Paulus Diaconus: HISTORIA LANGOBARDORUM

1. Confirmata igitur Agilulf, qui et Ago dictus est, regia dignitate, causa eorum qui ex castellis Tridentinis captivi a Francis ducti fuerant, Agnellum episcopum Tridentinum in Franciam misit. Qui exinde rediens, secum aliquantos captivos, quos Brunihilde regina Francorum ex proprio pretio redimerat, revocavit. Evin quoque dux Tridentorum ad optinendam pacem ad Gallias perrexit; qua impetrata, regressus est.

1. Therefore, with the royal dignity confirmed for Agilulf, who was also called Ago, on account of those who from the Tridentine forts had been led away as captives by the Franks, he sent Agnellus, the Tridentine bishop, into Francia. Returning thence, he brought back with him several captives, whom Brunihilde, queen of the Franks, had redeemed at her own price. Evin too, duke of the Tridentines, went to Gaul to obtain peace; having gained it, he returned.

2. Hoc anno fuit siccitas nimium gravis a mense ianuario usque ad mensem septembrium; et facta est magna penuria famis. Venit quoque et magna locustarum multitudo in territorium Tridentinum, quae maiores erant quam ceterae locustae; et mirum dictu, herbas paludesque depastae sunt, segetes vero agrorum exigue contigerunt. Sequenti quoque anno pari nihilominus modo adventarunt.

2. In this year there was a drought exceedingly grave from the month of January up to the month of September; and a great penury of food arose. There also came a great multitude of locusts into the Tridentine territory, which were larger than the other locusts; and, wondrous to say, the grasses and marshes were grazed down, but the crops of the fields they scarcely touched. In the following year also they nonetheless arrived in a like manner.

3. His diebus Agilulf rex occidit Mimulfum ducem de insula Sancti Iuliani, eo quod se superiori tempore Francorum ducibus tradidisset. Gaidulfus vero Bergamensis dux in civitate sua Bergamo rebellans, contra regem se communivit; sed datis obsidibus pacem cum rege fecit. Rursum se Gaidulfus in insula Comacina seclausit.

3. In these days King Agilulf killed Mimulf, the duke from the island of Saint Julian, because he had at an earlier time handed himself over to the dukes of the Franks. But Gaidulf, the duke of Bergamo, rebelling in his city Bergamo, fortified himself against the king; but, hostages having been given, he made peace with the king. Again Gaidulf shut himself up on the Comacine island.

Agilulf vero rex in eandem Comacinam insulam ingressus, homines Gaidulfi exinde expulit et thesaurum, quem ibidem a Romanis positum invenerat, Ticinum transtulit. Gaidulfus vero iterato Bergamum confugiens, ibique ab Agilulfo rege obtemptus, rursus in gratiam receptus est. Rebellavit quoque dux Ulfari contra regem Agonem aput Tarvisium et obsessus captusque est ab eo.

But King Agilulf, having entered that same Comacina island, expelled Gaidulf’s men from there and transferred to Ticinum the treasure which he had found placed there by the Romans. Gaidulf, however, fleeing again to Bergamo, and there, overtaken by King Agilulf, was again received into favor. The duke Ulfari also rebelled against King Agon at Tarvisium, and was by him besieged and captured.

4. Hoc anno fuit pestis inguinaria iterum aput Ravennam, Gradus et [in] Histria nimium gravis, sicut et prius ante triginta annos extiterat. Hoc etiam tempore Agilulfus rex cum Avaris pacem fecit. Childepertus quoque bellum gessit cum consobrino suo, Hilperici filio; in quo proelio usque ad triginta milia hominum caesa sunt.

4. In this year there was an inguinal plague again at Ravenna, at Grado and [in] Histria, exceedingly severe, just as earlier it had appeared thirty years before. At this time also King Agilulf made peace with the Avars. Childebert likewise waged war with his cousin, the son of Hilperic; in which battle up to thirty thousand men were cut down.

Fuit autem tunc hiems frigida nimis, qualem vix aliquis prius recolebat fuisse. In regione quoque Brionum sanguis de nubibus fluxit; et inter Reni fluvii aquas rivulus cruoris emanavit.

But at that time there was a winter excessively frigid, such as scarcely anyone previously recollected to have been. Also in the region of the Briones, blood flowed from the clouds; and among the waters of the River Rhine a rivulet of gore emanated.

5. His diebus sapientissimus ac beatissimus Gregorius papa Romanae urbis, postquam alia multa ad utilitatem sanctae ecclesiae scripserat, etiam libros quattor de vita sanctorum conposuit; quem codicem Dialogum, id est duorum locutionem, quia eum conloquens cum suo diacono Petro ediderat, appellavit. Hos igitur libros praefatus papa Theudelindae reginae direxit, quam sciebat utique et Christi fidei deditam et in bonis actibus esse praecipuam.

5. In these days the most wise and most blessed Gregory, pope of the Roman city, after he had written many other things for the utility of the holy church, also composed four books on the life of the saints; which codex he called Dialogue, that is, a locution of two, because he had published it while conversing with his deacon Peter. These books, therefore, the aforesaid pope directed to Queen Theudelinda, whom he knew assuredly to be both devoted to the faith of Christ and preeminent in good deeds.

6. Per hanc quoque reginam multum utilitatis Dei ecclesia consecuta est. Nam pene omnes ecclesiarum substantias Langobardi, cum adhuc gentilitatis errore tenerentur, invaserunt. Sed huius salubri supplicatione rex permotus, et catholicam fidem tenuit, et multas possessiones ecclesiae Christi largitus est atque episcopos, qui in depressione et abiectione erant, ad dignitatis solitae honorem reduxit.

6. Through this queen also, the church of God has obtained much utility. For the Langobards, almost all the substances of the churches, when they were still held by the error of gentility, they invaded. But, the king being moved by this salutary supplication of hers, both held the Catholic faith and bestowed many possessions on the church of Christ, and he restored the bishops, who were in depression and abjection, to the honor of their accustomed dignity.

7. His diebus Tassilo a Childeperto rege Francorum aput Baioariam rex ordinatus est. Qui mox cum exercitu in Sclavorum provinciam introiens, patrata victoria, ad solum proprium cum maxima praeda remeavit.

7. In these days Tassilo was appointed king by Childepert, king of the Franks, at Bavaria. He soon, entering the province of the Slavs with an army, victory having been achieved, returned to his own land with very great booty.

8. Hac etiam tempestate Romanus patricius et exharchus Ravennae Romam properavit. Qui dum Ravennam revertitur, retenuit civitates quae a Langobardis tenebantur, quarum ista sunt nomina: Sutrium, Polimartium, Horta, Tuder, Ameria, Perusia, Luceolis, et alias quasdam civitates. Quod factum cum regi Agilulfo nuntiatum esset, statim Ticino egressus, cum valido exercitu civitatem Perusium petiit; ibique per dies aliquot Maurisionem ducem Langobardorum, qui se Romanorum partibus tradiderat, obsedit, et sine mora captum vita privavit.

8. At this time as well, Romanus, patrician and exarch of Ravenna, hastened to Rome. He, while returning to Ravenna, retained the cities which were held by the Langobards, of which these are the names: Sutrium, Polimartium, Horta, Tuder, Ameria, Perusia, Luceolis, and certain other cities. When this deed had been reported to King Agilulf, straightway, having set out from Ticino, with a strong army he made for the city Perusia; and there for several days he besieged Maurisio, a duke of the Langobards, who had surrendered himself to the Roman party, and without delay, having captured him, he deprived him of life.

Huius regis adventu in tantum beatus Gregorius papa exterritus est, ut ab expositione templi, de quo in Ezechiele legitur, desisteret, sicut ipse quoque in suis homeliis refert. Rex igitur Agilulf, rebus conpositis, Ticinum repedavit. Nec multum post, suggerente maxime Theudelinda regina sua coniuge, sicut eam beatus papa Gregorius suis epistulis saepius ammonuit, cum eodem viro sanctissimo papa Gregorio atque Romanis pacem firmissimam pepigit.

At this king’s advent, the blessed Pope Gregory was so terrified that he desisted from the exposition of the Temple, of which one reads in Ezekiel, as he himself also reports in his homilies. Therefore King Agilulf, affairs composed, marched back to Ticinum. And not long after, with his spouse Queen Theudelinda especially suggesting, as blessed Pope Gregory in his epistles very often admonished her, he struck a most firm peace with that same most holy man, Pope Gregory, and with the Romans.

Eidemque reginae idem venerabilis sacerdos pro gratiarum actione hanc epistulam direxit:

And to the same queen the same venerable priest, by way of thanksgiving, sent this epistle:

9. "Gregorius Theudelindae reginae Langobardorum. Quia excellentia vestra ad faciendum pacem studiosius et benigne se, sicut solet, inpenderit, renuntiante filio nostro Probo abbate cognovimus. Nec enim aliter de christianitate vestra confidendum fuit, nisi quia in causa pacis laborem et bonitatem vestram omnibus monstraretis.

9. "Gregory to Theudelinda, queen of the Langobards. Because your Excellency, for making peace, has more zealously and kindly applied herself, as she is accustomed, we have learned, our son Abbot Probus reporting. For indeed it was not to be trusted otherwise concerning your Christianity, except that in the cause of peace you would show to all your labor and goodness.

Unde omnipotenti Deo gratias agimus, qui ita cor vestrum sua pietate regit, ut, sicut fidem rectam tribuit, ita quoque placita sibi vos semper operari concedat. Non enim, excellentissima filia, de sanguine, qui ab utraque parte fundendus fuerat, parvam te credas adquisisse mercedem. Ex qua re voluntati vestrae gratias referentes, Dei nostri misericordiam deprecamur, ut bonorum vobis vicem in corpore et anima hic et in futuro conpenset.

Whence we give thanks to Almighty God, who so governs your heart by His mercy that, just as He has bestowed the right faith, so also He may grant you always to work the things pleasing to Himself. For do not think, most excellent daughter, that of the blood which on either side had been about to be poured out you have acquired a small reward. For which matter, rendering thanks to your good will, we beseech the mercy of our God, that He may compensate to you, in return for good deeds, in body and soul, here and in the future.

Salutantes vos praeterea paterna dilectione hortamur, ut aput excellentissimum coniugem vestrum illa agatis, quatenus christianae rei publicae societatem non rennuat. Nam sicut et vos scire credimus, multis modis est utile, si se ad eius amicitiam conferre voluerit. Vos ergo more vestro quae ad gratiam partium pertinent semper studete atque, ubi causa mercedis se dederit, elaborate,ut bona vestra amplius ante omnipotentis Dei oculos commendetis". Item epistola eiusdem ad Agilulfum regem: "Gregorius Agilulfo regi Langobardorum.

Saluting you furthermore with paternal affection, we exhort you to do this with your most excellent spouse, to the end that he not refuse the association of the Christian republic. For as we also believe you know, it is useful in many ways, if he should wish to betake himself to its friendship. You therefore, in your wonted manner, always be zealous for those things which pertain to the favor of the parties, and, whenever an occasion of reward has presented itself, labor, that you may commend your good things yet more before the eyes of Almighty God." Likewise a letter of the same to King Agilulf: "Gregory to Agilulf, king of the Langobards.

Gratias excellentiae vestrae referimus, quia petitionem nostram audientes, pacem, quae utrisque esset partibus profutura, sicut de vobis confidentiam habuimus, ordinastis. Ex qua re excellentiae vestrae prudentiam et bonitatem valde laudamus, quia pacem diligendo, Deum vos, qui auctor ipsius est, amare, monstratis. Nam si, quod absit, facta non fuisset, quid agi habuit, nisi ut cum peccato et periculo partium miserorum rusticorum sanguis, quorum labor utrisque proficit, funderetur?

We render thanks to your Excellency, because, hearing our petition, you have ordered the peace, which would be profitable to both parties, just as we had confidence in you. From which matter we greatly praise your Excellency’s prudence and goodness, because by loving peace you show that you love God, who is its author. For if, God forbid, it had not been effected, what was there to be done, except that, with sin and danger, the blood of the poor rustics of the parties—whose labor profits both—be shed?

Sed ut prodesse nobis eandem pacem, quemadmodum a vobis facta est, sentiamus, paterna caritate salutantes petimus, ut, quotiens occasio se dederit, ducibus vestris per diversa loca et maxime in his partibus constitutis, vestris praecipiatis epistolis, ut hanc pacem, sicut promissum est, pure custodiant, et occasiones sibi aliquas non quaerant, unde aut contentio quaedam aut ingratitudo nascatur, quatenus voluntati vestrae agere gratias valeamus. Latores vero praesentium litterarum, sicut revera homines vestros, in eo quo debuit affectu suscepimus, quia iustum fuit, ut viros sapientes et qui pacem factam Deo propitio nuntiarunt cum caritate et suscipere et dimittere deberemus".

But so that we may feel this same peace to profit us, in the manner in which it has been made by you, greeting with paternal charity we ask that, as often as occasion shall have offered itself, you enjoin by your epistles upon your dukes set through diverse places and especially constituted in these parts, that they keep this peace, as it has been promised, purely, and do not seek for themselves any occasions whence either some contention or ingratitude may arise, to the end that we may be able to render thanks to your will. But the bearers of the present letters, truly as your own men, we have received with the affection which was due, because it was just that wise men, who announced the peace made, God being propitious, we ought both to receive and to dismiss with charity".

10. Inter haec sequenti mense ianuario paruit stella cometes mane et vespere per totum mensem. Eo quoque mense defunctus est Iohannes archiepiscopus Ravennae. Cuius in locum Marianus civis Romanus substitutus est.

10. Amid these things, in the following month January, a comet appeared morning and evening throughout the whole month. In that same month John, archbishop of Ravenna, passed away. In his place Marianus, a Roman citizen, was appointed.

Evin quoque duce in Tridentu mortuo, datus est eidem loco dux Gaidoaldus, vir bonus ac fide catholicus. Isdem ipsis diebus Baioarii usque ad duo milia virorum dum super Sclavos inruunt, superveniente Cacano omnes interficiuntur. Tunc primum cavalli silvatici et bubali in Italiam delati, Italiae populis miracula fuerunt.

Evin also, the duke in Tridentum, being dead, to the same place there was given a duke Gaidoald, a good man and Catholic in faith. In those very same days the Bavarians, up to two thousand men, while they rush upon the Slavs, with the Kagan arriving, are all slain. Then for the first time wild horses and bubali brought into Italy were marvels to the peoples of Italy.

11. Hac etiam tempestate Childepertus rex Francorum, aetatis anno vigesimo quinto cum uxore propria, sicut fertur, in veneno extinguitur. Hunni quoque, qui et Abares dicuntur, a Pannonia in Turingam ingressi, bella gravissima cum Francis gesserunt. Brunichildis tunc regina cum nepotibus adhuc puerulis Theudeperto et Theuderico regebat Gallias, a quibus accepta Hunni pecunia revertuntur ad propria.

11. At this same time Childepert, king of the Franks, in the twenty-fifth year of age, with his own wife, as it is said, is extinguished by poison. The Huns also, who are also called Avars, having entered from Pannonia into Thuringia, waged most grave wars with the Franks. Brunichildis then, queen, with her grandsons still little boys, Theudepert and Theuderic, ruled the Gauls, from whom, money having been received, the Huns return to their own.

Mortuus quoque est Gunthramnus rex Francorum, regnumque illius Brunichildis regina suscepit cum nepotibus adhuc parvulis, filiis Childeperti.

Gunthramnus, king of the Franks, also died, and Queen Brunichildis took up his kingdom with the grandsons, still very small, the sons of Childepert.

12. Per idem tempus Cacanus rex Hunnorum legatos ad Agilulfum Mediolanum mittens, pacem cum eo fecit. Romanus quoque patricius moritur; cui Gallicinus successit et cum Agilulfo rege pacis concordiam iniit.

12. At the same time Cacanus, king of the Huns, sending legates to Agilulf to Milan, made peace with him. Romanus likewise, the patrician, dies; to whom Gallicinus succeeded and with King Agilulf entered into a concord of peace.

13. Hoc etiam tempore Agilulf cum Theuderico Francorum rege pacem perpetuam fecit. Post haec Ago rex rebellantem sibi Zangrulfum Veronensium ducem extinxit. Gaidulfum quoque Bergamensem ducem, cui iam bis pepercerat, peremit.

13. At this same time Agilulf made a perpetual peace with Theuderic, king of the Franks. After these things King Ago extinguished Zangrulf, duke of Verona, who was rebelling against him. He likewise slew Gaidulf, duke of Bergamo, whom he had already spared twice.

Pari etiam modo et Warnecautium aput Ticinum occidit.

In a like manner also he killed Warnecautius at Ticinum.

14. Subsequenti tempore rursum Ravennam et eos qui circa ora maris erant pestis gravissima vastavit. Sequenti quoque anno mortalitas valida populos Veronensium attrivit.

14. At a subsequent time, again a most grievous pestilence devastated Ravenna and those who were around the sea-shores. In the following year as well, a strong mortality wore down the peoples of the Veronese.

15. Tunc etiam signum sanguineum in caelo apparuisse visum est et quasi hastae sanguineae et lux clarissima per totam noctem. Theudepertus rex Francorum eo tempore cum Clothario patruele suo bellum gerens, eius exercitum vehementer adflixit.

15. Then also a blood-colored sign was seen to have appeared in the sky, and as it were blood-red spears, and a most brilliant light through the whole night. Theudepertus, king of the Franks, at that time waging war with his cousin Clothar, severely afflicted Clothar’s army.

16. Sequenti anno Ariulfus dux, qui Farualdo aput Spoletium successerat, moritur. Hic Ariulfus cum bello contra Romanos in Camerino gessisset victoriamque patrasset, requirere a suis hominibus coepit, quis vir ille fuerit, quem ipse in illo bello quod gesserat tam strenue pugnantem vidisset. Cui cum sui viri responderent, se ibi nullum aliquem fortius facientem quam ipsum ducem vidisse, ille ait: "Certe multum et per omnia me meliorem ibi alium vidi, qui, quotiens me adversae partis aliquis percutere voluit, ille vir strenuus me semper suo clyppeo protexit". Cumque dux ipse prope Spoletium, ubi basilica beati martyris Savini episcopi sita est, in qua eiusdem venerabile corpus quiescit, advenisset, interrogavit, cuius haec tam ampla domus esset.

16. In the following year Ariulf, the duke, who had succeeded Faruald at Spoleto, died. This Ariulf, when he had waged war against the Romans at Camerino and had brought the victory to completion, began to inquire of his men who that man had been whom he himself had seen fighting so strenuously in that battle which he had fought. And when his men answered that they had seen there no one doing more bravely than the duke himself, he said: "Surely I saw there another, much and in every respect better than me, who, whenever someone of the opposing party wished to strike me, that valiant man always protected me with his own shield." And when the duke himself had arrived near Spoleto, where the basilica of the blessed martyr Savinus, a bishop, is situated, in which the venerable body of the same rests, he asked whose house so ample this was.

Responsum est ei a viris fidelibus, Savinum ibi martyrem requiescere, quem christiani, quotiens in bellum contra hostes irent, solitum haberent in suum auxilium invocare. Ariulfus vero, cum adhuc esset gentilis, ita respondit: "Et potest fieri, ut homo mortuus aliquod viventi auxilium praestet?". Qui cum hoc dixisset, equo desiliens eandem basilicam conspecturus intravit. Tunc aliis orantibus, ipse picturas eiusdem basilicae mirari coepit.

He was answered by faithful men, that the martyr Savinus rests there, whom the Christians, as often as they went into war against enemies, were wont to invoke for their aid. But Ariulfus, while he was still a gentile, thus replied: "And can it come to pass that a dead man renders any aid to one living?" And when he had said this, dismounting from his horse he entered that same basilica to look upon it. Then, while the others were praying, he himself began to marvel at the pictures of that same basilica.

Qui cum figuram beati martyris Savini depictam conspexisset, mox cum iuramento affirmavit dicens, talem omnino eum virum qui se in bello protexerat formam habitumque habuisse. Tunc intellectum est, beatum martyrem Savinum eidem in proelio adiutorium contulisse. Igitur mortuo Ariulfo, duo filii Faroald superioris ducis inter se propter ducatum decertantes, unus ex ipsis, qui cum victoriam coronatus est, nomine Teudelapius, ducatum suscepit.

When he had caught sight of the figure of the blessed martyr Savinus depicted, he immediately affirmed with an oath, saying that the man who had protected him in the war had in every respect that form and appearance. Then it was understood that the blessed martyr Savinus had bestowed assistance upon that same man in the battle. Accordingly, with Ariulf dead, the two sons of Faroald, the former duke, contending between themselves for the dukedom, one of them—the one who was crowned with victory—by name Teudelapius, assumed the dukedom.

17. Circa haec tempora coenobium beati Benedicti patris, quod in castro Casino situm est, a Langobardis noctu invaditur. Qui universa diripientes, nec unum ex monachis tenere potuerunt, ut prophetia venerabilis Benedicti patris, quam longe ante praeviderat, impleretur, qua dixit: "Vix apud Deum optinere potui, ut ex hoc loco mihi animae cederentur". Fugientes quoque ex eodem loco monachi Romam petierunt, secum codicem sanctae regulae, quam praefatus pater conposuerat, et quaedam alia scripta necnon pondus panis et mensuram vini et quidquid ex supellectili subripere poterant deferentes. Siquidem post beatum Benedictum Constantinus, post hunc Simplicius, post quem Vitalis, ad extremum Bonitus congregationem ipsam rexit; sub quo haec distructio facta est.

17. Around these times the coenobium of blessed father Benedict, which is set in the fortress of Cassinum, is invaded by the Langobards at night. They, despoiling all things, were not able to seize even one of the monks, so that the prophecy of the venerable father Benedict, which he had foreseen long before, might be fulfilled, wherein he said: "I scarcely was able to obtain with God that from this place souls should be yielded to me." The monks too, fleeing from that same place, made for Rome, carrying with them the codex of the holy Rule which the aforesaid father had composed, and certain other writings, as well as a weight of bread and a measure of wine, and whatever from the furnishings they were able to pilfer. Indeed after blessed Benedict, Constantinus, after him Simplicius, after whom Vitalis, and at last Bonitus, ruled that congregation; under him this destruction was wrought.

18. Mortuo igitur Zottone Beneventanorum duce, Arigis in loco ipsius a rege Agilulfo missus successit; qui ortus in Foroiulii fuerat et Gisulfi Foroiulani ducis filios educarat eidemque Gisulfo consanguineus erat. Ad hunc Arigis extat epistula beati papae Gregorii in hunc modum directa:

18. Therefore, Zotto, duke of the Beneventans, being dead, Arigis, sent in his place by King Agilulf, succeeded; who had been born in Forum Iulii and had brought up the sons of Gisulf, duke of Forum Iulii, and was kinsman to that same Gisulf. To this Arigis there exists a letter of blessed Pope Gregory addressed in this manner:

19. "Gregorius Arogi duci. Quia sic de gloria vestra sicut re vera de filio nostro confidimus, petere a vobis aliqua fiducialiter provocamur, arbitrantes, quod minime nos patiamini contristari, maxime in tali re, unde vestra anima multum poterit adiuvari. Indicamus autem, propter ecclesias beatorum Petri ac Pauli aliquantas nobis trabes necessarias esse, et ideo Savino subdiacono nostro iniunximus, de partibus Brittiorum aliquantas incidere, et ut usque ad mare in locum aptum trahere debeat.

19. "Gregory to Duke Arogis. Because we are confident about your glory just as indeed about our son, we are prompted to ask some things from you confidently, thinking that you will in no way allow us to be saddened, especially in such a matter, whereby your soul can be much aided. We indicate moreover that, on account of the churches of the blessed Peter and Paul, several beams are necessary for us; and therefore we have enjoined upon our subdeacon Savinus to cut several from the parts of the Bruttii, and that he ought to drag them as far as the sea into a suitable place.

Et quia in hac re solaciis indiget, salutantes gloriam vestram paterna caritate petimus, ut actionariis vestris qui in illo loco sunt deputetis, ut homines qui sub eis sunt cum bubus suis in eius transmittere solacium debeant, quatenus vobis concurrentibus melius quod ei iniunximus possit perficere. Nos enim promittimus, quia, dum res perfecta fuerit, dignum vobis exenium, quod non sit iniuriosum, transmittemus. Nam scimus nos considerare et filiis nostris, qui bonam nobis voluntatem exhibent, respondere.

And because in this matter he is in need of solace, greeting your Glory with paternal charity we ask that you assign to your agents who are in that place that the men who are under them, with their oxen, ought to transmit assistance to him, so that, with you concurring, he may be able the better to perfect what we have enjoined upon him. For we promise that, when the matter shall have been perfected, we will send to you a worthy gift, which shall not be injurious. For we know how to take consideration and to respond to our sons, who exhibit good will to us.

Unde iterum petimus, gloriose fili, ut ita facere debeatis, ut et nos vobis possimus esse pro praestito beneficio debitores, et vos mercedem pro sanctorum ecclesiis habeatis".

"Whence again we ask, glorious son, that you should so act that both we may be able to be debtors to you for the benefit bestowed, and that you may have the reward for the churches of the saints".

20. His diebus capta est filia regis Agilulfi cum viro suo Gudescalco nomine de civitate Parmensi ab exercitu Gallicini patricii, et ad urbem Ravennatium sunt deducti. Hoc quoque tempore misit Agilulf rex Cacano regi Avarorum artifices ad faciendas naves, cum quibus isdem Cacanus insulam quandam in Thracia expugnavit.

20. In these days the daughter of King Agilulf, together with her husband by name Gudescalcus, from the city of Parma, was captured by the army of the patrician Gallicinus, and they were led to the city of Ravenna. At this time also King Agilulf sent to Cacanus, king of the Avars, artificers to make ships, with whom that same Cacanus took by storm a certain island in Thrace.

21. Per idem quoque tempus Theudelinda regina basilicam beati Iohannis Baptistae, quam in Modicia construxerat, qui locus supra Mediolanum duodecim milibus abest, dedicavit multisque ornamentis auri argentique decoravit praediisque sufficienter ditavit. Quo in loco etiam Theudericus quondam Gothorum rex palatium construxit, pro eo quod aestivo tempore locus ipse, utpote vicinus Alpibus, temperatus ac salubris existit.

21. At that same time as well Queen Theudelinda dedicated the basilica of blessed John the Baptist, which she had constructed in Modicia, which place lies above Milan at a distance of twelve miles, and she adorned it with many ornaments of gold and silver and sufficiently enriched it with landed estates. In that place too Theoderic, once king of the Goths, built a palace, for the reason that in the summer season that place itself, as being near to the Alps, is temperate and healthful.

22. Ibi etiam praefata regina sibi palatium condidit, in quo aliquid et de Langobardorum gestis depingi fecit. In qua pictura manifeste ostenditur, quomodo Langobardi eo tempore comam capitis tondebant, vel qualis illis vestitus qualisve habitus erat. Siquidem cervicem usque ad occipitium radentes nudabant, capillos a facie usque ad os dimissos habentes, quos in utramque partem in frontis discrimine dividebant.

22. There also the aforesaid queen built for herself a palace, in which she even had something of the deeds of the Langobards painted. In which picture it is manifestly shown how the Langobards at that time cropped the hair of the head, and what dress and what habit they had. Indeed, shaving the neck up to the occiput they laid it bare, having hairs let down from the face as far as the mouth, which they divided to either side with a parting of the forehead.

Vestimenta vero eis erant laxa et maxime linea, qualia Anglisaxones habere solent, ornata institis latioribus vario colore contextis. Calcei vero eis erant usque ad summum pollicem pene aperti et alternatim laqueis corrigiarum retenti. Postea vero coeperunt osis uti, super quas equitantes tubrugos birreos mittebant.

Their garments, indeed, were loose and chiefly of linen, such as the Anglo-Saxons are wont to have, adorned with broader institae—hem-bands—woven in variegated color. Their shoes, moreover, were nearly open up to the top of the big toe and were held fast by alternating lacings of straps. Afterwards they began to use hose, over which, when riding, they would throw birrus gaiters.

Sed hoc de Romanorum consuetudine traxerant.

But this they had derived from the custom of the Romans.

23. Usque ad haec tempora Patavium civitas, fortissime militibus repugnantibus, Langobardis rebellavit. Sed tandem, iniecto igni, tota flammis vorantibus concremata est, et iussu regis Agilulfi ad solum usque destructa est. Milites tamen qui in ea fuerunt Ravennam remeare permissi sunt.

23. Up to these times the city of Patavium, its soldiers resisting most bravely, rebelled against the Langobards. But at length, fire having been set, it was wholly burned up by devouring flames, and by the order of King Agilulf it was destroyed down to the very ground. The soldiers, however, who were in it were permitted to return to Ravenna.

24. Hac tempestate legati Agilulfi regressi a Cacano, pacem perpetuam factam cum Avaribus nuntiarunt. Legatus quoque Cacani cum eis adveniens, ad Gallias perrexit, denuntians Francorum regibus, ut, sicut cum Avaribus, ita pacem habeant cum Langobardis. Inter haec Langobardi cum Avaribus et Sclavis Histrorum fines ingressi, universa ignibus et rapinis vastavere.

24. At this time the legates of Agilulf, having returned from the Khagan, announced that a perpetual peace had been made with the Avars. The Khagan’s legate also, arriving with them, proceeded to Gaul, giving notice to the kings of the Franks that, just as with the Avars, so they should have peace with the Langobards. Meanwhile the Langobards, together with the Avars and the Slavs, having entered the borders of the Histrians, laid everything waste with fires and plunder.

25. Agilulfo quoque regi tunc nascitur filius de Theudelinda regina in Modiciae palatio, qui Adaloald est appellatus. Sequenti tempore Langobardi castrum Montis Silicis invaserunt. Per idem tempus, repulso apud Ravennam Gallicino, rediit Smaracdus, qui prius fuerat Ravennae patricius.

25. Also to King Agilulf there was then born a son from Queen Theudelinda in the palace of Modicia, who was called Adaloald. In the following time the Langobards seized the castle of the Mountain of Flint. About the same time, Gallicinus having been driven back at Ravenna, Smaragdus returned, who previously had been patrician at Ravenna.

26. Igitur Mauritius Augustus, postquam uno et viginti annis rexit imperium, cum filiis Theudosio et Tiberio et Constantino a Focate, qui fuit strator Prisci patricii, occiditur. Fuit autem utilis rei publicae; nam saepe contra hostes dimicans victoriam obtinuit. Hunni quoque, qui et Avares appellantur, eius virtute devicti sunt.

26. Therefore Maurice Augustus, after he ruled the empire for twenty-one years, is killed along with his sons Theodosius, Tiberius, and Constantine by Phocas, who was the strator (equerry) of the patrician Priscus. He was, moreover, useful to the commonwealth; for often, fighting against enemies, he obtained victory. The Huns also, who are called Avars as well, were subdued by his valor.

27. Hoc anno Gaidoaldus dux de Tridento et Gisulfus de Foroiuli, cum antea a regis Agilulfi societate discordarent, ab eo in pace recepti sunt. Tunc etiam baptizatus est praenominatus puer Adaloald, filius Agilulfi regis, in Sancto Iohanne in Modicia, et susceptus de fonte est a Secundo servo Christi de Tridento, cuius saepe fecimus mentionem. Fuit autem festi pascalis dies eo tempore septimo idus aprilis.

27. In this year Gaidoald, duke of Tridentum, and Gisulf of Foroiuli, who previously had been at discord from the fellowship of King Agilulf, were received by him into peace. Then too the afore‑named boy Adaloald, son of King Agilulf, was baptized at Saint John in Modicia, and was taken up from the font by Secundus, servant of Christ, of Tridentum, of whom we have often made mention. Moreover, the day of the Paschal feast at that time was the seventh day before the Ides of April, that is, April 7.

28. Erat autem his diebus adhuc discordia Langobardis cum Romanis propter captivitatem filiae regis. Qua de causa rex Agilulf egressus Mediolanio mense iulio, obsedit civitatem Cremonensem cum Sclavis, quos ei Cacanus rex Avarorum in solacium miserat, et cepit eam duodecimo kalendas septembris et ad solum usque destruxit. Pari etiam modo expugnavit etiam Mantuam, et interruptis muris eius cum arietibus, dans veniam militibus qui in ea erant revertendi Ravennam, ingressusque est in eam die iduum septembrium.

28. But in these days there was still discord between the Langobards and the Romans on account of the captivity of the king’s daughter. For which cause King Agilulf, having gone out from Milan in the month of July, besieged the city of Cremona with the Slavs, whom Cacanus, king of the Avars, had sent to him in solace, and he took it on August 21 and destroyed it down to the very ground. In a like manner he also stormed Mantua, and, its walls broken with battering rams, granting leave to the soldiers who were in it to return to Ravenna, he entered it on September 13.

Tunc etiam partibus Langobardorum se tradidit castrum quod Vulturina vocatur; milites vero Brexillum oppidum igni cremantes, fugierunt. His ita patratis, reddita est filia regis a Smaracdo patricio cum viro ac filiis ac rebus cunctis; factaque est pax mense nono usque kalendas aprilis indictionis octavae. Filia vero regis mox a Ravenna Parmam rediit; ob difficultatem partus periclitata, statim defuncta est.

Then also to the party of the Langobards there surrendered the fortress called Vulturina; but the soldiers, burning the town of Brexillum with fire, fled. With these things thus accomplished, the king’s daughter was returned by the patrician Smaragdus, together with her husband and sons and all their goods; and peace was made in the ninth month up to the Kalends of April of the eighth indiction. The king’s daughter, however, soon returned from Ravenna to Parma; imperiled by the difficulty of childbirth, she died immediately.

Hoc anno Teudepertus et Theudericus reges Francorum adversus Clotharium patruum suum dimicarunt. In quo certamine ex utraque parte multa milia ceciderunt.

In this year Teudepert and Theuderic, kings of the Franks, fought against their uncle Chlothar. In which engagement many thousands fell on both sides.

29. Tunc etiam beatus papa Gregorius migravit ad Christum, cum iam Focas per indictionem octavam anno regnaret secundo. Cuius in locum ad apostolatus officium Savinianus est ordinatus. Fuit autem tunc hiems frigida nimis, et mortuae sunt vites pene in omnibus locis.

29. Then also the blessed Pope Gregory migrated to Christ, when already Phocas, in the eighth indiction, was reigning in the second year. In his place, to the office of the apostolate, Savinianus was ordained. But at that time the winter was exceedingly cold, and the vines died in almost all places.

Messes quoque partim vastatae sunt a muribus, partim percussae uredine evanuerunt. Debuit etenim tunc mundus famem sitimque pati, quando recedente tanto doctore animas hominum spiritalis alimoniae penuria sitisque ariditas invasit. Libet sane me pauca de eiusdem beati Gregorii papae quadam epistola huic opusculo inserere, ut possit liquidius agnosci, quam humilis iste vir fuerit quantaeque innocentiae et sanctitatis.

The harvests also were in part laid waste by mice, in part, smitten by rust, evanesced. For indeed the world then ought to suffer hunger and thirst, when, with so great a Doctor departing, the souls of men were invaded by the penury of spiritual aliment and the aridity of thirst. I am indeed minded to insert a few things from a certain epistle of that same blessed Pope Gregory into this little work, so that it may be more lucidly recognized how humble this man was and of how great innocence and sanctity.

Hic denique cum accusatus aput Mauritium Augustum et eius filios fuisset, quod Malcum quendam episcopum in custodia pro solidis occidisset, scribens pro hac re epistulam Saviniano suo apochrisario, qui erat apud Constantinopolim, inter cetera sic ait: "Unum est quod breviter suggeras serenissimis dominis nostris, quia, si ego servus eorum in morte vel Langobardorum me miscere voluissem, hodie Langobardorum gens nec regem nec duces nec comites haberet atque in summa confusione divisa esset. Sed quia Deum timeo, in morte cuiuslibet hominis me miscere formido. Malcus autem idem episcopus neque in custodia fuit neque in aliqua afflictione; sed die qua causam dixit et addictus est, nesciente me, a Bonifacio notario in domum eius ductus est ibique prandidit et honoratus est ab eo et nocte subito mortuus est". Ecce quantae humilitatis vir iste fuit, qui, cum esset summus pontifex, se servum nominavit!

Here at length, when he had been accused before Maurice Augustus and his sons, that he had killed a certain bishop Malchus in custody for solidi, writing on this matter a letter to his apocrisiary Savinianus, who was at Constantinople, among other things he thus says: "There is one thing you should briefly suggest to our most serene lords, namely, that, if I, their servant, had wished to involve myself in the death even of the Langobards, today the nation of the Langobards would have neither king nor dukes nor counts and would be divided in utmost confusion. But because I fear God, I shrink from involving myself in the death of any man whatsoever. Now that same bishop Malchus was neither in custody nor in any affliction; but on the day on which he pled his case and was adjudged, without my knowing, he was led by Boniface the notary into his house, and there he lunched and was honored by him, and in the night he suddenly died." Behold of how great humility this man was, who, though he was the supreme pontiff, called himself a servant!

Ecce quantae innocentiae, qui nec in morte Langobardorum, qui utique et increduli erant et omnia devastabant, se voluerit ammisceri!

Behold of how great innocence he was, who did not wish to involve himself even in the death of the Langobards, who indeed were unbelievers and were devastating everything!

30. Igitur sequenti estate mense iulio levatus est Adaloaldus rex super Langobardos apud Mediolanum in circo, in praesentia patris sui Agilulfi regis, adstantibus legatis Teudeperti regis Francorum, et disponsata est eidem regio puero filia regis Teudeperti, et firmata est pax perpetua cum Francis.

30. Therefore, in the following summer, in the month of July, Adaloald was raised up as king over the Langobards at Milan in the circus, in the presence of his father Agilulf the king, with the legates of Theudepert, king of the Franks, standing by; and the daughter of King Theudepert was betrothed to that same royal boy, and a perpetual peace was established with the Franks.

31. Eodem tempore Franci cum Saxonibus pugnantes, magna strages ab utrisque partibus facta est. Apud Ticinum quoque in basilica beati Petri apostoli Petrus cantor fulmine ictus est.

31. At the same time the Franks, fighting with the Saxons, a great slaughter was made on both sides. At Ticinum also, in the basilica of the blessed apostle Peter, Peter the cantor was struck by lightning.

32. Sequenti denique mense novembrio rex Agilulf pacem fecit cum Smaracdo patricio in annum unum, accipiens a Romanis duodecim milia solidorum. Civitates quoque Tusciae, hoc est Balneus Regis et Urbs Vetus, a Langobardis invasae sunt. Tunc etiam mense aprili et maio apparuit in caelo stella quam cometem dicunt.

32. Finally, in the following month, November, King Agilulf made peace with the patrician Smaragdus for one year, receiving from the Romans twelve thousand solidi. The cities also of Tuscia, that is Balneus Regis and Urbs Vetus, were invaded by the Langobards. Then also in the months of April and May a star appeared in the sky which they call a comet.

Dehinc Agilulf rex iterum fecit pacem cum Romanis tribus annis.

Thereafter King Agilulf again made peace with the Romans for three years.

33. His diebus defuncto Severo patriarcha, ordinatur in loco eius Iohannes abbas patriarcha in Aquileia vetere, cum consensu regis et Gisulfi ducis. Aput Gradus quoque ordinatus est Romanis Candidianus antistis. Rursum mense novembrio et decembrio stella cometis apparuit.

33. In these days, Severus the patriarch having died, John the abbot was ordained in his place as patriarch in Old Aquileia, with the consent of the king and of Duke Gisulf. At Grado also Candidianus was ordained prelate for the Romans. Again in the months of November and December a comet-star appeared.

Candidiano quoque defuncto, aput Gradus ordinatur patriarcha Epiphanius, qui fuerat primicerius notariorum, ab episcopis qui erant sub Romanis. Et ex illo tempore coeperunt duo esse patriarchae.

With Candidianus also deceased, at Grado Epiphanius is ordained patriarch, who had been primicerius of the notaries, by the bishops who were under the Romans. And from that time there began to be two patriarchs.

34. Hac aetate Iohannes Consinus invasit Neapolim. Quem de eadem civitate non multos post dies Eleutherius patricius expulit eumque interfecit. Post haec isdem Eleutherius patricius eunuchus imperii iura suscepit.

34. At this time Iohannes Consinus invaded Naples. Whom Eleutherius the patrician, not many days later, drove out from that same city and killed. After these things the same Eleutherius the patrician, a eunuch, assumed the rights of the empire.

Qui dum a Ravenna Romam pergeret, in castro Luceolis a militibus interfectus est, caputque eius Constantinopolim imperatori delatum est.

Who, while proceeding from Ravenna to Rome, was killed by soldiers in the castle of Luceolis, and his head was delivered to the emperor at Constantinople.

35. Hac etiam tempestate misit rex Agilulf Stablicianum notarium suum Constantinopolim ad Focatem imperatorem. Qui rediens cum legatis imperatoris, facta pace annuali, Agilulfo regi idem legati imperialia munera optulere.

35. At this same time King Agilulf sent Stablicianus, his notary, to Constantinople to the Emperor Phocas. He, returning with the emperor’s legates, an annual peace having been made, the same legates offered imperial gifts to King Agilulf.

36. Focas igitur, ut praemissum est, extincto Mauricio eiusque filiis, Romanorum regnum invadens, per octo annorum curricula principatus est. Hic rogante papa Bonifacio statuit sedem Romanae et apostolicae ecclesiae caput esse omnium ecclesiarum, quia ecclesia Constantinopolitana prima se omnium ecclesiarum scribebat. Idem alio papa Bonifacio petente iussit, in veteri fano quod Pantheum vocabatur, ablatis idolatriae sordibus, ecclesiam beatae semper virginis Mariae et omnium martyrum fieri, ut, ubi quondam omnium non deorum, sed demoniorum cultus agebatur, ibi deinceps omnium fieret memoria sanctorum.

36. Therefore Phocas, as has been set forth, with Maurice and his sons extinguished, seizing the kingdom of the Romans, held the principate through the courses of 8 years. He, at the request of Pope Boniface, decreed that the See of the Roman and Apostolic Church is the head of all the churches, because the Church of Constantinople was writing itself as first of all the churches. The same man, at the petition of another Pope Boniface, ordered that in the old shrine which was called the Pantheon, with the filths of idolatry removed, a church of the Blessed Ever-Virgin Mary and of all the martyrs be made, so that, where formerly the cult of all—not of gods, but of demons—was performed, there thereafter the memorial of all the saints might be made.

Huius tempore Prasini et Veneti per orientem et Aegyptum civile bellum faciunt ac sese mutua caede prosternunt. Persae quoque adversus rem publicam gravissima bella gerentes, multas Romanorum provincias et ipsam Hierusolimam auferunt. Et destruentes ecclesias, sancta quoque profanantes, inter ornamenta locorum sanctorum vel communium etiam vexillum dominicae crucis abducunt.

In his time the Prasini and the Veneti throughout the East and Egypt wage civil war and lay each other low with mutual slaughter. The Persians also, conducting most grievous wars against the commonwealth, seize many provinces of the Romans and Jerusalem itself. And, destroying churches and profaning sacred things as well, among the ornaments of the holy places, or even of the common ones, they carry off the standard of the Lord’s cross.

Contra hunc Focatem Eraclianus, qui Africam regebat, rebellavit, atque cum exercitu veniens, eum regno vitaque privavit remque publicam Romanam Eraclius, eiusdem filius, regendam suscepit.

Against this Phocas, Heraclianus, who was ruling Africa, rebelled, and coming with an army, deprived him of kingdom and life; and Heraclius, his son, undertook to govern the Roman commonwealth.

37. Circa haec tempora rex Avarum, quem sua lingua Cacanum appellant, cum innumerabili multitudine veniens, Venetiarum fines ingressus est. Huic Gisulfus Foroiulanus dux cum Langobardis, quos habere poterat, audacter occurrit; sed quamvis forti animositate contra inmensam multitudinem bellum cum paucis gereret, undique tamen circumseptus, cum omnibus pene suis extinctus est. Uxor vero eiusdem Gisulfi nomine Romilda cum Langobardis qui evaserant sive eorum uxoribus et filiis qui in bello perierant, intra murorum Foroiulani castri [se] muniit septa.

37. Around these times the king of the Avars, whom in their own tongue they call the Cacanus, coming with an innumerable multitude, entered the borders of Venetia. To him Gisulf, the Foroiulan duke, with the Langobards whom he was able to have, audaciously ran to meet; but although with stout spiritedness he waged war with few against the immense multitude, nevertheless, surrounded on every side, he was destroyed with almost all his own. But his wife, the same Gisulf’s, by name Romilda, with the Langobards who had escaped, or the wives and sons of those who had perished in the war, fortified [herself], enclosed within the walls of the fortress of Forum Iulii.

Huic erant filii Taso et Cacco iam adulescentes, Raduald vero et Grimuald adhuc in puerili aetate constituti. Habebat vero et filias quattuor, quarum una Appa, alia Gaila vocabatur, duarum vero nomina non retinemus. Communierant se quoque Langobardi et in reliquis castris quae his vicina erant, hoc est in Cormones, Nemas, Osopo, Artenia, Reunia, Glemona, vel etiam in Ibligine, cuius positio omnino inexpugnabilis existit.

To him there were sons Taso and Cacco already adolescents, but Raduald and Grimuald still set in a boyish age. He also had four daughters, one of whom was called Appa, another Gaila; but the names of two we do not retain. The Langobards had likewise fortified themselves in the other forts which were near to these, that is, in Cormones, Nemas, Osopo, Artenia, Reunia, Glemona, and even in Ibligine, whose position is altogether inexpugnable.

Pari etiam modo et in reliquis castellis, ne Hunnis, hoc est Avaribus, praeda fierent, se communivere. Avares vero per omnes Foroiulanorum fines discurrentes, omnia incendiis et rapinis vastantes, Foroiulanum oppidum obsidione claudunt et totis viribus expugnare moliuntur. Horum rex, id est Cacanus, dum circa muros armatus cum magno equitatu perambularet, ut, qua ex parte urbem facilius expugnare posset, inquireret, hunc Romilda de muris prospiciens, cum eum cerneret iuvenili aetate florentem, meretrix nefaria concupivit, eique mox per nuntium mandavit, ut, si eam in matrimonium sumeret, ipsa eidem civitatem cum omnibus qui aderant traderet.

Likewise also in the remaining castella, lest they become prey to the Huns, that is, the Avars, they fortified themselves. But the Avars, running through all the borders of the Foroiulani, laying waste everything with burnings and plunderings, enclose the town of Foroiulanum with a siege and strive with all their forces to storm it. Their king, that is, the Cacanus, while he, armed, was walking around the walls with a great cavalry, to find out from what quarter he might more easily storm the city, Romilda, looking out at him from the walls, when she saw him blooming in youthful age, a nefarious meretrix, lusted after him, and forthwith sent him word by a messenger that, if he would take her in marriage, she would hand over to him the city with all who were present.

Quod rex barbarus audiens, eidem malignitatis dolo quod mandaverat se facturum promisit eamque se in matrimonium accipere spopondit. Illa vero nihil morata, portas Foroiulensis castri aperuit et ad suam cunctorumque qui aderant perniciem hostem introduxit. Ingressi vero Avares cum rege suo Forumiulii, universa quae invenire poterant rapinis diripiunt; ipsamque urbem flammis concremantes, universos quos reppererant captivos adducunt, fallaciter tamen.

Hearing this, the barbarian king, by the guile of malignity, promised that he would do what she had enjoined and pledged to take her in matrimony. But she, delaying not at all, opened the gates of the Foroiulan fortress and brought the enemy in—to her own ruin and that of all who were present. The Avars, having entered with their king into Forum Iulii, plundered by rapine all they could find; and, burning the city itself with flames, they led away all whom they had found as captives—deceitfully, however.

eis promittentes, quod eos, unde digressi fuerant, Pannoniae in finibus conlocarent. Qui cum patriam revertentes ad campum quem Sacrum nominant pervenissent, omnes qui iam in maiori aetate constituti erant Langobardos gladio perimere statuunt, mulieres vero et parvulos captivitatis sorte dividunt. Taso vero et Cacco seu Raduald, filii Gisulfi et Romildae, cum hanc Avarorum malitiam cognovissent, statim ascensis equis fugam arripiunt.

promising them that they would settle them, whence they had departed, within the borders of Pannonia. But when, returning to their fatherland, they had reached the plain which they call Sacred, they determine to slay with the sword all the Langobards who were already of greater age, and the women and little ones they divide by the lot of captivity. Taso and Cacco, or Raduald, sons of Gisulf and Romilda, when they had learned this malice of the Avars, immediately, having mounted their horses, seize flight.

E quibus unus Grimoaldum puerulum fratrem suum, dum existimaret utpote parvulum super equum currentem se tenere non posse, melius ducens eundem gladio perimere quam captivitatis iugum sustinere, eum occidere voluit. Cum igitur ut eum percuteret lanceam elevasset, puer lacrimans exclamavit, dicens: "Noli me pungere, quia possum me super equum tenere". Qui iniecta manu eum per brachium adprehendens super nudum equi dorsum posuit eundemque ut si posset se continere hortatus est. Puer vero frenum equi manu arripiens, fugientes germanos et ipse secutus est.

Of whom one, thinking that his little brother Grimoald, as being a very small boy, could not hold himself on a running horse, deeming it better to kill the same with the sword than to endure the yoke of captivity, wished to slay him. Accordingly, when he had lifted his lance to strike him, the boy, weeping, cried out, saying: "Do not prick me, because I can hold myself upon the horse." He, with hand thrust out, seizing him by the arm, set him upon the bare back of the horse and exhorted him to keep himself there if he could. The boy, however, seizing the horse’s bridle with his hand, himself also followed his fleeing brothers.

Quo conperto, Avares mox ascensis equis eos persecuti sunt; sed reliquis veloci fuga evadentibus, Grimoald puerulus ab uno eorum, qui velocius cucurrerat, capitur. Nec tamen eum suus conprehensor gladio ferire propter parvitatem aetatis dignatus est, sed sibi eundem potius serviturum reservavit. Cumque eum ad castra revertens adprehenso eiusdem equi freno reduceret deque tam nobili praeda exultaret erat enim ipse puerulus eleganti forma, micantibus oculis, lacteo crine perfusus ; qui cum se captivum trahi doleret, Ingentes animos angusto in pectore versans, ensem, qualem in illa aetate habere poterat, vagina exemit seque trahentem Avarem, quantulo adnisu valuit, capitis in verticem percussit.

On learning this, the Avars at once, mounting their horses, pursued them; but while the rest escaped by swift flight, little Grimoald was captured by one of them who had run faster. Yet his captor did not deign to strike him with the sword on account of the smallness of his age, but reserved him rather to serve himself. And when, returning to the camp, he was leading him back, having taken hold of that same horse’s bridle, and was exulting over so noble a prey—for the boy himself was of elegant form, with flashing eyes, suffused with milk-white hair ; who, as he grieved that he was being dragged a captive, Ingent spirits turning in a narrow breast, drew the sword, such as at that age he could have, from the sheath, and the Avar who was dragging him, with however small an effort he could muster, he struck on the crown of the head.

Moxque ad cerebrum ictus perveniens, hostis ab equo deiectus est. Puer vero Grimuald verso equo fugam laetabundus arripiens, tandem fratribus iunctus est eisque liberatione sua, nuntiato insuper hostis interitu, inaestimabile gaudium fecit. Avares vero omnes Langobardos qui iam in virili aetate erant gladio perimunt, mulieres vero et parvulos captivitatis iugo addicunt.

And soon, the blow reaching to the brain, the enemy was cast down from his horse. But the boy Grimuald, turning his horse and joyfully seizing flight, at length was joined to his brothers and, by his deliverance—his enemy’s demise moreover having been announced—he produced inestimable joy for them. The Avars, however, slay with the sword all the Langobards who were already in virile age, but the women and little ones they consign to the yoke of captivity.

Romildam vero, quae totius malitiae caput extitit, rex Avarum propter iusiurandum, sicut ei spoponderat, nocte una quasi in matrimonio habuit, novissime vero duodecim Avaribus tradidit, qui eam per totam noctem vicibus sibi succedentes libidine vexarent. Postmodum quoque palum in medio campo configi praecipiens, eandem in eius acumine inseri mandavit, haec insuper exprobrando inquiens: "Talem te dignum est maritum habere". Igitur dira proditrix patriae tali exitio periit, quae amplius suae libidini quam civium et consanguineorum saluti prospexit. Filiae vero eius non matris libidinem secutae, sed castitatis amore studentes ne a barbaris contaminarentur , crudorum pullorum carnes sibi inter mammas sub fascia posuerunt, quae ex calore putrefactae odorem foetidum exalabant.

But Romilda, who had stood forth as the head of all wickedness, the king of the Avars, on account of his oath, as he had promised her, had for one night as if in matrimony; but at the last he handed her over to twelve Avars, that, succeeding one another by turns through the whole night, they might vex her with libido. Afterwards also, ordering a stake to be fixed in the midst of the field, he commanded that the same be inserted upon its point, adding this with reproach, saying: "Such a husband it is fitting for you to have." Therefore the dread traitress of her fatherland perished by such an end, who looked more to her own libido than to the safety of her fellow-citizens and consanguineous relations. But her daughters, not following their mother’s libido, but striving by a love of chastity lest they be contaminated by barbarians, placed raw chicks’ flesh between their breasts under a band, which, putrefied from the heat, exhaled a foetid odor.

Cumque eas vellent Avares contingere, non sustinentes foetorem, putabant eas naturaliter ita foetere, procul ab eis cum execratione recedentes atque dicentes, omnes Langobardas foetidas esse. Hac igitur arte Avarorum libidinem puellae nobiles evadentes, et ipsae castae servatae sunt et utile servandae castitatis, si quid tale feminis contigerit, mandaverunt exemplum. Quae postea per diversas regiones venundatae, iuxta nobilitatem suam dignis sunt nuptiis potitae.

And when the Avars wished to touch them, not enduring the fetor, they supposed them naturally to reek thus, withdrawing far from them with execration and saying that all Langobard women were fetid. By this artifice, therefore, the noble maidens, evading the lust of the Avars, were themselves kept chaste, and they handed down an example useful for the preservation of chastity, should anything of the sort befall women. Who afterwards, vended through diverse regions, in keeping with their nobility obtained marriages worthy of them.

Nam una earum Alamannorum regi, alia vero dicitur Baioariorum principi nupsisse. Exigit vero nunc locus, postposita generali historia, pauca etiam privatim de mea, qui haec scribo, genealogia retexere, et quia res ita postulat, paulo superius narrationis ordinem replicare. Eo denique tempore quo Langobardorum gens de Pannoniis ad Italiam venit, Leupchis meus abavus ex eodem Langobardorum genere cum eis pariter adventavit.

For one of them is said to have married the king of the Alamanni, and another the prince of the Bavarians. Now the place demands, the general history set aside, that I also privately reweave a few things about my own genealogy, I who write these things, and, since the matter so requires, to replicate somewhat earlier the order of the narration. At that time, namely, when the nation of the Langobards came from the Pannonias to Italy, my great-great-grandfather Leupchis, from that same Langobard stock, arrived together with them.

Qui postquam aliquot annos in Italia vixit, diem claudens extremum, quinque ex se genitos filios adhuc parvulos reliquit; quos tempestas ista captivitatis, de qua nunc diximus, conprehendens, omnes ex castro Foroiulensi in Avarorum patriam exules deduxit. Qui cum per multos annos in eadem regione captivitatis miseriam sustinuissent et iam ad virilem pervenissent aetatem, ceteris quattuor, quorum nomina non retinemus, in captivitatis angustia persistentibus, quintus eorum germanus nomine Lopichis, qui noster postea proavus extitit, inspirante sibi, ut credimus, misericordiae auctore, captivitatis iugum abicere statuit et ad Italiam, quo gentem Langobardorum residere meminerat, tendere atque ad libertatis iura studuit reppedare. Qui cum adgressus fugam adripuisset, faretram tantum et arcum et aliquantulum cibi propter viaticum gerens, nesciretque omnino quo pergeret, ei lupus adveniens comes itineris et ductor effectus est.

After he had lived for several years in Italy, closing his last day, he left five sons begotten from himself, still very small; whom that tempest of captivity, of which we have just spoken, seizing them, led all as exiles from the Foroiulian fortress into the homeland of the Avars. When they had for many years endured in that region the misery of captivity and had already reached virile age, the other four, whose names we do not retain, persisting in the straitness of captivity, the fifth of them, their full-brother by the name Lopichis, who later was our great-grandfather, with the Author of mercy, as we believe, inspiring him, decided to cast off the yoke of captivity and to make for Italy, where he remembered the nation of the Langobards to reside, and he strove to regain the rights of liberty. And when, having undertaken, he had seized upon flight, carrying only a quiver and a bow and a small amount of food for viaticum, and not knowing at all whither he should go, a wolf, coming to him, became his companion of the journey and his guide.

Qui cum ante eum pergeret et frequenter post se respiceret et cum stante subsisteret atque cum pergente praeiret, intellexit, sibi eum divinitus datum esse, ut ei iter, quod nesciebat, ostenderet. Cum per aliquot dies per montium solitudines hoc modo pergerent, panis eidem viatori, quem exiguum habuerat, omnino defecit. Qui cum ieiunans iter carperet et iam fame tabefactus defecisset, tetendit arcum suum et eundem lupum, ut eum in cibum sumere possit, sagitta interficere voluit.

As he went on before him and frequently looked back behind himself, and would halt when he stood and go on ahead when he proceeded, he understood that he had been given to him divinely, to show him the way which he did not know. When for several days they proceeded in this way through the solitudes of the mountains, the bread of that same wayfarer, which he had had in scant supply, utterly failed. And as, fasting, he was pursuing the journey and now, wasted by hunger, had collapsed, he strung his bow and wished to kill that same wolf with an arrow, that he might be able to take him for food.

Sed lupus idem ictum ferientis praecavens, sic ab eius visione elapsus est. Ipse autem, recedente eodem lupo, nesciens quo pergeret, insuper famis penuria nimium debilis effectus, cum iam de vita desperaret, sese in terram proiciens, obdormivit; viditque quendam virum in somnis talia sibi verba dicentem: "Surge! Quid dormis?

But the same wolf, anticipating the blow of the one striking, thus slipped away from his sight. He himself, however, with that same wolf withdrawing, not knowing whither he should proceed, moreover by the penury of hunger rendered excessively weak, since he was already despairing of life, casting himself upon the ground, fell asleep; and he saw a certain man in dreams speaking such words to him: "Rise! Why do you sleep?"

Arripe viam in hanc partem contra quam pedes tenes; illac etenim est Italia, ad quam tendis". Qui statim surgens, in illam partem quam in somnis audierat pergere coepit; nec mora, ad habitaculum hominum pervenit. Erat enim Sclavorum habitatio in illis locis. Quem cum una mulier iam vetula vidisset, statim intellexit, eum fugitivum esse et famis penuria laborare.

"Take up the way in this direction, opposite to that toward which you hold your feet; for that way is Italy, to which you tend." He, straightway rising, began to go in that direction which he had heard in his sleep; and without delay he came to a habitation of men. For there was a habitation of the Slavs in those places. When one woman, now elderly, saw him, she immediately understood that he was a fugitive and was laboring under the penury of hunger.

Ducta autem misericordia super eum, abscondit eum in domo sua et secreto paulatim ei victum ministravit, ne, si ei usque ad saturitatem alimoniam praeberet, eius vitam funditus extingueret. Denique sic conpetenter ei pastum praebuit, quousque ipse recuperatus vires accipere potuisset. Cumque eum iam validum ad iter faciendum vidisset, datis ei cibariis, ad quam partem tendere deberet, admonuit.

But, moved by mercy toward him, she hid him in her house and, in secret, little by little ministered sustenance to him, lest, if she furnished him nourishment up to satiety, she should utterly extinguish his life. Finally, she thus suitably provided him with food, until he, recovered, was able to receive strength. And when she saw him now strong for making the journey, having given him provisions, she advised him toward which direction he ought to tend.

Qui post aliquot dies Italiam ingressus, ad domum in qua ortus fuerat pervenit; quae ita deserta erat, ut non solum tectum non haberet, sed etiam rubis et sentibus plena esset. Quibus ille succisis intra eosdem parietes vastam hornum repperiens, in ea suam faretram suspendit. Qui postea consanguineorum et amicorum suorum muneribus dotatus, et domum reaedificavit et uxorem duxit; sed nihil de rebus quas genitor suus habuerat, exclusus iam ab his qui eas invaserant longa et diuturna possessione, conquirere potuit.

Who, after several days, having entered Italy, arrived at the house in which he had been born; which was so deserted that it not only had no roof, but was even full of brambles and thorns. These cut down, within those same walls, finding a vast granary, he hung his quiver in it. Afterwards, endowed with the gifts of his consanguines and friends, he both rebuilt the house and led a wife; but he could recover nothing of the goods which his genitor had possessed, being already excluded by those who had seized them through long and long-lasting possession.

Iste, ut iam superius praemisi, extitit meus proavus. Hic etenim genuit avum meum Arichis, Arichis vero patrem meum Warnefrit, Warnefrit autem ex Theudelinda coniuge genuit me Paulum meumque germanum Arichis, qui nostrum avum . cognomine retulit. Haec paucis de propriae genealogiae serie delibatis, nunc generalis historiae revertamur ad tramitem.

This man, as I have already premised above, was my great-grandfather. For he begot my grandfather Arichis; Arichis, in turn, my father Warnefrit; and Warnefrit, from his spouse Theudelinda, begot me, Paul, and my full brother Arichis, who bore our grandfather’s cognomen. With these few things concerning the series of my own genealogy delibated, now let us return to the path of the general history.

38. Mortuo, ut diximus, Gisulfo duce Foroiulensi, Taso et Cacco, filii eius, eundem ducatum regendum susceperunt. Hi suo tempore Sclavorum regionem quae Zellia appellatur usque ad locum qui Medaria dicitur possiderunt. Unde usque ad tempora Ratchis ducis idem Sclavi pensionem Foroiulanis ducibus persolverunt.

38. With Gisulf, the Foroiulan duke, dead, as we have said, Taso and Cacco, his sons, undertook to rule the same duchy. These in their time possessed the region of the Sclavs which is called Zellia, up to the place which is called Medaria. Whence, down to the times of Duke Ratchis, the same Sclavs paid a pension to the Foroiulan dukes.

Hos duos fratres Gregorius patricius Romanorum in civitate Opitergio dolosa fraude peremit. Nam promittens Tasoni, ut ei barbam, sicut moris est, incideret eumque sibi filium faceret, ipse Taso cum Caccone germano suo et electis iuvenibus ad eundem Gregorium nihil mali metuens advenit. Qui mox cum Opitergium cum suis esset ingressus, statim isdem patricius civitatis portas claudi praecepit et armatos milites super Tasonem eiusque socios misit.

These two brothers Gregory, patrician of the Romans, slew in the city of Opitergium by deceitful fraud. For, promising to Taso that he would cut his beard, as is the custom, and make him his son, Taso himself, with Cacco his brother and chosen youths, came to that same Gregory, fearing no evil. But as soon as he had entered Opitergium with his men, immediately the same patrician ordered the gates of the city to be shut and sent armed soldiers against Taso and his companions.

Quod Taso cum suis conperiens, audacter se ad proelium praeparavit; ultimumque sibi data pace valedicentes, per singulas civitatis plateas hac illacque dispersi, quoscumque obvios habere poterant trucidantes, cum magnam stragem de Romanis fecissent, ad extremum etiam ipsi perempti sunt. Gregorius vero patricius propter iusiurandum quod dederat caput Tasonis sibi deferri iubens, eius barbam, sicut promiserat, periurus abscidit.

When Taso learned this with his men, he audaciously prepared himself for battle; and, with peace having been given them, bidding one another a final farewell, scattered here and there through each of the city’s streets, butchering whomever they could meet, after they had made a great slaughter of the Romans, at the last they too were slain. But Gregory the patrician, on account of the oath which he had given, ordering that Taso’s head be brought to him, perjured, cut off his beard as he had promised.

39. His ita peremptis, dux Foroiulanis Grasulfus, Gisulfi germanus, constituitur. Radoald vero et Grimoald despectui ducentes sub patrui sui Grasulfi potestate degere, cum essent iam prope iuvenilem aetatem, ascensa navicula remigantes, ad Beneventi fines perveniunt; et exinde ad Arichis Beneventanorum ducem, suum quondam paedagogum, properantes, ab eo gratissime suscepti et filiorum loco sunt habiti. His temporibus mortuo Tassilone duce Baioariorum, filius eius Garibaldus in Agunto a Sclavis devictus est, et Baioariorum termini depraedantur.

39. With these thus slain, Grasulf, brother of Gisulf, is appointed duke of the Foroiulians. But Radoald and Grimoald, holding it in disdain to live under the power of their uncle Grasulf, since they were already near to young manhood, having boarded a little boat and rowing, reach the borders of Beneventum; and from there, hastening to Arichis, duke of the Beneventans, their former pedagogue, they were most graciously received by him and were held in the place of sons. In these times, with Tassilo, duke of the Bavarians, dead, his son Garibald in Agunto was defeated by the Slavs, and the borders of the Bavarians are plundered.

Resumptis tamen Baioarii viribus et praedas ab hostibus excutiunt et hostes de suis finibus pepulerunt.

However, the Bavarians, their strength resumed, shook off the plunder from the enemies and drove the enemies from their borders.

40. Rex vero Agilulf pacem cum imperatore in annum unum itemque in alterum faciens, cum Francis quoque iterato pacis concordiam renovavit. Hoc nihilominus anno Sclavi Histriam, interfectis militibus, lacrimabiliter depraedati sunt. Sequenti quoque mense martio defunctus est aput Tridentum Secundus servus Christi, de quo saepe iam diximus, qui usque ad sua tempora succinctam de Langobardorum gestis conposuit historiolam.

40. But King Agilulf, making peace with the emperor for one year and likewise for another, also with the Franks renewed anew the concord of peace. Nevertheless in this same year the Slavs, the soldiers having been slain, lamentably plundered Histria. In the following month, March, at Tridentum there died Secundus, a servant of Christ, of whom we have already spoken often, who composed down to his own times a succinct little history concerning the deeds of the Langobards.

Eo tempore rex Agilulf cum imperatore iterato pacem conposuit. Occisus quoque est his diebus Theudepertus rex Francorum, et facta est pugna gravissima inter eos. Gunduald etiam, germanus Theudelindae reginae, qui erat dux in civitate Astensi, nemine sciente auctorem mortis ipsius, hoc ipso in tempore sagitta ictus interiit.

At that time King Agilulf concluded peace again with the emperor. Also in these days Theudepert, king of the Franks, was slain, and a most grave battle was fought between them. Gunduald also, the brother of Queen Theudelinda, who was duke in the city of Asti, with no one knowing the author of his death, at this very time, struck by an arrow, perished.

41. Igitur Agilulf rex, qui et Ago est appellatus, postquam viginti et quinque annos regnaverat, diem clausit extremum, relicto in regno filio suo Adaloald admodum puero cum Theudelinda matre. Sub his ecclesiae resta ratae sunt et multae dationes per loca venerabilia largitae. Sed dum Adaloald eversa mente insaniret, postquam cum matre decem regnaverat annis, de regno eiectus est, et a Langobardis in eius loco Arioald substitutus est.

41. Therefore King Agilulf, who was also appellated Ago, after he had reigned for twenty-five years, closed his final day, leaving in the kingdom his son Adaloald, a mere boy, with his mother Theudelinda. Under these, the churches were restored and many largesses were bestowed through venerable places. But while Adaloald, with mind overthrown, was raving, after he had reigned ten years with his mother, he was ejected from the kingdom, and by the Langobards Arioald was substituted in his place.

De cuius regis gestis ad nostram notitiam aliquid minime pervenit. Circa haec tempora beatus Columbanus ex Scottorum genere oriundus, postquam in Gallia in loco qui Luxovium dicitur monasterium construxerat, in Italiam veniens, a Langobardorum rege gratanter exceptus est, coenobiumque quod Bobium appellatur in Alpibus Cottiis aedificavit, quod quadraginta milibus ab urbe dividitur Ticinensi. Quo in loco et multae possessiones a singulis principibus sive Langobardis largitae sunt, et magna ibi facta est congregatio monachorum.

Of which king’s deeds nothing at all has reached our knowledge. Around these times the blessed Columbanus, originating from the stock of the Scots, after he had constructed in Gaul, in a place which is called Luxovium, a monastery, coming into Italy was gladly received by the king of the Langobards, and he built a coenobium which is called Bobium in the Cottian Alps, which is separated by forty miles from the city of Ticinum. In which place both many possessions were bestowed by individual princes of the Langobards, and a great congregation of monks was formed there.

42. Igitur Arioald postquam super Langobardos duodecim annis regnum tenuit, ab hac luce subtractus est; Langobardorum regnum Rothari genere Arodus suscepit. Fuit autem viribus fortis et iustitiae tramitem sequens, sed tamen fidei christianae non rectam lineam tenens, Arrianae haereseos perfidia maculatus est. Siquidem Arriani minorem Patri Filium, Spiritum quoque sanctum minorem Patri et Filio ad suam perniciem dicunt; nos autem catholici Patrem et Filium et Spiritum sanctum in tribus personis unum et verum Deum aequali potentia eademque gloria confitemur.

42. Therefore Arioald, after he had held the kingship over the Langobards for twelve years, was withdrawn from this light; the kingdom of the Langobards was assumed by Rothari, of the Arodus stock. He was, moreover, strong in forces and following the path of justice, yet nevertheless not holding the straight line of the Christian faith, he was stained by the perfidy of the Arian heresy. Indeed the Arians say the Son is lesser than the Father, and the Holy Spirit also lesser than the Father and the Son, to their own perdition; but we Catholics confess the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in three persons, one and true God, with equal potency and the same glory.

Huius temporibus pene per omnes civitates regni eius duo episcopi erant, unus catholicus et alter Arrianus. In civitate quoque Ticinensi usque nunc ostenditur, ubi Arrianus episcopus aput basilica sancti Eusebii residens baptisterium habuit, cum tamen ecclesiae catholicae alius episcopus resideret. Qui tamen Arrianus episcopus, qui in eadem civitate fuit, Anastasius nomine, ad fidem catholicam conversus, Christi postea ecclesiam rexit.

In his times, nearly through all the cities of his kingdom there were two bishops, one Catholic and the other Arian. In the city also of Ticinum, it is shown even now where the Arian bishop, residing at the basilica of Saint Eusebius, had a baptistery, while nonetheless another bishop sat for the Catholic Church. Yet that Arian bishop who was in the same city, by name Anastasius, converted to the Catholic faith, afterwards ruled the Church of Christ.

Hic Rothari rex Langobardorum leges, quas sola memoria et usu retinebant, scriptorum serie conposuit codicemque ipsum Edictum appellari praecepit. Erat autem iam ex quo Langobardi in Italiam venerant annus septuagesimus septimus, sicut idem rex in sui edicti testatus est prologo. Ad hunc regem Arichis dux Beneventi filium suum Aionem direxit.

Here Rothari, king of the Langobards, composed in a series of writings the laws which they had retained by memory alone and by use, and ordered that the code itself be called the Edict. Now it was already the seventy-seventh year since the Langobards had come into Italy, as the same king attested in the prologue of his edict. To this king Arichis, duke of Beneventum, sent his son Aio.

Qui cum Ravennam venisset, Ticinum pergens, ibi ei Romanorum malitia talis potio data est, quae eum mente excedere faceret; atque ex eo tempore numquam pleni sanique sensus fuit.

He, when he had come to Ravenna, proceeding to Ticinum, there by the malice of the Romans such a potion was given to him as to make him go out of his mind; and from that time he was never of full and sane sense.

43. Igitur cum dux Arichis, huius de quo diximus pater, iam maturus annis ad diem ultimum propinquasset, sciens filium suum Aionem non recti esse sensus, Radoaldum et Grimoaldum, iam florem iuventutis habentes, quasi proprios filios Langobardis qui aderant commendavit eisque dixit, quod melius eos regere isti quam Aio suus filius posset.

43. Therefore, when Duke Arichis, the father of him about whom we have spoken, already ripe in years had drawn near to his last day, knowing that his son Aio was not of right sense, he commended Radoald and Grimoald, already having the flower of youth, to the Langobards who were present as if his own sons, and he said to them that these could rule them better than his son Aio could.

44. Defuncto ergo Arechis, qui ducatum quinquaginta tenuerat annis, Aio, eius filius, Samnitum ductor effectus est; cui tamen Radoald et Grimoald sicut seniori fratri et domino per omnia paruerunt. Qui Aio cum iam anno et mensibus quinque Beneventanorum ducatum regeret, venientes Sclavi cum multitudine navium, non longe a civitate Seponto castra posuerunt. Qui occultas foveas circa sua castra facientes, cum Aio super eos, absentibus Raduald et Grimoald, venisset eosque debellare vellet, equus eius in unam de eisdem foveis cecidit, atque inruentibus super eum Sclavis, simul cum aliquantis aliis extinctus est.

44. Therefore, with Arechis deceased, who had held the duchy for fifty years, Aio, his son, became duke of the Samnites; yet Radoald and Grimoald obeyed him in all things as their elder brother and lord. This Aio, when now for a year and five months he was ruling the duchy of the Beneventans, Slavs coming with a multitude of ships pitched camp not far from the city Siponto. And they, making hidden pits around their camp, when Aio came upon them, Raduаld and Grimoald being absent, and wished to vanquish them, his horse fell into one of those same pits, and, the Slavs rushing upon him, he was slain together with several others.

Quod cum Raduald nuntiatum fuisset, cito veniens, eisdem Sclavis propria illorum lingua locutus est. Cumque eos propter hoc segniores ad bellum reddidisset, mox super eos inruens magnaque eos strage prosternens, et Aionis mortem ultus est et de illis finibus eos qui remanserant hostes fugam petere coegit.

When this had been announced to Raduald, coming quickly, he spoke to those same Slavs in their own language. And when, on account of this, he had made them more sluggish for war, soon rushing upon them and laying them low with great slaughter, he both avenged the death of Aio and compelled the enemies who had remained to seek flight from those borders.

45. Igitur Rothari rex Romanorum civitates ab urbe Tusciae Lunensi universas quae in litore maris sitae sunt usque ad Francorum fines cepit. Opitergium quoque, civitatem inter Tarvisium et Foroiuli positam, pari modo expugnavit et diruit. Cum Ravennantibus Romanis bellum gessit ad fluvium Aemiliae qui Scultenna dicitur.

45. Therefore King Rothari took, from the Tuscan city Luna, all the Roman cities which are situated on the littoral of the sea up to the borders of the Franks. Opitergium also, a city placed between Tarvisium and Forum Iulii, he in like manner stormed and razed. He waged war with the Romans of Ravenna at the river of Aemilia which is called the Scultenna.

In quo bello a parte Romanorum, reliquis terga dantibus, octomilia ceciderunt. Eo tempore magnus Romae terrae motus factus est, magnaque tunc fuit inundatio aquarum Post haec fuit clades scabiarum, ita ut nullus potuisset mortuum suum agnoscere propter nimium inflationis tumorem.

In which war, on the Roman side, while the rest were turning their backs, eight thousand fell. At that time a great earthquake was made at Rome, and there was then a great inundation of waters. After these things there was a plague of scabies, such that no one could recognize his dead because of the excessive swelling from inflation.

46. Aput Beneventum vero mortuo Raduald duce, qui ducatum quinque rexerat annis, Grimuald, eius germa nus, dux effectus est gubernavitque ducatum Samnitium annis quinque et viginti. Hic de captiva puella, sed tamen nobili, cuius nomen Ita fuit, Romualdum filium et duas filias genuit. Qui dum esset vir bellicosissimus et ubique insignis, venientibus eo tempore Grecis, ut oraculum sancti archangeli in monte Gargano situm depraedarent, Grimuald super eos cum exercitu veniens, ultima eos caede prostravit.

46. At Beneventum indeed, when Duke Raduald had died, who had ruled the duchy for five years, Grimuald, his brother, was made duke, and he governed the duchy of the Samnites for twenty-five years. This man, by a captive girl, yet noble, whose name was Ita, begot a son Romuald and two daughters. And since he was a most warlike man and distinguished everywhere, when at that time the Greeks were coming to depredate the oracle of the holy archangel situated on Mount Gargano, Grimuald, coming upon them with an army, laid them low with an ultimate slaughter.

47. At vero rex Rothari postquam annos sedecim et menses quattuor regnum tenuerat, vita decedens, Langobardorum regnum Rodoald suo filio reliquit. Hic cum iuxta basilicam beati Iohannis baptistae fuisset humatus, post aliquantum tempus quidam, iniqua cupiditate succensus, eius sepulchrum noctu aperuit et quicquid in ornamentis eius corporis repperit abstulit. Cui beatus Iohannes per visionem apparens, eum vehementer exterruit eique dixit: "Cur ausus es corpus istius hominis contingere?

47. But indeed King Rothari, after he had held the kingdom for sixteen years and four months, departing life, left the kingdom of the Langobards to his son Rodoald. This man, when he had been inhumed near the basilica of blessed John the Baptist, after some time a certain fellow, inflamed by unjust cupidity, opened his tomb by night and carried off whatever he found among the ornaments of his body. To whom blessed John, appearing to him by a vision, greatly terrified him and said to him: "Why have you dared to touch the body of this man?

Fuerit licet non recte credens, tamen mihi se commendavit. Quia igitur hoc facere praesumpsisti, numquam in meam basilicam deinceps ingressum habebis". Quod ita quoque factum est. Quotiescumque enim voluisset beati Iohannis oraculum ingredi, statim velut a validissimo pugili guttur eius feriretur, sic subito retro ruebat inpulsus.

Although he may have been not rightly believing, nevertheless he commended himself to me. “Because therefore you have presumed to do this, never hereafter will you have ingress into my basilica.” And so it was done thus as well. For whenever he wished to enter the oracle of blessed John, immediately, as if his throat were being struck by a most powerful pugilist, thus suddenly he toppled backward, driven back.

Veritatem in Christo loquor; hoc mihi ipse retulit qui hoc ipsum suis oculis factum vidit. Rodoald igitur post funus patris Langobardorum regnum suscipiens, Gundipergam Agilulfi et Theudelindae sibi filiam [in matrimonium] sociavit. Haec Gundiperga regina ad instar suae genetricis, sicut illa in Modicia, sic et ista intra Ticinensem civitatem basilicam in honorem beati Iohannis baptistae construxit, quam mire ex auro et argento peplisque decoravit rebusque singulis opime ditavit; in qua et eius corpus tumulatum quiescit.

I speak truth in Christ; this was reported to me by the very man who saw this very thing done with his own eyes. Rodoald therefore, after the funeral of his father, taking up the kingdom of the Langobards, joined to himself in [marriage] Gundiperga, daughter of Agilulf and Theudelinda. This queen Gundiperga, after the manner of her mother, just as that one in Modicia, so also this one within the city of Ticinum constructed a basilica in honor of blessed John the Baptist, which she wondrously adorned with gold and silver and pepla and richly endowed with every several furnishing; and in it her buried body also rests.

Haec dum de crimine adulterii apud virum accusata fuisset, proprius eius servus Carellus nomine a rege expetiit; ut cum eoqui reginaecrimen ingesserat pro castitate suas dominae monomachia dimicaret. Qui dum cum criminatore illo singulare certamen inisset, eum cuncto populo adstante superavit. Regina vero post hoc factum ad dignitatem pristinam rediit.

While she had been accused before her husband of the crime of adultery, her own servant, named Carellus, petitioned the king that he might, for the chastity of his mistress, engage in monomachy with the one who had brought the crime against the queen. And when he had entered into a singular contest with that accuser, he overcame him, with all the people standing by. The queen, moreover, after this deed, returned to her pristine dignity.

48. Rodoald quoque, ut fertur, dum uxorem cuiusdam Langobardi stuprasset, ab eodem interfectus est, postquam septem diebus et quinque regnaverat [mensibus]. Huic successit in regni regimine Aripert, filius Gundoaldi, qui fuerat germanus Theudelindae reginae. Hic condidit apud Ticinum oraculum domini Salvatoris, quod extra portam occidentalem, quae dicitur Marenca, situm est; quod et ornamentis variis decoravit et substantiis sufficienter ditavit.

48. Rodoald also, as it is said, when he had violated the wife of a certain Langobard, was killed by that same man, after he had reigned for seven days and five [months]. To him in the governance of the kingdom succeeded Aripert, son of Gundoald, who had been the full brother of Queen Theudelinda. He founded at Ticinum an oratory of the Lord Savior, which is situated outside the western gate, which is called Marenca; and he both decorated it with various ornaments and sufficiently endowed it with resources.

49. His diebus defuncto Eraclio Augusto apud Constantinopolim, Heraclones, eius filius, cum matre Martina regni iura suscepit rexitque imperium duobus annis. Quo vita decedente, successit in loco eius Constantinus, germanus eiusdem, alius filius Heraclii, imperavitque mensibus sex. Hoc etiam mortuo, Constantinus, eiusdem filius, ad regni dignitatem ascendit tenuitque regnum annis octo et viginti.

49. In these days, with the Augustus Heraclius deceased at Constantinople, Heraclones, his son, together with his mother Martina, took up the rights of the realm and ruled the imperium for 2 years. Upon his departing this life, Constantine, his brother, another son of Heraclius, succeeded in his place and ruled for 6 months. This one also having died, Constantine, son of the same, ascended to the dignity of the kingdom and held the kingdom for 28 years.

50. Circa haec tempora regis Persarum coniux nomine Cesara de Perside exiens, cum paucis suis fidelibus privato habitu propter christianae fidei amorem Constantinopolim venit. Quae ab imperatore honorifice suscepta, post aliquot dies, ut desiderabat, baptismum consecuta et ab Augusta de sacro fonte levata est. Quod vir eius Persarum rex audiens, legatos Constantinopolim ad Augustum direxit, quatenus eidem suam uxorem redderet.

50. Around these times the consort of the king of the Persians, by the name Cesara, departing from Persia, came to Constantinople with a few of her faithful in private dress on account of love for the Christian faith. She, honorably received by the emperor, after some days, as she desired, obtained baptism and was lifted from the sacred font by the Augusta. Which, when her husband the king of the Persians heard, he sent legates to Constantinople to the Augustus, that he would return his wife to him.

Qui ad imperatorem venientes, verba regis Persarum nuntiant, qui suam requirebat reginam. Imperator haec audiens remque omnino ignorans, eis responsum reddidit dicens: "De regina, quam quaeritis, fatemur nos nihil scire, praeter quod ad nos hic aliqua mulier privato habitu advenit". Legati vero responderunt dicentes: "Si placet vestro conspectui, velimus hanc quam dicitis mulierem videre". Quae cum iussu imperatoris advenisset, mox ut eam legati conspiciunt, ad eius vestigia provolvuntur eique venerabiliter, quia eam suus vir requireret, suggerunt. Quibus illa respondit: "Ite, renuntiate regi vestro et domino, quia, nisi, sicut ego iam credidi, ita et ipse in Christum crediderit, me iam ultra consortem thori habere non poterit". Quid multa?

Those who, coming to the emperor, announce the words of the king of the Persians, who was seeking his queen. The emperor, hearing this and altogether ignorant of the matter, returned them an answer, saying: "Concerning the queen whom you seek, we confess we know nothing, except that some woman, in private habit, has come here to us." But the legates replied, saying: "If it pleases your sight, we would wish to see this woman whom you say." When she had come at the emperor’s order, as soon as the legates behold her, they roll themselves at her feet and reverently inform her that her husband was seeking her. To them she replied: "Go, report back to your king and lord that unless, just as I have now believed, so also he himself shall have believed in Christ, he will no longer be able to have me as consort of the bed." Why say more?

Reversi legati ad patriam, universa quae audierant suo regi renuntiant. Qui nihil moratus, cum sexaginta milibus viris Constantinopolim pacifice ad imperatorem venit, a quo gratanter et satis digne susceptus est. Qui cum universis Christum dominum credens, pariter cum omnibus sacri baptismatis unda perfusus et ab Augusto de fonte levatus, catholica fide confirmatus est; multisque muneribus ab Augusto honoratus, accepta sua coniuge, laetus et gaudens ad suam patriam repedavit.

The legates, having returned to their fatherland, report back to their king all that they had heard. He, delaying not at all, came peaceably to Constantinople with sixty thousand men to the emperor, by whom he was gladly and quite worthily received. He, believing in the Lord Christ together with all, was likewise with all bathed by the wave of sacred baptism and lifted from the font by the Augustus, and he was confirmed in the catholic faith; and, honored with many gifts by the Augustus, having received his consort, glad and rejoicing he returned to his own fatherland.

Circa haec tempora mortuo aput Foroiuli Grasulfo duce, Foroiulensem ducatum Ago regendum suscepit. Aput Spoletium quoque Theudelaupo defuncto, Atto eidem civitati ductor efficitur.

Around these times, with Duke Grasulf having died at Forum Iulii, Ago undertook the Forum Iulii duchy for governing. At Spoleto likewise, with Theudelap deceased, Atto was made duke of the same city.

51. Igitur Aripert, postquam aput Ticinum per annos novem Langobardos rexerat, diem obiens, regnum duobus filiis suis adhuc adulescentibus Perctarit et Godeperto regendum reliquit. Et Godepert quidem Ticini sedem regni habuit, Perctarit vero in civitate Mediolanensi. Inter quos fratres, facientibus malignis hominibus, discordiae et odiorum fomes surrexit in tantum, ut alter alterius regnum invadere conaretur.

51. Therefore Aripert, after he had ruled the Langobards at Ticinum for nine years, meeting his day, left the kingdom to be administered by his two sons, still adolescents, Perctarit and Godepert. And Godepert indeed had the seat of the kingdom at Ticinum, but Perctarit in the city of Mediolanum. Between these brothers, with malicious men acting, the fuel of discords and hatreds arose to such a degree that the one attempted to invade the kingdom of the other.

Qua de re Godepertus Garipaldum Taurinatium ducem ad Grimuald Beneventanorum strenuum tunc ductorem direxit, invitans eum, ut quantocius veniret et sibi adversus germanum suum Perctarit auxilium ferret, regisque filiam, suam germanam, ei se daturum promittens. Sed legatus ipse fraudulenter contra suum dominum agens, Grimualdum exhortatus est, ut veniret et Langobardorum regnum, quod adulescentes germani dissipabant, ipse arriperet, qui aetate maturus, consilio providus et viribus fortis existeret. Grimuald haec audiens, mox animum ad regnum Langobardorum obtinendum erexit.

On account of this, Godepert sent Garipald, duke of the Taurinates, to Grimoald, then the strenuous leader of the Beneventans, inviting him to come as quickly as possible and bring aid to himself against his brother Perctarit, promising that he would give to him the king’s daughter, his own sister. But the envoy himself, acting fraudulently against his lord, exhorted Grimoald to come and seize the kingdom of the Langobards, which the adolescent brothers were dissipating—he who was mature in age, provident in counsel, and strong in strength. Grimoald, hearing these things, straightway raised his mind to obtaining the kingdom of the Langobards.

Ordinatumque aput Beneventum Romualdum suum filium ducem, ipse cum electa manu Ticinum profecturus iter arripuit, ac per omnes civitates, per quas viam habuit, sibi amicos et adiutores ad regnum percipiendum adscivit. Transemundum vero comitem Capuanum per Spoletium et Tusciam direxit, ut eius regionis Langobardos suo consortio coaptaret. Qui imperata sibi strenue perficiens, ei cum multis adiutoribus aput Aemiliam in itinere occurrit.

And having appointed at Beneventum his son Romuald as duke, he himself, with a chosen band, about to set out for Ticinum, seized the road, and through all the cities through which he had his way, he enrolled to himself friends and adjutors for obtaining the kingdom. But Transemund, the count of Capua, he sent through Spoleto and Tuscany, that he might coapt the Langobards of that region to his fellowship. He, vigorously accomplishing what was commanded him, met him on the journey in Emilia with many adjutors.

Igitur Grimuald, cum prope Placentiam cum robusta virorum multitudine advenisset, Garipaldum, qui legatus ad eum missus a Godeperto fuerat, Ticinum praemisit, ut eidem Godeperto de suo adventu nuntiaret. Qui ad Godepertum veniens, Grimualdum citius adventare dixit. Cumque Godepert ab eo quaereret, quo in loco eidem Grimualdo hospitium parare deberet, Garipald ita respondit: quod dignum esset, ut Grimualdus, qui pro eius causa venerat eiusque sororem accepturus esset, hospitium intra palatium haberet.

Therefore Grimuald, when he had arrived near Placentia with a robust multitude of men, sent ahead Garipald—who had been sent to him as a legate by Godepert—to Ticinum, to announce to that same Godepert his arrival. He, coming to Godepert, said that Grimuald was approaching more swiftly. And when Godepert asked him in what place he ought to prepare lodging for that same Grimuald, Garipald thus replied: that it was fitting that Grimuald, who had come on his account and was about to receive his sister as wife, should have lodging within the palace.

Quod ita quoque factum est. Nam adveniens Grimuald, intra palatium mansionem accepit. Isdem vero Garipald totius nequitiae seminator Godeperto persuasit, ut non aliter quam lorica sub veste indutus cum Grimualdo locuturus veniret; asserens, quia eum Grimuald occidere vellet.

So indeed it was done. For, arriving, Grimuald received lodging within the palace. But that same Garipald, sower of all wickedness, persuaded Godepert that he should come to speak with Grimuald in no other way than clad with a cuirass (lorica) beneath his garment; asserting that Grimuald wanted to kill him.

Rursus idem fallendi artifex ad Grimualdum veniens dixit, quod, nisi se fortiter praepararet, eum Godepertus suo gladio perimeret, asseverans Godepertum, quando cum eo ad conloquendum veniret, loricam sub veste gestare. Quid plura? Cum ad conloquium die crastino venissent, et Godepertum post salutationem Grimualdus amplexatus esset, statim sensit, quod loricam sub veste gestaret.

Again the same artificer of deception, coming to Grimuald, said that, unless he prepared himself stoutly, Godepert would slay him with his sword, asserting that Godepert, when he should come to confer with him, wore a cuirass beneath his garment. What more? When on the next day they had come to the conference, and after the salutation Grimuald had embraced Godepert, he immediately perceived that he was wearing a cuirass beneath his garment.

Nec mora, evaginato gladio eum vita privavit. Regnumque eius et omnem potentiam invadens, suae subdidit dicioni. Habebat autem tunc Godepert iam filium parvulum nomine Raginpertum, qui a Godeperti fidelibus sublatus et occulte nutritus est.

Without delay, with the sword unsheathed he deprived him of life. And invading his kingdom and all his power, he subjected them to his dominion. Godepert, however, already then had a very small son named Raginpert, who was taken up by Godepert’s faithful and was secretly reared.

Nec eum Grimuald persequi curavit, quipqui adhuc infantulus esset. Quo audito Perctarit, qui aput Mediolanum regnabat, quod germanus eius esset extinctus, quanta potuit velocitate fugam arripuit adque ad regem Avarum Cacanum pervenit, uxorem Rodelindam et parvulum filium nomine Cunicpertum relinquens, quos Grimuald Beneventum in exilium direxit. His ita gestis, Garipaldus, cuius instigatione et certamine ista patrata sunt et non solum haec egerat, sed et fraudem in legatione sua fecerat, dum munera, quae deferre Beneventum debuerat, non integra deportasset , talium ergo operum patrator non diu laetatus est.

Nor did Grimuald take care to pursue him, since he was still a little infant. On hearing this, Perctarit, who was reigning at Milan, that his brother had been slain, seized flight with as much velocity as he could and came to Cacanus, king of the Avars, leaving his wife Rodelinda and his little son named Cunincpert, whom Grimuald sent into exile to Beneventum. With these things thus done, Garipald, at whose instigation and striving these deeds were accomplished, and who had not only done these things, but had also perpetrated fraud in his legation—since the gifts which he ought to have borne to Beneventum he had not transported intact—therefore, as the perpetrator of such works, did not rejoice for long.

Erat quidam parvus homunculus ex propria familia Godeperti oriundus in civitate Taurinatium. Is cum Garipaldum ducem ipso sacratissimo paschali die ad orationem in beati Iohannis basilicam venturum sciret, super sacrum baptisterii fontem conscendens laevaque manu se ad columellum tugurii continens, unde Garipaldus transiturus erat, evaginatum ensem sub amictu tenens, cum iuxta eum Garipald venisset, ut pertransiret, ipse, elevato amictu, toto adnisu eodem ense in cervice percussit caputque eius protinus amputavit. Super quem qui cum Garipaldo venerant inruentes, multis eum ictuum vulneribus occiderunt.

There was a certain small little man, from Godepert’s own household, originating in the city of the Taurinates. When he knew that Duke Garipald on that most sacred Paschal day would come for prayer into the basilica of blessed John, mounting upon the holy font of the baptistery and with his left hand holding himself to the little column of the structure, from which Garipald was about to pass, holding a drawn sword beneath his mantle, when Garipald had come near him to pass by, he, lifting his mantle, with all exertion struck with that same sword upon the neck and straightway cut off his head. Upon him those who had come with Garipald, rushing in, slew him with many wounds of blows.

Qui licet occubuerit, tamen Godeperti sui domini iniuriam insigniter ultus est.

Although he fell, yet he signally avenged the injury of his lord Godepert.