ON ST. ROMANUS THE MONK
IN THE DIOCESE OF AUXERRE AND SENS.
SIXTH CENTURY.
HISTORICAL COMMENTARY.
On his Monastery, Relics, Cult: likewise on his Acts, uncertain as to the life, more certain as to the translations and miracles.
Romanus the monk, in the diocese of Auxerre and Sens (S.)
G. H.
Saint Romanus's feast this XXII of May is celebrated in the diocese of Auxerre and Sens, and all things in the Ecclesiastical Office are prescribed from the Common to be recited: The sacred cult in the Breviaries of both Churches he is surnamed S. Romanus the Monk and Confessor. But he was a Monk in the monastery of Fons-Rogus, commonly Font-rouge, which six leagues from Auxerre toward the Southern part was distant, his monastery where? and as hands down George Viollet, Monk of Auxerre at S. Germanus, whose kindness in the year MDCLXII we experienced, and well-versed in various monuments of antiquity) the said monastery was situated in that place, where now the town of Druy, commonly Dreuë or Druy, is seen, with some traces of the monastery, which for several centuries of name and revenue was spoiled. The sacred body from Fons-Rogus brought into the city of Auxerre, thence to the diocese of Sens it is, as below in the Acts is said: but now in the city of Sens, in the Parochial church of S. Germanus called, The Body and Head translated to Sens. with due veneration is kept. The right of presenting the Pastor in the said church is with the Abbot of S. Remigius of Auxerre, in whose church the said body once was kept: the Head covered with gold in the church of S. Peter the Living is honored.
[2] At what time he flourished is not altogether certain. The first mention of him, by the testimony of Mabillon in the preliminary Observation to his Life, appears from the letters of Aldric and Wenilo Pontiffs of Sens and Charles the Bald the King; namely that the monastery of S. Remigius by the said Pontiffs had been built and then Ansegisus their successor the body thither translated, about the year DCCCC obtained from Hugo the Abbot of S. Germanus of Auxerre, as writes the Auxerre chronicler in the chronicle. his memory in the Martyrologies But Ansegisus was brother of Wala Bishop of Auxerre. The memory of S. Romanus in the Ms. Martyrology of the monastery of Luxeuil this day is kept in these words: In the district of Sens of the Valliliacensian monastery, the translation of the body of the most blessed Romanus the Confessor. Whether therefore Romanus, S. Columbanus's junior, according to his Rule lived? I would not assert it. In the Ms. Martyrology of the Carmelite Order, in which the Saints of Sens and Auxerre very many are contained, these things are read: In the territory of Auxerre of Dom Romanus the Abbot. In the Ms. codex primary of Usuard, which at Paris in the monastery of S. Germanus is kept, toward the end, by another, but also ancient hand, is ascribed: At Sens of S. Romanus the Confessor. Which words in another codex of that monastery, but somewhat more recent, in the very text are had. They thus are read in the Ms. Florarium: At Auxerre of S. Romanus the Abbot. The same with the title of Blessed are had in the Martyrology of Cologne and Lübeck about the year MCCCCXC printed, likewise in Greven in the Auctarium of Usuard in the years MDXV and MDXXI printed. But Maurolycus the Abbot of Messina these things refers: At Auxerre of S. Helena the Virgin, and of Romanus the Abbot in the district of that city. The same things in Constantine Felicius are read. In the Ms. Calendar of Auxerre at the day XXIII of May is referred S. Romanus, Abbot Confessor.
[3] There are extant his Acts in the Library of Fleury, by John Bosch first published, The Life. and then reprinted among the Acts of the Saints of the Order of S. Benedict in the first century, but with very many miracles omitted. In these Acts please those things which of the translations and miracles are contained, because they have agreement with the ancient Chronicles, and the author says the miracles were faithfully collected by those who saw them, or from those whom to have been present it happened they recognized. But of things in his life done nowhere thus them written to have been able to find he asserts in the Prologue. And soon those things which in the Life of S. Maurus the Abbot are had he alleges under the name of Faustus. But errors so many and so grave are referred, that Charles le Cointe in the Ecclesiastical Annals of the Franks at the year 543 num. 2 asserts, those writings of Faustus, not only by Odo, but also by another more recent, to have been corrupted. We the errors below in the Notes more conveniently refer, and a free judgment to the reader we leave of that whole relation. We have the Martyrology of Bellinus of Padua, according to the manner of the Roman curia at Venice in the year MCCCCXCVIII printed, in which no mention of S. Romanus is made. But there is extant the same with Additions augmented and at Paris in the year MDXXI printed, in which toward the end these things are added: In Gaul in the monastery, which is called Vallilias, of S. Romanus the Abbot, foster-son of Father Benedict. Which quite the same described Molanus, and published in his Auctarium of Usuard, as following him Canisius in the German Martyrology, which Baronius with another phrase inscribed in the Roman Martyrology; and admonishes that he is to be distinguished from S. Romanus Abbot of the Jura, whose Acts we gave on February XXVIII, to which day referred this S. Romanus Claudius de Rota in his Legend toward the end of the book, where from the aforesaid Acts, which to his things in his life done pertain, he transcribed. There is mentioned also S. Romanus in the monastic Martyrologies of Wion, by what author written. Dorganius, Menardus, Bucelinus. Wion alleges the beginning of this Life, and ascribes it to S. Bertharius Abbot of Monte Cassino. But John Bosch calls him Gislebertus, and Mabillon in two Mss. found the said Life without the name of the author, whom he judges to have lived about the year ML, in the time of Winemarus the Abbot, who was coeval with Mainardus Archbishop of Sens about the year MLV. and at what time. Of that Winemarus mention is had num. 26, and the author his times calls his own.
THE LIFE
By the Author Gislebertus the monk.
Romanus the monk, in the diocese of Auxerre and Sens (S.)
BHL Number: 7305
BY GISLEBERTUS.
BOOK I
On the things of S. Romanus in his life done, and the various translations of the body.
PROLOGUE.
[1] There is present to us the day of the venerable commemoration of the most blessed Romanus, the excellent Confessor of Christ; Because of this saint, most worthy of memory, which although to all piously living it is venerable and to be honored, to us however is with special devotion to be undertaken, whom more inclined to his veneration a most worthy affection renders. For he is our special patron and a sure provision, whom his most sacred presence adorns, protects by his merits, illustrates by his virtues. Who once of the blessed Father Benedict the foster-son, and in divine things was a cooperator and associate. Whom to the recruit-training of the spiritual contest hastening, as a veteran soldier, and by long now exercise a most instructed fighter, with doctrine he instructed, with bread he nourished, with exhortation he strengthened. Truly happy, truly glorious, to whom it was granted, that he should be the educator of him, who the citadel of Monastic religion, already upon Christ founded, everywhere through the orb nobly should cultivate, advance, exalt. By right those equal in merits possesses heaven, whom on earth still placed Christ's charity and germane love inseparably held associated. But today for us of B. Romanus always is the matter, whose whole conversation of good works was made a mirror to the world, to whom, according to the Apostle, to live was Christ, and to die gain: and in flesh on earth placed, in mind always in the heavenly was engaged, to be dissolved desiring and to be with Christ: and who according to what the divine Seer enjoins, a spiritual canticle, on the ductile trumpet and the voice of the horn trumpet, to God continually modulated. Phil. 1, 21, Psal. 97, 6. For the ductile trumpet, which by frequent strokes from the mass of metal is produced, the mortification of the flesh designates. And he on the trumpet ductile to God sings, who his flesh with its vices and concupiscences crucifies, who chastises his body
and reduces it to servitude, that, drawn out and attenuated by heavenly disciplines, the supernal melody he may sing in concert. But the horn trumpet the heavenly conversation figuratively expresses: for the horn from flesh is born, but exceeding the flesh, the fleshly softness deserts, and into bony firmness advances. On the trumpet therefore of horn to God he plays, who the things which are above seeks, not the things which are upon earth. Such of this holy Father the conversation, such his whole life was, holy, The Life is not found written, innocent, celibate, gracious, with the flowers of chastity adorned, with faith entire, hope robust, charity diffused, with all finally goodness conspicuous: of which there is nothing which worthily enough can be said. Therefore these things briefly we touch upon, and as it were certain lines of his conversation we draw: because what not without great grief of heart we say, nowhere it written could we find.
[2] And indeed of so great a man the acts and miracles we doubt not to have been written; for it would be most inhuman, nay impious, to be suppressed in silence, those things which through his servant to the profit of many God deigned to work: perhaps it is lost. but the most monstrous persecution against the Church growing hot, so much that very many either fleeing, or in death falling, the greatest rarity remained of Christians; and as our Poet says, there was leisure then to the powerful to oppress, to the chiefs to plunder, to private men to destroy, to the wretched to weep; in this manner as also of many other Saints, so also the life of this Father of whom we speak, to be lost it happened, while each one thought rather how his Life to death now and now imminent he might rescue, than that to keeping and bringing forth books he should give labor. the author collects it from everywhere. And therefore what in his first age he did, what temptations of the devil he endured, what miracles he showed, or by what end the world he deserted, we are ignorant. That indeed great to his sanctity gives testimony, that the Blessed Pope Gregory in the books of the Dialogues of him commemorates, which also we briefly above to have touched we remember. But also in the Life of B. Maurus the Monk, the most beloved disciple of Benedict, which by S. Faustus his fellow-disciple most elegantly was digested, his memory honorably, and as a Saint befits, made is found. Some things also to us, through the relation of those succeeding, by faithful narration it happened to have emanated: of all which as it were a certain little brief body collecting, those things which of the Saint to us are ascertained, by his prayers aided we will endeavor to explain.
CHAPTER I.
The insipid relation of things in his life done.
[3] The man of the Lord Romanus, from boyhood a monk, in monastic disciplines exceedingly was instructed. He accustomed while still a little boy his limbs to subject to frequent fastings, to the holy vigils assiduously to be present, and in his tender little body the crosses and burnings of old men he strove while yet weak to experience. But now the bounds of adolescence having been passed, when into the strength of virile age he had come, on every part in the study of virtues proved and conspicuous he was held, so much that by his example many to the contempt of the world and the desire of the holy purpose he kindled. At a certain time therefore, when the holy and with sweet memory ever to be recalled Benedict, the acts of the world being spurned and the world's glory abjured, the desert was seeking; this man of whom we speak, a he had met as a Saint, whither he was tending he asked. To S. Benedict in the cave he supplies necessities. Whose desire when he had known, both the secret he kept, and aid he bestowed, and to him the habit of the holy conversation he delivered, and as far as he was allowed he ministered. But the man of the Lord to the destined place coming, in a most narrow cave himself delivered, and for three years except Romanus the monk, to men unknown remained. Which Romanus not far in a monastery under the Rule of Father Adeodatus dwelt: but piously from his Father's eyes he stole the hours, and what for himself to eat he could snatch, on certain days, to Benedict bread he carried. But to the same cave from Romanus's cell there was no way, because a lofty rock from above projected: but from the same rock by a very long rope tied Romanus to let down the bread was wont. On which rope also a little bell he inserted, that at the sound of the bell the man of God might know, when to him Romanus offered bread, which going out he might receive. But the ancient enemy, the charity of one envying, the refreshment of the other; when on a certain day to let down the bread he saw, threw a stone and the bell broke: Romanus however by fitting means to minister ceased not. b
[4] c At that time of a most grievous persecution the storm through all Italy, but on account of the disasters of Italy, and almost through all the Roman Empire's land thundered, the Goths, Alans and Vandals all things with flames and iron trampling. At which time the churches destroyed, the monasteries overthrown, the cities taken, the houses desolated, the camps demolished, slaughters of men innumerable made, and much everywhere of the human race blood shed. Which beholding the man of the Lord Romanus, ceased not the Lord to beseech, that his Church he would regard, which for himself by his blood he had acquired; nor suffer it to insane nations subjected, but it in the faith of his name preserve unharmed. While this unceasingly he did, nights and days in prayer continuing; he is said by heavenly admonitions to have sought Gaul, on a certain night by divine revelation he heard, by permission of God these things to be done; and all the land, by his just but hidden judgment, to the savage nations delivered; thence to be changeable a heavenly-uttered (sentence; and therefore that he ought not so into the immense to be saddened, but to glorify rather the Lord, justly and salutarily all things disposing; who strikes and heals, wounds and cures; and who therefore on those temporally sinning scourges inflicts, lest forever they perish: besides he was bidden by God, that Italy left to Gaul he should tend, and the seeds of the divine word far and wide spread, and of the holy conversation examples to all give.
[5] This response of the Holy Spirit received, d the Brothers called together thus them addressed: Brothers and Lords mine, sweet light of my eyes, and greatest pledge of my love and joy, hear me a servant of Christ, of your holy fraternity the fellow-soldier and associate. Ye see by what evils the world is pressed, by what disasters it is hard urged. Everywhere mourning, everywhere fear, and very much the image of death. Not these by chance, but by the most manifest wrath of God they happen. farewell having said to the Brothers, For by the sins of men God's patience exasperated, is turned into fury; his gentleness changed into severity; so much that wonderful it is, that still he tolerates, lighter things on sinners inflicting than they merit; and not as once the Sodomites and Gomorrhites, so now the crime-full earth with cloudy thunderbolts he burns up. Since these things so are, Brothers, we ought not at the world's strokes to grieve, which we know by its very strokes to perish. A life indeed to us other by Christ is promised, whose promise unshaken and immovable remains, of an end ignorant, of grief unknowing: in which is joy, feasting and peace undismayed, where blessed immortality and immortal beatitude, where eternal security and secure reigns eternity. This awaiting the adversities of the world we ought not to dread; but rather our approaching redemption, with heads lifted up, that is with hearts made cheerful, to await. Me if God to act according to my vow, and according to my will to live should permit, I had wished, most holy Brothers, with you all the world's perils to bear: whatever prosperous, whatever adverse should happen, with strength conferred with you to sustain, and at the same time patiently to live, at the same time delightfully to die. But because it is not in man's power his way, but in his who with great tranquillity disposes all things; I ask you not to wish to retain me. God commands that we go to Gaul; we ought to obey, we must go: I beg you that of me kindly mindful ye be; because also I, while the spirit this clayey little vessel by inhabiting shall quicken, you in my heart and in my bowels, as is right and fitting, always shall have. But God almighty you with holy custody surround; and from the present age wicked snatched, may make you safe in his kingdom heavenly; and grant to me, small and humble, in that life to see you without confusion.
[6] These things saying and bidding farewell to them, with small provision he set forth; unknown to the world, enrolled a citizen in heaven. Italy passed, Gaul having entered, He settles near Auxerre. he came at length into the district of Auxerre, into a place which Fons-Rogus is called: where for some time having tarried, a monastery he established: and there very many from the vanity of the world converted, to a quiet and sober conversation, by admonitions and at the same time examples provoked, he brought. In which place is had a Basilica, of his name, and of the miracles which through him God works by the privilege, nobly notable. Not long after, B. e Bertingranus, of the city of Le Mans the Bishop, legates to the God-bearing Father Benedict directed, to whom also gifts he transmitted most decent; demanding that to him the most perfect and in monastic discipline most experienced of his disciples he should direct men, who on the land of his Bishopric a monastery, according to the institutes of the Rule of that most holy Father, should build. Nothing therefore delaying the servant of God, by S. Maurus sent into Gaul, alacritously to this work directed S. Maurus, to himself familiarly by obedience and all probity of manners a beloved disciple: to whom also four other he added Brothers, with whom the labor of so great an expedition he should undergo intrepid. Indeed of those four Brothers one was this Faustus, who f the Life of the same B. Maurus with a quite elegant style described: by whose words also, that surer to the readers the faith may be, those things which follow we have judged to be intimated. We therefore when, the solemnity of Easter approaching, daily our departure we accelerated, on that day on which the Lord's Supper is celebrated, into the district came of Auxerre.
[7] But B. Maurus hearing the reputation of S. Romanus the monk, who to our most blessed Father Benedict in the beginning a helper and cooperator was, as in the history of his Life most fully is found; and who through revelation Gaul seeking, a little monastery in the same district, in a place which Fons-Rogus is named, was building; asked the leaders of our journey, that thither turning aside, there the holy Easter we might celebrate. he is visited: But this B. Maurus chiefly demanded, because both the next day the passing of our most holy Master to be completed he knew, and the colloquy of B. Romanus desirably to enjoy he wished. But our leaders, to the petitions of the man of God willingly assenting, with quickened step thither to tend hastened. On the day therefore of Parasceve, the sixth hour there arriving, most devoutly by B. Romanus we were received. And when we all, who with B. Maurus went, to those things which were needed for the feast day to be prepared or bought were occupied; the most holy men themselves mutually sweet of perennial life were sowing colloquies. And when now the evening hour after the solemn office, which specially (as yearly) on that day is celebrated, from him S. Benedict's imminent death he understands: drew near; the man of God S. Maurus to B. Romanus said: On the morrow's day our most blessed Father Benedict, the burden of his earthly body laid down, celibate rejoicing and cheerful shall ascend to his fatherland. Which hearing S. Romanus,
immediately into tears dissolved, to weep inconsolably began. Whom B. Maurus desiring to console, said: To rejoice rather than to weep therefore at his migration we ought; because both a great Patron we send before, and more present him now, than if in flesh he lived, we shall have. These things however saying not even himself could from weeping refrain.
[8] That night which g on the twelfth Kalends of April was held, and on which the most sacred Sabbath of the Easter vigils was dawning, as well the most blessed Maurus and we who with him went, as S. Romanus with some of his, fasting watchful we passed: each one of us secretly with himself (as in those days in the Church Roman was the custom) psalms and prayers devoutly for the departure of the same our Father most beloved of God Benedict consummating. But when, now passed the hour about the third of that most sacred day, the most blessed Maurus in the church standing, his passing at whatever hour it might happen, by praying and psalming to forearm, far though placed, was busy, and himself on the pavement to prayer had given; rapt in spirit, suddenly himself transposed into the place from which we had gone forth he saw, and beheld a way with palls strewn and with innumerable shining lamps, by a straight Eastern path from his cell to heaven tending: in which vision also two Brothers of our Congregation as associates he had, with whom the same vision together he beheld. And so when the way which they beheld they wondered at more attentively, with a venerable habit a man from above bright standing by, whose was the way which they beheld, asked: which they professed themselves to know not. To whom he answered: This is the way, by which beloved to the Lord Benedict ascends heaven. This vision one of those two Brothers of ours; who it together with B. Maurus saw and in our monastery tarried, but the other, as the Blessed Gregory wrote, more remotely placed saw. But soon as the Blessed Maurus to himself returned, quickly S. Romanus and us calling forth, all things which he had seen clearly to us in order related; and that day and the following Sunday, on which specially the day of the Lord's Resurrection was honored, solemn and celebrated with all joy and gladness we kept.
[9] But on the second feria of that festivity, before we began to set out, and Easter celebrated, S. Romanus to B. Maurus said: If without peril of my soul this place to desert I could, better with thee, most loving Brother, would I desire to dwell, than elsewhere to terminate the end of my life. But because both these to desert is a peril, and the last to me now and now is imminent the day; go happy whither thou art sent, and prosperously a happy lot use. But God almighty always be with thee, he bids farewell to S. Maurus, and with the Brothers who with thee go; and by a straight journey lead you to the true land of promise, which to all his elect to promise he deigned, where he prepared for them, those things which neither eye saw, nor ear heard, nor into the heart of man ascended; except into that of those who all earthly things for his love trampling, and with desire of the heavenly renouncing, to say with the Apostle can, But to us God revealed through his spirit. 2 Cor. 2, 10. Romanus therefore the servant of God, after a glorious and full of virtues life, he dies, after an innumerable multitude of eternal life acquired, his course of the monastic possession manfully consummated, by a happy and now long desired passing migrated to the Lord. And then, to confess truly, he ceased to die and began to live; and stripped of the world's darkness, with heavenly brightness was clothed. Now he stands before the face of almighty God, receiving from his hand a white robe, of the soul I mean incorruption and unfailing beatitude. But he awaits a double robe, when, the body at the end of the world resumed, of flesh together and soul he shall rejoice in immortality. But buried he was in his own Basilica by the Brothers, he is buried. whom a twofold affection divided into the contrary; since indeed they knew that there was to be rejoicing, for themselves grieving; at his glorification to be congratulating, at their own desolation to be groaning.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER II.
The various translations of the body of S. Romanus.
[10] In this therefore place for some years of the blessed man the body with worthy veneration was kept. But because it was a sacrilege with worldly darkness to becloud a starry lamp, and Truth herself by herself a city upon a mountain placed not able to be hidden has protested; it was unfitting and harmful, The Body is transferred to the church of S. Amator, of the most sacred body the treasure long in a place less celebrated and less known to lie hidden; but to the common utility of all and profit to all to become known and to be divulged. Matt. 5. The devotion of the faithful therefore growing, the body of the blessed man from the place of its first burial to the city of Auxerre brought, and in the church of the Most Blessed a Amator honorably laid was. Some years now had flowed, and the Saint's name and veneration, into the breasts of all insinuated, more and more grew widespread. Whence the Brothers from the monastery of thrice Blessed b Germanus, Pontiff and Confessor of Christ, with faith in God, hope in the Saint fervent, c Heribald of the Church of Auxerre presiding as Bishop, the venerable of the often said man of God body earnestly that to them it be given demanded; and although most laboriously and with great sweat of toil, at length to obtain they merited. And so thence raised, and with the cross-bearing d and candle-bearers, and with of divine things the melody shining, thence to the monastery of S. Germanus, it was carried. There was there then a certain Presbyter of the church of the district, whose name is e Bonus-hortus, Aaron by name; who to the Brothers of the said place very well known and familiar was held. He therefore, when the holy Relics on the bier were being composed, the bone of the head into the district of Bonnart, approached; and to those to whom that office was deputed, himself importunate mingled; and no one looking round, the bone of the head, with which from above the brain is covered, and which commonly the skull is called, by stealth he stole away; and the best spoil obtained, to his own trembling he returned, to his church: and there for a very long time the sacred pledge remained, with frequent about those ailing of health bestowed declaring itself by indications. And now was at hand the time in which the Lord his Saint should magnify, and whom with himself he had glorified in heaven, among men he should magnify in the world. This in such an order was done it is established.
[11] Ansegisus f was of the Holy Metropolis of Sens the Church Archbishop, a man in all things most well doing, and in ecclesiastical affairs most experienced. He when anxiously in mind to think had begun, of this Saint from everywhere to obtain the Relics; thence to Sens, it was announced to him, that in a church of his diocese of the Saint were had Relics. And when he, what this might be church, by curious investigation sought; it was said to him of this Presbyter, that the chief part of this Saint's crown he had. Which heard, the Prelate rejoiced as greatly as possible, and to God giving thanks for the offered to him of the desired thing opportunity, the Presbyter to himself to be summoned ordered; from whom of every thing more certainly informed, maturely he comes to the place, and orders the heavenly to himself to be shown treasure: and receiving the Saint's Relics, embraces them, applies them to his eyes, and a legation sent to Auxerre, with more avid soothes them kisses; and so of his vow partaker, his happy he returns to his city. Then with greater still desire he is kindled, to seek he began where of the holy body were had the Relics; and finding in the already said of the Most Blessed Germanus monastery the Saint's body to be had, he besought first Dom g Hugo of that very place the Abbot, but in very truth of the whole kingdom the moderator and prince: then directed thither h Abbo, of the Church of Nevers the Bishop: for because a great thing was asked, great indeed must be used intermediaries and
ministers. Coming therefore the Bishop, the body is obtained the chief men of the place called together, the cause, for which he had been sent, set forth. To the Brothers this rather hard and difficult began to seem, and they hesitated, and what they should answer were ignorant, But because to the Abbot piously commanding's commands to go contrary was nefarious, and to the Bishops' prayers not to assent was impious; conquered at length they succumb, and that they would do what the Archbishop had asked promise.
[12] These promises received, the Most Reverend Prelate to his as quickly as possible returned city. by the people of Sens he is received with solemn apparatus. And of all delay impatient, having taken with him the Clergy's chief men, and a frequency of religious apparatus gathered, and nonetheless a not small throng of the people, to Auxerre he hastens. And now to it approaching it cannot be said with how great zeal, and how most ardent devotion the whole city came to meet; so much that of the greatest of salvation and joy gift to have been deprived he reckoned, who to this spectacle had been absent. There proceed in splendid habit, on this side the holy columns of Monks, on that the venerable white-vested throng of the Clergy. Thou wouldst discern on earth a heavenly choir, and a most splendid of the Angelic society assembly. All things with divine praises and supernal melody's harmonies resounded. With such therefore pomp they enter the church; and the prayer premised and the benediction solemnly given, the Bishop comes to the place, where of the most holy body the treasure was laid, the Brothers with a litany the divine suffrage invoking; and he takes the clod of the aforesaid body, with the nectar of divine odor fragrant; placing in the same place most precious of many Saints and Martyrs Relics, which today there with worthy honor are venerated. it is translated to Vallilias. The desired therefore gift obtained, and of his vow partaker made the Bishop, with joy returned to the monastery, which Vallilias and most precious treasure, of the sacrosanct k body the pledge he placed; and so great about that place benevolence and largesse he poured forth, that it with the highest love always he inhabited, and necessary revenues most abundantly delegated, of various arts also masters most studiously prepared.
[13] This man therefore to Christ migrating, and after long labors to the rewards of labors passing, which monastery by the Normans destroyed, succeeded in the Pontifical See Ebrardus, the venerable Archbishop, no less in doctrine than in life with virtues full and with miracles: in whose time the unbelieving nation of the Normans through Gaul itself diffused, with slaughters, burnings, and every kind of cruelty raging. Since our sins exacting, and strength to the adversaries supplying, were overthrown the camps, desolated the cities, destroyed the churches, set on fire the monasteries, so that to us most of all that may seem to pertain, which Isaiah the Prophet, foreseeing of that holy city and of the most august temple the ruin, with mournful voice to God complained saying: Where our fathers praised thee, there is made the burning of fire. Isa. 64, 11. Then also the aforesaid S. Remigius monastery was burned and to the ground even demolished, it is brought back to the city: Suavus the most strenuous Abbot of that place with the Brothers to the city of Sens fleeing, and that God the afflicted people appeased would regard by day and by nights beseeching. Meanwhile the hostile army of Sens assailed l the city, and it with hostile forces, and every art-sought engines to take strove; when suddenly the venerable Prelate, with the desired (as he himself from God had asked) languor is seized. He to Christ migrating, Gualterius, m both of generous stock by nobility and of all science by erudition most illustrious, by which from the enemies preserved, the Pontifical of the city of Sens obtains dignity. At length by the Saints' prayers, the wrath of God, justly upon sinners brought, into mercy turned was. The strength of the enemies is broken, their impetus blunted, their confidence weakened; and so understanding, in vain themselves to strive against those whom divine piety protected, from the siege of the city they withdraw.
[15] Peace meanwhile restored, and after the long calamity the people somewhat respiring, Bovo n to whom after the death of the aforesaid Suavus the Abbey's care was committed, to think began, what of the place he should do, of which only the ruins had survived: in fine if it he wished into its former state to repair, a work certainly most difficult, not to say impossible, it seemed. That also most of all his mind even safe things fearing agitated, lest if any work in the deserted place and from the city most remote to do he should begin, returned again the adversaries after their cruelty's manner should burn, overthrow, dissipate: his mind indeed, by the memory of things which it had seen trembling, and still graver things dreading, through various counsels was hurried, and what it should choose was ignorant. it is brought to the suburban monastery, At length it pleased the Abbot, the Brothers also this very thing by common consent demanding, that in his little estate, which is in the suburb of the city of Sens under the very walls of the city situated, a monastery should be founded, where in ancient time it had been founded: which place both by the advantage of its site, and by the river flowing past's amenity to that to be constructed most apt seemed. Therefore a basilica built with a quite beautiful design, and other habitations to the monastic religion suitable, thither B. Romanus's body with gladness they translated: where flourish his merits' tokens, to the praise and glory of almighty God, who is wonderful in his Saints.
[16] Nor idly is to be passed over to answer those, The miracles done by him living are unknown. to whom signs and miracles so much are pleasing, that they think nothing to God to be pleasing, except what their exhibition has commended; whereas he rather the merit of a good life, than the effect of bodily signs requires; for as says the Evangelical Poet, --- The good merit ceasing, miracles are nothing, Which often the wicked do. --- and the Lord himself the Apostles taught, that from him not signs and miracles, but gentleness they should learn and humility, saying, Learn of me, for I am meek and humble of heart. Matt. 11, 29. Wherefore although the most blessed Romanus's miracles, which in the body placed he did, we read not; not therefore unequal to other Saints is he to be held, to whom in faith equal and in sanctity him to have been we doubt not: nor indeed the most holy Father Benedict to his foster-son of his virtues equally envies the glory, with whom in the heavenly of blessed immortality he merited the palm. And indeed we doubt not him many while he lived to have done virtues; but either by the sluggish negligence of writers they were not to letters delivered, which thing not the least to the Saints' praises very often has brought detriment; or certainly if the signs of his works were written, either by the rust of long antiquity they grew old, or in the time of unhappiness, the monasteries and churches depopulated and things all routed and lost, those nonetheless to nothing came: since with men everywhere fleeing, and only for themselves and their life caring; and no of keeping the archives care having. Let him say therefore who will, that no in his life were miracles; provided he know him now dead innumerable to have done and to do daily of miracles signs. from the many wrought after death For God who from eternity by his wisdom all things preordains, and them from the secret of divine counsel, in places and times brought forth visibly manifests; his most acceptable servant at that time chiefly with miracles willed to illustrate, when, the wrestling of all temptations overcome, it was right for the just to exult in the Lord, and the upright a secure praise befitted, nor now thereafter of praise the rival elation was feared.
[17] These things briefly we have said for the memory of the most holy Confessor of the Lord Romanus, judging it unworthy, so great and such a man with silence's bushel to be covered, and not to the profit and utility of all piously living to be published. But those things which after his most happy departure, either in the first of his sacred body translation, or thenceforth in the place, in which his most holy body brought venerably was laid, The author publishes the following. through him the Lord deigned to work; from those who saw them, or from those whom to have been present it happened they recognized, faithfully collected and most fully described we have studied opportunely to subjoin, to the praise and glory of the highest light and way, truth and life, God and our Lord Jesus Christ, who with God the Father and the Holy Spirit lives, reigns and is blessed in every nation, place and time, now and through infinite ages of ages. Amen.
ANNOTATIONS.
THE SECOND BOOK
On the Miracles of S. Romanus the Abbot.
CHAPTER I.
Miracles in the Translation of the body and after it wrought.
[1] When the clod of the glorious body of the Lord Romanus, as above sufficiently lucidly inserted is, the venerable Prelate Ansegisus with the highest prayers and with venerable escort followed, In the translation of the body to Sens, and to
his with mellifluous melody bore his glorious See; it is very long of single greatly virtues to discourse, how many blind enlightened, how many demoniacs cured, how many deaf hearing receiving, and how great by Christ virtues wrought, to glorify his Saint: that namely whom now with glory and honor laurelled he had in the heavens, with prodigies of miracles he might adorn on earth. Yet of the many as we proposed a few let us narrate.
[2] When the blessed man's body a villa passed, whose name is Curtis-Abbonis, a woman powerless, is rendered sound: with the dignity of those psalming to meet went forth a certain woman, Josia, by her parents called, who from all action of her hands estranged remained. For her hands were dissolved, the contracted nerves of their salutary office deprived, an intolerable pain in all her body remained, and almost nothing to move she could: yet by the suffrages of other women supported, she goes with devout heart, groans pours forth unspeakable from the inmost cave of her breast, the hand of protection demanding from S. Romanus, whom she knew to possess heaven with joy, saying: O Elect of God Romanus, bring to the unhappy woman aid demanding it, who with exultation light-bearing rejoicest in the heavenly fatherland: despise not the wicked woman, and the fragile sex to thee crying, who well enough knowest fallen to be the human mind. While these and like to these with tearful speech she proclaimed, graciously made manifest the Omnipotent to the people, which the holy members of the excellent Confessor followed, how profitable remained in the heavens the supplication of S. Romanus. Received forthwith the woman the loudly-called-for salvation, exults the heart of the people for joy, the mind of many becomes more cheerful, voices burst into the height, they praise together the splendid Lord, who wonderfully his glorifies recruit. Truly ineffable is the clemency of our Savior. When we perpetrate unlawful things, vengeance we sustain worthy; he chastises our bodies sicknesses bestowing suitable, that he may purge from offenses the secrets of our breast. This, Brothers, ought each of us with the highest to receive joy, if to him the Omnipotent a temporal confers passion, that through the present endurance he may come to the seat without limit shining. For it behoves us through various injuries hither and thither to be distracted, that through various hardships of this fallen age walking, with a happy passage to the starry kingdom we may direct our mind: that through the present tribulations bearing our sheaves, we may merit to receive with the highest joy crowns without end shining.
[3] Besides, the pious zeal of religious intention moving, the very of the most worthy man's blessed acts' soliciting heap, it is not to be passed over to be narrated and to your inquiry to be commended, likewise another is cured. how a certain woman, Ragenis called from the sacred baptism's wave, from that which is called Neronis-villa sprung, for almost three years by the most long impulse of a laborious sickness worn out, with the dissolution of all her nerves stupefied, and of all her members so was held of office destitute, that in no way to her by anyone of the living a remedy could be brought, when very many to her had come of curing endowed with grace, unless to her by divine power were promised hope of recovering soundness gratuitous. In fine while nothing with herself certain other she had, except that, death intercluding, the last of the present life she would fall on her day; propitiating at length of divine visitation the regard, she began within herself to think, if in some way the oracles of the Saints going round, by their intervention of health she might merit the gift to obtain. And so the journey to walk desiring, S. Hilary's God beseeching, with slow though step first she came to the shrine, of his pious intercession to ask the support. Nor much after, she supplicating importunately, and the holy of God succoring opportunely, then indeed was restored to her former health, granting from heaven of the Holy Spirit the gift: now and now convalescing her members, almost long dead, of safety with the joy was she encircled, so much that no of any instigated her force of pain.
[4] These things thus passed, when after some of time elapsed courses, from all most free she was found incommodity; the same recovers her lost sight, again exacting her own crime's hurt, nay for us of the Lord most high the praise and glory, through S. Romanus not long afterward to be declared, of her eyes the keenness wholly denied, of this light's glittering she began of splendor to be deprived. And when so itself held the case of misfortune, she poured out her soul in the sight of the Lord; and in the secret of her heart with all her mind's striving boiling she pondered; how if perchance to be able it should supply, into of this Saint, of whom we speak, she might come the presence. In fine vows on vows heaping, and not so much of body as of mind by the steps to go the way beginning, not after much, when she came on the bridge of the people of Tilly before the most blessed Romanus, with querulous him to cry prayers not ceasing, the same also of the people who was present multitude following, she besought, that the man of God, by his prayer's aiding suffrage, to her again revived would restore of her eyes the offices. Nor delay, God working his power, and S. Romanus granting his clemency, who had come with the devotion of faith, is made joyful at the restored to her of this light most pleasing vision. She thenceforth to her own with joy returning, those who there then were present, thanks to God rendered rejoicing. We also in his praises let us exult, him the enlightener of all into this world coming let us praise, let us love, and as much as by his gift we shall be able let us extol; whose office it is the created to save, the lost to reform, and greater things through his Saints than he himself wrought, himself the witness, to the world to render.
[5] Let the worthy discourse proceed to the stupendous miracle to be narrated. Another was a woman sprung from the Gâtinais once womanly of childbirth to suffer pains. Vexed by a demon, In that very of time juncture, in which the offspring to bring forth into the depths she ought, her husband by a sudden seized languor his day closed, the last. There remains to the unhappy woman a twofold punishment: sadness for the loss of her husband, monstrous pain for the childbirth imminent. Not after much time from childbirth released, the exhilaration which of her begotten son to possess she ought, took away the monstrous anxiety for her own husband's loss. But the time of purification completed, after the born one whom she had begotten to the church she carried, and to the Omnipotent thanks gave, and after the mystic gifts by the Priests wrought, and the oblation for her husband offered; she goes forth herself with grim countenance from the doors of the church, goes swift to the lamentable tomb of her husband her, lies down upon it, rivulets of tears makes to flow from her eyes, after the manner of women deep sighs sending forth. With strong therefore sobbing and long maceration consumed, the day now growing toward evening, the woman returned to her own. Then she prepares a bath, washes the begotten one, and again deplores her husband's supplement. Intent however on that office while she persevered, she heard outside a voice quite terrible, calling to her. Who rising, and with tremulous step as a timid one going forth, to discern eager who her so horribly had called, came to the door; saw a foul image leaning on a staff, and beside the threshold of her house haughtily standing. At the sight moreover with fear terrified, the holy God-bearer's aid with voice she cried out sudden. Whose support with voice demanding tearful, as womanly, her foot from the door she drew back with course swift, and fortifying herself with the life-giving Cross's sign, with grave trembling falls down on her bed. There is present again the raving of the devil; she sees a shape of all shapes most horrible, which beside her bed proudly raising its neck, to derision rather than to salvation, the son whom she had begotten, that to him for receiving from the sacred font she should give, asked. To whom she with vast answered constancy: I wonder how thou, since thou art in all thy body most black and shaggy, and of all foulness a friend, and the inventor of every wickedness, now seekest the salvation of a soul; namely that my son from the sacred thou shouldst receive baptism, who daily souls to the depths eager art to drag. This however for certain know, that never to thee from me of this thing the effect shall be granted. These things heard, that terrible image, as diabolical, with furious and sudden impetus, it rushed upon her desiring the boy to take from the embrace of the arms of his mother. She cries out again manfully, and from the holy of Christ Mother demands the hand of aid. Then that ghostly enemy, with an enormous blow and rabid impulsion tearing her, bound her, prone to walk making through the revolutions of four years, adding to her sadness upon sadness, wishing utterly to absorb her. Who her breast fortifying with the divine sign, the inveterate enemy put to flight, a monstrous retaining in body and soul languor, pain in her mind sustaining of the recent funeral of her own husband, in her body a strong sickness by diabolical force inflicted.
[6] At that time, as is aforesaid, this of whom is the discourse most blessed his athlete Romanus the Lord with prodigies magnified, by S. Romanus's merits she is cured, which everywhere diffused to this unhappy woman's came notice. Then she, with the ardor of faith desiring from her long sickness now to be released, caused herself to be carried in a two-wheeled cart d to the bright sepulcher of so great a Patron, from whom of so great virtues emanated a nectarous odor. Whom her parents carrying thither whither her mind desired, to the tomb namely of the glorious Confessor, she prostrates herself in the dust, demands protection from the highest and most pious Judge, asks also the hand of suffrage from S. Romanus, by whose intervention she esteemed herself to obtain of soundness the gift. She begs with deep sighs, whose mind tarried in dark shadows; she demands with devout heart, that Romanus may knock the ears of divine clemency, who full is present with piety, as one who the face contemplates of the most pious Judge daily. The woman finds, what with the highest devotion she sought. Thou wouldst discern the woman in all her body trembling, the peoples wondering, wonders expecting supernal. The nerves began to be vigorous, which were consumed by long maceration: loosed her the glorious Confessor of the Lord from the bonds of the tortuous serpent; and was done then from the sacred sepulcher, that which once did the son of God, when the daughter of Abraham, whom the venomous serpent had bound, free to depart he ordered; and loosed her from the dire knots, who wonderful is in his majesty, praiseworthy in the Saints, whose praise shall not fail, whose eternity always shines. Luke 13, 10.
[7] That also not out of place it seems in our work's progress to be annexed, that in that time in which the man of the Lord glorious Romanus, To a blind man light is restored. so innumerable of miracles praises to the world imparting, by no means under a bushel lurked; but like a lamp burning and upon a candelabrum placed by the radiance of virtues shining, no mean to very many of remedy emolument bore; a certain woman, of the right of dominion of the holy Proto-martyr Stephen, of the villa Rimuiacum sprung, by name Segletrudis, when she drew with her ears that the man of the Lord so great offered to the peoples benefits, with herself pondered how to his memory she could go. For there was to her an only son a little boy, Letherius e commonly named, to whom by long now impelling habit of his eyes was withdrawn of beholding the office; and with continual anguish she was afflicted for him, for whom to the mentioned of the blessed man protections in mind to go she disposed. And although of her merits the justice for obtaining her son's soundness less she knew sufficient, by faith
yet nothing hesitating, with tearful she began to insist prayers, that through him more quickly of God the help to enjoy she might merit. To very many therefore for the sake of prayer thither hastening, together going with them, that of the sought salvation of her only offspring she might be made partaker, thus the man of God she besought more attentively: Holy, she saying, and to God beloved Romanus, who of all to thee fleeing art of pious consolation the refuge, and who to the destitution of all in thee hoping compassionate of divine the work of grace impartest; of thy compassion now the hand to me extend, who among the other oracles of the Saints thee unhesitatingly I approach. For although from those nothing of sought medicine to my obstinate son of restoration his cure has been deferred, yet not to him I judge utterly denied: for thee of that vow not I doubt to be about to be partaker. Nor delay, immediately as such things she had pursued, the divine was at hand power, to demonstrate the sanctity of the man of God's power, which after blind darkness, to the woman's son a happy from entire it made to shine the day: and soon driven away of all agitation the molestation, and to himself restored the office of light, driven away the obstacles of darkness, of light also daily the abundance suffused, so to most entire restored health, together with his mother unharmed he returned to his own, as if not at all he had been hitherto by blindness's load depressed. Who by no means thenceforth by that bitterness's plague struck, for his curing's gift, both he and all who were present, with consonant voice praises to the Lord sang.
[8] Worthy also it seems by no means with silence to be suppressed, that a certain woman by name Helena, A sick woman, a candle offered, recovers. of illustrious birth sprung, hearing how great and what to the languishing benefits, divine piety, for the honor and praise of his Saint, with the dew of his compassion infused, to bestow deigned; while through continuous six years' courses with most grievous she was shaken pain of the kidneys, with a foot's step indeed in some way she walked with a staff to her side leaning, but with every incommodity burdened of all now lacked of medicine the help. And when of the aforesaid passion day by day the augments catching so the torment increased, that of herself of health any longer the remedies to obtain to be able she wavered (as one who now into whatever part herself to turn not without difficulty could, unless by another's supported protection she were) by hearing she learned, that the venerable body of B. Romanus, with a plebeian of mixed sex multitude, was to be translated into the monastery Valliliacense. Which when on the same day even so she followed honorably, going before and following a most great of the Clergy and of the popular crowd and the Lord praising company; when brought was the holy man's clod to the aforesaid monastery, immediately although with step not quickened thither coming, by the aiding people's relief sustained, by supernal visitation's regard she began in mind to think, that she should kindle for a vow before the tomb of him a candle of her stature's equal length. And there for herself praying on the Basilica's floor lying down, and the whole day in prayers spending and the following night sleepless leading, suddenly amid praying, God propitiating and his Saint interceding, of her vow partaker made, she began from the aforesaid above of the kidneys sickness to convalesce. In fine indeed, gradually succeeding a most full of strength robustness, who had come with faith, returned to her own, congratulating at the restored to her of long denied soundness's gift.
ANNOTATIONS.
e. Otherwise Legerius.
CHAPTER II.
Other miracles in various diseases to be cured.
[9] But also that worthy to be narrated I will not pass over, that a certain man, whose in the parts of Aquitaine was his origin, by the flower of birth so much abounding in nobility, A noble man blind and dying is healed. Gundoinus by name called, by chance came into the territory of Sens, in strength of body powerful, in health more alacritous: where for a little while in so great alacrity's health living, by an unhappy (so to speak) omen seized, suddenly while not hoped, of very much infirmity he is urged by the impulse. And when day and night with irremediable he was most badly afflicted pains, to his infirmity's heap was added also another plague, which to him blindness inculcating, grievously to labor compelled of the lost of his eyes light. These thus to himself brought, when now on his little bed lying so he was burdened, that by the physicians he was despaired of; to those who stood around present he asks what he should do. But they him of his curing the grace to obtain to be able hesitating; If I were, he says, in the Basilica of B. Romanus by the help of others carried, immediately I should be endowed with soundness's joy. I trust, I say, that he can to my eyes the sight restore, and render me to health former; and his to me not he will disdain to bestow, as I believe, of intercession the solace, who with worthy compassion the prayers consoles of all to him fleeing. Among these moreover of his torture's various crosses, that of him he would have pity continually the Saint he implores the emolument; lest him namely into death he should suffer to depart captive, whose devout he desired to seek the temple. Thus therefore of the often said invoked the name of his Patron, to the glorious of him temple by the servants' bearing carried, with what he could from his soul prayers he insisted. Nor much after, among other there to very many conferred of salvation benefits, this man what he had lost now long of living recovers the office: and although present to him almost had been a little before of pale death the encounter, of all his members restored the robustness, immediately of no one's solace needy, he returned to his own rejoicing.
[10] That is to the memory of the faithful to be inserted, in which the divine power of his servant Romanus approved his merit. Teduinus the monk from fevers is freed. A certain Teduinus, from the chief men of Sens sprung, of S. Remigius a monastic foster-son, of the sacred instruction the recruit-training of a veteran even led to its reward. For with the monastic religion's design marked, when he was of the liberal arts endowed with the eloquence, with the gracefulness of his manners he ceased not his life's course to cultivate. But since those who as sons are recognized by paternal stripes are coerced, are pressed by scourges, lest they grow insolent in vices in hope of obtaining the inheritance; that his mind accustomed to virtue, according to Paul's example, might be quickened by infirmity, and lest of the quantity of his merits should creep upon him the disease of self-exaltation, permitted him the supernal compassion with a sharp of fevers to be tortured incommodity: in which of contest affliction, wholly himself both in giving of thanks he spent, and in nothing of continence scarcely in our ages imitable purpose he relaxed. With eyes of poured-out clemency regarding the supernal compassion in each so unconquered his conflict, mentally him admonished by inspiration, of our Father Romanus to seek the protection. Therefore the most holy of the Brothers convoked the assembly, with prayers as he was able he begged himself to be carried to the memory of the Saint. By whose solace supported (for from strong languor of journeying to him was denied the power) with devotion suppliant he came to the place of the sepulcher: and with the whole extent of his body falling down before the clod of the most holy Confessor, from the inmost seat of his heart these began of groans the voices to send forth. Alas, he says, Confessor glorious, look on with what I am afflicted punishments, exacting of my crimes the wickedness. If to thee so it seems, now enough be it with these pains so great to have striven a contest; and from the supernal Judge, together with pardon of sins, of health to me obtain the desired. Render him to me propitious, whom hitherto by my faults experienced I have offended. Open now to my tears the ears of pious hearing, who thy intercession to those needing, for the faith of those asking, thee present to render not refusest. Turn not away thyself from one in straits supplicating, if while I shall live not thou disdain me to have as servant. With these and of this kind complaints while the whole space of three days he had occupied, on the fourth at last day the effect of his obtained prayers; and of our highest Protector by the intercession, in the eyes of those standing by, with the vigor of health, from the place where he had lain he rose; and giving thanks to God, of his soundness the author, to the choir of those psalming mingled, for the recovered health he began the divine benefits not to be silent of.
[11] Besides because of so great notable miracles it will not profit to have seized the beginnings, if these also similarly not with suitable he shall have commended diligence; one of the memorable things, of pious rather the ardor of desire than the charm of cultivated speech inquiring, with unskilled though I may digest style; through which human will be able to experience diligence, with how great of works and of sweat the habit the man of the Lord most venerable Romanus of heavenly merited the perfection of gifts. Nor even of his signs the enormity to weave I will contend, but those only which from our predecessors we received, and which by the same are too plainly executed, with very few to open I will endeavor. And so a certain there was with adolescence's flowers blooming, by name Joseph, who in the territory of Sens by his parents begotten, by them also was there with boyhood's advancements educated. A son dissolute and to his mother injurious, Who when now with flowering youth's grace he grew fair, and to virile strength tended; to him as much from free will as from the depraved suasion of demons, so superfluous and pestilent befell incontinence, that not only of long voracity by the allurements, but with assiduous himself he urged of falernian draughts: whence of unintermitted potation the deadly poison so his mind infected, that moreover from the way of rectitude his now violated deviated memory. And so by no means from the same which he had begun use himself retaining, from those things which good are declining, to unlawful things also indiscreetly indulging, manifold to his mother injuries by demonic instinct he brought.
[12] Wherefore by chance it happened, that him his mother considering the rule irrevocably to forestall of living, on a certain occasion with too much embittered grief by cursing inculcated: and by her to a demon delivered, The evils which to me, son, by inconsiderate impiety thou bringest, upon thy head be returned. Such things she brought, and immediately the son of a greater crime and of greater insolence the tinder incurring, of demonic possession was in this manner delivered to ruin. Indeed after some things, when his father and mother (as the custom is) to the Troyes parts for the sake of trading hastened, he himself at home remaining, to his brother with him dwelling saying, I will make, he says, my Brother, a candle of my length's equal, and I will carry it tomorrow to the basilica of S. Romanus, after the Masses' run solemnities about to return to my own.
[13] These as he had said executing, on the next day his brother accompanying him, of the same Patron he proceeded to the walls of the temple. and slipping from the hands of those leading him to S. Romanus In which beside the gate's entrance, when now near it was that the sun the rays of his light beneath the waves should hide, to nocturnal repose his soul's vow accommodating; when it was come to the matutinal vigils, by those psalming's voices roused, with himself too solicitously to act he began. The completed moreover according to custom of twelve lessons function, as for himself the regular demands institution; after on the lectern to be recited begun was the Gospel's lesson, the same with a graver was seen to be agitated of a demon's impulse, and more than enough unhappily to be torn, vociferating among other things, that he wished to the known to return dwellings. And when hence himself from the hands of those holding him in every way than all more robust he extricated,
he began alone-wandering to walk through the wood, planted in the prospect of the church there constructed.
[14] Thus therefore with errant gait hither and thither running, and whither he tended not knowing, at length by most long fatigue's molestation pressed, and home returned, with sleep he is constrained sudden, and there lay, until grew light of the succeeding day the third hour. In fine the long of sleeping interval ended, awaking from sleep, he undertook at last the begun before journey to complete erring; until at length he was brought to the estate, which commonly is named Malliacus. And there meeting him a certain woman, began with him a conversation to weave, inquiring from him whence he came, or whither he tended. And when he answered that he from the basilica of S. Romanus came; she added to ask, whether on that day he had heard there the celebrated together chants? But as she said, so to have been done he craftily signifying, by her was retained for the cause of a meal: afterward dismissed by her, at length scarcely he reached his own.
[15] Meanwhile now him home returned, suddenly while not hoped, his father with his mother from the market returns: and so great in them is the kindled fervor of grief, and so inflicted the solicitude groaning for the inflicted on the offspring most dear miserable omen, that it seems to be said to recoil. The ended moreover of that day's juncture, and the following night's spent course, while of the succeeding day's light into morning broke forth, with too great of anxiety's voices, which not even to be commemorated worthy it is, by deliberation they decreed mutual, that the son of damnation's accomplice to the Saint to lead Romanus they ought, if perchance he would deign him from so great of anxiety's detriment to render an exile. but brought back he is freed, Forthwith therefore the said with deeds executing, they began him in the going to compel. But he on the ground leaning, and in manifold ways himself tearing, in many ways himself strove from that journey to extricate. Besides him on a horse placing (as those who now near to his strength to go contrary could not; since many had come from elsewhere to bring help) and with the greatest him holding, strength, they led to the aforenamed of S. Romanus basilica. But when they approached the doors of the church, began the steed (which is wonderful to be said) to neigh and itself to resisting to raise, as not daring with such a rider the Saint of God to approach. Then setting down the energumen, to the ground they compelled him to lie before the holy man's body venerable; and into these voices he burst, saying: Because for thy, S. Romanus, candle this I suffer. More moreover and more him tearing, when now half-dead he was esteemed, at length on that day, the nod assenting divine, of the beloved Lord that obtaining by the suffrage, began from his mouth and nostrils gore to flow forth fetid, with frothy spittles intermixed, he himself also of pitchy horror's deformity disfigured: at last from the demoniac dominion's pernicious wrestling wonderfully was rescued. From that therefore day, through the whole space of his life, he resolved himself with the chief continence to restrain, in food namely the diminution and of drink the partaking; nor afterward so unhappily as before of depraved the poison of detraction his crept upon mind. The begetter indeed and begetress, of so great medicine made partakers, with their offspring to themselves most freely restored, to their own with joy returned.
[16] We will not be silent of that also, that a certain woman Arvis by name, with a singular only offspring was endowed dowry: to whom about him there was the fullest of intemperate love affection, A boy deaf and lame is healed. because besides him no other she had, in whom the hope of posterity seemed to consist. Although moreover nature what was its own imparted, in the inmost however of her heart's chambers in this love wasted maternal, since by divine permission, nay rather for proving not long after the holy man's praises, with a twin contrition's anxiety it was shaken. For from the first beginnings of his birth, temporal of this always he lacked of hearing the office: but also of one thigh withering the nerves' joining, of one was foot destitute of walking. When therefore of this thing his begetress with no mean was carried about distress, with every instance of curings the kinds in mind seeking solicitous, on a certain occasion while night her course's journey performed, and she to nocturnal repose indulged; by spiritual the regard of contemplation to her it was seen, that with the aforesaid son uterine of the Saints everywhere she surveyed the oracles, demanding to health to him to be restored the aids. These thus seen, supervening the day's splendor, she heard to be related by those dwelling with her, that to S. Romanus to go, and a peculiar they ought of prayers to celebrate together a sacrifice. Which labor all with them undertaking with industry, to their joined column, the only she carried pledge to the threshold of the oratory of the aforesaid our Protector. Whom when there she had exposed, herself into prayer she poured, and a worthy of God satisfaction, as much for her negligences, as also for her son's incommodities at hand exhibiting, of her confession the pardon she implored; this more fervently of prayers by the purity demanding, that S. Romanus her only-begotten, with a twin wound dishonored, under that momentary of an hour's space to vigor would give temporal: and whom long hitherto had dulled the ailment, restoration might restore from heaven salutarily bestowed. By this therefore of deprecations continuity spent, of hearing divinely she obtained the effect; and forthwith S. Romanus assenting by his merits, of hearing recovered were to him the offices; and of his steps the weakness far removed, perpetual progression she acquired before denied. So each of his humility's the requital merited, to his own they returned from all hurt most free.
CHAPTER III.
Miracles, by Mabillon omitted, from Bosch related.
[17] Besides a woman also another, of noble stock by generosity sprung there was, A woman after the death of her infant without baptism, of a villa which by popular appellation Scabia is named. To her moreover was an only little boy so tender, that not more from the first of his nativity into this world's tearful valley in his cradle, except of three only weeks' space, she herself who him brought forth being witness, was believed to have spent of time. By the progress therefore of so very small an age spent, suddenly while not hoped, of pale death the breaking-in juncture, the last of the present life he closed his day. But what indeed of the greatest was the cause of grief, the mother that prolonging by her negligence, as one who by abundant had been of the begotten elegance retained, through which falsely was believed of life the longevity quickly not to be about to be lacking: since with sacred not yet was he reborn of baptism's wave, in that very birth, ah grief! he lost the lights by no means any further revived; and so with a twin death's horror seized, to fires is delivered eternal; since without doubt, of life eternal he will be deprived of joy, who with the vital not was dipped in the laver. In fine indeed his begetress, for whose crime's hurt these to have happened not doubtful was; to her husband the true fact afraid to confess, in that in which death he had undergone place, the childish she deferred to bury little body: but forthwith into her arms him taking, her husband Praetextatus with those dwelling around being unaware, to another with course quickened she carried villa, and there determined him to be buried. Such things moreover with profane unhappiness passed, that through this if I mistake not might be proved of just vengeance the recompense to be suffered; on the same day on which these perpetrated were, withered her hand right, the nerves also contracted with loosened skin, the lost use of her right hand with numb fingers in all the preceding elbow, nothing long of obtained soundness's use deprived to remain was declared: and what the mother's unhappiness to deny seemed for a little, the supernal Arbiter than the sun more manifestly made known for much. For indeed through thirty about years' courses, when all her household goods on physicians she had spent, with no medicine of her curing she obtained. At length therefore when now utterly she was despaired of, after so many of times intervals elapsed, she recovers: finding that through S. Romanus the Lord granting very many of health are given benefits, with devout steps Vallilias to go she disposed; and the way undertaking, with whatever she could gait of it she reached the threshold of the basilica: and there with various prayer her voices doubling, the blessed man interceding by his merits' suffrage, of the sought health the joy she obtained: and to her was restored her hand right, nor any she suffered any further from this infirmity's load heaviness. a
[18] When your mind is astonished, Brothers, at the salutary odor of so great virtues, and in the faith of Christ with firm strength is corroborated; burns still desire ours, that it may set forth Christ's prodigies, for glorifying the Confessor excellent once wrought. a mute and deaf man from his nativity Hear therefore now in one and the same man two clear wrought miracles. A certain boy, of old by his parents Arnoinus called, from that day on which into this wretched life he fell, two lost offices of his body, hearing namely and speech. Whose mind continual sustaining lamentation, with long daily was afflicted sobs; because neither by voice alms could he demand, nor by hearing of his ears any could he take consolation. What think ye, Brothers most beloved? how bitterly was tortured in mind, who so was wholly dissolved in body, in whatever part himself he should turn, he knew not. His parents indeed, when a grave of him in heart they held sadness, revolved in their breast what to them it behoved to do, because they discerned him in the world without any office of body. A clear rumor when they drew of the virtues of the most holy and of all veneration most worthy Romanus, they carry him thither, and make in the ground to fall down, that he might demand with his heart what he could not with voice. Long he lies, long he breathes again; groans he sends forth, who could not speak: at length is loosed his tongue from the dire bonds, by glorious Romanus's merits: he is healed. the dulled position of his ears is repelled, the heavenly breezes his ears strike, he receives the office of his ears: there is made grateful exultation among the people, grows the faith of those believing in the Lord, groans the truculent serpent, is tortured with envy who is deputed to eternal punishment. Let us take care therefore his to avoid snares, who at daily moments is ready continually to drag us to the depths of Cocytus. Let us beware also lest he infuse the deadly poison in our breasts, and take away from our mouth or from our heart the sweet of Christ pastures, which afford us the sweetness of speaking, and our hearing with heavenly refresh suffrage: that when the day shall come unspeakable, to rejoice we may merit with our highest judge: and also with high-sounding jubilations to praise together him, whose empire always shines, by whose dominion heaven and earth resplends.
[19] That also of yours we resolved to be inculcated to the memory, that a certain woman, of Antricum a dweller as was reported native, A woman from fevers is freed: while by the force of a fever most bad by long of time's increment wonderfully was beaten, and with hasty encounter the beloved Lord's clod followed, in of bettered health's recreation herself to be refreshed she besought more attentively. For now of all her members dried the joining, as one with irremediable hitherto ardor glowing, so she had grown rigid, that nothing at all of strength herself ever to recover she trusted. And thus with injuries afflicted manifold, with all her bowels' inmost parts, the holy of the Lord, who to none rightly asking denies the result, she begs, that of her he would have pity. In fine arriving the hour of the day, in which the middle of heaven the Sun had transcended its axis, suddenly by sleep depressed, sleep she took; and saw in mind's excess a certain of a man the likeness having, and in this manner to her speaking: Go, and by no means delays weaving, take the linen cloth of S. Romanus, and him with water bathe: which when thou shalt have drawn,
believe that it will be to thee a cause of salvation. Nor delay, after she had received these words; immediately roused, such things as she had been admonished she fulfilled hastened. And immediately by the supernal condescension's consolations supported, and by the holy man's merits' suffrages relieved, from the aforesaid pestiferous sickness's contagion she began to be relaxed: and so of health entire made partaker, the name of the bestower Christ, the praise also and glory of the most blessed man, with a vast she glorified of exultation's jubilation. b
[20] A woman also a certain at that time, Leodegardis as was reported by name called, of the right of dominion of S. Remigius the Confessor excellent, likewise also another woman, of all her members was shaken with pains, a fever growing strong most great, passed now from the beginning of her sickness twice four months. And when nothing of medicine anywhere now nearly about to die she find could; it was done in one of the days, that by a most monstrous of pain anxiety pressed, amid being sick she caught sleep. It happened moreover to her, to see a man in sleep to her such things relating: Set out with what thou canst of paces' walkings to the Saint of God Romanus, and know confidently, that through him of health thou shalt be endowed with joy. These things therefore seen, awaked from sleep, faith she gave to the saying; and soon fulfilled such things by deed. Forthwith also to that to which she had been admonished proceeding, on the ground soon she lay down; and into tears bursting, God's man with the inmost she implores of mind affection. In fine of her efficacy prayer, gradually catching the increments of strength, she began to be strengthened by the robustness of desired health: and so by faith corroborated firmness, and of her whole body integrity, and thus the fever extinguished and all driven away pain, her members solidified, to her own with joy she returned unharmed. c
[21] Let us pass to another not unlike, and let us look in the exhibition of miracles, with how great this Saint of whom is the matter is endowed gift. A certain Maienarius ours, another from a grave sickness is freed: of parents not mean a boy, with a quartan most strongly was vexed fever: who twice four months by this sickness's load weighed down, when from many he hoped a remedy of health, in nothing to him lay open the hope of desired health. Whatever he could have in resources, to medicine he disbursed to its authors; and in desiring a cure, of his whole sustenance he consumed the means: since indeed in sense dulled by the weight of infirmity, he knew not to recall, in the neighborhood to be present, who by prayers the plagues from bodies could put to flight. And when day by day more and more he grew sick, by his life's distrust of death he awaited the extremes. Now the wearied of the physicians hands from his curing had fallen; now of words the charms, to this as is reported disease medicinal, in the mouth of all had grown silent. Therefore all hope of health laid aside, when now on the very of life he hung threshold, a little his mind recovered, he perceived with his ears, by others' relation, B. Romanus with clear the world to irradiate virtues. Which perceived, because nearly to him of voice was intercluded the office; in whatever way by indications of words those standing by he began to address: Of ancient affection friends most dear, carry me as quickly as possible to the tomb of the Lord Romanus. I seem to myself to see now the long peril to have escaped; from the neighbor to be recalling, from whose intercession all proceeds medicine: worthily in fine yield all of the physicians experiments, since this alone is, to whom by Christ are given of my weakness the salutary things. Hastened to him they obey his admonitions, and him taking up with his bed, to the Saint's they carry tomb. And when for his recovering health, together with the sick man, those who had carried him kept watch in the office of praying, the sick man the same is loosed in slumber: and a small spent space awaked, with sleep's torpor, of infirmity he lacked the languor. And for this very thing all who stood by with immoderate dancing for joy, who hitherto sick had come, with thanksgiving and health's gift returned to his own.
[22] In no way I judge also this with silence to be obliterated, in which, good Jesus, thy praise is preached through thy servant. A certain woman by her parents, I know not by chance or by industry, Aigleranna called, with bright adorned birth, of her stock the origin at Fontanae received the village. Who while adolescence's years exceeding seeds she made; it seemed to her her natural to leave estate, and of another's villa to seek the dwelling. Of this deliberation succeeding the effect, a lame woman is healed, in the villa which Visis from its inhabitants obtained as name, with all her household goods she removed. In which of many years passing the courses, when her age more prolonged was verging into old age, and decayed longevity with loosened skin her face into wrinkles' contracted furrowing; it hangs doubtful whether exacting the mass of her crimes, or for demonstrating of the man of God the merit, the greatest of her members she paid detriment. For the flexuous of her knees nerves complicated in a knot insoluble, and with a tenacious rigor into solidity hardened, as with the bases weakened, did not suffer from the ground upward to come forth the fabric of her whole body. By this long wasting incommodity, various of the Saints surveying oracles, of none to aid her she experienced merits. But after she perceived by the skillful procurement in the church of the often said Pontiff, the body of the Lord Romanus with chief honor deposited, in the place where it shines with miracles; greatly she began in mind to dispose and in act to be busy, that to its presence in whatever way she might be able to attain. And when somewhat the faculty supplying, to the conveyance to be prepared in undertaking the work she gave; wonderful to be said! as if of a strong fever from the assault, began her members to grow cold and with a horrible shudder on every side to be shaken. By the servants' office she is placed on a litter, and with faith credulous of the Confessor highest she proceeds to the hall: into which by the benches of those obeying brought in, when to his she came tomb, God now through his merit approved his virtue. For the perplexed, as we premised, of her hams the nerves, as to her it seemed, by a certain force from their knottiness loosened and into natural obedience reformed, although with pain not small, she obtained the office of walking: and because contracted in her members, of the help she had needed of the bearer; returned she home on her own soles, of the rest not requiring the ministry of a bearer.
[23] Another also something to be unfolded grateful we had. Since at the same time, a certain woman of the city of Sens a native, who to one of the citizens by name Gundacius by the right of serving served as a handmaid, by the ardor of fevers was occupied irremediable. For so great she was pressed by pain's anxiety, that not only to be vigorous, but not even what food we use, and another perilously sick in any way could she swallow. And when so from all she was held devoid of soundness's office, the matter is turned into peril, whether namely she would convalesce, or also death would meet. Therefore while in all of one year's space so most badly was wearied with incommodity, that to her of food the access was denied; it was done in one of the nights, while in the night's dark silence all things rested, and she in her sleeping's dream newly had rested; and saw in a vision (as afterward she related) as it were an innumerable of peoples crowd, to the aforesaid God's Patron proceeding; and herself among them interposed, the same way with steps walking, and with common prayer the Saint of God in her suffrage interpellating. These things therefore seen, she is roused from sleep, of the past vision not unmindful. Forthwith indeed to her Lord such things suggesting, with let-down humbly she beseeches looks, that to her of the vision to be fulfilled the facility he would confer. But he not only to her mind's vow consent imparted, but to the journey's difficulty to be lightened, admonishes that of his she enjoy the riding of a steed. But she endowed with the gift of faith most devout, such things to be done to her in every way denies it ought: but rather she held it fixed, that with a foot's haste herself thither she ought to set out. Which in fine by work fulfilling, when to the Saint's basilica hastened she came, that of her compassion's relief she might be recreated, with most instant voice she prays. To whose complaint forthwith what she asked the divinity's power granted, to the holy man's merits' tokens to be proclaimed: and who hitherto of all-manner soundness had been needy, gradually vigor obtained, to long desired health was restored. Then to her own returning dwellings, long from her deep heart drawing sighs, both to her Lord and also round about dwelling she indicates to her kinsmen and friends, with how great profits S. Romanus the faith of those asking him would consult. And so these things thus to be done by divine providence heard, of graces the distributor the Lord with no mean they extol praises, who his Saints powerfully magnifying, with various ceases not to adorn of miracles the vibration. d
[24] About the same time, came another woman, by name Linatia, of the district of Tonnerre, who lately of a conceived boy's offspring quite and abundantly laboring, likewise lame in the very of childbirth's outpouring the greatest she incurred of infirmation's injury. And when for seven years of this she suffered torment's difficulty, of both her thighs with numb nerves, so at length limping she was made, that even the calves of her legs to her buttocks adhered. Thus indeed by a more prolonged burdened incommodity, of walking the path utterly she lost; and all her substance under the pretext of medicine, for the rigor of a most grievous sickness, into medicine's work she disbursed, which by no uses, and by no advantages to herself she learned to be about to profit. Of so great therefore unrest to the load succumbing by days equally and nights, when now with destruction wonted it had begun to be lessened; finally her parents her long compassionating heaviness, began to think, how with her various everywhere they should go round of the Saints' shrines. In fine an ass's coverings placing, her thereon they imposed; and in turn supporting, very many of the district of Sens they surveyed monasteries: but by no means did they obtain of health the rewards, when many of the Saints they had begged suffrages. And when no now of convalescing of her hope was had, but also with the inflicted infirmity's contagion, to her own home she returned; from those going with her at last a good of B. Romanus's virtues she drew opinion, that namely to some, whose faith demanded, innumerable he conferred of health's compendia. Thereupon to her husband with her kinsmen she supplicates, that her by quick deliberation into his they should hasten to set presence. To whose petition straightway assenting, of this to be fulfilled the work they applied. But when they approached to the villa which is called, Verillae, began her members in turn by breaking apart to be contorted. And gradually vigor resumed, now long weary of body the members, as she rolled herself before the altar, seen were more perfectly in full to be vigorous robustness. And so of her raising the joy obtained, the most venerable of God man with praises she extolled, untiring, by whose aid so most desirable she had been recreated gift.
[25] But also a certain boy Magenerius called, with a laborious of fevers boiling fever, of twice four months now spent the course, and to others three sick. when he came into the presence of him, without delay obtained he merited of emolument and of health the desired: he was restored to joy, who hitherto with a quartan had labored incommodity. A woman also a certain of S. Remigius, with one was utterly dissolved arm, with an irremediable so much wound bloodied. More and more therefore growing strong the disease, when now to her it had seemed, that of working perpetually she would be deprived of the office; on a certain day to plebeian joined throngs, which of the man most holy Romanus the temple after the manner went wonted, various to obtain of health benefits; soon as she was prostrated on the floor of the oratory, who had come thither with faith's devotion, she is restored congratulating of her restoration. Another also most long wearied of the kidneys with manifold dissolution, after the aforesaid she had approached Patron; who through many herself had been unable to raise of times' intervals, of health suddenly granted obtained the remedies. [e]
[26] In our times done It is established the glory of a miracle, Which Romanus merited From Christ by his merits.
There was the necessity of the matter A lame man is healed: For the injury of plunderers, Who take away monastic goods On account of their own pride, That the Saint's splendid body Should be carried in a vehicle Into a villa Pontus by name, Above the river Yonne, Which gives abundance of pasture To those who feed savory. Abbot was Winemarus Of that same monastery The Father, a venerable man, Who very many workshops Built quite excellent, For the dwelling of the monks Who serve Remigius, The chief Prelate. He in the Saint's presence Kept watch, the vigils Discharging solicitous, With the other Brothers then, Who watched nearer, Romanus the glory of the fatherland, Asking with pious breast. There lay in that very house A certain poor little man, Crippled himself, on his knees Crawling on the ground and on his hands, Alboinus by name, A citizen of that very little villa: Whose was the lodging, Which held the most holy Bier of father Romanus. When the sun's star its rays, The space of heaven traversed, Beneath the lands its flames set, That it might bring back night to the lands, Which morning made it scatters; That poor man hastens The Saint's casket to touch, Which while with his hand faithfully, With faith full he touched, Gradually he began to rise, Of his nerves himself to raise Began the cords and his knees, The bases of his soles tremulous Began to stand solid: Blood through his ankles flows down, While vigor returns to his body Voices he sends forth stupefied, A horrible thing aloud resounds. By these voices roused Those who slept more heavily, Their faces watered with tears, Beating their breast with their fingers, Made glad by the miracle, Dancing for joy. Commands the Abbot Winemarus With the hand that they should restrain their mouths, But rather in silence Thanks they should render to the Most High, Who the weak makes whole In Romanus's presence. The light had been extinguished, Which in a lantern placed Burned before the bier. All with a clamor stupefied, The light they seek fearful, That it might grow clear to their eyes, What had happened to the host. One minister was present The extinguished light he bears, That before the Saint he might bring A spark of clear light, Which by chance happened to be lacking. But while he goes more swiftly, A certain part which he had left Of the candle the light occupies; And kindled divinely Light it affords to the faithful. On his soles they see to stand Who lay in the straw, And with upright step to go Who himself through the ground utterly, Was wont to drag. A man of noble stock, Rainardus indeed by name. Count of the city of Sens, At this wondrous miracle Was present in every way. This city anciently Was the head of the cities, Which the Gallic citizens inhabit, Who once with Brennus as prince, The seat of the Romulean city Took with brave breast. Girt with Gallic arms About three hundred thousand, The noble city they took; Carrying off the gold they return, They had almost wholly destroyed, The Mistress of the orb of lands, Had not a goose from its throat, Cried out most loudly. The guardians of the Capitol, Awaked by the goose's Clamor, rise stirred up; With gold they repel the Senones, a light is divinely kindled. Whom by iron the leaders cannot, Orosius the Historian And Jordanes the Bishop, And others very many This in their histories; Have narrated truthful: Which I admonish thee to read, If thou wilt these things fully learn. Then thou wilt see this Rhythmist Of the true to have said a little, Of the great city of Sens. Under whose high walls Lies the most holy body, Of father Romanus laid, Of whom shall be said more: What the pen has dictated, The finger of the heart shall depict.
[27] In a Gâtinais little town, A certain woman with a most bad Demon was perverted; Who with savage gnashing teeth, And with mouth raging more sharply By alternate goes leaps, That thou mightest discern a diabolical Monster of a most bad demon. a demoniac woman, A thousand voices from its throat Sends forth the most bad demon: As a bull bellows horribly, As a lion cries strongly, As a pig grunts stridently, As an ass horribly. With iron bound the woman By fetters and hard manacles, And with straps tight of leather, With scattered womanly hair By the force of her parents is drawn; Resisting with grim countenances, Lest she be led to the tomb Of holy Romanus shining, For miracles excellent; Where the hope of health is restored, And health returns, Where demons flee, Holy Romanus they fear, Christ commanding they tremble Lest they be thrust into Tartarus; Worthy of perpetual death. There was then an Abbot wise An orator and rhetorician, Learned also in the liberal Disciplines in all, Rainulfus, an excellent man: Who of holy Remigius then Ruled the monastery.
The savage demon indeed, when it entered the oratory, to rage began. wine being poured into her throat, by the touch of the arm consecrated, But with Romanus's wine the arm is washed most blessed. The wine indeed into the mouth of the woman is poured by the hands of Dom Abbot; and scarcely through the passages had it entered, and into the veins had diffused itself the force of the wine, when it began to fight with the demon, as consecrated by the holy contact of the body. So in one little body contrary fight two: the wine which the heart gladdens, the demon who the body of the possessed agitates. But conquered the drunk wine, the demon's monster most bad. And by S. Romanus's prayers, with a stream of foul blood the devil is excluded and goes out. The woman afterward on the ground lies as if she be dead, before the altar of the Pontiff and of the Franks' Prelate Remigius, she is freed. so much that thou wouldst say she with her blood had poured out her life miserably. They cry out therefore who were present all, among whom her husband weeping and wailing said: What will be, Dom Abbot? my wife living in body came, but to deadly now she lies subject slaughter: her life she has lost, has destroyed. We brought her incited by the fame of Romanus your Father chief, confiding that she to health was to be restored. Alas! indeed now our hope empty we have lost, and our labor all has perished. Better for us it had been that living with us she should live, and food with her mouth take, than her life so with a horrible lose death. But the Abbot with pious tears and of Romanus the blessed confiding in the merits, confidence having of God, these things salutarily answered: Let cease the weepings and tears, not the woman with the sleep of death is covered, but weary in her members lies, of death's slumber ignorant. The enemy of the world the inheritance lost being proud, which the sons of men now possess: and on this account from envy while this shall remain the age, there will be between him and the human race a continual discord. Nothing new with you present does the ancient enemy. These things spoken, poured over his face tears, Rainulfus the Abbot humble, again the wine, to the arm of S. Romanus consecrated, pours on the lips of the woman; which when she had swallowed, she rises with slow effort the woman from the pavement, and grace to God and to Saint Romanus rendering, said: Welcome, Father the Italian, our Gallic province most worthily to visit. And so loosed from the chains of the devil, glad she returned to her own, with full steps walking.
[28] A certain young lad, with both knees bent, and after the manner of a quadruped through the ground on his elbows crawling, so much that heaven to look at he could not. For of an animal every kind the ground regards utterly, is always serving its belly, the grass by chewing ruminating; whence it took its origin, a man bent toward the ground is raised up. there it directs its gluttony; whereas God of man whom like to himself he made, had ordered with his eyes the stars him to discern, to admire heaven's summits, and which the sun assiduously traverses circles to understand. That therefore young lad, Teudo by name, sad in mind, asked God assiduously, that by S. Romanus's merit, of his steps he might recover the use, and upright suffer the Omnipotent to walk, whom he had formed from the dust. On a certain therefore of the days thus asking as he could, by crawling he walked toward the glass-window of the basilica of S. Romanus, by which light within radiated; and while himself a servant of S. Romanus to be he professed, if of walking the benefit, him granting, he should obtain; he began soon outside the basilica as he was placed, by B. Romanus who was within to be heard. For immediately his there poured forth nerves, and his knees he extended, with poured blood liquid to his ankles even, and his nerves with a given sound (as when bones strong by the hand of some strong man are broken) cracked, and upright the boy stood. There is made a concourse and din at the sound, a clamor to heaven is raised, and is praised the most high Christ thundering in the clouds; and Romanus for miracles illustrious is held, by public and true open tokens. So in the service of holy Romanus Teudo remained, and while he lived in body, he served always most well, of his promise not unmindful, which he had made in the court of the Church.
Such things for Romanus's merits Christ grants to the people of Sens, That they may recall assiduously With how great a gift they enjoy. For they possess the Gem of heaven While near themselves they retain him, Whom Italy brought forth. And Gaul now preserves.