History of the FranksGregory, Bishop of Tours, Saint
History
History of the Franks
Gregory, Bishop of Tours, Saint
France -- Church history -- To 987; France -- History -- To 987; Franks -- History -- To 768
38. Finally when those attacking the city saw that they could
accomplish nothing, they sent secret messages to Mummolus saying:
“Recognize your lord and finally give up your perversity. What
madness possesses you to become a follower of an unknown man? For
your wife and your daughters have been captured and your sons have
been already slain. What end are you coming to? What do you expect
except to perish?” He received their message and replied: “Already,
as I see, our kingdom has reached its end and its power fails. One
thing is left; if I learn that I have security of life, I can relieve
you of great trouble.” When the messengers left, bishop Sagittarius
with Mummolus, Chariulf and Waddo hastened to the church and there
they swore to one another that if they should be assured of life
they would give up their friendship for Gundovald and betray him to
the enemy. The messengers returned and promised them security of
life. And Mummolus said: “Let this be done; I will betray him into
your hand and I will recognize my master the king and hasten to his
presence.” Then they promised that if he did this they would receive
him to their friendship, and if they could not secure his pardon
from the king they would place him in a church that he might avoid
the punishment of death. This they promised with an oath and then
departed. And Mummolus went to Gundovald with bishop Sagittarius and
Waddo and said: “You were present and know what oaths of faithfulness
we took to you. But now accept wholesome counsel and go down from
this city and present yourself to your brother as you have often
desired to do. For we have spoken with these men and they have told
us that the king does not wish to lose your support because too
few remain of your family.” But he understood their treachery and
bursting into tears said: “It was at your invitation I came to these
Gauls, and of my treasures comprising a great amount of silver and
gold and various articles of value, some have been kept in Avignon
and some have been taken by Gunthram Boso. And next to God’s help I
placed all my hope in you, and to you intrusted my counsels and by
your help always wished to reign. Now let your settlement be with
God if you have lied to me. For he will judge my cause.” To this
Mummolus replied: “We are not speaking deceitfully to you; and lo!
brave men are standing at the gate awaiting your coming. Now lay
down my gilded belt that you are wearing that you may not seem to
go forth boastingly and gird on your sword and give me mine back.”
He answered: “There is a double meaning in what you say since you
are taking away the things of yours that I have used as a token of
affection.” But Mummolus swore that no harm should be done him.
Accordingly they went out of the gate and he was received by Ollo,
count of Bourges, and by Boso. And Mummolus returned into the city
with his followers and barred the gate very securely. And when
Gundovald saw that he was betrayed into the hands of his enemies he
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