ON SAINT ADALBERT FROM A MONK OF TRIER OF THE ORDER OF S. BENEDICT,
ARCHBISHOP OF MAGDEBURG FIRST.
A. MCCCCLXXXI.
COMMENTARY OF JOHN MABILLON.
Adalbert, Archbishop I. Magdeburg, of the Order of S. Benedict (S.)
BY MABILLON.
§. I. On the origin of the monastery, of the city itself, and the erection of it into a metropolis.
[1] Before we expound the deeds of Adalbert, it is good in this place to premise the origin of the city and monastery of Magdeburg: Magdeburg being brought the Relics of S. Innocent M. in the year 379, which both gave a beginning to the metropolis of the same city. Otto the Great was the author of the whole business; who having conquered the Slavs, peoples of Saxony at the Elbe, wishing to persuade them of the Christian religion, found no other counsel more salutary for this matter, than by erecting a garrison and at the same time a monastery of ours, which would be the seminary and asylum of the Christian Faith. Thus in the year DCCCCXXXVII, at the instinct of his most pious wife Editha, as is read in the Chronicle of Magdeburg, he began to build the city of Magdaburg, to which he brought with great honor the relics of Christ's Martyr Innocent. For he both acquired and constructed this city, for the sake of eternal remuneration, and the common salvation of the fatherland. Editha of blessed memory helped him toward this, with whatever means she could: who endowed with countless virtue, for him and SS. Peter and Mauritius Otto I builds a monastery, as appeared by signs after her death, the truces of life * granted to her, she carried through acceptable to God and men. And the same King decreed in the same year IX Kal. of October, that is on the next day after the feast of S. Mauritius, that a congregation of Monks be made in the same city, from love of God, and his father and his soul, his most holy spouse, and Rudolf King of Burgundia Transjurana, who sent to him S. Innocent, and the remedy of all his debts; building a monastery in honor of S. Peter Prince of the Apostles, and of S. Mauritius and Innocent; handing over to the same place many estates in diverse places, and subjecting the place itself to Roman protection, granting the Brothers free election of an Abbot; performing all things with the counsel of Frederick of Mainz, and Adaldag of Bremen Archbishops, and many other Bishops.
[2] All these things are amply commemorated in the very letters of Otto with Meibom, after the Annals of Withichindus, and dowers it. which privilege is the second given to the Church of Magdeburg in the year of the Lord's Incarnation DCCCCXXXVII, indict. XII, but in the year of Otto the most pious King II. The third privilege follows, by which he likewise hands over many estates to S. Peter Prince of the Apostles, and to S. Mauritius, and to S. Innocent, for the nourishment of the Monks, in the place Magdeburg named serving God, which place itself he subjects to Roman protection; giving as proper, what from Bernhard of Halberstadt the Bishop by exchange he had received. The diploma is given at Magdeburg in the year of the Lord's Incarnation DCCCCXL, which city by another name is called Parthenopolis.
[3] The first Abbot of Magdeburg was Anno, who after Bishop Richgowo was elevated to the See of the Church of Worms, in the year DCCCCL. Otwinus, the second Abbot of the same place, Its first Abbots Otwinus, likewise is promoted to the Episcopate in the year DCCCCLIV: in which year these things are read in the Chronicle of Magdeburg: With Thiethardus Bishop of Hildesheim dead, Otwinus Abbot of Parthenopolis, is ordained tenth Bishop: who provided plural utility to his Church for thirty years, especially the court Gisenheim he acquired for the use of the Brothers. He also instituted wine on the highest feasts for XVI days. He himself collected precious gold, and gems, and stones, and pearls for the construction of a chalice and paten: but, prevented by infirmity, under seal and faith of Christ to his successor he reserved them. He also, with Wendelgarda dead, ordained Gerberga Abbess in Gandersheim. Finally Otwinus into the regimen of the Abbey of Magdeburg was succeeded by Richarius, in whose abbacy the translation of the monastery was made, Richarius, and Riddagus. as we shall later say. To him truly seems to have succeeded Riddagus, of whom egregious mention is made in the same Chronicle of Magdeburg at the year DCCCCXCV; where Cunigunda, wife of Sigifridus Count de Waldbike, demanding from her other brother Sigefrid the Count, is reported to have sent a messenger to Abbot Riddagus, that her son Sigefrid, living at S. John in Magedaburh under the monastic habit, with permission received, should be brought back. He because he was a man very prudent, with all things solicitously inquired, resisted the unjust legation; and on account of the care entrusted to him by God, that he would not presume to do this, responded. Worthy indeed of a good Pastor the constancy of mind! The messenger however, as had been ordered him, coming to Ekkihardus, who then was Custodian of the church of S. Mauricius and Master of the school, that his son Thietmar
for a necessary matter should send back to his mother, suppliantly asked. Who in lay habit, in which among pirates he had to converse, set out, namely so that he might be an aid to his own to be liberated from captivity. But these things outside the lines.
[4] When Otto the Great by various impressions had worn down the Slavs, at last in the year DCCCCLX subjected all the peoples of the Slavs to his empire; The same Otto in the year 960 having subdued the Slavs intending to consult, and whom his father had subdued by one grand war, he himself thence with such great virtue constrained, that they gratefully received tribute and Christianity for life and country together: and the whole people of the gentiles was baptized; churches in Slavonia built; also monasteries of men and women serving God, very many constructed. Then Slavonia was divided into eighteen regions; which are said to have all been converted to the Christian faith, with three excepted. These things from the Chronographer of Magdeburg Ms. from which also the following things are taken.
[5] In the year DCCCCLXII, when Otto, by Pope John XII at Rome was acclaimed Emperor, he took care to have the Archiepiscopal see instituted at Magdeburg by the same, although the matter was not brought to effect before the year DCCCCLXVIII. in year 962 by the authority of John 12, The Letters of the Pontiff John, in the aforesaid Chronicle Ms. related on the margin, are in this manner: John Bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the most reverend brothers, Archbishops, Abbots, Monks, Primates, all Clergy and people, in Gaul, Germany, Bavaria established. As often as for the advancement of new Christianity, the privilege of concession and confirmation from the holy Roman Church, which by God's authorship we serve, is demanded; so often we have said it worth the trouble with all diligence and all love to bestow; lest what to pious desires more readily ought to be expended, the envy of the wily enemy should unfailingly snatch away through sloth. With all forces therefore, dearest Brothers, we must strive, that Christianity, which God omnipotent through his servants by heavenly trophy daily extends and advances, by our help through him also, may be solidified and remain in the same. Now however, with God's clemency working, our most dear and most Christian son Otto, having vanquished the barbarian nations, for the conversion of the whole people, namely the Avars and many others; that for the defense of holy Church of God the triumphal crown, the summit of victory of empire, through us he might receive from B. Peter Prince of the Apostles; he approached the highest and universal See, over which by God's authorship we preside. Whom receiving with paternal affection, for the defense of holy Church of God, into Emperor, with the blessing of B. Peter, we anointed. And when in the church of blessed Peter the Apostle, treating of the state and regimen of all Christianity, we treated usefully according to God those things which are useful; the aforesaid most pious Emperor Otto, how he had newly founded the Slavs, whom he himself had conquered, transfers the monastery into an Archbishopric, in the Catholic faith, made known to our paternity; deprecating and earnestly demanding, that into the sheep, which he himself had acquired in Christ, on account of the defection of a Pastor, the cunning of the old serpent should not dominate. To this petition therefore, we have rightly given assent, dearest Brothers. With the whole marrow of heart therefore, as is worthy, that this new planting upon the summit of the mountain, in the rock which is Christ, may be founded, let us intend: he will give strength who wishes no one to perish. Whose clemency assenting we wish, and through this page of privilege we order, that the Magdeburg monastery, in the kingdom of the Saxons next to the Elbe constructed, which the abovementioned most holy Emperor for the new Christianity constructed, and Merseburg into an Episcopate: because that of places is nearer to the nations; be transferred into an Archiepiscopal See, which through subject Suffragans may rule and govern the whole flock of God. We wish, and through this page of privilege we order, that the Merseburg monastery, which the same most pious Emperor, because he laid low the Hungarians, devoted as future to God, be elevated into an Episcopal See, which to the Magdeburg See is to be subordinated: because so many nations under one Pastor cannot in the least be ruled. We wish, and by the privilege of our authority we judge, that the census and decimation of all the nations, which the same most pious Emperor baptized, or are to be baptized through him and his son the equivocal King, and their successors, with God assenting, they themselves and their successors have power of distributing, of subjecting to Magdeburg, Merseburg, or to whatever future See they wish. We wish also, dearest Brothers, and from the command of B. Peter Apostle we enjoin, that the Archpresuls of Mainz, Trier, Cologne, Salzburg, Hamburg, of the translation of the Magdeburg monastery into Archiepiscopal, and of Merseburg into Episcopal See, with the forces of all heart and body, may persist as consenting fautors. When however God omnipotent, through his abovementioned most invincible servant the Emperor, and his son the King, and their successors, the neighboring nation of the Savi shall lead to the cultus of the Christian faith; through them, in convenient places, according to opportunity Bishoprics be constituted; and to the same, through the consent of the aforesaid, and of the Archpresuls and their successors, by the Archbishop of Magdeburg Bishops to be consecrated we wish as Suffragans. But however, if the successors of our aforesaid most pious son the Emperor, and of his son the equivocal King, shall attempt to break their statutes, or the Prelates of the aforesaid Churches and the rest and their successors to the Magdeburg Archbishop and his successors, and their Suffragans and their successors, shall not be helpers and consenting; let them be struck with the sword of anathema, and from the highest Rewarder receive damnation without end. Omnipotent God therefore to the most serene Emperor Otto, [which together with others still to be instituted he subjects to the Primate of Magdeburg.] and to his namesake King, our spiritual sons, grant a long life: that in this age tranquilly living, in the future they may receive the palm of unfading glory. Written by the hand of Leo, Scriniarius of the holy Apostolic See, in the month of February Indict. V. Given 11 Id. February; by the hand of George, Secundicerius of the holy Apostolic See, in the year God-favoring of the Pontificate of Domnus John, supreme Pontiff and universal Pope, VII; of the empire of Domnus the most pious Augustus Otto, by God crowned, the great Emperor, in year I; in the month and Indiction aforesaid. Thus far the diploma of John XII, for the erection of the Magdeburg monastery into a Metropolis, and of Merseburg into an Episcopal See. But the matter lacked effect, as we shall soon say, to the year DCCCCLXVIII.
ANNOTATED.
* or of Life
§. II. Not to the Rugii, but to the Russians is Bishop Adalbert sent, thence made Abbot of Würzburg and finally Archbishop of Magdeburg.
[6] By what ministers the Slavs or Rugii were converted to the Faith, The Rugiani relapsed into idolatry Helmod refers as received by tradition, in the history of the Slavs book 1 chapter 6, and recalls it to the times of Louis II the Emperor: in whose times Monks going out from Corvey, distinguished by sanctity, thirsting for the salvation of the Slavs, expended themselves to undergo dangers and deaths for the legation of the word of God: and having traversed many provinces of the Slavs, came to those who are called Runi or Rugiani, and inhabit in the heart of the sea. Preaching therefore the word of God with all confidence, they gained that whole island: where also they founded an Oratory in honor of Christ, and in commemoration of S. Vitus, who is patron of Corvey: whom the Slavs, having relapsed again into the cultus of idols, worship in place of God.
[7] If this was done with Louis II reigning, the same was again attempted under Otto the Great through Adalbert a Monk of new Corvey in Saxony, are converted again by Adalbert of Corvey, whom Otto transmitted as an Apostle to those nations. Of this Adalbert or Adelbert acts we have not been able to find, nor do I know whether by any old author they have been related in commentaries. We shall therefore do regarding him according to our custom; that with his elogium collected from the monuments of the ancients, we may dig out his deeds from the shades of oblivion according to our measure. This Adalbert the most illustrious Cardinal Baronius at year 97, rightly distinguishes from Adalbert Bishop of Prague his disciple: but not well from the first Adalbert Archbishop of Magdeburg, whom to be one and the same with Adalbert the Apostle of the Rugii, will be established from those things which we are now about to say.
[8] Those who treat of the deeds of our Adalbert, some bear him sent to the Rugii, others into Russia. from whom diverse this one is given to the Russians asking for a Bishop Rugi today we also call those, who now inhabit the shore of the Baltic sea, now attributed to Pomerania, and who gave the name to the island of the Rugii, commonly Rugen. But that Adalbert be not thought directed to those Rugii, the name of Queen Helena forbids, who recently regenerated by the sacred bath, asked from Otto the Great preachers of the Christian faith. But this was the Queen of Russia, before baptism called Olga, who with Constantine son of Leo reigning, having set out for Constantinople, made Christian, received the name of Helena at baptism. Lambert of Hersfeld, who five hundred years ago was writing the Chronicle of German affairs, is the author, that in the year of Christ DCCCCLX a legation of the Russian nation came to King Otto the first, asking that some Bishop, who might preach the Christian religion among them, be sent; and that there was sent Adalbert, who scarcely escaped their hands. But Martin Cromer, at the beginning of book 3 of the deeds of the Poles, through a feigned legation, says Lambert was deceived; thinking that Adalbert was sent into Rugia, not into Russia, which from the Emperor Basil of Constantinople received a Bishop and the norm of Christian faith and Grecian rites. But nevertheless not Lambert alone, but other authors of those times, contest that Adalbert was directed into Russia; and those who call them Rugii, by adding the name of Queen Helena, sufficiently indicate that to be interpreted of Russia. Among the first Ditmar, a man of that age, hands down in book 2 that Adalbert was ordained Prelate of Russia. The Chronicle of Hildesheim agrees at the year DCCCCLX. Nor is the authority of the Continuator of Regino's Annals of less moment, who attributes this mission to the prayers of Helena with the Chronographer of Magdeburg. after Libutius died in the year 961 The words of the Continuator at the year DCCCCLIX are these: The legates of Queen Helena of the Rugii, who under Emperor Romanus C.P. was baptized at Constantinople, coming feignedly (as later became clear) to King Otto, asked for Bishops and Presbyters for the same nation. The same words has the Chronographer of Magdeburg, except that he writes more correctly, they asked that a Bishop and Presbyters be ordained for the same nation; and adds: Whom he benignly receiving, and much rejoicing, consented to their deprecation, and ordained for this the venerable and catholic man Libutius; that is, designated: for the ordination of Libutius was made in the following year DCCCCLX. For on the testimony of the same Chronographer, before the Continuator of Regino, the King celebrated the Lord's Nativity at Franconevord, where Libutius, from the Coenobites of S. Alban, by the venerable Adaldag Archbishop of Bremen is ordained Bishop for the nation of the Rugii. in vain ordained, and returning to Otto, That this Libutius was a notable man of religion and piety, even from this deed we understand; although nothing of him have we been permitted to know besides his death, which he teaches happened in the year DCCCCLXI, the same Chronographer, with the appendix of Regino, in these words: Libutius, in the prior year by certain delays suspended from his journey, died on XV Kal. of March of the present year: to whom Adalbert, from the Coenobites of S. Maximinus of Trier, by the contrivance and counsel of Willehelm Archbishop of Mainz, although he had trusted better things in him, and
never offended against him in anything, was to be sent abroad in ordination succeeded. Doubtless to William, son of Otto the Great, Adalbert was perhaps causing envy: whom the most pious King with his accustomed mercy, equipped with all supplies he needed, honorably destined for the nation.
[9] What followed from this peregrination, the same authors teach in the year DCCCCLXII. vainly ordained, and returning to Otto, For in the same year Adalbert ordained Bishop for the Rugii, and being able to profit nothing in those things for which he had been sent, and seeing himself vainly wearied, returned: and some of his being killed in returning, he with great labor scarcely escaped, and coming to the King is charitably received, and by William Archbishop, dear to God, in retribution for the so inconvenient peregrination contrived for him by him, with all goods and conveniences, as a brother by a brother, is embraced and sustained. Also letters being sent for him to the Emperor, he is ordered to await his return in the Palace. Thus at last envy yielded to virtue, by the easy humanity of William the best Prince. Furthermore from the outcome of this mission it is clear that the petition of the Legates of the Rugii (which the aforesaid authors observed) was feigned.
[10] After three years, that is in the year DCCCCLXVI, Erkanbertus, He is constituted Abbot of Wicenburg in year 966: Abbot of the monastery of Wicenburg, died: and the Emperor, by election of the Monks, placed Adalbert, ordained Bishop for the Rugii, over the same monastery. This monastery in the diocese of Spires is notable, whose origin they refer to Dagobert, sacred to S. Peter: to which Otto the Great restored the right of election in the year DCCCCLVII out of zeal for holy religion; and placed the venerable man Geilo as Abbot over the same monastery. In the year DCCCCLX Geilo dead was succeeded by Gerricus; to whom in the year DCCCCLXIV was substituted Erkembertus his brother; and after two years to him Adalbert, as we learn from the Magdeburg Chronicle; from which is to be corrected the published continuation of Regino, in which, for Wicenburgensi, is perpetually read Wirtzburgense monastery.
[11] But since this slight matter of practicing virtue did not suffice for Adalbert, after two years of the regimen of Wicenburg, and finally is created Prelate of Magdeburg in year 968; he was at last imposed on the Magdeburg See: which is to be demonstrated by arguments; that it may appear not another from the Magdeburg Adalbert was the Apostle of the Rugii, as it seemed to Baronius, but one and the same. The first author of our sentence occurs Ditmar, whose words are these in book 2 page 20: The Emperor called to himself Richarius, third Abbot of the Magdeburg Church (for Anno and Otwinus then presided as Bishops), and wishing to decorate this man with Sacerdotal dignity, with a certain epistle seen which was being secretly brought to him, omitted; and Adelbert of Trier, by profession a Monk, but before ordained Prelate of Russia, and thence expelled by the Gentiles, to the apex of Archiepiscopacy, illustrious Father and proved in all things, in the year of the Lord's Incarnation DCCCCLXX, XV Kal. of November by Apostolic authority promoted. Then he sent him to his See with great honor, prescribing to all Saxony's Princes, that the next Nativity of the Lord they be with him. From these it is manifest that Adalbert, Apostle of Russia, is not another from Adalbert Pontiff of Magdeburg. The same is proved from the Magdeburg Chronicle, whose narration is the same as Ditmar's; which from a little higher is to be repeated, namely from the year DCCCCLXVIII, in which Adalbert's promotion is said to have been made in the Magdeburg Chronicle, not in the year DCCCCLXX as in Ditmar. So therefore the Chronographer commemorates done in the aforesaid year DCCCCLXVIII.
[12] Emperor Otto the Great, hearing of the death of his mother and son, and of other principal men, when the conceived erection of a Metropolis from six years before judged to abstain from the expedition of Fraxinet. The fear of approaching death urged him to this: and what to God in anxious matters he had promised, at this opportune time he was eager to complete. For the elected by all the Clergy and People of the holy Halberstadt church Hildiward the Provost, and by his lord Bernhard pre-designated to this, he commanded to go to Rome; and with him, what long lay hidden, he revealed the secret of his mind; namely that he had always studied to make in the city of Parthenopolis an Archbishopric, in hope of eternal remuneration and defense of the heavenly homeland; and he promised himself ready for whatever ever he should ask, if he would consent for him to perfect this vow. He, as he was a wise man, assented to the pious petition, and the part of the parish, which is situated between the Aar and Elbe and Bode rivers, and moreover the way which is called of Frederick, granted to God, and to holy Mauricius and the Emperor. Moreover charitably asked by the same Augustus Caesar, he gave to God and holy Lawrence the parish lying between the rivers Willerbicius and the salt sea and Sala and Unstrod and Helmana, with part of the parish Hilward of Halberstadt conferring, and the Pit which is next to Walehusen. The Emperor smiling at such a gift, took the same by hand, and committing to him with the Staff the Pastoral care, said: Receive the price of your father. For him, by name Ericus, with the others (as is said above) attempting to kill him in Quidelingeburch at Easter, he had commanded to be decapitated. These things thus performed, the Emperor called to himself Richarius, third Abbot of the Magdeburg Church (for his predecessors Anno of Worms, Otwinus of Hildesheim presided as Bishops) wishing to decorate this man with Sacerdotal dignity: but with a certain epistle seen, which was secretly brought, he omitted, and promoted Adalbert of Trier, by profession a Monk, * before ordained Prelate for the Rugii, and thence expelled by the Gentiles, to the apex of Archiepiscopacy, illustrious Father and proved in all things: whom also he directed to Rome to receive the pallium from the Domnus Pope. The Domnus Pope John however, the thirteenth of that name, and with Pope John XIII approving, was finally perfected: and before Bishop of Narni, assenting to just petitions, and expending no tardiness, by privilege of Apostolic authority decreeing him worthy as Archbishop, for love of B. Mauricius and Innocent, and of the Saints who rest at Magdeburg, and of the aforesaid Emperor, gave the Pallium for celebrating the solemnities of Masses in the year of the Lord's Incarnation DCCCCLXVIII, Indiction XII, XV Kal. of November, that is on the festival of S. Luke the Evangelist, in the year of the Pontificate of the same Domnus John universal Pope the fourth. Then the Emperor sent him to his See with great honor, prescribing to all Saxony's Princes, that the next Nativity of the Lord they be with him. To the same Adalbert was granted to retain the abbey of Wizenburg, by Apostolic and Imperial letters, the substance of which Meibom relates.
[13] A little otherwise this is recorded by the same Meibom on page 108: where this erection of the Magdeburg Metropolis is said to have been done in the Council of Ravenna: in vain with Abbot Richarius resisting but in another narration, which was dug out of another Magdeburg Chronicle Ms., first this erection in the aforesaid Synod is said to have been conceived in the year DCCCCLXVIII. Which performed, Caesar rejoicing, having called Richarius, third Abbot of the Magdeburg monastery, before Anno of Worms and Othwinus of Hildesheim the Bishops, then perhaps staying with him, wished him to perform the office of the Episcopate, in the very change of his See: but some impeded by hidden counsel, and to the Emperor for the secret letters brought. Who when he understood himself deprived of so great honor, less equally borne, and proposing in any way to impede so holy a proposal to the Emperor; soon struck by ill health, exchanged earthly things for heavenly, and Herdiggus succeeded in the very change of the See. There was then a certain man of great name and merit Adelbert, who had been long ago at Trier from the monastery of S. Maximinus a Monk taken away, and consecrated Bishop, had been destined for preaching to the Rugii. But the people exasperated, with hard front and indomitable heart, expelled him from their borders, despising the one evangelizing the Gospel of peace; because by the providence of God in our land that people of new acquisition was to be entrusted to him. Adelbert is declared Archbishop at Rome, and given the Pallium 18 Oct. Him therefore from the abbey of Wissenburg, which meanwhile he was governing, taken up, in all worthy and proved, Caesar promoted to the Priesthood of the aforesaid Magdeburg Church; and directed him to Rome, to receive the Pallium from the Apostolic See, with letters of his authority. There sat at that time in the Chair of the heavenly Keybearer, by grace and name John the Pope, of that name the thirteenth, in the order of the Roman Pontiffs the one hundred thirty-sixth. He therefore receiving him benignly, for the pious zeal of the most glorious Emperor, which he had in the amplification of divine cultus, rejoicing, and therefore assenting to his just petitions, decreed by Apostolic authority that he should be Archbishop, and his successors: to whom also he gave the Pallium for celebrating the solemnities of Masses; with Privileges granted to him, and he himself moved by great love, on XV Kal. of November, that is on the feast of S. Luke the Evangelist, ordained him; and by privilege of Apostolic authority sanctioned and confirmed… (Here may it be permitted to me D. P. to interject and refer the reader to the Norbertine Analecta Chapter IV where at numbers 56 and 57 he will find the privileges here omitted and convicted of forgery; just as further is confirmed in the same Chapter §. 7.) confirmed, I say, him to be the Metropolitan of the whole nation of Slavs beyond the Sala and Elbe, and with Suffragans assigned: then converted to God, or to be converted; and that according to the desire of the Emperor in those cities, in which formerly the superstition of barbarian rite greatly flourished, that is Cizi, Misni, Merseburg, Havelberg, Poznani, Bishoprics in honor of God be founded; whose Pastors, according to canonical authority, to the Magdeburg Bishop owing faith and subjection should be associated. These and other things, which the privileges hitherto there preserved testify, by Synodal decree ordained, and by the interminable name of God and of the Apostolic confirmed; the aforesaid Archbishop, with the Legates of the Roman church, namely Wido Bishop Bibliothecary, and Benedict Cardinal, who should enthrone him with Hildiward Bishop of Halberstadt in his See, dismissed, returned glad to the Emperor: whom the Emperor nonetheless rejoicing, as one possessed of his blessed desire, with commendatory letters destined to Magdeburg. There therefore by the precept of the Emperor, Bishops, Marquises, and other Princes of Saxony coming, honorably received him; and elected by acclamation of voices and elevation of hands, with the aforesaid Legates of the Apostolic See enthroned him with celebrated rite. enthroned at Magdeburg, There was every sex and age of those rejoicing: it was altogether a general dance. Where for his confirmation the same Archbishop in the presence of the same, celebrating with him the Nativity of the Lord, ordained Boso the Monk first Bishop of the Churches of Merseburg; Burchard, of Meissen; Hugo, of Cizi. Also Dudo of Havelberg, and Dudellinus of Brandenburg the Bishops, before indeed subject to the Archbishop of Mainz, but then with the Emperor acting absolved from their owed obedience, promised faith and subjection to the Magdeburg church and to its Archbishop with the aforesaid brothers. Thus far the erection of the Magdeburg metropolis from the codex of Meibom.
[14] To these Bishops, whom the Emperor wished subject to the Magdeburg Archbishop, where he consecrates Suffragans, the Chronographer of Magdeburg adds Jordan of Poznań, at the year DCCCCLXIX. Adalbert the Archbishop, by the clergy and all the people magnificently received, in these festive days consecrated Boso, first Pastor of the Merseburg Church; Burchard, first Provisor of the Meissen Church; Hugo, first Bishop of the Cizi Church. To these brothers the Emperor adjoined three before consecrated; that is Dudo of Havelberg, Dudelin of Brandenburg, and Jordan of Poznań,
all promising subjection to the Bishop and his successors. The Monks however who before conversed there, and the Abbey he transfers to S. John's. were transposed onto the mount, which is called at S. John, in the suburb of the same city, V Ides of August, that is on the vigil of S. Lawrence the Martyr. Who for many years past, out of devotion and recollection of the same transposition, on bare feet on the same day were accustomed to make a procession into the city, suppliantly imploring the patronage of S. Mauritius and the other Saints. Such an institution persisted however until the coming of the Hirsau Order, that is of reform. In what year however this transposition was made, we do not certainly hold: except that we read the Emperor handed over to the same monastery, in the year of the Lord's Incarnation DCCCCLXV, Indiction VIII, in the year of his empire IV, of his kingdom however XXX, all the Tithe of honey from the province of Slavs, called Nizizi. Whether it was done in the same year, or in the prior ones, is in doubt.
ANNOTATED.
* rather to the Russians
§. III. The rest of Adalbert's deeds, death, sanctity.
[15] In the same year DCCCCLXIX Herimann, Duke of Saxony, Adalbert appeases Otto, was received at Magdeburg by Archbishop Adalbert, and was led by hand to the church, with lights kindled, and all the bells resounding. The matter received through Henry Count of Stade, Otto, who then was in Italy; and message received, how Duke Herimann, in the midst of the Bishops, at table in the place of the Emperor sat and slept in his bed; on account of this blameworthy thing kindled, sent word to Athelbert the Archbishop, that he should send him as many horses, as he had ordered bells to sound for the Duke, or as many crowns to be kindled. The Archpresul performing the Imperial edicts, in whatever ways he could, strove through his legates to excuse himself. In the year DCCCCLXX, with Boso Bishop of Merseburg deceased, at the intercession of Anno Bishop of Worms, the Emperor gave to Giseler, of noble morals and nature, He consecrates Bishop Giseler, the Episcopate: which Giseler was consecrated at Madagaburh by Athelbert the Archpresul, in the month of June.
[16] In the year DCCCCLXXII, the Emperor transmitted many bodies of Saints, from Italy to Magdeburg, through his Chaplain Dodo, He receives Relics, buries Otto; that with the sacred pledges there he might more happily rest. For in the following year when at Miminleven in Saxony the same Otto had died, his son of the same name translated the body of his father into the city, which he himself magnificently constructed, by name Magdaburh. There honorably and lamentably received, and placed in a marble sarcophagus, was buried by the Archbishops, Gero of Cologne, and Athelbert of Magdeburg, and with the help of the other Bishops, and of the whole people. Otto the younger, at the instinct of his pious mother, by whose governance he flourished, acquired Miminleve, where his father died, by just exchange, and the Tithes which pertained to Heresfeld: and with Monks gathered there, made a free Abbey, and with necessary things given, confirmed it with the Apostolic privilege. He obtains for the Canons the liberty of electing the Archbishop. Moreover the license of electing the Archbishop to the Brothers serving God at Magdaburh, by Imperial precept, with Athelbert the Archbishop present, gave; and with one book, which is today there, in which his and Empress Theophanu's image formed of gold shines, affirmed the gift: which by grace of Caesar and in his presence the Archbishop, prepared for the Mass, when with the Gospel performed in the customary way he had preached most excellently, with the Imperial precept recited before all, in which the election was contained, showed: and him who rashly should ever dare to infringe this, with terrible excommunication of damnation, with all following Amen, fiat fiat, he solidified.
[17] In the year of the Lord's Incarnation DCCCCLXXVIIII the Emperor celebrated the Lord's Nativity at Franconevord, Easter at Trotmannia. Of the duel permitted by the Emperor Gero Count de Alesseve being accused before the Emperor by Waldo, and captured in the place which is called Sumeringe; at the exhortation of Athelbert the Archpresul and Theodoric the Marquis, to Sigefrid the Count and Lothar his brother, sons of Lothar de Waldebike, he was firmly entrusted. Then with all the Princes of the Kingdom convened at Magdeburg, these two engaged in trial, on a certain island, in singular combat. Waldo wounded twice in the neck, more ardently pursues his enemy; and striking with a strong blow on the head, prostrated him. Now asked by him, Gero the Count, if he could fight more, was compelled to confess that he had now failed. Waldo going out, was refreshed by water, with arms laid down; and fell dead behind his back. Then Gero was ordered, by decree of the judges and the voice of the Emperor, to be beheaded by a certain executioner on III Ides of August. This combat pleased no one, pitiable outcome, except only Athelbert the Archbishop and Theodoric the Marquis. The Emperor was also rebuked by Otto Duke of the Bavarians, son of Liudolf, coming on the same day, and by Count Bertold, that for such a vile cause so great a man should ever have been condemned. The death of Gero Liudolf Abbot of new Corvey recognized from heaven, as we shall say in his Elogium. For his, that is Gero's, memory, his sister Tetta and his wife Athela building a monastery in the place which is called Alesseve, where he himself rests, handed over the tenth part of all their inheritance to God, and to his beloved Precursor, confirming this privilege by Imperial precept on this reason, that the Abbey there liberally made, becomes the occasion of founding the Parthenon of Aleslev, should look to the power and protection of the Emperor and his successors. The body of the aforesaid Count after three years, when next to it his spouse was placed, was found whole with the vestments. His daughter Athela married Sigefrid son of Henry Count of Stathen, who begot from her Liutger the Count, and Irmingard and Berta Abbesses of Alesseve. Athela herself the Countess conferred estates to the Church of Magdeburg, for the redemption of her father's head: moreover to two monasteries, namely constituted at Alesseve and Hersevelden, gave goods which are of Trebenezi. These things although they do not entirely pertain to the deeds of Adelbert, it seemed good to relate for the illustration of monastic affairs.
[18] Finally in the year DCCCCLXXXI Athelbert first Archbishop of Magdeburg, as is read in the often-praised Chronicle of Magdeburg, with the Emperor staying at Rome, in the XIII year of his ordination, teaching and confirming his own; and the diocese of Bishop Giseler of Merseburg, because he was then with Caesar, going through, on XIII Kal. of July celebrated Mass at Merseburh. Adalbert's death, The next night he led joyfully with Hamezo a venerable layman at Crowate: and on the morrow rising too sad, complains of pain of head, and yet did not depart. And when he had passed the village of Cirmini desiring to proceed to Frekenleve, unless he were quickly held up by his own, leaning slowly from the horse, he would have fallen on the ground. He indeed placed on a carpet, and with all completed which were to be said by the Clerics, faithfully migrated to Christ on XII Kal. of July. His body brought to Givikinstein, and clothed in Sacerdotal apparel, was conducted by ship to Magdaburh; and tearfully by the Brothers, and burial. and especially by the Monks was received. It was commended however by the egregious Bishop of the holy Halberstadt Church Hildeward, with Hartwig the Abbot favoring him, in the middle of the church, before the altar of the Apostles Philip and James.
[19] With how great solicitude the same Archbishop watched over the flocks committed to him, reader attend. Often he came at the silence of night to the sheepfold of John the Baptist and holy Mauritius, with only two attending; and in what way the Brothers came to Matins, or who remained in the dormitory, he saw unexpectedly: and, if it be done well, gave thanks to God: His solicitude and piety. if not, those culpable with worthy castigation rebuked.
[20] But the Clergy and People, disturbed by the funeral of so great a Father, jointly elected Ochtricus the Brother, and then faithfully serving the Emperor, as Lord and Archpresul: although this in no way could be done, while he was still living and well, Adalbert publicly predicted to many of their number. For when Bishop and Ochtricus never agreed in morals, with a great band of brothers and guests well worked up, He does not allow Ochtricus to be designated his successor, because he was Master of the school, preferred to go out from there than to remain in the monastery. To him Caesar when he scarcely obtained from the Archbishop the license of serving him, it happened on the day of holy Resurrection that the Bishop prepared for Mass, with the Subdeacon, as is the custom, holding the holy Cross, embracing it with both hands, that Ochtricus and Ico should never possess his See, with tears poured forth, demands. With the divine ministry however fully performed, when the same sat at table, that the aforesaid would never succeed him with all present he made known: in what way however this was revealed to him, he did not disclose. After his death also to Walthard dear to him, who was also called Todico, as he himself related as true, in dreams the same affirmed all things, which he in this matter had foretold while alive, to be fulfilled by such. He placed in bed in mental departure, saw the Archbishop in the southern door of the church, which looks at the cemetery, and dying he also asserts he would not succeed: standing; and the same as if desiring to go to Rome with his staff, exasperated him with these words: My Todico, what for do you offer my honor to another? Who responding said: Do you not in my sad habit, not the will, but only obedience, dearest senior, can you consider? At these things the Archbishop continues saying: For certain know, that Ochtricus shall never possess my See. The whole Clergy however and people, as I have memorized above, with the election completed sent Ekkihardus, who was called the Red, with the consortium of other Brothers and Soldiers, to announce this to the Emperor, and to admonish of the promised. Who when they were reaching by journey the parts of Italy, where the Emperor then was; imploring the support of Giseler Bishop of Merseburg, who at that time was much valued with the Emperor, they opened to him the secret of their legation. To them was promised by him faithful intercession, Giseler succeeds him and is completed nearest to him in all things benevolence: namely as he poured the heard into Caesar's ears, with feet supple is rolled, the promised and long-expected rewards of long labor asking; God consenting to this, immediately obtains. Going out however he is asked by the messengers, and especially by Ochtricus, who had firmly commended himself to his faith, if anything in the things entrusted to him he advanced: he responded, that he scarcely in his own necessities in this would assist. With all the Optimates corrupted by money, and especially the Roman Judges, to whom all things are venal, in what way to the Archbishopric by some reason he might come, first in secret he revolved: and then openly the help of the Domnus Pope Benedict the seventh, who was so called from the number of preceding namesakes, urgently asks: which when with the counsel of the whole Senate, if it could be expended, ready he would be, also here he promised. through the Roman Judges corrupted approved. A general Council was placed at Rome: the most wise convene: and is fulfilled that prophecy of Jeremiah, How is the gold obscured, &c. For when the Judges from the Apostolic were asked, if it were lawful for Giseler to be promoted to the Archbishopric, who had not then a certain See, but from Bishop Hildiward unjustly, as he always complained, taken away had hitherto lacked what he had possessed, then by canonical authority justly and meritoriously to receive this they affirmed by words and examples, transgressing the Davidic admonitions, Judge rightly sons of men and there, A corrupted judge knows not to discern truth. It pains and shames to expound this in words, what
these did not wish to omit to present and future shame. Merseburh, which up to here freely dominated, with the Episcopal see destroyed is subjected to the Halberstadt church; and Giseler, not its pastor, but mercenary always tending to greater things, received the desired on IV Ides of April. (Ditmar, Ochtricus repenting of the sought Episcopate, who relates the same things in the same words in book 3, has September. Ochtricus however coming afterwards to Beneventum is taken ill: and saw, as Huswardus, who was then present, afterwards related, Atelleken once Provost of Magdaburg, but then deceased, assisting him, and offering him from afar the food of S. Mauritius. And in fear at this vision, Do you see, he said, Brother, anything? And explaining to him all things in order said: Woe to me wretched and sinner, that I have ever abandoned my monastery and obedience out of ambition: and, if Divinity should deign to grant me any health, I will come thither suppliant, and never from there depart. Such things pursued, he is oppressed by a stronger infirmity, and after a few days in the aforesaid city on the Nones of October dies and is buried, leaving no one similar to himself in wisdom. Giseler however, license received from the Emperor, came to Magdaburh, on II Kal. of December, Theodoric Bishop of the church of Metz accompanying. piously dies. Of the division by him made of the Episcopate of Merseburg above has been treated. Further that Ochricus was a monk, from what has been said is understood, inasmuch as at his last he repented of his abandoned monastery and of obedience passed over for ambition.
[21] I return to Adalbert, whom Adam calls a man of highest sanctity in chapter 60, where he accurately delimits the borders of the Archbishopric of Magdeburg. Crantzius calls him holy Adalbert, in book 4 of Saxony chapter 28. This especially goes to the praise of our Adalbert, that he instructed another Adalbert, Adalbert's sanctity. who would afterwards be Bishop of Prague, both through himself, and through Ochricus Scholastic of Magdeburg, of whom we treated just now.
[22] In this place I will not pass over that, which about Eppo monk of Magdeburg in the Chronicle Ms. is read at year M. There was in the same times in the city of Parthenopolis a certain Dean, by name Eppo, a cheerful man, very useful in the monastery, and especially in the choir: who when he was now old and mature in all his acts, suddenly struck by paralysis became mute: but afterwards, with the Aid of the highest Physician, Punishment of Dean Eppo, could excellently sing the Psalms with the Brothers; to other things however little he was able to aspire. And in this is to be praised the virtue of Christ, by which to his faithful server he was proved to suggest strength. And when this venerable Father groaned that he had sinned too greatly in the abandoned monastic habit by confession made, and this at the exhortation of the Brothers had wished to amend in the reception of the same; not long after he died; buried at S. John with the other Brothers, with whom he ought to have lived, if so human fragility allowed to be done. From these it is understood that certain monks of S. John of Magdeburg, not rarely accustomed to be transferred to the cathedral, by some dignity, or also to teach: among whom is also Otricus, of whom above in number 19. After the above the Chronographer about Ekkihardus, on account of the abandoned monastery. surnamed the Red, who by art a Grammarian, and Master of the School, dying entrusted his goods to Walthard the Provost to be distributed: then of Huswardus, and of a certain Marquard Canons of Magdeburg: of whom Marquard in sleep is said to have been admonished, that he was to be cast after death into punishments with Rothulfus, unless that one in the threshold of Liudegerus, that is in the monastery of Helmstedt built by saint Liudger, stood converted. For both of these had been Monks in the monastery of the aforesaid Confessor, who had built the place called Helmanstide of his own property in the time of King Karl: More from the Monks adopted into the Clergy for offices. and was brother of Hildegrim Bishop of Châlons, first Rector of the church of Halberstadt. Who (Liudger) the first Bishop of Münster made by Karl, also built the place which is called Wirdina, from his own expenses. The aforesaid Presbyter however in the same year in which he saw this, vowed to resume the pristine habit and obedience, and not long after died. These things about my Brothers, says the Chronographer, not in accusing, but that we may be cautious, and may imitate the good, beseeching, I have spoken. And these things by occasion of Adalbert first Archbishop of Magdeburg, whose death Baronius to the year DCCCCLXXXIII, that is two years later, as also his ordination revoked.
D. P.
[23] Thus far the Commentary of the most diligent Mabillon, taken verbatim from the Benedictine Saints of the V Century. For it seemed good to present one entire specimen of his accuracy, with which this most learned man labors to clear out ecclesiastical, especially Monastic, matters. It seemed good also to give Adalbert here a place among the Saints; although of the public cultus, accorded to him in the Magdeburg church after death, no sufficiently certain and clear documents extant. For something must be indulged to those Churches, in which the predominant heresy, brought in in the prior century, took away most monuments of the old religion. Certainly about S. Norbert, who according to Demochares was the fourteenth from Adalbert, scarcely more certainly does it stand with us, that he had at Magdeburg his own and public cultus among the Saints: and unless his Order had taken care to translate his body, taken from the power of the heretics, to Prague; and the cultus to be restored, scarcely anyone, Obscurity of the ancient cultus at Magdeburg to be imputed to heresy. except the Premonstratensians instituted by him, would have known him as a Saint. The same to S. Benno Bishop of Meissen would have happened, if he had not been translated to Munich. It remains therefore that we wish a similar lot for S. Adalbert from him, who knows in his times to clarify the bones of his Saints scattered or despised. One thing meanwhile I will have noted, that Adalbert, although already consecrated Bishop, was not at Rome instituted Archbishop and given the Pallium, except on the Lord's Day; for on this in the year DCCCCLXVIII, having the Dominical letter D, fell the day XVIII of October, although otherwise festive in honor of S. Luke.
Supplements: Acta Sanctorum: Appendix June IV