CatholicaMetrical Prologue to Gozbert #
1 “Since the world is turned about by flitting through empty space,
just as the Ocean circles these earthly realms,
while with human zeal poets are raised above the stars,
as Virgil, adorned, through the wars of the Laurentes,
by merit of his outstanding genius won triumph through the ages,
and Homer too, scrutinizing the Argive fiction,
judged that by such labor he had seized the ethereal realm:
setting aside fictions and maintaining a cautious style,
why should I not venerate true patrons,
who, relying on just action, overcame the evil one,
and by upright deeds trampled Tartarean threats,
despised in worldly affairs yet magnified by merits?
Among these Saint Gallus, venerable to the world,
grasped truth from the very beginning of his life,
turning many by his example toward the ramparts of life”:
Thereafter he shone forth in the world with illustrious signs,
so many and so wondrous that scarcely can the tongue utter them,
nor can the whole mind grasp them by thought or pledge.
Countless multitudes of peoples were rightly converted.
Having obtained wondrous signs, with Christ the King granting them.
The crooked hand rejoices to stretch forth full sinews,
while the tuneful people praise the King of saints;
indeed, a crowd of those drawn together leaps forth,
and feeble steps are tested by a gathering of children.
And I think that I can never transcribe with the pen
how many mouths there had their tongue newly restored,
and what miracles are worked in all the limbs;
but I ask you, whoever you are who desire to fix these deeds in mind,
as they are narrated, with Christ the King granting it,
that with me you may beg the Lord in abundant prayers,
who in the vast world granted such things to the earthborn,
so that, with foul black sin driven far away from me,
in the praise of Christ, with the radiance of a gladdened heart,
I may deserve to recount with a soaring pen the deeds of the saint.”
Here Begins the First Book on the Life and Virtues of the Blessed Confessor Gallus #
1 There was a man distinguished by nobility and even more resplendent in good conduct, whom paternal tradition has handed down to us under the name Gallus. Passing the first flower of his youth on the island of Hibernia, since from early childhood he had clung to God and devoted himself to the studies of the liberal arts, he was, at the prompting of his parents, commended to the venerable man Columbanus. Holding the rule of life by the examples of the Fathers and setting before all the pattern of humility, he opportunely imparted mellifluous teaching to those living with him. Among these the same boy excelled in humility and zeal, following his master in divine studies, already spurning the transitory things of the world and everywhere showing the brethren the entrance to the eternal kingdom. Indeed, with Christ favorable, when he came to maturity, at the exhortations of the spiritual brethren and with the same father urging him on, though humbly shrinking back, yet obedient to Christ’s example, he entered the grade of the priesthood. In this he abounded in progress, since he burned with continual sacrifice to Christ; and even in these beginnings clear miracles are reported.
2 Accordingly, when the Ruler of the world from the far regions of the earth had resolved that the light should shine upon our lands, the same man, despising earthly things and seeking heavenly ones, with the same brethren—who were a chosen band of the Scottish people—having left all their possessions behind, followed Christ, forgetful of father and mother and kin and of their various holdings, that he might deserve to obtain a hundredfold reward in the heavens. Thus, when the reckoning had begun, they left the Hibernian harbor, and with favorable winds following, they reached the British bays. Having traversed these, at last they entered the longed-for fields of Gaul, where at that time the governance of the kingdom of Sigibert held various peoples in subjection; and immediately, trusting in the love of Christ, they approached his royal court. He received them kindly and ordered that all suitable things be diligently prepared for them. He began also to inquire into the cause of their journey and to delight his mind in their mellifluous teachings. When these matters had been set forth in order and the customary kindness toward pilgrims had been carefully fulfilled, they are addressed with a speech of royal clemency. There they are asked about the order of their origin and way of life; when this was learned, a royal request came to them, that within the borders of Gaul they should choose a place for their manner of life and no longer weary themselves with the length of travel, since royal clemency would henceforth comply with their will in all things. The man of God therefore replied: “All that I had I have left for the name of the Lord, and if now I desire the riches of others, perhaps I am found a transgressor of the Gospel, for whose desire I have fought until now; for it does not befit us to pant after the gains of this fleeting life, but with the whole affection of the mind to long for the command of Christ, in which he says: ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me’ [Matthew 16:24]. How then do we deny ourselves, if we do not loosen our outward goods for Christ, or how do we take up his cross, if by seeking earthly care we gape after it?” To one objecting such things a royal reply met him: “If in following Christ you desire to take up his cross, choose the hidden places of the wilderness, in which you may both provide for the increase of your reward and suitably look to our salvation, only that, leaving our dominion, you do not pass over to other peoples.” The king’s request therefore prevailed, and that band of brethren chose the hidden places of the wilderness. When this had been decided, they entered the wilderness which common opinion calls the Vosges, searching out a place suitable for the dwellings of the servants of God. At length they found an ancient habitation in ruins, delighting the spirits by the warmth of flowing waters, which ancient structures of walls surrounded, and the inhabitants of that region called it Luxovium. There the brotherly band built for themselves an oratory in honor of Saint Peter, prince of the apostolic summit, and workshops suitable for habitation. Accordingly, when they had dwelt there for some time and had prepared what was fitting for cenobitic life, many of the Burgundian people and also of the Franks came to them because of their desire for the eternal kingdom, and there in wondrous fashion the origin of the regular life grew.
3 When the wavering world was being abandoned by a multitude of nobles—praise be to Christ—their reputation had grown everywhere throughout the regions of Gaul and Germany. For the maturity of their life did not escape King Theuderic either, who often came to them and sought the support of their prayers. To him the holy man Columbanus devoted his honey-sweet teaching and also vehemently reproved him for the concubines to whom he clung without restraint, urging him rather to make use of lawful marriage, so that the hope of the kingdom might not be undermined by his heedlessness, but be preserved for the benefit of the people in time to come. Therefore he did many things according to his admonitions, but at the instigation of the enemy of the human race, Brunhild, his grandmother, rejected the wholesome counsel of the man of God in the matter of abandoning prostitution. For just as Jezebel lost the kingdom of Ahab, so this woman deceived that king, turning him away from lawful marriage and condemning his life to brothels. Because of fear for her own honor and dignity in the royal palace, should a lawful wife dwell under the noble scepter, envy against the man of God increased to such a degree that the same daughter of the devil obtained from the king that the man of God should no longer dwell under the authority of his rule. Indeed, an embassy was even sent, ordering that he be expelled from the kingdom. He, however, departing from there, as is read in his deeds, came to King Chlothar; and when he had been kindly received by him and had instructed him by divine teaching, he requested that, supported by companions, he might come to King Theudebert of the Austrasians. At length the petition of the man of God was granted, and together with all those suited to him he was sent to the king of the Austrasians, by whom he was received with great joy, and there, instructing him divinely, he remained for not a few days. Then he sought a route and passage through Upper Germany into Italy, where at that same time Agilulf was reigning; but the same king begged the man of God to remain in his kingdom, promising to find pleasant and suitable places for the servants of God, in which, if he should begin to dwell, the profit of souls might be brought forth from there. In these promises the man of God held a balanced judgment, saying that he wished to comply with his request, yet firmly holding that he was in no way willing to abandon the journey he had resolved upon.
4 Accordingly, an option was given him by the king, if he should find somewhere a suitable place. In this search they came to the river Lindimacus, which, following its course, they reached a fort called Turegum. From there they came to a settlement commonly called Tucinia, which is situated at the head of the same Lake of Turegum. The place pleased them, but the depraved conduct of the inhabitants displeased them. Cruelty and malice reigned among them; for they were also devoted to the superstition of the pagans. Therefore, when the servants of God began to dwell among them, they taught them to adore the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. For Gallus—upon whose miracles, with Christ favorable, we fix our work—following the man of God Columbanus from the beginning of his conversion, as has already been said, and sharing in his labors, began there to burn the shrines of the pagans and to plunge into the lake the things consecrated to demons. When therefore they saw their shrines burned, they took up the weapons of envy against them, which so seized their hearts that, after taking counsel, they wished to kill the man of God Gallus and to drive Columbanus from their borders with insults. But Saint Columbanus, hearing these things, prayed: “O God, ruler of the heavens, in whose judgment the whole world runs its course, make this generation a reproach, that what they wickedly devise against your servants they may feel upon their own heads. Let their offspring be for destruction; and when they reach middle age, let stupor and madness seize them, so that, oppressed by another’s debt, they may recognize their shame when converted, and let the prophecy of the psalmist be fulfilled in them, saying: ‘His sorrow shall be turned upon his own head, and his iniquity shall descend upon his crown’” [Psalm 7:17].
5 After these things, therefore, withdrawing, he fulfilled the apostolic precept, in which it says: “Give place to wrath” [Romans 12:19], and with his disciples hastening to the praise of Christ he came to the fortress of Arbon, where they found a certain priest named Willimar. When he saw them, he is said to have exclaimed for joy: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; the Lord is God, and he has shone upon us” [Psalm 118:26–27]; and a reply is reported to have met him: “From the regions the Lord has gathered us” [Psalm 107:3]. He immediately, taking hold of his hand, led them to prayer. For when they had prayed together and entered the house and reclined at the banquet of spiritual joy, the chosen one of God, Gallus, is said, at the command of his master, to have recited the divine words and to have stirred the minds of the hearers to the love of the heavenly fatherland; at which the same priest who heard him was astonished, moistening his face with tears. Thus they were there for the praise of Christ, joyful for seven days in divine conferences. When these were completed, they learned from the same priest that a certain city lay in ruins near those places, called Pergentia, whose richness of land nearness to the sea could have become an opportunity for the servants of God. When this was heard, they desired it with their whole heart.
6 For the man of God Columbanus, together with Gallus, his most fitting disciple, and another deacon, boarded a ship and went to the city for the sake of exploration. Accordingly, the brotherly band prepared dwellings for themselves there and zealously implored Christ for that place. Now the superstitious pagan population there worshiped three bronze and gilded images, to which, rather than to the Creator of the world, it believed vows should be paid. Indeed, out of a desire to destroy their superstition, the man of God Columbanus ordered Gallus to deliver a sermon to the people, because he excelled among the others in elegance of Latin and also in the language of that people; for an assembly of the populace had been made for the customary festival of the temple, more struck by the spectacle of the newcomers than devoted by reverence for divine worship. When they had been gathered, the chosen one of God, Gallus, watered their hearts with honey-sweet words, urging them to be converted to their Creator, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who for the human race grown cold amid filth opened again the entrance to the heavenly kingdom. Then, in the sight of all, he broke the images with stones after they had been taken down and cast them into the depths of the sea. Then part of the people believed, confessing their sins, while another part, angered and indignant, departed in fury. Moreover, the man of God Columbanus blessed water, and by sanctifying the defiled places restored the former honor of the church of Saint Aurelia. And there that outstanding athlete of Christ remained with his attendants and disciples for three years. These, after the manner of a very small mother bee, exercised their skill in various crafts, among whom the chosen one of God, Gallus, laying snares for the scaly flock, often gladdened the brethren, Christ granting it, when he diligently provided fitting things for them.
7 As the course of time then rolled on, the chosen one of God, Gallus, was loosening his nets in the water in the silence of the night; but meanwhile he heard a demon from the summit of the mountain calling out to his counterpart, who was in the depths of the sea. When the latter replied, “I am here,” the mountain demon in turn said: “Rise to help me! Look, strangers have come who have cast me out of the temple. For they were crushing the gods whom these inhabitants worshiped, and moreover they were converting them to themselves. Come, come, help us to drive them from these lands!” The marine demon replied: “See, one of them is in the sea, whom I can never harm. For I wished to damage his nets, but I was defeated and bewail my loss. He is always enclosed by the sign of prayer and is never overcome by sleep.” But the chosen one, Gallus, hearing these things, fortified himself on all sides with the sign of the cross and said to them: “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to withdraw from these places and not presume to harm anyone here.” And hastening back to the shore, he reported to his abbot what he had heard. When the man of God Columbanus heard this, he summoned the brothers into the church, touching the customary signal. O wondrous madness of the devil! The phantom voice forestalled the voices of the servants of God, while wailing and the howling of a dreadful cry was heard through the heights. Thus the envy of the demon departed in pain, when the prayer of the brothers ascended in supplication to the Lord. Christ, worthy to be praised, was then praised more and more, since he deigned to drive away from them the terror of demons.
8 But those who had despised their preaching attempted to afflict them because of the destruction of their gods. Indeed, they went to Duke Cunzo of those regions, bringing lying accusations with a spirit joined in deception, and saying that because of those strangers the public hunts in those places had been laid waste. He is said to have sent a messenger to them, by whom they were ordered to depart. Moreover, so that injury might be added to injury against the servants of God, their cow was stolen and led into the hidden parts of the wilderness. Two brothers, setting out to search for it, came as far as the thieves themselves; there theft was then joined to murder, when the servants of Christ were killed by them and their booty plundered. After the crime had been committed, they were long sought in the solitude; yet at length, when they were found lifeless, they were lamentably brought back to the cell. Then Saint Columbanus, compelled by the persistence of those driving them out and struck with sorrow at the funerals of the brothers, said to the brethren: “We have found here a golden bowl, but one full of serpents. Yet do not be sorrowful; for God, whom we serve, will send his angel, who will lead us to the king of Italy and will make him favorable, so that he may grant us a peaceful place.”
9 From this journey the affliction of fevers held back the athlete of Christ, the chosen one of God, Gallus. For at the very moment of departure, prostrate at the feet of his abbot, he confessed that, compelled by illness, he was unable to proceed. But the holy man, under the pretext of keeping him with him, said with cheerfulness of spirit: “If you do not wish to be a sharer in my labors, you shall not celebrate Mass during my lifetime.” Thus he was then left by his own decision, he who had long been trained under the guidance of others. We believe that this was done by divine providence, so that the chosen one of God, Gallus, might be preserved for that people to everlasting gain. After this separation had been accomplished, the same host, the priest Willimar, was visited by the servant of God Gallus together with the nets and the boat. There the anxiety of grief was renewed, when the order of separation was examined; amid these things, sustenance for hospitality and relief for infirmity were requested there. When these were received with joy and fulfilled with zeal of piety, two clerics, Maginold and Theodorus, were ordered to take care of him and to minister to him in places near the church. When these duties had been diligently carried out, with Christ favorable he was restored to health for greater exertion.
10 After this, a certain deacon named Hiltibod, a faithful companion of the same priest, who before others was acquainted with that wilderness, was approached by the chosen one of God Gallus with these words: “Son, have you ever found in the hidden places of this wilderness a suitable site for building an oratory and a fitting dwelling? My soul has longed with longing to remain in solitude during my days, as the psalmist admonishes us, saying: ‘Look, I fled far away and remained in solitude; I waited for him who would save me’ [Psalm 54(55):7–9].” The deacon answering said to him: “My father, this wilderness is rough and full of waters, having high mountains and narrow valleys and various beasts—many bears and packs of wolves and wild boars. I fear that if I lead you there, they may perhaps rush upon you.” But the man of God replied: “If God is for us, who is against us? [Romans 8:31]. He who delivered Daniel from the den of lions is able also to deliver me from the hand of beasts” [Daniel 6]. Seeing the constancy of him, the same Levite said: “Tomorrow let us penetrate the secrets of the forests, to see whether we may find a suitable place. For I trust in the mercy of our Creator, that he may deign to direct for us a guide as he did for Tobias” [Tobit 5]. Therefore, according to his custom, the man of God persevered that day in prayer without taking food.
11 Therefore, when morning had come, they took to the road with prayer. When indeed three times three hours of the day had been completed, the Levite asked whether the man of God wished to take refreshment. From him he heard that he would not taste anything before a place were shown to him for dwelling, with Christ being propitious. Therefore their limbs, now weary, are urged on, and at last they come to a little river called Petrosa. There, then, the rest of night is indicated, since a crowd of a scaly flock is seen. For they arrive at the course of the little river from the mountain, where its channel is hollowed in the rock; the net that had been brought is cast in, and not a few little fish are caught. Fire is struck from flint by the Levite, and refreshment is prepared. Meanwhile the man of God, seeking his customary prayer, falls into a thorn bush, striking his foot; when the deacon, striving to lift him up, heard: “Leave me! This is my rest for ever and ever; here will I dwell, for I have chosen it” [Ps 131(132):14]. And when he had risen from prayer, he made from a staff of hazel a cross, on which he hung a little casket in which were the relics of the holy virgin and martyr and of Saint Desiderius and of the kindly duke Maurice; where anew the prayers of both are renewed. Indeed the man of God, as a suppliant, said: “Lord Jesus Christ, creator of the world, who by the trophy of the cross have come to the aid of the human race, grant that in honor of your chosen ones this place may be habitable for your praise.” Prayer is prolonged until sunset, and food is taken with thanksgiving. For when they had given their limbs to rest, and the man of God had silently exercised himself in prayers while rising before the same casket, his companion was secretly keeping watch. Meanwhile a bear came down from the mountain and snatched away fragments; to which Gallus, chosen of God, said: “Beast, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ I command you: take a piece of wood and throw it into the fire.” But he at once returned, brought a very strong piece of wood, and placed it on the fire. As a reward for the work, bread is offered to him by the man of God, yet in this manner also he is commanded: “In the name of my Lord Jesus Christ depart from this valley. Let the mountains and hills be common to you, and yet here do not harm cattle or men.” When these things were observed, his companion, rising and casting himself upon his knees, said: “Now I know that the Lord is with you, because the beasts of the wilderness obey you.” Who immediately heard: “Beware lest you tell this to anyone, until you see the glory of God.”
12 But when morning had come, the deacon said to him: “Father, what do you wish that we do today?” But he said: “I beg you, son, do not be angered at my words; let us remain here still this day. Take the nets and go to the pool; I will come after you quickly. Perhaps the Lord will show us his customary mercy, so that we may have something to offer to our guest for the blessing of this place.” To whom the Levite said: “What you say is pleasing,” and immediately he arose and went to the pool. There, when he strove to loosen the net, there appeared to him two demons in the form of women, standing naked on the shore as if wishing to enter a bath, and displaying to him the shamefulness of their bodies, moreover also casting stones against him, saying: “You have brought this man into this wilderness, an unjust and envious man, who always prevails over us in evils.” Having heard these things at close range, he returns, and what had happened is reported to the man of God. When this was heard, the prayer of both is poured forth to Christ. For the saint said: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, do not consider my merits; but command these demons to depart from this place, so that it may be sanctified in honor of your name.” And when they had raised themselves from prayer and had come to the pool, the demons were turned to flight along the course of the river as far as the summit of the mountain. But the man of God said: “Phantasms, I command you through the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, that you depart from this place into the deserts and no longer enter here.” Then indeed, casting in the net, they took scaly flocks; where again the deceit of the ancient enemy is renewed. While they were still drawing the fish to themselves, they heard voices as if of two women weeping over their dead from the summit of the mountain, who uttered these words: “What shall we do or where shall we go? It is not permitted to us because of this [pilgrim] to dwell either among men or in the wildernesses.” Afterwards, however, on three occasions the deacon himself, when he had labored with desire of catching hawks, heard from the mountain which is called Himilinbere demons crying out and asking whether Gallus were still in the wilderness or had departed.
13 After this, they surveyed the valley and the mountain, and saw between two streams a forest and a level plain that was desirable, and a place pleasing for building a cell. After the example of Saint Jacob, foreknowing the future habitation, Gallus, the chosen of God, said: “Truly the Lord is in this place” [Gen 28:16]. There and then a miracle was also renewed: whereas a multitude of serpents had swarmed there, from that day it no longer appeared.
14 The Creator of the angelic host is more and more adored, and thanksgivings are rendered to him. For a conversation was held among them about departing from the wilderness; but the Levite begged the man of God to go out, and a delay until the third day was requested of him. This his companion took hard when repeating that he would not dare to see the face of their host without his presence; but the word of the man of God prevailed, and the Levite went back. The saint therefore then exercised himself and for these three days abstained without bodily sustenance. On the fourth day, therefore, he went forth. And the priest of Arbon was visited by him with thanksgiving, by whom he was received with joy, and every courtesy was prepared for him. They rendered praise to Christ and sat down for refreshment; where, among other kinds of joy, the Levite said: “If the bear were present, perhaps Gallus would have extended a blessing to him.” When therefore the origin of the remark was inquired into by the priest, it was recounted by the Levite how it had happened. From then on he was regarded by them as one of the ancient fathers; for his life was harsh and consumed by excessive austerity. While they were there, a messenger came at the same time to Willimar the presbyter, saying that Gaudentius, bishop of the city of Constance, had departed this life; for whose rest both labored in prayer.
15 After these things, on the seventh day a letter was sent to the same priest, in which it was contained that he should be present with the man of God for more than twelve nights with Duke Cunzo in the villa called Iburninga. This was done for this reason: because his only daughter Fridiburga was despaired of, whom, an unclean spirit having entered, was tormenting with passions incredible to anyone. She took scant food, rolling on the ground she foamed, nor could she be restrained except by four people. This kind of demon was mute until the thirtieth day; thereafter it began to speak. For she herself had been betrothed to Sigibert, son of Theuderic. Her father made these things known to him through messengers with haste; for whose assistance two eminent bishops were sent. Therefore Willimar, wishing to come to the appointed meeting, urged the man of God to go with him. From him he received such an answer: “This journey is not mine, but yours. You go on, father! What have I to do with the prince of this world? But I shall return to my cell.” “Let it by no means be so; but go with me for the consolation of the judge’s sorrow, and lest perhaps unwillingly you be led to him.” But the resolve of him who fled worldly honor prevailed. Hastening, he revisited his cell, namely in order to hide himself more fully from human inquiry. In the morning he told the brethren that no one should show a certain place for seeking him; but if they were pressed too insistently, they should testify that a letter of his abbot Columbanus had come to him, that he should come to Italy to him more quickly. He committed himself with two pupils to the hidden places of the wilderness. Therefore, having crossed the Alps, he came into the forest called Sennius, where there was also nearby the village of Quaradaves. In it they found a deacon named John, serving the Lord in justice and fear. He led them into his house and also ministered to them for seven days as if to distant pilgrims, while they pretended to be from afar.
16 When the priest learned of the withdrawal of the man of God, he traveled to the duke and recounted the outcome of the flight. To him the duke said: “Quickly send an embassy for him and persuade him to come to me. For if through him God shall free my daughter, I will enrich him with gifts and give him the bishopric of the city of Constance.” In this endeavor the presbyter returned. Therefore, when the bishops sent by royal authority arrived, great sorrow was borne by the parents. Yet they presented royal gifts to the girl; but she, shaking herself violently, snatched a sword from the one holding her and sought to kill them. And from her the demon spoke to one of them: “You promised the king that you would cast me out of this vessel. Why did you not bring your daughter, whom you made a holy nun?” To the other also he said: “And you have fornicated with three чуж women.” “By your authority I shall never go out. But there is a man named Gallus, who cast me out of Tuccinia, where I dwelt for a long time, and destroyed all my dwellings there, and again found me in Pergentia and likewise cast me out from there—whom this duke expelled from that place; in revenge for which I entered this girl. Unless he himself comes, I shall not go out from here.” But one of the bishops struck her a blow, saying: “Be silent, Satan!” But hearing Gallus named, he supposed a colt was meant; yet he did not cease from outrage against the royal envoys, as the babbling of words rose up. They remained there three days and returned to the palace, and likewise recounted the order of the matter to the king.
17 But the presbyter, fulfilling the command, finding the man of God reading in a cave, spoke words of consolation to him: “Do not fear, father, to come to the duke, for he swore an oath to me that he would do you no harm, but only that by praying you should place your hand upon the head of the girl. For if Christ shall help her through you, he will give you the see of Constance.” While they were still speaking, look, the deacon John was present, who offered him for a blessing unleavened bread and a small flask of wine or oil and butter with honey and roasted fish. Thanks are given to Christ and the meal is begun. Therefore the man of God promised that he would set out on the next day, to whom the same Levite wished to bring his mule with a saddlecloth for the purpose of carrying him. But he, as was his custom, fleeing all display, affirmed that it was necessary for him to visit the brothers in his cell and thus come as quickly as possible to the fortress; yet the priest bound him by oath according to their agreement. John returned with a blessing, and the man of God entered his cell by the way he had come. There, when the space of the night had passed, he went to the fortress with two pupils, where he also found another messenger sent by the duke together with the priest. He compelled them to hasten, saying that the girl had now been without food for three days. They embarked on a boat, and in that night they came to the duke.
18 When morning had come, the duke entered the chamber with them, where the mother was holding her daughter with closed eyes as though dead. From whose mouth there came forth as it were a sulfurous odor, and a great multitude of household members was present, awaiting what would happen. The saint therefore cast himself into prayer and with tears said: “Lord Jesus Christ, who coming into this world did deign to be born of a virgin, and who commanded the winds and the sea and ordered Satan to go back, and also through your passion redeemed the human race, command this most unclean spirit to go out from this girl.” And when he had risen from prayer, grasping her right hand he lifted her up; for the unclean spirit was tearing her. But he, placing his hand upon her head, said: “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ, unclean spirit, that you go out and depart from this creature of God.” When he had said these things, she opened her eyes and looked at him, and the unclean spirit spoke to him: “Are you Gallus, who previously cast me out? But I entered here because my father with your companions drove you out. If you now cast me out, where shall I go?” The man of God replied: “Where the Lord has assigned you, into the abyss.” For immediately, before their eyes, there went out from her mouth something like a most foul, black, and horrible bird. At once the girl, made whole, rose up, and the man of God restored her to her mother.
19 The father indeed rejoiced with his friends and offered him gifts conveyed to him for the girl by royal authority. For he handed over to him the same bishopric, which the man of God refused with these words: “While my master Columbanus lives, I will not celebrate the Mass. If therefore you wish to raise me to this, allow my letters to come to my master; and if I am released by him, you will find me obedient to you.” To whom the duke said: “Let it be,” he said, “according to your word.” The chosen of God returned with the gifts with which he was honored. Yet the duke gave orders to the tribune of Arbon that he should assist him in the building of the cell together with all the people of that district. The man of God entered the fortress of Arbon, and a multitude of poor and needy gathered, to whom the gifts given by the duke were wholly distributed. But Maginaldus, his attendant, wishing to keep back one silver vessel of great value because of the needs of priestly ministry, asked the master about this and heard the example of the keybearer of heaven: “Silver and gold I do not have” [Acts 3:6]. … [text lost] … After these things had been done, he returned to his beloved solitude and in wondrous fashion exercised himself in the service of the heavenly King.
20 Then indeed a letter is sent by the man of God to the deacon John, in which he is commanded to come to him as quickly as possible. Reading it again and wishing to fulfill the command, he set out with companions and hastening came to his cell, where he was honorably received by the hand of brotherhood. And when he had been kindly received by the man of God, inquiring about the success of the journey, he heard from him of the honor of the prince’s reception. There was therefore added also the account of the girl’s deliverance and of the gifts given, and also of the offer of the bishopric. “Which,” said the man of God, “I did not wish before the command of my abbot; but you, son, capable of my counsel, begin with me to give heed to the divine law, which, gathering in the secrets of your heart, you will perhaps be a help to many.” Hearing this, the Levite cast himself upon his knees, giving thanks, and quickly sent away his companions and entrusted himself to his mastery, with whom he approached the fountain of the mother of philosophy, as he carefully gathered knowledge of the divine law. Nor was the result unlike that of the evangelical scribe, when he brought forth old things and new from his heart.
21 But King Sigibert, when he heard that health had been restored to the girl, ordered her father to send her to him. He led her with all retinue as far as the Rhine and from there sent her with companions in great honor to the king. She, being received with rejoicing, was questioned about the recovery of her health, which the prelates of the royal court had been unable to confer. She replied that there was there a Scot named Gallus in the wilderness, through whom virtues were worked by the Lord: “This man,” she said, “when your handmaid was already at the point of death, came at my father’s request and, placing his hand upon me, fortified me with the sign of the cross and also commanded the demon to depart. When he obeyed this command, before the eyes of those who were with me in the house, there went out from my mouth something like a black and horrible raven. Thereafter I received the body of the Lord unharmed.” When these things were said, she fell at the king’s feet, saying: “This alone have I obtained, most merciful king: permit that by your favor help may come to that man of God on my behalf.” The king then questioned her, saying: “In what wilderness is his dwelling?” The girl said: “In the forest adjoining the district of Arbon, which lies between the lake and the Alps.” Then the king ordered a letter of confirmation to be written, so that by royal authority the man of God might thereafter possess his cell. This was sent to the man of God together with two pounds of gold and two talents of silver, borne by envoys who came humbly and commended the royal dignity more fully to his prayers. To Duke Cunzo, therefore, the king gave orders that he should assist the man of God in the building of the cell with a multitude of people.
22 Therefore the king made a wedding banquet, a considerable crowd of princes having been invited. And when he ordered the virgin to be brought into the house, she threw herself down, saying to the king: “My lord king, your handmaid is still afflicted because of illness of the body; moreover, the condition of my limbs is weak. Allow me still seven days, until I recover my strength.” To her the king said: “Let it be,” he said, “according to your will.” The king entered the palace; she returned to her chamber. During the banquet, therefore, many were astonished because the queen was not present at the king’s side. For she was concealing the resolve of her mind until the seventh day. When it dawned, she entered the church of the martyr Stephen, the doors having been closed behind her; where she stripped herself of royal garments and was clothed in those of a nun. Indeed she grasped the horn of the altar and prayed with these words: “Saint Stephen, who poured out your blood for Christ, be today an intercessor for me, unworthy though I am, that the heart of the king may be turned according to my will, and that this veil not be taken from my head.” When the men who had followed her saw this, they returned in haste and reported it to the king. He, summoning priests and princes, sought counsel about the matter; among whom Cyprian, bishop of Arles, said: “This girl, when she was afflicted by demons, bound herself by a vow not to turn away from holiness. Beware lest you draw her away from it and, she suffering worse things than before, you fall into sin.” The king, just and fearing God, hearing this and taking the counsel of many priests, entered the church where she was, ordered the royal garment and crown which had been prepared for her to be brought, and said to her: “Come to me.” She, thinking that she was to be drawn away from the church, clung more tightly to the horn of the altar. To her the king said more cheerfully: “Do not fear to come to me! All things today shall be done according to your will.” Then she, placing her head upon the altar, said: “See the handmaid of Christ; let it be done to me according to his will” [Luke 1:38]. Whom King Sigibert ordered the priests to remove and lead to him, and he commanded that she be clothed in royal garments with veil and crown, and with these words he commended her to the Lord: “As you were prepared for me with ornaments, so I give you as a bride to my Lord Jesus Christ.” And taking her right hand he placed it upon the altar, because of which he is said to have gone out weeping. But he ordered her to come after him and made her recline with him in the palace; he honored her with many gifts, and entrusted to her a monastery of maidens built in honor of Saint Peter in the city of Metz, where these things were done. All these things, however, which the girl did, were done by the counsel of the man of God Gallus, who, with the Lord’s help, had freed her from demons.
23 Therefore John, the same pupil of the man of God, persevered with him and learned wisdom in many ways: interpretations of the divine books and the works of the hands customarily practiced by the man of God. He was held there as a disciple in many disciplines, since Christ was working in him the gift of his grace, so that whatever he saw or heard, he immediately grasped in his heart. There he remained for three years, growing in gentleness and humility in the Lord.
24 Then the same duke Cunzo sent in turn a letter to the man of God, that he should come to Constance, so that he might choose for him a worthy bishop. And he summoned the bishop of Augsburg with clergy and people, and likewise he summoned the bishop of Speyer for the sake of the election, and fully called together from all Upper Germany priests and deacons, clerics and laymen, to the same city, so that a worthy bishop might be chosen. With the duke himself acting as mediator together with the princes of the Suebi, a synod was prolonged for three days, with an innumerable multitude of people. The man of God took John and Maginald with him and set out for the city. And when he had entered the council, the duke anticipated him, saying: “May God, who willed to be incarnate through holy Mary, in whose honor this church is dedicated, deign to pour out the Holy Spirit upon us and give us a bishop to rule the people and govern his Church.” And he asked the bishops that, according to their canons, they should choose whom they wished. When the whole clergy had gathered together, with the people crying out together with them: “Because this Gaul is a man of God, having a good reputation throughout this whole region, instructed in the Scriptures and full of wisdom, just and chaste in body, gentle and humble, a giver of alms, continent and patient, a father of orphans and widows [Ps 68:5], such a one it befits to have as bishop.” But the duke said to him: “Do you hear what these people are saying?” To whom the man of God replied: “They have spoken well; would that it were true! Those who say this do not understand that, by canonical authority, a foreign bishop ought not to be ordained. For here is with me John the deacon from your own people, who is endowed with this testimony in all things, Christ being favorable, upon whom it is fitting that the burden of governance be aptly laid.”
25 Therefore he was quickly called into the midst of the synod, and the duke asked him from what lineage he was. When he replied that he had the origin of his parents in Raetia, the duke said to him: “Is there in you the will to undertake the governance of the Church?” To this the elect of God, Gallus, put himself forward in replying, praising the maturity of his life. While these and many other things were being discussed with the man of God for his election, he humbly withdrew himself and fled outside the city to the church of Saint Stephen. A crowd of priests and people followed him, and unwilling and weeping he was brought back. The voice of the multitude was raised, and John was chosen as bishop, with the people in agreement. After the election had been carried out, he was consecrated by the same bishops; and immediately all urged him to celebrate the solemnities of the Masses, and urged the man of God to instruct the people with his sweet-sounding teachings. He, eager to irrigate hearts with the divine fountain, taking his disciple by the hand, went up to a higher place, and, with the bishop interpreting the words of his teacher, they examined the origin of the structure of heaven and earth and the expulsion of the first earth-born man, together with exhortations to seek the heavenly inheritance. For the continence of Noah and the faith of Abraham, with the examples of the patriarchs and also the Mosaic signs, were recounted, those legal deeds being reduced by all to the healing of souls. The strength of kings was compared to the strongest athletes of Christian training, who wage unceasing war together with the virtues against vices. The vision of the prophets was wholly turned by them to the correction of morals and to the stability of right faith; and, with the mysteries of the Old Testament having been passed through, at last they came gently to the new joy of Christ, where so much the more subtly matters were discussed, as there healthier things are found. Therefore, with the evangelical miracles and the sacraments of the Passion and Resurrection having been recited, it is said that the listeners who were present there bathed their faces with tears on account of heavenly desire; and thus, joyful from divine compunction, they returned to their own homes. Therefore the elect of God, Gallus, remaining with his disciple for seven days, poured into him, as it were, the seeds of divine consolation all the more abundantly, the more he perceived him to be more bound in undertaking divine examples. And now, having received the blessing of his bishop, he revisited the known retreats of the wilderness; the bishop accompanied him with attendants and, among other acts of kindness, ordered his agents together with the people to strive eagerly at the building of a cell for him.
26 Then indeed the holy man, relying on consolation, began an oratory and a workshop suitable for the brothers. Therefore he was content with only twelve companions living with him, for whom it was in every way unworthy to deviate in anything from the path of the Rule. For on a certain Sunday, when the morning prayers had been finished and they had returned for the sake of resting, at the first light of day the man of God called the deacon Maginald, saying: “Rise quickly and prepare for me to celebrate Mass.” He replied: “What is this, lord? Will you yourself celebrate Mass?” To whom he said: “After the night office of this neart,” he said, “it has been revealed to me that my teacher Columbanus has departed; for whose repose I shall offer the sacrifice.” Immediately the signal is struck; and when the brothers were gathered together, prayer was multiplied, while Masses were celebrated for the soul of Columbanus. When these things were completed, the man of God said to the same deacon: “Son, do not find it burdensome. Hastening to Italy, visit there the monastery called Bobbio. There, carefully investigating those things which were done concerning my abbot, note the day and hour, and report back to me without delay.” At this command the levite was astonished and said that he did not know the way. But the chosen one of God said: “Go, brother, do not fear; the Lord will direct your steps” [Ps 36(37):23]. A blessing is sought and the road is quickly taken. With the heavenly guide helping him, he at last came to the monastery of Bobbio, where according to the revelation of the master he found all things, and he stayed one night among those brothers. They sent to the chosen one of God, Gallus, a letter full of the deeds of Saint Columbanus and his staff, saying: “While still living, our teacher commanded us that by this staff Gallus should be absolved.” Indeed, with Christ favorable, returning on the eighth day, he presented the letter and the staff to him. Therefore, when these matters had been read, divine mercy was more earnestly implored for the repose of Columbanus, while in common the solemnities of Masses and the sweetness of psalmody resounded.
27 Now it happened one day, while he was working with the brothers and the people in the oratory, that a single plank cut from the wall appeared shorter than the others by four palms, which the carpenters thought should be thrown away. But the man of God, trusting in divine help, said: “Cease for a little while from your work, refreshing your bodies with the prepared food.” For at that time a truce from labor was granted, and the commands of the chosen one of God were obeyed. Then with one accord they entered the house, and likewise received food with a blessing. Therefore, when the meal, God being the author, had been completed, eagerly returning for the sake of the work, they found the same plank longer than the others by the measure of half a foot. O marvelous God in his saints! What natural growth had denied, faith bestowed upon the branch already cut off. Sweet-flowing praise was repaid to the Redeemer of the world, while the element, drawn against nature, was restored to its place.
28 Nor do I think it fitting to keep silent about what miracle the Lord Jesus afterward showed there. For those who are afflicted by a perverse humor and are shaken by pain of the teeth, from that same plank even to the present day, Christ being favorable, obtain healing, with his merits assisting, whom the Lord deigned to honor with such a sign.
29 After these things it happened that the man of God Eustasius left this wretched exile, he who had succeeded the venerable Columbanus in the governance of the monastery of Luxeuil. But the brotherly fellowship, mindful of their former manner of life, discussed the acquiring of the mastership of the chosen one of God, Gallus, and by harmonious counsel sent six brothers from among his Irish companions to him with a letter announcing the election. Guided by divine mercy, they came to his cell, and being received kindly, showed him the letter. When the order of their embassy was set forth in it, he returned to the accustomed refuge of his solitude: “I,” he said, “have left kindred and possessions for Christ; and shall I again take up the riches of the world? I had resolved, leaving my brothers and having become a stranger to the sons of my mother [Ps 68(69):8], to become a prophetic son; and now shall I become an evangelical plowman, who, looking back, is not fit for the kingdom of God?” [Lk 9:62] “Formerly, while the authority of your rule was directing me, I gladly obeyed; but now, content with this solitude, I shall pass my days without hesitation.” By these and other sweet-flowing words they were restrained, who supposed that he would be their shepherd. Meanwhile, among the various kinds of conference, he called to himself a disciple, from whom he asked what they had for refreshment. When he replied that they had only a sextarius of flour, it was quickly ordered to hasten bread and vegetables, the man of God calling to mind the miracles of Christ, by which he fed the peoples in the wilderness. But meanwhile he visited a nearby stream with nets, one of his disciples accompanying him together with the same guests. There, to the praise of Christ, a miracle is renewed, when in the depths a fish, frightened by two beasts, which are called lutrae, is seen as though a prey coveted by them. Therefore no delay is made: the net is cast, and refreshment for the servants of God is drawn from the river. In wondrous fashion its length was found to be twelve palms and its breadth four, whereas there previously only a small fish had ever been caught there. The same little beasts therefore, as though withdrawing themselves, waited, so that they might again obey the servants of God in service. The net was cast again, and with the same beasts threatening the size of the scaled ones, the net, now torn, was drawn out of the waters. Seeing this, the chosen athlete of Christ returned part of them to their native waters and ordered part to be prepared for the beloved guests, and he added: “Look,” he said, “your merits have appeared, since for your coming the miracles of Christ have shone forth.” They on the other hand declared that they were not conscious of such merit, but that the Creator of the world had prepared these things for his glory. Here humility stood as judge, when each party willingly deemed itself the lesser of the other.
30 Therefore the saint returned with his companions to the cell, to which a certain man came bringing two skins of wine and three modii of flour, meeting them on the very threshold. When these things were gathered by the grace of Christ, a banquet mixed with divine generosity was begun, together with the sweetness of charity mediating. For some days thereafter, because of the fatigue of the journey, he kept them with himself, rest being enjoined in moderation, during which he continually recounted to them, amid various inquiries into the divine law, the deeds of the venerable Columbanus. But when they had fully drawn in the illustrious signs of his miracles, and among the other expressions of kindness both parties rushed together “to the holy kiss” [Rom 16:16], they were dismissed, deserving and rejoicing: deserving, because they did not obtain the mastership of so great a patron, yet rejoicing, because they had recognized so great help for him from the Lord. Thus the blessed man all the more appeased divine mercy, inasmuch as he perceived himself more secure from worldly affairs. Vigils were renewed and fasts were taken up as in his first training. Therefore, if I should wish to examine the discernment of his rigor, always retaining stricter practices with himself, my tongue, as I think, would seem to fail me before the days would. But to those desiring only to hear his deeds, how he completed his blessed course, I shall speak, imploring the consolations of his prayers, that those things which have been confirmed by the testimony of truthful men may not be rejected because of the faults of me most wretched.
31 Therefore, when the Creator of the ages had already wished to show his merits, and many had been panting with desire for the sight of him, it happened that the same priest of Arbon, Willimar, came to his cell on account of their former familiarity. Being kindly received according to custom, he strove with earnest prayers to entreat the man of God that, for the sake of a visit, he would deign to go to his house. This the chosen one of God utterly refused, affirming that he now had no custom of leaving his cell, but rather that henceforth he ought to devote himself with the greatest insistence to his accustomed labor. But the other again begged with urgent prayers, declaring that he would then be abandoned by his paternal care, if he should no longer merit to have the consolation of his teaching. “Have I,” he said, “sinned against you, chosen one of God, that you do not deign to visit the dwelling of your servant? By him by whose help we have until then been instructed through your teaching, I beg you to come for the sake of edification and to teach the people with your honey-sweet doctrines, so that you may reap in the heavenly kingdom an imperishable fruit from your labor, by instructing the longing flock.” The man of God therefore, firmly resolved in no way to go out into a public gathering, nevertheless, as he was always accustomed, considering the benefit of many, broke within himself what he hoped he might keep firm throughout his days, the Apostle saying: “Charity does not seek its own” [1 Cor 13:5]. Not as a greedy plunderer of transitory things, but as a devoted helper of many, he went with the priest to the stronghold, a fellowship indeed holy and pleasing to our God, among whom nothing reigned except perfect charity. Therefore, at his desired arrival, an assembly of the people of God was held, and the honey-sweet teachings of his doctrine were heard with the greatest eagerness. And although he was absent from his cell, nevertheless he did not press on with his accustomed labor any the less, since from the divine seed he was joining not a few fruitful hearts to Christ his King. There he remained in the work of God for two days, compelled by the priest and also by the people. But on the third day, desiring to revisit his disciples, he was hindered by an assault of fevers, whose severity so thickened upon him that he took not even the least nourishment of food, as he was accustomed. This, I believe, was brought about by divine disposition for no other reason than that his merits might be declared the sooner, so that, if for a time the earthly journey were denied him, with what great glory the chosen one of God would come to his place might be made manifest to almost all ages. Thus for fourteen days the weakness of his body increased, during which the renowned athlete of Christ prepared himself for the sight of heaven. And now, as the fourteenth day came, on which we believe the reward of his labors was restored to him, his feeble limbs consumed and wholly failing, as it were without skin and bones, yet not ceasing from the work of God, but either directing consolations of prayers to heaven or pouring forth words of edification, tireless in the service of Christ which he had begun, in the ninety-fifth year of his age, on the sixteenth day of the month of October, he rendered his blessed soul to heaven. The anniversary of that day now resounds, as it were, with mountains and hills and all the trees of the forests together with diverse creatures, since neither the number of signs shown through him nor of the people flocking together in crowds can be found.
32 Already in part it is not hidden from you, whoever you are who touch these things by reading, how devoted in good and cautious in the world he led his advanced age. Now, if it please you, let us come to those things which after his passing were shown for the declaration of his merits, praying together to Christ, who is “wonderful in his saints” [Ps 67(68):36], that the few things which we have learned of these may be told by his own guidance, who said: “I will be in your mouth” [Exod 4:12]. Here ends the first book.
The Second Book Begins: Concerning the Miracles which after his Death the Lord made Known through his Merits #
1 Indeed, the report, lifting the ears of many, brought his illness to John, the same bishop of Constance; who, not content unless he should visit the master, as one who through his help and teaching had obtained both heavenly and earthly riches, took gifts worthy of veneration onto a ship and hastened to the stronghold of Arbon. When therefore they had arrived at the harbor, a confused cry of those lamenting the man of God was heard, and immediately the bishop asked what it was; whose heart had already been struck with fear at the desolation of his master. When therefore the event of his passing was heard, he imitated the key-bearer of heaven, for the pontiff could not restrain himself in the ship because of grief and love, but out of longing for his master cast himself into the water. I know that he came swiftly to the body, who devotedly exposed himself to such danger for him. Then mourning and sorrow were renewed there, as the groans of the priest and his companions were lifted up even to heaven. For the body of the saint was already then in the coffin; and the bishop, unable to endure this unconsidered, opened the bier and began to weep with these words: “Alas, alas, my father! Why did you lead me from the house of my father, and now leave me an orphan and desolate, when my whole trust was in you?” For a long time he lay upon him weeping, whose sight he believed he could never be sated with; but at length the priest and the others standing around raised him up and warned him that he ought rather to pray for him. Finally, having left the beloved limbs, the bishop with the clergy entered the church and likewise attempted to perform the solemnities of Masses for him, while all the rest remained in psalmody. And when so pious a labor had been completed, the banner of the cross was taken up with all fitting funeral rites, and with melodies imitating the heavenly choir they returned to the house, so that the body of the chosen one of God might be buried there in the earth. But when it is considered what divine counsel accomplished there, it is not doubted except that eternal rest immediately received him. Therefore, when the bishop with the clergy came to the body, the hands of many began to lift the coffin; but divine providence held it immovable, so that the more earnestly it was attempted to be raised, the more human strength failed in lifting it. There a miracle was renewed, when wondrous questioning arose from all sides. But among the others the bishop said: “Truly I know that this burial is not acceptable to my lord Gallus. Look, the will of the high-throned King must be sought.” At once untamed horses were ordered to be brought, which the attendants tried most swiftly to draw up. But though they were presented with great effort, yet with still greater struggle, once prepared, they were led to the body. There the bishop prayed with the clergy and the people in this manner: “Lord Jesus Christ, for whose love and honor this man of God left his homeland, following your commands, work for the human race a stupendous miracle, that his body, borne by an untamed animal, may be carried wherever it pleases you under the heavenly kingdom.”
2 And when all had answered “Amen,” Willimar, the faithful companion of the chosen one of God, went about distributing his garments to the poor. Among them he found a certain paralytic named ……, who was so bound together in the structure of his limbs and contracted in his sinews that the use of his own walking was denied him. To him the leggings of the man of God were handed, together with his shoes. When, because of joy, he immediately put them on, the joints of his bodily frame were loosened; and he leapt up rejoicing, crying out with a loud voice in praise of Christ, who for the merits of the man of God had deigned to do this. Seeing this, the bishop, together with an immense crowd of people, magnified the name of the Lord Jesus who works wonders, who for the honor of his servant had deigned to show so manifest a power. Therefore a candle was at once given to him, and with the others he followed the bier as far as the place of burial. Consider, I ask you, O reader, of what merit this man was, at whose funeral so unusual a companion of the pedestrian order was made present.
3 Therefore, when the bier had been lifted by the bishop and the priest and placed upon the horses, the bishop said: “Remove the bridles from their heads, and let them go where the Lord wills.” Thus the banner of the cross was taken up with lights, and chanting psalms, the way was begun, the horses going before. A wondrous thing, and unheard of in the present age! The horses did not turn to the right nor to the left until, by a straight path, they arrived at the cell of the man of God. When they stopped there, a band of disciples ran to meet them, lifting the bier of the man of God, and bearing it on their shoulders they carried it into the oratory. It was placed before the altar, and prayer for him was renewed by the bishop and the clergy. Then the tomb was completed between the altar and the wall, and with heavenly melodies resounding, the body was committed to the earth. And thus the bishop, having given the blessing, returned with immense rejoicing, while the people gave thanks.
4 Now concerning the two candles which throughout the whole funeral of the man of God did not allow their light to fail, I think the power of Jesus Christ ought not to be passed over in silence. One was placed at the head and the other at the feet; yet for thirty days the flame blazing in them was experienced, so that the inextinguishable light might truly shine forth, which Gallus loved without worldly affection. While these were burning, pains of the teeth were driven away by the application of the same wax; the bleary-eyed, their sharpness removed, rejoiced; the deaf, with hearing restored, were gladdened; and with various other infirmities expelled, many gave thanks. For whoever afterward came to his tomb suffering from illness or fever, or held fast by whatever weakness, if he prayed in faith, returned healed through the intercession of the saint of God. For although the works of Christ done there cannot be comprehended by the human tongue, nevertheless through many stretches of the fields they resound to the praise of Christ, who through the merits of his chosen one shows such wonders to the peoples.
5 For those indeed who desire to imitate the life of so great a father, I judge it fitting to make known by what signs the harshness of his life was proved. The holy man of God therefore had a small wooden casket, which he kept under lock and key, with its contents unknown to his disciples, and guarded it thus until the end of his life. After the passing of the chosen one of God, the bishop who succeeded him, together with the brethren, opened it, wishing to know the secret that had lain hidden in it for so long. There was found a small hairshirt and a bronze chain drenched with blood. Then, longing to learn the truth of the matter with certainty, they looked upon the body of the holy man of God, in which they saw the flesh wounded by the drawing tight of a girdle in four places, a wound encircling the body like a belt and reaching to the inner bones, so that it might be proven how secretly the chosen one of God had sacrificed himself to Christ his King, since this had never at any time appeared even to those who were with him throughout his whole life. But if from these lesser things you weigh the greater, you may judge that the holy man of God afflicted himself for a long time with countless torments. The casket therefore, with the hairshirt, was hung at the head of the man of God upon the bier, and thus in the same funeral procession it was carried to the cell. When at last the burial had been duly completed, they hung it at the head on the wall, with the chains and the hairshirt, where, whenever the faith of those who asked required it, the merits of Saint Gall were made to shine forth in glorious miracles.
6 All these things have been confirmed by the testimony of the deacons Meginald and Theodor, servants of the chosen one of God, who were deemed worthy to enjoy his service until he completed his blessed course, and also by that of innumerable others, who either observed his life or learned the deeds of the saint from truthful witnesses.
7 After he had indeed been buried for forty years, Otwin the governor came with a great army, inflamed with cruelty, and devastated part of the district of Thurgau. He set Constance and Arbon on fire; his followers slew a multitude of men with the edge of the sword; they led women with their little children away captive; moreover they ravaged countless herds and crops. Stricken by this terror, an abundance of goods from the district of Arbon was carried away and buried in the territory of the cell of the man of God. And desiring to conceal it from the incursion of enemies, lest there be hope of seeking it out, they sowed over it various crops. When at length the devastation had been carried out through the districts, the enemy came following the tracks of the fleeing people and found in the cell of the man of God no small crowd of persons of both sexes. When they were seized, they were bound and dragged like cattle to dwellings not of their choosing, and their youth was miserably led into captivity. These things were disclosed through the diligence of a certain tribune named Erchanold, to whom, because of his nearness, everything about that hermitage was well known. But although he knew that miracles of the Lord had been shown there, he did not give honor to the name of the Savior Jesus Christ; rather, with a perverse mind he entered the oratory, where he found a certain paralytic known to him, to whom he applied threats and blandishments, saying: “Tell me where these men of Arbon have their clothing and their gold and silver in great quantity, which they had, since when we found them they retained almost nothing with them.” To him the other replied: “If I become their betrayer, what reward should I hope for?” To whom, deceived by greed, he said: “If you truly reveal everything, you will deserve to enjoy our fellowship.” Without delay they were led to the place where they found an underground hiding place, where they discovered wealth of various kinds, which they joyfully divided among themselves; and, as is customary, when desired things are found, they are sought all the more eagerly, and woods and meadows and fields were roamed through. Erchanold himself, however, entered the oratory with seven youths, where, with the doors shut, he tried by striking the pavement to search for treasure; but what was most splendidly possessed there by the gift of God was, without delay, shown by the working of the Creator of the world. For when one of them struck upon the tomb of the holy man of God and the sarcophagus resounded from the force of the blow, he cried out in joy: “Here is what you seek.” And they began to dig eagerly and came as far as the chest of the man of God. They lifted it up, saying: “These Romans are clever; therefore they hid their goods beneath the coffin.” And so they attempted to search it; but by divine nod they were swiftly restrained. For excessive terror came upon them, from which each one resolved flight as his remedy. They therefore rushed for the doors of the oratory, where by mutual slaughter they killed one another. But Erchanold himself, eager to escape, wishing to leap out, struck his head on the lintel, from where he fell senseless and suffered a fitting punishment. He was therefore led back to his own place; but he was seized by immense pains, so that for a whole year he paid the penalty, losing his hair and skin and nails, nor throughout his whole life could he cast off the deformity which he incurred from the offense against the chosen one of God.
8 It was therefore heard by Bishop Boson of Constance that the burial place of the man of God had been destroyed by the enemy and that in his cell none remained except Maginald and Theodor, whose small number could not bury the body in the earth. Moved by such misery, the bishop came with priests and clergy, devoted to the service of the saint. He therefore observed that the holy body had not been laid to rest with fitting burial and that the altars stood bare, presenting to those who saw them a lamentable sight, and likewise that the same brethren lay in the place of the oratory amid unbearable lamentation. A remedy of consolation was brought by him when he said: “In tribulation I called upon the Lord, and the Lord answered me with freedom; the Lord is my helper; I will not fear what man may do to me” [Ps 118(117):5–6]. When these and other exhortations had been finished, the holy body was committed to burial in a worthy sarcophagus between the altar and the wall, and over it there was built a memorial befitting the merits of the chosen one of God. There the work of mercy was renewed, when the bishop distributed food and clothing to the God-fearing men who dwelt there. And thus, when the things that are God’s had been accomplished, they returned to their own places rejoicing on account of the merits of so great a patron.
9 But after a long time Pippin, mayor of the palace, sent his army with all fury and anger to devastate Upper Germany, which they hemmed in with great straits, so that there was now no measure either in the overflowing shedding of human blood or in the multitude of people led away captive from it. Under this devastation a band of fugitives gathered in the district of Arbon, from whom very many hastened to the cell of the holy man of God, where they hoped for help from the mercy and veneration of the chosen one of Christ. The enemy therefore swiftly pursued those whom he encountered in the territory of the same cell. When the search for them was begun more carefully, five of them entered the oratory, where they found certain women with their little children. When they questioned them about where they were from, the women said that they were servants of that saint. But they in reply said: “Go out; we do not know your saint, in whose patronage you believe that you are helped.” Under such contempt, therefore, for the merits of the venerable father, they led them away captive into Francia. But divine vengeance did not leave them unpunished in the sight of men, those whom madness had led astray into so wicked a disposition. For in the year in which these things were done, they were seized by the ancient enemy, by whose impulse they wandered through cities and villages and cried out with continual voices: “Abbot Gall has us bound.” Thus it could be proved how grievously they had sinned, since they ended their lives miserably in this manner.
10 In those same times there was there a certain deacon named Stephen, a constant guardian of the church by day and by night. One evening he brought a candle into the basilica and placed it on a candlestick beside the tomb of the saint. But in order that the merits of Gall might shine forth the more, as Christ renewed his miracles there, an event worthy of record occurred. The candle fell upon the cloth of the tomb, which the fire consumed up to the middle; from that burning the other cloths of the tomb remained untouched, nor did the flames touch the couch or the staff hanging there. This was seen by all in this way on that night and the following day. But when, at the time of another night, the band of brothers had prepared themselves for the divine office and, as usual, had entered the oratory, the candles were found burning beside the tomb and two youths standing there as if for service, one of whom held that burnt cloth at the head and the other at the feet, with which he devoutly covered the tomb of the holy man of God. Excessive fear seized those who observed this and sent them back with hurried step to the beds prepared for them. When they had entered these, since neither could sleep be taken because of fear nor the exercise of vigils be carried out, they heard the bell of the basilica resounding, which they did not doubt had been made by a heavenly touch. But so that it might be more surely affirmed that divine power had shone forth there, two choirs of psalm-singers were immediately heard to have resounded with ethereal melodies. On that same day, therefore, fear restrained them from entering the church. But on the following day they gathered at the door of the oratory, where for a very long time they lay prostrate in prayer. When this was completed, they entered trembling and found the cloth intact which before they had lamented as having been consumed by fire. And so that it might be believed more certainly that this had been done by divine power, its length and breadth appeared greater by three fingers. The Savior of the ages was praised by devout minds, who through the merits of his servant deigned to show such things.
11 Many things also that were heard have been passed over, while haste is made toward those that have been proved by sight. In the time therefore of Carloman, mayor of the palace, there was a man in Bertholtsbar whose means were poor. When he desired to come for the sake of prayer to the monastery of Saint Gall together with his wife, she wove a small cloth, lest they should appear empty-handed. In expectation of the journey she wrapped it around a little roll of wax and placed it in her chest. Meanwhile, however, by adverse fortune his house caught fire, in which everything together with that same chest was devoured by the flames. But by the wondrous judgment of the Ruler of heaven, when the fire was extinguished and the former rooms were searched through, the little cloth together with the wax was found unharmed among the ashes, in which the fire had not dared to consume even the smallest thing, the wax in an unheard-of manner resisting the flames, until it might be devoted to the service of Saint Gall. The miracle became known to many, and the praise of Christ was spread among the people. They therefore, according to their vow, went to the monastery of the chosen one of God, bringing the gift saved from the destruction. From their mouths the merits of the chosen one of Christ were proclaimed, and the venerable man Audomar, the abbot, together with the brethren, investigated the deed, since there were already as many witnesses of the miracle as the report could reach in the surrounding places.
12 Another miracle is also reported to have been performed in the time of the glorious king Pippin. A certain man named Willimar was afflicted with a severe illness, and he vowed that he would give to the church of the chosen one of Christ one horse and two oxen, if by the mercy of God he should receive the remedy of health. Recovery followed him from that very day; but the vow which had been made under the compulsion of distress was put off when health returned. For after this it happened that his earthly lord Pirhtilo went for the sake of prayer to the church of the chosen one of Christ, with whom also the same Willimar came, sitting devotedly behind him, under the pretext of military service. The intercessions of the saints were sought with suppliant hand, and the customary hospitality was duly carried out by the brotherly community. When at last the decision to return had been made, and they were not far from the church, Willimar’s horse stopped and gave no consent to its rider to go forward; it was spurred until it bled and punished with repeated blows, yet it was not moved from the spot. When the noble man Pirhtilo and those who were with him saw this and wondered what the cause might be, they began to inquire of him. Unable to hide his fault, he was compelled with shame to disclose it by confessing his sin, as it had been done, because he had not fulfilled the vow in place of the horse. They therefore returned with haste and offered to the veneration of the holy man of God the horse that had been promised. And thus, having received a blessing, they returned with the glorification of God.
13 And so also what is now to be added was done in the fourth year of the reign of Carloman. There was in the same district called Bertholtsbar a certain man on the royal estate of Rotundavilla, who desired to seek the intercession of the holy man of God, but because of poverty he had nothing to bring. After deliberation, however, in order to acquire something to offer to God, by the prompting of the devil he increased his guilt. For with a perverse mind he entered the lord’s courtyard and stole a swarm of bees. When he had shut them up at home, he killed the bees, and after separating the honey he made a cake of wax, which, accompanied by a band of neighbors, he set out to carry to the shrine of Saint Gall. But the King of kings, whom the chosen one of Christ served, displayed his power in this matter and also exposed the deceit of the deluded man. When, therefore, he entered the church along with others who were praying, and as if about to make an offering drew out the wax, there appeared in his hand a stone so hard that among natural rocks scarcely one equal to it in hardness could be found. Struck with fear because of his guilt, he confessed to one standing by, and thus endured the punishment for his crime. This was made known to the guardian of the church, and without delay it became clear to very many. Praise of the Creator was raised with great rejoicing, who deigned there to change the elements. For in honor of the Savior that stone itself is preserved there until this day, so that from the sight of it fear may arise in the deceitful and edification in the devout. For Christ showed innumerable things there through his chosen one even in the present age, whenever the faith of those who ask required it; and if anyone should begin to recount them all, the day, I think, would fail him before his speech would cease. In these few things only let the Savior of the ages be praised and adored, reigning with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.