title: Dubia alia

author: Anonymous

source_edition: Migne, Patrologia Latina, vol. 101, coll. 1161A–1170B

source_text:
## I EPISTOLA AD LEONEM PAPAM III.

[1161A]

Eximio et orthodoxo a Deo coronato magno viro, gemma sacerdotum, Leoni praesuli sede summa aureaque Romana, cum gloria et omni honestate feliciter regente, ille vilissimus omnium servorum Dei servus immarcescibilis gloriae vestrae coronae beatitudinis salutem et gloriam deposcimus, humiliterque, quasi coram sanctissimis pedibus vestris humano [ *Forte,* humi prostratus] gloriam et gratiam vestram optamus, et servitium sanctissimum vestrum obnixe prece deposcimus; quia in quantum nobis vires electus Dei Filius dignatus est, in vestro cupimus permanere servitio, sicut dignum et justum est tali vero angelico Deique servo. Nos enim humillimi [1161B] servuli vestri habemus dispositum orationis causa, Domino adjuvante, Romam pergere, et pia oscula ejus ostias [ *F.,* pio osculo . . . ostia] salutare; et ad sanctissimum *Petrum* calidis buccis oscula in pavimento figere, et veniam delictorum [praeteritorum] indulgentiam rogare. Nunc vero scit almitas vestra, quia propter longitudinem terrae nostrae, et impedimentum paganorum huc ita, ut dispositum [habemus] die pro consule habuimus, occurrere minime valuimus, sicut nobis magna necessitas fragilitatis nostrae expetiit [ *Cod. Sal.,* expetit]. Propterea vestram sanctam postulamus clementiam, ut pro nobis in ejus beatissimam confessionem veniam rogare velitis [ *Cod. Sal.,* rogare delictis], ut per vestram [1162A] intercessionem a vinculis nostrorum delictorum absolutionem aliquantulum nobis pius Dominus largiri dignetur. Nos autem digni non sumus vestrum in aliquibus exercere servitium. Scimus a Deo et sancto Petro vobis retributionem et in hoc saeculo et in futuro mercedem et gloriam adipisci. Alma Trinitas et inseparabilis unitas custodiat Domnum Leonem summum sacerdotem, nunc et semper et in aeternum feliciter cum Dei gloria.

## II. *449* CARMEN ANONYMUM PRO AMICIS POETAE.

Castula perge cito pelagi trans aequora cursu
Ostia piscosi flatis pete fortia Rheni,
Ingrediens rapidis pontum qua volvitur undis;
[1162B]Tunc tua praelongo ducatur prora remulco,
Nec cito retrorsum rapiatur flumine puppis
Si meus Albricus veniens occurrat in amne,
Vaccipotens praesul properans tu dicito, salve.
Nam tibi Hadda prior nocte non amplius unum
In traject. mel, compultimque buturque ministrat,
Ut pote non oleum, nec vinum Fresia fundit.
Hinc tua vela leva, fugiens Dorsdrada relinque,
Non tibi forte niger Hrotberct parat hospita tecta;
Non amat ecce tuum carmen mercator avarus;
Sed diverte mei vatis tu littora Jonae;
Est nam certa quies fessis venientibus illuc:
Hic olus hospitibus, piscis, hic panis abundat
Urbs Agripina tibi pandit sua tecta benigne:
[1163A]Hic humili Patrem Ricuulfum voce saluta;
Dic: Tua laus mecum semper, dilecte, manebit.
Hinc castella petes currenti nave per undas,
Donec ad optatae pertingas flustra Mosellae.
Remigio postquam spatium sulcaveris amnem,
Hic tunc siste ratem, puppis potiatur arena,
Et pete Wilbrordi Patris loca sancta pedester;
Atque sacerdotis Samuhelis tecta require,
Castalido portas plectro pulsare memento
Constanter puero pithea dic voce ministro:
Publius Albinus me misit ab orbe Britanno,
Praedulci dulcem Patri perferre salutem.
Si tibi praesentis fuerit data copia verbi
Fusa solo supplex plantas tu lambe sacratas,
Dicque: Valeto parens Samuhel; dic: Vive sacerdos.
[1163B]Detege jam gremium, patres et profer honestos
Priscianum, Focam, talique munere gaudet,
Si non Neptunus pelago demerserit illos.
Si te forte velit regis deducere ad aulam,
Hic proceres, patres, fratres percurre, saluta.
Ante pedes regis totas expande camoenas
Dicito multoties: Salve, rex optime, salve:
Tu mihi protector, tutor, defensor adesto,
Invida ne valeat me carpere lingua nocendo,
Paulini, Petri, Albrici, Samuhelis, Ionae,
Vel quicunque velit mea rodere viscera morsu,
Te terrente procul fugiat, discedat inanis.
Murmete dic tacito: Cathegita Petre valeto,
Herculeo saevus clavo ferit ille, caveto.
Paulini gaudens complectere dona magistri,
[1163C]Oscula melligeris decies de blanda labellis.
Ricuulfum, Raefgot, Radonem rite saluta,
Auriculas horum pedetentim tange canendo.
Dic: Socii, fratres laeti salvete, valete.
Egregiam forsan venies Magensis ad urbem
Perpetuumque vale doctori dicito Lullo:
Ecclesiae specimen, sophiae splendor habetur,
Moribus et vita tanto condignus honore.
O Bassine, bonae Spirensis gloria plebis,
[1164A]Me, rogo, commenda Paulo, Pater alme, patrono,
Cujus et alma domus fratres nos fecerat ambos.
Quis, Fulcrade pius, lyrico te tangere plectro
Audebit? meritis musarum carmina vincis.
*450* Nunc tamen hanc hederam circum, sine tempora serva [ *F.,* sacra]
Serpere, summe Pater, tibimet bonitatis suetae [bonitate sueta]
Vel demitte semel memet tibi dicere salve.
Eja, age, casta [charta] cito navem conscende paratam;
Occanum Rhenum sub te natet unca carina.
Materies auri non te, rogo, fulva retardet,
Accola quam fessus profert de viscere terrae:
Non castella, domus, urbes, nec florida rura
[1164B]Detineant stupidam spatio nec unius horae;
Sed fuge, rumpe moras, propera, percurre volando,
Incolumes, sanos, gaudentes atque vigentes
Invenies utinam nostros gratanter amicos.
Det Deus omnipotens illis per saecla salutem,
Postea coelestem laetos deducat in aulam.
Omnibus his actis patriam tu certa reverte,
Et quot quisque tibi dicat, narrare memento;
Et cum vere rubrae . . . . . de cortice gemmae
Erumpant, nostris videant te ludere tectis,
Atque novas iterum nobis adferre camoenas.
Tum tibi serta novis de floribus aurea fingam
Et sociata mihi pratis pausabis amoenis.

## III. POEMA DE CAROLO MAGNO, ET LEONIS PAPAE AD EUMDEM ADVENTU.

[1164C]

*Carmen hoc videsis inter Appendices ad Caroli Magni Opera, hujusce Patrologiae tomo XCVIII, col.* 1433.

## IV. *456* VERSUS DE CELLA CORMARICENSI.

O mea cella, mihi habitatio dulcis amata,
Semper in aeternum, o mea cella vale!
[1165A]Undique te cingit ramis resonantibus arbos,
Silvula florigeris semper onusta comis.
Prata salutiferis florebunt omnia et herbis,
Quas medici quaerit dextra salutis ope [ *Ed.,* ore].
Flumina te cingunt florentibus undique ripis,
Retia piscator qua sua tendit ovans.
Pomiferis redolent ramis tua claustra per hortos,
Lilia cum rosulis candida mixta rubris.
Omne genus volucrum matutinas personat odas,
Atque Creatorem laudat in ore Deum.
In te personuit quondam vox alma magistri
Quae sacro sophiae tradidit ore libros.
In te temporibus certis laus sancta tonantis
Pacificis [ *Ed.* pacificos] sonuit vocibus atque animis.
[1165B]Te mea cella modo lacrymosis plango camoenis,
Atque gemens casus pectore plango tuos.
Tu subito quoniam fugisti carmina vatum [ *Edit.,* fatum; *Mabill.,* fato],
Atque ignota manus te modo tota tenet.
Te modo nec Flaccus, nec vatis [ *Ed.,* fatis] Homerus habebit,
Nec pueri musas per tua tecta canunt.
Vertitur omne decus saecli sic namque repente,
Omnia mutantur ordinibus variis.
Nil manet aeternum, nihil immutabile vere est,
Obscurat sacrum nox tenebrosa diem.
Decutit et flores subito hiems frigida pulchros,
Perturbat placidum et tristior aura mare.
[1165C]Quae campis cervos agitabat sacra juventus,
Incumbit fessus nunc baculo senior.
Nos miseri! cur te fugitivum, mundus, amamus?
Tu fugis a nobis semper ubique ruens.
Tu fugiens fugias, Christum nos semper amemus,
Semper amor teneat pectora nostra Dei.
Ille pius famulus [ *F.,* pios famulos] diro defendat ab hoste,
Ad coelum rapiens pectora nostra suos;
Pectore quem pariter toto laudemus, amemus;
Nostra est ille pius gloria, vita, salus.

## V. VERSUS ALCUINI

*In fronte codicis isti versus scribentur, ubi imago Christi et quatuor evangelistarum et quatuor prophetarum imagines continentur.* [1165D]Ordine quadrato variis depicta figuris
[1166A]Agmina sanctorum gaudia magna vident.
Ex quibus Isaias praecelso dogmate fretus,
Jeremias pariter Domini miracula psallunt;
Jezechiel sedemque Dei describit et ista
Et Daniel Christum narrat de monte recisum.
[ Humanum Christi describit Matthaeus ortum;
More boat Marcus frendentis voce leonis.
Mugit amore pio Lucas in carmine Christi.
Scribendo penetras coelum tu mente Joannes].

*Isti in altera pagina, ubi agnus pictus et* XXIIII *seniores et terra et mare.* Omnia quae praesens tellus producit alendo,
Et maris haec facies limbo circumvenit amplo.
Agne Deum solio semper venerantur in alto,
Sanguine qui fuso tersisti crimina saecli
[1166B] *457* In cruce, tu Caroli detergas vulnera regis.
[ Cana caterva cluens vatum et venerabilis ordo,
Coetus apostolicus sertis coelestibus instans
Laudat, adorat, amat, devoto pectore timet.
Et princeps Carolus vultu speculatur aperto,
Orans, ut tecum vivat longaevus in aevum].

*In alio loco ubi agnus solus pictus habetur.* Hunc Moyses agnum monstravit lege futurum,
Cunctis pro populis perferri vulnera mortis.

*Ubi dextera Christi est picta.* Dextera quae Patris mundum ditione gubernat,
Et natum coelos proprium transvexit in altos.

*In fine Joannis evangelistae.* Et princeps Carolus, sancto qui more benignus,
[1166C]Illius hic codex enitet actus ope.

*In fine libri loquuntur scriptores.* Hactenus in sanctum sulcando movimus aequor
Littoris ad finem nostra carina venit.

## VI. AD CANDIDUM ROMAM ABEUNTEM.

Te mea mens sequitur, charissime Candide, tristis;
Me tua mens secum portet ubique precor.
Per loca cuncta Dei Christi comitetur euntem
Gratia te, nate dulcis, ab arce poli.
Et tibi per terras, silvas et flumina, montes,
Felici rectum tramite donet iter.
Ut te optata dies jam cernat in arcibus Urbis
Egregiae, in qua sunt limina sancta Petri,
Qui tua vota ferat Christo super ardua coeli
[1166D]Culmina, clementer primus in orbe Pater,
[1167A]Quae tibi cum lacrymis, prostrato corpore terris
Ante altare Dei, cordis ab ore fluant.
Inde per aereas ruituris moenibus arces
Ad Pauli veniens tecta sacrata pii,
In crucis extensus, gemebundo pectore, signum,
Qua patris et nati crimina plange simul.
Moxque per ecclesias devotus curre viator
Sanctorum, laudans semper in ore Deum,
Qui mundo tales concessit habere patronos,
Ante poli stantes Patris in arce thronum,
Sanguine qui roseo vicerunt regna per orbem,
Portantes Christi per pia colla crucem.
Hos iterum atque iterum devoto pectore posce,
Clementer precibus semper adesse tuis.
Ante pios cineres lacrymarum signa tuarum
[1167B]In sacris sistant semper ubique petris.
Te quoque sacratis studiosa mente per urbem
Ordinibus, festis, inter et esse precor.
Quid cui conveniat personae et tempore cerne,
Ut Patri valeas cuncta referre memor;
Et prodesse tuis monitis et moribus almis,
Per te sancta Dei ut floreat Ecclesia.
Si te praeveniat clementis gratia Christi
Ante oculos sacros Patris apostolici,
Posce Patrum cineres, vestes, vel forte capillos
Sanctorum, sacrae aut gaudia magna crucis.
Ut sit subsidium nostrae per saecula vitae,
Et nostris pariter, semper ubique pium.
Omnibus his rite, Christo miserante, peractis,
Ad Patrem rediens prospere, perge cito.
[1167C]Non te pausantem videat jam Phoebus in Aula,
Sed cum Lucifero surge, viator ovans.
Non sol flammivolus, ventus, non frigora, nimbi,
Ad Patrem tardet jam properantis iter.
Omnia vincit amor, pedibus velocior Euro
Festine perge, curre, vola, propera.
Ut laetus videat Jacob jam Joseph ocellis,
Ante diem dirae mortis, in urbe sua.
Quid tibi plura canam? felix feliciter omnes,
Nate, vias vade nunc, miserante Deo.
Prospera concedat mundi tibi cuncta Creator.
Dulcis amate tuo, nate, valeto Patri.

## VII. ALBINI ORATIONES AD DEUM ET APOSTOLOS.

[1167D] Auctoris mundi maxima, deprecamur suffragia,
Qui cum esset in gloria, carnem sumpsit ex Maria.
Qui descendens coelitus, donator vitae vividus,
Crucem passus pro omnibus, dedit dona hominibus
Legislator largissimus, Deus et Dei Filius.
Qui post peractos agios victor ascendens triumphos,
Binos bisquinos candidos, mundo misit Apostolos,
Quorum immensa gloria refulgebit in saecula.
Benedictus primitus haeres Christi vicarius,
Sanctus Petrus apostolus sancti gregis primarius.
[1168A]Bar-Jona alta columna, poli scandens sublimia,
Petrus de petra solida sequens Christi vestigia.
Puro perfecto labore, absque laetali merore.
Romae pausat in honore, crucem passus sub Nerone.
Cujus virtutum fulgida refulsere miracula.
Cunctis claruit gentibus praedicator egregius,
Refulsit non videntibus clarus ceu fulgor Phoebus,
Sanctus Paulus apostolus electus non hominibus.
Sancti Spiritus fructibus repletus dignabilibus.
Raptus ad coelum tertium, dignatus doctor gentium
Solidator inertium, consolator lugentium.
Igne probatus vario . . . . . triumpho.
Cujus inexplicabilem sonant saecula sophiam.
Dignus valde fulgidus, doctor docuit gentibus,
Sanctus Andreas optimus, Christi regis apostolus.
[1168B]Organum sancti Spiritus, ornatus charismatibus.
Frater Petri apostoli, dictator legis Domini.
Mente et vultu herili, decus in statu virili:
Praedicans in Achaja, crucem passus sub Egea.
Modo regnat in gloria, regni habilis Helia.
Quem Deus de laboribus vitae reddidit floribus
*458* Electus in cacumine honoris apostolice,
Claro illuxit lumine doctrinae evangelicae,
Jacobus excelsissimae Christi ascensor gloriae,
Summi Regis egregiae consummator victoriae.
Frater Joannis Agiae, praeclaraeque memoriae.
Decapitatus gladio, coronatus martyrio

## VIII. EPITAPHIUM S. RICHARII ABBATIS, SEU VERSUS METRICI JUSSU CAROLI MAGNI IN EADEM CAPSA AUREA IN QUAM REPOSITUM FUIT CORPUS SANCTI RICHARII, LITTERIS AUREIS SCULPTI.

[1168C]

*In fronte sepulcri.* Aurea coelestem thesaurum contegit urna,
Cultorem Domini, nomine Richarium
Stemmate praecelso quem Centula protulit ista,
Quique loci pastor floruit egregius.

*In dextero latere.* Postposito mundi quo grandi fulsit honore
Amplas divitias sprevit amore Dei.
Hic corpus proprium frangens certamine duro,
Vir pius et magnus semper in orbe cluit.

*In culmine arcae desuper.* Hic vitam functis reparavit, lumina caecis
[1168D]Leprosisque salus hoc refovente redit.
Plenus apostolicis virtutibus atque loquelis
Coelestes tenuit semper in ore dapes.

*In sinistro latere.* Huic Carolus princeps condignum mente benigna
Perficiens templum condidit, et tumulum
Post sexagenos et centum circiter annos
Cum Domini famulus integer exstat adhuc.

*In fronte pedum.* Ipsius ut meritis capiat coelestia regna,
Regnaque Francorum pace quietus agat.

## IX. ALBINUS DE SEPTEM SIGILLIS.

[1169A]

Primum sigillum, nativitas. Secundum, baptismum. Tertium, crux. Quartum, sepulcrum. Quintum, resurrectio. Sextum, ascensio. Septimum, judicium. Haec sunt VII dona Spiritus sancti. Primum fuit sapientia, ut Christus de Virgine nasceretur sine virili semine. Secundum spiritus intellectus fuit, ut in baptismo per illas tres undas dimitterentur peccata, ut dicitur: *Exspoliantes veterem hominem, induentes novum [n: (Col. III, 9)]*. Tertium consilii fuit, ut Caiphas ait: *Melius est ut unus moriatur homo quam tota gens pereat [n: (Joan. XI, 50)]*. Quartum spiritus fortitudinis fuit, quia corpus in sepulcro fuit, et [1169B] Christus alligavit diabolum in inferno, et illas animas quae ibi injuste detinebantur, reduxit ad regnum, et Dominus momordit infernum. Quintum spiritus scientiae fuit, quia cum resurrexisset a mortuis, nos fecit credere et resurgere, quia omnes resurgemus, ut dicitur: *Exsurge, Domine, tu et arca sanctificationis tuae [n: (Psal. CXXXI, 8)]*. Sextum spiritus pietatis fuit, quia cum Christus ascendit ad coelum, et animae justorum ascendunt ad eum, ut Paulus dicit: *Optabam [1170A] dissolvi et cum Christo esse [n: (Phil. I, 23)]*. Septimum spiritus timoris fuit, quia quando Christus venturus erit ad judicium, remuneraturus justos, grandis timor peccatoribus erit, ut dicitur: *Discedite a me, maledicti, in ignem aeternum [n: (Matth. XXV, 41)]*. Et reliqua.

Ista septem dona Spiritus sancti fuerunt in septem patriarchis. Sapientia in Adam, quia ad omnes feras, vel bestias, et volatilia coeli, et pisces maris posuit nomina, et primus propheta fuit, ut dixit: *Hoc nunc os ex ossibus meis, et caro de carne mea [n: (Gen. II, 23)]*. Intellectus in Noe, qui arcam fabricavit in diluvio et gubernavit. Consilium in Abraham ut dicitur: *Exi de terra tua et de cognatione tua, et de domo Patris tui [n: (Gen. XII, 1)]*. Fortitudo in Isaac, [1170B] quia inimicos dilexit. Scientia in Jacob, quia benedixit eum angelus Domini, et dixit ei: *Non vocaberis ultra Jacob, sed Israel erit nomen tuum [n: (Gen. XXXII, 28)]*. Pietas in Moysen, quia dixit: *Dele me de libro viventium [n: (Exod. XXXII, 32)]*, ubi me scripsisti. Timor in David, quia timuit Deum, quando Saul in speluncam introivit ventrem purgare, et ipse dixit: *Absit, ut mittam manum meum in unctum Domini [n: (I Reg. XXVI, 11)]*.

english:
## I LETTER TO POPE LEO III.

[1161A]

To the excellent and orthodox great man, crowned by God, the gem of priests, to Leo the bishop, happily governing the highest and golden Roman see with glory and all honor: that most worthless servant of all the servants of God — we beg salvation and glory for the unfading crown of your glory and blessedness, and humbly, as though before your most holy feet in human fashion [ *Forte,* humi prostratus], we pray for your glory and favor, and with insistent entreaty we beg your most holy service; because, so far as the chosen Son of God has deigned to grant us strength, we desire to remain in your service, as is worthy and just toward so truly angelic a servant of God. For we, your most humble [1161B] little servants, have resolved, with the Lord's help, to journey to Rome for the sake of prayer, and to greet his victims with devout kisses [ *F.,* pio osculo . . . ostia]; and to set kisses with warm cheeks upon the pavement before most holy *Peter*, and to ask pardon and indulgence for our [past] offenses. But now your kindliness knows that, on account of the great distance of our land and the hindrance of the pagans, we have by no means been able to come here in this way, as we have it arranged [habemus], we had it on the day for the consul, as the great necessity of our frailty demanded [ *Cod. Sal.,* expetit] of us. Therefore we beseech your holy clemency to be willing to ask pardon for us at his most blessed confession [ *Cod. Sal.,* rogare delictis], so that through your [1162A] intercession the merciful Lord may deign to grant us some little release from the chains of our offenses. But we are not worthy to render you service in any matter. We know that from God and from Saint Peter you will obtain a recompense both in this world and, in the world to come, a wage and glory. May the kindly Trinity and inseparable Unity guard the lord Leo, the highest priest, now and always and unto eternity, happily and with the glory of God.

## II. *449* ANONYMOUS POEM FOR THE POET'S FRIENDS.

Little letter, go quickly, in your course across the level sea;
with the winds behind you, make for the strong mouths of the fish-rich Rhine,
entering there where it rolls into the deep with rushing waves;
[1162B]then let your prow be drawn by a very long towrope,
and let the ship not be swept swiftly backward by the river.
If my Albric should come and meet you upon the stream,
say to him in haste: hail, cattle-rich prelate.
For prior Hadda serves you, for no more than a single night
at Traject., honey, and [sic: *compultim*], and [sic: *butur*],
inasmuch as Frisia pours out neither oil nor wine.
From here lift your sails; in your flight leave Dorsdrada behind;
perhaps black Hrotberct prepares no hospitable roof for you;
see, the greedy merchant has no love for your song;
but turn aside, you, to the shores of my poet Jonah:
for there is sure rest for the weary who come thither.
Here herbs abound for guests, here fish, here bread.
The city of Cologne kindly opens her roofs to you:
[1163A]here greet Father Ricwulf with a humble voice;
say: Your praise, beloved, will remain with me always.
Hence you will make for the forts, your ship running through the waves,
until you reach the calm waters of the longed-for Moselle.
After you have furrowed the river's stretch with rowing,
then halt your craft here, and let the stern take the sand,
and seek on foot the holy places of Father Willibrord;
and search out the roof of Samuel the priest;
remember to knock at the doors with a Castalian quill,
and steadily say to the boy who serves, in a Pythian voice:
Publius Albinus sent me from the British world,
to bring a sweet greeting to a most sweet Father.
If the chance of a word in his presence be granted you,
poured out upon the ground as a suppliant, kiss his consecrated feet,
and say: Fare well, father Samuel; say: Live long, priest.
[1163B]Uncover your lap now, and bring forth the honorable fathers
Priscian and Phocas — and he delights in such a gift,
if only Neptune has not drowned them in the sea.
If perchance he should wish to lead you to the king's hall,
here run through and greet the nobles, the fathers, the brothers.
Before the king's feet spread out all your Muses;
say many times over: Hail, best of kings, hail:
be present to me as protector, guardian, defender,
that no envious tongue may have power to tear at me with its harm —
of Paulinus, of Peter, of Albric, of Samuel, of Jonah,
or of whoever may wish to gnaw my vitals with his bite:
let him flee far off at your terrifying, let him depart with nothing.
Say with a hushed murmur: Fare well, Peter my teacher —
that fierce one strikes with a Herculean club: beware.
Rejoicing, embrace the gifts of master Paulinus,
[1163C]and ten times take coaxing kisses from his honey-bearing lips.
Duly greet Ricwulf, Raefgot, and Rado,
and touch their ears little by little with your singing.
Say: Companions, brothers, joyful ones, hail and fare well.
Perhaps you will come to the distinguished city of Mainz,
and there say an everlasting farewell to Lull the teacher:
he is held the very model of the Church, the splendor of wisdom,
in character and in life fully worthy of so great an honor.
O Bassinus, glory of the good people of Speyer,
[1164A]commend me, I beg, kindly Father, to Paul my patron,
whose kindly house had made us both brothers.
Who, devout Fulcrad, will dare to touch you with the lyric quill?
By your merits you surpass the songs of the Muses.
*450* Yet now allow this ivy to creep about your brows, preserve [ *F.,* sacra],
most high Father, and out of your accustomed goodness [bonitate sueta]
permit me at least once to say hail to you.
Come, on with it, O chaste one [charta], board the ready ship at once;
let the curved keel swim beneath you the Ocean and the Rhine.
Let no tawny stuff of gold, I beg, hold you back,
which the weary settler brings forth from the bowels of the earth;
let no forts, houses, cities, nor flowering fields
[1164B]detain you, dazed, for the space of even a single hour;
but flee, break off all delay, hasten, run your course in flight.
Safe, sound, rejoicing and thriving,
may you find our friends, and gladly.
May almighty God grant them salvation through the ages,
and afterward lead them, glad, into the heavenly hall.
When all this is done, return sure of your way to your homeland,
and remember to tell what each one says to you;
and when in spring the red buds . . . . . out of the bark
burst forth, may they see you at play beneath our roof,
and bringing us new songs once again.
Then I will fashion for you golden garlands of fresh flowers,
and you, joined with me, will rest in pleasant meadows.

## III. POEM ON CHARLEMAGNE, AND ON THE COMING OF POPE LEO TO HIM.

[1164C]

*You may see this poem among the Appendices to the Works of Charlemagne, in volume XCVIII of this Patrologia, col.* 1433.

## IV. *456* VERSES ON THE CELL OF CORMERY.

O my cell, dwelling sweet and beloved to me,
forever and unto eternity, O my cell, farewell!
[1165A]On every side the trees encircle you with resounding boughs,
a little wood ever laden with flower-bearing leaves.
All the meadows too will bloom with health-bringing herbs,
which the physician's right hand seeks for the aid [ *Ed.,* ore] of health.
Rivers encircle you with flowering banks on every side,
where the fisherman exulting spreads his nets.
Your cloisters are fragrant with fruit-laden boughs throughout the gardens,
white lilies mingled with little red roses.
Every kind of bird sounds out its morning songs,
and praises God the Creator with its voice.
In you there once resounded the kindly voice of the master,
which with holy mouth handed on the books of wisdom.
In you, at appointed seasons, the holy praise of the Thunderer
sounded with peaceful [ *Ed.* pacificos] voices and minds.
[1165B]You, my cell, I now bewail with tearful songs,
and groaning I lament your downfall from my heart.
For you have suddenly fled the songs of poets [ *Edit.,* fatum; *Mabill.,* fato],
and now a wholly unknown hand holds you.
Now neither Flaccus nor Homer the bard [ *Ed.,* fatis] will have you,
nor do boys sing the Muses beneath your roof.
For thus all the glory of the age is turned about of a sudden;
all things are changed in varied successions.
Nothing remains eternal, nothing is truly unchangeable;
shadowy night darkens the holy day.
Cold winter suddenly strikes down the beautiful flowers,
and a sadder wind troubles the peaceful sea.
[1165C]The holy youth that used to drive the stags across the fields
now leans upon a staff, an old man and weary.
Wretched are we! Why do we love you, O world, you fugitive?
You flee from us, ever rushing headlong everywhere.
Flee then, you that flee; let us love Christ always,
let the love of God hold our hearts always.
May he in his mercy defend his servant [ *F.,* pios famulos] from the dread foe,
snatching up to heaven our hearts, which are his own;
and let us with our whole heart alike praise him and love him:
he in his mercy is our glory, our life, our salvation.

## V. VERSES OF ALCUIN

*These verses are to be written at the front of the codex, where the image of Christ and the images of the four evangelists and of the four prophets are contained.* [1165D]In fourfold order, painted with varied figures,
[1166A]the hosts of the saints behold great joys.
Among them Isaiah, relying on his most lofty teaching,
and Jeremiah alike, chant the miracles of the Lord;
Ezekiel describes both the throne of God and these things,
and Daniel tells of the Christ cut from the mountain.
[ Matthew describes the human birth of Christ;
Mark roars in manner with the voice of a gnashing lion.
Luke lows with devout love in the song of Christ.
By writing, John, you pierce heaven with your mind].

*These on the other page, where the lamb is painted, and the* XXIIII *elders, and the earth and the sea.* All that the present earth brings forth to give nourishment,
and this face of the sea surrounds it with an ample border.
O Lamb, they venerate God forever on his lofty throne —
you who by the shedding of your blood wiped away the crimes of the age
[1166B] *457* upon the cross: may you wipe away the wounds of King Charles.
[ The hoary company of the prophets, renowned, and the venerable order,
the apostolic assembly, pressing on with heavenly garlands,
praises, adores, loves, and fears him with a devoted heart.
And prince Charles gazes upon him with uncovered face,
praying that he may live with you, long-lived, unto eternity].

*In another place, where the lamb alone is painted.* This Lamb Moses showed in the law as one to come,
to bear the wounds of death on behalf of all peoples.

*Where the right hand of Christ is painted.* The right hand of the Father, which governs the world by its rule,
and has carried its own Son across into the high heavens.

*At the end of John the evangelist.* And prince Charles, who in holy manner is kindly —
[1166C]by his help this book here shines forth in its doings.

*At the end of the book the scribes speak.* Thus far, furrowing, we have moved over the holy sea;
our keel has come to the end of the shore.

## VI. TO CANDIDUS SETTING OUT FOR ROME.

My mind follows you, dearest Candidus, in sorrow;
may your mind, I pray, carry me with it everywhere.
Through all the places of God, may the grace of Christ
accompany you as you go, sweet son, from the citadel of heaven.
And may it grant you, over lands and woods and rivers and mountains,
a straight journey on a fortunate path,
so that the longed-for day may see you at last in the towers of that
excellent City, in which are the holy thresholds of Peter,
who may bear your prayers to Christ above the steep
[1166D]summits of heaven — he, the first Father in the world, in his mercy —
[1167A]prayers which may flow from the mouth of your heart, with tears,
your body prostrate on the ground before the altar of God.
Thence, through those airy towers of walls that must one day fall,
coming to the consecrated roof of devout Paul,
stretched out in the sign of the cross, with groaning breast,
there lament the offenses of father and of son together.
And straightway, a devout traveler, hasten through the churches
of the saints, praising God always with your mouth,
who has granted the world to have such patrons,
standing before the throne of the Father in the citadel of heaven —
who by their rosy blood conquered kingdoms throughout the earth,
bearing the cross of Christ upon their devout necks.
Beg them again and again with a devoted heart
mercifully to be present always to your prayers.
Before their devout ashes let the tokens of your tears
[1167B]stand always and everywhere upon the sacred stones.
You too, throughout the city, with an eager mind, I pray
to be present among the sacred orders and the feasts.
Observe what befits each person and each season,
so that, remembering, you may report it all to the Father,
and may profit your own people by your counsels and kindly ways,
so that through you the holy Church of God may flourish.
If the grace of merciful Christ should go before you
into the sacred sight of the apostolic Father,
ask for the ashes of the Fathers, their garments, or perhaps the hair
of the saints, or the great joys of the holy cross,
that it may be a support to our life through the ages,
and to our own likewise, always and everywhere devout.
When all this has been duly accomplished, Christ having mercy,
return prosperously to the Father; go quickly.
[1167C]Let Phoebus no longer see you lingering in the Hall,
but rise with the Morning Star, exulting traveler.
Let no flame-flying sun, no wind, no frosts or storm-clouds
now delay the journey of one hastening to the Father.
Love conquers all things: swifter of foot than the East Wind,
go in haste, run, fly, hurry on,
so that Jacob may joyfully see his Joseph with his own eyes
before the day of dread death, in his own city.
Why should I sing you more? Happy, and happily, go now
along all your ways, my son, God having mercy.
May the Creator of the world grant you all prosperity.
Sweet and beloved son, fare well to your Father.

## VII. PRAYERS OF ALBINUS TO GOD AND TO THE APOSTLES.

[1167D] We entreat the mightiest supports of the world's Author,
who, though he was in glory, took flesh from Mary;
who, coming down from heaven, the living giver of life,
having suffered the cross for all, gave gifts to men,
the most bountiful lawgiver, God and the Son of God;
who, after his holy triumphs were accomplished, ascending as victor,
sent twice two and twice five shining Apostles into the world,
whose measureless glory will shine again through the ages.
Blessed first of all, the heir, the vicar of Christ,
Saint Peter the apostle, foremost of the holy flock.
[1168A]Bar-Jona, lofty column, climbing the heights of heaven,
Peter from the solid rock, following the footsteps of Christ.
With pure and perfected labor, without deadly grief.
He rests at Rome in honor, having suffered the cross under Nero.
The shining miracles of his powers blazed forth.
To all the nations he shone out, an excellent preacher;
he shone upon those who did not see, bright as the flash of the sun,
Saint Paul the apostle, chosen not by men,
filled with the honorable fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Caught up to the third heaven, held worthy as teacher of the nations,
strengthener of the feeble, consoler of those who mourn.
Proved by manifold fire . . . . . in triumph.
Whose unutterable wisdom the ages sound aloud.
Worthy and exceedingly resplendent, a teacher, he taught the nations,
Saint Andrew, most excellent, apostle of Christ the King.
[1168B]Instrument of the Holy Spirit, adorned with the gifts of grace.
Brother of Peter the apostle, proclaimer of the law of the Lord.
Lordly in mind and in countenance, a glory in his manly stature:
preaching in Achaia, having suffered the cross under Aegeas.
Now he reigns in glory, an Elijah fit for the kingdom.
Whom God, out of his labors, has restored to the flowers of life.
*458* Chosen upon the summit of apostolic honor,
he shone with the clear light of evangelical teaching:
James, the mounter of Christ's most exalted glory,
the consummator of the highest King's excellent victory,
brother of John the Holy, and of most illustrious memory.
Beheaded by the sword, crowned with martyrdom

## VIII. EPITAPH OF SAINT RICHARIUS THE ABBOT, OR METRICAL VERSES CARVED IN GOLDEN LETTERS, BY ORDER OF CHARLEMAGNE, ON THAT SAME GOLDEN CASKET IN WHICH THE BODY OF SAINT RICHARIUS WAS LAID.

[1168C]

*At the front of the tomb.* A golden urn covers a heavenly treasure,
a worshiper of the Lord, Richarius by name,
whom this Centula brought forth of most lofty lineage,
and who flourished as the excellent pastor of the place.

*On the right side.* Having set aside the world, in which he shone with great honor,
he spurned ample riches for the love of God.
Here, breaking his own body by hard contest,
a man devout and great, he is famed forever in the world.

*On the top of the chest, above.* Here he restored life to the dead, sight to the blind,
[1168D]and by his fostering care health returns to lepers.
Full of apostolic powers and apostolic words,
he held the heavenly banquets always in his mouth.

*On the left side.* For him prince Charles, with kindly mind,
completing a worthy temple, founded it, and a tomb,
after about a hundred and sixty years,
while the Lord's servant stands whole even yet.

*At the front of the feet.* That by his merits he may take the heavenly kingdoms,
and may rule the kingdoms of the Franks quiet in peace.

## IX. ALBINUS ON THE SEVEN SEALS.

[1169A]

The first seal is the nativity. The second, the baptism. The third, the cross. The fourth, the sepulchre. The fifth, the resurrection. The sixth, the ascension. The seventh, the judgment. These are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. The first was wisdom, that Christ should be born of the Virgin without the seed of a man. The second was the spirit of understanding, that in baptism, through those three immersions, sins should be forgiven, as it is said: *Stripping off the old man, putting on the new [n: (Col. III, 9)]*. The third was the spirit of counsel, as Caiaphas says: *It is better that one man should die than that the whole nation perish [n: (Joan. XI, 50)]*. The fourth was the spirit of fortitude, because the body was in the sepulchre, and [1169B] Christ bound the devil in hell, and those souls which were unjustly held there he brought back to the kingdom, and the Lord bit into hell. The fifth was the spirit of knowledge, because when he had risen from the dead, he made us believe and rise again — for we shall all rise again, as it is said: *Arise, O Lord, thou and the ark of thy sanctification [n: (Psal. CXXXI, 8)]*. The sixth was the spirit of piety, because when Christ ascended to heaven, the souls of the just also ascend to him, as Paul says: *I desired [1170A] to be dissolved and to be with Christ [n: (Phil. I, 23)]*. The seventh was the spirit of fear, because when Christ shall come to the judgment, to reward the just, there will be great fear for sinners, as it is said: *Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire [n: (Matth. XXV, 41)]*. And the rest.

These seven gifts of the Holy Spirit were in the seven patriarchs. Wisdom in Adam, because he gave names to all the wild animals, or beasts, and the birds of heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and he was the first prophet, when he said: *This now is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh [n: (Gen. II, 23)]*. Understanding in Noah, who built the ark in the flood and steered it. Counsel in Abraham, as it is said: *Go forth out of thy land, and from thy kindred, and out of the house of thy Father [n: (Gen. XII, 1)]*. Fortitude in Isaac, [1170B] because he loved his enemies. Knowledge in Jacob, because the angel of the Lord blessed him and said to him: *Thou shalt no more be called Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name [n: (Gen. XXXII, 28)]*. Piety in Moses, because he said: *Blot me out of the book of the living [n: (Exod. XXXII, 32)]*, wherein thou hast written me. Fear in David, because he feared God, when Saul went into the cave to relieve himself, and he said: *Far be it from me, that I should put my hand upon the anointed of the Lord [n: (I Reg. XXVI, 11)]*.


site: migne

title: Vita S. Martini Turonensis

author: Alcuin of York

languages: en la

source_edition: Migne, Patrologia Latina, vol. 101, coll. 657D–664C

source_text:
## Vita S. Martini Turonensis

## I.

[0657D]Postquam Dominus noster Jesus Christus triumphator ad alta coelorum ascendit, et in majestate paterna Deus consedit, multa saeculis doctorum lumina concessit, quatenus ignorantiae tenebris effugatis, ad verum lumen agnoscendum gentes ubique converteret [ *Al.,* converterent]: ut sicut stellae diversis in coeli partibus clarescunt, ita et doctores sancti per varias mundi partes lucescerent, ut omnibus via patesceret salutis, et veritatis lux claresceret. Unde et beatissimum Martinum Galliae deduxit [ *Al.,* [0658D] direxit] in partes, ut populos, tetra caligine torpentes, luce veritatis irradiaret, et plurimas de antiqui hostis faucibus extraheret gentes, et sacratissimo Christi insereret corpori.

## II.

*S. viri patria et militia. Christi militiam sequi amat. Catechumenus pauperem vestit.* -- Igitur beatissimus vir, paganis parentibus in regione Pannoniae, Sabariae oppido, genitus est; sed intra Ticinum Italiae nutritus, militiaeque cingulo, a praeside [ *Al.,* a perfido] Juliano, juxta parentum suorum [0659A] nobilitatem, est addictus. Sed vir sanctus magis elegit Deo coelesti servire, quam sub imperatore militare terreno; qui specialiter electus est, ut vexillum sanctae crucis occiduas orbis portaret in partes, et militiae sacramenta evangelicis mutaret edictis: non pro regno armis saecularibus certare Romano, sed specialibus doctrinis Christianum dilatare imperium; nec dura Romanorum lege populos subjicere feroces, sed leve Christi jugum plurimarum collo injicere gentium. Qui post sacri baptismatis mysterium magnis in mundo claruit miraculis, et doctrinis longe lateque resplenduit in orbe; cujus haec prima leguntur insignia. Cum adhuc catechumenus esset, hiemali frigore, media suae chlamydis pauperem parte vestivit. Qua etiam parte [0659B] chlamydis suae, inter angelicos exercitus Dominum Jesum, divinitus illuminatus, nocte sequente, vestitum aspexit; ut verum intelligeret quod ipse Dominus Jesus evangelicis intonat paginis: *Quandiu fecistis uni ex his minimis meis, mihi fecistis [n: (Matth., XXV, 40)]*.

## III.

*Adolescens Mediolani moratus Arianis restitit. In Galliam secedit et S. Hilario jungitur.* --Hic vir florem adolescentiae suae Mediolana transegit in urbe, quam tunc temporis Ariana, favente Auxentio, multum maculavit perfidia; cui sanctus Martinus ut fortis athleta Christi viriliter restitit, intrepidusque veram sanctae Trinitatis fidem docebat. Sed inde [ *Al.,* exinde] Arianorum saevitia principum depulsus Gallicanas secessit in partes, venerabilique [0659C] Pictaviensis urbis antistiti Hilario junctus, qui tunc temporis quasi firmissima fidei columna omnibus laudabilis exstitit: et quasi [ *Forte,* et sicut] Lucifer in coelo stellis clarior caeteris clarescit, ita ille sanctus vir in Ecclesia Christi, omnibus famae magnitudine, et sanctitate vitae, et doctrinarum veritate sanctarum excellentior effulsit: cujus disciplinis se sanctus Martinus, post relictum militiae cingulum, sociavit, ut tanti viri eruditus exemplis Christianam fortior processisset ad pugnam, fidei armatus galea, et lorica justitiae accinctus, gladio verbi Dei armatus, intrepidus contra omnia tela maligni bellator muniretur.

## IV.

*Parentes invisens matrem convertit ad fidem. [0659D] Similiter et latronem.* --Idem quoque sanctus vir divino admonitus oraculo, parentes suos ad sacrae fidei convertit professionem; et matrem, quae se mundo genuit, ipse regeneravit Christo. Hoc quoque itinere latronum perpessus insidias, dum uni traditur ad custodiendum, evangelica praedicatione latronem convertit ad Christum: et qui [ *Al.,* et cui] traditus fuit ad poenam, factus est ei in salutem.

*160* V *In Gallias redit. Cellam construit. Tres mortuos resuscitat. Puellam mutam sanat.* --Inde regressus obviam habuit malignum spiritum, qui sancto viro, quocunque pergeret, comitem se esse spopondit; cui intrepidus respondit: Dominus mihi [0660A] adjutor est, non timebo minas tuas. Sed multas Arianorum tribulationes sustinens, iterum Gallias repedavit, sanctoque Hilario Pictaviensi junctus, prope civitatem sibi cellulam construxit, in qua liberius contemplativos carperet fructus. Cui quidam catechumenus adhaerens subita, sancto absente viro, morte praereptus est: quem vir Dei precibus profusis resuscitavit, vitae redditum baptizavit, qui multis postea annis vixit. Alterum quoque, in cujusdam Lupicini agro laqueo suspensum, sacris orationibus vitae restituit. Tertium ab eodem sancto viro, in Carnoteno oppido, cujusdam mulieris flentem filium sola oratione in conspectu populi resuscitavit. Quo miraculo viso, plurimi ex populo crediderunt Christo. Succedente itidem tempore, in eodem oppido, [0660B] mutam ab infantia puellam benedicti olei inunctione sanavit.

## VI.

*Eligitur episcopus Turonensis. Omnibus virtutibus praeluxit.* --Sed ne lucerna Domini modio tecta lateret, dulcissimis abstractus est sedibus, multorumque precibus alligatus, electus est in episcopum Turonicae civitatis, ubi plurima sanctarum insignia gessit virtutum, et multa coelestis vitae dogmata sparsit, tamen privatae vitae continentiam in turbis populorum non amisit. Humilis in habitu, jucundus in sermone, devotus in praedicatione, verax in judicio, venerabilis in moribus, pervigil in orationibus, assiduus in lectione, constans in vultu, pius in affectu, honorabilis in ministerio sacerdotali, infatigabilis [0660C] verbi Dei seminator, impiger acceptam Domini sui pecuniam multiplicare; cum gaudentibus gaudens, cum lugentibus lugens, omnibus omnia factus, ut omnes lucrifaceret Christo; virtutibus insignis, bonitate laudabilis, pietate amabilis, multis in episcopatu fulgens virtutibus.

## VII.

*Miracula.* --Nam turbam paganorum ritu tumultuantem in obsequio cujusdam corporis, verbo orationis, uno ligavit in loco; iterumque resolvens suis permisit dominari vestigiis. Ruentem pinum super se signo crucis opposito avertit, mirantemque turbam Christo credere fecit. Seipsum in tecto cujusdam domus flammis opposuit, ne innocua laederet ignis tecta, qui fanum incendit idololatriae. Aliud quoque templum antiquo errore daemonibus dedicatum, [0660D] dum manu non potuit humana, angelico fultus auxilio subvertit. Nec non alio loco gentilium sacra subvertens, a quodam pagano gladio appetitus, ille nudum ferientis ictui collum opposuit; sed impius retro cadens, suam intelligens impietatem, veniam postulavit a sancto; alteroque librante ictum in sanctum caput, ferrum effugit de manibus. Treveris paralyticam puellam, totisque resolutam membris, sacra benedicti olei infusione, astante populo, pristinae reddidit sanitati. Tetradii proconsularis viri servum manus impositione a daemonio liberavit. Unde et ille Tetradius cum tota domo sua ad Christianam conversus est professionem. Cujusdam quoque [0661A] patrisfamilias puerum a daemone arreptum atrocissimo, digitos in os mittens, spiritum malignum per pudenda patientis exire compulit. Leprosum in porta Parisiacae civitatis a deformitate sui corporis solo salvavit osculo; sed et fimbrias vestimenti ejus, et fila cilicii multos sanare morbos compertum est. Filia Arborii praefecti per impositionem epistolae sancti Martini a gravissimis liberata est febribus. Paulini oculum peniculo superposito sanavit a dolore atque caligine.

## VIII.

*Ab angelis, B. V. et aliis sanctis visitatur. Spiritu prophetiae claruit.* --Idem quoque sanctus Martinus cadens per gradus, graviter pene totus attritus membris, nocte ab angelo ad integram recreatus est sanitatem: saepiusque angelicis visitationibus [0661B] et familiari locutione fruebatur. Quodam vero die beatissimae Genitricis Dei et Domini nostri Jesu Christi, et sanctorum apostolorum Petri et Pauli; nec non sanctarum virginum Theclae et Agnetis visitatione vir Dei honoratus et confortatus est. Nam daemonum phantasmata, et in diversis figuris horribiles aspectus nihil metuens, nec ullis eorum fallaciis illudi potuit. Spiritu vero prophetarum ita claruit, ut multis multa praedixerit *161* futura: veluti Maximo imperatori victoriam in Italia et in Aquileia interitum praedixit. Et eodem beato viro celebrante sanctum mysterium ad altare, globus igneus subito de vertice fulsit illius. Evantius quidam aegrotus, properante ad se beato viro, prius sanitatem recepit, quam sanctus Martinus domum intraret. In [0661C] eadem quoque domo puerum a serpente percussum, sanctorum tactu digitorum a periculo mortis eruit.

## IX.

*Sancti viri patientia. Daemones pellit,* etc.--Nam tantae fuit vir Dei patientiae, ut convicia non doluerit, opprobria non senserit: imo et quorumdam rusticorum flagella placido sustinuit animo, eorumque fixa terris animalia solo solvebat sermone. Nemini adulando blandiebatur; principi nulli veritatis verba tacuit, ad nota semper orationum subsidia recurrens. Unde si quid ei potestas renuit saecularis, mox divina praestitit pietas. Quaedam puella daemoniaco arrepta spiritu, stramine, ubi sanctus Martinus sedebat, a potestate erepta est inimica. Non solum homines, sed etiam animalia a daemonum liberans potestate, et mansueta in suum redire gregem mandavit. [0661D] Etiam fuit tantae misericordiae, ut canibus sequentibus lepusculum imperaverit stare; et miseram bestiolam a praesenti morte eripuit. Villa quaedam in Senonico grandinea saepius vastata tempestate, ad preces sancti Martini, multis liberata est annis. Mulier a sanguinis fluxu vestimentorum illius tactu sanata est.

## X.

*Obiit.* --Talibus etiam electus Dei sacerdos mundo claruit miraculis; et in omni vita et conversatione [0662A] perfectus, in omni pietate et religione praeclarus, in omni bonitate et benignitate jucundus, anno aetatis suae LXXXI, et episcopatus sui XXVI, annis maturus et meritis, in coelestia advocatus est regna; quatenus cum multiplici sui laboris mercede, perpetuam a Christo Domino reciperet coronam. Sed diem obitus sui multo ante pernoscens, et quibusdam suis praedicens fratribus, appropinquanteque hora, febrium dolore tactus, laetus in laude Dei, inter divina praedicationis verba, inter angelicas coelestium hymnorum voces, suis astantibus discipulis, sanctam Deo Christo reddidit animam.

## XI.

*Turonis sepelitur.* --Cujus sanctum corpus a clericis civitatum, et populorum turbis, cum laudibus et hymnis ad Turonicam portatur civitatem, ibique [0662B] in polyandro publico sepultus est, ubi postmodum beatus antistes Perpetuus laudabili opere, et venerabili cultu construxit ecclesiam tanti Patris condignam meritis: in qua etiam usque hodie multa miraculorum signa, plurimae sanitatum virtutes, consolationes moerentium, pietates laetantium, praestante Domino nostro Jesu Christo, fieri solent, qui vivit et regnat cum Deo Patre [ et Spiritu sancto in unitate majestatis divinae, per omnia saecula].

## *EJUSDEM ALCUINI* SERMO DE TRANSITU SANCTI MARTINI.

## XII.

*Sancti Martini sanctitas, miracula et prophetiae donum.* --Oportet nos omnes unanimiter gaudere, fratres charissimi, et praeclarum diem obitus sancti [0662C] Martini fideliter venerari; sed praecipue qui in Occidentalibus mundi partibus sunt fideles Christi, qui et doctrinis ejus similiter et exemplis illuminati sunt: quia quodcunque praedicabat verbis, demonstrabat operibus. In omni enim vita sua et conversatione sua perfectus, in omni pietate et religione praeclarus, in omni bonitate et benignitate jucundus erat, ab omnibus laudabilis, omnibus amabilis; virgo inter choros virginum, egregius sacerdotum, imitator apostolorum, et Christi praedicator. Quem Dominus in gratia apostolica est dignatus eligere, sicut de illo scriptum est: « Hic est Martinus, electus Dei pontifex, cui Dominus post apostolos tantam gratiam conferre dignatus est, ut in virtute sanctae Trinitatis [0662D] deificae mereretur fieri trium mortuorum suscitator magnificus. » Ad exemplum Domini tres mortuos suscitavit: multa etiam spiritu prophetiae, antequam fierent, praesciebat. Spiritu enim prophetiae plenus erat, et ideo suum obitum divina inspiratione praescivit, et quibusdam ex fratribus dissolutionem sui corporis appropinquasse revelavit. *162*

## XIII.

*Inter clericos discordantes pacem reformat. Avibus imperat.* -- Tunc autem causa illi evenerat, qua necesse habuit Condatensem dioecesis suae [0663A] vicum adire, ut clericis inter se Ecclesiae illius discordantibus pacem reformaret. Et licet finem dierum suorum adfuisse non ignoraret, proficisci tamen ob istiusmodi causam non recusavit, memorans illud evangelicum: *Beati pacifici, quoniam filii Dei vocabuntur:* volensque pacem omnibus relinquere, exemplo Domini in die ascensionis suae apostolis dicentis: *Pacem relinquo vobis, pacem meam do vobis. In pace vos dimisi, in pace vos inveniam.* Cumque hac causa cum familiari discipulorum comitatu iter perageret, mergos in flumine videt piscium multitudinem captantes, et dixit: Forma haec daemonum est. Tunc illis potenti virtute verborum imperavit, ut eum gurgitem relinquentes arida desertaque appeterent loca. Statimque mirum in modum omnes in una turba congregatae [0663B] relicto flumine montes silvasque petierunt. Et admirati sunt, qui simul aderant, talem in Martino esse virtutem, ut etiam avibus sive daemonibus imperaret per gratiam Dei.

## XIV.

*Aegrotat: molliorem lectum sibi sterni recusat.* --Cumque in illo vico, ad quem ierat, paucis diebus commoratus, pace inter clericos restituta, jam regredi ad monasterium cogitaret, viribus corporis coepit repente destitui; convocatisque discipulis, indicavit eis jam adesse tempus resolvendi spiritum ejus a corpore. Tunc vero luctus et moeror omnium, vox una plangentium et dicentium: Cur nos, Pater, deseris, aut cui nos desolatos relinquis? Invadent enim gregem tuum lupi rapaces. Et quis nos a rapacitatibus eorum, te recedente, defendet? Scimus [0663C] quidem te desiderare Christum, sed salva tibi praemia tua, nec dilata minuentur; nostri potius miserere. Tunc ille motus eorum fletibus lacrymasse perhibetur; conversusque ad Dominum supplici voce dixit: Domine, si adhuc populo tuo sum necessarius, non recuso laborem; fiat voluntas tua. Nimirum nesciebat quid potius mallet: quia nec hos deserere, nec a Christo volebat diutius separari. Nihil enim in voto suo ponens omnia haec in Dei arbitrio dimisit dicens: Domine, si adhuc me vis in corpore manere, non recuso laborem: et si parcis aetati, bonum est mihi: fiat voluntas tua. Hos autem, de quibus timeo, tu ipse custodi. O virum ineffabilem, nec labore victum, [0664A] nec morte vincendum; qui nec mori timuit, nec vivere recusavit. Sed cum a discipulis rogaretur, ut stramenta sub se faceret poni, vi febrium per aliquot dies laborans, Non decet, inquit, filii, non decet Christianum, nisi in cinere et cilicio mori; ego enim, si aliud vobis reliqui exemplum, ipse peccavi. Et cum iterum a presbyteris, qui ad ejus infirmitatem venerant, rogaretur, ut corpusculum lateris mutatione relevaret, Sinite, inquit, sinite me, fratres, potius coelum quam terram videre, ut in suo itinere jam iturus ad Dominum meus spiritus dirigatur.

## XV.

*Inter angelicos hymnos animam agit.* --Anno igitur aetatis suae LXXXI, et episcopatus sui XXVI, maturus annis et moribus apud Condatensem dioecesis suae vicum, ut diximus, feliciter recessit a saeculo. [0664B] Sed inter divina sacrae praedicationis verba, cum angelicis coelestium hymnorum vocibus, circumstantibus suis discipulis, gratia plenus et sanctitate, sanctam Jesu Christo tradidit animam. Multi enim in ejus transitu voces audierunt angelorum sanctum Martinum laudantium. Quanta autem multitudo ad ejus obsequium convenerit, narrari non potest. Multi enim ex vicinis urbibus et monasteriis atque vicis cum lacrymis venerunt, una voce sanctum Martinum lugentes. O quantus erat luctus omnium! quanta praecipue lamenta monachorum et virginum dicentium, quia pium est gaudere Martino, et pium est flere Martinum. Pium enim erat eum vivere, pium erat et mori; quia in vita sua placuerat Deo.

## XVI.

*Turonis sepelitur.* -- Cujus quidem corpus [0664C] a clericis civitatum, et populorum turbis, cum laudibus et hymnis ad Turonicam portatum est civitatem, ibique cum magna veneratione sepultum est, assequente eum coelesti turba, cum coelestibus hymnis usque ad locum sepulcri. In quo postea loco beatus antistes Perpetuus novam laudabili opere construxit ecclesiam, tanti patroni talisque viri condignam meritis. In qua etiam usque hodie multa miraculorum signa, plurimae sanitatum virtutes, consolationes moerentium, et pietates laetantium, praestante Domino nostro Jesu Christo, fieri solent: qui vivit et regnat in unitate majestatis, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

english:
## The Life of St. Martin of Tours

## I.

[0657D]After our Lord Jesus Christ ascended in triumph to the heights of the heavens, and as God took his seat in the majesty of the Father, he granted to the ages many lights of teachers, so that, the darkness of ignorance being put to flight, he might turn the nations everywhere to the acknowledging of the true light [ *Al.,* converterent]: that just as the stars shine out in different parts of the sky, so also holy teachers might give light through the various parts of the world, so that the way of salvation might lie open to all, and the light of truth shine out. Whence also he led [ *Al.,* [0658D] directed] the most blessed Martin into the regions of Gaul, that he might shed the light of truth upon peoples numb with foul gloom, and might draw very many nations out of the jaws of the ancient enemy, and graft them into the most sacred body of Christ.

## II.

*The holy man's homeland and military service. He loves to follow the warfare of Christ. As a catechumen he clothes a poor man.* -- The most blessed man, then, was born of pagan parents in the region of Pannonia, in the town of Sabaria; but he was brought up within Ticinum in Italy, and was bound to the belt of military service, according to the nobility of his parents, by the governor [ *Al.,* by the faithless] Julian. [0659A] But the holy man chose rather to serve the heavenly God than to soldier under an earthly emperor; and he was specially chosen to carry the standard of the holy cross into the western parts of the world, and to exchange the oaths of soldiering for the edicts of the Gospel: not to contend with worldly arms for the Roman kingdom, but by particular teachings to enlarge the Christian empire; nor to subdue fierce peoples by the hard law of the Romans, but to lay the light yoke of Christ upon the neck of very many nations. After the mystery of holy baptism he shone in the world with great miracles, and gleamed far and wide over the earth with his teachings; and these are read as his first distinctions. While he was still a catechumen, in the winter cold, he clothed a poor man with half of his own cloak. And with that same part [0659B] of his cloak he beheld the Lord Jesus clothed, amid the angelic hosts, on the following night, being divinely enlightened; so that he might understand as true what the Lord Jesus himself thunders forth in the pages of the Gospel: *As long as you did it to one of these my least ones, you did it to me [n: (Matth., XXV, 40)]*.

## III.

*As a young man, staying at Milan, he withstood the Arians. He withdraws into Gaul and joins St. Hilary.* --This man passed the flower of his youth in the city of Milan, which at that time the Arian faithlessness, with Auxentius favoring it, greatly stained; and holy Martin, like a strong athlete of Christ, manfully withstood it, and undaunted taught the true faith of the holy Trinity. But from there [ *Al.,* thereafter], driven out by the savagery of the Arian princes, he withdrew into the parts of Gaul, and was joined to the venerable [0659C] bishop of the city of Poitiers, Hilary, who at that time stood forth as praiseworthy to all, like a most firm pillar of the faith: and as [ *Forte,* and just as] Lucifer in the sky shines brighter than the other stars, so that holy man in the Church of Christ blazed forth more excellent than all in greatness of renown, in holiness of life, and in the truth of holy teachings. To this man's discipline holy Martin joined himself, after he had left the belt of soldiering, so that, taught by the examples of so great a man, he might go forth the stronger to the Christian battle, armed with the helmet of faith and girded with the breastplate of righteousness, armed with the sword of the word of God, and fortified as an undaunted warrior against all the darts of the evil one.

## IV.

*Visiting his parents, he converts his mother to the faith. [0659D] And likewise a robber.* --This same holy man, admonished also by a divine oracle, converted his parents to the profession of the sacred faith; and his mother, who bore him for the world, he himself regenerated for Christ. On this journey too he suffered the ambushes of robbers; and while he was handed over to one of them to be kept, by evangelical preaching he converted the robber to Christ: and he who [ *Al.,* and he to whom] had been handed over for punishment became for him unto salvation.

*160* V *He returns to the Gauls. He builds a cell. He raises three dead. He heals a mute girl.* --Returning from there he met a malignant spirit, who pledged himself to be a companion to the holy man wherever he should go; to whom he replied undaunted: The Lord is my [0660A] helper, I will not fear thy threats. But enduring many tribulations from the Arians, he made his way back again to the Gauls, and joined to holy Hilary of Poitiers he built himself a little cell near the city, in which he might more freely gather the fruits of contemplation. A certain catechumen clinging to him was carried off by sudden death, the holy man being absent; and the man of God, with prayers poured out, raised him, and baptized him when he had been restored to life; and he lived many years afterward. Another too, hanged by a noose in the field of a certain Lupicinus, he restored to life by holy prayers. A third, in the town of Chartres, the weeping son of a certain woman, that same holy man raised by prayer alone in the sight of the people. Seeing which miracle, very many of the people believed in Christ. Likewise in the time that followed, in the same town, [0660B] he healed by the anointing of blessed oil a girl who had been mute from infancy.

## VI.

*He is chosen bishop of Tours. He shone forth in all virtues.* --But lest the lamp of the Lord should lie hidden covered by a bushel, he was drawn away from his most sweet dwelling, and bound by the prayers of many, he was chosen bishop of the city of Tours, where he performed very many distinguished works of holy virtues, and scattered abroad many teachings of the heavenly life; yet he did not lose the self-restraint of the private life amid the crowds of the peoples. Humble in dress, cheerful in speech, devoted in preaching, truthful in judgment, venerable in his ways, ever watchful in prayers, constant in reading, steady in countenance, loving in affection, honorable in the priestly ministry, an untiring [0660C] sower of the word of God, tireless in multiplying the money he had received from his Lord; rejoicing with those who rejoice, mourning with those who mourn, made all things to all men, that he might gain all for Christ; distinguished in virtues, praiseworthy in goodness, lovable in devotion, shining in his episcopate with many virtues.

## VII.

*Miracles.* --For a crowd of pagans tumultuously carrying out their rite in attendance upon a certain corpse, he bound in one place by a word of prayer; and loosing them again he allowed them to have control of their own steps. A pine tree falling upon him he turned aside by setting against it the sign of the cross, and made the astonished crowd believe in Christ. He set himself against the flames on the roof of a certain house, lest the fire that burned the shrine of idolatry should harm harmless roofs. Another temple too, dedicated to demons by the ancient error, [0660D] since he could not do it by human hand, he overthrew supported by angelic help. And in another place also, while he was overthrowing the rites of the heathen, when he was attacked with a sword by a certain pagan, he set his bare neck against the striker's blow; but the impious man, falling backward and perceiving his own impiety, begged pardon of the saint; and when another poised a blow at the holy head, the blade escaped from his hands. At Trier he restored to her former health, by the sacred pouring of blessed oil, in the presence of the people, a paralytic girl whose limbs were wholly slackened. He freed the servant of Tetradius, a man of proconsular rank, from a demon by the laying on of his hand. Whence that Tetradius too, with his whole household, was converted to the Christian profession. The boy of a certain [0661A] head of a household, seized by a most savage demon, he compelled — putting his fingers into the mouth — to let the malignant spirit go out through the sufferer's private parts. A leper at the gate of the city of Paris he saved from the deformity of his body by a kiss alone; and it is known that the hems of his garment too, and the threads of his hairshirt, healed many diseases. The daughter of Arborius the prefect was freed from most grievous fevers by the laying on of a letter of holy Martin. He healed Paulinus's eye from pain and dimness by laying a sponge upon it.

## VIII.

*He is visited by angels, by the Blessed Virgin, and by other saints. He was renowned for the spirit of prophecy.* --This same holy Martin, falling down the steps and gravely bruised in almost all his limbs, was in the night restored by an angel to entire health: and very often he enjoyed angelic visitations [0661B] and familiar conversation. And on a certain day the man of God was honored and strengthened by a visitation of the most blessed Mother of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and also of the holy virgins Thecla and Agnes. For, fearing nothing of the phantasms of demons and their horrible appearances in various shapes, he could not be mocked by any of their deceits. And in the spirit of the prophets he so shone that he foretold many things to come to many people *161* — as, for instance, he foretold to the emperor Maximus victory in Italy and destruction at Aquileia. And while that same blessed man was celebrating the holy mystery at the altar, a globe of fire suddenly gleamed from the crown of his head. A certain Evantius, being sick, received health before holy Martin entered the house, while the blessed man was hastening to him. In [0661C] that same house too he snatched from the peril of death, by the touch of his holy fingers, a boy struck by a serpent.

## IX.

*The holy man's patience. He drives out demons,* etc.--For the man of God was of such patience that he did not grieve at insults, nor feel reproaches: nay, he even bore the lashes of certain country folk with a calm mind, and by a word alone he loosed from the ground their beasts that had been fixed to the earth. He flattered no one by fawning; to no prince did he keep silent the words of truth, always running back to the familiar helps of prayer. Whence, if worldly power refused him anything, the divine mercy soon granted it. A certain girl seized by a demoniac spirit was snatched from the enemy's power by the straw where holy Martin was sitting. Freeing not only men but also animals from the power of demons, he commanded them to return, tame, to their own flock. [0661D] He was also of such compassion that he ordered the dogs pursuing a little hare to stand still; and he snatched the wretched little creature from present death. A certain estate in the Sens country, laid waste rather often by hailstorm, was at the prayers of holy Martin set free for many years. A woman was healed of an issue of blood by the touch of his garments.

## X.

*He died.* --With such miracles too the chosen priest of God shone before the world; and, perfect in his whole life and manner of living, [0662A] most illustrious in all devotion and religion, delightful in all goodness and kindness, in the eighty-first year of his age and the twenty-sixth of his episcopate, ripe in years and in merits, he was called to the heavenly kingdoms; so that, along with the manifold wage of his labor, he might receive the everlasting crown from Christ the Lord. But knowing well the day of his death long beforehand, and foretelling it to certain of his brethren, and when the hour drew near, touched by the pain of fevers, joyful in the praise of God, amid the divine words of preaching, amid the angelic voices of heavenly hymns, with his disciples standing by, he rendered his holy soul to God and Christ.

## XI.

*He is buried at Tours.* --His holy body was carried by the clergy of the cities, and by crowds of the peoples, with praises and hymns, to the city of Tours, and there [0662B] he was buried in the public burying-ground, where afterward the blessed bishop Perpetuus built, with praiseworthy work and venerable devotion, a church worthy of the merits of so great a Father: in which even to this day many signs of miracles, very many healing powers, consolations of the sorrowing, and mercies for the glad, are wont to be done, our Lord Jesus Christ granting it, who lives and reigns with God the Father [ and the Holy Spirit in the unity of the divine majesty, through all ages].

## *A SERMON OF THE SAME ALCUIN* ON THE PASSING OF SAINT MARTIN.

## XII.

*Saint Martin's holiness, miracles, and gift of prophecy.* --It behooves us all with one mind to rejoice, dearest brethren, and faithfully to venerate the illustrious day of the death of holy [0662C] Martin; but chiefly those faithful of Christ who are in the western parts of the world, who have been enlightened alike by his teachings and by his examples: because whatever he preached in words he showed forth in works. For in his whole life and in his whole manner of living he was perfect, most illustrious in all devotion and religion, delightful in all goodness and kindness, praiseworthy to all, lovable to all; a virgin among the choirs of virgins, an eminent man among priests, an imitator of the apostles, and a preacher of Christ. Whom the Lord deigned to choose in apostolic grace, as it is written of him: « This is Martin, the chosen bishop of God, upon whom the Lord after the apostles deigned to confer such grace that, in the power of the holy Trinity [0662D] which makes gods, he should be worthy to become the magnificent raiser of three dead men. » After the example of the Lord he raised three dead: and by the spirit of prophecy he foreknew many things also before they came to pass. For he was full of the spirit of prophecy, and therefore by divine inspiration he foreknew his own death, and revealed to certain of the brethren that the dissolution of his body had drawn near. *162*

## XIII.

*He restores peace among clerics at odds. He commands the birds.* -- Now at that time a cause had come upon him for which he found it necessary to go to the village of Candes in his own diocese, [0663A] to restore peace among the clerics of that Church who were at odds with one another. And although he was not ignorant that the end of his days was at hand, yet he did not refuse to set out for a cause of this kind, recalling that word of the Gospel: *Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God:* and wishing to leave peace to all, after the example of the Lord saying to the apostles on the day of his ascension: *Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. In peace I have sent you away, in peace I shall find you.* And when for this cause he was making the journey with a familiar company of disciples, he saw divers in the river catching a multitude of fish, and said: This is the shape of demons. Then with the mighty power of his words he commanded them to leave that pool and to make for dry and deserted places. And at once, in a wonderful manner, all of them gathered into one flock, [0663B] left the river and made for the mountains and the woods. And those who were present together marveled that such power was in Martin, that by the grace of God he commanded even birds, or demons.

## XIV.

*He falls sick: he refuses to have a softer bed spread for him.* --And when, having stayed a few days in that village to which he had gone, peace having been restored among the clerics, he was already thinking of returning to the monastery, he began suddenly to be forsaken by the strength of his body; and calling together his disciples, he showed them that the time was now at hand for his spirit to be released from the body. Then indeed there was grief and sorrow of all, one voice of those lamenting and saying: Why, Father, dost thou forsake us, or to whom dost thou leave us desolate? For ravening wolves will fall upon thy flock. And who, when thou art gone, will defend us from their ravenings? We know [0663C] indeed that thou desirest Christ, but thy rewards are kept safe for thee, nor will they be lessened by being deferred; have mercy rather upon us. Then he, moved by their weeping, is reported to have wept; and turning to the Lord he said in a suppliant voice: Lord, if I am still needful to thy people, I do not refuse the labor; thy will be done. Doubtless he did not know which he would rather: because he wished neither to forsake these, nor to be separated longer from Christ. For putting nothing in his own choosing, he left all these things to God's decision, saying: Lord, if thou still willest me to remain in the body, I do not refuse the labor: and if thou sparest my age, it is good for me: thy will be done. But do thou thyself guard these for whom I fear. O man beyond words, neither conquered by labor [0664A] nor to be conquered by death; who neither feared to die nor refused to live. But when he was asked by his disciples to have straw put beneath him, as he labored for some days under the force of the fevers, It is not fitting, he said, my sons, it is not fitting that a Christian should die save in ashes and haircloth; for if I have left you any other example, I myself have sinned. And when again he was asked by the priests who had come to his sickness to relieve his poor body by a change of side, Suffer me, he said, suffer me, brethren, to look upon heaven rather than upon earth, that my spirit, now about to go to the Lord, may be set straight upon its journey.

## XV.

*Amid angelic hymns he yields up his soul.* --In the eighty-first year of his age, therefore, and the twenty-sixth of his episcopate, ripe in years and in character, at the village of Candes in his own diocese, as we have said, he happily departed from the world. [0664B] But amid the divine words of holy preaching, with the angelic voices of heavenly hymns, his disciples standing about him, full of grace and holiness, he handed over his holy soul to Jesus Christ. For many at his passing heard the voices of angels praising holy Martin. And how great a multitude came together for his funeral rites cannot be told. For many came with tears from the neighboring cities and monasteries and villages, mourning holy Martin with one voice. O how great was the grief of all! how great above all the laments of the monks and the virgins, saying that it is a holy thing to rejoice for Martin, and a holy thing to weep for Martin. For it was a holy thing that he had lived, and a holy thing that he died; because in his life he had pleased God.

## XVI.

*He is buried at Tours.* -- His body indeed [0664C] was carried by the clergy of the cities, and by crowds of the peoples, with praises and hymns, to the city of Tours, and there was buried with great veneration, a heavenly throng following him with heavenly hymns as far as the place of the tomb. In which place afterward the blessed bishop Perpetuus built a new church with praiseworthy work, worthy of the merits of so great a patron and such a man. In which even to this day many signs of miracles, very many healing powers, consolations of the sorrowing, and mercies for the glad, are wont to be done, our Lord Jesus Christ granting it: who lives and reigns in the unity of majesty, through all ages of ages. Amen.

license_source: Public Domain Mark 1.0

license_translation: CC BY-NC 4.0

license_apparatus: CC BY-NC 4.0