Zenobius
Acta Sanctorum, May 25
Source text: Public Domain. English translation/apparatus/encoding: CC BY-NC 4.0, Wroot Press.
https://actasanctorum.org/may/day-25/zenobius.html
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ON SAINT ZENOBIUS,
BISHOP OF FLORENCE IN TUSCIA.
5TH CENTURY.
PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY.
On his cult and Life wrongly attributed to S. Simplicianus, ancient however and by S. Antoninus and Laurentius of Amalfi rewritten: likewise another double one, by John of Arezzo and Raphael of Volterra published.

Zenobius Bishop of Florence, in Etruria (S.)

BY THE AUTHOR D. P.

Saint Zenobius, a citizen of the city of Florence,
was born, a Bishop died, and hitherto
Protector and Patron with a solemn rite is venerated
on the XXV of May: [He is venerated on the 25th of May,] on which day to his altar its
oblations bears the Senate, the first parts in that
function performing the Nobles, born
from the Girolami family. For, Ferdinand Ughelli attesting
in the Florentine Archbishops, it is established that the Girolami family,
everywhere and always, of the highest dignity was a family,
which besides the other ornaments deservedly may glory
S. Zenobius to have had as a nursling; by whose sanctity's
rays both the fatherland Florence and the Girolami family
wonderfully is ennobled. These things we would wish, for the Girolami family's honor, from ancient Acts to be able to establish; wont otherwise
to set at naught new inventions, and by two at most
centuries' adulation confirmed, by which all the ancient Italic
Saints among families, at this time indeed noble, but before
not many centuries most unknown for the most part, are distributed.
To this is added that the Captain Cosmo della Rena, among the few
in such things most knowing, esteemed himself to have proved, that of two Synonymous
Bishops the memories were confused; and that S.
Zenobius, founder of the churches of S. Michael at Passignano
and S. Gervasius in the Florentine city, both within
the old bounds of the Fiesole diocese, although now to the Florentine
they pertain, look to S. Zenobius, of that name
the first Bishop of Fiesole under the end of the century
IX; whom the aforesaid Cosmo believed to the Girolami
family to pertain, and consequently of this rather than the other
to be the ring, which in the XV century lent to Louis XI
King of France, laboring with leprosy, by the same, after the obtained
grace of health, was sent back endowed with a golden chest, and among
the Girolami is preserved.

[2] [As if born from the Girolami family?] The memory of S. Zenobius of Florence is celebrated in today's
Roman Martyrology through these words: At Florence the birthday
of S. Zenobius, of the same city Bishop, of life sanctity
and miracles' glory conspicuous. Similar things before
Baronius in their Martyrologies had written Bellinus, Greven,
Maurolyco, Molanus, Galesinio, and others after the Florentine
Martyrologies both printed and written by hand.
His first Translation is cherished on the XXVI of January, as
there among the passed-over we said. To explain
moreover the singular of the Florentine Clergy and People toward this
their Saint Patron veneration, makes the old Ms.
of that church, whose title, The customs and usages of the Canonical
of Florence, where thus is read: On the feast of S. Zenobius
we ring Vespers, Vigils, and Matins four
times, as on the highest Feasts. [with a most solemn rite plainly:] Let the church be cleaned
throughout, let the lamps be washed, and let it be adorned everywhere
in the church, especially under the vaults, and in the middle
of the nave of the church: let seats for the Clerics before the vaults be prepared.
At Vespers indeed, the Vigil, and Mass all
the Clerics of the city ought to be present. The whole Office,
diurnal namely and nocturnal, before his
altar today and through the whole Octave we do. In the morning
indeed, after the said Mass of the people, let all
the bells be rung for the Episcopal preaching, or
of another if the Bishop is not present. The preaching done
we assemble all in the church of S. John, and there we say
Terce. Meanwhile the Bishop is prepared with
the sacred Ministers: whom prepared, the Cross preceding,
and the tapers last before the Bishop ordered,
we proceed from the church of S. John into the church
of S. Reparata, where rests the body of the Most Blessed Father
our Zenobius; and there Mass we say, singing
in the Procession the Responsory, Now I will not call you
servants, of the Apostles, namely because he was our Apostle.
And in this manner unto today two then Masses are sung:
the Senate likewise and the People, to the tapers' oblation
from the old institution to be made, on the same day proceeds.

[3] Silvanus Razzi Abbot Camaldulese, in tome 1 on
the Lives of the Etruscan Saints in Italian published page 74, brings forth
of Milan and successor of S. Ambrose. Giovanni
Pietro Puricelli that much he in vain labor put, [The Life wrongly supposed of S. Simplicianus,]
that such a Life he might obtain, writes in his Dissertation
Nazariana chapter 49 toward the end. It deserved certainly, that
with great study it be sought, which so great preferred authority,
as it befitted to be of an eye-witness, thus concluding
his writing. In the fifth year of his dormition
his body, namely of S. Zenobius, from the Ambrosian Basilica
(that namely, which at his request S. Ambrose at Florence
had consecrated, but which you would scarcely believe so to have been called so
quickly) was translated on the seventh day of February, to
the major church of S. Salvator, where before he himself had buried
Eugenius and Crescentius: and there, near
their bodies and of other Saints, lies honorably
placed. These things were done moreover, residing
in the city itself Andrew the Bishop, a man of great
sanctity and honesty. And I Simplicianus
an old man, servant of Jesus Christ, called a Bishop,
what with my eyes I saw and with my ears I heard from the Lord Ambrose
Bishop of Milan, my predecessor,
took care to write faithfully; that of so great men the merits
may not remain under a bushel, but upon a candlestick,
that they may shine, to the praise, glory and honor
of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is praise, glory and honor, in
the ages of ages. Amen. But the more this conclusion confidently
the Author a Bishop and Ambrose's successor makes, the
less it deserves to be received. For Saint Simplicianus
to S. Zenobius himself to have died before, most evidently teaches
Paulinus in the Life of S. Ambrose; [S. Zenobius before, having died.] where these things he has: He being dead,
S. Ambrose, no other to him succeeded in the Priesthood,
except he, Simplicianus, whom he a good
old man with a triple voice had signified. To which Simplicianus Venerius,
whom above we have mentioned, succeeded: and
then, the death and funeral of S. Ambrose described, he adds, which
Laurentius of Amalfi in the Life of S. Zenobius number 7 transcribes, in these words: But within Tuscia in the city
Florence, where NOW THE HOLY MAN ZENOBIUS
IS BISHOP, because he had promised that he would more often visit;
frequently at the altar… he was seen
to pray, just as the holy man himself the Priest Zenobius relating
we have learned. These things Paulinus, openly and clearly attesting,
S. Zenobius after the death of S. Simplicianus for some time
to have been among the living: therefore someone else in truth his
Life wrote, perhaps Simplicius or even Simplicianus
called, and soon believed Bishop of Milan,
as if that name to no other could have been imposed.

[4] Meanwhile since S. Ambrose, as we taught after the Catalogues
of the Roman Pontiffs before Tome 1 of April,
died in the year CCCXCVIII, [uncertain how long,] and S. Simplicianus not much
more than a two years' period held the Episcopate, it follows that S. Zenobius,
the whole at least of the IV century's span by living
he passed through, and the V century begun he saw, uncertain
how far. S. Antoninus Title 10 Chapter 12 deceased
says in the time of Innocent I the Pope, in the year namely from the incarnation
of the Lord CCCCXXIV. But Innocent it is established
in the year CCCCXVII departed this life. Blasius the Monk
that to have happened writes, in the year of the Lord CCCCXXV, in the time
of Theodosius and Honorius the Emperors. But because
Theodosius the elder died in the year CCCXCV, more rightly he would have written,
of Honorius and Theodosius, would be understood the Younger; but neither
thus would all things be safe, for died Honorius in the year CCCCXXIII.
Blasius nevertheless following Raphael of Volterra
in the Life still unpublished, wrote him, whom he read dead
in the ninetieth year of his age, to have been born on the VI Kalends
of February, in the year of salvation thirty-fifth above
the three hundredth. Older than all these, Laurentius Archbishop
of Amalfi, the death of S. Zenobius ascribes to Arcadius's
and Honorius's times, which extend even to
the year CCCCVIII, in which Arcadius died. And this followed those,
who took care from time immemorial at Florence to be sculpted
an inscription, by Ughelli Col. 25 and others thus related, [and probably by many years.]
that in the XI year of those Emperors, the day XXVI of January is composed
with the Feria V, all which note the year of Christ CCCCV,
having the Dominical letter A. The inscription however
thus has: In the year from the incarnation of the Lord CCCCVIII on the day
XXVI of January, in the time of the Emperors Arcadius and
Honorius in the XI year, on Feria V, while from the basilica of S. Lawrence
to the major Florentine church the body of S.
Zenobius Bishop of the Florentines on a bier was being carried,
there was in this place an elm tree, dry then existing;
which when the bier of the holy body had touched, suddenly
fronds and flowers miraculously it produced: in memory
of which miracle, the Christians and citizens of Florence, in
the place of the tree removed hence, this column with
Mazza, describing the second Translation of the body, made
in the year MCCCCXXXIX, says; that from here unto
the first, the calculations accurately subtracted, are to be found
years one thousand and ten: and so in his opinion would have died
S. Zenobius in the year CCCCXXIV. Certainly no reason
compels S. Zenobius, if he lived for LXXXX years, sooner dead
to say: for even thus he would have been forty years old, when
his friend S. Ambrose was created Bishop, and so
to him in age equal, who rather much younger ought to be conceived,
when by Ambrose already Bishop he was to S. Damasus commended,
still a youth as it seems. Wherefore I strongly incline,
that not long before the year CCCCXXXX dead to have been
S. Zenobius I esteem; for even thus for whole L or
more years to have been Bishop he could have.

[5] But, although we deny, that by the same who S. Ambrose's
Life wrote Simplicianus, was written also the Life of S.
Zenobius; we think however, [it is however written in the same or the following century,] it written to have been in the same in which
he died, or at least the following century: and a cause for thus thinking
we have, that those who the older Life transcribed Antoninus
and Blasius aforementioned, as soon we shall say, treating
of the Cathedral church, to which in the fifth after the Saint's death
year was made the Translation of the body, from the then suburban
S. Lawrence church, that they name the church of S. Salvator:
which name with the church itself and city ceased,
when the destroyer of Italy Totila about the year DXLV all things
there to the ground to be leveled ordered, slain also the city's Bishop Mauritius.
Which then from the foundations new built church was, B.
John the Baptist or Reparata the Martyr's name bore;
as is established from the instrument of donations to it made by Speciosus
the Bishop, in the XII year of Luitprand King of the Lombards
in the VII Indiction, which was the year of Christ DCCXXIV, as
in Ughelli to see is permitted: but that to S. John
the Baptist was added S. Reparata, a suspicion to me
affords, that the author of the new building was the Bishop Reparatus,
who in the year DCLXXIX was present at the Council under Agatho
the Pope.

[6] But when this very church, or at least its sacristy,
with the books in it contained had burned down after the year of the
Christian era thousandth, [and in the year 1030 was believed altogether to have perished,] no longer was known to survive
at Florence any copy of that ancient Life; so that, when
thither then had come Laurentius, of Amalfi (as I said)
Archbishop, in the year MXXX ordained by John XX (of
whom more to be treated by us before the Life of S. Gregory VII this
day number 13) and at the request of the Canons that to be rewritten
he had undertaken, as below we shall see; he had necessity to their adhere,
relation, who themselves to have read before remembered. For thus
number 7 he interjects: [when it from hearing he rewrote, Laurentius of Amalfi Archbishop.] Further lest of less to be seem of
authority these things, which from certain most religious men
we have learned, who truthfully asserted these to have been anciently
written, but by a fire which by chance happened to have been
consumed etc. Meanwhile what plainly lost at Florence was believed,
elsewhere preserved and in subsequent centuries was found,
not so happily, as can be understood from the Prologue of a certain compiler,
before a Legendary, which in the Library
Laurentian we found, on parchment written, Plute
XX: which Prologue, otherwise to be of use, it is pleasing here to insert.

[7] On a certain day invited in the Cathedral church
of the city of Florence, [Another having found it corrupt,] to preach to the people in the vernacular
on the solemnity of the kindly Father Zenobius, formerly the Bishop
ours; since his Legend was not in the compilation
new, I procured from elsewhere to receive it. Which obtained, so
it was, by the writers' (as I think) fault, corrupted, that few things
I could perceive of his (as I wished) wonderful
sanctity. Drawn therefore by his love, who to me from
boyhood was devout chiefly, I resolved his legend
to write, [renewed it, and to other Legends prefixed] and also of several others; the superfluous things being cut,
corruptions removed, some things
(the substantials not changed) superadded for ornament,
which I did not doubt to be congruous to his sanctity:
which, God going before, by labor I accomplished manifold; for
the measure of my knowledge indeed, premising the deeds
of those, whose bodies were buried in the church
of Florence; not omitting with equal step, as it befitted
in my judgment, of Fiesole: added also some Extravagant ones
from the compilation both new and old,
of them seen the inestimable in Christ's name probity.
Take whoever you are eager what collected from diverse
books anxiously, with light style narrated lucidly, for the avoidance
of labor of those wishing from these to preach, Christ's
charity to collect what compelled: correcting, without of detraction
the vice, what is to be corrected, if any you shall inspect, at
the pleasure of your will.

[8] But that it may occur more easily what you demand, under
the titles below-written you will find what you intend.

On S. Zenobius Bishop and Confessor.

On S. Eugenius Confessor. [(as is clear from their list)]

On S. John Gualbertus Abbot.

On S. Bernard Bishop and Confessor.

On S. Emundus Bishop and Confessor.

On S. Galganus Confessor.

On S. Miniatus Martyr.

On S. Romulus Bishop and Martyr.

On S. Euphrosynus Bishop and Confessor.

On S. Alexander Bishop and Martyr.

On S. Donatus Bishop and Confessor.

On S. Reparata Virgin and Martyr.

On S. Octavianus Confessor.

On S. Fridianus Bishop and Confessor.

On the XI thousand Martyrs.

On S. Martialis Bishop and Confessor.

On S. Andrew Confessor.

On S. Benignus Abbot.

On S. Verdiana Hermit or Cellite, in the castle
of Florence.

On S. Lucensis.

On S. Fina.

At the end of the book is subjoined: Written by the hand of a certain sinner,
[by name Blasius.] by name Blasius, a most unworthy Priest and
monk: whom himself it is allowable to esteem the same, of whom is
the Prologue, of the whole Collection the author; and one century at least
after the last-named Saints to have lived, namely after S.
Lucensis, whose Life we gave on the XXVIII of April, who died
in the year MCCLX; and S. Fina, illustrated by us on the XII of March,
deceased in the year MCCLIII. Nor indeed a greater than the
XIV century age indicate, which he uses, phrases.

[9] [A more sincere one gave S. Antoninus,] Whether more fortunate than Blasius was Peter de Natalibus, to know
we cannot; because he into his Catalogue only inserted an epitome
of the Life, by him found; but that Catalogue he completed
in the year MCCCLXXXII. More fortunate altogether seems to have been S. Antoninus,
Archbishop of Florence; certainly more useful to the public
he was, nothing of the substance subtracting, and less to his own genius
indulging: wherefore that Life, which he himself into his Historical Summa
inserted, in the first place here we give: but in the second place,
the more verbose other and more licentiously interpolated, which also
we found in a certain collection of old Offices,
with Carlo Strozzi the Senator under the number 691. There
both the Life's history and the latter part, containing the translation
and certain more recent miracles, by S. Antoninus not
described, because he wished not to the old new to add, were found
distinguished into Lessons for both feasts, the Birthday namely
and the Translation, interposed Responsories, Hymns, [after which we give the second,] and
proper Antiphons, metrically conceived, which we did not describe,
because nothing of new notice they could confer to the history
whence they were taken. Meanwhile from this whole this Life's
partition into Lessons, for the use of the choir (no doubt
the Cathedral) made, I understand, that the Canons less approved
the Life by the Amalfi Archbishop from hearing
alone written; or certainly so far content were, the Office
for the feast of S. Zenobius to take from the Common of a Pontiff; unless
perhaps the Responsories, Hymns, and Antiphons are older,
and the Lessons being changed those remained unchanged; [and the third, both from Mss.] as
to have happened in S. William, of the Order named from him the Patron,
noted Henschen at the X of February, and in many other
cases. We shall give however also that third Life,
following not the order of age, in which were composed the single ones;
but the grade of authority to each to be deferred. Nor useless (as
I think) will be that of the three Lives, so dissimilarly written,
among themselves made collation: for it will direct the judgment, about similar things
also otherwise to be borne. We had moreover that third from
the notable Legendary Ms. of Francesco Cardinal Barberini,
and the same we found at Florence with Andrea Cavalcanti,
says from an old Codex of his monastery of SS. Vincentius and Anastasius
outside the walls.

[10] [we omit that written by John of Arezzo,] A fourth Life from the prior ones collected John Tortellius,
of Arezzo a Presbyter, in the time of the Council of Florence
in the year MCCCCXXXVIII celebrated, twenty years before
S. Antoninus completed his Summa, whose second part
historical the more sincere (as we said) Acts comprehends. Published
it Laurentius Surius; and this edition laboriously
we had collated with the parchment Codex Ms. of the aforepraised Senator
Strozzi; not however here we judged it to be reprinted,
for this reason that it can in Surius be read, and its compendium
in Ferrari: enough it will be from it to have taken the history
of the second Translation, made in the year MCCCXXXIX; and to have indicated,
that to the Strozzi Codex is found ascribed by a public
Notary's hand an Act of this kind: [according to the autograph bequeathed in the year 1443 to the church of Florence.] The Rev. Father Presbyter
John Pauli, Rector of the Parochial church of S. Michael
of the Rindri of Florence, to be composed and written
caused the present book, and at the last of his life it
left to Laurentius of Volterra and Canon
of Volterra, for the whole time of his life and at his good pleasure;
after his death it he wished to be presented
to the sacristy of the major Church of Florence, and there
in perpetual times to stand he wished: and so presented
it was to the said D. Laurentius by Lapus Martini,
in the stead and name of D. John, the Operarius of the aforesaid
church: and in faith of all, I Nicolaus son of Rudus
son of Nicolaus, of the Notary and Citizen of Florence, [at whose request another afterward wrote Raphael of Volterra.] in the said
Work Scribe of the Pious Fathers on the VI day of July MCCCCXLIII. But this
instrument therefore here I have affixed, because on the occasion of this
kind of testamentary legacy it seems to have been done, that Raphael
of Volterra for the use of the church of Florence, at the request
of the Dean and Chapter, in the year MDXXI, a shorter some
and more Latin Life of S. Zenobius wrote,
which still unpublished exhibited to us the aforepraised
Cavalcanti, but we did not judge to this work
necessary: here however we ought to indicate, because from the note
of the year by us taken over, it is understood, that Raphael
(whose most known exist works, especially eight and thirty
books of Urban Commentaries, inscribed to Julius
the Pope II) not only at the beginning of the XVI century lived,
but also beyond its first twenty years his age propagated;
which hitherto I think not to have become known. He writes also
to me the Most Illustrious Magliabechius, that there exists a certain
of the same Holy Bishop Life with this beginning, Since in the Florentine
city the house of the Girolami. Wrote it
Naldus Naldi, a man in the XV century toward the end inclining most esteemed
for the brightness of style, [and likewise Naldus Naldi.] both in verse and prose; and by his equals,
Angelo Poliziano and Marsilio Ficino, greatly praised;
whose various works enumerates the Florentine Library of Pocciantius,
and several Ms. poems possesses the same Magliabechius;
but also this enough we have to have indicated to the Reader, of elegances
a lover.

[11] [The former one into Italian translated Clemens Mazza,] And those indeed all in Latin wrote; but in Italian,
besides Silvanus Razzi and others in this XVII century
several, we found a Life printed at Florence in the year MCCCCLXXXVIII, thirteen years after it had been composed: for thus
has the title before the Preface to be read. Clemens
Mazza, Plebanus and Theologian to his dearest in
Christ brother Philip son of Zenobius of the Girolami, citizen
of Florence, on the life of the most holy Zenobius Bishop
of Florence, and of the same with Philip stock and consort
(for Girolamo in Italian is written, who in Latin Hieronymus)
in the year of the Lord MCCCCLXXV. [the year 1475,] This Life is divided
into three parts. The first of XXVI chapters, those things comprehends,
which mortal still the Saint had done. The second, of chapters
XIIII, treats of the first Translation and the Successors: and
both verbatim almost are taken from the Latin of John of Arezzo;
as we knew, both texts to each other comparing:
only in enumerating the Successors fuller is Clemens
than John, which to us occasion had given of a not useless
Appendix, had we not detected that supplement
pure to be a figment, to which deservedly faith abrogated
Ughelli, for those there named finding others, in the same in which those
had sat time, to have sat demonstrated. The third finally part,
of chapters VIIII, explains the history of the Translation second,
under Eugenius IV: to which part he thus prefaces, that excused
he wishes the prior two parts' errors, [whose part, the last, into Latin we render.] if any he has incurred
through the weakness of genius, or of the old tongues
and writings the inexperience; here indeed for himself to be believed he asks as
an eye-witness, although then still a boy. Therefore after the narration
Latin, from John of Arezzo taken, we will transfer
also the other, received from Clemens Mazza; and so
we hope nothing omitted will be, which by us greatly could
desire the reader, of the truth in its own fount to be searched curious:
especially when shall be added the very latest Translation of the year MDCLXXXV,
described by an eye-witness and of that whole action a participant,
the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Archdeacon of Florence Ludovico
Strozzi, son of Carlo the Senator: who also on such an occasion
to be reprinted, with a certain his Preface, took care the Life
by Clemens Mazza once published, but without division of Parts,
through continuous Chapters fifty drawn out; nor
from those errors purged, for the cause of which less it esteemed
Vincentius Borghini, of Florentine matters most knowing,
in the work on the Church and Bishops of Florence, to us
not yet seen: which also errors in an erudite to us epistle noted
Antonius Magliabechius. I add of the same Translation
also to mention the erudite Presbyter Carlo Mazzi,
in the Italian Life of Zenobius's epitome, which with us the aforepraised
Magliabechius communicated, the Author's name suppressed
recently printed.

THE ANCIENT LIFE
by S. Antoninus Archbishop of Florence modestly interpolated.
from his Historical Summa Title X Chapter XII.

Zenobius Bishop of Florence, in Etruria (S.)

BHL Number: 9017

FROM S. ANTONINUS.

[1] The light of the world Zenobius, Pontiff of Florence, by the light
divine illustrated, [Born of noble but Gentile parents,] the Church irradiated, especially
in the parts of Tuscia, by the sanctity of life, miracles'
glory, and also doctrine; with twin science
endowed, although little works published he in no way to posterity left.
sprung, the father Lucianus, the mother Sophia of Florence,
drew his origin. But in his boyhood years to letters
delivered, to the summit of all philosophy, with acute genius
and immense study, in a shorter time he arrived.
To whom his progenitors when a girl beautiful and noble
they had procured to be betrothed, the twentieth of his age
year now attaining; carnal he refusing nuptials,
his soul to one man Christ betrothed in faith,
a chaste virgin, baptism from the Bishop of the city
Theodorus humbly asking and devoutly receiving.
Hearing that his parents, with fury filled, with a retinue
of their own, [the same he converts being baptized:] the Bishop with contumelious words they assail
and threats. But Zenobius standing by, and now
the divine grace in him wonderfully working, so great a suavity
of speech in his lips was diffused, that not only
the kinsmen the conceived indignation dismissed,
but also the error of gentility being left and themselves the baptism's
Sacraments received.

[2] But Zenobius, the vanity of the world contemned, all
himself to the divine obsequies devoted. A Cleric made, [A Cleric made,]
[but to the Bishop adhering, was created Canon[b]
of the cathedral church:] and from virtue to virtue
with wonderful speed progressing, into the Archdeacon
of that basilica was assumed: made to all of sanctity
a mirror, and of religion an example. For he was
in prayer assiduous, to preachings devoted,
the heretics' and Arians' disputations poisons
repelling, in charity diffused, liberal to the poor,
and with all probity conspicuous. Passing moreover the most blessed
man Ambrose,[c] Bishop of Milan,
through Florence, Zenobius himself visiting, [and by S. Ambrose, commended to S. Damasus,] as a man
perfect and most learned to himself with intimate and familiar
a certain love bound. For indeed to the City coming
Ambrose, to Damasus the supreme Prelate of Zenobius
the sanctity and wisdom disclosed: on which
account Damasus him to himself caused to be summoned, and with himself to remain
resolved. But when on a certain day Damasus
the Pope to the church of S. Mary across the Tiber set out,
and with him Zenobius; [a paralytic he cures.] one offered to him the Prefect's
son, by paralysis dissolved, by his prayer Zenobius
restored to health. But for certain causes by the supreme
Pontiff to Constantinople a legate directed, that
for whose grace he had been sent, faithfully and skillfully fulfilling,
he returned to the City.

[3] Meanwhile it happened that Theodorus the Bishop of Florence
from this light being withdrawn, [Bishop he is requested by the Florentines,] about the successor to be elected
not a small controversy and contention between the Catholics
and the heretics arose: on account of which, as a citizen,
Damasus Zenobius destined to settle the tumult.
But him approaching Florence, the people
came out to meet, him with much honor receiving.
Whom associating to the church even, to cry
unanimously all began, Let Zenobius be
our Bishop. But this altogether refusing, the burden
understanding, to him who sent him returned, announces
himself nothing to be able to do. [and grievously granted,] But the Magistrate and people
solemn orators to Damasus direct, asserting,
that all unanimous Zenobius seek, nor to another
to be turned aside; with earnest prayers supplicating, that him as
their Pastor to grant he would deign. Resisted at first
the supreme Bishop, the most holy man grieving
to be separated from himself. At length by importunate prayers conquered,
he heard according to their wish, Zenobius establishing
Bishop of Florence: and although unwilling, as if
unwilling himself, to Florence to execute the office
Pastoral he sends: who with the greatest joy and
veneration received, is enthroned.

[4] He diminished not, but augmented daily the holy man
the holy works of virtues, his flock feeding with the word
of doctrine and the example of sanctity; [a most holy life he instituted,] to preachings
insisting and to the hearing of Confession; the heretics by reasons
confuting, by exhortations the remiss to good
works exciting, the disorderly and depraved rebuking, to the poor
beyond the slenderness of his own food all things bestowing.
The flesh he tamed by abstinence of food and drink,
as much as health permitted: with a hair-shirt covered under
his tunic, [with SS. Eugenius and Crescentius.] to fastings and vigils he adhered: to prayer moreover
and contemplation with Mary intent, that more aptly
to them to devote himself he might be able, with the holy men Eugenius his Archdeacon
and Crescentius the Subdeacon, in the church
of S. Lawrence, which hence outside the walls, near however
was, a life almost eremitic keeping he remained.

[5] But to divulge his wonderful sanctity,
and the truth of his doctrine to prove, [a pilgrim woman's son he resuscitates;] many
miracles through him, still in the flesh placed, the Lord
deigned to work: for several dead he raised.
For when a certain noble Lady of Gaul,
to the thresholds of the Apostles to visit set out,
an only son with her leading, weakened from the journey; having heard
the holy man's fame, him commended to himself she caused even
to her return. But the youth fallen sick,
on the second feria after Easter his last day closed;
when then in act B. Zenobius with clergy and people
processionally were advancing to the church of S. Peter
[d the major, just as even now is observed: for it is reported
that the Pontiff himself that triduan procession
after Easter instituted, for God's mercy
to be implored toward those communicating unworthily, and toward those devoutly receiving the grace to be preserved.] But also the mother
of the youth, on that day from the City coming, Florence
having entered, perceived her son to the Lord to have migrated.
She moreover, although in mind consternated, by faith however
of magnanimity supported, the deceased son's corpse
caused to be taken; and a copious crowd her following, with her compassionating,
came to the place, where she had heard the holy
man to be present. Who to him arriving, who already from
the church of S. Peter having gone out, in the way which is called of the Albizi
with the Clergy was proceeding, the corpse of her son at the feet
of the Saint deposits, her garments rends, for grief her hair tears,
of tears full clamors, her son to her deposited
only to be rendered, nor otherwise to return to her own. By whose
tears the Saint of God moved, a prayer poured forth, the sign
of the Cross over him expressed, from the dead made alive again,
to his mother assigned: whence all the clergy and
people, to God thanks giving, with immense joy was refreshed,
in faith more and more confirmed.

[6] On another occasion, when the Saint visited a certain
church near the walls of the city, with his Clerics;
it happened the corpse of a certain noble youth to be carried
to the tomb through that way. Which when the Saint
had perceived, [likewise a youth of Florence,] the way he wished to turn aside, lest them he should meet.
But they to him hastening, he could not:
and placing the lifeless body at his feet, they begged,
that him to raise he would deign, already having experienced his virtue
to that work. And when much he had excused himself
from so great a work, they instantly entreating, by their prayers
compelled, by the virtue of prayer him from the dead he raised.
He added also a third to raise a boy, namely
of five years, whom near the Cathedral church,
in the public way being, [and a boy crushed by a cart:] oxen with
a cart raging, upon him rushing, had crushed:
whom his mother tearful in a cloth gathering, to Eugenius
the Deacon of the holy man brought; that to him offering, to be raised
by him she might entreat: which also was done. A certain blind man,
at the gate of the temple alms asking, having heard
the fame of his miracles, with faith undoubting in the way to
him approached, asking that on him he would have mercy: and because
for him he prayed: and at once sight he received.

[7] [he frees another, from his mother's imprecation a demoniac;] A certain boy by a demon possessed (for
when him, with fevers burning, his mother forty
times in the night called by him she had given to drink, and again
drink he asked; wearied the mother drink offered, saying
with anger, Drink in the name of the devil: and from then a demon
him invaded) offered moreover to the Saint, from the vexation
by his prayer he freed: from which, who unfaithful were,
the mother with the son were baptized. Of a certain noble
lady, a widow and Gentile, five sons there were, who
adults made the mother with injuries and contumelies afflicted
not rarely, even unto blows. But when
on one day her sharply they had beaten, [likewise two similar ones mutually mangling themselves:] angered she
exceedingly, them cursed under these words, that
the devil them so should seize, that turned into rage with their teeth
their own arms they should devour. Them immediately vengeance
divine followed: for seized by demons, and into rage
turned, they began for themselves to gnaw their arms.
Which the mother beholding, with tears full clamored
for help. At whose clamor stirred the neighbors, them,
lest to themselves and others they should harm, with chains bound. At length
the mother still a Gentile, to the Saint of God refuge had,
the misery of her sons setting forth: and a prayer made
from morning unto Terce, at length freed from the demons,
restored to health: and to them with the mother, after instruction
of faith, baptism delivered.

[8] When once him had visited Ambrose of Milan
the Bishop, familiar to him from youth made; [He bids the sick Eugenius rise,]
and Eugenius his Deacon infirm lay; having heard
of the death of a certain his relative, without his soul's decent
provision, from compassion he was burdened
greatly from his languor. Solicits Zenobius Ambrose,
that to provide for the case he not delay. Water therefore he blessed
Zenobius, which to Eugenius sending, commands
that from the bed he rise; and over the dead, to the house
in which he lay, going, pour it; and with him coming,
without delay to his sight themselves present. Which done, [and the dead friend to raise.]
arose who dead was, and together before the holy
man stood: who also for a long time afterward
survived: Eugenius indeed to his bed returning,
in that infirmity happily in the Lord fell asleep.

[9] Lastly full of days and of holy works,
his death foreknowing, [at last to his own having said farewell] the clergy and people being gathered
in the church, his decease to all published;
admonishing them to fraternal charity and mutual
peace: at his departure saddened, with the hope of affording
to them aid into the heavens ascending, he consoled: and thence
to his house returned fallen sick, having most devoutly taken
the Church's Sacraments, the Clerics singing psalms, in the year
of his age ninetieth, [in the time of Innocent the first[f]
the Pope, in the year namely from the Incarnation CCCCXXIV, [a nonagenarian he dies.] on the XXV
of May, that most holy soul, loosed from the body, penetrated
the celestial kingdoms.] He was buried moreover with eminent
honor in the church of S. Lawrence, after death
also not ceasing with miracles the Church to illustrate.
But in the fifth year from the day of his burial, his successor
Andrew the body of the Saint to translate disposed to
the cathedral church, to the Savior entitled. [In the translation of the body an elm sprouts on the 26th of January,] Which
that more honorably it might be done, the surrounding Bishops
convoked to this most pious work; when the Bishops
in Pontificals clothed the sacred body from the church of S.
Lawrence to the mother church carried; when they were before
the gate of S. John the Baptist[g] the oratory, which is on the
northern part, where then was a certain elm
with fronds dry, because winter it was, namely the XXVI of January;
oppressed the Bishops by the multitude of the people, the bier
from devotion each to touch desiring, fell down;
and the bier impelled here and there into the elm
struck: by whose touch suddenly the elm itself sprouted and
flowered. At length into the church carried, honorably
it was placed: [the head[h] however from the body separated,
covered with silver, [where now is the column with the cross.] to the devout people more frequently
is shown. But the elm from devotion into particles
cut, in its place to the perpetual memory of the thing
a column[i] of marble was erected, with a Cross also of marble
on its summit placed, which there remains unto
the present day, before the aforesaid gate of the church
of S. John.]

ANNOTATIONS.










THE SAME LIFE
by Blasius the Monk Priest after the XIII century adorned.
From the Florentine Mss.

Zenobius Bishop of Florence, in Etruria (S.)

BHL Number: 9016

BY BLASIUS FROM THE MSS.

[1] Zenobius, of the city of Florence from a noble lineage
sprung, the father namely Lucianus and the mother
Sophia drew his origin. [He advances in studies and virtues,] He in his boyhood years to the studies
of letters delivered, so in them advanced, that
in his age the twentieth year to him similar in the province of Tuscia
in Grammar, Dialectic, and Rhetoric none
was: from those namely vices clean, by which kind that
of men is wont to be involved; although he beheld very many,
with irremediable grief of heart, of vices to proceed
wickedly through precipices. For he was in intellect acute,
in speech distinct, in disputations lofty,
in study assiduous, in morals adorned, and beyond what
can be said to all inestimably gracious.

[2] On a certain day therefore, while to him his progenitors
a certain most beautiful young noble woman with great
dowries had betrothed; [his marriage spurned he is baptized,] to Theodorus then of Florence
the Bishop he approached; that God to serve he wished,
speedily to him set forth; and by him to be regenerated by the sacred
font of Baptism with humble prayer demanded: which
to him he assented: and his Chapter convoked, him with honor
the greatest with his own hands baptized. Which while to
the parents' notice had come, a retinue great
of kinsmen and friends having hastened, thither they proceed:
the Bishop and Zenobius they seek: with him
and the Cathedral Canons, gathered for joy,
him they discern: against whom many contumelious words
basely they brought forth. [his parents he converts:] Which when in the presence
they had brought forth of the Prelate, license obtained Zenobius rises,
to heaven his eyes raises, with the sign of the Cross himself fortifies,
and through his mouth thus the Holy Spirit spoke, that
the fury the father and mother laid aside, at the feet of the Bishop
themselves prostrate, baptism forthwith they take, and
blessing Zenobius with their own with the greatest gladness returned.

[3] [ordained he insists on preaching.] The holy Prelate him for some time with himself
with the greatest affection kept, a Cleric and Canon
Cathedral made, and at the appointed time there into
the Archdeacon the way of all flesh having entered, him
to the Archdeaconal dignity promoted: and whatever
he could of his dignity to commit, he did not delay.

From then the man of God, to preachings and disputations
against the heretics manfully to insist began,
by the sanctity of life what he preached to show, ample
alms his food most sparing kept for himself to the poor
to distribute, nothing of the morrow to think, instructed in the Evangelical
truth he took care.

[4] Which when to the notice of the kindly[a] Ambrose the Prelate
Bishop of Milan had come, [Ambrose commending, summoned by Damasus:] to him
he came: and with the highest union himself to him joined, and what
he had found and of what sort, to the supreme Pontiff to report Damasus
delay laid aside he did not neglect. Who immediately
for him sent: and having learned that nothing he had heard with respect to
those things, which in him of probity of life and of science
he had found, resisting greatly in the Cathedral of the Roman
Mother church with the Deaconal office adorned him:
in which state with all sanctity his life in all things
he doubled. [paralysis he cures:] That so it was God omnipotent by manifest
miracles demonstrated. For when on a certain
of S. Mary across the Tiber he had proceeded; the son of the Prefect,
by paralysis to his bed held, for him directed, and to him to be pitied
with many of prayers tears entreated. Whose when
the excuse burdened he refused, to prayer himself he gave;
the hand he took; and the sign of the Cross over him made, sound
and cheerful he arose. For certain causes to Constantinople
Zenobius as Legate is directed: by his life
and miracles many his sanctity is known: and the things[c] completed
to return to Rome by the Supreme Pontiff
is procured.

[5] Meanwhile Theodorus the Bishop of Florence dies:
between the Catholics and the heretics about the election to be made
a great strife is born: [Bishop of Florence elected] thither to settle it
as a citizen he is directed, with great honor he is received;
but intolerably he is afflicted, because from the entrance
of the land unto the place where he descended, by all both
the faithful and others, Let Zenobius be our Bishop,
is acclaimed. Who when with entreaties and rumors
that he assent they insisted, and he altogether refused;
seeing himself nothing to be able, to Rome he returned, and that himself nothing avails
to the Bishop announced. But the Florentines immediately
solemn Ambassadors to Rome direct, who what
to the Supreme Pontiff, that they no one except Zenobius will receive
as Bishop, they say, on themselves altogether they impose.
He moreover when that to be despoiled of a mother is not
worthy, although for a daughter, he said; [at Rome he is consecrated:] yet by the assent and
entreaties of the Cardinals and other Prelates'
instance conquered, hearing he afforded; and himself consecrated
as the Florentines' Prelate, to them, in affliction
greatest his separation remaining, he destined. [d]

[6] By the Florentines with the greatest joy he is received, and through
several days by them, that supremely they rejoice, by signs evident
it is demonstrated. [benevolently received he lives holily:] He indeed to himself more keenly returned,
and his whole life from good to better changed:
for with vigils, prayers, rough hair-shirts upon
his bare body, preachings, confessions, disputations,
counsels [he insisted], with continual fastings
the flesh he tamed, and besides his strict own food
and the household's, all the superfluous, all delay set aside,
to the poor he bestowed. To a certain small church,
toward the Northern parts outside the city
a little, to the honor of the Levite dedicated Lawrence the Martyr,
with his intimates, [by S. Ambrose he is visited:] the Saints[e] Eugenius the Deacon and
Crescentius the Subdeacon, as if keeping an eremitic life,
he dwelt: in whose congregation his intimate
Prelate Ambrose for a great part of the time
remained, and many there through both of one heart
and life God miracles did.

[7] His fame heard, a certain great and noble
Lady of Gaul, to Rome with great apparatus going,
him visited; and supremely by his sanctity edified,
a certain her weakened from the journey son,
her journey accomplishing, commended. On the second
therefore feria of Easter, when according to custom to the procession
with his Clergy and people to the church of S. Peter the major
he had proceeded; the Lady aforesaid returned, and to the Episcopate
joyfully to be consoled with her son proceeds: but
him absent then to have expired her son she found. [the boy dead,] The father
holy she seeks, where he is she knew, her hair lays down,
her garments rends, in her arms her son's body takes, and with a retinue
great to meet goes. When him returning with
weeping irremediable she met, before his feet the body
she places, and to her to be rendered alive her son with weeping most sorrowful
humbly demanded: alleging to her grief's
augment, [at the mother's prayers,] that only, noble, most rich, by friends
and kinsmen nourished, against the will of those
with her led; whence, unless to her be restored the deposit
with her made, never to her own she will return,
but there in misery perpetually she will remain. The Saint as if
astonished, the Clergy and people here and there beholds,
genuflects toward the Eastern parts, his hands closed
to heaven his eyes raises, sweetly praying to weep
he began, [he resuscitates.] over the body the sign of the Cross made, and his hands
upon his head imposed: and from prayer rising,
the boy most sweet to his mother he restored. The whole people
the Lord praising, the Bishop to the Episcopate,
preceding him the resuscitated one, brought back, and home to
his own returned. The Lady indeed for some days
with the Prelate stayed, and together with the boy and her people
with immense joy to return into France procured.

[8] To his therefore parents, to whom he was the only one, the way
of all flesh having entered; [His patrimony among the poor he distributes:] all the patrimonies which
they possessed he sold, and to the poor bestowed; saving
that in the great possessions, which he had by the right
of patrimony, at Passignano in the County of Florence
and of the Fiesole diocese a [church] in honor of S. Salvator
he caused to be built:[f] just as did at Rome Constantine
the Emperor of his palace in the Lateran;[g] and
[its Clerics] from all burden of patronage perpetually
that to God they might be free more gladly he freed.

[9] On a certain day when from visiting a certain church
near the walls of the city, toward the Northern parts,
with his Clerics on foot he was walking; [he resuscitates another youth,] a multitude
of citizens, carrying to the tomb the body of a certain
youth much honorable, he met; who
when to turn aside it he wished, he could not; because immediately
at his feet the body they placed, and to him a circle made
of themselves lest he flee, and that their to resuscitate
fellow-citizen, who the son raised of the foreign widow,
to cry they began. Whose excuse while not
they approved, his knees toward the East he bent, that all
should say Kyrie eleison on them he imposes; his hands closed,
to heaven raised his eyes, God he entreated;
and quickly rising, with him who was dead most sound
arose, with him with all the people went, and
to his own returning a great time survived.

[10] When a certain little boy, of years[h] I think five,
in the way near the Cathedral church sat,
a charioteer with a cart there passing, [likewise a boy crushed by oxen:] the oxen suddenly turned
into fury, upon the little child rushed, and wholly
in a manner incurable crushed. Which the mother
sorrowful perceiving, in a cloth wrapped him took,
to the Deacon Eugenius brought, and that him for
the recovering of life to the holy Father he would offer, with weeping
horrible supplicated. He piously assented, and at the Saint's feet
with many entreaties placed. Who immediately
to prayer himself gave, from which rising with him the boy unharmed
rises. Eugenius him takes, and to the mother
most joyful resigned.

[11] While a certain blind man, for a long time asking
alms, at the gate of the temple persisted; [a blind man he illuminates:] having heard
the miracles, which God through his Bishop did,
on one of the days while he was entering, at his feet rolling himself,
that on him he would have mercy, with devotion the greatest
him entreated. Then the Saint, whether he wished to become a Christian,
the light received, of him asked. Most gladly,
he answered: and these things said upon his eyes the Cross's
sign he affixed; and immediately, restored to him perfectly
sight, baptism he took; and Christ, all the time he
lived, most excellently always to serve took care.

[12] When the Prelate holy beyond the Alps[i] a certain
to visit church approached, [another shattered by a fall he resuscitates:] some bitterly weeping
a certain their associate he found: how, and to
what they came he asked. Incautiously, the elder among them answered,
proceeding from a rock with his horse he fell forth: [he directed
moreover him] to you, Father, the Prelate Ambrose, with
the bodies of SS. Vitalis[k] and Agricola sending: and that
on him he have mercy, who to others made grace, with many
suffused tears him entreated. Where he is, he asks: thither
he approached: wholly shattered with his horse dead
he found: to prayer himself near the lifeless one he gave: from which
rising, who had been dead, most sound rises: the gift,
which the holy Bishop had sent, eagerly with his hands
he took: for several days with him he was, and when it pleased
to the one directing with the greatest joy he returned.

[13] A certain Lady, when forty times to her son
gravely infirm, in one night drink she had given; [from a demon possessed he frees:]
nor thus, by chance asking drink, to quiet the night
him she permitted; she moved: Four times ten this
night to you drink I have offered, she asserted: now in the devil's name
take, who you may possess, since me to quiet
by no reason you permit. He took, and soon into him a demon
having entered him most cruelly to vex began. She
indeed what she had said in maternal manner considering, to be afflicted
began; and although a Pagan, the Saint approached: and his rolled
at feet, that her she would succor misery, to her the deed
set forth, humbly with irremediable griefs entreated.
By piety moved, over the brought with great violence
infirm his eyes he directs, to prayer himself gives, and
the sign of the Cross over him made the demon departed: and
restored to pristine health, with the mother baptism
he took, and unharmed home returned.

[14] When a certain noble Lady of the city, five
sons, of a husband's solace destitute, unto the lawful
age delicately had nourished; and they on one of the days
her both with contumelious words, and, what is graver, [the sons rebellious against the mother, and therefore into fury driven,]
with blows had afflicted; she genuflected, to the demon
commended them, and that God upon them a rage visible
should send, so that for themselves they should gnaw their arms, with much
weeping and griefs entreated: whose entreaty
God without medium heard. At the rumor the neighborhood
flows together, them with chains bound; not however so quickly,
but each of them between themselves unto the elbow
their arms biting reduced to nothing. To herself the mother returned;
and although a pagan the holy Father she approached: and her hair loosed,
for her sons chained, to his presence
led, the cause of her error set forth, mercy demanded.
Who immediately before the image of the Crucified
prostrates himself; [he heals and baptizes:] the multitude of the people standing by, from morning
unto Terce with many tears to prayer he devoted;
fatigued greatly he rises, and the sign of the Cross made
over them, quickly the demons being put to flight, and to health
pristine restored, them with their mother he baptized;
and instructed, how themselves to govern they ought thereafter
in all things, home to return he commanded.

[15] On a certain day, Eugenius his Archdeacon gravely
infirm, [a dead man, blessed water being sent, he resuscitates] standing by S. Ambrose the Prelate, a certain man news of the death of his kinsman, without any provision
of his soul, brought: about which so to be afflicted he began,
that from this the infirmity inestimably strength
took. Which discerning the Prelate Ambrose, to S. Zenobius
greatly afflicted, said, and that for him he should provide
to announce ceased not. Then a servitor being summoned Zenobius,
water blessed, through him to Eugenius directs,
and that delay laid aside he rise, to the dead man proceed,
over him pour it, and that with him to him he come, his own
to him by name impose, to command he did not neglect. Which
done in an instant, who had been dead, unharmed
rises; to the Saint's sight (as had been commanded) himself
presented; and thanks rendered home returned, and
a long time survived. Eugenius indeed, the command fulfilled,
which sound he did, to his bed returned, as
in his Legend we shall say, a few days interposed,
the celestial penetrated.

[16] The Pastor holy, his death to be imminent foreknowing,
on one of the days in the Cathedral church the Clergy
and people gathered; [piously he dies.] them about concord, in the city
among themselves to be kept, much comforted; his
to them decease published; and that from this they should not be afflicted
(since he was going to Him, toward whom much to them
he would profit) announced. And these things said them Pontifically
he blessed: and to the little place, where he dwelt, with labor
manifold returned, the rest set aside, only
of the celestial passage he took care. To his standing-by Chapter,
with weeping pious singing psalms, the holy man with the greatest devotion
of the most sacred Mother Church's[l] Sacraments received;
to them the church recommended; and with the sign of the Cross
fortifying himself, upward raised his eyes, on their arms
his head reclining, that soul holy the flesh laid down the celestial
penetrated[m] [in his age the ninetieth year, in the year
of the Lord 426, on the 8 Kalends of June, in the time of Theodosius
and Honorius the Emperors]. Whose body the Clergy and
people with the greatest devotion, embalmed with aromatics,
near the altar of the above-said Levite S. Lawrence buried.

[17] In the year therefore fifth from the day of his burial, Andrew
his successor in the Episcopal dignity, [In the translation of the body] convoking
the collateral Bishops, to translate him
into the Cathedral church, in honor of S. Salvator
constructed, wished; and on the day XXVI of January, as he proposed,
he fulfilled. But when the Bishops the body
sacred on their shoulders in Pontificals prepared bore, [a dry elm at the touch flowers:]
oppressed by the people they fell down; and in the fall a certain
elm, which in the square near the church of S. John
the Baptist was, the chest with the body struck:
which elm, touched thus by the holy body, immediately
flowers and leaves emitted, and flowering that year wholly
endured. The Gentiles indeed, on account of devotion uprooting,
the above-said tree destroyed; but the Florentines,
lest of so great a miracle the memory should perish, there
to be erected a marble column with a Cross above placed
caused, [and 12 Canonicates are founded.] and so to be perpetually decreed. But when
to the doors of the church they had come, in no way to be brought in
it could. Which the Bishop with the Clergy and people
beholding, all assenting he vowed, that in
that church a number of twelve Canons he would place,
who to it should serve, as to its dignity is fitting.
Which when all the promise had confirmed,
the Prelate's holy body they took, and where now it is
in the altar with due honor placed: and that very day,
just as of the Deposition, in the divine Offices solemn they ordained.

ANNOTATIONS.













APPENDIX
Miracles wrought after the year MCC.

Zenobius Bishop of Florence, in Etruria (S.)

BHL Number: 9016

BY BLASIUS FROM THE MSS.

[18] When a certain[a] Canon of the Cathedral Church,
in medicine a Master, [A Cleric after medicine intermitted is healed,] a certain
to him most dear Cleric, by a grave infirmity held,
had; him B. Zenobius assiduously he commended:
and although this he did, yet from the remedies of medicine
in no way he desisted. Which when to himself nothing to profit
he discerned, all the medicinal things he dismissed, God
alone with B. Zenobius to cure proposed. Whence on a certain
night to prayer before the altar of B. Zenobius himself he gave,
and with humble prayers his suffrage demanded.
To whom the holy Prelate, in Pontificals most white clothed,
appeared; and that his help with cares
medicinal mixed he implored, reproved;
and that him he had healed when he descended, announced.
Who immediately rising and home returning, him
perfectly healed, whom in extremes as if laboring
he had left, found: about which God praising,
as it had happened he published.

[19] A certain Cleric,[b] by name Claritus, serving
the Cathedral Church, where the Prelate's holy body
rests, [an abscess of the throat is cured;] on a certain day a horrible abscess in his throat
had, which to be cut ought; and [because by the judgment] of master
Guido, the supreme physician of Arezzo, to him was predicted
that through nature to escape he could not; according to custom
to his soul's safety he provided, and the night preceding the day
of the incision to be made, before the altar himself of the Prelate kindly prostrated,
and to him to be pitied by his merits God's clemency
implored. Fatigued by much weeping in prayer, by sleep
he is seized, and what he asked to him in no way is denied.
For suddenly to him the glorious Father appeared in most white
ornaments, the sign of the Cross over him
made, and that sound he should rise commanded. Who awakened
unharmed rises, the deed expresses, and God praising
in His Saint, for a great time in the Plebanate
office of the church of S. John of Florence holily lived,
and there his life with a happy end terminated.

[20] A certain Priest, by name Lapus, of his altar
the devout minister and servant, while raising a certain
piece of wood from the church for the sake of ordering his feast, [his loins broken is healed:]
in the kidneys broken, was brought to his bed;
bound by the physicians, gravely to be afflicted he began, because
at the Vespers of the Saint, so solemn, to be he could not.
The night unto the matutinal hour in weeping and
pain much he passed: wherefore to him for the Prelate's love
Christ grace did not subtract: because suddenly with wonderful
prepared [ornaments] the Saint appeared; and that
he rise, and to officiate proceed with the others into
the church, to command he did not neglect. Who at once unharmed
rises, in the temple to officiate proceeds,
the Clergy into admiration inestimable led, what
had been done set forth, and as long as he lived to it faithfully
served.

[21] When a certain Lady[c] most beautiful, forsaken,
against God and justice, [the husband is reconciled to the wife.] by her husband had been,
and into his hatred into England had proceeded; on the feast
of B. Zenobius for her husband's memory gravely to weep
she began, and in this weeping his mercy to invoke
she does not postpone. Suddenly on that very day and the same hour,
the heart of her husband by love is constrained, the journey immediately
is undertaken, to Florence without any delay
he returns, and to his spouse with love inestimable is joined,
and a solemn household of both sexes by their
holy union is gladdened. To these miracles, by Blasius
the Presbyter related, [Moreover in the Italian Ms.] it pleases to add two others, from an old Ms.
Italian, found with the often-praised Carlo Strozzi
the Senator, in the Codex 1064, marked with the letters H D.

[22] In the year MCCCLXXXXIV, on the day XXX of June, did
S. Zenobius the following miracle, as to me it
narrated Ambrosius Pictoris, son of D. Santina of
S. John, and it asserted as a witness by sight. [three eye-witnesses narrate;] Two
moreover youths honest, his associates, with even greater
constancy the same two miracles affirmed, and that
in the chapel of S. James; where them I heard, I Don
Zenobius, who also examined them, hearing with me
Brother Ludovicus, whom then I was teaching to sing, and Brother
Laurentius Pictoris: so moreover he related. A woman of
the Florentine Gate, by an evil demon beset, by her father
and mother and other kinsmen of hers was led
to S. Zenobius. She soon as she came to the corner
of the Palea, and from afar beheld the church of S.
Reparata, understood the demon what was being done;
and the woman suddenly prostrated herself on the ground, with howling
and indescribable alteration of her whole person: [which in the year 1394 an energumen brought,]
for others' garments she bit and tore, even so far
fierce, that twelve men had to be appointed, who her seized violently might lead to S. Zenobius.
So by others she was dragged into the sacristy of S.
Reparata, me always preceding, says Ambrosius,
that the future miracle I might see. For firmly
I had proposed the truth of the matter with my own eyes
to behold, on account of many miracles which to be celebrated before
I had heard: and therefore intent always on her
I kept my eyes. Then pursuing the begun narration
he says: [very greatly raging;] Soon as she was brought into the sacristy,
on one of those who had drawn her placed on his back
she was, as if she had been dead: but whatever they did,
never could they so dispose her, that on her head
could be imposed the head of S. Zenobius; therefore her they set down
on her feet. But although men altogether sixteen in this
were fatigued, and her hair into four parts divided
as many men had seized, they could not
effect that herself onto her knees she let down: and the more they
strove, so much the more rigidly she stood erect.

[23] At length however, as best he could, adjusted
when she was, and the head of S. Zenobius was brought out from the little chamber,
to which existing in the sacristy enclosed it was; soon
as it she saw, with so great violence she tore herself from
the hands of those holding her, that all on the ground she prostrated,
here and there scattered; and ill she received as many as
dared to approach her, truly demoniac. Subdued
nevertheless somewhat, [by the touch of the sacred head she was freed,] to be held herself in a way
she allowed, and to be composed in a manner, that the sacred head
to be superimposed on her could, meanwhile while the Priests
two recited Prayers and Gospels, and with lustral
water her sprinkled, just as in such things to be done
is wont. Then, says Ambrosius, I at the same
moment of time her more fixedly beholding, saw that,
the sacred cranium placed upon her head, at once gentle
rendered she was like a little sheep: and herself on the ground placing
as if to sleep, at once when her they covered
asleep she was: and after a little sleep was
awakened, sound and safe, to God's honor and S.
Zenobius's. This moreover, he said, saw two Priests
and two Clerics, and we there standing by were
more than twenty seculars, but above through the windows
had ascended more than a hundred, occupying
whatever corner of the building and projecting
beams, who heard the horrible howlings of the sick woman;
and all the miracle seen praises and thanks
gave to God. Amen.

[24] He said also, attesting to him the same two
associates, [likewise a little before an energumen,] another also miracle a little before to have been done
in this manner. A few days before this miracle,
when thither had been brought an energumen, and adjured
the enemy that he go out from that creature, he said: I will go out:
I will go out altogether. But when? Now now,
he answered; or, Indeed I know not; or, I will go out however:
and so he derided those adjuring, until it was commanded
to him, that in sign of his going out, one of the many, which
there kindled stood, tapers he should extinguish. But when
delays he wove, on his head they imposed the cranium
of S. Zenobius: and suddenly tamed himself he reclined
upon the earth, and to sleep began. And at the same time
of the tapers one so furiously extinguished was, as if
twelve bellows together had been to stir a blast
applied: and so also this one healed was, to God's
and holy Zenobius's honor. But often equal
and even greater miracles happen through the merits
of S. Zenobius: and I remember to me said by the Sacristan, that
he restored speech to a mute boy: whence glory to Christ
be, and to His mother Mary the Virgin.

ANNOTATIONS.




THE THIRD LIFE
by Laurentius Archbishop of Amalfi, as he had heard it related, written in the XI century.
From the Ms. Codex of Cardinal Barberini, and the edition of Ughelli.

Zenobius Bishop of Florence, in Etruria (S.)

BHL Number: 9014

BY LAURENTIUS BISHOP OF AMALFI FROM THE MSS.

PROLOGUE.

To the exhortation of your love, amiable Brothers,
the hearing of my mind accommodating, so the virtues and
miracles of the common Father Zenobius I have proposed Christ
as leader to direct, [The Author with a modest style,] so that rather the minds of the simple
to the advancement of the spirit, than the heart of the wise to
the acumen of genius I may provoke. For since there is a numerous
throng of peoples, which less toils in philosophic
studies; and most rare to be it is established, to whom at heart
it is the dialectic to scrutinize sublimity; it behooves
indeed us, who to the salvation of very many provide, those
rather who are many, than the very few to provide for.
To the most erudite therefore each I supplicate, so that of that
charity remembering, which its own not to seek
is proved, the usual and in a manner simple
using speeches me unequal patiently they hear,
that of fraternal usefulness they may be proved lovers to exist.
But let there be to anyone, [he brings forth miracles sufficiently proven,] I beseech, no ambiguity
about the miracles of the holy man, which here are with the Lord favoring
to be described: since partly those we learned from
persons most grave, partly indeed through all Tuscia
even today they glitter, that the unfaithful to close their mouths, and
the faithful to the praise of Christ compel in a manner to open.
But how with most sacred virtues uniquely
he flourished, hence chiefly is clear; that always to the existing
happily adhering Divinity; living, so to say,
miracles, through his flesh by humanity dead
he demonstrated assiduously. [to demonstrate Zenobius's sanctity,] An argument therefore drawing
from the effects, we acknowledge him once with virtues
to have flourished: who now in heaven dwelling, the dryness of our
minds with his miracles' joy-flowing
exhibitions waters. For the effect is what
the preceding cause perfects, as the day, which the sun's rising
emits. Since therefore the brightness of his miracles continually
we have experienced, what else to us to be understood is given,
but that with the wings of virtues to the ether raised,
to the sun of justice happily he is joined? For of his signs
the lively efficacy, with virtues him to have been filled
not small, asserts. But the possession of virtues,
with the stains of vices indicates him in all ways to have lacked.
For two things mutually contrary (as they say)
to one and the same subject at once to be in cannot. But of the proem
enough it is: and so the Lord favoring his life
to narrate I undertake.

CHAPTER I.

S. Zenobius's holy adolescence. Episcopal virtues.

[2] Zenobius, of the Florentine city a native, not
only by the origin of flesh noble, but also by the mind's
ingenuousness most illustrious existed. [As a boy with letters and virtue he is imbued:] For from his boyhood
years to the divine service devoting himself, so of letters
most studious he had shone, that, how the most strong of Christ
a soldier he would be future, in his very as it were apprenticeship
he demonstrated. At length with mature morals adorning
still his bitter little age, from virtues to
virtues notably he walked; so that you would not doubt in
Sion the God of gods happily to be about to see, who the way
of the divine commands so most swiftly ran.

[3] And when of his boyhood the time passed he had come
to the years of puberty, knew the most sagacious youth, [as a youth by the love of chastity,]
not that of his body to tend the desires,
to which the Christian ardor to hasten desired. Just as
the excellent thunders preacher, The flesh lusts
against the spirit, the spirit moreover against the flesh;
and these to each other are adverse. [Gal. 5, 17,] Let us see therefore,
what Christ's soldier against this kind of conflict
performed; that we may acknowledge, him in this life's stadium
not in vain to have run. With such therefore his flesh
fastings he subjected to the spirit, that by divine aided help, [the flesh by fasting he tames:]
by his body he was not subjected as a servant, but on the contrary
he ruled as a master. To chastity therefore
giving labor, with Job in weaknesses the most strong,
to say he could, I have set in my heart, that not I should think
even of a virgin. [Job 31, 1,] For he knew, already in the divine especially
letters erudite, of chastity the virtue to be before
the rest to be embraced: which slipped the remaining virtues
utterly are extirpated. But because cannot the fiery ardor
be extinguished, to which of woods the food continually is administered:
and then the venereal swelling by a salutary is depressed
medicine, when the feasts to it are subtracted, the death-bringing
heat ministering; therefore with fastings and vigils
his limbs most congruously he chastised.

[4] Besides the virtue of charity in him for itself a proper
in a manner had constituted dwelling, so that truly
you could say; In this youth, [he adds charity,] of chastity and twin love
the lover, God indeed rests. [1 John 4, 16, 1 Cor. 6, 19,] For
since the God-speaking Evangelist does not deny to say,
God is charity; and, Who remains in charity, in God
remains and God remains in him; Paul also truthfully
asserts, those who chastely live a temple to be of the Spirit
holy; it is established indeed the most blessed Zenobius,
with such virtues filled, of Divinity a dwelling
to have existed: especially when of so great gentleness
and so great humility, [gentleness, humility,] which is established to be of virtues
the guardian, he was approved, that as if specially of him
to have been said it seemed; Upon whom shall rest spirit
my, but upon Zenobius, humble and quiet,
and trembling at my words? [Isa. 66, 2,] By the nobility indeed
of flesh, by which he is said before the rest to have shone, trodden, so
by the mind's ingenuousness he prevailed, that in the celestial court already
then he was with golden letters distinguished. But how liberal
in giving alms, and how pious of the poor
a host he was in the Lord, brevity studying, I omit
in order to say; [his affection toward the poor.] because by the collective, as they say,
state, the prudent reader, in the praise which we premised
of charity, this can fully behold. For neither charity,
by which God and the neighbor is loved, to have to be thought
is he, who, that the Evangelist's words I may use, shall have seen
his brother to have need, and shall have closed his bowels
from him. [1 John 3, 17] For the proof of love (as
Gregory, of his See the equal, wonderfully teaches)
of work is the exhibition.

[5] With such therefore virtues prevailing, when for a very long
time with lesser he was content offices, [Into a Bishop elected,] in the church
of Florence, the Prelate of that place being dead, not only
by the clergy, but also by the whole of that city's
people, solemnly to the Pontificate's summit he is elected.
Nor indeed was it permitted to him to resist or to oppose this kind of
election: since, as I aforesaid, so by the consent
and effort of all his fellow-citizens he had been demanded
to that Church's helm, that openly it was given
to be understood, divinely him to this kind of office to have been
invited. Seeing therefore to the divine commands
neither to be able nor to ought obstinately to struggle; [and ordained, he studies humility,] the Prelacy
indeed's office canonically he took, but of humility
the grace to himself most familiar he did not desert.
For to profit more than to preside desiring, so himself
to all most humble he exhibited, that there was not ambiguous,
but that assiduous the hearing of his mind to the Evangelic
sentence he accommodated, in which namely it is said:

Learn from me because I am meek and humble of heart. [Matt. 11, 29,] So great
indeed with love the clergy committed to him and the rest
of the people sweet-flowing he embraced, [and to his love toward the Clergy and people:] that whoever of them
with demoniac or human straits fluctuated,
to his solace as to a port most tranquil
hastened. Whom he sweetly receiving, so with the divine
Scriptures' words consoled, that they rejoiced this kind of
Father from heaven to be granted, who to the children's
crises with wonderful sweetness succored. For prolonged,
just as has been aforesaid, time to the disciplines toiling
ecclesiastical, under others' rule excellently
he had learned to each languor of minds congruous of speech
medicines to apply; and deservedly to preside he could,
who congruously to be subject had learned.

[6] But if ever the secular powers anyone
of his subjects with unjust judgment oppressed, [those unjustly afflicted by the powerful he helps:]
he did not fear boldly their wickedness to reprove:
and so long a certain commixture of severity
and lenity made he insisted; until the Lord favoring
mostly he recalled to the way of justice, those whom through the deviations of iniquities
it was established to walk. For the just,
just as the Divine authority testifies, like
a confident lion, without terror walks: on the contrary indeed
whom gravely the guilt of conscience accuses, flees
no one pursuing. [Prov. 28, 1, Lev. 26, 17,] Indeed Ecclesiastical right's estates
to themselves usurping, [and the oppressors of Ecclesiastical right he corrects:] not with material swords this Father
most excellent assailed, but with the effective arms
of prayer manfully stormed. Whence it happened that the divine
power discerning the innocent His servant's patience,
so some of those with most severe vengeance mulcted,
that by a bitter sudden dying destruction, not only private
persons, but even Kings to the obsequy of the holy
man in a manner compelled. Whence indeed it happened
the most sacred Church of the Florentines from this kind of
persons more than the rest to be enriched: inasmuch as
those, the sanctity of the Father Zenobius seen, and known the divine
severity, which for him most frequently fought,
not from him violently to take away, but to offer suppliantly to the Church
the necessaries procured. At length the Royal power,
which in those days of Italy was the chief, in so great
prostrated itself humility at his adorable footprints;
that the temporal Emperor to the laments of penitence with
his Magnates fleeing, [to the Emperors he is in veneration.] the eternal Emperor
in him venerably adored. Nor undeservedly: for He Himself
indeed Christ with the Evangelic trumpet thundered saying:
Who honors you honors Me, and who spurns Me,
spurns Him who sent Me: and through the Prophet, Who
you, He says, touches, that is with dishonor treats, the pupil
without doubt touches of My eye. What more? [Luke 10, 16, Zach. 2, 8] Just as
once rejoiced Rome, of things the greatest poetically called,
of the spoils of the slain; so exulted Florence over the conversion
of many, through so great a Father forever
to live. Whence rightly it could, among his other
proclamations, be sung,
Happy Florence flowers again with a great Saint.

[7] Further lest of less to be seem of authority
these things, which, just as we have foretasted, from most religious certain men
we learned, who truthfully asserted these indeed
anciently to have been written; but by a fire, which by chance
happened, to have been consumed; what Paulinus[a] the Holy about
the Father Zenobius relates, let us hear. For among the other
virtues and miracles of the most famous Father Ambrose
he subjoined, saying: In Tuscia also the Florentine city,
where now the holy man Zenobius is Bishop;
because he had promised himself, those asking, them more often to visit;
frequently at the altar which is in the Ambrosian basilica,
which there by him was established, was seen
to pray, the holy man the Priest Zenobius relating, we learned.
Lo Paulinus, who of so great piety had existed that
himself to the barbaric nation a slave for the son of a certain
widow delivered, [he sees the soul of S. Ambrose in the church by him dedicated praying,] asserts our Zenobius to be
to have said, not for the assertion of truth, against posterity's
doubt, both he says: In the Florentine city where
now the holy man Zenobius is; and after pointedly added,
The holy man the Priest Zenobius relating we learned.
Who therefore dares to this truthful testimony
to resist, through whose mouth to the praise of the same our patron
Christ indeed has spoken? According to that namely
which the excellent asserts preacher; Do you seek an experiment
of Him who in me speaks Christ? [2 Cor. 13, 3]

[8] Besides diligently to be inspected it is, in how great
of sanctity he dwelt the summit, who merited the soul
of his Fellow-priest after the carnal departure with spiritual
eyes to behold. But with spiritual eyes I would say,
not that him by corporeal sight in no way he saw;
but that his gaze so now spiritual was made,
that deservedly the elect's spirits he could contemplate. [he himself wholly spiritual:]
For it is written: Blessed the clean of heart, for
they shall see God. [Matt. 5, 8,] But God a spirit is;
it is not therefore wonderful if with the light of sanctity illustrated B.
Zenobius, the circumscribed could see spirit, who
the uncircumscribed happily is about to see, according to that
which is written of the elect: The King in His beauty
they shall see, that is in His divinity after the world's end
with their own eyes happily are about to see, whom now
through a mirror in an enigma they contemplate. [Isai. 33, 17]

[9] Nor to be passed over, that the holy man Ambrose,
just as to the devoutly asking Florentines
he had promised, not only alive them frequently to visit
strove, but even dead. In which indeed matter
with great is the Florentines' people praises to be extolled,
whose immense indeed devotion, not only before,
but even after the death of the holy man was rewarded;
[by S. Ambrose he is visited,] while frequently with them and (as it is to be believed)
for them to pray he was seen, by whom[b] once invited not
only to Florence he had come, but them also[c] by the resuscitation
of a certain boy wonderfully had gladdened. Among these
indeed peoples the ecclesiastical Clergy I judge
to have been present, among whom indeed shone like a star most bright
our Patron Zenobius, although then at that time
not yet he was with the Pontifical garland adorned:
especially when we read the church[d], which is called Ambrosian,
solemnly by the same Most Reverend Pontiff
Ambrose to have been dedicated, with all the Florentine
people's gladness: whence it is given to conjecture, from then these
twin columns of God's Church mutually to themselves to have been
by a friendly compact joined. Nor undeservedly: it is written
indeed, Every animal loves to itself similar: which, indeed,
animal, [and with a friendly compact is joined.] of man is predicated. Besides to be seen,
how the sanctity of that eminent Father the efficacy
also of miracles more clearly divulged. [Eccli. 13, 19.]

ANNOTATIONS.





CHAPTER II.

Two dead resuscitated. Other miracles.

[10] [A matron setting out for Rome kindly he receives,] A certain Matron, for the sake of prayer to Rome
setting out, from the parts of Gaul having heard the laudable
fame of the blessed servant of God, Zenobius; before there
she set out, to him to come she strove, that of so great a Father's
blessings she might enjoy. And when her devotion
attending the admirable Pontiff, to the world's contempt
and the celestial kingdom's desire rather
he had kindled; she at his footprints prostrate to ask
began, that mindful of her in his prayers continually
he would deign. Besides when to her lodging
now of her vow possessed the woman had returned, and to her own narrated,
of how great sanctity, of how great eloquence, and
of unique morality was the Bishop, whose
blessing she had wished; her son, who with her
indeed had come, but on account of the trouble which he had incurred
on the journey, weary in the little bed lay; to him led,
to his prayers most humbly commended himself.
Then the man of God, whom the grace of piety the virtues among the rest
commended, compassionating his infirmity,
not only interior refreshment to him bestowed, [his sick son he detains:] but
even corporeal liberal nourishments bestowed. But
because his languor little by little grew strong, fearing
the man of God, lest the labor of the journey, or this in every way
should wear away his body, or the mother's devotion break;
with himself mercifully the same boy to detain
he proposed, until his mother from the Apostles' thresholds
should return; which also was done. Therefore she
setting out for Rome, so great a care of piety B. Zenobius
toward the aforesaid sick one exhibited, that another
mother to be found he seemed for his solace.
But because divine providence, as I think, had constituted,
that through his death, nay resurrection, the most blessed
Father more should shine; all human refreshment,
which as a medicinal cure to him was exhibited,
not to him relief but heaviness brought.

[11] Meanwhile of ecclesiastical usefulness requiring a business,
proceeded the Venerable same Pontiff to the temple,
which was in honor of S. Peter consecrated, not a few
Clerics him accompanying. Where while a prayer premised,
which seemed congruous he had performed; on account of the often-named
infirm one, whom by exceeding fever's ardor burnt
he had left, he began with hastened step to return. And
behold he sees his mother, who on that very day returned
had been, [the same dead,] with scattered miserably hair and great
howlings vociferating, to him to come; and her little son's
now lifeless body unhappily to carry. Which seen
the man most clement his step at once stops; and learning
the mother one only hour after her son's death
to have returned, groaning is made. The woman indeed immediately
at his feet rolled, her son's corpse before his face
casts, and with a voice lamentable clamors, saying:
My only one, whom to your sanctity alive I had commended,
alive, I beseech, to the unhappy mother restore,
not deceased. You who of your flock not only the Pastor,
but even the Father are, [at the mother's prayers,] make me I pray of mothers in
the number to be reckoned. For too unhappy to be called
a mother further I cannot, who in one and the same moment
alike a son and the mother's name I lost.
Coming from the Apostles' Churches, who by preaching's
light the whole world illustrated, how
my light lost, which before my eyes I loved,
bereft, can I to my fatherland return? With these and this kind of
lamentations the same womanly indeed
weeping, but manfully in the Lord confiding, when not
could her the man of the Lord from his footprints repel,
himself tearful there into prayer gave; and so long
the near to himself Divinity's ears struck most humble, [he resuscitates,]
until both alike rose; the deceased namely
from bitter death, and the holy elder from prayer. Now
indeed who with oratorical faculty most powerful worthily can
narrate, how great suddenly was the born joy,
not only to the parent of him who had been resuscitated, but
even to the rest at this kind of spectacle standing by?
when namely in one and the same almost time they saw
with his own feet walking, [with great joy of all,] who dead brought had been by alien hands. Who therefore a God great
like our God; who indeed to His divinity
not sluggishly serving, not only in the heavens, but
even on earth glorifies; according to that namely,
which truthfully, inasmuch as the highest truth, He promised;
I will glorify those glorifying Me. [1 Kings 2, 3,] It is not therefore
unhappily to be wondered at, that so effective His servant's
entreaty was, that suddenly he was able the lifeless little body
to visit: since indeed it is clear, him of those
to have been chief in number, of whom prophetically
it is said, The will of those fearing Him the faithful in
His words most clemently will do, their prayers namely
wonderfully hearing. [Ps. 144, 19.] But the place in which
happened this notable miracle, [in the place called Geniculum.] on account of that that about to pray
there the kindly Prelate his knees bent, even today
the Florentine citizens Geniculum call: and so great reverence
worthy they judge the stone, which under his
knee it happened to be, that foulness there they do not permit
even by beasts to be made: especially since mostly
it has happened, there their vehicles to be broken, who without
due reverence through that place not without their oxen'
damage had passed.

[12] Another also most similar to this I do not refrain
to relate a miracle; which on the same journey he did, [Always he visits churches:] but
not by the same, as before to us by a certain one was said,
using footprints. When the most venerable same Pontiff,
of mature now age accomplished, only to prayers labor
gave, and on account of this together with his Clerics even
the suburban churches went round; on a certain day, while he returned
from this kind of study, it happened him to have found
a certain deceased, before the Florentine gate,
which is situated against the North. And when a little while
he had halted, [for the soul of the deceased he prays:] and in his manner had begun a prayer to God
to pour for that soul's redemption; of diverse sex
and age the people, who there had assembled, by a nod a certain,
unless I am mistaken, breathed upon divine, began first by muttering
to say; Is not Father this our most holy, whom
it is established already to have rendered a dead man to life, able this
also youth to resuscitate, if our faith in this kind of
postulation in no way wavered? When therefore
the prayer performed the Pontiff to go away had begun, of all those
hearts as if one forthwith were made; and on the ground
prostrate, and with tearful voices the deceased's resuscitation
demanding, so concluded his journey,
that in no way he could to the Episcopal house return. Most sad
therefore the Father made, [and the same by the bystanders asked,] inasmuch as the vice of elation
as the greatest pest fleeing; Why,
he said, my sons, so great to me of weight you impose,
as the fragility of my mind to bear cannot?
Or are you ignorant these and this kind of miracles, not to the lowest
and sinners, of whom I am a fellow, but
to men with the Lord highest and most just to belong?
To whom the people on the contrary with tearful voice suppliantly
answered: You who a boy foreign clemently the Lord
bestowing resuscitated, you ought also, Father most honorable,
on account of this unhappy resurrection
of a youth, with whom the whole as you see your city compassionates,
to the most omnipotent supplicate Divinity. To these things
the Saint of God said; [after long tergiversation,] Not that of his to have been virtue,
but rather of maternal devotion, which faith aided
most strong. The people moreover alike answering,
that the faith of one with the Most Clement availed to obtain,
of all indeed of us by the faithful petitions
mercifully it will be granted; compelled was the kindly
man to their prayers to assent. He commanded therefore
the whole multitude, which was present, so long Kyrie
eleison, most devoutly to say, until he himself should rise from
prayer, which he said by their prayers to be able to be aided.
What more? [he resuscitates:] So long in a position he lay most humble,
so long with tearful petitions he insisted, so long
by contemplation's wing raised the ethereal he propitiated
Emperor; until the people, seen of him who dead
had been the sudden of eyes opening, not now Kyrie
eleison, but Thanks to God, Thanks to God, cried out.
Most glad therefore forthwith to the house returned
he was of the living, who with very many's sadness was led
to the tomb of the deceased. [other lesser miracles he does.] I would wish besides
his lesser virtues, which to us by certain
truthful men were related, to this little work to aggregate; unless
greatly to the fastidiousness consulting of the hearers; those things which
already have been said to suffice I believed: especially since
the prudent reader, an argument drawing from the greater,
does not doubt, him small to be able to do, whom it is established
the Lord being author notably to have wrought exceedingly
great things.

CHAPTER III.

His pious death. Miracles after death wrought.

[13] To his therefore glorified death our style
we turn, whom indeed God omnipotent
withdrawn from the lands, in Arcadius's and Honorius's times, to
the heavens' joys recalled. [Gen. 25, 8] For full of days,
just as Scripture testifies, [Sick he consoles his own:] in good old age, when he
discerned himself, the languor growing strong, to death already near
to be made; the most sad Clergy, and the people no less
tearful, thus he addressed: Do not,
most beloved sons, do not, I beseech, with immoderate
yourselves affect sadness: since the time is, that
the way of the fathers walking, to the good Lord the service performed
I hasten. Nay rather rejoice, me your father to it
to precede; whose, as much as I shall be able, mercy for your
excesses I will beseech: the admonitions only of my smallness in the unity
of concord strive to keep. With these and such
finished speeches, them Pontifically he blessed; raised
his hands to heaven, he prayed; and then himself
signing, [on the 25th of May he dies and is buried.] so glad his soul he breathed out, that you would say
to the fatherland a smiling animal smiling to return. His body
moreover most sacred, on the very day on which he died,
the eighth namely of the Kalends of June, was laid up in a chest
marble, and placed in the church of Saint Lawrence
near the altar. Which when it had been some years'
circles having elapsed, on account of the infestation of certain nations,
translated into this[a] of S. Reparata Basilica,
so great God on account of his merit showed grace,
that a certain tree, which his bier when it was brought
had touched, immediately had flowered. Does it not seem,
reader, this tree both the flowers of the virtues of B. Zenobius
to have demonstrated, and the Florentine city to have indicated, [in the translation of the body a dry tree flowers again:]
before many other cities on account of his Relics with various
graces to flower again? Joyfully therefore let rejoice
the Florentine people, and exult in the Lord: because
divinely to receive it merited this gem most precious,
excelling all the earth's riches.

[14] Nor that is with forgetful to be passed over sloth,
that the same most sacred corpse, [it remains unmoved,] to the aforesaid
even gate northern carried, so long
itself did not permit in any way from that place to be moved,
as long as the Pontiff, [until the Clergy to his service be deputed.] who at that time presided over this
city, to God should promise, not less than a twelvefold
of Clerics number to the same Saint's perpetual service
to depute. I see the fragility of the human mind,
which to rejoice is wont in brevity, so many heard miracles
to be able to grow weary: but to me it is to be taken care, lest
while as if provident the human offense I flee,
the divine ill-sane I incur. Whence I have disposed through
a certain as it were middle Christ as leader to walk,
so that the lesser I be silent of; and the greater, which after
his death he wrought, I may strive not sluggishly to narrate.

[15] A certain[b] Italic boy, at some time of great
fevers by ardor burnt, [a feverish boy on account of often-asked drink] into so great a sickness of thirst's anxiety
had come, that on a certain night fourteen times water
he drank. But because too kindled of fever it is established
that to be its nature, that the more he drinks who by it
is decocted, the more he thirsts; the same boy anxious, his mother
gravely sleeping five and
six times, not without of clamor magnitude, called.
And when the woman wearied was awakened, and to her
had said little son; What do you wish? Why so much do you vociferate?
He, as if not yet he had drunk, water unhappily demanded.
At length by exceeding now weariness his mother possessed,
answered saying: I will give you the devil who you
may choke. [his mother imprecating possessed by a demon;] Does it not suffice for your gluttony four
ten times now to have drunk, and me too unhappy not
to have allowed at least a little to rest? Therefore still
by the same intoxicated fury, water to him offered, saying:
Drink the devil, who you makes drink so often to demand.
No therefore in the meantime delay, immediately the spirit malign
entered into the boy, and him began most sharply
to agitate. Which as beheld so far the bold woman,
on the earth prostrate, with grief began most bitterly to lament;
and herself the cause to have been of the calamity, which to the boy
happened, truly to attest. Proposed therefore his father
of various to him medicines aids diligently
to apply: which while to him not even the least little portion
of soundness bestowed, in the highest crisis
placed, what he ought further to do, not
only men, but even women he consulted. Whence
it happened a certain religious woman a most salutary
to him counsel to afford, by saying: To the Father
Zenobius's most sacred tomb if your own you lead
son, to the effect without doubt of your
desire you will be able to come. [by the father, having heard the miracles moved,] For when for the sake of prayer lately
there I had come, I saw a certain Florentine woman so
by him wonderfully heard, that from prayer home
returning, not only her son, for whom the Saint
she had besought, restored to health she found; but even
a necklace a certain, from herself by theft taken, in her own house
she found. Such things he having learned, the Florentine city
together with his own son hastily approached; and
the religious Clerics, who more familiarly the often-said Father's
church served, earnestly besought, that the most wretched
boy, who willingly refused to enter, by force
even unto the altar of S. Zenobius to lead they would deign.
But the spirit wicked in him dwelling, when he feared
to the Saint to be dragged, so much before the doors resisted,
so much obstructed, so much struggled,
that the ten-year-old boy scarcely could by a certain most strong
man even unto the tribunal be led. [he is carried to the Saint's tomb and freed:] Where while for him on
the earth lying poured with tears was a prayer; suddenly
his belly beyond the human norm to swell
seemed: and then returned to the pristine state,
so great of stench poured forth, that openly it was given to understand,
the spirit from him stinking by the merits of S. Zenobius to have been
put to flight. Most sound therefore arose the boy from the pavement:
and who three already elapsed days nothing of food
had taken, to eat immediately demanded, and
to his fatherland with his father most glad returned.

[16] Nor that to be passed over seems a notable miracle,
which in our also days and our eyes
to have been is established exhibited. For a certain Cleric,
than many others more devoutly to the same service affording
the Church, while he was in the last of his languor
of a little servant saddened, approached to the altar of B. Zenobius,
beseeching with the inmost of his heart groanings, that by the same
Father's interventions to him health might come. [the languor of a servant, the master praying]
But because the good of the human mind's desire,
just as before us much more holily and more eloquently
it has been said, is wont by delays to be augmented, and
augmented the wished to receive; it was not then the same
Cleric immediately heard. But because not only
with secular, but even with divine letters he was not
mediocrely imbued, and through this knowing the Evangelically
to have been said; Knock, and it shall be opened to you; he ceased not
through eleven days with prayers the ear to strike of the Thunderer; the help namely of so great a Pontiff demanding,
whom he believed to be to the Divinity's hearing near. [Luke 11, 9] In
which indeed days eleven, to pray indeed
for the same his servant he proceeded to Zenobius the Father's
altar; [after the intermitted other medicines he is cured.] but the medicine outward, inasmuch as in medicine
skilled before, fittingly to him to apply in no way
he omitted. But when he discerned him, so many elapsed days,
fit indeed cures to admit, but the languor
in no way to lose; he set in his heart
the medicinal at that time studies to postpone, and
only the most laudable Prelate's help to await.
When behold on the day twelfth the Saint, to him through a vision
appearing, said: In these days past therefore
to your boy in no way the gift of health to bestow I willed,
lest he should seem rather by terrestrial than by celestial cure
saved. [Ps. 54, 23] But now because, just as the Psalmist
thunders the Prophet, stably on the true Lord your thought
you have cast, know that you the named Lord's
title not to lose: for there will be healed very quickly
the same your servant, whom to you most precious you reckon.
Awaking therefore the often-said Cleric, what
to him through a dream had been said to many men
faithfully announced, and then his servant's most wonderful
soundness to see he merited.

[17] It pleases meanwhile the mind's gaze, to seeing
this Saint's glory, [There is praised the glory conferred on S. Zenobius] diligently to lift up, how
with a terrestrial price the celestial he merited to contemplate. For behold
who against carnal struggling enticements, to the omnipotent
Lord serving, the transitory world's glory
turned aside; not only the starry happily possesses
mansion, but even on the lands by exhibiting so pleasant
miracles, too great enjoys and will enjoy
honor. A blessed plainly possession, which takes not away the hostile
iniquity, but unshaken holds the immense felicity:
whose beatitude no diminution mutilates,
because never to it a ruinous fall approaches: to whom
ever smiles the wished prosperity, because never
horrible to it dominates adversity. Many indeed
are also others, with which this most honorable Father could
deservedly be proclaimed; but to me Laurentius, of the Amalfi
See unworthy Archbishop, who here exiled
his protection felt, more it pleased these few to describe,
than very many not without of macrology the vice
more fastidiously to be received to narrate. [and the Author of the life betrays himself.] But is celebrated
his festivity on the eighth of the Kalends of June, to the praise of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit God, through all the ages
of ages. Amen.

ANNOTATIONS.




THE SECOND AND THIRD TRANSLATION
From John Villani and John of Arezzo contemporaries.

Zenobius Bishop of Florence, in Etruria (S.)

BHL Number: 9018

FROM CONTEMPORARIES.

[1] In the year MCCCXXX, in the middle of the month January,
the Archbishop of Pisa, Simon Salterelli,
a noble Florentine; and the Bishop of Florence, Francis
de Silvestris of Cingoli; likewise Bishops, of Fiesole,
Tedice de Aliotti; and of Spoleto, [In the year 1330 the body being dug up again,] Bartholomew
Bardi, both Florentines; with the Florentine Canons,
and many Clerics and Prelates, caused to be uncovered
the altar of S. Zenobius in the crypts of S. Reparata,
that his blessed body they might find: which before
than to them it should succeed, to ten ells the earth into the depth
to be excavated had to be. It was found moreover within
a chest, in a marble chest enclosed. Thence moreover
they lifted a little of the cranium of the head, and nobly
to be placed they commanded within a silver head,
to the Saint's own face's likeness fashioned, that
it could yearly with great devotion and solemnity
be shown to the people, on the day of his feast: but the remaining
body most devoutly they replaced into its place,
with hymns and songs, the Cathedral church's bells
all through ten continuous days and nights almost
continually sounding; the Bishops moreover, [there is translated into a silver head a particle of the cranium.] Indulgence
of sins bestowing, inviting the people to the sacred
Relics to be visited. For which Translation and
Indulgence's cause, the Florentines almost all, men and
women, small and great, with singular religion
and not without gifts, to such an exercise devoutly flowed together.
So John Villani, of his Chronicle Florentine
in the year MCCCXXXIII ending book 10 and last chapter
172, expressly noting only to have been taken somewhat
of the skull of the head, that his original words I may use.

[2] [In the year 1408 is established a decree of a new chapel to be built,] Ludovico Strozzi Archdeacon of Florence, in
the Preface to the Life of S. Zenobius, by Clemens Mazza published
and by his care reprinted, that argument thus pursues:
In the II Indiction in the Month of March, in the year MCCCCVIII,
a decree by common council was, that for the body
of S. Zenobius should be raised an honorific sepulchre, it
meanwhile elsewhere decently placed. After various moreover
about that matter treatments, at length in the year MCCCCXXVIII,
when the new of S. Maria del Fiore Cathedral in the major
part perfected now was, to the prior that decree's execution,
a new one in these words was conceived:
The Chapel which directly opposite is to the gate, the church
of S. John facing, let it be entitled with the name of S. Zenobius:
and in it let there be made an altar concave, under which let be placed
the body and bones within a chest of bronze or marble, [and it is renewed in the year 1428,]
above which from the same material let be placed a statue
of the Saint, three with a half ells high: round about
indeed let be placed a lattice work, which the view
does not impede and the touch prohibits: in the Translation
finally of that holy body, let there be a most solemn
Procession, and that on the same day on which otherwise the Translation
was made, namely the XXVI of January.

[3] Afterwards the counsel being changed it pleased, according to
a deliberation in the year MCCCCXXXVIII written, [and in 1438, and there is prescribed the form of the altar,]
that the chest in which is the body of S. Zenobius should be placed under
the crypt of the aforesaid chapel, on that front which the choir
faces, and let there be made a vault as level as can be, that
so much more of space under it be kept: and in the same crypt
let there be made a window, under the upper altar, to the same nearly
with the altar length, the height indeed of an ell and a half
about; and that for two causes, first that
the crypt may have transpiration, then that through it
may be seen the luminaries, placed from devotion around
the chest of the body of S. Zenobius. The upper altar let it be
marble, placed upon four columns:
and above it let be placed a chest of bronze, designed by
Lorenzo of Bartoluccio. And after several other things about the disposition
of the altar it is ordered, [under which let be placed the bronze chest of the head,] that its face anterior
let it not be historiated, but with letters inscribed; and let it have
a little door, through which can be put in and taken out the head
of S. Zenobius. Whence it is understood, that chest bronze
never to have been made for the holy Body, but
only for the Head to be received. The same also more evidently
is established from the Decree of the year MCCCCXL, which thus has:
On the bronze chest, ordered for the cranium and head of S.
Zenobius, let be written within a coronal wreath these letters,
THE HEAD OF BLESSED ZENOBIUS BISHOP OF FLORENCE,
IN WHOSE HONOR THIS CHEST WITH NOTABLE
ORNAMENT WAS MADE: and so even today
there sculpted it is read. Had been the aforesaid chest
committed in the year MCCCCXXXII to Lorenzo Bartolo de
Ghiberti, as of such works the most skilled artificer,
on this condition that within months XLII completed he should give it:
and when the condition he had not fulfilled, taken away
from him: but failing one who the begun labor would pursue,
to him restored it was on the XVIII of April, in the year
MCCCCXXXIX, with the obligation of finishing the work within
months X, [most precious indeed] which also he did. Indeed to say I cannot
how much precisely for that most beautiful vase paid
was; the bronze itself from the wool-workers to have been bought I know,
from that which to them superabounded for the statue of S. Stephen,
which had made Orsanmichele. I know
also that in the Strozzi Library is found
a certain memorial, by which it is indicated that chest to have stood
at florins MCCCXIV: but it is not distinguished whether
for the art alone so much was paid, or indeed for the art and
material together. Finally a certain good Priest,
of our Church a Chaplain, [and in the year 1590 gilded.] Victorius de Ancisa,
founder of the girls whom they call the Stabilitae in the via
Scala; the aforesaid chest to be gilded, for his toward
the Saint devotion, took care in the year MDXC, with success
so little happy, that of renewing the gilding
anew to think it behooves.

[4] These things being thus disposed, at length the blessed body, from the place in
which it had been in the year MCCCCXXX deposited, translated under
the new Chapel was in the year after the ninth; just as
in the Life in Surius narrates the eye-witness John Tortelli
of Arezzo, in these words. In the year from the Incarnation of the Lord
one thousand four hundred thirty-third, [In the year 1433]
when Eugenius the Supreme Pontiff, from Rome to Florence
came, and Americus the Archbishop dies,
and was vacant the Archbishopric about two years.
For the supreme Pontiff Eugenius, [under Eugenius Pope IV] while at
Florence he dwelt, wished at that time this kind of
Church to rule, which in very many things he reformed. And
among the rest, he established boys clerics thirty-three, who
in the solemnities of the Masses and Vespers of the church daily
should serve, and should preside over them a master Priest and
a chosen man, who in Grammar them and Music should instruct;
and for the master a hundred gold pieces yearly,
and to each of the boys nine to be given from certain revenues
public he ordained. At length to the Archbishopric
he promoted John Vitelleschi of Corneto,
who also the title even of the Alexandrian Patriarchate
obtained, and not much after into the Roman Church's
Cardinal he assumed. In whose time of the Prelacy
from the Lord's incarnation one thousand four hundred
thirty-sixth, in the month of March, [the new basilica is consecrated:] on the day of the Annunciation
of B. Mary the Virgin, the aforesaid Eugenius most holy
Pontiff, the basilica new with great celebrity
consecrated: and the following year, in the month October,
the same Eugenius Ludovico of Padua his chamberlain
to the Archbishopric promoted. In whose
time the body of B. Zenobius, from a place, on account of the diverse
new church's disposition more ignoble, to a more worthy
and more apt with great apparatus translated was.
For when the form and disposition of the most magnificent
temple to completion had been brought, [into which during the Council] and Eugenius
the Pontiff a Council for the Greeks' union celebrated;
and there had assembled John Palaeologus the Greeks'
Emperor, Demetrius the Despot his brother,
Joseph the Patriarch of Constantinople, a great
of Archbishops Greek and Latin and
Bishops multitude; it seemed to John Spinelli,
of the Cathedral church the Provost, a man most illustrious,
and the Canons and Citizens, at that time chiefly
the Translation of the body of the most blessed Zenobius to celebrate,
and in a fitting and prepared place it to dispose.

[5] On the appointed day VI of the Kalends of May, from the Lord's
incarnation in the year one thousand four hundred
thirty-ninth, [the year 1439, 27 April] assembled in the major basilica
all the Cardinals, who Eugenius's Curia following,
to the Council had come: and most ornately in the middle of the church
choir, with various tapestries and hangings prepared, the right
toward the altar part the Cardinals sat.
After whom the Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the Patriarch
of Grado, and another immense of Archbishops
and Bishops, both Greek and Latin multitude,
in most beautiful order disposed, stood. At
the left indeed sat first Demetrius the Despot:
after whom the Legates of diverse Princes and
Counts, the Protonotaries of the Latin Church, of Nobles
Greek and Latin a multitude not small.
Then Ludovico the Archbishop, in Pontifical vesture
and with a mitre crowned, with six other chosen Bishops
and Canons and people innumerable, to the ancient
catacomb proceeding, the marble little chest,
in which the bones were of the most blessed Zenobius, they take;
and their shoulders those six Pontiffs putting under, [with great pomp the bodies are brought in] following
Ludovico the Archbishop, with all the people's
jubilation, and organs and pipes and diverse musicians'
kinds, God's praise through the whole church
resounding, with great of all devotion
and reverence, upon the most ornate altar they placed.
And meanwhile while the solemnities of the Masses were celebrated,
the most worthy all of the Florentine city citizens, kindled
tapers in their hands bearing, and walking in a conspicuous
and most ample order, with great devotion to venerate
the most blessed Body come; and of all
the first these were, who from the same lineage with
Zenobius in this Florentine city endure, men
for the most part most illustrious and most noble, of the Girolami
in today's time called. After these the city's
Foremost men, with most ample (as they are wont) apparatus assemble,
whom the other magistrates, and also several other
most excellent citizens followed. At length the sacred things performed,
they take up the little chest the same those, who before,
the Pontiffs sacred: and following the Archbishop with
the Canons and innumerable people, [SS. Zenobius and Podius Bishops.] into the new catacomb,
at the first of that church's chapel, as in today's
time they are named, in his name consecrated, with great
honor they placed. In which namely place,
after a very few days, a marble chest with
the Relics whole of B. Podius Bishop of Florence, only
the Canons with the Provost and some Presbyters,
and a few citizens, and me being present, translated.

THE SAME THIRD TRANSLATION
From the Italian of Clemens Mazza, equally an eye-witness.

Zenobius Bishop of Florence, in Etruria (S.)

FROM THE MSS.

PROLOGUE.

[6] In the things heretofore by me written, most sweet Philip,
if some error perhaps has crept in, [He professes that what he will write is certain.] to happen
that it could either by the writings' fault, or of the old idiom
which I followed by ignorance, or even from the weakness
of my genius. But of those things, which with my eyes
I saw, though boyish, so firm I have impressed
a memory, that in no way I can about them doubt.
What therefore in this third my little treatise you will read
about our S. Zenobius, certain I beseech and acceptable hold,
equally as if them with your own eyes you had seen; both on account of
the honor of the Saint himself, whose deeds and miracles
so great were, that they merit not to be supplemented with false additions;
as on account of the reverence of me and the charity, [The division of the chapters.]
by which I am borne toward you, worthy lest I be esteemed superfluous things
to say.

How many here subsequently you see numbers, so many are noted in the original
of the Italian Chapters the titles, these moreover consequently I exhibit,

I How decreed was the second Translation of the body
of S. Zenobius.

II The manner and order in it kept.

III On the greatest prudence of John Spinelli, and others
that action directing.

IV On the secret reasoning observed in seeking the holy
body.

V How it was found, and on the greatest miracle
of the leaves of the elm, for so long a time preserved.

VI Here is narrated the manner of the made Translation.

VII On the order of the oblation under it made to S. Zenobius.

VIII How the body was carried into the chapel, which today
is named of S. Zenobius.

XI On the Translation of the body of S. Podius Bishop of Florence.

X On the many who wished to follow S. Zenobius in name,
and also so far as they could in work.

[7] Under these titles the drawn-out Chapters before than into Latin
I render, it is pleasing from John of Arezzo to give, what he has of
the structure of the new Cathedral: since in this the celebrated Translation
was, and from its completion his narration begins
Clemens. [The new building's effort from the year 1298;] He says moreover John, that under Francis
of Bagnaia, from the Archpresbyterate of Florence to the Episcopate
assumed, of his Prelacy in the year second, namely
from the Dominical Incarnation MCCLXXXXVIII,
were laid the foundations of the new Cathedral church
near the church of S. Salvator (so namely once called,
when first in it was buried S. Zenobius, but afterward restored
under the name of S. John the Baptist and S. Reparata)
that not only within itself it might contain it, but also the beginnings
of a temple admirable of itself it might display: which not less,
he says, followed. For raised through times most firm
walls, when to the revolution of the principal and round
vault it came, it did not seem
by human craft to be able to be completed. And when many in
vain devised had been remedies, only Filippo
a certain Brunelleschi, a Florentine citizen, it by his genius
and architectural art could perfect. For
imitating the ancients, without any of wood or other
material structure, with most ingenious devices, by which
immense masses of stones conveniently he raised, the building
perfectly to completion he brought. [unto the year 1433.] Had been
moreover the aforesaid Brunelleschi of the building of the major church
the architect put in charge (as afterward the same John pursues)
in the Episcopate of Aymeric Corsini, in whose also
time Pope Martin V, from the Council of Constance
to Florence coming and honorifically received, the Episcopal
Florentine See an Archiepiscopal to be established,
and designated for it Suffragans, the Fiesole and
the Pistoia Bishops; and Brunelleschi the ample
that vault with most beautiful craft pursued,
and to completion with a closure most firm brought,
in the year from the incarnation of the Lord MCCCCXXXIII.
But of translating the sacred body the cause was, that although new
this building the whole old church's space comprehended;
the place however in which it lay, on account of the diverse now disposition,
more ignoble was, and a more worthy and more apt
to be fitting seemed, in the very new building's navel, such as
before it had occupied in the old church.

THE HISTORY.

[8] In the year MCCCCXXXVII, in the place of Ludovico of
Vitelleschi, succeeded as Archbishop D.
Ludovico[a] of Padua: in whose time John Spinelli,
the Provost of Florence, [After the new building's completion,] a man most worthy
and of the whole Florentine Church into that which now is discerned
and observed manner the reformer, seeing brought
to the end of the new Cathedral the building, that is
the closed cupola unto the beginning of the lantern (which lantern
today is beheld with the admiration of all; and
I, as the youngest of all the Priests the first
stone in the foundation placed, by the commission of D.
Fr. Antonius[b] then Archbishop of Florence: who also
deigned with the whole Chapter to mount that
new temple's pinnacle, to impart his blessing
beginning the work of that lantern) the Provost,
I say, aforepraised began to think and to treat
about the second Translation of the body of S. Zenobius, from
the ancient place to the new site, according to the disposition
of the new church, where now to be it is discerned. To whose
execution of purpose not only he consulted the aforesaid
Lord Archbishop, but even the Canons
his, and of the church itself the venerable Priests
in age more advanced, and also citizens more notable and more
aged: and all into this came opinion,
that the matter was to be performed on the day XXVI[c] of April
of the year MCCCCXXXIX. [it is decreed the translation to be made 26 Apr. 1439.]

[9] There were at that time in our city the Pontiff
Supreme Eugenius IV, with the most worthy College
of Cardinals, and Bishops and Archbishops Latin
in great number. By the authority also of the Pontiff himself
to the Council had been called the Eastern Church,
for the union to be constituted with the holy Roman Church:
to which mandate obeying John Palaeologus
the Emperor of the Greeks, and his brother Demetrius the Despot,
and Joseph the Patriarch of Constantinople, [before the Fathers of the Council of Florence,]
and many Bishops and Archbishops Greek, their exhibited
presence. All moreover, both Greek
and Latin, and from other nations also several,
who then were found in the Curia of the Pontiff supreme,
together with him, on the day already said, assembled in the new
Basilica Florentine, and most orderly
sat down in the middle of the choir, which to that end adorned
was with tapestries and cloths most precious, woolen and silken,
with silver and gold interwoven: so that on the right side
sat the whole Latin Church, on the left the whole
Greek Church: but on another step were the Patriarch
of Grado[d] and Demetrius the Despot: after whom
sat the Legates of various Princes, Dominions
and Communities, and the Latin Protonotaries, and a great
multitude of Nobles, in most beautiful and almost divine
manner arranged.

[10] There had flowed already more than a thousand years from the first
Translation, [but first to be explored the state of the holy body.] when the sacred body laid up
had been and buried, in a place ample and subterranean,
the temple's navel comprehending, at the foot of the pulpit from
which today it is preached; which place almost all that
space occupied, which now the seats of men and
women, to the sermons gathered; and which at
present serves the most worthy burial of the Pontiffs
and Priests of that church. But meanwhile of
time frequent had happened inundations of waters,
the ground of the city, even where it is higher, covering,
much more to the lower and subterranean penetrating.
Feared therefore John Spinelli and other
more circumspect Priests of the church, lest from such
a cause the holy body consumed, or wholly from
humidity decayed it should be found, and in that case the people
a most grave scandal should suffer. So the matter into
a mature deliberation brought, it had been decreed,
that on the very which the day appointed to the Translation it would precede
night, as most secretly should be explored the truth,
and about the whole matter of what sort it had been found should be reported
to the Pontiff, by whose then precept and counsel
to stand they had resolved. Then the aforesaid Spinelli,
with very few Priests, and some masters
stonemasons, of the number of those who by the Operai of the church
hired attended to the erection of the church's walls, [which by night undertaking the Provost with a few,]
men of great prudence and discretion, armed
with the instruments necessary to that matter, and also Taper-bearers
and Priests some with torches instructed, assembled
in the crypt: and although of all was the opinion,
that the body of S. Zenobius lay under the altar, or at least
within the[f] crypt; yet because in the very crypt's center
was seen a stone signed with the letter S, as if substituted
for the word Sanctus; therefore the Priests ordered,
that the aforesaid masters, as they could most reverently,
should lift the stone.

[11] This done, although nothing of a manifest thing beneath appeared
besides the very earth, they judged however altogether
there to have been the burial of some Holy Bishop,
of the successors of S. Zenobius in the same crypt buried,
namely Andrew, Mauritius, or[g] S. Podius: but that on account of the aforesaid cause this kind of bodies had been
wholly consumed: and therefore they desisted further to seek
in the place aforesaid. Passing therefore to the altar
marble, [he finds a little chest under the altar,] under which was believed to be the sacred body;
after some prayers by the Priests devoutly recited,
they approached with their instruments the masters,
and much devoutly they dissolved the joints and structures
of the marbles, until could manifestly be seen
the inner cavity of that altar. Within this indeed when
they had beheld a marble little chest; with great alacrity
they pursued the demolition of the altar, the said
little chest unsealed, and found within composed
bones, which but that of S. Zenobius they were in no way doubted.
O great miracle! O power of sanctity! O
divine power, to which to be contradicted cannot be! Your mind
hither turn, reader, and consider the last and greatest
miracle of the Saint. Within the aforesaid little chest
were found bones, [and within it bones sprinkled with leaves,] from above sprinkled with fronds
and flowers of that elm, which in the first body's
translation in the month of January had flowered in an instant: which
flowers and fronds joyfully and festively plucked,
afterward thus had been placed in the said little chest; and for years
a thousand and ten[h] (if rightly the reckoning you make, reader)
were preserved in that little chest unrotted, unhurt, uncorrupted,
without any stain or defect; whereas however
nothing lighter than a leaf is, nothing from its nature more corruptible. [after the years 1010 still fresh.]
From those moreover took that night the Priests
various for the sake of devotion, especially D. John Spinelli,
and the Presbyter Agnulus of Siena, and the Presbyter
Julianus of Empoli. Then departing they left
in the place around the holy body, much of light
until morning; and themselves to repose to take composed,
until the hour in which was to be made the translation.

[12] Returning moreover to the translation itself,
I say, that day being made, when all things thus had been ordered, [The same little chest by the Bishops reverently raised,]
just as above has been said, Ludovico the Archbishop
clothed Pontifically, with six others to it chosen
Bishops, and Canons and other Priests, an infinite
nearly people multitude to the spectacle
gathered, descended into the aforesaid crypt and most holy
cemetery: where after many solemn canticles
and prayers, the aforesaid six Bishops their shoulders put under
the sacred little chest. Which when into the open they had brought,
roared the air in the temple enclosed with a confused sound,
both of the people crying with a great voice, Pray for us
S. Zenobius; and of the melodies resounding, outside of bells,
inside of musical instruments of every kind:
and in such a triumph carried was the venerable pledge
upon the major altar, [and on the highest altar placed,] to that end solemnly
prepared: where also was sung a solemn Mass.
But while was being sung the Mass aforesaid, all who
some magistracy or otherwise a public office bore
in the city, proceeded to reverence to the holy
body to be exhibited, with pomp exceedingly magnificent
and no less devotion; since all almost from the mind
exulting tenderness wept, and their
each gifts most liberally offered.

[13] First to the oblation in this solemnity of the translation
of S. Zenobius approached all, [to the oblation prior approaches the Girolami family,] who at that time
lived, of the offspring and stock of S. Zenobius. They are called
these today the Girolami, men always most illustrious
and noble, although at that time by another word
they had been surnamed, because they were Gentiles, followers
however of the moral virtues. Afterward followed
the office of the Magnificent Dominion, which although triumphally
instructed, yet that day precedence yielded
to the Girolami family; as which the whole our
city imbued with the Christian faith, and it illuminated
through this their so glorious Saint, and then
through many others, who afterward from the same family
descended. The Dominion followed other officials
and magistrates of the city, according to the customary
order, and at length a great multitude of the people. The Mass being finished
and the oblations, [then the little chest is placed,] the Pontiff with the Cardinals
and Prelates and the other Nobles above named,
both ecclesiastical and secular, both Latin
and Greek, devoutly approached to the kiss of the little chest,
in which rested the body of S. Zenobius, and to it themselves
commended. Then from the major altar was raised
the chest by those six chosen Bishops; and with no less
jubilation, praises, canticles, than it had been brought, carried
it was to the foundation of that chapel, which the middle
place occupies among the chapels five, situated in
the principal tribune of the church, which chapel today is called
of S. Zenobius; where are two beautiful altars of
most pure marble, one upper, and the other lower. [under the altar proper to itself.]
Enclosed was moreover the chest under the lower altar, before
which, equally as before the upper altar, burn perpetually
luminaries many, in honor of the Saint himself and of his blessed
soul, which stands prepared in the sight of God
to intercede for us, and for the state and conservation
of our city.[k]

ANNOTATIONS.









That now almost through Italy has grown strong the credulity, that most noble families they think from Roman times to be derived; and few are found who wish to consider, that the splendor of the Roman name all under the Kings Goths and Lombards was reduced to such, that nothing than it was more abject; nor noble anyone was reckoned outside the ruling nation: this indeed, surnames none knew. Therefore even those who before them had as natives, surnames altogether abstained from for several centuries: from which head it was impossible, that the memory of genealogical successions be preserved outside the Royal families. But of those which today noble are reputed families most, origin and name received under the Emperors German or Teutonic: and I think few there are which to the Franks', fewer which to the Lombards', fewest or rather none which to the Goths', much less the Romans', times demonstratively can without fiction reach. Indeed of the Girolami family detracted nothing I would wish. Until however it can that, which it pretends, of generation the series, by solid and certain documents, step by step and without a leap, weave together unto S. Zenobius, whether of Florence, or of Fiesole, by years almost five hundred younger than the former (for of this to be doubted above I indicated) it will be permitted to me to think, the sole foundation of that pretension to be the old tower, now within the Girolami houses notable, which Ugolinus Verinus, toward the end of the XV century a noble Poet, with these verses celebrated:

How old the house of the Girolami was, the lofty tower
Founded let it be witness, now through whole thousand years;
Which the holy Bishop of the Tuscan city Zenobius,
From so illustrious a stock sprung, is thought to have cultivated.

In his own each sense let him abound, and let avail this kind of tradition so far, that in that place, which now the Girolami possess, stood S. Zenobius's paternal or Episcopal houses: the tower itself I would reckon very ancient to be, if it were in the XII century, amid the movements of the Guelphs and Ghibellines, raised; just as also others through Tuscia several, especially in the city of Siena, unto today surviving. The Girolami family, whether even then a name some it had, I know not; certainly it is not found among those, which the Florentine history's parent John Villani writes to have been famous about the year MLXXVIII, when before a very small city, by a new circuit enlarged (so that besides others even the S. Lawrence church and suburb it comprehended) and into its regions according to the order and names of the gates it was divided.


THE INSPECTION OF THE BODY
In the year MDLXXXIV from the Ms. of John Faber,
brought out by Francesco Cionacci Presbyter of Florence.

Zenobius Bishop of Florence, in Etruria (S.)

FROM CONTEMPORARIES.

[14] Cosmo Minerbetti, Archdeacon of Florence,
afterward Bishop of Cortona, in the year MDCXV, [The Archbishop Cardinal of Florence afterward Leo XI,] that is
fifteen years before to the Infulae he was promoted, to the Grand of Etruria
Duke Cosmo II a Relation wrote about the Relics of the Metropolitan
church of Florence. In this, after he had treated of
the first and third Translation of S. Zenobius, and the place where laid up
was his sacred body; In that very, he says, place the Cardinal
of Florence, who then was Pope Leo XI,
found the body of S. Zenobius, and other two small urns,
full of bones, which to be of SS. Andrew and Mauritius Bishops
of Florence is presumed, although
it certainly not be known, because there are not ascribed names,
just as the name of S. Zenobius. That Relation in the year
MDCLXXXV to light brought, and with Notes studiously illustrated,
Francesco Cionacci a Presbyter of Florence, already otherwise to us
commemorated, on account of the published Life of S. Humiliana de' Cerchi
on the XIX of May: and in Annotation 17 and 18 indicates, that of that S. Andrew
the feast is kept on the XXVI of February, but of S. Mauritius no feast
or memory is made, [as relates an eye-witness,] yet Holy he is called by authors several whom he recounts, ascribing to him the XXVIII of June,
when to define something about him we shall be able. But hither
chiefly makes Annotation 16, where verbatim he relates the Memorial
of the Inspection prefatorily titled, taken from the proper Ms. of a certain
John Faber, once of the Metropolitan Fabrica Minister and Custodian
of the sacred vestments; transcribed into the book of that
Fabrica, with other similar monuments unto the year
MDCXLIV by the hand of Vincentius Brunus, in the same with which John
offices in the said Church functioned. That Memorial thus has.

[15] On the day XVII of October in the year MDLXXXIV, persuaded
by me John Faber the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend [in the year 1584 he inspects in the altar of S. Cross,] Cardinal
Alexander de' Medici, Archbishop of Florence,
visited in the church of S. Maria del Fiore called,
at the first hour of the night the altar of the holy Cross, which by
me with the workmen and ministers of the Opera had been opened,
the bronze lattice namely being lifted. Within was a chest,
long to the measure of the altar, of wood, covered with an old
cloth, containing much cotton, and dry
flowers, and a paper inscribed with the name of S. Sebastian,
without any Relic. There also was another chest,
full likewise of cotton, once with a red cloth covered:
and from the side of that chest was a little leaden chest,
soldered and bound, in which were found the Relics
of the Saints Crescentius and Eugenius fellows of S. Zenobius, [the relics there laid up,]
and of SS. Abdon and Sennen Martyrs, and a Pallium
Archiepiscopal without any name. The aforesaid
moreover Visitation was made with a just number of burning
tapers, which partly in their hands held
the Priests, partly candlesticks of bronze around and above
the altar placed sustained. The Cardinal moreover Bishop
was clothed Pontifically, with the superhumeral, the stole
and mitre, the Canons indeed some in their habit: and through
the church whole kindled were lamps and
candles and torches before the Most Holy Sacrament,
and also benches for the knees to be bent for the Archbishop
in various places placed. The aforesaid visitation being finished,
replaced was the little leaden chest aforenamed in
the tabernacle of the Cross, and by the Cardinal signed with the seal
of the Fabrica: but the wooden Chests were carried to the hall
of the same Fabrica, where to this day they are, containing
the whole cotton and the smaller little chest;
which also with a key closed, replaced were within a cupboard
fortified.

[16] [and in the chapel of the Venerable Sacrament] The tabernacle of the Cross closed, it was gone under
the chapel of the Most Holy Sacrament, where on the same day
opened were two chests larger, which in that very chapel
are, one opposite the other, in line with the altar
of S. Zenobius. There kindled were had lamps and
candles on the altar; on the ground moreover spread tapestries and
cushions most precious; kindled also aromas fumigated.
There the aforesaid Cardinal looking into a chest,
which to one facing toward the altar stood at the right hand, [a chest full of earth, from the place of the first burial,]
found it full of earth: which there placed
is believed, when translated was the body of S. Zenobius,
lifted from the place which afterward to the Canons' burial
yielded: where are estimated buried many Saints,
whose bones since they are believed dissolved into ashes, with the earth
mixed, was judged to be that very earth, which
was found in the chest aforesaid. Looking then
to the other side, were found, with an old cloth covered,
the bones all of one Bishop, with a most ancient work
pectoral Cross: and were noted even then relics
both of the Chasuble and of the gloves, [and another as is believed of S. Podius,] but no
name was found: wherefore the Cardinal
with his own hands much sought, and by seeking
those bones scattered, with notable detriment of the holy
Body. Many said to be the bones of S. Podius Bishop
of Florence: and in the life of S. Zenobius, written in
parchment, such as is kept in the sacristy, seems that
to be confirmed. Afterward they tried to open the chest of S.
Zenobius, which was found so aptly placed, that it seemed
not to be moved: so it was departed, and
I took away all the keys, by which the aforesaid chapel
is closed.

[17] Then when for other causes I had met the Most Illustrious one,
and begun it was to seek about that body,
[and at length on the 3rd of November the chest of S. Zenobius,] whose bones whole were seen found in the chest
aforementioned; I suggested to him that also he would order to be opened
the chest of S. Zenobius, and he would see what remained:
he moreover answered, that most acceptable that he would have it,
if so it seemed to Mag. Benedetto
Uguccioni the Operaio. His therefore consent received,
on the day III of November of the year MDLXXXIV, I went with
the masons of the Fabrica, and we took away the incrustation
of white marble, exceedingly well cemented; and lifting
the stone on which is celebrated, we found
a chest, to the whole altar commensurate, above and below
equally composed, and with iron bonds bound,
and with cement most hard all around smeared: and the cement
that broken we exposed the chest, and in it we found
a little chest of white marble, between two square
little chests, all with iron hooks closed well firmly.

[18] After this when adorned was the chapel and kindled
the lamps all, even those which were in the whole
church, and every place with golden cloth clothed,
and spread with tapestries, and in the middle erected an altar
with several but smaller tapers on account of the smoke,
at the first night's hour came the Most Illustrious Cardinal
with the Bishop of Fiesole [Francesco Diacceto]
and the Canons in habit about twelve, clothed
himself Pontifically: and the Hymn of the Confessors sung,
to which the Cardinal a Prayer added of S.
Zenobius, the wood and stone workers lifted
the cover of the marble chest, which was full of bones
of our holy Father, most excellently preserved: they however
not to be all, but a good their part to be lacking,
sufficiently clearly appeared. [and he finds the bones as they were there placed in the year 1439.] But that those were the bones of S.
Zenobius, certain was made from this, that on each head
of the urn are little bricks two leaden, with these words inscribed:
THIS BODY OF BLESSED ZENOBIUS FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE CHURCH
WAS PLACED, ON THE DAY XXVI OF APRIL MCCCXXXIX.
Afterward was opened the little chest of the side
right, in which were many bones without a name,
just as also in the other: and all replaced
were in their former places, closed and sealed by
the Cardinal with the seal of the Fabrica. The chest itself at length closed
likewise was, and incense burned devoutly suffumigated,
present at all things each time, besides
the above named, the Magnificent Mag. Benedetto Uguccioni,
and the Chancellor of the Fabrica, and myself: all
indeed was done with me intervening, as above, and
by my counsel and continual direction; and I the keys,
as above, with me took.

THE FOURTH TRANSLATION
From the Italian Ms. of Lorenzo Strozzi,
Archdeacon of Florence and an Eye-witness.

Zenobius Bishop of Florence, in Etruria (S.)

FROM CONTEMPORARIES.

[19] [These Relics into the public to bring wishing the Archbishop in the year 1685,] To bear could not of our Pastor most pious,
D. Jacopo Antonio Morigia, devotion toward
S. Zenobius most ardent, that of so venerable a body
the treasure longer should remain under the crypt hidden.
Wherefore, having before most certain notice, from
the prior times' Acts, of the indubitable sacred body's
presence, and the Most Serene Grand
Duke Cosmo III's exhortation most pious being added, called
into counsel D. Alessandro Segni the Operaio, the manner
and day he defined of the inspection to be repeated, the third
namely of September. Then prepared as could be
most decently the place; which whole a golden around
cloth, and above this hanging of silver
and crystal candlesticks adorned and illustrated;
closed after the Vesper psalmody the church was,
to the people's, otherwise in throngs about to flow, noise and tumult
to be warded off: and I, [3 September he comes to the crypt,] as Canon
Archdeacon, with DD. Luca Tornaquinci
and Orazio Panciatichi, also Canons, proceeded
to the Palace Archiepiscopal, the Most Illustrious one to bring.
With him in his coach we returned to
that gate of the church, which the Canonica faces: where
the Archbishop awaited the Vicar Archiepiscopal
and Canon, D. Nicolaus Castellani;
D. Archpresbyter, Orazio Bardi; two DD. Canons
Curates, Roberto de' Medici and Rogerio
Minerbetti; and also D. Canon Vincentius Ricci,
all in the habit of their Order; and likewise D. Operaio,
Alessandro Segni, with D. Provveditore Palmerini
of the Fabrica; and at length D. Senator Alessandro Strozzi,
and D. Guido Pecori, in the same parish dwelling,
witnesses to this kind of thing asked and called.

[20] These all, having first adored the Most Holy Sacrament,
descended into the crypt; where besides
the Ceremonarii and the Sacristan and other venerable
Priests and Clerics, prepared stood the workmen,
masons, stonemasons, locksmiths, and woodworkers, and others to
the fabric's work ascribed, with blue cloaks for the greater
honor clothed all. There genuflected D. Archbishop
before the chest; which, lifted first the incrustation
marble and the stone the altar forming, spread
was with an all-silk covering and golden cloth; [and the marble chest opened,]
after a brief and secret prayer, began
the hymn, Veni creator Spiritus; and to it finished
he subjoined Prayers two, Deus cui omne cor patet,
and, Actiones nostras. Then indeed seated himself he composed
in a gilded chair on one side, on the other the Lord
Canons on a wooden bench to it prepared and decently
spread, together with the other Lords; and the chest itself
with his eyes inspecting the Chancellor Borghigiani,
well closed and bound to be pronounced.
Soon the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord
with a little hammer, [the little chest found within it] well silvered, with a few light strokes
the beginning to the demolition gave: whom soon following the workmen,
with bars and other iron instruments, began
to take away the four iron bonds, by which fastened the chest
marble's closure was. These within three quarters of an hour
removed, began men strong six to move away
that most heavy stone, which the chest covered;
and uncovered were those three urns, which there left
the memorial of the year MDLXXXIII declared: whence all
into the giving of thanks to God to be borne poured out, scarcely longer
bore the further delay, but the end of the most beautiful
action they should see.

[21] [he causes to be unsealed:] The cover lifted and removed, appeared, the urn
of the three middle to be marble, and on every
side square to have two thirds of width, and
to be covered with a cover, round-wise convex, to half an ell's height.
Seen also at once was on one side
a leaden title, of large and well formed
characters outward projecting; whence growing
more and more the desire of beholding the treasure within
contained, only that fear remained, lest perchance,
by the length of time and the humidity of the place, into ashes
reduced were the sacred all Relics. From the other
side also gradually was uncovered a tablet other,
to the former similar: and at length, loosed two iron hooks,
lifted also the cover was, and lay open the urn,
full of the venerable bones of our S. Zenobius.
Nor delay Pontifically clothed the Archbishop, [the sacred bones found in it to the Saint prayers he pours:]
and taking the thurible, burned incense: and soon
prostrate on his knees, before all, with most tender
sense of devotion affected, broke into prayers with mind
ardent to be poured forth; praying the Saint, that his
blessing he would deign to continue over the common
of all Pastor, our Holy Lord Innocent
Pope XI, over the Most Serene Medici family, the Clergy, the People, and the whole fatherland; and also
over himself, to the custody of the same flock destined,
which he through so many centuries had protected and preserved:
and at length he himself by himself began to sing
the hymn, O Flower to be cherished of Prelates: to which, after
the said by the rest Antiphon, a Prayer also
of the Saint he subjoined.

[22] [and the whole indeed into a wooden chest,] There was present there, to this end by the Lords
Operai and Provveditore diligently prepared, a little chest
wooden, within and without overlaid with cloth silken, white
and with golden stripes barred, a vessel also of bronze gilded:
and when by the customary rite each the Archbishop
had dedicated, he began with his own hands the single bones to transfer
into the aforesaid little chest, spread with a silk crimson
cloth, much beneath with cotton supported; first
indeed the larger, the smaller then, which to several
dozens were numbered. These thus composed, closed
was the chest with a key gilded, [the fragments indeed into a bronze reliquary he transfers.] and with seals both of the Most Illustrious one
and of the Fabrica sealed, crossing over
that very lock two ribbons of white silk, in the form
of a Cross. Afterward collected were the fragments all
by the Archbishop himself also, the Lords Canons
helping, and with them some particles of bones
adhering to it by the lead, which for soldering the chest's
bonds had been poured, and into it by chance penetrated.
Together moreover all, in paper wrapped, placed
were into the aforementioned reliquary, together with
a little paper of this kind, Fragments of the Relics of the body
of S. Zenobius, Bishop of Florence: and it likewise
as the chest with a double seal was sealed. [and sealed] He would not
then the Most Illustrious one proceed to the inspection
of the other two urns, but to me the Archdeacon
commanded, that them in a similar manner I should seal; just as
I did, the same both insignia superimposing on two
silk white ribbons; although the iron bonds,
almost corroded were by the antiquity of time.

[23] [he places it within the bronze chest in the altar of the Ven. Sacrament] To the whole at length action an end being imposed, sung
Te Deum laudamus: to which D. Archbishop subjoined
the Prayer, We give You thanks. Again moreover
sung was the Hymn, O Flower to be cherished of Prelates:
so the aforementioned chest, four Canons in turn
carrying on their shoulders, the Archbishop moreover following
with the fragments between his hands: and at the same time all
then replaced were into the bronze chest, which contains
the Head of the Saint himself, above the altar of the Most Holy Sacrament,
consecrated in the name of S. Zenobius; to the praise of God,
and of that great Father and Pastor the glory: as concerning
all these things requested a public instrument made
the Archiepiscopal Chancellor D. Lorenzo Borghigiani.
And this the end was of the Action whole, meanwhile
while was awaited the day, to the solemn exposition destined,
when a most splendid procession to be instituted
would accompany the Bishops and Prelates of our State, congruently
to that veneration, which the Florentine People
always exhibited to the body of their Holy Patron.
Thus far the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord Archdeacon,
from whose autograph the Most Illustrious D. Antonio Magliabechi
a copy, with his own hand transcribed, to me
sent, desiring even so to have a part in this Commentary,
on the Acts of S. Zenobius. The same indeed afterward printed we saw
at the end of the Preface above-praised, and also in the little Commentary
of Cionacci to the Relation of Minerbetti; whence also is received
the following Narration of the Solemn Exposition, made the same
year in the month of September.

THE SOLEMN EXPOSITION
In Italian described by Francesco Cionacci.

Zenobius Bishop of Florence, in Etruria (S.)

FROM CONTEMPORARIES.

[24] On the feast day of S. Wenceslaus Duke of Bohemia,
the XXVIII of September, in the morning about the hour of Terce, [28 September the church magnificently adorned,]
opened was our Metropolitan church, most magnificently
adorned, with cloths woolen and silken and
golden, most aptly arranged through the walls of the lateral aisles
and the arches of the major nave, so however that not covered
were those greater pillars of squared stone, which the most ample
vaults of the church sustain. The Relics of our holy
Bishop Zenobius were beheld, to public
adoration exposed, enclosed within a crystalline
chest, and placed upon a cushion of red silk, with
various little ribbons among which silken flowers interplayed, a work
elegantly adorned by the industrious hands of the Mothers
Carmelite Discalced of this city.
There enclosed also was a little vessel of bronze,
containing fragments of the sacred bones: an old moreover
silver bust, having in itself a part of the holy cranium,
above that very chest placed was lifted into the air. That
moreover chest was enclosed in another larger, [the chest is shown erected upon a luminous pyramid,] likewise crystalline
and with golden rays adorned, and sustained by four
Angels, of plaster formed to the life, but of a greater
measure than the human body is: which Angels to fly
seemed above a cloud, of the same material made,
as if let down from heaven onto the apex of a pyramid
most vast, whose lowest base filled the fourth
part of the middle in this great basilica nave, between
the four pillars nearest the dome: the pyramid itself indeed
gradually instructed was with an immense number of candlesticks
silver, and tapers above them
burning.

[25] Rested this pyramid on a base proportioned to itself,
whose four faces historiated, some part
of the Life represented, in monochrome red
expressed, and with a congruous title explained. From
the four of the same base corners sprang four
cubes, [amid tapers very many elegantly disposed,] to sustain as many most lofty obelisks,
whose single sides ran along, from the bottom upward
springing, with a double order a vine-branch of silvered vine,
whence burning little tapers in equal order led rose.
From the arches also lateral on each side
hung taper-bearing crowns of silver, with lights
full a light everywhere scattering.
Greater than these other crowns four, with great instructed
torches, illuminated the double around
the dome's exedra; and the whole of the middle nave's circuit
disposed torches illustrated. Most ornate
also were of the lateral chapels the altars; but that one
chiefly of the middle nave the chapel, which to the major
gate directly corresponds, and is to the most holy
Sacrament dedicated: for this with damask red
with golden ribbons distinguished was covered, and above
that cloth hung the effigy of the holy Bishop,
in a gilded border so exalted from the ground, that to that very altar
it was for a panel. Which indeed altar, a form
once had of a chest, just as also the altar of the holy
Cross and of holy Anthony: now indeed it stands elevated
upon four feet of white marble, and beneath has
a chest of bronze gilded, called of S. Zenobius, within which
on the day third placed was the new reliquary, above
described.

[26] On the three days of this solemn exposition, which
were the three last days of September, the Office through
several at once choirs, both in the morning and through the day, most solemnly
celebrated was: [The solemn triduum how performed.] and on the day indeed XXVIII,
when at the major Mass the whole forty-eight men
Senate in their habit red was present, Pontifically
sacrificed the Archbishop of Pisa, D. Francesco
Pannocchieschi of the Counts d'Elci (for not
indeed our Archbishop present could be, as he had proposed,
arthritic then perchance impeded by pains)
and a panegyrical oration pronounced D. Canon
della Stuffa: on the second day the Mass sang the Bishop
of Pistoia and Prato D. Gherardo Gherardi,
and orated the Canon Panciatichi: on the third at length
day Pontificals functioned D. Archbishop
ours, Jacopo Antonio Morigia, somewhat now
better having, and under the very Mass's sacrifice the Saint
with most eloquent diction praised. About the XXI hour
of the day first given was the beginning to the Procession, the squares
through which to be passed most beautifully adorned.

[27] Moved first were standards two, wont Processions
all solemn to precede, of the Metropolitan
namely church and of the Abbey of Florence: which
soon as in the area before the Cathedral stretched they appeared, [The Procession on the first day led:]
to precede them began four Palatine
trumpeters in the habit all-silk red, with which also were clothed
the Heralds public, all on horses borne,
on foot moreover after them walked the Commendatori
of the Magistrates. The standards followed first of the Mendicant
Orders, then the Canons Scopetini, and the Monks
Benedictine Colleges; the Clergy at length
of the five Priories, and the very Priors and Rectors
of the parochial churches. To these succeeded the standard
of S. Zenobius, whose gilded reins held brothers
german two, of the Girolami family shoots only, in silver
clothed garment, of years XVIII one, the other XIV.
Succeeded the Clergy Metropolitan with a throng copious
of Chaplains: then the choir of musicians of the court,
hymns to the Saint singing, and the Lord
Canons, all of the first nobility in violet conspicuous;
the Bishops eight of the state of Florence, after whom
went the Archbishop of Pisa, immediately preceding
the canopy, the sides closing the axe-bearers public.
Further from the Cross of the Collegiate of S. Lawrence unto
the very holy Relics, here and there were stretched lines
two of those torches kindled bearing, first of the Confraternity
of the old Sodality of Zenobius more than two hundred
heads, with whom a thousand others were mixed from
all the Nobility collected, who although inscribed in the sodality
not were, had assembled however to their holy citizen
honor to do. The chest of the same under the canopy
was borne, carrying on their shoulders in turns first by the Bishops
within the church, then by the Canons: followed
moreover the Most Serene Grand Duke Cosmo III, with
the Most Serene sons Princes and his Brother, and
at length the whole Senate, with the Magistrates and the people
almost infinite. Which pomp, thus through
all the chief squares led, from the hour XXI of the day unto
the first of the night held, and in the forum of Oil after
the Archbishopric, both going out and returning,
saluted was by the explosion of eighty little mortars.

[28] [wherefore not to the octave was protracted the devotion.] The common people, Confraternities, and Nobles not
were lacking to themselves, but to the example of the Most Serene
Patrons, on the two subsequent days, came
to visit the Relics of their glorious Pastor, alluring
all the sacred Indulgences' treasure, which
the Supreme at this time reigning Pontiff liberally
had exposed. But growing daily more and more
the concourse, more even would have grown the number of from everywhere
coming of the neighboring common people from fields and towns,
if through a whole Octave continued that religion
had been: but to our Superiors' incomparable
prudence it pleased, to adhere to the mystic of three days
number, lest the imminent time of the must from the casks
to the flagons to be transferred, an impediment some to the devotion
should bring.
