Gregory of Tours: LIBRI HISTORIARUM

Igitur Gunthchramnus rex anno XXIIII, regni sui de Cavillonno progressus, Nevernensem urbem adgreditur. Invitatus enim Parisius veniebat, ut Chilperici filium, quem iam Chlothacharium vocitabant, a sacro regenerationes fonte deberet excipere. Digressus vero a Neverno ad Aurilianensem urbem venit, magnum se tunc civibus suis praebens.

Therefore King Gunthchramn, in the 24th year of his reign, having set out from Cavillonnum, makes for the city of Nevers. For, having been invited, he was coming to Paris, so that he ought to receive Chilperic’s son, whom they were already calling Chlothachar, from the sacred font of regeneration. But having departed from Nevers he came to the city of Orléans, showing himself great to his citizens at that time.

Nam per domibus eorum invitatus abibat et prandia data libabat; multum ab his muneratus muneraque ipsis proflua benignitate largitus est. Sed cum ad urbem Aurilianensem venisset, erat ea die solemnitas beati Martini, id est quarto Nonas mensis quinti. Processitque in obviam eius inmensa populi turba cum signis adque vixillis canentes laudes.

For, invited, he would go about through their houses and would taste the luncheons that were given; he was much remunerated by them, and he in turn, with outflowing benignity, lavished gifts upon them. But when he had come to the city of Orleans, on that day was the solemnity of blessed Martin, that is, on the fourth day before the Nones of the fifth month (May 4). And an immense crowd of the people went forth to meet him with standards and banners, singing praises.

Et hinc lingua Syrorum, hinc Latinorum, hinc etiam ipsorum Iudaeorum in diversis laudibus variae concrepabat, dicens: 'Vivat rex, regnumque eius in populis annis innumeris dilatetur'. Iudaei vero, qui in his laudibus videbantur esse participes, dicebant: 'Omnes gentes te adorent tibique genu flectant adque tibi sint subditi'. Unde factum est, ut, celebratis missis, cum rex ad convivium resederet, diceret: 'Vae genti Iudaicae malae et perfidae ac subdolo semper sensu viventi. Ob hoc enim mihi', inquid, 'hodie laudes adulaturias adclamabant, ut me cunctae gentes quasi dominum adorarent, ut synagoga eorum, quae dudum a christianis deruta est, iuberem ope publica sublevare; quod, iubente Domino, numquam ero facturus'. O regem admirabili prudentia clarum! Sic intellexit dolositatem hereticorum, ut ei paenitus non valerent subripere, quae erant postmodum suggesturi.

And now the tongue of the Syrians, now of the Latins, now even of the Jews themselves, was ringing out with diverse praises, saying: 'May the king live, and may his kingdom among the peoples be extended for numberless years.' The Jews indeed, who seemed to be participants in these praises, were saying: 'Let all nations adore you and bend the knee to you and be subject to you.' Whence it came about that, the masses having been celebrated, when the king had sat down again to the banquet, he said: 'Woe to the Jewish nation, evil and perfidious and living always with a crafty mind. For on account of this,' he said, 'today they were acclaiming to me adulatory praises, that all the nations might adore me as a sort of lord, that I might order their synagogue, which some time ago was torn down by Christians, to be raised up by public aid; which, at the Lord’s command, I will never do.' O king renowned for admirable prudence! Thus he understood the guilefulness of the heretics, so that they could by no means foist upon him the things they were going to suggest afterward.

Iam enim mediante epulo rex locutus est sacerdotibus qui aderant, dicens: 'Rogo, ut in domo mea crastina die vestram promerear benedictionem, fiatque mihi salus in ingressu vestro, ut ex hoc salvus fiam, cum super me humilem vestrarum benedictionum verba defluxerint'. Haec eo dicente, omnes gratias agentes, epulo expleto, surreximus.

For already, the banquet being midway, the king spoke to the priests who were present, saying: 'I ask that in my house on the morrow I may merit your benediction, and that salvation may be for me at your ingress, so that from this I may be saved, when upon me, humble, the words of your benedictions shall have flowed down'. As he was saying these things, all giving thanks, the banquet completed, we rose.

2. Qualiter ei episcopi praesentati sunt, et qualiter ipse convivium praeparavit.

2. How the bishops were presented to him, and how he himself prepared the banquet.

Mane autem facto, dum rex loca sanctorum orationis gratia visitaret, ad metatum nostrum advenit. Erat enim ibi basilica sancti Aviti abbatis, cui in libro Miraculorum meminimus. Surrexi gavisus, fateor, ad occursum eius et, data oratione, depraecor, ut in mansione mea euglogias beati Martini dignaretur accipere.

But when morning had come, while the king was visiting the places of the saints for the sake of prayer, he came to our quarters. For there was there a basilica of Saint Avitus the abbot, whom we have mentioned in the book of Miracles. I rose rejoicing—I confess—to meet him, and, after a prayer had been offered, I beseech that he would deign, in my lodging, to receive the eulogies (blessed gifts) of blessed Martin.

Quod ille non respuens, benigno animo ingressus, hausto poculo, admonitis nobis ad convivium, laetus abscessit. Tunc Berthchramnus Burdegalensis episcopus cum Palladio Santonico valde regi infensus erat pro susceptione Gundovaldi, cui supra meminimus. Sed et Palladius episcopus ob hoc maxime regem incurrerat, quod ei saepius fallacias intulisset.

Not spurning this, he entered with a benign spirit; after the cup had been drained, and after bidding us to the banquet, he departed cheerful. Then Berthchramnus, bishop of Bordeaux, together with Palladius of Saintes, was in great enmity with the king on account of the reception of Gundovald, whom we mentioned above. But Bishop Palladius had especially incurred the king’s displeasure on this account, since he had repeatedly brought deceits upon him.

Discussi enim ante paulolum fuerant a reliquis episcopis et optimatibus regis, cur Gundovaldum suscepissent, cur Faustianum Aquis episcopum ad praeceptionem eius levissimam ordinassent. Sed hanc causam ordinationis Palladius episcopus a Bertechramno metropole suo auferens, super se divolvit, dicens: 'Oculi metropolis mei valde doloribus artabantur, et ego spoliatus et contemptus, invitus in eo loco adductus sum. Non potui aliud facere, nisi quae ille, qui omnem principatum Galliarum se testabatur accipere, imperabat'. Cum haec rege nuntiata fuissent, valde commotus est, ita ut vix obtineri possit, ut eos ad convivium provocaret, quos antea non viderat.

For a little before, they had been discussed by the other bishops and the king’s optimates, why they had received Gundovald, why they had ordained Faustianus bishop at Aquis at his very slight precept. But Bishop Palladius, removing this cause of the ordination from Bertechramn, his metropolitan, shifted it onto himself, saying: ‘The eyes of my metropolitan were very much constrained by pains, and I, despoiled and despised, was brought unwillingly into that place. I could do nothing else, except what he, who was testifying that he was receiving the whole principate of the Gauls, was commanding.’ When these things had been reported to the king, he was greatly stirred, such that it could scarcely be obtained that he should invite to the banquet those whom he had not seen before.

Introeunte itaque Berthramno, interrogat rex: 'Quis', ait, 'est iste?' Diu enim erat, quod ab eo visus non fuerat. Dixeruntque: 'Hic est Berthchramnus Burdegalinsis urbis episcopus'. Cui ille: 'Gratias', inquid, 'agimus, quod sic custodisti fidem generationi tuae. Scire enim te oportuerat, dilectissime pater, quod parens eras nobis ex matre nostra, et super gentem tuam non debueras inducere pestem extraneam'. Cumque talia et his similia Berthchramnus audisset, conversus ad Palladium rex ait: 'Nec tibi, o Palladi episcope, nimium sunt gratiae referendae.

Accordingly, as Berthramn entered, the king asks: 'Who,' he says, 'is this?' For it had been a long time that he had not been seen by him. And they said: 'This is Berthchramnus, bishop of the city of Bordeaux.' To whom he: 'Thanks,' he said, 'we give, because thus you have guarded the faith to your generation. For it ought to have been known to you, most beloved father, that you were a parent to us from our mother, and upon your people you ought not to have induced an extraneous pestilence.' And when Berthchramn had heard such things and others like to these, the king, turned to Palladius, said: 'Nor to you, O bishop Palladius, are overmuch thanks to be rendered.

Tertio enim mihi, quod de episcopo dici iniquum est, periurasti, mittens indicolos dolositate plenus. A me excusabaris per epistolas, et germanum meum cum scriptis aliis invitabas. Iudicavit enim Deus causam meam, cum ego provocare vos semper tamquam aeclesiae patres studui et vos circa me semper egistis dolose'. Nicasio autem et Antidio episcopis dixit: 'Quid vos, o sanctissimi patres, pro regiones utilitate vel regni nostri sospitate tractastis, edicite'. Illis quoque tacentibus, ablutis rex manibus, accepta a sacerdotibus benedictione, ad mensam resedit laeto vulto et hilare faciae, quasi nihil de contempto suo fuisset effatus.

For the third time, indeed, to me—what is unjust to be said of a bishop—you have perjured yourself, sending informers full of dolosity. You excused yourself to me by epistles, and you invited my brother with other writings. For God has judged my cause, while I have always endeavored to appeal to you as fathers of the church, and you have always acted deceitfully toward me'. But to the bishops Nicasius and Antidius he said: 'What have you, O most holy fathers, deliberated for the utility of the regions or the safety of our kingdom? declare it'. As they too kept silence, the king, his hands washed, having received a benediction from the priests, sat down again at table with a glad countenance and a cheerful face, as though he had said nothing about his being contemned.

3. De cantoribus et argento Mummoli.

3. On the cantors and the silver of Mummolus.

Interea iam medium prandii peractum, iubet rex, ut diaconem nostrum, qui ante die ad missas psalmum responsurium dixerat, canere iuberem. Quo canente, iubet iterum mihi, ut omnes sacerdotes qui aderant per meam commonitionem, datis ex officio suo singulis clerecis, coram rege iuberentur cantare. Per me enim secundum regis imperium admoniti, quisque, ut potuit, in regis praesentia psalmum responsurium decantavit.

Meanwhile, with the middle of the luncheon already completed, the king orders that I should bid our deacon—who earlier that day at the Masses had said the responsorial psalm—to sing. As he was singing, he orders me again that all the priests who were present, through my admonition, with individual clerics assigned from their own office, be ordered to sing before the king. For, according to the king’s command, being admonished by me, each, as he was able, chanted the responsorial psalm in the king’s presence.

Cum autem fercula profererentur, dixit rex: 'Argentum omne, quod cernitis, Mummoli illius periuris fuit; sed nunc, gratia Domini tribuente, in nostra dominatione translatum est. Nam quindecim ex eo catinos, ut istum maiorem cernitis, iam concidi, et non exinde amplius quam hunc et alium de cento septuaginta libris reservavi. Et quid amplius quam opus cotidianum?

Now, as the dishes were being brought out, the king said: 'All the silver that you see belonged to that perjured Mummolus; but now, by the grace of the Lord bestowing, it has been transferred into our dominion. For fifteen platters from it, as you see this larger one, I have already cut up, and from it I have reserved no more than this one and another of 170 pounds. And what more than everyday need?'

Non ego, quod peius est, alium filium praeter Childeberthum habeo, cui satis sit de thesauris, quos ei pater reliquid, et quae iam de huius miserrimi rebus, quae Avennione inventae sunt, transmittere curavi. Reliqua vero pauperum et aeclesiarum erunt necessitatibus tribuenda'.

I do not, which is worse, have another son besides Childebert, for whom there would be enough from the treasures which his father left to him, and I have already taken care to transmit what from the goods of this most wretched man, which were found at Avignon, could be sent. The remainder indeed will have to be apportioned to the necessities of the poor and of the churches'.

4. Laus Childeberthi regis.

4. Praise of King Childebert.

'Unum vos tantummodo, sacerdotes Domini, depraecor, ut pro filio meo Childebertho Domini misericordiam exoretis. Est enim vir sapiens adque utilis, ut de multorum annorum aevo vix ita tam cautus homo repperire possit ac strinuus. Quia, si hunc Deus his Galliis concedere dignabatur, fortassis spes erat, de eodem gentem nostram, quae valde exinanita est, posse consurgere.

'One thing only I implore you, priests of the Lord, that you entreat the Lord’s mercy for my son Childeberth. For he is a wise and useful man, such that in the span of many years scarcely could so cautious and strenuous a man be found. Because, if God had deigned to grant him to these Gauls, perhaps there was hope that from that same man our nation, which is greatly emptied, could rise up.

Quod fieri iuxta eius misericordiam non diffido, eo quod tale fuerit pueri nativitates praesagium. Nam in diem sanctum paschae, stante fratre meo Sigybertho in aeclesia, procedente diacono cum sancto euangeliorum libro, nuntius regi advenit, unaque vox fuit pronuntiantes lectionem euangelicam ac nuntii dicentis: ìFilius natus est tibi". Unde factum est, ut omnis populus in utraque adnuntiatione pariter proclamaret: ìGloria Deo omnipotenti". Sed et baptismum in die sanctum pentecosten accepit, et rex nihilominus in diem sanctum dominicae nativitatis est elevatus. Unde, si oratio vestra prosequitur, poterit hic, Domino annuente, regnare'. Haec rege dicente, omnes orationem fuderunt ad Dominum, ut utrumque regem eius misericordia conservaret.

That this might come to pass, I do not doubt in accordance with His mercy, because such was the presage of the boy’s birth. For on the holy day of Pasch, while my brother Sigebert was standing in the church, as the deacon came forward with the holy book of the Gospels, a messenger arrived to the king, and there was one and the same voice, both of the one proclaiming the evangelic lesson and of the messenger saying: ìA son has been born to you". Whence it happened that all the people, at both announcements alike, cried out together: ìGlory to God almighty". And he also received baptism on the holy day of Pentecost, and the king likewise was elevated on the holy day of the Lord’s Nativity. Whence, if your prayer follows on, he, with the Lord nodding assent, will be able to reign'. As the king said these things, all poured out prayer to the Lord, that His mercy might preserve both kings.

Adiecitque rex: 'Verum quia mater eius Brunichildis me minatur interimere, sed nihil mihi ex hoc formidinis est. Dominus enim, qui me eripuit de manibus inimicorum meorum, et de huius insidiis liberavit me'.

And the king added: 'But indeed, since his mother Brunichildis threatens to slay me, yet there is nothing of fear to me from this. For the Lord, who snatched me from the hands of my enemies, has delivered me from her plots'.

5. De visiones, quas rex vel nos de Chilperico vidimus.

5. On the visions which the king, as well as we, saw concerning Chilperic.

Multa tunc et in Theodorum adversa locutus est, protestans, quod, si ad synodum veniret, iterum exilio truderetur, dicens: 'Scio enim, quod horum causa germanum meum Chilpericum interfeci fecit. Denique nec nos pro viris habere debemur, si eius necem ulciscere non valemus hoc anno'. Cui ego respondi: 'Et quis Chilpericum interemit, nisi malitia sua tuaque oratio? Multas enim tibi contra iustitiam tetendit insidias, quae ei mortis exitium intulerunt.

Then he also spoke many adverse things against Theodorus, protesting that, if he should come to the synod, he would again be thrust into exile, saying: 'For I know that for the sake of these things he had my brother Chilperic killed. And, in the end, neither ought we to be held as men, if we are not able to avenge his slaying this year'. To whom I replied: 'And who killed Chilperic, if not his own malice and your oration? For he set many ambushes against you contrary to justice, which brought upon him the ruin of death.

Quod ut dicam, valde hoc per visionem somnii inspexi, cum viderem eum, ante tonsorato capite, quasi episcopum ordinari; deinde super cathedram puram, sola fuligine tectam, inpositum ferri, praelucentibus coram eo lyghnis ac cereis'. Me haec narrante, rex ait: 'Vidi et ego aliam visionem, quae huius interitum nuntiavit. Adducebatur enim in conspectu meo a tribus episcopis vinctus catenis, quorum unus Tetricus, alius Agroecula, tertius vero Nicetius Lugduninsis erat. E quibus dicebant duo: ìSolvite, quaesumus", eum et castigatum abire permittite". Quibus e contrario cum amaritudine Tetricus episcopus respondebat: ìNon fiet ita, sed igni concremabitur pro sceleribus suis". Et cum diu multumque quasi altercantes haec inter se verba proferrent, conspicio eminus aeneum super ignem positum fervere vehementer.

Which, that I may say it, I very much inspected this through a vision of a dream, when I saw him, with his head shorn beforehand, as if to be ordained a bishop; then, set upon a pure cathedra, covered only with soot, to be borne along, with lamps and candles shining before him. As I was relating these things, the king said: 'I too saw another vision, which announced this man’s destruction. For he was being led into my sight by three bishops, bound with chains, of whom one was Tetricus, another Agroecula, and the third indeed Nicetius of Lyons. And of these two were saying: "Loose him, we beseech, and allow him to depart chastised." To whom, on the contrary, with bitterness Bishop Tetricus answered: "It shall not be so, but he will be burned up by fire for his crimes." And when for a long time and much, as if wrangling, they were uttering these words among themselves, I espy from afar a brazen vessel set over the fire, boiling vehemently.'

Tunc me flente, adpraehensum infilicem Chilpericum, confractis membris, proiciunt in aeneum. Nec mora, inter undarum vapores ita dissolutus ac liquefactus est, ut nullum ex eo paenitus indicium remaneret'. Haec rege dicente, admirantibus nobis, epulo expleto, surreximus.

Then, I weeping, they throw the unhappy Chilperic, seized, with his limbs broken, into the bronze cauldron. Without delay, amid the vapors of the waters, he is so dissolved and liquefied that no trace of him at all remained.' As the king was saying these things, we, marveling, with the banquet completed, rose.

6. De his quos praesentavimus.

6. On those whom we have presented.

Rex igitur in crastinum in venatione progressus est. Quo redeunte, Garacharius comis Burdigalensis adque Bladastis a nobis repraesentati sunt, quia, ut superius diximus, in basilica sancti Martini confugium fecerant, pro eo quod Gundovaldo coniuncti fuissent. Nam cum prius, pro his depraecatus, nihil obtinere potuissem, haec in sequenti locutus sum: 'Audiat, o rex, potestas tua.

Therefore the king on the morrow went forth to the chase. When he returned, Garacharius, count of Bordeaux, and Bladastis were presented by us, because, as we have said above, they had made refuge in the basilica of Saint Martin, for the reason that they had been conjoined with Gundovald. For since previously, having interceded for them, I had been able to obtain nothing, I said these things thereafter: ‘Let your power hear, O king.

Ecce! a domino meo in legatione ad te directus sum. Vel quid renuntiabo ei qui me misit, cum nihil mihi responsi reddere vellis?' At ille obstupefactus ait: 'Et quis est dominus tuus, qui te misit?' Cui ego subridens: 'Beatus Martinus', inquio, 'misit me'. Tunc ille iussit sibi repraesentari viros.

Behold! I have been dispatched by my lord on a legation to you. Or what shall I report back to him who sent me, since you are willing to give me no answer?' But he, astonished, said: 'And who is your lord, who sent you?' To whom I, smiling, say: 'Blessed Martin sent me.' Then he ordered that the men be presented to him.

Sed cum in eius conspectu venissent, multas eis perfidias ac periurias exprobravit, vocans eos saepius vulpis ingeniosas, sed restituit eos gratiae suae, reddens quae illis ablata fuerant. 7. De Palladio episcopo, qualiter missas dixit.

But when they had come into his sight, he reproached them with many perfidies and perjuries, calling them again and again ingenious foxes; yet he restored them to his grace, giving back the things which had been taken from them. 7. On Bishop Palladius, how he celebrated Masses.

Adveniente quoque die dominico, rex ad aeclesiam ad spectanda missarum solemnia petit. Fratres vero consacerdotesque, qui aderant, locum Palladio episcopo ad agenda festa praebuerunt. Quo incipiente prophetiam, rex interrogat, quis esset.

With the Lord’s day also arriving, the king goes to the church to view the solemnities of the masses. But the brothers and the fellow-priests who were present offered the place to Bishop Palladius to perform the feasts. When he began the prophecy, the king asks who he was.

Cumque Palladium episcopum initiasse pronuntiassent, statim commotus rex ait: 'Qui mihi semper infidelis et perfidus fuit, ille nunc sacrata verba praedicavit? Egrediar prursus ab haec aeclesia, ne inimicum meum audiam praedicantem'. Et haec dicens, egredi coepit aeclesiam. Tunc conturbati sacerdotes de fratres humilitate, dixerunt regi: 'Vidimus enim eum convivio tuo adesse ac de eius manu te benedictionem accipere; et cur eum nunc rex aspernatur?

And when they had announced that Bishop Palladius had initiated [the service], the king, immediately moved, said: 'He who has always been unfaithful and perfidious toward me—has he now preached the sacred words? I will go out again from this church, lest I hear my enemy preaching.' And saying these things, he began to go out of the church. Then the priests, disturbed, out of fraternal humility, said to the king: 'For we have seen him present at your banquet and you to receive the benediction from his hand; and why does the king now spurn him?'

Si enim scissemus tibi exosum, declinassemus utique ad alium, qui haec agere debuisset. Nunc, si permittis, caelebret, quae coepit; in posterum autem, si aliquid opposueris, canonicae sanctionis censura finiatur'. Iam enim Palladius episcopus in sacrario cum grande humilitate discesserat. Tunc rex iussit eum revocare, et sic quae agere coeperat expedivit.

‘For if we had known him to be odious to you, we would certainly have turned aside to another who ought to have performed these things. Now, if you permit, let him celebrate what he has begun; but for the future, if you should oppose anything, let it be ended by the censure of canonical sanction’. For already Bishop Palladius had withdrawn into the sacrarium with great humility. Then the king ordered him to be recalled, and thus he expedited what he had begun to do.

Nam cum iterato ad convivium regis Palladius atque Berthchramnus acciti fuissent, commoti in invicem multa sibi de adulteriis ac fornicatione exprobraverunt, nonnulla etiam de periuriis. Quibus de rebus multi ridebant, nonnulli vero, qui alacriores erant scientiae, lamentabant, cur inter sacerdotes Domini taliter zezania diabuli pollularet. Discedentes itaque a regis praesentia, cautiones et fideiussores dederunt, ut decimo Kalendas mensis noni ad sinodum convenirent.

For when Palladius and Berthchramnus had been summoned again to the king’s banquet, stirred up against one another they reproached each other with many things concerning adulteries and fornication, and some matters also of perjuries. At these things many laughed, but some, who were more zealous for knowledge, lamented why among the priests of the Lord the tares of the Devil should thus proliferate. Departing therefore from the king’s presence, they gave securities and sureties, that on the 10th day before the Kalends of the ninth month they would assemble at a synod.

8. De signis ostensis.

8. On the signs shown.

Tunc apparuerunt signa, id est radii a parte aquilonis, sicut saepius apparere solent. Fulgor per caelum cucurrisse visus est, floresque in arboribus ostensi sunt. Erat enim mensis quintus.

Then signs appeared, that is, rays from the northern quarter, as they are wont to appear rather often. A brilliance was seen to have run across the sky, and flowers were shown on the trees. For it was the fifth month.

9. De sacramento pro filio Chilperici dato.

9. On the oath given for the son of Chilperic.

Post haec rex Parisius venit et coram omnibus loqui coepit, dicens: 'Germanus meus Chilpericus moriens dicitur filium reliquisse, cuius nutritores, matre depraecante, petierunt, ut eum de sancto lavacro in dominici natalis solemnitate deberem excipere, et non venerunt. Rogaverunt deinceps, ut ad sanctum pascha baptizaretur, sed nec tunc adlatus est infans. Depraecati sunt autem tertio, ut ad festivitatem sancti Iohannis exhiberetur, sed nec tunc venit.

After these things the king came to Paris and began to speak before all, saying: 'My brother Chilperic, dying, is said to have left a son, whose fosterers, the mother beseeching, asked that I should receive him from the holy laver on the solemnity of the Lord’s Nativity, and they did not come. Thereafter they asked that he be baptized at the holy Pasch, but not even then was the infant brought. They entreated, however, a third time that he be presented at the festivity of Saint John, but not then either did he come.'

Moverunt itaque me per tempus sterile de loco ubi abitabam. Veni igitur, et ecce! absconditur nec ostenditur mihi puer.

Accordingly they moved me through a barren time from the place where I was dwelling. I came, therefore, and behold! the boy is concealed and not shown to me.

Unde, quantum intellego, nihil est quod promittitur, sed, ut credo, alicuius ex leudibus nostris sit filius. Nam si de stirpe nostra fuisset, ad me utique fuerat deportatus. Ideoque noveritis, quia a me non suscipitur, nisi certa de eo cognuscam indicia'. Haec audiens Fredegundis regina, coniunctis prioribus regni sui, id est cum tribus episcopis et tricentis viris optimis, sacramenta dederunt, hunc ab Chilperico rege generatum fuisse; et sic suspicio ab animis regis ablata est.

'Whence, so far as I understand, there is nothing of what is being promised; but, as I believe, he is the son of some one of our leudes. For if he had been of our stock, he would surely have been borne to me. And therefore know that he is not accepted by me, unless I learn certain indicia concerning him.' Hearing this, Queen Fredegund, having assembled the chiefs of her kingdom, that is, with three bishops and 300 most excellent men, they gave oaths that this one had been begotten by King Chilperic; and thus the suspicion was removed from the king’s mind.

10. De corporibus Merovechi et Chlodovechi.

10. On the bodies of Merovech and Chlodovech.

Denique cum interitum Merovechi adque Chlodovechi saepius lamentaret nesciretque, ubi eos postquam interficerant proiecissent, venit ad regem homo, qui diceret: ìSi mihi contrarium in posterum non habetur, indicabo, in quo loco Chlodovechi cadaver sit positum'. Iuravit rex, nihil ei molestum fieri, sed potius muneribus ampliari. Tunc ille: 'Veritatem', inquid, 'me loqui, o rex, ipsa ratio quae acta est conprobabit. Nam quando Chlodovechus interfectus est ac sub stillicidio oraturii cuiusdam sepultus, metuens regina, ne aliquando inventus cum honore sepeliretur, iussit eum in alveum Matronae fluminis proici.

Finally, as the queen would often lament the demise of Merovech and Chlodovech and did not know where, after they had been killed, they had been thrown, a man came to the king, who said: 'If nothing to the contrary is held against me in the future, I will point out in what place Chlodovech’s cadaver has been set.' The king swore that nothing troublesome would be done to him, but rather that he would be enriched with gifts. Then he said: 'That I speak the truth, O king, the very course of action that was done will prove. For when Chlodovech was slain and buried under the eaves-drip of a certain oratory, the queen, fearing lest, if he were ever found, he might be buried with honor, ordered him to be cast into the channel of the river Marne (Matrona).'

Tunc intra lapsum, quod opere meo ad capiendorum piscium necessitatem praeparaveram, repperi. Sed cum ignorarem, quisnam esset, a caesariae prolixa cognovi Chlodovechum esse, adpraehensumque in humeris ad litus detuli ibique eum cespite superposito tumulavi. Ecce, salvatis artubus, quod volueris effice!' Quod cum rex conperisset, confingens se ad venationem procedere, detectoque tumulo, repperit corpusculum integrum et inlaesum.

Then within the weir, which by my own work I had prepared for the necessity of catching fish, I found it. But since I did not know who it might be, from the long hair I recognized it to be Chlodovechus, and having taken hold of him I carried him on my shoulders to the shore and there I buried him, with a sod placed over. ‘Behold—my limbs safeguarded—accomplish what you will!’ When the king learned this, feigning that he was going forth to the hunt, and the mound having been uncovered, he found the little body whole and unharmed.

Una tantum pars capillorum, quae subter fuerat, iam defluxerat, alia vero cum ipsis crinium flagellis intacta durabat. Cognitumque est, hunc esse, quem rex intento animo requirebat. Convocato igitur episcopo civitatis, cum clero et populo ac cereorum innumerabilium ornato ad basilicam sancti Vincenti detulit tumulandum, non minus plangens nepotes mortuos, quam cum vidit filios proprios iam sepultus.

Only one part of the hair, which had been underneath, had already flowed away; but the other, with the very tresses of the hair, remained intact. And it was recognized that this was the one whom the king was seeking with an intent mind. Therefore, with the bishop of the city convoked, together with the clergy and the people, and adorned with innumerable candles, he bore him to the basilica of Saint Vincent to be entombed, weeping no less for his dead grandsons than when he saw his own sons already buried.

Post haec misit Pappolum Carnotenae urbis episcopum, qui Merovechi cadaver requirens, iuxta Chlodovechi tumulum sepelivit.

After these things he sent Pappolus, bishop of the city of Chartres, who, seeking the cadaver of Merovech, buried it beside the tomb of Chlodovech.

11. De ostiariis et interito Boanti.

11. On the ostiaries and the death of Boantus.

Ostiarius vero quidam de alio ostiario dixit: 'Domine rex, hic, accepto praemio, consinsit, ut tu interficiaris'. Adpraehensusque ostiarius, de quo dixerat, caesus suppliciisque multis adfectus, nihil de causa, qua interrogabatur, aperuit. Loquebantur enim tunc multi hoc in insidiis et invidia factum, quod ostiarius ille, cui hoc crimen inpactum fuerat, plurimum a rege diligeretur. Ansovaldus autem, nescio qua suspicione tactus, nec vale dicens, a rege discessit.

A certain ostiary indeed spoke about another ostiary: 'Lord king, this man, having accepted a reward, agreed that you be killed.' And the ostiary of whom he had spoken, apprehended, beaten, and subjected to many tortures, disclosed nothing about the matter on which he was questioned. For many were then saying that this had been done through plots and envy, because that ostiary upon whom this charge had been fastened was very greatly loved by the king. Ansovald, however, touched by I know not what suspicion, departed from the king without even saying farewell.

Rex vero Cavillonum regressus, iussit Boantum, qui sibi semper fuerat infidelis, gladio percuti. Qui vallatus in domo sua, ab hominibus regis peremptus interiit, resque suae fisci dicionibus subiugatae sunt.

But the king, having returned to Cavillonum, ordered Boantus, who had always been unfaithful to him, to be struck with the sword. Surrounded in his own house, slain by the king’s men, he perished, and his goods were subjugated to the dominions of the fisc.

12. De Theudoro episcopo et plaga super Ratharium.

12. On Theudorus the bishop and the blow upon Ratharius.

Denique cum rex maxima intentione Theodorum episcopum iterum persequi conaretur et Massilia iam in Childeberthi regis dominatione revocata fuisset, ad discutiendas causas Ratharius illuc quasi dux a parte regis Childeberthi diregitur. Sed postposita actione, quae ei a rege iniuncta fuerant, episcopum vallat, fideiussores requirit et ad praesentiam regis Gunthchramni direxit, ut scilicet ad synodum, quod Matiscone futurum erat, quasi ab episcopis damnandus adesset. Nec defuit ultio divina, quae servos suos ab ore canum rabidorum defensare consuevit.

Finally, when the king with very great intent was trying again to persecute Bishop Theodore, and Massilia had already been recalled into the dominion of King Childebert, Ratharius was sent thither to examine the cases, as if a dux on the part of King Childebert. But with the business that had been enjoined upon him by the king set aside, he surrounds the bishop, demands sureties, and directed him to the presence of King Guntram, so that namely at the synod which was going to be at Matisco he might be present as if to be condemned by the bishops. Nor was divine retribution lacking, which is accustomed to defend its servants from the mouth of rabid dogs.

Nam egrediente episcopo a civitate, statim res aeclesiae direpit et alia quidem sibi vindicat, alia sub sigillorum munitione concludit. Cumque hoc fecisset, protenus famulus eius saevissimus invadit morbus exhaustusque febre peremit; filius eius ab hoc incommodo defecit, quem suburbano Massiliae ipsius cum gravi gemitu sepelivit. Fuitque talis domui eius plaga, ut, cum ab urbe illa est digressus, vix ad patriam suam regredi putaretur.

For, as the bishop was going out from the city, he immediately plundered the goods of the church, and some indeed he claimed for himself, others he shut away under the safeguard of seals. And when he had done this, at once a most savage disease attacked his servant and, drained by fever, destroyed him; his son failed from this affliction, whom he buried at his own suburban estate of Marseilles with heavy groaning. And such a blow was to his household that, when he departed from that city, he was scarcely thought likely to return to his fatherland.

Theodorus vero episcopus a Gunthchramno rege detentus est, sed nihil ei rex nocuit. Est enim vir egregiae sanctitatis et in oratione assiduus, de quo mihi Magnericus Treverensis episcopus haec retulit: Ante hos annos cum ad praesentia Childeberthi regis ita sub ardua custodia duceretur, ut, quandoque ad urbem aliquam venisset, neque episcopum neque quemquam de civibus videre permitteretur, adveniens Treverus, nuntiatum est episcopo, hunc iam in navi positum clam abduci. Surrexitque sacerdus tristis, ac velociter prosecutus, repperit eum ad litus; causatusque cum custodibus, cur tanta esset impietas, ut non liceret fratri fratrem aspicere, visoque tandem, osculatus eum, indulgens aliquid vestimenti, discessit.

But Bishop Theodorus was detained by King Gunthchramn, yet the king did him no harm. For he is a man of outstanding sanctity and assiduous in prayer, about whom Magneric, bishop of Trier, related these things to me: Some years ago, when he was being led into the presence of King Childebert under such severe custody that, whenever he came to any city, he was permitted to see neither the bishop nor anyone of the citizens, upon coming to Trier it was announced to the bishop that this man, now placed on a ship, was being secretly carried off. The bishop rose, saddened, and, having quickly pursued, found him at the shore; and remonstrating with the guards as to why there was such impiety that it was not permitted for a brother to look upon a brother, and at last having seen him, he kissed him, and, bestowing some garment, departed.

Veniens itaque ad basilicam sancti Maximini, prosternitur sepulchro, illud apostoli Iacobi retinens: Orate pro invicem, ut salvimini. Fusaque diu oratione cum lacrimis, ut fratre dignaretur Dominus adiuvare, egressus est foris. Et ecce!

So, coming to the basilica of Saint Maximinus, he is prostrated at the sepulcher, retaining that word of the apostle James: Pray for one another, that you may be saved. And with prayer poured out for a long time with tears, that the Lord might deign to help his brother, he went outside. And behold!

mulier, quam spiritus erroris agitabat, clamare sacerdoti coepit ac dicere: 'O sceleste et inveterate dierum, qui pro inimico nostro Theodoro orationem fundis ad Dominum, ecce! nos cotidie querimus, qualiter ab his Galliis extrudatur, qui nos cotidianis incendiis conflat, et tu pro eo rogare non desinis! Satius enim tibi erat, res aeclesiae tuae diligenter inquirere, ne pauperibus aliquid deperiret, quam pro hoc tam intente deposcere' Et agebat: 'Vae nobis, qui eum non possumus expugnare'. Et licet daemoniis credi non debeat, tamen qualis esset sacerdus, de quo haec daemon condolens declamabat, apparuit.

a woman, whom a spirit of error was agitating, began to cry out to the priest and say: 'O wicked and inveterate with days, you who pour out a prayer to the Lord on behalf of our enemy Theodorus, behold! we every day seek how he may be driven out from these Gauls, he who kindles us with daily conflagrations, and you do not cease to pray for him! For it were better for you to inquire diligently into the affairs of your church, lest anything should be lost to the poor, than to beseech so intently for this man.' And she went on: 'Woe to us, who cannot overcome him.' And although demons ought not to be believed, nevertheless it became apparent what sort of priest he was, about whom the demon, grieving, was declaiming these things.

Sed ad coepta redeamus.

But let us return to the things begun.

13. De legationem Gunthchramni ad Childeberthum directa.

13. Concerning the legation of Gunthchramn directed to Childebert.

Igitur legatus ad nepotem suum Childeberthum rex diregit, qui morabatur tunc ad castrum Confluentis , qui ob hoc nomen accepit, pro eo quod Musella Rhenusque amnes pariter confluentes in eodem loco iungantur. Et quia placitum fuerat, ut Trecas Campaniae urbem de utrumque regnum coniungerent, sacerdotibusque de regno Childeberthi congruum non fuit, Felix legatus, salutatione praemissa, ostensis litteris, ait: 'Patruus tuus, o rex, diligenter interrogat, quis te ab hac promissione retraxit, ut sacerdotes regni vestri ad concilium, quod simul decreveratis, venire differrent. An forsitan mali homines aliquam inter vos discordiae radicem faciunt pullulare?' Tunc ego, rege tacente, respondi: 'Nimirum, si zizania seratur in populus; nam inter hos quo radicem obligit protenus non potest repperiri.

Therefore the king directed a legate to his nephew Childeberth, who was then staying at the castrum of Confluentes , which received this name for the reason that the rivers Musella and the Rhine, flowing together, are joined in the same place. And because it had been agreed to join the city of Troyes of Champagne to both kingdoms, and it was not suitable for the priests from the realm of Childeberth, Felix the legate, the greeting having been given and the letters shown, said: 'Your paternal uncle, O king, diligently inquires who has drawn you back from this promise, that the priests of your realm should delay to come to the council which you had decreed together. Or perhaps evil men are causing some root of discord to sprout between you?' Then I, while the king was silent, replied: 'Indeed, if tares are sown among the people; for among such, where it fastens its root, straightway it cannot be discovered.'

Nulli enim latet, quod Childeberthus rex alium patrem nisi patruum non habet, neque ille alium filium nisi hunc habere disponit, iuxta id quod eum anno praesenti audivimus loqui. Absit ergo, ut inter eos radix discordiae germinet, cum se pariter et tuere debeant et amare'. Tunc vocato secretius Felice legato, Childeberthus rex rogavit, dicens: 'Depraecor dominum et patrem meum, ut Theodoro episcopo nihil iniuriae inferat; quod si fecerit, confestim inter nos scandalum germinavit, erimusque, discordia inpediente, disiuncti, qui debemus amorem tuendo esse pacifici'. Acceptoque et de aliis causis responso, legatus discessit.

For it is hidden from no one that King Childeberth has no other father except his uncle, nor does he dispose to have any other son except this one, in accordance with what we have heard him say in the present year. Far be it, therefore, that a root of discord should germinate between them, since they ought together both to defend and to love one another.' Then, Felix the legate having been called more secretly, King Childeberth entreated, saying: 'I beseech my lord and father that he inflict no injury upon Bishop Theodore; but if he does this, straightway he has germinated a scandal between us, and we shall, with discord hindering, be disjoined—we who ought, by maintaining love, to be peaceable.' And a response also having been received concerning other causes, the legate departed.

14. De periculo in flumine.

14. On the peril in the river.

Nobis itaque in antedicto castro cum regem commorantibus, dum ad convivium principis usque obscura nocte reteneremur, epulo expleto, surreximus, venientesque ad fluvium, offendimus navem in litus, quae nobis fuerat praeparata. Ascendentibusque nobis, inruit turba hominum diversorum, impletaque est navis tam hominibus quam aquis. Sed virtus Domini adfuit non sine grande miraculo, ut, cum usque labium impleta fuisset, mergi non possit.

Thus, while we were staying with the king in the aforesaid castle, while we were detained at the prince’s banquet until dark night, the feast completed, we rose, and coming to the river, we came upon a ship on the shore, which had been prepared for us. And as we were embarking, a crowd of diverse people rushed in, and the ship was filled both with people and with waters. But the power of the Lord was present, not without a great miracle, so that, although it had been filled up to the very lip, it could not be sunk.

Habebamus enim nobiscum beati Martini reliquias cum aliorum sanctorum, quorum virtutem nos credimus fuisse salvatos. Ad vero nave ad litus unde egressi fuimus redeunte, evacuata vel ab hominibus vel a lymphis, repulsis extraneis, sine inpedimento transivimus. In crastino autem vale regi dicentes, abscessimus.

For we had with us the relics of blessed Martin together with those of other saints, by whose virtue we believe that we were saved. But when the ship returned to the shore whence we had disembarked, emptied of both men and waters, the outsiders having been driven back, we crossed without impediment. On the morrow, however, saying farewell to the king, we departed.

15. De conversione Vulfelaici diaconi.

15. On the conversion of the deacon Vulfelaicus.

Profecti igitur in itenere, ad Eposium castrum accessimus, ibique a Vulfilaico diacono nancti, ad monasterium eius deducti, benignissime suscepti sumus. Est enim hoc monasterium quasi milibus octo ab antedicto castro in montis cacumine collocatum. In quo monte magnam basilicam aedificavit, quam beati Martini vel reliquorum sanctorum reliquiis inlustravit.

Setting out, therefore, on the journey, we approached the fortress of Eposium, and there, having chanced upon Vulfilaicus the deacon, being led to his monastery, we were received most benignly. For this monastery is situated, at about eight miles from the aforesaid fortress, on the summit of a mountain. On which mountain he built a great basilica, which he adorned with the relics of blessed Martin and of the other saints.

Commorantes autem ibi, petere ab eo coepimus, ut nobis aliqua de conversionis suae bono narraret, vel qualiter ad clericatus officium advenissit, quia erat genere Langobardus. Sed nequibat exponere, vanam tota intentione cupiens gloriam evitare. Quem ego terribilibus sacramentis coniurans, pollicitus primo, ut nulli quae referebat expanderem, rogare coepi, ut nihil mihi de his quae interrogabam occoleret.

But staying there, we began to ask of him that he would tell us something about the good of his conversion, or how he had come to the office of the clericate, because he was by race a Langobard. But he was not able to set it forth, desiring with his whole intention to avoid vain glory. Whom I, binding with terrible oaths and having first promised that I would divulge to no one the things he related, began to ask that he should hide nothing from me of the things I was asking.

Cumque diutissime reluctasset, victus tandem tam praecibus quam obsecrationibus meis, haec effatus est: 'Dum essem', inquid, 'puer parvolus, audito beati Martini nomine, nesciens adhuc, utrum martyr an confessor esset, vel quid boni in mundo gessisset, vel quae regio beatus artus tumulo meruisset accipere, iam in eius honore vigilias celebrabam ac, si aliquid inter manus numismatis advenisset, aelimosinas faciebam. Iamque in maiore aetate proficiens, litteras discere studui; ex quibus prius scribere potui, quam ordinem scriptarum litterarum scirem. Deinde Aridio abbati coniunctus ab eoque edoctus, beati Martini basilicam adii.

And when he had resisted for a very long time, at last overcome both by my prayers and by my obsecrations, he spoke as follows: 'While I was,' he said, 'a very little boy, having heard the name of blessed Martin, not yet knowing whether he was a martyr or a confessor, or what good he had done in the world, or what region had merited to receive his blessed limbs in a tomb, already I was celebrating vigils in his honor, and, if any coin had come into my hands, I would give alms. And now, as I advanced to greater age, I strove to learn letters; from which I was able to write before I knew the order of the written letters. Then, joined to Abbot Aridius and taught by him, I went to the basilica of blessed Martin.'

Revertensque cum eo, ille parumper pulveris beati sepulchri pro benedictione sustulit, quod in capsulam positum ad collum meum dependit. Devectique ad monasterium eius Limovicino in termino, accepta capsula, ut eam in oraturio suo locaret, in tantum pulvis adcrevit, ut non solum totam capsam repleret, verum etiam foris inter iuncturas, ubi aditum repperire potuit, scatiret. Ex hoc mihi miraculi lumine animus magis accendit totam spem meam in eius virtute defigere.

And returning with him, he lifted a small portion of dust from the blessed sepulcher for a benediction, which, placed in a little capsule, he hung from my neck. And when we had been conveyed to his monastery within the Limousin boundary, receiving the capsule, so that he might place it in his oratory, the dust increased to such an extent that it not only filled the whole case, but even outside, between the joints, where it could find an access, it spurted forth. From this, by the light of the miracle, my spirit was the more kindled to fix all my hope upon his virtue.

Deinde territurium Trevericae urbis expetii, et in quo nunc estis monte habitaculum quod cernitis proprio labore construxi. Repperi tamen hic Dianae simulacrum, quod populus hic incredulus quasi deum adorabat. Colomnam etiam statui, in qua cum grandi cruciatu sine ullo pedum perstabam tegmine.

Then I sought out the territory of the Treveran city, and on the mountain on which you now are, I constructed by my own labor the dwelling which you behold. I found here, however, a simulacrum of Diana, which the unbelieving people adored as if a god. I also set up a column, on which, with great excruciation, I stood fast without any covering of the feet.

Itaque cum hiemis tempus solite advenisset, ita rigore glaciali urebar, ut ungues pedum meorum saepius vis rigoris excuteret et in barbis meis aqua gelu conexa candelarum more dependeret. Magnam enim hiemem regio illa persaepe dicitur sustenere'. Sed cum nos sollicite interrogaremus, qui ei cybus aut potus esset, vel qualiter simulacra montis illius subvertisset, ait: 'Potus cybusque meus erat parumper panis et oleris ac modicum aquae. Verum ubi ad me multitudo vicinarum villarum confluere coepit, praedicabam iugiter, nihil esse Dianam, nihil simulacra nihilque quae eis videbatur exercere cultura; indigna etiam esse ipsa, quae inter pocula luxuriasque profluas cantica proferebant; sed potius Deo omnipotenti, qui caelum fecit ac terram, dignum sit sacrificium laudis inpendere.

And so, when the time of winter had, as usual, arrived, I was so seared by glacial rigor that the force of the cold would often shake off the nails of my feet, and on my beard water, bound with frost, hung down after the manner of candles. For that region is very often said to sustain a great winter'. But when we anxiously asked what food or drink he had, or how he had overthrown the idols of that mountain, he said: 'My drink and food were a little bit of bread and greens and a small measure of water. But when the multitude from the neighboring villages began to flow together to me, I preached continually that Diana was nothing, the images nothing, and that there was nothing of the cult which seemed to them to be exercised; that those very persons were unworthy who, amid cups and profluent debaucheries, brought forth songs; but rather that to Almighty God, who made heaven and earth, it is fitting to render the sacrifice of praise.'

Orabam etiam saepius, ut simulacrum Dominus dirutum dignaretur populum illum ab hoc errore discutere. Flexit Domini misericordia mentem rusticam, ut inclinaret aurem suam in verba oris mei, ut scilicet, relictis idolis, Dominum sequeretur. Tunc convocatis quibusdam ex eis, simulacrum hoc inmensum, quod elidere propria virtute non poteram, cum eorum adiutorio possim eruere; iam enim reliqua sigillorum, quae faciliora fuerant, ipse confringeram.

I also prayed often that the Lord, with the simulacrum overthrown, would deign to shake that people free from this error. The mercy of the Lord bent the rustic mind, so that he inclined his ear to the words of my mouth, namely that, the idols having been left behind, he should follow the Lord. Then, certain of them having been called together, this immense simulacrum, which I could not cast down by my own strength, I might be able to tear out with their help; for by now the rest of the small images, which had been easier, I myself had shattered.

Convenientibus autem multis ad hanc Dianae statuam, missis funibus, trahere coeperunt; sed nihil labor eorum proficere poterat. Tunc ego ad basilicam propero, prostratusque solo, divinam misericordiam cum lacrimis flagitabam, ut, quia id humana industria evertere non valebat, virtus illud divina destrueret. Egressusque post orationem, ad operarius veni, adprehensumque funem, ut primo ictu trahere coepimus, protenus simulacrum ruit in terra, confractumque cum malleis ferreis in pulverem redegi.

But as many were coming together to this statue of Diana, after ropes were sent out, they began to drag; yet the labor of them could accomplish nothing. Then I hasten to the basilica, and, prostrate on the ground, with tears I was beseeching divine mercy, that, since human industry was not able to overthrow it, divine virtus would destroy it. And having gone out after the prayer, I came to the workers, and, having seized the rope, as at the first pull we began to draw, straightway the simulacrum fell to the earth, and, broken with iron mallets, I reduced it to powder.

Ipsa quoque hora, cum ad cibum capiendum venissem, ita omne corpus meum a vertice usque ad plantam pusulis malis repletum est, ut locus, quem unus digitus tegerit, vacuus invenire non possit. Ingressusque basilicam solus, denudavi me coram sancto altario. Habebam enim ibi ampullam cum oleo plenam, quam de sancti Martini basilicam detuleram; ex qua propriis manibus omnes artus perunxi, moxque sopori locatus sum.

That very hour also, when I had come to take food, my whole body from the crown to the sole was so filled with malignant pustules that a place which a single digit might cover could not be found vacant. And entering the basilica alone, I denuded myself before the holy altar. For I had there a little ampulla full of oil, which I had brought from the basilica of Saint Martin; from which, with my own hands, I anointed all my limbs, and soon I was settled to sleep.

Expergefactus vero circa medium noctis, cum ad cursum reddendum surgerem, ita corpus totum incolomem repperi, acsi nullum super me ulcus apparuisset. Quae vulnera non aliter nisi per invidiam inimici emissa cognovi. Et quia semper ipse invidus Deum quaerentibus nocere conatur, advenientibus episcopis, qui me magis ad hoc cohortare debuerant, ut coeptum opus sagaciter explicare deberem, dixerunt mihi: ìNon est aequa haec via, quam sequeris, nec tu ignobilis Symeoni Anthiochino, qui colomnae insedit, poteris conparare.

Awakened indeed about the middle of the night, when I rose to render the cursus, I found my whole body so sound as if no ulcer had appeared upon me. I understood that these wounds had been sent in no other way than through the envy of the Enemy. And because the envious one always tries to harm those who seek God, when the bishops arrived—who ought rather to have encouraged me to unfold the work begun sagaciously—they said to me: "This way which you follow is not an even road, nor will you, ignoble, be able to compare yourself to Symeon the Antiochene, who sat upon a column."

Sed nec cruciatum hoc te sustenere patitur loci positio. Discende potius et cum fratribus, quos adgregasti tecum, inhabita". Ad quorum verba, quia sacerdotes non obaudire adscribitur crimini, discendebam, fateor, et ambulabam cum eisdem ac cybum pariter capiebam. Quadam vero die, provocans me episcopus longius ad villam, emisit operarius cum scutis et malleis ac securibus, et eliserunt colomnam, in qua stare solitus eram.

But neither does the position of the place permit you to sustain this cruciation. “Climb down rather and dwell with the brothers, whom you have aggregated with you.” At whose words—since not to obey priests is written down as a crime—I was climbing down, I confess, and I was walking with the same men and I was taking food together. But on a certain day, the bishop, summoning me farther off to a villa, sent a workman with wedges and hammers and axes, and they smashed the column on which I was accustomed to stand.

In crastinum autem veniens, inveni omnia dissipata. Flevi vehementer, sed erigere nequivi quae distruxerant, ne dicerer contrarius iussionibus sacerdotum; et ex hoc, sicut nunc habito, cum fratribus habitare contentus sum'.

However, coming on the next day, I found everything dissipated. I wept vehemently, but I could not raise up again what they had destroyed, lest I be said to be contrary to the orders of the priests; and from this, as I now dwell, I am content to dwell with the brothers'.

16. Et quae de virtutibus sancti Martini retulit.

16. And what he recounted about the miracles of Saint Martin.

Cui cum de virtutibus beati Martini, quas in eo loco operatus est, aliquam ut declararet exposcirem, haec retulit: 'Franci cuiusdam et nobilissimi in gente sua viri filius mutus surdusque erat; adductusque a parentibus ad hanc basilicam, iussi eum cum diacono meo et alio ministro in ipsum templum sanctum in lectulo requiescere. Et per diem quidem orationi vacabat, nocte autem in ipsa, ut diximus, aede dormiebat. Quandoque misertus Deus, apparuit mihi in visione beatus Martinus, dicens: ìEiece agnum de basilica, quia iam sanus factus est". Mane autem facto, cogitanti mihi, quod esset hoc somnium, venit ad me puer, et emittens vocem, gratias agere Deo coepit, conversusque ad me, ait: ìGratias ago Deo omnipotenti, qui mihi et eloquium reddedit et auditum". Ex hoc sanus redditus, ad domum rediit.

To whom, when I asked that he would declare something of the virtues of blessed Martin which he had worked in that place, he related these things: 'The son of a certain Frank, a man most noble in his own nation, was mute and deaf; and brought by his parents to this basilica, I ordered that he, with my deacon and another minister, should rest on a little bed in the holy temple itself. And by day indeed he devoted himself to prayer, but by night he slept in that very, as we said, edifice. At length, God having had mercy, blessed Martin appeared to me in a vision, saying: "Cast the lamb out of the basilica, for he has now been made whole." But when morning had come, as I pondered what this dream might be, the boy came to me, and, sending forth his voice, began to give thanks to God; and turning to me, he said: "I give thanks to almighty God, who has restored to me both speech and hearing." From this, restored to health, he returned to his home.'

Alius vero, qui plerumque in furtis diversisque sceleribus conmixtus, periurare consueverat, cum aliquando a quibusdam pro furtu argueritur, ait: ìIbo ad basilicam beati Martini, et sacramentis me exuens, innocens reddar". Quo ingrediente, elapsa secure de manu eius, ad usteum ruit, gravi cordis dolore perculsus. Confessusque est miser verbis propriis quae venerat excusare periuriis. Alius simili modo cum de incendiis domus vicini sui argueritur, ait: ìVadam ad templum sancti Martini et, fide data, insons redditurus ero ab hoc crimine". Manifestum erat enim, hunc domum illam incendio concremasse.

Another man indeed, who for the most part was mixed up in thefts and diverse crimes and had been accustomed to perjure himself, when at some time he was accused by certain persons of theft, said: ìI will go to the basilica of blessed Martin, and, stripping myself by the sacraments, I shall be rendered innocent". As he was entering, with the axe having slipped from his hand, he fell at the doorway, smitten with a grave pain of the heart. And the wretch confessed with his own words what he had come to excuse by perjuries. Another, in like manner, when he was accused of the burnings of his neighbor’s house, said: ìI will go to the temple of Saint Martin and, faith having been given, I shall be rendered guiltless of this crime". For it was manifest that this man had consumed that house with fire.

Abiens autem ad sacramenta danda, conversus ad eum, dixi ei: ìQuantum vicinorum tuorum dictat assertio, non eris innocens ab hoc scelere; sed tamen Deus ubique est, et virtus eius ipsa est forinsecus, quae habetur intrinsecus. Tamen si ita te vana fiducia coepit, quod Deus vel sancti eius in periuribus non ulciscantur, ecce! templum sanctum e contra, iura, ut libet.

But as I was going to administer the sacraments, turning to him, I said to him: "Insofar as the assertion of your neighbors dictates, you will not be innocent of this crime; yet nevertheless God is everywhere, and his virtue itself is without, which is held within. Still, if such vain confidence has taken hold of you—that God or his saints do not avenge themselves upon perjurers—behold! the holy temple is right opposite; swear as you please."

Nam calcare limen sacrum non permitteris". Ad ille, elevatis manibus, ait: ìPer omnipotentem Deum et virtutem beati Martini antestitis eius, quia hoc incendium non admisi". Data itaque sacramenta, dum recederet, visum est ei quasi ab igne circumdare. Et statim ruens in terra, clamare coepit, se a beato antestite vehementer exuri. Aiebat enim miser: ìTestor Deum, quia ego vidi ignem de caelo cadere, qui me circumdans validis vaporibus conflat". Et dum haec diceret, spiritum exalavit.

"For you will not be permitted to tread the sacred threshold." But he, with hands raised, said: "By the omnipotent God and by the virtue of blessed Martin, his pontiff, that I did not admit this arson." The oaths having thus been given, while he was withdrawing, it seemed to him as if he were being surrounded by fire. And immediately collapsing to the ground, he began to cry out that he was being vehemently burned by the blessed pontiff. For the wretch kept saying: "I bear witness to God that I saw fire fall from heaven, which, surrounding me, melts me with powerful blasts of heat." And while he was saying these things, he breathed out his spirit.

Multis haec causa documentum fuit, ne in hoc loco auderent ulterius periurare'. Plurima quidem de his virtutibus hic diaconus retulit, quae sequi longum potavi.

For many this case was a lesson, that they should not dare to perjure further'. Indeed, this deacon related very many things about these miracles (virtues), which I thought it would be too long to pursue.

17. De signis quae apparuerunt.

17. On the signs which appeared.

Dum autem in loco illo commoraremur, vidimus per duas noctes signa in caelo, id est radius a parte aquilonis tam dare splendidus, ut prius sic apparuisse non fuerent visi; et ab utraque quidem parte, id est ab euro et zephero, nubes sanguineae. Tertia vero nocte quasi hora secunda apparuerunt hii radii. Et ecce!

While, however, we were tarrying in that place, we saw for two nights signs in the sky, that is, a ray from the north side so splendid that never before had they been seen to appear thus; and indeed on both sides, that is from Eurus and Zephyrus, blood-red clouds. But on the third night, at about the second hour, these rays appeared. And behold!

dum eos miraremur attoniti, surrexerunt a quatuor plagis mundi alii horum similes; vidimusque totum caelum ab his operire. Et erat nubes in medio caeli splendida, ad quam se hi radii collegebant in modum tenturii, quod ab imo ex amplioribus incoeptum fasceis, angustatis in altum, in uno cuculli capite saepe collegitur. Erantque in medio radiorum et aliae nubes, ceu coruscum valide fulgorantes.

while we, astonished, were marveling at them, others like these rose from the four quarters of the world; and we saw the whole heaven being covered by them. And there was a splendid cloud in the midst of the sky, to which these rays were gathering themselves in the manner of a tent-canopy, which, begun from below from broader fasciae, narrowed aloft, is often gathered into one head of a cowl. And in the midst of the rays there were other clouds as well, coruscant like lightning, shining with strong effulgence.

Quod signum magnum nobis ingessit metum. Operiebamur enim, super nos aliquam plagam de caelo transmitti.

Which sign brought great fear upon us. For we were awaiting that some blow from heaven be sent down upon us.

18. Quod Childeberthus in Italiam direxit exercitum.

18. That Childebert directed an army into Italy.

Quod Childeberthus in Italiam direxit exercitum, et qui duces vel comites aut institute sunt aut remote.

That Childebert sent an army into Italy, and which dukes or counts were either installed or removed.

Childebertus vero rex, inpellentibus missis imperialibus, qui aurum, quod anno superiore datum fuerat, requirebat, exercitum in Italia diregit. Sonus enim erat, sororem suam Ingundem iam Constantinopoli fuisset translata. Sed cum duces inter se altercarentur, regressi sunt sine ullius lucri conquisitione.

But King Childebert, with the imperial envoys urging, who was requiring the gold that had been given in the previous year, directed an army into Italy. For there was a rumor that his sister Ingund had already been translated to Constantinople. But when the dukes quarrelled among themselves, they returned without the acquisition of any profit.

Nam Wintrio dux, a paginsibus suis depulsus, ducatum caruit; finissitque vitam, nisi fuga auxilium praebuisset. Sed postea, pacatum populum, ducatum recepit. Itaque Nicetius per emissionem Eulalii a comitatu Arverno submotus, ducatum a rege expetiit, datis pro eo inmensis muneribus.

For Wintrio the duke, driven off by his own country-people, was without the dukedom; and he would have finished his life, had not flight afforded help. But afterward, with the people pacified, he recovered the dukedom. And so Nicetius, through the sending-forth of Eulalius, being removed from the County of Auvergne, sought the dukedom from the king, immense gifts having been given for it.

Et sic in urbe Arverna, Rutena atque Ucetica dux ordinatus est, vir valde aetate iuvenis, sed acutus in sensu, fecitque pacem in regionem Arverna vel in reliqua ordinationis suae loca. Chuldericus vero Saxo in offensam regis Guntchramni incedens, pro causa, qua superius diximus alius confugisse, beati Martini basilicam expetiit, uxorem in regno regis antedicti relinquens. Cui obtestaverat rex, ne virum videre praesumeret, nisi prius ille regali gratiae reconciliaretur; ad quem cum pro eo saepius legationem misissimus, tandem obtenuemus, ut uxorem reciperet et citra Legerem fluvium commoraretur, non tamen ad regem Childeberthum transire praesumeret.

And thus in the city of the Arverni, the Ruteni, and Ucetica, a duke was ordained, a man very youthful in age, but acute in sense; and he made peace in the Arvernian region as well as in the other places of his ordination. But Chulderic the Saxon, falling into the displeasure of King Gunthramn, for the cause on account of which we said above that another had fled, sought the basilica of blessed Martin, leaving his wife in the kingdom of the aforesaid king. The king had adjured her not to presume to see her husband, unless first he were reconciled to regal grace; and to him, as we very often sent a legation on his behalf, at length we obtained that he should receive his wife and dwell on this side of the river Loire, yet not presume to cross over to King Childebert.

Sed ille, accepta libertate recipiendae uxoris, clam ad eum transiit, adeptaque ordinatione ducatus in civitatebus ultra Garonnam, quae in potestatem supradicti regis habebantur, accessit. Guntchramnus vero rex volens regnum nepotis sui Chlotchari, fili scilicet Chilperici, regere, Theodulfum Andegavis comitem esse decrevit. Introductusque in urbe, a civibus et praesertim a Domighisilo cum humilitate repulsus est.

But he, having received the liberty of taking back his wife, secretly crossed over to him; and, having obtained the ordination of a dukedom in the cities beyond the Garonne, which were held in the power of the aforesaid king, he approached. King Guntchramn, however, wishing to govern the realm of his grandson Chlotchar, namely the son of Chilperic, decreed that Theodulf should be count at Angers. And when he was introduced into the city, he was repulsed with humiliation by the citizens, and especially by Domighisilus.

Recurrensque ad regem, iterum praeceptum accipiens, a Sigulfo duci intromissus, comitatum urbis illius rexit. Gundovaldus autem comitatum Meldensim super Werpinum conpetiit, ingressusque urbem, causarum actionem agere coepit. Exinde dum pagum urbis in hoc officio circuiret, in quadam villa a Werpino interficitur.

And returning to the king, receiving an order again, admitted by Duke Sigulf, he governed the county of that city. Gundovald, however, contested the county of Meaux against Werpinus; and having entered the city, he began to conduct the action of causes. Thence, while he was going around the district of the city in this office, he is killed by Werpinus in a certain villa.

Cuius parentes congregati super hunc inruunt, inclusumque in pensilem domus interemunt. Sicque uterque a comitatu morte inminente discessit.

And his parents, having assembled, rush upon him, and, with him shut up in the hanging upper room of the house, they kill him. And thus each departed from the county with death impending.

19. De interitu Daulfi abbatis.

19. On the death of Abbot Daulfus.

Cum autem saepius Dagulfus abba pro sceleribus suis argueritur, quia furta et homicidia plerumque faciebat, sed et in adulteriis nimium dissolutus erat, quodam tempore uxorem vicini sui concupiscens, miscebatur cum ea. Requirens occasiones diversas, qualiter virum adulterae, qui in terra huius monasterii conmanebat, deberet oppremere, ad extremum contestatus est ei, dicens, quod, si ad uxorem suam accederet, puniretur. Illo quoque discedente ab hospitiolo suo, hic nocte cum uno clerico veniens, domum meretricis ingreditur. Postquam autem diutissime bibentes inebriati sunt, in uno strato locantur.

When, however, Dagulfus the abbot was very often arraigned for his crimes—because he for the most part was committing thefts and homicides, but also was excessively dissolute in adulteries—at a certain time, desiring the wife of his neighbor, he was having intercourse with her. Seeking diverse occasions as to how he should oppress the husband of the adulteress, who was dwelling on the land of this monastery, at last he adjured him, saying that, if he should approach his wife, he would be punished. When that man also departed from his little lodging, this one, coming by night with one cleric, enters the house of the harlot. But after, drinking for a very long time, they became inebriated, they are placed upon one bed.

Quibus dormientibus, adveniens vir ille accenso stramine, elevata bipenne utrumque peremit. Ideoque documentum sit haec causa clericis, ne contra canonum statuta extranearum mulierum consortium potiantur, cum haec et ipsa lex canonica et omnes scripturae sanctae prohibeant, praeter his feminis, de quibus crimen non potest aestimari.

While they were sleeping, that man arrived, the straw having been kindled, and, with the two-edged battle-axe raised, slew them both. Therefore let this case be a lesson for clerics, that they not, against the statutes of the canons, take to themselves the company of strange women, since both the canonical law itself and all the holy Scriptures forbid these things, except for those women with respect to whom no crime can be presumed.

20. Quae in sinodo Matescense acta sunt.

20. What was done in the Matescense synod.

Interim dies placiti advenit, et episcopi ex iusso regis Guntchramni apud Matiscensim urbem collecti sunt. Faustianus autem, qui ex iusso Gundovaldi Aquinsi urbi episcopus ordinatus fuerat, ea condicione removitur, ut eum Bertchramnus Orestesque sive Palladius, qui eum benedixerant, vicibus pascerent centinusque ei aureus annis singulis ministrarent. Nicetius tamen ex laico, qui prius ab Chilperico regi praeceptum elicuerat, in ipsa urbe episcopatum adeptus est.

Meanwhile the day of the placitum arrived, and the bishops, by order of King Guntram, were gathered at the city of Matisco. But Faustianus, who by order of Gundovald had been ordained bishop to the city of Aix, is removed on this condition: that Bertram and Orestes, or Palladius, who had blessed (consecrated) him, should support him by turns, and that they should supply to him each year a hundred in gold. Nevertheless Nicetius, being from a layman—who earlier had elicited a precept from King Chilperic—obtained the episcopate in that very city.

Ursicinus Cadurcinsis episcopus excommunicatur, pro eo quod Gundovaldum excipisse publice est confessus, accepto huiusmodi placito, ut, paenitentiam tribus annis agens, neque capillum neque barbam tonderit, vino et carnibus absteniret, missas celebrare, clericus ordinare aeclesiasque et crisma benedicere, eulogias dare paenitus non auderet, utilitas tamen aeclesiae per eius ordinationem, sicut solita erat, omnino exerceretur. Extetit enim in hac synodo quidam ex episcopis, qui dicebat, mulierem hominem non posse vocitare. Sed tamen ab episcopis ratione accepta quievit, eo quod sacer Veteris Testamenti liber edoceat, quod in principio, Deo hominem creante, ait: Masculum et feminam creavit eos, vocavitque nomen eorum Adam, quod est homo terrenus, sic utique vocans mulierem ceu virum; utrumque enim hominem dixit.

Ursicinus, bishop of Cahors, is excommunicated, for that he publicly confessed to have received Gundovald, with such a decree accepted: that, doing penitence for three years, he should neither cut hair nor beard, should abstain from wine and meats, should by no means dare to celebrate masses, to ordain clerics, and to bless churches and chrism, to give eulogies; nevertheless the utility of the church, through his ordering, just as was customary, should be wholly carried on. For there stood forth in this synod a certain one of the bishops, who was saying that a woman cannot be called “man.” But nevertheless, an argument having been received from the bishops, he grew quiet, because the sacred book of the Old Testament teaches that in the beginning, when God was creating man, it says: “Male and female he created them, and he called their name Adam,” which is “earthly man,” thus indeed calling the woman as the man; for he called both “man.”

Sed et dominus Iesus Christus ob hoc vocitatur filius hominis, quod sit filius virginis, id est mulieris. Ad quam, cum aquas in vina transferre pararet, ait: Quid mihi et tibi est, mulier? et reliqua.

But also the lord Jesus Christ on this account is called the son of man, because he is the son of a virgin, that is, of a woman. To whom, when he was preparing to transfer the waters into wines, he said: What is there to me and to you, woman? and the rest.

Multisque et aliis testimoniis haec causa convicta quievit. Praetextatus vero Rotomagensis episcopus orationis, quas in exsilio positus scalpsit, coram episcopis recitavit. Quae quibusdam quidem placuerunt, a quibusdam vero, quia artem secutus minime fuerat, repraehendebantur.

And with many other testimonies as well, this case, having been proven, came to rest. Praetextatus, indeed, the bishop of Rouen, recited before the bishops the orations which, when placed in exile, he had engraved. Which indeed pleased some, but by others, because he had by no means followed the art, were reproved.

Stilus tamen per loca aeclesiasticus et rationabilis erat. Caedis enim magna tunc inter famulus Prisci episcopi et Leudeghisili ducis fuit. Priscus tamen episcopus ad coemendam pacem multum paecuniae obtulit.

However, the style was in places ecclesiastical and reasonable. For indeed a great slaughter then took place between the servants of Priscus the bishop and of Leudeghisilus the duke. Priscus, however, the bishop, offered much money to purchase peace.

His etenim diebus Guntchramnus rex graviter aegrotavit, ita ut potaretur a quibusdam non posse prorsus evadere. Quod, credo, providentia Dei fecisset. Cogitabat enim multus episcoporum exsilio detrudere.

For in these days King Guntchramnus fell grievously ill, so that he was thought by some not at all able to escape. Which, I believe, the providence of God had brought about. For he was thinking to thrust many bishops into exile.

Theodorus itaque episcopus ad urbem suam regressus, favente omni populo, cum laude susceptus est.

Therefore Bishop Theodore, having returned to his city, with all the people favoring, was received with praise.

21. De placito Belsonanco et de sepulchro violato.

21. On the placitum at Belsonancum and on the violated sepulchre.

Itaque cum hoc synodum ageretur, Childeberthus rex aput Belsonancum villa , quae in medio Ardoennensis silvae sita est, cum suis coniungitur. Ibique Brunichildis regina pro Ingunde filia, quae adhuc in Africa tenebatur, omnibus prioribus questa est, sed parum consolationis emeruit. Tunc contra Bosonem Guntchramnum causa exoritur.

And so, while this synod was being held, King Childeberthus at Belsonancum villa , which is situated in the middle of the Ardennes forest, is joined with his own. And there Queen Brunichildis, on behalf of her daughter Ingunde, who was still being held in Africa, complained before all the leading men, but she earned little consolation. Then a case arises against Boso and Guntram.

Ante paucus autem dies mortua propinqua uxoris eius sine filiis, in basilicam urbis Metinsis sepulta est cum grandibus ornamentis et multo auro. Factum est autem, ut post dies paucus adesset festivitas beati Remedii, quae in initio mensis octavi caelebratur. Discedentibus autem multis e civitate cum episcopo et praesertim senioris urbis cum duci, venerunt pueri Bosonis Guntchramni ad basilica, in qua mulier erat sepulta.

However, a few days earlier a kinswoman of his wife, without children, had died and was buried in the basilica of the city of Metz with grand ornaments and much gold. And it came to pass that after a few days the festival of blessed Remedius, which is celebrated at the beginning of the eighth month, was at hand. As many were departing from the city with the bishop, and especially the elders of the city with the duke, the pages of Boso, of Guntram’s household, came to the basilica in which the woman had been buried.

Et ingressi, conclusis super se osteis, detexerunt sepulchrum, tollentes omnia ornamenta corporis defuncti, quae reperire potuerant. Sentientes autem haec monachi basilicae illius, venerunt ad ostium; sed ingredi non sunt permissi. Quod videntes, nuntiaverunt haec episcopo suo ac duci.

And having entered, with the doors closed upon them, they uncovered the sepulcher, taking away all the ornaments of the deceased’s body which they had been able to find. But the monks of that basilica, perceiving these things, came to the doorway; yet they were not permitted to enter. Seeing this, they announced these things to their bishop and to the duke.

Interea pueri, acceptis rebus ascensisque equitibus, fugire coeperunt. Sed timentes, ne, adprehensi in via, diversis subegerentur poenis, regressi sunt ad basilicam. Posueruntque quidem res super altarium, sed foris egredi non sunt ausi, clamantes atque dicentes, quia: 'A Gunthchramno Bosone transmissi sumus'. Sed cum ad placitum in villam quam diximus Childeberthus cum proceribus suis convenisset et Gunthchramnus de his interpellatus nullum responsum dedisset, clam aufugit.

Meanwhile the youths, after taking the goods and mounting their horses, began to flee. But fearing lest, if apprehended on the road, they be subjected to diverse punishments, they returned to the basilica. And they indeed placed the things upon the altar, but they did not dare to go outside, shouting and saying that: 'We have been sent by Gunthchramnus Boson.' But when, for a placitum, Childeberthus had convened with his nobles in the villa which we mentioned, and Gunthchramnus, being interpellated about these matters, had given no answer, he secretly fled.

Ablataeque sunt ei deinceps omnes res, quae in Arverno de fisci munere promeruerat. Sed et diversorum res, quas male pervaserat, cum confusionem reliquid.

And thereafter all the goods were taken from him which in Arverni he had merited from the gift of the fisc. But he also left behind, with confusion, the property of various people which he had ill-appropriated.

22. De obito episcoporum et Wandalini.

22. On the obit of the bishops and of Wandalinus.

Laban Helosinsis episcopus hoc anno obiit; cui Desiderius ex laico successit. Cum iusiurando enim rex pollicitus fuerat, se numquam ex laicis episcopum ordinaturum. Sed quid pectora humana non cogat auri sacra famis?

Laban, bishop of Helosinsis, died this year; Desiderius, from a laic, succeeded him. For with an oath the king had promised that he would never ordain a bishop from among the laity. But to what does the accursed hunger for gold not drive human hearts?

Berthchramnus vero regressus ex synodo, a febre corripitur; arcessitumque Waldonem diaconem, qui et ipse in baptismo Berthchramnus vocitatus est, summam ei sacerdotii depotat omnesque condicionis tam testamenti quam benemeritorum suorum ipsi committit. Quo discedente, hic spiritum exalavit. Regressus diaconus, cum muneribus et consensu civium ad regem properat, set nihil obtenuit.

But Berthchramnus, indeed, having returned from the synod, is seized by a fever; and, having summoned Waldon the deacon—who also himself in baptism was called Berthchramnus—he designates to him the summit of the priesthood and entrusts to him all the conditions both of the testament and of his well‑deserving men. With him departing, this man exhaled his spirit. The deacon having returned, with gifts and the consent of the citizens he hastens to the king, but obtained nothing.

Tunc rex, data praeceptione, iussit Gundegisilum Sanctonicum comitem cognomento Dodonem episcopum ordinare, gestumque est ita. E quia multi clericorum Sanctonicorum ante synodum, consentientes Berthchramno episcopo, in Palladium sacerdotem suum aliqua adversa conscripserant, quae ei humilitatem ingererent, post eius obitum adprehensi a sacerdote, graviter caesi adque expoliati sunt. Hoc tempore et Wandelenus, nutritor Childeberti regis, obiit, sed in loco eius nullus est subrogatus, eo quod regina mater curam vellit propriam habere de filio.

Then the king, having given a precept, ordered Gundegiselus, the Count of Saintes, to ordain by-name Dodon as bishop, and it was done so. And because many of the clerics of Saintes, before the synod, agreeing with Bishop Berthchramnus, had conscribed certain adverse things against Palladius their priest, which would thrust humiliation upon him, after his death they were seized by the priest, were grievously beaten, and despoiled. At this time also Wandelenus, the nurturer of King Childebert, died; but in his place no one was subrogated, for the queen mother wished to have the care of her son as her own.

Quaecumque de fisco meruit, fisci iuribus sunt relata. Obiit his diebus Bodygisilus dux plenus dierum, sed nihil de facultate eius filiis minuatum est. In loco Fausti Auscensis episcopi Saius presbiter subrogatur.

Whatever he had obtained from the fisc was reported back to the fisc’s rights. In these days Bodygisilus the duke died, full of days, but nothing of his estate was diminished for his sons. In the place of Faustus, the Auscensian bishop, Saius the presbyter is appointed.

Post obitum sancti Salvii hoc anno Desideratus Albiginsibus episcopus datus est.

After the death of Saint Salvius, in this year Desideratus was given to the Albigenses as bishop.

23. De diluviis.

23. On deluges.

Magnae hoc anno pluviae fuerunt, amnesque in tantum convaluerunt, ut plerumque naufragia evenirent. Ipsique litora excedentes, propinquas segetis ac prata operientes graviter eliserunt, fueruntque vernalis aestivique mensis tam inrigui, ut hiems magis potaretur esse quam aestas.

Great rains were in this year, and the rivers grew strong to such an extent that shipwrecks for the most part occurred. And they themselves, overpassing the shores, covering the neighboring standing grain and meadows, grievously battered them; and the spring and summer months were so well-watered that it was rather thought to be winter than summer.

24. De insolis maris.

24. On the islands of the sea.

Duae hoc anno insolae in mare divinitus incendio concrematae sunt, quae per dies septim cum hominibus pecoribusque consumptae subvertebantur. Nam qui in mari confugerant et se in profundo praecipitabant, in ipsa qua mergebantur aqua consumebantur graviorique supplicio, qui non confestim emittebant spiritum, urebantui. Redactis quoque omnibus in favilla, cuncta maris operuit.

Two islands this year in the sea were, by divine agency, burned in a conflagration, which for seven days, together with humans and herds, were consumed and were being overturned. For those who had taken refuge in the sea and were throwing themselves into the deep, in the very water in which they were being submerged they were consumed; and, with a more grievous punishment, those who did not at once breathe forth their spirit were being burned. And when all things had been reduced into cinders, the sea covered everything.

Ferebant etiam multi, signa, quae superius nos vidisse octavo mense narravimus, quasi ardere caelum, ex huius incendii splendore fuisse.

Many also were reporting that the signs, which above we have related that we saw in the eighth month, as if the sky were burning, were from the splendor of this conflagration.

25. De insola, in qua sanguis apparuit.

25. On the island, in which blood appeared.

In alia vero insola, quae est proxima civitate Veneticae, erat stagnum validum piscibusque refertum, quod in unius ulnae altitudine conversum est in cruore; ita per dies multus congregata canum atque avium inaestimabilis multitudo, sanguinem hoc lambens, satiata redibat in vesperum.

On another island, indeed, which is next to the city of Venice, there was a strong pond, replete with fish, which to the altitude of one cubit was converted into blood; thus for many days an inestimable multitude of dogs and birds, having congregated, licking this blood, returned sated in the evening.

26. De Berulfo, qui dux fuit.

26. Concerning Berulf, who was duke.

Toronicis vero atque Pectavis Ennodius dux datus est. Berulfus autem, qui his civitatibus ante praefuerat, pro thesauris Syghiberti regis, quos clam abstulerat, cum Arnegysilo socio suspectus habetur. Qui cum hoc ducatum in supradictis urbibus expeterit, a Rauchingo duce, facto ingenio, cum satellite allegatur.

But to the Toronics and the Pectavis Ennodius was given as duke. Berulf, however, who had previously presided over these cities, is held suspect on account of the treasures of King Syghibert, which he had secretly removed, together with his associate Arnegysilus. And when he sought this dukedom in the aforementioned cities, by a stratagem contrived he was, by Duke Rauchingi, bound along with his satellite.

Nec mora, missi ad domus eorum pueri expilant omnia; multa ibi de proprio, nonnulla de antedictis thesauris sunt reperta, quae omnia ad Childeberthum regem delata sunt. Cumque in hoc res ageretur, ut gladius cervicem decideret, interventu episcoporum obtenta vita laxati sunt, nihil tamen de his quae eis ablata fuerant recipientes.

Without delay, servants sent to their houses despoil everything; many things there of their own property, some from the aforesaid treasures, were found, all of which were borne to King Childebert. And when the matter was being driven to this point, that the sword should lop off the neck, by the intervention of the bishops, life having been obtained, they were released, yet receiving nothing of those things which had been taken from them.

27. Quod Desiderius ad regem abiit.

27. That Desiderius went to the king.

Desiderius vero dux cum aliquibus episcopis et Aridio abbate vel Antestio ad regem Gunthchramno properavit. Sed cum eum rex aegre vellit accipere, victus precibus sacerdotum, in gratia sua recepit. Tunc ibi Eulalius adfuit, quasi pro coniuge, quae eum spreverat et ad Desiderium transierat, causaturus; sed in ridiculo et humilitate redactus, siluit.

Desiderius indeed, the duke, with some bishops and with Abbot Aridius and Antestius, hastened to King Gunthchramn. But when the king was reluctant to receive him, overcome by the prayers of the priests, he received him back into his favor. Then Eulalius was present there, as if to plead concerning the spouse who had spurned him and had passed over to Desiderius; but reduced to ridicule and humiliation, he fell silent.

Desiderius vero remuneratus a rege, cum gratia est reversus.

But Desiderius, remunerated by the king, returned with favor.

28. De Ermeneghildo et Ingundae.

28. On Hermenegild and Ingund.

De Ermeneghildo et Ingundae vel de legatis Hispanorum clam ad Fredegundem missis.

On Hermenegild and Ingund, or on the legates of the Spaniards sent secretly to Fredegund.

Igitur, ut saepius diximus, Ingundis a viro cum imperatoris exercitu derelicta, dum ad ipsum principem cum filio parvolo duceretur, in Africa defuncta est et sepulta. Leuvichildus vero Herminichildum filium suum, quem antedicta mulier habuit, morti tradedit. Quibus de causis commotus Gunthchramnus rex, exercitum in Hispaniis distinat, scilicet ut prius Septimaniam, quae adhuc infra Galliarum terminum habetur, eius dominatione subderint et sic in antea proficiscerentur.

Therefore, as we have said more often, Ingundis, abandoned by her husband with the emperor’s army, while she was being led to the emperor himself with her very little son, died in Africa and was buried. Leuvichildus, indeed, handed over to death Herminichild, his son, whom the aforesaid woman had borne. For these causes stirred, King Gunthchramnus dispatches an army into the Spains, namely so that first Septimania, which is still held within the boundary of the Gauls, might be subjected to his domination, and thus thereafter they might advance.

Dum autem hic exercitus moveretur, indecolum cum nescio quibus hominibus rusticis est repertum. Quem et Gunthchramno rege legendum miserunt, hoc modo, quasi Leuvichildus ad Fredegundem scriberet, ut quocumque ingenio exercitum illuc ire prohiberet, dicens: 'Inimicos nostros, id est Childeberthum et matrem eius, velociter interemite et cum rege Gunthchramno pacem inite, quod praemiis multis coemite. Et si vobis minus est fortassis paecunia, nos clam mittimus, tantum ut quae petimus impleatis.

Meanwhile, as this army was being moved, a memorandum was found with I-know-not-what rustic men. Which they also sent to King Gunthchramn to be read, in this fashion, as if Leuvichild were writing to Fredegund, that by whatever ingenuity she should prevent the army from going thither, saying: 'Our enemies, that is, Childebert and his mother, destroy swiftly, and with King Gunthchramn make peace, which purchase with many rewards. And if perchance money is less for you, we send it secretly, only that you fulfill the things we ask.

Cum autem de inimicis nostris ulli fuerimus, tunc Amelio episcopo ac Leubae matronae bona tribuite, per quos missis nostris ad vos accedendi aditus reseratur'. Leuba enim est socrus Bladastis ducis.

And if, moreover, in regard to our enemies we shall have been of any effect, then bestow goods upon Bishop Amelius and upon the matron Leuba, through whom the access for our envoys to approach you is opened'. For Leuba is the mother-in-law of Duke Bladast.

29. Quod Fredegundis misit, qui Childeberthum interfecerint.

29. That Fredegund sent men to kill Childebert.

Et licet haec ad Gunthchramnum regem perlata et nepote suo Childebertho in notitiam data fuissent, tamen Fredegundis duos cultros ferreos fieri praecepit, quos etiam caraxari profundius et venino infici iussit, ut scilicet, si mortalis adsultus vitalis non dissolverit fibras, vel ipsa venini infectio vitam possit velocius extorquere. Quos cultros duobus clericis cum haec mandata tradedit, dicens: 'Accipite hos gladius et quantocius pergite ad Childeberthum regem, adsimilantes vos esse mendicos. Cumque pedibus eius fueritis strati, quasi stipem postulantes, latera eius utraque perfodite, ut tandem Brunichildis, quae ab illo adrogantiam sumit, eo cadente conruat mihique subdatur.

And although these things had been conveyed to King Gunthchramn and brought to the notice of his nephew Childeberth, nevertheless Fredegundis ordered two iron knives to be made, and she also ordered that they be furrowed more deeply and infected with venom, so that, namely, if the mortal assault did not dissolve the vital fibers, then the very infection of the poison might be able to wrench out life more swiftly. She handed these knives to two clerics together with these commands, saying: 'Receive these blades and go as quickly as possible to King Childeberth, feigning yourselves to be beggars. And when you have been prostrate at his feet, as if asking alms, stab through both his sides, so that at last Brunichildis, who derives arrogance from him, with him falling may collapse and be subjected to me.'

Quod si tanta est costodia circa puerum, ut accedere nequeatis, vel ipsam interemite inimicam. Mercis quoque operis vestri haec erit, ut, si mortui in hoc opere fueritis, parentibus vestris bona tribuam, ipsosque muneribus ditans primus in regnum meum constituam. Interim vos timorem omnem omittite, nec sit trepidatio mortis in pectore.

But if the guard around the boy is so great that you cannot approach, then slay the enemy herself. And this will be the wage of your work: that, if you should die in this undertaking, I will bestow goods upon your parents, and enriching them with gifts I will establish them in the foremost place in my kingdom. Meanwhile, cast off all fear, and let there be no trepidation of death in your breast.

Noveritis enim, quod cunctos homines haec causa continet. Armate viriletate animus et considerate saepius fortes viros in bello conruere, unde nunc parentes eorum nobilis effecti opibus inmensis cunctis supereminent cunctisque praecellent'. Cumque haec mulier loqueretur, clerici tremere coeperunt, difficile potantes, haec iussa posse conplere. At illa dubius cernens, medificatus potione direxit, quo ire praecepit; statimque robor animorum adcrevit, promiseruntque se omnia quae praeceperat impleturus.

For know, indeed, that this cause concerns all men. Let your spirit be armed with virility, and consider how often strong men collapse in war, whence now their parents, made noble, with immense wealth are supereminent above all and preeminent over all. And while the woman was speaking these things, the clerics began to tremble, supposing it difficult that these orders could be completed. But she, perceiving them doubtful, having compounded a potion, dispatched them to where she had ordered them to go; and straightway the vigor of their spirits increased, and they promised that they would complete everything she had prescribed.

Nihil minus vasculum ab haec potione repletum ipsos levare iubet, dicens: 'In die illa, cum haec quae praecipio facetis, mane, priusquam opus incipiatur, hunc potum sumite. Erit vobis magna constantia ad haec peragenda'. His ita instructis, demisit eos. Quibus pergentibus adque ad urbem Sessionas accedentibus, a Rauchingo duci capti discussique omnia reserant, et sic in carcere legati sunt.

Nevertheless he orders them to carry a little vessel filled with this potion, saying: 'On that day, when you will do these things which I enjoin, in the morning, before the work is begun, take this drink. There will be for you great constancy for accomplishing these things.' With them thus instructed, he sent them away. And as they were going and approaching the city Sessionas, they were seized by Rauchingus the duke, and, having been examined, they disclose everything, and so they were bound in prison.

Post dies vero paucos Fredegundis, certa iam, quod fuissent impleta quae fuerant imperata, misit puerum inquerere, quid aut rumor populi ferret, aut si aliquem inveniret indicantem, qui diceret Childeberthum iam interemptum fuisse. Egressus igitur puer ab ea, Sessionas urbem venit. Audiens denique hos in carcerem retenere, ad ostium adpropinquat; sed cum loqui satellitibus coepisset, et ipse captus costodiae mancipatur.

But after a few days indeed, Fredegund, now certain that the things which had been commanded had been fulfilled, sent a boy to inquire what either the rumor of the people carried, or whether he might find anyone indicating who would say that Childebert had already been slain. The boy therefore, having gone out from her, came to the city of Soissons. Hearing at length that these men were being held in prison, he approaches the doorway; but when he began to speak with the guards, he too, seized, is delivered over to custody.

Tunc omnes simul ad Childeberthum regem directi sunt, discussisque, veritatem aperiunt, indicantes se a Fredegunde missus ad eum interemendum, dicentes: 'Iussa reginae suscipimus, ut nos egenus adsimilaremus. Cumque pedibus tuis provoluti aliquid stipendii quaereremus, ab his te gladiis transfodere voluemus. Quod si adsultu signiore gladius difixisset, ipsum venenum, quod ferrum erat infectum, animam velociter penetraret'. Haec his dicentibus, diversis suppliciis adfecti, truncatis manibus auribusque et naribus, variis sunt mortibus interempti.

Then all together they were brought to King Childebert, and, after examination, they lay open the truth, indicating that they had been sent by Fredegund to do him in, saying: 'We accept the commands of the queen, to make ourselves like the needy. And when, prostrate at your feet, we were seeking some stipend, we intended to pierce you through with these swords. But if by a more marked assault the sword had been driven home, the very venom, with which the iron had been infected, would swiftly penetrate the soul'. As they said these things, afflicted with diverse punishments, with their hands and ears and noses cut off, they were put to death in various ways.

30. Quod exercitus in Septimaniam abiit.

30. That the army went into Septimania.

Igitur Gunthchramnus rex cummoveri exercitum in Hispaniis praecepit, dicens: 'Prius Septimaniam proventiam ditioni nostrae subdite, quae Galliis est propinqua, quia indignum est, ut horrendorum Gothorum terminus usque in Galliis sit extensus'. Tunc commoto omni exercitu regni sui, illuc dirigit. Gentes vero, quae ultra Ararem Rhodanumque et Sequanam commanebant, cum Burgundionibus iunctae, Arareca Rhodaniticaque litora tam de fructibus quam de pecoribus valde depopulati sunt. Multa homicidia, incendia praedasquae in regione propria facientes, sed et aeclesias denudantes, clericos ipsos cum sacerdotibus ac reliquo populo ad ipsas sacratas Deo aras interementes, usque ad urbem Nemausus processerunt.

Therefore King Gunthchramnus ordered the army to be set in motion in the Spains, saying: 'First subject the province of Septimania to our dominion, which is near to the Gauls, because it is unworthy that the boundary of the horrendous Goths be extended even into the Gauls'. Then, with the whole army of his realm stirred, he sent it thither. But the peoples who dwelt beyond the Arar and the Rhodanus and the Sequana, joined with the Burgundians, thoroughly despoiled the Araric and Rhodanitic banks both of produce and of herds. Committing many homicides, arsons, and depredations in their own region, and even stripping the churches, killing the clerics themselves with the priests and the rest of the people at the very altars consecrated to God, they advanced as far as the city Nemausus.

Similiter et Byturigi, Sanctonici cum Petrocoricis, Ecolesenensibus vel reliquarum urbium populum, qui tunc ad antedicti regis imperio pertenebant, usque ad Carcasonam urbem devecti, similia mala gesserunt. Sed cum ad urbem accessissent, reseratis sponte ab habitatoribus portis, nullo resistente, ingressi, nescio quo cum Carcasonensibus scandalo commoto, urbem egressi sunt. Tunc Terentiolus comes quondam urbis Lemovicinae, lapide de muro proiecto percussus, occubuit.

Similarly also the Bituriges, the Santonians together with the Petrocorii, with the Ecolesenenses and the people of the remaining cities, who then belonged to the command of the aforesaid king, having been brought as far as the city of Carcassonne, committed similar evils. But when they had approached the city, the gates having been unbarred of their own accord by the inhabitants, with no one resisting, they entered; I know not what scandal having been stirred up with the Carcassonians, they went out of the city. Then Terentiolus, formerly count of the city of Limoges, struck by a stone thrown from the wall, died.

Cuius caput truncatum ad vindictam adversariorum urbi delatum est. Ex hoc omnes populus timore perterritus, ad propria regredi destinans, universa reliquid, quae vel per viam coeperat vel quae secum adduxerat. Sed et Gothi per occultas insidias multis de his spoliatis interemerunt; exim in Tholosanorum manus incedentes, quibus, dum pergerent, multa intulerant mala, spoliati ac caesi vix propria contingere potuerunt.

Whose severed head was carried to the city for the adversaries’ vengeance. From this, the whole populace, terrified with fear and intending to return to their own places, left behind all the things which either they had seized along the road or had brought with them. But the Goths too, by secret ambushes, slew many of these, stripped; then, advancing into the hands of the Tholosans, upon whom, while they were proceeding, they had brought many evils, despoiled and cut down, they could scarcely attain to their own homes.

Hi vero, qui Nemausum adgressi fuerant, devastantes universa regiones, succensis domibus, incensis segitibus, decisis olivitis vinitisque succisis, nihil inclusis nocere potentes, ad alias urbis progressi sunt. Erant enim valde munitae et de cybis ac reliquis necessariis adplene refertae, et horum urbana depopulantes urbisque minus inrumpere valuerunt. Tunc et Nicetius dux, cum Arvernis in haec expeditione commotus, cum reliquis urbis adsedit.

These indeed, who had assaulted Nemausus, devastating all the regions, with houses set ablaze, the standing crops burned, the olive-yards cut down and the vineyards felled, being able to harm nothing of those enclosed, advanced to other cities. For they were very much fortified and fully stuffed with provisions and the other necessaries, and, while pillaging the urban properties of these people, they were less able to break into the cities. Then also Duke Nicetius, stirred with the Arverni in this expedition, sat down before the city along with the rest.

Sed cum minus valerit, ad castrum quoddam pervenit; dataque fide, sponte inclusi reserantes portas, eos credoli tamquam pacificos susciperunt. Ille vero ingressi, postposito sacramento, praesidia cuncta diripiunt, animas in captivitate subdentes. Tunc, accepto consilio, unusquisque ad propria est regressus.

But since they had availed less, they came to a certain castle; and, a pledge having been given, those who had of their own will shut themselves in, unbarring the gates, received them credulously as if peaceable. They, however, having entered, the oath being set aside, plundered all the garrisons, subjecting lives to captivity. Then, counsel having been taken, each returned to his own.

Tantaque per viam scelera, homicidia, praedas, direptiones per regionem propriam gesserunt, ut ea usquequaque memorare perlongum sit. Verumtamen quia segetis Provinciae igni ab hisdem succensas diximus, fame atquae inaedia pereuntes per viam relinquebantur exanimes, nonnulli in fluminibus dimersi, plerique in seditionibus interempti sunt. Ferebant enim amplius quam quinque milia in his stragibus fuisse peremptos.

And such great crimes, homicides, predations, direptions did they commit along the way throughout their own region, that to recount them everywhere would be overlong. Nevertheless, since we have said that the grain-crops of the Province were set on fire by these same men, those perishing from famine and starvation were left lifeless along the road; some were drowned in the rivers, and very many were slain in seditions. For they reported that more than 5,000 had been slain in these slaughters.

Sed non eos qui remanserant coercebat aliorum interitus. Tunc et Arvernae regiones aeclesiae, quae viae publicae propinquae fuerant, a ministeriis denudatae sunt, nec fuit terminus male faciendi, nisi cum ad propria singuli pervenerunt. Quibus reversis, magna Gunthchramno regi amaritudo cordis obsedit.

But the destruction of others did not coerce those who had remained. Then also the churches of the Arvernian regions, which had been near the public roads, were denuded of ministries, nor was there a terminus of evil-doing until each had reached his own places. When they had returned, a great bitterness of heart beset King Gunthchramn.

Duces vero supradicti exercitus ad basilicam sancti Symphoriani martyris expetierunt. Veniente itaque rege ad eius solemnitatem, repraesentati sunt sub conditione audientiae in postmodum futurae. Post dies vero quattuor, coniunctis episcopis necnon et maioribus natu laicorum, duces discutere coepit, dicens: 'Qualiter nos hoc tempore victuriam obtenere possumus, quia ea quae patres nostri secuti sunt non costodimus?

But the leaders of the aforesaid army sought out the basilica of Saint Symphorian the martyr. Therefore, with the king coming to his solemnity, they were presented under the condition of an audience to be held afterward. But after four days, with the bishops assembled and also the elder men of the laity, he began to examine the dukes, saying: 'How can we in this time obtain victory, since we have not kept the things which our fathers followed?'

Illi vero aeclesias aedificantes, in Deum spem omnem ponentes, martyres honorantes, sacerdotes venerantes, victurias obtinuerunt gentesque adversas, divino opitulante adiutorio, in ense et parma saepius subdiderunt. Nos vero non solum Deum non metuemus, verum etiam sacra eius vastamus, ministros interficimus, ipsa quoque sanctorum pignera in ridiculo discerpimus ac vastamus. Non enim potest obtenere victuria, ubi talia perpetrantur; ideo manus nostrae sunt invalidae, ensis tepiscit, nec clepius nos, ut erat solitus, defendit ac protegit.

But they, building churches, placing all hope in God, honoring the martyrs, venerating the priests, obtained victories and, with divine aid helping, they often subdued hostile peoples by sword and parma (shield). But we not only do not fear God; we even lay waste his sacred things, we kill his ministers, and we also tear apart and ravage in mockery the very pledges—relics—of the saints. For victory cannot be obtained where such things are perpetrated; therefore our hands are feeble, the sword grows dull, and the clipeus does not, as it was wont, defend and protect us.

Ergo si hoc meae culpae adscribitur, iam ea Deus capite meo restituat. Certe si vos regalia iussa contemnetis et ea quae praecipio implere differtis, iam debet securis capiti vestro submergi. Erit enim documentum omni exercitu, cum unus de prioribus fuerit interfectus.

Therefore, if this is ascribed to my fault, let God now recompense it upon my head. Surely, if you contemn the regal orders and defer to accomplish the things I prescribe, then now the axe ought to be plunged into your heads. For it will be a lesson for the whole army, when one of the foremost has been slain.

Verumtamen iam experire debemus, quid agi oporteat. Si quis iustitiam sequi destinat, iam sequatur; si quis contemnit, iam ultio publica cervice eius inmineat. Satius est enim, ut parvi contumaces pereant, quam ira Dei super omnem regionem dependat innoxiam'. Haec rege dicente, responderunt duces: 'Bonitatis tuae magnanimitas, rex optime, enarrare facile non potest: qui timor tibi in Deum sit, qui amor in aeclesiis, quae reverentia in sacerdotibus, quae pietas in pauperibus, quaeve dispensatio in egenis.

Nevertheless, we must now try what ought to be done. If anyone purposes to follow justice, let him now follow; if anyone despises it, let public vengeance now hang over his neck. For it is better that a few contumacious perish than that the wrath of God hang over an entire innocent region'. While the king was saying these things, the dukes answered: 'The magnanimity of your goodness, best king, cannot easily be set forth: what fear you have toward God, what love toward the churches, what reverence toward the priests, what piety toward the poor, and what dispensation toward the needy.

Sed quia omnia, quae gloria vestra profert, recta veraquae esse censentur, quid faciemus, quod populus omnes in vitio est dilapsus omnique homine agere quae sunt iniqua delectat? Nullus regem metuit, nullus ducem, nullus comitem reveritur; et si fortassis alicui ista displicent et ea pro longaevitate vitae vestrae emendare conatur, statim seditio in populo, statim tumultus exoritur. Et in tantum unusquisque contra seniorem saeva intentione crassatur, ut vix credat evadere, si tardius silire nequiverit' . Ad haec rex ait: 'Si quis sequitur iustitiam, vivat; si quis legem mandatumque nostrum respuit, iam pereat, ne nus diutius hoc blasphemeum prosequatur'. Haec eo dicente, advenit nuntius, dicens: 'Richaredus, filius Leuvichildi, de Hispaniis egressus, Caput Arietis castrum obtenuit et ex pago Tholosano maximam partem depopulatus est hominesque captivos abduxit.

But since all the things which your glory brings forth are judged to be right and true, what shall we do, since all the people has slipped into vice and it delights every man to do the things that are iniquitous? No one fears the king, no one the duke, no one reveres the count; and if perchance these things displease someone and he tries to amend them for the longevity of your life, at once there is sedition in the people, at once a tumult arises. And to such a degree does each one grow gross against his elder with a savage intention, that he scarcely believes he will escape, if he has not been able to fall silent more quickly' . To these things the king said: 'If anyone follows justice, let him live; if anyone rejects our law and command, let him perish now, lest he any longer prosecute this blasphemous thing'. While he was saying this, a messenger arrived, saying: 'Richared, son of Leuvigild, having gone out from the Spains, has seized the fortress Caput Arietis and has ravaged the greater part from the Toulousan pagus and has led away the men as captives.

Ugernum Arelatense castrum inrupit resque cunctas cum hominibus abstullit et sic se infra murus Nemausensis urbis inclusit'. Haec audiens rex, Leudeghyselum in loco Calomniosi cognomento Aegylanis ducem delegens, omnem ei provintiam Arelatensim commisit, costodisque per terminus super quattuor virorum milia collocavit. Sed et Nicetius Arvernorum dux similiter cum costodibus perrexit et finis regiones ambivit.

He broke into the Arelate fortress of Ugernum and carried off all goods together with the people, and thus shut himself within the walls of the city of Nemausus'. Hearing these things, the king, selecting Leudeghyselus as duke in place of Calomniosus, by the cognomen Aegylanis, entrusted to him the whole Arelate province, and he stationed guards along the boundaries to the number of over four thousand men. But Nicetius too, duke of the Arverni, likewise went forth with guards and went around the frontier regions.

31. De interfectione Praetextati episcopi.

31. On the killing of Bishop Praetextatus.

Dum haec agerentur et Fredegundis apud Rothomagensim urbem commoraretur, verba amaritudinis cum Praetextato pontifice habuit, dicens, venturum esse tempus, quando exilia, in qua detentus fuerat , reviseret. Et ille: 'Ego semper et in exilio et extra exilium episcopus fui, sum et ero; nam tu non semper regalem potentiam perfrueres. Nos ab exilio provehimur, tribuente Deo, in regnum; tu vero ab hoc regno demergeris in abyssum.

While these things were being done and Fredegund was staying at the city of Rouen, she had words of bitterness with Bishop Praetextatus, saying that the time would come when he would revisit the exile in which he had been detained. And he: 'I have been, am, and shall be a bishop always, both in exile and outside of exile; for you will not always enjoy regal power. We are borne up from exile, God granting it, into a kingdom; but you, from this kingdom, will be plunged into the abyss.'

Rectius enim erat tibi, ut, relecta stultitia adque malitia, iam te ad meliora converteris et ab hac iactantia, qua semper ferves, abstraheris, ut et tu vitam adipisceris aeternam et parvolum, quem genuisti, perducere ad legitimam possis aetatem'. Haec effatus, cum verba illius mulier graviter acciperit, se a conspectu eius felle fervens abstraxit. Advenientem autem dominicae resurrectionis diae, cum sacerdos ad implenda aeclesiastica officia ad aeclesiam maturius properasset, antefanas iuxta consuetudinem incipere per ordinem coepit. Cumque inter psallendum formolae decumberet, crudelis adfuit homicida, qui episcopum super formolam quiescentem, extracto baltei cultro, sub ascella percutit.

'For it would have been more right for you that, folly and malice laid aside, you now turn yourself to better things and be drawn away from this vaunting in which you always seethe, so that both you may obtain eternal life and be able to lead the little one whom you bore through to lawful age.' Having said these things, since that woman took his words grievously, he, boiling with gall, withdrew himself from her sight. But with the day of the Lord’s resurrection approaching, when the priest had hastened early to the church to fulfill the ecclesiastical offices, he began to start the antiphons according to custom, in order. And while, during the psalm‑singing, he was reclining on the bench, a cruel homicidal murderer was at hand, who, with the belt’s knife drawn, strikes the bishop, resting upon the bench, beneath the armpit.

Ille vero vocem emittens, ut clerici qui aderant adiuvarent, nullius ope de tantis adstantibus est adiutus. At ille plenas sanguine manus super altarium extendens, orationem fundens et Deo gratias agens, in cubiculo suo inter manus fidelium deportatus et in suo lectulo collocatus est. Statimque Fredegundis cum Beppoleno duce et Ansovaldo adfuit, dicens: 'Non oportuerat haec nobis ac reliquae plebi tuae, o sancte sacerdos, ut ista tuo cultui evenirent.

He, indeed, sending forth his voice so that the clerics who were present might help, was aided by no one’s help from among so many standing by. But he, stretching his hands full of blood over the altar, pouring forth prayer and giving thanks to God, was carried into his little chamber in the hands of the faithful and was placed on his little bed. And immediately Fredegundis was present with Duke Beppolenus and Ansovaldus, saying: 'It ought not to have befallen us and the rest of your people, O holy priest, that such things should come upon your ministry.'

Sed utinam indicaretur, qui talia ausus est perpetrare, ut digna pro hoc scelere supplicia susteneret'. Sciens autem ea sacerdos haec dolose proferre, ait: 'Et quis haec fecit nisi his, qui reges interemit, qui saepius sanguinem innocentem effudit, qui diversa in hoc regno mala commisit?' Respondit mulier: 'Sunt aput nos peritissimi medici, qui hunc vulnere medere possint. Permitte, ut accedant ad te'. Et ille: 'Iam', inquid, 'me Deus praecepit de hoc mundum vocare. Nam tu, qui his sceleribus princeps inventa es, eris maledicta in saeculo, et erit Deus ultur sanguinis mei de capite tuo'. Cumque illa discederit, pontifex, ordinata domo sua, spiritum exalavit.

But would that it might be pointed out who dared to perpetrate such things, so that he might endure punishments worthy for this crime'. Knowing, however, that she the priest was uttering these things craftily, he said: 'And who did these things if not those who have slain kings, who more often has poured out innocent blood, who has committed diverse evils in this kingdom?' The woman replied: 'There are among us most expert physicians, who can heal this wound. Permit that they come to you'. And he: 'Already', he said, 'God has commanded that I be called from this world. For you, who are found the chief in these crimes, will be accursed in the age, and God will be the avenger of my blood upon your head'. And when she had departed, the pontiff, his house set in order, breathed out his spirit.

Ad quem sepeliendum Romacharius Constantinae urbis episcopus advenit. Magnus tunc omnes Rothomagensis cives et praesertim seniores loci illius Francos meror obsedit. Ex quibus unus senior ad Fredegundem veniens ait: 'Multa enim mala in hoc saeculo perpetrasti, sed adhuc peius non feceras, quam ut sacerdotem Dei iuberis interfici.

To bury him Romacharius, bishop of the city of Coutances, arrived. Then a great grief beset all the citizens of Rouen, and especially the elders of that place, the Franks. Of whom one elder, coming to Fredegund, said: 'For many evils have you perpetrated in this age, but you had not yet done worse than to order that the priest of God be slain.'

Sit Deus ultur sanguinis innocentes velociter. Nam et omnes nos erimus inquisitores mali huius, ut tibi diutius non liceat tam crudelia exercere'. Cum autem haec dicens discederet a conspectu reginae, misit illa qui eum ad convivium provocaret. Quo renuente, rogat, ut, si convivium eius uti non vellit, saltim vel poculum auriat, ne ieiunus a regale domo discedat.

Let God be the avenger of innocent blood swiftly. For we too all will be inquisitors of this evil, so that it may no longer be permitted to you to exercise such cruelties'. And when, saying these things, he was departing from the sight of the queen, she sent those who would invite him to a banquet. As he refused this, she asks that, if he should not wish to make use of her banquet, at least let him drink a cup, lest he depart fasting from the royal house.

Quo expectante, accepto poculo, bibit absentium cum vino et melle mixtum, ut mos barbarorum habet; sed hoc potum venenum inbutum erat. Statim autem ut bibit, sensit pectorem suum dolorem validum inminere, et quasi se incideretur intrinsecus, exclamat suis, dicens: 'Fugite, o miseri, fugite malum hoc, ne mecum pariter periamini'. Illis quoque non bibentibus, sed festinantibus abire, hic protinus excaecatus, ascensoque aequo, in tertio ab hoc loco stadio caecidit et mortuus est. Post haec Leudovaldus episcopus epistolas per omnes sacerdotes direxit et, accepto consilio, aeclesias Rothomagensis clausit, ut in his populus solemnia divina non expectaret, donec indagatione communi repperiretur huius auctur sceleris.

While he was waiting, having received the cup, he drank absinthe mixed with wine and honey, as the custom of the barbarians has it; but this drink had been impregnated with poison. And immediately when he drank, he felt a strong pain threaten his chest, and as if he were being cut within, he cried out to his men, saying: 'Flee, o wretches, flee this evil, lest you perish together with me.' As they too did not drink, but were hastening to depart, he at once was blinded, and, mounting a horse, at the third stade from this place he fell and died. After these things Bishop Leudovald sent letters through all the priests and, counsel having been taken, he shut the churches of Rouen, so that the people should not expect the divine solemnities in them, until by common investigation the perpetrator of this crime might be found.

Sed et aliquos adpraehendit, quibus supplicio subditus veritatem extorsit, qualiter per consilium Fredegundis haec acta fuerat; sed et, ea defensante, ulciscere non potuit. Ferebant etiam, ad ipsum percussores venisse, pro eo quod haec inquirere sagaciter distinaret; sed costodia vallatus suorum, nihil ei nocere potuerunt. Itaque cum haec ad Gunthchramnum regem perlata fuissent et crimen super mulierem iaceretur, misit tres episcopus ad filium, qui esse dicitur Chilperici, quem superius Chlothacharium scripsimus vocitatum, id est Artemium Synonicum, Veranum Cavellionensim et Agricium Tricassinum, ut scilicet cum his, qui parvolum nutriebant, perquirerint huius sceleris personam et in conspectu eius exhiberent.

But he also apprehended some, from whom, subjected to punishment, he extorted the truth—how by the counsel of Fredegund these things had been done; yet, with her making her defense, he could not exact vengeance. They were also reporting that assassins had come at him, because he was determined shrewdly to inquire into these matters; but, walled about by the guard of his own men, they were able to do him no harm. And so, when these things had been conveyed to King Gunthchramn and the charge was being cast upon the woman, he sent three bishops to the son who is said to be of Chilperic, whom above we wrote was called Chlothacharius—that is, Artemius of Sens, Veranus of Cavaillon, and Agricius of Troyes—that, namely, together with those who were nurturing the little boy, they might seek out the person guilty of this crime and present him in his sight.

Quod cum sacerdotes locuti fuissent, responderunt seniores: 'Nobis prorsus haec facta displicent, et magis ac magis ea cupimus ulciscere. Nam non potest fieri, ut, si quis inter nos culpabilis invenitur, in conspectu regis vestri deducatur, cum nos possimus nostrorum facinora regale sanctione conpraemere'. Tunc sacerdotes dixerunt: 'Noveritis enim, quia, si persona, quae haec perpetravit, in medio posita non fuerit, rex noster cum exercitu hic veniens, omnem hanc regionem gladio incendioque vastavit, quia manifestum est, hanc interfecisse gladio episcopum, qui maleficiis Francum iussit interemi'. Et his dictis, discesserunt, nullum rationabilem responsum accipientes, obtestantes omnino, ut numquam in aeclesia illa Melantius, qui prius in loco Praetextati subrogatus fuerat, sacerdotes fungeretur officium.

When the priests had spoken this, the elders replied: “These deeds altogether displease us, and more and more we desire to avenge them. For it cannot be that, if anyone among us is found culpable, he be led into the presence of your king, since we are able to suppress the crimes of our own people by royal sanction.” Then the priests said: “Know, indeed, that if the person who perpetrated these things is not produced into the midst, our king, coming here with the army, will lay waste this whole region by sword and by fire, because it is manifest that this person has slain with the sword the bishop, who ordered by malefic arts that a Frank be put to death.” And with these things said, they departed, receiving no reasonable response, solemnly adjuring altogether that Melantius, who previously had been subrogated in the stead of Praetextatus, should never perform the office of priesthood in that church.

32. De interitu Domnolae, uxoris Nectari.

32. On the death of Domnola, the wife of Nectarius.

Multa enim mala hoc tempore gesta sunt. Nam Domnola, relicta quondam Burgulini , quae fuit filia Victuri Redonensis episcopi, quam Nectarius' matrimonio copulaverat, intentione de vineis cum Boboleno, referendario Fredegundis, habebat. Audiens autem ea in his vineis advenisse, misit nuntius obtestantes, ne ingredi penitus in hac possessione praesumeret.

Many evils indeed were done at this time. For Domnola, the widow once of Burgulinus, who was the daughter of Victurius, bishop of Rennes, whom Nectarius had joined in matrimony, had a contention concerning vineyards with Bobolenus, referendary of Fredegund. But hearing that she had come to these vineyards, he sent messengers adjuring that she should not at all presume to enter upon this possession.

Quod illa dispiciens et res patris sui fuisse proclamans, ingressa est. Tunc ille, commota seditione, super eam cum armatis viris inruit. Qua interfecta, vineas vindecavit resque deripuit et tam viros quam mulieres qui cum ea erant interfecit gladio, nec remansit ex his, nisi qui fuga labi potuit.

But she, spurning this and proclaiming that it was her father’s property, entered. Then he, a sedition having been stirred up, rushed upon her with armed men. When she had been slain, he laid claim to the vineyards and tore away the goods, and with the sword he killed both the men and the women who were with her, nor did any of these remain, except those who were able to slip away in flight.

33. De incendio urbis Parisiacae.

33. On the conflagration of the city of Paris.

Extetit igitur in his diebus apud urbem Parisiacam mulier, quae dicerit incolis: 'Fugite, o! ab urbe et scitote eam incendio concremandam'. Quae cum a multis inrideretur, quod haec aut sortium praesagio diceret aut vana aliqua somniasset aut certe daemonii meridiani haec instinctu proferret, respondit: 'Nequaquam est ita, ut dicitis; nam in veritate loquor, quia vidi per somnium a basilica sancti Vincenti veniente virum inluminatum, tenente manu caereum et domus negutiantum ex ordine succendentem'. Denique post tertiam noctem, quod haec mulier est effata, inchoante crepusculo, quidam e civibus, accenso lumine, in prumptuario est ingressus, adsumptoque olec hac ceteris quae necessaria erant, abscessit, lumine secus cupella olei derelicto. Erat enim domus haec prima secus portam, quae ad mediam diem pandit egressum. Ex quo lumine adpraehensa domus incendio concrematur, de qua et aliae adpraehendi coeperunt.

Accordingly, in these days there arose near the Parisian city a woman, who said to the inhabitants: 'Flee, O! from the city and know that it is to be consumed by a conflagration.' And when she was mocked by many, on the ground that she said these things either by the presage of lots, or had dreamed some vain thing, or certainly was bringing them forth at the instigation of a meridian demon, she replied: 'By no means is it as you say; for I speak in truth, because I saw in a dream an illuminated man coming from the basilica of Saint Vincent, holding in his hand a wax taper and kindling in order the houses of the merchants.' Finally, after the third night from when this woman had spoken, with twilight beginning, a certain one of the citizens, a light having been kindled, entered the storeroom, and, having taken oil and the other things which were necessary, departed, leaving the light beside a small cask of oil. For this house was the first next to the gate which opens an egress toward midday. From which light the house, seized by fire, is consumed, and from it others also began to be seized.

Tunc deruente igne super vinctus carceris, apparuit eis beatus Germanus, et comminuens trabem atque catenis, quibus vincti tenebantur, reserato carceris osteo, vinctos abire permisit incolomis. Ille vero egressi, se ad basilicam sancti Vincenti, in qua sepulchrum habetur beati antestitis, contulerunt. Igitur cum per totam civitatem huc adque illuc flante vento flamma ferritur totisque viribus regnaret incendium, adpropinquare ad aliam portam coepit, in qua beati Martini oraturium habebatur, qui ob hoc aliquando factum fuerat, eo quod ibi lepram maculosi hominis osculo depulisset.

Then, with the fire collapsing down upon the prisoners of the prison, blessed Germanus appeared to them, and, shattering the beam and the chains by which the bound were held, the prison door having been unbarred, he allowed the prisoners to depart unharmed. They, having gone out, betook themselves to the basilica of Saint Vincent, in which the sepulcher of the blessed prelate is held. Therefore, while through the whole city the flame was carried here and there as the wind blew, and the conflagration reigned with all its forces, it began to draw near to another gate, in which there was an oratory of blessed Martin, which for this reason had once been made, because there he had driven away the leprosy of a blemished man by a kiss.

Vir autem, qui eum intextis virgultis in sublime construxerat, confisus in Domino nec de beati Martini virtute diffisus, se resquae suas infra eius parietis ambivit, dicens: 'Credo enim et fides mea est, quod repellat ab hoc loco incendium, qui saepius incendiis imperavit et in hoc loco leprosi hominis cutem, osculu medente, purgavit'. Adpropinquante enim illuc incendium, ferebantur validi globi flammarum, qui percutientes parietem oraturii, protinus tepiscebant. Clamabat autem populus viro ac muliere: 'Fugite, miseri, ut evadere possitis. Ecce iam igneum pondus super vos diruit, ecce favillae incendii cum carbonibus tamquam validus imber ad vos usque distenditur!

But the man who had constructed it aloft with interwoven twigs, confident in the Lord and not distrustful of the virtue of blessed Martin, enclosed himself and his goods within the enclosure of its wall, saying: 'For I believe, and it is my faith, that he will drive back the conflagration from this place—he who has oftentimes commanded fires and in this place cleansed a leprous man's skin by a healing kiss.' For as the fire was drawing near thither, powerful globes of flames were borne along, which, striking the wall of the oratory, straightway grew tepid. But the people kept shouting to the man and woman: 'Flee, wretches, that you may be able to escape. Behold, now the fiery mass is crashing down upon you; behold, the cinders of the fire with coals, like a mighty shower, are being driven all the way to you!'

Egredimini ab oraturio, ne cum eodem incendio concremimini'. At illi orationem fundentes, numquam ab his vocibus movebantur. Sed nec mulier se umquam a fenestra, per quam interdum flammae ingrediebantur, amovit, quae erat spe firmissima de virtute beati antestitis praemunita. Tantaque fuit virtus beati pontificis, ut non solum hoc oraturium cum alumni proprii domo salvaret, verum etiam nec aliis domibus, qui in circuitu erant, nocere flammis dominantibus permisisset.

"Go out from the oratory, lest you be burned up with the same conflagration." But they, pouring forth prayer, were never moved by these voices. Nor did the woman ever remove herself from the window, through which at times the flames were entering, she who was fortified with the very firmest hope concerning the virtue of the blessed prelate. And so great was the power of the blessed pontiff that he not only saved this oratory together with the house of his own alumnus, but also did not permit the ruling flames to harm even the other houses which were in the circuit.

Ibique cecidit incendium, quod ab una parte pontes coeperat desaevire. Ab alia vero parte tam valide cuncta conflagravit, ut amnis finem inponeret. Verumtamen aeclesiae cum domibus suis non sunt adustae.

And there the fire subsided, which on one side had begun to rage against the bridges. From the other side, however, it burned everything so mightily that the river imposed an end. Nevertheless the churches with their houses were not scorched.

Agebant enim, hanc urbem quasi consecratam fuisse antiquitus, ut non ibi incendium praevaleret, non serpens, non gliris apparuisset. Nuper autem, cum cuniculum pontis emundaretur et coenum, de quo repletum fuerat, auferretur, serpentem gliremque aereum repperierunt. Quibus ablatis, et glires ibi deinceps extra numerum et serpentes apparuerunt, et postea incendia perferre coepit.

For they maintained that this city had been, as it were, consecrated in antiquity, such that fire did not prevail there, nor had a serpent, nor a dormouse appeared. Recently, however, when the culvert of the bridge was being cleansed and the mud with which it had been filled was being removed, they found a brazen serpent and dormouse. When these were taken away, thereafter both dormice and serpents appeared there beyond number, and afterwards it began to endure conflagrations.

34. De reclausis temptatis.

34. On the tempted recluses.

Et quia princeps tenebrarum mille habet artes nocendi, quid de reclausis ac Deo devotis nuper gestum fuerit, pandam. Vennocus Britto praesbiterii honore praeditus, cui in alio libro meminimus, tantae se abstinentiae dedicavit, ut indumentum de pellibus tantum uteretur, cybum de herbis agrestibus incoctis sumeret, vinum vero tantum vas ad os poneret, quod magis putaretur libare osculo quam haurire. Sed cum eidem devotorum largitas frequenter exhiberet vasa hoc plena licore, dedicit, quod peius est, extra modum haurire et in tantum dissolvi potione, ut plerumque ebrius cerneretur.

And since the prince of darkness has a thousand arts of harming, I will disclose what was recently done concerning recluses and those devoted to God. Vennocus the Briton, endowed with the honor of the presbyterate, whom we have mentioned in another book, dedicated himself to such abstinence that he used a garment only of hides, took food from uncooked wild herbs, and as for wine he would only put the vessel to his mouth, which was thought rather to touch as with a kiss than to quaff. But when to this same man the liberality of the devout would frequently present vessels filled with this liquor, he learned—what is worse—to drink beyond measure and to be so dissolved by the potion that he was very often seen drunk.

Unde factum est, ut, invalescente temulentia, tempore procidente, a daemonio correptus, per inergiam vexaretur, in tantum ut, accepto cultro vel quodcumque genus teli sive lapidem aut fustem potuisset adrepere, post homines insano furore discurreret. Unde necessitas exigit, ut catenis vinctus costodiretur in cellula. In hac quoque damnatione per duorum annorum spatia debachans, spiritum exalavit.

Whence it came about that, as temulence grew strong and time went on, seized by a daemon he was vexed by possession, to such an extent that, having taken a knife or whatever kind of missile—whether a stone or a club—he could get his hands on, he would run after men in insane frenzy. Whence necessity demanded that, bound with chains, he be kept under guard in a little cell. In this condemnation too, raging in bacchic frenzy through the spaces of two years, he breathed forth his spirit.

Alius quoque Anatholius Burdegalensis puer, ut ferunt, annorum duodecem, cum esset famulus cuiusdam negutiatoris, petiit sibi ad reclausionem licentia tribui. Sed, resistente diu domino, potans, eum in hoc tepiscere adque implere non posse in hac aetate, quod nitebatur adpetere, tandem, victus praecibus famoli, facultatem tribuit, ut id quod flagitabat impleret. Erat autem ibi cripta ab antiquis transvolutum eleganteque opere exposita, in cuius angulo erat cellula parva de quadratis lapidibus clausa, in qua vix unus stans homo recipi possit.

Another also, Anatholius of Bordeaux, a boy, as they say, twelve years of age, when he was a servant of a certain negotiator (merchant), asked that license be granted him for reclusion. But, his master long resisting, thinking that he would grow tepid in this and not be able at this age to fulfill what he strove to pursue, at length, overcome by the servant’s prayers, he granted the faculty that he might accomplish what he was demanding. Now there was there a crypt, by the ancients vaulted throughout and set forth with elegant workmanship, in a corner of which there was a small cell, shut in with squared stones, in which scarcely a single man standing could be received.

In hac cellola puer ingreditur, in hac per octo aut eo amplius annos commoratus, tenui cybo potuque contentus, vigiliis orationibusquae vacabat. Post haec pavore validum perpessus, clamare coepit, intrinsecus se torqueri. Unde factum est, ut, adiuvante ei, ut credo, diabolicae partis militia, amotis quadris quibus conclusus tenebatur, eliderit parietem in terram, conlidens palmas et clamans, se a sanctis Dei peruri.

Into this little cell the boy enters; in this, having stayed for eight years or even more, content with meager food and drink, he devoted himself to vigils and prayers. After these things, having endured a strong dread, he began to cry out that he was being tortured within. Whence it came to pass that, with the soldiery of the diabolical party aiding him, as I believe, the squared stones by which he was confined having been removed, he dashed the wall to the ground, striking his palms together and shouting that he was being burned by the saints of God.

Cumque diutissime in hac insania teneretur et sancti Martini crebrius confiteretur nomen ac diceret, se potius ab eo quam a sanctis aliis cruciare, Thoronus adducitur. Sed malus spiritus credo, ob virtutem adque magnitudinem sancti conpraessus, nequaquam hominem mutelavit. Nam in loco ipso per anni curriculum degens, cum nihil male pateretur, regressus est, sed rursus quae caruerat incurrit.

And when he was held for a very long time in this insanity, and more frequently confessed the name of Saint Martin and said that he was rather tormented by him than by the other saints, he is brought to Tours. But the evil spirit, I believe, compressed on account of the virtue and magnitude of the saint, by no means harmed the man. For, dwelling in that very place for the course of a year, since he suffered nothing ill, he returned; but again he incurred the things from which he had been free.

35. De legatis Hispanorum.

35. On the envoys of the Spaniards.

Legati de Hispaniis ad regem Guntchramnum venerunt cum multis muneribus, pacem petentes, sed nihil certi accipiunt in responsis. Nam anno praeterito, cum exercitus Septimaneam debellasset, navis, quae de Galleis in Galliciam abierant, ex iusso Leuvieldi regis vastatae sunt, res ablatae, hominis caesi atque interfecti, nonnulli captivi abducti sunt. Ex quibus pauci quodadmodo scafis erepti, patriae quae acta fuerant nontiaverunt.

Envoys from the Spains came to King Guntram with many gifts, seeking peace, but they receive nothing definite in the responses. For in the previous year, when the army had subdued Septimania, the ships which had gone from Gaul into Galicia, by the order of King Leovigild, were ravaged: goods were carried off, men were cut down and slain, and several captives were led away. Of these, a few, somehow rescued by skiffs, reported to their homeland what had been done.

36. De interitu Magnovaldi.

36. On the death of Magnovald.

Igitur aput Childebertum regem Magnovaldus causis occultis ex iussu regis interficitur hoc modo. Stante infra Mettensis urbis palatium rege et ludum spectante, qualiter animal caterva canum circumdatum fatigabatur, Magnovaldus arcessitur. Quo veniente et nesciente quae actura erant, cum reliquis dissolutus riso, prospicere pecudem coepit.

Therefore, at King Childebert’s, Magnovald, for hidden causes, is put to death by the king’s order in this manner. The king, standing down below the palace of the city of Metz and watching a game—how an animal, surrounded by a pack of dogs, was being wearied—Magnovald is summoned. When he came, and not knowing what was about to be done, loosened with laughter along with the others, he began to look upon the sheep.

At his cui iussum fuerat, cum viderit eum spectaculum intentum, librata secure caput eius inlisit. Qui cecidit et mortuus est ac, per fenestram domus proiectus, a suis sepultus est; resque eius protinus direptae, aerario publico, in quantum repertum est, sunt inlatae. Autumabant tamen quidam, eo quod post mortem fratris diversis plagis coniugem affectam interfecisset et uxorem fratris adscisset toro, extetisse causam, qua interimeretur.

But this one, to whom it had been ordered, when he saw him intent upon the spectacle, with a poised axe dashed in his head. He fell and died and, hurled through a window of the house, was buried by his own; and his property was immediately despoiled, and, to the public treasury, to the extent that was found, it was brought. Certain persons, however, were asserting that, because after the death of his brother he had slain his consort, after she had been afflicted with diverse blows, and had taken his brother’s wife to the bed, there had existed a cause for which he was put to death.

37. Quod Childebertho filius natus est.

37. That to Childebert a son was born.

Post haec Childebertho regi filius natus est, qui a Magnerico Treverorum episcopo de sacro fonte susceptus, Theodoberthus est vocitatus. De quo tantum gaudium Gunthchramnus rex habuit, ut statim legatus dirigens, multa ei munera transmitteret, dicens: 'Per hunc enim Deus eregere Francorum regnum propria maiestates suae pietate dignabitur, si huic pater aut ipse viverit patri'.

After these things a son was born to King Childebert, who, having been received from the sacred font by Magneric, bishop of the Treveri, was called Theodoberthus. On account of him King Gunthchramn had so great joy that immediately, sending an envoy, he transmitted many gifts to him, saying: “For through this one God will deign to raise up the kingdom of the Franks by the mercy of his own majesty, if either the father shall live for him or he himself shall live for his father.”

38. Quod Hispani in Galliis prorupuerunt.

38. That the Spaniards broke out into Gaul.

Anno denique XI. regni Childeberthi regis legati iterum de Hispaniis venerunt, pacem petentes, sed nihil certi obtenentes, regressi sunt. Richaredus autem, filius Leuvichilde, usque Narbonam venit et infra terminum Galliarum praedas egit et clam regressus est.

At length, in the 11th year of the reign of King Childeberth, legates again came from Spain, seeking peace; but, obtaining nothing certain, they returned. Richaredus, however, son of Leuvichild, came as far as Narbonne and within the boundary of Gaul carried out depredations, and returned secretly.

39. De obito episcoporum.

39. On the death of the bishops.

Eo anno multi episcoporum obierunt; Badegysilus vero Cenomannorum episcopus, vir valde saevus in populo, auferens sive deripiens iniuste res diversorum. Ad cuius animum acervum adque inmitem coniux accesserat saevior, quae illum in committendis sceleribus nequissimis consilii stimulis perurguebat. Nec praeteribat dies aut momentum ullum, in quo non aut in spoliis civium aut in diversis altercationibus crassaretur.

In that year many of the bishops died; but Badegysilus, bishop of the Cenomanni, was a man very savage among the people, unjustly taking away or snatching the goods of various persons. To his bitter and unmerciful spirit his wife, yet more savage, had joined herself, who with the goads of counsel kept urging him on in committing most nefarious crimes. Nor did any day or even any moment pass in which he did not either glut himself on the spoils of the citizens or wallow in various altercations.

Cotidiae autem cum iudicibus causas discutere, militias saeculares exercere, saevire in alios, alios caedibus agere non cessabat, manibus etiam propriis verberare, proterire multus ac dicere: 'Non ideo, quia clericus factus sum, et ultur iniuriarum mearum non ero?' Sed quid dicam de ceteris, cum nec ipsis quoque germanis parceret, sed ipsos magis expoliarit? Cum quo numquam iustitiam de rebus paternis maternisve adsequi potuerunt. Quinto autem anno episcopatus sui expleto, cum iam sextum ingrediens aepulum civibus cum inmensa laetitia praeparasset, a febre correptus, annum quem coeperat protinus, morte inminente, finivit.

Every day, moreover, he did not cease to discuss causes with the judges, to exercise secular militia‑service, to rage against some, to drive others to slaughters, even with his own hands to beat and to trample underfoot, and to say frequently: 'It is not on that account—because I have been made a cleric—that I will not be the avenger of my injuries!' But what shall I say of the rest, when he spared not even his own brothers, but rather despoiled them? At his hands they could never attain justice concerning their paternal or maternal property. But when the fifth year of his episcopate had been completed, as he was already entering upon the sixth and had prepared a banquet for the citizens with immense joy, seized by a fever, he straightway finished the year which he had begun, with death impending.

In cuius loco Berthramnus Parisiacus archidiaconus subrogatus est. Qui multis altercationibus cum relicta illius defuncti habuisse probatur, eo quod res, quae tempore Badegyseli episcopi aeclesiae datae fuerant, tamquam proprias retenebat, dicens: 'Militia haec fuit viri mei'. Et licet invita, tamen cuncta restituit. Erat enim ineffabili malitia.

In his place Berthramnus, the Parisian archdeacon, was substituted. He is shown to have had many altercations with the widow of the deceased, because she was retaining as her own the properties which, in the time of Bishop Badegysel, had been given to the church, saying: 'This was the militia of my husband.' And although unwilling, nevertheless she restored everything. For she was of ineffable malice.

Nam saepius viris omnia pudenda cum ipsis ventris pellibus incidit, feminis secriciora corporis loca lamminis candentibus perussit et multa alia inique gessit, quae tacere melius potavi. Obiit et Sabaudus Arelatensis episcopus; in cuius loco Licerius regis Guntchramni refrendarius est adscitus. Gravis tunc Provinciam ipsam lues debellata est.

For quite often he cut off from men all the genitalia together with the very skins of the belly; for women he seared the more secret places of the body with red‑hot plates, and he perpetrated many other things unjustly, which I have thought it better to keep silent. Sabaudus, bishop of Arles, also died; in whose place Licerius, referendary of King Gunthram, was admitted. At that time the Province itself was laid low by a grievous pestilence.

Obiit et Euantius Viennensis episcopus; in cuius sede Virus presbiter de senatoribus, rege elegente, substituetur. Multique eo anno sacerdotum ex hoc mundo migrati sunt, quod praeterire volui, eo quod unusquisque in urbe sua sui reliquerit monimenta.

Euantius, bishop of Vienne, also died; in whose seat Virus, a presbyter of senatorial rank, with the king choosing, will be appointed. And many priests in that year migrated from this world, which I wished to pass over, for the reason that each has left in his own city his own memorials.

40. De Pelagio Toronico.

40. On Pelagius of Tours.

Fuit autem et in urbe Thoronica Pelagius quidam, in omni malitia exercitatus, nullum iudicem metuens, pro eo quod iumentorum fiscalium costodes sub eius potestate consisterent. Ob hoc furta, superventa, pervasiones, caedes diversaque scelera tam in fluminibus quam in terris agere non cessabat. Nam plerumque arcessitum et minacibus lenibusque verbis, ut ab hac malitia desisteret, prohibere volui; sed magis odia quam aliquod fructum iustitiae ab eo recepi iuxta illud Salamoneacae Sapientiae proverbium: Argue stultum, adiciet odire te. Nam tantum in me odium miser habebat, ut saepius, spoliatis caesisque hominibus sanctae aeclesiae, exanimes reliquerit, causasque, qualiter aeclesiae vel basilicae sancti Martini damna intenderit, inquirens.

Moreover there was also in the city of Tours a certain Pelagius, exercised in every malice, fearing no judge, for the reason that the guardians of the beasts of burden of the fisc stood under his power. On account of this he did not cease to perpetrate thefts, sudden raids, invasions, slaughters, and diverse crimes both on the rivers and on the lands. For very often, when he had been summoned, with threatening and with gentle words, that he should desist from this malice, I wished to restrain him; but I received hatreds rather than any fruit of justice from him, according to that proverb of Solomonic Wisdom: Reprove a fool; he will add to hating you. For so great a hatred did the wretch have against me, that, the men of the holy church having been despoiled and slain, he very often left them lifeless, and went seeking pretexts as to how he might have directed damages against the church or the basilica of Saint Martin.

Unde factum est, ut quadam vice venientibus hominibus nostris adque echinum in vasis deferentibus caederet, protereret ipsaque vasa dereperit. Quod factum cum conperissem, eum a commonione suspendi, non quasi ultur iniuriae meae, sed ut facilius eum ab hac insania redderem emendatum. At ille, electis duodecem viris, ut hoc scelus periuraret, advenit.

Whence it came about that, on a certain occasion, as our men were coming and also carrying an echinus (a bowl) in vessels, he beat them, trampled them down, and snatched away the vessels themselves. When I learned of this deed, I suspended him from communion—not as an avenger of my own injury, but so that I might more easily render him corrected from this madness. But he, having chosen twelve men, came in order to perjure himself with respect to this crime.

Sed cum ego nullum vellim sacramentum suscipere, conpulsus ab eo vel a civibus nostris, amotis reliquis, ipsius tantum iuramentum suscipi, iussique eum recipi in commonione. Erat autem eo tempore mensis primus. Adveniente autem mense quinto, quo prata secare solent, pratum sanctimunialium, qui terminum prati sui adhaerebat, pervadit.

But when I wished to accept no oath, compelled by him or by our fellow-citizens, the others having been removed, that only his oath be accepted, and I ordered that he be received into communion. Now at that time it was the first month. But when the fifth month arrived, in which they are accustomed to cut the meadows, he overran the meadow of the nuns, which adjoined the boundary of his own meadow.

In quo statim ut falcem misit, febre correptus, diae tertia spiritum exalavit. Disposuerat enim sibi sepulchrum in basilica sancti Martini vici Condatensis, quod detectum sui effractum in frustra repperierunt. Sic postea in porticum ipsius basilicae est sepultus.

In which, as soon as he put the sickle to it, seized by fever, on the third day he breathed out his spirit. For he had arranged for himself a sepulcher in the basilica of Saint Martin of the village of Condatensis, which, when uncovered, they found broken into fragments. Thus afterward he was buried in the portico of that same basilica.

Vasa quoque echini, qua periuraverat, post obitum illius ab eius prumtuario sunt delata. Manifesta est autem virtus beatae Mariae, in cuius basilicam miser sacramentum protullit mendax.

The echinus-vessels also, by which he had perjured himself, after his death were brought out from his storeroom. But the power of blessed Mary is manifest, in whose basilica the wretch produced the sacrament mendaciously.

41. De his qui Praetextatum episcopum interfecerunt.

41. Concerning those who killed Bishop Praetextatus.

Cum autem per totam terram sonus illi percurrerit, Praetextatum episcopum a Fredegunde fuisse interfectum, illa quoque, quo facilius detergeretur a crimine, adpraehensum puerum caedi iussit vehementer, dicens: 'Tu hoc blasphemium super me intulisti, ut Praetextatum urbis Rothomagensis episcopum gladio adpeteris'. Tradedit eum nepoti ipsius sacerdotis. Qui cum eum in supplicio posuisset, omnem rem evidenter aperuit dixitque: 'A regina enim Fredegunde centum solidus accepi, ut hoc facerem, a Melantio vero episcopo quinquaginta et ab archediacono civitates alios quinquaginta; insuper et promissum habui, ut ingenuus fierem, sicut et uxor mea'. In hac voce illius evaginatum homo ille gladium praedictum reum in frustra concidit. Fredegundis vero Melantium, quem prius episcopum posuerat, aeclesiae instituit.

But when the report had run through the whole land to her that Bishop Praetextatus had been killed by Fredegund, she too, so that she might more easily be wiped clean of the crime, ordered the seized boy to be beaten vehemently, saying: 'You brought this blasphemy upon me, that you assail with the sword Praetextatus, bishop of the city of Rouen.' She handed him over to the nephew of that same priest. And when he had put him to torture, he clearly laid open the whole matter and said: 'From Queen Fredegund I received one hundred solidi, that I might do this; but from Bishop Melantius fifty, and from the archdeacon of the city another fifty; moreover I also had a promise that I would become freeborn, just as my wife.' At these words of his, that man, with his sword unsheathed, cut the aforesaid accused into pieces. But Fredegund installed Melantius, whom she had earlier set up as bishop, over the church.

42. Quod Bippolinus dux datus est.

42. That Bippolinus was given as duke.

Per quam cum Beppolenus dux valde fatigaretur nec iuxta personam suam ei honor debetus inpenderetur, cernens se dispici, ad Gunthchramno regem abiit. A quo accepta potestate ducatus super civitates illas, quae ad Chlotharium, Chilperici regis filium, pertinebant, cum magna potentia pergit, sed a Rhedonicis non est receptus. Andecavus vero veniens, multa mala ibidem gessit, ita ut annonas, faenum, vinum vel quicquid repperire potuisset in domibus civium, ad quas accesserat, nec expectatis clavibus, disruptis osteis, devastaret; multusque de habitatoribus loci caedibus adfecit protrivitque.

On account of which, as Duke Beppolenus was being greatly wearied and the honor due to his person was not being bestowed upon him, seeing himself to be despised, he went away to King Gunthchramn. From whom, having received the authority of the dukedom over those cities which belonged to Chlothar, the son of King Chilperic, he set out with great potency; but he was not received by the Rhedones. Coming, however, to Andecavus, he did many evils there, such that the grain-supplies, hay, wine, or whatever he could find in the houses of the citizens to which he came, without the keys being awaited, the doors having been broken open, he devastated; and many of the inhabitants of the place he afflicted with slaughters and crushed.

Domigysilo quoque metum intulit, sed pacificatus est cum eo. Accedens autem ad urbem, dum epularetur cum diversis in tristico, subito effractum pulpitum domus, vix semivivus evasit, multis debilitatis, in eisdem tamen malis perdurans, quae prius gesserat. Multa tunc et Fredegundis in regno filii sui de rebus eius evertit. Ipse quoque ad Rhedonicus rediens et eos regi Guntchramno subdere cupiens, filium suum in hoc loco reliquit.

He also brought fear upon Domigysilus, but he was pacified with him. Then approaching the city, while he was feasting with various persons in the granary, suddenly the house’s platform was broken open; scarcely half-alive he escaped, many being debilitated, yet he persisted in those same evils which he had previously done. Many things, too, did Fredegundis overturn in her son’s realm concerning his affairs. He himself also, returning to the Rhedones and wishing to subject them to King Gunthchramn, left his son in that place.

Qui non multum intercedente tempus, inruentibus Rhedonicis, interemptus est cum multis honoratis viris. Hoc anno multa signa aparuerunt; nam mense septimo arbores visi sunt floruisse, sed et multae, quae prius poma habuerant, nova dederunt, quae usque natalis dominici tempore in ipsis arboribus habitae sunt. Fulgor per caelum in modum serpentes cucurrisse visus est.

Who, with not much time intervening, when the Rhedones burst in, was slain along with many honored men. In this year many signs appeared; for in the seventh month the trees were seen to have blossomed, and many also, which previously had had fruits, gave new ones, which were kept upon the very trees until the time of the Lord’s Nativity. A radiance was seen to have run through the sky in the manner of serpents.

43. Quod Nicetius rector Provinciae ordinatur.

43. That Nicetius is appointed rector of the Province.

Quod Nicetius rector Provinciae ordinatur, et de his quae Antestius gessit.

That Nicetius is appointed rector of the Province, and concerning the things which Antestius accomplished.

Anno quoque duodecimo Childeberthi regis Nicetius Arvernus rector Massiliensis provinciae vel reliquarum urbium, quae in illis partibus ad regnum regis ipsius pertinebant, est ordinatus. Antestius vero in Andecavos a rege Gunthchramno dirigitur, multis ibidem damnis adfligens eos, qui in morte Domnolae, uxoris Nectarii, mixti fuerunt. Resque Boboleni, eo quod fuerit huius caput sceleris, in fisco redactis, Namnetas accessit ac lacessire Nonnichium episcopum coepit, dicens: 'Quia filius tuus in hoc facinus est admixtus, ut dignas pro cummissas suis poenas luat, meritum exigit'. Sed puer conscientia accusante territus, ad Chlotharium, filium Chilperici, aufugit.

Also in the twelfth year of King Childebert, Nicetius the Arvernian was ordained rector of the Massilian province and of the remaining cities which in those parts pertained to that king’s realm. But Antestius is sent to the Andecavi by King Guntram, afflicting with many penalties those who had been involved in the death of Domnola, wife of Nectarius. And the goods of Bobolenus, because he had been the head of this crime, having been reduced into the fisc, he came to the Namnetae and began to provoke Bishop Nonnichius, saying: “Because your son has been implicated in this crime, desert demands that he pay fitting penalties for his committed offenses.” But the boy, terrified with his conscience accusing, fled to Chlothar, son of Chilperic.

Antestius vero, acceptis fideiussoribus ab episcopo, ut in praesentia regis adesset, Santonas venit. Sonus autem his diebus exierat, quod Fredegundis occultus in Hispaniis nuntius dirigerit, eosdemque a Palladio urbis Santonicae episcopo clam susceptus et inantea transmissus fuisse. Erant autem eo tempore dies quadragensimae sanctae, et episcopus in insola maris orationis causa secesserat.

But Antestius, having received sureties from the bishop that he would be present in the presence of the king, came to the Santones. Now a report had gone out in those days that Fredegund had sent a secret messenger into Spain, and that this same had been covertly received by Palladius, bishop of the city of Saintes, and thereafter forwarded. Now at that time there were the days of the holy Quadragesima, and the bishop had withdrawn to an island of the sea for the sake of prayer.

Secundum consuetudinem autem, dum ad dominicae caenae festa ad aeclesiam suam, populo expectante, rediret, ab Antestio in via vallatur. Qui, nec discussa rei veritatem, dicebat: 'Non ingredieris urbem, sed exilio condemnaberis, quia suscepisti nuntius inimicae domini nostri regi'. At ille: 'Nescio', ait, 'quid loquaris. Tamen quia dies sancti inminent, accedamus ad urbem, decursisque solemnitatum sanctarum festis, postea quaecumque volueris obpone, rationem a me accipies, quia quod reputas nihil est'. At ille: 'Nequaquam', inquid, 'sed non adtingis limina aeclesiae tuae, quia infidelis apparuisti domino nostro rege'. Quid plura?

However, according to custom, while he was returning to his own church for the feasts of the Lord’s Supper, the people awaiting him, he is hemmed in on the road by Antestius. Who, without the truth of the matter having been examined, said: 'You will not enter the city, but you will be condemned to exile, because you have received the messengers of the enemy of our lord the king'. But he: 'I do not know', he said, 'what you are saying. Yet since the holy days are imminent, let us go to the city, and when the feasts of the holy solemnities have run their course, afterwards set forth whatever you wish; you will receive an account from me, since what you suppose is nothing.' But the other: 'By no means', he said, 'but you shall not touch the thresholds of your church, because you have appeared unfaithful to our lord the king.' Why say more?

Tenetur in via episcopus, domus aeclesiae discribitur, resque deripiuntur. Cives cum homine obtenere non queunt, ut saltim vel celebrata solemnitate paschali discutiatur. Hisque supplicantibus et illo rennuente, tandem patefacit vulnus, qui latebat in pectore.

The bishop is detained on the road, the house of the church is parceled out, and the goods are despoiled. The citizens cannot prevail with the man, that at least, even after the Paschal solemnity has been celebrated, the matter be discussed. And with them supplicating and he refusing, at length he lays open the wound which was lying hidden in his breast.

'Si', inquid, 'domum, quam infra territurii Biturigi termino habere dinuscitur, meae ditione, facta vinditione, subdedirit, quae flagitatis facio; alioquin non effugiet manus meas, nisi trudatur exilio'. Metuit negare episcopus; scripsit subscripsitque ac tradedit agrum, et sic, datis fideiussoribus de praesentia sua ante regem, in civitate ingredi permissus est. Transactis igitur diebus sanctis, ad regem pergit. Adfuit et Antestius, sed nihil de his quae opponebat episcopo potuit adprobare.

'If,' he said, 'he will, a vendition having been made, subject to my dominion the house/estate which is known to be held within the boundary of the Biturigan territory, I do what you demand; otherwise he will not escape my hands, unless he be thrust into exile'. The bishop feared to refuse; he wrote and countersigned and handed over the field, and thus, sureties having been given for his presence before the king, he was permitted to enter the city. The holy days therefore having been passed, he goes to the king. Antestius was present too, but he was able to prove nothing of the things which he alleged against the bishop.

Episcopus autem ad urbem redire iubetur et usque ad synodum futurum dilatatur, si forte aliqua de his quae opponebantur evidentius possit agnosci. Adfuit et Nonnichius episcopus, qui, datis multis muneribus, abscessit.

But the bishop is ordered to return to the city, and [the matter] is deferred until the forthcoming synod, if perchance something of the things that were being opposed might be able to be recognized more evidently. And Bishop Nonnichius was present as well, who, with many gifts having been given, departed.

44. De eo qui regem Guntchramnum interficere voluit.

44. Concerning him who wished to kill King Guntchramnus.

Fredegundis vero quasi ex nomine filii sui legatos ad Gunthchramnum regem diregit. Qui, reserata petitione, accepto responso, vale dicentes abscedunt; sed, nescio quibus causis, paulolum apud metatum suum remorati sunt. Mane autem facto, procedente regem ad matutinus ac praeeunte cereo, visus est homo quasi ebrius in angulo oraturii dormitare, accinctus gladio, cuius asta pariete sustentabatur.

Fredegundis, indeed, as if in the name of her son, sent legates to King Gunthchramn. They, the petition having been opened, and an answer received, saying “farewell,” depart; but, for reasons unknown, they lingered a little at their quarters. When morning was made, however, as the king proceeded to Matins and with the candle going before, a man was seen, as if drunk, dozing in a corner of the oratory, girt with a sword, whose haft was supported by the wall.

Hoc viso, rex exclamavit, dicens, non esse simpliciter, hominem sub hoc horrore noctis tali in loco quiescere. Oppraessus autem et loris revinctus, interrogabatur, quid sibi haec vellint, quae agerit. Nec mora supplicio subditus, dicit se a legatis, qui advenerant, emissum fuisse, ut rex deberet interfici.

On seeing this, the king exclaimed, saying that it was not a simple matter for a man, under this horror of the night, to be resting in such a place. Overpowered and bound with thongs, he was questioned what these things might mean for him—what he was doing. Without delay subjected to torture, he says that he had been sent forth by the legates who had arrived, that the king was to be slain.

Denique adpraehensi legati Fredegundis, nihil de his quae interrogati sunt confitentur, dicentes: 'Nos nihil ad aliud missos, nisi legationem, quam suggessimus, deferremus'. Tunc hominem illum diversis plagis adfectum et carcere mancipatum, legatus per diversa loca exilio condempnare praecepit. Manifestissime enim patuit, sub hoc dolo a Fredegunde fuisse directus, ut regem interficere deberent, quod misericordia Domini non permisit. Inter quos Baddo senior habebatur.

Finally the legates of Fredegund, having been apprehended, confess nothing of the things about which they were interrogated, saying: ‘We were sent for nothing else, except to deliver the legation which we have proposed.’ Then the legate ordered that man, afflicted with diverse blows and committed to prison, to be condemned to exile through diverse places. For it was most manifest that under this deceit he had been dispatched by Fredegund, so that they should kill the king—which the mercy of the Lord did not permit. Among them Baddo the elder was accounted.

45. De interitu Desiderii ducis.

45. On the death of Duke Desiderius.

Cum autem legati de Hispaniis crebro ad regem Gunthchramnum venerint et nullius pacis gratiam obtenere potuissent, sed magis inimicitia pullularet, rex Gunthchramnus Albigensim urbem nepote suo Childebertho reddedit. Quod cernens Desiderius dux, qui maxime in eiusdem urbis territurio meliora facultatis suae condiderat, timens, ne ultio expetiretur ab eo propter antiquam inimicitiam, quod aliquando in eadem civitatem exercitum gloriosae memoriae Syghiberthi regis graviter adfecisset, cum Tetradia uxore sua, quam Eulalio nunc Arverno comite abstullerat, in termino Tholosano cum rebus omnibus transiens, exercitum cummovet et contra Gothos abire disponit, divisis prius, ut ferunt, rebus inter filius et coniugem. Adsumptoque secum Austrovaldo comite, Carcasonam petit.

But when legates from Spain frequently came to King Gunthchramn and could obtain no favor of peace, but rather enmity was sprouting up, King Gunthchramn returned the city of Albi to his nephew Childebert. Seeing this, Duke Desiderius, who had especially established the better part of his faculties in the territory of that same city, fearing lest vengeance be sought from him on account of an ancient enmity—because at one time in that same city he had grievously afflicted the army of King Syghiberth of glorious memory—together with his wife Tetradia, whom he had carried off from Eulalius, now an Arvernian count, crossing into the Toulousan frontier with all his goods, sets his army in motion and arranges to depart against the Goths, the goods having first been divided, as they say, between his sons and his wife. And having taken with him Count Austrovald, he makes for Carcassonne.

Praeparaverant enim se, hoc audito, urbis illius cives, quasi resistere volentes; audierant autem de his prius. Denique inito bello, fugire Gothi coeperunt et Desiderius cum Austrovaldo a tergo cedere hostem. Illis quoque fugientibus, hic cum paucis ad urbem accessit.

For the citizens of that city, on hearing this, had prepared themselves, as if wishing to resist; moreover, they had previously heard about this. Finally, once battle was initiated, the Goths began to flee, and Desiderius with Austrovald began to cut down the enemy from the rear. As they too were fleeing, he with a few approached the city.

Lassati enim fuerant equites sociorum. Tunc ad portam urbis accedens, vallatus a civibus, qui infra murus erant, interfectus est cum his omnibus, qui eum fuerant prosecuti, ita ut vix pauci exinde quodadmodo evaderent, qui rem, ut gesta fuerat, nuntiarent. Austrovaldus vero audiens Desiderium mortuum, de via regressus, ad regem perrexit; qui mox in eius locum dux statuetur.

For the horsemen of the allies had been wearied. Then, approaching the gate of the city, surrounded by the citizens who were within the walls, he was killed together with all those who had escorted him, such that scarcely a few from there somehow escaped to announce the matter as it had been done. But Austrovaldus, hearing that Desiderius was dead, turned back from the road and proceeded to the king; who was soon appointed duke in his place.

46. De obito Leuvichilde regis.

46. On the death of King Leuvichild.

Post haec Leuvigildus rex Hispanorum aegrotare coepit, sed, ut quidam adserunt, paenitentiam pro errore heretico agens et obtestans, ne huic heresi quisquam repperiretur consentaneus, in legem catholicam transiit , ac per septem dies in fletu perdurans pro his quae contra Deum iniquae molitus est, spiritum exalavit. Regnavitque Richaredus, filius eius, pro eo.

After these things Leuvigildus, king of the Spaniards, began to be ill; but, as some assert, doing penitence for heretical error and beseeching that no one might be found consentaneous to this heresy, he passed over into the catholic law , and, enduring in weeping for seven days for those things which he had wickedly contrived against God, he breathed out his spirit. And Richaredus, his son, reigned in his stead.

Explicit liber VIII.

Here ends book 8.