Gregory of Tours: LIBRI HISTORIARUM

Vellim, si placet, parumper conferre, quae christianis beatam confitentibus Trinitatem prospera successerint et quae hereticis eandem scindentibus fuerint in ruinam. Omittamus autem, qualiter illam Abraham veneratur ad elicem, Iacob praedicat in benedictionem, Moyses cognuscit in sentem, populus sequitur in nubem eandemque paviscit in montem, vel qualiter eam Aaron portat in logium, aut David vaticinatur in psalmum, orans innovari se per spiritum rectum, nec sibi auferri spiritum sanctum, atque se confirmari per spiritum principalem. Magnum et hic ego cerno mistirium, quod scilicet, quem heretici minorem adserunt, principalem vox prophetica nuntiavit.

I would wish, if it please, to compare briefly what prosperous outcomes have succeeded to Christians confessing the blessed Trinity, and what things have been for ruin to heretics rending the same. Let us omit, however, how Abraham venerates it at the terebinth, Jacob proclaims it in benediction, Moses recognizes it in the bush, the people follows it in the cloud and trembles at the mountain, or how Aaron carries it in the logium (breastpiece), or David vaticinates in a psalm, praying to be renewed by a right spirit, that the Holy Spirit not be taken away from him, and that he be confirmed by a principal spirit. A great mystery, too, I discern here: namely, that him whom the heretics assert to be lesser, the prophetic voice proclaimed as principal.

Sed haec, ut diximus, omissa, ad nostra tempora revertamur. Arrius enim, qui huius iniquae sectae primus iniquosque inventur fuit, interiora in secessum deposita, infernalibus ignebus subditur, Hilarius vero beatus individuae Trinitatis defensor, propter hanc in exilium deditus, et patriae et paradiso restauratur. Hanc Chlodovechus rex confessus, ipsus hereticos adiuturium eius oppraesset regnumque suum per totas Gallias dilatavit; Alaricus hanc denegans, a regno et populo atque ab ipsa, quod magis est, vita multatur aeterna.

But these things, as we have said, omitted, let us return to our own times. Arius, namely, who was the first and the inventor of this iniquitous sect, having deposited his inner parts in a privy, is subjected to infernal fires; but blessed Hilary, the defender of the indivisible Trinity, given into exile on account of this, is restored both to his fatherland and to paradise. This [Trinity] King Clovis confessed; he himself, with its aid, suppressed the heretics and expanded his kingdom through all Gaul; Alaric, denying this, is deprived of his kingdom and people and—what is more—of life itself eternal.

Dominus autem se vere credentibus, etsi insidiante inimico aliqua perdant, hic centuplicata restituit, heretici vero nec adquerunt melius, sed quod videntur habere, aufertur ab eis. Probavit hoc Godigisili, Gundobadi atque Godomari interitus, qui et patriam simul et animas perdiderunt. Nos vero unum atque invisibilem et inmensum, inconpraehensibilem, inclitum, perennem atque perpetuum Dominum confitemur, unum in Trinitate propter personarum numerum, id est Patris et Filii et Spiritus sancti; confitemur et trinum in unitate propter aequalitatem substantiae, deitatis, omnipotentiae vel virtutis; qui est unus summus atque omnipotens Deus in sempiterna saecula regnans.

But the Lord, to those truly believing in himself, even if, the enemy laying ambushes, they lose some things, here restores them a hundredfold; but heretics neither acquire something better, but what they seem to have is taken away from them. This was proved by the destruction of Godigisilus, Gundobad, and Godomar, who lost both their fatherland and their souls together. We, however, confess one Lord—both invisible and immense, incomprehensible, renowned, perennial and perpetual—one in the Trinity on account of the number of persons, that is, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; and we confess him threefold in unity on account of the equality of substance, deity, omnipotence, or power; who is the one most-high and omnipotent God, reigning unto everlasting ages.

1. De filiis Chlodovechi.

1. On the sons of Chlodovech.

Defuncto igitur Chlodovecho regi, quattuor filii eius, id est Theudoricus, Chlodomeris, Childeberthus atque Chlothacharius, regnum eius accipiunt et inter se aequa lantia dividunt. Habebat iam tunc Theudoricus filium nomen Theudobertum, elegantem atque utilem. Cumque magna virtute pollerent et eis de exercitu rubor cupiosus inesset, Amalaricus, filius Alarici, rex Hispaniae sororem eorum in matrimonio postolat, quod ille clementer indulgent et eam ipse in regionem Hispaniae cum magnorum ornamentorum mole transmittunt.

Therefore, with King Chlodovechus deceased, his four sons, that is, Theudoricus, Chlodomeris, Childeberthus, and Chlothacharius, receive his realm and divide it among themselves with an even balance. Theudoricus already at that time had a son named Theudobertus, elegant and useful. And since they abounded in great prowess and an eager ardor of the army was present to them, Amalaricus, son of Alaricus, king of Spain, requests their sister in marriage, which they graciously grant, and they themselves send her into the region of Spain with a mass of great ornaments.

2. De episcopatu Dinifi, Apollonaris atque Quinciani.

2. On the episcopate of Dinifi, Apollonaris, and Quincianus.

Licinio autem urbis Toronicae defuncto episcopo, Dinifius cathedram pontificalem ascendit. Apud Arvernus vero post obitum beati Aprunculi sanctus Eufrasius duodecimus episcopus habebatur. Hic quattuor annos post Chlodovechi obitum vixit, vicissimo quinto episcopatus sui anno transiens.

However, when Licinius, bishop of the city of Tours, had died, Dinifius ascended the pontifical cathedra. Among the Arverni, indeed, after the death of blessed Aprunculus, Saint Eufrasius was held as the twelfth bishop. He lived four years after the death of Chlodovech (Clovis), passing away in the twenty-fifth year of his episcopate.

Cumque populus sanctum Quintianum, qui de Rutino eiectus fuerat, eligisset, Alchima et Placidina, uxor sororque Apollonaris, ad sanctum Quintianum venientes, dicunt: 'Sufficiat, domne sancte, senectute tuae, quod es episcopus ordenatus. Permittat', inquiunt, 'pietas tua servo tuo Apollonari locum huius honoris adipisci. Ille vero, cum ad hunc apicem ascenderet, sicut tibi placitum fuerit obsequitur; tu quoque imperabis, et ille tuae parebit in onmibus iussioni, tantum ut humili suggestioni nostrae aurem benignitatis acommodis'. Quibus ille: 'Quid ego', inquid, 'praestabo, cuius potestati nihil est subditum?

And when the people had chosen the holy Quintianus, who had been cast out by Rutinus, Alchima and Placidina, the wife and sister of Apollonaris, coming to the holy Quintianus, say: 'Let it suffice, holy lord, for your old age, that you have been ordained bishop. Let', they say, 'your piety permit your servant Apollonaris to obtain the place of this honor. He indeed, when he shall ascend to this apex, will comply as it shall please you; you also will command, and he will obey your command in all things, only do you lend an ear of kindness to our humble suggestion.' To whom he: 'What shall I bestow, said he, I, to whose power nothing is subject?'

Sufficit enim, ut oratione vacans cottidianum mihi victum praestet eclesia'. Ille autem haec audientes, Apollonarem ad regem dirigunt. Qui abiens, oblatis multis muneribus, in episcopatu successit; quod quattuor abutens minsebus, migravit a saeculo. Cum autem haec Theudorico nuntiatum fuisset, iussit inibi sanctum Quintianum constitui et omnem ei potestatem tradi eclesiae, dicens: 'Hic ob nostri amoris zelo ab urbe sua eiectus est'. Et statim directi nuntii, convocatis pontificibus et populo, eum in cathedra Arverne eclesiae locaverunt; qui quartus decimus eclesiae illi praepositus est.

For it suffices that, being free for prayer, the church provide for me my quotidian sustenance'. But they, hearing these things, send Apollonaris to the king. He, departing, with many gifts offered, succeeded to the episcopate; and, spending four months at this, he departed from the age. When this had been reported to Theuderic, he ordered that Saint Quintianus be established there and that all power of the church be handed over to him, saying: 'This man was cast out from his city on account of zeal for our love'. And immediately, messengers having been dispatched, with the pontiffs and the people convened, they placed him on the cathedra of the Arvernian church; he was the 14th set over that church.

Reliqua vero quae gessit, tam virtutes quam tempus migrationes eius, scripta sunt in libro, quem de eius vita conposuimus.

The rest, indeed, which he performed—both his virtues and the time of his passing—have been written in the book which we composed concerning his life.

3. Quod Dani Gallias appetierunt.

3. That the Danes assailed Gaul.

His ita gestis, Dani cum rege suo nomen Chlochilaichum evectu navale per mare Gallias appetunt. Egressique ad terras, pagum unum de regno Theudorici devastant atque captivant, oneratisque navibus tam de captivis quam de reliquis spoliis, reverti ad patriam cupiunt; sed rex eorum in litus resedebat, donec navis alto mare conpraehenderent, ipse deinceps secuturus. Quod cum Theudorico nuntiatum fuisset, quod scilicet regio eius fuerit ab extraneis devastata, Theudobertum, filium suum, in illis partibus cum valido exercitu ac magno armorum apparatu direxit.

With these things thus done, the Danes with their king by name Chlochilaichus, by a naval conveyance, make for the Gauls across the sea. And having disembarked upon the lands, they devastate and carry off captive a single pagus of the kingdom of Theudoric; and, their ships laden both with captives and with the remaining spoils, they desire to return to their homeland; but their king was sitting back on the shore until the ships should take the deep sea, he himself intending to follow thereafter. When this had been reported to Theudoric, namely that his region had been devastated by outsiders, he dispatched Theudobert, his son, into those parts with a strong army and a great equipment of arms.

Qui, interfectu rege, hostibus navali proelio superatis oppraemit omnemque rapinam terrae restituit.

He, the king having been slain, and the enemies defeated in a naval battle, crushes them and restores all the plunder to the land.

4. De Thoringorum regibus.

4. On the kings of the Thuringians.

Porro tunc apud Thoringus tres fratres regnum gentis illius retinebant, id est Badericus, Hermenefredus atque Berthacharius. Denique Hermenefredus Berthacharium, fratrem suum, vi oppraemens, interfecit. Is moriens, Radegundem filiam orfanam dereliquid; reliquid enim et alius filius, de quibus in sequente scribemus.

Moreover, then among the Thuringians three brothers were retaining the kingdom of that people, that is, Badericus, Hermenefredus, and Berthacharius. Finally, Hermenefredus, overpowering by force his brother Berthacharius, killed him. He, dying, left his daughter Radegund an orphan; for he also left another son, about whom in the sequel we shall write.

Hermenefrede vero uxor iniqua atque crudelis Amalaberga nomen inter hos fratres bellum civile dissimenat. Nam veniens quadam die ad convivium vir eius, mensam mediam opertam repperit. Cumque uxori, quid sibi hoc vellit, interrogaret, respondit: 'Qui', inquid, 'a medio regno spoliatur, decet eum mensae medium habere nudatum'. Talibus et his similibus ille permotus, contra fratrem insurgit ac per occultus nuntius Theudoricum regem ad eum persequendum invitat, dicens: 'Si hunc interfecis, regionem hanc pari sorte dividimus'. Ille autem gavisus, haec audiens, cum exercitu ad eum dirigit.

But Hermenefred’s wife, unjust and cruel, Amalaberga by name, disseminates civil war between these brothers. For when her husband came one day to a banquet, he found the middle of the table laid bare. And when he asked his wife what this should mean, she replied: “He who is despoiled of the middle of the kingdom, it befits that he have the middle of the table laid bare.” Moved by such things and their likes, he rises up against his brother and, through secret messengers, invites King Theodoric to pursue him, saying: “If you kill this man, we shall divide this region by an equal lot.” But he, rejoicing to hear this, marches against him with an army.

Coniunctique simul fidem sibi invicem dantis, egressi sunt ad bellum. Confligentisque cum Baderico, exercitum eius adterunt ipsumque obtruncant gladio, et obtenta victuria, Theudoricus ad propria est reversus. Protenus Hermenefredus oblitus fidei suae, quod regi Theudorico indulgere pollicitus est, implere dispexit, ortaque est inter eos grandis inimicitia.

And joined together at once, giving pledges to one another, they went out to war. And clashing with Baderic, they wore down his army and cut him down with the sword; and, the victory obtained, Theodoric returned to his own. Forthwith Hermenefred, forgetful of his good faith, refused to fulfill what he had promised to grant to King Theodoric, and a great enmity arose between them.

5. Quod Sigimundus filium suum interfecit.

5. That Sigimundus killed his own son.

Igitur mortuo Gundobado, regnum eius Sigimundus filius obtenuit, monastiriumque Acaunensim sollerti cura cum domibus basilicisque aedificavit; qui, perditam priorem coniugem, filiam Theudorici regis Italici, de qua filium habebat nomen Sigiricum, aliam duxit uxorem, quae valide contra filium eius, sicut novercarum mos est, malignari ac scandalizare coepit. Unde factum est, ut una solemnitatum die, cum puer super eam vestimenta matris agnusceret, commotus felle diceret ad eam: 'Non enim eras digna, ut haec indumenta tua terga contegerent, quae dominae tuae, id est matre meae, fuisse nuscuntur'. At illa furore succensa, instigat verbis dolosis virum suum, dicens: 'Hic iniquos regnum tuum possedere desiderat, teque interfecto, eum usque Italiam dilatare disponit, scilicet ut regnum, quod avus eius Theudoricus Italiae tenuit, et iste possedeat. Scit enim, quod te vivente haec non potest adimplere, et nisi tu cadas, ille non surgat'. His et huiuscemodi ille incitatus verbis, uxoris iniquae consilium utens, iniquus extitit parricida.

Therefore, with Gundobad dead, his son Sigimund obtained his kingdom, and with skillful care he built the Acaunensian monastery with houses and basilicas; who, his former consort lost, the daughter of Theodoric, the king of Italy, from whom he had a son named Sigiric, took another wife, who began mightily to malign and scandalize against his son, as is the custom of stepmothers. Whence it came about that on one day of solemnities, when the boy was recognizing upon her the garments of his mother, stirred with gall he said to her: 'For you were not worthy that these garments should cover your back, which are known to have belonged to your mistress, that is, my mother'. But she, inflamed with fury, goads her husband with guileful words, saying: 'This one unjustly desires to possess your kingdom, and, once you are slain, plans to extend it even to Italy, namely that he too may possess the realm which his grandfather Theodoric held of Italy. For he knows that, while you live, he cannot accomplish these things, and unless you fall, he will not rise'. Incited by these and suchlike words, using the counsel of his iniquitous wife, he proved an impious parricide.

Nam sopitum vino dormire post meridiem filium iubet; cui dormiente orarium sub collo positum ac sub mento legatum, trahentibus ad se invicem duobus pueris, suggillatus est. Quo facto pater sero iam paenetens, super cadaver exanime ruens, flere coepit amarissimae. Ad quem senex quidam sic dixisse fertur: 'Te', inquid, 'plange amodo, qui per consilium nequam factus es parricida saevissimus; nam hunc, qui innocens iugulatus est, necessarium non est plangi'. Nihilominus ille ad sanctus Acaunenses abiens, per multus dies in fletu et ieiuniis durans, veniam praecabatur.

For he orders his son, stupefied with wine, to sleep after midday; and while he slept, with a scarf placed under his neck and tied beneath his chin, as two boys pulled it toward themselves against each other, he was strangled. When this had been done, the father, now late repenting, rushing upon the lifeless body, began to weep most bitterly. To him a certain old man is said to have spoken thus: 'Yourself,' he said, 'lament from now on, you who by wicked counsel have been made a most savage parricide; for as for this one, who, innocent, has been strangled, it is not necessary that he be lamented.' Nevertheless he, going to the holy Acaunenses, enduring for many days in weeping and fastings, was beseeching pardon.

Psallentium ibi assiduum instituens, Lugduno regressus est, ultione divina de vestigio prosequente. Huius filiam rex Theudoricus accepit.

Establishing there continual psalmody, he returned to Lyon, with divine vengeance following on the heels. The king Theodoric took his daughter.

6. De interitu Chlodomeris.

6. On the death of Chlodomer.

Chrodechildis vero regina Chlodomerem vel reliquos filius suos adloquitur, dicens: 'Non me paeneteat, carissimi, vos dulciter enutrisse; indignate, quaeso, iniuriam meam et patris matrisque meae mortem sagaci studio vindecate'. Haec illi audientes, Burgundias petunt et contra Sigimundum vel fratrem eius Godomarum dirigunt. Devictumque exercitum eorum, Godomarus terga vertit. Sigimundus vero, dum ad Sanctos Acaunos fugire nititur, a Chlodomere captus cum uxore et filiis captivus abducitur atque, infra terminum Aurilianensim urbis in costodia positus, detenetur.

Queen Chrodechild indeed addresses Chlodomer and the rest of her sons, saying: 'Let me not regret, dearest ones, to have sweetly nourished you; be indignant, I pray, at my injury, and with sagacious zeal vindicate the death of my father and my mother.' Hearing these things, they seek Burgundy and direct themselves against Sigimund and his brother Godomar. And with their army defeated, Godomar turns his back. But Sigimund, while he strives to flee to the Saints of Agaunum, is seized by Chlodomer and, taken captive with his wife and sons, is led away, and, within the boundary of the city of Orléans, placed in custody, he is detained.

Discedentibusque his regibus, Godomarus, resumptis viribus, Burgundionis colligit regnumque recipit. Contra quem Chlodomeris iterum ire disponens, Sigimundum interficere distinat. Cui a beato Avito abbate, magno tunc tempore sacerdote, dictum est: 'Si', inquid, 'respiciens Deum, emendaveris consilium tuum, ut hos homines interfici non patiaris, erit Deus tecum, et abiens victuriam obtenibis; si vero eos occidens, tu ipse in manibus inimicorum traditus, simili sorte peribis; fietque tibi uxorique et filiis tuis, quod feceris Sigimundo et coniugi ac liberis eius'. Quod ille abscultare dispiciens consilium eius, ait: 'Stultum consilium esse puto, ut, inimicos domui relictus, contra reliquos eam, eosque a tergo, hunc a fronte surgente, inter duos hostium cuneos ruam.

And with these kings departing, Godomar, vigor having been resumed, rallies the Burgundians and recovers the kingdom. Against whom Chlodomer, disposing to go again, determines to slay Sigismund. To whom it was said by the blessed Abbot Avitus, a great priest at that time: 'If,' he says, 'looking toward God, you amend your counsel, so that you do not suffer these men to be killed, God will be with you, and going forth you will obtain victory; but if, killing them, you yourself, delivered into the hands of enemies, will perish by a similar fate; and it will be done to you and to your wife and to your sons, what you will have done to Sigismund and to his consort and his children.' But he, disdaining to auscultate his counsel, said: 'I deem it a foolish counsel, that, enemies left to my house, I should go against the rest, and, those rising at my back and this one rising in front, I should rush between two wedges of enemies.'

Satius enim et facilius victuria patrabitur, si unus ab alio separetur; quo interfecto, facile et alius morte poterit distinare'. Statimque interfecto Sigimundo cum uxore et filiis, apud Colomnam Aurilianinsim urbis vicum in puteum iactare praecipiens, Burgundias petiit, vocans in solatium Theudoricum regem. Ille autem iniuriam soceri sui vindecare nolens, ire promisit. Cumque pariter apud Visorontiam locum urbis Viennensis coniuncti fuissent, cum Godomaro confligunt.

Surer, indeed, and easier will victory be accomplished, if the one be separated from the other; he being slain, easily the other too will be able to be consigned to death.' And immediately, with Sigimund together with his wife and sons killed, ordering that they be cast into a well at Colomna, a vicus of the city of Orléans, he sought Burgundy, calling in King Theuderic for solace. But he, unwilling to avenge the injury of his father-in-law, promised to go. And when they had joined forces together at Visorontia, a place of the city of Vienne, they clash with Godomar.

Cumque Godomarus cum exercitu terga vertisset et Chlodomeris insequeretur ac de suis non modico spatio elongatus esset, adsimilantes illi signum eius, dant ad eum voces, dicentes: 'Huc, huc convertere! Tui enim sumus'. At ille credens, abiit inruitque in medio inimicorum. Cuius amputatum caput et conto defixum elevant in sublimi.

And when Godomar had turned his back with the army and Chlodomer was pursuing, and had been removed from his own by no small stretch of space, they, imitating his standard, call out to him, saying: 'Here, here, turn this way! For we are yours.' But he, believing, went and rushed into the midst of the enemies. His head, cut off and fixed on a spear, they lift on high.

Quod Franci cernentes atque cognuscentes Chlodomerem interfectum, reparatis viribus, Godomarum fugant, Burgundionis oppraemunt patriamque in suam redigunt potestatem. Nec moratus Chlothacharius uxorem germani sui Guntheucam nomine sibi in matrimonio scciavit. Filios quoque eius Chrodichildis regina, exactis diebus luctus, secum recipit ac tenuit; quorum unus Theudoaldus, alter Guntharius, tertius Chlodovaldus vocabatur.

The Franks, perceiving and recognizing that Chlodomer had been slain, with their forces repaired, put Godomar to flight, overwhelm the Burgundians, and reduce the country into their own power. And not delaying, Chlothacharius joined to himself in marriage his brother’s wife, by name Guntheuca. Her sons also Queen Chrodichild, once the days of mourning were completed, received to herself and kept with her; of whom one was called Theudoaldus, another Guntharius, the third Chlodovaldus.

Godomarus iterum regnum recepit.

Godomar received the kingdom again.

7. Bellum contra Thoringus.

7. War against the Thuringians.

Post Theudoricus non inmemor periurias Hermenefrede regis Thoringorum Chlothacharium fratrem suum in solatio suo vocat et adversum eum ire disponit, promittens regi Chlothachario partem praedae, si eisdem munus victuriae divinitus conferritur. Convocatis igitur Francis, dicit ad eos: 'Indignamini, quaeso, tam meam iniuriam quam interitum parentum vestrorum, ac recolite, Thoringus quondam super parentes nostros violenter advenisse ac multa illis intulisse mala. Qui, datis obsidibus pacem cum his inire voluerunt, sed ille obsedes ipsus diversis mortibus peremerunt et inruentes super parentes nostros, omnem substantiam abstullerunt, pueros per nervos femorum ad arbores appendentes, puellas amplius ducentas crudeli nece interfecerunt, ita ut, legatis brachiis super equorum cervicibus, ipsique acerrimo moti stimulo per diversa petentes, diversis in partebus feminas diviserunt.

Afterwards Theudoric, not unmindful of the perjuries of Hermenefred, king of the Thuringians, calls Chlothachar his brother into his support and sets forth to go against him, promising to King Chlothachar a part of the prey, if to them the gift of victory is divinely conferred. Therefore, the Franks having been called together, he says to them: 'Be indignant, I pray, as much at my injury as at the destruction of your fathers, and recall that the Thuringian once came violently upon our fathers and brought many evils upon them. They, having given hostages, wished to enter into peace with them, but he destroyed the hostages themselves with various deaths; and, rushing upon our fathers, they carried off all substance, hanging boys to trees by the tendons of the thighs, and they slew more than two hundred girls with cruel death, such that, with the arms bound over the necks of horses, and the horses themselves roused by a very sharp goad and seeking different directions, they tore the women apart limb from limb in different places.'

Aliis vero super urbitas viarum extensis, sudibusque in terra confixis, plaustra desuper onerata transire fecerunt, confractisque ossibus, canibus avibusque eas in cibaria dederunt. Nunc autem Herminefredus quod mihi pollicitus est fefellit et omnino haec adimplire dissimulat. Ecce!

But others they stretched out over the wheel-ruts of the roads, and with stakes fastened in the earth, they caused loaded wagons to pass over them from above; and their bones having been broken, they gave them to dogs and birds for victuals. Now, however, Herminefredus has deceived me in what he promised me and altogether dissembles to fulfill these things. Behold!

verbum directum habemus: Eamus cum Dei adiuturio contra eos!' Quod ille audientes et de tanto scelere indignantes, uno animo eademque sententiam Thoringiam petierunt. Theudoricus autem, Chlothacharium fratrem et Theudobertum filium in solatio suo adsumptos, cum exercito abiit. Thoringi vero venientibus Francis dolos praeparant.

We have a straightforward word: ‘Let us go with God’s aid against them!’ Which, on hearing it and indignant at so great a crime, with one mind and the same opinion they made for Thuringia. Theudoric, moreover, having taken up his brother Chlothachar and his son Theudobert as his support, departed with the army. The Thuringians, however, as the Franks were coming, prepare stratagems.

In campum enim, quo certamen agi debebant, fossas effodiunt, quarum ora operta denso cispete planum adsimilant campum. In his ergo foveis, cum pugnare coepissent, multi Francorum equites conruerunt, et fuit eis valde inpedimentum; sed post cognitum hunc dolum, observare coeperunt. Denique cum se Thoringi caedi vehementer viderent, fugato Hermenefredo rege ipsorum, terga vertunt et ad Onestrudem fluvium usque perveniunt.

For in the plain where the combat was to be waged, they dug fosses, the edges of which, covered with dense sod, made the field resemble a level surface. Into these pits, then, when they had begun to fight, many of the Frankish horsemen collapsed, and it was for them a very great impediment; but after this trick was recognized, they began to keep watch. Finally, when the Thuringi saw themselves being cut down vehemently, with their own king Hermenefred put to flight, they turned their backs and came as far as the river Onestrud.

Ibique tanta caedes ex Thoringis facta est, ut alveos fluminis a cadaverum congeriae repleretur et Franci tamquam per pontem aliquod super eos in litus ulteriore transirent. Patratam ergo victuriam, regionem illam capessunt et in suam redigunt potestatem. Chlothacharius vero rediens, Radegundem, filiam Bertecharii regis, secum captivam abduxit sibique eam in matrimonio sociavit; cuius fratrem postea iniuste per homines iniquos occidit.

And there so great a slaughter was made of the Thuringians that the channels of the river were filled by the congeries of corpses, and the Franks, as if over some bridge, passed over them to the farther shore. Therefore, the victory having been accomplished, they seize that region and reduce it into their own power. But Chlothacharius, returning, led off with him captive Radegund, daughter of King Bertecharius, and joined her to himself in matrimony; whose brother afterward he unjustly killed through iniquitous men.

Illa quoque ad Deum conversa, mutata veste, monastyrium sibi intra Pectavensem urbem construxit. Quae orationibus, ieiuniis atque elymosinis praedita, in tantum emicuit, ut magna in populis haberetur. Cum autem adhuc supradicti regis in Thoringiam essent, Theudoricus Chlothacharium, fratrem suum, occidere voluit, et praeparatis occulte cum arma viris, eum ad se vocat, quasi secricius cum eo aliquid tractaturus, expansumque in parte domus illius tenturium de uno pariete in altero, armatus post eum stare iubet.

She also, turned to God and with her garb changed, built for herself a monastery within the city of Poitiers. Endowed with prayers, fasts, and alms, she shone forth to such a degree that she was held great among the peoples. Now when they were still in Thuringia of the aforesaid king, Theudoricus wished to kill Chlothacharius, his brother; and, men with arms secretly prepared, he calls him to himself, as if he would deal with him more secretly about something; and, a tent-hanging stretched in a part of that house from one wall to the other, he orders armed men to stand behind the hanging.

Cumque tenturium illud esset brevior, pedes armatorum apparuere detecti. Quod cognoscens Chlothacharius, cum suis armatus ingressus est domum. Theudoricus vero intellegens, hunc haec cognovisse, fabulam fingit et alia ex aliis loquitur.

And since that tent-canopy was shorter, the feet of the armed men appeared exposed. Recognizing this, Chlothacharius, armed with his own men, entered the house. But Theudoricus, understanding that he had learned these things, fabricates a fable and talks of one thing after another.

Denique nesciens, qualiter dolum suum deleniret, discum ei magnum argenteum pro gratia dedit. Chlothacharius autem vale dicens et pro munere gratias agens, ad metatum regressus est. Theudoricus vero quaeritur ad suos, nullam extantem causam suum perdedisse catinum, et ad filium suum Theudobertum ait: 'Vade ad patruum tuum et roga, ut munus, quod ei dedi, tibi sua voluntate concedat'. Qui abiens, quod petiit inpetravit.

Finally, not knowing how he might sweeten his trick, he gave him a great silver dish as a favor. But Chlothacharius, saying farewell and giving thanks for the gift, returned to his billet. Theudoricus, however, complains among his own that, with no evident cause, he has lost his bowl, and he says to his son Theudobertus: 'Go to your uncle and ask that the gift which I gave to him he, of his own will, grant to you.' He, departing, obtained what he sought.

In talibus enim dolis Theudoricus multum callidus erat.

For in such stratagems Theudoricus was very shrewd.

8. De interitu Hermenifredi.

8. On the death of Hermenifred.

Idem vero regressus ad propria, Hermenefredum ad se data fidem securum praecipit venire, quem et honorificis ditavit muneribus. Factum est autem, dum quadam die per murum civitatis Tulbiacensis confabularentur, a nescio quo inpulsus, de altitudine muri ad terram corruit ibique spiritum exalavit. Sed qui eum exinde deiecerit, ignoramus; multi tamen adserunt, Theudorici in hoc dolum manifestissime patuisse.

The same man, indeed, having returned to his own, bids Hermenefred, made secure by a pledged faith, to come to him, and he also enriched him with honorific gifts. It came to pass, however, that, while on a certain day they were conversing along the wall of the city of Tulbiacum, pushed by I-know-not-whom, he fell from the height of the wall to the ground and there breathed out his spirit. But who cast him down from there, we do not know; many nevertheless assert that in this Theudoric’s stratagem was most manifestly laid bare.

9. Quod Childeberthus Arvernus abiit.

9. That Childebert went to the Arverni.

Cum autem adhuc Theudoricus in Thoringiam esset, Arvernus sonuit, eum interfectum fuisse. Archadius quoque, unus ex senatoribus Arvernis, Childeberthum invitat, ut regionem illam deberet accipere. Ille quoque nec moratus Arvernus vadit.

However, while Theuderic was still in Thuringia, in Auvergne there sounded the report that he had been slain. Arcadius also, one of the senators of the Arverni, invites Childebert to receive that region. He too, without delay, goes to the Arverni.

Tantaque in illa die condensa fuit nebula, ut nihil super duabus iugeri partibus discerni possit. Dicere enim erat solitus rex: 'Vellim umquam Arvernam Lemanem, quae tantae iocunditatis gratia refulgere dicitur, oculis cernere'. Sed non ei a Deo concessum est. Cumque portae civitatis obseratae essent, et unde ingrederetur pervium patulum non haberet, incisam Archadius serram unius portae eum civitati intromisit.

And so dense was the nebula on that day that nothing could be discerned beyond the span of two iugera. For the king was accustomed to say: 'I would that I might ever behold with my eyes the Arvernian Lemane, which is said to refulge for the sake of so great pleasantness.' But it was not granted to him by God. And when the gates of the city were barred, and he had no open pass by which to enter, Archadius, with a saw-cut made in one gate, introduced him into the city.

Dum haec agerentur, nuntiatur, Theudoricum vivum de Thoringiam fuisse regressum.

While these things were being done, it is announced that Theuderic had returned alive from Thuringia.

10. De interitu Amalarici.

10. On the death of Amalaric.

Quod certissime Childeberthus cognoscens, ab Arverno rediit et Hispaniam propter sororem suam Chlotchildem dirigit. Haec vero multas insidias ab Amalarico viro suo propter fidem catholicam patiebatur. Nam plerumque procedente illa ad sanctam eclesiam, stercora et diversos fetores super eam proieci imperabat, ad extremum autem tanta eam crudilitate dicitur caecidisse, ut infectum de proprio sanguine sudarium fratri transmitteret, unde ille maxime commotus, Hispanias appetivit.

Which Childebert, having most certainly learned, returned from Auvergne and directs his course to Spain on account of his sister Chlothild. She indeed was suffering many ambushes from her husband Amalaric on account of the Catholic faith. For very often, when she went forth to the holy church, he ordered dung and various foulnesses to be thrown upon her; and at the last he is said to have struck her down with such cruelty that she sent to her brother a handkerchief stained with her own blood, whereupon he, greatly stirred, made for Spain.

Amalaricus vero haec audiens, naves ad fugiendum parat. Porro inminente Childebertho, cum Amalaricus navem deberet ascendere, ei in mentem venit, multitudinem se praetiosorum lapidum in suo thesauro reliquisse. Cumque ad eosdem petendus in civitatem regrederetur, ab exercitu a porto exclusus est.

But Amalaric, hearing this, prepares ships for flight. Then, with Childebert looming, when Amalaric ought to board the ship, it came to his mind that he had left a multitude of precious stones in his own treasury. And when he was returning into the city to seek those same things, he was excluded from the port by the army.

Videns autem, se non posse evadere, ad eclesiam christianorum confugire coepit. Sed priusquam limina sancta contingerit, unus emissam manum lanciam eum mortali ictu sauciavit, ibique decidens reddedit spiritum. Tunc Childeberthus cum magnis thesauris sororem adsumptam secum adducere cupiebat, quae, nescio quo casu, in via mortua est, et postea Parisius adlata, iuxta patrem suum Chlodovechum sepulta est.

But seeing, however, that he could not escape, he began to take refuge to the church of the Christians. But before he might touch the holy thresholds, one, sending forth his hand, with a lance wounded him with a mortal stroke, and there, falling down, he gave up the spirit. Then Childeberthus, with great treasures, desired to lead his sister, taken up, with him; who, by I know not what chance, died on the way, and afterward, brought to Paris, was buried next to her father Chlodovechus.

Childeberthus vero inter reliquos thesauros ministeria eclesiarum praetiosissima detulit. Nam sexaginta calices, quindecim patenas, viginti euangeliorum capsas detulit, omnia ex auro puro ac gemmis praetiosis ornatas. Sed non est passus ea confringi.

But Childebert, among the remaining treasures, carried off the most precious furnishings of the churches. For he carried off 60 chalices, 15 patens, 20 cases of the Gospels, all adorned with pure gold and precious gems. But he did not allow them to be broken up.

Cuncta enim eclesiis et basilicis sanctorum dispensavit ac tradidit.

For he dispensed and delivered all things to the churches and to the basilicas of the saints.

11. Quod Childeberthus Burgundias abiit.

11. That Childeberthus went to Burgundy.

Quod Childeberthus et Chlotharius Burgundias, Theudericus Arvernus abiit.

That Childebert and Chlothar went into the Burgundies, Theuderic went to the Arverni.

Post haec Chlothacharius et Childeberthus Burgundia petere distinant. Convocatusque Theudoricus in solatio eorum, ire noluit. Franci vero, qui ad eum aspiciebant, dixerunt: 'Si cum fratribus tuis in Burgundiam ire dispexeris, te relinquimus et illos sequi satius praeoptamus'. At ille infidelis sibi exhistimans Arvernus, ait: 'Me sequimini, et ego vos inducam in patriam, ubi aurum et argentum accipiatis, quantum vestra potest desiderare cupiditas, de qua pecora, de qua mancipia, de qua vestimenta in abundantiam adsumatis.

After these things Chlothachar and Childeberth determine to seek Burgundy. And Theuderic, summoned for their support, was unwilling to go. But the Franks who looked to him said: 'If you disdain to go into Burgundy with your brothers, we will abandon you and prefer as better to follow them.' But he, the Arvernian, thinking them unfaithful to himself, said: 'Follow me, and I will lead you into a fatherland where you may receive gold and silver as much as your cupidity can desire, from which you may take cattle, from which slaves, from which garments in abundance.'

Tantum hos ne sequamini!' His promissionibus hi inlecti suam voluntatem facere repromittunt. Ille vero illuc transire disponit, promittens iterum atque iterum exercitu cuncta regionis praedam cum hominibus in suis regionibus transferre permittere. Chlothacharius vero et Childeberthus in Burgundiam dirigunt, Agustidunumque obsedentes, cunctam, fugato Godomaro, Burgundiam occupaverunt.

'Only do not follow these!' Lured by these promises, they promise to do his will. But he, for his part, plans to cross over to that place, promising again and again to permit the army to transfer all the booty of the region, together with the people, into their own regions. But Chlothacharius and Childeberthus direct their course into Burgundy, and, besieging Agustidunum, with Godomar put to flight, they occupied all Burgundy.

12. De excidio regionibus Arvernae.

12. On the destruction of the regions of the Arverni.

Theudoricus vero cum exercitu Arverno veniens, totam regionem devastat ac proterit. Interea Archadius sceleris illius auctor, cuius ignavia regio devastata est, Bituricas urbem petiit. Erat autem tunc temporis urbs illa in regno Childeberthi regis.

Theudoric, however, coming with an army into the Arvernian country, devastates and tramples down the whole region. Meanwhile Arcadius, the author of that crime, by whose sloth the region was laid waste, made for the city of the Bituriges. However, at that time that city was in the kingdom of King Childebert.

Placidina vero, mater eius, et Alchima, soror patris eius, conpraehensae apud Cadurcum urbem, rebus ablatis, exsilio condemnatae sunt. Rex igitur Theudoricus ad urbem Arvernam usque accedens, in vici illius suburbana castra fixit. Beatus vero Quintianus his diebus erat episcopus.

Placidina indeed, his mother, and Alchima, his father’s sister, having been apprehended at the city of Cadurcum, with their goods taken away, were condemned to exile. Therefore King Theudoric, approaching up to the city of the Arverni, pitched his camps in the suburban district of that vicus. But blessed Quintianus in those days was bishop.

Interea exercitus cunctam circuit miseram regionem illam, cuncta delet, universa debellat. De quibus nonnulli ad basilicam sancti Iuliani perveniunt, confringunt ostia, seras removent resque pauperum, quae ibidem fuerant adgregatae, diripiunt et multa in hoc loco perpetrant mala. Verumtamen auctores scelerum ab spiritu inmundo correpti, infestis dentibus propriis se morsibus lacerant, clamantes atque dicentes: 'Cur nos, martyr sanctae, sic crucias?' - sicut in libro virtutum eius conscripsimus.

Meanwhile the army goes all around that wretched region, destroys everything, utterly subdues the whole. Several of them come to the basilica of Saint Julian, break the doors, remove the bars, and plunder the goods of the poor which had been aggregated there, and they perpetrate many evils in this place. Nevertheless the authors of the crimes, seized by an unclean spirit, with hostile teeth tear themselves with their own bites, crying out and saying: 'Why do you, holy martyr, thus torment us?'—as we have written in the book of his virtues.

13. De Lovolautro et Meroliacensae castro.

13. On Lovolautro and the Meroliacensian castle.

Lovolautrum autem castro hostis expugnant Proculumque presbiterum, qui quondam sanctum Quintiano iniuriam intulerat, ad altarium eclesiae miserabiliter interficiunt. Et credo, ob illius causa fuerit ipsum castrum in manibus traditum iniquorum, quid usque illa die defensatum est. Nam cum eum hostes expugnare non possent, ad propria iam redire disponerent, audientes haec obsessi, iam laeti atque securi decipiuntur, sicut ait apostolus: Cum dixerint: 'Pax et securitas' , tunc repentinus superveniet interitus.

But the enemy take by storm the stronghold of Lovolautrum, and they miserably slay Proculus, a presbyter, who had once inflicted injury upon Saint Quintianus, at the altars of the church. And I believe that on account of him it was that this very stronghold was delivered into the hands of the iniquitous, which up to that day had been defended. For when the enemies were not able to take it, and were already arranging to return to their own, the besieged, hearing these things, now joyful and secure, are deceived, as the Apostle says: When they shall have said: 'Peace and security' , then sudden destruction will supervene.

Denique per ipsius Proculi presbiteri servum iam securi populi traduntur in manus hostium. Cumque vastato castello ducerentur captivi, inmanis pluvia, quae per triginta dies fuerat abnegata, discendit. Tunc obsessi Meroliacensis castrio, ne captivi abducerentur, redemptione data, liberantur.

Finally, through the servant of that Proculus the presbyter, the people, now secure, are handed over into the hands of the enemy. And when, the stronghold having been laid waste, the captives were being led away, an immense rain, which for thirty days had been denied, descended. Then the besieged of the Meroliacense stronghold, lest the captives be carried off, with a ransom given, set them free.

Sed haec ignavia eorum effecit; caster enim propria natura monitus erat. Nam centenum aut eo amplius pedum ab exciso vallatur lapide, sine murorum structione, in medio autem ingens stagnum aquae liquore gratissimum, ab alia vero parte fontes uberrimi, ita ut per portam rivus defluat aquae vivae. Sed in tam grande spatio munitio ista distenditur, ut manentes infra murorum septa terram excolant frugesque in habundantiam collegant.

But this their slothfulness brought about; for the fort was fortified by its own nature. For on one side it is ramparted by hewn stone for a hundred feet or more, without the construction of walls; in the middle, moreover, a vast pool, most welcome in the liquid of water; on another side indeed, most abundant springs, such that through the gate a stream of living water flows down. But over so great a space is this fortification extended, that those remaining within the enclosures of the walls cultivate the land and gather crops in abundance.

Huius munitionis tutamine elati qui obsessi erant, egressi foras, ut, arreptum aliquid praedae, iterum se intra castelli septa reconderent, ab hostibus conpraehensi sunt. Erant autem quinquaginta viri. Tunc ante ora parentum, vinctis postergum manibus, oblati, inminente iam gladio, adquiverunt obsessi, ne hi interfecerentur, singulos treantes dare in redemptionem suam.

Uplifted by the tutelage of this fortification, those who were besieged, having gone forth outside so that, having snatched something of plunder, they might again hide themselves within the enclosure of the little-castle, were apprehended by the enemies. There were, moreover, 50 men. Then, before the faces of their parents, with their hands bound behind-the-back, offered up, with the sword now impending, the besieged obtained that, lest these be killed, they should give, for their own redemption, each man trembling.

Theudoricus autem ab Arverno discendens, Sigivaldum, parentem suum, in ea quasi pro custodia dereliquid. Erat ibi tunc temporis quidam Lytigius ex minoribus, qui magnas sancto Quintiano parabat insidias; et cum se sanctos episcopus pedibus eius prosterneret, numquam, ut se ei subderet, movebatur, ita ut quadam vice uxori quae sanctos ficerat, pro ridiculo indicaret. Quae melioris intellegentiae modo commota, ait: 'Si ita est hodie pessumdatus, numquam eregeris'. Die autem tertia advenientes nuntii de praesentia regis, vinctum cum uxore ac liberis pariter abduxerunt.

But Theodoric, departing from Auvergne, left Sigivald, his kinsman, there as it were for custody. There was at that time a certain Lytigius, of the lesser sort, who was preparing great insidious plots against Saint Quintianus; and when the holy bishop prostrated himself at his feet, he was never moved to submit himself to him, so that on one occasion he pointed out, for a joke, to his wife, who affected sanctity. She, stirred in the mode of better understanding, said: “If it is so, today you will be cast down, you will never raise yourself up.” But on the third day, messengers arriving from the presence of the king led him away in bonds, together with his wife and children alike.

Qui abiens, numquam Arverno regressus est.

He, departing, never returned to Arvernum.

14. De interitu Munderici.

14. On the death of Munderic.

Mundericus igitur, qui se parentem regium adserebat, [multa] elatus superbia, ait: 'Quid mihi et Theudorico regi? Sic enim mihi solium regni debetur, ut ille. Egrediar et collegam populum meum atque exegam sacramentum ab eis, ut sciat Theudoricus, quia rex sum ego, sicut et ille'. Et egressus coepit seducere populum, dicens: 'Princeps ego sum.

Therefore Munderic, who asserted himself to be of regal parentage, exalted by [much] pride, said: 'What have I to do with King Theuderic? For the throne of the kingdom is owed to me just as to him. I will go out and gather my people as a colleague and I will exact an oath from them, so that Theuderic may know that I am king, just as he is'. And having gone out he began to seduce the people, saying: 'I am prince.

Sequimini me, et erit vobis bene'. Sequebatur autem eum rustica multitudo, ut plerumque fragilitati humanae convenit, dantes sacramentum fidelitatis et honorantes eum ut regem. Quod cum Theudoricus conperisset, mandatum mittit ad eum, dicens: 'Accede ad me, et si tibi aliqua de dominatione regni nostri portio debetur, accipe'. Dolosae enim haec Theudoricus dicebat, scilicet ut, cum ad eum venissit, interficeretur. Ille vero noluit, dicens: 'Ite; renuntiate rege vestro, quia rex sum sicut et ille'. Tunc rex commovere iussit exercitum, quo oppressus vi puneretur.

'Follow me, and it will be well for you'. But a rustic multitude was following him, as very often befits human fragility, giving the oath of fidelity and honoring him as king. When Theudoric learned this, he sends a mandate to him, saying: 'Come to me, and if some portion of the dominion of our kingdom is owed to you, receive it'. For Theudoric was saying these things deceitfully, namely that, when he had come to him, he would be killed. But he refused, saying: 'Go; report back to your king, for I am king just as he is'. Then the king ordered the army to be set in motion, that, being crushed by force, he might be punished.

Quod ille cognuscens et se non praevalens defensare, Victuriaci castri murus expetens cum rebus omnibus, in eo se studuet commonere, his secum quos seduxerat adgregatis. Igitur commotus exercitus castrum vallat ac per septem dies obsedit. Mundericus autem repugnabat cum suis, dicens: 'Stemus fortes et usque ad mortem pariter demicemus et non subdamur inimicis'. Cumque exercitus a circuitu incontra iacula transmitteret nec aliquid praevaleret, nuntiaverunt haec regi.

Which, perceiving, and as he was not able to prevail to defend himself, seeking the wall of the fortress of Victuriacum with all his goods, he strove to remain in it, with those whom he had seduced gathered to him. Therefore the stirred-up army girdles the fortress with a rampart and for seven days besieged it. But Munderic was fighting back with his own, saying: 'Let us stand stout and together let us fight it out even unto death, and let us not be subjected to the enemies.' And when the army from all around was sending missiles in against them and was not prevailing at all, they announced these things to the king.

At ille misit quendam de suis Aregisilum nomine dixitque ei: 'Vidis', inquid, 'quod praevaleat hic perfedus in contumacia sua; vade et redde ei sacramentum, ut securus egrediatur. Cum autem egressus fuerit, interfice eum et dele memoriam eius a regno nostro'. Qui abiens, fecit iuxta quod ei praeceptum fuerat. Dederat tamen prius signum populo, dicens: 'Cum ego haec et haec locutus fuero, statim inruentes interficite eum'. Ingressus autem Aregisilus, ait Munderico: 'Quousque hic resedis tamquam unus ex insipientibus?

But he sent one of his own, named Aregisilus, and said to him: 'You see,' he said, 'that this perfidious man prevails in his contumacy; go and render to him the sacrament, that he may go out secure. But when he has gone out, kill him and delete his memory from our kingdom.' He, going off, did according to what had been commanded him. Yet beforehand he had given a sign to the people, saying: 'When I have spoken this and that, at once, rushing in, kill him.' But when Aregisilus had entered, he said to Munderic: 'How long do you sit here like one of the foolish?'

Numquid poteris diu regi resistere? Ecce ablatum tibi cibum! Cum te famis oppraesserit, ultro egredieris et traderis in manus inimicorum et morieris quasi unus ex canibus.

Will you be able to resist the king for long? Behold, food has been taken from you! When hunger has oppressed you, you will of your own accord go out and surrender yourself into the hands of the enemies, and you will die like one of the dogs.

Audi potius consilium meum et subde te regi, ut vivere possis tu et fili tui'. Tunc ille his mollitus sermonibus, ait: 'Si egredior, conpraehensus a regi interficior et ego et fili mei vel omnes amici, qui mecum sunt adgregati'. Cui Aregisilus ait: 'Noli timere, sed, si vis egredi, accipe sacramentum de hac culpa et sta securus coram regi. Ne timeas, sed eris cum eum, sicut prius fuisti'. Ad haec Mundericus respondit: 'Utinam securus sim, quod non interficiar!' Tunc Aregisilus, positis super altarium sanctum manibus, iuravit ei, ut securus egrederetur. Data igitur sacramenta, egredibatur Mundericus de porta castelli, tenens manum Aregisili, populus autem spectabat a longe aspiciens eum.

Rather listen to my counsel and subject yourself to the king, that you and your sons may be able to live.' Then he, softened by these words, said: 'If I go out, once apprehended by the king I and my sons—or all the friends who have been gathered with me—will be killed.' To him Aregisilus said: 'Do not fear, but, if you wish to go out, receive the sacrament (oath) concerning this fault and stand secure before the king. Do not fear, but you will be with him as you were before.' To this Munderic replied: 'If only I may be secure, that I will not be killed!' Then Aregisilus, with his hands placed upon the holy altar, swore to him that he might go out safely. Therefore, the sacraments (oaths) having been given, Munderic was going out from the gate of the fort, holding Aregisilus’s hand; and the people were watching from afar, gazing at him.

Tunc pro signo ait Aregisilus: 'Quid aspicitis tam intenti, o populi? An numquid non vidistis prius Mundericum?' Et statim inruit populus in eum. At ille intellegens, ait: 'Evidentissime cognusco, quod feceris per hoc verbum signum populis ad me interficiendum; verumtamen dico tibi, quia periuriis me decipisti, te vivum ultra nullus aspiciet'. Et emissa lancea in scapulis eius, perfodit eum, ceciditque et mortuus est.

Then as a signal Aregisilus said: 'Why do you look so intently, O people? Or is it that you have not seen Munderic before?' And immediately the people rushed upon him. But he, understanding, said: 'Most manifestly I recognize that by this word you have made a sign to the people for me to be killed; nonetheless I tell you, since by perjuries you have deceived me, no one will behold you alive any longer.' And, a lance having been sent into his shoulders, he pierced him through, and he fell and died.

Evaginatumque deinceps Mundericus gladium, cum suis magnam stragem de populo illo fecit, et usquequo spiritum exalavit, interficere quemcumque adsequi potuisset non distitit. Quo interfecto, res eius fisco conlatae sunt.

And thereafter Munderic, his sword drawn, together with his men made a great slaughter of that people, and until he breathed out his spirit, he did not cease to kill whomever he could overtake. When he had been slain, his property was collected into the fisc.

15. De captivitate Attali.

15. On the captivity of Attalus.

Theudoricus vero et Childiberthus foedus inierunt, et dato sibi sacramento, ut nullus contra alium moveretur, obsedes ab invicem acciperunt, quo facilius firmarentur, quae fuerant dicta. Multi tunc fili senatorum in hac obsidione dati sunt, sed orto iterum inter reges scandalum, ad servicium publicum sunt addicti; et quicumque eos ad costodiendum accepit, servus sibi ex his fecit. Multi tamen ex eis per fugam lapsi, in patriam redierunt, nonnulli in servitio sunt retenti.

Theudoricus indeed and Childiberthus entered into a treaty, and, an oath given between themselves that no one should be moved against the other, they received hostages from one another, that what had been spoken might be the more easily made firm. Many then, sons of senators, were given in this hostage-pledge; but, when a scandal arose again between the kings, they were assigned to public service; and whoever received them to be guarded made a slave for himself out of them. Many, however, slipping away by flight, returned to their fatherland; some were retained in servitude.

Inter quos Attalus, nepus beati Gregori Lingonici episcopi, ad publicum servitium mancipatus est custusque equorum distinatus. Erat enim intra Treverici termini territurio cuidam barbaro serviens. Denique beatus Gregorius ad inquirendum eum pueros distinavit, qui inventum, obtulerunt homini munera, sed respuit ea, dicens: 'Hic tali generatione decem auri libras redimi debet'. Quibus redeuntibus, Leo quidam ex cocina domini sui ait: 'Utinam me permitteris, et forsitan ego poteram eum reducere de captivitate'. Gaviso autem domino, directus venit ad locum voluitque puerum clam abstrahere, sed non potuit.

Among these, Attalus, the nephew of the blessed Gregory, bishop of Langres, was mancipated to public service and destined as keeper of the horses. For he was serving a certain barbarian within the boundaries of the Treveric territory. At length the blessed Gregory dispatched boys to inquire after him, who, having found him, offered the man gifts; but he repelled them, saying: 'This one, of such a lineage, ought to be redeemed for ten pounds of gold.' As they were returning, a certain Leo from his master’s kitchen said: 'If only you would permit me, perhaps I could bring him back from captivity.' And with the master rejoicing, he was sent and came to the place, and wished to carry off the boy secretly, but he could not.

Tunc locatum secum hominem quendam, ait: 'Veni mecum et venunda me in domo barbari illius, sitque tibi lucrum praetium meum, tantum liberiorem aditum habeam faciendi id quod decrevi'. Accepta vero sacramenta, homo ille abiit, et vinditum duodecim aureis, discessit. Sciscitatus autem emptor rudi famulo, quid opere sciret, respondit: 'In omnibus, quae mandi debent in mensis dominorum, valde scitus sum operari, nec metuo, quod repperire possit similis mei in hac scientia. Verum enim dico tibi, quia, etiam si regi epulum cupias praeparare, fercula regalia conponere possum, ne quisquam a me melius'. Et ille: 'Ecce enim dies solis adest' - sic enim barbaries vocitare diem dominecum consueta est -, 'in hac die vicini atque parentes mei invitabuntur in domo mea.

Then, having hired a certain man to himself, he said: 'Come with me and put me up for sale in the house of that barbarian, and let my price be profit to you, only let me have freer access for doing that which I have decreed'. The oaths having indeed been received, that man went off, and, having sold him for twelve aurei, departed. But the buyer, having inquired of the raw servant what work he knew, he replied: 'In all things that ought to be eaten at the tables of masters, I am very skillful to operate, nor do I fear that one like me could be found in this knowledge. Truly I tell you, even if you should desire to prepare a banquet for a king, I can compose regal dishes, so that no one could do it better than I'. And he: 'Behold, the day of the sun is at hand' - for thus the barbarian folk are accustomed to call the Lord’s day -, 'on this day my neighbors and kinsmen will be invited in my house.

Rogo, ut facias mihi prandium, quod admirentur, et dicant, quia in domo regis melius non aspeximus'. Et ille: 'Iubeat', inquid, 'dominus meus congregari pullorum gallinatiorum multitudinem, et faciam quae praecipis'. Praeparatis ergo quae dixerat puer, inluxit dominica dies, fecitque aepulum magnum diliciisque refertum. Aepulantibus autem omnibus et laudantibus prandium, parentes illius discesserunt. Dominus enim dedit gratiam puero huic, et accepit potestatem super omnia quae habebat dominus suus in prumptu, diligebatque eum valde, et omnibus qui cum eo erant ipse dispensabat cibaria et pulmenta.

'I ask that you make me a luncheon which they may admire, and may say, that in the house of the king we have not seen better.' And he: 'Let my lord order a multitude of chicken pullets to be gathered, and I will do what you command.' Therefore, when the things the boy had said were prepared, the Lord’s day dawned, and he made a great banquet stuffed with delicacies. And while all were feasting and praising the luncheon, his relatives departed. For the master gave favor to this boy, and he received authority over all that his master had in promptu, and he loved him greatly, and he himself dispensed provisions and pottages to all who were with him.

Post anni vero curriculum, cum iam securus esset dominus illius de eo, abiit in pratum, qui erat domi proximus, cum Attalo puero, custode equorum; et decubans in terram cum eo a longe, aversis dorsis, ut non cognuscerentur, quod loquerentur simul, dicit puero: 'Tempus est enim, ut iam cogitare de patria debeamus. Ideoque moneo te, ut hac nocte, cum equos ad claudendum adduxeris, sopore non depraemaris, sed, cum primum te vocitavero, adsis et ambulemus'. Vocaverat enim barbarus ille multos parentum suorum ad aepulum, inter quos erat et gener eius, qui acceperat filiam illius. Media autem nocte a convivio surgentibus et quieti datis, prosecutus est Leo generum domini sui cum potu, porregensque ei bibere, in metatum eius.

But after the course of a year, when his master was now assured about him, he went into a meadow, which was nearest to the house, with the boy Attalus, keeper of the horses; and, lying down on the ground with him at a distance, with their backs turned, so that it might not be recognized that they were speaking together, he says to the boy: 'For it is time that we should now think about our fatherland. And so I warn you that this night, when you will have brought the horses to be shut in, you not be overpowered by sleep, but, when I first call you, be present and let us walk.' For that barbarian had invited many of his relatives to a banquet, among whom was also his son-in-law, who had taken his daughter. But at midnight, when they rose from the convivial and were given to rest, Leo escorted his master’s son-in-law with a drink, and, proffering him to drink, into his quarters.

Ait ad eum homo: 'Dic tu, o creditor soceri mei, sic valeas, quando enim voluntatem adhibibis, ut, adsumptis equitibus eius, eas in patriam tuam?' Hoc quasi ioco delectans dixit. Similiter et ille ioculariter respondens viritatem, ait: 'Hac nocte delibero, si Dei voluntas fuerit'. Et ille: 'Utinam', inquid, 'costodiant me famuli mei, ne aliquid de rebus meis adsumas!' Et ridentes discesserunt. Dormientibus autem cunctis, vocavit Leo Attalum, stratisque equitibus, interrogat, si haberet gladium.

A man says to him: 'Speak you, O creditor of my father-in-law, so may you be well; when indeed will you set your will, that, his horsemen having been taken up, you may go into your fatherland?' This he said, delighting as if in a jest. Likewise he, jesting yet responding the verity, says: 'This night I deliberate, if it be the will of God.' And the other: 'Would that', he said, 'my servants may guard me, lest you take anything of my goods!' And laughing, they departed. But when all were sleeping, Leo called Attalus, and with the horses saddled, he asks whether he had a sword.

Respondit: 'Non est mihi nisi tantum lancea parvula'. At ille ingressus mansionem domini sui, adpraehendit scutum eius ac frameam. Quo interrogante, quis esset aut quid sibi vellit, respondit: 'Ego sum Leo servus tuus, et suscito Attalo, ut surgat velocius et deducat equos ad pastum; detenitur enim sopore quasi ebrius'. Qui ait: 'Fac ut libet'. Et haec dicens, obdormivit. Ille vero egressus foris, monivit puerum arma, invenitque ianuas atrii divinitua reseratas, quas in initio noctis cum cuneis malleo percussis obseraverat pro custodia caballorum; et gratias agens Deo, sumptis reliquis equitibus secum, discesserunt, unum etiam volucrum cum vestimentis tollentes.

He replied: 'I have nothing except only a little lance.' But he, entering his lord’s mansion, seized his shield and his framea. When the man asked who he was or what he wanted for himself, he answered: 'I am Leo, your servant, and I am rousing Attalus, that he may rise more quickly and lead the horses to pasture; for he is held by sleep as if drunk.' He said: 'Do as you please.' And saying these things, he fell asleep. But he, going out outside, outfitted the boy with arms, and found the doors of the atrium unlocked by divine agency, which at the beginning of the night he had fastened with wedges struck by a hammer, for the guarding of the horses; and giving thanks to God, taking the remaining mounts with them, they departed, also carrying off one swift mount along with garments.

Venientes autem ad Musellam fluvium, ut transirent, cum detenerentur a quibusdam, relictis equitibus et vestimentis, enatantes super parma positi amnem, in ulteriorem egressi sunt ripam, et inter obscura noctis ingressi silvas, latuerunt. Tertia enim nox advenerat, quod nullum cibum gustantes iter terebant. Tunc nutu Dei repertam arborem plenam pomis, qua vulgo pruna vocant, comedunt, et parumper sustentati, ingressi sunt iter Campaniae.

Coming, moreover, to the river Musella, to cross it, when they were being detained by certain persons, leaving behind the horsemen and their garments, swimming over the stream set upon a parma (small shield), they went out onto the further bank; and, amid the darkness of night, entering the woods, they hid. For the third night had arrived, because, tasting no food, they were wearing down the road. Then, by the nod of God, finding a tree full of fruits, which they commonly call plums, they eat, and, sustained for a little while, they entered upon the road for Campania.

Quibus pergentibus, audiunt pedibulum equitum currentium dixeruntque: 'Prosternamus terrae, ne appareamus hominibus venientibus'. Et ecce! ex inproviso sterps rubi magnus adfuit, post quem transeuntes proiecerunt se terrae cum evaginatis gladiis, scilicet ut, si adverterentur, confestim se quasi ab inprobis framea defensarent. Verumtamen cum venissent in loco illo, coram sterpe spineo restiterunt; dixitque unus, dum equi urinam proiecerent: 'Vae mihi, quia fugiunt hi detestabiles nec repperiri possunt; verum dico per salutem meam, quia, si invenirentur, unum patibulum condemnari et alium gladiorum ictibus in frustra discerpi iubebam'. Erat enim barbarus ille, qui haec agebat, dominus eorum de Remense urbe veniens, hos inquirens, et repperisset utique in via, si nox obstaculum non praebuisset.

As they were proceeding, they hear the hoof-beat of horsemen running and said: 'Let us prostrate ourselves to the earth, lest we appear to the men coming'. And behold! unexpectedly a great stock of bramble was at hand, behind which, passing beyond, they threw themselves to the ground with drawn swords, namely so that, if they were noticed, they might immediately defend themselves with the framea-spear as if from wicked men. Nevertheless, when they had come to that place, they halted in front of the thorny stock; and one said, while the horses were casting urine: 'Woe to me, because these detestable fellows are fleeing and cannot be found; truly I say by my salvation, that, if they were found, I would order one to be condemned to the gallows, and the other to be torn in pieces by blows of swords'. For that barbarian who was doing these things was their lord, coming from the city of Rheims, seeking these men, and he would surely have found them on the road, if the night had not provided an obstacle.

Tunc, motis equitibus, discesserunt. Hi autem nocte ipsa adtigerunt ad urbem, ingressique invenerunt hominem, quem sciscitati, ubinam esset domus Paulelli presbiteri, indicavit eis. Qui dum per plateam praeterirent, signum ad matutinus motum est - erat enim dies dominica -, pulsantesque ianuam presbiteri, ingressi sunt, exposuitque puer de domino suo.

Then, with the horsemen set in motion, they departed. These, however, that very night reached the city, and having entered they found a man, whom, having inquired where the house of Paulellus the presbyter was, he indicated to them. And while they were passing along the street, the signal for Matins was set in motion - for it was the Lord’s Day -, and knocking at the presbyter’s door, they entered, and the boy expounded concerning his lord.

Cui ait presbiter: 'Vera est enim visio mea. Nam videbam duas in hac nocte columbas advolare et consedere in manu mea, ex quibus una alba, alia autem nigra erat'. Dixitque puer presbitero: 'Indulgeat Dominus pro die sua sancta. Nam nos rogamus, ut aliquid victu praebeas; quarta enim inluciscit dies, quod nihil panis pulmentique gustavimus'. Occultatis autem pueris, praebuit eis infusum cum vino et panem et abiit ad matutinus.

To whom the presbyter said: 'For my vision is true. For I saw two doves in this night fly to and settle on my hand, of which one was white, but the other was black'. And the boy said to the presbyter: 'May the Lord be indulgent on account of His holy day. For we beg that you provide something for victuals; for the fourth day is dawning on which we have tasted nothing of bread and pottage'. But after the boys were concealed, he furnished them an infusion with wine and bread and went away to Matins.

Secutusque est et barbarus, iterum inquirens puerus; sed inlusus a presbitero, regressus est. Presbiter enim amicitiam cum beato Gregorio antiquam habebat. Tunc resumptis pueri epulo viribus, per duos dies in domo presbiteri conmorantes, abscesserunt, et sic usque ad sanctum Gregorium perlati sunt.

And the barbarian also followed, again inquiring after the boy; but, tricked by the presbyter, he returned. For the presbyter had an ancient friendship with blessed Gregory. Then, the boy’s strength having been resumed by a banquet, and abiding for two days in the house of the presbyter, they departed, and thus were conveyed all the way to Saint Gregory.

Gavisus autem pontifex visis pueris, flevit super collum Attali, nepotis sui; Leonem autem a iugo servitutis absolvens cum omni generatione sua, dedit ei terram propriam, in qua cum uxore ac liberis liber vixit omnibus diebus vitae suae.

The pontiff, rejoicing upon seeing the boys, wept upon the neck of Attalus, his grandson; and, absolving Leon from the yoke of servitude together with his whole lineage, he gave him a land of his own, in which, with his wife and children, he lived free all the days of his life.

16. De Sigivaldo.

16. On Sigivald.

Sigivaldus autem cum in Arverno habitaret, multa mala in ea faciebat. Nam et res diversorum pervadebat, et servi eius non desistebant a furtis, homicidiis ac superventis diversisque sceleribus, nec ullus muttiri ausus erat coram eis. Unde factum est, ut ipse villam Bulgiatensim, quam quondam benedictus Tetradius episcopus basilicae sancti Iuliam reliquerat, temerario auso pervaderet.

But Sigivaldus, when he was dwelling in the Arvernian region, was doing many evils in it. For he would also seize the property of various persons, and his slaves did not desist from thefts, homicides, and surprise-attacks and diverse crimes, nor did anyone dare to mutter a word in their presence. Whence it came about that he himself, with a rash audacity, overran the villa Bulgiatensim, which once the blessed Bishop Tetradius had bequeathed to the basilica of Saint Julian.

Sed cum ingressus in domo illa fuisset, statim amens effectus, lecto decubuit. Tunc mulier admonita per sacerdotem, elevatum in basterna ut in aliam villam transtulit, sanum recipit. Et accedens, exposuit ei omnia, quae pertulerat.

But when he had entered that house, immediately, having become out of his mind, he lay down on the bed. Then the woman, admonished by the priest, having him lifted into a basterna-litter, transferred him to another villa, and received him sound. And approaching, she set forth to him all that she had endured.

Quod ille audiens, vota beato martiri vovens, quae vi abstulerat duplicata restituit. Meminimus et huius virtutis in libro Miraculorum sancti Iuliani.

Hearing this, he, vowing vows to the blessed martyr, restored in double what he had carried off by force. We also remember this miracle (virtue) in the Book of the Miracles of Saint Julian.

17. De episcopis Turonicis.

17. On the bishops of Tours.

Igitur Dinifio episcopo apud Toronus dicedente, Ommatius tribus annis praefuit. Hic enim ex iusso Chlodomeris regis, cui supra meminimus, ordinatus est. Illo quoque migrante, Leo septem mensibus ministravit.

Therefore, when Bishop Dinifio at Tours was departing, Ommatius presided for three years. For he was ordained by the order of King Chlodomer, whom above we have remembered. When he likewise departed, Leo ministered for seven months.

Hic fuit vir strinuus atque utilis in fabrica operis lignarii. Quo defuncto, Theodorus et Proculus episcopi, qui de partibus Burgundiae advenerant, ordinante Chrodigilde regine, tribus annis Toronicam rexerunt eclesiam. Quibus defunctis, Francilio ex senatoribus substituitur.

He was a strenuous and useful man in the fabrication of wood‑work, that is, in carpentry. When he had died, Theodorus and Proculus, bishops who had come from the parts of Burgundy, by the ordering of Queen Chrodigild, governed the church of Tours for three years. When they too had died, Francilius, of the senatorial order, was appointed in their place.

Anno igitur tertio episcopatus sui, cum dominici natalis nox alma populis effulsisset, idem pontifex, priusquam ad vigilias discenderet, iussit sibi poculum ministrari. Adveniens autem puer, sine mora porrexit. Quo hausto, mox spiritum fudit.

Therefore, in the third year of his episcopate, when the kindly night of the Lord’s Nativity had shone forth for the peoples, that same pontiff, before he descended to the vigils, ordered a cup to be served to him. And the boy arriving, without delay handed it over. When it had been drained, he soon poured out his spirit.

Unde indubitatum est, veneno eum fuisse negatum. Quo decedente, Iniuriosus unus e civibus quintus decimus post beatum Martinum cathedram pontificalem sortitus est.

Whence it is indubitable that he was slain by poison. Upon his decease, Iniuriosus, one of the citizens, obtained the pontifical cathedra as the 15th after blessed Martin.

18. De interitu filiorum Chlodemeris.

18. On the death of the sons of Chlodomer.

Dum autem Chrodigildis regina Parisius moraretur, videns Childeberthus, quod mater sua filius Chlodomeris, quos supra memoravimus, unico affectu diligeret, invidia ductus ac metuens, ne favente regine admitterentur in regno, misit clam ad fratrem suum Chlothacharium regem, dicens: 'Mater nostra filius fratris nostri secum retinet et vult eos regno donari; debes velociter adesse Parisius, et habito communi consilio, pertractare oportet, quid de his fieri debeat, utrum incisa caesariae ut reliqua plebs habeantur, an certe his interfectis regnum germani nostri inter nosmet ipsus aequalitate habita dividatur'. De quibus ille verbis valde gavisus, Parisius venit. Iactaverat enim Childebertus verbum in populo, ob hoc hos coniungi regis, quasi parvolus illos elevaturus in regno. Coniuncti autem miserunt ad reginam, quae tunc in ipsa urbe morabatur, dicentes: 'Dirige parvolus ad nos, ut sublimentur in regno'. Ad illa gavisa, nesciens dolum illorum, dato pueris esu putuque, direxit eos, dicens: 'Non me puto amisisse filium, si vos videam in eius regno substitui' . Qui abeuntes, adpraehensi sunt statim, ac separati a pueris et nutritoribus suis, costodiebantur utrique, seursum pueri et seursum hi parvoli.

While Queen Chrodigildis was staying at Paris, Childeberthus, seeing that his mother loved the sons of Chlodomer, whom we have mentioned above, with a unique affection, was led by envy and, fearing lest, with the queen favoring, they be admitted into the kingdom, secretly sent to his brother King Chlothacharius, saying: 'Our mother keeps our brother’s sons with her and wants them to be endowed with the kingdom; you ought to be present quickly at Paris, and, a common counsel having been held, it must be discussed what ought to be done about these, whether, their hair cut, they be held as the rest of the common folk, or certainly, with them slain, our brother’s realm be divided between us ourselves with equality observed'. Over these words he rejoiced greatly, and came to Paris. For Childeberthus had cast forth a word among the people, on this pretext that these were to be joined to the king, as if the little ones were going to be elevated in the kingdom. Then, having joined forces, they sent to the queen, who was then staying in that very city, saying: 'Send the little ones to us, that they may be lifted up in the kingdom'. At this she rejoiced, not knowing their deceit; and, food and drink having been given to the boys, she sent them, saying: 'I do not think I have lost my son, if I should see you set in his kingdom'. But as they went off, they were immediately seized, and, separated from their servant-boys and their nurses, both parties were kept under guard, the boys apart and the little ones apart.

Tunc Childeberthus atque Chlothacharius miserunt Archadium, cui supra meminimus, ad reginam cum forcipe evaginatoque gladio. Qui veniens, ostendit reginae utraque, dicens: 'Voluntatem tuam, o gloriosissima regina, fili tui domini nostri expetunt, quid de pueris agendum censeas, utrum incisis crinibus eos vivere iubeas, an utrumque iugulare'. At illa exterrita nuntio et nimium felle commota, praecipue cum gladium cerneret evaginatum ac forcipem, amaritudinem praeventa, ignorans in ipso dolore quid diceret, ait simpliciter: 'Satius mihi enim est, si ad regnum non ereguntur, mortuos eos videre quam tonsus'. At ille parum admirans dolorem eius, nec scrutans, quid deinceps plenius pertractaret, venit celeriter, nuntians ac dicens: 'Favente regina opus coeptum perficite; ipsa enim vult explere consilium vestrum'. Nec mora, adpraehensum Chlothacharius puerum seniorem brachium elesit in terra, defixumque cultrum in ascella, crudiliter interfecit. Quo vociferante, frater eius ad pedes Childeberthi prosternitur, adpraehensaque eius genua, agebat cum lacrimis: 'Succurre, piissime pater, ne et ego peream sicut frater meus'. Tunc Childeberthus, lacrimis respersa facie, ait: 'Rogo, dulcissime frater, ut huius mihi vitam tua largitate concedas, et quae iusseris pro eius animam conferam, tantum ne interficiatur'. At ille convitiis actum ait: 'Aut eiece eum a te, aut certe pro eo morieris.

Then Childeberthus and Chlothacharius sent Arcadius, whom we mentioned above, to the queen with a pair of tongs and an unsheathed sword. Coming, he showed both to the queen, saying: 'Your will, O most glorious queen, your sons, our lords, seek—what you judge ought to be done about the boys: whether, their hair having been cut, you order them to live, or to jugulate them both.' But she, terrified at the message and greatly stirred with gall, especially when she beheld the sword unsheathed and the tongs, overtaken by bitterness, not knowing in the very pain what she was saying, answered simply: 'For me it is better, if they are not raised up to the kingdom, to see them dead rather than tonsured.' He, a little amazed at her grief, and not probing what she would next consider more fully, came quickly, announcing and saying: 'With the queen favoring, complete the work begun; for she herself wishes your plan to be accomplished.' Without delay, Chlothacharius, having seized the elder boy, dashed his arm to the ground, and, fixing a knife in his axilla, cruelly slew him. As he cried out, his brother prostrated himself at the feet of Childeberthus, and, having grasped his knees, was pleading with tears: 'Succor me, most pious father, lest I too perish like my brother.' Then Childeberthus, his face besprinkled with tears, said: 'I beg, sweetest brother, that by your largess you grant me this one’s life, and whatever you shall order I will confer for his soul, only let him not be killed.' But he, dealing in revilings, said: 'Either cast him away from you, or else be sure you will die for him.'

Tu', inquid, 'es incestatur huius causae, et tam velociter de fide risillis?' Haec ille audiens, repulsum a se puerum proiecit ad eum; ipse vero excipiens, transfixum cultro in latere, sicut fratrem prius fecerat, iugulavit; deinde pueros cum nutriciis peremerunt. Quibus interfectis, Chlothacharius, ascensis equitibus, abscessit, parvi pendens de interfectione nepotum; sed et Childeberthus in suburbana concessit. Regina vero, conpositis corpusculis feretro, cum magno sallentio inmensoque luctu usque ad basilicam sancti Petri prosecuta, utrumque pariter tumulavit.

'You,' he said, 'are the instigator of this cause, and do you so swiftly recoil from your faith?' Hearing these things, he hurled the boy, repulsed from himself, toward him; but he, catching him, pierced him with a knife in the side and cut his throat, just as he had done to the brother before; then they made away with the boys together with their nursemaids. With these slain, Chlothacharius, having mounted on horseback, departed, caring little about the killing of his nephews; but Childeberthus also withdrew to his suburban estate. The queen, however, having set the little bodies on a bier, with great silence and immense grief accompanied them as far as the basilica of Saint Peter, and buried them both together.

Quorum unus decim annorum, alius vero septuennis erat. Tertium vero Chlodovaldum conpraehendere non potuerunt, quia per auxilium virorum fortium liberatus est. His, postpositum regnum terrenum, ad Dominum transiit, et sibi manu propria capillos incidens, clericus factus est, bonisque operibus insistens, presbiter ab hoc mundo migravit.

Of whom one was ten years old, but the other seven. The third, however, Chlodovald, they could not seize, because by the aid of stout men he was delivered. He, having set aside the earthly kingdom, passed over to the Lord, and, cutting his hair with his own hand, became a cleric; and, persevering in good works, as a presbyter he departed from this world.

Hi quoque regnum Chlodomeris inter se aequa lance diviserunt. Chrodigildis vero regina talem se tantamque exhibuit, ut ab omnibus honoraretur; assidua in elymosinis, pernox in vigiliis, in castitate atque omni honestate puram se semper exhibuit; praedia eclesiis, monastyriis vel quibuscumque locis sanctis necessaria praevidit, larga ac prona voluntate distribuit, ut putaretur eo tempore non regina, sed propria Dei ancilla ipsi sedolo deservire, quam non regnum filiorum, non ambitio saeculi nec facultas extulit ad ruinam, sed humilitas evexit ad gratiam.

These too divided Chlodomer’s kingdom among themselves with an equal balance. But Queen Chrodigildis showed herself such and so great that she was honored by all; assiduous in almsdeeds, night-long in vigils, in chastity and in every honesty she always showed herself pure; she made provision of estates for churches, monasteries, or whatever holy places, and distributed them with a bountiful and ready will, so that at that time she was thought not a queen, but God’s own handmaid, serving him sedulously, whom neither the kingdom of her sons, nor the ambition of the age, nor means lifted up unto ruin, but humility raised up unto grace.

19. De sancto Gregorio et situm Divioninsis castri.

19. On Saint Gregory and the site of the fortress of Dijon.

Erat enim tunc et beatus Gregorius apud urbem Lingonicam magnus Dei sacerdus, signis et virtutibus clarus. Sed quia huius pontificis meminimus, gratum arbitratus sum, ut situm loci Divionensis, in quo maxime erat assiduus, huic inseram lectione. Est autem castrum firmissimis muris in media planitiae et satis iocunda conpositum, terras valde fertiles atque fecundas, ita ut, arvis semel scissis vomere, semina iaceantur, et magna fructuum opulentia subsequatur.

For at that time the blessed Gregory also was at the Lingonian city, a great priest of God, renowned for signs and miracles. But since we have made mention of this pontiff, I have judged it welcome to insert into this reading the situation of the Divionensian place, in which he was most assiduous. Now there is a fortress with very stout walls, set in the midst of the plain and quite delightful, with lands very fertile and fecund, such that, once the fields are cleft by the ploughshare, seed is cast, and a great opulence of fruits follows.

A meridie habet Oscarum fluvium piscibus valde praedivitem, ab aquilone vero alius fluviolus venit, qui per portam ingrediens ac sub pontem decurrens, per aliam rursum portam egreditur, totum monitionis locum placida unda circumfluens, ante portam autem molinas mira velocitate divertit. Quattuor portae a quattuor plagis mundi sunt positae, totumque aedificium triginta tres torres exornant, murus vero illius de quadris lapidibus usque in viginti pedes desuper a minuto lapide aedificatum habetur, habens in altum pedes triginta, in lato pedes quindecim. Qui cur non civitas dicta sit, ignoro.

From the south it has the river Oscara, very opulent in fishes; from the north, however, another little river comes, which, entering through a gate and running down beneath a bridge, goes out again through another gate, flowing with a placid wave around the whole place of the fortification, and before the gate it diverts to the mills with wondrous speed. Four gates are set at the four quarters of the world, and thirty-three towers adorn the whole edifice; and its wall is held to be built of squared stones up to twenty feet, and above that of small stone, having thirty feet in height and fifteen feet in breadth. Why it is not called a city, I do not know.

Habet enim in circuitu praetiosus fontes; a parte autem occidentes montes sunt uberrimi viniisque repleti, qui tam nobile incolis falernum porregunt, ut respuant Scalonum. Nam veteres ferunt ab Auriliano hoc imperatore fuisse aedificatum.

For indeed it has in its circuit precious springs; and on the western side the mountains are most fertile and filled with wines, which proffer to the inhabitants such noble Falernian that they spurn that of the Scalons. For the ancients relate that it was built by this emperor Aurelian.

20. Quod Theudoberthus Visigardem disponsavit.

20. That Theudoberthus betrothed Visigard.

Theudoricus autem filio suo Theudoberto Wisigardem, cuiusdam regis filiam, disponsaverat.

But Theudoric had betrothed to his son Theudobert Wisigard, the daughter of a certain king.

21. Quod Theudoberthus in Provincia abiit.

21. That Theudoberthus went into the Province.

Gothi vero cum post Chlodovechi mortem multa de id quae ille adquesierat pervasissent, Theudoricus Theudobertum, Chlothacharius vero Guntharium, seniorem filium suum, ad haec requirenda transmittunt. Sed Gunthecharius usque Rutinus accedens, nescio qua faciente causa, regressus est; Theudobertus vero usque ad Biterrensim civitatem abiens, Dehas castrum obtinuit atque in praedam deripuit. Deinde ad alium castrum nomen Caprariam legatus mittit, dicens, nisi se ille subdant, omne loco illud incendio concremandum, eosque qui ibidem resedent captivandus.

The Goths indeed, after the death of Chlodovechus, having overrun many of the things which he had acquired, Theudoricus sent Theudobert, but Chlothacharius sent Guntharius, his elder son, to reclaim these. But Gunthecharius, advancing as far as the Ruteni, for some cause I know not making it so, turned back; Theudobert, however, going as far as the Biterrensian city, took the fortress of Dehas and tore it away into plunder. Then he sends an envoy to another fortress named Capraria, saying that, unless they submit themselves to him, that whole place is to be burned up with fire, and those who are sitting there to be taken captive.

22. Quod postea Deoteriam accepit.

22. That afterwards he took Deoteria.

Erat autem ibidem tunc matrona Deoteria nomen utilis valde atque sapiens, cuius vir aput Biterris urbem concesserat. Quae misit nuntius ad regem, dicens: 'Nullus tibi, domne piissime, resistere potest. Cognuscemus dominum nostrum; veni et quod bene placitum fuerit in oculis tuis facito'. Theudobertus autem ad castrum veniens, cum pace ingressus est, subditumque sibi cernens populum, nihil inibi male gessit.

But there was there at that time a matron by name Deoteria, very useful and wise, whose husband had withdrawn to the city of Béziers. She sent a messenger to the king, saying: 'No one can resist you, most pious lord. We will acknowledge our lord; come and do what shall be well-pleasing in your eyes.' Theudobertus, however, coming to the fortress, entered with peace, and, seeing the people subjected to himself, did nothing ill therein.

Deoteria vero ad occursum eius venit; at ille speciosam eam cernens, amore eius capitur, suoque eam copulavit stratu.

But Deoteria came to meet him; and he, seeing her beautiful, was seized by love of her, and joined her to his bed.

23. De interitu Sigivaldi [et fuga Sigivaldi].

23. On the death of Sigivald [and the flight of Sigivald].

In illis diebus Theudoricus parentem suum Sigivaldum occidit gladio, mittens occulte ad Theudobertum, ut et ille Sigivaldum, filium eius, neci daret, quem tunc secum habebat. Sed quia eum de sacro fonte exciperat, perdere noluit. Litteras vero, quas ei pater transmiserat, ipsi ad legendum dedit, dicens: 'Fuge hinc, quia patris mei praeceptum accipi, ut te interficiam; si vero ille defunctus fuerit et me regnare audiens, tunc securus ad me reverteris'. Quod audiens, gratias agens et vale dicens, abscessit.

In those days Theudoricus slew his parent Sigivald with the sword, sending secretly to Theudobert that he too should give Sigivald, his son, to death, whom he then had with him. But because he had received him from the sacred font, he did not wish to destroy him. The letters, moreover, which his father had transmitted to him, he gave to him for reading, saying: 'Flee hence, because I receive my father’s precept to slay you; but if he should be deceased and you hear that I reign, then you will return to me in safety.' Hearing this, giving thanks and saying farewell, he departed.

Arelatensim enim tunc urbem Gothi pervaserant, de qua Theudobertus obsedes retenebat; ad eam Sigivaldus confugit. Sed parum se ibidem cernens esse munitum, Latium petiit ibique et latuit. Dum haec agerentur, nuntiatur Theodoberto, patrem suum graviter egrotare, et ad quem nisi velocius properaret, ut eum inveniret vivum, a patruis suis excluderetur et ultra illuc non rediret.

For the Goths had then overrun the city of Arles, from which Theodobert was retaining hostages; to it Sigivald fled. But, seeing himself to be little fortified there, he sought Latium and there hid. While these things were being transacted, it is reported to Theodobert that his father is gravely sick, and that unless he hastened more swiftly to him, so that he might find him alive, he would be excluded by his paternal uncles and thereafter would not return thither.

At ille haec audiens, cuncta postposita, illuc dirigit, Deoteria cum filia sua Arverno relictam. Cumque abissit, Theudoricus non post multos dies obiit vicinsimo tertio regni sui anno. Consurgentes autem Childeberthus et Chlothacharius contra Theudobertum, regnum eius auferre voluerunt, sed ille muneribus placatis a leodibus suis defensatus est et in regnum stabilitus.

But he, hearing these things, with everything postposed, directs himself thither, Deoteria, with her daughter, left at Arvernum. And when he had departed, Theudoricus, not after many days, died in the twenty-third year of his reign. Then Childeberthus and Chlothacharius, rising up against Theudobertus, wished to take away his kingdom; but he, with gifts having appeased them, was defended by his leudes and was established in the kingdom.

Mittens postea Arvernum, Deoteriam exinde arcessivit eamque sibi in matrimonio sociavit.

Sending afterward to Arvernum, he summoned Deoteria from there and united her to himself in matrimony.

24. Quod Childeberthus Theudobertho muneravit.

24. That Childebert bestowed gifts upon Theudobert.

Videns autem Childeberthus, quod ei praevalere non potuit, legationem ad eum misit et ad se venire praecepit, dicens: 'Filios non habeo, te tamquam filium habere desidero'. Quo veniente, tantis eum muneribus ditavit, ut ab omnibus miraretur. Nam de rebus bonis, tam de armis quam de vestibus vel reliquis ornamentis, quod regem habere decet, terna ei paria condonavit, similiter et de equitibus atque catinis. Haec audiens Sigivaldus, quod scilicet Theudoberthus regnum patris obtenuisset, ad eum de Italia rediit.

But seeing that he could not prevail against him, Childeberthus sent an embassy to him and ordered him to come to himself, saying: 'I have no sons; I desire to have you as a son.' When he came, he enriched him with such great gifts that he was marveled at by all. For of good things—both of arms and of garments and of the remaining ornaments, which it befits a king to have—he bestowed upon him three pairs apiece; likewise also of horsemen and of basins. Hearing this, Sigivaldus, namely that Theudoberthus had obtained his father's kingdom, returned to him from Italy.

Quem ille congaudens ac deosculans, tertiam partem ei de muneribus, quae a patruo acceperat, est largitus; et omnia, quae in fisco suo pater posuerat de rebus Sigivaldi, patri eius, ipsi reddi praecipit.

Whom he, rejoicing together and kissing, bestowed upon a third part of the gifts which he had received from his paternal uncle; and he ordered that all the things which his father had placed in his fisc from the goods of Sigivald be returned to his father, to himself.

25. De bonitate Theudoberthi.

25. On the goodness of Theudoberthus.

At ille in regno firmatus, magnum se atque in omni bonitate praecipuum reddidit. Erat enim regnum cum iustitia regens, sacerdotes venerans, eclesias munerans, pauperes relevans et multa multis beneficia pia ac dulcissima accommodans voluntate. Omne tributo, quod in fisco suo ab eclesiis in Arvernum sitis reddebebatur, clementer indulsit.

But he, strengthened in the kingdom, made himself great and preeminent in every goodness. For he was ruling the kingdom with justice, venerating priests, gifting churches, relieving the poor, and, with a willing disposition, extending many pious and most delightful benefactions to many. He graciously remitted every tax that was being paid into his fisc by the churches situated in Arvernum.

26. De interitu filiae Deoteriae.

26. On the death of Deoteria’s daughter.

Deuteria vero cernens filiam suam valde adultam esse, timens, ne eam concupiscens rex sibi adsumeret, in basterna posita, indomitis bubus coniunctis, eam de ponte praecipitavit; quae in ipso flumine spiritum reddidit. Hoc apud Viridunum civitatem actum est.

Deuteria, however, perceiving her daughter to be very much grown, fearing lest the king, desiring her, would take her to himself, with her placed in a basterna and the untamed oxen yoked, hurled her from the bridge; and she in that very river gave up the ghost. This was done at the city of Viridunum.

27. Quod Theudoberthus Visigardem accepit.

27. That Theudoberthus took Visigard.

Cumque iam septimus annus esset, quod Wisigardem disponsatam haberet et eam propter Deuteriam accipere nollet, cuniuncti Franci contra eum valde scandalizabantur, quare sponsam suam relinqueret. Tunc commotus, relicta Deuteria, de qua parvolum filium habebat Theodobaldum nomen, Wisigardem duxit uxorem. Quam nec multo tempore habens, defuncta illa, aliam accepit.

And when it was now the seventh year that he had Wisigard betrothed and would not take her on account of Deuteria, the assembled Franks were greatly scandalized against him, because he was abandoning his betrothed. Then, moved, Deuteria being left behind—by whom he had a very little son, by name Theodobald—he took Wisigard as wife. Not having her for much time, when she had died, he took another.

Verum tamen Deuteriam ultra non habuit.

But in truth, he no longer had Deuteria.

28. Quod Childeberthus contra Chlothacharium abiit.

28. That Childebert went against Chlothar.

Quod Childeberthus cum Theudobertho contra Chlothacharium abiit.

That Childebert went with Theudebert against Chlothachar.

Childeberthus autem et Theodoberthus commoventes exercitum, contra Chlothacharium ire disponunt. Ille autem haec audiens, aestimans, se horum exercitum non sustenire, in silva confugit et concides magnas in silvas illas fecit, totamque spem suam in Dei pietate transfundens. Sed et Chrodichildis regina haec audiens, beati Martini sepulchrum adiit, ibique in oratione prosternitur et tota nocte vigilat, orans, ne inter filios suos bellum civile consurgeret.

But Childeberthus and Theodoberthus, setting the army in motion, arrange to go against Chlothacharius. But he, hearing these things, thinking that he could not withstand the army of these men, fled into a forest and made great clearings in those woods, pouring all his hope into the mercy of God. And Queen Chrodichildis, hearing this as well, went to the tomb of the blessed Martin, and there she is prostrated in prayer and keeps vigil all night, praying that a civil war might not arise among her sons.

Cumque hi venientes cum exercitibus suis eum obsederent, tractantes illum die sequenti interficere, mane facto, in loco, quo erant congregati, orta tempestas tentoria dissicit, res diripit et cuncta subvertit; inmixtaque fulgora cum tonitruis ac lapidibus super eos discendunt. Ipse quoque super infectam grandine humum in facie proruunt et a lapidibus decedentibus graviter verberantur - nullum enim eis tegumen remanserat nisi parmae tantum-, hoc maxime metuentes, ne ab ignibus caelestibus cremarentur. Sed et equites eorum ita dispersi sunt, ut vix in vicinsimo quoque repperirentur stadio; multi enim ex eis prorsus non sunt inventi.

And when these men, coming with their armies, had besieged him, plotting to slay him on the following day, at dawn, in the place where they were congregated, a tempest arose, which rends the tents, despoils the goods, and subverts all things; and mingled lightning-flashes with thunders and stones descend upon them. They themselves also are hurled forward on their faces upon the ground defiled with hail, and are grievously battered by the stones as they fall — for no covering remained to them save only their small shields — fearing this most of all, lest they be burned by fires from heaven. And their horsemen were so scattered that scarcely in even each twentieth stadium were they found; for many of them were not found at all.

Tunc illi a lapidibus, ut diximus, caesi et humo prostrati, paenitentiam agebant ac veniam praecabantur Deo, quod ista contra sanguinem suum agere voluissent. Super Chlothacharium vero neque una quidem pluviae gutta decidit aut aliquis sonitus tonitrui est auditus, sed nec anilitum ullius venti in illo loco sinserunt. Hi quoque mittentes nuntius ad eum, pacem et concordiam petierunt.

Then they, having been struck by stones, as we said, and laid prostrate on the ground, were doing penance and were beseeching pardon from God, because they had wished to do such things against their own blood. But over Chlothachar not even a single drop of rain fell, nor was any sound of thunder heard, nor did they sense the breathing of any wind in that place. These men also, sending messengers to him, sought peace and concord.

Qua data, ad propria sunt regressi. Quod nullus ambigat, hanc per obtentum reginae beati Martini fuisse virtutem.

Which being granted, they returned to their own places. Let no one doubt that this power was, through the obtaining of the queen, of blessed Martin.

29. Quod Childeberthus in Hispaniis abierunt.

29. That Childebert went into Spain.

Quod Childeberthus et Chlothacharius in Hispaniis abierunt.

That Childebert and Chlothachar went into Spain.

Post haec Childeberthus rex in Hispaniam abiit. Qua ingressus cum Chlothachario, Caesaragustanam civitatem cum exercitu vallant atque obsedent. At ille in tanta humilitate ad Deum conversi sunt, ut induti ciliciis, abstinentis a cibis et poculis, cum tonica beati Vincenti martiris muros civitatis psallendo circuirent; mulieres quoque amictae nigris palleis, dissoluta caesariae, superposito cinere, ut eas putares virorum funeribus deservire, plangendo sequebantur.

After these things King Childeberth went away into Spain. Upon entering it with Chlothachar, they gird and besiege the city of Caesaraugusta with an army. But they, turned to God in such humility, that, clad in sackcloths and abstaining from foods and drinks, with the tunic of blessed Vincent the martyr they went around the walls of the city singing psalms; the women also, wrapped in black palls, their hair loosened, with ashes laid on, so that you would have thought them attending at the funerals of men, were following with lamentation.

Et ita totam spem locus ille ad Domini misericordiam rettulit, ut diceretur ibidem Ninivitarum ieiunium caelebrari, nec aestimaretur aliud posse fieri, nisi eorum praecibus divina misericordia flectiretur. Hii autem qui obsedebant, nescientes quid obsessi agerent, cum viderent sic murum circuire, putabant, eos aliquid agere malefitii. Tunc adpraehensum unum de civitate rusticum, ipse interrogant, quid hoc esset quod agerent.

And thus that place referred all hope to the mercy of the Lord, so that it was said that the fast of the Ninevites was being celebrated there, nor was it reckoned that anything else could be done, unless by their prayers the divine mercy were bent. But those who were besieging, not knowing what the besieged were doing, when they saw them thus go around the wall, thought that they were working some malefice. Then, having apprehended one rustic from the city, they themselves question him what this was that they were doing.

Qui ait: 'Tonicam beati vincenti deportant et cum ipsa, ut eis Dominus misereatur, exorant'. Quod illi timentes, se ab ea civitate removerunt. Tamen adquisitam maximam Hispaniae partem, cum magnis spoliis in Galliis redierunt.

He said: 'They are bearing the tunic of the blessed Vincent, and with it they implore that the Lord may have mercy on them.' At this, those men, afraid, withdrew from that city. Nevertheless, having acquired a very great part of Spain, they returned to Gaul with great spoils.

30. De regibus Hispanorum.

30. On the kings of the Spaniards.

Post Amalaricum vero Theuda rex ordinatus est in Hispaniis. Quem interfectum, Theudegisilum levaverunt regem. His dum ad caenam cum amicis suis aepularet et esset valde laetus, caereis subito extinctis, in recubitu ab inimicis gladio percussus, interiit.

After Amalaric, indeed, Theuda was ordained king in Spain. When he was slain, they elevated Theudegisilus as king. He, while at supper banqueting with his friends and being very joyful, the candles suddenly extinguished, as he reclined was struck by the sword by enemies, and perished.

Post quem Agila regnum accepit. Sumpserant enim Gothi hanc detestabilem consuetudinem, ut, si quis eis de regibus non placuisset, gladio eum adpeterent, et qui libuisset animo, hunc sibi statuerent regem.

After whom Agila received the kingdom. For the Goths had adopted this detestable custom, that, if anyone of the kings had not pleased them, they would assail him with the sword, and whoever had pleased their spirit, him they would set up for themselves as king.

31. De filia Theudorici regis Italici.

31. Concerning the daughter of Theodoric, the king of Italy.

Et quia Theudoricus Italiae Chlodovechi regis sororem in matrimonio habuit, mortuus parvolam filiam cum uxore reliquid. Hic autem cum adulta facta esset, per levitatem animi sui, relicto matris consilio, quae ei regis filium providebat, servum suum Traguilanem nomen accepit et cum eum ad civitatem, qua defensare possit, aufugit. Cumque mater eius contra eam valde frenderet petiretque ab ea, ne humiliaret diutius nobile genus, sed, demisso servo, similem sibi de genere regio, quem mater providerat, deberet accipere, nullatinus voluit adquiescere.

And because Theodoric of Italy had the sister of King Clovis in matrimony, when he died he left a very young daughter with his wife. But when she had become grown, through the levity of her spirit, setting aside her mother’s counsel, who was providing for her a king’s son, she took her own slave, by the name Traguilan, and fled with him to a city where she might be able to defend herself. And when her mother gnashed greatly against her and begged of her that she not humiliate the noble lineage any longer, but, the slave dismissed, she ought to accept someone like herself from the royal stock, whom the mother had provided, she was in no way willing to acquiesce.

Tunc mater eius contra eam frendens, exercitum commovit. At illi venientes super eos, Traguilanem interfecerunt gladio, ipsam quoque caedentes, in domo matris reduxerunt. Erant autem sub Arriana secta viventes, et quia consuetudo eorum est, ut ad altarium venientes de alio calice reges accepiant et ex alio populus minor, veninum in calice illo posuit, de quo mater commonicatura erat.

Then her mother, gnashing her teeth against her, stirred up an army. But they, coming upon them, killed Traguilan with the sword; and beating her as well, they led her back into her mother’s house. Now they were living under the Arian sect; and because their custom is that, when coming to the altar, the kings receive from one chalice and the lesser people from another, she placed poison in that chalice from which the mother was about to communicate.

Quod illa hausto, protinus mortua est. Non enim dubium est, tale maleficium esse de parte diabuli. Quid contra haec miseri heretici respondebunt, ut in sanctam eorum locum habeat inimicus?

When she had drunk it, she immediately died. For it is not doubtful that such a malefice is on the part of the devil. What will the wretched heretics answer against these things, that the enemy should have a place in their holy place?

Nos vero Trinitate in una aequalitate pariter et omnipotentia confitentes, etiam si mortiferum bibamus, in nomine Patres et Filii et Spiritus sancti, veri atque incorruptibilis Dei, nihil nos nocebit. Indignantes ergo Itali contra hanc mulierem, Theodadum regem Tusciae invitantes, super se regem statuunt. Hic vero cum dedicisset, quae meretrix ista commiserat, qualiter propter servum, quem acceperat, in matrem extiterit parricida, succensum vehementer balneum, eam in eodem cum una puella includi praecepit.

We, however, confessing the Trinity in one equality together and omnipotence, even if we should drink something death-bringing, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the true and incorruptible God, nothing will harm us. Therefore the Italians, indignant against this woman, inviting Theodahad, king of Tuscany, set up a king over themselves. But when he had learned what this harlot had committed, how on account of a slave whom she had taken she had proved a parricide against her mother, he ordered the bath to be heated vehemently, and that she be shut up in the same with a single girl.

Quae nec mora inter arduos vapores ingressa, in pavimento conruens, mortua atque consumpta est. Quod cognuscentes hi regis Childeberthus et Chlothacharius, consubrini eius, necnon et Theudoberthus, quod scilicet tam turpi fuerit interfecta supplicio, ad Theodadum legationem dirigunt, exprobrantes de morte eius atque dicentes: 'Si haec quae egisti nobiscum non conposueris, regnum tuum auferimus et simile te poena damnabimus'. Tunc ille timens, quinquagina eis milia aureorum transmisit. Childeberthus autem, ut erat semper contra Chlothacharium regem invidus atque versutus, cum Theudoberto, nepote suo, coniunctus, divisum inter se hoc aurum, nihil exinde dare regi Chlothachario voluerunt.

Who, without delay, having entered amid the searing vapors, collapsing on the pavement, died and was consumed. Learning this, the kings Childebert and Chlothar, her cousins, and also Theudebert, that she had been slain by so shameful a punishment, send a legation to Theodadus, reproaching him for her death and saying: 'If you do not settle with us the things you have done, we will take away your kingdom and will condemn you to a like penalty.' Then he, afraid, sent them 50,000 gold pieces. But Childebert, as he was always envious and wily against King Chlothar, joined with Theudebert, his nephew, after dividing this gold between themselves, were unwilling to give anything thereof to King Chlothar.

At ille super thesauros Chlodomeris adgressus, multum illis amplius, quam hi fraudaverant, abstulit.

But he, having advanced against the treasures of Chlodomer, took away from them much more than they had defrauded (him) of.

32. Quod Theudoberthus in Italiam abiit.

32. That Theudoberthus went into Italy.

Theudobertus vero in Italia abiit et exinde multum adquisivit. Sed quia loca illa, ut fertur, morbida sunt, exercitus eius in diversis febribus corruens vexabatur; multi enim ex his in illis locis mortui sunt. Quod videns Theudobertus ex ea reversus est, multa secum expolia ipse vel sui deferentes.

Theudobert, however, went into Italy and from there acquired much. But because those places, as it is said, are unhealthy, his army, collapsing with various fevers, was afflicted; for many of them died in those places. Seeing this, Theudobert returned from there, he himself and his own carrying many spoils with them.

Dicitur tamen tunc temporis usque Ticinum accessisse civitatem, in qua Buccelenum rursum dirixit. Qui, minorem illam Italiam captam atque in ditionibus regis antedicti redactam, maiorem petiit; in qua contra Belsuarium multis vicibus pugnans, victuriam obtenuit. Cumque imperator vidisset, quod Belsuarius crebrius vinceretur, amoto eo, Narsitem in eius loco statuit; Belsuarium vero comitem stabuli quasi pro humilitate, quod prius fuerat, posuit.

It is said, however, that at that time he came as far as the city of Ticinum, in which he again stationed Buccelenus. He, with that Lesser Italy having been seized and reduced into the dominions of the aforesaid king, sought the Greater; and in it, fighting many times against Belisarius, he obtained victory. And when the emperor had seen that Belisarius was being defeated rather frequently, he removed him and appointed Narses in his place; but Belisarius he set as constable (count of the stable), as if by way of humiliation, which he had been before.

Buccelenus vero contra Narsitem magna certamina gessit. Captam omnem Italiam, usque in mare terminum dilatavit; thesauros vero magnus ad Theudobertum de Italia dirixit. Quod cum Narsis imperatori posuisset in notitiam, imperator, conductis praetio gentibus, Narsiti solatium mittit, confligensque postea victus abscessit.

Buccelenus, however, waged great contests against Narses. Having captured all Italy, he extended the terminus as far as the sea; and great treasures he directed from Italy to Theudobert. When Narses had put this into the emperor’s knowledge, the emperor, with peoples hired for a price, sends solace to Narses; and, engaging thereafter, he withdrew conquered.

Deinceps vero Buccelenus Siciliam occupavit; de qua etiam tributa exigens, regi transmisit. Magna enim ei felicitas in his conditionibus fuit.

Thereafter, indeed, Buccelenus occupied Sicily; from which also, exacting tributes, he sent them to the king. For great felicity was his in these undertakings.

33. De Asteriolo et Secundino.

33. On Asteriolus and Secundinus.

Asteriolus tunc et Secundinus magni cum rege habebantur; erat autem uterque sapiens et retoricis inbutus litteris. Sed Secundinus plerumque legationem imperatori a rege missus intulit, et ob hoc iactantia sumpserat ac nonnulla contra rationem exercebat. Qua de causa factum est, ut inter illum atque Asteriolum lis saeva consurgeret, quae usque ad hoc proficit, ut, oblitis verborum obiectionibus, propriis se manibus verberarent.

Asteriolus then and Secundinus were held in great esteem with the king; moreover, each was wise and imbued with rhetorical letters. But Secundinus, most often sent by the king, carried the legation to the emperor, and on account of this had assumed jactancy and was doing certain things contrary to reason. For which cause it came about that a savage quarrel arose between him and Asteriolus, which went so far that, verbal objections forgotten, they beat each other with their own hands.

Cumque haec per regem pacificata fuissent et Secundinus adhuc de sua caede tumeret, nata est inter eos rursum intentio; et rex suscipiens Secundini causam, Asteriolum in eius potestatem dedidit. Qui valde humiliatus est et ab honore depositus; sed per Wisigardem reginam iterum est restitutus. Mortua autem illa, consurgens iterum Secundinus, eum interfecit.

And when these things had been pacified through the king, and Secundinus was still inflamed over his own wounding, a contention again arose between them; and the king, taking up Secundinus’s cause, delivered Asteriolus into his power. He was greatly humbled and deposed from honor; but through Queen Wisigard he was again restored. But when she had died, Secundinus, rising up again, killed him.

Nam hic moriens filium dereliquid. Qui cum crevisset et esset adultus, coepit patris sui velle iniuriam vindecare. Tunc Secundinus timore perterritus, dum de villa in villam ante eum fugiret, cum se iam videret eo inminente non posse evadere, ne in manus inimici conruerit, venino se, ut dicitur, interfecit.

For he, as he was dying, left a son. Who, when he had grown and was adult, began to wish to vindicate the injury to his father. Then Secundinus, terrified with fear, while he fled before him from villa to villa, when he now saw himself, with him imminent, unable to escape, lest he fall into the enemy’s hands, killed himself, as it is said, with poison.

34. De munere Theudoberthi circa Virdunensis cives.

34. On the gift of Theudobert concerning the citizens of Verdun.

Desideratus autem Viredunensis episcopus, cui Theudoricus rex multas inrogavit iniurias, cum post multa exitia, damna atque erumnas ad libertatem propriam, Domino iubente, redisset et episcopatum, ut diximus, apud Viredunensim urbem potiretur, videns habitatoris eius valde pauperes atque distitutus, dolebat super eos; et cum ipse per Theudoricum de rebus suis remansisset extraneus nec haberet de proprio, qualiter eos consolaretur, bonitatem et clementiam circa omnes Theudoberthi regis cernens, misit ad eum legationem, dicens: 'Fama bonitatis tuae in universam terram vulgatur, cum tanta sit tua largitas, ut etiam non petentibus opem praestis. Rogo, si pietas tua habet alequid de pecunia, nobis commodis, qua cives nostros relevare valeamus; cumque hi negutium exercentes responsum in civitate nostra, sicut reliquae habent, praestiterint, pecuniam tuam cum usuris legitimis reddimus'. Tunc ille pietate commotus, septim ei milia aureorum pristitit, qua ille accipiens per cives suos erogavit. At illi negutia exercentes divites per hoc effecti sunt et usque hodie magni habentur.

Desideratus, however, bishop of Verdun, upon whom King Theudoric had inflicted many injuries, when, after many slaughters, losses, and hardships, by the Lord’s bidding he had returned to his own liberty and, as we have said, had obtained the episcopate in the city of Verdun, seeing its inhabitants very poor and destitute, grieved over them; and since he himself through Theudoric had been left a stranger to his own goods and had nothing of his own by which he might console them, perceiving the goodness and clemency of King Theudobert toward all, he sent to him an embassy, saying: “The fame of your goodness is spread abroad through the whole land, since so great is your largess that you even give aid to those who do not ask. I beg, if your piety has anything of money, lend it to us, that we may be able to relieve our citizens; and when those conducting trade shall have paid the impost in our city, as the others have, we will return your money with lawful interest.” Then he, moved by piety, granted him 7,000 gold pieces, which he, receiving, distributed through his citizens. And those practicing trade became rich through this, and even to this day are held in high esteem.

Cumque antedictus episcopus debitam pecuniam obtulisset regi, respondit rex: 'Non habeo necessarium hoc recipere; illud mihi sufficit, si dispensatione tua pauperes, qui oppraemebantur inopia, per tuam suggestionem vel per meam largitatem sunt relevati'. Et nihil exigens, antedictus cives divites fecit.

And when the aforesaid bishop had offered the due money to the king, the king replied: 'I have no necessity to receive this; that suffices for me, if by your dispensation the poor, who were being oppressed by want, have been relieved through your suggestion or through my largess.' And, exacting nothing, the aforementioned made the citizens wealthy.

35. De interitu Sirivuldi.

35. On the death of Sirivuld.

Defuncto autem apud urbem supradictam memoratum antestitem, Agiricus cus quidam e civibus in eius est cathedram subrogatus. Siacrius autem, filius eius, reminiscens iniuriam patris, qualiter a Sirivuldo ad regem Theudoricum incusatus, non solum spoliatus, verum etiam suppliciis adfectus fuisset, oppraessum cum armata manu Sirivuldum taliter interfecit. Mane facto, cum nebula esset condensa et vix, adhuc disrumpentibus tenebris, alequid quis possit discernere, venit ad villam eius in Divionensi territurio cui nomen est Floriacum; egressoque domo uno amicorum, putantes, ipsum Sirivuldum esse, interfecerunt eum, et revertentibus, quasi victuriam obtenuissent de inimico, indicat eis unus ex familia, non eos dominum interfecisse, sed subditum.

But when the mentioned prelate had died at the above-said city, Agiricus, a certain one of the citizens, was substituted into his cathedra. But Siacrius, his son, recalling the injury of his father—how he had been accused by Sirivuld before King Theuderic, and not only despoiled but even afflicted with tortures—having overpowered Sirivuld with an armed band, slew him in such a way. When morning had come, since the mist was dense and scarcely, with the darkness still bursting apart, could anyone discern anything, he came to his villa in the Dijon territory whose name is Floriacum; and when one of his friends went out from the house, they, thinking him to be Sirivuld himself, killed him; and as they were returning, as though they had obtained victory over the enemy, one of the household points out to them that they had not killed the lord, but a subordinate.

At illi regressi, requirentes eum, cellulam, in qua dormire solitus erat, repertam adgrediuntur. Ad cuius osteum diutissime pugnantes, nihil ei poterant praevalere. Dehinc erutum ab uno latere parietem, ingredientes, gladium eum interemunt.

But they, having returned, searching for him, go to assail the little cell, found wherein he was accustomed to sleep. At its door, fighting for a very long time, they were able to prevail nothing against it. Thereupon, tearing out the wall from one side and entering, they slay him with the sword.

Post mortem enim Theudorici hic interfectus est.

For after the death of Theuderic, he was killed here.

36. De obitu Theudoberthi et de interitu Partheni.

36. On the death of Theudebert and on the destruction of Parthenius.

His denique gestis, Theodoberthus rex aegrotare coepit. Ad quem medici multa studia inpenderunt; sed nihil valuit, quia eum iam Dominus vocare iubebat. Ergo cum diutissime aegrotasset, ab ipsa infirmitate deficiens, reddidit spiritum.

With these things at last done, King Theodoberth began to fall ill. To him the physicians expended much diligence; but nothing availed, because the Lord was now bidding to call him. Therefore, when he had been sick for a very long time, failing from the infirmity itself, he gave up the ghost.

Franci vero cum Parthenium in odio magno haberent, pro eo quod eis tributa antedicti regis tempore inflixisset, eum persequi coeperunt. Ille vero in periculum se positum cernens, confugium ab urbe facit ac duobus episcopis suppliciter exorat, ut eum ad urbem Treverecam deducentes, populi saevientes seditionem sua praedicatione conpraemerent. Quibus euntibus, nocte, dum in strato suo decumberet, subito per somnium vocem magnam emittit, dicens: 'Heu!

But the Franks, since they held Parthenius in great hatred, for the fact that in the time of the aforesaid king he had imposed tributes upon them, began to persecute him. He, however, seeing himself placed in danger, makes flight from the city and suppliantly beseeches two bishops to lead him to the city of Trier and, by their preaching, to repress the sedition of the raging people. As they were going, at night, while he was reclining on his couch, suddenly in a dream he cries out with a great voice, saying: 'Alas!

heu! Succurrite qui adestis et auxilium ferte pereunte'. A quo clamore expergefacti qui aderant, interrogant, quid hoc esset. Respondit ille: 'Ausanius amicus meus cum Papianilla coniuge, quos olim interfeci, ad iudicium me arcessibant, dicentes: ìVeni ad respondendum, quia causaturus es nobiscum coram Domino" '. Zelo enim ductus, ante annos aliquos coniugem innocentem amicumque perimerat.

Alas! Succor me, you who are present, and bring help to one perishing'. At this outcry those who were present, awakened, ask what this was. He replied: 'Ausanius, my friend, with Papianilla his spouse, whom I once slew, were summoning me to judgment, saying: ìCome to make answer, for you are going to plead a case with us before the Lord" '. For, led by zeal, some years before he had slain the innocent spouse and his friend.

Igitur accedentibus episcopis ad antedictam urbem, cum strepentes populi seditionem ferre non possint, eum in eclesia abdire voluerunt, scilicet ponentes eum in arca et desuper sternentes vestimenta, quae erant ad usum aeclesiae. Populus autem ingressus perscrutatusque universus eclesiae angulos, cum nihil repperissent, frendens egrediebatur. Tunc unus ex suspicione locutus, ait: 'En arcam, in qua non est inquisitus adversarius noster'. Dicentibus vero costodibus, nihil in ea aliud nisi ornamenta eclesiae contenere, illi clavem postolant, aientes: 'Nisi reseraveritis velocius, ipsi eam sponte confringemus'. Denique, reserata arca, amotis lintiaminibus, inventum extrahunt, plaudentes atque dicentes: 'Tradidit Deus inimicum nostrum in manibus nostris'. Tunc caedentes eum pugnis sputisque perurguentes, vinctis postergum manibus, ad colomnam lapidibus obruerunt.

Therefore, as the bishops approached the aforesaid city, since they could not bear the clamor of the people raging in sedition, they wished to hide him in the church, namely by placing him in a chest and spreading over it the garments which were for the use of the church. But the people, having entered and searched all the corners of the church, when they had found nothing, went out gnashing their teeth. Then one, speaking out of suspicion, said: 'Behold the chest, in which our adversary has not been searched.' But when the custodians said that it contained nothing other than the ornaments of the church, they demanded the key, saying: 'Unless you unfasten it more quickly, we ourselves will of our own accord break it open.' Finally, the chest being unfastened, and the linens removed, they drag out the one found, applauding and saying: 'God has delivered our enemy into our hands.' Then, beating him with fists and pressing upon him with spittle, with his hands bound behind his back, they stoned him at a column.

Fuit autem in cibis valde vorax, sed quae sumebat, quo caelerius ad manducandum commoveretur, sumpto aloae, velociter digerebat; sed et strepidus ventris absque ulla auditorum reverentia in publico emittebat. Hoc ergo exitu consummatus interiit.

He was, moreover, very voracious in his eating; but he would take those things which, after a dose of aloes, he would digest quickly, so that he might be moved the more swiftly to eat; and he would emit the loud noises of his belly in public without any regard for the hearers. Thus, brought to such an end, he perished.

37. De hieme gravi.

37. On the severe winter.

Gravem eo anno et solito asperiorem hiemem fecit, ita ut torrentes concatiniti gelu pervium populis tamquam reliqua humus praeberet. Aves quoque rigore adfectae vel fame, absque ullo hominum dolo, cum magnae essent nives, manu capiebantur. A transitu igitur Chlodovechi usque in transitum Theudoberthi conputantur anni 37. Mortuo ergo Theudoberto quarto decimo regni sui anno, regnavit Theudoaldus, filius eius, pro eo.

He made in that year a heavy and harsher-than-usual winter, such that torrents, linked together by frost, offered passage to people as though the remaining ground did. Birds too, affected by rigor or by hunger, without any trickery of men, when the snows were great, were taken by hand. From the transit of Chlodovechus to the transit of Theudobertus there are computed 37 years. Therefore, Theudobertus having died in the fourteenth year of his reign, Theudoaldus, his son, reigned in his stead.

Explicit liber tertius.

The third book ends.