Austregisilus

ON ST. AUSTREGISILUS

ARCHBISHOP OF BOURGES IN GAUL.

THE YEAR DCXXIV.

PREVIOUS COMMENTARY

On his cult, deeds written by a contemporary, the chronology of his life.

Austregisilus, Archbishop of Bourges in Gaul (St.)

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

[1] Among the more illustrious Prelates of the Church of Bourges eminent, by the sanctity of his life and the virtue of miracles, St. Austregisilus, the thirtieth Bishop of this See: his sacred memory commend very many Churches Collegiate and Parochial, Under his name erected Collegiate Churches to his honor once erected. Of these the first can be reckoned in the City itself the Collegiate Church of St. Austregisilus de Castro, in which his sacred body with due veneration once was kept, now where it lies hidden and whether by heretics burned, is not clear: in the Collegiate of St. Visinus there, still is shown of that Saint a notable bone. Another is the Collegiate Church of St. Austregisilus de Castellione, upon the Anger or Indre river, on the confine of the territory of Tours. A third Church, Collegiate at once and Parochial, of St. Austregisilus, in the Archpriestship of Graciacum, and Parochial ones. near Graciacum itself on the Poson little river; but the Parochial of St. Austregiletus or the lesser Austregisilus, in the city itself: from which lest far we wander, only we suggest there is in the diocese of Limoges and collation has the Abbot of Déols Bourg, upon the aforesaid Anger.

[2] The deeds done and miracles, in three books comprehended, published Philip Labbe, The deeds done contained in 3 books in the Collection of Aquitanian Matters tome 2 of the New library. But these books are by diverse authors, and in diverse centuries also written. The first and chief the deeds done of St. Austregisilus in his life, and his death and burial comprehends: which asserts

the said Labbe he publishes from several MS. codices of most approved note. The same book from the MS. codex of the Monastery of Bl. Mary of Reigny, Book 1 from MSS. of the diocese of Auxerre of the Cistercian Order, sent us R. P. John of St. Martin of the Feuillant Order, then in the year MDCLXII deceased. The same had Laurence Surius, who for the Reader's favor changed the style. The author of this book was plainly contemporary: thus at number 14 relating of a baker, by bread blessed by St. Austregisilus healed, he adds that he today his office does. Then at number 16 a possessed woman he hands down freed, who today in the monastery of Bl. Bertoara enclosed dwells. But the second book contains chiefly miracles against the plunderers of Ecclesiastical goods, by a contemporary author, in the time of Eudo duke of Aquitaine; which book published the same Philip Labbe, from an old and parchment codex of the collegiate Church of St. Austregisilus de Castro, and sent us the aforesaid John of St. Martin, Book 2 from MSS. from the indicated MS. of St. Mary of Reigny. The author of this book does not proceed solidly enough in all things, as we observe in Annotation 5. Surius excerpted some things hence, and to the earlier book annexed. The third book contains miracles and virtues of more recent memory, by a less solid author as under that title published the praised Labbe, from the same MS. book of the Church of St. Austregisilus de Castro. The author of the Patriarchium of Bourges chapter 30 all things from the first book, various from the second, few from the third published, thus toward the end excusing himself. The remaining miracles, which after his most happy death the holy Pontiff Austregisilus is read to have done, Book 3 on the more recent miracles. lest we this little work beyond the just longer dilate, to be kept silent we have judged. Nevertheless the studious reader we earnestly admonish, them for the example of virtue to seek and read in the Church de Castro, where his most Sacred body by all the people with the honor of great veneration is venerated. But the said Patriarchium in the century just elapsed was written.

[3] In the fourth place in Philip Labbe is added an elogium, once on his marble tomb sculptured, from the same book of the Church de Castro: Born in the year 551, which we omit, because it contains nothing singular except the time of the Saint brought into light. But here it is asserted he was born on the third of the Kalends of December, on the fourth weekday and the fourteenth moon, in the twice twentieth and first year of Childebert reigning. Where seems to be assigned the year of Christ DLI, when by the cycle of the Moon I of the Sun XXVIII with the dominical letter A, the day XXIX of November fell on the fourth weekday, and the rest to the same year seem able to be fitted: for Childebert began to reign in the year of Christ DXI. But to this foundation if it be permitted something to build, it could be said, that St. Austregisilus, when in Sacred letters he had been instructed (that the elogium says was done in the city of Tours) was by his father deputed to the service of King Gunthramnus, he came into the court of St. Gunthramnus about the year 575, when he had XXIV years, about the year DLXXV; nor could he on account of the false writing of Bethelenus been compelled by the King in a duel to contend, except after the year DLXXXIV, in which the Church of St. Marcellus, in which then he had prayed, by the said King Gunthramnus was constructed. Then after other sacred Orders he seems a Priest consecrated about the year DLXXXX, by Aetherius then already Archbishop of Lyons; by whom Abbot constituted of the basilica of St. Nicetius, there he lived until the year DCXI, a Priest consecrated in the year 590, in which St. Apollinaris his predecessor to live ceased in the month of October; to whom then he succeeded, ordained XV of February of the following year. Further to him already Bishop came St. Amandus, afterwards Bishop of Utrecht, and in a little cell enclosed nearly three lustra with bread and water his body sustained. On occasion of which on February VI, before his Life number 75, accurately we established the time, of St. Austregisilus and of his three predecessors; Bishop 612, and we showed from Gregory of Tours and others, that St. Sulpitius Severus died in the year DXCI, St. Eustasius in the year DCII, St. Apollinaris in the year DCXI. And because St. Austregisilus twelve years was over the Church of Bourges, his death necessarily we refer to the year DCXXIV, in which he died on the XIII Kalends of June or the XX day of May. The author of the Patriarchium of Bourges, in the new Library of Labbe chapter 77, died 624 writes, that the Seventy-seventh Archbishop of Bourges William de Broccia (who is said to have sat from the year MCCCXX to MCCXXIX) exhumed the body of Bl. Austregisilus, and in the same church, in which it lay, honorably placed it, on the Monday after Easter, in the year of the Lord MCCCXXIIII.

[4] With a most solemn veneration his feast on the said XX of May is kept, not only in the various to him dedicated Churches, the memory of the deposition May 20 but also in the city and the whole diocese of Bourges: and is inserted the Sacred memory of the same into the Martyrologies of Usuard, Notker, Bellinus, and various MSS. also under Ado's name, and the Lucca transcript of the Hieronymian Martyrology: but there follow generally the more recent ones with the present Roman Martyrology in these words. Among the people of Bourges in Gaul of St. Austregisilus the Bishop and Confessor. With a long from the Acts taken elogium he is adorned by Saussay. and of the Ordination February 15. The Ordination of St. Austregisilus into Bishop is celebrated among the proper feasts of the diocese of Bourges on the day XV of February, and is commemorated under that title also by Saussay: meanwhile in various MSS. on the said day indicated, it is called the deposition, perhaps which after some translation of the body was made. Besides on the day XVIII of February he is inscribed in a certain Calendar of the Saints of the Benedictine Order, not ancient: and on this day XX of May in the monastic Martyrologies of Wion, Dorganius, Menard, Bucelinus: nay even the first book and the second of his Life and miracles is placed among the Acts of the 2nd century of the Saints of the Order of St. Benedict in d'Achery and Mabillon. The foundation thence is taken, also among the Benedictines. that book 1 of the Life number 7 he is said by Aetherius Bishop of Lyons to have been ordained Presbyter and Abbot of the basilica of St. Nicetius Bishop and Confessor. Thence infers Wion he was first a monk, then Abbot. But whether to that Basilica was joined a monastery, and indeed of the Order of St. Benedict, or only there was over it the Abbot of the Clergy there living, is not clear. Constantine Ghinius the same with a long elogium celebrates in the Births of the Holy Canons. There are extant some vulgar Acts of SS. Lazarus, Martha, Mary and others, who are said to have put in at Marseilles, and in these Acts is said St. Austregisilus by St. Peter to Bourges destined, as observes Francis Bosquet book 1 of the Histories of the Gallican Church chapter 2: which so enormous faults sufficiently declare, how little is to be trusted to the writings of those, who of most of the Gallican churches the beginnings strive to make as most ancient.

Austregisilus, Archbishop of Bourges in Gaul (St.)

BHL Number: 0839, 0841, 0843

FROM MSS.

BOOK I OF THE LIFE

By a contemporary author.

From various MSS. and editions.

CHAPTER I.

Adolescence. Life in the court of King St. Gunthramnus. The Priesthood.

The blessed a Austregisilus, born b of Auginus his father, of the city of Bourges of a noble progeny, yet in the opulence of things neither much rich nor needy, but sufficient was he from all substance of things. And when from boyhood in sacred letters he had been instructed, and from the lesser even to the more robust had passed age, into the service of the glorious King c Gunthramnus he is deputed by his father. Where for no small space of time under secular discipline prudently he served: for he was to the King most pleasing, and to all his fellow-soldiers most beloved; so much that the linen cloth, with which the King his washed hands was wont to wipe, he himself produced, and on account of this he was called Mapparius (Napkin-bearer). But then already in a secular habit placed, in alms and vigils and prayers day and night most watchfully he persisted, and to the heavenly country with ineffable desire he panted. Already in this world he seemed faithfully to serve Him, to whom eagerly in the heavenly things inseparably to adhere he desired.

[2] At some time he began to be compelled by his parents, to take of nuptials avoiding, deferred the nuptials, and said: and His power, because it is doubtful, whether a good, or a bad one I take. If a good one; I fear to lose it. If a bad one; I fear lest I be able to be without it. Why into doubt do you wish me to come, and over a vain solicitude in those things, which to the uses of women belong, to be entangled? when I can free live, why shall I deliver myself to another's servitude? These things hearing his parents began to be saddened, and more vehemently to urge him, that he should do their in this part will. But he, lest he should seem to sadden those, whom propitious and rather exulting to have he desired, thus to do he promised; that if it were the Lord's will, he would do what they exhorted.

[3] But when he was in the ministry of the aforesaid King, he began with himself to turn over of this matter, deliberating about which, and to seek, who would be worthy of him. There occur to him in mind three neighboring men, equal in birth and of household substance of equal substance: whose names writing on three little tickets, he placed them upon the altar under e the pall in the Basilica of St. John, near the city f of Chalon situated, making a vow, that three nights without the perception of sleep in prayer he would persist. And the three nights' spaces completed putting his hand, whatever ticket the Lord might deign to bring to him, that whose name in it he should find written, his daughter he ought to seek; one night being passed without the tasting of sleep, the other coming on he began with sleep to be weighed down: and about the middle time of the night, when now he could not bear the torpor of sleep, the knee bent he leaned on g the bench, and fell asleep. And behold in a vision there stood by him two men before the altar, [in a vision he learns that the daughter of the Just Judge is to be betrothed to him,] old men and of a comely countenance, and said one to the other; Whose daughter will this Austregisilus betroth? But he to the questioner said: Knowest thou not, that he has already betrothed to himself a wife? He says: Whose daughter? He answered: Of the Just Judge. In this vision awakened, he began deliberating to inquire, who this Just one might be, and who the Judge had been, whose daughter he had as betrothed.

[4] h And when he found not, doubtful of the petition, he went as wont to the court of the King: and came into a borough, where he had a lodging, and there was his host, a poor veteran with a little woman. Whom seen began that little woman to say: Host, stay a little, and I will relate to thee a dream, which now at dawn of thee I saw. I saw myself to hear great sounds of a crash, as of the voices of those chanting, and I say to thy host: Man, what is that which I hear? is there any festivity today by the Priests celebrated, where a procession is made? And said

to me: Our host Austregisilus takes a wife. And I rejoiced, which from another's vision he understands to be the Church. and with the highest alacrity going forth I went out into the street, to see the girl, and to consider the countenance and appearance of her. And when there passed through this street Clerics in white vestments, bearing Crosses and Psalms after the manner of those proceeding singing, the last of them came thou, and the rest of the crowd followed after thy back. And I more curiously considered, and no I saw of our sex to be present a person, nor the girl whom thou wast taking: and I said to thy host; Where is that girl, whom our host has received? But he: Dost thou not see her in his hands? And I looked; and other I saw nothing but the book of the Gospel in thy hands. Then that Blessed one understood, according to his vision and the dream of the little woman, by the Lord's call to the Priestly office himself to be summoned. When then into the palace he had come, to him knocking the door the doorkeeper opened: and when he entered into the house of the King as wont, the King himself imposed a response in these words, and in that order with a great voice: Thou hast placed, O Lord, on his head a crown of precious stone. Psal. 30. Life he asked of thee, and thou hast given him length of days forever and ever. Already from then was confirmed in him the hope of faith concerning the Lord's call: and he began more earnestly in good works to profit, and of nuptials no longer ceased to think what he should do.

[5] Then the artificer of all malice and the envious, and crafty enemy of the human race, Ordered to clear a calumny by a duel, when he saw him with huge ardor thirst for the blessed life, to him began with his deceptions scandals to prepare, which from that holy purpose the servant of God could hinder. There was then in the palace of the King a certain one with power endowed, a man fierce and to excessive pride given, i Bethelenus by name, who by a temerarious order something of the fiscal things fraudulently had occupied: whence when he was argued by the King, he showed him a false authority. Who, he says, gave thee this precept? Who said, Austregisilus Mapparius. Summoned Austregisilus and interrogated, what he had not done, denied. They thus disputing the King turned into fury, ordered them on this in the field to contend, that, which of them deceived, by the Lord's judgment should be shown. Already had come the appointed day of contending. In the morning rising Austregisilus, a shield with the combatants to await was wont. And while he himself to the k Basilica of St. Marcellus in the usual manner for prayer's sake proceeded, he met a certain poor man, and what he might bestow on him more he had not, except one triens: for even if anything had been his, into a like work it had gone. There came into his mind that Prophetic saying: Blessed who understands over the needy and the poor, in the evil day the Lord will free him, after prayer and alms into the field he comes, and will not deliver him into the hands of his enemy. Psal. 40, 1 The triens given he enters the Basilica: prayer being premised with the standard of the Cross he fortified himself, which is the armor of God; and trusting of his justice, and of the Lord's just judgment, undaunted and hastening to the contest he proceeded.

[6] But when there he awaited the adversary's coming, behold coming a certain one of the ministers of Bethelenus panting, and with a mournful countenance, announced to the King the aforesaid Bethelenus to be dead. The King therefore began to inquire, how so swift his destruction had happened. He in these words and in that order set forth to the King. When thy servant Bethelenus came yesterday to the palace, he stayed (l at Auriacum) and today in the morning when the day was dawning, and understands the adversary thrown from his horse and trampled: he ordered for himself to be prepared a most gentle horse: which mounted, as if fixed, he remained immovable. Whose sides when with spurs he pierced, leaping forth with the highest velocity, it began with huge impulse into diverse directions to bend its members, the head to join to the feet, the hind feet on high to cast: and so long the aforesaid Bethelenus it tossed and shook, until, as a tree cut down, or by the impulse of a whirlwind torn up, from on high headlong to the ground he fell. And neither was this enough: but turning itself that horse, its feet joined struck him on the brain, so that the gore through the ears and nostrils burst: even so far was fulfilled in him, what is written, Thou shalt destroy those who speak a lie: and, A witness false shall not be unpunished. Psal. 5, 7, Prov. 9, 5 This heard the King summoned to himself Austregisilus, and said to him: There fought for thee the Lord, whose aid faithfully thou didst ask. Dead is, he says, Bethelenus, by divine vengeance punished. But he, not rejoicing of the destruction of his enemy, thanks gave to God, that from his blood unpolluted the Lord had kept his hands, remembering that little verse of the psalm, O Lord thou hast regarded my humility, and hast made safe from necessities my soul: nor hast thou shut me into the hands of the enemy, and thy faithful servant thou hast kept unharmed. Psal. 30 Already then the supernal piety and divine power His servant, whom worthy habit from the assailing temptations of the devil saved.

[7] After these things began Austregisilus himself in the love and dilection of God more attentively in good works to profit, In the sacred Orders successively initiated, and the burden of the Clericate eagerly to desire, but for this the King to ask he doubted. There was then in the house of the King, among the other Senators most preeminent, Aetherius by name, a most prudent man, and with singular caution endowed, to whom the King all the secrets of his treaty especially disclosed: who then worthy of the Episcopate, afterwards of Lyons of Gaul the most noble city Bishop m was ordained, and who the aforesaid servant of God singularly loved: whom Austregisilus asked, that by the King's permission he should ask that he to the burden of the Clericate to come ought: who suggested it, and obtained it. The Letters received he went to the city of Auxerre, and there by Bl. and a Subdeacon was ordained. Returning thence he came to the aforesaid Aetherius: he, now the Episcopate received, most benignly him with ineffable joy received, a Presbyter and Abbot of the Basilica the love of perfection, gave him of the things of the Church the farm Albiacum, for his uses about to profit.

[8] But when the time came of vintage, and now the grapes were early-ripe, and made Abbot of St. Nicetius, went out Bl. Austregisilus the vintage to gather, and ordered first to be prepared vessels, in which the must he might store. Which when it was done, the other vessels being filled with must: one, which the crowd calls a cuba, nearly twenty measures holding, remained empty. The same night from the press machine still was wrung of must nearly one amphora: and when there was not elsewhere where it might be stored, ordered it the man of God in that greater cask, which was empty, to be stored. He into the same cellar entering, prayer being made, the sign of the Cross he figured: and when in the morning he had returned to the Basilica, the keeper of that p Cana, when he had entered into the cellar to consider, By the sign of the Cross he multiplies wine. whether safe were the vessels with must: he beheld also that, which empty had remained; and then as the rest of the vessels overflowed and bubbled, with so great a filling that from above very much must flowed onto the ground. He at so great a mystery stupefied, at once to the Basilica to the holy man of God ran, announcing this to him which had been done. He, silence imposing, said: See, to no one tell. To no one is it a doubt, that this the Lord, for the merit and prayer of the aforesaid His servant, to work deigned.

[9] After these things when the Lord wished him to higher things, according to his holy purpose, to promote; at that time when the aforesaid man of God was with St. Aetherius the Bishop in a certain villa, in the q Janavense territory upon a lake, To one wishing to say Mass there was not far from that villa forsaken: but there were there Churches, and they nearly half-destroyed. And when for prayer's sake into that place the aforesaid Bl. Austregisilus had proceeded, and no keeper nor any Cleric there had found, except only open doors, and a little sacrarium closed, and with bars fastened, he wished to celebrate Masses in that basilica: and because there was lacking water, with which both he might wash his hands, and into the Sacrifice mix, he says to his helper Marculf, at that time a Lector, afterwards also Abbot in the r basilica where the body of that Blessed one is laid; Seek when he had sought, found not. And returning to him into the same Church; he found the door of the little sacrarium open, which before barred he had seen: and when he had entered, he found the very man of God standing, and before him having two craters full, one with water, the other with wine. He stupefied, this miracle beholding, into a not slight terror was turned.

ANNOTATIONS.

k The Church of St. Marcellus with a monastery in the suburb of Chalon had built St. Gunthramnus in the 24th year of his reign, of Christ 584. But that monastery now is subject to the Cluny convent.

m Aetherius, made Archbishop between the year 585, in which Priscus his predecessor still lived, and the year 589, in which he subscribed the rescript of the Bishops in St. Gregory of Tours book 9 of the History chapter 41.

o St. Nicetius Bishop of Lyons died in the year 573, on the 2nd of April, on which day the Life illustrated by order of Aetherius written we illustrate. This one to Priscus the successor of St. Nicetius was subrogated. The Basilica of St. Nicetius is Collegiate and Parochial.

p Cana, perhaps Cantina, certain MSS. Cuppa, Surius, of the Vessel. Patriarch. Keeper of the wine cellar.

q Reigny MS. in Genuensi. Sur. Gebenuensi, that is Genevensi (of Geneva).

r In the Castle of Bourges.

CHAPTER II.

The Episcopate of Bourges. Miracles. Death.

[10] And when the Lord wished to promote him to a more sublime honor of grade, the Bishop a Apollinaris dying at Bourges, St. Austregisilus in his place elected, by all with the King's consent Bishop is subrogated: in which grade of dignity b twelve years he ruled the Church, He is made Bishop of Bourges: just as he himself by an Angel revealing had known. For when first the boundary of the aforesaid city he had entered, he stayed in the villa Germaniacum; and by night addressing c Sulpitius the Deacon, who afterwards his successor was, and Desiderius likewise a Deacon, said to them; This night to me the Lord deigned to reveal, me twelve years in this grade of dignity to rule the Church of Bourges.

[11] he heals a paralytic woman; At that time there was a certain woman in the suburb of that city, for a long time now with dried members, nerves contracted, with the disease of paralysis affected, so that hardly any of her members to its office to move she could, except, when it was necessary, by the hands of others, where necessity demanded, she was carried; and she asked herself by her neighbors to the holy man to be conveyed. And when to the altar she had been carried, and the holy man in the usual manner the office divine to discharge into the church had come; he saw the wretched bent woman, at the very altar lying, and saying to him; St. Austregisilus, help me. But he: The Lord's piety and power can save thee. He hands and eyes raising to heaven, said: Extend to me thy hand. But she says: I cannot. He having grasped her right hand, and his fingers inserting into his palm, her fingers, which once through that disease to her hand had adhered, straightened: likewise also all her members he did, until he raised her upon her feet, and she was restored to her former health; and her members, as healthy they were wont, their office received, and he said to her: Beware lest to thy former vices thou roll back, lest perhaps to thee worse befall; for it was reported that she, before into that infirmity she fell, given to pleasure luxuriously had lived.

[12] At the same time in the city of Bourges there was a most noble in mind and by birth illustrious d Bertoara, a consecrated servant of God. and a poor contracted man, When in the usual manner she at the nocturnal time to keep vigil hastened, she found in the street under the eaves-drip of a certain house lying a poor man, by name Meroaldus, with rags covered, in all his members contracted; and she began to inquire his case of miseries, and why there he lay. But he said: Long now with this disease tortured I lie, and there is no one who helps me: wishing to the church to go, I cannot, that of St. Austregisilus to the sight I may be brought. But she hearing these things, groaned: and by compassion of that poor man pricked, she commanded her servants him to be lifted from the ground, and with hands set under as if lifeless to the church to be carried, and before the altar she asked him to be set down, where now had come the often spoken man of God. Who beholding the weak contracted man, perceived in spirit, on account of the cause of sin, a most wicked spirit, power received, that contraction on the poor man to have inflicted: and he commanded him into a more remote place to be carried. And he, in prayer prostrate for some time, afterwards to that poor man approached: and (unless I am mistaken) him into a bath to be put commanded. But handling with his hands all his members and extending them, having entreated the Lord's aid, he obtained what he asked. There was present the supernal grace, and that poor man to his former restored health, afterwards by all seen; and, with none halting of his members, several years he lived.

[13] At the same time there was a certain matron, of a noble race born, religious, by name Paterna, he enlightens a blind woman, for the ministry having a familiar girl entrusted and beloved, by name Augusta; and it happened to her that by the assailer of all uncleanness she had been struck, and the brightness of her eyes lost, the torpor e of blindness had incurred. But when the aforesaid Lady of that girl had written a letter, she sent her to the often spoken man of God, asking that by his prayers from that blindness she might be cured. Whom he beholding, looked up to heaven, the Lord's aid asking; and taking oil, blessed it, and anointed her eyes: and prayer made, the blind which lately had been girl, forthwith her eyes opened the abundance of seeing received.

[14] by bread blessed by him a sick man is cured: After the same time, the illustrious matron and to God dedicated Austroberta, the widow of the most illustrious man Chramnoaldus, relates, what in her presence was done. One of her bakers, by name f Leodomarus, with a most atrocious disease was vexed; and she had laid up bread, which the aforesaid Austregisilus had blessed, and to her as eulogiae had transmitted: which she for this reserved, that if anyone seemed with some weariness to be affected, with entire faith of health to be taken to him she ought to give. And she asked the aforesaid baker to be apprehended, and of that bread into his mouth to be put commanded: which he utterly to receive refused: but yet unwilling and compelled his mouth being opened they cast of that bread into his throat. After these things, no delay, he vomited up all the bitterness, with which he was vexed: and made whole, today his office to do is seen.

[15] A certain miller, by name g Monulfus, on the Lord's day, with a temerarious spirit wishing, according to his industry, the mill to mend, an axe taken, his hand adhering to the handle is loosed: which the crowd calls a scotta, began h to grind the mill. From which sin adhered his hand to the handle of that iron, which no one could from his hand take away: and with so great a straitness was he constrained, that between his fingers now blood burst forth, and to the onlookers on account of the stench disgust made: and he came to the aforesaid man of God. But he asking God's aid, took the hand where the hammer had adhered, and the fingers first extending, took away that iron, and his hand handled, and all the atrocity of pain expelled: and made whole that man departed.

[16] There was then far from the city of Bourges, near the village of Briodurum, a girl a young adolescent, he frees a possessed woman by giving her the Eucharist. to her parents most beloved, by name Friovala; who by a most wicked spirit's oppression with cruel torture was vexed, and, as if was rest from crying out; so much that into madness fallen, neither herself, nor her parents she knew: and of diverse beasts the bellowings, and of birds the querulous voices, with a huge crying out she doubled. Mourned her parents, the neighbors condoled, and wondered that in so tender an age so great a cruelty's unhappy bruising she could sustain. She is led to the often spoken man of God: he beholding her, recognized by the crafty enemy's bruising afflicted, and commanded her nearer to the altar to be moved; and the bread and chalice taken, in the usual manner spiritual hosts to the Lord offering, He dies. the mystical by prayer he confects Body of the Lord. He first received and gave to the girl: but when she received, forthwith from the crying out she became silent. He blessed her garments, and to be veiled her by her parents with a religious garment commanded, and from flesh and wine to abstain she ought said: which also was done. From that hour, the demon put to flight, that girl to her former health restored, today in the monastery of Bl. Bertoara enclosed, among the rest of God's servants with a laudable conversation to dwell is seen.

[17] i Now the time was at hand, after labors, of quiet eternal to enjoy. At the sepulchre a contracted man is healed: And so His servant Christ ordered out of the body to go. And when his sacred body to the church to be buried was conveyed; there was then in that city of Bourges a certain most poor young man, by name Leonastus, for a long time now by debility contracted, so that his soles to his hams adhered; and he was carried on the shoulders of another through the doors of individuals, and alms he sought. But when the man of God Bl. Austregisilus slept in the Lord, the bier, where his holy body was borne, that poor man followed: and to the Basilica, where it was buried, he came, lying before his sepulchre. The same night the Lord him with his members loosed, which were dry, the office of his feet to obtain made; afterwards he was seen by himself in that city upright to walk.

[18] Nor that ought we to pass over, which the venerable he was buried by Bl. l Rauracus the Bishop the aforesaid man of God, appears clothed in white there was: and when the body of that Saint placed in the sepulchre had been, and him the aforesaid Pontiff had buried; when after the manner that tomb was being composed, standing the aforesaid Bishop Rauracus at his feet, and the aforesaid Presbyter Januarius beheld, that as it were the often spoken St. Austregisilus, at the right of that Rauracus, in white garments and with a comely countenance to stand by seemed. Whom when he wondered at, suddenly this vision from his eyes was taken away; and to no one a doubt but that an Angel of the Lord, the keeper of that Austregisilus, who with him even to the sepulchre always was, to the aforesaid Presbyter appeared.

[19] It is long that all severally I should unroll of the signs and healings, which the Lord through that His servant did; he shines with other miracles. how many by his prayer and touch from all infirmities were healed; how many by a mortal sentence condemned, in prisons thrust, by his prayer their chains loosed with no keeper's m guard, to the Church fled; how many poor, widows, orphans by his alms were sustained; witness is the Lord, and his holy Angels, and those who saw. But now on account of the prolixity let there be an end of this work's little sheet: for full of days in a good confession he died on the XIII Kalends of June. His soul migrated to the Lord; earth to earth was rendered: whose merits, since we cannot be equaled, at least imitators to be may we deserve, He affording it, who in the Trinity perfect lives and reigns God, through all ages of ages. Amen.

ANNOTATIONS.

is celebrated in the church de Salis on Dec. 4, Claude Robert and Saussay being witnesses: in the Life of St. Eustasius Abbot of Luxeuil on March 29 Bertuaria is said to have constructed a monastery of girls, according to the rule of Bl. Columban, in the city of Bourges. That pertains now to the secular Canons.

BOOK II.

Miracles against the plunderers of ecclesiastical goods.

From a double MS. codex.

[1] Of the virtues of the most blessed Austregisilus the Bishop and Confessor, which the Lord after his death deigned to work, or of the abundance of his miracles, in a rustic discourse let us say a few of the very many which remain. While still that Blessed one was living, as a pious Pastor always the care of the Church and of the people committed daily he bore, and from the tooth of the raging wolf to free desired; there came from the Palace of a Theodericus the King a man most savage, b Warnarius by name, of avarice of base gain desirous, That he might free his people from an unwonted exaction of pride too much given, that the city and country of Bourges under tribute in his time he should reckon: and the gold and silver, which each according to his person should pay, he himself to the King would carry, and them tributaries make. They to Bl. Austregisilus run together, that them from the nefarious custom he might free, and by his holy prayers help. Then that Blessed one for so great a crime's guilt himself day and night in prayer prostrated, that the divine piety from the savage enemy the people to himself committed to free might deign: which also was done. Now the very Warnarius approaching to the gates of the city of Bourges, Austregisilus to him undaunted went out to meet, and as a wall opposed himself, he is feigned to have prohibited the exactor from entering the city: that for justice he might stand in battle on the Lord's day; and, if to the Lord it had pleased, for the defense of the people and of this depraved custom, even unto death he desired to contend. And said to him Bl. Austregisilus: Whence comest thou, iniquitous one? whither goest thou? what to do desirest thou? The Lord will resist thy iniquitous will, nor within the walls of the city thee to enter will permit, nor the description to make: nor by him was he with any honor received, but he fulfilled that which is written in the Psalms, Act manfully, let your heart be strengthened all you who hope in the Lord. Then that Warnarius, with anger vehemently kindled, seeing that the malice, which to his heart had adhered, who to his successor for the same cause having returned, to fulfill not he could; with great fury returned to the Palace, that to the King he might announce, that on account of Austregisilus to fulfill he could not. Then at that time Bl. Austregisilus with a glorious departure migrated to the Lord, and the people to him committed remained unharmed. Then Bl. Sulpitius his Deacon, by all elected, in work and merit worthy, in the same city his successor made, the Pontifical took office. Nor was there delay, when again that most cruel Warnarius, of whom above we made mention, to the Palace returned, the wicked work, which the most foul ancient enemy in his heart had planted, who to his successor for the same cause having returned, to exercise in deed hastened, that the country and city of Bourges, and all there dwelling, according to their persons, tributaries he should make. Then Bl. Sulpitius, anxious with himself, what of this matter to do he ought, from the Lord asked aid; for since that Blessed one was wholly mild and simple, and humble of heart, his to resist malice not with small fear he dreaded: but with tears that Warnarius he began to beseech, that those whom in the time of Bl. Austregisilus the people of Bourges he had not made tributaries, neither his he should make. But he cruel, what the Priest of God prayed, by no means to grant wished. c Then the Blessed man from the sacred ministry to him protested, that so nefarious in deed.

[2] But he crafty, after now the office received as prelate he rejoiced, to the Basilica of holy Austregisilus, in the church of the Saint grievously hurt, not in heart, but in body puffed up, as if for prayer's zeal proceeded. He came to the place, where that Blessed one by faithful Christians with wondrous beauty lay buried; looking into the crypt, he saw it with gold and silver in a wondrous manner adorned; and envy his heart being filled, with such a discourse he spoke: Austregisilus ought his gold and silver to the poor to have distributed, and upon his tomb he ordered to be placed for worldly dignity. Nor for this did he say, that to him there was care of the poor, but after the likeness of Judas Iscariot, with avarice filled he panted. From that sepulchre returned, for prayer's sake he went around the altars. While he walked through that Basilica, one bar, on which the veils hung, from on high falling, fell upon his brain; and with such a blow was he struck, that the gore through his eyes and beard flowed down, and to the ground fell. Then that Warnarius cried out with what voice he could, saying: Austregisilus, while he lived, always to me hateful and contrary was; and still now dead, to neighboring death he has delivered me. So that unhappy one, by the Divine virtue struck, neither his crime recognized, nor pardon from the Saint of God asked: but still by his malice inflamed, to the city of Autun he wished hastily to hurry, that the Bishop of that place he might destroy and condemn. And proceeding, he stayed not far from the city at the villa Aulatiacum. When all had reclined, then that most ferocious one for the secession of his belly entered the necessary place: and when there in the place of custom he sat, immediately he fell asleep. And when d he had awakened, to his ministers, who before him stood, and miserably died. he said: Austregisilus and Sulpitius have transmitted: who of you received it? They denying what they had not seen, and he that very discourse speaking, all his intestines from his body were torn out. Forthwith that hour in that dung-heap shamefully he breathed out his spirit. Afterwards in those times none was e bold the crime of so great perfidy to repeat. It was fulfilled in him what is written in the Psalms; He treasures up, and knows not for whom he gathers it; and His iniquity upon his head descends. Psalm. 18, Psalm. 7

[3] After the days, on which the glorious Austregisilus migrated to the Lord, Very many miracles are done: both in the place, in which he had rested in body, and in other places where that Blessed one had dwelt, or on the bed in which he had lain, many were done miracles. When in the country of Bourges near the village f Carobrias, there he had a house, where he himself had dwelt, and a couch in which he had lain: and many sick, when of that bed they took, or carried, or touched, of divers languors were healed. But one sick man coming, a candle, which there he had vowed, before the bed placed, that the whole night it should shine. He thence returned, found ashes of that candle on the bed, and no burning found in the coverlet.

[4] After the same time, when of the Franks the g Prince Pepin, against h Eudo of the Province of Aquitaine the Prince wishing to fight, into the country of Bourges had come; burning his house, they perish seized by the devil. barbarians of that army to the aforesaid house came, that it with fire they might set ablaze. And there came from the neighbors, who there dwelt, and said to them: Do not fire into that house put: behold the place and bed, in which the holy man of God Austregisilus lay, where daily the omnipotent God virtues many does. But they despising what they had said, the whole house that they laid waste with fire, that it might burn; and immediately the hour in which that fire they kindled, they were seized and delivered to a demon. One of them, who the fire had put in, the door dragged off from that house, which vehemently burned, into the very flame himself cast, and there his life ended. Others themselves with their teeth mangled, some indeed one another's members cut off. They came to the camp, where Pepin with the army of the Franks stayed: but they, when they learned what to them had befallen, with fear great were terrified; and the Prince commanded, that no one should dare the cottages or things of St. Austregisilus to touch.

[5] Nor much after the time, when Eudo the Prince the city of Bourges with a siege circumvallated had, one of his Nobles, Agnus by name, having plundered the goods of the monastery in the monastery of St. Austregisilus he ordered a station to hold, and there to remain granted the faculty. But he whatever in that convent he could find, to his Companions delivered to be spent, so that no of the Brothers remained substance. But when delivered that city to the aforesaid Prince had been, and peace announced in all things; the Abbot from that monastery, i Bertoradus by name, going out of the city with eulogiae and a gift, came to Agnus, and said to him: Receive a small little gift of silver, which of the Brothers serving St. Austregisilus from the booty remained unplundered, and have mercy upon thy plundered servants, that they may live and for thee pray. But he crafty the aforesaid Agnus would not to him grant what he asked, but deriding him said: The Prince to me commanded, that thee thyself into custody I should deliver, or into captivity lead, and to me the Brothers' starvation dost thou constrain by a parable? But that Abbot announces to the Brothers, that to obtain he had not been able, what from the savage man he had asked, and that the Lord's clemency they should beseech. Then those Monks, in faith not doubting, came before the sepulchre of Bl. Austregisilus, and with grief and tears began to pray, and to say: Rescue us, O Lord, thy servants from our enemy, to thee refuge we make; teach us to do thy will, for thou art our God, and our substance. Lo what thou full of piety to us hast given, a most savage man from us has torn away. Nor long the delay was, that unhappy Agnus, as much as he could through the villas of St. Austregisilus find, with him led on the way, cattle, beasts of burden, and many other herds, that he might lead all into the country, by the Saint appearing struck in the brain, whither he had come. While he made the journey, there appeared to him Austregisilus through a dream, and said to him: Why me so grievously hast thou plundered? and my servants sad hast thou left? And saying these things, he struck him in the brain; and he awakening, cried out with what voice he could, saying: Succor me quickly, Austregisilus me has struck on the head, and no to me of living is the hope: to Eudo the Prince go hastily, who me permitted the things of St. Austregisilus to touch, and pray that of his own faculties his me he should redeem, for I for his utility did this evil, whence now I hope life to lose. This hearing the Prince, not with small fear was struck; and ordered all to be restored, which the unhappy Agnus had torn away, commanding all the Nobles, that no one should dare of the things of the Saint to touch. While the aforesaid Prince sat at table, recalling the aforesaid Agnus's injury, one small silver vessel to him through a legate he directed. But he, when he saw so small saying this, his life he ended. It was fulfilled in him, what the Prophetic discourse testifies: Those who act iniquitously, shall be exterminated: but those who wait for the Lord, they

by inheritance shall possess the earth.

[6] Nor delay, after that time, one of the Nobles of Eudo the Prince, driving off beasts of burden is vexed by a fever: by name Fredegisilus, plundered the beasts of burden from that monastery of St. Austregisilus. And when he had led them to his own, and another booty very much, and elated of it rejoiced to be divided; immediately that hour seized him a fever, so that no hope of living he had faculty, recalling that discourse, which before the Prince Eudo or several persons he had heard, Salomon the Abbot narrating, who said; None of you let little chests of St. Austregisilus presume to touch, for he the noble persons opposing themselves to him slays; but the ignoble with savage tortures torturing afflicts; with fear terrified, to the Abbot or monks there serving hastily sent he directed, that that booty to its own they should return, and to the servants of Bl. Austregisilus restore it, restitution made he convalesces. that him by their prayers they should help. Nor delay, the Father of the monastery with eulogiae legates directed, who that sick man should visit, and the benediction of the aforesaid Saint to him present. But they when they had come where Fredegisilus of life despairing lay, the benediction, which from that sepulchre from the servants of that Saint they had received, presented. He giving thanks invokes the name of Bl. Austregisilus, and with the highest reverence communicating of those eulogiae, immediately vigor recovered, by his ministers to be carried back he ordered, where were those beasts of burden, that he himself with his hands might restore what he had ill torn away. And when them he had restored, immediately made whole, rejoicing and leaping up he returned home, whence before sick he had gone out, and by hands had been carried of others. It was fulfilled in him, what the Lord through the Prophet said: I will not the death of the sinner, but that rather he be converted, and live; and again; When converted thou shalt groan, then shalt thou be saved.

[7] Extorting from the captive Abbot the sacred vessels he is tortured: At that same time one of the Counts of Eudo the Prince, Adroaldus by name, when a castle high in that country of Bourges he had violently acquired, and there apprehending the Abbot from that monastery of St. Austregisilus, Bertheradus by name, with the ministry of that holy place, for redemption he held captive; that Abbot whatever he could have in gold and silver, gave for himself in redemption. And still compelled and unwilling one golden chalice, and other vessels sacred from that convent to the aforesaid Count delivered, and with grief not small returned to the Brothers, and with groaning and sighing in his prayers day and night from St. Austregisilus asked solace, that what cupidity human thence had torn away, the Lord's piety might recover. Nor delay long was, when that Adroaldus fear great invaded, so that neither food he took, nor drank, nor was able to sleep; nor to stand or sit in one place could; and of himself what to do he ought, he knew not. There was present a servant of God, k Wlicramnus by name, and counsel from him he sought, what to do he ought, revealing the cause which to him lately had befallen. But he most learned and of wisdom full, asked of him, that if anything of the ministry or of the things of the aforesaid Confessor Austregisilus behind him he had, to that holy place to restore he should not delay. But he confessed according to that for which he had been roused, and said, that a chalice golden and other vessels thence he had, which Bertheradus the Abbot to him for his redemption had given. That servant of God hearing these things: Hast thou not heard the fame of Bl. Austregisilus? what to those opposing themselves to him he did, or how many he slew, or how many he scourged? If thou wish to live even until morning, presently restore what thence thou hast. but these restored he escapes safe. And he hearing these things, with fear great filled, all which thence he had received, to be restored promised, and through his legates to St. Austregisilus transmitted: and soon his former health recovered, and as long as he lived, in that Convent, his vows paying, in his benefactions not small but liberal appeared; and was fulfilled in him what the Lord says: He who shall confess before me, I will confess also I before my Father, who is in heaven.

[8] There was in those times a man in the city of Bourges, Lupus by name, to good morals given, humble and wise, a sober and chaste life leading; who with ardent desire for prayer's sake proceeded to the city of Tours. And when very long in the Basilica of St. Martin the Confessor he had prayed, and for his sins pardon had asked, he rose from prayer. Then one of God's servants, when he had seen him long praying, mild and honest, summoned him to himself, and said to him: What is to thee a name? or whence art thou? or for what cause hither hast thou come? He answered: Lupus I am called, at Bourges I dwell, and here for my sins for prayer's sake I have come. He answered: I have something to the servants of St. Austregisilus to say. I these days in spirit to Bourges was, but in body never was: and that more certainly thou believe, that error I may take from thy heart, I narrate to thee a notice. There is there a church l of St. Sulpitius between two waters, upon the bank of the Utrio and the Avere. He answered: So it is true. [The Saint is seen from St. Peter before other Saints to ask vengeance on the plunderers.] There is there another church of St. Austregisilus toward the Eastern region, so that the lights of that church can be seen. He said: It is so. Again said to him that servant of God: Believe me, that I these days at the church of Bl. Austregisilus in spirit was, and what there I saw I narrate to thee. I saw before that matricula, which is before the doors of the aforesaid church, Bl. Peter the Apostle, at the invitation of Bl. Austregisilus standing, and with him men, who in that country rest in body; and before them from afar stood Adroaldus, n Bladegisilus, o Suffronius, Guntaldus, and several others, who the country of Bourges had plundered, and houses of God destroyed. While there I stood, I saw Austregisilus at the feet of Bl. Peter prostrate himself, justice to ask, and to say: Do us justice of these, who our houses hold oppressed, and from the poor, and from our servants have torn away their substance. These things Austregisilus praying, commanded the Apostle Peter, that some they should drag to be beaten with cudgels, others with the sword cut down, some indeed to torment or sulfurous fire lead away: but last of all Adroaldus with a rod, which Peter in his hand held, struck on the head, that him to death he should deliver. Then St. Sulpitius prayed saying, that to that Adroaldus life he should grant: Austregisilus on the contrary with such a discourse spoke; Always soft thou hast been, and in thy softness thou persistest, and dost not avenge thy servants, to thee day and night crying. And these things he saying, the vision, which in spirit I beheld, was taken away from my eyes. That Lupus having heard all these things, asked indicating to the Brothers what from the servant of God he had heard. Afterwards nor long delay was, and that Adroaldus by a fever seized his life ended. Then to none a doubt, that those, whom the servant of God Austregisilus had seen to accuse, afterwards not long lived, that each one might receive the sentence of his proper body, as he had done, whether good or evil.

[9] At that time, when Eudo the Prince at Bourges resided, one of his Nobles in the house of Austregisilus in that city took a lodging to be hospitably received: who also himself by a temerarious order to his juniors commanded, that of the roofs of his houses fires they should make, and where necessity demanded with fire kindle. The Abbot from that monastery of Bl. Austregisilus eulogiae to the aforesaid man through a monk directed, Using for a fire the timbers of the Saint's houses asking and saying, that other wood, as much as could suffice, they should give, and the holy God's house should not burn. Who what he asked, to obtain was not able. Morning made, when now the third day had come, while before the fires, which of those houses they made, the ministers warmed themselves; and the aforesaid their Leader in bed lay, and with sleep was weighed down; him appearing struck, he dies: the holy God's man Austregisilus to him in sleep appeared saying: Why my cottages so foolishly with fire dost thou kindle? And these things saying, a buffet he struck him in the face, so that the gore through his ears burst. And awakening, to his ministers, who stood around, he said: In this hour me Austregisilus in the face struck; and immediately the unhappy man himself to die foretold: which also was done. There came to the court of the Prince that that Gasindus was dead, who the houses of St. Austregisilus had kindled, and on account of this St. Austregisilus him in the face had struck; and there invaded all not small fear. The Prince commands, that none of the things of St. Austregisilus should dare to touch; and if thence anything should befall, immediately it should be restored, and pardon asked. And so even to this day went forth the fame of the glorious Confessor, that whoever in a presumptive manner of the things of his monastery touched, immediately himself believed to be about to die.

[10] When Eudo the Prince for prayer's sake to the monastery of St. Austregisilus had come, not keeping an oath. prayer made he began to the Brothers to say; Who of you of St. Austregisilus will do me justice? Him I believed, a surety to me came, when Chucianus in this place to me gave an oath. And repeating that discourse, he said; Holy Austregisilus, do me of thyself justice. If thee I had not believed, Chucianus me would not have fled; I pray thee that of thyself me thou do justice, and I to these servants many good things will repay. That Chucianus, after at the sepulchre of Bl. Austregisilus to Eudo fidelity he had sworn, furious he perishes: into Francia to Charles the Prince fled. At that time, in which the aforesaid Prince of Austregisilus of him justice asked, the aforesaid Chucianus with a vehement blow was struck, so that even to death coming he cried out, and said: Austregisilus me scourges for the oath, which at the sepulchre of his I gave; and on account of this that to Eudo I lied, Austregisilus me with divers tortures constrains. And, unless I am mistaken, if him chained they had not held, with his teeth himself to mangle he would, until his life he ended p: for it is written, He who much swears, escapes not sin.

[11] At that time the Vicedominus from that convent of Austregisilus, Vaddomarus by name, for the cause of the utility of the monastery disposed to the city of Poitiers to walk. [the same being invoked the boats of their own accord to the other bank are borne:] The benediction of the Brothers of St. Austregisilus received he proceeded on the journey: but when he had come to the river, whose name is q Vincenna, where is called the Port Sanomus, wishing there the river to cross, no man he found nor a boat. The day growing toward evening for the horses: the usual hospice, where to stay they had been wont,

far beyond the river was. While such things their heart was busied with, looking beyond the river, on the shore they saw boats prepared: but that Vaddomarus, in faith not doubting, began to invoke the name of the Lord and of St. Austregisilus, and those who with him were he admonished, saying; Invoke the name of St. Austregisilus, that our Lord, for his merits and suffrages, to us a man to transmit may deign, who to us the boats which we see may bring, that this night to the destined place we may come. Still they praying, moved by themselves the boats with poles and oars, without human steering, and came to the place where they stood. Without doubt an Angel of the Lord it was, who for the merits of St. Austregisilus the boats brought. But they seeing so great God, who does not forsake His servants hoping in Him, and with fear and prayer ascended the boats; and they sailing through the eddies, unharmed and uninjured came to the shores: and that day to the place, in which to stay they had been wont, with joy they came. It was fulfilled in them, what the Truth says in the Gospel: If you have faith as a grain of mustard, you shall say to this mountain, Pass hence, and it shall pass. Matth. 17, 19, Matt. 21, 22 And again: Whatever believing in prayer you shall ask, you shall receive, and it shall be done to you. And that; With God all things are possible. Matth. 19, 26

[12] at the sepulchre a mute receives speech: At that time, to the monastery of the holy man of God, from the parts of Britain a mute man came: there by faithful servants of God in the hospice received he was, and from their alms with food and clothing was nourished: and that mute with those servants of the Lord daily for prayer's sake came into the church; but what to pray he wished, he himself knew not, because he himself to discern was not able. There came the feast-day of Bl. Austregisilus, and while before his sepulchre he stood, he began to spit blood through his mouth. Then the keykeeper or keeper of this church began to rebuke him, and to say: Go out outside, lest more on the pavement so great a disgust thou produce. But while he spoke, began that mute to cry out, and to say according to his British and rustic tongue: Libertinus sum, liber nunc sum (A freedman I am, free now I am): he wished namely to say, Liberatus sum (I am freed). Immediately loosed was the bond of his tongue, so that plainly he spoke: and to all, who there were present or to the feast had come, he narrated his name: and said that in holy baptism Emmo the name he had. Afterwards there serving several years he lived. r

[13] At that time a certain woman, by name Selitrudis, from a place near the city of Bourges Novavilla, a lame woman her walk, beside the river Utrio, when she had been for a long now time lame, most devoutly the sepulchre of the blessed Confessor sought. But when into his atrium she entered, at once she obtained health. Why do I delay? as she felt herself whole, she returns to her own [as soon as with a certain grave fault she defiled herself, a blind woman sight, by the same] very disease was she suddenly worn down. But she knowing of her crimes by the desert this to come calamity, with huge groaning supporting herself with a staff and trembling, into the aforesaid atrium's place came, and through the suffrages of the blessed man her former obtained health. A certain girl, from the Baniacum villa, once now with her eyes taken away blind, a contracted man health when at the sepulchre of the blessed man faithfully she had prayed, her sight received clear was made master of vision. At a certain time him, with his arms and shoulders contracted, when now long to bear he could not the labor, to the sepulchre of the Blessed one devout came: soon his members loosed, to his former health and daily use restored he is proved. But also that wonderful I have believed to be added, that a young man of that country, with his hand bent into itself, by a like example was healed. and a contracted woman. At the same time supporting herself, before the tomb of the Blessed Prelate her former strength obtained.

ANNOTATIONS.

that the narrations are fabulous we gather, from the deep silence of the earlier and contemporary author, as also from various Acts of St. Sulpitius his successor, where similar exactions are said under Dagobert the first to be sought through a certain Lollio: and by St. Sulpitius hindered. Consult 17 January, his Acts the earlier chapter 6, and the later number 7, which wrongly hither were translated.

Then Bl. Sulpitius protested to him, that, if against divine right what he desired he fulfilled, for a long time of it he would not rejoice. But he after he entered the city, those things which by the King had been ordered having fulfilled, and a momentary gift of fortune rejoicing in, to the basilica &c.

e The same MS. he dared of the Royal men the city of Bourges to subject to tributes of this kind: because the wretch, who had begun, for such a fault of life shall be deprived.

h Eudo's wars, in the time of Charles Martel, are indicated in the History by order of Childebrand written, and to the Chronicle of Fredegar annexed, where also his death is indicated: which seems to have happened about the year 735. But no elsewhere mention of the things at Bourges done, which here are narrated. In the Patriarchium of Bourges all these things about Eudo are omitted, which even to number 8 are related.

l In the Register of benefices of the diocese of Bourges is placed the Abbey of St. Sulpitius in the suburb, at the confluence of three rivers, in French called, Ense, Aurette, and Auron, for which here Utrio and Avera are read. But these things about the site of this Abbey and of St. Austregisilus are omitted in the MS. and in Surius.

the village of Vastinum of the territory of Bourges crowned with martyrdom on 4 July, whose Acts then will be elucidated, and below number 9 is indicated his festivity in his monastery to be kept.

p Here the Acts end in Surius with these words: Other miracles of the most blessed man, lest we be longer, to commemorate we do not wish.

q Vincenna, to others Vigenna, near the village of Candes, where St. Martin died into the Loire flows: and thence the people of Tours through the Vigenna the body of St. Martin, by night fleeing, toward the city of Tours carried.

r Here ends the MS. codex, adding: Many besides works the Lord virtues, through the merits of Austregisilus and will work forever.

BOOK III,

Containing miracles and virtues of more recent memory.

From the MS. of the Church de Castro, at the walls of the city.

[1] Wonderful God in His saints the Holy Prophet announces saying, Wonderful is God in His Saints. And elsewhere the sacred Scripture says, Who me glorifies, There is healed before the very writer I will glorify him. This therefore glorification our wonderful God to Bl. Austregisilus, in the signs of virtues most powerful, gave; while through him in our days a certain contracted man to health to return He made. Of which miracle's certitude there is not required any whatever subordinately introduced Witness; but it is the very poor writer of this inscription and thirster for health of soul, who of the same holy and glorious and truly faithful of God Austregisilus the Pontiff seeks mercy; and that to the same Saint the service of that writer may please, the bestower of all good things God he invites. There is present also a witness, of that holy place people of the city of Bourges: who together all for the seen miracle God praised, and many thanks to the Saint rendered Austregisilus.

[2] There was a certain man, by name Ansterius, who by a hidden judgment of God from his loins of all his members had lost for the help of walking the offices, crawling on hands and knees: and in the manner of quadrupeds with hands and knees he crawled through the pavements of the ways. Customary was to him of small grilles the carrying, for which now on his hands a hardened callus had come on a thickness. In this infirmity's deploration through the spaces of three years tarrying most wretchedly, as a small man a small little hut near the church of the holy and glorious Prelate Austregisilus had made the atrium. There as best he could supported, either of those dwelling in that villa, or of those coming by aid he remained. One night in the church of Bl. Austregisilus he went to lie, and to the increase of his devotion through the whole night he held a burning candle in his hands. But about the middle of the night's silence, it seemed to him in that Church to be present as it were a great roar. Hence the chests of the holy Relics to be shaken; hence the a freda placed upon the holy body to be moved: but upon the altar, which was at the feet of St. Austregisilus, which is in the honor of God and in memory of the holy Protomartyr Stephen, it seemed to him, as if was filled with too great sweats, sometimes (as in such things happens) with too great colds was tortured. He changed at times places of station, but did not decrease either the implanted fear, or the begun of the commotion of the sacred Relics tremor. At length it seemed to him sitting at the altar, in the honor of God and in memory of St. Peter and all the Apostles consecrated, as if he were anointed with a certain of most sweet delight plaster, which passed through to his vitals with a sweet anointing. Hence he began gradually to extend himself, wondering if true could be what he wished to do: but this also that one truly performed, by the merits and intercessions of the holy and to God beloved Austregisilus, of whom is said; Who opens, and no one shuts; shuts, and no one opens. Apoc. 3,7 He is raised hence with an upright and sound body, and his little stools left he goes where the keeper of the church lay; and seeks the candle, which he hastens to light at the lamp before the holy body burning. And him seeing the keeper to walk to the Hymns of Matins, the bell he lifts to ring; and such an unhoped-for joy knowing the Canonical there remaining congregation, Te Deum laudamus devoutly sings, and to the holy Austregisilus thanks renders, the bells long rung and tears for joy the greatest poured forth.

[3] Among the other multiplicities of virtues, a certain one by name Andrew to speak made the merit and faith of Bl. Austregisilus, who was known to many men dwelling or coming in the court b of Dacbertus

that Archbishop, the zeal of the Lord with a true and firm love zealous. For from the power c of St. Palladius a certain young man came to remain among the other servants of Dacbertus the Archbishop, a mute one receives speech, who of all his necessities' diversities rather sought by the showing of his hands, than by the insinuation of words. With this condemned of the mouth's address, through seven or more years' spaces he lived mute, nor did he attend that he could be healed from that infirmity any more: for he had despaired already that he could speak, on account of the inveterate infirmity's knottiness grievous. He wondered what that kind of speaking might be, with which he saw all honored of both conditions. But seeing the faithful, in that villa dwelling, various and manifold through the blessed and God's faithful Austregisilus virtues to be done, and of a foreign race and nation men with the recovery of health to be honored; that known mute, and to their service of servitude adhering, they compel to go to the church of Bl. Austregisilus honorable: where before the principal altar, in the honor of God and in memory of St. Peter the Apostles' Prince consecrated, a little while sitting, beating his breast with fists, the pavement bathing with tears, by the sole argument of faith, without the mouth's address opened his ears to the voice of the Creator, not in a prolonged space. For there before the altar sitting, suddenly and unhoped, that he had not candles, which he might carry to the sepulchre of the Saint, he began to cry out. By this disturbed, those who stood around, for the unwonted and unhoped speech of the mute rejoice, and wonder for the glorious operation of the Lord, which frequented the faith and merit of the blessed and truly faithful of God Austregisilus. Each one seizes meanwhile, as he can, rejoicing and merry, the candles, which they give to the new speaker, to be carried before the Saint's sepulchre lighted. And there perfectly assuming the measures of ready speech, he insinuates in his healing, how great with God grace has Bl. Austregisilus, who in heaven residing with so great virtues his place on earth illustrates: and this more frequently he redoubled saying, I have no candles. These first were that old mute's words.

[4] another, Pleasant also is this miracle upon a certain other mute, who through very many years' returns, among the other servants of the Cleric by name Archenaldus, in nobility and power most preeminent, and a lover as the place permits of the Canonical religion, remaining served as he could, of every members' office lacking utterly only the speech's benefit, whose name was Geraldus, and the country of his origin Burgundy, of a church by name Melsa. He either for the admonition of others, or for his necessity's straitening very much, to the Saint came of Austregisilus the sepulchre, to see the increases of virtues: where in a not prolonged space he deserved to be healed in such a manner, to the praise of God and of the highest performer of virtues Austregisilus. He in the church of the aforesaid Confessor of Christ on a certain night watching, wished that upon himself that of divine deigning visitation should come, which so frequent by the intercessions of Bl. Austregisilus upon various pains of infirmities descended: and he wondered if upon a man of so great poverty the Lord God or St. Austregisilus would deign to extend of His benediction the largeness. But He who does not despise the prayers of the poor, and who of the poor says, Of such is the kingdom of heaven; without prolongation, not procrastinated these to him to utter the first of words and of speech made the elements: I now speak. Mat. 19, 14 This crying he ran about through the whole church. Then there among the watching people were present two monks from the Charroux monastery, who, for the love of God and in veneration of the highest Prelate Austregisilus, holding lighted in their hands tapers watched, stood, wondered that so frequent were done of healings virtues. But while certain faithful of that same poor man inquired, what to him had seemed in the beginning of his health; they learn from him, that to him it had seemed through his eyes, ears and nostrils, as if with pain great, an ardor he had felt. But healed he returned to his nation's place, blessing through all things God.

[5] From the d Exandonum country a certain mute and begging had come into the Bourges land. and a third. He the old knot of lost speech bore, as best he could, calmed now upon the inveterate pain the rivulets of tears. To him the name was Constantius: who by God's mercy prevented, into the villa enters of St. Austregisilus; where for some days remaining, he begged seeking bread to eat, with a pointing hand: by which benefit well sometimes he was sustained, helped by the Clerics' and good men's in that villa remaining aid; nor did he attend to the hour of his healing, intent only that to live he could by others' offered alms. At length the Lord God, while the place of the Blessed and glorious Prelate Austregisilus He visits, by His hidden dispensation, either for revealing of His faithful Austregisilus the worthy memory; or for Dacbertus the Archbishop, by the fire of tribulation wonderfully baked, who in that church, which he himself with the highest zeal had constructed, buried was; or for the faith's merit of those men, who in that villa remained; this one also among the rest of the people before the holy altar stands, rustic as a rustic from his heart, because with his tongue he could not, prayers redoubling. But these that eternal hearer mercifully catches, who to silent Moses says, To me why criest thou? Ex. 14, 15 He opened to this mute of Exandonum Constantius the mouth and tongue, and him this first word taught to cry: Help, St. Austregisilus. This word friendly so often he repeats, until to him came the perfection of all speech. Who afterwards to many became known, that in the beginning of his cure, on the outer part of his jaw a certain unknown man gave a buffet, and for that force blood from his ear flowed down: which true to have been all the faithful saw, and wondered.

[6] From the e Calnensis country a certain poor man there was, There is healed a contracted man, who from that country fleeing for the increasing hunger strong, from country to country, from villa to villa changed of his station the poor seat. He at length to Bourges came to the city, which the primacy held among the rest of the cities for the poor's sustentation. He through very many days' returns, now entered the city, now outside sought for himself the necessaries of food. To him a son was as it were of years five, to whom had adhered of his feet the ankles to his buttocks, with his knees bent too much: his elbows too had adhered to his little ribs, his nails were fixed in his palms. This round effigy of a man bore the father sometimes with his hands, sometimes on his neck, wretched and miserable. There was given however to him for such a carried and shown monster ampler of help sustentation: for who so insane, who could ever to this monster and its carrier not succor. Him through many places of the Saints he had carried, if in any way to any of the Saints it had pleased to the wretched one to restore the natural offices of his members: but above that honor's benefit willed the omnipotent God to be honored Bl. Austregisilus. Hearing therefore the father of this contracted boy frequent and manifold virtues in the church of St. Austregisilus to be done; he took the son, places that round effigy upon his paternal neck; he goes swift where he hears and sees return the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the contracted walking, the lame running; he casts before the altar, in the honor of God and in memory of St. Peter the Apostles' first and Prince, his contracted son; but in a certain corner of that aforesaid church the father himself places himself, attends, and doubts if upon so very little majesty to extend the hand of His benediction. But that God omnipotent, who in the manger was wrapped in swaddling clothes, also this poor one did not despise by the prayers of St. Austregisilus the Prelate: for unhoped and suddenly first are torn the nails from his palms, afterwards his elbows from his little ribs. Then the son begins to cry the name of his father, in the corner of the church hidden. At the crying of the son runs the father with a swift course: come also many faithful, who rejoice exceedingly upon St. Austregisilus's benign virtues, and that to the perfection of health the infant and poor person may bring the omnipotent God, they pray. But for the faith of those there praying, and to make clear St. Austregisilus's merit, are plucked from his buttocks the fixed ankles of his feet. Then begins the little infant through the church to run, ignorant through his infant age to render thanks to God. Now bears him not the father upon his neck, but chastises him sometimes for his too great running. Upon that business no the Bourges people puts a scruple, nor in the other signs of virtues, praising through all things God.

[7] In the f Muratum town, a certain man was mute and deaf from his mother's womb: a man mute and deaf from birth, whom the Lord God, for the merits of Blessed Austregisilus, the mouth's address restored and the ears' office, willed to be honored. He in this inveterate pain's loss remaining, the various of his necessity's expenses rather sought by the hands' sign, than by the words' open insinuation. Now well he had learned for his single necessities to bend round the indexes of his hands or his fingers: and this indication now well them he had taught with whom day and night he stayed. He was sustained by the alms of a certain honorable and most powerful Cleric, by name Aimardus: who also in this, as also in several poor men, dispersed very many of his goods' expenses. To this laudable artificial health he sweated in the office, since indeed that he saw well frequented by his uncle Dacbertus the Archbishop, who, among the other virtues of his elder mind, in faith loved, hypocrisy trodden down, the poor of Christ. With these offices therefore of hearing and speech the Muratum poor man deprived, either by his parents' or other men's admonition, to the holy Austregisilus is brought the monastery. There therefore among the sitting people remaining, upon himself attended the Divine sanctity's aid. But how his internal mind's prayer to the highest power pleased, showed the health given to him in the end: for first he deserved with hearing recovered to understand of men the words. And as much as this gladdened him the restored sonority of his ears, so much sad rendered him the denied speech's office: but that hand of the Lord, which is not weak, by the intercession of Bl. Austregisilus most pious, also to this one restored perfect of the mouth address, and blessing made through all things God.

[8] There was a certain man, by name Odoricus, from the Province of Chartres, from the villa which is called Theuvy, who from infancy so was contracted, that in no way could he walk, contracted from infancy, unless with his palms and knees supported: and so in a beastly manner he went, bearing in his hands little stools for the cause of seeking necessaries. But also he, hearing of the holy Pontiff Austregisilus the fame of the notable miracles, which the Lord deigned to exercise through His faithful one, with a slow journey, as he could, the bounds of Bourges entered, deeming that he could be healed for St. Austregisilus's merit and faith. When therefore at length to the church of the kindly Prelate he had come, outside in the porch near the entrance of the gate a little hut made very long he stayed. And when many sick on account of the glorious sepulchre of Bl. Austregisilus, for the grace of recovering of their bodies the safety, by night watched; this aforesaid sick man that, which long he had desired, mercifully obtained: and all sickness driven away, he began to extend both feet. He too rising at once from the ground, and himself asserting from all disease truly sound

to be, all who there were present together praised God, and to St. Austregisilus thanks rendered.

[9] There was a certain one in the town of g Saluigniacum quite spirited to sleep his members he had given, so great of infirmity inconveniences seized, that through the spaces of three days neither to take food, nor to drink, nor of his friends anyone to recognize he prevailed. But after the three days, by the pitying of God's mercy, the entire of his members he recovered vigor, his tongue only bound with a fetter. a mute by a heavenly voice ordered to go to St. Austregisilus. Coming on therefore of Bl. Laurianus the Martyr Bishop of Seville the solemnity, which is venerated on the fourth Nones of July, such to the young man gave his friends counsel, that before this Martyr's altar, which is in the church, in which a congregation of monks to God wars not small, he should watch: if perchance by Bl. Laurianus's intercession to his infirmity propitious might be the Lord. The counsel therefore received, the following night about to celebrate the vigils before the aforesaid Martyr's memory, he enters the church. And when now the space of the night being passed, by sleep's torpor overcome the young man had lain down; he heard a voice, him that he should rise admonishing. Awakened at once he rose from sleep, no one indeed seeing, the voice however hearing, persuading him, that to St. Austregisilus for the grace of recovering health he should hasten. But morning made, after the celebrated of the sacred mystery solemnities, with the Lord's cross standard fortified, to his lodging of his safety secure he proceeded. But coming those who upon his mute youth grieved, which to be future safe him they affirmed: but because, Bl. Austregisilus the Prelate's merits with God obtaining, that he would receive the measures of speech he did not doubt, the potion to receive he refused, and to Bourges to make for he desired: but because he could not with voice, with signs of his extended hand he showed. They at length to whom care was of the young man, remembered, that his father of Bourges was the city an inhabitant, and on account of this him to wish thither to go they thought. Why do I delay? A companion associated to himself to the city he proceeded of Bourges, and his paternal hastily entered dwelling: and his parents and friends being gathered, they learned the misfortune of his lost speech. He indeed the young man with bare steps to the blessed Pontiff's memory, with great of his parents and friends devotion, hastened; and at his tomb his offering, as is the custom of the sick, offered. His knees at length bent and prayers for the mute poured, suddenly opened his mouth, He who opened the mouth of Zacharias the Prophet of the Lord. But rising the young man, from the tongue's bond loosed, praised the Lord, and His most venerable Confessor Austregisilus with a free confessed voice, and to all how this to him had happened in the prescribed order narrated.

ANNOTATIONS.

a Freda and Fredum for the composition of peace, or a fine on account of peace violated everywhere is taken. Consult 13 January §. 3 before the Acts of Bl. Godfrey of Cappenberg. But here is usurped that word for a Reliquary tablet, which to pilgrims to be kissed was offered, like that whose use under the Mass sacrifice is, which they call the Pax, because for the kiss of peace to be communicated it is made. But Pax is Freda in the old Frankish.