Servatius Bishop

ON ST. SERVATIUS BISHOP

OF MAASTRICHT IN BELGIUM.

A.D. CCCLXXXIV

Servatius, Bishop of Tongres, of Maastricht in Belgium (St.)

BHL Number: 7615, 7621

BY G. H.

CHAPTER I.

The city Maastricht. The deeds of St. Servatius in various Councils. Euphratas vindicated from heresy.

Of Lower Germany or present-day Belgium are several

places, celebrated by the name of Trajectum, and from the crossing

of the rivers Scheldt, Meuse, and Rhine so called.

There are above Valenciennes on the Scheldt, Pons and Trajectum,

commonly Tricht, Trajectum on the Scheldt, as has taught me a man of distinction by nobility and learning

Francis of Dixmude, Toparcha de la

Balgue, with whose conversation at Valenciennes I once enjoyed:

and his I have mentioned IV February in the Life of St. Veronica §5.

But more eminent are two other cities of that name, both

once adorned with the Episcopal throne, one on the river Meuse,

the other on the ancient bed of the Rhine. The former from its situation higher up

is called Trajectum, Meuse, in Teutonic speech Ober-Tricht and

Obtricht. By which name also Ammianus Marcellinus

(who flourished in the time of St. Servatius) in book XX of his Histories Obtricense

he wrote a town of the Meuse. Most Belgians, as

the river Masa, so the city Maas-Tricht they call. The other

city on the Rhine, Onder-Tricht, and contracted

Utricht or Utrecht, Rhine, and in Latin Ulterior-Trajectum and

Ultrajectum named, of old (while the Episcopal Seat was at the other

Trajectum on the Meuse) was the metropolis of the Frisians,

but those abhorring the Christian faith: who afterwards

through Apostolic men cultivated, was given near the end of the seventh century

the first Bishop St. Willibrord, St. Hubert (who

had transported the See from upper Trajectum to Liège) by

several years surviving. Which things although by no means ambiguous,

yet some writers, and these two by some confused. deceived by the proximity of the names, various

Bishops of the prior See to this Church and diocese

Ultrajectine have transferred. Thus St. Amandus the Bishop

of Trajectum on the Meuse (to spare more examples) Ultrajectine

See on the Rhine Bishop have called Gaspar

Bruschius in the Bishops of Strasbourg, Martinus Crusius

part 1 of the Suevian Annals book 10 chapter 6, Petrus de Marca

book 1 of the History of Béarn chapter 25, Samuel Guichenon in

the History of Bresse and Bugey from the MS. Martyrology of the monastery

there of Nantua, and several others. But omitting now

Ultrajectum, of Trajectum on the Meuse must we treat.

[2] Of this city, the glory and crown was St. Servatius the Bishop,

who at divine warning, the destruction of his city Tongres

forestalling, its Patron St. Servatius, thither he betook himself, and soon on this XIII May,

on which he is venerated, from this mortal life departed in the year CCCLXXXIV.

Collecting his Acts from ancient monuments, the first

notice of him we find in the Council of Cologne, in the year

CCCXLVI. After the Consulate of Amantius and Albinus on IV

Ides of May held: at which Jacobus Sirmondus annotates these things:

Of this Council we have seen no manuscript

exemplar. Therefore we represent the Surian edition,

except that in the nomenclature of Bishops for

Articlavus crept in ^a Laticlavus, in the year 346, at the Council of Cologne, further Verdun, whose

Bishop Santinus, formerly was called the city of Clavi, the city,

teaches among others Bercharius the Presbyter, who

a brief history of the Bishops of Verdun to

Dudo the Bishop wrote. Thus Sirmondus. But in place

of the Author Bishop of the Mediomatrici, the name of Victor was read there

many have observed, on account of heresy of the Bishop forced, referred below number 13. And

to Simplicius is given the Bishopric of Autun, when there

seems then to have sat St. Cassianus, and after him Egemonius,

and then in the following century Simplicius, as we have said on

the Life of St. Amator I May. Let us therefore be permitted, with the indulgence

of the reader, to indicate, that we judge that another name also crept

into the same text, either falsely supplied by some smatterer,

or by an unskilled scribe far from the truth deformed;

namely of the very Bishop of Cologne, but by others in the Council

of Bishops perhaps wrapped in deep silence, that his fame

might be consulted, or for the name of Eupraxius, Euphrasius or

another similar wrongly written; Euphratas, I say, a man both

most learned and most upright, as soon will be evident: indeed whom we judge

to have detected the wickedness of another, and into the place of his deposition

to have been substituted. Over this Council of Cologne presided

St. Maximinus of Trier, who is commonly held to be the XXVII Bishop of that

See, and at least according to us, who eight

of them banish to Tongres, would be the nineteenth. But the Catalogues

of the Bishops of Cologne are so imperfect, that

still in Sammarthani after Maternus is placed second

Euphratas. Maternus was present at the first Council of Arles

in the year CCCXIV: of whose Successors (if there were several before

Euphratas) we judge this Pseudo-bishop to have been,

and to have conspired with Photinus and the divinity of Christ

to have abjured: of whom in that Council among fourteen

Bishops penultimate St. Servatius the Bishop said:

What N. the Pseudo-bishop did, or what he taught,

I have learned not by opinion but by truth, on account of the joined city

of the neighboring place, he subscribed; with St. Athanasius cited as witness against him, in which I publicly and privately

resisted him often, when he denied Christ as God,

with Athanasius Bishop of Alexandria and many Presbyters

and Deacons hearing. And therefore I judge

he cannot be a Bishop to Christians, since

with sacrilegious voice he denied Christ as God; nor should he

be judged a Christian, who shall be found neighbor

to him. Thus St. Servatius: but when

he resisted with St. Athanasius hearing, except when he at Augusta

of the Treveri with St. Maximinus an exile dwelt, could

with St. Servatius have run to Cologne, and the Pseudo-bishop

have admonished, and St. Servatius resisting him have heard? formerly residing among the Treveri.

But that St. Athanasius was in this his exile from about the month

of February of year CCCXXXVI until the month of June

of year CCCXXXVIII, we have shown 2 May at his Life chapter

10, at which time we judge St. Servatius to have been created Bishop

of Tongres, and what follows therefrom, that for about XLVII years

he lived in that dignity. The Pseudo-Bishop

(as Bucherius writes book 9 of Roman Belgium chapter 6

number 9) thus condemned and deposed, a little later

through old age and grief is supposed to have wasted away, and against Neuss

on the Rhine to have been buried. Which we have not yet read elsewhere.

[3] There succeeded in the next year CCCXLVII, with Eusebius

and Rufinus as Consuls, the Council held at Sardica, a city

of Thrace, on the borders of each Empire, subject to Constans and Constantius,

with Julius the Roman Pontiff and

the said Constans the Emperor exerting themselves: in the year 347 he is present at the Council of Sardica, to which set out the said Euphrates,

Bishop of Cologne in the place

of the Pseudo-bishop ordained; then several other Bishops, who

had been in the Council of Cologne, and with them Maximinus

of Trier, and Sarvatius of Tongres, in Greek Σαρβάτιος,

in others also Servatius written: through whom could the Council

have come to know the Photinian heresy, which is reported to have been there detected

in the author Epiphanius heresy 72, there Bishops gathered from twenty-five

Provinces declared St. Athanasius with

his innocent, and concerning that matter wrote everywhere,

each subscribing after Hosius, as we set forth more fully on the

Life of St. Athanasius chapter 15 and 16. Elected

then by the whole Council were two Bishops, Vincentius of Capua

and Euphrates of Cologne, as men distinguished by extraordinary sanctity

and most illustrious doctrine: whence sent to the Emperor Constantius with Euphrates whom appointed to Constantius the Emperor,

Athanasius in the epistle to those leading the solitary life,

describes in these words: Sent by the holy Council

on the legation Bishops, Vincentius of Capua,

which is the metropolis of Campania, and Euphrates of Cologne,

which is the metropolis of upper Gaul, that for the decrees

of the Synod the Emperor Constantius the Bishops,

whom he himself had ejected, would allow to return to their Sees: and

to that opinion by Constans the most pious to his brother

letters given, by which he commended the Bishops to him.

But those wonderful men and to any deed

prompt (the Eusebians and Arians, namely) when these Legates

at Antioch they had seen, in common indeed

into counsel they enter: but yet so, that Stephen (Antiochene

Bishop the Arian) the fable of the entered counsel to be carried out

he should undertake, the snares laid by the Arians become evident, as one most fitting for things of this kind.

The business undertaken, he hires a public

prostitute on the very feast of the most holy Pasch, and her

naked through the shadows they send into the house of Euphrates

the Bishop. The prostitute however, since at first believed

a youth was who was summoning her, promptly was following.

But after, thus deserted by them,

a man sleeping, ignorant of all things, she beheld;

and considering more diligently, the face of an old man and the appearance of a Bishop

she perceived; immediately she sends up a cry and

complains of violence: They on the contrary beg her to be silent, and

a false crime against the Bishop to concoct. As the day therefore was dawning

the deed is divulged, and the whole city ran together:

and those who in the Palace were, by the wonder of the matter were moved,

and were unwilling that it be handed over to silence.

It comes to judgment, the pimp betrays those, who the prostitute

had summoned, and they then the author of this matter Stephen

to be show: for they were his Clerics, who

had agreed with the pimp. Stephen therefore of Episcopal

dignity is stripped, and in his place is substituted

Leontius the castrated; not for any other purpose, than that there should not be lacking

a defender of the heresy. But the Emperor Constantius

a little compunctious returned to himself: and from

conjecture from those things, which against Euphrates they had designed,

made, similar to be their calumnies against others

he judging, the relegated from Alexandria into Armenia

Presbyters and Deacons immediately to return he orders, and

distinctly to Alexandria he writes, that no further Athanasius's

Clerics or laymen they should persecute. Then after

ten months Gregory dying, he summons Athanasius

with all honor, not once or twice, but

three times to him most friendly letters writing, by which

he encouraged him, and exhorted to come: and sent

to him Presbyter and Deacon that with greater

confidence to him he might return.

[4] All these things St. Athanasius: to which Theodoret in book 2

of the Eccl. Hist. chapter 9 has added many smaller circumstances,

namely that by Constans the Emperor was joined to the Legates

Salianus the Praetor, and they make the man's virtue known, a man notable for piety and justice:

A crowd of fifteen men in the Bishops' lodging hidden,

who when the prostitute had entered would raise tumult: That

of the Legates the elder Euphrates, in

the outer chamber sleeping, and at the noise of feet

awakened, having heard and seen the woman as if at the sight of a demon

was terrified, and to the arms of the Cross and prayer

took refuge: At length with the doors closed by Vincentius,

and seven of the number of the lurkers seized,

by Salianus it was commanded, that the inquiry should be held in the palace.

All which things on the Life of St. Athanasius are explained

chapter 16. The Pasch cited above, on whose feasts the prostitute was sent in,

was of the year CCCXLVIII, and was celebrated on day III

April. Followed then the abdication of Stephen from the Antiochene Episcopate,

and after ten months the death of Gregory of Alexandria.

Afterwards by many letters invited St. Athanasius, when before

setting out for Rome he had met Julius the Pontiff, took the journey

to Antioch, and was kindly received by Constantius:

at which time the Legates Vincentius and Euphrates already long since

had returned to their Sees. But it is altogether most absurd even to think,

that after all those things such a man fell from the faith, as some have dreamed, whom it would be foolish to say afterwards lapsed, with greatest injury to him.

For how could afterwards he have been detected and condemned

in that Council, which the year CCCXLVI to have been celebrated

the added Consuls demonstrate? Or how could this much later

have been celebrated, over which St. Maximinus presided, in the year CCCXLIX

dying, as we shall show on his Life XXIX May? How

also St. Servatius, with Athanasius hearing, resisted a man

now Photinian after all the aforesaid, and that under the end of his

life, as Surius and others after the Acts of the Council wish: when once

having departed from the Gauls Athanasius, never to it returned,

and Servatus lived to year CCCLXXXIV? What

will it be to overturn the whole history of the Council of Cologne, with times

and persons confused, if this is not to mix all things?

Let another show, if he can, an easier way than that which

we have held, for resolving the controversies arising from this Council;

it we shall gladly enter.

[5] In year CCCL Magnentius had assumed tyranny, and

Constans the Emperor having been killed, possessed Empire in Italy,

Gaul and Africa. To the same Emperor sent also seems St. Servatius in the year 351 By him sent to Constantius the Emperor

Legates, Servatius and Maximus the Bishops, likewise Clemens

and Valens: who when through Alexandria they had passage,

the Arians seized opportunity to slander St. Athanasius,

as if through them to the tyrant he had written: which crime

he stoutly removed from himself in the Apology to Constantius. There had been

in the Council of Sardica among the Italian Bishops Maximus,

and among the Gallican our Servatius, there as here

in Greek Σαρβάτιος written. As, moreover, afterwards to

Maximus invader of the Empire embassies undertook

SS. Ambrose and Martin, so also these to procure the quiet of the Church,

could have been sent to Magnentius,

and that in the year CCCLI, when he had his Empire more peaceful.

[6] In year CCCLIX, with Eusebius and Hypatius as Consuls,

was held in Italy the Synod of Rimini for seven months,

from June to December. then in year 359 he is present at the Council of Rimini At this also was present St. Servatius,

of whom and St. Phœbadius Bishop of Agen the memory

in that especially is celebrated. Of this Synod the deeds

Sulpicius Severus expounds in book 2 of the Ecclesiastical History, and

we have at length described on the Life of St. Hilary XIII January:

but here we give a few from him which to St. Servatius especially

pertain, in such words published: At Rimini

a city of Italy, Constantius the Emperor a Synod to be assembled

orders, with 400 Bishops. and that to Taurus the Prefect he commands, that

those gathered in one he should not before dismiss, than into

one faith they should consent; with the Consulate promised to him

if the matter to effect he had brought. So with sent through Illyricum,

Italy, Africa, the Spains, and the Gauls Magisters

officials, summoned or compelled four hundred and

somewhat more Western Bishops, at Rimini

came together: to whom all provisions and stores

to be given the Emperor had ordered: but to ours, that is,

to the Aquitanians, Gauls and Britons it seemed indecent,

with the fiscal supplies refused, with their own expenses they preferred to live …

Meanwhile the Legates of the Council of Rimini from

the part of ours the Emperor compels to be united in the communion of the heretics,

and to the same drawn up by the wicked

a faith he hands over, with deceitful words wrapped, which

Catholic discipline with hidden perfidy, would speak.

For the word "Usia," as if ambiguous, and rashly

by the Fathers used, nor from the authority

of the Scriptures proceeding, under the appearance of false reason

he abolished, lest the Son be believed of one substance with the Father.

The same faith confessed the Son like the Father:

but inwardly was at hand a fraud prepared, that he should be similar,

not equal.

[7] Thus the Legates dismissed, the Prefect was instructed, that

the Synod he should not before dissolve, than to the drawn-up faith

to consent all by subscriptions they should profess.

And if any more obstinately should resist, and various drawing toward Arianism, provided that this number

within fifteen should be, into exile they should be driven.

But with the Legates returned, although deprecating royal violence,

communion was denied. Indeed when

the decrees that had been made were learned, greater perturbation of things and counsels:

then little by little most of ours, partly through weakness

of intellect, partly through weariness of the journey overcome,

gave themselves to the adversaries, with already after the return of the Legates

the upper hand, and the church, with ours thence thrust out,

obtaining. And once made an inclination of minds,

in companies to the other side they yielded: until

to twenty the number of ours was diminished.

But these the fewer they were, the more valid:

and most constant among them was held our Phœbadius,

and Servatius, Bishop of the Tongres. These, since

with threats and frightenings they had not yielded, with St. Phœbadius most constantly persists, Taurus with prayers

approaches, and weeping conjures, more lenient counsel uti

they should take: that closed within one city the Bishops

now seventh month had been spending: with the injury of winter and lack

worn down, no hope of return is given. What at last would be the end?

They should follow the example of the majority,

the authority at least from the number they should take. And indeed

Phœbadius declared himself ready for exile, and for every

punishment, in which he should be demanded; he professed, that the faith

conceived by the Arians he would not receive.

[8] So in this contest some days were spent. When

little they were profiting toward peace, but at last he too led into the fraud little by little he himself more broken

at last under the proposed condition is overcome.

For Valens and Ursacius affirming, that the present

faith conceived by Catholic reasoning, by

the Easterns with the Emperor as author brought forth, with sin

was repudiated: and what end of discords would there be, if

what to the Easterns had pleased, to the Westerns should displease?

Lastly if anything less fully in the present faith

published seemed, they themselves should add what they thought ought to be added, ready to give in those things which had been added consent.

The favorable profession with willing minds of all

was received: nor further dared ours to resist, now in any

way to put an end to the matter desiring. Then

the professions conceived by Phœgadius and Servation began

to be published: he seemed also to yield, in which first is condemned Arius and all

his perfidy: but moreover not equal to the Father, and

without beginning, without time the Son of God is pronounced.

Then Valens, as if helping ours, added

a sentence, in which lay hidden deceit: That the Son of God

is not a creature, like other creatures; and the fraud of profession deceived

the hearers. For with these words,

by which similar to other creatures the Son was denied to be,

a creature, however, only better than others, was pronounced.

Thus neither side could utterly think itself

to have conquered or been conquered: because the faith itself was for the Arians,

but the professions afterwards added were for ours, except

that one which Valens had subjoined; which then not understood,

late at last was perceived. In this manner

the Council dismissed, with good beginning, and led back to the way by St. Hilary, with foul exit was

consummated… Then Hilary Bishop of Poitiers

ordered to return to the Gauls, judging it best

to recall all to amendment and penitence,

with frequent Councils within the Gauls; and

with almost all professing concerning their error, what at Rimini

had been done they condemned, and into pristine state of the Churches

the faith they reform.

[9] Thus there. St. Phœbadius is venerated XXV April, where

we said that a book against the Arians was written by him and praised by

St. Jerome. Things similar to these by St. Servatius, in hatred

of Arianism, soon to have been done we do not doubt. They are said indeed

two to have resisted sound counsels, Saturninus Bishop of Arles,

and Paternus of Périgueux, but each from the Church

was cast out, especially when with Julian reigning the Bishops

returned to their Churches, then with St.

Hilary taking care, those frequent Councils within the Gauls were held,

writes Severus, not naming them, nor in what part especially

of the Gauls they were celebrated indicating. it is not known whether he was present at Councils held afterwards, One alone of

all is known the Parisian of year CCCLXII, and that in the time

of Julian the apostate, in which the formula of faith by the Arians

with the name of Usia suppressed founded, and at Rimini accepted, was condemned;

the Catholic faith expounded, and to the Eastern Bishops

sent. To this however are missing the subscriptions of the Bishops,

among whom perhaps Servatius, unless impeded by disease or other thing

held his place: or once deceived by the Arians, from

all assemblies of Bishops he abhorred, and afterwards did not

wish to attend any Synod, from one of which returning St. Severinus of Cologne but for himself and his diocese to attend

alone took care. At this time I would believe to have happened, that

St. Severinus Bishop of Cologne, to Euphratas, not in the Council

of Cologne of year CCCXLVII, but after ten or sixteen years substituted,

came to Tongres, on ecclesiastical matters

to confer with St. Servatius now an old man: which in the Life of St. Evergislus

his successor in Surius on day XXIV October, not without

the admixture of the common error about Euphratas, is thus narrated.

The Arian heresy was then prevailing also in the Gauls,

which the most blessed Severinus everywhere strove to put to flight.

And when with that intent he was visiting also Tongres…

he first of the Brothers, who that Church with care and

dignity governed, called to him; from him diligently inquiring

about their faith and zeal for divine worship. He responded

to each thing what the matter seemed to require: and

among other things even the wonderful first-fruits of virtues of Evergislus the religious boy

he accurately set forth. Bucherius chapter 5

of the historical Disputation after the first volume of Chapeauville, takes these things

as if after the death of St. Servatius and the destruction of the Tongres,

recommending the boy St. Evergislus, St. Servatius led him with himself. dealt with him who in the vacant See of the wretched city

the relics in any way administered in sacred matters. But when that

Life is not of the first note and was written long after; just as its author

erred in inventing the cause of this excursion, as if

among the Tongres the perfidious Euphratas had over-sown the wheat of sound

doctrine with the cockle of impious dogma, for the rooting out of which

the work of Severinus was necessary; thus the same seems

to have been ignorant, what Bishop that Church then had, or

whether at all it had any one, when thence was led St. Evergislus.

But the cause which St. Severinus could have had

of visiting Tongres still standing, far more probably

we shall believe to have been one of those several Gallican Synods,

from one of which returning he, took care to approach St. Servatius,

so that of things done in the Synod and decreed he might inform him, who

perhaps had asked it from him before.

[10] Finally to these times pertains (if it is true) what

in the Maastricht MSS. under the end of the miracles is contained

in these words: At the time when blessed Pastor of the Church Servatius

the seeds of the divine word in his everywhere Episcopate

with all diligence was sowing, there came to him the Count

of the town of Louvain, named Porus, weighed down by an incurable

disease, which on his nose he bore: whom God

at the prayers of the blessed Bishop to health straightway restored. By whose

miracle's grace that Count to the blessed man

half of the temporal lordship of the town of Maastricht

by hereditary right conferred: Half of the lordship of Maastricht which the Church of Liège,

to which it was transferred, today is known to possess.

Thus there, from which can be gathered the affection of St. Servatius toward the people

of Maastricht, whom as his own diligently in the Christian faith and

morals he instructed. On day third May in

the Life of St. Alexander Pope we showed Aurelian, in the time

of Trajan the Emperor under whom that one suffered, to have been Count

of both militias in Isauria, and such titles to have lasted

even to the times of Arcadius and Honorius. In the same way were

called Counts, those whom the Emperors or Presidents

of Provinces and Pro-consuls from their Comitatus sent,

to administer some dominion or city and with arms

to defend. Many things about the similar dignity of Counts among

the Romans Olivarius Vredius gathered, in the History of the Counts

of Flanders chapter one. So also could in Belgium of the Roman

militia have presided someone, with the title of Count; whom

unskilled posterity, no other in these parts more ancient

Count knowing, than the Lovaniensian,

some many centuries afterwards first beginning to be named, with that

city's title proleptically have signed; with added perhaps with the same license

the name of Porus, taken from the History of Alexander the Great.

The same Count could also have acted with the Emperor, by whom and how delivered to St. Servatius? that

to the rights of the church of Tongres should be added the half of the imperial revenues

at Maastricht, and that for the favor of St. Servatius.

Rather however I would say, that long after the death of this

Saint and the church built under his name, in the time

of the Frankish Kings (under whom whole towns and

cities by allodial right at times were possessed by men of chief nobility)

some lord of Maastricht by the same right, of his own

right the half gave to St. Servatius that is, to his church: which

manner of speaking most usual, often gave occasion of attributing to living

Saints miracles long after their death performed.

But this right of the Bishops of Liège some, uncertain

when, drew to himself through some agreement with the Monastery

or Chapter of St. Servatius, that it and his

church should be emancipated, in future to be under Imperial

protection.

CHAPTER II.

Roman journey. Time of death. Succession of Bishops. Chronology established.

[11] After Julian reigned Jovian, then Valentinian

and Valens brothers, terrified by fear of the Huns, to whom then was joined

the son of the former Gratian, and to his father dying Valentinian

the younger was substituted. Then with Valens for the V time and Valentinian

the younger as Consuls, in year CCCLXXVI, the Goths from the people

of the Huns ejected and expelled, writes in the Consular Fasti

Idatius. Two years afterward Valens died, when

the Huns occupied Pannonia, and in it fixed their seat,

and struck terror into neighboring Germany and Gaul: by which

then moved St. Servatius, the Roman journey he undertook

writes Gregory of Tours in book 2 of the History of the Franks

chapter 5 in these words: Then there was a rumor that the Huns

wished to break into Gaul. There was at that time among

the Tongres town Servatius, a Bishop of extraordinary sanctity:

who attending to vigils and fasts, with frequent shower of tears

bedewed, the mercy of the Lord

beseeched, that never this unbelieving people,

and to himself always unworthy into Gaul to come he would permit.

But perceiving by spirit, that for the offenses of the people

this had not been granted to him; he took counsel, that

he should seek out the city of Rome, namely that with added

patronages of Apostolic virtue, he approaches the thresholds of the Apostles. which humbly to

the mercy of God he begged, he might more easily merit to obtain.

Approaching therefore to the tomb of the blessed Apostle,

he was beseeching the help of his goodness, in much abstinence,

with greatest hunger consuming himself, so that for two

and three days without any food and drink he remained, nor was there

any interval, in which from prayer he ceased.

And when there many days' spaces in such affliction

he tarried,

he is reported from the blessed Apostle to have received this

response: Why do you, most holy man, trouble me?

For behold near the deliberation of the Lord

it is wholly determined, that the Huns into Gaul shall come,

and them with greatest tempest must depopulate. Now

therefore take counsel, But by divine warning hasten swiftly, set

your house in order, prepare your burial, seek clean

linens. For behold you shall depart from the body, nor

shall your eyes see the evils which the Huns shall do in

Gaul, just as the Lord our God has spoken. This

from the holy Apostle the Pontiff response received, his journey

he hastens, and the Gauls swiftly seeks again: and coming

to the city of the Tongres, what was necessary for burial

with himself quickly takes; and bidding farewell to the Clerics and

remaining citizens of the city, he announces with weeping and lamentation,

that they would no further see his face. he migrates to Maastricht,

But they with great wailing and tears accompanying him,

were supplicating with humble prayer saying: Do not

abandon us, holy Father: do not forget us,

good Pastor. But when they could not call him back with weeping,

with the blessing received with kisses, they returned.

He however approaching the city of Maastricht,

struck with a slight fever, departed from the body: and washed

by the faithful near the same public mound was

buried. Whose blessed body how after of many

times' spaces it was translated, in the book of Miracles

we have written, says Gregory, and we below

shall report.

[12] That year was CCCLXXXIV, in which he passed from this life

on the thirteenth day of May, the second feria of Pentecost,

he affirms to have read in the most ancient Trajectine Church's pittacium

Vendelinus chapter 7 of the Salic Laws. he died in year 384; And the characters

agree most well: for in the said year, with cycle of the Moon 5 of the Sun

I, Dominical letters GF, Pasch fell on XXIV

March, and Pentecost Sunday on XII May. There had elapsed

then two and forty years after the held Council

of Cologne, in which St. Servatius was present as Bishop,

but some years before adorned with Episcopal dignity: so that

he seems in it to have lived about seven and forty years,

nor are we necessarily compelled to grant many years beyond seventy

of his life. St. Remigius, a whole century younger,

in the twenty-second year of his age was Bishop of Reims

ordained, and after seventy-four

years he had ministered in the Episcopate, in his

ninety-sixth year of age completed the course of his holy contest.

If however some wish to ascribe eighty years or somewhat

more to Servatius, not for that reason a contentious rope

shall we draw. The Salian Franks were dwelling quietly at that time near

Toxandria a place, on the borders of the Tongres, in seats by

the Romans precariously granted, nor any to neighbors did they instill

fear. However not to them in this his flight did

Servatius depart, whom alien from the faith of Christ and in their

cult of idols obstinate he had found: but to the citizens of Maastricht, by him in

orthodox religion and sincere piety instructed migrated.

Nor is it difficult immediately after his death, to the above-mentioned

time referred, to find an occasion, by which into these

provinces of Lower Germany the depopulating Huns ran out,

and the Tongres devastated. For

Maximus had invaded the Empire, and corroborated it for himself with Gratian

the Emperor killed, on VIII Kalends of September, Indiction XI, Merobaudus

II and Saturninus Consuls, as Count Marcellinus

writes in the Chronicle, that is in year of Christ CCCLXXXIII.

[13] Against this Huns called by Gratian writes Baronius,

the Huns then invaded, the rumor against Gratian, who partly the British sea with ships, partly

Gaul with incursions infested; but that Gratian did this

he proves with no ancient testimony: indeed with the Alans

allies of the Huns, that war was then with Gratian to indicate

seems Zosimus in book four, when this cause of soldiers alienated from

Gratian he says was, that certain Alan deserters

received and enrolled in the army numbers,

with large rewards he honored; and so much esteemed,

that to them of greatest moment things he entrusted, no account

of his soldiers being had. For they would not be called deserters,

unless they had come from enemies. Let us grant however by the same

mediators peace between Gratian and the barbarians to have grown together

(for cognized of many soldiers' defection from himself, Gratian

not daring to commit to dubious faith of the rest the die of battle,

took flight toward the Rhaetias, Noricum and Pannonias

and Upper Mysia, long since occupied by barbarians,

certainly as toward friendly regions) yet not their

aids could he in such sudden trepidation have summoned,

unless perhaps to come to him. Nor should he have sent them into Britain or Gaul

by long circuit; but rather joined them to himself,

and opposed Maximus, who having transmitted by ships

the Ocean to the mouths of the Rhine had landed, but after his death by Bantho the Count summoned. and with the armies which

were in Germany and the other regions according to this

approving the election, was now ruling over all

Lower Germany, and against him was coming. Finally

St. Ambrose, on behalf of the brother of Gratian killed Valentinian

functioning in a second legation to Maximus, to him objecting against him,

that the Count Bantho the barbarians sent in for him;

did not respond, that they were long since called by Gratian: but excuses

that not against him, but against the Iuthungi, who

were depopulating the Rhaetias, the Hun was summoned, as you have

in epistle 27: indeed praises, that when he himself

surrounded by ranks of barbarians into Italy was pouring himself,

Valentinian the Huns and Alans, approaching

Gaul through the lands of Alemannia turned aside. Let us say therefore

Bantho was the one, who under the appearance of repelling from the Rhaetias

the Iuthungi, the Huns and Alans had stirred up after the death of Gratian;

and them while Maximus occupies Gaul, depopulating

ran through all those, which had first joined themselves to him,

regions of Upper and Lower Germany, perhaps in the very

year CCCLXXXIV, when on XXI October upon the same, besieging

Cologne, seem to have fallen the virgins of Ursula,

namely when these were already on the return, with the Tongres and Reims and

several other cities destroyed; and when, the traces of them

was following Maximus, that against similar incursions

afterward to fortify those same regions, and the See of empire

for himself at Trier to constitute. Thus could it have happened, that St. Servatius's

death was soon followed by the destruction of the Tongres.

[14] In the preliminary treatise to this volume we treated

chapter 3 of Hadrian Valesius, How St. Gregory of Tours is to be explained when he mentions Attila. obtruding two Bishops for

this single Servatius, and this irruption of the Huns

to the times of Attila and the year of Christ CCCCLI transferring,

as if then another Servatius or Aravatius from life had departed.

But why does not Valesius in this place argue against the credit, false

writings, negligence and excessive security, oblivion of his words,

and other errors of Gregory, which he says

he has refuted, lest anyone hereafter by the authority of so old a historian

be deceived. Indeed such censures, most injurious

to a most excellent writer, I do not approve: yet it is worthwhile

to read how he treats the same one, narrating the irruption of the Vandals.

It was not enough for him that in volume I book 5 page 209

and following Gregory he had charged with error, but in the preface

to the following volume he added these things: At the beginning of book second

the Kings of the Vandals first in Spain, then

in Africa five only for seven, and not even in order,

enumerates Gregory, with Geiseric

and Gunthamundus omitted: and with Thrasamundus reigning the Vandals

from Spain into Mauritania to have crossed, and through

the whole of Africa to have spread he says, which by the leadership and principate

of Geiseric to have been done is established. Meanwhile those things

were more public, more recently done, and to the whole world more known,

than that first irruption of the Huns into these Belgian

regions, to which then Gregory joined, what afterwards under

Attila happened. Besides he is wont external things, although

disparate, to join: for as in the said place the Kings of the Vandals;

so, book 3 chapter 20, he joins the Kings of the Spanish-Goths,

indeed also chapter 17 of the same book 3 at once proposes the Bishops of Tours

predecessors of his See, although not by sufficiently exact reckoning.

Let it be said therefore that he in his own way did, when here he joined several

irruptions of the Huns: and so the parent of the history of the Franks,

and a man celebrated for sanctity and Ecclesiastical cult, can be explained

and excused; but not so Valesius, when his authority,

elsewhere with him so light, as inevitable here he objects to us,

receiving no explanation of this more obscure place,

much less accusing of negligence or error its author in his way.

But to St. Servatius let us return. He had been, as said,

in year CCCLXXXIV on the second feria of Pentecost on day XIII

May from this mortal life departed, with the Episcopal See designated

in the city of Maastricht, this explanation is confirmed by the succession of Bishops: and buried near the public mound

or military road, to which today is adjacent the illustrious Church

dedicated to his name, as we ourselves there present observed.

But this is said to be in that place, where St. Maternus, in honor

of Christ the Savior and of St. Peter is reported to have built a Church, an ancient

tradition. The Relics then of the Saints of Tongres

there were brought and have hitherto been preserved is certain, so that even

on this account it can be believed that the Cathedral was there transferred: of which

matter we have treated more fully in the Preliminary treatise chapter 9. To St. Servatius

succeeded St. Agricolaus, who is reported to have restored the roof of the tomb

of St. Servatius, cast down by the violence of the winds: who

about the year CCCCXX dying and at Maastricht buried, we have said

V February on his birthday. In the time of this Agricolaus

the citizens of Hoy the Church of Bl. Mary, by the Huns with the town

destroyed, rebuilt, an ancient tradition. After the death of Bl. Servatius,

says Aegidius, with completed seventy years,

which the Lord granted to penitence to all

fleeing to his tomb, through Gaul

erupted the savagery of the Huns, with leader namely Attila. Aegidius

was preceded by Harigerus thus writing. After that vengeance,

which is read to have been done by the Huns, with Vandalic likewise cruelty

following, uncertain by what space of time

the Church of Tongres was without Pontiff.

Hither namely them impelled the authority of St. Gregory, joining the first

slaughter from the Huns with the other after years, if precisely

you wish to count, LXVII later: and as if not only

at that time, but also long afterward until the age of St. Remigius

the Church desolate had lain, each writer mixing many things about

the Franks, then at last report the ordination

of St. Agricolaus and the subsequent Bishops. of whom the first St. Agricolaus around year 400 seems ordained But that in this

they greatly are mistaken from this is evident, that the seventh of them

Falco, was contemporary with St. Remigius himself. So we altogether hold

St. Agricolaus, who is said to have restored the roof of the tomb of St. Servatius

cast down by the violence of the winds, to have died about

the year CCCCXX, as we have said on the day of his Birth V February.

[15] I add now that the author of his ordination seems to have been St. Evergislus,

mentioned above, the Bishop of Cologne. He

indeed, as in his life is read, by the Pastoral burden urging

him with care and solicitude, but also with love of the paternal soil stimulating,

inflamed with the fervor of faith, to the Tongres set out,

to eliminate the filth of idolatry, which namely

thither had been brought by the Franks, after the first departure of the Huns under Valentinian

ruling all of Hesbania. And he indeed

while he was intent on restoring things there, by night by robbers killed

and at Tongres buried, with similar there began to shine of miracles

glory, by which at Maastricht Servatius: but ordained

by him as Bishop, terrified by that slaughter, in a place open and half-ruined

he did not think fit to remain, but at Maastricht to fix

his See. [the same was done by his successors at Maastricht other seven in the same 5th century.] The same did his successors, especially after the second

destruction under Attila in year CCCCLI: so that not by other than

the Trajectensian Bishops' name they would be reckoned; and so

would be called in the following century in the time of St. Gregory of Tours,

when the Episcopal See was at Maastricht,

and the very designation of the Tongres had ceased, for certain I hold.

But there were in that same fifth after St. Agricolaus century

among holy Bishops seven other Bishops of the Church of Maastricht,

all inscribed in sacred fasti, namely Ursicinus reported

on the Kalends of October, Designatus on the Ides of January,

Resignatus or Renatus on the Kalends of December, Sulpitius

or Supplicius on XVIII January, Quirillus on XXX April,

Eucherius and Falco on XX February. This is the very

Falco, who by St. Remigius in a sharp epistle near the end of the fifth

century was rebuked, that Presbyters and other ministers

of the Church of Mouzon he had appointed, and indeed at

the beginning of his Episcopate. But he ignorant that the said Church to the Episcopate

of Reims pertained, with zeal for divine honor and care to be taken

of the salvation of souls had done it. But these things we have related,

so that the reader may observe, so many Bishops to have presided over the See of Maastricht in so

short a time, that the death of St. Servatius beyond the year

already fixed should not seem to be deferred.

[16] Another note of time, by which can be confirmed

the Chronology, likewise from the age of St. Auctor Bishop of Metz referring the death of St. Servatius to year CCCLXXXIV,

and overturning the figment of Valesius, inventing two Servatii,

can be drawn from the age of St. Auctor Bishop of Metz:

to whom on the journey to Rome instituted of deprecating destruction

cause St. Servatius to have approached narrates Harigerus below,

and after him all the writers of the Servatian Life. There had sat

this St. Auctor with St. Servatius in the Council of Cologne;

but with a single letter changed through the inadvertence of copyists

in the Acts Victor he is written: which error already before observed

was by Meurissius the Bishop in the History of the Bishops of Metz,

by Aegidius Gelenius book I on the Greatness of Cologne

syntagma 6 notation 3, Claudius Robertus

in Gallia Christiana and others. St. Auctor is inscribed on

day X August in several Martyrologies, hand-written and

printed, and in Saussaius in the Gallican Martyrology

is said, in vindicating piety, to the Council of Cologne

a no small suffrage and adornment to have brought.

Him Meurissius says to have sat for nine and forty years.

Among the more illustrious Bishops of Metz also is reckoned

in the Life of St. Deicolus, on XVIII January edited by us, where

are named Clemens, Caelestis, Adelsius, Auctor,

Arnulphus. His successors were Aefletius, Urbicius,

Bonolus, Terentius, Gunsolinus or Gosselinus from

St. Auctor the sixth: under whom the city of Metz at another time to the fury

of the Huns, over whom presided King Attila, was subjected

asserts the cited Meurissius. So if from fear of the same Attila

approaching, as Valesius wishes, about to go to Rome St. Servatius

with St. Auctor at Reims dealt, it will be necessary also for the people of Reims

to give two Auctors, or one Victor, the other

Auctor, who otherwise also would be doubled. of whom the first was present at the Cologne Synod, the second

under Attila lived; just as he distinguished Servatius from Arvatius:

and the same all without any of the slightest authority

pretext Valesius would have to fasten on the people of Reims,

what attached to those of Maastricht we have dispelled. Since both

is escaped by our opinion, putting the meeting of SS. Auctor

and Servatius under the first arrival of those Huns,

who one century later under Duke Attila a second irruption into Gaul

made, by saying that Gregory of Tours this

alone and nothing else wished to be signified, when at the first

mention of the Huns also Attila he mentioned.

CHAPTER III.

Acts of St. Servatius written by Harigerus Abbot of Lobbes from the edition of Chappiavilla; the rest indicated in passing.

[17] In the XI and XII century of Christ and onward, various variously

collected the Acts or Life of St. Servatius, Omitting the fables which Iucundus collected, of whom with us

ecgrapha collected from various MSS. exist. Among these, as

in style more prolix, so also in age earlier was Iucundus the Presbyter.

He however by what levity believed the dreams of a certain Armenian fabulist about the Genealogy of the holy man, we have seen in the preliminary

Exegesis; whence it is that neither in the rest, which he has; nor

are found in the older monuments about the Saint, can we have safe credit

in him, and the same we are forced as to those things to abrogate from the rest

following him, the writers of the Servatian Legend. Wiser than he was, who at the borderline of the X and

XI century flourished, the Lobbes Abbot Harigerus, relying alone on

older (which would that they still existed) Acts of St. Servatius,

we have from Harigerus, having followed older Acts in the Chronicle of the Bishops of Tongres, Maastricht

and Liège these things wrote, which, with the interpolations of Aegidius

of Aureavalle omitted, it is pleasing here verbatim to set forth,

according to the correction and emendation of our Rosweid by hand

made to the trust of an old exemplar: now indeed, as I think,

from the two preceding chapters abundantly is established, to what

times the individual things should be referred. Thus therefore he in John

Chappeavilla, whose pages I shall enumerate here in the margin

in which the individual things are in his first volume on the deeds of the Pontiffs

of Liège, to be found.

[18] At that time, namely when the Huns began to devastate Gaul,

about whom he had prefaced a prolix narration,

St. Servatius the tenth was presiding over the Tongres Church,

a man illustrious for the honesty of all virtues. page 28 Whose

origin and lineage, although some think to have descended from

the family of the kindred of the Lord Savior; that nothing is established about his fatherland,

since however the place of his birth we have not at all received,

nor the causes of his coming from elsewhere have we anywhere heard,

therefore we cannot be easy to believe; nor

to so great an opinion, which perhaps from piety is brought forth,

do we judge altogether to be derogated: since

according to Tully it ought not to be shameful, for us to confess we do not know

what we do not know; and to the assertors of this opinion it befits ignorance

rather modestly to confess, than irreverently for piety

to lie. * This man indeed (as

in his older Acts we read) of a generous

stock of great men born, nobly born, but only that he was born of noble stock

more nobly conversant, the Pontifical Petalum he bore,

the Lord's sheep from the lurking wolf he protected, for

the same, even if the sword of the persecutor was lacking, prepared to bear

martyrdom. page 30 In the days indeed of his Priesthood pleasing

God, approved and found just, in the time of imminent

wrath seeking that for the barbaric irruption

reconciliation should be made. For provision Divine then

at that time had kindled many torches according to need,

who could both dispel the shadows of worldly error,

and calm the storms of the tribulation raging in such turmoil. Whence a certain Metricanus, writing brilliantly enough,

says:

By such patrons of the Church everywhere firm, in a most difficult time of the Gallican church,

They stand against rain-bringing storms with shaking wind,

And from above the rock cannot tremble at ruin.

And concerning this blessed man specially among others:

Servatius, by preserving faith, preserves perishing

By praying the people, strongly comforting Maastricht.

And Blessed Lupus Bishop of the city of Troyes

While all wars destroyed,

By praying defended Troyes.

[19] The Huns beginning to make devastation: And Jerome, to Ageruchia upon contempt of the world

writing an epistle, upon such

slaughter also takes lament, of which these are

the words: That we still rare here remain, is not from our

merit, but from God's mercy. Innumerable and

most ferocious nations have occupied all the Gauls:

whatever between the Alps and Pyrenees is, which by the Ocean

and Rhine is enclosed, the Quadus, Vandal, Sarmatian,

Alans, Gepids, Heruli, Saxons, Burgundians, Alemanni,

and (O lamentable republic!) the Pannonian enemies

have devastated… And because the pious perish with the impious, many

of the saints, both clerics and monks

and nuns, in this destruction it happened to perish.

Cities, although most fortified, by long siege were overturned, the churches of the Saints were burned, the altars

were profaned with the blood of priests slain before them,

boys and unwed girls were suffocated,

Virgins consecrated to God were violated, Monks and Clerics

to mockery and spectacles were exposed, and to all in

common various face of deaths was applied…

Nor only ours were punished with this penalty, but also

the defenders of the Arian heresy the Goths, who alone to Valens

Augustus and the Romans in Gaul seemed to resist

and oppose, by the Huns were cruelly devastated; and

Athalaricus their King, for the innocent blood

which he had too much shed, driven from the kingdom merited to be exiled… page 31

[20] Their arrival B. Servatius knowing and hearing,

and at once fearing about the irruption of his city,

with many tears and afflictions of the body the mercy

of the Lord beseeching, he went to Rome to deprecate the slaughter of the Tongres, that his people from the wickedness

of the perfidious he might guard. page 37 But perceiving by spirit,

with the sins of the people impeding, that to him in no way

was granted, the thresholds of the Apostles Peter and Paul he decreed

to approach, that for his Tongres at least deliverance through their

merits he might merit to obtain. With everything therefore prepared

for the journey suitable, and with companions taken with him

* necessary, on his citizens of fastings and prayers

over so great a peril he enjoined the urgency: and so the journey

undertaken, first the prudence of B. Auctor, Bishop of Metz,

he sought. page 38 But blessed Bishop Auctor, and likewise of the village of St. Auctor about to pray for the city of Metz.

having had with B. Servatius deliberation, adjudged

his intention to be ratified, at once asking that for him

and his city more profusely there a prayer be poured: so that since

through himself to Rome he could not approach, by his most holy

prayers, with the Apostles intervening, the desired deliverance

for the citizens entrusted to him he might merit to obtain.

Approaching therefore the tomb of B. Peter, he beseeches by his

intervention help, that with his merits and prayers occurring

from the Tongres and Metz city should be warded off

the unspeakable race * of the Huns. page 39 In this assiduously

persisting in prayer, with greatest hunger he was afflicting his body,

bedewed his face with tears coming forth from a pious breast, There at the tomb of St. Peter is offered to him a vision

nor was there interval in which he was free from prayer. And

by day indeed the patronages of other Saints he frequented,

but by night to the suffrages of B. Peter he returned. At length

since without intermission he did not cease to strike the ears

of the most clement God, with such a vision he merited to be consoled.

[21] He was seeing, and behold before the altar of the greater church

as if a throne placed, and on it sitting the Most High, both

with the assembly of holy Angels, and of holy souls

surrounded. Two also of conspicuous countenance

men, before that very throne with knees bent now

the majesty of the Lord, now the help of his most holy Genitrix

to implore (whom it is established were the chief

of the Apostles, Peter namely and Paul)

and for the preservation of the Gauls more earnestly to supplicate.

And because the venerable man B. Servatius, with his supplication,

the prayers also of Blessed Auctor of the Bishops of Metz

offered; he saw on the Northern part standing

a person, with white and precious garments clothed

(which without doubt is established was the Protomartyr Stephen)

and to him the holy Apostles certain responses

bringing, and from him to the Almighty's majesty certain supplications referring. The holy

Servatius therefore, astounded by this contemplation,

the holy Apostle Peter addresses: Why do you, said he,

most holy man, trouble me? You may know that it is foreordained

by the most just sanction of the Almighty, that the Huns Gaul

shall attack, by which he understands the Tongres are to be devastated, and all the towns and castles of Europe

shall level: that the Tongres city by the inhabitants' sins

demanding shall be overturned; but the Protomartyr

Stephen, whom you have hitherto seen us speaking with,

for his Metz Church may you know to be heard, that

the danger of the rest of the city he should not endure. But you,

most holy soul, in the lot of the Saints already preselected,

shall live among sinners, from the world's turmoil shortly

to be transferred, lest your eyes see the evils that are about to come

upon the earth: at Metz only the church of St. Stephen is to be preserved. nor shall you have in the wicked

and therefore perishing city a tomb: but it has pleased the Most High

the town to preserve for you, Maastricht, that there may be buried

your holy body. This oracle the venerable

Pontiff Servatius having received, his return he hastens,

and passing through the city of Metz to B. Auctor

he indicates, what in the responses he had received.

[22] * Having gone forth at length to the Tongres city,

with the Clergy together with the people called together, he was exhorting

all to be solicitous in the salvation of their souls, who returning to Tongres bids farewell to his own:

over whom hung so great a danger. page 43 He said however

to them: Now from the assembly of your fraternity I cannot conceal,

what for three days dissimulating I am at last compelled to say.

Concerning your salvation I approached the tomb of B. Peter, of this

city the preservation by supplication submitted I sought;

but with your sins demanding inevitable hangs

over it ruin: upon you also immortal hangs perdition,

unless from your whole heart precede a conversion of morals.

Wherefore I am prohibited both here to dig for myself a tomb,

and to the village of Maastricht to cross over hence

I am ordered; that there my last day may take me, lest me

it should happen with you your evils either to behold or to suffer.

From this day forth my face you shall not see, nor

further me with you tarrying shall you behold:

since after a brief time this little body I am about to leave,

nor hither hereafter to return. Yet however

I desire you to be certain, that if for the saving of bodies

I cannot intervene, for your souls at least their incolumity

ever to obtain I shall take care.

[23] * These things therefore by B. Servatius tearfully delivered,

soon the whole standing people with great cries

roared: lamentation and wailing from each sex grew. page 45

But the man of the Lord, and at Maastricht having died and been buried, with the necessities of burial brought with him,

from the Eastern gate of the church of Tongres on foot goes out,

and by direct path the Maastricht town seeks. And

when he had come to Maastricht, struck with a slight fever,

after a little he abandoned his fragile body, and by faithful men

near the public mound, on the third Ides of May, was

buried. page 47 * After his death the Huns, with very many cities

of Gaul overthrown, there follows the effect of the prediction. also razed the city

of the Tongres; then seeking the city of Metz,

on the eve of Pasch, with sieges they surrounded it.

Wearied however by long siege when of withdrawal

now they were dealing, the walls of the city spontaneously fell,

and an entry to those returning opened. Immediately the city entered,

with all destroyed they handed it over to fire,

with the oratory of B. Stephen remaining intact, which seemed

by a certain most splendid man standing above

to be defended.

[24] Thus far Harigerus: in which many things Aegidius interweaves,

mostly received from Iucundus: Many uncertain things added from Iucundus. and entirely and to its proper places

each thing expressed in Chappeavillus, which since they obtain little

trust with us, it does not please to enlarge with these the bulk of this work.

The sum of all is nearly this. With an Angel as guide he came

to Tongres, and from him after the Pastoral staff handed over

is raised to the Pontifical Cathedra: speaking

of divine things by all of whatever nation he is understood:

daily he celebrates Mass, nor besides

the Body of the Lord, the taste of other foods has:

in various ways the sick he heals and demoniacs frees: by

the Tongres after various inflicted contumelies from the city

he is driven: he is received at Maastricht in the basilica by B. Maternus

consecrated: intent on contemplation he knows the evils

about to come, and these he sets forth: requested he goes on pilgrimage

to Rome to the thresholds of the Apostles: he receives a response,

and from B. Peter the Apostle a silver key, with

power of closing heaven and opening. On the return by

the Huns he is captured: with celestial brightness illuminating the prison,

and his face like a sun shining, into wonder of the Huns

he comes: sleeping in the field by an eagle

he is protected: the faith of Jesus Christ he professes, and to some

knowledge of him he leads the Huns: thirsting a fountain

he draws forth healthful for drinking: a column of fire from

his cell to the heights of heaven seen to be raised: silk by Angelic

hands placed above his body. Concerning these things

nothing is to be noted besides the key, and especially of the key received from heaven, which although

according to the opinion of the common people the Saint is said to have received from heaven,

and as such it is shown today, and is taken as a sign of the Chapter,

with which all its Acts are signed: yet several learned men,

into whose opinion I strongly incline,

think one to be of that kind, such as from the tomb

of St. Peter received and from the filings of his chains containing

something within the knot, often we read that the Roman Pontiffs

for honor's sake had sent to those well-deserving of the Church Princes,

or even those coming to Rome had given: just as

is permitted to see in the Register of St. Gregory the Pope book I

Epistle 25, book 6 Ep. 23 and 25, book 7 Ep. 35. After him also

Pope Vitalian to the wife of Oswiu King of Northumbria

St. Gregory II to Charles Martel, as the Continuation of Gregory

of Tours reports chapter 110.

[25] There was then, when we believe St. Servatius went to Rome,

there as Pontiff St. Damasus, which more probably was given by St. Damasus the Pope, in year CCCLXXXII ordained.

He therefore that key gave to St. Servatius made of a mixture of silver

and bronze; not as if conferring with it the power of binding

and loosing (for this he had received when he was ordained Bishop)

but as a pledge of fraternal charity and

memory of St. Peter, whom in his successor about to venerate to Rome

he had approached. Holy Servatius also when migrating from Tongres

is reported to have brought with him the bones of holy predecessors dug up,

so writes in additions to Harigerus in Chappeavillus

Aegidius chapter 27. St. Servatius hastily of the Saints

Valentinus, Navitus, Marcellus, Metropolis, Severinus,

Florentius, Martinus, Bishops of the same city, and

of other Saints the Relics to be taken orders, and Crosses,

vessels of the divine mystery, and at once the necessities of his burial

…

Then suddenly voices are heard from heaven

singing hymns, and the journey of the sacred Bishop and the holy Relics,

from the gate of Tongres to the gate of Maastricht, and of the relics translated of 8 predecessors

with concerts accompanying. But as this last,

about the song of the Angels, from pious fiction seems to have been added by

the author Iucundus: so the first also about St. Servatius, the Relics

of his Predecessors carrying out, perhaps was written by gratuitous conjecture:

since it was not sufficiently established, who first the said

translation took care of. I after the destroyed second time

by the Huns following Attila of the Tongres, or even after the

Servatian Basilica built by St. Monulphus, would more gladly believe

it to have been carried out. No certainty of likelihood persuades it about

St. Servatius, who seems to have had no other care, than that with himself

to carry out the equipment of his soon-coming funeral. For St. Agricolaus if

anyone wishes to fight, and him at least the said translation's author

to believe, let him have his own opinion for himself, until

he confirms it with some surer document.

[26] The feast of the Saints resting at Maastricht

under double rite was once celebrated VI February, in the same place

among the Praetermissi at length we taught. who with others are venerated 6 Feb. But of all

at once was recited this Oration: Grant to us we beseech,

Lord, your servants, through the merits of your holy Confessors,

Servatius, Monulphus, Gondulphus, Martin,

Valentinus, Candidus and Amandus, and others, who in

the present Church rest:

that by their pious intercession from all adversities we may always

be protected. You see how in the said Oration is mentioned

from the ancient Bishops of Tongres SS. Valentinus and Martin, and St. Servatius to each See assigned, and besides from

those of Maastricht Monulphus, Gondulphus and Amandus,

although his body is preserved at Elnone in the Amandine monastery,

of whose Head Relics other still the Maastricht people have.

Who is added St. Candidus the Bishop, from elsewhere

is reported to have come to the venerable Relics of St. Servatius at Maastricht,

and there to have died VII June: on which day together with St. Valentinus

Bishop of Tongres he is venerated. We have an Epitome or

Marrow of the Deeds of the Treveri by John Enen and John

Scheckmann, published in year MDXVII, in which notable Relics

of the Trevirian Churches are reported. We have

also three distinct ancient little books, about Relics preserved

in the Churches of St. Maximinus, St. Paulinus, and St. Matthias; and

nowhere have we found mention of the eight Bishops above reported;

but only of St. Maternus, whose body at Trier in the Cathedral

Church is preserved: which fact confirms us in that

opinion, by which we judged in the preliminary Exegesis their

names to have been wrongly intruded into more recent Catalogues of

Trevirian Bishops.

CHAPTER IV.

Twofold Translation of the Body. Sacred cult. Relics elsewhere.

[27] Gregory the Bishop of Tours, in book on the Glory

of Confessors in a very ancient MS. Liège codex

of St. Lawrence chapter 72 these things in these words writes: Of the annual miracle of the tomb untouched by snows Servatius indeed

Bishop of Maastricht in the time of the Huns, when

to break into Gaul they were rushing, is reported to have been:

who is also reported buried near the very bridge

of the public mound. Around whose tomb, although snow

would fall, yet the marble, which above

was placed, was never moistened: and although those places by the frost

of great cold are bound, and snow even to three and four

feet thickness covers the earth, the tomb in any way

does not touch. For it is given to be understood that he is a true

Israelite. For to those, between walls of waters,

waters are not for destruction, but for safety: and around

this Just one's tomb falling snow, is not for moistening's

cause but for honor's: and you may see around mountains snowy

raised up, nor yet touching the boundary of the monument:

and we do not wonder if the earth is covered with snow, but we wonder

that to touch the place of the blessed tomb it has not dared.

For very often devotion and zeal of the faithful

an oratory built of wooden and smoothed boards, moved St. Monulphus,

but immediately either they were swept away by the wind, or spontaneously

fell. And I believe these things to happen, until there came

one who would build a worthy fabric in honor of the glorious

Bishop. With time advancing coming into

this city Monulphus the Bishop, a great temple

in his honor constructed, builds him a temple and translates the body. composed, and adorned:

into which with much zeal and veneration translated

the body with great virtues prevails. Thus far the Tours one,

who in the same sixth century with St. Monulphus flourished, but

somewhat younger. But Monulphus of all his estates

heir wrote St. Servatius (among which the castle of Dinant is reckoned)

and Clerics fearing God

and fervent in heavenly love, who under him

worthily for God should be soldiers, he added not a few;

over all the benefits of Christ, around St. Servatius in his

times done, rejoicing greatly: and as was worthy,

wonderfully glorified him in gold and silver, and

all things also in which for divine ministry there is need,

as is read in the MS. Acts, or also in Chappeavillus from

Aegidius. Buried is St. Monulphus, as also his successor

St. Gondulphus, in the middle of the Church of the most glorious man

Servatius. Both are venerated on day XVI July, and of these sacred

bodies, under the same monument with the bodies of SS. Valentinus

and Candidus deposited, we shall speak on their natalis

day VII June.

[28] Another translation of the body of St. Servatius is reported done

in the time of St. Hubert, on the occasion of victory over the Saracens on the very

day of the feast of St. Servatius obtained. This seems to be the one, which in

the Annals of Fulda and others is narrated on occasion of Eudo

cast into flight in year DCCXXIV, The same afterwards under Charles Martel, where then in year

DCCXXV these things are read: Saracens by Eudo into help

of him called with their King Abd-ar-Rahman, the Garonne

and Bordeaux reach, with all places devastated

and Churches burned with fire. The Basilica also of St. Hilary

at Poitiers they burn: but afterwards in year DCCXXVI,

Charles, meeting the Saracens with a strong hand, and

relying on the help of God, their King with infinite multitude

prostrated, and with enemies conquered with triumph

returned. This war and the following Translation

of the body of St. Servatius we have in many MSS. extensively described,

and here we give, just as in the old parchments of the Church

of St. Servatius at Maastricht in year MDCLXVIII we found, the prefatory

author does not seem coeval. It is however of this kind.

[29] With Charles Martel governing the monarchy,

innumerable phalanxes of Saracens overran the boundaries

of the Franks. This Charles knowing, and lifting his anger,

with great zeal swiftly to drive the enemy from the borders,

alas! did not allow time to gather the legions

of his own; with the few however whom he was leading with words

and example he instilled boldness; and everywhere surveying the enemy

camps, and attempting an entry of breaking in,

now he was bloodied, now he bloodied: but he did not prevail, after various fortune against the Saracens,

because too unequal the sortie was. Little by little

with thousands of his soldiers, like snows from the Alps,

and hailstones from clouds falling, through their squadrons and

wedges flowing together, with Christ's help invoked,

and trumpets resounding, the battle again he engaged, and the enemy's

wedges to night straying and fighting

he cut down, nor yet did he prevail: for the number

of adversaries was still greater. There was offered that

evening and that night a spectacle of human casualties

miserable: each gazed sadly at the heaps of their slain,

before their eyes sitting in decay,

and beasts cruelly devouring the corpses of their comrades-in-arms,

and trees dripping with bloody dew,

on which birds had carried up the entrails of Heroes

with cruel claws. They gazed, I say, sadly, and were saddened

beholding such things with moistened eyes. With night declined

the minds of noble youths, when they saw the stars of heaven

falling, and with the bent pole of Arcturus the dubious turns

of the near again battle they feared; yet the same

attended to the Leader's virtue, and the name of Christ; willingly

again they desired the contest, and the barbarians prepared

nonetheless their battle line. Iron again with deadly shower

is joined: most of all the image of death is turned: the Emperor

at the side weakening provided, also chosen

legions behind he sent in; the slacking he was rebuking, having gained a notable victory over them the eager

from their own merit he was praising, and lest the supreme virtue should waver,

anxious he was praying. Citizens, as is believed, Angelic from above

from the court of God, and happy souls of Saints with

Christ now reigning, beholding these things from the citadel of heaven,

were pitying the empty wraths and vain tumults, and that so many

so great labors are for wretched mortals. So while

with deadly alternation between battle lines, the heads of the falling

both sides snatched up rapidly the bird of dread death, the part

each utterly to consume; at length with God

protecting the Christians, the strength of the nations like smoke

was scattered. Then also the bravest of the barbarians,

who had remained until then in the camps, when their men giving backs

they see, run up, decide; but nonetheless

fall, and trampled by the feet of horses perish. On the day of St. Servatius.

This was done on the day of the festivity of B. Servatius: and undoubted

both to victor Charles, and to all who

his help in the morning specially had invoked, by his merits

was granted to him on that day victory. He goes to Paris,

it pleased the Triumphator and all the Princes, this

Saint to be more solemnly celebrated on earth, of whose so many and

great help continually shone forth from heaven. Sent to Maastricht

is Bishop Willigisus, that if any things had fallen into ruin in

the temple, to the memory and veneration of him he should restore;

if any less perfect he should consummate. Which diligently

through that same Bishop was fulfilled. For he erected

also above the tomb of the holy man a ciborium,

with gold and gems most lucid like a mirror.

[30] But to the same Willigisus the Venerable man, on a certain night

soothed by sweet sleep, a venerable man stood by,

he ordered the Saint of the Lord to be raised from the earth: incongruous,

saying, whose body by St. Hubert is to be raised to lie under a bushel, who heaven and earth

with the ray of sanctity should illustrate. The vision to Hubert,

then Bishop of the same See, he indicates: he still

further the will of the Lord judges should be sought.

Why should I report once and again three-day fasts,

consulted responses, fears, hopes, so many tears, so many prayers?

The subterranean secretary having been found at last, appeared

a place full of all pleasantness: and behold seats

in a circle, in which all the adornment and treasure of the Church

of the Tongres, in higher rank the relics of the Saints,

in the middle of precious marble they beheld a sarcophagus,

in which the Saint of the Lord they believed buried.

Meanwhile what is found is taken up, and with grief

mixed with unspeakable joy is placed before the altar;

for it was not yet permitted to presume, that anything

upon the Altar should be placed besides the sacrifice, which

is the table of the Lord of hosts. They wondered however

beyond all things, that the sacred vestments had no harm or

decay from the position of so long a time. With the sarcophagus

opened, and not the body of the Saint found, howling

and despair, fear and stupefaction seized all,

since they feared he had been stolen secretly. Spent is

that night in vigils, and the day in fasts. The following night about

cock-crow, when the rest of animals through all lands

with sleep had relaxed cares, the Maastricht people counsel

over the highest matters were turning, in the monument built by St. Monulphus discovered, and the upper oratory's

monument they visit; into which however, that he had been by

St. Monulphus translated they hitherto were ignorant. With opened

however with greatest reverence the monument,

so great suddenly fragrance of sweetness was poured forth, that of all

aromatics the redolences incomparably

it surpassed. Hands are extended to heaven, multiplied are

vows to God: appears the sacred body wrapped in linens

and silks: with which removed they raise the golden Cross

from the breast; from beneath the head of purest gold

a necklace, in which was a piece of the wood of the Cross of the Lord: on

the right the Pastoral staff: on the other side handed over

to him formerly at Rome by B. Peter the silver of wonderful

work key. Caskets also of electrum most lucid,

on each side many. Why should I mention the Pontifical

vestment? indeed by no corruption injured. They take up also a certain silk, on the day of his deposition

by the hands of Angels, with a thousand faithful of Christ standing by,

brought, and over him most diligently

placed. From his face when they remove the sudarium,

as if irradiated by the noonday sun, the whole sanctuary

shone forth. Fear at once huge and stupor,

and through everyone's limbs cold blood ran: he fills the place with light and odor,

they fall to their knees, beat their breasts, pour forth tears,

and fill the place with cries: Were you alive, Father,

and not dead; or if a sacred end had taken you away, do you bring

the true glory of resurrection? After these things

more diligently gazing on the lifeless body, and wishing to apply

their hands, like glowing iron and burning coals

transfigured limbs they contemplated.

Again stupor, again despair; but a Psalter snatched up

someone, exclaimed with the verse first delivered:

Arise, why do you sleep, Lord? Arise, and do not

drive away in the end. Which voice with the rest pursuing,

the brightness began to be diminished to tolerability, and is placed in a new casket. and at length

he is raised: and in a coffin, inside silver, outside

gilded, is placed. Meanwhile, like cinnamon and balsam

aromatic, he gave the fragrances of various odors and

sweetnesses. With doors closed while these things were done within,

the splendor of a fearful miracle the temple

surrounded outside, and instilled great terror and joy

to those gazing.

[31] Thus far the Maastricht MS. In other MSS. is added

the memory of this translation to be celebrated annually solemnly

on VII Ides of June, June 7 in year 726. on which day it is inscribed

in the MS. Martyrologies of Liège of St. Lambert, of Brussels

of St. Gudula, and many printed, and the Ecclesiastical office

under double rite is prescribed in the Tongres and

Maastricht Breviaries printed two hundred years ago, and nine Lessons

in one, and six in the other are recited drawn from the prescribed account.

This elevation of the body seems still done in year

DCCXXVI, since from the obtained victory had elapsed days twenty-five.

For in the following year DCCXXVII died

St. Hubert, and as most wish on day XXX May, whose however

chief feast falls on day III November on which the body

incorrupt was found and elevated. But the prior

Translation under St. Monulphus seems done on the very day

of the deposition. For in the ancient Hieronymian Martyrology apograph

of Lucca on this XIII May these things are had: At Maastricht the deposition

of St. Servatius the Presbyter and Confessor, and

Translation and Dedication of the basilica. In the Blumian Apograph

thus near the beginning is read: Natalis 13 May. At Maastricht the deposition

of the most holy Servatius the Bishop and Confessor. In the Apograph

of Corbey of Paris printed are these things: At Maastricht

port in Gaul deposition of St. Servatius the Bishop and

Confessor: which Florus more clearly explains in these words:

At the port of Maastricht the natalis of St. Servatius the Bishop, and then

many things about the Roman journey and response of St. Peter are indicated.

Rabanus also begins his eulogy thus: On the same day in

the town of Maastricht the natalis of St. Servatius the Bishop and

Confessor, and many more things from Gregory of Tours he describes,

with the construction of the temple by St. Monulphus. Similar things have

Ado, Usuard, Notker and the other later Martyrologists

with the present-day Roman Martyrology. About the silk, above

the body of St. Servatius found, mention is made in the Life of St. Norbert VI

June. About Charles Martel we have at length treated XX February on the Life

of St. Eucharius Bishop of Orleans §3 and 4, and his

vision about his damnation, we have shown is plainly to be rejected.

[32] There flourished at that time the Fontanella monastery on the Seine,

in whose Chronicle in Acherius volume 3 of the Spicilegium chapter 12 these things about the Relics of St. Servatius are handed down: His Relics and Church at Fontanella Wando

took up the rule of the monastery from year of the Lord's

Incarnation DCCXLII, which is the first year of the Principate

of Carolomannus and Pippin sons of Charles Martel.

Therefore the same religious man Wando, while from the Maastricht

castle where he had been led for exile, with permission

and order of the most glorious Prince Pippin he was returning,

pledges of Relics of B. Servatius the Confessor he taking

with himself brought: and coming to this

place built a basilica in honor of the same Confessor

of Christ, near the church of the blessed Prince of Apostles

Peter, on the southern side of the same church.

In which he placed a solarium, so that through steps upward

one ascends: and he placed there one altar, in which

of the Relics of the aforesaid Confessor he placed. In which place,

on account of the merit of the same nourishing Confessor, many

virtues by the Lord wrought are established to be. For

of many one I shall bring forth. The lamp which before the altar

of this basilica hung, famous for miracles: after into it once

oil was placed, spontaneously the liquid of oil for the use of the lamp,

with no one adding anything, through many years flowed:

until a certain stone-cutter (as by the report of a certain

venerable old man I have learned, who at that time in

this monastery dwelt) secretly took it from there; and so

afterwards on account of the deed of this profanation it ceased to flow. Another

memorable miracle also into this work to insert

I have judged opportune. For at a certain time, that is

in year of the Lord's Incarnation DCCLVI, which was

the fifth year of King Pippin, the Church of B. Peter through

the fault of negligence by fire was burned: this however the basilica

of B. Servatius the Confessor was contiguous to it. And when

balls of raging flames sought the heights, that church is freed from the fire. some

of the Brothers approached that very religious man Wando,

who in the same basilica of the most holy Servatius was residing,

and warned him to go out, fearing,

since it adhered to that which was suffering the fire,

lest similarly by fire it should be burned. Then the same man

of the Lord is said to have responded: If he can, indeed me

St. Servatius and this basilica, which with devout heart

I have built, from these fires defended he may make: but if not,

willingly with it itself a temporal fire I do not refuse to undergo.

In the same basilica finally, as he had said,

insisting on prayer he remained: and with the basilica of St. Peter burned,

this remained unharmed by the protection of B. Servatius the Bishop.

Thus there. We have at length treated of the Fontanella monastery

XIV April on the Life of St. Lantbertus the Abbot, then Archbishop

of Lyon.

[33] There flourished also at the same time St. Angilbert Abbot

of Centula, whose Acts we have illustrated XVIII February.

He acquired the Relics of many Saints, and

adorned, likewise at Centula, and in altars deposited, among which the Relics of St. Servatius

placed at the chapel or altar of St. Maurice are said number 45,

which in the writing of St. Angilbert are mentioned number 18 among

the Relics of Confessors. The founder of the said Centula monastery

was St. Richarius, from whom now it has its name situated

in the Pontivian region, as we have at length set forth on his Acts

XXVI April. At Rome, At Rome in the basilica of St. Peter that there is a chin of St.

Servatius, is read in Baronius at year 828 num. 23, and

in the Roman Sanctuary of Abbot Piazza. But Pessina in the Diary

of Prague asserts that to the Emperor Charles IV, At Prague. when in year

MCCCLXXII he was at Maastricht, by the Maastricht Chapter was given

a part of the head (this he himself afterwards through letters

described as small, to which adheres a part of the upper jawbone

with four teeth) and for adorning it the most illustrious Lord Servatius Baron of Engelfluss,

Knight of the most holy Sepulchre of our Lord,

for his exceptional piety toward his holy Patron,

took care that a silver pectoral statue should be made: which

then the same Knight in year MDCLXXIV on day I March to the church

gave, and in the same year and month piously died on day X. He had been born

at Maastricht with his brother Angelo, of our Society a most useful

worker for the conversion of entire regions infected with heresy,

and crossing with him into Bohemia,

the piety toward the Saint which from the homeland he there brought, in places

Swanenbach, Mnissech and Hrasstitz acquired among the Bohemians

he introduced, with a notable Chapel at Mnissech under his name's

invocation built, with grand bells, and pictures elegantly painted,

representing the miracles and deeds of St. Servatius,

with various and beautiful adornment. About several other

Relics of St. Servatius existing at Cologne is treated below in

the Annotations to Chapter 8.

CHAPTER V.

Miracles wrought in the time of Charlemagne, and others done in the ninth and tenth century.

FROM MSS.

[34] Miracles wrought in the time of Charlemagne are indicated. Gregory of Tours above number 16 reported, asserts

that now, that is in his time, and in the sixth century of Christ,

the body of St. Servatius prevails with great virtues. These however

if they were Written, do not now exist. Some seem to have been

exhibited to Charlemagne while at Maastricht not far from Aachen

he was dwelling, or certainly while in some year, between his with the

Saxons wars, the Paschal festivity at Maastricht he spent.

For then, as many MSS. have, on the Vigils of the most sacred

night, while the lessons were being read, two in

the sight of all were healed before the altar women,

one humpbacked, the other contracted; and a paralytic also

one in the hospital house, in addition a possessed person bound

with two chains horridly before. So with stupor

very many of the noble, with belt loosed, themselves to divine

ministry there pledged. While however the Emperor was spending much

time, of so great a man gladly speaking or hearing the praises;

the book of his miracles before him was * offered, and by all was

held a miracle. Thus there. There followed in the ninth century of Christ a great

persecution of the Northmen: when, as Regino Abbot of Prum says,

In the persecution of the Northmen, in year DCCCLXXXI in the month of November

two Kings of the Northmen, Godefridus and Sigefridus,

with an inestimable multitude of foot and horse

settled in the place, which is called Hasloe, near

the Meuse: and at the first attack devastating neighboring places,

the city of Liège, the camp of Maastricht,

the city of Tongres they consume with fire. The same things they refer

to the said year the Annals of Fulda in these words: They

with the army restored and the number of horsemen amplified…

devastated Cambrai, Maastricht and the district

Hasbanian and all Ripuaria etc. Meanwhile

that they could not despoil the temple of St. Servatius all the MS. Acts

of St. Servatius everywhere relate, in which these things are read:

The Danish race, powerful in arms and minds, his temple is miraculously preserved. the temple

of Maastricht famous they invaded: but as if by a whirlwind

inhibited from entry, on each side with ladders the heights

they ascend, with linen, straw, fomenting they cast in fire:

but many of them with the flame turning back upon them were burned,

several with hands inseparably hanging to the tiles,

a ridiculous monster they hung. Who

does not understand, what gratifying sight to wretched eyes they offered

by hanging? At last to themselves

returning, and vows vowing, by God's clemency and the holy

Bishop Servatius's indulgence they were released.

Thus there. About this matter are inscribed on ancient pictures these

verses:

The Northmen moved by envy strove to burn the shrines,

But against them the burning flame turned itself back.

[35] In the year after this miracle about thirty Quintilingebergus,

in others Quedelinbrogus, by the Germans

Quedlinburg, a city in the County of Reginstein between Halberstadt

and Ermesleben, on each side two German leagues

distant, on the river Bode, by Henry the Fowler King

of Germany, in the tenth century of Christ was surrounded with walls; and in it

was built an illustrious monastery of nuns, dedicated to St. Servatius

Bishop of Maastricht: At Quedlinburg a Church erected to St. Servatius by B. Mathilda the Queen. into whose Church the same

King is said to have transferred the stole and staff of St. Servatius

in the aforesaid Acts of St. Servatius. The wife of this Henry was B.

Mathilda the Queen, whose Life we have illustrated on day XIV

March. There number 10 it is indicated, that the King's body to Quitilingeburc

was transported, where he himself had decreed to rest,

and that the body of B. Mathilda the Queen having died they buried

in the basilica of St. Servatius near the tomb of King

Henry, with great honor, where she herself had decreed

to rest, and to await the day of judgment: which there number

33 can be read, no mention being made of the body of St. Servatius there

through Otto the Emperor at the instigation of B. Mathilda translated,

and after three years secretly by night taken away, and to Maastricht

carried back. Which however history in many MS. codices of Maastricht

is narrated in this manner. Otto her son, of the Romans

made King, rose with paternal virtue, like

a lion from his lair: he came to Rome, the resisting subdued,

himself ordered to be ordained Emperor, and the adornment of so great

a name from the Frankish to the Teutonic peoples first magnanimously

transferred. The mother therefore of Otto

Augustus, considering that from her veneration of B. Servatius she

and her offspring had exceeded the citadel of equal right,

her son with unwearied prayer importuned, that for the cause

of the cult of God being amplified, His body to the said Church by Otto I the Emperor translated to visit the basilica built for her in Saxony,

were to be brought the Relics of the same Saint.

She prayed and obtained. But brought the relics of so great

veneration the pious Jesus King of Kings with a thousand

signs honored: and a high-sounding praise resounded continuously

in the clouds, with all hearing.

The Saxons saying then with too great gladness;

We do not know to fear the Lord in the perfidy of devotion,

and we shall not let Servatius go from us.

[36] Infinite despair and calamity grew for the Maastricht people,

and was being increased daily through three years' time.

Then at the appointed time with the inhabitants of that land going to the festivity,

but with too great license to security

and feasts relaxing themselves, secretly thence taken back is reported to Maastricht, when through the solemn day with games

and cups wearied, on the following night they lay down,

soothed by the gravest sleep; secretly explorers of the Maastricht people

their Beloved one, sent there, with opportunity offered

entered the church, the casket of the sacred body from the altar

they snatch up, the ropes of the bells they cut, the doors

they close, withdraw, depart, and escape. With dawn risen

the Saxons wake, and their loss discovered, in vain at length,

who should overtake the fugitives, they appoint. Beyond therefore

the trust and vows of the Saxons, with the most pleasing pledge to

the pristine seat by divine cooperation brought back, with all

shouting in answer; Blessed is he who comes

in the name of the Lord, so great a largess of healings was forthcoming,

that the mute spoke, and shines with miracles. the dropsical was dried into health,

the demoniac was cleansed, the deaf heard, the blind

received sight, and the voice resounded the stars of those saying;

God came into the camps. On the seventh of the Ides of June with him entering

the Maastricht temple, the lamps of the walls

and crowns, in the hands also of those standing

candles divinely with wonderful lightness were kindled. With the pulpit ascended,

those who together had come, how great things had done for them

God on the way, protecting them from following enemies

through a column of cloud, were narrating: and with hands extended

to heaven, were saying: Were you not Leader, Lord,

in mercy to the people whom you have chosen? Have you not

also borne your Saint, Lord, in your strength,

to your holy habitation? The Saxons ascended

and were angry; griefs seized the inhabitants

of the Bode: then were disturbed the courtly Princes;

trembling held the counselors of the Empress, all stiffened

the friends and kindred of those nuns: they were made

unmoving like a stone, until passed through

your legates, whom you sent for the bringing back.

[37] Thus far that account. Further that among the Northern Germans

there was the highest reverence and veneration toward St.

Servatius, The cult of the same Servatius among the Northern Germans. the ancient Breviaries of those regions show:

of which we have several, namely of the Churches of Erfurt

in Thuringia, Hildesheim in the vicinity of Brunswick

dominion, Cammin in Pomerania, Ratzeburg and Lübeck

between Mecklenburg and Holstein, Minden

and Osnabrück in Westphalia: in which is prescribed on

this XIII May the Ecclesiastical Office of St. Servatius

to be recited. There flourished at the same time Giselbertus of Lorraine

universal, that is upper and lower, Duke, on account of having married

the daughter of Henry the Fowler King of Germany. He in year

DCCCCXXXIX, by the Rhine river swallowed up perished, when already Otto

three years after his father's death in Germany had reigned. Meanwhile

in the following account to him are attributed, what to Henry

the father pertain: and accordingly the following are not by an

author plainly coeval written, and are these: Giselbertus

Duke of Lorraine, son-in-law of Otto the Greater, Maastricht from

his father-in-law the Emperor sought and received; Giselbertus the Duke from new walls being built is deterred. and loving the habitation

of the place, the space of the Servatian memory and royal

Palace decided to surround with a wall. But Blessed

Servatius on one of the nights appearing to him, why a different

foundation he had laid, except what by him had been laid,

he asked. Whom recognizing the Duke from the image

of him, expressed in gold in the sanctuary, he responded:

That another was laid, Lord, neither did I know, nor

see. To whom the Saint: That which the right hand, said he, of the Most High

founded, except by sins eradicating cannot be destroyed,

but stable and solid will remain forever.

These things gently said he ordered to desist from the undertaken, namely so that

the Lord might prove himself to be the wall of that place,

in the likeness of the city, whose light is the Lord, and

whose lamp is the Lamb.

[38] But the wife of the same Duke a certain silk

of wonderful preciousness from the Saint's treasury,

when she was curiously contemplating the treasure of the temple, took: The Duchess on account of silk taken away

and with feminine levity a russolembum, to the measure

of her body, thence ordered to be made for herself. With which insolently clothed,

on the festivity of the same Father Servatius, the eyes

of the common people about to occupy, in the morning she proceeded to the basilica, of her own

conspicuousness striving the wanton brightness, while

golden ribbons and translucent gems with red glow the dawn

was striking. Among the Agenda of the Masses moreover, in her seat

slothful sleep crept in, and suddenly something unusual

crying: Spare, spare, your handmaid: spare,

Lord Servatius, O illustrious Father, she said. A third time into such

words she broke out, before the whole multitude, with a huge

uproar excited. Running from his throne the Duke, asks

about this event: But she; As I came, Lord, said she,

unhappy; as I sat; as cruel sleep overcame me; I saw

Lord Servatius, sitting on a golden throne

before this holy altar, is said to be punished. and around an assembly of venerable

men. At whose feet when I desired to be prostrated,

a certain horrid one with my hair seizing me

cruelly turned away; and my side and shoulders

striking with a club, unless quickly the holy Father himself the right hand

of peace had extended, my soul from this little body

he would have cast out; by drawing also my garments

he wished to expose me naked, since, oh shame!

this silk unjustly from the treasures of this Church I took;

mad! who feared not to extend my hand against

the Christ of the Lord. All were astounded, blessing

God the knower of hidden things. The Duke moreover blushing

at the fault of his consort, to B. Servatius in reconciliation

magnificent gifts before all offered.

Thus the censure of the Saint repressed the petulance of Royal offspring.

Soon I shall report what also of his familiars later

he did. Thus there. But Gerberga the Duchess after the death

of Giselbertus her husband was married to Louis IV King of the Franks

called Transmarinus. But what soon follows, were said after

the death of Otto III, who departed life in year one thousand and second, whom

succeeded St. Henry.

* otherwise "ablatus"

CHAPTER VI.

Miracles done in the XI century, from many MS. Codices.

[39] *After the death of Otto the Younger, son

of that Otto, who fought in Calabria with

the Greeks, before the Election of the next Prince to succeed was confused

the kingdom too much. Invaders of the estate of St. Servatius In this license of error a certain

of the Powerful, situated not far from the camp of Coblenz,

claimed for his property B. Servatius's estate. The Maastricht people

with the bier of their Patron brought, like a most strong

warrior, began to take possession of things. Immediately by the invader

were sent who would cast them out: but on the day of the Lord

Servatius whatever the adversary had shut against them,

unbarred lay open, are punished by sudden death: and the very man and all the accomplices of the crime

a terrible vengeance occupied. For amid the delights

of feasts, threatening and insulting Satan suffocated

them. Others seeing wondered, were disturbed

and were moved, and trembling seized them.

To the people of Coblenz then asking, that thither the sacred

coffin should be carried for the grace of blessing; among many

thousands of the people, against the castle with crosses placed

in the field, and with the caskets of meeting Saints, the bier

of the sacred pledge from the head into the citadel raised itself: and

to the southern mountain, on which from the memory of the Blessed one

he is venerated, three times as if greeting it inclined. Greeting,

I say, it inclined, or as about to depart now from there,

to bid farewell to his consort, the Saint of the Lord thus showed.

[40] Of the Gulisanus people in the aforesaid allod the boys, in the autumn

time, the vineyard of B. Servatius by night entered,

about to steal grape clusters. One was drawing out a knife,

another was drawing in the cluster; that one was plucking grapes, part

placing in baskets: when suddenly an elder appearing brighter

than the sun; Why, boys plucking clusters are made unmoving. said he, boys, have you rushed to lay waste my vineyard?

Whom I, if not weaker age bent me,

would punish: yet you here shall await your

parents. These things said he departed, but their bodies

cold torpor oppressed, and as their individual limbs

with various gestures had he beheld, so they stiffened equally,

like the wife of Lot, like into stone images. With the morning star risen

by their parents everywhere they are sought: scarcely

at last after some time intricated by the monster of so great affliction

they are found. The gestures of each betrayed the cause why they had come:

they moreover what they had seen, or what

was said to them they were reporting. Who soon could expedite the cries of the people?

who the anguishes of the mothers? Are extended

counsels and griefs even unto evening, and late at last

with suppliant vows the indulgence of B. Servatius obtained,

the boys are released: the vociferations of the rejoicing

countrymen are heard on high. With seized

then by each one of the right of his comrade to Maastricht, to God

thanks about to render, the votive journey they entered. With such guard,

good guard of the night, good, I say, guard of the night,

your suppliants, Servatius, in all hours and moments

cherish.

[41] In the time ^b of the Emperor Conrad in the family

of Hoy, which formerly to the Saint of the Lord the King

Suendebaldus had offered, there was a young illegitimate man, from whom of a few

little coins for his head at the altar a tax

was demanded. refusing to pay the tax But him of more free stock's offspring

elated, that by the example of his lower kindred

he should render dues, no assembly of citizens, no

reasoning of jurists, no confession of parents,

nor with sweet speeches of persuasions could anyone subdue. At length in contending grew tired

all, he swore; Amen, as long as on his feet he stood,

from this resistance he would never desist completely.

becomes paralytic, The matter is deferred to the morrow. The unhappy on that

night by paralysis is consumed of feet. With the sun bringing back the day

heavenly vengeance is announced in the assembly: the son of confusion

is brought into the midst: the entire surface from such

even to the soles to inflexibility to have hardened are proven:

and thanks by all to God, and from himself now

at least recognizing the wretched are vows multiplied

to B. Servatius, nor yet has any at all followed of incolumity

recovery. Justified therefore is the authority

of the Prophetic word, that only vexation alone

shall give understanding to hearing. Isaiah 28:19

[42] ^c Henry the second, Roman Emperor

Augustus, as great in mind and weight of virtues,

as in beauty of bodily stature lofty, Henry II with a monastery built of B. Servatius

(as he himself was wont to relate) the help often

in peace and war he had experienced, first or among the first

toward God this Patron for himself choosing, the monastery

both in honor of the Apostles ^e Simon and Judas and

of B. Servatius dedicated to be wished: whom though by the twelve-fold

dignity of Apostleship, yet not inferior

in distinction of works to pass over he was unwilling. Of which devotion's

amplifying glory, after one and another legation,

himself for the relics of the same Father came to Maastricht:

and at last with what he had desired obtained,

glorying he triumphed back. In honor therefore

of him a golden head he decreed to be wrought, includes the Relics in a golden head, which by sight

delightful to all, the memory of the Saint more closely on plebeian

minds would impress. Gold is cast into the fire,

once removed is polished to perfection: presented to the Emperor

it displeased, since the gems, which

bore the likeness of eyes, indeed altogether indifferent

equality counterfeited. With Royal magnanimity royal

wrath the artificers consigned to prison, as impostors. For vengeance:

since they had boasted, that no one was to be found,

who more unerringly through the malleating art than themselves

anything could effigy or know.

Further lest of so great a King so great devotion be contaminated

with innocent blood, the pious on the same night Servatius in

vision to him in common stood by, and the imprisoned bound to be led out

requested. At length of all things, which in his honor

or love the Emperor anywhere had done, kindly

conscious and mindful showing himself; in addition,

Do you consider, said he, my son, the face which you love?

Is not what now to your mind offers itself, the same face

in the same way expressed in gold? after the apparition of St. Servatius, thus not otherwise

than God willed the hands of the artificers the work disposed.

Awakened and gladdened the Augustus the work and workmen

ordered to be presented, with the goldsmiths preferring all

then dangers, than the work itself and angry of the Emperor

face to behold. But by him with spontaneous

indulgence they were favored: indeed approving the not-unequal

similitude the Emperor, both of the golden head and of the person

through vision speaking to him in order to friends

he expounded the vision, and from the mouth of all alike glory to God

resounded. Famous soon in the royal court and forum it became known;

That the Emperor Henry by the visitation of Blessed

Servatius was honored. With himself finally through the courtyard royally

descending, and all the people of diverse sex and age

to the basilica hastily running, the golden image,

with the greatest exultation of Clergy and soldiers, places it on the altar. through the Caesarian hands

to God upon the altar with gifts and vows a thousand

thousand was offered. Went forth therefore an edict from Augustus

Henry, that the religion of Servatian veneration, with the highest

devotion forever and ever should be held in the Goslar

market-town.

[43] In the time of the same Augustus still, in the level lands

of the surrounding vicinity of the Franks, of old

a small church to the memory of B. Servatius had been built, the loom of those laboring on his feast day flows with blood. rare

however access; which both whether it had been consecrated

or not, the harm of subsequent oblivion left in doubt.

But since once a year, namely on the day

of the Servatian festivity, that it might be frequented the country folk

had the custom; two women at one time,

in the same way thither after the rest during the Agenda of Masses, with their garments

wholly and heads and hands sprinkled with blood,

were arriving. Asked the cause of so great a wonder, they responded:

While others were running to the church, alas! at importunate

ministry of weaving work they had been, that

themselves the threads of their loom suddenly such portent had dripped.

Hastily it is sent, the loom is brought, of blood most fertile

it is seen: with a price given by the women it is bought,

before the door of the church is hung up: that day of feasts

more deeply then at last to be honored annually is judged.

The next day the blood ceased to flow: the loom however

there long after hung, nor about the consecration of the basilica

of that, any thereafter doubt arose, but that thus

it had been, as the people before annually, although uncertain, had honored.

A sad name is judgment to the guilty, lightning

to mountains, tempest to ships, to his despisers

is Servatius. But may you be from the opposite also, Servatius, your

reader joyful, your Bishop herald, of the individual

men, in the manner of God, responding to vows and thought.

[43] The same Emperor Henry the second some fields

of the possession of St. Servatius, situated at Jülich,

to a certain Cologne nobleman asking as a gift conceded,

Occupying the fields of St. Servatius, with his daughter perishes: not knowing however that they were of B. Servatius,

and to the prebends of his Canons assigned. The Cologne man

therefore with wife, daughter and family this estate

entered, and with most joyful feasts a banquet made, since

this received from the King's hand to his only daughter for future

dowry he assigned. In the middle of the following night, his only

daughter by Satan was suffocated. In the morning the family the daughter

extinct finding, terribly gnashing,

filled the house with cries. Terrified also by such

prodigies, the father of so great a deed the author, to Maastricht to

the tomb of the Saint wished to flee, but to enter the basilica

of the Saint by no means could. Confused he despaired: despairing

returned, but the said estate by no means entered.

For with the wicked spirit harassing from his chariot

he fell, and among the lifting hands of his servants dying

failed. None of the friends the aforesaid further to touch

fields dared. The Augustus also his error,

when he recognized, shrank from: and swift legates, that

what the counsels of the impious had taken away, with worthy

gifts should be returned, sent: pardon also for ignorance

he asked, and with the Maastricht people unanimously praying for him,

he avoided the danger.

[45] With the second Henry, Augustus of the Roman City,

raised to the immortal seats, St. ^f Anno of Cologne

Bishop, and likewise ^g Everardus of Trier

Pontiff, with the Duke of Lorraine ^h Godfrey, and Count

shore Andernach, for the sake of strengthening the Empire. There ran out

to meet them the family of B. Servatius, those parts

inhabiting (whom a certain soldier of the Palatine there present, The family of St. Servatius two Advocates acting tyrannically

whom they had as Advocate, had violently oppressed,

and from whom they were enduring plundering of the goods of the Church)

humbly interpellating that from violence he should desist,

and the goods of the Church return, which to himself hitherto he had claimed.

Seeing therefore the Soldier swollen against himself

acting wishing, he was threatening, that much worse after the departure

of the Princes upon the informers he would inflict. No delay: there was

in the Princes' retinue a chained bear, who with broken

suddenly leashes the proud Soldier attacked, and with rabid

charge emptied his entrails, nor of the corpse

ate, one is killed by the bear, but as if nothing except harmful to kill and the innocent

to avenge he wished, with wonderful gentleness to his master

returned. The Primates recognized what had happened, and

were horrified beholding, and the holy family of Servatius from

the cruel tyrant rescued, gladly to its own returned:

but the severity of so great vengeance then terrified

all. The same family another Defender

or Advocate from the Palatine sought, and a young man

very noble received: who at first showed himself devoted,

afterwards bad, finally worst. Again

griefs, again grew cries. After three years passed,

the Princes again entering colloquy

at the camp Andernach, the family of St. Servatius there running out

was crying out against their oppressor: and since on account of

the great causes of the province he himself did not have audience, the other falling from his horse dies.

on the bank of the Rhine river was walking sad. Meanwhile

the Advocate himself preparing for sailing, and the family

of St. Servatius on the sand more nearly observing, and with derision

biting back his words, said: Who are these

stupid ones and at leisure, who the courts of the Magnates dare to approach,

so that on our name with complaints the Princes

they weary: for I know that of their Servatius

foolishly presuming they are proud. Was not Servatius

a man, just as we men are? And saying these things

his foaming horse arrogantly mounted, and

some of them to trample beastly with hooves wished:

but by the just judgment of God preempted unhappy, backward

he fell, and most miserably ended his life.

[46] Henry also the Palatine and Duke of Lorraine

Godfrey, punished Henry the Count Palatine, poor men were afflicting with iniquitous judges,

and on the affairs and family of B. Servatius were inflicting many evils:

whence it happened that Henry, besides his other deeds,

against the holy Pontiff of Cologne

Anno waging war, by divine vengeance into a reprobate sense

was handed over. ^k Mathilda his most noble consort

in the conjugal bed with an axe he brained, and deserted

by his soldiers, and compelled by friends, with tonsure received

he entered a monastery. and Godfrey Duke of Lorraine. Godfrey indeed, while

he was leading the army into Italy, saw in sleep B. Servatius,

and a youth following him, a sword from each

side sharpened with the right hand brandishing; to whom when

St. Servatius, with finger designating the Duke, said; Rush

against this savage one, who very many on our Brothers

inflicted slaughter; immediately the youth into his entrails the sword

plunged; the Duke however waking, cried out that he was killed,

and immediately began to suffer dysentery: his wife

consulted: who distrusting their arts persuade

the Duke to return into Lorraine, if perhaps with natural food and

air the danger of death he might be able to escape. He returned and pressed

with too great anguish ^m died in the land, in which most

he had offended God and B. Servatius.

[47] A certain nun woman, from the borders

of Metz brought, and thence seduced to Maastricht,

before the door of the Basilica of the Saint was left Servatian; for

with the temple's door closed, those who had brought her, A nun seduced there her

dismissed. The woman therefore long alone standing, again

and again at the door knocking, and much vociferating,

after copious tears, the door, which barred

before had been, she saw thrown open. She, to whom no one of visible

beings present or having come was established, her step further

was hastening. So entering the Western crypt,

in the same way closed but divinely unbarred, of the secretarium

of Blessed Servatius she crossed the door. There prostrate

in prayers, with happy sleep she was made drowsy. For St. Servatius

to her openly stood by, and to her all the seducers' tricks

revealed. Among these things the Church custodian, the door

open finding, and the woman in the secretarium discovering,

with stupor and fear mixed was seized. The Woman,

as she perceived; Do not be disturbed, Lord, said she, and in order

to him all the evils which she had endured she made known. is admonished by St. Servatius not to follow her seducers: When such things

remembering, weeping she gave thanks to Christ, came in

from the forum young men, that she should go more swiftly urging. She refused:

they asked the cause; she related the history of her betrayal and of the fraud

of those. They ask shrewdly, how she knew;

she responded that there had appeared an old man to her, of whose

beauty and grace nothing she had ever beheld similar,

the cause of her journey he had asked; And when I had not

what to respond, your heart he revealed to me and lest

further I should follow he intimated. Confused too greatly the pestilent

ones, and what they had brought, taking those things, withdrew

hastily. But the Confraters of the Church with all consolation

were comforting the trembling, until known to her ones with legation

undertaken brought her back to her proper places, with worthy praises

extolling the great works of him, who such great things

through his servant Servatius works as miracles.

[48] At Maastricht happened a certain marvelous thing. There was

among the Canons of St. Servatius a certain quite religious one,

who the honor of God, and of his Father St. Servatius with all

his heart loved, and in that which is of blessing,

which of eternal salvation, always was intent. But of human salvation

the adversary the devil envied him, and a certain boy

so seduced, theft is impeded. that almost every day through a window he would enter his house, and whatever he found,

especially food, would snatch from him. On a certain day

while he had entered as usual, and what he had found he had gathered;

at the exit hanging on the window he stuck and by a noose suspended

even unto death he was laboring. With Mass finished

came out from the Church that Confrater, and home came: and seeing

the thief hanging he groaned, wondering vehemently

that of so trifling a one the Lord took care.

Turning immediately to the thief, he forgave what he had sinned;

and he went out, and fully freed, as if

nothing he had suffered.

ANNOTATIONS.

* The unhappy battle and death of Otto 2 is indicated 23 April, on the Life 2 of St. Adalbert Bishop of Prague chapter 2. But the death of Otto 3 is described 16 March in the Life of St. Heribert Archbishop of Cologne chapter 2. To him on 24 January of year 1002 in Italy died was substituted St. Henry, with whom reigning, the things related here happened.

CHAPTER VII.

Other things of the same XI century, from the same MSS.

[49] The Count of Brabant, ^a Henry by name, while

the affairs of the Maastricht Canons he was invading,

St. Servatius to him through vision, that he should cease, enjoined.

At last, since the fool was not corrected by words, The Counts of Brabant Henry him with blows

he afflicted: which since he was ashamed to confess, with most bitter

languor he merited to be pressed. By necessity therefore

led, the visions of correction he expounded to friends. Terrified

they were exhorting, that whatever badly had been usurped,

as soon as possible should be returned. With him that putting off from morrow to morrow;

his friends for him went to the estate,

and for the distinction of the boundaries fixed a stake; but

on the next day they received it cast out. They fixed again on the second

and on the third day, nor could the stake stand firm in

the earth: for too far into the inheritance they had advanced.

While thus for the fixing of the stake delay is drawn out,

the Count is worn down with most grievous pain: and behold a man

unknown coming up, said himself conscious of the truth, the stake

he fixed, no one of the called ones contradicted, the controversy

ceased, and the Count recovered. ^b Otto Count of Brabant

devastated the possessions of B. Servatius, and Otto for injuries inflicted on the Saint were punished. and of three

youths and their father the feet atrocious cut off:

over which the Servatian family, with breasts beaten and hands clapped together,

sighed; if there was any in heaven

piety, over these things judgment they demanded. Immediately the Lord stirred up

the enemies of Otto upon him, who made

a slaughter of a thousand men, nor was there number of silver

and gold, and garments and animals and buildings,

which booty consumed and the force of flames. Fire

also invisible the feet and hands of Otto burning

was scorching, whence wailing of dire torment day and night

he himself uttered, until brought to Maastricht for the injury

he made satisfaction, gifts offered, intercession on his behalf

of the Canons obtained: and so health received

rejoicing and trembling to his own returned.

[50] It happened sometime, that the Maastricht Canons,

a case to plead were present at Aachen, over the Church

and the goods of Echt, which formerly ^c Gerberga sister

of Otto the elder Emperor, and wife of Giselbertus Duke

of Lorraine slain by soldiers, and at Maastricht with royal

magnificence buried, for the reconciliation of his soul

handed over to B. Servatius. While the Relics of St. Servatius are carried to Aachen, Which after long litigation was

adjudged to them, if however the aforesaid donation by oath

according to custom they should confirm, and the bier

with the Relics of their Patron through seven Noble Soldiers

on the same day they should ask to be carried with them. In going

a woman blind and weak, who when she sensed the crowd

thither turned herself, suppliant fell to the ground, and rose healed.

At the same hour a man born blind received sight, the mute

was speaking, the contracted was healed, and other gifts of healings

shone forth, until at Aachen to the Palace they came.

The business completed according to vows, while with not unequal

glory the bier was being carried back, a lame boy leaped forth

safe, many are miraculously healed: a contracted woman stood upon her feet,

and walked upright: and so with infinite retinue of people

in the praises of God and joys to their own returned.

But the obstinate ^d Count Gerard, who of this deed was the

inciter, struck with fever, himself and all the nobles

for pride confessed worthy of just punishment.

Immediately he sent Legates to Maastricht, asked for a drop of water

which had touched the bones of the most pious Father, and received

tasted and the danger escaped. O Father, to be feared by the obstinate,

to be venerated by suppliants, merciful to the wretched,

Servatius, to those following your patronages! although he not

only to suppliants brings help, but often succours

even those not invoking.

[51] A certain stranger, named David, with mad

frenzy at Maastricht was vexed, two furious are restored to sound mind. and this in the days

of recalling the Lord's Passion: of whom why should I mention his ravings,

and runnings, cries, wounds or slaughters, and how much

against the citizens he raged; when him, whom a legion of demons

had entered, not unequal in furies, against the very

guards of the holy temple Canons frequently in fury

he rushed; and to such a degree indeed, that on the most holy

night of the Paschal vigil the doors of the basilica after Compline

he broke into, and with the sacred baptism's water himself

mad sprinkled. Luke 8:36 Cast out at last before the doors of the Church

with unconquered fury he was making tumult. As the people

were gathering with the Canons into one, that at Matins

they should praise God, great was the fear lest suddenly

the noisy one should burst in, and of those gathered for divine

religion the eyes and intentions by interrupting

he should contaminate. But heavenly grace had preordained

otherwise: for it is announced that before the doors he lay quietly

soothed by sleep: he himself also a little later of sound head

awakening, where he had been for so great a time he wondered

vehemently. Asked moreover about the quality of his condition,

This, said he, in the middle of the night an old man brighter

than the stars, this Church coming out of, having seized

me on the ground placed me; and with the sign of the holy Cross

each of my limbs healed, saying, Give B. Servatius

thanks, my son, since through him God to life

restored you. Do you think there was joy to those recalling

what kind of one they had seen him yesterday and the day before? From Lombardy

a certain came to Maastricht, who often himself into

the Mosa river he hurled, like a boy, whom his father

in the Gospel often into fire, often into water by a demon

driven asserted; but through the grace of God someone

always from the people running to help, snatched out from danger

drove him back: yet he hurt no one at Maastricht, although

at Liège a little before he had killed a boy. Matthew 7:14 On a certain day,

while he was laboring greatly, by what sense it is not known

snatched up, the Church of St. Servatius he entered, before the altar

he fell, slept, waking healthy he went out. For thanksgiving

therefore for two years in the same Church he served.

Afterwards unhappily he revisited his country, and there

he fell into the prior sickness; and although vows many

he made, he profited nothing. At length kindred and relatives, where

before he had recovered recalling, the same raving brought back

to Maastricht to the monument of B. Servatius,

where for the second time he received health, gave thanks to God, and

his country no longer revisited.

[52] Emperor Henry the second held forty

guilty in prison, to whom no intercession of Primates,

no gracious redemption could prevail to obtain impunity.

The keeper of the prison, with the people flowing in flocks

at the imminent feast of B. Servatius, Captives 40 guard

multiplied for the bound: but there is no wisdom,

no prudence, no counsel against God.

For when night had completed half its course, a certain one

in the shadows brighter than the sun stood by, and to the guilty said: Peace

be to you: and orders the bound to leave the town. They however

responded; on the feast of St. Servatius are freed With all others rejoicing about the feast of St. Servatius,

upon us wretches by the citizens with various accusations

oppressed punishment is doubled. Me, said he, that one whose

now feast is celebrated has sent to you, that loosed from chains

with joy you should depart. They while they tremble, wonder,

and the face of the speaker mark, from their eyes that one

of those gaping disappeared. Indeed in the increase of the miracle

the Augustus meanwhile saw a man of Angelic countenance, with two

beautiful young men, and by Henry 2 Emperor. and to the Emperor himself said:

You ought, Emperor, of your beloved Servatius today

in the boys, whom to prison you assigned, to remember. Suddenly

the vision of them from his eyes disappeared. When

the sun had appeared in the morning, the keeper of the prison anxious

at the feet of the Emperor prostrated himself, and with palms outstretched;

May, said he, your servant, Emperor, be spared by your unconquered

eye. Yesterday however at the feast of the Patron, with so great

a multitude of people raging, the keepers of the prison I multiplied:

but today when I returned, all the watchmen lying down

heavily soothed I found, and with doors open, those whom

in the evening bound I had left, were going free. Heard

clemently these things, and with the Augustus rejoicing, joy was shown

to all. are led to the temple, Then with him preceding to the basilica,

before the entrance of the temple presented the guilty, were relating

what they had seen, what they had heard, what to themselves

had happened. They led into the sanctuary, by the Caesarian hand

are given to St. Servatius. Hence a manifold voice is heard,

praising God over such benefits of B. Servatius.

[53] Are healed a paralytic, A poor man from Esseda, a certain paralytic, Walter

by name, brought to the memory of the blessed Man,

outside the Church for many years was lying: and perhaps wholly

by the harshness of the cold extinguished he would have perished, unless

the same like Lazarus into his bosom often had brought.

So with many days passing, the patience

of one, the compassion of the other was exercised: until in the summer

time the festivity of Blessed Servatius came round: in

which to the paralytic perfect health, and perfect

to the Canon was proven the love of compassion, and so

both's burden and labor the Servatian sanctity bore.

A certain lame man, to several Maastricht inhabitants

through kinship known, and a lame man had come to Maastricht. He so that his prayers

he might offer to God more attentively, after the Canonical hours

in the Church remained more frequently, whom the Custodians

of the Church as a hypocrite many times outside the Church

with insult cast out. He himself also all things

patiently bearing inconveniences, sometimes before the Church's

doors stayed all night. For more bitter

force of grief was burning him in soul, of whose humanity indeed

the Lord regarded. While therefore on a certain day the Servatian

name he had invoked, in the middle of the Church before

the holy Cross prostrated, with veins burst his blood

flowed copiously. He a groan of horrendous cry

from the depth of his breast brought forth. The bystanders were astonished,

what had happened inquiring: the salvation of the saved became known to the Clergy,

and all the people, when they saw, gave praise

to God.

[54] Further a certain Fleming with twenty-eight

ships was approaching England: and behold on the fourth Ides of December,

about the third hour, Are saved those endangered by storm; a tempest the Ocean

was tossing most harsh, so that the sailors cast out whatever

was in the ships. From sudden cold were loosened

the limbs of the sailors, followed the cry of those trembling,

and the men vowed vows to all the Saints,

with eyes to heaven, hands raised to God, and each

invoking the Patrons of his nation on account of imminent

destruction; but only the Fleming the only Saint was invoking

for his preservation Servatius. But suddenly

from the midst of so great motions, as if by the hand

of a man, to the shore was drawn the boat which contained the Fleming.

Indeed by no means is to be suppressed,

that those who had escaped shipwreck, the person

of St. Servatius having appeared to them mournfully narrated, and

indicated all things which decreed divinely on the other ships

had happened. After namely they themselves from such a whirlpool

themselves miraculously rescued wondered and congratulated

each other; they came to Maastricht, the tomb of the Blessed visiting,

and the history of their salvation expounding, and their

vows fulfilling: at length with thanksgivings of divine

with joy to their own they returned.

[55] There was in Alsace a certain Abbess of honest

life and fame, reading the Life of the Saint is preserved from harm. who had a little book about the life and

miracles of B. Servatius: to whom came a certain Bishop

from Saxony, her kinsman, with religious men,

having affection of reading the Life of the same St. Servatius:

in which affectionately reading he was greatly delighted. Meanwhile

thieves, who in the vicinity were dwelling, conspired, that

the horses of the absent Bishop, which were in the pastures, they would steal.

But the Bishop with too great desire of reading overcome,

slept without supper. And behold there was at hand he whose

life he was reading, and to the Bishop revealed the counsel of the iniquitous.

Awakened however the Bishop gave thanks to God,

and with a boy sent the men and beasts saved he found:

after three days however to his own he returned glorifying

God, and all the works of the pious Father Servatius

revealing to all ^e.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER VIII.

Other things transcribed from six MS. Codices.

[56] A certain Soldier, by birth a Brabanter,

free by stock, A wicked Soldier, by sudden death of evil and depraved disposition, of body

vast and strong, weighed every right and wrong as equal,

and the sacred and profane he had nothing between, the modest

and meek with greater atrocity threatened. Who in

one day raging in the midst of the people, was made heavy

upon him the hand of the Lord, and with many gazing

with sudden ruin he fell dead. Stupor and fear

not undeservedly seized those present. Carried

then by friends home, the next day he was being carried out for burial.

In the proceeding however, while in the long-sided

extended and covered he was being carried on a bier, an unexpected

spectacle the dead man offered: he moved his limbs,

with hands rolled the coverings off, in the middle of the bier

sat up, and with reversible countenance turned his eyes around:

the accompanying crowd astonished himself he beheld.

What at once not of fear, what not of wonder!

Part hastened to run a course in different directions; part the forehead

with the sign of the Cross to fortify; for others with the cold of horror knees

to fall; few with solid faith near at hand to stand. For

those who had borne the four-cornered burden on shoulders, as

if by fire imprudently touched, or by a serpent in herbs

suddenly trodden, when to be moved above the head the corpse

dead they saw, seized with fear bloodless they paled,

cried out, restored to life, from above leaped down, far in flight

driven scarcely at length their feet fixed, and at the novelty

of so great a portent lifeless from afar they whispered. He moreover

who had revived when he beheld each thing, when he understood what

was being done, with fingers folded into knots, his breast

he beat, and with grievous sigh groaned: Then on his

feet he is raised up, advances, speaks. Whom

fear had driven away, the warmth of curiosity calls back: in mid

circle they surround, throng: whether he had truly died, where

he had been, whether he had seen anything, they ask.

[57] He at length with spirit settled: As soon, he

says, as yesterday with eyes and breast the bitter night I underwent, when

this little body as a workhouse I left, and my limbs

as garments I put off, and myself a spirit naked and

one suddenly I saw; then at last unhappy by demonic

fraud I understood I was deceived, he asserts he was afflicted with most grievous torments; then all the deeds

late I recognized which I had done: nor me

with right scale's weight of merits to the seats and councils

of innocent souls through the way of the just transferred,

but to the places of torments with demons impelling

the way of sinners snatched me up. Who the kinds,

who the horrors, who the immensities should report or believe,

of the punishments of that lot and harsh changes

of sulfur-spewing flames and dire cold? After

innumerable tortures and unspeakable pains, again

I was raised up into the air, and I encountered there also fires,

even by the powers of the air to be horrified at. Of those fires

with the greatest pyre I was placed, was burned, was consumed; into

ashes even unto dust, as indeed truly to me

it seemed, I was reduced. With this prelude of infernal punishments

I was as if gratis driven about: yet at last,

for the beginning of another evil, to the dread Christ

Tribunal to be examined I was being dragged. Alas the wretched

lot of the unhappy, who deserve the sweet grace of God! But

why am I revolving these things to you in vain,

or to many perhaps about to be harmful? Why

do I delay? Why not rather something which the time

needs do I undertake? The heavenly Light, and life of souls,

and the Angels conscious of those things I swear, that I fear

with incredible words to derogate from the trust of truth, and to you

in not converting to accumulate the harm of unbelief:

but no one untried in those of that age either of the pious

joys, or of the wretched expiations can to the fullest

weigh. Then indeed those standing more ardently are inflamed,

and each thing earnestly inquire, promise the devotion

of believing and the participation of conversion.

He proceeds himself trembling, and with trembling heart

invoking God. I was led forth, accused, examined;

nonetheless I was convicted, condemned, cast out: but with Servatius patronizing him an indulgence of 7 years' penance,

awaiting were prepared before the gate in the form

of vultures the demons, the guilty about to snatch to the lower hells.

I saw, fainted, with utmost despair anxious I stuck. The necessity

of that moment to be incessantly meditated by every man.

I was being demanded for most minute thoughts and

verbal trifles a reckoning, who the great deeds to expiate

I could not. Into Tartarean smoke

all hope would have vanished, unless for me then, that one of singular

piety and merit, St. Servatius, of the judging Lord the feet

had approached; and obtained for me life; not spiritual

that, but corporal this; nor for delight

length of days, but for penance

only seven years. Turned to me; Console yourself

now, son, said he; and that of his anguish always to be mindful

I should be he enjoined: which from my heart precept

neither the iron crop of spears shall ever drive away, nor

the wound-bringing showers of darts, nor the polished swords of meeting

legions reaping whatever in their way unto death,

not the terror of lightning, not the all-undermining

fire, no loves, no griefs, no deaths, nor

than every death more terrible the tempestuous horrors of the sea.

[58] Finally with great fame of goodness, the holy

Servatius himself, in sacred deeds greater, the saving hand

extended, and me a thin almost ash touched. Soon

the hard remnants of the still raging fire in me

the sacred touch extinguished, and the scars closed: and unharmed

my spirit to the limbs stiff with cold death

he restored. Whom I the more of so great kindness

and power I understood, he came to Maastricht and there at last piously died. the less it is fair

that his face from our breast be obliterated, but to honor him,

but to venerate him, but his will always

to follow. Learn rumors others from others: I of calamity

Tartarean am present witness: who although nature

made unhappy, by no means however further truth

shall accuse of being a liar. The hours indeed slip and the days

and months, and years to me the truces are shortened, to the terrible

tribunal to return. There has struck however now my heart

great hope of salvation, and at the same time of the blessed patron

of mine Servatius the sight has struck ardor, that of him

as the name to love, so also the monument to visit. Such things

uttered he directed his journey to Maastricht, and many of those hearing

with not dissimilar devotion accompanied. There

multifariously to God and to heavenly aids thanks

returning, and other oratories of Saints in every direction, the fruits of penance

producing, going around;

after winters four and three glad he lay down: and as

pure minds always the Saints love; to that good

conscience now the holy guarantor Servatius appeared;

and he, with the body falling back to the four elements from which it had grown together

now with holy soul, and to the image of the highest

Trinity reformed, with Servatius, who

for him the lands as patron had approached, to the congregations

of the just dancing he was going.

[59] On the bank of the Rhine, not far from the city of Cologne,

A priest devoted to St. Servatius, on a mountain dwelt a certain ^b Presbyter of great

life and most holy: he was wont almost every

night to be vigilant in psalms and other divine praises,

at dawn the mysteries of the Lord's passion to celebrate,

by celebrating to offer himself a living and

true sacrifice to the Most High. Hence indeed to the people far and wide in

that region placed pleased: pleased indeed also to the elders

all, no less Clerics and laymen. While he was on the mountain,

to divine things wholly he was at leisure. But when he descended

to all he condescended sick and weak,

mindful of the Lord's custom, who lest the invalid and the weak should labor,

always sought the lowest places. He

refreshed the poor, he visited the sick, doing these things

he became all things to all. Besides the Churches

of the Saints and their memorials he always frequented,

and especially of B. Servatius at Maastricht. On a certain

day, is visited by him in death. while as usual he ascended the mountain,

very gravely he began to be infirm. Having called

immediately friends and kindred, all things which he had, with his own

hand he distributed: heavenly things to love, earthly things to trample under foot

he was exhorting. When suddenly the person of the Lord

Servatius to be present he rejoiced, and breaking out into these words,

said: Rejoice with me, dearest brothers, since

what I always wished now I see. And turning to him

with all hearing; Receive, said he, Father Servatius,

my spirit. And in the same hour he fell asleep in the Lord.

Then all who were present glorified

God and B. Servatius, truly knowing that he had been saved

through him.

[60] It is worthwhile to make known the name of St. Servatius in many ways,

who truly from him, of whom the Psalmist sings,

My God, my mercy, to the falling world is

destined the door of mercy and salvation. Psalm 58:18 In the town

who noble had a noble nephew in the world:

her brother lived in the manner of seculars, A noble youth who for what they have done

think it no danger to live on stipends not their own, their own

in all ways to retain, wraths and enmities for their own

to have, who do not know how to weigh that of the Apostle;

The world passes away and all its concupiscence. 1 John 2:17 He

at a certain time at the feast of the glorious Bishop Servatius, pilgrimaged to St. Servatius

barefoot and in linens, on foot to Maastricht he went;

the faithful patronage of this Saint faithfully implored,

what he implored merited for himself, as in what follows shall be evident.

Thence having returned on the eighth day by enemies he is seized

and killed: his niece in alms and

prayers for the salvation of his soul more attentively was insisting,

vigils or fasts more than usual was conducting, and of pious

life a commendable conversation in the sight

of God was amplifying. on his return is killed and announces himself saved. Within thirty days of his death

these things were happening; when on one of the nights to the half-waking

niece in prayers the youth appeared, and asked by her

how it was with him, whether with the elect or reprobates

his lot he had received; Well, said he, sweet

niece, do not fear; the right hand, by which the souls of the faithful

with happy delight rejoice, I received; and

the left, which exercises the punishment of the wicked, and to

the impious Tartarus sends, I escaped. Before the eighth day,

on which by death I was punished, the holy and pious Servatius's thresholds

I had approached: whose faithful patronage, which faithfully

I had implored, happily I obtained, by which powerfully

powerful the wrath of the strict examination, while due

punishment he averted, he obtained for me undue mercy.

Satisfied the listening niece with words

of joy of the speaker the joyful image: and made more certain;

By what, said she, dignity does Servatius prevail among

the Heavenly? And he; Holy, said he, Servatius, of

whom faithfully you ask, is the saver of the heavenly Court.

These last words of him speaking, and the vision ended for her

hearing.

[61] The Count of Louvain a certain Servatian

possession's estate invaded, wickedly possessing the estate of the Saint, and to a certain Soldier,

named Eustachius, granted it. Meanwhile the Maastricht

Canons the possession of their Patron with many

proclamations were demanding. It pleased at length

B. Servatius, that for himself he should be the Advocate.

Therefore to a certain holy man through vision appearing,

he ordered to be announced to the uncle of the said Eustachius, that

in the same year of life he was to have the end; which

also was done. Indeed with him dead through the same

devout man to Eustachius himself he threatens, that

on account of the said possession within the course of the year

of death he was to undergo the sentence. Believed

he, contrite, when penitent he had returned it, in the death of the uncle the truth

of the announcer experienced: and at last penitent and to himself

well counseling, the pious Confessor Servatius's tomb

with bare feet approached: confessed the fault: and not only

what was demanded by the Canons returned, but also

his own goods to the Saint of God devoted and humble

offered. Then having undertaken penance, a pilgrimage

he undertook into Galicia to the suffrages of St.

James the Apostle, to Blessed Servatius specially himself

and his way committing. When therefore he himself on

return was seized by grave illness, the time of death

to be at hand for him he believed. Then piously and humbly

with compunction, the faithful Servatius, recovers from disease. to whom he had committed himself

tearfully implored, that to him either swift

death or swift health he would grant;

since on his account his companions of the journey were being delayed.

But soon when he had prayed these things he was weighed down with sleep. And when

he had awakened, he rose; and so well he felt himself,

that he wondered at such sudden virtue. And returning

to his savior Servatius, to God immense

thanks he rendered, witnessing to all the manifest in

himself virtue and piety of him.

[62] The Abbess of Bellisia with religious devotion

was wont to read the life of St. Servatius, and from too great

affection, wherever she went, reading the Life of St. Servatius this little book frequently

she carried. It happened that at a certain time, when

to the parts of Alsace she had set out, that in the house of the Bishop

her kinsman, with whom she was lodged,

a certain familiar Clerk of his was, who in those

places had grave enmities and lurkers against his life.

For it is the custom among the hard inhabitants of that region,

in inflicting vengeance, to bear no reverence to the sacred Clergy.

This Clerk therefore,

when the night vigils were being conducted, returning from the monastery,

found the little book of the aforesaid Life lying on a seat;

and sitting with a light long-desired by him

the Life began to read, and in reading by sleep

was suddenly seized; and a little dozing,

he saw an old man stand by him with venerable gray hair, such

things to him saying: Why, said he, are you dozing? Rise

quickly, and the imminent death as soon as possible escape,

saved by the benefit of Servatius, whose Life you are reading. admonished by him

He leaping up suddenly cried out for help, that such things

to him St. Servatius had said. Now for him a horse

was being prepared lest delaying he be seized by enemies.

And when it was said to him,

a dream was not to be believed. Never, said he,

shall I judge this dream vain: now the enemies are in

the vicinity. With the horse mounted therefore as quickly as possible he burst into

flight, his safety to faithful Servatius with great

faith committing. He had scarcely escaped a single mile although

running swiftly; he escaped death soon to be inflicted, when behold a multitude of armed men

bursting into the house from which he had gone out, with incredible

fury all things disturb, all the lodgings

and each of the chambers' hidden corners raging burst into,

if perchance lying or hiding the little Clerk in

some corner they should chance to behead. But he fleeing

and saved, was a great example to all,

that those do not lose grace, who of this

Saint piously and faithfully shall read or hear the

Life.

[63] The same Abbess once being sick, lay thus

for three days, Abbess and Clerk devoted to the Saint that she seemed to hang in expectation

of death alone. It seemed to her, that there appeared to her

B. Servatius in Sacerdotal habit, with a staff

in the left, holding a thurible in the right: whose

cloak, with which he seemed clothed, namely the cope,

as is the custom for Bishops to be made, the following youth

with each hand was drawing forth from the arms. And when

to her he had offered the thurible as if for the smell of incense;

as if from the very jaws of death recalled, in herself

she experienced, that pious it was and salutary the memory of so great

being sick, and now in the borders of death placed, in this

manner through the same Servatius to life was recalled. with the same appearing they are healed.

He saw the blessed Mother of God Mary on a throne

sitting, and on each side standing by her B. Servatius,

and Saint Nicholas, namely to whom he had been devoted,

praying for him. But B. Servatius himself

stood closer, and prayed more attentively, and B. Mary herself

his salvation, for whom he was being asked, granting. To which

matter trust gave immediately the following recovery. For thereafter

he recovered, who already in great part already-dead

had been.

[64] Certain Cologne Clerics together with laymen

had gone for prayer to Jerusalem. And when on

the sea by tempest they were laboring, they made a vow concerning their

things of fifteen pounds, to the service of any Saint

vowing them, namely by whose patronage and

present danger they would escape, Endangered on the sea and for the rest a safe

journey would complete. And when uncertain they were about a Patron,

and each one according to his judgment or affection this and that

Saint preferred in patronage; those who were

of sounder counsel, dreading this dubious uncertainty,

to the morrow the matter put off, to God's

ordination rather committing, not whom they themselves should choose,

but whom God should deign to grant them as protector. So

in the morning all, either by hidden inspiration of heart taught,

or by an open vision of night admonished, by gravest

necessity of imminent danger compelled, all unanimous as if with one mouth invoke pious Servatius: the same Patron chosen

him before others then to themselves more clement to be

judging, with tears they invoke and choose as helper,

the said fifteen pounds specially to his

service vowing. After therefore this vow

they confirmed, immediately the tempest ceased, and then

with no danger suffered all unharmed to their own

returned. That money, which to this saint they had vowed,

they paid at Cologne in a certain ^e little church

dedicated to his name, unharmed they return. which formerly by B. ^f Severinus

Bishop of Cologne in the same place, in which over

the same B. Servatius, returning from Rome, received

into hospitality and praying, by night a column of light from heaven

sent down he had seen (who also at the passing of St. ^g Martin

heavenly melody had heard) was named Porta-cæli (Gate of heaven).

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER IX.

Other miracles especially done in the XV century.

[65] Another miracle to be recalled with all devotion.

with arthritis and gout [was] touched, so much that his limbs

he could not move; Henry Duke of Bavaria gouty and contracted is healed. indeed contracted and

from their use wholly destitute, just as

is proper to that disease to do ^b. Touched

however by the Holy Spirit, who kindled his mind,

through vision he was admonished, that he should go to Maastricht,

and visit the sacred relics, and there the Divine and of B. Servatius

our Patron suffrage implore. Therefore while

the church (he saw) the image of our Savior

hanging on the Cross and there preserved, devout

he prayed, that through the virtue of his most holy Passion

the use of his limbs he would grant and healthy he would send back.

The prayer completed, he rose unharmed; ^c with the Crucifix

from the knees almost to the shins and feet falling,

where the Duke before suffered greater anguishes:

which until today most openly is seen by those gazing.

The Duke returning to his own brought the Duchess his consort

to Maastricht: and there staying, with good

end he ended life; near the same church of B. Servatius

in ^d a small crypt with his children he is buried; is buried in the same place.

and to Blessed Servatius many possessions, villages and estates

he acquired: which the often-mentioned Church even today,

to the glory of God and the increase of his cult, is known

to possess.

[66] A certain woman came to the Church of B. Servatius,

who with miserable pestilence of the belly was swollen, so much that

like a bag distended by inflating wind, so the skin of her whole

body turgid and distended seemed. a dropsical woman There was at hand

then a certain Clerk, named Rado, of that Church

Custodian: to whom the wretched woman greatly supplicated;

that to her of the pledges of B. Servatius some

blessing he should bestow, since she had faith,

that by his virtue from that death she could be freed. It seemed

good to the said Clerk to wash a particle of the Lord's Cross

which is held there in water, and the same water to the woman asking

faithfully to give to drink: which when he had done, is healed by washing of the Cross of St. Servatius,

and she with great faith had drunk, having gone out immediately so much

of harmful humor she vomited, that it was a wonder to all

the body of one human so great destruction how ever

it could have borne. Soon returned with a great voice

and great tears she gave thanks to God, showing

in her limbs loose skins, which that pestilence cast out by vomit

had emptied; so that he who her before had not seen,

in this could perceive what she had suffered, or by whom freed

she had been. About that Cross we believe is treated here, which in year DCCXXVI

with the sacred body is said to have been found above number

30: wherefore before to the following miracles done in the XV century,

which here consequently after the first collection were

inscribed, whose Key I make the transition; it pleases here from Aegidius

monk of Aurea valle to relate something about the Key, similarly

found near the body, which he narrates in the Additions to

indeed at the end of his history professing, that to his pen silence

he imposed at the ending of the year of the Lord MCCLI. They are however these.

[67] There is preserved in the aforesaid place, where in body rests

B. Servatius, that Key, which from the Apostle Peter

he received, while he prayed near God for the imminent destruction

of Gaul: which is known to be of this virtue,

that if at any time a plague of mice or any such thing fields

invades, it itself carried through the fields all such

putrefaction utterly extinguishes. Witnessed Clerics,

who carried it sometime through the fields of Hesbania, Toxandria,

and Saxony, wont to be carried about for driving away mice, when by the same

way they had come they returned, that they had found heaps of mice

extinguished. This sometime with the treasure of the church

by thieves at night was taken away. The Clerics however for it rather

than for the treasure not a little saddened, decreed

for this commonly to invoke the Lord,

and a triduan fast and solemn litanies for themselves

enjoined. When therefore performing the litanies further

they proceeded they see from afar to a certain thorny thicket the greatest

multitude of birds had alighted, with God indeed through

this giving an indication of this thing for which he was being prayed to.

Indeed the thieves, when part of the treasure they had drawn off,

divinely terrified the remaining part and the very Key

under the thorny thicket in dug-up earth had hidden. They dug

therefore and so they found. But what to the heap of grief

was added, the very Key into two parts broken

they found. is received and reintegrated by miracle. When therefore to faithful and proven artificers

to be reintegrated it was committed, nor any

of them was followed by effect; with all grieving and anxious,

appearing to one of the said the faithful Patron Servatius,

said it cannot by human art be repaired, what by man

was not made: was to be sought

divine help, where human ingenuity should fail.

So therefore admonished, after sunset

on the altar that key they place, and at Matins to the solemnities

rising they receive it whole and solid, to God and

their Provider B. Servatius giving thanks in all things.

Thus far Aegidius: hence to our MSS. I return.

[68] In the year of the Lord, one thousand four hundred,

fifty-nine, Year 1459 there came on pilgrimage to Maastricht, a certain

Frenchman, and confessed before all the Canons

and Chaplains of this Church of St. Servatius of Maastricht, with a vow of visiting the Saint's tomb a dead man,

how the naked body of his brother already deceased

had been placed on straw spread on the ground,

until the vital warmth would fail: and while in a coffin

or bier he ought to be placed for burial; the body

raised itself and revived, calling his aforesaid brother

attesting these things, and to the present brother said sighing:

Behold, brother, I give thanks again to B. Servatius, who near God

obtained for me, that I revived, that the vow

which I had vowed of approaching his tomb might be fulfilled, for so long he rises again until he commends it to his brother. which

prevented by death, alas! I did not fulfill. I supplicate, my

brother, with all my heart, that in my name you promise this

you will do, that I may return rejoicing, where I am ordered to go: and

with his brother promising to do this, the same body

inclined again downward to the ground, and no further

spoke, nor remained in him any sign of life,

and was buried. And in sign of the truth

of this notable miracle, the brother narrating these things took

with him the Pastor and two neighbors of his Parish,

who with him at his expense visited the thresholds of B. Servatius

at Maastricht, and as good witnesses attested

the aforesaid to be true.

[69] In the following year there came to Maastricht a certain layman

from France, Year 1460 a drowned one revives and attested before two custodians

of this Church of St. Servatius, that his son,

whom he brought with him there, had been submerged in water:

and through the invocation of divine help and of St. Servatius, the same

son was restored to land and to life. In the same

year sixty fulfilled their vows several

sailors from Normandy, and a tempest is calmed. affirming to the custodians of this church,

that from a great tempest of the sea by

invocation of God and of St. Servatius they were freed, and safe

to port had come.

[70] In the year LXI came to the tomb of St. Servatius a certain

Frenchman, naked in body, Likewise in the year 1461. who with broken planks

before a certain mill into the water fell, and

while the force of the whirlpool was striving to submerge him, he

as long as he could was invoking St. Servatius: to whom under water

it seemed that B. Servatius, whom he invoked,

had drawn him by the hand to land, and so from

the danger of submersion he had escaped. And so to have happened he

attested to this Church's custodians with clear voice.

In the year LXIX on the second-to-last of October there came to Maastricht,

vows of pilgrimage fulfilling, and 1469 they are freed from the waters. four

sailors from Brittany, affirming themselves to have been in greatest

danger of the sea, and despairing wholly of life were invoking

God, and vowed to visit the thresholds of B. Servatius:

and immediately the tempest ceased, and to port

unharmed they came, offering gold and a wax

ship. In the same year, on the feast of St. Martin of Tours,

two sailors from Lower Brittany, from a town, in French called

that in the same danger of the sea with the four aforesaid

they were, and through the invocation of God and the promise

of a vow at the tomb of St. Servatius were freed, and two

[71] In the year of the Lord MCCCCLXX, on the VIII of May, came

several pilgrims, from a village, in French called Jaurac, an infant dead is restored to life:

of the country of Normandy to the number of fifteen persons,

to the tomb of B. Servatius: among whom one man

named John Moisnereaux affirmed, that in his absence

his son, being an infant of one year, was

prevented by disease, and so much was vexed by infirmity

that he had expired. His wife, named Peronia, the body

lifeless covered with a linen cloth, that to the earth he might be committed.

By chance from outside came the father of the infant, and from sadness of the unforeseen

death of his only son in mind he was disturbed not a little.

At length he began to entreat and invoke Divine

help, and they vowed to B. Servatius he together with

his wife, that they would visit his tomb at Maastricht,

and would give to him a mass of wax to the size

of their infant, that God would revive their infant.

And immediately the infant wailing breathed and recovered,

and even now is alive: and this miracle happened

before the festivity of the Nativity of Christ recently

past, and the other pilgrims this same attested,

praising the great works of God in St. Servatius wrought.

[72] In the same year and day expounded another pilgrim

with his wife of the number of the aforesaid pilgrims,

that they had a feminine offspring, only one, still

living, of five years and over: who from the day

of her birth had a rupture, and remained until

the fifth year: the rupture of another is cured. and so miserably was vexed

with the issue of her viscera through the female parts, that with

great pain hardly could they be put back. Therefore the said

parents, this to us expounding, and the remedy of doctors

not finding, were despairing of the life of the only

their daughter. At last when human help failed

they began to invoke God, and vowed even on the next

days to visit the thresholds of St. Servatius, and to offer to him

a wax body of the size of their daughter, if health

of the said sickness God would deign to grant their daughter.

Behold in wonderful manner the daughter immediately recovered, and

further of rupture felt nothing, and all hearing

gave praise to B. Servatius: and other pilgrims this

same miracle affirmed to have been done.

[73] There was also in the number of the aforesaid pilgrims

another woman with her husband, in year 1470 a woman in childbirth is freed. from the same place

born: who expounded, with attestation of her husband, and

of other pilgrims, with him on pilgrimage coming

to the thresholds of the Church of St. Servatius, that she within this

current year so much labored in childbirth, that from

pain she lost rest and speech. And since in

so great infirmity she remained four days, all

women present despaired both of the life of the mother

and of the offspring. At length the husband, for wife and offspring,

vowed to God, if his wife could be freed from the offspring, and the offspring

received baptism, he himself with his wife would visit the thresholds

of the Church of St. Servatius. And immediately God showed

his power: and a son was born and baptized:

affirming that on this account they came hither, fulfilling their vows,

and glorifying God for the merits of our most glorious

Patron B. Servatius, which also their

pilgrims assertively to have been done attested ^g.

[74] ^h In the year of the Lord one thousand five hundred

ninety-eighth, year 1598 of the month of May on the twelfth day,

before Reverend Lord John Groetheynen, of the Collegiate Church

of Divine Servatius of the town of Maastricht on the Mosa

Canon and Camerarius, for examining a certain

pilgrim, named Jacob John, born

in Borey of the province of France under the diocese of Soissons,

by the venerable Lords Dean and Bishop

of the said Church of St. Servatius deputed; concerning that which

the same Jacob John was saying and asserting, that to himself

by the benefit of God omnipotent and merits of Divine Servatius,

while on the fourth day being on the journey toward Maastricht, a possessed mute

where he had decided to go for visiting the church

of the said Divine Servatius, was restored speech,

of which somewhat earlier he was saying he had been deprived.

This Jacob in the presence of me the underwritten Notary, for this purpose by

the said Lord John Groetheynen deputed,

assumed, with previous solemn oath, by

him bodily taken of the truth being told, said

and declared: First that more than two years before the restored

speech to him he was possessed by a demon, and so

vexed by him, that for the space of eighteen months wholly

mute was made, and three days or thereabouts before

the feast of the Purification next past at Soissons

he was exorcised by the Curate of Marsiem, in vain exorcised in the presence of the Most Reverend

Lord Bishop ⁱ of Soissons, and remained

nonetheless mute. Second the same Jacob says,

that he had promised himself by religion's sake to visit

the aforesaid Church of St. Servatius of Maastricht:

who on the fourth day after now they were on the journey, near

the end of March of the year one thousand five hundred ninety

eighth aforesaid, felt the agitations of the malign spirit,

with which before he was badly affected, for the most part

to be calmed, so that from that time speech he received,

and quietly the most sacred Office of Mass to be present he is able,

which without greatest griefs and agitations of the demon

before he could not perform. coming to Maastricht by vow he is freed and speaks. Then separately

called the wife of the said Jacob John, Joanna Mechay,

and on the above-mentioned premises examined, with

solemn oath taken about the truth being said, said and attested

in all things, just as her husband Jacob the aforesaid

declared. Antonia Join widow, sister of the aforesaid

Jacob John, on the above premises with previous solemn

oath examined, said and attested, that on

next feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist will be a year,

since she returned to her aforesaid brother, and saw

him possessed and badly vexed by the demon: and that

she was present where at Soissons he was exorcised: and

that after exorcism he remained mute, and were shaken

his hands still afterwards, when the evil

him seized, and that he had vowed to visit the church

of St. Servatius of Maastricht. In the rest she agrees with

the others as above. Above which the said Lord John

Groetheynen asked an act to be made, and in perpetual memory

of the matter; and through me the Notary underwritten in

this book to be registered. Thus subscribed. Symon de Bellemonte,

by sacred Apostolic and Imperial authorities,

and by the Council of Brabant admitted Notary, to

the premises assumed.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER IX.

Two miracles wrought in the XVII century.

[75] William Lipsen, at St. Servatius the Dean,

these things faithfully copied from his originals,

attested, signed with his own hand. The second we from French

into Latin translated, and the French MS. with us we keep.

The first miracle is therefore as follows.

I Mark vanden Tympel, Religious Professed of the Society of Jesus

and Priest, In year 1630 with quartan fever in the faith of a Priest affirm

and assert: that, when now the tenth month was passing,

since I had been laboring with quartan fever, and after various

doctors and medicines applied, sent at last

I had been to Liège, that there I might drink the Spadan water;

meanwhile it came into mind to drink at Maastricht on the Mosa

water from the Cup of St. Servatius, holier than Spadan

not without frequent miracle. Going there to

the altar of the Saint I made a vow, namely on the eve of the feast XIII

May to fast, and on the very day in honor of him

annually to celebrate. Three times sacrifice there I offered,

three times water I took. The quartan fever left me,

and a fourth time I did for thanksgiving. In trust of this

these things by my hand I wrote and subsigned, and to Maastricht

from Liège I sent in year MDCXXX, on July XIII. Signed

was Mark vanden Tympel, Priest of the Society of Jesus.

I attest the underwritten Reverend Father

Tympel, of the Society of Jesus, the above-written declaration

before me to have exhibited, by drinking water from the cup of St. Servatius is freed, and professed, that thus

it had happened just as in it is narrated, to the greater glory of God

and St. Servatius, which to all reading it I desire to be

attested for trust etc. At Liège on day XIII

July of year MDCXXX. Signed

John Baptist de Ninis I. C. of Perugia, Apostolic

Protonotary and of the Most Illustrious Nuncio

Auditor.

And was on the margin an expressed seal.

In the same year MDCXXX, I Godefridus Henschenius, who these

Acts of St. Servatius bring to light, came to Louvain for studies

Theological, and four years there with the said Mark vanden

Tympel I lived, Father Mark vanden Tympel S. J. using the same Confessor with the rest of the household,

and his sermons held in our temple I heard, as

before in year MDCXXIV the same also from the Pulpit of the Church

of the Professed House of the Society of Jesus to the Antwerp people

I heard pleading the divine word: whom I know long before

was Superior of all the Fathers, who in the Holland mission

and adjacent provinces for the consolation of Catholics,

there under the yoke of heterodox dwelling, in their hideouts then

were living. The same Mark vanden Tympel was at Rome when

Pope Gregory XV lived, and to him dying he attended, and

pious prayers suggested. At length the old man from this mortal life departed

XVII May year MDCXXXVI. But to another much

more illustrious miracle let us proceed translated from French.

[76] In year 1661 Before the Dean and Canons In the year one thousand six hundred sixty

first, on the twenty-third day of May, there had gathered in the

chapter place of the famous Collegiate Church of St. Servatius the very

Reverend, noble and learned Lords, Lord

William Lipsen, Dean; Andrew Mantelo,

Licentiate of both Laws Scholastic; Frederick

de Grammaie, Cantor; Martin Bevers, Licentiate

of Sacred Theology, Pastor of the parish of St. Matthew,

now of St. Catherine; John Velen, Licentiate

of sacred Theology, Pastor of the parish of St. John,

now of St. James; Andrew van Beul; all of the said Church

Canons; John Gysen, Chaplain and custodian

of the Relics; likewise Andrew Bouwens, Anthony

Vaes, Hieronymus Stas, Licentiates of both Laws;

John Baptist Gaethovius Doctor of medicine, and

Robert Carbonier sworn Surgeon: before whom

introduced appeared an honest woman, a woman testifies named

Poncetta Coquelet, widow of Francis Cornet, originating

from the village Estione, near Charleville, in which town

she dwelt over thirty years, of age thirty-eight

years, accustomed to prepare wool by the fuller's craft.

She seriously admonished, lest easily she bind herself by oath,

or anything contrary to the truth utter, between

the hands of the said Lord Dean an oath in fact

taken said, that when about two years before on the feast

of SS. James and Christopher, she was between the villages Horna

and Escoma, three leagues from Charleville distant, in

the open field under a pear tree, she was struck by lightning;

and by its violence and stupor thence contracted

cast to the tree, that from the stroke of lightning incurably struck in the arm tortured, and thence to have retained

a certain contraction in the left arm so

troublesome, that it was rendered useless to her, nor in any

way could be moved; and continuously without intermission

it inflicted such pain, that not without

difficulty could she, even at night, rest. Rendered

also was that left arm much

shorter, than was the right. Made therefore impotent

she had to be helped by Mary Brayard, who for some

years had cohabited with her. Various remedies were applied,

even friction of oil, by kindly counsel of some honest

men and judgment of Lord Gallardus surgeon

of that place. But she experienced no consolation,

so much that from the beginning of last Lent she set aside

every use of any medicine, application

or unction, finding the affected arm

continuously to ruin into worse; and at last on day

Wednesday of holy week she had to be fortified with the sacrament

of extreme Unction. Then when on the day after

the Paschal feast the most holy Eucharist she had communicated,

she received a certain devotion of binding herself

by vow of pilgrimaging to Maastricht to St. Servatius, by vow she came to Maastricht, and

soon in fact vowed: and consequently elapsed thence

seven days, namely on day Tuesday seventeenth

of this month of May, with another company having boarded a ship,

for the cause of fulfilling the vow, hither she came on yesterday's day, namely

twenty-second of this month. But today about

the sixth hour in the morning entering the said Church

of St. Servatius, about to fulfill her devotion, after Confession

sacramental she received the holy Eucharist

of the Body of the Lord: and soon she was overwhelmed with great pain, and was suddenly healed;

and very extraordinary, in the shoulder of the left arm;

whence she felt the evil to be derived into the arm, and

afterwards a vehement extension of the said arm; and

at the same time some loss of consciousness she suffered.

Which then ceasing, she felt herself free from all pain,

and the arm so healthy rendered, as if no

incommodity she had ever had: and it for

any use, as before, she could employ. These

all things from her confession written, were to her

read, and she persisted in her statement, asserting most truly

so all things had happened: but she did not know how to write so as to subsign

her name.

[77] The same things attested under oath by five companions of the journey: On the same day and year, before the said Lords

in the same place sitting, there appeared

Claudia Adam, widow of the deceased Lilius Baucherus, of age

about fifty-five years, residing

at Charleville in a house neighboring to the house, in which dwells

Poncetta Coquelet; Mary Brajard, of age more or less

fifty years; Joanna Beraut, wife

of John Joly, of years eight or nine over forty;

Joanna Gaunin, wife of Nicholas Clouët maker

of combs for carding wool, having attained

thirty-five years or thereabouts; Alisonna Gaignier,

of twenty years. These all dwelling at Charleville,

and Brajard (as said) in the same with

Poncetta Coquelet house, belonging to a certain

shoemaker iron worker, named Louis

Vignol, and the others except the last in the vicinity of those

in the street of the Jews; under oath (whose force

to them had been abundantly intimated) declared themselves well

for very many years past to have known the said Poncetta

Coquelet, their fellow citizen; and her from the feast

of SS. James and Christopher of the year one thousand six hundred

fifty-ninth seized by some misfortune

of the left arm, so that with it she could not for any

service use: and since one in company all into the city

Maastricht to St. Servatius on pilgrimage

had come, declared her on this very day about

the seventh hour, soon after the holy Communion,

to have fallen into a certain debility; from which freed she declared,

herself from her evil to be wholly healed, and no further

of any evil to suffer the sense, as if never any

was she vexed, and that she with the left arm equally freely as

with the right uses, indeed in fact has shown it: and for

their knowledge alleged the cause of cohabitation, of vicinity

and of acquaintance, which of her they had and still

have, and the above written with their own eyes have observed.

And when these all things were to them read, they persisted,

all things so to be true, nor that they to so depose

had been before instructed, or by any composition

so to do had been induced. And to these subsigned

William Lipsen Dean, Andrew Mantelo,

Fred. Grammaye, Martin Bevers, John

Velen, Andrew van Beul, John Gysen, Andrew

Bouwens, Hieronymus Stas, Robert Carbonier.

[78] Before us Notaries in the supreme Lordship

of Arches, and in the presence of other Officials, citizens

and merchants of the said Charleville, named below

and subsigned, The same things at Charleville there appeared Poncetta Coquelet,

widow of Francis Cornet, dwelling in the said Charleville:

who told us, and under oath, which she owes

to God and justice, attested, how on the twenty-fifth

of July day of SS. James and Christopher, in the year

one thousand six hundred fifty-ninth, from

the said Charleville having gone out, she undertook a journey toward Carthonia;

and when between Escoma and Horna, hence

three leagues distant, she was; about the fourth hour

and fifth in the morning, the air filled with clouds great

darkness procreated, and on account of the vehement wind

terrified toward a tree she approached, where on account

of thunder, she narrates her misfortune, by the violence of the wind with crash twisted back,

was struck by a certain blow; and her soles of feet

and shins were blackened and burned, and the very tree vehemently

shaken and to some extent extirpated. Then there

she remained, while the storm by fall of hail little by little subsided:

then with great pain, and as if with sulfur

filled, her journey she advanced; thinking herself death

to have escaped, since with the holy Scapular she was girt: and on

return seven or eight hours she spent, that journey of three

hours about she might complete. Returned to Charleville,

for six weeks she was bed-bound, since on her feet

she could not stand; and the more remedies she applied,

the worse she had: wherefore she was forced to omit

those remedies. Besides from thunder her left arm

she had mutilated, with its nerves so twisted back, that

no nourishment was admitted, under a certain form

of paralysis, with vehement pain of it. There were applied

various remedies, and recovered health by votive pilgrimage; also friction of oil at the judgment

of the honorable man Nicholas Gallardus surgeon and pharmacist:

but no consolation experienced, she abandoned

medicines, applications and unctions. At last

the evil so for the worse rushed, that on day Wednesday in

holy week she had to be fortified with the sacrament of extreme Unction.

The day after Pasch, having taken the holy Eucharist

of the Body of Christ, and various prayers having been recited,

she vowed a pilgrimage to St. Servatius in the city

of Maastricht. Wherefore on day seventeenth May

of this year one thousand six hundred sixtieth, in

the port of the said Charleville she boarded a ship, and to herself

joined Companions Claudia Adam, widow of Lilius Bucher

of fifty-five years; Mary

Brajard, of about fifty years; Joanna

Beraut, married to John Iolly of also fifty years;

Joanna Gauvin, married to Nicholas Clouet

artificer of combs for carding wool, born thirty

and five years; and Alisonna Gaiguiere, unmarried

girl of about twenty years. These all have domicile

at Charleville; and by familiar acquaintance joined

and together they came to Maastricht on Monday's day,

twenty-second of the said month of May. There on the following day

at the sixth hour, after made Confession and taken

the holy Eucharist, she was overwhelmed with vehement

beyond measure pain of the left arm, and in its

extension supreme weakness she suffered: which then

freed, she knew herself to be without pain, and to suffer no evil;

and now to the arm restored its pristine vigor,

with which to this day for every service she uses,

just as she was wont before.

[79] On occasion of which we recognize a miracle, in

her by God shown through the intercession of St. Servatius,

whom for this effect with vows and her prayers she had invoked.

Equitable therefore is and just, Eleven sworn witnesses of Charleville are brought in, that with thanks given to God

we recognize with authentic acts the obtained benefit:

just as she herself asked the Lords Odo

Pillenum, John Pelterium, John Archambaldum,

John Milletum, James Robinetum,

Anthony Morellum, James Cheaux, James

Deloches, John Briancourt, and Peter Briancourt,

all merchants and citizens of the said Charleville,

likewise the said Lord Gallardus, who had undertaken to heal

her, and this juridical petition had persuaded.

All these by unanimous consent, after the conceived

oath in usual manner, sworn to us attested,

themselves to have seen this Poncetta Coquelet, from day

twenty-fifth July of year one thousand six hundred fifty-ninth,

for about seven weeks

bed-bound, and of the left arm by stupor struck;

nor could her service to be enjoyed, except after

her return from the city of Maastricht, where she had pilgrimaged

to St. Servatius. Which same likewise by oath

and attestation was confirmed by the above-cited

Claudia Adam, Mary Brajard, Joanna Beraut, and 5 women companions of the journey.

Joanna Gauvin and Alisona Gaignere, who with the said

Coquelet had undertaken the same pilgrimage; and

in going toward Maastricht had seen her infirm and in arm

left mutilated, and on return healthy, and with free

use of the said arm as of the other, as above is related.

Wherefore at the request of the said Coquelet,

these acts of the matter done in testimony of truth were perfected,

in the presence of venerable and prudent men,

Lord Robert Bertrand Presbyter, Parish Priest

and Dean of the said Charleville in his own

dwelling, in which this gathering was instituted,

Marius Canel, Charles Coichon Counselors of his

Highness the Most Serene of Mantua supreme Lord

of Arches and Charleville, also Advocates and Generals

of the said Lordship; and Master John Halma,

Procurator Syndic of the same city; then also

Notaries, Secretaries and Tabellions of the said Charleville.

On the twenty-second of June, in the year one thousand

six hundred sixty-first, was this writing

made.

There was on the margin an impressed seal in red wax.

And there were below placed various signatures and signs of the said

respective appearing.