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
27. As it was now the seventh year since Theodobert and Visigard
had been betrothed, and he was unwilling to take her on account of
Deoteria, the Franks, when they met, were greatly scandalized at him
because he had abandoned his betrothed. Then he was alarmed, and
abandoning Deoteria, by whom he had a little son named Theodobald, he
married Visigard. And when she died not long after, he took another
wife. But he did not have Deoteria after that.
[28. Childebert and Theodobert march against Chlothar but are turned
back by a miraculous hailstorm sent by St. Martin.]
29. Later king Childebert set out for Spain. And entering the country
with Clothar, they surrounded the city of Saragossa with their army,
and besieged it. But the besieged turned to God in such humility that
they put on haircloth, abstained from food and drink, and made the
round of the walls of the city with psalm-singing, carrying the tunic
of the blessed Vincent, the martyr; the women, too, followed wailing,
clothed in black robes, with their hair hanging loose and ashes upon
it, so that one would think they were attending the funerals of their
husbands. And to such a degree did that city place its whole hope in
God’s mercy that it was said they were celebrating the fast of the
Ninevites[AS] there, and there was no idea of any other possibility
than that the divine mercy might be won by prayers. But the besiegers
did not know what was going on, and when they saw them go around the
wall in such a way they supposed they were engaged in some sorcery.
Then seizing one of the common people of the place, they asked him
what it was they were doing. And he said: “They are carrying the
blessed Vincent’s tunic, and at the same time they are praying the
Lord to pity them.” And they were afraid at this, and went away from
that city. However, they acquired a very large part of Spain, and
returned to the Gauls with great spoils.
30. After Amalaric, Theoda was ordained king in the Spains. But when
he was slain they raised Theodegisil to the throne. When he was
dining with his friends and was very cheerful, suddenly the lights
were put out in the dining hall and he was slain by his enemies,
being thrust through with a sword. After him Agila became king. For
the Goths had formed the detestable habit of attacking with the
sword any one of their kings who did not please them, and they would
appoint as king any one that took their fancy.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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