¹ Here begins the Life of St Illtud

Chapter 1: On the marriage of his parents and the birth of the child. #

¹ Petabia, a rich and victorious province, mighty in arms and surpassed by none in warlike renown, traced its origin to its British mother. Taught by the mother, the daughter was always victorious. The British princes were full of vigour and their leaders were noble; yet those who were formerly the most noble heirs of the land were disinherited and lost their property, as though they were foreigners. Among these was Bicanus, a renowned soldier, illustrious by birth and distinguished in military affairs. All his kin sprang from the chief princes, and none of his ancestors was inferior to him: as the first had been, so was the last. Being descended from and exalted by such men, he rightly rejoiced in such noble parentage. He distinguished himself and held command in royal warfare, and he was beloved by both king and queen, for common report spoke well of him. A man of such eminent nobility desired to marry and to be succeeded by sons, and he sought to fulfil this wish by marrying Rieinguled, daughter of Anblaud, king of Britain. She was so named from a British word which in English signifies a Modest Queen. This honourable name was fittingly bestowed upon her, for she was not yet bound by lawful marriage. She despised frivolity, remained steadfast in her mother’s chamber, and obeyed her commands. All that she said was suitable for conversation, for she acted wholly by good counsel. Being a virtuous maiden, without reproach, and of marriageable age, she was worthy of a husband. The people knew no one more worthy to be married, and so messengers crossed the Gallic Sea and brought back the maiden. Like a precious pearl, surpassing in beauty and most gentle in manner, they commended her to the same prince for the honour of marriage. When the ceremony had been lawfully celebrated, the lawful wife conceived and, in due course, happily gave birth to a son. Thus a fruitful tree produced a most excellent flower.

² At the child’s instruction in the faith and after his baptism, the infant was named Illtud, that is, one safe from every crime. He was blameless through the five stages of life, and was praiseworthy and beloved by all. His parents wished him to become learned, and in accordance with their desire they sent him to be instructed in the seven sciences. After receiving instruction and gaining knowledge of the elementary disciplines, he set aside further literary study and went to war, yet without neglecting or forgetting anything he had learned, for his memory was exceptional. Whatever he heard once from his master he retained perfectly thereafter. To him were fully given the five keys by which he might wisely communicate knowledge concerning things unknown. No one throughout Gaul was more eloquent than Illtud the soldier in the recitation of philosophical discourse.

Chapter 2: Of his visit to the court of King Arthur and Paulinus #

¹ Meanwhile the soldier, hearing of the magnificence of his cousin, King Arthur, and wishing to visit the court of so great a conqueror, left what is called Further Britain and sailed to the place where he saw a very great gathering of soldiers. He was honourably and generously received according to his standing as a warrior, and when his desire for rewards had been satisfied, he departed from the royal court well pleased. Then, setting out on his journey, with his most honourable wife Trynihid accompanying him, he came to Paulinus, king of Glamorgan. The king, seeing that he was a courtly soldier and an honourable man, retained him with great pleasure, loving him more than any of his attendants and treating him with great generosity. Thus he remained there with due reverence until he was chosen to preside over the royal household, which he governed without discord, being a peaceable ruler and second only to his lord. The precepts of the Gospel were in the soldier’s heart, and he strove to recite them to those willing to retain them; and those who heard them were guided towards the perfect ordering of their actions and faithfully discharged their duties, performing them fully in order to receive a heavenly reward. Outwardly he was a soldier clad in military dress, but inwardly he was among the most intelligent of the people of Britain. For this reason King Paulinus appointed him chief over the soldiers, on account of his refined eloquence and incomparable intelligence. No one of his time could be compared with him in mental ability, as was proved and confirmed by the testimony of learned men.

Chapter 3: Of the household of King Paulinus, whom the earth swallowed, and of the promise, confirmed by the advice of Saint Cadoc, to take the clerical habit after warfare #

¹ It happened on a certain day, when he took the royal household out hunting through the territory of Saint Cadoc, that they halted and sent a message to the renowned abbot in harsh terms, demanding that he should send them dinner, or else they would take it by force. The holy Cadoc, although the message seemed improper to him because of its harsh language and its presumptuous demand for tribute, nevertheless sent to the household what was sufficient for their meal. When this had been delivered, the household sat down to dine, but the power to eat was taken from them; for because of their unlawful demand sacrilegious offence, the earth swallowed up the unjust multitude, and they all vanished away because of so great a wickedness. But the soldier Illtud, the chief of the warriors, escaped, because he neither consented to the unjust demand nor was present in the place where the household awaited the food; instead he was some distance away with a hawk, which he would sometimes release and set upon birds. When Illtud saw this miracle, he was afraid, and afterwards was pierced with compunction for his past faults. He hastened to the holy Cadoc and, enquiring of him, knelt and begged his counsel for the correction of his misdeeds. Cadoc, a wholesome counsellor, first advised him to lay aside his secular dress, and then to take up what he had resolved upon, namely the clerical habit, and to serve the supreme Creator throughout the whole course of his life, in order to obtain eternal reward. Illtud humbly obeyed the advice given to him and promised that he would faithfully adhere to it thereafter. Returning to King Paulinus and having obtained permission, he withdrew from secular service; and although the king and queen and all his companions grieved at his departure, he at length came to the bank of the river Nadawan, accompanied by his wife and attendants. As it was summer, he made a shelter of reeds so that rain might not fall upon their beds, and while the horses grazed in the meadow, they slept there at night, their eyes heavy with sleep.

Chapter 4: Of the first coming of an angel to admonish Saint Illtud #

¹ Suddenly an angel stood before the wise man and addressed him with this warning: “You were once a renowned soldier, generously honoured by many kings; but now I command you to serve the King of kings and no longer to love transient things. Remember that your parents commended you to clerical learning, and that you studied it, devoted to divine contemplation; afterwards you despised what should not have been despised and took up the spear and the sword. These weapons were not given to you from an armoury, but the five keys were granted to you under a master. Seek again, therefore, what you have left behind, lest you be taken and ensnared by the unseen enemy. For the plotter is present, striving to deceive you and desiring with all his power to condemn you. He sees you, though you do not see him with bodily eyes. You do not take care to be protected, and so you are in danger of destruction. Thus, unwary and deceived by the enemy of God and man, you remain in ignorance; for he envies the inhabitants of both heaven and earth, because he has lost his heavenly seat. More fierce than a lion and swifter than a bird, the invisible deceiver steals and carries off what he has taken, yet also watches what he restores, and he punishes those who deserve punishment. Therefore, like a physician, drive away the poison with medicine, so that no scar may remain after healing.

² “Effeminate love also lays hold of you, so that you may not turn to the Lord. What is carnal love but horror and the source of sins? One who loves excessively is inflamed as by fire; it is harmful and hateful, drawing a person towards punishment. Let it not consume you, nor let the violent desire of this poison urge you on. Your wife is fair, but chastity is better. Who would choose to set aside eternal things for such a pleasure? If you were now to see it stripped bare, you would not love it as before; look upon it, and by that sight you will afterwards esteem it of less worth. What benefit or lasting happiness comes from such union? He who abstains and refrains from marriage shall be exalted and set in the eternal dwelling.

³ “When you rise tomorrow, hasten at once to a certain wooded valley towards the western side, where you shall have a dwelling, for such is the will of God. The place is suitable, very fertile, and fit for habitation. For this reason I have come from the supreme Creator on this matter, to declare these things with goodwill. I have spoken so that this may be done, and that in its fulfilment there may be no delay.”

Chapter 5: Of his undertaking to live as a hermit in the valley of Hodnant, and of his manner of life following the angelic exhortation #

¹ When these words had been spoken, the angel disappeared. After a short while Illtud awoke and recalled to mind the angel’s discourse, and he also pondered that command of our Lord: “He who loves father and mother, brothers and sisters, wife and children more than me is not worthy of me” [Matthew 10:37]. While meditating on these things, he ordered his wife to rise, and as she rose he commanded her to look after the horses, since the sun was now shining brightly, so that he might know how they had been kept by the guards during the night. She went out naked, with her hair unbound, to look after them and to carry out what the angel had ordered. When she had seen to them she returned, and as she came back the blessed Illtud saw her naked body, with her hair blown loose by the wind. When he saw the female form he was grieved; he judged it to be of little worth and bitterly repented that he had loved such a person. He vowed that he would leave her and promised to keep his vow, speaking these words: “A woman now of little worth, once beloved, a child of soft luxury, the source of deadly ruin, she fosters punishment; therefore, if anyone should love her, the fair form of a woman will now become hateful.”

Chapter 6: Of his first dwelling in the vale of Hodnant #

¹ When these things had been done, as has been related, the same woman wished to go to bed. Illtud drove her away as she attempted this, saying that he would abandon her as one would the poison of a serpent and would no longer live with her. He handed her her clothes, and when they were given to her she put them on and sat down. Though now clothed, she said with a trembling heart that she was prepared to starve, hoping that by this means she might once again lie beside him in bed. But he knew that what she said was false, and he strengthened his mind with the firmness of virtue. Thus the solitary traveller, accompanied by God, gained the victory. Having renounced all secular things, he continued on his way until he came to the same valley, which is called Hodnant, and not without reason, for in English it means a Fruitful Valley. Around it there were no mountains or steep slopes, but an open and fertile plain. There was a wood, very dense with many kinds of trees, in which numerous wild beasts dwelt. A most pleasant river flowed there with its banks, and springs mingled with a stream ran in delightful courses. After he had rested and surveyed everything, the place pleased him greatly, as the angel had foretold to him in the vision. There was a grove full of trees for those who dwelt there, open to the sun; there was great fertility across the plains; and again a river ran through the middle. I have heard it said that it was the most beautiful of places.

Chapter 7: Of the penance enjoined upon him, the acceptance of the clerical habit, his manner of watching and fasting, and the first building of his church #

¹ When he had seen these things and they pleased him, the servant of God, the most blessed Illtud, went to Dubricius, bishop of Llandaff, who imposed penance upon him for his former offences. He shaved his beard, cut his hair, consecrated his tonsure, and at last took the clerical habit, according to the angelic command revealed to him in a dream; and having been tonsured, he returned to the same place. First he built a dwelling there; then Bishop Dubricius marked out the bounds of the burial ground, and in its centre laid the foundations of an oratory in honour of the supreme and undivided Trinity. When these plans had been set in order, he built a church of stone and surrounded it with a square ditch. When all this had been completed, he kept vigil in fasting, prayed diligently without ceasing, and generously distributed his possessions among the poor. A most devout hermit, he worked with his own hands and did not rely on the labour of others. In the middle of the night, before the morning prayers, he washed himself with cold water, thus observing, for as long as he was able, the Lord’s command to pray three times a day [Psalm 55:17]. Then he went to the church, and kneeling sought the power of the supreme Creator. Such was his devotion that he was never seen occupied with any business except divine service; all his thoughts were in the holy Scriptures, which he carried out in his daily actions. Many pupils and learned men skilled in the seven arts gathered to him for instruction.

Chapter 8: Of the stag tamed by Saint Illtud, and of the marvellous dinner of the king on fish and water #

¹ When King Meirchion, whose surname was Vesanus, on a certain day set his dogs upon a stag, the animal, sorely pressed, fled onward and entered the dwelling of Saint Illtud, as though seeking refuge from him in the manner of a human being. Once inside, it lay down, tamed, at the feet of the holy man, worn out and terrified by the dogs. The hounds stood waiting for it to come out, but then ceased their barking. Hearing this sudden silence, the king followed, marvelling greatly, and when he came to the wild place he saw the dogs subdued and the stag made gentle, the wild creature having become as a domestic animal. He was therefore very angry with the inhabitant, because he dwelt in the wilderness without his permission, which he considered more suitable for hunting. He demanded the stag, but holy Illtud would not give it up; instead he granted him permission to enter, if he would accept it in peace. The king was struck with fear, and when he saw the great holiness of the blessed man and such mighty miracles performed in his presence, he did not destroy the one with whom he had been angry, but rather bestowed upon him his first gift, granted by God, which Illtud received with thanksgiving. The stag, thus tamed by the saint, afterwards drew carts and carried timber for building.

² After this, the same king, whom holy Illtud had invited to dine, being hungry, desired to eat. When he had been invited in, he descended humbly, and instead of raging as was his custom, he sat down calm. He sent a servant to a nearby pool to fish, and at once the man caught in his net a large, fat, and excellent fish. When it had been cooked and set before the king, he refused to eat, because it seemed improper to him that it should be served without bread and salt. But as Illtud had neither bread nor salt at that time, he said: “The maker of all creatures and the giver of gifts is able to bring it about that, if you taste what is set before you, you will receive from me in this untasted fish whatever you desire.” When this had been said, the king did not dare stubbornly to refuse, but ate, and in that single dish experienced the flavours of many kinds of meat. When he was satisfied and thirsty, he mockingly asked that wine or mead should be given to him. Illtud, lacking these, ordered water from the spring to be given to him to drink, and again offered the prayers he had spoken before, that from this watery drink the desire of the one asking might be fulfilled. The king drank what was brought to him, was pleased with it, and found in water alone the tastes of the various drinks of wine and mead.

Chapter 9: Of the coming of an angel to admonish King Meirchion and to bring about his correction #

¹ After this marvellous drinking, the same king, King Meirchion, had a dream, and while he slept a heavenly angel came to him, admonishing and reproving him, saying: “Until now you have been a mad and most wicked king, and you remain so even now. Amend your ways, therefore, as I counsel you, and do not delay your correction. You would rather that useless wild beasts should dwell here than worshippers of God, who ought to inhabit it. You ought not to forbid, but to allow the chosen man to remain and cultivate the place granted to him. Otherwise you shall be destroyed, you shall not live long, and you shall be without offspring. Grant him leave, therefore, to remain, for that valley shall be inhabited until the end of time. Who would dare to offend and drive from his chosen dwelling a man so religious and living in the catholic way? God has chosen him and sent him here, that he may serve him in the hermit’s habit. The abbot is venerable, distinguished, and exalted; whoever harms him, unless he repents, will perish for ever. Take care, therefore, lest you yourself perish; from now on let your harshness cause no injury. Goliath was once very strong, yet humble childhood overcame the most valiant: he used spear and sword, but David a sling of the least account; the young boy, trusting in the supreme conqueror, became victorious by casting a stone with his hand” [1 Samuel 17]. “So Illtud, the most humble servant of God, trusted that by humility he might prevail while he dwelt here and might hold his place securely. He did not fight with visible weapons; he contended more effectively with invincible virtues. Being virtuous, he was not fearful in the struggle; armed with righteousness, he drove away his enemies. No one in all Britain was holier than this most blessed man, because he lived in an ordered manner according to the monastic rule. Many were gathered through his teaching; it was both a refuge and a support, like a pillar sustaining a standing house. His protection was inviolable among kings and princes in this realm; kings and princes obeyed his instruction, and the common people followed his counsel. Peaceful and gentler than a tame dove, he gave light like a most shining candlestick and like a lamp.”

Chapter 10: Of the king’s awakening and the grant given for habitation #

¹ When these things had been spoken and the king had been corrected from his wickedness by the angel, on waking he addressed those who heard him in words such as these: “Servant of God, most blessed Saint Illtud, I freely grant you this solitude as a lofty and heavenly reward. I have seen a vision beneficial to us both, and an angel’s voice commanded that you must on no account leave this valley. As long as I reign, I shall not offend you. You may hold this parish in full freedom, appoint farmers over all the land for its cultivation, for nowhere in the country is the soil more fertile. There are abundant cornfields for harvest, and places flowing with honey, and fragrant flowers are seen among them. Italy is fertile and rich in grain, but this land is more abundant and more temperate, lacking its excessive heat. Excessive cold does not destroy the corn, nor does superfluous heat parch the fruits by forcing them to ripen at an unsuitable time. The reapers rejoice here, being better off than the reapers of Italy. Rejoice, you who dwell in such a land; you ought indeed to rejoice, for I foretell that countless people will rejoice in your fellowship. Such a profitable way of life has not existed in these parts. You will preach and guide wanderers towards heavenly teaching. Authority of instruction has been granted to you by the pontiff; this also I grant and confirm to you by royal concession. This school shall be held in honour; dependants and all the local people shall serve you. Many will come from diverse places to be instructed in the liberal arts. Although you are now unknown, you will become known; I will make you known, and you will rejoice.”

² Then the humble and holy Illtud did not rejoice excessively, but keeping himself restrained, he gave thanks to almighty God. Willingly accepting what the king had offered, he prayed to the divine mercy that it would deign to show indulgence and compassion towards the sins of those who loved him. After these things had been spoken, and after the king had been calmed from his anger by the angelic correction, he returned to his court, magnifying and praising the almighty power of the supreme Creator for the miracles that he had seen.

Chapter 11: Of his manner of husbandry and the size of his community #

¹ Therefore the venerable abbot Illtud, being troubled by no one, lived in peace. He tilled and sowed, he reaped, and lived by his own labour. He appointed farm workers for the cultivated fields; the seed was increased, and his efforts were repaid with abundant yield. He fed the poor, clothed the naked, visited the sick, and those who were in prison. He had a household of a hundred persons, together with as many labourers and clergy, and he sustained a hundred poor people each day. His hospitality was ever ready and was never refused to those in need. He gave generously whatever came into his hands, never instructing that it should be hoarded by anyone. There was no harmful pride in his generous heart, but rather humility, kindness, and a pure devotion. Many students gathered to him, among whom were Samson of Dol, Paulinus of Wales, Gildas, and Saint David; these, being learned men, studied deeply, and many others like them came also.

Chapter 12: Of his receiving ecclesiastical orders and elevation to the abbacy #

¹ When his possessions had grown to a fitting sufficiency, and he had received ecclesiastical orders and also embraced the monastic state through holiness and divine favour, the venerable abbot established fifty canons. At appropriate times and appointed hours they were to attend the church, each having his own prebend, that is, an estate with its revenues, given by the people for the remembrance of their souls. An annual tribute was paid to the abbot, and whatever was given he distributed according to common custom. Annual feasts were also prepared for him, and he invited a great number of the poor to share in what was provided; among them he regularly ordered it to be distributed, until all that had been given was fully dispensed.

Chapter 13: Of the breaking of an embankment, the rushing in and receding of the sea, and the rising of a spring through Saint Illtud #

¹ The same place, consisting of a field surrounded on all sides by plains, with a grove in between, pleased its inhabitant; yet the frequent overflowing of the sea, and the approach of the river towards his burial ground, caused him distress. Therefore, moved by grief and fear, he built, in order to prevent it advancing further and flooding the whole valley, a very large embankment of earth mixed with stones, to restrain the rush of the waves that were accustomed to overflow beyond measure, leaving the river only space enough to flow to the sea. When the work was finished, the force of the waves broke down the embankment. He built it a second time, and again the waves destroyed it. He rebuilt it a third time, but persistence availed nothing, and it fell into ruin. Saint Illtud therefore grieved and said: “I will no longer live here; I greatly desired to do so, but oppressed by this trouble from the sea, it is beyond my power. It destroys my buildings and flows even to the oratory which we built with great labour.” He called upon his heavenly protector and prayed for help, that he might not be forced to leave the suitable place he had chosen. When he intended to depart on the following day, on the night before, as he slept deeply, an angelic voice spoke to him, saying: “I command you and forbid you to leave the place which you wish to abandon, for God does not will that you should depart from this valley. Your prayers have been heard by the supreme Hearer, who delivers all who trust in him and pray to him, and he will free you from this harmful and troublesome affliction. Tomorrow, when you go out from the oratory, take your staff with you and hasten to the raging sea; you shall drive it back by the divine power of your threatening staff, and it will flee from you continually, not returning to its former bounds, just as a fugitive flees from a pursuing enemy.”

² Therefore he went early in the morning to the restless sea, as the angel had commanded him in his sleep. As he advanced, the sea began to withdraw, as though it were a sentient creature; the waves grew calm, and a firm standing place appeared along the shore. When the shore was dry, he struck it with his staff, and immediately a very clear spring burst forth. This spring is beneficial for the healing of diseases and continues to flow without diminution; and what is more marvellous, although it lies close to the sea, the water that issues from it is pure. When these things had been done, the most blessed Illtud knelt and prayed to the heavenly Lord, saying: “I beg you, supreme Creator and giver of all good, who confirm what you grant by increase, that this bank may be the boundary of the sea, and that it may not return to the place where I have established my dwelling, nor cause harm or disturbance. Let it rest here, and let this place be a harbour for ships.” And so it came to pass, just as he had asked, that the marsh became dry land was made fit for cultivation; and where the ground was not suitable for tillage, the clergy had ample meadowland pasture for cattle. Then the chosen servant of God returned, gave thanks to almighty God, and lived quietly and prosperously, free from disturbance. Through the power of God and the prayer of the most holy Illtud, the sea was rendered harmless and troubled him no more. And he spoke these words concerning the miracle: “Now I can dwell here; I will not depart. I will not leave, for the sea will not trouble me. The threat has been overcome and has withdrawn. I was fearful before, but now there is no cause for fear. I will build, for this is no longer a matter to be dreaded.”

Chapter 14: Of the complaint concerning the birds plucking the corn under the care of guards #

¹ In the autumn season, as the harvest drew near, birds began to pluck the corn belonging to Saint Illtud, leaving the ears almost empty. When this was discovered, the saint grieved over the loss and ordered his students to take turns each day in guarding the corn, continually hurling stones with a sling throughout the day. When the turn of the disciple Samson of Dol came, he was eager out of goodwill to obey his master’s command did so as best he could, but he was unable to keep the corn safe and unharmed. He therefore sought divine counsel and help, by which he might restrain the multitude of birds, for otherwise he could not protect the crop from those that came from afar to damage it. After reflecting and being inspired by divine guidance, he perceived what should be done, and divine power was granted to him to drive the birds away from the corn so that it was free from them. They tried to fly off, but despite all their efforts they were unable to do so. Samson, gentle in spirit, seeing this, compelled them to go before him of their own accord, like tame animals. Driven in this way, they came to the door, and when it was opened they entered the barn like horses or sheep, those in front leading those that followed. Like sheep or horses they moved quietly; the birds were securely confined without any net to hold them, and divine power, which governs the stars, subdued them. They sang in lamentation and fasted through hunger, uttering mournful cries in the prison they had earned. There was sorrow among them as they longed for the freedom they sought, and they repented of the damage they had done to the corn. Illtud released the flocks that had suffered through being shut up, and after this miracle they did him no further harm.

Chapter 15: Of the election of Samson as bishop, the rising of a fountain from his tears, and the conveyance of his body by divine direction #

¹ After this miracle had become known everywhere, messengers came from Brittany to elect Samson, a most noble young man, spotless in all his life, and, once elected, to appoint him bishop of Dôl. They also asked leave from his master Illtyd for him to depart, on account of the gracious favour he showed towards his countrymen, since the same church was at that time without a bishop. When he was asked and invited, he did not refuse, and resolved to go with the messengers, but with lamentation and many tears, for he preferred to live in obedience under the authority of a master rather than to enjoy episcopal honour upon the height of an ecclesiastical throne. While he remained for a short time in the upper part of the valley, speaking with his teacher about many former matters before their separation and uttering his final words, once they had parted his tears began to flow until they fell upon the ground in a stream, whereupon a fountain immediately sprang up and, running forth, flowed like a river, and was called by the name of the wondrous Samson. Moreover, because of the outstanding love he bore for his most dear teacher, he commanded that after his death his body should be brought to the monastery of Saint Illtyd and buried in its shared and pleasant cemetery. When these things had been done, they went to Dubricius, bishop of the church of Llandaff, so that he might receive from him the first ecclesiastical orders and the diaconate. And while he was being ordained, there appeared to Dubricius and to Abbot Illtyd a dove whiter than snow, sitting upon the head of the young man at his ordination. Having been ordained, he sailed to Brittany and was raised to the episcopal see according to the catholic manner of appointment. After the end of his life, his body was placed in a coffin which moved, and a strong wind lifted it and, by divine power, carried it most gently to the sea. Then it passed over the waves like a duck and arrived, like a sailing ship, safe and prosperously in the harbour of Illtyd. The Lord fulfilled what he wished to have done, for he had promised concerning his body that it should be carried and buried in that cemetery. Certain people, seeing these things and observing the sweet-smelling coffin, informed Saint Illtyd of the wonder they had witnessed; and he, remembering the final words of his beloved Samson concerning his body, wept and prayed, and in sorrow hastened to the harbour of the sea. Then, when the body had been received and honourably conveyed by the clergy, it was placed in the midst of upright quadrangular stones standing in the cemetery; a stone cross was set there and painted beneath the episcopal vestment, and his soul rests free from future suffering.

Chapter 16: Of the visit of the wife of Saint Illtyd, her loss of sight, and its recovery through the same saint #

¹ Formerly, the wife of the blessed Illtyd, named Trinihid, a most chaste woman, lived her life in a chastity as though divorced from her husband, desiring no conjugal relations; such was the resolve she strove to maintain, such was the occupation of her mind. She was steadfast in prayer, restrained in speech, and devoted to every good work. Christ was her consolation, Christ was her daily nourishment; each day she satisfied her hunger with barley bread and water, rejecting delicacies and tasting no rich food. Love of the Holy Trinity was her delight, which she cherished deeply. She favoured the solitude of the mountains and chose to dwell there; there she built a dwelling and founded an oratory, where she prayed with great devotion to the Lord her redeemer. She prayed continually, was found blameless and irreproachable in her conduct, and lived on devoutly, giving comfort to countless widows and poor nuns in their labours. Nevertheless, she desired to visit Saint Illtyd and set out on a journey for that purpose. She found him labouring as a digger, his face soiled from constant work and made gaunt by leanness. She asked to have friendly conversation with him, but her request displeased him; when addressed he gave no reply, he would not see her nor be seen, nor hear her words nor speak in return. She observed his humble clothing, seeing him clad in haircloth and skins, and not as she had known him before, an elegant soldier. Because of this ill-timed visit she lost her sight, and she grieved deeply, acknowledging that she had deserved the loss. When Saint Illtyd was appealed to, he sought comfort from the Lord that she might regain her former sight; his prayers were heard, and she saw clearly once more. Afterwards she returned, as she had done before, pale as though she had suffered from a fever. She therefore remained in the place same and never again visited Saint Illtyd, lest she should displease God and him who was most beloved by God.

Chapter 17: Of the governor Cyflym, who melted like wax before the fire because he had offended Illtyd #

¹ Meirchion, king of Glamorgan, had a malicious overseer named Cyflym, which in English means Very Acute; and by his behaviour he truly fulfilled the name by which he was known, for he most harshly accused the people to King Meirchion of destroying his property, and he protected none who ought to have been protected. His administration was hateful to all, and his whole life was detestable. He frequently offended Abbot Illtyd and likewise displeased his clergy; many things which he unjustly seized he claimed had been demanded by his master, who was ignorant of the matter and had given no such orders, thereby incurring the anger of everyone. All spoke ill of him, and he was exceedingly severe towards those who reproved his wicked deeds. He exalted himself by ruling on another’s behalf; indeed, he constrained himself to do harm, for he loved wickedness. Thus, he who is raised up by evil-doing is restrained and held back; if kept in peril, it would have profited him to rule justly, yet he did not guide others while he himself injured the one who above all ought to govern and direct. Therefore he deserved to suffer, since he afflicted the saint, who, though wronged by a malicious man, behaved peaceably. But God, the supreme avenger, caused him to melt like wax softened and liquefied by the heat of fire, because he did not cease from further malice and sought to make the holy and most free Illtyd subject to tribute, requiring him to send payment to the royal stronghold. Yet the man of greatest freedom would not willingly endure such demands, nor allow so great an injury, nor give way to anger; instead, he offered earnest prayers that God would grant mercy to the malicious man, striving to fulfil the evangelical command which says, “Pray for those who persecute you and speak evil of you” [Matthew 5:44], and again, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” [Matthew 5:10].

Chapter 18: Of the flight of the man of God to a cave on account of the persecution of King Meirchion #

¹ When the sacrilegious overseer had thus wasted away, King Meirchion was stirred to great fury and desired to slay the innocent Illtyd and to destroy the place and its clergy, greatly repenting that he had granted the wilderness as a dwelling, for he would rather that beasts should live there than the chosen servants of God, who served in honour of the holy and undivided Trinity. He swiftly took up arms and commanded his soldiers to be armed, and together they advanced towards the holy place to take vengeance upon its head and its inhabitants. When these things became known, the most blessed Illtyd avoided both the malicious band the clamouring crowd, which hindered his prayers. He wished to withdraw to some distant place upon the earth, yet he feared lest he should be sought out, found, and unwillingly brought back to the abbacy. He searched everywhere for a dry and hidden place where he might conceal himself, and at last, by enquiry, he came to the bank of the river Ewenny, where he discovered a very secret cave. Seeing it, he entered and dwelt there for the space of a year, and also three days and three nights. Each night he lay, as he desired, upon a cold stone, thus fulfilling in himself the penance laid upon him, as though he were to say: “This stone is set beneath my breast for a bed; this is my delight. I will lie under the protection of the supreme Deity; the blessed reward that will come to me will be sweet, and what remains in heaven will be granted to me when I return.”

Chapter 19: Of the heavenly food in the cave, the common lamentation for Illtyd, and of a bell sent to him by Saint David, sounding by divine direction, and of his return from the cave to the monastery #

¹ Therefore the blessed Illtyd prayed constantly and fasted daily; and at every ninth hour a loaf of barley bread was sent to him from heaven, together with a portion of fish, by which he was refreshed. After this modest meal he went to a nearby spring, drawing water for himself in the hollow of his hands, as Paul and Antony, the first hermits, obtained their drink; then he returned to the cave, taking care that no one should see him enter it. He was sought with diligent enquiry in groves and woods and in the hiding places of the valleys, yet he was not found. While he thus lay hidden, the leading men grieved, not knowing what had become of him, and the poor and the widows lamented bitterly, saying, “Who will be our protection? Who will drive away our want with a generous heart?” For he gave freely and denied no one; he lovingly gave aid to those who asked, was the support of all the needy, mourned with those who mourned and rejoiced with those who rejoiced; he ceaselessly proclaimed the apostolic teachings, multiplying the seed a hundredfold; he brought great relief to those about to be punished, and to those already punished, redeeming them through prayer and fasting and generous gifts. “If he is alive in this world,” they said, “he is kept in some underground prison; if he is dead, we beg that he may live in eternal rest.” While they spoke these and many other words, a certain man passed by, a messenger of Gildas the historian, carrying a bronze bell made by Gildas himself, to be brought as a gift to Saint David the bishop, in remembrance of their former acquaintance and friendship; and as he passed by the cave, which lay near the public road, the bell sounded of its own accord, without being moved by any human hand.

² And Illtyd, hearing the sweet sound, came to the man who was carrying the bell and tested the sweetness of its tone by moving it three times. He then asked him where he was going and from whom he carried the beautiful bell, which was more precious than gold. The man replied, “I am travelling to Saint David, and I carry this bell by the command of the renowned Gildas.” Having said this, he went on his way, came to the valley of Menevia, and presented the gift to the bishop. When it had been given, the bishop moved the bell, but at his touch it gave no sound at all. Amazed at this strange occurrence, the bishop asked the messenger whether anyone had tested or rung it on the journey. When questioned, the man recounted what had happened, as related above; and the bishop, believing the account to be true, said, “I know that our master Illtyd desired to possess it because of the sweetness of its sound, but he would not ask for it, having heard that it was sent to me as a gift from Gildas. Yet the Lord does not wish me to have it; therefore return without delay to the cave and give to Saint Illtyd the bell which he desired.” The messenger returned to Illtyd and carried out the bishop’s command, leaving there the solitary dweller who was visited often by angels. Afterwards the messenger reported in the monastery what he had seen and what had happened to him. When these things were heard, the brethren of the monastery gladly went to that place and there found their most dear abbot; they rejoiced greatly on finding their most holy father, and he rejoiced also, knowing that neither could they find him nor could he return except by divine direction. All the people of the surrounding district gave thanks for the return of their master, saying, “We were sorrowful and without joy; now, being free from all adversity and danger, we fear nothing because of our master, who is himself to be feared. With such a refuge no one will dare to harm us under such a leader; kings and princes will obey a virtuous ruler. That place shall be chief and above all others in this region. Our joy lay hidden in a dark cave; joy does not pass beyond its bounds without sorrow having gone before. Yet that cave was not dark but full of light, for while Illtyd dwelt there it never ceased to shine with angelic splendour.”

Chapter 20: Of the very wicked Cefygid, superintendent of King Meirchion, whom marshy land swallowed #

¹ Meanwhile he governed the abbacy peacefully, admonishing the brethren and all people generally concerning true religion, praying and fasting at appropriate times. But a certain superintendent named Cefygid began to oppose and offend the saint and the clergy, frequently driving their cattle from the pastures and shutting them up indoors. He confined the cattle for three days, perversely refusing to accept bail from their owners; and when they were released, thinness appeared on their flanks. Nor was it surprising that they had grown lean after being without food for three days. Thus Illtyd was often grievously wronged by this exceedingly harmful superintendent; yet he would not curse him, but rather was accustomed to bless him for his repeated persecutions and injuries, praying that he might mend his ways and be converted from this iniquity, lest, remaining deeply wicked, he should end his life in the course of malice. But the supreme heavenly Judge, seeing that he would not correct what he was doing amiss, caused the marshy ground to swallow him up, and his wicked spirit to undergo the torments his deeds deserved. That marsh remains visible to this day to human sight, as a sign of the punishment of an evildoer for his crimes.

Chapter 21: Of the arousing of the anger of the mad King Meirchion, whom the earth swallowed #

¹ King Meirchion, filled with madness, hearing that such a calamity had, to his loss, befallen his trusted superintendent, was grieved and, in his anger, resolved to act against Illtyd, either to kill him or to drive him entirely from his dominions. He armed himself like a warrior preparing for battle and quickly rode from the fortress to the gate of the city; and while he stood there, ready to commit murder as he had often done before, the earth swallowed up the wicked man, so that he was seen no more by those who knew him. His spirit, destined for punishment, went to the place where the souls of unjust men are tormented without remedy. After some time had passed, Saint Illtyd, troubled by the crowds who came to him and disturbed in his prayers, withdrew for that reason to the cave of Lingarch. There he remained for the space of three years, watching and praying; and at every ninth hour he received heavenly food, brought to him by an angel and placed upon a rock within the cave, where he saw this venerable miracle.

Chapter 22: Of the miracle seen in the cave of Garth #

¹ On a certain day, as he sat at the mouth of the cave, he saw a small vessel making its way forward and drawing near to the shore. In it he saw two men of great dignity rowing, and an altar divinely upheld at the prow of the boat. Illtyd went out to meet it and, with joy, spoke words of greeting. After a brief conversation they entrusted to Illtyd the sweet-smelling body of a most holy man, declaring his name, and, having named it, forbade him ever to make it known. When they had committed the body to the blessed Illtyd, they returned. After these things had taken place, he brought the body, together with the altar which lay upon the holy man, and honourably buried it in the cave, placing the altar above the body, just as it had previously been upheld by divine power; through this burial many miracles were worked on account of its holiness.

Chapter 23: Of two robbers changed into two stones #

¹ On a certain night, two robbers stole several pigs belonging to Illtyd and, driving them from the pigsty, went off into the woods. Believing they were following the right path, they strayed from it in the darkness and wandered about until, near daybreak, they returned with the pigs to the very place they had left. The herd, exhausted, lay down and rested until the third hour, and the swineherd marvelled at the pigs’ long repose. After resting, they went out as usual to feed, and when night came they returned to the pigsty. Then the same wicked men came again and drove the pigs away once more. As before, they wandered off towards a distant mountain, losing their way like men ignorant of any road, as though they had never known the proper path for travel. At length, going astray, they unknowingly returned again to the same place, and the same thing happened to them as before. But the heavenly King and supreme Judge, seeing that these wicked men would not desist from their evil deeds, changed their bodies into stones and allowed their spirits, as they deserved, to pass to infernal punishment. This remarkable miracle is believed by later generations, for to this day the place of the pigsty is shown and bears the name of Illtyd, and there are also two immovable stones known as the two robbers. It is believed that the robbers were transformed into those hard stones; as witnesses to their wickedness they remain, so named, for the sake of the herd of pigs, their bodies changed and exposed to snow, rain, and hail, without life.

Chapter 24: OF THE THREE GRANARIES , THE ABUNDANCE OF WHOSE CORN WAS CARRIED FROM BRITAIN TO LETAVIA , OR BRITTANY , WHICH WAS FORMERLY CALLED ARMORICA #

¹ The most blessed Illtyd, wishing to visit the church of Saint Michael on Monte Tumba (Mont-Saint-Michel), had in his possession three barns full of corn before his departure, and he instructed his stewards that all the grain should be threshed and, once threshed without his knowledge, stored and kept until his return from Brittany. The command of the master was obeyed, and his wish to visit was fulfilled. After completing the visit, he set out on his return, and on the way he encountered men almost dead from hunger, who would soon perish unless they were helped. Moved with compassion at such distress, he grieved and prayed to the heavenly Helper that they might be relieved. His prayers were heard in the heavenly court, and the said corn was carried by divine power, just as he had prayed it might be, and was afterwards found on the shore in the harbour of Brittany. He fed all Brittany and also supplied the farmers with seed grain; they magnified him and gave thanks to their deliverer, by whose prayers they had been preserved from a dreadful famine. Then he returned, sailing over the Gallic Sea, while all the people stood on the shore and with one voice wished him a prosperous voyage. There was no happier arrival in Brittany; the citizens begged him not to depart but to remain among them. Yet he would not stay, though so greatly desired, and chose to dwell in Britain, though an exile from the land of his forefathers. When the time drew near which the Lord had appointed to reward the labours of his beloved Illtyd with the hundredfold recompense promised to his chosen ones [Matthew 19:29], he returned once more, as we believe by divine direction, to his native land, namely Letavia, which we call Lesser Britain. There, in the city of Dôl, having completed the days fixed for him by his own Creditor, who has set for mortals the limits they cannot appoint for themselves, and having faithfully practised virtue, renowned for miracles and celebrated for signs and wonders, he committed his body to the earth and his spirit to the Lord on the eighth of the Ides of November. Thus ending his toilsome life and being born into everlasting and heavenly life, rejoicing that he should live for ever, he passed to the Lord, to whom belong honour, power, and dominion throughout all ages. Amen.

Chapter 25: Of the plunder being returned, and the quality of the horses #

¹ Edgar, king of the English, stirred by furious anger, marched his army against the disobedient men of Glamorgan. Bringing his forces into the land, he violated the territories of the saints and even their churches, leaving no village throughout the region unravaged. During this invasion, the bell of Saint Illtyd was taken from his church and carried off to England by a plunderer. As the army was returning, it was hung and fastened about the neck of one of the horses, one which excelled among the royal and knightly steeds at the place called the Golden Mount. This place was so named because an army had been assembled and encamped there, glittering with golden garments and armour. At the hour of noon, while the king rested in a tent pitched upon the open plain and the great quantity of plunder was being divided, the king perceived that a cruel soldier had pierced him in the breast with a lance, and that after the blow the man was seen by no one. With deep distress he declared what he had seen, and although all denied that they had witnessed anything, he persisted in affirming the vision granted to him. From this he understood that he himself was guilty and a plunderer; and repenting, he commanded the sacrilegious army to restore to God and to the most holy Illtyd all the plunder that had been taken, and he promised amendment of life thereafter. He also built a church in honour of the same saint and granted to those who served there the land on which he stood. This act of repentance proved beneficial to his soul, for nine days later he departed this life, punished for his wickedness.

² Meanwhile, the same horse carrying the bell went ahead of all who remained there, and, with no one driving him, made his way westwards, all the mounted herd following the sweet sound of the bell. It was a strange and wonderful thing to hear and to see so great a miracle. More marvellous still was the fact that he was able to cross the River Severn and reach this bank without suffering any harm; and the great company of horses followed the sound and delighted in hearing it, for it was full of sweetness. Then, hastening along the shore and over the mountains and through the woods, he came to the road leading towards Glamorgan, all the horses hearing and following the sweet sound. When the horses reached the banks of the River Taff, the sound of the bell was heard by a cleric, who rejoiced and went out to meet the horse that led the way, and carried the small bell to the gate of the church of Illtyd. When he brought it there, he carefully removed it from the horse’s neck, and it fell upon a stone; from that fall a part of it was broken, which remains visible to this day in memory of the notable miracle. Then glorious psalmody was sung in the choir, and there was great rejoicing over this sign.

³ Each of the many canons received a horse, but a dispute arose over which was the best: one said, “It is mine,” another protested, “I will not allow such a choice,” and a third declared, “You shall not thus carry out your own will at your own pleasure.” This contention continued unresolved until the following day and nearly led to bloodshed. On the second day after the arrival of the herd, a cleric came forward to distribute the horses fairly and peaceably; and when he examined them, he found that they were all equal, and that none was superior to another. Thus the distribution was made in harmony, and the clergy were pleased with the peaceful outcome of the matter. In this manner, for love of Illtyd, God restored the stolen bell and all the plunder to his most holy church.

Chapter 26: Of the victory of the clergy of Saint Illtyd over the outlaws, and at the castle of Meirchion #

¹ When William reigned over Britain, and Robert Fitzhammon ruled over Glamorgan, the Northern Britons began fiercely to resist the king, and afterwards the Southern Britons, by a common and firm confederacy, laid waste and burned towns and castles. The enemy came out of the woods to attack the English and Norman settlers, ravaged the land, and then returned to their distant mountains and forests with vast plunder. Meanwhile, an army was raised among the Welsh, numbering about three thousand armed horsemen and foot soldiers, with the intention of devastating and burning Glamorgan. When this hostile incursion became known, the clergy of Illtyd and their parishioners fortified themselves with a hedge and a ditch, solidly constructed along the seashore; thus protected, they sought to secure their possessions by this defence. When this had been done, the enemy rashly came before the gate by night, for had they come by day they would have gained the victory. A battle was therefore fought at night between the two sides, until several fell dead from stones being hurled and lances thrust, and many others, wounded, lamented together as they cried out amid the struggle.

² While these events were unfolding, dense sparks frequently appeared in the air between the church of Saint Illtyd and the castle of King Meirchion, near the place where the fighting was taking place. They shone brightly like lightning, and angelic signs were seen, giving protection to the catholic people. The more fiercely the armies confronted one another, the more intensely did the fiery signs blaze in the sky. Because the refuge of God and of Illtyd had been violated, three thousand men were put to flight before the castle by a far smaller force. Unarmed women supplied weapons to the fighters, weak boys were busily employed within, shields were shattered by stones hurled against them, and dreadful cries rang out from the enemy; few escaped without bloodied faces. For divine power was present there, when a small number within routed and overcame three thousand. The way to victory might have been easy, but brave Illtyd did not allow such a triumph; had they fought by daylight, they would easily have prevailed, but the supreme Light, the true Light, did not permit this. Where malice remains, there is neither strength nor virtue; this was plainly shown when the northern host was driven into flight. The end.