the Roman Church Legate, with the Lords of Padua meeting & Laics with the whole Clergy, entered Padua, & his seat placed in the Palace of the Lords with three hundred horses, at the expense of the Lords in the year MCCCXLIX. … The body of B. Antony the Confessor translated was on the 14 February. Then over his Ark the Lord Legate Mass celebrated, with present Lord Patriarch of Aquileia, Archbishop (S. Bertrand, soon Martyr to be, as the same Cortusi here indicate, whose Acts we have given 6 June) Archbishop of Jadra, (Nicholas of Sosa of the Order of Preachers) Aldrovandinus, Bishop of Padua; Bishop of Verona (Peter de Pinu, a little after translated to the church of Perigueux in Gaul) & many other Bishops & Prelates.

[81] Was Guido, of Robert Count of Bologna & Auvergne, Was he created Cardinal in year 1342, & of Blanca, from Robert of S. Louis last son born, son; from Tournai to the Cambrai Episcopate, & thence to the Archbishopric of Lyons, & at length to the Cardinalate promoted, & beyond the year MCCCLXIII living, by many Roman Pontiffs' legations laudably has been discharged. His family coat of arms, much simpler represents this statue; which in his Gallia purpurata Peter Frison: but the shield placed in the middle of the base relates a Bear the insignia perhaps of one of the Massarii than the others more worthy. Who in the same base are represented Saints, I do not define; I suspect however the first to be Prosdocimus, Proto-bishop of the Bolognese Church, then S. Francis, then S. Antony; who both also under the chin are represented; & S. Antony again before the breast. Credible moreover to me is, first the statue at the expenses of the Cardinal was fabricated, then the subjected base at the sacristy's expenses; & of the same century are adjacent others: when also was joined to the sacred jawbone the bone of the arm, but not from the time of the same Guido there placed. The same moreover, separately now is held in its own tabernacle of which below. Meanwhile both in the base & in the statue thou wilt note the habit, such as unto today the Conventuals wear, very different from the Observants, much more from the age of S. Antony, when in use was only that which afterwards the Capuchins resumed, as is plain from the Lateran Mosaic above.

[82] the same if for the body made a silver ark, Of the silver ark, of which Wadding mentions, no mention elsewhere, not even in Polydorus: verisimilar is however, that within the marble ark is enclosed another, the immediate custodian of the sacred bones. Unless we wish to opine, that silver indeed fabricated Guido, to be publicly to veneration exposed in that which then perhaps first had been completed new chapel, with the tomb destroyed or translated which in the middle of the church had stood, not a little for forty years inconvenient. it in year 1475 enclosed in the marble does not appear anymore. When moreover in the year MCCCCLXXV it had pleased, by the old church's custom, the holy body to place under the altar, that above it daily could be offered sacrifices, by Priests from everywhere for devotion's cause flowing together (which by Jacobus Zeno then Bishop on day XVIII June was consecrated says Polydorus chap. 25) was taken up again the prior marble ark, & the silver into other uses converted, since now no more to be seen: & then also was separated the bone of the arm aforesaid, to the jawbone to be joined. Were made afterwards other & other changes in the said chapel, by which something changed about the ark was, I have not whence to affirm or deny, that it was opened is not credible: for as often as something of the Relics was to be lent to princely men, it always received from the silver case of the sacred chin will appear from the last §. of the following Analects.

[83] In the year MDXXXII the whole chapel was begun to be incrusted with marble, The marble moreover new ornament in year 1587 was decreed. as below from Polydorus describes Wadding. When moreover the completed work was held; it seemed in the year MDLXXXVII to the most Reverend & Magnificent Presidents of the sacred ark to be made for the same ornament equally of marble, & such that to the rest of the chapel would correspond, both by price of exquisite stones, as of anaglyph works & statues of brass apparatus. & now a model was made, & the work had been undertaken Mark-Antony de Surdis & Vincent Moscattelli, sculptors of Padua, with Baptista Lorenzo Venetian, three thousand ducats for it bargained: but begun this, suspended hung, on this account that more maturely to be deliberated some had judged . So Polydorus, writing in the third year after. Now when this completed is held, remains to understand, what about the Ark aforesaid has been done. We shall understand moreover these & many others when shall be completed the fabric of the new Sacristy, within the next two years, as is hoped to be completed, when P. Mag. Joseph Pasqueti, in the Analects num. 11 to be praised, will give his supplement to the history of Polydorus, with many figures then to be illustrated.

[84] Came forth in the year MDCLXXXVII at Padua in Italian speech a Catalog of the sacred Relics, preserved in the Sanctuary of glorious S. Antony of Padua, with the care of Count Antony Maria Borromeo, Noble of Padua, President of the church of Relics & treasury of the same Saint, where in the first place is named the Tabernacle, From the Catalog of the year 1687 containing the chin with teeth. III, Tabernacle, modern silver, with the bone of the left arm, of the same glorious Saint, adorned with a circle of rubies: whence I understand that bone was taken out from the prior tabernacle, that separately more impressively it might be placed: & this to have been ignored he, who the Augsburg tablet to be sculpted from the Paduan took care, otherwise it omitted. To the same moreover Saint pertain the following. IV Tabernacle silver, in which is seen that glass cup, which here at Padua by some incredulous, from a most high window, into a hard rock cast down, entire remained; when they said, as Holy was Antony, as unbreakable that glass. V, Statue of S. Antony silver, are enumerated several other Relics of the Saint in which is the bone of his finger: of the same perhaps, of which another joint had the Infant of Lusitania Peter. VI, Tabernacle with the hair-shirt of the same Saint; VII, Tabernacle with little balls & corals with which is encircled the Clerica, (that is, the Clerical Crown) of the same Saint: for also is found XI Tabernacle, in which is placed the remaining skin of the head; whence is confirmed, what was said above about the skin or (as below is called), the sacred head reserved. VII Tabernacle of skin with the hair of the same. IX, Tabernacle of gilded silver with the tunic of the same & flesh of S. Barnabas, perhaps from that foot, which at Florence have the Augustinians, with the shin nearly to the knee entire. XII, Tabernacle with one tooth of the same, I know not whether from the inferior jaw already separated taken, or from the superior reserved. And all these Tabernacles are of gilded silver: but from that walnut tree, on which the Saint was wont to preach, is had num. XIII his statue; & num. XIV Cross, with the insignia of the House of Zabarella, in various tabernacles. both; & finally num. LXIII, Book of sermons, covered with silk & adorned with silver, with marginal postils by the hand of the Saint, written.

§. III. On the Relics of the Saint, which by singular zeal Kings & Princes from Padua obtained.

[85] That Bone of the Arm, which to the sacred jawbone joined we have said above, From the bone of the Arm uncertain by whom or when, not to be entire, but at one extremity mutilated, appears through the crystal to those looking; what was made of the rest , is unknown; except that through the things below to be said it will be established, from the same bone almost alone to have been received the particles those, which to various Princes & Cities communicated we read. To the King of Lusitania a particle was sent; And first Wadding on the year 1263 num. 13 asserts, that when Sebastian of Lusitania the King, & Margaret of Austria of Philip III wife, at the Most Serene Republic of the Venetians, insistently acted, for obtaining some particle of the Relics of S. Antony; to the King was sent a part of the Arm, in the year MDLXX; to the Queen in the year MDCX, another part. The same from Wadding transcribing Paciecus below to be praised, the King indeed says, num. 167, the part conceded to him deposited in the church of S. Antony himself at Lisbon; To the Queen of Spain nothing thence was given, the Queen indeed in the following num. asserts, that which fell to her augmented the sacred treasury of the Palace. But all things more accurately searching Georgius Cardosus, in the Hagiology of Lusitania, denies that to the Queen anything else was sent than one finger; but to the King denies that there was asked or given anything at all: but what at Lisbon is held a part, in a small ark of gilded silver enclosed; that he says is part of the sacred head, to which even now adhere the hairs of the clerical crown, of the arm indeed, which to possess glorious to that royal city would be, to be wished he says that it be true that it there is held; but both of one as the other part the translation, by Wadding asserted, says is a thing unheard of.

[86] So contrary mutually assertions the fight, & both erring in something parties, will reconcile Petrus Saviolus, with produced, in a certain Appendix to his Paduan Treasure, public Instruments, but from the skin of the head: whence will be established, that to Sebastian indeed truly was sent a particle of the bone of the shoulder or arm; but to the Queen of the Spains part of the cuticle; what this is, thou wilt be taught by Cange from the Laws of the Lombards book 2 tit. 7, §. 2, where is decreed what to be done, If anyone shall make a wound on the head, that only the cuticle is broken, which the hair covers. This therefore the Lusitanians owe to the Queen, given (as Cardosus says) to the natal house of the Saint himself; the joint of the finger from elsewhere is held, the finger indeed or one of his joints brought Peter the infant, of his pilgrimages this fruit perhaps bringing before the year MCCCCXXXIV, with his father John I still living; nor afterwards does he seem from Spain to have departed, until he died, by the envy of rivals to death precipitated in the year

MCCCCXLIX.

[87] But let us come to the promises & by Saviolus produced Instruments. In the year MDLXXIX on the day XX January, The first the Venetian Senate had ordered to be given 1579, Nicholas de Ponte, by the Grace of God Doge of Venice &c. To the Noble & Wise men, Aloysius Justinianus, by his mandate to the Podestà; & Francis Cornelius, Captain of Padua, faithful & beloved, greeting & affection of love wishing, writes in the language henceforth vulgar, that the request made by the Most Serene of Portugal King, through the medium of beloved Noble Matthew Zani, from his to the same Majesty legation returned; for his particular devotion desiring something of the Relics of S. Antony; that he would deign that most desired grace from the said city to obtain; about the same matter the day before given dealt with the Bishop of the place; & orders that they also deal with the Magnificent Deputies to the Ark, that of fragments outside the same preserved they bestow such a particle, as they with their Bishop will judge d. to the Royal Majesty conveniently to be conceded.

[88] then another to the empress in the year 1580, The same then, with a similar request of the Empress received through the Legate of the Republic at the Emperor (Matthias was here, & his wife Anna) similarly, but more briefly much wrote, on the day XVII December MDLXXX, to Aloysius Grimanus the Podestà, & to Daniel Priolus the Captain: who both having executed what to themselves had been committed, what for the King of Lusitania they obtained, although is not found in the Acts, is understood yet somehow from the following in favor of the Empress, on whose desire when consulted in the year MDLXXXI, & to Ferdinand the Archduke in the year 1597. XVIII January, agreed should be given from the bone of the arm: And again, with the memorial received of the Most Illustrious & Most Reverend Lord Count Hieronymus de Portia, Apostolic at the Most Serene Archduke Ferdinand Nuncio, & with the Magnificent Lord proposing Count Julius, was decreed XIX May MDXCVII, that in his favor also it should be acted, with that order & manner, which was observed XV February MDLXXX, at the instance of the Most Serene King of Portugal; & XXII December of the same year, at the instance of the Most Serene Empress.

[89] In the year MDCIX, XIII January Leonardus Donatus, by the grace of God Doge of Venice &c. The same Senate had interceded for the Queen in year 1609, to Noble & Wise men, Angelo Corrario the Podestà, & Francis Maurocenus the Captain of Padua, orders, that they deal with the Governors of the Ark, that in favor of the Most Serene Queen of the Spains (Margaret of Austria married to Philip III) they consent to take from the Relics of S. Antony, either the cuticle, or a tooth, or another particle, with order, manner, & ceremonies, in a similar matter wont to be observed, & observed in the year MDLXXX, when similarly was taken a particle for the Most Serene Empress. So in the year MDCX, on the day Monday the first of February, called & congregated the Council of Magnificent Lords sixteen in the customary place, from the said number were brought in the below named Reverend & Magnificent Massarii of the venerable Ark of D. Antony the Confessor, & the Paduans had decreed to send the cuticle, in their name & of their colleagues: who set forth the content of the subscribed (here indeed above indicated) Ducal letters, urging on the present business to be had the opinion of the said Magnificent College. With these set forth & the Ducal letters seen aforesaid, considering meritoriously those to be considered, for the due execution of the said Ducal letters; was deliberated, that the said Rev. & Magnif. Massarii ought, with due solemnities & ceremonies observed, to send to Venice, to the Most Serene our Lord, one particle of the cuticle of the body of the said Glorious S. Antony, from that which is found among the Relics of the said sacred body, in the custody of the said DD. Massarii, to be accompanied by two Magnif. Orators, to be elected for this effect by the Magnif. Council & by the part of the said DD. Massarii. And so to be noted was ordered; with the subscribed names of the present Sixteen-men twelve, & of Massarii four. Consequently moreover on Tuesday IX February, Congregated again the College, & with present fourteen of the XVI-men, was resolved, that the Lords Actual (are those of the subscribed three first) understand that they ought to seek some Bishop, if perhaps any at Padua present is found, & him in the public name to beseech, that the office that (of separating the said particle of cuticle) to fulfill he would deign; otherwise to require to the same end the Lord Archpresbyter, or someone else Prelate.

[90] These premised, follows the Instrument of donation & translation, which the Bishop of Concordia being asked to decide, in year 1610, Latin all of the tenor below written. In Christ's name Amen. To all & singular the present to be seen, read & heard, known be & openly evident, how [by] order of the Magnif. DD. Deputies for useful & Magnif. DD. Sixteen Magnif. of the City of Padua to part under the day XIII of the instant (or current of February) in the Congregation of the Most Reverend & Magnif. DD. Presidents to the rule of the Ven. Ark of glorious S. Antony, Confessor of Padua, taken for the obedience of the letters of the Most Serene Prince of day 23 (hence correct that above by typographical error written 13) of January past to be perfected; the Most Illustrious & Most Reverend D. Matthew Sanuto Bishop of Concordia, by the same Magnif. Deputies summoned into the Sacristy of the temple of S. Antony the Confessor of Padua, where all the sacred Relics of S. Antony himself, which outside the Ark are found, & many other Relics & offerings are deposited, betook himself.

[91] And on the first approach by the same Most Illustrious & Most Reverend Bishop the sacred thing celebrated; it rightly does: & afterwards with the tabernacle existing, within of the cuticle having of S. Antony himself, received; & from it extracted the Relic of the same cuticle, one part he cut off; & so cut off in a certain small tabernacle of crystal, silver covered closed, with a little cross above, he placed; & that with the seal of the Venerable Ark sealed, & placed back in a certain pouch of velvet red with gold, under the ordinary custody, together with the tabernacle in which the remaining cuticle was placed back, placed, thence afterwards to be lifted up, & to the Most Serene Prince, who asked the Relic itself, for the will of the Majesty of the Queen of the Spains serving, to be presented through Magnif. D. Cyrus Anselmus & Aloysius Cortadinus Doctor, are named for it to Venice to bear Legates, Paduan Nobles, of the same Magnif. City Legates, & Rev. P. Baccalaureus Benedict of S. Albert, in place of the very Rev. P. Mag. Vincent Corradutius, Guardian & Commissary General; & Magnif. D. Antony Francis Pasinus, likewise Noble Paduan, Presidents of the same Ven. Ark, & from the Congregation of it to this elected. With present continuously the Most Illustrious Lords, Angelus Corrarius Podestà & Francis Maurocenus Prefect of Padua; & Magnif. Lords Marsilio Papafava, Alexander Zacco, Hector Doctus, & Count Vincent of S. Boniface, Deputies of the same Magnif. City of Padua; & also the abovesaid R. P. of S. Albert, R. P. Mag. Bonaventure Rebecca, in place of R. P. M. Angel Dianinus; R. P. D. Fr. John Antony Rizzi, in place of the very Rev. P. Provincial; day 20 Feb. Magnif. D. Mark Antony Lazara; Magnif. D. John Nani, in place of Magnif. D. Numitor Crassus; Magnif. & Most Reverend D. Paul Tarvisius; & the abovesaid Magnif. D. Antony Francis Pasinus, all Presidents of the abovewritten Ven. Ark, & RR. PP. Friars Francis Gambarotto & Augustine Pasqualinus, Sacristans of the church of the aforesaid glorious S. Antony.

[92] All these things were done in the year from the Nativity of D. N. Jesus Christ one thousand six hundred tenth, Indiction eighth, on the day Saturday twenty-third of February; with present Magnif. D. Sertorius Ursatus the Knight, John Bapt. Zacco, Reynaldus Papafava, Checho of Leone, Bartholomew Docto; & John Brizzacarenus, all witnesses called & had, & others many.

[93] Which Relic, so as above extracted & placed back, the abovewritten R. P. D. Fr. Francis Gambarottus the Sacristan, on the day Saturday XX of the said Month of February, received; & it consigned to Magnif. D. Alexander Zacco, one of the Deputies of the Magnif. City: who that into the hands of Magnif. Lords Cyrus Anselmi & Aloysius Corradini Doctor, Legates as above, delivered, who it afterwards ought to R. P. Baccalaureus Benedict of S. Albert, President of the Rev. Convent of S. Antony aforesaid, as above, to deliver, to be presented to the Most Serene Prince of Venice. With present Magnif. Lords, Peter Bradiolus, & Antonius Enselmius witnesses asked, & many others. So far the Instrument, for which received the Duke gives thanks. whose I know not whether also an example to Venice was transmitted, was with the Relic itself: at least the Most Serene Duke does not mention it, XXVII February responding to the aforesaid Podestà & Captain of Padua, to their letters given XXIV of the same; & signifying themselves & Legates Paduan with the office committed to them discharged, with obtained & to Venice brought aforesaid Relic, with greatest satisfaction of the Duke himself. Follows in Saviolus a simple note, under the day first of April MDCXXXIII, of an instance by the Most Reverend P. General (I believe of the Conventuals) to be brought into deliberation; his instance moreover I presume to have been for a similar grace, in favor of some Convent or Prince. More to divine is not permitted.

§. IV. On the particle of the sacred Arm, to the Venetian Republic donated in year 1652.

[94] When in year 1652 was erected at Venice an altar of the Saint, In the year MDCLII on the day XXIX February, wrote Francis Molino, by the grace of God Doge of Venice to the Noble & Wise men, Andrew Pisano by his mandate Podestà, & Sebastian Justiniano Captain of Padua, faithful beloved, greeting & affection of love; & further in Italian in this sense. In the most troublesome constitution of present difficult circumstances exercising the Senate accustomed acts of exemplary piety & religion toward God's honor; with the effect of highest zeal & singular devotion, decreed by vow to be erected an altar in the new church of S. Mary called from Health, to be dedicated to the glorious S. Antony of Padua, that him there it might invoke, the Duke orders the Relic from Padua to be asked. as its advocate before divine mercy; that with concurring plenitude of his merits, our prayers may be strengthened , & confidence of divine protection, in such great weakness of human power. We wish therefore with the same Senate, that in that which your prudence to you shall suggest most convenient manner, you signify to the Presidents of the Ark of that Saint & Deputies of that City, this our counsel; & at the same time the desire lively by which we are held, of obtaining some portion of the Relics of that Saint, outside the Ark preserved, that with due veneration & in a decent place it may be preserved upon the aforesaid altar &c.

[95] They executed the mandate; & consequently on Monday XI March MDCLII appeared before the Magnif. DD. Actuals, & XVI-men in the customary place gathered, the very R. P. Philip Cerva President of the monastery of the same Saint, The matter II March is proposed, & the very R. P. Mag. Zanotti for the P. Provincial, in their & Colleagues' name; & also the very Ill. D. John Ponte, & the very Ill. D. Benedict Salvaticus Knight, for D. Julius Beolco President of the Ven. Ark: & they signified, … decreed it had been to grant a particle from the bone of the Arm, preserved with the Chin of the glorious Saint; that they also above declare their will. They indeed thus to have assented, that for the future to be cautioned they asked the integrity of so sacred a Relic, is plain from the rescript of the Duke XIII March, testifying pleasing to himself had been the promptitude of the Presidents in providing assent: & is decreed to be made, under the condition that this not be asked further. Meanwhile attending to the reasonable desire of the XVI-men, lest hereafter they be obliged to any Prince to give even the smallest particle of their glorious Saint, to consent the Senate, that by positive decree such alienation, in favor of whatever Prince or other person, be prohibited. New then letters, given XXIII March, the same Podestà & Captain the same Duke admonishes, designating to them the day & manner by which to transmit the said Relic they ought, as afterwards he did through letters VI June in Italian dictated: with which also he sent an example of the petition, by those whose interest it was to him offered on the same day, which from Italian thus into Latin I render.

[96] Request the Deputies above the fabric of the church, named from Salvation, formal expression of public sense, about the disposition of things concerning the reception & custody of the Relic of S. Antony of Padua, 6 June ask the curators of the fabric, which, in execution of the decree, conceived on the day XXIX past of February, into this city ought to be brought, to be placed upon the altar, which they in that church is fabricated. While moreover to the Rectors those are dispatched the necessary mandates, for the transvection of the said Relic; congruent it is, that be defined the rest, in its coming to be observed. Be decreed therefore, that on the evening of Sunday or Monday, as one of them for the said Translation to be made shall be chosen, D. Primicerius of the Patriarchal church of S. Mark, Pontifically vested with Canons & musicians of his church, processionally come to the bank of the small island for receiving the said Relic, by Religious from the City of Padua & Superintendents of the Ark deputed to be brought; & so it be carried to the church of our Protector S. Mark, & be placed back in the Treasury; & be guarded for itself, unto the festal day of the same Saint, that may be defined the manner of making the translation, next Thursday, XIII of the current month. On this day moreover, under a precious baldachin, by D. Archbishop, publicly to be requested, that to that end to confer himself he wish to S. Mark's, processionally be carried to the church of Salute; & be placed upon the altar to this by the Deputies of the said fabric devoutly to be adorned, that at it be celebrated solemn Mass, & other prayers be recited, on similar occasion accustomed to be used.

[97] To the procession be ordered to come all Ecclesiastics both secular & regular of this city, the major Schools, both Seminary, Ducal & Cathedral Canons with our Most Serene Prince in the gilded mantle, Orators of Princes, & the whole Senate in red habit. The Relic itself remain the whole rest of the day exposed in the said church; where, with all from the whole city Orders gathering, be implored the Saint's intercession before God, for the relief of the Republic in the most troublesome these distresses. In the evening return D. Primicerius, with the same as before retinue, from the church of Salute, & in one of the neighboring areas receive the aforesaid Relic, to be referred to the church of S. Mark, & in the former place to be placed back, & there diligently to be guarded, until completed shall be the fabric of the said altar. From now moreover be admonished the Magistrate of the Armory, & other things at Venice to be observed, that he take care on day XIII of the current to be constructed in the customary manner a bridge, just as is custom to be made yearly in the month of November for the veneration of the most blessed Virgin from Salute. Be decreed also that by our College, in that which more convenient to the Senate shall seem manner, be indicated to the Most Illustrious D. Patriarch, the Most Reverend D. Primicerius, & the Master of ceremonies the public & definite will, that by each individuals respectively to be fulfilled it may be. Be asked also the Capsarius of the Procuracy, that from the number of reliquaries, preserved in the treasury of the church of S. Mark, the more beautiful & worthier select, which, with special letters, by a person expressly deputed to the Rectors of Padua tomorrow be brought, that in it be placed back that part of the humeral bone, which is to be sent here. And of the whole such Decree one example be delivered to the Deputies of the said fabric, for their notice & instruction, the other be sent to the Paduan Rectors.

[98] Done was what was asked, & on the same day to the aforesaid Podestà & Captain the Duke himself thus wrote. The Duke writes to Padua, Since approaches the time, when must beginning be given to the execution of the Senate-consult on the Translation of a certain Relic of glorious S. Antony, whose feast next Thursday will be celebrated; we have decreed to mandate to you, that immediately with summoned the Deputies of this City & Presidents of the Ark, you indicate; that, as to your first letters XII March given gratefully we understood their prompt affection for exhibiting to us a good part of the humeral bone; next Sunday in the retinue of several so the public will now is, that the Translation of that be made on Sunday or Monday, in such form & manner, as to your piety & prudence most convenient shall be esteemed. It seems moreover to us, that be done it can in a boat, with altar & wax tapers decently provided, in which also come the Superior of the monastery, with some elders & honored Religious of his, & four at least partly Deputies of the City, partly Presidents of the Ark; the Relic to be carried, to which boat be added & another, with congruous number of other Religious: which together & directly land at the small area, on whose bank the aforesaid most holy Relic they will meet & it receive, privately indeed, due however with reverence. D. Primicerius our with Canons & Chapel of the Ducal church to our Protector S. Mark sacred, that there it be guarded unto day XIII June, when will be augmented the solemnities & other ceremonies expressed in the Decree, of which to you for fuller information we send an example.

[99] By the Primicerius rightly to be received: We have also ordered the Capsarius of the Procuracy, that from the more precious reliquaries one immediately there he direct to the same end, in which to God's honor & the Saint's veneration the aforesaid Relic be preserved. Confides the Senate, that from the accuracy & zeal of you both, our Republic representing & chosen in this business, whose care all vehemently presses, will refer the same effect, which in other public utilities with highest merit to you, has experienced; expecting of this mandate's execution soon to be informed, that be disposed all to the reception of the aforesaid Relic opportune.

[100] which to Padua announced 8 June, Then further, in the name of our Redeemer Jesus Christ, in the year from his saving Nativity MDCLII, Indict. V, on Saturday, VIII June, at Padua to the sacristy of the RR. Fathers of S. Antony, came the Most Illustrious & Most Reverend D. Georgius Cornerus, most worthy Bishop of that city; the Most Illustrious & Excellent DD. Andreas Pisani Podestà, & Sebastian Justiniano Captain, together with the Most Illustrious DD. Peter Buzacarin Knight, Octavius Frizimelega Doctor, Leo Lazara & Zacco Zachi, Deputies Actual of this City; & also the very R. P. M. Vincent Fulina Guardian, the very R. P. M. Francis Ser-Zanotti, in place of the Most Reverend P, Provincial; the Most Illustrious likewise Lords, Count, Ludwig of S. Boniface, The Bishop separates the particle, Count Jacobus Zabarella, John of Ponte Doctor, Julius Beolco President of the Venerable Ark of glorious S. Antony. He moreover Most Illustrious D. Bishop with his own hand opening the reliquary of the sacred Chin, in which also is preserved the bone of the Arm, the same bone he extracted, & with a saw cut off the part to His Serenity destined, & to be brought to the famous city of Venice … the remaining part by the same Most Illustrious was placed back in the prior place; & again sealed, with present & subscribing Excellent DD. Jacobus Cassina Knight of qu. D. Mark, & Ludwig Saxony of qu. Excellent D. Victor, witnesses. Finally on day XI June rescribed to the aforesaid Podestà & Captain the Venetian Duke as above, that from their letters the order of things done having been known, conforming to the aforesaid Senate-consult, most fully satisfied to himself was; which at Venice is received 13 June. And because, said he, things could not be better disposed than you disposed them, we indicate to you the most full Senate's nod; & we signify, how much you have accumulated through this action your prior merits toward the Republic. What afterwards was done at Venice, sufficiently from the premises is understood. One I note, that bone of the Arm which to the chin or jawbone joined is held, there sometimes is called the bone of the Scapula or Humerus, inasmuch as by the name of humerus also comes the first bone & greatest thence depending; as it is called by Andreas Vesalius & other Anatomists.

[101] The other bones of the Saint seem from year 1475 to have remained immobile, From the Instruments also above produced clearly to be established seems, that the custodian Ark of the sacred bones, from immemorial time, & at least from year MCCCCLXXV, was never opened; when not even the Venetian Senate, ever presumed to demand, that from it anything be taken, to whatever place or prince to be given, with those which outside it in the Sacristy were preserved content. What therefore in num. 82 from Cardosus was said about the Finger, or particle of Finger; & long before taken away part of the finger by Guido Card. Legate. that I would persuade myself was plucked by Cardinal Guido in the second Translation, & by him venerably borne about as long as he lived; with him dead however, through various cases, came into the hands of Peter the Infant of Portugal.

[102] Of the cuticle, adhering to the sacred skull, that no mention is made among Authors, I do not greatly wonder; since this in cadavers long buried is sufficiently frequent: so much that in some even the hair to have grown was detected: for all admiration of all things drew the tongue, such as we have said, incorrupt. & also the cuticle of the sacred head. So remained intact the Cuticle, not only in the first, but also in the second Translation; in the third moreover some, in which we believe to have been separated the bone of the Arm & Chin joined, it was found that already had fallen off, & in another certain smaller reliquary placed back; which when there also to be held knew the Venetian Senate, & wishing to the most powerful Queen of the Spains something more notable to bestow, than to the Lusitanian King had granted; he asked to be sent either cuticle or tooth (for these also nearly all in their places are still firmly adhering), of the former indeed part preferred to give the Paduans, than a tooth, not so easily divisible.

ANALECTA

From various both printed & manuscripts.

Antonius, of the Order of Minors, at Padua in the Venetian dominion (S.)

FROM VARIOUS.

§. I. On the church at Padua founded by the Minors, commonly called of the Saint.

[1] The beginning of this collection let Valerius Polydorus make, Paduan, Conventual, author of the sacred Memorials, pertaining to the church of the glorious saint Antony, at Venice edited in the year MDXC. The book is in Italian written, & extended through Chapters LXX, in which to a Latin summary contracting, lest we should labor, makes the diligence of Luca Wadding, on year 1263 & ff. the argument in the title proposed in few words embracing. Whose however before I propose his words, it pleases to exhibit the form exterior of the church.

[2] The exterior figure of the church in a tablet This tablet is much more accurate than that, which is expressed in Rodulphus Tossinianus page 83 v. & in Polydorus on the front of the aforesaid book. This hides the frontispiece of the church, that more distinctly it may represent the posterior part: in ours, after a more recent example from Padua lately sent sculpted, besides the frontispiece thou also seest at the letter A the gate of the Convent, to which on the other part the letter D responds the entrance to the garden. The chapel of the Saint notes the letter B, beneath which extended another under the letter C, of the most noble Obizi family is, for covering tombs of the same erected. The smaller turret, at the letter E, from the old house reserved seems, on account of the bell, with the explanation of the notes. which while the Saint lived to either his sermons the people, or lectures called the school. To the peribolus of the cemetery adheres the monument of the Papafava family, & the same peribolus's corner occupies the equestrian statue of Gattamelata, of whose person another notice in the Paduan books in vain seeking, by chance I seem to have found below. Meanwhile this exterior of the church form considering, all will agree with those saying, it was fabricated in imitation of some Constantinopolitan ones, with all the major vaults peaked into round domes or cupolas.

[3] To the exterior fabric's view ought to follow of the interior form exhibition; & would follow, except that the tablet, it representing & here equally sent, was so imperfect, that one not present a sculptor, the true idea of the whole matter in mind to himself to figure cannot which into copper he transfer, especially in the choir, where the chief elegance of the work is. That therefore omitted, desirous of such notice the reader I refer to below to be represented view of the Antonian chapel, which since the northern wing of the church built in the manner of a Cross terminates, cannot of this wing the form to the eyes be presented, but at the same time be formed some idea of the remaining parts, similarly proceeding to the Choir, & to the sacristy into which the southern wing ends, & to the principal door in that order in which in the table above placed disposed are seen the domes of the vaults. Meanwhile what with the chisel not yet we can, let us explain with words, taken from Wadding on year 1263 num. 9.

[4] There are who think the anterior part was the house of Juno: The temple, into which was brought S. Antony's body, before granted to the use of the Minors, into such great extent went, that with the best of Europe shrines compared, if not all to be preferred deservedly it can; namely the ancient by the ancient comparing, not however by more recent ones, of which this & preceding century more excellent fabricated no one can doubt: Most ancient is, some centuries before Christ born constructed: To Juno some wish at one time sacred, & that very which Livy mentions. With cult changed for the major house of the city was held, & by that was called name House MAIOR; until in the year MCCXXIX James Corradus, Bishop of Padua, this distinguished by title, S. Mary Mother of the Lord: then from frequent cult & augmented reverence of S. Antony, by antonomasia Church of the Saint is called. Coalesced the house from two churches; one old, which we have said of Juno; the other more recent. That one is extended from the eastern gate, unto the organs & order of marble columns near the choir, in that place where the supreme altar was: this comprehends the choir & towers belfries major, & whatever beyond the choir is. more certain is, that for the more humble Minors given in year 1229, So far from the sense of Polydorus Wadding: to whom deservedly contrary Peter Saviolus, in the Treasure of the City of Padua page 72 & ff. shows (which also is plain from the Acts num. 39) the house called of S. Mary, & to the Franciscans attributed by Bishop Corradus, more humble was, such as loved the beginnings of the Order, in humility founded; & of that which once to Juno stood something to remain, in that which now we behold house, does not allow to be believed the form of the structure, having nothing in common with the older before or a little after Christ, & in many things Gothic architecture referring. Not to mention, that such great age difference, as great as Polydorus places, between one & other house, necessarily would be plain to the eyes of those looking, & the very stones would speak it: in which yet no now appears notable diversity.

[5] the new & larger was begun in year 1231, Let us say therefore, that the fabric of a new was begun, not only of an addition, but of the whole temple, whose artificer was Nicholas Pisanus, in that age a celebrated architect, in the year MCCXXXI, in which the holy man from the living departed: but on account of turbulent motions under Eccelinus the work was ceased , until the year MCCLIX. Other intervals also had the structure unto the year MCCCVII, when decreed the Paduan University, to give for the structure of the same church pounds four thousand, perfected in year 1307. under the rule of D. Hugh of Oddis of Perugia, a man most illustrious: with which strong support was completed the church, besides the great dome, which over the choir is, & from various offerings increased in the year MCCCCXXIV. The church is long feet two hundred eighty; wide, one hundred thirty-one; high, one hundred & ten. The part prior many has columns, domes, apses, Its extent & majesty & four towers belfries: of which the major, high very & pyramidal, an Angel has with trumpet sounding, at the variety of winds turnable.

[6] The part posterior, beyond the choir, has nine chapels, very beautiful: among which to the choir is interposed a spacious portico: & above this rise two belfry towers octagonal of wondrous artifice, & interior ornaments, but of more wondrous over the sole dome of foundation. The great dome, which over the choir fabricated we have said, on eight great columns rests. The whole roof with leaden plates is covered. The temple's front, besides other ornaments, porticoes has ample, & two walking places; one above, the other below, on various supported by columns. The choir's seats LXXXVIII, with variegated work, with beautiful artifice, with carved & inserted woods, especially of the choir & altar, various figures expressing, conspicuous are rendered: made Laurence Canetius of Lendenara, in this art most distinguished, in the year MCCCCLXVIII. The major altar, erected in the year MDLXXXII, with marble columns, & various incrustations is adorned; with many likewise images & statues of brass with which the old altar was adorned cast by Donatello of Florence in the year MCCCCLXVIII, decorously composed.

[7] The repository of the body of Christ, with precious stone, with statues likewise of brass, around disposed, in the middle of the high altar, the authority & majesty expressing, together with the altar was completed with ten thousand of gold; with the Prefects of the work Hieronymus Campagna of Verona, & Caesar Franco Paduan. Candelabrum of rare art: In the choir is seen a candelabrum of brass, high eleven feet, of wondrous beauty & gracefulness, with one hundred & four figures carved, with singular art, by Andrea Riccio of Briosco, of this last century the most commended statuary, cast. This singular work the writers of Paduan things all commend, & the Artificer himself, with the epitaph hung at the sepulcher, by the same is praised. The choir is surrounded by gates & iron doors, with reticulated weave excellently put together, at the expense of William Gattamelata of Narnia, Captain most strong in war … The same enclosure above adorn in the circuit twenty-five stone statues & twenty candelabra: from each side however of the gates principal two brass simulacra.

[8] From the exterior part twelve are had tablets or plates distinguished, which to the right & left of the major door of the choir are seen. These cast in the year MDVI the aforesaid Riccio, brass tablets storied, in one of which Judith the Hebrew sleeping or rather wine-buried beheads Holofernes; in the other indeed is drawn the Ark of the covenant, which from the house of Aminadab with greatest triumph, with David going before, with citharas, timbrels & cymbals, & solemn dance is led into the holy city. Other ten made Bellanus of Padua, in the casting art most distinguished, in the year MCCCCLXXXVIII. Express they sacred histories of the old Testament; Abel, by Cain struck; Abraham, immolating Isaac; Joseph, by his brothers sold; & certain other very distinguished things., the brass serpent, in the desert exalted; Samson, the Philistines with houses cast down overwhelming; David's with Goliath encounter; Solomon, the contention of the harlots dissolving; & Jonah, into the sea cast. Other has the choir external ornaments, of columns, vaults, statues of brass, by Titian Aspetto cast; likewise of brass Crucifix gilded, by Donatello above mentioned cast. Above the altar of the church is seen on the wall a rough stone, formerly of S. Antony pillow believed to have been. Outside the choir, upon two marble vaults most excellently brought forth, rise twin pneumatic organs, of which both have ten pleural rules, to modes to be sung or broken: most skilled casters, Vincent Columbus, & Vincent the other Columna.

§. II. The Antonian chapel's form & ornaments & other monuments of Paduan piety toward the Saint.

[9] Icon of the chapel & monuments placed before it: To the description of the church passes Wadding to the description of the Antonian chapel, to whose better understanding will serve a larger tablet here added, which also embraces the whole northern wing of the church, as I said, with various there placed of illustrious persons monuments: of which two, with numbers 1 & 2 noted, which at the first pillar here are seen, are cenotaphs, the first of Hieronymus Michael Venetian Patrician; the other, of the Knights de Lazara Paduan Nobles, of whose right also is the altar to that pillar opposite placed under the title of Resurrection & num. 4. what indeed num. 5 is noted, to Saints Sebastian, Louis, Ursula sacred is, the Monument indeed noted num. 3. is of the most Excellent Caterinus Cornelius Venetian Patrician & Duke of Crete. So to us the Antonian Convent's Fathers, the seen ectype much praising; grieving however, that they did not warn of the silver candelabrum major, who here at the side of the Gospel stands before the altar of the Saint, when transferred with its base to be to the horn of the epistle, that place it might make to another new of similar form, to which is placed a marble base, with great artifice & from one stone, in the form of three Angels mutually adhering carved. I would have wished also at the first step at the altar to be displayed of brass cast valves two, certainly elegant, & more distinctly expressed gilded chains, splendidly woven of crosses & flowers, whence hang four major lamps; or rather both these & those to be removed, on this account that not sufficiently in the table discerns the eye how far apart they hang from the chapel's frontispiece: to which while closer, than is fair, they seem to hang, of that frontispiece's elegance somewhat they hinder.

[10] Now Wadding let us hear, what from Polydorus he received briefly & in Latin rendering. To the left, says he, its dimension. of the organs, toward the North, in the anterior building of the basilica, is constructed the Saint's chapel, feet long forty, wide twenty-five, begun in year MDXXXII. Whose such is the majesty & splendor, both in material as in work, that with the first chapels of Italy it can be compared. The frontispiece all of marble has transverse bands or cornices excellently carved, exposed in vaulted wall statues optimal, drawn five arches with columns four of whitest marble, & with great pillars two. In the front's middle inscribed letters three; Re. Pa. Po. namely, Respublica Patavina posuit. The same chapel around eleven arches & of great value columns inside is adorned, & nine square marble tablets, in which sculpted most elegantly human figures beyond one hundred three, indicating various actions of the holy man.

[11] & in it sculpted the Saint's miracles. At the left the first sculpted Antony Minellus Paduan, in this art most distinguished, expressing; the Saint, of this sodality the tunic putting on; the second by unknown author, represents the miracle of restored hair of a woman, by her husband ill treated on account of benefits paid to the Friars; the third, the Saint's father, falsely accused of homicide, by the same freed; made Hieronymus Campagna of Verona: the fourth, the little girl submerged to the living recalled, work of Iacob Sansovini of Florence; the fifth, similar miracle of from the sea drawn small drowned; elapsed is the memory of the maker: the sixth, of the avaricious money-lender's heart, among the moneys hidden; sculpted this Tullius Lombardus; & also the seventh of restored foot, which to himself cut off the youth, by the holy man on account of striking mother severely rebuked. Of the eighth the author is unknown, to whom carved the miracle of one cast into stones a man, but altogether unhurt. In the ninth expressed Antony Lombardus, distinguished statuary, the little infant, a few days born, articulated speech the suspicion of adultery from his mother turning away. Of the vaulted roof the cuirass is of earthenware or gypsum dome, work of Titian Minius Paduan, sculptor distinguished, in finishing & casting forms of every thing most skilled. In the middle of the dome inscribed these words, Gaude FELIX PADUA, QUAE THESAURUM POSSIDES. The pavement, both of the chapel as of the whole Church, with squares of red & white marble strewn.

[12] In the middle of the sacristy laid Relics, in an ark of most singular stone, of indeterminate color, The ark of the sacred body: near his death divinely found, & fabricated by the holy Four-Crowned, who suffered under Diocletian the Emperor, whose feast the Church celebrates. Sustain this altar columns four in the form of the ark, to which is ascended through marble steps seven, with both sides of the same material drawn sides to the horns even of the altar, which super-imposed columnettes, & in the four corners as many brass Angels very render beautiful. Above the altar three are simulacra of Saints of brass, & to the staircase's ascent close gates two of brass, by the above-named Titian Aspetto cast in the year MDXC. So far from Polydorus Wadding, who in few words here could not write, about the Angels & Statues of brass & gates two. Indeed not hardly I would have believed; if this same is the ark, I say in which not Cardinal Guido (as he hallucinates) but S. Bonaventure the sacred bones first deposited, it itself to have been by miracle found.

[13] Such something already we have seen on the preceding day in the Life of B. Guido of Cortona, about which to note some things. nor with difficulty there we believe the writer almost contemporary: here indeed deservedly we require such some testimony, with those whose hitherto writings we have given silent. That moreover may be believed that ark was fabricated by the holy Four-Crowned, new work would need to be a miracle; nor without revelation it could be known: & already XXVII May treating of S. Liberius of Ancona, we have seen, the same to be said of the ark, in which placed he lies, without any verisimilitude. More safely thou wouldst believe what num. 132 asserts Paciecus, & I myself in the year MDCLX experienced, from the same ark, to those approaching nearer & for veneration's cause kissing, blown perpetually a certain sweet odor, of balsam's odor most similar; which odor is presumed to be miraculous, while no other natural cause of it appears.

[14] But I return to Wadding; who after the description of the Antonian chapel, to the sacred of it & the rest of the church's furniture passing; Sacred opulent furniture: Many, says he, are preserved in the inner sanctuary or sacristy Relics of Saints, & sacred furniture most opulent, of which greater few have churches. Ten has crosses silver, statues sixteen of Saints: chalices fifty, one gold of price of gold pieces five hundred twenty; tabernacles silver three larger, smaller others for preserving Relics of Saints thirty, candelabra great ten; lamps many, but one of immense bulk; statues from vow offered of greater weight four, of lesser thirty-nine; silver tablets seven, a whole ship, with all riggings adorned; a great statue, idea bearing of the city Paduan; besides other minute furniture very much…

[15] Nor with time it decreases, but daily more is augmented this house's majesty & splendor. the confidence of the faithful in the Saint most great, So deserves the frequency & magnitude of miracles, which unto this day, on account of merits & intercession of the most holy man, with God so willing, endure; that of so great a matter, through the whole world so far & wide the fame is spread; that the Christian religion another Patron hardly has, besides the immaculate Virgin Mother of God Mary, whom on account of daily miracles to this Divine for cult he prefers, or whom with richer offerings or more ardent prayers, for salvation in greatest dangers to be obtained, more frequently invokes. Wherefore deservedly to this Divine such august & distinguished temple erected was, which of so great unto this day of veneration among all nations, but in primis among the Paduans is… For beyond what was above mentioned, decreed the Republic in year MCCLXV, that with the same solemnity of cult should be celebrated the Octave of the feast day, & the feast, on account of obtained on that day singular benefit of liberty; that in the public forum twin should be erected here & there statues, one of S. Antony, the other of S. Prosdocimus, Peter's disciple & first Bishop of Padua: & days eight before, & as many after the Natalia of S. Antony free fairs could be held, in the forum of S. Antony called.

[16] In year also MCCLXXV established that in the vigil, night, & feast day of the Saint, to his basilica be offered the military insignia of the City, & guarded the sepulcher a military Duke with twenty men armed, especially of the Paduans, & be made a public & universal supplication to the same church, to which would come the Bishop with the whole Clergy, the Podestà with civil state Orders, & sodalities & communities of artisans with kindled wax tapers. In the same year ordered, that always, for greater solemnity & people's exultation, on the Octave of the feast, would be run in the stadium, proved by various arguments. & three prizes proposed to those grasping. On the very octave day the Podestà of the city, with accompanying Optimates, in the basilica would meet, would hear solemn sacred, & thanks for that day freed city to render, & donaria to offer. In year finally MCCCCXXXV Michael Quarante-otto, Professor of Caesarean Law & Dean of the college of Legists, ordained, that the Doctors of the Faculty to the same solemnity convene, with Doctoral ornaments distinguished, kindled wax tapers bearing, & each collateral companions have from the Minorites: which afterwards imitated the colleges of Physicians & Philosophers. At length with multiplied daily offerings, that into one they be gathered, & in a common ark deposited, was established in year MCCCLXXXVI (year MCCCCLXXXVI?) which in God's & S. Antony's honor to be spent, were prefixed four citizens of Padua & three Minorites, every year by the Podestà of the city to be elected; & has been increased so the income of offerings, that many thousands of gold pieces in yearly revenues are treasured. More & more distinct who will wish let him Polydorus himself read, also about to exhibit all more illustrious of the church of the same cenotaphs & epitaphs, altars & chapels, conceded Indulgences, established Confraternities, set offerings, & other similar.

[17] An Anonymous Paduan, author of a newest printed Collection, of which below §5. his second to the Reader admonition thus weaves. In years MDCLXXXIII & IV, wonderfully conspired the zeal of the Presidents, both secular as regular on whom rests the care of rightly spending the alms in the Saint's honor offered. Then was begun & completed the silver Cross of the major altar, of three thousand ounces: to which added six candelabra of the same metal, each of one hundred & forty ounces, & together with the Cross exceed the price of sixteen thousand ducats. Was strewn also the whole sacristy with white marble; closets of walnut fabricated elegantly, with disposed above between columns tablets, representing more recent miracles by anaglyph work. Some more recent ornaments, Was made also a silver pallium for the same principal altar of work likewise anaglyph; & with silver covered a book, by the Saint's own hand illustrated with notes; & for the seats for major feasts to be covered was made a silken precious apparatus. Then in a great tablet, by the hand of Matthew de Petrochis, was expressed the tree of the Seraphic Religion, for the adornment of the cloister, in which part it touched the church; & many statues of brass were cast, which the venerable Sacrament's tabernacle still lacked. Besides many other splendid works are revolved under the artificers' hands, & by name a great Ceroferarius, to be composed with another, who already for several years made hangs in the Saint's chapel. Of all these & also of more precious offerings, from great Princes this year brought, an accurate reckoning to those curious of such notices I shall give in an addition to the book of P.M. Polydorus, Minor Conventual, going to treat of new fabrics of this church. So he, after in the dedicatory to Francis Monsinus Epistle he had made mention of the silver lamp, perpetually before the ark of the sacred body together with other 40, to burn, by him offered in year MDCXXXIV when he was about to ascend the Venetian fleet that most distinguished Duke, going to free the whole Peloponnese from Turkish tyranny. Now I understand the Collector, Anonymous to me hitherto, to be P. Mag. Pasqueti, who about the promised supplement to Polydorus being asked, replied, then first he would put hand to that work, when shall be completed the fabric of the new which is being built Sanctuary; is hoped to be completed within the next from the editing of this volume year; much certainly, while these are being printed, through the summer of year 1697 promoted I understand.

§ III. The patronage of lost things to S. Antony usefully commended.

[18] From Italy to Portugal I pass, the Saint's homeland, where he is held Patron of deperdita, writes in the Notes to this his Hagiology day Cardosus: yet he confesses, unknown to himself is the first of that devotion origin: nor I in seeking it shall labor; only I shall say, through almost all regions diffused, with happiest & unexpected successes daily is approved. At Alcacer a ring is recovered by a miracle, fallen into a well; Examples Cardosus brings two from the Flos-Sanctorum of P. Paul of Portalegre, which Ms. is held he says in the Eligian Library at Lisbon, where is narrated, first; that at Alcacer, which town has surname from Salt, there was someone most devoted to S. Antony, & wont his feast day every year with various pious works to honor, especially by procuring Masses & feeding the poor. To him on a certain day from a well, which in the atrium of his house he had, water drawing, while the bucket to himself he was drawing, fell out from his finger a precious ring. Was anguished by the unexpected case & loss the good man, because the well was deep & much water left no hope of recovering the loss. Sufficient yet he had to commend the matter to S. Antony , with further care for the damage put aside, as it seemed, irreparable. When moreover on the same day festive according to custom in prayers in the church of the Saint to be poured he was attentive, behold his servant began to cry, Good news, Good news. Has appeared the ring of my Master. And narrated that to him drawing water had fallen out the bucket from her hands into the well: which to recover when into the well she had sent a hook, not only the bucket from the water she drew back, but together also the master's ring, so aptly placed on the bucket's bottom, as if it had been by someone's hand placed there. Which matter all hearing the minds & tongues to thanks to the Saint to refer dissolved.

[19] Another case is, that when a certain merchant through that river was sailing, which leads from the city Cetobriga, another, to one sailing to Setubal a ring fallen into the river, commonly Zetubal, by foreigners called Sintubes ; & at the mast of the ship standing, was holding out a purse full of coins; this from his hands was struck through the sail of the ship, imprudently by the captain loosed. Wide there in place & deep was the water, & therefore no hope of recovering anything. Therefore with the ship landed at the port, that merchant to the Convent of Minors took himself, & for himself to be sung asked the customary Antiphon:

If thou seekest miracles; Death, error, calamity, Demon, leprosy flee; the sick rise healthy: The sea, chains yield; members, things lost in a fish is received: Seek & receive the young & old. Perish the dangers, ceases also necessity; Let those who feel narrate; let the Paduans say, The sea, chains yield &c. Glory to the Father & Son & Holy Spirit. The sea, chains yield &c.

At the same time when these were being sung, fishermen certain their in the same place loosing the net, among others the aforesaid purse drew out, which without any diminution returned to its master.

[20] Gonzaga, inquiring into the origin & history of the Convent, about the year MCCCLXXX founded in the town of Avilés, of the Province of S. James or Galicia; To the right, he says, of the major chapel there side stands an altar, to the glorious Mary Virgin dedicated, & similarly a third at Avilés, over which the blessed Father Antony of Padua's image presides. This most devoted John Alphonsus of Oviedo merchant, & his dear wife Aldonza Gonzalez while they lived, that to themselves all things by the Saint's merits from vow might succeed, more religiously they venerated; & to the Friars of this place sumptuous dinner, on each anniversary day of the same Saint, they offered; nay dying to their heirs certain estates & houses by this law from testament left, that this very thing they also & their successors every year should provide. It happened therefore, that during sailing, the ring, which from his dear parents by hereditary right he had received, from the finger of Nicholas Alfonsus, the founders' aforesaid nephew, into the sea fell. from him who annually offered the dinner to the Friars: And when the feast of B. Antony pressing, on which to the Friars, according to the grandparents' mandate, dinner to prepare he had decreed, some fishermen, who fish for the banquet more sumptuously to be furnished should catch, solicitously had sent; a certain fish, in whose belly the lost ring by the cook was found, into the net fell. Which all to the blessed Father Antony's benefit attributing, praised God: especially however he himself Nicholas Alfonsus; who & with greater devotion toward the same Saint in the future was carried; & the event of the matter, as altogether had happened, to his glory in the circle of the aforesaid image more curiously to be painted he took care. These because most true are & by witnesses worthy of faith proved, here to subjoin I have taken care. So Gonzaga.

[21] Paciecus a most similar other narrates, which happened in a ring of a certain Knight, born of Trent, & also a fourth: & through a certain arm of the nearby sea sailing; who when it to his friends by chance for inspection he was offering, into the waters fell, nor by any diligence could through divers be retrieved. Hence, says he, sad the master, of mind from sense to turn aside cause approached a certain friend, Guardian of a Franciscan Convent there: who him somewhat sad seeing, & the cause having learned; persuaded him not to omit to S. Antony to have recourse, by procuring one Mass through the Religious of his place. He obeyed the Knight, & the Mass he heard; with which finished, to the forum he went, to buy fish for the alms to the Friars to be sent: & when various kind & magnitude some he had bought, to the Guardian he sent. In one of these moreover when it was being cut found was the ring, & to his master announced, as him & all conscious of the matter filled with joy, so & devotion toward the Saint greater inflamed.

[22] Likewise the Ms. papers of Ambrosius Catharinus on the way fallen, Fr. Ambrosius Catharinus, Bishop of the Order of Preachers, by virtue & erudition most distinguished, certain works he had written, & among them a book on the Glory of Saints, in which what follows itself he relates. Having gone out at one time with his companion from Toulouse, he was carrying a book Ms., to bring it to the press ; together with other fruits of his studies on paper, & namely various Annotations for disputing with heretics. This whole bundle on the way from him fell out, nor was the loss observed before than some leagues had been made, Then indeed (as is fair to believe) he grieved over the lost labors & vigils his: wherefore he returned to Toulouse by the same way, nor anything found: then through himself & through the Governor of the city his friend, all things he did, that the lost papers he might recover; but in vain. Therefore again to the way he gave himself, sad altogether; & since human remedies had failed, S. Antony remembered, he vowed, if him interceding the lost he should recover, to the other praises of Saints he would also add the benefit, which through him he asked & hoped, if of the vow compos he became. Hardly the words he had pronounced, when to him a traveler approaching, asks, whether a book with some papers he had lost. wondrously are found, He replied that he had lost, & notes adds whence it could be recognized. Then the traveler led him that traveler into the place where lay all, without defect: & Ambrosius, recognizing the favor received, the matter whole at length in that book he described, as here briefly is related. Are not present with me books of that Ambrosius, in the world called Cancellotti Politi, & at length Archbishop of Compsa: only from Antonius Senensis & Gesner Libraries I know, this, which is alleged, book, together with other several printed at Lyons in year MDXLI: which when thou shalt have found, through thyself thou shalt learn, how well this Pacieco epitome with the text agrees, which otherwise originating to give I would have preferred: died moreover the Author, with many writings most distinguished, in year MDLII.

[23] D. Inicus Manrique (the words again are of Pacieco in Latin rendered) Bishop of Cordoba & Inquisitor of Spain General (from year MDXXXVII, To the Bishop of Cordoba lost his own ring according to Tamayus de Salazar in Notes to 18 May, unto MDXL) singularly toward the Saint was affected, on account of frequent favors by him on himself conferred experience; but which to him in the case of lost ring, with which he had been Bishop consecrated, for so long failed, that more manifest to many it was. Many he to that intention had taken care to be made sacrifices, until at length of recovering it the mind he despaired, vehemently by that loss saddened. So affected days some had passed, when over the table, on which several guests reclining he had, with brought up of Saints' miracles speech, said he himself, very much he was devoted to S. Antony, nor less to the same obligated on account of received benefits; now however, he said, I have something to complain about him, because a thing dear to me he has not revealed. Hardly the words he had finished, when behold on the table itself, at which they were reclining, was seen to fall a ring, by an invisible hand it is returned, by an unseen hand thrown: which matter the Bishop & all the others with admiration filled, at the same time & devotion toward the Saint kindled.

[24] Among the many of this kind which are narrated, the more memorable is, & to a Capuchin Friar a blessed grain, through an ant. in the manner of the wrought miracle, the less precious was that which is said recovered. A certain Fr. Lay Capuchin in Sicily had lost a praying grain, from his rosary hanging, which on account of attached Pontifical Indulgences he prized much. This to him not paying attention had fallen out, & long in vain sought in the desperate was counted; when to the Friar came to mind the Antiphon prenoted: which when he recited; behold an ant, which straight to the Friar tending, the very grain in mouth was carrying. The Friar indeed it having received in pious dissolved tears, gave thanks to the Saint. On account of such events Cortesius, a distinguished Astrologer, who in that faculty certain works published (Hieronymus perhaps, by homeland Valencian, by Nicolas Antonio in the Spanish Library called near the end of the previous century to have published a Lunarium or perpetual Prognosticon, & also a book on natural Physiognomy & various secret things pertaining to nature) Cortesius, I say, the Astrologer, if ever was asked to make figures, for things lost to be recovered to serve: Cortesius the astrologer persuades in such things the Saint to pray, to reply was wont; Lords, my best & true figure is to invoke S. Antony, this indeed experienced often I have: this use as means; for all others of vanity much have, of truth very little; the innocent they defame, & generate ill-founded suspicions . What moreover he was persuading in words, also was praising in writings: for in that place, where the rules to be handed down were for making such a figure, he placed the Antiphon before cited, with the ordinary Church Collect of the Saint.

[25] Best certainly counsel, which I myself, although I do not wish to confirm with many to me privately known examples, yet one cannot keep silent, which most useful to be teaches frequent experience, years before fifty here at Antwerp wrought, with me indeed a boy, but so tenaciously impressed on memory as if today it were wrought. A female merchant of middle station (as here mercantile no less by women than men is exercised) for merchandise to a first-class woman merchant sold, a syngrapha she had received, payment from it after the agreed term to receive. & already the established time had elapsed, when the syngrapha is sought & inquired, but in vain. She went nonetheless, entire faith to herself to be given even without the syngrapha trusting, in that for many already years with the same matron commerce she knew she had cultivated with best faith, her in turn toward herself much often experiencing confidence. She confesses therefore candidly what the matter was, & to be believed she asks, that whom she had never failed she herself the lady witness might be. But for the money she receives reproaches, as if long ago paid paid to be again she were demanding. Stung this matter so sharply the woman, well to herself conscious, now of the money less than of her own estimation solicitous. So immediately she to a witch, by common fame to her known hidden generally to reveal to those seeking: but good fortune to my mother she fell, to whom when her mind's heat & counsel she had opened, sounder another she received, that namely in S. Antony's honor one Mass to be said she herself at the hour should procure. She went, procured, heard the Sacred, & home returned; returned moreover, the servant of the Merchant aforesaid at the door she found, who was ordering she put aside the solicitude , the Lady for she was ready even without the syngrapha solution of the pretended debt to exhibit on her word, as one to whom deservedly to be believed even in such a case ought.

[26] Wondrous is moreover with how great sometimes pious men with simplicity of the Saint use the work, A bucket from a well wonderfully received, sometimes not to be excused, if not sincerity of mind would supply the apparent defect of reverence. To a discalced lay Friar, water about to draw, into the well had fallen from his hands a bucket; & when to him retrieving it various means in vain had been applied, nor long delay would allow the present necessity of having water; to there by chance neighboring oratory's altar he resorts, & whom there he found of the Saint a wooden little statue with a cord he ties, & it casts down into the well, & again to himself draws back; & just as rustic confidence had preconceived, so with the holy image he drew out the bucket, with the arm of the wooden image adhering. So Paciecus num. 145, who if of each by himself narrated times & authors or witnesses he had indicated, just as in the case of the aforementioned lay Capuchin he noted in the margin Salucium book 9 chap. 11 at the end; more certain certainly faith would obtain: but to one writing an Epitome care it was not to attend to minutiae these, to a historian however not contemptible.

[27] Let close this Paragraph, from Francis Solerius's Ecclesiastical History of Japan, taken example, book 12 chap. 15 in which are contained acts, for edification memorable in the regions of Nagasaki, & a three-year-old Japanese among the gods in vain sought, Arima, & Omura in year MDC, from letters brought thence . Lost was a three-year-old boy; & all in vain with diligence sought, no other counsel to the parents left, than that from our Society's Fathers one they should ask, whether anything further to be done by them was. He persuaded that with prior confession of sins, the little one to the Deipara & his guardian Angel & S. Antony, of lost things Patron, they should commend: then, since Saturday was, he himself the Sacred of the Divine to the same intention made, after all our Religious's prayers the business he had commended. On the same day moreover about noon was found the little one, under a certain most dense thicket, where except a demon to have carried him no one could. Was found moreover entirely unhurt, & of any evil free, which thing to the efficacy of the prayers for him made attributed deservedly by the parents was, & by Bollandus long ago, in the prepared for this day 13 June, noted I found, to be referred to the praise of S. Antony.

§. IV. Other miracles of S. Antony in various kinds.

[28] The Cortusii two William's & Albrigetti's history, In year 1450 a Pole mocker of the Saint of the novelties of Padua & Lombardy, from year MCCLVI to CCCLXIV brought down, & with Albert Mussatus & other writers of Paduan affairs was edited at Venice in year 1636. In it book 10 chap. 2 is read a matter especially worthy of memory in this manner: In the year of the Lord MCCCL… When the Duke of Poland was at Padua about to go to Rome, before he wished the blessed Prosdocimus's & Justina's thresholds to visit. He wondered at the beauty of the temple of B. Antony the Confessor, asking learned it to be the temple of the Father of the City. A certain companion of the Duke, deriding the Saint, said, Is this that Antony, by whose name pigs carry little bells? (He wished Antony the Egyptian indicated, in whose name why pigs are nourished with a bell hung at the neck , teaches P. Theophilus Raynaudus in the Antonian Symbols). Who immediately by God's judgment is judged. For the hand with arm is weakened entirely, which in proof of the word he extended against the temple, whose mouth is extended even to the ear. The Duke wonders: then of the prodigy he seeks the cause: the Duke's son tells the order of the deed. While the Duke in mind reflects what he is to do, is punished, & suppliant is healed. with celestial light illustrated he says; Let with prayers be implored he who has struck. Who immediately the sinner before the sepulcher of B. Antony the Confessor personally presented. Who with tears poured prayed most devoutly, & so much that the prayer of B. Antony passed into heaven, by whose prayers & love the aforesaid Noble from God former regained health. The Duke wonders & rejoices: with him the whole city exulted: becomes a concourse of citizens: the Saint in prayers & offerings is praised, to whom honor unto the ages of ages. Was this, in the same year on day X April. The year it was of the Jubilee, to which (as from Matthew Villani writes Odericus Raynaudus in the Annals) an almost infinite people to Rome flowed together, also men & women Princes from the Ultramontane, among whom was some primary leader of the Polish forces, here the Duke of Poland named, under Casimir the King.

[29] A shipwrecked man, from death saved in the Algarves, To our century closer are, which from Wadding & Gonzaga remain. He in part 3 of the Seraphic History, in the Province of the Algarves, about to treat of the Convent XVIII of that Province, about year MDIV in the town Sines & in the name of S. Antony begun to be founded, through a certain noble George Hurtado, the narration thus begins. When a certain man; among the curling sea's waves borne in a little boat, nothing else except shipwreck was expecting; & at length to the rocks dashed, to the most high cliffs had adhered; himself to the glorious Virgin Mary & blessed Father Antony of Padua from his innermost heart commending, by their favor & benefit from such peril was snatched. Which when to the inhabitants of his country had become known, an eremitage a certain to the very cliffs overhanging to erect they began, gives occasion to the founding of a Convent. which yet to the end, with cooling that first impulse, they did not at all bring. With which finally matter through certain Franciscan Friars, who from Castile parts to this kingdom had landed, as first known, so much those neighboring peoples with their exhortations & sacred sermons on account of the interrupted work they chid, that to the building of one Convent them they compelled, among whom the noble & most devout George Hurtado's toward the Franciscans benevolence & affection most shone: he indeed to the Convent from his own faculties a happy beginning gave; & was in the cause, that the rest people, by such example excited, what to its perfection was desired, should provide.

[30] These things Gonzaga: Wadding indeed on year MDI num. 8, going to speak about the Order of the Conception, A Noble girl, by a jealous Queen closely shut up, begun indeed about LX years earlier, but then to the Minors first commended; that Religion's origin, with benefits of B. Antony joined, thus relates: Had married John II, King of Castile, in year MCCCCXLI, according to Garibay book 16 chap. 38, Elizabeth Edward's King of Lusitania, not daughter as by error Wadding, but from John brother deceased niece. She with herself led Beatrice a Silva her relative, among handmaidens dearer, James first Count of Portalegre & B. Amadeus the Franciscan's sister. Of form most distinguished to love many began: but also to the King, beyond what the Queen wished, she pleased: virginity she vows, & so the suitors' fires kindled, that not once with slaughters & great duels about her was fought. At these things so grieved the Queen, that the young one in a narrow chamber she shut up, & food & drink she punished. She, like another Jonah from the whale's bowels, from that gloom prayers pouring out, the danger about to redeem, chastity to God devoted under the Genitrix's auspices, if in such great straits she would prove a protectress. The next night the blessed Virgin to be seen showed herself, with white garment, with a blue mantle around clad, & by the Saint is freed. & the pledged liberty's faith with three days passed she paid. The indignant Queen's power & the court's perils about to decline the girl, from Tordesillas town, in which these things happened, to Toledo fled. But unexpectedly two Franciscans meet, who in Portuguese speech the same in her purpose strengthened, & she would be of many Virgins Mother preached, & a little after from sight disappeared. Of these one, from speech & signs, afterwards D. Antony she judged.

[31] In year 1678 a merchant on the way What follows of more recent memory is, from a printed Florentine of year MDCLXXVIII, of a matter before three years done, which at Naples in print first published I think. The Florentine example the Most Illustrious Magliabechius to me sent, which from Italian thus into Latin I render. In April month of year MDCLXXV, Antony Tortamanus of Monte-Muro, a town of the Neapolitan kingdom, to S. Antony's cult most devoted, to Ferrandina was going, linen cloth to buy. To him, on the very evening dining at a certain friend's, two other guests themselves joined, both known. They indeed, because either from his words they had understood him provided with money, or this in mind preconceived from that he was going to buy cloths ; when in the morning to the way had given himself Antony, & had descended into a valley which the public way intersects, on the border of Picerno & Baragianae, three of those at the same time meeting he had, with whom in the evening he had dined, not as friends, but as robbers; who having ordered stand with ropes they constrained. In these straits placed twice it occurred to him to S. Antony to invoke, & at the same moment fiercely of them one with a heavy his head stroke with a little axe inflicted, saying; Go, by companions to be despoiled, the saint invokes, & is killed: invoke now S. Antony; equally the other two against the wretched Tortamanus rise up, with many wounds him pierce, meanwhile while the first, twelve times doubling the stroke, was beating the head. So slaughtered into a certain ditch they carry, & with rocks & branches they cover; where five whole days lying, & now putrefying, with worms he was beginning to swarm.

[32] but on the fourth day after he is raised, Then first appeared the Saint invoked before; & dead twice by his name calling, as from sleep he excites, now more than four-day-old: he wipes blood, removes worms, & with hand seized places in the way which leads to Picerno, whither journey for him was; where dismissing him said; Twice invoked, twice also I called thee, that I might excite: go, & beware lest of vengeance taking thou shouldst think, or those who hurt thee accused thou shouldst go: but daily in my honor three times recite Pater & Ave. Hardly from horror was in himself Tortamanus, more nearly by admiration of done things, than before by blows dead; with resumed however somewhat spirit his home he returns, nor for two months thereafter anything speaks; nor dared his domestics cut his hairs, under which they saw worms swarming. At last on the feast of S. Antony voice in first these words he resolved: O Saint Antony! Then further what to him had happened he narrated.

[33] The matter moreover happened on day XV April, just as is plain from the tablet hanging at the altar of the royal church of the Fathers Minor Conventual of Naples, & about himself acted after two months attests. with whom is preserved the authentic relation, signed by D. Bishop of S. Angelus & Bisaccia, who Tortamanus himself legitimately examined, professing the miracle so extraordinary in himself to have been worked. The same related is found in the most recent of such benefits collection, at Padua printed in year MDCLXXXVII; where is added, the process itself in the Convent of the royal church to be preserved, where even then was living Tortamanus, made himself a Religious: & the Author before praised, in the year aforesaid colloquying with a man of great nobility, prudence & gravity, from him heard, that at the time of the deed done, in the Neapolitan kingdom he was, & from Tortamanus himself he had asked, what done his soul was meanwhile while his body so lay: who replied, that not far off it had gone, & considering the wounds inflicted said, How great cruelty they exercised on this wretched flesh!

[34] A Bengalese Prince captive with the Portuguese, In year MDCLXXX to Rome from the Cape Comorin wrote P. Vincent Dammey of our Society a Priest in this sense. There passed through here, sacred Orders to receive cause, a certain Cleric, a virtuous man, from Bengal coming, who said himself to be girding up to a mission quite heroic, where this ours, both on account of the defect of laborers, & on account of the longer distance of place (for of two months is the journey) to reach cannot. The origin of the said mission to this ours also is very similar. A Prince namely in those parts Gentile, to whom now Antonio d'Orufano the name, by the Portuguese years ago about twenty by war was captured; who when for much time to his doctrines most obstinately adhered, nothing by the strongest reasons, & in Gentilism pertinacious, both by others, & especially by our Fathers proposed moved to embrace our faith; at length to it his mind inclined, excited by a salutary, dream shall I say, or vision? through which S. Antony of Padua himself to him conspicuous stood; & imitating a loving Father, a strong to the obstinate slap inflicted, of which today still trace in his face he carries about; by S. Antony chastised was preacher of faith; & persuaded, with obstinacy laid aside, to the true faith hands to give, & himself to his people's conversion to devote. Which & immediately to execution committing, with the salutary laver of Baptism to be cleansed, & by Antony's name to be called he himself wished, & with the same his mission to be distinguished, it is called for commonly the Mission of Lord Antony. The new here Apostle & himself & his all things devoted to the conversion of his people, he by words equally & examples his teaching, with fervor supreme, & fruit, to the fervor & zeal responding.

[35] through a vision with the Saint's cord flagellated. By similar letters from East India to Lisbon written, & thence on day V January brought in year MDCLXXXII, was written the miraculous conversion of a certain Indian youth, in the kingdom of Bengal. Had bought him the Augustinian Fathers, & all applied diligence to overcome could not the pertinacity, willing in his paganism to live constantly. On a certain day, when alone he was acting in one of the chambers, where was an image of S. Antony of Padua, was heard vehement cries to make. There run the Fathers, & hear the man asserting that the Saint himself, with his cord with which he was girt sharply him flagellated, ordering that to the faith of Christ he should be converted. As also within a few days he did; & a Religious habit taken up, began to preach the Gospel, with such fruit, that briefly to twenty thousand of Pagans he converted; & the Augustinian Fathers, unequal in number to those to be baptized & congruently instructed, assented to companion Missionaries more nearby acting: who after they ran together, Fire his image keeps off & into the white already harvest their sickle also began to send, is multiplied daily of new Christians there a multitude altogether admirable. With similar private letters faith we have received, that in year MDCLXXXVI, II June arisen at Venice a fire, & transferred into a place called la Barbaria delle tavole, of two days lasted a space, with damage to a whole million estimated: a certain citizen moreover, having an icon of S. Antony of Padua, is said it to have exposed at the door of his house against the flames, & so alone this saved was, with the rest around around burnt.

[36] A Calvinist, doubtful about confessing the Catholic faith, There at Venice, in year MDCLXXVII came forth an Epistle, two years before written at Florence, under this title; Easy method of finding the true Church by the light of reason, To Catholics proposed by a certain Calvinist or Reformed, through God's mercy infinite to the bosom of holy Mother Church Catholic Apostolic Roman lately reduced. The author most briefly & nervously, from five propositions premised, drawing a saving conclusion; lest by sole human reasoning compelled he be believed to embrace the Catholic faith, of the means, which God for his conversion to use willed, the chief he explains, & after others subjoins. In these & similar reasons established my persuasion, of the truth of the Catholic faith; Rome departing, & at Venice some weeks passed, at length to Padua I came: where in the temple of S. Antony, of Padua called, after in my customary manner the divine majesty with my whole heart suppliant I had prayed, an image painted of the same Saint contemplating, the greatest in mind commotion I perceived, & of spiritual I seemed to myself to be flooded with a torrent of thoughts. This commotion of mind much of increase took, while at the ark of the same Saint again God I was praying, & considering his miracles, everywhere there in marble expressed: efficaciously by this sight of image & his miracles he is impelled. again vehemently grew, with examined to the temple adjacent the school, which of the same Saint they name; where among other Saint's miracles more particularly I had noted that, which there of the prostration of the mule, before the most holy Eucharist's sacrament, is painted. From there so living illumination & persuasion internal of the truth of the Catholic faith I perceived, that the following morning from Padua departing, to my journey through Lombardy to be pursued, & in following days until Milan I came, nothing else in mind to revolve, nothing else to think I could, than now my prayers from God to be heard; who so sensible manner me to the true faith, by mediation of his glorious Antony, about which Saint in darkness still placed worst I had felt, called. So constant & vehement that persuasion was, that poverty & the rest of the world's adversities willingly, if it had been necessary, for the name of D. N. Jesus Christ in the Church Catholic Roman to make profession, I would have endured.

§. V. Benefits from S. Antony obtained, through P. Bernardus Colnagus S. J. p.m.

[37] Died Colnagus 1611: In year MDCXI on day XXII April, at Catania in Sicily, where he had been born, most piously, nay most holily died, as he had lived, P. Bernardus Colnagus, of our society a Priest plainly Apostolic: who as had been in sermons to the people to be held excellently fruitful; so in the same office most distinguished Antony of Padua, with chief always affection cultivated, The Life of the man, sometime (as is hoped) among the Saints to be referred, was written in two books by another of our Society a Priest John Paulinus, such as we have at Munich printed in year MDCLXII: but of book second chapter 8 is inscribed, Veneration of S. Antony of Padua wondrous: which Chapter here I transcribe.

[38] who Saints his Patrons From all of the blessed heaven's citizens numerous assembly, many Divines with special veneration followed Bernardus; & among them indeed Peter prince of the Apostles, Thomas Aquinas, Bernard of Clairvaux, Vincent Ferrer, Ignatius Loyola, & other founders of Orders, whom in sons he loved & observed uniquely; but especially & above all Antony of Padua & Francis of Paola with intense study he cultivated.. And of those indeed not more lover religious, than imitator vigorous, virtues for himself in life & morals to be expressed from earliest years he had taken; especially indeed angelic mind's brightness, & of pouring for Christ blood perennial & burning desire. Then nothing not he did in those Divines, whom I have said, in favor asked; sweetest with them mixing colloquies day to pass accustomed, & even at the very table of his Heavenly ones not unmindful, bread fragments with Cross marked to each he dedicated. in various ways used to cultivate, Sacred their effigies, by whose sight he might inflame himself, & to which on knees vows he might make, never did not have with himself. To friends also or to whatever at length others, where it bore opportunity, with words most eloquent of such great Heavenly ones love & religion copiously & gravely he persuaded. At Venice, Genoa, Brescia, Mantua, Naples, Rome, with his sermons the peoples to these Divines' cult he inflamed. Indeed not some to Bernardus that they repaid grace, when & visible not infrequently themselves they showed, & by this not otherwise than of first admission of friends some sweetly & familiarly they used; nay even arcana celestial to him very often they opened; which among, that is distinguished, that the year & place of his death, by their favor, he was taught.

[39] And since about S. Antony of Padua speech now incidentally arose, & toward S. Antony especially devoted, so Bernardus into this Divine's friendship himself penetrated, that thou wouldst doubt, his into the Heavenly confidence, or his into a mortal man almost domestic humanity, greater moves admiration. It was indeed when he himself to his companion, with sudden suffused pleasure of mind, narrated, S. Antony his with admirable beauty, which in human words cannot be expressed, to himself was visible; in stature, a little than his was, namely four fingers', taller. For when in my custom, said he, on my board I was lying, with most serene light surrounded to me he came, with a long & most pleasing colloquy me he refreshed, at length & with most sweet embrace long bound: nor with these content, the whole of Saints friends cohort, in long order proceeding, & among these John Maria Colnagus at Palermo from life departed, he showed. He grieved moreover immediately, God's gift, with silence to be covered, imprudently to have manifested; in turn is held most familiarly, & therefore with the highest he exonerated with prayers, that what he himself rashly had poured out, more cautiously that one in secret from others he might keep. Meanwhile he did not intermit to repay this Heavenly with all observances; whenever it was right, the sepulcher for religion's sake to approach, & the sacred ashes to venerate; praises in elegant verses to weave, that more easily all others to this Divine's love he might attract: & whatever him invoked obtains. him from journey, wherever he proceeded, in his temples most sweetly to salute; not only little flowers to bring, but also tears & sighs to pour forth; nay & papers with himself to bring, in which, as petitions, dutiful in others' causes deprecator, what each through this Divine from the Numen obtained they wished he himself had written down; whatever he asked with no business about to obtain.

[40] So to a fallen Brother of S. J. strengths for the next day he repairs; Long it would be to commemorate, how many & how excellent, above nature's power & order, benefits this Wonder-worker, at Bernardus's prayers as if by friendly force compelled, on various mortals conferred. A few only to enumerate here it pleases. And, that from domestics we may begin, a certain Antony, of our family Adjutor, while at night now grown in erecting the Saviour's cenotaph through holy Week vigorously, & not less imprudently work was placing; with footing failing, I know not for what cause, headlong from high he fell, & with limbs much bruised & broken to bed was brought. This when Bernardus knew, to D. Antony's whom in his chamber he had image turned; Saint Antony, said he, necessary it is Fr. Antony tomorrow day unharmed, to complete the Lord's sepulcher to return: wherefore come, health bestow. And immediately himself to the bed of him lying he betook, a Cross well large he made; S. Antony, said he, may heal thee; tomorrow unharmed be, & the last hand to the sepulcher apply. Obeyed the sick man; himself he wonders: arose, & with all wondering girded himself for the work; & with strengths entire, what he had begun, in time completed.

[41] At Naples called to a girl of first nobility, he heals a girl moribund, by the physicians now nearly given up, after customary salutation offices; S. Antony, said he, to thee to visit comes, who for thee of longer life the grace obtained. Cheer up, cheer up! good be of soul: it is not now what thou shouldst fear. Was not vain Bernardus's prediction, the matter itself & outcome taught. John Maria Tedesca, already by all Christian faith's mysteries, in a monastery among Virgins dedicated to God, to the journey of eternity prepared was. But the girl's parent, a noble man, Bernardus, that to her he might come, besought. So to the grates, as the custom bears, about dying John making words, to one of the Nuns who was standing by, with usual simplicity; Do we wish, said he, John to restore to health? To which she smiling; Altogether, let us heal her, Father. Sent to her his crown, So let us heal her, subjoins Bernardus; let us pray S. Antony. With the word he was himself with raised to heaven hands, & three times repeats the customary to Christians of well auspicing formula, In the name of the Father, & Son, & Holy Spirit: & at the same time her, which he had in hands, Crown, to John with death wrestling sends. Nor vain were prayers: the sick, as first the Crown she had obtained, of diseases & death victor, began to recover; & at length firm & strong, on feet she rose up.

[42] Maria de Consulo, of the third Order of S. Francis alumna, for a whole already year's space mute, trembled in head & all limbs, in vain applied of physicians counsel. Called to the lying-down Bernardus, asks, by what name she is called: to whom the domestics; Now a year has revolved itself, from which with lost power of speaking she was muted. But he turned to the sick one; A Tertiary mute I indeed, said he, through D. N. Jesus Christ & S. Antony I command, tell what to thee name; & at the same time over her tongue with finger he made a Cross. Nor delay: the tongue of the sick for so many months bound she looses; & what formerly in baptism she had received, the name Agatha she pronounces. Then the Father her trembling head & the rest in order limbs with the Cross signs; in the name of Antony to speak orders, & in the virtue of D. N. Jesus Christ & holy Antony, to be still orders: when suddenly, as they had been ordered, they became still: orders her hands, by the violence of the disease closed, that themselves they unfold, & soon themselves they spread; & in this manner, with admiration fixed of all who were present, with full health the languid he endowed; finally, Now thou art healthy, said he: on the twentieth day from now also thou shalt walk. Who when thanks was giving, them to S. Antony the Father transferred, whom namely of this prodigy author he affirmed. & sick he heals: Because yet not enough expeditely to speak she seemed Agatha, of wine a little first he himself tasted, then to Agatha offered: with which drunk, always more & more her tongue to speaking she had obedient; & twenty, which he had prefixed, days having gone around, not with difficulty, on her feet supported, she walked.

[43] likewise an arm wounded, Was carrying about someone an arm, with gaping wound badly affected. But when Bernardus over it with saliva the Cross's sign expressed, & him to S. Antony to depart ordered; soon he with the arm, with the wound as soon as possible coalescing, from all healthy was astonished. Another for months altogether ten labored with most frequent & nearly perpetual fainting of spirits, which both the power of speaking had removed, & to faints of soul not rare subject had made. frequent fainting, This one when Bernardus's prayers he had begged; asks the Father, whether of physicians experienced he was the art. To whom he: indeed himself of pharmacies & physicians used, with great indeed expenses, with no however benefit. Then Bernardus; grave melancholy, What, said he, the chief physicians could not, God can; & at the same time the heart of the sick with thumb signs; to S. Antony to depart, & in Bernardus's own name, of heart & head the salvation to ask orders. Obeyed the sick: & quickly to the inveterate & twin evil remedy he found. A woman also, from black bile abundance, near delirium was distant: persuaded to this one Bernardus to S. Antony herself to confer. She, nothing delaying, the Saint approached; & immediately, with shaken in head of melancholy mists, healthy departed.

[44] What more? Hardly any is of diseases kind, which by this celestial physician's help & his prayers he did not put to flight Bernardus. The lame either by the sole name of D. Antony, or by modest touch rightly to walk, & others of every kind of diseases: & on plants equal to walk made. Others of limbs mutilated or by cardiac disease oppressed, or for the fifth already month with blindness afflicted; others finally either by shaking fever shaken, or by black bile intemperance to madness nearly reduced, of long-lasting these evils he freed. What? that even with a little flower, to the right knee of the Saint applied, eyes already by physicians deplored he restored; the fever, with given to be eaten what of S. Antony he called fruit, quickly drove away; the most bitter teeth's pains, of the same Divine's image, not like a poultice imposed, but only as a gift given, immediately extinguished; of a poor woman a little gold, by evil arts taken, with poured to the Saint prayers thus to be returned he made, that in the very Patavinian Guardian's altar, what Bernardus had asked, as from the Divine handed over, joyful she found: which all by sworn witnesses are legitimately confirmed.

[45] Beyond others moreover pleasant is, what follows. At Catania by Superiors' order, with the supporting S. Agatha's Sodales, he had withdrawn into a place, one not more league from the city distant, to the Sicilian sea's shores especially pleasant, & a customary eels' station; to those fishing & eels desiring, that with perpetual studies & preaching labor wearied, of soul & body strengths he might restore. There, the sacred thing in custom performed, while companions through all the shore scattered to catching fish gave work; he himself by prayer study carried away, customary Church's task from book religiously paid: at length indeed to his own returning, how happy was the fishing, asks. To whom they, fishes indeed extracted well many, eel however not even one. So with the hook which first had come seized, & into the sea cast; Come, said he, blessed mine of Padua, from the deep sea's bosom an eel for me bring forth. Hardly had he finished, when hooked he draws out, a most great one he catches with the Saint invoked. but small. Laughed at this Bernardus; &, What this, O my Saint? said he: a little fish is what thou givest, not a fish. So shall be thy munificence, & of blessed hands worthy either prey, or gift? I return: & because this is not sufficient for all, a larger that thou bestow remissively I beseech: & with the word the fish & hook into waves again he casts. Nor longer was the deed. As if at nod he had ready of the Numen & Heavenly clemency, an extracted of unusual magnitude eel his companions cheered: which yet, when in mensae set was, he himself, by celestial allured delights, as other earthly all things, fastidiously contemned, nor touched; & with tears abundantly poured, in the old custom, of food nearly nothing through that day took, among feasts fasting.

[46] Plain is, Antony of Padua for things either by theft or chance lost, to the master to be restored, Asked the Saint to pray for lost things, by God destined: but also plain was, P. Bernardus with this Heavenly especially to be gracious: whence familiar was to most of this matter cause to Bernardus, & to him to his Antony to flee, & by vows to be bound. Now forty days had elapsed, from which someone a mule, I know not by what case lost, in vain sought, only by miracle to be found: Bernardus yet he approached, that his he might obtain prayers, what to be done by the Supernal he believed: nor in his hope was deceived. He held by chance a clove in hands: so he gave to the man in commands; let him go, & in his name this flower to S. Antony in the sacred to him church to offer; certain, the blessed Youth, who in delights had little flowers, the offered with the flower prayers with prone ears to receive. He indeed the commands did; but with idle outcome: makes that the mule long sought be brought back; & therefore again, after some days elapsed, to the Father he presented himself, kindly complaining, prayers in vain to have fallen. At length when the Father the same had ordered, & that one obedient to the word Antony's help again suppliant had implored; behold to thee, under dawn of the following day, knock at the doors two of family Franciscan sons; & one indeed, on the mule long sought sitting, by nod signifies, let the master descend, & his receive jumentum. But hardly that one had descended, when these from sight departed, of such great benefit memory & admiration in pious client's soul left.

[47] Mourned also another someone, a thing, in few precious to himself, to have perished. When therefore counsel taking cause to Bernardus he had conferred; & to a boy the place of the lost thing he indicates, he, as he was with the Divine very familiar, to the son of the same man ordered, that the Patavinian Saint he should approach, & from himself piously saluted with highest beseech with prayers, not at all grievously let him say to the suppliant asking, where in places, what to the father had perished, to be found may be given; if otherwise he do, his lamp for well many days oil to lack. Obeyed diligently the youth, candid & upright, with counsel in appearance irreligious or rash; & & hardly entered the house to do the commands, to a man religious of distinguished form, & with what modesty of face with what flower of age conspicuous, whom by chance meeting he had, without ambages he explained, what the other had ordered. When that one smiling in the Syriac idiom replied, how & in what place the lost thing to recover he might. & that in Syriac, which he was ignorant of, language: This youth at the matter's novelty astonished, first hesitated; then in the place, to him in Syriac indicated, the thing lost he sought, found; & long doubtful of mind he hung, what more he wondered; whether himself, in a foreign which he had never learned tongue skilled, or the matter by doubled prodigy found? Certainly the man, as he was rude & of thick memory, the Syriac which from the Divine he had received words, to P. Bernardinus Riccinus, in languages skill & life sanctity famous, related; & these from the Syriac idiom drawn forth to have been he learned.

[48] likewise that he may make return the lost ring: At Catania a muleteer, with mule lost wonderfully anxious, that he might console; Go, said he, to S. Antony's altar, & to him two wax candles to be brought light, that in the Divine's honor they may burn until consumed, & at the same time so to the Saint from me announce; Thy Bernardus wishes, that not before this day pass, than that the mule to me thou bring back. Obeyed with best faith the muleteer, & of his confidence reward took. Under the very Angelic Salutation signal, hears at the doors knocking; & opened the window, the mule by a Franciscan brought, from joy hardly of himself possessed, admits; about him who had brought, not solicitous. When yet from sudden joy himself he collected, to the cenobium of S. Francis he flew, thanks about to give. But no one was who either of the Monk or of the mule, about which the muleteer many things asked, anything had known; especially of that time, at the second already night's hour. Thence therefore soon to the College he conferred himself, & Father Bernardus longing he called out; who nothing wondering, the man taught, S. Antony's by benefit received the mule; who office of a faithful friend discharged, him in time had brought back.

[49] To a rustic, who for many days a horse in vain sought he was bewailing, to another a horse, he foretold it would be that through S. Antony he should recover. Lapsed thence days not many, hears the farmer behind the house's gate who was admonishing; Come on, receive thy own, good man, horse. So he opens the door, & the horse at third night's hour to the house led, with bridle & saddle adorned, joyful he saw. In this nearly manner to another rustic man, similar help asking, he denounced; Not indeed the mule, which thou hadst lost, thou shalt find; know yet its price altogether to thee to be restored; to another he returns the price of lost things. the ring indeed lost, by thee shortly to be found. Nor otherwise was done. Soon following day was present, who for the mule fifty scrutati was counting; another finally, from whom the ring than opinion sooner he received.

[50] To that point at length our Bernardus's into proved Antony of Padua's power & piety confidence grew, that, if to deaf ears his past to have been prayers he believed, even amicably to complain, & with sweet first kiss to the sacred image of the same on knees impressed, Of the Saint wonderfully familiar, gently to be a little angry, & sometime soft to threaten threats he dared. When at length of vow bound he obtained what by friendly force he had extorted, with all gladnesses to walk, to his Saint corollas from flowers to weave, praises in metrical enclosed numbers to sing out, the icon to embrace, with kisses to caress, & in ways all to himself the Patron to oblige much he longed. And seemed the Divine in pious Father's candor not moderately to be delighted.

[51] for a horse lost not heard himself thinking, By chance came, that Bernardus a benefit for a woman from the Saint asked, &, although ignorant, shortly obtained. A horse was lost, but by the husband not yet conscious wife found. So judging the Father his prayers not to have had weight; a boy from those whom Clerics we call one, after S. Francis of Paola's Religious, to the Divine's house he sends; &, given into hands a little stone; Go, said he, to S. Antony; & to him say in this manner: Father Bernardus, O Blessed, says, heart to thee to be this stone harder, that the benefit so much desired not thou hast granted: proof of love, the exhibition is of work: to what so prolix delay, where hastened necessity help demands? While therefore the little one the commands is performing, & with imposed on the altar little stone, as had been ordered, for a while to the next confessional himself he withdraws; sees from the high altar to come forth a Franciscan family alumnus, gravely & kindly smiling; who, Behold thy stone to thee, was saying: with him as if hard he expostulates. return to the Father, & to him from me announce; nay indeed, himself in heart a stone to carry around, who so often by experience taught, not yet to himself has persuaded, the grace long ago to have been granted. Which when Bernardus received, suppliant from the Heavenly pardon asked, & of his confidence accused tardiness. At Rome also, when the Saint slower was to hearing Bernardus's prayers, long & much patiently bore of benefit procrastination; & delay he chid. at length indeed three on paper he wrote words, of supplicant petition turn to take, Delayed enough it is. The little paper so on the table left in the morning he found, in meter charmingly completed, as if a certain most desirable epiphoneme, Conquered patience, conquered.

§ VI. From printed Italian of Bernardinus Genovesius & Thomas Vandinus.

[52] Besides hitherto cited writers to hands mine two others have come (for all to enumerate, what attempted to do Arthurus of the monastery, less necessary I think) two, I say to hands mine have come, & those Italian. From edited year 1606, The first at the beginning of this century the argument that assumed, & in year MDCVI printed at Rome dedicated to John Baptista Victorius, Pope Paul V's nephew, Bernardinus Genovesius of Trapani, of the third Order of S. Francis professor. The other Thomas Vandinus, of Bologna, of the Order of Minors Conventual; whose lucubration, & 1647, at Rome printed I know not what year, reprinted we have at Macerata in Picenum, under the note of year MDCXLVII, From both moreover it pleases to excerpt & Latin to make more illustrious some, hitherto not commemorated.

[53] At Castagnaro, of the Vicenza dominion a town, a man a certain of distinguished nobility from the Puteorum family, by diabolical specters struck a young man, by name John, a certain tower he had. To this when had come some necromancers, & a great there hidden treasure by magic art they had detected, & had departed; a certain servant of that Noble entered the same house, saw in it many animals, flying & terrestrial, of terrible form; & among them three horses of enormous magnitude & horned, & fire with whole body breathing; & on them riders of terrible plainly appearance as many & gigantic, with faces to horses' rumps turned, who staves in hands carried. Astonished at these things the youth to flee thence wished, & thence mute & blind, is cured: & himself with the Cross to sign; but neither could do: wherefore to the Deipara Virgin & B. Antony, what with voice he could not, with heart himself commended: but immediately worst held blind & mute himself he felt. Thence flowed to him days some, after which in a vision to him appeared S. Antony with a Cross in hand exceedingly splendid, & said; Come, son, trust in God's goodness. Awakened the man, with signs which he could asked his domestics, that himself to Padua they bring to S. Antony: in whose house soon when brought, sight & speech he received, & home returned, to God & the Saint giving thanks. The same relates Vandinius, & notes year MCCLXXVIII, in which the matter happened.

[54] A rabid & possessed woman At Ferrara a certain woman so direly was tortured by a demon, that the whole city with terror she filled: for whomever she could seize, with hands, feet, teeth most badly punished, with injuries & curses all receiving, & with these calumnies most grave mixing, & in ways altogether unspeakable & foul her body throwing: nay & house to inflame she attempted. Had she uncles two, who with the brother dead the niece to themselves had received, care of her to take: by those intemperances to weariness led, when other remedy none they found, of a dog like with strong chain bound they thrust into some corner of the house, that not to anyone to hurt she could. The mother indeed, of the daughter the lot grieving, to the celestial physician turned herself; & to help to call began the Deipara Virgin, & whatever in mind came Saints, & specially B. Antony: & thence, as if certain of help to be obtained, persevered insisting in prayers, fasts, & alms; until appearing to her the Saint; Rise, said he, woman: healed is for thy daughter. Went therefore with great faith there where the daughter was held, & found such as she hoped: & falling on knees, to the Lord & his Saint, for the benefit so prompt, gave thanks: at the mother's prayers to sane sense is restored: nor with these content, with great voices that to announce began, so that not only the whole family admiration & gladness but the whole soon city filled, which in throngs ran to that house, with their own eyes to see so great a miracle. The mother further, together with kinsmen & friends, brought to Padua the girl now sane: & among other offerings there made, the chain with which the daughter had been bound, in eternal of the matter memory in the chapel hung,

[55] likewise another by her husband brought, A few days after these, a certain called Sophia, from the March of Treviso, wife of John of Castelfranco, years already ten possessed, to Padua was brought by her husband, devoutly hoping, that on the day of the same Saint's feast to be freed was his wife from the importunate guest. And truly such she seemed to him soon , because quietly entered the church she had advanced to the ark to be kissed; wherefore to prepare the return he began. Hardly to the way they had given themselves, when to roar the woman, & face as before to twist horribly: wherefore both her husband as kinsmen, recognizing the evil's gravity, immediately returned whence they had come. But she struggled with all efforts lest into the church she be dragged: nor better counsel was found, than that with ropes strongly bound to a seat, there they would bring, in vain crying out & resisting. When moreover thus her to the threshold even of the church they had brought, with broken seat & ropes all burst, to the contact of the sepulcher. began she in foul manner to twist her face, & with monstrous gape mouth to open, & with whole throat to swell horrendously. Hence much labor & sweat was to her bound holding many, nor except through highest trouble & fatigue of the same drawn there she was, that the Saint's sepulcher with head & hands she touched: which done subsided the fury, & returned to mouth & body the customary form, together with sane mind: with which she soon thrown into knees; O saint Antony, said she, saint Antony, mercy. Then with done to God & him thanks, exulting returned with her retinue; & the seat, as it was, broken left, in memory of so great a miracle. And these may suffice from Genovesius to have proposed: more suggests Vandinius, from which the following few we select.

[56] At Rome it happened, that of a certain citizen a slave took flight: which when he long in vain had sought, to the Convent of Ara-caeli he conferred himself, & the Friars asked that his of him recovering desire to God & the Saint they commend. A few, after days returning the servant, The fugitive slave is brought back, the master in the very house's door meeting he had; & by him asked, whence & how he was returning; he answered; into Lombardy even brought himself, met a certain Friar, threatening, that unless he returned to his master him there to kill he was; but otherwise, him himself not to dismiss, until safe he had brought back. Believed the patron his indubitably, the return's author to have been S. Antony of Padua: this yet that he might know more certainly, asked from the servant, by appearing to him Saint: whether that Friar if he saw he was about to recognize. He moreover affirming, that excellently; led the man to the church of Ara-caeli: where soon as they entered the chapel, with seen the Saint's image, of his own accord said the fugitive, Behold the effigy of him who return me compelled: at which wondering the Guardian & Friars, the matter's memory in writing committed. At Setubal in Portugal, to a fisherman a certain Saint's devout, loose at night was a little boat his own, & into the sea by the impulse of waters drawn: which he in the morning seeking & not finding, & not knowing where to seek, likewise a boat from the river taken away. to his Patron he commended. Two days after of the same place an inhabitant certain, to Coimbra going, & from journey turning aside to a town certain maritime, three leagues from Setubal distant; heard youths some mutually colloquying, & openly narrating how on the previous day seen there had been a little boat, with adverse wind & sea stormy along that shore to advance, in which alone one seemed Friar Minor, & he steering: & at the same time & the place they indicated, where they had seen it: where coming they found on the sand cast, & by the sea given back they brought back to Setubal.

[57] In the convent of Perpignan of S. Francis are narrated miracles following two, The innocent from capital punishment is snatched; before others there celebrated. The town governed a man learned & devoted to the Saint, who I know not of what crime accused falsely before the King of Aragon, ordered was to be beheaded. He his innocence with many prayers commended to Antony; & when now he was being led to the place of punishment, appeared in the air S. Antony, & with hand taken up snatched from the ministers of justice, & to a certain his chapel led. The matter to the whole observed people, & through expedited messenger to the King brought, easily to him persuaded his minister's faithful innocence, that him immediately from infamy he might free. The very moreover miracle in the same chapel painted is seen, under the note of year MCCCCXXIX, & in the city's Annals inscribed is read. In the same chapel also the following case happened. A Valencian noble's servant had fled, & toward France had seized journey, certain himself there, The fugitive slave is stopped at Perpignan. because Christian he was, free to be. Followed meanwhile the fugitive his master, & wherever he passed place took care a Mass one to be said in honor of S. Antony, journey his to him commending: when moreover to Perpignan he came, which is of the Spanish Aragon cities toward France last, & him to the end into the church of S. Francis, & chapel, of S. Antony was entered; his slave there he found; confessing, two days himself entirely there by force detained by that Friar, & the Saint's image on the altar imposed he indicated: about which matter asked soon public instrument, there is preserved.

[58] In year MDCXVII on day XXIV May, a fortuitous fire seized a great abundance of nitrate powder, within a turret adhering to a public edifice which Mallium is named, in the gardens of the Fatuorum. Huge was not only its, but also of neighboring houses ruin, under which not fewer than fifty persons life lost, At Padua under houses' ruin safe were found hurt by far more. Among the others whom that ruin either oppressed or involved, was sought Francis Antony, of Bernardinus Fursanus & Petrina de Montesilice son, of three years a little boy, beneath a heap of stones high above six cubits hiding for hours about two; whence taken up, & to have died believed, brought his father, to the steps of his altar over which the Saint's body rests: & by the mediation of the father's faith & prayers, alive was brought home. The same happened under the same ruins of the caught Marietta, three-year-old daughter of D. Anna Taliapetra, a boy & girl three years old. believed similarly by all dead. Both moreover is established from the Process, at Padua formed before the most illustrious & most Reverend D. Paulus Gualdi, Noble Vicentian, Archpresbyter & Vicar General of the church Cathedral; D. Aloysius Ponte, Primicerius of Padua; the very R. P. M. Paulus Sansoni, Inquisitor of Padua; & the most Excellent D. John Casparus Zumella, Fiscal Advocate, under the day last of May aforesaid.

[59] In Catalonia's city Gerona, a girl was ten years or twelve, of the poor mother poorer daughter, because with hands & feet seized, not only nothing of work to do by herself she could, but nor food to mouth to put. Another for ten years, in hands & feet seized, On a certain day in other occupied the mother, when unfed she had left wretched her until evening, & this about her forgetfulness was complaining; Would, said the mother of weariness full, it would please God hence quickly thee to take into His paradise, nor further I should to thee serving labor, to whom no hitherto remedies profit. Afflicted that mother's voice the girl beyond measure, so that not even at the very evening to be refreshed she wished; & remained the whole night uneaten, with appearing SS. Francis & Antony, until in the church of S. Francis would be given a signal to Matins. Then moreover, recollected of the huge miracles of S. Francis, within herself she said: If true are, O S. Francis, what are narrated of thee, will experience also I the power of thine, in this so grave my infirmity; & me & my mother free from so great weariness. Behold moreover appeared to her S. Francis, & S. Antony, of whom this one the feet, that one the hands of the lying took, & raised up on the ground placed, & healthy dismissed. With them departing asked Francis the girl; Lord, who art thou, who to me & my mother hast made so singular a grace? Replying moreover, that one himself to be whom so devoutly she had invoked, rise now healthy ordered & disappeared. She indeed wondering & exulting, called out her mother, with neighbors some her before doors speaking: who when so loud daughter's voice heard, immediately with companions running to her, wondered healthy entirely to see; suddenly is consolidated: & manner asking, to narrate made, how S. Francis she had invoked, & appearing to her Friars two her healed. The Bishop of the place, the matter understood & examined, the girl with much retinue to be led to the church of S. Francis, where she seeing his image; This is, said she, he who me freed from the danger of death, & healthy rendered.

[60] the plague at Florence is calmed. Further how to no wretched it is vain help of S. Antony to invoke, no other more certain witness can be than the Paduan city, of his miracles nearly innumerable conscious. But also the Florentine city, no less to the same obligated as devoted, a few years ago her that affection vehemently augmented, on account of very many in plague time from present death's danger snatched by S. Antony, to whose hence chapel, in the church of the Conventuals of holy Cross, daily are brought anathemata of every kind, & Masses to be procured are asked. But why am I silent the Spoletan city, where canonized Antony was? & where the feast of him, with the same with which the most solemn whatever rite, is celebrated? Naples indeed Patron the same Saint chose, fabricated of the same a silver statue, & in the chapel of her Protectors placed, on account of distinguished which there has wrought miracles, & which quickly as I hope canonically approved will come forth into light.

[61] So much moreover there grew the people's toward the Saint devotion, that in year MDCXXXIII, At Naples Patron is elected the Saint, in the church of the Conventuals S. Lawrence called, under his invocation was instituted a Confraternity, in number more than three thousand, inscribed having several princes & nobles of both sex; which most solemnly & with greatest apparatus this public had beginning, on Sunday second of September before the most Eminent Cardinal Archbishop, Viceroy & Nobility universal, concourse of people attracting the magnitude of Indulgences for that end from Rome obtained. Will be given also soon beginning to new in the same church chapel, at fifty thousand of scudi, as they say, going to stand. Will rejoice moreover the Brothers & Sisters by participation of all good works, & fraternity of his is instituted in year 1633. sacrifices & prayers of our Order: & if among them are found poor sick, will be provided to them of physicians & medicines, & also in case of death of funeral expenses, & moreover of subsidy of fifty Masses for whatever so dying. These things Vandinius.

§. VII. More recent miracles from year 1666 in Italian collected, & printed 1687.

[62] The collector of miracles anonymous Most recent among Italians, who to me has come to my notice & to our hands has come, an Anonymous Conventual is, of whose wishing to hide labor, under the auspices of the most famous of the Venetian then in the Peloponnese recovered forces, afterwards also of the Republic the whole most Serene Duke Francis Morosini, in year MDCLXXXVII, into light sent forth Fr. Joseph Pasqueti, Minister Provincial & Commissary General of the same Conventuals in the Province of Aemilia, by the Saint himself to be surnamed accustomed. The author (whom now I understand himself to be P. Joseph) in the first to the Reader admonition, with enumerated six Italians, piously & eruditely in the same argument with memory more recent versed; The others, says he, from every nation many distinctly alleges P. Sanctius Bordegati, from the Order of Minors Observants: but no one was who (omitting the Life) to alone miracles to be collected in this century gave himself, before the Knight Pona of Verona. He to that pious work & not less fruitful beginning gave; alleges others up to year 1666: but did not advance beyond miracles which living had wrought the Saint & those few, since speech is of a little book which under the title of the Saint of Padua to be printed he caused in year MDCLI.

[63] A follower Pona had of his Order a Religious writer up to year MDCLXVI: explains whence he received his. & to him from mandate of the Lords Presidents of the venerable ark succeeding I, those to the present even year MDCLXXXVI bring down; some excerpting from facund & diffuse paraphrase. P. Maggi Conventual of Milan on the Responsory of the same Saint; others I had from P. Clement Bellabona, similarly Conventual, with the help of P. M. Joseph Bondola of Naples, of Theology Rector in the Academy & College of Padua, the rest from printed papers flying, at Venice, Naples, Verona, & elsewhere sent, & also from noted by P. Felix Caprioli, Curator of Masses in the aforesaid church to be said; who yet professes hardly the least part of graces, daily from the Saint flowing forth, & votive anathemata & Masses & tablets painted somehow recognized, to have been able to receive in writing; on this account that very many themselves subtract from the cognition of the Custodian of the sacred ark, or among divine Offices approaching with vow paid silent depart. How infinite yet of benefits the number is, by pious faithful received, will be able from this brief of years twenty eclogue to be understood, in which style followed clear & simple, with what sincerity I could & brevity I have used; not observed always the order of times: & by the same reason I intend to proceed, if God shall give life, to the greater of him & of the same Saint glory. These & other things prefaced the Author, to the matter undertaken proceeds: I neglected by him of time order I preferred by interpreting to introduce.

[64] The innocent from the jealous husband is saved, In year MDCLXVI in November month, at Viterbo a jealous husband, & from the lightest suspicion shadow his wife with him having of infidelity condemned, returning from Mass at home awaited, with drawn into the killing of the innocent sword. She at the same time the stroke about to pierce herself of the iron in chest received, at the same time S. Antony invoked, & it as if into bronze cuirass struck itself curved into a bow, & so stiffened. with bent into bow sword: At this miracle the man moved, & divinely illustrated, pardon from his wife with bent knees asked of the crime, against the innocent attempted; the sword moreover, in the same state remaining, to the Saint's altar hung venerating, where by all is seen, of perennial prodigy so great witness. There & in the same year, but in December month, a girl certain to the Saint devoted, freed from grave with which she was held infirmity, the girl with neglected vow into disease falls back. of gray color garment from vow put on; soon yet as to stand for her health she felt, that thrown off, of prior luxury & customary use's habit she resumed: but in the night following returned to her the fever, & she from another cause opening the chest, in which deposited her former tunics she had enclosed, all into ashes reduced she found; & the fault acknowledging, it from the Saint to her to be forgiven asked, & the ash-colored resumed, & well thereafter prospered.

[65] In year MDCLXVIII in November month, of the Paduan merchant & wealthy wife, A Paduan possessed at the ark is freed, by a demon invaded, year already fourth was tortured by that cruel possessor. In vain had been applied over her by Presbyters exorcisms however many: but when to the church & thence to the altar of S. Antony brought was, first indeed on the ground herself prostrated, horridly howling & all present terrifying, then erected by herself toward the ark venerating proceeds, the rails opens, under it herself places, & there quiet remains, until is completed what for her was being done Mass: thence moreover with joyful plainly face returned, asked from the bystanders, where was that little Friar, by whom she had been to the ark led. Him indeed although had seen no one, no one yet did not exclaim, O Saint Antony, this is thy miracle. Likewise another at Bologna, At Bologna in year MDCLXIX in May month, a noble matron Francisca Conti, for two years by an infernal spirit possessed, & in vain several Exorcists experienced, vow vowed to the Saint thaumaturge; And when him often had invoked, in the night of day XXVIII month aforesaid, in dreams appeared the Saint; & with hair seized into her mouth seemed to impose the image of the Deipara, & to bring forth certain words, not enough by her understood: at which gone out serpents various, by their sight terrified left; whence awakened she, & herself freed feeling, with bare feet came with her husband to Padua, her own from vow to pay, & grace received to declare.

[66] At Burano, of the Venetian city neighbor town, in the same year in November month, Hieronymus son of John Amadeus & Saint his wife, a boy thirteen, is cured the leg of the boy by gangrene eaten, when for some time had borne the right leg by erysipelas eaten, the disease into gangrene passed, which the whole leg so corroded, that many of the very bone fragments through the wound were brought out: wherefore it seemed, that altogether to be cut off. This when the sick understood, with seized his holy Patron's image, to kiss it began; & with great confidence to vow, that if without surgeon's work he should recover, the whole life going to wear habit ash-colored he would be. & therefore to be cut off: Hardly to that himself he had bound, when to return to him former vigor he feels, the leg inspects, entire he finds, rises from bed, walks through the chamber, & finally to Padua came a leg of wax to offer, & what he had vowed to fulfill proceeded. In the same year & month from Mestre to Venice were sailing some Religious & Trevisan citizens; shipwreck to suffer they are saved: when neighbors of the island of S. Secundus a vehement tempest seized; & from the ferryman's hands the oar struck off. Was tossed by winds & waves the little boat, nor anything else than death they awaited all. But with invoked the Saint's help, in a moment was carried the boat into the royal of the Venetian city canal, where the miracle they published, with hung to the Saint's altar what they had promised anathema.

[67] Of homicide the guilty, & to the gallows condemned, At Ravacini, which of the Lords Marquises of Rangone of Modena fief is, in the same year & month, Stephen Baronocini of Imola present was at homicide by his master perpetrated; & this escaped seized himself; & the crime among tortures confessed, was condemned to death at Ravicini to be undergone. He languished therefore in the most obscure prison: but the Saint's help fervently imploring, [vowed as long as he should live, the Vigil of the Saint & every Tuesday with fast to keep, & in ash-colored habit to approach the sepulcher, & that with begged through journey food: then] through a vision to himself to be said heard; Proceed further, Stephen, to commend thyself to me: for thou shalt not die. So joyful announcement animated, the capital sentence secure received, & said to his Confessor, himself death not to fear, on account of the Saint's promises. Hence led out into the place, where to be fed are wont those who with extreme punishment are to be affected, on the very Antony's holy Vigil, the Church's Sacraments indeed religiously received, but of food & drink nothing to admit wished, accustomed that day fasting to pass. Then on the very feast handed to the executioner, & proceeding to the destined for punishment place was kissing his Advocate's image, from the place's governor D. Mandenus to him offered; but devoted to Antony, is freed from death. & confidently was saying that he would not die: which also he was repeating, with neck double noose thin one, thicker the other, inserting the executioner. Nor him his confidence deceived: when indeed about to be cast down from the ladder he was, was heard in the air a crackling certain, of bursting ropes, to the executioner alone not observed: so cast down he is, [prone indeed on face, but no part hurt, & only with light bruise under the left eye marked. So the guilty, into the ground fallen, raised on feet, to cry began, & others to cry out made, Long live S. Antony. Moved this matter our Religious of Modena, that rigid examination above to be instituted they took care: which done, when approved by the Archbishop the miracle was, hung at the Saint's altar Stephen the noose with which he had been to be strangled, & into the Order of his under lay profession to be admitted asked & obtained. The same miracle, with circumstances those which in brackets [ ] I have enclosed, narrates Rusconius page 107, & from him the Flemish Epitomes author, of two below to be produced the prior, in year 1676 edited, & adding, Stephen then still to live.

[68] In Dalmatia, in November month of year MDCLX, when the Cretan war between Venetians & Turks was raging, A captive with the Turks is loosed from chains, an Albanian certain soldier, who into Turkish had come servitude, & for many years had borne the cruel insolence of the barbarians, runs back with whole heart to S. Antony's help to implore, & him soon to himself conspicuous he had: who with broken his chains flight commanded. Mandate executed he, without delay to Padua came; & in received grace's testimony, the iron as it was broken hung. with swollen enormously eyes In the same month, but year MDCLXXIV, at Florence happened, that Francis Maria Ricci, of a butcher certain son, sight lost, still within infant years placed, with eyes so swelling, that of gold apples magnitude they equaled. To human remedies despaired to the celestial parents ran back; & a Religious certain to the little boy applied a relic of the Saint, sight & health is returned, a fragment namely from the cord of him plucked, & with oil of lamp the parts hurt anointing. Behold moreover in the night following was heard the little one to exclaim; Is present S. Antony, is present S. Antony. Run awakened the parents, & the little son with all removed tumor to sight former restored they find. likewise this with arm incurable. In the same time of Francesca, daughter of Peter Brendanus & Elisabeth Borghi of Barberini, nothing had profited curing the right arm remedies, for eighteen days applied. Therefore to Florence herself with her mother conferred, & there in the church of holy Cross, before exposed there S. Antony's effigy, vowed, that for whole year ash-colored she would be clothed, & immediately Mass to be said she would procure. Hardly moreover the vow she had pronounced, & in the arm, of which all sense she had lost, this to return with strengths felt; & moving it in part all, seemed to herself by the Saint to be guided; & so fully healed thanks rendered.

[69] At Naples, in year & month aforesaid, bought as slave a man African, to a Knight certain served; who occasion taking great silver stealthily to bear off, together with another servant flight seized, & embarked on a ship to Sicily to seek began. The fugitive with stolen slave, To the shore now near caught a tempest: which the flight's companion cast into the sea, & under waves buried. The same to himself fearing the Moor, unexpectedly felt himself by hair by Antony seized, saying, Restore what thou hast stolen, otherwise thou shalt die. This said led back him the Saint to the port of Naples, where was the master his: is brought back to the master: who Masses some for the Saint procured, there sought indication some of his fugitive. So prostrated on knees the slave, pardon from offended master asked, & easily obtained, with exposed what he had received, & fulfilled of restoring silver mandate. The same, body together with soul gained, is saved a fallen from on high boy, of the faithful number through baptism aggregated. There at the same time, a noble matron, at the window standing, from the very high palace's portico falling saw her little son: & Antony invoking, beheld to stand erect on feet without any injury.

[70] & girls two. Plainly similar to this is, what in year MDCLXXI in November month had happened at Padua to a girl certain; who from sublime fallen headlong, upon ground with living rock strewn, whence broken whole to be raised believed; healthy arose, as if on soft feathers she had fallen. In the following year, six days before the feast of the Saint, another girl of seven years, at Rome had fallen from the highest house of her parents: the case moreover of dashed to ground body so grave was, hurt vehemently in head, that more than an hour she remained of sense & motion devoid, & therefore for dead was mourned, so much more bitterly that she was to her parents only. The father, as he was most devoted to the Saint, with knees on the ground placed, began his Responsory to recite; & recollecting of a little image, which in a little book of prayers placed he had, it to his daughter's mouth applied: who soon, as if from a deep aroused lethargy, rose on feet; into her parents' embrace rushed; & these, suffused with sudden joy's tears, with nearly half the city accompanying, hastened to the church of the Apostles, which of the Conventuals in the City is; where their vows offered, & then in writing handed the miracle was.

[71] In the same year MDCLXXII, in November month, stolen from someone at Venice had been some furniture of silver: Of theft undeservedly suspected & the theft was attributed to a neighboring to his houses merchant, as if at him those would be deposited preserved. He of all ignorant into the house of the Noble neighbor was summoned, & was being compelled to render of them, what he did not know, account: nor profited with words & oath to attest ignorance, but more savage the Noble with struck on the head of the man often stick, him with the last stroke broke open; then with drawn sword, nothing moved by the tears of the innocent before himself kneeling, the stroke he was wielding; when he exclaimed, S. Antony, help me; & suddenly felt that fierce one by invisible hand only himself to be drawn back entirely, as much as was necessary, that in vain fell the stroke brought, not once, but a third time. often from death, Nothing yet by it milder made the other, but his own himself rebuking cowardice, to servants ordered that the merchant, with hard ropes bound, be thrust into a chamber some, afterwards to be handed over to the judge, easily (as he believed) going to extort confession of the crime, never by him perpetrated. But who knows not, that there are not strengths nor human counsel against the Lord? then & from chains through the Saint is loosed. Consternated by threats & lifeless by injuries, of strengths is left the innocent, & in the very deficit conspicuous to himself he had the Deipara with S. Antony; by whom sweetly comforted, & from chains loosed was: he indeed the Noble, to saner returned mind, & with the strokes inflicted calumny penitent, humbly asked the man that to him he would forgive, dismissed free: who immediately to the sacred urn at Padua came, votive anathema with thanks action hanging up.

[72] At Cracow, of the Polish kingdom metropolis, in year & month aforesaid, to prison was committed a certain to the Saint devout, as of homicide guilty, & on account of certain crime's indications hard subjected to questioning: to which unequal he, rather than multiplied deaths to experience, brief one chose, with confession not of true crime once to be incurred. Pronounced therefore on him sentence, all he was in disposing of happy exit to better life, The false crime confessed in torture, making many alms to be distributed to the poor, & at the altar of glorious of Padua several Masses to be procured establishing. When behold, on the very which the funereal day preceded night, with chains loosed himself to the judge presents, & is freed: in prison to him appeared the Saint, & with stocks & chains broken opened the doors, & said: Go with these chains to the judges, & say, that S. Antony of Padua in this manner thee sends to them, that they retract the sentence. Obeyed the man, & faith to the judges made of his innocence; whence with whole city the Saint's glory celebrated, at whose there altar hung up are seen the aforesaid chains with manacles, just as thence testified the Conventuals there Friars. Likewise another from robbers despoiled, In the same again year & month, a Vicentian citizen, Francis Vilegus, business of his cause having gone outside the city, fell upon robbers four, who all which he was carrying money & very clothes him despoiled. Hence he most afflicted, by the name of S. Antony to entreat them began, that his at least garments they would return; they indeed even the money restored, with heard venerable name moved.

[73] A Presbyter of Spain paralytic, In the same year, but in April month, appeared at Padua, from the kingdom of Castile brought a Presbyter, affirming, that with dire of many years paralysis to all use of limbs incapable, much at length with confidence the saint had invoked the Thaumaturge: & when this several times had done, him to himself at night to have appeared in dreams, & to have said; To Padua go: there thou shalt be heard. Obeyed he, & to the ark of the sacred body brought, first by Confession expiated his soul, then most holy Eucharist received from the hand of a Religious one our. P. M. Antony Coxialis of Padua: afterwards, with all wondering , fell prostrate over the steps of the altar. There he for some time immobile remained, At Padua at the ark receives use of limbs. then through himself rose on feet, & walking through the church was blessing God & his Saint, for so evident in himself wrought miracle. About which when the most Reverend Inquisitor legitimately proceeded, the Presbyter deposed the benefit having obtained, that having received the Most Holy he saw from the ark to proceed as a flame burning, which stroke in face thus prostrated; to have felt moreover himself, in the very fall, that all of limbs junctures were dissolved from the prior connection, & himself in a moment healed from long-lasting that & incurable infirmity.

[74] Antony Loquabus, in year MDCLXXIX in November month, From high leaping, lest to prison he be shut, in the territory of Bari shut in a chamber of a certain palace, by deep river surrounded, when he feared to prison unjust to be committed, the Saint invoked; & from the portico, palms seventeen high, leaped, without any injury; & found at the river's bank a little boat, into its deep bed himself committed. When moreover to the rapidity of the flow of that he could not resist, into the very he cast himself, with hands firmly clinging to the little boat. Was borne this where it was impelled by waters, & he again S. Antony invoked, & himself felt from the water lifted to be placed back into the boat. In the same moment a hunter certain on the bank appeared, through the rapid river safe escapes. who animus to the wretched adding, was striving him with extended of willow branch to help. But it grasped, while he strives the boat to the bank to land, himself again into the water rolls; & the Saint invoking, so close to the bank he reached, that the aforesaid hunter to snatch him thence could: whence to Naples landing, immediately to the church of Minors himself conferred, & thanks to his benefactor gave.

§. VIII. Pursuit of similar graces from year 1680, 1, 2 & 3, at Naples obtained.

[75] In the very Neapolitan city happened in November month, of year MDCLXXX, a mother certain, Is saved a boy from high fallen, who a two-year-old son in arms was carrying, of another certain thing for cause him to put down on the threshold of a window well high. She while elsewhere occupied, & herself to the little one turned, saw him from the window to fall: & crying out, S. Antony, S. Antony, looked out from the window, whence saw erect on feet without injury any, similarly to cry out, S. Antony. & by a chariot to be crushed, While moreover so he was crying out, there with poured horses' course drawn a chariot, so straight on the boy was carried, that necessary was him by hooves of those to be crushed: but the boy with hand sign to the horses made, who in a moment stopped as statues; with all, who were standing by & were seeing, wondering & praise to God's servant giving.

[76] With the Saint invoked the tempest ceases: From Calabria to Naples was being borne a ship, in the same year & month, laden with silk: which when had seized so grave a tempest, that the sailors resisting unequal, now themselves by waves to be swallowed believed; of them one of their Patron remembered; Nothing else to us remains, said he, than that recurring to S. Antony, the ship we commit to winds' judgment, & meanwhile some prayer let us say in the Saint's honor. With this finished they saw at the stern a Franciscan Religious, who said; Do not fear, but the ship to its course allow; I to you will be present; & with that said disappeared, twins in birth dead are raised, & to the sailors animus returned, & tranquility to the sea. They indeed, soon as to Naples landed, first care was to the savior Saint thanks to render. There in the same year, after most atrocious of two days' tortures & wailings, the parturient woman twins had borne, but dead: which when she had seen, eyes & hands to heaven turned; &, One at least, said she, O S. Antony, alive to me grant. In the evening moreover when coming the Parish-priest, their burial to take care, customary for such prayers had recited, both began to breathe, & even now through the Saint's merits healthy & robust live.

[77] In the year aforesaid & November month, day a certain Tuesday, a barber certain, in his shop stood with a little among arms son, when entered there his enemy, with 20 wounds pierced is saved, him with dagger struck twenty times pierced; he himself to protect not able, while of his beloved little son he was caring. Runs at the noise the wife, & the husband his own she saw swimming in blood: then S. Antony's implored help, & his Responsory printed from the neighbors received, these suddenly cured. it with the sign of the Cross to one of the wounds imposed, & suddenly closed she wondered. Thence in order, to the others in similar manner to be cured she proceeded was; until with all healed on feet the man, now entire & healthy entirely, rose, as if no part hurt had been, & to thanks to the Saint to give went.

[78] In year MDCLXXXI, a Noble certain Neapolitan was, Joseph Caesar called, Is stopped of straw heap dangerous fire, & wont yearly to the Convent of S. Lawrence to give of wine a barrel, This one from the lands which he had, of Gandi, Marani, & Patria: & in this last place's courtyard preserved a great heap of straw, & near it a hayloft, contiguous to his palace. Into the very straw heap in October month, after a foul tempest, fallen lightning it inflamed. To extinguish the fire when no industry sufficed, recourse to S. Antony is; & to his ascribed benefit, that, although frequent sparks were borne to the hayloft, & into the palace had been brought a great wood abundance, both yet from fire untouched remained. In the very also city Neapolitan, is healed burnt within swaddling bands infant. in year aforesaid in December month, the wife of John Baptist Purpura, drying cloths, for wrapping tender six month daughter prepared, incautious fire in them caught, & so in those wrapped the little one. Could not she otherwise than by wailing & tears indicate the pain, nor to this calming sufficed the parents' caresses; until to the woman, to the Saint devout, came to mind the bands to loose: which done the infant she saw with bruise covered, especially around the back. To this moreover to be cured another did not apply, than oil from Antony's lamp taken; with which anointed the burns, within few days were fully healed: which by offered wax attested was the mother.

[79] There in year MDCLXXXII in November month, to Charles George, dwelling in the little village of Pietas, a daughter was of twelve years, who when houses certain ruinous had ascended, Dangerous from high fall of a girl, going to bring back thence stockings certain there by wind brought, to fail her feet she felt; & at the same moment headlong rushed, from a height of palms about eighty. Falling she had invoked the Saint, to whom then she was doing a nine-day Tuesday devotion: & although into an extant there beam she had struck her head, on the ground yet placed herself she wondered; no wound bearing, except a small in head bruise, which itself quickly healed was. but short of damage. Much before, in March month namely of the same year, of Judith-Antonia Blanca, from the district of S. Lucia at the sea, an abscess in head born, of putrid & fetid matter much great through nostrils was discharging: who the nine-day aforesaid for that cause instituting to her holy Patron, felt on second Tuesday day, Abscess of head cured: to herself from head into mouth to descend of withered flesh a fragment, source of the evil; & from that hour, with the abscess ceasing, healthy remained. In month also November of the same year, when Antony, son of Januarius Carala, years only four born, a chariot wished to mount in the retinue of certain little ladies; with failing footing so unhappily fell, a boy by a chariot to be crushed is saved. that with moved at the same time wheel itself passed through the forehead & arm, which it was necessary by such weight to be crushed, unless called for help S. Antony, the boy with all wondering unhurt had preserved.

[80] There at Naples, in February month of the year prenoted, Emmanuel Caravascianus, with most grave infirmity laboring, Apoplectic to death & by apoplectic stroke deprived of senses, hours altogether four had lain; when under midnight saw coming to him a Religious of our Order, bearing in hand closed a memorial, & saying; Good be of soul, because now I subscribe to the grace to be made to thee; & so disappeared. Then to his sense restored Emmanuel, produced Antony's name; & to assisting him in agony speaking, Now, said he, him I have seen, who to me said, & by his wife to the Saint commended, that he was subscribing the grace. The following morning the sick's wife to S. Lawrence with bare feet herself conferred, going to pray for her husband, for him there going to procure Masses several with Responsory. Thence returned, at her home found the physician, wondering over the bettering so sudden & unexpected of the husband: at the same time running to the mother three-year-old son their Antony, with seized her garment all way her was drawing to the door, going to see, as he was saying, S. Antony before the doors: nor to acquiesce he wished, quickly recovers. until she should follow him. Who when to the threshold had come, & asked, where was the Saint; Too long delayed thou hast, said the little one: now has gone he. The sick man moreover from that time with great steps advanced to full recovery, & from bed rising, vowed all days of Tuesday in the Saint's honor to fast, & Confession & sacred Synaxis to use.

[81] Again at Naples in year MDCLXXXIII, to Apollonia Bragante, wife of Paul Ronze, [Three times through vision admonished to give a candle to the feast, as she was wont,] who dwelt at the slope of S. Martin, & yearly was wont to provide candles for the festivity of S. Antony, came XI June a beggar of the third Order, for his of S. Antony in Pausilipus church: but when one alone at home she had, deny it forced was by fear of her husband. On the third day after, on the night the feast preceding, appeared to her the Saint, complaining about the candle denied: to whom herself excusing Apollonia, to buy she promised & to send. The same on both sides happened the following night; & awakened the woman to her husband the vision narrated: when at length she had obeyed, he moreover ordered, that her which then alone was at hand, immediately she should send. Again indeed on the third night appeared the Saint; & much than before harsher, by the arm of seized her; Grave indeed to me is, said he, that thou wouldst not the candle asked send: I want it altogether, & therefore to thee I have said, myself to be S. Antony. To whom she; I would have sent indeed, if I had had who would carry. Then the Saint: Tomorrow morning will come to thee a certain my Religious, to whom it thou shalt give. On day therefore XVII June came a beggar to S. Lawrence, & to him given the candle was.

[82] On the same day of the same Apollonia daughter year-old, headlong from the highest stairs to the first step fell; her little daughter unharmed from stairs falls, where her grandfather caught still breathing, & brought to the mother: who when to her Saint had commended the little one, opened suddenly eyes, & found was of injury free. On the next Monday day XX of the month, the same infant playing on a podium certain, again on the head fell to the height of two stories; wherefore the bystanders her believed dead: & again fallen is raised. sad indeed the mother, & no less full of faith than of tears, received placed under the image of the Saint, which she had at her home, praying that her daughter be restored to her. Hardly the prayer had finished, when the girl, as from sleep aroused, opened eyes; & turned to the mother said, Mama. Then of blood something through mouth & ears to her went out, & she still nursing, with hand extended toward the image, was seen to indicate to wish, that he the Saint had been the liberator her.

[83] There & in the same year, but in March month, D. Nicholas Grassi, A boy sick to death, President of the royal Chamber which the Summary they call, by the most Excellent Viceroy for time deputed into Etruria, procuring the state of royal there garrisons; Rome he passed through in return, going to venerate that sacred City's sanctuaries, with his all retinue. There at the end of carnival sick to him to death is son his only, & by physicians given up. On this cause most afflicted mother, as she was very devoted to the Saint, when to him suppliant prayers she was pouring, on the very Tuesday day before Ashes, under the third hour of night, heard her son, whose name was Philip, to pronounce the name of S. Antony, And she indeed approached the bed of the lying, asking what he wished; but the little boy, with motion of tender hand, far that she withdraw seemed to admonish, as if a certain his consolation he impeded. Withdrew therefore, & again heard from him with voice more strained the name of S. Antony; & when she asked again, with the Saint seen, what to him meant that S. Antony's appellation, answered the boy; I saw a little Friar, whose habit was of color blackish, namely S. Antony, who in hands held some flowers ruddy & white, with a book & a little child upon him sitting, & was this splendid all like silver. suddenly recovers. More to say he knew not, but more indicated advancing thence into better health, so that of March month following on day fourth, found was all healthy. Brought then to a certain church, where was an image of the Saint, & turned to his mother; Such altogether, said he, O lady mother, was the little Friar, who me healed; & whenever he saw someone of the Conventuals, His, was saying habit was that. Returned further Lord President to Naples, with wife & son, came to S. Lawrence, going to give thanks to the Saint, & the benefit to publish.

[84] There, Joseph Persicus, through the maritime from Petra-piscis called walking, was invaded by a ferocious cow: Among horns of fierce cow tossed, which when him with horns it tried to seize, & now arm his right held; invoked he S. Antony; & so was done, that only the underclothing the horn tore, with flesh lightly only grazed: another then stroke he received in the left hip, but without damage. Growing worse yet the peril seeing, into the sea himself cast. Nor there safe was, for was following also there the ferocious beast, until by invisible hand drawn back, dismissed the man, continually invoking the name of the Saint. John Baptist Florelli, Bituntinus Musician contra-alto, from a certain rheum lacked for six months the use of voice; escapes unhurt. seeing moreover in vain to be applied whatever medicines, turned himself in June month to the Saint: & through sisters whom at home he had, made to be instituted a nine-day Tuesday, but without fruit. On first therefore June, on which fell the day second of Tuesday aforesaid nine-day; & at S. Lawrence was being begun a twelve-day devotion toward the Saint, To a rheumatic Musician use of voice is returned: with fasting & frequenting of Sacraments, to be drawn out unto his feast; himself also to the same religious exercise disposed, with premised Confession & Communion in the church of S. Lawrence. Thence returned home, took a little of that juice which Manna they call apothecaries; & on the same day felt to himself to return the voice, which exercising at the cymbal to be clarified in hours he felt, until to former state it was restored.

[85] In August month, to Joseph Amendola enormous in right foot pain came, who with all applied of physicians & surgeons remedies was exasperated more, A leg much paining, with great faith turned himself to the intercession of S. Antony, of whom at his home he had an image, & took care that before it the lamp should burn for days continuous thirteen: on the day moreover thirteenth, of the very lamp's oil he made to himself foot to be anointed through a young niece, added some flowers, such as upon the altar of the Saint are wont by his devotees to be offered: & immediately began to be diminished the pain: & continued for days a few unction, all departed; & he going to give to the Saint thanks, to S. Lawrence came. In the same place, year, month, Antonia, daughter of Bernardinus Palermus, of years fourteen a girl, from sublime podium headlong head struck on an arch certain of stone, & nearly lifeless to ground came, by oil of lamp is healed. with copious blood flowing through right ear. In the very moreover deadly faint seemed to her to see most beautiful little Friar, who by hair of seized said, that although by her invoked he was not, with regard yet of accustomed her toward herself devotion he had striven for her from this peril to be freed; to be broken her at the arch was head, unless with his hands him he had lifted. Was wont she thirteen times to recite Pater & Ave daily, & with herself to bear an image of the Saint, engraved on a coin, which then she found somewhat broken about the loins of the effigy, that might be indicated the Saint himself impetus of falling in that part to have received: to which benefit grateful herself wishing to show the girl, without delay put on the habit of the Saint.

[86] In October month, Antony Ruppolus, an aromatarius in the city's forum, Lethally wounded in head, very devoted to Saints Antony & Francis of Paola, & on Tuesday days wont with fasting to be observed to celebrate in honor of the prior; on such day came into a brawl with a cooper certain, & with knife lethally struck in head, fell. In the very moreover fall seemed to himself to see Religious two, of whom one S. Antony, the other Francis of Paola represented, lovingly lifting him. In actual matter moreover on feet stood; beyond hope & quickly is cured: & without help of any returned home. There inspected the wound was found unto the bone the knife to have penetrated, whence also was taken a fragment two fingers wide, just as related the physician. Wonderful moreover to all was, that to such dangerous wound no fever came or any discharge; & so quickly was fully healed, that to whom the first plaster had been placed on one Tuesday day, he on the next Tuesday came to S. Lawrence, the benefit going to acknowledge.

[87] Finally in November month, Antony Ludovicus Scarpanus, likewise inveterate gangrene, for two years suffering bitter gangrene tortures, with evil in shin arisen & thence through hip serpentine toward breast, & with so many wounds gaping that he seemed another S. Lazarus, no expense had he spared for remedy to be found. At length friend his Matthew Capuanus, of the man pitying, to him persuaded to have recourse to S. Antony, through a novena in the church of S. Lawrence to be held. Believed this to himself to profit the sick, & given counsel begun to execute, on second Tuesday day with Mass finished, felt his heart to be filled with joy, as if he heard saying to him the Saint, Thou shalt recover. On third day of Tuesday, prayer repeated from the church to one going out; a meeting friend another said to him; Immediately confer thee to D. Fabricius Arcera, a Calabrian physician: he indeed will heal thee. Obeyed the sick, & to the physician went, under whose hand to be himself months several was thinking: but within twenty two days perfect recovered health, & that to the Saint received he attributed.

§. IX. Graces at Venice & elsewhere annotated from year 1683.

[88] In year MDCLXXXIII D. Timothy Syrus, Maronite, A schedule of exchange lost is recovered: of the Medinensian city in Mesopotamia Archbishop, at Rome in June month had lost a pecuniary assignment, by the sacred Congregation de propaganda fide to him given, in subsidy of journey to be made, nor to find it whatever applied diligence he could. So to the church of the Holy Apostles he conferred himself, Mass over the altar of the Saint going to make: home moreover returned, are helped those perishing in the sea: the desired schedule he found on a little table open, on which altogether nothing else was. The same Prelate, to Rome coming, agitated was by great tempest between Sicily & Malta: but to those despairing of life companions courage added, by persuading that to the first altar of the Saint to him to come each candle one would offer; with which vow pronounced, seemed to themselves to behold a certain light on the ship's mast, by which were animated through the troubled & great fog obscured element, & quickly the port reached.

[89] At Modena in November month was being agitated in judgment of greatest moment a cause, & various judges & law experts long had wearied, with great that party's prejudice, a desperate suit to concord is led back, in whose favor to be decided the suit was; nor attempted concord's way through many months anything had advanced. So that party better to a novena to the Saint to be celebrated turned, & on last day of Tuesday to all amazement was agreed from justice & equity, no one intervening. There in the same month, hemorrhage is stopped; by flux of blood to extreme danger brought a noble matron, no to herself wished to be applied remedy, than oil from the Saint's lamp taken: & shortly recovered. In the district of S. Lawrence at Florence, into fire fallen an infant is saved: on the Saint's very vigil, into fire fallen an infant upon coals with prone head lay, until the mother ran up: who immediately the Saint invoking, & the boy lifting nor one even his hair singed found. In Monte-Varchio, of Etruria a small town, in a contracted brawl pierced was through whole body Mark Malvolt. Lethal altogether the wound was judged by experts: by Father yet Mag. Ghettini anointed with oil of lamp, likewise pierced in brawl, which at Padua before the venerable ark was burning, there brought, healthy the next morning found the surgeon, with modest yet scar, to more certainly testify the grace to the Saint ascribed.

[90] In the Pisan territory to a noble Matron, with two now marriageable daughters, to a matron with daughters burdened, life is extended. brought to the extreme of life & poverty, appeared S. Antony, to whose honor often a novena she had made, for relieving souls in purgatory held: & her required, whether at that hour she preferred with him to pass to the glory of paradise, or to remain among the living longer; most pleasing indeed to God & to himself had been her devotion. To whom she, considering the daughters' necessity; If, said she, to my salvation it is conducive, to live I would prefer: & herself heard she understood, & from bed rose in a moment. Which the Saint's benefit in print published to be asserts P. Mag. Panzerinus of Volaterra, a Religious of life & faith most approved.

[91] In the same year's June month, D. John Bogiani, An old man from a fall weakened, is healed: in his year of age LXVI, dwelling at Venice at S. Blasius of Castello, from high fallen had broken his shin: after days a few care, vowed himself going to visit his altar at the Conventuals; & there although with difficulty, to carry himself he wished upon crutches. When moreover he approached the church, restored to himself the shin feeling, of crutches one from himself he threw to a candelabrum of the church fixed; whence taken that, a girl from high falling, hangs on the pinnacle of meeting podium unharmed. to the altar hung was, after rendered actions of thanks. There, in the same year & month, from very high window falling a girl six-years-old, at the prayers of the father the Saint invoking, middle in air hung with garment to the pinnacles of the lower podium ; & thence taken up was unharmed; as testified the father, for paying thanks himself presenting.

[92] In July month moreover, Angelus John-Maria's de Glandibus, A lost computation is recovered. from the region of S. Apollinaris, had lost a computation of ducats about ninety three; which to find nowhere able, his grandfather Bartholomew Rossi besought, that at the altar of the Saint with the Friars Mass he would procure to be said. This heard when from the church he went out, met three rustics, of found computation among themselves talking, & wishing its master to know, to whom it willingly they would return. This when the old man heard, said, that paper to be his nephew's, & that for it to be found he had procured Mass to the Saint to be said. It therefore received, returned to the church, for doing thanks & benefit to be published.

[93] In the same July month, John Baptista Sartus, dwelling above the crossing of S. Pantaleon, deposed, that sailing to the fairs, at Andria to be celebrated accustomed, on the day of indulgences of Assisi, A little boat overturned are drowned son & father: together with D. Matthew goldsmith of Rialto & of others some, middle in Adige, outside the gate of Cavanella, had seen at distance a little boat, to the same tending, drawn by a horse: who when into headlong flight suddenly himself gave, quickly to overturn the little boat they beheld, with undoubtable danger of death of passengers four, son namely & father & others two, from the town of S. Apollinaris in the territory of Rovigo. At the same moment of time by the aforesaid John Baptista was invoked S. Antony, that to the perishing he might come: & behold immediately turned was the little boat, the aforesaid two within having. The father moreover farther drawn away by the river, was lamenting his son nowhere appearing. So those who were in the ship now made nearer, proceeded the Saint to invoke: with the Saint invoked he is brought out half-alive; & the horse's rider with him himself committing to the river, the wretched but half-dead by tunic seized, & with help of oars from the ship offered to the bank drew, together with the others supplicating to the Saint, that even the son he would save from death. While moreover everywhere they look around the river, if perhaps some indication of the lost youth they could note; paces thence thirty they see a whirlpool as of boiling vehemently water, this for an hour suffocated, & in the name of the Saint cast there oar, they felt unaccustomed soon weight heavy. They draw therefore him from the water, together with the youth who him had seized, after a whole hour under waters he had been, livid all & with closed eyes & clenched teeth without any sign of life. Such into his ship brought John Baptista, & of garments stripped; then taken little book, is raised. in which besides the image of the Saint, was his Office & Responsory, began the same to apply to various parts of that, as it seemed, corpse, meanwhile while the father with great voice was crying; S. Antony, my son; S. Antony, my son . He indeed at that double that invocation twice the head lifted; & with them proceeding in the Responsory to recite, began copious water to vomit, & on the same day rose on feet, beyond all expectation, free & healthy by benefit of the Saint.

[94] In August month a widow rustic, with family numerous & by disease difficult burdened, when of all utterly subsidy & of the very bread destitute herself she saw, arose from bed, as she was, & to the altar in the church of Friars conferred; whence returning home, found there, uncertain whence or how, brought two sextarii of flour. a poor sick is helped; In November month D. Andreas Pamasetti, surgeon at the Bridge to Honesty called, to the glory of the Saint swore in the hands of P. M. John Philip Lutus, distinguished of the order of Conventuals preacher, that called to cure Aloysius Bongioli, so gravely wounded in left hip near knee, that the very veins & nerves cut were found unto the bone, knee incurably hurt is healed: whence most copious flowed blood; after to stop it in vain various medicines he had applied, necessary he had a cautery to apply: in which act he himself was suggesting to the patient, that himself fervently he commend to the Saint. This indeed immediately to help coming, not only in a moment the flux stopped; but the wound, by itself believed lethal, or at least the shin useless going to leave, within few days healed.

[95] In the same year, Dominica Arcaini, of S. Augustine street, likewise an immedicable apostema: an apostema troublesome & incurable was suffering in the rump. But when she had vowed nine days of Tuesday to the Saint to be observed, & sometime mortal altogether tortures was enduring; she said: S. Antony, through God's love & Mary's bowels, help me; & these saying she, & with great faith ointment certain applying, burst the abscess, ceased the pain, & she from bed rising in the morning following, which Tuesday was, came to the church of Friars, for cause of Confession & Communion, & for exposing the grace received.

[96] is found long in vain sought instrument, In November month, a distinguished certain Senator Venetian, in a criminal cause, for which as Advocate he served, had lost a process, whence not little was endangered his honor. For many days he labored & sweated, in his whole palace it seeking, together with ministers some public, scrutinizing all chests & places, for such processes to be kept destined. But when all diligence in vain yielded, made his Patron at his altar in the church of Conventuals Mass to be said; & that so devoutly heard as required the gravity of the business, with such confidence to be filled he felt, that thence to the curia going he said to ministers: Again armaria all scrutinize: I trust indeed that S. Antony you will make the desired process to find. Nor vain his faith was: first indeed paper, into which returned hands they put, was that which was sought. The same narrated, that from villa returning with his mother, in the way in the lagoons he had had various consanguineous, who into his boat having crossed over, & the abundance of silk by theft taken is restored. announced theft to have taken all the silk which at home they had, more than two thousand ducats. To whom matron this, not moved, replied; I trust in my Saint Antony, to whom to burn a lamp I cause & frequent Masses to be celebrated, that going to pass three days are not, but my all silk I shall receive. And this plainly so happened, with the thief detected, & the theft entirely restored.

[97] With axe thrice struck on head by brother, recovers: At S. Euphemia, of the diocese of Brescia town, happened in the same November month & year, Hieronymus Dusi to contend in words with his own brother on cause of his wife; with whom while quietly at the hearth he sits, suddenly bursting in the other, with a little axe, which in hand he held, three lethal wounds inflicted on the head of the innocent brother, which all incurable judged the summoned Surgeon. So, together with his wife & children, fervently invoked S. Antony, vowing to Padua to make pilgrimage, as soon as possible he had recovered, as within few days happened; as, with brought anathema he testified. Similar something before twelve years in the diocese of Vicenza had happened, in year namely MDCLXX, likewise with many shots pierced. when Antony Martinelli, living with some suspicion of evil to be brought to him from somewhere, at his home in the dead of night surrounded was by many assassins, he himself few with him companions having. In vain was asking for life to be spared by those conjured into his death. So among continuous of shots against him discharged fires, was invoking help of Antony; & for dead left, preserved himself miraculously from all wondered he himself, & gratefully testified.

[98] In year MDCLXXXIV in February month, to Vespasian Storari happened at Mantua, Are saved, to be crushed by a chariot, that on the chariot pole standing, & fallen snows shaking off, he fell between both horses, nor to defend himself from their kicks could. He was commending himself to the Saint, & unhurt remained, although of shins one he had had under one of the wheels, with light only bruise marked: & therefore for fulfilling vow to Padua came, & the matter to P. Felix Caprioli, of Masses president, narrated.

[99] & two cousins by shots attacked, In the same month in the town Villa, Peter & Nicholas Merici Brothers, son each one outside had sent, to cattle their in pastures custody: who by as many robbers with shot attacked, when fervently to S. Antony they had commended themselves, to one indeed of them part of hairs modestly, to the other somewhat of jacket & undershirt was singed, the rest unhurt. The same Peter, fearing lest by justice he be apprehended, with invoked similarly the Saint immune remained. In May month Bartholomew Antony Minerbensis, far from his home caught in a forest by three robbers, when from asked what they wanted three shots' strikes as answer he received, invoked the Saint, & like dead on ground fell: by them moreover so left, healthy everywhere himself wondered.

[100] & a woman to be killed by stepson: In the same month of May, at Padua appeared a noble Bolognese matron, garment all torn bearing, in testimony of grace, in this which follows manner obtained. A stepson certain her own, absent her husband alone her at home finding, her chamber furiously burst into; & with many reproaches & insults loaded, began with a small sword to strike through all body, while meanwhile the stepmother the Saint invoked; until, sated with rage, wearied withdrew. She indeed with summoned surgeon to be inspected herself had given, was found nor one even wound lethal to have, & within few days healed from all was.

[101] an alms by an incredulous is not accepted, In the same year in November month, a matron certain of Cremona narrated, before D. John Baptista Scarella, of the venerable ark Curator (they call him Agent ) professed she, that she had lost of great price a necklace; & admonished to the Saint Mass to be said to procure, when small in him confidence she had, an alms yet thereto required to her friend she gave, saying, herself nothing thence to hope. After few days she found in the chamber the very necklace, & next to it placed the alms, for the Mass given; with saying her little son, that he had seen a most beautiful Friar entering the chamber, who the aforesaid necklace had in hand.

[102] Offspring by vow conceived, In the same year & month, a Lord certain, most noble & rich in possessions, with sterile long marriage using, at the suggestion of his wife to the Saint devoted, with her undertook the novena often mentioned: but on the sixth day of Tuesday returning, while from the church they return, pregnant herself the woman felt, & full of joy to her husband said. And he indeed for days some joyful himself showed; coming in moreover gradually spirit of jealousy, to suspect began, his wife from adultery had conceived. Which when deeper into his mind had descended, on a certain night of sleeping the womb with a dagger pierced, the jealous father from the womb of mother is rebuked, & at the same time a voice thence proceeding heard which said: What dost thou, impious father? Life which just now thou hast given thou wishest to take away, both from me & from innocent mother my? At these things he confused & terrified, withdrew from the chamber; in the morning returning, his wife, whom he believed he would find extinct, found as before healthy; & to her falling at knees, the matter whole narrated, & pardon asked. To the evidence moreover of the miracle, he beheld on the womb of the wife as many marks, as from the prick of a flea, as wounds to her himself to have inflicted he believed.

[103] Fr. John Antony of Como, of stricter Observance Minorite, at Padua appeared, a woman, recovered an earring, repenting of expense in Masses made, & narrated, & in writing attested left, that at Milan a certain Matron an earring of great price lost, nor with whatever labor sought could she find; & at length running to S. Antony, to the Sacristan of the church of S. Francis sent a quartum one Mutinensis, humble in that State of coin, that in the chapel of the saint be procured two Masses, at which to attend even she wished. When moreover from the church home had returned, & the earring with its mate joined had found in a chest, all cheerful narrated the success to her husband; & not considering that grace to her had been made by the Saint, added, to grieve to her that she had expended money, elsewhere going to be more useful. Condemned the generous Knight his wife's tenacity, & himself to wonder said at such words. for her then she finds returned the alms. After dinner wished she earrings to take up, but again one only she found; & in the other's place placed coin, which for being said Mass she had donated. Which whence it was not at all doubting, & that to herself penalty merited acknowledging, to be indulged indeed to herself she asked & the earring to be restored, but the grace desired not obtained again; except that more cautious thence & more devout to the Saint rendered, him to herself studied to reconcile, permitting that the matter done even publicly be preached from pulpit, with her name suppressed. The same therefore to him at Milan heard, in year MDCLXIX at Padua to be written caused P. Hyacinth Biumo Reformed, then dwelling in the Convent of Horta & Sacristan.

§. X. Graces declared in year MDCLXXXV & thereafter.

[104] D. Francis Cimante, Canon of Adria, was compassionate to the unhappy state of his little niece , To an infant from continuous eye motion seeing nothing, Blanca-Rosa, daughter of his brother Nicholas & Nicolettae the Wife; who in second from birth month spasm lethal suffered, & continuously sick unto life's sixth month, thence remained of sight deprived, with her eyes moving assiduously up & down, so that the pupils sometime not were seen. When moreover red-hot iron to be applied the physicians had judged, hoping by it to be stopped able the disordered that motion, & the eyes to due state to be restored; did not wish the uncle to such sad experiment to be present, but in the year aforesaid in January month to Rovigo went, their quiet & sight is returned, the niece commending to S. Antony; & vowing, that with her health obtained he would present her with four candles, to his which at Adria is altar; at which also he would procure to be celebrated a Mass; a garment also of votive color about to be, with which first the girl her parents would clothe. Hardly the vow he had pronounced, when ceased the motion of eyes, & health from day to day fuller returned, as then with hand his Francis himself sworn wrote, in year MDCLXXXVII, on day II June.

[105] In the same year MDCLXXXV in June month, Joseph & Prosdocimus Calza, Is averted danger from an overturned cart, from the field to Bologna returning in a cart, into another to themselves meeting made ran; whence consternated their horse, with cart overturned was running headlong: but with vow to the Saint sent they escaped from such present danger, everywhere unharmed. In November month of the same year, a Presbyter certain testified, that going to Assisi, likewise from a fallen on rider horse, to the Indulgences second August to be gained, near Carianum with his horse fell; from under which to rise in no way able, the Saint invoked; &, with turned itself to the other side the horse, saved to Padua brought his vow.

[106] The Saint's image from fire & water remains unhurt: In year MDCLXXXVI on day XXI March, at Pirano fire seized that press, which from Puncta is surnamed, with greatest of the whole village danger; near indeed was great abundance of hay. Through intercession yet of S. Antony, all things which there were remained entire: & what greater to all stupor brought, was the image, which fixed to the yoke of the very press, remained intact, not only from fire, but also from water, which to it to extinguish copious was poured: just as Zorzius Petronius once of Dominic, with his own hand's writing & name's subscription affirmed.

[107] to death adjudged is saved, In Corsica, in July month of the same year, George Costa once of Antony, on account of faults not light & homicide perpetrated relegated under penalty of head, into hands of justice came & to death was adjudged, But when to the Saint he had commended himself, day & night bewailing his lot, besought by the Jesuit Fathers the judges dismissed the guilty: who to Padua coming, with hung up tablet testified the grace, to himself by the Saint made.

[108] In year from Christ's nativity MDCLXXVII, Indiction IX, on Saturday XXXI August, A pottery kiln with unhappy success kindled, at Verona in the house of dwelling of me Notary, with present D. Dominicus Peregrini once of John, of Allegre Bonatis son of Dominic, & Antonia Viglaro once of Francis, all of the island of Porcatia witnesses; appeared D. Peter Lorenzoni, once of John Baptista, of the community of the said island; & at the instance of P. M. Francis Antony Perletti, Guardian in the convent of S. Firmus-major of Verona, deposed; how on Tuesday last past XI June, about the twelfth hour, with prior blessing of R. D. Bartholomew Brunelli, Curate of the same island, he had set fire to the pottery kiln furnace, which he had near the forum there, & in it to twenty two thousand of cups, squares, & little dishes, is again kindled, without new material, for whose bakings are wont ordinarily to be expended twenty carts of trunks & bundles of branches, to fifty. He indeed that to be heated the furnace he might give beginning, to sixty bundles had thrown with two carts of trunks, in the morning moreover following day X of the month aforesaid about noon, fell the mouth of the furnace; & itself so blocked, that to greater of wood abundance to be thrown no remained way; flames however, which to kindle the furnace ought, were leaping outside, it cold remaining, as if never in it fire had been. At these things astonished & confused Peter, nothing else of counsel had, for escaping damage that all his fortunes would overturn, than the help of S. Antony to implore. When therefore in following days he had procured Masses two to be said at his altar, in aid of purgative souls, & was asked to commodate work for unloading some carts, wood bearing, to himself he seemed at distance to behold as if burning the furnace; & to it approaching & all illuminated seeing, ascended, to the stupor of the city of Verona. & from every part kindled noted, although nothing of new material had been thrown in. Lasted moreover the fire unto Tuesday, when to the church of the island running Peter, made another Mass to be said at the altar of the Saint; & thence returning the furnace extinguished, & all within disposed vessels so perfectly baked he found, as ever they could have been. With which miracle published, ran infinite people to the furnace; with desiring each part some of cup or square thence to take in which the Saint he might praise. He indeed Peter, after the Office for souls of Purgatory procured, to Padua passed, thanks to his benefactor to give. And I Bartholomew Bonvajonus, once of D. John Baptista of the district of S. Peter Incarnarius of Verona, public by Venetian authority Notary, the premised all faithfully copied from my Acts. In witness whereof &c.

[109] In the same year, when the coachman of D. Knight Hercules Manfredini, Peregrinus Zanotti, Among consternated horses fallen & to be crushed coachman, heroes his to the church was conveying; consternated horses him so terrified, that with reins fallen from his hand, they in poured running gave themselves. When therefore he leaped from the pole, reins to recover; so fell, that with two kicks in chest & head struck, the chariot even over himself passing sustained; meanwhile while from soul himself he was commending to S. Antony: remains unhurt: which to him so well turned, that from such danger unhurt he escaped.

[111] From the land Ulmi of the diocese of Padua an anathema brought, likewise another under house's ruin. going out July, Stephen Morari; & narrated, that under two houses' sudden whirlwind overturned ruin caught, he XXIX of month aforesaid alone of sixteen escaped unharmed, through vow to the Saint made, with the other fifteen among rubble dead & buried together.

[112] Others from cruel tempest escape. In September month moreover through Lake to the Venetian city neighboring sailing many, so cruel a tempest to be tossed began, that sailors & passengers of life had despaired, unless hope they had had not at all vain in the holy Thaumaturge: to whom, after six most perilous of tossing hours, vows their offered, safe to the city landed.

[113] The chamber of a matron the Saint praying, When a certain principal Matron at Venice was staying in the Praetorium, about the third hour of night, so terrible arose a storm, with winds & rains pregnant, that to the whole region terror was struck. Was praying she in her chamber S. Antony, when suddenly the roof of the palace collapsed, only that part safe, which of the matron the chamber covered. Ran yet to the ruin she herself, that under beams' & rocks' heap might seek her three-year-old son her Aloysius; is saved, with rest of roof falling, as also her son; for to the others modest injury having suffered, alone he was missed. When moreover not was found, running to the window the afflicted mother, began with strained voice to cry; S. Antony, return to me my son Aloysius: son return, miraculous Antony. Behold moreover, him all joyful & healthy brought to her a man certain, & he was reporting him found under beams, so aptly between themselves crossed, that the boyish body's part none had touched: & this she sworn affirmed, in the hands of a certain Religious Conventual. to her is healed an arm deadened. The same in the following year MDCLXXXVII, suffering a vehement from head flux, through neck into right arm, of this all use had lost, nor profited whatever of physicians counsels: vowed therefore a Novena to the Saint to institute, & on first Tuesday day confessed & communicated, before from the church she went out, free herself felt, & such home returned, with all of her household & physicians' stupor.

[114] In Armenia is calmed a fire. In the same year MDCLXXXVII, in February month, the house of Isaac de Nazar Armenian flame seized, at the same time, in which he himself before the altar of the Saint was occupied in prayer; where the matter understood admonished to run, replied himself the house's care to S. Antony to leave. Nor vain his faith was; he indeed prayers continuing, in very brief time extinguished were the flames: of which matter witness a tablet, brought from Armenia is preserved still with the custodian of the sacred ark.

[115] In the very year in May month D. Francisca Navari, at Faventia fell into a well of feet fifty deep: Fallen into well safe is brought out, but the Saint in the very fall calling back, seemed to herself to be sustained above the waters; whence safe brought out, on feet with her husband to Padua came, & the grace testified to the President of Masses, P. M. Augustine Panighetti.

[116] In June month Peter Andreata, from Mestre near Dolo, & another from a river. was coming for devotion's sake to Padua, along the bank of Brenta river on a horse; whose when foot one had failed, was endangered the rider lest he be suffocated: but the invoked Saint, safe led him to the bank, as he himself coming testified.

[117] In the same month Dominicus Aquarioli, at Venice dwelling in the field of S. Simeon the major, by an enemy unexpectedly attacked, with several dagger's struck blows was hurt: Is healed lethally wounded; of which wounds although one altogether lethal to be pronounced the surgeon, from all yet quickly recovered. The Saint invoked. In the same month June for Forestus-Polyxene, so grave jealousy a certain man married seized, on this account that his wife he had seen with his neighbor speaking; that after grave injuries to her inflicted, also threatened death quickly to be brought. a modest woman Of her innocence conscious the woman, did not cease her day & night to commend to the Saint, to whom & vow of Novena to be made she pronounced. That devotion begun so much nothing subsided the conceived once fury of the husband, that called aside, after many reproaches, a gun he pressed against her chest going to pierce her. death from jealous husband threatened she escapes, But she not in vain the Saint was praying to be made defender & witness of her innocence: with loosed gun's wheel fire it did not give: at which prodigy the man consternated, pardon of the deed asked & obtained, & with the same to Padua came, that which had been done to depose to the honor of the Saint.

[118] & on a chariot driven precipice. At Venice to Rome from vow were going nobles certain, & when to Seravalle they approached, whether from coachman's inadvertence, or horses' consternation, headlong they were rolled from a mountain more than fifteen paces, crying, Help, help, O S. Antony. But hung the chariot at the edge of the precipice, in which all to be crushed they were; nor any either of horses or of men was hurt, & not even the chariot lightly was damaged.

[119] Dangerous of stone section, In the same month June of the year prenoted, a Paduan Noble of dire stone pains longer to be endured unequal, had defined a day, on which the section he would undergo rather than a thousand deaths: nor from that counsel to divert him could the tender of domestics & consanguineous tears; to all indeed he was replying, so great himself faith to have in S. Antony, that none less than so many others he believed himself the grace his to enjoy. He asked therefore that on next Tuesday day, as to him sacred, above the most holy ark be exposed venerable Eucharist; before which with made several Masses, intrepidly & constantly he endured the section, through which extracted to him the stone was. with confidence in the saint rightly succeeds, Although moreover the safety of him after many days seemed to be brought into danger, twice yet anointed with oil of lamp, through the hand of a certain Religious Conventual at present lives healthy, & shortly, will be present together with anathema votive his heart to the Saint devoted going to offer. In July month D. Peter Lonigo of Treviso, along the bank of Sile river riding, with stumbling jumentum into water fallen, when himself to extricate from the lying horse not he could, S. Antony invoked, & to the bank miraculously borne himself found.

[120] In the same year in November month, to a matron certain of Brescia was brought the little body of beloved & only little son, in river drowned: a mother with drowned son death to herself to bring, is restrained, who at his sight of pain impatient, when she could not by lamenting be sated, headlong was going to death; & found within chamber a little knife seized, chest to herself going to pierce; when by invisible hand to be retained her arm she felt, & eyes lifting saw on the wall to hang an image of S. Antony, to whom she was devoted. Hence to herself returned & prostrated on the ground, pardon asked of the designed crime, & to Padua brought anathema, near the chapel of the Saint to be seen.

[121] There at Brescia, in the same month, lethal fever is healed, with acute fever was held a man noble & wealthy: who his strengths to fail feeling, vowed, if he should be healed, together with his wife to Padua to come. Begun then a Novena was, under which on third Tuesday day, with confession & communion received, returning home the woman, her husband found free from fever: wherefore at the tomb of the Saint hung a vow with silver rim enclosed.

§ XI. The Belgic Collection of John vander Borcht, whence are given other miracles & fruits by use of the Antonian Novena.

[122] In year MDCLXXVI with us at Antwerp, in Belgian tongue was edited by the prefixed-titled author a book bipartite, Lost writings are found at Leuven with its title: Epitome of the Life & Wonders of S. Antony of Padua, with peculiar practice of nine-day devotion, in his honor to be instituted, collected from various writers. He from chap. 49 unto the end (end moreover of part first is held with chap. 5) sets forth some to Belgium our proper, & therefore worthy here to be commemorated, because elsewhere nowhere to be found. The most erudite & with his writings most known, D. Nicholas Vernulaeus, of S. Theology Licentiate, & historiographer of King Catholic, & President of the College Milian Luxemburg in the university of Leuven, going to render in year MDCXLVI in March month accustomed of given & received reckonings, some, of which he needed, writings, could not by any diligence retrieve. In this perplexity, mindful of benefits already otherwise from S. Antony received, promises Masses some through himself & others to be said. Hardly the first he had said on the following day, when from the church home returning, museum his again to scrutinize entered; & required writings openly on the table exposed found, as from his autograph is established, whose truth always ready was with oath to confirm.

[123] In the same year similar something also at Brussels happened, & at Brussels, D. John Gomez Cano, a man exceedingly honest & upright. To this one from the chamber of Royal audience stealthily had been removed some of great moment writings, pertaining to his suit in the Court of Brabant pending, were missed moreover those now for whole three months. Hence not modestly disturbed, solace from S. Antony in this manner he received. After vow of to be procured some Masses, sad John was walking in the cloister of Friars Minor at Brussels; when there entering venerable in appearance Friar Minor, with appearing Saint. him saluted in Spanish, asking of grief & solicitude cause. To whom he; Taken from me stealthily are instruments certain of my suit, & therefore here I have come going to procure Masses some, that S. Antony them me to receive should make. Then the unknown that Friar to him said: Go, & a Mass in honor of S. Antony hear, & trust them to thee tomorrow to be in proper hands restored; as altogether it happened, & by them mediating the cause obtained Cano. Nor was doubted but that Friar was S. Antony himself, since in the whole Convent no one Spanish knew, except the Doorkeeper of the house & Father Confessor of the same Cano, both to this one most known: wherefore in a beautiful tablet of the deed series to be painted he caused, & it in the Choir of the church to be hung.

[124] Of money, by fear of robbers, into waters cast, Rev. D. Laurence Jacobi, Pastor at Heylissem inferior, a village of Brabant between Tienen & Hannut, freely before a Notary declared, in faith of Priest, that in year MDCLIV, with Condean & Lorraine forces all around the region depopulating, necessary he had on Passion Sunday flight to take, nothing of his things to carry off able, except a sack containing to florins twice thousand Brabantine in gold. When moreover closer clinging to his tracks soldiers he sensed, his sack cast into a pond, & stealthily thence taken, near the Abbey of Heylissem; noting to himself accurately the place, that with departed soldiers his money thence he might recover. But could not this so secretly do, but that be observed by a certain his parishioner; others who were present, sound indeed of falling into water sack heard, but did not notice what it was. Nor far thence went the Pastor, observe wishing whether some of the soldiers anything had perceived; & at length of these secure went away. But the garrulous that matter to all publicized: whence someone, his this to be occasion thinking, the sack sought & found took away. So with departed soldiers returning with many his subjects the Pastor, to seek the money, all for three days labor vain was; nor other to the good man remedy occurred, than confidence in S. Antony, to whom he made through Minors of Tienen many Masses to be done, & he himself also several made, with added vow about his vigil with fast on bread & water to be passed.

[125] Already nearly three months had passed, when about the feast of S. John Baptist Schultetus of Heylissem wife to the Pastor came, & said herself to be able to indicate the person, with whom the money was, a part receives the devoted to the Saint; only to herself she should promise, her under secret of confession hidden to have. But he with such condition did not wish the thief to know: & sad to his home went. Evening was when this had happened, after which to bed going, seemed to himself to see an unknown otherwise man, with secular clothing clothed, who to him showing the sack was saying: Behold thy money, but not all. Then it seemed to himself to his parochial to have passed, where was a certain Friar Minor, not very dissimilar to P. Aegidius Langole Guardian of Tienen; whom when he wished to salute, & not to be the Guardian he recognized, back foot drew, & at the same time he heard a voice, uncertain whence proceeding, distinctly expressing the name of a certain his Parishioner, of whom nothing less suspected ever he had. After this vision, or dream if I should prefer to call, at high morning he approached the wife of Schultetus, going to ask whether to him she wished to indicate the person, whom the day before she had not wished to reveal. With her the deed altogether refusing, to the Abbey himself he conferred, going to deliberate with a Religious certain what especially he should do. But before than the Pastor he speaking heard, indicated that with him was the greater part of the lost money, by a thief into madness turned, nearly also the rest. from a third certain person brought, with written promise also of the other part to be restored. Recognized from the species of coin the Pastor his money, & it received from the aforesaid Religious. Behold moreover a matter wondrous. While these are done in the monastery, that man, who to the Parish-priest had been named in sleep, into such fell madness (which thing hundreds & hundreds testify can) that by consanguineous to be led he had to Geldenacum, where at S. Medard's Relics such sick are wont to be cured. Here he before many witnesses repeatedly cried: The money to the Pastor shall be returned: behold by many Aethiopians & demons me persecuting I am afflicted. By this reason also the other part of money returned was, not yet all, as to him had been foretold: which all then in writing he testified, with the Minors of Tienen to be kept, ready it with oath to confirm.

[126] Good sum, to a sower lapsed, Lord John Bernaert, noble Gelder, inhabiting a parish whose name Brouck-huysenvorst, in the very of his province metropolis, in year MDCLXV had received in gold one thousand six hundred florins, which lest to himself by soldiers & robbers be taken fearing, those had tied in the extreme corners of his shirt: but home returned, found of these two with loosed knot of money empty. Sent therefore hastily a servant to the Maas, if perhaps either on the bank, or in the boat with which the river he had crossed, that money to himself had fallen out: but in vain. Sent also to his wife, then at Roermond dwelling, who the matter would indicate. She there the Convent of Minors approaches, & Masses some of S. Antony for herself to be made asks. Was procured also that through all the around-lying parishes, by Pastors from pulpit be announced to the people reward of one hundred fifty florins, to him to be given who the money could indicate. Six weeks had passed, when the money all, in a sweatcloth wrapped & hung to the end of a staff, was thrust through a channel into the sacristy of the aforementioned parish of Forest, secretly is restored, & there by the sacristan thus was found. He immediately to the Parish-priest: who quickly coming, before two witnesses then by chance present in the church, the little kerchief unfolded, & found full of gold coins, with sand mixed, as if thence collected they had been, with a paper thus written: This money let be returned to Lord Bernaert, dwelling at the place called de Kolke: he indeed let give to the church alms. Was this the very same which had been lost money, except that were lacking one hundred fifty florins, to the finder promised, who to himself his reward had reserved: all moreover thus testified the Parish-priest & Sacristan, & the Noble himself with his wife, even to oath to perform ready.

[127] money & worked silver stolen, No less wondrous was, what from years not so many at Mechelen in Brabant happened. A certain Domicella, there dwelling at the way of Vaccarum called, washerwomen home had brought, to clean linen furniture's cause. One of them observed money chest not well closed to be, & silver of domestic service vessels not enough cautiously guarded: by which opportunity enticed, when home going to return solitude from witnesses she had obtained; the chest opens, a good thence of money sum receives, with some necklaces, & whatever of worked silver at hand to have besides she could, her home takes off. Hardly thence she had departed, this indeed into a river to cast, when one of the maids the matter noticing exclaimed; Lady, Lady, all our silver furniture stealthily taken is. This heard immediately is sent to the Convent of Minors, that of S. Antony three Masses be done. Meanwhile the thieving woman, before to home return she could, with such began intemperance to be seized, that ignorant what she was doing, a good of worked silver part into the Dyle she cast at the mill of Hanswijk (as afterwards she confessed, & the matter itself taught) the rest home brought; but so consternated, that no to body & soul rest able to find, still on the same day, under the fourth post-meridian, when of Minors the church is wont to begin Vespers to be opened, there she came; & to a certain six seven year-old little boy, at the door found, delivered the money with necklaces, this indeed to the Church of Minors to bring is forced. in blue linen wrapped, to the value of three about thousand florins, that it he would give to the Religious whom he saw in the temple. Took the boy, & running said: Father, Father, take this money, & bring to the way of Vaccarum to Lady her who it has lost. Asked the Religious, whence it was. A woman, said the boy, who there is standing, it to me has delivered, at the same time & the place shows: to whom himself turning the Friar, her indeed still he saw, but rapidly departing recognize could not. And these I have had from the mouth of that Father, who the money & necklaces received, & brought back.

[128] Nearly to me had fallen out Antwerp, in which yet many such cases have happened. A maid certain a coral of praying little balls string having stolen, it at Ghent, Another stolen thing from similar necessity restored. a city ten leagues distant, had sold: but when for it to be recovered certain Masses to S. Antony were said; with such she scruples to be afflicted began, that even therefore alone she returned to Ghent, that it she might buy back & restore. Another from a house taken was a cup silver, & at the Monte-pietatis as pledge given. Is said similarly a Mass one, & the thief so is afflicted that to rest could not. But no more having money with which the cup he might redeem; another steals in the vicinity; & there pledges, & the prior, with received for the second money, liberates & restores. Meanwhile for that also a Mass is procured, & by similar necessity bound the thief, the pledge paper cast into those, whence the second cup he had taken, houses; & so was known, where the cup was, & to the master commodity given of it at no great price redeeming. So far the prefixed-titled book's part first, which its Author ends by attesting, end none himself to be about to find if to collect he wished, what in each Belgian cities have been wrought, & daily are wrought; & passes to to part second, which he calls Introduction to the Novena or nine-day devotion exercise; & its origin & fruits various by examples declares, as follows.

[129] In year MDCXVII, at Bologna in Italy lived a noble matron, After 22 years offspring asking, in years already twenty two in marriage living, but without desired its fruit. Frequently to her were narrated miracles of S. Antony, whence into great excited confidence, at length to the church of Minors herself she conferred; & there before the Saint's altar prostrate, began fecundity to ask, with prayers which she could most fervent. This while she does internally, felt consolation of mind plainly unusual; & it for pledge having of heard prayer, home returns. Next moreover night saw in dream S. Antony, with great light surrounded, is ordered by the Saint to make a Novena; who to her said: Go, woman, nine times returning Tuesdays to the church of Minors, & there with received Sacraments prayers pour before my image, & them know to be heard. Sprang the woman joyfully, & faithfully commands of the Saint fulfilled, nor with less faith fulfilled his promises felt, on the ninth day passed, from her husband made pregnant. But he, as he was harsh & jealous, feared lest from himself the conceived fetus was; & therefore the wife began, she indeed bore a monstrous offspring, as of certain adultery convicted with words & deeds badly to treat. To this evil, from God's all things disposing providence, another came. For when filled the time of giving birth from her came forth the fruit, all deformed & monstrous appeared, hardly any of human species bearing. She nonetheless faith full, in cloths wrapped to be borne orders to the altar of the Saint: on whom placed as he was, to be heard immediately from the very swaddling lamentations as of recently born infant; with which excited the wretched bundle's bearer, ran to the altar, the bands loosed, over his altar is reformed. & for monster a most beautiful little infant found: which not only the afflicted mother & family, but the whole city with admiration & joy filled.

[130] Was this like a far-sounding trumpet, for commending to all the use of such novena, A woman by jealous husband not only through Italy, but also Spain, Gaul, Germany & Belgium not without manifold fruit, of which behold for thee specimens some, from all elsewhere related different. At Turin in Piedmont a certain Secretary, so far himself had allowed to be carried away by jealousy spirit against his wife's innocence, that certain to her life to take away, led to the highest solarium of the house, & of clothes stripped, with ropes bound to a stake. Then with one hand dagger drawn, with the other deadly cup offering, to choose ordered with which to die she preferred. She in doubt caught, when by no prayers flexible mind of husband she saw, the poison chooses; & in taking it with raised to heaven eyes, to S. Antony Novena vows. Immediately moreover bitter that potion into sweetness turned, pleasantly her refreshed; meanwhile while the man, with perpetrated (as he thought) crime, into country went, on the morrow to return, & dead his wife to find, & secretly to give to burial. But astonished, when healthy & cheerful to stand at the stake he sees. Nothing yet thence wiser, another much more harmful potion to drink her orders; twice forced to drink poison, is saved. which when she, with renewed internally former vow, now much than before more confidently had drunk; remained indeed as before unharmed, but to the man with impunity not was now twice attempted enormous crime. For his little son theirs, by chance into the solarium ascending, found there so badly held, & nude & to the stake bound mother; loosed her, what was done learns, & to the aunt narrates: this matter brings to the Magistrate, by whose order is seized the guilty, & the cause examined & verified merited penalty is fined.

[131] A girl Roman, of slender but honest parents born, of a powerful & rich youth blandishments & promises bent at length was, A poor girl, under hope of matrimony made pregnant once & again that under confidence of matrimony to be contracted herself to his will she would permit. Hence with offspring pregnant, could not long hide from parents: who family's disgrace threatening fearing, decide the fetus before than be born to extinguish, even with peril of mother. This she noticing, & with tears entreating, holily was swearing, with no other end to have sinned, than that to her & their poverty through ensuing matrimony she might provide. And so indeed then escaped the danger: but again with the same under the same promises fallen back, is impeded lest herself she hang, & again pregnant, knew not how parents the matter she might hide; when her deceiver with no neither blandishments nor tears could be induced, that of the often sworn promise faith he might keep to the pregnant. Now noose the wretched was thinking, when to her in mind came S. Antony, before his image suppliant prostrated she, in year MDCXLIX, Novena vows. On the fourth after day is celebrated in the church of Minors a festivity, solemn Sacred celebrates Cardinal Columna, is present in most crowded throng the unfaithful suitor; & closer approaching the altar, & a rich suitor her to marry is forced. on himself fixed sees turbid & threatening of holy image's eyes; & so consternated back falls, of strength & nearly spirit destitute: Is run to water, & with it sprinkled into himself returns, & what to him had happened openly confesses. The rebuked with fierce gaze of the Saint infidelity certain his, & interior word, him with quick death to be punished, unless he should come to senses. So with contracted what he had promised matrimony, life he himself, fame entire the girl saved, opulent obtained bridegroom, who to her parents could & wished to come to aid; whence & thanks to the Saint gave.

[132] Is healed a knee hitherto immedicable, Hieronymus Berdontelli, experienced in the town Suanensis a physician, of himself yet so careless was, that a small in knee wound he neglected; until it useless to himself to be rendered he felt. Then namely he of surgeons to implore help, but in vain. Was going indeed daily into worse the evil, & after vain of four years curing, intolerable was bringing forth to the wretched tortures, until a Novena to S. Antony he vowed, & devoutly fulfilled. Then fully healed in a moment the knee was, as his he himself affirmed autograph, which in year MDCLII signed in the very of the place Convent is preserved.

[133] likewise a womanly hernia shamefacedly hidden, In year moreover MDCLIV was a noble Matron, who her name hidden wished, from the same shame, by which with flowing down to herself intestines she did not wish surgeons' hands to admit for curing the evil, as was persuading her husband, with continuous her & grave tortures lovingly compassionating. At length a Novena to the Saint to be instituted she vowed, on whose last day while to prayer she was insisting herself to Antony commending, was seized by faint of strengths so violent, that the extreme her hour to be she believed. But into bed brought, sweetly fell asleep; after sleep moreover felt herself from all torture free, & viscera into natural state restored; today still healthy, & daily thanks giving to her benefactor.

[134] In a certain village of the diocese of Cologne, Nederpreis called, not far from Sibricha, of the Blankenberg territory a toparchy, & enormous at neck scrofula. in year MDCLXVII was a six year-old boy, named Leonardus Nieukirchen, who with ulcerous at neck was burdened with scrofula, & it so great, that with it inclined the head into shoulder bent. With no expenses spared the parents, that their son from deformed that evil they might relieve, but in vain: was growing indeed daily the scrofula, & now six whole months had fixed the boy to bed, in limbs all stiffening useless. This so wretched state of his son, when to his for time Vice-pastor one of the Minorites they had indicated, persuaded he a nine-day of Tuesday to the honor of S. Antony to celebrate, with procuring & hearing as many Masses, which to be said he himself asked undertook. Began moreover on the very first day to be alleviated the evil; & proceeding by weeks the curing, on the last day so disappeared, that nor trace even remained. The matter to the whole neighborhood most known, asked by the parents a Notary public, in writing received; which when the Archbishop had read through, permitted the matter as miraculous to be published, to the honor & devotion of S. Antony among his to be increased.

§. XII. Utility of the Antonian Responsorium, from two Flemish books proved.

[135] That Antiphonarium, which from occasion offered in num. 13 we described entire, is believed by S. Bonaventure to have been composed. To the Responsory joined Collects, first one, The Roman printing of year MDCVI, to the same subjoins a Collect, in this manner to be recited. ℣ Pray for us S. Antony, ℞ that worthy we may be made of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. Thy Church God may the votive commemoration of B. Antony, thy Confessor gladden, that with spiritual always it may advance helps, & joys to enjoy may deserve eternal. Through D. N. J. C. This same Collect, uses in the Office & Mass of the Saint the Roman Church. In the edition of Macerata of year MDCXLVII, then three. the same is placed but with premised two of the Holy Spirit & Deipara, with congruent to itself Versicle & Responsory of the Holy Spirit alone, Send forth thy Spirit &c. & also another Antiphon , which equally by S. Bonaventure to have been composed, to suppose seems the Macerata printer, others moreover more expressly that very thing assert. It is such:

O offspring of Spain, fear of the infidels, New light of Italy, noble deposit Of the City of Padua: Bring, Antony, of grace of Christ patronage; Lest to the fallen of pardon time, brief entrusted, Flow away vain.

[136] The Paduans, with those not fully content, not only added to the Versicle ordinary of the Holy Spirit, a Versicle of the Divine, Pray for us Holy Mother of God &c; but also of the Saint, in this manner: ℣. Preacher distinguished, In Belgium is used another Collect. pray for us, Antony most blessed, ℞ That through thy intercession we may receive joys of life: with which when in the edition of Padua of year MDCLXXXVII, responds Prayer the same which above; wondrous is, how in Belgium, where ten years before his Epitome published John vander Borcht, omitted the ordinary, is placed this other, May intercede for us, we beseech, Lord, thy holy Confessor Antony, whom with virtues, miracles' signs, & prodigies thou hast adorned, & still to adorn ceasest not. Through D. N. J. C. And is subjoined also a new Versicle, in the manner of Absolution, ℣ By prayers & merits of B. Antony, ℞ May hear us the Lord.

[137] The same Author the very miraculous (as he calls) Responsory through each days of the Novena, With counterfeit money makers captured & condemned innocent, divides, & illustrates, & to points each produces miracles certain, its truth proving: of which some already related are, others here merit to be collected. Such is, what for day third, at the word Calamity, thus is narrated as at Naples done. A man certain married, & together with counterfeit money makers by chance seized, & to death adjudged was. Consternated by such news his wife, for her husband's innocence to be demonstrated to be formed immediately procures a petition: but not was who it to offer wished, because expressly had forbidden the Viceroy, lest anyone for liberating any of those to speak dared. So by men deserted the woman, to holy fled Antony, & on his altar suppliant her petition imposes, asking that it himself he would to the Viceroy deliver. The next day, which for executing the sentence destined was, returns to the church the woman, & finds on the altar the petition by the Viceroy signed: which seen immediately ran to her husband, now produced to death; & with exhibited grace to him made free thence the same led away. through petition by the very Saint delivered to the Viceroy, With others to punishment affected, approach the Viceroy supreme of public Justice ministers; & him interrogate, why, against faith to himself given, one him to be dismissed free he had wished. To whom he says, to have come to him a Franciscan Friar, & so openly & evidently the man's innocence had proved, that his absolution to deny him not he could. Recollected then, how severely he had prohibited, lest anyone before completed justice to himself to enter be permitted; approaches his praetorian cohort's Captain, & who to enter the Friar permitted had been, interrogates. He of the Viceroy's indignation fearing, diligently from soldiers, who station had had, the matter inquires: but all swear, no Friar that day to himself seen. Interrogated also by the Viceroy's order the Guardian of Minors, individually examines all his, nor is found anyone addressed to the Viceroy. With which heard wondering, by chance eyes turned to the effigy of the Saint, & exclaims; Behold him who to me suppliant petition delivered, under the end is absolved. & grace & subscription extorted. Known then from the woman was, how the matter had happened: which through all the divulged city, place to the Saint obtained among Patrons; & so much from collected soon alms of silver was, as much as for a statue of human magnitude to be cast work would be: & this in year MDCXLVII, in September month, brought into public treasury was.

[138] At the word, Demon, thus is read. In the kingdom Neapolitan a villicus there was, A faithful villicus unjustly vexed, of committed to him estate curator vigorous, & of contracted rent payer faithful; but to whom the master of the land never wished to give a written of received fruits receipt. With this one dead, & dead the witnesses of the payment by the villicus rendered, are present the heirs & demand a new one. Not knowing where himself to turn he, fled to of the afflicted help Antony, & with visited his altar was departing sad; when himself companion the Saint himself joined, & him consoling led to the summit of the fire-vomiting Vesuvius, from whose flames called up souls damned of his master & of witnesses; which & compelled to subscribe their names to a most full receipt: which written & duly signed, those again to hell to which damned they were returned; the villicus indeed with exhibited receipt, the obligation of repeated payment himself excused. The matter with all circumstances narrates Cressonerius fol. 47, through S. Antony from damned master receives the receipt: & is held signed by hand of three in Theology Doctors of the Order of Minors in year MDCXXXVI, at Naples then studying; & to the same with permission of the Elector of Cologne to be printed thus subscribing, Fr. Otto Bonavilla, Provincial of Prov. Colon. Ord. Min. Conv. S. Francis M. P. Fr. Honorius vander Ekren. Professed of Prov. Colon. Ord. Min. Conv. M. P. Fr. Otto Heyden, Professed of Prov. Colon. Ord. Min. S. Franc. M. P. … Similar is what follows.

[139] At Eboli in the Neapolitan kingdom, a Merchant certain & also money-lender John Marone, of his business curator faithful & by fear of God distinguished had, similar receipt the same extorts to whom from time to time some thousands of ducats he was trusting, from him repeatedly demanding & receiving of done business reckoning; asked moreover the same into his books to refer, never could be induced that to the demander he would give of office fulfilled receipt written. He moreover, whether through negligence, or rather through malice, was writing indeed whatever to the procurator his he trusted, not likewise what in return he was receiving. Meanwhile died also he himself, not unlike himself sons leaving heirs. These while books of paternal reckonings scrutinize, & repeatedly noted in them sums, which the father to that curator his had trusted, not likewise what for them he had returned, him into law call. Whom when to refute the faithful he, but unhappy minister could not, to the money-lender, from flames of Etna summoned. for defect of receipt or notice any in those books appearing, is cast into prison as theft's guilty. There he S. Antony invokes; & into deep & grave sleep plunged appeared Fr. Minor: who him, with loosed manacles & fetters, to follow outside prison orders; & led to the shore & placed in a boat, across the sea as if transported leads into the flame-vomiting mountain, where mouth of hell to be seemed, by black & foul monster guarded. To this the Saint commands, to present to himself the soul of John Marone of Eboli: who after written to his procurator which he owed receipt, again to hell precipitated disappeared: & the curator in the same boat through the sea is taken, with saying the Saint; Take courage, & certain be, that whoever in his necessity me shall invoke, quickly help will experience.

[140] This who had received to hide was asked, So he at his home free himself finding, outside chains & prison, with quittance in hand; it in the morning shows to heirs of money-lender: but because the day given posterior was to creditor's death, faith could not find before, than all to them, what either in body or in spirit he had seen, he had exposed. Understanding moreover unhappy of his father state, absolved him; but asked, with secret silence to suppress the seen. is forced to reveal the grace, Did not please God a pact such, by which the Saint's glory was hidden. Sends therefore to the man lethal & torturing disease; with which to extremes brought, & many revolving in mind, to suspect began, that to be the penalty of hidden benefit Antonian. Approaches therefore the P. Guardian of Minors of Eboli, & to him & companion his narrates all: & this done sudden to health restored, rises from bed; & the matter through many's notice divulged, many money-lenders to penance led. So Francis Statfelt, author of the Lily Antonian.

[141] Is cured gangrene. At the article, THE SICK RISE HEALTHY, from Rusconius fol. 39 & 40 this example in place second is produced. The Marquis of Mirola, General of army Papal, by Innocent PP. XI sent in subsidy of Venetians against Turks, in the siege of Sebenico, with shot fired ball received in leg, which to him whole bone shattered: & although nothing of those omitted was, what could from medical art to curing wound be applied; rotted yet the leg, & gangrene contracted deadly. This in discrimine, ordered an image of the Saint to hurt leg to be placed, & so prays: To thee I flee, O Saint Thaumaturge, although most unworthy sinner: I know that thou canst & wilt help. Hardly so spoken he had, when more easy to be immediately to himself felt, & leg most quickly to be consolidated, which through days altogether seventy to move he had not been able. He rises therefore from bed, to stupor of all, & benefit of Antony gratefully acknowledged, obtained in year MDCXLIV.

[142] Finally from day eighth, on which are expended the words, May cease & necessity, is proposed for confidence's motive following case of year MDCXLIX. A poor man, At Rome a certain Andreas Petracelli, to such had come want, that himself with wife & family to sustain could no longer; on this account that whole year vacant he had been compelled from work, with no one for whom it he might do found. Was necessary therefore him subsidies of alms to beg from consanguineous & known; they indeed not so liberal were, as required his extreme necessity. Hence now despairing about himself & his, on day XV February, which then Feria II of Carnival was, walking around mountain, which Monte-Caballi at Rome they name, conspicuous himself, of a noble man's servant seeking species, offers a demon; & to the sad this approaching, cause asks of appearing from his face pain. Then after some to each other colloquies; Willingly, said he, into my service thee I would take, except to Genoa hence to me to set out is. & himself even to demon to be about to serve professing, To whom Andreas very imprudently, Even to demon, said he, I would serve willingly, only to me food & clothing, & to my little family nourishment he should provide. What more? Is agreed on stipend, is gone to a tavern under the sign of Rose near the Macellum, dinner sumptuously; departs thence under condition, that journey on the following day they would begin, mutually themselves finding one outside the City milestone, at the place called Flumicinus, where ship ready they would have.

[143] In the morning to the way gives himself Andreas, the promises to fulfill; while him imprudent he follows, but to him coming to Monte-testaceum meets demon another, or perhaps the same under a man's other species, him to the place agreed going to accompany. So to demon's service addicted, dismissed now nearly Christ, of salvation was endangered eternal, unless Antony to him had come to aid, to whom himself he had been accustomed daily to commend. Indeed to those going out from the city meets a young Franciscan, with staff in hand, & clothes girded, as journey making: who to them approaching, the other with threatening these words addresses: Ho thou, bloody beast! whence to thee such audacity, that this wretched soul thou shouldst presume with thee to hell to drag. To which with horrible wailing thrice doubled the demon; from S. Antony is freed. Ah! ah! Antony, always me thou persecutest: & disappearing so heavy a blow to the wretched inflicted; that to ground he prostrated. But to himself returning consoled the Saint; Hence, said he, Andreas, all in God confidence place, of whom infinitely greater than demon's power is: nor doubt, but that he to thee in necessity however great will be present. Under these things disappeared the Saint, & to Andreas congruent means administered God, for little family to be sustained; wherefore grateful himself to show wishing, the matter whole on a tablet to be painted ordered, & it in the church of Minors hung, with witness Rusconius pag. 72.

[144] With similar to the aforesaid Book end, & with similar of the miraculous Responsory illustration, at Bruges came forth another Flemish Book, in year MDCLXXXVII, to S. Antony's devotees as new-year's gift of following year offered, From another similar book of year 1687 are held the following. under the title of Common Refuge, in whatever necessity, into three divided parts; of which I, the Life & virtues; II, glory of miracles; III, manner contains the Saint of being worshipped, especially through his votive Novena. The Author to hide his name out of modesty wished, content if the Book, by two of his Order Theologians approved, with permission of Fr. Alphonsus Coen, of Recollect Minors in Flanders Vicar Provincial, into light to go was permitted; which done with permission of P. Maes, Canon of the Cathedral Church of Bruges, in print of Peter van Pee. From such book's part second similarly I take elsewhere not related. There is alleged Rusconinus a certain, to me hitherto & to those whom I asked Minors unknown: is alleged also more frequently Treasure of Boverius; but neither this required to find I could: I would have preferred otherwise from the very fount to give each.

[145] To one pierced is obtained time of penance, And first at the word Death, I find, that In year MDCXXXIX, with brawling at Loreto two, of whom one for whole seven years confessed had not been, he by unhappy stroke pierced to ground fell. Sister his, to the Saint most devoted, & for soul of brother alone solicitous, fell before his altar, praying that lest the wretched she should allow eternal to perish. Matter wondrous! He who by judgment of all for hours two had lain dead, Confessor seeks; & with that obtained received the Church's Sacraments, & dies. In year MDCL John Baptista Bertholdi, hired to land near a ditch certain to be moved, a digger, with earth slipping buried, is raised. with great of slipping earth mass is buried, under it sepulchered, so that hardly to be drawn out he could from companions of work, with great of two hours labor. Meanwhile came the Parish-priest, & knowing the deceased wont to carry around S. Antony's icon, it from his sack drew out, to those present showed, asked for the deceased that they should pray, & him with image signed, & the Responsorium often mentioned recited: soon moreover signs of life to give Berthold, to open eyes & to rise up, no in part offended or hurt. So Boverius pag. 91.

[146] A Turkish matron from cancer healed, At the second word Error, from the same Boverius pag. 98, thus is read. A Placentine girl of years fourteen, Hortensia Galbatina, with great her misfortune, but greater of another good, came into power of Turks; & to a Bashaw certain sold, to his wife is delivered for service daily. To this while attends diligently, notices her mistress hers daily to invoke a Saint certain; about whom asking the same who he was, heard to herself to be named & praised Antony. Happened moreover to matron this breasts by cancer to be seized, & the evil into face upward to creep. Then recollected of miracles, which from time to time from servant Christian she had heard; Antony invokes, & promises also herself to be future Christian if by his help she be healed. This done, to Christ is converted. immediately & sweetly she falls asleep; & awakened, in a moment healed herself she finds. Nor faith failed. With manly mind conceived the woman, stealthily herself with chambermaid into a ship throws, crosses into Spain, with sworn off Mohammed baptism receives, & perhaps while these I write still among the living she is, says either the collector, or Boverius whom he alleges. Finally to things LOST coming, these to others adds memorable very.

[147] Charles 2 King of England, In year MDCLV Charles II King of England, at Cologne Agrippina staying, a thief suffered, who took away gold & silver which he had not much, far from paternal kingdom exiling. This he understood a Noble from his retinue sends to the Convent of Minors, that with Religious's prayers he might commend the case. The next day through church passing venerable old man P. Wernerus Burich, sees in it a man unknown, stealthily taken recovers. indicating a certain Confessional. Goes there the Father, & finds a sack there placed, & in it whatever to King taken had been. Brings it to the Guardian of Convent, R. P. Thomas Martini: this to King through two Religious safe sends back all. The King indeed, confirmed in his toward the Saint confidence, the matter whole authentically attested & written by his autograph & seal confirms; which instrument in the Convent is preserved as relates Boverius pag. 151.

[148] To Carmelites to Rome going lost viaticum In year MDCLVI R. P. Coelestinus a S. Simon, of reformed Carmelites through Belgium both Gallic & Flemish Provincial, with predecessor his to Rome was going to General Chapter & companion third who their little packs & viaticum was keeping. He from these lost pistols nine. The next moreover day all three Mass say of S. Antony, nothing one knowing about the other. Are sought everywhere pistols lost, nor are found. With them despaired give themselves to way, & passed of eight or nine hours' space, turn aside to an inn; where while fire is built, they see among straw shining of pistols one: then rising from table, wondrously is restored. hear not without stupor others seven to themselves before feet to fall, before many who were present standing by. In evening moreover while to bed they confer, appeared ninth coin which was lacking. Wherefore soon when to Rome they arrived, together all approached to the church of Ara-coeli, where each again in thanksgiving action sacrificed at his altar, as to see is in Boverius pag. 152.

[149] From a Swiss Captain taken money, Infinite I would be, if all in this kind written, much less done I wished to collect; one yet I cannot omit, what in year MDCLXXIV at Dunkirk in Flanders happened, just as to me related then there present, now however here at Bruges dwelling Fathers. Of Helvetians, French stipends earning Captain, not far from our was lodging the Convent: who to bed himself conferring, under his pillow hid a purse, containing about seventy pistols. Awakened, taken purse he found, & did not know whom of theft to suspect author; came at counsel of domestics to ours, while Mass of the Saint is said, Mass asks of S. Antony. While it is said, & Offertory makes the Priest, is rung strongly at the door bell. Comes there hastily Porter, & a soldier one finds fearing & trembling, who offered to him a purse with money full, standing behind his back somewhat farther the other. Refuses the purse to receive the porter: the soldier therefore into the middle parlor it casts, protesting, that it not he had stolen, & flees. Was found moreover it to be the purse which the Captain was seeking, is brought back to the Minors. & to him, still speaking with the Guardian, is returned. Who hardly of himself possessed for admiration & joy, afterwards returned, distinguished alms bringing, whence painted was the effigy of the Saint, with various around miracles, among which the newest that also is represented. Was then of Convent of Dunkirk Guardian Fr. Raymundus Ghysen, who afterwards of Province of S. Joseph Definitor, the aforesaid little book sent, to which with his hand the year above noted he had ascribed, with some there not sufficiently clearly expressed circumstances, which then present to me orally confirmed in year MDCXC.

§. XIII. Newest graces, through the Saint obtained, from Italian Mss.

FROM ITALIAN MS.

[150] Of this newest collection's Author, who in num. 124 himself names, The Caesarean Minister in year 1661 Fr. Ludovicus Micoli of Gemona, begins from a Letter to him directed, by Most Illustrious D. John Peter Joseph Ceschi de Sancta Cruce, Commissary for his Caesarean Majesty at the borders of Italy, in this tenor: Orders me Paternity yours Most Reverend, that I write a relation of graces, made to me by the glorious Thaumaturge: which indeed I confess to me to be impossible, on this account that, since unto this hour always under his singular patronage I have lived, in waters perishing, infinite (so to speak) benefits daily through him I have obtained & obtain; three yet more memorable briefly to thee I shall expose. When in year MDCLXI I was going to Innsbruck, summoned by Most Serene Archduke, on account of business certain of my office; & through the Estense dominion I was going toward Bolzano, & the river Adige banks overflowing the neighboring all way with waters had covered; was riding I on the sixth day of June through those more & more swelling, until at the milestone one from the Burg of Egna, I saw something of grass; & I thought higher there land to be. I said therefore to servants, let me (who than they more expedite I was, no after me baggage having as they) explore the bottom, & to it the horse I drove. But when that which seemed grass only the margin of a most deep certain ditch covered, headlong into it the horse fell; with recited responsory he is saved: I indeed, feeling water more to grow, descended from him; I was hoping namely that it not would transcend shoulders. But bottom there none finding, attempted twice in vain to return into the horse; until with waters garment filling heavy, him above myself I dragged. Then despairing for the third attempt to ascend myself into the horse to be able; to servants, from afar me beholding wrestling with death, I called, that they recite the Responsorium of S. Antony. To him when I also myself had commended, neck of horse I embrace, & by him into safety I am drawn. Returned therefore at Innsbruck, nothing before I had than to savior mine at Padua myself to present, & in testimony of benefit received to hang with thanksgiving action anathema due.

[151] In year MDCLXVII the only whom I had son four-year-old & most often infirm, his little son sick recovers in year 1767, thither at a time was brought, that no more gave sign of life: whom when to the Saint with usual confidence I had commended, & healthy I saw; I ordered that for year one he should carry habit of my Patron, & the little one as he was to Padua I led to render to benefactor thanks. In year then MDCLXXXII, with accustomed to me of side or kidneys pains more bitterly tortured, when to extreme me brought I believed, & I myself from stone 1682. at midnight roused family whole I ordered on knees to recite Litanies Marian with Responsorium Antonian, & I vowed personally to visit the Saint's tomb, & House of Virgin of Loreto. And when, on feet always to Padua walking, to it I had come plain, whence the church of the Divine to perceive I could; I bent knees, & Responsorium recited. Soon moreover to feel I began motion of descending stone, which & on following night I excreted in that chamber, which above Paternity yours bedchamber commodated to me had been. So I testify, from burg of Val Sugana VIII October, MDCLXXXVIII.

[152] As in year 1668, This Letter follows another, given at Mentoscaensis de Agesco II August MDCLXXXI in these words. Although for declaring the Saint of Padua glory, it is not work of testimonies to be multiplied; yet, that to my obligation toward Reverence yours, so much to Saint this devoted, I make satisfaction; I wish to relate a prodigy which about most holy his image happened in chapel of this palace; just as had happened in year MDCLXVIII, as most certainly I learned from relation of Most Excellent Peter Grimani, then here publicly recited. In year now past, for feast of the same Saint most splendidly adorned was the church or chapel this, & green lily placed in hand of sacred image, which with swelling laid aside retained green leaves unto the Vigil of the feast of this year; so much that silken they seemed, not in little granules even those yellow, which hang in middle, thence having fallen out. This therefore year, with greater even than before zeal adorned the chapel was; [so 1680 & 81 green in hand of statue a lily, flowers protrudes from dry stem.] my maid another lily into hand of Saint inserted, exposed to air & rays solar, through window from time to time entering; on days moreover summer protruded two flowers beautiful & green, of which one full now obtained magnitude, the other still gradually grows, although trunk dry seems; which thing most illustrious Lord Podestà & Captain of Capodistria with great relish observed: so that to be believed it can, that that image of Saint openly will promise many from God graces through Saint to be granted. And this is sincere relation of what happened, as I testify, of Reverence yours most humble & most obliged servant, Charles Giotti.

[153] Is illuminated a blind woman: In year MDCLXXIII, Anna Florini of Genoa, of all nearly eyes' light through three years deprived, so much nothing profiting remedies, that even for two weeks utterly blind she had been; vowed, that if sight former she should recover, to Padua she would go to thanks to be rendered; as she did, what she had asked having obtained. At Venice, in May month of year MDCLXXXVI, are healed, by bull struck; while bullfights watches Matthew Regini, raging & from chains loosed beast on him rushed, to ground threw, & of shoulders one with horn pierced. Lethal wound was believed: but with vow made he recovered within few days, & with that himself gratefully paid.

[154] In year same MDCLXXXVI, at Barbon in Paduano, pierced with shot, while Francis Vernarus of Lusia, with a certain girl innocently is talking; by rushing on him two badly disposed was attacked with two shots, of which one lethal stroke bore; but with vow of to be visited tomb sacred pronounced, former quickly recovered health. In month moreover September, & with butts struck: at Pedestrina, on John Rossada, I know not what of work his in garden doing, soldiers two enemies his rushed, with shots armed; & him with struck of shots butts so struck, that dead rather was believed than alive: but because with heart & mouth had invoked Saint, from two which he had received deadly strokes, within days not many he recovered, a mute receives speech: & thanks at Saint's tomb paid.

[155] In the district of S. John of diocese of Bologna, for months ten of speech deprived Dominicus Comutinus, it with made vow recovers quickly; & grace received in the very year prenoted narrated to P. Mag. Felix Scarella Sacristan, before Fr. Peter Rochi Subsacrista, & Andrea Friani native of place. Same year in August month, a boy from high, John Baptista Bissoni eight-year-old boy, moved by curiosity of seeing persons some below passing, from podium well high looking down, on head headlong fell: but in falling to the Saint himself commending, unhurt rose, & came to tomb, thanks due to relate: interrogated moreover by P. Felix Caprio, said, to have appeared to him the Saint in habit of Religion, & falling with right hand seized.

[156] Ludovicus Crivius, from Carnia in Germany going, from vehicle fell into most rapid river; by whose waves while long is carried away, invoked the Saint, a man in river fallen are saved: & was freed on day VII August in year above-said: & vow at Padua as he had promised paid. In same month & year, to John Maria Pero of Gransona, of firing shot tube burst, & forehead his so struck, that half-dead he was collapsed. Surgeons with opened cranium lethal wound to be judged: wherefore with great courage invoked Saint; & by his intercession healed, likewise lethally in forehead wounded: to tomb came, with thanksgiving action vow paying. Again in same month & year D. Ursula Tessani; home going out about third hour of night to S. Bernardinus, in a certain vehicle; while to return herself disposes, struck was by stroke of shot in one of hips: but help of Saint invoking, & by shot struck. quickly recovered, & anathema promised brought.

[157] In September month appeared at Padua Fr. Peter Loda, Hermit of Cremona, A blind man receives sight: who when for three months sight had lacked, nor from applied remedies anything of help had received; to make pilgrimage himself to Padua vowing, obtained what he asked within few days; & this gratefully testified. In same year, when Adige for days sixteen more vehemently had swelled, & by its continuous increase rupture was threatening to embankments, with which in Polesine is contained lest plain that all it inundate, of town Lendenara Lords, Senators of place, when to other celestial remedies in vain had returned, supplicated Father Guardian of Minors of S. Francis Conventuals, P. Mag. Paul Cattaneo, would deign to expose most holy Sacrament, with miraculous statue of Thaumaturge of Padua, just as he did on third day of Pentecost feast (then day VIII June) with running of all of place inhabitants, in so perilous occasion fervently to Saint themselves commending. And behold water, inundation is stopped: which at beginning of action that still was growing, to decrease began before it was finished; & so very night more than to four feet subsided, & following day to former state whole returned. Next then advent, when aforesaid Guardian preached, with sermon last refreshed to Senate memory of graces from Saint received, exhorting that him, with made senate-consult, Protector they elect: just as they did on XI January current MDCLXXXIX, with Lords Councillors & Regulators vow pronouncing, by which themselves were binding, every year together all to be present at Mass, which to be sung they would cause on first feria III of every January at altar of glorious Saint.

[158] In year MDCLXXXVIII in August month, D. Joseph Diononis, is healed erysipelas, of Tesana in Forum Julium tract dwelling, presented himself to P. Mag. Joseph Pasquetti of Padua, Minister Provincial & Commissary of this beloved Province of S. Antony of Minors Conventuals, & to me Fr. Ludovicus Micoli of Gemona, Secretary of same Province in visitation of Convent of S. Mary of Sabionera, & deposed; that, with ulcer certain or erysipelas he was laboring in arm right, with two about elbow wounds open, so that it from neck suspended he was carrying, & not to mouth even to bring he could, great in it torture he bore. But when in year MDCLXXXVII, about Vigil of Birth of Lord, he required Sacristan of aforesaid church, that at Mass for himself impeded he would serve, & he willingly had done what he was asking; he himself present under Elevation fervently asked help of Saint: Mass moreover finished home returned, wife asked, that arm as she was wont she would treat. She indeed it inspecting, said nothing of evil to appear, To whom Joseph: If nothing appears, it so leave; because Antony has helped me. And a little after returned to church already mentioned, & made in thanksgiving action Mass to be said at altar of Saint.

[159] In year MDCXC Veronica, wife of Felix Gatti, a line of pearls at Adria had lost, At Adria are recovered pearls lost by one mistress moreover whether outside she did not know; & so to church of S. Francis sacred herself conferred, & with found there Religious certain alms offered, for which Mass at altar of glorious S. Antony he would say, by which pearls lost she could recover. He her admonished, that with made first Confession, at said altar Communion sacred she should take. When therefore patronage of Saint fervently she had invoked; & home returned, a tablecloth for certain her guests' use from cupboard to produce she wished, sought unions under it she found, asserting, that the very tablecloth before curiously she had turned & re-turned often: & to Padua came, to give thanks for benefit so singular.

[160] In same in July month, similar line in pyx enclosed had lost Bartola Sarisina Talia-petra, & another Matron. while it to be pawned was bringing to Monte-sanctum, nor to find could whatever applied diligence. She commended therefore cause her to a certain Religious of S. Francis; & with him persuading vow made of to be continued accustomed on Tuesdays supplication. While moreover home she was returning, sad & weeping her loss, heard her a Noble certain, & promptly replied; Secure in soul be, Lady: I thy pearls bought; but immediately such of soul disquiet I felt, that day one a thousand years seemed, until I knew whose they were; & joyful to woman all restored.

[161] There still in October month, of Dominica Carestia, there ruins are subducted mother with daughters, together with mother & sister work certain doing in chamber of house her, near tower which old is called, curiosity occurred her tower itself to consider, since on account of antiquity long was threatening ruin. Hardly she had opened window, when with great fear consternated to cry began, S. Antony, help us, mother & sister beseeching that as soon as possible from chamber they flee: hardly moreover to ten paces thence she had proceeded, when falling tower chamber whole with itself dragged; & they from such present discrimine freed, thanks to their Patron gave.

[162] In November month with most vehement fevers there was laboring nine-year-old boy, lethal fever is driven off, only-begotten son D. Antony Alaiz; about whose life despairing physicians, ran afflicted father to church of S. Francis, & several Masses to be celebrated made at altar of holy of Padua; & nine-day himself to observe promising, asked Superior of Convent, that with brought to sick Relic of Saint he would deign to him to bless. Ceased moreover immediately fever, & within few days so strong was boy, that to be brought he could to thanks to be given, & that in habit votive ash-colored.

[163] is saved one fallen into well, In same place, in month & year D. Peter Antony Garufarini, while ball with companions exercised, & it striking back, backwards fell into not at all provided & deep well; & Saint invoking stood above water nothing hurt. In month moreover December John Baptista Caniti, descending from ship which from Padua had returned, headlong fell into Brenta, then very swollen: & river, but of Antony help imploring, to be lifted himself manifestly felt, & to be borne to bank; into which he escaped, with admiration of all bystanders & his own; & anathema brought to altar of Saint.

[164] In year MDCXCI in March month, at Padua happened, that Stella, wife of Mag. Marchiori of Padua, Likewise a certain under ruins; upon roof of house her had gone for business certain domestic; & when she wished to descend, subsided floor, & her in ruins involved into lowest brought, commending herself to S. Antony, by whose benefit even safe remained, & vows her to him paid. In June month, by furies diabolical agitated jealous woman of Caesena, wife of Blasius Brigi, decided husband sleeping throat to cut, another with throat cut, & what she had decided in actual matter was executing; when he, both with pain as with flowing force of blood awakened, among those straits Saint as he could invoked, whose then feast was being kept: & although lethal altogether wound were judged surgeons, coalesced within few days; & to Padua came vow his to offer at ark. There Polyxena Beretini, & sick to death, in grave which two years had lasted infirmity given up by physicians, physician from heaven S. Antony required, with vow of Novena to be done herself binding; & from it soon began to have better, & gradually healed approached to tomb, due to give thanks.

[165] & a Religious Minor Of same year in February month, of Paduan Convent Religious certain graduate with slow fever was held: which when, growing daily evil, imperceptibly crept, lethargy at length to sick most dangerous brought; nor with strengths utterly destitute anything of remedy could be applied, whence & life his physicians despaired held. Wrestled yet with death the sick was space of two months; with soul always firmed in hope of help to be perceived from Saint, whom continually invoked, together with Deipara & B. Francis, advocates his. At length XV February, from slow consumption. which day is to holy Antony's Tongue dedicated, asked, that two devout Religious with companion his would communicate before Sacred ark, by that end that holy Thaumaturge before God might intercede for his revalescence: which prodigiously followed . And the very same physician, professed that on aforesaid feast he found of artery pulse altogether resuscitated. From this gradually to himself returns sick, & about Easter exempted from peril, decided that by skilled painter's hand matter done would be expressed. He moreover expressed sick from death struck, but who by hand of Saint was put to flight; at feet moreover was read this epigraph: With pale death long sick striking, by celestial… of B. Mary Virgin, & holy Father Francis & S. Antony Protector's patronage supported, unharmed at last escaped. F. J. P. P. Minor. Conventual of Convent of S. Ant. Pat. Grace in year MDCXCI. Such anathema for several days exposed stood before ark: thence transferred was into chapel to the same contiguous, eternal of granted grace monument.

[166] MDCXCI in August month, Maria Angela Margarita Bivei of Padua, infernal tortures to bear herself believed from stone, because no to them she found remedy, A woman from stone, when therefore section had decided to try, in vigil of feast of Antony from heart herself commended to Saint, & ordinary certain medicament applied: which soon stone at once & torture expelled, as she gratefully testified, it with her anathema to tomb hung.

[167] In year following in August month, at Padua appeared from Delos, another from demon, of Paduan diocese NN. Her from years many demon was agitating & direly bruised vexing: but placed at venerable ark, & herself through hour half space to Saint commending: fell half-dead. Thence to senses returned, summoned husband, & to him said herself desired grace to have obtained. He when with hair loosened her saw standing, asked how this had happened; she moreover replying this herself to be ignorant, more diligently looking the man, noticed all of same extremities cut off, intact to which were tied little cord: following moreover day with received Confession & Communion Sacraments, home cheerful returned.

[168] & a soldier from ball at himself struck, Same year there appeared Antony Barison of Padua, who in East fighting Most Serene Republic against common enemy; & in battle certain struck by shot, invoked Saint; found moreover his shot, which carried from belt hanging, bruised indeed by struck ball, himself indeed everywhere intact: wherefore his that shot for anathema to ark hung.

[169] In same year MDCXCII, to solemnity of feast, A certain Count from lethal disease, from Mantua to Padua came D. Count Bulgarini with wife, to fulfill vow for health to him restored from grave & dangerous infirmity, whence given up by physicians & to extremes brought he had been. But when at the same time both had vowed for years some to wear ash-colored garments, gradually better to have began sick; & vow to fulfill, before sacred ark himself presented.

[170] In following year MDCXCIV in April month, Fortunatus Sigismundus, a boy from perilous fall, five-year-old son of D. Peter Francis Ceschi de S. Cross in burg of Val Sugana with mother her existing upon a certain of house little bridge, high feet about forty, from there headlong & with bare head fell into subject courtyard, with stones strewn. At noted sudden case consternated mother, exclaimed; S. Antony help thee, S. Antony help thee. Was lying on ground little one with spread hands & turned face, wherefore by parents & domestics was believed extinct; & as such by maids' hands brought into chamber was, & on bed placed. When moreover him of clothes they had stripped, was detected a little still to breathe. Visited then by physicians accurately from head to feet, when except modest in head contusion, nothing in whole body appeared of evil any indication, was permitted to rest: after one hour to himself returned, & following day from bed rising healthy, from home was gone out & led to Padua; where father his matter whole as done was with hand own wrote, & I from original at tomb hung the same received.

[171] In year same similarly from Macerata to Padua came couple two in habit ash-colored, A Macerata certain from lethal fever, for that man from burning fever to extremes brought, with wife Novena for him doing, on third Tuesday day, better to have began; & thence with great steps he advanced to full health, which to beneficent Saint received to attribute, with hung to tomb anathema, they testified.

[172] In year MDCXCIV in May month to Andrew Pulzato of Noala, a rustic by ruin buried, field cultivating around wall certain, by this falling buried lay for hours two; Saint yet with vow invoking, safe thence was extracted. Son also his Angelus, of years ten, by horse trampled, & his son by horse trampled, not only body whole but also head, quickly recovered when was to Saint commended. By similar of house his burning ruin at Ferrara in April month oppressed Joseph Massari, with invoked Saint safe escaped, & vow paid.

[173] Augustinian Friar from apoplexy, In June month at Milan Religious Augustinian graduate & to Saint devoted, by light was apoplexy touched: after time moreover some relapsed so, that physicians, with attempted in vain remedies, said about of soul salvation to be thought only for him. When therefore Saint had invoked, & his help soon to have lighter much had begun; to health at length former restored, took care vow his at sepulcher to be hung in September month.

[174] brothers 2 from demon, In June month aforesaid, in town Lugo youths two brothers, Francis Xaverius & Antony Capuzzi, often by malign spirits invaded, & through exorcisms for time only freed; at length in church of S. Francis by uncle his, there Religious, commended to Saint were, & by him from vow to Padua led to sacred ark; to which on evening of day XXVII both placed, entirely cleansed were, with ceasing to one furious by which was tortured movements, to other returning free of foot impeded use.

[175] several from danger of shipwreck about to be made, While in June month of year same, from East happily sails was making, Venice toward, firm ship, with travelers full; in gulf of Lodrina seized it dire tempest, & with broken anchor rope of safe return hope had lost all. But vowing pilgrim from their number one with common expenses going to go to Padua, & for each going to bring royal one, from imminent shipwreck were preserved. Hardly indeed vow they had pronounced, when calmed tempest was, & to port landing no first care came, than to dispatch votive pilgrim, who of matter whole eye-witness with their offering to ark came.

[176] In similar peril poor certain from Mestre to Venice were coming, in boat uncovered, or with overturned boat to be drowned. with one sole ferryman. When moreover they had approached to S. Secondo, place very perilous, & the sailor had applied all his effort in vain, was overturned by waves the boat. With one yet excepted, who perished; the rest, who to Saint themselves had commended, with seized of boat margin, to the same adhered; until the rower it had erected; then safe to port landed: whence together all to Padua came, & what to them had happened confessed to Father spiritual their.

§. XIV. Miracles from Spanish of Damianus Cornegius, edited in year 1684: & of one Lutheran wondrous conversion.

[177] James Cabarella, Count of Collalto, Consul of Padua, when was of Antonian sacristy Treasurer, & was necessary for office his presence his to exhibit of Relics ark of Saint, A ring at Saint's ark lost for solace of pilgrims certain, to be opened; from wife, then recently from birth relieved, two received rings, to sacred Relics to be applied. This when to do he was preparing, slipped from hands of them one was, & it with adamants precious set: which although in all & of Guardian sight had fallen, at home is found, sought yet on pavement, to be found nowhere could. Let us say therefore, said Guardian, Responsorium of Saint; for since falling we have seen, without doubt hides in some corner concealed. Returned thence home Count, half mile distant, & found wife, in soul sick, on this account that a little before had found ring, lying near window of bed her contiguous: wherefore entering to her husband querulous received, as negligent. But he when affirmed altogether himself ring to have brought to ark, & there it with hands his slipped; agreed at length between them, both certified, benefit of Saint to have been, that home he just then was.

[178] No less wondrous is, what to me narrated a man grave & learned, likewise a needle at night lost of this Castilian Province, now Guardian of Convent of S. Mary of Alcalá. Namely, that when he was studying Theology, & on a certain night after Matins he wished to mend tunic his; & in the very work for another certain cause to rise he was compelled, not enough to needle his attentive fell out it; & was hour inconvenient, namely between third & fourth, with invoked Saint. for to seek another needle from fellow-students. In vain therefore through way which he had gone & returned he had searched, to Saint it commended by reciting Responsorium. To cell his about to enter, & hand applying to lock, while key turns, felt to himself something within right to move: what spider thinking, to shake off he was trying. But with applied closer little candle which carried, needle his he saw from thread hanging: & praised benignity of Saint, even of such small caring.

[179] Francisca Conti of Bologna, tortures was suffering most grave from demons, an energumen freed, to whose tyranny was permitted: among whom mind so was alienated, that intervals certain lucid having, she believed a disease some natural to be, nor would think of exorcisms to be applied. Under these things with great faith invoking S. Antony, him to herself in clear splendor standing she had on night certain; & she heard him admonishing, that in Deipara virgin placing confidence, by her herself to be freed she should believe. And I, said he, instead of her have come, health to thee about to confer. This said with seized by hair he compelled face to turn to image of Deipara, with the Saint Deipara imploring. son with arms embracing, which at bolster of bed stood; & asked that to her this devotee health he would restore. Immediately moreover to vomit she began of unclean animals abundance great: of which freed, free herself also from demons felt; & with great cries husband elsewhere reclining & family rousing, her healing & whatever had happened with words explained, & further truth of vision with constant health proved.

[180] For 20 years sterile, from vow she conceives: In year MDCXVII a matron of Bologna, with sterile through years twenty marriage used, & therefore to husband hateful, no less by unhappiness her than by husband's adulteries was afflicted; with continuous prayers, alms, fasts of Saint help she was imploring. While moreover at a time her unfortunate condition she was exposing to Religious certain Franciscan; counsel received, she should institute herself together with husband Novena to Saint, & altogether herself should believe of vow compos to be future. Not hardly offered condition accepted husband; & wife soon to have conceived rejoicing, was confirmed in undertaken of life better purpose. & with brought forth shapeless mass, But when of giving birth time had come, came forth into light shapeless & putrid mass, which the man into furies & worst about wife's modesty suspicions impelled: nor dared women, who at giving birth had stood, unhappy fetus to mother to show. She indeed soon as from birth's pains relieved herself somehow felt, refusing & many things excusing she compelled to show to herself whatever it was: nor indeed believe I can, she was saying, she receives from altar living & beautiful infant. that Saint my to me has mocked. Brought, & with tears recognized, with cleaner cloths to be wrapped ordered, & to be placed upon altar Antonian. Done this to husband present, and a future witness of the miracle, or at least one who would take care that no fraud be committed against him. But while all alike were devoutly intent upon prayer, there seemed to be a stirring of the sad bundle beneath its cloths, and a wailing was heard to issue forth. The swaddling-bands were unbound, and there appeared a most beautiful infant; and being carried home with the joy of the father to its mother, it dispelled from the man all the mists of his suspicions.

[181] A girl to be prostituted by her mother A certain woman of Naples, noble but poor, had a most beautiful daughter, whose chastity she preferred to set up for sale rather than to endure a poverty unbecoming to her station. When she had laid this counsel of hers before her daughter, and the girl, full of modesty, abhorred it; after a long struggle on both sides, on a certain evening the chaste maiden came to the Convent of S. Lawrence, and with profuse tears besought help from her holy Patron. Nor in vain. She receives a note from the Saint, For the image of the Saint, stretching out its arm, held out a little note to her, bidding her carry it to a rich merchant whom it named, inscribed with these words: "To the woman bringing this note, let there be given as a dowry as much weight of good silver as it shall weigh. Farewell. Friar Antony." The girl, delaying not at all, went where she had been bidden, and handed over the note, telling by whom and whence it came. He, gazing upon her beautiful face and confused in mind, began to think that she was some prostitute who was using such a trick to catch money; and he answered her: "Either he who is to marry you with so small a dowry is some lecher, or he loves you greatly and from the heart: four hundred crowns for a dowry. for my part, in honor of S. Antony, I am altogether willing to do what you ask of me in his name." And taking the note, he placed it on one side of the balance, and on the other a few silver coins; but they so failed to raise the little paper that it was necessary to add up to four hundred crowns. Then indeed there came back to the merchant's mind a vow concerning a silver lamp to be provided at that price; and understanding that the carrying out of it was being commuted for him into an alms of equal value, he made over the whole sum to the girl; who, using it well, obtained a suitable match for herself, and at the same time relieved her mother's poverty.

[182] At Palermo, in the principal Convent of a certain Religious Order, a lay Brother, blinded by a lust for gain, a censer carried off by theft had stealthily removed from the sacristy a silver censer, to be valued more for its workmanship than for the weight of its metal. But the sacristan, having perceived the loss, did everything to recover it together with the Brother; for he suspected him so much the less, the more bitterly that man execrated the thief with sharper curses. And indeed he feigned an extraordinary zeal for the sacred object, so much so that he urged the Father Sacristan to go with him to the first church of the Seraphic Order in that place, sacred to S. Francis, intending there to have a Mass sung in honor of S. Antony. The Sacristan did not refuse, having much hope of recovering the loss reposed not only in S. Antony of God, but also in the firm fidelity of that good Brother, as he believed. And behold, while the one was intent on feigned prayers, and the other upon true ones as devoutly as could be; it is made manifest during the sacred rite, the hypocrite, having by chance drawn out a handkerchief to wipe his nose, drew out also the little chains of the censer: which the Sacristan soon recognizing, caught the thief; and as he had deserved, he presented him, arrested, to the Prelate; lest indeed the benefit of the Saint should be wrapped in ungrateful silence; yet with this moderation, that he prayed for a milder punishment for the thief.

[183] These things having been gleaned from the Spanish (for most of what Damianus relates, we have in the foregoing from another source), I return to the Italian Collection which I ended there, where the Collector had ceased to write with his own hand. For there was then, in another hand, namely that of the very man to whom the matter had happened, yet in the same quire, recorded the following admirable case, written in the year 1694, as follows. In the year 1684, Henry Hintz, by birth a Mecklenburger, by sect a Lutheran, from Saxony, was staying at Bensheim in the house of a certain Catholic In the year 1684 a Lutheran Saxon, for his business, and had a room assigned to him, where there stood, set out upon the table, an image of S. Antony of Padua, printed on a half-sheet of paper, within a small border. This, by I know not what chance, stood with the head turned to the feet, nor had Henry noticed it; when on a certain day there entered there some of his Catholic friends; one of whom, noticing the image standing inverted, restored it to its right position, saying to Henry that it was no light sin thus to dishonor the Saints of God. Henry excused himself truthfully, that this had been done by no fault of his own, but by a chance unknown and accidental to him. Nevertheless the other persisted in rebuking him the more importunately, and in saying inverting the Saint's image contemptuously, that he marveled that God should endure such contempt of His so beloved servant. Then Henry, somewhat angered, spoke these very words: "Do you then perhaps wish that what can never happen, that it should turn itself round?" To whom his friend said: "Do not mock; for God, who through this Saint as His instrument has done so many marvels, could also do this."

[184] he finds it restored of itself: Henry laughed at all this, and seizing the image again, although all warned him not to do it, turned it upon its head, affirming with an oath that if it should turn itself round there, he would altogether profess himself a Catholic: and having said this, he made all go out of the room, and shut it himself, taking the key with him. After some time, having returned to the same place for his business, and thinking nothing more of the aforesaid, he unlocked the room, and saw the image upright upon the table, set on its feet. Then indeed, confused and astonished, he departed thence, nor for shame did he say a single word to anyone about the matter; but in the evening, going to bed as late as he could, he did not dare even to look at, much less to touch, that image, for fear. At length, however, this fear having been little by little dispelled, after some days he came nearer; and his courage being resumed, he even dared to touch it, and in order to remove it from his sight, gave it to a certain girl, a daughter of the family; then indeed he also departed from the aforesaid house and town, and gave himself into the service of the Hollanders, and returning with them from Smyrna through Italy, at last came into his own country.

[185] Here again he rested for some time, and again went off into Italy to see Rome and other more illustrious places; afterward becoming a Catholic in Italy in the year 1692, and at last at Florence he approached Cosimo III, Duke of Tuscany; by whom, being presented with a military standard, he remained in garrison at Porto Ferraio. And when the most illustrious Lord Paul Pecci of Siena, Bishop of Massa, visited that fortress several times among the other places of his care, Henry began to deal more familiarly with him; and God touching his heart inwardly, he resolved, having abjured Luther, to embrace the Catholic religion, as he did on the blank day of May in the year 1692: and the next morning, nay, even a Religious, having made to the Most Illustrious himself the confession of his sins, he received from his hands holy Communion and Confirmation, in the principal church of that place. Then, having received a testimony of what had been done, signed by the hand of the Bishop himself, and having been discharged from military service, he betook himself to Siena; and there, among the Friars Minor Conventual, took the Franciscan habit, on the 4th day of June in the year 1694, with the name of Friar Antony Paul. This event stands written concerning the image of the Saint, from the account which Henry himself gave to the Bishop in the Confession made to him, accusing himself of that sin; which the Bishop asked Henry that it might be permitted to reveal, and he himself most willingly assented, to the glory of God and of His Saint. And in faith and as a sign of the truth, he attests the miracle in the year 1694. the aforesaid Henry, now a Religious as above, wrote this account with his own hand. And it was signed, in the same hand in which he had written the aforesaid, "Friar Antony Paul Hintz, as above, with my own hand." June II: 14 June