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
32. At that time the brothers Gundobad and Godegisel were kings of
the country about the Rhone and the Saône together with the province
of Marseilles. And they, as well as their people, belonged to the
Arian sect. And since they were fighting with each other, Godegisel,
hearing of the victories of King Clovis, sent an embassy to him
secretly, saying: “If you will give me aid in attacking my brother,
so that I may be able to kill him in battle or drive him from the
country, I will pay you every year whatever tribute you yourself
wish to impose.” Clovis accepted this offer gladly, and promised
aid whenever need should ask. And at a time agreed upon he marched
his army against Gundobad. On hearing of this, Gundobad, who did
not know of his brother’s treachery, sent to him, saying: “Come to
my assistance, since the Franks are in motion against us and are
coming to our country to take it. Therefore let us be united against
a nation hostile to us, lest because of division we suffer in turn
what other peoples have suffered.” And the other said: “I will come
with my army, and will give you aid.” And these three, namely,
Clovis against Gundobad and Godegisel, were marching their armies
to the same point, and they came with all their warlike equipment
to the stronghold named Dijon. And they fought on the river Ouche,
and Godegisel joined Clovis, and both armies crushed the people of
Gundobad. And he perceived the treachery of his brother, whom he
had not suspected, and turned his back and began to flee, hastening
along the banks of the Rhone, and he came to the city of Avignon. And
Godegisel having won the victory, promised to Clovis a part of his
kingdom, and departed quietly and entered Vienne in triumph, as if he
now held the whole kingdom. King Clovis increased his army further,
and set off after Gundobad to drag him from his city and slay him.
He heard it, and was terrified, and feared that sudden death would
come to him. However he had with him Aridius, a man famed for energy
and wisdom, and he sent for him and said: “Difficulties wall me in on
every side, and I do not know what to do, because these barbarians
have come upon us to slay us and destroy the whole country.” To
this Aridius answered: “You must soften the fierceness of this man
in order not to perish. Now if it is pleasing in your eyes, I will
pretend to flee from you and to pass over to his side, and when I
come to him, I shall prevent his harming either you or this country.
Only be willing to do what he demands of you by my advice, until
the Lord in his goodness deigns to make your cause successful.” And
Gundobad said: “I will do whatever you direct.” When he said this,
Aridius bade him good-by and departed, and going to King Clovis he
said: “Behold I am your humble servant, most pious king, I come to
your protection, leaving the wretched Gundobad. And if your goodness
condescends to receive me, both you and your children shall have in
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