[Roman Martyrology; insertion by Baronius on Feb. 21st, by mistake, apparently, for Maximian died on Feb. 22nd. Authority:-An ancient life used by Rubæus in his Hist. Ravennæ.] The story of the elevation of Maximian to the Archiepiscopal See of Ravenna is by no means edifying. He was a deacon at Pola, and was one day ploughing up his land when he lighted on an immense treasure, which had probably been hidden at some time of invasion, and never recovered. He was at a loss what to do with this wealth, but, after some consideration, he killed his ox, disembowelled it, and filled the belly with money, and also a pair of tall goatskin boots he possessed. Then he presented all the rest to the Emperor Justinian, and it was quite sufficient to highly gratify the monarch, who, however, claiming all treasure-trove as belonging to the crown, asked Maximian whether he would swear that this was all he had found. "It is all but what is in my boots and belly,"[63] he answered; and Justinian, not seeing through the equivocation, allowed him to depart, promising to reward him for what had been given to the crown. Shortly after, in 546, the see of Ravenna became vacant, and Justinian, remembering the deacon, appointed him to the archiepiscopal throne, and he was ordained thereto by Pope Vigilius, on Oct. 12th, 546. But the people of Ravenna had already canonically elected a successor, and refused to acknowledge the archbishop sent them by the emperor. They even refused to admit him into the city, and he was obliged to lodge in the suburbs. Those who took part with Maximian desired to carry a complaint to the emperor against the citizens, but Maximian would not permit it. He preferred waiting patiently, till the hostility of the people and clergy should die away. His course was wise, and it succeeded in the end, for the people of Ravenna, seeing it was impossible to resist the will of a despot, yielded their right, and admitted Maximian into possession of the see. He spent his ten years of rule in building and adorning the churches, using for that purpose the money "in the boots and belly," and exhibited such gentleness, piety, and prudence, that he gained the love of his flock, and was regarded by them as a saint. S. MARGARET OF CORTONA, PENITENT. (A.D. 1297.)