Austregisilus
Acta Sanctorum, May 20
Source text: Public Domain. English translation/apparatus/encoding: CC BY-NC 4.0, Wroot Press.
https://actasanctorum.org/may/day-20/austregisilus.html
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ON ST. AUSTREGISILUS

ARCHBISHOP OF BOURGES IN GAUL.

THE YEAR DCXXIV.

PREVIOUS COMMENTARY

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

Austregisilus, Archbishop of Bourges in Gaul (St.)

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

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

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

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

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

[Life]

Austregisilus, Archbishop of Bourges in Gaul (St.)

BHL Number: 0839, 0841, 0843

FROM MSS.

BOOK I OF THE LIFE

By a contemporary author.

From various MSS. and editions.

CHAPTER I.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANNOTATIONS.










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


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


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

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

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

r In the Castle of Bourges.

CHAPTER II.

The Episcopate of Bourges. Miracles. Death.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANNOTATIONS.




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









BOOK II.

Miracles against the plunderers of ecclesiastical goods.

From a double MS. codex.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[11] At that time the Vicedominus from that convent
of Austregisilus, Vaddomarus by name, for the cause of the utility
of the monastery disposed to the city of Poitiers
to walk. [the same being invoked the boats of their own accord to the other bank are borne:] The benediction of the Brothers of St. Austregisilus received
he proceeded on the journey: but when he had come to
the river, whose name is q Vincenna, where is called the Port
Sanomus, wishing there the river to cross, no
man he found nor a boat. The day growing toward evening
for the horses: the usual hospice, where to stay they had been wont, far beyond the river was. While such things their heart
was busied with, looking beyond the river, on the shore they saw
boats prepared: but that Vaddomarus, in faith not
doubting, began to invoke the name of the Lord and of St. Austregisilus, and those who with him were he admonished, saying;
Invoke the name of St. Austregisilus, that our Lord,
for his merits and suffrages, to us a man to transmit
may deign, who to us the boats which we see
may bring, that this night to the destined place we may come.
Still they praying, moved by themselves
the boats with poles and oars, without human steering,
and came to the place where they stood.
Without doubt an Angel of the Lord it was, who for the merits
of St. Austregisilus the boats brought. But they seeing so great
God, who does not forsake His servants hoping
in Him, and with fear and prayer ascended
the boats; and they sailing through the eddies, unharmed
and uninjured came to the shores: and that day
to the place, in which to stay they had been wont, with joy
they came. It was fulfilled in them, what the Truth says
in the Gospel: If you have faith as a grain
of mustard, you shall say to this mountain, Pass hence, and it shall pass. [Matth. 17, 19, Matt. 21, 22]
And again: Whatever believing in prayer you shall ask,
you shall receive, and it shall be done to you. And that; With God
all things are possible. [Matth. 19, 26]

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

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

ANNOTATIONS.


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

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


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



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



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

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



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

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

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

BOOK III,

Containing miracles and virtues of more recent memory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANNOTATIONS.

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