Legenda Regis Stephani: LEGENDA MAIOR SANCTI REGIS STEPHANI

'Omne datum optimum et omne donum perfectum desursum est, descendens a patre luminum.' Neque enim quippiam boni potest in rebus esse existentibus vel fieri absque gratis venientis miserationis Dei. Oculis quidem divine providentie, quibus sibi famulantum celestium virtutum statum inconcussum secundum placitum suum intuetur, hisdem etiam hominis perditi restaurationem dignatus est misericorditer contemplari et operari, ut imaginis sue dignitate creando decoraverat, paterni regni coheredem fiæri per incarnationis sue sacramentum mirabiliter æfficeret. Perfectis igitur in redemptore nostro patriarcharum ac prophetarum oraculis, per virginem inæffabiliter nascendo, per crucis passionem ac mortis assumptionem tertia die resurgendo, cum discipulis suis XL dies conversando postquam ipsis cernentibus celorum alta penetrans patris dextre naturaliter et potentialiter est associatus, inde spiritum sanctum paraclitum a patre et a se procedentem in filios adoptionis mirabili sonitu vehementis

'Every good and every perfect gift is from above, descending from the Father of lights.' For nothing of good can be in things existing or come to pass without the gratuitous compassion of God coming. Indeed, with the eyes of divine Providence, by which He contemplates the steadfast state of the heavenly ministering virtues according to His pleasure, He was likewise mercifully pleased to behold and to work the restoration of ruined man, so that having adorned him by creating him in the dignity of His image, He might wondrously make him co-heir of the paternal kingdom of the Son through the sacrament of His incarnation. Therefore, the oracles of the patriarchs and prophets being fulfilled in our Redeemer, who ineffably was born of a virgin, who by the passion of the cross and the taking up of death rose on the third day, and, after conversing with His disciples for 40 days, when they themselves beheld, having penetrated the heights of heaven He was naturally and potentially associated at the right hand of the Father, thence the Holy Spirit the Paraclete proceeding from the Father and from Him was sent into the sons of adoption with a wondrous sound of vehemence

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[378] adventus transfudit, qui linguis in igneis apparens eos omnium linguarum scientia divites effecit et miraculorum insigni potentia, virtute dominica mirificavit. Cuius ardore caritatis inflammati, secundum quod eis salvator noster ante preceperat, ævangelice predicationis functa legatione totum mundum divini semina verbi spargendo perlustraverunt. Quidam eorum regna cum regibus, quidam principatus cum principibus, quidam partes et divisiones provinciarum cum prefectis et prepositis ad christiane religionis cultum perduxerunt et in tantum fervore sancti spiritus exardescente per orbem universalis ecclesie sunt stabilita fundamenta, quod etiam ipsa mundi totius metropolis Roma, cum monarchia dignitatis imperatorie Christi fidei colla submittens vanitatum erroribus renunciavit.

[378] the advent poured forth, who, appearing in fiery tongues, made them rich in the knowledge of all languages and, by the notable power of miracles and the dominic virtue, wrought wonders. Inflamed by the ardor of that charity, according to what our Savior had before commanded them, having executed the embassy of evangelical preaching they traversed the whole world, sowing the divine seeds of the Word. Some of them brought kingdoms to the worship of the Christian religion along with their kings, some principalities with their princes, some parts and divisions of provinces with prefects and provosts, and with so great a fervor of the Holy Spirit kindled, the foundations of the universal Church were established throughout the orb, so that even the very metropolis of the whole world, Rome, submitting the necks of the dignities of the imperial monarchy to the faith of Christ, renounced the errors of vanities.

Non remansit patria neque natio, ubi quorundam miserationis Christi non fuisset assumptio.

There remained neither homeland nor nation in which the assumption of some by the mercy of Christ had not taken place.

Unde contigit divine pietatis intuitu in 'filios perditionis' et ignorantie, populum rudem et vagum, creaturam Dei se nescientem, Ungaros videlicet, Pannonie patriam inhabitantes clementi visu de celo prospicere, ut quos ad ulciscendas prevaricationes christianorum de sedibus naturalibus in occiduas partes occulto perpætuitatis consilio prius destinaverat, hos tempore sue predestinationis iam instanti de via iniquitatis ad iustitie semitam deleta nebula ad spem in eternum permanentis perduceret retributionis.

Whence it happened, by the insight of divine piety, that with merciful sight from heaven he looked upon the "sons of perdition" and of ignorance, a rude and wandering people, a creature unknowing of God, namely the Hungarians dwelling in the land of Pannonia; so that those whom formerly, by a hidden counsel of perpetuity, he had destined to the western parts from their natural seats to avenge the transgressions of Christians, he might now, at the time of their predestination already at hand, lead these from the way of iniquity to the path of justice, the cloud having been removed, and to the hope of retribution remaining for eternity.

2. Erat tunc princeps quartus ab illo, qui ingressionis Hungarorum in Pannoniam dux primus fuit nomine Gæiza, qui

2. There was then a fourth prince from him who was the first dux at the entrance of the Hungarians into Pannonia, named Gæiza, who

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[379] et credulus in Ihesum potentialiter agens in suos, misericors autem et liberalis in alienos et precipue in christianos, ritu paganismi licet obvolutus, tamen appropinquante spiritualis fulgore carismatis cum omnibus circumquaque positarum provinciarum vicinis de pace, cuius numquam antea fuerat amator, cepit attente tractare, ut iam in illo poscit agnosci, cuius filius desideraret fieri secundum dictum salvatoris nostri dicentisin ævangelio: 'beati pacifici, quoniam filii Dei vocabuntur'. Statuit insuper preceptum cæteris christianisregnum suum intrare volentibus hospitalitatis et securitatis gratiam exhibere, clericis ac monachis potestatem concessit presentiam suam adeundi, quibusvoluntarium libenterauditum prebens, orthodoxe fidei semen pectoris in orto statum delectabatur germen æmittere. Quid plura? Adest tempus celitus dispositum, credidit ipse cum familiaribus suis et baptizatus est, omnes ditioni sue subditos se pollicens Christiano nomini mancipaturum.

[379] and believing in Jesus, acting potentially toward his own, yet merciful and liberal to others and especially to Christians, though wrapped in the rite of paganism, with the spiritual brightness of charisma drawing near, and with all the neighboring provinces round about placed in peace — of which he had never before been a lover — he began to deal attentively, so that already in him he demanded to be acknowledged as the one whose son he desired to become according to the saying of our Savior in the Gospel: 'beati pacifici, quoniam filii Dei vocabuntur.' He further resolved to show the precept of hospitality and the grace of security to other Christians wishing to enter his kingdom; he granted clerics and monks the power to approach his presence, granting them a voluntary willing audience, delighting that the seed of the orthodox faith in the garden of his heart was beginning to send forth a shoot. What more? The time divinely appointed arrived: he himself believed with his household and was baptized, promising that he would subject all those under his dominion to the Christian name.

3. Cumque nimium æsset sollicitus de rebellibus domandis et ritibus sacrilegis destruendiset episcopatibus secundum estimationem suam ad profectum sancte ecclesie statuendis, mirabili visione noctuconsolatur eum Dominus, fecit adstare sibi iuvenem delectabilem aspectu, qui dixit ei: ,,Pax tibi ælecte, iubeo te de sollicitudine tua fore securum. Non tibi concessum est, quod meditaris, quia manus pollutas humano sanguine gestas. De te filius nasciturus egredietur, cui hec omnia disponenda divine providentie consilio Dominus commendabit.

3. And when he was excessively anxious about taming rebels and destroying sacrilegious rites and about establishing bishoprics according to his judgment for the advancement of the holy church, the Lord comforted him at night by a wondrous vision, caused a youth delightful in aspect to stand beside him, who said to him: ,,Peace to you, elect one, I command that you be freed from your solicitude. That which you meditate is not granted to you, because your hands are stained with human blood. From you a son about to be born will go forth, to whom the Lord, by the counsel of divine providence, will entrust all these things to be arranged."

Hic unus erit de regibus electis a Domino, 'coronam vite' secularis commutaturus æterna. Verumptamen virum spirituali legatione tibi transmittendum honorabiliter suscipito, susceptum honest<at>o timore perditionis ultime perterritus et amore raptus iugiter manentis

This one will be among the kings chosen by the Lord, the 'crown of life' secular being exchanged for the eternal. Yet however receive honorably the man to be sent to you with a spiritual legation, received, terrified by honest<at>o fear of final perdition and snatched away by love, continually abiding

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[380] spei, que non confundit, exortationibus eius non fictum cordis fidelis prebeto assensum.''

[380] of hope, which does not disappoint, to his exhortations give a faithful assent of the heart, not feigned.

4. Expergefactus princeps visionem stuporis prius secum, post cum Christi fidelibus et suis pertractans Deo gratias pavimento manibus expansis adherens humiliter egit, se principatumque cum filio nascituro custodie illius, qui non dormit neque dormitat, lacrimis fusis commendavit. Dum ergo miratur divinitus de viro predicto, nunciatur ei Beatus Adalpertus Boemiensis ecclesie pontifex ad se venturus propter conversionem ipsius et 'fidei non ficte' profectum, Domino Deo 'hostiam laudis oblaturus'. Oritur lætitia novis Christi militibus inenarrabilis, dux obviam tyroni Christi cum fidelibus procedit, honorabiliter suscepit et ut per visum monitus est, propter timorem et amorem Dei modis omnibus obedientie filium se ei fore demonstravit. Igitur iubente principe fit ubique congregatio gentis indomite, per Sanctum episcopum fiunt orationes continue, convertuntur et baptizantur alumpni patrie, statuuntur multis in locis ecclesie.

4. Roused, the prince first pondered the vision of amazement by himself; afterwards, having discoursed with the faithful of Christ and his own men, he gave thanks to God with hands spread upon the pavement and acted with humble devotion, committing himself and his principality to the custody of that One, who neither sleeps nor slumbers, with tears poured forth, and entrusting to him the son about to be born. While therefore he marvelled divinely at the aforesaid man, he was informed that Blessed Adalbert, pontiff of the Bohemian church, was coming to him for that man’s conversion and had set out 'in true faith', to offer to the Lord God a 'sacrifice of praise'. Inexpressible joy arose among the new soldiers of Christ; the duke went forth with the faithful to meet the neophyte of Christ, received him honorably, and, as he had been warned in the vision, showed by every mode of obedience—through fear and love of God—that he would be his son. Therefore, by the prince’s command, a congregation of the untamed people was everywhere assembled; through the holy bishop continual prayers were made, the country’s converts were converted and baptised, and churches were established in many places.

'Lux' quippe, 'que illuminat omnem hominem' tenebris expulsis cepit in Ungaria ænitescere, et impleta sunt verba prophete dicentis: 'Gentium populus, qui ambulabat in tenebris, vidit lucem magnam'. Lux lucis invisibilis Christus est, quem tunc gentes videre meruerunt, quando revocati de tenebris, ipsum verum lumen, Deum et hominem verum æsse crediderunt.

'The Light', indeed, 'which enlightens every man', having expelled the darkness began to shine in Hungary, and the words of the prophet were fulfilled saying: 'The people of the nations, who walked in darkness, have seen a great light.' The light of lights is the invisible Christ, whom then the nations deserved to see, and when recalled from darkness believed him to be the true light, God and truly man.

5. Nascitur interea predictus a Domino principis filius, quem secundum prophetam, antequam in utero conciperetur, novit Dominus. Hunc Deo dilectus Adalbertus episcopus crismali baptismate secundum credulitatis sue veritatem intinxit et susceptor eius fuit. Nomen sibi inpositum est Stæphanus, quod

5. Meanwhile the aforesaid son of the prince is born to the Lord, whom, according to the prophet, the Lord knew before he was conceived in the womb. This one, beloved of God, Bishop Adalbert dipped in chrismal baptism according to the truth of his credulity and was his sponsor. The name imposed upon him is Stæphanus, which

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[381] alienum a consilio Dei non credimus, Stephanus quippe Grece, coronatus sonat Latine. Ipsum quod et in hoc seculo Deus voluit ad regni potentiam, et in futuro corona beatitudinis semper permanentis redimere decrevit ad percipiendum iugis indeficientemgloriam. Crevit infans regali nutritus educatu, qui transvadata pueritia, postquam primum gradum adolescentie transcendit, convocatis pater suus Ungarie primatibus cum ordine sequenti, per communis consilium colloquii filium suum Stephanum post se regnaturum populo prefecit et ad hoc corroborandum a singulis sacramentum exægit.

[381] we do not believe him alien to the counsel of God; for Stephanus in Greek, coronatus sounds in Latin. He whom God willed in this present age to the power of a kingdom, and in the future decreed to redeem with the crown of ever‑lasting blessedness, that he might receive unending, unfailing glory, grew as an infant nourished in royal nurture and rearing; and when, having passed through boyhood, he crossed the first step of adolescence, his father summoned the primates of Hungary with the following ordinance, and by the common counsel of the assembly set his son Stephen over the people to reign after him, and to strengthen this demanded a sacrament (oath) from each.

Post hec plenus dierum anno dominice incarnationis dcccc xc VII. seculi nequam erumpnas cælesti mutavit gaudio, et eodem anno Beatus Adalpertus episcopus causa predicandi verbum Dei Pruziam ingressus est, et ibidem cum palma martyrii coronatus est.

After this, full of days, in the year of the Lord’s Incarnation 997, he exchanged the wicked outbursts of the age for heavenly joy, and in the same year Blessed Adalbert, bishop, for the sake of preaching the word of God entered Prussia, and there was crowned with the palm of martyrdom.

6. Regno denique Pannonico beati iuvenis nutu adtendente pacem cum exterarum provinciarum populis fideliter statutam corroboravit, ut in eo securius, quod in mente tractabat, in novella plantatione christianitatis explere sufficeret. Sed adversarius totius bonitatis, invidie plenus et malitia diabolus, ut sanctum Christi tyronis prpositum disturbaret, intestina contra æum bella commovit, quoniam eius instinctu plebs gentilis christiane fidei iugo colla submittere rennuens, cum principibus suis a dominio ipsius se subtrahere moliebatur. Quos omnes eum protegente gloriosissime crucis signaculo, patrocinantibus Dei genitricis ac perpetue Virginis Marie meritis, sub vexillo Deo dilecti pontificis Martini Sanctique martyris Georgii ducibus

6. Finally, in the Pannonian kingdom the blessed youth, by a nod attending, faithfully strengthened the peace established with the peoples of the foreign provinces, so that in it more securely what he was pondering in his mind would suffice to accomplish in the new plantation of Christianity. But the adversary of all goodness, full of envy and malice — the devil — in order to disturb the holy purpose of Christ’s neophytes, stirred up internal wars against him, because by his instigation the pagan people, refusing to submit their necks to the yoke of the Christian faith, strove with their princes to withdraw themselves from his dominion. All of whom, with him protecting them by the most glorious sign of the cross, and with the merits of the Mother of God and perpetual Virgin Mary advocating, under the banner of God, the beloved pontiff Martin and the holy martyr George as leaders

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[382] eorum interfectis in brevi suo servitio subegit, et baptismatis unda lotos unum Deum colere, monita salutis per fideles sacerdotes distribuendo, compulit.

[382] with them slain, he soon subjected (the rest) to his service, and compelled those washed by the wave of baptism to worship one God, distributing admonitions of salvation through faithful priests.

7. Dævictis ergo Christi miles hostibus gaudio spirituali repletus, totius ingenii consilium evangelici seminis decrevit fore receptaculum, elemosinis et orationibus vacans, frequenter pavimento adherens domus sancte æcclesie, lacrimis fusis perfectionem propositi sui Dei commisit voluntati, ut qui sine ipso nichil agere valeret, opitulante dispositionis ipsius expletione, bonum quod cogitaverat cum inceptione virtutum, ad finem perducere posset. Ad hoc igitur incipiendum et consumandum, quoniam fidelium Christi consultum habebat necessarium, nunciis et litteris in omnes partes suum diffamavit desiderium. Inde multi presbiteri et clerici, spiritus paracliti compuncti, relictis sedibus propriis ælegerunt peregrinari; abbates et monachi nichil proprium habere cupientes sub tam religiosissimi principis patrocinio regulariter vivere desideraverunt.

7. Victorious then, the soldier of Christ, with his enemies overcome and filled with spiritual joy, resolved that the whole bent of his mind should be a receptacle of the evangelical seed, devoting himself to alms and prayers, frequently prostrate upon the pavement of the house of the holy church; with tears poured forth he committed the perfection of his purpose to God's will, so that he who could do nothing without Him, with the aid of the fulfilment of that disposition, might bring to completion the good which he had conceived at the inception of his virtues. To begin and to consummate this, therefore, and, since he reckoned the counsel of Christ's faithful necessary, he broadcast his desire by messengers and letters into all parts. Thence many presbyters and clerics, their spirits pricked by the Paraclete, having left their own seats chose to peregrinate; abbots and monks, desiring to possess nothing of their own, wished to live according to rule under the patronage of so most religious a prince.

Inter quos vite religiosus Ascricus pater cum suis discipulis advenit, quorum unus, Bonifatius nomine, in loc patris constitutus abbas, dum a beato rege causa predicationis in inferiores Ungarie partes essæt missus, in cervice percussus gladio, licet postea viveret, non est privatus martyrio. Venerunt et alii duo de terra Poloniænsi, heremiticam vitam causa contemplationis æligentes, quorum unus, Andreas nomine, per confessionis meritum angelicis choris est associatus testibus miraculorum signis per ipsum a Domino factis, alter, Benedictus pro Christo sanguine fuso mirabiliter laureatus. Aescricus abbas cum suis honorifice susceptus, ad radicem Montis

Among whom the religious father Ascricus of life arrived with his disciples, one of whom, named Bonifatius, appointed abbot in his father’s place, while he was sent by the blessed king for the cause of preaching into the lower parts of Hungary, was struck in the neck with a sword — although he afterwards lived, he was not deprived of martyrdom. Two others also came from the land of Poland, choosing the hermit life for the sake of contemplation, one of whom, named Andreas, by the merit of his confession was associated with the angelic choirs, witnesses being the signs of miracles wrought through him by the Lord; the other, Benedict, wondrously crowned for Christ with blood having been shed. Abbot Aescricus, honorably received with his men, to the root of the Mountain

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[383] Ferrei cenobium sub titulo Sancti patris Benedicti construxit, ubi usque hodie congregatio monasterialis disciplina regulari pollens temporalium sustentatione copiarum superhabundans non est alicuius egens, nisi ut suos et aliorum pedes secundum ævangelicum lavet.

[383] He built the Ferrei cenobium under the title of Saint Father Benedict, where even to this day the monastic congregation, strong in regular discipline and superabundant in the supplies of temporal sustenance, is in need of nothing, except to wash its own and others’ feet according to the Gospel.

8. Cum his Dei servus, princeps Christianissimus, aliquando communiter cum omnibus, aliquando singillatim cum uno quoque eorum colloquium habens provincias in decem partitus est episcopatus, Strigoniensem æcclesiam metropolim et magistram per consensum et subscriptionem Romane sedis apostolici ceterarum fore constituens. Cui iam dictum venerabilem Ascricum abbatem pontificalis dignitatis infula decoratum, electione canonica prefecit, cuius consilio ceteras sedes patrum curis et provisionibus commisit. Iaciuntur ubique sacrarum fundamenta domorum, surgunt claustra canonicorum, florescunt cenobia regulariter conversantium congregationum.

8. With these men the servant of God, the most Christian prince, sometimes holding a common conference with all, sometimes a private conference with each one of them, divided the provinces into ten bishoprics, constituting the Church of Strigonium to be metropolitan and mistress of the others by the consent and subscription of the Apostolic Roman see. To this church he now appointed the venerable abbot Ascricus, adorned with the pontifical fillet of episcopal dignity, by canonical election, and by his counsel committed the other sees to the care and provision of the fathers. The foundations of sacred houses are everywhere laid, the cloisters of canons arise, and the monasteries of regularly living congregations flourish.

Undique fit concursus Deo famulantium, quorum desiderium tam liberalis principis excitavit benigne susceptionis solatium.

On every side there arises a concourse of those serving God, whose desire the liberality of the prince kindly stirred to the consolation of a hospitable reception.

Et quoniam Pannonia Beati pontificis Martini nativitate gloriatur, cuius etiam patrocinantibus meritis rex Christo fidelis, ut iam dictum est, de hostibus victoriam reportaverat, inito cum theophilis consilio, iuxta fundum sancti presulis in loco, qui Sacer Mons dicitur, sub titulo ipsius monasterium construens,

And since Pannonia glories in the nativity of the Blessed pontiff Martin, by whose protecting merits the king faithful to Christ, as has already been said, had won victory over the enemies, having entered into counsel with Theophilus, building a monastery under the title of the same [saint] next to the estate/foundation of the holy prelate in the place which is called Sacer Mons,

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[384] possessionibus et reditibus cunctisque sufficientiis ditavit et suffragio decimationibus simile fecit episcopatibus.

[384] he enriched with possessions and revenues and all sufficiencies, and by the favour of made decimations similar to bishoprics.

9. Quinto post patris obitum anno, divina sic volente clementia, benedictionis apostolice litteris allatis, presulibus cum clero, comitibus cum populo laudes congruas acclamantibus, dilectus Deo Stephanus rex appellatur et unctione crismali perunctus, diademate regalis dignitatis feliciter coronatur. Post acceptum imperialis excellentie signum, qualis vite vir et discretionis fuerit, cum episcopis et primatibus Ungarie statutum a se decretum manifestum facit, in quo scilicet uniuscuiusque contrarium dictavit antidotum. Et, ut pacis, per quam Christus mundum coadunavit, se fore probaret filium, quod nullus alium hostiliter invaderet, nemo inimicum sine iudicii examinatione lederet, viduas et orphanos nullus obprimeret, subscriptione federis non pereuntis posteris suis reliquid stabilitum.

9. In the fifth year after his father’s death, by divine clemency so willing, with letters of apostolic blessing brought, and with bishops with clergy, counts with the people acclaiming fitting praises, the beloved of God Stephen is called king and, having been anointed with the chrismal unction, is happily crowned with the diadem of royal dignity. After receiving the sign of imperial excellence, what sort of man he was in life and in discretion he made clear by a statute and decree issued by him with the bishops and primates of Hungary, in which, namely, he prescribed an antidote against every one’s contrary. And, that he might prove himself a son of the peace by which Christ joined the world together, he provided that no one should hostilely attack another, no one should wound an enemy without a trial of judgment, no one should oppress widows and orphans, and by the subscription of an undying pact he left these matters established for his posterity.

Ad consortium vero regni, precipue causa sobolis propagande, sororem Romane dignitatis augusti, videlicet Heinrici, qui ob mansuetudinem morum pius est appellatus, Gi<se>llam nomine sibi in matrimonio sociavit, quam unctione crismali perunctam gestamine corone sociam esse notificavit. Que qualis erga Dei cultum ornandum extiterit, quam frequens et benefica

To the fellowship of the kingdom, and chiefly for the cause of propagating offspring, he allied to himself in marriage the sister of Roman dignity of the august, namely of Heinricus, called pious on account of the gentleness of his manners, Gi<se>llam by name, whom, anointed with chrism, he announced to be his companion in the wearing of the crown. And what sort she proved herself in adorning the worship of God, how frequent and beneficent

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[385] circa Deo servientium congregationes apparuerit, multarum æcclesiarum cruces et vasa vel paramenta opere mirifico facta vel contexta usque hodie testantur. Pre cunctis tamen episcopatus Besprimiensis, quam ipsa a fundamento ceptam omnibus sufficientiis ad servitium in auro vel argento vestimentisque multiplicibus adornavit. Ipse vero rex episcopia nuper incepta simul cum abbatiis, prediis et curiis, famulis et reditibus regaliter disposuit, crucibus et vasis aliisque suppellectionibus ad ministerium Dei pertinentibus, secundum quod unicuique opus fuit, sufficienter decoravit.

[385] concerning the congregations of those serving God that appeared, the crosses and vessels and even the vestments of many churches, made or woven with marvelous workmanship, bear witness to this to this day. Above all, however, she adorned the bishopric of Besprimiensis, which she began from the foundation, with all sufficiencies for service in gold or silver and with many vestments. The king himself, meanwhile, royally disposed the bishoprics newly begun together with abbeys, estates and courts, servants and revenues, and he sufficiently furnished them with crosses and vessels and other furnishings pertaining to the ministry of God, according to what each needed.

Monachorum vitam et conversationem nunc per alios, nunc per semet ipsum explorandodiligenter examinabat, torpentes arguens, vigiles sub dilectione constituens, canonicorum ministerium episcoporum providentie sub testimonio Christi et æcclesie commendabat secundum apostolum 'omnibus omnia factus, ut omnes' lucrifaceret.

He diligently examined the life and conversation of the monks, now through others, now through himself, reproving the torpid, establishing the watchful under charity, and commending the ministry of the canons and the providence of bishops to the witness of Christ and of the church, according to the apostle, 'being made all things to all, that he might gain all.'

10. Erat vir iste fidelis, in omnibus actibus suis Deo perfecte deditus, per votum et oblationem semet cum regno suo sub tutela perpetue virginis Dei genitricis Marie precibus assiduis conferens, cuius honor et gloria tam celebris inter Ungaros habetur, quod ætiam festivitas assumptionis eiusdem virginis sine additamento proprii nominis ipsorum lingua regine dies vocitetur. Et, ut maiorem ipsius defensionis misericordiam consequi valeret, in ipsa regalis sedis civitate, que dicitur Alba, sub laude et titulo virginis eiusdem perpetue famosam et grandem basilicam opere mirifico, celaturis in chori pariete distinctis, pavimento tabulis marmoreis strato construere cepit. Quam qui vidit, testimonium

10. There was that man faithful, in all his deeds perfectly devoted to God, by vow and oblation placing himself together with his kingdom under the perpetual tutelage of the Virgin Mother of God, Mary, with continual prayers; whose honor and glory is held so celebrated among the Hungarians that even the feast of the Assumption of that same Virgin, without adding any personal name, in their tongue is called "queen's day." And, that he might obtain a greater mercy of her defence, in the very city of the royal seat, which is called Alba, under the praise and title of the same Virgin perpetually famed, he began to construct a great basilica with marvelous workmanship, the choir walls set off with concealed panels, and the pavement laid with slabs of marble. Which when one saw, testimony

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[386] veritati verborum nostrorum perhibet innumerabilia palliorum, paramentorum et aliorum ornamentorum ibi esse genera, circa altaria tabulas plures auro purissimo fabricatas, lapidum series preciosissimorum in se continentes, cyborium arte mirabili supra Christi mensam erectum, cameram omni genere vasorum cristallinorum, aureorum, argenteorum pleniter refertam.

[386] bears witness to the truth of our words that there are innumerable kinds of pallia, paraments and other ornaments there, around the altars several panels (tabulae) wrought of the purest gold, containing within them a series of most precious stones, a ciborium raised above Christ’s table with marvelous art, and a chamber fully furnished with every sort of crystalline, golden, and silver vessels.

Decrevit iam filius Dei, que tunc habebat et adquirere poterat, omnia Christo, que ipsius dono iunxerat, conferre, ut, qui eum gloria et honore mundi presentis dignum fecerat, celestis patrie civibus clementer associare dignaretur.

The Son of God then decreed to confer upon Christ all that he then had and could acquire, all which he had joined by his own gift, so that he who had made him worthy of the glory and honour of the present world might deign to mercifully associate him with the citizens of the heavenly fatherland.

11. Legimus in prophetia de apostolis scriptum, quod 'in omnem terram exivit sonus eorum' et cetera. Hoc non solum de duodecim, sed de omnibus a Deo missis ad ævangelizandum dictum probatur, quorum fide et verbis et moribus incrementum pavit æcclesia. De quibus iste christianissimus non minimus fuisse computatur, bone voluntatis et operis fama, quam in edificandis æcclesiis in amplitudine proprii iuris exercuit, longe positas terras et famosissimas disperserat.

11. We read in the prophecy concerning the apostles that it is written, 'their voice went out into all the earth,' etc. This is proved to have been said not only of the twelve, but of all those sent by God to evangelize, by whose faith and words and manners the Church nourished its growth. Concerning whom this most Christian man is reckoned not to have been insignificant: the fame of his good will and works, which he exercised in the enlargement of churches held in his own right, he had spread to lands far distant and most renowned.

Construxit enim in ipsa conversationis Christi secundum humanitatem civitate Iærusalem monachorum cenobium, prediis ditavit et vineis, ad victum cottidianum copiam ministrantibus. In capite quoque mundi, Roma sub titulo protomartyris Stephani XII. canonicorum congregationes cunctis pertinentiis habundanter statuit et maceriam in circuitu lapide muratam cum domibus et hospitiis Ungarorum orationis causa beati principis apostolorum, Petri limina querentium.

For he built in Iærusalem itself, the city of Christ’s sojourn according to his humanity, a cenobium of monks, enriching it with estates and vineyards that supplied abundance for daily sustenance. And in the head of the world, Rome, under the title of the protomartyr Stephen, he abundantly established twelve congregations of canons with all their appurtenances, and a stone wall encircling with houses and hospices of Hungarians, who, for the sake of prayer to the blessed prince of the apostles, sought the thresholds of Peter.

Ipsam quoque regiam urbem Constantinopolim beneficiorum munere non privavit, qui ecclesiam mirifici operis constructam cum omnibus necessariis suis donavit. Merito igitur infra terminos sue dominationis nomen adeptus est apostoli, quoniam et si ipse ævangelizandi non assumpsit officium, predica-

He likewise did not deprive the royal city Constantinople itself of the gift of benefactions, who bestowed the church, constructed of wondrous workmanship, together with all its necessaries as a donation. Therefore deservedly within the bounds of his dominion he obtained the name of apostle, since even if he himself did not take up the office of evangelizing, predica-

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[387] torum tamen dux et magister æius tutaminis et sustentationis instituit solatium.

[387] nevertheless he appointed as a consolation a leader and master of their guardianship and sustenance.

12. Inter omnia superne miserationis beneficia beato regi divinitus concessa pre omnibus sunt illa dinumeranda scriptisque commendanda, que locum primum obtinent ad eternae vite gaudia promerenda. In omnibus enim factis suis felicibus illud intendebat æsse principium, quod ex ævangelio fideli pectoris contemplatus est visu per veritatis ipsius testimoniumdicentis: 'beati misericordes, quoniam ipsi misericordiam consequentur', et in alio loco: 'date et dabitur vobis'. Tantis igitur misericordie et pietatis brachiis Christi pauperes, immo Christum in ipsis amplexabatur, quod nullus umquam hospes et peregrinus ab eo sine benignitatis alicuius solamine tristis abscessit. Ad recreationem egenorum cottidianas expensas indesinenter fieri instituit, nocturnas vigilias in Christi fidelium pedibus, in abscondendis in sinum pauperum elemosinis agiliter et ylariter transigere solebat, egenum Christum in membris suis consolari deliberans temporaliter, ut ipse vite cælestis cameram cunctis delectamentis refertam inveniens iocundari meruerit eternaliter.

12. Among all the supernal benefits of mercy divinely granted to the blessed king, first of all are to be numbered and commended in writings those things which hold the first place for earning the joys of eternal life. For in all his happy deeds that was intended to be the principle, which was contemplated by the faithful heart from the Gospel, seen through the testimony of truth itself saying: 'blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy,' and in another place: 'give and it shall be given to you.' Therefore by such arms of Christ’s mercy and piety the poor—nay, Christ in them—was embraced, so that no guest or pilgrim ever departed from him sad and without some consolation of kindness. For the refreshment of the needy he instituted that daily expenses be made incessantly; he was wont to pass the nocturnal vigils at the feet of Christ’s faithful, and to swift and cheerfully hide alms in the bosom of the poor, intending to console Christ the needy in his members temporarily, so that he himself, finding the chamber of heavenly life filled with all delights, might deserve to rejoice eternally.

Quadam vero nocte spirituali monitu tactus, nemine sciente solus plenum dono Dei gerens sacculum, Christi pusillum gregem solito more perrexit visitare, statimque pauperes distribuende cælestis thesauri pecunie distrahentes, viri Dei ævulsione barbe prebuerunt testimonium. Ob hoc gaudio repletus miles Christi maximum confugium fecit ad beatissimam creatoris omnium genitricem, prostratus terre gratias agens sic exclamavit: ,,Regina celestis et mea, quem tu regem statuisti, milites tui sic honoraverunt. Si ab aliquo adversario mihi hoc illatum fuisset, meas iniurias per tuum ulciscerer adminiculum. Sciens ergo, domina, per hoc æterna felicitate dignum nimus exulto, gratias agens salvatoris nostri verbis consolatoriis, quibus discipulos suos consolatus

One certain night, touched by a spiritual admonition, unknown to anyone he alone, bearing a purse full with God's gift, went in his usual manner to visit Christ's little flock, and immediately, dispensing to the poor the heavenly treasure of money, the men of God by the pulling out of his beard bore witness. Filled with this joy the soldier of Christ made his greatest refuge to the most blessed Mother of the Creator of all; prostrate upon the ground giving thanks he thus cried out: ,,Regina caelestis et mea, quem tu regem statuisti, milites tui sic honoraverunt. Si ab aliquo adversario mihi hoc illatum fuisset, meas iniurias per tuum ulciscerer adminiculum. Sciens ergo, domina, per hoc æterna felicitate dignum nimis exulto, gratias agens salvatoris nostri verbis consolatoriis, quibus discipulos suos consolatus

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[388] est dicens: 'Capillus de capite vestro non peribit'.'' His dictis se vir Dei celesti gratia percipiens visitatum et spirituali carismate perfusum, cordis ianuas opem querentibus numquam claudere decrevit et per se deinceps et per alios, sed precipue per Christi servos et familiares: clericos et monachos, celitus sibi datas facultates in eternis thesauris permanentes per manus pauperum fecit collocari.

[388] he is saying: 'A hair of your head will not perish.' With these words the man of God, perceived as visited by heavenly grace and suffused with a spiritual charisma, resolved never to shut the doors of his heart to those seeking aid, and henceforth by himself and by others, but especially through the servants and household of Christ—clerics and monks—he caused the powers bestowed upon him from on high, remaining in eternal treasures, to be deposited through the hands of the poor.

Huius rei testimonium perhibet in æternum cum ipso celestis vite particeps monachus ex seculari nobilitate et heræmita, beatus Guntherus, qui liberalitate caritativi principis illectus solebat eum sepius de terra Boæmorum visitare. Quotienscunque enim curiam ipsius adventus sui fulgore perlustravit, camera regis sub manu sua posita prægrinis egenis et indigenis, viduis et orphanis, cænobiis et æcclesiis distributa re, quam continebat, in brevi fuit exinanita. Ad nutum etiam ipsius servi Dei, rex Deo devotus monasterium, quod Bæli nuncupatur, incipiens, omnibus bonis ditavit, ubi monachus Gerardus de Venetia veniens vitam contemplativam agere cepit.

A testimony of this matter bears witness for ever along with him: the monk, partaker of the heavenly life, of secular nobility and a hermit, Blessed Gunther, who, drawn by the liberality of the charitable prince, was wont to visit him often from the land of the Bohemians. For whenever the court was traversed by the radiance of his arrival, the king’s chamber, placed under his hand, the goods which it contained, distributed to foreign pilgrims, the needy and natives, widows and orphans, cenobiums and churches, was soon emptied. At the bidding also of that servant of God, the king, devoted to God, endowed the monastery which is called Bæli, at its beginning, with all goods, where the monk Gerardus of Venice, coming, began to lead a contemplative life.

Qui constitutione superna pontifex ælectus post obitum sancti regis instante disturbatione Christianitatis lapidatus est, et per donum gratie spiritualis dignus effectus est consortio martyrii.

Who, chosen pontiff by a supernal constitution, after the death of the holy king, with the disturbance of Christianity imminent, was stoned, and by the gift of spiritual grace was made worthy of the fellowship of martyrdom.

13. Non hoc preteræundum estimo, quod in viro Dei quanti meriti post obitum foret, divina virtus in vita sua demonstrare voluit, quippe quotiens alicuius hominis infirmitas auribus suis intimata fuit, missa sibi pro medicina, quam tunc in

13. I do not think this should be passed over, that how great the merit in a man of God would be after his death, the divine power wished to show in his life, for whenever the infirmity of any man was made known to his ears, sent to him as a medicine, which then in

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[389]"

[389] presenti poterat habere, particula panis, vel pomi, vel herbe aromatice, mandatum, ut sanus surgeret, transmisit, et Dei propiciatione verbum ipsius comitante statim sospitatem recepit. Post gloriosam ascensionem ad cælos et mirabilem patris consessionem, salvator noster paucis corporaliter apparuisse perhibetur, per visionem vero multos consolatos futurorum prescios esse docuit, quod et huic beato contigit. Quadam igitur nocte repente per revelationem quandam expergefactus, veredarium quendam infra diem et noctem ad Albam Transsilvanam precepit festinare et omnes in rure manentes ad munitionem civitatum, quam citissime posset congregare.

[389] to the one present he could give a morsel of bread, or of fruit, or of an aromatic herb; he commanded that he rise healthy, gave it, and by God's propitiation, his word accompanying it, he straightway received restoration to health. After the glorious ascension into heaven and the wondrous concession of the Father, our Savior is said to have appeared bodily to a few, and by vision to have taught that many were comforted concerning future things, which also befell this blessed man. Therefore one night, suddenly awakened by a certain revelation, he bade a certain courier to hasten, by day and by night, to Alba Transsilvana and to gather together, as swiftly as he could, all those remaining in the countryside to the fortifications of the towns.

Predixit enim superventuros christianorum hostes, videlicet qui tunc Ungaris imminebant, Bessos, et possessiones eorum depredaturos. Vix nuncius mandata regis complevit, et æcce Bessorum inopinata calamitas incendiis et rapinis cuncta devastans, per revelationem Dei meritis beati viri concessa animabus hominum salute per receptacula munitionum.

For he foretold that enemies of the Christians would come upon them, namely those Hungarians then looming, the Bessos, and that they would plunder their possessions. Hardly had the messenger fulfilled the king’s commands, and behold the unexpected calamity of the Bessos, devastating all with fires and rapine, by a revelation of God, granted through the merits of the blessed man, brought salvation to the souls of men through the shelters of the fortifications.

14. Accidit post hec defuncto beati regis per sociam cognato, Romane dignitatis augusto Heinrico pio, Cu^onradum imperatorie potestatis per Germannorum electionem assumere, qui destructa pacis tranquillitate, totius Teutonie manu coadunata Pannonie terminos hostiliter conatus est invadere. Contra quem rex consultum habens episcoporum et principum, ad tuendam patriam armatos totius Ungarie contraxit. Prius tamen recolens

14. It happened after these things, the blessed king having died, that by a matrimonial kinsman, the august Henry the Pious of Roman dignity, and Conrad, to assume imperial power by the election of the Germans, who, the tranquillity of peace being shattered, with all Germany gathered in one hand hostilely endeavoured to invade the borders of Pannonia. Against whom the king, after consultation with bishops and princes, assembled the armed men of all Hungary to defend the fatherland. Prius tamen recolens

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[390] se nichil posse sine suffragio Christi, manus et cor lævans ad æthera, domine sue, perpetue virgini, Dei genitrici Marie iniurias commendans, talem erupit in vocem: ,,Si placet tibi, domina mundi, tue hereditatis ab inimicis devastari et novellam plantationem christianitatis aboleri, non mee, precor, imputetur desidie, sed potius dispositioni voluntatis tue. Si pastoris culpa, quod meretur, ipse luat, insontibus parce, precor, ovibus.'' His dictis quasi consolatus ab ea fiducialiter adversus hostem iter arripuit. Altera mox die nuncius ad unumquemque ducem Germanorum in castra, cæu missus ab imperatore venit, qui eis redæundi mandatum detulit.

[390] declaring that he could do nothing without the aid of Christ, lifting hands and heart to the heavens, committing the injuries to his lady, the perpetual virgin, Mary, Mother of God, he burst forth in such a voice: "If it pleases you, lady of the world, that your inheritance be laid waste by enemies and the new plantation of Christianity abolished, let this not, I pray, be imputed to my negligence, but rather to the disposition of your will. If by the pastor's fault he receive what he deserves, let him himself suffer it; spare, I pray, the innocent sheep." Having said these things, as if comforted by her, he confidently resumed the march against the enemy. On the next day a messenger came to each of the German leaders in the camp, as though sent by the emperor, who brought them the command to return.

Regredientibus adversariis, ubi sanctus respectu miserationis Dei se visitatum intelligens, Christo sueque genitrici terre prostratus gratias egit, cuius se cum regni provisione tutamini precibus assiduis commendavit. Imperator vero suorum tam repentina perterritus defectione, sciscitans, qualiter res facta fuerit, cern<ensque> reversio<es> eorum fuisse veraciter per consilium divinitatis ad corroborandam regis fidelissimi spem factum non dubitavit, seque dehinc ab invasione regni eius timore iudicis æterni detentus abstinuit.

As the enemies were returning, when the saint, in regard to the mercy of God, understood himself to have been visited, prostrate before Christ and before his mother of the earth he gave thanks, and committed himself to her protection with the provision of the kingdom by continual prayers. The emperor, however, so suddenly terrified by the defection of his men, asking how the matter had come about, and see return of them to have been truly effected by the counsel of divinity to corroborate the hope of the most faithful king, did not doubt it, and thence, held back by fear of the eternal judge from invading his kingdom, refrained.

15. In beato quoque constat apostolicum illud impletum, quod legitur, 'quoniam per multas tribulationes oportet intrare in regnum Dei' et in libro Sapientie: 'quos diligit Deus, castigat et pater flagellat filium, quem recipit'. Multis enim modis correptioni divine succubuit, tribus annis infirmitate continua laborans. Postquam inde propitiationis Dei medicamine convaluit, iterum æterni per secretum consilii quandam examinationem in filiorum suorum obitu sensit imminere verbera, quod in ipsis infantie gradibus insontes, qui dedit, abstulit. De quorum morte mestitiam genitor propter amorem filii superstitis, sancte indolis

15. In the blessed one it is likewise manifest that that apostolic saying is fulfilled, which is read, "for through many tribulations it is necessary to enter into the kingdom of God," and in the Book of Wisdom: "whom God loves he chastens, and as a father he scourges the son whom he receives." For in many ways he yielded to divine chastisement, laboring with continuous infirmity for three years. Afterward, having been restored by the remedy of God's propitiation, he again perceived, by the secret of the eternal counsel, a certain trial looming at the death of his sons — the scourges which in the very stages of infancy the giver had taken away from the innocent. Concerning whose death the father grieved, for the love of the son toward the survivors, of holy disposition

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[391] viri Hæinrici solacio compescuit. Quem quasi iam unicum diligens affectu precibus Christo cottidianis et eius genitrici virgini perpetue commendavit. Hunc igitur fore superstitem, hunc regni eiusdem votis omnibus preesse desideravit.

[391] he stifled his sorrow with the solace of the man Heinrich. Whom, as if already his only one, with diligent affection he commended perpetually to Christ by daily prayers and to his mother the Virgin. Therefore he wished that this one should be the survivor, that this one should preside over the same kingdom with all his vows.

Et, ut efficacior fieret ad tenenda tanti regiminis gubernacula, virorum documentis orthodoxorum usu lectionis cottidiane fecit auditum utrumque prebere. Ipse quoque paterne dilectionis ardore compunctus libellum de institutione morum constituit, in quo fideliter et amicabiliter verbis eum admonitionis spiritualis alloquitur instruens, qualiter ante omnia debeat observare fidem catholicam, confirmare statum æcclæsiasticum, honorem impendere dignitati pontificum, principes et milites diligere, iudicium observare, patientiam in cunctis actibus habere, hospites benigne suscipere, benignius nutrire, sine consilio nichil agere, maiores suos ante oculos semper habere et ad exemplum statuere, orationis officium frequentare, pietatem et misericordiam cum cæteris virtutibus possidere. Talibus et his similibus discilinis institutus iuvenis preclarus dispositioni eterne, cui cuncta subiacent, obediendo, millesimo XXXI^o dominice incarnationis anno vitam hanc exitialem commutavit sempiterna, supernorum civium adiunctus contubernio.

And, that he might be more effective in holding the helm of so great a government, he caused the use of daily reading of orthodox men’s teachings to be heard by both. He himself also, moved by a fatherly ardor of affection, composed a little book on the institution of manners, in which faithfully and amicably he admonishes him with words of spiritual counsel, instructing how above all he ought to observe the catholic faith, to confirm the ecclesiastical state, to give honor fitting to the dignity of pontiffs, to love princes and soldiers, to respect judgment, to have patience in all actions, to receive guests kindly, to nourish them more kindly, to do nothing without counsel, to always keep his elders before his eyes and to establish by their example, to frequent the office of prayer, and to possess piety and mercy with the other virtues. Thus instructed in such and like disciplines, the young man, splendid in disposition and subject to the eternal, to whom all things submit by obedience, in the 1031^st year of the Lord’s incarnation exchanged this mortal life for the everlasting, being joined to the fellowship of the heavenly citizens.

O quantus luctus omnium, sed maxime principum, inter quos pater desolatus grave traxit suspirium. Videns enim se solum sine spe posteritatis derelictum, pietatis affectu doluit. Sciens vero scriptum: 'non est prudentia, non sapientia, non consilium contra Dominum', et illud in canonibus: neminem propter obitum carorum nimis debere contristari, deposito merore se totum contulit ad querendam largitatem misericordie divine.Cenobiorum et ecclesiarum ministros, monachos et clericos diversis ælemosinarum donis consolatus, expensas totius sumptus, que ad presens habere poterat, peregrinis, viduis, orphanis erogavit.

O what a great grief of all, but especially of princes, among whom the desolate father drew a deep sigh. For seeing himself alone, left without hope of posterity, he grieved with the affection of piety. Knowing moreover the scripture: 'non est prudentia, non sapientia, non consilium contra Dominum', and that saying in the canons: neminem propter obitum carorum nimis debere contristari, having laid aside sorrow he devoted himself wholly to seeking the largess of divine mercy.Cenobiorum et ecclesiarum ministros, monks and clerics he comforted with various gifts of alms, and he disbursed the expenses of all his means, which he could at present have, to strangers, widows, and orphans.

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[392] Exterarum etiam monasteria provinciarum munificentie regie donis innumeris per nuncios suos sepe visitavit.

[392] He also often visited the monasteries of foreign provinces with innumerable royal gifts of munificence through his nuncios.

16.. Gravedinem morum, quam in iuventute perceperat, usque ad finem vite tenuit. Vix umquam ad risum labia movit recolens scriptum: 'risus dolore miscebitur et extrema gaudii luctus occupat', semper sic apparens, ac si ante tribunal Christi staret, in interioribus oculis eius presentia<m> vultu verendo conspiciens, Christum in ore, Christum in corde, Christum in cunctis actibus se gestare demonstravit. Diem ultimum semper ante cordis desiderio toto mentis statuens, iam inter patrie cælestis cives, quasi quodam angelice conversationis habitu cupiebat habitare.

16.. He retained to the end of his life the gravity of manners which he had acquired in youth. He scarcely ever moved his lips to laughter, recalling the writing: 'laughter will be mixed with sorrow and the extremes of joy will be seized by mourning,' always appearing thus, as if he stood before the tribunal of Christ, beholding with his inward eyes the presence<m> and reverencing it in his countenance, showing that he carried Christ on his lips, Christ in his heart, Christ in all his actions. Ever setting the last day before his heart's desire with his whole mind, already among the citizens of his heavenly fatherland, he longed to dwell, as if in a certain angelic habit of conversation.

Cunctis Deo placitarum virtutum generibus adornatus et in iustitia sanctitatis coram ipso omnibus diebus vite sue conversari decrevit, ut in eo iam quedam future glorificationis species clarescere videretur. Tandem per misericordiam Dei dignus centuplicate retributionis bravio, tactus febre, cum sibi transit<um> imminere non ambigeret, accersitis episcopis et primis palatii de Christi nomine gloriantibus, primum cum eis tractavit de substituendo pro se rege, Petro videlicet, sororis sue filio, quem in Venetia genitum ad se vocatum iam dudum exercitui suo prefecerat ducem, deinde monuit eos paterne fidem orthodoxam servare.

Adorned with all kinds of virtues pleasing to God and resolved to live in righteousness and holiness before him all the days of his life, so that in him already some appearance of future glorification seemed to shine forth. At length, by the mercy of God deemed worthy of a hundredfold reward, stricken with fever, and when he did not doubt that transit<um> was imminent for him, he summoned the bishops and the chief men of the palace who gloried in the name of Christ; first he discussed with them the substituting for him of a king, namely Peter, his sister’s son, whom, born in Venice, he had long since called to him and set over his army as leader; then he admonished them to preserve the orthodox faith with paternal fidelity.