Yvo

ON S. YVO, PERSIAN BISHOP, AND THREE HOLY COMPANIONS,

DEPOSITED IN ENGLAND.

7TH CENTURY.

PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY.

On the age of the Saint, and two writers of his Life.

Ivo, Persian Bishop, deposited in England (S.)

His three Companions, deposited in England

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

William Camden in his Britain, describing the County of Huntingdon, named from the chief city of Huntingdon, Cult and town of S. Ivo. situated in the midst of England on the northern bank of the Ouse river; Hence, says he, the Ouse hastening itself forth, when it is about to enter the Cambridge lands, washes a town sufficiently neat, among most pleasant meadows; which Slepe formerly in Anglo-Saxon, but now is called S. Ives, from Ivo the Persian Bishop; who about the year of Christ, as they write, six hundred, with great opinion of sanctity traveled through England; sedulously sowed the divine word; and left his name to this place, in which he yielded to fate. Whence yet shortly the Religious transferred his body to Ramsey. These there. There is Ramsey Abbey in the same Huntingdon country toward the North, distant five leagues from the town of S. Ivo, under whose first Abbot Ednoth was performed this translation, in the year 1001, on this day X June, on which its solemnity hitherto has been celebrated.

[2] With Ednoth created Bishop of Dorchester in the year 1008, from Prior was made Abbot Wlsius; whom killed by the Danes, succeeded the third Abbot Andrew Withmann, or Andrew Leucander in the year 1016; who in the fourth year of his governance set out for Jerusalem, and in the following year returning, found Ethelstan as Abbot.

But this man wished to yield to him, but Withmann did not wish, and chose the solitary life at Nartheje, and there lived more than twenty years. At the same time the same Withmann, (which Molanus also testifies, in the Auctarium of Usuardus on this day) wrote with elaboration the Life of Ivo, Bishop of the Persians, buried in England: which afterwards Goscelin of Saint-Bertin somewhat more elegant rendered. We have not so far attained that former one: the latter, in which the name is always written Yvo, we give, sent us from Saint-Malo by the Reverend Lord Leander Pricharto Benedictine. Inscribed Goscelin or Gofcelin, then Monk of Ramsey, this Life to his Abbot Herbert, but the same is given polished by Goscelin Monk. created in the year 1087, and after four years made Bishop of Norwich: whose encomium is had in the English Monasticon page 1003. But Goscelin, afterwards Monk of Canterbury at S. Augustine's, wrote the Life of S. Augustine Bishop of Canterbury, (which we have given on the day XXVI May) and many other Lives of Saints; held after Bede the second, in narrating the praises of the Saints of England, as William of Malmesbury testifies of him, in book 4 on the Deeds of the Kings of the English chapter 1. He below in the Prologue explains, what he received from the said Andrew the Abbot, the first author of the Life, and what he himself added from the report of others. What is had in Chapter four, are added by the same Author, when there still lived Herbert Bishop of Norwich, who died on July XXII in the year 1119; and when reigned Henry the first, made King in the year 1101, departed life on December III in the year 1135.

[3] Another Life John Capgrave edited, in the Legenda of the Saints of England, from which in the Appendix we give miracles, wrought by the intercession of S. Ivo; which, or at least some of them, Goscelin seems to have added, Some things from Capgrave: but the scribe of our apograph to have omitted. The rest concerning the Acts of Capgrave we observe in the Annotations. The memory of S. Yvo the Persian is also celebrated among other writers of English matters, who lived after Goscelin; such are Florence of Worcester, William of Malmesbury, Henry of Huntingdon, Matthew of Westminster, John of Brompton, and others; and among more recent ones, William Camden above reported, Nicholas Harpsfeld, Michael Alford, and others, some of whom in the subjoined Annotations are referred. memory among Writers, Finally the memory of the same S. Ivo is celebrated in a Ms. Martyrology, found by us at Rome among the ancient codices of Duke Altempsius, in which these things are read: In England at Ramsey the translation of S. Ivo Archbishop, with three Companions: over whose sacred Relics flew a most white dove for seven miles, until they were carried into holy ground. In the Martyrology of Richard Wilford, and in the Fasti. in English printed at London in the year 1526, these are had: In England the feast of S. Ivo Archbishop. He was sprung from Persia and a royal family: who after enduring many labors came to England, and dwelt in the place Slepe, now called of S. Ivo, near Huntingdon, eight miles from Ramsey; to which by revelation translated, he shines with great miracles. Followed by Molanus and others.

[4] Concerning the three Companions and their twofold translation, it is treated below in the Acts, Holy companions: whose memory we therefore ascribe in the title. Of these one was a Roman, of Patrician dignity, son of a Senator, therefore called Patricius at num. 3, the others are also reckoned Persians; whether Sithius the nephew, and Inthius the kinsman are rightly called by Capgrave, we doubt; therefore we name only three Companions. The time of their arrival we judge to have been about the beginning of the seventh century, in which England began to be converted to the faith of Christ: Time of life. and thus about one hundred lustra can be reckoned before the translation of the body, although six or eight lustra are wanting. For the rest, do not think that the name of Yvo is in any way Persian, or brought from Persia; but rather, for the sake of lying hidden more easily, assumed while pilgrimaging through Italy or Gaul; perhaps from some one, with affinity of word to the paternal name.

LIFE

By the Author Goscelin the Monk,

From an Anglican Ms., hitherto unpublished.

Ivo, Persian Bishop, deposited in England (S.)

His three Companions, deposited in England BHL Number: 4622, 4623

FROM MS.

PROLOGUE.

[1] To Rector Herbert Brother Goscelin. What is reported about the life of blessed Yvo, is known to have been celebrated by the venerable Abbot Andrew: The Author followed Andrew who pilgrimaged from England to the Lord's city of Jerusalem, exercised so arduous a life, that no one faithful would doubt to believe him. He testified, however, that in Greece his name and life with many deeds and miracles are held most illustrious, and his praises far and wide most known with the good odor of the graces of Christ. But from his finding the revelations and prodigies, which this predecessor writes, both seen by eyes and approved by the testimony of the faithful, are still inscribed in the hearts of almost all the Brothers of Ramsey and some Foreigners, more memorably than in a book, and they remember some things passed over more luminously than in writings. These things therefore by the favor of this most holy Father, and at the petition of this most dear and venerable Convent, I have collected somewhat more briefly; that in little what is sought may more easily be found, and the reports of others, than among many; and that more quickly by a shorter way, than by a long circuit one may reach the terminus; and that from a prepared little table, more readily than from a granary it may be eaten; and from a little fountain, than from a river one may drink with thanks. Nor have we however made poverty from abundance, that the understanding may complain, the condiment to be lacking in this thin one of ours, what overflows in that other rich one; but a measure is kept, by which neither the greedier nor the more squeamish may be offended. in few words he describes the Acts. These things to your amiable and eternal memory, most honorable Abbot, in the most holy Father Yvo we have established, you who received him as venerable Prince of your salvation with the principate of Ramsey: that as here you have honored and worshipped him, so at the end he may take you up into the joys of his light.

CHAPTER I.

Life of Saint Yvo the Bishop.

[2] The a Apostolic Teacher, and messenger of the true sun, Yvo the illustrious Prelate, Bishop in Persia, in Persia, like an Oriental star, was born; destined by the Lord to the western borders of Britain. He left his sweet country, as an exile, fellow-citizen of the supernal Virtues; and a pilgrim of Christ in the whole world, was tending to the eternal kingdom. Wherever he came, he shone forth with his rays; he filled all things sowing the seed-word with the Gospel of Christ; nations and tribes by documents and examples and innumerable miracles he drew to the Saviour. through Asia, Italy and Gaul, After great Asia, after Illyricum, after b Rome, after innumerable cities and peoples passed through, he penetrated the Gauls; and there nonetheless flashed with such great signs, that his heavenly life and Angelic doctrine wonderful virtues spoke. And when the c King of the Franks and Optimates of the kingdom and people, like an Angel of God, with worthy honors tried to retain; he, who had fled the parental glory of the world by exile, and through many tribulations was striving to enter into the kingdom of God, could by no earthly favor be retained.

[3] d Therefore all things being confirmed in the faith, he crossed the sea, with his worthy companions and associates, he came into Britain. into shining Albion of Britain; and the shining nation pitying with paternal piety, both with signs and preaching, as the Lord gave, he loosed from the error of idolatry, and more truly whitened with baptism. There followed also the most loving father an adolescent of patrician dignity, called Patricius, the son of a certain Senator, who by the love of Christ, calling him through S. Yvo, with Patricius the companion, not only sweet birth and paternal honors he put behind, but also a virgin betrothed to him with the whole hope of the world untouched he deserted, and to the sweet master both by charity and imitation inseparable he clung. Blessed the one who has followed the example of that intimate and breastly friend of Christ, John.

[4] Then the salvific stranger Yvo proceeds into the province of the Mercians, into Slepe in the field of Huntingdon to a town which is called Huntedun, and in a nearby village which is called e Slepe; when understanding himself led by the Lord to a certain place, he persevered many years, until the end of life. Here truly with such great fragrance he put on heavenly conversation, as if hence at length he had begun, and as if after a long thirst he had found the sought fountain. Here, I say, from death buried, vigilantly watching over his own salvation as well as that of all, here awaiting the Lord until the end, with burning lamps of virtues with the belt of chastity, at length to the one coming and knocking he opened with joy; and Yvo of the Lord went to the Lord, who came forth from the Father and came into the world, and from the world triumphed brought back the triumph of the elect. Here also in peace was made his place, and in peace he was buried: where although about a hundred lustra (as is computed from the following revelation) he lay hidden from the knowledge of men; his name lives forever. But how great in his whole life, in charity, kindness, piety, gentleness, humility, modesty, constancy, patience, continence, obedience, in alms, fasts, vigils, prayers, preaching, and in every brightness of virtues he shone; what signs either in the place of his rest or anywhere among the nations he wrought, illustrious in life and after it. one can more faithfully believe inexpressible, than collect. May our earth bless the Lord, who as the sun from East to West, and as an Angel flying through the midst of heaven, has destined so light-bearing a Parent for our West.

ANNOTATIONS BY G. H.

CHAPTER II.

Finding of the body of S. Yvo.

[5] But the Lord teaching patience for the time indeed, The body found but rendering infinite rewards eternally, when at length after so many years it pleased to make public to men the heavenly treasure hidden in the field, which they should hold precious, and

to place the lamp from under the middle upon the candlestick; a rustic working the earth with impressed ploughshare, struck against this most sacred sarcophagus. At once astonished and raised by hope of gain, he calls back the oxen halting, and with all effort clears the place. But when he had drained with his eyes the human sepulchre, he calls together his fellow ploughmen. Who, the cover removed, find the venerable pledges of priestly estimation. They are captivated by the radiant splendor of the chalice standing by, which thinking silver, they eagerly break to pieces. They snatch the pontifical brooches, transparent with vitreous brightness, which with the holy body and with the fragments of the chalice the Ramsey men afterwards inherited. There flies up a Monk a, the Provost of the village, is carried to the church: with the village smith. Then the nearby Ednoth is summoned by swift messenger, and he caused the members of the so distinguished servant of God to be carried diligently washed into the church, and to be placed next to the altar. The people running together with attentive minds wished, that the Lord, who gave this to be found, should give also that it might be known who he was.

[6] The Saint appearing to the rustic smith, So that it might shine forth, that not by fortuitous chance, but by divine nod this finding had been made; on the following night to the b smith of the same village, an innocent and simple man (to such as these the Lord speaks mouth to mouth, and entrusts his secrets, and reveals to the little ones the things hidden from the wise) Yvo glorious stood by him sleeping, of tall stature, with shining face, with vivid appearance, with flaming eye-edge, with Pontifical infula and rod, and Archiepiscopal Cross extended; and the man astonished by the unaccustomed vision he soothes with honey-flowing voice, and says: Whom you just now wonder at being found in such a place, I am Yvo the Bishop, who here with the blessed companions hitherto have lain hidden in the tomb. he indicates the burial of 2 companions, Approach in the morning, and measure the place eight feet from the right side of my mausoleum, and you will find the tomb of one of my holy companions. The other also buried with us will not be far from the seeker, who triumphs with me in glory. By these indications therefore certified, suggest from me to the Provost, that he himself announce to Abbot Ednoth, that me, with the same my companions, he should transfer to the Ramsey cenobium. But while the man poor in spirit fears to refer these supernal commands, on the following night his negligence being rebuked, he was admonished by the same authority. On the third night nonetheless to him still doubting, where in his earlier slumbers, the same preceptor stood by; and now more strictly rebuked the disobedient one, and a delict to the disbelieving: and trembling and asking that a sign be given to him, with the Episcopal rod struck him: And this sign, he said, you shall have, which by no means shall you lack, unless you announce the commanded.

[7] [from him is admonished the Provost, and not believing, by appearing he chastises.] From these waking, so he grieved in that place, where he had felt himself struck, as if he had been pierced with iron. Who when he reported the mandates with the sign of pain, he indeed recovered: but, for the greater declaration of the Saint, the same Provost did not wish to believe; and rejected the rustic, as one narrating phantasms: And we should transfer and celebrate as saints, said he, any cheap ashes of some shoemaker? Thus rejecting him a nocturnal sleep seizes: whom the holy Prelate, seen in austerer manner and habit, with strictness aroused: Arise, said he, arise as quickly as possible. For I am he, whom you yesterday mocked as a shoemaker, have prepared lasting boots for you. With these you shall be clothed, with these you shall ride home in my memory. At these words with the dreamer rising and sitting, the just chastiser most tightly forms boots on his legs. So therefore shaken he wakes, and now most tight pain had constricted the whole shins from the feet, and neither standing nor advancing was possible. He rode to the monastery in another's litter; and entering, by his own c penalty in order announces all things, which through another he had been unwilling to believe: and as much by his sickness as by true voice preaches, what he had refuted as phantasms.

[8] But then Abbot Ednoth, cheered by such unhoped-for gain of celestial treasure, By the Abbot of Ramsey, the bodies found are placed together. and his so evident indication, gave most devout thanks to the bountiful Lord, with great joy namely of the whole company, although they suffered together at the fraternal expense. And then enjoining on all the aids of prayers, he runs to the revealed bodies of the Saint and his Companions, into his own village Slepe, eight English leagues from Ramsey, and three from the town of Huntingdon, distant, hanging over the river Ouse. Slow to him were the running horses, and his desire flew before all feathers. To him therefore the chief men running together, and the people indicators of joy, he descends into the field, the treasury of Saints: he bends his knees with his Brother companions, and divine help having been adored, the Abbot himself attacks the digging tool: and with that order striving, by which holy Yvo had taught, more quickly he finds the desired thing sought. Then receiving further hope, both Saints, by the true indication of the divine Bishop, with the aforesaid holy Patricius he apprehends; and snatched thence into the church, with the blessed Yvo himself, until the time of a more becoming translation he set up.

[9] But the Provost, that there might be a long-lasting example of not despising heavenly things; and that he might preach with daily debility, whom he had repudiated with precipitous infidelity; The Provost, debilitated for 15 years, for fifteen years, even to the very end of life, in the fetters of that nurturing Father he remained debilitated: which however to him by the diffuse grace of God in His Saints heaped up the fruit of salvation. For on the seventh day before his departure, the same most serene consoler, with splendid face and habit, appeared to him with congratulation; and to him with most cherishing voice said: Now the time is at hand, that the blows, by which I rebuked you, may pass into a remedy of safety for you; and for the long night of habitation, you should possess the most joyful day of eternal felicity: indeed on the seventh day hence, be now ready, that I shall come to receive you into our light from this prison of flesh. When he had laid this out to the Brethren, he is forewarned of death and eternal salvation, earnestly anticipating the face of the Lord in confession, and passing on the aforesaid day, he rendered all most certain of the promised grace. So that the matter may be made known more from the brightness of his lineage, he was of the most close and most illustrious Prelate of York d Oswald a noble maternal uncle; flourishing also with a brother, a cenobite and former equivocate e Oswald, as his versified book is witness, so devoutly learned in the Lord, that he abstained from a Pontificate offered him. This therefore order of the manifestation of the most sacred Yvo stands forth illustrious to all: whoever shall expound these less, is not a copious writer.

[10] But this finding of him was made in the year of the Lord one thousand and one, with King Ethelred reigning, on the eighth of the Kalends of May the month of April. But April as if Aperilis is called from opening, when the heaven is opened more clearly toward the summer suns, and the world is enlivened into flowers and offspring; The Finding happened on April 24 and then every field, then every tree gives birth; then the forests are leafy, then the most beautiful year, then the green places with flowers, and the birds with songs, and all the joys of things resound to the resurrection of Christ and the Paschal days: for in such time it befitted these blessed pledges to be found, which into eternal glory with a new heaven and new earth ought to be raised up.

[11] on which day Ethelwin the founder of Ramsey had died. Fittingly also the provident grace of God, with so great a light declared, cheered these Brothers on the same day, on which now ten years already passed the death of the most illustrious Duke f Ethelwin, founder of the Ramsey cenobium, had deprived them; whom here to commemorate even in a few words pertains to the grace of the Church itself. Among other offices of piety, this monastery, with the most blessed Pontiff of York Oswald assenting, he began and completed; and with the opulence of estates and ornaments, as still appears, he raised it up, and instituted the cohabitation of Monks, and illustrated it also with the bodies of the twin Martyrs g Ethelred and Ethelbright the brothers: and now to the highest Prince by a striking languor he was being called. Who by B. h Elfeg then the Prelate, afterwards Martyr, loosed by Confession, anointed with Oil, refreshed by divine Communion, with the end pressing suppliantly prays the bystanders, to chant the seven penitential Psalms. These finished he imposes the last organ of the Psalter, Praise the Lord. But when they were singing the last word of this last hymn, he with mind and eyes intent on heaven was singing psalms with them, and three times repeated; Let every Spirit praise the Lord. And so on this word, signing himself with the Cross of the Lord with his right hand, and closing his eyes with the left, he sent forth his spirit in the faith of the Trinity and mercy, and was buried in the same monastery which he had built for the holy Father Benedict: who as he had prepared for him a dwelling on earth, so by him is believed to be received into his supernal dwelling, among the consortia of Monks, the clemency of the Saviour saying; He who receives a just man in the name of a just man, shall receive the reward of a just man. Matt. 10, 41 His funeral sadness therefore on the same Kalends, as said, was wiped away by the illumination of B. Yvo.

ANNOTATIONS BY G. H.

CHAPTER III.

Translation of the body of S. Yvo to Ramsey.

[12] The body is carried by the Abbots, German After the most holy body of blessed Father Yvo, divinely foreshown, by divine aspiration pleased to be transferred to Ramsey; was summoned the most famous Abbot a German, of the Fleury institution, who had long adhered to the aforesaid Oswald the Archbishop; whom thence the most glorious King Edgar had set over the monastery of the holy Martyr b Kenelm at Winchcombe; and Edgar's son also the successor Ethelred had set over the Cenobium c Celesige; which at the suggestion of Archbishop d Siric, built with paternal piety and dedicated to Monks, he had ordained, for the royal martyrdom of his holy brother, namely Edward, and for the wall of the kingdom. and Ednoth With this excellent consort German therefore the excellent Father Ednoth, with prayer and abstinence sent before, the King and Bishops favoring, transferred S. Yvo into the Ramsey habitation. These twin Abbots, like twin oxen of Christ, bore the Ark of the Testament of God, S. Yvo the Bishop. The other Brothers who had come together, were carrying the remaining Saints found with him. A huge crowd follows, with great rejoicing, countryside and towns flow together hither; scarcely do the spreading fields admit the gathering peoples. Prayers and hymns praise-sounding gratify the air: the heaven itself seemed to favor the Saints, the sun with all its rays to rejoice with them, so sweet a breeze and serene day had shone forth.

[13] Many faithful also assert, that throughout the whole

journey of this festive Translation, with a dove flying overhead, a most white dove flew over the body of the most blessed Yvo, with such a miracle to be contemplated by many, and that it had come from heaven by the favor of the Saint was the attestation of all. There ran together with the rest of the people the throng of Ramsey, whitened in white robes, and crowned with purple ornaments, bearing before them the cross-bearing banners of Christ, and gilded Gospel-books, and splendid shrines of Saints, and lights of candelabra, and incense burned in censers, and whatever votive devotion could. With songs and cymbals and bells the whole island resounds: the forests and rivers shine again. Thus with the Angels above exulting with the human chorus, the precious pearls are brought into the votive temple. Then they chant the Ambrosian hymn in praise-sounding, with Abbot Ednoth gratefully beginning, "We praise Thee, O God:" There follow the solemnities of the Mass, and the day, June 10: by the Translation of S. Yvo on the fourth of the Ides of June consecrated, is appointed to be perpetually celebrated.

[14] And when they were sufficiently anxious, in what place more becomingly to treasure him; he is deposited at the ascent of the Presbytery. he himself the most vigilant suffrager Yvo, seen at night by a certain devout Brother, demands of the Father of the monastery, that they should bury him in such a place, where he should be accessible to anyone for prayer. And so the sacred limbs being placed back, and wrapped in precious cloth, he was deposited at the ascent of the Presbytery: where he still shines, touchable by eyes and kisses. It is plainly apparent that the citizen of heaven, does not here court a more eminent place, but only seeks the salvation of men: for to the Saints, who despised earthly things while still living on the earth, what now reigning in heaven could the lowest glory of the world confer?

[15] This also seems to pertain to the ancient knowledge of our Patron, that near the village, which is called Hirst, The Finding predicted at Rome before. is said the meadow of Yvo. Even before these times in Rome an aged man, addressing one coming from England to prayer, when he had learned where England was, inquires more attentively, whether he knew the village which is called Slepe: which the newcomer having answered that he knew best; the elder proceeded with these things: Believe, and keep in unhesitating memory, that not far from the ford of the nearby river most illustrious lights lie hidden, which in their time will be raised with clear knowledge. These the Englishman returned to his country published with joyful faith, which afterwards revealed truth has proved up to this day. There even survived to these times a certain faithful Cleric, by name Durand, who often promised, what we see done.

[16] These things therefore now being proved by effect, Abbot Ednoth at the wish of all the Brothers founded a Church, Church built for him: in honor and memory of B. Yvo, namely in the same place of his tomb and finding: which was so ordered, that the very nurturing tomb might extend half within the wall, and half outside; that for those coming, tomb: it distills healthful water. both with the door barred and open, the water of grace might not be lacking. For with the wondrous Lord existing in His Saints, who brings forth rivers from the rock, the very mausoleum gushes with sweet-flowing wave, and this impetus of the river makes glad the city of God in the faithful people. Well indeed it appears in the sepulchral stone, that from the inmost belly of his piety there formerly flowed rivers of living water and a fountain gushing into eternal life, who by teaching and aiding poured forth a paternal vein on all. Of the many remedies therefore of this water, and the many signs and revelations of the nurturing Yvo, here we add a few, according to the most certain testimonies of the prior Writer either through eyes or ears, which still endure in the memory of the faithful f. …

ANNOTATIONS BY G. H.

CHAPTER IV.

Translation of the Companions of S. Yvo, to his church: Their relics, with King Henry reigning, are carried back to the church of the Finding.

[17] On account of the Miracles done at Slepe At an estate also of the right of the Ramsey church, called Slepe, where formerly the bodies of the holy Yvo and his companions, by the glorious revelation of S. Yvo himself found, and to Ramsey with worthy honor transferred by the Brothers, frequent signs of healings of various weak persons are divinely performed. Certain inhabitants of the same village, on many nights, and an appearing light. manifestly testify they saw a ray of flashing light, extended from that very place to Ramsey, sometimes even directed up to heaven.

[18] a translation of the companions to be made there having been decreed, Therefore at the urging and counsel of certain illustrious men, it pleased the Brothers of Ramsey, that the Relics of the three Companions of B. Yvo, inseparably clinging to his side, in a silver case decently placed together, should be carried back to the church of the same estate, built in their honor; that both the very church on account of the reverence of the Saints might be held more honored and more celebrated, and by peoples diffused everywhere, by the intercession of the Patrons present, might be frequented more abundantly and more devoutly: adding also it seemed just, that the master should honor with his presence the greater place of the translation; but the disciples, the smaller place of the finding. But lest by rash presumption they seem to go against the divine disposition, and detract from the excellence or veneration of the Saints, with vigils and prayers and three-day fast they decreed to consult their will on this matter. while the fast is being kept for three days, a paralytic woman is healed: Which while it was being done, a certain girl, semi-paralytic on the left side of her body, received in sleep, that at the memorial of blessed Yvo and his Companions she was to be healed. Who when she had come there, and had prostrated for some time in prayer, the effect of her dream she obtained in the sight of the Brothers. By the judgment of which sign made more joyful and more confident, with fasts and prayers completed, they are translated, with praises and hymns and fitting honor the holy ark, filled with celestial manna, to the aforesaid church on V Ides of August they translated; with Brothers there deputed, by whose vigilant care the celestial treasure might be guarded, and the divine Office day and night devoutly performed.

[19] But that divine clemency might evidently show that it had approved their pious action and sincere devotion, and the exalted merits of His Saints how much they were accepted to Him; and afterwards 15 sick. on the day on which these things were being done, thrice five men weakened by various infirmities, He restored to health; and thereafter in the same place, by the intercession of His Saints, He does not cease to confer the help of His mercy to those asking.

APPENDIX OF MIRACLES,

from the new Legend of England of John Capgrave.

Ivo, Persian Bishop, deposited in England (S.)

His three Companions, deposited in England BHL Number: 4624

[20] An adolescent of Venice, of consular dignity, by diabolical instinct killed his pregnant sister. Because of the killed sister bound with iron circles; Led by penitence the Bishop binds him with iron bonds; from the shoulders to the kidneys he constricts him with iron, encircles belly and arms with iron: and so bound he wanders through the regions of the world, seeking the suffrages of the Saints. Coming at last to S. Denis, one bond is broken by the Saint's prayer: and crossing the sea, one, at S. Denis; the other, at S. Yvo he is freed: and coming to the tomb of S. Yvo, when the Magnificat was being sung at Vespers; and the verse, And his mercy from generation to generations, was being said; by invisible virtue he is seized, all is lifted from the ground, and more quickly is placed on the ground: the iron ligaments are broken, and the bonds more quickly are shaken off. Four others also, bound by Bishops with iron in penitence, at the tomb of S. Yvo were loosed from their bonds.

[21] a blind woman is illumined: A woman, abandoned by her husband on account of the plague of blindness, with sight returned, he comforted. An adolescent, mocking the miracles of the holy Bishop, and detracting from the Saint, with his knees bent and rigid, even to death he rendered unfit for walking. To a Monk, forcing his servants to insist on servile works on his feast, and uttering insults to the Saint, he appeared, saying; two mocking the Saint are punished; You, do you know me at all? But he trembling answered, No. I am, said he, Yvo, whom recently you said you did not know, and prohibited those wishing to cultivate my feast: and gave him a girdle, saying; Gird yourself with this girdle, and hold knowledge of me henceforth: and girding him, he departed. Aroused, he feels himself most tightly bound around as if with an iron chain: of whom one penitent is healed: internally he was tortured by cutting of vitals; externally, with the flesh flowing into rottenness, he was vexed by poisonous wasting and inflation. At length, what he had committed against the Saint, he confesses tearfully; and devoutly visiting his tomb, brought back health.

[22] likewise a Monk, preparing flight. When a certain Monk, abhorring the rule, had tried to flee; a wicked spirit invaded him; and about midnight, when he was beginning to feel better, he beheld two foul men coming to him, who say to him; Because you wished to flee from this place, we, snatching you to the prisons of hell, will lead you. Which heard, hastily he rises, and crying Kyrie eleison, flees to the monastery. Water from the tomb salutary to many, He is led into the house of the sick: and with S. Yvo appearing to him, and

making the sign of the Cross over him, he was made well. From the tomb of S. Yvo, transparent water, delightful to sight, pleasant to taste, healthful to those receiving it, gushes forth; bringing hearing to the deaf, sight to the blind, health to those despaired of and acting in extremity. Two lepers, sprinkled with the same water, are healed; and three blind, are restored to the light of their eyes.

[23] it cannot be heated by the force of fire: A certain boy, fulfilling diligently the kitchen duty assigned to him by his merchant masters, drawing water from the tomb of the Saint, placed it on the pot, and kindled an abundant fire: yet the meat placed for the recliners, was found raw and full of blood. The matter as it was is opened, the water in the pot is found completely cold: for the water of S. Yvo, always remaining in the same state; knows no setting, nor does it ever suffer eclipse; and if sometimes in a large quantity it is eagerly received, it never brings evil to the receiver, nor is the belly of the drinker inflated.

[24] A certain woman was so much enslaved to the right of the devil, subject to an incubus demon, by drinking of it she is freed. that the same wicked one in the form of a hare most frequently came together with her; so that in the very coition that wretched one, what is horrible to say, in greater confusion of herself, vomited the flow of seed through her mouth. She confessed at last with tears to the Prior of the place her offenses: and from him receiving a little vessel with water of S. Yvo, and confiding in God's mercy, she sees the demon, standing in his usual form, but in no way presuming to approach; yet threatening and rebuking, because against himself she had wished to erect a watery wall. But the woman, snatched from the power of the devil, having experienced none of the past confusion, unharmed and rejoicing returned to her own.

[25] A blind woman, with SS. Thomas and Yvo appearing, A certain woman, blind from birth, wearing the thresholds of Saints throughout England everywhere, returning from B. Thomas the Martyr, about to seek the suffrages of S. Yvo, approaching the little hill near that village, sitting weary, began for a little while to sleep. To whom two illustrious men in Pontifical habit (one coming on the way, by which she had come: the other, on the way by which she would go) standing by, were bearing in their hands two very shining eyes (as it seemed to her): she receives sight; of whom one was fitting the one eye which he held, the other the other, to her head. The woman wakened rejoiced that she had received eyes and sight: but that this miracle should be ascribed to blessed Martyr Thomas and holy Yvo, came into doubt for no one.

[26] the dropsical are healed. Three men, inflated with dropsical disease, with the water of this Saint drunk, with swelling subsided, brought back health.