Majolus

ON SAINT MAJOLUS

ABBOT OF CLUNY IN GAUL.

IN THE YEAR DCCCCXCIV.

Majolus, Abbot of Cluny in Gaul (S.)

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

The praises of the monastery of Cluny we have often brought forth, chiefly at the day XIII of January, on which is venerated B. Berno the first Abbot, and at the day XXIX of April, which is sacred to S. Hugh the sixth Abbot of the same, between whom in the middle flourished S. Majolus the fourth Abbot. The cult the 11th of May Various Acts of him we give at this XI of May, on which day to Christ he migrated the day after the Ascension of the same, in the year DCCCCXCIV, when, the cycle of the Moon being VII, of the sun XXIII, the Dominical letter G, Easter was celebrated on the very Kalends of April, and the feast of the Ascension on the X day of May. The ancient veneration of S. Majolus is indicated by very many ancient MS. Martyrologies under the name of Usuard, but augmented, with the MS. of Centula of S. Richarius, the Florarium of the Saints and others: likewise the Martyrologies of Cologne and Lübeck printed in the year 1490, and also that which two years earlier at Venice had come forth by Bellinus according to the manner of the Roman curia composed. There succeeded everywhere other Martyrologists, Maurolycus, Felicius, Molanus, Galesinius, Canisius, Saussay, as also Wion, Dorganius, Menard, Bucelin with the present-day Roman, in which these things are read: At Souvigny the deposition of S. Majolus Abbot of Cluny, and the 4th of May and the 17th of April. whose life by holy merits was illustrious. Some feast also of the Translation of S. Majolus the Abbot is celebrated at the day IV of May in the MS. of Liège of S. Lambert. On which day likewise the name of S. Majolus is inserted in the Auctarium of Greven to Usuard. In certain Martyrologies of Florence, printed and manuscript, at the day XVII of April is related S. Majolus the Abbot, father of many monks, who rests in the place Souvigny: which why there rather than elsewhere thus written it should be, I cannot divine.

[2] The Life written by Nalgodus a disciple Since the life of S. Majolus was illustrious by merits, and by miracles divinely wrought was confirmed; by various various things about them were collected, but which to have been by a confused diffusion rather dispersed than digested, attests Nalgodus, by some Nagoldus, a monk of Cluny and S. Majolus' disciple, who first orderly the Life of his Master composed: which hitherto unedited, in the year MDCLXII in the monastery of Cluny found we copied, and with our Notations illustrated in the first place we give. From this the Author of the Chronicle of Cluny in the section on Haymardus or Aimardus the predecessor and in S. Majolus, very many things with the same words preserved copied, as more conveniently at the Acts themselves we observe. Meanwhile in S. Odo the second Abbot he seems to err, while among his disciples is numbered Nalgodus a monk, of a life simple and honest, who after the decease of S. Odo himself his life and miracles lucidly described. Which of S. Majolus plainly to be understood we judge. S. Odilo the Abbot and S. Majolus' successor below in his Life no. 10 remits the Reader, that he learn from those, who him by sight and hearing knew, how he lived, how he taught, and how full of days adorned with virtues from this light he departed. Where this history of Nalgodus of his life to be understood we do not doubt. He calls there S. Odilo, volumes by most learned men arranged, others by Syrus and Aldebaldus, with a catholic sense, written with a rhetorical pen, and in some places varied by dactylic meter. That those volumes we might obtain, we were solicitous: and first them in the library of the Queen of Sweden we found, but headless, and which were had in the codex marked with the number 696, from no. 22 copied we give. Afterward the same Life distinguished into three books or volumes we found at Florence with the most Illustrious Senator Charles Strozzi, where what was lacking to us, from a codex of parchment marked no. 5, for us we copied. Then from Italy through Gaul into Belgium returning we found the same Life in the Cistercian Archmonastery in volume 3 of the Lives of the Saints, with the verses prefixed of Reimbaldus, from which we know at the request of Warennerius those Acts to have been composed by Syrus; and he being dead to have been by Aldebaldus completed. All things finally from the MS. of Dijon of S. Benignus copied offered to us Peter Francis Chifletius our man: and so from so many diverse MSS. collected and collated we publish in the second place. These moreover hitherto unedited were all.

[3] In the third place we give the Life which the said S. Odilo, S. Majolus' successor, afterward wrote: a third by S. Odilo the successor: whose discourse Lawrence Surius somewhat polished, certain things also either more compendiously rendered, or plainly omitted. We have the same entire in our illustrious MS. codex, and that, but the beginning and end being omitted, as below we observe, from the MS. of Fécamp transmitted to us Frederick Flouët our man: but itself we collated with the same Life in the Library of Cluny page 279 printed: a fourth omitted. in whose Library's Additions there is extant still another, by an Author, as it seems, a monk of Souvigny composed: which because in it almost nothing is had, which in the aforenamed Acts is not more accurately handed down, here we omit, since the curious Reader it there can read: but in its place we give two books of Miracles, two books of Miracles are given. which to the said Acts there were subjoined, after another compendium of the Life interposed. In the above-cited Cistercian MS. there is had a sermon on the Birthday of S. Majolus, with this beginning: This day's most sacred solemnity a solemn desires with so great expectation a sermon, therefore with the Lord helping we minister to you what He gave from whom all good proceeds: with whom is the whole, and in whom the whole, and without whom is nothing. There was also an Admonition to the Brethren with this beginning: Athletes of God you are, in the spiritual stadium you contend: lawfully must one contend that to the prize one attain. Which there can be seen.

[4] A greater worth of effort it seems to be, nor here to be passed over, the instrument, by which the cession of Abbot Haymardus and Majolus' substitution is contained, from volume 6 of d'Achery's Spicilegium taken as follows. By the order of divine dispensation, The instrument, by which Abbot Haymardus yielding the Office, when at first by sacred laws from the Patriarchs and Prophets, then also by human ones from Consuls and Kings the motions of peoples were checked; afterward, in the time of the incarnate Word, the fiery sword in the door of paradise by the fountain of Christ's side extinguished, that the kingdom of God more violently might be seized, began the state of the Churches by Apostolic men with pious manners to be informed, and at length by holy men and Abbots in the minds of subjects the Regular order to be disposed, that through it for those running easy the ascent of the heavenly fatherland might seem. And so it comes about that the more anyone through examples of piety, with paternal cultivation himself to the heights raising, has advanced, and to subjects of following the heavenly the leadership has afforded, the more from the Rewarder the Lord a manifold interest of reward and sonship he will receive. And since to Prelates regards, whatever by subjects is sinned, the example of a depraved life the negligence of subjects, by the sentence of the divine examination, the fire of gehenna inexhaustible avenges. Wherefore I Haymardus, of the S. Peter monastery of Cluny Abbot unworthy, to all present and future generally known to be I wish, that these and such things in mind revolving, by age wearied, in the offices also of the body diminished, while less myself to the Pastoral care fit I perceive, of B. Benedict chapter by chapter concerning the constituting of an Abbot by solicitude forewarned, with all my Brethren, sons and fellow-servants, of Blessed indeed Peter once a Cleric, we choose and Abbot to be decree, lest by the insolence of our infirmity the order should deteriorate, and a repulse in anything suffer. The Lord being favorable always to better things to be advanced. He institutes Majolus lawfully elected, And lest the trick of any excuse he pretend (for, as he who unworthy to rule incautiously aspires, is to be repelled; so if anyone worthy refuses, deservedly to be constrained he is held) the counsel of Bishops and Abbots we applied. And as the Cluny monastery, the Lord being author, by William the Duke founded, in the name of the Prince of Apostles consecrated, with Privileges of the Roman See distinguished, by Royal precepts confirmed, by the Reverend also Abbots the Lord Berno and Odo ordained it is established; so with all the Abbots, places and cells, everywhere in their or our name acquired, to the aforesaid Brother to be ordained we hand over: and both to the order to be kept, according to

B. Benedict and the institutes of our Fathers, as to things to be disposed, under all integrity, the Divinity being favorable, by the bonds of obedience we bind, and Abbot unanimously all we proclaim. Of this election and his ordination the series, by counsel as we said. The Primacy of the Count and also our own, and of the Advocate Leotold by letters to be ratified we ordered, and the regularly celebrated ordination in Christ's name we confirmed, and by the Fathers and Brethren our by writings to be confirmed we prayed. Done at the Cluny monastery, happily. Amen. And there followed the subscriptions first of the Abbot Haymardus himself, then of Maguboldus Bishop of Mâcon, and of two Bishops other and as many Abbots, and finally of monks thirty-two.

[5] Of Souvigny, where the sacred body of S. Majolus is kept, in the Catalogue of Abbeys and Priories, subject to the monastery of Cluny, The Priory of Souvigny, which are of the Province of Auvergne, these things are handed down: The Priory of S. Majolus of Souvigny of the diocese of Auvergne, where there ought to be forty monks according to the definition of the year MCCCXXXVII. And it is found in several places, that there were fifty in times past. And there ought there to be celebrated daily four Masses with note, and four without note… There are there a Sacrist, an Infirmarian, an Almoner and a Chamberlain perpetual Officers. And then are numbered immediately subject to the Priory of Souvigny, other Priories eleven, and Houses five, whose names with the number of persons, who in these were wont to dwell, in the diocese of Auvergne. there the Reader will find. Below book 1 of the Miracles no. 9 when the body was deposited, at his most holy head is said an altar a certain to have been built, which the Lord Beggo, of the Auvergne See Bishop, in whose diocese the same place was, with great reverence consecrated. Hence I corrected the Catalogue, in which was printed of the diocese of Autun, in place of of Auvergne. But the said Beggo is handed down of Auvergne or of Clermont Bishop to have been, when S. Majolus to eternal felicity migrated.

LIFE

By the Author Nalgodus S. Majolus' disciple.

From the MS. codex of Cluny

Majolus, Abbot of Cluny in Gaul (S.)

BHL Number: 5181

THROUGH NALGODUS FROM A MS.

PROLOGUE.

[1] The Life of the most Blessed Father Majolus, by a confused diffusion dispersed rather than digested, that with simple brevity I should collect and expedite, the Brethren's studious charity commanded: charity enjoined that I write, and that I should presume so great a work, the audacity of pious security inspired: itself also, which never falls away, a happy outcome to the purpose of piety will not deny. In this therefore spirit of liberty and confidence with a clear truth briefly I will cull, what through B. Majolus the sun of justice the rays of His virtue infused into this world; The Author asserts he used a simple style, and the authors being set forth who about him wrote, as from their tractates to discern I shall be able, the sense of their truth in my manner of speaking I will cloak: nor will there be need the compendia of his virtues with rhetorical colors to clothe, lest the glory of so great a man not by the rays of merits to have illustrated, but with the clouds of words to have buried I seem. Itself by itself the sober nakedness of his deeds has very much clarity and light, to which certainly if foreign colors thou shouldst introduce, thou dost not amplify the dignity of grace, but overshadow and diminish the majesty of glory. For from gold its splendor is entirely detracted, if of silver the brightness be introduced; and to silver's purity no slight injury thou inflictest, if upon it a leaden vileness thou superinduce. that the virtue of so great a man may better appear. The life of Majolus needs not that with the titles of urbane eloquence it be colored, which with diverse and festive splendors of heavenly signs is wonderfully distinguished. But now to the very history of piety let the access be hastened: let favor this work the simple Spirit of truth, who the voluntary things of my mouth so well dispose and order, that me both from the vice of superstition immune, and from the fault of falsehood may make innocent.

CHAPTER I.

Birth. Studies. Archdeaconate. Alms. Monastic life.

[2] The Blessed therefore Father Majolus, greater by the dignity of merit than of lineage, born in Provence, transcended his birth's brightness by the noble privilege of sanctity. A native ^a of the region of Provence, even to the very Nobles of Gaul the bounds of his kinship he extended, and from the line of Gallic blood a great for himself of nobility apex he procured: yet more illustrious by faith and by the honor of religion nobler, whatever to himself for the luxury and pride of life had conferred the grace of flesh and blood, prudently he transferred into arguments of virtue. Nourished tenderly by his parents' care, to the literary arts he is delivered to be informed: imbued with liberal studies, in the process of time when age in him grew up and capacity, in liberal studies liberally to be imbued: to whom also in the scholastic disciplines grace was at hand, which liveliness to his genius, tenacity to his memory supplying, the vessel of His election with the heavenly treasures heaped. With wondrous facility of mind he drank in all things, assigned to memory all things, so that whatever once into the cabinet of his breast he had transferred, with the snares of perennial memory he ensnared. To his agemates and fellow-scholars an example he was: but to those, who in him the preludes of heavenly grace knew to begin, for a miracle he was held.

[3] And while still under boyish years, by the powerlessness of age he was held, and the very weakness of his pupillage the zeal of virtue thrust forward; the spirit of fortitude being conceived he began boyish follies to decline, and the allurements of words with the hand of holy gravity to drive away. Already then the Spirit of adoption him into a son of light adopting, had begun with him familiarly to converse; and placing in his breast His throne, in his conscience's tablet the rudiments of His love sculpted. Innate was in him the love of perpetual chastity: he vows perpetual chastity: he devoted to the Lord the first-fruits of his flesh; and than himself better nothing having, himself he offered, preparing for God a virginal in his body dwelling. There dreaded, divinely informed, his will the blandishments of the flesh; the satellites of pleasures fawning on boyish vows the delights, as deadly poisons he fled: whatever of uncleanness near and adjoining had been, the friend of cleanness rejected: a modest shamefastness the face of the noble boy beautified, and a chaste eye of a chaste conscience the messenger itself afforded and witness. You might see in the virgin boy the wanton levity of boyhood by the sharpness of censorious gravity condemned: you might see boyish insolence and the disordered motions of that age by the mature hoariness of manners chastised. These in him, mother grace, the seedbeds of virtues scattering, with her arts him imbued, with her disciplines and laws informed: presignifying what afterward he would be, whose infancy with so great an art of composition the Holy Spirit had informed.

[4] Already the bounds of boyhood he had passed, and into the flower of youth he was borne; when his parents the public road of death having entered, him to themselves left surviving and heir. But when a violent hand of Saracens, from ^b their borders boiling out, Provence occupied, laid waste, at Mâcon he is created a Cleric destroyed and plundered; the estates being left, which to him by paternal right more numerous had come, where by a certain of his kinsmen, who among the city's Nobles in nobility and wealth was eminent, graciously received, and by his mediation with the ^d Bishop reconciled in favor, to the divine ministries thenceforth to be devoted, he is ordained a Cleric and a Canon of the major church is promoted. In which while the Pontiff with the auspice of piety the first-fruits of good hope from the very clarity of honesty gathered, often inculcating and repeating mingled with him discourse of preserving integrity: he exhorted him with familiar colloquy, that the brightness of cleanness and the candidate of sanctimony with entire body he should guard and heart: it befitted a boy, who to the Author of purity by the sacrament of the Clericate had been dedicated, virginal flesh and an entire mind to retain; the firstborn of chastity, lest by a contrary spirit it be suffocated, with the seal of faith to be fortified. Which willingly hearing the devout boy, into the custody of chastity with so great ambition grew warm, that less honest conversations and suspected consortia fleeing, to honest and grave persons he adhered, and his own also messmates honest he made and chaste; the land also of his heart and the field of his conscience with spiritual men's spiritual doctrines he watered: and his mind, lest idling and yawning the malign spirit break in, with honest occupations he exercised.

[5] At Lyons he studies Philosophy: Who also by the zeal of wisdom led, by the love and desire of letters, Lyons, of Gaul the first See, sought; and under a certain Anthony, under whom the studies of Philosophy chiefly then flourished, to the liberal disciplines gave his effort: and much in a short time profiting, the disciple put off, and into the Master's name and honor by a happy transit flew. Thence also returning to Mâcon, when the famed odor of his virtues the surrounding ears and minds with solemn opinion filled, the lamp is set on the candlestick: and the young man wholly from merit subsisting and grace, unwilling and reluctant undergoes the personage of the Archdeaconate. The Diaconate's grade being received, to the Apostolic laws himself wholly directing and conforming, such himself in life and manners to exhibit he took care: as to be ought Majolus becomes, according to the allusion of his name, the major eye to the Bishop of Mâcon: who not only to private actions to be executed, but to the whole Church to be dispensed, the care of provision expended; and the received administration's office with living diligence pursuing, in the zeal of preaching he sweated; and when he did more than he taught, himself to those, whose imitators they ought to become, he proposed. 1 Tim. 3, 8

[6] merciful toward the poor Charity, which to herself in him the highest principality had claimed, neglecting her own, others' she cared for, rather choosing to become common than private. With so true condescension she abounded in the poor, that with compassion's fire over the afflicted's miseries he was burned. Nothing to him of grace with base gain; but what to himself refunded the reckoning of his personal office, into the uses of the poor with merciful providence he diffused. If the voice of a poor man at the door crying he had heard, Jesus Himself in his misery to be a stranger knowing, to so great mercy he was bent, that his spirit rested not, until from his abundance his want was supplied. With a great frequency of the poor of diverse sex and kind he was followed, so that if the affection of his benignity thou shouldst behold toward the needy, a man with mercy thou wouldst not deny. He rejoiced himself to touch the blessed man the fringe of the garment of Jesus, and the extreme in the body of Christ's Church members with humble services he cultivated; not at random, but as to each it was expedient; wholly to single ones, wholly to all, to the single ones' opportunities wholly running, he studied to all to profit equally and to be present.

[7] At that time in which the man of the Lord Majolus on these disciplines of mercy watched, the inclemency of corrupted air the fields of that region with unfruitful sterility had condemned. He had exhausted into the uses and subsidies of the poor, whatever in the barn and storeroom could be found: in a public famine, and almost nothing remained, which not into the work of piety the young man's piety had consumed. There approached the steward, to whom the household's dispensation was entrusted, anxious and protesting all the substance into the poor distributed; few things in the barns to have remained, which into the daily stipends of the household might be divided. Whom the man of the Lord, who for himself not even of the morrow thought, blandly consoled dismissed, asserting, nothing to those fearing God to be lacking, but to those loving Him all things to cooperate unto good. There urged with voices the poor; widows and orphans with tearful voices cried out; the ardor of piety, which never had grown lukewarm in the man of God, with their clamors rousing. What should he do? Whither should he betake himself?

A liberal mind, which long offered itself, even to one not asking, so often and by so many voices implored, what to extend he had not. He betook himself to God the fountain of mercy, that what to himself in himself had failed, in Him who is never emptied he might draw. He enters the oratory, which in the honor of S. Michael across the Saône he himself had built, in which from the world's tumults to betake himself and to the zeal of private prayer he had been wont to lie. He leans on prayers, with sighs the Lord he interpellates, and dissolved into tears for the poor, Praying to God 7 shillings he finds. to whom victuals he ministers not, of prayers the suffrages more devout he lavishes. The Divine piety is present to the entreating servant, and seven shillings, by Majolus' sighs and sobs fashioned, before the eyes of him lying placed. His head from prayer lifting, he sees the shillings, marvels and shuns; and lest it be an illusion of the enemy, or someone had lost them, a seething thought reveres. He averts his eyes thrice, and thrice bends them back to the shillings: he falls down thrice that by prayer he might dissolve the phantasm. It was as it were a miracle, before his face the shillings, by no one carried away, by none deposited, after prayer there to endure: it was sought, and found no one to have lost them. Glad therefore the gift of the supernal benediction he received: and by the hand of Grimaldus, who of this deed had been the secret and familiar inspector, what for the day should suffice being reserved, the rest among the poor he commands to be distributed. and among the poor he distributes: And when the domestics persuaded that the whole into his own uses he should divert, and for future want should provide; God, he said, our more is wont to bestow than He is asked: who about us today the care of solicitude has exhibited, tomorrow also His providence will apply. Let us seek first with zeal the kingdom of God, and in the second order things necessary to the time will follow. Let us give thanks to the Lord for what is bestowed, and what is necessarily to be bestowed to His good faith let us commit: He will not be lacking to us, He will not be lacking, who to those asking in truth to assist has been wont. With these blandishments of words the man of meekness and modesty satisfied the querulous household. He receives wagons of wine. The following day wagons laden with wine are led down to the man of God, which to himself and his house would suffice for many days: which he himself with thanksgiving receiving, to the bestower of goods all things God a sacrifice of praise offered, who to the first benediction the gift of a second benediction added. O goodness by no straits of times to be constrained! To the naked and simple words of Majolus the divine condescension subserves, and with equal diligence nor unlike zeal as much the words as the prayers themselves advances to effect. Lest it should seem perhaps less worthy and as if less befitting the Majesty, shillings to have supplied, He added also wine. A great thing with a greater miracle He heaped, so that with both joined His servant in the face of the whole Church He might make more illustrious. This indeed by a probable argument proved Himself the Lord, and showed Majolus' devotion and zeal to have approved.

[8] About the same time the city ^e of Besançon, of its Pastor widowed, The Archbishopric of Besançon he refuses, when about a Bishop to be substituted diverse among themselves the zeals of parties conflicted, into this sentence the whole consented, that for itself the Lord Majolus it should set over as Priest: that it would be happy, if a young man notable by lineage, praiseworthy by merits, learned in letters, into Pontiff it should obtain, by whose help and industry it knew for itself the victuals of life to be ministered. Which when the blessed man learned, himself unequal to so great a burden, himself unworthy of so great an honor crying out, with all the liberty of voice and mind, with tongue and hand lest it should be done he resisted: a good disciple imitating his good Master, who all glory of men fleeing, lest by the crowds King He be constituted fled away. Never could his free will to the consent of advancement be bent, that the Priesthood he should exercise; who the very also of the Diaconate grade himself utterly confessed unworthy. The man worthy of God was unwilling to rise before the light, but to sit and be humbled with Christ; that to him at the banquet the last place occupying the heavenly oracle might sound; Friend, ascend higher.

[9] others he teaches Philosophy: All this time the honest young man the schools ruled, and in the liberal disciplines and arts his own imbuing and informing; that the cup of Philosophy, with which he himself from his early age had been drunk, charitably into others by teaching he might transfuse. Nor that doing, that his avarice he might consult, who present things wholly spurning, future ones with solemn vows sought; but as a provident dispenser, the talent which he had received distributing to usury, that to others delivered money with much interest he might bring back. Nor of human favor the glory to hunt, or his own name's bounds to extend he sought: but their useful things rather affecting, the treasure desirable, which in his mouth rested, dispensingly into others he divided.

[10] Hence now Majolus in his own eyes less, but in the eyes of men greater appearing, by the purity of life and the gravity of works from the very rivals and unwilling of great to himself reverence the favor exacted. perishable things spurning He began to follow arduous things, to attempt greater, and running into the odor of heavenly unguents with all desire to eternal things he strove. He foretasted already, how good is God of Israel to the upright of heart: and the sweetness of life with the nostrils of piety smelling, wholly into God by the love and grace of virtue he was borne. For the great Angel of counsel had this spirit infused into his heart, that the Egypt of this world in mind and body deserting, to the neighboring deserts of the cenobial Order he should migrate: this for himself useful with himself he judged: this pious deliberation the young man's mind had occupied, that the freedom of the flesh being spurned into a monk's purity he should pass, and from Jericho into Jerusalem, from the land of misery and darkness into the region of quiet and light, a happy for himself ascent he should prepare. is called Cluny, private indeed in situation, and the Cluny monastery having entered, but by opinion and fame in the whole world now most celebrated and solemn. Which far from human communion removed, so much had of solitary quiet and peace, that the heavenly in a manner it seemed solitude to imitate: where also from of old a monastery was founded, in which under a man of venerable life Aymardus a more numerous convent of Brethren, the care of the mortal flesh being cast away, to the spirit about to live for eternity warred: with whom religion and honesty with so great fervor and zeal was cultivated, that to live men in a divine manner, and in bodies placed beyond bodies to become was a wonder. The virtue indeed of the monastic profession, which into negligence wholly had fallen, and in the Gallican Churches chiefly grew cold, so through them was to its principle reformed, that nearly the whole world of religion thence and order the truth rejoices itself to have attained. Hence into the Churches of Gaul rivers of sanctity and grace flowed down: hence into the Western parts of the world of regular precepts and monastic rigor streams flowed. Hither the good-natured young man Majolus, not the mind laying aside but the habit, among the scholars of the heavenly apprenticeship the wings to war for the Lord entered ^g. You might see the young man after the manner of an eagle renewed, the old age of feathers laid aside to grow plumes, and to the virtues' and graces' novelty to bloom again. You might see his youth with merits growing manly, the cloak of old age put off, and to the heavenly spouse's embraces sighing, into the true fullness of Christ reformed. With the swaddling-clothes of the infant Jesus and the garments of humility clothed, the sacraments of the order, namely humility and obedience, into a perfect man he develops: with wondrous fervor of mind he followed; and in these manfully to be executed no one to himself he suffered equal. To the purity of heart and body the ordered knowledge of charity annexing, a rope, which would be hard to break, a most subtle weaver triplicated; wholly into a monk passing, wholly a monk he smelled of; and by a monk's law living, to the highest summit of monastic religion he developed.

[11] The responses of the Cluny Church to the Apostolic See about to bear Majolus, truly a monk, on a Roman journey to Rome is directed by the Abbot: who the business faithfully and prosperously terminated hastening his return, ^h Ivrea a city of Italy came to, where one of his companions a monk by a sudden languor seized, by a keen ardor of fevers began to be wearied. The indignant fever had invaded all the limbs of him lying, so that nearly now about to die in the near future he seemed. There was anxious the spirit of the man of God, and to the dying almost co-dying his grief with tears and sobs he solaced. He endured for three days: a sick companion by holy Unction he heals: and the sick man in nothing better had himself. The following night, when to his wearied limbs the grace of slumber he had indulged, a certain one of personal reverence appearing to him, exhorts that with holy Oil he anoint the sick man, and as James attests, the prayer of faith would save the infirm. He rises congratulating the vision, and the infirm one anointing with Oil, the whole man who wholly had despaired of health in the space of one day reforms to entire soundness. Much indeed availed the sacrament of Unction: but not less Majolus' tears merited, by which it was given that with so swift a remedy to a bodily infirmity a bodily unction should be a medicine. Jac. 5, 14 Who returned to Cluny, when to the Brethren it became known this deed; they who before the servant of the Lord for the merits of his life honored, now by manifest grace invited, with greater reverence and as a miracle him to have began.

ANNOTATIONS.

g. About the year 948.

CHAPTER II.

The Abbot's office imposed. Illustrious virtues. The blind enlightened. Other miracles. Monasteries reformed.

[12] Meanwhile the venerable Aymardus, attending in himself the natural decline of age likewise and of virtue; lest the defect a ruin should become to the order, by Abbot Aymardus desiring to be freed, and his weakness a remission should bring of discipline, with pious dread feared. He summons into the Chapter the legion of virtue and sanctimony, and all into one in body and mind gathered, into the suspended ears of those sitting around this form of oration he laid down. ^a From a magnanimous King's audacity we know, he said, into the soldiers a spirit of fortitude to be derived, as on the contrary the negligence of a slack Duke ^b into the collateral ones a mind of dissolution inspires: an adverse health of the head wholly redounds into the whole body, as it remaining sound the other members

with soundness and joy utterly grow cheerful. For a King indeed timorous and fearful, if he turn his back, if he have slipped into flight, will not at once everyone most brave and manly with feminine fear be loosed? Who in the head sustaining trouble and in a member suffering principal, will not straightway with all the soul's and body's strength grow faint? Whither the oration tends is plain. For I to you in the heavenly warfare leadership affording, and after the manner of a head ^c to the whole Cluny Church's body providence exhibiting general, by old age and weakness worn out, to my office a response of work to exhibit I cannot. I have advanced into days many, and now aged and old of all virtue in me a defect I feel natural. The easy excursion of years me not knowing has plundered my strength; dim are the eyes, the keenness of the lights wholly is blunted, and of the senses the truth diminished feels ^d the injury of its dejection. Although there be a mind persevering and a spirit conqueror of years, of the whole body yet the ruin having suffered the watches of the order to celebrate I cannot. Let provide for itself your discretion a Pastor, who may go before you in the way of God, and like a column of light in the night of offense direct your steps. A ship without an oarsman committed to the winds, not to sail out to harbor, but to be dashed on the rocks and in the midst of the waves to be buried is wont: a multitude of camp warfare, unless by a Duke's laws it be informed, by his presence be fortified, be strengthened by aid, the savage hands of the around-raging enemies incurs: of providence by which it be ruled, the pit of precipitation strikes.

[13] proposed as a successor, When these and like things the venerable Old man in the virtue of the spirit spoke, and to his face and words the minds and eyes of those sitting around were rapt; he added: To you indeed the Abbot's election belongs, and yours it was by common providence to have set over a Pastor. But since in our discretion's judgment of your also will the liberty you have placed, of the Lord's mercy piously presuming, I exhort and admonish, that the Brother Majolus into the custody of the Lord's flock you substitute a watchful one and a ruler; whose honesty and grace, by frequent indications of virtues approved, of all authority for him exacts the personage. Him to us love conciliates, prudence commends, sanctity re-consigns; that he who in the Lord has obtained the fullness of grace, may attain also of a worthier office the brightness. To this Old man's voice of all who were present the breasts the Spirit of unity filled, the concordant election of all, and equally running together into one, with similar will and mind, the Lord Majolus forthwith into Abbot they chose. No there diversity of parties, no dissonance of wills: but with equal affection of devotion him resisting and unwilling to the office of piety they impel. But the man of the Lord, the more violently, the more humbly himself excusing, his unworthiness with words opens, and of the Pastoral care extols and proclaims the dignity. And when in this will of refusal humility obstinate endured, confirmed by a vision he admits: and the Convent for him of a three-day prayer to the Lord vows had poured; he saw a person in a vision of the night, which a little book of the Rule in its hands carrying exhorted, that to the Brethren he consent, and in testimony of his virtue the same Rule to himself by a perennial matrimony he espouse. Awaking after his rest by fear he is shaken, and of his disobedience making satisfaction to the fraternal will he subjects himself. He ascends unwilling the place ^e of the Abbot; and in the Lord a life leading, the measure of the imposed dignity with the flowers of merits he adorned.

[14] Promoted therefore, and with grace's privileges the chair of the Abbot filling, to God he pleased by the innocence of heart and work, and to men he profited by doctrine and the magistry of piety. in all virtues he is eminent: A mirror was of human life the conversation and his life, into which if more diligently the face thou shouldst intend, of all the deformity and form most fully thou wouldst perceive. Nothing to him common with the world, but wholly himself from it exhibiting alien, Christ by life and manners he spoke: on earth in body placed heaven by merits he possessed, of that heavenly cleanness a certain in the flesh bearing candidate: to savor of Christ, to speak Christ, earthly things to postpone, to eternal things to sigh, to lessons to insist, to doctrine's studies to sweat, familiar to him had been and friendly. In his face mature pleasantness, in his gait honest gravity appeared. Continual abstinence to him, frequent vigils, in prayers frequent and almost assiduous, of his prayer the sober dryness with tears' marrows often he irrigated. So in eating sober and sparing he was, that, tasting of single things, the vice of superstition he avoided, and of all little partaking never the peril of satiety he incurred. Wholly with charity redounding and grace, and to the Angelic imitation aspiring, by virtue above man he was borne.

[15] When now nearly the highest grades he attained of sanctity, and into the fullness of virtues had burst the grace of prayer, the city of the Velauni, which ^f Le Puy of S. Mary or Anicium is called, he sought: by the common favor of those running to meet received, the solemn church of the Blessed ever Virgin Mary by the people's frequency thronged he enters: he falls down to the earth, in prayer he is prostrated, and through groans and sighs of his desire before the Lord the purity he pours out. There rushes to meet the crowd of the poor, and the alms necessary entreats. To others demanding the stipends of life, one who was present, a blind man he enlightens of his eyes' office deprived, of light the remedy begged: revealed to himself through B. Peter the Apostle he confesses, from that water, with which the man of the Lord his hands should wash, could to himself the grace of seeing be reformed: prayers he heaps, and Majolus' often the name inculcating, his Preceptor the Apostle Peter as a mediator interposes. There could now the afflicted's pitiable misery the man of God's bowels have moved; but piety piously dissimulating, mercifully averted its hearing: in the circuit and within full of eyes the heavenly animal solicitously provided, lest the foundation of his purpose, which on the rock of humility he had erected, by vain glory's whirlwind be shaken. He announces to those assisting him, that to the praying blind man of his hands' water by no means they grant. There was made in the breast of the begging one a marvelous strife: hence indeed a repulse having suffered, by despair's weariness he was broken; thence by health's desire and love suspended, the piety of the man of God with his outcries he admonished. Meanwhile from the testimony of those speaking around he learned the blessed man's speedy departure from the city: he proceeds straightway and the royal road not an incautious explorer entering, in the place, which Montjoy is called, the end of his desire he awaits. He erects his ears, he suspends his hearing; and himself wholly within himself collecting, wholly himself he expends that he may hear. At length the violent besieger of the ways from the frequency of travelers the desired of the man of God presence detects: he springs into the midst, and the reins of the rider invades: he bends his knee, prayers he doubles, and the Apostle's vision repeating, that to his passion he have compassion he adjures. Conquered therefore as much by the prayer as by the misery of the entreater, with blessed water: and wholly himself to mercy inclining he descends, and the water which the blind man had brought exorcizing, the blind man's eyes he washes, thus saying: B. Peter the Apostle, whom to thee this very thing thou assertest to have revealed, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ may He pray for you. At this voice the divine grace was at hand, and to the eyes, which of the seeing office long had been deprived, of the desired light the solaces reinfused. Marveled those who were present, and lest public they should make what as if secretly had befallen adjured, to God thanks under silence rendered: to him also to whom the benefit of cure he had bestowed, under attestation he commanded that to no one he should tell; but the Lord glorifying in his heart, himself to the heavenly gifts fit he should prepare.

[16] In the process of time in the territory of Vienne, in a farm which of right had been of Cluny, another blind man by the water of washing the hands: the Lord through B. Majolus not unequal to His virtue exhibited a judgment. A rustic having a son, whose eyes the darkness of blindness had overspread, sad and anxious by the adverse health of his son was tormented: he approached latently to the chamberlains of the blessed man, and the water of the washing of his hands humbly seeking, at length obtained. Who of the merit of the Holy man and the Lord's virtue presuming, the received water on the dim eyes of his son poured: and what to be told also is unusual, straightway the blindness being wiped away, of temporal light the joys to him he restored. Which deed when it became known to the Abbot, not into the swelling of elation it vanished, but more into the heap of humility, it grew: but those who had been as it were the occasion of his virtue, with words more austere he rebuked, commanding, that the washing of his hands every day should be poured on the ground, and into no uses thenceforth be kept. Not however to the envy or contempt of the heavenly benefit this he commanded; but a minister of Christ's humility, of all vanity's occasions with circumspection's shield he repelled. The ministers however did not therefore desist: but the water of his hands to the sick asking secretly giving, to many weak they cooperated unto health.

[17] At a certain time when he made a journey, one of the Brethren, who at his side assisted, one laboring with a fever, began by a sudden indignation of fevers to be vexed; and with so great inclemency of heat and cold he was urged, that the excessive heat no diligence tempered, and the intervening cold by no weight of garments was loosed. To excessive cold intemperate heat succeeded; and feeling no rest's remedy the infirm Brother, either cold wholly always, or hot, with a grave to death inconvenience labored. No to him was hope of living, but wholly bloodless and dry alone bore the signs of one about to die. The Abbot's piety has compassion on the sick one, and from his soul to him condescending, the service of consolation bestows. Putting off his tunic, he clothes the fever-stricken one, the fomentation of prayer he applied, and the fugitive of nature heat to the members re-seeking reinfused. clothed with his tunic he heals: At the prayer of the holy man, the weakness being loosed, into the Brother sudden slumber glides in, sweat flows out salutary, and in a moment the half-dead one recalled to life, with the accustomed grace of soundness blooms again: in which clearly enough it shone how great is the merit of this Saint, whose while feels the tunic the infirmity, it vanishes: whose prayer's grace the languor fleeing dreads.

[18] The Saints' places with devotion's zeal visiting, the Apostles' thresholds often for the sake of praying he frequented. In going to no one going before vocal, to no one passing by troublesome, that whole journey with alms and works of mercy he besprinkled. Knowing himself a pilgrim to be and a guest upon earth, of pilgrimaging the labor more frequently he underwent, in this with all his strength laboring, that a pilgrim dying, of this earthly pilgrimage he might escape the dwelling. Sometime to Rome with accustomed devotion setting out, the Alps being crossed, city, Alpertus by name, with most impatient pains seething was sick. The sick Bishop's confession he hears, Invited the man of the Lord Majolus visits the sick one, his mind he consoles, and lest under the rod of correction he fail he exhorts. Confesses the Bishop his hidden things, and before the physician of piety the scars of his wounds exposing he reveals, and opens to the Lord his way; and when many unlawful things he had committed, chiefly however to vanity that he had given his effort with a contrite spirit he spoke. But the man of the Lord to each thing which he had heard the medicine of counsel applying, this to the sum of exhortation added, that in the furnace of purgatory's pain placed, with manly patience's protection he be fortified. But since the Paschal day nearer was imminent, and the Pontiff of the body's strength deprived to confect the Chrism could not; he asks for himself through B. Majolus, for the execution of his at least office, the exhausted strength divinely to be renewed. Leans on prayers the son of charity, and for the Bishop's health to the Lord supplicating, to the throne of mercy by affection

his devotion he extends. Nor was there delay: the virtue and prayer of the blessed man the virtue to the Bishop reformed, and for him health he obtains: so that the Chrism he confected, which the Canonical order demanded. So by Majolus' merits restored with the joy of soundness, from himself the vice of vain glory utterly he excluded, and for the following health of both men of thanksgiving to the Lord vows he paid.

[19] The labor of the journey being measured, to Rome coming, B. Paul's church he visited. that by the servant's tenacity his alms had been mediated, The Brethren addressed to the custody of religion and order; with suspended on his words monks he invited: he infused into them the divine grace's sweetness, and from his admonition hanging to the love of heavenly things, with words' goads he excited. The end of speaking he had made, and his own steward being called, for the procuration of the Brethren an entire pound of silver he commanded to be bestowed. The steward, prudent for himself and as if precaving for the future, faithfully as it seemed to himself and cautiously the half retaining, the half to the Brethren disbursed. Which being done when to the church of B. Peter the return he hastened, meeting him a certain man ten shillings for a blessing extended: which kindly receiving he handed to the steward, and to him said: Take the pound half which is offered; the pound entire about to receive, if it entire, as to thee enjoined had been, thou hadst expended. A most ample rewarder is God, the received half pound likewise he recognizes and reproves. and into heavenly uses faithfully distributed substance with the same weight He re-consigns. Beware thee for the rest, lest a defrauder thou be, lest to the poor to be disbursed the blessing thou diminish. Which heard the dispenser blushed, and his guilt acknowledging, the hidden things to the man of God made manifest through the spirit he understood.

[20] having given his tunic to a poor man, he receives a better: Sometime making a journey in mid winter, which usually sharper intemperately urged, a certain poor man in goods and habit naked he found: by whose miserable nakedness pricked, the tunic with which he had been clothed the poor man he invested. The journey of that day being completed he came to a lodging. When behold the Bishop of that city, in which a dwelling he had received, a new garment, to that which he had given to the poor man in color and habit similar, but somewhat better, by the hands of his men for a blessing transmitted. The offered gift as if from heaven it were sent gratefully he received, asserting God a good guardian of a deposit to be, who for a simple tunic which he had given to a beggar, a better garment to himself with multiplied interest had returned.

[21] There began meanwhile the most blessed Majolus' fame to be enlarged and to grow, the fame of sanctity spread abroad and the straits of its bounds exceeding, to the utmost bounds of the world by a wonderful progress it was extended: the opinion of his virtues was augmented daily, and the odor of his sanctity boiling out, into the world's borders was poured, and all hearts it filled. The Cluny name into public knowledge raising itself, by the working of the Lord through Majolus into the ears of Kings and even to the thrones of Princes magnificently ran: many also great and abounding in the world, the virtue of the holy man hearing, in heart were changed and habit, and in the Cluny monastery under the Lord's standards to war, the belt to themselves of the heavenly warfare imposed. of so great a man: and a frequent word in the mouth of all was revolved, that there was no house of religion under heaven, with which could a way nearer to salvation be found. Otto therefore of the commonwealth Emperor and ⁱ Adelaide his wife, who justice and faith with manly zeals cultivated, by Otto I the Emperor invited, through Heldric now a monk, once among the Palatines of the royal court a chief, of the holy man the notice to have attained rejoiced. An embassy sent to him letters also of invitation they destined, the desirable presence of Majolus with devout supplications seeking. Who from Burgundy at length gone out, and himself present offering to the Imperial majesty, with solemn reverence as it befitted he was received. And when long between themselves with familiar they were joined colloquy, he is set over the reformation of monasteries: by prayers with him the Emperor obtained, that the Churches of the Empire, in which the fervor of the Order had grown lukewarm, reordering into better he should rouse. He acquiesced to one asking honest things, and in the church of B. Apollinaris of Ravenna he placed of religion an Abbot: near Ticinum, that is Pavia, in the honor of S. Salvator he built a church: a monastery, which commonly ^k the Golden Cell is called and had collapsed almost into ruin, he restored to a nicety.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER III.

Captivity under the Saracens borne. The Roman Pontificate not admitted. Various things foretold. Other miracles.

[22] On the studies of so great works continuously B. Majolus sweating, delay he had made of returning: and there beat on his mind the sweet memory of his sons, whom by the instinct of public charity long of his presence he had widowed. He was moved toward them with all affection of piety, and the heat of cogitation no longer enduring, of the desired return he disposes: expenses and conveyances being prepared, mature to return he hastened. The Alps therefore being crossed when the slopes of ^a Jovis' mountain they followed, the untamed cruelty of the Saracens he incurred: by the Saracens he is captured: who from the broken hiding-places of the rocks bursting, the servant of God with his companions into flight drive, and into a farm which is called ^b Pons-Ursariæ violently lead away: pursuing they take the fugitives, plunder, despoil, and the seized men miserably with the rapine into hidden caverns and lairs of the mountain lead. The goods being distracted and that whole troop disturbed, the holy man obtained with God, that none of his men in that peril should perish. And when one of that unspeakable multitude of robbers a sword at a certain servant's head brandished; Majolus opposing his middle hand, the stroke of the striking right hand received: who gravely wounded his servant by the receiving of the savage wound preserved unharmed. that he may save his companion, he is wounded: Unconquered indeed charity in Majolus for a brother laid down its soul, but charity idle was not: which all the pain evacuating, his hand to plenary health restored. The sign however of the wound remained in the hand, and as if for a testimony reserved a scar appeared.

[23] From that victory which had happened to it very much glad the barbarism, the servant of the Lord upon a stone sitting found: who his solitude with psalms and prayers consoling and refreshing, was unwilling for himself alone the protection of flight to consult: lest his fellow-travelers and companions he should leave unconsulted: in prison but he could, if he wished, easily the imminent peril have escaped. Invades him the surrounding barbarian multitude, and binding with hard fetters his feet, to more remote led prison to be kept they deposit in a pit. But the man venerable, from divine works never idle, the task of canonical service at his times paid. Imprisoned also from the study of doctrine not resting, to constancy his companions he exhorted, saying, to himself from the Lord help shortly to be present. Last night, his men he consoles with hope of liberty he said, when by weariness and anxiety worn out, in sleep my torpid limbs I had relaxed, I seemed to myself to see the Roman Pontiff, in solemn garb and habit standing, and the censer extended the good odor of incense offering: whence let us have confidence in the Lord by the Apostles' merit, that God than all incense more graciously smells, from the present pressure us all in the near future to be freed. And when, the other his books being taken from him, the little book of B. Jerome ^c on the Assumption of the perpetual Virgin, which in his bosom with familiar reverence to carry about he was wont, before the Assumption of B. Mary. under his cloak placed he had found; with all joy of mind he embraces it, that indeed the book he had found as if by a miracle deeming. What remained of time until the Assumption of the B. Virgin he computed, and that that day among Christians loosed and free most celebrated he might lead, from the same Queen of piety he sought. The prayer completed his head he inclined to the rock, and his heavy eyes closed in sleep. meanwhile his fetters are loosed The morning being made he was found emancipated and free, who yesterday fettered to the prison had been delivered. They attempt him again the savage barbarism to fetter, but at the sign of the Cross of Christ the bolts being shaken off the fetters were loosed. There was observed by the Gentiles that miracle in the servant of God, and the fetters being completed utterly, content with custody alone, more remissly him to have and more honestly to treat they began.

[24] Obtained at length the man of the Lord with that raw and cruel barbarism, that for his redemption's estimation and price to Cluny with speed he should transmit. The sent messengers letters of bitterness and grief to the Chapter brought: which read through in common presence, pricked were all even to tears. A huge however kind of solace it was, that him to be able to be redeemed the letters admitted into public attested. The chains of the blessed man groans from his sons extorted: the following occasion of redemption a sweet of consolation inspired affection. and the ransom brought freed Collected from everywhere money the journey they hasten, and the robbers being found the price of redemption they count out. He is drawn out of the lake, led out of the prison-pit, receives his companions of his chains, and so one unchained and free; the companion multitude of captives restores to liberty: the day of the Blessed Virgin among Christians celebrated and glad he led, and the space of the whole journey being measured, to the desires of his sons the end of pleasantness and gladness he brought back. There rushes to meet rather than proceeds, rejoicing the multitude of those running to meet: to whom the sole sight of the holy man the fullness of satiety brought. He is led solemnly into the convent, with gladness he is received: and seeing in himself equally all the vows to concur, while himself to all to divide and partition he suffices not, wholly he pours out to single ones the affection of paternity: he leans on single ones, weeps together with all and rejoices together, and amid paternal embraces and kisses

sweet of his sons, abundantly tears bursting forth, the fire of love stir up, not extinguish.

[25] Nor with impunity bore the savage barbarism what impudently it had committed against the servant of God. the Saracens punished, So great a heavenly animadversion and vengeance pressed upon them, so great a conspiracy of the Christian people rose against them, that partly by excessive slaughter subdued, partly by swords beheaded, almost all who hands sacrilegious had extended upon the man of God being destroyed, equally from the midst were taken away. That way also, which long the most savage hand of robbers had occupied and into solitude almost had reduced, common was made and quiet. But few remaining, who from that perverse multitude could survive, confessing themselves justly to be punished, because unjustly they had vexed the man of God, to the grace of baptism flew. they assert Angels with S. Majolus to have sung. Who also with living voices afterward asserted, that when alone Majolus in prison was held, and except the keepers no one was present; in the midst of the night voices of those singing in concert often were heard, which the man of God leading off responded: which voices to have been Angelic, the very barbarians, the Angels not knowing, publicly attested.

[26] When the way of the desert sometime the blessed man traveled, the servants who in his services insisted ^d mushrooms, that is morels, which offered themselves to the travelers, for the corrupted fungi collected to the Abbot's sight brought. But the man venerable, who always with a lesser-priced food was delighted, those morels, by the cooks' diligence prepared, for himself on the morrow he commanded to be exhibited. The day had shone and the minister of the dish solicitous, found the morels ^e withered utterly and diminished, so that at all they could not be prepared. Sibrardus the servant, to whom of this preparation lay the office, disturbed was afraid: not because in such things to the man of God care was, but lest in the morels more negligently scattered his carelessness should be noted. Hearing the Saint the servant disturbed, others he makes to be found, clemently he calls the hesitating one, the fearing one blandly he addresses, and these omitted others he bids with more diligent care to be sought. Who at the precept of the holy man going out, sufficient ones found, when before diligently sought he had not at all found: which for a miracle was held and wonderfully to have happened most certain it was.

[27] Of Provence the Prince ^f William labored with a bodily trouble, the Prince of Provence he heals, who to himself the Lord's servant by prayers summoned, that by his intervention the inconvenience by which he was urged he might escape: by whose visitation and counsel of the infirmity he convalesced, and the belt of warfare being loosed to the heavenly warfare he devoted himself. To the Avenni town he had turned aside, and to hear him a tumultuous multitude had assembled. But that more freely to God he might be at leisure, the noise of the multitude fleeing in an island, which under the very castle the Rhône surrounds, a dwelling for himself he commanded to be exhibited. His name, which everywhere most widely was poured, in a sunken boat those in peril peoples innumerable there had made to be gathered, desirous of seeing the Saint, but to cross the Rhône not able. A frail little boat and in almost all its joinings dissolved, is brought down: they enter incautious of promiscuous sex equally and age, attending only to what they themselves wished, not to what the weak instrument could suffer. The boat laden more than too much into the Rhône raging they impel, and with headlong unbridled audacity not to be borne to harbor, but in the midst of the waves they strive to be absorbed. What more? The boat frail and full of cracks, the weight of the water and the mass of the waves not sustaining, is carried about, is rolled and by the most rapid river unburied with all fearing and crying out is absorbed. The man of God, whom an honest occupation of reading detained, the vociferation of those around clamoring disturbed: he raises his eyes, intends upon the Rhône, and hearing the absorbed little ship, takes refuge to the familiar remedy: he enters the oratory of B. Martin, and in prayer bent the ears of the Lord with tearful sighs he beats. He rises from prayer, and by the sign of the Cross he frees: into the river extends his eyes, and the name of the Lord invoked the sign of our redemption he sends forth: he calms the violence of the whirlpool, the heaps of the waves disperses and divides, and the absorbed in the depth little ship by the efficacy of prayers leads to the top. None of those who the ship had mounted perished, but entire the whole with its people is transferred to harbor. Astounded hence and thence men by the novelty of this deed, thanks they give to God, and in the man of God the ensigns of majesty venerate. A certain one also, who by the aforesaid William the Count directed, to the Abbot six loaves for a blessing carried, with the crowds unharmed went out: who three lost loaves, the three remaining unharmed and entire to the man Venerable re-consigned.

[28] The extinguished taper From the honest custom of the monks, this with the man of the Lord chiefly was kept, that wherever by night he rested, a kindled taper in the midst even until morning light to those lying ministered. On a night a certain from a journey wearied his limbs he had relaxed in rest: and the lamp failing to the bedchamber of the man of God of nocturnal darkness the horror had introduced. Roused suddenly his companions, and the lamp to have failed seeing, from the beds leap down; and the late under-ashed more negligently fire zealously turning over, by a blessing he kindles: extinguished they find. The servants farther off were, the unfit hour of the night out to go the monks did not allow. Majolus to prayer recurs, and of rest impatient the nocturnal Office in order he executes: when one of the Brethren, from the ^g heart the lesson about to say, a blessing sought. Under the same moment, in which the man of the Lord the blessing gave, the divine fire the taper invaded, as if from the mouth of the Abbot fire for a blessing had flowed. Admiring his companions to God thanks render, and Matins completed, adjured and admonished that they be silent, the wonderful in that Saint efficacy of virtues they reverence.

[29] Under nearly the same time ^h the Roman Pontiff had closed his last day, and the ship of the Church of its Ruler's protection destitute, in this fluctuating life's uncertainty with diverse troubles was beaten. Otto ⁱ the young man with his mother the scepters of the public Empire moderated: there was made in their presence a mature discussion, who in Peter's place by the grace of governance ought to be substituted: the Roman Pontificate offered there was made a strict examination of persons, who namely to so great an honor and grade more worthy and more fit could be exhibited. Through innumerable wandering the sentence, while it found not whereto it might recur, in Majolus at length that Pope he should be made it rested; worthy to be and fitting, that a man notable and by life's merit reverend, a singular justice's Chair should obtain. There are sent the epistles of mother and son, the messengers of the royal majesty approach, and Majolus by prayers' violence from his bounds drawn out, into the Imperial tribunals they led. With great of the whole Empire benevolence and love received, of great with all reverence is held and honor: the question to be ventilated of the substitution of the Roman Pontiff is set forth before him. Why with many should I delay? Personal and famous men in that common presence being named, when on them the general sentence had not settled, is directed the consent of all into Majolus. The young Emperor with his devout mother insist manfully, humbly entreat; and the storms of the Church being repeated, which through him easily would be calmed, that to so great a burden himself he subject violently they implore. Majolus, to whom rather an abject humility than a sublimity honored pleased, refuses the prayers, the vows repels, and the proposed reasons, by which to the Pontificate he was urged, his reasons being adduced evacuates. His promotion into Pope harmful to be to the Cluny Church, to the Roman See utterly useless, he asserted. Absurd rather and altogether unfitting for the mother's cause the daughter to be desolated, with all endeavor he rejects. and to the very mother nothing of solace, nothing of counsel to be ministered. And when the mother's and son's piously hardened will by no reasons was loosed, lest Majolus into pride should be noted, because he would not acquiesce to the dignity, he asks a respite until morning, that to him what is the Lord's will may appear. The space he asked received, to prayers he is at leisure and tears; and wholly in prayer suspended to God, an expedited to his sons return with all marrows and desires he implores. The morning being made when the decree of his counsel to bring forth he was urged, into the midst a book, which to him by chance had been offered, opening this Chapter of the Apostle first he found: Col 2, 8 See lest anyone you deceive through vain philosophy and empty fallacy. Which read through: Behold, he said, the Apostle consonates with my vows; and in the same sentence of the same understanding having the sense I and the Apostle equally are found. Provide for yourselves another according to your heart, me henceforth as Pastor by no means to be had. For under so grave a weight of secular businesses and causes my weakness not to stand, but to fall; not to profit, but to fail I can foresee: the election also in me made cancels the Apostle, and I the divine sense the will to depend on the Apostle's judgment. O man through all things devout and humble! who while always lowly things he pursues and lowest, the highest grades obtained of sanctity: truly magnificently to be proclaimed, who by universal decree into the highest Pastor of the Church elected, with all zeal lest Pope he should be made resisted.

When with so admirable a splendor of virtues Majolus' life shone, so great also shone grace in his words, so great majesty and reverence in his face, that to consenting to him of anyone even obstinate he would seize the will. For when Adelaide the Empress with Otto her son by flatterers' delations was accused, and with open criminations the son the mother assailed; Majolus a mediator himself interposed: who joining both, and the seedbed of hatred from the son's heart deleted, and the mother with the son reconciled into grace. To many also who their lords' face fled, the splendor of his words and grace of quiet and peace the fullness obtained.

[31] But this man of the Lord with the Spirit of prophecy to have shone, by patent indices we know declared. Sometime indeed when he from the City returned, in the very journey sighing he groaned. They asked, what cause it was: to whom with a groan a response he gave, himself in sleep to have seen a lion most savage, with iron chains in a cage bound. Know therefore, he foreknows the death of Otto I that Otto the Emperor from human things in the near future will depart. For he is the great Lion, who in the cage of sepulture by the chain of death iron will be bound. And when the journey performed to their own they had come, a messenger from Germany coming the Emperor announced to have died.

[32] A like Spirit of prophecy toward Otto the young man, of the aforesaid Otto the son, it is established the man venerable to have had. For at Vienne placed the man blessed, to the Emperor's colloquy called, entered. And when amid speaking his face he attended, and he foretells the death to Otto II. and both hands of the young man he pressed with hand his own, with tears suffused he said: Best son, if to me a placid ear thou shouldst apply, of my counsel it would be that from the begun journey thy mind thou recall. For if at present to Rome to go thou shouldst wish, thy native soil no longer thou wilt see. Germany to thee a cradle exhibited, Rome to thee of sepulture the obsequies will minister. Which all by an evident outcome shone: because at Rome afterward the same young Emperor ^l fell.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER IV.

Other miracles. Sickness. Death.

[33] At Pavia the man of the Lord sometime tarried, where a custom to him was the Church of B. Syrus for the sake of praying to frequent. On a night anticipating Matins, a candle by prayers he kindles: two companions being taken, he proceeds to the church to pray. The candle, which one of his companions in his hands carried before, by a sudden impulse of wind extinguished was: when to the church's door there is a coming, the man holy to prayer prone leans; and while more prolixly he pours forth prayer, the candle suddenly rekindled, of light the grace, which extinguished it had denied, divinely ministered. The companions turned to the candle, and beyond spirit not having, in Majolus the great works of God they marveled. In the same city of Pavia there was a place muddy and marshy, which between the major church and the Cluny cell, in which the holy man at that time tarried, in the middle placed, divided as it were a certain chaos great, which from the excessive collection of marsh the trouble of difficulty brought to those passing. But the man of the Lord, to whom a custom was to the major church often for the sake of devotion to set out, the same which also the other travelers of passing suffered injury. And when at the command of the holy man the same place with wood and stones often was filled, the rains' inundation supervening that work of the hands of men destroyed. the marshy place by prayer solid he renders, Already the sweat of those laboring with expenses nothing profiting uselessly was poured, when the man of the Lord the place to visit came: who seeing the labors of men and expenses into emptiness to have fallen, the familiar subsidy of prayer sought: leaning very long on prayers, the muddy of that place and marshy trouble suddenly he leveled, and into a solid he reduced plain: and even today by the merits of the blessed man free without difficulty to those passing exhibits a passage.

[34] A certain citizen of Pavia, of great name and a man of money Hildebrannus, who over the moneyers presided, by a grave touch of flesh trouble lay sick. He on physicians much had expended, but their diligence no to himself of health remedy he had felt to have come. Now utterly despaired of by the physicians, not a little of that which to him remained of faculty, for the salvation of his soul into the uses of the poor and the churches he distributed. a sick man he heals by his presence and touch: The coming meanwhile of the blessed man to the suspended city suddenly is announced: who when the city he entered, by intermediaries humbly called, to the sick man lying of his presence the grace willingly exhibited. At the first entrance he salutes the infirm one; and him with extended hand by a lighter touch handling, with the affection of one having compassion he addresses. At the touch and colloquy of the man of God the pain vanished, and nature recovering its strength, the languor being driven out, a living soundness put on. Which known the city of Pavia burst into praise, and extolling magnificently the praises of the holy man, the works of his virtues with worthy reverence began to cultivate.

[35] A certain noble Matron, in ^b the territory of Viviers by a longer fasting torpid, by various goads of pains was pricked: who hearing the holy man to ^c B. Saturninus' church had turned aside, a matron with oil and blessed water. when unworthy herself of his presence or colloquy she had judged, by sent to him messengers saluted; and with many him in the Lord words attesting, more earnestly besought, that even to salute her miserable he would deign. The holy man to the woman's prayers his hearing applied, and to her oil of unction with water blessed through messengers sent back: of which one the devout woman in drink drinking, the other on her aching members superinducing, in that very utterly hour convalesced. Which miracle enough was made solemn and public, since famous and noble was that matron, in whom that sign had befallen of health.

[36] In the parts of Germany a certain Count by excessive languor of body was pressed: by a grave indeed trouble wasting, the foods offered to him, by whatever art they had been prepared, with a deadly loathing he rejected. the Count by submitted foods His strength in him utterly exhausted had failed, and continually growing pale by fasting, when by himself his side to change he could not, wholly by fasting he was loosed. The coming known of the man of God, messengers he directs, supplicates and entreats, that something of the relics of his table in hope of health and remedy he might merit. Majolus with charity's affection having compassion, the bread with which he fed with a few almonds to him transmitted: from other also foods something he mixed in, more by charity seasoned, than by the kitchen's art prepared. Which being done the Brethren to prayer's instance he exhorts. The end of prayer brought the end to the languor. The offered to himself foods so great the Count with avidity consumed, that the loathing being lulled with all soundness's grace he rejoiced. A few days interposed rolled to the feet of the holy man, of the received health thanks he gave, and by his suffrages to be fortified with humble devotion he asked.

[37] When into almost every land Majolus' glory the Lord had enlarged, France itself also, which as it were the queen is of regions, by the brightness of his virtues illustrious He rendered and pleasant. At the church of B. Dionysius near Paris the man of the Lord had been lodged: the substance of God's word being distributed among the monks, and a sermon to them held, Dionysius on the heavenly hierarchy secretly to read he took. A part of the day he had expended in reading, and the night's space with the same study he had decreed to be occupied. Wearied with fastings the man of God, and with sacred exercises of actions fatigued, a sudden slumber crept in. The candle upon the book is consumed harmlessly, The candle, which to him served for light, from the hand of him sleeping slipped, upon the book's page fell: the fire however the force of its virtue forgetting, the candle utterly consumed, the book placed under preserved unharmed. To declare therefore the merit of the blessed man, the fire of nature the course held, while the candle it reduced into ashes; nor the whole force of its virtue obtained, which not even the surface of the book to violate prevailed. From sleep roused, while with himself what had befallen he marvels, the sign of the Cross made the ashes he blew off, and the page unharmed he found: nothing however to his own merits attributing, but the whole which had befallen to the power of the Divinity ascribing, this of virtue ensign to B. Dionysius' merits he imputed.

[38] From the territory of Poitiers returning sometime the man blessed, at a certain noble's, Gaufridus by name, forerunners being sent before he charged for himself a lodging to be prepared. That word of the coming of the holy man with a grateful mind the devout Soldier received: what for so great a guest were necessary, himself at hand to have he replied; only the fishes, which in those regions arid hardly were found, excepted. The horse therefore prompt he mounted, and fishermen being hired to the pools, he loosens the nets into the catch: but the torrents dried by the summer sun nothing at all he caught. And when the very fishermen the catch of fishes despaired, recurs the Soldier anxious to the suffrages of the blessed man: his name invoked a fish is caught: he invokes often and again repeats the name of Majolus, and to the nets again to be drawn through the water his companions exhorts. And when the name of the blessed man frequently and with living voices they implored, a most corpulent ^d esox, that is a salmon, such as in that water never had been found, by faith's bonds rather than by nets they take: thanks giving to God and the man of God's merit proclaiming, that noble prey home with joy they brought back: that great guest received, with reverence as it befitted, a most illustrious from his presence day they solemnly spent.

[39] On a certain day through a wood a journey making, his companions being sent before, the last of all he rode: solitarily indeed with himself dwelling, the horse halting lest he be hurt, with himself speaking, he was unwilling with wandering and useless tales to be occupied; and this for himself always solitude he had prepared, that the rest running before alone he should follow on the journey those preceding. And when wholly to meditation and prayers he leaned, amid tears and deep sighs a sudden to him sleep crept up. A leaning tree the middle of the way occupied, about to hurt more harshly one passing, unless foreknowing avoiding for himself that danger through another way he had declined it. Slumbering therefore upon his horse the blessed man had come, and himself to the opposing peril unknowing brought. By a divine nod the horse halted, and as if its rider's peril it dreaded, stood immovable. Farther the throng of his companions had proceeded, and there was no one who a better might prepare exit for the sleeping one. Awaking at length from sleep, the tree he saw, the peril which he had escaped he understood, and to the provider of his health God a worthy thanksgiving offered he awakened recognizes himself freed. action. He said indeed himself in sleep a certain little boy of distinguished countenance to have beheld, who the reins of his horse hand-holding, the dumb beast of burden, lest that peril it should incur, governed: whom an Angel of his to have been, no one of a sound head utterly is ignorant.

[40] A blind man from the womb, begging alms from door to door, from a far-off region with the help of a forerunner had come to the man of God: alms he sought and received. Latently he approached to the servants, asserting to himself divinely revealed, through the water of the washing of the hands of the blessed man, the benefit of seeing to himself ought to be conferred.

Many times a repulse having suffered, he heals a blind man with the water of the washing of the hands, the fruit of his labor, a certain servant Sibrardus being favorable to him, at length he obtained. The received water on his perpetual night condemned eyes he poured: and straightway the horror of darkness being driven out, the grace of light he attained. That evident miracle so much the more known was made and into public ran, the more the person of the poor man with his benefactors was held more renowned.

[41] a monk sick with torsions of the belly, A certain Theobald a monk of the holy man, by most grave and continual torsions of the belly was straitened. The physicians to him often introduced losses rather of dying than of living solaces promised. All medicine in him had failed, and of that art the skilled with him had lost their strength. Visits the Abbot the one weighed down by hard troubles of sufferings, blandly he addresses, and with an abundance of sweet words consoled admonishes, that he rest: the mercy of the Lord to himself in the near future to be present he announces, and better than usual he will have himself. The devout Brother, credulous to the words of the Abbot, rests, awaiting what from the mouth of the man of God he had received the promise. But the man of the Lord for the infirm Brother longer to prayer leaned: at whose prayer that Brother wholly convalesced, as if into him transfused Majolus' supplication for the sick one had been a most efficacious draught.

[42] The same Brother, at another time by a grave ulcer struck under the shoulder, by a most grave suffering's injury was broken. By an alternating finally he was vexed inconvenience, and by a grave ulcer struck. which so far had exasperated his nature, that now as if lifeless he became by the heat's inclemency, now from the cold's intemperance as if to rage he seemed: feeling no of the suffering defect, the near now death of living also the subsidy he despaired. There succeeded to him a cogitation salutary: and the cap, which to cover his head the Abbot to him had given, to the raging ulcer he applied. He invokes humbly Majolus' name, and the pains being calmed utterly forthwith fully he convalesced: who the received gladness of plenary health, of virtue the sign, which in him had befallen, to the Brethren intimated: which they also not mediocrely admiring, understood, of how great power was the man most blessed with God, whose name's invocation so most quickly in perils gave help.

[43] Magnificent thus with God and with men reverend Majolus, with many also other of works and signs splendors the length of his days illustrious exhibited and coruscant: which to this work severally to append, lest a loathing they breed to the hearer, a succinct brevity struggles against. But when the most blessed Father of a longer life the excursion even to a mature hoariness had prolonged, In old age vigorous with youthful fervor and zeal in sanctity and justice the Lord he served. There flourished with a now hoary top the head of the Abbot, and the reverence of his face the venerable hoariness amplified. Now a more advanced age verged into old age: now him to leisure and rest the very weakness of the flesh exhorted; his spirit however, a conqueror of age, followed his apprenticeship's law; and as if recently assumed into a soldier, in strength renewed, in justice's contest he sweated. The same to him was frequency of praying, the same nearly diligence of fasting, which also his first youth had adorned. Although a more broken age seemed in him fortitude to have diminished; in the accustomed manner all things he performs; the senses however bodily in him with wondrous integrity flourished. His eye grew not dim, his hearing grew not deaf, the vigor of his hands vanished not; but wholly entire in sense and mind, the remainder of his life in heavenly disciplines he occupied; nothing of his custom utterly diminishing, wholly to lessons he was at leisure or to tears: wishing indeed to be dissolved and to be with Christ, the discharged warfare's donative with suspended to heaven desire he followed.

[44] Now to himself his death to be imminent, now the term of his vocation to be present by sure indices he had declared. There were moved with full affection of compassion the devout sons toward the father, who their desolation's peril dreading, grievously his decease suffered. There was moved also the father toward his sons, whom amid the enemies' darts, amid temptations' uncertainties, without the Pastor's care, without the Provider's diligence he left. A desire indeed he had in victory's glory the goads of death to absorb, but with great also to console his sons of desires' goads he was urged. In that therefore space of living, which to himself could remain, he proposes to visit the cells, his sons to console, that the coming Lord might not him to remission at leisure and idleness, but to honest intent occupations find. The estate of Souvigny Gone out from Burgundy, and the Auvergne region having entered, to the farm which is called Souvigny, the long-lived traveler came: which place most excellent, and by the merits of its abundances in the whole world most known, the Cluny monastery's cell has; which the man of the Lord Majolus entering, the seedbeds of the divine word he scattered among his sons. And when expedited to all good, the begun journey he hastened to others, by a sudden touch of body trouble, to go out he could not. He calls together a chosen multitude of his sons, and consolatory words premising, of his departure to the Lord the time to be at hand he announces. There are disturbed all, they burst into tears, and impatient of all solace, the mind of the blessed man with sighing sobs they wounded. The common indeed affection of the sons toward the father, his men he consoles: a common to all groan extorted. He however manfully acting in the Lord, the bitterness and grief of them with words' blandishments soothed; himself by the Lord to be called to rest, and the course of contest completed to the laid up for himself crown he asserts to be invited; no remaining place of sadness, where to pains joys, to momentary things sempiternal by a happy commutation succeed: the pain of human compassion, in respect of the following reward to be tempered; while he, who is loved, from misery is transferred to glory. The Pastor and Bishop of souls the devout to Himself will not suffer longer unconsulted: the whole strength of their confidence to the Lord let them refer, and He who to His suppliants a pious helper assists, to better best things will substitute. Asked therefore whether he grieved, nothing himself to suffer of trouble, nothing to feel of pain, but with all marrows to God the fountain living to thirst and pant he replied. He confessed to the Lord with the virtue with which he could, and to the marrow sighing to the Lord, the Psalmist's little verses with tongue and spirit he spoke: Lord, I have loved the beauty of Thy house and the place of the habitation of Thy glory: How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! my soul longs and fails into the courts of the Lord. Psal. 25, 8 & 83, 2 Sought therefore that the paternal blessing on his sons he should send forth, with extended hand of absolution the grace with the voice of blessing he poured out, and the sign of the Cross being made he dies. his exit by the heavenly Viaticum's reception fortified, and his forehead with a repeated Cross's impression signing, his wearied with divine works to heaven spirit he breathed out. To whose triumphal obsequies an infinite of diverse sex and order of men multitude assembled. There rushed everywhere into the service of the funeral the crowd of monks, of laymen a numerous mass, and into the apparatus of the deceased with all avidity of mind they flowed together. You might see there discerned of the confused multitude the devotion, while some with heavenly hymns resounding, others sobbing and into tears flowing thou wouldst marvel. Majolus' indeed glory the pain and groan checked, but the affection of piety exuberant elicited tears, even from the unwilling. With dutiful therefore charity of his men, he shines with miracles with solemn apparatus he was buried in the church of B. Peter of Souvigny, behind the altar of the Cross: where with so great even today he flourishes miracles, coruscates with virtues, that even after the death of the flesh in heaven himself truly to live he manifests. There indeed through his prayers are put to flight unclean spirits from the possessed, of the blind the eyes sight receive, the grave inclemency of fevers is tempered, paralytics convalesce, of sinners pardon is granted, and all disquiet without trouble is lulled. There also, what we ourselves today by the eyes' testimony approve, by a visible miracle the invisible fire is extinguished, and of those burning everywhere gathering a multitude by the merits of the blessed man to soundness's fullness is reformed. Full therefore of days and of life glorious the Father Majolus, in a good old age failing, slept in peace; and the body's mass laid down, on the fifth of the Ides of May, on the sixth feria, which the Ascension of the Lord followed, dead the 11th of May in the year 994. was added to his Fathers, in the year of the Lord's Incarnation DCCCCXCIV, but of his ordination the XLI, with the stole of incorruption and glory to be clothed by the Lord: whose is honor and dominion into the ages of ages. Amen.

ANNOTATIONS.

ANOTHER LIFE

By the Authors Syrus and Aldebaldus contemporaries.

From various MSS.

Majolus, Abbot of Cluny in Gaul (S.)

BHL Number: 5179, 6901

BY THE AUTHORS SYRUS AND ALDEBALDUS FROM MSS.

VERSES OF REIMBALDUS

On the writers of this life.

Since there are so many illustrious deeds of the holy ones of old By noble writings and several books published, That thence the faith of peoples may bear an example of light; The Life of S. Majolus as an example of virtue Father Majolus, by merit to be imitated by all, The Authoress of all goods Divine piety Gave as an admirable exemplar of our life: By whom, so illustrious a lamp shining for us, The inaccessible Light worthily let us praise forever: Through whose gift that shining Patron, Gave to us all an equal norm of living: Which if we keep, without doubt we shall come, Where this Archmaster we believe will be rejoicing; Whose in this small little book are retained the deeds Few, as flowers are plucked in pleasant meadows. To the praise of Christ which Warennerius however, In all things a monk of exceedingly reverend life, Warennerius asking, there wrote Syrus, Persuaded the Lord suppliant with much prayer Syrus To write, for the common benefit of all: Lest of so great a Father the pious deeds could be hidden. Who at length by prayers and love of him overcome, To learn what he could from those narrating to publish began. But the coverings of flesh loosing through the dues of death, This small work he left half-done: and he being dead Aldebaldus, Soon Aldebaldus what he supplied studious, Fitting things subjoining, and, as thou seest, in order joining, Sure in this work merited for himself worthy rewards. I ask, commending to this Saint, reader, that these three, Who his life to all to come unfold. To the nations by an example, the supernal favor growing; And let himself be mindful of those mindful of him in the rest of the poles.

PROLOGUE.

[1] By the supernal of Christ bedewing right hand and helping grace, as often as the Saints' acts and life to describe and to letters to commit we busy ourselves, the more is to be feared the temerity, the more of their by no means fully of acts or merits can be comprehended the sublimity. Cautiously indeed and truly to discuss ought human frailty, what in them benignly disposes the Divine majesty. The Author seeks the honor of the Saints: By no means however ought their virtue by silence to be covered, since it ought also to posterity, according to what the divine bounty has bestowed, to be imitated to be made known; let it rejoice also by augmentation faithfulness, as often as of the Saints the annual recurs solemnity, and when of their virtues through God's servants is declared the abundance: because clearly it appears that some who through sloth were torpid to punishment, having heard their virtues are excited to the palm. But if anyone in this

work me by reprehending, as if ignorant of the art, to judge strives, on the ground that not through all things the order of constructed speech by me is kept, therefore that thing so as much as possible without elegant urbanity left let him know, lest perchance either utterly from the manner of sacred Scripture I should seem to differ, or certainly if others' words copied, whose studies in this little work already long ago seem worn down, to change I should wish, or another my own from the whole, as if from my proper sense, to ascribe I should attempt; by others as it were rash I should be judged. It is established indeed that of the Saints any most illustrious the life therefore often by silence suppressed, he excuses the slenderness of style, while through the successions of times the younger ones, the simple of the elders' relation despised, never these they reckoned from memory could grow obsolete. Since the vulgar inurbanity then itself best believes to length of time to provide, when illustrious and greatest things fading by sole narration to posterity it has made to flow. That thing not less insane than improvident, pernicious to the Saints' praises sometimes has bred detriments: because who to unskilled rusticity faith should add, rarely anyone you would find; while those things which it brought partly fabulous, inept partly and ridiculous and through this of the sanctuaries of letters are esteemed unworthy. So it was done that some things utterly unknown, others to the successors' judgment insincerely flowing, of many and great Saints the lofty memories most undutifully obscure. But if to anyone perchance curious of things those which about so great a Father are told less full, less finally by virtue supported should seem, that before these were published some of times are said to have flowed between courses; this, the reason being inspected more diligently, what he does not rightly feel, of our elders venerable the authority will refute. Receive therefore also this little work, and toward B. Majolus' reverence conceive a mind, which indeed may befit your sanctity. And although it be of an astute one all things to his own utility to refer, in this however and for this how great is the labor not so much B. Majolus' praise, as of my own person I seek the favor: which how much I make of easily fully know you can, if of my reason the mind diligently you inspect. he desires to honor God in the Saints, Of a long therefore sweat the interest that to catch I greatly desire, that glorified be God in miracles, who willed admirable to be in the Saints: that to most holy Majolus on earth veneration may grow and glory, who this in the heavens obtained through the increments of good works: that there be acquired edification to those reading, peace to those believing, salvation to those imitating, immortality to those persevering in faith.

[2] and Christ he invokes. Christ Jesus, the unique virtue of God, light and salvation ours, the fountain and beginning and beauty of things, who is our true Redeemer; in whom is all our desire, who through His grace to this work me impelled, to whom all good things please, because He Himself is of all the bestower of goods; O would that He Himself of this labor the beginning and end, and He Himself to me be the beginning of the work! A strongest plainly solace in Him we retain, who flee to retain the proposed hope; which as an anchor of the soul we have safe and firm and entering even to the inner of the veil: where the forerunner for us entered Himself Christ, according to the order of Melchizedek a Pontiff made forever. He therefore exhorts, inviting all to the heavenly gifts; and promises these easily to be able to be obtained, if all the cupidities of this world being spurned, through faith, hope and charity, whosoever them worthily shall have sought. These indeed until He Himself into this world coming, and the carnal love with the sword of separation slaying, through the preachers of His Gospel had sown, and the most peaceful fruit in His field had acquired. This indeed always the best master taught, that, His Gospel understood, the ingrown savagery of manners they should lay aside, and meek and mild should learn; that in His second coming, when He shall have come in the glory of His Father with His Angels, such He may find, to whom for their good merits eternal He may render also rewards. These meanwhile foretasted, now already to the order of the text let me return; lest perchance, with rusticity and also simplicity, the uncultivated page should displease.

BOOK I.

The Acts of S. Majolus private both before and after his entrance into the Cluny monastery.

[3] Therefore ^a in the parts of the Gauls, from huge causes, when the Lord disposed the race of men to be afflicted through the savagery of the Pagans; of the nefarious nation the army of the Saracens, from the sheath of its habitation going out, and the maritime regions beyond and on this side traversing and traversing demolishing, into Provence came, for the sake of the name of Christ to be assailed, and to its Dominion to subjugate it: whose inhabitants secretly God by His judgment to its sword delivered to be struck. By the Saracens rushing into Provence Which nation far and wide of its slaughter extending the cruelty, so into solitude almost the whole reduced the region, that into the wasteness of a desert, places before desirable seemed turned. For cities most noble with the earth leveling, and farms depopulating, castles undermining, the sheepfolds of the Lord overturning, not least of the Christians slaughters it produced. Whence among its other crimes, ^b the Lérins island, with religion flourishing, depopulating, the Lérins 500 slain, in things all uninhabitable it rendered; the servants of God, who there among the rest and before the others of sanctity and of vigils the first held, themselves a thousand times immolating, with the sword slaughtering nearly five hundred and more. For it is told (which by no means I think to be passed over) that, before the fleet of the Saracens thither arrived, an Angel of the Lord to S. Porcarius the Abbot through a vision appearing, evidently foretold, both the time, and the day, and the hour, and a sure to all imminent destruction on the day seven hence dawning. Of which thing matured counsel he admonishes, that one of two they choose, either to flight consult or the palm of martyrdom without delay seize. In their arbitration and power to have placed the Lord this gift so good, according to the prediction of Porcarius: so best and so chief, whether they wish or not by a brief commerce of blood this immortal to acquire gain. The morning therefore being made, B. Porcarius the Brethren being called together all things, which he had seen and heard, relates. From which some fearing, some not believing, all however by the unexpected thing, and the doubtful were disturbed peril. This received oracle, you might see some to islands safer to wish to withdraw, others the place itself to be unwilling to leave.

[4] These thus among themselves variously disagreeing, the awaited day had come, by the night's only interval divided. And now the vigil instant, with the morning's clear light, from the watchtowers afar directing their gazes, they see the hostile column to arrive, with spread sails, with leveled front, with horns drawn obliquely; and the whole sea to glide with fleets. Forthwith disturbed in minds and scattered from their purpose. And when they desired the evil to escape, there lay open nowhere a place of flight: for already also this through the spirit foreseeing B. Porcarius all the ships from the harbor secretly farther had led away, forbidding the sailors, lest within the prefixed for them time in any way they should return. Therefore when he had seen the athletes of God by an immense weight of the contest to be wearied, he groaned at so sad a wickedness the most brave hero, on the right his companions to depart by the horn, and the unconquered band once without slaughter to perish. Then the banner of the holy Cross, who the Cross being set forth which in the first column the good leader was wont to carry before, the point fixed placing, his men exhorted, he restores their spirits with biting words. O, he said, most brave soldiers! O most instructed of the divine battle warriors! whither do you rush? to whom do you give your necks? What fury agitates your insane with darkness minds? Stand I pray, stand; nor wish with hand the plow-handle holding to look back. For shame! We are conquered, alas! sluggish, nor our power brings forth its wonted force. Nay rather, O too much beloved youth, I exhort and admonish, your sitting spirits to lift up, lest us as unprepared they forestall. Once our devout souls, willingly hastening, let us subject to the most precious passion. By experiment now you will know how great to them from our constancy the fear, how great to us the glory comes. Such things the Old man perorated, by name each one calling; and at the same time the keenness, which he bore in his heart, by his brow's dignity displaying. By which words grew warm their virtue: and gradually fear being driven out grew moist the cold hearts, by a sudden of the Holy Spirit dew besprinkled. A clear face returns, as if you should see a purple to grow bright light without a cloud of day. The holy columns over the face felt the Thunderer's, and rejoice cheerful that Christ to His conquerors the citadels of the ether and to His servants the paternal to open profound. with them he undergoes martyrdom: So eager and of victory secure they proceed from the camp, the gates lying open, all adorned, all in white clothed, like lambs immaculate and uncontaminated of Jesus Christ, foreknown before the constitution of the world. O with what joy then that Angelic assembly danced, so great of the blessed Martyrs meeting columns! To none doubtful that all the heavenly Jerusalem then exulted with ineffable gladness, then was made glad with inestimable charity, and then with all gratulation went forth to meet, and them with huge light circumfulged, and even to the throne, once for them even before the constitution of the world prepared, with praises and spiritual canticles led.

[5] This therefore slaughter perpetrated, and at the same time devastation following, and many flowing away of years' courses, from ^c the Avenni of venerable life Majolus of most splendid parents was procreated; a Provincial indeed by race, S. Majolus born in Provence, of the noble Gauls illustrious by generosity. He from the very rudiments of infancy to the studies of letters delivered, the supernal providing clemency, which for itself him had predestined a vessel of election to be future, with a twin science most efficaciously shone. he is cultivated by studies and honest manners; Whose Jesus already then by His condescension possessing the little body, not this with foul from of old permitted to be polluted by the enemy sports, and obscene acts: since He His own, before he was born, in him had foreknown to consecrate a seat. 1 Tim. 4, 7 And while still he was a little boy, the Apostle he had not read; and yet already his imitator being, old wives' fables and word obscenities he shunned, and by act and voice that of the Psalmist resounded: I have thought my ways and turned my feet into thy testimonies. Psal. 118, 59

Not in many is there need in him of nobility Distinguished to recount the honor, which with a twin gift, Both splendid and rich, both in wealth and in lineage shone: The indication and proof of the thing the numerous retain Estates, by surviving once most known charters.

[6] But in the process of time the boyhood run through, when him now to itself claimed adolescence, to Mâcon he migrates: his parents by human lot forestalled, and the estates by barbarian invasion into solitude reduced; the divine disposing providence, his natural soil he was compelled to desert, and the parts of Burgundy to seek: and coming into the city of Mâcon, he was received there in lodging by a certain his kinsman, who among the rest of the same city's Nobles bore the honor of nobility. dear to the Bishop And when for some time in his lodging he tarried, by his support, he began to be of use to the same city's Bishop: who him with a liberal seeing genius to flourish, of the Canons strove the college to join: who also him more secretly with the highest exhorted instance, that himself a virgin he should preserve, and as a vessel of election in the Church worthy he should become. his virginity he keeps. But the Virgin's son already long ago with chastity's love his breast had inspired, that not even a point of time from his contemplation he suffered to be torn away. The sweetness of the Lord he from tender age had imbibed, and therefore of chastity the brightness in him had grown white, and had increased the bestowing grace

the breast of the infant With twin gifts: and what is wont to be for two Pleasing and sufficient, this He had heaped beforehand on one. For that wisdom resting on seven columns Might be able to fit the house in the beloved breast; A lively genius helped the endeavor to every effort: And in turns the mind genially expatiating, A studious assiduity stretched forth the help of a master. Each thing, God moderating, the happy in beginning Times of the now growing youth then advanced.

[7] he studies Philosophy at Lyons under Anthony Prefect of the Île Barbe. About the same time at Lyons a certain Anthony flourished in good manners, in Philosophy enough learned, whom virtue and religion of the ^d Île Barbe had set over the monastery. This the man of God by certain ones' report having learned, because with too great a fervor of learning he was hot, to Lyons proceeded, and to his magistry himself to be instructed committed: of whose much he profited, not only by doctrine, but by manners and life. The aforesaid indeed then city all excelled to itself near, both by the religion of virtues and by the study of liberal arts. For wisdom being offended, which for its own sake only is to be sought, by certain ones' gains base, by many's undisciplined life, by all's finally tepidly themselves seeking dishonest sloth; the dearth of preceptors intervening, and the former studies almost collapsed, of this our region fatally hated, at Lyons for itself for some time a familiar consistory placed. There, what they call, of the disciplines liberal the skill, and which to run in order at this time a fable only is, so far prevailed, that as to the schools, the public was called of the cismarine world a gymnasium. And that some reason to bring I may seem, by this argument we gather it, that whosoever of the arts to be professed was affected by zeal, not before to the professed was he counted worthy to be ascribed, than this examined by diligence he went away. To which thing the Satirist also gives testimony, who (that by the circumstance of an example the thing may shine forth) in the first book of his work sharply and long against the unchaste having inveighed, says them by the conscience of the frequented crime accordingly to grow pale.

As the Rhetor about to speak at the Lyons ^e altar. So it is clear that to the wise both the palms and the names were bestowed. In that therefore city, as already we said, when the Philosophers and ecclesiastical men he heard, the divine inspiring grace, all his rivals he preceded in wisdom. The eloquence of speech, to the gravity then was joined of wisdom: from the matter of this composition a vessel to be he began of election.

And when he was vehement and of a mind to all things capable, Nothing untried, nothing finally left undrunk. Whatever from the native masters could flow, All in a short time, for almost a boy and before youth All things he had drunk in: rages an inmost ardor in all Further things to follow: and lest to his studies abundance be lacking To wear away his leisures And in studies to die. Very small and vile to be known, If any things lie open he believes, dear and very great he reckons, If any things lie hidden. There was to the liberal then arts always A sure honor, and to studies glory added a spur.

[8] And when now to be clothed he had begun with the springing of youth's flowers; so his adolescence with good he instructed manners, that at that time already he was thought a monk. Entire himself and sincere with all custody from these he kept himself vices, with which to be contaminated are wont men of this age. For with these to be imbued he feared, lest in a tender age with these he should be infected, with which when he would to lack he could not, according to that which is written: A young man near his way, even when he shall have grown old, will not depart from it. Prov. 22, 6 Of good men and chiefly of the prudent the companionship having obtained, of baseness the followers hating. Now indeed through all, as is the custom, a Deacon he is ordained: the grades ascending Ecclesiastical, when of the Levites he obtained the office, even to that summit, the doctrine demanding it of justice, by the same was sublimated the already aforesaid Pontiff. The office therefore of the ministration received when to the cultivation of the vineyard he was devoted of the Lord, that himself he might assign a husbandman of it, the common useful of many more he sought than his own. To all benign, to all equal, to no one he harmed, to those whom he could to profit he strove. Sound indeed to him doctrine was in him, because to his condition what befitted that diligently he did, for that of the Apostle: Giving to no one any offense, that not be vituperated our ministry, but in all things let us exhibit ourselves as God's ministers. 2 Cor. 6, 3

There grew in merits the born from successes hero, And the follower of the perfect to the first summit tended With unwearied courses, lest not perfect in every Part he should be, Sacred and Pastor now and now to be future; And that against the death-bearing pests to direct his mind And the emerged heresies whence whence to thrust out he might be able, There armed the learned tongue a lively eloquence.

[9] He had read death through the windows entering, and through the same the house inwardly penetrating; and therefore his so he strove ears to stop with prudence's bolt, a careful keeper of the senses and the tongue: lest the inner chamber of the heart be struck by the dart of bloody death. For each one obtaining his own office, void was compelled to become of another's. So his gaze from concupiscence withdrawn, sincere was rendered and pure. From a tongue indeed lacking falsehood far were distant flattery and detraction: opportunity however if it had demanded, a severe was not lacking correction, since indeed if this is a man perfect who in the tongue offends not; by no means is held worse, who a certain brother seeing sinning, by admonishing, exhorting, rebuking according to the Apostle to the way of truth leads back. Jac. 3, 2, 2 Tim. 4, 2, 2. Pet. 2, 9 And because neither with tongue nor with eyes easily to sin he wished, rightly that to him to befit it seems, which is said, Since by sight and hearing he was just; with holy also and modest discourses imbued, to obscene and base ones utterly was shut his hearing, for that which is written: Hedge thy ears with thorns, and do not hear a wicked tongue. Eccl. 28, 28 Already his feet from the spacious world's journey were withdrawn, and the steep path of the heavenly fatherland already to set out they strove. Act 20, 35 The doctrine indeed with which he was cherished of justice to himself prudently suggesting, more blessed to be to give than to receive, his own hands often the contraction to capacity, more often however and more easily the extension had to liberality.

To know was not great, unless also to be able it accompanied: And from a fool a wise man very little to differ is thought, If not also thou canst: better two joined are borne, Which if thou separate the other perishes: so of the other the thing The other demands the help of the thing and conspires friendly.

[10] With charity indeed abounding in his bowels, for the poor always he was solicitous: munificent toward the poor: but Christ with all his bowels loving, while like Martha bodily he could not, in the needy Him daily he refreshed, by His own testimony, who says in the Gospel: The poor always you have with you, but Me not always shall you have. Joan. 12, 8 Whence the same Himself to His own about to say in the end: What to one of My least ones you have done, to Me you have done. So therefore in the reception of the poor in Christ his he rejoiced as a dweller. Mat. 25, 40 But to the work of exercising mercy, that though he were impelled by that blessedness, which among the rest in the Gospel by the Lord's voice is announced; Blessed the merciful for they themselves mercy shall obtain; of ordered however charity by which he was bound the bond, not to luxury, but to necessity, as to each there was need, to single needy he gave help. Matt. 5, 7

To all of hospitality a most large use he afforded: No one is excepted, no one suffered a repulse: He gathered all, built feasts for all, He himself brought in the viands, and all thence refreshed He hungered alone ---

[11] At a certain time therefore, when of victual things the fertility in the wonted manner came not, in a public famine, and the whole region with want of foods a famine most sharp constrained; to the man of God more than usual to come began of the poor a multitude. Whose importunate entreaty while daily miserably it insisted, that to their want the man of God's piety should give help; with charity's pierced point, with too great cogitation he began to seethe. The large indeed abundance of having in the great storeroom now had failed, when the means of helping all was lacking, into like distributed works: hence to them, who of guarding the care to him domestic had been to be fed, the necessity; thence to all needy of giving help, solicited the will. All things by which of human life is contained the action to be absent seemed; the storeroom and his house's overseer protesting, to himself and his own the few things which remained not to supply, much less of so many asking he could have the penury to relieve. Then the man of God a little oratory (which in the honor of S. Michael himself across the Saône had rebuilt, and to which on account of the popular tumult himself from the city he had betaken, that in secret quiet vigilant in prayers, to the divine service he might be devoted more attentively) having entered, by the poor's compassion moved, began the Lord more earnestly to entreat. And when prone to the earth himself with tears he prostrated, and abundantly weeping long in prayer persisted; as his eyes from the earth he withdrew, before himself seven shillings he beheld: which indeed to touch he was unwilling, because for himself he feared; lest either a phantastic illusion, or another's loss it should be, praying to God, and a fault as if from an action of piety he should perpetrate. the 7 shillings found among the poor he distributes: Gone out from the oratory the shillings, which he found, through all hither to come wont he directed, and those who had lost them to inquire he commanded. All themselves the pennies not to have lost, and their own which had been found asserting not to have been, not to his own uses, but them to the foods he deputed of the poor.

[12] Further of the divine precepts, as an avid he was searcher, so a studious worker himself to piety exercised, and whom he could to the same to draw he procured. His adolescence, that despised it might be by no one, so into the good which he had attained doctrine he busied to inform, that to the rest he might be an example of a good life, in word and holy conversation.

This to the blind an eye, the same finally a foot to the lame, And to the poor a father, so to all all things made, He hindered none, he contended to profit all.

For the Apostle he had read promising, that they, who well shall have ministered, grace for themselves shall acquire and much confidence, which is in Christ Jesus. 1 Tim. 3, 13 So to the ministry to him entrusted he attended, that to all his the profit was manifest, and to all he profited hearing him. gratis other Clerics he teaches: The doctrine, which according to to himself granted grace he had attained, that to usury he might lend to several, lest of the talent to himself entrusted, being torpid he should be condemned with the servant, from diverse to himself parts Clerics he called together: and whom docile he discerned, them gratis and willingly he taught. This moreover he busied desiring to do, for that of Daniel the Prophet: Who shall have been learned, shall shine as the stars of the firmament; and who to justice instruct many, as stars into perpetual eternities. Dan. 12, 3 And this therefore, that not alone, but with his own he himself with his hearers to be inserted into the starry might be found worthy splendors.

---Never with discourses he The thing did only: he could thus finally be spurned If not also he should do; and to be contemned is thought, A Doctor in eloquence, unless he brings suffrages by deeds, And when him only thou shouldst see at this time, many Secluded from the people in a place, and with no shame, To affect in minds likewise popular things with loose souls. This one with the reverse turned (rarely which happened to any) In the peoples a bright by the gift of secrecy life Obtained: and what is wonderful, mundane things handling Of the deceitful by no means he drew the contagions of the world. O wonderful! that anyone touches pitchy filths

Nor be defiled by the pitch. Wonderful that, hidden in the lowest Folds, the fire was, and the garments are borne unburnt.

[13] The man therefore of God when with such and of this kind he flourished manners, the Archbishopric of Besançon he does not admit. and his name by famed report was divulged; the Archbishop of Besançon having entered the way of all flesh, both of that land's Prince and of all the Clergy by the consent and of the people, to its summit to be received of the Pontificate B. Majolus was impelled. But his mind, though strengthened by the strength of authority, and raised it were by the summit of virtue; under this however appearance, lest the world's gain he should be compelled to seek, and to the world's glory, which in mind already he had spurned, through a secular business delightfully to tend; the grave weight of the stormy summit through the custody he fled of humility; the Creator of all following the example, who when before the world He reigned in heaven, a kingdom to receive avoided on earth. It is written indeed: Jesus, when He knew, that they would come to seize Him and constitute for themselves a King, ascended again into the mountain alone to pray. Joan, 6, 15 Wherefore B. Majolus, by the eternal King's magistry taught, who the offered glory of the summit fled, and afterward willingly came to the gibbet of the cross, that His member he might become, all his hope in Him placing, this strove by work to fulfill, which He commanded by discourse. This indeed is commanded in the Gospel: Who wishes after Me to come; let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Luc. 9, 23 So the man of God through the heavenly study's discipline, the world's slippery despised glory; and by the supernal life's touched sweetness, those things which by the world's lovers are coveted, all from himself utterly he attempted to cut off. Therefore a monastery in a hill's valley, Cluny he seeks: which Cluny is called, over which a man of life Venerable Heimardus presided, for the honesty of manners and of virtues the studies he sought; and there according to B. Benedict's Rule, from the same man already aforesaid the conversation's habit asking, that he be received he begged.

[14] All things therefore being spurned of earthly possession the stipends, for the hope of future repromission, the habit of holy conversation he took: and so thenceforth by another's empire he lived that in nothing he deviated from holy conversation's purpose. For he, far from himself removed dullness and murmur, and there in obedience he excels: of singular before the rest obedience by virtue stood out; fulfilling that in the Brethren, which enjoins B. Benedict: Obedience's good not only to the Abbot is to be exhibited, but also to one another let the Brethren obey. But of the Abbot by the Apostolic he was instructed example: Obey, he says, your Superiors. Hebr. 13, 17 For indeed B. Benedict's, to whose discipleship he was subject, an imitator being, the humility of a little one put on, the foolish Philosophers' doctrine being neglected, the wise foolishness of God he undertook, according to that which the Apostle enjoins: If anyone wishes among you wise to be in this age, let him become foolish that he may be wise. 1 Cor. 3, 18 Whence he who before a teacher of Grammarians, a disciple to be began of simple men. Not otherwise indeed than the Philosophers to the syllogisms' arguments wholly themselves confer with all the mind's instance, so himself he conferred to those things to be learned, which by daily use in the monastery are to be fulfilled. All which with diligent to himself care being known, and by experiment to memory committed, to seem now he began more learned than all. set over the library Him therefore as in the monastic order so prudent now the said Father understood, the library setting over, the apocrisariate's office to him enjoined: which ministry with so great authority and with so great solicitude he fulfilled, that to all conversing with him an example he was and a terror. profane books he spurns: He had read the same man of the Lord books once of the ancient Philosophers, and Virgil's lies, which he was unwilling neither himself now to hear, nor others to read. There suffice, he says, the divine Poets to you, nor do you need by the luxurious of Virgil eloquence yourselves to be polluted. With the regular indeed content conversation, so he busied parsimony, that to differ by no means he seemed from the society of common life. in conversation circumspectly himself he bears: Whose vices while he discerned to be reprehended, this sought, what to each one befitted, in the beginning, first in each one praiseworthy things he sang, thereafter as if ignorant the reprehensible things he plucked; all however more often he admonished, that such themselves to God they should exhibit inwardly, as human opinion for the religion's habit bore outwardly. O! man to whom always the highest things are owed: who by love of life eternal voluntary having embraced poverty, to Christ gave what in the altar of the heart he found, nothing to his own merits attributing.

[15] At a certain time for the monastery's utility B. Majolus, with another Brother, at Ivrea his sick companion to Rome to be directed it befell by the Abbot. Who the legation completed while they returned, that to Ivrea to a lodging they came; the Brother, who accompanied him, by name Heldricus, by the fevers' seized languor, to be wearied began with a keen ardor. Nevertheless the sickness prevailing, when with his whole now he suffered body, of life despaired, about death he was extended solicitous. But the man of God, who nonetheless than he who suffered of the fraternal torment was saddened, with a doubled then was affected misfortune: because hence him the Brother's manifest vexed sickness, thence the paternal which begun hung legation. But what he should do not knowing, the divine clemency to entreat he began more attentively. Three at length days performed, after Matins praises, when himself to sleep he had given; a certain man with hoariness reverend to him seemed, saying: Why with sluggish mourning art thou depressed? Why from memory has it fallen, what my brother James of infirmities enjoined: Is anyone of you saddened, let him pray; of an even mind is he, let him sing psalms; is anyone infirm of you, let him bring in the Presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the infirm, and will relieve him the Lord. Jac. 5, 14 By this vision somewhat lifted in mind, straightway as he rose from sleep, with a swift action he led to effect, what by the Apostolic had been by revelation learned. A thing wonderful and vehemently astonishing! On the same indeed day, with holy oil he heals: on which with sanctification's oil he who suffered was anointed, so to health pristine restored he convalesced, as if no trouble of body he had borne. On the other day of the Lord rejoicing in the virtue, they attempted the journey begun to lead to effect. Since indeed by B. James' voice healed testified the infirm by faith's prayer, therefore than light clearer it is plain the blessed man this by his prayers to have obtained, that this one to so quick health was rendered. This plainly miracle to the Brethren by faithful relation when it had been recognized, thenceforth in great veneration to have began B. Majolus, whom now so to God near they knew by effects through signs of virtues.

[16] But the holy man the glory of praise being cast off, more to be despised than to be venerated in this desiring life, the more by the Brethren's devotion more attentively he was honored, the more with all vileness and lowness himself he deigned. Of all though by charity he was loved; the cleanness however of his heart, lest boasting should defile, by no one to be praised he wished. And therefore from men fleeing to be in price, by his conscience dear himself he exhibited to God. humble in his own eyes And Christ's also clothed with the tunic, whose he followed footsteps, and with wonderful adorned patience, the better according to the Apostle always pursuing he busied charisms: and therefore the vices shunning, from virtue into virtue advancing, through obedience's fourway to humility even the supreme he ascended pinnacle. 1 Cor. 12, 31 in every virtue he advances. But because obedience no one well can command to subjects, except who this himself shall have learned first to exhibit to prelates; therefore him for a long time God's dispensation determined to be under, that under another's magistry he might learn, how without error others he could profit.

O the sublime merit of the man, whom the grace of the highest Hitherto raised on the summit of virtues of Christ! All things when they obey, all things answer to his vows.

But I here from the deflowering work a little will breathe, that a due end this book may receive, Although unworthy by brevity to be compelled it complains.

ANNOTATIONS.

PROLOGUE OF BOOK II.

[17] To one going around the wedges of the Christ-worshippers, whom the ground brought forth, there occurs a reason both vehement and more moderate, reader, by thy peace which it may be lawful to bring forth first; to no one this diminishes of office the magnificence. It being inspected, that one in the gifts of honeyed doctrine excels, another for his merits ascends the stars, and that this one in the woods celebrated a more blessed fame makes illustrious; scarcely one wouldst thou find to whom at once these all things flow together. So with gifts men the munificent Spirit imbues, who though simply simple subsists and one, yet on account of fecund with manifold gift the charisms, of the heavenly rather sevenflowing the page proclaims; or rather because so through all He runs, that never however outside Himself He is borne. Θεὸς [for], which is in Latin Deus, either from the verb which is θεορῶ, that is I SEE is derived, or from the verb θέω that is I RUN; or what is more probable (because one and the same understanding is in it) from both rightly is taken to be derived. For when from the verb θεορῶ is deduced Θεὸς, SEEING it is interpreted; but when from the verb θέω

Θεὸς RUNNING

rightly is understood. For He Himself into all things runs, and in no way stands, but all things by running fills, according to

that, Swiftly runs His word. Ps. 147, 15 Yet in no way is He moved: of God indeed most truly is said, a stable motion and a mobile state. For He stands in Himself immutably, never His natural stability deserting: but He moves Himself through all things, that there be those things which from Him essentially subsist. By the motion indeed of Him all things are made, since He is motion; and the same He Himself the state and the stable motion,

This is not, nor that is: but exists all: Not here, not there; but through all wholly. So to the small, the middle, He is present to the great, Himself indivisible and remaining whole: From Him since, through Him, and in Him Are whatsoever flourish: to Him equally Tend all things, as to rest.

And so

When He so holds Himself: the streams of the true Of thine own accord conceive thou it must needs be subsist, With no spirits, with no charm, Of God a proper and good name To define for God: nor to be easy What kind, how great, likewise who He can be, By origin better and nearer Thou wilt bequeath to the mind, if anything thou suborn He wishes to be entreated with placid words, Easy to bestow, prompt to have given. With these therefore measures approach the Father, The Father with the Begotten and the pious Spirit. This our light, salvation, and redemption, A Light driving the dim into the shades, To the blind the empyrean heavens disclose. The seekers with Thy strong right hand help, Since it is not possible to approach Thee For anyone, unless Thou grant to come through Thee. Show Thy face, O God to be dreaded, To these who naught else seek but Thee. Break the evil clouds and the phantasies, By which the mind's keenness beaten back, Purely is not allowed God to behold. As Thee invisible to see grant, To these who the light-flowing fountain to thirst Have known, rest, and their own end. What remains indeed, what presses, I say, The present works of Thee needing, Compose we ask; and favoring the vow Both the senses heap, and the mouths loose, That to the dumb clear utterances may flow.

The principle therefore of best manners being run through, hither us with good auspices to go, the fountain of light and the same Father who deservedly art called, grant.

BOOK II.

The Abbot's office imposed. Illustrious virtues. The blind enlightened. Other miracles. Monasteries reformed.

[18] Seeing meanwhile the man of the Lord Heimardus, B. Majolus by virtues' wings to high things to be carried, earthly all things to despise, By Abbot Heimardus blind the world's glory to decline, in words to flourish, with miracles to coruscate, and with all endeavor from virtue into virtue to wish to advance; but on the contrary himself infirm, of light deprived, by old age wearied, and of discharged warfare now a veteran; the Brethren called together into one, with these he began to address them speeches. Me deprived of light to you usefully to preside you discern by no means to be able: and therefore such from yourselves choose, who a guardian and keeper may be to you in God's service. But them hesitating and nothing to these answering, what his mind had conceived by divine inspiration, he alleged by discourse; a successor is proposed to be chosen: B. Majolus that they should choose exhorting, this alone to be to that office fit affirming. One consent of all and not unlike was the assent.

To see it was all into consonant vows rushing: For the flocks of monks and also the columns of Clerics, With noble men joined; the rustic people, to the people Urban runs together: equal is the sentence to all, The voice the same, and with common zeals burn all, To Majolus the title to decree now of pastor. Him by illustrious merits, him by nobility to be chosen, By doctrine chief, by a generous breast first, To Princes known, and in not a part to be revered; Cautious in counsels from the divine fountain sought. Many of the man praises heap his chaste laud: The matter his high merits gave, and through the mouths of the willing Free, of their own accord flow the speakings of true discourse: To each there is nothing else, nor avails the abundance of speaking, Majolus he redoubles, Majolus to the stars he casts. And wherever outward thy eyes, wherever thy ears thou shouldst try to lead, All things Majolus resound, and again send back All things Majolus, so great is the concord of voices.

[19] But that consent he should afford when by no prayers he was bent, the Abbot using good counsel, what to himself he denied possible, to Him who all things can he busied to commit. but not assenting, Wherefore after the determination of single Hours, upon this petition prostrated on the earth the Brethren, the eighty-sixth was chanted Psalm. And this while it was done for three days, such God's piety brought an indication. For the man of God by too great solicitous care, when the following midnight he had led sleepless; by a long at length cogitation wearied when slumber rushed on him, that still as if waking himself he thought; a certain one with the religion's habit covered, with a comely face beautiful, seemed to himself to stand by and to say: Secure be, Brother, in a vision he is admonished, by S. Benedict fear not in receiving of governance's honor: because to this to be performed office, divine to thee will not be lacking aid. Then a little book, which by chance in his hand he carried, extending, This, he said, thou a companion have, and by its testimony what are to be done do. But this who spoke, no other to himself than Lord Benedict seemed. And so by this vision somewhat recreated, to waver he could not, himself to this work by divine to be compelled dispensation. Casting therefore on the Lord his care, and all his power in His will placing; the morning being made in the convent of the Brethren, his body on the earth prostrated, then to the Abbot then to the Brethren he made satisfaction in the Chapter, accusing himself of fault, and them with such addressing speech: O Fathers and Brethren, this to contumacy attribute not, that with obstinate mind to your bidding I deferred to obey. the burden to admit. For of souls of governance while the force and greatness in mind I revolve, of my weakness conscious to this to be received by no means me to be fit I feel: and therefore was the obedience's delay, because of so great a weight under the mass a ruin to suffer I dread. For no one one to another is so known as to himself: whence if me as I knew you, to that office by no means would you compel. But because your urges bidding, which to contradict I dare not; now in Him who to soften harsh things, to relieve grave things is able, to overcome adverse things is able, all hope being placed, your I am changed from unchanged sentence. This the Brethren heard, all gratulated to God, by whose most benign compassion to be heard they merited in their petition.

[20] Then the Lord Abbot a multitude calling together of nobles, of Pontiffs and Abbots, by Bishops and Abbots called together, applied counsel: in whose presence these he burst into words: Your by no means escapes prudence, that to Prelates regards whatever by subjects is sinned: wherefore the example of a depraved life and the negligence of subjects the fire of gehenna inexhaustible avenges. Therefore I Heimardus, of the Cluny monastery Abbot unworthy, a discourse being held by Heimardus, to all present and future generations known to be I wish, that these and such in mind revolving, by age wearied, in the offices also of the body diminished, while less me to the pastoral care fit I perceive, of B. Benedict chapter by chapter about constituting an Abbot by solicitude forewarned, with all my Brethren sons and fellow-servants of Blessed indeed Peter, the once chosen Brother and son Majolus we re-choose and Abbot to be decree; lest, by the insolence of our infirmity, the order should deteriorate and a repulse some suffer, God being favorable always to better things to be advanced. For as he who to governance incautious aspires is to be repelled; so if anyone worthy refuses, deservedly to be constrained he is held. And as the Cluny monastery, God being author, by William the Duke founded, in the name of the prince of Apostles consecrated, with privileges of the Roman See distinguished, by Royal precepts confirmed, and by reverend also Abbots, the Lords Berno and Odo, ordained it is established; so with all the abbeys, places and cells, wherever in their or our time acquired; to the aforesaid Brother to be ordained we hand over, and both to the order to be kept according to B. Benedict and the institutes of our Fathers, as to things to be disposed under all integrity, he is blessed and Abbot constituted: the Divinity being favorable, with bonds of obedience we bind, and Abbot unanimously we proclaim. After these finally words the election being written and by the universality's consent strengthened, and an Antiphon being imposed, he is led into the church, is blessed, and on his seat all gratulating is raised.

Learn Doctors, and of decrees the givers, And Pastors of the flock, but many by name only, Who the mystical to the rude can be committed deny The Sacraments of God (but neither to be we deny) Learn yourselves to submit to the Holy Spirit: Whose work is law, and dispensation the norm, And where He wills He breathes, since to the Born and the Father With equal Majesty He communicates. Thence by teaching, Needs not He delay: since to have touched, is to teach, And to have willed is to act, and He changes when finally He surveys. Made (therefore) of the Apostolic possessed and equal honor, He led an Apostolic by deeds and name life: And announced to his soon the arduous battles to his flesh, And eternal crosses, the contrivances of a fierce soul. If anything was muddy the prudent one converted into gold, And with increment of grade the abundance of virtues flowed.

[21] himself to others an example he affords: The same virtue remained of humility, the work being multiplied of charity. All things which he did with virtues' savor he seasoned. As of a mirror is wont to be by inspection, so himself inwardly by divine he considered reading, and from this the mind's ornament was composed, but of deformity if anything was detected, by virtue's moderation was corrected. Therefore of the divine precepts more he was delighted by the eloquences, than of feasts by the richest courses: because from these both his manners to compose, and those to him committed he was instructed to teach and to correct. To all however himself of well living he afforded an example: and therefore as in the order, so first he busied that he might be in the work, according to that of the Evangelist: Began Jesus to do and to teach. Act. 1, 1 So to reading always he was given, that on a journey placed a little book above he carried in his hands, so that in riding was refreshed his mind by reading. from profane books useful things he selects: But the Philosophers and of secular wisdom books when he read, that with a sagacious he pursued industry, which to the Legislator the divine voice in the Law's second giving enjoined of the captive woman, who the baldness taken, the nails being cut off, the hairs shaved, of all purged filth, of him by whom captive she had been passed into the embraces. By this indeed similitude, what in the Philosophers' books were found useful, these his he deigned by memory: but those superfluous, of love namely and of secular things' care, these as poisoned he scraped off and death-bearing: to these baldness he introduced, these in the manner of nails with iron most sharp he cut off. in the sacred books most excellently versed. Therefore from the assiduity of reading of the Scriptures informed by authority, so in the canonical and monastic he prevailed institutes: that to none he seemed to yield in the laws' decrees and Philosophic arguments. Both with virtue and wisdom endowed, of speaking also most honestly with abundance enriched, so himself he fitted to single ones, that to all he was lovable; fulfilling that of the Apostle, To all all things made, that all I might gain. 1 Cor. 9, 22 Whatever he spoke with wisdom's gravity was composed. His discourse with salt seasoned, by what virtue's weight brief and rare, by that with prudent suavity was held precious: and therefore as often as to edification moral he made discourse, as most eloquent, so was held most pleasing. his men in virtue he strengthens; The flock to him committed with provident ruling piety, against the worst to all the holy enemy, with concordant and holy

contest, he admonished them to contend; that of them anyone what good he could do he should not desist, lest then he should wish, when it would not be lawful. To those also of B. John himself he conformed by the admonitions, who in his epistle says, Peace follow with all, and sanctimony, without which no one will see God.

[22] the offenders he admonishes paternally, An old proverb it is, that like with like is easily gathered. Therefore the keeper of perpetual virginity, by no one's ignominy to be stained suffered his subjects; but those sinning with the zeal of pious love before all he reproved, that the rest fear might have. But also the words which under rebuke he uttered, that the reprehensible he might reprehend, as goads hard seemed and harsh; that the penalties might be feared, according to that, The words of the wise as goads, and as nails deep fixed. Eccl. 12 Nay even in a paternal manner, those whom with a harsh he confuted invective, it is wonderful to relate, how holily, how piously them afterward he soothed, as to each to be expedient he saw, bringing forth from the treasure of his heart new and old things; some indeed with blandishments, others moreover with admonitions, others with terrors he bent; so to all all things made, according to the Apostle, preaching the word, instant in season, out of season, reproving, beseeching, rebuking in all patience and doctrine. 2 Tim. 4, 2 But, because he was filled with the charity of Christ, with the wretched he has compassion, who all men wills to be saved, and to the recognition of truth to come, of all the good, as of his own, he gratulated at the advancements, of the evil he groaned at the iniquities; but of the wretched, not otherwise, than if he himself suffered, he was affected by the calamities.

A living host, pleasing, by reason's keenness propped, So himself of virtues on the chaste altar he immolated. After Christ to carry the cross, and himself denied Knowing to the heights of the star-bearing heaven to strive. Crucified to whom the world was, who finally to the world. Prudent men assume, and with the sense compelled Let them weigh of this the causes and the senses of the business; And with consulted minds what most worthy Each let them bear: to me certainly the same sentence stands fast, And by days to my mind is more about to glide tenacious; Majolus, in how many in this lot he lived days, A noble martyrdom for as many to have drawn out days. Let no one go troublesome; let bear these superfluous things no one. That enough may stand out it is not from this to say many things. Inferior to none, than many more excellent standing, This to himself private by Christ's gift bears a gift, That ruddy in doctrine and huge by frequent signs, Both by word and illustrious deeds he completed all things.

[23] But of the Augusti or Kings the palaces, when through diverse parts frequently he visited, in them not what are his, but what of the Lord Christ, he sought; that from their indeed familiar conversation, the Courts of Kings for the sake of greater utility he approaches he might give help to the oppressed by his intervention; or certainly from the secular and clerical habit to God he might gain; that according to the Lord's precept, their own they should leave, and secular things being removed, to God in tranquillity they should study to serve. And so although in an earthly often he conversed palace, his mind however in nothing itself bent from the heavenly life's purpose: since human things heavenly preferring, therefore from the heavenly King to be separated he could not, to whom with all his mind he adhered. Then, with great edification: that of obscene rumor no about himself fable, but a well living example from his continence might proceed; in gait, in all the body's motion, with such himself he adorned habit, that all his action, all his speech, the doctrine should be of the Apostles and institution. His mouth so was filled from the heart's abundance, that in the same mouth almost nothing else, except the law resounded divine. Ap. 22, 17 And because the Scripture bids, Who hears let him say come; therefore whomsoever he could, from the world's wickedness by persuading he withdrew; and as the heavenly through desire he himself with all his strength to the supernal kingdom panted, so with himself to go all men, if it could be done, he greatly desired. But by no means was he frustrated in the desire, which in himself had conceived a true love: for He, who is charity, who of those fearing Him fills the will, the man of God's fervent affection led to effect. At his indeed admonitions, many what they had possessed leaving, to regular themselves discipline subjected; and B. Benedict's following footsteps, many to the monastic life he attracts: themselves denying, to the true King with all their strength they warred. For from diverse parts to his monastery a multitude flowed together innumerable; but by nations though diverse, in mind however so were united, that that to the letter in them to be fulfilled it seemed, which about the beginning of the nascent Church is said, There was to them one heart and one soul. Act. 4, 32 Rejoiced the pastor in his flock's augment, and more rejoiced that all insisted on the proposed work. But because over his flock to him entrusted with diligent he watched care; the divine he merited grace of the fruit of his labors in this to rejoice life. For of the regular life the discipline, which now almost had fallen through the elders' negligence, as B. Benedict it composed, into the pristine state by correcting he restored: in various monasteries he ordains Abbots: and through diverse of the world parts, through several monasteries from the regular path deviating, both through himself as through his own, whom Abbots he had ordained, to the monastic order he subjected. In this indeed rejoicing he gratulated to God, that of those whom under his care he had brought up, to the monastic to be governed order to be many fit he saw.

[24] Since indeed, as a discreet Father, at once to all which he did discretion he displayed; great using discretion, and with such discretion of common life he used speech, that both abstinence above the rest he studied, and from the same abstinence of praising himself matter to no one he afforded: for by regular precept conceded so he used both and lawful things, not that pleasure should be added, but that the body's necessity by a brief expense should be nourished; and the Apostle obeying precept, wine he used moderate. So with holy and moderate fastings the body always was attenuated, in refection, so the flatterers' tongue was avoided, so from the mind boasting was driven. 1 Tim. 5, 23 At nobles' tables, as often as compelled he was present, so the placed things he tasted, that both superstition he might flee, and continence reserve: since indeed measure everywhere is laudable: for in things all, even in good, is a vice, whatever shall have exceeded measure. So to himself competent and moderate was his habit; that neither too showy, nor too much it seemed abject. From these indeed often themselves are wont men either insolently to boast, or indiscreetly to abase: wherefore using discretion, between either he walked in the middle, that neither of boasting he could be accused of precious garments, nor of feigned sanctity of too abject and vile ones.

[25] To eloquent also men as often as he was joined, and of the Scriptures, and in disputations: as is wont to be, something was proposed; prudently and modestly he answered: good things willingly and laudably he received; but depraved things, if any were proposed, not sharply, but with ingenuous shame he confuted; not by crafty argumentation the disputant against himself overcoming, but through the venerable Doctors' examples benignly teaching. Then the sayings of the orthodox he drew to the middle with Evangelical and Apostolic thunders; and in this manner both most learned he was declared, and of erudition the boasting to flee he seemed. In a lodging or on a journey, on single days wherever he was, a secret to himself he applied place, a friend of sorrow; that removed from men, to God he might be joined nearer. But to say I cannot, in lodgings a secret place he seeks, with how great then groans, with how great he was affected weepings. Often the earth before his eyes so with tears seemed irrigated, as if it were with a wave drenched. If any slight things befell, which for human fragility are wont to come in cogitation; with such these same he bewailed mourning, that of most grave crimes him thou wouldst believe guilty. Further because the just in the beginning is an accuser of himself, he himself often himself accused, himself guilty to be he cried, that of blessed Job with frequent memory repeating; Does not God know my ways, and all my steps does He number? On a journey placed, often the journey he took from others removed. To prayer while he insisted, or to reading while he leaned, of his own none him to approach presumed; because according to that of Blessed Job; To his subjects he was to be dreaded, and the light of his face fell not to the earth. Job 29, 24 All his intention therefore to be he wished in secret, lest any of praising might be given occasion, from which of the mind to creep up could have elation. he flees human praise: But the less he sought glory, the more him it followed: since (as Augustine says) better is the virtue, which with human testimony content is not, except of its own conscience. True indeed virtue it is, which to that end tends, where is the good of man, than which better there is not. Therefore to one having virtues, a great virtue it is to contemn glory: because the contempt of it in the sight of God is, and is not opened to judgment human.

[26] Diverse indeed faithful men with diverse are praised virtues; blessed however Majolus, not in one, but in all is to be praised. But we those in him to praise ought, which all Italy knew, is not ignorant Germany, in which all exults Gaul, the restoration namely of monasteries, the peace to the Churches restored, the concord of Kings and Princes, the inviolate of the rule observance, the gain of souls, which (as once David) with strong hand from the most savage bears' arms he drew away, he works miracles. and from the bloody lions' jaws he snatched, and them so to the Lord restored, that with the just man he could say; I broke the molars of the wicked, and from his teeth I took away the prey. Job 29, 17 For as often from the molars of the wicked, that is the devil, the prey he bore, as often from the bite of error a soul by preaching he tore away. From many indeed demons he expelled, whom snatching from the devil, to Christ's service he subjugated: to several also with the serpent's venom swollen, through the antidote he gave help of his exhortation: the infirm in good work, through the imposition of hands very many he healed, while by the example of his operation, their life he strengthened. There are read very many of wonderful sanctity men, who of their own obtained by prayers, that to bodies returned those, who once to punishments were deputed infernal; but if this is wonderful, when a soul after dissolution to this life is resuscitated corruptible; that more wonderful and more glorious, when to its is recalled Author; and to Him from whom it was alienated by perversely acting, so afterward that one with Him be spirit, it adheres by well living. For many dead in mind blessed resuscitated Majolus to the joys of eternal life, and submerged in the waves of the great sea with the nets of his preaching to the shore he drew of firm solidity. To the dead's therefore raisers by no means inferior blessed is decreed Majolus; but with a sagacious mind, if anyone wishes to investigate, who ever can narrate, how many in darkness and the shadow of death sitting, the way right he showed, and to the city of habitation, the heavenly namely Jerusalem, that they should go, he taught; and those who in good limped work, them the salutary journey he taught to run? But as some, who those only extol,

whom signs to have done visible they hear; the workers indeed of invisible things, because to weigh they know not, to be of lesser merit contend; wherefore exterior things of perpetrating that blessed Majolus a possessor was let us show, a few of many, which wonderfully he did, we will tell.

[27] He goes on pilgrimage to S. Mary of Le Puy: At a certain time, that with suppliant devotion of mercy he might entreat the Mother, of God namely the genetrix, to approach he busied the Velauni city. The whole then city danced at his sight, of either sex the undistinguished age rejoiced: all seek a blessing, to hear they greatly desire his holy discourse:

There run to meet the Nobles, hastens the promiscuous people. Then the sacred of the Church in a dense column rushes the Clergy, With praises these applaud, with applauses leap those, And the common ornament with equal piety salute.

Then with much flowing accompanying crowd his way he directs to the holy church

He is prostrated and Christ with wonted prostrate he adores. He waters with tears the ground, calls with plaints Christ, To whom the tears made a way above the stars flying.

[28] After therefore by spiritual sweetness in Christ inebriated, the place most richly with virtues' feasts he filled; the lodging seeking again,

There ran to meet a begging hand and alms it sought, There a certain blind man Taught and sufficient on another's crumb to live.

Among whom there ran one, who many already through years of light had been deprived. While the rest a corporeal relief, he alone sought light: of the Apostles by the Prince namely to himself he testified to have been revealed, that if from the wave, with which the man of God his hands had washed, his eyes he washed; the darkness expelled the light of his eyes he himself would recover. And when by the same with a harsh rebuke he had been repelled, to seek that however he did not desist from those serving him. This same having learned, them he forbade under a threat, this to do they should beware with rash presumption. often a repulse having suffered, But of light he who lacked, the same unless he should ask to rest he knew not. Finally his often frustrated by petition, when what he sought in the city he could not obtain; the man of God, of his going out on the journey, by his importunity attempts to provoke, to that man through all things similar in asking, of whom the Lord says in the Gospel, And he if he shall have persevered knocking, I say to you, even if he will not give him rising because his friend he is, yet for his importunity he will rise, and will give him as many as he has necessary. Luc. 11, 8 Into a place indeed which Montjoy is called, because thence the Mother of Christ's church is beheld, then the man of God he preceded, awaiting his coming: and the horse of the comer by the bridle seizing he held, and with an oath he said: This horse I will not let go, even if I be beaten, unless first what I entreat I obtain. by water through him blessed he is enlightened. Water also, lest thence any of excusing might creep up occasion, with himself he carried in a little vessel, to himself hanging from the neck. Then the man of God in much solicitude constituted, at length is bent to mercy, by the entreater's piety having compassion. Descending therefore, the water in the ecclesiastical manner he exorcized, and into it the salutary wood of the Cross infused, and over the blind man's eyes the same of the water the salutary sign he imposed; of his own nothing of virtue presuming, nor however in faith hesitating, while Him, whose name over the water he invoked, and from this the salutary wood he washed, the light to be able to the blind man to restore he did not doubt. And because this faithfully he believed, of the effect of his faith by no means he lacked: for the knees thence bent to the earth, with those who with him then were present Brethren, the Mother of mercy, tears being poured he began to entreat. A wonderful thing! He who had been deprived of light, before the man of God rose from prayer, the darkness emptied received the light of truth: and who his step to fix was wont, another directing; glad returned to his own, by no help led. Whose voice from clamor the man of the Lord checking, this in commands gave: Go, he said, in peace to thy house, and relate how great things to thee has done the virtue of B. Mary the Virgin. This miracle not from elsewhere commended, but from those who were present sincere relation is inserted it is.

[29] Another also not unlike of virtue indication, through the same we know was worked the artificer of all the Lord. In the territory of Vienne, a certain in farm, a certain rustic, a son whom he had of light deprived, bewailed. To the same, because of his right it was, the Lord Father Majolus to a lodging had come. The rustic therefore confidence taken, the light his son to be able to obtain, if with the water, with which the man of the Lord his hands had washed, his were washed eyes; because the man of God upon this to approach he feared, Another blind man by the water of the washing of the hands is healed. this from his minister secretly to seek he busied. The water therefore received latently, soon as his son's eyes he washed, the light which he had lost, to receive he merited. This the man of God when he learned, because of human praise the glory he fled, the water, with which his hands he had washed, thenceforth before himself to scatter he made: but from this a theft often made laudable, many of long weakness's infirmity, glad with desired soundness rendered.

[30] At a certain time when he made a journey, a Brother who with him accompanied, with immense began to be agitated fevers: who so with too great had grown stiff cold, as if utterly of vital he lacked heat. The Brethren who were present, with their garments him covered: he however to grow warm in no way could. Then the man of the Lord, of his own himself the tunic stripped, with which him clothing thus to be placed he commanded: but himself to the wonted of prayer fled help. and one laboring with a fever, by his tunic, But what does Christ not work in the Saints? Forthwith indeed the holy man's tunic the fever-stricken one's body as covered, straightway through his who suffered limbs a placid slumber infused itself, and of sweat the inundation the whole body, which with too great before had grown stiff cold, resumed covered with desired heat. After a small interval, as he rose from sleep, so the pristine he used soundness, as if no before he were oppressed by infirmity. From which thing one can observe, his soul what of virtue within, or what it had of merit, whose garment exteriorly health restored to the infirm.

[31] But that who would explain worthily, as often as to the Apostles' thresholds his journey he directed, with great devotion the thresholds of the Apostles he visits: with what devotion that journey he fulfilled? All the Saints' places, to his journey contiguous, with spiritual he visited zeal; and there pouring of tears rivers, for himself them whereby they might succor of prayer he entreated with instance. Of the poor whom on the way he found, no one without consolation to pass he allowed: and faithful through a minister, to whom this care had been committed, to single ones he gave help; and whatever on them he had conferred, on Christ himself to have conferred he rejoiced. The Apostles' to the sepulchres when he came, to say it cannot be what of tears, or how much of groans, what there of grief he poured out; of his body that here might be the dissolution, there with a vile by which it might be governed mausoleum, with all entreating desire. At Rome while he was, of heart in gladness more than usual he was, and with too great for joy, as he himself confessed, to himself often the glorious Princes as if in the present to behold by sight he seemed. A festive and most celebrated day, a day was led of accession; but void of joy and full of mourning, was deputed of recession.

[32] The Bishop of Chur sick, But sometime that journey when he made, and Chur through the Pennine Alps he crossed, of the aforesaid city the Bishop, a man of life venerable Arpertus, by a grave pest struck, with most sharp incessantly was tortured pains: who the man of God's coming by the rumor of the people when he learned, that to him to visit he should proceed by prayers obtained: and the disease growing worse now despairing, his to him he busied to confess sins, to S. Majolus having confessed, in many himself confessing to have offended, chiefly in elation; and what good he had done, through vain glory himself to have lost he feared. While these and others to the same he confessed with the greatest mourning; from the immense by which he was tortured grief somewhat relieved he felt himself by the blessed man's visitation, and himself therefore through his merit he believed to health to be restored. And since the Paschal day now had approached, and the day on which the holy Chrism is confected now was imminent; when to the altar he could not approach and the due service to discharge, therefore God's servant [his] clemency more earnestly began to entreat, that so much to himself of virtue from the omnipotent Lord his own might entreat prayer, as that day might suffice, on which in the ecclesiastical manner the holy Chrism he might confect; but he wholly who was possessed by piety, what justly was sought, knew not to deny. The oratory soon he sought, and himself with tears into prayer gave; he is freed from the disease of body and soul: and the prayer in a short time completed as he went out, the Bishop the sickness to desert began; on the aforesaid namely day for which it was sought, himself rejoicing so great of virtue to have taken constancy, that of sickness in himself no he felt trouble. To rejoice finally he began, that by Majolus' prayers from infirmity he convalesced; but from this more, that of the prescribed vice, as he himself confessed, in great part he lacked: whence is given to understand, not so much for the body's soundness, as for the soul's salvation the blessed man more willingly the Lord to have entreated.

[33] At Rome once while he tarried, to B. Paul's thresholds it pleased that for prayer's sake he should set out. To the distinguished Doctor's shrine as he came, before the sepulchre himself with tears into prayer to the ground he prostrated. Rising but from prayer, the Steward's prescribed alms mediating, of the same place the monks with fraternal he visited love; to whom a word while he made, and their manners as a pious father he instructed, their whereby he might give help necessities, to act they themselves began with prayers. Then he, as always with mercy's bowels abounded, to the dispenser commanded, that to them of silver a pound he should give. But the dispenser, a small quantity because to be he knew in expenses, half only of the pound granted improvident. Soon but, as to blessed Peter's basilica he returned; a man a certain to him was present, who to him ten shillings offered. But he receiving. These take, to the minister he said.

--- And that thou succumbest to harm Learn, that among the brethren a fraud having meditated needy, the tenacity he knew and reproved, Thou hadst preferred to be tenacious: for if what to deliver I bade Thou hadst yielded, in the wonted manner, Christ bestowing, refunded, Twenty thou wouldst take with today's interest shillings. There invades fear the man that the secret of his guilt To Majolus to have lain open, by no means thought. This wonderful good man, that so much closed of the prophet The inmost of the heart gapes: full who with the divine Breath, Now is God, now divine he obtains honors.

[34] At another also time when a journey he took, a poor man on the journey was found, a garment to a poor man having given, a better he receives of foot bare, of cowl void; over whom the man of the Lord by mercy moved, him clothed, of the garment by which he was covered stripped. To the lodging whither he tended, as he came; of the same composition and likeness, but a better, of the same city the Bishop offered. This the man most blessed as he took, his men to address thus began: We ought not to hesitate to Him our things to expend, who more abundantly so quickly what we bestow, is able to restore.

[35] Of this therefore sanctity the opinion, wonderful through the same accomplishing the omnipotent God, when with the men's knowledge more and more it grew, and his name's fame far and wide itself scattered; the Great

Otto, by Otto I the Emperor most religious, who at that time the commonwealth governed, of so great a man the virtue by very many's relation having learned, his presence more ardently desired. For this man, although the Imperial obtained summit, great however was to him about monasteries devotion: because by no means himself happily the Empire he hoped to hold, unless to the highest King he studied not to displease. And therefore often he groaned, while those who through religion's habit to God themselves had devoted; to secular intent business to go through the precipices he discerned. For of governance to the cultivation so he seemed fit, that to none not only second, but as more plainly to be said, to the first and highest he seemed to be preferred. Nothing slight he undertook, because of gravity him modesty accompanied: but whatever he began, of efficacy in no way God being author it lacked. To him a wife Adeleidis adhered, who to God amiable and to all lovable, so to the Royal was joined couch, that a mind chaste with all custody to the King she kept supernal: to the poor she gave help, the sick and weak without intermission she cherished, and Adeleidis a wife most pious, she rejoiced with those rejoicing, wept with those weeping, the hope of the wretched, the solace of those mourning; by how royal noble by lineage, by that through all things she flourished nobler by sanctity. Of virtues on the summit placed, when of being proud there had not been lacking matter, so herself of humility she protected by the custody, that no of boasting example from her was detected continence; that in mind revolving, which says Solomon, A ruler thee they have constituted, do not be extolled; but be as one of them. Eccl. 32, 1 For if, according to the Apostle, a man unfaithful through a faithful woman, and a woman unfaithful through a faithful man, by the alternated of faith good, will be saved; much more these in Christ joined, who are through faith justice having worked, by His testimony the repromissions, which repromised who lies not God, are without doubt obtained: both indeed of the Gospel hearers, and because hearers therefore workers, since indeed from the Gospel they had learned, Who receives a just man in the name of a just man, the reward of a just man will receive; therefore those whom in God's service they discerned more devout, them to themselves they held dearer; but those before the rest were loved, who false of the world renouncing joys B. Benedict's followed footsteps with devotion most prompt. And so, as foretasted it is, B. Majolus' fame by very many's relation having learned, not otherwise than to enjoy his life, to obtain they were delighted his acquaintance: whose to fulfill he did not defer the desire, who to faith knocking of blessed life opens the entrance. For indeed Heldricus, of whom above we mentioned, in laical power chief, stirred up by Heldricus' conversion most highly he is loved. who once in Italy among the rest of the Palatines stood honorable; to his wife with a great of things temporal abundance renouncing, the belt laid down, to Cluny himself betaking, to B. Benedict himself subjected the purpose. Of this indeed familiarity to beget is reputed the cause, by which the Roman Prince had the holy man's acquaintance. Then indeed him to himself he summoned: whom so for the salutary he loved doctrine, that those which in Italy to him were subject and Germany, to his ordination he wished to commit the monasteries. The Empress but, as if of handmaids the last, to expend desired to him of devotion the services; since B. Majolus' through prayers more abundantly herself to be visited of divine presence she hoped by the grace. All venerated him the Nobles, and all loved the Princes. Him the Emperor had as a counselor, him from the secrets a faithful intermediary: if anyone with the Emperor some had business, a mediator the blessed he sought Majolus.

[36] About the same time B. Apollinaris' monastery, which through twenty-four stadia's space from the Ravenna city is reported set apart, two monasteries he ordains. to B. Benedict's he instituted path, and there his ordained Abbot. Besides the Empress's not to be despised petition's then entreated by the instance, near the Ticinum city of holy Salvator to sweat he began in the building. Meanwhile indeed now a due end this second book demands, those which remain, the third, with signs evident, to the end even let it bring through.

PROLOGUE OF BOOK III.

[37] O Light to the earth-born minds added! O Spirit too much to be admired artificer! O bestower of goods! O eloquence fertile! Once who the form-flowing liquids over Didst bear, cherishing, form-making also (All things formless for without Thee) Founder, Breathe with placid blast upon the courses. But not suffice flowing words, Unless there be matter splendid. Approves Use both and we both demand: Although so great be this, and so very overflowing, That the sense deservedly and the mind shudder, As of a rocky mass the untouched summits. For many works it demands, it unfolds When through the open more widely itself; yet There urges the matter, love constrains For Majolus a title to prepare of praise: To whom it shall not be lawful to deny anything: Not mouth, not soul, nor those certainly Which are to fair offices friendly. That whereby fittingly, whereby it may be done decently, And hopes of all kinds and of hope the sum In Thee we confer discoverer of art, By which the breast of man foreshadowed Ascends the starry by honor fields, Distinguished by the brightness of a placid mind. These not for merit's beatitude, Of Majolus I seek but for nourishingness: If anything light-flowing he performed that one, Which to praise was to the supernal Father; If the banners of God following the hero Oppressed the rigid severe enemy; If fasts, if crosses unjust, If nights bore the same unquiet; If whatever the sword and can the flame He contemned, patient by Christ's love; Nor twice nor once that one…

OF BOOK III

PART I.

Captivity under the Saracens borne. The Roman Pontificate offered. Acts concerning Otto I and Otto II the Emperors.

[38] Hither with difficult foot although we have run down even thus far, But now further attempting to direct my step, By the matter's novelty I am pressed: then by weight oppressed; To go indeed I cannot: a shame it is to lay down the burden. And would that to things ever growing the heaven To grow words Thou wouldst give, who to be born words didst give! I would choose under the burden to die, than to yield to the begun. But what shall I do? the former shall I let perish labor? And to whom it was given of the sea almost to touch the shore, By the obstacle and trembling fear of a single rock, The sails backward to give and shall I suffer to succumb to harm? Hither, Father, breathe with vows huge I pray: And hopes far poured, into the breast's caverns refund: A vital to the dead soul to whom to render to the limbs Once it was possible to be able, to one weighed by a muddy mass. The proofs of Thy favor I will take thence however, If only what I remember duly to run through Thou grant.

The man therefore of the Lord, About to return to Cluny as above we said, the Empress's minds satisfying, a long of time space now elapsed, when to the Cluny he was lacking monastery, came the pleasure, whither the Brethren he should go to visit. All therefore on the way necessaries being prepared, the labor he undertakes of the journey. Great at length with difficulty of the laborious journey, when now the summits of the Alpine had passed height, to a farm even they descend, which near the Drance river's descent placed Pons-Ursarii once to be called was wont. beyond the Alps For a rivulet which falls from the mountains, when winding by rolling through globes among the Alps it runs down, by its there rolling so much of plain stretches, as the aforesaid farm's position could occupy. Many moreover from diverse regions, B. Majolus then accompanied, because by his sanctity themselves to be freed they could they reckoned. To this therefore place when without danger they had come, and the same rivulet they had crossed; soon among the very of the narrow way difficult windings, which at a small interval present themselves to those descending, suddenly them invaded of the perfidious nation the army of the Saracens. By the sudden therefore incursion disturbed and attempting very many things in vain, by the Saracens he is encircled, and all hope better being laid down, to flight they consult: but in nothing. The mad indeed of the impious crowd by a swift path these pursuing, all whom to comprehend it could, into chains cast. And when one of that of the impious crowd, from a high rock, one of the man of God's servants with a dart sought; for his own he exposes himself and is wounded; that the servant might be snatched away; the man of God to the coming dart the charitable hand opposed: in which as long as afterward he lived, of the inflicted wound the scar appeared. Nothing indeed of his death dreading, for the rest however boiling, more deeply then he groaned; while these whom the impious' cruelty disturbed, to give help he could not. To escape therefore when there was not lacking the faculty, him however immovable of mind held charity: because those for whose love his soul he desired to lay down, even though he could not from the impious' hands snatch, with great however grief convicted, he was unwilling to leave. The Apostle's meanwhile returned to the example, who while he suffered shipwreck by prayer saved the souls of all with him sailing, when them by human help from the imminent he could not free peril; this for his own with God merited by prayers, that from that miserable crowd no one should die among the enemies' darts.

[39] and with them captive he is led away: Fierce therefore the barbarians, the crime perpetrated, to their hiding-places while they returned with the captives' multitude; the blessed Majolus they discern from afar, alone sitting on a stone. Swift to him then footmen approached, and wicked hands on the Saint cast, and him holding with the rest captives led. Then the blessed Majolus those who than the rest were held more excellent, to honor; but those lighter, to mock, and of the Christian faith they began to detract. the faith of Christ having professed, Straightway therefore the blessed Majolus, a warrior most excellent, the shield of faith seizing, with the point of God's word he pierced through the enemies of Christ, the Christian religion's cult approving; and Him whom as God they worshipped, neither himself from punishment to free, nor himself in anything to be able to aid, with sure and most evident he undertook reasons to demonstrate. Which heard the barbarians' boasting, by fury inflamed insane, the holy feet with a fetter constraining iron, the cut rock under a cave, in a horrendous they shut prison. The Saint therefore of the Lord, in a prison he is shut up: as them to his destruction he beholds dire raging;

A Martyr that the discharged in contest to take palm, And that of himself he could be drenched by the fountain of his blood He desires, and with an intrepid pours forth such things countenance: What is enough, and beyond enough, hither we have lived even thus far. Now Thy face to penetrate desires when the spirit ardent, O Christ, Thine, and it wearies of the way, and wearies of the labor; Where shorter lie open of the right path the compendia, To go it pleases; a way be it to the trembling too steep although, The starry speedily it will be given to touch fields. If the footsteps of shed blood us may lead, The martyrdom's title with stretched arms we embrace, And of our own accord we seek the fair through wounds death, Thou only us deign for Thy name witnesses. These saying, and his soul to slaughter and neck he prepared For the executioner: stands fixed in the man the sentence of death Intrepid. But, O Christ, in Thy camps most clean Lilies with roses equally white bloom: Nor Thee the martyrdom's constancy alone merits, Nor by shed only blood anyone becomes a Martyr: Often even to many has borne a pious life a crown, And is of Thy Priests the clean confession Pleasing to Thee, whom of justice the perfection clothes.

[40] Therefore, as we foretasted, the man of the Lord with iron bound chains, in a horrendous cave of a dark prison, for confessing the name of the Deity, the suffrages he experienced of the divine piety. The night therefore following, when to sleep he had given his limbs, with too great mourning worn out, such to him a vision divinely was shown. With Apostolic distinguished garments the Roman Bishop seemed to stand by him, with the odor of incense a censer bearing. recreated by a nocturnal vision By this finally vision more certain rendered, through the Apostles' intervention from the impious'

hands himself he understood to be freed. To this therefore which he saw through a dream, another there came a more evident indication. and a little book on the Assumption of S. Mary For the love of the Mother of mercy, a little book, which on her Assumption Blessed published Jerome, often to carry in his holy he was wont hands. This, while the other sacred codices with all which here he had he lost, of the Virgin, as he confessed, by protection to himself to be saved he merited. Which under the garment's covering while himself he felt to have, how many days remained from here to the same Assumption of the Mother of mercy, solicitous he strove with mind to discuss: which in number computed twenty-four were found. Then her by his intervention this with her Son he prays to obtain, that he himself be snatched from this even captivity; that the divine to him piety among Christians might grant, with his fellow-captives, of so great a solemnity to obtain the celebration. This finished prayer, as to the rock his head he bent, forthwith for mourning slumber crept in: after a little but awakened, the fetters loosed himself he finds. himself with iron he found loosed fetters. The morning but being made this the barbarians astonished at the miracle, that him they discerned by a fetter divine loosed by Power, further that he be bound to dare in no way they presumed; but the ferocity a little mitigated, to venerate thenceforth they began, whom before in derision they had.

[41] Then the man of the Lord, the barbarians consenting to him, through a monk, who with him had been captured, a letter with his own hand written directed to the Brethren: but the text of the letter these things contained. a letter sent to Cluny he asks a ransom: To the Lords and Brethren of Cluny Majolus, wretched captured and chained. The torrents of Belial have surrounded me, have forestalled me the snares of death. Of redemption the price, if it please, send for me and these who together with me captives are held. This letter to the Cluny read in the Chapter, all that stock, which by his doctrine and example hitherto glad had fructified in Christ, with sadness forthwith its filled auditorium. To express it cannot any one, how great then there of all the groan. Everywhere among them mourning, one voice of all lamenting, one was heard cry of those mourning and saying. Turned is into mourning the harp ours, and our gladness into mourning; because according to that of Jeremiah's lament, Christ the Lord captured is in our sins, to whom we said: In Thy light we will live. Thr. 4, 20 For behold of the profane nation ensnared he is by the snare, of whom in God we gloried by the document. Of whom meanwhile these were affected by the chains, this God's condescension magnified by miracles. and meanwhile by a concert he is honored Angelic. Of those indeed, whom to God's cult the man of God persuaded his disputation, after to the Christian profession from the rite they betook themselves barbaric, as by an oath protested the assertion, while at rest the savage in the nocturnal time soldiers, and the man of God to the King of kings the due rendered praises; of many with him singing they heard voices: which indeed, because no one to himself of men a familiar then afforded companionship, they themselves without doubt of Angels to be asserted with him singing psalms. And so as was established, of infinite weight money, either from these which to use necessary, or which of the monastery hitherto were kept for adornment ensigns, or of good men by the bounty into one heaped, the rest who more excellent seemed Brethren, with a many treasures abundance, on the day ran the established; who to the robbers all things, which diligently they had heaped by search, afforded; and all before by chains who were thrust, last but this whom they loved, from the impious' hands they drew: freed about the feast of the Assumption and it was done, the supernal grace disposing, that by one's captivity many should be gifted with liberty: and as of the supernal King from the most pious Mother he asked, so among the faith's domestics by the same Virgin's intervention the Assumption's festivity to celebrate he merited.

The forerunning fame rushing the whole had stirred world, A thousand drawing with it rumors, a thousand whispers; Obscure with true things involving --- Majolus redeemed, Majolus to the pristine liberty restored, Gaul by sure swift reckoning to enter. In cities and villages, through crossroads, and through streets, This man, this woman, this then both infant and old man, This young man, the middle and if anything both young man and old man Despises, with strong shook all things voices. All things were fervent, were instant all with vows. Majolus the rich, Majolus finally the poor man About to come, with resounding everywhere clamor they roared. So great love to the Saint, so great is the instance to the common people To visit the doctor, and a sure to bring back salvation.

[42] At length he is received by the Brethren, with tapers and incense him meeting, in hymns and confessions to God exulting. Goes a clamor to heaven of all, gratulating to God. with great joy by his own he is received. But since nothing is on earth, the Scripture being witness, of divine providence [void; to the same] not without reason we believe to have pleased, that a man in sanctity chief therefore should be rolled by so many mischances, that thence both the man of God by pressure might profit, and to mortals a benefit by divine gift granted might come. For of this life in the conversation, which indeed tribulation to him for a proving although from human he contracted affections whence he might say, Forgive us our debts (for if we shall have said, that sin we have not, ourselves we deceive) from this however world, as he could, unstained himself to keep he busied. But wholly however he seemed clean, according to the Lord's however sentence that to confess we are compelled, which to deny we dare not, that still he needed, whereby the highest master should for him wash his feet; that in him might be fulfilled what is said, Who holy is let him be sanctified still: therefore this the man of God's tribulation, of patience was a proving; since, as says Augustine, No one of men with so great justice is endowed, to whom is not necessary the tribulation of temptation, either to perfecting, or to confirming, or to proving virtue. Joa. 13, 10, Ap. 22, 11 But by the just judgment of God, whence to the venerable [man] the proving, thence those tribulating him a just followed condemnation. The narrow indeed among the Alps besieging entrances, unexpectedly they laid ambush for those the Apostles' thresholds seeking; but by the same when he is captured, who by the Omnipotent very much was loved, of his sanctity from the merit hand to hand upon them divine itself conferred vengeance. For avenging indeed the injury of the man of God, slaughter intervening, to the Saracens it profited a vengeance, gradually in strength they began to fail; so that by divine themselves to be punished scourge with their own mouth they confessed to understand. But with the most noble of the man of God enriched spoils, more and more daily while they labored with inconveniences, to Fraxinetum, through the accustomed byways, to seek their own they undertook beds. But then by Christians the journey of them explored, the journey secure while through the Alps in the manner they wore wonted; over themselves with onrush of those coming with their ears from afar they received a sound. From the clamors of those coming and the clang of trumpets, resounds all the wood with noise, and the paths re-echo. Forthwith to the barbarians an icy through the hard ran bones tremor: who by divine struck fear, no to themselves they felt aid except of flight the protection. or slain at their departure A contest then great was to the Christians, with the barbarians fleeing, and therefore of resisting the mind divinely being absent withdrawing, after the beginnings of the battle they contended bare to present backs. Flight however while they made many, very many are to slaughter given: these indeed who escaped for a time deferred death, of a certain promontory's brow of protection for themselves chose a defense. But more decently they would fall, if the enemies' among darts they rushed. That promontory so with vast rocks round about is seen withdrawn, that except one part of a sloping side the faculty everywhere it denies of passing. This therefore part to the Christians besieging, when no to them was a fleeing entrance, and by no the natives gift from their siege could turn aside, a low place they explore, whereby to the depths themselves by leaps they might let down: consequent indeed it was that they should seek the depths, over whom the supernal had pressed wrath.

Turns meanwhile the heaven and rushes into the ocean night, Involving with great shadow both the earth and the pole. There fell silent all: but no to the wretched rest. More swiftly to hasten they desire the business: finally hindering itself Satan, the place to themselves explored by no means they approached; but from the eminent rock's top into the deep profound themselves the whole night they precipitated. or submerged. But the natives now the day shining, of the heavenly victory astonished at the greatness, to Him to render thanks it pleased, by whose strong power prostrate they discerned the column hostile. Some however of them who from the drowning had withdrawn themselves, in a more remote a certain mountain's side striking they comprehended: who the salutary themselves to be washed entreating laver, (these for, as we said, the man of God with words taught salutary of Christ) to the body of their mother joined the Church, how great among the barbarians grace His servant the Omnipotent illustrated, Majolus from the prey the sacred books recovers. wont were to relate. Rich then spoils are collected, and into equal parts among the Christ-worshippers are distributed. But B. Majolus, in body though absent, by merits however in putting to flight the enemies present, of this distribution all who were present void to be, worthy by no means they judge. For his for avenging the injury the enemies to have been brought to ruin, by the heavenly they testified in victory; therefore the sacred codices, which the barbarians had snatched, to the blessed man for his part they sent. So the Omnipotent, His servant's by merits precipitated the impious, freed for all the way of the Roman journey.

[45] Not long indeed after times, the Roman see of its own widowed of the Pastor; the same God's servant, of Otto the second joined with the mother's prayer, by Otto II to Rome to the Pontificate invited, Italy to seek again from the parts was compelled of Gaul. By the mother then and the son with honor received most worthy, to the summit of the Apostolic dignity by prayers to be impelled he began continual: but to whom more an abjection than was sought an exaltation, by no means to himself to advance could of sublimity the ambition. The little flock he was unwilling to dismiss, which to Christ it pleased to him to commit: and with it he wished in poverty to live, who into poverty descended from the heavenly summit: but by either when he was compelled power, of devising a delay he busied to ask. Then to prayer himself he betook the protection, whereby to him might be granted divinely, what to be done, or what to so great power was to be answered. From prayer as he rose, of the Apostolic reading the codex by chance under his eyes then was present; which opened, that itself on the first of the margin's front offered reading, by which himself to be instructed divinely he believed by the document. Inserted also what he found, to himself adhering to read he began: See lest anyone you deceive through vain Philosophy, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ. Col. 2, 8 To act himself it behooves he confesses to his own, with all zeal, what the divine suggests reading. Of the Emperor and the holy mother again by the prayers, with alternate the same is demanded successes: with the nobles who were present the Bishops insisted, and that the imperial might be done petition supplicated. himself he excuses. But he by divine illustrated grace, with diligent he busied himself to excuse prudence. Those, he said, to me to be absent I know, which to a man befit Apostolic: nor do I seem fit, to bear who I could of so great a greatness the weight: nor does it befit anyone this to presume burden, whose he cannot avoid the ruin. Lastly, I and the Romans, as we differ in regions, so by no means we agree in manners; and

if to them I shall conform, of the monastic profession I shall be deprived; and therefore another do you acquire, because undoubtedly you can know me to the Apostolic summit in this life not about to ascend, and the flock to me committed never about to dismiss. This indeed from the rest we can gather, this servant of God of much humility to have been, who asked by the highest of earthly Princes, to the summit Apostolic deferred to ascend. But what he deferred asked, many far inferior, whom neither a literary profession, nor of an honest life advanced the conversation, themselves, if they could, of their own accord would thrust, to all contempt with multiplied prayers would subject themselves; lastly of so great a dignity whereby they might be sublimated by the summit, with a great promised gift, themselves to be condemned of their own accord with the simoniac pest would not spurn. But the man of God, whom inwardly of virtues the mistress taught humility, in whose spirit the Evangelical reigned poverty; although he excelled by the praise of eminent virtue, therefore however to be sublimated he fled by a temporal summit, that from secular removed business, more firmly he might insist on the Omnipotent's service; and farther from the world, nearer always he might become to God.

Of secrecy desirous, with holy a man of power full, Not more external taught to avoid favors, Than the of ministers solaces frequent of his own: By vow he had deferred and a hiding-place to cherish perennial, And immune from the court as long as it is to lead a life. Unmoved remains of great but the promise of Jesus, On the mountains placed not to be hidden from sights a city: And whom He covers with merits assisting glory with fair things, He indicates by distinguished illustrating grace with signs: And wherever he had borne an easy through the crossroads step, In cities and villages hastily a promiscuous itself To meet a crowd gave, by illustrious roused deeds, And although of long easily secure labor.

[46] The discord growing between Otto II and his mother, Under the same time the aforesaid Emperor his mother was jealous of, because with him by a false crime she was accused: and against her then, as if against the commonwealth's squanderer, and of himself by her the expeller, through false accusers by such he was stimulated quarrel, that her in turn to expel he threatened from the kingdom. Of his Princes none him to address, and the false crime from the holy mother to attempt to avert: they themselves to defend her neglected from the crime of falsehood, whom she had raised to the highest grades of dignity: this all excuse pretended, that to the Imperial majesty to contradict they dared not.

Behold there were borne by prayers commands compelled Of all, whoever had been on the side of the pious; that he should go as quickly as possible, and to the most beloved to himself Empress should succor: no now to her remaining salvation, except that with things lost even from the kingdom she should depart.

By the peril of life in doubt with these voices wrath He stirs, and impatient of delay soon arms demands back, Arms swift: with known he is fitted the limbs with arms. He had vowed, his for the faith of the name breast, Into whatever should give the chance, to incumb death. him he reproves, But when he came, soon to the Emperor in the face he resisted, and him publicly before all rebuked. By the apex, he said, sublimated of transitory dignity, why the precepts dost thou spurn of Truth? Powerful is to reduce thee to the least, who to the of mortals thee sublimated heights. Then the Emperor, this heard threat, suddenly trembled: and to him with a suppliant voice answered, and in what the precepts of Truth he contemned inquired. To whom the man of God. Parents, he said, to honor of His is the bidding, who though God He was from a virgin born from a womb, to His mother to subject Himself deigned in the Gospel. Luc. 2, 52 For thus says the Evangelist, He descended with them to Nazareth, and was subject to them. So to His mother He subjected Himself, who through the power of the divinity all things made. Thee from Him formed of vile clay, to be proud against thy mother why elated persuaded presumption. At this the Emperor voice of the wraths the flames tempering, the most savage fury laid down, and of the Father Majolus through all things himself to obey the biddings declared. By the promise at length of the most holy Father before his mother as he came, and to him the mother he reconciles: to his footsteps he threw himself, and to her obsequious, as a son to a mother, in nothing her to have offended thenceforth was found. Him therefore, who among mortals the highest Prince stood out, whom to the mother's concord none to address dared, from this crime, which easily he could, to check, and the mother to satisfy, and to her as was consequent to obey by sole bidding he compelled; clearly it is plain this with great of mind summit to power to adhere supernal, with which endowed that to do he could by sole bidding, which no one to attempt dared by supplication. For because to Him he had adhered to whom nothing is impossible, therefore he merited from Him to receive, that to this man his ruled the bidding, to whose of lands the Princes were subjected Dominion.

[47] Among the other indeed miracles, which the Lord worked to show His servant's merits, with the spirit of prophecy He deigned him to instruct, that the things to come often he should foretell, and absent things to those present as if present he should announce. At a certain time, while from Rome he returned, to the Brethren, with whom the journey he took, sighing with tears he said: This night through a dream a lion I saw most savage, who shut in a cage, by a chain was constrained iron; and therefore undoubtedly know, that Otto the Emperor this year from things will depart human: he foretells the death of Otto I which so the event of the thing proved. For in the near future to Provence returned, and there for a few days in his little cell tarrying, a legate from Germany's parts came, who the aforesaid Emperor from this life to have migrated brought. But as the man of God an absent thing as if present to the Brethren related, since the Emperor's great, and then the second though far placed, death he made known; so afterward to his son, of whom above we related, as it happened at Verona, of his death he foretold. For the hands of the Emperor both with his embracing hands he held, and his face contemplating he said: Of Brother Majolus the counsel if ears thou shouldst afford, hence whence thou comest back thou shouldst return: for certain indeed know, that if to Rome thou shalt proceed, whither to go thou disposest, of thy nativity the kingdom never more thou wilt see; but at Rome, whither thou goest, a sepulchre thou wilt have. This what God's foretold servant, the thing afterward proved the event.

PART II.

Various of S. Majolus miracles: pious death.

[48] In Germany's parts at a certain time while he tarried, his coming by rumor divulged, to him of a certain Count a hurried came embassy. From a long namely time the aforesaid Count by an excessive was depressed sickness, which daily by increments growing harmful, so the whole had infected, that neither from the bed to rise, nor from one to the other side he could turn himself. Food to him and drink so were a loathing, He heals the sick Count that the body by too great a likeness seemed by fasting; and therefore to the blessed man an embassy directed, his piety with suppliant he asked devotion; that from these which to the food of his own were prepared for God's servant, his weakness's might be given help inconvenience. By this therefore embassy, from him who with bowels abounded of mercy, his foods being submitted, the bread which he ate with almonds and odoriferous he received spices. Then God's servant to his own turned: By the familiarity, he said, our trusting, this man his asks by his prayers, that the omnipotent Physician to him might give help by our prayers; therefore is to be entreated God's clemency, whereby to be relieved he may merit of body the trouble: powerful is for God He, who the Petty King's son by a word healed imperial, this man to us absent to the pristine to restore soundness. Soon therefore as the man of God with the Brethren himself to prayer gave, forthwith he who was absent to be bettered began. Returned indeed those who had been directed, that hour in which from the man of God they withdrew, to be bettered to have begun their Lord they recognized. After this by the man of God's gift himself he fed, and so with entire soundness he convalesced, that with a few interposed days he himself to the Blessed proceeding, to his footsteps thrown, immense for the benefit thanks rendered.

[49] In the Viviers region a certain noble matron by a long was affected infirmity. The noble Matron with water and oil blessed: She of S. Saturninus' cell the man of God to tarry as she learned, soon him by her embassy to move she busied, water for herself that he would bless, for drinking, and for anointing, of oil the liquor, of his right hand by the sign sanctified, he would direct. These which she asked from the man of God, to receive as she merited, straightway to withdraw of body the trouble, and to the pristine office so to be repaired began the languishing members, that the sickness driven out so in a short time with her whole she was strong body, as if before by no sickness she were infected pest.

[50] But also that to be suppressed it befits not by silence, that of him whom with soundness gifted the blessed man's visitation, hitherto by a celebrated is divulged testimony. He is called by name proper Hildebrannus, a moneyer by his visitation and touch: and from the office's surname Moneyer; the office indeed which he exercised, more than his fellows, lest it be deteriorated, he guarded: and since with good he flourished manners, therefore to the blessed man he began to be known. He by a languor seized of body, to labor began with much inconvenience: who while he discerned himself by the languor not relieved, but with the growing of body trouble more and more himself feeling weighed down (as are wont the rich to do, who by their gift themselves think to redeem) much through physicians and priests, much through monasteries he disbursed and the poor: but by these though of the offended he was relieved the weight, with too great however he was depressed sickness. Now by death to be solicited he had begun, to whom a languor excessive of life despair had brought. The last meanwhile himself to be forestalled while he thought by lot, the blessed to himself Majolus the fame forerunning to Pavia announces to come. Whose coming to forestall busying by his embassy, him he asked himself to deign by his visitation. To these the man most blessed, with mercy filled, to the petitioner did not deny the desired coming. Soon the sick man so with joy was filled by the blessed man's presence, as if manifest had been health entered. And straightway the man of God to the sick one approached, and the body by sickness weakened too much, to touch he did not scorn with healing right hand; whose salutary touch the long feeling infirmity, fled: and health so soon hastening ran; that he who long sick on his little bed had lain, on the third day wherever he wished sound made to proceed could.

[51] Of his Lord a grave offense having merited, That also now it pleases to be inserted, which is established related by fame divulged celebrated. A certain of his Lord's own presence fled, whom gravely he had offended; his namely fellow by industry he had to slaughter consigned, and therefore to his elder's grace to recall no one of men could. In many ways therefore was sought by the Lord, that a worthy and he should pay emolument to the companion. Who the death's peril that he might escape, in no trusted place, while diverse he ran through, to a place, where the man of God by chance dwelt, it happened that he came. Whom God's servant, and therefore wandering when seeking a stipend, for warfare he discerned fit; then from him why wandering he proceeded he inquires: his own Lord is recognized: the cause, why diverse he ran through, is detected. To whom the man of God having compassion, both of hospitality the consolation bestowed, and of his Lord the grace himself to be about to attain promised. But there was his own Lord a man in arms strenuous, and in temporal most powerful in things, and from the sentence which in mind he disposed, by no means himself to remove except with difficulty anyone allowed; and therefore with difficulty he was appeased, as often as he was angered. Next after this in time him the man of God addressed, and to his servant whereby he might pardon him blandly to ask

he began. Who at the voice of the man of God so trembled terrified, and the voice so stuck in his jaws, that what he should answer he had not. he reconciles. But soon prostrate in body himself to the earth he gave, and to his footsteps thrown to his he commended himself prayers. This man indeed before his fellow-soldiers they had asked, the greater and inferior to him prayers had joined; and all, to spare the servant, to bend could not: but for B. Majolus' merit, so him before all prostrated God's condescension; that not otherwise he pardoned the servant, than the servant of God had decreed the bidding. This therefore daily in His faithful the Lord works, which of sacred authority the page attests, while the prudence of the prudent He reprobates, and those glorifying Him glorifies. To the blessed man's the wretched one because fled help, a doubled from him merited benefit, whereby both of the Lord he was gifted with the grace, and the guilt he deleted by penitence.

[52] At a certain time a journey through a certain wood while he took, and the rest in the wonted manner sent before alone he walked; slumber to him among tears and frequent crept up sighs. lest he be hurt by a tree By the same accordingly way, by which he proceeded, of a certain tree so he was hindered by the ruin, that under its trunk riding more easily a hurt he would incur, unless with humbled top himself cautiously he protected. To this therefore the horse on which he sat as he came, so stuck immovable, as if to a stake he had been by chains hindered. With a distinguished then countenance a boy through a dream he contemplated, the horse he recognized by an Angel held back, who the horse, lest it proceed, held by the bridle. Awaking indeed, as the tree he felt before his eyes, the clemency he venerated of the Omnipotent, whose through an Angel, of death he rejoiced to have escaped the peril; but separated from others, because a host himself he exhibited in tears, by this therefore lest he be hurt to be protected he merited Angel, by whom before God the tearful was borne prayer.

[53] That also which befell while at Pavia he tarried, to be passed over by silence most evil it would seem. The multitude's sight whereby he might decline, hastening to the church of S. Syrus, and through this the mind's eye boasting might purge; in nocturnal silence the Canonical hours he anticipated, and the most blessed Syrus' approaching church, with profuse tears before the door, of prayer for himself by the zeal he asked indulgence. On a certain therefore night, while to the accustomed work he rose, and in the wonted manner to the church to set out he disposed; him, if he could, by a fraudulent attempted infestation to terrify, he who of the good acts is wont to envy alone. The inundation indeed of rain, as is wont to be in winter, the whole then rendered the journey difficult; with a cloud moreover opposed the shining were covered stars. Then the tempter before the mind's keenness, both the darkness's density, and the journey's to bring back began difficulty. But the man of God of the malign spirit the suggestions straightway recognized, and the disposed journey without delay took up. Of evils however the author to the man of God in the very journey in many ways to lay ambush busied: the extinguished light but because him in nothing to hurt he could, the light, which before him was carried, he extinguished. Disturbed with the man of God, those who were present, the light whereby they might go knew not. But the man of God of the good the hater, of this deed to have been not doubted the author: who his own from fear by a sign repressed, sure and trusting, that He, before whose he assisted door, to illuminate the extinguished for himself could the lamp. by prayers it is kindled. But because more of the most blessed Syrus' than of his own virtue he trusted; what by faith he believed, by the effect soon to obtain he merited. For soon when from prayer he rose with the Brethren, with fire divine the candle they saw to burn, which to its destruction the devil had dared to extinguish. This indeed miracle much to the Brethren contributed to profit: since the just one's entreaty while much to avail they understood, to prayer's zeal with greater devotion themselves they gave.

[54] The Hierarchies also of blessed Dionysius the Areopagite at a certain time while he read, and in the wonted manner, what by day he had read, of his breast in the library by nocturnal meditation the same he deposited; slumber creeping in it happened, that the candle, which light supplied to him reading, upon the page rushed which he read. The candle upon the unharmed book is consumed. But what does not work Christ in the Saints? The devouring flame the candle consumed, but the leaf upon which it burned scorched losses felt not: virtue the flame had to the candle to burn, which to the page it lost to be hurt. Straightway the slumber being shaken off the man of God, was consternated in mind, that the book, which scarcely anywhere could be found could, consumed by fire to be he thought. But shaken off the ashes, when on the surface no of injury appeared blemish, immense to Him thanks he rendered, by whose power the fire the force of its nature lost, while the dry nourishments, upon which the candle it consumed, in no to hurt could.

[55] When William the Provincials' Prince to be weighed down himself felt by the last lot, by Majolus' merits to be saved to be able from the soul's he believed death: who to himself to the Avenni summoned town, that the multitude's he might visit gathering, in an island which the Rhône under the aforesaid castle splits river, for himself to set he commanded a tent. But his coming by the rumor round about diffused, everywhere to him to run together began an innumerable multitude. Each then others to precede, and prior each to the man of God strove to cross. There was then a ship so old, that with cracks open to be submerged easily by the rushing it could bilge-water. This, with either sex laden multitude, as to the man of God of sailing skilled they attempt to direct, the inundating of the down-running river onrush the same submerged in the midst of the waves. A thing to sight wonderful, that these were imperiled by shipwreck, who by Majolus' to be guarded sought of prayers the suffrage. seeing the ship with men submerged, Men with women and women with little children, whom still they nourished with breasts, into the deep now rolled the river; when to the man of God's ears such came a crime. But Christ, who those crying to Him hears, to Himself beloved Majolus to magnify did not defer. On the very aforesaid Rhône's bank, by the ancients of blessed Martin had been built a church; to it indeed the man of God, the water the submerged covering when of them no one he beheld, his eyes with tears lifted, and a sad to the earth countenance thenceforth inclined: by prayer and the Cross's sign all he frees: but although to those assisting then unknown it had been, what he silent for a little had prayed, efficaciously however to attain he merited, what with a pious mind he sought. For of the Cross the sign as he made, and with a bowed countenance for a little, as we said, prayed; of diverse sex and age soon swimmers appeared in the whirlpool, whom the wave difficult twisted under the river. By the waves the children were borne on the top, the women in the river with diffused were rolled garment, and the men by swimming the bank attempted to seek: to whom skilled sailors running with boats, all drew from the abyss of the river. and loaves to him sent from the water untouched he receives. But also that seems wonderful, that to the man of God six loaves by the Count, while his bore servant, by the same though with the rest captured by shipwreck; so however of the directed gift him defended the conveyance, that he himself not only unharmed went out, but from the loaves three untouched by the water drew away.

Applause everywhere sounds, and of fair praise the modulation, Christ all things bellow, Majolus all things resound: Glory thus to the Lord, thus grows the opinion of the servant. An inborn entered the breasts of all a fervor, To know the man, with the wonderful light of merits coruscant. Many indeed underlay begetting an illustrious name, Doctrine, labor, affability, manners, constancy, fervor, And what is chief, the love very much of the brethren. With which grave whatever was both patient and willing he bore. Why thou, why thy step dost thou snatch through byways pray? Why with a cancelled dost thou bend the compendia by a course? To go in short thou couldst, by which thee through long things thou weariest. To Auvergne certainly better the royal way leads. Not without reason I would bear that turnings-aside thou seekest. Nay I thus, the mind thus finally to bear seems: Of Auvergne sad something to portend I believe, Which either to destruction, or could yield to loss, To the contiguous which so to succeed walls thou dreadest. Whatever it is, halt a little: and the state recovered, With striving minds, what remains whatever, thou wilt undergo.

[56] in old age fervent Therefore Majolus in old age's time, in which are wont the rest more remissly to live, with a keen by labor himself to the Lord's busied servitude to reduce: and as if then new he came, and a youthful fervor in the whole body fervid, so with incredible of mind fervor to divine service he insisted. The body indeed wearied by old age, in no way to rest he allowed from the accustomed work. two years before death he abstains from the public: For two years therefore before he died, the body more than usual of strength to be deprived, and from this his vocation's time to approach he detected: and therefore to the public now to proceed he was unwilling, but either in the monastery or in a certain cell, to his Brethren's utility to tarry he desired, that there either the Brethren with diligent zeal he might correct, and to better things by paternal admonition advance; or often all being removed alone to alone God he might adhere; and with frequent more attentively alternation either to reading or to prayer he might be at leisure, which to him also in all his life a special had been zeal: chiefly however to this he sweated chiefly about death's confine. Often he bewailed, while spiritual men to memory he brought back, whom in divine religion to flourish, and for the defense of the Church holy he had seen manfully to contend: of them indeed by the recollection, of all himself in this world to be destitute he bewailed solace; and therefore the solace to himself sole divine reading; and therefore in all ways to be dissolved he desired and to be with Christ. to reform S. Dionysius' monastery summoned, By the same indeed storm of the King of the Franks he was impelled by the excessive importunity, that according to blessed Father Benedict's magistry, B. Dionysius' he might dispose monastery. Who that a good work to the end of life even might bring through, although the end of his days now and now to be present he was not ignorant, to set out however on this kind of cause by no means he refused: a good this of his virtues consummation esteeming, if of the monastic order the professors in justice and sanctity to himself associating, by charity united by the bond he might dismiss. The journey therefore taken up the Auvergne territory he sought, and there in a certain his cell, at Souvigny sick, namely Souvigny, now a place most celebrated, by the last sickness to be exercised he began. He felt straightway the most prudent of men, of his dissolution the highest time. Then indeed mourning and grief of all, the voice one of those lamenting. And when by the Brethren he had been inquired, the flock to him committed to whom he should commit, thus them to have been is said he addressed: Jesus the highest Pastor, Him you will have as protector. Of pilgrimage therefore because he deserted the exile, he pants to heaven: and to his own glad he proceeded dwelling, therefore rejoicing, these he frequented little verses: Lord I have loved the beauty of Thy house and the place of the habitation of Thy glory Thy: and, How lovely Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts, my soul longs and fails into the courts of the Lord: and, I have chosen to be abject in the house of my God, rather than to dwell in the tabernacles of sinners. Psal. 25, 8 & 83, 2 & 83, 11 So God protecting, with all his body's members entire and uninjured, with a clear namely sight, and pure hearing, and a sound memory, as he was entire from

the corruption of the flesh, knowing no blemish of snowy modesty, he came to his exit, the immortal about to attain gain. By the Brethren whether anything else he grieved being asked, he answered nothing himself to have of trouble, but all things tranquil and prosperous to see: and to perceive the good things of the Lord in the land of the living. Then before him prostrate on the earth, him thus they began to entreat: his men he absolves: Us to thee committed, Father most blessed, in a paternal manner absolve, and with thy most holy prayers protect: for thy faith and thy works thee to Christ associate; and therefore whatever from Him thou shalt ask, present more easily thou wilt obtain. Whom as he absolved, and with most holy prayers confirmed, from common speech he ceased. Now human things he despised, and upward his eyes to heaven he raised; these finally little verses even to the soul's expiration he repeated, so that with ear applied scarcely to hear one could, what he said. The sign indeed of the holy Cross often with right hand holy on himself he depicted.

Nor suffers Christ an illustrious through ages client Either to be torpid long or from the obtained to stand off kingdom, A martyrdom to whom life was: nay with the mass of labors Wearied He invites the Moderator into the supernal citadels. The spirit in narrowed ardent to emerge bonds Flashes forth, and into the liquid free is transferred airs, The pole hymning and a glad shout singing, There enclosed the companions with wonderful splendor supernal: And the conqueror they bear beyond the fiery stars glad, And set him on the throne of the highest through ages King.

He slept indeed with his fathers on the V of the Ides of May, and was buried in the basilica of holy Peter: where by his most holy merits, many are bestowed benefits, dead he shines with miracles. reigning forever our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is with the Father and the Holy Spirit, honor, virtue and glory, through the immortal of ages ages. Amen.

LIFE III

By the Author S. Odilo the Abbot and S. Majolus' successor.

Majolus, Abbot of Cluny in Gaul (S.)

BHL Number: 5182, 5183

BY S. ODILO THE ABBOT.

PROLOGUE.

[1] To Hugh ^a and the most dear Brother Almannus, Odilo the Presbyter, in the Lord greeting. When I resided in the past time Paschal in the Cloister should supervene the solemnity; one of the Brethren, by name John (who according to the of his name fitting interpretation, with the Lord's grace is enriched by the gift) began to inquire, in what volume on the same night the lessons he ought to annotate. To whom I: Consequent it is that in this Father's memory of the most blessed Father Gregory be recited the eloquences: since indeed the same Father while he lived, the same most studiously frequently both heard and read, and when it pleased of the same with eloquent discourse discoursed. Taken away after a little the Vesper office, and the prefixed of daily service time, both order and necessity invited us to the bed to go. I was at that time mourning and weeping, not only the loss of family substance, but also of an unusual calamity and unheard-of misery a huge ^c peril, and what more urged, of the whole fatherland and of all the poor a great and lamentable loss. Of so great indeed crisis and so great mourning the anxious cogitation, To the Life to be written through several now me nights sleepless had rendered. But the same finally night, when in the wonted manner the biting cogitation into our senses importunely itself wished to thrust, the memory of the Saint stirred up. that to me from the Lord I might entreat of consolation the aid, the Blessed I began to entreat Majolus. After a little indeed to me to suggest began of so great a Father the sweet memory, and in a manner by promising to say, that if my mind in his praises to occupy I busied, of heavenly consolation the protection as quickly as possible without doubt to find I could. Therefore, most beloved Seniors and Brethren, although not according to the greatness of him, yet according to the smallness of our understanding, the subject work to write I took care. Whatever indeed that work be, the fire of your spiritual sense that it examine, discern and correct, our fraternity desires and prays.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER I.

Introduction to S. Majolus' age. His virtues in the world, the Monastery, and the Abbatial care.

[2] After the Apostles' and Evangelists' most sacred, divine, After the Apostles and Martyrs, and salutary documents, and the most victorious and most invincible of the blessed Martyrs glorious contests, in the third (so to say) place, bestowed the divine condescension on His Church new solaces, luminaries namely with love burning, with discourse shining: the Apostolic I mean Priests and most illustrious men, with human science, Apostolic men; not vainly, but healthfully endowed, with divine wisdom filled: through whose spiritual intelligence, and in the divine letters most perspicacious investigation, the Law's shadow might shine; the Prophetic discourse, by its profundity highest, and by its height most profound, spiritually understood to the light might proceed; the Evangelical also light's glory, virtue and majesty of the whole world the most dense might put to flight darkness. Through their indeed most sincere industry, the Apostolic acts are expounded and commended to the faithful. Through their most devout zeal, of the blessed Martyrs the triumph to the Church holy is commended and the merit. Of these indeed by the faith, wisdom, and preaching's instance, of those whispering and barking against the Catholic faith the murmur is checked and oppressed, of schismatics the noise is calmed, and the mouth of those vain things speaking is obstructed, of idols the power is destroyed, of the gentiles the cruelty is overcome, of Philosophers the madness is contemned, is spat upon and annulled; of all heretics the falsehood, perfidy, infidelity, error and rage, like a stench smoky and a smoke most stinking, that never and nowhere it could appear, is blown away, and into nothing is resolved and exhaled.

[3] After such and so great men, as namely citizens its own and of its King the domestics, the court heavenly rejoicing received; from that supreme and heavenly commonwealth, the Divine censure in the fourth place by a fitting order to the little ones of the Church to consult willed, so that the grace which to bestow it deigned through the sublime and strong, afterward it might bestow through the humble and innocent and simple. Then began the monastic Order to bud, and, that more truly we say, to revive; then monastic men flourished: which from blessed Elias and John the Baptist we know to have proceeded, and so through the Apostolic both conversation and life, and the increments of virtues and exercises of the holy spiritual Fathers, to us even we rejoice to have come. Through them indeed and from them most perfectly was fulfilled the perfection of that one and special Evangelical, nay of the Lord's precept: which was lacking to that young man, of the possession of life eternal with the Saviour inquiring; the same Lord Christ answering to him and saying; If thou wilt perfect be, go and sell all which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou wilt have a treasure in heaven, and come follow me. Matth. 19 Among this indeed salutary precept's most intent hearers, and most strenuous executors, the most blessed Father, S. Benedict, by merit Benedict and by name, as a certain star heavenly illustrious shone: who so great and such, in life, manners, and miracles existed, that his origin, life, and death describing, the most holy Pope Gregory, through all things a man Apostolic and of the Apostolic See Bishop, testimony to him afforded, who among the principal Primates of the Church a notable and principal privilege, both by life and doctrine, S. Maurus, is recognized to obtain. In the process indeed of time, after the passing namely of the aforesaid most pious Father, through B. Maurus and religion's received the beginning: then through him, and those whom he himself to justice instructed, through very many of perfection grew.

[4] These from this life departing, justice growing rare, wickedness growing frequent, and the mother of all good virtues discipline growing lukewarm, began the studies of pious Fathers to fail: and as through religious and with the fervor of the Holy Spirit full, of the holy institution the norm gradually of perfection received the increase; so through the negligent and slothful, gradually fell into defect. Of the salutary therefore purpose the pernicious defection even to that time had crept by lurking, then the Cluniac B. Berno, in which favoring William, the most Christian of the Aquitanians Prince, of blessed memory the Abbot ^d Berno by name, in the parts of Burgundy, on the Mâcon turf, in the territory which is called Cluny, a monastery began to build; and in as much as he could, in the same building to labor he busied, and of pious devotion the affection by a laborious contest to a laudable he brought effect. By his indeed merit and example, several the tranquil harbor of the monastery seeking are converted from the world: of all whom one by excepting we recall, and recalling we except, whom to the salvation of many to have come we have learned. There was that man ^e Odo by name, a man through all things laudable, of the most blessed Martin of the Church of Tours the Bishop a faithful most devout, S. Odo, and of the same Church a Cleric and Canon. He indeed a man honest and humble, much in the regular exercise instructed, after the aforesaid Father from this light departed, to the governance of the Abbey by the election of many faithful succeeded. Then how to the summit of virtues he came, his studies narrating, the Roman world learned. Him succeeded of happy memory Heymardus by name, of blessed simplicity and innocence a son. Heymardus, He in the augmentation of estates and acquisition of temporal advantage so studious was, and in observance enough devout: he both the loss of temporal light, and whatever of adversity to him to happen could, without all murmuring and indignation most patiently bore. He indeed a man, for the merit of patience, of a simple and innocent life, with so great and such by Christ was enriched gifts, that in his time to the love of the monastic order the author of our salvation B. Majolus deigned to summon. In this indeed of conversion's service, much availed of the venerable man ^f Hildebrannus the sweet conversation and spiritual suggestion. He when he was of the prior Cluniac monks, and of the same monastery the Provost ^g, twice invited was that the office of the Abbey he should receive; Hildebrannus, but he was unwilling, because always more to obey than to command, and more to be under than to be over he wished. Thinks me someone perhaps to have doted, therefore because, when of B. Majolus to dispose to write, of the superiors me so much it befell to have stated: not however let anyone believe by chance to have happened, but of design providently to have been done. Whatever indeed

in the superior matters of just and holy men we said, the whole in this man of whom to speak we wish, either fully, or in great part to smell of we recognized.

[5] ^h There was that man most blessed our Father Majolus, of an illustrious stock sprung, and finally S. Majolus. and by noble parents with vigilant care from the very infancy nobly nourished. The boyhood's time proceeding, he was addicted to Ecclesiastical studies, that he might be imbued with letters spiritual. By a supernal therefore nod and divine providence it was done, that so good a hope's boy then in divine acts more closely intent was, that the whole adolescence's time without the peril of chastity he passed; and so it was done, that through the whole of his life's space, an honor in his body he retained virginal. He after studies at Lyons, Youthful now imminent age, higher and stronger in divine, sharper in human studies and graver he did not defer to attempt; and therefore through each exercised doctrine, he did not fear to approach to the Lyons altar. Then with this city, of philosophy the nurse and mother, and which of the whole Gaul from ancient custom and Ecclesiastical right not undeservedly retained the citadel, Anthony, a man learned and prudent, in liberal studies to have he wished as preceptor. Afterward indeed much more the examples having followed of Anthony, that great and only Christ's disciple, than the studies of this Anthony by a secular profession a Philosopher; from the aforesaid city to the city of Mâcon, by the nobles of the fatherland and his citizens, namely kinsmen and friends, invited coming, as he was a man religious, religiously somewhat with them he stayed: whose life laudable and admirable zeal, could not lie hidden from the aforesaid city's Bishop: by whom humbly he is invited, made Archdeacon of Mâcon: by the counsel of the Clerics and citizens, that in the same Church he should not disdain to administer the Archdeaconate's office. The man indeed as he was of humility with grace endowed, to obey he did not defer, what to himself divinely through the ministry of the Pontiff to be commanded he recognized. And as the matter afterward widely lay open, the whole that business to a greater utility's was directed heap. The received finally of so great dignity office, such himself he exhibited, that to God he might please and to the world: not the world in the malignant placed, but the world through the blood of Christ reconciled to God the Father.

[6] For has the aforesaid city a neighboring monastery, which to many seems with spiritual studies most decently adorned, in a friendly manner he is attracted by the Cluniac monks, to which the already said Senior by the Father of the monastery and the Brethren frequently is summoned; with whom both frequent he had colloquy and spiritual companionship. Among the very finally most sweet colloquies and mutual of most sincere charity services, seeing the Brethren of the aforesaid monastery with the mind's gaze his Angelic face, hearing with the heart's hearing his mellifluous eloquence, they desired that him they could for themselves acquire a Brother, whom afterward to have they might merit also a Father. There was to this intent the flock all of the Lord, but that senior Hildebrannus, of whom above we said, that it could come about labored more ardently. There begat already in him the Lord's grace contempt of the world, according to also the vow of the Brethren of the aforesaid monastery. What more? The Ecclesiastical dignity's office laid down, the worldly nobility's brow spurned, the secular and of friends and parents consortium left, that freely he could serve the true King Christ, wholly himself he subjected to the heavenly magistry. the habit received Nor much after at an agreed time, on a sure day to the monastery coming, most dutifully he is received, regularly is introduced, and (as is the custom) honorably and charitably is treated. How great was the joy among the Brethren of his coming, how huge the gladness, how celebrated the exultation, cannot to the full our utter discourse. Thenceforth there was to him to the world's contempt a prompt will, to the love of God a most firm charity, to the love of neighbor a dear fraternity, to thoroughly learning the regular observance's order no difficulty, holily he lives, and to exhibiting not only to the Abbot but also to the Brethren of obedience the good a swift alacrity, and to giving to all an example reigned in him a pure simplicity.

[7] What was his conversation among the Brethren in the beginning of his conversion, appeared from the affection of the same Brethren in the time of his most celebrated election. There was now not need, that anyone him to the observance regular should instruct, whom, as the holy Evangelist says, the unction of grace heavenly about all things instructed. 1 Joan. 2 There began meanwhile the life and doctrine so perfectly to grow bright, that in the house of God, by the praise of the faithful, of all the first and chief place he merited to obtain. For so it pleased the Divinity, that through diverse grades of humility he should ascend to the summit of monastic perfection; that not now from others one, Into the place of Haymardus the blind but among the rest and above all he might seem chief. In the sixth indeed year (as is reported) of his conversion from the world, the above named Abbot of happy memory, the Lord namely and pious Father Haymardus by name (whose monk the blessed was Majolus, and to whose admonitions and biddings with the whole mind's intention and body's possibility he obeyed, and always to obey had decreed) began to be destitute meanwhile of all health of body, and (what to himself graver was, although patiently he bore it) by the loss of temporal light. And when now himself to the decline to verge he foreknew, and recognized himself not to be able long of so great a monastery and of so great spiritual sheep the care to bear; of the ordination he began of the monastery, and of his successor the election, with spiritual and religious Brethren spiritually to treat, and with tranquillity of mind patiently to dispose. There was made moreover by all an inquisition; and to whom of all the Brethren it tended, is created Abbot: to the Lord namely Majolus, came the election: of whose indeed election's business, according to the greatness of it to say I suffice not; but, that I may use eloquence most brief, neither there nor elsewhere to that office, than B. Majolus neither could nor will be able a more excellent be found.

[8] What more? The chosen is summoned, invited resists, asked contradicts, adjured trembles, forbidden is quiet: accordingly praises to God we render, by all he is honored: since overcame the contradiction's decree of obedience the praiseworthy document. Lastly by the Brethren he is chosen, by the people acclaimed, by the Pontiffs blessed, and by the aforesaid Father of the monastery in a sublime place most celebratedly placed, and by the Brethren most dutifully saluted, and by all Lord and Abbot honored and cultivated. And not only by his own, but also by all, who him to see and to know could, beyond all of his time men, with all honor and veneration was held: of whose origin, life and manners, miracles and death, of our elders the sayings by an illustrious speech brought forth let them suffice. They indeed who of great men greatest things to say could, his most illustrious acts and merits by the Lord to him conferred magnificently described. But I the last of his servants' little servant, not other but those which they themselves aforesaid, with a poor style and with most brief distinctions chapter by chapter in whatever manner I dared to annotate, having followed Alcuin ⁱ, of the great Charles the Emperor the Master: so both unequal to him, as much as a sinner to a just man, an illiterate to a skilled, to speak not knowing to a most eloquent. He the highest and incomparable man and most holy Priest Martin's life, he is compared to S. Martin: by Severus Sulpitius with a highest style described, with sayings fuller elucidated, to our and our like ones' destined notice: but as no one after the Apostles to the most blessed is equated Martin, so also I much me unequal profess to Alcuin. Said he, as namely great, great things of a great man: I will say I small, small things of a great man. Said he of his Martin, as of the highest Priest and an incomparable man: I will say I of Majolus, as of a most pious Father and Abbot most holy, a most excellent man, and truly Catholic.

[9] There was therefore that man of most illustrious birth sprung, and from either parent with a twin nobility coruscant. He to the illumination of many, by the very eternal Light of lights, illustrious by the gifts of body and mind: like a most splendid star, of human condition is destined to the door. For he was himself noble as he was, and nobly nourished, and diligently instructed. And that from lower to higher to ascend we may be able, there was the man already said, often to be said, and often to be recalled, of grave entrance, of sublime voice, of mouth eloquent, of sight pleasant, of countenance Angelic, of aspect serene, in every motion, gesture or act of the body honesty presenting. With all his members' fitting position most decently adorned: of all mortals to me he seemed most beautiful. For he was in faith firm, in hope sure, with a twin charity filled, in wisdom clear, in understanding wonderful, in counsel provident, robust in fortitude, of spiritual science an assiduous cultivator, and of charitable piety a true lover. There filled him the spirit of the fear of the Lord: which as David the Prophet attests, the beginning of wisdom to be is recognized: of that namely wisdom, by whose brightness B. Majolus suffused, of heavenly beatitudes merited to perceive the gift. Psal. 110 By this gift's light our Majolus kindled, with the poor in spirit poor wished to become, that by the King of heavens with the kingdom heavenly he might merit to be enriched. Matth. 5 With the blessed meek he busied to grow meek, that with them he could the land of the living possess. With the blessed mourning he desired, instructed by the 8 beatitudes, of his sons' negligences and of the whole world's crises to lament, that to eternal consolation with all his own he could come. To those hungering and thirsting justice, the same justice by hungering and thirsting he busied to associate, and with them in the heavenly banquet to feast, always and with spiritual delights to be satisfied. He busied that to the wretched merciful he might be, that with the blessed merciful mercy from the Lord he could obtain. In as much as a man intent assiduously on heavenly desire, divine contemplation by just merits and continual entreaty he merited to obtain, that with the blessed of a clean heart having worthy he might merit of the Lord the vision. And that most truly he might merit God's son to be called and to be, perfectly he learned to be peaceable, that not only to possessing his soul he might have patience, but that all discordant (as he could) to concord he might recall and peace. For justice persecutions and passions from the ancient enemy and evil men patiently he learned to sustain, that blessed for justice to those suffering and in spirit poor, to perceiving and possessing the kingdom of heavens, he could become associated. With the three aforesaid adorned virtues the most blessed Father Majolus, and with eight from the Gospel blessings propped about everywhere, and the 4 Cardinal virtues, also the four Cardinal disciplines with fervent desire he busied to acquire, and acquired with just works to cultivate, that through his prudence his own's and beforehand he might provide salvation; through temperance, which by another name is called modesty, by the temperament of just discretion modestly he might dispose the spiritual enjoined to him businesses; through fortitude, the devil and his vices he might be able to resist, and resisting the very author of malice, contending lawfully, manfully to overcome; through justice indeed, which through all kinds of virtues is diffused, and of the same virtues the seasoning to be seems, soberly and piously and justly living, the good contest contending, the course consummating, the faith keeping, the laid up for himself crown of justice from Him he might merit to perceive, who is of all

virtues the bestower and author, and before all and above all God blessed forever: whose blessing's bounty and clement benignity conferred on us as a gift, whereby with such and so great we might enjoy a Pastor. In whom we have an example which we may follow, and in whom to us is set a form to which we may be impressed: as B. Gregory of our head Jesus Christ our Lord says, in whose body's propagation B. Majolus, as a most holy member, the best place merited to obtain.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER II.

Miracles. The conversion of many. Death.

[10] Of whose life and of the soul's virtues when anyone shall have heard the prescribed praises to recount, He shines with miracles by others before written: he will care perhaps about visible miracles and corporeal signs to inquire, by which is supported and corroborated the faith of those, who are wont to doubt about the merits and rewards of the elect: to whom by B. Gregory's words must be answered: Faith has not merit, where human reason affords experiment. And lest anyone doubt about his sanctity and glory, let him learn from those, who him by sight and hearing knew, how he lived, how he taught, and how full of days, adorned with virtues, from this light he departed: and when he shall have recognized him by the faithful's attestation holily to have lived, rightly to have taught, let him believe him without doubt to all the Saints' glory Christ leading to have come. How great through him the Lord both before and after his passing to show deigned miracles, attest volumes by most learned men arranged, with a sense Catholic, with a pen written rhetorical, and in certain places with meter varied dactylic. And because God omnipotent no time suffers to pass without testimony of His benignity, to correcting the negligences of our frailty, frequently He renews examples of sanctity. But also in that time more frequently than usual it befell to happen. Among all the title of sanctity displaying, who in our times shone, B. Majolus chief appeared: of whose honest manners, and of an honest life's virtues, before the rest of the Saints of that time he is eminent: by us for the time a few to be said are. That truly I may confess, he was to all things useful, and through all things laudable. For there was honesty in action, sobriety in custom, humility in prosperity, patience in adversity. To the meek he was affable, to the proud terrible, sparing when he ought, lavish as it befitted: not diverse in habit, not confused in act; as much as from a man, one always and the same. A devout imitator of the Saints, and of them most intent hearer to be he busied, to whose servitude and disciplines to obeying and serving he subjected himself. That sevenfold couple, by the Apostle Peter in a ternary and quaternary number, in a wonderful order beautifully disposed, not with a deaf ear hearing, by hearing he learned, and that others might learn, with tongue and hand he thoroughly taught; ministering in faith virtue, in virtue moreover knowledge, in knowledge moreover abstinence, in abstinence moreover patience, in patience moreover piety, in piety moreover love of fraternity, in the love moreover of fraternity charity. 2 Pet. 1, 6 He preferred also to dialectical syllogisms, and rhetorical arguments, and all the wits of all philosophers, of Apostolic simplicity the praiseworthy document, saying with Paul: For I have learned, in what I am sufficient: I know both to be humbled, I know both to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed, both to be satisfied and to hunger, both to abound and penury to suffer. All things I can in Him who me strengthens. Phil. 4.

[11] he pleases God and men: By so great doctors' and divine philosophers' wisdom thoroughly taught, and of all ecclesiastical discipline's erudition and virtues illustrated, as of Moses the Ecclesiastical discourse speaks, He was made to God beloved and to men, and therefore his memory in blessing is. Eccli. 45. Truly beloved to God and to men was Father Majolus, because through the love of God and of neighbor (which firmly he held) to God he pleased and to men: so he busied to please men, that to God he should not displease; so to God, that to men he might profit. He pleased God, by well living, and by rightly teaching: he pleased men, as he could spiritual and temporal benefits to them exhibiting. For truly his memory in blessing we recognize to exist, while we recall and still clearly perceive, through him and those whom in Christ he begot, edifices of the building heavenly to have grown, to have increased, and to increase. And that by the peace of the spiritual artificers, in the same building laboring, I may say; one chiefly shone, who lately from human things departed, and who more than all of us labored, the Lord namely and Abbot ^a William: of whose most illustrious acts, and laudable life, and wonderful conversation, our smallness suffices not, what it perceives, to the full to relate. How clearly of the most blessed Majolus and of his disciples in blessing exists the memory, let answer the monasteries by themselves, some from the foundations built, others from corruption with the increment of virtues to a better state reduced. How much the man this, of whom we speak, to God pleased, through signs and miracles, which through his merit the Lord worked, to men manifestly He deigned to demonstrate; while, as of many faithful most faithful attests the relation, many with diverse infirmities constrained, even of life despairing, by him visited, various he works miracles: through the grace of the Lord to the pristine health were restored. Several, of the eyes wiped away the darkness, through his merit more clearly began to see. Many, with diverse kinds of fevers affected, the Lord's grace bestowing, by his prayers were freed. Many, as they relate, from the venom of serpents, the bites of wolves and dogs, the incursion and illusion of demons, through the Lord's Cross's sign by his right hand expressed, merited to receive a salutary remedy. Many in perils of rivers, from strokes of lightnings, and the other inconveniences, by his were freed intercessions. Sometime candles, either by the negligence of a chamberlain, or by the occasion of some event, in the nights before his bed extinguished, as testified those who were present, divinely were to light restored.

[12] When he was sometime in the monastery of the most holy Martyr Dionysius, and in the nocturnal time read (as was his custom) of the same Martyr and admirable in either tongue, in either condition a philosopher, the book on the heavenly Principality; a heavy sleep supervening, the candle from his hand upon the book's page flowed down. There happened then something wonderful unusual. The fire of its nature the office pursuing, the wick consumed and the wax; the page dismissed unharmed. If he raised not the dead's bodies, very many to Christ he converted: there are other more powerful and clearer, which through him the Lord wrought, miracles. If the soul is more than the body, much greater and more excellent is of souls to life eternal the reparation, than the raising of bodies, to of this life the toils and perils of those returning. How many from the death of the soul and the abyss of vices he raised, and into the ways of life by his example introduced, of them the multitude to God alone known, to number does not allow. With these and of this kind virtues illustrious, to God and men he was dear. Many Catholic and honorable Clerics, dear to Princes ecclesiastical and secular. religious monks and reverend Abbots venerated him, as a most holy Father. Holy and wise Bishops treated him, as a most dear Brother. By Emperors and Empresses, Kings and the world's Princes, Senior was called and Lord. He was honored by the Pontiffs of the Apostolic See, and truly was in that time the Prince of religion monastic. That Divine Caesar and Greatest Otto, him loved with his whole breast: loved him of the same Caesar the wife Divine Adaleida, Empress Augusta, with a charity most sincere and devotion most dear. Loved him their son with humble devotion the Emperor Otto; with affection and not unlike vow ^b Conrad, of the aforesaid Empress the brother noble and peaceful, and his his face they beheld, the more in his love they grew. What shall I say of the most noble the most illustrious man and most noble Count? what of ^f William? what of ^g Richard, the Aquitanians' and Normans' most brave Dukes? what of the Italic Princes and Marquises? How much him end shows: through his indeed merit and faithful service, B. Benedict's to receive he merited the habit. most faithful, among his own most illustrious, and of the adjacent fatherland father, and of the poor protector most strong, how much and how he was to B. Majolus devout, the aforesaid in many ways proclaims place; by him, both before and after the passing of the always to be said Father, with edifices and riches, and of diverse ornaments species adorned and ennobled, so that it would befit if such a thing had done someone of Kings. He indeed who now survives, of the honor his heir and of the name, well treats that place, no even brings to the inhabitants damage.

[13] So magnified and glorified was B. Majolus the Lord's preceding grace, by Hugh Capet in the sight of Kings and Princes, before all the people, that we can say of him without doubt, what of Moses God's servant the Ecclesiastical repeats discourse; He glorified him in the sight of Kings, and showed him His glory. Eccli. 45 Hugh King of the Franks as often as him he saw, with humble devotion received, and with great honor treated: in the time indeed of his vocation to himself to come asked, with that

intention that the monastery of S. Dionysius by his counsel and aid, better than then it was, might be ordered. He, knowing it said by the Lord; Render what are Caesar's to Caesar, and what are God's to God. Luc 20, 24 And that of the Apostle precept; even after death honored, God fear, the King honor. 1 Pet. 2, 4 To that business to be performed, rejoicing the journey he undertook, even to the place Souvigny he came, where, himself God calling ^k, full of days and of sanctity from this life he died on the fifth of the Ides of May, the sixth feria dawning after the celebration of that most sacred solemnity, on which Christ Jesus our Lord, the prince of death subdued, to the right hand of the Father ascended, and to His faithful one Majolus of ascending after Him the way showed. After whose passing the aforesaid King Hugh, by his coming's presence and royal gifts, his obsequies honored and the tomb: where the Lord bestowing many are wrought and are wrought miracles, and to very many very many bestowed are and are bestowed benefits. Of which the multitude and greatness suffices not in order of all our memory to narrate: but, that the most brief I may use conclusion, at the sepulchre of that most holy man of whom we speak, and whose life and merits to the charity of the faithful to commend we strive, by the grace and mercy of Christ from whatever infirmity held, many healed are and are healed sick. There paralytics are raised and the lame, he shines with miracles. there the feverish are healed and the blind, there by demons possessed are cleansed, and we know not of what kind by fire terribly and miserably burned are freed: and whosoever there devout coming of whatever necessity faithfully help seeks, of his vow possessed made returns to his own sound and glad ^l, the Lord bestowing our Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit God, through all the ages of ages. Amen.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER III.

A presage concerning the Saracens to be cast out from Provence.

[14] For when to this discourse I wished an end to impose, in which of B. Majolus' life and manners with faithful temerity and humble presumption I strove something to say; there came into mind a memorable certain presage, which in his begetter by certain faithful's relation I had heard done; which, as some relate, the same father frequently with a pleasant discourse was wont to relate; but I to this work feared to insert, lest to anyone it should seem incredible. [But] after certain accidents, which in his times to befall it happened, which the presage that with the most open reason favored, to recall I began; undoubtedly thence something to say I disposed: but of the unusual thing the new matter contradicted to begin, which on account of its greatness I feared, me not to be able to perfect. And when these I thought, said my very cogitation to me: As fitly could anyone relate by the wit of some good man deluded the most cruel rage of a wolf, as he related the mildness and obedience of the lion, who wrote the life most erudite and Catholic man. Imminent therefore that time, in which from Spain's borders boiling the most cruel of the Saracens a huge multitude, S. Majolus by the Saracens captured through a journey naval to the borders even of Italy and of Provence came, and in either kingdom of either order sex and age of men slaughter gave; then monasteries destroying, cities, villages, and farms depopulating, and so through the Julian Alps, even to the Ridges of the Pennine Alps with a rapid course came: and there of impiety its reins relaxing, through many of times spaces of the Christian name the peoples with diverse infestations and calamities afflicted; and some by killing, and freed. others by capturing, others of their goods all despoiling, of its impiety the vows thus by a tyrannical exercise fulfilled. Among the other evils, which that people most nefarious did, the most blessed Father Majolus, from the thresholds of the Apostles returning, by fraud and ambushes it took, of all things despoiled with chains it bound, with hunger and thirst afflicted. He indeed divinely absolved, at last by the moneys of his monastery redeemed, from the hands of those, the Lord protecting, escaped unharmed; and his unjust capture, of their expulsion and perpetual perdition was the occasion. Just as indeed after the passion of Christ, the Jews were from their own exiled; so after the capture of His servant and most faithful His servant Majolus, the Saracens from the borders of the Christians were expelled. And just as through Titus and Vespasian of the Romans Princes the Lord on the Jews vengeance exercised, so through William the most illustrious man and most Christian Prince; by the merits of blessed Majolus, the yoke of the Saracens from the shoulders of the Christians He laid down; and many of lands spaces, by them unjustly possessed, from their tyrannical domination, with powerful virtue snatched. But these said, it is necessary that to the proposed we return.

[15] What are those which we proposed? A presage a certain memorable, favoring the accidents, in the times of B. Majolus supervening. What are those accidents? The Saracens' unforeseen coming, of the Christians affliction, of monasteries and cities destruction, of B. Majolus himself the capture, the redemption and liberation, and of the same most fierce nation, from the Christians' borders, Christ aiding, the casting down. What or of what kind is that presage memorable? There preceded indeed the most cruel infestation of the Saracens a rage unheard of of wolves, in those chiefly parts, in which after the crossing of the sea the whole of the Saracens grew hot onrush. The Father of S. Majolus the fatherland from wolves frees We said for the measure, how freed was the multitude of the faithful from the Saracens' persecution: let us say as we can, in what order freed was the fatherland from the wolves' infestation. There was at the same time a certain soldier in those parts, by name Folcherius, in arms strenuous, by hereditary right and the other goods and riches most rich, and as of his most noble offspring we said, from either parent with a twin nobility coruscant; a man of great counsel, of prudent and sagacious wit; the father namely of that most holy our Father, of whom we speak, Majolus: in whose possession and vicinity, the aforesaid rage of wolves grew most greatly. Among whom, of these namely wolves the multitude, one seemed than the rest in body stronger, in course swifter, to tear more cruel, to devour more eager, so far that of human bodies the members by its ferocity it swallowed whole.

[16] Then the man that hearing and seeing daily such a pest and so great a calamity to grow, not only his own, but also others' necessity began within himself to consider, and most intensely to think how himself and his citizens from so great and such a peril he could free. Then at length by a divine nod admonished, by heavenly counsel strengthened, he commanded hedges to be raised, folds to be composed, rams, sheep, and lambs into them to be introduced, which no one in that time, on account of the wolves' rage, dared to do. Then with arms military, with cuirass namely and helmet clothed, above wholly with sheepskins covered, he began in the nocturnal time beside the folds to sit of sheep. There was made moreover in one of the nights, one chief being captured, upon the same folds of sheep, an incursion of wolves. By the nod of God it happened that the wolf, who more cruel was, upon the man awaiting him rushed; upon his back a leap gave, both feet upon his shoulders placed, began round about to seek out whence more easily a ram, which was not present, he could extinguish. The throat and neck he found by the cuirass fortified, the head by the helmet covered, the body by a royal hedged defense: in no part could it him harm. The man that straightway both hands extending, of the wolf the feet both seizing, strong, as he was, strongly the wolf's members to his members binding, with a swift course to his companions returned: to whom long awaiting, and of such a contest doubting, is offered to their sight a great for a great gift wolf. He is kept alive until the morrow, presented to the men, to whom he had been always hostile: he is killed, torn apart, and among his bowels of human bodies are found whole members. Killed he is hung on a trunk, and while one is killed, all the others from those borders are put to flight.

[17] If anyone these prudently to be understood will, something spiritual thence to conjecture he will be able. By the wolves' rage, I believe was announced the Saracens' savagery. By that man, in a lay habit in many things laudable, who the wolf deluded, and by deluding killed; a son to him I understand foreshadowed, who to the wolf invisible, the ancient namely enemy, by Christ's virtue overcome, with all his vices and illusions spurned, by heavenly virtue and spiritual arms subdued, many faithful's souls, from his power, by his example, doctrine, and merits snatched, and into the way of salvation, of life, and of truth, and of justice introduced, He Himself preceding, accompanying, and following, who is the way, the truth, and the life, the Lord namely Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns God, through all the ages of ages. Amen.

ANNOTATIONS.

made, for indeed anciently no writing was made.

TWO BOOKS OF MIRACLES

By the Author, as it seems, a monk of Souvigny.

Majolus, Abbot of Cluny in Gaul (S.)

BHL Number: 5186

FROM THE CLUNY LIBRARY.

PROLOGUE.

The glorious works of virtues, which the omnipotent God's providence through the blessed and His lover Majolus deigned to work, S. Majolus, what living he did, to conceal he busied: while the frail of his own body's garment was vivified by the vital spirit's addition, with a compendious, as to know we could, we described reason, lest a diffuse of words series to those reading a loathing might breed. Whence an excerpting of virtues abbreviated from the innumerable ensigns of his deeds, O would that it might please those reading all! not weighing meanwhile nor regarding the vile merit and poor knowledge of the writer. For who indeed of so great would be of perspicacity of mind, that all laudable deeds, which for His faithful of Christ our Lord the condescension performs, in writings or words in the whole comprehend could? They indeed through God's mercy the workers of virtues, certain things through them divinely done, in a masterly manner to conceal procure: and although we be admonished, that they should see our works good, and glorify our Father, who in the heavens is; yet this precept's admonition to polish we ought with a certain salutary artifice, lest of human praise the favor it cloud in anything. For of great merit with God to be is recognized, who on earth still pilgrimaging, for the good of his faith elaborated work, with some foreshown miracles is honored: but also among the of diverse merits the special prerogative to anyone nothing can be holier and more useful, than that through the inhabiting of faith, hope, and charity spirit, he prepare in his heart's lodging of the Lord a temple: that of him to the holy and individual Trinity, through the Spirit Paraclete to say it may please, before which truly is to be esteemed the fruit We will come, and a dwelling with him we will make. Joa. 14, 23 There came indeed that sevenform spirit, and with sevenfold virtues that purified of the blessed Father Majolus filled dwelling, while him it adorned with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, fulfilled him with the spirit of counsel and fortitude, adorned with the Spirit of knowledge and piety, and to grow fiery made in the spirit of the fear of the Lord. With these indeed virtues' charisms, those innumerable legions of the monastic name, he himself the standard-bearer preceding, fitted to the unanimity of distinguished probability. And so one with God a spirit made, as is said, Who adheres to God, one spirit is, in the fourway of the lands' spaces very many whoever faithful in Christ our Lord's service rendered unanimous. 1 Cor. 6, 17 How indeed inviolably with masterly censure and paternal sweetness the honor of the cenobitical norm to guard he made, whom he made in forming monasteries. how not by his own, but by another's command of those living a lover he was, attests that Cluny noble college. This Germany and Lombardy, Burgundy and Provence, France thunders with the Poitevin fatherland. For very many of ancient honor monasteries, by his exhortation deific, of betterment recovered the advantages, of salvation, and of honor: many from him of increment and profit had beginnings: and from all, as in the Prophet is read, in the dens, in which before dragons dwelt, shall arise the green of reed and rush, after cut away the venomous vice's venoms, sprung thenceforth the grain of honor to the increment grew of eternal blessing. Is. 35, 7 Yet however among many virtues' ensigns, after death done these are written here by the bidding of S. Odilo. in that of praises foundation, which with God special and copious is, himself always he exercised, that namely many heirs of God, co-heirs moreover of Christ he might institute, either for the demonstrated in former matters way, or for of the insinuated recompense the gift. In such of cooperation's zeal himself he fitted assiduous, and of these zeals in his life a follower and cooperator was most powerful: and now the flesh's burden laid down, in the heavens a bright and most holy star shining, of amplified virtues he belches forth heaps. These from part some, for the paternal command of the Lord and most reverend Odilo the Abbot, we obey to commit to writings. Since also of the same our Father Majolus, to God a special Advocate, armed with confidence, faith, hope, I await, that as much as is distant the East from the West, so far He may make from me of the committed negligences the iniquities mine own. For full of goodness and mercy the same B. Majolus, the pleasant of the world memorial, after many in his life wrought miracles, after, on the second of his deposition's day, with the prerogative of miracles resumed deeds: which most unfailingly to the praise of God, and to the memory of the same Father persevere: since while he lived, that this he might merit, by faith and by things he obtained.

BOOK I.

[1] At the entombment therefore of the precious body of the Lord and of God lover Majolus, a certain of lost mind woman, There are healed a demoniac, while long and much she was vexed by a most grave inconvenience, at length like a dead one to the earth fell, and after a very little while sound and unhurt, the mind's sense recovered, rose: and to us herself to be healed made known, while of reason not ignorant herself, by words and deeds, demonstrated. For whose health's commerce glad and eager the Brethren of Souvigny of his virtues blessed Father Majolus adorned, God with the surrounding people bless, and to Him of laudation vows pay.

[2] A certain one indeed associated to a great gathering of people, with the eyes' and sight's weighed loss, on that same day, because faith he had, while of the holy Father Majolus the grace he invokes, a blind man, and the merit of him with heart and voice seeks; with the light of the mind, the light merited to receive of the head, God by blessing. Whose virtue recognizing the praise, with the enlightened man render of the same place the Brethren to the Enlightener of hearts praises, the bells rung and praised together God.

[3] Another thence day, while of the monastery of Souvigny the household, with the other workmen, by the exhortation of Brother Malguinus, who over that work a diligent watcher was present, upon the blessed man Majolus' tomb some of stone work performed; and to the union enough what to do little it seemed, although each one as much as he could labored, having a hand hurt, whence among the rest of the masons' artificers, there was a certain, by name Constantius, who while more solicitously to the work he insisted, and a great square upon the begun work wished to roll, suddenly upon his hand it is rolled, and thence gravely he is afflicted. But to demonstrate the blessed man's merit, and to confirm the servant's faith, while the holy Father Majolus' name he invokes, with a gentle drawing the laden hand to himself he recalls sound and unhurt, and so only the finger-cover ^b of the glove he lost, and in the rest of the body sound remained.

[4] A certain therefore woman, Stephana by name, of S. Julian ^c, of prolonged blindness the darkness miserably suffered; there is enlightened a blind woman one, and through many of the Saints' pledges help to entreat going forth, upon her blindness's delays she remained groaning. At length wearied and distrustful of her soundness's recovery, at home she remained, and the detriment of her sight only condoled. But at length the blessed Father Majolus' fame of virtues through many truthful hearing, she resumed strength, and recovers of prayer days. To the blessed man's tomb herself she made to be brought by a leader preceding: and while of prayer words there she multiplies, and by faith God invokes; there is present B. Majolus' general help, whereby is driven away from the eyes of the bereft woman the blindness, because a daughter of light, and not a daughter of darkness, she was. The brightness's day resumed finally, she returns to her own without a leader. And glad and eager, for the miracles' frequent repetition, of the same place remain the Brethren: and for the seen miracle, as also for very many, they chant the Hymn, Te Deum laudamus, in the highest.

[5] Another woman, of the same infirmity laboring under the inconvenience, by name Heldeardis of Mauziacum ^d, to lead herself made to the blessed Father Majolus' tomb, another blind woman, and lest alone she be deprived of the antidote of health on many bestowed, she took the light of her eyes suddenly. Whence enough rustic, and of the understanding of sciences ignorant, while without thanksgiving to return to her own she wished, the received light she lost straightway, and was repeated to her the pain with the light's loss. But yet the omnipotent God, who the humble regards, and the high from afar knows, to her was unwilling to take away the hope of health to be recovered. For also in her mind He put, that to seeking again the blessed Father Majolus' remedy she should return, if in any way she could rejoice, that she of herself might have mercy more. Whence returning and with faith God invoking, after prolonged of excessive importunity complaints, as is said, that the kingdom of heavens force suffers, and the violent snatch it; she snatched and extorted by prayers the light of her eyes, which she had lost by the neglect of rendering grace thanksgivings. This repeated miracle recognizing the congregation of monks, there remaining, the eternal Father with voices praise together, and for the seen miracle the bells for a while to sound commend.

[6] Hildeburgis and another woman from the Auvergne fatherland, of the same infirmity not unalike by bereavement condemned, while the blessed Father Majolus' intervention she repeats, the brought blindness from her eyes she renounces. She before the holy man's sepulchre to the ground prostrate, and a third: while with fists her torn breast she beats, is broken of the eyes the blindness, and returns to her body the alacrity, and to the dark once head the brightness. So gladdened by the most desired blessing's gift, to her station's place she returns without an earthly leader; and the way and the truth and the life, which Christ is, she praises together, on account of in her the done virtue, which everywhere she announces.

[7] How willingly of those serving him, the blessed same Father Majolus the obedience receives, by many virtues he demonstrates. a candle extinguished of its own accord is kindled: Whence let be narrated one miracle, enough abundantly in his life frequented: that those serving him to the faith of truth he may excite, and to better things from day to day to tend he may submonish. For a few elapsed days, after the blessed Father Majolus to the heaven's court passed glad, a certain Brother Odo to the blessed man's tomb among others of servitude the service applied. But while on one of the days a candle, which before the holy man's tomb burned, had been extinguished; he feared the negligence, and for his inertia, he dreaded of the other Brethren and of the surrounding people the shame. So extinguished seizing the candle, and to it to be kindled elsewhere carrying, in the midst of the journey resumed the candle the light of brightness: and so admiring the aforesaid Brother the light from heaven given, returns glad to the blessed Majolus' noble mausoleum; and with praises God thunders for the seen miracle, and the other Brethren likewise not a little gladdened with joy.

[8] Herbertus a certain by name there was, who the holy and of God lover Majolus' grace and merit mercifully found. There are healed, a contracted one He through many of days spaces, of hands and feet losing the supplements, lived with pain, ate his bread with weeping without intermission. Whose misery's importunity grew to him daily, because neither was present which him might gladden health, nor the common him from the world withdrew mortality. So by days and nights continuing of weeping the sobs, at length he resumed the hope of consolation, and to seeking the Father Majolus' aid, himself in a cart to place, and to the holy Father's thresholds

himself to bring made. Where for some time tarrying, while many and innumerable he saw and heard to return sound, before the doors of the church, although for the Saint's virtues he rejoiced, grew to him however the pain, because he alone remained, to whom was not bestowed of salvation and health the honor. But at length baked in the furnace of poverty, he conquered by faith the infirmity great of the body. For through B. Majolus was given to him from heaven perfect of body health, before of the same church the outer doors. Whence from the cart, where he had been placed, leaping down, into the church he enters, God and the Lord blessing; and of thanksgiving vows he offered to his physician and of his salvation author the blessed Father Majolus; and the Brethren of the same place render to God vows solemn of laudation frequented, for these and similar daily miracles.

[9] After therefore first B. Majolus' body, with the greatest of honor and reverence cult, was buried; and at his most holy head, and another in the consecration of an altar, an altar a certain was built; the Brethren, to God there serving, a common and salutary such found counsel. To the Bishop namely, in whose diocese the same was place, they send, that altar that he should consecrate. Whence coming the Lord Beggo, of the Auvergne See Bishop, that altar with great consecrated reverence. Which hearing round about divided peoples, assembled innumerable there. Among whom a certain man, by name Constantius, contracted and to no use fit, while in the church placed he was pressed by the surrounding people, and was rolled to the earth as bound by a chain, a sudden found of salvation and health way: sound and unhurt he rose for the merits of S. Majolus, and so God praising together to his own returned.

[10] On that indeed same day, two certain women, who by the hidden judgment of God the mind's sense had lost, two insane ones of reason and health receive the remedy, and so announcing to all S. Majolus' merit, to friends and parents of theirs, great brought equally joy.

[11] On another day a boy a certain from Cavannis ^e a farm came, who the virtue of one hand wholly had lost: for it as a dry wood to his body hung, and neither of heat nor of cold any felt temperament, nor was it strong to do of any utility a work. having a hand dry, When the age of his body growing, grew daily in that part the increase of infirmity: and although that boy had not the age, to perfect sense to retain the grace, he found for himself however of salutary counsel a path. He to the common health's remedy, the Father namely Majolus, approaches, and him over his necessity's sum, as a helper invokes. Whose boy's prayers receiving the Lord by the merits of S. Majolus, to the pristine health his hand reduced, and so perfectly bettered brought back.

[12] On another indeed day came another, of boyish age not exceeding the term, by name Heldinus, a blind boy, who by blindness was weighed down with a whirlwind: who although of the exterior he had lost the office of light, of the interior however he lost not the good will of the mind. He by his parents' aid to S. Majolus was brought, and in the church placed awaited of his illumination the hour. But of his misery condoling friends and parents, vows of prayers solemnly repeat for him, and the mercy of the omnipotent God invoke assiduously. And so while by days and nights the holy man's they seek suffrage, of their heart at the end fulfilled they rejoice the desire. For on one of the days while the same little boy in the church sat, suddenly himself to see candles burning he proclaims, and what in the church were done himself to see he manifests. Upon which business of health made certain the parents of the boy, of great laudation the jubilees according to their knowledge chant: so glad and eager returning to their own, by their exhortation many to come make to S. Majolus' thresholds.

[13] Brioderensis ^f is called a village in the territory of Bourges, of which a certain contracted and of all the members' office lost, an old man contracted, by his parents brought was to S. Majolus' church, if in any way of his intercession he might merit to find grace. He in of decrepit age the old age, with such laboring inconvenience, for attaining of salvation and health the utility insisted more attentively in the very age's now end. Who shut with fists, bent back to the belly with knees, in the head alone formed seemed of a man the effigy, but in the rest of the body a deformed matter. Him parents and friends despaired to be able further anything of health to obtain: but, as in the ancients is wisdom, conquered at length the deep-seated of weakness and of contraction the knot the importunity of his prayers. For with the Brethren celebrating in the church of Masses the solemnities, came upon the wretched by B. Majolus' intervention a visitation Angelic, which to the pristine health the hands weak reduced, and the knees once tottering the way to take confidently permitted: and is reformed the whole lost of the body virtue, since he doubted not this himself to be able to obtain the veteran by B. Majolus' intercessions. This aid having obtained at the end of his days, returning he blesses God, and His Saint praises together Majolus.

[14] A dire palsy a certain one was weighed down with the knottiness, who himself confessed to be of Eglismont ^g: whose youthful body had defiled a grave contraction of hands and feet; so that his hands by gout of the hand, a paralytic one, his feet moreover were vexed by hostile gout of the foot. He in a vehicle in which to recline he was wont, bound about with little bands, is brought by his parents to S. Majolus' to seek aid. But brought into the church, upon the business of his salvation, watches in prayers, and upon this to watch his parents he admonishes more instantly: invites those about to pray to be present, by whose leading there he seemed to have been brought. At length on one of the days came to the languishing the hour of having mercy on him, for of God lover Majolus' prayers. For by his intervention he received the rectitude of his hands and convenient motion of the fingers, and to his feet, of walking was not lacking the strength: which benefits brought S. Majolus' of merits the greatness. After the resumed of body health, long and much awaited, to his own he returned, and thanksgivings to God and Saint Majolus rendered.

[15] Of the same ^h infirmity was affected by the damage a certain one of the Nevers territory. He more like to a deformed matter, for the too great condemnation of body, more seemed for being rolled fit, than he was kept for the honor of standing or of walking. Who at once of the work of hands lost, on this account more seemed to be deformed, that his chin was glued to both knees. He hearing many peoples to come to S. Majolus' help, likewise a contracted one, this work himself to ought to try he deliberates; trusting that of the same Saint with God so great was the grace of merits, that through it healed he could be from the distorted contraction of his members; and to be able himself to obtain by his interventions health, if he were brought to his most holy shrine. This will to his parents and friends his he indicates: of whom the sounder mind was, his will they praise; the less credulous, this vainly themselves to do think. But God, who the high from afar knows, by a more salutary counsel this one strengthened. In a certain carrying litter transposed, to the Souvigny monastery he is brought; where for a few days of salvation and health awaiting the remedy, he remained not frustrated of hope, because of that journey he wished to undergo the labor devoutly. For after the Matinal service, before S. Majolus' tomb he sitting, from heaven a sudden received of body alacrity. Of hands and feet his are consolidated the sinews: the chin from his knees is broken away, by the grace of Christ: and he who before, as a prone animal, the earth regarded only; erect in a natural state, proclaims S. Majolus' virtues in public.

[16] Of the same day at the Vesper now hour, after many wrought miracles, a certain woman is brought mute. Who after the received office of speaking, herself said to be of the territory of Auxerre, and Helena herself to be called made known. a mute one, She for the too great infirmity of the whole body, lost the modulations of prompt speech, which reformed B. Majolus' intervention, since also this one to aid He wished appeased. For while she sat at the doors of the aforesaid church, suddenly she slept: after the awaking indeed, with a light motion her tongue to draw within her jaws began. Thereafter a horrific certain hawking and bloody spittle, more sweetly to act began. Of stammering the beginning she begins, and afterward formed of discourses the courses she narrates. So God praising together and the Saint Majolus proclaiming, she returned to her own, cheerful and pleasant.

[17] Of one hand the virtue had lost a certain woman, to whom also to multiplying the pain's number, grew of speech the loss. By these so great and so grave afflicted pains, like she seemed to a dead one, because of working and of speaking miserably she was deprived of the gift. Conquered at length the woman's infirmity the sought B. Majolus' mercy, which to many profited, and to us forever may it profit. She into the church, where his holy are laid up the members, another mute one, also with a hand maimed, enters groaning and weeping; and although she could not the necessary things of her body by the office of words say, them however she revolved by faith; and in herself she proved, that to a heart contrite and humbled the Lord God regards. For on one of the days she received first the health of the condemned hand, remained however meanwhile of the lost speech the weeping. Upon which aid of S. Majolus by heart, not by voice she invokes, as clearly afterward it became known, since the health of the tongue in such a manner to receive she merited. For sitting she in the church, before S. Majolus' tomb, received of the mouth and tongue before lost the office.

[18] A certain of the poor the poorest a daughter only had, whom a horrific contraction of the whole body, to a monster most like had rendered. She by hands and knees, elbows and feet condemned gravely, a contracted one, in that place only where she was put, remained, and of her torment the pain by lamenting and weeping repeated: to her indeed reserved was life to the bitterness of soul, because neither to health she returned, nor to the desired death she came. There had remained meanwhile to her only of voice and tongue the power: whose horrendous vociferation's singularity, alas! too much wearied the surrounders to hear, and moved to say to her those coming, Lord God have mercy. The voice of this one's prayer heard the Lord, and her by the merits and intervention of S. Majolus, to the pristine health restored propitious. For transposed she in a certain part of the aforesaid church, divinely received of body most entire health. Which her father beholding, glad with her to his own was returned, whom once he had brought wearied.

[19] On one of the days, at the Vesper now hour performed, a certain man, by name Bernardus, before the doors of the church aforesaid remained gravely contracted: where through the whole night watching, he attended of consolation the place praying. another contracted one, But while of the same place the keepers the Matinal had sounded hour, the doors opened with the rest of the people this one entered, still creeping, and the more he was kindled to of prayer and entreaty the repetition, because very many he saw and heard attentive to rendering thanks, on account of of received health the riches. By such animated confidence, and of God not despairing the mercy, and as is said, To some of the Saints turn, into his aid the Saint he invokes Majolus: therefore he received for faith his, and for of his intercessor's grace most entire health, and to friends and parents his brought

great pleasantness. Job 5, 1

[20] A certain one in already perfect age of body, mute remained from the womb of his mother, who neither his tongue to speaking could move, nor well the mouth to such office opened. With such laboring inconvenience, he sought of physicians the medicines; which to himself nothing profited, but to the increment of labor always to him came. He lived mute with pain, a mute man of his necessity's diversities seeking by the hands' demonstration. He hearing and seeing many infirm to health to return, by B. Majolus' intervention; seized a staff, and to the Saint hastens to come the sepulchre. Where while on one of the days divine help to himself to be present he entreats by heart, the voice of speech he merited to receive; and in such was restored of speaking virtue, as if never with such he had labored infirmity.

[21] The omnipotent God's mercy, to glorifying His faithful one Majolus, to return made to her mind's state a certain woman. She, blind and not having mind, with the loss of mind and reason, suffered the penalties of superimposed blindness. And although she kept her eyes open, no however of seeing she received rays. Who to S. Majolus' tomb brought, in the near future both of reason and of seeing received the offices.

[22] Among the rest of the people was present also a certain of the most wretched women the most wretched: who neither could fit her fingers to wool-working, nor perfectly retained of the other members the office. a contracted woman, In so grave a knottiness of contraction bound, by her parents to S. Majolus' sepulchre was brought. Where while she bewails of her pain the multitude, divinely received most entire of body health; and without any tottering of body, to her own returned; because the pious helper of those grieving S. Majolus devout she sought.

[23] A certain incendiary pest through many of the lands' places had grown, which of many the bodies lifeless had rendered. By this tremendous affliction's horror, a certain man was affected from the feet's part. Who days and nights passing with groans and tears, laboring with the sacred fire, his aged beard and swan-white head plucked with his hands; nor ate with rest the bread, nor could give to his body any pause. This such as it were an infernal torment, not only from that one, but also from several extinguished S. Majolus' merit. He to seeking of the same Saint's mercy vowed, and remained not frustrated of his prayer, because in S. Majolus a great was found fountain of mercy. There was extinguished by him by his merits the infernal detriment of the body, nor further fed the fire on the traces of the poor man. A trickle of mercy to this to drive the conflagration, he found; and while in himself the done mercy to others he indicates, to the same Saint of God to come many he strengthens.

[24] There came another of the same calamity afflicted by the misery, who now almost, by a like burning of heavenly vengeance, his hands had lost. likewise another, For of very many nails, of the fingers namely, the number now he lacked, and the shortened fingers to others looking he demonstrated. But while he into S. Majolus' church entered, and of prayer vows as frequently he repeated, the end of the burning infirmity, the beginning glad to receive he merited of health.

[25] A certain of the rustic women ignorant, by sharp ardors of the sun on a certain day burned, ignorantly to have cursed the rays of the same sun herself afterward repented: for after the finished of the same folly curse, also herself the light lost of the eyes. a blind woman: In whose blindness's darkness remaining for a long time most wretchedly, it was allowed to her enough to bewail so great a negligence. But trusting to be able herself to be re-enlightened through B. Majolus' merit, to the same Saint's herself she made to be brought sepulchre: where bewailing her blindness's darkness, she scraped off gradually of the committed negligence the causes. At length the Lord from heaven looking down, took away her sin; and for the merits of S. Majolus, restored to her the pristine light of the eyes.

[26] Another there was, to whom God demonstrated how much the faith of those avails, who Him in truth love. She in her house a certain little piece of wax had placed, the wax to S. Majolus offered of which in the honor of God and the love of S. Majolus to make candles she had disposed: but one night the same house of the woman a voracious flame consumed. The morning moreover being made, all the things being consumed which inside were, in a certain vessel which hung at the middle post of the house, that wax entire she found. Upon which thing marveling, from the fire it is preserved: she understood this to have happened for B. Majolus' merit, to whom before she had promised that gift from a good mind. So it taking, and candles thence making, to the sepulchre of the Saint she came, and her promise's gifts rendered.

[27] From the monastery ⁱ Cuciacum a certain one was brought, there is cured blindness, deprived of the light of his eyes clear. Who through many of days spaces with such laboring blindness anxious, food sought begging with his leader. Whence brought him to the church of S. Majolus left his leader his: and thence grew to him the place of pain. But in the same church remaining, by prayers and faith he extorted and received the light of his eyes, the help of S. Majolus invoked: and resumed without a leader the way rejoicing, who before had come blind and groaning.

[28] A certain woman of the Nevers ^k fatherland, with a grave of fevers was tortured languor, for which like already she seemed to a dead one, because it she endured with great pain. Upon the cure of that infirmity, of many physicians already she had sought the medicine: but it in no way helped her, nor took from her so great a misery. Whence by divine disposition it befell, a fever, that she a candle a certain to her measure should make, and it if she could should bring, or if she could not, through some man should transmit. In this good will remaining, and the made candle in her house placing, in the previous night, when it on the morrow she ought to bring to S. Majolus' church, she slept. The hour moreover of coming, which she had deliberated, forestalled the help of S. Majolus: for rising she at dawn, felt herself healed by the divine medicine: and the made candle more eager taking, to the aforesaid place she came, and thanks to God and the Saint rendered Majolus.

[29] With a grave infirmity of cancer a certain man, by name Christianus, was afflicted, who his arms and elbows had now almost consumed. the infirmity of cancer. He to S. Majolus' came sepulchre, and upon his infirmity's complaint, of the same Saint sought the mercy: and the keepers of the same place with much prayer he submonished, that to him some wine they should give, with which the body of S. Majolus washed to have been they knew. Which receiving, and from it his members infirm bathing, the pristine health came, and the cancer's bitter feeding withdrew. So medicated by the divine medicine, the help of S. Majolus' pious intervention, glad he returned, and his glad lovers made.

[30] As to believe all things, is of a precipitate mind; so to believe nothing, is of a most pertinacious mind. unwilling to consign her son to S. Majolus, To a certain indeed woman having an only son, a certain of honesty a person sleeping appeared, and her admonished, that her that only son to S. Majolus to serve she should hand over. To this vision not applying her mind, vain she believed and empty, that to a woman of so great poverty, that commendation should come heavenly. This first mandate handing to oblivion, a second time she is admonished, that to this she give zeal of the work, if to remain she wish in her health's place. But the brute animal, neither of the first heavenly vision, nor of the second threat received the secret. she is punished, Not a few afterward elapsed days she is admonished a third time, that her that son she render to the named office; but in the begun incredulity remaining still by the knot, she lost the virtue of body for the neglected meanwhile mandate. She at the last overcome by the body's trouble, rendered the demanded infant to serving S. Majolus: and so after excessive torments of body, she is healed. returned to health cheerful: and the same that boy handed over the Brethren of the same place to letters to be instructed.

[31] From the German ^l land, a certain one came deprived of the brightness of light clear. He in of a very long blindness remaining darkness, did not seek on that day now then any medicine: for upon this once most instantly he had watched, but of all help he had lacked. But also him B. Majolus, a blind man is enlightened. although in the very longest of the lands he was placed places, mercifully helped. He indeed blind, taking up of the long journey a leader, to the thresholds of the same Saint himself to be brought made, with great inquiry. Where through some days remaining, he received the sight of his eyes, through S. Majolus' help.

ANNOTATIONS.

BOOK II.

Worthily indeed the Lord God omnipotent, the most just rewarder of merits and works, B. Majolus with so great and innumerable miracles to coruscate makes on earth: S. Majolus is glorified through miracles since indeed that he merited always by well living, and in the stadium of the present life by justly running. For the five senses of his body, restrained always by masterly censure, apt and fit he exhibited for the gift of the heavenly prize: whence always himself exhibiting a host living, holy, to God pleasing, he glorified and bore the Lord God in his body. Therefore worthily and laudably him He glorifies with miracles, fulfilling in him that seal of the blessed promise; Who Me, He says, glorifies, I will glorify him. For of this promise is unmindful, who upon B. Majolus, to whom to live Christ was and to die gain, heard or seen miracles some of incredulity has placed harsh thing, or of evil infection has ruminated invention. He indeed how great was in the salvation of others, who to God pleased through the works of virtues. attests that fourway

of virtues, in which always he watched, both for the to be received beatitude's reward, and for of others' salvation an example. From it indeed the prudence of a constant life, the temperance of a maternal discretion, the fortitude of a victorious palm, and the justice of a most just balance took, whosoever to his holy company with a truthful faith adhered. In these virtues himself always he exercised, not however through a mirror and in an enigma, and with these he was filled in his time. For these virtues, themselves always accompanying, he performed in his life of miracles innumerable signs, and now after his happy life's course, that hundredfold is rendered joy ^a.

[1] In the farm Briceolis ^b there was a certain one, attaining the years of boyish age, which he passed with pain and misery, because of hands and feet he had lost the offices, on account of the too great contraction. There are healed a contracted one, There grew to that wretched the multitude of days, and decreased dying the office of the aforesaid members. But this one the divine piety's incomprehensibility helped, and S. Majolus' piety: for because through himself he could not go, hence by parents, hence by other men he is brought in their hands, to S. Majolus' sepulchre: where for very many days attending of healing the fruits, he remained not deprived of help, although he was dismissed by his own in the same place. After some moreover days, brought back by his parents to his own places, he repeated of pain and of weeping the misfortunes. So in many ways cooked by the fire of tribulation, he is brought back again to S. Majolus' sepulchre: where God invoking with faith full, of his desired vow possessed he is made, and the divine piety's fountain to him is opened. On the second therefore day, on which again there brought back he had been, that before from him elongated S. Majolus' help much to himself he felt to be approximated: of hands namely and feet he received most entire health, and to his own sound returned blessing God.

[2] a mute man, A certain came mute, by name Heinricus, to S. Majolus' sepulchre. He for a time having lost the mouth's address lived mute, and was affected with a great of pain incursion. If anything of his own necessity sometime he had wished to ask, this with a tremulous head, this he sought with his index finger. But on one of the days seizing a staff, to the Saint he came the sepulchre: where awaiting of health the vow, because with the mouth he could not, with the heart God and the Saint invokes Majolus: and while he beats heaven with prayers, is opened of his mouth the place. So the condemnation of the tongue lost, and health attained, glad to his own he returns, and thence God is magnified.

[3] A certain also miracle we add, of which not only the vulgar people as witness we adduce, but also the very King Hugh, and the Count Burchardus ^c, and his son the Lord the King, to S. Majolus' to seek help coming, a blind man before Hugh the King: upon his infirmity's gravity to find merited some little relief. Who on one of the days, after the performed of prayers solemnities from the church proceeding, a certain blind man in the same place enlightened heard. Whom to himself to be brought he bids, that from him the truth he might retain. While indeed upon a poor man such a virtue to have been done, for certain he recognized; for joy, as a man of great sweetness, with the aforesaid persons profuse of tears rivulets poured: and so with a great crowd of peoples praising together God, and the Saint venerating Majolus, both the blind man enlightened to his own returned, and the King magnificent more glad into France the way took.

[4] In the Euguiline ^e wood in a certain place is S. Arnulphus' church, another blind man, where a certain blind man through many days attended that he might merit to be enlightened. But because neither there he was healed, and not yet had come the hour of having mercy on him, that to S. Majolus' sepulchre he should be brought he prayed more instantly. Brought moreover, nor longer there tarrying, the light he received of his eyes glad.

[5] Of a victorious palm the beatitude, acquired for a laudable of merits gift, its heir in the heavens the Saints' fellowship glorifies, and on earth with assiduous of miracles frequenting honors. The course of this doubtful and uncertain labor then to the fullness comes of pleasantness, when the prize he shall have comprehended of the demonstrated remuneration. That indeed prize of beatitude eternal has obtained now in the heavens the blessed Father Majolus, for faith's fortitude, for hope's magnanimity, for charity's incomparable love. Who in the mortification of his flesh diligently watching, for the vivification of his spirit received from the hand of the Lord of eternal retribution the vital gift. Who for the frequented of virtues and miracles his heap, in the heavens himself demonstrates perennially to live; and of temporal help stretching forth his right hand to the wretched, incites very many and innumerable, to seeking the heavenly gift of salvation and health. To this to be obtained while a certain one of the Brethren of the Cluny monastery, by name Vivianus, took up the wings of faith, he flew across to the effect of his awaited and desired vow. He with a most grave of both the greater joints of the feet afflicted pain, attended with a daily mourning, that the nails of those joints the underlying might pierce through flesh: those also nails he scraped more than usual, a monk laboring with a most grave pain in the toes, so far that from those joints flowed a trickle of blood. And while labor superposed on labor, the whole tortured the body of Brother Vivianus, by a sharp experiment the same Brother in himself proved, what of either fraternity's unanimity the Apostle thunders, saying: That if suffers together one member, suffer together all the members. 1 Cor. 12, 16 Upon those again the joints of the feet he superposed various of healing plaster, but it neither helped nor put to flight the pain's goads, which were multiplied through single days. Of the infirmity itself continually persevering the inserted bitterness, neither of heat nor of cold at some times consented the sought hours. For if of any softness a sweet were superposed covering, a harsh the same Brother felt weight: which if also to the burden were added of heat a place, grew the of pain and infirmity lament. If relieved had been the covering from the infirm feet, or in a little had approached of cold a whistle, straightway passed through of pain a sword to the vitals: which neither in heat nor in cold was diminished, but in of the daily infirmity the skin was sharpened. So neither helped by temporal medicine, nor able to endure of heat or of cold the variable, now in mind he had proposed sole endurance of the labor, no attending medicine of cure. At length that internal inspector of hearts and consoler singular of those grieving, to the aforesaid Brother Vivianus the salutary ways of health to be found opens. Which while by faith and work he receives, bettered in body he returned: and on account of of mercy works in him done, praising together God, a strong of God to be a friend the Saint he recognized Majolus. He indeed the Brother, not ignorant that where human is lacking counsel, divine is to be sought help; to the Souvigny monastery, where the Father Majolus' laid up are members, now equestrian, now pedestrian as best he can takes the ways. Wearied and weary in body, and fervid with faith's heat, at length to the aforesaid place he came: and what of inward prayer he offered expenses, a witness and demonstrator is the obtained health of his body. For while the hidden of his heart he pours forth prayers, upon the imposed of infirmity manifest torments, and to that Father Majolus the necessary things of heart and body commends; gradually to be bettered he begins, and even so far progresses the health of body, that the same Brother, neither of the former pain the sharp goads felt in the feet's joints, and in small offices of the members the great Father Majolus' he recognized grace of merits. Him finally nor it irks to believe with God very much to be able, either for the innumerable heard of healths miracles, or for the proved in him benefit of health: who to certain ones' frivolous garrulity, unwilling to believe the multiplicity of miracles of the holy Father Majolus, with a constant faith of response opposes, and to imprudent men's incredulity, that the in him done of mercy works they ought to believe, demonstrates.

[6] A Lombard a certain was dropsical, in breast and belly too much inflated, who like a wineskin filled had hardened, and like glass through the skin shone. By this of anxieties afflicted kind, enough and too much he had whereon himself he could attend: for lying supine, his mouth nor dared he to close, panting with an unfailing continuation: nor to the other side himself to turn could he in any way, unless turned ^f he had been by another's help. a dropsical man in Lombardy absent: He bound, upon the foreshown swelling of the belly and breast, of herbs and of spices diverse medicines at single hours: but of the hardened infirmity's inflation, could not be softened by any of softness antidote. A gargle nor profited the head, nor a loosening any of convenience brought of the belly: either alone the bursting of the skin was attended, or the near death in the extinction of the breath was hoped for. But placed the wretched one in pain's straits, like a dead one in the lost of his name's memory, alone to him a ruminating remained of pain, anxious and disturbed for the swollen inflation of dropsical wateriness. But of miseries and of those grieving a prompt inspector the blessed Father Majolus, his strong of his consolation right hand to him represents, into memory brought back. For the same wretched one, of the same length making a candle, by which himself he had swollen; and it, by which thicker it was, around himself placing, to the neighboring church transmitted it to burn, the name of Christ invoked, not forgetting however the holy Father Majolus' worthy memorial. Whence while begins the same candle to bring forth flame-vomiting rays of light, then and there to the wretched came of the holy Father Majolus the beginning of consolation. And while gradually fails of the offered obedience and faith the wax, gradually also fails of the grave dropsical the burden; and consumed of the measured infirmity the candle, resumed was, God having mercy, of the most desired health the hour. Such a benefit in him done narrates himself the Lombard to a certain man from Rome returning, and through him of the same length, of which had been the candle, he transmits back a thread silver to the blessed Father Majolus' sepulchre, for the commemoration of the health, and for the grace of the not forgotten visitation: and that gift of recognition is hung above the tomb of the same Father, for the demonstration of his virtues, of which he honors frequently the fourway spaces of the lands.

[7] A certain of the Chartres Church Cleric, by name Bernardus, for of health in him done benefit, to him is ascribed not unalike to the number, with which are joined the manifold and various, cured and to be healed by the intervention of the most pious Father Majolus. Whose of one foot and shin so far had dried up the sinews and veins, that while he was moved from a place, and was supported by a staff, that part by creeping rather followed the wretched one, than afforded to walking some help: most wretchedly contracted, and the wooden staff was taken up for the part of the lost body, which for its carrying in the hands, and under the armpit of the bearer a certain now as it were innate callus had brought. That also condemned member rather hung to the number of the burden, than to the exhibition of its proper nature or honor: which neither the burning of fire with pain split, nor the importunate of cold ice to penetrate could: whence many times now he had deliberated, that the loathed that member of his body, from himself by some iron instrument to cut off he ought. But He who sleeps not nor slumbers, who guards Israel, by His divine providence that deliberation disturbs: lest despaired of health he mortify himself in the cutting off of the foot and shin, whom to the way of unhoped-for health the blessed

Father Majolus afterward to recall mercifully will wish. To whom after diverse of seethings cogitations, that salutary at length his disperses mind, that to that of incomprehensible piety of the Father Majolus he might come corporeal pearl, where also a manifold to come hastens gathering of faithful men. He is transposed after these by his own on a prepared journey's horse, and after some days he is present at the sweet Souvigny monastery: where now after the third of his coming's day, many before awaited for years, in such a manner he received health most entire. After the Matinal office remaining before the holy Father Majolus' sepulchre, unhopedly the dead sinews revive, the dried-up humor returns of the veins. Now gradually the feet's joints begin to be able to be moved, now he feels the foot and shin of the hands superimposed the lineaments. There is extended and drawn back the old part of the body, which begins as an infant by tottering to take the way of the journey. This on one and the other day, if it be certain, he attends. Now on the third day, through the grace of God, and by the intervention of the Father Majolus, he is strengthened, and glad and pedestrian erect to his own returns.

[8] Of a certain poor woman the person, from deafness hers was healed, through the blessed Father Majolus' merits. She in Morinniaca ^g a farm dwelling, gave indeed sounds of words speaking, but neither received any of intelligence by hearing, and a deaf woman, since lay open the ears with sole gaping. If anyone moreover of friends to her something of utility to do had wished, with hands this brought forth: if moreover from her something necessary he sought, of signs some by this token demonstrated. But by these sometimes she was deceived, because not of all could she be knowing: whence also grew to her daily the state of pain, either for the lost of the ears hearing, or for of others' demonstrated reproach's derision. But that of truth internal judge and master, this one helped wretched mercifully. Who on one of the days joining herself to several, who hastened to come to the blessed Father Majolus' solemn returns, augmented the number of those coming, not knowing meanwhile, whom and why held those windings of the ways. At length with them she enters in that of ample spaciousness Souvigny monastery, where of many there dwelling peoples only she sees on the first day of those going and returning the courses. But also nor of the bells, with which enough well the same is enriched monastery, nor of any she hears sublime crashes. There is fixed in one same place that deaf hearing, before the holy Father Majolus' sepulchre as a certain some post. Whom while someone frequently this one pushes not knowing, as in so copious a crowd of peoples, hither and thither little by little she looks, what to do she ought she knows not. Now wearied, either for pain too great, or for the pushing of others assiduous and most grave; on the other day on which she had come, in one of the same church corner herself she places. And now God having mercy, on the third day through certain cracks of the ears, some glides sonority of voices. This grows, and now well sounds in the poor woman's head, and now begins of others the sayings plainly to understand: to others' interrogations reasonable she renders responses; and through God's grace, and by the intervention of the holy Father Majolus, herself to have received of most entire health insinuates the gifts. With her own only content company, she takes the way of her own village, and now no longer uses of others the token of signs, nor of her natural is deprived sound of the ears.

[9] The blessed Father Majolus, in all of the afflicted miseries, of how great he was of piety, nor can be numbered ever: and that kind of men, in whom that of mercies relief he placed, never at once on earth gathered will remain. In that alone indeed of incomprehensible beauty region, of which is said; That in my Father's house mansions many are, only the predestined to life equally will be found, who of the same Father both temporal and spiritual enjoyed of blessing the fruit: with which himself enriched manifoldly a certain pilgrim felt, while in his straits the same of God man to be present admonished. Joa. 14, 2 He taking on a certain day, according to of his poverty the manner, certain necessaries of expenses, to the holy Father Majolus' tomb to come hastens, A Pilgrim recovers things taken away that there of his necessity and of prayer the desires he might fulfill: but in the midst of the begun journey he felt the case of such a disturbance. For a certain Vassal ^h poor in things, with pride swollen, the same pilgrim meets and ⁱ assails, and his all things which with himself he carried takes. As glad and eager, laden with the spoils of the pilgrim, his house enters the Soldier hastily: divides this and that among his agemates glad, which afterward he joins with the greatest of his own weeping. But that of good faith pilgrim, leaves not on account of this of the taken up way the paths: but before B. Majolus' presence bewails, both of his ancient necessities the misery, and of the suffered at present injury the prey. He adjures not himself to be about to depart from that place of prayer, until he see in how great love's measure the same holy of the Lord Majolus with God remains, and of his poverty the spoils to him restores. On the morrow finally, dawning now of the day the hour, the thief by a demon possessed, the aforesaid plunderer is brought demoniac by his household, bound and chained; and is brought the poverty of the pilgrim, still attending the help of the most pious Father Majolus. There is deposited before the sepulchre of the holy man the expenses of the despoiled poor one, and returns the before lost sense of the chastised Soldier. So both wretched ones, return to their own consoled: this one receiving of his expenses the spoils lost, this one moreover through God's mercy to of reasonable understanding and sense the places returns home. By their own experiment they learn, that those who the blessed Father Majolus' from faith cultivate merit, remain not unconsoled in the end of their days.

[10] As diverse and innumerable fatherlands, of the holy man Majolus a pleasant with God and with men retain memorial, so the merit and grace of the same holy Father praise together of either sex, order, and age. For because according to the Apostle's precept, in the present life he is clothed always with the new man, who according to God is created in justice and sanctity of truth; there is healed a boy for 7 years mute: so also a new in the heavens placed always he performs, and new to the faithful of God always to recall makes now and vigorous, commends however them all with a unanimous and diverse of miracles manner: and with that of relief medicine to each one he succors, with which to be expedient to him according to the way of salvation he understands. Eph. 4, 24 This way of salvation a certain infant found, who from the very mother's womb now nearly of seven years passing times, mute meanwhile remained: who in the very age's space lived sound and unhurt in the rest of the body, but only of the mouth's address was deprived most wretchedly; nor was able the tongue to render a response, although to this gradually was struck back the upper and lower lip. In the aforesaid therefore of years' space, in this remaining of continuation silence, neither to himself pleasing was he able to answer heard things, nor to object any reproach to himself brought adverse things he could. He on a certain day between both parents the father namely and the mother sitting, and them, as is wont, to converse hearing, the secrets of the parents he hid with sole hearing, because also that he could not open by the tongue's impulse. But on one of the days the same parents to complain hearing upon the tongue's of their son condemnation, and them to wish to deliberate that they should bring him to the holy Father Majolus' sepulchre venerable; soon unhopedly the found that with words of his own mouth he praises, and thrice the name of S. Majolus with open voice he proclaims. There is astonished each parent, the father namely and the mother, the unheard and unusual of their son sound, and that the same he repeat, they exhort; but yet returns the son to that former of continuation silence. Thence after some of days spaces they bring the son, where of the holy man beautifully precious are entombed the members. There also the boy aforesaid the name of the holy man frequently repeats, and there a reasonable of the tongue office divinely procures: and through our God's mercy and through the holy Father Majolus' merit, reserves the same boy the obtained grace of speech afterward.

[11] Of Cundunum ^l a farm a certain Durannus a husbandman, by the hidden judgment of God judging all things, from the kidneys had lost of all the strength of the members; whence if helped he had not been by some other's help, or by some support's staff, he remained as a dry trunk in every place. He also nor with his knees could creep, nor with his knees nor with his feet could the upper part of the body sustain. He although in half the body remained dead, lived however with grave pain wholly: contracted and as if in half body fore-dead, and drawing long sighs of pain from the upper part of the body, felt not meanwhile from the kidneys or the adhering members lower any help of walking. But after the despair of earthly help, to premeditate he began within himself, as a certain wise one, that he might seek out the medicine most desirable of the most pious Father Majolus. Meanwhile either from his poverty, or partly from others' help, he procures a certain ass; upon which he is bound about with little bands, lest he should fall to the earth, and he takes the ways tending to the Souvigny monastery. Where while after he came, and into that house of prayer transposed he was, where the Father Majolus' rest the members; straightway to be bettered the wretched one began, and himself to relieve and to sit up sometimes now he could. Of going however and of walking the desire so great remained, but of that desire the fruit still was lacking. But that sweetness of piety, of the Father namely Majolus, to a perfect vow brings the wretched one. he is cured: After the seventh indeed day, on which there he had come, of walking perfect power he received: nor attends that there pass the eighth day, but rendering according to his knowledge to Christ the Lord and his healer Majolus the courses of laudation solemn, he takes of his return the ways; and after himself the ass, his bearer of old, sometimes he draws; the various also of the ways windings he leaps, praising together God, and the Saint blessing unceasingly Majolus.

[12] Some returning to their own, after of prayer vows before S. Majolus' sepulchre performed, a wonderful and pleasant in their journey saw of the same Saint virtue. a ship of its own accord to the other bank lands, For on a certain day of the Lord, they come to a certain of the Loire harbor: where long and much awaiting they remained, that there should bring to them sailors a ship to cross over by sail. But obstinate the sailors, the petition care not to hear of them: whence while the name of S. Majolus they invoke, and that them upon that business He hear, they pray; by a divine nod the ship from its place is moved, and to the bank, where they sat, comes. Which seeing to God thanks they rendered, and into the ship entering, to the desired shore they came, without an earthly oarsman and without an earthly leader.

[13] From Baugiacum ^m a village a certain contracted one is brought, to S. Majolus' to seek help of healing. He through some days bewailing of his contraction the miseries, awaited of his healing the hour, before the aforesaid church's doors: there is healed a contracted one by the vow of a candle. and amid of repeated prayer words he vowed, that if health to him were granted,

every year to the same he would come church, and according to of his poverty the manner he would bring a candle. After this promise's vow, health by the merits of S. Majolus he obtained, and sound and unhurt to his places was returned.

[14] A certain one in decrepit age had lost the strength of almost his whole body, on account of the too great contraction of feet and hands; who through very many of the Saints' places had been carried by his wife, and by his only son. an old man contracted, But to him that of labor journey nothing had profited; either because not yet had come the time of having mercy on him, or because this one wished the omnipotent God to be helped through B. Majolus, in new days then glorified, that there might grow his praise's fame through many of the lands' places. Whence on a certain day he admonished his wife, that him to the sepulchre of S. Majolus she should bring: but much upon that work contradicting he found. For of the about-to-come healing's vow incredulous, she reproached frequently, that vainly he sought for an already aged body vigor youthful; adding moreover, that to this to be investigated, was lacking all opportunity of expenses, since indeed for these similar things had been dispensed all the furniture of their house. by a querulous wife to an ass bound, But at length overcame the assiduous querulousness of the husband the hardness of the contradicting wife, for she takes the weak and contracted husband, and him binds upon a ⁿ lent ass, and takes with the only son the ways indicated to S. Majolus' doors. But also a certain difficult thing happened to them on the journey. Coming indeed to a water, by name Cresa ^o, in several places too much hostile, he is deposited from the ass upon which bound he was; and likewise the animal, with the other animals which then there had come, upon a certain bridge of the aforesaid water is compelled to ascend. While moreover in the middle it had come of the bridge, it fell where stronger was the wave of the stream. Which considering the wife, dashing both hands, reproached the wretched husband, who had remained at the bank with the only son. The aforesaid moreover animal from the water drawn out takes the wife, and through another way returns alone to her house. and wretchedly on the way left, Left moreover the father alone with the son multiplies of pain the goads, either because the wife him not helped had dismissed, or because the son who with him had remained, him to help could not, either for the age's tenderness, or for his small understanding. Straitened therefore by such misery, and attenuated by hunger most prevailing, he transmitted however on a certain day his son beyond that water, that if he could he should bring to him what he might eat alms. But the mercy of the having mercy God, while returns the son, meets in the middle of the bridge the father, suddenly he is healed: who healed had been by the intervention of B. Majolus. Whence equally glad and eager they come to the sepulchre of S. Majolus, and there of laudation vows they pay, and so afterward to their places they return.

[15] In the Auxerre territory, a certain there was blind, who all of his poverty's furniture had spent, seeking of his illumination the gifts. In the darkness indeed remaining of daily blindness, by walking he groped at midday. For he to receive merited and in such a manner of seeing the office. A certain meadow of his own right he himself had for sale to a certain neighbor of his, wishing namely from that price to have expenses, while there came of S. Majolus the help to be sought. a blind man receives sight: Whence while the agreed price, he who bought the meadow, between his hands by counting he turned; he who before blind had been one small coin to have fallen to him sees and indicates. Which hearing those who stood around, marveled, how this an aged blind man recognized. Upon this moreover he made them certain, and clearly himself to see through God's mercy, and through the intervention of S. Majolus, foretold. So therefore the same money taking, and clearly seeing, to the Saint he came the sepulchre, to praise together the omnipotent God.

[16] From the Autun territory a certain was a man, by name Goszaldus, having contracted knees and feet; and in that very contraction for many remaining days food he sought begging, himself always with two staves by walking supporting. He the refreshment of health awaiting through many days, there is healed a contracted one. more frequently came to the sepulchre of S. Majolus to pray: for there once brought he had remained. On this account moreover most unfailingly he poured from his eyes tears, because both the surrounding villagers, and from foreign of the lands' places coming, he saw to return sound; himself indeed alone to remain who did not merit health to receive. At length on one night he is admonished in sleep, that to S. Majolus' sepulchre he should come, and to him should promise himself every year one candle to render. Rising therefore in the morning, supported by staves, he came to the indicated place; and there the gift indicated promising in former matters, and rendering at present, most entire he received health of his members.

[17] Armanus was called a certain one, not of an ignoble race, from the territory [p] Siciacum, from Villa-petra: who neither to walking was fit, nor to standing, since gravely he was contracted. He through B. Majolus' merit hearing many to be done virtues, was anxious in heart, because he knew far from himself to be the place, where so great He did signs of miracles. But yet afflicted with a daily detriment of body, he bids to be prepared for himself a certain litter, where he might be transposed: to which to be led are prepared two oxen, and a horse one. The journey therefore prepared, another contracted one, and the named day of moving, he commends of his necessity the causes: but preceding the mercy of Christ, on the day on which he ought to move, such he merited health to receive, that on a horse by others he could be raised. Upon which raised, holding meanwhile his own lest to the earth he should fall, the cart, which to be led himself he had prepared, the horse and oxen before himself to lead he bids, that if he grew worse, in it he might be deposited, and to the destined place be led. But the mercy of Christ preceding, and the merit of S. Majolus following, neither grew his infirmity, but yet not fully withdrew from him. The journey now in great part being completed, amid various offerings. for God's love and S. Majolus', to a certain church, which destroyed was, but then was being rebuilt; the horse and the cart to carrying the necessaries of the church he gave, and for a sign of his devotion the oxen before himself to lead he bade. At length coming to the destined place, he entreats S. Majolus' mercy, lest in vain so great he had undertaken way: there moreover through God's mercy, of all his members he received most entire health. For which recompense, he hands over to God and S. Majolus the oxen which remained, and handed over a certain of his own right servant, by name Guidricus.

[18] The same indeed S. Majolus, as he is meek and propitious to those bearing the sweet yoke of the Lord, an incredulous woman neglecting the cult of S. Majolus, so a chastiser remains strict to those in incredulity's hardness remaining. This a certain woman of Magniacum [q] a farm by herself learned, in this manner. At the Vesper indeed hour, the vigils of S. Majolus others celebrating, she from her weaving work was unwilling to withdraw. Whose presumption a worthy followed chastisement: for an instrument a certain iron, to her work fit, she is punished by iron clinging to her hand, so to her hand clung, with bent and fixed fingers in the palm, that it seemed there to be as if born. Which voluntarily received, presumptuously retained, voluntarily she would have left, if to her after the penalty it had been lawful, and with the neighbors the festivity of S. Majolus she had kept. Whence the very woman, recognizing of her wickedness the fault, on the morrow S. Majolus' came help to seek: whom an innumerable multitude of people, as to the festivity of the same Saint had assembled, that of correction sign in her hand bearing marveling beheld. She in the church and before S. Majolus' sepulchre, and among the great of peoples crowd, of her negligence narrates the event, for which such at present a penalty she sustained. But some, of evil curiosity infected by the vice, this her to feign thinking by some portent, the hand seize; the fingers of her with all endeavor and with all artful zeal to open they wish; but the human wit to open could not, what closed that David's scepter, of which is said, Who openest, and no one closeth; closest, and no one openeth. Is. 22, 22 By these therefore surrounded adversities, hence by shame, hence by divine vengeance, and of the peoples' mocked reproach, the salutary that of counsel she takes, that she invoke God, and the Saint Majolus entreat to be of her a helper. While therefore in this diligent she remains, the divine to her piety is present: which straightway her hand opened, and so that demonstrative of negligence iron to the earth fell. invoking the Saint she is healed. And to prove the true virtue's indication, almost the whole seemed the hand in that place to be split and burned, where that iron had lain; and of the single fingers the number in the very palm seemed more deeply impressed; and those places were filled with blood, where had been fixed each one. This by an admirable healed sign, cheerful she returns to her own, no longer incredulous of the miracles and virtues of S. Majolus.

[19] As indeed the same most blessed Majolus led of his life the steps through of sanctity an increment daily, so his commends memorial to all, for his multiplied always virtues, a good example commending to the rest, that the God of Gods they may be able in Sion to see. That this namely he might obtain in the end, in his life he labored intently, and to this for certain himself to have come manifest through him done daily of miracles signs; which so much more amiable are to our Order and to our time, the more, through a man of our Order and of our time, us willed the Lord to excite to the increments of betterment. Him a most strong his helper found a certain woman, by name Ermengardis, from Longa-Exardis-villa [r]: who for the divine judgment condemned by palsy's bond, to herself to profit could not, a paralytic woman is freed. to friends moreover and parents an increment of pain made. She lived as best she could; upon the condemned members she sought now no of any health plasters. But that of supernal piety eye, to which is care of all, and who has mercy on all which He made, dissembling the sins of men on account of penitence; placed in the mind of the parents loving her, that her to the sepulchre of S. Majolus they should bring, and there of her health the causes seek. To this to be done, they take up the way. Before moreover than they entered the church, to the honor of God and for the love of S. Majolus, some they make for her candles. Insisting moreover on that work, began somewhat the paralytic to be bettered: and she who was brought by others' vehicle, with them stands in the church, supported meanwhile by a staff. The made moreover candles rendering, and not diminished every year promising, most entire health she received, and with those who her had brought pedestrian was returned.

[20] The holy moreover Father Majolus, for his faith's merit, of sanctity and reverence with the cult greatest numbered was in his life. But now he ascribed to the Saints' number of those living with Christ, coruscates on earth with miracles' signs, a trustful solace of our invocation. This never will forget our mind: this much amplified toward himself

felt a certain man, by name Ascellinus, who was from the Sens territory, who through many days in a certain wood labored, that thence some fruits of the harvest he might gather. Whence at the Vesper hour of Saturday, in that work too much beyond the hour intent, a blind man is enlightened: of blindness he suffered the chance; and through that whole night vainly going the ways, at length weary and wearied in one place remained. On the morrow moreover, on the day namely the Lord's, his parents to his came house, that with him they should come to the church, to hear Masses and the divine Office. But his household much they found disturbed, because their Lord on the preceding night had not come; whence equally into the wood they went, where to have recourse he was wont. Found moreover he demonstrates open and splendid eyes, but nothing from them to see. He is led by others' hands blind out of the wood, of the same blindness through some days enduring delays. Brought moreover to S. Majolus' sepulchre, through God's grace most entire he received the light of his eyes. Received moreover the benefit of seeing, glad to his own he returned home, and of the festive day the Lord's the reverence thus thenceforth chastised kept.

[21] The piety and mercy's bowels the holy Majolus always held with solicitude greatest. This in himself specially proved a certain poor woman, who was not only to neighbors and parents, but also to her own husband, for an inveterate infirmity of palsy despised. In this very long remaining, as a stone immovable she remained, there is healed a paralytic woman, of seeing however and hearing the office she had not lost: but of hands however and feet so she had lost the strength, as if never that she had had blessing. She a certain carrying instrument to be built for herself makes, in which by others' hands she is placed for alms, not doing however to her her husband any of charity office. Her another certain of good will woman takes up, and in her cart with the very instrument her to be lifted made, and the oxen joined, to S. Majolus' sepulchre to bring commended. And now brought in the near future from that cart, from that artful device of carrying herself to be deposited she begged; and not by walking, but even by creeping, before S. Majolus' sepulchre she came. Where awaiting of her healing and curing the medicine, the desired she found way, for first of the hands she received health. On the day moreover other, while for that benefit she renders thanks to God, and prays S. Majolus, that he restore to her the health of the feet; of prayer the fruit she receives; for is reintegrated to her the health of the feet, and of walking she receives the most apt use. Having obtained therefore of the whole body health, through some days there she remains, praising the Saint's intervention Majolus. Whence her husband healed his hearing woman, afterward for her came: and rebuked because no to her in infirmity he had bestowed humanity, to his own however her with himself led back, glad and rejoicing.

[22] and a contracted one. To those rejoicing and being pleased upon S. Majolus' virtues, a worthy of laudation grows always matter. For the same Saint with frequent his subjects gladdening of miracles signs, that specially in his holy solemnity multiplies, whence of his holy acquisition the sons may rejoice. For of the most sacred precept's admonition we are admonished, in which is said: Cannot the sons of the bridegroom mourn, as long as with them is the bridegroom. Luc. 5, 34 Of joy and of exultation a sure grew heap in the solemnity of him, to whom to see that of healing sign was given, with which a certain man by name Iterius to be healed merited. He indeed through many days of the knees' contraction condemned, crept always bent, and of too great thickness a callus carried in his knees and in his hands. Before of the same place the monastery a certain he had little hut placed, where he endured the wretched and needy, either the excessive of frost and showers floods, or the burning of heat and of summer fires. There he awaited of passers-by the alms, there he received the greatest charity of the Brethren of the Souvigny monastery; by whose, as we believe, merit, upon such a wretched one himself the holy Father Majolus this wished to be demonstrated by a sign. For at the vigils of the festivity of the same S. Majolus, this same Iterius, with the rest of the people in the church sitting, upon the of healing gift repeated the words of prayer. But on the morrow, on which the festive solemnity of the same S. Majolus shone, of the coming peoples joined to the number he came, with reintegrated and healed members. Bringing moreover with lifted hands, with which to go he was wont, the stools, before the sepulchre of the Saint he deposited; and most entire and most perfect health himself by the intervention of the holy Father Majolus to have received, by rejoicing, to all who there had assembled, he demonstrated.

ANNOTATIONS.

p. Siciacus a territory, perhaps is the County of Seissac commonly so called, in Occitania under the Bishopric of Carcassonne, but it is distant from Clermont about 60 leagues to the south.

q. In the borders of the Marche of Limousin toward the Poitevins, not far from Dorat, Maignae a town notes the Alphabet of France of Peter du Val: but at 40 leagues from Souvigny distant: probable however it is that some near place was, in which so festively S. Majolus was venerated, or certainly to the monastery subject.

r. This Longa-Exardis-villa outside Auvergne, and far from Souvigny to be sought I do not consider.

ON S. GUALTERIUS OR GAUTERIUS

ABBOT AND CANON OF LESTERP

IN THE DIOCESE OF THE GAULS OF LIMOGES.

IN THE YEAR MLXX

Gualterius or Gauterius, Abbot and Canon of Lesterp in Gaul (S.)

G. H.

Geoffrey, a cenobite of the monastery of S. Martial of Limoges and Prior of the Vosiense monastery, in book I of the Chronicle chapter 12, describes the kingdom English to William the Conqueror brought, in the year namely MLXVII: and adds in that century to have flourished three men in sanctity illustrious, of whom the first is named S. Odilo of Cluny, in the year MXLIX dead, whose Acts we gave on the very Kalends of January. He is held a Saint. Then is subjoined Gauterius of Lesterp, to whom sick through the winter desired strawberries beyond custom the Divine prepared clemency. Afterward the third is added Robert, who built Casa-Dei: whose Acts we illustrated at the day XXIV of April. The same Geoffrey chapter 15 treats of the Saints in the Bishopric of Limoges more illustrious: where among other things he relates these things hither pertaining: Gauterius the people of Lesterp honor, who in modern time by deed and miracles glorious appeared, that is the next century after the death of S. Gualterius, in which flourished Geoffrey the writer. Other things in the Chronicle of S. Maxentius or Malleacense of S. Gualterius are read: and first of his death these things are handed down: In the year MLXX the Lord Gauterius, Abbot and Canon of the Church of S. Peter of Lesterp, slept in peace eternal, on the fifth of the Ides of May. Then at the year MXCI these things it has: In the same year the blessing was of the monastery of S. Peter of Lesterp, and the festivity of B. Gauterius was instituted to be celebrated of his passing. and his feast celebrated: In the Life of B. Israel, Canon of Dorat in the Marche, by Philip Labbe among the Lives of the Saints to Aquitaine pertaining published, these things are inserted: Of this most holy man a disciple was the Holy Gauterius, a man with piety and mercy's works abounding: who when of the Church of Dorat he was a Canon, of Lesterp Abbot by God was instituted. There died B. Israel on the XI of the Kalends of January in the year of the Lord one thousand fourteenth.

[2] From thus far related it is clear first the time of life and death. He seems born about the year nine hundred ninety, The time of his life and death. and about the death of B. Israel to have come to the years XXIV of his age, and then still for some time to have lived in the said Dorat Church, and afterward in the Lesterp college or monastery to have flourished; and there created Abbot or Rector or Provost in the year MXXXIV: in which dignity he lived years thirty-eight: and at length, when for seven years blind he had been, full of days and merits an old man, he died in the year of Christ one thousand seventieth, these happened in the year 1070 the 11th of May. aged about eighty years. Secondly it is established from the Chronicle of S. Maxentius, that S. Gualterius died on the fifth of the Ides of May, and on the same day is celebrated the festivity of the passing of the same: which from the Chronicle of Limoges confirm the Sammarthani in volume 4 of the Gallia Christiana page 850, where they treat of the monastery Lesterp, in the diocese and dominion of Limoges situated; and the same day of veneration to us indicated John Collinus in a Catalogue submitted. Saussay in the Supplement of the Gallican Martyrology, seems a slight of this Saint to have had notice, related the 13th of May and the 13th of April. while at the day third of the Ides of May these things only he has: In Aquitaine of S. Galtherus the Abbot. Besides S. Galtherus, Abbot of Lesterp in the diocese of Limoges, of distinguished sanctity a man, is inscribed at the XIII of April in a MS. Kalendar of the Order of S. Benedict among the Premonstratensians at Antwerp in the monastery of S. Michael kept. But that neither ancient is, nor with great prudence and knowledge collected. Gabriel Pennottus in the History of the Order of the Clerics Canons book 2 chapter 23 no. 14 from one monastery two makes, while he asserts in the Bishopric of Limoges to be monasteries of Canons, the first of S. Galterius or of Stupenum, the second of S. Peter of Lesterp, which one and the same is, and even now to be of the Order of S. Augustine an Abbey assert Claude Robert and the Sammarthani above cited: commonly Lesterp in the Marche of Limousin, six leagues from Dorat, from Limoges eight. There is besides in the borders of the diocese of Bourges, above the Creuse river near Argenton, of S. Gualterius' name a parish and town, where him as Patron to be venerated I think.

[3] And these are which thus far published into light of this Saint we found, to which we add another hitherto hidden treasure. We have a codex of parchment in which are contained Lives of some Saints, by Marbodus Archdeacon of Angers written; The Life from Marbodus. therefore before the year MXCVI, in which he was created Bishop of Rennes, and in this Order are reckoned, of S. Florentius Martyr, to be given on the XXII of September; of S. Licinius Bishop of Angers, illustrated at the day XIII of February; of S. Magnobodus, also Bishop of Angers, to be published at the XVI of October, of S. Gualterius of Lesterp, which now we give; of S. Robert Abbot of Casa-Dei, at the day XXIV of April printed. The Passion of SS. Felix and Adauctus, to be given the XXX of August; and then are added various of the same poems, of which some are indicated by Sigebert of the Ecclesiastical writers chapter 158. Is this codex very ancient, so that it seems either in the time of Marbodus and perhaps by his care diligently written, or at least not long after his death. He alleges in the Prologue the prior of the Life of S. Gualterius writer, from whom he selects what to him to the thing to pertain seemed of dignity: from a more ancient writing published. in which manner also the Lives of S. Licinius and S. Robert already published he polished. Perhaps there will be one who the prior Life will obtain, and, if he shall see worth the effort, will publish it. He is called in this writing Gualterius, by others Gauterius, Galterus, and Galterius.

Life By the Author Marbodus Archdeacon of Angers, afterward Bishop of Rennes in Brittany Armorica.

Gualterius or Gauterius, Abbot and Canon of Lesterp in Gaul (S.)

BHL Number: 8802

BY THE AUTHOR MARBODUS FROM A MS.

PROLOGUE.

[1] The Life for the fruit of posterity. Of blessed Gualterius the life to be written I undertook, not indeed of my faculty which is small, or of merits which are none, by confidence; but of obedience rather and charity by regard: whereby both of the religious Brethren's petition I might not be lacking and to very many's utility I might serve. In which also for me under Christ's help to be I do not doubt a part of the reward, if from my labor both honor to God and to those reading some of emolument shall come. For neither can it be done, that from frequent of the good hearing no one be edified: but can it be done that either to the present or future generations from this relation to many of holy imitation fruits may come. Since also in this to profit we would wish even to the unknown, to profit we would wish even to the not yet born. With this therefore intention the offered I undertook business, to which to fulfill it is necessary for me by the same Saint's prayers to be helped, that what are to be said briefly and clearly, nor inornately altogether, I may be able to explain. For if even in fictions or trifling things the convenience of speaking is wont to obtain the souls of hearers; much more in true and necessary things one must be zealous, lest of vicious speech the wickedness of the undertaken cause (which be far) diminish the dignity. For who would strive to please by rusticity of discourse? I will strive therefore as I can this in speaking mediocrity to keep, in a clear style written, that neither abject, nor too much elaborated may seem the speech; since equal either has offense. Besides lest it be superfluous or obscure, of which by the one weariness, by the other hatred is wont to be procured. I wish moreover from the reader's indulgence by prayers to obtain, that with a good mind hither he come, that is, not as a calumnious or a hunter of words; but a defender rather of truth, and of the words a friendly interpreter. But if even to me, either from inexperience or from infirmity, the superfluous things of the superior Life cut away. less to fulfill the promises it shall befall, not difficultly let him pardon: since both my infirmity the human condition, and inexperience excuses of obedience the aforesaid devotion. Nor indeed all things, which in the prior of this Life's writer are found, to be executed I judged: but those only, which to the thing to pertain seemed of dignity. Whosoever indeed about vile little bundles is occupied, seems this to do by penury of better things, especially when also some good things are to be passed over, where of better there abounds the choice. Some things indeed more strictly and some more widely I will explain, as each more or less of weight to have it seemed. In which last I trust me against brevity's reason to do let no one think: for neither necessary things, but those only which are empty, the law of brevity excludes. Now if these are enough, to the narration let us hasten.

CHAPTER I.

Birth, studies of virtues and sciences. Migration to Lesterp.

[2] Gualterius therefore, by nation an Aquitanian, by race Consular, was born of honored parents, of a father Raimundus, an Aquitanian, of a Consular father, of a mother Gualburga: whose maternal great-grandfather, from the nobility of the Franks descending, over three not lowest of Aquitaine cities ruled. Who of so great is handed down to have been abstinence, that in the lot placed conjugal, from a holy widowhood's purpose only by habit she seemed to differ. The expense and ornaments and delights of matrons to the cultivation rather of the inner man to transfer she cared; prudently attending, nothing to profit temporal glory to those about to perish. Of the goods therefore temporal this only for herself sparing, what to nature would suffice, all the rest into the uses of the poor more willingly she expended. to her mother pious by an Angel foretold: who as often as to the conjugal due to be paid, by the sole namely of offspring desire, she was drawn; of the inborn pleasure the offense, with following in footsteps tears and prayers she expiated. Whence it was done, that by God in dreams through an Angel visited, according to her soul's vow, not so much of possessions, as of sanctity an heir she conceived: of whom to the custody, from the very mother's womb, the same Angel deputed, by an evident afterward miracle became clear: which not foreign it seems briefly to recite.

[3] For while her her husband, to a place which fit for one about to give birth he had chosen, with cavalry led; and now either the journey's length, or the slowness of the departure the night's darkness on the travelers had brought; the horse, on which the matron sat, with eager step the way which it knew taking, the meeting of the Taurio ^a river the bridge, first ascended. And when some part of the very long bridge having measured, to an unknown precipice it had come, which namely of the overflowed river the rapid whirlpool, with her from the peril of submersion is preserved: the broken off and scattered planks, recently had made; wonderful to be told, with so great ease it passed through, that no of the pregnant woman mind unaware even from fear of trouble suffered. The inhabitants indeed of the place, with a board half a foot the broken parts had joined: but which to no quadruped passable, only foot-travelers not without caution and of peril fear would transpose. There followed after a little the company, single things explores, the crisis recognized: and the Lady absorbed believing, with sad howlings cried out. But when herself she unharmed by mutual cries had indicated, with joy were at once and with astonishment filled: then the unburdened horses precipitating into the whirlpool, they themselves through the narrow passage scarcely creeping, by a difficult swimming led them across.

[4] By this therefore sign of the holy boy the foreshown nativity joy to many brought, and of a future certain great good a presage. Which if anyone to the pregnant woman's merit to refer would prefer, so also to the famous pledge the grace we believe to be commended: for of whom had been the common peril, of these also of the liberation the miracle is made common: the cause however appears greater in the one, since to the mother nothing such befell before the conception. But also of the following his life the advancement, because it surpassed even the mother, seems to itself the preceding miracle to claim. For that from his first years I may begin, the boyhood itself and of youth the times so he passed, that even then it could be made to old men an example. For when after the education of tender infancy, as most of the nobles' children are wont, into the study of letters he was sent; there straightway of a singular wit the liveliness, and elegant sweetness of manners to lie hidden could not. a young man he is imbued with studies of letters and morals. The obscure of sentences with an understanding easy comprehending, to tenacious memory he committed: nor by the sole of the teacher authority content, of reason he consulted the examination of single things; and in a short after time both of rudiment as and of age the measure exceeding, when to the hearers' exemplar like things many he sought, so to say, more than was taught he learned. Nor indeed, as is wont to be done, did he need sometime by a whip to be restrained: since to him a spontaneous love of science of study more increased. Not him called away the game or trifling boyish, that less to books or tablets he should wish to lean. Meanwhile under the profession of a disciple, of morals a certain magistry he exercised; base too much esteeming, if of words the laws learning, the more useful by far of living rules he should be ignorant. He guarded therefore base things, not only of works, but also of words: nor anything easily he brought forth, in which not something of utility he attended. Wrath and envy and the mother of either pride he knew to abhor, he abhors from vices: and even to a light of anyone detraction the ear he denied and the tongue. He was subject to inferiors both by race and science, and of all even in himself rivals he provoked the affection. Enough to all now lay open, this to the boy conversation, not from nature, but by grace so to be disposed. Felt Hervaeus of Tours, ^a whose then fame of sanctity flourished, he is esteemed by Hervaeus of Tours, when by chance he passed through the place; and he indicated to the bystanders, what in that already little age of imitable perfection lay hidden. For that greater things we may conjecture from the least, under a bench, to which himself the same Hervaeus to make prayers had leaned, the boy lurked, by a laudable theft desiring from the mouth of so great a man of holy entreaty the form to steal. But, as afterward by him indicating it was learned, without any of words noise, that Saint much more efficaciously with tears and groans entreated: which form also this one afterward to have followed we have received. In this therefore of the little one already then not little to be weighed seems the intention, that while of other boys the license by the occasion of the venerable guest abused to play; this one alone by the maturity of counsel of the religious man, the brief though presence, to himself to pass over he did not suffer useless. Rejoiced the Scotorensis ^c church of so great a happy nursling; and whom to be instructed it had undertaken, a distinguished for itself to be it presumed Doctor.

[5] In this therefore study the boyhood run through, the more robust of youth years having entered, greater he began of virtues an army to meditate; nor, as most are wont, the prone into worse age to leisure he gave or to luxury. But fit now for the warfare Christian's labors his members, with arms of justice, against spiritual wickednesses, strongly about to fight, he instructed. And, lest any perchance to himself to hurt could of the crafty enemy the creeping-up, to fortitude he joined prudence; by which not only acts he might avoid unlawful, but also causes all and opportunities of sinning for himself utterly might cut off; wisely understanding, to the recruits of the camps spiritual a safer to be sought, than a more glorious victory. For one thing it is for life, another for glory to fight: for though it be distinguished, in readiness placed a sin to decline, and to transgress to be unwilling when thou canst; it is however safer the very of sinning to flee the power; this indeed caution no one ever deceived, in that moreover experience very many fell. By this therefore reason, the worst of vices the germs easily he subdued. The ardor indeed of lust (by which most is imperiled adolescence, when an inexperienced before of the body the motions to incautious minds of bland suggestion fixes the goads, by the fastings' chastisement and prayer's instance and perpetual chastity's love) in the very, so

so to say, conception, before it arose, he extinguished. Blessed plainly, who held and dashed the little ones of iniquity against the rock. from avarice's filths he declines: The cupidity of money and of base avarice's filths, which vice almost nothing is from man's dignity more remote, not only he himself never was deigned to admit, but also in others by his own liberality's example either he extirpated utterly or wore away. To the Brethren with whom he lived to all a pure he exhibited love, and of them nothing from himself alien he thought. He studied to imitate the special of single ones virtues, from all virtue he learns: that in himself one the good things of all he might gather. Nor only from others' virtues, but, what wonderful may seem, also he profited from vices; since these to himself for imitation, those indeed he proposed for caution.

[6] Of impatience by the goads agitated and by the spirit of fury unbridled, with tranquillity of mind and of words' sweetness either he mitigated, or tolerated. Whence it was done, that the Abbot of the place, with a bestial ferocity into the Brethren more immoderately raging, while blandly to appease he attempts, more he kindled, so far that the too pertinacious of the wretched old man fury, the simple of the holy youth correction to his contempt interpreting, to contrive for him ambushes did not cease, and of the innocent, as of a rebel, sought vengeance. To be yielded therefore to the time esteeming, the place he dismissed, and migrated into a castle, which Confluentium ^e is named, where in that time of his race the nobility very much excelled: in which tarrying for a time, not only to the domestics and by sanctity and the prerogative of science in a short time he became known. Whence also the Lesterp Church's Clergy, which to the aforesaid castle neighboring is, in the College of Lesterp he is received: to whom also divinely he was due, by the frequent of his colloquy delighted, with many prayers him into of their community the college received; the hope namely this fostering, that, if anything to their Abbot by human lot should happen, this one for themselves Father and Doctor unanimously they would demand. In whose ascribed College, with so great toward single ones discretion himself he bore, that when all him with common love loved, each however best of himself to have merited esteemed.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER II.

The pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Miracles on the journey wrought.

[7] Meanwhile, when with the process of age, of virtues to himself succeeding by increments, although even among his own a stranger himself and a pilgrim, By the love of Christ to Jerusalem setting out as all the Fathers ancient, he reputed; to go on pilgrimage however to Jerusalem, by the holy places' desire led, he resolved; that what spiritually of Christ often he had sung, also corporally he might fulfill; We will adore in the place where stood His feet: at the same time also, that since to himself for the faith of Christ penalties and death by the hand of the executioner the reckoning of times denied, from the journey's necessity through tribulations and straits a certain for himself martyrdom he might find; whence it happened, that he who for the Lord, to suffer graver things had resolved, a greater from the Lord grace might merit. Ps. 131, 7 Attest this not small nor few miracles, which for him or through him on the same pilgrimage Christ showed. Of which some we will recite, from which the rest will be able to be esteemed. Sailing he with companions of the journey through the Adriatic gulf, in the Adriatic gulf by a grave tempest and famine vexed, by which to those to Jerusalem tending the passage lies open, so great suddenly a tempest pressed, that in despair of life for three days continuously by winds and waves they were tossed. But when the imminent peril by prayer's instance he had driven away, the shore scarcely reached, round about dispersed, of whatever sustenance the necessaries they sought: since they by the long of death fear worn out, by the tempest also vexed by violence, by famine also long had wasted away. But so great of the region had happened a solitude, and sterility of the sands, that neither human labor, nor nature's fecundity in those places anything tastable had brought forth. The labor therefore of the rest being frustrated, and again all of the famine's tempest terrified, to the blessed man alone his faith's constancy by a wonderful virtue answered. For behold of an unknown form a bird, where the Saint in a part alone had remained, he receives a great fish by a bird to him brought: with a placid flight gliding in, before his feet a huge fish deposited; which when alone to lift he could not, one being applied with himself who nearer stood of the companions, of divine bounty the dainty, thanks to the Lord rendering, he carried to the ship. Marveled the companions at the fish's greatness: but recognized what had happened, with greater them admiration struck the of the unusual order greatness: truly for at wonderful merits it had happened beyond custom, that a recent of the sea prey to the hungering through a bird was rained from heaven. But who once to those under the law placed wonderfully had rained a bird, now also to one under grace placed His servant more wonderfully rains a fish: less indeed it seems unusual, if a bird, than if a fish slip from the air. Astounded therefore those who were present at so great a virtue's sight, and from the wonderful event of the wonderful man's merits weighing, with knees bent to the ground they adored: and whom thus far a Saint they had held; from then also illustrious and magnificent they held; nor undeservedly to the ancient Fathers him they compared, in whom they saw of the ancient miracle the appearance to shine again. Fed once the Lord Elias through a raven, now also both him and his companions by a repeated example through a bird He fed: and although this one much inferior is to Elias, in one however this deed of both to itself answers the equality.

[8] Likewise at another time, while through waterless plains they went, and as much by the day's heat as by the journey's labor worn out, an intolerable of thirst they suffered straits, the man holy, of his own secure peril, began of the safety of his companions more to fear. Soon poured with tears prayer, with all confidence turned to the Lord, in a great thirst a fountain he draws out, named after Gualterius. with the staff which he held, the earth he struck. There followed waters continually salutary and clear, which not only to the thirsty would suffice to be refreshed, but also of a new fountain a vein perpetual would bubble forth. For lest the deed's memory to delete could oblivion, to the same fountain Gualterius' name imposed, even today to remain assert, those who saw. O how great is faith's virtue, to which even the very nature's impossibility resists not! Now if, the ancient of the striking through Moses in the desert made we should regard miracle, the majesty of the mystery being safe, not far unequal to see one can of similar things the comparison: indeed at diverse times, under two and unlike Testaments, works like things the same Lord of both. Let us compare water to water, the staff to the rod, the rock to the dry; let answer the thirsting to the thirsting, the stroke to the stroke be associated, in turn there allude of causes and places the equality.

[9] Nor with many interposed days, when by chance the companions contrary to custom on the sixth feria flesh ate; [on the 6th feria those eating flesh he excuses on account of the feast of S. Martin;] (since to them the daily labor's intention the reckoning of the days had shaken off) suddenly supervening their negligence he rebuked, why with exterior only necessities occupied of the sacred day the reverence they had not guarded. But when all confused he saw, and of heart the penitence with tears protesting; by fraternal moved compassion, Do not, he said, too much be saddened, venial it is indeed what not knowing you did. The clement Lord to your ignorance provided, while, if any of fault there was, the present Martin's feast you should know to be celebrated. For today of the most blessed Confessor Martin's feast know to be celebrated. Wherefore in holy charity's confidence you I exhort, that the begun feast you take intrepid. These said himself the flesh placed tasted, that their fear by his deed's authority he might confirm. All therefore the rest without delay obeying, one only there was: who not so much by religion's love, as by obstinacy of superstition resisted, and to consenting by no reason could be brought. But this his consequently was noted rebellion, that evidently to all, how great was charity, might appear. On the very indeed day the gold all, which with himself for the journey-money he carried, he lost. Which by a just of God it is established to have been done judgment, that he who of charity's food alone had rejected, the lost money of another he finds: of necessary sustenance the price should be deprived also alone. But, after by the loss's admonition rebuked, the fault he recognized, and himself to have sinned confessed; the man holy with mild words his consoled sadness, secure the way to take with the companions he bids, all to him lost soon to restore promising. Finally alone he himself through some returned of the journey, the found without delay by God's will money restored to its possessor.

[10] A fourth also to recite it pleases miracle, which above the mentioned not far may seem inferior. When by chance near the sea to the travelers a seat in the sand to place the night coming on had persuaded, disturbed suddenly the sky, of storm-clouds a tempest grew rough, so that even if by houses they were covered scarcely the tiles could of the flowing-down rains the injury drive away. Here the man most patient, from the shower is protected by a very large leaf from heaven fallen. when the rest as they could each for himself consulted, in the same in which he had measured place persisting, with the wonted of prayer shield he protected himself. To whose petition, sent from heaven of unheard greatness and of unknown appearance a leaf, of a herb uncertain whether of a tree, or perchance of neither, all marveling, not only from the rain himself defended, but also from the same a bed for himself most soft he prepared. Nor indeed could any underlie of a fortuitous event suspicion, in so great especially of divine gift novelty; since neither small even either herbs or trees of that sandy soil's sterility nourishments afforded. These therefore and others; after returned those who had seen, divulged, in a short time through all Aquitaine famous of the most holy man the name shone.

CHAPTER III.

The Lesterp Rectorate and the rest of his deeds with his pious death.

[11] Under nearly the same time of the Lesterp Church the Rector had died, whence it was done, He is chosen Rector of the Church of Lesterp: that by the Clergy and the Prince of the region Amardus, of the highest virtue a man, of the same Church the care to undertake with many prayers

he was asked. But when earnestly he resisted, nor to them however did they cease from prayers, lest confused altogether he should send them away, a day he set, on which to them by counsel he would answer. On the set day while himself humbly about to excuse he returns, dissenting however certain Clerics and Soldiers, who with him went, to whom rather that he should consent it pleased, suddenly a little bird a certain, which the rapacious which is called Nisus pressed, to him about to escape death fled; which he willingly gathering from the imminent peril freed. Then indeed they the occasion snatched to urge more vehemently, affirming God by a manifest sign of their sentence to have judged: by which namely sign openly it was proved, that to fail those imperiled he ought not. So by the Lesterp Clerics and the aforesaid Prince a little less compelled, lest to the divine will to be contrary he should seem, all rejoicing, the care which he was asked he undertook.

[12] in clothing and food moderate, Now indeed in the governance placed, how he bore himself, scarcely to execute in words anyone can. For neither turned to him, as to some is wont, the prelacy into elation; nor for himself for the dignity's place in clothing or food more anything or better usurped: nay indeed much now more sparing and more modest, the greater he had attained license, the more to himself less to be lawful he understood: on this account that of those in an eminent place placed, as to several profit virtues, so vices very much hurt. 1 Pet. 5, 3. Not therefore as lording over the Clergy, but according to the Apostle a form made to the flock from the soul, by love rather and benignity, than by terror or punishments to well acting his subjects he incited; a more pleasing to the Lord judging the voluntary devotion, than the compelled servitude: that for from free charity proceeds, this indeed a servile fear extorts. Nor however where there was need was zeal to him lacking, or a competent on rebels strictness: but at length these and necessarily as iron and fire he applied, lest perchance a neglected part of putrefaction, by creeping more widely, the parts entire should vitiate. But what human perversity under so great a leader unwilling the Lord would war, his subjects he helps by doctrine, example, and prayer, whose both doctrine would drive away ignorance, and life would afford for indeed three things to the committed flock the Father best provided, that instructed by preaching, by example animated, by prayer helped, against the enemy ancient to fight both they should know and should wish and should be able. to all all things made, Besides with so great about single ones solicitude he watched, that for of each either nature or age or condition a competent to each care he might apply: in the manner of a best certain physician, who, whence one is helped, another knows to be hurt; and whence this one is healed, that one to be imperiled he is not ignorant. To all therefore and to single ones congruous things he provided, to all all things made was, and so many of himself, so to say, men he made, as many as diversities he exhibited to men. Between vice and nature so subtly he discerned, and in the same person so the one he segregated from the other, that neither to this by sparing that he fostered, nor that by prosecuting this he wore away. Of no one even the lowest the necessity he neglected, to no one help asking he was not present. Of all the inconveniences through compassion his own he made: the prosperous things of all through charity to his gains he numbered.

[13] Among these of abstinence a follower most strong, of alms a distributor most generous, his body he chastises with hair-shirt and scourges, the famished fasting he refreshed, the naked freezing he covered, to those of a roof lacking he hired lodgings, to the stipendiaries prices he conferred. To all others propitious, to himself one difficult, what to all others he bestowed, to himself alone he denied the service. Nay indeed, as if not he were great now long since of the body a triumpher, his flesh with hair-shirt he wore assiduously; and what more may seem unusual, in the dead of night rising, his stripped in the church body to scourges he exposed: not that any was felt, but lest any could be felt of the afflicted flesh a rebellion: which that secretly to be done could and frequently, a faithful to himself torturer for a price he hired. Nor only to the needy, as is said, of the body the necessaries he ministered: but much more of souls' salvation solicitous, whomsoever he could, to gain to the Lord he busied. He rebuked the just one in mercy sinners, he received in indulgence penitents: since indeed, for of his merit sanctity, from the Roman See's Bishop ^b Victor ^c, the power he had received, from the Pontiff he receives the power of the keys, even of crimes to judge, and to penitents the church for of his discretion the arbitration either to close or to open. By this therefore license to of many the salvation he used: by this license very many, under a grave now of crimes burden despairing, by an injunction portable to of pardon hope he raised, and drew as dead out of the sepulchres. Several torpid by negligence, and too much of pardon presuming, by this same power as to be sequestered he terrified, and excited as those sleeping from sleep. A faithful servant and prudent, whom had constituted the Lord over the household His: faithful plainly, who not his own, but his Lord's gains he sought: nor his own praise, but his Lord's he thought honor. Plainly faithful, who of the Lord's truth the money not hiding, freely to all the precepts of the Lord preached; nor any powerful and rich, by fear of penalty or by love of reward, in their iniquities he flattered. Besides of the Catholic faith an asserter unconquered, to heretics and Jews, by the authority of the speaking in him spirit, quickly silence he imposed. He was also prudent: since in doctrine not only the person, but also the time he considered and the place.

[14] Of how great moreover long-suffering, of how great he was amid adverse things constancy, amid adverse things strong, the hostile slaughters and of wars the conflagrations prove, by which through of Princes' dissension, not only the church itself by a sacrilegious burning was deleted, but also a great part of the people with almost the whole Clergy by the same fire consumed. Since indeed the Prince of the land, by name Gordianus, resisting and crying out the blessed Man, with a nefarious daring, the very of the church enclosures had fortified, and a placed of armed men garrison with frequent incursions the neighbors devastated. This was the cause, that of the wicked by the merit the place innocent by the enemies was burned. the burned church But when neither so the mentioned Prince a depraved intention laid down, and the fortifications being rebuilt, among the sacred once walls his former sacrileges exercised, by divine at length terrors, through horrendous of nights visions, he was expelled: and the Saint being summoned, who not far thence with a few of his disciples, who from the conflagration had survived, lurking the divine clemency awaited, swears himself nothing such thenceforth about to presume, and the purged walls to the blessed Man restored. Who of the received calamity's toil, not to the cause of despair, but to the merit of proving converting; the restoration's work with the highest zeal he undertook, resisting certain Bishops, who the place, by blood and slaughter polluted, to be consecrated longer not to be able contended. But obtained at length of the blessed man the sound sentence, in a better manner he restores: not only by a synodal of Bishops approved decree, but also by Apostolic letters confirmed. The work therefore begun strenuously he consummated, and the invited of the neighboring cities' Bishops of Dedication the feast with the highest glory he celebrated. Then in the place of the consumed Clerics being substituted, the former of the church state both in number he increased and in merit; from tribulation of virtue taking matter, that deservedly a fortunate misfortune might be thought, which to the greater of the place glory had happened.

[15] it for 38 years he presides over, of these 7 blind. In adverse therefore proved and prosperous, in these cautious and humble, in those indeed strong and constant, in both by the merit of sanctity imitable himself he showed. A cedar he was of Lebanon, to firm clinging roots. A house he was of the Lord, upon a firm rock well founded. There overflowed the flood, there rushed the wind, and he remained immovable. In this therefore course the Lord being author the committed to him for thirty-eight years he ruled church, so that by no he was delayed of events variety, but always to good better, to better he added best. Nor him either old age's weakness, or the plague hurt of blindness, by which his patience seven before his death years was proved, the less the former of abstinence laws he should serve. But neither of the long course of prosperity, nor of signs frequent showing, by which in the world widely and long he was illustrious, any his soul with vanity tempted; but always amid miracles more humble, amid prosperous things more timid, the enemy's snares Christ leading he wore away.

[16] by corporeal miracles illustrious, And his exterior miracles, partly I have touched, partly prudent I pass over. As of the demoniac woman, whom at Vercelliacum ^d, in the church of Mary Magdalene, the people being present, on the holy day of Easter he purged. Of another likewise a noble and religious matron, whose death far placed through a revelation he knew. These therefore I pass over, lest in such things the chief I should seem to have placed. But those which spiritually he wrought miracles, neither to be passed over ought, because most worthy, nor to be explained can, because innumerable. If indeed just as in the body diseases, so vices to be are recognized in the soul; he who innumerable vicious ones corrected, certainly innumerable diseases put to flight. And, more he is praised for the spiritual cures. if a more perilous sickness a more glorious makes the cure, so much certainly a greater merits praise of vices the healing, the more grave the soul's peril, than of the body to be is recognized. And so the Father holy spiritual chiefly to put to flight studied sicknesses, and spiritual chiefly bestowed healths: to the proud humility, to the lascivious chastity, to the prodigal he conferred sparingness, generosity to the avaricious, meekness to the irascible, to the luxurious abstinence he delivered, to the envious charity he restored. But in single things why do we delay? Let him enumerate the remedies, who to number can the inconveniences, or who cannot the sicknesses, neither to number let him think the healings.

[17] Now to his passing let us come. Already a good soldier in the tabernacle of the Lord even to old age had dwelt, and entered without spot, and worked justice, worthy he was to receive his discharge, and to rest in His holy mountain. with the sacraments fortified: Seized therefore by fevers desired, he felt of the Lord knocking on him the coming; and the disciples being called together, the imminent to them of his death day glad he foretold. And consoled the mourning ones and to better things exhorting, that also of dying the order he might demonstrate, to whom of living the form he had delivered; to be led in first the Presbyters and the sacred to himself Unction to be made he asked. Then received with the highest of heart and body humility the Eucharist, stripped of the linen, the hair-shirt, which always to the flesh he used, he opened; of which deed the reason, when by the bystanders it was asked: Naked, he said, with a naked one ought to wrestle, lest he have whence he can be held. So into the church by the Brethren carried, in the church, with ash and hair-shirt covered, he dies, and before the altar of the mother of the Lord deposited, his exit in ash and hair-shirt, with raised to the Lord of the mind eyes, he awaited. There wept with silence those who were present, and prayed, in the ears of him, as he had bidden, the sacred reading resounded. And when the lector to the extreme of the book's clause had come, by which is said; The end of speaking all together let us hear, the Lord fear and His commandments observe, this is indeed every man; with a fitting enough event, with the end of speaking, the man holy the end made of living: and proceeded to the Lord, whom truly he had feared, and whose commandments he had observed, to which without doubt every man it is established to be created. But how much we think of reading and prayer by the zeal living he had adhered,

from which not even dying could he abstain? or when from preaching did he cease, who even in his exit edifying sentences brought forth? there also he is buried. Eccl. 12, 13 His body with a great of peoples frequency in the same church honorably was buried, where even today he rests: at whose sepulchre many are done miracles, many faithfully asking receive benefits: the Lord bestowing our Jesus Christ, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns through all the ages of ages.

ANNOTATIONS.