Chapter One. #

¹ There was a man of venerable life named Fursey, noble indeed in birth but nobler still in faith, distinguished among his own people in worldly rank but foremost everywhere in the grace of divine gifts. This man’s infancy shone with certain sacred and manifest presages of miracles. He was also entrusted by the providence of divine grace to the highest priests, and was instructed in sacred letters and the monastic disciplines.

² And as his age increased, with grace watching over him, the love of all for him increased daily. For he was outstanding in appearance, chaste in body, devout in mind, affable in speech, amiable in look, gifted with prudence, famous for temperance, firm in inward fortitude, steady in the judgement of righteousness, constant in long-suffering, strong in patience, gentle in humility, and zealous in charity; and wisdom so adorned him with the beauty of all virtues that, in the Apostle’s words, his speech was always seasoned with the salt of grace. Full therefore of the fruits of good works and of grace, he left his country and his parents and gave himself for some years to the study of Holy Scripture; and, being sufficiently instructed, he built a monastery in a certain place, to which devout men flocked from every side, and he took care in dutiful solicitude to call some even of his own kinsfolk.

³ For this reason, while he was hastening to visit his country and his parents, to sow among them the seeds of the sacred word in spiritual speech, on a certain day he was seized by the distress of bodily sickness; and then, at his friends’ suggestion, he moved to his father’s house. As he made his way there leaning on another’s hand and had begun the evening psalmody not far from the house, being intent on prayer, he was suddenly surrounded by darkness and stood still — for in his weakness he could not move his feet — and was carried, as one already dead, to a nearby cottage.

⁴ And when he saw himself surrounded by a gloom of darkness, he saw four hands stretched down toward him from above, which, taking him by the arms, flew beneath on snow-white wings — for the hands beneath the wings held him on either side, and through the gloom he discerned angelic bodies. And coming higher, he discerned the faces of the holy angels shining with wondrous brightness — or rather, to speak more truly, he saw the brightness of surpassing light in those angelic countenances, and could see nothing bodily save the brightness of light. And he saw a third angel going before him, armed with a white shield and an exceedingly fiery sword, clear with brightness. These three heaven-dwellers, shining with equal brightness, brought a sweetness of wondrous delight to his soul by the sound of their wings, the melody of their songs and the beauty of their aspect. And one of them beginning, they sang: ‘The saints shall go from strength to strength; the God of gods shall be seen in Sion.’ And there was a rising in the song and a resting at its end. He heard also another song, as it were unknown, of many thousands of angels, of which he could scarce understand a few words, namely: ‘And they went out to meet Christ.’ And the faces of all the angels, so far as he could discern, appeared of like aspect; though because of the brightness of the light he could not clearly distinguish the shape of their bodily form.

⁵ Then one of the heavenly hosts commanded the armed angel who went before to lead the man back to his venerable body, and to take his charge with him. At once therefore the holy obedient angels retraced the way they had come. Then the holy man, knowing himself for the first time to be out of the body, asked his holy companions where they were carrying him; the holy angel standing at his right hand said to him: ‘You must take up your own body again, until you fulfil the charge laid on you.’ Then the holy man, grieved at being parted from the angelic company, said he did not wish to be separated from them. But the holy angel of the Lord answered: ‘When the charge foretold is fulfilled, we shall return to take you to ourselves’; and they sang half the verse: ‘The God of gods shall be seen in Sion.’ Then how his soul, gladdened by the sweetness of that song, entered his body, he could not tell.

⁶ And then, at cockcrow, his face suffused with a rosy colour, in a moment of time — the angelic songs ceasing — he heard the words of men marvelling and mourning; and those who had covered him gradually with clothing found him and uncovered his face. Then the man of God said to those standing round: ‘Why, amazed, do you utter restless sounds?’ And they, answering, told him the whole course of the matter — how he had passed away at the evening hour, and how they had kept his lifeless body among them until cockcrow. But he, sitting and turning over in his mind the angelic brightness and sweetness, and pondering what manner of charge had been laid on him, was grieved that he had no wise man there to whom he might plainly set forth what he had seen, lest the angels returning should find him unprepared; and he asked for and received the communion of the sacred body and blood, and lived on in sickness that day and the next.

Chapter Two. #

¹ In the middle of the night of the third feria — his parents and kinsfolk and many neighbours visiting the illustrious man — darkness rushed in, his feet grew heavy with cold, and with hands outstretched in prayer he joyfully received death. For he was remembering the most joyful vision which he had seen before by the same signs; and sinking onto his little bed as though weighed down with sleep, he heard the horrible voices of a great multitude crying out and compelling him to come forth; and opening his eyes he saw none but the three holy angels already mentioned — two placed on either side of him, and the third, armed, standing at his head. And wondrously, deprived of human sights and voices, he saw the holy angels and heard their songs in all sweetness and delight. Then the angel who stood at his right hand, consoling him, said: ‘Do not fear; you have a defence.’

² As the angels lifted him up, he looked upon no roof or house, but passing through the midst of the demons heard only their howls and cries; one of whom said: ‘Let us go before and stir up wars before his face.’ Then he saw a black cloud rising from the left side and forming a warlike battle-line before his face. And the bodies of the demons, so far as they could appear to his soul, were full of deformity and blackness, with stretched-out necks, squalid with leanness and full of all horror, their heads swollen like a brazen pot. And when they flew or fought, he could see no bodily shape save a horrible fleeting shadow. But which of wise readers does not know that even these things are formed of unclean spirits to terrify the soul that sees? And he could never see their faces for the horror of the darkness — just as he could not see the faces of the holy angels for their exceeding brightness.

³ The warring demons hurled fiery darts against him, but every wicked shaft was quenched by the angelic shield. And the adversaries fell before the sight of the angel fighting, who as it were reasoned with them when he said: ‘Do not hinder our journey, for this man is not a sharer in your perdition.’ When the adversary contradicted, blaspheming that it was unjust in God that a man consenting to sinners should suffer no condemnation, since it is written: ‘Not only they who do such things, but they also who consent to those who do them, are worthy of death’ — while the angel fought, the holy man thought that the clamour of the fight and the voices of the shouting demons were heard over all the earth.

⁴ And when Satan, conquered like a crushed serpent, had raised his venomous head, he said: ‘He has often uttered idle words; and therefore he ought not to enjoy the blessed life unharmed.’ The holy angel said: ‘Unless you bring forward capital crimes, he shall not perish for the least.’

⁵ The old accuser said: ‘It is written: Unless you forgive men their sins, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your sins.’ The holy angel answered: ‘Where did he avenge himself, or whom did he injure?’ The devil said: ‘It is not written “unless you avenge”, but “unless you forgive from your hearts”.’ The holy angel, excusing, said: ‘He held forgiveness in his heart, but maintained it after human custom.’ The devil answered: ‘As he received evil from custom, so shall he receive vengeance from the heavenly Judge.’ The holy angel said: ‘Let him be judged before the Lord.’

⁶ Conquered a third time, the enemy restored his viper’s venom, saying: ‘If God is just, this man shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. For it is written: Unless you be converted and become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. This word he has not fulfilled.’ The angel of the Lord said: ‘Let us be judged before the Lord.’ And as the holy angel fought, the adversaries were crushed.

Chapter Three. #

¹ Then the holy angel who was at his right hand said: ‘Look upon the world.’ Then the holy man looked and saw a dark valley lying beneath him in the deep, and saw four fires burning in the air there, at some distance from one another. And again the holy angel said: ‘What are these fires?’ The man of the Lord answered that he did not know. To whom the holy angel said: ‘These are the four fires which set the world alight after all sins have been forgiven in baptism, after confession and the renouncing of the devil and his works and pomps. One is the fire of falsehood, when men do not fulfil what they promised in baptism — to renounce Satan and all his works. The second of covetousness, when they set the riches of the world above the love of heavenly things. The third of discord, when they are not afraid to wound the hearts of their neighbours even in needless things. The fourth of impiety, when they count it nothing to rob the weaker and defraud them. Each fire kindles the next, because through the growth of evils, sins grow from faults.’ And the fires, growing into one great fire, drew near to him. And the man of God, fearing the threatening fire, said to the holy angel speaking with him: ‘The fire is coming near me.’ To whom the angel answered: ‘What you did not kindle shall not burn in you. For though this fire be terrible and great, yet it tries each man according to the merit of his deeds; for as each one’s covetousness grows, so shall he burn in this fire. For as the body burns through unlawful pleasure, so shall the soul burn through the punishment it deserves.’ Then he saw the holy angel going before and dividing the flaming fire into two walls on either side; and the two holy angels on either side defended him from the fire.

² He saw also four unclean demons flying through the fire and building a horrible battle in its midst. And one of them said: ‘The servant who knows his master’s will and does not do what is fitting shall be beaten with many stripes.’ The holy angel answered: ‘What then has this man left undone of his master’s will?’ Satan answered: ‘It is written: The Most High rejects the gifts of the wicked; and this man received the gifts of the wicked.’ The holy angel answered: ‘For he believed that each of them had done penance.’ The devil said: ‘He should first have proved the perseverance of their penitence, and so received their fruit. For gifts blind the eyes of the wise and pervert the words of the just.’ The holy angel answered: ‘Let us be judged before the Lord.’

³ The deceitful devil, yielding, broke out into blasphemies against the Creator, saying: ‘Until now we thought God was true.’ The holy angel answered: ‘And what else is He?’ The most shameless demon said: ‘That every offence which is not purged upon earth He has promised shall be punished from heaven — Isaiah the prophet crying: “If you be willing and hear me, you shall eat the good things of the land. But if you refuse and provoke me to anger, the sword shall devour you.” But this man did not purge his offences on earth, nor has he received punishment here — where then is the justice of God?’ The holy angel rebuking them said: ‘Do not blaspheme while you know not the hidden judgements of God.’ The devil answered: ‘What is hidden here?’ The holy angel said: ‘So long as penance is hoped for, divine mercy accompanies a man.’ Satan answered: ‘But there is no place of penance here.’ The angel answered: ‘You know not the depth of God’s mysteries — perhaps indeed there shall be.’ The devil said: ‘Let us depart then, while there is no case to judge.’

⁴ But another of his followers said: ‘There yet remains for him the narrow gate, through which only a few enter — there we shall overcome him — and it is this: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”’ The holy angel answered: ‘This man has done good to his neighbours.’ The adversary answered: ‘It is not enough to do good works, unless he also loved his neighbour as himself.’ The holy angel answered: ‘The fruit of love is to do good works; for God shall render to every man according to his works.’ The wicked demon said: ‘But because he did not fulfil the word of God with love, he shall be condemned.’ And as the wicked crowd fought, the holy angels were victorious.

⁵ Conquered a sixth time, the devil broke out after his manner into blasphemy, saying: ‘If God is not unjust, and if falsehood and the transgression of His word displease Him, this man shall not be free of punishment. For he promised to renounce the world, and on the contrary loved the world, against the Apostle’s command which says: Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world. So neither the word of his own promise nor the Apostle’s sentence held this man back.’ The holy angel answered: ‘He loved the things of the world not for himself alone, but to dispense them to all in need.’ The most wicked devil said: ‘In whatever way it is loved, it is against the divine command and against the promise of Christianity in baptism.’

⁶ The adversaries being conquered and the angels victorious, the devil turned again to cunning accusations, saying: ‘It is written: If you do not declare to the wicked man his iniquity, I will require his blood at your hand. This man did not duly proclaim penitence to sinners.’ The holy angel answered: ‘For of this time it is written: The prudent man shall keep silence at that time, for it is an evil time. For when hearers despise the word, even a teacher’s tongue is hindered from speaking, seeing that the preaching heard is despised.’ The old accuser answered: ‘Yet he should have proclaimed it even to suffering, and not consented nor kept silent.’

Chapter Four. #

¹ In every contention of the demons the fight was exceeding strong, until, the Lord judging and the holy angels triumphing, the adversaries crushed and conquered, the holy man was surrounded with immense brightness, the choirs of the holy angels singing together; and he reckoned within himself that no labour should seem hard and no time long by which the glory of eternity is won and joy and sweetness are gathered together. Then looking upward he saw immense hosts of angels and of holy men going before, shining with surpassing brightness, who flying as it were on wings surrounded him with an immense radiance, driving far away all dread of the fire and the terrors of the demons. He saw also two venerable men of that province in which the man of the Lord Fursey was born, of whom one was named Bean and the other Meldan — men whom the memory of all celebrates as bishops to this day. Seeing them, he thought he had as it were forgotten them; and they, coming nearer to him, began to speak to him familiarly, telling him their own names.

² Then he saw the great serenity of heaven, and two angels returning to the joy of heaven nearest them and entering as it were through a heavenly gate; and a wondrous greatness of brightness breaking forth around them, multitudes of angels were heard singing as in four choirs and saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts.’ Then, his soul intent on the sweetness of the heavenly melody and on the sound of ineffable joy resounding beyond heaven, the hosts of angels standing at his right hand surrounded him also; of whom one said: ‘Do you know where this joy and gladness is made?’ He answering that he knew not, the holy angel answered: ‘In the heavenly assembly, from which we also are.’ Then his mind, forgetting all the labour of tribulation, was filled with immense joy; for hearing the heavenly songs resound ever more clearly and tunefully, he thought they were being sung for him alone, and marvelling said: ‘It is a great joy to hear these songs.’ To whom the angel of the Lord said: ‘From this hearing we are often deprived for the ministry of our charge toward men; and that for which we labour in warning, demons undo in corrupting human hearts.’ And again the angel of the Lord spoke to the blessed man, who was intent on hearing the heavenly songs, saying: ‘In this heavenly kingdom there can never be sadness, save for the perdition of men.’

Chapter Five. #

¹ Then he saw the priests already mentioned coming toward him, proceeding from the secret place of heaven with immense brightness, radiant in angelic form; and they commanded him to return to the world. But he, silent and amazed at the sadness of this message, returned in a moment, the holy angels leading him back. But the venerable men already named asked space to speak with him, and said: ‘Why do you fear? It is the journey of one day that you must labour. Preach therefore and declare to all that vengeance is at hand.’ And when the blessed Fursey asked of the end of the world, they said the end of creation was not yet at that time, though it was near; but that the human race should be vexed with plagues of famine and pestilence — which had also been signified by the sign of the sun, which had hidden its rays the year before and kept shining dimly like the moon. Now there are two kinds of famine: one in the abundance of wisdom and of understanding the word of the Lord without fulfilling it; the other in the tenacity of the mind amid an abundance of riches — but from one root are bitternesses produced. For as the miser is not filled with money, because the bitterness of avarice feels no sweetness from the goods gained, pressing on to gains which are unlawful; so also souls occupied and held by malice and bitterness do not feel the sweetness of the Lord’s word. And pestilence has been held back a little through God’s patience; but whoever has seen these signs or despises the warnings of Holy Scripture — if he does not do penance, death is at hand for him.

² And although the wrath of the heavenly Judge now threatens all who despise the divine warnings, yet His anger is most kindled against the teachers of the Church and the princes; for by four things the souls of the faithful perish: by the enticing vices of this world, by the suggestion of the warring devil, by the negligence of teachers, and by the evil examples of wicked princes. Let teachers therefore consider the books of the Prophets and understand what manner of time this is. For men are of half-works: some through the mercy of almighty God have obtained the grace of generosity, but are slippery in the incontinence of the flesh; others indeed are chaste in body but eager in the heat of avarice; others have the grace of gentleness but are faint-hearted in rancour of mind; others, not remembering their wrongs, forgive quickly, but by not guarding their hearts carefully and being quickly angered, provoke quarrels; others glory in what God has given them in giving to others, as though it had been acquired by their own labour; others conquer in a watchful heart the vices that assail them, but neglect to obtain virtues by perseverance in good works.

³ There are also some who are attacked by spiritual vices but, leaving these aside, afflict the body with abstinence — counting night delusions or every light thing as grave sins, while reckoning as nothing pride, which cast the angels down from the heights, nor hating avarice, which drove the first man from the pleasantness of paradise, nor envy, by which the fratricide Cain slew his brother Abel; nor do they abhor false witness, by which the Saviour was condemned, or blasphemy; nor do they consider what manner and how great are the punishments laid upon those who do such things. For many, abstaining from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving, take these abominations as though lawful — that is, pride, avarice, envy, false witness and blasphemy — by which, in slandering, they eat as it were the flesh of their neighbour with his blood; and they judge more heavily the things that are lighter in God’s judgement, and count the graver lighter. Every teacher therefore should oppose fitting remedies to each vice. For whoever thinks these vices lighter than gluttony or fornication is to be judged an enemy of souls rather than a teacher.

⁴ The cure of pride, then, is reproof before all and frequent humiliation in mourning and ashes. The medicine of avarice is the dispensing of bounty. Envy is healed through benevolence and kindness. And he who has borne false witness should humbly confess, and beg pardon from the man on whom he fastened false words. The evil of blasphemy also is healed by a like medicine — by the humility of submission, the restraining of the tongue from all useless speech, and by perseverance in prayer. For contrary vices are healed by contrary virtues. Nor is it enough to afflict the body if the mind is not cured of malice and wickedness. Let princes therefore and teachers of Christ’s Church stir the souls of the faithful to the lament of penitence after their faults, and make them strong with the spiritual food of doctrine and the sharing of the sacred body and blood; and let them excommunicate the unwilling, lest they bear the guilt of condemnation for the neglected, and plant the elm for the vine and the alder for the olive, while they love earthly and unfruitful labour more than the charity of God, which is known to be the root and crown of all good works.

⁵ The Lord is angered against teachers because, neglecting the divine books, they pursue the cares of this world with all their love. For if, reading the sayings of the Prophets, they understood, neither could he who rose from the dead bring more fear and compunction to his hearers. But there is none to forbid or drive back. For king and priest each does what seems right to himself, according to what is written. And the cause and root of all evils is pride. For the people rises against its ruler, the clergy against the priest, monks against the abbot, sons against parents and the young against their elders, and being proud they are at variance one with another. But as each of them has not learned to show the obedience of humility to the prelate set over him, so it is brought about by God’s just judgement that no one is humbly subject to those set over others; and what another unjustly suffered from him when he was proud, he in sorrow suffers from another through the justice of the strict Judge. The evil of pride therefore, which destroyed the heavenly court of angels by bringing it down, destroys the present world too by turning it to disorder.

Chapter Six. #

¹ The priest Saint Bean already mentioned, who was carefully saying these things, turned also to the blessed Fursey and said: ‘Keep your life in using the creatures of God; renounce and reject all that is evil. Be as a faithful steward, keeping for yourself nothing beyond food and clothing, and be as temperate in taking gain as in increasing it. For he who receives what is taken away as gladly as what is given shall be able to open the mouths of the dumb, begging nothing and refusing no one. It is hateful to God to desire what is another’s and to keep back one’s own. For it is fitting that the poor and the bound should ask, and that those who have should dispense to the needy. And alms should be given to the poor though none asks. Good works also should be done to all men, most of all to the household of the faith. But the gifts of the wicked should be bestowed on the poor and on those destitute of all comfort. And let the gifts of the saints be granted to the poor in spirit, or to those set free from vices, in their necessities. And let there be no discord in the Church of God; but let those who rule over the people hold to the apostolic order and holy doctrine; and let those who dwell in monasteries, working in silence, eat their own bread.’

² ‘But there are some who excuse themselves from the office of holy teaching and rush out into public for the cares of the world. Putting therefore the good they do in secret, they hide the light of good example from their neighbours; and pursuing worldly causes or contentions in public, they pour the poison of deadly covetousness openly into men’s hearts. Do not therefore appoint yourself to be always withdrawn or always in public; but when you wish to be withdrawn, keep yourself with all watchfulness, observing all the divine commandments. And when you go out in public, set your mind on the salvation of souls, not on the gains of this world. And if anyone gives you gifts at the first hour of the day and repents before evening, restore them to him as gladly as you received them willingly. And keep no guard over patrimony and no care of heart intent on the cares of this world; but to all adversaries and opponents render good for evil with the forbearance of a pure heart, and pray for your enemies to the Lord. For he who keeps the gentleness of a peaceful heart unharmed toward opponents and resisters shall turn the fierceness of all wild beasts to meekness. For no sacrifice of good work is so acceptable to God as the gentleness and meekness of a most patient heart against all injuries, by which it receives all adversities and losses as gains and prosperities with joy, in the hope of future reward, the Lord helping.’

³ ‘For two are proved enemies of the human soul — the devil and the world; and each of them insinuates a mutual love into the other, so that the soul, laid prostrate by the enticements of this world, may be held conquered and possessed by the adversary. Go therefore, declaring the word of God to the princes of this land of Ireland, that leaving iniquity they may come through penitence to the salvation of souls. Then declare these same things to the more excellent priests of Holy Church — that almighty God has a zeal, for God is a jealous God, against those who love the world more than Himself; and who, neglecting the profit of souls, serve the gains of this world and preach penance only at late death; and then, receiving their gifts, bear fire from their torments.’

⁴ These things said by the blessed Bean and Meldan, that heavenly host of angels together with Bean and Meldan themselves was received back into heaven; and as the blessed Fursey was returning to earth with the three angels alone, the great fire drew near. But the angel of the Lord, as before, divided the fire through the midst. And the demons, seizing a man from the midst of the fires, hurled him upon the blessed Fursey’s shoulder and pressed his jaw to his jaw, burning his shoulder and jaw. And Saint Fursey knew the man, who when dying had bequeathed him his own garment; and burning his shoulder and jaw, the man was hurled by the holy angel back into the fire from which he had come. And while the angel who flew on the left stood between the blessed man and the fire, the angel on the right cast the man into the flames. Then the old devil, repeating his deceits, said: ‘Do not drive back him whom you once received; for as you received his goods, so you ought to share in his punishments.’ The angel of the Lord answered: ‘He received it not for avarice but for the deliverance of his soul.’ And the fire ceased. Then the angel of the Lord said: ‘What you kindled has burned in you. For if you had not received the garments of this man who died in his sins, neither would his punishment have burned in your body.’

⁵ ‘Preach therefore to all that penance is to be done and received by the priest until the last hour; but unless a man repent, nothing of his substance is to be received, nor is his body to be buried in a holy place. Yet let him be preached to the more sharply while he lives, that the bitterness of compunction may touch his heart, so that touched he may at last be purged and, renouncing all his former iniquities, distribute alms abundantly to the poor. Yet let nothing of it be received by the priest who preaches to him; but let his goods be divided among the poor beside his tomb, lest he be a sharer in his iniquity.’

Chapter Seven. #

¹ Instructed by these and other words of holy exhortation, the man of the Lord stood with the holy angels upon the roof of the church; and considering his own body, he could see neither the walls of the house nor the crowd of mourners nor the very clothing of the body; and he was commanded by the angel to know and take up his own body again. Then he, fearing the corpse as something unknown, answered that he was unwilling to approach it. To whom the holy angel said: ‘Do not fear to take up this body, which you can hold without any assault of infirmity or of besieging vices, though it be weak. For you have conquered unlawful desires in this tribulation, so that they prevail no more against you.’

² Then he saw the body opened from the breast. And the angel said to him: ‘Reviving, your body shall be drenched with the water of a spring, and you shall feel no pain save only that of burning. Doing good, we shall watch every step of yours to the end, and so receive you joyful and well-doing.’ And the holy man, rising as from the deep rest of death, and seeing the multitude of his parents and neighbours and clergy, and groaning at the greatness of human folly and marvelling at the hard and difficult passing and the greatness of the reward for those who come to the blessed seats, declared each thing in order. And drenched with living water, he felt a burning between his shoulders which he had taken from the wicked man, and it appeared on his face; and in a wondrous way what the soul alone suffered was shown in the flesh.

³ Going forth from there, he preached the word of God through all Ireland, and declared to all the peoples of the Irish what he had seen and heard — and there was in him an incomparable grace — asking nothing earthly of anyone, giving himself to everyone who asked, equal to prelates and to subjects, to be feared by magnates and kings, gentle to the humble and the despisers of the world, lovable to all good men, terrible to the wicked and sinners, illustrious in divine virtues. For he drove demons from possessed bodies and relieved the poor.

⁴ And while for a year’s space he went round the people of the island of Ireland in zeal for teaching, the anniversary day drew near on which, taken out of the body, he had seen the vision — remembering always that the journey of one day had been laid on him. At last, many wise and devout men accompanying him, that same night he was seized by bodily sickness and, only his little breast still throbbing with life, saw the angel of the Lord declaring to him the things fitting for the work of preaching, setting forth the journey of one day and foretelling that twelve years were to be fulfilled in the work of his preaching — which so came to pass.

⁵ When ten years were completed, declaring the word of the Lord to all without respect of persons, unable to bear the crowds of people rushing upon him, and perceiving also that the minds of some were stirred up against him by the spur of envy, he left all that he seemed to have and went with a few brethren to a certain little island in the sea. And not long after, seeking foreign shores from Ireland, he crossed through Britain into Saxony, where, honourably received by Sigeberht king of the East Saxons, he softened barbarian hearts with the word of the Lord.

⁶ When the twelve years which the angel had foretold were completed, the saint, seized by a certain sickness, enjoyed an angelic vision; in which, being also admonished of the urgency of preaching, he heard no end appointed to his living. He passed the third day in silence, turning over the Gospel precept: ‘Watch and pray, for you know not the day nor the hour.’ The man full of God, understanding this, hastened to build the monastery which had been given him by the King Sigeberht already mentioned — a monastery called Cnobheresburgh, built in a certain fort, pleasant for its nearness to woods and sea. And Anna, the king of that nation, a man most devout, and all the nobles adorned that monastery with buildings and gifts.

⁷ These things duly done, the holy man, wishing to withdraw himself from all care of the world and of the monastery itself, conferred with wise brethren. For he had with him most reverent and spiritual men who, by the example of so great a man, both in the proving of the monastery and in the various labours of life, had advanced in the grace of humility and charity; among whom he had also his brothers — Foillan, a man exceeding holy, a priest, to whom with the holy priests Gobban and Tibull he left the care of the monastery and of souls; and the other, Ultan the anchorite, long proved in the monastery and now instructed for the eremitic life, chosen by him many years before. Leaving therefore all cares and things, he went alone and unburdened to his brother Ultan, who was already feeding on the contemplative life; and devoting themselves to daily labour and continual prayers, they dwelt there a whole year in the life of the spirit.

⁸ Then, certain causes pressing, the man of lofteny mind was called — indeed compelled — by the people and the king to counsel; and he left the hermitage he had longed for. And pondering with all watchfulness of mind, and seeing that the province was troubled by a heathen incursion and reckoning there could be no lasting monastic order there, he set everything in order and sailed to the shores of Gaul to visit Rome; and there, honourably received by Clovis king of the Franks and the patrician Erchinoald, he built a monastery in the place called Latiniacum. But not long after, having set his brethren in order under the king and the patrician, as he was journeying he was seized by sickness. And lying there long, often visited by noble men and by the most reverend king himself, they drew from his mouth the grace of speech and the savour of eternal life. And so, leaving the present world in the place called Macerias, he passed to the eternal kingdom on the seventeenth day before the kalends of February.

⁹ But his body was kept back by the illustrious man Erchinoald the patrician for the sake of the church which he had built for himself with great labour in the town called Péronne, and is laid there. And because the dedication of that church was being prepared within twenty-seven days, the holy body was meanwhile kept in a certain place in the church porch with the greatest care; and after so many days it was found as incorrupt as though it had left this life that same hour. So, reverently, on the sixth day of February, as was customary, it was laid near the altar, and there it remained for nearly four years. And a little chapel being built on the east side of the altar, after so many years the immaculate and whole body was carried there by the most reverend bishops — Eligius and Autbert — and by the abbots Foillan and Emian and other holy men, and transferred without any corruption; where also his merits shine forth in divine powers to those who ask in right faith, our Lord Jesus Christ helping, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns God for ever and ever. Amen.

The Miracles of Saint Fursey #

Chapter One. #

¹ Let us recall to memory, dearest brothers, the deed done and accomplished by the Confessor, that all generations proclaiming it may restore the Churches. For the shepherd and teacher of the flock despised this world, earthly praises, royal gifts and the honour of the prince; and loving the court of Christ, he entered the kingdoms of the heavens with thousands of saints — the joyful shepherd bringing back joyful fruits from the fold entrusted to him; for those whom he chose and loved he did not leave behind him.

² The devout bishop Fursey, generous and humble, though he was of royal seed — affable in speech, ready to gather the faithful people, effective in work, keeping diligently all things entrusted to him by God — offered himself and all that was his as a gift to the Saviour. All these things, as we have heard and believe, he fulfilled in the lands beyond the sea for the love of God.

³ And at last he merited to hear the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.’ And again: ‘Whoever shall leave his own — that is, fields and kinsfolk and all else — for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall receive eternal life.’ O power of abstinence and of the mortification of the flesh, which both kept and taught all these things! For coming to Saxony, he was there honourably received by King Sigeberht, who for joy, not knowing what work of goodness he had done for him, offered him gifts — gold and gems and riches without number. But the Fursey already mentioned counted all these as nothing. Instead he asked of him a place where he might prepare a dwelling for himself and his followers after him. The king, assenting to his words, not only loved him, but calling out after his departure gave him help and comfort for the love of the saint. Then the man of the Lord built monasteries and churches on the land so given, and dedicated them with holy relics; and he appointed monks and virgins to serve the Lord under regular discipline. And the weak and the lame, the blind and the lepers, and all who had various afflictions came to him, and he saved them all from their sicknesses and gave necessaries to all who asked. Made more honourable than the rest, he preached the remedy of penance to all and saved all from their errors.

⁴ The blessed father Fursey left all his charges to his own brothers Foillan and Ultan to keep. Admonished by an angel, he asked the king for leave to cross to Rome, that he might devote himself to holy prayers at the threshold of Saints Peter and Paul and the other saints. The king answered him that he would not let him go unless he vowed to return again. The athlete of the Lord vowed that with the Lord’s help he would return. And all, asking his blessing, accompanied him in peace to the seashore. And sailing he came to Gaul, where he was at once honourably received by King Clovis and the patrician Erchinoald; and the king gave him leave to survey all his realm, that he might find a place worthy of himself. But the man of the Lord asked that the journey he had begun might not be hindered. It would be long to tell how many miracles the Lord deigned to work through him in the lands beyond the sea; and to this divine work the chief miracle must now be joined.

⁵ Coming into the district of Ponthieu, and to the village called Majoc, he heard a great lamentation in the house of Duke Haimo, because his only son was dead. Then the man of the Lord asked for that body to keep through the night. Obtaining it, he ordered the body to be placed with him in a secret part of his cell; and shutting the door, kneeling and begging the Lord with tears, they arose together — the saint from the dust, the child from the bier. And in the morning Haimo came with his wife and a great crowd of mourning men and women, and with lights; and in the house where the man of the Lord was praying they found alive him whom they had thought dead, singing and praising God with the holy man.

⁶ Then Haimo, rejoicing with all the people and glorifying God who is glorious in His saints, gave him his estate called Macerias, and begged him never to depart from him. But the man of the Lord refused and pressed on the journey he had begun. Then the people, crying out after him and kissing his footsteps, asked his blessing; and he healed them all of various sicknesses. And Haimo, prostrate at his feet, said: ‘I beg you, man of God, though we are not worthy that you should remain with us always, at least make your passing known to us.’ The man of the Lord said: ‘When you see three hours of light changed in one night, then know that I am to pass.’

⁷ Then coming into the district of Amiens and to the estate called Antoilum on the river Corbie, a wicked man met him, and stripping him of his cloak and threatening him and his disciples with cudgels, went to his house carrying the man of God’s cloak and flung it to his wife. And an evil spirit, leaping upon him and upon his wife and their only daughter, broke their tongues; and the daughter was left deaf and blind, and none of them spoke to the others. The man of the Lord followed him to the house seeking lodging; and finding no answer, moved with mercy he made prayer for them that they might receive pardon. By the saint’s merits they believed together and received health; and they, converted to God for love of the saint, offered all that was theirs as a gift to the Saviour.

⁸ Then, yearning with divine desire and coming to Grandecourt in the district of Artois, he sought lodging from a woman named Ermenfled, who seemed to have many possessions and much money, but he did not obtain it. As soon as the man of the Lord saw her hardness, he departed; and in that same hour the enemy began to vex her. Then messengers came after him, inviting him and saying: ‘Servant of God, our mistress calls you — come, free her from what is vexing her; for she knows she suffers these evils because of you.’ But the man of the Lord would not return to her dwelling, for he knew what would happen to her. Yet the devout father, grieved in heart, sent one of his disciples to her with his staff. And when it entered the house, the demon fled from her trembling, and the woman was made whole. And she came after the holy man and, prostrate at his feet, vowed herself and all she had to him devotedly, and lived many years after. O dearest brothers, how bright and how precious were the saint’s merits! For not only did powers shine through his hands, but even when the staff which he most often carried in his hand was laid upon the sick, they were at once healed. And this thing which we have recorded above was spread abroad daily through all Gaul.

Chapter Two. #

¹ The man of the Lord Erchinoald already mentioned, hearing his fame, went to meet him, asking and begging him to come to his house at the palace of the town of Péronne, to present his son for holy baptism and receive him from the font. The holy man did not refuse but, loving his neighbour as himself, went with him. And when they came to the place named, there was great gladness.

² But six men were held bound in prison in that same town. When they heard of his coming they cried out, saying: ‘Pray for us, servant of God, for God’s sake, for we believe we shall be saved by your coming.’ And when the man of the Lord heard, moved with mercy he asked for them to be released, but did not obtain it. And coming to the feast, the man of the Lord awaited the wonders of God; for he said he would not dine before he saw the bound men before him. The Lord heard the prayer of His servant, and there, in the sight of all, those who had been shut in came forward unharmed, without any hurt. All who stood by, together with the prince, asked pardon and glorified God, because power, salvation and help had come to them.

³ Then Erchinoald, the Lord’s chosen, appointed three of his household to guide the just man through the different places and show him wherever his own possessions were, so that whichever place pleased him best for a dwelling might be given him. And they did so. And Saint Fursey chose Latiniacum out of all the places. And coming to that place he fixed his staff in the earth, and at once a great spring burst forth, which waters the place to this day and gives healing to many from various sicknesses.

⁴ And it came to pass that while he was surveying the place one day, two men possessed by demons asked a remedy of the most blessed Fursey. And he, making the sign of the cross, drove out the demon and gave them the remedy of health.

⁵ Then those who had been sent reported to all everything they had seen. And Erchinoald, hearing this, gave thanks to God who had given him such a man, from whom such miracles proceeded. And going to the holy man he said to him: ‘I thank God, who has given me such a possession, in which you have found a worthy dwelling. Build and order it carefully, that it may be fit for you and yours for everlasting ages. And I meanwhile shall prepare the mount called Cygnopum, which is named Péronne, so that if it pleases you better, you may have it also; for at God’s command our little bodies shall rest there.’

⁶ And when the hymn was said, Saint Fursey built Latiniacum with his own hands. And the blessed Erchinoald prepared Péronne in haste. And not long after, his kinsfolk and friends beyond the sea, hearing these things, together with Saint Eminian hastened to come to the most holy man Fursey; who, receiving them honourably and working with them with his own hands, greatly built up that place.

Chapter Three. #

¹ And after the space of some years it happened to him to return to Saxony to visit his own brothers — that is, Foillan and Ultan — whom he had left to govern his monastery. And leaving the holy man Eminian in his seat to care for the flock, he hastened on his journey. Coming therefore to the place already mentioned, the estate of Duke Haimo called Macerias, he was seized by sickness and, having enjoyed an angelic vision, left the present world and passed to the eternal kingdom.

² But Haimo neglected what the holy man had said, and the time of the saint’s passing; and coming to his meal he saw the blessed Fursey with his two deacons and with three candles, which they set upon his table, and they went away. Then Haimo, amazed, asked those standing round: ‘Do you see the glory which I see?’ They said they had seen no one. He said to them: ‘I saw before me the holy man who raised my only son and showed us great signs, standing with two deacons and three candles which they set upon my table — and they went away. For I believe that by this sign he was showing me my reward, and now I know he has passed from the body. Let us therefore go to bury him.’ Then he with all his house and all the country-folk and the clergy and a crowd of virgins went with censers and candles to bury the saint. And coming to the place called Macerias, they kept the saint’s body there with many spices, hymns and songs.

³ The illustrious man Erchinoald the mayor of the palace, hearing these things, went there with a great crowd in hostile array. And coming to the place already mentioned above the river Authie, where the holy gem lay, he found Duke Haimo there prepared for war, watching and guarding the body. Then Erchinoald said to Duke Haimo: ‘Give me back my monk; otherwise tomorrow morning let God judge this between me and you.’ Haimo answered: ‘And he raised my firstborn for me. Yet why this contention between us? Let two untamed oxen be yoked tomorrow to draw the bier, and let them go at God’s bidding wherever they will.’ Then the man of the Lord Erchinoald, rejoicing, said: ‘You have judged rightly; let it be done according to your judgement.’

⁴ And it came to pass, while both were guarding the blessed man’s body and conversing, a girl blind from birth, who lay prostrate upon the pall that covered the bier, received the light of her eyes. O what laughter and gladness there was then! She who had come groping before, now in the sight of all leapt and ran, praising and glorifying God and saying: ‘O blessed Fursey, who now with your whole heart go to Christ’s kingdom, who never turned aside to right or left from the company of the saints! O Fursey, now at home among the choirs of the joyful! Most holy soul, who now hear from the Lord: Enter into the joy of your Lord — you have fought the good fight, and so you shall exult with the angels for ever!’

⁵ And when morning came they did as they had said, to prove the matter. They yoked oxen to the bier, and at once it lifted the holy body. And keeping to the straight way of the road they came to the town called Péronne. And Erchinoald went after the body with a crowd of people, singing psalms and glorifying God. And a lame man lay on the road awaiting the Lord’s consolation, crying and calling out: ‘Saint Fursey of God, help me! If I could have come near you, I believed I would be saved by your merits.’ Then certain compassionate men carried him before the bier, and when he asked in faith, he received health.

⁶ These things duly done, Berchar, the duke of Lyon, came with a great army, wishing to seize the body. Then Erchinoald said to him: ‘What is this, Berchar, that you come thus armed?’ Berchar answered him: ‘He whom you lead is mine by law, for I was duke of all before you in this land of theirs, and whatever of my substance there was I gave to be held for the worship of his love and of his parents. He wished while living to come to me, which you did not permit. Yet I beg you, though I did not deserve to see him alive, at least let me keep his body. And if you will not, choose one of two things: either set two boys ignorant of the matter at the bier, that they may go in the direction they choose, and let the highest Judge decide between us this hour what pleases Him.’ Erchinoald answered: ‘As you have said, so be it.’ Then Erchinoald set a boy of seven years on Berchar’s side, and Berchar likewise set his own boy on Erchinoald’s side. And they, at once lifting the bier, by the Saviour’s command carried the holy body to the mount called Cygnopum. And the men already named went gladly after the body with their people and great joy, and there buried it with many spices — where the saint himself had before laid the relics of many saints, that is, of Patrick, Bean, Meldan and the others whom he had brought with him.

Chapter Four. #

¹ Meanwhile — that is, within thirty days — the church was prepared and built in honour of the twelve Apostles. But Erchinoald’s wife, named Leutsinde, filled with fury because he loved the saint too devotedly, said to her husband: ‘See, you leave me desolate with my sons and daughters, without money or property, handing all we have into the hands of a man we do not know — who he was or from what stock he sprang.’ Erchinoald said to her: ‘My sweetest Leutsinde, do not speak such words.’ Leutsinde answered: ‘Make me a stranger to your company if you persist as you have begun.’ Erchinoald said: ‘Cease your talk, Leutsinde; for if your fury does not cease, you shall be a stranger to my power and to the delights I have given you.’ Leutsinde answered angrily: ‘Would that I had never come to that wedding day on which I am now made a cast-off!’ Erchinoald said: ‘Dearest, if you knew how much good has come to us from the day he gave us his friendship, you would never utter such reproaches. Know most certainly that if his wrath is turned against you, you and all that is yours will go with you into perdition.’ Leutsinde said with a smile: ‘Hear, all of you — a man thirty days putrefied, what harm can he do me?’

² And the day came on which the church was ready for consecration — the fifth day before the ides of February. A great gathering of people assembled there, and Erchinoald said: ‘Leutsinde, this is the day on which you can prove what you are always asking in deceit — today, at God’s command, the saint will be transferred to the place I have prepared for him; and if you find it as you say, I will repay your money a hundredfold.’ Then Leutsinde, rejoicing, went with a great crowd to the place where the holy body lay, and ordered the tomb to be uncovered. And because she was not worthy to see the holy body, she lost the light of her eyes. And lying long on the ground beside the saint’s tomb, she vowed to Christ, for love of Saint Fursey, whatever she had acquired from her youth. As soon as she believed, she was healed.

³ All who stood by, filled with great joy, lifted the body with great exultation and laid it on the right side of the altar of the Prince of the Apostles, where it lay buried for four years and where many miracles were revealed. Meanwhile a little chapel was being prepared, in which, after lying so many years, it was translated by the illustrious men Bishops Eligius, Autbert and Medard. And so it was found then unharmed, as though it had passed from the body that same hour. There his bright remains are covered with many spices, where also many powers shine through the saint’s merits. There paralytics and lepers are cured and demoniacs set free. The blind receive sight, and all necessaries asked in faith are bestowed there by the Lord’s bounty. The joyful priest sought a joyful home; the sad and sorrow-laden he leads home rejoicing into the heavenly house.

⁴ And this is not to be passed over in silence, which we call back to memory. There was a certain woman who had much wealth and many possessions, but she suffered a heavy wasting sickness together with her household, so that none could help another. Admonished in a dream to go to the holy man’s tomb and devote herself to prayers, she could not go for exceeding sickness. Yet grieved in heart, in faith and love of the saint she sent her messenger, charging him to go quickly to the place already mentioned and ask that some of Saint Fursey’s blessed bread be sent to her. She believed in faith what she afterwards proved in deed — that by tasting she would be healed. The servant went as his mistress commanded. Coming to the man who had charge of the monastery, he said to him: ‘My mistress is gravely ill; she begs and asks that you send her some of the saint’s blessed bread, for through it she believes she will receive health.’ The brother said to him: ‘You must know that we are without wine, save only just enough to make the offerings at Mass, for a most severe plague has been this year upon this land, on the people and on the fruits alike.’ The servant, hearing the words of his excuse, said: ‘Sir, then show me the spring that I may draw, and I will carry of it, that from it her desire may be fulfilled.’ The brother went and showed him the spring, from which the servant drew a full vessel and carried it to his mistress, and told her all that had happened to him. The woman, rejoicing, said: ‘Give me of what you have brought.’ And when she tasted it, giving thanks to God, she said she had never drunk better wine. Then she had them give a taste of it to all her household and to all the neighbours; and those who drank of it magnified the merits of Saint Fursey — and she with all her people received health, and the thing was made known to all. Afterwards she came herself with all her house and her kinsfolk, and they vowed themselves and all they had to God for the merits of Saint Fursey, and lived many years after. And as miracles grew and multiplied, Erchinoald of blessed memory and his wife Leutsinde built a church in his honour.

⁵ And the saint of God Eligius diligently fashioned with his own hands the venerable Saint Fursey’s sepulchre, where benefits are bestowed through his prayers — our Lord Jesus Christ granting it, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.