ON SAINT MODOALDUS ARCHBISHOP OF TRIER.
ABOUT DCXL.
PrefaceModoaldus, Archbishop of Trier (St.)
G. H.
[1] There flourished in the Seventh of Christ Century S. Modoaldus, Metropolitan of the Church of Trier, of whom the first mention is made among the Bishops, who with him were in the Council of Rheims under Sonnatius the Bishop, He is present at the Council of Rheims, in the year DCXXIV or the following held, as we deduced in book 4 of our Diatribe concerning the three Dagoberts Kings of the Franks. There flourished in the same with S. Modoaldus time S. Desiderius Bishop of Cahors, under the same Kings of the Austrasians, Dagobert the first and his son S. Sigebert. There are extant of this S. Desiderius epistles in volume first of the Writers of the History of the Franks at Andrew du Chesne: [he is praised by S. Desiderius Bishop of Cahors for benefits bestowed on this one.] among which epistle LIV he inscribes To his Lord always Modoaldus the Pope, whom this S. Modoaldus we judge to be: wherefore that excellent monument here we set forth. If of thanks the rights for your benefits to recompense I should wish, I should not be wise; on account of those namely supereminent good things, which in the present year toward us your largesse studied to sow abroad: on account of expenses namely superfluous, on account of of travelers manifold necessities. Nor only of those serving opportune subsidies not few you sent, but also us ourselves both with expenses and gifts you enlarged. Thou hast fulfilled, blessed Father, of largesse the office, thou hast sustained the peregrination ours, thou hast had compassion on our labors; and far from our native soil placed so with paternal affection thou didst foster, that neither the region's fertility, nor the parents' sweetness from want did I desire. Our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose love this thou hast expended, to thee for our extremity a rewarder may exist. Now therefore of my service the rights discharging, I supplicate, that whom then with benefits thou consoledst, now with the benefit of prayer thou help. The bearer besides of the present office, our common son, Claudius the Abbot, receive in all things commended: and the little gifts which from us he shall have brought, with a grateful mind have. When of a messenger an opportunity shall have offered itself, concerning your and the Lord King's, or your brothers and sons' may we merit of their safety by a rescript's series to be consoled. These things S. Desiderius, who died on the XIX of November in the year XVII of S. Sigebert the King, of Christ DCXLVIII, when he himself in the year XXIII of the Church of Cahors presided. But S. Modoaldus is said everywhere for thirty years to have ruled the Church of Trier. But because of this matter nothing certain among the ancients is found; we judge him to have presided from the year about DCXXII, unto the year DCXL: but without prejudice, until otherwise by others proved we shall know.
[2] We edited on the day XXI of February the Acts of S. Germanus Abbot of Grandval in the diocese of Basel, He institutes S. Germanus Abbot of Grandval. by the author Bobolenus a contemporary, who these things at number 2 and 4 writes: When was S. Germanus a little infant, he was delivered to B. Modoaldus, who also himself in those days of the city of Trier the Cathedral with the citadel of sanctity held: who when he had heard him elegant, and of a sagacious ingenium perceived the boy, in letters liberal him to instruct began… But when S. Germanus was of years seventeen, with a panting mind B. Modoaldus the Bishop to entreat began: O venerable Father, permit me, that all things later being placed, to a monastery, to which me shall order the Divine piety, I may go. But indeed B. Modoaldus to wonder began at the youth's mind, that so manfully he acted, that the desert he should desire, he said to him: O youth, a great and high thing to be open thou desirest, but to youths slippery is the way, through which with a trembling foot to go thou hastenest. And he said to him: I am not bold to thee to give permission on account of the royal power, because it is written: For there is no power, except from God. Rom. 13, 1 & 2 And again: He who power resists, God's ordination resists. Thus far there. Nor other certain and indubitate monuments concerning S. Modoaldus to be extant we know, which through the barbarians' incursions and of the Trier city's overthrow did not perish.
[3] Afterwards when in the year of Christ MCVII the body of S. Modoaldus had been conveyed into the diocese of Paderborn and to the monastery Helmwardenhuis, urged the Abbot Tietmar at Stephen Abbot of S. James in the city of Liège, in the 12th century the Life written that the deeds of S. Modoaldus he should write. He performed what was asked the Abbot Stephen, prefacing that on account of the said overthrow of the city of Trier himself an accurate relation to have not been able concerning things by S. Modoaldus before years nearly six hundred done. It seems therefore on every side his things from traditions popular and Chronicles not always most certain to have collected. This Life is extant in several Mss. and is edited by Laurentius Surius on this XII of May, which we collated with a Ms. codex of Corsendonck of the Canons Regular near Turnhout in Brabant. and the History of the Translation. We add from the Ms. of Böddeken the History of the translated body, by eye-witnesses and the actors of the matters written, to the same Stephen's censure for correction subjected, as if a work it needed by him to be polished. But this of religious modesty was, it appears for from the Prologue, which other not is than an epistle of the Abbot Tietmar to Stephen, nothing needed that in that writing to be polished and adorned should labor Stephen, of whom the author so elegantly shone with eloquence. This moreover not we doubt the very Tietmar to say, under whose name as written is the Prologue, so also under the same to be reckoned ought to be edited to have been which follows the history.
[4] Whether he helped in founding the Theologium monastery? Trithemius, book I of the Compendium of Annals, in Clovis II hands down, the Dologium, in others Theologium monastery, by the counsel and help of B. Modoaldus to have been in the year DCXXVII founded. Of that monastery we treated on the day VIII of February before the Life of S. Paul Bishop of Verdun number 9, and we said the same to be asserted by Brouwer, asserting placed of that cloister the foundations in the first of Dagobert's reign years, Modoaldus the Archbishop of Trier zeal and patronage to that matter his conferring. These things they: of which at Stephen the Abbot or others more ancient, with mention of S. Modoaldus, we do not find any vestige: whether moreover Trithemius some such thing from the more ancient had, escapes us. Besides at the request of S. Modoaldus is handed down S. Sigebert the King of the Church of Trier the protection to have undertaken, to that end by a diploma by Francis Rosieres divulged: which deservedly suspect to be held we said in the Analects to the Life of S. Sigebert number 13 & 14. James Masen, in his to Brouwer's Annals Additions and Chronological Index, broadly endeavors to prove, in his time did not live S. Irmina and Adela. S. Irmina and her sister Adela to have been Dagobert the first's daughters, by S. Modoaldus excellently to all piety formed, and by S. Irmina the monastery Horreum, by the other Palatiolum constructed. Of which none at Stephen, who the ancient monuments scrutinized, is found mention: and we to volume II of April in the Preface against the same Masen, showed S. Irmina and Adela to have been daughters of Dagobert II, whom he was ignorant to the kingdom to have come Brouwer, with the rest who before us flourished writers of the genealogies Frankish.
[5] The mentioned above Bobolenus, sufficiently a contemporary author, pronounced Modoaldus in the citadel of Sanctity to have lived, and often him with the title of Blessed adorns. The memory in the sacred Calendars. Stephen, Abbot of Liège as a Saint principal with continuous of encomiums praises adorns. Then later Calendars in Germany written the cult sacred confirm, and there are with the Ms. Florarium the Martyrology of Cologne and Lübeck in the year MCCCCXC printed, and the Additions of Grevenus and Molanus to Usuard, and with today's Roman Martyrology Galesinius, Canisius, Ghinius, Gelenius, Saussay on this XII of May, likewise on the XV of February under the name of Rodoaldus a Ms. Calendar Benedictine, and the XVI of April on account of the translations of the body in the before indicated Ms. Florarium, Relics at Trier. and the Ms. of Brussels of S. Gudula, with some who on the XV of April him refer. Besides the sacred of the body bones to Helmwardenhuis conveyed, and perhaps by heretics dissipated, in the temple of S. Paulinus left three little portions has the history of the Translation n. 36, to which (that of the honor of the old sepulchre I be silent, testified in the Life number 41) adds the Archdeacon, the people of Trier in such a Patron's dismissal consoling number 45, whatever to the sacred bones formerly was joined itself to contain, the heart namely and the tongue and the rest of his flesh pledges, which into ashes turned, without doubt for themselves reserved those. Some also his Relics are outside the city in the church of S. Matthias, and at Cologne in the church of S. Gereon. Concerning these last treats Gelenius in his Cologne page 267, concerning the former we treated at the Life of S. Matthias 24 of February page 453. In the little book concerning the Relics in the Church of S. Paulinus formerly printed, among the Relics of the Patrons of the said Church is reckoned the Head and Leg of S. Modoaldus Archbishop of Trier, and afterwards among the Relics of Confessors, again is added among these to be preserved of the Relics of S. Modowaldus Confessor, and these I would believe to be three particles, concerning which above: the head moreover and leg, already formerly outside the shrine apart from the rest of the bones to have been to veneration preserved, and therefore a work it was not that a part other more notable there should be left. Doubtful however this explanation makes the quality of bones from the bodies of SS. Abrunculus and Bonosus of Helmwardenhuis handed over in exchange for those which they sent away. Among the Relics also of the greater Church of Trier hands down Scheckmann also found in a little ivory chest some of S. Modowaldus Archbishop. and at Liège. But also at S. James's of Liège place, not much before than Stephen the Abbot the Life should write, translated some of the same Saint relics Stephen himself testifies number 42, that even therefore from Mainz to Liège it should be come: and it is credible hence to have been done, that by him rather than another any Thietmar of Helmward the Abbot him to of this kind a writing provoked.
LIFE
By the Author Stephen Abbot of S. James of Liège. From Mss. & Surius.
Modoaldus, Archbishop of Trier (St.)
BHL Number: 5984
BY THE AUTHOR STEPHEN THE ABBOT FROM MSS.
PROLOGUE.
[1] To the Lord Tietmar, of the Helmward cloister Abbot reverend, and to the holy who under his care live Brothers, Stephen, Abbot of the humble congregation of B. James in Liège, eternal in the Lord salvation. Since the of graces distributor God in dividing to individuals, as He wills, above all things gives charity, by which we may love the good things in others, which are wanting in us, The Author congratulates Tietmar that all things of individuals and individual things may become of all; it is necessary, that in our neighbors we should study by loving to possess, what we see in ourselves by working less to come forth. Whence the good of your zeal drawing the odor, very much glad and delighted we are, upon these namely, which concerning of your labor the profits became known to us through a certain one of your men, whom for a time we used: in whom one of all of you the conversation good imagining, we rejoice already from charity you to foreknow, whom with a bodily gaze it has not yet happened to see. By hope for to the supernal tending fatherland, thither of prayers and tears the legation being sent before, to ask we ought what to the peace are of Jerusalem; and to the perpetual with that one's citizens of dwelling covenant to be composed, to lift up rather of faith the eyes to the mountains, whence to us of intercession help may come, than to presume concerning Princes, in whom salvation none is.
[2] Of this therefore heavenly habitation to be obtained with a pious kindled desire, to a citadel of so great strength your minds you advanced, that the treasure of the people of Trier, the obtained Relics of S. Modoaldus and other Saints: for from several years laid up, with pious importunity you should set about to spoil, the pledges namely of S. Modoaldus the Archbishop, and two bodies of Thebans, with other relics having dared to demand, worthy to obtain, to carry away, to honor and in the patronages of them to exult. And since the desire of His poor heard the Lord, both with God's and the Saints' will preceding, and your following industry, that to obtain you merited, which no of silver or gold abundance could be acquired, which no royal power would presume to attempt. How much moreover of time, how much of labor to these to be obtained you have expended, with what favoring persons to this of good will efficacy you came, how of this, so to say, victory's prize you apprehended, sufficiently diligently unto a nail's depth described that man abovesaid, nay now our both brother and friend cordial, and whatever from charity he merits to be called, a man of sincere jucundity, who to such business always with his labor and counsel was present. Who in body indeed for a time to you absent, in spirit moreover always present, while for to be investigated his Patron's nobility, of our order places very many he visited: and as a bee argumentative, of the flowers the sweetness into honey's liquor carrying together, both the deeds of the Pontiffs, and the Annals of the Kings of the Franks, and to him asking that his Acts be written and the fame of the ancient wise ones with diligent inquiry should run through; at last to us of all the last he turned aside, beseeching not perfunctorily, but indefatigably and most instantly, that of the life and miracles of B. Modoaldus, in lessons and responsories, some of our little ingenium gift home to be conveyed by us he might merit to receive. By whose prayers opportunely importunate, when on this hand the humility of our profession for declining of presumption a note to oppose persuaded, on that hand the charity of an internal hardening toward a neighbor us would argue; of a more supereminent way the breadth fear cast away considering, since that which we are, that we live, that we are wise, all to God and neighbor we owe; at last to the friend's pious desire we acquiesced to satisfy.
[3] But when to these we to be fit despaired, by the very our despair more robust, that he would do it he receives, to Him forthwith hope we raised, who even the immense and brute of the she-ass brayings, into sensate of human colloquy distinguished modes. By His therefore strength of consideration girded, we set about by God the author to narrate, what concerning the life and miracles of B. Modoaldus the Pontiff, both from the ancients' relation, and from authentic books reading we could gather: in which of words leaves are not to be sought, because of unfruitful loquacity the levity in the sacred pages is restrained, while in the temple of God through Moses a grove to be planted is forbidden. Deut. 16 This one indeed the way of sanctity from a boy having entered, so far from virtue to virtue through spiritual ascents he advanced, that according to the word's presage, by which among men he was called Modoaldus, with God he is named and is modo altus (now high). Whose sanctity and nobility in so great of loftiness parity met, that us by their very magnitude doubtful they render, which of them in the exordium of the narration to the other we should prefer. Because when for the most part in of this kind persons nobility sanctity impedes, in this holy man one of the other was said the ornament. But because in this tempest perspicuous it is, nobility in all businesses to excel, but private sanctity, although to God and to the few faithful acceptable, by the sons however of the world to be little esteemed; therefore of this most noble posterity the line, if so much more prolix, the more diligent with a style it be run through, we beseech the reader, lest the prolixity he loathe, which of many contains the utility: which also from grandfathers and parents to be begun, and more certainly to be described by us would have been, unless the barbarous depopulation to the of noble Gauls titles formerly had begrudged.
[4] It is reported for the barbarians' nation then through all the borders of the Gauls of its fury the reins to have loosed, although they through the barbarians' incursions. divine and human with equal abolition into contempt to have held, the cities richest to have overthrown, the sanctuaries of God to have profaned, the illustrious of men labors to have emptied, the monuments of the Saints, the titles and names of the ancient heroes altogether to have destroyed; no vestiges of the virtues, no of the victory, no of the praise or probity of our grandfathers to us to have left, all things with the sword and conflagration to have exterminated. But above all the cities, to so great subject overthrow, made as it were a widow mistress of the nations, and of the Trier city's overthrow accurately cannot be had. with the Threnodies of Jeremiah to be lamented was that metropolis glorious Trier, of cities the noblest, which by the prerogative of dignity merited to be called another Rome: in which when more abundantly had abounded riches and glory, felicity and exultation, supervening an extermination, more sharply redounded want and desolation, grief and sadness: and so much in it more miserably to be bewailed were of the ancient virtues the monuments, the more damnably from many's profits they were taken away. Where when of the ancient the records of exemplars consumed the fire, and on account of this all of the old genealogies the series abolished had been, it happened also all of B. Modoaldus's back-acted parentage so far to be subtracted from the posterity's memory, that from what of consanguinity vein, although most noble, himself and two sisters of his, Itta namely and Severa, descended, or, that more truly I confess, ascended, not enough certain we may have. But since the Lord, who concerning the subjection of demons the vain of the disciples joy corrects, admonishes concerning the heavenly of names inscription rather to be rejoiced; let cease the fraternal solicitude to complain of our pages to be wanting, whom the works of justice in the book of eternal ascribe memory. Luc. 10 Let deign therefore to receive your Holiness this our littleness's little gift, weigh and embrace in it of only charity the affection: because although we may not seem to have satisfied the fraternal utility, whatever little however labor we have expended of friendship.
BOOK I.
The progeny of B. Pippin the Duke, and his wife: of whom a brother is reckoned S. Modoaldus.
[5] Among the principal and illustrious with the highest sanctity and ingenuity men, S. Modoaldus from the Aquitanians sprung is said of whose faith, doctrine and morals, signs and virtues, the holy shines Church as the sun and moon; the man of venerable memory Modoaldus, with a twin ingenuity not moderately distinguished, from the illustrious of the Aquitanians stock, than the moon more beautiful, than the sun more splendid, to the honor of God and the Church shone forth. Of whose nobility the line, from what parents, from what grandfathers or ancestors he descended, or from how worthy a root so distinguished a tree came forth, although to us, on account of antiquity or of the writers' abolition, less it be certain; yet from kinsmen and relatives, in name, glory and honor by land and sea most renowned, of whom by virtue the public thing flourished, of whom the power the whole world feared, of whose peace the Church rejoiced, of whose triumphs it was exalted, both by document and by fame his lineage unknown is not.
[6] For just as from a faithful a of the ancients tradition, in whom is wisdom, and Brother of B. Itta certain we have; there was a sister of his, b Itta by name, a woman very venerable, and to God devoted in faith and works good. Who indeed in matrimony joined to the most illustrious Duke c Pippin, in lineage and wealth, and (which in the powerful so much is wonderful, the more rare) by the sublimity namely of honors and the humility of morals equally most noble, by divine providence in all of piety study to herself unanimous to obtain merited of the legal bed a consort. By whose example that may learn the powerful to be humbled, who of empty power are wont to glory, let them not disdain I beseech to hear, what concerning his very husband's praises found, to this work not unworthy I have judged usefully to insert. At the time, in which the Duke excellent and most true father of the fatherland from human affairs departed, so much d Austria whole with grief struck, that to his mourning the mourning of Kings by no means could be compared. For he was of a most approved life and most pure fame, of wisdom a domicile, of counsels a treasure, the defense of laws, of controversies the end, the bulwark of the fatherland, the ornament of the court, the way of dukes and the discipline of Kings. Let them hear therefore now the Dukes, of the most serene Duke Pippin so many illustrious after his end praises: let them understand the Kings his equity and prudence, fortitude and temperance: who was the wife of B. Pippin let them be instructed by his example the powerful, who judge the earth. But if the wives of the nobles or even of Kings, to whom familiar is wont to be elation, of the venerable Itta, the wife of the aforesaid Prince, by the example would deign their mind to apply; they could indeed weigh from that, which strongly and holily she did under widowhood now free, that devoted to God she lived under so great a husband's discipline.
[7] For while after the death of her pious consort, both on account of the elegance of morals, and on account of the lineage's excellence, and who, her husband being dead, most holily lived, or even on account of the manifold of estates possessions and numerous family, by many and noble suitors most studiously she was sought; she a second avoiding matrimony, who the other of holy continence palm to attain desired, by S. Amandus Bishop of Maastricht, divinely to her directed, the sacred veil and of holy religion habit undertook, and the hope of nuptials from so many suitors foolish a wise woman took away. Wonder all that she unhoped-for of her own house the summits into a church changed, and the whole of it appearance not into any suitor's love, but to the heavenly Spouse's honor with of diverse kind ornaments adorned; and herself reduced into the number of the nuns, whom there for to serve God by her example she had gathered, to obey rather humbly, than to command. Let learn the matrons of this most noble woman by the example, what to God, what to husbands they owe: let learn also the widows, who with proud worship delighted, triple and quadruple or even more matrimonies with all study affect, nor with second ones even to acquiesce, that the sixtieth of widow's continence fruit with this one to God may study to render.
[8] But now the lineage and nobility of B. Modoaldus, that from the children and grandchildren of his venerable sister, the more truly, the more clearly may shine forth, let there be brought into the midst three of the highest worthy memory children, whom to the praise and honor of the holy Trinity to her pious consort Pippin happily she brought forth: Grimoald namely, of the paternal dignity and piety heir most worthy to the of the whole kingdom firmament: as also their children, then two sisters of his e Gertrude and Begga, a twin as it were of most precious ornament of gems, to the heavenly Spouse's glory and the Church holy's ornament and grace referring. Of whom the brother illustrious Grimoald, while in the Palace of Sigebert the paternal dignity by his probity had attained, besides that which he flourished at home and in war the industry, Grimoald the Mayor of the palace, a great also toward God of his devotion he gave an indication. For those two illustrious monasteries, f Stavelot and Malmedy, from his own he constructed: which performed with pious solicitude, and adorned with all beauty, made also there the legitimate of adjacent lands and other possessions tradition, to B. Remaclus, for to institute there the monastic life, under a firm stipulation and the royal seal's impression he delivered.
[9] But what concerning his sister most illustrious and to God most devoted Gertrude should I say? S. Gertrude the Virgin, Should I praise in her the beauty, the riches, the nobility, the family, which all for Christ as dung she despised? Itself her praise is, whom in the heavens a spouse she chose, whom in the flesh placed with all devotion she loved. For she despised a spouse to have on earth, who her would desert when he died: and Him to herself she chose, with whom, because to die He cannot, always she might rejoice. Him loving as a spouse, adoring as the Lord, new houses, high palaces on earth to construct she cared not, because a pleasant in her virginity dwelling for Christ already she had prepared. Whence both her lineage's name and glory magnificently she increased, and also to her blessed uncle Modoaldus immense conferred joy, while in the Church with a sweet odor smelling, and as a necklace precious shining, of virginity to be kept to her contemporaries so noble she left an example. She therefore, with Him whom with so great charity she loved the Spouse, so much more truly to reign now is believed, the more often to all, who the place of her sepulture, which among us flourishes, with humble devotion seek, very many through her benefits are conferred.
[10] But indeed her sister venerable Begga, although a spouse on earth, and S. Begga wife of Ansegisel: divine disposing providence, with fear of God she consented to undertake; with a double however order of sanctity, on this hand the thirtieth fruit of matronal chastity, on that the sixtieth referring of widow's continence, a double of beatitude palm she merited to obtain. Of whose also sanctity pious among us shine the monuments, in the place in which from divine revelation seven she constructed churches, where also her body by the sacred of virgins choirs is honored, who from her time by day and night to God there serve. There also the Duke excellent and her husband most pious, by name Ansegisel, by her was buried; who by his foster-son, whom the same Duke a boy by chance found, and from the sacred font received, reared into a son and exalted, cruelly in a hunt was slain on account of the appetite of his honor, which however impious he obtained not. It is to be known, that Ansegisel to have been the son of g B. Arnulph, from Mayor-of-the-palace a Bishop of Metz, to whom venerable Begga happily joined in matrimony, of generous offspring and of most noble Kings the mother was.
[11] Of him indeed the son, by name Pippin, whom to the aforesaid Duke she bore, Their descendants Pippin of Herstal, just as the name of his grandfather, so also the virtue with dignity referring, dead the king Childeric, under whom B. h Lambert with eminent shone sanctity, to such of greatness grew and of power, that in all Austria, although not with a royal name, with royal however he ruled power. For many illustrious wars waging, of all strongly he triumphed, and the very king of the Franks Theodoric in war overcoming, into flight he turned: but also B. Lambert, by the faction of the wicked from the Episcopate cast out, Charles Martel, in his Chair most becomingly he relocated. And that of so glorious offspring, which hence from the root of S. Arnulph, thence from the kinship of B. Modoaldus came forth, strong and illustrious deeds it may be permitted somewhat to behold, nay not with small astonishment to admire; let us see i Charles, whom the same Pippin to himself surviving, both of dignity and of his virtue left heir, how the paternal leaping over limits, the ancient of the fathers victories with new exceeding, wonderful triumphs of Dukes and Kings, of peoples and barbarous nations brought back. For both the Saracens, three of their Kings slain, unto internecion he poured forth, and their cities most famous storming, unto the foundations overthrew. Whence also the surname Tudetes, from striking (tundere) he received, in that from the Slavs unto the Spaniards, so many kingdoms, so many cities, so many camps and towns, both of the Saracens and of the Christians, of an iron like hammer striking, by propitious God, to have flown across is said rather than overcome.
[12] Carloman But what concerning the sons of the same Charles, Carloman namely and Pippin, should I say? of whom Carloman, after very many wars and noble triumphs, the secular deserting warfare, made a monk on the mount of Cassino, to the heavenly warfare himself enslaved; but Pippin, and Pippin King of the Franks. of his virtues by the merits growing, the first in this stock the Royal name obtained? For when by the merit of his prudence and virtue, acclaiming the Dukes and peoples, first by S. Boniface Bishop of Mainz, by the authority of Zacharias the Pope, into k a King was consecrated; afterwards by Stephen the Pope, the successor of Zacharias, because the Roman commonwealth from Aistulf's the King of the Lombards incursions he defended, by the Apostolic benediction, both himself and his wife and children, in the kingdom perpetually was confirmed. Now at last, if it pleases, let us come to that most glorious Emperor l Charles the Great, of this Pippin the son, who the paternal virtues than the rest more magnificently increased, and to the royal name, which his father merited, the Roman of the Empire name and dignity happily added. Charles the Great Emperor. He is for, to whom on the day of the Lord's Nativity Leo the Pope with the Apostolic benediction the Empire's crown imposed, and by the whole of the Romans people thrice was acclaimed: To Charles Augustus, by God crowned, the great and peaceful Emperor of the Romans, life and victory. His name and glory, virtue and victory, through so great times still as it were recent, by the mouth of all with so great study and admiration is celebrated, that if the letter be silent, fame alone as if to live is believed.
[13] But indeed concerning his son Louis what worthy to relate could I? Louis the Pious Emperor. who after his father's death the Imperial scepters, as no one more worthily, undertaking, besides the rest, which in war strongly he did, the greatest of his piety monuments exhibited. For to do justices, and the oppressions of the churches or of the peoples to relieve, legates fit into all the provinces of his kingdom sending, whatever to be corrected he could find, to correct and to amend wisely he took care. But also, what more in the Imperial dignity thou wouldst be astonished, of all things, which publicly amiss he did, by Theodosius Augustus's example, a public did penance. What also concerning Lothair, of this Louis the son, should I say, of whose power it was, or what of humility an example to posterity he left? Himself the elder by birth, Lothair Emperor. greater in virtue and empire, dividing the kingdom with two brothers Charles and Louis, m the kingdom, which hitherto from his name is called, obtained, and also all the kingdoms of Italy with the very Roman city Augustus Emperor obtained. Who also of the paternal religion heir being, after very many both wisely and strongly done things, the kingdom to his sons divided; and the world being left to the holy conversation's habit undertaken, in this monastic profession the course of life happily consummated.
[14] But now considered of these the power and nobility, what beyond so many Charleses and Pippins, so many Lothairs or Louises, and other Kings and Emperors, who from this glorious stock unto our were poured times, is it necessary to commemorate, since from these, whom we have enumerated, and others, the illustrious of B. Modoaldus ingenuity than light more clearly shines forth? This only in the sum of our narration to have said let it suffice, of no stock, which we may know, so illustrious and so noble a germ of Kings to have sprouted, who so much of power to the Gallic kingdom added, and so many and so wonderful triumphs of Dukes and Kings and barbarous nations brought back, helping them and protecting the Divine mercy, of His Saints Modoaldus and Arnulph by the merits as we believe; of whose affinity so great a stock to have fructified we know. Lastly, how much of religion, of power, and of honor to the Gallic they conferred Churches, These to the Churches of the Gauls conferred manifold good things. testify the books, the holy decrees of the Fathers containing, which they themselves in Synods by their authority corroborated: testify also the Churches, which both with of diverse kind ornaments, then also with estates and royal their things, camps namely and counties, tolls, mints and bans, with the right of cities granted, magnificently they exalted, lest the holy of God Church to this world's powerful should lie subject, or by their tyranny should be afraid; nay the proud's necks, by God's virtue superior, should trample. Hence it is, that nowhere among the nations of equal power Pontiffs to be found can be, or that from the Royal county and opulence little they differ.
[15] Whom certainly blessed to be I would say, if for this power more holily they lived, if for this opulence richer in virtues to be they studied; if a good work, not dignity, they sought; if gains, not of monies, but of souls they sought; if upon the needy and poor benignly they understood; if sobriety, if justice, if humility following, in all things, as becomes a Bishop, irreprehensible themselves they exhibited. which that they well use the Bishops wishes the author. But, what very grave is, while certain of them from of honor sublimity swell, while of temporal gain by the love of souls the damages they postpone, while their own seeking justice except for coins they do not, while the ecclesiastical gifts freely they bestow not, while the sound of bronze more sweetly than the cry of the poor they hear, while the secular warfare more than God's Church they love, thence elated the Pontiffs God displease, whence the Emperors humble God pleased. And how unworthy it is, that in the hearts of the Emperors should reign humility of morals, and in the mind of the Pontiffs the vanity of vices: while in those familiar is wont to be elation, and in these friendly ought to be religion? But whither from this work alien tends the oration? Such things to Jerome or B. Gregory let us leave; we moreover the begun things better let us pursue. And since the exterior of B. Modoaldus nobility, from the most noble and manifold offspring of his venerable sister, sufficiently openly we have shown; in the following volume of his mind the ingenuity, from the life and conversation of him most holy, to declare let us try; by the merits of him him himself to us inspiring, in whom we are signed in the day of our redemption.
ANNOTATIONS.
BOOK II.
The deeds and death of S. Modoaldus.
[16] Therefore the glorious and venerable Modoaldus, while of most illustrious he was sprung birth, S. Modoaldus by the nobility of lineage not inflated, the nobility itself of the flesh, by the more worthy of the mind nobility knowing he knew not; nor of his parents the riches or power, but the humility of Christ and the poverty Evangelical, which he might imitate, already from a boy, but not boyishly, he attended to. Finally not wantonness boyish, not vanity or ambition secular in his studies in any way appeared: so that in the boy a divine already thou couldst admire grace, which him a vessel of election to itself in future foresaw. For when to liberal studies and spiritual disciplines to be instructed he was delivered by his parents, who him tenderly loved; the boy learns letters and piety. so great in a brief time he attained of the twin science the efficacy, that all in glory he went before, and yet to all from affection dear he was. No one indeed through swelling despising, nay through the humility of his heart all to himself preferring, obsequy, which begets friends, piously to all to exhibit, to no one an injury to inflict; nay rather having received an injury to forgive, than to persecute to prefer; but also the inflicter for Christ to love as a brother, to embrace as a friend. Thus Christ's little recruit envy by virtue overcame. And lest perchance virtue conceived by sloth or leisure should grow lukewarm, the tender age by no means to spare; not his members to rest, not his mind to inertia or cowardice to give; but always either to sacred reading, or to pious meditation to serve. With those playing he did not mix himself, but either to the tutor of discipline, or to of the elders the words diligent he adhered; that from the mouth of them hanging, how sweet is the Lord he might taste, and afterwards the memory of the abundance of His sweetness to the edification of many he might belch forth. Inasmuch as he, according to the purpose of God's vocation, to the highest summit of the degree Sacerdotal, and to the pastoral care of the Lord's sheepfold was to be promoted; already with such virtues' studies, with such of holy institutions rudiments, under the heavenly mastery he grew up; already by the finger of God to the good shepherd's office he was informed and advanced.
[17] But indeed so illustrious of the recruit of Christ adolescence when into virile strength it began to grow, the virtues growing with age when the studies being changed, the age and mind virile seeks wealth and friendships, serves honor; he himself from the former intention his mind by no means diverted: but to the of stronger warfare studies himself manfully girding, the degrees of age by the degrees of diverse virtues sublimely he transcended. Not secular to enter friendships, or wealth to gather he sought about to perish. Not in honors with the ambitious, not in sublimity with the proud; but with the strenuous in virtue, with the modest in modesty, with the innocent in simplicity, with the meek in patience, with the abstinent in parsimony, with the pious in charity and mercy he contended. Thou wouldst see him with frequent fastings and vigils the voluptuousness of the flesh to break, for honors with his own abjection to be delighted, poverty for riches to embrace, to the assembly of nobles the consortia of the servants of Christ and of the humble to prefer: whence his mind either about the church, or toward the poor's care always occupied was. And when in his breast already long ago kindled had grown the flame of heavenly desire, no leisure, no rest he suffered, that to leisure and rest of divine contemplation he might come. the contemplative life he chooses, Wherefore all of the flesh affections, all of the world occupations from the foundations from himself he decreed to extirpate, desiring to glory with the Apostle saying; To me the world is crucified, and I to the world. Gal. 6, 14 The solitude, which John and Paul with the beasts in the desert, this one deliberates to spend for himself in himself. There with himself he proposes to dwell, there the of secular cares uproar being trodden down, removed from his mind of earthly phantasies of thoughts, to Him alone, who is beautiful in form above the sons of men, into whom also desire the Angels to look, with a free of mind gaze he strives perpetually to adhere. He Him into his, with virtues' flowers adorned, as in a little bed, prefers to receive and to embrace with conscience, that he may be able with the spouse to rejoice and to say; Behold thou fair art, my beloved, and comely: our little bed flowery. Cant. 1, 15
[18] But behold as if from ambushes very many to his intention contrary he sees from this world to grow up, the objected impediments he overcomes: on this hand of secular care of businesses, on that of the illustrious frequency of neighbors: which while unexpectedly his mind they impugn, from of this little bed the rest and his beloved's sweetness unwilling they rouse. Wherefore more remote to himself places to seek, and from of these uproar himself to conceal in all ways he labors: that the more secretly, the more freely of the most beautiful and to himself beloved Rachel the embraces he may be able to adhere. Whose sister, namely Leah, although fruitful, yet blear-eyed and less seeing he despises, lest his mind so much into divine contemplation less to tend it should be able, the more sons from the labor of preaching he should generate. But Rachel fair, well seeing, although barren, with all affection he covets: in whose love so much more sweetly under silence he would rest, the more to generating by the labor of preaching sons less he should go out. But because it is not in a man's power his way, unwilling to the Palace he serves but against hope and vow often from the Lord his steps are directed; B. Modoaldus, to Leah laborious in the night of this life unwilling is joined, while to the Chief men of the kingdom and the Mayors of the Palace, as useful in word, provident in counsel, by divine providence, although struggling a companion is summoned. There shone at that time in the Palace men most strenuous and the same most religious: among whom eminent was Pippin, of Carloman the son, a Duke most illustrious and Mayor-of-the-palace under Clothair, Dagobert and Sigebert most powerful Kings: of whose praises the proclamations because in the upper little book briefly we have touched, now where the matter requires, concerning his counsel and equity, prudence and fortitude a little more broadly let us discuss.
[19] At that tempest Dagobert of affairs was master, under whom the same Duke with a dignity, with Pippin the Duke a little from the sublimity royal differing, endowed, all the kingdom's businesses with a most prudent disposition ordered, and was excellent both in war by fortitude, and by justice in peace. For he was toward the King of faith most keeping, toward the people indeed most tenacious of equity: and in disputing of each one's cause with a most strong of mind judgment persisting, neither the gifts of the people for overthrowing the right Royal regarded, nor the favor of the King for overwhelming the people's justice attended. Inasmuch as the King God to the King man he preferred, by whose command forbidden he knew, the countenance of the powerful to honor, or the person of the poor in judgment to attend. Levit. 19 So therefore what of the people were, to the people he defended; under Dagobert the King both what of Caesar, to Caesar he restored. By such of this Duke industry and counsel Dagobert with such of celebrity splendor shone, that by liberality, justice, meekness and other arts, by which a King it became, many before himself Kings he excelled. But this royal way, this of virtue line he held, as long as the sound doctrine of his most wise preceptor he sustained, and not to his desires he heaped up for himself masters. Eccl. 6 Happy, if, according to the wise man's admonitions, of a thousand peaceful his this one he had chosen counselor. But at last by Solomon's example was depraved his heart for a time through women: and as is wont in a great of things abundance and loosed liberty prone to be into the consent of sin the nature of mortals, on account of the riches' affluence and prosperous of things successes from the good and honest into the depraved drawn away, to the salubrious admonitions ears he shut. He began therefore both with avarice and lust to seethe, with the things of the Churches new treasures to fill: of whose impudence while Pippin by grief moved with a most free mouth rebuked, reproaching that to the greatest of God benefits ungrateful he existed; he to obscene lusts rather than to sound obeying counsels, attempted rather after the manner of a frenetic the physician by whatsoever mode to extinguish, than from of his depravity the fury to recover his senses. But the benign Lord, who whom to save He has decreed, now from evils frees, now also the innocent saves, and the pious Duke from the peril of death powerfully rescued, and the malevolent King from the effusion of just blood mercifully recalled. For with a sounder counsel reckoning of his dignity the state to be shaken, if a man noble, powerful, by faith and justice to the populace acceptable he should slay; little by little his mind he turned back, and began the excellent Duke untouched to revere, that the conceived malice into peace and favor he might change.
[20] Which the most wise Duke not to his industry, but to the divine ascribing mercy, and with Arnulph Bishop of Metz and Cunibert Bishop of Cologne, so much more in the manner of the holy animal, eyes before and behind having, studied in all things himself prudently to act, to the divine justice's line all of his judgments sentences to direct. But because of the holy Scriptures' science less learned he was, prudent every men, whom in the fear and love of God he knew to have grown, of all counsels or of his businesses companions he assumed. For both Arnulph of the people of Metz the Pontiff, who before the Pontificate this same dignity irreprehensibly had administered; and afterwards, he dead, B. a Cunibert of the people of Cologne the Prelate, with equal of sanctity fame illustrious, into this of businesses administration he took care to apply a participant. Thou canst weigh, with what of equity ardor inflamed he was, who such circumspect guardians, and such incorrupt arbiters for his counsels chose. Because for from depravity averse, to right and honest studies most attentive he was, in the exercise of good work of holy men always he used the counsels. In whose number while the Blessed also Modoaldus, not so much indeed for his sister's affinity, as of him prudence and of eminent virtue brightness, divine preceding grace, to himself a companion he had received; so great of equity and of sanctimony with comeliness that hall Royal everywhere shone, as with light the darkness being put to flight the dawn the lands all suffuses, while by the sun supervening's rays it is illuminated. But now to be estimated cannot, with how great gladness of the King himself and of the Nobles, or with what honor received; with what reverence, with what affection among all the courtiers, pleasing to the King and to the Nobles. as an Angel of God, he was held. But what wonder, whom God Himself loved, if by men he were loved? or whom had filled His grace, if to all most pleasing he were held? What wonder, who to the hall Royal a cause of gladness and of honor was about to be, if by all the courtiers with gladness and honor he were received? Justly for honorable I would call the hall Royal, by right happy the commonwealth, to which God so great gave a man, by whose doctrine and example the King and Nobles both to wisdom and religion should study, and wisely and religiously all the kingdom's businesses should dispose. But how him to promote, or of him the merit to declare the Divine providence decreed, by the subsequent narration than light more clearly will be clear.
[21] Meanwhile the venerable Prelate, b Sebaudus of the Church of Trier, from human affairs departed: to whom a successor not unequal in sanctity while by all with all affection is sought, he is sought for Bishop of Trier: God's grace procuring and by certain indications presignifying, this one far most worthy is found. For wherever thou turn thyself, Modoaldus's fame most renowned through the mouths of all resounds, Modoaldus's name like oil poured forth with a sweet odor everywhere is fragrant, Modoaldus's sanctity with diffused rays far and wide than the sun more brightly shines again. Him all thou wouldst see to behold, to attend to, to admire: him some to others with the finger to point out, him all in common the small with the greater a Priest to long for. Which indeed not by fortuitous chance, nor by of human industry the ingenium, but by a hidden was done counsel of the disposition of God: who just as formerly David, so also this one to himself according to His heart had sought, who a leader should be made over His people, and should feed the flock of His sheep. But nevertheless of his sanctity the testimony lest from the popular breeze, praised in a certain epitaph or from our only page be expected; there is shown even today at Trier in the church of S. Paulinus, from his sepulchre taken, and wondrously sculptured of Parian marble a tablet; in which is read inscribed to his memory in generation and generation to be transmitted, of this kind an epitaph: This is the sanctuary of God beloved of Trier the Archbishop Modoaldus, whose King Dagobert the sanctity, as in his precept c concerning Trier is contained, between the Loire and the Rhine magnificently exalted and dilated.
[22] And so there concur equally of all the vows, the King and the Duke that most equitable Pippin, and other Nobles, the Clergy and people, every sex and age with unanimous cry out consonance; Modoaldus the Pontiff, not so much they elect, as by God already long ago elected, and to themselves promised, he strives to subterfuge the Episcopate: they demand. What should do the man most holy? What, except that which became an imitator of Christ? what, except that which did his predecessors, Prelates most holy, who not from elsewhere, but through the door entered into the sheepfold of Christ? Fled Christ, when Him they would a King constitute: fled they for humility's sake, when to undertake they were called the Pastoral summit of governance. By whose example Modoaldus flees, himself unworthy professes: cries out, and to be compelled merits. Nor however anyone so should think the man holy to have declined, that to the divine will, which toward himself he had understood, more obstinately he had decreed to go against: but on each side humble, on each side subject, both to be over, first himself measuring, he was unwilling; and yet, of the commanding God's strength presuming, afterwards he consented. Inasmuch as in one his breast as if fought two of virtues the greatest, on this hand the fear of humility, on that the love of charity. From humility, that honor and burden he fled: moreover from charity, to the desolate citizens to have succored now he desired. This the love persuades, that the fear forbids. Between these two, to each other repugnant, Christ's soldier first having hesitated, with a doubtful somewhat clung opinion: at last consenting he is consecrated. but a little after, as equitable it was, both charity conquered humility, and love outside sent fear. So the man of God conquered they snatch, lead away, that they may exalt him in the church of the people, and in the chair of the elders praise him. He is clothed therefore with the stole of glory, is girded with the zone of justice, with divine benedictions Archbishop of the Church of Trier is consecrated. Good Jesus! how great was the gladness of that day? what exultation to each sex? what dancing to every age? With how devout a heart, with how sublime a voice all with praises redoubled Angelic, Glory in the highest to God, and on earth peace to men of good will?
[23] To consider now it pleases, what was that time, how acceptable, how serene, when Kings indeed reigning, but the Kings with the kingdom by just and God-fearing men ruling, justice, faith, truth, modesty, and the rest of arts good, both in war and in peace, were kept: when to the line of equity divine all of the Royal power's businesses were directed. What, how holy was that palace? from which so illustrious, and so renowned received the Church Priests; from which proceeded followers, not of Simon, but of Peter; not hirelings, but true ministers of Christ; and who the courts of Kings should not seek, it shines with SS. Arnulph, Cunibert, and Remaclus: but rather by Kings should be sought; not themselves honors through ambition should desire, but rather the offered through humility should flee. From whose number (for there were very many) was Arnulph of Metz, Cunibert of Cologne, of Tongres d Remaclus, of Trier our Modoaldus, to these and all others with every of virtues kind to be compared. These are plainly, these are men holy and friends of God, by whose faith and sanctimony the Church was corroborated, by doctrine illustrated, by humility sublimated, by charity founded, by virtues made joyful. Then certainly reverence was bestowed on religion, love on modesty, honor on virtue. Then ambition blind, with a lethal pierced wound, moribund lay: avarice, greedy always of money, its strengths utterly had lost: of injustice moreover, of lust, and the rest of evil arts already it was lamented (all over). But indeed in our tempest of this of serenity face wholly was changed, when, according to the Truth's eloquence, abounding iniquity, grew cold the charity of many: in which in perverse modes justice, faith, truth, laws, divine and human all things, in hand, in favor, in tongue are situated: and that briefly I conclude, according to that historian's sentence, no honor to virtue is given, but all of virtue the rewards ambition possesses. Matt. 24, 12 From which what evils follow, what of Churches Rectors, what of Provinces Judges, how great of Churches calamity, what of crimes impunity, too much, too much we have experienced. And so complaining we are compelled to exclaim: O times! O morals!
[24] Modoaldus therefore, in the house of the Lord and in the courts of our God planted, as a palm flourished, and as a cedar of Lebanon was multiplied. For just as a palm verdant and into the high tending, by faith's verdure and life's altitude to the profit of the Church flourished; and as a cedar of Lebanon was multiplied, while by the odor of holy conversation every venom of the serpent ancient from his subjects he expelled; while also with much of virtues whiteness whitened, through the altitude of contemplation to the heavenly he flew. Inasmuch as on occasion of Pastoral care, with manifold of good works exercise so far himself he studied to renew, that then first thou wouldst think him to begin. To whose praise should say another, whatever to his mind had occurred, with illustrious adorned virtues, his spirit namely to the heavenly perpetually adhering; with indefatigable him prayers occupied, days with fastings, nights to have continued with vigils he would discourse; rightly and orderly concerning the single virtues, concerning benignity, concerning parsimony, concerning the mind's purity he would pour forth in praising, whatever of ingenium, whatever of eloquence ever he had drawn. But this orderly narration forestalls us the supereminent merit of the most excellent Prelate, who so all these virtues had, that in the single ones he was eminent; so in the single ones he was eminent, that in all equally he shone.
[25] But meanwhile those being omitted, which in the interior man, God only being witness and His holy Angels, he worked is; the care toward his subjects, who even that solicitude, by which a Father most vigilant his subjects presided over, worthily could explain? Whom with so great of teaching perfection, with so great of mastery art by informing he instructed, that as that prophetic table within the rim he turned back, that is, to the heart the discourse he recalled, what he spoke he attended to, he worked what he preached. Finally the word of doctrine by the work commending of mercy, so toward the interior of his subjects studies he was fervent, so far as to them of the exterior life the providence he should not deny; lest if the care of the exterior life by him were neglected, as if by right from receiving the preaching of the flock the mind should be broken. For because Peter's vicar over to Peter committed sheep watched, that general his exhortation, as to himself specially given, solicitously he attended to: The Elders, who among you are, I beseech a fellow-elder and a witness of the passions of Christ, and of the future glory, which to be revealed is, a partaker: feed, who among you is, the flock of God, not from necessity, but with will toward God: and, When shall have appeared the Prince of the Shepherds, you will receive the unfading of glory crown. Ioan. 21, 1 Pet. 5
[26] But now when mitred, as a Pontiff supreme, he entered into the holy of holies, about to pray for the people's salvation, and with pious amid Sacrificing devotion. for ignorance or some necessity; so through the single species of the Sacerdotal habit to single he answered virtues, that as many exteriorly with sacred he was adorned vestments, so many interiorly his soul with spiritual was clothed ornaments. Thou wouldst believe in his mind, as in Aaron's breast, the rational of judgment by binding fillets to be imprinted, while his heart by no means a flowing thought should possess, but reason alone spiritually should constrain: for neither indiscreet anything or useless to think could he, who to an example for others constituted, from the gravity of his life always to show studied, how great in his breast a reason he bore. Exod. 28 In which also rational the twelve of the Patriarchs names described thou wouldst think, while the examples of the preceding Fathers unceasingly to behold, and the Saints' vestiges without cessation thou wouldst see him to imitate, lest perchance outside of the sacred Order's limit of work the foot he should tend, if from their subtle examination or of discretion the reason in any mode he should deviate. And because it is commanded to Moses, that the tabernacle entering, with little bells he be encircled, that from it a sound of sweetness be heard; he ceased not the sound of preaching as if from little bells frequently to emit, while of the supernal beholder the judgment from silence he feared to offend. With such therefore and so great of divine adornment comeliness the Pontiff holy, entering the tabernacle of the covenant, and a host of a contrite and humbled heart to God offering in an odor of sweetness, so by his vows the divine conciliated clemency, that as if with Moses he merited to hear: I will do according to thy word. For because according to the word of God innocently he lived, and of His commandments not a deaf hearer, nor a sluggish executor he was; therefore the merciful God according to His word to have done we believe, as often as for the salvation of his subjects pious before Him prayers humbly he poured forth. Exod. 33
[27] Meanwhile when of his house the comeliness he loved, and to render worthy to the Creator praises with most ardent always love he burned, a monastery of Virgins he builds: upon the bank of the Moselle an oratory in honor of B. Symphorianus e the Martyr he built, in work indeed small; and of artificial scheme with comeliness less ambitious: but, what more noble is, with most illustrious of virtues gems and most beautiful of virginal whiteness pearls, much more splendid and remarkable, than was that most famous of Solomon temple, with gold and silver and so many wondrous polished devices. There indeed a congregation of holy Virgins, as sweet-sounding of young girls choirs, in the nuptials of Christ and the Church perpetually praises singing, he instituted, concerning whom the spouse in the praises of the bridegroom seems that in the Canticles to say: Oil poured forth thy name, and over it he sets S. Severa, his sister, therefore the young girls have loved thee. Cant. 1, 2 To whom also for of regular vigor the discipline to be kept, his sister he set over, by name Severa; who according to of her name the presage and convenience, with the worthy of a presiding mind severity the bond of the flesh, wealth, glory and all things which about to perish she knew, with her very nobility and of body appearance, which by worms to be eaten was, to be little esteemed judging, her virginity to Christ undefiled had offered. In whose faith and love the virginal battle-line, which for the Spouse she had gathered, both with maternal piety and with mistress's severity confirming, all to them of holy institution the diligence she exhibited. Nothing of her severity more joyous, nothing of her joy more severe: her gladness sad, her sadness sweet: uncultivated garment, eyes cast down, head inclined, gait grave, food thin; so indeed, that since all things to God worthy she did, nothing however worthy herself to have done she believed, and her companions more by examples she taught than by words. Nor was lacking to her of her venerable brother the assiduous consolation, who in the manner of bronze glowing burning with desire, sounding in word, through sparks of sacred exhortation the mind of the Virgin to the love of God more strongly should kindle, and, as they say, oil to the furnace should add. Benedict and Scholastica thou wouldst believe: the same desire, not unequal zeal, the same toward of God the cult devotion in these thou wouldst see. Him not a master, but a disciple thou wouldst think: her not a mistress, but a handmaid humble thou wouldst esteem: except that so much more he a servant, she a handmaid of Christ was, that each toward their subjects not to lord, but to minister seemed. Of whom the worthy of faith and labor remuneration because now the time is to narrate, of the most prudent Virgin's vocation, just as in time it preceded, so our it precede by narration let us make.
[28] Who while the voice of the Spouse calling she heard and saying, Come from Lebanon, my Spouse, come from Lebanon, come, thou shalt be crowned; she nothing delaying, with a pious answered affection: I to my beloved, and to me the conversion of him. Cant. 4, 8, Cant. 7, 10 And straightway having followed the calling one, with a lamp kindled and adorned with the oil of an excellently shining conscience, with worthy was with honor by Him received, and into that ethereal bridal chamber with much of the Saints exultation introduced. f In which at last, what long she had desired, happily placed, among the most sweet of her beloved Spouse she rests embraces; there holily having died: and to the most splendid of the daughters of Sion bands joined, with delights most blessed perennial she is delighted. Whose most sacred body, with virginal surrounded choirs, with virginal bewailed laments, with psalms and hymns spiritual with much honor in the church of the abovesaid Martyr, over which with the highest strenuousness she presided, most officiously was laid up. O truly blessed and venerable Virgin, who for a mortal spouse an immortal chose, who for a clayey house a heavenly bridal chamber exchanged! Truly blessed and glorious, who for a brief labor with eternal beatitude enjoys, for the vain of histrions songs by the sweet of Angels concert is made joyful. These things concerning the life and passage of the most illustrious virgin in few we have tasted: for neither just it was, both for of her merits, and for the honor and reverence of her excellent brother, the memory and praise of her to pass over, of whom rejoice the Angels and praise together the Son of God. Now moreover, how the most blessed Pontiff his most beloved sister to the prize of perpetual brightness afterwards followed, according to the style's measure let us pursue.
[29] After the happy of his most holy sister passage, the distinguished athlete Modoaldus, and of the eternal King a soldier now a veteran, all of a most just life studies with a best end composed, to whose memory to the reward and palm of felicity eternal he began more ardently to pant, to which his sister with exultation of the Angels translated himself he knew to have preceded. He rejoiced indeed for the glory and beatitude of his sister, but for his own still as if imperfection he grieved. Inasmuch as himself imperfect, himself unhappy, himself miserable, himself slow and lukewarm he judged; whom, the girls to the kingdom preceding, the mass of the flesh still in the world retained. he himself humbly concerning himself thinks: What we, says he, miserable ones, what now concerning ourselves are we about to say, who in girls so great constancy, so incredible labor, so wondrous abstinence we see? We in the members of the body men are, and yet effeminate nothing virile, nothing of praise worthy we perform. Many often strong things with a virile mind we propose, but with a small labor broken, from the purpose more quickly we recoil. Such things indeed the man holy relating, humble concerning himself thought, who by right and without any boasting to glory could with the Apostle, a good himself fight to have fought, the course to have consummated, the faith to have kept; of the rest reposited for himself a crown of justice, which in that day by a just to himself Judge to be rendered he trusted. 2 Tim. 4, 7 Whence when from of faith and works security and of hope certitude a worthy now he could discharge to demand, yet as if still many in himself to be reproved were, with new and sharper torments devised, of himself a punishment he took; and himself against himself a cruel exactor persecuted, in that now as it were last age, which assuredly not so much by nature, as he himself by continuous labors urging had accelerated.
[30] Meanwhile Christ's soldier indefectible, of his now impatient rest, by a wondrous art of warfare, a recruit daily renewed for the fight: but the King immortal and of the highest equity Judge a worthy to His soldier wove in the heavenly a crown. When therefore under a grievous of body labor by day and night he sweated, and with all of mind desire above himself to the heavenly he was snatched, now desiring into that most beloved and inestimable of the supernal city court to enter, those hymn-singing of Angels choirs to be present at, and twice and thrice not without admiration crying out, How beloved thy tabernacles thine O Lord of hosts! divinely he learns his death imminent. My soul covets and faints into the courts of the Lord; by a pious at last consolation divinely is refreshed, and of the expectation of his near death and of the reward's security forewarned is certified. Psalm. 83 Then indeed suddenly he is changed into a certain deific and incredible of an exhilarated heart gladness, and the disciples being convoked while his death's day glad and hour cheerful he expounds, the minds of all with a sad grief wounded he renders. Nor wonder indeed, the man holy of the certitude of his passage so great to have conceived gladness, to whom a pure and happy conscience testimony bore, of Christ's family the measure of wheat in his time faithfully himself to have distributed, and the committed money with a twin interest multiplied, to his now Lord to carry back, whom most vigilant awaiting, prepared he was to the knocking forthwith to open. Who when now he desired to be dissolved and with Him to be, now of the flesh forgetful and with all spirit into heaven suspended, he afflicts his weak body with failing members, as if now renewed new he studied to superadd torments, himself more than usually to persecute, and the very little, which remained, of vital heat to extinguish. To whose most ardent labor when also the molestation of the body from the vow of the mind had acceded, not in spirit, but in members failing, the strong athlete on the bed lay down. Nor however therefore himself more to spare, not on soft beds to lie down, by disease than by food more to be delighted: inasmuch as virtue to be perfected in infirmity, to testify. And when the assisting disciples weeping suggested, that to the failing little body a little he should have mercy: Do not, says he, the spirit to God about to go by a fomentation of the flesh impede, to which namely then a greater mercy is bestowed, when with the spirit overcoming it is mortified.
[31] With such of spirit fervor the father most loving the languor's molestation surpassing, and his soul to his Redeemer with the Angelic choirs awaiting to render longing, his men meanwhile piously consoled, and the very residue and scarcely in his mouth palpitating of life motion, he exhorts his men: to the doctrine and admonition of his sons wholly imparted. Of faith's integrity, of the commandments of God the diligent meditation, of religion's love, of the memory of death, of the coming of the strict Judge a certain of a living voice efficacy his tongue dying, openly however, expressed. And when many he saw panting to run together, on this hand the Clerics grieving, on that the monks weeping, the poor also widows and orphans with much wailing crying out; the tears of all forbidding, he said them to rejoice rather to ought, inasmuch as who a father did not lose, but happily to God sent before. And so the hour drawing near, brought the life-giving of Christ Sacraments, prayer being premised, he partakes: and his beloved sons with a glad countenance kissing, to the supreme Father with a votive of peace and salvation imprecation often commends. Then indeed from the earthly his eyes casting away, and the fellow-citizens of Angels and Saints choirs to be present feeling; with his whole little body to meet the beloved army himself he raises, his hands and eyes into heaven extends, and with the Cross's little sign twice and thrice himself signing, his splendid head into the hands of the Savior he reclined, and amid the words of prayer falling asleep, in peace rested. O blessed man, whom that heavenly Jerusalem rejoicing received! to whom to be conducted the King Himself of Kings Christ, with an Angelic company surrounded, advanced! to whom Mary with of Virgins choirs ran to meet! signing himself with the Cross he dies. Peter also with of Apostles the number, Symphorianus with of Martyrs the choir, Eucharius g with the holy Confessors and the whole of heaven militia, in hymns and praises blessing the Lord, who with such a peer, so illustrious a Pontiff their augmented college.
[32] Meanwhile the sacred funeral after the custom is composed, and by the surrounding of those chanting choir now with pious tears is bewept, now with psalms and hymns is honored. Whose to Christ happy and free passage, with the mourning of all he is buried: just as with a festive joy to the supernal citizens it was, so the whole nearly Austria with an excessive a certain and inconsolable grief shook: whence the whole nearly province to of so great a Father the obsequies panted, nor only from cities or towns, but also from villages a crowd of rustics mournful to the funeral ran to meet. A multitude indeed of the poor especially flowing together, old men bent, the weak by a staff sustained, widows with scattered hair, orphans with torn garments, all equally lamenting, and from the bier hanging, their Father, who them to clothe, to console, to feed was wont, with a voice lamentable they complained themselves to have lost. With these familiar bearers heaven with their cry striking, the most dear body into the beloved to him church is conveyed, which above we said by him founded, and in honor of B. Symphorianus the Martyr dedicated: in which also, not without grave groaning and many tears of his men, as became so great a Pontiff, with his beloved sister to the earth is committed. Which indeed to have been done we believe by divine preordaining grace, that whom the same devotion, the same of Christ charity, the same affection, not so much of blood as of spirit had joined, while they acted in the flesh; the same also of sepulture place, the place, I say, which this one devoutly constructed, she faithfully ruled, should join in death. Where in testimony of his sanctity, it shines with miracles, so many and so great miracles daily to coruscate are seen, that now at last more truly with Christ to live he is believed. To live, I say, to live most certainly is proved, through whose merit by God Himself, who the salvation and life is of all, to all faithfully asking many of salvation and life benefits are bestowed. And indeed most renowned is held even today at Trier, and by certain indications found, by the sanctity and merits of Modoaldus to all the around region salvation frequently from God conceded, if ever by of divine vengeance animadversion, or air's inclemency, or by famine or sword, or of any adversity tribulation pressing on, the patronage of him the inhabitants faithfully implore. Whence a father and a singular refuge of the miserable by the citizens he is called; and his deposition on the fourth of the Ides of May, with the greatest devotion and festive of the whole region exultation, to the praise and glory of the divine majesty is celebrated. and festively is venerated. We beseech therefore, that B. Modoaldus's most renowned among men piety, and with God omnipotent efficacious power, our also miseries may have compassion on, the cords of sins may break asunder, and in that beloved and desirable in the heavens tabernacle an eternal for us mansion may obtain, granting our Lord Jesus Christ, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, through the immortal ages of ages. Amen.
ANNOTATIONS.
BOOK III.
The miracles by S. Modoaldus after his death wrought.
[34] Since, inspiring God, the noble of B. Modoaldus stock, from the highest of royal blood line produced, The miracles confirm the infirm. in the first of this work little book we have elucidated; in the second his life laudable and by few imitable, by which to God dear and to men venerable he was, to all royal nobility we have preferred, and his passage glorious to the Angelic choirs joy to have brought we have discoursed; now already in the third not from the matter we have judged in very few to explain of his sanctity the indications, what namely of miracles the first beginnings by of omnipotent God grace, after the quiet of His servant falling-asleep, from his Relics in the city of Trier He wished to show. For although signs by no means are to be sought by the faithful, for corroborating however the more infirm of the people's faith, sometimes the dead of the Saints bones to testify are wont, what their living did spirit. To infirm indeed minds not undeservedly a dissonance of faith of the whole preceding narration series to generate would seem, if a man of so illustrious among the world a lineage, of so eminent with God sanctity, without of signs the attestation among men had lain hidden; if his glorious pledges, to his greatly to profit worshippers, of human had lacked the exhibition of honor.
[35] But from how great of barbarians cruelty, from how great of the aforesaid city desolation an occasion that arose was, by which of the man of God the merits to the faithful first became known, in few it pleases to touch upon: because what in the little preface of this little work concerning a similar calamity, In the Northmen's enormous barbarity, at another introduced time, we have discoursed, an argument of knowledge to be is able to these things, which in this place to say we are. There for we have commemorated the barbarous nations generally through all of the Gauls the borders of their fury the reins to have loosed; here indeed we introduce of the Northmen the nation untamed, from the scabbard of its cruelty drawn out, certain of Gaul and Germany parts to have occupied. Which by the enormity of its crime ravaging, into the necks of the faithful as a she-bear her cubs being snatched made savage, to no sex, to no age to spare, old men reverend to slay, young men and adolescents, according to their strength or the time themselves defending, to pierce through, little ones from their mothers' breasts torn away to brain, matrons chaste, virgins modest to dishonor, cities most noble with flames devouring to burn up, the sanctuaries of God either to overthrow or to profane, divine and human with equal contempt to ruin. There was in all these things misery to see, and the judgment of God to the minds of men so much formidable, the more impenetrable: except that, as it is given to understand, willing the Lord a just on the reprobate to exercise vengeance, who did not keep His commandments, angry with His people, delivered them into the hands of the nations, and lorded over them those who hated them. But just as in the vessels of wrath, with a double contrition to be struck, the wrath of the justice of God here begins, that those in the future irreparably He may destroy; so His mercy those loving Him for the most part through a compendious of martyrdom way to migrate disposes to that inenarrable glory, which the eye has not seen, nor the ear heard, nor into the heart of man has ascended: that whence the reprobate are snatched to punishment, thence of the elect some be led to the palm, others more chastened be rendered to a life and conversation good, according to which it is written: The pestilent being scourged, the foolish wiser will be. Prov. 19, 25
[25] This horrendous tempest's storm the city invading a of Trier, all feared, trembled, neither of flight, which they had not prepared, nor of defense any hope to have; before the eyes of all an image of death to flit, the joyful of the people urbanities into mourning, the choirs of those chanting into lamentation, the dances of girls into lamentations to migrate; of the whole city the face changed thou wouldst see, of divine religion scarcely any thin remnants to remain. Moreover to God dedicated Virgins, whom in the oratory of B. Symphorianus the Martyr with a cenobial conversation to God to serve above we have set forth, among so many of death kinds to the customary of prayers arms fleeing; for chastity to be kept, which they had vowed, not for life present to be guarded, which they had despised, the supernal began help with most ardent of spirit contrition to invoke; The sacred virgins implore the patronage of S. Modoaldus. and to B. Modoaldus's sepulchre all fallen down, that by his patronage from the imminent they might be rescued peril, with such or of such ones similar heaven with prayers are reported to have penetrated: Lord Jesus Christ, to the eternal Father the Son coeternal, who by being born of a Virgin, that of the curse loosing elogium, Cursed, who has not made seed in Israel, the seed of virginity in the fullness of the times Thou didst command to be multiplied, that in the time of harvest its fruit Thou mightest receive a hundredfold; Thou to our groanings, Thou to our tears and voices the ear lend of Thy wonted piety, that whom to Thee we have vowed the chastity of life, which we have offered of the flesh modesty, of Thy Confessor Modoaldus by the prayers and merits from all pollution Thou mayest guard; and what no of our mind consent merits, no of the barbarians violence to our virginity may bring corruption. With of this kind prayers with great of spirit contrition, with a great of tears rain poured forth, not was lacking the operation of supernal hearing, not was lacking the exhibition of miracles of the blessed Confessor. Lest therefore to God consecrated Virgins evils should see, and within 30 days all die: which for the sex's fragility they feared; nor good things should lose, which for chastity's observance they had merited; wonderful to hear, more wonderful to see! in peace on the bed lying, within days thirty all from the present departed life; and so happily, as perennially about to live, with adorned lamps the Spouse heavenly meeting, of everlasting jucundity the bridal chamber with Him entered. Whose bodies in the same were oratory laid up, in which B. Modoaldus's pledges: that of whom by the patronizing merits the souls of them heaven with their Patron possessed, of him by the demanding Relics, the bodies in the same should be buried place: where flourish their prayers, and abound of God benefits to the memory of the Virgins from then, and now, and unto the world.
[36] When therefore of the same tempest still remained vestiges, and a long solitude most of the Saints' restrained places; it happened indeed, that that of the Saint familiar corner for its indeed dignity little obtained of reverence, The Franks at Trier put-in for obtaining the Relics: but by the negligence of the citizens of all guard destitute, also lay open to injury. But that of mortals carelessness, to our Pontiff of greater glory was made a matter. For certain men, by lineage Franks, of their nation not ignoble, in mind and body as much as possible strong, of holy devotion for the sake the city Trier had approached, which by of its Saints number proud, and by antiquity's dignity celebrated, than all Gaul more to shine they had found: of it for some time at the household abiding, by religion delighted, the sacred they wore thresholds, from unknown nearly most known: when meanwhile the men by nature sagacious a flame entered of a most beautiful deed, that by whatsoever mode, by prayers or by price, of so many Saints' pledges with the greatest of the people of Trier they might share a benefit. Which when too slowly proceed, and nothing in those of good hope or favor they presume, by day and night their mind to weary, in all places opportunity to seek, nor a disgrace to judge by whatsoever art, provided that not ineffectual they return, the begun to perform. And so with simulated devotion the church of S. Symphorianus entering, and of it all things, which to themselves soon for use would be, exploring; they see a house uncultivated, to injury opportune, by ministers and citizens neglected, deservedly indeed of its Croesus's riches more noble, but of family substance by want far than the rest more obscure. And who, they say, thy, Modoaldus, Relics in this of the whole city corner constrained? Unworthy certainly a sanctuary to thy dignity acquired. Where for is the door-keeper frequent in the threshold? where the various furniture of thy adornment of the church? Nothing here worthy of so great we behold name. How holily, and S. Modoaldus's body unguarded having obtained how usefully of thy guests thou couldst the journey accompany, that the parched of our region desert with a large blessing thou wouldst suffer to be irrigated, where neither to thy adornment choirs of those chanting, nor with the best virtues praises would be lacking of those celebrating. We will dare however, if with thy peace it be permitted, something of this business to attempt, and a part even small of thy body to carry away: from which to the Trier indeed people of detriment the least, to us of emolument the most, God propitious, will be able to come.
[37] By this familiar colloquy as into a good fruit animated, at the same time because nothing enough is hastened to a mind desiring, a part some they carry away: best to be done they reckoned the next night to this work to dedicate; lest while nights to days, delays to be prolonged consultations they should weave, the attentive citizens to themselves both suspected, then of a repulse worthy they should make. Removed therefore witnesses, of the night having entered the time, with a pious but bold violence the mausoleum they break open, with the most holy fruitful body: thereupon one than the rest more ready, his hand rashly putting in, and whatever with the tenacious of fingers comb to enclose he could, for himself laying up, flight with his companions hastens to invade. Which deed, although by love of the Saint freely perpetrated it was, not however to the Saint to have pleased, by of things following the document to be proved could. At the same time for with of him drawn-out limbs, wonderful to say, blood copious burst forth: which while abundantly as from an open wound flowed forth, the darkness however the sight hindering, the robbers themselves nothing of this kind either seeing or feeling, but by the blood from it distilled betrayed, before betrayed than from the begun deterred. Meanwhile the day to the lands restored, when the matin people to pray had begun after the custom to run together, they notice the church's pavement with abundant suffused blood; nor straightway the matter being known, long and much by uncertain suspicion they were agitated, what those were of slaughter the indications, where no ever to be slaughtered had been wont a victim. But explored diligently all things, first of a recent fracture the indications, then of nocturnal rashness the damages than light more clearly were clear to those seeking. Nor seemed the labor difficult the fugitives to pursue, since the blood from the torn bones emanating, nowhere of places its culprits deserted; until those by conscience trembling, nor enough of peril secure, by their footsteps, and indeed not obscure, manifest made. There are sent therefore expedite horsemen the injury to pursue, the rashness to correct: who most swiftly of the fleeing the backs pressing, and them by an easy business from flight drawing back, of the offence indeed favor they make, all however the good men striving, the received entirely of the supreme Pontiff Relics to the city they bring back. Who to narrate could suffice, those being brought back, what of joy, what of good hope to the citizens astonished returned? how benignly, to bring back they are compelled: how exultantly the of blessed memory Archbishop with the highest of the Clergy and people dancing to meet advanced, as if then first whole to himself the Saint had come? Thou wouldst see the whole city into the meeting to rush, no one in the houses, very few in the fields or towns to have remained; that to heaven himself near he would judge, whosoever unoccupied the returning to salute to go merited.
[38] But for of this deed to be chastised, lest anything similar thereafter pernicious should create license, they decree in common, the body of the Saint in the open placed, from the church to transfer, which done to S. Paulinus is transferred a new ark. and the heavenly treasure to firmer storehouses and a safer treasury to commend. And so an ark of wood, with most firm boards compacted, and with iron bindings round about fortified they hasten; and to it translated of the Confessor the pledges, into the oratory b of S. Paulinus, over the altar of the holy Cross, with the highest veneration they convey: advisedly namely, that equal to equal, a Priest to a Priest should be joined, and to that one those coming with a double patronage might be consoled. To these is added of Parian marble c a tablet, to the extreme hand of comeliness by a wonderful of the sculptor art brought, which near his sepulchre found, of the buried one the name and merit presented, with this series inscribed: This is the sanctuary of God beloved of Trier the Archbishop Modoaldus, whose King Dagobert the sanctity, as in his precept concerning Trier is contained, between the Loire and the Rhine magnificently exalted and dilated. Which also in the above was commemorated.
[39] Therefore S. Paulinus's church, with a new illustrated guest, into how great in a short brightness it came, with how great of the faithful zeal the former neglect it corrected, while the poor with the rich there his necessities hastens to bewail, to commemorate is incredible. But after a long-lasting rest leisure, of leisure indeed the security corrupted morals had begotten; and the whole of the city face changed, for religion of divine things contempt had advanced; to be sustained was necessarily of supernal correction the sentence, which the polluted license under the rein of strictness should restrain. Ezech. 9, 6 And so according to the sentence of the Prophet, From my sanctuary begin; which it burning, in the of an untimely night silence the same oratory suddenly conflagrated with a fire, that namely doing the divine censure, by which lest through the day kindled, by the easy of those running together it should be quenched industry. There were carried everywhere globes of fire with the winds urging, and with all reins reigned of the flames the impetus; when meanwhile the awakened guards, see their things in the extreme placed, their wealth for succoring everywhere unprepared. And so what in so great being constricted strait was permitted, to hasten, to run together, with immense fear to tremble, neither against to strive, nor to be able to be quiet: lastly whether they should remain, or should flee uncertain, the evil unforeseen, the doubtful peril by a cry to testify. By whose voices roused although quite few, if some however under the obscure night had flowed together, the gold and silver, which the first mortals think, and the various of the sacred ministry furniture with the highest effort to guard were busy: concerning of the Saints indeed pledges to be rescued unmindful, no of things less effort they expended. Whence also it happened, that the fire devouring, while to no places it spared, not only the parched of the woods material utterly consumed, but the tablets also marble, of the work by the dignity wonderful, round about corrupted.
[40] In so great of things difficulty who thy, Saint, Relics would not estimate to be about to be lost? There rushed everywhere the mass of the buildings, alone remains unhurt. there leaped apart by the force of heat the solidity of the marbles, and the whole of the sacred buildings face one of ashes was a heap. And who of all the storehouse of wood, against the force of fire most tender, which in the middle of the temple's vault on high placed, all of the rushing fabric received the impetus, would believe the peril to have escaped? But what in act most difficult seemed to the sick mortals, to the highest Procurator most easy, of things proved the issue. For on the next light, when most of the citizens to come, and of the nocturnal tempest the spectacle after the manner of human ingenium to look at had begun; the fires being calmed at last, nearer they approached, that especially caring, that even the small of the Saint ashes gathering, for the salvation of posterity they might place back. What for else, than even to the ashes by so long-lasting a destruction consumed would they believe? A thing wonderful, and to our centuries unusual! For removed, which the whole surface had covered, of the fires the heap; all beyond hope, which of the Saint were, entire they found, and the very little coffer of all destitute of injury, that gold thou wouldst believe from a furnace produced, purged, not corrupted. Who there himself from the praises of Christ restrained? Who not glorious God in His Saints with repeated cry proclaimed? Thy, Modoaldus, name, thy merit every sex and age above the stars lifted. So of Metz formerly d Stephen reports antiquity, among the slaughters of the miserable, among of the barbaric depopulation the most atrocious tempests, only the little oratory, by of his martyrdom blood consecrated, of the fires to have rescued from the danger, that hence both as present should gather as future, how much of reverence they would owe to the Protomartyr.
[41] but of the empty sepulchre the scraping But because of the elders having entered the footsteps, how the blessed Confessor of his Relics to the defense always was present, we have shown; it pleases the rest of him in passing to touch, and that of his suppliants after that of days number never to the salvation he was lacking, in few to discharge. That mausoleum of stone, which by certain rash ones broken open, secretly spoiled, just as from the premises was clear, of the elders the memory testified; after of greater caution for the sake, all this counseling, of the precious treasure it was emptied; with equal nevertheless, than formerly, reverence in the same church composed, holily quite was reserved. Of this the surface a learned hand of an artificer with tablets round about marble from the front had encircled, and to them solidly to each other compacted, comeliness to the work, use to the comeliness had added. But to these from the vicinity of the holy body so much of virtue, and so much of grace salutary divinely had acceded, that to be believed scarcely can be, with how great of mortals incommodes, by the patronizing of the Saint benefit, salvation thence procured was. the sick are healed: Whosoever for by long fevers even to the bones devoured, whosoever by a disease long-lasting consumed, hither with of faith integrity of his troubles a complaint had brought; by the scraping of the same marble, with water mixed and into a draught taken, a most swift of the languor remedy by a most certain cure obtained.
[42] Of this aid to be obtained for the sake when even today innumerable from divers parts of the world we see to run together, and none in vain of the pious Intercessor the suffrage to have desired, one however by faith and religion most excellent in silence to pass over is not a counsel. Mainz, a city of the whole Germany most renowned, the Rhine overhangs the shores, to commerces open, of want unaccustomed, of fields and vineyards fertile, and of no necessary thing indigent, with men and buildings sufficiently adorned, but much more blessedly, which it experiences in a fever the Provost of S. Alban. which the most precious of religion kind is, with a reverend of monks order illustrated. Of these in one monastery, which far than the rest more noble, e of S. Alban is called, in our memory a certain Provost, Severedus by name, with heavenly philosophy exercised, a man with the best arts from a tender nail imbued, and to God and men for many of ingenium goods dear and acceptable. But these so glad successes impeded a sickness continual, and with slow of fevers vapors not slowly of the man eminent was pressed the industry: by which pest most sharp now through a triennium with exhausted strengths, nothing lastly he believed more salubrious, than the useless of physicians work ceasing, of the heavenly hand the suffrage to have sought. For taught the brightness of the Trier Church, thither having set out he intended: and a part made of the supplicating people, a humble prayer-maker, but a most renowned of benefits obtainer, the tomb of the Saint approached, the draught of the scraped marble sincerely partook: nor with a faithful desire frustrated, shortly from infirm most healthy, the pallor with a revived color changed. He not unmindful of the benefit, both to the Saints all purely serving, and to his curator more familiarly adhered: and so much of devotion about him had advanced, that our place, to which his relics lately translated he had learned, with a special affection much and frequent he sought; and before to our fraternity acceptable, then indeed from the assiduity of abiding most acceptable became. By whose relation the virtue, which he had experienced, to the Brothers of his zealous found, not by injury our narration we have believed to be inserted, nothing fearing by a weak of falsity calumny to be assailed, which by of so truthful a man patronage easily could be enervated.
[43] But lest to all of his suppliants and devout always that necessity should seem to lie, for obtaining of whatsoever incommode the suffrage and of grief, a draught to go the dust of that scraped marble, worth the trouble it will be by a present example to notice, how easy, how ready he was to those serving him, to those calling himself sometimes without this draught, by only of virtue obtainment to answer. There was a certain nun to God devoted in the same Trier city, who with psalms, prayers and vigils being occupied, did not depart from the temple, that Anna the widow thou wouldst believe of the Gospel. But when those and those of the Saints frequent she went round Relics, and in the tabernacle of God, of God full a woman, to the Saint piously devoted a nun, most sweet of praise and of compunction sacrifices offered; then before all and above all of the most excellent Prelate Modoaldus the sanctuary she venerated and frequented, embraced and honored, and before him poured down, nay fixed, how many devout prayers, as many acceptable hosts in an odor of sweetness before the sight of the divine Majesty she directed: Toward whom from inspiration divine so great she had conceived devotion, from devotion love, from love familiarity, that whatsoever to her from of human things, as is wont, variety had befallen necessity, to him specially her cause to set forth she would recur; inasmuch as whom one and alone, with a certain boldness of confidence, her Lord both she believed and called. She at one time by the force of fevers touched, when more sharply she was wearied and burned, even without it, to of the same her Lord the memory she betook herself; and having pleaded with him concerning of her state, of her salvation the incommode, of this kind a complaint with him deposited: Thus, says she, is it pleasing before thee, my Lord, and so does it agree, that when others, both external and domestic, thee of their infirmities so easy and ready obtain a helper, me thy singular handmaid with so grave a grief, without any respect of clemency, thou sufferest to be wearied? Nay rather a benefit, which to others thou bestowest gratuitously, to me, that more confidently than the rest I may speak, thy handmaid the Lord thou shouldst expend from debt. Nor would I reckon to me necessary to be of thy marble that salutary scraping with others to drink, when faithfully and truly with my mind it stands, without this or any exterior aid thee to me to be able to succor. suddenly she is cured of fevers, These and these similar things when before her Lord both pious and faithful she discoursed in a complaint, suddenly seized by sleep she fell asleep. Whence a little after awakened, so herself whole made, and of all grief and trembling lacking she found, as if all that fever with the sleep equally had vanished.
[44] Good Jesus! with what exultation, with what joy, with what she to this praises rebounded, with what dancing? For indeed who by so manifest of the very matter had proved by an experiment, not herself hitherto in vain to have served, and from astonishment forgetful of her psalter, nor anything in vain to have supplicated Modoaldus. Into a hope therefore the greatest animated, she stood with so great in this very thing admiration astonished, that almost of herself and her things unmindful, nor the book even of the psalms, which as a companion individual to her always adhered, departing from the sanctuary, did she remember with herself to take from the place, where she had placed it. Meanwhile thither coming a certain youth, in appearance a Cleric, in body and mind wandering, in act undisciplined, the found psalter, of no witness solicitous, snatches: and himself thence more quickly, nor however from the city more remote, hurries away: but that the less he should be caught, into the suburb a lodging of a certain one he entered a poor man. As if indeed, of men the most inept, the damage of his handmaid, Modoaldus beholding and now pursuing, any place, any hiding, any of human ingenium industry could either lead away or conceal. Therefore because a mind into evil hardened, nothing ever of weight, nothing has of moderation; iniquity upon iniquity he adds, and the cloths of his host, which the wife of him for washing had set out, by night rising and taking away, to the psalter as gain a gain he joins; it from the thief taken away and impatient of delays and of rest, of a doubled evil the conscience urging on, nothing for himself the wretch safer reckoning, of the night and of flight the protection he invades. But the little woman from sleep in the morning roused, when neither her furniture, nor her most faithful that her host she found, to her husband the damage she complains, the fleeing thief by the footstep to follow she exhorts. He indeed nothing delaying, more swiftly the thief follows and seizes, and execrating the foul man, violently what his was, and even the psalter takes away and brings back. Meanwhile the devout nun, when her book seeking not she finds, with the devotion, with which she was wont, before the sanctuary of her Lord, her loss having pleaded, bewails; again and again him she prays, that to her with the wonted benignity the psalter he would restore, whence a sacrifice of praise to God and to him she might immolate, the Saint invoking she recovers it. and might render to the Most High her vows. Nor deceived the affection of her pious petition the effect of a most just hearing. There is made an inquiry through the whole city concerning the psalter: it passes man by man to another from another, until asked the poor man, who had received it, sets forth, restores, the nun receives it, to God thanks and to her Lord Modoaldus, not without a great of mind and faith ardor, repays.
[45] Behold the most lucid of miracles distinguished signs, but very few from very many tasted: by which however, if them rightly you notice, so the life of Modoaldus glorious and merits illustrious most splendidly are illustrated, as if a golden tablet, other things thereafter many are wrought. with gems or stones precious distinguished and decorated, it should seem. For what his life, except golden rightly I would call a tablet, with golden namely works coruscant? What the gems or pearls in the tablet, except the interlucent in his deeds miracles? Moreover just as neither of his virtues, so neither of this book the end by us is fitting to be expected: because while daily, God His soldier glorifying, with new and special he shines forth miracles, a new likewise matter new daily and special demands writers: nay the highest mass of the matter on the Tullian insults wits and eloquence. But let depart from of the faithful minds an unworthy of to be described the holy man's deeds solicitude and molestation. And indeed precious his memory eternally flourishes, and above all things is fragrant aromatics: as one who with glory endowed unfading, always is multiplied as a palm and a cedar of Lebanon, and germinates as a lily, and flourishes before the Lord through all ages of ages. Amen.
ANNOTATIONS.
TRANSLATION
Of SS. Modoaldus, Auctor, Abrunculus, and Bonosus Archbishops of Trier to the monastery of Helmwardeshusen. Under Tietmar the Abbot made and described.
Modoaldus, Archbishop of Trier (St.)
BHL Number: 5985
UNDER TIETMAR THE ABBOT FROM MSS.
PREVIOUS EPISTLE
to Stephen Abbot of S. Stephen of Liège.
To the Lord and Father Stephen by divine election Abbot, and to the holy Congregation to the blessed Apostle James under his governance serving; Tietmar and his monks brother Tietmar, whom they call Procurator of the sheepfold of B. Peter in Helmwardeshusen; with all to Christ with him warring, a gift of perfect charity from the soul, and of full fraternity a weight from debt.
[1] Since, Father Most Serene, as of many we have learned by relation, with the of Apostolic religion norm most perfectly imbued, of the Apostolic life the tenor by faith and acts you imitate; worthy we have judged you with words Apostolic to address: Blessed be God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who you a fit chose minister of the new Testament, for the written S. Modoaldus's life giving thanks to Stephen the Abbot not only by the letter, but also by the spirit's modulation the praise of omnipotent God to pronounce, and of His Saints the glory to the present and posterior ages imitable by word and writings to proclaim. 2 Cor. 3 For the most copious of your heart garden, of all of the Northern cold the torpor being driven away, of the Southern spirit with a grateful temperature breathed upon, sweet-flowing distilled aromatics, which by their fragrance far and wide diffused, the odor of your good opinion to our even transfused notice. And although so many of lands spaces to us the aspect of you have concealed the notice; yet of morals the maturity, and of the heart the sincerity, and of the pious mind the affection, and of the ingenium is clear the efficacy: and in this to be wondered at of omnipotent God to mortals, is proclaimed the dispensation, since there are men above thousands, of whom the notice we retain from the face, but not even a small intention we know from the heart. But of your heart the secrets, although in flesh absent, in a certain way we perceive, as often as of our blessed Father Modoaldus the Life with a mellifluous treatise to our resounds ears; and the delectable of your voice we perceive modulations, as often as the sweet-sounding of his chant the melody either we discern, or singing together we attend to.
[2] These both luminously digested so great above all aromatics sweetness to our jaws gave, and so great of dilection a fullness infused, that by no of bitterness rancor they can be abolished, to him well they pray; by no of molestation tedium be evacuated. For such and so great benefits, most just having reckoned in all ways with of thanks proclamations of your pious devotion the zeal to answer, in us nothing, to your labors to be compared, from us we suffice to estimate: since they surpass all eloquence of our praise. Wherefore with all our marrows turned to Him, who by your mouth is magnified and by voice is glorified, and by our although thin service is honored, indefatigably we supplicate, that by His merits and prayers to you for the action of thanks of perennial glory the crown, for the reward of eternal life the beatitude with Christ He may obtain, to whom without doubt is expended, and to him they offer this little book whatever to His Saints to serve, worthily and laudably is exhibited. Therefore since with an investigation sufficient by no ever abolition to be deleted of you the notice we hold; equal it is that by the zeal of our hand and tongue we also to your notice be conducted. We offer therefore to your Beatitude of the Translation of our most blessed Father Modoaldus the little book, with a humble style digested, of your dignation by the skill to be corrected, by your authority to be corroborated. Of which the series investigating, you will know concerning the situation of the place and the exordium of our cloister, with how benign and wonderful a dispensation of God into prosperous successes it grew strong, with how devout of the pious stipulation into the increase of religion it grew. It will be clear also by what occasion's event, with a pious already kindled desire, by the large of omnipotent God commiseration into so great of mind confidence we are moved, that the most precious of the Saints pledges, which by no of gold or silver abundance worthily could be acquired, with pious importunity demanded we might merit to receive. Which with worthy veneration and honorificence to our place brought, with divers of miracles signs the divine glorified dignation: that clearly might be clear to all, of whose merit, and of whose magnificence is their spirit in the heavens.
[3] In all these things by our acknowledgment, and of the whole matter our the sum, to you sufficiently laid open, Father most reverend, your Holiness to congratulate us we invite, with all of charity devotion, with a deprecatory affection words using of the Psalmist: Magnify the Lord with me, and exalt His name into the same. Psalm. 35 This moreover of your magnification the series we demand, that, with a better style to be polished. just as of our blessed Father Modoaldus the noble stock and life laudable with a luminous style you digested, so also of his translation the little sheet, with the chisel of your ingenium polished, through the caverns of your pious heart you would transfer, which an unpolished anything either to admit or to emit by no means have been wont. In this therefore of fraternal charity by the regard our desire satisfy: that the sacrifice of the past work, which to Christ through us you offered, now a holocaust may become; and of the marrowy host the marrowy tail, that is, of a good work the perfection, by the authority of your pious devotion strengthened, by us anew to omnipotent God through all things pleasing we may exhibit, and gratefully received in this order to be recited we may hold.
CHAPTER I.
The cloister of Helmwardeshusen constructed: to it translated the arm of S. Auctor Archbishop of Trier. The miracles there done.
[4] There is a town in the province of Saxony, from the name of its first land's inhabitant a Helmwardeshusen called, Count Ekkihard lacking posterity which through an ancient tradition by hereditary right passed into the glorious Count Ekkihard's and his most noble wife Mathilde's own possession. These by the line of birth and secular dignity illustrious, but by the probity of morals especially, into this of misfortune lamentably fell, that except one son, in his third age deceased, of all offspring they were deprived of the succession. Whom omnipotent God because of the fruit of the womb He attenuated, with religion's fecundity He enriched: and the more less they were solicited in the increase of progeny, the more largely they sweated in the study of divine servitude. Whence it was done, that all of kinsmen postponed posterity, the world's Savior, and His most pious Mother, and also the Apostles' Prince, heirs of all their possession they made, by building a monastery by themselves he asks from Sylvester 2 privileges, and in the town aforetitled a cloister, the monkish order befitting, to their honor and name they should dispose. Wherefore the same man illustrious Ekkihard to Rome going, by the counsel and authority of venerable memory b Sylvester the Pope, whatever of his right of possessions was, to B. Peter the Apostle delivered, and of constructing a cloister the licence and of the place the liberty obtained. He obtained for by the Apostolic privilege's sanction, that no one there to construct or to ordain should presume an Abbot, except according to the rule and the holy Fathers' institution canonically elected: similarly an Advocate, not from his birth, but whomsoever the Abbot and congregation should demand to be constituted: things also of his right acquired or to be acquired with perpetual liberty to be possessed, and from all servitude of Emperors, Kings, or of whatsoever powerful immune.
[5] By this therefore the father of the family by authority strengthened, and by the Apostolic benediction fortified, and with prosperous success to his fatherland restored, he decreed the intention of his desire to c Otto the third Emperor to lay open, with whom he had been for his probity, which Otto 3 confirms. and for of faithful service the multiplicity, already long ago by an exceeding bound charity. There survive even today in the ornaments of the church signs, that the same Prince to this his beloved one (who with him in the Roman expedition faithfully standing through a long day the bridge of the Tiber strongly with his men stormed, and against a most strong a certain one of enormous body terrible, and with bold arrogance the majesty Royal dishonoring, manfully having encountered, the head of him cut off to himself presented) royal certain ornaments his, on account of the badge of a noble victory, in reward conceded. Whose vow being known very much congratulated, he conceded to him by authority Imperial, whatsoever he saw by the Apostolic testament to be contained; of the cloister's namely construction, and of the place's liberty, of the canonical of the Abbot election and of the Advocate substitution, of all-mode of his and his men's servitude immunity; giving him upon these of the Imperial privilege a charter, with his seal's impression and his own hand's sign strengthened. By this double authority the pious provisor animated, an Abbot, with a few Brothers, over his all set; and in Christ's name the foundations laying, and to a prosperous effect tending, the work initiated he hastened more quickly.
[6] But God by which He Himself knows providence disposing, the fabric not yet halving itself, each constructor by an immature was prevented death. To the increase also of the lamentable misfortune, Dead Ekkihard and the goods being diminished, of each one's kinsmen, of great namely power men, the funeral their spoils, and of various furniture the remains, very much for the most part to their uses claimed; some also of estates the manors invading, withdrew from the church. But the rude of the church provisor the new Abbot Haulfus, with no effort trusting so great to go against powers, since neither the faculty was available to appeal to the authority Apostolic, or the majesty Royal, better he judged under of silence the moderation the divine to ask mercy. Meanwhile d Menwerc Bishop of Paderborn, S. Menwerc obtains the place, Otto already from the midst made, going to the King, who was called of Bamberg e Henry; with paternal piety's regard complained, within of his diocese the limits f Brothers poor to abide, to the Roman See's dominion to be subject, to strive to be what they could not supply, of God's mercy and of the Emperor to be in want. These, he said, with the place, if to your Majesty it pleases, to my to commit tutelage and provision; I will procure, by the obtainment of your favor and the love of God, that they may profit into the increase of the divine service: and the under a determined promise of faith obtained consent Imperial, he came to the place, of the to be disposed of the inhabitants causes to order. who in vain having endeavored to transfer the monks elsewhere And considering the of things thinness, and the monastic religion's order under penury to flourish not able; the prudent's used counsel, he deliberated with a better disposition the utility of the abiding to provide. For he had intended in a castle of his right g Warthberg by name a cloister of monks to build: and better he judged, that the composed of each place forces, and his as long as he lived supplements, hence thither of all should be made a translation: and so more advisedly of each one the things with perpetual should flourish stability. But to this counsel did not assent the divine disposition: whence the Prelate the same, by a nocturnal vision somewhat gravely admonished, from his intention desisted as soon as possible.
[7] By whose concession's and royal permission's occasion the Pontiffs of the Paderborn church the place this contain by h parochial protection, to the quiet of the Brothers abiding of molestation nothing bringing, them under the protection of his successors he leaves to the Abbots for themselves regularly elected the pastoral rod or consecration canonically bestowing, from no one of his right anything of service exacting, but in every cause of them with the privileges Imperial piously assenting. Not for they are ignorant by the Apostolic of Sylvester the Pope, under whom the tradition of that place with all its revenues to blessed Peter made was, condemned to be with an anathema, whosoever the privilege of him canonical and synodal shall have presumed in any way to violate. But since by no of his own right they were solicited by debt to benefits to be conferred; the place the same through the succeeding to itself Bishops a long time, of all supplement the largesse, in neglect was held; in great poverty: which little by little being relieved, except that the Abbots for themselves substituted, in augmenting the church's revenues were busy according to their each one strengths. And when the inhabiting Brothers frequently straitened an anxious of things thinness, yet in no mode grew cool in them the love of religion and the regular sedulity: but the poor in spirit, their believing to be the kingdom of heaven, went gradually from virtue to virtue. When this fervor of the sons of God far and wide the opinion of itself dilated; several of Christ faithful, by their kindled and animated example, the things of this church with their revenues began to dilate. Many also emulating charisms better, a small thing to seem reckoned, if only to their things own they renounced: and by the precept instructed evangelical, believed themselves not to be worthy of God, except renouncing themselves, under the rule monkish to carry round in their body always the mortification of the Cross of Christ.
[8] Meanwhile Tietmar, the sixth of this cloister by God elected Abbot, Tietmar the 6th Abbot desiring to obtain the body of some Saint by much of his predecessors animated industry, nothing he suffered remiss to the to be supplied church's businesses, by antiquity and carelessness almost half-ruined: he restored the buildings, and, what of all to the Creator more acceptable he knew, to win to God souls, wholly himself he overspent. To whom when several things ceded according to his vow, inspiring to him of great counsel the Angel, he began with a greater to sigh desire, that the body of some Martyr or Confessor to him to bestow should deign the divine commiseration, to whose himself and his all he might commit a special patronage. With pious also consideration he weighed, himself and his men to this not to suffice, that to the manifold of the religious vows worthy they should repay benefits, unless God by His should succor grace through of His Saints their suffrages. Which to be obtained, because he believed greater to be than his strengths, the counsel with the spiritual communicated Brothers, he deliberated this from God to be sought by vigils and prayers. The Brothers therefore by the pious of their Father zeal rejoicing, and the ears of the Omnipotent with frequent supplications knocking, besought that so devout of the pious breast a desire to a worthy He would advance issue. What many things? The Lord Jesus, who said in the Gospel: If two of you shall have consented concerning every thing, which they shall have asked, it will be done to them; showed Himself to be present to His faithful's unanimity, and the counsel of them to a prosperous enslaved effect. Matt. 18, 19
[9] The sum of the counsel by God directed this took the beginning, that upon this business they should appeal to the ears and heart of i Bruno, Archbishop of the holy Church of Trier, which by the privilege of its principate is over all the Churches of the Gauls, in that founded by B. Peter the Apostle, it is in order the first and in dignity the chief, and by many of Saints bodies glorious. Then it seemed useful the secret of this business to the Paderborn k Bishop to lay open, by whose diocese they are enclosed by the limit, the commendation of the Bishop of Paderborn being interposed, that by his strengthened counsel, licence, and authority, with their letters of him also epistles deprecatory they should direct, for of the whole Bishopric the profit and honor. Nor was it difficult that with the Bishop to obtain his faithful, to whom already long ago by religion's love and of full fraternity the communion joined, with a special he had been by charity bound. The Abbot therefore all his things moderating advisedly, premised and disposed his and his men's prayers, as of so great a way and so great a business companions, one of his fellow-soldiers a monk, with the epistles Pontifical and his and of the whole Paderborn Church, directed to bend the clemency of the Trier Archbishop, so that he would assent to the effect of this spiritual business. Received therefore and read through the epistles, the Pontiff venerable feared first the novelty of so unusual and so terrible a business. he acts with Bruno of Trier: Called also and consulted the Priors of the Church, nothing from them he reported certain, as being terrified and wondering anyone of mortals to dare with the mind to conceive, much less by work to attempt, the magnitude of so horrendous and unheard-of a thing. Wherefore the pious Prelate received a respite again deferred, and seven days having elapsed anew admonished, anew consulted the Brothers nothing of effect found, and again the responses by delay protracted.
[10] After these things ten and more interposed days the Brother legate, joined as well religious monks as Clerics faithful, whom of orders and of future service by benefits to himself he had attached, him tergiversating, again the Pontiff approached; and with a clement importunity, as great as to use he dared, appealed; the delay of his response to his imputing negligence and unwisdom, and no however despicable and abject legate protesting to be repudiated. Besides of his Prelate the nobility and of his order the dignity, and also of the Abbot the venerable sanctity he proposed; not to be contemned to be persons of so great dignity and so great authority, to become the dignity Pontifical to his honor convenient responses to render to those supplicating. With of this kind an oration bent the most pious Pontiff with a cheerful countenance a sweet-flowing used an excuse, saying himself in the delay of the response, neither on account of foolishness, as being which none was the legate's person to have rejected, nor by any contempt the dignity of the Bishop or Abbot to have dishonored: of fear by the anxiety to be walled; and at last the just fear excusing, of so great a business, which was asked, the ministry to have feared; l Hermann Bishop of Metz from the sepulchre of S. Clement, the first of the same city Bishop, whom he was translating, scarcely by the hands led down on the third day to have died; himself a sinner, himself unworthy his of life peril to fear; the Saint Legontius who was asked, before several years attempted from his place neither to be moved to have been able; a turf upon him, as was thought, the day before dug up, the next morning entire and sound to have found, himself by his and his men's counsel, which not he found upon this matter, nothing to define to dare, and for this of a longer time a respite to have wish. These things being discoursed to the Legate letters excusatory to be conveyed he delivered, and equal things to the Abbot by living voice to be related he mandated; not to despair concerning the mercy of God; but rather in this the will of God by continuous prayers to merit he admonished, and from himself bidding farewell dismissed.
[11] sad returning he who had been sent Who thus dismissed to be straitened exceedingly began and to be wearied, and himself of so great a journey the fatigation in vain to have consumed to grieve, and much labor by his sins frustrated, reckoning himself unworthy, himself unmeriting, by whose ministry such and so great a business the Omnipotent to be effected would deign. But the Father omnipotent to this grief condescending, and the wonted piety's ears to the Brothers His prayers accommodating, of their hope did not wish them to frustrate, but mercifully and wonderfully to them worthy and unhoped-for conferred of the Saints Relics:
From the sacristy of B. Peter:
Of his staff: some other thing and the arm of S. Auctor he receives: A scraping of the nail of the Lord in a little cloth wrapped: Of the sandals of S. Andrew the Apostle.
From the sacristy of B. Eucharius.
Of the body of B. n Celsus the Bishop.
From the sacristy of B. Maximinus.
Of the pallium and stole o of him: The arm of S. [p] Auctor Archbishop of Trier, of great sanctity a man.
[12] By these the sent aforesaid exceedingly animated, and as if from a deep of grief and of straits whirlpool relieved, which with great solemnity translated, his returning steps hastened: who after long of lands spaces measured, at last of the known turf attained the confines. And because the day of the sabbath the hour now had passed the eleventh, fit he judged of a certain faithful man a client of the Church to seek the lodging: and directed letters to the cloister, to his Abbot and the Brothers he intimated, how great with him, concerning the conferred arm of B. Auctor the Archbishop, the Divine had worked clemency. Whence all the Brothers very much exhilarated; the Abbot, kindled with incense and lights, to salute the most holy Relics sets out; and deputed Brothers to celebrate to so great a Pontiff vigils home returns. Then after dawned the next day happy through ages, the Brothers happier about to be of so great a Father by the presence, disposed of the peoples bands mutually themselves they exhort, to undertake with of the spiritual apparatus glory of the supreme Priest the pledges. The bearers indeed not yet departed from the lodging's thresholds, the scholar boys advancing with banners and crosses, conduct the Saints, with litanies and hymns spiritual, already then glorifying God His Saint's merit, begun praises from the mouth of infants. Then in of the journey the middle advance in garments white the Clerics with the people, some of the Saints relics carrying in a bier, and with their whole body prostrate the young men and virgins with the younger ones praised the name of the Lord. And so advancing to of the village the middle, behold they behold of the militia heavenly the apparatus, the bands palled of monks, to the church of the monastery who to the ground bowed down the first of a devout heart holocausts to so great immolate Pontiff; glad namely sighs of groanings with sweet rivulets of tears, which an excessive joy extorted affection, from the inmost of them bowels. Hence praises being imposed with a solemn dancing advancing, of the temple they are received into the bosom, not less of the peoples troops, round about singing together, and of diverse age with a confused voice resounding, that now in these the Prophet's prediction was fulfilled, Let every spirit praise the Lord. Psalm. 150
[13] With so great therefore veneration of B. Auctor the Archbishop and of the rest, whom we have foretasted, received the Relics, in the sacristy of the temple were laid up in the year of the Lord's Incarnation a thousand one hundred fifth, indiction the thirteenth, the day before the Ides of May, on the day [q] Lord's, the hour of the day third, in which the holy Spirit formerly of the disciples filled the hearts. Received therefore venerably and with becoming honorificence located the arm of B. Auctor, of Trier the Archbishop, in the sacristy of the Prince of the Apostles, which is Helmwardeshusen, which the of largesse divine dignation wonderfully and unhoped-for to that very place directed; long would not wish God to be concealed of how great He was merit with Him, but declared in the dead member of the body, what his holy soul could in the heavens. For a woman a widow poor by the alimonies of the Church was nourished, to whom an arm had withered, who of a continual languor labored with the incommode. She by a sudden paralysis struck, of all members a dissolution so strongly incurred, that herself in no mode into the side the other without a ministering one's aid to turn was able: nay even to the increase of misery the thumb of the left hand into the palm recurved of the four fingers a continual constrained reflection, and that very arm so great had dissolved aridity, that utterly insensible as a wood she carried from the neck depending. Who of the holy Relics the coming learned, by a divine visitation to the marrow touched, suddenly to a sitting is raised; and a tunic having been asked is clothed, and partly on the shoulders of her procuratress carried, partly by a staff sustained, herself to meet the sanctuary bore, confidently asserting of him herself by the virtue from the assiduity of the little bed relieved, and herself by the benefits of the Saint to be saved. Then the arm of the Saint her debility's places being handled and signed, presently wonderfully in a manner the bone parched to the parched veins of the pristine vigor of moisture infused, and the member dead the limbs forewearied of vital spirit by the office animated.
[14] contracted in his whole body, A herdsman a certain of the same village, by an insensible seized languor, of all work the use his body invalid with food frequent he nourished: but his members thence by no of strengths vigor profiting, on a little bed debilitated he lay. Of this incommodity the remedy exploring, himself because free he was, to B. Auctor by the right of property he delivered; and of recovering health for the sake, a census of coin himself to him annually to pay he vowed. Nor delayed the new Lord to of the new servant's vows to assent, that the granted to uses necessary strengths, he might be accustomed not idly the fruits to consume, but diligently to the fruits to be augmented effort to give. A woman a certain of the aforesaid place by a sudden of ears deafness is struck, and in sleep is admonished, that for the of hearing recovery to B. Auctor her earrings she ought to offer. a deaf woman, Who morning being made to obey to the orders hastens, and the earrings being offered whole home returns, and to those wontedly crying out to her not without a derisory rebuke, clearly herself to hear pronounces. In a little possession of the church, Muthen called, a youth a certain [r] Susalian, a youth shamefully gaping, one morning wontedly striving to rise, with so great suddenly was seized an infirmity, that with eyes miserably open, of the mouth with a gaping terrible terror to those beholding he struck with grief. Presently to the monastery it is run, the Saint's arm is conveyed, the sick man from it with faith is blessed, and to pristine health is restored. Of this Brother the bearers of the holy Relics into his lodging had received, to whom also benignly he had ministered: whose buildings after this by enemies set on fire and utterly were conflagrated, only his granary the fire escaping, in which of B. Auctor had passed the night the Relics.
[15] a woman in childbed by loathing of food failing, In a village which Heyson is called, a certain woman with much difficulty bringing forth, with so great of food and sleep loathing is seized, that with neither to use commodiously prevailing through days nearly to the extremes she was conducted. Who by suggesting friends admonished, how great things God through S. Auctor would work miracles, a vow faithfully vowed, and straightway to sleep yielded: hence slowly awakening, with food asked is refreshed, and the tedium into a natural delectation changing, of the peril of death is stripped. In the same village a woman a certain, of grief of the head growing heavy, another of a deaf woman. of each ear the office utterly lost. Who of hearing empty, but of faith full, a vow to B. Auctor made the monastery sought: where so most swiftly and so perfectly recovered, that she who a sound however great to feel was not able, thereafter of a most thin whisper the hiss most fully drew in. In the aforesaid village a boy little of a miserable languor by the disease was sick: by a miserable languor seized, for at times as if lifeless falling down, sobs various he emitted; at times as if sound he walked; at times indeed with voice utterly interceding, with eyes open and gaping mouth, of no breath the breathing he drew. Whose parents, amid of continual grief the anxiety the name of B. Auctor learned, and a vow rendered, with so most full of their son were health exhilarated, that of whom the only death before for the excess of tedium they desired, his life with paternal sweetness they embraced and fostered.
[16] In the town of the Monastery, of a fisherman a certain daughter little by an inflation miserable of the belly translucid is burdened, having suffered the belly's inflation and with the rest of the members with the face by abstinence and pallor squalid, with of the eyes a rolling moribund, nearly all of vital hope the certitude to the unhappy parents had taken away. Who the name being ignorant of the Saint, from the coming of the arm a person unknown cry out: vows they vow, that by his aid the wretched little daughter, if it be possible, may be bettered; but if otherwise, an end to so great imposing torments, the way of all flesh she may enter. the navel being burst she is healed: These things being discoursed the navel of the girl wonderfully bursts; and with an excessive impetus flowing out of corruption, the vigor vital is repaired: because the weight deadly is evacuated. This seen the parents with immense praises of this virtue the minister extolled, and with a mind more alacrious both the daughter received, and of tedium the fatigation lost. In a little village of the church, Windelesheim called, a little infant scarcely two years by an assiduous was shaken sickness, a sick little infant is cured: so that of milk the victuals utterly spurning, nights and days sleepless she led, and at times with a moribund appearance, with her joints stiffening with of grief the assiduity, the languid of the mother bowels she tortured. Who at last of faith full hope of obtaining health for her conceiving, the monastery with the same sought the thresholds, S. Auctor's earnestly asking the suffrages: and the sacristan consulted, the sick one with the Saint's arm is blessed, and presently the spirit resumed seeks the mother's breasts, is suckled and sleeps, and home is brought back sound.
[17] In the contubernal of the monastery a woman a certain, in mind and habit an appearance presenting of religion, a cloth by theft taken away is recovered. abode: who from the sacristan a cloth excellent to be washed had received, which by theft taken away she lost. Which learned presently the monastery she enters, to B. Auctor complains, and a thread silver for a vow promises. Thence going out forthwith the indications of the theft she catches, and a person suspicious meeting, the fault she finds; an exaction being made, what she had lost she received; and to the holy provisor thanks with a vow she rendered. A man a certain of the canton of the Westphalians, of the head by a grief vehement of the light was deprived of the eyes; and his shin the other, by a cancer seized of an ulcer, of walking utterly lost the office. He in one of the nights of B. Auctor faithfully invoked the name, a blind and lame man is healed. of his commiseration by the insensible cured was medicine: and coming to the cloister a thread he offered silver, with thanks-giving, which for his salvation he had vowed of its recovery. These and these similar of miracles signs omnipotent God therefore to be done disposes through of His holy Confessor the merits, that clearly He may declare, how much of remedy to souls into eternity about to live to obtain prevails in the heavens with Christ happily living his soul; when with bodies about to die, his bone dead, so much to bestow can benefits.
ANNOTATIONS.
p. There is venerated S. Auctor, 20 of August, to which day the following miracles could be transferred, unless it were better the whole this relation together to be brought forth. Lived S. Auctor a Bishop from the year 409 to 427.
q. Was this the Lord's day of the Rogations before the Ascension of the Lord, or the fifth after Easter, which with the Dominical letter A was celebrated on the day 9 of April: and hence I corrected the error which into the number of the Indiction had crept, as if it had been XII when it was XIII: the Correction moreover is proved from the final clause where the acts 12 of May 1107 are marked with Indiction XV.
r. I fear lest rightly here are written of the places the names because such nowhere about Helmershausen are found noted: for Susalia moreover occurs Uslaria in the Brunswick Duchy at the interval of leagues 2; for Heysen, I find Hemsen in Paderborn, in the Bishopric at leagues 4.
CHAPTER II.
It was labored to obtain and dig up the Body of S. Legontius, Bishop of Trier, but with a vain effort.
[18] In the year 1100 In the year of the Lord's Incarnation a thousand one hundred sixth, in the Indiction the fourteenth, was appointed a a Synod in the parts of Italy by the venerable b Paschal of the Roman See the Prelate, to be held concerning the state and concerning the divers utilities of the Catholic Church, and the concord of the Kingdom and Priesthood, whose dissension by much had grown strong time, not without peril of many of body and soul: to which invited flowed together from divers parts of the world Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, and with Catholic monks religious Clerics, and of the kingdoms Nobles secular, and of divers powers administrators, with clients and an innumerable hand of the people. Tietmar to the Synod of Guastalla setting out, Whence it happened Tietmar of Helmward, through two Legates of the Apostolic one by name called, accompanying a monk his with the rest to make a journey; and unhoped-for the of Trier Archbishop, with other legates of the Roman King, in the city Basel to meet. Whom encountering, and by him most becomingly received, he reminded of his legation and of his Bishop, to the same nearly before two years through the present his monk transmitted, for to be besought and to be obtained the body of c B. Legontius, Archbishop of his See, namely of the Trier Church. he asks from the Archbishop of Trier the Body of S. Legontius, He replicated also the same things, which then in writing he had mandated, now also by living voice and humble suggestion; the necessity and cause and devotion of so spiritual a desire his, the intention and zeal of his and his men's service, the adornment in various of operousness of painting and of divers furniture, of his monastery the awaiting long-lasting, and on account of this the desires of the monks and Clerics and of the promiscuous sex and age people: to become the dignity Episcopal this to effect, lest so many and so great sons of the Church of their should be frustrated by the expectation.
[19] There were added to this petition the man venerable Hermann the Count, and also religious Clerics d Reinhard afterwards Bishop of Halberstadt, intervening for him various others, e Adelgoz the following year of Magdeburg Archbishop made, and the rest legates of the King and of his way companions, the same protesting, and the same often redoubling; nor able a Saint anyone anywhere more becomingly and more honorably to be conceded or located, under the obtainment of an ampler divine service, confirming. In the place also of the held Synod he is solicited by the assent and counsel of the Archbishop of Salzburg f Conrad, with religion, nobility and wisdom endowed, and before three days by the Apostolic one himself ordained; saying him in this advisedly to act, and himself worthy to judge and rare to think, if for the increase of honor and glory, for the increase of the service of the veneration and reverence of the Saints, from place to place be translated and destined Relics. By a similar also he is moved assent and counsel by his Clerics religious and wise, and some laymen faithful, with him in a ship from Pavia even to Piacenza on the river Po setting out; and often that not to be necessary to fear the divine animadversion or of the Saints offense on account of this to incur protesting, by good hope he is fed. if to the devotion and necessity of the faithful he should consult in bestowing on them, of which he abounded, of the Saints bodies. These all the Prelate most reverend in the balance of his heart weighing, and with a subtle counsel with himself handling, and the force of the words and in these the truth considering, admonishes the whole of this business the cause to God to be committed, and His will and disposition in all ways to be implored, and promises himself to the Abbot with charity to be about to respond, if with life as companion he returns to his fatherland. Then himself to the very Abbot's and his men's commending prayers, with all humility, and a hope of himself approaching and himself without doubt moving promising most confident, kisses being given he dismissed in peace.
[20] The Abbot therefore these for which the Synod he had approached being ordered, Returned to the monastery and with grace and benediction Apostolic fortified, and of the promise of the Archbishop certain, to his fatherland returns most glad; all things which were seen, which said, and which heard had been to his announcing Brothers: with whom also of the long intermitted desire the business anew he began to ventilate, and also the event of the Archbishop, and of the rest of his companions, in his postulation, in assent and counsel concording, to insinuate. Of blessed also Auctor the unhoped-for coming, and his by signs attesting merit he began to replicate; and in these the bowels of divine piety, to himself and his place and his all expended, to consider. Wherefore, says he, since omnipotent God so great of His largesse benefits to us unworthy ministers; the monks being excited to pious exercises, of all us the indefatigable skill with continuous prayers, vigils, and also fastings with His mercy let it obtain, that what in us He began good, from His holy temple, which is in the Jerusalem heavenly, He confirm and perfect; and our business toward the desire of B. Legontius He complete, and our way with His preceding and accompanying grace to this to be performed prosperously with His wonted piety direct. With of this kind an exhortation his all ready and unanimous he rendered, and he himself at the head as a good standard-bearer, that the more freely to imitate himself the rest he might animate, in spiritual exercises above his strengths he stood; just as the most wise Seneca the best of warriors masters instructing says: A shared with the leader labor, is persuaded to the soldiers lesser.
[21] Then for months nearly three, with prayers and tears publicly and privately multiplied, on the VIII of the Kalends of April, 25 March of the year 1107 to Trier he advances, a commonly proclaimed three-day fast with of Masses supplications, and first of the Brothers the benediction received, he sets out with two monks, and with a prosperous journey, on the fifth feria which preceded the Lord's of Palms, the walls he glimpses of the Trier city: and straightway with his whole body on the ground prostrate, with all reverence the holy Parents for committed he beseeches excesses; and that to himself of the way the prosperity, and of his desire the effect to concede they would deign, with tearful he appeals prayers. And that more devoutly of them to implore he may be able the suffrages, with the spiritual things he exercises barefoot-walking, and the rugged crags, and of the journey the anomalous windings, more, that so I may say, creeping, than walking, not without of terror and of much sweat the strait he went round through long two miles: and the of the Moselle bed crossed through the bridge renowned, of B. Peter the Prince of the Apostles, who there with special is venerated devotion, he sought of the oratory the house: and after of his remembrance of sins, with all of heart contrition, his he implores suffrage. Imploring also in this mode of the present there Saints helps, the sepulchre he sought [g] of B. Simeon: and it besought concerning his business and desire, at S. Maximinus he sets out, there to be received with the lodging, which he had asked a little before sent ahead a legate.
[22] Whose coming learned, the venerable Abbot h Berengoz by name, and his Provost Arnulph of worthy memory, received by the Abbot of S. Maximinus, with all veneration received him; and the joined of the Brothers common congregation, and given the customary benediction, ministered to him as much as the will was available for the time. Then on the sabbath which preceded the Lord's of Palms, admitted before the Archbishop, most honorifically he is received, and his business with the Primates of the whole Bishopric, and by the Archbishop of Trier: on the next day to convene about to be, to be treated piously is procrastinated. Shining at last the day Lord's, the hour first, gathered to the benediction of the Palms of all the congregations the Priors, the Archbishop pronouncing, the cause is intimated. him the matter in the convention proposing, The matter, as if unheard and unusual, first by all is feared: and themselves mutually regarding, and, what they should answer, hesitating, to the admiration of all is held.
[23] But the Archdeacon, a man of all honesty and religion Godfrey, and the same Dean of S. Peter, whose it was of office the first responses to render, [and the Archdeacon approving but on account of the fast to be premised to defer persuading,] loosed the silence thus an uttered voice: We have understood, says he, and without delay we have found, the Abbot present, a man venerable, a great indeed, but just, and (as we reckon) to God pleasing, and to the whole world about to profit to demand; and for obtaining himself and his men with fastings and prayers, vigils and alms to have fitted, which worthy and useful and to such a business necessary are proved to exist: nor worthy we judge so spiritual a desire and the divine disposition if it is, utterly to contradict. Especially since for much already time, now through letters and legates, now through himself for this to be obtained it is established him to have labored. But we to these things to be handled and to be expounded altogether unworthy, since to so holy a ministry to be present we are in all ways unprepared, it remains that to us a respite being conceded of our conscience we may scrutinize the secrets, and therefore commonly with a three-day fast to God in the heavens our hearts let be lifted with our hands, that in this of pious devotion action to them in a certain way equal to be made we may be busy, who cannot in all things. These things indeed to have done already we ought, but by ignorance of so sudden and so unhoped-for a thing we had not foreseen. To these things to be carried out us the highest compels necessity: which if we intermit, and of our own accord ourselves into illicit things cast, a great seems rashness; lest while of others to the salvation inconsiderately we endeavor to provide, of the Saints we incur the offense, and of the most equitable judge God we offend the grace. The Abbot meanwhile, having received for charity's sake of some Saints pledges, into his with his companions himself let recede, and to us after these things commodiously for answering and his desire to be satisfied prepared let return, or certainly fit and spiritual messengers, who his place may supply, let send.
[24] a delay he deprecates. These things heard, the Abbot with his men in mind exceedingly dismayed, and as if shot arrows from the heart wounded, first grew stiff; and presently the recollected spirit, constantly to the Archbishop and the whole assembly answered. Father most reverend, let weigh the excellence of your nobility the labors and straits of our littleness, the expenses which we have expended by coming and here remaining above the strengths of our faculty, the interval of a more prolix way, nor anyone except in the days of peace anywhere to advance to dare: and what us especially constrains, the uncertainty of our life and of yours: nor would you wish, what of your Priesthood in the days the Omnipotent through you disposed to be done, into another to defer: especially since exhorts the Apostle us, While time we have to work good toward all. Galat. 6, 10 Inasmuch as concerning fastings and alms, vigils and prayers it is treated, and he shows to suffice the present fast. nor except these being premised our business to the present can be terminated; there remain seven days next to this to be carried out, more excellent and more apt in time of the whole year: in which to these exercises whosoever cannot be moved, either scarcely or in no mode will be provoked in all the course of the time summer. For neither the Omnipotent with a forced fast or unwilling prayer's duration is fed, who rather with a pious of good will zeal in a brief time is delighted. Let dispose therefore your piety, whatever upon this is to be done, to be exercised in these days of salvation, and in this acceptable time, and us the end of those we will await most promptly: that we who began the expenses to disburse, not in two but in one may expend time: for neither another time more apt or more becoming is, than in these holy days holy things to be treated: and religious men, who already to God have lived not to themselves, through this Lent's observation purified, more devoutly than at another time, this all which we demand and we need, prevail to carry out.
[25] These things consequently being discoursed, and by a long silence a common consent betraying all, the Lord Archbishop, present [i] the Abbot of Prüm, and in all things counsel and consent to the Abbot's business affording, It is deferred to the next day the definition. who to visit the sacred places by chance had come then in time, the silence of all of this kind loosed with words: To just executions faith to afford is not to sin: and so since I by a royal precept to the comitatus am compelled to set out, nor is there leisure now to define the sentence of this business, tomorrow hither all may you convene, in my place at the first hour of the day upon this matter to be about to treat, and the end to be about to deliberate: and may you know my consent in this to be, that the disposition of God and of these Saints be made in the Abbot's will. But if perhaps B. Legontius, for whom the matter is treated, by an event for himself, as we have heard formerly, customary cannot be found, nor would wish at all, not is by us to be blamed or to be judged this hidden of God disposition. You moreover a man of so great authority in no mode empty or sad let return suffer, but to him a Patron holy and approved may you procure from the sacristy of B. Paulinus.
[26] These things said and the benediction on the branches of the Palms imposed, and also the procession, which under heaven nowhere on this day more becomingly and more honorifically is held being disposed, and the consent of the people being required after long circuits the order of his discourse to the people he began in the basilica of B. Maximinus the Confessor: and digested conveniently some things to of so great a day the mystery pertaining, now the determined discourse thus he brought before all: There came, says he, to us a servant of God faithful a certain Abbot from Saxony, of the Saints seeking the patronages, and to himself to be given demanding of one named holy Prelate, and Lord formerly of ours the pledges, to which sufficiently befitting he fitted a monastery, and the rest to his honor and divine service congruous: Which since great are, and above my strengths; nor am I able alone of so great a business the weight to attempt, to you all I notify, who sons are of our Church, and by whose counsel all my divine and human things I have been wont to dispose; protesting in this to the divine disposition and to your consent my will to accord, if it please the Saint himself to be translated to that one to manifest. They indeed equanimously and benignly answering, and the will of God to be done upon this imploring, the Lord Archbishop, from the Abbot his and his men's society and fraternity to himself and his all received and to him his and his congregations' inviolably conceded, and it being obtained; as was asked, set out to the Court, admonishing on the next day to await, from the counsel and consent of his Primates, as he had ordered, the will divine.
[27] On the night therefore following in divine praises consummated, shining of the day following the dawn, the Abbot with his men celebrates of Masses the solemnities: and finished prayers congruous, and of so great expectation necessary, and proclaimed also singularly to himself and his men a three-day fast, of the Prince of the Apostles he approached the thresholds, upon this hope his doubtful of him to implore the suffrages. from the common of the Nobles of Trier sentence And straightway convening Bishops, Abbots, Provosts and Deans, and the Priors rest, joined also the Abbot of S. Maximinus, who was of Royal dominion, mediating the grace of God suddenly was made one of all the consent, one concord of pious will of those saying: Not to become longer to protract men of so great reverence and so great gravity, not to ought to be contradicted to the desire of a business spiritual, rather to be carried out the divine will into the effect of a good action. And called the Abbot with his monks, the assent and concord their they confess to this even conducted, that to his they would the will satisfy, and the Saint whom they demanded to investigate the means to concede, and found that he be exposed and translated, with due to so great a Pontiff reverence and devotion, themselves commonly to be present to wish; and they admonish not it further to be deferred, but to be more maturely begun. These things being discoursed, the fraternity and society, the day before to the Archbishop conceded and by him received, in their convention they judged to be iterated, and it to of the to succeed posterity the memory by writing to be confirmed and perpetually to be stabilized. there is given to the Abbot the wished-for licence: But the Abbot, to repay worthy thanks for their pious response, with his men to the ground prone is bent with body; and given and received, as they demanded, the fraternity he prays, that of his prayers by the suffrages to him they would deign to stipulate, so far as He, who is the beginning and the end, of his business the beginning and end may deign to prosper.
[28] These things so done, rising all, [k] the Abbot of S. Martin precedes with the Dean and sacristan of S. Paulinus, to insinuate more certainly, who the place shown to him as they believed, the place of digging up of the long desired treasure. Which beheld the Abbot with his men the lodging seeks again, and asked mattocks and digging-tools, and also baskets to this work necessary, and hired workmen in this office expert, his men to the appointed place sent back, himself with faithful monks and religious Clerics a crypt, of SS. l Paulinus, Thyrsus, and Palmatius and their companions with bodies filled, the seven Psalms singing entered. Of whom with sighs and tears from the inmost heart by the suffrages implored, he goes out to the place with a litany and a Cross preceding, holy water with the odor of incense: and prayers being premised the Abbot himself, girded the earth with a mattock first opened, the of digging beginning he makes, the poor meanwhile with the largesse of alms gladdened. Then with others and others succeeding, and the earth hence and thence manfully throwing, and many of promiscuous sex and age to this spectacle flowing together, and the divine help to them to be present they prayed; they wished and asserted most not to be long to be labored, but as soon as possible the vows with prosperity to be obtained: which alas! far otherwise the event of the matter showed to be about to be. For through the whole day with much endeavor it was labored, and nothing certain found, but nor of a sepulchre any appeared vestige; but with labor through day and night in vain continued, and of all hope the event was deferred into the morrow. But the Clerics younger to the laboring condoling, of their own accord themselves they gird to the work, and through the whole night they labor digging, the Abbot in vain even to morning with his men passing the night. But in of the night the midst two indeed sarcophagi were opened, but in them no certain of an indication was contained, by which to be designated should be he who was sought.
[29] Then the hymns matutinal completed, and made morning returning the workmen, and others set above, the Abbot with his men to the wonted of the Saints recurs suffrages; and Masses celebrated and prayers superadded, to the place returned, some of his vow to apprehend desiring indications. and also through the two following days But by no of doubtful fear still found relief, anew he undertook God to appeal to: and since, as says the Scripture, to one desiring and loving it does not suffice once to have sought or to have looked back; again he came, went, and returned, and with a trembling breast with curious eyes often surveyed. In this of mind fluctuation of this also day even to the descent protracted the labor, the Abbot with his men exceedingly was wearied, and in mind and strengths exceedingly was dismayed: but because prudent he was and exceedingly discreet, to these things by a little of recovering hope he was ruled. Wherefore his men's used counsel, not yet he judged to be ceased to be from the begun, but on the morrow all places to be scrutinized, in which according to the opinion of divers ones to be investigated would be some estimation. Wearied then members with a small rest recreated, after the matutinal synaxis, after the twilight of the fourth feria, the mystery of our redemption being tasted, after prayer or psalmody of a congruous time, wontedly more temperately is insisted the labor of the begun work. There animated for and incited the showing diverse of many, themselves some feverish and with other incommodes laboring, in those and those places, healings to have obtained protesting; lamps also kindled by the faithful's hands, on account of the signs by which the place was wont to be illustrated; by day and night, and not by wind and any breeze until they should be consumed utterly to be extinguished able, themselves to have seen asserting; and also lights of the untimely night in the silence from heaven emitted, in those very places shining, themselves frequently to have found saying.
[30] Wherefore in a garden, a place to it contiguous, obtained of digging licence, no moreover anywhere appearing indication, from the Cleric whose it was of right, round about all things were tried with industries, if perchance anywhere to his suppliants He would deign the omnipotent to manifest the gift of His largesse. For in the former digging six are of men, women and infants opened sarcophagi, in the garden three, likewise near the hedge of the very garden three: in which all no of Pontifical mitre found indication, the Abbot and his men an intolerable of mind passion grieved. They were pale with fastings, vigils, and excessive straits worn the faces, with griefs excessive the languid bowels shaking, the members debilitated of certain a sudden dissolution occupied an effigy: with eyebrows by acedia contracted, the bloody orbs of the eyes a moribund pressed appearance; and the whole of the body habit a horror a certain and trembling grieved by turns. Now, as says a certain one of themselves, in us alas! is fulfilled, what in of the Maccabees the book is contained; 1 Mach. 3, 16 that whosoever the countenance of the prince of the Priests contemplated, the grieving Abbot, in mind was wounded: it was for an intolerable misery to see a man of so great religion and reverence, of all hope nearly exhausted of confidence, so that truly to cry he could with the Prophet: My heart is troubled; has deserted me my virtue, and the light of my eyes is not with me. Psal. 37, 11 But also this the man the same most patient for relieving his men, as much as possible had been, very much dissimulated: but on every side the interior of mind grief by betraying indications to conceal he could not.
[31] Wherefore his peculiar ones secretly apart taken, these he used addresses. We came, says he, to these places, most beloved, by hope exceedingly animated and with much confidence corroborated: the hope of finding S. Legontius being cast away, but I fear lest we seem in each to be frustrated. A twin to us was a business, with men one, with God the other: of which the one of both we feared, of the other nothing we doubted: but these with a turned vice much otherwise than we estimated proceeded; while that prosperously, which we doubted, has come; and what confidently we hoped, God from us has subtracted. And other very many things attesting, at last he brought: And since B. Legontius, to whom we most humbly have vowed, neither by our miseries is bent, nor by labors is moved, nor of our service by the devotion is delighted; whomsoever the Divine largesse to His suppliants in his place to subrogate will deign, with equal honor and reverence from the inmost heart by us let be received: and equal cult and veneration to his dominion in all service by all us let be exhibited. he decrees another Saint to receive. Of this discourse by the sweetness relieved the of so great a Father sons, and from the whirlpool of so deep grief by the hand of pious consolation drawn out, and as if now obtained a Patron exhilarated, of all labor and strait the burden laying down, only treated concerning the celebration of the vigils of the instant solemnity of the Lord's Supper, and the order of the divine service.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER III.
The Body of S. Modoaldus obtained, and with a solemn pomp carried out, with other sacred Relics.
[32] But the following day made morning, the Abbot with his men the summit of the neighboring mount climbed, On the Lord's Supper, 11 of April the Abbot endowed with particles of S. Beatus invited thither by two to God devoted women there in the church of blessed Mary enclosed: there consolation and exhortation mutually expended, he received from them of S. Beatus the Confessor pledges, namely, a tooth of him and a part of a rib, which they themselves had lifted with their hands from his sarcophagus, before the altar of the same church placed. Performed then with gladness spiritual of so great a day the solemnities, and the bodies after a long-lasting of the fastings abstinence refreshed, the Abbot joined the Provost of S. Maximinus, with his men the basilica of S. Paulinus sought; and convoked with the Dean some of the priors of the Church, from the church of S. Paulinus he asks for himself to be given a body some first of his troubles the order, and of the manifold labor grievously shaken the series he replicated, and thus forthwith brought: Since admonishing the holy Scripture, to the sad solace we are bidden to expend; teaches this especially the spiritual to the spiritual to exhibit, since from the capacity and knowledge of letters an excuse they have not of ignorance. Wherefore let move you our intolerable, to which by condescending and pitying you were present, tribulation: and because known to you it is, as much as of one suffering and compassionating to be noted can be the discretion, the more large let be made through you in us your commiseration and relief. Now for the time is, that clearly you may declare, if of charity by the regard to our miseries a cordial compassion you have expended. Recollect therefore, how the most benign Pontiff with how great us with piety received, with how great benignity dismissed; with how great hope and confidence, if what we hoped, did not befall, he animated; which thus alas! according to the mind of the Archbishop: to have happened the event of things proved. For he promised and mandated to us in your presence, all ambiguity being driven, a Patron worthy and holy a Pontiff from you to seek; which we also do, with all humility and devotion of our service, and of continual prayer it to merit desiring by a promise; and what to these in your mind sits indicate.
[33] But they first ambiguous circuits to offer machinating, and a choice being given to himself of one of three to escape attempted; but the constancy of the Abbot in the exaction considering, and the deliberation of him again the Bishop to approach, and upon this matter anew to appeal weighing; secretly among themselves to confer for the sake into a part withdrew. Nor much the conferring being protracted they returned, and to the demanding one benignly to answer: As you have pursued the matter's series, to have proceeded we profess: by your labor we are bent, by your straits we are moved, and of your prayers and spiritual benefits by the expending we are delighted: nor you longer suspended by ambiguity to be tossed we suffer: therefore to your will's desire to satisfy we delay not. On the morrow therefore day, a more secret hour to us procuring, and to us by a messenger to you intimating, you will come: and from the authority of our Lord the Prelate of three Saints' bodies the choice will be given to you, namely of Modoaldus, b Abrunculus, Bonosus, Pontiffs of this Trier city. Which however we confess, God being present, who is the inspector of our conscience, since, if with the saved grace of our Prelate and yours it were lawful to contradict, as much as to our pertains judgment, to no one of men we would wish to concede. But the Abbot with his men from the heart's abundance glad drawing sighs, and with prone eyes and neck suppliantly inclined, From God, says he, to you of retribution let be repaid the grace; by whose mediating, and your minds disposing with this us you have gladdened consolation: These things then being bidden farewell the cloister of S. Maximinus most glad he enters.
[34] After these things the Lord's Supper with spiritual jucundity celebrated, On the 6th feria in Parasceve and after a small of the wearied body rest the matutinal hymns solemnly completed, the day glides upon the lands, and admonishes his men the Abbot to be communicated to the Lord's passions, that participants to be made they might merit of His future consolation and most glad resurrection. Straightway, the earth although with a most sharp frost curled, with bare feet they advance with psalmody, the Saints surveying to implore the patronages: and by a certain path seeking again the church of S. Maximinus, the psalter there with prayers congruous they terminated. And completed in the diurnal synaxis those things which were appearing in that time, nearly now wearied to the lodging they returned: and called of venerable memory and to himself most faithful above noted Arnulph the Provost, concerning the single of the Saints merits, of whom to them given had been the choice, to inquire they studied diligently. But he, There are, says he, each one of great sanctity, and of great with God merit: but B. Modoaldus by lineage and virtues to us is most known, and in this place principal. To these things the Abbot: The same, says he, most blessed Pontiff Modoaldus, he chooses the body of S. Modoaldus after God and His holy Mother and the blessed Apostles, with a pure heart Lord and Patron I choose, and devotion my and service my and of all mine I offer; his help that to us to come and his suppliants to visit He may deign, I invoke.
[35] Presently as the vow he vowed, behold a messenger of the brothers of S. Paulinus was present, admonishing them to hasten to perform the business of his will. Who having taken incense and a most clean linen, hasten most promptly, and with the very Provost of the Clerics presented to the gazes, confer, in what it is to be done order. But they, of ours, they say, one, and to the place advancing, with a white stole and cope adorned, let precede bearing incense; and we following with psalms and a litany of the Saints will enter the dwellings. Which heard the Abbot; Nothing, says he, to be in the way if even of my Brothers one with white be clothed, that with two preceding ministers, what is to be done more quickly be completed. These things so disposed, and in the sacristy before the altar standing the Abbot with the Provost and his monks, and a few Canons, and prayers completed, then the pall lifted, and of the Saints' coffers raised, the Dean of S. Paulinus thus said to those awaiting: Behold two bodies of SS. Abrunculus and Bonosus the Bishops, of great merit men: whom of them as Patron and Lord you shall have chosen, he will be of your place and of all yours a protector most faithful, and of the fatherland whole a protector most powerful. To these things the Abbot: So, I say, as you have asserted not only we doubt not, but also we believe and profess: which he asks but because of three a choice is given to us, to D. Modoaldus we have vowed ourselves and our service: him before God and you Patron and Lord we choose, and him to us to be given by a devout supplication we beseech.
[36] These things heard suddenly with changed face, and with all their bowels trembling, and seeing a man of so great constancy from the purpose not to be able to be bent; revealed the ark wooden, on every part with iron bindings constrained, and exceedingly fortified, again say they: Lo himself for whom you supplicate. See if among so many iron bonds him in any mode you can draw out. Forthwith the monk that, who in sacred vestments stood adorned, approaching and more curiously all things surveying, with the jawbones of S. Abrunculus, the arm of S. Bonosus, two boards to each other joined in the front of the ark found: which because by antiquity nearly consumed they had been, with a slow effort handling; separated he sets down, and the introspected most holy limbs, to receive them a most clean linen expands. Presently imposed an Antiphon, and set on incense, on the ground with his whole prostrates body, and the Clerics standing around, and of the heart sadness with sighs and tears betraying, the members holy one by one he drew out, and diligently wrapped, three little portions being left to those supplicating; and for them the jawbones of S. Abrunculus, and the arm of S. Bonosus bestowing. Received therefore the most precious of blessed Modoaldus of Trier the Archbishop body, and in a shrine of the very sacristy placed, and with a key fortified, and to himself retained the key unto the day of his departure, they go out full of all exultation.
[37] Besides the Abbot of S. Maximinus, secretly asked and much importuned for the relics of S. Auctor the Bishop, and taught how great miracles through him the Lord in Saxony had deigned to work: considered, that with miracles attesting He would not disdain in the cloister of the present Abbot for the salvation of the inhabitants an exile to be held. some Relics of S. Auctor, Weighing also that other many of the Saints bodies would suffice to that one; the sacristan being consulted, he ordered that as many of his body as he could have Relics, secretly he should concede to the same Abbot, believing and protesting by many indications this to be by the will of the very Saint. The sacristan himself also the day before asked and bent had been by the love of the aforesaid Provost, and by the familiarity of one of the present monks, to himself once in the necessary use of the church sufficiently profitable. Returning therefore the Abbot with gladness immense from the sacristy of S. Paulinus, the aforewritten sacristan, called and into a part led the same monk to himself known, the upper shell of the head of S. Auctor the Archbishop, and also two of the larger members assigned to him, attesting of his with himself, except a small portion, nothing more to be had. Which with immense thanks-giving the Brother that receiving to his intimated Abbot. Joys to joys are accumulated, and on the altar of the heart of praises victims to God with the odor of devout humility are immolated: which to of each one of the giver or of the receiving the profit expended with of charity fire are burned.
[38] The Abbot meanwhile about to advance to of Masses the solemnities with the Sacerdotal is clothed mitre, and also by the ministers of the Church the rest to so great a day's mysteries congruous. Meanwhile arrived the Provost, of those things which had happened upon the relics of B. Auctor unaware, and himself his beloved ones concerning those things which he had learned from the revelation of the holy Thebans about to gladden. And now the Abbot advancing to one of his monks joined, with this brief little verse used: Visited, says he, us the Lord. And receiving with brief words the discourse, succinctly of the done matter discloses the series. and two Bodies of SS. Thebans: Then of Masses and of the sacred mystery the celebration completed, the Provost to the Abbot announces all things: and taken of his monks the other, and also the Brother, who the matter to himself had revealed with the sacristan, the crypt enters secretly, the Brothers rest to recreate their bodies sitting in the refectory, and the Abbot with the Brother the other the end of the matter awaiting in the exterior oratory. And presently prayer being made the Brother that the known place seeks again, what he had obstructed, opens, the Saints' limbs larger and smaller draws out, and to the Abbot's monk with a linen clean straightway offers: [c] but with two bodies nearly gathered and diligently wrapped they departed, and also to the Abbot with the Brother awaiting and praying great relics, and an immense joy conveyed. Who presently to heaven extended hands, and tears sweet and glad pouring forth from the inmost bowels, thus brought with prone to the ground eyes: Be to Thee, good Jesus Redeemer, of the sad the consolation, of the laboring the fortitude, the glory, praise, and jubilation, who hast deigned on this day Thy suppliants to visit from heaven holy Thine, and to gladden with a manifold of the Saints patronage.
[39] These all things beginning, mediating, and perfecting the divine disposition, so gloriously completed, the Abbot with his all to S. Maximinus, of that place the Brothers themselves there by charity detaining, with all jucundity spiritual, the Sabbath holy, and of the most holy Resurrection the day in God passed in praises. of whose Translation to be made on the 2nd feria of Easter Of which day completed the vespertinal synaxis, the Abbot the Dean of S. Peter approaching, to him through himself took care to notify, himself in of the following day the twilight to set out to wish. Whom the man religious receiving most benignly, straightway directed a legation to all the congregations and the rest of Christ faithful studied to intimate. Then after a small and brief of the night rest, the matutinal hymns, as the customary of the holy days order required, solemnly completed; now made morning the Abbot with his men taken the bier, with incense and palls, and also a cross silver and gilded, which the image of our redeemer from bone most becomingly sculptured contained, and which on account of this alone with him he had carried, and in that hour to the name of S. Modoaldus had determined (for neither an Archbishop without a cross anywhere to set out it became) the basilica of S. Paulinus he sought, and himself to the religious Canons it now awaiting represented. Who straightway finished Prime, the signals being rung with crosses, the labarum and holy water, and also incense, the Abbot also with sacred vestments clothed, to the sacristy advanced: and the seals found safe, the body of the most precious Confessor of Christ Modoaldus with other of the Saints relics on the bier they imposed, and given an Antiphon with tears, the choir of S. Paulinus, of Masses the solemnities festively about to celebrate, they ascended.
[40] And behold d the Abbot of S. Mary, with all his congregation his in white palled, there come the monks of S. Mary, with Crosses and of the Gospels a book and incense, arrived, and to the celebration of Masses devoutly was present. Which venerably completed, and the procession with congruous praises imposed with a solemn voice, taken of the holy Prelate the bier, with crosses and the rest apparatus, they began to set out. How much there was poured of tears, and how much resounded of groanings, except who present were difficult faith to the words can give. Who for himself from weeping could abstain, when the Shepherd most pious, now of heaven a Consul, the place, which through many of years courses with the inhabitants he had protected, was seen corporeally to desert; and into a far-off fatherland about to set out, and as if an exile to be, to B. Paulinus and the rest of his confreres in a certain way was seen to bid farewell? Scarcely going out from the choir of S. Paulinus, behold advances to meet a devout congregation of S. Maximinus, with crosses and an immense apparatus, and of S. Maximinus, the monks all palled, and with of praises melodies they join themselves to the preceding procession. Then drawing near to the gate of S. Simeon, the Canons of S. Simeon, there meet the Canons of the same Church, with palls adorned, receiving the holy Body with crosses and all veneration. And standing the bearers, and incensed and also sprinkled the Relics, and premised a prayer, to the procession in their place themselves they joined. In this order advancing to the middle of the village, behold there drew near like a heavenly army honorable men, with a contiguous to themselves congregation, of the Prince of the Apostles the Canons, with palls with gold and gems shining clad, receiving, and of S. Peter, but rather drawing out the body of the Shepherd most loving, with crosses and all ornament double: and bowing themselves with tears, and with prone to the ground countenances to so great a Pontiff, sprinkled and incensed the sacred pledges, with praises and prayer solemn.
[41] The Abbot of S. Martin To these the procession's prayer prolonging, and a little advancing, met the Abbot of S. Martin with his Brothers; of whom how much smaller was the apparatus exterior, the more shone the interior more abundantly; and who as much as the faculty was available, of the most pious Father the company prolonged, following with hymns and canticles spiritual. Suddenly moreover, as bees bursting out from the hives, and a copious people. flowed together the populace of either sex and age, longing to be present to the company of the most beloved one; and gravely himself offended grieved, whosoever more slowly should run to meet: not fathers the sweetness of children at home retained: not mothers of daughters the solicitude impeded; not of brides the love the bridegrooms or them their joyful affection contained; not the household-born domestic care prohibited; not servants or handmaids of any work enjoined the solicitude or fear of stripes restrained; not boys or girls of the mother within the house the hunger and love of bread, or without the custom of games restrained: but an equal of all and concordant affection the Father to follow and the Lord to conduct was. Now then for in a certain way was fulfilled of this holy Shepherd by the office, what says the Lord in the Gospel: The shepherd good when his own sheep he shall have sent out, before them goes, and the sheep him follow, because they know his voice. Ioan. 10 These for were of those sheep the lambs, to whom in the place of the first Shepherd by God to himself once committed words of pious exhortation he had prepared, and whom with the sweetness of all suavity by preceding, by working and by teaching he had filled.
[42] Of this most sweet and most large Shepherd the abundance recollecting, and of his patronage the protection against all things adverse and most faithful protection in mind revolving, and of all these to be made deprived for of so great a Father the absence fearing, very much grieving themselves of his patronage to be deprived and from the inmost of the heart grief sighs drawing, these they redoubled weeping: Whither, Lord? what is it, Father most pious? Why dost thou leave thy sheep, Shepherd most loving? In what thee did we injure? in what thee did we offend? Did not to thy doctrines we and our fathers prone ears accommodate? But woe to us, who of patronage so great are destitute! And we, as mad and as if to a feast invited, thee setting out with praises pursue? Truly for our Lord of ours, from far or near coming, thus was to be received; with of this kind services to mercy and to our affection to be bent; but into far-off lands about to set out, and to a strange nation's salvation about to profit, and us further not about to see, by no means with so great dancing was to be conducted. Alas how damnable a procession! how sudden of the whole fatherland the desolation! how grave of this place the destruction! and, unless omnipotent God with His hand contain it, into the depth of the earth a submersion! But those thrice and four times and seven times blessed, whom the Omnipotent of such and so great a Patron with the honor and benefits endowed, whom by our loss He enriched, whom with our spoils He dilated, whom by our misfortune He prospered. These things more manifoldly redoubling to tears tears they add, and weepings with frequent sobs they adjoin.
[43] These therefore of this kind lamentable complaints at times using, at times also of divers praises the proclamations resounding, The Procession is conducted even to the bridge, with all devotion and reverence accompanied, preceding and following. Nor do we delay, nay with full faith we believe, on that very day upon the most holy pledges heaven to have lain open, and the holy Angels invisibly descending and ascending obsequy to so great a Pontiff to have afforded, and of so wondrous a procession the concord and equanimity to have ordered (which beyond doubt to three hundred Clerics was estimated to have had) that in so great a frequency neither the preceding by the following were pressed, nor the following by the preceding were drawn, but in each equality and discretion was kept. There was besides a stupendous miracle to see so many and so great bands, of either sex and age, so reverently and so concordantly from each part of the procession to walk, that as walls were seen in a certain way hence and thence immobile to stand, whom neither a narrower way constrained, nor a more spacious dilated, that they should remove themselves from the equality. In such order, and with so becoming honorificence with divine praises passing the long interval of the way, at last to the Bridge renowned they came: and straightway from the bridge descending the Abbot of S. Eucharius, he is received by the Abbot of S. Eucharius: with his Brothers most honestly palled, with crosses and the rest ornament manifold, to meet advanced; and the holy Pontiff reverently on the bridge received, and through the bridge following with a manifold of praises dancing conducted.
[44] In this order descending from the height of the bridge behold there rushed an innumerable multitude of the neighboring populace, with Crosses and divers of the Saints relics, receiving the holy Prelate with sweet melodies. But by the vicinity of the mount round about opposed they were forbidden further to advance: and the people being dismissed the Archdeacon discourses to the Clergy and set down the relic, flows around with tears an innumerable multitude, now now about to bid farewell to the Pontiff most holy: and bowed down to the ground men with women, and to the pious Shepherd their commending souls, the sacred honored Relics with their offerings, and striking their breasts sad returned to their own. The Clerics then with the monks in a circle gathered and in the manner of a crown girding the members of their Pontiff, the Archdeacon Godfrey and himself the Dean of S. Peter, silence being asked, in this mode began the series of his discourse. A great thing, says he, is, most dear Brothers, this mystery and inestimable, and to be effected to all back ages incredible, that by the nod of the divine disposition from us nearly, that so I might say, unwilling, done is established today, that so great and so principal, and to all our commonwealth so profitable a Patron, from our place we should wish or dare to send forth. He for was the hope of the whole fatherland; in him hung all the confidence of our salvation: and as often as us of whatsoever tribulation struck the incommode, in Modoaldus and Eucharius of all our help lay open the refuge. And truly, the of this donation author, unless because to the command of the Omnipotent to resist of mortals no one sane and wise ought to presume, to of this kind a consent no reason would bend the constancy of our mind. For indeed we delay not, as long as is rolled of this world the orbit, his patronage's wonted to us to experience suffrages: since if by a change of place into the fatherland, which to the Saint himself provisor it pleases, we send his sweet bones: which by these was contained, the heart namely and tongue and the rest of his flesh to us we reserve pledges.
[45] You therefore, Brothers most dear, who of so great Relics are bearers, weigh, how much of honor and of joys bestowed has on you the grace of Christ, and to those to whom that was done. and how great of praises a return you ought to repay to the benefits of omnipotent God, and to us the bestowers of so great a treasure. One indeed is, which alone and principal we lead in our estimation, which stable and unconvulsed by writing we firm dispose into the to-succeed of the age times, that we be henceforth heart one and soul one, and of mutual fraternity and society, of which the greatest pledge to you we have conceded, between us and you and our and your posterity a covenant let be firmed perpetual. We commend therefore to God and your faith, under the testification and obtestation of Christ, upon the salvation and soul of you, the body of the most precious Provisor and Shepherd our Modoaldus the Archbishop, so far as the due honor according to the power of you and knowledge in the feasts and in all divine service you may exhibit to him. These things being discoursed, and the holy Relics with the moistening of cheeks saluted, and also the Abbot and his monks more frequently kissed, to their each returned with sighs.
[46] These the Moselle being crossed returning Crossed therefore the river of the Moselle, into wedges gathered the men with the women, on the part of the bank the other, as a last bidding farewell to their Shepherd, of praises resounded songs: and whom further they could not with the body, with their eyes they followed and with a sweet-sounding voice. But the bearers of the Saints, the steep of the mountains crags and rugged seeking again ascents, with some of piety by the regard and the love of the Saints accompanying, by the journey by which they had come alacrious and the Lord in turn praising, to their own to return hasten. Then not without sweat the ascent of the steep mount being measured, behold of the contiguous village nearly all the villagers flow together to meet their Pontiff, some even with their whole body to the ground prostrate, in faith standing, with struck breasts of their guilts pardon, of life salvation, and of things commodity implored with a suppliant voice. Others moreover the signals being rung of the church preceding and following, from everywhere from the cantons it is run to meet with all their strengths insisted of praises on the melody. Some indeed with prone neck nearer approaching, and their shoulders to the salutiferous putting under the relic, and to themselves by turns succeeding of the Saints bearers longed to be made; with the highest of devotion zeal themselves blessed declaring, and themselves to be sanctified believing in mind and body, whosoever of sanctity so great the burden merited to touch. And so by a straight path from village to village hastening, and others now wearied with a suppliant now with eye bidding farewell and as if now hope being recovered of their salvation alacriously receding, and others with entire faith and hope of being saved to meet hastening, and of their felicity an augury receiving; some even through of a mile and more space advancing, in common the name of the Lord was praised by all.
[47] Then of the Brothers of S. Maximinus three monks, by the venerable Provost Arnulph to afford a guidance directed, and there is brought by the Provost sent preceding forthwith quickly follow, and the seized to alleviate the fatigation of the journey a little while by resting they exhorted. And first to those resting they offer a little box, with of the Saints pledges crammed, by the mentioned Provost to his most dear friends receding, and now through many of times spaces not to be seen, by of charity the regard directed, and these containing:
From the sacristy of S. Maximinus.
Of his pall and stole: and a little box of other relics: Of the handle of the little knife of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From the sacristy of B. Mary ever Virgin by the venerable of that place Abbot directed:
Of the wood of the Lord: Of the body of S. Matthias the Apostle: Of the body of S. Severa the virgin, the sister of S. Modoaldus the Archbishop, and other of divers ones relics.
[48] By these devoutly received most glad they were rendered, because neither the averted, and, on the way placed, and only of the desire intent of returning, the Omnipotent of His largesse would deprive of the benediction; those the same their journey pursuing but a so great of sanctity treasure to them would deign, with him whom they bore, to accumulate; thanks to of all the Bestower they were busy to repay. Then from those things which of charity the bearers with them had brought abundantly refreshed, with these the same they give effort to the exercise of setting out. And entering the forest, which the path occupied, of them a certain one by chance the Cross silver, in which the bone image of our Savior was, which in the name of S. Modoaldus entitled before his holy body unceasingly was carried, incautiously bearing, on the branches lower struck: which presently shaken off from the staff to which it adhered, by falling between two stones rightly and as if voluntarily fixed stood. A thing wonderful, that so fragile a bone material, from the Cross torn away the image bone unhurt is raised. with so great an impetus of the branches into the high torn away, and through itself thrice or four times before to the earth it drew near turned, upon the stones, which by chance heaped up the way's depth filled, which by little might be broken to pieces, by divine virtue to the same stones wonderfully infixed remained unhurt. For to declare the merit of the holy Priest, provided the grace of the divine disposition, that both with a better caution of the Cross-bearer might be corrected the carelessness, and the sign of our redemption of clayey moisture not be violated by the uncleanness.
[49] He added even still with another miracle openly to make the most omnipotent largesse of the Divine commiseration, and the parched lands through the single nights what they merited and how much could of them the spirits in the heavens, of whom the bodies of so great devotion with the zeal were translated on the lands. So great for was of the heat the aridity, and so great of the earth the dryness, that the hope of all increase to its cultivators the wintry denied sowing nearly torrid, a rain is poured in, and the soil as iron of no ploughshare's point could be raised to summer seeds to be received. But the bearers of the Saints of the first mansion received with the dwelling, so great of rains an abundance flowed from heaven in of the whole following night the space, that to the herbs all verdure, and to the seeds fecundity, and to the soil were rendered of cultivation the faculty. And that it might be clear plainly, of whom by the succoring merits of so great mercy the largesse flowed forth to the parched world, so great was the convenience of raining and of being lodged, that one and the same was seen hour, both the travelers the house's threshold to enter, and of the showers the largesse to flow out. Nor was lacking in of the whole journey the space of the same divine piety the commiseration, the heaven always through the day serene. in a certain way serving the heavens of the venerable Saints obsequies, so that nearly in single nights the earth's face was moistened with of showers abundance: and of the days in the spaces, the sun and wind a temperateness affording, of setting out was conceded an abundance.
[50] Therefore, as we have premised, received of the first mansion by the lodging, with of all humanity and charity they were fostered by the commodity; fish also into the lodging of their own accord are brought. except that the host a man strenuous, with a wife sufficiently honest, complained, to themselves fish altogether to be lacking, with which of so great religion men, as it would become their honorificence, they might be able to refresh. Whose straightway a consolation being received, namely the Abbot, of all humility a man, concerning appetite himself excusing, himself more sumptuous or expensive foods not of great to weigh; to himself of whatsoever mode victuals, with charity expended, although small to suffice; himself of good will by his zeal thanks to give confessing, the rest to himself and his men necessary began to dispose; behold two men, having discharged of a fisherman the office, one of the former unaware, and the entering one presently following forthwith, each however of the present necessity ignorant, so great of fish an abundance brought, which if nothing of another had been at hand, of all present the multitude could for eating suffice.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER IV.
The rest of the journey performed. The solemn reception in the proper monastery.
[51] The Brothers therefore, whom we have foretasted, of S. Maximinus, after in the same village, Setting out they are solemnly received by the people of Prüm which of their right was, Evena called, at the abovesaid host with all charity and humanity us had; shining the twilight of the following day, premised the of divine service ministries, a guidance affording they preceded, and the most holy Relics at times on their own shoulders bearing, even to Prüm conducted. Which drawing near, one of theirs they sent before a sagacious man, by name Burchard a monk, who to the venerable Wulfrann of the same place the Abbot of the Saints might intimate the coming. Which heard the man of strenuous nobility, and learned of how great prosperity an effect had obtained his petition, by which with the very Abbot in the same business he had interceded with the Archbishop of the Trier city; of praises thanks repaid to the omnipotence of the divine largesse. And straightway sent an edict orders all the villagers of either sex and age, with the highest celerity, to meet the Saints to advance, and of the Monks and Clerics the orders to the reception of so great sanctity to be fitted. And premised the Brother, who with him of the legation the office had discharged, he mandates first in the oratory of S. Benedict the Saints to be received with reverence and honor due, whose spacious and remote court the Brothers use for a cemetery. Thence a little hill, which near was with grassy flowers crammed, being crossed, behold with a crowd of the populace, of devotion the cult by habit and office presenting, advance the Clerics with palls adorned; who the Saints receiving, with crosses and a sweet of praises modulation, convey into the church of the holy of God Mother and Virgin Mary. Which after of the prayer the term being conducted honorifically, forthwith with a palled of monks flock walled, himself to meet bore Wulfrann the Abbot, a man of all reverence: who with crosses and incense, and a manifold apparatus of devotion, the reverend Relics conduct into the cloister of S. Salvator: and there in praises divine solemnly completed, with all of humanity and charity by the regard they embrace the Abbot with his men.
[52] Then of the following day the morning shining, celebrated the mysteries of our redemption, the Abbot with his men, conceded of his and the present Brothers alacriously received the society, and bidding farewell to his conductors, in the kiss of peace and mutual charity, they are conducted by all the congregation, with much reverence and to the Saints due veneration. But the host most munificent, desiring to merit the dilection of God, mindful of the Scripture testifying: a cheerful giver by God to be loved; 2 Cor. 9, 7, Job. 31, 32 and of that blessed Job, I have not suffered a pilgrim without a viaticum to pass by, to the Abbot receding an abundance of fish bestowed with charity; and affording to them a guidance even to a village of his right, Monasterium by name, the rest which to those passing the night were necessary from his to be ministered ordered most abundantly: and there to them most devoutly received, and a third mansion making, he geminated the services of hospitality. But they setting out, and from day to day advancing, at the sixth of the day hour of the fifth feria, Cologne the Colony reached: and straightway premised a legation, of the Saints the coming notifying to their faithful, [b] of S. Pantaleon the Brothers, and at Cologne by the monks of S. Pantaleon, for themselves frequent of prayers victims from the debt of fraternity offering, and before a quadriduum in the Paschal feast's celebration the coming of them desirably awaiting, an immense joy they instilled, of the wished business their obtained prosperity. Who voluntarily, absent their Abbot, themselves forthwith mutually exhorting, and ornaments to so great a reception worthy setting out, whitened and palled solemnly to the Saints to meet advanced: and received with a devout of praises modulation, into the sanctuary of S. Pantaleon conveyed. Then to their Brothers very much congratulating, and for all things which of vow their possessed by the divine grace of largesse they had obtained, in common the Lord blessing, of all charity the office they exhibited; and asking for of their journey the acceleration, although unwilling and resisting, with all honorificence pursuing they conducted.
[53] On the day therefore eighth of the resurrection of the Lord, by a straight path and God leading before, [c] Soest they came: in whose journey's middle a youth a certain Cleric, then on the Lord's-day in Albis by the Soest Clergy. of a neighboring place a Canon, to them to meet came, by his directed Brothers; saying, of their return and of the wished effect the fame the ears of all to have struck, and the hearts with an immense joy to have filled. These things said entering the village behold of the populace an innumerable multitude, of promiscuous sex and age, to the glory of the Saints of praises songs resounding with voices alternate: whom followed of all veneration with the cult adorned an assembly of Clerics, with crosses and incensaries, receiving and conducting of the Saints relics, in hymns and of praises melodies. Then of Masses the solemnities, as of so great a day the reverence and of the Saints the veneration required, celebratedly completed; the of Relics bearers into of his hospitality the contubernal received a Cleric a certain, Azelinus by name, a man of reverend honesty. Conducted therefore the Saints with due veneration from the thresholds of the monastery, some also of the Clerics and laymen of pious devotion by the regard accompanying, through the space of the journey, which could be reckoned a third part of a mile; behold the family of the house of the aforenamed Cleric, which a man of all opulence very much possessed, himself at the front walking, with the Clerics whom with him he had led, with crosses and incense and the rest apparatus by which he could, himself to meet bore: and received the Saints with praises of songs, into an oratory, the people of Paderborn and Helmward which there of blessed memory Anno of Cologne the Bishop in honor of blessed Matthias the Apostle had dedicated, he conducted. It pleased therefore thereupon a legation being sent the mother Church of Paderborn of so great a patronage by the coming to gladden, and the Brothers their of Helmward, already by a long-lasting expectation and by frequent of fastings, vigils and prayers instance laboring, and what especially grieved, in of ambiguity the balance suspended, with prosperous event's certitude to relieve. It pleases a little by delaying the benign of the most pious Father affection to weigh, and to his beloved sons of sweet-flowing consolation the hand extending, and the hope of perennial gladness announcing, to consider.
[54] Tietmar by God's grace, whatever is or to be is able, to his beloved sons in the Lord. a letter sent by the Abbot, Joy to you and exultation. Rise now, most beloved, and from the dust shake yourselves, since has heard the Lord the voice of your weeping: because for before the Lord you have humbled yourselves and in Him have hoped, He has looked upon the prayer of the humble, and has not spurned the entreaty of them. You have persevered for in of heart and of body contrition, and therefore you He has not defrauded of your lips by the will: but preventing with of gratuitous dilection a benediction, He has filled your desire with of a manifold patronage the largesse. Wherefore rejoice and be glad, happy Saxony, whom a King formerly most Christian with an iron tongue to the divine subdued laws; and whom now the King of Kings the Lord, through the principal of His dominion ministers, now of heaven Consuls, wonderfully by visiting, to His reclaims dominions. Be joyful, virgin, noble of Christ spouse, and mother fruitful of the Paderborn Church, whom with the numerousness of sons manifold beatify of the Saints pledges, now repeatedly the largesse of the omnipotent with a new of His faithful patronage deigningly illustrates, embraces, fosters, protects, and sublimates. Exult sufficiently, daughter Sion, praise daughter Jerusalem heavenly, is announced of the holy Relics the coming. church of Helmward, because there has come to thee from the supernal from the Lord salvation and protection, joy, peace and exultation. For that similar to the rest of churches to thee neighboring thou mightest be made in this part, thou hast asked for thee from the Lord a Patron of thy salvation: and has given to thee God B. Modoaldus, of strenuous nobility and of wondrous sanctity a man, Archprelate of the Trier Church: to whose most holy bones are joined two distinguished of blessed Martyrs of the Theban legion bodies, moreover even of the most glorious Protector our Auctor the Archbishop the upper shell of the head, and two of the larger members: which, as we believe, suggesting, and of our legation the office discharging, the same venerable Modoaldus deigned, the hall of his Bishopric being left, with us an exile to be called and to be. Of two also of reverend sanctity and of principal nobility Pontiffs most worthy are conveyed Relics: namely of B. Abrunculus the jawbones with the teeth, and of holy Bonosus the arm, and of the most glorious Blessed Confessor a tooth one with a rib, and of other Saints most precious pledges. For these therefore all benefits of him magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name into the same, and with all marrows of heart and of body praise God in the heights. In the reception therefore of so great sanctity adorn the house of your mind and body, cleanse your consciences, wash away your faults, wipe off the filth of illicit action, shake off the dust of windy thought; lest the most powerful your friend and new Patron and Lord, with that noble his company coming, in you find what the eyes of his dignity may offend: but rather of works good crammed with flowers, and an odor of virtues breathing besprinkled with grasses, to meet advancing may you say to him: Blessed who comes in the name of the Lord.
[55] By of this kind a legation the Brothers to God devoted, from of manifold labor the anxiety relieved, and beyond what can be believed exhilarated, in whom by them are prepared all things. forthwith leaping forth, the church's signals they sound together, and of thanks praises they intone; and full of devotion of mind and of spirit, celebratedly they pursue the hymn, Thee God we praise. Then through order inquired, and all the event's series taught, solemnly they dispose all things competent to the so long desired reception. The Abbot therefore with his men, with of largely-flowing charity an abundance, to the benevolent bidding farewell host, the zeal they accelerate of returning: then the river Almana crossing, at last to the city of Paderborn wished they came: which with many of the Saints relics, especially [d] of B. Liborius, near Paderborn they are received by the Abbot Gumbert Confessor and Bishop of Le Mans, is fostered and illustrated with his body. And behold a man venerable e Gumbert the Abbot of the same place, with an innumerable multitude of promiscuous sex and age people, with bare feet, and of all humility the cult presenting by habit and mind, to the Saints to meet advanced, with full of heart devotion, the people with consonant voices in honor of the Saints to God of praises melodies resounding. There congratulated for mutually the people of the Lord and the sheep of His pasture concerning the coming and presence of the new Shepherd and most faithful Protector, by whose merits they trusted to be saved, and by his patronage from all straits to be freed. Thence the gate of the city having entered, in the city by the Canons, behold of the mother church the Canons, advancing to meet the new Patron and holy Pontiff, received the Saints with reverence and chant solemn convey into the sanctuary of the glorious Confessor Liborius.
[56] Meanwhile the Abbot learned, that with prone devotion a singular reception had instituted of the same place the monks, nor was there leisure there longer to delay; the Canons being saluted to him congratulating, and concerning his prosperous coming God praising; resumed anew the relic of the Saints, through the gate Southern honorifically the Clerics pursuing they go out of the monastery. outside by the monks of Abdinghof. And having advanced a little by the way which leads to the cloister, behold a pale and palled assembly of monks, all of devotion reverence to the Saints arriving exhibiting in body and mind, and bowed down to the ground, and to the most holy suppliant necks putting under the pledges, in spirit and mind and with all efforts insist on the divine praises. With of this kind of veneration a dancing of the Apostles Peter and Paul the oratory entering, and again melodies of chants solemnly redoubling, the Saints they convey into the sanctuary, in which [f] of B. Felix the Martyr rests the body most holy. Then thou wouldst see equally all to flow together, thou wouldst see man by man each one from the abundance of heart to the Abbot and his men of charity a salutation to offer, of inmost congratulation the affection to expend, God by voice and hands to praise, who of so great prosperity and largesse the effect conceded to those hoping in Him. Straightway of Masses the solemnities celebratedly completed, and the wearied Brothers most officiously recreated, shining of the day following the dawn, with all veneration conducting the monks and Clerics, and pursuing with of songs the modulation the peoples, they accelerate the journey of setting out.
[57] At last wished of their possession the limit treading, behold like a royal army the peoples round about gathered, to the new of their salvation Patrons rush to meet, the Helmward borders having entered, with of the Saints Relics and Crosses preceding and following, in hymns and confessions. The first therefore of the following day dawn, which illuminated of blessed the Evangelist Mark the public solemnity, and which with of the greater litany the veneration cultivates all Christianity, the Abbot with his companions, and with much frequency from everywhere flowing together of the people, carrying the most precious Relics with litanies and modulation solemn, advances to complete the customary execution of so famous a day. 25 of April there runs to meet a Convent with a litany, He had disposed for on that very day to his most beloved sons and Brothers openly to make of his labor and obedience the reward, and of most devout prayer the fruit; their long-lasting awaiting desire to fulfill, and them with manifold patronages to gladden constituting, of mutual meeting the place near a village of his dominion, Cesle named: where when it was come, it pleased the fatigation of the way by resting to alleviate, that to the peoples widely flowing around an abundance might be given of convening, and to the Saints of prayers and oblations the libations to convey. And behold these of whom by the special love and salvation for the sake of so great a way and so great labor the fatigation had been expended, of the monks namely of Helmward, the cross-bearers preceding, like a little cloud dark hastened an assembly spiritual, of the ardor of seeing and embracing what long it had coveted burning with desire: whom with divers of the Saints Relics preceded the relic of blessed Peter the prince of the Apostles. Therefore both for of customary of the litanies the reverence, and for of the votive reception the devotion to be augmented, with bare feet advancing, and with all of mind and of habit humility close approaching, and long desired of the Patron and of his companions the relic beholding, longer to stand they could not; but a third time to the earth with whole body prostrate, to the new Lord sweet of tears libations, which from full of heart abundance of gladness spiritual poured forth the affection, with excessive sobs they offered.
[58] At last raised in their necks from the earth, these by mouth and hands they intone with a voice exalted: Wished hast thou come, Father desirable, whom we awaited in of ambiguity and of straits the darkness, thee our called sighs, thee the large required laments. Receive now, Dominator most serene, to thee devout little servants: protect, Shepherd most loving, the lambs by God to thee delivered. Then of praises with chants solemnly imposed, and their Abbot with the Relics congratulating he receives. preceding with Crosses and of the Saints relics, the venerable bodies with worthy reverence they convey into the church of B. John the Baptist: and there of Masses the solemnities celebratedly completed, at the Abbot's their feet, rejoicing that him with his all safe and whole they received, humbly they prostrate themselves: and received by the hands from the earth, presently to of peace and charity a kiss are raised. How much there of joy and exultation and congratulation among the spiritual ones spiritually was had, a witness is God the inspector of hearts, a witness the glad rivulets of tears, a witness the church of those seeing and hearing. The Abbot therefore his Brothers in peace dismissed, to the bringing-in of the Saints on the next day solemnly to be done, himself in the safe of his men contubernal placed, the fatigation of his labor wide already led most light, for all his benefits glorifying the mercy of the Omnipotent.
[59] The blessed therefore Modoaldus, of Trier the Archbishop, on the other day of his peculiar and perpetual seat the domicile with so many and so great companions his about to enter, The next day toward the monastery advancing, and there a court with the Angelic spirits and the Saints all common about to have, would not, because neither it became a man of so great authority, secretly to enter or privately to be received; as being whom of morals the nobility and of lineage the altitude commended, and of order the dignity extolled, and of admirable sanctity the merit distinguished. Wherefore an innumerable multitude, both of the nobles and of the plebeians of either sex and order, namely, of monks, Clerics, laymen, of men namely and women, whose God the hearts had touched, and whom fraternal love provoked, and whom of devotion the regard and the desire of gladness spiritual and the love of divine retribution excited, from everywhere flowed together; believing each one himself happy to be about to be, whosoever of so great a Pontiff to the services might merit to be present. The night therefore being at hand, with spiritual vigils, and of songs melodies, and divine praises spent within the church of B. John; in the morning moreover now with the sun's brightness the world whole illuminating; after of prayers the synaxis Masses there celebrated, the Abbot with the present multitude of the Clergy and of either sex the people, imposed on his shoulders the bier, and given of praises chants, in public they began to the place long desired, namely the Helmward cloister, to advance, on the day twelfth of their going-out from the Trier city.
[60] But to those drawing near advance to meet first the poor and needy, from the expenses of the church, there run to meet the poor, already by Christ to B. Modoaldus with the place itself conferred, in that very hour of the journey in the middle abundantly refreshed and gladdened; with the devotion by which they could the holy Pontiff receiving, and praises of thanks according to of their knowledge the faculty singing together. With these in this mode passing by, behold the glorious of the militia heavenly apparatus, with hearts namely adorned, and with bodies becomingly palled, of monks an assembly, preceding at the head the Cross-bearers and also incensaries with of devotion zeal. Among these with some of his cloister Priors advanced in the middle the Corvey Provost, and the same of S. Vitus the Martyr Sacristan, bearing in his arms a shrine, with gold and gems precious wondrously fabricated, then the monks with the relic-case, in which were contained most precious relics of the body of the most precious Martyr Stephen. Beside whom on the side right walked a Brother spiritual, bearing with stones and gold becomingly adorned the relic of the most glorious Apostle Peter. Of these two Nobles of heaven the Relics followed of many of the Saints pledges in a bier bearers, with the bearer of the arm of B. Auctor the Archbishop; who to the most beloved brother rejoicing-together, and to the arriving one in a certain way a right hand extending, into the place of rest and exultation conducted, which his face preceding formerly for himself had prepared; and who a legation long ago undertaken, by exhortation pious and friendly suggestion, this coming of him thither had effected.
[61] These on each side with the highest veneration conducting, and to the arriving ones themselves with due reverence to meet bearing the Abbots two, The Relics of S. Modoaldus two Abbots to be carried undertake: men most illustrious, advanced; who straightway their shoulders to the bier most devoutly putting under, and incense to the censers adjoining, the present all to the praise of God provoked. Presently all profession, all nobility, every sex and age into the voices of chants burst forth, these beginning, those alternately answering, consonant of songs modulations into the high offer, that it would be thought under heaven nothing to be, which from the praises of God could be free. There rejoiced and chanted the monks, with heart and mind intent on the most sweet Shepherd; there congratulated and sang of the contiguous region the Clerics, a hope the greatest bearing of a faithful patronage; there exulted and sang together the nobles each, and with a great company and exultation common, with much of clients a hand walled, and with confidence of great protection provoked: there resounded and applauded of either sex and age the peoples, by faith and hope of continual salvation excited: from a roar excessive of so manifold and so confused a voice all the earth resounded, of the forests the density rang, of the valleys the hollows resounded, of the mountains the summits answered, of the rivers the courses, of the fountains, and of the pools the bosoms bellowed; that at of so great sanctity the entrance of Isaiah was fulfilled the prediction, The mountains and hills will sing before God praise, and all the woods of the forests will applaud with hands, since there comes the Lord and Savior into the right and dominion, which to Him predestined from the beginning of things all the Creator: who since of so great a patronage the manifold largesse before the ages secular for His foresees faithful, let praise Him the heavens, the earth, sea, and all His creature. Isai. 55, 12
[62] Therefore with so manifold of men and women and of all creature dancing, B. Modoaldus, they bring into the church: of Trier the Archbishop and of Helmward the Patron, with his associates and companions, of blessed Mary ever Virgin and of the Prince of the Apostles the oratory is received into the bosom: whose walls everywhere with of divers palls the varieties adorned, and with many lights kindled irradiated, in a certain way grew cheerful at the coming of the new Rector and Lord. Meanwhile the Abbot the Father of the very monastery, with the Co-abbots his and of the Brothers some, having ascended a pulpit and asked silence, a few to the people for of so great a solemnity the gladness intimated, and after the discourse and the oblation and the notice of the Saints and the cause of the coming of them replicated. Then the faith of the creed being foretasted, and the confession of the people one by one received, concerning the indulgence and remission of the present all, for the Saints' prayers and merits conferred, all very much hearing he gladdened. Which done the men with the women; the old with the younger, the poor with the rich, each one according to of his faculty the measure, the Saints with divers honor by oblations: among whom Sigefrid the Count, of that region the Prince most renowned, one manse of his inheritance to S. Modoaldus delivered with the family and all revenues. Erpo also, a man illustrious and himself a Count, a slave one sufficiently remarkable, with his wife his, added into the fabric of the sanctuary of stones precious and of gold a notable quantity.
[63] These things so completed, with due veneration of all, on the altar of B. Mary imposed, anew lifted of the Saints Relics he conveyed into the sanctuary; placing them upon of blessed of God the Mother the altar, all to B. Modoaldus with heart and mouth solemnly singing together: Enter now into the place of exultation of thy associates. It was the hour of the day third, in which the Holy Spirit formerly the faithful of the disciples filled hearts; in which also the to God devoted family of the Helmward cloister, with so great of the Saints patronage, by vigils, fastings and prayers acquired, merited to be gladdened, on the sixth of the Kalends of May, to the praise and glory of omnipotent God. After these things on the day twelfth of May, on which is celebrated of blessed Modoaldus the Pontiff the birthday solemnities, with other relics they are enclosed in the chests on the 25th of May, many of the faithful for the honor of God and the reverence of so great a solemnity from everywhere flowing together, the vespertinal and matutinal synaxis they discharged with the wonted more celebratedly, amplifying through all things the divine office in psalms and hymns and canticles spiritual. Shining at last the dawn of the day following, the hour third now drawing near, in an ark wooden becomingly the Abbot, the Brothers standing around, imposed a solemn litany, the members of the holy Confessor of Christ Modoaldus diligently with aromatics he embalmed, and with the pall becomingly wrapped; joining to them of the bodies and of his associates the most precious relics, namely of B. Auctor the head and two limbs, of S. Abrunculus the jawbones, and of holy Bonosus the arm, similarly with aromatics most honorifically embalmed, and one by one wrapped.
[64] with an instrument concerning the institution of the feast And presently finished the litanies this of oblation testament he offered to all hearing: Hear and understand, Brothers and fellow-soldiers mine, what by your counsel and will, in all times of the age, inspiring God, to be done I have disposed. Of this most blessed Protector our Modoaldus, whom the divine largesse after blessed of God the mother Mary, and after of the Apostles the Prince, the highest to us Patron has deigned to concede, the Birthday, which on this present day is venerated, we constitute and wish annually, and as of blessed Peter the Apostle, solemnly and celebratedly: the day of S. Auctor, and as of blessed Andrew the Apostle; and of the other two in their places with the full of divine office celebrity. the foundation of a lamp, We constitute also, from the precept of God and of B. Peter the Apostle, and of that very Saint by the authority, which no of our successors may presume to violate, that from the census of the allod, which the Count Sigefrid to the same conceded in his translation, with the addition of our census, as much as may suffice, a perpetual light may burn before the altar of ever the Virgin Mary, and her venerable body; that by his intervention a light to us perpetual may shine in perennial felicity. We commend also and deliver to his donation and patronage us and all ours, that this place he may guard by the adoption of patronage: and may protect, by the adoption of patronage: and the inhabitants in all sanctity and religion may keep, and the whole family, with all things which of our right are, may rule and fortify, and from all tribulation and pestilence and of all necessity the strait may defend.
[65] These things said, all Amen answering, the ark diligently he closed, and with iron bindings fortified, and again they are imposed on the same altar and with keys made firm, the Brothers solemnly chanting with a glad voice, Praise say to God our all His Saints. Then after of Masses the solemnities lifting the ark, in its placed they imposed upon the altar of God the Mother Mary with becoming reverence: where to all with faith seeking, by the merits of the Saints of healings are wrought benefits, bestowing our Lord Jesus Christ, who His Saints glorifies in heaven and on earth. Done were these things in the year of the Lord's Incarnation a thousand one hundred seventh; in the year 1107. 12 of May. in the indiction the fifteenth, on the fourth of the Ides of May, by the venerable Tietmar, the sixth Helmward Abbot, in the year of his ordination the twenty-seventh, reigning the same our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, unto the ages of ages. Amen.