Peter Of Luxembourg

ON ST. Peter of Luxembourg

IN THE YEAR 1387.

PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY.

Peter of Luxembourg, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Bishop of Metz, at Avignon in Gaul (B.)

BHL Number: 6718

BY THE AUTHOR J. P.

§ I. The birth of the most illustrious Blessed Peter, his early age, the premature death of his Parents, his education under a near kinswoman, whether a vow of virginity was made by him, his brothers and sisters.

The most illustrious family of the Counts of Luxembourg, by the splendor of its race, the antiquity of its stock, and the number of heroes, most heaped with all praises, whom it, glad, recognizes in its own most noble annals, drawn continuously through so many past ages, so raises its head among all the nobles of Europe, The birth of the most illustrious Blessed Peter, that it is scarcely second to any other. Our Bohuslav Balbín, in the second part of his Miscellanies, book 7, section 2, on the Kings of Bohemia, exhibits a genealogical table of the Luxembourg stock, from which it had four kings of Bohemia after Rudolf of Austria. The trunk of the Luxembourg stock, commonly called "de Ligni" or "Linei," of which our Blessed Peter was a shoot, and the descendants of that same trunk are exhibited in Rittershusius in his Genealogies. Various Emperors also that same family reckons among its ancestors; concerning whom consult the more recent life, to be given hereafter, and if you desire to know more distinctly the ornaments of this incomparable family, consult the genealogists. For I should be acting beyond my design, if I dwelt longer on such things.

[2] From that most illustrious family therefore our Blessed Peter drew his origin, His parents, having as parents Guy of Luxembourg, first Count of Ligny and of Roussy, and Castellan of Lille; and as mother Mathilde de Chastillon, who brought to her husband, as dowry, the county of Saint-Pol in Artois, and the lordship of Fiennes; not only (I give the words of the author of the ancient life, number 2) proceeding from an imperial and royal stock, but also most conspicuous for the integrity of their life, the probity of their manners, and the rare exercise, among secular persons, of distinguished virtues, as the process formed for the canonization of Blessed Peter teaches at greater length, chapter 1 from number 30.

[3] Our blessed Youth, having in his mortal body an angelic disposition, was his early age. in years a youth, in mind a man; to the world precocious, but for heaven mature; endowed with such sweetness of manners, such innocence of life, such zeal for virginity, submission, modesty, prayer, mercy toward the poor, obedience, esteem and care of spiritual things; that even then he gave forth no doubtful specimens of his future sanctity; and, consummated in a short time, he must be said to have fulfilled long times, his soul pleasing and dear to God being prematurely summoned to the heavenly banquets. But how laudably he passed the times of his early age, since both the life and the process reveal it, I cut short this web begun, to be woven out there.

[4] From the untimely death of his Father, From the birth of the blessed Youth, which fell on the 20th of July 1369, the third year was running, begun only by one month with two days, namely 1371, and the 22nd day of August, when by an untimely death the heavenly Father snatched from him his earthly father, slain in the famous battle of Baesweiler, joined between the two rivers Rhine and Meuse; on what account, with whom, and with what fortune our Christoph Brouwer will give in the Annals of Trier, book 17, where he fixes the day of death of the Lord Count of Saint-Pol, whom we said to be the father of our pious Youth, likewise in the year 1371, on the 11th of the Kalends of September. I give his words: With most hostile arms the ranks clashed at Baesweiler between the two most celebrated rivers, the Rhine and the Meuse, and with so great a slaughter of nobles, that it was made known that seven hundred of their number were laid low, and two thousand captured. … Guy, Count of Saint-Pol, was slain, who stood with Robert of Namur, and Peter of Bar, on the side of Luxembourg. His son Valeran fell into the hands of the enemy.

[5] in the year 1371, The said epoch of his death is still more solidly proved from Froissart, a historian of the best mark, and in age either contemporary or at least nearest, who in the third volume, page 252, in words to be cited below in number 76 among the more notable elogies of our Blessed, perspicuously declares that the most illustrious Lord Guy aforesaid, slain in the battle of Jülich, expired. But that by the battle of Jülich is here designated the battle of Baesweiler, also called "of Jülich" from the vicinity of the town of Jülich, no one even a little skilled in geography would call into doubt. To the same epoch Rittershusius subscribes in his Genealogies, asserting that the oft-mentioned Lord Count was taken away at Baesweiler on the 22nd of August 1371. No doubt therefore can remain, but that on the occasion, time, and place now assigned the blessed Youth suffered the loss of his most dear Parent, being at any rate two years old with a single month and two days.

[6] it is proved that the miracle does not stand, See now how aptly there coheres with this epoch that most splendid miracle, and multiple in virtue, adorned by Henri Alby in the life of blessed Peter, published by him, and afterward to be brought forward by us, with so great a compass of words, with so great prolixity of speaking, chapter 1 from number 4; where he sets forth that Peter had been summoned by his Father, whom, the circumstances of the narration being considered, he seems to suppose to have then been of such an age as to be capable of giving a specimen of those things which he had learned under the discipline of a teacher. Then he subjoins that the same Peter, most tenderly affected toward relieving the indigence of the poor beggars, secretly withdrew food from the pantry, from the kitchen, from the bronze pot set over the fire, as chance offered, to relieve their need. Meanwhile, when on a certain occasion it so happened that he was carrying meats snatched by a pious theft in his bosom to the poor, the same Author says that they were changed into roses, the garment undefiled in which he was carrying them, and his father, who had unexpectedly intervened, looking on, and wondering at the novelty of the matter. All which, as also the father's questions, to which add the son's gracious answers, as they are there reported and set down, and the other marvelous circumstances of the prodigy, the reader will find in the place cited.

[7] But indeed it does not appear how all those things could have happened unless the most pious Youth had at that time been about six or seven years old, concerning the meats changed into roses, at the least: and so had lived at that age with his father, who caught him in the deed and reprehended him. But now, since the death of the oft-mentioned father was more untimely than that it can be combined with the sixth or seventh year of Peter, and so composed with the recorded miracle and its marvelous circumstances; I do not see how, at least on that side, the truth does not plainly collapse; unless you construct new miracles, which are not to be multiplied without certainty, nor admitted without a sufficient foundation.

[8] Alby therefore erred through ignorance of the chronological epoch set forth by us; first, when in the place above alleged he reports narrated by Alby; that Blessed Peter was summoned together with his teacher by the command of his father Guy, as though already then capable of giving a specimen of how well he had profited under the instruction of his teacher. Secondly, when he connects the aforesaid miracle with incoherent circumstances and the false supposition of the greater age of the son and the life of the father, both of which we have already refuted, and it will appear more clearly that this could not have happened at so small an age of Peter, to one inspecting the Albian life from number 4. Thirdly, when he writes that the blessed Confessor was sent by his father to Paris for the sake of studies. Fourthly, when he reports that the same Guy departed from life at that time in which Peter had almost completed the course of philosophy. Fifthly and lastly, when he says that from Peter, scarcely three years old, his mother was snatched by a premature death, his father surviving after her, and summoning to a share in the education of the children a near kinswoman, of whom presently.

[9] Behold, how many errors from one chronological point either not understood or ill fixed. he hallucinating here in many ways; Opportunely here Baillet, so often the rigid censor of others, merits censure, when he writes in volume 2, page 111, following the erring Alby or some other I know not whom, nor does it matter to know: that of Peter of Luxembourg, sent to Paris to his studies in the year 1379, in the tenth year of his age, the course of letters was interrupted in part by the death of his father, who, as is proved from the things already said and deduced, had closed the last day of his life eight years before. And that, to return to the aforesaid miracle, whence we have digressed a little, and, since mention of it has once fallen, let us bring forward, though not in its proper place, whatever pertains to it; Father Charles Faber of the Society of Jesus, most often to be praised by us, and, by the labor bestowed on us, most highly deserving concerning Blessed Peter, in a letter of the 6th of October given to Papebroch, signifies that the truth of the same miracle is admitted by all; and adds that Father le Gros, of whose praises there will be occasion to speak more than once, affirmed to him that it had not yet hitherto been found by himself in the codices or instruments preserved in the archive of the Reverend Fathers the Celestines of Avignon, concerning which hereafter, in matters pertaining to our Blessed by far the richest and most furnished.

[10] Moreover, is it credible that a miracle so illustrious, so singular, so unheard of, if it truly subsists, which also from elsewhere seems to waver: either was unknown to the author of the older life, or was passed over in the process, in which several matters of less moment, which could have been omitted with the splendor of the Blessed unhurt, are described one by one, accurately and graphically? Since these things are so, I cannot but ingenuously confess that I am afraid concerning the truth of this miracle, prepared meanwhile at once to think better of the same, when someone shall have deigned to supply ancient documents, by which he may so persuade its truth as to convince. This I desire, this I long for. But I fear so great a wish, after so long-lasting and constant a silence of antiquity concerning a matter which, from elsewhere, coheres so ill with chronology.

[11] The Blessed bereft of his mother; In what year, when by the intervention of death, the pious Youth lost his mother, it is not ready for me to determine to a nicety, nor do I remember to have read anything certain and determinate in the older Acts or processes. Alby narrates (and after him Baillet) in the life, number 3, that scarcely three years old he lost his mother, and that, she being dead, the most choice and most praised Countess of Orgières, by name Joanna, administered the education of the most blessed Boy diligently, prudently, and accurately. And indeed that his aunt, after the death of Mathilde, educated him, the eleventh witness says, greater than all exception; and that about the eighth year of his age he gave forth no common specimens of an innocent life and of virtues, as you may see in the cited process, chapter 2; and concerning which matter we have treated a little before by anticipation, number 3; all which, for a great part, after God the best and greatest, ought to be ascribed to the instruction of his most pious Aunt.

[12] From the 13th interrogatory article, which I have before my eyes, he is educated by a near kinswoman. namely that the said Lord Peter, after the years of his infancy were completed, immediately, as soon as he could understand and began to speak, was sent as a boy to a certain aunt of his, the lady Joanna of Luxembourg, Countess of Saint-Pol and Valkenburg, of honest conversation and life, where he first learned letters from the Chaplains of the said Lady, until he could read competently; from this article, I say, interrogatory, and the answer of the 11th witness praised above, who said in the process that he had heard the contents in the article to be true from the Aunt and several other members of the household of the said Joanna the aunt, it seems to be gathered, as a corollary to the times of his early age passed by the Blessed, where and by whom he first learned letters; then under whose care he was educated, which seems there to be assigned different from the Countess of Orgières, asserted by Alby and Baillet; unless Joanna of Luxembourg, Countess of Saint-Pol and Valkenburg, and the Countess of Orgières were different names attributed to one and the same person, of which nothing is established, and I incline more to the opposite opinion, that they were two different persons. However it be; this at least is clear, that to a near kinswoman, whether a maternal aunt, or an aunt, as she is called in the process, or a paternal aunt she was, is to be referred the continuation of his education in his tender age after the death of his parents.

[13] It could moreover here be asked, whether the most chaste Youth, while still a boy, Whether he vowed virginity, consecrated to God the flower of angelic virginity by the interposition of the religion of a vow. To the question Baillet gives occasion, who in the place above cited roundly declares that it is affirmed that he did this in the sixth year of his age, and that his sister Joanna, numbering twelve years, was induced by him to do the same, concerning whom more a little later. No place for doubting can be left to anyone who has perused the lives and processes, but that the most chaste Youth held the angelic virtue among his delights, and was wholly given to declining and guarding against all things for the protection and preservation of the same virtue, as the witnesses in the process, chapter 2, make more widely attested. But to the express question, whether Peter or his sister Joanna vowed virginity, nothing is there affirmatively deposed, but the witness answers that he knows it not. Piously therefore it can be believed that the said vow of both was made, but it cannot be affirmed as certainly done, since of it there is not sufficient establishment from the ancient documents.

[14] Let us close this paragraph, by adding a few things concerning the brothers and sisters german of our Blessed. his brothers and sisters. His firstborn brother was Valeran of Luxembourg, the third of this name, who was Count of Saint-Pol and of Ligny after the death of his father, and at the same time Castellan of Lille, Lord of Fiennes and of Bohain, and also Constable of France. Next to him John of Luxembourg, who was Lord of Beaurevoir and Richebourg. Then our Peter, of whom here we especially treat, often praised by us, more often to be praised. The last place at length among the males obtains Andrew of Luxembourg, who was first archdeacon of Dreux, then bore the sacred mitres of the church of Cambrai. To the four already-named brothers, of whom the two first, as we have seen, illustrated the most illustrious stock especially with profane dignities and titles, the two last with sacred honors; there corresponded three sisters, Margaret, Mary, and Joanna. This order of brothers and sisters, hitherto proposed by me, the number, offices, and dignities, the most illustrious Meurisse wove together in his work On the Bishops of Metz, number 531. But now, in what manner the ecclesiastical favors were accumulated from boyhood gradually and vying upon our illustrious Confessor, most adorned with all gifts of nature and grace, let us examine, even to the point that they seconded him unto the sacred mitres of Metz and the purple hat of the Cardinals; as we shall see in the following paragraph.

§ II. The ecclesiastical benefices, to which he was vyingly promoted up to the Cardinalate.

It is a matter equally most known and most attested, that Blessed Peter grew from infancy into the highest hope, and, as befitted him and the integrity of his manners, so excellent, joined with the most noble splendor of his race, being heaped with various ecclesiastical favors, he stirred up so much the greater expectation of himself, the more earnestly and intensely he strove only to hide himself in the slender shades of a most profound humility, to avoid the celebrity of his name, and to decline the dignities offered with a generous contempt; not ignorant that he would then be greatest in the eyes of God, when he was least in his own. We know both from the most ancient life and from the process, that there was conferred upon the most pious Youth the canonry of Paris, of the church, as the more recent writers report, then cathedral, now metropolitan, of the holy Virgin; which church, among the rest, easily obtains the chief place. In which office, that by his virtues and examples he turned upon himself the eyes and minds of all others, is clear from the Acts and processes. We know likewise that there was conferred upon him the archdeaconry of Dreux in the church of Chartres; which, as the most illustrious Meurisse testifies in the place above cited, promoted to greater dignities in the Church, he is recorded afterward to have resigned to his brother Andrew, the youngest by birth.

[16] to be reckoned, To the ecclesiastical benefices already mentioned is to be added the canonry of Cambrai, and thence the other archdeaconry of the most noble city of Brussels, the ancient and most celebrated seat of the Dukes of Brabant. For although there is everywhere a deep and constant silence concerning it both in the ancient Acts and in the more recent authors, yet I see nothing which compels me to tremble, lest we assert that the said ecclesiastical favor was granted to him. For too clear are the words of the authentic process, formed and begun at the beginning of the year of the Lord 1390, and so in the first times after the death of the Blessed, which process we shall give hereafter. In proof of the faith and truth of my assertion I produce a witness greater than all exception, and appeal to Nicholas Clacquin, placed in the eleventh place among the witnesses of the process, a canon of Cambrai (under which diocese at that time the church of Brussels was subordinate), a member of the household, a domestic, an almoner, a companion, an eye-witness, and a daily and continual witness of the life and manners of our Blessed Peter.

[17] He, in the same process, number with us 104, plainly settles the matter. For being asked the canonry of the church of Cambrai. at what time Lord Peter gave alms through the windows; he said, that about one year before his promotion to the church of Metz, of which presently; namely, while he was canon of the church of Paris, and was archdeacon of Dreux in the church of Chartres, and archdeacon of Brussels in the church of Cambrai. What clearer, what more luminous? For indeed I do not see what could be opposed to so irrefragable a testimony, but that, without the fear of falsity, it can and ought to be admitted, that our Blessed was a canon of Cambrai; since he was archdeacon of Brussels in the church of Cambrai; which dignity, as its basis, presupposes the said canonry. But indeed these things can seem only lesser things and preludes, if they be compared with the other ensigns of ecclesiastical dignity conferred upon him. Greater things call us.

[18] Scarcely therefore had he passed the dawn of his age, so to speak, When the bishopric of Metz was given to him, when without delay his light began to shine, to advance, and to grow unto the perfect day, and to diffuse its rays in every direction. For, the see of the church of Metz being vacant after the death of Theodoric Boppard, our Peter is promoted, by a most rare example indeed, to this dignity in the year 1383, about the month of March, as the same most illustrious Meurisse testifies, and is created the seventy-fifth bishop of the Metz people, in the year, as the most ancient life hands down, the fifteenth of his age. Which charge he most worthily adorned by words and examples, having nothing premature about it except his age, which he supplied who chooses the weak things of the world, that he may confound the strong. But that I shall by no means fail to do a favor to the reader, I do not doubt, if I gather into a brief compendium certain points accommodated to the present design, worthy of knowledge, and either ignored or neglected by the older writers, which can be seen at greater length in the praised Meurisse in the place cited.

[19] when he was admitted; In the year next following, 1384, therefore, our blessed Prelate, as a good pastor, determined to visit his flock, and to take possession of the church of Metz, a certain Godfrey of Varize administering the supreme magistracy; where, that he was admitted without pomp and ornament by the cantor on the very feast of Pentecost, the same author writes (see the process, number 94); and in the following year 1385, when another, by name John Bertrand, held the chief place of the magistracy, that he entered the city of Metz solemnly, his brother the Count of Saint-Pol accompanying, and several other Lords, received with the applause of all orders, and honored with the public and solemn gifts of the city, in sign of his glad arrival.

[20] He proves moreover from the records of the church (which, and with how rare a humility; if I am not mistaken, he means the church of Metz) that the most modest Bishop proceeded to such a point of humility, that he wished to enter the city first with bare feet, and seated upon a she-ass, following the example of Christ entering the city of Jerusalem. What? that he also wished, barefoot, to make the supplication to St. Vincent, by far the most frequented, with the escort of all orders. He adds moreover that the most vigilant Pastor, together with his suffragan, visited his diocese with great fruit; that some days after his first entrance a controversy arose concerning the election of the thirteen men, whom they called the sworn men of the city; that the citizens denied that creation to Peter, alleging that he was only administrator of the diocese, not however Bishop, for defect of competent age. The controversy held long; there was frequent meeting and deliberation among the citizens; at length in the following year it was decided in favor of the citizens against the Bishop; there was sharp fighting for his right by the Count of Saint-Pol, his brother german; the territory of Metz was laid waste; the blessed Bishop bearing the injury done to him with the utmost moderation of mind, meekness, and patience. All which, as also many other adjuncts of the matter, the reader will find more prolixly described in the same Author.

[21] Finally, who would not wonder at the manly and unshaken constancy of the blessed Youth, [with how great a preservation of the temporal goods of the church he was possessed.] for the preservation of the temporal goods of the church of Metz. I narrate the fact. When the Count of Saint-Pol by no means acquiesced, but for the soldiers sent to smooth an easy way for the possession of the said church; moreover, possession having now been obtained by Peter, for certain castles, which were occupied by the friends of the deceased Bishop, the predecessor of Blessed Peter, of the church of Metz, to which they belonged, recovered and restored not without huge cost and expenditure of money, demanded a competent compensation; so much so that he contended that satisfaction be made to him even out of the very goods of the church of Metz, if the costs could not be refunded from elsewhere; never could the blessed Bishop be brought to this; but he offered his own goods, preferring, his whole patrimony being offered, to refund the costs made by his brother, for the favor of the church of Metz, than to burden the patrimony of Christ. More in the process, the whole of chapter 9.

[22] As our most upright Youth grew day by day more and more in virtue, The Cardinalate followed him. so grew his grace with God and men. To Clement of Geneva indeed he was so uniquely dear, so wholly in his affections, that not long after conferring on him the episcopal dignity of the church of Metz, he judged that he should be enrolled in the most eminent order of the purpled Fathers, and in very deed created him Cardinal Deacon of the title of St. George in Velabro, or "at the golden Veil," however unwilling and strongly reluctant, as much as was permitted by his age; nay, he wished him to stay with him in his court at Avignon, not ignorant how much grace, how much ornament Peter by his angelic manners would bring to it; as in very deed he most abundantly furnished. Moreover, how greatly he loathed the court, the process reports in chapter 8. Of the miracles which are recorded to have happened there by Father Alby in the life, chapter 3, and which elsewhere in the ancient Acts are wanting, we shall speak when we compare the Lives with one another. Now, having run through summarily the course of the life of our most blessed Confessor, let us proceed to his death, and to the other things which followed his death, to be represented in a brief prospect, that the reader may be able to form for himself some idea of those things which afterward, from the ancient Acts and processes, and other instruments, we shall bring forward professedly.

§ III. The death of the Blessed, the day of his death, his testament, burial, first cult at Avignon, the process for universal cult, or Canonization.

[23] The day and year of his death ill fixed by some. Whoever shall have read chapter 6 of the older Life, chapter 4 of the more recent, chapter 10 of the process, will have a pathetic and graphic description, how piously, how placidly, as he had lived, our Angel ceased to live. Of the incomparable act, and before this day perhaps unheard of, of most profound humility, which, near to death, he is reported by Meurisse, Alby, and Baillet to have exercised, we shall speak in the paragraph on the life compared with the ancient Acts, and recalled to the balance of Alby. He died therefore, as we indicated above, on the 2nd day of the month of July in the year 1387, being 18 years old, less 18 days. Whence Gazet hallucinates in the ecclesiastical history of Belgium, writing that he died about 23 years old. Ciacconius also errs, asserting in volume 2, column 684, that he died on the 5th of July, and arguing against others who wrongly affirm that his death happened on the 2nd of July. In the same error Labbe slipped in his Chronology. I know not indeed what moved Molanus, that, the true time of his life being designated in his Natales of the Saints of Belgium, namely about the year 18, he added in the margin with an asterisk mark, the twenty-second. Which argues that he himself wavered in determining the epoch of his life. Certainly too clearly are the beginning, progress, and end of his life proved from the most ancient Acts, than that anyone could prudently doubt in this matter.

[24] His testament and burial: Before his death he made his testament, which he composed on the 29th of June, four days before the last of his life, at Villeneuve, not far from Avignon, whither for the sake of health he had withdrawn, the faculty of testating being first sought and obtained from Clement; before his death, I say, he made his testament, most worthy indeed of being read, and breathing a most perfect exemplar of a rare and profound humility. The tenor of the same is had in the authentic history of those things which were done after the death of the Blessed, and which shall be given hereafter. The first care that held him, after his soul and body were commended to God and the Saints, was the designation of his burial, concerning which we shall now in order briefly touch upon a few things. He designated a place for it under the open sky, in the public cemetery, called of St. Michael, at Avignon, among the corpses of the plebeians and the poor. The whole apparatus of his funeral was three tapers with twelve torches. Nor did he designate a more worthy place of burial, if it had happened for him to die elsewhere outside the court. In passing here observe that Meyer, in the Annals of Flanders under the year 1387, wandered from the truth, when he reports that he died at Avignon, and was there buried in the chapel of St. Michael. But his body was committed to the earth on the 5th of July. Hence without doubt some Martyrologists announce him on the 5th, which was the day of his burial, not of his death. Unless perhaps, which I should rather believe, they then commemorate him, because on that day he is venerated at Avignon.

[25] And without delay; the circle of a year not yet elapsed after the death of Peter, miracles, and the first cult at Avignon. most conspicuous miracles of various kinds, performed in great number, brought to the deceased the illustrious name of Thaumaturge, faith to the people, refuge to the wretched, solace to the afflicted; which in the aforesaid history are asserted to have been juridically examined, and proved true in the process. Hence the admirable and almost incredible concourse that flowed together to venerate the sepulcher of the Blessed; the pious kisses libated with hands and feet, the furtive and violent removal of relics; hence the first cult of the great Thaumaturge that arose at Avignon; hence the offerings presented and the ex-votos hung up; hence there was first erected there for him a wooden chapel, at the cost of Mary Queen of Sicily and Jerusalem; hence it was thought to erect a basilica for him; the monastery of the Celestines was built, from the heaping up of the ex-votos and offerings granted to them for this end, begun, but wonderfully increased by the liberality of Charles VI King of the French: all which, described at greater length in the said history, the reader will find. But what of the miracle which is there handed down to have happened in his very burial at that time in which the soul of the deceased was according to custom being commended, and the body was just now to be interred? What, I say, of the eyes opened after death? What of that which Alby adds in the Life, when, besides the opening of the eyes after death, he reports that the Blessed nodded or gave a sign to Clement? Of that sign or nod I do not think well, and I fear that it does not stand.

[26] Of the eyes opened after death there is inquiry in the process; but very timidly and doubtfully, indeed by no means categorically, it is answered by one witness, juridically interrogated upon this point. The words of the answer will be given there in chapter 11, number 175. But the deposition of the 15th and 16th witnesses, numbers 185 and 186, seems to put the said opening beyond doubt; although nothing at all of it is read handed down in the most ancient Life: and it is a wonder that a thing so notable was either unknown; or, if it was known to the author, could have been passed over. But almost the greatest miracle of all was the body of the blessed Thaumaturge after death; rigid at once and cold, and yet soft, ductile, and flexible, the command of nature eluded and crushed, for four days, until it was buried. These things most briefly. See the matter graphically set forth in the process from number 175. Let us, the thread which we began to weave, pursue from the oft-mentioned history. The Miracles growing almost immeasurably day by day, which God worked through the youthful Thaumaturge; Clement of Geneva, desirous to be informed of them for conferring public cult, committed to this three Cardinals of his court; who in the year 1389, on the 16th day of June, congregated in Consistory, heard, sent upon this business, the most celebrated Pierre d'Ailly, in the name of Charles VI King of the French, of the Dean and Chapter of Paris, and also of the Rector and University of the same city, proposing and urging the sacred and solemn honors of the most pious Youth: their most urgent supplications, for the expediting of the matter, strengthening the affair, which are there brought forward entire.

[27] There followed then the letters of Clement, by which he commits the examination of the life, when the process was begun, virtues, and miracles to three deputed for this. And here the way was paved to the process, of which we must now treat. It was begun at Avignon in a lodging, not far from the cemetery of St. Michael, the place of Blessed Peter's burial, in the year of the common era 1390, on the 18th day of January. It is not of this place to adorn the said process with many elogies, or to commend its faith and sincerity. Let the reader peruse it, and I am much mistaken if he repent of his reading. I add one thing, that much authority is procured for it by the select witnesses, most worthy of faith, and sworn upon the holy Gospels of God to tell the pure and simple truth, favor, love, entreaty, price, affection, and fear being wholly removed. The authentic testimony for the sincerity of the transcript is read below. Moreover it is fitting to render an account of certain things done by me in arranging and dividing the said process, which I think it concerns the readers not to be ignorant of. I divided the matter in two ways. The first part exhibits the virtues, the second part the miracles, that confusion may be avoided, apt to arise from the defect of a just distribution.

[28] The names of the witnesses, who are exhibited scattered in the process, and are premised immediately each to their own depositions, and their age, condition, how disposed by me, country, and other characteristic marks, I judged should be placed as it were under one view, so that under one and continued series they could be beheld, led to this especially by three reasons; first, because that uninterrupted collection of witnesses seems to conduce to a neat partition of the matter, and greater perspicuity. Then lest the repetition of the witnesses, recurring again and again with their characteristic adjuncts, should, by a store of many superfluous words, amplify the matter more than is fitting, and create nausea. Which will better appear from the change which I made of the old order into a new one. I exhibit the old order, in which the process was first collected, and in which it was sent to us.

[29] There is premised the oration of the Bishop of Viviers before the Cardinal commissioners upon the life and holiness of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg. its old order, and its new, There follow the articles as it were interrogatory, two hundred and eighty-five continuous in number, upon the life, virtues, merits, and miracles of the Blessed. The next place holds the depositions of the witnesses to the life and virtues. Then are placed the miracles; or rather the answers of the witnesses upon the miracles. Have now the new order, which I introduced for the greater brevity and intelligence of a more prolix argument. The mentioned oration I left untouched, as a preamble to the process. The interrogatory articles of the life I for the most part contracted, their answers being more fully brought forward, in which all the force is placed, rather than in the said articles. And indeed it is tedious to hear twice of the same matter and subject, through propositions and answers; in which repeated locution is wont to concur with prolixity of words. If ever I bring forward these articles, I warn the reader that they are taken not from the depositions of the witnesses, but from the interrogatory articles. The depositions of the witnesses to the life and virtues I otherwise ordered, collected, arranged, and recalled to various chapters, the depositions of the life and virtues being cut off and separated from those which were given upon the miracles. But there are some things which, as less necessary, or more frequently repeated, I studiously passed over. Others likewise, lest by their too great prolixity they should create disgust, I contracted. The passages which here and there are read interspersed in Italic letters, I wish to be taken for my own.

[30] its authenticity. But now, to confirm the sincerity, authenticity, and faith both of the oft-mentioned process, and of its transcript sent to us from Avignon, I subjoin the authentic testimony of the Reverend Father Abel le Gros, praised above, drawn up by his own hand, concerning the life and virtues, or the whole first part of our process, in these words: I, brother Abel le Gros, a Celestine monk and librarian of our royal convent of Avignon, testify that this transcript of the attestations or depositions of the eighteen witnesses, produced upon the birth, life, manners, conversation, and merits of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg of revered memory, Cardinal Deacon of St. George at the golden Veil, is word for word, and wholly similar to the attestations of the same witnesses, which are had in the original process of canonization of the aforesaid blessed Cardinal; which process indeed is diligently preserved in the record-office of our aforesaid convent. But these said attestations lie in the said original immediately after the articles or rubrics on the miracles, which the Lord worked through the same blessed Cardinal. These I had only cursorily, for brevity's sake, touched upon in the same place in the transcript of the same process, written by my hand, from the beginning to 108. But for the greater glory of God, and the glory and honor of His most faithful servant, blessed Peter of Luxembourg, I judged that these depositions, being of most noble witnesses, and most fit and worthy of all faith, should be written at length and as they are had in the original, faithfully. And that they are here written I testify. In faith of which matter, by the command of the Reverend Father Antoine Nicolas Malet, Prior of this our convent of the Celestines of Avignon, I have here affixed the seal of the said convent, on the 19th day of the month of April of the year 1678. There was affixed below the seal in a red wafer.

[31] As to the miracles performed by our great Thaumaturge, The process of the miracles I render them in the same order in which I received them. There precede the propositions of the miracles, there follow the depositions. The titles and chapters are changed. The witnesses interspersed in the depositions I extracted, and, torn from the text, placed under one view, as I noted concerning the witnesses of the first part. That they were witnesses sworn, the holy Gospel of God being touched, to tell the truth, with no other regard than that of truth alone, etc., and the things which are had in the clause concerning the witnesses of the life and manners, transfer hither, and apply to these witnesses also. See more in the process itself, part 2, chapter 1. It remains that I subjoin a few things concerning the value of the manuscript transcript. Not without a testification of a grateful mind I make it public that we owe the transcript of the process to that most kindly Man, the Reverend Father Abel le Gros, already several times praised; who himself transcribed it verbatim with the utmost fidelity from the authentic documents, curiously preserved in the archive of the monastery of Avignon of the Reverend Fathers the Celestines; to whom may God with His Saints be propitious for his untiring labor, and inscribe the name of the transcriber in the register of those whose names are written in heaven. Let us hear now with how notable a testimony the said Religious accompanies the transcript concerning the miracles performed after the death of the Blessed, worthy indeed that here its peculiar memory be inserted in all succeeding years, for the glory of the blessed Thaumaturge, unto the greater and undoubted sincerity and faith of the transcript. I render the words: Since God is wonderful in His Saints, and holy in all His works, inasmuch as the glory of their virtue is His (as the Prophet says): nothing more excellent, nothing more worthy can be devised, than to bring to light their holiness and to publish openly the miracles with which they shine, that the same God may be honored by all.

[32] Wherefore, lest we may justly be reproved by all, how authentic that we have put the light which is in us under a bushel, and not upon a candlestick, and lest we seem conscious of so great a crime; with a willing mind and suffused with the greatest joy; I, brother Abel le Gros, a Celestine monk and librarian of our royal convent, transcribed this transcript of the process of canonization of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, truly a Saint, truly a Thaumaturge, word for word; that if it has not yet pleased the supreme Pontiffs to inscribe him in the register of the Saints, it may at least please the reverend Fathers of the Society of Jesus of the city of Antwerp, to place his acts in that immense and laborious work, elaborated by them to the glory of the Saints, that the brightness of so great a light may resplend throughout the whole globe of the lands.

[33] I testify therefore that this transcript, which I extracted from the original process, and sincere, which is curiously preserved in our archives, is true and wholly similar to the original. In faith of which, by the command of Father Antoine Nicolas Malet, Prior of this our royal convent of the Celestines of Avignon, I have here affixed the seal of the said convent, on the 19th day of the month of December in the year from Christ's birth 1677. Brother Abel le Gros. There was affixed the seal in a red wafer. Thus far concerning the process instituted for the canonization, of the life and manners of Blessed Peter, by far the most furnished in the excellence and multitude of miracles, the number and faith of the witnesses, and all other things pertaining to this matter, to be terminated within a short time; so much so that it may seem a wonder at first sight that his public cult could be so long delayed, as we shall now say, although it was most urgently and most instantly petitioned.

§ IV. The public cult most instantly petitioned, but long delayed; at length granted, and inserted into the more recent calendars.

[34] How slow and long-lasting, how various and manifold delays intervened, The public cult of the Blessed that the public cult of Blessed Peter, in the year 1390 undertaken by a juridical process, did not arrive at the desired end, save at length after the interval of many years, the oft-mentioned History reports; all which it would be long to recount here one by one, and superfluous, since they can there be seen. To this point therefore the matter had come in the year 1432, that the contention, so fervently begun, so solicitously promoted, so constantly continued, for obtaining the sacred and public cult of the Blessed, was now all but buried; had not God again roused it by a most celebrated miracle, most worthy of the eternal annals, by which a boy fallen from a high tower and dashed and ground to pieces, suddenly restored, recovered through the intercession of our great Thaumaturge. On this occasion the business of canonization was resumed for the third time in the year 1433, long delayed, under Eugene IV; Cardinals were deputed for this by the Council of Basel in the year 1435; the cause was at length produced, agitated, pleaded. There were added the letters of the Counts of Luxembourg in the year 1436. In the following year a Procurator of the Celestine Fathers of Avignon was deputed, who strove with most intent and conspiring zeal, effort, labor, and diligence to bring this matter to an end, to the council of Basel, from whose troubles there arising, new delays arose, as is set forth in the oft-praised history.

[35] At length, after so many and so great attempts with fruitless effort, after so long an expectation, at length granted by a solemn bull of beatification, and most ardent vows, at length in the year 1527 on the 9th day of April the supreme Vicar of Christ on earth, Clement VII de' Medici, judged that the said Thaumaturge should be enrolled in the public calendars of the Blessed, a solemn bull of Beatification being issued, of the following tenor: To our beloved sons, the Provost and Canons of the Metropolitan church of Arles, and the Prior and brethren of the house of the Celestine Fathers, of the regular observance, of our city of Avignon, Pope Clement VII. Beloved sons, greeting and Apostolic benediction. Since, as we have learned, now for a long time the affection of devotion of Christ's Faithful, and especially of our city of Avignon, toward Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, and of Arles, toward Louis Aleman, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, and archbishop of the church of Arles, whose bodies, of Louis in the church of Arles, and of Peter in your monastery, respectively rest, so eminently stands out, and a multitude of people, not only of the aforesaid cities, but of divers other parts, hastens and runs together, that in their storms, and in the whirlwinds of this fleeting age, they are held and invoked to the Lord as special protectors, favorers, intercessors, and helpers. Nor is it a wonder, if our Lord Jesus Christ, whose imitators, according to their power, as the assertion of those worthy of faith holds, they were, daily, by their prayers, aids those invoking them, with miracles and with the relief of sorrows and straits, and brings help and aid.

[36] Since Peter under his tender years, and Louis, in the year 1527, themselves, as we have learned, passed a celibate life, chaste and inviolate, Peter in the seventeenth, but Louis in the sixtieth, or thereabouts, years of their ages, as is handed down in the annals of their life, rendered their most pure souls to their creator, the allurements of this mundane life being trodden underfoot, although they were born of an illustrious lineage. Accordingly René of illustrious memory, King of Sicily and Jerusalem, dwelling then in those parts, with a multitude of Christ's faithful, moved by the astonishment of such miracles, and by your regular observance and the merits of your exemplary life, restored your churches, house, and convent, and caused them to be built at no small cost; and you therefore, on account of the singular virtues of the same Peter and Louis, which are read to be innumerable; and also their fasts, prayers, vigils, and very many operations pleasing and acceptable to God, which then living, the divine grace assisting them, they wrought, so that they are piously esteemed to have been enrolled in the number of the heavenly ones, desire to transfer their bodies, which, as is set forth, lie in your same churches and in places sufficiently damp and subterranean, to other more convenient places, yet within your churches, and that the same Peter of Luxembourg and Louis Aleman, whose images the faithful have everywhere been accustomed to have depicted now for very many years past, may be worshiped and venerated as Blessed.

[37] Wherefore to us, on behalf of our venerable brother Francis, Bishop of Tusculum, which is here given. Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church of Clermont, legate a latere of those parts of ours, who bears no small affection toward the same Peter and Louis, and in your name it has been humbly supplicated, that we would deign, of Apostolic benignity, to assent to such your so pious and honest desires, for the debt of our pastoral office. We therefore, who willingly excite, as much as we can with God, any of the faithful, and especially those serving the Lord under the yoke of sacred religion, to the devotion and veneration of those who are held Blessed, that they may be able to be imitators of them, assenting to your pious desires in this part, as proceeding from a great fervor of devotion; and to you the bodies and bones of the same Peter and Louis from the said subterranean places, into other more convenient places of the same your churches to transfer, and there venerably to place, and that both you, and other Christ's faithful of either sex, may and can venerate them for your and their spiritual consolation, in your churches and chapels, as Blessed, without the incurring of any demerit or idolatry, or scruple of conscience, and that they themselves may and can; by Apostolic authority by the tenor of these presents, of the fullness of Apostolic power, we grant likewise and indulge. We do not however intend that thereby the same Peter and Louis be enrolled in the catalogue of the Saints, until, the due solemnities being observed, which are wont to be observed in the canonization of the Saints, it come to their canonization, notwithstanding Apostolic constitutions and ordinances, and all other things to the contrary whatsoever. Given at Rome at St. Peter's under the ring of the Fisherman, on the ninth day of April in the year one thousand five hundred and twenty-seven, in the fourth year of our Pontificate. It was subsigned, Jacopo Sadoleto.

[38] The body being exhumed, This bull of beatification being dispatched to Avignon, and received by the Celestine Fathers and read out in chapter, they proceeded to the exhumation of the body. The place of burial was found, and the sepulchral elogium, which is exhibited in Miraeus in the Fasti, page 367, in these words: In this temple is worshiped, and at the same time covered, the golden virtue, the illustrious offspring of Luxembourg, the most shining reward, and the one honor of the world; in a mortal body he is translated to heaven, Peter, by his merits a divinity among the divine. In the year one thousand he is buried, and so add to three hundred seven, adding over eighty, and the fifth of July, mighty in lofty virtues, he is assiduously venerated by the people every year. After these things the body too was found and reverently dug out of the earth, and with solemn rite placed upon the altar, as is given to understand at greater length from the same history, to which I refer the reader. Of the relics of the Blessed we shall now treat only in passing, at greater length, when we have first briefly taught how the public cult of the most pious Youth, granted to the people of Avignon, was afterward, with the lapse of time, continued and propagated. It took an increase, without doubt no common one, from a new miracle performed in the year 1589 to a woman falsely accused, of which there at greater length; as also of the church restored in the Blessed's honor, and reduced to a construction of ampler form; the sacred relics being exhibited and offered for a kiss, and certain particles distributed, at the vow of those who were there present.

[39] As our blessed Confessor went on to grow famous with new miracles day by day, the cult amplified, an annual feast, so daily new increases and an ever more ardent desire in the minds of men blazed up for vyingly bestowing sacred honors on him; which grew to this point, that at the instance of the people of Avignon it was granted, that yearly on the 5th day of July in the city of Avignon his feast should be celebrated, obliging by strict precept, as you see from the authentic instrument which follows, first issued in the French idiom, and by me turned into Latin: By the command of the most illustrious and most reverend Charles de Conti, Bishop of Ancona, Vice-legate and governor general of the legation of Avignon, deputed by our Most Holy Lord Pope. Since at the instance and requisition of the Lords Prior and Religious of the convent of the Celestines of this city of Avignon, the Lord Advocate and Procurator General of his Holiness in the said city and legation intervening, the most reverend John Francis Bordini, Archbishop of the aforesaid Avignon, has ordained that the feast of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, which falls on the next Wednesday, the fifth of this month, be observed and celebrated in the present city, like the other precept and customarily celebrated feasts;

[40] Therefore to all, of whatever degree and dignity they be, imposed under precept upon the people of Avignon. no one at all excepted, it is enjoined and commanded, that they take care that the aforesaid feast be worshiped, observed, and celebrated, as was prescribed by my said most illustrious Lord Archbishop, closing the workshops, and ceasing from all mechanical work; in the very same manner in which they are bound to act on the other precept feasts, under a penalty to be inflicted at the discretion of my said most illustrious Lord Vice-legate. Given at Avignon in the Apostolic palace on this 3rd day of July 1600. Signed, Charles de Conti, and below, Syffredi.

[41] To these things, which concerning the continued increases of the pious and public veneration toward Blessed Peter we have already brought forward, A confraternity petitioned. no common weight is added Canonization, why not obtained. by the congregation erected at Avignon in his honor (they call it a confraternity), proposed to the most illustrious of Avignon in the year 1610 and by the same legitimately approved, on the 17th day of July of the same year. What? that the most illustrious Prince Francis of Luxembourg, most renowned for the discharge of many legations, strove with every straining of nerves at Rome, that Blessed Peter, his kinsman, might obtain the supreme cult of sanctity, inscribed in the sacred register not now only of the Blessed, but of the Saints, by a public canonization. The matter, agitated in the assembly of the most eminent Cardinals in the time of Clement VIII, why it succeeded less according to the wish, is set forth probably enough in the same History, when it is there said, on what condition the canonization could easily have been obtained, if it had pleased the Princely men urging it that he be reckoned in the number of the Saints under the title of Confessor not Pontiff, the title of Cardinal being suppressed, which last dignity he had received from Clement VII of Geneva; whose authority and power lest that Pope should seem to acknowledge and approve, who should have enrolled in the sacred tablets of the Saints one conspicuous by this title, the matter proceeded no further, and remained unaccomplished.

[42] There then followed a Bull, by which it is granted that a canonical office may be recited yearly on the 5th day of July in the church of the Celestines concerning our Blessed in perpetuity, A bull is brought forward, which at least to some extent, if it did not compensate, at least mitigated the endeavor of his canonization, which had hitherto succeeded less according to the wish; concerning which matter there exists an authentic copy of the said Bull, which is here subjoined: Pope Urban VIII, for the perpetual memory of the matter. Of our Lord Jesus Christ, who bestows on His servants the reward of eternal glory in heaven, though unworthy bearing His stead on earth, we are bound, out of the debt of the pastoral office enjoined upon us, to procure that the due veneration of the same servants of Christ on earth be more and more promoted day by day, and that the Lord be praised in His Saints. Wherefore we willingly assent to the vows of any of the faithful, and especially of those serving the pleasure of the divine Godhead, under the sweet yoke of religion, regarding a peculiar cult toward the same servants of Christ, as we see it to be salubriously expedient in the Lord.

[46] Indeed on behalf of the beloved sons the Consuls of the city of Avignon, and the Prior and Monks of the monastery, by which a canonical office, accustomed to be ruled and governed by a claustral Prior, of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, of the said city, of the Congregation of the Celestines, of the Order of St. Benedict, it was lately set forth to us, that they, for the affection of devotion which they bear toward the same Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, whose sacred relics, as is asserted, are preserved in the church of the said monastery; and to increase the devotion of Christ's faithful toward him, desire that an office may be recited as below. Wherefore they have caused humble supplication to be made to us, that we would deign, of Apostolic benignity, to provide them with opportune license for this.

[44] We therefore, the pious vows of the aforesaid Consuls and Prior and Monks being premised, that concerning him yearly wishing to assent, and to follow them with special favors and graces, and absolving their singular persons from any excommunication, suspension, and interdict, and other ecclesiastical sentences, censures, and penalties, of law or of man; passed on any occasion or cause, if by any means they are in any way bound by them, only to the effect of obtaining these presents, by the tenor of these absolving them and judging them to be absolved, inclined to such supplications, by the counsel of our Venerable Brethren the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church set over the sacred rites, to the Prior and Monks of the said monastery, now and for the time being existing, that for the rest, in perpetual future times, in the Church of the said monastery, only on the day of the festivity of the same Blessed Peter, they may freely and lawfully recite the office concerning him from the common of a Confessor not Pontiff according to the rubrics of the Roman Breviary, we grant and impart license and faculty by Apostolic authority by the tenor of these presents.

[45] to be recited in perpetuity, is granted. Notwithstanding Apostolic constitutions and ordinances, and those of the aforesaid monastery and congregation, and statutes and customs strengthened by oath, Apostolic confirmation, or any other firmness, and all other things to the contrary whatsoever. Given at Rome at St. Mary Major under the ring of the Fisherman, on the 30th day of May 1629, in the sixth year of our Pontificate. M. A. Maraldus. That this Bull is authentic, the Reverend Father Abel le Gros makes faith, saying thus: I, brother Abel le Gros, monk of the Congregation of the Celestines, librarian of our convent of Avignon, testify that this Apostolic Brief is written according to the original. Brother Abel le Gros, on the 25th day of September 1677. And for the greater confirmation of the matter in fullest form there was appended a double seal. In place of a conclusion to those things which concerning the cult of the Blessed we have hitherto said, His cult in the diocese of Tournai. it is to be added from the Ecclesiastical History of Belgium, written by William Gazet, that a chapel was erected and dedicated in honor of St. Drogo and Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, in a village of the diocese of Tournai, called Espinoy. These things, concerning the origins, continuation, delay, and propagation of the cult, being thus far briefly set forth; I come now to survey and exhibit the chief Martyrologists, who propagated to posterity the sacred honors of the Blessed, brought to him by legitimate authority of veneration, and inserted by them into the sacred tablets.

[46] His announcements in the Martyrologies, Ferrarius in the General catalogue, Molanus in the Natales, Willot in the Belgian Hagiology, and Castellanus, mark him on the 2nd of July. Miraeus in the Fasti reports him on the 5th of July. Saussay places his elogium on the same day; although on the 2nd he observes that he flew to the heavenly ones on that day. Greven announces the Blessed on the 13th of this month, in which Canisius follows him. Easy moreover is now the answer to one asking why he is commemorated by some Martyrologists on the 2nd of this month, by others on the 5th. Namely because the second day is the day of his death, but the fifth day is consecrated not only to his burial, but to his annual cult at Avignon, as is clear from what was said above. What reason impelled Greven and Canisius, that they should mark his natal day not on the second nor the fifth, but the thirteenth of this month, I do not attain. Rightly indeed the cited Saussay says that the feast of our confessor is deferred to the 5th, but he much errs, when he thinks that this was done by the prescription of Clement VII de' Medici, the true Vicar of Christ; for that this is false, is clearly established from the bull of beatification already produced; in which nothing is read concerning the day of the festivity. I should believe this delay to have been introduced, both on account of the feast of the Visiting Virgin, which falls on the 2nd of July; and because from elsewhere it was fitting to destine the fifth day rather than another, for celebrating the feast, because on that day he had been buried.

§ V. His relics, and miracles almost innumerable.

How great was the esteem, even from the first days after his death, of the most sacred pledge left in the earth by the blessed Youth, The distribution of the relics: is easily understood from the most frequent concourse, and the other adjuncts enumerated above on the occasion of his burial, and from the words of the process, taken from the first interrogatory article, which I have cast at the end of the tenth section. Nor indeed is it less perspicuous that, the immense number of miracles increasing day by day, there grew likewise the veneration of the most precious deposit, peoples of every condition, sex, and age flowing together from every quarter, to exhibit pious offices of reverence and religion to the most holy relics of the great Thaumaturge. The most illustrious and most reverend Archbishop of Avignon gave as a gift the nocturnal biretta to the most eminent Cardinal Bourbon, kinsman of the Blessed, in the year 1575; concerning which donation there will be more at greater length, when treatment is made professedly of those things which happened after his death. In the translation of the holy body, some particles of the pious relics were distributed to the Celestine Fathers, to the Fathers of the Society of Jesus, and also to the chief men of the city of Avignon, who were all then present together. To these, the head was separated from the rest of the body already from the year of beatification 1527, and then enclosed in a silver casket, wrought with elegant work in the form of a head. The most illustrious Duke and Duchess of Ventadour, and also the most illustrious Prince Francis of Luxembourg, praised above, Duke of Piney, burning with incredible desire of obtaining some relics of Blessed Peter, their kinsman, obtained them.

[48] All which, drawn out more prolixly, you will read in the history of those things his mantle is kept at Paris, and another part of the relics. which were done after the death of Blessed Peter. Saussay hands down that the blessed Confessor is worshiped at Paris in the church of the Celestine Fathers, where also a chapel, sacred to his veneration, is distinguished by his mantle, which is religiously preserved in coffers; to the kiss of which, he says, very many flow together devoutly day by day, and by its contact any sick, but most of all the feverish, if they approach relying on faith, experience the desired solace to be furnished to them by the merits of so great a heavenly one. It is reported moreover that some part of the relics is shown there in the abbey of Val-de-Grâce, situated in the suburbs of the said city. Concerning both arms of the Blessed, which Boureus says was carried elsewhere, see §8. Whether there are other relics elsewhere outside the city of Avignon, I know not. But the most inclined veneration of the most sacred body, resting at Avignon among the Celestine Fathers, and begun, increased, continued in that place, if it has rendered its possessors so religiously sparing and piously tenacious, that they have not easily suffered relics to be torn from anywhere, and the deposit committed to them to be diminished; is not so much to be wondered at, much less is it to be imputed to them as a fault. For the diligent and accurate vigilance in preserving the most esteemed pledge entrusted to them proves the price of the thing possessed, and the affection of the possessors.

[49] Miracles almost innumerable, We enter the great expanse of an immense sea, when we begin to speak of the miracles performed by the help of the blessed Confessor. For indeed there is no one of so great a force and store of writing as would suffice, I will not say to adorn them with deserved praises, but even to narrate them worthily. For so great is their multitude, that they ascend to a certain infinity, of so great excellence and pre-eminence, that they will afford perpetual matter of admirableness to every succeeding age; of so great and so long-lasting duration and continuation, that they offer, in every single time, an assiduous occasion of praising God, working marvels through His Blessed, to whom, with the best right, on account of that notable and rare prerogative of performing miracles, the name of great Thaumaturge has been given; so much so that I would not dare to affirm whether, from the times of the Apostles, most fruitful of prodigies, the globe of the lands has either seen or will see an equal Thaumaturge, who in so short a time will perform more miracles of every kind, variety, and mark, than our Thaumaturge performed.

[50] their proof, Nor would I have anyone think this rashly said by me; I am much mistaken if he will not be of the same opinion with me, when he shall meditatively unroll those things which he will find treated in the ancient Acts, in the second part of the process, treating of the miracles, and finally in the more notable elogies and inscriptions of the Blessed concerning the present argument, of which there will be treatment a little later. And indeed who would deny that so great an abundance of miracles bore a great, illustrious, and immortal name for our most pious Youth, who has attended to the fact that they are not to be numbered by units, nor by tens; but that one must ascend gradually by hundreds, so that, their number being increased almost immeasurably, by an example scarcely hitherto heard anywhere, one can ascend little by little and arrive at thousands. Consult the places just now assigned; as also the History of those things which were done after the death of the blessed Confessor. What we think of the miracle set forth in the Albian life, namely of the meats carried by Blessed Peter to the poor being changed into roses, we have said above, from number 6.

[51] For the greater confirmation of the miracles almost beyond faith, asserted by me hitherto, from the most ancient Acts, I bring forward certain fragments from the most ancient life or legend, written by a contemporary author, no more than one year with a few months after the death of the Blessed, of whose value and price we shall speak below in its place. In the seventh lesson of the remaining, or second part, subjoined to the ecclesiastical office of Blessed Peter, I read the following: By the just judgment of God that most blessed Cardinal, our Thaumaturge, worthily merits, his blessed life being considered, and his infinite miracles, which are laid open to the whole world, to be enrolled in the catalogue of the holy Confessors and Virgins. And a few things being interposed, he does not fear to detract from any Saint what is his, nor to incur the mark of temerity, when, raising his discourse on high, he dares to say, that for perhaps a thousand years no Saint has been read of, who, after so small courses of times, shone with so many most resplendent glorious miracles, which bring a great stupor of minds to those beholding. So frequent too are the miracles continually frequented at his tomb, by which, from their clear evidence, he is more luminously shown to be one to be enrolled in the catalogue of the Saints.

[52] For on this day, on which, Christ being my leader, I completed the present Legend, with fragments. namely on the 4th day of the month of October in the year of the Lord one thousand three hundred and eighty-eight, Christ had, at his prayers, wrought one thousand nine hundred and sixty-four holy miracles, which irradiate the whole world like a clear day. Nor is there reason for anyone to think that these were performed in the city of Avignon alone; they have spread abroad also elsewhere, since the Blessed is there, in the eighth lesson, asserted to have flashed forth, through divers parts of the world, with the most illustrious prodigies of miracles, the divine power glorifying him. For to the blind, deaf, and mute, the lame, the dropsical, the paralytic, the possessed, and the leprous, salubrious remedies are conferred by his glorious merits. But also, by many dead being raised through him up to the number of forty-two, the magnificence of the power of the Most High is made known to the faithful. He had premised at the end of the sixth lesson, that he could recite infinite miracles, but that he now forbore for brevity's sake. These things concerning the miracles in general; treatment will be made of them one by one in the process composed upon them, and in the places above assigned. See paragraph VII of this commentary, where, besides the said miracles, you will find others to the number of three thousand, which Alby writes to have happened in the first two years after the two years elapsed from Peter's death, not counting those which were done in subsequent times. Let us meanwhile, leaving so immense an abyss, pursue our matter; who have enough, in having here given the reader some rough idea of so many marvelous things, which the Blessed is proved to have performed. Consult also the things which are had from Boureus in § VIII.

§ VI. The most ancient manuscript Acts compared among themselves, when and by whom edited, whence sent to us, the office, the proper prayers, the Hymn.

Two Lives, much differing between themselves, of the virtues and miracles of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg are here edited by us. The author of the older Life anonymous, One indeed is older; the other more recent. We shall treat here first of the older, being about to treat in the next following paragraph of the more recent. The author's name I know not. But whoever he was, it is established that he was contemporary with Blessed Peter, and wrote his deeds a short time after his death, namely one year with three months and two days, as is clear from the words of the author, produced at the end of the preceding paragraph, for the confirmation of the miracles. Baillet, in his critical table of the Saints of the month of July, affirms that he was a Cistercian monk; and says that it is pretended that this is one and the same author who composed the treatise entitled "The Judgment of Truth in the cause of the schism," edited on the occasion of the famous schism between Urban VI and Clement VII; for which pretended opinion the same Baillet cites the most illustrious Bishop of Autun, Dony d'Attichy, in his critical table on the 5th of July. None of these things have I hitherto found for certain from the ancient documents which we have concerning our Blessed. Whether the praised Bishop found anything elsewhere which persuades that identity, I do not dispute. I shall wonder when I see it established from the authority of ancient writers. It is more certain to me that the ancient anonymous writer of the Life or Legend applied his mind to writing from a vow which he made, and from the office of a grateful mind, on account of a benefit received from the Blessed. This he himself indicates clearly enough, as after a few things we shall show at greater length. But he betrayed openly enough that he wrote at the time of the famous schism, and was most zealous for Clement of Geneva, in various places of his Legend, which he composed, of which the order I here exhibit in a few words.

[54] the order of the writing: There is premised the proper Office of our blessed Confessor from first Vespers; there follows Matins, of which the first lesson is the beginning of the Life or said Legend; which lessons are inserted into each nocturn by the number three. After nine lessons follows the proper Mass, the little chapter of None, and second Vespers; finally is subjoined the remainder of the Legend, continued through nine other lessons. We have another transcript of the Life, which Father Charles Faber, the same as above, sent to us from Avignon, and, together with other documents pertaining to the present design, caused to be transcribed from the diptychs of the most excellent lord de Suarès, a noble of Avignon, as is declared in these words, added at the end of the same manuscript: The above-said things are taken from the nineteenth volume of the diptychs of the whole world, of Henri de Suarès, a noble of Avignon, and Doctor of both Laws, extracted first from the autographs, extant in the treasury of the Reverend Fathers the Celestines of Avignon, and others. So it is, Henri de Suarès, the 29th of April 1676. That transcript, insofar as it contains the life, most perfectly consonates with the aforesaid Legend, except for a few very small minutiae, which change nothing in the substance of the matter, and in no way hinder, but that the matter, so concordant and so constantly rendered in the same tenor of words, can be established for certain to have flowed from the same source.

[55] from three manuscripts, Besides those two transcripts, we keep a third other manuscript, which the above-mentioned Reverend Father Abel le Gros himself, by his own hand, from a parchment codex, curiously preserved among the archives of the said library, not very ancient, inasmuch as it savors only of the 15th century, as the praised Father Faber writes that he observed while reading; the reverend, I say, Father le Gros, by indefatigable and never sufficiently praised labor, besides very many other instruments, of which in their place, transcribed the Life, everywhere verbatim consonant with the two already adduced, if you except certain somewhat harsh phrases against Urban VI and his followers, and digressions in favor of Clement VII of Geneva, which either the praised transcriber, or another before him, judged should be prudently cut away, fearing perhaps both to offend the reader, and to occupy him with many things not pertaining to the matter, if he had transcribed the Life as it was first issued by the author, no correction being applied. Moreover the sincerity of the manuscript is proved by these words placed at the end: I, brother Abel le Gros, a Celestine religious and librarian of our convent of Avignon, testify that I, by the command of our reverend father the Prior, wrote this Life of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg word for word; which I extracted from an ancient manuscript on parchment paper, which is curiously kept in our library. In faith of which I have affixed the seals of our house. Given in our convent of Avignon on the 9th day of April in the year from the childbearing of the Virgin Mary 1677. There were affixed two seals in a white wafer.

[56] If from the two above Lives you cut away the digressions for Clement against Urban, drawn from the same source, and certain other digressions, there will be a perfect harmony and consonance of matter, words, and phrases among all three transcripts; or if there be any discrepancy, it is too small to merit observation. Wherefore all are to be referred to one and the same source of the life; nor does it matter which of the three especially is here given by us; since whoever has known one, has known all. Yet it has pleased me to bring forward the exemplar produced in the last place before the two others, and to take it to the press, because it is briefer, because it is purged of the said digressions, because it exhibits nothing except the life alone. Nor indeed will anything thereby be lost to the very Acts of Blessed Peter, nothing subtracted from their sincerity, nothing from their authority or faith. For if the reader has whatever pertains to the manners, whatever to the miracles of the Blessed; he has all that he ought to have, so indeed that he can desire nothing more, of which he might complain that it was subtracted either from his piety or from his curiosity.

[57] And, to say all in a word, it has seemed to me not only superfluous, but even inept to stuff our Acts with such digressions and redundancies. which one is given by us For that you may understand how far the Author goes; besides that in the nine first lessons, inserted into the proper canonical Office of Blessed Peter, and the five first lessons of the remaining part from the Legend, he sprinkles some things for Clement VII against Urban VI, which could somehow be forgiven him, standing on that side, and proceeding, as I suppose, in good faith: he heaps up prolixly, through three continuous lessons, those things which pertain rather to an orator than to a hagiographer. Which that it may appear more, let us exhibit in a few words the analysis of those three Lessons. He deplores first, by an exclamation and heaped-up definitions, that Peter the Cardinal, an ineffable glory and the summit of the sacred college, has departed from the world, a terrestrial angel and a heavenly man, the image and likeness of the Deity and a Deiform spirit. Then by an apostrophe he addresses the Blessed: Now therefore, he says, Lord, destitute of human aid, whither shall I go to seek thee? Glory of Christians and praise of the faithful, etc.

[58] Having wandered most freely through this field, he begins an invective or Catilinarian against the followers of Urban VI, the digressions being removed, immoderately indulging his affection toward the Clementine party, and acting rather as its auxiliary than as a historian hagiographer: Receive the words: Believe therefore, Bartholomist, the Lord Clement as the Roman Pontiff, the Vicar of Christ and the only successor of Peter, under whose triumph shine forth so glorious holy miracles, from which, in our days, the orthodox faith prospers, at which the stars marvel, the hosts applaud, the trumpet sounds and pleasant modulations mingle with joyful ones. But who would judge that this most blessed Cardinal flashes with so many most resplendent and stupendous miracles, if he had adhered to a schismatic Pontiff, who would himself also have been a schismatic? Far be indeed such an error, since outside the Church militant no one is saved, and its obedience, even a Martyr for the name of Christ, if he be a schismatic, who if he has not a true Pope for his head, surely neither has Christ, whose person he represents; but he who would be contrary to such illustrious prodigies, would be reckoned wholly contrary to the truth. Whence it is clear that this writer speaks more than enough from passion.

[59] The oration grows: Who finally would try with rash daring to assert, and invectives, that the most reverend Fathers of holy memory, Peter of Pamplona and Angelic of Albano, once illustrious Cardinals, were schismatics, men indeed of wondrous justice and sanctity, who up to their agony triumphed under the Lord Clement, professing the same to be the true Apostolic one at the article of death, detesting the intruded Bartholomew, etc. These things being premised, he proceeds to the miracles performed by the help of Blessed Peter; his words we have brought forward at the end of the preceding paragraph, thus gathering the precious from the vile, gold from dross: where you also have on what day the author completed this his Legend, the first source of all the Lives, from whose waters all the later authors watered their gardens. That author is also copious in depressing his own slightness, stammering, and weakness, as if he were inept who should speak things worthy of so great a Thaumaturge, and he adds that he speaks of him from a vow, when he says, that he would never have presumed to undertake so great a work, unless compelled by the necessity of his vow … since to the amplitude of the mellifluous graces human faculty cannot attain.

[60] I cannot at last, he says, be silent concerning him, on account of the vow which I made as a simple man, things not pertaining to the matter. that I might not, a transgressor of my vow, and ungrateful toward him, be made void of the grace which he obtained for me with God … for my merits by no means suffice to praise him in any way; but what was wanting to me, boldly, on account of the obedience of my vow, the sweet-flowing goodness of Christ, and the aid of the glorious Virgin, with singular trust in him, he himself dictating to me, and I offering to him my own withered hand, I presumed to attempt. At length, with reiterated elogies of the blessed Cardinal, the said Author finished his Legend, having wandered too freely and prolixly beyond the bounds prefixed to a historian; of which we have cast some other fragments into the Annotata, lest we be here longer than is just; as also certain observations taken from the comparison of the three aforesaid exemplars. Nor is there reason for anyone to persuade himself that this antagonist of Clement of Geneva rightly concludes, when from the miracles done by the great Thaumaturge he strives to prove that the election of the same Clement, sitting at Avignon, was legitimate; but that of Urban VI, who governed the helm of the Church at Rome, illegitimate. As though indeed the whole force of this argument, or rather sophism, were not most easily enervated from this, that at the same time St. Catherine of Siena, who stood on the side of Urban VI, worked prodigies many in number, excellent in kind, the Lord granting it, who alone works great things, on account of which all posterity will regard her as a plainly distinguished Thaumaturge, nor will any age ever be silent about her merits and praises. That retortion therefore plainly dissolves the said objection of miracles, as is clear, if anyone weigh it with a mind free of prejudices, not from passion.

[61] The writer of the miracles, Here not without reason could one ask, whether the miracles, which in our transcript I found added after the Life, and after this its close, "Here ends the Life of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg," and which Father le Gros transcribed in a continued series, with the testimony appended which we reported above, that he gave for the sincerity of the Life transcribed by him, and by which he proves that these miracles were equally taken from the archive of the Celestines as the said Life; here, I say, one could ask, whether the miracles were written by the author of the Life. To the question I answer negatively. The reason is that none of these miracles is read expressed in the other two exemplars of the most ancient Acts, diligently consulted by me, namely in the Legend, and in the Suarèsian manuscript. Which is an argument that they were taken from elsewhere. Whence? From that part of the process where treatment is made of the miracles, in which all are reported. Judging therefore that it was superfluous to narrate the same miracles twice, I judged that here should be omitted those things which had come from elsewhere by way of an appendix. Since from elsewhere it is certain that all the things concerning the miracles were transcribed hither from the process. For the corrector there changed some things, which in the same process, the more barbarous they are, savor of the greater antiquity. Have a specimen. The old process reads "villa" (village): the Corrector put "urbs" (city). The process has "se appodiando" (leaning himself): the Corrector, "se sustinendo" (supporting himself). The process elsewhere has, "He commanded the physicians." The Corrector, "He summoned the physicians." In the process is read "bordatura pontis" (the border of the bridge): in the Corrector it is "ripa pontis" (the bank of the bridge). From which marks it is clear that this context concerning the miracles, added to the ancient life, is not the offspring of the same author whose is the life itself; besides, that this transcript is not so ancient as is the process, to which transcript also is read added from elsewhere the miracle of the boy, his members dashed by a fall, and then healed, in the year 1432, of which above. Of the proper canonical office and Mass, we began to make mention above on the occasion of the legend, whose lessons constitute part of the same office. It is not necessary, nor indeed worth the pains, to transcribe hither that whole office with the Mass. But lest the reader be a stranger to all the things there contained, I excerpt a few, which may serve for a specimen, that from the claw one may know the lion.

[62] The Hymn at Vespers, under the chant "Christ Redeemer of all," The Hymn at Vespers, the prayer, on the Nativity of the Lord, sounds thus: A praiseworthy lineage, Peter an infant of Luxembourg, archdeacon of the diocese of the church of Chartres, shining forth in the church, Prelate of the Metz people a norm, of a pleasing virginity, a Cardinal deacon. Sober in temperance, and of holiness, in form of a flagrant sanctimony. A patron of humility, a special justice, an immovable constancy, of an excellent charity, mighty in holy miracles. With Christ in grace and in mercy, in fellow prayer. May he help us by his merits. Amen. This prayer follows after the Magnificat: Almighty everlasting God, who from infancy didst keep thy most sacrosanct Cardinal levite unhurt from the allurements of sin and the love of the world, grant propitiously, that as thou dost illustrate him with manifold beauty on earth, so, exalted with thee, he may continually intercede for us in heaven. Through our Lord.

[63] The collect in the Mass is the same prayer. The Secret: Illustrate, O merciful God, the hearts of our faithful, the collect in the Mass, the secret, etc. that we who recall on earth the triumph of thy most blessed Cardinal, may have furnished to us the effect of saving aid, and be helped by his devout prayers and merits in heaven. Through our Lord. The Postcommunion is of the following tenor: Be, O Lord, to thy people a benign preserver and guardian, who to the soul of thy servant Peter the holy Cardinal deacon didst furnish manifold increases of virtues, grant propitiously, that as thou hast received his illustrious merits on earth as pleasing to thee, so we may always be helped by his patronages for obtaining thy mercy in heaven. Through our Lord. Not amiss will I here subjoin an antiphon printed with a prayer. Above is seen the image of the Blessed engraved on copper, with this inscription: The true effigy of St. Peter of Luxembourg: his feast is celebrated on the 5th of July.

[64] There is subjoined the antiphon and prayer: New star of the Church, lantern to our feet, entreat Christ for thy servants, that he may be present to our minds, The Antiphon, another prayer. and in eternal rest join us to his hosts. ℣. Pray for us, blessed Peter of Luxembourg. ℞. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. Almighty everlasting God, who by the merits and intercession of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, thy Confessor, hast deigned to bestow life on the dead, sight on the blind, gait on the lame, speech on the mute, hearing on the deaf, health on the sick, and to deliver those crying to thee from every tribulation; grant propitiously, that all who implore his aid may obtain the saving effect of their petition. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Above the said effigy was written in French: The Reverend Father in God, and Lord Bartholomew, Bishop of Alessandria, granted to all saying the following prayer with the antiphon, indulgences of 40 days for each single time. But these things concerning the office, the prayers, and the hymn, have been added by way of appendix on the occasion of the above Legend. Now from the most ancient Acts let us descend to the more recent lives, and, the original source being explored, let us examine what remains to be said concerning the rivulets derived therefrom.

§ VII. The more recent Life edited by Father Henri Alby of the Society of Jesus, recalled to the balance.

The author of the more recent Life A Life is circulated printed in the French tongue, among those which are everywhere handled by all, not the lowest, if not the chief, several times reprinted, and afterward to be reprinted here by us in the Latin tongue. It has for author Father Henri Alby, a priest of our Society, a man, as the Library of the said Society testifies of him, of great genius, recondite erudition, excellent piety. I should scarcely have thought it worth the pains, amid so copious and so furnished a store of many ancient documents, to think of editing a more recent life, unless one cause especially had driven me to it, that very many things are there narrated which merit to be corrected and recalled to a more exact balance. Add, that some things occur there, which, passed over in the most ancient Acts, but not obscurely handed down in the process, seem also to merit some place among the lives in this work.

[65] he hallucinates several times Thus the praised Author, in the very beginning of the life, unskillfully hallucinates, when he writes that our Blessed came into light in the year 1360, which year indeed in the four different impressions which we have is marked the same; and which cannot cohere with his death, which the same Author rightly marks to have happened in the year 1387, in the completed 18th year of the Blessed's age, 18 days being taken away. But I easily allow this to be a typographical slip, and that for 1369, as it really ought to have been put, 1360 was put. Again, Charybdis being avoided, we fall into Scylla, when he combines the natal day with the Pontificate of Gregory XI, for whom Urban V ought to have been put, who presided from the year 1362 to 1370; whom the said Gregory succeeded, crowned in the month of January of the year 1371. No escape therefore do I see, by which Alby may get out. The same author, from ignorance of the epoch of the death by which Guy Count of Saint-Pol, the father of our Confessor, was slain in the battle of Baesweiler, in the third year of the same Confessor, begun by only one month with two days, as we narrated above in paragraph 1, erred several times, as we there showed, which it is not necessary to cook over again here, since they can both be seen there, and be conveniently transferred to this place.

[66] Let the reader therefore consult the things which we there said, lest, by doing what is done, in the life, we repeat the same things twice with superfluous labor. There too he will find our judgment concerning the miracle, which he himself with so great a store of words recounts, from the beginning of number 4, which I judge not to stand, saving the better opinion, for the reasons there alleged, prepared meanwhile to change my opinion, if anyone, suggesting better things, shall dissolve them with opposite reasons. In number 8 he rightly mentions the detention of Blessed Peter at Calais, where he reports that he was a hostage, in place of his brother. Although I do not remember that I read anything of this matter in the most ancient life; yet, this notwithstanding, that detention is touched briefly in various places in the process concerning his life and manners; once indeed, which merits here to be well noted, by his brother german, Andrew of Luxembourg, Bishop of Cambrai, almost the perpetual companion of the same Blessed, chapter 2, number 37, where it is recorded that he was detained at Calais for ten months or thereabouts. And there too, chapter 4, number 73, mention is made, from the very words of the Blessed, heard by his confessor, and there reported; and elsewhere in the process, that he was a hostage at Calais.

[67] Let us proceed to the second chapter. In number 11 the author reports which he published; that the Count of Luxembourg, Peter's brother german, wished to promote him, and indeed did promote him, to the canonry of the church of Paris, fearing lest otherwise he would have embraced the monastic institute or the solitary life. But the first witness, brother of both, will, to one inspecting his deposition at first sight, seem to assert the contrary in the process, chapter 1, number 38, depositing thus: when the Lord Peter the Cardinal was of the age of eleven years, or thereabouts, the Lord Count of Saint-Pol wished to set him to the world; but the Lord Peter the Cardinal himself totally refused. See also the said process, chapter 2, number 39. But these things do not so conflict, but that they can be reconciled without distortion, by saying that Peter was first induced by his brother to the secular state; then, when this succeeded less according to his mind, to the ecclesiastical state, in which he preferred to see him rather than in the monastic. There too in the life, number 17, it is narrated that Peter on a journey, when he had before felt a motion contrary to the angelic virtue, fearing lest anything of harm from it had adhered to him, raged with scourges upon his body, the witnesses being removed, in a wood. To that scourging accedes the authority from chapter 4, number 60 of the process. But whether it happened on that occasion which is reported by Alby, is not there said. Now to the third chapter. It is narrated in number 20 that he shone with so great a light of rays, being Cardinal, that he almost dulled the eyes of Clement for some time. It seems an oratorical exaggeration. Nothing, so far as I know, is said of this matter in the ancient life, except that a light shone around the place into which he withdrew for the sake of prayer, see number 24. I do not remember that another mention is made of the story here narrated by Alby. No more do I find in the most ancient Acts or processes concerning the sweet odor which, Clement praying well for him and giving him an embrace, he is reported to have breathed out there, number 22, rather oratorically. From number 25 up to chapter 4, I am mistaken, if anything can be proved by historical truth, except the single apparition of the Crucified, which the most ancient Acts also set forth in the simplest words, number 24, and the process.

[68] Of the repeated apparition, and of the fall into the mud, his garments not stained by the mud, I read nothing anywhere in the ancient documents. which is here examined Nay indeed not even that, that by the command of Clement the Blessed went from Avignon to Châteauneuf near Avignon, for that reason which is adduced in the Albian life, and can there be seen, namely to declare his judgment, on which side the altar ought there to be placed. Whence therefore intruded hither? From number 31 the same Author writes that the most pious Youth, near to death, having asked pardon of his household, bade himself be beaten by each of them, while he meanwhile indulged the affections of a penitent mind. The same fact the most illustrious Meurisse recalls in his work On the Bishops of Metz, page 535. The same after both Baillet reports in passing. An incomparable and hitherto unheard-of example of most profound humility! It is to be grieved that of it the most ancient Acts or processes have no jot; that nothing is found to have been deposed of so great a matter by Lord Clacquin, the 11th witness, most worthy of faith, whom Alby says, after the heroic act performed, imparted absolution to Peter. Of the girdle, which Alby says was used for the beating, and which he reports to have been preserved to his own times among the Celestine Religious of Avignon, neither the ancient Acts, nor the more recent authors (whom I at least have seen) say anything, except Boureus. As to the martyrdom of SS. Thecla and Agnes, which a little before his death he bade be read to him; the matter seems fictitious, unknown to the ancient writer, to the processes, and to the other more recent writers (except Boureus) whom I have been permitted to consult. It is said indeed in the Process, chapter 10, that he was addicted to reading the lives of the Fathers, and, as I read in the 79th interrogatory article, of others; but who from this would hammer out the reading previous to death, of which here? What if to Alby, or to the other author, from whom perhaps he drew the asserted reading, occasion was given by the interrogatory article 93, in which it is narrated: That, while the confessor was reading a prayer, Peter being in his agony, where mention is made of blessed Thecla and Agnes, and their names were read, he himself opened his eyes, nor afterward appeared in him any sign of life. To which the eleventh witness, who was present, answered: If the Lord Peter opened his eyes, while those words contained in the article were read, he said he did not see it.

[69] one by one, The death of the Blessed being set forth, the Author soon digresses to the narration of those things which he writes were done by Clement, of which see the life from number 36. Which, although they most probably could have happened, and perhaps even did happen, are yet nowhere reported by the ancients really to have happened. That which is narrated, of the eyes opened after death, we have already discussed. That the Blessed fixed his eyes, opened after death, upon Clement, I shall believe more firmly when I read it elsewhere than in Alby alone. Those things which he pursues about the night spent in prayers by Clement, mindful of those things which before his death the Blessed had communicated with him; about the deposition of the body in the chapel of the hospice of the bridge of the Rhone, and then in a house near the cemetery of St. Michael, the burial being deferred, on account of the crowd of the confluent people; about the Mass celebrated by the Cardinal before the funeral in the chapel of St. Michael, I do not pluck at; lest I wipe too much. What shall I say of the number of miracles, which Alby puts in number 40, for which he appeals to the record-offices of the Celestines of Avignon.

[70] whether the author is to be corrected in the number of miracles, To the number of miracles there reported, two thousand four hundred and seventy-six, among which forty-two dead recalled to life, and that in the two first years after his death; the History of the deeds after the death of Blessed Peter, collected and arranged by the Reverend Father Nicolas Malet, from the archives of the Monastery of the Celestines at Avignon, comes very near, saying that miracles were performed to the number of three hundred thirty-six above two thousand. The author of the most ancient life collected only those which had happened from fifteen months after the death of Peter, namely up to the 4th day of the month of October of the year 1388, as we said above, on which day and year he finished his legend; and so it is no wonder that a smaller number is put there; since, the miracles being in so short a time multiplied almost immeasurably, there is no doubt but that they grew more and more day by day; so copiously indeed, that Alby says he does not mention six other record-offices of the said monastery of the Celestines, in which he narrates are contained above three thousand miracles performed after the two years already mentioned from the death of the Blessed, not counting those which have since been done, and are done daily, the number extending itself to a certain infinity.

[71] For indeed, although the number of miracles of our incomparable Thaumaturge is more immense and more widely known which he increased beyond the most ancient author. than that I should wish anything detracted or diminished from it even by a nail's breadth; yet I cannot sufficiently wonder that the praised Father Nicolas Malet, having doubtless diligently scrutinized those record-offices, in the History of those things which happened after the death of the blessed Cardinal, did not even by a word mention the number of prodigies produced by the same Alby, three thousand miracles, which he says happened in the first two years after the two first years, in which the former 2476 already mentioned had been performed, not counting those which have since been done, and are done daily, up to a certain infinity. But let his glory remain to the great Thaumaturge, and to Alby his faith in narrating; to neither is it my mind to gainsay; especially since the multitude of prodigies which the blessed Youth truly performed surpasses almost all expectation and faith, whose prerogative, granted in this matter by God the best and greatest, we can wonder at and look up to, but praise according to its merits we can certainly never sufficiently. But of these things more than enough. From which it is clear that the Albian life is in not a few things to be recalled to a more exact criticism, and in many to be corrected; concerning which matter we have thought it worth the pains to treat here one by one, since it much concerns that a life everywhere circulated, everywhere set before the reader and several times reprinted, be as most corrected and most purified from all error as possible; which hitherto has been our design, out of the sole love of truth, not the lust of carping at another, having pursued the balance of the Albian life. Moreover, whether another life, edited almost at the same time by a more recent Author, be of better mark, we shall discuss in the following paragraph.

§ VIII. Analysis and criticism of the more recent Life, edited by Martin Boureus, a Celestine monk.

Another life besides, written in the French idiom, was made public in the year 1624, its author the Reverend Father Martin de Bourey, Analysis of the preface a Celestine monk of Rouen, which is cited in Ciacconius, volume 2, column 686, and has been perused by me, that I might inform the reader of its value and price. To this end I judge that there should here be exhibited, as briefly as can be done, an analysis of its parts, that these being inspected, an equitable arbiter of matters may determine what is to be thought of the whole complex or body. Nor should I omit first to represent its general idea. In many things the author consonates with the praised Alby, as will be established from the parts to be resolved presently. Yet double and more, he is more prolix than he, in many places often stuffing his work with ascetic digressions, similitudes, exhortations; so indeed, that in more than one place he seems rather to act the ascetic, the encomiast, or the ecclesiast, than a writer of a life or hagiographer. If anyone insert such things moderately into the life of some Saint which he desires to delineate, he does it gracefully and opportunely; if immoderately and too often, it can scarcely please, because he does it in a place not proper; nor leaves he ascetic things to ascetics, historical things to historians. His preface the same writer directed to the Reverend Father Provincial of the Celestines of France.

[73] of this author. From the flowers of various virtues, of which he discourses very piously and ascetically, having slipped down to a panegyric of blessed Peter, he says that his life had been edited in Spanish by a certain Francisco Diego, of the Order of Preachers, at Barcelona, but short and succinct, in which he affirms that he found very many (I render his phrase) lies; especially, when in chapter 3 of the same life he says that he reads that Clement VII de' Medici was enrolled in the college of the Purpled Fathers by Pope Celestine V; adding that such lies profit nothing to the Church of God. Nay he also censures him from elsewhere, saying that the things with which he furnished the life are his own inventions, except the miracles, which he writes that he himself observed, when he was dwelling at Avignon; and which are notorious enough. Then Boureus, wishing to prove the sincerity of the history edited by him, asserts that he collected a gleaning from five thick authentic volumes and other documents, wont to be preserved at Avignon in the monastery of the Celestines, and that he spent so much time in writing this life, that it was completed in all its parts only after a study of three years, as he confesses at the end of the same life; as I dig out from the text, to be given, number 95.

[74] Analysis of the other chapters, But what now hinders resolving those parts, and examining them. In the first chapter he puts the birth of Peter under Pope Gregory XI, which we refuted in Alby, number 65. There, enumerating the progeny of the most illustrious Lord Guy, he recounts Valeran, John, Andrew, Blessed Peter, and Joanna of Luxembourg, the other sisters being omitted, of whom there was treatment in number 14 from Meurisse; and whom in the very same order and number the most excellent André du Chesne exhibits in the Luxembourg Genealogy, pages 111 and 112; although Rittershusius does not have Margaret, and reports the said order a little otherwise. Whence you may argue that Boureus erred, roundly asserting in chapter 4 that this Joanna was the only sister of Blessed Peter. To these things he rightly weaves the virtues of the Parents of the Blessed from the process. In the second chapter he narrates the death of the mother, when Peter had not yet attained the age of three years, Count Guy still surviving; and he hands down that Peter was educated by the Lady Joanna of Luxembourg, Countess of Orgières, sister german of the said Count. For which consult those things which we said above, numbers 11 and 12. From chapter 4, the mercy of the blessed Boy toward the needy and poor being set forth, he slips down to the narration of the miracle of the meats changed into roses, when he had first wished to carry them to the poor in his garment, no stain thence adhering to it; which he recalls with even greater ornament than Alby; and he adds that at that time Peter was nine years old; that he had impressed on his mind mercy toward the poor on the occasion of a sacred sermon, at which together with his teachers he had been present; nor does he omit the father's questions, and the son's answers, caught in this pious theft. Recall to memory the things which we gave above from Alby; from which by the same labor you will easily deduce what is here to be said.

[75] the times being assigned Chapter 4 contains salutary admonitions, given by him to his sister Joanna; and the vow of both, of vowing chastity at a competent age; which we produced on this matter against Alby, let them here be produced. That Joanna, as the author reports in the same chapter 4, was his only sister, we have just refuted. Chapter 5 hands down that the blessed Youth was sent by his father Guy to Paris, for the sake of studies, in the tenth year of his age. We have already solidly refuted this anachronism in Alby, number 65. The same Boureus, chapter 6, wrongly reports the death of the mentioned Father, which as false is thence refuted. In the seventh chapter, that in place of his brother captive among the English, Blessed Peter offered himself as a hostage, he rightly establishes, the process supporting it, as we said for Alby, number 66. But I am much mistaken if he has not devised from his own brain, that Nicholas Clacquin, whom he reports to have been together with Peter among the English, was a doctor in theology.

[76] Which seems sufficiently overthrown from this, that, since he was the eleventh witness in the process and could depose very many things, with various hallucinations because, as he himself says, he saw the father and mother of the said Lord Peter, and served him for seven years before the birth of the said Lord Peter … Moreover, with the said Lord Peter he abode from the time when he was of the age of eight years, up to the death of the said Lord Peter, and was governor of the said Lord Peter and rector; enough, even from this, does that asserted title of doctor in theology seem to be wrongly attributed to him, because it is not read in the process. But now, where his other titles are described, is it likely that that one, which was among the chief, was passed over; especially since dignities and offices are always there added in the graphic description of the witnesses, as is clear in the first witness, who is named bishop-elect of Cambrai; in the second witness, who was a licentiate in decrees, canon of the churches of Châlons and Thérouanne. In the fourth witness, who is called a licentiate of both laws, Canon of Paris, secretary of the King of France. The 9th witness is called master in theology; the 11th witness, of whom here is inquiry, canon of Cambrai, member of the household of the Lord Peter of Luxembourg of revered memory, etc., as above. Nowhere occurs the title of doctor in theology; which therefore I most probably judge does not belong to him, at least at that time in which Boureus says he was engaged with Peter among the English. In chapter 9 he sets forth that the rare virtues and graces of the Blessed flew even to London, to the King of England; and that, invited thither by the same by letters, he excused himself; that, the nine months at Calais being spent, he returned to Paris to his studies; that the rigor of his life was repressed by Father Pocquet, of whom presently.

[77] In chapter 9 Valeran is brought in, the Blessed's elder brother, and not a few errors, having tried in vain to call him away from his studies to warfare and marriage, in which, as probable enough, I pluck nothing, yet referring the reader to number 67. But that which the Author there says, that Peter asked of his brother time for deliberating, and again meanwhile offered vows to God, of serving Him and living in perpetual chastity, I think, as to this second part, concerning the vow of chastity made, is not sufficiently established, as was said above more than once. Chapters 10, 11, 12 contain the canonry of Paris, the archdeaconry of Dreux, and likewise a double spiritual colloquy with the Reverend Father Pocquet, formerly, as it is in the same author, Doctor of both laws in the University of Paris, but at that time prior of the Celestines at Paris, without doubt composed by Boureus himself.

[78] But in chapters 13, 14, 15, 16 there is proposed the ascetic communication of the most illustrious Philippe de Mézières, ill founded, formerly Chancellor in Cyprus, then, secular affairs being abdicated, giving himself to God alone among the Celestines at Paris. That ascetic discourse treats of the good, excellence, and variety of solitude, and is woven out from page 54 to 116, so prolixly, that it embraces about the fourth part of the whole little work or life of the Blessed, beyond the design of a historian. Of the frequent communication of the most pious Youth with the praised Philippe it is sufficiently established; not so, whether that discourse was there held, which seems rather to be that of a preacher, speaking from the chair, and undoubtedly adorned by the author himself; than familiar, and uttered extempore. Much less is it established whether, on account of the prolixity of the speech, by whose sweetness he was carried away, the Blessed wished there to pass the night, and really did pass the night. Chapter 17 recalls that the fervor of Peter was doubled by the said discourse, in whose further discussion I do not detain the reader. In chapter 18 the Blessed is handed down as raised to the bishopric of Metz; where wrongly, as I judge, it is added, that he resigned the archdeaconry of Dreux to Nicholas Clacquin; whom I do not read to have been a canon of the church of Chartres, to which the archdeaconry of Dreux was subordinate, but of Cambrai, as we saw above, Meurisse and Baillet asserting that Peter, after he was promoted to the mitre of Metz, resigned the archdeaconry of Dreux to his brother Andrew, which seems more probable. As to the less chaste motion arising in riding and repressed, and, if perchance the most chaste soul had contracted any fault from it, chastised with scourges in a wood, the witnesses being removed, of which Boureus there, you have the things which were said to this purpose in the preceding paragraph.

[79] and assertions, In chapter 19 there is described the constant and rigid examination of conscience, applied twice a day, the care of the least defects, the implacable hatred of sins, etc. In passing I should here wish it observed, that the author there hallucinates, when he mentions that the confessor of the Blessed, by name Giles (by whom also in chapter 28 he reports that the Blessed was matched to the supreme wrestling), was of the Order of St. Francis, for the contrary is proved from the process, where is had the 9th witness, Master Giles of Orleans, master in theology, of the Order of the hermits of St. Augustine, of the convent of Avignon … who was his confessor from the time when the Lord Peter himself came to the Roman court, and from the first month in which he came. My observation is further confirmed from the last offices, a little before his death rendered by this same Giles the confessor, of which in the process, chapter 10, which Giles Boureus says constantly stood by him dying, gave him courage, etc. All which cannot fall upon another or others of the Blessed's confessors than upon this Giles, whom I deny and utterly deny to have been of the Order of St. Francis, and affirm to have been of the Order of the hermits of St. Augustine. Chapter 21 sets before the eyes how holily our Peter lived, when he had been raised to the sublime summit of the cardinalate. As to the vow which, as Boureus pretends, was made by the blessed Cardinal, of fasting on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; when he affirms it, he asserts more, as I judge, than can be proved from anywhere out of the ancient instruments; not that it is my mind to pluck at fasts, but I say, that I wish to be instructed that they were done from a vow; as likewise, that the Blessed, as the same author affirms, kept the ecclesiastical fasts on bread and water. Let him hear, since he appealed to the process in his above preface, let him hear, I say, the 12th witness, the Blessed's secretary, who in chapter 4 distinctly says the opposite, in these words: The Lord Peter, besides the enjoined fasts, fasted on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, NOT ON BREAD AND WATER, but on the five vigils of the festivities of the Virgin Mary, he well FASTED ON BREAD AND WATER. Consult the said chapter; where you will more fully learn what other fasts he observed, and which of them on bread and water.

[80] Of the light with which he recalls that the Blessed shone, seen by Clement, nor resting on sufficient authority the Cardinals and Prelates being there present; of the odor which he writes that he breathed out, at the kiss given to him by the Pope; finally of the erroneous judgment of the Cardinal, judging from the said odor that Blessed Peter smelled of unguents, the reader will determine from those things which we noted in Alby. I leap over chapters 22 and 23, which embrace the most profound humility of the Blessed, his most pure chastity, and his most strait poverty. Of chapter 24 this is the synopsis. The apparition of the Crucified being narrated, the author reports that the Blessed was summoned to Villeneuve by the command of Clement, to say his judgment, on which side the altar of the chapel ought there to be placed; adding that in that excursion another luminous apparition of the Crucified happened, and that the Blessed fell to the muddy ground, his garments not contaminated; that moreover this miracle was, by the command of Clement, painted at Villeneuve, in perpetual memory of a matter so marvelous, which he asserts to be seen surviving to this day (the author speaks of his own time).

[81] To this accedes, that, the same author being witness, the confessor of Blessed Peter made it attested after his death, striving; that he was refreshed with several visions of this kind in the time of prayer. Let the reader weigh the notes drawn out in Alby upon the aforesaid points. To the confirmation of several apparitions of this kind, sought from the confessor's testimony, I answer, that from no place of the ancient life or process can a similar deposition of the Confessor be elicited. The matter of chapter 25 is the purpose of deserting Avignon, and of setting out elsewhere to extirpate the schism, to reduce the Christian Princes to favor, to win souls, to visit the Holy places; which are conformable enough to the authentic depositions in the process, of which chapter 8 will most fully instruct you.

[82] Next follows the exhortation held to his household, by which the blessed Cardinal stimulates his own to virtue, in which is great consonance, composed by the author of the Life, and drawn out through fully fifteen pages in the whole of chapter 26. Then, both elsewhere and especially in chapters 27 and 28, there is manifest to the eye the most perfect harmony of the life edited by Boureus with that which Alby composed; except that Boureus is, after his manner, much longer, whence no one could doubt but that one had the exemplar of the other before his eyes; or, if you will not have this, that there was some third exemplar, which both used. See therefore those things which we observed in the fourth chapter of the Albian life concerning the act of most profound humility, the ascetic little work, the reading of the martyrdom of SS. Agnes and Thecla, and apply them here. Of the bath used by the Blessed, by which afterward diseases were put to flight, it is established from the most ancient life, chapter 5. From the endowments of mind with which the most pious Youth had been endowed, the author proceeds in the whole of chapter 29 to the lineaments of the body, and the external conformation of his face, stature, and speech; adding that it is held from tradition that his effigy, expressed to the life a little before his death, is seen at Avignon among the Celestines; that he is commonly wont to be represented young in age, of tall stature, lean in body, with bent knees, clothed in the cardinalitial habit, fixed on the vision of the Crucified, appearing in the air and radiant with light. At Naples among the Celestines he is seen clothed after the manner of a bishop, a white lily issuing from his mouth, as a symbol of chaste virginity; that by the Spaniards he is represented in the same manner as at Avignon: in all which let the faith be with the author.

[83] between Boureus and Alby. In the chapter immediately preceding Boureus walked alone, as several other times above, but in chapter 30 both again walk together, yet Boureus expatiates further after his manner. Wherefore the things which were said above in Alby, number 69, have place here. Note in passing that Boureus indeed reports of the eyes of the Blessed opened after death, Clement contemplating him more attentively; but more obscurely and more doubtfully, indeed not so clearly as Alby expresses, that the deceased in that state nodded to Clement. Yet he adds a repeated opening of the eyes a little before the burial; which Alby lacks. Of the most frequent concourse of the people to the funeral, the seizure of relics, the sick healed, it is sufficiently established. In chapter 31, the nature of a miracle being set forth, Boureus slips down to recall generally the immense multitude of various miracles, agreeing in number and in the authentic instruments with Alby. Chapter 32 exhibits three persons, incredulous of the miracles, first punished, afterward healed; of whom treats part 2 of the process, chapter 6.

[84] An illustrious miracle, While I turn over the said 32nd chapter, I light upon an illustrious miracle, new, nowhere read by me, performed in the year 1616, whose narration alone, found there in Boureus, could abundantly compensate, if there had been any tediums to be devoured, in so long a discussion of the whole life edited by him. It is a chief point that the said writer was not only contemporary with that miracle, but that he received it from him to whom it had happened, and indeed two years after celebrated a sacred and solemn Mass of public thanksgiving, as you will learn at greater length from the very narration of the miracle, which I make Latin from the French tongue. The aforesaid author, about to digress from the ancient miracles to a more recent one; I will tell, he says, one which happened in the year 1616. A certain man, called Thevenon [*], a royal tax-collector at the toll, for the passage of Languedoc and Provence, who was a heretic, and who even now is full of life, narrated to me, that, when with loud guffaws he exploded the devotion of the people of Avignon, resorting in all their necessities to our Blessed, it happened on a certain Tuesday of the Paschal feasts, that, both by words and by deeds, many jests and mimic raillery being exercised against those who paid their vows to our Blessed, on the morrow he was ordered to run through the passes of Languedoc, to search whether any goods were being smuggled through the said passes; it came to pass that, dozing on his horse, which was generous and of great price, he entered a small path, through which he had never passed; and thinking that there lay open a passage, he wished to explore it.

[85] concerning a heretic converted to good fruit, But he was deceived: for the end of the said path led to a precipice, whence he could by no means lead away his horse, but that both he and the horse would at once perish. For on one side was a sheer cliff, which closed it in quite narrowly; on the other was a headlong depth into the Rhone; on the other side the said Thevenon, seventy years old, and gouty, and very obese, who could neither retreat, unless he threw himself down, nor even descend from his horse; seeing himself in peril of life, and that he must so miserably end it, without hope of any aid, mindful of the devotion of the people of Avignon toward our Blessed, began to cry out with the strained voice of a lost man: Alas! Lord St. Peter of Luxembourg, I ask pardon of thee. Lord St. Peter of Luxembourg, bring help in this wretched end of my life. But if by thy intercession it shall please God to free me from this peril of death, which I see wholly evident; I will become a Catholic, and, as long as I live, I will give thee thanks.

[86] The said Thevenon had scarcely finished his prayers, when it seemed to him that on that side on which he sat on his horse, to a heretic. the cliff receded, and gave him a place of descending from the platform or step; and having taken his impedimenta from his horse, its rein being loosed; God, he said, guide thee, and the Lord St. Peter of Luxembourg; thinking it would fall into the Rhone: but the horse turned itself so dexterously, even without a guide, that that wretched old Huguenot, on bended knee to give thanks to God, said: Now I believe, my God, that thou workest miracles through the intercession of thy Saints; to whom thou deniest nothing: and to these wicked Huguenots I send back my message, both to the reproach of their sect, and of those who seduced me from the right path, now for thirty-six years. And returning astonished, he went straight back to Avignon. He gave his name to the Catholic rites, went to give thanks to God and our Blessed; where he also bound himself by a vow of reciting daily the little office of the Guardian Angel together with the antiphon and prayer of our Blessed. And every year on the Tuesday of Easter he orders a Mass to be celebrated at the altar in which the body of our Blessed rests. I celebrated it in the year 1618; after the said Thevenon had set forth to me those things of which above; so that to this day he publicly confesses that with which he used to deride and blaspheme God and His Saints. So Boureus, the writer of the aforesaid miracle, and an ear-witness, worthy of faith, as appears from what has been said, wholly here.

[87] In chapter 33 the same Author, having returned to earlier times, institutes a discourse concerning the most munificent offerings, made in the first years after the Blessed's death to his sepulcher, concerning the fountain found near the body, the healer of very many diseases; concerning the deputation of three Cardinals for the collection of gifts for the foundation of a monastery in that place; concerning the origins of the Celestines of Avignon, and their foundation, in the year 1393; concerning the first stone of their church laid in 1395; concerning the donations and privileges, first granted by Louis II, King of Sicily and Jerusalem; and then confirmed by his son René, his successor, whom, on account of his singular and profuse beneficence, he asserts can truly be called the Father of the Celestines of Avignon. He adds, that the Blessed's brothers also contributed their share for the fabric of the monastery; and that one of them, with his sister Joanna, of whom mention both is and often recurs, and more often afterward will recur, was buried near the sepulcher of the Blessed in his particular church, which is joined to the church of the monastery. So the said author narrates. Of which let it suffice to have here given the reader a brief idea, not, as I think, wholly alien from our design. Moreover we have two manuscript transcripts, given in favor of the Celestine monks of Avignon, not without an eloquent commendation of the most religious assembly to posterity. One is granted by the Emperor Sigismund on the day before the Kalends of January in the year 1415; the other by the aforesaid René on the Nones of November in the year 1476, by which the toll of Tarascon is transferred to the Celestines; which two diplomas it is not necessary here to produce entire. Let us return to Boureus, from whom we departed a little.

[88] In chapter 34 there is exhibited the boy, dashed by a fall and healed, of whom above, Certain singular things concerning both arms of the Blessed, and on that occasion the solemnity at Avignon yearly on the 5th of July with a feast of precept; the immense concourse of the people, the drinking of waters from the fountain or well, for the healing of diseases. Nor should I omit here to transcribe from the same Boureus, as something singular, that then a boy yearly in the church of the Celestines of Avignon pronounces a Latin panegyric in commemoration of this most celebrated miracle, before the Prince, the Consuls, the magistrate, and the chief citizens of the same city of Avignon. Nay indeed the sacred cult of the Blessed, he says, has spread to several places of Spain; and namely to the city of Barcelona and Perpignan, to the convents of the Reverend Fathers the Minims, and there chapels are dedicated in the Blessed's honor, God working there many miracles through the intercession of the great Healer; since he reports that his arm is preserved among the same, formerly granted to the said Fathers the Minims by Father du Bois, a Celestine of Avignon. As to the other arm; he writes that it is among the Celestines of Pont-de-Sorgues.

[89] the integrity of the body, and the miracles. In chapter 35 there is set forth the beatification, the finding, and the exhumation of the body. Here let it only be said cursorily, that it is handed down by Boureus that all the bones of the most sacred deposit were found, except a single tooth; and moreover that it breathed out a continual odor, for the truth of which matter he appeals to Father Rauguet, Prior of the monastery of the reformed Fathers Preachers of Toulouse. In chapter 36, mention being again cast of the immense number of miracles, inscribed in the record-offices of the monastery of Avignon, which he copiously amplifies from those which were indeed done, but are not read written; he narrates that they are no longer consigned to writing; but that those who obtain benefits take care to have these delineated, if it seem good, in a little tablet, and publicly exposed in the church of our Confessor. I cannot pass over transcribing entire from the French into Latin certain miracles which, at that time in which the oft-named author wrote, were most recent.

[90] The falsely accused are absolved: two blind are given light: Lady d'Antragues, of the county of Avignon, falsely accused of treason, and next to undergoing the sentence of death; after she had commended herself to St. Peter of Luxembourg, was miraculously declared innocent by her accuser. Master Jean Garnier, an advocate of the tribunal of Carcassonne, having fallen into the same peril of losing his honor, life, and goods through false accusations, relying on firm hope, commends himself to our Blessed, and was miraculously absolved. And in thanksgiving he came on foot from Carcassonne to Avignon, to give thanks to God and our Blessed. In the year 1612, on the feast day of St. Peter of Luxembourg, two blind men there recovered their sight, the whole people testifying it, who were present at the solemnity.

[91] a boy ground to pieces by a fall, In the same Year, and on the same day, Master Pierre Rovière, procurator in the bailiwick of Uzès in Languedoc, when he had come with his wife and son to the solemnity of our Blessed, his said son, ten years old, having left his father, on the morrow of the said solemnity, climbed the church of our Blessed, which above ends in a flat form; and, his footing failing, fell down from on high from the said church, wholly ground to pieces, nothing remaining to him but the last exhalation of his spirit. The Lord Bishop of Uzès, present at that spectacle, and seeing the mother implore the help of St. Peter of Luxembourg, made a vow at the altar before his shrine; and the said boy was miraculously healed. Of which matter the said Lord Bishop gave a testification, signed by himself, seeing that there was no longer any care of writing the miracles of our Blessed.

[92] I saw with my own eyes Andrew Louveau, an instructor of a troop of the garrisons of Avignon, a soldier mortally wounded, wounded by a blow of a dagger high up near the heart, which forced him to vomit blood through his mouth, no gore coming out from the wound; who while he lay on the ground without voice, without hope of life; his wife coming began to embrace him, and to cry: Lord St. Peter of Luxembourg, succor my husband. That woman effected so much, that she induced her said husband to say in a low voice: Lord St. Peter of Luxembourg, succor me. And without delay, his wound emitted blood, he opened his eyes, and was miraculously healed according to the testification of the physicians and surgeons: And in memory of this benefit, in place of the oaths to which the said Louveau had been accustomed, he used to say in the most fervent heat of bile: May God and the Lord St. Peter of Luxembourg help us.

[93] In the year 1616 a certain girl of Bourbon in Provence, as also a paralytic woman, by name Louise Blandières, for the space of eight years deprived of the use of all her members by paralysis, devoted herself to our Blessed, and bade herself be carried to Avignon to his church, wishing to go to offer her taper in the offering, to which she was brought forward by another's help. After this, she persisted in prayer upon the first step by which one goes to the altar, as it were a paralytic without motion (except to adore God at the time of the elevation of the most holy Sacrament). After the priest's benediction at the end of the Mass, the girl rose wholly healed before all the people, who were present at the Mass in the said church.

[94] The damsel Morelly, touched with paralysis in all her members by a long disease, another paralytic woman likewise, and a boy's swollen head, after she had devoted herself to our Blessed, the offering being finished, and the Mass heard; when she had gone out from it, found herself miraculously healed, to the confusion of the physicians, on whom she had spent so much money. I will add moreover one thing, which I saw. In the year 1618 a little boy, the son of a citizen of Avignon of some note, whom his mother in that tender age taught to invoke St. Peter of Luxembourg, having slipped from high steps, so injured his head that it was wondrously thickened: so that the thing was like a monster, and the infant could by no means speak; which had happened in the absence of his father, who was in the country. The mother deploring the death of her son, and invoking the help of St. Peter of Luxembourg, the boy, who for four and twenty hours had been void of speech, even to the point that the Surgeon wished to apply his hands to him, said quite prettily in a childish voice, no one compelling him to say this: Lord Peter of Luxembourg, have mercy on me.

[95] A prodigious thing, the boy had scarcely uttered those words, they are restored to their former health. when the physician, surgeon, menservants, maidservants, and others behold the boy's head subside, as we see a bladder full of wind subside, and in that instant he said: Mother, the Lord St. Peter of Luxembourg has healed me. To the father, who had come to Avignon, the fact was narrated in the presence of the boy's uncle, who would believe nothing, attributing it to the winds arisen between the skin and the flesh from the fall. Two days after, in the presence of these two incredulous men, the infant fell in the same place, and from the same height, injures his head, which swells as before. The father and uncle run up: the mother cries: Lord St. Peter of Luxembourg, succor me. The boy says the same; the swelling vanishes, as before, he is healed, and says to his father: My father, the Lord St. Peter has healed me. The author concludes the said narration of miracles with these words, to procure greater faith to the things set forth by him: I omit others, which happen in the church of our Blessed day by day, through his intercession, of which I will be silent, fearing lest, if they be not authentic, like those which are inscribed in the approved volumes, of which we treated above, my labor of three years be accused of too much temerity, to which I will refer the curious reader.

[96] A criticism of the Boureyan Life In chapter 37 the author dispatches the origins and continuation of the juridical process for the canonization of Blessed Peter: for whose fuller knowledge and instruction I assign to the reader the History of those things which were done after the Blessed's death, of which a brief idea, the digression being here untouched, which is read in Boureus, chapter 38 and last, namely for what cause blessed Peter was called and named the Saint; of which, I say, a brief idea, we shall suggest to the reader in the next following paragraph. Accordingly we leave to the judgment of others the discrimination of the Boureyan life, hitherto examined by me, and recalled to analysis or anatomy, and by the same labor weighed, if I am not mistaken, in a more accurate balance. But indeed the reader will now easily be able of himself to determine from what has been said, how, beyond the design of a hagiographer, it is profusely full of ascetic digressions, how it labors with many errors, assertions not sufficiently founded, and not rarely even open falsities, which (as he in his preface threw up to Francisco Diego, the Spanish writer of the life of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, as you may see above, number 73) bring nothing good to the Church of God; and by which, let it be permitted here to add something of my own, among the moderately learned, the Saints are not honored, but their acts are greatly contaminated and deformed; so much so that in matters most certain they scarcely ever find faith, on account of the suspicion, lest, being wont to deceive in many things, they perhaps deceive even then, when they least can. I forbear to speak of the mockeries of the heterodox, who are wont with full cheeks to rave against the fabulous histories of the Saints.

[97] and of the miracles. But that we may be fair to both sides, let his praise also be given to the aforesaid author, both for the very many things which he rightly arranged, and especially for the collection of recent miracles; all which, except a single one, which treats of the son of Master Pierre Rouvière, procurator of the bailiwick of Uzès, recounted above, number 91; and which, with the circumstances somewhat changed, is briefly narrated in the history of the deeds after the Blessed's death; all which, I say, since hitherto I have read nowhere, I set down as received from the aforesaid author, otherwise perhaps to be wrapped in the perpetual darkness of oblivion. Let these things be said in charity for the truth.

* Is it Stephen?

§ IX. The Manuscript History of those things which were done after the Blessed's death, collected by the Reverend Father Malet, a Celestine monk of the monastery of Avignon.

First, of what kind is the history of which here is treatment, must be examined. It is compiled from various authentic manuscript instruments, The matter of that history, its author, its first source, and memorials worthy of reading, embracing the argument of those things which happened especially after the death of our Confessor; such as the testament, the origins of the foundation of the Celestines of Avignon and of the cult of Blessed Peter, the most instant supplications and letters of Princes, both ecclesiastical and secular, and of others for the public cult of the same; various commissions and deputations for the juridical processes toward canonization; the bull of Beatification, the miracles, the feast of precept, yearly proclaimed in honor of Blessed Peter at Avignon; all which the author collected and arranged, the series of time being observed, if you except a few things at the end, where, returning to earlier matters, he brings forward certain instruments concerning the primitive cult of the Blessed at Avignon, and the foundation of the Celestine Fathers there. The author of the said history is the Reverend Father Nicolas Malet, a religious of the Order of the Celestines, and, as I think, Prior, who, struggling with a grave and dangerous disease, but by the help of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, restored safe to himself and his own, out of a vow by which he had first bound himself, applied his mind to collecting whatever more illustrious memorials of those things which had happened after the Blessed's death, and judged it to conduce especially to promoting his glory.

[98] His purpose was much helped by the literary furniture of the monastery of Avignon, by whom, and when it was sent to Antwerp, solicitously and curiously preserved there in the archives, and most furnished with matters pertaining to the Blessed. This history, the author having departed from life, was placed in the said archives of that same monastery. A transcript Father Charles Faber, cited more than once, sent hither, which arrived at Antwerp on the 7th day of April 1677, as is clear from Papebroch's letter given to the same Father Faber on the 9th of the said month. But we give the whole matter in the order in which we received it, no change being introduced; except that one or two instruments withdrawn to the preliminary Commentary, we have there passed over; of which we shall warn the reader again in the course.

[99] Finally, to the commending of the price of this historical collection and the faith of the transcript, its sincerity and faith. pertains the authentic testimony, added by the hand of the author or compiler himself, which I here transcribe from the authentic: The above-written things concerning Blessed Peter of Luxembourg were extracted by me, brother Nicolas Malet, from the archive of our monastery of the Celestines of Avignon, and from our manuscript codex, whose title is: The process of canonization of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg; and from another codex, whose title is: The History of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg from the time of his death. In faith of which matter I have subscribed with my own hand and fortified it with the seal of the monastery and of the Order, on the 20th of October in the year 1675. Brother N. Malet. There was affixed a double seal in a white wafer. These things concerning the writings of others in favor of Blessed Peter, collected and disputed through three continuous paragraphs, I have brought forward hitherto; to which I have judged should be subjoined, in place of a conclusion, certain of his more notable elogies.

§ X. Certain more notable elogies of the Blessed.

How illustriously Froissart thought, Among the chief heralds of our Blessed, the first place not undeservedly obtains Jean Froissart. For besides that he is a historian of the best mark, there accedes moreover that he was contemporary with the most pious Youth, and describes those things which he heard said of him in his own time, which he saw with his own eyes, and at which he was present. The elogium, turned from French into the Latin tongue, I bring forward from the third volume, page 252, where the author speaks thus: In this season the fame of St. Peter of Luxembourg the Cardinal grew great, and his body became famous for the odor of sanctity at Avignon, which in these times both was performing and had performed miracles. That holy Cardinal had been the son of Guy Count of Saint-Pol, slain in the battle of Jülich. I say that this holy Cardinal was a man, in his time, of a most approved, distinguished, holy, and pious life, as one who did whatever was pleasing to God.

[101] concerning the Blessed, He was sweet, gracious, benign, a virgin in body, and a liberal almsgiver. All things he gave, all things he distributed among the poor; he retained nothing for himself out of the Ecclesiastical revenues except those things which were uniquely necessary for the sustenance of his state. The greater part of the day and night he gave to prayer. The vain and superfluous things of this world he fled and avoided; and he brought the matter to this, that God from his earliest age enrolled him into His family, and he himself immediately after death performed great miracles. He ordered himself to be buried in the common sepulcher of the poor. Nothing in all his life shone forth except humility. He was buried there, and carried into the chapel of St. Michael. The Pope and Cardinals, having seen the number of marvels of the holy body, dispatched letters on this matter to the king of France, and especially to his elder brother Valeran, Count of Saint-Pol, and signified to him that he should set out for Avignon.

[102] equal in age. The Count would not excuse himself and hang back, from going thither, but gave himself to the journey, and offered beautiful silver lamps, which are seen before his altar. One might wonder at the great trust which the surrounding peoples had there, and the visitations which they instituted at that time when I was at Avignon; for thither, for the sake of visiting him, I returned from the county of Foix. But his works and magnificence grew day by day. It was told to me that he would be inscribed in the register of the Saints. What was afterward done, I know not. So the praised Author; by whose words you see confirmed those things which we asserted above concerning the death of the Count of Saint-Pol, slain in the battle of Baesweiler near Jülich.

[103] How illustriously, Molanus in the Annals of the Saints of Belgium thus adorns our Blessed: At Avignon the death of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, Cardinal deacon of the title of St. George at the golden Veil; and, a few things being interposed, he thus proceeds: Since Blessed Peter was strong in all holiness, by carrying his cross, he so followed the footsteps of Christ, that, placed in an ecstasy, he merited to behold with bodily eyes Jesus Himself hanging on the Cross in the air. But he migrated through death to the Author of life about the 18th year of his age (the twenty-second, with an asterisk placed in the margin, is vainly added, as we indicated above) in the year of the Lord 1387 on the 2nd of July, worn out with abstinences and disciplines. But on the fifth day he was buried at Avignon in the cemetery, as he himself wished, of St. Michael, where now is the monastery of the Celestine Brethren of Luxembourg. In which place, by the merits of St. Peter, within two years of his death, nine hundred and sixty-four miracles are read to have happened. Moreover there exists concerning him an illustrious testimony among the Acts of the Council of Basel.

[104] For Philip, Duke of Burgundy and Brabant, Molanus; and Lord of the other Belgian dominions, writes letters to the Fathers of Basel from his town of Brussels, by which he asks the Fathers to canonize and elevate the Lord Peter of Luxembourg, Cardinal, worthy of memory through the ages, his kinsman, whom from his glorious merits and so many as it were unheard-of miracles, with which he daily flashes, it is established that he is aggregated to the college of the other confessors of Christ. For this had been begun in various councils in past times; but by what means or manners it was interrupted or remained imperfect, he asserts that he does not know. But perhaps the chief cause was, because he accepted the cardinalate from Clement VII. For he, being Bishop of Cambrai and Cardinal of the sacrosanct Roman church, illegitimately elected Pontiff, resided sixteen years at Avignon against Urban VI and Boniface IX, and was recognized as Pontiff especially by the French, the Spaniards, and the Scots. Moreover this our Cardinal is depicted at Louvain in the chief Church in the window at the altar of the venerable Sacrament, kneeling before the vision of the Crucified. Which picture I have understood from the above, and from this, that at its side it has the arms of the county of Saint-Pol under the cardinalitial hat.

[105] Brief is that of Miraeus in the Belgian and Burgundian Fasti: Miraeus, and Castellanus; St. Peter of Luxembourg, surnamed the Thaumaturge, Patron of the city of Avignon, is worshiped there on the 5th of July. Then he subjoins the little verses: In this temple is worshiped, etc., which we gave above. Claude Chastellain composed an elogium in praise of Blessed Peter, brief indeed, but neat enough: At Villeneuve of Avignon, of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, Canon at Our Lady's in Paris; then bishop of Metz, at length Cardinal, in the 18th year of his age, most celebrated for the miracles which were performed a little after his death at the Blessed's sepulcher in the cemetery of St. Michael at Avignon, over which was built a church, afterward granted to the Celestine Fathers.

[106] Ciacconius, in the lives and deeds of the Roman Pontiffs, volume 2, Ciacconius, column 683, wove more prolixly an elogium concerning the blessed Youth, which, if I am not mistaken, will easily compensate by its ornament and brightness for any tedium which might thence creep upon the reader, which is wont not rarely to happen in the repeated elogies of the same person. After therefore he had reported that the cardinalitial purple was conferred on him by the pseudo-pontiff Clement VII, in the year of restored salvation 1386, he adorns his praises with the following elogium: Peter of Luxembourg is read to have been born on the 20th of July in the year of our salvation 1369 at Ligny in the diocese of Toul, of the most noble lineage of Guy of Luxembourg, first Count of Ligny and of Roussy, whose mother was Mathilde de Chastillon, Countess of Saint-Pol, lady of Fiennes, who brought as dowry the most illustrious county of Saint-Pol in Artois, and very many other estates. He had here two brothers, one the elder Valeran of Luxembourg, Count of Saint-Pol and Ligny, supreme prefect of the militia in France, commonly Count of the Stable (Constable); the other the younger Andrew called of Luxembourg, Bishop of Cambrai.

[107] circulated So great was the love of the mother Mathilde toward Peter, that she nursed the infant with her own milk, not another's, as noble women are wont. Scarcely had Peter passed his fifth year or sixth, when he promised to God the flower of chastity. In the eleventh year of his age, when he had nothing except a ring, he bade it be taken off and sold, lest a poor man asking alms should go away undonated. From boyhood endowed with a singular acuteness of genius, he cultivated the studies of the good arts, and in a short interval of time, by divine help rather than by human labor, completed the circle of the sciences. As a young man co-opted into the noble college of the canons of Paris, he restored the old ecclesiastical discipline, there almost collapsed, and by the fame of his sanctity filled nearly all Europe. Then, first with the archdeaconry of Dreux, soon with the canonry of Chartres by Clement VII the Pseudopontiff, and with the archbishopric—rather bishopric—of Metz, at length endowed with the purple, he was enrolled among the Cardinal deacons of the title of St. George in Velabro. With solemn pomp the new bishop entered the city of Metz, a true disciple of Christ, having, as he wondered at, so imitated the humility of his master, upon the foal of an ass with bare feet.

[108] by this last, In which city he did not so long stay, but that he went to the diocesan churches with his suffragan, restored the diminished discipline, and increased the divine worship, to which he was ever attached. Living among men, he conversed with the heavenly ones, and, earthly allurements and fortunes despised, he burned with desire of the eternal goods, and panted only to seize upon them. In form of body he was wonderfully outstanding, he bore a certain angelic beauty, and mortals beheld his countenance as the countenance of an Angel, nay they felt flames of love toward Christ excited in themselves by that aspect, a ray of a certain heavenly appearance shining in him. The very slightest faults of his soul, still a boy, he most often washed away by the sacrament of penance; and expiated them with tears, fasting, blows, and hair-shirt. With scourges every day he afflicted his body; the hair-shirt with which he was clothed was most rough, and with a cord twisted with hard knots he so tightly compressed his members that the blood burst forth. Adorned with the mitre of Metz, he retained and increased the same maceration of the body.

[109] elegant In the time of Advent he did not eat flesh; three times each week, food being withdrawn from the body, he prepared most sumptuous banquets for the soul. The fasts enjoined by the law of the Church he diligently observed, and shone with humility, charity, benignity, prudence, liberality, and other virtues almost innumerable. As a boy, whatever he could have, even flesh secretly taken from the domestic kitchen, he gave to the poor. Caught once by his Father, and asked what he carried under his cloak; I carry roses, he answered. The father removed the cloak, and beheld the flesh turned into roses. The humility uniquely and ever beloved he did not suffer to fall from his mind in the supreme wrestling. For he ordered that, if he had departed from the living outside the dominion of Avignon, his body should be carried to Paris, covered with the vilest cloths, and buried in the cemetery of the poor, commonly called St. Innocent's; but if his death had happened within the dominion of the same city, in the cemetery of St. Michael, under the open sky with the corpses of the poor. He wished only three tapers to burn at his funeral; but overcome by the prayers of his own, he permitted twelve in the last tablets of his testament. He ordered a stone ark, procured at moderate cost, to be built over his tomb. Addicted to the assiduous zeal of praying and meditating, he did not omit the afflictions of the body, by which as it were worn out, after a grave illness of six months, he flew away to heaven, in the year 1387 on the 5th of July; although others wrongly affirm that his death happened on the 2nd of July, in the 17th year of his age, as Clement VII the Roman Pontiff affirms in the diploma by which he declared him blessed. Yet others say that in the 23rd year of his age, or more truly the 18th, he departed to Christ. Scarcely was the body of Peter buried, when behold there flow together to venerate it, in frequent number of people, on account of the marvelous things which had happened, and the help which those who had asked had experienced.

[110] Wherefore, dug out and more fittingly laid away, fortified with an iron grate, with an elogium of his life, then buried in a chapel, by the precept of Mary Queen of Jerusalem; at length it was laid in a church, built for the Celestines by Clement VII the Pseudopontiff. At the funeral, whoever could, tried to pluck something from Peter's garments or the other things with which the body was covered. Many miracles happened, whose memorials I have understood to exist, from Andrea Vittorelli, among the Celestines of Avignon. That in the first two years from his death nine hundred sixty-four happened, John Molanus, and Gazet, Pastor among the people of Arras, and others have affirmed: and among them is reckoned the raising of forty-two dead. Wherefore Philip, Duke of Burgundy and Brabant, in the year 1436, by letters given from his town of Brussels to the Council of Basel, and read in it on the 9th of March, asserted that the Youth, celebrated for unheard-of miracles, daily flashed, and asked that he be inscribed among the citizens of heaven.

[111] He adds that Clement VII the Roman Pontiff granted and of the deeds after death. that the sacred remains of the most pious Youth be honorably translated, and that he could be invoked as Blessed by Christ's faithful; wrongly asserting that this was done in the year 1530, for which we marked above 1527. After these things, certain of his more notable ornaments of virtues being contracted into an epitome, of which the praised Pontiff treats in the Bull of beatification, he adds that the city of Avignon acknowledges this blessed Peter as patron; and hands down that he is worshiped with solemn cult on the 5th of July by the same; that his virtues, tablets being hung up in the church, adorned with the memorials of miracles, some orator praised in a noble assembly; and that in that matter in past years Francisco Suárez, a noble young man, gave a specimen of genius and illustrious disposition, the panegyric which he held being committed to the press; narrating among other things that there exist at Avignon among the Celestines two codices written by the authority of the Council of Basel concerning the marvelous things of Blessed Peter, embracing an honorable judgment of his sanctity and virtues.

[112] It is pleasing also to hear Andreas Saussay, cited by the praised Ciacconius in these words, What Saussay says of him; which in few exhibit many praises of our Blessed, on the 5th of July: At Avignon the burial and festivity of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, surnamed the Thaumaturge, a portent of chastity and charity, and an exemplar of all holiness in the very flower of his youth; on account of whose merits, like another Enoch, because he had pleased God, snatched away by a premature and happy departure, he received the rewards of consummated virtue; whose most sweet odor of glory, like balsam, perennially flowing from his body, is a sign, as are the innumerable testimonies of divine power and of his powerful help, which are performed at his tomb day by day. On account of which, by Francis, Cardinal Bishop of Tusculum, of Clermont, legate of the Apostolic See, the precious relic of the blessed Youth being raised from the sepulcher, by the permission of Clement VII, the successor of Adrian VI, it was exposed to the veneration of the Faithful in the church of the Celestine ascetics, where also by the authority of the same Pontiff his blessed memory is celebrated with yearly rites.

[113] what the public records say, Other praises of the Blessed can be taken from a little tablet or image representing the Patrons of the city of Avignon. Its own place among them Peter of Luxembourg also has, with this French inscription: St. Peter of Luxembourg, the great thaumaturge, Cardinal, who recalled to life more than forty dead. There is added the day of his death and the year of his burial. To each tutelary patron is added his elogium. Of that which is fitted to our Blessed I render a part: His more celebrated miracles, to the number of one thousand nine hundred sixty-four, with forty-two dead recalled to life, were collected authentically, by the effort of Charles VI King of France, and reduced into three volumes, consigned with a seal and preserved in the archive of the Celestine Fathers; among whom his body rests. There is added the vision of Christ crucified; the miracle of the boy fallen from a tower, ground to pieces and healed, in the year 1432, of which discourse both recurs and will recur.

[114] and the process With how great a celebrity of holiness our Thaumaturge shone, with how great a fame of miracles, even about the two first years elapsed from his most pious death, why do we seek from elsewhere, when we not obscurely gather it from the first interrogatory article of the authentic process, whose words I excerpt thence: First he sets and intends to prove, that the Lord Peter of Luxembourg of revered memory, Cardinal deacon of St. George at the golden Veil of the sacrosanct Roman church, from the time of his boyhood or youth up to the last end of his life, in every state of his kept a praiseworthy conversation, a holy life, and virginity; he showed himself humble and benign and gentle, beyond what pure humanity would allow, to all, and devoted to God and so pleasing, that all who frequented him knew, by a hidden faith, that Christ had chosen in him a pleasing habitation. In his holy manners and exemplary disciplines, by which he shone, and shines, beloved of God and men, the divine grace demonstrating this same by his merits through the showing of miracles. Whence also that Christ appeared to him crucified, as is likely, is not hidden from some.

[115] After his life pleasing to God was translated, his merits are proved, by the raising of the dead, the illumination of the blind, the speech of the mute, the liberation of the captives, the hearing of the deaf, the gait of the lame, the sense of the insane, the driving away of demons, the expulsion of fevers of every kind, the extinction of fires, the immense healing of diseases and ulcers, and the marvelous help in fortuitous accidents; and not only at his precious tomb, but also in various places, where his effigy is depicted, a sign, or with faithful mind aid is sought. Of all which there is a public voice and fame, not only in the present city of Avignon, but also in places far and wide diffused, in Provence, France, Savoy, Dauphiné, Auvergne, Limousin, Rouergue, Gascony, Aquitaine, Burgundy, and very many other solemn and famous places; of which especially, of each something, as much as shall be necessary, will be more fully said below. So there the most illustrious Bishop of Viviers, deputed to this by Clement VII, begins the authentic process, and exhibited it and the following articles to the Cardinal Commissioners. But there would be no end, if I wished to recount all the elogies composed concerning our blessed Thaumaturge. Besides the praised authors, Ciacconius cites several others, volume 2, column 686, who treat of him. And these things indeed, what others have written of him; now it must be examined, whether and what he himself wrote for the benefit of others.

§ XI. Certain pious writings attributed to the Blessed, and their analysis.

There flourished at Paris a printer, by name Michel le Noir, who from the year at least 1489 up to the year 1520, The Diet of salvation, printed at Paris, in which he died, edited very many things in print. There came forth from his printing-house an ascetic little work in French with this title: The Book of the Lord St. Peter of Luxembourg, which he sent to a certain sister of his, that he might call her away from the secular state, with this title, The Diet of salvation. And again: Here begins the book, whose title is, The Diet of salvation, made by the Lord Peter of Luxembourg, who exhorts a certain sister of his to the contempt of the world, and of secular things, and to arriving more easily at the kingdom of heaven with all the Saints. Here it is asked, whether the said little work is truly attributed to Blessed Peter, or falsely. The affirming opinion is favored by the ancient possession, which about a hundred years after his death ascribed this little book to him, that is about the end of the 15th century, or the beginning of the 16th, as is made out from what has been said; and so it seems it can thence be gathered, that this little work did not then first begin to be attributed to him, but that first the discourse and public fame on that matter grew great, and then gradually it came to the press.

[117] The opinion denying, and adjudging this ascetic little work away from the Blessed as its author, whether composed by the Blessed, is favored by this, that no jot is found either in the ancient Acts or in the processes, which makes even the slightest mention of that little book. This argument, being merely negative, does not seem to suffice to overthrow the positive possession; wherefore I judge that it should rather be left in its vigor, than, without sufficient reason, either denied or called into doubt. Subjoined to the Albian life, printed in various years, one may read this spiritual treatise, which is also attributed to Blessed Peter of Luxembourg as its author.

[118] Who moreover this sister was (for that he did not have one sister only we said above) is nowhere read more expressly and sent to his sister. than in the Albian life, in which it is thus had, number 34: A sister also dear to him, by name Joanna, blessed Peter, now about to die, commended to his brother Andrew, praying that he would take care to carry to her the little treatise of the spiritual way, which he had composed and written with his own hand for her sake. Nor indeed does it seem it could have been more suitably and fittingly written for the sake of another of his sisters, than of his sister Joanna; with whom, concerning pious matters, the contempt of the world, the zeal of virginity and virtue, Peter is reported in the process, more than once, to have prolonged familiar discourses for many hours, and to have been joined by the most strait bond of pious relationship; especially in number 94, where it is said that he went to Metz, of which he was already bishop-elect, that on the vigil of Pentecost he withdrew from Ligny, and then returned to Ligny about the following feast of St. Michael, where for four months or thereabouts he stayed with the said sister. Which matter is also cursorily touched in his ancient Acts, where the author heaps up many things in few words in praise of the mentioned Joanna, number 17. I observe indeed that in the ascetic little work several times named there is the appellation of "dearest sister," but always with the name suppressed. Elsewhere and more often she is called "dearest daughter."

[119] Here it is not given: This treatise I had already made Latin from the French, and prepared for the press; but the fear frightened me off from the undertaking, lest this matter should grow beyond measure; wherefore I judged that those things should be cut away which can conveniently be omitted without diminution or alteration of the acts or processes, and which do not properly pertain to our design, save remotely and obliquely. Especially since it is uncertain whether the Blessed ever put his hand to composing it. Let a brief synopsis suffice the reader. The Author premises the fearful judgments of God upon the soul, that the state of the damned is horrible. In the first chapter the soul is led to sincere contrition for sins, a way of three days and leagues being proposed to the sinner. The first league leads to sorrow for sins; the second restores what was lost; the third consists in peace with God and tranquility of mind, arising from perfect contrition. The second chapter, which is also the second day, directs the soul to sacramental confession. There follows its seal confirmed by a marvelous example; the mercy of God, the flight of hypocrisy, and the fear of infamy; to the hope of a longer life is added, to be opposed to it, the fear of the sacramental penance, the penalty of the age to come. This second day he concludes with an exhortation to the hope of pardon through the mercy of God.

[120] but only a brief On the third day of the Itinerary there is set forth satisfaction, and this day too is spent in three leagues; by restoring to each his own; repairing scandals, winning one's neighbor for heaven, inflaming him with the love of God, forgiving enemies. Afterward he proceeds to the remedies against relapse, from the meditation of the Lord's passion, the sight of the Crucified, the instruction of the confessor, weekly confession, moderate fasting, frugality of food, spiritual reading, mercy toward the poor, the custody of the senses, and the examination of conscience. There follow certain points fitting for promoting prayer.

[121] Then are heaped up various and efficacious considerations tending to the same end, of the same little work taken from the state of a dying man, the example of the suffering Christ, the greatness of heavenly glory, the recollection of the last things, the vanity of the world. Then there is prescribed a stable exercise of various virtues. Next is the invocation and imitation of the Saints; the frauds of the world, the devil, and the flesh are uncovered, which allure their followers with vain hope; and the good things proceeding from the temptation of the just. Finally, that I be not longer, the scope of the writing being signified by the author, and a little digression added for the instruction of married persons, at length the treatise is concluded with a repeated exhortation to various virtues.

[122] You have heard, reader, the synopsis of a truly ascetic little work; for which you would find no other foundation, a compendium. that it be said to have been composed by Blessed Peter, except possession alone.

§ XII. A vindication against detractors.

Great in men and as it were innate is the lust of gnawing at the sayings and deeds of others. Since that kind of vice obtains everywhere among all, Peter, lawfully called commonly Cardinal, so in this especially those restrain themselves less who, moderately affected toward virtue, are yet lynx-eyed to note defects, if any seem to be in others. Lest moreover they do this in our most upright Youth, in whom some things are found which at first sight may perhaps offend, it has seemed good to bring forward certain things in this place against the gainsayings of the detractors. First, lest they impute it as a fault, that our Blessed is called by us a Cardinal.

[124] For usage, custom, and ancient possession stand for that appellation. There accedes the authority of the Ecclesiastical writers, adhering to the party of Clement VII of Geneva, and their unanimous consent. Nor object further, how so notable an innocence of manners and life can be combined with so strait an adhesion to a schismatic Pontiff, such as Clement VII is now everywhere acknowledged to be. I understand. But he was not held such at that time everywhere, nay rather he was acknowledged as legitimate by France, Spain, Scotland. And so among the other followers of the Pseudopontiff, so many, so far dispersed, so learned and pious, was our most upright Youth, in whom his immature age, his moral incapacity of discerning the true Vicar of Christ from the false, and his good faith, sufficiently argue that whatever he did here, all of it he did from blameless ignorance. My answer is solidly confirmed by the continuator of the Ecclesiastical Annals after Baronius, Odorico Rinaldi, under the year 1387, speaking thus.

[125] In the same year died Peter of Luxembourg, conspicuous for the excellent sanctity of his manners, he is proved to be excusable from Rinaldi. enrolled among the pseudo-cardinals in the previous year by the antipope, whom by a human error he honored, thinking him the true Pontiff, no otherwise than Vincent Ferrer long venerated Peter de Luna the antipope, led by error. For these and the like, who, admitted into the communion of the Catholic Church through the Sacrament of baptism, never on purpose bound themselves by the outrage of schism on account of invincible ignorance, were Catholics, however much they acted among schismatics, whom they did not know to be such, St. Antoninus judges. Then he cites a notable place of this most holy Prelate of the city of Florence, by which most luminously he settles both his and our opinion in this matter concerning the Blessed: In part 3 of the Ecclesiastical History, title 22, St. Antoninus says: Most skilled men in sacred scripture and canon law each party or obedience had, during all that time in which the schism lasted, and also most religious men, and, what is greater, even men shining with miracles. Nor could that question ever be so decided, but that it always remained doubtful among very many. Although it be necessary to believe, as there is one Catholic Church, not many, so also one only its Pastor, the Vicar of Christ, according to that of John 10: There shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

[126] and from St. Antoninus, Yet if it happen that several supreme Pontiffs are created or named through schism at one and the same time, it does not seem necessary to salvation to believe that this is he or that, but the other of them, namely who was canonically assumed. But who was canonically elected, one is not bound to know, as neither the canon law; but in this the peoples can follow their elders or prelates. After which, the oration being fitted to Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, the praised Rinaldi subjoins the following in his defense: Moreover Peter of Luxembourg was still an adolescent of about 17 years, and educated among the adversaries of Urban. Whence that error did not harm his sanctity, especially since in that controversy he was prepared to stand by the opinion of an ecumenical Council, which error too, illumined by the divine light, in the last act of his life he could easily condemn. Nor was a difficult example of this matter seen in Paschasius, a Deacon of the Roman Church, a man of excellent sanctity, who, having followed Lawrence against Pope Symmachus, before he breathed out his soul, repented, and after death shone with miracles, although to purge the stain he endured sharper penalties.

[127] on account of invincible ignorance. Therefore if Peter did anything wrongly in the fact of the schism; indeed he did it in good, nay in the best faith; he did it, led by the common error, not carried away by a perverse will. But, if anyone shall calmly weigh those things which we have just brought forward for the defense of the Blessed, I do not doubt but that he will have wherewith to stop the mouths of the slanderers, whose study it is, by plucking at the most blessed Youth here, to procure some support for their most desperate cause, in which they pertinaciously cease not to raise their horns and to kick against the Apostolic decrees. Wherefore let them be quiet, and let the mouths speaking iniquitous things cease to slander; for the poison of asps is under their lips. Let the reader observe on this occasion that we have indicated openly enough what we think of the pontificate of Clement VII of Geneva, which to have here warned once let it be enough; and we wish it so often repeated, as often as, in the course of the lives or processes, we shall address him by the name of Pontiff, whether in our own words or those of others.

[128] But these things thus far; which, besides that they will conduce to forming a general idea of all the things henceforth here to be treated, will serve moreover to clear the way of errors and controverted matters, which, like so many ruts, are wont not rarely to retard the reader who loves the saints, so that he cannot run through the Acts themselves with unhindered foot. And so, the chief impediments being now removed by these preliminary discussions, it remains that we subjoin the Acts themselves.

THE LIFE BY AN ANONYMOUS CONTEMPORARY AUTHOR. From an ancient parchment manuscript of the library of the Celestine Fathers of Avignon, collated with other manuscripts.

Peter of Luxembourg, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Bishop of Metz, at Avignon in Gaul (B.)

BHL Number: 6719

By an ANONYMOUS CONTEMPORARY.

PROLOGUE.

Immense is the founder of heaven, governing the world by a perpetual reason; whose providence is not deceived in its disposition; God wonderful in Peter the Apostle, and in the man of Luxembourg. nay rather, according to the most ordered distribution of times, He alone knows how to furnish to the human race the medicine congruent to its times. Whose ineffable majesty at first, at the beginning of His Church, worked many miracles through the blessed Apostle Peter, that the new faith of Christ might through him be confirmed as orthodox ^a. But now, by a certain peculiar ordination, He predestined a fruitful shoot, namely a deific, noble, and most devout little boy, Peter of Luxembourg; truly blessed, transmitted from heaven into the globe of the lands, that he might be the messenger of saving truth: who at length, as if he were a first Peter, seemed to work similar miracles; that the faith of our most sweet Savior Jesus Christ ^b might lie open clearer than light on earth, and the truth of the same faith might be elucidated through the Lord Himself from heaven.

CHAPTER I. Peter's country, birth, innocence of manners, studies of letters at Paris, the canonry of Paris, and the archdeaconry of Dreux.

The heavenly light therefore proceeding from heaven, by the divine will, in the town of Ligny ^c of the duchy of Bar, His parents. and of the diocese of Toul on the borders of Lorraine, of illustrious and noble parents, his father the Lord Guy of Luxembourg, count of Saint-Pol ^d in Picardy ^e, and of the aforesaid Ligny ^f: and his mother Mathilde, lady of Chastillon, both proceeding from an imperial and royal stock ^g, as it were from fragrant lilies and blooming roses, there was born a little infant of wondrous sanctity: to whom in the laver of sacred Baptism, Christ the Lord dictating, inasmuch as He was to magnify him with heavenly rewards, the name of Peter was imposed:

[3] That, just as the first Peter, chosen by Christ, Of manners a firm rock, was the solid chief foundation of the universal Church, so, chosen by Christ, was the second Peter, as it were a strong stay of that same Church, inasmuch as a future column of the Church, a most sacred Cardinal. Who at length, while still a little boy, was handed over to be imbued with the sacred letters; whom his carnal friends, or kinsmen, bereft of his parents ^h and educated after the manner of the nobles with diligent study, delivered to the divine service: who, made a cleric, into the lot of the Lord among those heavenly flowers of the eternal planting, fragrant with a marvelous budding, was pre-elected: whom Christ therefore willed to be presented to the Church, that the whole world by his example might be more gloriously illustrated ⁱ.

[4] innocence, The boy therefore, famous and celebrated, to whom, although the deceitful brevity of the world suggested pleasing things, of the games [*] of girls, and of the kinds of musicians and other delights, although he was very beautiful in face, and comely in aspect and gracious to the eyes of all ^k; yet with these he by no means loosed the reins of concupiscence: but ever leading a celibate life, not moved to the pleasure prepared, or to childish wantonness, but ever remaining stable, he strove to please God alone. Which beauty of body, said, that God created, there is no doubt; that he who was beautiful in body, its humble aspect being considered, might be judged more beautiful also in mind. From his humble and devout conversation, adorned with virtues, it was sufficiently known that his works were clean and right ^l.

[5] the desire of perfection, studies at Paris, But in his boyish years, the aridity of the world itself being spurned, in the flower of his adolescence, he disposed to pass to the fruit of a better life, panting after the highest summits of perfect wisdom; that through wisdom itself he might foretaste how sweet the Lord was. But because the frequency of his carnal friends did not suffer him to attain to the peace of conscience and the wisdom greatly desired; he abdicated his own place and his friends from himself: and coming to the years of understanding, that he might be able to draw out something from the scriptures both of divine wisdom and of the sacred canons, he procured to transfer himself to the famous and illustrious University of Paris from his paternal house in Picardy, where he was nourished. In which indeed, studying and inquiring there laudably, he profited, lest through ignorance of law both divine and human he should be forced to deviate from the path of rectitude: and drawing in the same the things which are of good manners and of honesty, and comprehending them by understanding, he knew perfectly to abdicate from himself the things contrary to them.

[6] virtues, His understanding too the divine grace so illustrated, that whatever he heard, he laid up by memory in the little cabinet of his breast, and, like a fresh vessel, was imbued with heavenly documents, laying up the seeds of life in the granary of his heart; that by them, arising ^m in their time, he might refresh souls. And so the most wise little boy imitated the conversation and life of men of great sanctity and perfection; assiduously execrating the companies of the perverse, ever keeping with himself such men whose life and words he revered: as himself composed in the honesty of his manners, so keeping surely a composed household ⁿ. And because the hearing of the sacred eloquence begets an increase of sanctity, he continually heard sermons on Sundays and feast days, with fervent diligence and diligent devotion. Whose effect he committed to memory in the prison-house of his conscience, striving that what he perceived by hearing, he might fulfill in work and in effect.

[7] The evangelical Youth ^o therefore, full of the sincerity of cleanness and the serenity of knowledge, from day to day was more augmented and grew in wisdom, and obtained increases both of life and of manners by assiduous virtues. the canonry of Paris. For so great a splendor of words began to shine, and so great an eloquence of graces to overflow, that clearly could a gracious tongue [p] appear to abound in him. And when the illustrious boy was a canon of Paris, he pledged service to God and the glorious Virgin all the days of his life. Whence he showed himself to all so honest, By the good odor of Christ, humility, and everywhere praised, that to all the other fellow-canons, and the rest dwelling at Paris, from the fragrance of the wondrous odor which proceeded from him, he was a mirror of good life, and by the example of holiness and truth, illumined by the fire of the Holy Spirit, he inflamed all. Finally it most often happened in the aforesaid church of Paris, that when his other fellow-canons ought to carry the cross or tapers in processions, sometimes suffused with the blush of pride, they disdained to carry them; but the boy, full of God, poured out with the greatest joy, though it was not in his turn [*], humbly carried the tapers or the standard of the holy Cross. Serving the humble Christ in obedience, walking in the multitude of his strengths as the standard-bearer and ensign-bearer of the Savior, a porter and minister in all his members, from the crown to the sole of the foot, he was ever devoutly serving his Creator.

[8] By all too he was loved with a wondrous affection: because in speech he was neat, and in aspect angelic, and conspicuous for the sweetness of his manners. like a dove, without the gall of malice, most sweet [q]. But the Lord Pope, hearing the fame of this boy, so celebrated, conferred on him of his own motion the archdeaconry of Dreux [r] in the venerable church of Chartres, imposing light burdens upon him, that he might at length be advanced to greater things. In which archidiaconal state indeed, after the likeness of flowers, shining with an honest conversation, he was surely fragrant with a good reputation, and sweet to all and especially to his subjects, when they flowed together to him at Paris, where he dwelt, he was ever both benign, and, though infancy was reckoned in him by years, yet the old age of his mind was immense, small in age, but hoary in soul, beautiful in face: but more beautiful in faith.

ANNOTATA.

p. From the Greek eu, well, happily, and charis, grace, as if you would say "well gracious."

q. Here the end of the fourth lesson in the Legend.

r. A city of Celtic Gaul, commonly Dreux, memorable for the neighboring battle between the French, in the year 1562.

* Otherwise "in."

* Otherwise "turn."

CHAPTER II. He is created bishop of Metz. How diligently he fulfilled that office, and how humbly he bore himself.

Created bishop of Metz, Whence a fervent love of the faith and a chief cultivator, he had impressed the faith on his mind from youth, and had so delivered himself wholly to its obedience: that all his words and deeds were fragrant of the virtue of faith. Whom, to propagate the help of human salvation, Christ had ordained a bearer [*] of the faith throughout the globe of the lands: and when he was strong in all sanctity and meekness, and profited more in the knowledge of letters at Paris, his fame growing, it was inspired from heaven to the Lord Pope together with his sacred college of Cardinals: that to the venerable and laudable church of Metz in Lorraine, at that time vacant ^a, the happy Youth should be worthily promoted. Whom therefore the Lord Pope, seeing him of good disposition and industrious, who, although he was too young in age for the bishopric, inasmuch as established in the fifteenth year of his age, yet bearing a senile heart, by the divine will set over the mentioned church, and thus to the ensigns of such honor, not by price, nor by ambition, but by his proved life, and by the judgment of God, he was promoted.

[10] Which Youth the Lord sought according to His own heart, Diligently that office on whom He conferred the prelacy of Metz, and the leadership and scepter of the church. To whom, through his holy conversation, as a fervid emulator ^b of the salvation of the souls committed to him, he ministered the food of divine salvation: and, keeping holiness in himself by singular skill, he inflamed them into the love of God. For fittingly did Christ furnish him the leadership of the Metz people, because He knew that he would go before them in the path of a better life, as it befitted him a pastor to shine in manners and life among the sheep ^c.

[11] But lest through the sloth of idleness an entrance should lie open to hostile ambushes, he was assiduously exercised in the justifications of the Lord, he fulfills it, and to salutary acts he was much more than before excited, that, he being wholly occupied about lawful things and things devoted to God, unlawful things might have no place in him, and he might be safe from spiritual wickednesses. The nocturnal silences indeed, deputed to human rest, he spent, after a brief sleep, in the studies of the lives and sermons of the holy fathers. And the time of sleep he occupied with vigils, studying with relish the things premised; because in them were treated of divine things and the salvation of his soul. But on suitable days he attended diligently to the salvation of souls: in which he is known to have shone with a special gift of grace.

[12] And all time in which he did not think of God, by words and examples, he reckoned that he had lost. And, composed with maturity of manners, he drew others to holiness by the profuse aromas of virtues, after the manner of a pious father devoutly fulfilling his office, atrociously rebuking sinners, not from a lust of avenging, but he procured to apply a salutary medicine to the wounds of sins; and as he presided over the people of Metz in dignity, so he was preeminent among them in sanctity: whom, ever provoking them with excellent examples, he humbly conversed with them. Showing them at last the depths of humility; not, however, the heights of his episcopal majesty, wholly deserting the scales of pride.

[13] Whence he professed himself a true humble man ^d: who, established on the summit of humility, modesty of mind, merited to obtain the knowledge of truth. But of the Dominations and Principalities he did not desire to be a companion; but rather of the number of humble boys, among the sublime, as a mellifluous despiser of himself, by no means greatly desiring to be exalted. Wherefore, reckoning in his mind all mundane powers as the threads of spiders, he spurned all the things which we love as beautiful and resplendent to the sight, and by contempt of himself. But in the riches and flowers of his ancestors, and the nobility of his own, and the beauty of the body, and the honors too which were bestowed on him by all, he did not exalt himself: but despising his own flesh, as ashes, and about to return into the earth and mortal; and looking around at those who before him shone with like things, by how much the loftier a height of honor he was renowned; by so much the more did he humble himself ^e.

ANNOTATA.

* Otherwise "sower."

CHAPTER III. He is aggregated to the assembly of the Cardinals. Summoned to the court of Avignon, he flashes with new increases of virtues day by day.

To the order of the Cardinals Moreover, because the humble Christ was wont to exalt the humble, and to confer on them the more powerful ensigns of dignities, whom He acknowledges more worthy, and a greater excellence of merits commends: the Lord Pope conformed his will to the will of Christ, of whom on earth he is the truthful vicar. And not ignorant of the Seraphic prudence, probity, and humility of this man, he aggregated the same to the fellowship of the sacred college of the lord Cardinals, by the counsel of the Brethren, the grace conferred on him from heaven. Whom he named Deacon of the sacred George at the golden Veil, and commonly "of Luxembourg," that the name might be consonant with the reality. Who furnished to the Burg, that is to this whole world, a light clearer than the stars; in whose election indeed the sincerity of devotion flourished, and, not advanced by the suffrage of friends, but by the judgment of God is he believed to have been promoted.

[15] he is enrolled. But because a lamp lighted could not lie hidden under a bushel; therefore God willed him to be exalted to the cardinalate, that is, on high, that by all Christ's faithful he might more easily be seen. Whom indeed He disposed to aggregate to the apostolic assembly among the hinges of the earth, upon which He set the globe, and to place him as the lamp of the world upon a candlestick among the Cardinals, who are as stars shining in the church of God: that all who are in the house of the Church he might illumine with the rays of his examples. On earth therefore by God and His vicar he worthily merited to be advanced on high, who strove more attentively to meditate on virtuous and likewise heavenly things. But who raised him to so great a summit of dignity, save God ^a?

[16] To the court of Avignon The Youth therefore, illustrated by the Holy Spirit, deliberation being first had with God and his friends, humbly crying out that he was less fit, on bended knees accepted the red hat of the cardinalate. Whence let the sacrosanct college of the lord Cardinals rejoice in God, seeing its immense fold augmented, and a fruitful sheep placed among its folds, and the blessed Church of God amplified by the offspring of a new progeny, by the merits of the new Cardinal Peter. Surely the sanctity of his life made him worthy of the election to the cardinalate. But when the Lord Pope had commanded him to come to the court: as a true son, he did not procrastinate the command of obedience: but prepared his ears for hearing, his tongue for the voice, his hands for the work, and his feet for the journey. And he wholly recollected himself within himself, hastening to the court, that he might perform the command of the one commanding, desiring to approach to the Vicar of Christ and His holy mother the Church; lest outside the ark in the time of the present deluge of many waters, namely of the tribulations of the Church, he should be found a fugitive soldier.

[17] Springing forth from his own far country, and from his kindred, summoned, having bidden farewell to his sister, he came into the land which the Vicar of Christ showed him, having first visited his most devout sister, the damsel Joanna ^b of Luxembourg, a virgin most dear to him: who was a dove without gall, innocent and immaculate, and wholly beautiful and comely with virtues and good examples. Who indeed to her most blessed Cardinal brother, whom she most tenderly loved, was a rod of direction, and a manna of sweetness. Who, enjoying together holy colloquies and illustrious spiritual consolations, most devoutly exhorted one another to keep virginity forever unspotted; to the love of God above all things, and to charity, innocence, humility, and the other resplendent virtues. Of which indeed the event of the matter afterward made faith. For the same blessed Cardinal kept virginity until his death; and his sister, worthy of all praise ^c, even in the secular habit kept it inviolate, as is proved by the testimony of those worthy of faith. And thus from the allurements of the world the virgin, chosen by Christ, went out unhurt; as he had been a stranger to the corruption of the flesh ^d.

[18] And when he entered the Roman court, and all awaited his arrival, thither he went. all who beheld the loveliness of his angelic countenance, and the honesty of his manners, his purity and innocence, and his resplendent humility; with sweet-sounding voice earnestly begged to be blessed by him. Who, humbly prostrating himself to kiss the feet of the Vicar of Christ, was wondrously received by the same, and remained in the court, from devout ever made more devout. In the same therefore a spectacle worthy of the greatest astonishment ought to be reckoned, that a youth so young and lovely abstained from the vices of luxury, and so fled the error of the perplexed way; whom the prosperity and honors of this world did not divert; and when he was in honor, he was not compared to the senseless beasts of burden, but rather desired to be made equal to the Angels; because he led an angelic life on earth rather than a human one; who in the midst of the mist, like a morning star, is known to have shone in the church.

[19] Who then could be made equal to this most glorious Cardinal? Who not only his country and friends, He shines with new virtues. but even the world itself he forsook by the virtue of his mind, and despised all these things by receiving Christ. Great was his house, and vast the place of his possession; nevertheless all things, and even himself, he affectionately forsook for Christ's sake. Deadly avarice and alluring money nowhere contaminated him: but, this being rooted out, he planted charity, being by no means avid for seeking benefices, nor allured by gains: but marked with the poverty of Christ; in whose treasury after death a single franc (which, as is believed, he was ignorant of) was found. But in himself he had no branch of any work, but that it proceeded from the root of that charity, and with the taste of charity he was so perfectly inebriated, that he grew cheerful at every labor, and laboring did not grow weary.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER IV. Blessed Peter's humility, fasts, other macerations of the body, vigils, zeal for prayer, love toward the Crucified, and His apparition, the gift of tears.

[20] The wondrous modesty of Blessed Peter, For he so subtly concealed his sanctity even from his nearer household, manfully fighting against the spirit of vainglory, that, the rigor of honesty being always preserved, under the decency of virtues and the apparatus of utensils, he accorded as far as possible with the manners of each of the Lords. And on this account it is likely believed that Christ in his life, at his prayers, performed many holy miracles, unknown to us. Nor was the red cape, with which he is commonly depicted in the churches, often put on because of pride, that, as is said, he might conceal his holiness ^a; because, kindled with the flame of charity and the love of God, like the bush he burned with the desire of divine love ^b.

[21] That most blessed Cardinal was of wondrous sanctity, illustrated with divine inspirations, fasts, other macerations of the body, bearing the type of penitents, in fasts too of bread and water, fearing his most tender flesh to bud in the sproutings of vices, he chastised it by the meditation of holy virtues and the love of sobriety, and reduced it wholly into servitude. For with so great a rigidity of austerity did he subject his body to his own spirit, that he could scarcely for the most part be sustained upon his feet, with tottering steps ^c. His blessed soul too was in a small mass of flesh oppressed: therefore it was so elevated to the heavenly things, that in heaven his whole conversation seemed to be. He often indeed wore for so long a knotted hair-cord against the ambushes of the flesh and the wantonness of the mind, tied to his flesh: that [*] blood sometimes flowed. But after his happy death and triumph, the cord was found under the mats ^d of his study, stained with his precious blood; and he was more adorned bound with the cord than crowned with a diadem, although the cord which he wore inflicted savage pains of body upon him.

[22] Something great and worthy of admiration concerning such a Youth again appeared, not common, with the loss of his health namely that with blows of rods, and also with the hardest scourges, with which for at least one hour, shut up alone in his aforesaid study, lest he be seen by anyone, he scourged his most celebrated body, and with other innumerable macerations, he was far more splendid than those shining with diadem and purple; who had so submitted his neck to the yoke of penance from youth, that he happily continued it up to his agony. Therefore he carried his soul in an earthen vessel, that is in a weak body: for although he was great in body, yet he was always pale in face, on account of the abstinences which he made. And thence, most often sick in the stomach, he was tormented with frequent straits, sparing nevertheless in bed, sparing in food, and sparing in sleep.

[23] Fearing therefore lest, in the tenderness of his infancy, and the loss of his strength. his delicate body should be too much weakened, the Lord Pope frequently admonished him to withdraw himself from the asperity of so great abstinence: and he humbly answered: Holy Father, I do no good, which groaning I confess. But would that I were worthy. And within the bowels of his heart he was saddened, that such things concerning himself were reported to the same Lord Pope. Shining finally with integrity of conscience, he assiduously offered to God an acceptable gift: for three times in the week in the most bitter afflictions of fasts he commonly fasted, namely on Wednesdays and Fridays, on account of the Lord's passion; and on Saturday on account of the commemoration of the glorious Virgin. In the fasts too ordained by the Church never failing: in the Advent of the Lord he sometimes fasted, sometimes by no means tasted flesh.

[24] For in various other tamings of his body, Frequent vigils, and manifold vigils and devout prayers ^e, he was assiduous and fervent. Whence he had so great a devotion in his prayer before the Crucified and the ensigns of the Cross, with most fervent love, that he merited in life to see with his own eyes Jesus Christ hanging on the Cross, love toward the Crucified, and the vision of Him, as is proved by the testimony of one worthy of faith (namely a Cardinal) ^f. It had been his custom from youth, that all the Crosses which, journeying, he found, he most devoutly adored, ever carrying the image of the Crucified in his heart: prostrate before the Cross, every day with the greatest ardor of love, as if he beheld his Lord hanging, he adored. For he desired to pray in hidden places, and in a singular oratory, which Christ illumined with various brightness. Moreover in the zeal of prayer he ever passed the night, and when he was weighed down with sleep, he prostrated himself on the ground [*], or upon the mats of his chamber; and most often in the morning he was found there by his chamberlains sleeping: where he could rather be tormented than cherished ^g.

[25] In the devotion of prayer too he was so diligent; the assiduity of prayer, that of food at the hour of refection, congruent to nature, he scarcely remembered; and before he went to table, he uttered with his own mouth a hundred Our Fathers, and a hundred Hail Marys; and when he was at table, feigning to take his portion, he could scarcely refrain from speaking of divine things, giving thanks to God, ever raising his blessed eyes. The psalmody indeed and the familiar prayers with so great affection, on bended knees, and with joined hands, sending forth frequent sighs, and often with head uncovered; in the winter time, often rising at midnight, together with the canonical hours of the glorious Virgin and the offices of the dead, he continually most devoutly offered to the Lord, so that, frequently rapt by this kind of sweetness, he was free from bodily food, and if for the colloquy of some, to whom, charity being preserved, he could not deny the things which he was wont to do or say in praying, he sometimes did not fulfill them at his set hours: he could indeed defer, but not omit, but in the silence of the night he restored all things with the utmost devotion.

[26] and the gift of tears Whence, as a faithful athlete of Christ, he often burst into flowing tears in his secret, or sometimes publicly, as often as he recalled the tribulation and hardship of holy mother Church, the most sweet bride of Christ, from the excessive sweetness of love; in whose defense he was not, as far as he could, a weak combatant [*]: for as he often showed outwardly; with a willing mind he would have wished to sustain martyrdom for the faith of Jesus Christ, and had made known in his mind that he destined his steps, and to inform himself in the fact of the schism ^h with the help of the doctors; and for reforming peace between the most illustrious Kings of France and England, which with devout heart he pursued, burning with the greatest grief over the war ⁱ, which had so long lasted between them. At length, the detestable schism which was in the Church ceasing, and peace being reformed between the aforesaid Kings, the most holy man Peter ^k had purposed to visit the most sacred sepulcher of the Lord Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, and the thresholds of the blessed Apostles. With how great affection therefore and how great desire, for Christ and for preserving the peace of mother Church, he desired to suffer martyrdom, though the sword of the persecutor did not take it away, yet he did not lose the palm of martyrdom ^l.

ANNOTATA.

* Otherwise "how long."

* he prostrated.

* Otherwise "antagonist."

CHAPTER V. Certain other chief ornaments of virtues in which Blessed Peter excelled.

[27] Who then would doubt that such, so notable a little youth, is holy, who did no sin, He is kept from mortal sin, at least mortal, nor was guile found in his mouth? Since he never felt the contagion of any mortal crime, as was proved by the faithful testimony of his confessors. And because venial sins cloud charity, he avoids the lighter faults, he himself, assiduously having the most bitter contrition for them, did not procrastinate to confess them. But also, as often as he could not have the opportunity of a priest, he wrote his defects on a certain paper; and, opportunity being taken, he confessed them, most humbly on bended knees, to his confessor, however poor a priest, sitting, and if his confessor sometimes refused to sit, with humility he said to him: It is the judge's part to sit, and my part, an excellent sinner, is before thee the judge of my soul, acting in the stead of God, to bend the knees; and when he often at night remembered that he had offended his Creator in something, rising hastily from his bed, he went secretly to the chamber of his Confessor, carrying a candle, that he might awaken him; and when he returned to his chapel where he confessed, that same Confessor of his wished to carry the aforesaid candle, which the humble Lord by no means suffered, the aforesaid reasons standing in the way ^a.

[28] And so every day he lamentably begged pardon of God for the fault committed, and expiates it. twice or thrice in the week regularly confessing his sins most devoutly with bitterness of heart and often with a fountain of tears. But commonly on the great festivities, and for the most part on Sundays, bursting into continual fountains of tears, with the greatest devotion he received the life-giving Sacrament of the Lord. Who, foretasting a spark of its sweetness, loathed all other sweetness. For a certain thing, and worthy of admiration, was judged in him, [that, existing in the midst of the noise of the world as the saints in the desert, so he] ^b conversed quietly, not indeed fed with locusts and wild honey; but content with a much viler diet. For, esteeming mundane things of little worth, by no means desiring to be fattened with delicious food, filling his blessed soul with glorious splendors inspired by God, he continually greatly desired the starry mansions, because here he had no secure abiding city.

[29] Mercy toward the poor, Therefore he placed his treasure in the precepts of the Most High. And he so put on the bowels of piety, that all things which he could conveniently have, he gave out to the poor. Whence it once happened, that, money failing which was to be given out to the poor according to his vow, he procured his own ring, which he wore on his blessed hands, to be most secretly sold in the exchanges of Avignon. From which he had ten florins, which within a few days he distributed to the poor: for his hand was not stretched out to receive, but rather to give. For as far as possible to all who came he gave out, with a glad mind and cheerful countenance, spiritual and temporal nourishment: and so much so that often to the needy passing through the streets ^c, he himself, lest he be seen by anyone, threw money secretly through the window for the hour. To ten poor in the name of Christ and the glorious Virgin, every day he ministered food: and with a willing mind he would have had more, if this had been permitted to him, who was not of his own right. To very many other bashful poor, however, and to women in childbed, and to daughters to be married, and to the poor of the hospitals, he continually gave out much money as far as possible, and whenever they came to him, with a glad mind he presented supplications of justice and likewise of grace to the Lord Pope for them, which he also took the greatest care to have expedited.

[30] The cardinal virtues, Finally it was consonant with reason that such a purple flower of youth should be raised to the summit of the cardinalate, who is proved to have had the four cardinal virtues. For prudence rendered him constant in things to be understood, temperance in things to be used, justice in things to be rendered, and fortitude in things to be undertaken. Whence indeed he is known to have been solidified with so great a virtue of constancy, and adorned from heaven with so great a gift of firmness, that through him the impiety of the unbelieving schismatics, repelled, wasted away; and he was of so great constancy indeed, that stones could more easily be softened, and iron turned into the softness of lead, than his mind could in any way be recalled from his holiness. hatred of detraction, But dishonorable words about anyone he abominated: for he held detractors in singular hatred; nowhere thinking that the sun shone in his conscience: but he always thought more sinisterly of himself than of any other: nor did the Servant of God speak scurrilous words; nay rather he would have suffered his tongue to be cut off, than to have knowingly lied in any speech; greatly desiring the ears of men rather to remain thirsting for his eloquence, than to be sated with his utterances.

[31] sparingness of words, O therefore how happy and lofty a Youth, who, cleaving to holy colloquies, could never be interpolated by any contagion; for he asserted without doubt that a big-speaking tongue, much talk and no fruit, was a monstrous thing; ever being manifold in deeds and few in words, and so his blessed tongue knew not save to weave discourse of divine things: whose single discourse was: Yea, yea; nay, nay. With a wondrous weight of discretion therefore he balanced his words. For, abounding in the cups of doctrine, with so great a balance of justice he rendered to each their own; that, speaking to great or small, he equally struck all with the javelins of truth, whose words were seasoned with the salt of discretion; and to those who flowed together to him, he answered so humbly and justly, that all departed from him spiritually consoled. With every virtue too, most powerful in meekness, he daily rose loftier and more ardent, and against the perils threatened him, he ever fought with new alacrity ^d.

[32] The javelins of temptations too, as long as he lived, patiently bearing, patience and fortitude, he by no means feared the perils of this life: nor did he blush at the mockers; whose life shone, not only with erudition and copious sanctity of life; but also with power against his hidden enemies by admirable strenuousness, a contemplator of the heavenly things, treading down the ambushes of all his adversaries. But with how great strenuousness, and avidity for martyrdom for Christ, compassion, piety, and sweetness, and with how great cleanness and purity in the present life he inwardly resplended, this those alone knew who had a singular acquaintance with him. For as some devout man with all affection bewails his own evils, so he wept over the evils of others. Therefore he reckoned sorrows in place of rewards; and the things which are to us a cause of sadness, these bore for him the greatest gladness. Therefore most often before those faithful to him (the benign disposition of Christ being reserved) he affirmed, that he would not wish all prosperous things to happen to him for life; as long as he led his life among men, alleging the authority of a decree, which he carried in his heart; namely, While the heart is pressed by tribulation, the fault is brought back to memory. For he had drunk from the river of paradise, whose drop is greater than the ocean. From which it was concluded that the thirst of this world was wholly extinct in him.

[33] But who would not call his soul golden or rather adamantine? contempt of the world, piety toward Mary, Since, walking on earth, he so bore himself in all things, as if he enjoyed the society of the Angels; and as if incorporeal, he despised bodily labors and perils; and as if already possessing heaven in mind, he wholly despised all earthly things, and, living with those incorporeal virtues, he watched with continual intention of mind: whose meditation the whole day was engaged in the law of the Lord. But coming near to death, desiring and with all longing panting to enter the gates of heaven without the obstacle of impediment, and to be by no means impeded in the paths of eternal salvation, he first began more efficaciously to entreat the clemency of the Savior, humbly and most devoutly recommending his soul to Him, and to the glorious Virgin, whom, having her assiduously before his eyes, he had ever held in the highest veneration. Whose image, as often as he saw it, he saluted with one Hail Mary. Wherefore a little gift he most devoutly offered to her every day at the ninth hour, of two hundred Hail Marys, with joined hands, on bended knees too, sending forth most limpid sighs; and therefore in his entrance, progress, and exit, he had her as a most efficacious helper.

[34] At length he merited to receive the saving resplendent host of the Lord, who had immolated himself as an inward host, on the altar of the cross of penance, penance. every single day, carrying about mortification in his heart and body. And the more he was grieved in a sufficiently prolonged infirmity: the more patiently he bore it, and the more rivers of patience he poured forth by bursting from himself. Humbly and devoutly he uttered flight of comforts. that Christ our Savior had sustained far graver sorrows for him. But the bodily delights of the world he by no means sought out, but even, being in the aforesaid infirmity, from which he flew to Christ, the delectable things which for the necessity of the body were ministered to him by the counsel of the physicians, he cast far from him. It happened however that at their persuasion he entered a certain bath, reluctant and unwilling ^e. Not however fleeing to the delights of the bath, but on account of the most singular necessity of that most pious body, whose bath-water indeed, the Holy Spirit procuring this, was sprinkled upon many for a remedy, and of the water together with the tub ^f, to his honor in the church of blessed Mary of Villeneuve near the bridge of Avignon it is salubriously preserved. But the same blessed Cardinal, overcoming the weakness of the body by the virtue of his mind, though detained by infirmity of body, often rose from his couch, to hear his Mass most devoutly ^g; with whom often [*] was present the Prince of light, walled about by a multitude of Angels ^h.

ANNOTATA.

* Otherwise "always."

CHAPTER VI. The pious death of the Blessed, the fragrance of his body, his burial.

[35] Near to death, The happy, I say, most devout Cardinal, about to pass from this world to God [*], desiring to be dissolved and to be with Christ, merited to obtain by apostolic authority a plenary absolution from penalty and fault at the article of death ^a: and since between his body and his soul there was a natural love, and sweet in the Lord, and a marvelous harmony; the body could scarcely be separated from the soul. Which hanging, he assiduously uttered the mellifluous and sweet words of the passion of Christ, using the same sense and discretion with which he had ever shone in his life; and among other things near his agony, to his brother the Lord Andrew ^b of Luxembourg, seeking his propitiation, he uttered most sweet documents of salvation, devoutly exhorting him to love God, His holy Mother, the holy Church, and the poor of Christ with sincere love, and to have recommended to him his soul, and their sister, still living, the aforesaid and most devout one.

[36] And because the physician knew that he was laboring in his last extremities; he admonishes his brother Andrew, he said to him: My Lord, remember God, and the glorious Virgin. To whom the youth humbly answered: My most dear brother, indeed of them with all the devotion of my mind I remember; since in them I have placed all my hope, as I am bound. Anointed with the sacred oil, he dies holily. Which said, and the sacred extreme unction being first given to him, invoking Christ, whose name had been so sweet to him in life, and which he had frequently named, with clear voice he sounded forth: Lord Jesus Christ, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And thus with these words laudably passing through the shipwreck of the pilgrimage of this world, ascending to the top of the mountains, laureled with crowns blooming with whiteness, with sweet-sounding hymns, completing near the eighteenth ^c year of his age, in the month of July on the second day at twilight in the year of the Lord one thousand three hundred and eighty-seven, his blessed soul was carried by the Angels into paradise. And St. Peter the Apostle, the eternal key-bearer, opened the gate of heaven to his little son Peter the most devout Cardinal, and in heaven, in the place of the Blessed with Christ, placed his blessed soul.

[37] But although his most holy body remained upon the earth for three days, The body fragrant, most poorly buried, and the heat of the summer's ardor pressed more vehemently, yet in his sacred body there was no odor of any dead corpse: but from it was fragrant as it were the odor of aromatics. After which odor the innocent boys walking through the streets all ran in troops. With divine praises therefore his glorious body, distinguished with heavenly pearls, by reason of the infusion of the graces of divers virtues, was dedicated to sacred burial; so that they seemed not the obsequies of the dead, but the watches of the Angels. But soon on the fifth day of the month of July, on which, with the poor according to his ordination, he was handed at Avignon to Ecclesiastical burial, he had chosen to be buried in a sarcophagus not precious, nor of stone, but in the ground among the poor of Christ, with a cloth, not of gold or silk, but of the most humble frieze ^d with a red cross.

[38] On the same day he began to flash with glorious miracles: he shines with miracles. so that whatever sick touched the ground under which he lay; immediately received the desired health: those who could not touch the ground on account of the crowd, from devotion were made whole before all, [and those who saw these things bear witness to the truth, as also is said in the apocalypse] ^e and because John ^f bears witness to the truth: and I know that his testimony is true.

ANNOTATA.

* Otherwise "Father."

THE OTHER LIFE BY THE AUTHOR HENRI ALBY, S. J., written in French, here rendered in Latin.

Peter of Luxembourg, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Bishop of Metz, at Avignon in Gaul (B.)

By HENRI ALBY.

CHAPTER I. Blessed Peter's birth, mercy toward the poor, studies begun and interrupted.

[The house of Luxembourg more illustrious by Blessed Peter than by the blood of his ancestors.] Blessed Peter of Luxembourg drew his origin from the most illustrious and most ancient family of the Princes of Luxembourg, which gave several Kings to Hungary and Bohemia, one Queen to France ^a, and four Emperors to the West; from which likewise our present King Louis, surnamed the Just, drew his birth, through the marriage of Francis of Vendôme, his great-great-great-grandfather, with Mary of Luxembourg ^b; which stock at last (such is the vicissitude of human affairs), no otherwise than a trunk which was now very aged, after it had long and happily overshadowed all Europe with its branches, failed in the male line in the year 1606, but in the female line remained surviving in six most illustrious princesses, as in so many noble shoots of that great tree; far more glorious in this, that it gave our Blessed to the world, and wove from its branches a crown for sanctity, than that it enriched with rulers the royal dignity in divers parts of the world.

[2] His birth and parents. And so from this illustrious and memorable race Blessed Peter was brought into light at Ligny, in the province of Bar, a town of the diocese of Toul, on the 20th of July, sacred to St. Margaret, in the year 1360 ^c, Gregory XI ^d administering the government of the Church, Charles IV of Luxembourg of the empire, and Charles V (who was surnamed the Wise) of France. His father was Guy of Luxembourg, count of Saint-Pol in Picardy, and of the aforesaid Ligny; but his mother Mathilde de Chastillon, sprung from the Counts of Champagne.

[3] This good mother had turned all her cares to this, that from his earliest age she might form her son to virtue, His mother snatched away prematurely, so much so that she wished him forbidden all milk except her own, fearing lest together with another's milk he should imbibe depraved affections. But her, bestowing her love on cultivating this youthful little flower, it seemed good to the secret providence of God to summon from this life, and to deprive the boyhood of little Peter of that sweet support. Scarcely at that time had he reached the third year of his age ^e, when his father, widowed of the wife dear to him, and seeing himself burdened with the charge of five ^f children, resolved to call his sister, the countess of Orgières ^g, to a share of his cares. He is committed to a kinswoman to be educated. Little Peter therefore, as one who was such as would stir up a greater expectation of himself than his other children, that he would one day turn out the ornament and splendor of the family, he hands into her hands, earnestly commending to her the whole tenor of his life and his instruction. This sweet province the Countess both undertook as willingly and gladly, as she fulfilled it in all its parts.

[4] After his Father had, after some time, summoned him with his teacher to himself, Peter's rare mercy toward the poor, he did not long lack the most desired fruit of a boyhood so well instructed; which a prodigy proved, which happened in his house, notable to the memory of posterity ^h. Our Blessed Peter had, together with his mother's milk, sucked mercy toward the poor. Nothing was so much among his delights, as to distribute bread to the beggars who besieged the gates of the castle. From the food removed from the table, his innocent and holy fraud lay in wait in the kitchen, in the pantry, and in any place where he thought he could take away something, which he might divide among them; so much so that, not bearing that a longer delay be imposed on the beggars, he took out from the bronze pot, set on the fire, the flesh destined for the dinner of the household.

[5] The Lord Count one day observed this defect; by more than one miracle, and another time, seeing that a partridge and the remains of a boar's head were missing from his table; from the servants, with whom he laid his complaints, he heard that the cause was the charity of his lord's son toward the poor; and when the household said to him that an account of the things which he took away should be exacted from him, that he had answered; that his Father knew this well. That speech carried the Lord Count into admiration, and, astonished, forced him to break forth into these words: Behold a marvelous almsgiver! who snatches the morsel from his father's mouth, to give to the poor. Moreover he orders him to be observed henceforth, and himself to be certified; for in such a fact he desired to catch him. A few days after our young almsgiver did not omit after his usual manner to survey the gate; and when he had found a frequent crowd of poor, soon he went with suspended step to the kitchen, certain to snatch whatever chance and opportunity offered to his hands. He sought and searched everywhere: and when nothing better had occurred, the better part of the flesh, which was in the pot, he drew out with a fork, and, nothing hesitating, hid it in the fold of his garment, which was of silver cloth, interwoven with golden threads. Made certain of the matter, the Lord Count runs up, and, meeting him at the gate, asks what he carried under his folded gown. The holy boy, seeing himself caught, wholly suffused with ingenuous shame, prepared an escape. But meditating a little with himself, he answered his father that which without doubt God inspired in him: Roses, said he, I carry to the poor. To whom the Father: Is it so indeed! Art thou then a little liar? And what is the chief thing, thou keepest saying that I know this well, and dost affirm it to my household?

[6] it is asserted to be proven. But the holy boy, casting to heaven an amiable and innocent gaze of his eyes, wholly calmly replied: I indeed, said he, said that my father knew that well, understanding this of another father, whom I have besides thee, who is our common Father, who is in heaven. This oration inwardly struck the Lord Count; whom, when a desire had come upon him to inspect what his son was hiding in his fold, unfolding his gown (O marvelous prodigy!) he found the flesh changed into beautiful roses, although it was winter, and the gown not stained even in the least part of it. It lacked little but that at the sight of so unexpected a miracle he stuck fast fixed with amazement; he takes the roses, and kisses them; and silently departing from his son, he carries them to his couch, to be thereafter in place of a treasure. But after a little, they were no longer found. Thenceforth he by no means doubted, but that God wished to promote this boy to great sanctity, and one day to place him in the heaven of His Church, as a lovely sun.

[7] He is sent to Paris for studies, Blessed Peter's life, even from the tenth year of his age, bore a most perfect image of all the lineaments of honesty and virtues; so that there was nothing in it which did not draw to itself the eyes and admiration of all. This was the cause that his Lord father ⁱ resolved to send him to Paris, namely the great theater of arts and sciences, to polish his genius with the liberal disciplines, which especially would conduce to illustrating the splendor of his excellent virtue and disposition. There therefore he is handed to be instructed to two men of great erudition and probity, by whose help he made no common progress in the humaner letters. Hence he made his step to the philosophical studies, which excellently sharpened his genius, and matured his judgment, so that he then joined his mind to the Canon law.

[8] And now, the space of his studies being almost happily run, which he interrupts on account of his brother's captivity, he had nearly arrived at the goal; when a double, and that a great, calamity intervened both to his studies and to his quiet, which would have been sufficient to cast down his holy spirits, unless his virtue, balanced with contrary weights, had furnished the force of equilibrium against these adverse chances, and rendered them tolerable. For first his Father, whom he both loved and honored intensely, met his death ^k, thus leaving him an orphan under the care and tutelage of his eldest brother, by name Valeran, who as firstborn bore the name both of the house of Luxembourg and of Count of Saint-Pol. The other calamity that next followed was, that that same brother, involved in various wars, which at that time raged especially between the French and the English, was captured by the English enemy, in peril of his head, if he could not supply the cost of the heavy ransom which was exacted for his liberation.

[9] But that adverse chance furnished matter and splendor to Blessed Peter's virtue, in whose place he offers himself as a hostage at Calais, who, feeling in his inmost bowels the peril to which his most beloved brother was exposed, having set out for Calais (for there his said brother was detained), offered himself as a hostage for him, that, released from captivity, he might more easily scrape together the sum of money which they demanded. And now nine ^l months had elapsed, before the sum of money was ready; dear to all on account of his virtues. in which interval of time Blessed Peter bound to himself the minds of all those foreigners by the rare allurements of his virtues, and especially by his singular modesty, by which, like a sacred and hidden adamant, he drew to himself the benevolence of those iron hearts; so much so that they did not detain him with that severity which is wont to be applied to captives, but granted him free egress wherever he pleased; relying on his virtue, sufficiently known to them.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER II. The renewal of his studies, the austerity of his life, the canonry of Paris, the archdeaconry of Dreux, his humility, the bishopric of Metz.

[10] The ransom being at last brought, Blessed Peter went out from Calais, to return to Paris, and Then returned to Paris, to complete the studies which he had interrupted, exulting with incredible gladness, that he had escaped all these tediums which had crept in during all that time in which he had interrupted his occupations. As soon as he returned, he renewed his holy fervors together with his studies; nay rather increased them, with the added increment of great and rigid afflictions, with which he might macerate his tender body, and reduce it into servitude, subjecting it to the rigor of scourges, hair-shirts, fasts, and all austerities of that kind, with which the Saints are wont to vex their body with a certain holy cruelty; in which exercises this young recruit in the school of divine love would have exceeded not a little the limits of holy moderation, had not a great servant of God, by name Philippe de Mézières ^a, given him a better mind, both by a prudent manner of acting and by sound counsels.

[11] immoderately rigid toward himself, he is restrained; He, having discharged the office of chancellor in the kingdom of Cyprus, and wearied of the noise and cares which accompany those who follow the courts of princes, and having embraced the institute of the solitary life, led a private and religious life under a secular habit in the monastery of the Celestine Fathers at Paris. That holy man therefore, especially versed in the science of the Saints, having conferred counsels with Blessed Peter, put a measure to the immoderate austerity with which the first ardors of divine charity urged him, and in a short time imbued him with the highest principles of the spiritual life. Wherefore the Count of Luxembourg, his brother german, fearing lest he should follow the institute either of a monastery or of some solitude, had nothing more at heart than to advance him with ecclesiastical benefices; of which, when a canonry in the cathedral church of the blessed Virgin at Paris had fallen vacant, he without delay provided him with the same. But Blessed Peter obeyed most willingly, reckoning himself affected with great honor, although the benefice seemed small, having regard to the splendor which the nobility of his birth had procured for him in the world, and to the goods which the house reserved for him in his inheritance. And indeed he esteemed the honor offered to him uniquely, because he was destined to the divine service, because he had a near access to the altars, and because such was the plan of his life, that he could execute the decrees of his will, most devoted to God.

[12] made a canon of the Blessed Virgin at Paris, he excels in humility. Which he proved by a certain action worthy of note, not without the admiration of the whole clergy. For when he who by office ought to carry the Cross in a public supplication had refused to bear it, overcome by a certain hidden pride; Blessed Peter, glowing with a generous desire of depressing himself before God and men, with singular testification of gladness took the sign of our redemption, and, as long as the supplication lasted, carried it about, bearing before him an angelic composition of body, with lowered eyes, his face irradiated with a chaste flame, which drew the eyes and admiration of all those who were not ignorant of the illustriousness of his birth, and the order of dignity due to his merits. And now the fair fame of his virtues had spread through all France even to Avignon, whither the schismatic Pope, called by the name of Clement VII, had betaken himself; while meanwhile Urban VI, the legitimate Pontiff of the Church, dwelt at Rome. But such was the perturbation of affairs, that the greater part of the Christian princes, and a great number of persons excelling in the holiness of their life and doctrine, at that time joined themselves to the party of Clement.

[13] This Pope therefore, after he had understood that Blessed Peter was adorned with such illustrious manners, He is made archdeacon of Dreux. and gave such proofs of sanctity, to make it plain how heartily he wished him well, while meanwhile he awaited an opportunity of conferring on him an ampler dignity, of his own motion promoted him to the archdeaconry of Dreux in Normandy. Which at length he undertook, and resolved to enter into its possession, after very many hangings-back, and a repeated command which he had received from the Pope. At that time he felt himself inflamed in his inmost bowels with a great desire of the most absolute perfection, by which an incredible force of love carried him away. He is tempted by the devil, When the enemy of virtue and sanctity, to be devoted to all curses, perceived this, after the manner of the serpent he insinuated himself into the pleasant vales of his heart, stroked, tickled, plucked, and kindled with his sulphurous breath, and moreover agitated him with innumerable vain desires, moved him with the allurements of pleasures, and perturbed him with dread and tumult. What more? By his execrable devices he brought the matter to this, that from the paradise of that beautiful soul he made a little purgatory.

[14] Nevertheless the strong and vigorous wrestling of the resisting mind, but with fruitless effort. which the stygian enemy found in the will of our Blessed, was the cause why he almost repented of his aggression. For, that he might overcome those temptations, and make the appetites of the senses obedient to reason, he took such severe penalties on his body, and, kindled with holy anger, so macerated it in many ways by long scourgings, assiduous fasts, vigils, hair-shirts, that at length he became master of peace and quiet, and from the sulphur of those torments drew out gold by far the most beautiful, and most rich in the number and abundance of merits.

[15] Among these things Pope Clement, uniquely desirous of joining him to his party, He is created bishop of Metz, resisting in vain. and of placing on a candlestick the lamp hidden under the bushel of humility, explored every occasion of raising him to some episcopal dignity. And when it so happened that the bishopric of Metz fell vacant, his slight age, which was only fifteen or sixteen years, did not hinder him from conferring its government on Peter. Fear therefore invaded our Blessed, judging himself too weak to bear so grave a burden, under which not only men who have ascended to the highest summit of perfection, but even the very virtues of the heavens would tremble. And moreover, from modesty of mind, he strove to flee those dignities and prelacies, and to reject them as generously as the ambitious seek them, and desperately pursue them. Nevertheless, when he saw himself compelled by the command of the King of France, he undertook that office, and departed to Metz, to make a beginning of possession, and to fulfill some part of his charge.

[16] Having entered Metz, and been received with the good wishes of all ^b, How illustriously he administered that office. that he might administer this sublime dignity more worthily and accurately, without delay he aspired with all his vows to a wholly Apostolic perfection, raising himself thither with the content flight of sacred fervor. For, having gathered some presbyters, who both in the cult of piety and in the number of years went before the others especially in the diocese, with great solicitude he began, together with his suffragan, to visit and survey it, everywhere scattering the seeds of piety, and rooting out the roots of vices. He acted earnestly, that nothing might be wanting to the adornment of the churches, nothing to the divine worship. He drew up a catalogue of those whom a graver poverty pressed; on whom he wished a third part of the episcopal revenues to be spent; a third part being reserved for other poor, and the third remaining for the sustenance of his household. And he wished this partition of the annual revenues to be exactly observed; commanding that not even one obol should be withdrawn hence, which should go to the advantage of his kinsmen.

[17] He severely represses an impure motion, On a certain day, while he was surveying the diocese, it happened that he felt some motion of the flesh ^c, arising from the agitation of the horse; which he immediately repressed with the most kindled javelins of divine love, and with other holy thoughts, with which as with a bridle he repressed the mouth of rebel lust. Nevertheless he doubted whether anything of harm thence adhered to him. Meanwhile, while he advances on his way, he approaches a wood; which gave occasion, his retinue being ordered to go before, of entering it, and he received his body with scourges so severely; that, to use the words of St. Francis, his ass remained wearied and languid with blows. Then, following his men with modest step, and being asked whether he had delayed them a while; they answered; that he had not stayed idle in the wood: which struck no small blush into him.

[18] he hates the least defects, The least defects he rigidly chastised, into which he sometimes perceived himself to have fallen more from fragility than from affection. For as to mortal sins, preserved from the deadly ones. God preserved him from them as long as he lived; as all the witnesses made faith, who after his death were heard concerning his manners and the life instituted by him. When he had resolved to confess his sins, he instituted a most exact examination of his defects, and, these being expiated with abundant weeping, he did not omit to punish his body with scourges; although for the most part he wore a hair-shirt, which tormented his wretched little body, together with a rude knotted girdle; woven from horse-hairs ^d, with which he so tightly bound himself, that it sometimes penetrated the flesh; and abundant blood thence flowed. In the short time in which our Blessed was engaged in his bishopric, in a plainly singular manner he procured for himself everywhere heavenly benevolence, the reverence and admiration of his subjects, the glory of sanctity, and celebrity.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER III. The cardinalate, the harshness of his life, the sweet-smelling odor of his body, mercy toward the poor, love toward the Crucified, and His double apparition.

Pope Clement, rejoicing in mind at a choice so worthy of the person, most heaped with virtues not painted but solid; He is created Cardinal. and desirous of adorning his court with his presence, summons Peter to Avignon. And after he had declared that there was no other cause of his summons than that he might rejoice in his presence, and aggregate him to the college of the purpled Fathers, with as great modesty as he could Peter supplicated him not to raise him to so great an honor, which he could as little hope for without merits, as possess without blushing. Nevertheless the Pope, leaving no place for his hanging-back, without delay, on the morrow amid the solemnities of the Masses, created him Cardinal Deacon, under the title of St. George at the golden Veil, before all the Cardinals, the Lords and Chief men of his court. And so, made a Cardinal, seeing himself compelled to follow the court, and therefore fearing lest he should be exposed to more perils, he prescribed a severe norm of living to his senses, and well armed them against the strongest and likewise the most alluring incitements of vanity and fleeting pleasure.

[20] For besides the common fasts of the Church which he observed on bread and water, Clement, about to moderate the harshness of his diet, he spent in fasts the Wednesdays in honor of the oblation by which the Son of God in the garden of olives delivered Himself to His enemies; the Fridays too in memory of His holy passion and death; and the Saturdays in honor of the Virgin Mary, and thither he for the most part directed the matter of his sacred meditations. In the rest of his diet he used incredible frugality, fearing, as he said, lest the heat of food and drink in so great a corruption of nature should procreate a certain little serpent of pleasure, which might gnaw the mind. Moreover the Pontiff, asked to put by his command a measure to the great austerities with which Blessed Peter attenuated his little body, and hastened it toward death: promised that he would do this. And so, summoned for this cause, as soon as he set foot in the Pontiff's chamber, his whole body appeared surrounded with a sweet light. This both the Pontiff himself, and the rest of the Prelates present observed.

[21] Then the Pontiff, having dismissed the Cardinal of Cambrai, with whom he was dealing, He admonishes Peter, radiant with heavenly light, took our Blessed by the hand, and calling him aside, from the rays of the light ^a shining around him, as it were with his sight somewhat dulled, stuck fast a while. But when that immense brightness, which had nearly alienated his senses, had vanished, he thus addressed him: It is true indeed, my Son, that ample matter of blessing God is supplied, when the examples of a well-mannered life are frequent in ecclesiastical men, and especially in those who are chosen to dignities and prelacies; by whose deeds the people conform their manners rather than by words. There is therefore wherefore I rejoice in mind at the choice of thy person, placing it on the candlestick of the Church, that thy virtues may shine to all the sons who are in His house. Nevertheless, just as it brings me the most heaped joy to behold thy virtues in person, which hitherto I had received only by report; so I should bear it most grievously and troublesomely, if thy fervor should harm at all thy health, most dear to me.

[22] that he temper the rigor of his life. Wherefore I beseech thee, that thou indulge thy body a little more, which, necessity so compelling, ought to subserve the functions of the soul, and mitigate somewhat the great austerities, which have now already weakened its strength, and exhausted its vigor. In which matter it is to be feared, lest thou not escape all harm before God, who, after by His providence He applied thee to the offices which thou possessest; imposed at the same time this duty, that thou live not so much for thyself, as to serve His people and the church. This oration much struck the good Cardinal, and affected him with grave blushing, because he saw himself and his things thus detected, so much so that trembling he scarcely uttered these few words: Holy Father, I do nothing at all of good in this world, nor am I sufficiently fitted for this. Which I reckon to my no small disgrace.

[23] The sweet-smelling odor of his body, These things said, he fell upon his knees, to ask that his Holiness would pray well for him. The Pontiff, an embrace being given, thereupon felt a fragrant ^b odor breathed from his body. But reckoning with himself that it was exhaled from his garments, or that, led by I know not what necessity, he carried perfumes about; he resolved to fish out the matter from one of the household, who both longest of all and most familiarly had served him. From whom he heard that for the twelve years in which he had served him, he had never used unguents; nay rather had forbidden all his household the use of them, adding that unguents serve to cover the stench of sins. There was a certain Cardinal, who, conferring discourse concerning our Blessed with the Pope, said; That he much wondered at his manner of living; but was astonished that he used unguents. And without delay his Holiness corrected him, and said that he was deceived: that he smelled not of exquisite unguents, but of the good odor of his holiness and of his good works. The whole matter the Cardinal also wished to learn from the report of his household.

[24] mercy toward the poor, It is true indeed, that all virtues shone forth in a marvelous manner in the life, deeds, and manners of our blessed Cardinal, no otherwise than in the opal ^c, as is in the proverb, the fire and color of all stones shine again. But before all there resplended to the eyes of all his beneficent will toward the poor. Nor did he satisfy merely the vow by which he had bound himself, of giving a third part of his revenues to the needy; but besides, when provision had been made for the necessity of his household, and for a very sober diet, he ordered the superfluous to be secretly divided among them. He spent, for their sake, small costs on his own clothing, content with a single one, which he wore until it was worn out. It happened not rarely, that no money was left for the household, because he gave out all to the poor. He who was over his money, taking it ill one day, because the beggars milked money from the household, began with great spirit to be in the office of human prudence and to insist that he should have the domestic matter especially at heart; that something more ought always to remain, wherewith to provide against occurring necessity. And this indeed Peter bore patiently, and said that nowhere was money more fruitfully laid up than in the treasury of heavenly parsimony.

[25] When he went out of the house, to all the poor profusely liberal, who besieged the gate, he ordered alms to be distributed; and when he had understood that some were repelled somewhat harshly, and without solace, he wished to make the largess with his own hand, which brought him wondrous pleasure. It happened from time to time, that, having watched for the occasion of a time in which the servants were occupied, and having feigned another person by a certain mean garment, he threw money to the poor from the highest windows of the house, fearing lest this should become known to anyone. Some poor, as he went through the city, asked him for alms for the love of God. That word pricked that tender soul, no otherwise than the emission of fire, and he sought soon what he might give them; but when he found nothing about him, he said to one of his attendants, that he should impart alms to these poor; who, not approving this manner of acting, answered somewhat stomachfully: There is nothing, my Lord, wherewith to prepare a dinner for thee.

[26] But the holy Cardinal with a placid and sedate mind, with the utmost neglect of himself; drew the ring from his finger, and gave in charge to one of the servants, that he should go to sell it, and bring him silver for it; for it sat fixed and immovable in his mind, to dismiss no poor from him empty. Then a certain other servant gave him two coins, which he distributed himself, ready to give his blood, if they had asked it. So profusely liberal was he in alms, that only twenty coins ^d were found remaining after death, as was proved by the testimonies of the household, together with the garment which he wore, now much worn. Besides these, the sum of his vows was, to depart from life after the manner of the poor, according to the example of his Savior, in the arms of the poverty dear to him. It is most certain that our Blessed drew and derived each of his solid virtues of soul from the example of our Savior. For, since he well knew that every virtue is wholly empty which is not marked on this side, and is of no value to glory, save insofar as it is united to the merit of the blood of the Son of God; again and again he turned over in his mind his Savior fixed to the cross. This was the sole scope of his love, and the frequent matter of colloquy, of which he treated most desirously.

[27] On a certain day, after he had, by a prolonged meditation, hidden himself most inwardly in the wounds of the Savior, he is refreshed by a double apparition of the Crucified. and had gone out from his lodging, to be present at the unbloody sacrifice in the church of St. Peter at Avignon, as he bore a mind still steeped in the allurements of a most kindled love, and walked through the streets, sighing to heaven, and with a groan more freely opening space to the sweet flames; behold for thee, a great light, and in the midst he contemplates Jesus Crucified; so much so that, wholly alienated from the use of his senses, and fixed in the sight of body and soul in the beloved contemplation of his heart, he remained voiceless nearly half an hour; until in this most lofty excess of mind, as if fainting, he had to be carried into the nearest house, which was, as is handed down to memory, the hospice of St. Anthony.

[28] Another prodigy. On a certain other occasion, when the Pontiff had urged him to run out for recreation to Châteauneuf-du-Pape (that was the name given to the place), where the Pontiff was building an edifice, saying that he wished to understand from Peter on which side the altar of the chapel could more conveniently be erected; Blessed Peter betook himself thither, to comply with the Pope's will. And when he walked around the castle, and was wholly carried away by meditating on the torments of his Savior, the same vision of Jesus Crucified offered itself to him; which matter forced him to fall upon his knees in that same place, which was plainly muddy, and there for more than a quarter of an hour he remained in ecstasy ^e with incredible greatness of love toward his beloved, at which time those who were of his retinue saw him shining with a most bright crown of rays. And this especially gave no small occasion of admiration, that after he had risen from that place wholly muddy, no stain of mud adhered to his garments.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER IV. He is seized with consumption, prepares himself for death, makes his testament, is anointed with the Holy Oil, orders himself to be beaten by his servants, and, the martyrdom of SS. Thecla and Agnes being read to him at his order, piously expires.

Peter's health despaired of, He was in his eighteenth year, and the tenth month from his election to the purple order was running, when Peter was seized with a slow fever, and the greatest failing of strength; which, if we believe the physicians, drew its origin from his great abstinence, vigils, and other macerations of the body, to which even from the eighth year of his age he had accustomed himself. He consulted four physicians of the first mark concerning his health; who judged that a change of air was necessary, and a dwelling for a time at Villeneuve across the Rhone. And indeed this happened very pleasingly to him, because he hatefully loathed the empty pomp of the court, and the immoderate offices of courtesy. But the change of climate profited little, the time of migration being now brought to its end. For five months he continued to languish there, the fever eating him up, and contriving his destruction little by little imperceptibly. Within which time he used a bath by the prescription of the physicians; whose water, after he had been washed in it, restored health to very many sick. On the feast day of St. John the Baptist, he felt the signs of failing nature; and thenceforth he began to despair of recovering his health; yet he was most far removed from all dejection of mind, which might bring even the least little stain upon his constancy and piety.

[30] The canonical office he did not omit to discharge each day; pious preparation for death, and if sometimes the ardors of the wasting fever retarded the volubility of his tongue, so that he could not pronounce the words, he ordered it to be read to him; while meanwhile, uttering no word with his mouth, he sent forth innumerable sobs, and as many affections of a loving soul, which two continual torrents of tears followed. On each of the last days of his illness, he was refreshed with the sacred Viaticum, in this manner foretasting the everlasting delights of paradise, to which with most intense avidity he panted. Twice in the day he reconciled himself, namely morning and evening; moistening with abundant weeping of tears that which remained of life, to wash away the least spots of his soul. Finally, feeling the last hour to be near, and that his bounds in heaven were now fixed, it pleased him to indulge himself a little leisure, to think of his friends, servants, and the burial of his body, the rest of his time being destined for divine thoughts and the migration of his soul.

[31] And so he made his testament, in which among other things he established, testament, extreme unction. that, if he ended his last day by death outside the court of the Pontiff, his body should be transported to Paris, to be buried in the cemetery of the Innocents among the poor: but if he departed from life near Avignon, he wished to be buried in the cemetery of St. Michael (the speech of the common people calls it the cemetery of the poor) where a church is now dedicated to his memory. Nay even he wished his body to be veiled with a single mean cloth (they call it frieze ^a) marked with a red Cross, and no more to be lighted at his burial than three candles in honor of the Holy Trinity, two at the head, one at the feet; and this business he gave to three Cardinals, that they should mandate his last will to execution. This matter accomplished, and his servants being endowed with as great a gift as he could, he sought the Sacrament of extreme unction, which he received with the inmost sense of piety, to fortify himself for the supreme wrestling of death, which his constancy seemed to challenge, not without the admiration of those who had come to prepare him for it.

[32] After these things, just as a little chick is seen to strive earnestly to do all things to break through the shell, He pants for heaven, that it may come into the light, and rejoice in the open air; so this holy soul seemed by its sighs to hasten its egress from the body, and with all effort to raise itself on high, leaning on the wings of its love toward heaven. Alas for me, he said, who delays me! How gloomy to me seem the moments of this wretched life, how long, how intolerable! O would that! O would that! O when? Ah! shall I soon be made master of my vows? When at last shall I be loosed from the bonds of this wretched captivity? Meanwhile the thought fell upon him, that he was held by some duty toward his household; which was the cause that, all external persons being dismissed, and all the gates of the house ordered to be shut, he called together all the household at once into his chamber, whom he asked one by one, whether they acquiesced in the small compensation which he had made them; and when all gratefully signified that he had most abundantly satisfied them; he said that they had another Lord, who would compensate the service rendered to him for the love of Him with the reward of immortality.

[33] and pardon being asked of his household, Moreover he begged all, that before he breathed out his soul, they would assent to one petition which he was about to propose; which was both easy to do, and contained in two heads. First he said, that he besought them all, that, as they had loved him with singular affection in God and for God, so they should love one another sincerely, and succor one another's necessity. The second he would not declare, until they had given a sure pledge in words, that his purpose would not be frustrated. After they had all answered with equal alacrity and affection, that they would faithfully obey his commands; then, sweetly, both his voice and hands being raised to heaven, for some time he stuck silent; then he addresses them in this discourse: My beloved brethren, I bear a heart affected with the inmost grief, on account of the grave defect which I have committed against you all, to whom I so often wished humility persuaded, when I myself lacked it; since I and you, formed of the same clay, redeemed at the same price, destined to the same glory, whereas I should have acknowledged you my brethren, have held you my servants, hurting the charity which I owed you, and the humility which bade me rather serve you in imitation of my Savior, who had left me an example.

[34] he orders himself to be beaten. Moreover, I do not doubt but that my inordinate manner of acting was often a stumbling-block to you, and perhaps gave occasion of offending the goodness of my God. Wherefore I uniquely desire now at once to satisfy you, supplicating with joined hands, that you give me pardon. And turning to Lord Clacquin, who had discharged the office of his teacher at Paris; Lift, he said, this mat, my Lord, and take the girdle which you will find there; and one after another beat me, and scourge your servant, while I meanwhile confess these my sins to God, that He may forgive me them. This speech struck the greatest astonishment into them. Lord Clacquin wished to oppose himself, but he did not give him place for speaking, saying: You have pledged me your faith, and I beseech you, and obtest you again. What? will you refuse me this mercy, and spare me with a cruel indulgence! Not so, only beat me, you will beat nothing but a dead body. Which matter impelled him to take the girdle, which is preserved to this day in the convent of the Celestines of Avignon; and it being doubled, they began each in his turn to beat him ^b, their cheeks wet with weeping, while meanwhile he himself recited the Confiteor. And Lord Clacquin imparted the absolution sought.

[35] the kiss of peace being given, After which with raised voice he said: O my God, I give thanks for the great sweetness with which thou affectest me, when thou reconcilest me with my brethren, whom hitherto I have known otherwise than I ought. All likewise he begged, that they would give him the kiss of peace; which they gave, none excepted. That action and prodigy of humility, with which the Blessed wished to conclude the rest of the miracles of his life, as with a golden seal, so struck the minds of the household, that they seemed to flow away in tears in his chamber. Lord Clacquin begged him that he would pray well for all who were present. Which he also did, and prayed for all charity, peace, and the holy graces of heaven. And without delay, the arbiter of his conscience approached; of whom he asked, that he would not desert him thereafter; for his hour was near at hand. And indeed not much time flowed between, when he was seized with a deep drowsiness, which persuaded him a continual sleep, and was to bring him to his last extremities.

[36] After the same moderator of his conscience had said to him, [having exhorted his brother to virtue, he sends the ascetic little work to his sister;] that he ought no longer to sleep, but rather to watch, and prepare himself to meet the heavenly Bridegroom; then that Blessed one, as if roused from a deep sleep: Let us go, he said, is it time? The confessor answered, that it would be shortly. Ah, he said, good Jesus, when will it be? When wilt thou show me the beauty of thy countenance? O light of my life, when shall I contemplate thee? And turning his face, he perceived his brother Andrew, who was afterward bishop of Cambrai, to be present, whom he exhorted to virtue and probity with apt words, which drove deep roots in his soul, and excited the chaste little fires of sanctity, on which through the rest of the course of his life he applied himself diligently, proving himself the brother german of Blessed Peter in manners and virtue, such as he was in birth and blood. His sister too, dear to him, by name Joanna, he commended, beseeching that he would take care to carry to her the little treatise of the spiritual way ^c, which he had composed and written with his own hand for her sake. And he gave his brother a last embrace; who, as also all the bystanders, abundantly indulged in tears. Immediately recollecting himself inwardly, Peter began to deliver the remaining little part of his life to be consumed by the flames of divine love; anticipating the approach of death with the most ardent javelins of divine love, which with strained forces drew this blessed spirit from the body. He was heard to sigh sweetly and piously, and to send forth most burning desires in great number, however with tacit voice, of joining himself as soon as possible and without delay to his God, these words being repeated again and again: O would that! O would that! I thirst. At length, when he seemed no longer to give any signs of breathing, the confessor exhorted him to recall the assiduous memory of his Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

[37] Which expressed from him these words, heard by all. the martyrdom of SS. Thecla and Agnes being read, he dies. Could it be, that now forgetfulness of so good a Lord, and of so good a Mother, should seize me? Then he ordered the martyrdom of St. Thecla and St. Agnes to be read to him ^d; and when the end had now been reached, his eyes lifted to heaven, holding the effigy of Christ fixed to the Cross, he said: Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit; which words certain sweet groans, flowing with delights, followed; then he closed his eyes, and his beautiful soul, deserting the world, flew away to the blessed halls of immortality, and the face of the body remained serene, smiling, and shining in a wondrous manner. His blessed passing happened on the second day of July at the first dawn of the year 1387, in his completed 18th year, if you except eighteen days.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER V. The concourse to the body, innumerable miracles.

The corpse odoriferous and beautiful, The Pontiff, having heard of his death, could not restrain himself from weeping, and saying; That blessed soul will appease the heavenly wrath, and by its intervention restore peace to the Church; one must follow it. Nor was he loath to cross the Rhone, and to visit the Blessed's body, the consecrated casket of that beautiful soul; concerning which fame spread such marvelous things. He saw, and sprinkled it with holy water; and when he felt a sweet and precious odor, above all unguents, exhaled, and beheld the loveliness, and the image of felicity expressed in that countenance, he protested that God is wonderful in His Saints, elevating their death to the reward of glory; that this was the cause, that death is not to be held among evils, but to be desired. But behold for thee a marvelous event, which happened. The Pope fixed his gaze on the body, astonished at the glory and felicity of the deceased; he began little by little imperceptibly to open his eyes ^a, and, as it seemed, to nod to the Pontiff. The Pontiff, who felt himself moved in his inmost bowels by that sight, and struck with great fear, would not that day resume the crossing of the Rhone, but betook himself to the Carthusians of Villeneuve, where he spent a whole night in prayers, that it might please God to avert the tempest impending over the Church, mindful of those things which a little before his death our Blessed had communicated with him.

[39] On the following day he ordered this venerable body to be translated to Avignon, translated to Avignon; it heals diseases, whither by the will of the deceased it was destined, and awaited with a certain special religion of all the citizens. So great was the concourse, that only after two days could it arrive at the appointed place. At the entrance of the city it was placed in the chapel of the hospice of the bridge of the Rhone, at whose feet came all the poor to prostrate themselves, who were there afflicted with ill health, and there was none who did not receive health. Which matter so kindled the piety of the common people, that when it was determined to proceed to the cemetery of St. Michael, which is the cemetery of the poor, so frequent a multitude of men flowed to the body, especially of the sick laboring with various kinds of diseases, who by the touch of the sacred body obtained the most manifest benefit of health, so much so that the burial had to be deferred to another time, and the body to be placed in a house, which was not far from the cemetery of St. Michael, well fortified with a guard, with this purpose, that they might forestall the people, and bury it at first light, fearing lest it should stir up tumults, of which it seemed to give no obscure preludes. But it was not easy to anticipate the fervor of the common people; all night the sick were carried to the cemetery, so much so that on the morrow force had to be applied, to make a place for the crowd, and open a passage for the body up to the chapel of St. Michael, where some Cardinal made a vow at the altar. As the light advanced, the common people flowed together more frequently from every side.

[40] A certain rich merchant, who labored with gout, the concourse, the crowds, the seizure of relics an approach being opened by the labor of several servants, that he might reach the body, and at the first touch wholly freed from his ailment, filled all that people with a holy tumult, which would then and there have all but overthrown the walls of the chapel, that it might both see and touch this body conveniently. The Pontiff, aware of all these things, gave in charge to the supreme prefect of his infantry, that he should send thither as many armed soldiers as should be enough to remove the people, until the sacred body were laid in the tomb. The funeral office being discharged, the people despoiled the servants, who carried back the mean cloth or frieze with which the sacred body had been covered, and the cushions, and tore these into a thousand pieces. The wooden coffer, in which the Blessed had been carried, was broken into parts, that its own might go to each. The holy relics of the blessed Cardinal being withdrawn from the sight of the people, and committed to the earth, that immoderate fervor was thought about to abate somewhat; but God, to whom are dear the bones and ashes of His humble servants, and who laughs at the proud mausolea which enclose in jasper and porphyry the bodies whose souls are buried in the lowest pit of the stygian marsh; willed to illustrate the sepulcher which His servant had, out of humility, chosen among the poor. And neither the intense heats, nor hunger, nor thirst, nor the nocturnal time, nor arms, nor threats, nor blows could persuade the people to withdraw. Very many sick, who lay near his sepulcher under the open sky, returned whole.

[41] A husbandman, who, impelled by religion, had taken as much of the earth and of the sepulchral earth, which covered the body, as he could hold in his fist, immediately all the common people (as is wont to happen in similar cases) followed. Each vyingly loads himself with gathered zeal, and casts himself thither, to have some part in the spoil, so much so that in a short time the sacred body was uncovered. The captain, who had his station in the cemetery together with fifty soldiers, to hinder the tumult, not being able to repress the onset of the people, and fearing lest at length they should divide the sacred body, ran at full speed to the kinsmen of the deceased, to ask help. Accordingly one minister of the court, they call him the auditor, had to hasten thither, while by the interposition of his authority the body was again covered, and an iron grate wrapped around the sepulcher. But this increased the sacred veneration of the people, whose concourse, not only from the city, but also from all the surrounding places, cannot be sufficiently estimated according to its merit; besides these there followed an infinite number of miracles and prodigious healings, and of diseases of every kind.

[42] Of which matter faith is made by the great tablets, which are preserved in the treasury of the Celestines of Avignon, innumerable miracles. distributed into three large volumes, authentically consigned, and collected by apostolic authority for the Canonization of our Blessed. In which, a reckoning being made, two thousand four hundred and seventy-six miracles are found; and among others, forty-two dead recalled to life; and that in the first two years after his death, namely 1388 and 1389, no mention being made of the other six tablets, which contain above three thousand miracles ^b, performed after the two years already mentioned, not counting those which have since been done, and are done daily; whose number extends itself to a certain infinity. The immense veneration of the people of Avignon toward the relics of Blessed Peter had grown cold in the lapse of time and diminished. But behold a miracle plainly singular, and to be placed in the chief place among all the rest which are read in the lives of the Saints, performed in the year 1432, added a great increase to it again, and was the cause that his feast day began to be celebrated with yearly cult.

[43] A certain youth, ten or twelve years old, growing lukewarm by lapse of time together with his companions had climbed the highest tower of the palace of Avignon, called Trouillas (which, raised above a cliff, exceeds a height of a hundred cubits), to plunder there a bird's nest. He, as he wished to reach the nest, his footing failing, and no support being found, fell down, striking against a great channel projecting from the wall; which by a full throw carried him onto the cliff, where he broke and crushed all his members. To this pitiable spectacle a great multitude of people flowed together. The unfortunate father of the boy, made certain of the whole matter, immediately fell upon his knees; and his hands and voice raised to heaven, full of commiseration, and suffused with tears, cried out: My Lord, St. Peter of Luxembourg, bring me help. Then he took to his feet, and, raised by a marvelous trust, which he promised himself from the Blessed invoked by him, took a sack (for he rightly presaged the wretched condition of his son, considering the fall from so lofty a place), then went straight to the said place; when he arrived there, he could by no means recognize his offspring, unless the color of the garments had been an indication. Moreover scarcely any of his members held together or were whole; nay rather the brain of his head, dispersed as it were in little clots, adhered to the cliff. Nevertheless he had enough of spirit to gather the dispersed limbs of the body, and to heap all the fragments of the broken head into the sack, although he could not do this without many tears and pitiable sobs. Afterward, placing this doleful burden on his shoulders, which weighed more heavily than if he had carried the whole of that lofty tower from which his son had fallen, he made for the Blessed's church, thronged by an innumerable multitude of people. For it was moved by the lamentable cries with which he invoked the Saint's help.

[44] The cult of the Blessed is restored, And now he had with much difficulty arrived at the tomb; when he stretched his burden over it, wrapped in the sack; and turning his face to the people, with joined hands, bare head, and cheeks suffused with weeping, by the sweet name of charity, common to all Christians, he obtested all, that each for his own part should earnestly plead the cause of the son before God. Meanwhile all the Celestine religious came, made certain of the things which were happening, singing the antiphon composed in honor of the Saint, and gave themselves to prayers, until the hoped-for success of the patronage was obtained. When all were in the greatest expectation, behold some unexpected sound is heard, which lasted more than a quarter of an hour, and excited at once the attention and the hope of the people.

[45] To those whose mind was more capacious of spiritual things, and confirmed it was persuaded that angels were heard, laboring at the conformation of the boy's members to be restored. However the matter was, at the end of that noisy sound, one could see the boy move in the sack, gesticulate with his feet and arms, and put out his head, and cry with raised voice: Stephen, Stephen, I cannot catch the bird; thinking that he was still engaged in the tower, and calling his companion, by name Stephen. But seeing himself surrounded by so great a frequency of people, then he himself stuck astonished, and the father especially, and the whole people, who, carried away at once with gladness and admiration, cried out: A miracle, a miracle! Without delay, the father took his son in his arms, and, to provide best for himself, lest, which he feared, he should suffer some oppression of the people, he exposed him to be beheld by the eyes of all upon the great altar. Nor did the people acquiesce in this, but wished to inspect whether any indication of fracture remained in the body, especially in the head, which had been wholly crushed; so much so that it was necessary to present him conspicuous with his limbs bared, and no trace of fracture or contusion appeared.

[46] A prodigy indeed scarcely ever seen or heard, a solemn feast being proclaimed yearly. which moved all this people to give thanks to God, who is wonderful in His Saints. Hence it was that the whole city of Avignon in a general congregation willed it ratified and fixed, that in perpetual memory of the miracle, and in honor of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, his feast day should be celebrated with anniversary cult on the fifth of July, the workshops being closed. Which in succeeding times is observed with inviolable tenor, festive fires being erected through all the streets of the city, and other not obscure proofs of public gladness being exhibited.

ANNOTATA.

TO THE PROCESS On the Life and Miracles of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, formed two years and a half after the Blessed's death;

Peter of Luxembourg, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Bishop of Metz, at Avignon in Gaul (B.)

FROM THE AVIGNON MANUSCRIPTS.

PREAMBLE I. The names, country, age, condition of the Witnesses; the places and times of the examinations.

[1] About to produce this juridical process on the life and miracles of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, I have no need to preface many things. The value of this process, Whatever could pertain to the congruent instruction of the reader, and to a fuller though rough knowledge and understanding both of the things deposed and of the deponents, I think I have, unless my opinion deceives me, sufficiently treated and unfolded in the preliminary commentary. It is determined to pursue the order, division, and treatment there intimated. But by what cause led I do this, I have given there in a few words; which it would be superfluous here to repeat. I should wish one warning added to what was said there, that by the letter "d," in the course of the process, is designated the participle "dictus" (said); by "dd," "dicti" (of the said); but by the capital letter "D," "Dominus" (Lord); and by the letter "C," "Cardinalis" (Cardinal); which three recur again and again there.

[2] it is established from the preliminary commentary. The things which I there alleged for confirming the value and price of this most esteemed and most rich monument, it concerns both the reader and the matter to be read to remember again and again, that, among all the others transmitted to us in so great a number, this above all, in my judgment at least, holds the palm, and that there can be nothing more efficacious for making historical faith than that which, juridically begun, continued, completed by public authority, is strengthened by the most exquisite testimony of so many witnesses, both concerning the Blessed's life and manners, and concerning the miracles, greater than all exception, and sworn upon the holy Gospels of God, with the sole regard of bringing forth the truth; particular love, grace, and favor being excluded; as will really appear at greater length from the condition, age, and other adjuncts of the witnesses, places, and times, which I here subjoin. Let it therefore come forth.

[3] Witness I. The Reverend in Christ Father Lord Andrew of Luxembourg, bishop-elect of Cambrai. He was examined at Avignon, in the lodging near the cemetery of St. Michael, in which dwell the guardians of the offerings brought to the sepulcher of the Lord Peter the Cardinal. In the year from the nativity of the Lord 1390, on the 18th day of January, in the 13th Indiction, in the twelfth year of Clement. He was in examination for five days in the morning.

[4] Witness II. Lord Guy de Maseriis, in Tarnusium, of the diocese of Thérouanne, licentiate in decrees, Canon of the churches of Châlons and Thérouanne, 44 years old, a continual member of the household of Blessed Peter, his table-companion and chamberlain, both at Paris, in Lorraine and Picardy, and at Avignon. Likewise a continual table-companion for two years or thereabouts, before he was elected of Metz. Examined on Tuesday, which was the 25th of the said month of January. This witness was in examination four days in the morning.

[5] Witness III. The noble man Lord John, a knight, Lord of the said place [*], of the diocese of Amiens, 31 years old or thereabouts. He was examined in the Apostolic palace, namely in the parament chamber of our Lord the Pope, on Friday, which was the 27th of January.

[6] Witness IV. Lord Hugh Blanchet, licentiate in both laws, Canon of Paris, secretary of the king of France, born of the city of Paris, 38 years old or thereabouts, was conversant for about two years with Blessed Peter, especially in the church of Paris. He was examined on the same Friday the 27th of January, in the aforesaid parament chamber.

[7] Witness V. John de Fustim, otherwise Sauter, a damsel squire, of the diocese of Tournai, chamberlain of the lodging of Lord Peter of Navarre, 40 years old or thereabouts. He was examined on the same Friday, and in the aforesaid Parament chamber.

[8] Witness VI. The noble man Lord Charles de Angest, of the diocese of Amiens, seneschal of Beaucaire [*], near Avignon, of the diocese of Arles, 37 years old, or thereabouts. Examined on the same day and place as the immediately preceding witness.

[9] Witness VII. The magnificent and powerful prince and Lord, the Lord Louis Duke of Bourbon, 55 years old or thereabouts. Kinsman of Blessed Peter. He was examined on Saturday, which was the 29th of the said month of January, in the Apostolic palace.

[10] Witness VIII. The magnificent and powerful man Lord Enguerrand, Lord of Coucy, count of Soissons, 50 years old or thereabouts. He was examined on the same day as the immediately preceding witness.

[11] Witness IX. Master Giles of Orleans, master in Theology, of the Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine, of the convent of Avignon, 47 years old, or thereabouts … who was his confessor from the time when the Lord Peter himself came to the Roman court, and from the first month in which he came. He was examined on Thursday, which was the third of the following month of February in the morning, for four days.

[12] Witness X. Giles Dorel, a presbyter, parochial rector of the church of Mont-Cornet, of the diocese of Laon, born of Mévicourt, of the diocese of Noyon, 30 years old or thereabouts, member of the household and chaplain of the Lord Peter of Luxembourg the Cardinal of revered memory. Who served the Lord Peter the Cardinal for two years and eight months at Paris, in Lorraine, and here in the court at Avignon. He was examined on Saturday the 12th of the aforesaid February.

[13] Witness XI. Lord Nicholas Clacquin, canon of Cambrai, member of the household of the Lord Peter of Luxembourg of revered memory, almoner of the Lady Mathilde the countess, and of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, for the space of 7 years or thereabouts. He was examined on Thursday, which was the 24th of the said month of February … He was in examination in the morning, for five days.

[14] Witness XII. Peter Dallovargue, prebendary canon of the church of St. Peter of Lille, of the diocese of Tournai, 40 years old or thereabouts, and formerly secretary of the Lord Peter of Luxembourg of revered memory. He was examined on Saturday, the 5th of March, of the same year.

[15] Witness XIII. Master John de Marchia, doctor of decrees and licentiate in laws, penitentiary of the church of Paris, and Canon of Reims, formerly auditor and continual table-companion of the Lord Peter of Luxembourg the Cardinal of illustrious memory, 60 years old or thereabouts … He was in examination for five days in the morning.

[16] Witness XIV. Master Peter … de Tegula, penitentiary of our Lord the Pope, of the Order of Friars Minor of the convent of Avignon, 70 years old or thereabouts, confessor of the Lord Peter of Luxembourg of revered memory. Examined on the 26th of the month of May, which was Thursday.

[17] Witness XV. Lord Louis of Anduze, a knight, Lord of la Voulte, 50 years old or thereabouts. He was examined on Thursday, which was the 28th of the following month of June.

[18] Witness XVI. Lord Tarbardus, preceptor of Geneva, a knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, 33 years old or thereabouts. He was examined on the day above just entitled.

[19] Witness XVII. Brother P. de Montenici, Prior of the Carthusian house of Asti, a presbyter, 50 years old or thereabouts. He was examined on Saturday, which was the second of the month of July, in the year, indiction, and pontificate as above.

[20] Witness XVIII. Master Blaise de Fortino, a physician, 48 years old or thereabouts. He was examined on Monday, which was the 4th of the said month of July.

[21] Since I have dispatched in a few words the things which pertain to the witnesses, their condition, dignity, and age; let the reader remember that they will henceforth be cited by me only by the mere numbers prefixed to each of them above; by which indication the reader will easily be able of his own accord to come to the knowledge of who and of what sort is he who in the process answers to the questions. Now let us proceed a little more nearly to the process itself.

* the place is not expressed.

* Beaucaire.

PREAMBLE II. The beginning of the Process, instituted at Avignon on the 18th of January, in the year from the Virgin's childbearing 1390. The oration of the Bishop of Viviers is premised.

[22] A fitting foundation being laid for making faith through the witnesses produced, The orator intends to prove, upon which as a basis the whole machine of this process, however great it is, must henceforth be built, I have not thought it would be alien from my design, if I did not neglect the oration premised to it, which may have the place of an entrance or threshold, through which little by little imperceptibly one may further approach to the very inner recesses of the process. And so William, the most illustrious bishop of Viviers, procurator and solicitor of this business, held the following oration to the most eminent lord Cardinal commissioners, gathered for this.

[23] To the end and effect, that you, most reverend Fathers, Lords, that Blessed Peter, Peter Bishop of Sabina, Amelius Cardinal-priest of St. Eusebius, and William deacon of St. Angelo, Cardinals of the holy Roman Church, commissioners, specially deputed, concerning the information to be made, of the life, conversation, and miracles, and the other circumstances of the life, conversation, and miracles, with which the divine clemency glorified, and ceases not to glorify, the Lord Peter of Luxembourg of revered, holy, and illustrious memory, Cardinal Deacon of St. George at the golden Veil, by the most holy in Christ father, our father and Lord, the Lord Clement, by divine providence the present seventh Pope, may be more fully informed concerning the life, conversation, and miracles to be told and written below.

[24] That, the Lord granting, the things to be proved being proved, you may be able to make a truthful relation of the things to be told below, to the glory, blessing, and honor of the omnipotent Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, and of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of His most glorious Mother Mary ever Virgin, and of the whole heavenly court, and of the holy Roman and universal Church, and to the exaltation of the whole faith, and its union, and the increase of devotion; and for the petitioning, prosecuting, and obtaining of the canonization of the said Lord Peter, of revered, illustrious, and holy memory.

[25] That the Lord Peter himself may be enrolled in the catalogue of the Saints, At the prayers of various persons, and be venerated and solemnized as a Saint throughout all the churches of the world, and to all the other ends to which it shall below be concluded, and as is wont to be done in such matters, even as, on behalf of the most illustrious Prince the Lord Charles, King of the French, and of the venerable and discreet men the Dean and Chapter of the church of Paris, and also of the Rector and university of the masters and scholars studying in the venerable university at Paris, and of very many other Christ's faithful, adhering to them in this part, it has been supplicated, let it be proceeded and arrived at:

[26] William, by divine mercy bishop of Viviers, to be enrolled in the number of the heavenly ones. procurator, solicitor, and prosecutor, specially deputed for the above and below-written matters by our Lord the Pope, gives, makes, and exhibits the positions and articles below-written, and the things contained and described in them narratively, gives dispositively, jointly and severally, and of each, which he offers himself, as much as the quality of the business requires and demands, legitimately to prove and not otherwise nor beyond.

THE PROCESS [On the Life and Miracles of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, formed two years and a half after the Blessed's death]

Peter of Luxembourg, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Bishop of Metz, at Avignon in Gaul (B.)

BHL Number: 0000

FROM THE Avignon MANUSCRIPTS.

PART ONE. Which is on the life, manners, and virtues of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg.

CHAPTER I. The most illustrious parents of the Blessed, conspicuous in birth and virtues.

[27] Although the proverb, worn with antiquity, "birth and ancestors, and the things which we ourselves have not done, scarcely reckons those our own"; A little preface, yet it will help to contemplate our Blessed, as a most elegant little flower, more attentively in his root, and not to pass over here also those things which, pertaining to his parents, are found in the process. There goes before the depositions of the witnesses the following preamble, which may be as it were the foundation or basis, upon which the force of all the depositions to follow below, superstructed, may find greater faith, resting on such solid supports of credibility. Thus therefore it sounds.

In the name of the Lord. Amen. There follow the attestations or depositions of the witnesses produced upon the birth, premised to the process, life, manners, conversation, and merits of the Lord Peter of Luxembourg of revered memory, Cardinal Deacon of St. George at the golden Veil. Which witnesses indeed, sworn to tell the truth, were received by the Reverend in Christ Fathers the Lords John, by the grace of God bishop of Glandèves [], Gerald of Apt, and Raymund of Lectoure, deputed upon this by the most reverend in Christ Fathers, the Lords Peter Bishop of Sabina, Amelius priest of the title of St. Eusebius, and William deacon of St. Angelo, Cardinals of the holy Roman Church, commissioners, deputed upon this by the Apostolic See, as is fully [] established concerning the premises in the process had upon this, and, diligently examined by the same deputies in the year from the Nativity of the Lord 1390, in the 13th indiction, in the 12th year of the Pontificate of the most holy in Christ Father and our Lord, the Lord Clement, by divine providence the seventh Pope, on the days, months, and places written below, deposed, as is contained below.

[28] And first, on Tuesday, which was the 18th of the month of January of the aforesaid year, to strengthen the faith of the witnesses. before the aforesaid Lord Bishops, specially deputed for this by the above-said Commissioners, at Avignon in the lodging near the cemetery of St. Michael, in which dwell the guardians of the offerings brought to the sepulcher of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, sitting at the first hour, there being personally present the venerable Man master Anisius Gomberti, licentiate in both laws, substitute procurator, as is established concerning his mandate in the acts of this cause, who produced as witness the reverend in Christ Father, the Lord Andrew of Luxembourg, bishop-elect of Cambrai, there present; whom he asked to be received and admitted by the aforesaid Lord Bishops to swear; and also to be examined and interrogated upon the articles below consigned and designated: which Lord Andrew bishop-elect of Cambrai, at the request of the said deputed Lord Bishops, and in their hands swore upon the holy Gospels of God to tell and depose the pure and known truth, which he should know, upon the things contained in the said articles, and of those things of which he should be interrogated; favor, love, entreaty, price, affection, and fear being wholly removed. Then within a parenthesis it is added: This is the beginning of all the depositions henceforth, which it is enough to have warned once; and henceforth it will be necessary for the reader to remember it through the course. First therefore let the interrogatory articles precede; let the depositions of the witnesses upon them follow these; which manner of proceeding will always hereafter be observed.

Article II (for we have already given the first from number 114 and 114 in the preliminary commentary) has thus: The interrogatory articles, Likewise the praised deputed Bishop intends to prove, that the said Lord Peter was born of legitimate matrimony, and of an exalted lineage, namely of the parents Lord Guy of Luxembourg, Count of Ligny and of Saint-Pol, and Mathilde de Chastillon, Countess of Saint-Pol, of the Roman Emperors and Kings of France, in near degrees of consanguinity, reaching to them, and thus of a Royal and Imperial progeny, he is known to have had his origin, and to have been begotten: and as Catholics they were and are held, esteemed, and reputed openly, publicly, and notoriously.

III. Likewise that … they were true Christians, faithful, Catholic, of a most approved life; and that the said Lord Guy, a strenuous, provident knight; so restrained his soldiers, that as far as possible he did not permit anything to be taken even in victuals, but that he paid the whole, and if it happened that any of his army departed without sufficient satisfaction, he himself of his own, and in his own person, plainly satisfied, and such he was … reputed openly, publicly, and notoriously up to the time and hour of his death.

IV. Likewise that the same Lord Guy was very devout, pious, and merciful toward the poor; and fasted without intermission on Fridays and Saturdays. On Wednesdays he never ate flesh, and on Fridays fish; and thus he was commonly held as such … from the time of his adolescence up to the end of his life.

V. Likewise that in his boyish years, before he contracted matrimony, he so rendered himself mature and so abhorred the lasciviousness and vices of the world from his earliest age, that in the virginal state, until the time in which he contracted matrimony, he is said and reputed to have remained.

[29] VI. Likewise that after he was a hostage in England for the King of France, he kept conjugal faith and chastity; proposed of the same persons. and elsewhere everywhere he did the same, the contrary never being heard.

VII. Likewise that the said Lady Mathilde was of the greatest compassion toward the poor and the sick; so that never or rarely was it found that a poor person departed from her house, or her presence, without alms: nay she caused the sick and poor to be diligently sought out. Three times in the week, namely on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, she made a public and common almsgiving.

VIII. Likewise that the said Lady toward winter caused cloths and shoes to be bought, and tunics to be made, and them with shoes to be given out to the needy poor, whom she caused to be diligently sought out for this; and gave so abundantly, that all the needy had.

IX. Likewise that to women lying in childbed and to other helpless ones, she commonly sent even of her own better foods, and other special things according to her discretion.

X. Likewise that she instructed her sons and daughters in faith, hope, and the love of God, and honesty of manners, and caused them to be instructed solicitously, especially in making confessions, and hearing Masses and sermons.

XI. She was very devout toward the Church and the Ecclesiastical Lords, and most willingly heard sermons, and said the hours of the most blessed Virgin Mary, with the other prayers customary to her, without intermission daily, and was commonly wont to say them devoutly, as appeared outwardly. Thus far the interrogatory articles, treating of the parents of the Blessed. To which the following witnesses thus deposed.

[30] Witness I (of whom, as also of the others following, see the description in the catalogue of witnesses produced above, Testimonies concerning nobility and virtues, in preamble 1, number 3) upon the second interrogatory article, said that he had heard it said that its contents were true. Being asked from whom he heard? He said that from a certain Nicholas Clacquin, who was a servant of the said Lord Guy, count of Saint-Pol, and from several others. The said witness adding, that Lord Guy, while he lived, said the canonical hours as a presbyter, and each day heard two or three Masses; three times in the week he fasted; and this he heard said, as he said, from Nicholas Clacquin, and several others. Upon the IV article he said and deposed as above in the third preceding article.

Witness II upon the second article said its contents were true; adding the cause, that he several times saw the father and mother of the said Lord Peter, and in divers places; for in the kingdom of France, and other divers parts, there is a public voice and fame of the contents in the said article.

Upon the III article he said that he had heard its contents were true. Being asked from whom, and in what place? He said from a certain Nicholas Clacquin, who was a servant of the said Lord Count. He also himself who speaks adds, that he heard from the aforesaid Lord Nicholas Clacquin, and from several others, that the said Lord Guy said the canonical hours as a presbyter, and each day heard two or three Masses, and three times in the week fasted.

Upon the V article he said that he had heard its contents were true.

Upon the VI article he said, that he well knew that the said Lord Guy was in England for the King of France; but of the other things contained in the said article he said he knew nothing else, save from hearsay.

Upon VII, VIII, and IX he said that he knew nothing save from hearing it said by Nicholas Clacquin, his almoner; which almoner said the contents in the said article were true.

Upon the X and XI articles he said that he had heard the contents in the said articles were true; and that such was the voice and fame in the kingdom of France, and especially in the parts of Picardy.

[31] Witness III said, that the said Lord Peter was of the race of the King of France and of the Emperor: of his father and mother, for he who speaks said, that he knew the mother of the said Lord Peter; who was born of the house of Bourbon, and of Chastillon, and was a first cousin in the third degree of the Lord duke of Bourbon and of the Queen of France, mother of the present King.

Witness V said, that he knew Lord Guy, Count of Saint-Pol, father of the said Lord Peter, and was with him in warlike acts; namely, of probity, prudence, and discretion and goodness it does not seem to him that he ever saw a knight like him, nor does he know at present a living man whom he would so wish to liken, as he would make the said Lord Guy, formerly Count of Saint-Pol. The said speaker said moreover, that he several times saw the mother of the aforesaid Lord Peter, who was reputed a most upright and devout woman; nor did he ever see, nor hear said, the contrary of her; and he heard it several times said in the parts of France, that she was the sister of the deceased Queen, mother of the present King; and of this fame is current in the parts of France.

Witness VI said that the same Lord Peter was of royal race.

Witness VII. Being asked first, whether he had knowledge of the father and mother of Lord Peter the Cardinal of Luxembourg. Who answered, that he knew the father of the said Lord Peter, and they were together detained in England for four years, or thereabouts, then hostages ^a for King John, and his ransom. He said, that he was a strenuous knight, a most devout man, of good conversation and laudable life, and said, that as long as he knew him both in England and elsewhere, he heard his Masses and said his prayers, indeed as if he had been a Carthusian, and it does not seem to him that he saw a knight arming himself more devout than the said Count was in the time of his life. Of another's he wished nothing: nay he caused it to be paid, where he knowingly knew himself to owe, or found those complaining of himself or of his people.

Of the knowledge of the mother, he said that she was his grandmother, namely the mother of the mother of the said speaker, who was a first cousin of the mother of the said Lord Peter. She also so nearly reached to the Queen of France, mother of the present King, which mother of the said Lord Peter was reputed holy, and upright, and of good life; nor did he ever see, hear, nor know the contrary.

[32] Witness VIII said, that he stayed with the said Lord Guy in England for four years or thereabouts, of Blessed Peter where they were hostages for king John, which Lord Guy was a most devout man of laudable conversation and life, and said his canonical Hours; and he believes that he never saw a knight arming himself more devout than he: of another's he wished nothing: nay he caused it to be paid, where he knowingly knew himself to owe, or found those complaining of him or his servants: and of this there was public fame in the parts of France and elsewhere, where the said Lord Guy conversed. As to the knowledge of the mother of Lord Peter the Cardinal; he said that she was born of the house of Bourbon and of Chastillon, a most noble woman; she was of a holy and most honest life and laudable conversation: she was a great almsgiver and had the best fame from all in the parts of Picardy and elsewhere, where knowledge of her was had.

Witness XI upon the second article said, that its contents were true, giving the cause, because he saw the father and mother of the said Lord Peter, and served him for VII years before the birth of the said Lord Peter: which Lord Peter was born on the feast day of St. Margaret, in the month of July, in the place of Ligny, of the diocese of Toul. Being asked in what year? He said that the said Lord Peter, when he died, was eighteen years old; less XVIII days. Of the year of the Lord he does not remember; but he well remembers that it was written in the missal of the collegiate Church of the aforesaid Ligny of the diocese of Toul. Being asked, how he knows that he was of Royal and Imperial progeny? He said that he heard from the father and mother of the said Lord Peter and from the mother of the present King of France, and from the mother of the Lord duke of Bourbon at Paris. Being asked, if he was present at the baptism of the said Lord Peter? He said yes: namely in the collegiate church of Ligny, and the godfather of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal was a certain Lord knight of the diocese of Toul: and the godmother the Lady of the place of Luppy, a castle of the said diocese.

Upon the III article he said that he knew of the contents in the said article, that the parents of the said Lord Peter, while they lived, were true and good Christians, faithful, Catholic, and of a most approved life. Being asked how he knows? He said that he saw the said parents, hearing Masses and saying the divine offices, prayers, doing alms and fasts; and he himself who speaks in the household of the said parents did the office of almoner.

Upon the IV article he said that he knew, because the said Lord Guy the Count was very devout, pious, and merciful, a frequent bestower of alms, most devoutly hearing Masses, having compassion on the poor; and fasted on Friday and Saturday; on Wednesday he did not eat flesh, and on Friday fish. Being asked how he knows? He said that as long as he stayed with the said Lord Guy, he neither saw the contrary, nor heard it said.

[33] Upon the V and VI articles … he said that he only knew that he heard from John de Mur, by various witnesses, who during his whole time was the servant and chamberlain of the said Lord Guy, that before the said Lord Count contracted matrimony, he had never known a woman, nor afterward during his whole time, save the Lady Countess his wife: for the said Lord John from his boyhood up to the death of the said Lord Count served, and had served, the said Lord Count.

Upon the VII article he said its contents were true; giving the cause, because he was almoner of the aforesaid Lady Mathilde the Countess and mother of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, for the space of VII years or thereabouts; during which time he saw as is contained in the article.

Upon the VIII he said that the said Lady Countess caused coarse cloths to be bought, of which she caused garments to be made up to the number of XXX or thereabouts; and had them distributed to the poor of either sex, as it seemed to her, to the needy, whom she caused to be diligently sought out: for also each year she caused to be given to the needy poor a hundred pairs of shoes ^b, and XXX or XL pairs of hose, sometimes fewer. Being asked, how he knows, and who distributed those cloths, shoes, and hose? He said that the Countess herself, and sometimes he who speaks, who was almoner of the said Lady, and of these tunics, hose, and shoes, the said Lady Countess acted according to the ordinance of the Curates of the country. So the said speaker saw as long as he stayed in the household of the said Count and Countess.

Upon the IX article he said, that he knew its contents were true: giving the cause, because he so saw and was present, and he himself sometimes distributed foods by the command of the said Countess.

Upon the X he said its contents were true: giving the cause: because he so saw and heard the said Lady Countess instructing, and causing to be instructed, her sons and daughters.

Upon the XI he said that he saw the said Lady Countess frequently saying the Hours of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and saw her do other good things, as is contained in the article.

[34] given by those interrogated upon this matter. Witness XIII upon the third article said, that once he heard at Paris from the Lord Dean of Paris, called Lord John Divitis, addressing the said Lord Peter the Cardinal in the newness of his Cardinalate, in the presence of several canons of Paris, and some others both nobles and others, who had come to the house of the said Lord Cardinal, to exhibit reverence to him, in the name of the church of Paris. Which Lord Dean among other things which he said, making a harangue ^c in the name of the aforesaid church of Paris, recited, that he himself the Lord Dean had been with the said Lord Guy the Count, father of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, named in the article, in England, and then he knew the manners of the said Lord Guy Count of Saint-Pol, affirming that he so bore himself, as the said Lord firmly believed, that for anything in the world he would never have knowingly committed a mortal sin. The Lord Dean saying those things to the end, that Lord Peter the Cardinal might follow the footsteps of his father. Moreover the said speaker said, that once he heard in the town of Ligny, that often the said Lord Count, father of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, riding through the fields, and seeing the Lord Count of Saint-Pol, his son, riding through the standing corn ^d, with a staff which he carried in his hand, struck him on the head.

ANNOTATA.

* Glandèves.

* Otherwise "fully."

CHAPTER II. The Blessed's education, the canonry of Paris, his Virginity.

I premise the interrogatory articles according to custom. Article XII. Likewise that the said Lord Peter, after the years of his infancy were completed, as soon as he could understand, Interrogatory articles concerning his education, and began to speak, was sent to a certain aunt of his, the Lady Joanna of Luxembourg, Countess of Saint-Pol and Valkenburg, of honest conversation and life, where he first learned letters from the chaplains of the said Lady, until he could read competently.

XIII. Likewise that there he was laudably instructed up to the eighth year of his age, during which time he was always simple, humble, devout, quiet, and obedient to his teachers, and pleasing and benevolent. Scarcely in the years of his said infancy and boyhood could anything reprehensible be found, or was found.

XIV. Likewise that a little after, the eight years being passed, he was sent by his parents to Paris, being handed for his governance to Lord Hugh Cauderonier, and Nicholas Clacquin; who afterward, occupied with other affairs, handed him Michael Alanth for instructor. Among the scholars he was found humbler than all, and obedient to his teachers, exemplary, diligent. When the other scholars went for the sake of recreation to play, he alone in his chamber was free for prayers, or went to the divine sermons, or Masses, or the divine offices, and would not go to those recreating, unless he were compelled by his teachers.

XV. Likewise, that the Pope, hearing his virtues beyond his age, desiring to place such a column in the holy Church of God, the canonry of Paris, of his own motion conferred on him the canonry of the church of Paris.

[36] XVI. Likewise, that he accepted the said canonry not with a mind of cupidity but from devotion, and that he might wholly deliver himself to God.

XVII. Likewise, that in the same church, surpassing his age in manners, he conversed so maturely and honestly, that, etc. The rest you have in chapter 3, from the beginning.

XXIX. Likewise he intends to prove that the said Lord Peter had a sister german of his, by name Joanna, still living, who, desiring to live for God alone, despised the world though under a secular habit, made to the same Lord a vow of virginity, and always kept virginity, nor ever wished to marry, though she was instigated by several illustrious men and by her parents.

and concerning his zeal for virginity. XXX. Likewise that on a certain day, while the said Lord Peter was at Ligny with his said sister, whom above the rest he loved, on account of her devotion and virtues, and she too the sister had from infancy loved him more ardently than her other brothers, on account of his virtues, among the other colloquies of salvation, held secretly between them, she the sister began to open to Blessed Peter the good of virginity, and its prerogatives; allured by which, by a vow of virginity, which he had before conceived in his mind, he spontaneously bound himself by an outward promise, and made a vow of virginity, which he inviolably observed.

XXXI. Likewise that the same Lord Peter, being there with his aforesaid sister for nearly two months, on both sides there was often discourse of divine things and the salvation of souls, both by day and by night, so that they could scarcely be separated from one another, or were separated.

XLV. Likewise that the same Lord Peter, the manners of the court being more fully proved and considered, ever having perils before his eyes, began to be exceedingly austere to himself, etc. Upon these premised articles the following witnesses thus deposed.

[37] The testimony of the brother german of Blessed Peter, Witness I. Upon the first article, produced in the preliminary commentary, number 18, said, that from the time in which the aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal was of the age of eight years or thereabouts, he himself the witness who speaks, up to the day of his death stayed with him, and almost continually, until he was promoted to the cardinalate, lay and slept with him, except that the same Lord Peter for X months or thereabouts was detained at Calais, which Lord Peter in every state of his had a laudable conversation; kept virginity, showed himself humble, benign, and gentle to all, and otherwise, as is contained in the article. And of this there is public voice and fame among persons in Picardy, in Lorraine, and elsewhere, where knowledge of the same Lord Peter was had. Being asked if he ever saw the same Lord Peter the Cardinal speaking dishonestly with any women? He said no.

[38] concerning his boyhood holily passed; Being asked how he kept a holy life? He said that he was always of good life and laudable conversation; he feared God, devoutly recited the canonical Hours, heard Masses, and visited churches. Being asked, how he knows the premises? He said that he so saw as long as he was with him at Paris and elsewhere, where he was with him; and of this there is public voice and fame among those who conversed with the said Lord Cardinal.

Upon the XV article, the canonry, the other articles being omitted by the consent of the producer, he said, that it was true that our Lord the Pope conferred the said canonry and prebend on the aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal, of his own motion: giving the cause, because he saw the letters: with what intention he conferred it on him, he does not know.

[39] the horror of the world, Upon the XVI article he said, that no one can well know his intention, save he himself; yet he said, that there is well a presumption as is contained in the article; because when the same Lord Peter was of the age of XI years or thereabouts, the Lord Count of Saint-Pol wished to set him to the world; but the same Lord Peter the Cardinal totally refused, and wished to remain to the Church. So he heard it said by the said Lord Peter the Cardinal at Paris. None were present because he said it to him several times in bed. Also he himself who speaks heard the said Lord Peter saying, that he wished to be an ecclesiastic, and that is notorious and public. Of the place? He said at Paris.

Upon the XIX article he said its contents were true: the love of piety, giving the cause, that he himself who speaks went frequently with the said Lord Peter to the said church, and remained with him: and of this there is voice and fame among the canons of the said church of Paris; who saw the said Lord Cardinal. Being asked, if the said Lord Cardinal sang all the canonical Hours? He said, that on the days on which he did not go to the schools, he frequented the canonical Hours, except that at matins, save on the feast of the Nativity of the Lord. Of the other solemn feasts he does not remember, whether he rose to matins. The said Lord Peter would willingly have risen every day to matins, had it not been for his teachers, whom he feared: and this he heard said several times by his teachers in the city of Paris.

Upon the XXX article he said, that the article contained the truth: by spiritual colloquies except that he does not know, whether he vowed virginity: but he well knows that he kept virginity: and he was several times present when the said sister induced the said Lord Peter to virginity. Being asked, how he knows the premises? He said that he heard it said several times by the said Lord Peter; and sometimes he was present at Ligny.

Upon the XXXI article he said, that the article contained the truth, with his sister, adding that not merely for two months, but well for half a year the said Lord Peter the Cardinal and his sister were together at Ligny, and the same Lord Peter instructed his said sister about matins and the other canonical Hours, since she did not know how to order them; and commonly the aforesaid Lord Peter, rising about midnight, went with his said sister, and there, saying his Hours and prayers, for two hours and more, they remained together.

Upon the XLIV and XLV he said, that he continually grew in devotion and good manners; by maturity of manners. and the said Lord Peter, when he saw the witness who speaks laughing, reprehended and corrected him; sometimes giving him slaps, and when the said Lord Peter had had gladness, afterward he grieved, as he said to the witness himself. Being asked when he did this? He said, when he came to Avignon. Being asked, if the said Lord Peter played at any games? He said, that sometimes, when strangers came to him for the sake of pastime, he played at chess ^a. Dice and their game he held in much hatred. Being asked, if he ever danced ^b or leaped in the dance? He said, that while he was a scholar at Paris, requested by Lords and Ladies, he sometimes danced; but after he was elected of Metz and promoted to the Cardinalate, he neither danced nor sang songs.

[40] Witness II upon the first article said, that its contents were true: The depositions of the other witnesses because Lord Peter the Cardinal from the time of his boyhood up to the last end of his life, in every state of his had a laudable conversation, kept a holy life and virginity: for he himself the witness said that he never saw of the same Lord Peter, nor heard said, anything sinister. And there is public voice and fame, both at Paris and elsewhere, where the same Lord Peter stayed. Being asked, how he knows? He said that because from the time in which the said Lord Peter the Cardinal was of the age of VIII years or thereabouts, the said speaker conversed with him, both first at Paris, and for VI continuous years or thereabouts the said witness before the death of the aforesaid Lord Peter was a continual member of the household, table-companion, and chamberlain both at Paris, in Lorraine, and Picardy, and here at Avignon.

Upon the XV article, he said that he saw Lord Peter and those named in the article, concerning the love of solitude, given him for his teachers, he frequently saw at Paris that, while the other scholars went walking, the same Lord Peter alone remained in his chamber, saying the hours of the Blessed Mary, and the seven psalms, and other pious prayers before he was canon of Paris. In confirmation he said, that at Paris he dwelt near the lodging of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, and every day conversed with him.

Upon the XV article he deposed as the preceding witness.

[41] the canonry of Paris, Upon the XVI article, he said that he accepted the canonry with a willing mind. If from the cause of devotion, he said that he did not know.

Upon the XIX article, he said that when the divine office was said in the church of Paris, although the canons of the said church commonly walked through the church, the aforesaid Lord Peter remained in the choir, as is contained in the article; and so the said speaker said he had several times seen.

his virginity, Upon the XXIX he said its contents were true: except that he does not know, if his said sister Joanna vowed virginity.

Upon the XXX he said that he only knew, that in the town of Ligny often and most often he saw the said Lord Peter holily speaking with his sister in one chamber, saying his hours and prayers. Whether the said Lord Peter made a vow of virginity; he said that he did not know. Being asked if the said Lord Peter kept virginity? He said that he never heard the contrary said, saying that among the servants of the household of the said Lord Peter there was public fame that the said Lord Peter kept virginity inviolably. He supported also the 31st article, so he saw and was present in the place of Ligny.

by maturity Upon the XLV article, he said that the said Lord Peter, after he came to the court, applied himself more than usual to devotions and prayers, nor was he jolly in himself: the said speaker also saying, that he heard the aforesaid Lord Peter saying the words contained in the article (there omitted for brevity's sake): namely that God is read to have well wept, but never to have laughed; and these things he said, when he saw some laughing excessively, to reprehend them.

Witness III said that he first had knowledge of the aforesaid Lord Peter after his promotion to the church of Metz, and accompanied him from the city of Paris up to Ligny, and always, as long as he was with him, the same Lord Peter the Cardinal was humble, sweet, of good life and honest conversation; and had the best fame from all conversing with him, nor did he ever hear anything sinister spoken of him; nay he heard all good said of him at Paris, and elsewhere.

[42] and by the sweetness of his manners, Witness V. Said that he first had knowledge of Lord Peter at the time in which he was ten years old or thereabouts, and he was always humble, devout, benign, honest, of good life and honest conversation.

Witness VI said that he knew Lord Peter the Cardinal from VIII years past, and conversed with him, until he was elected of Metz; and always, as long as he conversed with him, the same Lord Peter the Cardinal was humble, sweet, pious, etc. As Witness III.

Witness VII said that he had knowledge of Blessed Peter, when he came to study at Paris, and he could have been of the age of VII or VIII years, and from then he was so modest, humble, sweet, pious, that by all who had knowledge of him he was loved; and several, both Lords and others, wondered how so young a boy could have such manners, and he himself who speaks wondered. Being asked how he knows the premises? He said that the said Lord Peter most often came to him who speaks: and so he himself who speaks saw, that often the said Lord Peter, as long as he was at Paris, continued in good manners; and so he heard, that at Avignon and elsewhere, where he was, he always continued in good manners up to his death.

[43] Witness VIII said, that he had known Blessed Peter from his youth … by lowliness of mind, He said moreover that Lord Peter was humble, sweet; nor did he ever see at Avignon a youth of such virtue, and honesty, and conscience, nay he himself who speaks wondered, how at so tender and youthful an age he could do this.

[44] Witness IX upon the XLV said its contents were true: his chastity, for he himself who speaks once saw some Lords present, with whom Lord Peter also was, unwilling in mind, although outwardly he showed a good appearance, and showed himself glad; and after they had departed, he grieved wondrously and wept, and from the same Lord Peter he heard, that some instigated him to various lasciviousnesses, but he would not consent. And therefore he begged God, that He would give him some accident, so that he could not follow such companies; and a little after there came to him an infirmity in the leg, by which he was excused from going through the town and riding; and that infirmity lasted him up to his death, for about one year, as it seems to him, in the right leg, and there was a great opening and a great wound. Being asked if that malady came to him on account of his prayers? He said of his belief, that it did. Because the aforesaid Lord Peter was in nothing disordered, and before was healthy; because also from that infirmity he could not be cured. He said several times to the witness who speaks, that it pleased him to bear that malady, to the end that he might be exempted from going in the companies of some.

Witness X upon the XLV article, said that he heard from Michael Alant, chamberlain of the said Lord Peter, that he did various penances in secret. Of which professedly in chapter 4.

[45] Witness XI upon the XII article, said that the said Lady Mathilde, his education under the care of his aunt. Countess of Saint-Pol, being dead, the aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal was sent to his aunt, as is contained in the article: giving the cause, because he was present when he was sent.

Upon the XIV article, he said that Lord Peter, established at the aforesaid age, was very humble, peaceful, obedient, timid, and devout: and when his teachers wished that he should go walking, he went: otherwise he did not go. Confirming the premises, he said, that he was one of those named in the article. Being asked of the Blessed's humility, he said, that he deferred to his companions, even those younger than himself, exhibiting to them honor and reverence; nor did he have a quarrel with anyone, nor evil or dishonest words.

By whom the canonry was conferred on him and when. Upon the XV article, he said that he heard at Paris, that Lord John of Luxembourg was at Naples, and recommended to our Lord the Pope the Lord Peter his brother, and afterward a prebend of Paris fell vacant; and the said Lord Pope conferred on the said Lord Peter the prebend of his own motion, as is provided in the letters, which the said speaker saw: the other cause he does not know.

Upon the XVI article he said that he does not know with what intention he accepted the prebend, but when this news came to him, he was well glad, and willingly accepted it; for he always desired to be to the Church; for he always aspired to the ecclesiastical state.

Upon the XVII, being asked, how long the same Lord Peter was canon of the church of Paris? He said, for five years and a half; but he did not make residence save for four years and a half; because he was absent at Calais for the Lord Count of Saint-Pol, his brother, for one year or thereabouts. Being asked, if others wondered on account of the manners and devotion of the same Lord Peter? He said yes: considering his youthful age. He was in the ninth year of his age, when he had the prebend of Paris.

[46] The testimony concerning his virginity repeated, Upon the XXX article, he said that he only knew, namely that he most firmly believes, that the said Lord Peter during his whole life was a virgin: whether however he made a vow of virginity, he said that he did not know. Being asked why he believes it? He said that he stayed with him from the time in which he was of the age of VIII years up to his death, and was his governor and rector. But he never saw him conversing or speaking dishonestly with any woman: nay, neither did it please him to hear speech of women, especially of the carnal act; nor was any member of the household of the said Lord Peter bold to speak of that matter before him. Being asked if he was a virgin in mind. He said that he believes it, on account of the things which he deposed above; and he saw no indication of it; and such he was reputed by all conversing with him.

[47] by diligent piety, Upon the XXXI article, he said that when the said Lord Peter was at Ligny, at the time of his promotion to the Cardinalate, he saw him and the said Lady Joanna conversing together several times, as is contained in the article. Whether they always spoke of divine things? He said that he believes that they spoke of them more than of any other matter. Being asked the reason, he said that most often they held books of the lives of the Saints and prayers, and other books of devotion. He said that he saw the said books several times in their hands, and heard them often and most often reading the said books both by day and by night. He said that there were present John de Marchia, Hugh le Chaudronier, and several others of the servants of the said Lord Peter. He said moreover that they could scarcely be separated from one another, and that most often it was said to them: Leave those books and those words; and come to bed, for it is late; or come to table, for it is ready. And these words their chamberlains said to them, and the other servants standing about.

and modesty, Upon the XLV article, he said that the aforesaid Lord Peter, the manners of the Roman court being considered, began to make abstinences in fasts and prayers more than usual, and more than the complexion of his body required, nay the same witness saw that on account of the abstinences which he made, etc., of which professedly, chapter 4. For if he had sometimes, compelled, received gladness or consolation, returning to himself he grieved in mind, as could appear to those observing; and he said that they say enough and more than enough, save of trifles ^c, saying also the words: That God is read to have wept, but never to have laughed.

[47] Witness XII upon the XXXI article said that he knew its contents were true: because he so saw in the town of Ligny, of the diocese of Toul.

Witness XIII upon the XIV article said that at that time, Blessed Peter pleasing to all, he himself who speaks did not yet stay with the said Lord Peter; although at that time he stayed where the fame was current of the said Lord Peter; namely that he was humble, devout, and loved by all, and especially in the university of Paris, and not only was he loved by those who knew him; but also by those who heard him spoken of; as he himself who speaks heard said several times at Paris.

Upon the XV he said, that the Pope conferred on him the prebend of Paris; with what intention, he refers himself to our said Lord the Pope.

Upon the XVI and XVII he said their contents were true. Being asked how he knows the premises? He answered that at that time he was great Vicar in the church of Paris, where, as also in other places, fame was always current of the said Lord Cardinal; namely of his good manners, and laudable conversation and humility.

[48] Upon the XXIX article he said that his sister Joanna was reputed a good and devout woman; and he well heard that she was several times requested by great Lords, to contract matrimony; but she never wished to contract, but she wholly disposed herself to the ordinance of the said Lord Cardinal. This he heard said by the said Lord Cardinal. For the said Lord Cardinal willingly spoke of the said sister and her devotion; to which sister most often he wrote with his own hand. Whether the said Lady Joanna made a vow of virginity, he said that he did not know.

Upon the XXX and XXXI articles he said that while Lord Peter and his said sister were together at Ligny, and wholly chaste. they most often stood in one chamber, and he believes it was on account of the good colloquies. Of the other things contained in the said articles, he said that he only knew, that he nowhere remembers to have heard the said Lord Cardinal uttering dishonest words; and that he several times heard the said Lords princes and knights saying dishonest words before him; but he made a gesture, bowing his head, and, as it seemed, it much displeased him. He said moreover that he was present several times; when mention was made of women; the same Lord Cardinal much blushed and was silent. He most firmly believes that the said Lord Cardinal never knew any woman carnally. Of the vow of Virginity, he said that he did not know.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER III. The solid and sincere humility of Blessed Peter.

The interrogatory articles, The interrogatory article XVII has the things which follow: Likewise that in the church of Paris from the day of his reception, surpassing his age in manners, he conversed maturely and honestly, and always wished to sit, and sat, in the low and lower seats with the boys and innocents; although he was invited and induced by reasons to ascend to the higher seats.

XVIII. Likewise that he most willingly did the offices of the juniors and innocents: for as often as a procession was made in the said church, he immediately offered himself to carry the Cross or the little pitcher, or the vessel of holy water, although he was so young and weak, that it was feared that he could not carry the Cross, and that it would fall from his hands, since it is of great weight and size. Yet that Cross, on account of the devotion which he had toward Christ, he carried several times with great devotion: whence sometimes it was necessary to help him, because he would not give it up to another; although others of lower birth commonly refused to do the aforesaid things; nay the young canons were therefore wont to absent themselves: for which also they were reprehended by the Elders of the church, that they of lower state and birth refused to do what that so noble Lord Peter, and at so tender an age, for the sake of devotion so ardently embraced. Let us hear what upon the premised articles was deposed by the witnesses.

[50] Witness I upon the XVII article said its contents were true; that he so saw several times; and the depositions of the witnesses, except that he does not know, whether he was invited to sit in the high seats: for it is customary in that church, that the Canons who are not within [*] holy orders sit in the low seats. While he himself who speaks went to the said church with the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, he himself who speaks sat in the high seats, and the said Lord Peter in the low ones. And that is true and notorious, and public report in the church of Paris.

Upon the XVIII article he said its contents were true, because he saw those things: and of this in the church of Paris there is public voice and fame. Being asked how he knows, that the said Lord Peter carried the Cross from devotion? He said that he several times heard it said by him, and was several times present, while the canons of the said church reprehended the Lord Peter in carrying the Cross, fearing that it would fall from his hands. Several times he carried the Cross, when it did not pertain to his office; but moved by devotion he did those things: the said speaker also adding, that when a procession was made from the church of Paris to the church of St. Geneviève at Paris, the same Lord Peter always went with bare feet. Being asked, if from the state or custom of the said church he went with bare feet? He said that he did not know; yet several times he saw canons of the said church going with bare feet in the procession with the said Lord Peter the Cardinal at Paris. Several saw it. And of this there is voice and fame in the city of Paris.

[51] Witness II upon the XVII article said, that he saw Lord Peter in the church of Paris sitting in the low seats: whether he was invited to sit in the high seats, he does not know. Yet he well knows that it was the rite of the church of Paris, that unless the canons of this church be within holy orders, they do not sit in the high seats.

Upon the XVIII article he said its contents were true: because he several times saw as is contained in the said article. Being asked for how long a time he continued it? He said that as long as he was canon of Paris.

[52] Witness IV said that, while the said Lord Peter was canon of Paris, the said speaker first had knowledge of him, and for about two years conversed with him, especially in the church of Paris, where the said Lord Peter most honestly conversed with the other canons in the divine offices and others. For he himself who speaks several times saw the said Lord Peter sitting in the low seats with the boys, and did not blush to sit there; although some blushed, who were of lesser degree and birth. He said moreover, that frequently on the solemn feasts he saw the said Lord Peter, then canon of Paris, carrying the Cross of the church, although it did not pertain to him; but where the other canons refused, he wished to carry it, and, although it is of great weight, he carried it, notwithstanding his youthful age; at which and his other manners many wondered.

[53] Witness IX supported article XXXII, of which chapter 5, concerning the Blessed's humility. and then being asked, what was the cause moving, that the said speaker was the confessor of the said Lord Peter? He said that a certain Lord Nicholas, then Prior of the Carthusians of Dijon, of the diocese of Langres: and when the said Peter wished to receive the said witness who speaks as confessor, on bended knees in the presence of the aforesaid Lord Nicholas, before the said speaker he placed himself on bended knees, begging him that he would be his confessor, and take the care of his soul; because he said that he was young, unknowing, ignorant, and needy, and therefore he needed to have one man sufficient to instruct him, and who might tell him the truth about the salvation of his soul.

[54] Witness XI upon the XVI article said, that its contents were true. He said moreover that he saw it; adding that the canons of the said church, who are within holy orders, sit in the low seats. But the canons who are in holy orders sit in the high seats. Nevertheless license is given to some juniors, not being in holy orders, by the chapter, that they may sit in the high seats, and wear the almuce ^a, especially when they are of great birth. Lord Peter was requested by some of the canons, that he should ask a grace from the chapter of sitting in the high seats; which he refused to ask.

Upon the XVIII article he said, that its contents were true: because he several times saw it. He added that he did this for the sake of devotion; since he was not bound to it; nay he could well have avoided it, like several others of lower state. Being asked, who helped him to carry the Cross; he said that a certain Robert then chorister of the aforesaid church of Paris, now a royal Chaplain.

Witness XII upon the XVIII article said, that he several times saw the aforesaid Lord, then Canon of Paris, of his own free will carrying the Cross, while the canons of the said church made a procession.

More things breathing the most profound and constant humility of the Blessed, up to his last breath, you may see in chapter 10, where treatment is made of his testament and burial. Recall also to memory the things which we said of his education, chapter 2.

ANNOTATA.

* within.

CHAPTER IV. The austerity of his life, and the maceration of his body.

The interrogatory articles, I premise the interrogatory articles according to custom, which are of the following tenor; and they exist more numerous than usual. Interrogatory article XXXV. Likewise that the same Lord Peter, while he lay down to his bed, after his servants or chamberlains had departed, commonly and almost always laid himself upon the mats of straw, being in the chamber: where he was several times found sleeping: and when sometimes he was reproved for his indiscretion, with humility and a certain bashfulness he answered, that he had not long stayed there, and that he had fallen asleep on them by chance.

XLVI. Likewise that the same Lord Peter from the XII year of his age had been accustomed to use continually a rough and knotted little cord of hemp upon his bare flesh; and he bound it so tightly, that, the skin being hurt, the little cord was made bloody: although he wished this to be so secret, that, when his confessor was about to come to him, he laid the said little cord in some secret place, and when the said confessor said to him: Truly this wretched little cord will kill you; with humility and bashfulness he answered, I do not have it: And when he argued more strongly, saying to him: What do you say? Beware: What do you say? I well know that you use a cord. Then he answered, though with bashfulness: It is true that I sometimes used one at Paris; but because he wondrously abhorred lies, he did not deny that he used it.

[56] XLVII. Likewise that the same Lord Peter had the said cord not only by day; concerning the afflictions of his body, nay he even slept with it by night, and thus often sleeping with the said cord he was found by his chamberlains. Who hearing this, and desiring to know the truth upon it, could not otherwise see the cord: because he wished this to be hidden both from them and from others: which afterward however the said chamberlains perceived on this account; that lice in the greatest abundance continually descended from the upper parts of his body down to his hose, so much so that the hose themselves and other garments, the shirts nearest, could scarcely or never be cleansed; because from the uncleanness of the said cord and its continual putridity they were generated.

[57] XLVIII. Likewise that the said Lord Peter prepared for himself certain scourges and rods, with which (the chamber being first well closed with his own bars, which for this he had had placed in the door of the chamber for this purpose, that no one having keys could at those hours enter it) stripped of his garments he sharply beat himself with the said scourges and rods: so much so that the blood flowed abundantly through his body; and this very thing his chamberlains often saw him do through the holes of the lock or the fissures of the door, because they sometimes heard the blows from without, while he did such things, although before he was wont to send them to various places, and to occupy them in other affairs, lest he could be seen or heard by anyone, and that he might more freely and secretly do what he wished.

XLIX. Likewise that the said Lord Peter did this not only in his own house, nay even also on a journey. Whence also on a certain occasion he was found by his people doing this in a certain town of the diocese of Meaux, which is called Lizy, returning from Lorraine to Paris.

L. Likewise that, when it was doubted by his people lest by such austerities he should shorten his life, they exhorted him to desist from such blows and scourges, but also they admonished his confessor, who was for the time, that he should try to take away the said austerities from him; which he also tried to do. Which could not be done; although he alleged the sacred Scriptures to him to do this. Which he willingly and humbly heard, nor yet on this account did he desist.

[58] LIII. Likewise that with fasts and abstinences he greatly afflicted and macerated himself: and by fasts. for besides the common and precept fasts, without intermission he was wont to fast on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; and the vigils of the five festivities of the Blessed Virgin Mary on bread and water; and on the vigils of Blessed Mary Magdalene and St. Nicholas, Blessed Catherine, St. Thomas of Canterbury, and very many other Saints, and through all Advent also he fasted unfailingly. Whence on a certain day in the Advent of the Lord, when he ate in the presence of our Lord the Pope, [and] at his command of obedience, compelled by necessity, had eaten flesh, he grieved much and afterward in other fasts made compensation beyond what was fitting, on account of the breaking of the fast or the eating of flesh; although he did this by command.

[59] LIV. Likewise that the said Lord Peter besides the premises did certain fasts and more imperceptibly, and as secretly as he could; so that they were not perceived save by those who singularly knew his manners. Who when he was believed to eat, making a sign of eating, often ate nothing but bread, and the foods which the fast required. Often even by certain great Prelates of the court, on the days on which he wished to abstain from the flesh which others used, he was compelled to eat; which, while he feigned to use it, he cautiously drew out of his mouth.

[60] LXXV. Likewise that, his infirmity coming on about the Advent of the Lord; in which he had sufficiently afflicted his body with penance, fasting, prayers, vigils, and blows more than usual, he was compelled by the counsel of the physicians, and by the command of our Lord the Pope, to use lawful foods more amply than usual, though unwilling; yet from the aforesaid vigils, fasts, and prayers he did not abstain, until he could scarcely use the necessary things, his infirmity growing strong. To which articles the witnesses depose, as follows.

[61] By the deposition of the first witness concerning the rough little cord; Witness I upon the XLV and XLVII articles said that he heard it said by the said Lord Peter that he wore a little cord, wishing to induce the said speaker to wear the said little cord. The said witness did not see the little cord until after the death of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal. He heard it said, that he wore the little cord, only once, namely at Avignon. No one was present. Yet the said speaker said that when the said Peter leaned himself, the said little cord grieved him, as he said to the witness himself, and the witness believes that he began to wear the little cord from the time in which he was promoted to the Cardinalate, because as long as he lay with him, he could not perceive that he wore the little cord.

[62] Likewise concerning the rods, Upon the XLVIII article, he said that he had heard it said by a certain Stephen, chamberlain of the said Lord Peter, that the contents in the said article were true; at Avignon he said he had heard it said. Moreover he said that during the life of the said Lord Peter he saw the rods, and the little cord after his death: for while Lord Peter lived it once happened, that Nicholas Clacquin entered the study of the said Lord Peter; where the said Lord Peter was, and in the said study he found the rods, and asked of the said Lord Peter, what he did with those rods: who said that he drove the dogs from his study, and afterward placed the said rods in his chest; where they were found after the death of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal; and the little cord was found by the speaker, and Stephen of Houdreville, chamberlain of the said Lord Peter, under the mats of the chamber, in which the said Lord Peter lay. Whether the said Lord Peter wore a hair-shirt, he said that he did not know; although he had well heard, that at Avignon he wished to have one bought by his chamberlains: which chamberlains indeed refused to buy it. The other things of the contents in the said article, he said that he did not know, except that he heard the premises said by Michael, the late chamberlain of the said Lord Peter, at Avignon.

[63] used by the Blessed even on a journey. Upon article XLIX he said that he had heard its contents were true, from Stephen of Houdreville, chamberlain of the said Lord Peter, who at the town of Lizy, named in the article, was with the aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal on the return from Lorraine to Paris, and which Stephen saw the aforesaid Lord Peter beating himself with rods. Being asked, where he heard the premises said? He said at Paris. Of this there was public voice and fame among the members of the household of the said Lord Peter; which the said Stephen divulged.

[64] Upon the L article he said that he was often present, while Nicholas Clacquin said to the Lord Cardinal, Others strive in vain against his austerities that by keeping the life which he led, he shortened his days, nor could he live long. Being asked, in what places he heard the premises said, and who being present? He said at Paris, and here in the court. At Paris he heard that master Gerard of Vervins, who at Paris was confessor of the said Lord Peter, was induced by the servants of the said Lord Peter, that in confessions and secret matters he should induce the said Peter not to make such abstinences, and to desist from what he had begun, and when the confessor himself said the premises to the same Lord Peter, he was moved against the said confessor of his, saying that outside confession he could say those things to him, and not draw him back from the things which touched the salvation of his soul: and then the confessor said, that he should follow his devotion. Being asked how he knows the premises? He said that he so heard it said by the said Lord Peter, and also by the said Gerard of Vervins, at Paris, after the return from Lorraine; and severally they said it to him who speaks.

[65] Upon the LIII article he said, that he only knew of the contents in the said article, His frequent and rigid fasts that, while the said Lord Peter was at Paris studying without a prelacy, he fasted only the fasts commanded by the Church; this excepted, that in Lent he fasted four times in the week, namely on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of each week. On Wednesday indeed he sometimes fasted, while he was and stayed at Paris; and as long as he was in the court, he always fasted three times in the week, and further always on the five vigils of the Blessed Mary he fasted on bread and water. On the vigil of St. Lawrence also on bread and water. On the other vigils of the male and female Saints he frequently fasted; namely on the feasts of Blessed Nicholas, Blessed Mary Magdalene, Blessed Martin, and St. Catherine, and also the Advent of the Lord. So the witness saw, because he continually dined with the said Lord Peter.

[66] Upon the LIV he said, that he only knew that when the said Lord Peter was at Paris, are set forth, wishing to begin to fast on Wednesdays, sometimes on Wednesdays he came to table at supper time with the others and feigned to eat, though he did not eat, nay sometimes he expelled the foods from his mouth. The speaker also adds, that in the first year in which the said Lord Peter came to the court, and on the first Sunday of the Advent of the Lord, the Lord Bishop of Lodève, auditor of the Apostolic chamber, uninvited, came to eat with the aforesaid Lord Peter. And so flesh was brought before him; and when the same Lord Peter was instigated by the aforesaid auditor to eat flesh, he feigning to eat, and wishing to keep the fast and abstain from flesh, cautiously expelled the flesh from his mouth, nor did he eat. Being asked how he knows? He said that he was at table and perceived that he dissembled eating flesh, and yet did not eat. Also several others perceived it, especially the squires being before him.

[67] Upon article LXXV he said, that he only knew, compelled to mitigate these by the command of Pope Clement. that our Lord the Pope commanded the aforesaid Lord Peter, even under penalty of excommunication, that he should eat flesh and other foods according to the ordinance of the physicians, and lay aside the little cord, and that he should not make abstinences, as he was wont. The said speaker was present when the Lord Bishop of Lodève, auditor of the Apostolic chamber, said the premises to the aforesaid Lord Peter, and forbade it by the aforesaid command. Which hearing, the said Lord Peter, though he was troubled, wishing to obey the commands of the aforesaid our Lord the Pope, ate flesh, even the said speaker being present; and the said speaker adds, that he heard from the aforesaid Lord Bishop of Lodève, that when he came to him, he found the said Lord Peter girt with the said cord, which he promised the oft-mentioned Bishop to remove. And this was at Avignon, namely at the beginning of the infirmity of which he died.

[68] Witness II upon the XXXV article said that he only knew, that after the said Lord Peter returned from Ligny to Paris, The deposition of the second witness concerning his vigils, always, as long as he saw, he entered the bed with a linen shirt and with drawers, and although he entered the bed in the aforesaid manner, sometimes he found him in the bed clothed with a short tunic over his shirt and sleeping, twenty times or thereabouts. Being asked for what cause he wore that tunic? He said that he believes, that he did it for the sake of penance. Being asked, if in his garments he had lice. He said yes: yet few were in the tunic, but in his hose he had more. Once at Paris the speaker himself found the said Lord Peter sleeping upon the mats of straw, about the hour of midnight and in the winter time. He was clothed in a long tunic lined with grey fur ^a. Being asked if he was shod? He said that he believes yes, affirming, that he was a Cardinal at that time, and that in the evening he had placed himself in bed.

[69] Upon article XLVI he answered, that he heard from Stephen Alant, chamberlain of the said Lord Peter and companion of the speaker himself, that the said Lord Peter wore the little cord, and that he had several times seen it; but the said speaker never saw him wearing it: yet he most firmly believes that before his infirmity for half a year or thereabouts he wore the little cord.

Upon the XLVII he said that he well knows that the said Lord Peter abounded in lice more than usual in his hose, on account of which he presumed that he wore a cord, or something else next to his body, from which the said lice were generated more than usual.

[70] concerning the use of the said little cord, Upon the XLVIII and XLIX: He well knows that the said Lord Peter had iron bars placed on the inner side of his study, with which sometimes he shut himself within his study. Likewise the witness heard from Stephen his companion, chamberlain of the said Lord Peter, that once through the holes of the lock, or the fissure of the door of his said study, he saw the said Lord Peter the Cardinal beating himself at Avignon, and he also said that he had seen it in the place of Lizy, named in the article.

concerning the beatings, Upon the L he said, that he often heard master John de Marchia the auditor, Hugh Chaudronier, and Nicholas Clacquin, servants of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, reprehending him for the contents in the said article; but the Lord Peter himself was silent. The speaker himself several times rebuked the said Lord Peter. These things were said to him by his aforesaid servants at Avignon in the house of his dwelling. The aforesaid servants begged the Lord Bishop of Lodève, that he would reprehend the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, that he should abstain from such austerities and scourges.

concerning fasts on bread and water, Upon the LIII he said, that every week the Lord Cardinal fasted three times besides the fasts appointed by the Church, and on the vigils of the feasts of the Blessed Mary he fasted on bread and water. He knows moreover that he fasted the Advent of the Lord, and the speaker himself once heard, that the Lord Peter the Cardinal in the presence of our Lord the Pope and in the time of the Advent of the Lord, ate flesh, by the command of the same Pope: but on the morrow he abstained from flesh, as before, and much grieved for the transgression.

concerning the feigned eating. Upon the LIV he said, that he had heard, that its contents were true, from Matthew Cordonarii and William [*] Clacquin, first at Paris, in Lorraine, and here in the court; the said speaker also adding, that at Ligny he heard it said, that the sister of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal taught him the manner of feigning in the aforesaid way.

[71] Witness VIII said, that after the said Lord Peter was elected to the church of Metz, he began to make so many and so great abstinences, and to hear so many Masses and say prayers, but lest we wander outside the olive-grounds; of the prayers afterward in their place.

Witness IX upon the XXXV article said, that he had heard it said by Guy, The depositions of the ninth witness, concerning his vigils, otherwise Hutin, and Michael, chamberlains of the aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal, that they found him lying upon the mats, and they said to the speaker himself, that he should reprehend him. From the time that he was his confessor, more than a hundred times the said chamberlains, both upon this and upon the other austerities of the said Lord Peter, complained together and severally. The aforesaid chamberlains, or one of them, said to the same witness, that once they had found the said Lord Peter praying upon the mats with a candle in one hand and a book in the other, on bended knees and with bare head; although that same night, as he was wont, he had placed himself in bed.

[72] Upon the XLVI article he said, that for about three days before his death Lord Peter wore the little cord, concerning the use of the little cord, and had used it both at Paris and here at Avignon, as he himself revealed to the witness who speaks. Adding moreover, that the said Lord Cardinal also revealed to him, that, when he sent for him, he laid aside that little cord, to the end that the said speaker should not see it; because he several times reprehended him. On the day of his death he revealed the premises to the aforesaid speaker. At the extreme unction of the said Lord Peter, and also after his death, he saw the scars and marks, in that part of the body in which the girdle or cord is placed, and he was more hurt on the sides than in the belly and back; and he added that at the unction and also after his death, several saw and could see them.

Upon the XLVIII he said, that when Lord Peter was in his infirmity, concerning the rods, he even relieved himself with the rods. Michael and Stephen said to the speaker himself, that they had seen him beating himself through the chinks and the lock of the door of the chamber. He believes, that the said chamberlains said to him, that those said rods were of thongs.

Upon the L, he said that he himself who speaks was his confessor, the confessor resisting in vain. and several times assigned to the Lord Peter authorities, that he should abstain from the aforesaid austerities; because he knew him too willing for this, doubting of excess and indiscretion in them, since he was young and weak in body: but he willingly heard the aforesaid words and authorities, yet did not desist from the aforesaid.

[73] Upon the LIII article he said, that from the time he knew the said Lord Peter, How often Blessed Peter fasted, he fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays, together with Saturday, and also on the vigils by precept. When once he said to him, why he fasted so much, wishing to draw him back from such great abstinences; he answered, that Blessed John the Baptist, while he was younger than he, fasted; saying: I am of greater age, and great and strong, why can I not fast? The aforesaid Lord Peter fasted on the five vigils of the Blessed Mary on bread and water, and on the vigils of Blessed Nicholas, Mary Magdalene, St. Catherine, and St. Thomas of Canterbury; of whom, being a hostage at Calais, he heard so many and so great good things, that from then he held him in great reverence and devotion. Besides, that he fasted the Advent of the Lord. The same witness was most often at table with him, and heard him say, that on those days he fasted.

[74] Upon the LIV article he said, that he had understood from the members of the household of the said Lord Cardinal, that the said Lord Peter many times feigned to eat, and did not eat.

[75] Upon the LXXV article he said, that the said Lord Peter in Advent would not have eaten flesh, had it not been by the precept of our Lord the Pope, and by the counsel of the physicians; by whose counsel he conducted himself more remissly than usual, on account of his infirmity, in fasts and prayers.

[76] Witness X upon the LIII said, that the aforesaid Lord Peter fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays and Saturday, and whether on bread and water? and on the vigils of the Blessed Mary; but he does not remember, whether on bread and water. Likewise on the vigil of St. Catherine he fasted. So the witness who speaks saw, for two years.

Upon the LXXV article he said, that of its contents there was public fame among the members of the household of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal.

[77] What the eleventh witness deposed concerning the little cord, Witness XI upon the XXXV article said, that he heard from the chamberlains of the said Lord Peter, that from the time of his promotion to the cardinalate, he never wished to enter the bed naked: and that sometimes he was found upon the mats of straw at night.

Upon the XLVI and XLVII articles he said, that after the said Lord Peter was promoted to the cardinalate, when he was of the age of XV years, he began to use the said little cord. He heard from master Hutin, from Michael and Stephen, chamberlains of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, who said, that they had several times seen the said cord by night. Likewise he heard from the same that they could scarcely or never cleanse the said Lord Peter of the lice, which in the greatest abundance descended from the upper parts of his body down to his hose; although the said chamberlains labored much, saying; that they were generated from the putridity of the cord, which he wore next to his bare flesh.

[78] concerning the rods; Upon the XLVIII article he said, that once he saw in a certain secret coffer, certain rods of a certain tree, commonly called birch [*].

[79] Upon the L article: The speaker himself often reprehended the said Lord Peter aside and also publicly, in the presence of others of the said Lord Peter's household. Likewise there reprehended him master John de Marchia the auditor, Hugh Chaudronier the chamberlain, and master Hutin, the chamberlain; and since they did not profit with him, because he would not desist, they caused it to be said to him by the Lords Cardinal de Saluces, the Bishop of Lodève, auditor of the Apostolic chamber; master Giles, the said Lord Peter's confessor, which Lords Cardinal, Bishop, and confessor also, at the supplication and request of the aforesaid speaker and of the others, just now named members of the household of the said Lord Peter, said and set forth to our Lord the Pope, supplicating, that he would command the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, to abstain from such austerities.

[80] likewise distinctly concerning the fasts on bread and water. Upon the LIII he said that he fasted the fasts commanded by the Church; and on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and the vigils of the festivities of the Virgin Mary on bread and water, and on the common foods on the vigils of Blessed Mary Magdalene, St. Catherine, and St. Nicholas, and moreover he fasted the whole Advent. Being asked, for how many years he fasted Advent? He said for two. He began to make fasts from the time of his promotion to the cardinalate. Before he observed indeed some, but not so orderly.

[81] Upon the LIV he said, that made a Cardinal, he began to fast on Wednesday and Friday and Saturday, sometimes he came to supper, sitting with the others, and ate nothing. Upon the LXXV he said, the more the infirmity of the said Lord Peter grew, the more he was compelled little by little to lay aside such things, if not wholly, at least in part.

Witness XII upon the XLV, said, that the aforesaid Lord Cardinal, Witness 12 reports the Blessed's victory over gluttony, since he greatly loved eggs, proposed in his mind not to eat eggs for one year, as indeed he did not eat, saying that his gluttony, or his mouth, should not be his mistress. The witness heard those words as he said them, adding that at that time he served before the said Lord Peter at table.

[82] Upon the L article the speaker himself said, that he several times said to the said Lord Peter, that he should abstain from such austerities; because otherwise he would shorten his days.

[83] Upon the LIII article he said, that the aforesaid Lord Peter besides the fasts of precept, fasted on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and his fasts on bread and water. not on bread and water; but on the five Vigils of the festivities of the Virgin Mary, he well fasted on bread and water: and in the Advent of the Lord he also fasted; as also on several vigils. The witness served at table, and was present and saw. He began to make those fasts, immediately after his promotion to the church of Metz, and continued them up to his mortal infirmity.

Upon the LIV article he said, that he frequently saw, that the said Lord Peter went to supper and foods were brought before him, and he feigned to eat, and yet ate nothing. He saw this at Paris and Avignon.

Upon the LXXV he said, that he continued the fasts, until and up to the time when he was oppressed by his mortal infirmity.

[84] Witness XIII upon the XLV article said, that not only was he austere to himself in the court; nay even before at Paris, Witness 13, the afflictions of his body, and elsewhere he was austere to himself with several and divers afflictions, in fasts and vigils, and the beating of his flesh and infinite others. The said speaker also said, that many times he spoke to the said Lord Cardinal, exhorting him, and saying to him, that he afflicted himself too much, and that he did ill, and not with discretion so afflicted himself, as he showed him, that it is lawful indeed to tame one's flesh, and to afflict oneself, according to that: Make not provision for the flesh: provided however that a man do not afflict himself too much; the contrary of which however he himself did. But the said Cardinal answered; that he did nothing but what he could do; and said, that what the heart of a man wills, the body can; and that God helps everyone who has a good will; the said Lord Cardinal subjoining and alleging how several Saints fasted, and stayed in the desert, and ate herbs and the like, and that men could so do, and that he could not see how it could be answered to this.

[85] And when the said speaker said to him, that the said Saints either had been inspired, he dissuaded him; but did not forbid him. or were at that time men of a stronger complexion than they are now, the said Lord Cardinal said, that God helped them on account of their good purpose. The said speaker said further, that when he said such and similar things to the said Lord Cardinal, the same Lord Cardinal answered and said: You do ill; you ought to say the contrary to me, and you are bound to. But the speaker replied: Lord, several of your friends say to me, that I ought to show you these things, and say them, and they impose many things on me. I know not what to do. You reproach me ill, and others too. The said Lord Cardinal said: Care not, do always as it shall seem to you to be done according to your conscience, and care not for the words of men; for the Lord Cardinal several times alleged that authority, namely: If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ; and another's words would not harm one whom his own conscience does not stain. Infinite similar things he set forth.

[86] Whether he wore Upon the XLVI and XLVII articles he said, that he himself did not know that the said Lord wore a cord; until one of his chamberlains told him; which chamberlain came to the speaker himself, saying to him: What shall we do? The Lord wears a cord thus and thus, and lies with it: apply a remedy, otherwise he cannot live long: but for God's sake beware, that he not know that I have told you; because he would perpetually hold me ungrateful: but the speaker himself thought of a manner by which he could honestly speak with the said Lord Peter the Cardinal on that matter, and some days after, he came to the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, saying: My Lord, you wear a cord, beware. Indeed you cannot live long; if you continue this: because you are young, and the cord will corrode your flesh, and macerate it so that no remedy can be applied. But the said Lord Cardinal with a certain wonder said; Do you believe that I wear a cord? Why should I wear it?

[87] the little cord, For he never expressly denied it, nor did he consent either. How do you know? said Lord Peter the Cardinal. The speaker himself answered: Lord, I tell you for certain, that I dreamed that you wore a cord, and that there were in it certain knots, which entered into your flesh about the belly. The said Lord Cardinal, hearing this, was much amazed, and said twice: Is it true, that you so dreamed? The said speaker answered, that yes: to whom he never wished to say, that he wore it, although the speaker much pestered him. The said speaker said further, that about three days after, the Lord himself called the said speaker, to whom he said: Master John, by my soul, four days ago you dreamed a dream, so true, and so exactly in form, as if you had seen it with your own eyes. But the speaker, thinking that it was about the cord, feigning to know nothing, pestered the said Lord Cardinal, that he should tell him what this was. But the said Lord Cardinal said to him that for certain he would not, nor could he have anything else from him, and when the speaker himself said, that it was about the cord; he answered by some extraneous words, neither denying nor affirming. The witness who speaks adds, that some days after, the Lord Cardinal called the said witness who speaks, saying to him: I have my belly somewhat hard and swollen, put your hand, and feel: but the speaker himself immediately thought, that the said Lord Cardinal had removed the cord, put his hand, and touched all around the belly, and did not find the cord. The said speaker believes, that the said Lord Cardinal had removed the cord, that the speaker himself might believe that he did not wear it. The said speaker said beyond this, that it is true, what is put in the article concerning the lice: because the speaker himself saw it and sometimes said to the Lord Cardinal: Lord, cause them to be removed by your chamberlains, and many times while the said speaker read to the said Lord Cardinal, and sat beside him, the said Lord Cardinal most often put his hand under his tunic about his belly, always moving himself, and he did this, as the speaker himself believes, because of the said cord and the lice too. Sometimes also while the Lord himself sat at table, and rose, he made a face, as if he had or felt some evil or infirmity, and the said speaker believes, that this was, and the cord made it.

[88] The said speaker adds further, that when he spoke to the Lord of these afflictions and others, He bears admonitions most grievously, and how others spoke, etc. The said Lord Cardinal was much troubled, and said: O I well see what it is, I have no one for me, all are against me; God will to help me! I well see that men wish to make me leave the good way and follow the bad. Certainly, certainly, said the said Lord Cardinal, I will do so much, that all the world will speak of me; and the said Lord Cardinal said the aforesaid words in French, namely this: "I see well that they wish to make me come from the good way to the bad: certainly, certainly, if I set myself to it, I will do so much that all the world will speak of me."

[89] The said speaker said further that the aforesaid words in French rightly in form, concerning the laying aside of the austerities. nothing added or removed, as he firmly believes, the said Lord Cardinal uttered; and he said this to the speaker alone, which hearing, the said witness who speaks was troubled for that hour, when he saw his said Lord so speaking. To whom he said: My Lord, there is no one who wishes that you do evil, but good; but it is said, that you afflict your flesh too much, and that you cannot live long. Several other things were said, of which the speaker himself does not remember; who adds that sometimes the speaker himself in the life of the said Lord Cardinal said to some, that he wondered at that young man, because it is commonly preached to the young, that they do good, but it is not so in him; nay it is necessary to preach to him, that he do not so much of these things, as he does.

[90] Upon the XLVIII article, he said that he believes its contents true on account of some and several conjectures, The rod and little cord, found after the Blessed's death. which he himself saw in the life of the said Lord Peter. For in his study he had certain rods near the place in which on bended knees he prayed: and the speaker himself asked of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, what he did with those rods? Who answered that his dog came often near him, and that he had the said rods on account of it. The said speaker said further, that he found those aforesaid rod and cord after the death of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal under the mats, which were in the said study. The said witness who speaks also said, that the said Lord Cardinal had a bar placed in the entrance of his study, to the end, that the said speaker should not enter at a certain hour, in which he wished to pray (as the speaker himself firmly believes) and to afflict himself, and it was that hour in which he afflicted himself with blows. Whence once the speaker himself through a certain hole of his chamber heard the said Lord Peter the Cardinal striking himself, as it seemed to him, in the said study, and soon after the speaker himself knocked at the door, that the said Lord Peter might open, and then the speaker himself saw the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, who dressed himself hastily; because he was in his shirt alone, and this he saw, who speaks, through the hole. The said speaker also said, that there was great controversy between the said Lord Cardinal and the speaker himself about the said bar, why he put it, and that he might do before the speaker himself whatever he wished. And the said Lord Cardinal said to him, care not: you well know that there is no one who has so good a friend, but that sometimes he wishes to do alone some things which he would not wish known to anyone, however intimate.

[91] Contempt of the body, fasts, Upon the L article he said, that he refers himself to his deposition, which he made on the XLIX article. For it is true, that it was preached to him, how he shortened his life on account of the excessive austerities which he made, as the said speaker said to the said Lord Cardinal: which Lord Cardinal said to the said speaker: Do you care for this wretched flesh? Saying these words in French: "Fie! Do you care for this carrion?" and the Lord Cardinal spoke of his own flesh, and several times the said Lord Cardinal said some words, by which he despised and contemned his flesh.

Upon the LIII he said, that the said Lord Cardinal several times fasted on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, besides the fasts of precept; not however on bread and water, as he believes.

Upon the LIV he said, that several times besides the customary fasts and those instituted by the Church, he himself fasted, and sometimes feigned to eat at table, and did not eat.

Upon the LXXI article he said, that he saw, that the said Lord Cardinal still fasted; and yet he was very sick; who always wished to continue; but yet with difficulty he gave up the fasts, because he could bear it no more.

[92] the frugality of his diet; Witness XVII upon the LIV article said, that the Lord Cardinal ate little, and so watered his wine, that it scarcely retained the taste of wine.

the little cord. Witness XVIII upon the XLVI said, that on account of his office he touched, and wished to touch and see the said Lord Peter the Cardinal at his bare flesh, and although the said Lord Cardinal sometimes showed himself without delay, sometimes however he asked delay, saying: Go walk a little, and afterward you shall see. From which the speaker himself presumes, that on those occasions for which he asked delay, he wore the little cord, and when he saw him, he had a hollow in his arms, and in the middle of his body; and the said hollows were black on account of the dead and coagulated blood; and when the speaker himself asked of the Lord Cardinal what it was; he answered that he ought not to ask about everything; so that he would not tell him, although the chamberlains told the said speaker, that the said hollows came from the knots of the cord which the said Lord Cardinal wore. He also said that after his death he saw that said cord, of which there was fame, that he had worn it.

ANNOTATA.

* read "Nicholas."

* "Bouleau," birch.

CHAPTER V. How excellent was the spirit of prayer in Blessed Peter.

[93] The interrogatory articles pertaining to this, besides the XXXI, which I have already given in chapter 2, and here wish to be held as inserted, sound thus, as follows.

XXXII. Likewise that the same Lord Peter at the same time became a most exquisite seeker of prayer: whence he collected for himself various prayers, as of the Trinity, of Christ, of the blessed Virgin, of St. Michael, and the other Angels; of the Apostles, and other particular Saints. Of which he had a book of no small size made for himself; which prayers every day he was wont most devoutly to say, in his oratory.

XXXIII. Likewise that after the canonical Hours he prayed longer than they extended themselves: so that he rarely ate at the hour customary to the other Lords of his state; and always before he entered the bed, he said some particular and very prolix prayers; so that, awaiting him, his chamberlains, wearied with too much watching, beyond what they could tolerate, being weighed down, fell asleep.

XXXIV. Likewise that he commonly prayed on bended knees, and with bare head, even in the winter time, in his oratory or in his chamber, and often in prayer passed sleepless nights.

Witness I upon the XXXI article said, that Lord Peter instructed his sister about matins and the other canonical Hours, Nocturnal prayers, since she did not know how to order them; and commonly the aforesaid Lord Peter, rising about midnight, went with his said sister, and there saying his Hours and prayers, for two hours and more they remained together. Being asked how he knows? He said that he several times saw it, and the said Lord Peter roused the said speaker, and went together with them to say the Hours and prayers, and the speaker himself, given to sleep on account of his youth, refused to rise, and once the said Lord Peter threw salt among the sheets of the said witness who speaks, to the end that he might have weariness enough to rise.

[94] Being asked, at what time it was? He said, at Paschal time, when the said Lord Peter was now elected to the church of Metz, which said Lord Peter elect, going to Metz on the vigil of Pentecost withdrew from Ligny, and then returned to Ligny about the following feast of St. Michael, where for four months or thereabouts, he stayed with his said sister in the first year of his election, as at the aforesaid times, and these things the aforesaid speaker himself saw, and several others of their servants.

[95] Upon the XXXII article he said, that he saw the book and held it; the variety and frequency of his prayers, and that book the speaker himself, after the death of the aforesaid Lord Peter, gave to the most reverend Father the Lord Cardinal of Saluces.

Upon the XXXIII article, he said its contents were true; adding the cause; that he so saw. Being asked, how much longer he stayed each day in saying prayers, than in saying the canonical Hours; he said, that double or thereabouts, he stayed longer in saying prayers, than in saying the canonical Hours. Being asked, if he heard the chamberlains complaining of watching; he said yes several times; adding, that sometimes his servants said to him, that by leading the life which he led, he wholly destroyed his body. Whence the said Lord Peter sometimes said to the speaker himself; I wonder at these members of the household, why they say these words to me, from which it appears, that they love the body more than the soul; and yet they ought to love the soul more than the body: and sometimes he said these things to his aforesaid members of the household, wishing to induce them to devotion. Once master John de Marchia was present, when he said the premises to the witness who speaks. Of the place he said; that at Paris, and here in the court.

[96] reverence, Upon the XXXIV article, he said that after he was elected of Metz, up to his death he said the Hours and prayers, as is contained in the article. Being asked how he knows? He said that he so saw several times, and said the office with him, and so it was public fame in the household. For the speaker himself said, that when Lord Peter said the office on bended knees together with the speaker himself, and someone knocked at the door of the chapel, he rose from his kneeling, not wishing to be seen in that state; because as much as he could, he did his devotions in secret. He said the canonical Hours at those hours in which they are said in the churches, The canonical Hours at fixed times, unless he was outside his lodging. From his chamberlains he heard it said, that at midnight he continually rose, and said the canonical Hours on bended knees and with bare head, especially as long as he was in the Roman court; and of this there was and is among his servants public voice and fame.

[97] Being asked, while he was at Paris and in Lorraine, how he said his Hours? He said that at Metz in the Vic and at Ligny he said the Hours on bended knees, and with bare head; and also at Paris, after he was elected of Metz; but before, while he was canon of Paris, he said the hours in the usual manner with a certain Nicholas Master of his household. While he prayed and said his canonical Hours, he was very contrite.

The Hours of the Blessed Virgin. Witness II upon the XXXI, said its contents were true, because he so saw, and was present in the place of Ligny.

[98] I transfer here some things from the deposition of the same witness upon article 14. He frequently saw at Paris, while the other scholars went walking, the same Lord Peter alone remained in his chamber, saying the Hours of the Blessed Mary and the seven Psalms, and other prayers conducing to devotion, before he was canon of Paris. The said witness at Paris dwelt near the lodging of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, and every day conversed with him.

Upon the XXXII article he said, its contents were true, because he so saw, and the book of prayers the speaker himself by the command of the said Lord Cardinal had written at Paris, at least part of it. In the same book were the psalter of St. Jerome, the suffrages of the Apostles, and some votive Masses, and also some others; saying, that after the death of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal of Luxembourg, the Lord Cardinal of Saluces had the said book; and, as he believes, it cost eight francs in the writing. Of the year? He said that it was written in the first year of his promotion to the cardinalate.

Prayers before bed, Upon the XXXIII article he said, that the aforesaid Lord Peter each day said several prayers, in the saying of which he stayed a longer space than in saying the canonical Hours. Being asked, if the aforesaid Lord Peter, before he entered the bed, said particular and prolix prayers? He said yes, and he said them so prolixly, that the chamberlains were weighed down; giving the cause, because the speaker himself was a chamberlain, and several times complained to the said Lord Peter of too much watching.

[99] Being asked, what the said Lord Peter answered, when the speaker himself and the other chamberlains complained? He said, that sometimes he was silent, and sometimes said to them: Go to bed, if you wish, and if you wish, wait; uttering these things with a gracious countenance. Being asked how many hours he watched after supper each day. He said that sometimes for two hours, sometimes for three, and sometimes up to matins; and then, matins having been rung, he said matins and entered the bed.

[100] Being asked, at what hour he rose each day? the reading of spiritual books, He said that commonly at the first sound for matins both in summer and in winter. It is true that in winter he tarried somewhat more. Being asked, in what place he observed the aforesaid manner? He said, that here in the court; because at Paris he did not rise so early. Being asked, how many hours he slept by night? He said that sometimes for four, sometimes for three, and at most, for five. Never did he sleep by day, that the speaker himself saw, or knew. Never was he idle, because for the most part he prayed, read the lives of the Saints and other books conducing to devotion, and sometimes studied, yet a little; and so as long as he was at Avignon he observed.

Upon the XXXIV article he said, that he knew that as long as the said Lord Peter said the canonical Hours, and also as long as he prayed, he was always on bended knees, and with bare head both in winter and in summer. At Paris he began it, returned from Ligny, where he had spoken with Joanna his sister, and continued it up to his death, at least up to his infirmity of which he died. He recited the Hours commonly at the hours at which they were said in the churches; namely when it was rung for matins, he said matins, and so of the several Hours, unless he was outside the house; because when he was in the house of his dwelling, though he was occupied with other affairs, yet on this account, he did not omit the preceding order.

Witness VIII said, that the said Lord Peter most often absented himself from his other companions and teachers, that he might go secretly to say his Hours and prayers.

[101] Witness IX upon the XXXII article, believes its contents true: the little book of prayers. because he was his confessor from the time in which Peter himself came to the Roman court; and from the first month in which he came, he saw the book of which mention is made in the article, and he asked the aforesaid Lord Peter, where he had received that book, who answered the same speaker, that at Paris he had had that book written.

Upon the XXXIII article he said, its contents were true, in that part where it says: that the aforesaid Lord Cardinal prayed longer than the canonical Hours amounted to; giving the cause: because he so saw most often, and he always prayed on bended knees, and with bare head, and recited the canonical Hours.

[102] Moreover he heard from the said Lord Peter, that while he was at Paris, Peter was assiduous in prayer, he prayed prolixly by night, with great devotion and fervor; in which prayers and tears he received so great a complacency, that sometimes he had no appetite for sleeping, and he said the premises to the speaker himself, complaining of himself, and saying: Alas! when I was at Paris, it seemed to me that I was in paradise, because I had time to pray, and now it seems to me, that I am in hell, because I cannot at will be free for prayers, as I did at Paris. He also heard from the same Lord Peter, that here in the court, on a certain vigil of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, he did not sleep the whole night, intent on prayers.

And from the said Lord Peter the speaker himself learned, that on the following morning two chamberlains passing the night and untiring, of the aforesaid Lord Peter, namely Stephen and Michael, said to the speaker himself, that he had passed that night sleepless, to the end, that he might reprehend the said Lord; which speaker, when he reprehended the said Lord upon this, he did not deny, nay he said, that he could not sleep, being intent on prayers, saying also, that the nights were not long.

[103] more addicted to prayers than to studies. Witness X on the occasion of article 50, upon which he was interrogated, deposed certain things pertaining to this, namely that he was several times present here at Avignon, while master Giles the confessor, and some others of the household induced the said Lord Peter, to study the canon laws, and not to be so much free for prayers and devotions. But the said Lord Peter heard them well, but whatever he promised them, he wished to be, and was, more free for prayers, than for the laws. For commonly he studied in the lives of the Fathers and other books conducing to devotion.

[104] Witness XI upon the XXXII article said, its contents were true, because he himself saw the book and held it. And after the death of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, the Lord Amadeus Cardinal of Saluces had it; which prayers the aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal caused to be collected by master Peter Dolovargue his secretary, and by master Hutin his chamberlain.

[105] Concerning the little book of prayers, Upon the XXXIII article he said, that the said Lord Peter the Cardinal for a great space, after the canonical Hours prayed, and spent as much or more time after the canonical Hours as the canonical Hours extended themselves. He watched much; for he who speaks said that several times the chamberlains complained to him of so much watching.

Upon the XXXIV article he said, that after he was promoted to the cardinalate, when he prayed, he prayed on bended knees and with bare head, and said the canonical Hours, even in the winter time. So the witness saw, nor does he remember the contrary.

[106] and the little prayers reduced into a booklet, Witness XII upon the XXXII article said, that the speaker himself saw, that Peter had various prayers, written on papyrus slips, and also on parchments; and when the said Lord Peter went to his oratory, or wherever he went to pray, he carried the said slips with him in a small bag; and when he saw that this was tedious, he said to the speaker himself, that he should have a book made, in which the aforesaid prayers should be written; which book the speaker himself had written, so that the writer gave his labor in writing from the feast of All Saints up to the feast of Easter then following, because the writer could not have the slips at his wish. The said speaker said moreover, that once he was at Avignon, the aforesaid Peter being and dwelling at Paris, also promoted to the summit of the cardinalate, where he searched out two prayers, which he carried to the said Lord Peter at Paris, and gave, of which he much rejoiced. Likewise in the church of Ligny the speaker himself searched out one prayer, which he handed to the said Lord Cardinal Peter. And those three prayers he had written in his book of prayers. For whoever wished to have a good feast-gift from the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, gave him some prayer, because he much delighted in prayers, and had the greatest complacency in them. For a great space daily he was free in saying prayers and reading the said book. So much so that his household were wearied, because he scarcely wished to come to table. That Blessed Peter, the canonical Hours being discharged, still prayed a long time; that on bended knees and with bare head he applied himself to the canonical Hours and prayers, this witness also confirms by his testimony, as the preceding ones.

[107] He deposes moreover on the occasion of articles 44 and 45 that among other times he once heard from the said Lord Peter, when the speaker himself and other members of his household said to him: In vain is he admonished concerning too much prayer. Lord, you are young, and for certain you ought to be free for study, and other things to be done: for if you have knowledge, on account of your knowledge and nobility you will be able to relieve the Church in many things, and on account of which we believe, that you were made a Cardinal. Because otherwise you could make these gestures, if you were a Friar Preacher, or a Friar Minor; because if you wished to do these devotions, you ought to have entered religion, and not to have received this state of the cardinalate. Which heard by the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, he answered his household: You are less wise: believe for certain, that we being in the Roman court, do not do what we ought: because hold it for expedited, that on account of knowledge, nobility, power, and arms, the holy Church of God will not be repaired, but by devotion, prayers, and other good works the Church of God ought to be repaired, and will be repaired; and we ought so to do, that God may have mercy on us. And this he said at Avignon, namely at dinner in the chamber of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal.

[108] Witness XIII upon the XXXII article said, its contents were true; Concerning the little book of prayers and the prayers, this only excepted, that he does not believe that the said Lord Cardinal said daily all the prayers of which mention is made in the article; although he said several and various ones, each day. So he saw, and sometimes was present. He also saw the book, which the said Lord procured to be made, and from the speaker himself and several others, he had several prayers; the said book can contain one psalter, or nearly. He had also several other rolls and books of devotions, which he assiduously said, and so devoutly, that as it seemed to the said speaker, the speaker himself never saw, nor heard said of anyone so continually contrite and devout; nor praying so devoutly, as the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, and several times the said speaker wondered at this very thing, that the said Lord Cardinal was so, as it were every hour of the day continually devout, and that he always so prayed with contrition, as he who speaks saw, who was with the said Lord Peter almost so continually, both by day and by night. And the Lord Cardinal himself with the said speaker spoke together of such and several similar things; and sometimes the Lord Cardinal himself said groaning, that he did not know, if anyone could be saved, saying these words: I know not, master John, if anyone will be able to be saved, on account of the things which he read in the sacred Scriptures. He deposed likewise, that several and most often the Cardinal had God before his eyes; and that he saw Him face to face, on account of the marvelous manner of praying which the said Lord Peter the Cardinal had, as it seemed to the speaker himself.

[109] concerning secret prayer, Whence sometimes the said Lord Cardinal, when he wished to pray secretly, and the said speaker wished to withdraw from the said place; the said Lord Cardinal said to the said speaker: it well pleases me, that you not withdraw, but not look at me; and the said speaker nevertheless, to see the said manner of praying, looked at the said Lord Cardinal so devoutly praying; yet so, that the said Lord Cardinal did not perceive it. And the said Lord Cardinal did this lest the speaker himself should see his manner of praying. Which Lord Cardinal prayed on bended knees, with joined hands, raised his head to heaven, and said something, and then immediately bowed it, also saying something before an image standing by, and so he did continually.

[110] concerning his fervor in praying, concerning his vigils, Upon the XXXIII article he said, its contents were true; giving the cause, because he said the canonical Hours with the said Lord Peter; and further he said the Hours of the Cross and of the Holy Spirit, and the Vigils of the dead. Being asked if he occupied more time in saying prayers, than in saying the canonical Hours? He said yes. He also said, that several times, when the said Lord Cardinal wished to enter the bed, the speaker himself read to him a book of devotion, and several times the said speaker was wearied. The chamberlains were so fatigued in watching, that they could not abstain from sleep, and as the chamberlains themselves said to the said speaker, the said Lord Cardinal commonly did not enter the bed until midnight.

[111] The said speaker adds also, that so and so much was the said Lord Cardinal fervent, and intent on devotions, and on reading the sacred Scriptures, that once it happened, that the said Lord Cardinal was studying in his Decretals, and the said speaker, withdrawing from him, begged him that he would study continually, the same Lord Cardinal after the withdrawal of the said speaker, took a book of devotion, which he held over the said Decretals, and when he saw the speaker himself returning to him, hid the said book, as the speaker himself perceived and saw; and this he said to the said Lord Cardinal; saying to him that he had deceived him.

Upon the XXXIV article, he said its contents were true: except that he did not pass the nights sleepless. So he saw: because he said the Hours with him sitting beside him, and sometimes the said Lord Cardinal induced the speaker himself, to say the Hours on bended knees and with bare head. concerning the hearing of Mass, secret prayers,

He also said that he heard Masses each day: he heard them on bended knees and with bare head, even in the winter time. Whence once it happened in winter, that, while the said Peter the Cardinal in his infirmity heard Mass with bare head, the physicians came upon him, and immediately, when he heard the physicians coming, he covered himself, and yet the said physicians had forbidden him, to leave his head uncovered; and this in that instant the said speaker recounted to the said physicians. The said Lord Cardinal commonly heard two Masses each day, and wished to hear at least Masses, one with chant, and the other without chant, and sometimes three or four. He said, that several and most often and more frequently he saw the aforesaid and was present, and sometimes the speaker himself, when the said Lord Cardinal had heard so many Masses and prayed according to his devotion, said to him: Have you heard the Masses well at your will, and said the other prayers? The said Lord Cardinal answered that yes, with a cheerful countenance, rejoicing greatly when he could pray at his pleasure.

[112] The said speaker also said, that daily the said Lord Cardinal in some secret place about the ninth hour, and for about the space of one hour, on bended knees said some particular prayers, and sometimes the said speaker was present in the said place: the said Lord Cardinal however said to him, as he said above, that he should not look at him, and he raised his eyes to heaven and prayed so very devoutly before the image of the Crucified and of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Being asked, what prayers he said? He said, that he did not otherwise know save that once the speaker himself asked of the Lord Cardinal what he said at that hour? Who answered him; I will tell you these and other things, if you promise me, that you will do so: but the speaker himself would not so obligate or bind himself by a vow. To whom the said Lord Cardinal said; it is not a great labor. And the Lord Cardinal said, say on bended knees up to a certain number so many Hail Marys, saluting the Blessed Virgin, and you will see, what space you will put, and how great the labor will be. Which the said speaker did, by which the speaker himself knew, that he daily at that hour saluted the Blessed Virgin Mary; and the said Lord Peter the Cardinal said to the said speaker, that for that he would not open the door to the King of France, if he came, until he had completed it, nor would he speak nor answer, until he had finished his prayer. And this about the ninth hour he did as secretly as he could.

[113] He deposes moreover (on the occasion of interrogatory article 35, upon which he was interrogated, produced by us in chapter 4, from the very beginning) That the said Lord Cardinal read the canon laws, and in them the said Lord Cardinal did not study so much, nor insist as in his other prayers, and in the books of sacred Scripture. Saying further, that the said Lord Cardinal wished that the speaker himself, in reading, should read the passages where he speaks of the salvation of the soul, and of ecclesiastical affairs. And more willingly he heard conferences, in which there was disputation, and mention was made of questions and doubts touching the salvation of the soul, than of any other matter.

[114] On the occasion of article 44, namely that promoted to the cardinalate, So greatly did he love prayer. he began more intensely to apply himself to the salvation of the soul; the said speaker also said, that the said Lord Cardinal, though he suffered great afflictions in the Roman court, and did many good things, said to him these words: Would that I had never entered the court! giving the cause, because he could not so pray, and complete his devotions, as he did at Paris, on account of the impediments which are and continually occur in the court, which did not occur, nor occur to him, while he was at Paris. Upon the LIV he said, that the said Lord Cardinal at the beginning of the meal said some prayers, and put his hands under the table, and counted by his fingers the things which he said, as he believes.

[115] How, incapable of reciting the canonical Hours on account of his infirmity, he ordered them to be recited by others; likewise with how humble a composition of body, and attention of mind he was present at the sacrifice of the Mass, we shall give in chapter 10, where we shall treat of his fatal illness; whence it is clear that his zeal for prayer clung to him constantly and continuously up to his tomb.

[116] Other things of others, Witness XIV said that he only knew, that Peter the Cardinal was a great prayer. The speaker himself visited him frequently and ate with him, and dined late, especially in Lent and in the Advent of the Lord. Because then the said Lord Cardinal fasted late chiefly for this, because when the speaker himself was in the lodging of the said Lord Cardinal, when the household ate, the said Lord Cardinal was in the chapel, in which he prayed, and had a book of various prayers, which he read, and reading prayed prolixly, and in these things he was present, and saw.

[117] upon the same argument, Witness XVII upon the 44th article (of which above, number 114) said, that once in a conference after dinner the said Lord Cardinal said to the speaker himself, that he much doubted of the salvation of his soul, because he had accepted the dignity of the cardinalate, on account of whose burden of solicitude and care, he could not be free for the divine service and contemplation; saying, that his brother had done ill, who had involved him in these solicitudes, adding, that were it not for the honor of the Church and of our Lord the Pope, he would lay aside his dignities, and choose the solitary life, that so he might be free for contemplation and prayer alone, all other solicitudes being left. Being asked of the time? He said in the first year of his cardinalate.

Witness XVIII being interrogated upon the XXXIV article said, the testimonies. that as long as the speaker himself visited the said Lord Cardinal, he found him very frequently on bended knees before a majesty or image, praying with bare head most devoutly; and although it displeased the speaker himself, on account of the said Lord Peter's weakness, because he prayed so much, yet he could never draw him back, though he was weak.

More things pertaining to the present argument will be reported concerning his most constant tenor of praying, by no means intermitted even at the last time of his life, on account of his most desperate health; where of his fatal illness, chapter 10.

That prayer is good, with fasting and almsgiving, this blessed Youth taught us by his own example, when he joined this triple virtue closely and solidly by the kinship of an indissoluble bond. Of prayer and fasting there has been treatment hitherto; of almsgiving it remains to be treated.

CHAPTER VI. The excellent mercy of Blessed Peter toward the poor.

Let the interrogatory articles here again discharge the office of a foreshower, which are of the following tenor. Article XX. Likewise that the same Lord Peter commonly gave out and gave the canonical distributions of the church of Paris to the poor; and when he was asked about it by his rectors, he most humbly answered: What do you wish? We have enough and shall all have of the grace of God, whereby we shall be able to live and do alms. XXI. Likewise that Lord Peter, knowing that his household lay in wait for him at the entrance of the choir of the said church, lest he should give out the said distributions, went out elsewhere, that he might give out the said distributions secretly.

XXII. Likewise that Lord Peter at Paris in his house began to explore, how he might give out alms to the poor, secretly from his household: and from a certain more secret window, when the poor passed, through the bars of that window he was wont to throw money. Whom however they could not see, nor did they see, save only the hand of the one throwing. And so it was and is the common opinion and true, openly, publicly, and notoriously.

XXIII. Likewise that Lord Peter at Paris was wont besides, on Fridays, to send a huge special alms to the sick lying in the hospitals.

XXIV. Likewise that Lord Peter, sometimes money failing him, received money on loan from his household, and gave it out to the poor, so that he never or rarely permitted them to depart undonated.

XXV. Likewise that Lord Peter several times secretly, lest he be reprehended by his teachers, received certain money even from his own, and gave it out to the poor at the customary hour through the said window, or secretly. Whence also among his household there was a question, who had received such money, to whom, lest they be troubled among themselves, he jokingly said: What have you, or why are you troubled? You have lost nothing, I have found all: and he pacified them so, that all were content.

[119] Witness 1 upon the XX article said, that he most often saw the aforesaid Lord Peter giving out money to the poor, Frequent alms, while the said Lord Peter the Cardinal and the speaker himself stayed at Paris, giving it in the church, and as secretly as he could, he did it. Between the said Lord Peter and the witness who speaks there was a pact, that the speaker himself was to have the half part of the distributions of the said Lord Peter. Nevertheless sometimes he gave out both his part and the part of the said speaker to the poor, and afterward restored it to the said speaker. Being asked to what sum those distributions could ascend each day? He said that sometimes to six white-coins, sometimes four, and sometimes more, sometimes less.

[120] Being asked, if sufficiently according to their state, both from the distributions, and from loan, it was administered to them by their parents, whereby they could live? He answered that it was strictly provided to them and so, that sometimes it was necessary for them to receive on loan. Being asked, from whom they received it? He said, from master John Morel. Being asked, since they are great nobles, why it was not provided to them according to their state? He said that the present Count of Saint-Pol, brother of the said Peter and of the witness who speaks, was captured in England, and it was necessary, that their revenues be turned to the ransom of the said Lord Count; which ransom ascended to a hundred thousand francs. Being asked, in what year of his age the aforesaid of revered memory was, when he did the premises? He said, that he was in the eleventh year of his age or thereabouts, when our Lord the Pope conferred on him the canonry and prebend at Paris, and about the twelfth year he did these alms, and up to the day of his death he willingly gave out alms to the poor, and caused them to be given out by his household.

Upon the XXII article he said and testifying by his oath deposed, that he was several times present when Michael, member of the household of the said Lord Peter, reprehended the said Lord Peter, because he gave out alms in so great a quantity to the poor; and sometimes the said Lord Peter gave the witness himself money to give out to the poor. And when the said Lord Peter was reprehended by his teachers, what became of his money, he, greatly fearing the same teachers, said, that that money had fallen from his sleeve.

Upon the XXII, he several times saw it; Concerning his alms and sometimes the said Lord Peter gave out money through the window to the poor, and sometimes the aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal gave the witness who speaks money, to give out to the poor through the window, and especially when he said his Hours or prayers. Commonly the poor and lepers came to the window at the hour of conference after dinner. When he came from study or from the church, and also at all hours, when the poor or lepers came to him, or he saw them, if he had money, or could have it, he always gave it out to them.

[121] public fame: In the thirteenth year or thereabouts he began to give out alms to the poor through the windows, while he was at Paris, and continued it up to his death, wherever he was, when he saw the poor or lepers, and could have money, and of this in the city of Paris and elsewhere, where knowledge of the same Lord Cardinal is had, there was public voice and fame, and especially in the city of Paris. He said, that while he was at Paris, he gave out one white-coin to two, and sometimes one to each, according to the quantity of his money, and the number of the poor seeking alms. Being asked, if he gave each day? He said yes, when the poor came, adding also that he had the blind especially recommended in his alms.

Upon the XXIII article he said, foods sent; that when the poor came in the morning to the office, he gave them alms, and when they did not come; to the lodging of some or to the hospital he sometimes sent money, and sometimes food; and this he saw at Paris not once, but several times, both to distribute at the house, and to carry outside the house. Of the year, month, day, place, time, and those present he does not remember, except that he did those things while he was canon of Paris.

Upon the XXIV article the witness said, money received on loan for alms. that he several times saw the said Lord Peter the Cardinal receiving money on loan to be given out for the poor, and especially from the speaker himself, from master John de Marchia, or from Michael, formerly his chamberlain. This is notorious among those who conversed with the said Lord Cardinal. Being asked, if he frequently received on loan? He said that when he did not have money, and saw the poor. Being asked of the number of poor, to whom he gave alms each day. He said, that sometimes four, five, six, according as he abounded in money. The witness who speaks was present, and saw those things.

Witness II upon the XX article said, The canonical distributions given out to the poor, that in the church of Paris each day there is given to each Canon, being in the procession, one white-coin, and the said Lord Peter gave out that white-coin to the poor. As to the distributions, he said that distributions are not given each day, but when his distributions were paid to him, he gave them out, sometimes all, and sometimes part of them, to the poor, sometimes in the exit from the church through the streets, and in his house, according as he found the poor, and had the devotion of giving, and when he had money. He also said, that sometimes he gave money to another to give out to the poor; and so he said he had several times seen.

[122] Upon the XXII article he said, its contents were true: gifts through the window. giving the cause, because he so saw several times, and sometimes the speaker himself by the command of the said Lord Peter gave out money to the poor through the window. Being asked of the time? He said at the time in which he was canon and studying at Paris. Being asked how great a quantity of money he gave out to the poor each day. He said that sometimes one white-coin and sometimes two, or three, and sometimes more, according as he abounded in money, and sometimes to give out to the poor he received money on loan from his servants.

Being asked of the quantity and value of the alms? He said that sometimes one franc, Others sent to the hospitals. sometimes one and a half; sometimes twenty Parisian shillings; and these alms he caused to be carried to the sick, lying in the hospital, by his almoner, and commonly once in the week, namely on Fridays, and the speaker himself sometimes by the command of the said Lord Peter gave money to the almoner, for carrying it, because then the said speaker was chamberlain of the said Lord Peter, and always was from that time up to his death.

Upon the XXIV article he said, that when he had money, Whether the canonical distributions, or could have it on loan, scarcely or never did anyone depart from him without alms. Being asked, if he abounded in money? He said that as long as he was canon of Paris, he had no administration, except of the money of his distributions; and therefore in money he could not much abound. Being asked if he gave all his distributions to the poor. He said of his belief that yes; yet he does not know affirmatively, if he gave out all.

[123] Witness XI upon the XX and XXI articles, said that he only knew, he gave out all, to the poor. that Lord Peter often gave out to the poor the distributions which after the manner of the canons of the said church of Paris he there received, the speaker himself and his other teachers knowing it, and, as the speaker himself asserted, rejoicing; yet as secretly as he could, he gave them out. Being asked if he gave all the distributions to the poor? He said, that sometimes all; but sometimes according as the poor and petitioners came. Being asked of the sum of the distributions? He said, that sometimes four white-coins, sometimes five, and sometimes more and sometimes less, and sometimes he had XII and more; but he did not frequent the church, save on feast days. But on the other days he was free for study.

Upon the XXII article he said, its contents were true: Concerning the money thrown through the window, giving the cause, because he saw the said Lord Peter from the window of the chamber of the speaker himself, which was near another window, through which the said Lord Peter threw money, secretly giving it out to the poor, and throwing it through the window, yet the speaker himself did not wish to disturb the said Lord Peter in his good works. The witness only remembers two occasions, because he did not attend to these things. Being asked of the sum of money, thrown through the window? He said that he did not know. He well knows, that they were royal white-coins; and of the multitude of poor. because he saw them falling. There were present sometimes ten poor, sometimes more, and sometimes fewer. Being asked if he gave to all coming there. He said yes, at least on those two occasions which he saw, he gave to those asking.

[124] How often he gave, at what time, from the distributions. Being asked if he gave each day? He said, that when he had money and the poor came. Being asked at what time the said Lord Peter gave the said alms through the window? He said that about one year before his promotion to the church of Metz, namely while he was Canon of the church of Paris, and was Archdeacon of Dreux, in the church of Chartres, and Archdeacon of Brussels in the church of Cambrai; which archdeaconries each year could be worth in what was brought in, 400 francs, or thereabouts. Being asked whence the said Lord Peter had the money, which he gave out to the poor through the window? He said from the distributions of the church of Paris; for sometimes he reserved part of the distributions, which he gave out to the poor through the window. When from those archdeaconries sums of money were brought to the same Lord Peter, the receiver of the same money gave the same Lord Peter two or three francs, of which he might do at his pleasure, and those, as the said speaker believes, he spent on pious works. Being asked how much the distributions of the church of Paris could be worth each year? The said speaker said, that in his judgment, they could be worth to the said Lord Peter each year, as long as he was canon of Paris, XII or XIV francs. And when the greater distributions were paid, which are paid twice or thrice in the year, he who received them gave the said Lord Peter money to the value of one franc or thereabouts, to do the pleasure of his will.

Upon the XXIII article he said, that after the said Lord Peter was promoted to the church of Metz, residing at Paris, he did as is contained in the said article. So he heard it said by the almoner, and often saw those carrying the said alms on Fridays, and also in the accounts of the expenses of the house of the said Lord Peter it was found written.

[125] Upon the XXIV article he said, that he several times heard from Lord Henry, the almoner, Concerning money received on loan, for alms. Stephen and Michael, chamberlains of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, that Lord Peter owed them money, received by him on loan, which he had given out to the poor; for he never was without owing something to someone for such a work; although sometimes he paid the said lenders double. Therefore he well found lenders for giving out to the poor. Being asked of the time? He said that, after he was elected to the church of Metz. When he saw the poor asking, undoubtedly, if he had money, or could secretly have it on loan, he gave them alms.

[126] The revenues of the church of Metz Upon the XXV he said, that at Avignon there were brought to the said Lord Peter, from the revenues of his church of Metz, certain sums of money, up to the sum of 800 francs, or thereabouts; and when the said francs were counted several times by Lord Hugh le Chaudronier, the chamberlain, and the speaker himself, and some others, and placed in a coffer ^a, of which the said Lord Peter wished to carry and did carry the key; after some days the said chamberlain and speaker, wishing to receive the aforesaid money, to commit it to the uses of the household, not finding the money, began to contend among themselves, who had had the aforesaid money; whether distributed to the poor? then the aforesaid Lord Peter, who had the key of the coffer, called the said chamberlain of his, secretly saying to him, be not troubled, for I well know, what has become of the said money. It the said Lord Peter, as the speaker himself most firmly believes, had given out to the poor, and had caused to be given out at Avignon; and he believes in the year before his death; of the month and day he does not remember.

[127] Witness XII upon the XXIV article said, that the aforesaid Lord Peter often raised money by hand from the speaker himself for giving out to the poor, Concerning money received on loan, because never or rarely did he permit them to depart from him, if he had money, or could have it. or from the servants themselves. Sometimes he demanded from the lower servants, for giving out to the poor, and so the said speaker saw at Paris and at Avignon. Being asked of the time in which he began to do the aforesaid alms? The speaker himself said, that he came with the said Lord Peter immediately after his promotion to the church of Metz; and from that time up to the death of the said Lord Peter: and although the said speaker did not stay with the same Lord Peter before his promotion to the church of Metz, yet he said, that he frequently visited him; the said speaker adding that the said Lord Peter being in Lorraine, and also being on a journey, going and returning after his promotion to the church of Metz, the speaker himself was the secret almoner of the same Lord Peter; although he had one general almoner. Being asked of the quantity of money given out to the poor each day? He said, that to each he gave one white-coin, and sometimes two; according as he abounded in money.

[128] Witness XIII upon the XX said, that he several times heard from the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, Of another witness at the time in which he resided with him, that on account of the alms which are given, a man is not made poorer, because God will provide for those who give alms, and when it was said to the said Lord Peter, that he was poor and the like; he answered, that God would well provide for his state; the said speaker saying, that the aforesaid Lord Peter many times said to the speaker himself, that he would not that his affairs should come to his pleasure, on account of the perils which could follow from it.

Upon the XXII he said, that during the time in which he stayed with the said Lord Peter, he always saw the same Lord Peter very merciful and pious, several times doing alms, with his own hand, when he could give money to the poor; and when he could not by himself, he caused it to be given through another.

[129] So much so, that once the said Lord Peter himself gave the speaker himself one general rule, testimony upon these things; and concerning the sold ring. namely that in the name of the said Lord Peter the same speaker, as often as it should seem to him expedient, should do alms, and should reckon to him whatever he spent in alms. And when the speaker himself said to the said Lord Peter, that perhaps he would not well remember the things which he gave, and that he might reckon more or less than he had laid out; the said Lord Peter answered, however it might be, he wished, that in doubt he should reckon more, and so, that in what was handed over he should not fall short. Moreover the said speaker said, that the said Lord Peter so willingly did alms, that once, when he had no money, he caused one of his servants to sell a ring ^b of gold, which he wore on his finger, as secretly as he could; as the said speaker said, he had heard from the said servant; for he much had compassion on the poor clerics, especially those graduated in the sciences and not beneficed, whom, as the speaker himself said, he would most willingly have provided for, if he could.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER VII. The purity of his conscience, the daily annotation of his defects, the frequent confession of the same.

Let the interrogatory articles, after the accustomed manner, give light before the depositions. The interrogatory articles, The interrogatory article LI thus records: Likewise that the same Lord Peter was so solicitous of his conscience, that every day, a secret examination being made of the things happening to him, he set down in writing his sins, even any least ones, lest by any means they should pass unconfessed.

LII. Likewise that the same Lord Peter confessed often and always on bended knees, and rarely or never without many tears, although his faults were very slight and almost nothing, and such as the present life is not passed without even by Saints and perfect men.

[131] and the depositions. Witness I upon the LI said, that he only knew that as long as he was at Paris, the said Lord Peter on a small slip each day wrote the sins committed in the day, and when he went to the parts of Lorraine, on the journey he omitted to write as he was wont; and that, when he was in the place of Ligny, he said to the speaker himself, that he was very sad, because he had omitted to write his sins, fearing that he had given them over to oblivion, and exhorted the said speaker, to bring the sins back to memory, if he had seen him do any; and the speaker himself said, that he did not believe he had sinned. Then the said Lord Peter said to the speaker himself; Did I not drink between dinner and supper? Which witness answered, that yes; but it did not seem to him, that so to drink was a sin, and then the aforesaid Lord Peter began alone in one chamber to write his sins committed by him on the way, where he was in writing for two hours or thereabouts. He did not see the slip, because he wrote as secretly as he could, and kept the slips. As long as he was at Paris, and here in the court, he confessed once in the week, at least, and sometimes twice or thrice in the week, and sometimes each day, as devotion moved him. He several times saw the aforesaid Lord Peter before his confessor both at Paris and here in the court, and of this there was and is public fame among the household of the said Lord Peter.

[132] Witness II upon the LI article said, that he believes its contents true. The slips seen, Because he several times saw him writing. Often in the presence of his chamberlains he wrote; but the said chamberlains were not bold to look at what he wrote; and sometimes on bended knees before the fire he wrote, and sometimes in his chapel, or in his study, and he said, that in a certain chest he put those slips, which chest after the death of the said Lord Peter was found, as it were full of those slips; which said speaker put the said slips in the fire in the place of Villeneuve. Being asked, when he began to write? He said, that after he was promoted to the cardinalate. Of the place? He said, that at Paris, in Lorraine, and here at Avignon.

Upon the LII article; He well knows, that he most often confessed; and he truly knows also, that once he saw the said Lord Peter confessing with bare feet. frequent confession,

Witness IX upon the LI answered, that he several times saw the slips, the slips seen by the confessor, while the said Lord Peter confessed to the speaker himself, and the speaker himself admonished the said Lord Peter, not to write any more; nay if he doubted of forgetfulness, to confess more often, and to any chaplain occurring; and thence it followed, that he often rose at night at various hours, and confessed to one of his chaplains, now to one, now to another. Being asked, of the names of the chaplains? He said, that the Lords Giles Dorel, and Odoard, who then stayed with the said Peter. Being asked, at what time the speaker himself admonished the aforesaid Lord Peter, that he should no longer write his sins, but confess more often? He said, that a little after the speaker himself was his confessor. The said Writing he believes, that he continued from the time in which he was canon of Paris, up to the time in which he chose the said speaker as confessor. Being asked, why he believes it. He said, that the said Lord Peter said to the speaker himself, that so he had been wont at Paris and elsewhere.

On the occasion of another article being interrogated the said witness said, that he never saw him confessing, tears, nor heard of confession, but that he wept. This happened from the time in which he was his confessor. Of the place? He said, at Avignon. Of those present? He said, that no one because in doing such things he closed his study, lest anyone should enter.

Upon the LII article he said, that the said Lord Peter confessed often to the speaker himself, how frequent his confession, with how many tears sprinkled. namely at least thrice in the week, and sometimes more often, always on bended knees; nor does he remember, that he ever confessed without great tears, nay with tears and great sobs he wept; so much so that sometimes for the space of one "Miserere mei Deus," he could not speak; and sometimes there was so great an abundance of tears, that water seemed to have been poured out before the said Lord Peter. Being asked, why he so wept? He said, that he wept from the greatest contrition of heart; for he made conscience of the least sins; nor does the speaker himself remember, that the said Lord Peter ever confessed to him a sin, which the speaker himself would judge to be mortal.

[133] Witness X upon the LI article said, that in the silence of the night he several times confessed the said Lord Peter; Nocturnal confession, and that the speaker himself, while he heard the said Lord Peter's confession, at night more than five times perceived, that the said Lord held a slip and a candle, and in the said slip read, as secretly as he could. In which slip, as the speaker himself believes, he read his sins. It is true, that he held the slip somewhat hidden under his hood. Being asked, at what hour he confessed at night? He said, that sometimes before midnight, sometimes at the hour of midnight, and sometimes after midnight. Being asked, if the aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal, when he wished to confess at night, sent for the aforesaid said speaker?

He said, to whom and how often. that when he rose from bed after midnight, or before, or at whatever hour he rose from bed, and wished to confess, he came to the chamber of the speaker himself, and sometimes to the chamber of Lord Odoard the presbyter, and knocked at the door of the other chamber; for sometimes he who speaks, hearing the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, knocking at the door of his chamber at night, feigned to sleep, and then he went to the chamber of Lord Odoard. Likewise sometimes the said Lord Odoard feigned, that he slept, or that he was not in his chamber, because, as it seemed to them, he made them rise for nothing. Being asked, if on the following morning, when they were unwilling to rise, he blasphemed them? He said, that no, but that morning he sent for his confessor, or confessed to one of them. Being asked if he often confessed at night? He said, that sometimes thrice or four times in the week, sometimes more, sometimes fewer.

Upon the LII article he said, He confesses the slightest things that the aforesaid Lord Peter sometimes at night confessed on bended knees, and sometimes standing bowed over the altar, and the speaker himself believes, that the said Lord Peter the Cardinal therefore stood bowed over the altar, that he might hide the slip under his hood, lest the speaker himself, hearing the said Lord Peter's confession, should see the slip. Whether he shed tears in saying his confession? He said, that he did not know, but he well spoke with a sorrowful and as it were tearful voice: As to the sins of the said Lord Peter, the speaker himself said, that they were very slight, at least those which he told the speaker himself in confession.

[134] his sins, Witness XI upon the L article said, that the same Lord Peter set down his sins in writing (he does not know if all); and once the speaker himself in his study secretly found a slip written by his hand, containing among other things certain sins slight enough, and which the speaker himself did not reckon sins.

Witness XII upon the LI article said, that he believes the contents in the said article true; giving the cause, because fame was current, and was in the household of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, among his household of the contents in the article. He also said, that he had heard the contents in the said article true from the Lord Cardinal of Saluces, of whom at present the said speaker is a member of the household.

[135] written even at night; Witness XIII upon the LI article said, its contents were true, except that he does not know whether he wrote his sins every day. He several times by night saw the said Lord Peter the Cardinal writing his sins, and the said speaker said to the said Lord Cardinal: You write your sins. which he also asks to be indicated to him. The said witness who speaks also said, that the said Lord Cardinal often asked him, what he himself had done in the day, where he had been, with whom he had spoken, to advise better of his sins. Which he also did to the said Lord of Cambrai, his brother, and so asked of him. The said speaker adds that sometimes the speaker himself, in his purse kept the slips of the said Lord Cardinal in which he had written his sins. Yet he said to him, do not look within; but the speaker himself said, that he would not look, saying to him that they were his sins, and these things were on a journey, when they rode together. Being asked how he knows? He said, that he several times saw several slips, in which the said sins of his were written. But he saw only the beginning of the slip, in which he thus wrote: First on Monday I sinned, likewise on Tuesday I sinned, and so on consecutively. And of this matter there were several times colloquies between the said Lord Cardinal and the said speaker.

Upon the LII article he said, that often and most often, and always he confessed on bended knees; and this he heard said from the chaplains of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, that he several times confessed at night.

[136] Witness XIV upon the LI article said, that he only knew, he confessed with a written record, on bended knees. that the said Lord Cardinal, when he confessed to him, always had a slip, in which he set down his sins, however least, but he did not see him writing. Yet he well said, that in his confession he could not perceive the gravity of his sins. Being asked, how he knows that he wrote his sins? He said, that in confessing he read the slips, and the speaker himself also adds, that once he asked of the said Lord Cardinal, why he wrote his sins; who answered him, that he might better remember his defects.

Upon the LII article he said, that it is true, that he always confessed to him on bended knees, and with great contrition of heart; but whether with tears, he did not attend; but he well confessed with great sadness and contrition.

CHAPTER VIII. His ascetic colloquies, his desire of going to the sacred places, his loathing of the court.

I premise again the interrogatory articles upon the contents in the title of this chapter, which sound thus. Article XXVI: Likewise that the same Lord Peter began solicitously to seek out the acquaintance of upright men, The interrogatory articles, and to cleave to them: as frequently as he could; with master Francis of St. Michael, or with master Gerard of Vervins, penitentiary of Paris, masters in theology, he had devout colloquies upon the state and salvation of his soul.

XXVII. Likewise that he solicitously visited the churches at Paris, especially the monasteries of the Carthusians and Celestines, and with the great devout ones of those monasteries, he had special and secret acquaintance; and above the rest he more singularly cleaved to Lord Philippe de Mézières, who among the other devout ones of Paris was reputed most devout; and who despised many riches for the love of God, that, instructed by them, he might attain to the fruit of a stricter life.

XXVIII. Likewise that of all and each of the premises there was, and is, public voice and fame in the city of Paris, upon this matter. and elsewhere.

XLIII. Likewise that, after he came to the court, seeing its involvements, and the diversity of affairs, and considering that on account of them the perils were very many, he began to fear, lest he should decline from the peace of conscience and the fervor of interior devotion.

XLIV. Wherefore he began to consult for the salvation of his soul.

XLV. Likewise that, the manners of the said court being more fully considered, and ever having the aforesaid perils before his eyes, he began to be exceedingly austere to himself.

LXIV. Likewise that he abundantly intended to go to St. Mary of Le Puy, to St. Benedict-on-Loire, and to St. Maturinus, to St. Mary of Chartres.

LXVIII. Likewise that he purposed to visit the head of Blessed John the Baptist at Amiens; the place of Blessed Mary of Boulogne-sur-Mer; then to cross over to England, and to St. Thomas of Canterbury.

LXXI. Likewise that he disposed to cross over from England toward Cologne, and to visit the holy places there; and especially the place and monastery of the eleven thousand Virgins.

[138] Among others at Paris Witness I upon the XXVI article said, that the said Lord Peter most often conversed with the aforesaid masters Francis and Gerard, named in the article, namely with the said master Francis for the sake of being informed, and with master Gerard for the sake of confessing: for the said master Gerard was his confessor; and that acquaintance he took with them, from this, that among all the Theologians at Paris they were reputed sufficient masters. Being asked, from about what time, and for how long a time he conversed with the aforesaid masters? He said, as long as he was at Paris, from the time in which he was elected to the church of Metz. Being asked, if he heard the said Lord Peter and the aforesaid masters speaking together? He said, that yes, several times of divine things and good documents; the speaker himself adding also, that the aforesaid master Francis said several documents to him. And of this there is public fame at Paris.

Upon the XXVII article he said, The Blessed was wont with Philippe de Mézières, that before the said Lord Peter the Cardinal was elected to the church of Metz, he sometimes visited the church of the Carthusians at Paris, for the sake of pastime; and after he was elected and returned from Lorraine to Paris, when he went to the King at St. Paul's, then he visited the church of the Celestines, for the sake of devotion, hearing Masses, and other divine offices, and conversed with a certain Lord Philippe, who passed his stay within the enclosure of the monastery of the Celestines, and in the said chapel of the said Lord Philippe, the aforesaid Lord Peter read the lives of the Saints and other books conducing to devotion, together with Lord Philippe, and in reading he was delighted, desiring to follow the life of the Saints; and this the speaker himself several times saw, saying moreover that the said Lord Peter also inclined the said speaker to devotion, and often caused those books to be read, and sometimes caused some books to be brought to the house, and them to be copied.

Being asked of what fame the said Lord Philippe was? He said, that he was a great noble, to deal with a most pious man. and rich, but he laid aside the riches and honors of the world, and kept the life of the Celestines, and among the other devout ones at Paris was reputed most devout. Being asked, if Lord Peter often conversed with him? He said, that after his return from Lorraine, at Paris, the said Lords Peter the Cardinal and Philippe the knight conversed together twice or thrice in the week, and of this there is public fame in the city of Paris.

On the occasion of article LXXVIII, the said speaker said, that the aforesaid Lord The loathing of the court. Peter frequently said to him, that he would willingly go to a hermitage to do penance, inducing the speaker himself, that he should go with him alone, saying to the same speaker, that he wished to have nothing, save his breviary and his prayers, and to sell all his books, and to buy coarse cloth for making garments, and once he secretly took the keys of a certain gate, which is near the orchard of the lodging in which he stayed at Avignon, through which he wished to go out secretly, with the said speaker for going to the hermitage; but a certain Master Giles the confessor of the said Lord Peter drew him back: saying to him, that, if he departed, the schismatics would rejoice and say, that he had departed, thinking that our Lord Pope Clement was not the true Pope: and the said speaker was to go with him, nor did he wish that anyone should know, even of the household.

[139] Witness II upon the XXVI said, its contents were true; He is engaged with pious men, giving the cause, that he so saw and was several times present, where the said Lord Peter the Cardinal and master Francis of St. Michael were together, and sometimes master Gerard of Vervins, penitentiary of Paris, who spoke of the salvation of the soul and of devotions. For the said masters Francis and Gerard were reputed solemn clerics, and devout men. Being asked, for how long a time the said Lord conversed with the said masters? He said, that from the time of his promotion to the church of Metz.

Upon the XXVII he said, that most often the said Lord Peter visited the churches of the Carthusians and Celestines. he visits the churches, Sometimes for the sake of recreation, and sometimes for the sake of devotion. The deposing witness was a member of the household of the said Lord Peter, and accompanied the same said Peter together with his other household. Of the time he said, that while he was a Cardinal, he consults Philippe de Mézières. and stayed at Paris. The said witness saw and heard that he asked the said Lord Philippe de Mézières and some other Celestines and Carthusians about their manner of living, and about the state of their religion.

[140] The tedium of the court. Upon the XLIV article he said, that he often heard the said Lord Peter complaining of the involvements of the Roman court, and its governance; the aforesaid Lord Cardinal saying, that it would have been better for him, if he had never been a Cardinal; because many things, as he said, he saw, which displeased him.

Upon the XLIV he said, that the said Lord Peter, as he said to the speaker himself, desired to go to Chartres; but on account of his infirmity he could not go; but he sent Alan, one of his servants, at the time of his infirmity.

Witness IX upon the XLIV article said, its contents were true. Because he most often saw the said Lord Peter afflict himself and grieve concerning the salvation of his soul: and sometimes with great difficulty pacify himself: because he several times saw him weep.

[141] Witness XI upon the XXVI article said, that he saw several times the said masters Francis of St. Michael, He is engaged with truly upright men, and Gerard of Vervins, conversing with the said Lord Peter, at table and outside, after the said Lord Peter was promoted to the church of Metz, the said masters Francis and Gerard persevered with the said Lord Peter, as long as he was at Paris.

Upon the XXVII article he said, that after Peter was elected of Metz, he visits the churches, he often and more often visited the churches of the Carthusians and Celestines, since they were of the same land, or thereabouts. The said speaker also said, that he several times saw the said Lord Peter visiting the church of the Celestines and their dwelling, and especially he visited Lord Philippe de Mézières, named in the article. When the said Lord Peter went to the said churches of the Carthusians and Celestines, the speaker himself accompanied the said Lord Peter. Being asked, and Philippe de Mézières. if he knows that the said Lord Peter spoke words of devotion with the said Lord Philippe? He said that he believes, that yes, from this, that the said Lord Peter and Lord Philippe, named in the article, when they were together, entered the chapel of Lord Philippe, and there stayed, speaking for a great space of time. Yet the speaker himself did not hear their words; and also, that the said Lord Peter at table and elsewhere recited some words, which, as he said, he had heard from the said Lord Philippe; for the said Lord Philippe among all the devout ones of Paris was reputed most devout, and therefore the said Lord Peter the Cardinal from the time of his promotion to the church of Metz, as long as he was at Paris, conversed with the said Lord Philippe.

[142] Upon the XXVIII article he said, that there is voice and fame upon these things which he deposed.

[143] Other things of others Witness XII upon the XXVI said, that he believes the contents in the said article true; because he saw the said Lord Peter frequently with those named in the article, which persons named in the article were reputed upright and good men, and the speaker himself several times said, that he saw the said Lord Peter confessing to the said master Gerard of Vervins, named in the article. Being asked in what place? He said that at Paris, namely after his promotion to the church of Metz.

Upon the XXVII article he said, that he several times saw the said Lord Peter, visiting the churches of the Carthusians and Celestines, the said speaker, as he asserted, being present, and accompanying the same Lord Peter. Sometimes the said Lord Peter the Cardinal went to the King, being at St. Paul's, and when sometimes there was not a convenient place of entering to the King, the aforesaid Lord Peter turned aside to the lodging of the aforesaid Lord Philippe de Mézières, and there they had a great colloquy between them; of what they spoke, the said speaker does not know. The aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal willingly conversed with devout persons, and had colloquies more than with others, and the said Lord Philippe among all the devout ones of Paris was reputed most devout.

[144] concerning the present Witness XIII upon the XXVI answered, its contents were true. Being asked, how he knows? He said, that he stayed with the said Lord Peter, and in divers conferences, and at other divers hours he saw and heard the said persons, named in the article, conversing together with the aforesaid Lord Peter. For the said Lord Gerard of Vervins, named in the article, was the special confessor of the said Lord Peter, and often came to the lodging of the said Lord Peter, on every Sunday and solemn feast, on which days Lord Peter frequently took the body of Christ. Also in the conferences of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal the aforesaid Lord Gerard was most often present, and sometimes answered questions, as did master Francis of St. Michael, named in the article, and several other Lords. The said witness said further, that, because he saw the said Lord Peter the Cardinal have colloquies with the said masters, named in the article, with whom he spoke of the divine Scriptures, he supplicated them, that aside they should induce the said Lord Cardinal to study the canon laws, which prelates are bound to know for the governance of the Church. To which the said master Francis of St. Michael, named in the article, often answered the said speaker: Leave him, leave him in his devotions, seeing the said Lord Peter the Cardinal to be so inclined to the sacred Scriptures, in which he wished wholly to insist, and had set his whole heart. The said Lord Peter also several times said, that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

[145] Upon the XXVII article he said, that he knew that he visited the Carthusians and Celestines, the matter and conversed with the devout, and especially with Lord Philippe de Mézières, named in the article. Being asked, how he knows? He said that he was present. The said speaker said further, that during the time in which he stayed with the said Lord Cardinal, he saw that the said Lord indifferently willingly saw all religious whatsoever coming to him, who very frequently visited him, and had colloquies with them especially clerics, and masters in the sacred page, and from several borrowed books and sermons, in which he set his study.

[146] Upon the XLIV article he said, that it contained the truth; the testimonies. giving the cause, because by experience he saw it: because before the said Lord Cardinal was promoted to the bishopric of Metz, the speaker himself resided with the said Lord Cardinal, to whom he read the canon laws, and also the civil, by the special command of our Lord the Pope: the said speaker also saw; that, although the said Lord Cardinal before the said promotion governed himself, as has been said, and held himself humble, yet more, and with the greatest devotion after the said promotion he began to think of the salvation of his soul, to have conferences with prudent men, of good conscience, and to unroll the books of sacred Scripture, and to give himself more than usual to God and to make abstinences.

CHAPTER IX. His care of his household, his zeal for souls.

Let the interrogatory articles precede after the custom. Article LV. Likewise that the same Lord Peter greatly busied himself, The interrogatory articles that his domestics and household should be upright and honest, and exhorted them to catholic manners, and to confess often, and to flee vices, and to follow the Church, the sermons, and the like.

LVI. Likewise that the said Lord Peter was wont to recount to his servants the examples of the Saints, concerning the care of his household, and the things which he had read or heard of the lives of the Fathers, and to induce them to a holy life, and good works.

LVII. Likewise that when the same Lord Peter exhorted a certain one of his squires, who was called Maictus, to confession (who after many things answered, that he did not know, what he should say to the priest, and that he did not have what he might give him) the pious Lord, hearing this, added concerning the first: If you never confess, you will never know how to confess; and if you accustom yourself, you will at once well know what is to be said. As to the second, he ordered one gold franc to be given him, by a pact intervening, that he should confess that same week. And from then, as is the custom, and of precept, he several times confessed.

LVIII. Likewise that at certain times he ordered money to be given to the lower servants of his house, and to the young men for making confession, and to this same end he admonished them, and caused them to confess.

LIX. Likewise that out of a great fervor of charity, with zeal for souls, he greatly deplored the fall of the Christians, and especially of the ecclesiastical state, and aspired to their recovery. Therefore he purposed secretly, under the pretext of going on pilgrimage, to visit certain places, and, all pomp, from his state and that of his own, being cast off, to journey on foot, and to give himself as an example to all unto humility, and the repair of the state of the Church.

LXI. Likewise that he had purposed, taking with him doctors in the sacred Page, and of the Decretals, to cause the word of God to be preached in fit places, through which he should pass in such pilgrimage, and to all wishing to hear, the commandments of the law, and the articles of faith, the Sacraments of the Church, and the works of mercy; and in every conclusion of the sermon to open the truth upon the fact of the schism, and to recommend everywhere the state of the Church to the prayer of the faithful.

LXII. Likewise that he disposed, that the said Lords Doctors should dispute and allege, if it were needful, for the information of the ignorant and the reformation of the ill-informed, upon the fact of the schism.

LXV. Likewise that he intended principally to confer with the Lord King of France of the peril of his conscience and soul, upon the grievances inflicted on his people.

LXVI. He sets forth the instruction of the said King decreed by Blessed Peter.

LXVII. To which instruction when difficulties were objected, difficulties being objected in vain to the Blessed. the said Lord Peter, confiding in the Lord God, wholly hoped to accomplish his intent; alleging that of the Gospel: All things are possible to him that believes.

LXIX. Likewise that the said Lord Cardinal intended to visit the King of England, and to inform him upon the fact of the schism, with the help of the aforesaid doctors, and to treat of peace between him and the King of France.

LXX. Likewise that, the King of France not knowing the said crossing to England, he intended to do it, and to treat the aforesaid things, neither having a safe-conduct from the King of England, nor asking one, that with safe conscience he might be able to assert himself, not sent by man, nor by a council, but by God.

LXXI. Likewise that he disposed to go to the King of the Romans, his cousin, and to inform him of the fact of the schism, whom he did not doubt that he could reduce to the unity of the holy Church, and to the obedience of our Lord the Pope, confiding in the help and mercy of Almighty God and of the glorious Virgin. LXXII. Likewise that in returning, he intended to visit the other more powerful and greater Princes of Germany, in the manner as above; and these accomplished, he would return to the court, the three years of his pilgrimage being completed.

LXXIII. Likewise, when it was objected to him, that he could not execute the aforesaid, on account of six reasons; having God alone and the common utility before his eyes, he answered, that he did not fear the perils of men, nor the judgments of detractors, and much less to fall into poverty; ready as to give for God, so also to receive; and if it were expedient, even to ask alms; which also he demanded to fulfill.

[148] Witness I upon the LV article said, its contents were true; He exhorts his household to virtue giving the cause, that he was several times present, when the said Blessed Peter induced his household, to good and catholic manners, and to confess often, and to frequent the churches, both at Paris and here at Avignon: and of this there was public fame among his household.

Upon the LVI article he said, its contents were true: because he so saw and heard, both at Paris and here in the court.

Upon the LVII he said, that he was present at Paris, when the aforesaid Lord Peter ordered one franc to be given to Maictus, and frequent confession. to the end, that he should confess, and this was at dinner, and in the lodging of the Lord Bishop of Beauvais, in which the aforesaid Lord stayed at Paris, and it was after the return from Lorraine.

[149] Witness II upon the LV and LVI said, that he several times heard the said Lord Peter the Cardinal exhorting his servants, Pious discourses with his servants, especially a certain Matthew, his squire, because he was young, and he often exhorted the said Matthew of such things, while he was at table. When Lord Peter had studied some good words of devotion, he related those words to the said speaker and his other chamberlains, instructing them to good manners, here at Avignon.

Upon the LVII article he said, that the aforesaid Lord Peter ordered, through the witness who speaks, one franc to be given to Maictus, named in the article.

Upon the LVIII he said, that after the said Lord Peter the Cardinal was promoted to the cardinalate, incitements to confession, always in the week he caused certain sums of money to be given to certain young servants of his, that they might go to confess, namely to one three shillings, to one two groats, and so of each, and the speaker himself handed over the said money by the command of the said Lord Cardinal.

Upon the LIX article he said, that he only knew, that he several times here in the court heard the said Lord Cardinal, wonderful in his care of his household, saying to the speaker himself, that he would willingly go to Jerusalem, to visit the Lord's Sepulcher.

Witness IX upon the LV and LVI articles said, that he never saw nor heard a Lord who so busied himself for the salvation of his household, as the said Lord Peter the Cardinal: for at table and outside he induced them, as is contained in the article; the said speaker adding, that he was never at the table of any Lord, where the servants so abstained from dishonest and evil colloquies, as at the table of the said Lord Peter.

Upon the LVII article the said speaker said, its contents were true, zeal for souls, because the said speaker was at the table of the said Lord Peter, namely at Avignon.

Upon the LIX, and the following, up to LXXIII inclusive, he said, that he had heard the contents in the said articles true from the aforesaid Lord Peter, who treated that matter with the speaker himself; which speaker indeed, having heard the motives, good reasons, and good purpose of the said Lord Peter, condescended, so much so that he was bound to the said Lord Peter, by oath, to accompany him in accomplishing the contents in the articles. And nevertheless the said speaker was bound by the said Lord Peter to search out the deeds of the illustrious Kings of France, by which the said Lord Peter intended to incline the King to his intent.

Being asked, if he purposed to have several Doctors? He said, that he purposed three Doctors of each, namely three masters in theology, and three Doctors in Decretals. In theology he intended to have masters Francis of St. Michael, Pierre d'Ailly, secular masters in theology, and the speaker himself, who, as has been said, had sworn. Being asked of the names of the Doctors of Decretals; he said that master John de Marchia was to be one, the auditor of the said Lord Peter.

Being asked for what cause the said Lord Peter was moved to make the aforesaid journeys ^a, and the other things contained in the article? He said, that the final cause was as is contained in the article; and that he also reckoned himself unworthy and insufficient for the cardinalate, and to serve no one in the court. He was continually in that purpose, but, his infirmity coming and death following, he could not fulfill the contents in the article. The said speaker adding, that the Lord Cardinal had purposed to be at Easter with the King of France, had not his infirmity hindered him, which infirmity seized him a little after the feast of the Nativity of the Lord. He began to make the said negotiations well a year before his death.

Witness X upon the LV said, the care of his household. that he heard from some of the household of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, while the said Lord Peter was still living, that he much induced those of the household, to catholic manners, and to confess often.

[150] He exhorts his servants Witness XI upon the LV and LVI articles deposed, that he was several times present and heard the said Lord Peter, inducing his household to catholic manners, and other good works to be done. Speaking to the Lord Andrew, his brother, and other members of the household, standing by there, in conferences, or at table, he said generally, that they ought each day to hear Mass, to hear Mass, etc. and to confess often, and in Lent he said, that they ought to fast, and confess most often and make abstinences.

Upon the LVII article he said, and confession that on a certain occasion in Lent the aforesaid Lord Peter, being at Paris, caused some money to be given to the one named in the article, that he might confess.

[151] money being offered. Upon the LVIII article he said, that in every Lent, from the time of the promotion of the said Lord Peter to the church of Metz, the said Lord Peter, through Master Hutin, his chamberlain, caused money to be given to the lower servants of his house, for making confession, and so it was set down in the accounts of the said master Hutin, each year, from the aforesaid time. Being asked, if there were several servants, to whom the said Lord Peter ordered money to be given for making confession? He said, that they could be twelve or thereabouts. Being asked whom he calls the lower servants? He said the servants of the kitchen and of the horses. Being asked of the quantity of money given? He said, two or three white-coins for each.

Witness XII upon the LV article said, its contents were true, not only to the other household, but also to the speaker himself.

Upon the LVI he said, its contents were true: So he saw, and heard. He added that these things happened at Paris and Avignon, and publicly at table and elsewhere.

Upon the LVII article he said, that he heard Lord Peter saying to Maictus, named in the article, the words contained in the article. Afterward he heard from the said Maictus, that for that cause he had had half a franc, namely that he should confess.

Upon the LVIII article he said, that while the said Lord Peter the Cardinal was still living, he heard from the Lords Hugh le Chaudronier, Nicholas Clacquin, and master Hutin, servants of the same Lord Peter, that the contents in the said article were true.

Upon the LIX he said, that he heard the contents in the said article true, from master Giles, the confessor of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal.

[152] Witness XIII upon the LV article said, its contents were true. He saw and heard several times the said Lord Cardinal preaching to others, and informing them; who always rejoiced, when mention was made of the sacred Scripture and the things contained in it. Being asked where, and in the presence of whom, he did these things. He said, that at Paris and Avignon, in the presence of his household, at table and at other hours. With strangers also the said Lord Cardinal spoke of such a matter, as he deposed above.

Upon the LVII article he said, that he well remembers, that the said Lord Cardinal exhorted his said servant, Other things upon the same to confess, and, as it seems to him, the said Lord Cardinal promised money to be given to his servant, and the speaker himself believes, that the said servant had the money. The speaker himself said, that he was at the table of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, when he said the aforesaid to his said servant, and preached like things also to others.

[153] Upon the LVIII article he said, that it is true, that the said Lord Cardinal admonished his servants to confess and to do good; and reprehended those who spoke ill, abhorred lies, defamed no one, held detractors in hatred. He was present several times when the said Lord Cardinal said and did the aforesaid.

Upon the LIX article he said, that he knew, that the same Lord Peter the Cardinal several times spoke to the said speaker of the state of the world, and its misery, and the great perils of souls, and the schism, of which he much grieved; and the said Lord Cardinal said, that the Pope, Cardinals, and Prelates ought often to make processions with bare feet, and to show to the other laity a good example by good sermons and holiness of life; and that by so doing, God would provide for the state of the Church. The said Lord Cardinal spoke to the said speaker of pilgrimages, and that he would willingly visit the thresholds of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and the place of the Sepulcher of our Lord Jesus Christ. He said to the speaker himself, inducing him, whether he would go with him into far parts, and stay in the desert, as the Saints did. To whom the said speaker answered: Lord, you are too great, immediately the world would recognize you; and would say; That youth, so tall, seems to be of some notable place; and so at once the news would be known, and so you could not do what you would wish, and you could not endure the cold, and many other things. The said Lord Cardinal answered, nay rather, and that he would not be recognized, and that he could well accomplish his purpose. The said speaker said further, that then the said Lord Cardinal said to him, that he would lose all the benefices which he possessed, except only the red hat, which he would never renounce, by the example of St. Jerome, whose life, and that of the other Saints, he would willingly have followed and kept, if he could.

Upon the LXI he said, that the said Lord Peter the Cardinal much desired to have with him doctors in theology, who might read to him of it. The said Lord Cardinal desired to know how to preach, and afterward to go for the defense of the catholic faith. This he heard from the said Lord Cardinal, and infinite other things. When the speaker himself said to the said Lord Cardinal: Lord, you wish to preach, and do like things; how will you be able to do this? The aforesaid Lord Cardinal answered: nay well, with the help of God; and alleged that authority: When you shall stand before Kings and Governors, take no thought, etc. For it shall be given you in that hour, what you shall speak.

Upon the LXV and LXVI he said, that secretly the said Lord Cardinal told the speaker himself a secret matter, or counsel, which the said Lord Cardinal and the King of France had purposed; but he does not properly remember, what that was: yet he remembers, that that matter, or counsel tended to a good end: for they had purposed between them to do many good things. The speaker himself was present, when the Lord Cardinal first exhibited reverence to the King, after he had been assumed to the summit of the cardinalate, before whom he made a harangue in the presence of several noble Lords: and among other things, he most affectionately recommended to him the state of the Church, showing him how the Church of God at other times and several times had been relieved by his predecessors, and the true Pope, by them replaced in his See; inducing the King, that now also in these times he would wish so to do, and that by so doing God would help him, so that nothing could harm him.

Witness XVII upon the LV article said, that, upon the argument while he was at table, the speaker himself heard the said Lord Cardinal, addressing two young men serving him, Do you wish to be Carthusians? They answered, that no. Then the said Lord Cardinal said to them; Then be good, and abstain from vices, saying such good words to them, and the like; adding that once the said Lord Cardinal had said this being established in the infirmity, of which within two days, as it seems, he died. But the speaker himself and the said Lord Cardinal, speaking of this wretched life, saying to one another, that provided a man were in the state of grace, he ought not to fear death: which the said Lord Cardinal much approved. Which hearing, one of the household of the said Lord Cardinal said: I would never wish to die. To whom the said Lord Cardinal answered: You speak ill, wishing to lose the other life for this.

Upon the LVIII article he said, that he heard, while the speaker himself was at table, the said Lord Cardinal saying good and salutary words to his household and servants, and inducing them, as much as he could, to good works.

[154] the testimonies. Witness XVIII upon the LV article said, that it is true, that he himself frequently heard the said Lord Cardinal, provoking and inducing his household to good, and especially his brother, outside the table at Avignon and at Villeneuve.

Upon the LVI he said, that the speaker himself heard the Lord Cardinal, several times saying: Let us hear the life of such a Saint, and such a Saint; and know, what life they kept: the said Lord Cardinal saying this to induce those hearing.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER X. The Blessed wishes his patrimony bound over to his Brother, rather than to burden the goods of the church of Metz.

I compress into a compendium some interrogatory articles pertaining to this. The interrogatory article XXXVI thus reports: The interrogatory articles Likewise that our said Lord the Pope, hearing of the conversation of his life, attending also that the church of Metz, and its villages and castles were held occupied by the schismatics, hoping in the Lord, that through him, both by the help of God, and by the power of his friends, the said church, its villages, and castles, could in a short time be freed from the hands of those schismatics, and its people reduced to the knowledge of the truth, and the obedience and unity of the church, notwithstanding his youthful age, provided the church of Metz with him, about the 15th year of his age.

XXXVII. Likewise that not long after, that the aforesaid clergy and people might more revere him, that also the hearts of the enemies and schismatics might be terrified, our aforesaid Lord assumed him as Cardinal Deacon; for the cause aforesaid, leaving the said church of Metz to him in commendam.

XXXVIII. Likewise that, consenting to the aforesaid promotions, upon the facts, he began ardently to aspire to the liberation of the said church of Metz, and the extirpation of the schism. Whence with the Lord Count of Saint-Pol, his brother, and several other of his friends, with great cost, perils, and expenses, he freed the said church, villages, and castles from the hands of the schismatics and enemies of the Church, in a short time, as much as he could.

XXXIX. Likewise that being personally in the army of the same Brother and of his other friends, he not only hindered evils from being done, but begged and humbly exhorted his said Brother, and the others, to treat the vanquished enemies with all mercy and piety, and to relieve the country of the enemies from the grievances wont to be inflicted by the men of arms, saying to him, that to vanquished enemies mercy was now owed.

XL. Likewise that, although he and his Brother and his other friends had sustained the greatest and gravest burdens of expenses, pertaining to this no recompense being made on this to his same Brother or the other friends, as neither then could it be made from the goods of that church without the greatest detriment, lest that church and country should be further burdened by the army of his Brother and friends, he sent them back to their own places, and wished to pay their burdens and expenses from his own, lest the said church of Metz should be burdened by this.

XLI. Likewise because the said Lord Count took it grievously that he had not been condignly satisfied, and on account of this some pretense having arisen between them, the same Lord Peter, that he might free the church, and pacify his said Brother, wished to give him his patrimony, and wholly to obligate it; upon which divers negotiations were had between them.

XLII. Likewise that by the command of our Lord the Pope he came to the Roman court, and although he was young in age, namely of 16 years or thereabouts, he rendered himself so grave in manners and mature, that all greatly wondered at his acts. Upon these things the witnesses who speak brought forth the below-written depositions.

[156] and by their deposition; Witness I upon the XXXVII article said, that the Pope at the time contained in the said article provided the church of Metz with the aforesaid Lord Peter; by what reason, he does not know.

Upon the XXXVIII article he said, that our Lord the Pope assumed the said Lord Peter as Cardinal Deacon, leaving the church of Metz in commendam, on what occasion, he does not know.

Upon the XXXIX article he said, the contents in the article were true: giving the cause, that the speaker himself was present at the recovery of some castles, and there were recovered by the said Lord Peter, with the help of the Lord Count of Saint-Pol, the fortresses of Vic, of Moyenvic, of Marsal, of Nomeny, of Baccarat, of Épinal, and of Albuscat, from the hands of the schismatics; and in recovering them he had several men of arms, up to the number of a thousand and 500 lances or thereabouts, and kept those men at his own expense for half a year or thereabouts. Being asked at what time? He said that in the summer time the said castles were recovered, and in the first year in which the said Lord Peter was raised to the said church of Metz.

[157] concerning the Blessed's mercy toward the captives: Upon the XL article he said, the contents in the said article were true; giving the reason, because he was present, and so saw and heard. Being asked, if he saw any captive or captives, on whom the aforesaid Lord Peter had mercy? He said yes; for he often sent to the prisons and other places where they were detained, to visit and comfort the imprisoned, and also to confess them, master John de Marchia, his master, and Lord Henry de Ponte, his almoner, presbyters; and this he saw in the place of Vic. Of the names of the imprisoned he does not remember; and further he said, that the said Lord Peter mitigated the Lord Count of Saint-Pol, lest he should inflict harms beyond measure on the imprisoned and captives, but should treat them amiably. Being asked, how he knows? He said, that he so saw and heard several times in the place of Vic, in the first year of the election of the said Lord Peter to the church of Metz.

Upon the XLI and XLII articles he said, concerning the offered patrimony that he heard among the said Lords Peter and the Count divers negotiations concerning the obligation and donation of the patrimony, and was present both at Paris, and in Lorraine: for he heard that the aforesaid Lord Cardinal wished to give the Lord Count of Saint-Pol, his brother, his whole patrimony, and beyond eight thousand francs, to the end that he might free the church of Metz. Being asked, from whom he heard it said? He said, that from Nicholas Clacquin, who was in these negotiations; also there was fame among the household of the said Lord Peter.

Upon the XLIII article he said, that he came to the court and daily grew in devotions, and he believes, that by the command of our Lord the Pope he came.

[158] Witness II upon the XXXVI article deposed, its contents were true, The patrimony giving the cause, because he saw it at Paris and here at Avignon.

Upon the XXXVII article he said, that our present Lord the Pope provided the church of Metz with the person of the said Lord Peter, and he believes, as is contained in the article.

Upon the XXXVIII he said, that our Lord the Pope assumed the same Lord Peter as Cardinal Deacon, yet he does not know on what occasion.

Upon the XXXIX article he said, its contents were true: giving the cause of his knowledge, because the speaker himself was in the company of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, and of the Lord Count of Saint-Pol, when the castles were recovered; namely the castles of Vic, of Nomeny, of Baccarat, of Moyenvic, and of Marsal, and he himself together with the aforesaid Lords Peter the Cardinal and the Count, entered into those castles, and the said castles were recovered with great cost and expenses; because in this recovery there were well a thousand and five hundred lances.

Upon the XL article he said, that he only knew, namely that he much pitied the captives, nor did he wish that they should be given over to death; as much as was in him, and as much as he could, he exhorted the said Count his brother to do mercy to those captives; and so the said speaker saw and heard, and was present when the said Lord Peter the Cardinal begged his brother the Count for the captives.

Upon the XLI he said, that he only knew, that for the liberation of the church of Metz, for the costs of war, the aforesaid Lord Peter negotiated with his brother the Lord Count of Saint-Pol; so that the men of arms withdrew from the castles of the church of Metz, and for this the said Lord Cardinal wished to give the said Lord Count, his brother, his patrimony, in diminution of the pay of the men of arms. Being asked, how much his patrimony could be worth each year? He said that it could be worth a thousand two hundred Parisian pounds or thereabouts.

[159] Being asked, if he was present at the negotiation had between the same brothers? He said, that on the part of the Lord Count there were two knight negotiators, one of whom is called le Baudrain de la Hense; of the name of the second he does not remember; and on the part of the Lord Peter the Cardinal the negotiators were the Lords John de Marchia, the auditor of the said Lord Peter, Lord Hugh le Chaudronier the chamberlain, Nicholas Clacquin, and the speaker himself; and to this point the negotiators came on both sides, that of the thirty thousand which the said Count of Saint-Pol demanded, the mentioned Lord Peter the Cardinal wished twenty thousand to be given him, which the aforesaid Count refused; and yet they withdrew, the negotiation not completed, and this was at Ligny. But afterward the said Lords, Peter the Cardinal and the Count of Saint-Pol, had a negotiation upon this at Paris, and always the same Lord Peter the Cardinal offered his patrimony to the Lord Count his brother.

Upon the XLII article the said speaker said, that he referred himself to the things deposed in the XLI article immediately preceding.

Upon the XLIII he said, its contents were true: giving the cause, that he was present with the Lord Peter the Cardinal from that time onward, and up to his death.

[160] and concerning the possession Witness VI said, that there was discord between the Lord Cardinal and the Lord Count of Saint-Pol, his brother, from this, that the aforesaid Lord Count demanded a certain sum of money for certain men of arms, whom he had led with the said Lord Cardinal, to receive possession of the said church of Metz, and had for a long time kept at his own cost and expenses, for recovering the castles and villages of the said bishopric of Metz, occupied by the people of the predecessor of the said Lord Bishop, and by reason of the aforesaid expenses and pay, which sum the said Count commonly estimated at the sum of twenty-four or twenty-five thousand francs. Which hearing, the aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal answered, that in no way would he obligate the lands of the church of Metz. From which there was the greatest discord between them, and there were some injurious words, where the Lord Cardinal answered, that he would rather alienate his patrimony, than obligate the patrimony of his aforesaid church. Being asked, how he knows the premises? He said, that he was one of the negotiators of concord, between the Lord Cardinal and the Lord Count; and further he said, that he does not fully remember more, except that the whole residue remained to be discussed in the hands of the Lord of Coucy; what was afterward done, he does not know; but of this he refers himself to the aforesaid Lord of Coucy.

[161] Of the church of Metz. Witness VIII, upon the affairs of the church of Metz, and the recovery of its castles, was interrogated, who said, that after the promotion of the said Lord Cardinal to the said church, the said Lord Peter, together with the Lord Count of Saint-Pol, his brother, and some men of arms, went to receive possession of the church of Metz; and possession being obtained, they found some castles and villages pertaining to the said church, occupied by the parents and household of the deceased Bishop, his predecessor; which castles and villages the said Lord Peter with the help of his said brother recovered with armed hand; and because the men of arms in this recovery had come at the requisition of the aforesaid Count, the said Lord Count of Saint-Pol demanded of the same Lord Peter the Cardinal to be satisfied for the expenses and pay of the men of arms; and at length the said Lord Count wished to have a great sum of money, and beyond twenty thousand francs; for which he wished, that the said Lord Peter should obligate to him the castles and villages of the church of Metz, until the satisfaction of the aforesaid expenses and pay.

[162] The fact is set forth Which hearing, the aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal answered him, that in no way would he obligate to him the lands of the church; from which there was the greatest discord between the same Lord Peter the Cardinal and the Count; and so much so, that the said speaker feared, lest the Count should rise against the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, even by force of arms. And then the said Lord Peter begged the Lord who speaks, that he would hand over to him one of his knights for the preservation of the castles pertaining to the church of Metz, which the said speaker did; which knight in the presence of some Lords swore, that into the castles and fortresses of the church of Metz, he would not permit anyone to enter, save the Lord John of Luxembourg, brother of the said Lord Peter and the Count, and the Lord of Coucy.

But at length the aforesaid speaker, seeing that dissension between the aforesaid brothers, concerning the refunding of the costs, set forth to the said Lord Peter, that he was younger than his brother the Count, and from him had whatever he held. He knew also, that the said Count, in the recovery of the castles of the church of Metz, had laid out the greatest sums for him, in this recovery of the castles, and he was ready to satisfy him, but in no way would he obligate to him or to any other the lands and castles of the church, even if he must die for this; but he was ready, that his brother the said Lord Count should receive his patrimony, which could be worth each year 800 Tours pounds, and more, as he said; and of the residue he offered himself ready to pay at the terms assigned to him.

[163] And this the speaker himself reported to the aforesaid Lord Count; made in war, by the brother of Blessed Peter. which the said Lord refused and declined to do: these things being thus done, the aforesaid Lord who speaks, by the will, and at the requests of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, received into his hands the government of the temporalities and the custody of the castles of the church of Metz into his hands, and then the speaker himself began to negotiate concord between the said brothers; which negotiations lasted both at Paris and in Lorraine, and here at Avignon, up to the death of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal. Yet he heard, that Lord Peter in his testament ordained, that the aforesaid Lord Count should have a certain quantity of money, of which he refers himself to the testament. Other things he said he did not know.

Witness X upon the XXXVII article said, that our Lord the Pope provided the said Lord Peter with the church of Metz, It is set forth in what year he was Bishop of Metz. and he believes, that then the said Lord Peter was of the age of XV years or thereabouts.

Upon the XXXVIII article he said, that the said Lord Peter was assumed to the cardinalate, and Cardinal. and the church of Metz was left to him in commendam. For what cause, he does not know.

Upon the XXXIX article he said, that he knew nothing save from hearsay from the household of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, from whom he heard it said, that the contents in the said article were true; and, as he says, this was voice and fame in the household of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal.

Upon the XL and XLI articles he said, that he knew nothing, save from hearsay from the household of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal.

Upon the XLII he said, that he had heard, its contents were true, from master John de Marchia, the auditor, Concord attempted concerning the aforesaid costs of war. Hugh le Chaudronier, the chamberlain, Nicholas Clacquin, and from several others of the household of the said Lord Peter; and the speaker himself said, that at Paris upon this matter, contained in the article, he wrote several memorials, and it appears to the speaker himself, that in those writings there was special mention of the contents in the said articles. Being asked, if he has those writings? He said, that no. Being asked, at whose instance he wrote those memorials. He said that at the instance of the aforesaid, the auditor, the chamberlain, and Nicholas Clacquin. He was at Paris, while negotiation was made of concord between the said Lord Cardinal, and the Lord Count of Saint-Pol, after the recovery of the castles of the church of Metz by the said Lord Count, as it is said to have been done: also at that time there was fame among the household of the said Lord Peter, of the contents in the said article.

Upon the XLIII article he deposed, that he came with the said Lord Peter the Cardinal to the Roman court, and he could have been of the age contained in the article. He saw the said Lord Peter, conversing well, and many greatly wondered at his acts.

Upon the XLIV article he said, that he heard from the said Lord Peter that it much displeased him, that he could not govern his bishopric, nor maintain his people.

[164] Testimony repeated at what age he was made Bishop. Witness XI upon the XXXVII article said, that the said Lord Peter was elected to the church of Metz in the fourteenth year of his age, and was provided with it by our Lord the Pope, with what intention he does not know; the said speaker well said, that at that time the castles of the aforesaid church of Metz were occupied by the schismatics, and by the friends of the deceased Bishop.

and Cardinal. Upon the XXXVIII article the said speaker said, that by our Lord the Pope the said Lord Peter was assumed as Cardinal Deacon, leaving the church of Metz in commendam, on what occasion he does not know.

The castles of the church of Metz recovered: Upon the XXXIX article he said, that the castles of the church of Metz were freed and recovered with great cost, perils, and expenses, by the power of the Lord Count of Saint-Pol, and the good diligence of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal (who was present in the warlike acts, and the recoveries of the castles and villages); but whether the said Lord Peter consented to the aforesaid promotions, for the cause contained in the article, he said, that he did not know. Being asked, how he knows, that the said castles were recovered? He said, that he was present in the army, accompanying the said Lord Peter. Being asked of the time? He said that in the first year of the promotion of the said Lord Peter to the cardinalate.

how merciful Blessed Peter was toward the captives. Upon the XL he said, that when some rebel men were captured by the said Lord Count, and his people; the said Lord often begged the said Lord Count his brother, that he would be merciful to them.

Upon the XLII he said, that after the recovery of the castles was made, the Lord Count of Saint-Pol wished to have satisfaction for the labors and pay of the men of arms, and wished for these to receive two castles pertaining to the said church of Metz, and upon this the same Lord Count spoke to the said Lord Peter, which said Lord Peter would not consent, fearing lest the said castles could not freely be recovered from the hands of the said Lord Count: and because the same Lord Peter did not have money, whereby to pay the said Lord Count, he offered him his patrimony. Being asked, if he received the said patrimony in payment? He said no. Being asked, of the value of the said patrimony: he said that each year it could be worth 1200 francs.

Upon the XLIII he said, the contents in the said article were true, giving the cause of his statement, that he saw the letters of our Lord the Pope, destined for the said Lord Peter, and read them; for when he was at Avignon, he was very devout and mature in manners, and all, especially those conversing with him, wondered.

[165] Promoted to the cardinalate, he had the church of Metz in commendam. Witness XII upon the XXXIX said, that the said Lord Cardinal was promoted to the church of Metz, and then to the cardinalate, the church of Metz being left to him in commendam. He well knows, that Lord Peter with great cost, perils, and expenses recovered the castles of the church of Metz, giving the cause, because the speaker himself was present at the recovery of some castles with the said Lord Peter.

Upon the XLI and XLII articles he said, that he only knew, Concerning the costs of war, namely, that for the payment of the pay of the men of arms, who had come with the Lord Count of Saint-Pol to the recovery of the castles of the church of Metz, there was an altercation between the said Lords Peter the Cardinal, and the Count of Saint-Pol; for the aforesaid Count demanded for this pay forty thousand francs; afterward the said Count came down to twenty-six thousand, then to eighteen; for which the said Lord Count wished, that the aforesaid Lord Cardinal should obligate to him the church of Metz for the sum of eighteen thousand francs; namely some castles pertaining to the said church. To which Lord Count the said Lord Peter the Cardinal answered, that he would never obligate the church, but for the payment of this pay, he offered him his patrimony, and beyond the said patrimony he wished to give him certain sums of money, to be paid at certain terms to be assigned to him, which the said Count refused to do, and upon this there were divers negotiations between the aforesaid Lords Cardinal and Count.

Witness XIII upon the XXXIX article said, that he only knew of the contents in the said article, the castles being seized, namely that the said Lord Peter went to those parts with his brother the Lord count of Saint-Pol and several men of arms, and recovered the villages and castles of Vic, of Marsal, of Moyenvic, of Nomeny, which were in the hands of the intruded …, and of the count of Salins. Being asked how he knows? He said, that at all the aforesaid he was present, with the said brothers, receiving possession of the said villages and castles.

Upon the XL article he said, that he several times saw the said Lord Peter hinder evils, the breaking of the church forbidden by Peter. and as much as he could he hindered them by word and deed; giving the cause, because the speaker himself was present, and in several places which it would be long to narrate, and among other things it happened that when the said Lord Cardinal, and the Lord Count, his brother, went to Metz to obtain possession of the bishopric of Metz, they stayed in a certain village, near Metz, in which they arrived at night, and no fire could be found, except that in the church of that village there was a lamp burning there, and the doors of the church were closed, so that no one could enter, unless the doors were broken, or the glass windows: whence some, seeing this, wished at once to break the door of the church; which the said Lord Cardinal at once forbade, nor did they then enter, and then it was necessary that they send for fire well far from the village, so that it was nearly midnight, when he returned who brought the fire, and so the said brothers with all the company stayed up to the said hour without fire, nor candle. Being asked, how he knows? He said, that he was present, when the Lord so forbade it.

[166] Upon the XLI and XLII articles he said the things which follow: All things attempted, for after the said Lord Cardinal, and the Lord Count his brother, with the greatest multitude of men of arms had recovered the bishopric of Metz, in which they were with great expenses and burdens, and stood in the fields outside the fortresses, where negotiations were made, both with the schismatics, and with the Burghers of the said bishopric. The said Lord Count being with the said Lord Cardinal in the castle of Vic, which is the chief castle, and the key of the whole bishopric, wished to know how great a sum the aforesaid said Lord Cardinal could be held to him on occasion of the aforesaid, and to have letters of obligation. For dispatching which the said Lord Count gathered the more notable knights, whom he had with him; who with the counsel of the said Lord Cardinal negotiated, and wished to have letters of forty-four thousand francs, and after several negotiations, for the time no concord could be had, which seeing, the Count wished that someone be sent to the chapter of Metz, to have their consent for some sum, for which they with the Lord Cardinal might seal letters.

[167] for the payment of the military costs, And for this cause the said speaker was sent to the chapter, who in the chapter reported the things which were enjoined on him; and finally the Lords of the chapter would never grant letters for the sum of the said forty-four thousand; and on account of this the affairs remained without any concord. The said speaker said further, that also afterward at Ligny those of the counsel of the said Lords Cardinal and Count were several times gathered; but briefly, there could never be made nor had one conclusion, in which the parties should remain in concord.

These things being thus done, the Lord Cardinal returned to Paris, where he had several and great counsels and with great Lords, both with the Lord Cardinal of Laon, made for himself, by his brother, and others of the King's council, and several others, and the Lord Cardinal was several times before the King, and to the Dukes of Berry and Burgundy, to have a good negotiation with his brother, with whom, through the means of a certain paternal aunt, the Lady Joanna Countess of Valkenburg, he had negotiated, by means of his patrimony, owed to him by right of nature, which was estimated for the time at between ten and twelve thousand francs of gold: for the said Lord Cardinal, seeing lest the church of Metz be burdened. that the church of Metz could suffer detriment in the future, unless he applied a remedy, expressly willed and consented, that he would put his said patrimony for the church; notwithstanding that many counseled him the contrary, alleging and saying, that it was the church's affair, and that on account of this he ought not to disinherit his heirs, which however notwithstanding there was no final negotiation.

CHAPTER XI. The apparition of the Crucified, his last illness, testament, the virtues previous to death, and some other of its adjuncts.

Let the interrogatory articles pertaining to this open the entrance to the present argument: LXXIV. The depositions of the witnesses concerning the apparition of the Crucified, Likewise that of the said Lord Peter, it is likely to be believed, that he had from God many and great visitations and consolations, although this was unknown to men. Whence on a certain day it happened, while he was at Châteauneuf, with our Lord the Pope, and had stood in prayer more ardently and prolixly than usual, there appeared to him in visible form our Lord Jesus Christ, in that state, in which He was, while He hung on the Cross; and this he revealed in that instant to a certain one of the Lord Cardinals, very familiar to him, first exacting an oath from him, that this should be held secret. Which the same Lord Cardinal after his death, as was fitting, revealed.

LXXVI. Likewise that the said Lord Peter on account of his infirmity, by the counsel of the physicians, by a change of air, for having a better air, was translated from Avignon to Villeneuve beyond the bridges, where he was gradually weakened up to his death.

LXXVIII. Likewise that in his infirmity he was so patient, by his patience in illness, that he never complained, nor [was] troublesome to his servants; and when it was asked of him, how he was; he continually answered with cheerful face; Well, by the grace of God; and so pleasantly, that he seemed not to suffer. Nay he sustained the said infirmity, and the other passions of the body with great exultation of heart, and ardently desired to suffer more and greater torments for Christ. He was wont to say, that he would be happy, who should sustain martyrdom for Christ; saying further, that he would not reckon it grievous to himself, since he must once die, to sustain martyrdom for Christ; and this he most often desired, that through martyrdom he might end this temporal life.

LXXIX. Likewise that from that time up to the Ascension of the Lord he languished, by his constant piety, and on that day and afterward, he ate with his household glad enough, although he was weak beyond measure, and so up to the feast of St. John the Baptist, on which he then wholly took to his bed, and not being able to rise, he passed the time with great devotion and patience, insisting on prayers, and reading the lives of the Fathers and others to himself, and causing them to be read before him, hearing Masses most devoutly; the physicians then despairing of his life, and especially the Italian physician, who before had hoped, nay had promised to cure him.

LXXX. Likewise that about the feast of Blessed John he began to use a bath, by the use of a bath, by the counsel of the physicians, nor could he any longer rise, but was carried from place to place, and Mass was celebrated for him within his chamber. For, as long as he could move himself, he always went to the oratory at the hour of Mass and prayer, and there said his accustomed prayers with the greatest exultation of heart.

LXXXI. Likewise that, his infirmity growing worse, he supplicated our Lord, indulgences being obtained, that he would grant him the indulgence of plenary remission; and so his confessor even at the article of death could absolve him, full power being granted to him. Which our Lord the Pope granted, that as often as he wished, he could use that grace; but also to make a testament, and choose executors, whom he wished; which he also did.

LXXXII. Likewise that disposing of his testament, always consenting to humble things, by the choice of the vilest burial, he ordained that notable mark of humility concerning his burial, that if he died within the limits of the Roman court, he should be buried in the midst of the buried poor in the cemetery of St. Michael, and outside the chapels; but if outside the court on a journey; because it had been ordained by the counsel of the physicians that he should be carried to Paris, for the sake of air and health; in that case, in which he should die beyond Lyons, he chose his burial in the cemetery of the Innocents at Paris, in the midst of the poor buried there.

and of the funeral; LXXXIII. Likewise that he ordained, that on the day of his burial and funeral, there should be only three tapers for lighting, in honor of the Trinity, each of seven pounds: of which two should be placed at the head, and one at the feet. But also with difficulty he was inclined by those who were present with him, that to the said three tapers there should be added 12 torches.

LXXXIV. Likewise that he ordained, that, the silk and gold cloths being left, his bier should be covered with the coarse cloth of grey frieze, with a red Cross, upon which also his body, being placed, should be carried to the tomb.

LXXXV. Likewise that on the feast day of the Apostles Peter and Paul he confessed, by the sacred viaticum, and heard Mass most devoutly; and first he used the said grace of the indulgence of plenary remission, and had absolution from his Confessor, and immediately asked that the Sacrament of the Eucharist be given him, lying in bed, which he received with wondrous devotion, and with the greatest abundance of tears; so that he provoked all the bystanders to weeping.

by daily confession, LXXXVI. Likewise that from that day, up to the day of his death, every day he confessed, and sometimes twice in a day, nor did his confessor dare to put him off; being begged by him, that he would always be present.

LXXXVII. Likewise that in those days he caused our Lord the Pope to be supplicated, that he would have his household and servants recommended, and according to their merits provide them with the benefices resigned by him, which also was done.

by extreme Unction. LXXXVIII. Likewise that on the 2nd of July of the said year, he asked for the sacred Unction, which he received most devoutly, himself answering to all the ministries, and offering his members, as if he were healthy; although he seemed rather to be dead than alive, and there before all he asked to be absolved by the aforesaid authority of our Lord, and was again absolved.

LXXXIX. Likewise that the same Lord Peter, on the same day, was confessed three times, once before the sacred Unction, and twice after.

XC. Likewise that on the same day a little before his death, while he confessed, he caused himself to be transferred from the bed, where he lay, to a nearby couch, where he completed the confession begun; from which, when he wished to be carried back to the aforesaid bed, he said to Stephen, his chamberlain, who feared to embrace him, lest he should hurt him: Why do you fear? Do with me, as with a dead man; and so he carried him to the bed alone in his arms, the Confessor being present.

XCI. Likewise that after the hour of Vespers of the same day, he began to be weighed down by sleep; by his desire of death, so that he said to the Confessor, that he should withdraw a little. Who said, that it was not good for him to sleep, that he might better rest by night. Who replying said to him, that he should allow him a little, to close his eyes, and immediately after supper he would wish to speak to him. Which observing, the said Confessor, and thinking that the hour was near, as it was, said to him; Think no more of supping in this world, for today you will make your supper with God, which you have so long desired. At which word he was roused from that drowsiness, and thanked the same Confessor thrice, with joined hands, with great cheerfulness and joyful tears saying: O would that, Lord! O would that, Lord!

XCII. Likewise that at the same hour he caused his brother Andrew of Luxembourg to be present, admonitions being given to his brother, admonishing him, to fear God, and flee sins, etc., and at the end of his words he recommended to him his sister Joanna, and his servants, and singularly Michael Alant, his chamberlain, and Nicholas Clacquin; where he also provoked all the bystanders to weeping, and all wept.

XCIII. Likewise that these things said, while the said Andrew, his brother, by a most placid death. went with the protonotary de Crepicordio to supper about sunset, because the said protonotary had come late, there being in the chamber his chamberlain, the Confessor, and the Italian physician, the said physician called the aforesaid chamberlain and Confessor between the curtains, that they might look at the said Lord Peter, whom they saw as it were praying, his eyes open and his lips moving a little. Whence they doubting, lest he were in his agony, as he was, they placed in his hand a blessed lighted candle, the Confessor himself recommending his soul, after the ecclesiastical manner, and while he read the prayer, where mention is made of Blessed Thecla and Agnes, and their names were read, he opened his eyes, nor afterward appeared in him any vital sign; but although the bystanders were attentive, to consider the exit of his soul, they could not for a great space judge, whether he was dead or alive. Upon these things the witnesses deposed the things which follow.

[169] Witness I upon the LXXIX article, and by his half oath deposed, its contents were true; Various depositions giving the cause, that he so saw, and also several other of his household.

Upon the LXXX article he said, its contents were true; giving the cause, because the Lord Bishop of Coutances in Normandy, by the command of our Lord the Pope, brought to the aforesaid Lord Peter the full remission of all his sins, and also the license of testating, as is contained in the article; and this the speaker himself saw, and was present.

Upon the LXXXVIII article he said, that at the sacred Unction he was not present, because the household would not, that he should be present; but he well heard from some present, that he received it most devoutly.

Upon the XCI article he said, that he well heard, when the aforesaid Lord thanked his Confessor because he had announced to him the hour of death.

Upon the XCII article he said, that it is true, that the said Lord Peter caused the said witness who speaks to come into his presence, of his brother german his brother, the Lord Bishop of Coutances also being present, and said to the speaker himself: Andrew brother, you were nourished with the goods of the church of Metz: therefore I beg you, that you rather choose the ecclesiastical life, than the secular, and then Lord Peter gave the same witness a ring, and another to the Lord of Coutances. The speaker himself also said, that his sister Joanna and his household he had recommended to him that day in the morning; at which exhortation the speaker himself chose the ecclesiastical life, which, as he said, he had not intended to choose.

Witness II upon the LXXVIII article said, that he was very patient in his infirmity. He also said, that, when it was asked of him, how he was? He answered; Well, by the grace of God.

Upon the LXXIX article he said, that, of Blessed Peter, while the same Lord Peter was sick at Villeneuve, he continually rose, and went to the chapel to hear Mass, and when he could not rise, in his chamber he caused Mass to be celebrated before him, always both in hearing Mass, and otherwise most devoutly insisting.

Upon the LXXX article he said, its contents were true: giving the cause, because he so saw, and was present.

Upon the LXXXI article he said, its contents were true: giving the cause of his statement, that the Lord Bishop of Coutances in Normandy, protonotary de Crepicordio, brought to the aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal lying in bed, by the command of our Lord the Pope, the remission of his sins, and the license of testating.

Upon the LXXXII, LXXXIII, and LXXXIV article; he refers himself to the testament.

Upon the LXXXV article he said, its contents were true: because he so saw, and was present, and, as he said, wept.

Upon the LXXXVII he said, its contents were true; giving the cause, because he saw the roll, and the speaker himself had, by virtue of that grace, a canonry and prebend of Châlons.

Upon the LXXXVIII article he said, its contents were true: because he was present, and so saw.

Upon the XCI article he said, that he heard from master Giles, the confessor of the said Lord Peter, the words contained in the article said.

Upon the XCII article he said, that he was present, when the said Lord Cardinal recommended to the said Andrew, his brother, his household, and especially those named in the article.

Upon the XCIII article he said, its contents were true, because he was present, and so saw.

Witness IX upon the LXXIV article said, that after the death of the said Lord Peter he heard it said by the Lord Cardinal of Saluces, that its contents were true. and of others

Upon the LXXVII article he said, its contents were true, giving the cause, because he was present, and accompanied the said Lord; and it happened once that the said Lord, going to the church in the morning to pray before the lodging of the most reverend Father, the Lord Cardinal of Saluces, fell to the ground slipping on account of the weakness of his body. He also said, that notwithstanding that the office of the Carthusians was very prolix, nevertheless, the office being heard, the said Lord Peter there prayed for a great pause; so much so that the household of the said Lord Peter were wearied, although they were not bold to tell him; but they admonished the said speaker, that he should tell him.

Upon the LXXVIII article the said speaker said, that the things in the said article were true, giving the cause, because he so saw, and heard the words contained in the article said by the said Lord Cardinal, namely, that he would be happy, who should sustain martyrdom for Christ: saying also, that he would not reckon it grievous to himself, since he must once die, to sustain martyrdom for Christ.

Upon the LXXIX article he said, its contents were true; giving the cause, that he so saw, and was present, and dined with the said Lord Cardinal on the feast day of the Ascension of the Lord; and after continually was with the said Lord Cardinal, up to his death, and read, and said Masses before the same Lord Peter the Cardinal. Being asked, what disease Lord Peter suffered? He answered, that he was consumptive, and according to the reports of the physicians, in the last and incurable stage; for he spat blood, and his lung through his mouth, and had pustules in his jaws, and arteries, and throat; so much so that he could scarcely swallow food, and likewise drink, and so he persevered up to his death. Being asked, if the said Lord Peter begged God, that he might be freed from that infirmity? He said, that he did not hear it; but the said Lord Cardinal several times said to the same speaker, that he begged God, to give him good patience, and to do His will with him.

Upon the LXXX article he said, its contents were true: giving the cause; because he saw the aforesaid Lord Peter in the bath, and elsewhere, as is contained in the article.

Upon the LXXXI article he said, its contents were true, upon the articles, giving the cause, because the Lord Bishop of Coutances in Normandy, who then was protonotary de Crepicordio, was named mediator, and the speaker himself was executor of the command of our Lord the Pope, and absolved him seven times by that Papal authority, and once publicly, namely at the extreme unction of the aforesaid Lord Peter, in the presence of some worthy of faith.

Upon the LXXXII he said, its contents were true: giving the cause, that the said witness is in the testament, and he refers himself to the testament of the said Lord Peter. Being asked, why he chose burial in that cemetery of St. Michael? He said, that he heard from the said Lord Peter, that once he had been sick at Paris, and had chosen his burial in the cemetery of the Innocents at Paris, in which the poor are buried; and so after the likeness of that he chose burial in that cemetery of St. Michael, in which he was buried; and the said speaker said, that for the sake of humility and devotion he ordained these things.

Upon the LXXXIII article he said, its contents were true, and of this he refers to the testament, at which he was present. Being asked, why he wished to have so few lights? He said that for the sake of humility. For in this ordinance the aforesaid Lord Cardinal publicly said, that he preferred that his creditors should be paid, than to put costs in the pomp of burial, or otherwise that they should be given to the poor.

Upon the LXXXIV article he said, its contents were true: and so it is provided in the testament, as is put in the article; but our Lord the Pope wished, that gold cloths should be placed over the coarse frieze cloth.

Upon the LXXXV article he said, that the said article contained the truth, upon the interrogatories, giving the cause, because he saw and was present, when the said Hugh Chaudronier, chamberlain of the said Lord Peter, administered the Eucharist to the same Lord Peter. Which Lord Hugh, and several others of the bystanders, wept, and the speaker himself wept.

Upon the LXXXVI he said, its contents were true, giving the cause, because he was present, and heard the said Lord Peter's confession.

Upon the LXXXVII article he said, its contents were true; giving the cause of his statement, that he was present, when he said these things to the aforesaid Lord Bishop of Lodève, and the Lord of Coutances.

Upon the LXXXVIII article he said, that the article contained the truth, giving the cause, that he was present, and ministered the Sacrament of unction to the aforesaid Lord Peter, by the command of our Lord the Pope, which Sacrament he received most devoutly, and did the other things, as is contained in the article.

next Upon the LXXXIX article he said, its contents were true: giving the cause, because he was present, and heard the said Lord's confession.

Upon the XC article he said, its contents were true: giving the cause, because he was present at the moving, and heard the said Lord Peter saying the words contained in the article to Stephen his chamberlain. Being asked, if at the moving there were any present? He said, that the speaker himself was present together with the chamberlains of the same Lord Peter, which chamberlains were at one part of the chamber, while the said Lord Peter confessed.

Upon the XCI article he said, and by his half oath deposed, its contents in the said article were true, giving the cause, because he was the confessor of the said Lord Peter, and to him who speaks the thanksgiving contained in the article was made by the said Lord Peter. Being asked, the said speaker, of the manner of the thanksgiving? He said, that when the speaker himself first said to the said Lord Peter, that on that day he would sup with Christ, the said Lord Peter looked at the speaker himself, opening his eyes strongly: and then he who speaks said to the same Lord Peter: Know for certain, that we so believe, and the opinion of the physicians is, that today you will make your supper with God, which you have so much desired, and enjoined me several times, that I should advise you, if I could, of the hour of death, and then the aforesaid Lord Peter with joined hands, in the French tongue said: "Great thanks, great thanks, great thanks!" and after some interval the same Lord Peter subjoined those words contained in the article. O would that, Lord! O would that, Lord!

[170] the preceding things. Being asked of those present? He said that no one was present, because the speaker himself was alone with the same Lord Peter. Being asked, at what hour? He said at the hour contained in the article, and so, that the said Lord Peter did not live after, for two hours.

Upon the XCII article the said speaker said, that after the things contained in the immediately preceding article XCI were done and said, the speaker himself and several others of the household of the said Lord Peter went to sup, and a brief supper being made, the Lord Bishop of Coutances, then protonotary de Crepicordio, came, by the command of our Lord the Pope (as he said); and then the said Lord Protonotary and the Lord Andrew bishop-elect of Cambrai, together with several others, went to the presence of the aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal, and there he addressed the Lord Andrew the said bishop-elect of Cambrai his brother, in the manner and form contained in the articles. Being asked of those present? He said, that the Lord Protonotary, the speaker himself, Hugh le Chaudronier, and the chamberlains of the said Lord.

Upon the XCIII article he said, its contents were true: giving the cause, because he was present: for between the speaker himself and the Italian physician there was a verbal altercation, that the speaker himself said, that the said Lord Peter was not dead, the physician saying the contrary: so that someone of the servants brought feathers before the nose of the same Lord Peter, to test, if he emitted breath, of which some said, that they were moved; but others, that they were not: and the same of his pulse and feet, which feet likewise were warm, and in that altercation they were well for half an hour, because they perceived no sign of death to have gone before, as is contained in the article: from which the speaker himself rather thought that the said Lord Peter had been rapt, than dead.

[171] Witness X upon the LXXVI said, that he knew, the contents in the said article were true; giving the cause, because he was at the moving.

Upon the LXXVII article he said, that he several times saw the said Lord Peter in the Carthusian church devoutly saying the offices and divine things (the speaker himself being present, Now sick, he frequents the church of the Carthusians, and accompanying him on the way going to the church) although the said Lord Peter was very weak, hearing them.

Upon the LXXVIII article he said, that the said Lord Peter being asked in his infirmity, how he was? He answered; Well, by the grace of God.

Upon the LXXIX article he said, that on that day the said Lord Peter in the Tinello with his household ate glad enough, and afterward not being able to rise, he passed his time, with great devotion and patience, being in prayers and reading the lives of the Fathers, and causing them to be read before him, hearing masses most devoutly; the speaker himself giving the cause, because he was present, and sometimes at that time celebrated Masses before the said Lord Peter.

Upon the LXXX article he said, its contents were true: because he so saw.

Upon the LXXXII and LXXXIII and LXXXIV he answered that he referred himself to the testament of the aforesaid Lord Cardinal.

Witness XI upon the LXXVI article said, that the said Lord Peter was translated from Avignon to Villeneuve beyond the bridges, by the counsel of the physicians.

Upon the LXXVII he said, that Lord Peter in his infirmity, and there assists at the divine offices. several times visited the Carthusians and their church, the speaker himself being present and accompanying the said Lord Peter; and on Good Friday Lord Peter in the church of the Carthusians heard the whole office, although he was very weak, and walked with great difficulty: nay two of his household helped him. Whether the aforesaid Lord Peter was suspended in mind, the said speaker does not know, but he well saw, that he heard the office most devoutly, and also prayed, and always on bended knees, and with bare head.

Upon the LXXVIII article he said, that the aforesaid Lord Peter in his infirmity was very patient, and he heard from the physicians, who visited the said Lord, that they never saw a sick man have such patience in infirmity as the said Lord Peter had, nor sustaining it so patiently.

Upon the LXXIX and LXXX he said, their contents were true: giving the cause: because he so saw, heard, and was present continually with the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, He asks of the Pope indulgences for the article of death: established in his infirmity.

Upon the LXXXI article he said, that he heard from the Lord Protonotary, now Bishop of Coutances in Normandy, on a certain day before the death of the said Lord Peter, that the said Lord Peter sent him to our Lord Pope Clement for the indulgence of plenary remission to be obtained. Then the said Lord Protonotary returning, said to the same speaker, that our aforesaid Lord the Pope had granted the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, that as often as he wished, he could use that grace, and make a testament, etc.

Upon the LXXX article he said, its contents were true: because the said speaker is named executor in the testament, as he asserted.

Upon the LXXXVIII he said, that he heard from the household of the said Lord Peter, its contents were true; namely that he received the sacred Unction most devoutly, offering his members.

Upon the XC and XCI articles he said, that he had heard their contents were true.

Upon the XCII article the said speaker said, its contents were true: because he so saw, heard, and was present.

His death like the sleep of one falling asleep. Upon the XCIII he said, that he saw the said Lord Peter the Cardinal holding a blessed lighted candle in his hand: and there was a question among them, namely the Italian physician, the confessor, and the others being present, whether the said Lord Peter was alive or dead, and they placed feathers before his nose, because he only seemed to have fallen asleep.

Witness XII upon the LXXVII said, that he frequently saw the said Lord Peter going to the Carthusians. There he heard Masses most devoutly.

Upon the LXXVIII article he said, that he never saw any sick man more patient, than the said Lord Peter was: for on account of his infirmity, he had no melancholy, nay he as it were cared not for his infirmity.

Upon the LXXIX article he said, that it is true, that the Lord Cardinal on the feast day of the Ascension of the Lord ate in the Tinello. As to prayers; he spent almost all his time in prayers. He held almost always in his hands the book which the speaker himself had had made for the said Lord Cardinal at Paris, and read in it, although in those days he was very sick.

Upon the LXXX article he said, its contents were true; giving the cause, because he was present, and so saw.

[172] Witness XIII upon the LXXVI article said, its contents were true; because the speaker himself was present, when the physicians concluded and ordained, that the said Lord should go to Villeneuve on account of the mildness of the air.

Upon the LXXVIII article he said, that the speaker himself several times in the infirmity of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, asked of him, Patience in infirmity whether he felt any pain: who answered, that no. And the said speaker said, that in the morning of the very day on which the said Lord died, the speaker himself, and one of the chamberlains of the said Lord had transferred the said Lord, wholly naked, upon their arms from his great bed, to a small bed, to make the great one; and when the said Lord Cardinal was placed there, and the speaker himself covered him, he asked of the said Lord Cardinal, whether he was well, and felt any pain? Who answered him, that no. Being asked, how he knows, that the said Lord Cardinal would willingly have undergone martyrdom for Christ? and his desire of martyrdom. He said, that he knows this, because the said Lord Peter the Cardinal so told him, and that, when the speaker himself said to the said Lord Cardinal, that if he saw a sword or blade over his head, then he would fear, and perhaps not say the aforesaid. The said Lord Cardinal said, that nay indeed he would well sustain this. And with a great heart he said these things, speaking of the martyrs, how they had suffered, and of like things: for the said Lord was wonderfully firm in the faith, and confided in the Lord.

Upon the LXXIX he said, that the said Lord Cardinal for a long time lay sick both at Avignon and at Villeneuve, Other depositions in which infirmity he had the greatest patience; in which he said his Hours, as much as he could, devoutly; and when he could not do it in a good manner, then he caused them to be said before him. Likewise sometimes it happened, that he did not say the Hours, nor were they said before him, because to speak much before him at that time hurt him: but afterward the said Lord Cardinal ordained some, who should say the Hours apart for him. He was present when the said Lord Cardinal so ordained; and the speaker himself said the Hours of several days for the same Lord Cardinal, with a certain other Chaplain: the said Lord Cardinal always feared lest the Hours should thus be said for him; to which Lord the said speaker said: Lord, do not doubt. And when the speaker himself said to the said Lord Cardinal, that the Hours had been said for him, then he much rejoiced. He heard Masses in his infirmity devoutly, and on bended knees, and sometimes it was necessary that the physician come and say to the Lord, concerning his patience, and diligent piety, who was after Mass on bended knees: Lord, rise, you are destroying yourself. Who patiently rose, and did humbly the things which were said to him: The said speaker adds, that so and so much in his life, both in infirmity and in health, he heard Masses so devoutly, that, when the consecrated host was elevated, the said Lord seemed as it were to weep, and showed a manner strange to men, on account of certain signs which he made. Whence it happened once, that he who speaks, asked of the said Lord Cardinal, why he made such and such signs? Who answered that by doing the aforesaid, he saw the body of Christ with greater devotion; and that by so doing, in his other prayers he was more devout, and said them with greater devotion.

[173] Upon the LXXXII article he said, that the said Lord Cardinal in his testament ordained, by a mean burial, that if it should happen that he died in the court, that then he should be interred in the cemetery of St. Michael. But if it should happen that he died outside the court, that he should be carried to Paris, and buried in the cemetery of the Innocents with the poor. Being asked how he knows? He said, that he was present when the said Lord Cardinal ordained the premises, and so wished it to be done, notwithstanding whatsoever. He said to the said speaker, that, if he died in the court, he would have himself buried in the aforesaid cemetery of St. Michael: and the said Lord Cardinal then assigned the reason; because commonly and as it were always by many prayer is made for those who are in the said cemetery: and likewise more prayers are said for such, than for those who are buried in particular places.

Upon the LXXXIV article he said, that he was present, when the said Lord Cardinal ordained, that he should have three tapers in honor of the Holy Trinity, and cared not for a great lighting, nor for the other solemnities, which are wont to be done in such cases, as the said speaker most firmly believes from the things which he saw the said Lord Cardinal do: and of this, and of the other things contained in the said article, he refers himself to the testament.

Upon the LXXXV article he said, that he was present, when the said Lord Cardinal ordained, without apparatus; that he should have upon himself a coarse cloth; on which above there should be a Cross, and so it was done, because he had the said cloth, as he asked. Being asked if the said Lord Cardinal was induced to choose the said burial, and only three tapers, and only the frieze cloth upon himself, with a Cross? He said, that he most firmly believes, that he was in no way induced to do the aforesaid by anyone; but that he alone out of pure devotion ordained the aforesaid: and this on account of several conjectures and circumstances, which the said speaker saw, when the said Lord ordained the aforesaid.

by a most placid death, Upon the XCIII article he said, that the speaker himself was present, when the said Lord Cardinal died, and that the blessed candle was placed in the hand of the Lord Cardinal: which candle, he who speaks held, helping the said Lord, who at that hour was in his agony. When the said Lord Cardinal died, it seemed, that he wished to sleep, because in no way did he move himself, except this, that he opened his eyes, and his mouth was somewhat open. The said speaker did not perceive then, that the said Lord Cardinal emitted the other death-rattles, save that he saw, that he heard go out from the mouth of the said Lord very sweetly, and with a very slight sound, a little breath, and three times in order, the said breath so went out, and he emitted three sweet and slight sighs. At that hour the litanies were being said, and for some space of time it was doubted by the bystanders, whether the said Peter was dead, or not, so much so that the said Lord Cardinal, after in the aforesaid three times the breath so slight went out from his mouth, had his eyes open, and it was necessary, that they be closed by one of the bystanders, lest they should thus always have remained, and lest perhaps afterward they could not have been closed. with certain adjuncts, The speaker himself, at that hour, did not perceive the pains, movements, sweats, tears, and the like, of which mention is made in the said article. The said speaker also said that a little before the death of the said Lord, he was speaking to the said Lord, and the Lord said this word, "I thirst," in Latin; and then the speaker himself took a glass, in which there was wine, and presented it to the said Lord Cardinal, saying: Lord, behold the glass. The Lord then said very piously and sweetly; I do not see. Who yet took the glass, pertaining to the same. and took a little of the wine; and the speaker himself believes, that it could not descend to his stomach. The physician, of whom mention is made in the article, said to the said speaker, that when he the physician saw the hour of death approaching the Lord, he said to him these words: My Lord, remember the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. But the said Lord Cardinal answered: I place all my hope in them, and then the said Lord Cardinal said; Turn me a little.

Witness XVII upon the LXXVII article said, that Lord Peter frequently visited the Carthusians, as the speaker himself saw, and on Good Friday he was present through the whole office, as the speaker himself heard afterward from the brethren of that convent.

Upon the LXXVIII article he said, that when the speaker himself visited the said Lord Peter in his infirmity, and asked the said Lord Peter, how he was? He answered: Well, by the grace of God.

Witness XVIII upon the LXXVIII article said, its contents were true: because he saw and heard.

Upon the LXXIX article he said, that the said Lord Peter the Cardinal read the lives of the Fathers, and much delighted in them. Whence the speaker himself drew back the said Lord Cardinal from so much reading. Yet the speaker himself said, that he did not promise to cure him; but he well promised to make diligence.

CHAPTER XII. Of the things which followed the death of the Blessed.

The interrogatory articles are again here premised. The XCIV has thus: Likewise on the morrow, the 3rd day of the said month of July, Articles upon the flexibility of the corpse, after the Masses celebrated before the body at Villeneuve, it was still doubted, whether he was dead, on account of the brightness of his face, which seemed rather that of a living than of a dead man, and on account of the softness and ductibility of his members, which were not rigid, but wholly as of a sleeping man.

XCV. Likewise that on the same day in the evening, the body being carried to Avignon, by the change of his face, it was ordained, that after the usual manner his face should be smeared with paints, which the confessor contradicted to be done. Whence after this master de Petra Fixa was sent, with an express command from the auditor of the Chamber, that this same should be done, alleging custom, the intensity of the heat, and the prolongation of the future burial, and the most likely change of the face, and very many other things. Which notwithstanding, the confessor contradicting, it was not done. Nor was that beautiful and angelic face in anything changed.

XCVI. Likewise that on the fourth day of the month of July, the funeral being ordained, by the concourse and the vigils being celebrated after the usual manner, the people began to run together to the hall, where his body was funerally laid; nor would they withdraw thence, unless compelled.

XCVII. Likewise that those coming there, kissed the feet and hands of the same deceased Lord, and by the veneration of the people lying in the bier, those who could, and those who could not on account of the pressure and multitude of people, at least touched the cloths or the bier; and women carried little infants, whom they caused to touch at least something of his: They carried "Our Fathers" and trinkets, which women are wont to wear, to his head, hands, and feet, which afterward they kissed, as is wont to be done after the touching of relics, and so up to midnight the doors of that house could scarcely be closed; but even after they had been closed with difficulty, very many watched at those very gates all night outside, as if keeping watch, and only awaiting the morning entrance, on account of the great devotion which the inspired people had and showed beyond the usual manner in such cases.

XCVIII. Likewise that, morning being come on Friday, which was the fifth day of the said month of July, again so great a concourse of people was present, long continued that with great difficulty the funeral order could be arranged around the bier: for all that morning ceased from work, as if it were some solemn feast, coming together unanimously to the burial itself, as if they had been invited, or as if already inspired concerning his sanctity: upon which, very many confiding among themselves, affirmed this very thing, saying commonly: Truly this man will do very many miracles.

XCIX. Likewise that on the same day, while he was carried to the church for the funeral office to be celebrated after the custom, and while thence, the office being done, he was carried to the tomb for burial, especially at the obsequies those carrying him could scarcely pass, on account of the pressure and concourse of those wishing to touch him, or at least the bier; but even at the windows of the houses and upon the roofs, as many as could be contained, were looking on: of whom very many said his face shone, which indeed was most beautiful and comely, and seemed rather that of a sleeping than of a dead man.

and by the burial C. Likewise that, while the obsequies were celebrated after the custom in the church of St. Anthony, a certain merchant of Avignon, called William de Sabran, came to the said church of St. Anthony with difficulty, for the sake of obtaining the grace of the malady of gout, which he had suffered in his left foot for two years or thereabouts, nor had he been able to be healed by the help of physicians: but a prayer being made, and likewise a vow, that if he had power with God, as the public fame proclaimed, he would obtain health for him; and the bier being touched with devotion and hope, as much as he could, he immediately felt himself wholly cured.

CI. Likewise that, the body being laid near the place of burial, while his soul was commended after the custom, and the body was raised from the bier, that it might be buried in the earth, by the testimony of several great men, both knights and laymen, who were more nearly present, he opened his eyes and closed them again.

CII. Likewise that, the burial being completed, the Lords having returned after the custom, and thereafter: each to his house, beyond measure the concourse of people began to be augmented at his burial, where miracles immediately appeared. Whence, his brother and household being at table for dinner, with the aforesaid some in the house of his allowance, hastening came John Tronchini and Mondonus, captain of the court, scarcely able to speak and express what they announced; and at length with a rush they began to say to those sitting at table: Rise, Lords, rise, Lords; for your Lord will be taken away, unless you rise, and apply a remedy. But you will rejoice with great joy, because you will find miracles done there, which we saw. And so all began to rise, though scarcely, or a little, had they tasted anything. At length it was determined, that the auditor of the Chamber and the Lord's confessor, the rest remaining, should go thither, which also was done. And when they had approached the place of burial, they could scarcely on account of the pressure and multitude of people approach the burial; and at length with no small difficulty, entering the place of his burial, they found the frieze cloth, which had remained above, wholly torn, and the pillows or cushions, which had been at his head, broken into small pieces, everyone seizing what he could have: but they also broke the bier into fragments, and one gave to another, another took from another: but also they divided among themselves the straw which had been in the bier. Moreover they carried off the earth, being upon his sepulcher, in little bags, or in a hood, or in the bosom, so that there was a pit, where the earth before rose up. Whence it was necessary there to appoint strong and robust guards, and to cover the burial with the strongest wood, until an iron grate should there be placed; which is manifest and notorious to all.

CIII. Likewise that on account of the frequency of the miracles which were done there, and the fame of the peoples from the graces there received, likewise concerning the frequency of miracles. on the morrow of the burial, which was the 6th of July, there were ordained to collect the miracles and the things to be collected, with the aforesaid confessor of the said Lord, two notaries of the court, auditors of the Chamber, namely masters John Regis, and Pontius de Ponte, who on the morrow, which was the 7th of July, began to write, as appears in the register.

CIV. Likewise the procurator, in the aforesaid names as above, produces, as is here inserted, in the propositions and articles, all and each of the miracles contained and described in the books and registers by the said notaries, or one of them, deputed for the aforesaid miracles to be written and written down, as is more fully contained in those very books and registers, to which and which he refers himself.

CV. Likewise that upon all and each of the premises, from the time of the death of the said Lord Peter of revered memory, there has labored and labors, and there was and is, public voice and fame. Conclusion. Wherefore the aforesaid procurator and solicitor and prosecutor asks, in the names as above, after the relations of your most reverend Paternities, worthy of faith and faithful, the Lord granting, to be made to our said Lord the Pope upon the premises, and by their mediation, that by our said Lord the Pope it be pronounced, decreed, and declared that the aforesaid Lord Peter of Luxembourg of revered memory is to be canonized and be canonized, and to be enrolled and be enrolled in the catalogue of the Saints, and by all Christ's faithful, and by all Christ's faithful, to be venerated and ought to be venerated as a Saint, and to be worshiped and ought to be worshiped here and everywhere on earth, his feast, on a day to be assigned by our Lord the Pope, to be solemnized and ought to be solemnized each year in perpetuity, and other things in the premises and about the premises jointly and severally to be done, established, and ordained, as is wont to be done in such cases.

Likewise he protests, that in the premises he may add, and declare them, and, if there be need, further specify, and give other things anew, as is the custom.

[175] Witness I upon the XCIV article said, that the article contained the truth: The answers of the witnesses giving the cause; that he so saw, and touched the said Lord Peter.

Upon the XCV article he said, that he knew nothing: because when the body was carried to Avignon, the speaker himself remained at Villeneuve.

Upon the XCVI and XCVII articles he answered, that it was true as is contained in the articles, for the time in which he was beside the funeral. Being asked, for how long a time? He said, that from the time in which the vigils were begun, up to the second or third hour of the night.

Upon the CI article he said, that the speaker himself, being beside the sepulcher, saw, that three men raised the said Lord Peter from the bier, and when they wished to place him in the grave, one of them held the said Lord Peter by the shoulders, and his head was bowed toward the earth, and in that bowing of the head, the miter almost fell from his head; and then the speaker himself saw the half part, or thereabouts, of the white of one of the eyes of the said Lord Peter. Whether it was incidental, or the said Lord Peter opened his eyes, or the eye was open before, or if from the leaning of the neck he opened it, he does not know. Being asked of those present? He said, that the Lord Count of Geneva was present, and several others. Being asked, if any of the bystanders saw the said eye open; upon the aforesaid Articles. or if anyone or any immediately said, I saw the eye? He said, that he did not know; nor did he then hear anyone speaking of this.

[176] Witness II upon the XCVIII article said, that the aforesaid Lord Peter, on the 3rd of the said month of July, after the Masses celebrated, slightly changed the color of his face, and was soft, as is contained in the article, and his members were ductible. The same witness touched the arms, and bent them, which were ductible after the manner of a sleeping man. Of the doubt, whether he was dead, or alive, he knows nothing.

Upon the CII article he said, that John Retronchinus and Mondonus the captain came to the house of the said Lord Peter, and said the words contained in the article; which heard, the Lord Auditor of the Chamber and some others rose from the table, and went to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal. What they there did, he does not know; because he remained in the lodging; but then in the said lodging there was fame of the contents in the said article.

[177] Witness IX upon the XCIV article said, its contents were true. The flexibility of the lifeless body, Being asked how he knows? He said that he touched the members, and bent them, especially the arms and hands of the same Lord Peter; which members were soft and ductible after the manner of a sleeping man. Being asked, if the members were warm? He said, that no; nay they were cold. There were present the chamberlains, and many others; whence the speaker himself, wondering at the softness and ductibility of the members of the said Lord Peter, asked master John de Tournemire, the physician of our Lord Pope Clement; how this could happen, that the members were so soft and ductible? Which master John answered, that it was to be wondered at, that, since the blood was congealed, the sinews were cold, the members ought to be rigid, according to the manner and course of nature. The said speaker said moreover, that that softness lasted up to the day of the burial, which was the fourth day from his death. Being asked, if every day of those four days he touched and bent the members? He said, that yes; and especially he touched several times the arms and fingers. Being asked, why he did this? He said, that it was necessary on account of the movings and on account of the apparatus: saying, that at divers times he touched and bent them voluntarily, wondering and testing the members, whether they remained in the same state: which always, like those of a sleeping man, were soft and ductible.

[178] Upon the XCV article he deposed, as is contained in the article: giving the cause, because the speaker himself contradicted it, who was the confessor of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, nor was his face colored with paints.

Upon the XCVI article he said, its contents were true: and of this there is public voice and fame, both in the city of Avignon, and at Villeneuve of the diocese of Avignon.

Upon the XCVII article he deposed, as is contained in the article: giving the cause, because he so saw and was present.

Upon the XCVIII article he said, that he never saw at the end, so great a concourse.

Upon the XCIX article he said, that he only knew, that so great was the pressure, that the speaker himself could not enter the cemetery, in which he was buried, although he made the greatest diligence of entering.

Upon the C article he said, that he had heard its contents were true from William de Sabran, named in the article, in the presence of some.

Upon the CI article he said, that he was not present: because on account of the multitude of people he could not enter the cemetery, and the place of burial: but he well heard that the contents in the said article were true; and recounted by several, namely by the Lord of la Voulte the knight, and by certain others, and, as it seems to him, by the chamberlain of the Lord Cardinal of Viviers.

Upon the CII article he deposed, its contents were true: giving the cause, that he who speaks went to the place of burial with the Lord Auditor of the Chamber, as is contained in the article.

Upon the CIII article he said, its contents were true: giving the cause, because he with the said notaries for some time was ordained to collect the miracles: and of this there is voice and fame.

[179] Witness XIII upon the XCIV article the speaker said, that he knew nothing else, save that many wondered, how the said Lord had his fingers so soft, that they bent, as if the said Lord had slept; as the speaker himself bent the said fingers, because they were not rigid, but pliable. The said speaker said further, that it seemed to him, that the more and the longer the said Lord remained dead upon the earth, the more beautiful the face of the said Lord Cardinal became.

Upon the XCVI and XCVII articles he said, that he only knew of the contents in the said articles, the marvelous concourse of the people, that it is true, that on that day, of which mention is made in the articles; so and so much to the house of the said Lord Cardinal, into the Tinello, in which the body was placed, so great a multitude of people began to run, and so continually, that a question was made among some of the servants of the said Lord Cardinal whether it was good, that the doors of the house be closed, or whether they be left open; and it was concluded, that then they be left open until quite late; which also was done, and continually the people came; so that it seemed, that in that very place there were great indulgences.

[180] The said speaker said further, that these things pending, the touching of the funeral, one came to the speaker himself saying to him, come, and see what the people coming within do about your Master, and it seems that he is a Saint; for these, who come, touch him, and place little boys upon him; touching the face of the said Lord Cardinal, his hands, and his feet; so that it seems, that there are relics there. Which heard, immediately the said speaker came to the door of his hall of the Tinello, and looked at the manner of the people flowing in, and saw, as has been said; at which he much wondered, and for some space of time he stayed there, to see, if those things continued, and found that yes. The said speaker believes, that from devotion they did this.

[181] Upon the XCVIII article he said, that he only knew, the multitude of men flowing thither, that so great a multitude of people on the day of which mention is made in the article was present and came to the house of the said Lord Peter, that it was necessary to close the principal door of the house, and with difficulty could the Masses be said which were said there; and it seems to the speaker himself, as he can remember, that beside the bier of the said Lord Cardinal there were some persons, who then on bended knees prayed.

[182] Upon the XCIX article he said, that he only knew, that he who speaks was present, when the body of the said Lord was carried to the burial: and he said, that in carrying it there was the greatest pressure of people; and not only were they in the way, nay even in the windows of the houses.

Upon the CII he said, that he well knew that it is true, that the burial of the said Lord Cardinal being completed, his household returned to the house of the said Lord, and while they dined together, some came, who said the things which were happening at the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, and how miracles were being done there, and then there was so great a people, that it was necessary to send retainers there, to guard the said sepulcher. The same witness was present at table, when the aforesaid was announced. Being asked, the age of Blessed Peter. of what age the said Lord Cardinal was, on the day of his death? He said as he heard it said, that he was in the eighteenth year of his age, and that he was near the end of the said year, only eighteen days excepted. He also said, that he heard it said in the town of Ligny, in which he was born, that it was found in a book of the collegiate church of the said town, when and at what hour he was born.

[183] Whether Blessed Peter Witness XV deposing upon the CI article said, that he only knew, that while the said Lord Cardinal was in the bier near the place of burial, and they wished to lay him down from the bier to bury him, then the miter, which the Lord Cardinal wore on his head, fell before his eyes, and then one being there, raised the miter for him, that the face might be wholly seen. And then the said speaker saw the eyes of the Lord Cardinal open; not turned aside, as the dead commonly are wont to have them; nay he had them directly open; so that it seemed to the speaker himself wholly, that he was looking at him, and the speaker himself believes, that he was the first who noticed this: for he said to the bystanders, behold, notice, how he keeps his eyes open. Which the bystanders themselves noticing, some said; it seems to me also, that he is looking at me. Yet the speaker himself does not remember, to whom he said this word.

Being asked, if he saw the Lord Cardinal before the opening of the eyes keeping his eyes closed? after death He said, that he saw him before, and he had his eyes closed. Being asked, if at the elevation of the miter the eyes were open? He said, that he does not know. Being asked, if he kept his eyes open long? He said that he does not know; because so great was the pressure of people, that he could not notice. Being asked, who then were present, who saw this, and to whom he said it, he answered, that the Lord Hugh of Saluces, the Lord Talbard, preceptor of Geneva, and the Lord John de Chambriliaco, knights.

[184] opened his eyes. Witness XVI upon the CI article said, that he was one of those carrying the body of the said Lord Cardinal to the sepulcher, and while it was carried, he had his eyes closed; and afterward, while he was placed in the pit, he saw him having his eyes open, and it seemed to the speaker himself, that he was alive. Of those present? That, the Lord count of Geneva, the Lord Hugh of Saluces, the Lord of la Voulte, the Lord of Chambrillac knights, the Lord Bishop of Lodève, and several others. Being asked, if at the elevation of the miter the eyes were open? He said that he does not know; yet the miter only fell over one eye, he does not know to which side.

[185] And these are the things which, concerning the life, manners, and virtues of blessed Peter in the Avignon manuscript process, partly proposed by William, Bishop of Viviers, procurator and solicitor deputed to this business, partly deposed by the witnesses, I have judged should be committed to the press, and communicated to posterity; with which I complete the first part of the same process, and subjoin the other.

THE SECOND PART OF THE PROCESS. Which is on the miracles of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg.

CHAPTER I. The names of the Witnesses, their country, age, condition, the times of the depositions.

[186] About to begin the other part of the process, which is on the miracles of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, I have no need to preface many things. A little preface The things of which the reader was to be forewarned or instructed, I have cast into the preliminary commentary. Therefore I exhibit the first chapter, which is a preamble to the following propositions, and contains the collection of the witnesses, here joined together, who in the transcript were dispersed, as was done by me in the first part of the process.

[187] First, on Friday, which was the 21st of the month of January of the aforesaid year [1390], premised to the process. before the Lord Bishops, specially deputed for this by the above-said Lord Commissioners, at Avignon in the lodging near the cemetery of St. Michael, in which dwell the guardians of the offerings offered at the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, the Prelates sitting established at the first hour, the venerable Man, master Anisius Gomberti, licentiate in both laws, substitute procurator, as is established concerning his mandate in the acts of this cause; who produced as witness, Arnaud de Planzolis, Lord of Soberatio, a damsel, of the diocese of Maguelonne, there present, whom he asked to be received and admitted to swear by the aforesaid Lord Bishops, and also to be examined and interrogated upon the article below consigned and designated. Which noble Arnaud in the hands of the said deputed lord Bishops swore upon the holy Gospels of God bodily and spontaneously touched by him, to tell, depose, and testify the pure, sincere, and full truth, which he should know, of and upon the articles contained in the said article, and of those things of which he was interrogated, favor, love, entreaty, price, affection, and fear being wholly removed. Then it is subjoined within a parenthesis; And this is the beginning of all the depositions, which it is enough to have warned once.

Witness I. Arnaud de Planzolis, Lord of Soberatio, a damsel, of the diocese of Maguelonne. He deposed on the day and year as above.

Witness II. John Columbi of La Roche, The names of the witnesses, a layman and merchant, of the diocese of Geneva, 36 years old or thereabouts. He deposed on Tuesday, which was the 25th of the said month of January.

Witness III. The noble man Baldwin le Vert, of the place of Durato, of the diocese of Arras, 20 years old or thereabouts. He deposed on Friday, which was the 28th of the said month of January.

Witness IV. Arnaud de Campobernardi, a damsel. He deposed on the same day.

Witness V. The venerable Man Lord Maraco de Viagou, a knight, Lord of Rappetout, of the diocese of Lyons, 33 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the 29th of the said month of January, which was Saturday.

Witness VI. Joanna de Centumcellis, of the diocese of Geneva, wife of Henry de Philibourg, 20 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on Thursday, which was the 3rd of the month of February.

Witness VII. Henry, called de Philibourg, of Rubea Villa, a layman, of the diocese of Constance in Germany, 50 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the same day.

Witness VIII. John de Namayo, otherwise called de Fontenay, a cleric, of the diocese of Vienne, a tailor and now inhabitant of Montélimar [*], of the diocese of Vienne, 20 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Thursday, the 10th of the said month of February.

Witness IX. Andrew called Albenar de Duratio, of the diocese of Durato, 25 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Thursday, which was the 10th of the said month of February.

who deposed, Witness X. Anthony de Alba, in Abruzzo, of the diocese of Aquino, 25 years old, or thereabouts, member of the household and servant of the aforesaid Lord de Albenar. He deposed on the same day.

Witness XI. Brother John Heliae, preceptor of the house of Aguilla, of the order of St. Anthony, of the diocese of Aix, a presbyter, 75 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Tuesday, which was the 15th of the said month of February.

Witness XII. Guilielmetta, wife of Ivo Trevelini, a tailor, citizen of Avignon; 40 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on Thursday the 17th of the aforesaid month of February.

Witness XIII. Poncetus, son of Ivo Trevelini, a tailor, citizen of Avignon, 25 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the same day.

Witness XIV. John Martini, a presbyter, parochial rector of the church of St. Genesius of Avignon, 56 years old or thereabouts. He deposed on the same day.

Witness XV. Lady Bernarda de Mediolano, of the diocese of Tarentaise, widow of Lord Antelmus de Mediolano, of the preceding diocese, 40 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on the same day.

Witness XVI. Margaret, wife of Bueffelanus de Erma, of the diocese of Tarentaise, 30 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on Thursday the 17th of the said month of February.

Witness XVII. John Jacobi, a layman and laborer of Châteauneuf-d'Isère, of the diocese of Valence, 28 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Tuesday, which was the 22nd of the month of February.

Witness XVIII. Hugonus Fabri de Castelleto de Tredum, a cleric, of the diocese of Geneva, 20 years old, or thereabouts, inhabitant of Geneva, with his father Rolletus Fabri, a merchant, dwelling in the street of Ripparia. and their condition, He deposed on the 26th of the said month of February, which was Saturday.

Witness XIX. The religious man, brother Richard, canon of St. Ruf, of the order of St. Augustine, 13 years old perhaps 33 as he believes. He deposed on Tuesday, which was the 8th day of the month of March.

Witness XX. John de Vivier, of Vallibus in Savoy, a lay boatman, of the diocese of Lausanne, inhabitant of Avignon near the gate of the Aquaria, 35 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the 10th of the aforesaid March.

Witness XXI. Andrew Lombardi of Romans, of the diocese of Vienne, inhabitant of Villeneuve near Avignon in the street before the hospital of Villeneuve, 35 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the same day above just entitled.

Witness XXII. William de Fores de Mombreson, of the diocese of Lyons, a lay boatman, inhabitant of Avignon near the gate of the Aquaria, 30 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the same day.

Witness XXIII. Stephen Colini, a silversmith, inhabitant of Avignon near the gate of Mataronis, 35 years old, or thereabouts, of Le Puy. He deposed on Saturday, which was the 12th day of the aforesaid month of March.

Witness XXIV. Peter de Praga, son of Marquelinus de Praga, 50 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the same day.

Witness XXV. Francis, called Lemosini, innkeeper of the inn of the Red Lion, age, in the street of Carreria, inhabitant of Avignon for 30 years, 50 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Thursday, which was the 17th of the said month of March.

Witness XXVI. Master Henry of Mainz, a barber, inhabitant of Avignon, 30 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the 24th of the said month of March.

Witness XXVII. Berengaria, wife of Andrew Renaudi, inhabitant of Avignon near the gate of Imbert, exercising the office of mercer, 26 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on Tuesday the 25th of the aforesaid month of March.

Witness XXVIII. Andrew Renaudi, a mercer, inhabitant of Avignon, near the gate of Imbert, 45 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the same day.

Witness XXIX. Hugueta de Cavallione, inhabitant of Avignon, wife of Gerard de Montego Sabbatii near the earthen oven, 56 years old, or thereabouts, a midwife. She deposed on Thursday, which was the 17th of the said month of March.

Witness XXX. Bartholomew Turpi of Montpellier, a coiner, 60 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Tuesday, which was the 15th of the said month of March.

Witness XXXI. Catherine de Molendino, widow of Peter de Molendino, dwelling at Avignon, in the street of St. Michael, 40 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on Thursday, which was the 17th of the said month of March.

Witness XXXII. Catherine, widow of Anthony Capiti, of the principal street of Avignon, 46 years old, or thereabouts, dwelling before the chapel of St. Michael. She deposed on the same day.

Witness XXXIII. Catherine is put in the process the same as the one just preceding.

country; Witness XXXIV. Perrinus Aymerici, a mercer, of the diocese of Sens, inhabitant of Avignon, in the street de Porqueriis, 48 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Tuesday, which was the 22nd of the said month of March.

Witness XXXV. Ysnarda, wife of John Galliani, a laborer, of the street of Porquerii of Avignon, 50 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on the same day.

Witness XXXVI. John Galliani, a laborer, inhabitant of Avignon, in the street of Porquerii, 50 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the same day.

Witness XXXVII. Resplanda, wife of Perrinus Aymerici, 35 years old, or thereabouts, on the same day.

Witness XXXVIII. Bernard Alberti of Limoges, inhabitant of Avignon, in the parish of St. Symphorian and near St. Symphorian, 40 years old, or thereabouts, on the same day.

Witness XXXIX. Master Pontius de Ponte, notary of the court of the Apostolic chamber, 30 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Thursday, which was the 24th of the said month of March.

Witness XL. The honest woman, Jacoba of Lyons, wife of Roger of Paris, a laborer, inhabitant of Avignon, 40 years old, or thereabouts. She had deposed before the notary of the court of the Apostolic chamber previous to the process, in the year 1388.

and the time of the deposition. Witness XLI. The provident man, Lord Helias Andoyni, a presbyter of the diocese of Angoulême, servitor of the chapel, instituted, founded, and built under the name of All Saints in the cemetery of St. Michael of Avignon by the Lord Radulph d'Ailly; 40 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed in the year as above, on the 16th of the month of September.

Witness XLII. Roger de Luxembourg, son of Henry de Luxembourg, born of Paris, inhabitant of Avignon, a laborer, 40 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the same Thursday.

Witness XLIII. Bertrand Calneti, a measurer of salt, dwelling in the present city in the parish of St. Mary Magdalene, 40 years old, or thereabouts, on the same day.

Witness XLIV. Sylvester Cambii of Florence, inhabitant of Avignon. He deposed on Tuesday, which was the 14th of the month of April.

Witness XLV. Master John de Tornaniva de Pozolis, of the diocese of Albi, master in medicine, and physician of our Lord, 60 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the same day.

Witness XLVI. Lord Galbert Robini, a presbyter, canon of Vizano, of the diocese of Cahors, 45 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Thursday the 15th of the month of April.

Witness XLVII. John de Albenatio, a married cleric, of the diocese of Carpentras, dwelling in Villeneuve of the diocese of Avignon, 55 years old, or thereabouts, on the same day.

Witness XLVIII. Jacoba, wife of Jacominus Remelerii, inhabitant of Avignon, 50 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on Tuesday, which was the 19th of the aforesaid month of April.

Witness XLIX. Beatrix Astique, wife of Anthony Ruffi, inhabitant of Avignon, Rector of the hospital of the holy Trinity, near the gate of the Bishop, 40 years old, or thereabouts, on the same day.

Witness L. Anthoneta, wife of Peter Aon, a butcher, inhabitant of Avignon, 25 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on Saturday, which was the last of the said month of April, of the same year.

Witness LI. On the same day, the said Anthoneta.

Witness LII. John Borrerii of Beaulieu, of the diocese of Limoges, 40 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the same Saturday.

Witness LIII. Henry called Lauretel de Anisornella, of the diocese of Châlons, a weaver of webs, inhabitant of Avignon, 34 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Thursday the 5th of the month of May.

Witness LIV. Moneta Fromentura, wife of Bernard Albertini, a tavern-keeper, inhabitant of Avignon, dwelling near St. Symphorian, 44 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on the same day.

Witness LV. Jerome Zenobii, a cleric, 40 years old, or thereabouts, a smith and dwelling near St. Desiderius. He deposed on the same day.

Witness LVI. Anthony Thome de Thonasio, inhabitant of Avignon, a candle-maker, 40 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Saturday, which was the 21st day of the said month of May.

Witness LVII. Nicolosa, wife of Jerome Zenobii, a smith, inhabitant of Avignon, 18 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on Tuesday the 24th of the said month of May.

Witness LVIII. Lady Xandra of Florence, inhabitant of Avignon, mother of the aforesaid Nicolosa, 40 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on the same day.

Witness LIX. Peter de Penevagre, of the place of Brinazat, of the diocese of Limoges, 60 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Thursday, which was the 26th of the month of May.

Witness LX. Lord Peter de Pulto, a presbyter, of the diocese of Limoges, 26 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the same day.

Witness LXI. Aelipdis, wife of Dominic Gallet, a butcher dwelling in the street near the Preachers of Avignon, 35 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on Tuesday the last of the month of May.

Witness LXII. Joanneta de Castilione of the diocese of Geneva, wife of Raulinus, an innkeeper tavern-keeper, dwelling at Avignon, near the allowance of the Lord Cardinal of Amiens, 35 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on the same day.

LXIII. John Perrini, inhabitant of Avignon before the church of the Preachers, a horse-broker, 48 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Saturday, which was the 11th of the month of June of the same year.

Witness LXIV. Guiotus Drogmini, a married cleric, merchant and inhabitant of Avignon, 30 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Thursday the 16th of the said month of June.

Witness LXV. John de Sullet, a baker, inhabitant of Avignon, for 30 years past, 40 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Thursday the 23rd of the said month of June.

Witness LXVI. Raynera, wife of Raychardus Rota cava, of Barbentane, 40 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on Thursday the last of the said month of June, of the same year.

Witness LXVII. John Bernerii de Gipper, of the diocese of Die, 30 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Saturday, which was the 9th of the month of July of the same year.

Witness LXVIII. Mary, widow of Bertrand Rota cava of Barbentane, 60 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on the same day.

Witness LXIX. James Abille of Barbentane, a cleric, laborer of Avignon, 30 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on Tuesday, which was the 12th of the said month of July.

Witness LXX. Menetus Mons, inhabitant of Barbentane, 30 years old, or thereabouts. He deposed on the same day.

Witness LXXI. Bertranda, wife of John de Sullero, a baker, inhabitant of Avignon, dwelling in the street of the Infirmaries, 24 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on Thursday, which was the 14th of the month of July already said.

Witness LXXII. Isabella, wife of Julian de Darnego, of the diocese of Besançon, a barber, inhabitant of Avignon, 26 years old, or thereabouts. She deposed on the same day.

* Montélimar.

CHAPTER II. The dead raised, others preserved from death.

A dead infant is recalled to life: Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1387, on Friday, the fourth of October, it happened, that to master Henry Philibourger of the diocese of Constance, and his wife, inhabitants of Avignon, together with a certain son of theirs, fourteen months old, coming to this town of Avignon; on the journey, namely at the toll-place ^a of the Star (Étoile), where on that day they were lodged, a certain infirmity seized the said infant, by name Michael; so that, from that infirmity he immediately gave up the spirit; and there appeared in him all the signs of death; for he was cold and rigid, having his eyes closed, and emitting no breath at all: and so he remained for the space of one hour. Whom seeing, his mother, moved with much grief, remembering the miracles of the said holy Cardinal, together with the said father of the said boy, vowed the said infant to the said holy Cardinal; and they promised to visit his sepulcher: and the said mother promised, if her boy should be raised, not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, until she had visited the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal; which vow being made, after a little interval the said son began to call his mother, healthy and whole, as if he had felt no infirmity at all. But the said spouses afterward fulfilled their promises.

likewise a boy drowned in the waters, CVII. Likewise that in the same year, Anthony Thome, dwelling in the present city, in the burg of Lord Peter de Seguireto, doctor of laws, near the church of the Preachers, sleeping after dinner in bed; heard the voices of boys crying out that that boy was drowned, which roused him: who fearing lest it were one of his own boys, suddenly went down, and coming to the water of the Durance, which is near, saw a certain boy in the said water of the Durance, having his head toward the bottom, and his hands and arms extended after the manner of one drowned; which seeing, he leaped into the river, and raised the said boy thence, rigid and cold, and wholly drowned; whom he recognized to be Peter, son of Monetus Carus a butcher, dwelling in the street of Callata of Avignon, rigid and cold, being about four years old; whom, carrying upon his shoulders toward the house of Monetus, remembering the miracles of the said Lord Cardinal, having compassion on that boy, he devoted him to him, supplicating in his heart, that life be obtained for him by the merits and prayers of the same. Which done, while he was near the house of Guinetus Farandus, the said boy began to breathe, who, as is set forth, emitted no breath, and had been so long in the aforesaid water, which descended from the place whence he had fallen, for the distance of a crossbow-shot, or thereabouts, up to the place where he was drawn out; and so coming to the house of the father of the said boy, again his stepmother made a vow for him; after which vows the said boy revived, whom they carried to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, saying truly, that he had been dead, and how he had received the grace of life by the merits and grace of the said Cardinal.

CVIII. Likewise that in the aforesaid year, in the month of December, a girl dead from a cold drink, it happened, that a certain daughter of John de Bisuncio, a poulterer, inhabitant of Avignon, Joanneta by name, four years old or thereabouts, as it were at midnight suddenly falling sick, and becoming hot beyond measure, having drunk a little water, suddenly expired; and becoming very rigid, no sign of life was found in her. And so by all the bystanders she was truly judged dead. Which seeing, the said mother, remembering the said Lord Cardinal and his miracles, made a vow, that if it should please the said Lord Cardinal, to obtain from God so great a grace; that the said daughter should recover life; she would with a certain vow of wax visit his sepulcher; which vow being made, the said daughter immediately and as it were without interval, recovering speech and life, began to sweat, which sweat being accomplished, she was healthy, as she still is.

CIX. Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1388 Allamanda, a girl recalled from death to baptism, wife of Firmandus Ruffi, a laborer, dwelling near the gate of Imbert, the time of childbearing coming, bore a daughter, wholly dead, a certain neighbor of hers being present, by name Berengaria, wife of Andrew Raynaudi, a mercer, dwelling near the said gate: who at the request of the said mother had promised to raise the said daughter from the sacred fonts. Which Berengaria, seeing so pitiable a case, out of excessive grief having compassion both on the mother and daughter aforesaid, on bended knees devoted that daughter to the blessed Virgin Mary, and the said Lord Cardinal, promising to visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, if he would only deign to furnish life to the said daughter, that she might receive baptism. But the said vow being made, the said daughter immediately breathed; and most fully recovered life; and thence being baptized, she still lives by the prayers and merits of the blessed Virgin Mary, and the said Lord Cardinal.

CX. Likewise that in the same year a certain girl, by name Henrieta, a girl fallen into the wheels of a mill, daughter of the late John de Louan, being under the governance of William Patronus, a merchant of the said place, twelve years old, or thereabouts, by chance fell into the millrace ^b of the mill of the Lord of the said place of Louan, of the diocese of Besançon, and by the violence of the water was carried up to the wheel of that mill, the mill grinding. And so, placed under the wheel, she caused the wheel and the mill to cease from grinding. But the millers, thinking that some basket, or fishermen's wood, was hindering that mill, took great wooden bars ^c; and under that wheel, bruised with clubs, against the said girl they thrust strongly with great blows: and seeing, that they profited nothing, they opened the gate of the channel to grind, that, the water receding by the other part, they might more freely be able to see what hindered the mill. But the said mill being emptied of water, they went down toward the said wheel, where finding the said girl drowned, and wholly broken in her members, they carried her dead to the house of the said William her uncle. Which hearing, the said John, and drowned; contristated with the greatest grief, groaned with great lamentations and bitter sobs, emitting doleful voices. But the neighbors having compassion on so great a grief, said to him, comforting him: O John! it is done with her; but do not so grieve; but pray to God, and invoke the holy Cardinal, of whom such miracles are related; that your niece may be restored to life. Which heard, he entered a chamber alone, and there on bended knees, with no small shedding of tears, devoted the said girl to the said Cardinal; promising to visit his sepulcher, with a certain vow of wax, if he would deign to obtain life for the said girl. Which vow being made, having the greatest trust in the said Lord Cardinal; returning to the said girl, he found her living, and emitting breath as one living: who on the morrow being examined, marvelously was cured by God, because in her no signs of fracture could be found.

another girl drowned; CXI. Likewise that in the same year Rixendis, daughter of Bartholomew, a laborer of the place of L'Isle, of the diocese of Cavaillon, a year and a half old, by chance fell into the Sorgue ^d, and there remained for so great a space of time, that the water carried her along, as far as a bow could shoot. Whom when the mother of the said girl, searching for her, had come to the bank of the said river; she found her wholly drowned, cold and rigid, and in whom no signs of life appeared; for in her neither pulse could be perceived, nor breath; she had her eyes turned in her head, and was mortally wounded in the head. Whence the said mother, sad and grieving in mind, remembering the miracles of the said Lord Cardinal, devoted her to the said Lord Cardinal; promising with a certain vow of wax, to visit his sepulcher, if he would deign to obtain from God that life be restored to the said girl; which vow being made, the said girl immediately breathed, and emitting breath, was thence most fully restored to health.

a boy suffocated at his first birth, CXII. Likewise that in the aforesaid year master Andrew Turvi, a notary of the place of Albia, of the diocese of Geneva, and Isabella his wife, had had one male son, on whom they imposed the name Peter out of reverence for the said Lord Cardinal: whom, as devoutly as they could, they recommended to him. But a pitiable case happened; that, the said mother still being in childbed, the said son was by chance found in a certain bed suffocated, on account of which the exultation of joys, suddenly turned into a lamentation of grief; they had recommended him to the said Lord Cardinal, bearing great trust, they devoted the said infant to the said Lord Cardinal, promising devoutly to visit his sepulcher, with a certain vow of wax, if he would obtain from God that the aforesaid boy be raised. But the aforesaid vow being made; the said boy present before them, suddenly revived, and most fully recovered life: for what is a singular gift, and most worthy of marvelous note: in one day he profited more in bodily increases, than other infants of the same age do in two, by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

CXIII. Likewise that in the year just said, while a certain William Trossa, a workman suddenly extinguished by a malady, a laborer of the city of Orange, was returning from outside to the same city of Orange; not finding where he could lodge; for the sake of sleeping he entered a certain house, uninhabited by men; in which that night, a certain infirmity by chance befalling him, he closed his last day; and there afterward on the morrow being found suffocated, he was carried as dead to a nearby house; where through all that day he lay truly dead; which seeing, his wife, bearing in her heart the gravest griefs from such a case, resorting to the help of the said Lord Cardinal, most devoutly vowed her husband, promising him, if God should recover the life of her husband, to visit the sepulcher of the said Cardinal with a certain vow of wax: which vow being made, suddenly the said husband breathed, and within two days was most fully restored to health; which recognizing to have been done by the Lord Cardinal, he visited his sepulcher.

CXIV. Likewise that in the year just said Guillemeta, wife of Robert a currier [*] of hides, dwelling in the present city, being pregnant, the term of childbearing coming, a girl dead in her mother's womb, bore a daughter dead, in whom no signs of life could be known: who, as is premised, lay dead for the space of one hour: which when the said Robert saw, much troubled in mind, confiding in the mercy of God, he uttered these words: O God! shall I have a child, who will not have baptism? And on bended knees, then remembering the miracles which God worked in the said Lord Cardinal, he devoted the said daughter to the said Lord Cardinal, promising to visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, and to offer him a certain vow of wax, if he could raise the said daughter by his prayers, which being made, suddenly and without any interval she began to breathe; then carried to the church, she was baptized, and now lives by the prayers and merits of the said Lord Cardinal.

CXV. Likewise that in the aforesaid year, a certain boy by name Alzarius, a boy extinguished by the gravest diseases, son of Joanneta Capella, dwelling near the fountain of the church of the friars Preachers of the present city; much oppressed by fevers and many other infirmities, at about the hour of Compline expired; and dead from that hour, neither breathing, nor inspiring, nor having a pulse, he remained up to the hour of the following matins. But at that same hour of matins, she devoted him to the said Lord Cardinal, and immediately the vow being made the said son breathed, and so by his merits and prayers he still lives whole and healthy.

CXVI. Likewise that in the same year in the month of June, it happened in the place of Barbentane of the diocese of Avignon; a carter under a laden cart, that a certain young man, eighteen years old, or thereabouts, by name Bertrand, son of Peter Lotherius of the said place of Barbentane, leading a certain four-wheeled cart laden with grasses, and passing near the water of the Durance, near the millrace of the mill of the said place, the horse, which drew the said cart, threw the said Bertrand into the water of the aforesaid race, the aforesaid cart afterward overturned upon the said Bertrand; overturned in the waters, crushed, so that under the said cart, the said Bertrand remained in the depth of the water, for the space of one hour and more: which perceiving, some, reaping grain in the fields nearby there, ran thither. Where they found only the hood of the said Bertrand, floating upon the water. But that Bertrand, being in the depth of the waters, by no means appeared. From whose cries, a multitude of men and women being gathered there, some of them stripped themselves, and drew the said Bertrand from the said water, dead and rigid, and wholly broken in his members. But seeing this, several good women, and certain girls, moved with great pity over the said young man, on bended knees with great devotion, and shedding of tears, with one voice invoked the said Lord Cardinal, devoutly beseeching him, that he would deign to restore life to the said Bertrand, certain vows being made by some of the assisting women to the said Cardinal; after whose vows the said Bertrand immediately revived, and thence gradually recovering from the said fracture, was restored to full health.

CXVII. Likewise in the year just said, in the month of July, at the evening hour, a certain woman, a woman suddenly dead, Joanneta by name, wife of Michael Camoletus, from a certain accident suddenly falling sick, gave up the spirit, and in her as it were, as indeed she was, dead: for the signs of the dead appeared, because in every part of her body she was cold: nor could pulse be perceived in her, or breath, and in such a state she remained for the space of one hour, and more. But seeing this, the said husband, not knowing from whom he should seek help, except from God, much troubled in mind, yet confiding in the mercy of God; and with great piety reckoning himself unworthy to be heard by Him, save through the prayers of the saints; promised and vowed to the Lord Cardinal, to visit his sepulcher, if he could obtain from God that his said wife be raised: which vow being made, suddenly the said woman began to breathe: and breathing, fortifying herself with the sign of the cross, she began to say: O holy body, thou hast done me so great a grace! And so she gave thanks to the said Lord Cardinal, as one cured through him; although she was wholly ignorant of the said vow made for her.

a birth void of life. CXVIII. Likewise that Agnes, wife of James Cadei, of Le Puy, on a certain Friday, at the hour of terce, bore a daughter dead in the womb: whom when the bystanders there wished to have buried, the mother herself forbade it, until her husband, who was then absent, should have come. Which interval pending, Catherine, wife of William Guionetus, a merchant of Le Puy, very dear to that Agnes, on the morrow at the hour of terce came to her, and having compassion on the griefs and tears of that Agnes; remembering the said Lord Cardinal, having first visited the said daughter, who was placed in a certain little cabinet; whom she saw discolored, and had touched cold, she vowed to the said Lord Cardinal, that she would go with bare feet to his sepulcher; if he would deign to obtain life for the said daughter, only until she had received baptism. Which vow being made, much confiding in the said Lord Cardinal, she returned to the said little cabinet; where she found the said daughter living, having her face most beautifully colored, whom she took up with joy: and she being first shown to the mother, she had her baptized; who afterward lived up to the hour of cockcrow, of the following night; at which hour she rendered her spirit, loosed from the darkness, pleasing to God, by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

CXIX. Likewise that in the oft-said year in the month of July, The following preserved from death; Mary, wife of Jaquemin Sautmenus of Liège, inhabitant of the present city: so gravely sick, that she could not move herself from the bed, always growing weaker lay for eight days and more. But a certain day coming, she began to be in her agony, and to hasten to death; so that by the bystanders her life was wholly despaired of, but her husband, much grieving over her future death, devoted her to the said Lord Cardinal: which vow being made, a woman near to death, suddenly from the aforesaid infirmity and peril of death she was wholly freed.

CXX. Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1388, in the month of April, wasted by fever and several other diseases, Boniface, son of Stephen Colini a silversmith, dwelling in the present city, having suffered fevers, and very many other most grave infirmities, growing worse was brought to such a point, that without drink and without food, although before he had been much macerated and weakened, he remained for three natural days, having his eyes turned in his head, already stinking like earth: so that by all the bystanders it was judged impossible, that he could escape the peril of death, save miraculously. Whom so seeing, his father, with paternal affection having compassion, with all the affection of his heart devoted him to the said Lord Cardinal, promising with a certain vow to visit his sepulcher, if his said son should recover health: which vow being made, the said son suddenly emitting through his mouth one great worm, thence gradually was most fully restored to health. But the father fulfilled what he had promised.

CXXI. Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1387 in the month of August, to Peter de Serris, son of Peter de Serris, laboring with a flux of the belly and vomiting, a serjeant-at-arms of our Lord the Pope, there befell a certain infirmity, by which pressing, he suffered intermittently both flux of the belly and vomiting: which lasted him for two natural days: who being visited by the physicians, was judged, according to nature, that it was impossible for him to escape death: whom his mother deploring, natural help failing, made a vow to the said Lord Cardinal, humbly and devoutly beseeching him for the liberation of her said son; promising with a certain vow to visit his sepulcher. Which done, the said flux and vomiting suddenly ceased, and the said boy remained wholly cured, by the merits of the said Lord Cardinal.

CXXII. Likewise that in the year 1387, in the month of November, Gerard Tibiaci, a cleric of the diocese of Limoges, feverish, twenty-eight years old, having suffered a continual fever and many other inward pains, for the space of fifteen days, wholly believing himself about to die, had made his testament, and his other affairs, as one very near to death; who remembering the said Lord Cardinal, devoted himself to him, promising to visit his sepulcher, if he would deign to do him so great a grace, that he be freed from the aforesaid infirmities. Which vow being made, immediately he ceased to be feverish, and all the other pains withdrew, and thence he was most perfectly cured by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

a boy dragged into the Rhone, CXXIII. Likewise that in the year 1387, in the month of December, the Lord John Martini, rector of the parochial church of St. Genesius, of the present city, together with a certain boy, by name Richard, son of the Lady Joanneta Sabbateria, twelve years old, being upon the bridge of the Rhone of Avignon, while they beside the border ^e of the bridge looked at a certain vessel, which certain men standing upon the bridge above were drawing with a rope, and the said rope had somewhat approached the said Richard, the said rope suddenly leaped from the hands of those drawing, and surrounding the said Richard around the middle, raised him on high above the height of the bridge, well by six cannes and more; so that the said vessel of those drawing being deprived of help, and on account of this coming to the shore, the said rope, following the vessel, threw the said Richard into the middle of the Rhone; which seeing, the said Lord John, seized with great fear, devoted the said Richard to the blessed Mary, and the said Lord Cardinal, promising to visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, if he would deign to free the said boy from drowning. Which vow being made, suddenly the said Richard, who being in the depths of the waters, by no means appeared, was raised upon the water, and there standing for a great space of time was in no way submerged in the water, although he knew not how to swim at all, nay he stood there, until the boatmen, removed from him, came to him, and gathered him thus standing upon the waves into their vessel, and so he remained unhurt by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

a merchant fallen into the Rhone, CXXIV. Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1388, in the month of August, while a certain Bertrand Calneti, a merchant of salt in the present city of Avignon, ascended by a certain ladder into a certain vessel laden with salt: his foot slipping he fell into the Rhone, and coming to the depths, was carried along the water, for the space of one crossbow-shot, so that, while he thus stood among the waves, now he was submerged in the bottom, now raised on high, and so much so that all hope of his recovery was taken away from the bystanders. But remembering the said Lord Cardinal, he began to say in his heart: O holy body! help me, and immediately a certain bar, which the bystanders threw to him, that he might thereby be able to get out, he found between his legs; upon which raised, as if riding upon it, thence drawn out by the said bystanders, he came out from the water healthy and cheerful, and so he escaped by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

struggling with a most grave fever, CXXV. Likewise that in the year 1388, Peter, son of Bernard Alberti, a merchant of Avignon, fourteen years old or thereabouts, sick with a most grave fever, and gradually weakened by several other inward infirmities, was brought to such weakness, that for two days he lost his speech. And so, he thus laboring in his last extremities, the bystanders only awaited the hour of his passing: for his parents had already caused presbyters to come to read the psalters and passions, as is customary for those thus laboring in their last extremities. But the said father, admonished by divine instinct, remembering within his mind the said Lord Cardinal, whither he went, no one being told, came by a different path to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, and there on bended knees with great devotion of heart, not without great weeping, commended his said son to the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal, promising him, if he would deign to preserve his said son from death, that with a certain vow of wax he would visit his sepulcher again; and so, the prayer, as is premised, being made, he came to his house and immediately visited the said boy: but the boy immediately and at once, from a divine revelation (as is piously believed) made to him, said these words: O Father! whence do you come? you come from the holy body just now, for I am perfectly cured, by the merits of that Saint; and so freed from the peril of death, gradually recovering, he was restored to his former health.

CXXVI. Likewise that the noble man, Lord Gilbert, Lord of Labrengaren, a knight worn out even to death a knight; chamberlain of the Lord Duke of Burgundy, from the heaviness of the labor which he had suffered in a certain tournament, proclaimed by the King of France at Paris, falling sick, came to such weakness, that, destitute of bodily strength, for three days he wholly lost his speech; so that even the physicians, who had visited him, judged that he could by no means recover: nor did any hope remain, that he should escape death. For he was already laboring in his last extremities, when a certain member of the household of the said Lord Duke said to him in his ear, that he should devote himself to the said Lord Cardinal, which also he did: for immediately it came into his mind, that he would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow, and that he would never arm himself with warlike arms, until he had visited the said sepulcher, if he would deign to obtain health for him from God. Which vow being made, he was transported into another chamber; where placed in bed, he immediately fell asleep, and sleeping saw God sitting upon a certain bench, and the blessed Virgin at the corner of the same bench: and also the said Lord Cardinal, clothed in a surplice, very comely in face, having long and very slender fingers: which Lord Cardinal, holding one hand upon his head, and the other under his chin, presented him to God, uttering these words: Lord God, let not this man die yet. With whom the blessed Virgin descending from her place before God with joined hands, humbly bowed herself with the said Lord Cardinal: to whom the Omnipotent immediately answered: It pleases me that he not yet die. After which vision being roused from sleep he began to breathe. they are made whole. Which when a certain man, deputed to his custody, had heard, he asked of him, if he wished anything, and how he was; to whom then he said, that he was well. Whence the said servant, much amazed, that he had recovered speech, said to him: Lord, you speak; to whom the said knight answering: You speak truth, this the holy Cardinal did, and he narrated to him the manner [*] of the deed. Rejoicing at which much for joy, he immediately narrated it to the great barons, who visited that knight without delay, rendering thanks to God, the blessed Mary, and the said Lord Cardinal for so great a grace. But the said knight afterward recovered, and fulfilled what he had vowed.

ANNOTATA.

* "concinnatoris" (dresser).

* otherwise "series."

CHAPTER III. The mute, blind, deaf, and feverish healed.

Likewise that, when John Thomas a laborer, thirty years old or thereabouts, Blind and mute for 2 days, from excessive infirmity, for eleven natural days had lost sight and speech, and was in his last extremities, and believed firmly in his heart, that he was then ending his days: remembering the said Lord Cardinal, he vowed himself to him in his mind, humbly praying him, that he would deign to free him from the aforesaid infirmities, and, as soon as he could walk, he would visit his sepulcher. Which vow being made, immediately breathing he recovered his speech, and thence recovering, was cured within a short time.

for three years, CXXVIII. Likewise that James Guigonis, of the diocese of Sisteron, for the space of three years, having become mute, a vow being made mentally to the said Lord Cardinal, of visiting his sepulcher; afterward, when he had come to this city of Avignon, entering it, suddenly recovered his speech.

another for 3 weeks CXXIX. Likewise that Pontius Dondulcis, of the place of Durberia, of the diocese of Valence, by chance lost his speech; and with this, his discretion being lost, he recognized no one, who so remained for the space of three weeks. But Constantia the wife of that Pontius, much grieving over his infirmity, made a vow for him to the said Lord Cardinal, promising to visit his sepulcher, if she should obtain grace with God, and her said husband be restored to his former health: which vow being thus made, immediately he fully recovered his speech and the health of his body.

an infant of four years, CXXX. Likewise that for Assandus Heliae, son of John Heliae, master of galleys, of the city of Marseille, four years and a half old or thereabouts, who from birth had been mute, a vow was made by the said father: that if the said Lord Cardinal would deign to obtain from God so great a grace, mute from birth, that his said son should speak, as soon as he could, he would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow, and immediately the said infant began to speak, and spoke, as perfectly, as others of the same age can. Wherefore the said father, weighing and attending to so marvelous a grace, with a certain vow of wax visited the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal. CXXXI. Likewise that James, son of John Laurentii, about three years old, wholly lost his speech, a mute infant so that for the space of two years he understood nothing at all; and it was believed, that he would be mute forever, but his mother made a certain vow for the said son, to the said Lord Cardinal, and immediately, when he saw his mother, restored to speech. with a loud voice and formed words, he asked her to give him bread, and so he recovered his speech by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

CXXXII. Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1387, in the month of July, A woman her recovered sight, Jacoba, widow of James Rollandi of Orange, contracted a certain infirmity, by means of which she wholly lost the sight of both eyes, over which grieving a certain brother of that woman, returned from the present city to Orange, admonished her, that she should devote herself to the said Lord Cardinal, who did such great miracles, and carrying with him some of the wood of the litter of the said Lord Cardinal, she loses, and again recovers. on which he was wont to lie, while he led his life among men, gave it to her: who obeying her brother's admonitions, vowed to visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, and, the aforesaid wood being received, anointed her eyes, which done, immediately she most perfectly recovered her sight: afterward a short interval of time having elapsed, as before she lost the light of both eyes, at which much disturbed, she began to consider what it could be: and remembering, that she had ill acknowledged the grace which the said Lord Cardinal had furnished her; because she had not fulfilled the vow made by her, immediately by her said brother together with several of Orange, she had herself brought to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal; where her visitation being accomplished, returning to the inn, while she dined with others and was at table, she began to see, recognize, and distinguish things and people, and before she rose from table, she most perfectly recovered her sight by the prayers and merits of the said Lord Cardinal.

CXXXIII. Likewise that in the year 1387, in the month of June, Another one-eyed from an accident, when Soberana, widow of John Tieyras a draper ^a, drew water from a certain well, by chance she was struck in the left eye by the rope of the said well. And so from that blow, she lost the light of the said eye, and so remained for a year and more, seeing nothing with the said eye, although by the counsel of the physicians she had applied many medicines. But she newly hearing the fame of the miracles of the said Lord Cardinal, devoted herself to the said Lord Cardinal: and visited his sepulcher with a certain vow of wax; which being visited, suddenly healed, and cured, she departed from the said sepulcher by the merits and prayers of that holy Cardinal.

CXXXIV. Likewise that in the year 1387, in the month of July, blind for 10 months, William Stolerii [*], otherwise Deysercat, a laborer of the diocese of Carpentras, fifty years old, and more, by chance lost the light of both eyes, and remained wholly blind, for ten months and more, but having heard the miracles which God worked through the said Lord Cardinal, he had himself brought to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, where a prayer being devoutly made by him, he most perfectly and without interval received his sight.

CXXXV. Likewise that in the year 1387, in the month of August, another for 15 years, Richard de Synerchis, inhabitant of Bouilla, of the diocese of Apt, eighty years old or thereabouts; already fifteen years had elapsed, in which he had wholly lost the light of both eyes, having heard the report of the miracles which the Lord Cardinal assiduously worked; confiding in the merits of that Lord Cardinal; he vowed and promised to visit his sepulcher, if he would deign to obtain that sight be restored to him by the Lord, which vow being made, immediately at once he recovered his sight and began to see and discern any things whatsoever, and afterward giving thanks to the said Lord Cardinal for so great a grace, he visited his sepulcher.

another, whose eye was covered with a film CXXXVI. Likewise that in the year 1387, in the month of August, Lancelinus Blache of Courthézon, of the diocese of Avignon, had for the space of three years and more in his eye a film, wholly hindering the light of the eye. But it happened that a certain man departing from this city and carrying with him some of the earth of the burial of the said Lord Cardinal, gave some of that earth to the said Lancelinus, which said Lancelinus, having first heard the miracles of the said Lord Cardinal, confiding in his merits and prayers, placed some of the said earth on his eye over the said film, the sepulchral earth being applied, promising to visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, if he could be freed from the said film and infirmity, and then from the said film he was suddenly cured and most perfectly recovered his sight by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

a woman blind in the left eye, CXXXVII. Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1388 Moneta, wife of John de Balina, of the place of Auripla, of the diocese of Valence, twenty-five years old, or nearly, about the feast of the Nativity of the Lord wholly lost the light of the left eye; so much so that she could see nothing at all with it, and so remained for three months seeing nothing with that eye. But on a certain Tuesday, the miracles and life which were related of the said Lord Cardinal being brought back to her mind, she vowed to the same Lord Cardinal, to visit his sepulcher with a certain vow of wax; if she should obtain from God that the light of the aforesaid eye be restored to her, and within the Sunday immediately following the sight of that eye be rendered to her; but afterward, within the said Sunday, she most perfectly recovered the sight of the said eye by the prayers and merits of that Saint.

another blind man CXXXVIII. Likewise that Honoratus, son of William Tavaronus, of the place of Vallo, of the diocese of Aix, by chance with the point of a certain little knife wholly pierced his eye, and wholly split the pupil of that eye through the middle; from which he had become wholly blind: the pupil pierced, so that it was impossible according to nature that the light be restored to him, over which the said father grieving; humbly with great devotion made his prayer to the said Lord Cardinal, that he would deign to intercede with the Lord; and that he would deign to restore the light of the eye to his said son, and immediately the prayer being made, they are cured. the said son was wholly cured; so much so that not even a scar could be perceived in him, by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal; and with the aforesaid eye he sees fully, as he had done before.

A woman bereft of eye and ear CXXXIX. Likewise that in the year 1387 and in the month of September, Beatrix wife of Anthony Ruffi, a tavern-keeper, dwelling in the street ^b of Calata of Avignon, forty years old or thereabouts; now six years have elapsed, since she wholly lost the hearing of her left ear and the sight of her left eye; on the left side, so that she remained for the said six years, not hearing with the said ear, and not seeing with the aforesaid eye. But newly, namely a short time before the said Lord Cardinal migrated to the Lord; a certain malady (commonly called the malady of St. Anthony), and also a certain carbuncle, and a certain most vile scab, and suffering from scab, recently arisen through divers parts of her body, marvelously afflicted her, so much so that it seemed to her, that every day she must die: at which time the said Beatrix being thus sick; the said Lord Cardinal migrated to Christ. After whose passing she heard the miracles related, by the water of the bath of Blessed Peter, she recovers. which God worked through that Lord Cardinal; and how already several were cured of divers maladies by a certain water of the bath in which he had been bathed; and then having some of the aforesaid water; she placed some of it upon the carbuncle and washed the place, where the said scab and the malady of St. Anthony were fixed; which being washed for a short space of time; the said maladies being removed, she remained healthy, and rising from bed visited the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal: and she placed some of the said water in the aforesaid ear and eye, and afterward within six days perfectly recovered her hearing and sight by the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

CXL. Likewise that in the aforesaid year, in the month of August, Somewhat deaf, Aloysia, wife of William Bartholomew of Carpentras, suffered in her left ear, for the space of five years, so that with that ear she heard with the greatest difficulty, and although she had applied several and divers medicines, and whatever she could, yet they profited her nothing. But hearing the fame of the said Lord Cardinal, with great devotion she promised to visit his sepulcher; if the hearing of that ear should be restored to her. Which vow being made, she felt a certain wind, or windiness, come out from the ear, after the emission of which windiness, suddenly she perfectly recovered the hearing of the aforesaid ear.

CXLI. Likewise that Peter son of Aymarus de Mota, a laborer of Périgueux; fourteen years old, deaf from boyhood, deaf from boyhood, so much so that unless it were cried out very loudly, he scarcely heard; a vow being made by a certain uncle of his, that he would visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, he suddenly fully recovered his hearing.

CXLII. Likewise that Peter Martini, a butcher of the city of Béziers, who for seven years remained so deaf, deaf for seven years, that he could hear nothing at all, at a certain time remembering the said Lord Cardinal and his miracles, which had been indicated to him by signs, humbly devoted himself to him, and promised to visit his sepulcher with a certain vow; and in coming, not to eat or taste, save ginger or sugar; nor to drink wine, if he should obtain from God that his hearing be restored to him: and immediately rising, with mind to accomplish the said journey, immediately when he went out through the door of the house, without delay he recovered his hearing: but he continuing his steps, visited the sepulcher, as he had promised.

CXLIII. Likewise that a young man, by name Michael, stepson of Peyrachonius, of the place of Saureto, eighteen years old, deaf for two years, for the two past years remained deaf, so much so, that he heard nothing; but a vow being made by the said Peyrachonius, that with a certain vow of wax he would visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal; if he should obtain from God, that the said Michael recover his hearing, on the third day after the said vow, he perfectly recovered his hearing.

CXLIV. Likewise that Beatrix, widow of John Reydoni, inhabitant of Montpellier, who for six months had wholly lost the hearing of both ears, deaf and blind, and the light of her eyes, admonished in her sleep, to vow herself to the said Lord Cardinal, awakened, she promised to visit his sepulcher with a certain vow of wax; if she should obtain grace from God, that her hearing and sight be restored. Which vow being made, suddenly she perfectly recovered her sight and hearing.

CXLV. Likewise that John Aymonis, son of Peter Aymonis, of the diocese of Narbonne, deaf for two years, who for the space of two years and more had remained deaf, so much so that he could hear nothing at all, a vow being made by the said [boy], and his father; and the sepulcher being visited by the son himself, while he withdrew from the said sepulcher, suddenly he perfectly recovered his hearing, by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

CXLVI. Likewise that John Textoris a laborer of the place of Marna, of the diocese of Geneva, deaf from boyhood, thirty years old or thereabouts; in the time of his boyhood incurred the deafness of both ears, so that he could not hear; unless it were cried out very loudly; but the miracles of the said Lord Cardinal being indicated to him, they are healed. he humbly devoted himself to him, and for three days visited his sepulcher, and on the third day found himself cured, and hearing as clearly, as others.

A continual fever, CXLVII. Likewise that in the year 1387 in the month of July, Catherine daughter of Lord Richard de Vinea, doctor of laws, was sick with a continual fever, and the said fever lasting, there came upon her a certain swelling in the right knee, by means of which she could not help herself. a tumor in the knee, Nay from the greatness of the pain, she cried out intermittently. Whom her mother seeing suffering such pains, and being in peril of death, recommended her to the said Lord Cardinal, promising with the said daughter, to visit his sepulcher; which vow being made, immediately the said daughter was wholly freed from the said fever, and the said swelling much improved; and afterward within a few days she was restored to health.

CXLVIII. Likewise that in the year just said, a most grave continual fever seized Joannetus, a boy laboring with a continual fever, son of Guiotus Drogmini, a merchant of Avignon; which by all seeing him and especially by the physicians, who had visited the said boy, was judged that he could not escape death; but the said father, having heard the miracles of the said Lord Cardinal, promised with a certain vow to visit his sepulcher, if the said boy should be restored to health. Which done, the said boy was afterward restored to health, by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

CXLIX. Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1388, in the month of December, another infant likewise, Mary daughter of Thameranus, one year old, suffering a continual fever, was not believed to escape death, but from hour to hour the exit of her life was expected, whose mother remembering the miracles of the said Lord Cardinal, made a vow for her daughter to the said Lord Cardinal, promising to visit his sepulcher, if her said daughter should be preserved from death, and freed from the said infirmity. Which vow being made, immediately the said daughter, freed from all infirmity, was most fully restored to health.

CL. Likewise that Romana, wife of Raymund Boranni of Cadarossa, of the diocese of Avignon: a quartan fever of six years, who for the space of six continuous years had suffered quartan fevers; and a swelling in the shins, a vow being made by her of visiting the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, she lost the said fevers and was wholly cured of the swelling.

CLI. Likewise that similarly Margaret, wife of Berengar a barber, a quartan of one year formerly master of the Pope's courier, from the infirmity of a quartan fever, which she had suffered for the space of one year, and more: a vow being made, that she would visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, was wholly freed from that fever.

CLII. Likewise that Alasatia, wife of Raymund Branchardi, a laborer of Saint-Rémy, of the diocese of Avignon, for nine months, for nine months and more, remained held by a quartan fever, which brought her to such an infirmity, that her life was wholly despaired of. But the said Raymund resorting to the said Lord Cardinal, vowed to him, that he would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow, if he would deign to free her from the aforesaid infirmities. After which vow on the morrow she was wholly freed.

CLIII. Likewise that Peter, son of Pontius Martini, of the place of Saint-André, continued for a year, are healed of the diocese of Avignon, sixteen years old or thereabouts, having suffered a quartan fever, for a year and more, devoted himself to the said Lord Cardinal, promising to visit his sepulcher with a certain vow, if he should be freed from the aforesaid fever, which done, and afterward, he did not feel himself burdened by the said fever.

ANNOTATA.

* otherwise "Scolerii."

CHAPTER IV. Contraction, impotence of hands and arms, madness and dementia, fracture, healed.

Likewise that John de Villeris, inhabitant of the present city, who from this, that he had fallen to the ground from a very high loft; Bent from a fall from on high, had become so bent, that he could not raise himself; and so had remained for the space of five years. Hearing the fame of the miracles of the said Lord Cardinal, he devoted himself to him, promising to visit his sepulcher. Which vow being made, while he went to the sepulcher, it seemed to him, that someone rubbed him in his members, and at length he came to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, where his prayer being made, immediately he rose healthy and upright, as he had ever been, and thence returned to his house.

CLV. Likewise that William Richardus, a laborer dwelling in the present city, for six weeks became so impotent, unable to walk, that without crutches ^a he could not walk; when for eight days he had visited the said sepulcher, and had thence been in nothing improved; on the ninth day, at the hour of Vespers the sepulcher being visited, suddenly he felt himself freed and there the crutches being left, he returned to his house healthy and cheerful.

CLVI. Likewise that brother John Heliae, preceptor of the preceptory of Aguilla, of the order of St. Anthony, another impotent in almost his whole body, of the diocese of Aix, having become as it were impotent in his whole body for the space of six months and more; so much so that with a staff he could scarcely celebrate Mass with the greatest pain. At the elevation of the body of Christ, remembering the said Lord Cardinal, he made a vow to him, that if he would deign to obtain health for him, he would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow of wax, and would leave his staff there for the perpetual memory of the matter. Which vow being made, and Mass celebrated, he felt himself improved, and taking his said staff, without which he could not walk, more freely than usual; within three days he was restored to health; but he recognizing so great a grace done to him, having begun his journey to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, as he had vowed; while at the city of Valence he alighted at a certain inn, he was so sick that from his horse he was carried as it were dead to a bed. But seeing himself thus sick, doubting of death, he invoked the said Lord Cardinal saying: O blessed Cardinal, do not forsake me. invoking Peter; Which words uttered, suddenly he felt himself cured; and rising, in a certain boat ^b by the Rhone, he came to this city of Avignon, and visited the said sepulcher; which being visited, returning to the house of the religious of St. Anthony, suddenly, as before, he was made impotent. Whence, many wondering, he began to seek within himself, whether anything of the said vow remained to be fulfilled; and remembering the said staff, on which he leaned ^c, which he had forgotten to bring, he immediately sent for it in the boat, in which he had come, and sent it to the said sepulcher: which staff being left and offered there, immediately he was restored to his former health, nor afterward did he feel himself sick.

impotent for two years CLVII. Likewise that Mary, widow ^d of the late Bertrand Plandoni, inhabitant of the place of Saint-Rémy, of the diocese of Avignon: who for two years and more had been impotent, so much so that she could not move herself from place to place, save by dragging herself along the ground; being brought in a certain cart to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, the sepulcher being visited, she began to raise herself upon her feet, and thence within a few days wholly healed, returned on foot to her place, whence she had come.

laboring with atrophy and bentness, CLVIII. Likewise that Peter Bedocii of Nîmes, suffering a certain infirmity, by means of which, for a year and more he had become impotent and bent in his arms and legs, and his other members down to the sole of his foot, the sepulcher being visited and a novena accomplished, he departed wholly cured.

another impotent, CLIX. Likewise that James de Gaudiaco of the diocese of Uzès, Lord of the said place, who for the space of 24 weeks, had been wholly impotent in his person; so much so that he could help himself with none of his members, made a vow to the said Lord Cardinal, promising to visit his sepulcher, if he should obtain from God the health of his body, which vow being made, suddenly he felt himself wholly freed from the said infirmity.

a hemiplegic woman, CLX. Likewise that Raymunda Guifaude, wife of master Anthony Thomassini, dwelling in the present city; made impotent in the right half of her body, although after many medicines, was in no way improved. By visiting the sepulcher and standing upon it, suddenly she felt herself cured, and returned to her house without anyone's help.

another who used crutches for 12 years, CLXI. Likewise that Alayceta Manafayseira, widow of the late Pontius de Lense, of the diocese of Viviers, who for the space of twelve years, could by no means walk without crutches, a vow being made by her to the said Lord Cardinal; and a novena being accomplished, the crutches being left there, she departed wholly cured.

CLXII. Likewise that, while the body of the said Lord Cardinal was led to the burial, an epileptic hand of four years, it passed before the house of a certain good woman, by name Jacoba: who for four years, by chance had suffered in her left arm a certain infirmity, from which for the said time she had remained impotent in her left hand, so much so that with it she could by no means help herself: for she had the three last fingers of that hand bent, and continually closed, so that she could not open them: a certain will, or devotion arose in her mind, of visiting the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, which also she did: for immediately his body being committed to burial, she came to the sepulcher, and standing there upon it, weeping most bitterly, she prayed to him, that he would free her from the said infirmity. But immediately, the prayer being made, it seemed to her, that with a hammer ^e she had been struck upon the elbow of the said arm, and afterward immediately she felt herself wholly freed and whole: for she opened her fingers that same hour, and helped herself, and helps herself, as she had ever done.

CLXIII. Likewise that Catherine wife of master Dalmatius Dulcis, another with the right arm fifty years old or thereabouts, from the heaviness of certain most grave pains, which she suffered in her right arm, impotent in that arm, remained for eighteen years and more; numb for 18 years, but a vow being made by her to the said Lord Cardinal, that she would visit his sepulcher, suddenly she felt herself cured, and the pains being put to flight from the said arm, she helps herself excellently with it, by the merits and prayers of that Lord Cardinal.

CLXIV. Likewise that Henrieta, widow of the late master Pontius Barbe, having her hand and arm swollen, a notary of Avignon, sixty years old or thereabouts, suffered in her right arm and hand, a certain infirmity, by means of which she had the said arm very much swollen, and could help herself neither with it nor with the hand. Whence remaining thus for three months, despairing of naturally recovering the health of the said arm, she made a vow to the said Lord Cardinal, promising to visit his sepulcher, if he would deign to obtain for her the health of the said arm and hand; which vow being made, the swelling suddenly withdrew, and immediately, as she now is, she found herself wholly cured.

CLXV. Likewise that John de Sullet, a baker, thirty-six years old or thereabouts; going through the town of Avignon, another from a fall fell to the ground. From which fall he so ruined his left arm, that although he was in the hands of the physicians for the space of five months, he could in no way be improved. But a vow being made by him to the said Lord Cardinal, grievously afflicted in the arm, that if he should be restored to health, he would visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, immediately and without interval he found himself cured and wholly healed.

CLXVI. Likewise that Lord Pontius Romani, another from the prick of a sword from the puncture of a certain sword, made impotent in the two last fingers of his left hand, and so they had been joined together and closed continually for ten years and more, a vow being made by him to the said Lord Cardinal, that, if the said fingers should be reduced to their former state, he would visit his sepulcher: immediately he separated the said fingers from one another, wearing his fingers closed, and freely opened his hand, as if in them he had never suffered any infirmity.

a broken shin, dead, immobile, CLXVII. Likewise that Peter son of Peter de Verroctio, dwelling at Avignon, eighteen years old, or thereabouts, at night descending a certain granary, fell to the ground, and wholly broke his right shin: from which fall the said shin was disjointed, and dead; nor did he feel it at all; nor could the physicians, although they applied many medicines, improve him. But his mother, bearing hope in the said Lord Cardinal, promised to visit his sepulcher, if she should obtain grace with God, that her said son should recover the former health of the said shin. Which vow being thus made, the said son began to recover, and gradually improved, now by the merits of the said Lord Cardinal has the said shin wholly healed.

a twisted foot, CLXVIII. Likewise that Guilielma, wife of master Peter a weaver, dwelling near the gate of Matharona, from her boyhood having a very twisted foot, for which she could find no remedy: visited the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal; and there devoutly made her prayer, and immediately was wholly healed, and the twisted foot was made straight.

mad, CLXIX. Likewise that Christopher Rogerii, a cleric, public notary, seized in mind and wholly placed out of his senses remained for half a year, and more; but a vow being made by a certain Bernard Meynerius, prior of the priory of Avignon, for the said Christopher to the said Lord Cardinal, that he would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow of wax, if the said Christopher should recover his sense and memory; immediately he recovered his sense and memory.

a raging man likewise CLXX. Likewise that Anthony Tronoto, dwelling at Avignon, gravely fallen sick, after certain draughts and medicines, which master Abraham the Jew had ordered for him, wholly lost his senses; and like a madman and raging he emitted terrible bellowings or cries. And it was necessary, that four men should hold him by force; for it seemed to him, that a multitude of demons wished to seize him; on account of which he cried out intermittently; Throw these demons into the pits: and he was so raging, that he spat before the holy water, when it was sprinkled upon him; and in such a state he remained for several days.

and furious But on a certain day when he had slept a little, in his sleep the said Lord Cardinal appeared to him, together with two stars, which went before the said Lord Cardinal: whom when he beheld, as it seemed to him, he cried out. Then the said Lord Cardinal said to him: Do not fear these demons, for they will in no way harm you: but as long as he beheld the said Lord Cardinal, as it seemed to him, he felt no pain. But when he awoke, he perfectly recovered his senses, and lost the sight of the demons, whom before he saw; and remembering, that for a long time he had abstained from confessing, with great contrition he confessed, and afterward within a short time was restored to his former health. CLXXI. Likewise that Marieta daughter of William Folpuyra, of the diocese of Uzès, who every night suffered a certain fit, frenzied, and suffered it for three continuous years, by means of which, on each occasion she lost her senses, and like a raging woman terribly cried out, nor at the threats of her father, or her parents would she be silent. A vow being made by the said father, that with the said daughter he would visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, if he should obtain from God, that his said daughter be cured of the said infirmity, afterward she was no more vexed nor oppressed by the said infirmity, but was restored to perfect health.

CLXXII. Likewise that Emessendis, daughter of Stephen Mirati, possessed by a demon, eleven years old, or thereabouts, on a certain day was suddenly made possessed by a demon: for she was so tormented by the demons, that tearing her garments and herself, terribly and with an inhuman voice crying out, she seemed as it were to bellow: whence remaining thus for the space of six hours, she was miserably vexed. Whom seeing her father, moved with much grief, remembering the said Lord Cardinal, devoted the said daughter to him, promising with the said daughter, and a certain vow, to visit his sepulcher, if it should please him to obtain, that his said daughter be freed from the aforesaid infirmity; which vow being made, through a certain presbyter he had read over her a certain prayer, composed in honor of the said Lord Cardinal; which as it was being read, immediately the said daughter opening her mouth, twice emitted her breath with so great a rush, that she seemed to wish to give up her spirit, from whose exhalation a certain black and very stinking smoke was seen by the bystanders to go out from her mouth, which filled the chamber with so great a stench; that the bystanders had to go out; but the said daughter after the emission of the said smoke was wholly freed from the aforesaid.

CLXXIII. Likewise that, while Raymund Carnuilla, of the diocese of Uzès, thirty years old, out of his mind, vexed by a demon, or thereabouts, was cutting certain trees, suddenly he wholly lost his senses, and became so demented, that no one dared to approach him, and he saw demons in the air, from whose sight he was so vexed, that he bore himself after the manner of a raging man. In which state he remained for the space of three weeks and more. But on a certain day when the fame of the said Lord Cardinal occurred to his mind, so that in the remembrance of him he was somewhat consoled, and vexed a little less than usual; he devoted himself to him, promising to visit his sepulcher with a certain vow, if he should be freed from the said vexations. Which vow being made, immediately he beheld the said Lord Cardinal there present, who sweetly consoled the said Raymund: from whose sight perfectly cured, he lost the sight of the aforesaid demons; but afterward he fulfilled what he had vowed.

CLXXIV. Likewise that Nicholas Bartholomei of Montpellier, forty years old, a horrible hernia, or thereabouts, toward his lower parts was so ruptured and broken, that the web of his belly being wholly burst, his intestines and humors descended to the scrotum, from which he had his genitals so swollen, that they exceeded the size of a man's head, and so remained for the space of eight years and more; and although he was visited by several and divers physicians, yet they could profit him nothing, nay they gave him up as incurable. But on a certain day, he being at the fair of Pézenas, again he placed himself in the hands of physicians, who said to him, that without cutting he could not be cured; nay it was necessary, that he, bound, for three days should by no means be moved from one place; on account of which much fearing, that he could not endure so great a pain, and that he would fail in the pains, the following night being in bed, remembering the said Lord Cardinal, with great shedding of tears he humbly besought him, that if he were truly a friend of God, he would deign to free him from the said infirmity, promising him to visit his sepulcher with a certain vow of wax: which vow and prayer being completed, immediately he fell asleep: and afterward awakening, he found himself perfectly cured; as if he had never been hurt or sick.

as also another laboring with the same malady; CLXXV. Likewise that John Juliani, dwelling at Avignon, wholly ruptured about his lower parts; so much so that from the humors flowing to the lower parts, he had his rod and genitals marvelously swollen, and impotent in the half of his person; on a certain day at a late hour, when from the great pains he could not rest, remembering the said Lord Cardinal, he began to invoke him, saying thus: O most holy Cardinal, who dost so many miracles, if with God and the holy Trinity thou hast power, be willing to pray God, that he would deign to free me from these infirmities. Which done, afterward he began to rest: so that on the morrow he found himself as it were cured: and within two days afterward, he was wholly healed of the aforesaid impotence and fracture, and perfectly cured by the prayers and merits of that Lord Cardinal.

another, CLXXVI. Likewise that Rostagnus, son of Radulphus, surnamed Radulphi, eight years old or thereabouts, having his right genital ruptured from birth, so that it was very swollen and daily grew worse; admonished by his said father, that he should devote himself to the said Lord Cardinal: he vowed to visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, if he should be freed from the aforesaid infirmity; and immediately he was cured, as he is at present, and wholly healed.

and another, CLXXVII. Likewise that Master Peter Vitalis, ruptured in the right part of his body, so that the humors descending toward his right genital, rendered him incurable; made a vow to the said Lord Cardinal, that, if he should be cured, he would visit his sepulcher: and suddenly he was most perfectly cured.

laboring with rupture, CLXXVIII. Likewise that Berengaria, wife of James a smith, having a son by name Rostagnus, 16 years old, who was ruptured in both genitals, so much so that he had them swollen beyond measure: made a vow to the said Lord Cardinal, that if he should obtain from God that his said son be freed from the said rupture; as soon as he could, he would visit his sepulcher: which vow being made immediately his said son was wholly healed of the said rupture.

CLXXIX. Likewise that William Bruna, of the diocese of Viviers, forty years old, restored to health. broken in the right genital for the space of eighteen years and more; a vow being made by him, that he would visit his sepulcher, if he should be freed from the aforesaid fracture, immediately he found himself most perfectly healed.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER V. Leprosies, fistula, gout, flux of blood, peril of childbirth, cured.

Likewise that Arnaud Sapientis, of the diocese of Avignon, suffering the malady of leprosy in his nostrils, which lasted him for the space of two years and more, Leprosy in the nostrils of two years, although he had applied several medicines, could in no way be improved. But when he first heard the miracles related, which were worked through the said Lord Cardinal, he made a vow to him, promising with a certain vow to visit his sepulcher, if he should obtain grace from God, that he be freed from the said infirmity. Which vow being made, immediately he felt himself improved, and within a few hours wholly cured.

CLXXXI. Likewise that Guilielma Froshane, wife of William Lossani, a fistula of ten years, of the place of Baverto, of the diocese of Sisteron, for the space of ten years and more had a fistula between the loins, continually emitting very stinking uncleannesses and dregs: who made a vow to the said Lord Cardinal, promising to visit his sepulcher, if she should obtain from God so great a grace; that she be cured of the said fistula: the vow being made, within a short time she was wholly freed, as she is still whole and healed.

CLXXXII. Likewise that Margaret daughter of master John Tornumira, a hidden gangrene, physician of Our Lord the Pope, dwelling in the town of Montpellier, eighteen years old or thereabouts, being pregnant, felt that a certain malady, a tumor, or a large and hard knot after the manner of a hazelnut, generated under the flesh in her breast, was now rising up. So that, when it was touched, it inflicted a great pain on her, and on a certain occasion to her said father, then being in the said town of Montpellier, she showed the said infirmity: which seeing, the said father immediately knew, that it was the malady of cancer, covered under the flesh, which at length in the course of time must burst, from the corrosion of that very malady, and to which no remedy must be applied: since it is of such a nature, that the said malady within the space of one year, so corrodes and consumes the flesh and inward parts, that it is impossible according to nature, that anyone, however well-complexioned he be, live for two years, fortified with any medicine whatsoever. On account of which becoming very sad and troubled, not knowing what to do, save to implore divine help; confiding in the merits of the said Lord Cardinal, he sent to his said daughter some of the sheets, in which the said Lord Cardinal lay in the time of his life, and one little thread of the tuft of the said cord, with which he was girt, and admonished her, that she should rub the said malady with the aforesaid, which also she did. From which rubbing the said daughter by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal was wholly healed, although according to nature it was impossible, that she should have been healed.

CLXXXIII. Likewise that Laura, widow of the late Peter Triache of Beaucaire, a fistula in the foot, of the diocese of Arles, sixty years old or thereabouts, who had suffered a certain fistula in the shin near the ankle of the foot, although she had applied very many medicines, could in no way be cured; but having placed some of the earth of the burial of the said Lord Cardinal, without any other thing, upon the said fistula; with trust of recovering her health, suddenly she found herself cured by the merits and power of the said Lord Cardinal.

and in the thigh: CLXXXIV. Likewise that Catherine, daughter of Peter Guigonis, otherwise Moreti, of the diocese of Die, nine years old or thereabouts, suffered in her right hip or thigh a fistula, whose depth extended even toward the middle part; so much so that in its hole, as often as it was cleansed, a great candle of wax was thrust: which lasted her for the space of five years and more; and which, very many medicines being applied to her, could in no way be improved. But when she first heard the fame of the said Lord Cardinal, and his miracles, she promised and vowed to him, to visit his sepulcher with a certain vow, if she could be freed from the aforesaid fistula. Which vow being made, immediately she began to improve, and within a short time afterward was perfectly cured by the prayers and grace of the said Lord Cardinal.

likewise in both shins, CLXXXV. Likewise that from a certain preceding infirmity, two fistulas were generated in both shins of John Ysnardi Turnerii, dwelling at Avignon: for upon each ankle of his foot he had a hole, through which very unclean and stinking dregs were emitted, and which had so lasted him for a year and more, nor could he be at all healed, although he had applied what medicines he could; but he hearing the miracles related, which God worked through the said Lord Cardinal, vowed to the said Lord Cardinal, that he would visit his sepulcher, if he should obtain from God, that he be cured of the said infirmity of the fistulas, which vow being made within a few days he was restored to health.

cold gout in the shin, CLXXXVI. Likewise that Stephen de Viva, dwelling at Avignon, for three years suffered cold gout in his right shin, and especially near the ankle of his foot, and not being able to be freed by medicines, promised to the said Lord Cardinal, that he would visit his sepulcher, if he should obtain from God for him the liberation from that gout, and immediately he felt himself improved. But he afterward becoming negligent of fulfilling the vow which he had vowed, was terribly oppressed by the said gout: on account of which with a certain vow he immediately visited the burial; which being visited, immediately the pain ceased and he found himself wholly healed.

gout corroding the body. CLXXXVII. Likewise that Joanneta, widow of John Riperti, dwelling at Avignon, for three years was held by so most grave a gout, that that gout as it were wholly corroded her body and members, and reduced them to nothing, nor could she be freed by the help of physicians, nay not even improved. But she hearing the miracles which God worked through the said Lord Cardinal, devoted herself to him, promising to visit his sepulcher with a certain vow of wax. Which vow being made, suddenly she was healed.

CLXXXVIII. Likewise that Peter de Plano, dwelling at Villeneuve, long-lasting and daily, of the diocese of Avignon, who for a long time had been vexed by gout, and was daily gravely vexed, a vow being made by him of visiting the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, if he should be cured within a certain term, within the fixed term he found himself perfectly cured.

CLXXXIX. Likewise that Helis, widow of the late Stephen Garnerii, put to flight after three years. dwelling at Avignon, who for three years had been oppressed by gout, which she suffered in her left shin, so much so that she could as it were by no means walk, seeing the continuation of the miracles of the said Lord Cardinal, vowed and promised to the said Lord Cardinal to offer at his sepulcher a shin of wax, if he would deign to free her from the said gout, and immediately that same day she found herself perfectly cured.

CXC. Likewise that John Fornam, a barber of the place of Beaucaire of the diocese of Arles: A flux of blood for eight days, who for eight days incessantly emitted blood through his nose, and who although he was skilled in the art of surgery, yet neither by himself, nor through another, knew how to apply a remedy, promised to visit the sepulcher of the said Lord, and on the way to abstain from eating, if he would make the aforesaid flux of blood cease. Which vow being made, only the interval elapsing in which one could say an Our Father, the said flux of blood wholly ceased.

CXCI. Likewise that Peter, son of Stephen Michaelis, for six weeks, fifteen years old or thereabouts, of Alès of the diocese of Nîmes, suffered continually a flux of blood through the nostrils, for the space of seven weeks and more, and although it was tried by several both physicians and others to make the said flux of blood cease: yet the said son could not be freed, until his mother devoted him to the said Lord Cardinal, and promised to visit his sepulcher with a certain vow of wax, if the said son should be freed from the aforesaid flux; which then being done, suddenly the blood ceased to flow any further.

CXCII. Likewise that Joanneta, wife of William Basterii; for four months, a grocer of the place of Montélimar, thirty years old or thereabouts, who could not be healed of the flux of blood, which she suffered continually for four months, a vow being made, that she would visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal with a certain vow of wax, suddenly she was cured; nor afterward did she suffer beyond what was usual.

CXCIII. Likewise that Catherine, wife of Peter Vermolis a merchant of the place of Montpellier, for a year and more, suffered continually, for the space of a year and more a flux of blood, nor could she in any way be cured; but a vow being made, that she would visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal with a certain vow, if she could be freed from the said infirmity; immediately she was wholly cured, nor did she suffer inordinately thereafter.

CXCIV. Likewise that Erraylla wife of master de Monegier a notary of the place of Argentière of the diocese of Viviers, for a year and more not being able by the help of physicians to be freed from a flux of blood or malady of the womb, which she had suffered for the space of a year and more, resorting to the help of the said Lord Cardinal, vowed to him, that she would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow, if he would deign to free her from the aforesaid infirmity, and after such a vow having fallen sick only once, she felt herself no more burdened by that infirmity.

CXCV. Likewise that Bartholomaea, daughter of Catherine de Vassiniaco, for four days, for the space of four days, emitted blood through her nose incessantly: on account of which the death of the said daughter was much feared, and especially by her mother, who devoted the said daughter to the said Lord Cardinal, promising with a certain vow to visit his sepulcher. Which vow being made, the said daughter wholly and suddenly ceased to emit blood.

CXCVI. Likewise that Joanneta, daughter of the late Pontius Rodilhi, of the place of Pont-de-Sorgues, laboring in childbirth for 15 days, of the diocese of Avignon, who for the space of fifteen days and more had labored in childbirth; nor yet could she give birth, nay both her own death and that of the child was greatly despaired of; a vow being made by her to the said Lord Cardinal, that she would visit his sepulcher, if with the child she could escape the peril of death; immediately she bore a beautiful son, who received baptism, and so both mother and son were freed from the peril of death.

for two days, CXCVII. Likewise that similarly Joanneta, wife of Gaufridus de Bautio, for the space of two days labored in childbirth, and both mother and infant were wholly believed to die; but a vow being made to the said Lord Cardinal, immediately she was wholly freed by the prayers and merits of the said Lord Cardinal.

CXCVIII. Likewise that when Beatrix, wife of Bernard de Camiro of the diocese of Vaison, for three days, laboring in childbirth for three days, could not give birth, and wholly believed she would die, remembering the said Lord Cardinal, she most devoutly invoked him, and most devoutly promised to visit his sepulcher, and immediately she bore a son, who afterward was baptized, and this by the prayers and merits of that Lord Cardinal.

CXCIX. Likewise that Joanneta, wife of Matthew Bargesii, from the labor a woman in childbed together with her fetus, which she had suffered in giving birth, was brought to such weakness, that she failed in her labors, and by all the bystanders together with the fruit, not yet born, was judged dead; nor was there hope, that she could recover, nor give birth. When her mother, hoping strongly in the help of the said Lord Cardinal, promised to visit his sepulcher, if the said Joanneta should bring forth her offspring, who could receive baptism. Which done, the mother breathed, and as it were without pain bore a male, who baptized still lives by the grace of God and of the said Lord Cardinal.

another long unable to give birth, CC. Likewise that Matthaea daughter of Matthew Sarralherii being pregnant, the time of childbearing coming, in the birth itself she labored continually from the feast of All Saints up to the seventeenth day of the month of December, and in no way could she bring forth her offspring; nay she, as also the bystanders, without doubt believed she would die. When remembering the said Lord Cardinal and his miracles, together with her mother she made a prayer to the said Lord Cardinal, vowing to visit his sepulcher, if the infant coming to light could be baptized, and she herself freed from the peril of death; and immediately after, the said Matthaea bore a daughter, who baptism being received, living was carried to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal.

CCI. Likewise that, when the noble Arnaud de Plauzolis, another in childbirth, made whole, Lord of the place of Soberatio of the diocese of Maguelonne, who by a preceding vow, the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal being visited, had been healed of his arm, in which for three years he had been impotent, had returned to his house, and had brought an image of the said Lord Cardinal to his house; Guilielma, his wife, who was then pregnant near the term of childbearing, said to him, that she had never felt herself so heavy with child, as she then felt herself, and that she much feared, lest she should die in childbirth. To whom, counsel being given by the said husband, that they both should vow; that out of reverence for the said Lord Cardinal, who had cured him of his infirmity, the name of Peter should be imposed on the infant to be born, and they would cause him to enter religion; and this afterward they having vowed, the time of childbearing coming, the said Guilielma bore a son, and with less pain than she had ever done: to whom according to the vow, the name Peter was imposed: but afterward when the mother herself gazed at the said son; remembering the image of the said Lord Cardinal depicted, immediately she said: Certainly this son is like the image of the Lord Cardinal, for between his mouth and lips he had a certain hollow. Which the said father and the bystanders also noticing, were of the same opinion, for not only in countenance, but according to his size in face and in members he has a similar form.

CCII. Likewise that the Lady Duchess of Bourbon, being pregnant, the pains of childbirth mitigated. when the time of childbearing had come, and the usual pains of childbirth marvelously afflicting her for the space of fifteen days, and more, had so held her oppressed, that death was more expected than life; she also fearing, lest she should perish with her offspring, remembering the said Lord Cardinal, immediately caused her chaplain to be called, and said to him, that he should immediately go to celebrate Mass for her, and that in the Mass, he should devote her to the said Lord Cardinal; which also he did. But the said Lady meanwhile caused an image of the said Lord Cardinal to be placed upon her belly. And so when the said chaplain had as it were finished the said Mass, the said Lady Duchess suddenly, the pains being put to flight, without pain bore a most beautiful daughter. And so mother and daughter were freed from the peril of death by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

CHAPTER VI. Captives freed, those despoiled by robbers, the shipwrecked, those laboring with the falling sickness; goods recovered, detractors punished.

Likewise that Michael Chamandi, a tavern-keeper of the place of Laudun, of the diocese of Avignon, by means of certain false informations, Captives in the town of Saint-André of the diocese of Avignon, was consigned to prison, and placed in iron fetters; but he feeling himself innocent of the things imposed on him; recommended himself to the said Lord Cardinal, humbly beseeching him, that he would free him from the said prison. Which done, the iron fetters immediately and at once opened themselves, nor could they stay on his feet; nay they fell of themselves freely from his feet. Which seeing the royal officers, terrified with much fear, immediately released him, but afterward he visited the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal.

CCIV. Likewise that a certain William of the place of Abolena, of the diocese of Orange, and the bound, captured by a certain servant of a certain captain, called Mandonet; and led to the said place, and there placed in fetters and iron manacles, his hands turned behind his back, and fixed to certain posts by his garments with great nails, whom every day the said servant inhumanly beat, that he might make a ransom [*] with him for his redemption. On a certain day when that William invoked the said Lord Cardinal, and implored his help, the said servant saying to him, that neither God, nor the blessed Virgin, nor all the Saints of Paradise, nor that Cardinal whom he invoked, had so great power, that they could free him from his hands: and the said William patiently sustaining the said blows replied; Nay rather: the following night, when the said servant had left him (as is premised) bound, and William himself always invoked the said Lord Cardinal; suddenly the bonds being loosed, and the aforesaid fetters; he was transported out of the very place in which he stood well far, without this, that he could see by whom he was so carried, and so the said William escaped the hands of his enemies by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

by the help of blessed Peter CCV. Likewise that the people of Lord Raymund de Turenne captured John Gaigonis, a laborer, and placed him in fetters and iron bonds most tightly by hands and feet; whom they wished daily to kill. But he much fearing death, yet confiding in the said Lord Cardinal, made a vow to him, that if he could escape the hands of his enemies, he would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow. Which vow being made, immediately the bonds loosed themselves, and freed from them, he immediately went straight to the walls of the said place, although he knew not the way, and leaped to the ground upon the sand ^a, and so escaped unhurt.

they are freed. CCVI. Likewise that Joanneta, daughter of John Barram, on account of adultery committed, judged that she must run the town, and in prison, bound in fetters and iron manacles; the Lord Cardinal being invoked, and a vow being made to him, that if he would deign to obtain for her so great a grace, that she be preserved from the aforesaid infamy, she would send a certain vow to his sepulcher. The fetters and bonds opened themselves by themselves; and at length after a little by the prayers of her friends she was wholly freed from the said infamy.

CCVII. Likewise that Rostagnus Ayrandi of Rolhana, of the diocese of Aix, Captured by robbers, thirty years old or thereabouts, while he made his passage before the Bastide of the Jordani, of the diocese of Aix, was captured by certain robbers, and bound, who wished to kill him: and who in his presence killed a certain presbyter: fearing lest he should likewise be given over to death, in his heart he devoted himself to the said Lord Cardinal, promising to visit his sepulcher with bare feet, if he could escape from their hands. Which vow being made, suddenly then the said robbers bound him, and bound led him to the castle of Mayranicis; where they were wont to withdraw. Who having come by night to the said castle, opened the gates: but when they thought to enter, they could by no means: nay when they thought to set their foot further, they could by no means extend it beyond; and so standing all night, much stupefied, the vow being explained to them by Lord Rostagnus, they permitted him to depart, and restored to him all that had been taken; who being dismissed, they freely entered the said castle.

CCVIII. Likewise that James de Maylhora, of Marseille, about to be captured by the Saracens, are freed. on a certain day while he sailed on the sea; and from the place of Cannes of the diocese of Grasse, made for Marseille in a certain small boat, together with five men for the service of the said boat, and certain Friars Minor, going out there, and passed over the sea, suddenly they saw two galleys ^b of the Saracens coming toward them, with as swift a sailing as they could; on account of which greatly terrified, since they had no wind at all, by means of which they could escape their hands, directing their vows to God and the Saints, they likewise devoted themselves to the said Lord Cardinal, promising with a certain vow to visit his sepulcher, if he would deign to grant them wind, and they should escape the hands of the enemies. Which vow being made, behold a strong wind, which is called Boreas, which suddenly rising, removed their ship or boat from the said Saracens, so much so that they could scarcely, on account of the distance, behold the said enemies of the faith, and so they being snatched from the hands of the enemies, the blast continuing, they crossed over for two hundred miles.

CCIX. Likewise that John Gauterii, of the place of the island of Martigues, Shipwrecked persons, of the diocese of Arles, in a certain boat with some coming from the city of Naples to Avignon, while they made their passage before the Old city, suddenly a strong tempest arose; from fear of which when the master of the said boat had tried to go back, the tempestuous winds blowing, they were brought to land with so strong an onset, that from the rebound of the violent blow, driven back into the sea, they were wholly covered by the waters: whence as it were despairing of life, lacking human aid, they seek the glorious Cardinal with great devotion; all promising to visit his sepulcher. And then suddenly the tumult of the sea being calmed; the ship or boat was marvelously drawn back on the sea, as if it had been drawn back by the help of twenty galleys: and so they escaped unhurt by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

CCX. Likewise that James Borreti, of the place of Berre, with a broken helm, of the diocese of Arles, on a certain day while in a certain boat with certain merchandise ^c making for Genoa, had now arrived in the sea of Genoa itself, a terrible storm oppressed them so much, that from the fury of the winds a certain one of the helms ^d of the boat being now broken, the waves entering in, they expected nothing else, than that buried among the waves, they should finally be submerged. When the memory of the said Lord Cardinal being brought back to his mind, he vowed a vow that he would visit his sepulcher. Which vow being made, immediately the tempest ceased, and the sea was so calmed, that not even a lighted candle would have been extinguished by the wind then running, and so snatched from the peril of death, he fulfilled what he had vowed.

and a ship driven back, CCXI. Likewise that to the noble man, Nicholas de Atria, of the city of Naples, crossing over the sea together with certain Ambassadors ^e sent to the Lady Queen of Sicily, when they had arrived near the Roman ditch, horrible winds arose, from whose blast the waves swelling, they were compelled to enter the ditch, and were brought with so great an onset, that four times they struck most violently against the land. Whence stripped of all hope and help, save that of the said Lord Cardinal, they invoked him, and promised to visit his sepulcher; and immediately after the sea was appeased, and the said galliot ^f drawn back, and so they escaped the peril, and afterward fulfilled their promises.

laboring with the falling sickness, CCXII. Likewise that Bauda Bermunda, widow of Peter Bermundi, dwelling at Avignon; for the space of one year having suffered the falling sickness (commonly called the malady of St. John) and suffering very many other infirmities, so much so that she could not go without a staff, a vow being made by her to the said Lord Cardinal, that she would visit his sepulcher, if she should be freed from the aforesaid infirmities, immediately she was freed both from the said falling sickness, and from the other infirmities.

another for eight years, CCXIII. Likewise that Bertranda, wife of Raymund Juliani, for the space of eight years and more, was sick with the falling sickness, and it seized her sometimes every three days, and sometimes every four: and so gravely held her, that on each occasion she stood as it were seized in mind. The husband of that woman having compassion over so great a grief, much confiding in the said Lord Cardinal, made a vow for the said woman, that if the said Lord Cardinal would deign to obtain from God that she be freed from the said infirmities, he would visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal. Which vow, as is premised, being made, the said Bertranda was suddenly freed from the said infirmity, and she and her husband together with several others with fasting stomach came to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, but afterward she suffered the said malady no more.

another for two years, CCXIV. Likewise that a certain boy, son of Pontius Mayfredi, a laborer dwelling at Carpentras, sixteen years old or thereabouts, for the space of two years having suffered the falling sickness, which was wont to seize him every eight days, after a vow made by his said father, of visiting the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, if his said son should be freed from the said malady, was wholly freed from the said malady; nor afterward did the aforesaid malady seize him; but the father and son afterward visited the sepulcher.

another for four years, CCXV. Likewise that Raymunda, wife of Peter Bossada, a broker of the city of Carcassonne; for the space of four years suffered the falling sickness, which seized her from month to month, sometimes twice in a month, and which so gravely oppressed her, that on each occasion for four hours she lay upon the ground as if dead, and afterward for three or four days ceased not to tremble, for whom a vow being made by her husband to the said Lord Cardinal, that she would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow, if she should be freed from the said infirmity, she being wholly healed, felt herself no more seized by the said infirmity: but her husband and she, afterward fulfilled the vow.

CCXVI. Likewise that John Gay, son of Sifredus de Podio, a merchant of the city of Carpentras, likewise for one year, thirteen years old, who for a year had suffered the falling sickness, by means of which he fell to the ground twice in a month, and there lay as dead, for a great space of time, a vow being made by the mother of the said John, to the said Lord Cardinal, that she would visit his sepulcher, if she should obtain from God so great a grace, that her said son be freed from the said malady; afterward he felt himself neither burdened nor sick with the said malady.

CCXVII. Likewise that Anglicus Boissoni, of the place of Salelles, for 30 years, of the diocese of Mende, fifty years old or thereabouts, who for the space of thirty years and more, every day in the morning was seized by a certain malady, which is called the falling sickness, from whose pain, as often as it held him, he fell to the ground, and so prostrate as if in the passage of life he lay for two hours and more; who as soon as he heard the miracles of the said Lord Cardinal related, devoted himself to him, promising to visit his sepulcher with bare feet, if he should be freed from the aforesaid malady, and after the said vow being made, he was not sick with the said malady; but from it he was perfectly cured.

CCXVIII. Likewise that Guilielma, wife of John de Verduno, another savagely vexed by the same malady, of the city of Béziers, whom the falling sickness was wont to seize, every eight days, and sometimes every month: and because she was inhumanly vexed by it; having heard the miracles of the said Lord Cardinal, she devoted herself to him, promising to visit his sepulcher with bare feet with a certain vow, if she should be cured of the aforesaid malady: which vow being made, and afterward, she suffered the said malady not at all; and afterward she fulfilled what she had promised.

CCXIX. Likewise that John Mos, a cleric of Monterlino, another for 3 years, are made whole. of the diocese of Carcassonne, who for three continuous years had suffered the falling sickness, nor could find any remedy, made a vow to the said Lord Cardinal, that he would visit his sepulcher, and offer him a certain vow, and thenceforth he felt himself not vexed by the said malady.

CCXX. Likewise that Vitalis de Liesteria, a tavern-keeper, dwelling in the present city, Two cups are recovered, had lost two silver cups ^g; which had been taken from him by theft, and which he could in no way recover. But remembering the said Lord Cardinal, he promised to visit his sepulcher with a certain vow; if he could find the said cups, but on the morrow the said cups were restored to him by a certain woman.

CCXXI. Likewise that Jaconneta of Grenoble, dwelling at Avignon, 35 florins carried off, was robbed of thirty-five florins of gold, which she had placed in a certain chest ^h; over which much grieving, since it was the greater part of her substance or goods; remembering the said Lord Cardinal, she made a vow to him, that if he would deign to do her so great a grace, that she should recover her said money, she would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow, which vow being made, a little after there came to her a certain man, who had robbed the said money, and, before he departed, wholly left her content.

CCXXII. Likewise that when Peter Soltoni, of the place of Sauveterre, of the diocese of Avignon, had lost a certain sum of money, a sum of money lost, nor could recover it at all, nay not even hear news of the said money; Joanna his wife much sad from the said loss, bearing great trust in the said Lord Cardinal, vowed to send a certain vow to his sepulcher, if he would deign to grant them so great a grace, that he should restore to them the said money: that very day it was revealed to them, who had the aforesaid money, and they afterward recovered it.

a mule stolen. CCXXIII. Likewise that, while men of arms marching through Languedoc, made their passage through the place of Castilione, of the diocese of Uzès; certain of them stole a certain mule of Raymund Borgarelli, and afterward led it with them even to Paris. But on a certain night, Raymund himself being in bed, the fame of the said Lord Cardinal being brought back to his mind, he concluded in his mind, that he would visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal for the recovery of the said mule; which also he did; and standing upon his sepulcher, as devoutly as he could, he besought him, that he would deign to send a will into the heart of him who had the said mule, of restoring the said mule to him; and that he would again visit his sepulcher with a certain vow. Which vow being made, as can probably be presumed from the interval of time, because within a month from the time of the vow and the aforesaid visitation, the said mule was restored to him, into him who detained the said mule was infused such a will, that from Paris he specially sent it back to him, for a special messenger he who had the said mule sent, to bring the said mule and restore it to the said Raymund.

A woman blaming the cult of the Blessed, punished and healed; CCXXIV. Likewise that Helis, wife of Peter de sancto Eustachio, dwelling near the church of blessed Mary of Espérance ⁱ, thirty years old or thereabouts; seeing many people carrying divers vows of wax to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal; wholly moved and kindled by the evil of envy, said, that it was a marvel, that people left the master for the disciple: for it seemed to her that they left visiting Our Lady of Espérance for the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal. But that night she suffered in her head most grave pains, and on the morrow found, that she had her nose very twisted: on account of which she summoned physicians, and sought what remedies she could; but she could find no help: until, remembering her perfidious mind, she besought the said Lord Cardinal with great devotion, that he would forgive her the evil which she had thought against him, and free her from the aforesaid infirmities. After which prayer being made, she felt herself suddenly much relieved, and thence the sepulcher being visited, she was restored to most full health, no medicines however being applied.

an unbeliever CCXXV. Likewise that the wife of John Stephani of Château-Renaud, of the diocese of Avignon, on the day on which the said Lord Cardinal had been committed to ecclesiastical burial, having returned from the present city to the said place, narrated to the said John her husband, how God worked miraculously in the said Lord Cardinal; to whom her said husband answered mocking, and reputing as trifles the things which were narrated by his said wife: Hush, hush. Be quiet. And further slow in belief, when a certain man of the said place, called Peter Cremanni, who having returned from the present city to the said place, again recounted the same marvels to the same John, and further in particular, how in his presence a certain woman, whom he truly knew, impotent in one arm, the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal being visited, had departed wholly cured, and restored to the power of that arm, persisting more hardly in his hardness of heart, could not believe, and as if not caring for the aforesaid, went to bed.

But when on the morrow he thought to rise from bed after his usual manner, punished and freed, he found himself so weak and broken in his members, that he could neither stand nor help himself, save with the greatest difficulty, and with this he suffered inwardly the greatest pains, and so ever growing worse he went on up to the Saturday immediately following, on which day fearing that he was near to death, remembering his unbelief, led by penance, he made a vow to the said Lord Cardinal, promising that he would visit his sepulcher, if he would deign to free him from the said infirmities, and immediately relieved of the pains, the sepulcher being visited, he was restored to his former health.

CCXXVI. Likewise that to a certain woman, by name Joanna, widow of the late Peter of Perugia dwelling in the present city, an unbeliever, afflicted with sores, who suffered a scab in her shins, from which she could in no way be cured, nay it was often transferred from one to the other, being admonished that she should devote herself to the said Lord Cardinal, she would not, not believing that God worked miraculously in him; nay in her heart she murmured against the said Lord Cardinal and detracted from him. But she thus in her heart pre-thinking evil of the said Lord Cardinal, there arose in both shins many sores or wounds, which inflicted the greatest pain on her; on account of which fearing much of the said infirmity, which had thus grown into evil, remembering the evil thought which she had conceived against the said Lord Cardinal in her mind, led by great contrition, she asked pardon of the said Lord Cardinal, and visited his sepulcher; which in visiting, when she had placed on the said wounds some of the earth of the sepulcher, within a few days she was wholly freed, no other medicines being applied.

CCXXVII. Likewise that, when a certain William Gaucelini, a priest feignedly reverent, a presbyter of the diocese of Fréjus, forty years old or thereabouts, a little after the burial of the said Lord Cardinal, seeing so great a multitude of people flow together to the said sepulcher, of whom some smeared their eyes and face with the earth of that sepulcher, others kissed the grate standing over it, not believing that God worked miraculously through him, nay holding firmly that it was a certain fiction, devised to allure the people, especially on account of the fact of the schism; on a certain occasion, while he visited the sepulcher, still being feignedly in the malice of his heart, kissed the iron grate, and afterward withdrew to the place where he had lodged.

But immediately when he arrived at the place of his dwelling, so great a heat seized him in his lips, punished and healed. and so great a pain, that he could neither rest, nor stay in a bed, and so he remained for two natural days. But on the third day, remembering that feignedly and with evil mind he had kissed the said grate, led by penance, he visited the said sepulcher with what devotion he could, and rubbed his lips with the said earth; which done, immediately he began to recover, and continuing a novena, within three days he was wholly healed by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

ANNOTATA.

c. That is, wares.

* a money payment.

CHAPTER VII. What Blessed Peter furnished to those laboring with impotence of the shins, headache, gravel, flux and pain of the belly.

A grave wound of the shin, Likewise that Ysnardus Audefredi, a laborer of Orange, thirty-eight years old or thereabouts, cutting certain woods, with a certain axe struck himself upon the shin, so much so that he inflicted on himself a great wound, upon which he caused whatever medicines he could to be applied; yet in no way could he be cured, nay not even improved: but a vow being made by him to the said Lord Cardinal, of visiting his sepulcher, suddenly he felt himself much relieved, and within a few days after without medicines he was wholly healed.

a shin broken by a fall, CCXXIX. Likewise that Margaret, wife of Stephen Verderii, inhabitant of Castilione, of the diocese of Arles, falling from on high to the ground, broke her right shin about the ankle of her foot, so much so that the bones of the ankle being dislocated, that shin remained wholly impotent, nor could it be cured by the help of physicians, although they had applied the best diligence they could. But she, the fame of the miracles of the said Lord Cardinal being made known to her, made a vow that she would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow; which done, after a few days wholly healed, she visited the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal with her vow.

a swollen shin, CCXXX. Likewise that Jacoba, wife of Jacominus Romigii, inhabitant of the present city, from a certain prick of a thorn, by which she had been pricked in her left foot, in that shin there arose a swelling so raised; that she had that shin thicker than her body; from which two fistulas were generated in the said shin, which continually emitting fetid uncleannesses, inflicted on her such most grave pains, that she preferred the choice of death to life. Whence not knowing what she ought to do, remembering the said Lord Cardinal, she promised to visit his sepulcher; if within a certain term she should be healed, within which she was afterward wholly healed, and afterward fulfilled what she had promised.

CCXXXI. Likewise that Pontius Joannes de Oppeda, of the city of Carpentras, another swollen shin, who from a certain infirmity, had his shin so swollen, that it seemed the skin wished to open itself, nor could it be cured; the journey being begun to this city to visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, he began to recover, and at length, on the morrow the sepulcher being visited, he found himself wholly cured, and returned healthy to his place.

CCXXXII. Likewise that Thibaud Durandi of Tarascon, pains of the head for two years, suffered in his head most grave pains for the space of two years, nor could he by the help of physicians recover health, although the physicians had applied the diligence they could; but a vow being made, that he would visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, suddenly the aforesaid pains ceased, nor thereafter did he feel pain in his head, but he was most perfectly cured.

CCXXXIII. Likewise that Berengaria, wife of John Chaissii of Pont-de-Sorgues of the diocese of Avignon, others' torments for 12 years, thirty-five years old or thereabouts; suffered most grave pains in her head, heart, and shin, for the space of twelve years and more; and although she had been in the hands of several and divers physicians, who believed they would cure her; nevertheless she was not improved. But having heard the miracles which God worked through the said Lord Cardinal, she devoted herself to him, promising to visit his sepulcher, if she could be freed from the aforesaid infirmities. Which vow being made, the pains being put to flight both from her head, and from her heart and shin, suddenly she remained perfectly healed.

CCXXXIV. Likewise that Master Peter Villareti, a notary of Carpentras, pains of the head. thirty years old or thereabouts; suffered in his head continually for the space of seven years and more, immense pains, nor could he by the work of physicians be improved, although he had caused what medicines he could to be applied. But the fame of the miracles of the said Lord Cardinal being heard, he devoted himself to him; promising to visit his sepulcher with a certain vow. After which vow being made, suddenly he found himself freed from the aforesaid pains. But afterward becoming negligent and careless of fulfilling what he had vowed; on a certain day he was seized by the said pains so gravely, that afflicting him even beyond the usual manner, they ever grew stronger: wherefore remembering the vow made by him, with devout heart he asked pardon, and again made a vow of visiting the said sepulcher, and immediately after that making of the vow he was suddenly cured, and thence visited the said sepulcher.

CCXXXV. Likewise that Boneta, wife of James Barti, of Saint-Esprit ^a of the diocese of Uzès, who from the heaviness of certain pains which she suffered in her head for the space of one year and more, as often as the said pain seized her, it seemed to her that the earth turned and moved: on account of which sometimes she fell to the ground, as if half-alive; the sepulcher being visited, she thereafter suffered the said pains not at all.

CCXXXVI. Likewise that a certain man, called Petit Guarin, Of the same. dwelling in the present city, after the making of a vow, that if the said Lord Cardinal would deign to obtain for him so great a grace, that he be freed from certain most grave pains, which he had suffered in his head, for the space of ten years and more; he would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow of wax, immediately he was freed from the said pains, nor afterward did he feel himself burdened.

Of the same. CCXXXVII. Likewise that Stephen Benedicti, whom certain pains were wont to seize in his head several times in a year, and which lasted him commonly for the space of eight days and more, on a certain day oppressed by the said pains, believed that he would wholly give up the spirit of life from the heaviness of the pain; when by a certain neighbor of his admonished, that he should devote himself to the said Lord Cardinal; promising to visit his sepulcher, if he would deign to free him from the aforesaid pains, which vow being made suddenly, and immediately the said pains withdrew, as if blown away, and from them he was perfectly cured by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

Gravel, CCXXXVIII. Likewise that Aegidia, wife of James de Podio, co-lord of the place of Durfort of the diocese of Nîmes, fallen most gravely sick with a certain infirmity, which is called "Agagnes," swollen beyond measure, and also suffering gravel, which hindered her from emitting urine, was visited by several and excellent physicians; who finally said, that it was an incurable malady, which was already in the third stage of that infirmity, and that she would most certainly die, as soon as the trees should be stripped of their leaves. Wherefore they gave her up as incurable, and afterward growing worse she went on up to the month of September, in which according to the judgment of the physicians her life must be ended. But she, attending that in the same month, the term of death was near, the fame of the said Lord Cardinal being heard, most devoutly vowed herself to him, promising to visit his sepulcher, if she could be preserved from death, and cured of the said infirmities: which vow being made, she felt herself freed from the said gravel: at which much rejoicing in mind, she came to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal; where standing upon it before the image of the said Lord Cardinal, praying more devoutly than she could, she was wholly freed from the said infirmity, which is called "Agagnes," and so departed most healthy to her place.

retention of urine, CCXXXIX. Likewise that Firminus Martini, a draper dwelling in the city of Uzès, twenty years old or thereabouts: for the space of three years and more, suffered a certain infirmity, by means of which, emitting urine with the greatest pain, as often as the said infirmity seized him, he first emitted as it were mud, then urine, and then blood, in so great a pain, that like one senseless and raging he cried out: and although he had applied what medicines he could, he could not be improved; but a vow being made to the said Lord Cardinal, that he would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow, and go to it with bare feet, suddenly he was cured, nor was he sick thereafter; nay at present he emits urine without pain.

likewise gravel, CCXL. Likewise that John Vicentii a laborer, dwelling in the present city; having suffered gravel for the space of three years and more, which hindered him from emitting urine, although he had been visited by several physicians, and had received several medicines, could not be improved; but after a vow being made, that he would first visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal with a certain vow, if he should be freed from the aforesaid infirmity, the sepulcher being visited, within the term he was wholly freed from the said infirmity.

CCXLI. Likewise that Rixendis, wife of Ricanus Boneti of the place of Roquemaure of the diocese of Avignon, a flux of the belly for 8 days, suffered for the space of eight days and more, a flux of the belly and with this so great inward pains in the belly, that continually it seemed, that she must give birth. Who not knowing what she ought to do, remembering the said Lord Cardinal, devoted herself to him, promising to visit his sepulcher with a certain vow of wax, if she should obtain grace from God, that she be freed from the said infirmities; and immediately without interval the pains withdrew, and from the said flux she was wholly freed.

CCXLII. Likewise that William Garini of Villeneuve, of blood for 5 years, of the diocese of Uzès, seventy years old or thereabouts, who for five continuous years, suffered a flux of blood; from which he was brought to such weakness, that he knew not how to help himself, nay from the excessive loss of humors, he had as it were remained without moisture, nor could he by the help of physicians be improved. A vow being made to the said Lord Cardinal, that he would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow of wax, if he could be freed from the aforesaid infirmity, and the journey being begun, suddenly he felt himself cured, and much stronger than usual, the pace being continued, as he had vowed, he visited the sepulcher.

CCXLIII. Likewise that Jaussanda, wife of Anthony Jaussandi of Cavaillon, of the belly for 6 years, suffered for six continuous years and more, an immense flux of the belly, which befell her every eight days, and which oppressed her with many pains, but a vow being made to the said Lord Cardinal, that she would visit his sepulcher, from that flux she was preserved and wholly freed.

CCXLIV. Likewise that Lucia, wife of Louis Gaudebergi, another at divers times. dwelling in the city of Viviers, from a flux of the belly, which through certain intervals of time for three years she had suffered, and which inflicted on her most grave pains, by the making of a vow, that she would visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal with a certain vow, was wholly cured, and thereafter suffered the said flux of the belly no more.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER VIII. Fires extinguished, many and divers maladies driven away.

Likewise that in the castle of Val-de-Reine, of the diocese of Paris, fire being by chance kindled, and vehement flames suddenly arising, Fires, it wholly burned a certain chamber of the said castle; which at length grew so much, that it was probably believed that the said castle, and all the things existing in it, would be burned without remedy. But the noble Lady, wife of the Lord Chancellor of France, who then with her household dwelt in the said castle; terrified with much fear; yet confiding in the said Lord Cardinal, made a vow to him, that if he would deign to obtain from the Lord the extinction of the said fire; she would send a certain vow of wax, of the weight of fifty pounds, in the form of a castle, to his sepulcher. Which vow being made, suddenly the flames being extinguished, the fire not only ceased to grow further, but as if covered with water, and as if the cataracts of heaven had been opened over it, it was wholly extinguished of itself: on account of which giving thanks to God and the said Lord Cardinal, she sent the said vow to his sepulcher.

Blessed Peter patronizing, CCXLVI. Likewise that in the inn at the sign of the Lion, in the great timber-market of the present city of Avignon, at night a fire was by chance kindled, which grew so terribly, that the whole house being kindled, likewise five horses in it were kindled; and from the greatness of the flames no one could succor: for on account of the strong wind, which then ran, and by blowing made the said fire grow, there was no hope, that the said house, nor those existing in it could be preserved from final burning. But the Lady Richardona de Carmiliano, a spectator, inhabitant of the present city, whose that house was, moved with much grief; remembering the said Lord Cardinal, besought him with great devotion in these words: O glorious Peter Cardinal of Luxembourg; if with God thou hast power, be willing to pray Him, that He disinherit me not, and preserve my house from final burning. And immediately these things said, the wind ceased and the fire was extinguished, as if in that same instant the whole water of the Rhone had been thrown over it with one rush.

miraculously CCXLVII. Likewise that in the place of Saint-Andéol, of the burg of the diocese of Valence, in the house of Lord William de Bariaco a knight, as it were about cockcrow, his house was set on fire, from whose flames growing on high, it was probably believed, that his whole house, and also the adjoining ones must perish. Whence much stupefied that knight, resorting to the said Lord Cardinal, invoked him and humbly prayed him, that if he were truly a friend of God, as was reported, that he would deign to obtain from the Lord, that the said fire be extinguished without detriment to his neighbors: and with a certain vow of wax, as soon as he could, he would visit his sepulcher. Which done, immediately the said fire ceased to proceed further, and at length in that same instant was wholly extinguished by the prayers and merits of the said Lord Cardinal.

extinguished. CCXLVIII. Likewise that in the town or city of Geneva a fire seized itself in a certain house, which afterward grew to such immensity, that from the devouring flames, raised on high, the said flames now seemed as it were to touch heaven: for the said flames were so dispersed here and there, and extended, that as it were without interval twelve houses were burned. On account of which the inhabitants of that city, lacking all help, expected nothing else, than that the said city should finally be burned. But seeing this, the Lord John Vianesii, canon of Lausanne, being there, who in the midst of the said burning houses had a house in the aforesaid city, having compassion with much grief, devoutly invoked the said Lord Cardinal, promising to visit his sepulcher, if he would deign to obtain the extinction of that fire. Which vow being made, suddenly the fire decreased and was wholly extinguished, and his house remained wholly unhurt.

CCXLIX. Likewise that on a certain day from a very great storm, Three boys buried under the ruin of a house are preserved. in the town of Rie, of the diocese of Luçon, a certain house of John de Cadreya a tailor (in which three of his sons, of whom one was more than seven years old, another two years old, and another lately born in the cradle, were) collapsed, and covering the said boys, enclosed them beneath; and so much so, that above them were more than ten cartloads ^a of stones, timbers, and the like. On account of which the father of them from grief became as it were lifeless, and firmly believing, as also all the bystanders firmly believed, that the said boys were suffocated, yet much confiding in the said Lord Cardinal and his help, he devoted them to the said Lord Cardinal, and, as far as was in him, made another certain vow to him for the liberation of the said boys. Which vow being made, the bystanders began to uncover all things, to seek at least their bodies; and digging very deep, first they found the elder; who began to cry out; For the love of God, do not hurt me. Whence much rejoicing, manfully proceeding further to the search of the others, they likewise found the others, buried among stones and timbers, and beyond a man's imagination preserved unhurt. For they found the cradle aforesaid broken into small pieces ^b, and the infant in the midst, covered with stones and dust, miraculously preserved from fracture and death; because, granting that some obstacle had been found, which had preserved them from the blows; yet it was impossible, save miraculously, but that in so great a space of time, from lack of air they would have been suffocated, unless they had been miraculously preserved by God.

CCL. Likewise that Bernard Martini, whom every day a certain infirmity in the belly was wont to seize, Liberation from an infirmity of the belly, commonly called the "Large passion"; so most grave, that he like one senseless, as a woman giving birth, cried out incessantly; and who had so remained for twenty years and more: who neither by physicians, although he had received from them several medicines, on which he consumed the greater part of his goods, could be healed nor relieved. A vow being made to the said Lord Cardinal, that he would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow; if he would do him so great a grace, that he be freed from the aforesaid infirmity, immediately he was cured and thence suffered the said infirmity not at all.

CCLI. Likewise Joanneta Pradona, wife of John de Cordeto, of the throat, nurse of Peter de Sarris, serjeant-at-arms of our Lord the Pope; by chance incurred a certain infirmity in her throat so grave, that it seemed to her, that she was being strangled; but having drunk of the water of the bath of the said Lord Cardinal, of which mention has been made above; and a vow being made that she would visit his sepulcher, she was freed from the aforesaid infirmity.

CCLII. Likewise that the Lady Diana, widow of Francis Bandini, of a cough, sixty years old or thereabouts, not being able by the help of physicians to be freed from a certain cough, so most grave, that by the impulse of the propelling cough a certain bowel ^c was dislocated, and drew itself toward her side: from which so great pains arose, that every day she only expected death: which infirmity she suffered for two continuous years, and she vowed to visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, and rubbed the said side with some of the earth of the sepulcher, and immediately, these things being done, freed from the said pains, from then she was not oppressed by the aforesaid pains.

CCLIII. Likewise that a certain boy, of worms, by name John, son of the late noble man Bernard de Rupefixa, of the diocese of Agde, from the multitude of worms which he had in his belly, was brought to such a point, that he had his eyes turned in his head, and in him all the signs of death appeared, and it was judged by the bystanders, that he could by no means escape the peril of death. When his mother, admonished by certain persons, that she should devote the said son to the said Lord Cardinal, immediately made a vow for the said son to the said Lord Cardinal, and immediately, the vow being made, his said son, having recovered his speech, asked to eat. And so suddenly recovering, he afterward emitted a great quantity of worms cut and severed through the posterior part, and on the morrow he rose healthy, as he had been, by the prayers and merits of the said Lord Cardinal.

CCLIV. of fevers, and other maladies, Likewise that Henry son of Peter de Pressino, a citizen of Vienne, oppressed with fevers and other divers infirmities, approaching death, was left as incurable by the physicians, and had already emitted an abscess through his mouth, as one very near to death; when at the admonition of a certain Bishop, of the Order of Friars Preachers, making his passage through the said city, who caused the said boy to drink some of the earth of the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal mixed with wine, and his father with all the affection of his heart vowed, that he would visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, if his said son should be preserved from death. Which vow being made, immediately the said boy recovered his speech, and within a few days was restored to most full health.

CCLV. Likewise that, while Pontius Joannis, of swollen lips; a fishmonger, dwelling in the present city, from a certain infirmity, which he suffered in every part of his body (from which he also had his lips very swollen; and so much so, that he could not take food, for the space of eight days) lay oppressed in bed; humbly and devoutly he invoked the help of the said Lord Cardinal, promising, that if he should be freed from the said infirmity, naked, except for his shirt with his drawers, with a certain vow, he would visit his sepulcher, and these things said he slept a little, and sleeping saw in his sleep the said Lord Cardinal, who addressed him, as follows: Pontius, thou hast invoked me, that thou mayest be cured of thy infirmity: if thou promise me, that thou wilt reveal to the people of Avignon the things which I shall tell thee, I will intercede for thee with the Lord, that He free thee. To whom when he had promised, as it seemed to him, that he would fulfill his command, the same Lord Cardinal said to him: Tell the people of Avignon, that from the offerings at my sepulcher, upon that sepulcher, a bell-tower be built, in which be placed a large very clear bell, which be rung at the elevation of the body of Christ; and as often as storm, thunder, lightning, and flashings shall be perceived to come, for the preservation of the fruits of the earth. To whom when, as before, he had promised to do this, suddenly awakening, he found himself wholly and most perfectly healed, and restored to his bodily strengths, on the morrow he visited the sepulcher with a certain vow of wax.

CCLVI. Likewise that Mary, wife of Colinus Huguetus, dwelling near Lyons, of a pertinacious and long-lasting malady, serjeant-at-arms of the Lord King of the French, was held by a certain infirmity, for the space of ten years and more; which seized her every fifteen days, and was of such a nature, that first her feet being chilled, a certain pain ascending, reached even to the mouth, from whose violence, blood being vomited beyond the fullness of one bowl, the infirmity grew worse; and ascending to the brain, so vexed her, that it left her cold, pale, and as it were dead; and although to very many and divers Saints, and oratories, for her liberation, she had made many vows: yet the hour had not yet come. When, the miracles being heard which were related of the said Lord Cardinal, she most devoutly devoted herself to him, promising to visit his sepulcher with a certain vow, if she should obtain grace from God, that she be freed from the aforesaid pains. Which vow then being made, she was wholly cured, nor thereafter did she suffer the said infirmity; nay she remains perfectly healed by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

CCLVII. Likewise that Robinus Praepositi, panter ^d of the Lord Duke of Bourbon, struck by lightning, fifty years old or thereabouts, on a certain day in the place of Mont-Brison, of the diocese of Lyons, while he sat upon a certain bench; suddenly lightning descending from heaven in that same place fell upon him; so that it made him roll about very roughly: from which as it were struck in the left half of his body, he remained wholly impotent; and so for three days he lay in bed, with this suffering most grave pains. But on the third day when, the pains growing worse, he believed he was ending his days, remembering the said Lord Cardinal, with all the affection of his heart he devoted himself to him, promising with a certain vow to visit his sepulcher; if he should obtain grace from God, that he be freed from the aforesaid: which vow being made, suddenly the arm and shin of the aforesaid left part recovering their strengths, suddenly raising themselves, in that raising gave a loud sound; after which he began to sweat, and the sweat being accomplished, he found himself as it were cured; but afterward the journey being begun, while with his pilgrim-staff ^e he went leaning on it; before he had passed a league, he found himself wholly cured; and suddenly becoming vigorous, with great joy, he fulfilled what he had promised.

CCLVIII. Likewise that Andrew de Lescusot, dwelling at Le Puy, of impotence of generating, had taken a certain young wife chiefly with a view to having offspring. And so when, the festivity of the nuptials being accomplished, both had sought the marriage-bed after the conjugal manner, and he tried to bring to effect what he had preconceived, he could by no means. At which wondering beyond measure; since by experience teaching, he had known himself potent otherwise, he began to seek out, whence that impediment had befallen him; and not being able to find it, he began most often to try, and even so much, that the barriers of virginity being opened for a year and a half, he nevertheless left the act imperfect. Whence much grieving and troubled in mind, remembering the said Lord Cardinal (by whose merits he had otherwise been cured of the infirmity of gout) he again, with devout heart, resorted to him; vowing to him, that if he would deign to obtain with God what he desired, he would come to his sepulcher, and would offer in wax his wife's image and his own. After which vow within three days, he obtained what he had asked by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

CCLIX. Likewise that Joanneta, of swelling of the shins, widow of John Agayras; inhabitant of the present city, from a certain infirmity, by which she was held, in her shins, had them swollen beyond measure, and red as fire; nay very many asserted, that it was the malady of St. Anthony; but a vow being made to the said Lord Cardinal, that she would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow, if she could be healed, both the swelling, and the aforesaid redness suddenly withdrew, and without pain she remained perfectly healed.

CCLX. Likewise that William Chaux of Le Crest, of the diocese of Vaison, of the peril of a woman in labor and of childbirth, whose wife labored in childbed, much fearing, that the boy to be born should die without baptism, from this that ten boys, whom his wife had borne him, had died without baptism. The fame of the said Lord Cardinal being heard, he vowed to him, that if he would deign to obtain grace, so that the infant to be born could receive baptism, he would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow. After which vow the said wife bore a son, who was baptized, and still lives by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

CCLXI. Likewise that Moneta, of an abscess, wife of Jordan de Bosio, a serjeant of the King, dwelling at Villeneuve, vehemently sick, and preoccupied by the snares of death, had emitted an abscess through her mouth, which is a sign of near death, and a blessed candle was held for her in her hand; as is wont to be done for those in their agony. When remembering in her mind the said Lord Cardinal, in that same mind she devoted herself to him; and promised, that as soon as she could walk, she would visit his sepulcher; and there would offer her shroud. And immediately, the vow being made, she breathed, and that same day recovered so, that she rose from bed and walked through the house; and yet she had been brought to the last point of weakness.

CCLXII. Likewise that Nichosa, of pain of the kidneys, wife of Jerome Zenobii, of Florence, dwelling at Avignon, suffering certain most grave pains in her kidneys, which so oppressed her, that as it were made impotent, she could not move herself from place to place; under hope of recovering she made a vow to the said Lord Cardinal, that she would visit his sepulcher with a certain vow, and immediately recovering she rose from bed, and went through the house, and on the morrow her bodily strengths being recovered, as she had promised; she visited the sepulcher.

CCLXIII. Likewise that the same Nichosa, of sterility recognizing so great a grace done to her, confiding in the further help of the said Lord Cardinal, again promised to offer a certain vow at his sepulcher, if she could obtain from God so great a grace, that she, who had been sterile during her whole time, could conceive and have offspring. After which vow within the aforesaid time, she felt herself pregnant; and had offspring by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

CCLXIV. Likewise that Raymund Martini, of the place of Boulbon, of gangrene, a laborer of the diocese of Avignon, devoted a certain son of his, by name Pauletus, fourteen months old (who suffered a cancer in his mouth, so much so that for the space of eight days with great difficulty, the most sparing foods being taken, he had come to the article of death) to the said Lord Cardinal, promising with a certain vow of wax to visit his sepulcher: and immediately he began to improve. And so within two days he was restored to most full health.

CCLXV. Likewise that John de Albenacio of Carpentras, of impotence of walking. who suffered and had suffered for two years a certain infirmity, of which he could not be cured, although he had been visited by several good and eminent physicians, who had done all their power, to cure him; nay he was so impotent, that scarcely even with the support of a staff could he walk a little. After the death of the said Lord Cardinal, having heard the fame of him and the holy life which he had led, and how always insisting on vigils and fasts he used a hair-shirt and a cord, placed immediately upon his bare flesh, and how abhorring pomps, in his life avoiding them for the sake of humility, he had chosen his burial among the poor, being at Villeneuve on the day of his burial, he set out on the journey to visit his sepulcher, with his staff with the greatest pain he came to his sepulcher, and there standing on bended knees, he prayed as follows: O virginal dignity, I humbly ask thee, that if thou art in paradise, thou wouldst pray God, that He free me from this infirmity, by which I am held; and I promise thee, that yearly on the day of thy death I will have one Mass celebrated; and then upon the said sepulcher he said seven times the seven penitential psalms, and together with his staff returned to his house. But the next day with great pain returning to the said sepulcher, he prayed, saying the same discourse. But while he thus prayed, a certain man wholly unknown to him, took away his staff, and placed it far from him, nor would he restore it to him; and so with great pain he went to seek it; and again returned to the sepulcher: where he, as is premised, praying, again his staff was removed from him; on account of which, when he wished to go to seek it, and had risen, he found himself so cured, that he needed no staff: and so without a staff he returned to Villeneuve healthy and cheerful, by the merits and prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER IX. The Conclusion of the aforesaid from the faith of the miracles, the vows and gifts of Princes, and public fame.

The miracles written down by a notary, Likewise that to receive, hear, and faithfully set down in writing all and each of the miracles already mentioned, and any others whatsoever, there was disposed and ordained on behalf of our Lord the Pope, and by his special command, the discreet man master John Regis, by Apostolic and Imperial authority, and notary of the court of the Apostolic Chamber, and master Pontius de Ponte, notary of the same court of the Chamber, and so it was and is true publicly and notoriously.

CCLXVII. entered into a register Likewise that the same master John received and registered the miracles, of which above, and as is articulated, and examined very many witnesses upon them. And so it was and is true.

CCLXVIII. Likewise that both his relation, ought to make full faith, and the register, or writing, makes, has been wont to make, and ought to make full faith, both in judgment, and outside. And so it was and is true openly, publicly, and notoriously.

CCLXIX. Likewise that each of the aforesaid miracles was done and granted in the true, orthodox, and Catholic faith, on the part both of the cause and of the effect; and for the corroboration and increase of that faith. And so it was and is true, public, notorious, and manifest.

CCLXX. Likewise that each of the aforesaid miracles was done by God, as if performed by divine power, and proceeds from God; as from the recital of them it can appear to anyone beholding both in the manner, form, and cause; and in the effect. And so it was and is true openly, publicly, and notoriously.

CCLXXI. Blessed Peter intervening, Likewise that each of the said miracles was done and obtained by the prayers and merits of the said Lord Cardinal, as in the recital of the articles it appears more clearly, especially in those in which these words are added; if thou hast power with God and the holy Trinity, or the like. And so it was and is true.

CCLXXII. Likewise that each of the said miracles, in true charity. was done and obtained in true and sincere charity, both on the part of those in whose persons the miracles were done, and on the part of the said Lord Cardinal. And so it was and is true and notorious.

CCLXXIII. They are manifest, Likewise that each of the said miracles is so notable, evident, and manifest, that from each of them it can and ought reasonably and by right to be concluded, that the said Lord Cardinal is a true friend of God, and therefore, as one preserved from all sin, glories in the heavenly places with the Lord. And so it was and is true; and so it is held openly, publicly, and notoriously.

CCLXXIV. many and divers, Likewise that in the multitude and diversity of miracles he so flashed, that it suffices by right, and ought to suffice, and has been wont to suffice by usage, custom, and observance approved by the sacrosanct Roman Church, for the canonization and elevation of any Saint. And so it was and is true.

CCLXXV. Likewise that for so long a time he continued the said miracles, sufficient for canonization. that it likewise suffices, and by right ought to suffice, and has been wont by the aforesaid custom of the Roman Church, for canonizing any Saint and enrolling him in the catalogue of the Saints. And so it was and is true notoriously and manifest.

CCLXXVI. Likewise that all Christ's faithful, however many they are, The opinion of the common people accedes, and of whatever preeminence of state or condition they be, believe him to be a true friend of God, and that as a saint he ought to be canonized. And so it is true, public, notorious, and manifest.

CCLXXVII. Likewise that in particular the most Christian King of the French (of whom there is no memory, The King of France requests the canonization, nay nor was there, that the Lord permitted him or his house at any time to fall into error) through his procurator specially constituted for this, informed of all and each of the premises, most instantly requested the said canonization.

CCLXXVIII. Likewise that the Dean and Chapter of the church of Paris, the Chapter bringing back to memory the things which before they had learned in the said Lord Cardinal by ocular faith, likewise thought the said canonization should be demanded, and most instantly demanded it.

CCLXXIX. Likewise that in the general consistory of Our Lord the Pope, and the University of Paris. three times, and a fourth from abundance, in the names as above, as is premised; and also in the name of the University of the studium of Paris, and of all Christ's faithful, the aforesaid canonization was petitioned. And although from all parts of the world, in which the orthodox faith is worshiped, many were present, to whom it was lawful to contradict, yet it was by no means heard, that anyone dissented; but all alike, admonished by divine instinct, consented.

CCLXXX. Likewise that all and each of the premises are true, notorious, public, evident, manifest, and so famed, that they cannot be concealed by any tergiversation.

CCLXXXI. Likewise that this cause is merely spiritual and most pious, It is proved that the canonization should be expedited, and in which you ought not, established therein, to observe the rigors of law, but every delay being repelled; as more briefly and usefully as it can be done, in it summarily and plainly, without the figure and noise of judgment, the truth alone being ascertained, you ought to proceed, in the simplicity of a sincere and Catholic faith.

CCLXXXII. Likewise that the most illustrious King of the French, one wax vow to his own image and likeness; from the various vows and gifts of various persons, and also the King of Aragon one wax one; the Queen of Sicily ecclesiastical ornaments, and other precious jewels ^a; the Duke of Brittany a shin of gilded silver with two cloths, interwoven with gold. The Duchess of Berry two cloths likewise interwoven with gold; the Count … a silver image or representation of a certain son of his; the Count of Saint-Pol certain silver lamps; the Count of Valentinois two great torches of great size; the Lord of Coucy a gilded silver cross; the Lady of Coucy his wife certain ecclesiastical ornaments, interwoven with gold; their arms diversely depicted; and very many others, Princes, Barons, and noble knights, Burghers, and as it were infinite common people of both sexes, images of as it were innumerable representations, for the benefits and singular gifts, which they confessed, as they still confess, to have received miraculously from the said Lord Cardinal, at the tomb of that Lord Cardinal, with as great devotion of heart as they could, offered; so and so much, that the offerings, offered at his aforesaid tomb, ascend and can ascend up to the value of five thousand florins. And so it was and is true, manifest, and notorious.

CCLXXXIII. Likewise that the miracles, their public knowledge, of which above there is articulation, and very many others were done, seeing, knowing, and not being able to be ignorant, the most holy in Christ Father and our Lord, the aforesaid Lord Pope Clement, the Lords Cardinals of the sacrosanct Roman Church, of whose number you, most reverend Fathers, and the aforesaid Lord Commissioners being, cannot pretend ignorance of the aforesaid miracles: nay as legitimately informed of all and each of the premises, both from the report of the Reverend Fathers, Bishops, Abbots, Prelates, and other ecclesiastical men: and also of Princes, and by fame, Barons, and other upright and noble men, together with public fame proclaiming; and by those things which you have learned by ocular faith; other proofs not being exacted, as of those things which to our Lord the Pope, to you, and to any others dwelling in the court, are notorious; you can and ought to conclude and report to our aforesaid Lord the Pope, that the said Lord Cardinal is to be canonized.

CCLXXXIV. But the aforesaid, Of the Procurator to the cause of canonization as was premised above, the same William, by divine mercy Bishop of Viviers, the aforesaid procurator gives and produces in all the names as above, in every that manner and form, in which he better and more usefully can and ought, his right being reserved of adding, diminishing, correcting, declaring, interpreting, and reforming in the premises and any of the premises, and giving others anew, not binding himself to prove all and each of the above-said; but those of the aforesaid and also others, which are, and can be necessary and useful to prove the canonization of the aforesaid Saint, saying and protesting, that, if he had said or proposed in the aforesaid or any of the premises, things which were mutually contrary, or impertinent to the present business, or in any way useless, to obtaining the canonization of St. Peter of Luxembourg, the aforesaid Cardinal, that thing and those things, as said and things said, proposed and things proposed from error; from now he revokes, and wishes to be held as unsaid and unproposed, and for things not proposed and not said; since it is the firm intention of that procurator, to propose and prove the holiness of the life, and the conversations and miracles of the oft-mentioned holy Peter the Cardinal, and let him believe or know nothing of the said holy Cardinal save pure holiness, and works of perfection and miracles, which the same saint, the Lord granting, performed. The same Procurator also protesting, in the names as above, that he wishes to introduce several articles before you, the Lord commissioners, or before two of you upon the life and conversation of the mentioned holy Peter the Cardinal, as, if and when it shall seem to him expedient for the benefit of the present business.

CCLXXXV. Wherefore the aforesaid Procurator, solicitor, and prosecutor asks, the conclusion. in the names as above, after the relations of your most reverend paternities worthy of faith and faithful, the Lord granting, to be made to our said Lord the Pope upon the premises; and by their mediation, that by our said Lord the Pope it be pronounced, and declared, and decreed that the aforesaid Lord Peter of Luxembourg of revered memory is to be canonized and be canonized; and to be enrolled and be enrolled in the catalogue of the saints; and by all Christ's faithful, and by all Christ's faithful is to be worshiped and ought to be worshiped as a saint, here and everywhere on earth his feast, on a day to be assigned by our Lord the Pope, to be solemnized and ought to be solemnized each year in perpetuity; and other things in the premises and about the premises jointly and severally to be done, established, and ordained, as is wont to be done in such cases.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER X. The depositions of the witnesses upon some of the preceding articles; and upon other miracles of Blessed Peter.

Witness I (of whom, as also of the others to follow next, we have consigned the characteristic marks above, The depositions of the witnesses upon article 201, part 2, chapter 1) Witness, I say, I, upon the CCI article, which begins: "Likewise that the noble Arnaud de Plauzolis," etc., answered, and testified, that what is set forth in the said article is true.

[189] Witness II being asked, for what he came hither; a hernia cured, said, that he came to this place, as a pilgrim, to visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, and to render his vow to him, as he had promised: for he said, that he suffered near the groin so, that his intestines descended to the scrotum, so much so that, while he labored or walked, the scrotum became very large; and while he lay, it was noticed, that the scrotum was not swollen; and so for the space of three years, he had that infirmity descending or ascending, so that the physicians wished to cut him: and afterward, hearing the miracles of the said Lord Peter, he went to the parochial church of St. Andrew of the said place, and there made a vow in these words: I recommend myself to God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Andrew, and the holy Cardinal: that if they free me from this infirmity, to visit his sepulcher, offering a torch of the weight of one pound of wax, and as long as I shall be on the way, to visit the said sepulcher, I will not eat but once in the day. Which vow being made, he felt himself cured; nor thereafter did he feel pain, except that twice he felt a little the preceding pains, and now he is wholly cured. Being asked, when he made the vow? He said, that it is a year. Being asked, why he omitted so long to come? He said because occupied with other affairs. Being asked, if it seems to him, that he was cured at the intercession of St. Andrew, or of Lord Peter the Cardinal? He said that he believes he was healed by the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal.

[190] by liberation from drowning, Witness III said, that on the Wednesday just past, it happened, that he was crossing the water of the Gardon ^a, armed with an iron tunic, and he together with his horse fell to the bottom of the water; where he remained for some time, holding his horse by the bridle ^b, and could not move himself, and he vowed that he would go to the said Lord Cardinal. And the vow being made, it seemed to him, that one took him, very gently by the body, and led him out of the water.

[191] confirmed by the testimony of another eye-witness, Witness IV. Upon the immediately preceding miracle said, that he himself saw and was present, when the said noble Baldwin, the witness above named, fell into the said water of the Gardon, armed with an iron tunic, and that he, together with his horse fell to the bottom of the said water, where he remained for some time, holding his horse, by the bridle, and then could not move himself, etc., which the said Baldwin set forth in the above-said deposition.

[192] an eye healed; Witness V said, that it is a year or thereabouts since it happened, that his wife Margaret, having a male child, one year old, who by chance had a spot in his right eye, which spot he bore for about ten days or thereabouts, nor could he who speaks find a remedy from the physicians and especially from master Giraud de Cumba, of Lyons, a physician and Surgeon; which physician, having seen the boy, jesting ^c said: Let him live until nine years, and then I will cure him; for he is too tender; and by this the parents understood, that it was an incurable malady, although they sought remedies, and exhibited the boy to the physicians; yet the said mother suddenly carried her said son before an image, painted in honor of the said Lord Peter in the chapel of her house, and made a vow to God and the aforesaid Lord Peter, that, if he would cure her son, she would visit his sepulcher. Which vow being made she carried her son to the bed, where he slept a little: and when he awoke, the boy was wholly cured, so that he saw and still sees with that weak eye, as with the other: nor did that spot appear from then.

[193] upon the things contained in article 106, Witness VI upon the CVI said, that the miracle set forth in the said article is true, with all the circumstances there expressed.

[194] Witness VII upon the CVI article of the said articles, and the things contained in it, only said, and agrees with the deposition by the above-said Joanna, his wife.

[195] by dryness of the members, Witness VIII said, that he suffered last year about the middle of Lent, so much that he could not put a hood upon his head, nor clothe himself, nor cut bread, nor do any works, nor could he use his office of tailoring; and that he was diminished through all the members of his body, as it were drying up; and by the counsel of the physicians he went to the baths of St. Lawrence of the Baths, of the diocese of Viviers, and to the stoves ^d, nor could he be cured. At length returning to his own lodging, he was in the care of the physicians, up to the feast of Pentecost; and when he saw, that on account of this, he could in no way be cured, he made a vow to God, and the said holy Cardinal, saying, that he would visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, if he should recover his health; and he said, that after the vow being made within a few days, he began to recover, and at length fully recovered within the space of two months, so that he could earn his bread. But before the physicians had said to him, that in no way by the art of physicians could he be cured. This witness was asked, if he believes, that he was cured at the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal? He said, that yes. Being asked, if he is fully cured, as he was before the infirmity? He said, that yes. Being asked, why he delayed so long to come to fulfill his vow, since he was cured a great while ago? He said, that he had not the means to come, nay so much had he earned.

[196] Witness IX upon the things described below said, that in the Lent just past, an incurable wound. and about the middle of Lent, the speaker himself was in a conflict, before the castle of Sant'Ermete above Naples; the speaker himself was wounded in the head by a crossbowman, coming out from the said castle; and while he held a crossbow of the winch, or of the lever, he discharged a bolt through the head of the speaker himself, so strong, that it passed through the helmet or iron basinet, and entered into the head from behind, so much so, that it came even to the right eye in front; and the blow received he rode for the space of one mile; and then he thought he would fall from his horse; but he was sustained by his companions and led home. While he was on the way coming to Naples to his lodging; a certain French companion of his said to the speaker himself, that he should devote himself to the holy Cardinal, who did miracles at Avignon. Which heard, the speaker himself made a vow. Being asked of the words of the vow? He said thus: that if the speaker himself should escape from that infirmity, he would visit his sepulcher, and offer a horse and one armed man of wax to the form, according as the speaker himself then was. Which done, the speaker himself came to his lodging, and there came four physicians, namely masters Joannot, Laurentius, Segrinus, and Paulus, surgeons of Naples; and those physicians that same evening removed the bolt from his head; then within forty-seven days the said speaker was cured: although before by the said physicians the said infirmity was judged incurable, and that he would die within a few days, and he wished to give the said physicians two hundred ducats, that they would take him under their peril; which they refused to do; nay they said to Lord Louis de Montegaudio, Marshal of our Lord the Pope, that in no way could he be cured. Being asked, if he believes, that on account of the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal he was cured; He said that yes; and therefore he came to this city to fulfill his vow. Being asked of those present? He said, that this the Marshal of our Lord the Pope knows, the Count of the castle, and a certain captain, called Pinsart, and the other men of arms of the company of the aforesaid Lord Marshal.

[197] Witness X being asked upon those things, upon which the preceding witness had been asked, said that he only knew, Confirmation of the preceding miracle. namely, that in the Lent just past, beyond the middle of Lent, when the said master of his, together with others armed, was sent to run against the castle of Sant'Ermete above Naples, that day at a late hour, the speaker himself saw the said master coming, on horseback with others helping him, carrying a bolt in his head, with which he had been struck, by someone from the castle, as he said, and by others was said: and afterward there came four physicians, whom his master names above in his deposition, and that same night removed for him the bolt from his head, the witness being present, and broke his skin in the manner of a cross, and applied a plaster of the white of eggs, and he was in bed or the chamber well for forty days and more, and the physicians visited him each day once in the day applying medicines. Being asked if the said physicians judged the said master of his to have an incurable infirmity? He said that yes; and so they said to the said Lord Marshal. Being asked if he knows that he made a vow? He said that he heard from the companions of the said master of his, that yes; but when he made the vow, he was not present.

[198] Impotence of the members cured. Witness XI upon the CLVI article of the said articles, and the things contained in it; which thus begins: "Likewise that brother John Heliae, preceptor of the house of Aguilla, of the order of St. Anthony, of the diocese of Aix, made as it were impotent in his whole body," etc. Said and affirmed, that the contents in that article are true, except, that where it is said, that within three days he was restored to health. He said, that nay immediately the vow being made, he felt himself freed from that impotence and weakness, so that with his feet, and without a staff, and without anyone's help he descended twenty steps of the chapel of the hospital of St. Anthony; which however he could not ascend or descend without the help of a man and a staff. To the same pertain the two following depositions.

[199] Repeated, Witness XII examined not upon the articles, given and produced in this cause, but upon the miracle, done to brother John Heliae, of the order of St. Anthony, of the diocese of Aix. And first asked and diligently examined, if she knows the said brother John Heliae, of the order of St. Anthony: she said, that it is six or seven years, since she first had knowledge of him, and had a daughter of hers by name Joanna confirmed. Being asked, if she knows, that the said brother John carried a staff or crutch ^e? She said, that when the said brother of St. Anthony came to lodge at the lodging of the speaker herself and had left his crutch in the boat or ship, in which he had come, so that that same evening she sent to seek the said crutch, and on the morrow in the morning the said brother John carried it to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal. Being asked, if she knows, that the said brother had an infirmity in the city of Avignon? She said, that it is well a year and a half elapsed, since he suffered a great infirmity in his right shin, which he had very large and red, so much so that, she said, he could not rise from bed, nor could he suffer nor sustain, that a garment should be upon the said shin, and the speaker herself said to the said brother John that he should make a vow to the said Lord Cardinal, that he might be cured. But brother John himself answered, by your faith make yourself the vow for me. Which the speaker herself did: saying; I pray God and the blessed Virgin, and the holy Cardinal, that if he cure you of that infirmity, I will make a novena, and will carry a shin of wax, of the weight of one quarter ^f, but afterward the said brother John carried a shin of the weight of one pound. Being asked if the said brother was cured. She said that yes; that after the speaker herself began to make the novena, three days having elapsed, the said brother John began to recover; that the said shin was not so large nor red as before it was. Likewise asked how she knows? She said that the said brother John was sick in the house of the speaker herself, and every day she saw the said shin. Being asked if any medicine was applied? She said that no. Being asked if, during the novena, the said brother John rose from bed? She said that yes, walking through the house, and going to the Church of St. Anthony; and at the end of the novena the said brother John was wholly cured.

[200] Witness XIII upon the same article CLVI, testimonies upon the same miracle. and the things contained in it, said that he only knew, namely, that the speaker himself stayed with the said brother John, in the place of St. Anthony of the diocese of Vienne, for three years or thereabouts, and saw him sick in his shins and whole body so, that he could not go without a crutch and the help of the speaker himself, and of a certain man called Fernandus, for two months and more: and it happened on a certain day when he had celebrated Mass at the altar of the hospital of St. Anthony, brother John himself without a staff and without help descended the stairway of that hospital, and the speaker himself carried the staff to the house. Being asked, if the stairway was very high? He said, that it seems to him, that there were twenty steps and more. Being asked how he knows, that on account of the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal he was cured; he said that he so heard it said by the said brother John, who recounted to the brethren, that the holy Cardinal had done him the grace, that he was cured of the infirmity which at that time he suffered.

[201] Witness XIV being asked upon the CXXIII article of the said articles, The depositions concerning the infant freed from drowning, and the things contained in it, which thus begins: "Likewise that in the same year in the month of December it happened, that the Lord John Martini, rector of the parochial church of St. Genesius, of the present city," etc. He said that he only knew of the contents in the said article, namely, that it is true, that on the vigil of St. Lucy just past, two years were elapsed since the speaker himself together with Richard, named in the article, came to walk upon the bridge: and while they were upon the bridge near the chapel of St. Nicholas, the rope of a certain vessel raised on high well by twelve palms the said Richard, and threw him into the water of the Rhone, and the speaker himself was much troubled; and looked in the water, believing the said boy to be drowned, and then saw the boy raised and appearing upon the water, and then the speaker himself made a vow to the holy Cardinal, that if he would free him from drowning, he would give him ten pounds of wax. And after a pause there came the vessel, which carried stones, whose rope had raised him, and thrown him into the water, and one man, who was in the said vessel, showed the boy a staff, or gaff, and drew him to the vessel. Being asked if the boy had drunk of the water? He answered that the boy said no. Being asked, how long the said boy was in the water? He said that the psalm "Miserere mei" would have been said twice, as it seems to him. Being asked if the said boy was clothed in short garments or long? He said in middling ones down to the middle of the shin. Being asked if he knew how to swim? He said no, that he knows of, but he saw, that the boy moved his hands and struggled upon the water.

[202] by dropsy, Witness XV being asked not upon the articles, given and produced in this cause, but upon the miracle, below set forth and declared by her, said, that in the year just elapsed, namely on the Thursday before the feast of Pentecost, when the speaker herself was sick, and had been for two years and more, of the infirmity called dropsy, as the physicians said: so much so, that she was very large and swollen in her body, shins, and arms; and seeing, that she could not be cured by the physicians, she made a vow to the holy Cardinal saying: That if God and the holy Cardinal would furnish her health from that infirmity, she would come to his sepulcher, with an image of 16 pounds of wax, and would never mount a horse, until she should undertake the said journey ^g: which vow being made, she remained so up to the Saturday, on which day she confessed and communicated, and, dinner being taken, a sweat seized her, which lasted her for three days, within which she was cured of the swelling, though she was weak. Being asked if after the vow being made she applied medicines? She said no. Being asked if before she had had physicians? She said, that yes, several: namely the physicians of the Lord Count, and Countess of Savoy, and several others, who had left her as forsaken and reputed that infirmity incurable. The said Lady also said, that she now comes to the city of Avignon, to pay and fulfill her vow; because she was cured by the prayers of that Lord Peter the Cardinal.

[203] with a tumor of the belly, Witness XVI being asked not upon the articles given and produced in this cause, but upon the miracle, done to the Lady Bernarda de Mediolano, of the said diocese of Tarentaise, and first asked if she knows the said Lady Bernarda? She said, that yes, and stayed with her for one year, and was with her for six weeks, or thereabouts, before she was cured: she saw the physicians visiting her: yet the Lady herself said, that they profited nothing and had left her as forsaken. Then she said, that she was cured after the vow being made to the said Lord Peter the Cardinal, and so the said Lady said.

[204] and the falling sickness being put to flight. Witness XVII not upon the articles, given and produced in this business, but upon the things said and miracles, below expressed and declared by him, said that the speaker himself suffered an infirmity in his whole body, well for two years and a half so strong, that he could not walk without two crutches: with which in the manner in which he could, he went to seek alms, in the city of Valence, and other neighboring places. Likewise he also said, that he had suffered an infirmity, which is called the falling sickness: and that he might be cured of the said infirmities he came as a pilgrim to the oratory of blessed Mary of Espérance of Avignon; then he returned to his parts by no means cured, and afterward he heard it said in the said place of Valence, that the holy Cardinal did many miracles at Avignon, and then the said speaker hearing these things made a vow to the said holy Cardinal, and procured to come to his sepulcher. Being asked, by what words he made the vow? He said: Lord holy Cardinal! I supplicate you, that I may be cured of my infirmities, and may be able to labor, and do my works, and earn my bread; that I will visit your sepulcher as a pilgrim; and will carry six pounds of wax, namely three for each infirmity. Then after two days, the said speaker entered the vessel of John de Jonas of Valence, carrying his crutches; and came to Avignon to the sepulcher of the aforesaid Cardinal; and there made his novena: and the falling sickness held him more than usual, as he says: and the said novena being made, the speaker himself, returning to Valence, and to his land, and when he was at Pont-de-Sorgues, where he lay that night, and on the morrow, dinner being taken, he crossed the bridge, and the bridge being crossed he felt himself somewhat relieved of the said infirmity, so that he could go with one crutch, with which he supported himself a little: but the other crutch he carried under his arm. And when he was at Orange, he came to the hospital, and said to the hospitaller, that he was cured by the prayers of the said holy Cardinal: and he was cured gradually, so that immediately after Easter, he could earn his bread, driving the plow with oxen. Being asked, if he had physicians? He said no. Being asked, when the falling sickness seized him? He said, that while he was a boy; and afterward it had well ceased for nine years, in which he did not have it. Afterward it returned to him again, as has been said.

[205] Witness XVIII being asked, not upon the articles, a captive given and produced above in this cause, but upon the things said and miracles below expressed by him; said, that in the year just past in Lent; and about the middle of that Lent, the speaker himself was going from Avignon to the parts of Geneva, together with Lord William Bruneli, a presbyter of Trusillis, of the diocese of Geneva, and Peter Mareleti, a shoemaker of the same place, and three other men: of whose names he does not remember, who were going to the place of Montmélian, with their animals and merchandise, and when he was on the public road near the town of Saint-Ferréol, of the diocese of Valentinois, he met in the way seven armed men on foot, who captured him, and captured led him into the castle of Saint-Ferréol. Being asked, if he was armed? He said no. Being asked, if the others were captured? He said, that yes, all, but that presbyter said, that he was of the people of our Lord the Pope, and each of the others alleged his reasons: and they released all, except the speaker himself, saying, that the speaker himself was of the people of Lord Raymund de Turenne, although the speaker himself said, that he was of the people of Gerard Darto, captain of the Venaissin: in which castle they held him imprisoned in a tower for seven weeks, and in iron fetters, and for fifteen days they held him in wooden fetters together with irons.

And he said, that one of the days it happened, that the keeper of the prisons said to the speaker himself, in peril of his head, that on the morrow he would be hanged by the neck. And then the speaker himself, believing and fearing death, asked that a presbyter be ministered to him to confess, and a little after a presbyter was brought to him, to whom he confessed, and after the presbyter had returned, the said speaker began to weep bitterly; and weeping bitterly, he fell asleep, leaning upon a bench ^h, and sitting. So that sleeping there came to him in a vision, that he should devote himself to St. Peter the Cardinal, and a little after awakening, he made a vow to the holy Cardinal, saying the following words: I recommend myself to God, the blessed Mary, St. Catherine, and blessed Peter of Luxembourg, that they may be willing to help me; so that I may escape the hands of these evil people. Which if they do; I promise to visit the sepulcher of the said St. Peter, and to carry and offer an iron cuirass of the weight of twenty pounds, and to abstain from eating flesh all the time of my life, and never to wear a hood, to fast every Friday, and to use for the whole of Lent only bread and water without other foods.

freed, And after a little he fell asleep again, and for about the space of one hour, as it seems to him. And then awakening, he found that the irons, with which he was ironed, had fallen from his feet, without his having felt anything. Which known, the said speaker, rejoicing, rendered thanks to God, and the holy Cardinal, and went about the tower, seeking the door, which he found wholly open. Being asked, at what hour it was? He said a little before midnight, and then the speaker himself climbed upon a certain wall of the enclosure of the castle, and when he was upon the wall, he leaped upon the rock and snow, which then was there abundantly; and from the rock, seeking steps here and there, through steep places he descended to the foot of the said rock, in which place is a public road, and thence the said speaker walked all night, not knowing whither he went, but on the morrow he found himself to be in the place of the monastery of Clermont near the city of Grenoble at five leagues. Then he went to Grenoble, so that in that midnight, as it was told to him, he walked well for the space of ten or twelve leagues, and threw his hood into the water, wishing to begin his vow, and so he escaped the hands of those men by the grace of God and blessed Peter the Cardinal. Then he went as a pilgrim to St. Anthony, to blessed Mary of Le Puy, but now he comes to Avignon, paying and fulfilling his vow and offering the said cuirass or iron tunic, which he then promised, and offered. Being asked, why he promised a cuirass? He said, that he thought, that he could not carry the irons, and therefore he promised to carry iron of so great a weight, according as the irons were, in his view, and made the aforesaid promise, brought back to memory, when he felt himself freed from the said irons.

[206] drowning being avoided, Witness XIX being asked upon the article CXXIII, and the things contained in it, which thus begins: "Likewise that in the same year in the month of December; it happened, that the Lord John Martini rector of the Parochial church of St. Genesius of the present city," etc. He said, that he remembers that the Lord John Martini, rector of the Parochial church of St. Genesius of Avignon, asked the said speaker; if he would go with him to walk upon the bridge. Who answered, that yes: whence both together went to walk upon the bridge of the Rhone; and while they were upon the bridge, and the speaker himself looked from the border of the bridge, at the water, a certain rope, with which a vessel was being drawn, by chance took the said speaker; who drawn on high above the bridge, fell into the water of the Rhone, and by the same chance was even to the bottom of the water: so that he said he had touched the bottom with his head, and afterward raised upon the water, he struggled with his hands, until a certain vessel coming to the speaker himself, and then the men of that vessel drew the speaker himself with a certain hook or grapple from the water, as it seems to him: which speaker the boatmen asked, if he had hurt himself, or drunk water; he answered no: but he said, that he had wept, because he had lost his hood. Being asked how long he remained in the water? He said, that as it seems to him, for half an hour. Being asked if he knew how to swim? He said no: although in the fountains, in which cloths are washed, he had sometimes tried to swim. Being asked, if he himself devoted himself to any Saint? He answered no: but he had the holy Cardinal in mind.

[207] Witness XX examined upon the article CXXIII, a boy, and the things contained in it; said, that it is well two years, as it seems to him, since the speaker himself, and certain others were leading a vessel through the water of the Rhone, and the speaker himself was inside the ship, and saw, that a boy fell from the bridge into the water, and the speaker himself came with the vessel near the place, where the said boy was, and with an iron-shod staff drew the said boy to the ship. Being asked, how the boy was? He said, that he turned about at the turning of the water, because the water makes turnings in that place. Being asked how far the speaker himself was from the boy? He said, for the space of two arches of the bridge. Being asked if the water was deep in that place; where the boy fell? He said yes and as deep, as in any place of the Rhone. Being asked if he believes that on account of the miracle of some Saint, the said boy was freed? He said, that yes; because he was in a perilous place, and he believes that no swimmer even naked could escape. Being asked of the boy's name? He said, that he does not know, but a certain chaplain came, who carried the said boy. Being asked of what age the said boy was? He said 12 years old or thereabouts, as it seemed to him.

[208] Witness XXI upon the same CXXIII article and the things contained in it said, from drowning, that once he with certain others was drawing the rope of a certain vessel coming out on the Rhone, laden with stones: he indeed was upon the bridge, and a boy, whose name he does not know, twelve years old, as it seems to him, placed himself at the border of the bridge; and from the border of the bridge the said boy looked at the water; and although the speaker himself said to the said boy and the other bystanders, that they should withdraw thence: meanwhile came the rope, suddenly seizing the boy, and threw him into the water turning about; then the said boy appeared upon the water; and stood there in a turning of the water: and a little after came the vessel, and one man who was in the vessel, with an iron grapple ⁱ took him and placed him in the vessel. Being asked if a vow was made? He said, that he heard it said, that a certain chaplain, who was leading the said boy, had made a vow to God and the holy Cardinal for the saving of the said boy. Being asked if he believes, that the said boy on account of the prayers of the holy Cardinal was freed from that peril. He said, that yes: because he believes that of a thousand not one would escape.

[209] free. Witness XXII being asked upon the already often aforesaid article CXXIII and the things contained in it, said, that it is well two years (of the month nor of the day he does not remember) the speaker himself being on the bridge of Avignon, was giving the head of the rope to two men being in a certain vessel, laden with stones, and saw a boy being beside the border of the bridge, looking at the water; and suddenly the cable or rope came and threw the said boy into the water, which boy indeed went in and immediately appeared upon the water, and then a chaplain, being upon the bridge, on bended knees, prayed to the Holy Body, vowing him to the Holy Body, for the saving of the said boy, and then, the vow being made the said boy was raised upon the water, and a little after came the vessel, and one being in the vessel, raised him from the water, and placed him in the vessel with an iron grapple. Being asked if the said boy swam? He said that he struggled with his hands upon the water. Being asked if he believes that the said boy escaped naturally, or miraculously? He said that he believes miraculously: because he believes, considering the depth and distance, and the turning of the water, that no man could escape in any way. Being asked to what place the said boy went? He said that he does not know; only that then a chaplain carried him to the city of Avignon.

[210] Likewise concerning another boy, Witness XXIII being asked upon the CXX article of the said articles, which thus begins: "Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1388, in the month of April, Boniface son of Stephen Colini a silversmith," etc.; He said, that in the month of April next coming, it will be two years, but of the day he does not remember, since Boniface his son named in the article, suffered a most grave infirmity and remained for three natural days, not eating nor drinking: except that sugared water was placed for him with a feather in his mouth; because then with a spoon he could not receive it. So that the speaker himself made a vow, and came down from his chamber, and promised to St. Peter the Cardinal to bring the said boy with an image, and with a torch of four pounds of wax: and although he had been wont to fast on Saturdays, yet then he bound himself by a vow, and vowed to fast in perpetual times, as long as he should live, if he would furnish the said boy health. Then he said that, the vow being made, he ascended above; and the boy asked to be given a drink. And the speaker himself gave him with a feather some of the aforesaid water, and after a little interval there came to the boy's mouth a worm, which the boy with his hand and the help of his parents drew out of his mouth, although the said boy for nearly 15 days before, could help himself neither with hands nor feet.

healed of a most grave infirmity. Being asked of what length the said worm was? He said, of the length of a palm, and of the thickness of a wax candle, of the value of one patac, and it was a worm black and hairy, and on the following day sixteen smaller worms, and of another color, and on the third day after the vow the speaker himself and the mother led the said boy to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal: so that the boy going and returning walked with his own feet: nor would he suffer, that his father should carry him: but the boy himself carried the image from the place of the apothecary's shop up to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal. Being asked if he had his eyes turned? He said that yes, and he stank like moist earth; and he was rigid in his members, and they reputed him dead. Being asked how long he was rigid and cold? He said, that from the hour of Vespers up to the first sleep, well for four hours. Being asked if during those four hours, the said boy emitted breath? He said no; nay the speaker himself several times placed a lighted candle at the boy's mouth; so that nothing was moved. Being asked if the boy kept his mouth closed? He said that yes. Being asked if before the father placed the lighted candle at the mouth of the said boy, the speaker himself had made the vow? He said that yes; and the mother of the boy cried strongly; saying, now I see the boy dead, and strongly meanwhile she cried on bended knees, saying; Holy Cardinal, now I see, that thou hast no power: yet I require thee, that, if thou hast power with God, in this hour preserve and restore to me my son, my boy. At which immediately the boy began to move himself, and said to his mother, give me to drink, which also she did.

[211] Witness XXIV being asked, not upon the articles, given in this cause, Wounded but upon the things said and miracles below expressed and declared by him. And first he said, that about the feast of St. James, of the year just past, the said Peter who speaks, being in the street, between the churches of the Carmelites and the Augustinians of Avignon, and before the inn of the Red Lion, a certain German, a Saxon by nation, blasphemed our Lord Pope Clement VII, and the whole court. Whence when on account of those defamations he was led captive to the court, and a certain John, called Lerim, courier of our Lord the Pope, had struck the blasphemer with a slap upon the neck on the right side: then that struck man, turning himself with a certain knife, which he carried under his cloak, struck the said speaker about the left breast, between the fold of the arm and the breast; so that the blade entered by the length of the index finger of the hand: which wound inflicted, the said Peter fell in the street, in which he was struck, because he set his foot in a certain hole of the street, and then that blasphemer wounded the said speaker in the right breast, and wished to strike a third time with the same blade, had not Peter himself who speaks held his hand, yet that blasphemer was disturbed and hindered by the bystanders, nor yet on this account did he desist, and then the serjeants of the Marshal's court led both to the court.

And Peter himself who speaks, on the way begged St. Peter the Cardinal, that he would preserve him, and not permit him to die that base death. Which done, the said wounds were inspected by the courtiers of the Marshal's court, and the speaker himself was dismissed, and went to a barber, namely to master Henry, who dwells near the Augustinians. Which master Henry made his probe, and then placed a hose i.e., a tent/plug, which was of the aforesaid length, and of the thickness of the little finger of the hand or nearly; which done, Peter himself who speaks went to his lodging, and had continually in his devotion the holy Cardinal, begging him, as above: and placed himself upon the bed, and it was as it were the hour of Vespers, and he entered the bed naked, and remained in bed up to midnight or thereabouts, without sleeping, then he fell asleep until day, and awaking he found himself healed of the said wound of the side, and the hose beside him bloody; and in the morning he went to the aforesaid barber, who dressed for him the wound of the jaw: and to him wishing to dress the wound of the side he said, that he needed not, because he was cured: and the barber, seeing the wound cured, crossed himself, wondering at so sudden a cure. Being asked if he believes that on account of the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal he was cured? He said that yes. Being asked if he visited the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal? He said that yes, saying also, that he divulged this miracle in Bohemia, and wherever he was.

[212] with two wounds, Witness XXV being asked upon the miracle, done at the invocation of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal to Peter of Prague, said, that in the summer just past, one man of Prague, who dwells with the Dean of Prague, had a dissension with a certain German, who said injuries and blasphemies of our Lord the Pope. And when that man of Prague reprehended the blasphemer, and had sent to seek, as he said, serjeants, to lead him to prison, after some space he saw the said man of Prague wounded with two wounds. Namely with one in the face, and with the other in the left side, and he saw the blade, with which the said wounds were said to have been made, all bloody; and he heard it said by the said wounded man, that the said blasphemer had wounded him: yet whether he was, or when he was cured, he said he did not know. But he heard it said by the said Lord Dean of Prague, master of the wounded man, that the holy Cardinal had done the said wounded man a great miracle. Being asked of the time, in which the said Dean told him? He said, that from the feast of the Nativity of the Lord onward.

[213] he is healed. Witness XXVI upon the fact or miracle of the curing of Peter of Prague, servitor of the Dean of Prague, said, that the said Peter was wounded in the jaw, and in the chest: but a certain servant of his on the day of the wounds inflicted, dressed those wounds; and on the morrow the said speaker dressed the wound inflicted in the jaw, and when the other wished to dress the wound, the injured man answered, that he reckoned himself cured; and showed him the place of the wound, and the said barber saw, that it was wholly closed, and there remained only a slight scar, which seeing, he applied nothing.

[214] Witness XXVII being asked upon the CIX article of the said articles, and the things contained in it, A dead boy which thus begins: "Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1388 Allamanda, wife of Firmandus Ruffi, a laborer," etc. She said the contents in the aforesaid article were true: because she saw, and was present. Being asked how she knows, that that boy was dead? She said, that she held the said boy, who was cold and black, and had no breath, which could be known. Being asked for how long a space she saw the said boy so cold, black, and dead? She said, well for one hour and a half. Being asked, if she made the vow? She said, that yes, on bended knees. Being asked how she knew that the boy lived after the vow being made? She said that the vow being made, as it were immediately, so that an Our Father would not have been said, when they held the boy in the bath, they knew that the boy's pulse moved, and the boy himself of himself moved his shins, and immediately they carried the said boy to the church to be baptized, and at the door of the church he opened his mouth, and from the boy's mouth an abscess went out: afterward when the boy was baptized, he began to weep, and lived thereafter for three months or thereabouts. Being asked, since the boy was black, if together with his breath he recovered color and changed? She said that yes, and recovered his due color, according as other boys born alive have.

[215] Witness XXVIII being asked upon the same aforesaid CIX article, by the help of Blessed Peter and the things contained in it, which thus begins: "Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1388 Allemanda wife," etc. He said the contents in the said article were true, because he was present with his wife Berengaria, and Hugueta the midwife. Which witness confirmed all the things which are deposed in the preceding deposition.

[216] Witness XXIX examined upon the same CIX article, recalled to life. and the things contained in it, said, the contents in the said article were true. Being asked, how she knows? She said that she was the midwife, and received the boy from the womb of his mother, and did that office well for thirty years, and immediately handed the boy to Berengaria, named in the article: who seeing the boy so lying, who did not move himself, the said Berengaria placed him in warm water, and blew into the boy's mouth with spices and warm wine, to make him breathe, if he could, and it profited nothing. Being asked of what color the boy was? She said very white and soft. Being asked if he kept his eyes closed? She said that yes. Being asked how long he remained in that state? She said for one hour and more. Being asked if after the vow being made the boy delayed to breathe? She said that those women remained well for one hour crying and invoking continually the aforesaid holy Cardinal, that he would raise the said boy; and then the speaker herself received the boy: which received, the boy himself had strength in his heart; and gradually began to move his feet and hands, and had the due color, and firmness, because before he was soft. Being asked if in this boy there appeared any vital sign? She said, no. Being asked if she believes that on account of the prayers of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal he was restored? She said that yes. Being asked of those present? She said, that Berengaria and her husband. Of the names of the others she does not remember.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER XI. The remaining depositions of the Witnesses upon the miracles of Blessed Peter.

[217] Of a hernia Witness XXX being asked, not upon the articles, given in this cause, but upon the things said, and miracles below expressed and declared by him. And first he said, that he suffered a very great infirmity, which he suffered well for seven months; so that his intestines rumbled much, and one of them descended about the genitals, and when the intestine was above, it returned to its proper place with the hand of the speaker himself, and he had made a vow several times to St. Mary of the Tables, and to St. Firmin, and could never be cured. Yet on the seventh moon of March just past, when the speaker himself was much afflicted by the said infirmity, he remembered St. Peter the Cardinal, and with the greatest devotion and shedding of tears, devoted himself to the aforesaid St. Peter the Cardinal, promising him, that he would be his pilgrim, and would give him a belly of wax of one quarter of a pound; and it was as it were the hour of terce, and after the making of the said vow, after two hours the speaker himself felt himself cured of the said infirmity, which thereafter he did not have nor feel, and therefore he came here to Avignon as a pilgrim to pay his vow. Being asked, in what place he was, when he made the vow? He said, that he had gone out that day from Nîmes, and was going toward Domesanum, and could not walk well, hindered by the said infirmity. And therefore he made the vow there lying in the way, when he could not go. Being asked what he did after the vow? He said that the pain began to decline, and he continued his way, so that after the space of two hours he was cured, as is said above. Being asked, if he had the remedies of physicians? He said no; nor would he reveal his infirmity to anyone. Being asked, if he revealed it to his wife? He said no. Being asked, if he believes that on account of the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal he was cured of that infirmity? He said that yes.

[218] Witness XXXI upon the CLVII article of the said articles, and the things contained in it, an epileptic hand, which thus begins: "Likewise that, while the body of the said Lord Cardinal was carried to the sepulcher, before the house of a certain good woman by name Jacoba," etc. Which article being read over to her, and explained in the vernacular, and understood by her as she asserted, she said, that she knew the said Jacoba, named in the article, and she showed the speaker herself her hand, congratulating and rejoicing that she was cured; and reported to all the grace done to her by St. Peter the Cardinal, and the said Jacoba said, that it seemed, that she had been struck upon the elbow, whence before the said Jacoba had her fingers bent and closed. Being asked, how long she had the said infirmity? She said she did not know, yet she well saw for three months before this cure, that she had that infirmity, and she said this was public, because she showed her hand to all. Being asked if she saw the said Jacoba after the cure? She said that yes, and she lived for half a year after.

[219] Witness XXXII being asked upon the CLXII article, of which just above there has been speech, restored to health. she said, that she had known a woman named Jacoba, who sold fruits at the gate of the lodging of the speaker herself, which Jacoba suffered an infirmity in her hand, as is contained in the said CLXII article, and she saw on the day of the burial of the holy Cardinal, the said woman returning to the speaker herself, and saying, that she had been cured, as is contained in the said article: and she saw her extending those three fingers, and her whole hand, as healthy. Being asked, how long the said Jacoba suffered the said infirmity? She said that the said Jacoba had told the speaker herself, that she had well suffered it for four years, yet she saw her only for two months selling fruits before her house. Being asked if the said Jacoba still lives? She said no, but she is dead, a year is elapsed.

[220] Witness XXXIII being asked, not upon an article, but upon a miracle expressed below. And first she said, Epilepsy healed, and by her half oath, testifying deposed, that in the month of May next to come, it will be two years, since such an infirmity seized her, and came to such a point, that she was for thirty-six days unable to move her feet, nor to feed herself, and wholly so that the physicians had left her as for dead, and she had wholly lost her memory, so much so, that she did not remember anything, nor the chapels, nor the cemetery of St. Michael, although she dwelt before the said chapels and cemetery. At length there came to her a certain gossip of hers, named Bartholomew Spinelli; who said to the said speaker: Gossip, why do you not recommend yourself to that glorious St. Cardinal, who does so many miracles? And she said: Where is that Cardinal? I know not, what he is. And it happened, that one of the days they took her, and carried her to the window of her house; and then she saw an elm tree, standing before her house, and was somewhat brought to remembrance. And then she made a vow to the said holy Cardinal, that if by his prayers she could recover health, she would make a novena upon his sepulcher, and would offer two arms and two shins of wax. Which vow being made, immediately she began to sign herself with the sign of the cross, and began to move all her members, and gradually recovered the strengths of her members and made the novena and paid the vow, and she was weak, but gradually recovered her health. Being asked of those present at the vow and knowing the premises? She said that Catherine, wife of the aforesaid Bartholomew Spinelli, and Silvester Cambini, servitor of the speaker herself, and Marieta, daughter of John Gammaire, then maidservant of the speaker herself.

[221] Witness XXXIV being asked upon the CLXII article, another cured and the things contained in it, which thus begins: "Likewise that, while the body of the said Lord Cardinal," etc. Which witness the said article being heard and understood, confirmed that the contents in it were true: for he knew the said Jacoba, and they dwelt so near, that there were only two lodgings between.

[222] and by the testimony of several Witness XXXV being asked upon the aforesaid article CLXII, and the things contained in it, said, that the contents in the said article concerning the sudden curing of Jacoba by the intercession of St. Peter the Cardinal, were true.

[223] Witness XXXVI confirmed the same concerning the sudden curing of Jacoba, after the vow made to the said St. Peter the Cardinal, while his holy body was carried to the sepulcher.

[224] asserted by their testimony. Witness XXXVII being asked upon the same oft-said article CLXII, said and deposed, that the contents in the said article were true, as one who, the speaker herself, saw the said Jacoba impotent in her arm, and suddenly cured after the vow made by her to the said holy Peter the Cardinal.

[225] A weak man void of speech recovers. Witness XXXVIII being asked upon the CXXV article, and the things contained in it, which begins: "Likewise that in the same year the son of Bernard Alberti, a merchant of Avignon, fourteen years old or thereabouts," etc.; He said the contents in that article were true: Being asked how he knows? He said, that there were chaplains there saying the office, and women holding a lighted candle.

[226] A hand ill affected, Witness XXXIX being asked upon the CLXII article of the said articles, and the things contained in it. And first being asked, if he had knowledge of Jacoba, named in the article? He said, that at the time in which the said Lord Peter the Cardinal was buried, on the third day after the burial, the speaker himself was deputed, with master John Regis, to write the miracles, which happened, and might happen to be reported by people of either sex, so that it happened, that the said Jacoba was examined by the speaker himself, and deposed, as is contained in a certain slip, taken by the speaker himself; in which slip is contained the deposition of the said Jacoba, then living; and also is contained the deposition of Lord Helias Auduyni, a presbyter of the diocese of Angoulême, and servitor of the new chapel of All Saints, founded in the cemetery near the burial of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal of Luxembourg: of which slip the tenor follows, and is such. There follows the information made by me Pontius de Ponte, a cleric of Laon, public by Apostolic and Imperial authority, and notary of the court of the Apostolic Chamber of our Lord the Pope, by the precept and commission, and the great affection, which the Reverend in Christ Father and Lord, the Lord Clement, Bishop of Lodève, and General Auditor of the below-written court of the Apostolic Chamber, desired and desires to know, of and upon certain miracles, done, both in the person of Jacoba of Lyons, wife of Roger of Paris a laborer, inhabitant of Avignon; and of other persons, by the Lord Peter of holy memory, Deacon Cardinal of St. George at the golden Veil, commonly named "of Luxembourg," and first follows the deposition of that Jacoba.

[227] by the intercession of Blessed Peter In the Name of the Lord. Amen. In the year from the nativity of the Lord 1388, in the 10th Indiction, on the 7th of the month of July: in the ninth year of the pontificate of the most holy in Christ Father, and our Lord, the Lord Clement, by divine providence the seventh Pope, the honest woman Jacoba of Lyons, wife of Roger of Paris, a laborer, inhabitant of Avignon, 40 years old or thereabouts: said and by her half oath, bodily made upon the holy Gospels of God, deposed through her, that in the month of August next to come, it will be four years, since a certain infirmity by chance came to the same speaker in her left arm, which descended from the elbow up to the hand; so that of that left hand she remained impotent, and she kept the three last fingers of the said hand continually closed, nor could she in any way open them; nay it was as it were withered, and although she had caused many medicines to be made, and had made many promises to divers Saints, yet she could not be cured, nor could she up to the past Friday, on which the aforesaid Lord Cardinal was buried; who while he was carried to the sepulcher, the speaker herself was then selling apples and other fruits, earning her living, as best she could, and when he was buried, it by chance came to her in devotion, and in imagination, that she should go upon the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, which also she did, the aforesaid fruits and apples being left. And on bended knees she placed herself upon the said burial, and weeping begged the Lord Cardinal himself, that, if he had any power with Our Lord, he would obtain grace for her, that she might be freed from the said infirmity, and would restore to her the health of her aforesaid arm and hand. Which prayer and beseeching being made by her, as is premised, continually standing upon the aforesaid burial, it seemed to the same speaker, as if with a hammer she were struck by someone on the elbow of her arm, where she suffered; and immediately she opened her fingers, and helped herself with them and with her hand, and helps herself, and felt herself wholly healed and freed, as she did before the said infirmity: which said hand before she could scarcely put to her head, but now she is healed, by the prayers however, as she most certainly believes, and intercessions of the said Lord Cardinal.

[228] Witness XLI for the information of the miracle, done in the person of the said Jacoba, received and sworn, and diligently examined by me the said Notary; cured. and first asked, if he knows the said Jacoba? He said that yes. Being asked, from how long a time onward he knew her? He said, that from two years onward, in which he served the said chapel, whom he saw many times coming to the said chapel devoutly, and sometimes having Masses said, both by the witness himself who speaks, and by the other presbyters. Being asked, if from the time in which he had knowledge of that Jacoba onward, he knew or noticed, or otherwise knows, that she suffered in any of her members? He said that he knew and saw her suffering in a certain arm of hers, with which, nor with the hand, she could not help herself, and she kept three fingers of that hand closed, and held it and carried it to her breast, and it was as it were withered. Being asked, if he knows, that she is now cured? He said that yes, as he heard it said by her, and from this that the speaker himself was present, when that Jacoba came to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, begging him; that if he had any power with Our Lord, he would do her the grace, that she be healed of the said arm, and, he being present, she rose healed from the said sepulcher, and thereafter he saw that Jacoba helping herself with the said hand and arm, as with the other hand and arm; and therefore he held that a miracle was done to her by the said Lord Peter the Cardinal. Being asked, if any were present when she came upon the said sepulcher? He said, that yes; five or six; as it seems to him, of whose names he does not remember, and it was after the burial made, and at the beginning of the miracles, and on that day, on which he was buried. Other things he said he did not know. So it is, Pontius de Ponte.

[229] Of the same miracle. Witness XLII being asked upon the CLXII article of the said articles, and the things contained in it, which thus begins: "Likewise that, while the body," etc. Being asked, he said that he only knew of the contents in the said article, namely, that the said Jacoba was his wife for twenty-two years. Being asked, if the said Jacoba suffered any infirmity? He said, that she suffered in her left hand, and it was as it were withered together with her arm, and on the day of the burial of the said Lord Peter of Luxembourg the Cardinal, the said Jacoba was cured of the said infirmity. Whence the speaker himself, not finding the said Jacoba in his house, believed, that she had gone to gather plums, or other fruits in the garden, but she had gone to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, as that Jacoba after her return related to the said speaker. Being asked, if the said Jacoba recovered full health? He said that of the said hand she was cured so, that she could do her business; yet the arm and hand were not so strong, as the other hand and arm: nor was the arm so corpulent, as the other. Being asked how long the said Jacoba lived after the said cure? He said, that for twenty months, or thereabouts.

[230] The depositions concerning the merchant fallen into the Rhone, Witness XLIII being asked upon the CXXIV article of the said articles, and the things contained in it, which begins: "Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1388, in the month of August, while a certain Bertrand Calneti, a merchant of salt, dwelling in the present city," etc. He said the contents in the said article were true, this excepted, that he was not carried along the water for a crossbow-shot, but remained there at the bottom of the water under the vessel and thereabouts, nor did he rise from the water, but remained below, and this excepted, that he did not ride the staff or pole, but received it with his hands. Being asked, how long he remained in the water? He said he did not know; but he heard from the bystanders, that it was for one hour. Being asked, if the speaker himself knew how to swim? He said, no more than a stone. Being asked, if he drank of the water? He said that yes, but it did him no harm. Nay immediately he came to the sepulcher of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal of Luxembourg, but well for eight days he felt the stench of the water of the Rhone. Being asked, if he was naked? He said no: nay he was clothed and shod with hose and shoes. Being asked if he believes, that by the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal he was freed? He believes, that yes.

[231] by impotence, Witness XLIV examined, not upon articles, but upon the things said and miracles below expressed by him. And first he said and deposed, that the Lady Cupeta was sick well for forty days; so that she was wholly impotent, except in her tongue and eating. Finally that Lady having in memory God, the Virgin Mary, and the holy Cardinal of Luxembourg, vowed, that if he would give her health, she would make a novena in her chapel; and would also carry two shins of wax, and would have there every day one Mass celebrated: and the vow being made she felt herself somewhat improved; so that she brought her hand to her mouth though slowly eating a cherry ^a; and afterward the speaker himself, with certain others carried her beside the window, at which she wept much praying, because thence she saw the chapel of the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, and the following day with help she came down below, and on the third day afterward she came to the chapel with her feet, with the help of the speaker himself, and of others sustaining her by the arms: and there, the novena being completed, she was wholly cured. So that she went to the church of the Carmelites with bare feet, to St. Maurus, where is an altar to the reverence of St. Maurus. Being asked, how he knows? He said, that he stayed with her for twenty years, and was so at that time. Being asked if she had physicians? He said, that yes, two namely, masters Jacob and Abraham the Jews, who had wholly left her for dead. Being asked of the time? He said that it is two years or thereabouts, of the month and day he does not remember. Being asked, if he believes that by the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal she was cured? He said that yes.

[232] Witness XLV being asked upon the CLXXXII article of the said articles, A cancer in the breast, which thus begins: "Likewise that Margaret, daughter of master John de Tournemire, physician of our Lord the Pope, dwelling in the town of Montpellier," etc. He said that he only knew of the contents in the said article, namely that in the year of the Lord 1387, and at the beginning of the month of September just past, he, who speaks, physician of our Lord the Pope, being in his service, wished to visit his house at Montpellier: and when he was there, he found Margaret his daughter, wife of Peter Saisse, 18 years old, afflicted in her left breast; with a hard tumor and pain; and asked her, how it befell her? Who said and answered to him her mother being present, that there came upon her a little knot after the manner of a hazelnut; hard to the touch, and with pain, when it was touched, and finally that little knot and hardness was augmented in a great part of the breast. But he saw her pregnant, and said to her, do not doubt, that it is by reason of the fetus: but her mother answered him: how is it, that it is not the same in the other breast. But he who speaks palliated for them, as much as he could, and the speaker himself seeing that passion to be cancerous, and to be a hidden cancer, which is a mortal malady, for the most part; nay coming to opening and bursting in the breast, they die within a year, or within a year and a half, from the corrosion of the flesh, for the whole breast is corroded gradually; nor did he see anyone living for a year and a half, or two years at most, suffering a similar infirmity: for although that corrosion be remitted with unguents applied by a physician, he did not see anyone pass through two years, but that she died: for that strong corrosion is most vehemently fetid in its progress: and although some women are strong, they commonly do not pass the second year. For within that time the breast is as it were corroded. And by some that infirmity is called "touch me not": because the more that is applied, the worse it becomes, unless there be an unguent chosen by a most excellent physician.

[233] not by human means, But he seeing this, was troubled even to his bowels: He said to the mother of his said daughter, and to her, do nothing, save that you avoid certain things, namely salted flesh, cheese, the substance of legumes, fruits of hard substance, chestnuts, pears; and have in devotion this most glorious Cardinal, the Lord Peter of Luxembourg, and permit the said daughter to visit his image, existing in the church of blessed Mary of the Tables, with your offerings; and have him in devotion twice in the day evening and morning, on bended and bare knees invoking him, and his help. But his said daughter said to him, that they should send her something of the garment ^b of the said Lord Cardinal, with which she might touch her aforesaid breast. But he weeping took his leave ^c of them, and came to the court, to the service of our Lord the Pope. Consequently he came in the summer, when he arrived here at the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, to bestow reverence on the same Lord Cardinal; and weeping made to him his complaint; requiring him, that he would show the power and virtue, which he has with the holy divinity. But afterward for some days, he went to the Lord, then bishop-elect, but now bishop of Coutances, requiring him, that he would give him a little of the garment of the said Lord Cardinal: who answered him, that he had none, save only of the sheets, in which he died, and opened his coffer, and gave him a little fragment of one sheet, and showed him a knotted cord, but by the application of relics, bloody, with certain knots, and it being seen, he, who speaks, begged him, that he would give him a little of that cord, who answered him, that he was not bold, save by the precept of the Pope: yet he gave him, of special grace, some of the thread of the tuft of that cord, to the form of one needle.

[234] of the Blessed But he, with as great humility as he could, received it, and wrapped it in fine linen, and the premises so standing, it came to his knowledge, that the said breast had burst, and began to pain: for then came the time of corrosion, as is of the nature of that cancer. Hearing this, he charged his wife, the said cloth with the said thread together, tied in the said fine linen, commanding his said wife, that evening and morning she should rub the aforesaid breast with that cloth, especially that cancerous hardness, and should interpose within the hole of that bursting that thread. But the feast of All Saints coming, it was made known to the speaker himself, that his said daughter was in ill case, because she had miscarried. But he troubled, pardon being asked of Our Lord, and Mass being heard, on the day of All Saints, departed from the present city, and that day rode for eleven leagues, notwithstanding the short days. But on the morrow about the fourth hour he arrived at his house, and found the said Margaret his daughter very weak, and he did not stop at her weakness; but rather wished to see that cancerous breast; and found, that that hardness was draining in a laudable pus, not fetid, which is against the nature of cancer: and found, that that breast was not corroded from that hole, which is also against the nature of cancer, which being seen and considered, he reckons this to have been done by God, and by the said glorious Lord Cardinal, that in so short a time that cancerous hardness was drained in laudable pus, not fetid, and without corrosion in the opening, this he reckons not to have been done by nature: but by God, the glorious Lord Cardinal interceding, and he said in the forum of his conscience, that for forty years he practiced, and did not see anyone, suffering a similar malady, cured.

[235] Nay notwithstanding remedies applied, she would die within a year, made whole. or a year and a half, or within two years at the longest, with the expulsion of a most fetid pus, and the corrosion of that breast; for within the said time the breast is corroded, eaten, from which eating, and its intolerable stench they die. Wherefore, because there was not there a corrosion of the flesh, which is of the nature of an ulcerated cancer, and there was not a fetid horrible pus, which is of the nature of an ulcerated cancer, and she was cured within five weeks, applying some simple remedies, and avoiding the aforesaid foods, he reckons it a special gift of God, and to have been done by God, the said Lord Cardinal interceding.

[236] Being asked how he knows, that it was a cancerous malady, It is proved that that abscess was cancerous, or abscess, called cancer? He said that from the manner of its coming he judges that abscess to be a hidden cancer, from two things: first from the slight hardness coming after the manner of a hazelnut; secondly that it did not pain, save when it was touched in the place. And these are two conditions proper to it, which are not in the other abscesses, phlegmatic, sanguine, and choleric: but they are properly in a melancholic abscess, generated of adust melancholic matter; which abscess, is called a hidden cancer among physicians, such a hidden cancer is not mortal, nor do they die, save when it comes to an ulcerous opening: on account of which Hippocrates said: It is better and safer not to cure a hidden cancer, than to cure it; let the goodness of regimen suffice for it: the reason of Hippocrates was, that by curing such a cancerous abscess with resolutive unguents, one hastens it to opening, and thence the opening being made, which is corrosive by the nature of the adust matter, hastens it to death.

[237] For a cancer, after it is ulcerated, is an infirmity wholly incurable, to have been cancerous, especially in the breast, and in every place, in which it cannot be plucked out by the roots with a razor ^d: for in a place, in which it can be plucked out by the roots with a razor; then it is curable. But Rhazes recounts in his "Continens," that in his time he tried to cure an ulcerated cancer in the breast, and it was the counsel, that the breast should be wholly eradicated with a razor; and the woman from pain was in peril of death: but because she would die in a short time; they wished to try that cure by the consent of her friends, and because some heads of the cancer entered the other breast, and were not rooted out with the razor, the said cancer remained in the other breast, after a little coming to corrosion, and thence she died within a year. Being asked if he believes his said daughter to have been cured by the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal? He answered, that yes; from this that, as he said, the malady was incurable in the breast.

[238] Being asked what he did with the thread? He said that twice in the day the mother and daughter placed it in the opening of the cancer; saying, mitigated by the linen particle of the Blessed. that the said Margaret said to the speaker himself her father, that, when she placed the thread, she found great delight. Being asked how long she remained with the cancer open, before she was wholly cured? He said that in five weeks she was wholly cured; applying no other medicines, save only the aforesaid linen cloth over the breast, and placing the thread within the opening. Being asked if she made a vow? He said that yes, in these words, or the like: Glorious Cardinal, if thou hast power with God, cure my daughter: with great contrition, and tears uttering these words; promising to carry a pair of breasts of wax to his sepulcher. Being asked why he had that devotion? He answered that both from the miracles which were said to have been done at his prayers after his life, he had great devotion, and also from his manner of living; because although he suffered an angry and irascible malady, since he most patiently bore the consumption, not moved to anger nor to sadness, nay commonly he smiled in his afflictions. Being asked how he knows? He said, because he visited him frequently in his infirmity, of which he died, even seeing the little cord, which he was said to have worn knotted and bloody in his life. Being asked if any were present at the making of the vow? He said no.

[239] A scab healed; Witness XLVI being asked, not upon the articles, given in this cause; but upon a miracle, below declared by him. And first he said, that the noble Ayglina de Natguier, Lady of Cardaillac, and of Montbrun, was sick in her shins and feet, with the infirmity of a scab together with holes, for the space of twenty months or thereabouts; so that she could not be cured by the art of physicians, though every kind of care had been applied. Finally her father-in-law, namely Lord Marquesius de Cardaillac, seeing that she could not be cured, asked the said noble Ayglina, his daughter-in-law, if she had devotion to the holy Cardinal? Who answered, that yes: Then vow yourself to the said Lord Cardinal, which also she did: saying, that if she could be cured by his prayers and merits, she would send to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal one of her household with three tapers, of the weight of ten pounds, and the vow being made, she began gradually to be cured; so that within fifteen days or three weeks, without any medicines being applied, she was wholly cured. Being asked how he knows? He said, that he saw it, and dwelt in the house of that noble Ayglina, and came to fulfill the vow. Being asked if by the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal she was cured in the aforesaid manner? He said, that he believes, that yes.

[240] as also impotence of walking, Witness XLVII being asked upon the article CCLXV, and the things contained in it; which thus begins: "Likewise that John de Albenatio of Carpentras, who suffered, and had suffered for two years a certain infirmity, of which he could not be cured," etc. He said the contents in the said article were true, except that he stretched his right hand to his mouth; so that leaning on his feet he walked somewhat, though with difficulty. Being asked, if he believes, that by the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal he was cured. He said that yes. Being asked at what time he was cured? He said that on the very day of the burial of the said Lord Cardinal.

[241] Witness XLVIII being asked upon the article CCXXX, a swollen shin, and the things contained in it, which thus begins; "Likewise that Jacoba wife of Jacominus Remelerii," etc. She said the contents in the said article were true, with all the circumstances expressed in it.

[242] Witness XLIX being asked upon the article CXXXIX and the things contained in it, an eye, an ear, which thus begins: "Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1387 and in the month of September, Beatrix, wife of Anthony Ruffi," etc. She said and confirmed the things which are there contained. This excepted, that when she said at the end of the article, that she fully received her hearing and sight within six days, she said nay immediately, the water being applied, and a certain washing being made of the water of the bath of the aforesaid Lord Peter the Cardinal, she recovered her hearing and sight perfectly, and so, that she heard and saw as well, as she did before the infirmity. Being asked of those present, when she placed the water upon her eye, ear, and foot? She said, that Antoneta de duobus fratribus: wife of Stephen Guvoti, a butcher: and Aliseta Estigua, wife of Silvester de Rupe forti, a laborer: which Antoneta administered the water to the speaker herself.

[243] Witness L being asked upon the already above-said CXXXIX article, and laboring with a scab. which thus begins: "Likewise that in the year of the Lord 1387, and in the month of September, Beatrix," etc. She said that she only knew of the contents in the said article, that a certain boy carrying in a certain vessel some water, in which the said Lord Cardinal had been bathed: what kind of vessel it was she does not remember; and the said boy being asked with insistence by the speaker herself, gave her some of the said water in her palm, part of which she drank, and the other part, being asked by that Beatrix, she cast upon her eye and ear, and also upon her foot, where a carbuncle was said to be: which water being cast, the said Beatrix said that she was cured.

[244] The same witness, being asked upon the CVII article of the said articles, A drowned boy recalled to life, and the things contained in it, which thus begins: "Likewise that in the same year Anthony Thome, dwelling in the present city, in the burg of Lord Peter de Sequireto, Doctor of laws," etc. She said that she only knew of the contents in the said article, namely that she drew a boy, together with certain others, from the water of the Sorgue dead; as it seemed to her: which so seeing, she devoted him to St. Peter of Luxembourg the Cardinal, saying: O holy body, do us so great a grace, that thou restore to us this boy living, for his father will give thee a boy of wax of the weight of the said boy, which vow being made, immediately the boy began to lament, and to breathe, and to feel pain. Being asked, how she knows, that he was dead? She said, that he was pale, and did not speak. Being asked if he emitted breath? She said, that she did not test. Being asked, if the boy was rigid? She said also, that she did not test. Being asked, if he was cold? She said that yes. Being asked, how she knows? She said, that she touched him in the members, but not in the body. Being asked, how long he remained in the water? She said she did not know, yet she believes that the water carried the said boy for the space of twelve cannes or thereabouts. Being asked, of what age the said boy was? She said, that he could be four years old. Being asked, if the said boy still lives? She said, that no; but after he was drawn from the water, of which above there is treatment, he lived for a year, or thereabouts. Being asked, if he emitted water through his mouth? She said, that yes. Being asked of those present, she said, that one, who is called Janneta, wife of Chelon, a butcher, and several other women, of whose names she does not remember. Being asked, whose son he was? She said, that of Bonetus Carus, a butcher.

[245] Dysentery Witness LII being asked, not upon the articles given in this cause, but upon the things said and miracles below expressed by him. And first he said, that on the feast of St. Michael it was about two years, since in the town of Beaulieu, of the diocese of Limoges, there ran a certain infirmity, which is called dysentery, or flux of the belly, of which infirmity there died in that place 200 persons, and very many more, and after the infirmity entered a lodging, scarcely could any boy escape. It happened, that the daughter of the said speaker, then eleven years old or thereabouts, was afflicted by the said infirmity, so much so that only, as it seemed to the speaker himself, she had skin and bones, and was so pale and changed on account of the infirmity, that the neighbors did not recognize her, nor did she eat or drink, save by force, when her mouth was opened with a spoon, and some broth was put in, nor did she speak for one natural day, and more; and she was given up by all in the house, as dead; except by the speaker himself. But the speaker himself and his wife seeing the state of their daughter, by common consent confessed to a certain presbyter, and confession being made, they vowed her to the Lord Cardinal, saying: O blessed ^e Cardinal! We supplicate thee, that thou with God and the glorious Virgin, obtain grace; that if it be expedient for this girl's life to her soul and ours, He give her life and health, otherwise let the will of God be done: promising within a certain term to visit his sepulcher; with a certain quantity of wax, and when they had made the aforesaid vow in the church, where they heard Mass, where was the effigy of the said Lord Peter of Luxembourg the Cardinal, there came the maidservant of the lodging, saying to the speaker himself, and his wife, that the sick daughter asked for them, and the speaker himself immediately came to his daughter, and asked her, what she wished: She answered, that to drink with sops, and the said speaker gave her two sops of the size of three fingers each; and she opened her mouth of herself; while she ate the said sops: although before for six days she had not opened her mouth, and then within three days she began to walk of herself, and within another six days afterward she walked outside the house, and ate all things which were ministered to her.

[246] a flux of blood, Likewise immediately the said John Borrerii being asked, upon another miracle below described? He said, that Irlanda de Bolloforti, his wife, for two years and a half and more, suffered the infirmity of a flux of blood, every two days; so that she became, on account of the continuation of the said infirmity, and the length of time, consumptive in her kind according to the judgment of the physicians, and although the said speaker, her husband, applied all care in healing her, namely by leading her to the city of Limoges, where there are physicians, by whom he had her visited, and also from Aurillac he caused a physician, dwelling there, to come to the house of the speaker himself, and the said physicians applied all the medicine, which they knew and could; yet on account of some medicines she was in no way healed; and the said speaker seeing, that the remedies profited her not, said to his wife: See, wife, we have done whatever we could, that you might be cured, and we find no remedy, have good patience, for nothing else can be done: after which remembering the miracle, done in the person of Joanna his daughter, by the Lord Cardinal of Luxembourg, the speaker himself and his wife disposed to place themselves in the state of grace, and both confessed, and after confession each went to hear Mass, and they vowed unanimously, that, if God by their prayers, and those of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal would give her health, she would visit his sepulcher, and offer a certain quantity of wax; which vow being made, immediately she was cured.

[247] Likewise moreover, the same day the said John Borrerii being asked upon another miracle, a mute boy, below described, said; namely, that on Sunday the 23rd of the month of January, last past, while the speaker himself and his wife were in the church, hearing his parochial mass; his maidservant came to the speaker himself, and said to him, that Peter, his son, five years old and more, had suddenly lost his speech. Which hearing the said speaker, came to his house; and found his son in that state, from whom he could have no word; and he had a red face, and made with his finger a sign to his mouth. Which seeing, the said speaker, placed elder-water, in the mouth of the said boy, his son, nor on this account did he recover his speech: which his parents seeing, placed the said boy naked; and then the said speaker came to the church, and before the effigy of the said Lord Cardinal of Luxembourg, with a devout and honest monk; and both begged God and the blessed Virgin, and the aforesaid holy Cardinal, that they would be willing to restore the said boy to health, and recover his speech, promising with the said boy to visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal with a certain quantity of wax: and while he and the monk were still in the church, they heard news, that his son had recovered his speech: and the speaker himself came to his house, who asked the said boy, who was well and the boy answered, that there appeared to him a beautiful thing, namely a beautiful boy, who with his hands had touched his face, and several times he repeated those words. Being asked for how long a space he was in that ecstasy? He said, for three hours or thereabouts. Being asked of those present? He said, that his wife, and all of the lodging, and as it were all of the town. Being asked, if the said boy still lives? He said that yes. Being asked, if he believes, that by the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal he was cured? He said, that yes.

[248] Witness LIII being asked upon the article CCLXV, which thus begins: "Likewise that John de Albenatio of Carpentras, sick for two years; who suffered, and had suffered for two years a certain infirmity," etc. He said, that he only knew of the contents in the said article, namely that, when he had visited on the day of death the sepulcher of the Lord Cardinal of Luxembourg; and on the morrow, which was Saturday, at earliest morning, while he visited the said sepulcher, and had found there wax and images, he came to Villeneuve, to the house of John de Albenatio, for whom he wove webs in the house of that John, and when the said speaker was in the house of that John, he began to narrate to him, how the said Lord Cardinal did miracles; because now images were being carried there? saying, that if he would go, he would be cured. But John himself, hearing this, with a crutch came to the aforesaid sepulcher, and that same day returned to his house in Villeneuve, without a crutch, upright as if he had had no malady, and then the said speaker, seeing that the said John was cured; as it seemed to him: said to the same John: I well told you, that if you went you would be cured. Being asked, if from then he suffered that infirmity? He said, that he did not see, that he suffered it; although afterward he saw him several times in his lodging, and outside. Being asked of the year, month, and day? He said that on the morrow of the burial of the said Lord Cardinal.

[249] Witness LIV being asked upon the article CXXV of the said articles, and the things contained in it, another sick person, which thus begins: "Likewise that in the same year Peter, son of Bernard Alberti, a merchant," etc. She said that she only knew, that Peter, son of the said speaker, and of Bernard, named in the article, was sick well for nine or ten days; and on a certain day, the speaker herself caused a certain presbyter of St. Symphorian, called Lord William, to come to her house, and when he was in the house of the speaker herself, the speaker herself said to him: Behold this boy is well fourteen years old, or thereabouts, hear him in confession. And then that presbyter, approaching him, heard him in confession: which heard, he said to the speaker herself, that of him it was not necessary to make account. Which hearing the husband of the speaker herself and father of the said boy, came to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal, and returning afterward to the house, found the speaker herself, to whom he said: Is he dispatched ^f, that is dead? Who answered: I know in him neither death nor life: and then the father and mother both went up, to the place where the boy was: and then the father asked the boy, how he was? The boy answered: O Lord, you come from the holy Body. And the father answering; How do you know? I well know, because I am cured. Being asked, if the boy lost his speech? She said that every day he spoke, this excepted, that after confession, up to the coming of his father, he gave no word. Being asked if he was wholly cured? She said that no; but gradually, remaining weak, he was cured.

[250] suffering in the kidneys, Witness LV being asked upon the CCLXII article, and the things contained in it, which thus begins: "Likewise that Nichosa, wife of Zenobius," etc. He said that, as is contained in the article, it was true.

[251] an infant near to death, The same day, the aforesaid Jerome, being asked upon a miracle below declared: and first being asked, he said, that in the year of the Lord 1389, and on the fifth day of March, last past, his wife bore a son on the said fifth day of March aforesaid, and he was baptized, and on the morrow in the morning, his mother-in-law called the speaker himself, that he should come, if he wished to see his son alive; who coming and seeing his son in the cradle, saw him nearly black; and when he was in the cradle and wrapped in swaddling-cloths, the speaker himself had him unwrapped; and when he was unwrapped, the boy himself stretched out his feet and hands, and made a gasping. Which seeing the speaker himself, believed him to be dead, and commended his soul to God and the blessed Virgin Mary. But his wife with loud voice commended him to the Lord Cardinal of Luxembourg; and then the boy began to vomit, and after the vomiting began to weep and gradually to recover his color.

[252] Witness LVI being asked upon the article CVII, another likewise drowned, which begins: "Likewise that in the same year, Anthony Thome, dwelling in the present city in the burg of Lord Peter de Seguireto," etc. He said the contents in the said article were true, this excepted, that, where it is said "the water of the Durance," he said that it was in the water of the Sorgue; and this also excepted, that, where it is said, that he saw the boy toward the bottom of the water, he was not at the bottom of the water, but had gone up upon the water. Being asked, if in his conscience he believed, the said boy to be dead? He said that yes. Being asked, if he believes that by the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal, the said boy was restored to life? He said that yes. Being asked at what time it was? He said that in the summer. In the month of July or August it will be two years.

[253] Witness LVII being asked upon the article CCLXII, suffering in the shins, made whole. which begins: "Likewise that Nicolosa [*], wife of Jerome Zenobii, of Florence, dwelling at Avignon, suffering certain pains," etc. She said, that she only knew, that she had no malady in her kidneys. But it is true that she suffered in her shins: so that she could scarcely sustain herself: yet she went through the house with the greatest difficulty, and seeing herself so afflicted, made a vow, that if by the prayers of the Lord Cardinal of Luxembourg she should be cured, she would visit his sepulcher, and would offer him two shins of wax, and the vow being made that same day she was cured. Being asked what infirmity it was, she said that she does not know, because the infirmity did not appear outwardly, but inwardly there was a stabbing pain. Being asked, if immediately she was cured, the vow being made? She said, that no, but that same day she felt herself cured.

[254] Likewise also upon the article CCLXIII, which begins: Sterility driven away, "Likewise that the same Nicolosa, recognizing so great a grace done to her," etc., being asked, and diligently examined, she said, that as is contained in the article, it was true. Being asked, if she knew, that she had conceived? She said, that no; because if she had known, that she had conceived, she would not have made the vow, which she made. Being asked, at what time she made the vow? She said, that it seems to her, that on the third day after the death of the said Lord Cardinal. Being asked, at what time afterward she bore a son? She said, that in the month of March, about the middle of that month of March.

[255] The said Nicolosa said moreover, that in the year of the Lord 1389, an infant preserved from death. and on the fifth day of March, last past, she bore a son on the said fifth day of March aforesaid, and he was baptized, and on the morrow in the morning, the mother of the speaker herself, called Jerome, the husband of the speaker, that he should come, if he wished, to see his said son alive: who coming and seeing his son in the cradle; saw him nearly black: and when he was in the cradle, and wrapped in swaddling-cloths; the husband himself had him unwrapped; and when he was unwrapped, the boy himself stretched out his feet and hands, and made a gasping: which seeing, the said Jerome, the husband, believed him to be dead. And then the said Jerome commended his soul to God and the blessed Virgin Mary. But the speaker herself with loud voice commended the said boy to the Lord Cardinal of Luxembourg, and then the boy began to vomit, and after the vomiting began to weep and gradually to recover his color.

[256] Another concerning the shins cured, Witness LVIII being asked upon the article CCLXII, and the things contained in it, which thus begins: "Likewise that Nicolosa, wife of Jerome Zenobii of Florence," etc. She said that she only knew, namely, that the said Nicolosa, her daughter, named in the article, had no malady in her kidneys; but it is true that she suffered in her shins. So that she could scarcely sustain herself; yet she went through the house with the greatest difficulty, and her said daughter seeing herself so afflicted, made a vow to St. Peter the Cardinal of Luxembourg: saying, that if by the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal she should be cured; she would visit his sepulcher; and would offer two shins of wax, and the vow being made, that same day she was cured. Being asked if immediately she was cured, the vow being made? She said that no, but that same day she felt herself cured.

[257] and testimony concerning the infant preserved from death. The Lady Xandra said moreover, that in the year of the Lord 1389 and on the fifth day of the month of March last past; the said Nicolosa, her daughter, bore a son on the said fifth day of March aforesaid, and he was baptized, and on the morrow in the morning, the speaker herself called Jerome, her son-in-law, and husband of her aforesaid daughter; that he should come, if he wished to see his son alive. Who coming, and seeing his son in the cradle, saw him nearly black: and when he was in the cradle, and wrapped in swaddling-cloths, the husband himself had him unwrapped, and when he was unwrapped, the boy himself stretched out his feet and hands, and made a gasping: which seeing the said son-in-law, commended his soul to God and the blessed Virgin Mary. But the daughter of the said speaker, and wife of the said Jerome, with loud voice commended the said boy to the said Lord Cardinal of Luxembourg, and then the boy began to vomit; and after the vomiting began to weep, and gradually to recover his color.

[258] The depositions concerning pain of the kidneys, Witness LIX being asked, not upon the articles given in this cause, but upon a miracle below described. And first being asked, he said, that Hugueta, his wife, fifty years old, or thereabouts; was sick for three years and a half in her kidneys, so much so, that she could scarcely walk. Yet she walked with difficulty, leaning on her hands, going bent with a staff or help. Whence she, hearing the fame of the said Lord Peter of Luxembourg, vowed herself to him, promising six pounds of wax, if by his prayers she should be cured. Which vow being made, within three hours, as she related to the said speaker her husband, she was cured; so that from then she suffered the said infirmity not; but walked and walks upright and without a staff and help, and was restored to health, as if she had never felt the infirmity. Being asked, if he heard physicians, or applied medicines, unguents or baths? He said, that he applied nothing at all, nor caused medicines to be applied, that he knows.

[259] Witness LX upon a miracle below described. He said, taken away; that in the place of Brinazato, of the diocese of Limoges, there was public voice and fame, that Hugueta, wife of Peter de Penenayre, had been sick; so much so that she could not rise from bed without help, and thereafter he heard from the said Hugueta, and from the neighbors, that she was cured by the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal of Luxembourg. Being asked, what is fame? He said, that which is commonly said by many; and other things he said he did not know.

[260] Witness LXI being asked upon the CVII article of the said articles and the things contained in it, repeated which thus begins: "Likewise that in the same year Antony Thome dwelling in the present city; in the burg of Lord Peter de Seguireto, doctor of laws," etc. She said the content in the said article was true; as one who saw the said boy being in the water of the Sorgue; and was present when the said Antony Thome drew him dead from the water of the Sorgue. Moreover she confirmed all the circumstances of that miracle, as they are already written in the preceding depositions.

[261] Witness LXII being asked upon the CVII article of the said articles and the things contained in it (of which there has already been speech several times) confirmed, concerning the drowned boy, the things which are set forth in the said article, saying they were true; and her deposition is similar to the preceding ones concerning the said article.

[262] Witness LXIII being asked upon the CVII article of the said articles, and recalled to life, testimonies. and the things contained in it, which thus begins: "Likewise that in the same year Antony Thome," etc. He said, that the content in the said article was true with all the circumstances there set forth: as one who first saw the boy drowned in the water of the Sorgue; and Antony Thome leaping into the water, whence he raised the said boy, whom he judged to be dead: because he moved neither feet nor hands: and the said boy had his face white and pale.

[263] Witness LXIV being asked upon the CXLVIII article, Likewise concerning fever, which thus begins: "Likewise that in the year just said a most grave continual fever seized Joannetus," etc. He said, the contents in the said article were true. Being asked how he knows? He said, that he was his son, and he was present, and saw, and heard the things contained in the article. Being asked, how long before the vow he was sick? He said, for five or six days. Being asked, if the vow being made he was immediately cured? He said, that he began to say "Babay," and afterward gradually began to speak, weakly however, and this was about the second hour of the night, and afterward in the morning, the boy himself was relieved of the fevers: whence from this the speaker himself judged, the said boy to be cured by the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal. Being asked, if before the vow the boy spoke? He said, that no, nay for six or seven hours before the making of the vow he did not speak nor move himself.

[264] Witness LXV being asked upon the CLXV article, weakness of the arm, and the things contained in it, which thus begins: "Likewise that John de Sullet, a baker," etc. He said, that he only knew, that it is true, that he fell to the ground, and that seven or eight days after, he felt his right arm very much weakened; so that, though he moved his arm somewhat, yet he could not put it to his head, nor behind his back, nor to his mouth, nor even help himself to dress; and although through physicians, for the space of five months or thereabouts, he had caused medicines to be applied, which cost him well ten florins, yet neither by the work of physicians nor of medicines could he be cured of the weakness of his arm. Which seeing, he vowed as is contained in the article. Which vow being made within three days he felt his arm wholly cured, as if he had never had the malady. Being asked, if he had ever had his arm weakened, and if afterward he had his arm weakened, as before he had. He said no.

[265] a drowned boy restored to life, Witness LXVI examined upon the CXVI article, and the things contained in it, which thus begins, "Likewise that in the same year in the month of July it happened in the place of Barbentane, of the diocese of Avignon": she said that, the speaker herself being in her field with the reapers, saw Bertrand named in the article, leading a four-wheeled cart (which is called "Tombarel") laden with grasses; and that the said Bertrand was leading the said cart through a perilous place, as the end showed; the reapers, who were with the said speaker, cried out with loud voice to that Bertrand, that he should beware, because the place where he was passing, was not a place fit for leading carts. Yet this notwithstanding, that Bertrand led his cart whither he wished, and fell into the millrace, of which there is mention in the article; which seeing the speaker herself, admonished the reapers, who were with her, that they should go to help the said Bertrand to raise the cart: who answered, if he need our help, he will cry out well enough. And the speaker herself, since about the cart Bertrand did not appear, again required those reapers, that they should go: which they refused to do. But the speaker herself seeing this, suspecting that harm had befallen that Bertrand, because she saw him in no way, the speaker herself in her own person came to the cart.

[266] and by several And when she was there, she found the cart overturned in the millrace; she found also the hood of the said Bertrand upon the water: and then she suspecting, that Bertrand was under the cart, cried out with loud voice to the reapers, that they should come by all means, which also they did; and when they were there together with the speaker herself, they unloaded that cart; which unloaded, they drew it from the place in which it had fallen, and then the said Bertrand appeared between the legs of those who raised the said cart: which Bertrand they drew from the water, and placed on the shore of the water, all unanimously saying, that he was drowned and dead, and then the speaker herself, said: he is not dead; and granting, that he be dead, I confide in God, the blessed Virgin Mary, and the Lord Peter of Luxembourg, that life will be restored to him. And then on bended knees, the speaker herself devoted that Bertrand to the said lord Cardinal, most devoutly beseeching, in whom she greatly confided: that if by the prayers of the said Lord Cardinal life should be restored to him, she would offer an image of wax to that Lord Cardinal, and she vowed the same twice, before the said Bertrand had been drawn from the water. And two girls, being also there, besought that Lord Cardinal, that life be restored to the said Bertrand. Now the said girls were eight or ten years old. Which vow being made, by the speaker herself, while Bertrand himself was somehow held suspended by the bystanders, holding his feet on high, a certain Francisca, wife of Rostagnus Magner, held the head of that Bertrand, and one hand upon the stomach of that Bertrand, and then she felt, that he had breath, and so gradually placed upon the cart he began to cry "af," and to lament himself, and so on the morrow he visited the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal with his own feet.

[267] Being asked, if she believed, that Bertrand himself was dead? with the circumstances of the matter. She said that yes, because he moved neither feet, nor hands, nor head. Being asked, if he was rigid and cold? She said, that yes, giving the cause, because she touched him in his hands and feet, and within his body; and also he held his hands somewhat closed, nor could the fingers of the hand be extended. Being asked, if he emitted breath? She said, that no. Being asked, how she knows? Because she put her hand before his mouth frequently, and so putting it she did not perceive, that he emitted breath; and otherwise she did not test. Being asked, if he emitted water through his mouth? She said that no, but after the vow he well emitted a little blood through his mouth. Being asked, if he held his mouth open? She said that yes, yet he had thick and black lips, and his eyes turned back after the manner of a dying man.

[268] Witness LXVII being asked, not upon the articles, but upon a miracle, below described. And first being asked, A thief freed from hanging, he said, that he stole a pair of oxen of Bertrand Cur of Monroye, of the diocese of Die, because that Bertrand Cur harbored the enemies of the Lord who speaks, namely of his temporal Lord, that is the Bishop of Die: and when he had led the said oxen to the city of Die, he was captured by the temporal court of the said city of Die, and immediately confessed, that he had stolen the aforesaid oxen: at whose confession, as he said, the judges passed sentence, that he should be hanged; and he hearing, that he was condemned to hanging: vowed himself to the Lord Cardinal of Luxembourg, that he would be willing to preserve him from such a death, and after the vow, they led him to the gallows, and when he was at the foot of the gallows and had recited the said vow, the executioner ascended the ladder by two or three rungs, that he might bind him on the gallows, and so ascending, the ladder was broken into two or three parts; and nevertheless the horses of the courtiers then began among themselves a great quarrel ^g, and fled here and there; and as he believes, and holds firm hope, by pretext of the miracle, he was freed from death, and after some days, remitted to another court he was [not] condemned civilly; and so he wholly escaped death. Being asked, of the time, he said, that after Easter almost for fifteen days of the present year, namely of the year 1390. Being asked, what vow he made? He said, that he promised to visit the sepulcher of the said Lord Peter the Cardinal with one florin, and with a cord on his neck.

[269] Witness LXVIII being asked upon the article CXVI, a drowned boy, and the things contained in it, which thus begins: "Likewise that in the same year in the month of June it happened in the place of Barbentane, of the diocese of Avignon, that a certain young man," etc., she said the content in the said article was true, as one who was present with her sister Raynera, when the said Bertrand was drawn from the water dead and rigid, and broken in his members, and the speaker herself, with her sister Raynera, and with two girls, being there, made a vow to the said Lord Peter the Cardinal for the safety of the said Bertrand, and after some pause, the vow being made, the said boy began to breathe, snoring ^h after the manner of a dying man: and afterward the father and mother, coming led him upon the cart. Moreover the said speaker confirmed all the circumstances of that miracle: as they are deposed above in the deposition of Raynera, her sister.

[270] restored to life, by the testimonies of several Witness LXIX being asked, upon the CXVI article of the said articles, and the things contained in it, which thus begins: "Likewise that in the same year, in the month of June, it happened in the place of Barbentane, of the diocese of Avignon," etc. He said the content in the said article was true, with all the circumstances, which were deposed by the preceding witnesses, who were asked upon the same article. Being asked, if he was present? He said that yes, and saw the said Bertrand, drowned and dead; because he touched him on the head and shins; and he was cold and rigid, and no sign of life appeared in him.

[271] it is established. Witness LXX upon the same CXVI article, and the things contained in it, said, the content in it was true, and wholly confirmed the preceding testimonies. As one who saw, and was present, when the said Bertrand fell with the cart into the millrace; and drawn thence was drowned, and dead. His deposition is wholly similar to the rest; and so the testimonies agree.

[272] Witness LXXI being asked upon the CLXV article of the said articles and the things contained in it, which thus begins: "Likewise that John de Sullet, a baker, thirty-six years old, or thereabouts: going through the town of Avignon, fell to the ground," etc. She said it was true, as is contained in the article; this excepted, that she does not know, if immediately the vow being made, the same John was cured; but she well says, that immediately the vow being made, he came to the sepulcher of the said Lord Cardinal of Luxembourg; passing through the apothecary's shop ⁱ, where he bought an arm of wax, to fulfill his vow, and when he returned to the house, he said to the speaker herself: For certain, this Saint has done me a grace: for I can put on and take off my hood from my head with my injured arm, which I could not during all the time, contained in the article: giving the cause, that she dressed the said John her husband, like an infant; and she saw him sick. Being asked, if he was wholly cured? She said, that no; nay he remained weak, for three or four days, but from then he was capable in his arm, so that he did not cease to exercise his business, and still exercises it. Being asked of the year, she says that immediately after the burial of the said Lord Cardinal, when she heard, that the said Lord Cardinal did miracles: of the month and day she does not remember.

[273] Of the same. Witness LXXII being asked, upon the same just aforesaid CLXV article, and the things contained in it, said that she only knew in the said article, that she saw John, of whom in the said article mention is made, who could not help himself with his arm, namely in kneading ^k, and in baking, and afterward the speaker herself saw, that John himself kneaded, and baked, the speaker herself asserting, that she heard from the said John, that he was cured of his arm, because he had vowed himself to the said Lord Cardinal of Luxembourg. Being asked of the year and month and day, on which she saw and heard these things? She said she did not remember.

ANNOTATA.

* otherwise "Nichosa."

CHAPTER XII. A transcript of the process concerning the miracles juridically made, and offered to Pope Martin V.

Here end the aforesaid interrogations, and depositions of the witnesses upon the miracles done by the prayers of the holy Peter of Luxembourg the Cardinal of revered memory; The present process subscribed by three notaries: and here likewise ends the process of canonization of the same blessed Peter of Luxembourg the Cardinal, made by the most reverend Cardinals, above named; which original process indeed is subscribed by the three notaries of the said three Cardinal commissioners, namely by Walter Richerii de Ficocunia, notary of the most reverend in Christ Father and Lord Peter Bishop of Sabina, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church; by Peter Galhardus, notary of the most reverend in Christ Father, and Lord the Lord Amelius, Cardinal of the sacrosanct Roman Church of the title of St. Eusebius, and by James de Astrabaio, notary of the most reverend in Christ Father William, Cardinal of St. Angelo.

[275] Moreover it is to be noted, that in the year 1417, Guy de Boscagio Bishop of Avignon, a transcript juridically taken, at the requisition of the Reverend father Andrew de Borvilla, procurator of the Celestines of Avignon, the process being seen and read, made for the canonization of the aforesaid Peter of Luxembourg; committed to John Antherius, Francis Bertrandi, John de Comis, and Andrew de Villaribus, scriveners, for a transcript to be extracted from the said process; which the aforesaid Reverend father procurator, by the order of the same Bishop, and with the consent of the aforesaid monastery, carried to Constance; and with great reverence and most humble supplication, with letters of the consuls of the city of Avignon, presented it to Martin the Fifth, the supreme Pontiff, that he would be willing to enroll Peter of Luxembourg in the number of the Saints. And it is this transcript, which I, brother Abel le Gros, monk of the convent of the Celestines of Avignon, transcribed with my own hand, and word for word; and lest anyone call the aforesaid, though authentic, into doubt; I have thought it fair, here to affix the commission of the aforesaid Lord Bishop of Avignon, and the attestations of the committed scriveners, with their signs. There follows therefore.

[276] The Commission of the Lord Guy, Bishop of Avignon. Guy, by divine mercy, to be offered to Martin V Bishop of Avignon, to the discreet men beloved by us in Christ, masters John Anterius, Francis Bertrandi, John de Comis, and Andrew de Villaribus, public notaries and inhabitants of Avignon, greeting in the Lord and diligence in the things committed. At the instance of the religious man beloved by us in the same Christ, brother Andrew de Borvilla, monk, and procurator of the monastery of the Celestine brethren of Luxembourg of Avignon, asserting, that he, or the venerable and religious men beloved in the same Christ, the Prior and Convent of the said monastery, have in their keeping the original process, made by certain Lords Cardinals and Bishops, committed to this, and deputed by the Lord Pope Clement VII of happy memory upon the canonization of the Lord Peter of Luxembourg of holy memory, Deacon Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church of St. George at the golden Veil, flashing with miracles; and buried within the enclosure of the said monastery, and subscribed and signed in such tabellionate by the three notaries, scribes, and secretaries of the said Lord Cardinals; and as also the process itself of paper, artificially bound, as is already narrated, subscribed and signed or tabellionated, lacking all fault and suspicion, as at first sight it appeared, the same procurator really exhibited it to us, and that this, with the consent of the said Religious, is expedient to send to the holy Apostolic See and the Roman Curia, and to our Lord the Pope, or certain Lords Cardinals, committed upon these matters and deputed by the same our Lord the Pope, before whom the canonization of the said Saint is now treated; or others to be deputed, before whom it will be treated; certain copies made long ago of the same process, first collated with the said original process by some notaries, subscribed and signed, since on account of the perils of the ways it is not expedient that the original process be sent to them.

[277] We, confiding in your probity, discretion, and diligence, by the commission of the Bishop of Avignon. commit and command to you and two of you jointly, that you diligently make together a collation of the copies themselves with the said book of the said original process; and give the copies themselves, fortified with your subscriptions or those of two of you attesting this collation and with tabellional signs, to the procurator of the said Religious, satisfaction being made to you of your salary moderately. Given at Avignon under the testimony of the round seal of our Chamber, on the 23rd of January, in the year of the Lord 1417. Thus signed, Guy Bishop of Avignon.

[278] And I John de Comis, a cleric of the diocese of Clermont, The authentic attestation of the notaries citizen and inhabitant of Avignon, public notary by Imperial authority; commissioner for these things, together with the other notaries deputed in the commission made to us by the Reverend in Christ Father and Lord Guy, Bishop of Avignon, as is established concerning such commission, by the patent letters of that Lord Bishop, sealed with his round seal of red wax, received by us the aforesaid notaries with the reverence which is fitting, of which the tenor is just above inserted. Who by virtue of this commission, and at the requisition of the religious man brother Andrew de Borvilla, named in those letters, made a diligent and faithful collation of the present copy, transcribed book, or exemplar, extracted from the original book or process, containing in all three hundred seventy numbered folios, three hundred thirty-six written; but thirty-four unwritten, the present folio being counted with the written ones. I made this collation with the same original process, lacking all fault and suspicion, as at first sight it appeared, subscribed and signed with public signs and tabellionated by the said masters Walter Richerii de Ficocunia, Peter Galhardi, and James de Estrebayo, public notaries, and scribes of the said Lords Cardinals, named in their subscriptions.

[279] Of which collation I made together with master Andrew de Villaribus, the testimonies the notified public notary, reading the same book, or original process; myself listening upon the transcript or book of the present copy, correcting the things to be corrected, adding the things to be added, removing the things to be removed, and otherwise making it uniform in words; and because I found the present book or transcript to agree with the said book or original process, therefore here with my own hand I subscribed myself, and placed here before my accustomed authentic sign, together with the sign and the above-said subscription; and the below-written of master Andrew de Villaribus, on the 31st and last of the month of January, in the year from the Nativity of the Lord 1418, in the eleventh Indiction, in the first year of the pontificate of the most holy in Christ Father and Lord Martin, by divine providence the fifth Pope.

[280] And I Andrew de Villaribus, born of the city of Amiens in Picardy, public notary by imperial authority everywhere, concerning the faithful authentic exemplar and by royal authority in the country of the kingdom of France, which is governed by written law, now inhabitant of Avignon, the mentioned commissioner, together with the said master John de Comis, notary and above-written commissioner, in the manner and form deputed in the subscription of the said master John de Comis the notary, this immediately preceding, described by virtue of the same commission, at the requisition of the above-written religious brother Andrew de Borvilla, made a faithful and diligent collation of the aforesaid copy, book, or transcript, in the manner prescribed, namely I reading the original book or process, and the said master John de Comis, the notary and inscribed commissioner, listening, and as is prescribed in his subscription, correcting. And therefore here I subscribed myself with my own hand, and affixed my sign accustomed by the said authorities, being required in testimony of all the premises. In the year, day, Indiction, and Pontificate just mentioned. And it was subnoted, De Villaribus.

[281] But in testimony that the discreet men masters Walter Richerii de Ficocunia, with the collation with the transcripts, Peter Galhardi, and James de Astrabayo, public notaries, described in the original process, of which mention is made, and secretaries and scribes of the Lord Cardinal commissioners, named in the same process, were at the time of their subscriptions and signatures, and long before had been; and that masters John de Comis, and Andrew de Villaribus, described in the present book or copy, and just above, and named in the commission made to them by Us, the Bishop of Avignon below named, and just above inscribed: also at the time of their subscriptions and signatures, and long before were, and were and are public notaries, by the authorities described in their subscriptions, and that recourse was had, at the aforesaid times, to the aforesaid masters Walter Richerii, Peter Galhardi, and James de Astrabayo. And today to the said masters John de Comis and Andrew de Villaribus, as to public notaries upright, and of good name and good fame, recourse is publicly and notoriously had, and to the instruments, and other public writings, received, subscribed, and signed by them, full faith was and was and today is applied to each thing severally reported; and that the present book or copy is subscribed by the own hands of the aforesaid masters John de Comis, and Andrew de Villaribus, public notaries, as is premised, and signed with their accustomed signs; and that they by our stead and authority made such a collation, subscriptions, and signatures; and that our aforesaid commission, made to them, and its letters were such in words, seal, and signature, and such, as are above inscribed.

[282] We Guy, by divine mercy, Bishop of Avignon, legitimately informed of these things, and the agreement. at the instance and requisition of brother Andrew de Borvilla, the aforesaid Procurator, have thought it should be affixed to the present book or copy, an authentic leaden bull of our episcopal court of Avignon, fortified with threads of green wax ^a hanging after the usual manner, for the greater firmness of strength of the premises. Given and done at Avignon in the house of our dwelling, on the first day of the month of February, in the year from the Nativity of the Lord 1418, in the 11th indiction, in the first year of the pontificate of the most holy in Christ Father, and our Lord, the Lord Martin, by divine providence the fifth Pope, in the presence of the venerable men the Lords Hugh de Spina, writer of the apostolic letters, and Falco de Barbentana, Prior of Gravison, of our diocese of Avignon. Thus signed by the command of the said Lord Bishop, de Maflesio. Below was had: G. Bishop of Avignon. Within was expressed a seal, representing on one face a Bishop, clothed in episcopal habit, with this inscription, going around the periphery of the said seal: The Bull of the Bishop of Avignon. On the other side it exhibits a miter, with an inscription led around in a circle, of the same tenor as the preceding.

ANNOTATA.

THE HISTORY Of those things which happened after the death of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, from the Manuscript Codex of the Celestine Fathers of the monastery of Avignon, collected by Father Nicolas Malet, a religious of the same monastery.

Peter of Luxembourg, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Bishop of Metz, at Avignon in Gaul (B.)

FROM THE Avignon MANUSCRIPTS.

A LITTLE PREFACE.

Since Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, buried in the cemetery of the poor of St. Michael at Avignon, The scope of the author. most illustrious in sanctity and miracles, gave the beginning to the monastery of the Celestines of Avignon, Pope Clement VII commanding, and his successor Peter de Luna ^a, called Benedict XIII, executing it; before I proceed further to write of him, I have determined not indeed to insert here at length his life from infancy, which has twice been committed to the press ^b, but briefly to narrate the history of those things which happened from the time in which he vanished from human eyes, that he might be born in heaven.

[2] Peter of Luxembourg, sprung of Imperial and Royal stock, in the year of restored salvation 1387, on the second-to-last day of the month of June, in the 9th year of the Pontificate of Pope Clement VII, by the last utterance of his will, most humbly left his body to ecclesiastical burial, and provided that it be committed to the earth in the cemetery of the poor of St. Michael, outside the chapels in a public place, after the manner of the poor; leaving it however, with the other statutes of his said Testament, to the correction and will of the said supreme Pontiff, and of the Cardinal Executors, with the utmost humility; which, that it may shine forth more, we have thought here first, and before all things, the tenor of the same Testament should be inserted.

CHAPTER I. The Testament of Blessed Peter, his miracles, the foundation of the monastery of the Celestines at Avignon, his canonization petitioned by many.

In the name of the holy and undivided Trinity, of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. By the tenor of the present public instrument let the present age of the living know, in the Son of the glorious Virgin, and let the posterity of those to come following not be ignorant, but let it remain to the perpetual, firm, and valid memory of those to come and forever, that in the year from the Nativity of the same Lord one thousand three hundred and eighty-seven, in the tenth Indiction, on the second-to-last day of the month of June, in the ninth year of the Pontificate of the most holy in Christ Father and our Lord, the Lord Clement, by divine providence the seventh Pope, in the presence of me the public notary below subscribed and of the witnesses named below, and expressly and specially called and asked for this, there being personally constituted the most reverend in Christ Father and Lord, the Lord Peter, by divine mercy Deacon Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church of the title of St. George at the golden Veil, commonly named "of Luxembourg," constant and sound in mind, memory, and consideration, though slight and weak in body and members, as at first sight appeared, in the better way, manner, and form, in which by law, custom, and canonical equity it can be said and expressed, made, did, and ordained his testament and last will, in the manner which follows, and in the form: I Peter, by divine mercy Deacon Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church of St. George at the golden Veil, though unworthy, commonly named "of Luxembourg," and by the mercy of Jesus Christ my Savior and Redeemer, sound in mind and memory, though weak and sick in body and members, attending and considering, that nothing is placed in flesh, which can avoid the way of the last judgment, and that the weak condition of human nature is subject to so many and so great perils and hardships, and that nothing is more certain than death, nor more uncertain than its hour, of which the soul of the wise should ever be doubtful and trembling.

[4] Wishing therefore to meet my mortal perils; of the testament, and to follow the laudable and approved custom of testating, using the grace of testating graciously made to me by the most holy in Christ Father and our Lord, the Lord Clement, by divine providence Pope VII, and by the other better ways, manner, and form, in which by law, custom, and canonical equity it can be said and expressed, of the goods conferred on me by God, I make and ordain in the manner below described, my last, perpetual, firm, and solemn testament, and our last firm and valid will, revoking from now and wholly annihilating, and of my certain knowledge, any testament or testaments, codicil or codicils, or any other ordinance of my goods, if it should happen that I made or ordained any, in past times, and wishing expressly and protesting from now, that in all and each of the above and below-written there be made emendations, corrections, and changes for the better, at the arbitration, correction, emendation, and every kind of ordinance of the aforesaid our most holy Father Pope Clement VII, and of my Lords Cardinals, my executors, and the other below-written executors, I wish to have this my last testament, will, and last ordinance firm in perpetual times and of perpetual firmness of strength.

[5] First therefore, the name of Christ being invoked with the devotion which I can, by Blessed Peter I commend my sinful soul, and spirit with the humility which I can, and as devoutly as I am able and know, to Jesus Christ, my Savior and Redeemer, who for us sinners did not fear to undergo the grievous and dire torments of the holy Cross, and to the glorious Virgin Mary, His most sweet Mother, helper and advocate of sinners, to blessed Michael the Archangel, and all the Saints of God, and to His whole most holy college of the citizens above, and my putrid body I humbly leave and devoutly recommend to ecclesiastical burial, when the soul shall have been freed from it and from the bonds of the flesh, namely in the cemetery of St. Michael at Avignon in a public place outside the chapels with the other public corpses, where I choose my burial, if it happen in these parts that my soul be overcome by the body. Likewise it pleases me, that according to the ordinance, discretion, and arbitration of the said Lord Executors there be made over my body a certain stone ark with moderate costs, and that in the chapel of All Saints, which the deceased Master Rodulph Dailly founded, there be a representation of my hat, and a certain little marble tablet, in which my title be written, according to the discretion and ordinance of the aforesaid. Likewise I wish and ordain, that on the day of my burial there be for my lighting only three tapers, each of the weight of seven pounds of wax, of which two be placed at the head of the body, or of the representation, and the third at the feet, with twelve torches around the body, of which each be of the weight of eight pounds of wax only.

Likewise if it happen that I die elsewhere outside the court, I choose my burial in the cemetery of St. Innocent at Paris, in the manner and form predisposed, and on the day of my burial, as is aforesaid, to be celebrated. Likewise proceeding to further things, God my creator going before, I wish and ordain expressly, that first and before all things my misdeeds, if there be any, and any debts, even proved by half-full proof, of which my said Executors shall judge, be fully restored and paid from my goods conferred on me by God. Likewise then I bequeath and ordain to Andrew of Luxembourg, my beloved brother german, my better chamber of my own, namely of movables with its full furnishing [c], with all my books, and the greater and more solemn horse of my person. Likewise I bequeath and ordain to the damsel Joanna of Luxembourg, my sister german, the better and more honorable goblet ^d of my whole plate ^e. Likewise I wish and ordain, that to all and each of my household and servants, dwelling with me at present, as regards the present, full satisfaction be made, according to my faculties, of all and each of their stipends, after the manner of the Roman court, and of other debts in any way owed, at the arbitration and ordinance of the aforesaid Lords my Executors.

[6] Likewise I wish and ordain, that, if from the information to be received by my said Lord Executors, made, it appear that I am held in more to any or one of my servants and household, out of good and honesty, this be done to them in full, at the arbitration and ordinance of the aforesaid. Likewise I bequeath and ordain to Robert de Torrionis my chief squire, beyond his stipends, the things to be deducted being deducted, if there be any, thirty florins of gold. Likewise to John de la Loge, master of my hall, in like form thirty florins of gold. Likewise to Peter Brisille, my cook, fifteen florins. Likewise (satisfaction being however first made of the aforesaid, and not otherwise, if my faculties can bear it) to the church of Metz, over which I presided, a hundred florins of the chamber, to be paid once only, for my anniversary, to be celebrated in the said church. Likewise I bequeath and ordain, in the manner and form aforesaid, to the church of Paris my better silver pax with ten florins of the chamber. Likewise I bequeath and ordain in the manner and form aforesaid to each order of the Mendicants in the city of Avignon, ten florins of the chamber. Likewise I constitute and ordain in every right and natural succession, belonging to me, both in movable and immovable goods, and any others from the paternal, maternal, ancestral inheritance, or from any other of my kinsmen, and in any way belonging to me by natural law, my heirs my beloved brothers John and Andrew of Luxembourg and Joanna of Luxembourg, my sister, each with an equal portion.

[7] But in the rest of my movable goods, if any remain, condign satisfaction being made of the premises, I institute and ordain as my heirs the poor of Christ, being for the time in the Roman court. But my Executors and commissioners, and of my present firm, and last and perpetual testament and irrevocable will I make, constitute, and ordain the most reverend Fathers in Christ, my Lords, Peter of the title of St. Mark, called of Embrun, John of the title of the four holy Crowned Ones, called of Neufchâtel, John of St. Anastasia, called of Viviers, priests; and Amadeus of St. Mary the New, called of Saluces, Deacon, Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church; William de Crepicordio Protonotary of the Holy Roman Church, and Clement Bishop of Lodève, and Hugh le Chaudronier, my chamberlain, Simon de Burien, procurator of the King of France in the Roman court, and Nicholas Clacquin, my Treasurer. To which Lord Cardinals, and to each of them, and also to two of the rest, of whom one be a protonotary or Bishop, I give, grant, and ordain from now full and absolute power in all and each of the above-written things to be prosecuted, proceeded, and completed, as true Executors, and to any of them, as is aforesaid, up to the completion and true perfection of all and each of the premises. You witnesses, here present, named below, in testimony of the truth of any of the premises, with what instance and affection I can, invoking, and you the public notary present and below-written I require instantly, more instantly, most instantly, that upon all the premises (reducing all into the better form, in which you can) you make a public instrument, or public instruments. These things were done at Villeneuve of the diocese of Avignon in the house of dwelling of the said most reverend Father the testator, in the year, Indiction, day, month, and pontificate as above, in the presence of the venerable and circumspect men masters, John de Marchia Doctor; Guy Danes, otherwise Hustin, licentiate in decrees; the Lords Giles Dorel, John Chauber, presbyters; Michael Alant, cleric chamberlain of the said Lord testator, Colard de Thoys, otherwise Tarin, and Achilletus Maquerel, damsels, of the dioceses of Toul, Thérouanne, Noyon, Cambrai, Arras, and Amiens, witnesses, specially called and asked to the premises. And because I Peter Dallovargue, a cleric of Thérouanne, public notary by Apostolic and Imperial authorities, and secretary, though unworthy, of the same most reverend Father in Christ, the Lord testator of holy memory, while he lived, and a continual member of the household, was present and personally interposed at all and each of the above-written, while, as they are prescribed, they were ordained and made, together with the aforenamed witnesses, therefore to this present testament, faithfully written by another, I affixed my accustomed sign, being required, as above, specially and asked. Thus far the testament. Then the Author proceeds.

[8] Blessed Peter of Luxembourg being therefore dead, and he buried, as he had ordained, on the 5th of the month of July of the above-written year 1387, His Miracles, there was afterward made a certain stone ark in the chapel of All Saints, and a certain marble tablet, in which his title was. But a marvelous thing is handed down to have happened in his burial, for when, the body being laid near the place of burial, wrapped in a grey cloth, marked with a cross, his soul was commended according to custom, and they wished to commit the body to the earth, he opened his eyes ^f (by the testimony of many), and soon, the burial being completed, closed them. And also almighty God performed great and divers miracles by his prayers and intercession. So that, the circle of a year not yet elapsed, he raised 13 dead, freed 8 from the peril of death, restored to 5 their speech, to 7 sight, to 8 hearing, to 4 lame their gait; healed three from a continual fever, 4 from a quartan, and restored 15 crippled and deprived of motion to their former health, made 5 raging and out of their mind masters of their mind; freed six from rupture, one from leprosy, five from a fistula, four from gout, five from a flux of blood, seven from childbirth, eight from the falling sickness, six from headache, three from the stone, four from the pain of worms, likewise four places from fire, (a wonder to say) reduced to penance three who, visiting his sepulcher, mocked, suddenly afflicted with diseases, and four recovered lost things by his prayers. All which above-said miracles by the command of Clement VII in the year 1390, the most reverend in Christ Fathers Cardinals, Peter of Sabina, Aurelius, and William of St. Angelo the commissioners, inquiring of the truth, are proved true, in the process of canonization of the aforesaid Peter of Luxembourg.

[9] Wherefore the aforesaid Pope Clement VII, moved by the sanctity of the aforesaid Peter of Luxembourg, the foundation of the Celestines at Avignon. flashing with miracles and virtues, thinking of a more illustrious basilica in his honor, reserved to himself all the things consecrated and to be consecrated to his memory, offered near his tomb, and committed the reserved things to the aforesaid Cardinals, who by the sentence of Pope Clement unanimously conferred them all on the Celestine Fathers of the Gallican province, for a monastery to be built there; which Celestines indeed, most willingly assenting to their vows: for the celebrating of the memory of blessed Peter, built one monastery of their order, wonderfully increased by the liberalities of Charles VI King of the French, as we shall say below.

[10] The miracles increasing and multiplying day by day, even to the point that within two years of the death of Blessed Peter, they ascended to the number of three hundred thirty-six above two thousand; the said Pontiff wishing to be informed of them, that thence he might enroll the aforesaid Peter in the number of the Saints, committed the most eminent Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, Peter Bishop of Sabina, Aurelius of St. Eusebius, and William of St. Angelo, for investigating the truth of the matter, who in the year 1389 and on the 16th day of the month of June, congregated in the Apostolic consistory at Avignon, most willingly heard Pierre d'Ailly, master in sacred Theology, deputed in the name of Charles VI, most Christian King of the French, and at the requisition of the venerable and circumspect men the Lords Dean and Chapter of the church of Paris, and also of the Rector and University of the same, proposing the business of the aforesaid canonization, and most strongly urging it in the name of those aforesaid. Wherefore the aforesaid Lord Cardinal commissioners commanded the scriveners and scribes (the accustomed oath being first taken from them of writing the truth) to consign faithfully in writing each of the deeds of Blessed Peter and the miracles performed, and to present the consigned things to their view. There follows the supplication of Charles VI, King of the French, to Clement VII, for the canonization of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg.

[11] Charles by the grace of God King of the French, to our beloved and faithful almoner, Charles VI King of France supplicates, master Pierre d'Ailly, professor of the sacred Page, greeting with jubilation of heart. In these modern times we have perceived by unceasing report, how every age and every sex hastens with an excess of unheard-of fervor, personally to visit a marvelous, new thing, sent from heaven to the world, namely the little body, nay rather the tomb of the little body of our most beloved kinsman, Peter formerly of Luxembourg, once Deacon Cardinal of the sacrosanct Roman Church, and to offer to him wax and images and other gifts; imploring his patronage in all necessities, and devoutly rendering thanks for benefits bestowed and received; which Peter from his tender years henceforth strove according to his power to imitate the rock Christ, as we have been informed by the manifold testimony of those worthy of faith. For this is the flower risen among lilies, outwardly shining with snowy whiteness through the angelic purity of his flesh, and inwardly glowing with golden redness through the most ardent charity of divine love; whose saving odor, as we hope, will put to flight that poisonous dragon, who up to now, the schism being vigorous, has not ceased to call whatever Christian-worshipers from the four corners of the globe of the earth, with the prodigies of stupendous miracles confirmed by the irrefragable testification of truth, to … after Christ, by whose prayers also we hope our affairs and those of our kingdom to be prospered from good to better.

[12] for the canonization. Therefore, the more heartily desiring the canonization and elevation of the body of our aforesaid Kinsman in the church militant, the more devoutly we believe him glorious in the church triumphant; to you, of whose knowledge, probity, and zeal we bear a fuller trust, by the present writing we commit and command, that, the present letters being seen, all tedious delay being set aside, you strive to betake yourselves to the sacrosanct Apostolic See, and there in the name of us all, in the name of the blood of the lilies, our most holy father Clement VII the supreme Pontiff, and the sacred college of his brethren the Cardinals, being present consistorially, with the rest wishing to be present, that you supplicate that the canonization of our said kinsman Peter, and also the elevation of his body, as of a Saint, be hastened by him, by the counsel of his aforesaid brethren the Cardinals, and be published through all the climes of the world, as it is of the law and custom of the Roman church to be done, and that you take care to certify us, as soon as you conveniently can, of the whole answer of that his Holiness. Given at Paris on the 20th of May, in the year of the Lord 1389, and the 9th of our reign. By the King, Blanchetii, thus signed in the original. There follows the supplication of the church of Paris for obtaining the said canonization, destined to Clement VII.

[13] To the most holy in Christ Father and our Lord, By the Chapter of Paris, the Lord Clement, by divine providence supreme Pontiff of the sacrosanct Roman and universal Church, your devout and humble sons and assiduous orators, the Dean and Chapter of your church of Paris, with all obedience, subjection, and reverence, themselves to the most devout kisses of the blessed feet. Most blessed Father: Among the other benefits, with which the divine mercy unceasingly binds us to His services, great joy will accrue to us, if they should illustrate your church of Paris, in our times, with new merits of Saints, especially of those who together with us were prebendary canons in the said church, with new miracles, by which the honor of the church would be amplified and the devotion of the kingdom would advance with happy increase. Since therefore Peter of Luxembourg of celebrated memory, once Deacon Cardinal of the sacrosanct Roman church (by whose sight and affection, when we were established in his adolescence, and prebendary Canons of the aforesaid church, then living, we were manifoldly refreshed) prudently escaped the miseries of the present sojourn, most distinguished by cleanness of life, honesty of manners, and laudable conversation. For being in the flower of his most pleasing youth, and of so distinguished a lineage, while he made personal residence in the said church, he showed himself gracious to us and all beholding, both by work and by speech.

[14] We also saw, and attest with sound consciences, that he for the sake of humility wished to sit in the low seats of the choir together with the boys, the same is petitioned. and commonly to carry the Cross serving with all devotion and reverence, and benignly to exercise the offices of the boys. But it has come to our hearing by reports worthy of faith, that to the tomb of that Cardinal, glorious in miracles and prodigies and examples, as fame publishes, there runs from divers climes of the world a multitude of the sick, of whom several rejoice and publish that they there received a benefit of all their sicknesses. Wherefore for us and the churches subject to us, we humbly and devoutly supplicate your Beatitude, that for the divine mercy and the consideration of the premises you would be willing to proceed to his canonization, if, and as, the condition of this business shall require it, that it may be certified by your judgment, with what honor he is to be followed, being dead, who living merited to obtain so celebrated a name. Most blessed Father, may the Most High deign to preserve your kindly person happily and long for the happy government of His holy Church. Done at Paris in our chapter, specially deputed for this, in the year of the Lord 1389, on the 22nd of the month of May. Sybouffardi, thus signed in the original.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER II. Other supplications of others for the said canonization, and its delays.

[15] The supplicatory petition of the University of Paris, The authentic instruments preceding, there is subjoined by the Collector of these documents, the supplication of the Rector and University of Paris for the said canonization to Clement VII, presented by Lord d'Ailly, which embraces the following words: To the most holy in Christ Father and our Lord, the Lord Clement, by divine providence supreme Pontiff of the sacrosanct Roman and universal Church. Your devout sons and assiduous orators, the Rector and University of the masters and scholars studying at Paris, with all obedience, subjection, and reverence, themselves to the most devout kisses of the blessed feet. If anything pertains to Religion and its augmentation, we believe that it is neither alien from us, nor do we wish to be idle or negligent in procuring and promoting it; for since our profession and our study are, to exalt the truth in all things, yet the truth of faith and religion, the more fruitful and holy, the dearer it has always been to us, and, so to say, the nearer to our heart. But wherefore this has been premised, let us explain. And so the most illustrious and most serene most Christian King of the French, son of your Holiness, of whom we are by a certain singular and happy adoption sons, at present destined his almoner, master Pierre d'Ailly, an excellent professor of sacred theology, a man of most approved faith, probity, and wisdom, to the presence of your Beatitude, for this cause, that upon the canonization of the marvelous and most illustrious and most excellent Youth, the Lord Peter of Luxembourg, the Cardinal of celebrated memory, before the most holy tribunal of your Highness, before moreover the most sacred college of the most reverend Fathers the Lord Cardinals, he might propose on his part certain sure things, also on the part of the other nobles of his most noble stock: and them, as we judge, the common fame moved to do this, which concerning the manners and life of the aforesaid Lord Cardinal, and concerning the miracles, done through him with you, as is said, assiduously grows great, moved perhaps the hope of allaying the schism, and the vehement affection of augmenting the divine worship; and also many other things, to be explained more at length by the said Lord Almoner, as we believe.

[16] But we, neither in this, nor in any for the same canonization. others, especially those concerning the most salutary religion, wishing to separate ourselves from our most Christian Father, the King of the French, now have thought the present letters should be transmitted to your Holiness, by which we intimate, that we beheld the most honest life of the aforenamed Man of God Peter, when he was with us, distinguished with the most resplendent titles of manners, which envy itself also would have praised: and which much at first sight induces us, to assent to the fame had of him, and piously to believe, that he is a partaker of beatitude in heaven, whose probity so shone on earth. Wherefore we most humbly supplicate your Beatitude, that to the inquiry and examination of the things which are said to have been done, to be canonically accomplished with mature swiftness, your Beatitude would deign to attend and give leisure; and thence to proceed to the canonization, if and how the condition of the business shall demand; for we recognize our honor in the honoring of such a former foster-son of ours, and we recognize our advantage to be situated in the public advantage of the Church (which, unless we are deceived by pious hope, proceeds from this deed), nor have we thought it unworthy, when religion is treated, to have interposed our offices. Most blessed Father, may [God] preserve your person sound and unhurt for His holy Church. Given in the year of the Lord 1389, in our general congregation at St. Maturinus, on the 19th of the month of May, specially congregated upon this. Next by the Collector is subjoined the Bull of commission of Clement VII, to three Cardinals, for the said canonization, as here follows.

[17] Clement Bishop; servant of the servants of God. To Peter of Sabina, and the beloved sons Amelius Cardinal-priest of the title of St. Eusebius, It is dispatched by Clement VII and William Cardinal-deacon of St. Angelo, greeting and Apostolic benediction. The Father of mercies, founder and Redeemer of the human race, ever with pious mercy providing for the salvation of man, of the benefits of His accustomed piety, sometimes so bountifully diffuses the gifts of His grace to His ministers in the arena of this life, and so prevents them with the blessings of sweetness, that they, the allurements of the world being abdicated, attending to pious and virtuous works, not only after the world vanquished and triumphed over, receive the unfading prize in their fatherland, but also before and after their happy death, grow bright with the flashing of miracles; whence mother Church, much exulting, that they may be duly honored on earth, interposes, as is expedient, the parts of her solicitude. For from these the faithful the devotion is increased and the rectitude of the Christian faith is proved.

[18] Today indeed on behalf of our most dear in Christ son Charles, illustrious King of the French, The Bull and of the beloved sons the Dean and Chapter of the church of Paris, and also of the Rector of the University, of the masters and scholars studying at Paris, before us and you, Brother Bishop, etc. Son Deacon Cardinal, and our other brethren, it was proposed in consistory, that Peter of Luxembourg of revered memory, Deacon Cardinal of St. George at the golden Veil, strove to imitate the rock Christ, outwardly shining with snowy whiteness through the angelic purity of his flesh, and inwardly glowing with golden redness, through the most ardent charity of divine love, and that to his tomb those held by various languors have hitherto received, and daily receive health, and otherwise the divine clemency ceases not to glorify him with many and great miracles. Wherefore on the part of the said King, Dean, and Chapter and Rector of the university, it has been supplicated to us, and they by their patent letters humbly supplicated, that we would deign to proceed to the canonization of the said Peter. But, although we too knew the same Peter, while he, endowed with the honor of the cardinalate, resided with us in the Roman court, distinguished by the titles of manifold virtues by mutual conversation, and very many of the aforesaid miracles have been brought to our ears, since the said Peter is buried in the city of Avignon, in which with the said court we reside, both by public fame reporting, and by the special relation of several worthy of faith, and such miracles from the time of the death of Blessed Peter, who two years since paid the debt of nature, are said to be continued both in the aforesaid city, and in divers other parts of the world, and from the premises we not undeservedly exult with spiritual joys, and now several times in public consistories on behalf of very many ecclesiastics, nobles, and other persons we have been requested upon this, nor is it becoming that he be left on earth without veneration, whom his holy conversation and miracles proclaim a Saint.

[19] to this end. Considering however, that the holy Roman Church, especially in so great a business of faith, namely where inquiry is made concerning so arduous a matter, is wont to proceed with great maturity, to your circumspection, of which in other and other matters we obtain full trust in the Lord, by Apostolic writings we command and commit, that you or two of you inquire more diligently into the truth of the life and conversation of the said Peter and of such miracles and the other circumstances concerning this business, and cause the things which you shall find upon the premises to be faithfully set down in writing, and take care to report to us, that, sufficiently instructed by such inquiry, in this business, whatever shall be pleasing to God, His clemency assisting us, we may be able to execute according to the debt of our office. Moreover, if you cannot conveniently give personal leisure to the examination of the witnesses, whom it shall happen to be produced in the same business, we wish, that for such examination, even to be made outside the same court, you may be able to commit it to our venerable brethren, John of Glandèves, and Gerald of Apt the Bishops, and the diocesans of the places. Given at Avignon on the 16th of the Kalends of July, in the 11th year of our pontificate. Gilbertus, thus signed. This Bull was followed by another, expressed in these words:

[20] The Bull Clement Bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved son William, bishop-Elect of Viviers, greeting and apostolic benediction. Lately on behalf of our most dear in Christ son, Charles illustrious King of the French, and of the beloved sons the Dean and Chapter of the church of Paris, and also of the Rector and University of Paris of the masters and scholars studying in it, it being proposed, in consistory before us, that Peter of Luxembourg of revered memory, Deacon Cardinal of St. George at the golden Veil, from his tender years had striven to imitate the rock Christ, outwardly shining with snowy whiteness through the angelic purity of his flesh, and inwardly glowing with golden redness through the most ardent charity of divine love; and that to his tomb those held by various languors had received, and were receiving health, and otherwise the divine Clemency ceased not to glorify him with many and great miracles, and it being humbly supplicated, that we would deign to proceed to the canonization of the said Peter; We gave in mandate by our letters to our venerable brother Peter Bishop of Sabina and our beloved sons Amelius Cardinal-priest of the title of St. Eusebius, and William Cardinal-deacon of St. Angelo, that they, or two of them, should inquire more diligently into the truth of the life and conversation of the said Peter and of such miracles, and the other circumstances concerning this business, and cause the things which they should find upon the premises to be faithfully set down in writing, and take care to report to us, and if they could not conveniently give personal leisure to the examination of the witnesses, whom it should happen to be produced in the same business, we wish, that they might be able to commit such examination, even to be made outside the Roman court, to our Venerable brethren John of Glandèves, and Gerald of Apt the Bishops, and the diocesans of the places, as is more fully contained in the said letters.

[21] Desiring therefore, that the business of such information be conducted with all maturity and discretion by a discreet and faithful solicitor and prosecutor, the second. and confiding greatly in the Lord in your providence and fidelity, we depute you by the tenor of these presents to prosecute it, and to do, conduct, and exercise all and each of the things which shall be necessary, or in any way opportune, concerning such prosecution, even if they be such as require a special mandate; granting you full power of deputing another or others for all and each of these things in your stead, as often as it shall seem expedient to you, and strictly forbidding the same Bishops and Cardinals to admit anyone other than you, or him or those whom you shall depute for this in your stead, to such prosecution in any way. Wherefore to your discretion by Apostolic writings we command, that, gratefully undertaking the burden of such prosecution, you show yourself so solicitous, faithful, and prudent in it, that you may thence deservedly be commended. Given at Avignon on the 2nd of the Nones of September, in the 12th year of our pontificate. Thierricus, thus signed. Let us now proceed with the Collector, who brings forward the oration of the Bishop of Viviers before the Lord Cardinals, upon the holiness of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg.

[22] Before the aforesaid most eminent Lord Cardinal commissioners, The oration of the Bishop of Viviers. gathered for this, the said most reverend Lord William, Bishop of Viviers, procurator and solicitor of this business, first intended to prove, and proved, that Peter of Luxembourg, once Deacon Cardinal, from his cradle up to the last period of his life, was an excellent cultivator of virginity and of charity toward the poor, and endowed with every kind of virtue, and this with great ease, since he was venerable in countenance, bland in aspect, placid of mouth, serene in mind, strong in patience, conspicuous in magnanimity, so loving of the peace and virtue of the Church, that, unless he had been prevented by death, he would have gone to the Emperor to procure it; liberal toward his enemies, loathing fleeting things, burning with the desire of heavenly things, comparing eternal things with temporal, holding cheap and despising temporal things for eternal, and that he might inwardly know the precepts of the divine law, by the natural acumen of his genius he so profited in letters, that by the avidity of reading he sought the food of his soul, and like the bees drew the nectar of eternal sweetness. But although he trod down all the fomentations of carnal vices, and on every side shone with an illustrious conversation, nevertheless he broke the strengths of his body, by the assiduity of abstinence, pursuing and coercing the vices of the flesh before they were born, so that from the very rudiments of infancy, ever growing in sublime humility, up to death, he claimed to himself the property of his name by the grace of sanctity, which sanctity, sufficiently proved by the aforesaid William, obtained and obtains greater confirmation by the miracles, with which the city of Avignon, by his illustrious merits, remains fortified in perpetual times, by the power of his body, laid and preserved in the monastery of the Celestines of the said City; flashing with many benefits, which are there furnished to all. For the dead are recalled to life, the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed, and other benefits are conferred at his tomb, as is more fully contained in the aforesaid information.

[23] But Urban VI having entered the way of all flesh in that season, The death of Urban VI, and Boniface IX being substituted in his place, Clement VII thought again for the union of the Church and the dissipation of the schism, and Charles King of the French, the chief instigator and promoter of the aforesaid canonization, turned his mind elsewhere, namely for waging war against the Moors, who occupying nearly all Spain, dominating far and wide over Asia and Africa, having crossed into Europe, and insulting the sea, dared to fly past the maritime shore of the province of Narbonne with such audacity, that it lacked little but that they sprinkled with their oars the faces of the men watching on the shore. And what happened worse, afterward Murad, a huge army being collected, even from the Christians tributary to him, declared war on Lazarus; who indeed being unequal in strength to so great an enemy, delegated orators to all the princes of the Christian world, asking aids against Murad, and he being dead, Bayezid, the successor of his empire and tyranny, and raging against the Christians, war being declared against the Rhodians, prepared an expedition for besieging Smyrna, as was said above. Wherefore the Rhodians sent to Clement VII at Avignon, who deferring the canonization of the aforesaid Peter of Luxembourg to another time on this account, wholly applied his mind to bringing aids to the Christians against the Turks, and also Charles VI, King of the French, the chief promoter, at that time, namely in the year 1394, being seized with delirium, and in the same year Clement VII being prevented by death, that business could not arrive at its desired end. the death of Clement VII,

[24] But the successor of Pope Clement VII, Peter de Luna, the obstinacy of Peter de Luna, a Spaniard, called in his obedience Benedict XIII, on account of the condition, which before his election he had promised and subscribed to fulfill, namely of abdicating the Papacy at an opportune time, and who afterward, interpellated by Charles King of the French through three Dukes, Philip of Burgundy, Louis of Orleans, and John of Berry, sent to obtain it, and who arrived happily at Avignon for this cause in the year 1395, against the minds of all strongly refused to fulfill and stand by his promises, saying that he would not desert the Church of the living God, and the ship of Peter, which he had undertaken to govern in such great waves. Wherefore the aforesaid Lord Dukes, without saluting him, departed from Avignon, the corner-stone being nevertheless laid on the foundations of the monastery of the Celestines; all which again hindered the said business. these things delay this business. In that same year 1395, John of Luxembourg, Count of Conversano, by his last will established that his body should be buried near the tomb of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, his brother, and for a chapel to be built in his honor, and Masses to be perpetually celebrated there, bequeathed a thousand ounces of gold: which sum indeed in the year 1404, was estimated at 6 thousand pounds, nor yet paid until the year 1414, by divers payments by the sentence of the masters of the supplicatory petitions. Wherefore the aforesaid chapel was not so soon begun. The Collector subjoins the following endeavors for promoting the business of canonization.

[25] But in the year 1417 Guy de Boscagio, Bishop of Avignon, The people of Avignon promote it, at the requisition of the most reverend Father Andrew de Borvilla, Procurator of the Celestines of Avignon, the process being seen and read, made for the canonization of the aforesaid Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, committed to John Antherius, Francis Bertrandi, John de Comis, and Andrew de Villaribus, scriveners, for a transcript to be extracted from the said process, which the aforesaid Reverend Father Procurator, by the order of the same Bishop, and with the consent of the aforesaid monastery, carried to Constance, and with great reverence and most humble supplication with letters of the consuls of the city of Avignon, presented it to Martin V, the supreme Pontiff, that he would be willing to enroll Peter of Luxembourg in the number of the Saints. Which likewise the consuls of Avignon most humbly supplicated by their letters, and from the same supreme Pontiff they had associated to themselves as orators the Cardinal of Le Mans and Anthony de Castro, then acting near him, by other letters. But the chief of all the orators for the second time was Charles VI the most Christian King of the French, who when he had understood that Martin V had delegated certain of the sacred college of Cardinals to the inquiry of the said business, with all the affection of his heart begged for its hastening; as will better appear from his supplication here inserted.

[26] Most blessed Father, our royal solicitude is more attentively engaged about those things and Charles VI King of France. which are directed to the Religion of God and the honor and exaltation of the holy Apostolic See. Since therefore, as we have learned, our most dear and special friends the Cardinals of Spain, Venice, and Cambrai, delegated and committed for the processes and things to be done in respect of the canonization of the glorious body of St. Peter of Luxembourg, once Cardinal of the sacrosanct Roman Church, and begotten of Royal offspring, according to the tenor of certain letters by the aforesaid Apostolic See, at whose inquiry the aforenamed Cardinals, by the distance of the places in which they reside, and the length of the journeys, and other obstacles, scarcely able to convene, have hitherto by no means proceeded in that matter, nor is it likely that our business can, for the aforesaid causes, be perfected by them within a short time, as we desire; We beseech your Holiness with sincere affection of heart, that in place of the aforesaid delegates you would be willing and deign, your mentioned Holiness, to subrogate our most dear and faithful Cardinals of Saluces, Viviers, and Cambrai, and the Bishop of Avignon (who upon the premises will be able more easily to convene together, and to conduct the matter more swiftly), or three or two of them, and to commit anew to the same the whole business in the state in which it is, to be terminated, whom may the Most High deign prosperously to preserve for the happy government of His holy Church. Written at Paris in the year 1418.

CHAPTER III. The letters of the University of Paris, the commissions of Pope Martin V; the supplications of the Bishop of Avignon, the Cardinal of Cambrai, and others for the same canonization.

How fervent were the zeals for promoting the canonization of our Blessed, The letters how the endeavors were not diminished, much less omitted, by the lapse of time, is made plain from the following instruments: and first indeed from the letters of the Rector and University of Paris, directed upon this matter to a certain Cardinal for Martin V. Most reverend Father: We, led by pious and religious consideration, write to our most holy Lord the Pope letters, containing this tenor: It is not becoming, most blessed Father, for a lamp to be covered under a bushel, which the Lord wishes to be placed upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house of God, in whose light they may direct their steps: whence also for this, by divine dispensation, the glory of the Saints happily reigning with God, who by no means need our goods, becomes known to mortals, and it is given to grow bright by miracles divinely shown, that they may turn to themselves the path of those making pilgrimage in this mortal life, may support them with continual aids, and at length advance them to that eternal peace which they enjoy. Whence, most reverend Father, the most holy fathers and the catholic Church of old decreed to venerate with worthy cult those whom the divine favor made manifest by evident indications, heaped with heavenly honors. Now for many years the family of St. Peter of Luxembourg, once Cardinal, has been held celebrated by noble birth, of the illustrious lineage of Emperors and Kings, but from his life it began to be more celebrated, which, unless it had been first initiated with clear and evident miracles and at length dilated far and wide up to these days, with signs following, equal to the first, might have been suspected to have had its origin from vulgar levity.

[28] But now, most blessed Father, the Most High has, as is reported, given him to grow bright with miracles so many in number and so clear, of the Rector and University, that his name has been divulged through the whole world, nor can it be so straitened, nor covered with silence, but that it bursts forth on every side, and on account of this our Lord of France, and also the most illustrious Prince, the Duke of Burgundy, roused by pious and devout devotion toward God, offer humble supplications to your Holiness, that to his exaltation, to which his glorious works call him, you would be willing to impart some office of your pastoral solicitude; which indeed, most blessed Father, we hope the readiness of your Holiness will grant, and with all humility supplicate it to hear, the more benignly, the more we believe the matter more holy, more pleasing to God, more favorable to the Church militant, which that they may be done holily, canonically, and according to the ecclesiastical ordinances, may it please your Holiness for beginning, composing, and fulfilling with due end this salutary work, to commit three or four of the most reverend Cardinals, now acting on this side the mountains, whom your Holiness shall judge the more knowing, holier, and more learned, and if it please, the most reverend Lords the Cardinals of Viviers, of Saluces, and of Cambrai, and the Bishop of Avignon, in whose diocese not only, but in whose Cathedral city all the works of God done for the manifestation of the aforesaid holy Cardinal are proclaimed, that under the course of your happy administration the Church militant may rejoice to have a new patron in heaven, by whose merits and prayers the divine majesty, inclined, may grant your Beatitude eternal beatitude after this life. Written, etc.

[29] And because, most reverend Father, here a matter is treated, pleasing to God, of Paris. in which His Saints glory, about to accrue to the Church militant in spiritual and likewise temporal success, requiring your religious, honest, and pious occupation, we supplicate your most reverend Paternity, with that affection with which we can, that you would deign to bestow your welcome aid on this work, bringing it to the desired end, for which and for the other merits of your most reverend Paternity you will at length obtain a perpetual reward from God. Written at Paris in our general congregation at St. Maturinus, solemnly celebrated on the 18th of the month of December. Your humble orators, the Rector and University of the studium of Paris, thus signed. The Collector proceeds. Martin V therefore, the supreme Pontiff, most willingly assenting to the aforesaid supplications, committed three Cardinals to that business, namely Peter Bishop of Sabina, John Cardinal-priest of the title of St. Sixtus, and Peter of St. Chrysogonus, of the Holy Roman Church, of whom the middle one John undertook the matter to be done. But what Bull Martin V issued in favor of the oft-said canonization, receive in a few words:

[30] Martin Bishop, servant of the servants of God, The Bull of commission, to our venerable brother Peter Bishop of Sabina, and beloved sons, John Cardinal-priest of the title of Blessed Sixtus, and Peter of the title of St. Chrysogonus, greeting and Apostolic Benediction. The Father of mercies, founder and Redeemer of the human race, ever with pious mercy providing for the salvation of men, of the benefits of His accustomed piety, sometimes so bountifully diffuses the gifts of His grace to His ministers, running in the arena of this life, and so prevents them with the blessings of sweetness, that they, the allurements of the world being abdicated, attending to pious and virtuous works, not only after the world vanquished and triumphed over, receive the unfading prize in their fatherland, but also before and after their happy death grow bright with the flashing of miracles.

[31] Whence mother Church, much exulting, that they may be duly honored on earth, interposes part of her solicitude, as is expedient; for from these the faithful the devotion is increased and the rectitude of the Christian faith is proved. Lately indeed on behalf of our most dear in Christ son Charles, illustrious King of the French, before us and you, brothers the Bishop and sons, the Cardinal-priests, and our other brethren, it was proposed in consistory, that Peter of Luxembourg of revered memory, in the obedience of the former Clement VII, so named in his obedience, Deacon Cardinal of St. George at the golden Veil, from his tender years strove to imitate the rock Christ, outwardly shining with snowy whiteness through the angelic purity of his flesh, and glowing with an inner golden redness through the most ardent charity of divine love; and that to his tomb those held by various languors have hitherto received, and continually receive health, and otherwise the divine clemency ceases not to glorify him with many and great miracles.

[32] of Martin V, Wherefore the same King through his Ambassadors humbly supplicated us, that we would deign to proceed to the canonization of the said Peter. But since it is not becoming that he be left on earth without veneration, whom his holy conversation and miracles proclaim a Saint; considering however, that the holy Roman Church, being purposed in so great a business of faith, namely where inquiry is made concerning so arduous a matter, is wont to proceed with great maturity, to your circumspection, of which in these and other matters we obtain full trust in the Lord, by Apostolic writings we commit, that you or two of you inquire, by our authority, into the truth of the life and conversation of the said Peter, and of such miracles and the other circumstances pertaining to this business, and inform yourselves more diligently, and take care faithfully to report to us the things which you shall find by such inquiry and information, that, sufficiently instructed by this, in this business, whatever shall be pleasing to God, His clemency assisting us, according to the debt of our office, we may be able to execute. Moreover, if you cannot conveniently give personal leisure to the examination of the witnesses, whom it shall happen to be produced in the same business, we wish, that such examination, to be made in the Roman court and outside it, you may be able to commit to the Ordinaries of the diocesans of the places, or their officials, or Vicars in spirituals, or other fit persons; upon which we grant you power. Given at Constance, on the 8th of the Ides of May, in the first year of our pontificate. P. de Callio, thus signed. There followed here the letters of the Bishop of Avignon, by which it is committed to the scribes and scriveners that the process of canonization be transcribed; which we produced in number 276; and so, those being omitted, we proceed to the commission of the Cardinal of Cambrai for the examination of the witnesses.

[33] Peter, by divine mercy Cardinal-priest of the title of St. Chrysogonus, and of the Cardinal of Cambrai, of the Holy Roman Church, commonly named "of Cambrai," to the Reverend in Christ Fathers the Lords Bishops of Avignon, Paris, and Geneva, and to their Vicars and Officials and those holding their places, and of each of them; and also to the venerable men the Dean of St. Peter's, and the Provost of St. Desiderius' of the collegiate churches of Avignon, and to each of them, greeting. Know, that lately the most holy in Christ Father and Lord the Lord Martin, by divine providence Pope V, directed certain Apostolic letters of commission, sealed with his true leaden bull, with a hanging hemp cord, to the most reverend in Christ Fathers and Lords, the Lords Peter Bishop of Sabina and John Cardinal-priest of the title of St. Sixtus, of the Holy Roman Church, and to us, of which the tenor follows and is such.

[34] Martin Bishop, servant of the servants of God. To our venerable brother, Peter Bishop of Sabina and beloved sons John Cardinal-priest of the title of St. Sixtus and Peter of the title of St. Chrysogonus, greeting and Apostolic benediction. The Father of mercies, etc., as above, number 30. But since we, Peter the aforesaid Cardinal of Cambrai and our said colleagues, and also the most reverend in Christ Father and Lord, the Lord Peter, by divine mercy Deacon Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church of St. Mary in Dominica, commonly named "of Venice the Younger," subrogated in the place of the aforesaid Lord John Cardinal of the title of St. Sixtus, acting in parts remote from the Roman court, by the oracle of the living voice of our Lord the Pope, cannot conveniently give leisure to the examination of the witnesses to be produced in the said business, being hindered by several other arduous affairs: To you all and each of the above-said, to whom our present letters are directed, and to each of you, jointly, concerning the examination of such witnesses to be produced and examined outside the Roman court, by the will and consent of our said colleagues, and to those subrogated, according to the power attributed to them and us in the said Apostolic letters, we commit their stead and ours in this part, until they shall have thought to recall them to themselves, and we shall have thought to recall them. Protesting, that if it should happen that they or we in any way use this our commission, we would not on that account intend to revoke this our commission in anything, unless we made special and most express mention of that revocation.

[35] In faith and testimony of all and each of these things, for the examination of the witnesses. the present letters, or the present public instrument, the religious man, brother Andrew de Borvilla, monk and procurator, and in the procuratorial name of the Religious men the Prior and Convent of the monastery of the Celestine brethren of Luxembourg at Avignon, within whose enclosure the body of the aforesaid Lord Peter of Luxembourg is venerably buried, asking and requiring, and petitioning that of these one and more instruments be made for him in the said name by the notaries below written; and each of them, even severally, to be made, we granted, and caused to be fortified with the appending of our seal. Given and done at Avignon, in the house of our dwelling, on the 6th of the month of October, in the year from the Nativity of the Lord 1418, in the eleventh Indiction, reckoned with the same year, in the first year of the Pontificate of the aforesaid our Lord the Pope, in the presence of the venerable and circumspect and discreet men, Lord John Hugoneti, licentiate in laws, and Peter Milonis, cleric, both of Metz, and witnesses specially called and asked to the premises.

[36] And I Arnulph Logerii, presbyter canon of St. Géry of Cambrai, public notary by Apostolic and Imperial authorities, to the aforesaid commission, grant, and declaration, protestation, and all the other things above-said and written, while they were thus granted, committed, and protested by the aforesaid most reverend Father, the Lord Cardinal of Cambrai, together with master Francis Bessonis, the below-written public notary and the aforenamed witnesses, was present, and saw and heard them thus made. Therefore to this present commission by the command of the most reverend Father, the Lord Cardinal I subscribed myself, and affixed my sign accustomed to be made in such matters in faith and testimony of all and each of the premises being required and asked. And I Francis Bessonis, of the diocese of Vienne, inhabitant of Avignon and cleric, public notary by Apostolic and Imperial authorities, who of the premises together with the aforenamed master Arnulph Logerii, notary by the same authorities, took a note, from which the present letters, or the present public instrument, being occupied with other affairs, I caused to be extracted, written, and engrossed by another faithful one, and reduced into this public form, namely here subscribing myself with my own hand and affixing my accustomed sign, in testimony of the premises being required and asked. Now I subjoin the argument of the supplicatory petition directed to Pope Martin V for the hastening of the oft-said canonization.

[37] The supplication to Martin V. Most blessed Father, since at another time your Holiness committed to the Reverend in Christ Fathers and Lords, the Lord Cardinals of Cambrai, of Spain or Osma, of Ragusa, and of Venice the Younger, the cause or causes of the process and examination of the canonization of the Lord Peter of Luxembourg, once Cardinal, and it would be impossible or at least very difficult and costly for the said Lords to be congregated into one for completing the said process by the aforesaid fathers, your Holiness is devoutly and humbly supplicated, that, considering the matter, much divulged among the catholic people, and the miraculous works so manifold, both in life and in death, and after death publicly done, and which are continually done, whose truth can be more perfectly and truly examined and done by ocular inspection upon the place, than elsewhere, your Holiness would mercifully deign and be willing to commit the aforesaid cause and causes in our city of Avignon to the most reverend in Christ Fathers and Lords the Lord Cardinals of Ostia, and of Cambrai, now dwelling in the aforesaid city, the Lord Bishop of Avignon, the Ordinary of the said place, being joined to them, and they will pray God for your Holiness.

[38] Then Charles VII, son of Charles VI, King of the French, Prince of the Dauphiné, sent a supplication directed to the supreme Pontiff Martin V, conceived in the same words as that of his father, in the same year 1418. Which likewise the Duke of Burgundy, John, did, from Beauvais, on the 4th of January 1419, and wished to have his supplication commended by other letters of his to John Robert, archdeacon of Langres, his secretary, then acting at Rome. Which thus sound:

[39] Most dear friend, the most serene Prince, my Lord, The supplication of the Duke of Burgundy; the King of the French, by the bearer of these presents punctually writes to our most holy Lord the Pope, in the manner which follows. Most blessed Father, our Royal solicitude is more attentively engaged about those things which are directed to the religion of God and the honor and exaltation of the holy Apostolic See. Since therefore, etc., as above, number 26. And because we desire this so salutary business to be fully brought to effect with all the strengths of our mind, we beg your most reverend Paternity, in whom we bear a special trust, with the most ardent affection of heart … in regard of our people, that for the aforesaid business of subrogation you would be willing so to interpose your offices, that as quickly as possible that business may be dispatched and perfected; and the things which we signify to be welcome to us, that by our prayers we would ask them, being about to fulfill them, God moved, who may deign to preserve your most reverend Paternity with happy successes to your wishes. Written at Beauvais on the 4th of the month of January. The Duke of Burgundy, Count of Flanders, Artois, and Burgundy, John, thus signed. And a little below. N. Nyolle.

[40] Peter, by divine mercy Deacon Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church of St. Mary in Dominica, the letters by which he signifies, commonly named "of Venice the Younger," to all and each who shall inspect the present letters, or the present public instrument, greeting in the Lord, and to give undoubted faith to the present. Know, that formerly the most holy in Christ Father and our Lord, the Lord Martin, by divine providence Pope V, at the supplication and instance of the most serene Prince and Lord the Lord Charles illustrious King of the French, made to him by his solemn ambassadors, committed and mandated by his Apostolic letters to the most reverend in Christ Fathers and Lords, the Lords Peter Bishop of Sabina of Spain, and John of the title of St. Sixtus of Ragusa, and Peter of the title of St. Chrysogonus of Cambrai, commonly named, Cardinal-priests by the same mercy, upon the business of the canonization of the most reverend Father of revered memory, the Lord Peter of Luxembourg, in the obedience of the former Clement VII, so named in the same obedience, Deacon Cardinal of St. George at the golden Veil, as and in what manner is more fully contained in the same letters. Of which the tenor word for word follows and is such. Martin Bishop, servant of the servants of God, to our venerable brother Peter, Bishop of Sabina and beloved sons John of the title of St. Sixtus, and Peter of the title of St. Chrysogonus Cardinal-priests greeting and Apostolic benediction. The Father of mercies, etc., which you have in number 30.

[41] But afterward the same Lord John of Ragusa, one of the aforesaid commissioners, of the Cardinal of Venice, legate of the Apostolic See in the kingdoms of Hungary and Bohemia, by the mandate and license of the said our Lord the Pope absented himself from the Roman court. Wherefore the same our Lord the Pope today by the oracle of the living voice subrogated and deputed us Peter Deacon Cardinal of Venice, named the Younger, aforesaid, in place of the same Lord John the absent Cardinal, and joined us to the said Lords, Peter the Bishop and Peter the priest, Cardinals and commissioners in this part, with full power, in this business together with the same or one of them of proceeding, inquiring, informing, and reporting, and otherwise doing in all things and through all according to and after the force, form, and tenor of the said letters.

[42] Of which subrogation, deputation, and adjunction, the cause committed to him made by the oracle of the living voice, as is premised, we made a faithful relation to the public notaries and our below-written scribes, after the manner of the Roman Curia, in faith and testimony of all and each of the premises, we caused the present our letters or the present public instrument by the supplication of the religious man brother Andrew de Borvilla, a presbyter, monk expressly professed and the asserted procurator of the monastery of the Celestine brethren of Luxembourg at Avignon, in which the body of the aforesaid formerly most reverend Lord Peter of Luxembourg the Cardinal, as is said, is venerably buried, to be thence made and by the notaries and our aforesaid below-written scribes and each of them to be subscribed and published, and to be fortified with the appending of our seal.

[43] Given at Geneva in the house of our residence, in the year from the nativity of the Lord 1418, of the canonization. in the 11th Indiction, on Friday, the 19th of the month of August, in the first year of the Pontificate of the aforesaid most holy our Lord, the Lord Pope Martin V, there being present the venerable and religious and circumspect men Lord Peter de Versaliis, master in the sacred page, brother Anthony Deraglii, Prior of the monastery of Bellevaux, of the diocese of Lyons, Lord Simon de Sala, licentiate in Decrees, procurator of the illustrious Prince the Lord Duke of Savoy, Lord John Ponceti, cleric of the sacred college of the Roman Lords Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, and also Lord Dominic de Ponte a presbyter and Theodoric de Usselis master in arts, cleric of the diocese of Toul and Mainz, witnesses specially called and asked to the premises. Next in this collection of Malet are the letters of the Cardinal des Ursins, Legate in France, to Martin V, and others moreover to the Council of Constance, given for maturing the business of the same beatification. The former have thus.

[44] Most holy Father and our Lord, humble and submissive recommendation being premised, The Cardinal des Ursins to Martin V, the most Christian Prince and my Lord the King, having the fact of the canonization at heart, as by his letter, of which a copy is enclosed, your Holiness will be able to see, cordially required me, that, agreeing with his affections, I would earnestly supplicate concerning the same fact. Wherefore, most blessed Father, I supplicate your Holiness, with what prayers I can, that according to the content of the Royal letter, it may please to dispatch the said matter, for it is a pious work, and about this so great and such a King supplicates, and to me your least servitor you will do a singular grace. May the Most High preserve your Holiness according to your wishes. Given in the city of Beauvais, on the 4th of January, in the year 1419. Your Holiness's most humble servitor, Bishop of Albano, Cardinal des Ursins, Legate of the Apostolic See. But the later letters to the Council of Basel are thus drawn up.

[45] Most reverend in Christ Fathers, and my Lords: and the Council of Constance; after recommendation, I write to our most holy Lord in the form enclosed in these presents. Wherefore I supplicate the same most reverend Paternities, that you would be willing to insist with the same upon a dispatch as swift as effective, prepared to obey your most reverend Paternities in all commands. Given in the city of Beauvais, on the 4th of the month of January in the year 1419. Your Reverend Paternities' servitor, Bishop of Albano, Cardinal des Ursins, Legate of the Apostolic See. The Consuls of Avignon themselves also proved their zeal toward the solemn honors of the Blessed by letters given to Martin V, in these words:

[46] Most blessed Father; and Lord, most Clement Lord: of the Consuls of Avignon, after the most desired kisses of your most sacred feet, and the most humble commendation, we long ago persuaded ourselves under the happy and most well-omened supreme Apostolate of your Holiness, that the fullness of time had come, in which the Relics of St. Peter of Luxembourg should be raised from the ashes in which they long rested; we have written more frequently to your Holiness for the exaltation of that St. Peter, and for his enrollment in the catalogue of those foreknown by the same best God, of the Elect from eternity; and that we might the more easily obtain the matter itself, we implore the labor of your most devout creature, Peter by divine mercy Cardinal of Luxembourg, who drew his origin from the blood of that St. Peter, whose benignity has not disdained to plead with your Holiness the most just cause of that Saint, and ours.

[47] And although, most blessed Father and Lord, after the intercessions of so illustrious and most illustrious a Lord, to Martin V, made to your Holiness, even supplications however vehement seem to profit in nothing: yet we again write for the premises to your Holiness these our letters, and most humbly and most devoutly supplicate it, that for the increase of the divine worship and the consolation of this your most faithful city, and of the most religious house of the Celestine brethren, with whom the pledge of the most sacred ashes of that St. Peter is laid, it would deign by its clement piety benignly to grant the so long-desired canonization of that Saint, petitioned by so frequent desires. For it will be an ornament of the orthodox faith, an eternal memory of the name of your Holiness, and a gladness of this your most faithful city, which, unless it had been preserved by the continual intervention of the same St. Peter, and the most present mercy of the Creator, would long ago have fallen, turned into dust. For our minds are excited to these things, that the ashes and Relics of that Saint have now for so many years lain hidden, and the frequent and open miracles, which the Most High continually works through him, who may preserve your Holiness most long happy and make it so. From Avignon. Other letters of the same to the Cardinal of Cambrai.

[48] Most reverend Father and Lord, most illustrious Lord, and to the Cardinal of Cambrai. most humble commendations. Although no services have ever been exhibited by us to your most reverend Lordship, yet we do not fear to weary it so often with our letters. In which matter, if we are worthy of blame, this our singular devotion to St. Peter of Luxembourg and immense desire of his canonization has effected, which canonization indeed (for which we have immortal thanks to your most reverend Lordship, who drew your origin from the illustrious blood of that St. Peter) it has deigned most efficaciously to prosecute with our most holy Lord, and rightly indeed, both on account of the amplitude of the catholic faith, and on account of the admirable and incredible holiness of that Saint's life in his flourishing age and at the summit of the greatest honor, and on account of the celebrated and inestimable devotion and observance of life of the Celestine Fathers of this apostolic city, with whom the pledges of your blood lie hidden in a humble place, we most humbly supplicate your most reverend Lordship that for its magnanimity it would proceed in this matter, nor even cease to be wearied, until the Beatitude of our most holy Lord shall have granted such a canonization, to whom, under the exemplar enclosed in these presents, we also at present write, and whom, God commanding, we believe will no longer defer his canonization. Which if in these times and by the intervention of your most reverend Lordship it be done, it will be judged by all most happy, and by the intervention of that Saint an easy access to the ethereal seats will lie open to your most reverend Lordship, to whom we most devoutly commend ourselves and our matter, and whom may the Most High preserve most long happy, and increase with the desired increments of honors. From Avignon.

[49] Of the Dauphin of Vienne, But as to the supplication for the aforesaid canonization, from Charles VII, son of Charles VI, King of the French, then Prince of the Dauphiné; of which we spoke above, we have said that its tenor should be thus written down. The exemplar itself, expressed in the French idiom, I render thus in Latin: Most holy Father, submissively I commend myself to your Holiness, and with what earnestness I can: which will deign to know, that my most dear and beloved kinswoman, the Damsel of Luxembourg, sister german of my most dear kinsman, deceased, of pious memory the Cardinal of Luxembourg, to whom may God be propitious, has signified to me, that, after before your Holiness, and in a frequent senate, while he still dwelt at Constance, there had been publicly exhibited to it a certain proposition, of the illustrious deeds and miracles, which are commonly asserted to have been often performed, the favor of our Lord seconding, through the patronage, prayers, and intervention of the aforesaid kinsman of mine, deceased; and for that cause there had been offered to your Holiness a certain supplicatory petition, that it might be proceeded to the fact of his canonization, and it had seemed to your aforesaid Holiness, to commit that business to three Cardinals, who at that time were with your Holiness, namely the Cardinals of Cambrai, of Spain, and of Venice; to whom it gave a Bull and faculty, that they should institute a question, accommodated to such a business.

[50] Of his kinsman This was the cause, that my aforesaid Kinswoman (who from all affection of piety desires this business to be dispatched, so that in the time of her life it may be proceeded to the fact of his canonization, which she has resolved most studiously to prosecute) knowing, that not long ago the business was treated in the city of Avignon, departed thither from Paris for this cause, hoping that she would find your Holiness in that very place, or near enough, as also the Cardinals above named; but when she came to the place, she found that your Holiness had long since set out beyond the Mountains, and that the said Cardinals, set by you over the mentioned business, were also absent, and for a long time separated one from another. For the Venetian had joined himself to the company of your Holiness; the Spaniard had departed to his country; the one of Cambrai dwells at Avignon. And since it would be a matter of great effort to congregate them together, the business remained unaccomplished, and would probably remain further imperfect from this time for a long time; nay one without the other could do nothing there in the matter; unless provision were made otherwise by your said Holiness, as my aforesaid Kinswoman wrote and signified to me, contending with me with the utmost zeal, that I should give letters upon this matter to your Holiness.

[51] Wherefore, most holy Father, I, who for the causes above mentioned, of Blessed Peter. and especially for the exaltation and honor of our mother the holy Church, desire in turn from great affection of heart, that that matter be soon transacted, considering the not common celebrity, spread everywhere throughout the kingdom, of the holy and upright life of my deceased kinsman, and considering also the origin, which he draws from the blood of Monsieur ^a and mine, and also the supplicatory petition and intercession of my aforesaid kinswoman, who has labored so earnestly for this matter; I supplicate as most studiously as I can, and contend, that the business, which your Holiness had committed to the above-said Cardinals for its dispatch, and for my grace, it may please to commit anew afresh to three Cardinals, who both are already present, and will be present hereafter, namely the Cardinals of Viviers, of Saluces, and of Cambrai, and also the Bishop of Avignon. So that if the case should be such, that all could not be convoked together; two should have as much power, to give leisure to that cause, as four. And upon this matter may your Holiness not be loath benignly to grant its bulls, in case they be required, without any delay; since the petition seems to me quite consonant with reason: and you will do me a far most welcome thing. Most holy Father, I pray the blessed Son of God, that He may receive your Beatitude into His holy tutelage, and grant it safe and long life. Written at Romorantin on the 9th of November. Humble, and your Holiness's devout servant, the Dauphin of the land of Vienne. Signed Charles, and below Picart M. C.

[52] The said Prince also wrote letters to John Turronius, Other letters of the same his orator in the Roman Court, which I again make Latin from the French: Dear and most beloved. We give letters to our most holy Lord the supreme Pontiff, of the following tenor: Most holy Father; submissively to your Holiness, and with what earnestness I can, I commend myself, which will deign to know, that my most dear and beloved kinswoman, the Damsel of Luxembourg, sister german of my most dear kinsman of good memory, Peter of Luxembourg, etc., as is written above, up to the end of the epistle. We wish, and command you with as much affection as we can, and others, that, since we destine the said letters to the aforesaid our most holy Lord, and the Cardinals of the sacred College, to whom we likewise write, you promote and mature that business, which we have much at heart, with them, so that by your untiring diligence, it may be able to obtain its full effect, such as we desire: and you will have affected us with the utmost pleasure. Dear and most beloved, may our Lord keep you safe. Given at Romorantin on this 9th of November. Above is written, "On the part of the Dauphin of the land of Vienne, Duke of Berry of Touraine, and Count of Poitiers," and below signed Charles, and lower Picart M. C. To each epistle was affixed a seal in red wax with the quartered arms of France and the Dauphiné. Then the Collector proceeds. But, as we said above, the Reverend Father Andrew de Borvilla, Procurator of the Celestine Fathers, by the order of the most reverend Bishop of Avignon, the process of the aforesaid canonization being extracted, went to Constance, deputed to Martin V, for hastening the said business, in the name of the said monastery of the Celestines at Avignon. We have thought the letters of the same commission should be here inserted. Concerning which in the following chapter.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER IV. The deputation of the Celestines of Avignon, the effort of Charles VI, why the canonization was delayed, the acts of the Council of Basel in its favor.

The deputation of the Celestines of Avignon The Celestines of Avignon, for their desire with which they burned in promoting the work of the oft-said canonization, deputed a Procurator to Martin V, furnished with these letters. To all Christ's faithful who shall inspect the present letters, the humble Prior and Convent of the monastery of the Celestine brethren of Luxembourg at Avignon, of the Order of St. Benedict according to the institutes of Blessed Peter the Confessor, Pope Celestine V, living, pertaining to the Roman Church without any intermediary, greeting in Him who is the true salvation of all, and the suffrages of devout prayers, and to give undoubted faith to the present. We make known to you by the tenor of these presents, that we have sent, and send to the holy Apostolic See, our most dear brother in Christ, brother Andrew de Borvilla, presbyter monk expressly professed of our order and procurator or syndic of the said monastery, the bearer of these presents, together with the processes, books, and writings, had upon it, and for the canonization to be made of Peter of Luxembourg of holy memory, Deacon Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church of St. George at the golden Veil (whose body was venerably buried within the enclosure of our said monastery. In which place indeed, and also in many other parts of the world, by his pious prayers and merits, as is piously believed, the Most High continually works many and frequent miracles), to prosecute the same canonization, and several other affairs concerning and touching us and the said monastery, of which the same brother Andrew is fully informed; in whom also, as in one experienced, we confide.

[54] to Martin V Wherefore humbly and devoutly, as much as we can in the Lord, we ask you Christ's faithful, we also humbly supplicate you, that for the love of God, and in regard of piety and religion and in contemplation of that Blessed Peter the most worthy Cardinal, you would have the same brother Andrew, the bearer of these presents, together with his servants, attendants, and retinue, specially recommended, and direct him faithfully in all things to be done, and furnish him aid, counsel, and favor, both in going to the said Roman court, and in staying there, and in pursuing it, and also in returning: and to him, being truly catholic, and entangled or bound by the bonds of no sentence of excommunication, but existing in the communion of the faithful, you would charitably and devoutly and salubriously minister the ecclesiastical Sacraments, if and as and as much as shall be needful, as often as you shall be required, or any of you shall be required, as it shall pertain and belong to each of you; and we grant special license and by the tenor of these presents the faculty of ministering those sacraments to the said brother Andrew by you, and of receiving them by him from any of you, as shall be needful; for we shall reckon to be bestowed on us, whatever shall be bestowed on him, both spiritually, and also corporeally, or done. And besides the reward of divine retribution, which you will thence have, in place and time opportune, if and when we shall be required, or need shall be, for the benefits so to be bestowed and bestowed on the same brother Andrew the bearer, in time similar or greater, the Lord aiding, we shall bestow on you. Given at Avignon in the aforesaid monastery of Avignon, in the chapter of the said Convent, celebrated for these and other things: under also the testimony of our seals of the aforesaid Prior and Convent, on the 11th of the month of February in the year from the Nativity of the Lord 1418, in the 11th Indiction, in the first year of the Pontificate of the most holy in Christ Father and our Lord, the Lord Martin, by divine providence Pope V. Malet subjoins.

[55] But Charles VI, thinking that toward his kinsman he had not yet fully rendered his duty, The effort of Charles VI. gave in mandate to master John Trotto, procuring his affairs in the sacred Roman senate, that he should diligently watch over this business, by his letters, given at Pontserre in the year 1418, on the 28th of December. Martin V, the supreme Pontiff, moved by the aforesaid supplications, when, as we said above, he had named and committed the three aforesaid Cardinals to that business, the matter yet remained, as it were hung on a nail, on account of the cessation of the Council of Constance, and the departure of the supreme Pontiff, although again the King of France had committed the matter to his orator, acting with the Pontiff, as we wrote above, because the Pope turned his mind to composing the seditions of the kingdom of France between the Dauphin and the Duke of Burgundy John, on which he so labored through his orators the Cardinals, sent to Paris for this, that peace was ratified between them both, although Monstrelet writes the matter unaccomplished.

[56] But, on account of the horrible slaughter, which the Burgundians made at Paris in the same year with such rage and fury, Why the canonization was deferred. that the living, cast down from the windows, the rest received with swords and spears; the bloodless corpses of the Constable, the Chancellor, the Bishop of Senlis, and other nobles, they, fixing them on hooks, dragged through the city, and composed straps torn from their skin, and the corpses of all being carried out of the city in wagons and carts and exposed to the beasts, they threw into the running water, that the fish might be fattened. But the wretched King, placed on a horse, was led about the city, and the Dauphin was compelled to betake himself naked from his bed to Melun; the peace above ratified was interrupted. Whence it happened, that the Dauphin caused the Duke of the Burgundians, John, to meet his death in the year 1419, under hope of a new peace to be entered upon, as we shall write more fully in the history of Louis, Duke of Orleans. Then Philip Duke of Burgundy, mindful of his father's death, delivered the King and Queen of France, together with the kingdom, to the English; and so it came to pass, that Charles VI, King of France, the Dauphin, and the Duke of Burgundy, the chief zealots of the canonization of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, turning their mind to wars, as also Pope Martin, by no means brought the matter to a perfect end. Nevertheless a chapel in honor of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg was built at the cost of Gian Galeazzo, formerly Duke of Milan, and Lord of Montjoie, a knight and baron of the empire, in the year 1421.

[57] The canonization of Blessed Peter, which the whirlwinds of wars had interrupted, On the occasion of a notable miracle while meanwhile very many of his miracles, which were daily performed, turned the minds of all to admiration, being anew required, roused as it were from sleep the supreme Pontiff and the Kings; and God, wishing His Saint to be celebrated with more illustrious miracles, permitted a very great and unheard-of miracle to be done, in the year 1432. Which see described in the Albian life, number 43; and so we forbear to transcribe more from Malet here; wishing to pursue with him the thread of the historical collection begun.

[58] Wherefore for the third time, namely in the year 1433, in the 13th Indiction, the business of canonization resumed, on the 17th of the month of July, in the 4th year of the Pontificate of the most holy in Christ Father and our Lord, the Lord Eugene, by divine providence Pope IV, the Council of Basel, begun in the year 1431, undertook the canonization of Blessed Peter to be made before the most reverend Lords of Rouen, Bologna, and Piacenza, Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, the Patriarchs of Alexandria and Antioch; the Bishops of Orleans, Regensburg, Nevers; the Abbots of Vercelli and Cîteaux, and the other Lords and masters making and representing the sacred Council of Basel, in their congregation there presiding the most reverend in Christ Father, the Lord Giuliano Cesarini, Deacon Cardinal of the title of St. Angelo, legate of the Apostolic See in Germany, in the presence of the public scrivener and the below-written witnesses, specially called and gathered for this, for after several more acts, agitated in the said general congregation, there came forth the Reverend in Christ Father the Lord John Abbot of Cîteaux, Professor of sacred theology, and a notable conference being made by him upon this theme, "God is wonderful in His Saints," etc., in favor of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg of revered memory, once Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, required, that the sacred Council would deign to commit to some of the Lords, the Lord Cardinals, and the other prelates of the sacred Council, who by the authority of that Council might see and examine the other processes, made by the authority of the Council of Constance, upon the aforesaid canonization, to report. Which requisition being made by the said Lord Abbot, and mature deliberation being had upon it by the most reverend Lord Fathers and Presidents of the sacred Council, it pleased the sacred Council, that this petition, to be more widely arranged, should be remitted to the sacred deputations, as by the most eminent Cardinal president of the Council, out of his authority, it was remitted.

[59] And therefore on Thursday, the second-to-last of the month of July of the same year 1433, the Cardinals deputed. a congregation being made for deputing men to examine the said processes, it pleased that deputies be given for all the things to be done by the deputation of the Council. Wherefore there were deputed the most eminent Lord Cardinal of the title of St. Eustace, and the Patriarch of Alexandria, who together with those to be deputed by the other deputations, might see, examine these processes, and report in the general congregation. On the same day, in the sacred deputation there were deputed, the most eminent Lord Cardinal legate, and also the most eminent Cardinal of Piacenza, the Lord Patriarch of Antioch, likewise the Patriarch of Alexandria, the Bishop of Bologna, and the Bishops of Regensburg and Orleans.

[60] On Friday, the last of July of the year 1433, in the general congregation, as above, after the usual manner and before the aforesaid Lords, of the Council of Basel making and representing the sacred Council of Basel, after several more acts, agitated in the same general congregation, there were read the concordats of the twelve lords, among which was written below of this tenor: All the deputations agree, that from each deputation there be given deputies, who may see and examine and report the other processes made upon the canonization of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, by some by the authority of the sacred Council of Constance. And for the deputation of the party there were deputed the most reverend Lords Alphonsus Deacon Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church of the title of St. Eustace, and Vitalis, Patriarch of Alexandria. For the deputation of faith, the most reverend Lords Antony, Cardinal of Ostia of Bologna, and John Cardinal of the title of St. Peter in Chains. For the deputation on common matters, the most reverend in Christ Father and Lord, Julian, Deacon Cardinal of the title of St. Angelo, legate of the Holy Apostolic See in Germany, and Father the Lord John Bishop of Nevers. For the deputation on the Reformatory, the most reverend in Christ Father, the Lord Branda, Bishop of Porto, of the Holy Roman Church commonly named Cardinal of Piacenza, and the most reverend in Christ Father, the Lord John Patriarch of Antioch. But for the deputation on faith, besides the aforesaid, he added the Reverend Fathers the Lords John and Conrad Bishops of Orleans and Regensburg. So the twelve Lords agreed, on Thursday, the second-to-last of July, of the aforesaid year; which concordats being, as is aforesaid, read, the most reverend Lord Legate, presiding in the same congregation, in the name and by the authority of the sacred Council after the usual manner, according to the concordats of the twelve Lords and the deliberations of the sacred deputations, thought both should be concluded and concluded, as follows:

[61] The sacrosanct General Synod of Basel, legitimately congregated in the Holy Spirit, the letters representing the universal Church, to Julian Deacon of St. Angelo Legate of the Apostolic See, to Antony of Ostia, Branda Bishops of Porto, to John priest of St. Peter in Chains, to Alphonsus Deacon of St. Eustace, Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church: and to Vitalis of Alexandria, John of Antioch the Patriarchs, and also to the venerable John of Orleans, John of Nevers, and Conrad of Regensburg the Bishops, established at Basel, greeting and the Benediction of almighty God. That the heavenly King may kindle the hearts of the faithful to His love, and convert the unbelieving to the faith, He has magnified His Saints with glorious miracles; for the faithful are rendered more devout to the Most High, when they see His elect, after the happy exit of this life, to stand fast in virtues; and the rest desire to follow Him, since He bestows eternal rewards on those following Him. Truly we judge that worthy thanks are to be rendered to the Lord, that, as we have received, Peter of Luxembourg of happy memory, illustrious in the nobility of his birth, once Cardinal of the same Church, when he had lived piously in this world, universally teaching by words and examples, at length the course of the present life being happily consummated, the Omnipotent, wonderful in His Saints, adorned with many miracles.

[62] in favor of the canonization, Upon which and the truth and circumstances of the same, Pope Clement VII of happy recollection, named in his obedience, through some commissioners, specially deputed for this, the processes being most exactly had thereupon, commanded an information to be made, which, the death of that Clement coming, were not brought to due effect, and to this a general commission followed in the Council of Constance. Whence since it is not becoming that he be left among men without veneration, whom his merits and miracles show a Saint, it was humbly supplicated to us, that we would take care to enroll him in the catalogue of the Saints (that thus he may be extolled with condign praises on earth, whom the Most High, as is believed, has already exalted in heaven). But because it is not sufficiently established to us concerning the premises, to your discretions, in whom we bear full trust in the Lord, by these writings we commit and command, that the processes by the mandate of that Pope Clement, etc., and in the Council of Constance, as is aforesaid, and otherwise in any way had thereupon, and other documents conducing to the matter, by you, or two or three of you, being diligently collected and examined and continued otherwise concerning the life of that Blessed Peter, the truth of the signs, namely his works and miracles, even by legitimate interrogatories, and the other opportune circumstances, solicitously inquiring, a conference being had among you, you strive faithfully to report to us the things which you shall find, if it happen that the sacred council still hold, sit, endure, otherwise to the Apostolic See, fully. Given at Basel in the year 1433, on the 11th of the Kalends of August. Thus far the letters of the Council of Basel.

[63] But in the year 1435, on the 10th of the month of June, in the aforesaid general Council, by the sentence of the twelve deputies, the President substituted in place of the Lord Cardinal of St. Eustace, dead, in the fact of the aforesaid canonization, the Cardinal of Arles, which excepted, all the others had committed that whole business to the most illustrious Cardinal of Foix, legate of Avignon, and at that time dwelling at L'Isle or Islea, in the county of the Venaissin, on account of the pestilence, which was depopulating the city of Avignon, and the sacred Council commanded him, that, as soon as he had received the letters of commission, he should more diligently apply himself to this, as appears from what follows.

[64] In the year of the Lord 1435, on Friday, the 12th of August in the aforesaid congregation, an oration before the Council, as above, the most reverend Lord Legate presiding, and before the most reverend Fathers and Lords of Arles and Colonna, Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church; the Patriarchs of Antioch and Aquileia; the Archbishops of Lyons and Berry; the Bishops of Nevers and Mâcon and other Lord Masters, making and representing the sacred Council of Basel, being congregated, there rose in the midst the Reverend Father, the Lord John Abbot of Cîteaux, of the Diocese of Chalon, being assisted by the venerable and circumspect men, the Lord Peter de Tullia, doctor of laws, Archdeacon of Lodève; and brother Bartholomew Rubei a Celestine, of the profession of Avignon, and proposed, setting forth generally, that formerly the sacred Council at the instance and humble supplication of that Lord Abbot, had given certain deputies, to inform themselves, of the life and sanctity of Peter of Luxembourg of good memory, once Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, to report, for the cause of canonizing him and enrolling him in the catalogue of the Saints, but on account of the defect of the processes, those Lord deputies had not been able to give leisure to this. Wherefore the sacred council wrote and mandated to the most reverend in Christ Father and Lord the Lord Peter, Bishop of Albano, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, commonly named "of Foix," that the other informations and rights existing in the city of Avignon, conducing to the canonization of the said Peter of Luxembourg, should be collected by his work, and being collected be faithfully transmitted to the aforesaid sacrosanct Synod. Which most reverend Cardinal of Foix, wishing, as he asserted, to obey the mandates of that sacred Council, as he was bound, diligently caused to be sought out and investigated the informations and rights conducing to such canonization; and what he could find, he faithfully transmitted to the same sacrosanct Council by the said brother Bartholomew Rubei, which the same brother Bartholomew both exhibited and produced in that sacred general congregation. And they have thus:

[65] To the sacrosanct general synod of Basel, legitimately congregated in the Holy Spirit representing the universal Church, the letters its devout son Peter, by divine mercy Bishop of Albano, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, named "of Foix," in the city of Avignon, and county of the Venaissin Vicar for our Lord the Pope and legate of the Apostolic See, devout reverence with promptitude of executing its mandates. Formerly namely, on the fifth day of this present month of July, on behalf of the syndic of the Celestines of the city of Avignon in the city of Carpentras there were presented to me on your part the letters of your most reverend Paternities and lordships, by which it was mandated to me, that some informations and rights existing in the said city of Avignon, conducing to the cause of the canonization of the Lord Peter of Luxembourg of good memory, once Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, of which the same most reverend Paternities and Lordships had need, should be collected by my work, and being collected be transmitted to the same your most reverend Paternities and Lordships, which letters being received by me with that reverence which was fitting: because for the time there raged and still rages (alas!) the pestilence in the city of Avignon, from which I was then absent, as I am, I could not attend in my own person, but to the excellent doctor of decrees, the Lord Andrew Sanctii Canon and sacristan of Lombez, my familiar, proved in knowledge, faith, probity, and legality in great and arduous experiences, we thought our stead should be committed in this part: which Andrew collected and received the aforesaid informations and rights, and sent them to me closed and sealed, and proceeded in the business, as is contained in his letters directed to me.

[66] given by the same: The letters therefore of that Lord Andrew together with the processes, informations, and rights aforesaid being received by me, recognized with mature deliberation, at length I thought them, in two great volumes and two quires, covered with purple cloth, and above closed and sealed with my authentic seal, should be transmitted by the venerable Religious, Bartholomew Rubei, of the order of the Celestines, together with these presents, and I transmit them, an oath being first taken from him upon the holy four Gospels of God, and made, of faithfully carrying them and of exhibiting them to your most reverend Paternities and Lordships; ever prepared in these and other things, which your Reverend Paternities shall think should be committed to me, to obey with all affections. Given at L'Isle of the Venaissin, of the Diocese of Cavaillon, on the 21st of July, in the year of the Lord's incarnation 1435, in the fifth year of the Pontificate of the most holy in Christ Father and our Lord, the Lord Eugene; by divine providence Pope IV. Then Malet proceeds.

CHAPTER V. The diligent labor of various persons with the Council of Basel for the same canonization; a chapel built for the Blessed, the bull of Beatification.

Of Bartholomew Rubei The aforesaid brother Bartholomew Rubei therefore exhibited to the aforesaid Council the informations, attestations of witnesses, and all other rights, contained and bound in the aforesaid two volumes and quires, and closed with seals, as we reported above, in which the aforesaid council saw the process upon this business accomplished by the command of Clement VII, who prevented by death and for other causes, related above, had not been able to perfect it, although he greatly wished to, as is sufficiently ascertained by the utterance of his last words. Likewise the letters of Martin V of the commission, made to three Cardinals, given at Constance on the 8th of the Ides of May, in the first year of his pontificate. Likewise the commission by Peter, Cardinal of the title of St. Chrysogonus, commonly named "of Cambrai," made to the Lords, the Bishops of Avignon, Paris, and Geneva and some others, described in the same commission, given at Avignon in 1417, on the 6th of the Ides of October, in the first year of his pontificate. Likewise the cognizance made by Guy Bishop of Avignon to four scriveners, for the exemplar to be extracted and the original process of the canonization of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, accomplished by the command of Clement VII, given at Avignon on the 23rd of January 1417. Likewise the commission, made by the aforesaid Lord Cardinal of Foix, to Andrew Sanctii of receiving the rights, informations, and documents, concerning the business of this canonization, given at Carpentras on the 5th of July in the year 1435, in the 5th year of the pontificate of Eugene IV; likewise the relation, made by the Lord Andrew Sanctii upon the commission made to him, given at Avignon in the Apostolic palace in the month of July in the year as above. Besides all the informations, by virtue of the aforesaid commissions, legitimately accomplished, all solemnities being observed, all which being read, Gerard Rousselly, one of the scriveners of the aforesaid Council of Basel, the Reverend Father Abbot of Cîteaux with all humility, reverence, and devotion supplicated and more diligently insisted, that those Lords, ordained in the same general congregation, would deign to proceed to such a canonization of St. Peter of Luxembourg, committing to the other Lords deputed in this cause, that they should more diligently examine such processes, informations, and rights, and afterward report in the general congregation.

[68] Likewise the most reverend in Christ Father and Lord the Archbishop of Lyons, The Council of Basel is informed. a certain brief oration being made of the merits and sanctity of that St. Peter of Luxembourg and of the miracles, which the Omnipotent at the intercession of that Saint has worked and works, in his own name and that of the other orators of the most serene Lord Kings and Princes, existing in the same sacred general congregation, supplicated and required. A similar requisition and supplication also, in his own name and that of the other Orators of the venerable University of Paris, the venerable and circumspect man master Denis Fabrenois, master in theology of the venerable University of Paris, made. Which processes being received by the most reverend Cardinal Legate and President, that Reverend Lord, a certain commendation being made of the merits of that Saint, exhorted, that on the morrow the sacred deputations upon this matter would be willing to deliberate, and to examine the matter with great gravity and diligence, that they might report it in the general congregation. At length these things being accomplished, the aforesaid Father Bartholomew Rubei, at the asking of the venerable men, the Lord Audemaurus de Rossilione, and Hugh Berardi, promoters of the aforesaid council, swore in the hands of the aforesaid Cardinal President, that he had faithfully and legally and diligently carried such informations, rights, and monuments, according to the commission made to him thereupon: of all which the present instrument was made in the year and day as above. The subscribed scriveners were called, Thomas Chesneletii and Gerard Rossely.

[69] In the year 1435, on the 14th of August, the Cardinal Legate, presiding in the name of the council, according to the faculty attributed to him, The deputation of Cardinals. deputed anew for examining the aforesaid process, and for the witnesses to be produced upon this and investigated, the most reverend Fathers, the Lord Prospero Colonna Cardinal, three Bishops, the Abbot of Ebrach and one Provost. But for faith the Cardinal of the title of St. Cecilia, the Archbishop of Milan, the Bishops of Orleans and Aix. For the witnesses, the Archbishop of Lyons, of Berry, and of Nevers, with this clause, that four or five others would suffice. On the 26th of August in another congregation it was established, that the Commissioners in the fact of the aforesaid canonization should decree compulsory letters, for extracting from the scriveners some informations of the miracles, and other rights, pertaining to this matter.

[70] The letters of the Counts of Luxembourg, In the year 1436, on the 30th of March, master Nicholas Amici humbly presented to the aforesaid most reverend Lords the Commissioners two letters of the strenuous and illustrious men John of Luxembourg, Count of Ligny, and of Guise, etc., and Louis of Saint-Pol, Count of Conversano and Lord of Enghien and Castellan of Lille, for the aforesaid canonization to be procured in the name of the procurator, who for the doing of this matter, had received from the aforesaid Counts, and also from the Cardinal of the title of the four holy Crowned Ones, commonly named "of Luxembourg," six hundred saluts ^a of gold. On the same day there were exhibited the letters of the consuls of Avignon, suppliantly requiring the same, and a certain brief compendium of the life of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg and a testimony reporting the more exact observance and discipline of the Celestines of Avignon.

[71] and of the Prior There are inserted in this place the letters granted by the Celestine Fathers of Avignon, to two brethren sent and deputed from their convent, to procure the said business of canonization, in the French idiom, in which they are found written, which I interpret in the Latin tongue. We the Prior and Convent of the monastery of the Celestines of the glorious holy Body of Avignon, of the Lord St. Peter of Luxembourg, of the Order of St. Benedict, living according to the statutes of St. Peter Celestine the confessor, to all who shall see or hear these presents, greeting in our Lord Jesus Christ. We make known to all, that we, for the good, utility, and necessity of our said church, and specially also for the prosecution and canonization of the aforesaid glorious holy Body (whose glorious holy Body is buried in the cloister of our said monastery, and by whose merits our Lord constantly works in divers parts of the world very many, beautiful, and note-worthy miracles), and also for the edification of the same glorious Saint, send out of obedience our dear and beloved brethren, Peter de Beaumont a presbyter, and Henry le Boiteux an oblate, both professed of our aforesaid monastery, to our most powerful Lord, the Lord Count of Saint-Pol, and elsewhere, where there shall be need, to prosecute the above-said affairs.

[72] of the Celestines of Avignon; All, to whom it shall pertain, we humbly and earnestly ask, that for the honor and reverence of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Queen of the heavens, and of the glorious holy Body aforesaid, they would permit and suffer the said brethren Peter and Henry to go, dwell, turn aside, return peaceably, no disturbance being given or made to them, or impediment in their body, in their horses, or goods, in any way; but afford them counsel, help, and aid in the things in which they shall need. Which if they do, we shall be held and obliged to pray our Lord for them. In faith of which matter we have fortified these present letters with the seal of the Prior of our aforesaid monastery, of the glorious holy Body already said, on the 15th of April, in the year of restored salvation 1433. To the aforesaid letters is affixed a seal in green wax, which represents a holy Religious, on bended knees, before a church.

[73] In the year 1437, on the 2nd of July, the venerable Father Castani, but nothing is done, on account of the troubles, a Celestine of Avignon, sought the aforesaid Council of Basel, to procure the business of the canonization of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, where he found, by virtue of the aforesaid commissions, that the sanctity and miracles of the same Saint had been proved in the sight of the Council. But on account of the troubles, arisen in that same year 1437, on the day before the Kalends of August, in the Council (which it is not necessary here to describe more at length from Malet), the business of canonization had not, up to this time, its desired end.

[74] Wherefore although the commissions, informations, and relations approved and confirmed in the aforesaid Council were more than sufficient, arisen in the Council of Basel. that Blessed Peter of Luxembourg should be enrolled in the number of the Saints: yet because the Fathers of the said Council of Basel, under the pretext of reforming the commonwealth of Christ (as Francesco Longo of Coriolano says in the Summa of the Councils) wished to make obsolete several privileges of the Roman Church most necessary, and wishing to subject its head to their own laws (which however is judged by no one save in a cause of heresy, and when it is unknown, who is the true Pontiff) declared the same Eugene absolved from the Pontificate, the Legate of the Apostolic See being recalled, which Legate indeed had always presided over this business of canonization, the whole matter remained as it were hung on a nail, many of those deputed to the aforesaid business departing, and withdrawing from the Council, and all France at that time being intent on expelling the English from its borders. There is inserted here by Malet a notarial instrument, by which the said Peter Castani, on the 8th of June in the year 1442, being occupied with other affairs, substituted in legitimate form other procurators, to transact in his place the payment of the 600 golden saluts ^a for the execution of the canonization; which it would be too long here to recount verbatim, and not at all necessary.

[75] In those same times, Mary Queen of Sicily, the offerings of Mary Queen of Sicily widow of Louis the second; took care to have built a wooden chapel, in honor of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, which indeed in the course of time, since it could not hold the offerings and the multitude of the people, demanding the intercession of the same Saint, on account of the very great number of his miracles even to the point that within two years of his death, one thousand nine hundred and eight were numbered; another ampler one was built of square stones in the year 1473, whose greater altar on the feast of St. Andrew of the same year was consecrated by the Lord Jean Cordis, Archbishop of Berry and Primate of Aquitaine, in honor of the Blessed Andrew the Apostle, Peter Celestine the Pope, Blessed Catherine virgin and martyr, and All Saints, who relaxed 40 days of the enjoined penances to all Christ's faithful, visiting the aforesaid altar, and contributing of their own for the honor of that altar. For which chapel to be built John of Luxembourg, as we said above, Count of Conversano and brother german of the same Saint, had bequeathed six thousand francs, and had ordered himself to be buried near his sepulcher, and dying, fifty-three years after the death of Blessed Peter, had offered him a rose, sustained by cunningly-wrought gold; which Pope Clement VII had given to the said Count, as to a most noble Man, on the Sunday of "Laetare" with solemn rite. Then many offerings were made to his sepulcher. Charles VI namely, the founder of this monastery, offered a waxen image, representing himself, to Blessed Peter of Luxembourg.

[76] by the command of the built chapel. But the King of Aragon a most elegant taper of the weight of 11 pounds; Louis the second, King of Sicily a golden Cross, and other gifts; Mary Queen of Sicily ornaments of a sky-blue color, distinguished with gold; the Duke of Brittany a shin of gilded silver with two cloths of the purest gold; the Duchess of Berry two golden cloths; the Duke her husband a silver image of the blessed Virgin and two candlesticks, adorned with his arms; Gian Galeazzo of Milan, called Count of Virtue, a silver statue, representing his son restored to health; Louis Duke of Orleans, another image; Valeran of Luxembourg, Count of Saint-Pol, four silver lamps; the Count of Valentinois two tapers of the greatest weight; the Count of Coucy a silver cross and a golden chalice; his wife ornaments interwoven with gold; John, Count of Foix, a golden chalice and another of silver, and also a silver head of a woman; Joanna of Luxembourg offered an image of St. Catherine of gold, and a golden crown, adorned with many jewels and gems.

[77] It is established moreover, that the body of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg lay for many years in the earth, The Beatification of Blessed Peter. namely from the year 1387 to the year 1527, in which year, a supplication being made to Clement VII de' Medici, that he would order the body of the aforesaid Saint, illustrious with continual miracles, to be raised from the earth, that it might be more honorably worshiped; the said Pontiff assented to the aforesaid supplication, made by Francis, Bishop of Tusculum, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, and enrolled him in the number of the Blessed, as will appear from what follows: namely 90 years having elapsed from the aforesaid process, and 140 from his death. The authentic diploma of Beatification, which was here subjoined by Malet, is read produced in the preliminary Commentary, from number 35.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER VI. The exhumation of the body, the translation, the Relics, more recent miracles, the church restored, the confraternity, the feast.

Which Apostolic letters being read and understood by the Celestine Fathers of Avignon, congregated in chapter, Of the Body all those same Fathers with the Venerable brother Father Francis Larben, Prior of their monastery, humbly supplicated the most reverend Lord Cardinal of Clermont, Legate a latere of Avignon, that it would please him to depute some Ecclesiastical men, who might be present at the exhumation of the relics of Blessed Peter, wherefore the aforesaid Lord Legate committed this business to the Vicegerent and Francis Meruli, doctors, with four or five to be chosen by them, by his letters given at Pont-de-Sorgues on the 20th of July in the year 1527. Who all with the aforesaid Prior, and also the Lord Bartholomew Castellani, Archdeacon of the metropolitan church of Avignon; Laurence de Salla, dean of the collegiate church of Blessed Mary of Villeneuve, near Avignon; the Lord John de Fabia, Precentor of the collegiate church of St. Desiderius; and the Lord consuls of the city of Avignon; first and before all things wished to read the testament of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, to find the place of his burial. But afterward the Reverend Father Antony Panneton, Provincial of the French Celestines, for the greater certainty of the place of burial of the blessed Body, wished, by the sentence of the commissioners, to find the title of the same according to the tenor of the testament of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, which being investigated, in a certain tablet, on the left side there was found the title, bearing these words: namely the four first verses of that little metrical elogium, "In this temple is worshiped," etc., given in the preliminary commentary, number 37.

[79] Then, the information being accomplished, they understood that the Body of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg had been committed to the earth, the finding, in that very place, in which the threshold of the now constructed chapel is seen, and that above the said place an iron grate had stood, and that with reeds the pilgrims touched that upper earth, and afterward piously kissed them. At length on the twenty-third day of the month of July of the same year, the aforesaid Provincial with the Prior, the religious, and the commissioners, the earth being dug up, merited to find the sacred Body composed after the manner of the poor, as had been provided in his testamentary tablets; which acts Georgius Savorey and Matthew Dalmatii the scriveners reported in public acts. On the 24th of the same month the Venerable Father Prior of the Celestines of Avignon, judge Apostolic commissary deputed in this part; Antony de Castro the Vicegerent, and Francis Meruli Doctor, commissaries, deputed by the Legate, with others newly delegated, descending into the sepulcher, the solemnities of law being observed, one by one dug up from the ground the members of that sacred Body, and placed them in silver vessels, to be more honorably received upon the altar of that chapel, in a wooden bier, skillfully constructed, of nearly six palms in length, and with solemn rite the Provincial together with the Prior and the deputed Religious being present, translated this sacred bier to the small chapel of the holy Cross, to be preserved there until the coming of the said Lord Legate.

[80] the cult and translation, On the second day of the month of August, Francis of Clermont the Cardinal Legate commanding and presiding, before the Reverend in Christ Fathers the Lords, John Nicolai, bishop-elect of Apt, Vice-legate of Avignon; Antony de Tenda, Bishop and Count of Beauvais; Louis de Gaudiosa, Bishop of Saint-Flour; Louis Albe, Abbot of St. Andrew near Avignon; and the noble men the Lords; John de Paniciis the Viguier; Julian de Peruciis; the Lord de Laureis; John Guerrini, and John Malvesini, consuls of Avignon, and several other noble and honorable men of the present city of Avignon, in the aforesaid chapel of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, a Mass was said with more solemn rite, the said Provincial celebrating, the Prior of Gentilly and the Subprior of Avignon, ministering in the office of the Diaconate and subdiaconate, before the celebration of the Mass a procession being made, and the translation of the sacred pledge from the chapel of the holy Cross to the greater altar, consecrated to his name, with due modulation, and the aforesaid Legate, singing the "Te Deum Laudamus" with the other Bishops.

[81] The Relics Then the aforesaid Lord Legate ordered the bier of the sacred bones to be opened, and, the religious singing the antiphon; "New star of the Church" (of which in the preliminary commentary, number 64), drawing the sacred bones from the wooden casket one by one, he exhibited them to the people to be worshiped; and the head being taken away, he ordered them to be placed in a leaden ark, covered with cypress boards, upon the altar: which deeds indeed reduced into a public instrument by the scrivener Matthew Dalmatii, by the command of the same most reverend Lord Legate, are seen in the archives of the Celestine Fathers. But because the sacred relics of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg lay closed in the bier, wrapped in its little case, the most reverend Lord George d'Armagnac, Cardinal-priest of the Holy Roman Church of the title of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Avignon, colleague-Legate of the same legation, distinguished for the courtesy and liberality of the Cardinal of Bourbon, would not open the sacred bier, thinking it better that the Relics of Blessed Peter be worshiped by all in that church, than by any private person; and therefore content with the nocturnal biretta of the same Saint, woven of wool of a violet color: with the consent of the Celestine Fathers, congregated in chapter; he sent that biretta to Charles of Bourbon the colleague-Legate: which biretta indeed was publicly shown every year, and was studiously preserved in the treasury with the tunic, red hat, and slippers of the same Saint. But the same most reverend Cardinal d'Armagnac died at Avignon in the year of the Lord 1585. There follow the letters of the Cardinal d'Armagnac for the grant of the nocturnal biretta of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg.

[82] The nocturnal biretta of the Blessed, George, by divine mercy, Cardinal-priest of the Holy Roman Church of the title of St. Nicholas in the Tullian Prison, d'Armagnac, Archbishop of Avignon, to all and each of the faithful, who shall inspect, see, and read the present letters, greeting in the Lord. Know, that when the most illustrious and most reverend Lord Charles Cardinal of Bourbon, Legate of Avignon, affected with sincere devotion toward God, the blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, Blessed Peter of Luxembourg (from whose family he is known to be sprung), and the other Saints, had devoutly visited the devout convent and church of the Celestines of the present city of Avignon, in which the body of the same Blessed Peter, shining with frequent miracles, is placed, he declared to us that he greatly desired to have imparted to him of the Relics and pledges of the same Lord Peter of Luxembourg. We the aforesaid Cardinal Archbishop, moved by the same piety and religion, favoring the pious vows and desires of the same most illustrious and most reverend Lord Cardinal and Legate, required the Reverend and devout Religious Anselm de Castello the Provincial; brother John du Courroy, the Prior; and the other Religious of the said convent, congregated in chapter, that they would grant to the same most illustrious and most reverend Legate some of the Relics of the same St. Peter.

[83] Who in these things humbly inclined to the same most illustrious and most reverend one, granted to the Cardinal of Bourbon. really handed over the nocturnal Biretta, woven of wool of a violet color, of the same St. Peter, which among the Relics in the treasury of the same church and convent was devoutly kept, and once a year in memory and reverence of so great a Man, was publicly shown to the people, in the presence of the most reverend Lord Antony de Seneterre, Bishop of Le Puy, James de Jagot, Bishop of Lescar, the Reverend Lord William de Patris, commendatary Abbot of the monastery of blessed Mary of La Crasse, and several others, standing there, and because the premises, as they are written, were done in our presence and that of the above-named, and the matter being exactly examined, it sufficiently appeared to us that this biretta was the very same one, which the same St. Peter of Luxembourg used in the time of his life, that undoubted faith may be given by any of Christ's faithful; in perpetual memory of the matter we commanded these attestatory letters to be made and signed by the secretary of our Archbishopric of Avignon or his below-written substitute, and fortified them with our hand and seal. Given at Avignon in the Apostolic palace, on the 21st of the month of July, in the year of the Lord 1579. G. Cardinal, Archbishop of Avignon with his own hand, thus signed. And a little below, Albi, notary prosecretary. With the seal of the same most illustrious Lord Cardinal d'Armagnac.

[84] In the year 1589 among very many things done by the intercession of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, The miracle of a woman falsely accused, one occurred, to be wondered at for its novelty. A certain noble matron, Elizabeth de St. Sixt, Lady of Interaquae, falsely accused of a certain crime; and for that cast into prison, commended by a certain Celestine father to Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, her accuser, God so willing, being consigned to another prison, so agitated himself and emitted such horrible cries, that to the keeper of the imprisoned, quickly hastening thither and inquiring, what he had, he said, that he was marvelously vexed, because he had accused that innocent woman. Who being for that cause restored to liberty by the command of the judge, in memory of so great a miracle the chapel of Blessed Peter being visited, mindful of the benefit, wished an image with the said miracle depicted to be hung on the wall.

[85] the church of Blessed Peter, In the year 1597 the Lord Francis Bordino, Bishop of Cavaillon and Pro-legate of Avignon; moved by the continual series of this and other miracles, on the 3rd of the month of November, for the greater cult of the sacred Relics, ordered the altars erected without endowment, in the aforesaid church of the Celestines, to be destroyed, and the Relics of the Saints placed in a silver casket, the consuls and several other chief men and magistrates of the city being present, to be venerated with solemn rite, on the 20th of the same month at the greater altar, that the church restored in honor of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg might be built in an ampler form.

[86] restored, In the following year 1598, on the 9th of January, the same most reverend Lord Pro-legate, in the presence of the Reverend Lords, the Lords Francis de Petris, Canon of the church of Avignon, and Vicar of the Archbishop of Avignon the see being vacant, Julian Massilian, Prefect of the piacular rites, and Canon of the same church, Claude Lovancii, Dean of the collegiate Church of St. Agricola, Francis Jourdano, Canon of the church of St. Desiderius, our familiar, and father John du Bois, a Celestine monk, wishing to consecrate the altar built by himself in the aforesaid church of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, in honor of the most Blessed Virgin and SS. Rufus and Agricola, and Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, gave in mandate to the same aforenamed, to seek from the chapters of the churches, where the bodies are preserved, the Relics of the same Saints, and to bring the obtained ones to him, giving faculty to the said chapters, to open the caskets of the Saints for this time only. Wherefore on the 14th of January of the same year, the Celestines of Avignon permitted the aforesaid commissaries to extract some of the Relics of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg from his bier to this end, as also the other aforesaid churches did.

[86] The Relics solemnly translated, Afterward the same most reverend Lord Pro-legate came to the aforesaid chapel, clothed in episcopal ornaments, six oblate brethren of the same monastery bearing tapers in their hands and going before, whom with solemn rite there followed two younger monks, clothed in dalmatics, suffusing all with the most sweet odor of incense; there followed then a monk, clothed in alb with cope, carrying the Cross; then all the monks two by two, and walking composedly, the non-priests clothed with the surplice [a]; but the priests clad with albs and stoles, among whom four of them walked with bare feet and composed step. At length the venerable Fathers John l'Escuyer, Prior of the monastery of Avignon, and John Gayanus, Prior of Gentilly, who all, reverence being made to the most reverend Lord Pro-legate, sang the Antiphon, "O Beauty," etc., proper to the said Saint, which finished, the said most reverend and most illustrious Pro-legate pronounced with loud voice the prayer proper to the said Saint, namely; "Almighty God," etc., and the casket being opened, the Lord Pro-legate himself drew the shoulder-covering of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg from the sepulcher, and, a certain silk veil of a red color being unfolded, showed to all the bones of the same Saint whole and unhurt; of which he took one, which was of the shins, and offered it to the bystanders to be kissed, and to the chief men of the city asking for certain little bones Father John du Bois distributed them to them, as they came.

[88] The first to Father John l'Escuyer, for his monastery, and distributed, to Father Gayanus, for the monastery of Gentilly, to Father Nicholas Tancardo, for the monastery of Amiens; to Father Nicholas de Vallibus, for the monastery of Castres; then to the Lord de Suarès, Provost of the Church of Avignon, to the Reverend Father de Suarès and other Fathers of the Society of Jesus, who were present at this translation, and to the Consuls of Avignon, and at last to the Scrivener, the Lord John Albi, secretary of the Archbishop of Avignon, and others. Afterward the same Father John du Bois carried certain sacred bones, received from the aforesaid Pro-legate on a silver dish, a light going before, and with bare feet, into the repository of the sacred Relics, and secured it with keys; and a most elegant sermon being made to the people in honor of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg by the Jesuit Father, who were present with an incredible concourse, the divine power celebrating so great a solemnity with miracles, he completed the translation of the holy Body with Apostolic benediction and indulgences granted. At that very time among very many miracles done by the intercession of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, one worthy of note occurs to me to be written.

[89] In the year 1598, on the 24th of May, when in great peril of life, after innumerable pains of childbirth Anne Boussacio, a dead boy raised, wife of Rostagnus Blanc, could not bring forth a boy into the light, John Valerianus a surgeon drew out the offspring dead: wherefore the Parson of St. Desiderius would not commit it to the earth, at which matter its parents much grieving, carried the boy to the sepulcher of Blessed Peter, where prayers being humbly poured out to the Saint for the deceased boy, for the space of two hours, the boy, his color being changed, moved his lips, opened his eyes, emitted a groan, and shed blood from the navel, so that, regenerated by the sacred laver of baptism, he lived for three hours, who had lain born dead.

[90] Wherefore Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, flashing with greater miracles day by day, The feast of Blessed Peter celebrated, peoples from all parts of the world flocked to venerate, and desiring to celebrate his feast day, both strangers and inhabitants of the city, suppliantly begged the then most illustrious Pro-legate, Charles de Conti, Bishop of Avignon, that he would order the feast day to be celebrated: most willingly assenting to whose vows, by his diploma, under the date of the 3rd of July, of the year 1600 he ordained, that henceforth and in perpetuity a feast day should be kept through the whole city of Avignon, namely the fifth day of the month of July, and on that day they should cease from manual work. The diploma turned from French into Latin we gave in the preliminary commentary, number 39.

[91] In the year 1606 among very many other miracles performed by the intercession of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, a boy raised, a certain boy, in his second year, so struck by a ball about the temples, that he lay reputed dead by all, a vow being made, and commended to the prayers of Blessed Peter, soon appeared alive.

In the year 1609, on the 15th day of the month of April, the head of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, separated from the body from the year 1527, the Relics honored, as we said above, is enclosed in a silver casket or silver head; which silver work indeed skillfully made at the cost of the Celestine Fathers of Avignon, and placed upon a silver base, is still shown chased with marvelous work, and representing his own miracles, to which work several Fathers among others contributed much of their own, the Reverend Fathers Antony Cappeau and Laurence Bouche, sprung from the spiritual bosom of the Celestine family.

[92] a confraternity erected In the year 1610 on account of the continual series of miracles performed by the prayers of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, the chief men of the same city earnestly demanding and requiring, a supplication was made by the Celestine Fathers to the Archbishop of Avignon for a confraternity, to be erected in honor of this Saint, of which supplication the tenor follows: Most illustrious and most reverend Archbishop: To your Paternity on behalf of the humble and devout orators the Reverend Father Prior, the Religious, and the convent of the Celestines of this city of Avignon, according to the conclusion made in chapter, it is humbly set forth, how the said orators have been most often required and interpellated by several inhabitants of either sex, moved by devotion toward blessed Peter of Luxembourg (whose body lies in the church of the said convent, and whose feast is there worshiped on the 5th of the month of July, and is held in the highest veneration, on account of the very many miracles, which are done in favor and benefit of those imploring his help and intercession with our Lord Jesus Christ), concerning the erecting of a confraternity of those who shall wish to be enrolled among the confreres, and to be made partakers of the suffrages and indulgences to be granted to the said confraternity and church.

[93] To which requisitions, as pious, and tending to the praise and glory of God, in honor of Blessed Peter. and of His Saints, the said orators assenting, have recourse to your most illustrious and most reverend Paternity, humbly supplicating, that it would deign and be willing to grant and approve the erection of the said confraternity, in this manner which follows: namely that the perpetual Rector of the said confraternity shall be the Prior of the said monastery, or he who shall preside over the monastery; which Prior shall have the full and free administration of the said confraternity, and of the things which shall be given by way of alms to the said confraternity by the said confreres, or others moved by devotion toward the aforesaid Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, and that for the lights, the repair of the said church and other necessary things, for the divine worship to be done and increased in the said church, and may be able and empowered to do, establish, conduct, and administer all and each of all other things, which shall seem necessary and useful to the said confraternity, notwithstanding anything to the contrary whatsoever, even those to be expressed of necessity in species or individually, being held for expressed, with absolution from censures. And the aforesaid orators will pray God the best and greatest for the happy state of your most illustrious and most reverend Paternity. To the proposed petition the most illustrious one of Avignon thus assented. The form of the constitutions of the Supreme Pontiffs and of the Council of Trent being observed, we erect and grant, as is petitioned. Brother Stephen Archbishop of Avignon. Given at Avignon, on the 11th of the month of January in the year of the Lord's Incarnation 1610, in the sixth year of the Pontificate of the most holy in Christ Father, our Lord, the Lord Paul, by divine providence Pope V, the most illustrious and most reverend Lord Brother Stephen Dulcis being happily Archbishop of Avignon in the Lord. De Ponte secretary. Given, thus signed. Malet subjoins the following two miracles:

[93] In the year 1612, on the 17th of the month of July John Rovière, A young man dead raised, nine years old, son of a certain procurator of the city of Uzès, at the eighth hour in the morning, having ascended the pinnacle of the metropolitan church of the said city, falling from it by an unexpected slip, is carried home dead, where being commended by his parents to Blessed Peter of Luxembourg by their prayers, the Bishop of Uzès, the Lord John Vigne praying God for him, the boy immediately revived; and in memory of so great a benefit, in the following year 1613, his parents coming to the sepulcher of Blessed Peter with the boy, publicly rendered thanks to God with many others, who for the sake of rendering thanks had come thither from the said city.

[94] In the same year 1613, on the 17th day of the month of June John de Roure, a crushed thumb healed; a hearer of laws at Avignon, on account of a not slight blow of a lance, had the bones of his thumb shattered and so crushed, that besides the greatest pain which he felt, he could in no way move it; wherefore resorting to the asylum of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, he touched with his said thumb the head of that Saint, inserted in silver, as we said, with hope of recovering health by that contact: which when he had done, immediately he felt a certain slight crack of the bones while touching, and immediately his health being recovered, he deposed the matter, as it was, before witnesses, and wished it confirmed by a public instrument, as also the preceding miracles, and many other marvels, of which I myself was an eye-witness, nay experienced, which I now pass over in silence: because, God favoring, with the progress of time we intend to bring them to light in the common tongue, and to make them manifest.

[95] But because the miracles of Blessed Peter, shining everywhere on earth, relics petitioned by princes. allured all Christians to the veneration of so great a Saint, princely men among others, and kinsmen of that Saint, induced to petition for certain Relics of his body, came to Avignon. The Duke and Duchess of Ventadour, drawing their race from him, begged Mario Filonardi, at that time Archbishop of Avignon, that he would command the Celestine Fathers to extract some particles of the said Relics. Which according to the mandate of the said Lord Archbishop, was done before all the Religious of the same monastery by the Reverend Father Prior in the year 1632, and on the 2nd of March, absolving the said Fathers from all censure for this time only.

[96] Nor only the Duke and Duchess of Ventadour, as we said above, Why the Blessed was not canonized. came to Avignon, induced by zeal of religion toward Blessed Peter their kinsman, and to petition for his relics, which they obtained; but also the illustrious Prince Francis of Luxembourg, Duke of Piney, distinguished for having discharged many legations, had already from the year 1589 required that same thing, when in that very year, sent by Henry IV into Italy as extraordinary nuncio, he passed through this city, which also he obtained. That same Princely man, while at Rome he conducted the affairs of his King, not forgetful of his blood, prosecuted with all his strength the canonization of the same Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, a hundred thousand coins being offered for this on the part of the King of France, and of the Princes of the kingdom, that Blessed Peter of Luxembourg the kinsman might be enrolled in the number of the Saints with more solemn rite. But the matter, agitated in consistory in the time of Clement VIII the Pontiff, could not have its effect, because it was objected, that the said Blessed Peter of Luxembourg had been created Cardinal by Clement VII of Geneva, and that this Pontiff was not placed in the catalogue of the supreme Pontiffs, but that if, the title of Cardinal being taken away, the Princely men, who had this among their vows, wished him to be canonized as a confessor, their petitions could be supported. Which since it was not approved by them, the matter remained as it were hung on a nail, undecided, nor did it hinder but that from then, as from now, he is held for a Saint in the mouth of all, and named with perpetual veneration.

[97] With a canonical Office, he is honored yearly. But Urban VIII the supreme Pontiff added, and ordered a double feast to be celebrated, assenting upon this to the vows and supplications of the Consul of the City of Avignon. His diploma, which followed here, we have cast into the preliminary commentary, number 42. Which diploma being promulgated, the whole city poured out into joy, endeavored to celebrate his feast with new honors, and from now venerates, worships, and acknowledges him as patron. For on every 5th of July each year through the whole city there is cessation from all manual work, from all the surrounding provinces the peoples flow together, to celebrate the solemn feast, the church is adorned with the more noble gilded tablets with tapestries and hangings: his miracles depicted, and votive tablets are seen around the church, one orator in the morning hours before the most illustrious Pro-legate, and the Consuls of the city standing by, pronounces a most elegant panegyric in Latin in honor of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg; but in the evening hours another preacher holds a sermon upon the merits of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg, before the people, in the French idiom, Mass is celebrated with more solemn rite with the greatest concourse of the whole city and of the neighbors; at which time solemn processions, both by the Celestine Fathers around the monastery, and through the city by the confraternity of the White Penitents, are seen; toward evening a benediction with music is given, the silver head, in which is enclosed the Head of Blessed Peter, is carried in procession under a baldachin, music going before, and all the Religious singing the hymn proper to the confessor. Night coming on, artificial fires in his honor, and through the whole city before each one's house, bonfires and lights are kindled, with so great joy and gladness of all the inhabitants, that you would say, no other feast in the whole year could be celebrated more celebrated. Which in effect is done not without cause, since God wonderful in His Saints, through this Saint especially, and his intercession, daily performs so many and so great miracles, that it is said, that no one from the times of the Apostles of the number of the Saints has done more and more celebrated ones. And rightly and deservedly the city of Avignon chose him for Patron, nor only at Avignon, but also through the whole world do the merits and intercession of so great a Saint with God avail, so that daily votive tablets are carried to his sepulcher.

[98] Here Malet, having digressed, retracing his former footsteps, recalls out of order some things pertaining to the first cult of the Blessed, and the origin of the Celestines of Avignon; The origins of the Celestines of Avignon, of which I exhibit a brief prospect, the larger bulk of this matter not being borne. He writes therefore, that the Cardinal commissaries being designated by Clement VII, to preside over the offerings made in honor of the Blessed, there were then summoned the Celestines of the convent of Gentilly near Avignon, from the year 1352 there notably conspicuous by the example of the religious life, to give origin to the monastery of Avignon; in all which the said Clement in the year 1393, on the 27th of February, had meditated to found a monastery. And from this point the named Author places the epoch of the Celestines at Avignon, although not yet then had a monastery been built for them.

[99] He hands down moreover that three chapels were erected from the beginning in the cemetery of Avignon, three from the beginning called of St. Michael; the first of these built in honor of St. Michael, in the year 1347, on the 17th of August by the Bishop of Avignon, John de Jourdano, with the institution of a daily Mass; and that the aforesaid chapel being destroyed on account of its age, its burdens and offices were transferred to the chapel of All Saints. Of which he narrates the following.

[100] Namely, that it was founded by Rodulph d'Ailly, or Dailly, chapels in the cemetery of St. Michael. chamberlain of the Cardinal of Geneva, who afterward was Clement VII; and that there was buried the body of Blessed Peter. Not therefore in the chapel of St. Michael, as I said in the preliminary commentary, number 24, against Meyer. The praised Malet adds, that on account of the frequency of miracles, there was erected in that place a wooden chapel at the cost of Mary, Queen of Sicily and Jerusalem, in the eleventh year of Clement VII; that there were applied to the blessed Body guardians and curators and administrators of the offered things, William bishop-elect of Viviers, and Giles of Orleans, of the Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine; a diploma of Clement VII being produced, in the 11th year of his pontificate, on the third of the Nones of September, issued at Avignon to this end.

But the treatment of the life, virtues, and miracles of Blessed Peter of Luxembourg has carried us further than is just. Now it is time, after an immense space nearly completed, to gather the sails, and to break off the course begun. Wherefore here at length let there be an end.

ANNOTATA.