Hucbertus the Monk

ON S. HUCBERTUS THE MONK

OF BRITANNIACUM IN THE SOISSONS DIOCESE OF GAUL.

ABOUT THE YEAR DCCXII.

PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY.

His, under the Episcopal title obscured, name in the Fasti: his peculiar cult, his age by conjecture elicited from a Life written later.

Hucbertus, Monk of Britanniacum in Gaul (S.)

BY THE AUTHOR D. P.

In all even the most ancient

copies of Usuard in MSS.,

both that which at Paris in the very

author's Monastery at S. Germain

des Prés is kept, Memory in Usuard, the Title of Bishop being added obscured: and

that which written in the XI century, than all the rest,

if not more ancient,

less certainly interpolated judged

Bolland, on February X before

the Acts of S. Austreberta num. 9; everywhere at the III Kalends

of June, in the last place, are read these words: On the same day of S. Hucbertus,

Bishop and Confessor. We fear however, lest the Title

of Bishop, rashly added by someone, has made this

memory seem of the Utrecht of this name Bishop (who S.

Lambert succeeded and Utrecht to Liège the See transferred, nor

on this day anywhere is venerated) for the reason that today is venerated of the same

name another, not a Bishop, but a Monk of Britanniacum:

which place, commonly Bretigny called, since it is distant from Paris

not more than seventeen leagues, could not such an

error creep upon Usuard, if truly here of him he wrote: as

indeed it does not seem that he would omit him, whom the place's vicinity and of profession's

communion commended. For neither can it be doubted,

but that with a recent still fame of sanctity to be celebrated begun

in the VIII century of Christ, as below shall be said, nor far from Paris

situated, to Usuard known he was. Unless perhaps to suspect someone

might wish, that he the months' names had confused, because III Kalends

of May, to have died the holy Bishop he had read; although on November IX

chiefly he is venerated, on account of the then made translation.

[2] Meanwhile Saussay, to conjectures more than fair precipitate,

does not doubt to write in his Gallican Martyrology, which deceived Saussay, that

today is venerated, The Elevation of S. Hubert, the most celebrated Tungrensian

Bishop and Confessor. Tungrensian he calls, from

the more recent Liégeois' opinion, the Utrecht Bishops

to name refusing; whose on this point pertinacity

with a peculiar diatribe, before thirty years published, and a little before

his death again to the anvil recalled, Henschen castigated.

But what to the elevations of that S. Hubert pertains, so that he thought it to be the Elevation of S. Hubert of Tongres.

Bartholomew Fisen of Liège all briefly collects,

in that Church's flowers; and teaches, the first to have been made

under Charles Martel, on the aforesaid day November IX, another

under Louis the Pious, when to Andage, now S. Hubert's

monastery called, was to be translated the body, which thither

came on September XXX, not many before days (as it is fair

to believe) taken away from Liège. Thenceforth a portable coffin always

that sacred Treasure had: accordingly there is not whereby

could have moved, that on this day he should wish of Hucbertus (for thus

anciently the name constantly was written) with the Title

of Bishop to make mention. The true therefore of this day Hucbertus,

but a Monk, we exhibit: of whom our friend

Mabillon, on account of certain Pope Stephen's responses, in the year

DCCLIII to the Monks of Britanniacum given, under the same

year's note in Part 1 of the 3rd Benedictine Century page 720 briefly about to treat,

thus prefaces.

[3] The situation of Britanniacum and the monastery's present-day state: Britanniacum or Brittennacum, to the more recent

Bretigniacum, a Monastery once of the Noyon field,

at the Oise river, by a second milestone above

Noyon a city of Belgic Gaul, in the diocese however

of Soissons situated, of unknown origin is. The place

itself now reduced into a village and a Priory of the Order

of Cluny, on Lihons depending, by two especially

things illustrious once was: namely by the habitation

of S. Hucbertus the Monk, and of Pope Stephen II's responses

to the Monks of the same place: but now besides S.

Hucbertus's relics, nothing keeps of ornament. The church

half-ruined lies; of Monks there an assembly none, one

there a Treasurer Monk with a secular Prior,

who whatsoever there of annual revenue is receives, and yields

to the Treasurer a part of the oblations, which the faithful for a vow's

cause thither flowing together bring. In that place are seen

still vestiges of monastic buildings; and there exists hitherto

the part of the greater altar to B. Peter dedicated. Weighed

once I think those, who, especially for avoiding

the madness from the bite of rabid dogs, thither for a remedy's

cause betook themselves, and betake themselves daily.

So Mabillon, thinking with a certain superstition

observed, to a use by no means superstitious. that when men by any incommodity

laboring continued vows on fixed days, in the more frequented

of certain Saints' seats, daily

they were weighed or balanced in a scale, to this

suspended; about to make an experiment from the weight's decrement,

whether the disease or sickness of the man affected decreased.

For my part in such an experiment a superstition

I acknowledge; but whether anywhere it is or was ever usurped

I doubt. Certainly that do not prove the things which from the History of the Translation

of SS. Arsacius and Quirinus Mabillon adduces as examples;

but a balancing other altogether religious, which expressed

also I see in him whom himself alleges a man, who

with breads and little cheeses there himself weighing, them distributed to the needy:

and so in the very which we give of S. Hucbertus miracles num.

20, is read a certain one freed, an oblation being made of wax to the likeness

of his bodily weight. Such a balancing even now

to be usurped I know, nor another I think it to be than in several

Saints' Acts to have read I remember, when simply is vowed

someone to be weighed in honor of some Saint. It happens

for often even to be expressed that species of the thing to be offered, to

which to be weighed is he for whom the vow is conceived: which then

oblation, equally as the aforesaid breads and little cheeses, either was distributed

to the needy, or was left to the church; in which nothing

not religious appears.

[4] The age hitherto obscure The age of S. Hucbertus equally as his deeds obscure

to be, judges the same Mabillon. I have read, he says, what of him

every year are recited in the ecclesiastical of him Office,

I have read also a certain epistle quite prolix, of the same

Saint's deeds, to Medericus Seposius the Knight and of Britain

Admiral by Fr. Benedict Piso the Theologian inscribed,

in the year MDXXXIX, from the Calmes monastery of the diocese

of Sens. In each narration nothing almost

certain or memory-worthy. So he: then in a few words the whole

history he collects; and in passing correcting the Martyrology

Benedictine (of Menard namely, and so also of him

following Bucelinus the Menology) in which S. Hucbertus's birthday

is replaced on the day before the Kalends of June; Care, he says

with Livy, would not be lacking, if any to the truth a way to the inquirer

led. Now to the fame of things one must stand, where

certain faith abrogates antiquity. The Lessons, which in this century

are recited in the ecclesiastical Office, of more recent fabric to be

I am persuaded, than is the alleged by Mabillon Piso's Epistle,

nay from this taken; in the Life by Piso amplified and therefore I did not labor to obtain it.

The Epistle even itself I have not seen, at least under the form

of an Epistle, with of a name so recent the inscription; but

the Life of B. Hubert of Bretigny, from MS. Codices of S.

Eligius of Noyon I have, before years XL and more sent

to our Bolland, by R. D. John de S. Martin of Foulleuse

at Paris, where the last miracle done is said elapsed

years after Christ's birth a thousand three hundred: in the end

however thus is had: There finish the most illustrious of Divus Hubert

deeds, which wrote B. Piso, of a Burgundian place

born.

[5] Whether these Acts, in the century at least XIV collected, adorned

in the century XVI Piso the Calmes Monk, in the 14th or 16th century, under the Title of a Life,

and to the Britanniacum people and the Noyon people first delivered,

then with a preface Epistolary sent to the aforenamed Medericus;

or indeed Piso himself, in the century XIV lived and wrote,

of Britanniacum perhaps a Monk, which another then

in the Calmes Monastery, as he had found by the Author's name

subnoted, so included in the Epistle, his own name

not expressing, I do not define, nor of the worth it seems to investigate

more curiously: since indubitable it seems, to have existed

perhaps from a more ancient monument, to which consequently were added

certain miracles. But unless the last writer, the scanty

of the life's history matter to amplify into a longer context

wishing, found in the prior Life characters of times

many things had added of his own, beyond the more ancient age's style; not

would have been I believe to Mabillon difficult something certain of the Saint's

age therein to find. it seems to be able to be drawn from the Kings' names; But neither so to be despaired I think, since

the primitive characters in that which we have life seem

to shine forth, as among the sands the filings of gold. For in num. 5 is said

S. Hubert twelve years old the Monachal cowl

to have taken, when Childebert the King of affairs took possession

in France. Then in num. 11 is inferred, that, when twenty

now years he had spent, consecrated he was a Priest. Then

in num. 13 is read, that, after ten years

and months three at Bretigny he had spent, to be imminent

his death's day he found ascertained; and lest by a premature

death, in youthful age he be extinguished, God beseech

the Monks. At length indeed in num. 15 is asserted, with a tranquil

sigh to have breathed out his spirit III Kalends of June,

reigning at that time Dagobert King of the Franks.

But that from these the age of the Saint be gathered, only there is need to find

Childebert and Dagobert Kings, to each other

mutually succeeding, so that under one a Monk to be made, and

under the other to die the Saint could within the eleventh year.

[6] not as expounded by Piso, Our interpolator (who perhaps not but a single

Childebert and a single Dagobert knew) the more famous

of those names Kings to his imagination set, and

to this object the rest he fitted circumstances of the years of Christ

and of the Roman Pontificate, of which among the ancients no reckoning

was had. Therefore Dagobert he took, of that name the First:

he however in Neustria, to which Britiniacum pertains,

only to reign began after the death of his father Chlothar II

in the year DCXXXVIII. Before him in the same Neustria of Paris

indeed the kingdom Childebert of Clovis the great the son held,

and to him could Britanniacum have pertained, if his kingdom

from the of Soissons kingdom of his brother Chlothar of that name first

was divided by the Oise river; but there intervenes a longer of time

space than to Hucbertus can be fitted: but as collated with the decade which Hucbertus in the Monastery passed, if indeed this Childebert

died in the year DLVIII. Very well indeed to the same

Hucbertus agree the times of Childebert III in the year DCXCVIII,

according to the Henschenian Chronology, to reign

having begun (but almost in Title only, Pippin Major-domo all things

moderating) and of his son Dagobert likewise III, who in the year

DCCXI to his father succeeding, the King's bare name as a little child held

unto the year DCCXV. And so if for the year of Christ about

six hundredth (which unskillfully placed of the ancient Acts

the interpolator, carried away by the ambiguity of the royal names) a year

about seven hundredth thou substitute, not only

thou wilt have between of each kingdom the confines the required of the Monkhood

of Hucbertus decade; but also the time at which the Utrecht

Hubert, in the year first DCCVII made a Bishop, could have,

still secular existing and in the Frankish court living, from

the sacred font receive, and from his name call this of

whom we treat Saint, as to have done assert the Acts num. 2. We seem

therefore enough securely the foot here to fix: nor to delay us

ought the of Pelagius the Roman Pope times, beyond the custom of the ancient

in France writers by the interpolator added; nor

the Title "Far the most valiant of Kings," from the first to the last

Dagobert transferred.

[7] It would be indeed desirable to us a first whatsoever

Life, from interpolations pure, to receive: and therefore that Life here is given from a MS. not however

altogether to be despised this later seems. Easily for by

itself the reader will discern the prolix prosopopoeias, which here he will find,

of Piso to be; and what as if by one colloquy transacted are brought forth,

into several meetings by thinking he will divide. Prudently

also he will be able to doubt, whether the Britanniacum Prior the twelve-year-old

boy clothed in the habit, not pre-had of his parents

the consent; and of the Angelic visions he will suspect, that they

can to internal inspirations be reduced, the history's substance saved.

For it must be confessed, an amplification more than rhetorical,

and almost puerile to have used Piso; but if therefore the whole

his composition ought to be repudiated, to be repudiated would be similar

of the Greeks compositions several, which without hesitation we receive

entire: for it makes to a judgment solid concerning the matter itself

to be borne, the Author's ingenium to have from his style perceived.

Meanwhile I observe, that the narrated miracles through S.

Hucbertus alive or dead wrought, in a more sincere far

style are set forth.

LIFE

By Piso the Monk more freely amplified,

From a MS. of the Monastery of Saint-Eloi of Noyon by R. D. John de S. Martin of Foulleuse communicated.

Hucbertus, Monk of Britanniacum in Gaul (S.)

BHL Number: 3992

BY THE AUTHOR PISO FROM A MS.

CHAPTER I.

By prayers obtained from his parents Hucbertus, into the monastery is received at twelve years old.

At Bretigny born of an illustrious family, Of venerable and pious memory the Confessor

Divus Hubert, by an excellent certain gift

divine, both with chief virtues' graces

shone; both nobly born of a place obtained

illustrious birth. Bretigny in the Soissons

Prelacy, this generous stock produced. There Hubert

with the first of an illustrious family born a more honorable

life led, in the same buried earth, with shining

far and wide miracles a blessed in the heavens age having obtained.

His father, of Bretigny the Lord, for a barren mother is obtained in warlike

arms exceedingly strenuous a Knight stood out: and to him

indeed the appellation was Peter, the mother Joanna was named.

These spouses, as of a most noble family, so

with most holy religion flourished, except that of a wealthy

Domain a future heir for a good while was lacking the stock;

inasmuch as barren Joanna was for several years.

They were anguished therefore not a little, that their most ample

possessions to an heir uncertain they were to bequeath. At length

came into the mind a piety more devout, that only this gift

from the best God was to be taken; with vows pronounced

the divine Majesty was to be supplicated; that the kindly Divinity

by its one power could bestow, that a barren womb

might bear.

[2] At that time, in the estate of Bretigny of the Monks

the Prior, by the Prior's prayers, with exceeding sanctity endowed, a most celebrated

fame had procured. Him for the cause of a prayer to be made

the most noble spouses approach. Then it is said

them to Divus Peter sacred more augustly to have entered the temple,

to the sacred altars rich gifts to have brought, more earnestly to have prayed, that the Divine ones

he would entreat the sacred Cenobite, that more quickly

with excellent offspring from on high they might be endowed.

He duly the Sacrifice having offered, more joyful all things having promised,

with which divine breathing he was afflated, first them with immense solace affected;

soon with bland charming sweetness soothed, as

most gladsome from himself dismissed. Let them go alacritous, and well henceforth

let them hope; that it would be shortly that with the desired offspring they would be endowed.

Nor did hope deceive the bidden things. After thence months

nine elapsed, Joanna a male stock brought forth. With the holy

laver dipped the infant, by S. Hubert he is received in Baptism. called by the pleasant name

Hubert was. Godfathers two men of the highest rank by the Christian

custom are summoned; Hubert, the great of Ardenne

was related, and the Count ^c of Vermandois, a man both

in Christian affairs and military among the few illustrious.

How much moreover on the boy Hubert divine favor shone,

an illustrious deed openly declares, of Christ

the Savior the secret saying confirms. As

in the most sacred Gospel is recounted, A city cannot

be hidden set upon a mountain, nor do they kindle

that they who enter the light may see: Piously educated, for what should I Divus

Hubert deem other, than a city

flourishing? Mat. 5, 14. What should I Hubert call rather, than

he flowered, so much with most splendid both benefactions and

blessings he shone, that him even from the womb of his genetrix

full of God to have been thou wouldst think.

[3] Hubert, then as yet a boy still, afflated

by the Holy Spirit, and the church at twelve years entering, benign humility, the clear

of nobility insignia, before himself he bore always, so easy,

urbane, charming toward all, a mild and placid

ingenium he grew; and besides before all more beneficent

to the needy, them with love and means he followed

(which indeed is an excellent of a mind well affected disposition)

nor anything whatever in mind he revolved, except the most holy

things and the same pleasing to the supreme God.

With such beginnings Hubert his boyish age

decorated, so that thou wouldst think him not but celestial things by meditation

to embrace. And he twelve years old, as imitating

Christ's vestiges, an excellent first of all deed

he undertakes. When before by his parents' zeal, by the custom

of the Nobles, at home letters he had learned, the church to Divus

Peter sacred more frequently he approached, and the Monks in that place

at sacred things working quite familiarly he visited. There was that

monastery in Bretigny situated, not far from the citadel

paternal. By the sacred at length allured of the Monks institute

the little boy of twelve years, the paternal home secretly leaving,

to the convent himself led. he seeks there the read things to be explained to him: Now the sacred

church he had entered by celestial captured religion, when

unexpectedly he heard a Subdeacon reading of the Prophets

the vaticinations. There with excellent disposition the boy Hubert,

the eloquences of the Seers more perspicaciously to understand strives: accordingly

blandly inquiring, My venerable Father, he says, what

dost thou deem to be, that now in the sacred things is read? Then

indeed the old man, as if rejoicing, to the questioner in very few words

answered. Beautifully son, whatsoever by the lection sacred recounted

is, it all pertains to the soul's sustenance;

it is bidden then thereupon, that a more continent life be led,

the spirit of this vain world from the voluptuous enticements to abstain.

But Hubert, greater things to grasp striving,

to inquire began, I ask suppliant, he says, lucidly

and perspicuously teach me, Father, what to be thou thinkest

the sustenance of the soul. Nor delayed the old man, but

to the inquirer more clearly he explained. The fear of God a sustenance

of the soul firm is, the fear toward God a nutriment

vital of the human heart is: of holy Scripture

the lection at once and the hearing the soul human nourishes and and of the fear of God instructed,

corroborates: the divine of Christ Jesus saying hold thou,

Not in bread alone lives man, but in every word which

proceeds from the mouth of God. Mat. 4:4, Ps. 110, 10 Certain also and very elegant

that of the royal Seer reflect; The beginning of wisdom is the fear

of the Lord, a good understanding to all doing

it; his praise remains for ever and ever.

[4] And at the same time these things having said, as if wondering at the precocious

of the sagacious little boy ingenium and the keen inquiries, and concerning the way of attaining beatitude, thus

he subjoined; I fear exceedingly lest thou, son most beautiful,

who so wisely inquirest, my unwisdom

to prove wishest to go. To the demanding old man most skilled

of speaking Hubert to have answered enough it is established, that these

inquiries he had put, not for tempting's cause, but

that more fully he might grasp the deep-speaking old man's saying: inasmuch as

he not by boyish only age, but of letters also

by the ignorance was impeded, whereby the less the deep-speakings

by understanding he might grasp. Then indeed that good old man,

by that answer soft and sound persuaded, begins with these

words: All men, who the celestial beatitude

to attain strive, to virtue most candid, to excellent benefactions,

and to the rest of good arts diligent work to apply

it is necessary. And since, son most beautiful,

so greatly thou desirest the truth to know thoroughly, my attend

diligently address. The Eternal, omnipotent, and

supremely good God, the soul of reason capable to

his own image from nothing created; with that indeed

law, that if to the divine precepts it should obey, with felicity

it might fully enjoy everlasting; because the first of the human

race progenitor Adam, in that most blessed and very

pleasant paradisiac seat, from the beginning a life to lead

tranquil had been bidden. For indeed thus in the Sacred things

eloquently is recounted; Took God the man

whom he had formed, and put him in the paradise of pleasure,

that he might work and keep it. Gen. 2, 15 But

when less to the saying obedient he had strayed from the celestial law,

into a most wretched exile unhappy he changed soil: for as soon

as the forbidden apple through a nefarious crime inconsiderately

he bit, forthwith into the extreme whatsoever miseries

by an unhappy fall he grew. Thence soon partly with various

diseases to languish, partly with sadness to grow pale all things; whence man through Adam's fall fell away,

and so long shut was heaven, until Christ

Jesus, the equal of the eternal God the father's offspring and splendor,

savage death to seek, at once revived

the enemy triumphed over the starry citadels to approach. Beatitude

by foul gluttony was lost, and by nefarious swelling: it at length

through the Christian faith both the mild and the abstemious by lawful

right to themselves vindicated. Wherefore whosoever for the honor

of God himself with temperate fasting shall have bound, who

vows duly shall have paid, who prayers to God worthily shall have poured, who

himself in the sight of God or men modest shall have borne;

to this who with eager affection by no means shall have loved

gold nor silver, nor garments, nor riches,

nor mundane possessions; and besides

who with due honor shall have affected father and mother and

priests, he at length happily the most ample of the heavens

realms shall obtain. But who with haughtiness by being proud

swell, who at neighbors wrongly rail, who

by sordid are anguished avarice, who by senseless are drawn

cupidity, moreover who neither father, nor mother, nor

priests, nor elders, nor neighbors honor; these

altogether into the Tartarean shall be thrust shades, which to the malign

devil it is reported from the beginning to have prepared God, where,

as the divine declare oracles, weeping will be and gnashing

of teeth. But through those beautiful benefactions, those which

with full faith they are performed, in monasteries however religious

with favoring God both more easily and more splendidly are exercised.

Wherefore, my dearest son, if thy soul

to feed with pabulum celestial thou desirest, with thyself ponderingly

thou mayest consult, what there is need for one who has undertaken,

Christ Jesus me being thy counselor concerning that matter more holily and more devoutly

beseech thou.

[5] to the monastery to be received he demands: After the of speaking end the eloquent old man made,

forthwith the religious boy Hubert, with bent knee

at the old man's feet fell, and in this manner speaks, O truly

from this henceforth day of Christ most eloquent old man, thou

art my father, inasmuch as thou art a master of works most excellent,

and the way into the kingdom of paradise demonstratest;

thou indeed my soul hast acquired, by the author

thee deigned God to summon me from the world fleeting

and profane to religion sacred. I pray to God

more beneficent with clasped hands, that worthy according to

merit a reward to thee he may pay. Lo burns my little soul,

for thy salutary counsel, of this monastery the cowl

to clothe, and with the monastic to be wrapped pallium. Wonders

grave that old man, with so great a boy of twelve years ardor

toward divine things inflamed, exclaims, Well done,

with the highest virtue boy, so for thyself a step thou wilt make into the heavens.

Before therefore the cenobial consortship thou approach, about to do

to me a thing worth the labor it seems, if thee indeed

diligently I admonish, what especially are to the Monks

both the laws and the events. A most beautiful indeed deed

thou contrivest: but in the monastic order with bitter art thou with troubles

to be afflicted. Vigils sleepless to undergo thou hast, to nocturnal

psalms to be sung to lie, about to suffer adverse

things, sometimes objurgations to hear, grave

troubles thou wilt approach. But indeed a victor thou wilt come forth, and from all

dangers thou wilt be quit. But indeed, if among these

all calamitous things both magnanimously and faithfully, received the habit he puts on. for

love toward God, a stable step thou settest, then

at length on thee will square exactly that saying

of Christ Jesus, who shall have persevered unto the end he

shall be saved: and this same to thee may make God to thee willing propitious.

Therefore with constant vigor Hubert from that venerable

Prior, both good, both upright, under the Benedictine

without immense congratulation, in the year of the Incarnate word about

six hundredth ^e; at which indeed time Pelagius,

as to memory has been handed, the Roman Pontificate held. Mat. 10, 12

Then also with Christian piety far the most

distinguished Hildebert the King, held possession of affairs

in France. How much therefore to the monastic disciplines

Hubert grew together increased and strong, incredible

it is. With honorable morals more adorned, he was strong with a face comely,

with speech affable, with colloquy sweet, with more grateful

service, of all he deserved well. How much

moreover shone forth piety toward God, observance toward

elders, benevolent love toward all; so to God to please,

the Brothers' favor to merit, to all dear to be.

Nor indeed only before himself a generous nobility

he smelled, but of the kindly Divinity the grace he savored more odorously.

ANNOTATA.

Nay rather Seven hundredth, as above said; ill therefore hither agrees the name of Pelagius the Pope, whether the first, who sat from the year 519 to 558, to Childebert I contemporary; or the second, who sat from the year 577 to 579.

To Chap. 2 num. 10 Note, that although the Fief's name in the 9th century first to be heard began, anciently however Allodia or hereditary goods were distinguished, from those given in Benefice: of the former, to anyone it was permitted at pleasure to dispose; of the latter, not but the right of the supreme Lord saved. Such a right if the Vermandois Count truly had had, unjustly this to him would have subtracted Peter, by delivering it to the Monks: therefore such a right the Count none had; but on another title relying, namely of nearest consanguinity, an injury to himself done through such an alienation rashly he pretended, although the estate to no one was bound, except to the necessary heir Hucbertus.

CHAPTER II.

The persuaded parents deliver him to the monastery of Bretigny: which lest he hinder the Count of Vermandois by Hubert appearing is prohibited.

[6] A desire meanwhile to the father and mother came, of Hubert

to see, wishing to ascertain, The parents seeking him, what

him in the temple so long delayed. They seek the convent,

about Hubert many things ask. When they ascertained

him the monastic Order to have entered, first

with grave grief they are struck, then having conferred mutually

with the Prior of Bretigny they complain, soon

Hubert they summon. To him standing before her the mother Joanna,

as she who her son with maternal affection more embraced,

with tears risen, said: If to me before a popular assembly,

or to most powerful Kings, or to Magnates

to be had were an oration, tears to be tempered, womanly

complaints to be abstained from I would think. But,

my sweetest son; since with thee as if my grief

to deposit I seem, either by weeping or by

complaining, there is not why I should dread words to make,

with tears bedewed my cheeks. In youthful age while I flourished,

supplication from God thee, son, I and thy father

obtained; God granting into the regions of light brought forth thou wast,

with such indeed hope that of our lineage a survivor by right

hereditary thou wouldst be. Illustrious indeed to be I deem, if

bears; the highest and most preeminent is that at length nobility, and to the mother that home he return exhorting,

which God loves, God worships, God venerates:

this with us also at my command thou wouldst have done.

What dost thou undertake, dear son? what dost thou begin? Thy father

to the religion Christian among the first himself addicts, in praying

to God frequent, in alms liberal, of the needy of the people he deserves

well. Add that with justice he is famed, with probity he is bright, with virtue

he gleams. What, most tender son,

dost thou contrive? If of an illustrious mind the brightnesses so greatly thee

allure, nothing we resist, in the paternal home abundantly they will increase.

The most ample of Bretigny house far and wide

extends: there are to us citadels proud, there are estates

richer, a revenue opulent yearly is paid.

We now in senile age from death not far are,

to thee alone all riches about to leave: thee only

one heir we await. Thus from our hope are we fallen?

Come, son sweetest, the home seek again: have pity

on a mother's tears, have pity on a father's old age.

[7] When the noble matron had finished speaking, to his more indulgent

genetrix Hubert, in disposition excellent an adolescent, reposes Hubert the example of Christ, as if

with the Holy Spirit full, that gravely and accurately to be answered

he deemed with this address. Although, sweet-speaking

mother, thy mournful words and tearful wailings,

both grief and tears to me abundantly stir

(nor for, as commonly is said, blood

can lie) yet from the begun things to be torn I shall by no means be able

ever. Namely an inspiration divine me to this

illustrious deed to be undergone instigated. Nor indeed

is hidden from me what the most sacred eloquences command, Honor

father and mother, that thou be long-lived upon the earth,

and may bless thee God. In turn, I think, thou

holdest in memory, how lucidly in the Gospel

is recounted, the most pious Jesus, twelve

years old, secretly from his mother at Jerusalem in

the temple to have remained, wonderful things to have asked, and to the Scribes responses

far more keen to have given, all wondering

at the prudence and responses of the more ingenious Jesus.

Three days after found in the temple, to Mary his mother, weeping

and querulous, kindly and placidly such bore a response:

What is it that me you were seeking? Know you not

that in those things which my father's are it behooves me to be?

By which response bent the mother, no response

against made. Come, tell me, parent far the dearest,

what thinkest thou? Whether this excellent and divine of Christ

deed in vain to letters' monuments handed

is? Whether for us in vain is read? More ponderingly

in mind revolve, with mind the sacred eloquence embrace,

what is it other than a certain of grasping

piety exemplar? and he seeks that it to follow may be permitted to him, All my life's days

God to serve, the temple to inhabit, to sacred things me wholly

to addict, my mind I have brought: thus to me persuaded,

thus decreed it is. Surely to my mortal mother any

of injury done is gone, if my Maker I follow? mine

O glorious Father my celestial, who of the Virgin most sacred

to be born willed, who a perennial kingdom in heaven

holdest; mayest thou be present to me I pray happy, clement, propitious:

sweetly and supplicating thy help I implore;

the bitter of my parents perturbations remove

far, sadness all keep off, let depart

grief all, nor to me henceforth let them be obstacles whereby the less

to thy sacred things I be addicted. Why dost thou lament? why

groaning weepest, most loving genetrix? why to me

terrestrial wealth and dignities dost thou promise? I

indeed joys, pleasures, pomps of the slipping world

at a trifle value: an earthly inheritance, falling, slippery,

false, vanishes away; the celestial, solid and eternal is held.

God I have chosen, God I will love, God I will worship,

God I will venerate, to God sacred I will be, God for

your all salvation I will ask, nor any of mortals'

suggestion me from these my begun things will tear. and there unto death to remain. For which reasons

thee, good mother, I beseech and adjure, through Jesus

and the rest of the Heaven-dwellers, with your leave here a Monk

let me profess, here to divine things let me have leisure, here Christ

Jesus let me contemplate: death is at hand, old age seeks,

nature's right shortly is to be paid: wherefore

permit only that I begin that, which, as soon as

human life we shall have departed, likewise, my as

dearest father and mother, we are in that celestial

beatitude to do. For in that manner with far greater

and truer I shall be to you a solace. Spiritual of the mind

delights together frequently we shall take. Accordingly return home,

and at the same time a glad life live.

[8] Scarcely those things said he had finished, when suddenly Peter

of Bretigny, The assenting parents the most arms-mighty Knight, as if with divine

afflated power, into these words burst forth: Stop,

son, the discourse longer, to God through thee speaking

let us consent, it is necessary. For nor thy voice

God it thunders. To the divine will earth-born men

to obey both befits, both is fair. An Angel

live, as it pleases thee, celibate; a Monk profess;

our all property common be; for me, and thy mother

for thee God suppliant pray. their goods threefold they divide, These things having said, he himself

likewise and the genetrix the son embraced kiss,

and at the same time the citadel seek again, not without joy

immense. Nor much after, having followed Joachim and Anna,

the ancestral parents of Christ Jesus, the proceeds of money

all they divided: a part to Divus Peter of Bretigny

convent was attributed, a part among the poor distributed,

to pilgrims, orphans, widows, the infirm

is bestowed; but indeed a third to the daily food

store and liberal beneficence they laid up;

these three parts to Hubert they bequeathed. Things in this

manner beautifully accomplished, Hubert in mind free and of his vow

possessed, wholly to sacred things himself addicted. His morals

were most honorable, now to lection to be zealous, now

to prayers' meditations to lie diligently he took care.

At the beginning the Psalter of the royal Seer, he himself a life most piously establishes: then the holy

Scriptures both by memory and most quickly he learned. Thus

to himself and honor he procures. But how great of a most upright

conversation flowed in him purity, the published miracles

declared, which soon a little will be narrated.

And he himself indeed temperate and frugal, his most tender

body he subdued. Thrice in the week through all his life

and the sixth; and on these three days the food portion,

which to him was ministered, to men altogether poor to bestow

he was wont.

[9] On these best deeds the enemy of the human race

the devil envied. the demon's, to defection soliciting, temptations he conquers: To divine meditation having leisure

Hubert fraudulently the demon accosts, openly

confessing of the celestial Angels one himself to be, for that by God's

command from heaven sent down, that more manifestly what the divine

will was, he might open to the youth wavering.

To please exceedingly God that of his parents to the vows he should obey,

nor them with grief lasting to waste away suffer,

lest from a good hope he fall, and an opulent patrimony

disdain. A matter too arduous of imprudent

boys in the manner rashly he had undertaken,

beyond right and good. For indeed what can be

more inhuman, than paternal griefs to hold this way

and that? What (mischief) more demented would be a folly or

rather a stupidity, than great wealth, by paternal sweat

acquired, with insane contempt to squander! Let him return

therefore more quickly to the paternal home, and his own let him fill

with gladness; unless he do divine wraths soon to experience.

Then indeed Hubert in mind to totter began,

and with grand weariness to grow weak; what he should do, whither himself

to turn in a doubtful matter, uncertain. As soon

as the satanic frauds he perceived, and the wiles helping divine

favor he foresaw; the weariness he expels from his breast, and the cogitation

depraved far away he averts; and that not

but first a prayer to God poured.

[10] It happened not so very long after no less a perturbation,

which however itself to Hubert's of praises titles

was added. A rumor grew abroad to the ears of the Count of Vermandois,

with whom alone the supreme power of the Bretigny

Domain at that time was, To the Count of Vermandois, at the fief alienated indignant, that Hubert,

now long ago had been initiated to sacred things, the inheritance paternal

all to the Monks was sacred, accordingly no

in these lands to the Count would be henceforth of homage command.

Bore the most illustrious Prince that very thing quite grievously,

and forthwith that injury concerning the fiefs to be reclaimed

to remove by war he resolved. Forthwith therefore into arms

at once a stipendiary soldiery is gathered, war is declared

to Peter Lord of Bretigny: many mortals to and

fro frequent assembled. When ascertained

he had the Prince of Bretigny by an atrocious war himself to be sought, about to resist the father, his son's prayers demands: as

nor before with arms to contend he thought, but Hubert,

of whom so great a strife was moved, to consult he would address.

He was strong that Count of Vermandois both in bodily

strength and in lofty principality, and in military affairs

very much availed, inasmuch as savage and strenuous in

arms. Peter therefore the noble Knight, about to take a journey

to the duel fierce, the prayers and help of his son Hubert

in the monastery demands, and that with him likewise

he would go earnestly requires. Most sacredly promises the holy Man

himself to be present, and present help to bring; let him go

as soon as possible the father to the field of battle, and with excellent

fortitude and great of mind hope relying,

without doubt due suffrages most sacred to the all-potent

God to extend himself. Go boldly, my

father, he says: indeed for thee suppliant I will pray God,

whom beyond doubt the safest from all peril

had the pious father, and exceedingly glad from his son departed,

and to the appointed of the contest place more quickly

hastened. who to those about to fight appearing, But after that mutual into sight

they came, on both sides they draw up the battle-line, and to a battle

bloody themselves fierce gird: meanwhile

Hubert, on his promise standing, much God with tears

with intent prayer asks. Nor long he delayed to bring aid.

For in the army of Bretigny, Hubert

with an angelic surrounded phalanx seen openly was,

and before all recognized; and that not only by the Count of Vermandois,

but the whole also host. Now indeed

the Count, by the divine vision terrified, a frozen invaded

tremor; forthwith the lance he cast away, from his horse himself to the earth

threw, and at the same time with bent knee Peter of Bretigny

by the hand seized. Thereupon mutually kissing

peaceful they joined right hands: there a perpetual of friendship

covenant in turn they make: swears most sacredly

the Count the entered covenant himself to break never:

and suddenly when they had returned into favor, Divus

Hubert together with the Angels' multitude from the eyes

of the bystanders vanished. an author of peace he becomes. The father with a bloodless victory

exulting, to Bretigny returned, into the lofty of Divus Peter

temple himself betook, rich gifts ratified, immense

to God the Savior and to his son Hubert thanks gave.

To have happened this excellent deed, in the year first that

Divus Hubert the monastic institute to profess had begun,

to memory has been handed. That matter to Hubert

is it that for that benefaction vain glory he was hunting,

that even that all to God acceptable he referred.

Grew abroad his indeed fame through the mouths of peoples,

but daily was increased a sanctity greater: so

far Hubert with virtue most illustrious mortals other

all excelled.

CHAPTER III.

Miracles, after the Priesthood received, in the last of his life two years wrought: his pious death.

When twenty ^a now years both justly and chastely

he had spent, consecrated he was with the assent of all

he was, God openly showed: for Pontiffs three,

of Soissons ^b, of Laon ^c, of Noyon ^d,

by a nocturnal vision through Gabriel the Archangel admonishes,

that to Bretigny they should set forth, the divine man

Hubert to visit (he a sacred thing, first

to the Priesthood consecrated, was about to do) that God willed

that the three Pontiffs to Hubert sacrificing, for the place of singular

honor, should be present. Therefore unexpected the most sacred

Pontiffs to Bretigny came, before 3 Bishops his first-fruits he offers. divinely instigated.

For a miracle the matter was held, especially since no

at all had intervened of one summoned. There were present the three Pontiffs

to Hubert the Sacred performing. But the finished of the sacred

thing solemnity, a marvelous thing happened.

For indeed when to a banquet sat had been, among

the Nobles several and most holy Pontiffs, who

then at the feast reclined, a beggar unexpected

at the tables was present: he before the dining assembly an alms

besought. Christ he feeds in a poor man, Then at length Hubert, with how great of a more liberal

mind munificence he was strong not obscurely made patent:

for the viands all, which had been set

for the new Priest Hubert, the needy one with his own hand

took, and forthwith disappeared. Wonder the banqueters,

at so great a prodigy are astounded, Hubert

with the highest praises extol; at the feast to those present

Christ to the most sacred banquet to have glided to have been, commonly

it was believed. For who would disbelieve, that the immense

God often a poor beggar's person to have put on? he

therefore a poor man to be believed Christ to be without doubt both

could, and ought. Hither accedes a deed far very

memorable, inasmuch as which of excellent sanctity

an opinion generated, not only to the rustic

people, but to the Pontiffs also three. Through the same

light a woman, from the town of Noyon sprung, a possessed woman he frees,

when most wretchedly by a malign spirit she was tormented, before

the feet is offered to Divus Hubert. There is produced a miracle

immense. For as soon as the possessed woman with the Cross's

sign he had illuminated, joined with a hands' imposition;

forthwith the nefarious demon fled away, clearly

also seeing those who then there present were.

So by the prayer of S. Hubert to her pristine health restored

the possessed woman, safe and unharmed to the dwellings

paternal returned. From which things the kindly of his life

sanctity and the illustrious Hubert's virtues, the Pontiffs

three easily knew, and him afterward

with the highest of honor worship held: nor indeed they hesitated,

but that departing of his prayers by the most sacred suffrages

greatly themselves commended to be they wished.

So Divus Hubert venerated back they went.

[12] a dumb and paralytic he cures, A matron likewise from the field of Laon with like fate

an only son had borne, and that boy through nine

years neither to have spoken nor to have walked with the feet's going

was reported, until to Divus Hubert brought

he was. Before the lying boy Divus Hubert,

of faith full, commands, thus saying a word deprecatory.

In the name of Jesus Christ, in whom washed

with the most sacred laver thou art, forthwith rise, and stand thou

erect upon thy feet, and speak. Nor delay,

soon as he heard the commanding Hubert's most potent

voice, with good health gifted forthwith he rose,

and to speak distinctly began. Sick people innumerable, and

with rabid fury raging, and many other sick people, and with various affected diseases

with the most present soundness S. Hubert imparted;

to whom all two holier precepts to give

he was wont: one that far was chief: Go thou, my

dearest brother, home, about to give honor to one

only God; and to the most high of all things Creator

thanks render thou, nor mayest thou dare to anyone to disclose of mortals,

that Hubert thee healed, lest worse to thee

it happen. Then thereupon a law this he gave far

best: Beware lest by God's name thou swear, inasmuch as

it is an enormous crime. For which cause once by the elders'

custom it was received, that the Laon people, whence to veneration also his name is.

of Noyon, of Soissons, by S. Hubert

to swear were wont; so much of that man celestial

excellent shone the sanctity. A constant also fame

from ancient back ages grew unto our age

even, so much of authority and power more than

human to itself the very Hubert's name for the divine sanctity

to have assumed, that wherever this name, indeed

quite venerable and august, inscribed was held,

moreover whatsoever of his most sacred body's

relics shall have been touched, to this same neither lightning,

nor tempest, nor the terrification of satan, nor

madness, nor frenzy to harm could ever. Now

that to be to truth consonant to be believed; fitting and pious

it is; since there confirm daily miracles;

and of pilgrims the concourse, to Bretigny in throngs

rushing, an irrefragable faith make repeatedly [e].

[13] The parents being dead Grew the divine man's toward God most flagrant

love, and now to the highest of virtue summit

he had come, now nothing but God almost he perceived,

now not but celestial things with his mind's cogitation he embraced,

now nothing except divine things he spoke,

now the heaven's sweetnesses he burned for; when in a few

days the father and mother of Hubert from human affairs migrated,

without doubt felicity eternal having attained.

Nor long afterward Hubert a survivor on earth was.

Increased the parents' deaths sudden to the divine man

both of human things weariness, and of celestial

joy a desire immense. He desires more quickly to die and from mortal

life to depart, to die also he desires, that more quickly the vision of God he might enjoy

both blessed and everlasting. Very frequently with bowed

prayers' demanding God earnestly he asks, that of corporeal

stain free into celestial purity he may emerge,

and a good end having attained into the society of the faithful

he may be enrolled. And so in nocturnal watches at the sacred altars

to the holy Man, to prayers' meditations lying,

sent down from heaven Michael appeared; to bid

God that Hubert as quickly as possible into heaven

from earth depart: and obtains, accordingly consolation in mind he should take,

nor with longer sadness languish; about to be

beatitude he be gifted. These things he says, and at the same time the celestial

messenger on high returned. Then indeed Hubert

with incredible joy his twin hands clasped

congratulating, from the bottom of his breast thanks

gave, immense praise composed to Christ Jesus. Therefore

after ten years and months three at Bretigny

in the convent the man Apostolic Hubert had spent; in the 11th year of monastic life:

and of virtues with the summit lofty and of miracles

with glory distinguished, devoutly and religiously conversant

had been; to be imminent of his day of death by divine revelation

ascertained he had. Accordingly the known death

to his Brothers, lest by a sudden fear they be struck,

amicably he disclosed. Then indeed with atrocious grief

are wasted all, lamentation and mourning arises,

tears everywhere from eyes flow. Thence weeping together

Hubert, with a bitter fever lying on his little bed,

surround: there earnestly to beseech God they began,

lest by a premature death, in youthful age, blooming

Hubert fall. Therefore in flowery youth's

age a precocious death would he undergo? Thus with a nobler

excelling disposition, his dear Brothers deserted to be would he suffer?

And so God suppliant they prayed, lest he should die

the good Hubert, so sweet, so benign, so

amiable, so clement.

[14] When so mournful a clamor resounds; when he perceived

Divus Hubert with bitter grief consternated

the Brothers, and the mourning Brothers having consoled, them all to be consoled he held;

and with the mind's alacrity and the cheerfulness of a smiling face,

is said blandly to have addressed them, whom sad

for his of one passing he perceived; lastly he made

of all things founder good Jesus, my soul

to thy clemency commended to be suppliant

I would. And indeed love toward me thy very great

to be easily I perceived, especially since through a celestial

Angel thou commandest from this world to be by me departed.

Unhappy too much would be the command, unless one an unclean

heart to purge should strive. Yet to the supreme

mandate to resist never is permitted, since

by us all once it is to be died; with such therefore

merciful and clement God, to thee alone I confess and of crimes

pardon I pray suppliant. Whatsoever by me

ever has been sinned, pardon being asked from God for his sins, and whether by perverse thought, or

by swelling pride, or by envious spite, or by inert

sloth, or by torpid carelessness, or by indignant bile,

against thy divine majesty has been

offended, that wholly all on account of the bitter of thy death

passion, for the unstained faith in thee mine, forgive thou

clement and propitious abolish thou. Moreover, good

God, I pray, have mercy on my most wretched soul.

This placidly and cheerfully receive thou, as soon as the dead

body shall have gone out, and by thy alone liberal gift

with the celestial kingdom's glories may it be adorned. Lastly this one thing

from thy beneficence to be obtained I strive vehemently

again and again, evil, peril all,

at once and sadness by thy alone gratuitous gift from

these Brothers Monks keep off: Bretigny

and the kinsfolk, from evil beasts, hail, lightning, he commends to him the monastery, diabolical

illusion, free thou: and besides, if anyone with the falling

disease labor or with insane madness rage, and he

to Bretigny of help to be obtained for the cause shall have betaken himself,

he from the cruel disease as free as possible be; grant

willing and propitious, that which to my godfather ^f thou gavest,

whosoever of my name the patronage shall have implored,

forthwith from him the rabid frenzy avert thou.

Of the supreme trinity, and of the virgin mother Mary at the same time

and of all the Divine ones the help I implore, that my

soul with serene countenance they may receive, and in the everlasting

rest's pleasant bosom may place.

[15] and placidly he expires, With several other of that kind of prayers' supplications

demanded God Divus Hubert, under

the impending death's hour the sacred of Christ's body

Communion he tasted, and the rest of Christian piety's

sacraments by the custom of the elders received: soon

thence when on his bed reclining, as if a slumber

sweetish he were taking, the Monks meanwhile hymns

and canticles around composing, with a tranquil sigh

he breathed out his spirit, and forthwith the paradisiac

rest he sought; on the third Kalends of June, reigning

at that time Dagobert ^g, far the most valiant King

of the Franks. But after that Divus Hubert his soul

had expired, at Bretigny suddenly so sweetly smelling

an odor wafted, just as if a divine power all

of the vernal mildness flowers into that place had gathered.

From which thing what is to be thought other,

than that of paradisiac fragrance a sweet pleasantness

to the obsequy of the funeral had breathed for most holy

Hubert? Soon Hubert from life to have departed

grew the rumor; there is a running to the obsequies. and indeed quite noble the fame of him

not only the neighboring shores went, but through the whole

also of the Belgic region's circuit his sanctity

far and wide was divulged. They rush thence in troops,

by so great a sweetness of odor allured, of peoples

wedges of the faithful; and from everywhere through all

the paths of the ways they run up. They contend each one to touch

Divus Hubert's holy body, for the soundness salutary

by those present to be obtained: nor of those asking anyone

empty departed; all that which by Hubert's

name they had demanded not reluctantly obtained.

For which things God most beneficent openly

showed, with how great of virtues dignity glorious

Hubert, or with what of supernal honor privilege he was endowed;

inasmuch as the more God, when on earth

he was, with entire charity he loved, the more with a more potent endowment to curing

diseases he excels. But that more manifestly that

all may grow clear, with a veracious recount examples splendid

I will subjoin.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER IV.

Miracles done after his death.

[14] A few days afterward elapsed, when the holy Body

of the venerable Hubert at Bretigny in an honorable

sepulchre was deposited, The health of a dead arm from S. Hubert the Bishop demanding. Namaramus,

warlike most celebrated, although in piety conspicuous

and in probity he was, his arm however the right half-dead

and bloodless very many days carried about. He health

to obtain from Hubert the Great, Ardenne

sought: and when nine days, and as many nights

with the pious of sacred things rite in the church of Divus Hubert of Ardenne,

just as by a most grievous struck disease, by night he lay;

that he should rise swift, and the supreme should perform oracle.

Go, openly it says, to the eminent of Hubert

the Monk of Bretigny temple: he is bidden it at Bretigny to seek. for it has divinely

placed a gift by his merits kindly thee

altogether of healing, with whom alone the same which

to me toward sick people all the highest power is. Nothing

delaying the pious man the command celestial obeys, and under

of night untimely the silence rising with great

journeys to Bretigny hastens, and there

with corporeal health is gifted, suffraging Divus Hubert

of Bretigny. What than this work notable can be

more evident? what with so great power for driving away sicknesses

stands out more excellent? Equally therefore Hubert

of Bretigny for averting diseases potent is, as

that most celebrated Hubert of Ardenne; which

indeed ingenuously we ought to confess, even compelled by the things'

more manifest argument.

[16] Are cured a lunatic woman one, None the less worthy of narration I would deem, although

less of excellence before itself to bear it may seem. When with various

exceedingly both miracles and virtue to be effected the Most Blessed

flourished Hubert, by so many signs led a Lunatic woman,

from a Village this side of the Aisne ^a sprung, herself betook to Bretigny.

The woman of Petronilla the name bore. As before the most sacred

body she came, to pray with tears indeed most abundant

she began Divus Hubert, that he would confer to her praying

the joys of health. But when nine days at

the altars of Divus Hubert with insane brain wounded she had lain,

at length the health for a long while desired by the patronizing

of Hubert's suffrage she merited to obtain. Wherefore

healthy now the woman her paternal borders seeking again,

magnificently praised God far the most pious

Christ Jesus, who for the kindly Hubert's prayers wonderful things

wrought. Far the most marvelous to seem to all

it is fair, the deed now to recount it is settled in mind. and 13 possessed.

Thirteen men, by demons unclean seized,

after one passed year that Divus Hubert

from human affairs had departed, to the church sacred to Divus Hubert

led were, are reported their origin to have drawn from

of the Soissons city a district (by the old appellation Turris-Comitis

called) days nine before the most sacred

of Divus Hubert body, with iron manacles bound

they stood; while meanwhile with daily fasts and prayers'

supplication diligent work they had applied, on the ninth

at length light amid the Mass's solemnities they grew well: thence

their Soissons homes congratulating they returned.

[17] How much sincere of a feminine mind faith avails,

very richly a witness will have given the example

subjoined. In the year 1234 a woman by a miracle across the Oise carried, In the two hundred thirty-fourth above

the thousandth of the Lord's Incarnation year, on the third

Kalends of June, on the day to B. Hubert sacred solemnly, a wonderful

thing happened. A woman to be present at the annual solemnity

greatly when she desired, the Oise river

(as is wont to come to pass) at that time more wavy was an obstacle.

Now to the brink of the river overflowing she had come; but

who the foreign woman should ferry across, appeared of rowers

none: then indeed of human helps destitute,

the help of Divus Hubert with a lamentable wailing to call

she began, earnestly beseeching that at the feasts to be present worthy

she be held. What more to have related should I try? an offspring she brings forth before the altar, Wonderful and

the same almost incredible I am about to describe. For indeed

to ferry over that woman without any whatever

support rowed over. And so the ship boarded

the woman, and without a rudder and without danger any

the river crossed; and so into the church sacred of Bretigny

with a swifter course to honor Divus

Hubert proceeded. There a wonderful thing happened: inasmuch as that

woman, since now for a while pregnant she was, nor by the long

fetus was freed, unexpectedly with all looking on, who

then at the divine Sacrifice before stood, near the greater

altar a boy bore indeed most beautiful. Of this kind

the religious matron referred, inasmuch as whom amid praying

concerning a childbirth happy more sweetly she had besought. to another a shoulder is healed. Hither accedes

deeds more splendid heap up. Under the same hour amid

sacrificing, a matron exceedingly noble, of Magnicampus

She her right arm as it were dead pendulous

had borne years three, not small wealth on physicians

she had expended, nor for that good health

had she attained. And so full of faith and piety, an excellent

deed she undertakes. She washes her bloodless arm

in those waves, with which a little before the sacred of Divus Hubert

head had been washed: and that she did openly before the popular

gaze. There how much of Divus Hubert could avail the authority,

with a help manifest to all was shown.

On the spot the feeble arm lively and robust

came forth.

[18] robbers 2 condemned to death, Come now further let us narrate that also

one thing, which the human races may wonder at and with perennial

praise extol. There is in Belgium far the most celebrated

two, with a notable theft notorious, there given into custody

to have been confessedly is reported, and thereupon to death

condemned for nefarious crimes. Which when ascertained

they had, forthwith celestial aid to be

fled to advisedly they thought. Inasmuch as

of things the extreme necessity wretched mortals to this

sometimes impels, that of human helps destitute,

then at length divine protections suppliant they implore.

Therefore their deploring trouble, with whole mind's

devotion S. Hubert they proclaimed. Happened

forthwith a wonderful thing and rather divine. For indeed

while with the highest effort the patronage of Hubert they demand,

suddenly themselves at Bretigny before the doors of the temple

by divine help to have been translated they knew, and with irons

also and bonds (as captives is wont) bound.

The temple's threshold having entered they persisted days nine, from prison and bonds miraculously they are loosed.

the Hubertine help beseeching. At length

the grave of Hubert intervened authority, by which more quickly

the bonds broken into liberty themselves they vindicated.

A pact namely with the adverse faction entered, without

of harm damage mutually they came together: soon

their paternal homes returned, the happy event commonly narrated.

About which things by no means it is to be said

with how many of praises proclamations, and those magnificent, the supreme

and far the loftiest they extolled God concerning

his glorious confessor Hubert. Nor indeed only

to the best Bestower God immense they gave thanks,

but Divus also Hubert with great veneration

for the conferred benefits they affected: inasmuch as nothing

before itself bears needy mortality nor more excellent nor

more ancient, than deserved honors to bear to Divine Patrons.

O thee most blessed! O ineffable heaven-dweller,

Divus Hubert! who with so magnificent of virtues prerogative

art strong. The world's slipping vain pomp

with a lofty indeed mind thou despisedst, but celestial

riches thou burnedst for. Now though joy thou enjoyest eternal,

nor yet wretched mortals to aid dost thou cease.

[19] Elapsed years after the Christian birth a thousand

three hundred, In the year 1300 a virgin of noble sprung progeny of corporeal

members altogether was unequal. She

was called Agnes, from a town ^d Laschenium

her drawing origin. A triennium perpetual with an unhappy

sickness ill affected at home she lay, she is cured after a triennium bedridden when

from neighbors she hears the fame of the glorious Hubert of Bretigny.

Soon from the inmost of heart affection herself to Divus Hubert

she devotes, and the help of the Saint greatly beseeches:

nor long she delayed, but venerating

Hubert's most sacred church she sought. And therefore

to Bretigny to the most sacred of the Hubertine body

mausoleum herself to be carried she took care.

And when through days nine continuous on the temple's

couches she had lain, and an oblation votive daily

making at the sacred thing present she was; pristine health

she attained, and into her own citadels without of bearers

help she returned.

[20] Not so long thence after age, on the day

to Divus Hubert festal, much the most marvelous deed

happened: the feast violating, for the solemn feast by Christians,

by most indeed, but especially by the Bretigny inhabitants

then to be kept is wont. But a Bretigny certain

native far otherwise did: more desirous for a house

to be built, scarcely the ground to dig out for the foundations to be made

he had begun; when at once lo by the malign

spirit seized the wretch, unspeakably is tortured, and into

he is covered: the boys several, who then the brute herds in

the open pastures along that irreligious man's

estates were pasturing, the sudden precipitation having beheld,

swift run up; at once the unhappy cases to the neighbors

and kinsmen announce. Then indeed in troops

they rush, to the man dying fraternal help

to bring. Forthwith digging out very much earth,

in the deepest trench half-dead a little man, and now now

dying they find: a black moreover

mark on his forehead, as a livid scar

they discover, so hardly him the evil enemy had struck. and therefore punished,

What they should do, or what they should undertake,

long they hesitated; at length, as divinely afflated, with a dire

wound wounded the little man into the temple upon

the table they brought. Thence abundantly weeping

almost dead before the most sacred of Divus Hubert bier

they set. by the Saint's help he is healed, Three days that rustic man in that state

pitiable remained: after three however days he grew well

indeed safe, but that enormous mark forty

days fixed on his forehead appeared. But indeed,

altogether sound he came forth. And so for the obtained soundness

thanks indeed greatest he gave, both to the most beneficent

God, both to Divus Hubert with a few

good.

[21] For which things both of the most holy life the conversation,

and the stupendous of miracles immensity openly

show, And these suffice to the praise of the Saint, eternal with the blessed God felicity

Divus Hubert now long since to enjoy. For what

than this most evident declaration more manifest? Whether

indeed anyone by a sacrilegious error so is impious, that

he should go to deny, Hubert of Bretigny neither prodigious

great things to have done, nor in the Saints' roll

to be inscribed? Felt the husbandman profane the divine for

the nefarious impiety vengeance; felt likewise the help

present for the worship religious: about which matter

how much of honor, how much of excellence to Divus

Hubert attributes the eternal and supreme God, how much

his most candid prayers he values, with so great

of prodigies a heap, with so many miracles clear he came forth.

Therefore far the most worthy Divus Hubert with the best

right is to be deemed, to whom with sonorous strains let us sing together

all; O of Divus Hubert splendid proclamations,

O ineffable ardor of charity, who while of the perishing

world the fleeting pomps he despised, the perennial of the eternal

kingdom glory he attained. There remain innumerable

almost other miracles, which by a divine certain and

singular privilege Divus Hubert published: but all

in order if to recount indeed I should wish, the other innumerable being omitted. a work

inexhaustible to contrive with an insane I shall seem daring, from which

things these very small both not to my only littleness, but

to the most avid also of the faithful Christians zeal

enough abundantly they will have done. May grant to us Christ

Jesus, that by the salutary of Divus Hubert intercession

both from all adverse things we be freed, and the eternal of the celestial

fatherland rest we may obtain, perpetually about to praise

God three and one. Amen.

ANNOTATA.