Gualterius or Gauterius
Acta Sanctorum, May 11
Source text: Public Domain. English translation/apparatus/encoding: CC BY-NC 4.0, Wroot Press.
https://actasanctorum.org/may/day-11/gualterius-or-gauterius.html
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ON S. GUALTERIUS OR GAUTERIUS
ABBOT AND CANON OF LESTERP
IN THE DIOCESE OF THE GAULS OF LIMOGES.

IN THE YEAR MLXX

[Preface]

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

G. H.

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

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

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

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

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

BHL Number: 8802

BY THE AUTHOR MARBODUS FROM A MS.

PROLOGUE.

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

CHAPTER I.

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

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

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

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

[5] In this therefore study the boyhood run through, the more robust
of youth years having entered, greater he began of virtues
an army to meditate; nor, as most are wont,
the prone into worse age to leisure he gave or to luxury.
But fit now for the warfare Christian's labors his members,
with arms of justice, against spiritual wickednesses, strongly
about to fight, he instructed. And, lest any perchance to himself
to hurt could of the crafty enemy the creeping-up, to fortitude
he joined prudence; by which not only acts he might avoid unlawful,
but also causes all and opportunities
of sinning for himself utterly might cut off; wisely understanding,
to the recruits of the camps spiritual a safer
to be sought, than a more glorious victory.
For one thing it is for life, another for glory to fight:
for though it be distinguished, in readiness placed a sin
to decline, and to transgress to be unwilling when thou canst; it is
however safer the very of sinning to flee the power;
this indeed caution no one ever deceived, in
that moreover experience very many fell. By this therefore
reason, the worst of vices the germs easily he subdued.
The ardor indeed of lust (by which most is imperiled
adolescence, when an inexperienced before of the body
the motions to incautious minds of bland suggestion
fixes the goads, by the fastings' chastisement and prayer's
instance and perpetual chastity's love) in the very, so so to say, conception, before it arose, he extinguished.
Blessed plainly, who held and dashed the little ones of iniquity
against the rock. [from avarice's filths he declines:] The cupidity of money and of base avarice's
filths, which vice almost nothing is from man's
dignity more remote, not only he himself never was
deigned to admit, but also in others by his own liberality's
example either he extirpated utterly or wore away.
To the Brethren with whom he lived to all a pure
he exhibited love, and of them nothing from himself alien
he thought. He studied to imitate the special of single ones
virtues, [from all virtue he learns:] that in himself one the good things of all he might gather.
Nor only from others' virtues, but, what
wonderful may seem, also he profited from vices; since
these to himself for imitation, those indeed he proposed for
caution.

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

ANNOTATIONS.






CHAPTER II.

The pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Miracles on the journey wrought.

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

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

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

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

CHAPTER III.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[17] Now to his passing let us come. Already a good
soldier in the tabernacle of the Lord even to old age
had dwelt, and entered without spot, and worked
justice, worthy he was to receive his discharge, and
to rest in His holy mountain. [with the sacraments fortified:] Seized therefore
by fevers desired, he felt of the Lord knocking on him the coming;
and the disciples being called together, the imminent to them
of his death day glad he foretold. And consoled the mourning ones
and to better things exhorting, that also of dying the order
he might demonstrate, to whom of living the form he had delivered;
to be led in first the Presbyters and the sacred to himself
Unction to be made he asked. Then received with
the highest of heart and body humility the Eucharist, stripped
of the linen, the hair-shirt, which always to the flesh he used,
he opened; of which deed the reason, when by the bystanders
it was asked: Naked, he said, with a naked one ought to wrestle,
lest he have whence he can be held. So into the church by the Brethren
carried, [in the church, with ash and hair-shirt covered, he dies,] and before the altar of the mother of the Lord deposited,
his exit in ash and hair-shirt, with raised to
the Lord of the mind eyes, he awaited. There wept with
silence those who were present, and prayed, in the ears
of him, as he had bidden, the sacred reading resounded.
And when the lector to the extreme of the book's clause had come, by which
is said; The end of speaking all together let us hear,
the Lord fear and His commandments observe, this is indeed
every man; with a fitting enough event, with the end
of speaking, the man holy the end made of living: and proceeded
to the Lord, whom truly he had feared, and whose
commandments he had observed, to which without doubt
every man it is established to be created. But how much
we think of reading and prayer by the zeal living he had adhered, from which not even dying could he abstain? or
when from preaching did he cease, who even in his exit edifying
sentences brought forth? [there also he is buried.] [Eccl. 12, 13] His body with
a great of peoples frequency in the same church honorably
was buried, where even today he rests:
at whose sepulchre many are done miracles, many faithfully
asking receive benefits: the Lord bestowing
our Jesus Christ, who with the Father and the Holy
Spirit lives and reigns through all the ages of ages.

ANNOTATIONS.
