Eulogius

CONCERNING SAINT EULOGIUS, PRIEST AND MARTYR, AT CORDOBA IN SPAIN, IN THE YEAR 859

Preliminary Commentary.

Eulogius, Priest and Martyr, at Cordoba in Spain (Saint)

Section I. The time of his life and martyrdom. The written Life. Sacred veneration.

[2] After Spain was seized by the Saracens, the seat of the kingdom, which had been established at Seville for a few years, was transferred to Cordoba by Abdalazis. The barbarians endeavored to raise it on every side with lofty grandeur and majesty, leaving to the Christians even the practice of their religion, and most of their churches and monasteries intact. Gradually, however, as the impious Saracens prevailed, Saint Eulogius writes the Acts of the martyrs slain under the Saracens the freedom of the Christians was oppressed and afflicted, and Cordoba was irrigated with the blood of Martyrs, especially in the last years of the reign of Haldarahman and of his son Mahomad. What the contests and trophies of the Martyrs at Cordoba were at that time, Saint Eulogius sets forth in three books of the Memorial of the Saints, in which from the Era 888, that is, the year of Christ 850, from the year 850 to 857 in the twenty-ninth year of the reign of Habdarrahman, up to the Era 894, that is, the year of Christ 856, he describes the Acts of each of the Martyrs, to be brought forward by us throughout this entire work on the feast day of each one. Eulogius also wrote an Apologeticus of the holy Martyrs, and inserted into it the martyrdom of Saints Rudericus the Priest and Solomon, who suffered in the Era 895, that is, the year of Christ 857, on March 13, as we explain more fully at that place. In the same year still, but on the last day of the month of December, Wistremirus, Bishop of Toledo, in the year 858 he is elected Bishop of Toledo as is clear from his epitaph, departed this life: in whose place Saint Eulogius was elected in the year 858, but as is stated in the Life at number 12, the divine dispensation, which was reserving him for martyrdom, interposed certain obstacles. Therefore in the following year 859, in the year 859 he is slain he attained the glorious palm of martyrdom, and indeed on the fifth day before the Ides of March, a Saturday, at the ninth hour, as is observed below at number 20 in the Acts, and rightly: for in that year, with the solar cycle being 28 and the Dominical letter A, March 11 fell on a Saturday.

[2] The Life and martyrdom were written by Alvarus, his close friend The Life and martyrdom of Saint Eulogius was composed by Alvarus of Cordoba, his most intimate friend from youth, and privy to all his deeds. He appears to have been established in some Ecclesiastical dignity, inasmuch as he writes at number 90 of the Life that he ordered a certain Deacon to read a letter of Saint Epiphanius. To him Saint Eulogius sent the Documentum Martyriale, which he had written for the Virgins Flora and Maria, by a letter sent from prison: because, he says, since the soldiers of Christ manfully resisted the enemy of justice, the cruelty of the tyrant consigned us to the afflictions of prison, imputing to our exhortations what was divinely inspired in them. To the same Alvarus he sent the Passion of the Martyrs Flora and Maria, having by then been freed from prison. To the same man while in prison he sent the first book of the aforementioned Memorial of the Saints, requesting his judgment and revision. There survive with these letters a twofold response of Alvarus to Saint Eulogius, full of singular affection toward him, with which the Life soon to be given also abounds. The same Alvarus also wrote a book of Scintillae, collected from the sayings of the holy Fathers arranged by commonplaces concerning virtues and vices: of which Ambrose Morales testifies that he saw a threefold manuscript copy in his Observations on the works of Saint Eulogius; as also one printed at Basel, but incomplete and without the author's name. To the same Alvarus is also attributed an outstanding work written at Cordoba in the year 854, with mention of various Martyrs killed there for the faith of Christ at that time. The title of this work is the Indiculus Luminosus, from two manuscripts Morales published it which Morales writes was preserved at Cordoba in the library of the Cathedral in Gothic letters, but without the author's name. So much for Alvarus, the writer of the Life of Saint Eulogius, of which Morales had two copies: one in a most ancient codex of Oviedo, appended to the other works of Saint Eulogius without any title; the other was lent to him by Michael Ruiz de Azagra, secretary to the Most Serene Princes of Bohemia, Rudolf, later Emperor, and Ernest. This codex was likewise most ancient, and written in Gothic letters on parchment, and had this title prefixed to it: The Life or Passion of the most blessed Martyr Eulogius, Priest and Doctor, who suffered in the Era 897, in the year of the Lord's Incarnation 859, under King Mahomad, on the fifth day before the Ides of March, by Alvarus of Cordoba. There survived in the same manuscript codices a Hymn for the feast day of Saint Eulogius the Priest, with a hymn and epitaph on the fifth day before the Ides of March, and an Epitaph with a prayer of Alvarus: all of which Morales considers to have been composed by Alvarus; certainly worthy to be published together for the completion of the history.

[3] The Church of Cordoba celebrates on this March 11 the feast of Saint Eulogius with the Ecclesiastical Office under the double rite; Sacred veneration on March 11 but the Church of Toledo under the semi-double rite, as its Bishop once elected. The Lessons of the second Nocturn, contracted into a compendium from the Life by Alvarus, are recited. The Roman Martyrology honors him with this eulogy: At Cordoba, Saint Eulogius the Priest, who merited to be joined to the Martyrs of that same city in the persecution of the Saracens, whose contests for the faith he had emulated by writing. I add also the encomium of the Spanish Martyrology composed by Tamayo Salazar in these words: Eulogius, most holy Priest of Cordoba, elected Bishop of Toledo, a man distinguished by every kind of virtue, singular in the acclaim of eloquence, who by exhorting the Martyrs to martyrdom and by soothing the horrid fierceness of death, is as a Martyr associated with the Martyrs. The same Tamayo reproves Arnold Wion and Hugh Menard (to whom could be added Dorgan and Bucelin) because they believe that Saint Eulogius donned the monastic cowl of Saint Benedict and join him among the Saints of this most blessed family: but that Antonio de Yepes in volume 4 of the Benedictine Chronicle, year 859, chapter 1, had thoroughly exploded this opinion, and had taken care that the most holy Martyr be restored to the Clerics. by what error he is ascribed to the Benedictines The occasion of the error was given to Wion by Mariana, book 7 of the History of Spain, chapter 15, where after relating the death of Saint Eulogius it is added: At Cordoba indeed, in the place of Eulogius, Sampson the Priest, in the following years Abbot of Saint Zoilus, was substituted. Sampson wrote an Apologetic work, in which he shows that he was made Abbot of the Church of Saint Zoilus the Martyr in the Era 901, that is, the year of Christ 863. That year, however, is the fourth after the martyrdom of Saint Eulogius: as Morales reports these things in the Scholia to the book of the Memorial of the Saints of Eulogius, number 9. But it does not follow therefrom that Sampson succeeded Saint Eulogius, since the latter is nowhere called Abbot, although, as is said at number 2 of the Life, as a young man dedicated to the service of the Church, he served in the church of Saint Zoilus in the college of Clerics. And at number 16 in the basilica of Saint Zoilus he spent sleepless nights prostrate on the ground in prayer: in the same basilica finally he is said at number 22 to have been buried. Moreover, he was living in the same house with his sister Anulona, a Virgin dedicated to God, when he received Saint Leocritia there, and was led away captive together with her. He was a Cleric of the basilica of Saint Zoilus, where the chief director of the Clergy was called Abbot: which does not pertain to monks. And even if monks had been there, they would not on that account be ascribed to the Benedictines.

[4] On September 20 he is inscribed in the principal manuscript codices of the Martyrology of Usuard in these words: Saint Eulogius inscribed in Martyrologies on September 20 At Cordoba, of the Blessed Eulogius the Priest, beheaded for the martyrdom of Christ, or, as some codices have it, beheaded for the faith of Christ. The Utrecht manuscript of the collegiate Church of Saint Mary: In the city of Cordoba, of the Blessed Eulogius the Priest, crowned for the love of Christ. The same is reported on that day by Bellinus, Maurolycus, Canisius, and Ferrarius, who followed Usuard, and with the following eulogy by Galesinius: At Cordoba, of Saint Eulogius the Priest and Martyr, who, struck by the axe for the faith of Christ on the fifth day before the Ides of March, is celebrated on this present day with the divine Offices of the stated Hours according to the usage of the Church of Cordoba, as has been related by us. And for this March 11 he has this: At Cordoba, of Saint Eulogius the Priest, whose martyrdom took place on this very day: but on the twelfth day before the Kalends of October, his feast is observed with the anniversary Office of prayers, as the entire account of this matter will be narrated on that day. Tamayo reproves all these as deviating from the truth. But Morales in his scholia to the Life of Saint Eulogius examines why in the Martyrology of Usuard and in the Roman Martyrology his feast is placed on September 20, and the Cordoban Breviary also has it on the same day. The reason for this, he says, I would believe to have been that, since on that very day, namely September 20, the death of Saint Eulogius the Priest (the one who was distinguished among the ancient hermits of the desert) had been noted in the book inscribed Lives of the Fathers and attributed to Saint Jerome, and in the Roman Martyrology, certain persons, believing that same one and this Cordoban to be identical, being otherwise ignorant of the truth, assigned his feast to the same day: and in the Roman Martyrology indeed the feast of both is noted on the same day. Which Roman Martyrology is meant, we do not know, unless it was the one which Maurolycus published: in which the memory of both Eulogii is recalled. The more ancient Eulogius the Priest among the Egyptians is reported by Rufinus, book 2 of the Lives of the Fathers, chapter 14, and by Palladius in the Lausiac History, chapter 75, and, citing these, by Peter de Natalibus, book 8 of the Catalogue, chapter 99, asserting that he rested on the twelfth day before the Kalends of October: whom others have followed. Morales furthermore considers that the names of Saint Eulogius and of the other Martyrs,

who suffered at Cordoba in his time, were interpolated by later hands into the Martyrology of Usuard, since Usuard inscribed this to the Lord of Kings, the most pious King Charles Augustus, as if this had been Charlemagne, although it seems that Charles the Bald, crowned with the Imperial diadem in the year of Christ 875, is to be understood. But we do not think that the name of Eulogius the hermit was inscribed in the Martyrologies at that time. Certainly we have been able to collect no trace of it thus far.

Section II. Various Translations of Saints Eulogius and Leocritia.

[5] The Translation of Saint Eulogius was not made on September 20 Constantinus Ghinius, in the Birthdays of the Saints of the Canons, celebrating Saint Eulogius on this March 11 with a long encomium, asserts that he completed his martyrdom on the fifth day before the Ides of March in the year 850, and that his body was translated on September 20 in the year 860. But as he clearly errs regarding the year of martyrdom, so he seems to have added the rest from mere conjecture, and Morales denies that any Translation was made on that September 20. And he considers the first Translation to be that which he found annotated in the other codex of the Life of Saint Eulogius, which he had obtained from Michael de Azagra, with this title: The Translation of the body of Saint Eulogius the Priest. The Translation of Saint Eulogius the Martyr and Doctor was made in the basilica of Saint Zoilus under the principal title. but on June 1 in the year 860 On the Kalends of June, Era 898. Moreover, the seventh day of his nativity is celebrated in the aforementioned place, because his solemnity always falls during the days of Lent. This Translation or Elevation of the Body was made at Cordoba in solemn procession in the year next after the martyrdom, and the celebration seems to have continued through the Octave or the seven following days, because on March 11 it was not permitted owing to the Lenten season: and this seems to be the annual recurrence of the festivity, in which, so that the martyrdom of Saint Eulogius might be read, Alvarus at number 13 intimates that it was written by himself. Galesinius inscribed this Translation in his Fasti in these words: In Spain, the Translation of Saint Eulogius the Martyr, but in the Notes he confused it with the Translation to the city of Oviedo shortly to be indicated: whom Ferrarius then followed.

[6] [The bodies of Saints Eulogius and Leocritia were translated to Oviedo in the year 883] A second Translation of the bodies of Saints Eulogius and Leocritia (whose martyrdom is reviewed in the Acts of the former) was made from the city of Cordoba to the then royal city of Oviedo, situated in the mountains of Asturias: the history of which Translation is contained in the ancient lessons of the Breviary of Oviedo as follows: When in the year of the Lord eight hundred and eighty-three, the twenty-fourth after the martyrdom of Saints Eulogius and Leocritia, the great Alfonso, King at Oviedo, sent a certain Priest named Dulcidius to Cordoba, to transact before Mahomad, King of Cordoba, certain matters pertaining to the state of both kingdoms; the Priest Dulcidius, while he was in the city, took care how the bodies of the holy Martyrs Eulogius and Leocritia might come into his possession. He revealed his intention to a certain Mozarab Christian surnamed Samuel, who promised to fulfill the holy vow of Dulcidius. Samuel accomplished what was offered: and having arranged the business, Dulcidius informed Alfonso concerning the sacred relics, who with Hermenegild, Bishop of Oviedo, and the Clergy, having organized a solemn procession, went out of the city of Oviedo to meet them. When these were received and transferred into a cypress casket, and deposited in the chapel of Saint Leocadia beneath the altar slab, the devotion of the King and the nobles was seized with joy. This Translation was made on January 9, on which day the sacred bodies arrived at Oviedo. Thus far the lessons related by Tamayo Salazar for the said January 9. January 9 Gonzalez Davila, volume 3 of the Ecclesiastical Theatre, page 123, makes mention of the said Translation of these Martyrs: which from the lessons related above, Joannes Marietta of the Saints of Spain, book 4, chapter 26, published in the same manner in Spanish. Morales cites the same in the oft-mentioned scholia, and adds that the stone sepulcher had been excavated beneath the altar, which is now also seen to be empty. Morales treats of the same Translation in book 15 of the General History of Spain, chapter 15, and then in chapter 21 narrates the foundation of the monastery of Tunon made by the same King Alfonso and his consort Ximena, on the ninth day before the Kalends of February, Era 928, to which after the King and Queen subscribed Hermenegild, Bishop of the Royal See of Oviedo: whom the aforementioned Davila counts as the second of that name. This Translation is celebrated with this eulogy in his Martyrology by Tamayo Salazar: At Oviedo in Spain among the Asturians, the Translation of the sacred remains of Saints Eulogius, the elected Archbishop, and Leocritia his pupil, Martyrs of Cordoba, from that Patrician city to the Royal one, where they are enclosed in the Holy Chamber with honorable custody. But these last words pertain to the following Translation. Ferrarius also through error placed the Translation indicated thus far on the next day, January 10.

[7] On what occasion the third Translation was made, Marietta narrates as follows, and from him Tamayo Salazar, both at the place already cited: Afterward indeed in the year one thousand three hundred, four hundred and seventeen years having elapsed after the earlier Translation to that city, another into the Holy Chamber in the year 1300 when the Archdeacon of the Church of Oviedo, Rodrigo Gutierrez by name, was suffering from a dissolution of the sinews, to such a degree that the bone nearest his ear had been displaced, whereby, the organs of voice being bound, he had completely lost the faculty of speech: therefore kindled with the ardor of devotion to the holy Martyrs Eulogius and Leocritia, he immediately approached their relics in tears: and with prayers composed in his heart, he at once obtained complete health. When this miracle was understood, Fernando Alvarez, then Bishop of Oviedo, moved by the fervor of charity, caused the bodies of the Saints to be transferred into the Holy Chamber. Regarding the Holy Chamber built by King Alfonso the Chaste and the sacred relics deposited therein, Morales is to be read, book 30 of the History of Spain, chapter 38. The same author in his scholia to this Life asserts that the silver chest in which these sacred bodies were enclosed, he himself in the year 1572 contemplated with his own eyes, struck by the holiness of the spectacle, and lifted it reverently with his hands and arms: and he testifies that the case is quite large, covered on all sides with silver and very finely adorned with figures: on the summit of which these letters are read, engraved in silver: IN THE YEAR OF THE LORD 1300, ON THE FIFTH DAY BEFORE THE NONES OF JANUARY, THE LORD FERNANDO ALVAREZ, BISHOP OF OVIEDO, TRANSLATED THE BODIES OF THE HOLY MARTYRS EULOGIUS AND LUCRETIA INTO THIS SILVER CASKET. Where two words obliterated by age, namely "the bodies of the Holy," have been supplied by conjecture. The same things are reported by Morales, book 15 of the History, chapter 15, Gonzalez Davila in the Bishops of Oviedo, Marietta indicated above, Martin de Roa in his Saint Leocritia, who explain those words "On the fifth day before the Nones of January" as the ninth day of January. In the scholia of Morales, with the word "Nones" omitted, one reads "the fifth of January." But since there is no fifth day before the Nones of January, what if one reads the year 1305, with the Translation made on the ninth day of January, or else another emendation must be applied. In the order for reciting the divine Office printed at Madrid in the year 1635, it is prescribed for January 16 under the double rite Saints Eulogius and Lucretia, Martyrs. But in a similar order for reciting the divine Office reprinted in the year 1646, not the 16th but the 10th day of January is set for the said veneration: which seems to have happened through some negligence of the printers. Morales finally observes that the people of Oviedo write Lucretia for Leocritia, of whom we shall treat again on March 15.

LIFE

By Alvarus, an eyewitness.

Published from eleven manuscript codices by Ambrose Morales.

Eulogius, Priest and Martyr, at Cordoba in Spain (Saint)

BHL Number: 2704

Author: Alvarus.

PREFACE

[1] Preparing to write the Passion of the most blessed Martyr and Doctor Eulogius, I thought I should first set forth his life in order before describing the most beautiful contest of his end: so that who and how great he was might first be made known to the readers, and thus thereafter the palm of victory attained through merit might shine forth [the Author, intimate with Saint Eulogius from adolescence, writes things seen and certain] by the most evident proofs. In the beginning of this work, relying on the help of the Lord and our Redeemer, I profess that I am not recounting things heard and doubtful, but things seen and proven by myself: since, by the grace of God cooperating, from the first flower of youth, bound together by the sweetness of charity and the love of the Scriptures in one bond of concord, we bore the yoke of this life in all questions, though not in equal rank, yet with equal affection. But he, adorned with the gift of the Priesthood, borne aloft on the wings of virtues, soared ever higher: I, steeped in the mire of luxury and pleasure, creeping upon the ground, am dragged along to this day. And hence it is that I have resolved to narrate not uncertain things learned by the report of any persons whatsoever, but things done with me and known by myself. For just as I profess it to be perilous to rashly pronounce judgment about uncertain things, so I do not think it free from danger to suppress those things about known matters which ought to be known. Praiseworthy also is the truth that must be proclaimed to all for the sake of example, and no less must the contrived falsehood of rhetoricians be detested. For it is better to say nothing about many outstanding deeds than to discourse many falsehoods from small truths: and it is safer to pass over all things that were done than to fabricate anything that did not happen. And he errs more mildly who suppresses truths not from a motive of malice but from the fault of laziness, than he who artfully contrives falsehoods. For truth, if it is spoken from zeal for truth and not from the vaunting of vainglory, bestows a crown upon the speaker: but falsehood, if it is attempted by anyone, slays the one who conjectures it. And therefore, just as I rejoice that I am to be rewarded for speaking the truth, so I do not deny that I am to be condemned if I should speak falsehood. I therefore had no reasons for leaping into the weaving of falsehood, I who knew that truth, not mendacity, is rewarded in all things.

d The same: "fuerint."

CHAPTER I

The pious education of Saint Eulogius, his studies, the Priesthood, the title of Doctor, his acquaintance with Alvarus the writer of the Life.

[2] Therefore the blessed Martyr Eulogius, born of noble stock, a native of the Patrician city of Cordoba from a lineage of Senators, Saint Eulogius of Cordoba is dedicated to the service of the Church, serving in the church of the holy and most blessed Zoilus, and leading his life in the college of Clerics of the same, Minister of the Church; he studies he flourished with many and most illustrious virtues, he was vigorous in great and praiseworthy works. For from his very cradle devoted to Ecclesiastical letters, and daily growing through the pursuit of good works, he attained perfection, and surpassing all his contemporaries in the knowledge of doctrine, and flourishing in the light of learning, he was made Doctor of his Masters. Indeed, bearing a mature mind in a very small body, he surpassed all, if not in age, certainly in knowledge. For he was a most diligent searcher of the Scriptures, he searches the sacred Scriptures and a most intent investigator of their meanings: so that he placed nothing before the Holy Scripture, chose nothing more than to meditate on the law of the Lord day and night.

[3] Nor content with the teaching of his own Doctors, he sought out others, if by chance he heard of any, he chooses the Abbot Speraindeus as his teacher placed afar off: and lest he offend his own teachers, he would steal away secretly at the hours when he could. For he very frequently visited the Abbot Speraindeus of good remembrance and memory, a man of renown and celebrated for his fame in learning, and hung upon his most eloquent lips in the manner of a student: who at that very time was sweetening the borders of all Baetica with the streams of his wisdom. There I first merited to see him, there I clung to the sweetness of his friendship, there I was bound to him by inseparable affection. For I was already a student of the said most illustrious man: and while I more frequently wore down his threshold and sharpened my uncultivated talent, at length by divine regard I am joined in the companionship of this great man. And in a chain-like fashion by an indissoluble bond I am not merely entwined but united; and we became students of the man, seekers of truth, lovers of one another to such a degree, he comes into the intimate acquaintance of the writer that that untaught age presumed upon what had not been granted to it. We both engaged in the delightful exercise of the Scriptures, and not knowing how to steer the oar in a lake, we were thought to brave the fury of the Euxine Sea. For we carried on boyish disputations through letters exchanged with one another concerning the doctrines over which we were divided, not with ill will but with delight, and we soothed each other with praises in rhythmic verses: and is stimulated by mutual study and this exercise was sweeter to us than honey, more pleasant than honeycombs, and stretching ourselves forward each day, our boyish and premature teachableness drove us to attempt many inaccessible things in the Scriptures; so that we composed volumes which a later age resolved should be destroyed, lest they remain for posterity.

[4] But when Eulogius was now reaching the years of youth, he is made a Priest and constituted a Doctor he exercises the ministry of the Diaconate, and in a short time, carried upward by merit, is elevated to the rank of the Priesthood: and soon afterward is associated with his Masters in rank and manner of life. How great was the humility, how great the goodness, how great the charity that clung to him, the love of all demonstrated. And from this point he began to bind himself with the more severe austerity of life, and to adorn himself in all his actions with the laws of modesty: to devote himself to the divine Scriptures, and to chastise his body with vigils and fasts: to frequent monasteries, to visit convents, to compose rules for the Brethren: to care for all things on this side and that in such a way that, if it could be, he might be present in both places. So he conducted his own clerical office that he did not abandon the regular Order as something foreign: so he adhered to monks that he was proved to be a Cleric, so he lived among the Clergy that he appeared to be a monk: running aptly to both, he moves among Clerics and monks and alone most sufficiently fulfilling the professions of both, he hastened frequently to the most sacred flocks of the convents. But lest he be thought to despise his own Order, he returned again to the Clergy: and when he had persisted among them for some time, lest the virtue of his soul be enfeebled by secular cares, he likewise returned to the monasteries. Here adorning the Church with the doctrine of his lips, there embellishing his own life by examining it, established in all virtues, he walked grieving and anxious along the way of the world: and daily desiring to fly to heavenly things, he was weighed down by the burden of the body, he proposes to go on pilgrimage to Rome so much so that he resolved to go to Rome, in order to subdue the blemishes of youth with tears and the journey of pilgrimage, or rather to efface them once subdued. But behold, we all press upon him from every side, and restrain him more in body than in spirit.

CHAPTER II

The captivity and liberation of Saint Eulogius; constancy given to the Martyrs; the Acts written.

[5] But while these and other things are being reported, at length Bishop Reccaffredus burst upon the Churches and Clerics like a violent whirlwind: and he bound all the Priests he could with the chain of imprisonment. Among whom, as a chosen ram, he is led, He is enclosed in prison with others and is bound with his Bishop and other Priests. In which imprisonment he devoted himself more to prayers and readings than to his chains. There for the holy Virgins Flora and Maria, arrested for the faith, he composed in one book that Document of Martyrdom: he strengthens Saints Flora and Maria for martyrdom in which he fortified them for martyrdom with the most tenacious words, and taught them both in person by words and through letters to despise death. And he commended himself and his companions to their prayers for release from bondage, which he merited to obtain soon after the sixth day of their passion: for they completed their martyrdom on the eighth day before the Kalends of December, and the Priests of the Lord obtained their release on the third day of the Kalends, through the merits of those same Virgins. he is freed

[6] There survives moreover, composed in a more illustrious style, and directed to me during those days, a letter containing the passion of those same Virgins He writes their Life and the deliverance of the Priests through the merits of those Virgins themselves. Therein he taught most perfectly metrical feet, which the scholars of Spain did not yet know, and showed them to us after his departure. Thence also he directed to me, for those books which he had written in defense of the Martyrs, never idle a letter dictated in an eloquent manner of speech. For while all the Priests who were with him were given to leisure and rest, he ceased from reading neither by night nor by day; redoubling nights and days, lapping the honey of the Scriptures, ruminating spiritually with mouth and heart.

[7] He strengthens those about to undertake martyrdom But I think it worth the effort, if proceeding somewhat more deeply, we insert how he was proved in the time of persecution. For while the Bishops, Priests, Clergy, and learned men of Cordoba were walking by a devious path regarding the recently arisen martyrdom, and, driven by fear, were almost denying the faith of Christ, if not in words, yet by their countenance; this man nevertheless, unapproachable, was never seen to waver even by a faint whisper: but meeting all who were going forth to the contest, strengthening the spirits of all, and venerating and composing the bones of each one, he burned so intensely with the ardor of martyrdom that he himself seemed in those days to be the instigator of the Martyrs. For this zeal of righteousness he was assailed with many insults, He writes the Acts of the Martyrs and harassed with great terrors. For one of the leading men, attacking him and exasperating him with threats, was by the just divine judgment turned over to a reprobate mind, and the faith which he had unknowingly attacked while holding it, the wretched fool soon lost. About whom the aforesaid most blessed man discoursed more fully in the third book of the Memorial of the Saints. In which books he also set forth the passions of each of the Martyrs in the clear stream of eloquence, and with sufficient prosecution made known to succeeding generations whatever was done and said among the Martyrs of the Lord. How great moreover, and how excellent he was in knowledge, his writings, clearer than light, reveal, which he composed with Attic salt and prosaic elegance, or rather by divine inspiration.

[8] while most yield to the fury of the King But we must return to the times of Bishop Reccaffredus, and set forth by what art he suspended himself from the sacrifice, lest he be glued to his error. For in those very days all who were bound to him both by force and by power, subjected by royal command, seemed to be joined to the iniquitous enemy: and those who in the first insurrection had stood adverse and erect against him, then, stirred by terror, clung to him as though familiars, not in mind but in body; not by the love of the heart but by the compulsion of fear; and lest a further opportunity of harming him be given. Thus also the King, raging against us with his laws, had introduced compulsion, and, interfering with free will, had subjected all to the fierce enemy. The truth of this history will be discussed more carefully in another work.

[9] But now we desire only to unravel the most holy art of this admirable man. he uses prudent constancy For, driven by the heavy impulse of grief, while he perceived the deceitful cunning of that Bishop prowling on every side around him, and discovered that the rest were in communion with him, and saw that he had no means of resistance, nor any freedom of departure (inasmuch as sureties had been given), he began to wear himself down with heavy groaning, and to be greatly tortured inwardly, as we have said, with grief. But by the will of God it happened that on a certain day, in the presence of the Bishop, a letter of the Blessed Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprian Salamis, addressed to John, Bishop of Jerusalem, was read. Which I had ordered a certain Deacon to read: in which that most blessed Bishop, refuting the follies of Origen, and defending the ordination of a certain Priest, consecrated by himself in the monastery assigned to the aforesaid Bishop of Jerusalem, set forth the reason for the ordination, and wove in with praise the continence in sacrificing of the most blessed Priests Jerome and Vincent. by the example of Saint Jerome Which account the aforesaid Eulogius then seizing more eagerly than receiving with avid mind, and recognizing the occasion given to him by God, as if struck by a great wound, drawing sighs from the depth of his heart and looking upon me, turned to the Bishop and said: If the lanterns of the Church and the pillars of our faith did this, what is it fitting for us to do, whom the burdens of sin heavily weigh down and afflict? Let your Paternity therefore know that I have interdicted from myself the license of sacrificing. he interdicts from himself the license of sacrificing And so by this kind of device, in the time of Reccaffredus, he bound himself by his own free will. Although the profession took its beginning in this manner, nevertheless having been gratified by its delightful practice, he was afterward unwilling to resume the rejected office. But his own Bishop pressed him so forcefully to return to the omitted office of sacrificing that he did not hesitate to strike him with anathema unless he should promptly promise to return.

CHAPTER III

The doctrine and virtue of Saint Eulogius: his pilgrimage, election as Archbishop of Toledo.

[10] And that man was principally and not moderately distinguished in all professions, serving all equally, and though he surpassed all in knowledge, more humble

indeed he even seemed excessively so. Endowed with the highest erudition Illustrious in countenance and preeminent in honor, resplendent in eloquence and luminous in the works of his life. An inciter and praiser of Martyrs, a most skilled expositor and composer. Who could express the ardor of his talent, who the beauty of his eloquence, who the splendor of his knowledge, who the affability of his customary office, by whatever stream of wisdom? For what volumes were not open to him? What writings of Catholics, philosophers, heretics, and even pagans could remain hidden from him? Where were there metrical books, where prosaic, where historical, that could escape his investigation? he joined outstanding virtue in all things Where were there verses whose harmonies he did not know? Where hymns or foreign works that his most beautiful eye did not survey? For daily, as if digging up new and outstandingly wonderful things from rubble and ditches, he brought to light unseen treasures. How great a teachableness resided in a soul adorned with so precious a gift, how great and inexhaustible a diligence of skill, no wise man could comprehend. And O the admirable sweetness of his mind, never wishing to know anything privately, he bestowed everything upon us. Correcting what was corrupt, consolidating what was broken, restoring what was unusual, renewing what was old, refreshing what was neglected, and whatever deeds he could find to be fitting from the men of old, he strove to fulfill in his works. The severity of Jerome, the modesty of Augustine, the gentleness of Ambrose, the patience of Gregory -- in correcting errors, in sustaining the lesser, in soothing the greater, in bearing terrors -- one and the same man displayed himself variously multiplied.

[11] Nor did it suffice him to visit the monasteries of his own country, but rather, seizing the opportunity presented by his brothers, who were in those days living in exile in the territories of France, he set out on the road, and proceeding further into the territories of the Pamplonians, he entered the monastery of Saint Zacharias and, traversing with eager desire the convents of those same regions, he sets out for Navarre he was sweetened by the friendship of many Fathers. Their manner of life he set forth by name and by place in a letter which he gave to the Bishop of Pamplona while placed in prison. In those places, finding many volumes of books hidden away and almost removed from the knowledge of many, he brought them back with him on his return to us. There he enjoyed the company of the blessed Odoardus, under whom one hundred and fifty regular monks served. he brings back very many books Thence he brought back with him the book of the City of God of the most blessed Augustine, and the books of the Aeneid of Virgil, as well as the metrical books of Juvenal and the saturated poems of Flaccus, or the illustrated works of Porphyry, or the works of Epigrams of Aldhelm, and also the metrical fables of Avienus, and the brilliant songs of the Catholic hymns, together with many matters of the most minute questions collected from holy inquiries by the talent of many -- not privately for himself, but in common for the most studious inquirers. The same man moreover, displaying the splendor of his work and the coruscation of his talent to all those present by resplendent paths, and by customary ones to those who followed, always demonstrating by specific proofs and leading by luminous traces, walking everywhere lucidly, returning on all sides radiantly, limpid, sweet, nectareous, shone forth to all as a servant crowned by Christ.

[12] Nor do I think it should be omitted in this work that after the death of Wistremirus, Bishop of the See of Toledo, of divine memory, he was elected to the same See by all the comprovincial and neighboring Bishops, and was held worthy and approved by the report of all. he is elected Archbishop of Toledo But the divine dispensation, which was reserving him for martyrdom, interposed certain obstacles. And when the common election now clamored for him to be consecrated as its bishop, they were hindered by the adversity of opposing circumstances, and while he lived they were forbidden to elect another. Although he was craftily frustrated from the Order, he was nevertheless not deprived of the gift of the same Order. Indeed he attained the heavenly Episcopate, since through the glory of martyrdom he was united to Christ. For all the holy are Bishops, though not all Bishops are holy. He indeed, finding holiness through the shedding of blood, exercises the Order of the Episcopate, since, received into heaven, he is rewarded with eternal promises.

[13] he is advanced by his merits to martyrdom And when he was distinguished by these virtues and teachings, and shone far and high to all like a lamp placed upon a candlestick, and like a city situated on the summit of a mountain, and like a learned scribe provided for all the households from the treasure of his lord things new and old, first among Priests, supreme among Confessors, sitting not last among Judges: at length having attained his desire, with the divine clemency cooperating, by an unexpected judgment but deliberate zeal, he was borne aloft to the heights. And those things which he had sought from the Martyrs with tears poured forth, and which he had scattered throughout all his little works in the manner of prayer, he merited to obtain by the works of holiness. Which he will be able to know more truly, who shall take care to read his own outstanding works. And since it is expedient, and has seemed worthy to you for the benefit of readers and for the annual recurrence of his feast, to explain his passion briefly: therefore we have introduced separately, purely and sincerely, the most beautiful end of his contest.

CHAPTER IV

A new persecution against the Christians under King Mahomad. Saint Leocritia instructed and aided by Saint Eulogius and his sister.

[14] In the time, therefore, when the savage dominion of the Arabs was miserably devastating all the borders of Spain by the cunning of their guile, when King Mahomad with incredible rage and unbridled resolution was plotting to destroy the race of Christian worshippers utterly; many, fearing the terror of the most bloodthirsty King, In the persecution of Mahomad, King of the Saracens and striving to moderate his madness, through the fierce office of iniquitous will attempted by various and exquisite occasions to assail the flock of Christ. Many, by denying Christ, cast themselves headlong: others, driven by harsh torments, were shaken: but others were established and founded by flourishing virtue. while others faltered In whose time (as we have said) the martyrdom of the faithful shone forth in splendor, and the error of those who denied wavered. For some, who retained the faith of Christ only in their minds, by the prompting of God brought forth luminously and openly what they had concealed, rushing to martyrdom with no one inquiring, and snatching the crown for themselves from the torturers. Saints Christopher, Aurelius, Felix, and Flora underwent martyrdom Among these, of Arab origin, was the Blessed Christopher, the order of whose passion we intend to set forth elsewhere. But from their number also the Blessed Aurelius and the holy Felix stood forth, who with their wives came forth to the glory of the passion after many and prolonged periods of hiding. From their number also the Blessed Virgin Flora, flourishing in virtues, who despising the passing pomp of the world, merited an eternal crown without end. Whose contest our most holy Doctor set forth individually, and explained their deeds and lives in brilliant speech.

[15] At this time a certain young woman named Leocritia, noble in birth, nobler in mind, born from the dregs of the pagans and brought forth from the bowels of wolves, had long since through a certain woman consecrated to Christ, related to her by birth, named Litiosa, been bathed in the saving waters and secretly clothed with the faith of Christ, and shone forth, Saint Leocritia is instructed in the faith of Christ and she sprinkled the nectar-like fragrance of her knowledge upon all. For when in the years of infancy she would frequently visit the aforementioned religious woman in the manner of kinship, and the latter would daily instruct her with whatever words she could; at length by a heavenly regard she received the faith of Christ in her mind: and having received it with the ardor of love, she preserved it in her heart. And when she reached the years of wisdom, and touched the threshold of knowledge, the faith which she had secretly learned by the most tender instruction, daily increased by spiritual nourishments and growing ever more, she nourished, at first secretly, then openly and plainly. she is fiercely beaten by her pagan parents Her parents, diligently admonishing her and accomplishing nothing at all, attempted to assail her with scourges and blows, so that she whom they could not remove from the faith by blandishments, they might at least restrain by terrors. But that fire which Christ sent into the hearts of the faithful knows how to yield to no threats. In this conflict, while she was beaten by day and by night, and saw herself assailed by the most bitter punishments and hindered by harsh chains, fearing lest, with her faith not publicly proclaimed, she be branded with the cautery of faithlessness; through intermediaries she made known her cause to the most blessed Eulogius, a man already most renowned for many such works, and to his sister Anulona, a Virgin consecrated to God: she consults Saint Eulogius and she explained that she wished to go to safer places of the faithful, where she could proclaim her faith without fear.

[16] Immediately the Blessed Eulogius recognized his accustomed office; and as he was a most ardent patron of Martyrs, he arranged for her to depart secretly through the same intermediaries. She quickly feigning a stratagem, and as if consenting to her parents, and attacking our faith in words, and putting on with deliberate care all her finest ornaments, she flees to him and his sister Anulona and showing herself after their fashion as if intending to please and to wed the world, she endeavored to bend their minds and to adorn the steps hateful to herself. And when she perceived that all things were now safe for her, pretending to go to the wedding of certain of her relatives which was being celebrated in those very days, in order to proceed adorned as befits such an occasion, she presented herself with swift course to the most blessed Eulogius and his sister Anulona for protection. she is hidden in secret places Whom they soon receiving with a grateful spirit, delivered to their most trusted friends to be concealed. But when her father and mother, waiting, did not see their daughter, groaning that they had been deceived, tormenting themselves with unheard-of rage and unseen grief, they disturb all things, contaminate everything, running through strangers and acquaintances, and authoritatively

and by the command of the Governor they burdened with prisons and chains whomever they thought should be assailed, while others suffered dire things on her account afflicting men, women, Confessors, Priests, consecrated women, or whomever they could, with scourges and prisons, if by any means they might recover their daughter through these and even greater measures. But that holy man, immovable, changed her hiding places to various locations, and took care with every effort that the sheep not be delivered into the hands of wolves. She meanwhile, persisting in fasts and vigils, covering her limbs with a hair shirt and lying in dust, severely mortified the members of her body. But the most blessed man also, Eulogius, to be named with reverence, while Saint Eulogius prays for her in the basilica of Saint Zoilus seeking nocturnal vigils, and praying prostrate on the ground in the basilica of Saint Zoilus, spent sleepless nights, imploring the aid and strength of the Lord for the Virgin, and consecrating himself to the Lord through these exercises.

[17] she returns to Saint Eulogius and his sister Amid these things the most serene Virgin wished to see the sister of the Blessed Eulogius, whom she loved with ardent desire, and she came to their dwelling by night, prompted by the revelation of the Lord and led by the eagerness of consolation, so that she might remain with them for one day only and then return to her accustomed hiding places. To them she also related that once and again while praying, her mouth had been filled with a liquid of honey, which she reported that she had not spat out with rash daring, but had swallowed, marveling at the appearance of the thick substance. To her that holy man expounded that this was a presage, that the sweetness of the heavenly kingdom was to be enjoyed.

CHAPTER V

The martyrdom of Saint Eulogius and Saint Leocritia. The burial of the bodies.

[18] But while the Virgin was arranging to return on the following day, it happened that the companion of the journey came not at the accustomed hour, but at the break of dawn: nor could she have the opportunity of departing, since she was accustomed to travel by night to avoid ambushes. It was decided that on the same day, until the sun should withdraw the boundary of its light beneath the earth and the nocturnal darkness should grant the desired quiet, the Virgin of God should remain in the place where she was staying. She was retained indeed by human counsel, but by divine judgment: so that she might place upon herself her own crown, and upon the Blessed Eulogius the diadem of glory. For on that day, by the instigation of I know not whom, or by whose ambushes and betrayal, the place of the hiding was revealed to the Governor, and by soldiers sent for this purpose, all that dwelling of theirs was suddenly surrounded. And it came to pass that the chosen and predestined Martyr was present at that moment. Leading forth the aforesaid Virgin in his presence, and seizing him equally together with her, striking him and afflicting him with many insults, Saint Eulogius is captured with Saint Leocritia they presented him to the iniquitous Governor and wicked Judge. Whom the Judge, thinking to kill him through scourging, with a truculent countenance and an impatient spirit, inflamed with vehement fury, interrogates with furious words, and threatens while inquiring why he had kept the Virgin in his house. To whom most willingly and most patiently, in his accustomed manner of speech, he splendidly laid open the truth of the matter in this order: Governor, the duty of preaching has been enjoined upon us, and it is consonant with our faith that we extend the light of faith to those who seek it from us, and deny to no one hastening to the paths of life what things are holy. This befits Priests, this true religion demands, he gives the Governor an account of Saint Leocritia instructed by him this also Christ our Lord taught us: that whoever, thirsting, wishes to draw the streams of faith, may find drink in double measure rather than what he sought. And since this Virgin was seen to inquire from us the rule of holy faith, it was necessary that our attention should apply itself to her the more willingly, the more her affection was kindled to greater things. Nor was it fitting to reject one desiring such things, especially for him who was chosen by the gift of Christ for this purpose. Whence also, as far as was in my power, I enlightened and taught her: and I explained that the faith of Christ is the way of the heavenly kingdom. Which I would most willingly do also for you, if you had thought fit to inquire of me.

[19] he scorns the threat of rods Then the Governor with a troubled countenance ordered rods to be brought, threatening to destroy him with scourges. To whom the Saint said: What do you desire to accomplish with those rods? I wish, he said, to draw forth your soul through them. Sharpen and prepare a sword, he replied, by which you may return my soul, freed from the bond of the body, to Him who gave it. For do not think to cut apart my limbs with scourges. he is dragged to the palace And immediately, with a clear invective and sufficient eloquence reproaching the falsity of their Prophet and law, and redoubling the word of preaching, he is led with all speed to the palace, and dragged even to the Counselors of the King. Where one of them, most intimately known to him, sprang forward in compassion: If fools, he said, and idiots have been brought down to this lamentable ruin of death, you who are girded with the beauty of wisdom and illuminated by the morals of life -- what madness has compelled you to commit yourself to this death-dealing fall, the natural love of life having been blotted out? Listen to me, I beseech you, he refuses to speak even once falsely in order to save his life and lest you fall headlong, I beg: say but a word in this hour of your necessity, and afterward use your faith wherever you can: we promise that you will be sought nowhere. To whom the most blessed Martyr, smiling, said: Oh, if you could have known what great things are stored up for the worshippers of our faith, or if I could commit what I retain in my breast to yours; then you would no longer endeavor to recall me from my purpose, but would more willingly think to remove yourself from this worldly honor. And he began to extend to them the word of the eternal Gospel, and to pour forth the preaching of the kingdom with steadfast liberty. Who immediately, unwilling to hear him, ordered him to be transfixed by the sword.

[20] he offers the other cheek to the one striking him And when he was being led forth, one of the eunuchs of the King struck him with a slap. To whom he, preparing the other cheek, said: I beseech you to strike this one again, that you may make it equal to the first. And when he struck a second time, the patient and meek man again prepared the first. But by the rush of soldiers he is led to the place of execution, where bending his knees in prayer, and extending his hands to heaven, and fortifying himself entirely with the sign of the Cross, praying within himself with a few words, he stretched forth his neck to the blade, and with a swift stroke, despising the world, he found life. he is beheaded on March 11 He completed his martyrdom on the fifth day before the Ides of March, on a Saturday, at the ninth hour. And O happy and admirable man for our age, who both sent before him in many the fruit of his work, and left in the Virgin one to follow him. Lifting up with his hands the standard of victory, and offering to the Lord the sheaf of his labor on his own behalf, offering a pure oblation and peaceable sacrifices, and presenting in himself what he had taught others to Christ the Lord of all things.

[21] A dove alights upon the body of Saint Eulogius But soon, when the corpse had been cast down from a more elevated place into the channel of the riverbed, a dove gleaming with wondrous whiteness, in the sight of all, cutting the air with its wings, alighted and sat upon the body of the Martyr. Which all attempting to drive away by hurling stones from this side and that, and nevertheless unable to repel it as it remained steadfast, they wished to chase it away with their hands at close quarters. But it, not flying but hopping around the body, settled closer upon a tower overlooking the body, and turned its gaze toward the body of the most blessed man.

[22] Near the body, Priests were seen performing psalmody Nor should the miracle be passed over in silence which Christ wrought upon the body of the Martyr for the praise of His name. For a certain inhabitant of the city of Astigi, while among others he was performing the monthly service of residence at the palace, and was there completing his watch with vigils, desiring to drink water at night, rose and came to the projecting channel of the aqueduct which runs over those places, where he saw above, over his body which lay below, Priests gleaming with wondrous whiteness, holding shining lights, and solemnly reciting psalms in the manner of chanters. Terrified by this vision, he returned to the place of his lodging, more fleeing than returning. The body is buried And relating all things to his companion, he wished to return again with him to the place: but he was no longer able to see that sight a second time. The head of the most blessed man was redeemed on the following day by the solicitude of the Christians; and the relics of his body were gathered on the third day and buried under the shelter of the most blessed martyr Zoilus.

[23] The most blessed Virgin Leocritia, softened by many enticements, assailed by many promises, Saint Leocritia is beheaded on March 15 at length strengthened by the divine gift with the firmness of faith, was beheaded on the fourth day after his martyrdom, and cast into the river Baetis. But she could neither be submerged nor concealed by the waters, for proceeding with her body erect, she presented a wonderful sight to all. And so, drawn out by the Christians, she was buried in the basilica of Saint Genesius the Martyr, which is situated at the place called Tertios. This was the end of the most blessed Doctor Eulogius: this the admirable departure, this the passing full of such work.

CHAPTER VI

The affection of Alvarus the writer toward Saint Eulogius, and his invocation.

[24] Now it remains at the end of the volume to the King of all

of ages to give thanks, Alvarus gives thanks to God who from the beginning, adorning His Church with Martyrs of the faith, gives strength to the weary and leads to eternal glory those who presume nothing of themselves. To Him our Lord be glory and dominion through the infinite ages of ages forever. Amen.

[25] But now, since we have completed in pedestrian speech and unpolished oration the contest of our Doctor and our Martyr: he invokes Saint Eulogius it remains that we turn our speech to that same Patron most dear to us, as to one who hears and is present to our prayers, and recount to him our friendship known to him. Certainly he is able to hear those who ask, and to be a patron to the wretched and afflicted: if our own merits have aided us, if harsh sins have not stood in the way, if a pure affection has demanded this. Therefore, O exalted Martyr of God, sweet in the name of Eulogius, attend to your Alvarus crying out: and him whom here you held fixed by the charity of your spirit, there associate to yourself as a servant. I shall not intercede with you by the words of others, but by your own. Certainly I am that one whom you used to say was united with you, to whom and for whom you spoke in this manner: So that there be no other Alvarus than Eulogius, you say: nor let the whole love of Eulogius be placed anywhere other than in the inmost heart of Alvarus. May this sweet and faithful love between us both prevail, prevail, O Christ the Lord. May it prevail in the perennial summit of holiness, and like a shining light may it proceed and increase until the perfect day. Behold, Lord, I have your testimony before my hands, depicted in golden letters and the gems of your sentences, but I desire the fulfillment of your patronage. For now, what you used to pray by unceasing prayer while placed on earth, that it might avail, you will be able, translated to heaven, to obtain in me by your intercession, what has been fulfilled in you. For true love, as you yourself said, faithfully preserves charity toward one who is absent, and what it could do for itself, it exhibits toward the one it loves.

[26] he seeks spiritual gifts Therefore, O outstanding Martyr and dearest friend, while it is permitted and the time of mercy still impends, extend to your friend the gift of your intercession: that there may be granted to me here an amendment of morals, that there may be frequent gifts of tears, that there may be an affection of virtues infused into my frail mind, that there may be an effectual compunction continual, that there may be a pure affection of repentance, that a desirable place may be duly granted, that a favorable access be opened that shall be broken by no obstacles. May the bonds of all perplexities be loosened, may the undertakings of all hindrances recoil, and the obstacles of restraints; by the change of the right hand of the Most High may they be transformed into aids of those who serve. May the doors of the heart be opened to receive the kingdom of God Most High: may the proud neck be bowed, and may the shoulders be submitted to bear the most sweet yoke of Christ. I would wish to ask yet greater things, but I fear to incur the charge of temerity. But you, O exalted servant of God, who are satisfied by the countenance of the Lord and are perpetually gladdened by His gift; procure for the wretched man by worthy intercessions that by which our thousandfold sins may be purged. I also desire eternal life and thirst for the rest of the heavenly kingdom. Therefore by whatever torment or scourge take care to bestow a remedy upon your servant, and desire to purge your beloved with that fire of ardor with which you were seen here bound with us on earth: so that that love may now shine forth with a brighter light, when it both shines with a more abundant radiance and is able to extend by a more powerful intercession the things sought.

[27] But I, my sweet Eulogius, have surveyed the memory of your name as far as I could, and for the labor expended in composing the Acts set forth your life, expressed your doctrine, and explained your most beautiful contest: and so that the delightful memory of your name may always flourish in the world, and with perennial splendor, as your life shines in heaven, so your mention may gleam here; I have dedicated it, if not with the most polished discourses, yet with the most evident efforts of which I was capable. For I have constructed a monument of your glory more lasting than bronze, which neither the stormy whirlwind nor stony hail may destroy, nor any fire of flames liquefy. I have built a memorial for your name of refined gold and precious stones of every kind, which no most violent tyrant will be able to demolish in the manner of a plunderer. I have composed the fabric of your eminence, and erected on high the tower of your dwelling, so that you may be a beautiful lighthouse, shining on every side with all virtues. I have adorned the inscription of your beauty with pearls gleaming with wondrous whiteness and with glittering topaz, so that it may shine forth to all the ends of the earth. I have sprinkled your holy ashes with nectar-like blossoms, withering in no heat, nor yielding to any fire applied. I have anointed your precious body with costly spikenard of pure nard, and mingled it with various kinds of incense, with amomum, balsam, and musk, so that the most sweet fragrance of your holiness, diffused and spread through all ages, may never grow tepid without end. I have fulfilled the bond of friendship, and have been unwilling to send forth your name bare to the world in your charity; so that just as you shine in heaven with your life and work, so you may gleam in the world with your tongue and name. So that the succeeding generation may find you praised, may look to you as one to be imitated, and may recognize how great you were in doctrine through our slender talent. Nor will the following age, filled in the manner of the ancients with bodily benefits, spices, and flowers, which are consumed by the age of times, wonder at you; but it will venerate you adorned with spiritual gifts and exalted with immortal titles.

[28] he desires the reward of eternal life You therefore, venerable Lord, repay us with an equivalent reward, so that since by our service your relics are adorned and your obsequies are beautified, may we henceforth be illuminated with a felicitous regard, may we be visited with a heavenly gift: so that I, the one who, flowing not smoothly thus far through downward and precipitous ways, have fallen from my iniquity, and remaining wasted hitherto in my evils, have withdrawn from the countenance of my Lord, clinging to the malignant enemy; may I, illuminated by preventing grace and consummated by gratuitous mercy at whatever term of life, merit to possess together with you the unbroken joys of heaven, just as here, worn down by equal weeping and groaning in earthly distress, I have drawn long and prolonged sighs. So that even if it is not given to me to shine with equal glory, at least may pardon for my sins be granted to me; so that I may not groan plunged in the penal abyss, but may rejoice in heavenly rest, pardoned by you and the other Lords my masters, your companions. Amen.

EPITAPH OF SAINT EULOGIUS

Here lies the elegant Martyr and shining Doctor, Eulogius, a light, a great name through the ages. Who, gleaming with zeal for the faith, with the virtue of the pious Kindled the minds of men with great splendor. Let him, here justly celebrated, be praised in books and hymns: Both rigorous in life and radiant as the sun in his end: Who, despising the world, ascended the bright realms of heaven. Nor did he perish by the sword, but lives in an eternal abode. Believe me, I pray: he lives through the ages, he lives, Whoever ascends the celestial kingdoms of the Most High.

PRAYER OF ALVARUS

Now, O Saint, I beg you to remember the name of your friend, Whom your sweet friendship here held fast, The lowly Alvarus, who, infected by the great ruin of guilt, Stained with vices, goes through the byways of the world. May your prayer hold this fallen one to the pastures of life, That as usual he may be bound to the holy one with worthy love, By which, joined to you, he remained dear through the ages. Grant this, O God of Gods, reigning through the ages. Amen.

HYMN

Now the fruitful feasts return Of our renowned Martyr Eulogius: Let us offer songs to the Lord our Prince In the harmony of faith by heavenly gift.

We praise with varied musical song Things that are not endowed with the Lord's light: Here now the matter itself is far better set forth When metrical strings resound with Christ.

Here now is the mind to revolve great things: It breathes forth splendidly bright balsams, Eagerly desiring to proclaim outstanding things freely, That the music may resound with a sweet breath.

The warrior of the Lord, more powerful in word, And equally more celebrated in doctrine and in his end: He is thus girded with the glory of Christ, That he may flourish vigorously, even in the heavens.

When as ruler he would learnedly refresh the peoples, Speaking instruction, coming forth by breaking, The multitude crowned with manifold fruit, He, shining in the heavenly host, advances.

Thus burning with the zeal of the Lord, of the faithful, Converting the wavering ways of the rebellious, Acquiring with riches by a noble gift Those drawn from the abyss, he elevates to the heavens.

But now when Christ Almighty wished To render worthy rewards for his merits, Leocritia, A beautiful Virgin, He forthwith raised up, Who would conceal His illustrious servant in heaven.

Then the lofty one duly provides his accustomed solace And gentle remedy to the adorned one, Then he instills the doctrine of the faith's worship, A just rebellion against the opposing peoples.

Forthwith the most anxious seizer proclaiming Disturbs the homeland, and by the command of the people Through all the streets far and wide it is noised abroad, What the rabid Prince, roused, commands.

The noble mind of the heavenly servant, Endowed by God, spurns the swelling ruler: At length seized in a swift and notable manner, He also forthwith spoke freely.

Saying: O Nobles, despise the impious one: Believe in Christ the heavenly Prince: Rightly repel the shameless Prophet, Who has consigned so many peoples to the fire.

Rejoicing he resounds these things from the summit vigorously, And also complaining with other strong words: He commands him to be struck on the head by the sword, Lest the holy multitude be able to recover him.

The fearless warrior stands assenting, They strike him with slaps, but he asks the terrible one, Extending his face for a blow, that the other cheek The alternating palm might strike with a double blow.

Then the little servant arms his breast With the sign of the God-bearing faith, his golden Milky neck, endowed with rosy blood, He bows to the Lord: he presses and beseeches.

Thus by the stroke of the sword he is laid among the stars, Thus by the word of faith he is gloriously proclaimed. Be present, we pray, abundantly to the wretched, To loose the perplexed swiftly by your prayers.

Assist, we ask, the groans that are stirred, Bending your mind, also now winning The gracious hearing of the Divinity, and more serenely The mind, that He may refresh it with holy prayers.

That the Ruler may destroy the fierce kingdoms, May powerfully trample impious doctrines, May the splendor of the adorned faith shine forth, By which He may open the bright summits of heaven.

That the tormenting heresy may recoil far away, That the worship of the Lord may shine forth more highly: That the rulers of the country may be fragrant with virtue, That against all things they may freely prevail.

May there be life for the upright, and also provident Religion for the holy, through all times: May there be to the Triune Lord assiduous glory, Reigning illustriously through the ages forever. Amen.