Opera Historica, Part I

The Historical Works of Johannes Trithemius of Sponheim, first Abbot of Sponheim, then of St. James the Greater at Würzburg, a man most learned in his age: all the works of the first part that have so far been able to be found; partly recalled from old editions now disappearing and corrected according to the authority of the archetypes, partly now first published from manuscripts. A catalogue of them is shown on the reverse page. From the library of Marquard Freher, Palatine councillor. With a very full index. Frankfurt, printed by the Wechel press, at the shop of Claudius Marnius and the heirs of Johannes Aubrius. 1601.

Historical Opuscules Contained in This Volume

1. Mystical Chronology, on the secondary beings or intelligences that, after God, move the spheres; a book written to Maximilian, Roman Emperor.

2. Compendium or Breviary of the first volume of the Chronicles or Annals, on the origin of the people and kings of the Franks, over 1189 years, from Marcomirus down to King Pippin; addressed to Laurentius, Bishop of Würzburg and Duke of Eastern Francia.

3. A compendium on the origin of the people of the Franks, excerpted from Hunibald; in which there is also an enumeration of the bishops of Würzburg.

4. Chronicle of the succession of the Dukes of Bavaria and Counts Palatine; addressed to Philip, Count Palatine, Prince Elector.

5. Catalogue of illustrious men who have adorned Germany in every way by their talent and writings; addressed to Jacob Wimpheling of Schlettstadt, theologian, with his prothesis or addition.

6. Catalogue of Ecclesiastical Writers, addressed to Johann Dalberg, Bishop of Worms, with additions by certain persons.

The Annals of the same author will be published separately in a separate volume.

To the most reverend and most illustrious prince, Lord Julius, Bishop of Würzburg, Duke of Eastern Francia, etc., most gracious lord, greetings.

[unclear]

Since I was about to bring back into the light, for the sake of posterity, the extremely laborious writings of a most diligent writer on German affairs, writings that were almost tending toward oblivion, and was looking around for a worthy patron and defender for them, I did not have to deliberate long, as though faced with a doubtful choice, if I did not wish to change the custom I have carefully observed up to now in publishing and inscribing various monuments of both languages: namely, that I should either dedicate or restore them only to those to whom they seemed especially to belong, and even to be owed. For by how many titles these Trithemian works, belonging especially to the illumination of the Frankish people and of your Church, are most deservedly owed to your name, illustrious prelate, the works themselves declare even if I am silent: since they were both born on your soil and originally inscribed by the author to your predecessors. Nor is it unknown that he, easily the most learned of all abbots after St. Bernard, and of his age, which had for some centuries fallen into barbarism

then, for the first time, had begun to cast them off, when by divine favor good letters had been restored and their most useful instrument, printing, had been discovered, he, no slight ornament, after having won fame for his name through very many writings of every kind, having himself also experienced, by virtue’s perpetual fate, the injustice of fortune and of slander, and yielding to envy, although the protection of the highest princes was nowhere lacking to him, finally chose at your Würzburg a retreat most desired for his old age and his studies. There, holding fast to his purpose to the end of his life and indefatigable in labor, truly dying in the writing of books, he closed his day.

Among these wonders of immense night-labors, works that by their number and their bulk will bring amazement to posterity, those very extensive Annals of Germany or France, divided into three volumes, would easily hold the chief place, if they were extant. These he then left compiled and completed from all the monuments of all ages, by a labor plainly Herculean; but while alive he could not publish them, except for a very brief compendium of the first volume, sent to your predecessor Laurentius de Bibra, from which, as from a claw, one may estimate the lion. This work, certainly, both for the author’s reputation and for the variety of its matter and its own perfection, must be held of any price whatever, and the prayers of learned men have long been seeking it with great desire; so that, if they had it, they would think the loss of the others could easily be borne.

For that man possessed, besides those gifts with which one who is meditating books destined to live ought to be furnished, sharpness of judgment, ease of style, varied reading, accuracy, and endurance of labor; and, for the undertaking of composing history in every form, those further aids which scarcely any others had in such fashion. One, I mean, was the incomparable treasury of various excellent manuscripts in the library of Sponheim, chiefly built up and enlarged by him; that this treasury afterward, partly through the negligence of his successors, partly through the injury of the times amid the disturbances of civil wars, was plundered, carried off, and perished, so that scarcely certain worthless fragments of it now survive preserved at Kreuznach, cannot be lamented enough. The other was his acquaintance with princes and great men throughout Europe, whom in that season God willed to spring up as a good crop, to the great advantage of divine and human letters; they almost vied with one another in courting his familiarity, a companionship bound by true ties of friendship and joined by a shared zeal for virtue and learning. With their help he was able to learn everything concerning serious affairs done at home and abroad, with their causes and circumstances, and thereafter to commit them to papers with no little better trustworthiness [unclear] not only cathedral colleges, but also monasteries [unclear] had appointed for recording annals, were accustomed to do.

This very thought certainly stirs and inflames in the minds of all who are touched by a better care for these letters and by love of their country a marvelous desire to see that outstanding work: since they do not despair that it can be brought forth from some corner of the libraries of your city or jurisdiction; and, to one so judging, it will seem above all a good deed, and worthy of you, so great a prelate and patron of studies, if under your auspices that treasury, rather than book, is restored to the commonwealth. Most reverend prince, if in the public name I should earnestly beseech you to deign to devote some care to this matter, and to allow those Trithemian books, or rather children, demanding with no obscure voice the vindication of their brothers oppressed by an unworthy servitude, to obtain this from you, I have hoped that in accordance with your utmost clemency and humanity you will assuredly take it in good part.

Farewell. At Myrtilletum, on the Kalends of April, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 1601.

Most devoted to Your Reverend Highness,

MARQ. FREHERUS.

To

To the most reverend and most illustrious prince Julius, bishop of Würzburg, duke of Eastern Franconia.

He to whom the splendid fame of a renowned name befell while he lived and saw the light, him still, after death and a hundred harvests, bright honor follows with undying praise. I speak of great Trithemius, born on the wine-bearing bank of the Moselle, a kind of marvel, because of the hidden arts of his higher intellect, and the godlike knowledge of a thousand matters, which Apollo granted no other mortal to know so equally, or to penetrate to the lofty spirits, with the deity privy to secret things favoring him. But I do not touch the perplexities and winding courses of the Polygraphy, nor the mazes of the Steganography, scarcely to be explained to the sophistical Sphinx if the key is absent. Yet we ourselves have seen this key, and have read the wondrous characters in Hebrew figures.

But let these things be gone. I would commend, duke of Franconia, the plain histories of the very celebrated man; from their recollected books, brought to exactness, behold, today a new edition comes forth into the bright air, under Freher’s guidance. It does not displease you, Julius, that what once pleased the polished intellect of Bibraeus, to whom Trithemius himself dedicated his labors, afterward buried in the church of Saint James as one of heaven’s own. And then would that ancient Mainz, foster-child of the Rhine, or sacred Green Verruca of Pyrcus, born of the Main, would bring forth from papers hidden in shadows that great work on the Frankish people and their renowned kings, whom Hunibald described with truthful pen; even if he is accused of having recorded, in fabulous deeds, some things. Yet it is rash where we suspect that something must be judged of slight credibility; and the smoke of adverse opinion often blinds the eyes.

Let it be recalled, let the ancient enclosed mass of Hunibald’s volumes be brought back from Orcus; what do I wish for more? And, Trithemius, O how great a favor you will afterward enter into among all learned men, and likewise among all Franks throughout the recesses of the eastern boundary and the western, greatest priest of the Rhine, and no lesser priest of the Main, if you readily communicate aid to one another with the graphic promise of Freher, eager thereafter to publish many more things, so that the glory of each learned age may be abundantly enriched, and the storehouse of history increased. For your lecterns in the twofold cave abound in writings, just as Bamberg too is filled with excellent treasures, and with very many a codex throughout its shelves.

Paulus Melissus Francus, Count Palatine and golden knight, Roman citizen.

The Life and Writings of Johannes Trithemius, first Abbot of Sponheim, and afterward of St. James at Würzburg, from the Letter of Johannes Duraclusius, disciple of the same Trithemius, to Nicolaus Hamerius Emelanus.

Johannes Trithemius, abbot, was born in the village of Trittenheim, in the diocese of Trier, on the banks of the river Moselle, on the first day of February, at the eleventh hour and thirtieth minute after noon, in the year of the Lord’s nativity 1462, in the tenth Roman indiction: his father was Johannes of Heidenberg, and his mother was called Elisabeth of Longuich. This was, namely, the year in which the city of Mainz, in the dissension of two pontiffs, was captured, lost its liberty, and found servitude, many of its citizens having been driven into exile; in the fourth year then running of Pope Pius, the second of that name, and the twenty-second of Emperor Frederick III.

In the year of the Lord 1482, however, in the monastery of Sponheim in the diocese of Mainz, on the first day of February, that is, the day on which he had formerly been born, he laid aside the secular habit and there took up the monastic one under the rule of the blessed father Benedict, according to the observance newly introduced. In the following year, which was 1483, after Johannes of Colenhussen, the abbot, had been transferred by canonical postulation to Seligenstadt, Johannes Trithemius, by the common election of the brothers, was advanced and adorned as abbot of the aforesaid monastery of Sponheim on the fourth day before the Kalends of July, and presided for twenty-three years, one month, and nineteen days. When these had passed, not without many labors, provoked by the rashness of certain rivals, he accepted the abbey of St. James at Würzburg, which was being offered to him, and of his own free will resigned Sponheim, full of useless cares.

In both places he wrote several little works, from which he recently set down for me with his own hand in a note the items written below. Since you, my friend, ask me for their titles, I gladly agree to your wishes, so that, from consideration of so many of his labors, you may have the memory of our common friend and teacher [unclear] useless presumptions.

He wrote first the Constitutions of his order, which were made in provincial chapters by command of the presidents, one book. On the manner of holding a provincial chapter, one book. On the Rule of Saint Benedict, two books. Homilies and exhortatory sermons to his monks, two books, which he dedicated to his predecessor. On the temptations of cloistered persons and their remedies, two books. To Nicolaus, priest of Münstermaifeld, on the priestly life, one book. Against the private property of monks, one book. A penthic work, that is, a mournful one, on the ruin of his order, one book. On the illustrious men of his order, four books. Praises of the order of the Carmelite brothers, two books. To Gerlacus, abbot of Deutz, praises of manuscript writers, one book. To Johannes Dalburgius, bishop of Worms, on ecclesiastical writers, one book. On the praises of Saint Anne, grandmother of the Lord, one book. To the questions of Autgerus Sicamber, canon of Deventer, one book. A chronicle of his monastery of Sponheim, no small volume, one book. A chronicle or annals of the monastery of Hirsau, two large volumes. [unclear] the prince elector, a single book. The life of Saint Irmina, nun and first abbess in the Horrea at Trier, one book. On the misery of cloistered prelates, two books. Praises of Saint Andrew the Apostle, one book. Praises of Saint Joseph, foster-father of the Lord, one book. Praises of Saint Benedict the abbot, one book. Praises of the monastic life, one book. Praises

[On the virtue?] of penitence, one book. Praises of the Study of the Divine Scriptures, one book. The Monologion of a Man Devoted to God Addressed to Himself, one book. On the Miracles of Saint Mother Anne, one book. To Ulrich, canon of Cologne, on questions on the Gospel of John, one book. To the same, on questions on the Psalms, one book. To the presidents of the annual chapter, on the Bursfeld observance, he abridged the statutes of the same union, one book. The Spiritual Exercise of Monks, one book. An epitome or breviary of the same, one book. On the Ecclesiastical Computus, one book. On the Illustrious Writers of Germany, to Jakob Wimpfeling of Schlettstadt, one book. Spanheim letters to various persons, four books. Orations delivered in chapters and elsewhere, twenty-four in number, which make one book. He wrote sermons to the brethren of the monastery of Spanheim, forty in number and very fine, one book. Sermons for feast days to the people, one book. Several supplicatory prayers to God and the saints, one book. From the Greek language he translated into Latin [Maximilianus?] the abbot, On the Incarnation of the Lord; also the anathemas of Saint Cyril, archbishop of Alexandria, promulgated against heretics in the third synod of Ephesus; and certain letters of the same synod. He also wrote, for the edification of monks, a notable work which he entitled On the Threefold Region of Cloistered Persons, three books. He wrote also certain other smaller works, whose titles he did not indicate to me.

These, dearest brother Nicolaus, are the little works of Trithemius which, during the twenty-three years in which he was abbot, he composed by lamplight at Spanheim, to the honor of God, amid cares and continual occupation with household affairs, reading or writing day and night whenever he was able to steal some leisure for himself. During the years in which he presided, he brought into the library of Spanheim a very great treasure of books in every faculty, not only through the art of printing but also of manuscripts. For when I was with him for the space of [one?] year, to learn Greek and Hebrew letters from him, I counted in the library two thousand volumes which over eighty years had been properly written out with the pen on parchment and paper. I often heard from his mouth that he had spent more than two thousand florins on books; he had received these not from the substance of the monastery, which was always very meager, but, since he was known to and beloved by many princes, he spent the gifts with which he was honored by them for the most part on books. For he is a very great lover and cultivator of books, above all whom I know today living in the flesh. It is said by many, however, that his successor, who is now abbot at Spanheim, has alienated very many volumes; whether that is true I certainly do not know in the least.

In the year of the Lord 1504, when a fierce war had arisen between the kingdom and Philip, count palatine, Trithemius, from fear of the enemy, withdrew with his library and the property of the monastery to Kreuznach, a nearby town, and I likewise returned to my own affairs. But in the year 1506, in the month of October, Trithemius himself, stirred by the envy of certain men, accepted the abbey of Saint James at Wuerzburg and resigned Spanheim. There in quiet he is writing various things, whose titles, when recently asked, he sent to me as follows. To Emperor Maximilian he published a wondrous work, which he entitled Polygraphy, six books. To the same, a key to the same Polygraphy, one book. Responses to eight questions of the same emperor, one book. To the same, On the Seven Intelligences Moving the Spheres, one book. To Joachim, margrave of Brandenburg, prince elector, twenty books of various questions, orations, and propositions. To the same, On Forewarnings Permitted and Not Permitted to a Christian, two books. To the same he wrote that wondrous and laborious work of Steganography, in eight books, which that rash Bovillus, not understanding it, criticized most ignorantly and falsely. To the same prince, one book of letters. To the same, Against Malefics and All Arts and Superstitions Forbidden by the Church, five books. To the same, On the Causes and Cure of [broaduci?] and of Malefices, three books. To his brother Jakob Trithemius, The Journey of His Life, two books. To Burkhard of Hornneck, physician, On the Peculium of Nuns, one book. He wrote a history or annals concerning the origin, kings, and deeds of the people of the Franks and Germans, three large volumes, beginning the narrative with King Marcomer, who in the year 433 before the incarnation of the Lord led the people from the borders of Scythia into Germany, to the mouths of the Rhine, down to the twenty-ninth year of Emperor Maximilian. To Lorenz von Bibra, bishop of Wuerzburg and duke of Eastern Francia, he wrote an epitome or breviary of those same three historical volumes, three books. To the same, On the Dukes and Bishops of the Franks of Wuerzburg, one book. On the Miracles Shown at the Memorial of Our Lady Saint Mary at Dettelbach, two books. On

On the miracles of the same, shown at Urticetum near Helpruma, six books. An Apology against Charles Bovillus, who slanders things he did not understand, one book. On the Origin and Kings of the Franks, one book. A Chronicle of his monastery, over which he now presides, of Saint James at Wurzburg, one book. To Albert, of the Margraves of Brandenburg, Archbishop of Mainz and Magdeburg, the Life of Saint Rabanus, arch-prelate, three books. On the translation of the same from Mainz into Saxony, one book. To the same, the Life of Saint Maximus, bishop, one book. To John, Count Palatine, Duke of Bavaria, and Count in Sponheim, residing at Simmern, On the Origin, Kings, and Dukes of the Bavarians, and likewise of the Counts Palatine and of Sponheim, four books. On Demons and Profane, Maleficent, and Superstitious Arts, a laborious work he has in hand, which will have twelve books, in which he blasts, confounds, and overthrows all the tricks of diabolical arts. Of Wurzburg Letters, which he wrote in that abbey, four books. He also wrote many other smaller works suited to his own devotion and that of his friends, such as a Cursus, a Rosary, an Office of the Mass, and various prayers, together with proses or sequences on Saint Anne, grandmother of our Savior. He also wrote praises, prayers, and a rosary on Saint Mary Magdalene; a rosary on Saint John the Evangelist. At the request of John, Archbishop of Trier, a sequence on Anne, which begins, "Jesus, king of the heavens," to the melody Ave praeclara. Another, to be sung on her feast, which begins: "Let them rejoice on this day." A third to the provincial of the Carmelites at Augsburg, and it begins, "Let us rejoice in honor." A fourth on Saint Hildegard, virgin, which begins thus: "Praise be to you, Lord, king of eternal glory." A fifth on Saint Rupert, leader of the people of Bingen, which begins: "Let them rejoice on this day." A sixth on Saint Joseph, foster-father of the Lord, and it begins thus: "[Let us sing?], illustrious ones." A seventh on Saint Rabanus, archbishop. An eighth on the wounds of Christ, which begins thus: "Let us adore Jesus Christ; let us lament with the crucified." A ninth on the compassion of Blessed Mary ever virgin, and it begins thus: "Ah, let us weep with devout mind, sharing the suffering of the Blessed Virgin Mary," to the melody, namely, Ave praeclara. A tenth on Saint Joachim, father of our Lady, which begins thus: "Let us adore the Trinity; let us praise together the unity of Father, Son, and Spirit." An eleventh on the good proper angel of each human being. A twelfth for the proper Mass of each priest. A thirteenth on Saint Maximus, bishop of Mainz. A fourteenth on Saint Martha, virgin, host of Christ. A fifteenth on Saint Mary of Egypt. A sixteenth on Saint Mary of Egypt. A sixteenth on Saint James the Greater, apostle. A nineteenth on Saint Benedict, abbot. A twentieth on All Saints. And for each of the named commemorations and saints he composed individual new offices of the Mass, conformable to the divine Scriptures. He wrote besides a little work of meditations and prayers on the Lord's incarnation, nativity, life, passion, and death, suited to devotion, two books. The Mirror of Heavenly Doctrine, serving not a little for compunction of mind, one book, which begins thus: "[The beginning?] of human salvation." He also composed, in beautiful variety, many most devout meditations and prayers on our Lord Jesus Christ, on his most holy mother the Virgin Mary, and on various saints, together with many other great works, which all devout posterity will see and admire. These, my dearest Nicolaus, are the volumes of our Abbot Trithemius, which for almost thirty-two years he has worked out in unremitting study, apart from those which, not yet finished, are in hand under the hammer and unknown to me. Farewell from my Duraclusian house, on the fifth day of October, in the year of our salvation 1515.

Johannes Duraclusius.

In the Trithemian chamber (which is still seen intact in the monastery of Spanheim, one mile from the town of Kreuznach), inscribed on every side with elegant letters, red and black, there are read very many poems and sayings of various authors, ancient and more recent, both Greek and Latin: especially of Sedulius, Juvencus, Fortunatus, Bishop Hildebert, Peter of Riga, and Walter of Châtillon. To these Conrad Celtis, his contemporary and friend, added the following:

Conrad Celtis Protucius, poet:

Look, venerable guest, at these little verses, which Trithemius has set here with three marks: how great a cultivator of antiquity he was, or how great a lover of languages, the written wall teaches both.

The likeness of the same Celtis, depicted from life in colors, is seen on the wall, with these words added: Conrad Celtis Protucius, poet laureate, sang these verses in the year of the Lord 1494, when he was here. To the future abbot.

Whoever you shall be as future abbot, I ask that you often be willing to turn over these poems of ours in mindful thought. Be pious, merciful, a lover of religion; and, I advise you, learn to follow my Trithemius.

Johannes Trithemius, abbot, to his successor.

Look: I have set up memorials of learned men, and whatever can greatly adorn you. I exhort and admonish you to follow in our footsteps, you who will come after me and rule my buildings.

From

From the Citicensian Chronicle of Paulus Langaeus Cygnaeus, monk of Bosau, under the year of Christ 1515.

In the same year, when, out of love of letters, with the consent of our venerable abbot Benedict and by leave of dismissal, I was at Wurzburg in the monastery of St James the Apostle, for a time under the instruction and obedience of the reverend and in every respect most learned man, lord Johannes Trithemius, abbot of the said monastery, while he was then applying himself to setting down the histories of German affairs in three volumes, and while with the same care he wished to continue his book On Ecclesiastical Writers, already produced long ago at Spanheim down to the year of the Lord 1494, down to the present time, namely to connect, by a certain added notice, the illustrious men who in the meantime had written, together with their lucubrations, to the writers of the churches already previously written up and printed in the aforesaid book: in order that he might be able to complete this praiseworthy undertaking more easily and promptly, he sent me, whom he judged suitable to assist him in this, with letters of recommendation to the foundations of all monasteries, yet especially of our order, and also to gather from every quarter throughout all Germany, for the praise of God, giver of all sciences, and for the honor and renown of the whole German nation, the monuments of clear men, as I have said, and, having collected and copied them, to bring them to him. Now the tenor of the aforesaid letters, and likewise of the commissions, was and is as follows.

Johannes Trithemius, abbot of the monastery of St James at Wurzburg, of the order of Saint Benedict, to all and singular lords abbots, provosts, priors, and the other rectors, with prayers, ready willingness to obey. We have given in charge to the bearer of these letters, brother Paulus Langius, monk and priest of our aforesaid order, that he diligently inquire after, write down, and report to us, for all monasteries, convents, and churches, of whatever religion they may be, as far as can be done, throughout all Germany, their foundations together with the time and their little works, for the adornment of the Annals or Chronicles of Germany, to which we are applying our labor. Therefore we ask you all and singular, through the Savior of the world, that you kindly admit him to your [unclear], and charitably [unclear], and that in those matters for the sake of investigating which he is sent by us, you not cease to lend him favor and aid according to your strength, being about to receive reward from him who is judge of all [unclear]. [Unclear] on the right hand: Go, blessed of my Father, because when they were strangers [unclear]. Written in our aforesaid monastery at Wurzburg on the first day of the month of April, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 1515.

And so I always strove, according to my strength, to carry out the aforesaid embassy or commission, although I was held back and hindered in many places, partly by the difficulty and danger of the roads, partly by fear of robbers and brigands, through mountains and woods, and finally by the unexpected death of Trithemius himself, who had sent me and was my teacher. Nevertheless, while he was still living, several times, when winter was coming on, I returned to Wurzburg to report and consign what had been collected and written, together with various letters and greetings of different wise men. And although many famous, and also very weighty and wholly upright, men praised the aforesaid investigation of antiquities, yet on the other side there were some sycophants and [unclear], and, what is shameful, certain petty religious brethren, biting and Cynical, who quite shamelessly censured that commission and inquiry, not blushing to call me, for so arduous an undertaking, a wanderer and mountebank. But if I am a wanderer, if a circumcellion, who, I ask, was my namesake, the Apostle Paul, of whom it is read in Acts 19: It happened that, when Paul had passed through the upper regions, he came to Ephesus; and who by traveling about from Jerusalem as far as Illyricum sowed the Gospel of Christ, although for a far different and more blessed cause? What, finally, was Jerome, what Rufinus, what Heraclides, what Petronius, Paulus Orosius, Julius Africanus, Severus Sulpicius, Cassianus, Paschasius, and the like, who, on account of pious devotion and the edification of others, crossed seas and most devoutly surveyed the places of the Holy Land? Then, roaming through Egypt, Nitria, Scythia, and Palestine, they most exactly inspected the monasteries of monks, the caves of anchorites, and [unclear], and most religiously and watchfully examined their life and conduct and doctrine; and, generally staying among them for some days and years, and imitating and learning the institutions and morals of the same, and noting down the exhortations of individuals, at last returning to their own country, they elegantly and usefully wrote down what they had seen and heard, for the honor of God and the edification and profit of readers. Had they not gone about the places narrated above, neither monks nor even the world itself would now have the Lives of the Fathers, the Institutions, the Conferences, the Exhortations, the Conversations, and the Itinerary which is ascribed to Jerome, and finally the lives and legends of certain men, and especially of Antony, Hilarion, Pachomius, Onuphrius, Macarius, Romanus, Arsenius, Posthumius, Mary of Egypt, Euphrosyne, Euphrasia, and the like. Happy therefore, and thrice happy, was their travelling about; praiseworthy and holy was their investigation, from which there followed so great a fruit and so great a holiness of morals and of all edification.

Why therefore do envious men make it a charge against me, when it is praised in others; when even heathendom itself extolled it in Ulysses with many proclamations; when the glorious Jerome commended it in the philosophers Plato and Apollonius; when finally the same man extolled it even in women with the highest praises? Well known is that most fervent survey of Saint Paula, by which that most noble one of Roman matrons touched with her own hands, venerated, and kissed countless cells of monks and hermits, and also their beds, garments, hair shirts, and little sweat-cloths. How great a fruit and profit accrued to the world from such journeyings of the holy fathers, neither Cicero himself nor Demosthenes could utter and set forth with their eloquence. For, to pass over others meanwhile, if the holy and most devout fathers of our order, Columbanus, Gallus, Kilian, Boniface, Willibrord, Ludger, and their peers, had remained seated in their monasteries, who would have converted the peoples of the Austrasians, Gauls, Franks, Bavarians, Vindelicians, Thuringians, Saxons, Hessians, and Frisians to the faith of Christ? If finally the most outstanding of our order

[unclear], if Bede, Rabanus, Strabo, Marianus, Claudius, Lampertus, and similar lords had remained: who would have imbued England, Scotland, and Ireland with the rudiments of the faith by preaching? Who, moreover, would have established in Gaul that beneficent and most famous University of Paris? Who would have founded that most powerful and noble bishopric of Wurzburg in Francia? It is indeed most certain that Saint Burghard, the first prelate of that church, established it, just as Alcuin, father of our order, founded the Parisian Academy. Who would have planted the many other bishoprics throughout Europe, whose first bishops, as we proved more fully in the preceding sections under the year of the Lord 978, were of our order and often foreigners? But why do I linger over many things? Why do I try to claim for myself what most excellent men could attain neither by virtue nor by holiness? They, indeed, the more learned and more renowned for sanctity they were, always had all the sharper and more numerous detractors. For, as Jerome says, speaking from experience in these matters, courage always has rivals in public, and lightning strikes the highest mountains, and according to Naso’s similar saying:

Envy seeks the highest things; the winds blow over the loftiest.

But now enough about these matters. Indeed, insofar as both the fruit and the usefulness of the often-mentioned commission and of my survey somewhat— etc.; the rest is missing.

The Much Celebrated Medicinal Powder of the Same Trithemius

Many have always praised up to this point this powder of Trithemius, very useful for the brain and for students. For not a few, by using it, have reached the point that they could easily disregard those inspectors of urine, arteries, tongues, and excrements. Many have extended sound life almost to the hundredth year; finally they have attained such keenness of memory that they easily surpassed any men, even the greatest. And this without pills, electuaries, [unclear], ointments, plasters, electuaries, chewing preparations, gargles, [unclear], fumes, preserves, syrups, waters, theriacal preparations, and the like.

24. Of aromatic calamus, Of gentian, Of cumin, Of mountain siler, Of anise, Of caraway, Of ammi, Of parsley seed, Of spikenard, of each [unclear]. Of red coral, Of unions or unpierced pearls, [unclear]. Of white ginger, Of bitter-sweet [Chamepitys?], Of senna leaves, Of burnt tartar, of each [unclear]. Of mace, Of cubebs, of each [unclear]. Of cloves, [unclear]. Let a powder be made according to art.

Its dose is [unclear], which should be taken morning and evening, in broth or wine, during the first month; in the second month in the morning only; in the third month [unclear] in the week, and thus thereafter it is continued for life. For indeed it is effective against many illnesses, and is a most proven and efficacious powder. It strengthens the stomach, purges the brain, clears the eyes and sight, sharpens the memory, consumes bad and superfluous humors in the whole body without danger, soothes and opens, drives away constriction, nausea in the [unclear], prevents excessive fatness, preserves from epilepsy and apoplexy, dissolves the matter of stone without pain and does not allow it to harden into stone, and does not permit chiragra, podagra, or sciatica to prevail.

When Paulus Scalichius wished to have the Duke of Prussia, to whom he was then counselor, use this powder, the prince’s physicians forbade it. From this arose a dispute among them, in which they fought in writing for both sides concerning this powder. That inquiry is extant in book two of the Philosophical Satires of the same Scalichius.

Effigy of Abbot Trithemius

Above human comprehension and the senses of the wise, and minds, a genius to whom genius belonged; Could Trithemius not surpass by wondrous art whatever is highest on earth, whatever is in the vault of heaven? Cease to wonder. So great a man, learned in all things, by nature’s instinct was wholly keenness.

Melissus made it.

Elo-

Eulogy of Johannes Trithemius, from André Thevet of Angoulême, royal cosmographer, Commentaries On Illustrious Men, book III, chapter LXXX.

If any illustrious person has deserved to be honored and to take a place in this book of ours, that man ought chiefly, in this respect, to be esteemed who supplied and depicted for us the first designs and models of this work, and who was able in many places to aid us from his writings and memoirs. Therefore, in order to show and actually display liberality, and not to seem ungrateful, I have not wished to leave behind the natural portrait of Jean Trithemius, a person as learned and as diligent an investigator of all good sciences as any other of his time; I took it from a book printed in Germany, in the same form in which I present it to you here. He was accompanied by [purity?] of life and ardent zeal for the Christian religion, as one who, in a book on the same subject as this one, though not so complete in all its parts and native colors, drew out a brief collection of the learned men who wrote, and whose books came to his knowledge.

Now, since the life of a man, once known, can greatly stir our heart to bear affection toward him, and since at the simple report of virtue we are moved to love those whom we have never beheld with our eyes, we shall say who this Trithemius was, whence he came, and in what time he lived. The town of Trittenheim, on the Moselle in the diocese of Trier, contributed to him two graces not to be despised, namely his birth and the surname which he made so famous, in the year of the birth of our Savior 1460.

While still a child, burning with affection and love for letters, he resolved to seek farther off more solid nourishment to appease his hunger. For this purpose he journeyed through various provinces and studied in the most famous universities then flourishing in both human and sacred learning, so that in a short space of time, by continual labor, he reached the height and perfection of knowledge. For he was a subtle philosopher, an ingenious mathematician, a celebrated poet, an accomplished historian, a very eloquent orator, and a distinguished theologian, endowed moreover with many rare virtues and graces, both of body and of mind.

But since in that time, still not polished, religious men were held in great and good opinion by everyone, both for their singular devotion and for their learning, the monasteries, especially in the order of Saint Benedict, being like public schools where children were taught and where men professed to preach and explain the Scriptures more than is done at present, this Jean Trithemius, desiring to find a place very suitable and peaceful for giving himself to the contemplation of divine things, chose an abbey and monastery of the order of Saint Benedict, where he took the habit of a religious. And because he conducted himself very modestly, two years after his profession he was elected and appointed abbot in the monastery of Saint Martin in the town of Sponheim, diocese of Mainz, which office he administered with very great skill.

And although the charge of governing a number of religious men differing in manners and temperament is very burdensome, indeed as burdensome as a squadron of soldiers of diverse nations is to a good and valiant captain, and although such a charge requires that a man do almost nothing else than give it his eye, ear, and all his senses, especially considering that, although all human actions, both private and public, are subject to the tooth of slanderers, above all the life of a prelate is ordinarily picked over and exposed to the tongues of evil-speakers, whom it is impossible to satisfy, nevertheless this man, with great care, while laboring at the ordering and disposition of external affairs, did not fail to steal some hours, which he carefully employed now in reading and now in composing, as we can easily gather and infer from the works he published, which sufficiently commend to posterity his learning and admirable diligence.

Among his other books, the one which, following the example of Saint Jerome, Gennadius, and others, he entitled On Ecclesiastical Writers is worthy of perpetual memory and praise. In it, with very laborious research, he noted for the most part the authors, the time in which they lived, their profession, the titles of each book, and the prefaces or beginnings of them, by this labor of his providing the brush to many who later imitated him. As for the books of the Polygraphia, even those least well disposed toward him are compelled to admire the ingenuity of the style he used, in which he describes various [unclear].

Portrait of Jean Trithemius.

Place of birth of Trithemius. A. 1460.

Great learning of Trithemius.

Trithemius abbot of Sponheim.

Books of Trithemius.

On Ecclesiastical Writers.

Key of the city. Steganography. Trithemius too much given over to magic. Regius’s error. Twofold magic. Trithemius’s contemporaneity. Death of Trithemius. The text is erroneous: in the year [1516?]. And this is established from his epitaph.

his ways of writing missives; but this is with such difficulty that those who are best versed in them have trouble enough being able to attain it. For this reason he himself devised a book which he calls the Key of Polygraphy, in order to open the door to it and disclose the secrets, which could not be communicated, seen, or recognized except with inestimable labor.

It would be superfluous to recite here the catalogue of his other books; I will only say that he is to be reproved in this: that, being too curious about the black and occult sciences of magic, he wrote in his book entitled Steganography several superstitious things unworthy of an ecclesiastical man. By this means he furnished many, who were seeking no better bread, with matter for mocking monks, saying that the state of a religious man did not consist in recounting such superstitions and astrological movements; adding that he is thought to have penetrated farther and to have had communication with familiar spirits, which I would not wish to approve.

It is quite true that there have been countless students of this science, which is practiced in many parts of the world, among others in Cambaluh, Malacca, Goa, and even in China, a country of the East Indies. Not that I wish to approve the fable received by Regius in the book he made on the vicissitudes of things, where he says that it is not permitted to those of those countries to attain offices and honors in the commonwealth unless they are learned in this science of magic. This was misunderstood by him, since those who use these sciences are only the sacrificers and priests of their idols, and some other beggarly rogues, most of whom are slaves.

For the rest, I will not occupy myself here in giving you to understand [unclear]; I may call him a beacon illuminating his age, in which letters remained buried, and he is one of those who first revived and clarified them. After having had the occupations I have just recounted, having crossed the forest of this life under the harshness and inclemency of the time, with countless labors and false and wholly unjust calumnies by which he was assailed, he died in the year one thousand four hundred ninety-nine, under Pope Alexander VI and while the Emperor Maximilian was reigning. As for others, it would be too tedious to specify them here; I shall be content, among the others, to choose Josse Badius and Jacques Fèvre, who together produced great fruits throughout all Europe, and especially in our France, and who were for the most part companions in labors, affections, and undertakings.

JOHN-

[unclear]

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, On the Seven Secondary Beings, that is, on the Intelligences or Spirits that move the spheres after God: a little book, or Mystical Chronology.

Comprising within itself many secrets worthy of being known, with marvelous brevity.

The Letter of Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, on the little book concerning the heavenly intelligences that govern the spheres after God.

To the divine Maximilian I, Emperor Caesar, pious and fortunate.

[unclear]

It is the opinion of very many of the ancients, most wise Caesar, that this lower world is governed, by the ordering of the first intellect, which is God, through secondary intelligences. Agreeing with their opinion, the Conciliator of the Physicians says that seven spirits were appointed over the seven planets from the beginning of heaven and earth; each of them governs the world for three hundred fifty-four years and four months in sequence. Very many most learned men have hitherto given their assent to this position; I make it known to Your Most Sacred Majesty not by asserting it, but only by reporting it.

I.

The first angel, or spirit of Saturn, is called Orifiel. God entrusted the world to him to govern from the beginning of creation, and he began his rule on the fifteenth day of the month of March, in the first year of the world, and it lasted 354 years and four months. Orifiel, however, is a name of office, not of nature, attributed to the spirit by reason of his action. Under his rule human beings were rude and rustic, living in solitude after the manner of beasts. This does not need proof from me, since it is manifest to all from the text of Genesis.

II.

The second governor of the world is Anael, the spirit of Venus. After Orifiel, he began to rule the influence of his planet in the year of the world 354, in the fourth month, that is, on the twenty-fourth day of the month of June, and he governed the world for 354 years and four months, down to the year 780 from the founding of the world, as is clear to one who calculates the period. Under the rule of this Anael, human beings began to be more cultivated, to build houses and cities, to discover manual arts, external work, wool-working, and things similar to these; also to indulge far more in the pleasures of the flesh, and there to take beautiful wives, to forget God, and in many respects to depart from natural simplicity; to invent games and songs, to play the lyre, and to devise whatever pertains to the nature and cult of Venus. This wantonness of life among human beings lasted until the Flood, a sufficient proof of its depravity.

III.

The third, Zachariel, angel of Jupiter, began to govern the world in the year 780 from the creation of heaven and earth, that is, on the twenty-sixth day of the month of October, and governed the world for 354 years and four months, down to the years of the founded world 1063 inclusive. Under his direction human beings first began to usurp lordship over one another, to practice hunting, to make tents, and to adorn their bodies with various garments; and there arose a great [unclear] among [unclear].

Johannes Trithemius

...the division of good and evil, with the good calling upon God, like Enoch, whom the Lord translated, while the wicked ran after the enticements of the flesh. Under the rule of this Zachariel men also began to live more civilly, to endure the laws of their elders, and to grow tame from their former wildness. Under his leadership, too, Adam, the first man, died, leaving to all his posterity the testament of necessary death. Finally, various human inventions and arts emerged at this time, as the historiographers have expressed more clearly.

III.

The fourth ruler of the world was Raphael, spirit of Mercury, who began on 24 February in the year of the creation of heaven and earth 1063, and presided for 354 years and four months; his dominion lasted until the year of the world 1417 and the fourth month. In these times writing was first invented, and letters were first devised after the manner or form of trees and plants; later, however, with time, they both took on a more cultivated ornament, and peoples changed the appearance of the characters according to their own judgment. The use of musical instruments also began to multiply under the rule of this Raphael, and the exchange of merchandise was first invented by men. The rough daring of navigation, too, was first attempted in these times, and many other things of that kind.

V.

The fifth governor of the world was Samael, who began on the 26th day of the month of June, in the year of the world 1417. He governed the world for 354 years and 4 months, until the year 1771, the eighth month. Under his rule men imitated the nature of Mars. Likewise, under the governance of this Samael, the universal flood occurred, in the year of the world 1656, as is clearly evident from the history of Genesis. And it should be noted that the ancient philosophers handed down that whenever Samael, spirit of Mars, is ruler of the world, then a notable alteration of monarchy arises. Religions and sects are varied, laws are changed, and principalities and kingdoms are transferred to foreigners, as we can easily find in the histories in order. But Samael does not at once from the beginning of his rule manifest this disposition of his character, but after he has passed the middle of his governance; the same is to be understood of the spirits of the other planets, as is evident in the histories, all of whom, according to the properties of the nature of their stars, influence and work upon the lower things of this world.

VI.

The sixth governor of the world was Gabriel, angel of the Moon, who began after Samael of Mars, on the 28th day of October, in the year of the world 1771, the eighth month, and governed the world for 354 years and 4 months, until the year of the world 2126. In these times men were again multiplied, and founded various cities. And it should be noted that the Hebrews say that the flood took place in the year of the world 1656, under the rule of Mars. But the Seventy interpreters, Isidore, and Bede confirm that it took place in the year 2242, under the governance of Gabriel, spirit of the Moon, which also seems to me more consonant with truth, by a multiplication which it is not for the present time to express.

VII.

The seventh governor of the world was Michael, angel of the Sun, who began on 24 February, in the year of the world, according to the common reckoning, 2126, and governed the world for 354 years and four months, until the year of the age of the world 2480, four months. Under the rule of the angel of the Sun, as the histories agree with the truth, kings first began to exist among mortals; among them Nimrod was the first, through lust for domination, to seize tyrannical rule over his fellows. The worship of gods, too, was instituted by the folly of men, and the humble began to worship their princes as gods. Various arts were also invented by men at this time, namely mathematics, astronomy, and magic; and the worship of the one God began to be offered to diverse creatures, and the knowledge of the true God gradually fell into oblivion through the superstition of men. In these times, too, architecture was invented, and men began to use more refined customs and institutions.

VIII.

Thereafter, in the eighth order, Orifiel, angel of Saturn, again began to govern the world on the 26th day of the month of June, in the year from the origin of the world 2480, four months; and for 354 years and four months he governed the world a second time, until the year of the world 2834 and the eighth month. Under the governance of this angel, peoples were multiplied, the earth was divided into regions, many kingdoms were established, the Tower of Babel was built, the confusion of languages took place, men were scattered over the whole earth, and men began to cultivate the earth more carefully, to establish fields, to sow grain, to plant vineyards, to set trees in the ground, and to acquire more diligently whatever pertains to food and clothing. From this time first among men

Mystical Chronology.

[among men] the distinction of nobility began to be made, when men excelling the rest both in character and in talent received the insignia of glory from the great men of the earth according to their merits. Hence first the whole world began to come into human knowledge, when peoples had multiplied everywhere, and both many kingdoms arose and various differences of languages followed.

IX.

In the ninth order Anael, the spirit of Venus, again began to govern the world on the 29th day of October, in the year of the creation of heaven and earth 2834, in the 8th month; and he presided for 354 years and 4 months, down to the year of the world 3189. In these times human beings, consigning the true God to oblivion, began to worship and honor the dead and their statues as God; this error occupied the world for more than two thousand years. Introducing elaborate adornments of the body and various kinds of musical instruments, human beings again pursued lust and the pleasure of the flesh to excess; in these times also people established and dedicated statues and temples to their gods. Incantations and malefic arts were devised in those times by Zoroaster, first king of the Bactrians, and by various others; Ninus, king of the Assyrians, defeated him in war.

X.

In the tenth order Zachariel, the angel of Jupiter, again began to govern on the last day of the month of February, in the year of the foundation of heaven and earth 3189; and he governed, as usual, for 354 years and 4 months, down to the year of the world 3543 and the 4th month. These were happy times, which could truly be called golden, in which the abundance of all things both brought increase to the human race and gave the greatest adornment to the world. Likewise at this time God gave Abraham the law of circumcision, and first promised the redemption of the human race through the incarnation of his only-begotten Son. Under the rule of this spirit the patriarchs, founders of justice, were illustrious, and the just were divided from the impious by their own will and deed. In these times also Jupiter was illustrious among the Arcadians; he is also Lisania, son of heaven and of God, a king, who first gave laws to the Arcadians, made them very civilized in their customs, taught the worship of God, built temples, instituted priests, and provided many useful things for the human race. For these reasons he was called Jupiter by them and, after death, was regarded as God. He derived his origin from the son of Eber, namely Jerah, as the histories relate. Prometheus also, the son of Atlas, under the rule of this angel is said to have made men, because from rude people he made them learned, humane, gentle, and refined in morals and knowledge; by art he made images move by themselves. He first devised the use of the ring; likewise he invented the scepter, the diadem, and the royal insignia. Other Jovian persons also were illustrious in these times, very wise men and women, who by their talent handed down many inventions useful to the human race; and because of the greatness of their wisdom, after death they were thought to have been numbered among the gods, namely Phoroneus, who first established laws and judgments among the Greeks; Sol, Minerva, Ceres, Serapis among the Egyptians; and very many others.

XI.

In the eleventh order Raphael, the spirit of Mercury, again assumed rule on the first day of the month of July, in the year of the world 3543, the 4th month; and he presided for 354 years and 4 months, down to the year of the creation of heaven and earth 3897 and the 8th month. In these times, as is clearly evident from the histories of the ancients, human beings devoted themselves more to wisdom; among them were at last very illustrious persons: Mercury, Bacchus, Omogyrus, Isis, Inachus, Argus, Apollo, Cecrops, and very many others, who by their inventions benefited both the world at that time and posterity. Various superstitions also in the worship of idols were established by human beings in these times, and incantations and the arts of diabolical images were wonderfully increased; and whatever subtlety and ingenuity is customarily attributed to Mercury was then augmented. Moses, the very wise leader of the Hebrews, skilled in many matters and arts, worshiper of the true and one God, delivered the Hebrew people from the servitude of the Egyptians into freedom. At this time also Janus first reigned in Italy; after him came Saturn, who taught that fields were enriched with dung, and was regarded as God. Around this time Cadmus invented Greek letters, and Carmentis, daughter of Evander, Latin ones. God almighty, under the rule of this Raphael, angel of Mercury, gave his people the law in writing through Moses, which gives manifest testimony to the future birth of Christ in the flesh. A wonderful diversity of religions also arose in the world. Many Sibyls, prophets, soothsayers, haruspices, magi, and seers also flourished in these times, such as the Erythraean Sibyl, the Delphic, and the Phrygian, with the rest.

XII.

In the twelfth order Samael, the angel of Mars, began to govern the world anew on the 2nd day of the month of October, in the year of the world 3897, the 8th month; and his rule lasted for 354 years and 4 months, down to the year 4152. Under his rule there occurred that great and most famous destruction of Troy in Asia Minor, and a wondrous [unclear] of the monarchy and of many kingdoms was made

The increase of idolatry.

The promised restoration of human salvation.

Jupiter, king of Arcadia.

Prometheus.

Phoroneus.

Moses.

Janus.

Cadmus.

The divine law explained.

The destruction of Troy.

The destruction of Troy.

[Blank page in the source scan.]

Paris. Mainz. Origin of the Venetians. Saul. Homer. Elijah. Elisha [unclear]. Lycurgus. Fall of the Assyrian monarchy. The city of Rome is built. The Seven Sages of Greece. Romulus. Numa. Hezekiah. Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiah. Jeremiah. The Persian monarchy. The Cumaean Sibyl. Tarquinius Priscus. Change [unclear] of the Roman commonwealth. Pythagoras. Ezra.

Of Johannes Trithemius

...a remarkable change and the new founding of many cities, so that Paris, Mainz, Carthage, Naples, and others arose anew, and kingdoms arose anew, such as those of the Lacedaemonians, Corinthians, Hebrews, and many others. In these times there were very great wars and battles of kings and peoples throughout the whole world, and various changes of empires. From this time the Venetians reckon the beginning both of their people and of their city from the Trojans. And it should be noted that very many other nations, both in Europe and in Asia, claim that they took their origin from the Trojans; to them I have thought fit to grant only as much credence as they themselves can persuade me of the truth by sufficient testimony. Trifling are the things they bring forward about their nobility and antiquity, wishing openly to boast, as though there had been no peoples in Europe before the destruction of the Trojans, and as though there had been no one of ignoble birth among the Trojans themselves. Likewise, under the rule of this planet Saul was made the first king of the Jews; afterward David, whose son King Solomon built at Jerusalem the temple of the true God, most famous in all the world. Hence the Spirit of God, illuminating his prophets with a fuller light of his grace, caused them to foretell not only the future incarnation of the Lord Savior but also many other things, as the sacred histories testify. Among them were Nathan, prophet of King David, Gad, Asaph, Ahijah, Shemaiah, Azariah, Anan, with many others. Homer, the Greek poet and writer of the destruction of Troy, Dares the Phrygian, and Dictys of Crete, who were present at that destruction itself and likewise described it, are read to have been alive in these times.

XIII.

In the thirteenth order, Gabriel, the spirit of the Moon, again took up the government of the world on the thirtieth day of January, in the year from the origin of the universe 4252, and continued in his rule for 354 years and 4 months, until the year of the world 4606 and the fourth month. In this time, moreover, several prophets flourished among the Hebrews, namely Elijah, Elisha, Micah, Obadiah, and very many others. There were also various changes in the kingdom of the Hebrews. Lycurgus gave statutes and laws to the Lacedaemonians. Capetus Silvius, Liberius Silvius, Procas Silvius, and Numitor, kings of Italy, flourished under the guidance of this spirit. Many new kingdoms also took their beginnings under him, such as those of the Lydians, Medes, Macedonians, Spartans, and others. The monarchy of the Assyrians came to an end in Sardanapalus. Likewise the kingdom of the Macedonians was consumed. Various laws were imposed on human beings, and the worship of the true God was neglected; the religion of false gods was propagated exceedingly. The city of Rome was built under the rule of this spirit in the year 1484, which was the 239th year of the government of this Gabriel in order; and the kingdom of the Silvii of Italy failed, and that of the Romans began. In these times also Thales, Solon, Chilon, Periander, Cleobulus, Bias, and Pittacus, the seven sages, flourished in Greece, and from this time philosophers and poets began to be held in esteem. First to rule at Rome was Romulus, founder of the city, for 37 years, a fratricide and cultivator of sedition. After him Numa Pompilius ruled for 42 years; he enlarged the worship of the gods, and in the time of Hezekiah king of the Jews he maintained the kingdom in great peace. Toward the end of the governance of this spirit of the Moon, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, took Jerusalem, destroyed King Zedekiah, and led away the whole people captive. Jeremiah the prophet flourished; he foretold this destruction, and likewise the future liberation from Babylon.

XIV.

After Gabriel, Michael, the spirit of the Sun, again assumed the fourteenth rule of the world. He began on the first day of the month of May, in the year of the world 4606, in the fourth month, and ruled the world in his order for 354 years, until the year from the foundation of the world 4960 and 8 months. In the time of this governance Evil-merodach, king of Babylon, restored liberty and a king to the people of the Hebrews, at the direction of Michael, who, as Daniel writes, stood for the people of the Jews, to whom they had been entrusted by God. Likewise in these times the monarchy of the Persian kingdom began. Its first king was Darius, and its second Cyrus; in the days of Belshazzar they utterly destroyed that most powerful kingdom of Babylon, as Daniel and the prophets had foretold. In these times the Cumaean Sibyl flourished; she offered nine books to King Tarquinius Priscus to be bought at a price. In them were contained the sequence of future warnings and the plan of the whole commonwealth of the Romans. But when the king refused the price, the Sibyl burned the first three books in his sight, and for the remaining six she demanded the same price. When he again refused it, she also handed over another three to the fire to be burned; and she would have done the same with the last ones, had not the king, persuaded by the counsel of his men, redeemed them from destruction by paying the price that had been demanded for all. Likewise, after abolishing kings, the Romans appointed two consuls for each year. Phalaris the tyrant occupied Sicily in those times. Magic too, in those times, was held in great esteem among the kings of the Persians. Pythagoras the philosopher and many others then flourished among the Greeks. The temple at Jerusalem and the city were rebuilt. Ezra the prophet [unclear] the burned books of Moses...

Of Johannes Trithemius

from the Chaldaeans, who were also called Babylonians, restored the use of memory as an archetype. Xerxes, king of the Persians, led an army against the Greeks, but accomplished little. Rome was captured, burned, and destroyed by the Gauls, except only the Capitol, protected by a goose, which roused the weary fighters. The very famous wars of the Athenians also occurred in those times. The philosophers Socrates and Plato lived at that time. The Romans, again abolishing the consuls, established tribunes and aediles, and in these times were involved in many disasters. Alexander the Great also, after the rule of Michael had been completed, reigned in Macedonia. He destroyed the monarchy of the Persians in Darius; by his rule he subjected all Asia, together with part of Europe. He lived twelve years and five months; after his death countless wars followed, and many evils; the monarchy was divided into four. Among the Hebrews a contest began over the high priesthood. The kingdom of Syria begins.

XV.

After Michael, fifteenth in order, now for the third time Orifiel, the spirit of Saturn, assumed the rule of the world on the last day of the month of September, in the year 4960, month 8, from the creation of the universe. He presided for 354 years and 4 months, until the year of the world 5315. Under his rule the Punic War began between the Romans and the Carthaginians. The city of Rome was almost wholly consumed by fire and water. The Colossus, a cast bronze image 126 feet high, fell in an earthquake. In this one year there was peace for the Romans after the Punic War; for 440 years they had never been without war. Jerusalem, together with the temple, was burned and destroyed by Antiochus Epiphanes. The history and wars of the Maccabees were carried on. In these times, in the year 606 from the founding of the city, Carthage was destroyed; it burned for 17 continuous days. In Sicily there was a conspiracy of 7,000 slaves against their masters. Great portents were seen in Europe in those times: domestic animals fled to the woods; blood flowed; a fiery globe flashed from heaven with a crash. Mithridates, king of Pontus and Armenia, waged war with the Romans for 40 years. The kingdom of the Hebrews was restored, which had been interrupted for 575 years, from the time of Zedekiah down to Aristobulus. Likewise the German Teutons invaded the Romans; after many battles they are said to have been defeated, and 160,000 were killed, besides innumerable others who killed themselves together with their households, under the consuls Gaius and Manlius. Nevertheless, many of the Romans had previously been destroyed by them. Finally, the civil wars, which lasted 40 years, greatly wore down the Romans. Three suns appeared at Rome, but not for long, and soon they were reduced to one. A few years later Julius Gaius Caesar usurped the empire of the Romans; Octavian Augustus after him enlarged it, and united Asia, Africa, and Europe into one monarchy. He ruled for 36 years; through him God bestowed peace on the whole world. In the year 751 from the founding of the city, the 42nd of Octavian Caesar Augustus, in the 245th year and 8th month of the aforesaid rule of Orifiel, spirit of Saturn, on the twenty-fifth day of the month of December, JESUS CHRIST, Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judaea. Note how beautiful was the ordering of divine providence. For the world was first created under the rule of Orifiel, and under his third rule also was mercifully redeemed, restored, and renewed, so that so great a harmony of events seems to furnish no small credibility to this description of the rule of the world by the seven spirits. For under the first rule of Orifiel there was one monarchy of the whole world; under the second, as we said above, it was divided among many; again under the third, as is seen, it was recalled into unity. It is clear, if we measure rightly, that it is also manifest that under the second rule of Orifiel there was one monarchy of the whole world, when the tower of Babylon was being built. From this time the kingdom of the Jews was taken away, and the victims and continual sacrifice ceased; nor will liberty be restored to the Jews before the third revolution of Michael the spirit; and this will happen after the birth of Christ in the year 1880, month 8, that is, in the year of the world 7170. Sixteenth in order after Orifiel, Anael, the spirit of Venus, [assumed] the rule of the whole world for the third time.

XVI

Sixteenth in order after Orifiel, Anael, the spirit of Venus, [assumed] the rule of the whole world for the third time

JOHANNES TRITHEMIUS

... resumed it for the second time, on the last day of January, in the year of the creation of heaven and earth 5315, but from the birth of Christ 169; and he governed the world for 354 years and 4 months, up to the year of the world 5669, 4 months, but of the Lord’s Nativity in the flesh 463. And it should be noted that through almost the whole period of this rule of Anael, angel of Venus, the Church of the Christians flourished and prevailed amid persecutions, countless thousands of men being killed for the faith of Christ. Finally, many heresies in these times began to spring up in the Church, which in time were extinguished not without the labor and blood of good men. In these times there flourished many men most learned and eloquent in every kind of knowledge: theologians, astronomers, physicians, orators, historiographers, and others like them, not only among the nations but also among Christians. At length the persecution of unbelievers against the Church ceased after Constantine Caesar the Great accepted the faith, in the year of the world 5539, after the middle of the rule of this Anael, angel of Venus; although even afterwards it was sometimes disturbed in part by impious men, nevertheless it remained very quiet for a long time. From this time the human race, which from the time of King Ninus had wandered wretchedly in the worship of idols for 2300 years, was mercifully called back to the knowledge of one God. Various arts of subtlety were increased in these times, and through the harmonies of nature received adornment and growth. For the morals of men change with time, and lower bodies are disposed according to the influence of the higher ones. The mind indeed is free, and does not receive the influence of the stars, unless, by reason of the too great commerce which it has with the body, it stains its own affection by inclining itself. For the angels, who are the movers of the spheres, destroy or overturn nothing of those things which nature has established.

A comet of unusual magnitude preceded the death of Constantine. The Arian heresy troubled the holy Church in many places at the end of this rule. In the time of Julian Caesar, crosses appeared on men’s linen garments. In Asia and Palestine there followed wars, plagues, and famines in those places in which the crosses had appeared. In these times also, around the year of the Lord 360, the Franks took their beginning in Germany; afterwards, devastating Gaul, they called the conquered land Francia by their own name. The extent of Francia was long and broad in size; its metropolis was Mainz, but now only Würzburg. The Bavarians, Swabians, Rhinelanders, Saxons, Thuringians, and the surrounding bishoprics today occupy a great part of Francia in Germany. Likewise, in the 280th year of the governance of this Anael, the Roman empire began to decline, when the city was captured by the Goths and burned, the imperial seat having previously been transferred under Constantine to Greece; this was the beginning and cause of the decline of the whole monarchy. For around the end of this rule of Anael there arose Radagaisus, Alaric, and Athaulf, kings of the Goths; likewise afterwards Genseric of the Vandals, and also Attila of the Huns, who, roaming through all Europe, wretchedly tore the empire apart, as is clear in the histories.

XVII.

After Anael, in the seventeenth order, Zachariel, spirit of Jupiter, resumed the universal rule for the third time on the first day of January, in the year of the world 5669, the fourth month, but of the Lord’s Nativity 463, the seventh month; and he presided for 354 years and four months, up to the year of the world 6023 and the eighth month, but of the Lord [unclear]. In these times many, through love of Christian philosophy, betook themselves to the desert; many portents also appeared: comets, earthquakes, rain of blood. Merlin, born in Tumba, foretold marvelous things at the beginning of this rule. Arturus, whom the common people call Arthur, the most famous king of Britain, defeated the barbarians, restored peace to the Church, fought many battles as victor, enlarged the faith of Christ, and subjected all Gaul, Norway, Dacia, and many provinces to his rule. He was the most glorious of all the kings of his time; after accomplishing many outstanding deeds, he appeared nowhere, though the Britons expected for many years that he would return. Of him the mimes once produced marvelous songs. In his reign England was in flower, and thirty kingdoms served him. In these times the orders of monks in the Church of God began to multiply. Theodoric, king of the Goths, an Arian, possessed all Italy and killed the consul Boethius. Everything was full of disturbance, both the empire and the Church. Zeno and Anastasius, Arian emperors in the East, Theodoric and his successors in Italy, and Honorius, king of the Vandals, in Africa, exercised no small tyranny. At length Clovis, king of the Franks in Gaul, having become a Christian, both overcame the Goths and imposed peace on affairs, though not everywhere on earth, in the time of Saint Benedict, in the five-hundredth year of the Christians, or thereabouts, at the beginning of the rule of this angel Zachariel of Jupiter, whose proper function as a spirit is to change empires and kingdoms; that this was done in this revolution the histories declare in many ways. And what he himself could not do, he [left] for Raphael, angel of Mercury, his successor, to do...

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Mystical Chronology.

...he ordained that it should be done in Charles of the Franks. For many kingdoms failed in these 350 years: those of the Goths, Vandals, Burgundians, Thuringians, Alemanni, Bavarians, and very many others. The emperor Justinian was the first to adorn the commonwealth most splendidly with laws. Under Zachariel several very famous men flourished; Justinian built the church of Saint Sophia [unclear] a tower at Constantinople. The empire was more often divided in two, confused, and full of disturbances. Many signs appeared in these times, as may be found in the histories. Chosroes, king of the Persians, took Jerusalem; Heraclius later killed him. Muhammad the Arab introduced the sect of the Saracens in these times, around the year of Christ 600; through it the Roman empire in Asia is now seen to have been wholly taken away. Dagobert, king of France, overcame and killed the Angles, who were then called Saxons. It should be noted that from this point the Christian faith gradually began to fail in Asia and Africa, as the sect of the Saracens entered in; it has now defiled almost the whole world. Around the year of the Lord 774, crosses appeared on people’s clothing, and not long afterward the Roman empire was divided, the monarchy being transferred to the Franks in Charles, who rescued the Church and the empire from destruction and fought many battles. Under him, after the victory, the name of the [Westphalians?] in Saxony began.

XVIII.

In the eighth place after Zachariel, the angel of Jupiter, Raphael, the spirit of Mercury, took up the government of the world for the third time, on the second day of the month of November, in the year from the creation of the universe 6023, in the eighth month, but in the year of the Lord’s nativity 817; and he presided over the world for [354?] years and 4 months, until the year of the world 6378, but of the Lord 1171. At the beginning of this revolution, as we have said, the monarchy of the Roman empire was transferred to Charlemagne. After Charles, his son Louis ruled for 25 years. When he had died, his sons, fighting among themselves, again weakened the forces of the empire. The Normans devastated Gaul [unclear] Saracens. Under Louis the Second, blood rained from heaven in Italy for three days. In Saxony a certain village, with all its buildings and people, was swallowed up in a moment by a horrible opening of the earth. Around the years of the Lord 910, great disturbances occurred in Italy, and Italy broke away from the empire of the Franks and set up kings of its own; the first of them was Berengar, duke of Friuli, and seven succeeded him in order, for almost fifty years, down to the transfer of the empire to the Germans. Otto became the first emperor, and from this point the monarchy began to be restored; his son Otto and his grandson Otto succeeded him in the empire. Under them the Hungarians were converted to the Christian faith. Otto the Third, dying without children, established the electors of the empire after him, in the year of the Christians 1002, as they remain to the present day. Jerusalem, however, was taken by the Saracens. Many portents were seen in heaven, air, earth, sea, and waters. When Otto the Third had died, Henry was the first to succeed by election of the princes; he ruled for 20 years. He founded the Church of Bamberg, and, dying a virgin together with his wife Kunigunda, shone with miracles. After him Conrad was elected, the first duke of the Franks, and he ruled for 20 years. Likewise Godfrey, count of Bouillon, recovered the Holy Land and Jerusalem from the hands of the infidels. Before the end of the revolution many signs and portents were seen, and after a short time had elapsed the people of the Tartars, going forth from their own borders, did many evils to the Roman empire. Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes occurred in the empire. Three suns were seen in the East, and the same number of moons, in the year of the Lord 1153. Frederick I, called Barbarossa, began to rule, and he ruled for 33 years. The beginning of his rule was in the 336th year of Raphael. He performed many deeds magnificently, enlarged the forces of the empire, and successfully waged many wars; in his time [unclear] and [unclear] were converted to the faith of Christ.

XIX.

In the nineteenth order Samael, the spirit of Mars, took up the universal empire of the world for the third time, on the third day of March, in the year of the world [6378?], and governed for 354 years and 4 months, until the year of the world 6732, in the fourth month, but of the Lord 1525. Under his rule there were many wars throughout the world; in them countless thousands of people perished, and very many kingdoms lost their former boundaries. Between Frederick the First, emperor, and the Roman nobles there were many discords and great battles, and many thousands of Romans perished. The said Frederick overthrew Milan from its foundations. Jerusalem was again taken by the Saracens. The empire of all the Tartars, the greatest in the world at this time, took its beginning in these times; they inflicted a very great scourge on the world, and they do not cease. After Frederick, his son Henry was chosen emperor. When he had died, schism threw the empire into confusion under Philip and Otto, and many endless battles followed in Germany, at Strasbourg, Cologne, Liege, Worms, Speyer, and throughout the whole kingdom. The sect of the mendicants

Destruction of many kingdoms. Justinian the emperor. Church of Saint Sophia. Chosroes. Muhammad. Dagobert. Noteworthy. Charles the emperor. Transfer of the Roman empire to the Franks. Rain of blood. Chasm in Saxony. Transfer of the Roman empire to the Germans; [unclear]. Conversion of the Hungarians to the faith of Christ. Origin of the prince-electors. Henry I, founder of the Church of Bamberg. Three suns in the East. Destruction of Milan. Incursions of the Tartars. Rumors of wars. Decline of the faith.

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Johannes Trithemius

A sect was founded in these times, in the year 40 of Samael, or thereabouts. Hence, for the rest, it is that all things happen by providence. The Saracens waged many battles against the Christians in Asia and Africa. Constantinople was taken by the Germans, and Baldwin, Count of Flanders, was made emperor. From Germany more than 26,000 children were drowned at sea by pirates; seduced by a vain spirit, they said that they were going to recover the Holy Land. From Spain, herdsmen gathered together, admitting no one to Paris, seized the goods of the clergy, while the people rejoiced. But when they stretched out their hands to the goods of the laymen, they were killed. In the year of the Christians 1212 Frederick II was elected; he ruled for 33 years, and did much against the Church.

In the year 1238 an eclipse and earthquakes continually crushed many thousands of people. Frisia too was almost submerged by sea-floods, and more than 100,000 people perished. The Tartars devastated Hungary and Poland, after first overcoming Greater Armenia and many regions. In the year of the Christians 1244, a certain Jew at Toledo, while digging, found a book in which it was written: “In the third world Christ will be born of the Virgin Mary and will suffer for the salvation of men.” Believing at once, he was baptized. The third world was the third revolution of the spirit of Saturn, of which mention was made above; at its beginning Christ was born of the Virgin. The Roman pontiffs, removing Frederick from the empire, declared that it had been vacant for 28 years, until the election of Rudolf, Count of Habsburg, whom they set among the kings. By election of the princes, first Henry, Count of Schwarzburg, a Thuringian; William, Count of Holland; [Conrad?], son of Frederick; Alfonso, King of Castile; and Richard, Earl of Cornwall, brother of the King of England; and evils were multiplied on the earth. At this time, around the year of the Lord 1260, the confederation of the Swiss first began: a people small in number, which grew with time and killed many of the nobles, driving others from their borders; warlike men, whose commonwealth is known to all the peoples of Germany. In the year of the Christians 1273 Rudolf of Habsburg was made emperor by election of the princes, and ruled for 18 years, a man in all respects prudent and excellent, from whom all the later dukes of Austria descended. The Tartars, invading the lands of the Christians, Constantinople, and Greece, inflicted much damage on the Christians. The Saracens occupied many cities in Asia and killed more than four hundred thousand Christians. When Rudolf died, Adolf of Nassau was elected king and ruled for 6 years; afterward Albert, son of Rudolf, defeated him in battle near Worms, killed him, and was elected emperor in the year 1298; he ruled for 10 years and was killed by his brother’s son. The order of the Templars was destroyed by Pope Clement V. The island of Rhodes was taken by Christians from the hands of the Saracens in the fourth year of the siege and of continuous war against them. After Albert was killed by his nephew, Henry VIII, Count of Luxembourg, was made emperor, and ruled for five years. When he died, Louis IV of Bavaria ruled for [12?] years, beginning in the year [1315?]; the Roman pontiffs gave him the crown. Frederick, Duke [unclear]. Charles IV, King of Bohemia, emperor. Earthquake. Tolls. [Charles’s?] son Wenceslaus, emperor. [The Duke] of Austria opposed him, but was defeated by him. After Louis, Charles IV, King of Bohemia, was made emperor; he raised the bishopric of Prague to an archbishopric and ruled for 31 years. There were very great earthquakes. This Charles newly instituted many things concerning tolls in favor of the prince-electors. Günther, Count of Schwarzburg, calling himself king, opposed Emperor Charles, but prevailed in nothing against him. After Charles, his son Wenceslaus ruled for [112?] years; after him Jodocus, Margrave of Moravia, succeeded Sigismund, brother of Wenceslaus. Leopold, Duke of Austria, with 8 counts and more than 4,000 men, was killed fighting in battle by the Swiss. Under Wenceslaus, king and emperor of the Bohemians, the teaching of the Hussites took its beginning. Wenceslaus was deposed; after his deposition, Rupert, Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria, was elected, and ruled for 10 years. In the year of the Lord [1369?], the Christians brought war upon the Saracens, but it went badly because of the arrogance of the French, since they killed more than 100,000 of our men, besides the captives, among whom was John, Duke of the Burgundians. There were many wars in these times. In the year [1407?] Sigismund became emperor for 27 years. He tried to lay waste Bohemia for the extirpation of heresies, but made little progress. The kingdom of France was cruelly laid waste and afflicted by the English and the Burgundians. When Sigismund departed this life, Albert, Duke of Austria, his son-in-law, succeeded him in the year of the Christians 1438; and he ruled for [56?] years, a man divine in intellect and peaceful in spirit. In the year of the Lord 1440 he began to reign. In the year of the Christians 1453 Constantinople was taken by the Turks through the betrayal of a certain Genoese, and gradually all Greece fell away from the Christian faith. For thereafter in time many

Mystical Chronology.

The kingdoms and provinces of the Christians are devastated and captured by the Turks. At this time Christians had many very grave wars among themselves in Gaul, England, Saxony, Westphalia, Prussia, Flanders, Swabia, and other places. In these times the art of printing was newly invented at Mainz, the metropolis of Germany, by wondrous industry, a gift of divinity. In the year of the Christians 1456, the Turks were overthrown in Hungary by the faithful, and many perished. The pilgrimage of children to Saint Michael was remarkable. There were earthquakes in the kingdom of Naples; more than 4,000 men perished. In the year of the Lord 1462, Mainz, the metropolis of the Franks, was captured and plundered. Charles, duke of Burgundy, defeated the French in the year 1465. Afterwards, in the year 67, he destroyed Dinant and Liège. In the year 1473 he entered Guelders and powerfully obtained it, likewise the whole duchy of Lorraine. A comet appeared through the month of January in the year of the Lord 1472. Charles, duke of Burgundy, besieged the town of Neuss for the space of a year, in the year 74; afterwards, in 1477, he was killed in battle, a magnanimous prince.

In these times the Turks took many cities of the Christians: Negroponte in Euboea, also the Bosnian kingdom, the duchy of the [Despot?], Achaia, Mitylene, and several kingdoms in the East. In 1476 a gathering of fools took place at Niklashausen in the Franconia of Germany, full of errors. In the year 1480 the Turks besieged the Rhodians with a great army, but did not prevail. In the same year, departing from Rhodes, they took Hydruntum, more than 12,500 Christians being killed and only 22 escaping by flight. And in the following year the emperor of the Turks, Mehmed, died; Bayezid, his first-born, succeeded him in the kingdom, now ruling into his twenty-seventh year. In the year of the Christians 1486, Maximilian, son of Frederick, was established king of the Romans at Frankfurt; he was greeted as Caesar by Pope Julius in the year 1508. He founded the military order of Saint George against the heretical Turks; he subdued the Swiss in war; he attacks the rebellious Sicambri in war even to this day, and will prosper against all treaty-breakers. The king of the French, persecutor of the Empire in his usual manner, has been found to be devising new plots. May the Almighty protect those assigned to the dominion of Samael in the year [1508?]. The Venetians, rebels against Caesar’s empire, have been marked by ban and war. There will be punishment for obstinacy, and reward for prudent satisfaction.

Around the end of this third revolution of Samael, the image of alteration will pass to the first; it will be the destruction of many. For unless Y., with God ministering, is brought back to Algos, there will be the monarchy of someone, or the transfer of some great kingdom. A great sect of religion will arise, the destruction of old religions. It is to be feared lest the fourth beast lose one head. In Samael, Mars first foretold the Flood, in the second the destruction of Troy; in the third, near the end, there will be great damage to unity. For from preceding things let the future things that follow be judged. This third revolution of Mars will not be completed without the prophecy of some new institution of religion. From here, in the year of the Christians 1508, there remain years up to the year of the world 7086, the eighth month; but of the Lord’s nativity, 1879, likewise two months. The future sequence of this revolution requires prophecy.

I have not written these things assertively, most sacred Caesar; they are by no means to be believed with any injury to the orthodox faith. There are, however, those who have reckoned the months in these matters as lunar; if you decide that they should be agreed with, those things which I have written otherwise must be changed. With my own hand also I protest, and with my mouth I confess, that in all these things I believe nothing, admit nothing, except what the Catholic Church believes; the rest I reject and despise as vain, fabricated, and superstitious.

Praise to almighty God.

[unclear]

A compendium or breviary of the first volume of the Annals or Histories, concerning the origin of the kings and people of the Franks, addressed to the most reverend father and prince in Christ, Lord Laurentius, Bishop of Würzburg and Duke of eastern Francia, by Johannes Trithemius, Abbot.

Epi-

Letter of Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of St James, formerly of Spanheim, to the most reverend father in Christ and prince, Lord Laurentius, of the noble and very ancient family of the Bibras, bishop of the distinguished Church of Würzburg and sole duke of Eastern Francia, concerning the compendium of the first volume of the annals on the origin of the Franks.

To the most reverend father in Christ, most excellent prince and lord, Lord Laurentius, bishop of the noble Church of Würzburg and sole duke of Eastern Francia, Johannes Trithemius, unprofitable, and abbot in name alone of the poor little monastery of St James the Apostle in the suburbs of the aforementioned city of Würzburg, offers ready service in all things, no less voluntary than owed by right.

Most reverend father, illustrious prince, and gracious lord, I have written, as your Most Reverend Lordship knows, three great volumes, the work of no small labor, on the origin, course, and particular deeds of the kings, dukes, princes, and people of the Franks, taking the beginning of my narration and of the succession of the kings from the four hundred and fortieth year before the birth of Christ, at which time, after Antenor, the great king of the people, had been killed by enemies, his son Marcomer succeeded to the kingdom and led out his people, namely our forebears, from Scythia, from the borders to the borders of Germany and Saxony, to the mouths of the Rhine, where Guelders now is. In these three volumes I have embraced a period of one thousand nine hundred fifty-four years, in which the kings of the Franks, succeeding one another in proper order, from that same Marcomer already named down to the twentieth year of Maximilian Augustus, emperor of the Romans and Caesar, are counted as one hundred and three. There were many collateral kings, outside the direct line of genealogy, who are excluded from this number of kings. Through the whole first volume, moreover, I continue the successions of the kings of the Franks and their deeds down to King Pippin, exclusively, over one thousand one hundred ninety years, in which there were sixty-one kings succeeding one another in a direct line. Pippin was succeeded by his son Charles, surnamed the Great. After him came his son, Louis the Pious. When he died, his sons divided the kingdom of the Franks into very many parts. When they too had departed this life, their grandsons again the kingdom of the Franco-

[unclear] in such a manner divided principally into two kingdoms; of these one is to be called, to be, and to remain Germanic, the other Gallic, and neither is to be subject to the other. And this division is such as follows.

The kingdom of the Franks, Germany, is to have perpetually by itself its own king, subject to no mortal whatsoever, not even to the Roman Empire, but, according to the ancient custom of the Franks, most free. To this kingdom, in the aforesaid division, fell the subject nations, cities, peoples, and races: namely the whole kingdom of Germany, with the Saxons, Thuringians, Marcomanni, Danes, Frisians, Hessians, [Westphalians?], East Franks, Bavarians, Swabians, Bohemians, Sorbs, southern Germans, and all the nations, peoples, and races that lie among those named above.

Likewise the whole kingdom of Austrasia, with these cities: Metz, the whole of what is now called Lorraine, Trier, with the Mosellans, the Eifel people, and the [Cinonotes?], Cologne, Aachen, Liege, and both lower and upper Utrecht, with Holland, Zeeland, Brabant, Hainaut, the entire region from the river Rhine westward as far as the sea; with the Tongrians, Flemings, Morini, and the whole land that either adjoins or lies between the aforesaid regions and cities.

Finally, the kingdom of Arles, with its eight counties in Gaul, is considered from ancient times subject to the rule of the king of the Germans. For this reason the archbishop of Trier, whoever he may be at the time, is afterwards known to have been appointed archchancellor of the German kingdom throughout Gaul, for the aforesaid kingdom of Arles. The kingdom of Burgundy also, with all its counties, was assigned in the same division to the kingdom of the Germans. All Alemannia as well, with its cities and peoples, in which are the cities of Chur, Sion, and [Valais?], fell by lot to the kingdom of the Germans, together with the Swiss, Alsatians, [Caurici?], Savoyards, people of Constance, Basel, Strasbourg, Speyer, Worms, Mainz, and all peoples from the rising of the river Rhine as far as the sea, into which it flows by three mouths.

But the Roman Empire, together with Italy, Lombardy, and all those subject to it by ancient right, except Greece, the Eastern Empire, was, and today remains, annexed and subject to the kingdom of the Germans. Nevertheless, over time many disputes, invasions, and changes arose between the kings of the Germans and the Gauls concerning certain boundaries of the kingdom; of these matters it has been written more fully in the second volume.

The kingdom of the Franks of Gaul also, now divided from ours already mentioned, is in like manner, as the constitution declares, to have its own free king, who is no less free than the king of Germany and is subject to no one at all. For it is manifest that the Franks from their origin have always been

had been very free, and never served the Romans nor any other nation whatsoever, nor existed as subjects, but rather they themselves destroyed the empire of the Romans and made it subject to themselves. And for this reason both kings, in the division of the kingdom, determined that each should preserve everywhere the ancient liberty of the other unimpaired.

But the king of Gallic France, in the division of the monarchy, received as his portion the kingdom of Neustria, or Paris, and also the kingdom of Orléans, the kingdom of Aquitaine, the kingdom of [Toulouse?], the kingdom of Armorica, or New Britain, with all the provinces and peoples of inner Gaul, as far as Spain: from the river Rhône as far as the western sea.

After that division of the kingdom of the Franks, I too compressed the history, henceforth leaving aside the Gallic Franks; in the second and third volumes of the Annals I continued the narrative concerning only the German Franks. But since, in so long a course of years, reckoning first from the entrance of the people into Germany, the history became rather lengthy, I judged it worth the effort if from those three volumes of annals I should draw out as many shorter books, which would contain in summary the names, successions, and deeds more worthy of remembrance of the kingdom of the Franks of Germany. For I know that your most reverend Lordship both delights in ancient histories and, by reason of administering your principality, is continually occupied in many affairs. Since, therefore, no prince lives today among mortals to whom, after God, I am by right more bound and more ready, with the most submissive will, to serve and please according to my strength and beyond, than to your most excellent and most reverend Lordship, I judge no one more worthy to whose name I either ought or wish to dedicate these lucubrations of mine concerning the origin of the Franks. Therefore, I pray, may your gracious Lordship kindly receive the work of compendium which I offer, and hold me, your humble servant, commended.

In the year 1515.

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A Compendium or Abridgment of the First Volume of the Chronicles or Annals of Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Saint James the Greater, Apostle, in the suburb of the city of Würzburg, concerning the origin of the nation and kings of the Franks, addressed to the most reverend father and prince in Christ, Lord Laurentius, Bishop of Würzburg and Duke of Eastern Francia, begins.

With the aid of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have written, not without very great labors, three volumes of our annals, of by no means small size. In them, from the origin of the nation of the Franks down to the twenty-eighth year of Caesar Maximilian Augustus, we have set forth a fuller history, distinguished in the following order of division. For in the first volume we described both the origin and the kings of the aforesaid nation of the Franks, beginning from Marcomitus, who began to reign in the four hundred thirty-ninth year before the birth of Christ. After the death of his father, whom the Goths had killed in war, he reigned twenty-eight years, and was the first to lead the nation from the mouths of the Danube into Germany, to the mouths of the Rhine. This people, once sprung from Trojan fugitives, while they were still among their own fellow-citizens, had the Trojan name; afterward, scattered among various nations and wandering, they very often changed their name together with their settlements. For at first, when they were called Trojans, they were Trojans; afterward, among the Scythians, they too were named Scythians; but when they came into the borders of Germany, for a time they were called Sicambri; finally, from Francus their king, they were called Franks. Nevertheless the Sicambri could not at once obtain from the neighboring peoples, especially from the Roman Gauls, to whom their power was always suspect, that they should be called Franks, until at last, expanding their kingdom and name, they powerfully subjected to themselves the Romans, together with Italy and all Gaul. And because they lived with the Germans, they were more often named Germans than Franks by the writers of deeds. Thus the whole period of the first volume of our annals contains 1,189 years, from Marcomirus down to King Pippin.

The second volume of the annals takes its beginning from the year of the Lord's nativity 750, when Pippin, mayor of the palace, was elected king of the Franks, Hilderic having been shorn as a monk. From there down to the eighth year of Richard, king of Germany, who succeeded William amid the dissension of the princes, it contains a period of 515 years, as is clear to one who counts the sequence of the order; in these years the history of the German kingdom is woven together.

The third volume of annalistic notes takes its beginning from the eighth year of King Richard, which was the 1266th year of the Lord's nativity. This we have continued to the twenty-eighth year of King Maximilian, namely the 1514th year of the Lord's nativity, containing 248 years. And thus the whole period of the three volumes makes 1,953 years, whose deeds we have embraced.

Compendium, Book I.

And so, intending from a fixed consideration of our mind to write an epitome of the first volume of our Annals, a compendium or breviary, we warn the reader not to censure the work before he has prudently examined it. It is the manifest mark of a rash man to judge what he does not know, and to think that no one can know what he himself perhaps does not know. I know that many have written various and divergent things about the origin of the Franks: some of them maintain that the people was native-born, while others that it was immigrant from I know not what city of the Sicambri. We believe that no one can either distinguish or reconcile their diverse opinions unless Hunibald’s compilation enlightens him. For that sound historian of the Franks flourished in human life in the times of King Clodoceus, whom Saint Remigius, prelate of the Romans, baptized, in the five-hundredth year of the Lord’s nativity; after Doracus the philosopher, Wasthald the historian, and many other very ancient writers of deeds, he wrote a distinguished work, which he divided into eighteen books. In the first six he traces the earliest origin of the people of the Franks from the Trojan destruction down to the death of King Antenor, whom the Scanzians, Goths, and Sueci or Suedi killed near the mouths of the Danube, namely in the four-hundred-fortieth year before Christ’s nativity. In the other six books he embraces the time from the death of the aforementioned King Antenor down to Faramund, king of the Franks, the forty-third of the second order. From Faramund the remaining six books are continued down to the last year of Clodoceus, the first Christian among the kings, who died in the five-hundred-fourteenth year of the Lord’s nativity. And because I have written about all these things in the first volume of our Annals, the rationale of the name Breviary requires that we here pursue brevity. Here ends the Proem.

The breviary of the first volume of his Annals, by Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Saint James at Würzburg, of the Order of Saint Benedict, happily begins.

Indeed, in the four-hundred-fortieth year before the nativity of the Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ, from Mary ever an untouched virgin, when the peoples who were afterward called Franks, but previously Scythians, and still earlier Trojans, were settled by the maritime borders of Scythia, not far from the mouths of the Danube, King Antenor ruled. Against him a most fierce people, numerous beyond number, having come forth from the Scanzian islands, which are now called Gothic, wore down his people by repeated attack, bringing arms against arms, hands against hands. Antenor, now defeated, now [unclear], was at last killed by the Goths in battle with many of his men, in the year noted above, before Christ’s nativity, as we have said, 440; his son Marcomir succeeded him in the kingdom.

The First King.

Marcomir, the elder son of the slain King Antenor, placed in his father’s stead, reigned twenty-eight years; and he began in almost the same year in which his father was killed. He was a magnanimous, strong, bold, warlike man, who avenged his father’s death upon the nearer Goths by repeated attacks, although he seemed far inferior to the Goths in number of fighters and in strength. Moreover, in the fourth year of his reign he held counsel with the chief men of the kingdom as to how either the Goths might be kept away from the kingdom, or, if this could not be done, provision might be made for the people in some other way, lest it perish.

At last it pleased all who judged rightly that, since they could in no way resist so immense a multitude of Goths, they should change their settlements by the will of the gods. Therefore, after the ministers of the gods had been summoned, the elders commanded that inquiry be made of the divine powers in which direction they ordered them to go. The rites suited to prophecies are prepared; sacrifices are offered by an art composed for summoning infernal powers. In the midst, before the altar of Jove, stands a frenzied priest; he twists his head about, utters songs in a murmur, gnashes tightly with his teeth, with his fingers bent back twists and shakes his arms with his hands, and, darting about, bends backward in like manner, appearing to a sane beholder like a foolish, insane man. At last, after the divine power had been summoned by song, the priest Menolpor, asked for a prophecy, gave response and began to thunder thus: “Marcomir, prince of Jove, the divinity bids itself be tranquil, and not to fear the hazards of the long journey, because he tends westward after his brothers to the mouths of the Rhine, where [unclear] Brutus, [unclear].”

Counsel of the Franks concerning transmontane Germany. They seek the response of Jove through the priests. Jove’s prophet [unclear] that counsel should be made in the temple.

Marcomir ruled in Germany for twenty-eight years.

Annals of Trithemius.

[unclear]. And each of you is by nature a brother to you and by nation a faithful friend. Go, with swift course take possession of the seats prepared, to be enlarged, by the will of the father, into a third part of the world.

That same night King Marcomirus summoned the ancestral deity by an incantation, with a murmured chant, and brought before him as prophetess one whom, because of her sagacity, they named Aliruna. He prepared a portent and confirmed the prophecy of the priestess by the authority of the Sibyl, and at once ordered the people to be led across, so that their offspring, multiplied exceedingly as the vision foretold, might remain stronger forever.

Marcomirus saw a three-headed deity standing there, and heard the separate prediction of each head; and he saw a distinct diadem placed high above each one. The first head was that of a toad; the second, of a lion; the third, in the form of an eagle, as if standing above with wings spread, holding and cherishing the lion on the right and the toad on the left. And the eagle said: “Marcomirus, your progeny shall subject my head to itself; it shall trample the lion and at the same time slay the toad.” And the toad itself added: “Do not think me to be despised, handsome king, because I appear foul. My outward form is suited to future events. Your generation will first destroy me far away; after this it will keep the lion captive by the sword. Take care to hear from his mouth what remains further.”

Afterward the lion’s head said to King Marcomirus: “Guest about to come into my [land], most valiant king, with your people, you will soon conquer the toad by toil; after much time, then my rights will everywhere yield to their own, of their own accord in wars [unclear]. Afterward the eagle on the right will crown me when conquered, having at the left the toad bound by your seed. What will happen afterward is shown to you by our conjunction.”

When the lion-shaped apparition had uttered these words, the three heads were suddenly changed into one, and the three-headed portent stood transformed into the image of a man, not of lowly condition, but of a king crowned with a golden diadem, holding a scepter in his left hand and a sword in his right. Muttering in a harsh voice, in speech taught by spells, to summon up the shades and to bring down the highest gods from heaven, it answered: “Let them bear with your enchantments, so that the future may be as future: understand, lest we speak in vain. As the transformation of our image confirms the form, so this very voice of prophecy makes certain that a kingdom, varied in condition, is promised in the future to this people; a long time will vary it, and the multitude of the ruling stock, so that it will neither always be one nor divided into very many. Now one, then two, now three, then four; beyond that, now it returns into one; at last it will stand divided into two, when the eagle has been joined as friend to the lion, and the toad, plotting against the eagle, has held the left side.” When all these things had been said, the vision disappeared.

King Marcomirus asked Aliruna what the meaning of the prophecy was. She said to him: “It is the ancestral god, O king, who accompanies you and your people; by his predictions you have been instructed about the future for your people and for the kings who will be born from you. From here you must know that you are to migrate as quickly as possible to the farthest lands of the lion toward the west. The lion designates the people who dwell on this side of the river Rhine, sprung from the ancient stock of the Trojans. On the other side of the river lives the people of the toad, inhabiting a broad and fruitful region. The third people, which is designated by the eagle, are the Romans, whose pride strives to subject the whole world to its dominion. Therefore go with your people toward the west. They will dwell between those two peoples, of the lion and of the toad, between the sea and the Rhine. For it will come to pass that many battles will be waged between your people and the people of the toad, and very many on both sides will fall slain by the sword.”

On the following day, when the nobles had again been summoned to him, he commended the plan and by public edict warned them that their settlements must altogether be transferred. And so an embassy was sent to the Saxons in Germany, who themselves are recorded as descended from the Trojans, and they asked them as brothers to allow the Scythians places to remain in some corner of their land. The Saxons readily gave consent to their petition, promising that they would give them excellent settlements, and nevertheless adding that they should hasten to come as quickly as possible. A cause pressed the Saxons on account of which they willingly agreed to the Scythians their brothers: namely, they very much desired to place them as a wall and bulwark between themselves and the Gauls.

On the arrival of the Scythians into the borders of Germany, to the parts [unclear], with their king Marcomirus: they were first Trojans, then Scythians, afterward Sicambri, and in the last generation were called Franks.

Therefore in the four hundred thirty-third year before the birth of Christ, which was the beginning of the seventh year of King Marcomirus, around the middle of the month Hecatombaeon, which the Romphaei, Saxons [unclear].

Saxons. [Bentius?] designates the Angles. Aliruna, that is, a wise-woman, [unclear]. A monstrous three-headed deity appeared. Words of the toad, that is [unclear], to the king. Galicia is designated as first to be overcome. Germany designates the lion to be conquered. Interpretation of the portent by Aliruna [unclear]. The varied change of the kingdom of the Franks. Aliruna [Gelbica?] is a wise-woman. By the lion, the Saxons; by the toad, the Gauls. The land of the Gallic toad, the German lion. Prophecy concerning the victory of the Franks. That the Franks would overcome the Romans. An embassy of the Franks is sent to the Saxons. The Saxons willingly admit the Trojan brothers. The first entrance of the Franks into the borders of Saxony.

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Compendium, Book I.

... which we call April, King Marcomir himself, with Sunno, Panthenor, and Priam, his brothers, the leaders left beyond the Danubian sea, circling for a long distance through the borders of Scythia and toward the north, and then turning their route toward the region of the Teutons, began his migration westward with the whole people of the kingdom, their wives, children, and all their goods, with great labor, difficult and long-lasting.

There were, apart from women and little children, 175,658 men most ready for war. The names of the princes who were with Marcomir and had descended from his lineage were: Duke Nicanor, uncle of King Marcomir; Sunno, Panthenor, Priam, brothers of Marcomir, the aforesaid king; Duke Helenus, Duke Antenor, Duke Menander, Duke Edrasius, Duke Gethenus, Duke Priamus, Duke Marenus, Duke Ermon, Duke Nicanor, Duke Pyndari, Duke Helam, Duke Marcomir, Duke Colam, Duke Masan, Duke Antenor, Duke Ancreasius, Duke Bengoth, Duke Calomer, Duke Rodanus, Duke Malda, Duke Kylan, Duke Solas, Duke Colo, Duke Bremus, Duke Sunno, Duke Melanus, Duke Nicamor, Duke Thaphon, Duke Salon, Duke Meodarus.

The number of the whole people, as Hunibald bears witness, men, women, and little children of both sexes together, was 489,360, not counting the servants attending them. But if anyone desires to know fully what great difficulties they had on the journey, what wars they waged with the peoples opposing them, and what great dangers they either fell into or escaped, let him read the writer mentioned in the book of histories of the people of the Franks. Just as its beginnings are remarkable, so they seem to me, saving the judgment of those who judge better, to be fabulous in many respects.

At length, after many labors and countless difficulties, King Marcomir came into Germany with his leaders and the whole people. They were kindly received by the Saxons as brothers, and among them received the desired settlements by the Rhine, namely that province in which those now dwelling there are called the West Frisians, and also the Gelderlanders and Hollanders: that is, around that region where the Rhine flows into the sea by three mouths, although at first they received rather narrow settlements, which in a short time they made wider westward by force of arms.

Indeed, in the twentieth year of his reign, King Marcomir, provoked by an injury from the Transrhenane Gauls, gathered an army and, after crossing the river, subjected to his rule that land which, enclosed by islands of the Rhine, is nearest to the sea, expelling its inhabitants; and he entrusted it to his brother Sunno to guard. He brought in by ship people of his own nation to inhabit and cultivate it.

But when the Gauls took ill the incursion of the new foreign people into the borders of the Hollanders, and were provoking it with various attempts, King Marcomir, in the twenty-fourth year of his reign, having gathered a great army both of his own people and of the Saxons, crossed the Rhine by ship, entered western Gaul, devastating everything with sword and fire, and reached as far as the Meuse. Thereafter he fought many battles with the Gauls, triumphing everywhere as victor, and his name was terrible to the conquered Gallic peoples; all who heard of Marcomir feared him. He made a treaty with the Britons dwelling on the island.

From that time, for almost nine hundred years, the kings of the aforesaid people of the Scythians never ceased from harrying the Romans and the Gauls, sometimes defeated, yet more often victors, until at last they compelled by arms into their power not only all Gaul, but also all Alemannia, Swabia, Bavaria, Burgundy, Italy, Sclavonia, Thuringia, Austria, Saxony, the Teutons, Cimbri, Danes, Cisrhenanes, Mosellans, Treveri, Metz people, Austrasians, Liege people, Morini, Tournai people, people of the Meuse, Atrebates, Cologne people, Mainz people, Vangiones, Nemetes, Strasbourg people, Helvetii, Rauraci, Bohemians, and Sorbs, together with the Spaniards, all the Germans, and almost all Europe.

After this King Marcomir died, when the twenty-eighth year of his reign had been completed, namely in the year 412 before the birth of Christ, in the twenty-first year from the entry of the people into the borders of Saxony at the Rhine. He left three sons, dukes, Antenor, Priam, and Nicanor, and twelve daughters.

Down to this year Wasthald the Scythian, or Sicamber in his native speech, carried down, as it were, the historical work of the people, through more or less 758 years, beginning from the fall of Troy. In it he describes the various dwellings of his race, their settlements, and also their leaders, wars, kings, and the different deeds of the Pori in order. After him Hunnibald the Frank, from the written songs of the flamens, continued the history of the people of the Franks for 1,426 years, down to the last year of King Clovis, who, first of the kings, received Christ, baptized by Saint Remigius, in the year of the Lord 498. Second—

The Second of the Annals of Trithemius.

Antenor, the elder son of King Marcomir, raised to the kingship in the same year, reigned after his father for thirty years. He was held in the highest honor among his people; he secured for himself the very firm friendship of the Saxons, with whose help, as victor, he engaged in many battles with the Romans and the Gauls. His brothers Priamus and Nicanor assisted him, together with the rest of the dukes, with steadfast loyalty; after crossing the river, they often inflicted many troubles upon the Gauls. Sunno too, the king's uncle, with his sons, always adhered to Antenor himself with the utmost fidelity in all things, and instructed him in government as his own son, while nevertheless venerating him as lord.

King Antenor had a wife named Cambra, who was the daughter of Belinus, king of Britain. She was a woman of surpassing beauty above all the daughters of the whole kingdom, and of such great prudence that the king was always accustomed to obey her counsel in all matters, no otherwise than that of some deity, before the princes of the Franks. The manners of the people, still excessively rude with Scythian savagery, she rendered more cultivated by laws; she taught the nobles to build cities and castles. There she introduced adornment of the forehead, gave women likewise the practice of sowing flax, committing hemp to the earth, and weaving and preparing it for clothing and various uses. She composed laws, pronounced judgment, and presented herself as a prophetess and priestess of Diana, an Aliruna.

And since, though a woman in sex, she bore in mind the character of a king and priest, it came among the Saxons from laughter into a proverb that, whenever they heard someone exulting or speaking with more than customary prudence, as if wishing to imitate the prudence of Cambra, they would say reproachfully: "Behold Cambra." This in their language is said thus: "Si Camber," as though they were saying, "Do you understand the prudence of Cambra?" Thus in time the proverb became established, because the last two words, that is, the adverb and the name, "Si Camber," made one word, which as a whole makes "Sicambrus."

After the queen had died years later, the Sicambrians, by a decree of the kings and nobles, counted her among the goddesses in her memory. They had formerly been called by their Saxon friends Novimagi, that is, Neumagi, as it were "new kinsmen"; thereafter they were called Sicambrians for almost four hundred years, until at last, from a certain king of theirs named Franco, as we shall say, they were called Franks, down to the present day, although with an admixture of peoples.

Meanwhile, however, because they were with their Trojans, they were also called Trojans; with Armenians, Armenians; with Scythians, Scythians; with Germans, Germans; with Gauls, Gauls. Frequently acquiring one name after another from others, they often changed their customs, language, idiom of speech, and name along with their settlements.

In the twelfth year of Antenor, his uncle Sunno died, leaving two sons, Marcomir and Hector. The first of these afterwards, while riding on horseback over the ice, was drowned in the Rhine; the younger governed his father's duchy in Holland under the king's authority. He left four other sons, begotten by four other concubines, who are not counted among the dukes, since the law of the Sicambrians forbade it; this law prohibited, while children by the first wife survived, the sons of subsequent women from being or being called princes. Queen Cambra enacted that law so that the kingdom would not be thrown into confusion.

Priamus, brother of King Antenor, held the duchy among the Gruni, namely in that region bounded by the sea which is now called Frisia. In it the duke, Priamus's son, founded a new town in the year 307 before the birth of Christ, which from his own name is called Groningen down to the present day. For the duke's name was Grunus, from whom the peoples also, although Franks by origin, were for a time called Gruni.

Antenor, after many deeds bravely performed, died in the thirtieth year of his reign, and in the 382nd year before the Lord's nativity. The Sicambrians, escorting him with great pomp according to pagan custom, counted him among the gods by order of the queen.

The Third.

Priamus, the only son of King Antenor by Queen Cambra, reigned after his father over the Sicambrians, who were later called Franks, for twenty-six years. In his time the Sicambrian people gradually began to forget their ancestral speech and to use the language of the Saxons, on whose borders they dwelt. Nevertheless, from the use of the old speech many words remained among them, which seem rather to echo a Greek origin than the property of the Teutonic or German language; anyone who has full knowledge of both languages will easily discern this. Nor was the change of the ancient speech among the people sudden: what began with time at length, through usage, passed into nature.

In the sixth year of King Priamus, Duke Marcomir died. He was the grandson of the first Sunno, of whom it was said above that, with the other dukes, he led the people into Germany.

6. COMPENDIUM, BOOK I. [Margin: Theocalus, pontiff and historiographer of the Sicambri. The sacred rites were performed in the Greek tongue.]

Among his many children he had one son, by name Theocalus, a man most outstanding in all the wisdom of the Greeks, the Scythians, and the Germans, whom the Sicambri [made their] great pontiff.

In the eighth year, therefore, of Priam, king of the Franks—Cambra his mother and queen, and Theocalus the pontiff, commanding [it]—the Sicambri built two cities between the mouths of the Rhine, of which the one they called Neopagus, the other Neomagus, in memory of their acquired name. In these two cities, and especially in Neopagus, was the residence of the king of the Franks for a long time.

They also established in the same city of Neomagus a great and most strong temple to Jupiter, in which Theocalus the pontiff, dwelling with the priests, instructed the sons of princes and nobles in morals and knowledge, spoke prophecies to the people, and wrote in songs the brave deeds of the kings—which the youth, compelled to learn by heart, were wont to sing in the temple on feast days. Yet at certain seasons of the year the priests dwelt not in the cities but in the wilderness, whose food too was sparing, and [whose] exercise of talent [was] the continual learning of the course of the stars, and songs, and the histories of the ancients.

But king Priam, after many incursions had with the Gauls, after battles and victories, at last dies, in the twenty-sixth year of his reign, 356 years before the nativity of Christ from the Virgin Mary, leaving several sons and daughters from four wives, whom he had had at once and together.

HELENUS, the elder-born son of king Priam, succeeding [his] father, reigned among the Sicambri nineteen years, a man severe against [his] enemies—whose infants, as often as he could capture [them], he immolated to Pallas and other demons. But to his own people he was not cruel, but mild, and very humane, grievous or troublesome to no one, and therefore pleasing to all.

In the first year of his reign he had a war with the Transmosan Gauls and the Tungri, in which he laid low more than sixteen thousand of the enemy, and turned the rest to flight. He slew also, with his own hand, the first-born of the king of the Morini, by name Guedo, and subjected to his dominion a great part of the land beyond the Meuse, which he commended to his dukes to be guarded. Frequently thereafter he fought with the Gauls with varying fortune, now victor, now vanquished; of whose battles and deeds we have written more in the first volume of the annals.

At last, after many [things] bravely done with the Gauls and other enemies round about, Helenus, king of the Sicambri, dies, in the nineteenth year of his reign, 337 years before the nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

DIOCLES, the elder son of king Helenus, after [his] father reigned twenty-nine years, a man tall of stature in body, harsh in morals, and, by excessive gravity, severe, bold, brave, and most warlike, who waged many battles.

In the twelfth year of his reign, a multitude of the Gothic people went out from the Scanzian islands, which are now called Gothic, and, poured into the borders of the Saxons, began to exercise a most grievous devastation, consuming with iron and fire whatever it could find. Against this most savage people, which was wont to spare no one, five kings advanced to war—namely, the king of the Thuringians, the king of the Teutons, the king of the Rugii, and Diocles himself of the Sicambri, with princes, dukes, and many warriors, whose army was numbered at two hundred and sixty thousand men.

The war is waged; a fierce battle is joined with the enemy, in which there fell of the Gothic army more than one hundred thousand warriors. But on the part of the five kings, twenty-five thousand fell, among whom Heriman also, king of the Thuringians, perished. But the Saxons, having gained the victory, divided the spoils of the enemy among [their] allies with an equal balance, and, the enemy having been put to flight afar, the kings returned to their own [lands].

Meanwhile, when the Gauls dwelling beyond the Meuse had understood that king Diocles had stripped [his] country of the army,

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led against the enemy, they divided into three parts: two of these they arranged each as a battle-line, but the third they placed in hiding-places for ambush. As the Gauls approached and brought forward one battle-line, when they saw the Sicambri coming against them with two, they were thrown into confusion; but there was no time to order their forces otherwise, since their adversaries were hastening to close battle.

For as soon as the Gauls came within sight of the Sicambri, the Sicambri, impatient of delay, directed one battle-line against the enemy wedge. When the battle had already begun, wheeling the second line around at Neomagus against the enemy from the flank, they threw their order into confusion. And when the fighting was fierce on both sides, and the army of the Gauls was already inclining toward flight, suddenly the Sicambri burst forth from ambush and, making an attack, held the Gauls enclosed among themselves, so that no place for flight lay open to those ready to flee. Thus the wretched Gauls, enclosed in the midst of the Sicambri, were butchered to death like cattle, and they suffered so great a slaughter that, out of eighty-eight thousand of them who had assembled for the war, scarcely ten thousand escaped, saved by the benefit of night, in flight. Of the Sicambri, Duke Marcomir, Duke Helenus, and Duke Antenor fell, with about four thousand men. Nevertheless the victory, with the spoils of the enemy, fell to the Sicambri.

Diocles the king, throughout all the days of his reign, stood bravely in contest with the Gauls, and scarcely in the meantime was there a year in which he did not trouble them by some incursion or battle. At last he died in the thirty-ninth year of his reign, 298 before the birth of the Lord. By the queen he had four sons, Henus, Priamus, Nicanor, and Basanus; by other wives he had several sons.

The Sixth.

Helenus, the eldest son of the aforementioned king Diocles, succeeding his father, reigned fourteen years: a sluggish, wanton man, and memorable for no activity of virtue. In his time the Gauls, making incursions several times, stirred up no few disturbances for the Sicambri. Against them his brothers, with the nobles of the kingdom, often led out the army, and, fighting with varying fortune, were sometimes defeated, sometimes victorious. But the king sat at home, idle among the gatherings of concubines, dissolving in lust, useful neither to the kingdom nor pleasing to the people, stupid for peace and unfit for war.

Therefore, before the fourteenth year of his reign had yet been completed, the nobles of the kingdom, gathering at Neopagus, together with the whole soldiery of the army, by the common decree of all deposed him from the kingdom as useless and harmful to the people, in the year 284 before the birth of the Lord.

The Seventh.

Basanus, the younger son of the above-mentioned king Diocles, after the deposition of his brother Helenus from the kingdom, was raised to the kingdom of the Sicambri by the common election of the dukes, nobles, and soldiers, and reigned thirty-six years: a man in his generation most prudent, brave, bold, and exceedingly warlike.

When Theocalus died, the Sicambri appointed him chief priest of Jove; because of the greatness of his prudence and the magnificent deeds accomplished by him, they called him Basanus the Great. The Sicambri held him in such reverence that they paid him honors not only royal but almost divine. No one was ever allowed to contradict his commands with impunity, whether in a small matter or in a great one, under the undoubted penalty of bitter death. For he was most eager for the estimation of divinity; on that account he both did and said great things. Hence, wherever he went, he ordered a rope and a sword to be carried before him, as a manifest sign of justice; and he was accustomed to preserve it so tenaciously that he would spare neither his own son nor any of the princes who, knowingly, had offended even a little against the law of equity which he had established.

He had a son named Sedanus. Accused of adultery, he was soon judged by his father to death, according to the law which he had established for the Sicambri. When the nobles pleaded for the youth, the father answered: “Do not, O noble men, fight against justice and the laws which I decreed with you as mature witnesses; for it is easier to bind by hand the wind blowing in the air than to turn the mind of King Basanus away from the execution of equity.” When this had been heard, the princes fell silent; but the father himself said to his son: “I do not kill you, son, but the law of the fatherland, which you knowingly transgressed”; and, seizing him, he cut off his head with his own hand.

At that time the Sicambri began to fear their king Basanus to such a degree that no one among them, great or small, presumed to say or do anything evil against the law. Hence the priests of the gods, by a Greek word [unclear], that is, called the king Just Basanus. But the common people called him Theobasanus, which in the German tongue is Basangoth [unclear].

The Gauls are overcome by the Sicambri through cunning and valor.

Three dukes of the Franks were killed.

Helenus reigned 14 years.

In the year before Christ 284.

Basanus reigned 36 years.

Helenus is deposed from the kingdom because of his own sloth.

[unclear] son of Basanus [unclear].

Basanus the king wished to be esteemed as justice and almost as God.

King Basanus killed his own son for justice.

Sedanus is beheaded by his father.

They then named the king Just Basanus.

*[unclear]. Basangoth, Basanothe, Basanothe.

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signifies, because all revered him as a friend of the gods who was afterward to be deified.

From this a proverb arose among the Sicambri: whenever one man saw or heard from another anything contrary to the law, he would say, “Hort opp lieffman, kent gyn nit dy grote kunig Basan.” As if he had said, “Cease, good men, from such things; do you not know how just the great King Basanus is? If he perceived you saying or doing such things, he would without doubt kill you as transgressors.”

In the fifth year of King Basanus, the king of the Orchades, having many island petty kings as auxiliaries, declared war on the Sicambri because of the rejection of his daughter, whom King Basanus, having had her as wife, had repudiated and sent back to her father. The reason for her repudiation we described in the first volume of the annals. But King Basanus, having learned of the approach of his adversaries, advanced against them with a great multitude of fighters to the seashore, not far from the place where the Franks later built Mesoburg. Seeing from their ships so great an army of the Sicambri, the Orchades did not dare to advance onto land.

When the Gauls and Morini again broke eastward, where the Sicambri had placed settlements in the region of the Tungri, King Basanus met them with the strong hand of his men and laid them low with such slaughter that scarcely a few escaped out of many. Having won the victory, he built many castles and very strong fortifications on both sides of the river Meuse, in which he stationed garrisons of the Sicambri.

In the upper part of the river, moreover, he built a very strong castle, which from his own name he called Basanburg; in it the kings of the Sicambri and Franks after him resided for a long time, because of the pleasantness and strength of the place.

In the twenty-sixth year of his reign, King Basanus, after many battles bravely fought with various nations round about, wishing to present himself as pontiff of the gods, renewed their rites with much superstition. He appointed many priests most skilled in the worship of the divine powers, attentive to the course of the stars, trained after the manner of the ancients in prophecies, in foreknowledge, in the interpretation of dreams, in ethical and physical doctrines, and also very well practiced in composing and singing, in both languages, the songs and histories of the ancient kings and heroes only of their own people. Among these Heligastus, once the son of the pontiff Theocalus, surpassed the others in talent and practice of writing; he was in charge of educating the sons of the dukes and nobles, and described the deeds of heroes in verse.

Concerning this man Hunibaldus, historian of the Franks, writes many marvelous things; unless they are granted to have been done by the artifice of some demons, they should be thought rather to have been fabricated by some writer than performed by a man devoted to idols. He foretold to the Sicambri many future things; he presented Jupiter visibly to the priests; he brought men’s secret counsels into public view; and he disclosed to King Basanus the hidden plans of the enemy in difficult causes and affairs. It seemed that nothing escaped him of all the things that the enemies, even in most secret counsel, had discussed against the Sicambri. This matter inspired confidence in friends, but despair in enemies.

For King Basan, with all the princes of the kingdom, depended wholly on the counsel of Heligastus; what he ordered, all did; whatever he forbade, no one dared attempt. At his command the Sicambri met the enemy; and if he commanded the contrary, they remained peacefully at home. As often as he foretold victory to the Sicambri, they conquered; as often as he foretold otherwise, they were conquered. While he lived, the Sicambri prospered in all things; whenever their name was heard, it terrified enemies and made them dreadful to all throughout [unclear].

After he had spent thirty-two years in his office, on a certain solemn day of Jove, standing in the midst of the priests, hurling thunderbolts in the temple and troubling the air with his voice, resounding with frenzies in the manner of soothsayers, he suddenly disappeared, and, vanishing completely, no one was ever found who could know where he had gone. The Sicambri, thinking that he had become a god, proclaimed that he had been taken up into marriage with Diana, and they decreed sacred rites for him each year.

In the thirty-third year of his reign, Basanus moved a mighty army to the upper parts of the river Rhine, to the region called Tegaraña, which lay toward the south between the Saxons and the Cisrhenane Mainz people, under the protection of the Treviri, having its own petty king named Thaborinus. King Basanus killed him along with many others and subjugated his whole region to his own dominion. These things were done in the year 251 before the birth of Christ. The place in which the aforesaid King Thaborinus of the Tegaranes fell was called Mount Thabor from his name; it is about four miles distant from Confluentes. There Basanus, king of the Franks, founded a very strong castle, which, as a perpetual memorial of the victory, he named Mount Thaborinus; but, the word having been corrupted, it is today called Monthahur by the inhabitants.

In the year

[Blank page in the source scan.]

Annals of Trithemius

In the thirty-sixth year of his reign, Basanus, king of the Sicambri, at the solemnity of his birthday at Nijmegen, summoned his sons, brothers, dukes, nobles, and distinguished members of his household to a very great banquet. With them, feasting lavishly for seven days, he performed sacrifices to the gods of his country, and showed Jupiter visible in the air above the temple [unclear]. On the eighth day, with the consent of all the nobles, he designated his son Clodomirus king over the Sicambri; in his native song he foretold many future things to the people, commended his sons and the kingdom to the princes, enjoined justice, and, entering the chapel of the temple, appeared nowhere again.

I do not know what I should assign to these little tales, indignation or laughter. Whether he was removed by deceit or by art remains uncertain; but this one thing I judge to have been the cause: the desire of a man, undoubtedly withdrawn either by his own ingenuity or by the voluntary will of a demon, to attain the reputation of divinity. For, as Amerodacus, philosopher of the Sicambri, writes, King Basan was most eager for divinity; he cultivated justice, loved his people, overthrew the enemy, was most dutiful to the good, and always cruel and severe to the unjust.

He vanished, however, or, to speak more correctly, withdrew himself, as Amerodacus is the authority, from the public assembly of the nobles, as we have said, in the thirty-sixth year of his reign; but before the birth of the Lord, in the year 248. The Sicambri, judging that he had been translated into the company of the gods, worshipped him under the name Basangot.

The Eighth

Clodomirus, the elder son of Basanus, succeeding in the kingdom, as his father had ordained with the consent of the princes, reigned eighteen years. In his first year, as soon as the Gauls learned that Basanus had vanished, whom they did not doubt to be dead, they sent messengers to Clodomirus and demanded back from him all the land between the Meuse and the Rhine, and around the [unclear] in circuit, which the Sicambri, from their first entry into the Cisthenan borders, had violently usurped for themselves contrary to justice. If he disdained to return it, they threatened that they would be ready to recover it by the sword, whether he sent back a negative answer through the appointed messengers or made no answer at all.

King Clodomirus, however, prudently and deliberately detained the messengers of the Gauls with him for a long time, as though he were going to take counsel with his princes concerning the urgent matter; and, taking the greatest care that the secret of his counsel and mind should not come to their knowledge, he ordered his servants to feed them abundantly and arrange that they should have cheerful days.

Meanwhile King Clodomirus sent messengers to the kings of the Saxons and Thuringians, urgently asking that they very secretly and quickly send forces to aid the Sicambri, their friends, against the Gauls, their common adversaries. The Saxons came with the Thuringians to assist their friends, as they were asked, bringing forward an army of one hundred thousand fighters. When matters had been arranged most secretly at his command, King Clodomirus allowed the messengers of the Gauls, furnished with gifts, to depart; and, lest anything of the foregoing could come to their knowledge on the road, he assigned escorts for a safe journey to those setting out, who would accompany them and observe them more carefully, with letters of this sort:

“Clodomirus, great king, to the Gallican satraps. We marvel at your rashness, that you demand back from us the land which our forefathers long ago, by right of war, most justly vindicated by the sword from yours, as from wrongful [unclear], their manifest enemies. Consider that our strength is far superior to yours. Cease from this rashness of unjust folly. Remember the defeats which you long ago deservedly received from our begetter, translated among the gods, and from his parents. Rest in your caves, hiding with foxes. It is ours to command you; yours, however, humbly to obey our precepts. But if you presume to come against us, we have decreed to meet you powerfully and to defend by the sword what our ancestors handed down to us.”

When the Gauls received these letters from the messengers, they were stirred to anger and resolved to avenge themselves upon the Sicambri as quickly as possible. Having skillfully built a bridge over the Meuse, they led across a huge army of fighters. King Clodomirus met them most powerfully with two hundred sixty-four thousand men; and, having divided the army into parts, he stationed one part in ambush; another he sent from the region at a distance so that, after killing the guards of the Gauls, it might seize the bridge first; the third part, which was greater in number of soldiers, he led against the adversaries.

The Sicambri and the Gauls engage in a place not far from the river Meuse, which is called Delon; for some time they are driven back in an uncertain battle. At last the Sicambri, pretending flight, began to withdraw little by little, until at length they drew the Gauls farther from the river Meuse to the place of ambush. There the Sicambri then stood immovable, and those who had previously feigned flight fought back most bravely like giants. Meanwhile the soldiers, circling around, came to [unclear].

King Basanus celebrated his birthday at Nijmegen.

Clodomirus, son of Basanus, is appointed king by his father.

King Basanus suddenly disappeared in the assembly.

In the year before the birth of Christ 248.

Clodomirus reigned 18 years.

Messengers of the Gauls sent to the Sicambri.

Saxons and Thuringians, allies of the Sicambri.

Letter of King Clodomirus to the Gallican princes.

The Gallican princes conspire against the Sicambri.

The fierce war of the Franks with the Gauls.

The First War of the Councils and Clodomirus among the Sicambri in the year 1368. (continuation)

Compendium, Book I.

...the crossing of the river, and, after the enemy guards had been killed or driven far away, they seized the bridge in advance. The rest at once burst out from the ambushes and, attacking the enemy bravely, cut them down from the rear, slaughter them, and kill them without pity. At last those who could, seeking safety in flight, since they did not know that the bridge had been occupied in advance by the Sicambri, were shut in on every side and were cut down by the enemy; nor was there any place to escape the death pressing upon them before their eyes. A few, with night coming on, escaped safe out of many, those who were able to flee into the dark groves and forests.

Thereafter the kingdom of the Sicambri rested from the turmoil of wars for a few years; but afterwards, when peace was broken, the people more often took up arms on a great scale. The other deeds and wars of King Clodomirus, which he had with foreign nations, following Hunibald we have written down in the first volume of our annals.

King Clodomirus died in the eighteenth year of his reign, 230 years before the birth of the Lord, leaving three sons by Queen Ermendrude, who had been the daughter of the king of the Teutons: Nicanor, Helianus, and Helenus.

Ninth.

Nicanor, the elder son of King Clodomirus, succeeding his father, reigned for thirty-four years. He was a stern man, just in his generation, warlike, and most impatient of any injuries from enemies, especially from the Gauls; for this reason, with varying fortune, he very often fought against them very fiercely.

For from that time when this people, sprung from the stock of the Trojans, first came from the borders of the Scythians into Germany, to the mouths of the Rhine, it never ceased from the harassment of the Gauls, until at last, not without much bloodshed among its own people, it powerfully brought all Gaul under its yoke. No one was ever able fully to overcome the Franks or Sicambri; no one imposed the bridle of subjection upon these most fierce men, but they did not lay aside the desire of ruling, which they had once drunk in, before they had brought all Gaul, and Italy as well, into their power, after the Roman empire had been annihilated and many kings destroyed.

For, as was said above, it is clear from the calculation of the times that, from the beginning of the Franks’ entry, as they are now called, into the lands of Germany on this side [of the Rhine], down to Clovis the great king, who, first as victor over the Alemanni, believed in Christ, 930 years elapsed. During these years the Sicambri fought with the Gauls, never ceasing to make war upon them, although more often defeated in part, until finally they overcame them all.

It should be known, however, that they were not always called either Franks or Sicambri, but frequently changed their names along with their settlements. For indeed, as Hunibald bears witness, when after the destruction of Troy they wandered among various nations for many years and did not long have fixed settlements in one place, among the Scythians they were called Scythians; among the Armenians, they were called Armenians. When they dwelt at the mouths of the Danube, they were called neither Franks nor Sicambri; but because they were neighbors to the Scythians, they received the name of the Scythians’ languages. Afterwards, driven out through the Goths by the envy of the Romans, as Amerodacus is the authority, they descended into the territories of Germany, and, settled in their seats, as has often been said, at the mouths of the Rhine, they learned the speech of the German Saxons. At first they were called Neomagi, afterwards also Germans; then, named Sicambri from Cambra, they changed even that name with time, stirred by love of King Francus, from whom the name of the Franks, as will be said later in its proper order, took its beginning. Hence it has happened that the writers of other peoples, whenever in the descriptions of their histories they introduce mention of the deeds of this people, often call them Germans rather than Sicambri, or Franks. This has usually brought no small harm of error to those who do not know the true origin of the Franks, while they believe that the Franks were either natives or began from a conspiracy of a few men.

King Nicanor, joined with the Saxons and Thuringians, in the fourteenth year of his reign advanced to war with a great multitude against the Goths, who were again breaking into the lands of the Teutons and Saxons. In the first encounter they were superior to the Goths and crushed the Germans with great slaughter. But soon, when the army had been restored, they were defeated by the Goths; many thousands of them perished, both by the edge of the sword and submerged in the waters; the rest sought safety in flight.

In the twenty-first year of his reign he waged a naval war against King Orhadus, in favor of the king of Britain, whose sister, named Constantia, he had as wife. But he did not wage the war successfully enough, because many of his men, on account of their inexperience in naval combat, in

[unclear] perished at sea. He was also always in conflict with the Gauls, and fought many battles with them, and, very often fighting most bravely with his men, he triumphed gloriously.

At length he died in the thirty-fourth year of his reign, in the one hundred ninety-sixth year before the birth of Christ, leaving five sons: Marcomirus, who succeeded to the kingdom; Antenor, who ruled the maritime region; Priamus, who died at his uncle’s in Britain; Helenus, who held the Cisthenan duchy, between Saxony and the Rhine, over the Tegarani; Clodius, duke of the Mosani.

Tenth.

Marcomirus, son of King Nicanor, the elder by birth, succeeding his father, reigned twenty-eight years, a prince singular in modesty and prudence in his generation: pious, mild, and beneficent toward his subjects, but severe toward enemies at all times. Instructed from youth by the priests of the gods sufficiently in all the wisdom of this world, he became a most learned astrologer, augur, seer, interpreter of dreams and events. As often as he could, in leisure, he ordered the brave deeds of his ancestors to be sung before him, both in the palace and in the temples, so that by their example his spirit might be stirred to the defense of his people and always to the increase of the kingdom. This was the custom among our ancestors, the Franks and Germans: that the deeds or sayings of heroes worthy of remembrance should be entrusted by the priests of the temples to songs in the fatherland’s tongue, in the learning, remembering, and singing of which the talents of the young were exercised. This custom lasted for many years, until at last it failed.

But King Marcomirus, in the twenty-eighth year of his reign, which was the one hundred sixty-eighth year before the incarnation of our savior Jesus Christ,

Eleventh.

Clodius, first-born of Marcomirus king of the Sicambri, reigned after his father for eleven years. In his time the sword of the Romans, directed into Gaul, brought no small harm upon the Sicambri. For in these times the Romans increased the strength of the Gauls, who, making an incursion beyond the Meuse, very grievously and often afflicted the foreign people. The Sicambri, fierce in spirit, meeting them, repelled force with force.

After many battles joined with the Gauls, King Clodius, in the last year of his reign, having gathered a huge army both of his own men and of Saxons, again fought with the same not far from the fortress of Basanburg. In this battle, while he was reconnoitering too incautiously, he was slain in the line by the adversary. But the Sicambri, encouraged by the exhortation of their leaders, notwithstanding the death of the king, continued the war, and fighting bravely at length defeated the Gauls; after killing many of them, they put the others to flight. King Clodius died, slain in the war of the Gauls, as has been said, in the eleventh year of his reign, and in the one hundred fifty-seventh year before the birth of Christ.

Twelfth.

Antenor, son of King Clodius, the elder by birth, reigned after his father for sixteen years. He made truces, which our people call Treugae from the pledge of faith interposed, with the Gauls for ten years. This one thing was also [pleasing?] to the Romans: because, being more humane than the rest, he forbade human beings to be sacrificed to the gods. This displeased many nobles of the Sicambri, who thought that the fear of them among foreign nations was diminished. But because this pious measure had been decreed with the counsel of the priests, the constitution itself remained inviolable. For priestly authority among them was always greater and more excellent than that of all leaders and princes. King Antenor died in the sixteenth year of his reign, and in the one hundred forty-first year before the birth of the Lord.

Thirteenth.

Clodomirus, son of Antenor, reigned after his father for twenty years. In his first year the Romans, overthrowing the Numantines through Scipio, reduced them into their power. In his sixth year, the truces which they had made with his father now ended, the Gauls, having gathered a great army of their men, resolved to move against the Sicambri; and, crossing the river Meuse, first [unclear]

The ancient [unclear] always pursued the Gauls in war. Marcomirus reigned twenty-eight years. A praiseworthy custom in a prince; [unclear] instructed in memorable matters. Marcomirus brought down the kingdom of the Sicambri. Clodius reigned eleven years. Clotharius reigned sixteen years. Truces were made between the Sicambri and the Gauls. Antenor reigned ten years. Truces were made between the Sicambri and the Gauls. The priests of the Sicambri had great power. Clodomirus reigned twenty-eight years. The ancient [unclear] always pursued the Gauls in war.

12. Compendium, Book I.

The war of the Sicambri with the Gauls; the Gauls are overcome by the Sicambri.

They declare [war] upon their enemies. Clodomir, supported by the aid of the Germans, confidently met the Gauls without delay. A very fierce battle was fought for people and kingdom; many fell on both sides. At last the Gauls turned their backs, and the Sicambri pursued them as far as the river, and laid low the greater part of the army by the edge of the sword. If they had either destroyed the bridge or seized it beforehand, as Clodomir the king, son of great Basanus, had once done, not even one of the Gauls could have escaped. After the Gauls had suffered this disaster, as long as Clodomir survived they no longer crossed the Meuse with an army, though they often committed raids in their usual fashion. King Clodomir, after many battles fought with the Romans, the Gauls, and the peoples farther up around the Rhine and the Moselle, died in the twentieth year of his reign, which was the one hundred twenty-first year before the birth of Christ.

The Fourteenth.

Merodacus, son of Clodomir, succeeding his father, reigned twenty-eight years. He was a high-minded, vigorous, and very bold prince; how warlike he was the Romans and the Gauls could perceive, for he often fought bravely with them, even with his own hand. For with the Saxons, Doringi, and Germans bringing auxiliaries, he led into Italy against the Romans an army of two hundred and twenty thousand fighting men; and, devastating everything round about, he came with his forces as far as Ravenna, and returned victorious, enriched with many spoils. On his return he also severely afflicted many colonies of the Romans, subjected them to very grave hardships, and made his name formidable to all.

Greatly stirred by these events, the Romans, having joined many nations to themselves, declared war on the Sicambri; the necessary preparations having been made, they assembled for battle. And lest the Saxons or Doringi bring aid to the Sicambri, the Romans had first induced the Goths and Slavs, by promised gifts, that at one and the same time these should attack the Saxons and they themselves the Sicambri. King Merodacus, therefore, being necessarily abandoned by the Saxons and Doringi, called upon the king of the northern island, whom today we call Danes; he came with one hundred thousand men as auxiliaries and increased the number of the Sicambri.

And so, in the twenty-second year of his reign, he learned that a great army of the Romans was coming against him. For Marius, prince of the Romans, sent the Roman legions with the Gauls, under Duke Theodomenus, beyond the Meuse. They boldly engaged the Sicambri, whom they themselves called Germans, and fought fiercely together; many thousands of men fell on both sides, and the Sicambri fled, having lost more than twenty thousand fighting men. After this, Merodacus, his army restored, became more powerful than the Gauls and Romans and afflicted them with much slaughter, as, following Hunibald, we have said more fully in the first volume of our histories or annals. But afterwards, when he had fought many battles with the Gauls and Romans and had enlarged the borders of his people by no small amount, King Merodacus died in the twenty-eighth year of his reign, but in the ninety-third year before the birth of Christ.

The Fifteenth.

Cassander, the elder son of King Merodacus, succeeding his father, reigned twenty-one years. He was a very warlike man, in whose time the Gauls, with the aid of the Romans, more often crossed the river Meuse and invaded the borders of the Sicambri. Cassander, the aforesaid king of the Sicambri, gathered the armies into one and advanced to battle against them; when the clash had taken place, the fighting was fierce for a long time, and many fell on both sides. For all the days in which he ruled the Sicambri he was in conflict with the Gauls and Romans.

In these times Borbista, king of the Goths, with an innumerable multitude of fighting men, entered the borders of Saxony, devastating the region with fire and sword. Against him three very powerful kings, namely Arthari king of the Saxons, Hamer king of the Doringi, and Cassander, the aforesaid king of the Sicambri, gathered their armies into one and advanced to battle. When the clash had taken place, the fighting was fierce for a long time, and many fell on both sides. At last King Borbista turned his back, and the Germans obtained the victory. On another occasion after this, King Borbista again entered Saxony with a very great multitude of Goths, and cruelly devastated the region with fire and sword as far as the river Vistula; and, having seized many spoils of the Germans, he withdrew, nor did he presume to advance farther that day. For he knew the forces of the Germans to be unconquerable, although at the Romans’ urging he had often tested them. King Cassander, after many battles bravely waged with the Gauls and Romans, died in the ye-

The Sixteenth.

[unclear] in the twenty-first year of his reign, but in the seventy-second year before the birth of the Lord; he was buried at Neopagus with many treasures.

Antharius, son of King Cassander, reigned after his father for thirty-five years. Hunibald writes of him that he crushed the people of Mainz, Roman colonists, in a wretched disaster, burned and overthrew the city, which afterward is seen transferred and built in that place where now [unclear] and the valley are, on the slope of the mountain by the bank of the Rhine. This pitiable devastation of the Mainzers took place in the sixteenth year of King Antharius, which was the fifty-sixth year before the birth of Christ, as is shown from the sequence of times.

King Antharius entered Gaul with the help of the Germans, burned villages, very often carried off boundless plunder and spoils, caused great devastation throughout Gaul, burned cities, destroyed villages, overthrew castles, broke the strength of the people, and reduced a region long fruitful to solitude.

But when King Antharius had grown old, in the last year of his reign, which was the thirty-seventh before the birth of Christ, the Gauls again burst into the region of the Sicambri and crossed the Meuse. He met them with the army of his own men to fight; there, while he fought too incautiously, he was surrounded by the enemy and [unclear] with twenty thousand Sicambri. This Frankish king was accustomed to fight, not to flee; he was very gentle and beloved by his own people, but always exceedingly to be feared by all enemies.

Francus, from whom they are called Franks, reigned 28 years.

In the first year of his reign he contracted a perpetual treaty with the Germans, Saxons, and Thuringians, with the consent of all the dukes and nobles of the Sicambri, confirming the friendship on silver tablets, according to the ancient custom of the people: namely, establishing the terms of the agreements so that the Sicambri, Germans, Saxons, and Thuringians, under distinct kings and princes, should thereafter be regarded as one people, like full brothers, should remain so forever, and that any war which threatened the kingdom of one of these, from whatever people, should concern them all and be repelled with united arms and common expenses. This confederation of kingdoms terrified, more than can be said, the senate and people of Rome; in various ways, by different devices, and with manifold contrivance, they labored, though in vain, to dissolve the treaty contracted by the Germans. From that time the courage and power of the Franks were always suspect to the Romans, who feared, as later happened, that the Germans would gain possession of the monarchy of all Europe. And this was the reason why Octavian Caesar of the Romans afterward, under the birth of Christ, caused the whole world obedient to the Romans to be registered by heads, thinking that by the multitude of the nations the Franks were to be destroyed; at that time the writers of histories still called them peoples of Germany.

But in the third year of Francus’s reign, when the Romans saw that they could by no device dissolve the treaty of the German kings, they again sent the Goths into the borders of the Saxons. Settling for almost ten years in the borders of Germany, they gradually and successively planned to spread themselves into the interior of the aforesaid nation. Meanwhile King Francus often fought with the Gauls, avenged upon them with harsh retaliation the death of his father, and killed many thousands of them during that time. But when the Goths broke more and more each day into the interior of Germany, the Saxons with the Teutons, at last compelled by necessity, resolved to make war on them. Having summoned as allies, according to the agreements, the Sicambri and Thuringians, they led out to battle an army of two hundred and thirty thousand men. But the Scanzians, who are Goths, having themselves summoned allies, set against the approaching Germans an almost innumerable multitude. A most savage battle was joined between the parties in that place which was called Colmasus; with many falling on both sides, they fought from morning until night with doubtful fortune. On the next day the Germans divided the army into three parts and set individual commanders over each; but the Sicambri, fighting very boldly under their king Francus, more frequently shouted the name of their leader Francus as if it were some divine power, crying: “Here Frank! Here Frank!” At last the Goths were defeated, more than eighty thousand of them were slain, and the rest slipped away in flight with [unclear].

Antharius reigned 35 years.

Mainz destroyed.

The Sicambri burned [unclear] Gaul.

The Seventeenth.

Francus, the elder son of King Antharius, from whom the Sicambri were thereafter called Franks, as Hunibald is the authority, reigned after his father for twenty-eight years. He was a fierce, bold, warlike man, a most vigorous defender of his people, who avenged the death of his father harshly enough upon the Gauls, waged many wars with foreign nations, always a victorious and glorious triumphator; the people of the Franks not undeservedly boast that he was the first author of their name and honor. This king Francus was accustomed to fight, not to flee; he was very gentle and beloved by his own people, but always exceedingly to be feared by all enemies.

In the first year of his reign he contracted a perpetual treaty with the Saxons and Thuringians of Germany, with the consent of all the dukes and nobles of the Sicambri, confirming the friendship on silver tablets, according to the ancient custom of the people: namely, establishing the terms of the agreements so that the Sicambri, Germans, Saxons, and Thuringians, under distinct kings and princes, like full brothers, should thereafter be regarded as one people, should remain forever, and that the war which threatened the kingdom of one of these, from whatever people, should concern them all and be repelled with united arms and common expenses. This confederation of kingdoms terrified, more than can be said, the senate and people of Rome; in various ways, by different devices, and with manifold contrivance, they labored, though in vain, to dissolve the treaty contracted by the Germans. From that time the courage and power of the Franks were always [unclear] to the Romans, who feared, as [unclear].

Compendium, Book I

...and wives, returned to their former hiding-places; thus the Saxons, with the aid of the Franks and Thuringians, joyfully recovered their own territories, devastated and occupied by foreigners for ten years.

From that time the Sicambri, laying aside their ancient name, began, out of love for their king, to call themselves Franks. Indeed, as Hunibald bears witness, not only the nobles, but also all the soldiers, the whole people of the entire nation, were so delighted by the very novelty of the name that they induced the king by entreaties to decree by public edict that thereafter they were forever to be called not Sicambri but Franks. This the king established all the more gladly, the more eagerly he loved the immortality of his own name. Therefore they were called Franks, who previously by some were called Sicambri, and by others, by reason of their alliance, Germans. And it is indeed remarkable how they gloried in the novelty of this word, since for many times thereafter, whenever they met one another, they greeted one another thus: “A good day, free Frank.” Nevertheless, not suddenly, but at last after much time, this name came into unity, so that the people itself were called Franks even among other nations; for to the Romans and especially the Gauls the name of the Franks was hateful. Hence among their writers they were more often called Germans than either Sicambri or Franks. Hunibald did not pass over in silence whence, or from whom, the name of the Sicambri had its origin.

Whence the Franks are called free, “Die fryer Francken”; by what names they were known.

That the Franks were previously called Sicambri is attested not only by Hunibald, but also by the blessed archbishop Remigius, who, as Gregory, bishop of Tours, records, when he was to baptize Clodoveus, king of the Franks, the first of the kings of the Franks converted to Christ, as we shall say in its proper place, said before the assembly of nobles, while he was putting off his royal ornaments and humbling himself for the sacred washing, with all hearing: “Gently bow your neck, Sicamber; worship what you burned; burn what you worshipped.” Of the history of this matter I have already spoken more fully, after Hunibald, in the first volume of the Annals.

The Franks were previously said to have been Sicambri.

The saying of St. Remigius to Clodoveus.

The Frankish name was always distasteful to the Romans and Gauls.

And so in the twenty-fourth year before the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which was the fourteenth year of King Francus, the Sicambri changed their ancient name to a new one, although both before and afterward they were more often called Germans, or Sicambri, among writers. For although they themselves wrote and always retained the name Frank, taken up under the aforementioned king, nevertheless it could not immediately come into use among foreign nations, [unclear]

King Francus, after the Goths had been overcome, returns.

He attacks the Gauls, joining battle.

Three hundred thousand Franks and Germans against the Gauls.

...a people hostile to us, or to die fighting.

Gladdened by these words, the king at once sent messengers to the Saxons, the Germans, and also the Thuringians, asking aid by right of alliance against the assault of the Gauls. All these, with great eagerness, sent the requested supports of soldiers: the Saxons, namely, eighty-four thousand fighting men; the German Theutones, sixty thousand; and the Thuringians, forty-six thousand. Joined with these, the Franks with great forces very hastily brought out an army of three hundred thousand men against their adversaries. But King Francus, seeing the desolation of the region which the Gauls had made, moved with great indignation of spirit, said: “See, my bravest fellow-soldiers, you who rightly grieve for the shed blood of your fathers, what these most treacherous Gauls have done. I swear by the head of my little son Antharius, whom these most wicked men killed, that I shall give no rest to my head until I have avenged myself on them in a notable way.” And they all praised his swift resolve.

Therefore, after a bridge had been constructed with boats and many timbers, in two days he led the army across, leaving forty thousand men to guard the crossing; with the remaining multitude he advanced into Gaul, and he made such a slaughter as no one of the Sicambri before him was able to make, or is believed to have conceived in his mind. For, having advanced as far as the river Tabul, [and] the western sea...

Francus, after constructing a bridge over the Meuse, devastates Gaul.

Annals of Trithemius.

[the southern] than the northern, the Tungri, the Tarubani, and the people of Liege, and whatever lies between or adjacent to these, he savagely laid waste with fire and sword.

When the Gauls joined battle with him, he overcame, routed, and destroyed them with such ease that he was thought to be not a man, but some divine power sent from heaven. Hence all the nations round about, excessively terrified, feared thereafter to engage the Franks, as though they were the fiercest monsters. In that encounter and devastation, more than two hundred thousand of the Gauls themselves fell by the sword of the Franks, together with children, infants, and women. For just as the Gauls had previously done when they devastated the Sicambri, sparing no parents, so they received from the same.

Then the Senate and People of Rome, moved with indignation, [unclear] an expedition of legions of soldiers against the Germans, under the command of Marcus Lollius. For they did not think it would be safe to engage the Franks, whom they themselves called Germans, before they had subdued the Saxons and the Doringi. The Romans therefore entered Saxony; at first they indeed conquered, killing eighteen thousand Germans.

The Sicambri, sparing none, so received from the same.

But Francus, hearing this, weighed down by labors and old age, sent a legion of soldiers against the Saxons into Germany, under the command of Marcus Lollius. For he did not think it would be safe if they engaged the Franks, whom he himself called Germans, before they had subdued the Saxons and the Doringi. The Romans therefore entered Saxony; at first they indeed conquered, killing eighteen thousand Germans.

The Romans are overcome by the Franks in war.

Then in the twenty-fourth year of King Francus. Finally King Francus, weighed down by labors and old age, after many battles most victoriously fought with the Romans, Goths, Gauls, and other nations, and after the kingdom of the Franks had been increased not a little and its territories enlarged, died in the twenty-eighth year of his reign, in the ninth year before the birth of the Lord. His wars, character, institutions, laws, and victories were written by Clodomirus, high priest of the Franks, in German verse, and by Hunibald in prose, in the Latin language; under their guidance we have treated them thus in the first volume of the annals of German and Frankish affairs which we wrote.

Clogius the Eighth.

Clogio, the eldest son of Francus the king, succeeding his father, reigned over the Franks for thirty years: a most cunning man, versatile in talent, an augur, a magician, and a most inquisitive astrologer. Concerning him the aforementioned high priest, counselor, and seer of the Franks, Clodomirus, arranged many astonishing and wonderful things in verse, of which we made mention in the first volume.

His mother, named Lothildis, daughter of the king of the Doringi, was the chief officiant, or priestess, of the temple of Pallas, devoted to magical arts, by the practice of which she did many marvelous things. For, as the authors already named wrote, by her songs and incantations she destroyed whichever enemies of her son she wished, made them unfortunate, and slew them through the ministry of demons, however far away they were; by sorcery she procured victory for the Franks and fear, terror, and flight for their enemies; rains, thunder, lightning, and horrible storms in the air were brought on by her spells whenever, wherever, and against whomever she wished. In the fourth year of his reign, the Romans again launched an expedition into Germany; the allied kings, meeting them energetically, did not cease bravely to drive back force with arms, until they compelled the enemies to retreat and flee. [unclear] the Franks, but called Germans, fought with Tiberius the Roman and most bravely for his people; finally, after many had fallen on both sides, the Romans departed without victory.

In the tenth year of the reign of the aforementioned Clogio, on the eighteenth day before the Kalends of January, the Lord, savior of the whole universe, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, was born in Bethlehem of Judah from the ever-virgin Mary. In that year, as Hunibald bears witness, by the edict of Caesar Augustus, the world subject to Roman rule was registered by heads. This, apart from the meaning of the mystery, accomplished by divine providence, was not without literal significance, since the Franks supplied the cause. [unclear] and from the name of its leader Phirisia it is called Phirisia, as Hunibald holds, down to the present day.

Again after ten years, with the consent of the aforementioned King Clogio and all the princes, all the kings of Phirisia, like the other leaders, were to remain forever subject to the king of the Franks, and each year were to pay a tribute of two hundred sixty oxen; and, in the manner of the Franks’ other friends, they were to fight against any enemies whatsoever.

King Clogio of the Franks died after many brave deeds, in the thirtieth year of his reign, which was the twentieth year of the Lord’s nativity. Concerning his character, prophecies, oracles, and wars, Hunibald writes many things.

Compendium, Book I.

Nineteenth.

Herimer, the elder son of King Clogio, succeeding his father, reigned for twelve years, a warlike man and excessively bold. In the third year of his reign, the Gauls, making an incursion, came as far as the Meuse, devastating with hostile rashness everything that belonged to the jurisdiction of the Franks, except fortifications and castles, and after this they quickly withdrew to their own lands with plunder and spoils.

But afterwards, when this incursion of the Gauls became known to King Herimer, he was moved to anger; and, having summoned to himself the dukes beyond the Meuse, through whose negligence the Gauls had broken in, [unclear] according to the laws of the Franks: whoever is established in ducal authority shall diligently protect the province entrusted to him. But if through his negligence enemies enter the region, if they injure our people, or if they despoil the inhabitants of the land of their property, let him pay half of his goods into the king's purse, and let him no longer be duke, but live deprived of honor. If he willingly permitted entry to the enemies, let him be buried alive or be punished capitally; and let his wives, with his children and all his property, pass to the king's service.

Then, having called to his aid allies, Germans, Theutonici, and Thuringians, King Herimer entered against the Gauls with a heavy multitude and subdued them with so great a slaughter that for many years they could not recover their former strength. Finally, however, in the last year of his reign, when he had again led an army across into Gaul, being excessively bold, not to say rash or presumptuous, and fighting rather incautiously, he was killed by them in battle, in the thirty-second year of the Lord.

Twentieth.

Marcomir, brother of the aforementioned King Herimer, who had been slain by the Gauls, succeeding his brother in the kingdom of the Franks, reigned for eighteen years: a man tall in stature, harsh in manners, yet favorable to friends, but feared and terrible to enemies. He engaged in many battles with the Roman Gauls, and often severely afflicted the people of Mainz, Trier, and the Agrippinians together.

In the second year of his reign, the only-begotten Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, born man from Mary, ever a most pure virgin, without mixture with a man, according to that same humanity was crucified at Jerusalem, the city of the Jews, under Pontius Pilate, governor of the Romans; he suffered, died for our salvation, and was buried. He descended to the lower world, snatched the righteous from there, rose from the dead on the third day, and, ascending into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, to judge the living and the dead; he lives forever.

In the tenth year of King Marcomir, Claudius Caesar of the Romans led an army into Britain, which we now call England by the customary term, and by force of arms made it, together with the islands of the Orkneys, tributary to the Romans. On the journey there and back, he severely afflicted the Franks dwelling between the Meuse and the Rhine, though not without bloodshed among his own men.

At that time Guiderius, son of the late King Kymbelinus, was reigning in Britain. When he had been slain in battle by the army of Claudius, his brother Arviracus at once rose up in his place; putting the royal diadem on himself and killing many of the Romans, he pursued Claudius as far as the ships. Caesar, seeing that he could not overcome Arviracus, offered peace and gave him his daughter as wife. He recovered the tribute denied to the Romans, and with the help of his son-in-law also led his army across to the islands of the Orkneys.

But Marcomer, the aforementioned king of the Franks, died in the eighteenth year of his reign, in the fiftieth year of the Lord's nativity, in the eighth indiction of the Romans.

Twenty-First.

Clodomer, son of the aforementioned King Marcomir, succeeding his father, reigned over the Franks for twelve years, a restless and very warlike man. Hunibald reports of him that he was most hostile to the Roman Gauls; he desired nothing more than to erase the memory of them. There was scarcely a year in which he did not move an expedition into Gaul at least once.

In the first year of his reign, three suns appeared at the same time, which gradually returned into one. There followed throughout all Europe a great and immense famine, and a mortality not only of men but also of draft animals.

Mainz, destroyed by the Romans, is repaired.

In the ninth year, however, King Clodomer, with a great army of his men, crossed the Rhine and the Meuse and expelled the Gauls, recovering everything previously lost. With the help of the Germans he fought with the Romans at Mainz, but he could not prevent them from repairing the city. He died in the twelfth year of his reign, and in the sixty-second year of the Lord's nativity, in the fifth indiction of the Romans.

Twe-

Annals of Trithemius. The Twenty-Second.

Antenor, son of King Clodomer, reigned after his father for six years. During the whole time in which he reigned he waged war with the Gauls and the Romans; and at length, on account of this, he miserably perished with many nobles of the kingdom, when, as we shall say, the bridge broke and he was drowned in the river Meuse.

In the last year of his reign, then, after a bridge had been built of wood over boats in the ancient fashion, he led his army across the river into Gaul. Having laid waste the region, he hastened his return into Francia with much booty and many spoils. And when the greater part of the army had already crossed the river, while the king himself with the nobles and the last of the rest was still waiting on the bank, suddenly the bridge, weighed down by the number of horsemen, collapsed; and the boats, released from one another when the ropes broke, gave all a miserable spectacle, with very many falling into the river. The king, stunned and surely troubled in mind, began to take counsel with those who were present about repairing the bridge, when behold, at once the Gauls were announced to be coming behind them in a great multitude of fighters, ready for battle. On hearing this, all who were with the king were thrown into consternation; time and place denied them flight, while the smaller army forbade battle. Therefore, since no way of escape lay open except that of swimming through the river, they threw into the water their arms and whatever could weigh them down, and tried for safety by swimming. The king also, having thrown off his cuirass and being girded over his tunic only with belt and sword, committed himself with his horse to the waves. Compelled by necessity, all the rest committed themselves to like danger. They all began to swim at once, some on horses, others with hands and feet sustaining the force of the waters. Many of them reached the bank by swimming; many also who had no skill in swimming, choked by the waters, perished amid the waves. Among them King Antenor too was drowned, with nine princes, whose names are these: Duke Priam, Duke Clodius, Duke Richimer, Duke Antenor, Duke Marcomer, Duke Walther, Duke Clogio, Duke Herimer, and Duke Rutwicus, with sixty-three other nobles of the Franks. Thus King Antenor of the Franks perished in the sixth year of his reign, in the sixty-eighth year of the Lord’s Nativity, in the eleventh indiction of the Romans.

The Twenty-Third.

Ratherus, or, as he is written by others, Rhatherius, the eldest son of the aforementioned King Antenor, after the death of his father reigned over the Franks for twenty-one years. He was a great-souled, bold, and brave man, who always most vigorously defended the people of the Franks by his sword from every incursion of the Gauls, fearing no one, dreading no one, but himself to be feared by all. In his second year, Nero, the wicked emperor of the Romans, stirred up the first persecution against the Christians, killed Peter and Paul, princes of the apostles, at Rome, and throughout the whole empire cruelly destroyed many thousands of believers.

Ratherus, moreover, king of the Franks, crushed the Gauls repeatedly; he avenged his father’s death with arms, fire, and sword; he restored the borders taken from his people; he built castles, cities, and fortifications; he renewed the treaty with the kings of the Germans, Saxons, and Thuringians, which King Francus had once struck a hundred years before, as we said above; and he enlarged the boundaries of the kingdom of the Franks.

After these things he finally died in the twenty-first year of his reign, in the eighty-ninth year of the Lord’s Nativity, in the second indiction of the Romans, and was buried in the city of Ratherdama, which he himself had newly built from the foundations and dedicated to his own name. His magnificent deeds [unclear] Arebaldus, pontiff of the Franks, [unclear] Saxons and Thuringian kings, which King Francus had once [unclear] Arebaldus, chief priest established as pontiff by the people of the Franks, which he willingly accepted.

In his twelfth year the Goths again poured into the borders of the Saxons, [unclear] the region in their custom [unclear] in all things magnificent, bold, warlike, excessively superstitious in the worship of the idols of his people, indeed one who wished not only to equal the Romans in the number of gods, but even to conquer and surpass them. Wherefore, when divinities had been multiplied by him, after [unclear] was dead, Richimer himself, king of the Franks, together with the German brothers and the Teutons, in accordance with the ancient treaty renewed a few years before, as we said, quickly led out a great army; and when a gathering had been made, they killed more than twenty thousand Goths, and turned the rest, wounded and stripped, to flight.

Antenor the king reigned 6 years.

The Franks, [unclear] the Gauls, acted unhappily.

The bridge [unclear] the crossing [unclear] with drawn swords he fights.

The Gauls force the Franks, hostilely [unclear], to cross.

King Antenor with nine dukes and sixty-three nobles perished in the river.

Nero, most ruined man of the ruined.

Between the Franks and Saxons the treaty is renewed.

Ratherdama.

Arebaldus the pontiff, a historian [unclear].

Richimer reigned for 24 years.

Arebaldus, pontiff of the Franks, died.

The Goths again invaded the borders of the Saxons.

Compendium, Book I.

After the Goths had again been driven out of Saxony, the Franks held a conference with the Germans and the Teutons, debating among themselves how they might thereafter bar the Goths and the Scanzian peoples from returning into the territories of the Saxons or Germans. At last it pleased all the kings and nobles that from the people of the Franks, Saxons, Thuringians, Germans, and Teutons, who around the sea were nearer neighbors to the Dacians and Goths, they should gather one nation, with children, wives, and beasts of burden, to inhabit the land beyond furthest Saxony, nearest to the Scanzians, and to prevent the incursions of enemies.

When this agreement had been concluded, Richimer, king of the Franks, sent eighteen thousand men, with children and wives, into that region; over them he appointed as leader and prince Sunno, his second-born son. To him, according to the agreement, many then came together from the Germans, Saxons, and Thuringians; from diverse peoples they became one, and within a short time they grew into a great nation, and thereafter did not permit the Scanzians to devastate Saxony. Yet they were rather often harassed by the Romans.

This duke Sunno established the seat of his nation with power in the borders of Saxony, having to the east the Sarmatians; to the south the Slavs of Bohemia; to the west Saxony and the Teutons; and to the north the Cimbri, the sea, the Dacians, the Scanians, the Goths, and island-dwelling men inhabiting marshy places.

Sunno duke, Clodomer, Sunno duke of the Franks.

Sunno increased not a little the possession he had received. After him Sunnon received [unclear] his principate, who in the year of the Lord’s nativity one hundred forty-six, indiction [unclear], received the nation, who in the year of the Lord’s nativity one hundred forty-six, on the banks of the river Oder, built a new city, which, out of love for his forefathers, he called Frankfurt. After this he also founded another city at the mouth of the aforesaid river, not far from the sea, which from his own name he called Sunda, or, as Hunibald testifies, Domicianus.

The name of the Franks remained for some time in these lands, until at last, when the dukes had multiplied, the region was divided into several parts, and each division received its name from individual princes or events. From Marcomer and his son Brando, who founded the city [unclear] Brandenburg, some were named [unclear]; from Brando his son, who founded the city [unclear] Brandenburg, others were named Braburgi; and others took other names from others.

Previously, in the fifth year of King Richimer, Domitian Caesar had worn down the Sarmatians and Dacians who dwelt on the borders of Germany toward the east, and afflicted them greatly. And, adding sin to crime, after the most impious Nero he stirred up the second persecution against the Christians; he was the first of all the Caesars to command that he be called God and Lord by all.

In the eleventh year of his reign Richimer, king of the Franks, had a war with the Romans and Gauls, not far from the city of Basana, aided by the common votes of the Germans, in which many fell on both sides. Meanwhile, when the Roman legions had returned to Cologne Agrippina, word was brought that Nerva Caesar was dead; in his place the soldiers raised Trajan, a man of Spanish nation, to be Caesar. He ruled nineteen years, six months, fifteen days.

But Richimer, king of the Franks, after many brave deeds, finally died in the twenty-third year of his reign, and in the year of the Lord’s nativity 113, the eleventh Roman indiction. Ruthvicus the Frank wrote in verse of his life, character, deeds, and worship of the gods.

ODEMARS, the elder son by birth of the aforesaid Richimer, king of the Franks, reigned after his father for fourteen years, a prince of the Franks very beloved by the people, who refrained from wars as far as could be done without damage to the commonwealth. For he made truces, which the Franks, because of the pledge interposed, call, as it were, “confidences,” with the Gauls and the Romans, to whom thereafter he showed himself so much a friend that he compelled all to lament his death.

Thus as long as he lived among men he kept the promised peace, and devoted all his zeal to the honor and adornment of his nation; he [built/adorned?] very many castles, cities, and fortifications throughout the kingdom. For the Franks, Saxons, and Germans at that time were still subject to the vanity of idols and far removed from knowledge of the Christian faith. They worshiped Mars as a fierce god of war, from whose divine power they sought victory at all times. To each of their gods also they [made] not only individual altars

Annals of Trithemius

[groves?] and temples, but also individual cities and villages; nor was there any number of senseless gods.

In these times the chief priest of the Franks, pontiff, elder, and prophet was named Vechtanus, born from the ancient stock of kings, eloquent in the Greek and Latin tongue; most skilled in astronomy, music, medicine, and the philosophy of the Greeks, since he had spent much time both at Rome and at Athens in the study of the writings of secular men, together with certain other fellow students of his. At length, having returned to his homeland, he taught the sons of kings and nobles, according to the ancient custom of the Franks, under an oak.

He wrote many things, in Greek poems, on the sacred rites of the gods; and he composed histories of the ancient kings, ten in number, in German, with which he exercised the talents of the young and greatly strengthened their memory. In the fifth year of King Odemar this man perished in a small river, to which, having been drowned in it, he gave his name, so that it is called in German, from Vechtanus, the Vecht down to the present day. Over his tomb King Odemar founded a new city, which he named Odemarsheim from his own name; it remains to the present in the territory of the diocese of the church of Utrecht.

But where Odemar, king of the Franks, among the Nitrians was [unclear] by the duke, called Marcoburg: Clogio, who perished in Britain; Francus, who was duke on this side of the Rhine among the Hogii, from Confluence as far as the mouth of the river Main toward the east, between the Mainz people and the Saxon Germans, who, restoring an ancient city, named it Frankfurt. And Meroda, struck by a [unclear] in hunting, died; Nicanor, who was an island duke at the mouths of the Rhine; and Odemar, whom his father, after the death of Vechtanus, [made?] pontiff [unclear] of the Romans the tenth, whose body is buried at Odemarsheim beneath a pyramid, as he had ordained while alive.

The Twenty-Sixth

Marcomer, son of King Odemar, succeeding his father, reigned twenty-one years. He had a wife named Athildis, daughter of Marus king of Britain; by her he begot seven sons, whose names were these: Clodomer, the firstborn, who succeeded his father in the kingdom; Marcomer, who held the duchy among the Nitrians, where he founded a city of his own name, called Marcoburg; Clogio, who perished in Britain; Francus, who was duke on this side of the Rhine among the Hogii, from Confluence as far as the mouth of the river Main toward the east, between the Mainz people and the Saxon Germans, who, restoring an ancient city, named it Frankfurt. And Meroda, struck by a [unclear] in hunting, died; Nicanor, who was an island duke at the mouths of the Rhine; and Odemar, whom his father, after the death of Vechtanus, [made?] pontiff [unclear] of the Romans the tenth, whose body was buried at Odemarsheim beneath a pyramid, as he had ordained while alive.

Doracus, prophet and writer of the Franks, flourished at that time, a former hearer and disciple of Vechtanus, born from the noble lineage of kings. Afterwards, when Odemar had died, he succeeded in the highest pontificate by the election of the governors. He obtained such authority among the Franks, and was held in such esteem, that he was worshipped by all almost as some divine power, and commanded not only the common people as he wished, but also the kings of the Franks and all the nobles. Writing in verse, he continued the histories of the nation.

The Franks had peace throughout all the days in which Marcomer reigned, and under his direction they greatly increased in riches, power, and honor. Doracus writes in the annals, as Hunibald testifies, that the Romans always held the Franks suspect both in peace and in war, as future overthrowers of the empire, having long since been forewarned by the oracle of Phaedrus, and that for this reason they often conspired with all their forces for their destruction, though in vain. For afterwards under King Faramund and his successors they both obtained all Gaul by their own forces and overcame the Roman empire.

Marcomer, king of the Franks, died in the twenty-first year of his reign, and in the year of the Lord’s nativity 148, in the first indiction.

The Twenty-Seventh

Clodomer, eldest son of the aforesaid Marcomer, king of the Franks, reigned after his father for seventeen years, a man of singular prudence, modest and most humane toward his own people. He had a wife named Hasildis, daughter of the duke of the Rugii; by her he begot three sons, Faraertus, Nicanor, and Roricus. The first of these, as we shall say, succeeded his father in the kingdom; the second was king of Frisia; the third, drowned in the water not far from Neuss, died and left his name to the river, which is called the Rur down to the present day. The place of Roricus’s drowning was between the Neocum castle [eischenanū?] and the old city which the inhabitants called Moradunum. In those times both Francia and all Germany were estranged from knowledge of the Christian faith.

Clodomer, king of the Franks, died in peace in the seventeenth year of his reign, in the year of the Lord’s nativity 165, in the third indiction of the Romans. In his time the Gauls were preparing an inroad

[Source page illegible in the scan; the page image is the authoritative witness.]

Compendium, Book I.

[unclear] against the Franks. But King Clodomer himself, wisely anticipating their movement, restrained them from doing it.

The Twenty-Eighth.

Farabertus reigned 20 years.

Farabertus, the elder son of King Clodomer, succeeded his father and reigned twenty years, beginning in the aforementioned one hundred sixty-fifth year of the Lord’s nativity, in the third Roman indiction. He renewed and again ratified with the Germans, Saxons, Thuringians, Theutons, Marcomanni, and Cimbri the treaty and friendship formerly contracted by King Francus, as we said above, and then confirmed by other kings, renewed, and often strengthened and continued by a new ordinance. This greatly displeased the Romans and stirred them to arms.

The legions of the Romans into Germany [unclear].

For in the sixth year of this King Farabertus, which was the one hundred seventy-first year of the Lord’s nativity, in the times of Lucius Aurelius Commodus Caesar, the Romans, not bearing calmly so great a concord of the Franks with the Theutons and Germans, tried with every effort to overthrow it. And so, having sent legions through Sarmatia into Germany against the Dacians, Marcomanni, Theutons, Saxons, and Franks, they brought forth a great army of their men. Against their incursion the kings of the aforesaid peoples sent out such great forces of fighters that the said Romans were compelled to withdraw without victory, with loss and confusion.

Another expedition of the Romans into Germany, in the time of Antoninus Pius.

In the eleventh year of King Farabertus, under the emperor Antoninus Pius, the Romans again led an army back into Germany by way of the Sarmatians, and fierce fighting went on for a long time, and many on both sides fell wounded by the sword. Concerning the circumstances, outcome, and miracles of rains in this war, which were then reported on behalf of the army of the Romans, following Hunibald we have set out a sufficient narrative in the first volume of the Annals; we judge it superfluous to repeat it here.

Farabertus, king of the Franks, after many brave deeds, died in the twentieth year of his reign, in the 185th year of the Lord’s nativity, in the eighth indiction.

The Britons, who are now called English, receive the faith of Christ.

Faganus and Diuanus, bishops of the Britons.

In the times of this reign of Farabertus, namely in the one hundred eighty-second year of the Lord’s nativity, Eleutherius, pope of Rome, at the request of Lucius king of Britain, son of Coillus, sent into that Britain itself, which is now named England, the bishops Faganus and Diuanus, so that they might announce the word of salvation to the said king, and also to the nobles and the whole people of the British kingdom of his island, and baptize them, converted to the faith of Christ, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. When they came to the appointed place, in a short time they converted not only King Lucius but also the people of the whole island to the faith of Christ.

Priests of idols in Britain: pontiffs, 28; archflamens, 3.

[unclear], the aforesaid apostolic preachers consecrated their temples of idols to the honor of the one God, the almighty Father, appointing as many bishops in place of the flamens, and archbishops in place of the archflamens. Gildas wrote of these matters more fully in the book which he entitled On the Victory of Aurelius Ambrosius, king of the Britons; and after him Geoffrey of Monmouth, a Briton, who, for Duke Rupertus of Claudiocestria, completed in ten books the history of the Britons and the successions of all their kings, from the first entry of the people, with Brutus from the Trojans, into that island itself, down to the six hundred eighty-ninth year of the Lord’s nativity. His contemporary Caradocus of Llancarfan also described the successions, years, times, and deeds of the kings of the Franks in lucid speech.

Gildas and Geoffrey of Monmouth, historiographers.

Caradocus, writer of the Franks.

Sunno reigned 28 years.

Sunno, the elder son of Farabertus king of the Franks, succeeded his father and reigned twenty-eight years. He was a strong, vigorous, and bold prince, who fought many battles against the Romans and also the Gauls. In his time, when Lucius king of Britain, whom we said had first most humbly received the Christian faith, died without children, the Romans sent the senator Severus into Britain with two legions. He fought many battles with Fulgenius, by whom at last, in the siege of the city of Eboracum, he was killed along with many Romans; his son, named Bassianus, they accepted as king.

Severus the Roman is killed in Britain.

In the same year in which Severus was slain in Britain by Fulgenius, Sunno king of the Franks, with the Germans and Saxons bringing aid, after crossing the river at the fortress of Delonum,

The Franks [devastated?] Gaul.

[Blank page in the source scan.]

Annals of Trithemius.

He laid waste [unclear] the Gauls, and, after devastating the region round about, returned victorious, enriched with spoils. The rest, however, which Hildegast, philosopher of the Franks and distinguished seer, described in a German song, and afterward Hunibald in prose in the Latin language, we too have spoken of in the first book of the Annals.

Sunno, king of the Franks, died in the twenty-eighth year of his reign, but in the year 213 of the Lord’s Nativity, in the sixth Roman indiction.

The Thirtieth.

Hilderic, the elder son of King Sunno, reigned after his father for forty years: a high-souled, prudent, bold, warlike man, who at all times stoutly defended his people no less by prudence than by arms, and powerfully extended the boundaries of the kingdom far and wide. For he was of such virtue and power that he was to be feared in no small degree not only by the Gauls but also by the Romans; to them the Frankish name was so hateful and odious that they were never accustomed to write or name that people otherwise than German.

The Franks gloried in their name; the Romans, laboring under hatred of them, begrudged them the word. Nor did the written histories of neighboring peoples, especially of the Romans and Gauls, by common consent grant the Frankish name to the people of Sicambria before the Franks, by arms and virtues, had subjected almost all Europe to their dominion. For previously, as we have said, the Romans, the Gauls, and the other hostile nations, as Hunibald testifies, moved by envy, named the Franks by no other word than Germans. For the author already mentioned says thus: Our ancestors had no less care, by common decree, for the name of their people, which they once received from their King Francus, than for the kingdom; for they thought it would be glorious for them no longer to exchange the Frankish name for another, once it had been assumed by their forefathers with the highest honor.

In these times there flourished under King Hilderic [unclear], also [unclear], [unclear] Hildegast, seer and philosopher, [unclear], most learned of all, who in his own time said, did, and wrote marvelous things. And he was of such esteem and authority among his own people that all always obeyed his command.

On the birthday of Hilderic, king of the Franks, standing in the temple of Jove at Neopagus, before a multitude of the Frankish people, Hildegast, philosopher, counselor, seer, father of kings, elder, most learned of all, because in his own time he said and did marvelous things, after prayers poured out before the image of that very god for the obtaining of a prophecy, suddenly began to rave, as is the custom of the frenzied, with a song of [unclear], and, with head tossed and hands bent back, he prophesied thus, not using verses composed according to the law of meters, but rhythms without measure, uttered very confusedly in prophetic frenzy; Hunibald made their interpretation thus:

Victory will come to the Franks from the western God, whom the old Dardanian ancestors worshiped. Whatever the Gaul possesses, whatever all Germany possesses, all will yield to your right, warlike Sicamber. When he gives you first a king from the name, whom the leaders, then without a king, shall appoint, then, with him victorious, the Frank shall reign without end.

He also added thus concerning the empire of the Romans:

Behold, the great God will give the brothel-camps to the Frank, and the lion will break the eagle, crushed together with the serpent.

Hunibald explains this meaning concerning the standards of the Franks, which they used in battles, which we call the insignia of princes.

The kings of the Franks, he says, from that time when they began to have war with the Romans, on the advice of the pontiffs of their people, took these new arms or insignia: after throwing away the three frogs which they had once brought from Scythia on a white fleece, they depicted a lion with the forepart of its body on a fleece of blue color, its feet stretched out for seizing, its mouth open in the manner of one roaring, whose lower part of the body ended in the tail of a serpent; with this it seemed strongly to bind, press, and choke the neck of an eagle depicted beneath on a golden fleece with wings spread.

The Romans had the eagle as their sign when fighting. Desiring to suppress and annihilate their proud and arrogant power by strength and at the same time prudence, the Franks took the lion for one part and the serpent for the other. For by the lion the Franks mystically designated their strength, but by the serpent their wisdom and prudence.

Hildegast, seer and philosopher.

The Romans always begrudged the Frankish name to the Sicambri.

Later they counted the Franks as Germans.

What the insignia or arms of the ancient Franks were.

A black eagle in a field of [unclear], bluish.

Interpretation of the arms of the Franks.

Hildegast, historiographer.

Hilderic reigning forty years.

And concerning the empire of the Romans.

A black eagle in a field of [unclear], bluish.

Interpretation of the arms of the Franks.

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22. Compendium, Book I.

...they wished, by which they hoped without doubt that they would at last overcome the Romans. These insignia, or arms, although they are improperly so called, all the kings of the Franks thereafter used down to Clovis the Christian, who is read to have adopted, in place of the lion, three lilies sent down from heaven, as will be said in its proper place.

At length, when the kingdom of the Franks was divided into two by the sons of Louis the First, the emblem of the lilies remained with the Gallic, or western, Franks; but the eastern or German kingdom of the Franks retained its own arms of the lion and the serpent’s tail. Since that kingdom has the Roman Empire annexed to itself, the earlier insignia having been brought into oblivion, it has been accustomed to use only the eagle, the mark of the empire, from that time of division down to the present day.

Hildegast, teacher of the noble Franks in every science.

The aforesaid Hildegast also, the wise man of the Franks, taught the sons of the nobles to sing in their mother tongue, with citharas and various other musical instruments, the deeds of their ancestors in songs; he advised the people to live by civil customs, to build houses, and to go about more cultivated in dress; and he ordered them to lay aside ferocity. For indeed the Franks until then cared little for cultivation or adornment, both in buildings and in clothing. Hildegast made all these things more cultivated, and most wisely instructed them to crush and subdue the pride of the Romans not only with arms, but also with possessions and manners. From that time the Franks began to build larger and more beautiful houses, divided into various chambers. For whatever they had built in earlier times was contemptible in its excessive simplicity and rustic, since, because of their frequent changes of settlement, they had been more accustomed to live in fields than in cities. Hence the Germans, taking up a proverb, whenever they saw something made or painted with ancient simplicity, were accustomed, praising antiquity in this way, to say: “That is a good old Frankish work.”

The Franks had become more cultivated in manners and buildings.

Hunibald records the remaining marvelous sayings, writings, or deeds of Hildegast. In the twenty-fourth year of Hilderic, king of the Franks, Alexander, son of Mammaea, Caesar Augustus of the Romans, is killed at Mainz, a city of Germany, in a military disturbance, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

But Hilderic, king of the Franks, the first of that name, after many brave and magnificent deeds, at length dies in the fortieth year of his reign, and in the two hundred fifty-third year of the Lord’s nativity, in the first Roman indiction.

The Thirty-First.

Bartherus reigned 48 years.

Bartherus, son of King Hilderic, succeeding his father, reigned eighteen years. In his time the Romans waged war with the Goths, who, crossing the river Ister, were devastating their cities and towns. The Romans killed thirty thousand of them under the command of Decius Caesar and his son. Many of the Romans also fell, among whom the very son of Decius Caesar [unclear]. But Decius Caesar, a most wicked persecutor of Christians, while fleeing, was drowned in the whirlpool of a certain marsh; his corpse could never be found by his men.

In the tenth year of King Bartherus, when the Romans under the wanton rule of Gallienus were sluggish in idleness, the Franks, thinking that a suitable time was at hand to avenge the insults committed against them, with the assistance of the Germans, Saxons, Bavarians, and Thuringians, gathered a great army of warriors; and, entering the borders of their enemies and devastating everything with fire and sword, they reached Ravenna in a hostile incursion, and, enriched with booty, returned to their own lands.

In the following year, which was the eleventh of King Bartherus, the Alemanni, having assembled their forces, led a strong army into Gaul; and, after laying waste the region with sword and fire, they returned to their own lands with much spoil and booty. In the same year they set an expedition in motion against the Romans in Italy, and inflicted many losses on them, avenging the manifold injuries which they had received from the same.

In the thirteenth year of King Bartherus, which was the two hundred sixty-sixth year of the Lord’s nativity, in the fourteenth Roman indiction, the Franks, with the aid of the Germans and Saxons, assembled an immense army; and, after crossing the Rhine and the Meuse, under the leaders Antharius and Luther they entered Gaul, laying waste everything in hostile fashion. Antharius the leader was the son of Bartherus, the aforesaid king of the Franks; and Luther was the son of Marbod, king in Saxony. Beginning from the region nearest to the Tungrians, and from there proceeding hostilely through the Bellovaci beyond the Seine, they reached as far as Spain; and, surrounding the noble city of Tarragona with a siege, they destroyed it utterly.

But Bartherus, king of the Franks, at length dies in the eighteenth year of his reign, in the year 50

Annals of Trithemius.

namely in the year of the Lord's Nativity 181, in the fourth Roman indiction; his many deeds Hunibald adequately sets forth.

The Thirty-Second.

Clodius reigned 27 years. War occurs between the Romans and the Alemanni.

Clodius, the elder son of King Barther, succeeding his father, reigned over the Franks for twenty-seven years. In his third year the Romans, sending legions and mindful of the earlier injury, attacked Alemannia in war. Against their incursion the Alemanni advanced armed, having in their army thirty thousand fighters. A very hard battle was joined not far from Lake Benacus, in which almost fifteen thousand of the Alemanni were killed.

[unclear]

In the twelfth year of King Clodius, the Franks under their dukes invaded Gaul, and slew many thousands from the Roman guards as well as from the Gauls; and, occupying a great part of inner Gaul, they inhabited the north.

The Franks laid waste Gaul [unclear].

Clodius, king of the Franks, died after these things, in the twenty-seventh year of his reign, but in the year of the Lord's Nativity 317, in the first Roman indiction.

[unclear]

The Thirty-Third.

Great disturbances in Britain. The tenth persecution of the Christians occurred. Walther reigned 8 years. Severus. Churches and divine books they burn with fire, and the Christians in the tenth persecution after Nero...

Walther, son of King Clodius, after his father reigned over the Franks for eight years; a magnanimous, brave, and warlike prince. In the time of his reign, when persecution had been proclaimed everywhere, Diocletian in the east and Maximian in the west overthrow the churches of Christ, burn the divine books with fire, and miserably afflict the Christians in the tenth persecution after Nero; and Diocletian, in the first year of the aforesaid King Walther, commanded himself to be worshipped as God; he also at the same time subjected Alexandria with all Egypt to the Romans.

[unclear]

The Thirty-Third.

Diocletian with all Egypt.

In the first, second, and third year of Walther king of the Franks, there were great disturbances in Britain, which is now called England. For, some years before, King Lucius had died, who first received the faith of Christ with his people from Pope Eleutherius, as we said above.

[unclear]

The Thirty-Third.

In the one hundred eighty-fifth year, in the times of Farabert king of the Franks, the Romans sent Severus the senator into Britain to take up the kingdom. When he too had been killed at York by Fulgenius, Bassianus, the son of this same Severus, was admitted as king. When he also was killed, Carausius seized the kingdom, and despised the commands of the Romans.

[unclear]

The Thirty-Fourth.

The kingdom of Britain [unclear]. Asclepiadotus, powerful king of Britain. Dagobert reigned 11 years.

Dagobert, the elder son of Walther king of the Franks, succeeding his father, reigned for eleven years, a man toward his subjects pious, [unclear], and very humane; whom they [unclear] with singular love. [unclear] with two Roman legions he killed, and placed upon himself the diadem of the kingdom; and against the will of the Caesars and the senate, he reigned for ten years, cherished justice, [unclear] the province.

[unclear]

The Thirty-Fourth.

Against him Asclepiadotus, a warlike, brave, and bold man, rising up, killed him with the two Roman legions, and placed upon himself the diadem of the kingdom; and against the will of the Caesars and the senate, he reigned for ten years, cherished justice, and [unclear] the province.

Walther, king of the Franks, in these times rested from wars, and at last finally died in the eighth year of his reign, but in the year of the Lord's Nativity 306, in the ninth Roman indiction, before which there was an earthquake.

ANNALS OF TRITHEMIUS. 23.

…namely in the year of the Lord's nativity 181, in the fourth Roman indiction, whose manifold deeds Hunibald sufficiently sets forth.

THE THIRTY-SECOND [king]. CLODIUS, the elder-born son of king Barther, succeeding [his] father, reigned over the Franks twenty-seven years; in whose third year the Romans, sending legions, attacked Alemannia in war, mindful of the former injury. Against whose incursion the Alemanni advanced armed, having in their army thirty thousand warriors. A battle hard enough is joined not far from Lake Benacus [Garda], in which nearly fifteen thousand of the Alemanni perish.

In the twelfth year of king Clodius, the Franks under [their] dukes invaded Gaul, and slew many thousands both of the Roman guards and of the Gauls, and, occupying a great part of interior Gaul, inhabited the north.

But Clodius, king of the Franks, dies after these [things], in the twenty-seventh year of his reign, [and] of the Lord's nativity 317, in the first Roman indiction.

THE THIRTY-THIRD. [Margin: a tumult in Britain; the tenth persecution of Christians.] WALTHER, son of king Clodius, after [his] begetter reigned over the Franks eight years, a magnanimous prince, brave and warlike, in whose reign—the persecution being everywhere published—Diocletian in the East and Maximian in the West overturn [the churches of Christ], burn the divine books with fire, and miserably afflict the Christians with the tenth persecution after Nero; and Diocletian, in the first year of the said king Walther, commanded [himself] to be adored as God, who also at the same time subjected Alexandria with all Egypt to the Romans.

In the first, second, and third year of Walther, king of the Franks, there were great tumults in Britain (which is now called England). For king Lucius—who first with his people received the faith of Christ from Pope Eleutherius (as we said above)—having died some years before, in the year 185, in the times of Farabert, king of the Franks, the Romans sent the senator Severus into Britain to undertake the regency. He too being killed at York by Fulgenius, Bassianus, son of the same Severus, was admitted as king. He too being slain, Carausius invaded the kingdom, who despised the commands of the Romans.

THE THIRTY-FOURTH. [Margin: Asclepiodotus, powerful king of Britain. Dagobert reigned 11 years.] DAGOBERT, the elder-born son of Walther, king of the Franks, succeeding [his] father, reigned eleven years, a man [kind] to [his] subjects, gentle, very humane, whom they loved with singular love. Against him Asclepiodotus, a warlike, brave, and bold man, rising up, killed [the usurper] with two Roman legions, and placed the diadem of the kingdom upon himself, and, against the will of the Caesars and the senate, reigned ten years, cultivated justice, [and] shut out the [Roman] province.

WALTHER, king of the Franks, in these times rested from wars, and at last finally dies, in the eighth year of his reign, [and] of the Lord's nativity 306, in the 9th Roman indiction; before which there was an earthquake.

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Compendium, Book I.

The thirty-fifth.

Chlogio reigned for only two years.

Chlogio, son of King Dagobert, succeeding his father, reigned for only two years. For in the second year of his reign, the Romans and the Gauls fiercely invaded the kingdom of the Franks in the Cismosanian regions and began to lay everything waste with fire and sword. But King Chlogio, having gathered what forces he could, went to meet the enemy with the help of the Germans; and, when he fought too incautiously, he was killed. Yet the Franks did not on that account shrink from the battle, but fought bravely. For Clodomir, brother of the slain king, drew his body back from the battle-line and clothed himself in his arms, so that all might think that he himself was the king, lest either his friends, once the king’s death was known, should lose heart, or the enemies, exulting, should conceive certain hope of victory. And so Duke Clodomir, clothed in the king’s arms and returned to the battle-line, since he was thought by everyone to be the king himself, inspired steadfastness in his own men and fear in the enemy. By fighting very bravely he restored the battle, turned the Gauls together with the Romans at last to flight, obtained the victory, gathered the spoils of the enemy, and freed the kingdom from destruction.

Accordingly Chlogio, king of the Franks, fell in the second year of his reign, and in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 309, in the seventh indiction of the Romans. He left two sons, of whom the elder by birth, Helenus, was then in his twentieth year, while the younger, Richimer, was in his eighteenth. But by law the Franks were forbidden to advance anyone as king before he had completed the twenty-fourth year of his age. Hence it came about that neither of the sons of Chlogio came to the kingdom, but their uncle Clodomir was chosen as king.

The thirty-sixth.

Clodomir, brother of the slain King Chlogio, chosen as king by the common decree of the Franks, thereafter reigned eighteen years, a distinguished, prudent, and strong prince, who kept his people in peace and enlarged the kingdom of the Franks.

For in these times, when the Suevi were being grievously afflicted by the Romans, they resolved to call the Franks, Saxons, and Thuringians to their aid; and they trusted that they would find them willing all the more easily because they knew that they had always hated the Romans. But the Franks, otherwise ancient enemies of the Romans, after holding counsel among themselves, readily gave consent to the petition of the Suevi, judging it more wholesome to fight with their enemies in lands far from their own borders than in their own territories.

Therefore Clodomir, king of the Franks, appointed his brother Genebald as commander of the army that was to go, and entrusted to him eighty thousand fighters. The other kings called by the Suevi to their aid did likewise; the soldiers assembled into one and arranged made up a sufficiently great army. Then, having joined battle with the Romans, they fought most fiercely, killing many thousands of them, while the rest sought safety in flight; and so the Romans were driven from the territories of the Suevi.

When the Germans had gained this victory and were dividing the spoils in the camp according to custom, a dangerous quarrel arose between two soldiers, of whom one was named Adelbert, while the other was a Sueve named Doringus. The cause of the disturbance was this: that the Sueve soldier had accused Doringus of having secretly taken something or other from the common booty. When he denied it, a serious sedition arose, the Thuringians defending Doringus and the Suevi the Sueve. For each had many adherents from his own people, whose minds were stirred up. But when Doringus steadfastly denied the theft, the Sueve offered to prove the truth by duel. When the princes had permitted this, single combat was arranged between them on the appointed day; and in it Doringus, at the second encounter, was killed by the Sueve. When, on account of this matter, he had been stripped of his clothing and arms, the theft too, concerning which he had been accused, was found hidden upon him. After receiving this disgrace, the Thuringians were exceedingly angry; but, concealing their anger, they afterward held secret counsel among themselves as to how they might avenge Gunther’s fall upon Adelbert. When the plan had been settled, namely that they should kill the Sueve that same night, one hundred twenty of them conspired together concerning the matter to be kept secret. Therefore on the following night they silently rushed upon the tent in which they suspected Adelbert to be, demanding that the murderer be handed over to them to be killed. Roused by these voices, the Suevi ran to arms, firmly resolving either to defend their innocent soldier from death or to die with him. When the deed was presently reported in the camp of the Thuringians, they were greatly moved and, as if turned to fury, immediately seized arms; and, having formed a column, they rushed upon the Suevi, who suspected no such thing, raising shouts on high like men raging. But the Suevi were not idle: when they could not call the Thuringians back from the tumult with fair words, they themselves put on arms and strove to resist bravely. A fierce battle was joined between friends, in which more than two thousand of the party [unclear]

Chlogio reigned for only two years.

The war of the Romans and Gauls against the Franks.

Duke Clodomir conquered the enemies by a stratagem.

Chlogio, king of the Franks, perished in war.

Clodomir reigned eighteen years.

The Romans had grievously afflicted the Suevi.

The Franks aided the Suevi.

Genebald, commander of the Franks’ army.

The Romans were turned to flight by the Germans.

The cause of the dissension between Doringus and the Sueve.

The Sueve kills Doringus in a duel.

The conspiracy of the Thuringians and the Suevi.

The Thuringians and the Suevi clash seditiously.

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Annals of Trithemius.

men of each side were slain. Yet the Thuringians lost more men than the Suebi, and, defeated, at last withdrew, compelled by necessity.

This conflict had remained hidden from the Franks and the Saxons until the contest came to an end; they had pitched their camps not in the same place, but in different stations. But afterwards, when the Franks, together with the Saxons, had learned the cause, they labored with many negotiations for peace and concord between those at variance. Yet since each party complained that it had been gravely injured by wrong, they could not restore full concord between them. They did, however, establish truces, or armistices, of three years between them, in which they ordered the parties to abstain from war until anger should cool with time and the disturbance be quieted.

From that time the Suebi always held the Thuringians suspect of treachery, as Hunibald says, and they were troubled by a hidden and manifest hatred against them, although many do not know the cause of this mutual hostility.

[unclear] to the present day, as we learned long ago from the report of Hunibald, our dearest brother, what the cause of dissension was between you, friends, Thuringians, and the Suebi, and what is the occasion of those disturbances which today stand at the doors. We confess to you that for a long time [unclear].

The [Thuringians] sent to [Clodomir], king of the Franks, and to the nobles of the realm, begging with great urgency that, in view of the former alliance, they should bring them the owed and friendly aid against the Suebi. At that time there were great movements of peoples in Britain and in all the adjacent islands neighboring the kingdom of the Franks; in consideration of these, King Clodomir was distressed, fearing the treachery of the Romans, lest, while the army of fighters was absent, they should contrive some new incursion into the kingdom.

After counsel had been held with the nobles of the realm, King Clodomir gave the envoys of the Thuringians this answer in a public assembly of the magnates. From the report of Duke Henebald, our dearest brother, we learned long ago what the cause of dissension was between you, friends, the Thuringians, and the Suebi, and what is the occasion of those disturbances which today stand at the doors. We confess to you that for a long time [unclear].

They sent to the king of the Franks and to the nobles of the realm, begging with great urgency that, in view of the former alliance, they should bring them the owed and friendly aid against the Suebi. At that time there were great movements of peoples in Britain and in all the adjacent islands neighboring the kingdom of the Franks; in consideration of these, King Clodomir was distressed, fearing the treachery of the Romans, lest, while the army of fighters was absent, they should contrive some new incursion into the kingdom.

Therefore it in no way seemed prudent to the counsel of the Franks, especially in these dangerous times, to divide the people and, neglecting their own affairs, to undertake the defense of others, since perhaps with God’s favor we might suffice for one of the two; for even to protect this our kingdom from the incursion of enemies in these days is not in our power. Moreover, the very great distance of places greatly hinders us from being able to bring you aid so often against the Suebi, since they hold the source and beginning of the river Rhine, while we hold its farthest mouths and its western end. Nevertheless, lest we seem to have been altogether lacking to you in the friendship of the Franks, it has pleased our counsel that we direct our messengers and envoys to the Suebi, through whom we may again obtain for you three-year truces and armistices. Meanwhile let the Thuringians take counsel, so that they may either obtain a lasting peace with the Suebi, or by some other means interpose the necessary wall of defense, that is, either from their own people or from friendly foreign peoples.

When these things had been set forth by the king of the Franks, the envoys answered: Excellent, O king and you Frankish princes, is your counsel, if indeed you will be able to obtain three-year truces from the Suebi. But as for your counsel that we place between ourselves and the Suebi a wall of defense, either from ourselves or from any foreign people, this is the judgment of our king and of all the nobles of the Thuringian people. Hear our consultation concerning this matter, we beg, and at the same time, as faithful friends, provide aid. We have a land broad in extent toward the south, fertile in abundance of fruits, whose furthest boundaries separate the Suebi and the Thuringians. If you wish to place inhabitants from among your people in it, with a duke, this will certainly be a perpetual honor and advantage to you and to the kingdom of the Franks, but to the Thuringians a wall of defense, and to the Suebi a cause of fear. No difficulty concerning the grant will be able to intervene, by which it should not, through the voluntary offering of the princes of the Thuringian people, come into your power.

After consultation had been held on these matters, the Franks gladly agreed, as men who had nothing more at heart than to extend the Frankish name and kingdom at the same time. Therefore, first sending letters and envoys to the Suebi, they obtained peace for the Thuringians for three years, keeping secret their plan concerning the new possession to be undertaken. Then they sent their own men with the aforesaid envoys of their friends into Thuringia, so that they might confirm, according to the judgment of the king and nobles, the proposed business concerning the grant of the promised region. When all these things had been duly completed, the events which we shall write followed.

When and whence the Franks first came to the Menigau of the [People?], follows.

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Compendium, Book I.

Here begins the duchy of the Eastern Franks. 32,580 Franks will come to Herbipolis.

Therefore, in the seventh year of Clodomir, king of the Franks, and in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 426, in the thirteenth Roman indiction, on the ninth day of the month of April, by command of the aforesaid king, there went out from the mouths of the Rhine, where the Sicambri had once had their first settlements in Germany, with their wives, children, household goods [unclear], and pack animals, thirty-six armed men [unclear], farmers and craftsmen of various trades, two thousand six hundred eighty-six, setting out for the new settlements promised to the Franks by the Thuringians. They did not all go out together at one time, but successively by bands, beginning on the prescribed day, until at last in the month of September they completed the number previously designated, as Hunibald, the historian of the Franks, attests.

King Clodomir appointed as duke of the people of Eastern Francia his brother Genebald, to whom, according to the custom of the Franks, he entrusted both the army and the administration of the whole duchy on these conditions: namely, that both he himself and his sons, heirs, and successors should remain forever under the authority of the kings of the Franks, should faithfully obey their commands in all things, should go forth with them to war against any adversaries whatever, and, according to the custom of the other dukes of the kingdom of the Franks, should everywhere render to those kings the service and honor owed to them.

When these conditions had been given and accepted, Genebald, duke of Eastern Francia, set out with the people assigned to him for Menigantium, and ruled the principality offered to him for almost thirty years. For he was a prudent, bold, and warlike man, who not only governed and distributed the land of the duchy of Francia prudently, but also greatly enlarged the boundaries of its possession.

When the Suebi heard of the arrival of the Eastern Franks at their borders, they bore it rather ill, fearing that what did happen would come to pass: that, multiplied in number and strength, they would also extend the boundaries of the possession they had received to the Suebi’s ruin. But when they saw that they could in no way resist the undertakings of the Franks, pretending a welcoming gathering for their arrival and sending envoys, they asked for peace, more from necessity, as it seemed to many, than from intention. They also [unclear] every cause of dissension that they alleged against the Thuringians.

Peace is established between the Suebus and Francia. Marcomir, duke of the Eastern Franks. All the Thuringians [unclear].

In the same year, in the month of September, Marcomir, son of Duke Genebald, with the remaining band of Franks which had already earlier been chosen by King Clodomir’s command for migration, by families, households, and persons, came into the southern borders of Thuringia, and around the river Main, with his brothers, to receive the dwellings promised to them: having to the east the Boii and Bohemians; to the south, the Suebi; to the west, the Rhenish people, the people of Mainz, and the Apodae; and to the north, the Fagophagi and Thuringians.

At the entrance of the Franks all the Thuringians fall [unclear].

At the entry of the Franks, the Thuringians, by command of their king Heurolus, withdrew beyond the forest, leaving behind for the new guests all the grain sufficient for the following year. Therefore the newly arrived Franks first settled in the borders of the Thuringians, between the river Saale, as it is now called from Salagaast, and the lower parts of the Neckar, around the banks of the river Main, in that district which was formerly Meningau and was later called Eastern Francia. In it, in the course of time, they built not a few villages and cities in number, and grew in [unclear] and power.

Genealogy of the dukes of Eastern Francia. Faramund, duke [unclear] of the Eastern Franks. Marcomer, son of Faramund, duke.

Duke Genebald begot Marcomir and Dagobert, who ruled over Eastern Francia for twenty-one years. Dagobert begot Clodius, who ruled over the people for ten years. Clodius begot Marcomir. Faramund, however, governed the duchy with his father and alone for fifteen years, and afterward was chosen king of the Franks, as we shall say in its proper order. He entrusted the duchy of Eastern Francia to his brother Marcomir, who held it for eighteen years. Duke Marcomir begot Priamus, who ruled for twelve years. Duke Priamus begot Genebald the second, who ruled for twenty-one years. When he was struck and killed by a boar while hunting, Clodomir, son of the aforesaid Duke Sunno, succeeded in the duchy and ruled for thirty-one years. Clodomir begot Hugbad, who ruled for twenty-six years. Hugbad begot Helenus, who ruled for thirty years. Helenus begot Gotfrid, who ruled for twenty-four years. Godfrid begot Genebald the third, who ruled for twenty years. Genebald begot Clodomir, who ruled for twenty-four years. After him Heribert, his nephew, succeeding in the duchy, ruled for thirty years. When he too had died, Clodoveus, son of his brother, ruled in the duchy

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Annals of Trithemius.

... held office for twelve years. Clodoucus begot Gosvertus, who held office for twenty-six years. In his sixth year Conon, pope of Rome, ordained Saint Kilian, a Scottish monk, as bishop and sent him to the Eastern Franks to preach the faith of Christ. Gosbert begot the younger Gosbert, who held office for nineteen years. The younger Gosbert begot Hetan, who held office for twenty years. When, with him, the male line had died out, in the year of the Lord's nativity 740, in the eighth Roman indiction, the duchy of Eastern Francia remained without a duke for twelve years, under the authority of Pippin, mayor of the palace and afterwards king of the Franks, who entrusted it to his son Charles the Great.

Thus there were in Eastern Francia twenty-one dukes, succeeding one another over 414 years; they make up the sacred sevenfold number tripled in order, and not foreign to mystery. In the year of the Lord's nativity 752, in the fifth Roman indiction, Pippin, raised from mayor of the palace to king of the Franks, as was said above, handed over the often-mentioned duchy of Eastern Francia to Saint Burchard, first bishop of the church of Wurzburg, and to his successors, as perpetual property.

From that time, apart from the bishops of the church of Wurzburg, down to the present day no one by right has been able to claim for himself the duchy of the aforesaid Francia, although by the rashness, not the right, of certain kings and emperors rebellious against the Roman Church and excommunicated, as if in vengeance for themselves, the contrary was sometimes attempted. Among these Conrad, the third of that name, afterwards emperor, since he was Swabian by nation, violently usurped for himself the duchy of Eastern Francia by royal permission; nevertheless, after he had been made Caesar, he restored it to the church with manifold satisfaction.

Let these things, briefly touched upon in a necessary historical digression concerning the origin, genealogy, and succession of the dukes of the people of Eastern Francia, suffice. Let us now return to the order of the kings of the Franks, from which we departed. Clodomir, king of the Franks, after many deeds bravely performed, at last died in the eighteenth year of his reign, and in the year of the Lord 337, in the tenth Roman indiction.

The Thirty-Seventh.

Richimer, the elder son of King Clodomir, succeeding his father, reigned for thirteen years. Throughout all the days of his reign he was always in contention with the Romans and Gauls; with the aid of his uncle Genebald, that is, the duke of Eastern Francia, residing at the city [unclear], and of the other princes of the Franks, as well as the Thuringians, Saxons, and fierce German allies, he fought against them many times as victor and afflicted them with great slaughter.

In the fourth year of his reign, having gathered the support of his allies with a very great multitude of fighters, he entered Gaul and laid everything waste with fire and sword. Against him Tiberianus, prefect of the Romans, also moved a great army of his men to war; when their forces were joined for battle, they fought for a long time with doubtful fortune, and many fell slain on both sides. At last, however, the Gauls were defeated and compelled to seek safety in flight.

In the sixth year of King Richimer, in the fourth indiction, the Romans, gathering in troops into one body with the Gauls, under Constantine the Great, Caesar, declared war on the Franks. King Richimer, since he was a high-souled, strong, and bold prince, was in no way terrified; as usual he summoned as allies the Teutons, Germans, Saxons, and Thuringians. When these had been united with the Franks, he set against the Romans and Gauls an army of almost two hundred thousand, with whom he fought vigorously. In the first engagement the Romans were victorious; in the second, defeated and overcome, they fled with loss among their men.

In the last year of his reign, Richimer, king of the Franks, when he was [unclear] about to fight again with the Romans, was killed in battle, namely in the thirteenth year of his reign, and in the year of the Lord's nativity 350, in the eighth Roman indiction.

The Thirty-Eighth.

Theodomir, son of the aforementioned King Richimer, reigned after the death of his father for ten years. Throughout all the days of his reign he lived in contention with the Romans and fought many battles against them with varying outcome. His mother, named Hafila, was the daughter of the king of the Saxons. At that time the kings of the Franks lived in the territories of the Tungri, across the river Meuse, in the fortress which antiquity called Dispargum. From the boundary of the Franks as far as the river Loire the Gauls dwelt under the rule of the Romans; beyond the Loire were the Goths, intermixed with peoples of various nations.

Theodomir reigned ten years.

The seat of the kings of the Franks was among the Tungri at Dispargum.

The duchy of Eastern Francia was vacant for twelve years.

There were twenty-one dukes at [Wurzburg?].

These prelates and dukes of the Eastern Franks Trithemius enumerates in order down to his own age in the Compendium on the Origin of the Franks, published at Basel, vol. I of German Histories, folio 322.

The duchy of Eastern Francia belongs solely to the aforesaid church of Wurzburg.

Conrad [I?], not duke of [unclear], but [unclear].

Richimer reigned thirteen years.

War is joined between the Franks and the Romans.

The Romans again declared war on the Franks.

The Romans are defeated by the Franks in battle.

Theodomir reigned ten years.

The seat of the kings of the Franks was among the Tungri at Dispargum.

Saint Kilian is made bishop.

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Compendium, Book I.

The Franks [unclear]. The Eastern Franks cross the Rhine. The city of Trier is destroyed by the Franks.

The boundaries of the kingdom of the Franks at this time were greatly enlarged beyond the Meuse; they had occupied a great part of Gaul, though the Romans were unwilling. Nor did they desist from what they had begun, until at length, reckoning from this point onward, within about seventy years they subjected all Gaul to their rule.

In the times of the aforesaid king Theodomirus, Dagobert, son of Genebald, the first duke of the Eastern Franks, and successor to his father in the principate, gathered a multitude of fighters, crossed the Rhine, and, after carrying off booty, laid waste Cisrhenian Gaul with fire and sword. He plundered and burned the very ancient city of Trier, built in the times of Abraham, prince of the Jews.

But King Theodomirus was at length captured by the Romans inhabiting Gaul, together with his mother Hastila, was beheaded, and died in the tenth year of his reign, but in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 460, in the third Roman indiction.

The Thirty-Ninth.

The reign of Clogio: 18 years. Saint Anthony dies. Julian the apostate fights with the Alemanni. The Franks take the city of Cambrai. The Franks hold Gaul as far as the Saone. The legions of the Romans in Germany. War of the Romans with the Saxons.

Clogio, son of King Theodomirus, succeeding his father, reigned over the Franks for eighteen years, a spirited, strong prince, and of singular prudence. He fought many battles with the Romans and Gauls, and harshly avenged the death of both his father and his mother in the blood of very many enemies. In his first year, Saint Anthony, abbot and hermit, departed to the Lord on the seventeenth day of the month of January, in the 105th year of his age.

At the same time also the Alemanni had a war with the Romans, not far from the Rhine, in the territories of the people of Strasbourg. In that battle many fell on both sides; yet more of the Alemanni were killed than of the Romans, whose army’s commander was Julian Caesar, despiser of God and apostate.

Clogio, king of the Franks, wishing to avenge his father’s death, gathered a huge army, entered Gaul in force, and stormed the city of Cambrai, where he killed without pity many Romans whom he found there.

Advancing from there, he subjected Gaul to his kingdom as far as the river Saone. Against him the Romans, fighting more with treacheries than with strength, could do nothing.

In the thirteenth year of Clogio, king of the Franks, while the leaders with their armies were laying waste the Gallic provinces, Valentinian, Caesar of the Romans, having secretly and swiftly led legions through Sarmatia into the territories of the Germans, waged war with the Saxons in the territories of the Franks, this side of the Oder, not far from the sea. In it many on both sides fell, killed by the sword. Yet victory at last passed to the Romans, and the defeated Saxons took flight.

But King Clogio died in the eighteenth year of his reign, which was the year of the Lord’s Nativity 378, in the sixth Roman indiction, leaving three sons by the queen: Marcomirus, who succeeded his father in the kingdom; Dagobert, who after the death of the brother just named held the kingdom under the name of duke, as we say below in its own place; and Hector, surnamed Degenbart, from whom Pippin and Charles, afterward emperor, the Great, derived their lineage, as we have said in the second volume.

The Fortieth.

Marcomirus, Clogio’s elder son, succeeding his father in the aforesaid year in the kingdom of the Franks, reigned for fifteen years, a magnanimous, strong, and bold prince, who fought many battles with the Romans.

Indeed, in the first year of his reign the Romans, aided by the forces of the Gauls, stirred up war against him. He met them with the Franks and Saxons in a fearless encounter, fought bravely not far from the city of Cologne, struck down many thousands of the enemy, and divided the spoils among his helpers and friends. This war lasted four years.

But the Franks, spirited with their inborn ferocity, met the Romans for battle, just as a lion is accustomed to tear apart a little dog with extended claws, as men to be handed over at once to death and without pity. At length, after four years had passed, the Romans, considering that they could not tame the Franks and subject them to themselves, recalled by [edict?] the remnants of the legions that had survived, and sent them to other places. Yet the Franks, not ceasing on that account from harassing the Gauls, continued what they had begun.

In the ninth year of Marcomirus, king of the Franks, in the fifteenth Roman indiction, Maximus, king of Britain, sprung from the lineage of the Caesars, received the name and diadem of the Roman Empire from the soldiers stationed in England.

A few years earlier Octavius, king of Britain, lacking a son, had called him from Rome into Britain with the consent of the nobles; for he was a Briton on his mother’s side, but a Roman on his father’s; and he gave him his daughter

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Annals of Trithemius.

his wife, with whom, after Octavius had died, he obtained the kingdom of the whole island. He had come, however, when summoned into Britain, with an army of Roman soldiers, and the greater part of the soldiers remained with him, a smaller number returning to Italy. Then, after the death of Valentinian and Valens, the Caesars, in the fifth year of his British reign, lifted up in mind into pride and impatient of peace, he had himself made Caesar of the Romans by those soldiers who had remained with him, against Gratian, whom the Romans had set over them. Therefore, as soon as he was hailed as Caesar by the soldiers, he entrusted the kingdom of Britain to be governed by a deputy, and, summoning into one body all the nobility and the military youth of the whole island of Britain, which is now called England, he sailed with them into Gaul, having this intention in mind: that, once the Gauls had been conquered, he would set out for Rome and subject the empire to himself.

Accordingly, in the ninth year of Marcomir, king of the Franks, and in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 487, in the fifteenth Roman indiction, Maximus, king of Britain, entered Gaul by ship with a great multitude of his men and laid waste everything round about the region in hostile fashion. And first indeed he landed with his ships on the shore of the land of Armorica, which from that time thereafter has been called New Britain, or Lesser Britain, down to the present day. The Franks then inhabited it, under the governance of Duke Iubalchus, whom the kings of the Franks had appointed deputy of the kingdom in those places. Duke Iubalchus, not a little disturbed by the entry of so great a multitude of peoples, drew together the forces of his men as best he could, and, advancing to meet those who were coming, joined battle with them. In that battle he himself was killed with fifteen thousand Franks, while the rest sought safety in flight.

Then, in order to strike terror of his name into all throughout the kingdom, he used great cruelty: for he slaughtered without mercy women, virgins, old men, young men, and little children, as many as he found. The kings, dukes, nobles, soldiers, and all the people of the Franks were still blinded and polluted by the empty superstition of idols. Maximus, however, although a tyrant, was nevertheless, with all his soldiery and his people, Christian. After this victory over Iubalchus had been won from the Franks, Maximus bestowed that Armorican principality on Duke Conan, who was the nephew by his brother of Octavius, the aforesaid king of Britain; and, leaving with him a good part of the army of the Britons for protection, he himself departed from there with the remaining multitude of troops and, ranging through all Gaul, made those who resisted his rule obedient by war and arms, no less cruelly than powerfully.

Meanwhile Gratian Caesar at Rome, learning that Maximus had usurped for himself the name and diadem of the Roman empire and, having gone out from Britain with a great army, had begun to lay waste Gaul, himself gathered troops and moved against him into Gaul, entering the city of Paris with his army. Afterwards, engaging with Maximus, he was overcome through the treachery of Merobaudes, master of the soldiers; slipping away in flight, he came to Lyons, where later he was killed.

Conan, however, whom Maximus had established as king in the Armorican region, frequently met [unclear], fought manfully with [unclear], and, after many of them had been killed, turned the rest to flight. Having at last obtained peace and quiet possession of the Armorican kingdom, he began to take counsel with his nobles as to how they might as quickly as possible have their wives and children, whom they had left in Britain, brought to them with all their household equipment, lest the offspring of their race should fail.

The number of soldiers who had come from Britain with Conan into Armorica was thirty thousand fighting men; of commoners and farmers, however, as Geoffrey is the authority, there were one hundred thousand, all of whom had sailed by command from Britain into Armorica. Of these many did not have wives; but the others who did have them had left them in Britain with their little children when they were compelled to follow Maximus. Conan, however, and all his people, since they were Christians, by no reasoning consented to take as wives the daughters of pagans who worshipped mute things. Even if they had been Christians, nevertheless it did not please them to have any matrimonial commerce of mingling with the Gauls.

There was in those days a certain petty king in Britain, which is now called England, named Dionotus, who, after the death of his brother Caradocus, held the principality of Cornwall; to him King Maximus, when about to set out for Gaul, had entrusted the kingdom, as to a most prudent man. He had an only daughter named Ursula, in the judgment of all the most beautiful among all the maidens of Britain, and very devoted to Christ. Therefore Conan, the new king of the Armoricans from Britain, [desired?] Ursula, the daughter of the aforesaid prince of Cornwall, Dionotus, not only

Maximus, king of Britain, entered Gaul with [unclear] army.

Iubalchus, duke of the Franks in Armorica, was killed with 15,000.

Conan is made king in Armorica.

Maximus subjected all Gaul to himself.

Conan against Maximus [unclear] in Gaul.

The rest [unclear] of commoners, 30,000 thousand; of commoners, 120,000.

All had left their wives in Britain.

Cornutus, king of Britain, the name, that is, Armorica.

Dionotus, prince of Cornwall, father of Saint Ursula.

Ursula, a most prudent virgin.

Saint Ursula in

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30 Compendium, Book I ... knew her very well, but also loved her greatly. Therefore, having sent messengers and letters to him, he asked that she be sent to him as his wife. Secondly he asked that, when the husbands went out by Maximus’s command, they should put on ships the wives and children of the soldiers and common people left in Britain, together with their household goods, and send them to him into the Armorican kingdom. Thirdly he commanded that, according to the number which he had expressed in his letter, virgins should be sent: noble women, for the soldiers of noble lineage; and likewise common women for the commoners, whom each man who then had no wife might take as wives for themselves.

Dionotus, seeing Conanus’s messenger and wishing to satisfy his desire, gathered from the various provinces of Britain eleven thousand daughters of nobles, and from the rest, of lower rank, sixty thousand virgins and women, all of whom he ordered to assemble on a fixed day within the walls of London. He also ordered ships to be brought from all the shores of Britain, sufficient for the transport of so great a multitude. Although this had pleased many in so great an assembly, nevertheless it displeased many also, who loved their parents and fatherland with greater affection. Nor were there perhaps lacking some who, preferring chastity to marriage, would have rather lost their life in any land than be married.

At last, when the things necessary for the transport had been prepared, the women entered the [appointed?] ships and, by the river Thames, passed into the seas. Finally, when they turned their sails toward the Armoricans, that is, from north to south, suddenly a great storm arose at sea, and, the fleet being divided, the ships were separated from one another. Great danger pressed upon all, and the greater part of the ships was scattered into the depth of the sea and was submerged with the women. Those who escaped so great a danger were driven to barbarous nations and islands of the sea, and by an unknown people were either slaughtered or consigned to perpetual slavery. For they had fallen upon the army of the impious princes Wanius and Melga, who, hired for pay by Caesar Gratian, were devastating Britain first, and then the maritime nations and the surrounding islands, out of hatred for Maximus; by them they cruelly perished for the love of chastity.

Wanius, moreover, was king of the Huns, or, if you prefer, Gnauius in the manner of the Gauls; Melga was king of the Picts. The emperor Gratian had hired them for pay and sent them into the borders of Germany and Gaul together, so that they might afflict those who followed the party of Maximus. Around [unclear] regions they encountered [the women] cast there by the wind; and since they were both beautiful and Christian, they solicited them to intercourse with themselves. But when the women, faithful in Christ, refused to consent to the shamefulness of the wicked men, they were miserably slain by the impious.

This lamentable history of the holy seventy-one thousand virgins and women, besides infants and little children, Hunibald does not relate; but the aforesaid author Geoffrey of Monmouth records it at the end of the fourth book, on the origin of the people and the deeds of the kings of the island of Britain, which was first called the Island of Giants; then from Brutus the first king it was called Britain; afterward it was named Albion; and finally, having obtained the name of England, it retains it to this day.

But Marcomirus, the above-mentioned king of the Franks, because he was a prudent man, so governed the reins of his principality that he followed neither the party of Maximus nor that of Gratian, because the former had taken Armorica away from the Franks, after many of them had been cruelly and without reason killed; and they cruelly slew an innumerable multitude of the people. When this had been reported to King Maximus, who at that time was staying at Trier, he sent a certain Gratian, a citizen, with two legions into Britain, to drive the enemies from there. With the Huns and Picts, however, were Scots and Norwegians, all of whom Gratian, after an engagement had been made, put to flight into Ireland.

In these times Maximus, king of the Britons and usurper of the Roman empire, after all Gaul had already been conquered and Caesar Gratian had been killed at Lyon, established the seat of his kingdom in the city of Trier; there he also called a synod of bishops, at which Saint Martin, bishop of Tours, appeared in person and shone forth with many signs and miracles. Ambrose, bishop of Milan, was also present, and Ausonius, bishop of Bordeaux,

Conanus asks from Dionotus noble boys. That he should also seek wives for the soldiers and common women.

12,000 noble women. But 60,000 of the common sort, virgins and women. He took up the number of girls as 71,000.

95,000 girls placed on ships are imperiled at sea.

The greater part of the girls was submerged; the rest, captured in Barbary. Wanius and Melga, Huns and Picts, seized them.

All 71,000 girls were Christian.

Geoffrey, writer of the history of Britain. England now called [unclear].

Marcomer, prudent king of the Franks, trusted neither Maximus nor the Romans.

Guanius and Melga devastated Britain. Count Gratian drove the robbers from Britain.

Caesar Maximinus placed the seat of his kingdom at [Troherion]. A council of bishops is celebrated at Trier.

40 30 50

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Annals of Trithemius

[Burdigalensis?], who wrote a metrical work on the praises of his homeland and of the city of Trier, which he entitled Mosella, from the river flowing past. Jerome also, the priest of Bethlehem, at the same time copied out at Trier the book of blessed Hilary, bishop of Poitiers, On the Synods.

Maximus, moving from Trier with a very great army, appointed his infant son Victor king of the Gauls, and deputed Quintinus and Nanneus, princes of the city of Trier, as his guardians. Then he himself set out with the army into Italy and was killed by Theodosius, in the thirteenth year of Marcomir, king of the Franks. Not long afterward his son Victor also perished by the sword, to win the favor and goodwill of Theodosius.

After the death of Maximus, Marcomir king of the Franks assembled forces and sent a great army of his men into Gaul under the leaders Sunno, Genebald, Priam, and Antenor, so that they might not only recover what had been lost but also make all Gaul subject to the Franks. In a short time, recovering many things which Maximus had taken away, they also added no small part of Gaul to the kingdom of the Franks. Yet the kingdom of the Armoricans, which the Britons inhabited, as we have said, under Conan, they could not obtain on that occasion; nevertheless they afterward recovered it.

Meanwhile, while these leaders were intent on the Gallic war, the Romans, under Valentinian Caesar, who ruled with Theodosius, sent a great army into Germany, hoping to destroy the Franks utterly. Marcomir, king of the Franks, advanced against them to battle with Germans and Saxons; when the engagement was fought, he fell, slain by the enemy with many others, while others slipped away in flight, in the fifteenth year of his reign, and in the year of the Lord’s nativity 393, the sixth Roman indiction. Valentinian, wishing to advance farther and desiring to subjugate to his rule the whole kingdom of the Franks that was in the Cisrhenane regions, was compelled to withdraw into Italy because of an incursion of the Lombards. But, craftily concealing the necessity of going back, he sent messengers to those Franks who had remained in the kingdom, through whom he commanded that they either choose war anew or pay tribute to the Romans. But the Franks, now deprived of their king, and with the strength of their soldiery [unclear] with the leaders in Gaul, since they did not know the emperor’s necessity for withdrawal and thought nothing other than war was threatening, saw that they were unequal in strength and promised tribute to the Romans. Yet they could neither promise it without the consent and will of the princes, then, as we have said, far absent, nor pay it. When Valentinian the emperor had carried out these matters with the Franks as he wished, he set out against the Lombards.

Meanwhile all the things that the Romans, under Valentinian, had done with the Franks were reported to the leaders of the Franks, Dagobert, Sunno, Genebald, Priam, Antenor, and the other elders who were directing the wars of the people in the region of the Gauls: how they had condemned the king to death and bound to tribute a people which had always been free and had been subject to no one since its Trojan origin. They were angry, they were moved, they were greatly disturbed, and many deliberated in councils as to how they might prudently avenge this injury.

After much and long consultation, therefore, they finally came to one opinion: that they ought rather to preserve their ancestral fatherland in liberty than to press on with Gallic affairs. Therefore, leaving Duke Priam in the Gallic territories with a sufficient [unclear], [unclear] was ruler of the kingdom for almost five years, as Hunibald indicates, a magnanimous and warlike man. In his time Marcomir, son of Clodius, held the duchy among the Eastern Franks for sixteen years. Dagobert took up the government of the kingdom under the name of duke in the year of the Lord’s nativity 393, the sixth indiction.

Dagobert, brother of Marcomir king of the Franks, who was killed by Valentinian, son of the aforesaid king Clogio, after the death of his brother was, by the consent of the Franks, interim king or governor of the kingdom for almost five years, as Hunibald indicates; he too was magnanimous and warlike. In his time Marcomir, son of Clodius, held the duchy among the Eastern Franks for sixteen years. Dagobert took up the government of the kingdom under the name of duke in the year of the Lord’s nativity 393, the sixth indiction.

In the second year of Duke Dagobert, Valentinian Caesar, after sending messengers to the people of the Franks in Germany, demanded the tribute imposed in the preceding year. To him the leaders and people of the kingdom sent back word through the same messengers as follows: The everlasting liberty of the Franks is accustomed to impose tribute on other nations, not to pay it. But you, who fought with an unarmed few when the strength of the Franks was absent, conquered by war, not by courage. If you trust that you have the right to exact tribute from the Franks, come whenever you wish; by the sword we shall show [unclear] that we are, and have always been, utterly free. We make this known to you, so that you do not send anything unarmed to us on this matter, since we contend to give up life rather than lose liberty.

Valentinian demands tribute from the Franks. The Franks neglect tribute.

[unclear] that we both are and have always been utterly free, and [unclear] we shall show you. We make this known to you: do not send anything unarmed to us on this matter, since we contend to give up life rather than lose liberty.

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Emperor Valentinian calls the Franks fierce.

The Franks kill all those sent by Valentinian for the tribute.

The Franks ravage [unclear] of the Romans in Gaul in the same [unclear].

Nannenus and Quintinus, leaders of the Treveri.

The Franks are cut down by the soldiers of the Treveri.

The first seat of the Franks in Germany.

The Franks, scattered at the beginning, are cut down by enemies.

The cause of hatred between the Franks and the Treveri.

Dissension between Nannenus and Quintinus.

Quintinus leads forces against the Franks.

The Franks win victory against the Romans.

Emperor Valentinian dies by a noose.

Eugenius, usurping power in Gaul.

Arbogast led out an army against the Franks, at Cologne.

Compendium of Book I

When Valentinian received this news, he wondered at the constancy of the Franks, and said to those standing around: “Frank, Frank, you are a hard people, to be named rather from ferocity than from liberty.” And the matter rested in the current year, because at that time the Roman commonwealth was suffering many and varied hostile incursions from different nations.

But in the following year Valentinian, misled by the counsel of his own men, again sent Sisinnius, a count of the court, to the Franks, so that by good persuasions he might induce them to the payment of tribute and to the very firm friendship of the Romans. But the Franks, not forgetful of what they had previously sent back to Valentinian, and desiring to avenge the death of Marcomir, their most beloved king, killed with the sword the count sent to them, together with the whole company that he had brought, in contempt of Valentinian and of all the Romans.

After this the Franks, having united a very great army of their men into one force, under the leaders Sunno and Genebald, whom the Gauls called Gundebaud, crossed the Rhine with violence and, breaking into the territories of the Romans, devastated everything, and even struck fear into the people of Cologne. For they were striving to subject to their own rule all that lay between the rivers Rhine, Meuse, and Tabula. But after the incursion of the Franks became known among the Treveri, Nannenus and Quintinus, leaders of the Treveri, who, like the people of Cologne, followed the Roman side, gathered an army and resolved to make attacks upon them. For meanwhile the Franks, after laying waste the region of the Gauls and killing many of them, sent the spoils on to their ancestral seats with part of the army, while they themselves proceeded farther.

When Nannenus and Quintinus of the Treveri had come with the aforesaid army to that same place, the Franks, as we have said, already laden with plunder in good number, had crossed the Rhine, intending to return to their companions, to lay waste with all their strength whatever remained untouched among the Gauls. Great confusion followed the Franks because of the ill-considered and insufficiently cautious division of the army. For the first seats of the Franks, as we have often said, were around the borders and mouths of the Rhine, where now are Holland, Zealand, the peoples of Utrecht, Gelderland, and the Frisians. Part of these later received the name Westasen, that is, western Gauls, by comparison with the others, who in the region of Münster were called Ostualen, that is, eastern Gauls. And the Franks had to the east the Saxons, Teutons, Germans, and Marcomanni; to the south, the Gauls of Cologne; to the west, the Tungri and Morini, who inhabited the seacoast; but to the north, the Scots, the Orkneys, the Danes, and likewise the sea.

Therefore, when Nannenus and Quintinus had arrived with the army of the Treveri at the places where the remainder of the Franks had stayed, awaiting the return of their companions, they drew up a battle line and pursued them as they fled as far as the Carbonarian Forest, forcing them to retreat, after slaughtering not a few of them. From this arose the hatred of the Franks toward the Treveri, because of which they later crossed the Rhine and began to winter in the region of the Treveri and to devastate everything.

After these things had been done, it seemed useful to Quintinus that they should lead the whole army of the Treveri across into Francia and, by a sudden incursion, seize the Franks while they were unprepared. But Quintinus’s counsel did not please Nannenus, who did not doubt that the Franks would be bolder in resisting on their own soil. Therefore Nannenus withdrew from Quintinus with his men and returned to Mainz.

But Quintinus, persisting in his purpose, crossed the Rhine near the fortress of Musium and led out the army. He was planning to destroy the Franks at the first attack, with a spirit prouder than his strength for victory. But the Franks, not sluggish, met the Gauls with a manly encounter; and when battle had been joined, many thousands of the Treveri perished, with few saved by flight. In that encounter fell Heracleus, tribune of the Roman legion; almost all who were in command of the soldiers perished with him by the missiles and sword of the Franks. For, with a few exceptions, to whom the black night gave safety and the woods afforded the opportunity of hiding, the whole army of Quintinus perished by sword, bow, and marsh.

In the year of the Lord’s nativity 393, in the seventh indiction, the emperor Valentinian perished at Vienne, a city of Gaul, by trickery and by the severity of Arbogast, master of the soldiers, by a noose. A certain Roman, Eugenius, by the machination of the same Arbogast, seized the kingdom of the Gauls and reigned for three years; afterward, when war was joined with the emperor Theodosius, he was killed by him.

When the Franks heard of the death of Caesar Valentinian, they resolved to cross the Rhine and invade Gaul. Arbogast, understanding their plan, anticipated it; at Cologne Agrippina, in the harsh winter, when the Rhine was frozen, he led an army across and began to devastate, by hostile incursion, the Franks nearest to the Rhine.

Against

14 Compendium, Book I.

To Alaric, after prior deliberation with his own men, he granted the Gauls, otherwise agitated by the fury of shifting peoples, to be inhabited by the Goths.

The Vandals, however, who had remained in the Gauls, hearing of the coming of the Goths, although they had been produced from one Scanzian nation, nevertheless, terrified by fear, abandoned Gaul; and with the Alans and Suebi they occupied part of the Spains, where, after remaining for almost thirty years, they afterwards sailed into Africa and destroyed the city of Hippo.

But Alaric, by permission of Honorius Caesar, intending to seek Gaul, departed from Italy with his men. Against him Count Stilicho, commander of the Roman army, without orders rushed upon him on the feast of the Lord’s Resurrection, when he suspected no evil, and provoked him, unwilling, to battle. And in the first assault he indeed proved victor; in the second encounter, defeated, he was compelled to seek safety in flight. King Alaric, who believed that this deed had been contrived by Honorius, immediately broke the treaty which he had made with him, and, changing his route, returned into Italy and cut down everything round about.

Stilicho the count is killed by Spain.

Rome is captured and overthrown by Alaric, king of the Goths.

King Alaric captured the city of Rome, overthrew many buildings, and gravely harmed the citizens in their goods. Yet he refrained from bloodshed and the slaughter of men, and spared those fleeing to the basilicas of the saints. On the third day he departed from Rome of his own accord, and, as he was about to sail to Sicily, he endured [unclear]; and not long afterward, having fallen gravely ill, he suddenly exchanged life for death.

While these things were being done in Italy by the Goths, the Franks, thinking that the time had come when they might subject all Gaul to themselves, gathered forces and assembled a great army; and under the leaders Pharamund, Marcomir, Sunno, Priam, and Antenor, they entered the Gallican borders. First they engaged with the Vandals, who were again raiding the Gauls, and killed their king Godgisith, whom some call Godogisil, with twenty thousand men. And unless Respendial, king of the Alans, had come in timely aid to the Vandals from Spain, where he was then reigning, they would all have been killed by the Franks.

In the year of the Lord 419, Genebald, inter-king of the Franks, son of Dagobert and grandson of King Marcomir, died in the twenty-first year of his rule and beyond; after his death the Franks, as we shall say, again had kings.

For in the same year, immediately after the death of Genebald, the nobles and elders of the Franks, coming together as one, held mature counsel among themselves, judging it useful that, after the custom of the ancients, they should appoint for themselves as king one of the dukes. And the proposal seemed good in the eyes of all, and the following dukes came together for the purpose of this business at another assembly: namely Pharamund, duke of the Eastern Franks; Marcomir, duke, and Sunno, duke, brothers of Pharamund the Easterner; Clodius, duke, son of Pharamund; Dagobert, duke, son of Marcomir; Nicanor, duke; Pharabert, duke; Richimer, duke; Antenor, duke of the Menapians; Priam, duke, his brother; Berther, Gallican duke; Hieribert, duke of the Islanders; Sunno, duke, and Richer, duke, sons of Genebald, the deceased duke and inter-king of the Franks; Diocles, duke, and Meroveus, duke; Adelhard, Richer, and very many others, both from the common people and from the nobles.

All these, after sharing among themselves the counsel of mature deliberation, at last by unanimous consent elected Pharamund, duke of Eastern Francia, at Würzburg as king of the Franks; he had been the son of Duke Marcomir, who, as we said above, died in the year of the Lord 404. This Marcomir was the son of Clodius, who was the son of Dagobert, who was the son of Genebald, the first duke of the Franks and brother of King Marcomir, whose father was Clogio, king of the Franks, who, as we said above, died in the year of the Lord 478.

Pharamund [unclear] third.

The duchy of Eastern Francia he entrusted in the same year to his brother Marcomir to govern; he ruled it vigorously for eighteen years. His lineage and successors in the duchy, continuing in order down to the last duke, Heranus, and Charles the Great, son of Pippin, we described above, when we set down beforehand the genealogy of the first duke. In the year

The dukes meet for the election of Pharamund.

Duke Pharamund becomes king of the Franks, 43.

Duke Pharamund reigned 43 years.

Marcomir received the eastern duchy of the Franks.

50 Pharamund Instituted.

Annals of Trithemius.

33.

Against him, in the aforesaid year of the Lord’s nativity 393, the dukes of the Franks moved a powerful army, and, when the enemies had been gathered, they killed more than twelve thousand of the Gauls and put the rest, with Arbogast, to flight.

After this, in the year of the Lord 397, the emperor Theodosius came from the East into Gaul with a great army against Eugenius. When Eugenius learned this, he was afraid; and, coming to the Rhine, with great entreaties and promises he implored the aid of the Franks and Saxons, which nevertheless he could not obtain. And so Theodosius, coming into Gaul, joined battle with Eugenius, gained the victory, and killed him with many [unclear]. Arbogast, however, the inventor of all evils, in despair killed himself with his own sword. Theodosius, victorious, died on his return at Milan. His body was taken back to Constantinople and buried with due honor. After him his two sons succeeded in the empire: Arcadius ruled in the East, Honorius among the Romans.

In the following year, which was the year of the Lord’s nativity 398, in the eleventh indiction of the Romans, died Dagobert, interrex of the Franks, son of the late most noble king Clodio, brother of King Marcomir.

The Forty-Second.

Genebald, the elder son of the already mentioned duke Dagobert, succeeding his father in the government of the kingdom of the Franks, was set over the people with the dukes for twenty-one years. Yet he neither wrote himself king nor was called king by others, but, content with the name of duke, usurped nothing of royal dignity for himself. He had two brothers, Marcomir and Sunno, who, together with the other dukes of the Franks, faithfully administered the commonwealth of the people and its wars by common counsel and care.

In the year of the Lord’s nativity 404, in the second indiction of the Romans, died Marcomir, duke of the Eastern Franks, who dwell at Würzburg among the Thuringians [and] Suebi, a vigorous man, but a pagan, buried, according to the superstition of his homeland, on the mountain called Frankenberg.

In the duchy of the Franks [unclear], his elder son by birth, named Pharamund, succeeded him: a prudent, bold, warlike man, who was set over his people for fifteen years, and afterward, as we shall say, was elected king of the Franks by the unanimous consent of the dukes and nobles of the people.

After these things, in the year of the Lord’s nativity 410, in the eighth indiction of the Romans, while the Franks were concealing their hatred of the Romans and Gauls, Carocus, king of the Vandals, with an innumerable multitude of people, set out from the Scansian islands, or, as they are now called, the Gothic islands, made his way through Germany and the borders of Saxony, crossed the Rhine with the consent of the Franks, and entered Gaul; after laying waste the region through [unclear], he grievously afflicted the natives of the land.

He had a mother upon whose will he depended, who said to him: “If you seek an everlasting name, hear and follow my counsel. Destroy all the buildings that other kings and princes have built; kill the men whom they spared. For you will not be able to build better or more beautiful buildings than those they long ago built, nor by piety, moderation, or mercy, by sparing those whom you have conquered, make for yourself a glorious name.” Following the evil counsel of his impious mother, Carocus crossed the Rhine, erased the city of Mainz, on this side of the Rhine, together with all its inhabitants, burned it, and utterly destroyed it. Then with similar fury he attacked Worms, and afterward Speyer, and, after killing all the citizens whom he found, overthrew them. Moving from there, he besieged, captured, and destroyed the most ancient city of Trier, on this side of the Moselle, scarcely recovering a little from the slaughter inflicted by the Franks. From Trier he moved to the city of Metz; when its wall fell by a wondrous divine command, he captured and overthrew it, after all its inhabitants had been killed. For all people of either sex and of every age whom he found on the way, Carocus, that most savage enemy of nature, killed cruelly and without mercy. Having advanced from the city of the people of Metz, the savage man entered inner Gaul. After the devastation of many cities, he finally besieged the city of Arles, where he was captured by a certain soldier named Marius, bound in chains, and led about in mockery through all the cities he had devastated. He ended his excessively impious life by a worthy death.

The Vandals, however, who had remained in Gaul with the Alans, after the death of Carocus set over themselves as king Godgifith, a man notorious for crimes.

Alaric also, king of the Visigoths, devastating Italy with a great army, sent word to Caesar Honorius that either he should engage him in battle, or grant the Goths a suitable place in his kingdom to remain in peace. But Honorius, not daring to fight with [unclear].

The duke of the Franks kills ten thousand Gauls.

Theodosius fought against Eugenius.

Theodosius Caesar dies at Milan.

Arcadius and Honorius, sons of Theodosius.

Genebald becomes interrex for 21 years.

The dukes of the kingdom of the Franks administered it.

Marcomir, king of Eastern Francia, died.

Pharamund becomes duke at Würzburg.

Whence Carcerus of the Vandals came.

The Vandals crossed the Rhine.

By his mother’s counsel Carocus obtains the whole kingdom.

Mainz, Worms, and Speyer too are destroyed.

The most ancient city of Trier is destroyed by the Vandals.

Metz is laid waste; men are slaughtered.

Carocus is captured.

The Vandals and Alans were in Spain.

Alaric, king of the Visigoths, devastates Italy.

Annals of Trithemius.

In the third year of his reign, Pharamund, king of the Franks, in order to restrain by laws a people uncultivated in customs and fierce in spirit, summoned to himself certain nobles of the kingdom and began to take mature counsel concerning the establishment of new arrangements. For the condition of the times did not admit in every respect the constitutions of the ancient kings; these, moreover, through the varied unrest of the nation, had for many years now come not only into disuse, but also utterly into oblivion and contempt. For this reason it seemed altogether necessary either to alter them by correction or to abolish them by novelty.

Now in that assembly of the Franks there were many men prudent in their generation. From their number four of the more eminent were chosen, to whom the king, together with the nobles, had entrusted full power for making laws. Their names were said to be these: Salagast, Wesogast, Wyndegast, and Batogast. The first of these built a village beside the banks of the river Meuse, which he called Salagastat after his own name; Wyndegast, however, founded in Eastern Francia the village Wyndesheim, named from his own name.

Therefore these four, meeting together, carefully handled the origins of cases through three assemblies, and, striking out a judgment on each matter, issued a new volume of legal constitutions. This received the name of the Salic Law from its chief author, Salagast, who was supreme priest of Jove; afterward King Clodoveus added chapters of interpretation to it.

In the same year the Vandals, Alans, and Suevi, having divided the region of the Spains among themselves in three parts for habitation, and having been separated into three kingdoms, assail one another with mutual and civil war. The Vandals, Alans, Suevi or Suedi, and also the Goths, Lombards, and Normans are equal in origin, so far as concerns the first homeland of their nation, having arisen at the beginning of their migration from the borders of Germany and the Scanzian or Scandian islands, which are now called Gothia under four or five divisions.

In the third year of Pharamund, king of the Franks, blessed Jerome the priest, renowned in signs, after fifty-six years with his books published and completed, so cast down in the chest by asthmatic suffering that he could not rise from bed unless he grasped with his hands a rope which hung from a beam for this purpose, died at Bethlehem, in the ninety-first year of his age, on the last day of September.

In the sixth year of Pharamund, in the year of the Lord’s birth 425, in the eighth indiction of the Romans, Saint Theonestus, bishop of Philippi in Greece, driven from his church by the violence of heretics, came into Italy, and then into the territories of Germany, with Albanus the priest, Ursus the deacon, and Abraham the subdeacon. Of these Albanus suffered at Mainz for the faith of Christ.

Pharamund, king of the Franks, died in the seventh year of his reign, but in the year of the Lord’s birth 426, in the ninth indiction of the Romans.

The Forty-Fourth.

Clodius, son of King Pharamund, succeeding his father in the same year, reigned twenty years: a magnanimous, strong, and warlike prince, who powerfully crushed the Gauls and Romans by his valor, extended the kingdom of the Franks far and wide through Gaul, and was to be feared by all nations throughout all Europe on account of his famous power.

At once at the beginning of his reign he commanded all the Franks by edict to grow long hair, so that the Franks might at first sight be distinguished from the Gauls, whom they were either going to attack, or had already previously permitted, after their defeat, to dwell with them. For this reason thereafter King Clodius himself was called the long-haired or the hairy, since he let his hair and beard grow long. But he ordered the Gauls defeated by him to have their hair shorn, as a sign of servitude. From this it will be permissible to infer that the Franks, Germans, subjected the Gauls to servitude; the Gauls, nor any other nation, ever conquered the Germans. For it is manifest, as Hunibald testifies, that from that time when the Franks first entered Germany until the death of King Clodoveus, who first received the faith of Christ, as we shall say, for not less than nine hundred forty years, under forty-seven kings and petty kings, they always both were and remained most free, nor did they ever serve any man, even for a moment. But after Clodoveus, since all Franks have remained free down to the present day, both those who are in Gaul and those who remained in Germany, no proof is needed, since this is known to those skilled in histories without envy.

Clodius, king of the Franks, in the eighth year of his reign, which was the 434th year of the Lord’s birth, in the second indiction of the Romans, having gathered forces, moved the army into Thuringia. The Franks, as we said far above under King Franco, in the thirty-seventh year before the birth of Christ, with the Thuringians, Saxons, Teutons, and Ger[unclear]

Pharamund, king of the Franks, caused laws to be restored. He corrected the old laws. Four Frankish lawgivers: Salagast, Wesogast, Wyndegast, Batogast. The laws of the Franks, founded, are approved by King Clodius. The Salic Law. The Vandals with the Alans and Suevi devastate Spain. The priest Jerome. Saint Theonestus. Saint Albanus is martyred at Mainz. Clodius the Long-Haired reigned twenty years. The Franks, as free men, wore long hair. The Gauls, as slaves, had their hair shorn. It was not the Gallic people who subjected the Franks to themselves, but the Franks who subjected the Gauls. All Franks, both Gallic and German, were always most free. King Clodius moved the army of the Franks into Thuringia.

[Blank page in the source scan.]

had contracted a perpetual treaty with the [unclear], which was kept inviolate by all for almost 430 years, down to the death of King Marcomir. But when Marcomir, king of the Franks, had been slain by Valentinian Caesar, as was said earlier, in the year of the Lord 393, the Doringi and the Saxons, together with the Germans and the Teutons, withdrew from alliance with the Franks, matters having been managed under the dukes without sufficient foresight.

On the occasion of this dissension King Chlodio powerfully entered Doringia, defeated the king and the people, and compelled them to pay annual tribute to the Franks and thereafter to obey his commands, so that those who had refused to remain free allies under the right of the ancient treaty were forced to be their servants, subjects, and tributaries. The same thing later happened to the Germans and to the Saxons, who, after breaking the treaty of alliance, thereafter found the Franks no longer, as before, friends, but kings and lords. Then King Chlodio, crossing both the Rhine and the Meuse, set an expedition in motion into Gaul; and devastating the whole region of the Tungri and powerfully taking possession of it, he subjected it to the kingdom of the Franks. And for the confirmation of the new possession, once lost but then recovered, he settled there for some time; then, advancing as far as the Tabula, he recovered everything.

After this, in his eleventh year, in the fifth indiction of the Romans, Chlodio, king of the Franks, considering that the power of the Romans had declined not a little, sent scouts into farther Gaul, so that they might diligently reconnoiter the [unclear] of the land, the strength of the people, the [unclear] of the cities, and the guard of the fortifications, and take care to report back to him as quickly as possible. At that time the Burgundians lived in the province of Lyon, and the Goths in Aquitaine; together with the Spaniards and Gauls they were occupying the land.

When the scouts returned to Chlodio, they reported that the regions were excellent, the land thoroughly fruitful, and the site also very pleasant; that the people were unarmed, fearful, and weak, and that the Roman guard in the cities was small. Hearing this, King Chlodio, whose mind was set on nothing more than extending the name, glory, and kingdom of the Franks, gathered a great army of his men and, moving beyond the river called the Tabula toward the sea into Gaul, besieged and took the city of Cambrai, killing all the Roman soldiers whom he found in it.

Moving from there through the Carbonarian forest, he hastened swiftly and directed his course to the city of Tournai, which was fortified by a Roman garrison. The Roman soldiers who were in the garrison, when they heard of the coming of the Franks, advanced outside the city against them for battle; in that battle they were all killed by the Franks to the last man, so that not even one remained from all of them to carry news of the others’ destruction to the Romans. They subjected the city of Tournai, with the whole region, to themselves.

Then, advancing farther, the Franks received the Morini, the Taravani, and whatever remained of the Gauls as far as the sea into their complete power, and they possess all of it down to the present day, which the Romans thereafter neither recovered, nor indeed will they be able to recover it forever. For that which once flourished has withered.

But Chlodio, distinguished king of the Franks, after he had magnificently enlarged the kingdoms and had powerfully subjected to the kingdom of the Franks the whole land of the Gauls which lay between the Rhine on the east, the Morinian Sea on the west, the British Sea on the north, and the Seine toward the south, that is, the Batavi, the Menapii, the Tungri, the Taravani, the Morini, the Ambiani, the people of Cambrai, the people of Tournai, the Atrebates, the Bellovaci, and whatever lies between these regions, and beyond the Seine as far as the Loire, died in the twentieth year of his reign, and in the year 446 of the Lord’s Nativity, in the fourteenth indiction.

Forty-fifth.

Merovech, the eldest son of the aforesaid King Chlodio, succeeding his father, reigned over the Franks for twelve years: a prince inferior to none of the preceding kings in power, courage, and greatness of deeds, who crushed the Roman Empire and, following in glorious imitation the footsteps of his father, enlarged the kingdom of the Franks not moderately in the few years in which he reigned. For all the territories of the Gauls which his father had joined to the kingdom of the Franks he not only kept under his subjection throughout all the days of his reign, but also, with the Romans wherever found either killed or put to flight, he wonderfully extended far and wide the boundaries of the acquired possession.

In the eighth year of his reign, earthquakes were almost continual, and many fearsome signs were shown in the sky. For as evening was drawing on one day, the sky appeared red as fire from the north, with [unclear] intermingled through the fire

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Annals of Trithemius.

fell, and many other prodigies were seen, which the evils that followed show not to have been wholly without meaning.

For in the following year, which was the ninth of King Meroveus and the 453rd from the Lord’s Nativity, in the sixth indiction of the Romans, Attila, king of the Huns; Walamir, king of the Ostrogoths; Ardaric, king of the Gepids; and other northern peoples, conspiring together as one, came forth from the borders of Pannonia, and with five hundred thousand fighters invaded the western empire and at the same time the kingdom of the Franks in the regions of Gaul. They carried out immense slaughters and spared no one.

And first, indeed, throughout all Gaul their fury, God permitting it, raged so greatly that no fortification, strength, or power could defend a city, town, or castle from their assault. Against their insolence Meroveus, king of the Franks, and Theodoric, king of the Visigoths, and Aetius, patrician of the Romans, advanced to war with the military forces of various other peoples in a common array. With them, in the Catalaunian plains, they fought from morning until night. The Franks, with their allied companions adhering to them, defeated the enemy, although Attila was not altogether destroyed.

In that battle one hundred and eighty thousand fighters were slain, among whom also fell Theodoric, king of the Visigoths, a most warlike man. When the Franks, together with the rest who had assembled against the Huns, withdrew, King Attila took his army and returned to his homeland, so that, once his army had been restored, he might continue his foolish fury and reduce Gaul together with Italy to desolation.

For in the following year King Attila entered Italy and either plundered or utterly overthrew almost all its cities. Leo, the first pope, came to him clothed in pontifical vestments, and not only obtained safety for the city and the people, but also secured that he should leave Italy behind and depart. When he was asked by his own men why he had been so gentle toward the pontiff, he answered that he had not revered him, but rather a certain old man, venerable in appearance, standing beside him, who, with sword drawn, threatened death to the king if he either saddened the pontiff or denied anything that he asked. Not long after, King Attila, having drunk to excess at his wedding, died from a stroke of apoplexy.

In the eleventh year of Meroveus, king of the Franks, and the 457th from the Lord’s Nativity, in the tenth indiction of the Romans, the Franks captured the city of Trier on the following occasion; Attila, king of the Huns, had taken it in war a few years before and crushed it with heavy devastation.

After the death of Valentinian, whom the friends of the patrician Aetius had killed in the same year, and who had ruled after Theodosius together with Marcian, Avitus was appointed emperor by the Romans; under him the city of Trier was captured. At that time there was in the city of Trier a certain senator named Lucius, who had a wife, in the estimation of many, most beautiful; Avitus languished in shameful love for her. For this reason, feigning illness, he took to his bed at an appointed time, and, as if to obtain relief from his sickness, ordered all the matrons of the city to come to visit him in succession. Among others came the wife of Lucius, suspecting no evil; Avitus immediately violated her. When the crime had been committed, the woman silently returned home to her husband. On the next day Caesar Avitus, rising from his bed healthy in body but polluted in conscience by his crime, said to Lucius as he met him: “You certainly have baths beautiful enough, Lucius, but you wash in cold water,” hinting at his wife’s foul flow, contrary to nature. But Lucius, understanding the figure, bore it gravely; and, sending messengers with letters in deepest secrecy to the Franks, he promised that if they came as quickly as possible, he would hand over the city of Trier into their power, without doubt, delay, or difficulty.

For up to that point the Trier people had, for many years past, held fast to the Romans and their kings with stubborn adherence. But the Franks, not forgetful of the slaughter and injuries which they had once suffered from Nannenus and Quintinus, princes of Trier, near the Carbonarian forest in the times of Duke Dagobert, the interking, soon gathered forces and hastened gladly to the destruction of the Trier people. When the city was taken, the Franks plundered everything and subjected it to their own kingdom.

In these times the kingdom of the Franks gradually took on great increases and expanded its borders in many ways throughout Gaul. Therefore the kings of the people, who from their first entrance into Germany had held, for nearly eight hundred and seventy years, their seats near the Rhine, where Holland now is, with the peoples who are called Gelders, Westphalians, Cleves people, and Frisians, at Nijmegen, Duisburg, and other places and castles on this side of the Rhine, transferred the dwelling place of their habitation into Gaul, rarely resting from wars, until at last they subjected all Germany and also Gaul, together with Italy, to the kingdom of the Franks.

Thus the kingdom of the Franks, which took its beginning from one small people, with much labor,

Attila of the Goths, Walamir, Ardaric.

The Huns with Attila had [unclear] the empire.

The Huns [unclear] into Gaul.

The Franks fought against the Huns.

[unclear] had devastated Italy.

Pope Leo I.

King Attila saw the angel of the Lord beside the pontiff.

The city of Trier is captured by the Franks and possessed.

Avitus, senator among the [Trier people?], [unclear].

Lucius, senator of Trier, handed the city over to the Franks.

Avitus violated the wife of Lucius.

The city of Trier was subject to the Romans for many years.

The kingdom of the Franks grew greatly for 870 years.

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Abridgment, Book I. The kingdom of the Franks, greater than all the kingdoms of all Europe, at last grew immeasurably through most bloody wars and through a very great shedding of the blood of kings, dukes, nobles, soldiers, and common people over about nine hundred years, and took increase above all the kingdoms of all Europe, so that it ruled with power over many kingdoms and peoples; and from several kingdoms there came to be one, which, gathered by the sword, should be called in honor of the victor, and should be, by the name of the Franks.

The kingdom of the Franks today is, and remains, divided in two. The Franks, with [unclear] among whom they [unclear], are counted [unclear]. From this it is manifestly clear that, just as the Franks who remained with the Germans use both the language and the customs of the Germans, so also those who, entering the Gauls with their kings, remained with the Gauls changed both their customs and their manner of speaking along with their settlements; and those whom nature had made Germans from the beginning of their birth, a change of places in the midst of the Gauls likewise made Gauls in speech and customs. Indeed, when they were in Troy, they also practiced Trojan customs and tongues among the Scythian ones; in Germany, German ones; and in Gaul they learned and kept Gallic ones. So too Aeneas, coming from the Trojans into Italy with his people, gradually forgot the speech of his fatherland and began to use the customs and language found at Rome.

After this Meroveus, king of the Franks, seized by illness, died in the paganism of idols, as did all his forefathers, in the twelfth year of his reign, and in the year of the Lord's nativity 458, in the eleventh Roman indiction.

The Forty-Sixth.

Childeric reigned 23 years. Childeric the king, out of fear of the Franks, fled into Thuringia. For after only one year had passed in his reign, the nobles of the kingdom, conspiring against him, wanted to kill him, because, living too insolently and wantonly, he had defiled by his shameful conduct several daughters and wives of theirs and of the nobles. When he learned this, he fled with a few men into Thuringia and remained with Bisinus, king of the Thuringians, his kinsman, for three years. He withdrew, deposed by the Franks, in the year of the Lord 459, in the twelfth indiction. After his departure from the kingdom, in that same year the princes of the Franks at once set over themselves as king a certain Aegidius, a Roman prefect among the people of Soissons, who, while Childeric was in exile, occupied the kingdom of the Franks for three years. He, continually raging against the princes and magnates of their kingdom, slaughtered many, having no reasonable cause apart from empty suspicion. Hence the rest, fearing that similar things might at some time threaten them, unanimously arranged a conspiracy against the tyrant, judging that it would be more tolerable to suffer that man to preside over the kingdom who abused the daughters and wives of his subjects, than to endure any longer the one who thirsted for nothing more than the blood of princes.

Therefore in the year of the Lord's nativity 462, in the fifteenth Roman indiction, Childeric, by the industry and loyalty of his friend Wimbald, who was one of the more powerful princes of the kingdom, was recalled from Thuringia into the kingdom of the Franks, and with the favor of all the nobles and of the people was restored to his father's kingdom, and Aegidius, hated by all, was driven from it. And thereafter Childeric reigned most moderately for another twenty-two years. And when Basina, wife of Bisinus, king of the Thuringians, had heard that Childeric had been restored by the Franks to the kingdom, she left her husband and followed him into Gaul, stirred by excessive love for him, which she had contracted from the long familiarity of living together among the Thuringians. Childeric, receiving her as she came with a cheerful face, took as his wife the woman known to him, the wife of Bisinus the king, by whom he had been kindly received as a guest for three years, badly repaying this kindness.

But as the first night of the marriage approached, Basina advised Childeric to postpone intercourse for a little while, and to watch the doors of the bedchamber, and to report to her, who would prophesy faithfully in all things, what portents he should see in the courtyard for the third time. The king, trusting the woman, obeyed as she commanded; and after watching the buildings three times, he returned to her, saying that first he had seen in the palace courtyard rhinoceroses, that is, unicorns, and also lions and leopards. Secondly, wolves and raging bears, attacking one another. Thirdly I saw, he said, many dogs, but small ones, which were tearing one another with their teeth, and biting fiercely; but what they signify, you must say.

Compendium, Book I.

[in the] times of the aforesaid Childeric, king of the Franks. After Odoacer’s departure from the Rugii, the Lombards invaded Rugium; over them at that time a fifth king, named Gudeoch, held rule, and they lived in that kingdom for some time.

But Childeric, king of the Franks, after he had performed many deeds bravely, died in the twenty-third completed year of his reign, but the twenty-sixth if the interruption is counted, and in the year of the Lord’s nativity 484, in the seventh Roman indiction.

The Forty-Seventh.

To this the woman, a seer, said thus to the king: “Behold, we shall beget offspring, differing in various habits with time. For the first that is born from us will be very noble, to be compared in its nobility with lions and noble unicorns. From the first generation, with time, a second will arise, which, after the manner of wolves, despising nobility, will practice plunder and oppression of the poor. The generation after this, the third and last from us, will, after the manner of dogs, tear, bite, and strike one another, until at last in the final days the kingdom will fail.” That same night the woman conceived, and bore a son, named Clodoveus, as we shall say.

In the following year, which was the 463rd from the Lord’s nativity, a son named Clodoveus was born to Hilderic. He afterwards succeeded his father in the kingdom of the Franks and was the first to receive the faith of Christ, as we shall say below. At almost the same time Hilderic, king of the Franks, having gathered a great army of fighters, made war against the people of the Alemanni, who lived between Italy and Suevia, where the cities of Chur and Sitten and Valais now are. When battle was joined, the Alemanni were defeated and brought under the tribute of the Franks. In these times also, when Vtherpendragon, king of Britain, which is now called England, had died, his son, named Arthur, was raised to his kingdom. Concerning him not only the history of the Britons, as Geoffrey of Monmouth relates, but also the voices of the peoples of England sound forth wonderful things down to the present day, although many of them are more fabulous than in accord with truth. This Arthur, endowed with great uprightness of conduct, prudence, gentleness, and at the same time kindness, strove with all zeal to make himself beloved and venerable to all, because, along with virtue of soul, he also abounded in marvelous generosity toward everyone, and especially toward ecclesiastics, on whom for the love of Christ he bestowed many small gifts as well as offerings.

He expelled the Saxons and Picts from Britain; he powerfully subjected to his kingdom the Scots, the Irish, and the Orkneys. When the kings of Dacia, Norway, and [unclear] heard this, they came of their own accord and submitted themselves to his dominion. Merlin, the seer of the English, foretold to his father Vtherpendragon wonderful things about this Arthur’s birth as well as his future deeds; we made mention of these in the first volume of the annals.

In these times also Odacar, by nation a Rugian, or a Saxon Teuton, armed with a multitude of Turcilingi, Heruli, and also Sueti, or those whom we now call Swedes from the island, having come out from nearly the farthest boundaries of Saxony, came into Gaul and entered the city of Orléans as victor. Afterwards he also received Angers into his power by the surrender of its citizens.

Against him Hilderic, king of the Franks, led out his army on the following day, joined battle, killed Count Paul, and took the city. Odoacar, making peace with King Hilderic, left Gaul and entered Italy to conquer it. He compelled Orestes, patrician of the Romans, who did not dare to meet him in Liguria, to flee back; and when he was hiding in the city of Ticinum, which is now called Pavia, he besieged, captured, and killed him. After this he obtained all the cities and fortifications of Italy, with no one resisting at all, and possessed them very peacefully; and, having placed the diadem of the kingdom on his own head, he reigned in Italy for fourteen years according to his own pleasure. Afterwards, however, he was killed by the king of the Goths.

Hilderic, king of the Franks, having gathered a very great army of his own men, in the year of the Lord’s nativity 475 ranged with a powerful hand through all Gaul, subjected to his kingdom everything that remained, and killed those who dared to resist; but those who made surrender voluntarily he received with favor. In that disturbance he killed many of the Romans and freed Gaul from their dominion.

At the same time the Franks, seizing Cologne Agrippina from the power of the Romans with a strong hand, also subjected it to their own dominion. Then Mainz, Worms, Speyer, and not long afterwards Strasbourg, together with all the towns and fortifications throughout the whole region [Cisrhenana?], from the city of Constance in Alemannia as far as the sea; and thereafter among the Treveri and Mosellani they set Heribert, among the vicars of the city of Metz, after the custom of the ancient kings of France. Clodoveus the king, however, afterwards had nearly all of them killed because of his ambition for sole rule.

In the year of the Lord’s nativity 369, in the second indiction of the Romans, [unclear]

Sabinus is recorded [unclear] the established peace of the aforesaid kingdom that was to be. The condition of the kingdoms of the Franks. In the year of the Lord [unclear], Clodoveus is born from Basina; in the year of the Lord 462, [war?] of the Franks with the Alemanni. Vtherpendragon’s son. Arthur becomes king of Britain. Aristarchus first was above Galileo [unclear]. Odoacar the king expelled the Saxons and Picts from Britain. Merlin. Odoacar, defeated by Fridic, goes into Italy. Odoacar reigned in Italy fourteen years. The Franks, taking Cologne from the Romans, subjected it to themselves. Here the kingdoms of the Franks were multiplied [unclear].

Annals of Trithemius.

... the Sicambri, not among the Scythians, but among the Germans. Thus Clovis, first of all the kings of the Franks, received the faith of Christ, and was baptized by Saint Remigius in the thirty-sixth year of his age, the fifteenth of his reign, and the 499th of the Lord's nativity, in the seventh Roman indiction.

On the same day, after the king, three thousand of the courtly chief men and nobles of the Franks were baptized. And in the days that followed, the bishops and priests of the Lord baptized all the rest of the people with great joy, giving thanks for the mercies of almighty God, who by his grace, that he might give peace to the Church, subjected a most fierce people to the yoke of faith.

Thereafter great things were done for the honor of Christ, not only by Clovis but much more by his successors, the kings of the Franks: churches were built, several monasteries of those serving God were founded throughout Germany, Italy, and Gaul, and the ministry of divine worship was in many ways increased at that time. King Clovis, however, although he was a most dutiful man toward his subjects, is nevertheless read to have been excessively cruel toward his own blood-relations, since he had many very noble men sprung from the ancient stock of the kings of the Franks, kings, dukes, and princes, cruelly and treacherously killed, so that he alone might have the kingdom.

But love of historical truth impels us to commend a few examples out of many to posterity. At that time there was ruling at Cologne Agrippina an old man, born of the seed of the kings of the Franks, named Sigebert, whom Clovis's father Childeric, after Cologne had been acquired, had placed there as vicar of the kingdom. He had a son named Ludovicus, to whom King Clovis wrote thus in cunning deceit: "Your father is now old and useless for the kingdom. If he were to die, his kingdom would come to you, with our friendship, and not to another."

The young man, led astray by desire for the kingdom, resolved to kill his father. And when King Sigebert on a certain day, suspecting nothing of the sort, went out from Cologne, crossed the Rhine, and was hunting through the forest of Buronia with a few men, the son had his father killed by assassins sent against him while he was sleeping in his tent at clear midday, as if he were going to possess his kingdom according to Clovis's promise.

When the murder, indeed the parricide, had been most wickedly carried out, Ludovicus wrote to King Clovis: "My father is dead; I hold his treasures in my possession, together with the kingdom. Send men, therefore, and whatever of my father's treasures pleases you I shall send to you with good will." King Clovis wrote back to him: "I give thanks for your good will. I ask that you show everything to our men when they come, since you are henceforth to possess your father's kingdom alone, with our friendship."

When the envoys of King Clovis came, Ludovicus showed them his father's treasures. While they were looking at the various different things, the young man said, "In this chest my father was accustomed to put back his gold coins." "Put your hand," said one of those standing by, "down to the bottom, so that you may test whether it is all gold." When he had done this, and was bent far down, that one who had given the order raised his hand and swung an axe into his brain; he was dead at once in that same place.

When these things had been wickedly done, King Clovis came to Cologne, as if unaware of the crimes, and, after summoning all the people of the city, said: "Hear, best citizens, the unspeakable evil that recently happened. Ludovicus, the son of my kinsman Sigebert, misled his father with false words, saying that I was plotting against his life. And when he was fleeing through the forest of Buronia, Ludovicus sent brigands against him and killed his own father. He too, while brooding over the treasures, was struck down by someone I do not know and perished. But in these matters I am in no way complicit. For I cannot shed the blood of my kinsmen, since that is a crime. But since these things have happened so, I give you counsel, if it seems acceptable: turn to me, so that you may stand under my protection." But they applauded with hands and voices, and, after he had been raised on a shield according to the custom of the people, they set him as king over themselves. And thus he received into his own power the kingdom of Sigebert with all his treasures.

For God was daily casting down his enemies beneath his hands [unclear]; afterward he had both their heads cut off.

He also killed King Riuacharius, who was ruling the Franks at Cambrai and living very wantonly and luxuriously, together with his brother Richarius, after they had been treacherously captured while fleeing from battle, striking them with an axe by his own hand.

He also had Lingomirus, their brother, who was ruling in the region of Le Mans, killed with similar cruelty.

After their deaths, he usurped their kingdoms with their treasures for himself. He killed other kings ...

Three thousand Frankish nobles are baptized on the same day.

The Franks all begin to be attached to their faith.

The kings and nobles of the Franks build many churches.

Clovis kills many kings, his blood-relations.

King Sigebert of Cologne is killed by his son through Clovis's deceit.

The young man, believing Clovis, hastens to his father's kingdom.

Ludovicus the parricide invites the king.

The parricide is killed by the machination of King Clovis.

King Clovis comes to Cologne and is admitted.

The fictitious exculpation of King Clovis.

Cararicus and his son, kings, are killed by Clovis by fraud.

Riuacharius, king of the Cambrai region of Francia, is killed with his brother.

Lingomirus, king of the Le Mans region of Francia, is killed by him.

in the times of the aforesaid Hilderic, king of the Franks. After Odoacer’s departure from the Rugians, the Lombards invaded Rugium; at that time their fifth king, named Gudeoch, ruled over them, and they dwelt in that kingdom for some time.

Hilderic, king of the Franks, after he had performed many brave deeds, died in the twenty-third completed year of his reign, but the twenty-sixth interrupted year, and in the year of the Lord’s nativity 484, in the seventh Roman indiction.

The Forty-Seventh.

Clovis, son of King Hilderic by Basina, when he was twenty-one years of age, succeeded his father and reigned thirty years. Of these he spent fifteen as a pagan, like all the kings of the Franks before him, in vanity; and the remaining fifteen, reborn in the faith of Christ, he passed faithfully. He was a prince of outstanding beauty and distinguished by strength of spirit. Soon, at the beginning of his reign, he put to flight the son of the former Roman duke Aegidius, named Syagrius, who was ruling at Soissons, and added the city to the kingdom of the Franks.

Then, advancing, he took the city of Reims, whose church at that time was governed by Saint Remigius, a most learned bishop; and his wife, that is, the mother of Clotildis, with a stone tied to her neck, he cast into the water. But Clotildis was a faithful Christian woman, who earnestly admonished the king to believe in the Lord Jesus and to renounce the vain worship of idols. Although he despised this at the beginning, nevertheless, after fifteen years had passed in his reign, having obtained victory over the Alemanni, as we shall say in its place, he afterwards believed in Christ.

He took as wife Clotildis, daughter of Hilderic, king of the Burgundians, whom King Gundebald, his brother, had slain; and his wife, that is, the mother of Clotildis, with a stone tied to her neck, [unclear], and he divided the plunder among the soldiers according to law. Whatever in all Gaul belonged to the jurisdiction of the Romans, Clovis in a short time subjected wholly to the dominion of the Franks, as it remains even to the present day.

In the ninth year of his reign, King Clovis made war in Thuringia, because they were accustomed insolently to despise the tribute formerly imposed on them, and openly accused his mother Basina not only of adultery but also of theft. Coming therefore into the region of the Thuringians, he devastated everything with sword and fire, defeated the king, and compelled him to pay tribute.

In the eleventh year of his reign King Clovis, having gathered forces, led an army against Alaric, king of the western Goths. He met him ten miles from the city of Poitiers and killed him, together with many others; and he added all his treasures and the city itself to his kingdom.

In the fifteenth year of his reign, which was the year of the Lord’s nativity 499, in the seventh Roman indiction, when the Alemanni again grew proud, and were unwilling either to be subject to the Franks or to pay tribute any longer, Clovis summoned a great army of his men and set in motion a strong expedition against the Alemanni for battle. At the beginning of the conflict the fighting was fierce and long uncertain, with Mars divided between both sides, and many fell on both sides.

At last, by the ordering of divine providence, while the Alemanni fought bravely, the Franks gradually began to give way; and when it already seemed near that they would flee, the king, suffused with tears, prayed silently within himself, saying: “Lord Jesus Christ, whom my wife proclaims to be the Son of God and able to grant all things asked to those who believe faithfully in you, if you give me victory today over these my enemies, I shall believe in you and shall have myself baptized in your name, and I shall be a faithful and devoted servant to your name as long as I live.”

And while, praying thus, with hands and eyes raised to heaven, he groaned, the help of Christ was suddenly present. At its presence the Alemanni were turned to flight; and those who before had fought immovably like a wall now suddenly fled, as the most fearful women are wont to do. The king of the Alemanni fell in that battle, together with many. But when the Franks did not cease to pursue the fleeing Alemanni more insistently, they cried out to King Clovis: “Do not pursue us any further, most victorious king, because we are yours; from now on we promise that we shall serve you forever.” Moved by these prayers, he forbade the pursuit, received the Alemanni in surrender, and returned to Gaul.

And when he had come to the palace, on the advice of Queen Clotildis he summoned to himself Remigius, the most holy bishop of the church of Reims. Having been more fully instructed by him in the Christian faith, in public confession, while all the nobles of the Franks looked on, he prepared himself with the greatest reverence and humility for the mystery of holy baptism. When he was now entering the baptistery to be washed, Saint Remigius, a most eloquent bishop, said to him: “Gently, Sicambrian, lower your neck. Adore what you burned; burn what you adored.” From this it is manifest that the Franks had somewhat earlier been called Sicambri—

Annals of Trithemius. The Forty-Eighth.

[unclear]

Lothar, therefore, the third-born son of King Clovis, from whom the line of the kings of the Franks descending in direct succession is continued down to Childeric, the last of the stock of Pharamond, reigned after his father in the Frankish city of Soissons for fifty years. When his brothers and all their sons had died, he at last brought the kingdom, divided into four parts, back into one monarchy; each of his brothers had reigned for a time in his own place.

For Theodoric, the firstborn of King Clovis, whom he had begotten not by Queen Clotilde but, before his marriage to her, by a certain concubine, received Austrasia in the division of the kingdom of the Franks, in which is the city of Metz, together with other cities belonging to it. At that time it was called the kingdom of Austrasia, or of the Austrasians, in which he reigned twenty-three years. After him his son Theodebert reigned over the Austrasians fourteen years. When he too had died, his son Theodebald reigned over the people of Metz for nine years. When he died without children in the year of the Lord’s Nativity [unclear], in the eighth Roman indiction, his paternal uncle, the aforesaid Lothar, received the kingdom of the Austrasians, or of the people of Metz.

Clodomir, however, the third son of Clovis, but the firstborn by Queen Clotilde, reigned at Orléans in Gaul for seven years. In the year of the Lord’s Nativity [unclear], after he had slain Sigismund, king of the Burgundians, with his wife and sons, and had again engaged his brother Godomar, he was killed by him. He left three young sons, Theodebald, Gunther, and Clodoald; after their father’s death, their most pious grandmother Clotilde, living at Tours, kept them with her and reared them as a mother. But a few years later Lothar and Childebert, the kings and brothers of the said Clodomir, summoned to themselves their nephews Theodebald and Gunther and, devising wicked things out of ambition to rule, killed them with their own hands. The third, however, named Clodoald, snatched away with the help of courtiers, escaped by flight; exchanging worldly nobility for divine service, he became a cleric.

Childebert, the fourth son of Clovis king of the Franks, received the kingdom of Neustria in the division of the monarchy and reigned at Paris for forty-five years. When he at last died, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity [unclear], in the seventh Roman indiction, his brother Lothar received the kingdom of the Parisians into his own power. Thus, when his three brothers and their sons and grandsons had died or been cruelly killed, Lothar alone obtained the monarchy of the whole kingdom of the Franks, and thereafter, after all his brothers, reigned still another five years.

In the second year of King Lothar, Sigismund, king of Burgundy, who had built the monastery of the martyrs of Agaune, killed his son Sigeric, following the evil counsel of the boy’s stepmother. Moved by great repentance, he devoted himself wholly to the holy martyrs of Agaune; frequent miracles after his death testify that he was worthy of pardon, and in his honor health is given to those suffering from fever.

In the fourth year of King Lothar, Theodoric, king of Austrasia, having been asked [with the promise of] half of his kingdom, treacherously killed Bertharius and Balderic, his brothers, on the road, while they were returning toward Thuringia from the city of Metz, which they had approached for the sake of greeting him, suspecting no evil. But when the crime had been committed, and Theodoric demanded from Ermenfrid the half of the kingdom of Thuringia promised to him, Ermenfrid neither gave what he had promised nor sent a fitting reply to the petitioner, deceived by the counsel of his wife, who was the sister of Theodoric and Lothar. This matter, afterward, as we said in the first volume of the Annals, brought on the final destruction of all Thuringia and extinguished the royal name and title in it. In the same year the holy virgin Brigid, dying in Scotia, ascended to Christ.

In the seventh year of Lothar, king of the Franks, Boethius, the Roman consul, worn down by a long imprisonment, was killed by Theodoric, king of the Goths, who had occupied Italy after Odoacer had been slain. He wrote many useful works for the faith of Christ. In these times also there flourished in Italy our lawgiving father, Saint Benedict, the first founder and abbot of the monastery of Cassino. He became the chief of all western monks, to whom he handed down a rule of life preeminent in every discretion, and he showed forth to all, by his most holy works, the lucid teaching of his words as worthy of imitation. Under his Rule many thereafter served the almighty Lord in a spirit of humility, distinguished by the names of orders or congregations. Among these, first and principal of all is our own order, which, having received an honorable name from its founder, is called by the name of that Saint Benedict himself. The Order of Cistercian monks also professes the same Rule, and likewise the Order of the Celestines,

Lothar reigns for fifty years.

Theodoric reigned over the Austrasians for [unclear] years.

[Unclear] reigning after his father in the third year.

Theodebald reigns nine years.

Clodomir reigned at Orléans for [unclear] years.

The kings killed their nephews.

Childebert reigned in Neustria for [unclear] years.

Sigismund, duke and king of Burgundy, kills his son.

But he performed great penance.

Bertharius and Balderic, kings of Thuringia, are killed.

Ermenfrid, duke and king of Thuringia, had caused his brothers to be treacherously killed.

Saint Brigid died in Scotia.

Boethius the consul, a most learned man, died.

Saint Benedict, father of monks.

The Order of Saint Benedict is established.

Compendium, Book I.

[unclear] several [kings?] of the Franks, all of whom had been begotten from the blood of his parents, especially those of whom he was excessively and suspiciously afraid, lest they seize the kingdom before him; sparing no one, and in this way, after almost all his kinsmen had been extinguished, he extended his kingdom throughout all Gaul. But let Hunibald praise Clovis as much as he wishes, as though he acted well in these matters; for my part, in this respect I cannot praise a parricide, and one who killed so many innocent men.

For on a certain day, in the presence of many of his courtiers, he is said to have spoken about these relatives and kinsmen of his whom he himself had destroyed: “Woe is me, because I remain alone like a stranger among foreigners, and today I have no one of my relatives or kinsmen still living who, if adversity should come upon me in any matter, could help me as friend is wont to help friend.” He said this deceitfully, thinking that someone among those standing by would reply by way of consolation: “Look, you still have this man or that man of your people living,” so that any who survived among his kinsmen might also themselves be killed as soon as possible.

In the seventeenth year of his reign, King Clovis, at the continual urging of Queen Clotildis, who desired the cruel death of her parents to be avenged upon her uncle, declared war on Gundebald, king of the Burgundians. After he had been defeated, Clovis subjected Burgundy to the tribute and subjection of the Franks.

But Clovis, king of the Franks, after his kingdom had been extended through all Gaul and a great part of Germany, and after many deeds had been bravely accomplished both in war and in peace, at last died in the thirtieth year of his reign, but in the fifty-first year of his age, and in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 514, in the seventh indiction of the Romans, and was buried at Paris in the church of Saint Peter.

He left four sons: Lotharius, Clodomirus, and Hildebertus. These divided their father’s kingdom in equal portion. But because thereafter more kings were born from these, and because at one time the kingdom of the Franks was subject to one monarch, while at another time, divided into parts, it was ruled by many, we have thought it worthwhile to continue in order the names of those kings, marked beforehand chapter by chapter in red, who carried the line of the royal stock in a direct line down to King Hildericus, the last. For Lotharius was not the firstborn among the sons of Clovis; rather Theodoricus was older by birth. Clodomirus was born second, and Lotharius himself, from whom the genealogy of the kings is continued, was born third. After King Clovis had died, Hunibald also finished his own history concerning the origin of the Franks, distinguished into eighteen books, comprising a period of not less than 950 years, during which there were forty-seven kings from Marcomirus, son of Antenor, who first led the people from the borders of Scythia to the mouths of the river Rhine in Germany, down to the death of King Clovis. The things that follow, however, in this second volume of our annals, we have taken from authors whose names are these:

Einhardus, abbot of Saint Amand; Flodoardus, priest of the church of Reims; Richerus, monk of Reims; Gregorius, archbishop of Tours; Lampertus, abbot in Hasungen; Regino, abbot of Prüm; Eghardus, first abbot in [Vraugia]; Lampertus, monk of Hersfeld; Freculfus, from monk made bishop of Lisieux; Strabus, monk of Fulda; Windekindus, monk in Corbie of Saxony; Rupertus, monk of Saint Alban near Mainz; Ioannes, monk of the same monastery; Adelbertus, monk of the monastery of Saint Vincent of Metz; Meginfridus, monk of Fulda; Golstherus, monk of Saint Matthias, in the deeds of the Treveri; Marianus Scotus, monk of Fulda; Sigebertus, monk of Gembloux; Richardus, monk of Cluny; also Robert Gaguin, formerly minister general of the Order of the Holy Trinity; Ado, bishop of Vienne; Galfridus Brito; Saxo Dacus; Ptolomaeus Lucensis; a Saxon by homeland, in the Rudimentum novitiorum; Wernherus, Carthusian monk of Cologne; Hartmannus Schedel from Mount Noricus; Iacobus Bergomensis, hermit of Saint Augustine; Marcus Antonius Sabellicus. From the aforementioned and various other writers of histories I wrote the two volumes of our annals that follow, not without very great labor, because there is much diversity among historiographers, not only in years, but also in deeds and in the names of persons: what is narrated as having been done by me in one year is narrated as having been done in this one, and a deed done, which by this one is told thus, by another otherwise. Since, therefore, it is not within my powers to be able to reconcile so great a discordance of histories, I follow the opinion of those whom I find to have differed less from one another, something that could be observed not uniformly in every individual case, but in some.

Trithemius [unclear] the following, disagreeing in name.

Compendium, Book I.

The Order of Saint William, the Order of Monte Oliveto, the Order of the Slavs, the Order of Vallombrosa, the Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit, the Order of the Humiliati, with certain others, which for the sake of brevity we have passed over here. Saint Pope Gregory set forth the life of this saint.

In the tenth year of Lothar, king of the Franks, in the year of the Lord’s nativity 624, in the seventh indiction of the Romans: when Theodoric, king of Metz, demanded from Ermenfrid, king of the Thuringians, what had been promised because of the murder of his brothers, as we have said, and did not obtain it, he was stirred to anger; and, having summoned to his aid his son Theobert and his brother Lothar, kings, he launched an expedition into Thuringia, captured King Ermenfrid with his wife and children, killed him, and subjected the whole kingdom to himself. From that time the Thuringians had no king of their own.

Among the others taken captive was Radegund, daughter of the former King Berthar, whom his brother Ermenfrid, as we have said, had caused to be killed through Theodoric, king of Metz. King Lothar joined her to himself in marriage; she shone with great holiness, and afterwards, having become a nun, was resplendent with very many signs and miracles. Concerning this destruction of the Thuringians, Fortunatus the archbishop wrote more fully in verse and prose.

In the twelfth year of his reign, Lothar, king of the Franks, with his brother Hildebert, besieged Autun, a city of Burgundy, and, after King Godemar had been put to flight, powerfully subjected the whole province of the Burgundians to his dominion.

In the sixteenth year of his reign, Lothar, king of the Franks, powerfully wrested from the hand of Athalaric the king whatever his grandfather Theodoric, king of Italy, had possessed in the Gauls.

In these days Saint Nicerius flourished, from abbot of the monastery of Limoges made archbishop of Trier, a man of many virtues in Christ, whose deeds are extant. Theodoric, king of Austrasia, who ruled over the people of Metz, Trier, Liege, Cologne, Mainz, and all those on this side of the Rhine, brought many clerics from the citizens of Auvergne, whom he ordered to be enrolled in the church of Trier to serve the Lord.

In the twenty-sixth year of King Lothar, in the ninth indiction, King Hildebert rose up against this same Lothar, his brother in Christ, together with his brother’s son Theodobert; but, when their mother Clotilde acted with prayers before God that there should be no war among her sons, they were restrained by a dreadful storm, while upon Lothar not even a sign of so great a terror appeared. Compelled by manifest necessity, Hildebert withdrew from his brother in peace.

In the twenty-eighth year Lothar and Hildebert, the aforesaid brothers, having besieged in Spain the city of Zaragoza, while the citizens prayed to God and carried around the tunic of the holy martyr Vincent, accepted from them, as a gift of that martyr, his stole, and returned in peace, after the greater part of Spain had been acquired by war. At the same time Saint Maurus and Faustus, disciples of Saint Benedict, flourished in Gallican France, distinguished in conduct, learning, holiness of life, and miracles.

In the fortieth year of Lothar, king of the Franks, and in the year of the Lord’s nativity 654, in the second indiction of the Romans, Queen Clotilde died, formerly the wife of the great Clodoveus, king of France; she was buried with him at Paris in the church of Saint Peter. In the same year Bucellinus and Amingus, leaders of the Franks, engaged in war with Narses, patrician of the Romans. For these two leaders, Bucellinus and Amingus, had seven years before entered Italy with King Theobert of the Franks with a strong force, and they did not cease to disturb it with varying fortunes of war. Then, sailing into Sicily, they subjected it to tribute to the Franks, and, after many spoils had been acquired, occupied it.

In the fortieth year of his reign, Lothar, king of the Franks, having gathered forces, moved into Saxony. For the Saxons, who until then had been tributary to the Franks, rose in rebellion, with the Thuringians bringing aid; they themselves bore the yoke of the Franks heavily, and with equal firmness refused all tribute. Therefore, coming into Saxony with a great army, Lothar subdued the Saxons in a severe battle.

In the forty-sixth year of his reign, Lothar, king of the Franks, pursued with an army his son Granus, long rebellious and doing many evils in the kingdom, when he was a leader in Brittany. When an engagement had taken place, he killed Duke Conober, obtained Brittany, and captured his son, whom, consumed by fire together with his wife and daughters, he reduced to ashes.

In the year

ANNALS OF TRITHEMIUS

In the following year, namely the fiftieth of his reign, and the year of the Lord’s nativity 563, in the twelfth indiction of the Romans, Lotharius himself, king of the Franks, died, leaving four sons, Heribertus, Gunthramus, Sigebertus, and Hilpericus, who again divided their father’s kingdom among themselves. The aforesaid King Lotharius built the abbey of Saint Medard, first bishop of Noyon and Tournai, at Soissons; into it he placed, with the greatest reverence and honor, the body of the same saint, translated from Tournai. But King Hildebertus, his brother, built the abbey of Saint Germanus of the Meadows, in which he deposited the stole of Saint Vincent the martyr together with his dalmatic. But the order of this abridgment now requires that we pursue the division of the kingdom.

THE FORTY-NINTH.

Hilpericus the younger, son of Lotharius king of the Franks, is for this reason placed by us before his brothers in this abridgment of the kings: because through him the line of kings descending in the direct line is continued down to Hildericus. He reigned for two years before his father’s death in the city of Soissons, and, succeeding his father, reigned for twenty-one years. And thus the whole time for which he reigned was twenty-four years. The name of his first wife was Andovera. By her he begot two sons, Clodoveus and Meroveus, both of whom, slain in adolescence by the deceit of their stepmother, perished, as we said in the first volume.

When Andovera had borne a child while the king was absent, and when no one was at hand to lift the boy from the sacred font for baptism, the queen mother herself, deceived by the wicked counsel of Fredegundis, fulfilled the office of godmother, and lifted from baptism the infant whom she had borne. Fredegundis, contriver of the deceit, soon reported this gladly to the king when he came, saying: “You will no longer have Andovera as your wife, O king; she has preferred to be your co-mother rather than your spouse. Now I am yours.” For this reason King Hilpericus repudiated Andovera his wife, asserting that by decree of the canons it was forbidden him to have his co-mother as wife. Thus, seduced by the crafty deceit of Queen Fredegundis, she was thrust into a monastery; and her fraudulent deceiver Fredegundis was taken by King [Heribertus?] as wife, by whom he begot the successor of his paternal kingdom, as we shall say later.

Herbertus, however, the eldest son of Lotharius, in the division of the monarchy of the kingdom of the Franks received Neustria, holding the seat of his kingdom at Paris; and he reigned for nine years, and, doing nothing worthy of memory, died in the year of the Lord 573, in the eleventh indiction of the Romans, leaving the kingdom to his brothers.

Gunthramus, the second-born son of King Lotharius, reigned at Orleans for thirty-three years, a prince excellent in his own condition, but he obtained a most wicked wife, named Austrigildis. Among the many evils that she committed, when she was sick unto death and could not be helped by the physicians, she circumvented the king by crafty persuasion, so that he confirmed by oath that he would unquestionably grant her the effect of her petition while she was still alive. “Before I die, therefore,” she said, “have the heads of my physicians, who have vainly tortured me with their medicines, cut off while I look on.” What more? Men are sent at once to bring in the physicians. When they had entered the bedchamber, the witch said: “Ah, you are not physicians, but liars, who compel me to die before my time by your medicines, though I have prepared a rich reward for you, so that, compelled to death, you may pass on before me.” Soon, that the executioner might satisfy the desire of the impious woman, by order he cut off the heads of two innocent physicians while she herself looked on and laughed as witness. King Gunthramus died in the year of the Lord 597, in the fifteenth indiction of the Romans.

Sigebertus, however, the third-born son of King Lotharius, reigned at Metz in Austrasia, and also over the Treveri, the people of [Londium?], Cologne, Mainz, and the remaining cities and provinces on this side of the Rhine, for fourteen years. He had a Spanish wife, named Bruna, whom writers have more often been accustomed to call Brunihildis, the slayer of ten kings. She was so hateful to the Franks that they said the prophecy of the Sibyl was fulfilled in her: “Bruna will come from the regions of Spain; before her sight peoples and kings will perish, but she herself will perish by the heels of horses.” By her Sigebertus begot a son named Theodobertus, who reigned after him for twenty-one years and died in the year of the Lord 599. His son, named Theodoricus, succeeded and reigned for sixteen years; he expelled Saint Columbanus from Gaul at the instigation of his Brunihildis in the year of the Lord 613, and died shortly afterwards, leaving three sons, as is read, born out of wedlock. The eldest of these, Sigebertus, was put to flight in battle by Lotharius, son of the aforesaid king, and thereafter appeared nowhere. Corbus, the second-born, was slain by the same Lotharius. But Meroveus, the third-born, whom he had in fact lifted from the font, the same Lotharius kept alive. Brunihildis, however, the slayer of ten kings, he put to death.

Lotharius king of the Franks dies.

[unclear] of Saint Medard is built at Soissons. The monastery of Saint Germanus of the Meadows is founded.

Hilpericus reigned for 24 years. He had reigned at Soissons two years earlier. Andovera, wife of King Hilpericus; Queen Fredegundis, the deceiver. Hilpericus repudiated Andovera and his co-mother.

Heribertus reigned 9 years.

Gunthramus reigned at Orleans for 33 years. A cruel queen, [unclear] indulgence, physicians’ heads are cut off at the queen’s persuasion. King Gunthramus dies.

Sigebertus reigned in Austrasia. Brunihildis, wife of Sigebertus, cruel. The prophecy of the Sibyl concerning Queen Brunhilda. Theodoricus king of Austrasia, his son. The three illegitimate sons of Theodoricus.

Compendium, Book I.

The Huns, ravaging Thuringia, are cut down by the Franks.

In the third year of King Hilperic, the Huns went forth with a great army and began to ravage the territories of the Franks in Thuringia in hostile fashion. Against their insolence Sigebert, king of the Franks of Austrasia, brother of King Hilperic, under whose kingdom the Thuringians were contained, brought out his forces, joined battle, laid low many thousands of the Huns, and turned the rest to flight. Meanwhile, while Sigebert was occupied in Thuringia with the Huns, his brother King Hilperic besieged the city and received it in surrender.

In the same year spears were seen in the air, and battle-lines of soldiers; at the same time the din of conflicts was heard, portending the irruption of the Lombards into Italy, about which Pope Gregory the Great speaks in a homily.

For in the following year, namely in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 568, in the first indiction of the Romans, Alboin, king of the Lombards, entrusted Pannonia, in which he had previously settled with his people, to the Huns, friends of the Lombards; and, taking as auxiliaries Saxons, Marcomanni, and other neighboring peoples, with all his people, he occupied part of Italy, which from the name of the people is called Lombardy down to the present.

Therefore, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 583, in the fifteenth indiction of the Romans, the Saxons who were with the Lombards in Italy, no longer enduring the pride and unjust domination of the Winuli, for so the Lombards were formerly called, returned with their children and wives, under the guidance of Sigebert, king of the Franks, through Austrasian Gaul to Cologne Agrippina; there, crossing the Rhine, they returned to their former seats of Saxony, which they had abandoned.

In the same year Sigebert, king of the Franks, who dwelt at Metz in Austrasia, brother of Hilperic, surveying the land of Saxony empty of inhabitants, who had gone with the Lombards, as we have said, into Italy, lest it should be reduced entirely to desolation, handed it over to the Suevi to inhabit. And so, while the Saxons dwelt with the Lombards in Italy, the Suevi lived in Saxony for fourteen years. When these had passed, since the Saxons saw themselves in the lowest place among the Lombards, in the condition of slaves, they considered returning to Saxony.

But the Suevi, to whom King Sigebert had given the land to inhabit, at first denied the Saxons entry; secondly, they agreed to restore a third part to them. But when the Saxons demanded back not a part but the whole, the Suevi offered half the region. The Saxons remained constant in their resolve, demanding back not a part, not the half of the land, but the whole entire. At last the matter was committed to the sword, and both armies fought most fiercely for possession of the seats. At length the Suevi were defeated; more than twenty thousand of them perished in that battle by the sword of the Saxons. And so the Saxons recovered by war the land which, at the persuasion of the Winuli, they had abandoned rather imprudently, in the fourteenth year after their departure, some of the Suevi being slain and others expelled.

Whence the name. From that time the aforesaid Saxons, returning from Lombardy into Germany, are called Westphalians, that is, western Gauls, down to the present day, although they are in fact true Saxons and Germans. They built a new city in the middle of their region, which they named Milan, in remembrance of another Milan in Lombardy; in it now is the episcopal see of the church of Münster. Hence some writers have also called these Saxons or West-Gauls Lombards, because they carried their customs and rites into Saxony.

In the fifth year of King Hilperic, the king of Austrasia, his brother, mindful of the injuries which he had received from him when in the previous year he was absent from the kingdom fighting with the Huns in Thuringia, gathered a great army and advanced against him for battle. He occupied the city of Soissons, the seat of the kingdom of his brother Hilperic. He took Theodobert, his son, captive and condemned him to exile; he defeated Hilperic himself in battle and put him to flight; he recovered for himself again everything which he had previously taken away, and usurped a great part of his kingdom.

In the same year King Sigebert took as wife Bruna or Brunhild, daughter of Athanagild, king of the Visigoths, as was said above, who was reigning in Spain.

In the seventh year of Hilperic, king of the Franks, the Huns again devastated Thuringia, doing great things by magical arts. Against them Sigebert, king of the Franks, advanced to battle; by their incantations he had almost been deceived and defeated, but, the name of Christ having prudently been invoked, he stood firm bravely, fought manfully, and finally conquered. With him the Huns made a treaty and returned to their own land.

In the following year the Winuli, who are the Lombards, after the city of Pavia had been taken by surrender following a siege of three years, soon obtained almost all Italy except Rome and Ravenna; with no one resisting, they ruled powerfully everywhere. In the year

Annals of Trithemius, 47. In the ninth year of King Hilperic, in the sixth Roman indiction, his brother Heribertus, king of the Franks, who was reigning in Neustria in the city of Paris, died without children. Heribertus, king of Neustria, dies at Paris. In the tenth year of Hilperic, king of the Franks, Alboin, king of the Lombards, was killed by one of his own armor-bearers on the following occasion. Alboin, king of the Lombards, is killed. In the 547th year of the Lord's nativity, in the tenth Roman indiction, in the time of Lotharius the Great, king of the Franks, this same King Alboin had a war with Chunimundus, king of the Gepids, in which sixty thousand men fell on each side. The king of the Gepids, Chunimundus, is killed. There Alboin slew Chunimundus and had a drinking-cup fitted for himself from the bone of his head, which he was especially accustomed to use on days of rejoicing and feasting. He also took his daughter captive as his wife. And when, in the aforesaid year of Hilperic, on a certain solemn day, he had become rather merry over his cups and offered his wife her father's [cup?], saying, 'Drink with your father,' she, kindled with womanly fury, had the king killed at night while he was asleep by his own armor-bearer. Alboin, king of the Lombards, is killed. After his [death?] Cleph was again set in the kingdom and reigned for two years; after he died at the end of the two-year period, the Lombards were under dukes for ten years.

Hilperic, king of the Franks, in the thirteenth year of his reign, in the tenth Roman indiction, pressed, harassed, and disturbed his brother Sigebert, king of the Franks in Austrasia, very greatly, both in person and through his son Theodobert. Hence in the following year, the fourteenth of King Hilperic, and the 578th of the Lord's nativity, a cruel war arose between them, in which Theodobert, son of Hilperic, was slain, and many Franks on both sides [were killed]. Sigebert, king of the Franks among the Austrasians [unclear]. Conspiracy of the Franks against King Hilperic. After this the Franks over whom Hilperic held dominion, hating their lord the king himself, [unclear] Sigebert, brother of [unclear], over themselves [unclear]; with hatred of [the woman?] almost all the Franks were troubled; and although she abused very much with insolence, nevertheless she honored the churches of God. She established many new [buildings?] from the foundations. King Sigebert [is killed] by the treachery of Fredegund. [unclear] had King Sigebert treacherously killed, in the year of the Lord's nativity [unclear]. [Brunhild: unclear].

War of the Franks [unclear]. In the following year, the seventeenth of Hilperic, king of the Franks, the dukes of the Lombards began to devastate the territories of Gaul. The Franks met them with a great and strong multitude of troops and fought many battles with them at the risk of death, sometimes defeated and sometimes also victorious. Finally, however, the Franks triumphed. Gregory, from a monk [became?] pope. [unclear], in the [unclear] Roman indiction, leaving a single son named Lotharius the Younger, an infant of four months, who succeeded in the kingdom. Lotharius, son of Fredegund the husband-slayer, reigns as an infant. Lotharius, when he was an infant of four months, was placed in his father's stead and reigned forty-four years, beginning under the guardianship and governance of his mother. In the second year of his reign Antharius, king of the Lombards after the dukes had been driven out, [unclear], in the 58[unclear] year of the Lord's nativity, took as wife Theodolinda, daughter of Garibald, king of Bavaria; to her the blessed Pope Gregory afterwards sent the four books of the Dialogues, as to a woman of singular devotion. Theodelinda, queen of the Lombards. King Hilperic is slain by the treachery of his wife.

In the same year also, when Antharius, king of the Lombards, had died without children, the Lombards, having granted Queen Theodolina the choice of selecting for herself a husband and king of Italy, [she] wanted Agilulf to be king for them and at the same time her husband; he thereafter reigned vigorously over the Lombards for twenty-five years. Agilulf is appointed over the Lombards for twenty-five years. Thassilo, king of Bavaria under [unclear] of the Franks. In the fifth year of Lotharius, king of the Franks, in the thirteenth Roman indiction, Garibald, king of the Bavarians, father of the aforementioned Theodolina, queen of the Lombards, died. After him Hildebert, king of the Franks, appointed as king in Bavaria a certain duke named Thassilo, born from the race of the Franks, who defeated in war the Sorbs, who are Slavs but afterwards were called Bohemians.

Compendium, Book I.

In the following year King Agilulf entered to lay waste the borders of the Romans, but through the action of Theodolinda, queen of the Lombards, who was the wife of Agilulf himself, as we have said, not long afterward he made a treaty of friendship with them. Yet they entered, plundered, and destroyed the monastery of our holy father Benedict, abbot, on Monte Cassino, while at the same time the monks fled to Rome.

In the tenth year of Lothar, king of the Franks, in the fifteenth indiction of the Romans, Gunthram, king of the Franks, the second-born son of Lothar the Great and nephew of King Clovis, died at Orleans in the thirty-third year of his reign, not without a reputation for holiness; his kingdom passed to his cousin Childebert by the embassy of one making a testament.

In the following year Richard, king of the Visigoths, entered into a treaty with the kings of the Franks, and joined to himself in marriage the sister of the aforesaid King Childebert. In the same year, on the twenty-first day of the month of November, Saint Columbanus died, abbot, priest, and teacher of the Scots and Picts, who left to his successors many memorials of holiness, except that, in rustic simplicity, he neither learned nor taught that Easter ought to be celebrated on the Lord’s day, and never on any other day.

In the fourteenth year of Lothar, king of the Franks, Childebert, king of the Franks, died at Orleans; he was the son of King Sigebert, who was the son of Lothar, who was the son of Clovis, the first Christian king. He left two sons, Theobert and Theodoric, who divided their father’s kingdom between themselves; their grandmother Brunichild sowed manifold dissensions.

Therefore in the six hundredth year of the Lord’s nativity, in the eighth indiction of the Romans, which was the eighteenth year of Lothar’s reign, Theobert and Theodoric, the aforesaid brothers, with their grandmother Brunichild stirring up their fury, she being a supporter of Theodoric and laboring under incredible hatred of Theobert, waged a most savage war against one another, in which more than thirty thousand fighting men fell. The angel of the Lord also was seen by many who were present, holding and brandishing in his hand a drawn sword in the air above the people.

At last Theobert, having been defeated, when he could do otherwise, sought safety at least by flight. His brother Theodoric, pursuing him as far as Cologne, caused his soldiers, likewise fleeing, to wander without cease along the whole road. But Theobert entered Cologne and immediately ordered the gates of the city to be closed. Theodoric his brother, pursuing him, as has been said, surrounded Cologne all around. The citizens, hastening to the city walls, asked from Theodoric those things that belonged to peace. He answered them: “You shall never have peace from me unless you first cut off my brother’s head and throw it out to me from the wall. But if you refuse to do this, I shall not depart from here until, when the city has been violently taken, I destroy all of you with your lord, your little children, and your wives.”

When they heard this, the citizens were exceedingly terrified, and, after holding counsel among themselves, at last, lest it happen that all should perish, they cut off the head of King Theobert their lord and threw it out over the wall to Theodoric, his impious brother, as he had ordered, while his own men were then present, shamefully purchasing peace in the blood of their own king. Thus made victor in his brother’s blood, the bloodthirsty king Theodoric entered Cologne in peace, and received that city and its citizens, together with the whole kingdom of his brother’s Austrasians, in surrender. He himself also at last perished by the poison of his grandmother Brunichild, as we shall say in its place, deprived of heirs.

But King Theobert, pursued by a miserable fate, left three sons and one, as is read, exceedingly beautiful daughter: namely Sigebert, Gunthram, and Lothar. I have nowhere found the daughter’s name. But King Theodoric, having entered Cologne, sent as captives to the city of Metz the aforesaid two younger sons of his brother, Gunthram and Lothar, and their sister. Their cruel grandmother Brunichild met them, and, inflamed with excessive fury, in hatred of their slain father rushed upon them and killed with her own hand the grandsons who were still little children; she herself also died badly a little later. But Sigebert, the elder son of Theobert by birth, having been let down through the wall by the help of certain citizens and having very secretly crossed the Rhine, fled away in the dress of a scholar; and coming into eastern Francia, he lay hidden for some years, unknown, among his kinsmen Godfrid and his son Genebald III, dukes of the Franks, who ruled around the Main and Würzburg. At length, after the death of King Theodoric, through the intervention of the princes, he received by the gift of King Lothar a duchy in Upper Alemannia, which is now called Helvetia; but he was not permitted to bear either the royal name or the diadem in the manner of his parents. And he remained under the subjection of the kings of the Franks. He begot a son named Theobert after his father.

In the forty-first year of King Lothar, and in the 618th year of the Lord’s nativity, in the sixth indiction of the Romans, Theodoric, king of Austrasia, died at Metz by the poison of his grandmother Brunichild.

Compendium, Book I

All these were descended from the ancient kings of the Franks: he was of King Anthenor; he was of King Clodius; he was of King Nicanor; he was of King Cloodomir; he was of King Basangot; he was of King Diocles; he was of King Helenus; he was of King Priam; he was of King Antenor; he was of King Marcomir, who led the Franks from Scythia into Germany. But Pippin the elder begot Charles Martel; and he begot Pippin the younger, mayor of the palace of the Franks, and king after Childeric. Thus from King Marcomir the first down to King Pippin, son of Charles Martel, mayor of the palace, father of Saint Gertrude, there are counted fifty-one generations over the course of one thousand fifty-nine years.

But King Lothar, in the forty-first year of his reign, which was the six hundred twenty-eighth year of the Lord’s Nativity, in the first Roman indiction, appointed Dagobert, his son by Queen Bertrude, king of Austrasia, subjecting to him Metz, Trier, Cologne, Liège, Tournai, Arras, Tongeren, Thérouanne, the Morini, and whatever lay between the western sea, the English sea, the northern sea, and also the Rhine. He very earnestly entrusted him to Saint Arnulf, bishop of Metz, and to Pippin, count of Namur and most noble duke of the Brabanters, to be instructed and directed. Dagobert established the seat of his kingdom, according to the custom of the old kings of Austrasia, in the aforesaid city of Metz, and governed the kingdom of the Franks well, both by himself and through dukes and counts.

In the following year the Saxons rose in rebellion and refused the customary tribute to the Franks. Therefore King Dagobert, having gathered the forces of his men, moved his army against the rebels and fought with Berthulf, duke of the Saxons, by whom he was gravely wounded in the first encounter. When his father Lothar, who was then in the Ardennes, heard this by a swift messenger’s report, he immediately crossed the Rhine at Neuss and hastened to his son’s aid. The battle was renewed; hard and fiercely it was fought on both sides. At last, however, the Saxons, after their duke Berthulf had been slain by the Franks, were defeated and sought safety in flight.

But King Lothar, pursuing the fugitives with the Franks, laid them low in a miserable slaughter, sparing no one, but killing with the sword all who exceeded the length of his sword. The people who remained throughout Saxony he brought back under subjection to the Franks, and imposed on them a tribute of five hundred oxen.

After this, in the six hundred and first year of the Lord’s Nativity, in the fourth Roman indiction, the aforesaid Lothar, king of the Franks, died in the forty-fourth year of his reign, leaving by his first wife, who was called Bertrude, a son named Dagobert, who succeeded to the kingdom. After his first wife had died he had taken a second, named Sighild, who bore Heribert.

The Fifty-First.

Dagobert, the elder son of King Lothar, succeeding his father in the kingdom of the Franks in the year of the Lord’s Nativity noted above, reigned three years while his father was still living; thus the whole time during which he reigned was seventeen years.

Heribert, however, Dagobert’s brother by the same father but born of another mother, as has been said, received in the division of the kingdom Aquitaine, Toulouse, and the other cities contained between the Pyrenees and the Loire as the possession of his inheritance, on this condition, namely, that in the other kingdoms of the Franks he should claim no right for himself. He established the chief seat of his kingdom at Toulouse. In the fourth year after this, having seized an occasion for war, he received the Gascons into surrender.

King Dagobert constructed anew from the foundations the monastery of Saint Denis the martyr, which he enriched with many estates, goods, and possessions, though not without injury to certain churches, which he despoiled by force of many things, as if all things acquired for the services of Saint Denis, both by right and by wrong, were owed to him. He built the wholly most beautiful church of the same monastery, which was roofed with solid silver; into it he transferred from the village of Catulliacum the bodies of the aforesaid martyr and his companions and placed them in a golden shrine. He most beautifully adorned the walls of the church itself on the inside with tapestries very fittingly interwoven with pearls and large pearls, and gave the place to be inhabited by monks of our order.

Dagobert first had a wife named Gertrude, whom he repudiated because of sterility, and he married another in addition, whose name was Nanthild. Finally, he is read to have had very many

Annals of Trithemius.

he died, in the nineteenth year of his reign. His kingdom Lotharius, the already mentioned son of Hilperic, received; and so, according to the prophecy which Saint Columbanus had once foretold to him, he became monarch of the whole kingdom of the Franks, and thereafter reigned alone for thirteen years. Against him the sons of King Theodoric, at the instigation of Brunichildis, raised an army; they were defeated, and Brunichildis herself, instigator of all evils, was captured and, together with Eudolina, daughter of King Theodoric, presented to Lotharius. Condemned by decree of the nobles, she received the sentence of a dreadful death. For, deprived of one foot and the other arm, and tied to the tail of an untamed mare, she was torn apart limb by limb by violent dragging; they said that she had destroyed ten kings.

Lotharius, therefore, having been raised to monarchy over the whole kingdom of the Franks, which previously had been divided into four parts, since he could not govern so broad a dominion effectively by himself, entrusted the provinces to counts descended from the ancient stock of kings. He appointed Guarnerius, a noble and very eminent man, count or prefect of the royal palace. Burgundy, however, he entrusted to a certain Harpo to govern; he too was a count sprung from the most ancient race of the kings of the Franks.

To Rado also, a most noble count, he entrusted Austrasia, in which are the very famous cities Trier, Metz, Liege, Cologne, and the peoples of the Moselle region, the Luxembourgers, the Austrasians, the [Euphalij], the people of Namur, and many others.

To Genebaldus, third duke of the Franks in the east of that name, at Marcopolis, which is now called Wirtzburg from the castle of Saint Mary adjoining it on the mountain, he entrusted Mainz, Worms, Speyer, and the people of those regions; he built the town of Frankfurt beside the Main.

But to Pippin, who was the son of Duke Ansegisus and brother of Saint Arnulph, bishop of Metz, and also count of Namur and duke of Britain, from whom the Palatine counts of the Rhine and the dukes of Bavaria, who today live to the number of eighteen whom I have known, apart from the women, all descended on the mother’s side, namely from Gertrudis, daughter of Henry, count palatine, residing at Heidelberg, who, married to Otto, duke of Bavaria, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 1225, joined together the principality of Bavaria and the Palatinate, King Lotharius entrusted all lower or northern Francia, that is, the people of Tournai, Arras, the Morini, the Taravani, the people of Cambrai, and whatever lies between them, except the county of Namur and the duchy of Brabant, which belonged by right to the aforesaid Ansegisus. To Duke Sigebert, son once of Theodobert, king of the Franks in Austrasia, whose head, as we have said, the people of Cologne had cut off, King Lotharius, when he had been made duke through the intervention of the nobles, entrusted the cities of Germany: Chur, Lausanne, Sion, Constance, Basel, and the surrounding peoples, the Alemanni, Rauraci, Helvetii, and those dwelling at the source of the Rhine.

Lotharius, king of the Franks, in the thirty-second year of his reign, in the seventh Roman indiction, after making an alliance, remitted to the Lombards the tribute of twelve thousand gold florins which they were bound to pay yearly to the Franks.

In the thirty-eighth year of Lotharius, king of the Franks, in the thirteenth Roman indiction, Guarnerius, count of the palace or mayor of the house of the Franks, died. After him Ansegisus, son of Saint Arnulph, bishop of Metz, monk, hermit, formerly married, was made mayor of the house of the Franks; with his son Pippin, and at the same time Saint Arnulph himself, faithfully helping him, he held the principate. Pippin, later mayor of the house, who was also called the Elder, was the son of the aforesaid Ansegisus, who was son of Saint Arnulph. He was son of Ansegisus, or, as others write, of Arnold the Elder. He was son of Ambertus, surnamed Nicanor, born from Blidehildis, daughter of Lotharius, the first king of Clovis. He was son of Duke Priam. He was son of Duke Diocles.

Lotharius, king of the Franks, in the thirty-eighth and also the thirty-third year of his reign, in the fourteenth Roman indiction, Guarnerius, count of the palace, died; [unclear], brother of Saint Arnulph, bishop of Metz, monk, hermit, formerly married, was made mayor of the house of the Franks; Pippin the son, together with the son and Saint Arnulph himself, faithfully helping him, held the principate. Pippin, later mayor of the house, who was also called the Elder, was the son of the aforesaid Ansegisus, who was son of Saint Arnulph. He was son of Ansegisus, or, as others write, of Arnold the Elder. He was son of Ambertus, surnamed Nicanor, born from Blidehildis, daughter of Lotharius, the first king of Clovis. He was son of Duke Priam. He was son of Duke Diocles.

He was son of Duke Sunno. He was son of Duke Genebaldus. He was son of Duke Dagobert. He was son of Marcomir, king of the Franks. He was son of King Clogio. He was son of King Theodomer. He was son of King Richimer. He was son of King Clodomer. He was son of King Dagobert. He was son of King Walter. He was son of King Clodius. He was son of King Barther. He was son of King Hilderic. He was son of King Sunno. He was son of King Pharabert. He was son of King Clodomer. He was son of King Marcomer. He was son of King [Oodomar]. He was son of King Richemer. He was son of King Anthenor. He was son of King Clodomier. He was son of King [Marcomeius]. He was son of Siccamber, from whom the Franks are said to have been named. He was son of King Antharius. He was son of King Cassander. He was son of King Clodemer.

Lotharius becomes the monarchy of the kingdom [unclear]. Brunichildis, slayer of ten kings, is killed.

Lotharius, elevated to the same monarchy, since he could not govern so broad a dominion effectively by himself, entrusted the provinces to counts descended from the ancient stock of kings. Of the royal palace, count or pre-

Annals of Trithemius.

[he] had concubines, and troops of mistresses accompanied him wherever he went, besides those whom he maintained in several places, dressed and adorned after the manner of queens. Yet Pippin, mayor of the palace, or count palatine, who had been duke of Brabant and at the same time count of Namur, nephew of Saint Arnulf and father of Saint Gertrude, the virgin nun of Nivelles in Brabant, resisted his shameful deeds to no small degree; nor did he in every respect allow the king to sink so freely, at his own pleasure, through so many vices.

In the second year of King Dagobert, which was the six hundred thirty-third year of the Lord's nativity, his wife Nanthild bore him a son, who was named Sigebert. This infant, forty days old, when he was baptized by Saint Amand the bishop, while all were silent, himself answered Amen in a clear voice. His uncle [Charibert?], who reigned at Toulouse, lifted this Sigebert from the holy font of baptism. But after King [Charibert?] died some years later, and not long afterward also his son, named Chilperic, the monarchy of the whole kingdom of the Franks returned to Dagobert, many parts always tending into one, and again, by the plurality of sons, confounding unity.

After King [Charibert?] died, the Gascons, [unclear] the Franks, scorned to be subject; King Dagobert attacked them in war and compelled them to submission.

At the same time Nidachil, who held the dukedom of that same Brittany, terrified by the threat of imminent war, subjected himself and all the people of Armorican Brittany to Dagobert, king of the Franks, and to his successors forever. King Dagobert also attacked in war the Slavs, the Sorbs, who are now called Bohemians, conquered and overcame them, and made them subject and tributary to the Franks.

If this Dagobert, the great king of the Franks, founded that once distinguished, exempt, and royal monastery of our order in the town of Wissembourg in the diocese of Speyer, concerning which I have heard many persons expressing doubt, it seems to me that, if this deed accords with history, it was done in the third year after his father's death, not the twenty-third, since he reigned only fourteen years, although certain uncertain authors seem to have thought otherwise. With this reckoning of times agrees the number of the years of the Lord's nativity, six hundred thirty-four, which was the third year of the aforementioned Dagobert, king of the Franks, but the sixth of his reign over Austrasia, not the twenty-fourth, as we read in Dagobert's own rescripts. Whether these are true or false, how shall we be able to know unless we see their archetype? Desiring to untie the knot of this doubt, let us set down a copy of the letters.

Dagobert, by the favor of divine clemency king of the Franks, to all the chief men of his kingdom, indeed to all who profess the Christian faith, both future and present. A vow by which anyone has bound himself to God or to the saints cannot be made void without the stain of guilt: the greater and more worthy he is to whom the vow is made, by so much the heavier judgment will strike the presumption of the one who vows and does not pay. Therefore we too ought, and we wish, to pay what we have vowed to the Lord, to the terrible God, to him who takes away the spirits of princes, terrible among all the kings of the earth. How he terrified us by the arm of his power, how, by striking, he again visited us with [unclear], we have thought should be made known to all as an example of correction, especially so that every faithful person, hearing of our danger, may abstain from devastation of the churches of God and may show fitting honor to things dedicated to God. First, therefore, we shall briefly set forth the dreadful examination of God held over us, and afterward the devout payment of our vow. After my father Chlothar, of most blessed memory, died, I undertook the care of my father's kingdom; but, led by frivolity of life and distracted by desire for rule, I neglected the duty of the royal office, showing no diligence, or [unclear], toward what had been entrusted to me, making little of or judging lightly the zeal of gentleness or institution. Among my other excesses, I had begun to be a destroyer and dissipator of the churches of God, of which I ought to have been the defender and exalter, fearing neither the eyes of the divine majesty nor the outcry of men. At last the kindness of God, breaking the pride of an obstinate mind, visited my iniquities with the rod of correction, and, when I had been chastised, did not deny me pardon. For, snatched up on high and brought more immediately before the divine majesty, seated among the choirs of saints in the aspect of one judging, I was gravely and steadfastly accused by the most holy patrons of the churches for the ecclesiastical goods taken away by robbery and consumed by me, especially by the most holy Mary, mother of God, and by the most blessed Peter and Paul, princes of the apostles. And since, burdened by conscience, I did not dare defend my crimes, I was brought from the judgment of the presiding one to punishment, and when [unclear] had been cut off and I had been overwhelmed by little savage [unclear], there came to meet me at last [unclear] that I should build a monastery of special service. This promise I gladly vowed, and, dismissed from those above, returned. Therefore, under a certain [unclear] remission of indulgence for sins, by our zeal, the vow which we made, [unclear]

King Dagobert exceedingly given to lust.

Pippin, mayor of the palace of the Franks.

An infant of 40 days, when he was baptized, answers Amen.

The monarchy of this kingdom of the Franks is assigned to Dagobert.

The Gascons are overcome by the Franks.

Brittany [unclear] is subjected to the Franks also.

The Slavic Sorbs, who now are called Bohemians.

Discussion concerning the foundation of the monastery of Wissembourg.

The calculation of years does not agree with the history.

A copy of the letters of foundation of the said monastery is compared.

He narrates according to [unclear] whether there had been [unclear] in the church.

King Dagobert enumerated his excesses.

He asserts that he was presented before God as judge.

He comes to build a monastery.

Compendium, Book I

...the church, in honor of the Holy Trinity, and of holy Mary, ever-virgin, and of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, in the place called Wyssenburg, which we have built, and which we have resolved to exalt and enrich with royal munificence. Therefore we give to it, and wish it to have been given forever, from the possessions of our fisc lying adjacent there, whatever pertains to us, as much in villages as in bondsmen, woods, vineyards, fields, meadows, pastures, waters, and all their courses; and all these things we bring by free conveyance to the use of the brethren there serving God under monastic profession. And so that the authority of this our donation might remain stable and firm for all time, we have taken care to note below the boundaries and the names of the surrounding places. Toward the eastern region the march which we have conveyed extends to Aldenburg, and thence to Geboldesvege, and thence below the ford of the Lutra, and thence to Buozdingenhorste, and thence to the boundary which stands on the summit of the valley Inuenesdal, and thence it leads toward the southern region above Warspach, and thence to Bodemlose stompha, and thence to Sebach, and thence to Ingeldeshaere, and thence to the wooded mountains as far as Beedebur. But toward the western region, as far as Lautenbach and Bernbach, and thence to Belebach, and thence to Gruneburnen, and thence to Otterichesheyt. Toward the northern region, as far as Eichenberg. And the place itself, which we embrace with singular affection, now and henceforth under royal will free from every oppression of servitude, namely in such a way that no public judge, no one by judicial license, may presume to exercise or have [authority] there; nor to constrain the men of that place, or [summon them] for hearing cases, or paying fines or tributes; finally, to exact absolutely nothing from them...

He wishes the monastery to be exempt.

...of the other bishops, should have any power of ruling there, or of conducting any causes whatever; but under the protection of our immunity, let the father of the monastery with his brethren possess freely and quietly everything belonging there. In addition, we grant to the same place a coinage having on it images and letters expressed in the likeness of the coinage of Nemetum, and we wish it to be valid and firm by the gift of our authority, so that the men of the same church may freely attend to their business throughout all the bounds of our kingdom, namely in such a way that no toll is owed by them. And no judge, or any person of whatever order, may presume to inflict any violence on them in a matter of this kind. But to the brethren there serving God, so that they may keep the order of holy conduct the more devoutly and peacefully, we grant free power of choosing an abbot for themselves from among themselves. To this abbot, and to all who succeed him, we grant this special privilege of dignity: that he may advance into the order and right of ministerials whomever from the household he shall judge worthy of such honor. Also all the ministerials of the same church by gift of the abbot...

Coinage in the manner of Speyer is granted to the monastery.

The men of the monastery are to be free. Freedom of the monks in choosing an abbot for themselves.

...from the lord abbot.

The ministerials are to obey the abbot alone. The right of advocacy over the household is expressed from the first [unclear].

In the year of the Lord 714, in the twelfth indiction.

Discordance of the time gives rise to doubt.

Lotharius was still living in the year 624.

Works of Trithemius kept for use by our [unclear].

St. Eligius, goldsmith, formerly a bishop. St. Remaclius, from a monk, a bishop of our order.

I find nothing in these letters that introduces doubt for me concerning the aforesaid foundation; but because, except those who are in the immunity. But if the advocate has been absent in these pleas, nothing of the denarii from these is owed, unless he is proved to be in the king’s service. And so that this our conveyance and the institution of the dignity granted may remain stable and unshaken forever, we have signed this written charter, strengthened by the affixing of our seal. Given, as we did, in the monastery itself, in the month of May, on the eleventh day, in the twenty-third year of our reign, in the name of Christ, happily, Amen.

You will find several foundations and donations of this kind made by this King Dagobert in Franciscus de Rosieres, in the Stemmatum Lotharingiae, among the prefixed diplomas of kings and princes; and also in Brusch’s work on monasteries.

At the same time Saint Eligius, powerful in the court of Lotharius and Dagobert, kings of the Franks, and from being an admirable goldsmith, founded, with expenses both royal and his own, the abbey of our order which is called Solignac; in it he himself became a monk and innocently carried out the office of abbot, where also Saint Remaclus, coming from Britain, trained himself under him in the holy soldiery of Christ. Saint...

Compendium, Book I.

under the same rule of Saint Benedict, over whom he set Adela, another daughter of King Dagobert.

But the same bishop Modoaldus built a third holy congregation of girls on the bank of the Moselle, near the walls of the city of Trier, in honor of the divine martyr Symphorianus, under the standard of Saint Benedict, where he set his sister, named Severa, as mother and abbess over the holy women. Living in every purity of mind and body, she in no way fell short of the holiness of her brother. At length, when the course of the present race had been most holily completed, she passed to the Lord and was buried in the same monastery of Saint Symphorianus the martyr, whom she had served most devoutly. This Modoaldus, whom others write as Rodoaldus, was the brother of Itha, wife of Pepin the Elder, and the maternal uncle of the blessed virgin Gertrude. This Itha founded in Brabant the monastery of Nivelles for nuns, in which, after Pepin’s death, she thereafter served Almighty God most holily with her daughter.

But the most holy Modoaldus, prelate of Trier, not long after his sister’s death, himself also resting in the Lord, was buried beside her in the church of Saint Symphorianus. Numerianus succeeded him in the archbishopric.

Nor should it have been passed over in silence that Dagobert, king of the Franks, in the year of the Lord’s nativity 627, in the fifteenth indiction of the Romans, began to found the Dologiense monastery of the order of Saint Benedict, in the diocese of Trier, by the counsel and aid of the blessed archbishop Modoaldus; Sigebert, king of Austrasia, his son, completed it. And the holy prelate Pirminius, a monk, afterward adorned it more beautifully.

In these times, in the diocese of Trier, men of great holiness were illustrious. One of their number was Paul, who on Mount Gebenna, opposite the city of Trier, across the bridge of the river Moselle, led an eremitic life. Then, coming to the aforementioned Dologiense monastery, he became a monk; finally, ordained bishop of Verdun, he faithfully kept in all things the little rule of his former holiness. The mountain previously called Gebenna, taking its name from him, is called Paulimons, commonly Paulsberg, down to the present day, and shines with countless miracles. At his tomb in the aforesaid little town there is a frequent gathering of peoples out of devotion.

There was another, at almost the same time, Wandalinus, a monk and priest, a disciple of Saint Columbanus, companion in pilgrimage of the divine monk Walaric, a holy man, an outstanding preacher, who converted many by the word and example of his manner of life, who, dead to the living, down to the present day shines with countless miracles. At his tomb in the aforesaid little town there is a frequent gathering of peoples out of devotion.

Wandalinus also, a monk and priest; Carilephus, a monk and priest; Wolffrichus; Bantus his brother; Beatus; monks and priests; Wolff, a layman, most holy men, with many others in the diocese of Trier, in these times led a solitary life in the wilderness. Saint Disibotus also, a monk and priest, in the diocese of Mainz, in the county of Spanheim, two miles from Kreuznach and one from a certain monastery of mine, Spanheim, leading an eremitic life, built a monastery of monks in that place, Sobernheim, where the Nahe and the Glan flow together; it exists today under his name.

In the first year of Clodoveus, king of the Franks, Saint Remaelus is ordained bishop of the church of Maastricht, a man of much learning and great holiness.

In the following year, which was the year of the Lord’s nativity 647, in the fifth indiction of the Romans, Pepin the Elder died: count of Namur, duke of Brabant, mayor of the palace, palatine count of Sigebert king of the Franks, who held the seat of the kingdom at Metz in Austrasia; father of the holy virgin Gertrude. He left a son, Grimoald. Grimoald succeeded his father in the leadership of the royal household for eleven years; afterward he was killed, as we shall say in its place. He had a son named Childebert, of whom we shall also speak, namely how he made him king after his own lord had been driven into exile.

In the year noted above, Radulf, duke of the Thuringians, lifted up in pride, refused to pay the accustomed tribute to the Franks. Therefore Sigebert, king of the Franks of Austrasia, having gathered forces, moved an army into Thuringia; and, when battle was joined, he defeated the duke and compelled him to pay the tribute.

In the same

Annals of Trithemius

Saint Dado, also called Audoenus, bishop of Rouen and chancellor of King Dagobert, likewise built within the forest of Brie a monastery of our order, which they call Resbac, and appointed over it as first abbot Saint Agil, a man beloved by Christ and renowned for many virtues.

King Dagobert, in the ninth year of his reign, designated his son Sigebert, a boy of seven years, as king over the Austrasians, under the guardianship and direction of Saint Cunibert, archbishop of Cologne, and of Pippin, duke of Brabant and count of Namur.

In the same year, which was the six hundred and fortieth from the Lord’s Nativity, in the thirteenth indiction, Saint Arnulf died: Pippin’s grandfather, formerly mayor of the palace of the Franks, bishop of Metz, and from bishop a solitary hermit. Clodulf, after his father, was ordained bishop of Metz, and imitated his holiness.

Doda, formerly the lawful wife of Saint Arnulf before his episcopate, mother of the aforesaid bishop Clodulf, was enclosed at Trier for love of Christ, whom she had chosen as her spouse; separated from her husband, she shone with [unclear] holiness.

In the eleventh year of his reign, Dagobert, king of the Franks, led an army against the Wends. The Saxons came to his aid with all eagerness. When battle was joined, the Wends were defeated by the Franks and were forced under tribute into servitude to the Franks. But the Saxons, who annually paid the Franks five hundred oxen as tribute, seized the opportunity and, approaching King Dagobert after the victory, asked him to remit the tribute to them. The king, wishing to repay their voluntary service with favor, remitted the tribute.

After this Dagobert, king of the Franks, died on the first day of the month of February. He was buried in the church of Saint Denis, which he himself had built, in the fourteenth year of his reign, and in the six hundred and [forty-]fifth year of the Lord’s Nativity, in the third indiction of the Romans.

The Fifty-Second

Clovis, son of King Dagobert, succeeding his father in the kingdom of the Franks, reigned seventeen years. His mother’s name was Nathildis. His mayor of the palace, or count, or prince of the palace, was an energetic and most noble man named Erchenwald, [unclear].

Clovis reigned seventeen years over Neustria, that is, over Paris, Amiens, Beauvais, Blois, Reims, Orleans, Tours, and also Aquitaine, in the whole kingdom that had belonged to his father.

But his brother Sigebert, as we have said, reigned in Austrasia: over the people of Metz, Trier, Cologne, Liège, Maastricht, where Saint Amandus was then bishop, over Tongeren, also the Morini, the Hollanders, Frisians, Saxons, Thuringians, Bavarians, Suevi, Alemanni, those on this side of the Rhine, Strasbourg, Worms, Mainz, the [Cynonoti?], and the Burgundians. His mayor of the palace, or prince of the palace, was Pippin the Elder, son of Ansegis, grandson of Saint Arnulf, count of Namur, duke of Brabant, father of Grimoald and of Saint Gertrude, abbess of Nivelles, in the paternal duchy of Brabant.

The chancellor of Sigebert was Saint Cunibert, archbishop of Cologne. In very many of the places or provinces already named, under the dominion of King Sigebert and of Mayor of the Palace Pippin, there were appointed petty kings, dukes, counts, and prefects, by whose administration the people was governed.

Irmina, a virgin of most holy way of life, was one of the daughters of King Dagobert, sister of the kings mentioned before. For her, while he was still living, her father built in the city of Trier, in his very ancient palace which was called the Horrea, a monastery of girls under the rule of Saint Benedict, and a church in honor of blessed Mary ever virgin. In it he placed a congregation of nuns, to whom he gave as mother and abbess that same daughter of his. She was renowned for many virtues and miracles in life and after death; her venerable head is held in the abbey of Sponheim. After this Irmina in the governance of the nuns of the aforesaid monastery succeeded Modesta, a pupil of the monastery of Romaric, daughter of the sister of blessed Modoald, archbishop of Trier; after her Anastasia; in the fourth place Basilissa. All these have been numbered among the saints.

At the same time the aforesaid bishop of Trier, Modoald, at whose urging the monastery in the Horrea already mentioned had been built, also built another monastery in the old palace, which was situated in the suburbs of Trier, in which nuns

Saint Modesta, Saint Anastasia, Saint Basilissa, abbesses in the same place.

Saint Modoald, confirmer of many monasteries.

Annals of Trithemius.

In the same year Saint Furseus, abbot, came from Ireland into Gaul as a pilgrim for the love of Christ, and was honorably received by King Clovis. He founded the monastery of Latiniacum, now of our order, and established monks there. Not long afterward two brothers of his, Foillanus and Vitanus, monks, following him with an equal vow of pilgrimage, enlightened Gaul by the word and by the example of their life.

Of these, Foillanus, by the gift of Saint Gertrude the virgin, later founded the monastery of Fosses, where also, crowned with martyrdom, he rests in the Lord.

In the sixth year of King Clovis, Sigebert, king of the Franks in Austrasia, despairing of offspring in posterity, built here and there twelve monasteries of the order of Saint Benedict in honor of God, with Grunwald, mayor of the palace, and Saint Remaclus, bishop of the people of Maastricht, working with him in these matters. Among them Stavelot and Malmedy were preeminent, which are governed under one abbot. This Remaclus, not long afterward, became a monk in the same monastery of Stavelot, resigning the episcopal office, full of cares, and at last happily rested.

In these times also, in Gallic France, Saint Landelinus, confessor of Christ, and Morotius built four monasteries of the aforesaid order: Lobbes, [Alciense], [Wafariense], and Crespin, where he rests bodily in the Lord with his disciples Adolenus and Domitianus.

At the same time the monastery of Fleury was founded by Abbot Leodeboldus; to it, not much later, the body of our divine father Benedict the abbot is said to have been transferred from Monte Cassino by the monk Agilulf, after his monastery, as we said above, had been laid waste by the Lombards. The Italians contradict this.

In the seventh year of Clovis, which was the six hundred fifty-second year of the Lord’s Nativity, Sigebert, king of the Franks in Austrasia, adopted Hildebert, son of Grunwald the mayor of the palace, as his son, [unclear].

In the following year Saint Judocus, son of the king of the Britons, despising the kingdom and the world, as a pilgrim and hermit in the district of Ponthieu, rested in Christ.

In the eleventh year of King Clovis, Sigebert, king of Austrasia, his brother, died, after commending his son Dagobert, still very small, to the trust of Grunwald, mayor of the palace, so that by his help he might be advanced to the kingdom. In the following year Grunwald had him tonsured by Dido, bishop of Poitiers, and sent him into Scotland; against good faith he raised up his own son Hildebert as king of the Austrasians. But the Franks, grieving over such great faithlessness on Grunwald’s part, captured him and presented him for the judgment of King Clovis at Paris. Clovis caused him, bound in chains, to be consumed by a bitter death in prison; and, after casting down his son, he appointed his own younger son Hilderic king of the Austrasians and avenged his nephew’s injury.

Clovis, king of the Franks, because of his insufficiently reverent contact with the body of Saint Dionysius, died after two years insane and out of his mind, in the seventeenth year of his reign, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 662, in the fifth indiction.

The fifty-third.

Lothar, the elder-born son of King Clovis, reigned after his father over the Franks for four years. His mayor of the palace was Eberwinus, whom the French, not understanding the property of the name, since it is Teutonic, wrongly write as Ebroin: an impious and wicked man, a destroyer of the Church, a persecutor of the clergy, a most abominable murderer of bishops, [unclear] and they returned home.

In these times Queen Balthildis, mother of Lothar, formerly the surviving wife of King Clovis, founded two distinguished monasteries of our order in Gallic France, of which one is named Corbie and the other Chelles; in them many most holy and most learned monks flourished. At the same time also many other monasteries of the aforesaid order of our divine father Benedict were built in the Gallic kingdom, among the number of which these are recorded: the monastery of Chelles, [unclear].

Saint Furseus, abbot and pilgrim.

Foillanus and Vitanus, monks, [unclear].

Twelve monasteries of our order were founded.

Saint Remaclus, bishop in Maastricht.

Landelinus, confessor of the Lord.

The monastery of Fleury is founded.

Hildebert is adopted as son by Sigebert.

Saint Judocus dies in the year of the Lord [unclear].

Sigebert, king of Austrasia, died, [unclear] son.

Grunwald, mayor of the palace of Austrasia, is captured and [unclear].

The Lothar kings of the Franks reigned in name only.

The whole administration of the kingdom was in the hands of the mayors of the palace.

The monasteries of Corbie and Chelles were founded.

The monastery of Chelles,

Compendium, Book I

The monasteries of Celles, Hautmont, Soignies, Maubeuge, and Hasbania are founded. St. Gertrude dies in the year 663. Lothar, king of the Franks, dies in the year 666. Theodoric reigned 2 years. Ebroin, mayor of the palace, a perverse man of the same name. Theodoric is deposed from the kingship because he was most insolent. Hilderic reigned 12 years. Wolfrad, mayor of the palace of the Franks. St. Leodegar, bishop. King Hilderic is killed with his wife. Theodoric reigns a second time for 49 years. Leudesius, mayor of the palace in Neustria. Ebroin declares war on Theodoric. Clovis is set up as king by Ebroin. St. Leodegar is captured. Ebroin is received back into favor by Theodoric. St. Lambert is driven out by Ebroin.

The monastery of Celles, over which Saint Gislenus presided as abbot. The monastery of Hautmont, over which Saint Madelgarius presided, also called Vincentius, a monk and abbot after having been a duke. The same Madelgarius founded the monastery of Soignies. The same man also built the monastery of Maubeuge. Saint Trudo founded the monastery of Hasbania, where he was also buried.

In the second year of the reign of Lothar, king of the Franks, Saint Gertrude died, abbess of the monastery of Nivelles in Brabant, of the order of Saint Benedict, daughter of the elder Pippin, mayor of the palace of the kingdom of the Franks throughout Austrasia.

But the aforesaid Lothar, king of the Franks, died in the fourth year of his reign, which was the six hundred and sixth year of the Lord’s Nativity, in the ninth indiction.

The Fifty-Fourth

Theodoric, brother of Lothar and son of the late King Clovis, after Lothar’s death reigned over the Franks scarcely one year. Because of the insolence of Ebroin, mayor of the palace, he was cast down from the kingship by sentence of the nobles, was shorn, and was sent to the monastery of Saint Dionysius at Paris, and was compelled to live as a monk among the monks. But Ebroin, shorn by decree of the magnates, was thrust into the monastery of Luxeuil.

Theodoric was deposed from the kingdom of the Franks in the first year of his reign, which was 667 from the Lord’s Nativity, in the tenth indiction of the Romans; and his brother Hilderic, who was reigning in Austrasia, was chosen by common consent.

The Fifty-Fifth

Hilderic, brother of the two preceding kings, who was reigning in Austrasia, after the deposition of Theodoric was, by the common election of the nobles, taken up as king and monarch of the whole kingdom of the Franks. He reigned twelve years. His mayor of the palace was Wolfrad, a noble man, powerful in deed and speech.

In the ninth year of his reign, King Hilderic, by the levity of his own conduct, kindled against himself the hatred of many nobles. Saint Leodegar, from a monk of our order made bishop of Autun, was driven from his see and thrust into Luxeuil.

In the twelfth year of his reign, moreover, and the 679th year from the Lord’s Nativity, in the seventh indiction, a certain Frank named Bodilo, whom King Hilderic himself had ordered to be bound to a post and flogged, killed him while he was hunting, together with his pregnant wife Blithild, by a cruel blow.

After the killing of King Hilderic, his brother Theodoric was called out from the monastery of the holy martyr Dionysius and restored to the kingdom of the Franks; and thereafter he reigned a second time for fourteen years. His mayor of the palace was Leudesius, son of Erchenwald, appointed for one year by the counsel of Saint Leodegar the bishop, then recalled from the monastery of Luxeuil, and of the other princes.

For in the following year Ebroin came out from the aforementioned monastery, recovered his strength, and harried his ambushers with hostile pursuit. He rushed upon King Theodoric, plundered his treasures and those of the church, killed Leudesius, the mayor of the palace, in battle, put the king himself to flight, and, pretending that a certain Clovis was the king’s son, made him king for himself. By threats and blandishments he induced to obedience to him whomever he could, and with many disturbances he troubled the kingdom of the Franks.

In the third year of Theodoric’s reign, the holy bishop Leodegar was captured by Ebroin and was gravely afflicted together with his brother Gerinus. Gerinus, however, not long afterward, by order of that tyrant, was buried under stones and killed.

In the sixth year of his reign, Theodoric received Ebroin back into favor, and at his persuasion summoned a synod of bishops. In it, at Ebroin’s sentence, he deprived many of them of their episcopal office, while others he condemned to perpetual exile. Among them Saint Lambert, son of Count Aper, removed from his own bishopric of Maastricht, entered at the monastery of Stavelot into the harbor of monastic quiet, and remained in it for seven years.

In the same year Saint Leodegar, bishop of Autun, long tortured by Ebroin, after hunger and bodily filth, after the tearing out of his eyes, after the cutting of the soles of his feet, after the cutting out of his tongue and lips, completed his martyrdom, at the tyrant’s command, by the cutting off of his head. Many miracles proved his innocence and merit.

In the eighth year of Theodoric, after the death of Wolfrad, mayor of the palace of the Franks, Pippin, son of Ansegis, together with Duke Martin, held the chief power in Austrasia. Ebroin, engaging with them, killed Martin.

In the same year Conon was ordained pope at Rome; he [unclear] Saint Kilian, a Scot by nation,

in the place called Vultaburg, which is now named Ultraiectum, compounded from the name of the people of the Vulturi and from traiectum, as if “the town of the Vultari,” because, as Sigebert holds, in the Gallic tongue traiectum means “town.” But in our days it is called Lower Traiectum, to distinguish it from the Upper one, which, situated on the bank of the river Meuse, is commonly called Maastricht, where the holy fathers Servatius, Amandus, Remaclus, and Lambert the martyr once had the episcopal see which is now among the people of Liège.

In the year of the Lord’s nativity 698, the eleventh indiction of the Romans, Saint Lambert, bishop of Upper Traiectum, having dared to rebuke Prince Pippin because he had taken a concubine named Alpaida in addition to his lawful wife Plectrude, was killed at Liège by Dodo, the brother of that Alpaida, and was martyred; in the church of Saint Servatius at Upper Traiectum [unclear].

[Choret?] and [Offa?], kings of England, became monks at Rome and spent the time of their life under the rule of Saint Benedict.

In the tenth year of Hildebert, king of the Franks, in the year of the Lord’s nativity 707, the fifth indiction of the Romans, [Choret?] and [Offa?], kings of England, despising the kingdom of the world for love of almighty God, came to Rome, became monks, and the remainder of this

The episcopate of Upper Traiectum is transferred to Liège.

Alpaida, was killed at Liège and martyred; in the church of Saint Servatius at Upper Traiectum he was buried, shining with many miracles. After him Saint Hubert of Upper Traiectum [unclear].

[Charet?] and [Offa?], kings of England, became monks at Rome and spent the time of their life under the rule of Saint Benedict.

In the thirteenth year of Hildebert, king of the Franks, Saint Hubert the bishop, warned by divine revelation, brought back the body of Saint Lambert the martyr from Upper Traiectum to Liège with great glory of miracles, in the twelfth year after he had undergone martyrdom for the truth. The same Hubert also transferred the episcopal see from Traiectum to Liège.

In the sixteenth year of Hildebert, king of the Franks, Grunwald, mayor of the palace of the Franks, now weighed down by greater old age, had appointed [unclear] as substitute; while praying at Liège before the altar of Saint Lambert, he was killed by Ranegarius, a retainer of Radbod, duke of the Frisians.

After his miserable death, Theobald, son of [Progo?], was appointed prince of the court by his grandfather Pippin, mayor of the palace of the Franks. In this principate he could scarcely rule for two years, but was cast down by the Franks.

In the following year, which was the year of the Lord’s nativity 713, Pippin, son of Ansegis, mayor of the palace of the kingdom of the Franks, died. He designated as heir of his principate his son named Charles, surnamed Tutides or Martel, born from the concubine Alpaida.

But Plectrude, the lawful wife left by Pippin, seized that Charles, her stepson, and in Cologne Agrippina assigned him to very close custody; with her grandson Theobald she invaded the principate.

Meanwhile Hildebert, king of the Franks, died in the eighteenth year of his reign, which was the year of the Lord’s nativity 715, the thirteenth indiction.

The Fifty-Eighth.

Clodoveus, son of King Hildebert, succeeded his father in the kingdom of the Franks and reigned four years, or, as others will have it, five. Many writers of histories affirm that this man was not named Clodoveus, but Dagobert; whether this difference occurred through the fault of copyists or from some other occasion, we do not know. The greater part, however, call him Dagobert, but the fewer, agreeing with Sigebert, the monk of Gembloux and a most diligent writer, have named him Clodoveus. Whether he had two names I do not know.

The Franks, laboring under hatred of Theobald, conspired together; after forces had been gathered from here and there, they waged against him a quite dangerous war, in which, after many had been killed on both sides, Theobald was finally defeated, put to flight, and cast down from the principate. After him the Franks appointed Regenfred mayor of the palace.

Meanwhile Charles, son of Pippin, freed by divine will from the custody of his stepmother, soon strove to wrest the ancestral principate from the hand of Regenfred; and first, having attacked Radbod, duke of Frisia, who was helping the enemy, he suffered loss of his army.

In the third year of Clodoveus or Dagobert of the Franks, Charles, in the district of Cambrai at Vinciacum on Palm Sunday, which was the third day before the Kalends of April, engaged Hilperic and Regenfred and turned them both to flight; he pursued them as far as Paris. Now Hilperic was by rank a priest, named Daniel, whom the Franks had made king for themselves in Neustria.

After this Dagobert, or Clodoveus, king of the Franks, died in the fourth year of his reign, and in the year of the Lord’s nativity 719, the second indiction.

Here I choose to insert the false opinion of certain persons concerning the foundation of the monastery of Saint Peter the Apostle at Erfurt, who grant to King Dagobert the Great the honor of this foundation, something which neither the time nor reason permits. I would willingly have passed over this idle repetition of the unlearned,

Regenfred becomes mayor of the palace of Neustria. Charles, freed from custody, having resumed his paternal principate. War between Charles and Daniel Hilperic. Daniel the priest is made king of the Neustrians. Concerning the foundation of the monastery of Saint Peter in Erfurt, against [unclear].

a monk by profession, he ordained as bishop, sending him with two monks, Colonatus the priest and Totnanus the deacon, into Germany to preach to the peoples the faith of Christ and the true salvation of souls in him. Coming into eastern Francia, to Würzburg, a city of the Franks, he devoted himself for some time to the office of holy preaching, and by word and example brought many back to knowledge of the truth. At last, with his aforesaid disciples, he suffered martyrdom through the secret instigation of Gailana, wife of Gosbert, duke of the East Franks, because she feared being separated from her husband, since Saint Kilian reproved him for having as wife her whom his brother had previously had as wife.

In the ninth year of King Theodoric, Ebroin, mayor of the palace in Neustria, since he did not cease cruelly to oppress the Franks by his tyranny, was killed by a certain Ermenfrid, a noble man; this Ermenfrid soon fled to Pippin, who held the principate of the mayoralty of the palace in Austrasia. After the most impious Ebroin had been slain, a certain Waratho was appointed mayor of the palace.

In the following year a battle was fought near Namur between Pippin and Gislemar, son of Waratho. And not long after, Gislemar having been punished by divine agency, and Waratho also having died, his son-in-law Berthar was mayor of the palace. But the Franks, suffering under Berthar’s hostility, sought Pippin’s friendship through hostages, promising aid and loyalty if by war he should wrest the principate from him.

In the twelfth year of his reign King Theodoric and Berthar, his mayor of the palace, declared war on Pippin, who had acted as mayor of the palace in Neustria against their will. But Pippin won in that battle, and having captured King Theodoric, bound him, as he wished, by his own conditions. Berthar, however, was killed by his own men in favor of Pippin. And so Pippin subjected Neustria together with Austrasia to himself; under Theodoric he alone ruled and governed the whole kingdom of the Franks for twenty-three years. He restored Saint Lambert, brought out from the monastery of Stavelot, to the pontificate of the church of Maastricht upon the Meuse, and accomplished many useful things in the kingdom of the Franks.

At that time Saint Willibrord, a monk, came from England into Gallican Francia with twelve companions of the same profession, and lived most holily.

In these times also Saint Wandregisel, who was Wando, grandson through Walgis, his brother, of Ansegis, formerly mayor of the palace of the kingdom of the Franks, built two monasteries of monks under the rule of divine Benedict in Gallican Francia, namely Fécamp and Fontenelle, which is now in the borders of Normandy; in these, many most holy and most learned men afterward became illustrious in the course of time.

Theodoric, king of the Franks, died in the fourteenth year of his reign, but in the year of the Lord’s birth 693, in the sixth Roman indiction, leaving two sons, Clovis and Hildebert, who succeeded one another.

The Fifty-Sixth.

Clovis, the elder son of the aforementioned King Theodoric, succeeding his father, reigned over the Franks for four years, with Pippin existing as mayor of the palace. In that year the Ewalds, the White and the Black, monks and priests, coming from England into Saxony for love of Christ, were martyred, and were buried at Cologne by order of Prince Pippin.

In the first year of King Clovis, Pippin, mayor of the palace of the Franks, in whose hands all power of the whole kingdom had been placed, made war on the Frisians and defeated their duke Radbod. He also appointed Saint Willibrord, English by nation, of whom we have spoken, as teacher and apostle of the Frisian people.

In these days there flourished in Gallican Francia, from the disciples of the blessed bishop Kilian, previously martyred at Würzburg, Arnuald and Adelan, abbots; Adelmus and Wilfrid, bishops from among the monks, who gave the souls of many to salvation.

Clovis, king of the Franks, died in the fourth year of his reign, which was the year of the Lord’s birth 697, in the tenth Roman indiction.

The Fifty-Seventh.

Hildebert, brother of the aforementioned King Clovis and son of the late King Theodoric, reigned alone after his brother for eighteen years. His mayor of the palace was Pippin, son of the younger Ansegis: count in Namur, duke in Brabant, a most noble and energetic man, sprung from the ancient lineage of the kings of the Franks.

In the same year Saint Willibrord the monk was sent by Pippin, mayor of the palace, to Rome with letters; on the feast of Saint Clement he was ordained bishop of the Frisians by Pope Sergius. From the gift of the aforementioned Prince Pippin he established an episcopal seat [unclear]. [The bishopric?] was sent to eastern Francia.

Saint Kilian the martyr [unclear] course is set below. Ebroin, mayor of the palace of Neustria, is killed. Waratho, mayor of the palace. Battle between Pippin and Gislemar. Berthar becomes mayor of the palace of Neustria. The war of King Theodoric with Pippin, mayor of the palace. Pippin, mayor of the palace, 28 years. Saint Lambert restored to the church. Saint Willibrord, abbot. Saint Wandregisel illustrious; he usefully carried out [unclear] monastery. Clovis reigned four years. The two Ewald monks suffered in Saxony. Pippin defeated the Frisians in war. Saint Willibrord preaches in Frisia. Arnuald, Adelan, Wilfrid, of Saint Kilian the martyr. Clovis, king of the Franks, dies. Hildebert reigned 13 years. Pippin, son of the other Ansegis.

of learned men, unless the defense of my writings compelled me to bring trifles into the open. For some time ago, at the urging of the abbots Blasius and Johannes, we wrote two volumes, not small in size, of chronicles or annals of the famous monastery of Hirsau of our order, which is situated in the diocese of Worms, or Speyer; in the first of these, by many arguments, we sufficiently proved that the aforesaid monastery of Saint Peter in Erfurt was first founded not by Dagobert, king of the Franks, but by Saint William, the twelfth abbot of Hirsau. And because we have now come to know that this assertion of ours is all the more true, from the very foolishly fabricated letters which we saw in the aforesaid Erfurt monastery, supported by no seal of anyone, and which we read under the name of Dagobert and copied, lest anyone accuse us of falsehood, we thought it worth the effort to join a copy of those letters, with other arguments, to our assertion.

In the name of the holy and undivided Trinity. I, Dagobert, king of the Franks, make known both to clergy and to people, both to Christians and to pagans, that our city named Merovegesburg, which had come to us by hereditary right from our own grandfather Meroneus, namely the founder of the same city in Thuringia: we, by royal power, have given to Saint Peter and to his monks serving God there, to possess after our death, with all its servitudes; from him the mountain itself, after the foundation of the monastery which I built in honor of the aforesaid apostle, took its name, having previously been called by its pagan name [unclear], but by its new name Petrimons. How this was done by the ordinance of God we shall relate.

There was in the aforesaid city, next to the church of Saint [Ulastus?] the martyr, a man of God named Adeodatus, enclosed at my request by Rigibert, bishop of Mainz. This recluse, because of danger to his soul, not wishing [unclear] by the excommunication of clerics, and [unclear] to savor the word of true faith, asked that I summon for him from some cloister of mine a monk from whom he might hear the divine office and the word of true faith, and receive the communion of the sacred mystery. Assenting to his petition because of our mutual familiarity, I sent to the monastery of monks which I had built in like manner in Selsenburg, and, summoning from there a venerable senior monk named Truckindus, I directed him as teacher and rector to the aforesaid recluse Adeodatus. When he had come there, gradually, by the teaching and persuasion of the recluse, the number of believers began to be multiplied, both through the conversion of pagans to baptism and through that of clerics and laymen to the monastic habit. Seeing this, and understanding divine favor in this matter, I handed over my often-mentioned city, with all things belonging to it, to Saint Peter and his monks, so that monastic religion might be maintained there and an abbey established with my aid.

Moreover, I gave to Saint Peter and his monks, for various uses, the forest which, because of the great number of stags, is called Hirsbrulis, from the southern side of the city toward the east, as far as the borders of the region of Orlant, which region I handed over as a benefice to Pippin, count palatine. I nevertheless gave to the above-mentioned monastery villages made by the Slavs in the same forest: [S.] Tuneckdorf, Tubrachtet and Tuttellet, Hochdorf, and several others; and the water of the Gera, [unclear], to the monks on the southern side of the city as far as the boundary of the manor of my ministerial Gisbotus. I also gave from my court, for the uses of the brothers, fifty measures of wheat, one hundred of barley, and as many of oats, and all my other possessions in Thuringia. To maintain this place beloved to me, I gave my ministerials, with all their offspring and possessions, whose names are these: Gisbotus, Gilbertus, Eckhardus, Volffoldus, Hysen, Egenhen, Volffgeirius, Omarus, Sigeberius, Theodoricus, Aidelborus, Adelgerus, Gelferatus, Hingfridus, Huntzelin, Guntherinus, and all the rest of my male and female servants in Thuringia.

So that this handing-over to my lord Jesus Christ may remain firm forever, we have caused it to be confirmed by our letters, and we have asked it to be confirmed by the [unclear] of Rigibert, bishop of Mainz; we have fastened it with our ring, and with our seal affixed we have completed the charter. At Mainz, on the Kalends of March, in the presence of Bishop Rugebert. The sign of the most [unclear] lord Dagobert, king of the Franks. Witnesses of all these matters are these: Pippin, mayor of the palace, and his son Charles; Rikebert, bishop of Mainz; Gunther, a pagan count; Count Eckebi; the whole church in Thuringia around the Rhine in Mainz. These things were enacted in the seven hundred sixtieth year of the Lord’s incarnation, in the ninth indiction.

Far be it from me, Trithemius, to fight against the truth of this asserted foundation, so ancient, if it stands; but I do not quite see how truth can subsist in it. Therefore I shall here also briefly note the reasons which occur to me for doubting, after those, that is, which I wrote on behalf of Hirsau.

The first consideration, which prevents me from granting that Dagobert was the founder of the often-mentioned Erfurt monastery, is that the calculation of the years does not agree; for if this very foundation is ascribed to Dagobert the Great, it conflicts with the written instrument no less than with the truth of the computed time. For he died, as we said above, in the six hundred forty-fifth year of the Lord’s nativity, in the third Roman indiction, not less than sixty years before the donation on this page. But if it is assigned to that last Dagobert, who is Clovis, the disagreement of the years follows nonetheless, because he began to reign in the year of the Lord 715 and died in the year 719. How, then, could he have handed over letters of a foundation of this kind in the year of the Lord 706?

Edited [Rasol?], fol. 82. It is shown to be false by the brothers of Hirsau.

Copy

Annals of Trithemius, 61

...as was said above, he once built; he often visited it in person; for some time he lived there among the brothers in the diocese of Trier. He formed the morals of the brothers according to the intent of the Rule of Saint Benedict, and adorned the place.

Schuttern. The monastery of Schuttern also, which stands three miles above Strasbourg, a city of Alsace, was founded by the same Saint Pirminius, as is found clearly written in the original volume of his Life, which we have in our possession. Nor is it an objection that the brothers of that same monastery, showing no documents of truth, say that Offo, king of England, when he was making for Rome out of devotion, in the times of Saint Gregory the First, pope, was moved by the pleasantness of the place and founded a monastery there; since King Offo and his brother, as we said above under King Hildebert, made for Rome and became monks in the year of the Lord 707, in the fifth Roman indiction. But Saint Pope Gregory, under whom they say that Offo, king of England, came to Rome, had died earlier, in the year of the Lord 605, in the eighth Roman indiction. Sigebert bears witness for our assertion in the Chronicles. A false opinion is seriously refuted.

The monastery of Schwarzach, situated in the diocese of Strasbourg, the same saint likewise founded, as the writer of his Life testifies in the original.

The monastery of Gengenbach in the diocese of Strasbourg, which is one mile distant from Schuttern, the same writer of the Life of Saint Pirminius testifies was founded by him.

The monastery which the Latins call Mauri monasterium, but in the vernacular Morsmunster, in the diocese of Strasbourg, the same saint founded.

The monastery of Neuwiller also, in the same diocese of Strasbourg, the same saint built; its monks, with their abbot, in our times withdrew from the order.

There are two monasteries in Bavaria, Altach Upper and [unclear]. There are two monasteries of our order of one name in Bavaria, of which one is called Altach Upper, but [the other] Lower. In the Deeds of the Dukes of Bavaria we read that Duke Odilo, father of Duke Tassilo, founded Lower Altach. But in the deeds of Saint Pirminius [unclear] is expressed, nor Lower; therefore it is clear that Pirminius built Upper there. The monastery of the same Benedictine order, which is called Murbach, [he also built], as is contained in his Life.

The monastery also in the town of Amorbach, in the diocese of Wurzburg, of our aforementioned order, in which the saint appointed his disciple Amor as abbot, he built anew from the foundations. And many other things which we do not know.

In the fifth year of Theodoric, king of the Franks, Bede the Venerable died, priest and monk in England, a learned and holy man, who wrote many volumes for the benefit of readers, to the honor of the supreme and undivided Godhead. Theodoric, king of the Franks, died in the fifteenth year of his reign, but in the year of the Lord's nativity 741, in the ninth Roman indiction.

The Sixty-First.

Hilderic, son of King Theodoric, succeeding his father, reigned in name only for nine years. For all the power and wealth of the kingdom were held by the mayor of the palace, Charles, surnamed Martel, that is, the Hammer, to whom the sum of affairs belonged. Nor was anything else at all permitted to the king except that, content with the royal name, with flowing hair, [unclear], he should hear those coming [unclear] and give to them as they departed the answers which he had been taught or ordered, as if from his own power; he possessed nothing else except what the mayor of the palace furnished at his own discretion.

In the same year Charles Martel died, mayor of the palace of the Franks, duke of Brabant and count of Namur; since he was very warlike and fortunate in all things, he greatly enlarged the borders of the kingdom. He conquered in war and overcame with the sword the Saxons, Bavarians, Burgundians, Sorbs, the Bulgarians dwelling beyond the Danube, also the Gascons, Vandals, Goths and Saracens in Spain, the Frisians, and many other nations round about. Concerning his deeds, whether good or bad, and how he [unclear] ecclesiastical [things] to his soldiers...

60 Compendium, Book I.

In the year of the Lord 711 the Roman indiction was the fourth, not the ninth.

The letters of foundation which they have were never sealed.

It is manifest that the Hirsaugians founded the place.

The second consideration, which made me doubtful, is this: that in the aforesaid written instrument of the letters the ninth Roman indiction is given, although it was the fourth, and by no means the ninth, as a skilled ecclesiastical computist will clearly find.

The third consideration gives rise in me to a strong suspicion of fabrication, because the aforementioned letters of foundation, which the brothers at Saint Peter’s in Erfurt show as originals, are protected by no seal, although a hole appears in the parchment, as if the seal had fallen off because of excessive antiquity.

The fourth consideration is in no way inferior to those set out above, because it would be found plainly written in the life and deeds of the blessed William, abbot of Hirsau, that he built seven new monasteries of our order, among which the often-mentioned monastery of Saint Peter in Erfurt is counted fourth in order. I deliberately pass over many other considerations, lest prolixity create tedium for the reader.

Therefore, just as I wrote and long ago showed by many arguments in the very first volume of my Chronicles of Hirsau, so it has been necessary for me to think, and to set before the fabrication which I believe I have discovered, the truth.

The Fifty-Ninth.

Lotharius, brother of the aforesaid King Clodoveus, or Dagobert, after his brother’s death, in the year of the Lord, as we have said, 719, in the second indiction, by the advancement of Charles Martel, mayor of the palace of the Franks, was raised to be king and reigned seven years. Against him the priest Daniel, whom the Franks in Neustria had appointed king for themselves, together with his mayor of the palace Regenfrid, contended in dissension. Daniel, however, had changed his name, calling himself Helperic.

In the year of the Lord 720, Hilperic the anti-king, Regenfrid the mayor of the palace, having Eudo, duke of Aquitaine, as their ally, gathered forces and advanced to war against King Lotharius and his mayor of the palace Charles. But, defeated by Charles’s troops, they fled with great difficulty. Eudo, returning in confusion to Aquitaine, took Helperic, who was Daniel, away with him.

In the third year of King Lotharius, Charles Martel, mayor of the palace, pursuing Regenfrid, besieged him at Angers; and, when the city had been taken, he accepted him in surrender. After peace had been established between them, he granted him the city to live in; thereafter he himself powerfully held everywhere the principate of the whole kingdom of the Franks.

In the fifth year of the aforementioned Lotharius, king of the Franks, which was the seven hundred and fourth year of the Lord’s Nativity, in the seventh Roman indiction, the Bavarians, refusing to pay tribute to the Franks, prepared themselves for open rebellion. When this matter had become known to Charles, mayor of the palace, he assembled a great army of the Franks, set out into Bavaria, and attacked the disobedient in war; he powerfully brought them back to complete subjection.

In the following year, Charles, mayor of the palace of the Franks, moved an expedition into Alemannia; joining battle with the rebellious Alemanni, he emerged victorious. He overcame Lanfrid, their duke, and forced their land into subjection.

Lotharius, king of the Franks, reigning in name alone, died in the seventh year of his reign, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 726, in the seventh indiction.

The Sixtieth.

Theodoric, Lotharius’s nephew through his brother, namely the son of the aforesaid King Clodoveus, whom others called Dagobert, after his uncle had died and Helperic Daniel the priest had likewise departed this life, who while Lotharius was alive and after his death had acted as king for eight years, was raised to be king of the Franks by the mayor of the palace, Charles Martel, and reigned fifteen years.

In these times there flourished in Gallic Francia Saint Pirminius, formerly a monk of the monastery of Saint Maurus the abbot, bishop of Meaux in the province of Sens, a man admirable for learning and holiness. For love of Christ, to preach the right faith to peoples, he came into the regions of Germany, where by word and example he converted many to the worship of truth and founded several monasteries.

Among these, the following, known to us, are counted as principal: the monastery of Saint Maurice the martyr in Dolegia, in the diocese of Trier, which the great King Dagobert, as above

Compendium, Book I, of the Annals of Trithemius.

[unclear] dignities, and plundered churches, and because of those crimes was seen after death buried in hell, we have related more fully in the first volume of our Annals, of which this is the compendium.

He left three sons: Pippin, Carloman, and Grifo. Of these, Pippin and Carloman divided their father’s principate between themselves, excluding Grifo, and in this way ruled over the Franks for four years. After four years, however, Carloman, moved by the divine spirit, resigned the whole principate to his brother Pippin, went to Rome, and became a monk on Monte Cassino. Pippin then ruled the principate alone for six years, and, after King Hilderic had been deposed, was made king by common vote.

Grifo is captured and consigned to custody. Carloman became a monk. Pippin holds the principate in the [unclear] year.

Grifo, grieving that he had been scorned by his brothers, on the advice of his mother seized the city of Laon in advance and declared war on his brothers. His mother was the stepmother of Pippin and Carloman. They quickly gathered their army, surrounded Laon with a siege, took the city, and held their brother captive for four years.

Saint Winfrid, who is Boniface, archbishop of Mainz. The monasteries of Hersfeld and Fulda are founded. Convents of nuns at Kitzingen and Bischofsheim.

In these times there flourished in the kingdom of the Franks Saint Boniface, English by nation, a monk by profession, archbishop of the church of Mainz by rank, an apostolic man, who by preaching converted the Thuringians and many others to Christ, for whom he afterward suffered martyrdom while preaching in Frisia. He [founded?] two [monasteries?] in the forest of Buchonia, [unclear] diocese: one of them is called Hersfeld, in the diocese of Mainz; the other, from the river Fulda flowing past it, in which he was buried, is in the diocese of Würzburg.

He also built several convents of nuns; among them there still stands out the monastery in the town of Kitzingen beside the Main, in the diocese of Würzburg. Over it he appointed a holy virgin named Hadeloga; [the reading concerning] Thecla, whom he named, born from England, [is unclear]. Another was near the town of Bischofsheim, beside the Tauber, in the diocese of Mainz; over it he appointed Saint Lioba, a virgin beloved by God, likewise English by homeland. Of that convent nothing survives today.

Odilo, duke of Bavaria, [took Pippin’s sister as wife?]. Adelung the priest, blind, receives sight. The bishopric of Würzburg is established.

In the year of the Lord’s nativity 746, which was the fifth year of King Hilderic, in the fourteenth Roman indiction, Adelung, a priest at Würzburg, blind and warned in a dream to seek the bodies of Saint Kilian the bishop and his companion martyrs, recovered his sight when the [unclear] bones had been found. When Saint Boniface, archbishop of Mainz, learned of this miracle, with the help of Pippin, prince of the court of the Franks, he obtained from Pope Zacharias that he should establish a new episcopal seat at Würzburg, to the honor of almighty God and of Saint Kilian the bishop and his companion martyrs.

Therefore, in the seventh year of Hilderic, king of the Franks, and in the year of the Lord’s nativity 748, in the first indiction, Saint Burghard, English by nation and a monk by profession, was ordained by Saint Boniface, archbishop of Mainz, as the first bishop of the church of Würzburg, and presided for forty years. And in the same year little crosses, marked as if with oil, appeared on people’s linen garments.

In the year of the Lord’s nativity 759, in the second indiction, Hilderic, king of the Franks, [unclear] in the [unclear] of the kingdom. Pippin [unclear]. The compendium of the annals of Johannes Trithemius, abbot, follows [unclear]. It comprises in all 1189 years. Born in the year 1462, on the first of February, at [unclear].

The end of the compendium or abridgment of the chronicles, or annals, of Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Saint James at Würzburg, formerly of Sponheim, concerning the origin and kings of the Franks. Completed on the twentieth day of the month of November, in the year of the Lord 1514, in the fifty-second year of his age.

And

To the Reader.

And this, indeed, is all that remains to us from those most splendid and most carefully composed Trithemian annals of German affairs, preserved through the efforts of Christian Wechel, a printer most deserving of letters, from whose press it was published at Paris sixty years ago. Since, however, we hope, and certainly desire, that those works survive somewhere complete, or at least a good part of them, though hidden, we earnestly ask their possessors or custodians, and adjure them in the public name, that they would be willing to communicate them to the commonwealth and to posterity with the same generosity with which they see us act; meanwhile we offer our own labor, as far as it lies in us, for publishing them correctly and elegantly.

A Compendium of Johannes Trithemius, Abbot, on the Origin of the People of the Franks, from the Last Twelve Books of Hunibald, of which Wasthaldus wrote the first six, from the entrance of the Sicambri into the regions of the Rhine in Germany. In which there is also an enumeration of the Bishops of Würzburg.

[unclear]

In the year before the birth of the Lord 439, in the times of Cyrus, king of the Persians, and also of Ezra and Nehemiah, leaders of the Hebrews, in the 751st year after the destruction of the Trojans, the people of the Goths, having gone out from the island of Scandia, which is now called northern Gothia, attacked in war the Sicambri, who were remnants of the Trojans and were settled near the mouths of the Danube; they killed their king Anthenor, together with many Sicambri, and withdrew after taking spoils. Anthenor left two sons, Marcomirus and Suimon. Now it was the custom among the Sicambri that, from all the sons of the king at the time, if he had several, they should choose only one, whom they believed would be more useful and profitable for the kingdom. But if he had no son, they chose from his kinsmen one who was more suitable.

Marcomirus, therefore, the elder son of Anthenor, succeeded his father in the year before the birth of the Lord 411, and reigned over the Sicambri for twenty-eight years.

In the fourth year of his reign, when the Sicambri were being excessively harassed by the incursion of the Goths and of other neighboring peoples, they resolved to change their settlements. Accordingly, an embassy was sent to the Saxons in Germany, who themselves had come from the Trojans, and they begged them as brothers to permit them to dwell in some corner of their land, without harm to their people. The Saxons consented, promising that they would give them the best settlements, as they did. And in the seventh year of King Marcomirus the Sicambri came into Germany, in the month of April: 175,658 men most ready for war, bringing with them their wives, children, and whatever substance they had.

In the twentieth year of his reign, Marcomirus crossed the Rhine and made war with the Cisalpine Gauls; he killed many, occupied the land, and entrusted it to his brother to be guarded, as to a duke, or under a petty king. From that time, for 910 years, the Sicambri, who were afterward called Franks, never ceased from the harassment of Gaul, until at last they obtained it all with much blood of their own. And finally they subjected to their rule not only Gaul, but Alamannia, Swabia, Bavaria, Alsace, the Helvetians, Thuringia, Saxony, Burgundy, and that land which, situated between the Thuringians and the Swabians, is today called ancient or eastern Francia, and alone retains the old name of the Franks; Austria, the whole Rhine from its source to the sea, the Menapii, Batavians, Mosellani, Treveri, Metz, indeed all Germany together with the whole threefold Gaul and Spain.

It is certain that the Sicambri received their first settlements where the people of Guelders, Westphalians, Münster, and Cleves now are. Then, after crossing the Rhine, they subjected to themselves the land of the Tungri, Liège, Maastricht, Holland, and the rest. For a long time the name of Sicambri remained among them.

64 Johannes Trithemius.

until at length under a Frankish king, whom his enemies called fierce, the name gradually began to be changed. But King Marcomirus, after many deeds bravely done, died in the year 410 before the Nativity. He left three sons: Antenor, Priam, and Nicanor.

The chronicle of Wasthald ends here.

Down to this year Wasthald brought and completed his twelve books, on the origin of the Sicambri from the destruction of Troy, continuing them year by year for 768 years. From here Hunibald, in six books, continues the history of the kings and deeds of the Sicambri for 930 years, down to the death of Clovis the great king.

Antenor, succeeding his father in the kingdom, reigned for thirty years. He was held in great honor among his Sicambri, and obtained the very strong friendship of the Saxons; with their auxiliary help he undertook many wars against the Gauls and Romans. For his brothers Priam and Nicanor faithfully assisted him, and they bravely carried out several incursions against the Gauls after crossing the Rhine. But Suimo, his uncle, was always his most faithful helper on his side.

In the eighth year of his reign, when the Sicambri complained of the narrowness of their settlements, especially because pastures were lacking for their cattle, he ordered them to wait a little until the time was suitable for the matter. When a very cold winter set in and all the rivers were frozen, he assembled 80,000 armed Sicambri and invaded the land of a neighboring people, which lay between the northern sea and their territory. All the males, even infants, were slaughtered; only the women he spared. He distributed the region to his people; it abounded in excellent pastures. This land was later called Frisia from a certain Sicambrian prince who was called Friso.

Suino, duke, brother of Marcomar.

Antenor reigns over the Sicambri for thirty years.

In the twelfth year of Antenor, Suimo his uncle died. He left two sons, Marcomirus and Hector; the first of these perished in the Rhine, and the second administered the county beyond the river Rhine in his father’s place under King Antenor. Priam was appointed by his brother King Antenor as prince of the northern land which they had newly acquired, that is, around the Germanic Sea. From these many princes were born in the course of time, of whom Hunibald records several, some dukes, some counts, but all remained under the command of one king. King Antenor died when the twenty-seventh year of his reign was completed, which was 380 before the Nativity of the Lord, leaving one son named Priam.

Priam, son of Antenor, succeeding his father in the kingdom, reigned for twenty-four years. In his time the Sicambri, already having a great familiarity with the Saxons, began to forget their old language and fatherland, and gradually to use Germanic, until at length they all knew no other language except Theutonic alone. Many words remained among them which seem to have a Greek rather than a Germanic origin, as one who understands both Greek and Theutonic well knows; so it remains now.

Theocalus, pontiff of the Sicambri, priest of Jove.

In the sixth year of Priam, Marcomirus died, the duke of King Priam, a kinsman from Suimo. He left a son named Theocalus, whom the Sicambri appointed high priest of Jove; he was for them a prelate, seer, and father of kings. Up to that time the Sicambri had no temples of the gods, but stood and took counsel under oaks. In the eighth year of Priam, among many buildings the Sicambri constructed one very strong city, which they named Neopagus, near the Rhine, where the kings sat for a long time. They made a temple to Jove, whom they worshiped above the others. Theocalus was the priest of this shrine. Priam, after excellently executed invasions against those beyond the Rhine and the Gauls, died in the twenty-fourth year of his reign, 356 before the Nativity of Christ.

Helenus reigned nineteen years.

Helenus, son of Priam, succeeding his father, reigned for nineteen years. He venerated Pallas, for whom he built a sanctuary; he sacrificed the boys of captives. He had a bloody war with the Gauls in the region of the Tungri, in which he killed more than 16,000 of them and turned the rest to flight. Having occupied the region, he placed Sicambri there to inhabit it; he appointed princes with many fighters throughout the circuit, so that they might defend the people. King Helenus died in the nineteenth year of his reign, 337 before the Nativity of the Lord.

King Diocles, reigning thirty-nine years.

King Diocles.

Saxons. Thuringians against the incursions of the Goths.

In the tenth year of his reign, a multitude of peoples came out from the Scandinavian islands, which are now called Gothic. Pouring into the borders of Saxony, it carried off everything and devastated the region with sword and iron. Against this people the king of the Saxons, the king of Thuringia, and Diocles himself, king of the Sicambri, marched out to war, having in their army 210,000 brave men. A fierce battle was joined, in which more than 100,000 fighters fell on the side of the Goths. On the side of the Saxons, among the foremost fell Heriman, king of Thuringia, with 20,600 men, and the Saxons [unclear] all the plunder.

66 Johannes Trithemius.

... great or small, would presume to say or do anything evil against them. Hence the priests who were educating the sons of the nobles in the temples named the king Dickeobasan, that is, the just Basan. From this arose a proverb among the Sicambri: whenever one saw or heard another doing or saying evil, “Kennent gy die groten Basan nitt.” That is: “Do you not know great Basan?” As if he were saying, “Do you not know how just King Basanus is, who, if he has perceived you doing or saying such things, will without doubt cut off your head?”

In the fifth year of his reign, the king of the Orcades, having as helper the king of the Britons, came with many ships and armed men against the Sicambri and declared war on them. But King Basanus met them near the seashore, around the island where afterward a city was built by the Franks, whose name is Mesoburgus. But when the Orcadians and Britons saw from the ships so great an army of the Sicambri, they did not dare to disembark from the ships, but went back without accomplishing anything. The cause was the repudiation of Basanus’s wife, whom he had sent back, as I have said, to her father, the king of the Orcades.

When the Gauls again broke in toward the Rhine, where the colonies of the Sicambri were, Basanus came against them in the great strength of his men; there the Gauls were again routed and driven beyond the river Meuse. Having obtained the victory, the aforementioned King Basan built many castles and very strong fortifications on that side of the river Meuse toward the Rhine, where it turns to the east, in which he placed very strong military garrisons against the incursions of the Gauls. In the upper region between Agrippina and the Meuse he built a fortified castle bearing his own name, which he called Basan. In it many kings of the Sicambri and Franks afterward, for many years, held the palace and seat of the kingdom.

In the twenty-sixth year of his reign, Basanus, after many wars and very fierce battles which he waged with various peoples and nations, appointed priests in the temple of Jove, men most learned in Greek and German, in prophecy, in dreams, in the judgment of the stars, in ethics, in physics, and in metaphysics, who, with the gods conveying it, could give sound and right counsel to all who questioned them in any necessity whatsoever. When the king, who was the chief pontiff, was absent, the highest power of decrees rested with the priests, except for the person of the king, on whom they did not pass judgment.

At the temple of Pallas and of Venus the Tritonian goddess he appointed only virgins as priestesses. At certain times all men everywhere were permitted to enter to them, provided they were not joined to wives, and to do in the temple of Venus what her very name signifies. Whatever priestess conceived by such intercourse offered the offspring to Pallas, not to be killed, but to serve forever. Whoever from among these Tritonian priestesses obtained such a one as a wife was, after the birth of a child, praised as holy and very close to the gods. After the first birth each one was compelled to leave the temple, because the priestess who was now a mother had offered her chastity to Venus, and she could marry whomever she wished. Hunibald says more about these matters, which I pass over no less for the sake of modesty than of brevity.

Finally King Basanus led an army from the north toward the south, against the people called the Tegarañ, and it lies between Mainz and Saxony as far as the river Main. King Basan possessed all this land from the northern sea as far as the Main, between the Saxons and the Rhine, that is, from the mouths of the Rhine as far as Mainz; and, having built very strong cities and many garrisons, he fortified it so that it could not easily be overcome. The Saxons and Thuringians, enemies of the Romans, rejoiced together.

After this victory, the great King Basanus, on his birthday at Neopagus among the marshes of the Rhine and the sea, summoned his brothers and sons with many nobles of the kingdom to the solemnity. For seven days he performed sacred rites to the ancestral gods; he showed Jove, visible to all, clouded above the temple. On the eighth day, with the consent of all the nobles, he designated his firstborn son Clodomirus as king over the Sicambri. Afterward, in a marvelous song in the language of his people, he foretold future things to the nation, commended his sons, enjoined justice, and suddenly appeared nowhere. I do not know what divinity I should infer. As Amerodacus says, he was most eager for it; he cultivated justice, loved his subjects, was most dutiful to the good, most cruel to the wicked. To this day it is not known where he went. But the Sicambri, together with the Franks, having enrolled him among the gods, celebrated him for many years with sacred songs. He vanished in the public council.

Clodomer reigns for 18 years. The author is Ameradatus. In the thirty-sixth year of his reign, in the year 240 before the birth of Christ, he whom his own people named Basangot [unclear]. Clodomer, the firstborn son of Balangot the great king, succeeding in the kingdom just as his father had ordained with the consent of the princes, reigned eighteen years. In his first year, as soon as the Gauls heard that Basan had vanished, they did not doubt that he was dead; and therefore, sending envoys to Clodomer his son, they demanded back from him all the land between the Meuse and the Rhine which their ancestors, contrary to justice, had made violently subject to the Sicambri. But if he refused to do this, they threatened that they would recover everything by the sword. King Clodomer, however, as if he were going to hold counsel with his nobles concerning the pressing business, [unclear] the envoys of the Gauls...

On the Origin of the Franks.

Recovering the booty for their own men who had been despoiled, they returned. But the spoils of the enemy, which were many, they divided among their allied friends.

Meanwhile, when the Gauls who were living beyond the Rhine as far as the British Sea, the Morini, Ambiani, Tungri, and their friends who were in those regions, had heard that Diocles had left the kingdom with a great army of his people, they gathered in a great multitude and resolved utterly to destroy the Sicambri, who were on that side between the Meuse and the Rhine. When the leaders of the Sicambri learned this through scouts, they divided the army into three parts, arranging two in separate battle-lines against the enemy, while they placed the third in ambush. As the Gauls approached with only one line, when they saw that the Sicambri had two lines, they were thrown into confusion; but there was no time to arrange the lines otherwise, since the Sicambri at once directed their first line straight against the Gauls. The second line, breaking in from the side, shattered the order of the Gauls. And when the battle was fiercely fought, and the strength of the Gauls was giving way into flight, the Sicambri came upon them from ambush. Enclosed by the Sicambri, the Gauls were slaughtered like cattle, so that out of 88,000 scarcely 10,000 remained. For many were drowned in the river as they fled.

Exulting in this victory, the Sicambri sacrificed to their gods Jupiter and Venus not only animals, but also children and as many of the Gallic enemy as they had led away captive, offering the males to Jupiter and the females to Venus. From that time the Sicambri, enriched by the spoils of their enemies and by the deeds they had accomplished among the neighboring peoples, became feared throughout the surrounding region. Diocles, through all the days of his reign, had war with the Gauls, and there was scarcely a year in which he did not at least once move his army against them.

He died in the thirty-ninth year of his reign, 297 years before the birth of Christ. He left four sons, whose names were these: Helenus, Priamus, Nicanor, and Basanus, who themselves also left many sons after them.

Helenus, the eldest son of Diocles, reigned after his father for fourteen years, a wanton and idle man, in whose time the Gauls, often making raids, inflicted many losses on the Sicambri. Against them his brothers, with the princes of the kingdom, frequently led the army and fought with varying fortune, sometimes defeated and sometimes also victorious. But the king remained at home, idle and given over to lust.

In the thirteenth year of his reign, the Sicambri, assembled at Neopagus, by the common judgment of all deposed Helenus, an idle and useless king, from the kingdom and compelled him to return to private life, in the year 283 before the birth of Christ our Savior. In his place they elected his younger brother.

Basanus, the younger son of the late Diocles, after his brother Helenus had been deprived of rule, was appointed king by the common will and election of the Sicambri, and reigned for [unclear] years: a man wise in his generation, high-minded, warlike, and not inferior to his father in fortune. The Sicambri made him both king and pontiff of the sacred rites. Because of his wisdom and his wonderfully performed deeds they commonly called him great Basan, in the vernacular die groten Basan. For the Sicambri held him in such reverence and honor that they venerated him no differently than a true god. Under penalty of certain death, no one was permitted to contradict his command, even in the least matter. Wherever he went, he ordered a rope or cord to be carried before him, and a sword as a sign of justice, which he observed so firmly that he spared neither son nor brother, neither princes nor dukes, indeed no one, who had committed even a small offense against the law. By law he marked robbery, theft, adultery, deceit, fraud, and every injury or insult among the Sicambri as subject to the penalty of death, and he punished without any mercy all who offended even a little in these matters against the legal sanctions.

He had a young son named Sedanus. This man, led astray by youthful desire, had committed with the wife of a certain man of humble condition what he knew to be forbidden by law, and [unclear]. His father the king, learning of this matter, ordered him to be arrested and beheaded with a sword. Because of this, the mother of the young man and the king’s wife, who was the daughter of the king of the Orcades, was moved by very bitter sorrow, and, driven by womanly lack of restraint, cried out against the king: “O cruel tyrant, not king, you who practice cruelty under the title of law, how will you spare others, when you have slain your own son?” To her the king said before all the people: “Woman, it is yours to obey your husband, not to reproach the king. I swear to you by my god, Saturnian Jupiter, that if I were not moved by anger, I would kill you this very hour, you who have always been most dear to me.”

After eight days the king, by the judgment of the princes and nobles of the kingdom, repudiated the woman, although she was very beautiful and uniquely beloved by him above all the rest, and sent her back to her father, the king of the Orcades. From that time the Sicambri began to fear Basanus their king so greatly that no one among [unclear].

The Gauls, in the absence of their king, attempt to lay waste the Sicambri.

The Sicambri sacrificed to Jupiter and Venus.

Helenus reigned after his father for 14 years.

King Helenus is deposed.

Basanus, a great king and pontiff, reigns for 36 years.

The king, out of love for the law, beheads his own adulterous son.

King Basan repudiates his wife, who is angry over the killing of her son.

On the Origin of the Franks.

... in the matter, having drawn them out with fair words, he kept them with him for a rather long time; and, prudently taking care that no rumor of the things he had conceived in his mind should come to their knowledge, he ordered his men to provide for them abundantly in all things and to spend pleasant days with them. Meanwhile Clodomer, secretly sending messengers to the kings of Thuringia and Saxony, called them to his aid; with his own men, once a great army of fighters had been assembled, he conceived war in his mind against the Gauls. When matters had been arranged, he honorably dismissed the messengers; and lest anything concerning the armies already sent ahead could come to their knowledge on the road, he added companions from among his own men, as if for the conduct of a safe journey as far as Gaul, with letters.

The tenor of the letters contained this: “Clodomer the Great King. We marvel at you, Gauls, that you seek to receive from us the land which our forefathers once obtained from yours by the law of war, as from their enemies, from whom they had received many wrongs, by just vicissitude. Consider that your strength is unequal to ours; cease from this rashness of yours. Since I know that you wish to come against us, we have resolved to meet you with spirits unbroken, and to defend with the sword what our ancestors acquired with the sword.” When the Gauls learned these things, they assembled a great army and, after a bridge had been built over the river Meuse, led the army across against the Sicambri, leaving a guard around the bridge lest it be occupied by their adversaries.

King Clodomer dissembled all these things as though he did not know them; and, having drawn up his soldiers, he divided the army into four parts, having in each one more than thirty-six thousand fighters. He arranged two parts into as many battle-lines. The third he placed in ambush. The fourth he sent around from the flank so that, after killing the guards, they might seize the bridge first. Therefore the Gauls came, themselves having two battle-lines; they engaged with the Sicambri not far from the river Meuse, near the fortress of Delon. But the Sicambri, like men in flight, gradually withdrew, until they had drawn the Gauls farther from the river, as far as the place of the ambush. There indeed a fierce battle was joined. For the Sicambri stood firm, fighting bravely with the Gauls. Meanwhile Clodomer’s fourth army, wheeling around, occupied the bridge. When the signal of this event had been received, those who were lying hidden burst out from the ambush and attack the Gauls, fighting fiercely. At last the Gauls took flight; since they did not know that the bridge had been occupied beforehand by the Sicambri, they hastened to retreat. And behold, suddenly they saw that they were shut in among the enemy, and almost all were miserably cut down and slaughtered, a few escaping to the woods by the speed of their horses. Hunibald wrote at sufficient length the rest of the brave deeds done by King Clodomer. King Clodomer died in the eighteenth year of his reign, in the year 224 before the birth of Christ, leaving three sons: Nicanor, Helianus, and Helenus.

Nicanor, the firstborn of King Clodomer, succeeding his father, reigned twenty-six years. In his time the Goths and Slavs again invaded the borders of the Saxons; against them, when asked by the king of Saxony, he went forth to war and returned victorious, enriched with many spoils. He waged battle with the king of the Arcadians in favor of the king of Britain, his father-in-law, whose daughter, named Constantia, he had as wife. By her he had five sons: Marcomer, Anthenor, Priam, Helenus, and Clodius. The firstborn succeeded his father in the kingdom. The second ruled the maritime regions. The third died in England. The fourth held the duchy in Germany on this side of the Rhine, between Saxony, the Rhine, and Mainz. The fifth was duke between the rivers Meuse and Rhine. King Nicanor died in the twenty-sixth year of his reign, in the year 196 before the birth of Christ.

Marcomer, the elder son of Nicanor, succeeding his father, reigned eighteen years: a prince of singular prudence and moderation, dutiful toward his subjects, severe toward enemies. For he, excellently taught by the priests of the sacrifices of Jove in all the wisdom of the ancients, in prophecies, predictions, dreams, and auguries, had no equal among the Germans. He frequently had the brave deeds of his ancestors recited before him in the temple in the palace and sung in his native songs. He waged many battles, victorious against the Romans, Gauls, Goths, and various peoples; Hunibald, the historiographer of the Franks, diligently wrote their sequence. He died in the twenty-third year of his reign, in the year 158 before the birth of Christ.

Clodius, the firstborn son of King Marcomer, succeeding his father, reigned eleven years. In his time the Gauls, with the aid of the Romans, making an incursion beyond the Meuse, greatly crushed the Sicambri. In the last year of his reign, after assembling a very great army both of his own men and of Saxons, he again fought with the Gauls, by whom, since he did not keep himself sufficiently cautiously in the column, he was killed. The Sicambri, however, notwithstanding the king’s death, pursued the war and defeated the Gauls. King Clodius was killed in the year 156 before the birth of Christ, and in the eleventh year of his reign.

Anthenor, the elder son of Clodius, reigned after his father for sixteen years. He made a truce with the Gauls for ten years; it pleased the Romans. King Anthenor was more a lover of peace than of war. He would gladly have avenged his father’s murder, but at that time he could not. This king forbade the sons of enemies to be sacrificed to the gods. He died in the year 121 before the birth of Christ, and in the sixteenth year of his reign.

The Gauls demand Monapia back from the Sicambri.

Clodomer replied to the Gauls’ demands in this manner.

The Sicambri overcome, defeat, and kill the Gauls, [unclear].

Nicanor, son, king, reigns twenty-six years.

Marcomer reigned after his father twenty-eight years.

Clodius the Sicambrian reigned eleven years.

Anthenor the Sicambrian reigned sixteen years.

Amber the Sicambrian reigned [unclear].

Johannes Trithemius

King Clodomer reigned 20 years. Clodomer, son of Anthenor, reigned after his father for twenty years. In his first year the Romans overthrew the Numantines through Scipio and brought them under their power. In his sixth year the Gauls, after the truce which they had made with his father, King Anthenor, ten years before had ended, gathered a great army and crossed the Meuse. Clodomer met them, and a very severe battle was joined, and many fell on both sides. But the Gauls who remained withdrew, and as long as King Clodomer lived they crossed the Meuse no more. King Clodomer died in the 121st year before the birth of the Lord, and in the twentieth year after receiving the kingdom of the Sicambri.

King Merodactus reigned twenty-eight years. Merodach, the first-born son of Clodomer, reigned after his father for twenty-eight years, a vigorous, very bold, and exceedingly warlike prince, who waged many wars against the Romans, the Gauls, the Mainz people, the Trier people, and the Cologne people. For, with Saxons and Germans as auxiliaries, he led an army of 220,000 fighters against the Romans into Italy; and, devastating the region, he reached as far as Ravenna with his forces, and, enriched with much spoil, returned victorious to his own lands. Yet on his return he grievously afflicted many colonies of the Romans and inflicted great losses upon them. Hence, after many victories as well as battles, the Romans at last, joining the Gauls to themselves, advanced to war against him in the borders of the Sicambri, between the Meuse and the Rhine. And lest the Saxons, according to their custom, should come to the aid of the Sicambri, the Romans first drew away the Slavs and Goths, who were to make incursions into the borders of eastern Saxony. King Merodach therefore had as his helper the northern king of the Cimbri with one hundred thousand fighters and islanders. Of his own men, however, he had two hundred thousand.

And so in the twenty-second year of his reign Marius, prince of the Romans, sent the Roman legions together with the Gauls, under the leadership of Theodomenus, beyond the Meuse against the Sicambri, and at the same time they fought fiercely; and many thousands on both sides fell dead, and the Sicambri fled. For on their side twenty thousand were killed and more were captured.

After this Merodach, renewing his army, again both invaded and overcame the Gauls. He died in the ninety-third year before the birth of Christ, in the twenty-eighth year of his reign.

Cassander, succeeding his father in the kingdom, reigned for twenty-one years. In his time the Gauls, with auxiliary Roman soldiery, crossed the river Meuse and often harried the borders of the Sicambri. Borbista, king of the Goths, fought bravely against them, and came with a very great number of fighters together with the king of the Saxons; a fierce battle was joined. Borbista, king of the Goths, fled, having lost many of his own. Afterwards [Pugnatus?] again devastated the region, plundered the Saxons as far as the river Vistula, and fled back. He often fought against the Gauls, often victorious, and no less at times scorned by fortune. He died in the seventy-second year before the birth of Christ, in the twenty-first year of his reign.

Antharius, the first-born son of King Cassander, reigned thirty-five years. Of him Hunibald writes that he crushed the Mainz people, Roman colonists, with a pitiable slaughter. With an innumerable army he entered Gaul, burned villages, and carried back endless booty and spoils. But when he had grown old, in the last year of his reign, the Gauls again burst into Batavia; he met them with an army and was killed with twenty thousand of his men. The Gauls made a great slaughter against the Sicambri. He was killed in the thirty-eighth year before the birth of Christ, in the thirty-fifth year of his reign.

Francus, the elder son of King Antharius, succeeding his father, reigned twenty-six years. From him the Sicambri thereafter obtained the name of Franks, which they retain down to the present day. For he was a fierce man, warlike, and the most keen defender of his people; he waged many wars with foreign nations, always victorious, and a glorious triumphator. In his third year the Goths again, together with the Scandinavian peoples, laid waste the borders of Saxony and settled there for ten years. But when, successively, they were always bursting into Saxony more and more, the Saxons, compelled by fear of them, called Francus, king of the Sicambri, together with the Thuringians, to their aid; and with a multitude of 230,000 fighters they advanced to war against the Goths. The Sicambri, however, fighting more boldly than the rest and frequently invoking the name of their king in battle as if it were some divine power, cried out, shouting: “Here, Frank! Here, Frank!” From that time that people changed its name, and little by little not only among themselves but also by other nations they were called Franks rather than Sicambri, until at last that name prevailed everywhere, so that they were called Franks and no longer, or only rarely, Sicambri, as Salagastald testifies. For the people itself took such delight in the novelty of the name that they asked the king and princes to sanction by perpetual edict that they should no longer be called Sicambri, but Franks. This request pleased the king, as one who desired the immortality of his name--

On the Origin of the Franks

…to attain immortality, and for the nation to be distinguished by his own name. He decreed that henceforth they should no longer be called Sicambri, but Franks, that is, noble, free, or warlike, and to be feared by the other nations. Yet the name Sicambrian was brought into oblivion not suddenly, but over much time and by degrees, as is found among the writers of those times, who sometimes called them Sicambri, sometimes Franks.

Remigius also, bishop of Rheims, when he was about to baptize Clovis, king of the Franks, who was the first of the Frankish kings to become Christian, after the Alemanni had been overcome, in the presence of a multitude of nobles, said to him as he laid aside the royal ornaments and humbled himself at the font, with all of us hearing, in another intelligible voice: “Meekly bow your neck, Sicamber; adore what you burned; burn what you adored,” that is, adore Christ, whose churches you burned as a pagan; burn the idols which you then adored.

This King Francus, after the Goths had been driven from the borders of the Saxons, on his return with his army met a messenger saying that the Gauls had crossed the Meuse, had laid waste the region, and had withdrawn with a great booty of spoils. Immediately King Francus, having accepted eighty thousand Saxons as auxiliaries, joined with his own an army of [unclear] thousand fighters, crossed the Rhine, and came as far as the Meuse. Seeing the desolation of the region which the Gauls had made, he was moved in spirit and swore, saying: “See, my fellow-soldiers, what these treaty-breaking Gauls have done. I swear by the head of my father Antharius that I will give no rest to my head until I have avenged myself on them.” And all praised his purpose.

Thus, when the Meuse had been crossed, he stationed forty thousand to guard the bridge; with the rest of the army he advanced into Gaul and made such slaughter as none of the Sicambri before him either could or dared to imagine. For, advancing as far as the river Tabul toward the sea, from the north he consumed the Tarubani, the Tongri, the Legii, and whatever lies between or beside them, with fire and sword so cruelly that he spared neither infants nor women. He routed the Gauls who engaged him with such fierceness that he seemed to be some divine power, not a man. Hence all the nations round about, greatly terrified, called them Franks, that is, fierce men. More than two hundred thousand Gauls fell by the sword of the Franks, with men, women, boys, and infants.

Moved by this, the Senate and People of Rome sent legions of soldiers against the Germans, with Marcus Lollius as commander; for they could not safely attack the Franks unless they had first overcome the Saxons. At first the Romans were victorious and killed eighteen thousand Germans. But when King Francus heard of the slaughter the Romans had made, he sent his son Chlogio as commander, with a great army of fighters, against the Romans; after many of them had been killed, they compelled the rest to flee, in the twenty-fourth year of King Francus.

Francus, king of the Franks, after many deeds bravely done, died in the twenty-eighth year of his reign, but in the ninth year before the birth of Christ. His wars, customs, institutions, and laws were written by Clodomer, the supreme pontiff, in verse, and by Hunibald in prose.

Chlogio, the elder son of King Francus, succeeded his father and reigned thirty years: a most cunning man, an augur, seer, and wondrous magician. His mother Lothildis, daughter of the king of the Thuringians, was high priestess of the temple of Pallas; by her arts she drove mad all the enemies whom she wished against her son and the Franks. Clodomer, counsellor of the Franks, writes great things about these matters in Hunibald, things which exceed belief.

In the tenth year of his reign, King Chlogio, at the insistence of his mother, appointed his second-born son, named Phrisus, prince and duke of that region which afterward from his name has been called Phrisia down to the present day, against the incursions of the Cimbri and the Orchades. After ten years, with King Chlogio and all the Franks permitting, Phrisus was raised to kingship, yet on this condition, that he should pay tribute to the Franks each year: three hundred sixty oxen, twenty talents of pure butter, and three thousand royal cheeses. And thus Phrisia became a most powerful kingdom.

In the tenth year of the aforesaid Chlogio, king of the Franks, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born in Bethlehem, a city of the tribe of Judah among the Jews in the province of Palestine. Before this, in the fourth year of Chlogio, the Romans laid waste Germany in hostile fashion, sometimes defeated and sometimes also victorious. Concerning the other deeds of Chlogio, his wars, prophecies, oracles, truces, and actions done with the Romans, see Hunibald. He died in the year of the Lord 20, but in the thirtieth year of his reign, after many deeds magnificently performed.

Herimer, the second-born son of King Chlogio, reigned after his father for twelve years, a man exceedingly warlike and bold. In the third year of his reign the Gauls, leading an army as far as the Meuse, in an unexpected hostile incursion [unclear] everything which seemed to belong to the Franks, or to consent to them [unclear].

Johannes Trithemius

They laid waste [unclear], and, after gathering booty, withdrew. When this became known to Herimer, he summoned to himself the leaders beyond the Meuse, deposed them, and, after fining [unclear] with the goods of the Franks, reduced them to private life. For he had prescribed this: a man placed in authority under the king of the Franks [unclear]. For he had prescribed this: a man established in authority under the king of the Franks [unclear] is reduced to private life. For this was the chief provision: if through [his?] negligence enemies invade and injure the land of our people, he shall pay half of his honors into the common purse of the king, and shall no longer be prince. If he willingly permitted this, he shall be punished with death, and his wives, with his children and goods, shall belong to the king.

After this he himself crossed the Meuse, fought many wars with the Gauls, and withdrew and fled, sometimes victorious and sometimes also defeated. At last, however, when the Romans were bringing aid to the Gauls in the war, he was killed in the twelfth year of his reign, and in the thirty-second year of the Lord’s nativity, while Christ himself was preaching salvation to the human race in Judea.

Marcomerus reigned eighteen years.

Marcomerus, brother of Herimer, succeeding to the kingdom of the Franks, reigned eighteen years. In his second year Jesus, the Son of God, suffered and died in Judea according to the flesh, and, rising from death on the third day, lives forever. In his fourteenth year Claudius Caesar of the Romans made Britain and the Orkney islands tributary to the Romans. By crossing between the Meuse and the Rhine he grievously afflicted the Franks, and with the aid of the Gauls forced them to retreat as far as the islands of the Rhine. King Marcomerus died in the fiftieth year of the Lord, and the eighteenth of his reign.

Clodomarus reigned twelve years.

Clodomerus, son of Marcomerus, succeeding his father in the kingdom, reigned twelve years. Crossing the Rhine with the army of his own people and of the Saxons, he compelled the Gauls to retreat beyond the Meuse, and recovered everything that had been lost. With the aid of the Germans he waged war against the Romans not far from Mainz and laid waste the fields of the Treveri. He died in the twelfth year of his reign, and in the sixty-second year of Christ.

Anthenor reigned six years.

Anthenor, son of Clodomarus, succeeding his father, reigned six years. Throughout all the time he reigned he waged war with the Gauls, and for this cause he died miserably. For in the last year of his reign he led an army over the river Meuse after a bridge had been built, and, laden with much plunder, returned without waiting for the Gauls. When part of the army of the Franks had crossed the river and the king with others was remaining last on the bank, suddenly the bridge, overloaded by the multitude of horsemen, broke and fell, and many were killed. The king, stunned and dismayed in spirit, was taking counsel with those who had remained with him about recovering the bridge, when it was announced to him that the Gauls were present with a great army and ready to fight. But since they were few, it did not seem safe to him to await the presence of the Gauls; and yet he could not flee otherwise than through the river. Therefore, throwing away his arms and whatever could weigh him down, keeping his belt over his tunic and his sword, he mounted his horse and tried to cross the river. The other foot-soldiers did likewise, having nowhere to flee, and entrusted themselves to the waters. Some of these reached the bank by swimming; the rest were submerged by the force of the waves, among them King Anthenor. With him perished nine most noble dukes of the Franks, all born of royal stock, namely: Duke Priamus, Duke Clodius, Duke Richimer, Duke Anthenor, Duke Marcomet, Duke Walther, Duke Clogio, Duke Herimer, and Duke [Luthvicie?], with sixty-three other nobles. And so Anthenor perished in the sixth year of his reign, the sixty-eighth year of the Lord’s nativity.

Ratherius, after the death of his father, reigned twenty-one years. In his second year Nero Caesar of the Romans began the first persecution against the Christians, in the fourteenth year of his rule, and committed other dreadful crimes. King Ratherius, however, was in conflict with the Gauls and Romans on all the days of his reign, and fought several battles with them. He died in the twenty-first year of his reign, in the eighty-ninth year of the Lord’s nativity.

Richimer, succeeding his father, reigned thirty-three years. He waged war with the Goths and came out victorious. For in the eleventh year of his reign the Goths were again laying waste the territories of the Saxons and Germans by a hostile incursion. Therefore Windekind, king of the Saxons, Richimerus, king of the Franks, and Hermanfrid, king of the Thuringians, engaging the Goths with a very great army of their peoples, killed twenty thousand of them and put the rest to flight. There is a town beside the river Oder named Franckenfurt, which the Franks are said to have founded at that time, after obtaining victory over the Goths. There King Richimerus appointed his second-born son duke, and left with him a great part of the army. The king [unclear] the wives, children, and all their household goods back into [Cisthenan?] Francia to them.

The name of the duke, the king’s son, was Suimo. His son Clodomer succeeded him in the dukedom, and the successor and son of that man was Suimo the Second, who in the year of the Lord 146 founded a city at the outlet of the river Spre-[Sui?], not far from the Germanic Sea, and from his own name called it Suimonia. They remained in that land for a long time, retaining the name of Franks, until at last they were called Marcomeri from a certain duke Marcomerus, whose son Brand built the city of Brandenburg.

On the Origin of the Franks

In the fifth year of King Richimer, Domitian Caesar of the Romans, the younger brother of Titus, after Nero stirred up the second persecution against the Christians; he also, first of all the Caesars, in his sixth year, ordered himself to be called Lord and God.

King Richimer, in the eleventh year of his reign, waged war with the Roman Gauls not far from the city of Basana, which is now called Aachen. At the same time the legions of Roman soldiers at Cologne, after a war with the Franks had been engaged not very successfully, on receiving news of the death of Caesar Cocceius Nerva, made Ulpius Trajanus Crinitus, a Spaniard by nation, emperor. He stirred up the third persecution against the Christians. Later, having been instructed, he ordered that Christians should not be sought out, but that only those who presented themselves voluntarily ought to be killed. Afterwards, however, changed again, he raised a fourth persecution against them. Richimer, king of the Franks, died in the year of the Lord 113, in the twenty-fourth year of his reign.

Odemar, the first-born son of Richimer, king of the Franks, reigned after his father for thirteen years, a prince very beloved by the people of the Franks. He abstained from wars as far as could be done. He made truces, that is, truces or assurances, with the Gauls and Romans, and showed himself so much a friend of both that all lamented his death. Therefore, having peace with everyone, he devoted all his zeal to the dignity and adornment of the nation, renewing laws and establishing new cities and fortifications. Among many cities he founded one in his own name, in the land that was called Tuendia, which lies between the Saxons and the Franks, bordering near the little river Vecht; he ordered it to be called Odemarshesin, in the fourth year of his reign, and in the 117th year of the Lord’s nativity. King Odemar died in the fourteenth year of his reign, and in the year of the Lord 128.

Marcomer, son of Odemar, reigned after his father for twenty-one years. He had as wife the daughter of the king of Britain, named Athildis, by whom he begot seven sons, whose names are these: Clodomer, who succeeded his father in the kingdom; Marcomer, who was duke among the Nitriones and founded a city of his own name, called Marcoburg; Clogio, who perished in Britain; Franc, who was duke among the Hogian peoples from Coblenz as far as the Main, toward the east between the people of Mainz and the Saxons, who, restoring the old city Helenopolis beside the bank of the Main, ordered it to be called Frankfurt; Merodac, who died when struck by a boar in the hunt; Nicanor, who was duke of the island of Holland; and Odemar, whom his father appointed pontiff of sacred rites. At that time Doracus, counsellor and philosopher of the Franks, flourished, a man eminently learned in all the sciences of the world, who presided over songs and annals. The Franks had peace all the days in which Marcomer reigned, and under him they greatly increased in wealth and power, augmented in number and dignity. Doracus writes in the annals, as Hunibald reports, that the Romans always regarded the Franks with suspicion both in war and in peace, as though [unclear] by name Hasildis, by whom he begot three sons, Farabert, Nicanor. The elder by birth succeeded his father. The second was king of Phrista. The third, Rorich, was drowned in a river, from whom the name Rora has remained for the river down to the present day, between the castle Neocum [unclear] for the most part happened under Paramund and his followers. King Marcomer died in the twenty-first year of his reign, in the year of the Lord 148.

But in the year of the Lord 165.

Clodomer, the first-born son of King Marcomer, reigned after his father for seventeen years. He was a prudent, modest, and active man. He had as wife the daughter of the duke of the Rugii, named Hasildis, by whom he begot three sons: Farabert; the third, Rorich, was drowned in a river, from whom the name Rora remained for the river down to the present day between the castle Neocum. The elder succeeded his father. The second was king of Phrista. The third, Rorich, was drowned, from whom the river Rora [unclear] down to the present day between the castle Neocum. For the most part it happened under Paramund and his followers. King Marcomer died in the twentieth year of his reign, but in the year of the Lord 175.

But in the year of the Lord 185.

Farabert, son of Clodomer, the elder by birth, reigned after his father for twenty years. Of his [unclear]

Suimo reigned eighteen years and fought many battles with the Gauls and Romans. For in his time Severus Caesar of the Romans brought Britain, which is now England, back again into subjection to the Romans, which did not please Suimo and his princes. Therefore, when Severus had died in Britain, Suimo laid waste Gaul in the penultimate year of his reign and returned victorious. He died in the 148th year of his reign, and in the 223rd year of the Lord’s nativity.

Suimo reigned 28 years.

Johannes Trithemius. Hilderic reigned 40 years.

Hilderic, the elder son of Suimo, succeeding his father, reigned forty years, a man powerful in arms and of great prudence. On an island of the Rhine he built a very strong castle, not far from Neoco, which he called Hildeburg from his own name. In his time flourished Hildegast, the wisest philosopher of the Franks, counsellor and seer, or prophet, born of royal seed, who succeeded Odemar in the highest pontificate. For forty-six years he was of such opinion and reputation among the Franks that he was heard by all as though he were some divine power, and gave commands both to kings and dukes and to the whole people of the Franks as if he were God and Lord.

The prophecy of Hildegast concerning [arvosa Friderum], that is, the lion and the serpent.

On the birthday of King Hilderic, standing in the temple of Jove at Neopagus before the image of that very god, after prayers poured forth for prophecy, he began to rave, as is the custom with those prophesying; and with head shaken and hands curved back, he prophesied thus: “Victory comes to the Franks from the western god, whom the ancient Dardanian fathers worshipped. Whatever the Gaul possesses, whatever all Germany possesses, all will yield to your right, warlike Sicambrian. When he has given you the first king from the name, whom the princes and dukes without a king shall establish, while he reigns the Frank will reign without end.” Concerning the Romans too he added these words: “Behold, the great god will give the Frank the brothel-camps, and the lion will break the eagle, the serpent [unclear].”

For they had been more accustomed to live in fields than in cities or in beautiful or elaborate dwellings. Often, indeed, by command of their kings they were compelled to change their seats and homes, and therefore they did not care for beautiful buildings. But Hildegast taught them more cultivated speech and manners, and to build houses divided into different apartments. For whatever they had constructed before, through excessive simplicity, was contemptible. Hence the Germans, taking up a proverb, when they see anything made or painted with ancient simplicity, are accustomed to say down to this day: “This is an old work of the Franks.” Das ist ein alt Fränckisch Werck. The rest concerning Hilderic is in Hunibald. He died in the fortieth year of his reign, and in the 253rd year of the Lord’s birth.

Bertherius, son of King Hilderic, reigned after his father for seventeen years. In his time the Romans, who were staying in legions in Gaul on this side of the Rhine, waged war with the Suevic Alemanni, leading their army to Augusta, the city of the Raetians, which is now in Swabia, in the seventh year of Berther, king of the Franks, where Valerian was created Augustus by the soldiers in the army, and Gallienus was called Caesar by the senate at Rome, Gallus and Volusianus having been killed by Aemilianus.

The Franks devastated Italy, Gaul, and Spain.

In Berther’s tenth year, Germans, with the aid of the Franks and Saxons, entered the territories of the Romans as enemies, and, devastating everything, came as far as Ravenna.

Clodius reigned 27 years.

In Berther’s eleventh year, the Alemanni crossed the Rhine, entered Gaul with a great army, and, coming as far as Trier, cruelly devastated everything with fire and sword. Proceeding from there, they reached as far as Italy and inflicted many losses on the Romans. In the following year the Franks, having the Germans and Saxons as allies, by order of King Berther, under the dukes Anther, his son, and Luther, son of the king of the Saxons, ranged through Gaul with a great army and devastated it, beginning from the region of the Tungri, through the [Belucaci?] as far as the Seine, and farther, devastating everything, they reached as far as Spain and overthrew the city of Tarragona. King Berther died in the eighteenth year of his reign, in the year of the Lord 261.

The Franks went again into Gaul.

Clodius reigned 27 years.

In Berther’s eleventh year, the Alemanni crossed the Rhine, entered Gaul with a great army, and, coming as far as Trier, cruelly devastated everything with fire and sword. As they proceeded from there, they reached as far as Italy and inflicted many losses on the Romans. In the following year the Franks, having the German Saxons as allies, by order of King Berther, under the dukes Anther, his son, and Luther, son of the king of the Saxons, ranged through Gaul with a great army and devastated it, beginning from the region of the Tungri, through [Belucae?] as far as the Seine, and farther, devastating everything, they reached as far as Spain and overthrew the city of Tarragona. King Berther died in the eighteenth year of his reign, in the year of the Lord 351.

In Berther’s eleventh year, the Alemanni crossed the Rhine, entered Gaul with a great army, and, coming as far as Trier, cruelly devastated everything with fire and sword. As they proceeded from there, they reached as far as Italy, having the German Saxons by order of King Berther under the dukes Anther, his son, and Luther, son of the king of the Saxons; with a great army they ranged through Gaul and devastated it, beginning from the region of the Tungri, through [Belucae?] as far as the Seine, and farther, devastating everything, they reached as far as Spain and overthrew the city of Tarragona. King Berther died in the eighteenth year of his reign, in the year of the Lord 361.

Clodius, son of Berther, reigned after his father for twenty-eight years. In his eighth year the Romans expelled the Franks from the territories of Spain and inner Gaul, many being slain on both sides. For the Franks withdrew as far as their old seats on the Meuse.

Thereafter, in the twelfth year of his reign, King Clodius, desiring to avenge himself on the Romans, again invaded Gaul through his dukes, and many thousands of the Romans were killed by the Franks. And so

The Franks held a great part of inner Gaul for seven years.

In the nineteenth year of King Clodius, the Romans came again under the commander Probus, and again expelled the Franks from Gaul, with not a few of their own men killed and destroyed in war on both sides.

In these times of Clodius also the Roman empire was variously governed, because not

50

On the Origin of the Franks.

...suffered no small loss from the Franks, Germans, Suebi, that is, Alemanni, and Saxons. But in the eleventh year of King Clodius, Claudius Caesar led the Roman army against the Suebi; the Suebi, meeting him not far from Lake Benacus with thirty thousand men, fought fiercely. At length the victory fell to the Romans, and more than twelve thousand of the Suebi fell, the rest seeking safety in flight.

King Clodius died in the seventeenth year of his reign, and in the year 288 of the Lord’s Nativity.

Walther, son of King Clodius, reigned after his father for eight years. In his first year Diocletian began at Rome and ruled for nearly twenty years; he was of such arrogance and pride that he ordered himself to be publicly worshipped as God.

In the first, second, third, and fourth years of King Walther there were great disturbances in Britain, which is now England. For, after Lucius, king of the Britons, had died some years before, he who first had received the Christian faith from Pope Eleutherius in the time of Suimon, son of Pharabert, king of the Franks, in the year of Christ 188, the Romans appointed Severus, a senator, in his place and sent him into Britain with two legions; when he landed, the Britons received him at the shore with war.

After he was at length slain at York, Carausius, born in Britain of the lowest rank, was declared king with the consent of the Romans and exercised much tyranny. When he at last had been killed, in the times of Walther, king of the Franks, the Romans sent Alexius in his place with three legions of soldiers. But the Britons, unable to bear the rule of the Romans any longer, themselves appointed Asclepiodotus as their king, and killed Alexius with two legions of Romans. But they besieged Gallus the prefect with the third legion at London; when he saw that he could not resist, after receiving permission to depart, he surrendered the city. Asclepiodotus began in the eighth year of Walther and reigned ten years.

The Romans were powerful in these times and ruled many nations. The Franks, however, were afflicted by the utmost hatred of the Romans; nevertheless they remained quiet, silently awaiting the prophecy of their prophets, which had not yet arrived. King Walther died in the eighth year of his reign, in the year of the Lord 296.

Dagobert, son of King Walther, reigned after his father for eleven years. He was very gentle toward his subjects; hence it came about that great and small revered him as a father, each pursuing him with great reverence and honor.

In the fourth year of Dagobert, king of the Franks, Coel, duke of Gloucester, rising against his lord Asclepiodotus, king of the Britons, induced by the promises of the Romans, killed him in war. Rejoicing at this news, the Romans sent Constantius, a senator, who had previously subdued Spain for them, a man no less prudent than bold. When Coel heard that he had landed on the shore, he sent messengers, sought peace, and promised tribute to the Romans, provided only that he might have the kingdom. Constantius agreed. These terms having been settled, Coel died within forty days; soon afterward Constantius took his daughter, named Helena, to whom no maiden in the land was equal in beauty, knowledge of the liberal arts, and skill with musical instruments. [unclear] afterward succeeded in the kingdom, and prevailed not only over the Britons but also against Maxentius for the empire of the Romans.

For Constantius, having been made emperor, made Constantine Caesar and entrusted Gaul to him. At that time the Alemanni occupied Gaul in great power; Caesar Constantine waged war with them in the fourth year of the aforesaid Dagobert, king of the Franks, at the city of Langres in Gaul, and killed sixty thousand of them. Dagobert, king of the Franks, died in the eleventh year of his reign, in the year of the Lord 307.

Clogio, son of Dagobert, succeeding his dead father, reigned only two years. For in the second year of his reign the Romans fiercely invaded the kingdom of the Franks around the Meuse and the Rhine, namely in that year in which Constantius, dying at York in Britain, commended the kingdom and empire to his son Constantine with his mother.

When therefore Clogio, king of the Franks, fought rather incautiously, he was intercepted by the Romans and killed, leaving two sons, of whom the elder by birth was then in his thirtieth year, while the younger by birth, Richimer, was eighteen. But by the law of the Franks it was forbidden for anyone to be advanced as king unless he had completed the twenty-fourth year of his age. Hence it came about that neither of Clogio’s sons could come to the kingdom, but their paternal uncle, by election of the princes, was crowned king. King Clogio was slain in the second year of his reign, and in the year of Christ 309.

The Alemanni, that is, the Suebi, are cut down by the Romans.

Walther reigns for 8 years.

The Romans occupy Britain, England.

The Britons [unclear] of the Romans [unclear].

The Franks’ and Romans’ accustomed hatred.

Dagobert reigned 11 years.

Asclepiodotus, king of Britain, is killed.

Constantius the Roman becomes king of Britain, afterward Caesar.

Clogio reigned for 2 years.

Killed by the Romans.

The law of the Franks.

Johannes Trithemius

Clodomer reigns for 18 years. Genebald, duke of the Franks, fights against the Romans.

Clodomer, the brother of Clogio, reigned after him for eighteen years. In his second year the Alemanni, who are also Suebi, having been severely afflicted by the Romans, called the Franks, Thuringians, and Saxons to their aid, warning and entreating them not to delay in coming swiftly to help them, considering that, if the Romans, as they had conceived in their minds, should prevail, the Franks, Saxons, and Thuringians would without doubt soon be attacked by them. When these matters had been recognized, King Clodomer appointed his brother Genebald commander of the army, and placed under him eighty thousand men. The other kings also did likewise; having been called to their aid, they joined auxiliary soldiers to the Alemanni and formed a great army, and, assembling against the Romans, fought fiercely and killed more than forty-six thousand of them; the rest sought safety in flight.

When the Germans had obtained this victory and were dividing the spoils in the camp according to their accustomed manner, there arose between two soldiers, one of whom was a Thuringian, a certain disturbance, which grew so great that a dangerous sedition followed. For each had many men of his own people adhering to him. Nevertheless, through the intervention of the authority of the dukes and princes, they ceased from tumult on that occasion. The cause of the disturbance was that the Suebian soldier, named Adelbert, had said that a Thuringian named Gunther had secretly taken away something from the booty common to all. But when the Thuringian denied the theft, the Suebian offered to prove his statement by duel. When the princes allowed this, the combat of single battle was undertaken, and the Thuringian was killed by the Alemannian in the second encounter. When his body had been stripped of its arms and clothing, the theft too of which he had been accused was found in his possession. At this shame the Thuringians were stirred in mind beyond measure. Yet, concealing their anger, one hundred and twenty men afterward held counsel apart as to how they might avenge Gunther, who had been slain, upon Adelbert the Suebian, and ordered everything to be kept most secret.

Therefore, on the following night they rushed upon the tent in which they suspected Adelbert the Suebian to be, and cried out, “Hand over to us the murderer, that he may die.” What more? They run to arms. The Suebi determined to defend their innocent soldier, or to die with him, and, rushing against those one hundred and twenty Thuringians, almost all were slaughtered. When this was announced in the camp of the Thuringians, at once driven to fury, at daybreak they rushed upon the Suebi, shouting in madness, “Ogyverrederß hoeß vwichi.” But the Suebi, not sluggish, seized their arms and defended themselves bravely. A fierce battle was joined between friends, in which more than twelve thousand Thuringians were killed by the Suebi; the rest, slipping away in flight, came to the camp of the Franks, who were distant from them by about two leagues. For the matter had become known neither to the Franks nor to the Saxons until it had been carried out, because they had pitched camp not in the same place, but far from one another.

After this, the princes and dukes of the Franks and Saxons labored with great efforts for peace and concord between the Alemanni and the Thuringians; but since both sides complained that they had been gravely injured, they could not restore full peace. They did, however, obtain truces for three years, during which the parties were to abstain from war, until in the meantime, as the disturbance of the commotion cooled, it should be allayed. From that time down to our age there remains a perpetual hidden discord between the Suebi and the Thuringians, although many do not know the cause, and they pursue one another mutually.

In the sixth year of Clodomer, king of the Franks, when the truces or agreements between the aforesaid peoples had ended, the Alemanni declared war on the Thuringians. But the Thuringians, distrusting their own resources, sent noble and distinguished messengers to King Clodomer and the nobles of the Franks, asking with great urgency that, as friends, they would deign to send forces to their aid against the Alemanni. At that time there were great movements of peoples in Britain and in all the surrounding islands. The king of the Franks, because the settlements of his people were not far distant from Britain, was in great anxiety, fearing the treacheries of the Romans, lest perhaps they should make an incursion by land and harass the borders of the Franks, as indeed they had often done before.

Therefore, after taking counsel with his men, he answered the envoys of the Thuringians in a public assembly of the magnates, saying: “Through Duke Genebald, my very dear brother, I have long understood what was the cause, friends Thuringians, of the discord between you and the Alemanni, and of those disturbances which today are at the gates. But you yourselves know very well that the Romans with the Gauls press upon us daily and observe most diligently whether by any occasion they might be able to destroy our kingdom. Therefore I do not judge it prudent for us in these perilous times to divide the people and, with our own affairs neglected, to guard those of others. If we could do this without danger to ourselves, as we have often done before, we would do it now also with friendly service. For the distance of the places is too great for us to fight against the Alemanni, since they hold the beginning and source of the Rhine, while we hold its farthest mouths.”

When these things had been heard from the king of the Franks, the envoys of the king of Thuringia answered: “Lord king of Francia, and you nobles of the Franks, listen. We have a broad, fertile, and pleasant land; wherefore, if it pleases you, it is

On the Origin of the Franks.

[unclear] our king, with the whole people of the Thuringians, [is ready?] to give to your people an excellent land, which is by the banks of the Main and among the Alemanni, so that it may be a wall for us and the destruction of the Alemanni. At the petition of the Thuringians, the Franks gave their consent and accepted what was offered.

Therefore in the year of the Lord’s nativity 316, which was the seventh year of Clodomir, king of the Franks, on the nineteenth day of April, there went out from Cismarine Francia, where now are Utrecht, Holland, Guelders, Zeeland, part of Frisia and Westphalia, and also Brabant with many adjacent lands, thirty thousand armed men and two thousand six hundred eighty-six farmers and craftsmen of various trades, with their wives, children, and possessions, chosen and approved by the king to go up into the land which the Thuringians had promised to give to the Franks; and they received it with great joy.

The king appointed as duke over the people sent out and the whole army his brother Genebald, who in earlier years had fought with the Alemanni. He was a man of great prudence, bold and warlike, who not only held well the borders given to him and his people, but in a short time greatly enlarged them. And when the Franks had left their ancestral hearths, Duke Genebald advanced with twenty thousand fighters to the place assigned to him by the Thuringians; the remaining ten thousand, for the protection of the people following behind, he left on the road after him with his son Marcomer.

When the Alemanni learned that the Franks had received new settlements from the Thuringians beside the banks of the Main, in their midst, they were greatly afraid, and, sending envoys to Duke Genebald, they begged for peace, and [unclear] every cause of quarrel [with?] Thuringia and Saxony. At their entry all the Thuringians, by command of their king Herol, withdrew into Thuringia and received the dwellings assigned to them, leaving, by order of the king, provisions sufficient for the Franks for a whole year. But the Franks, newly arrived, settled in the land now their own; first in that [unclear] they send. The Thuringians did likewise. And so the great discord between them was extinguished by Genebald’s prudence.

In the same year, in the month of September, Marcomer, the son of Duke Genebald, came with the remaining people of the Franks into southern Thuringia, and they received the promised settlements around the river Main, having Bohemia on the east, Alemannia on the south, the Rhine and Mainz on the west, and Thuringia and Saxony on the north. At their entry all the Thuringians, by command of their king Herol, withdrew into Thuringia and received the dwellings assigned to them, leaving, by just command, provisions sufficient for the Franks for a whole year. The Franks, impatient [unclear] and very ready for wars. Yet he could not restrain them because they were more than usually occupied in many provinces.

Duke Genebald, however, [unclear] with Clodomir, king of the Franks, who reigned in western Francia around the sea, the Meuse, and the Rhine, entered into an alliance with the Alemanni and Thuringians, so that he might be stronger to attack the Romans and Gauls, who threatened the borders of Francia on the other side of the Rhine at Mainz and Strasbourg. Against them he often fought after crossing the Rhine, and killed many of them.

Duke Genebald begot Dagobert, who ruled the people for twenty-one years. Clodius, however, begot Marcomer, and he begot Clodius, who ruled for twenty-three years. Clodius begot Faramund, who in the second year of his dukedom was elected king of the Franks, as is written below in its proper order. The aforesaid four leaders of the eastern Franks, presiding over the people for ninety-four years, extended the borders of the possessions they had received as far as the river Rhine, and did great damage to the Gauls and Romans. But now what remains concerning the succession of the kings of the Franks must be continued. King Clodomir died in the eighteenth year of his reign, in the year of the Lord 328.

Richimer, son of Clodomir, reigned after his father for fourteen years, and throughout all the days of his reign was in conflict with the Romans and Gauls, and joined many battles with them. He had also in his father’s lifetime fought with Caesar Constantius, the father of Constantine, namely in the year of the Lord 218. For Constantius, about to enter Britain by command of the Romans, made a hostile attack on the people of the Franks dwelling along the borders of the Rhine by the sea and the Meuse, and compelled them to retreat, many of them being slain in battle. When he at last died in Britain [unclear].

Where now is Eastern Francia.

Thirty thousand armed Franks, and two thousand six hundred farmers, [unclear] from Holland, go up to Würzburg.

Genebald, the first duke of the eastern Franks, etc.

In the year of Christ 1379.

Genebald, duke of the eastern Franks, [unclear] thirty.

The eastern Franks, with the Alemanni and the aid of Thuringia, against this [unclear].

Genealogy of the dukes of the eastern Franks, ruling under the kings.

Richimer, son of Clodomir, reigned over Francia for 13 years.

On the Origin of the Franks.

Genebaldus, the second duke, first-born son of Dagobert, the first duke, held for nineteen years the principate assigned to him by his father. Moreover his two brothers, Marcomerus and Suimo, were dukes in the places marked out for them by their begetter: one, that is, on that side of the Rhine which faces the Saxons, and the other on the other side, where the Sea divides Gaul, Holland. Genebaldus, however, held Tongres and a great part of Gaul, together with Brabant.

This division of the principate did not please the nobles of the Franks, by which they did not doubt that they would become weaker day by day; yet it was quite pleasing to the Romans. At that time Marcomerus, son of Chlodius, fourth in the order of dukes from the time when the Franks had received seats from the Thuringians in that place, ruled over the eastern Franks. His dominion extended from the borders of Bavaria and Bohemia in the east as far as the Rhine, having under him the [Hogii?], the [Meneganii?], and the [Caraganii?], as far as the baths of Alsace. The Romans were never able to subdue this duke, although they tried more than once.

In the second year of Duke Genebaldus, which was the 387th year of the Lord’s Nativity, Maximus, of the stock of the emperors, who had drawn his origin from Britain, whom Octavius, then king, had called from Rome into England and had made his son-in-law and successor to the kingdom, was made emperor through a mutiny of the soldiers, against Gratian. For after he had reigned in Britain for five years in good peace, lifted up in pride by the Roman soldiers whom he had brought with him, he commanded that he be made emperor, and soon sailed with all his soldiery into Gaul against Gratian, in order to subject it to his rule.

First, therefore, he invaded the kingdom of the Armoricans, which is now called New or Lesser Britain, and with the Franks who inhabited it he joined battle under the aforesaid Duke Genebaldus. Iubalchus had been appointed by Genebaldus as commander of the Franks’ war; meeting Maximus with the whole army of Franks that he had, he fought with him, and victory fell to Maximus. In that battle fifteen thousand of the Franks fell, and the duke Iubalchus himself perished. The rest fled; with the little children, [unclear], the old men also, and all the young men, as many as he found throughout all Armorica, he cruelly killed. But he gave that kingdom of New Britain to Iunanus, who had been the nephew of Octavius, king of the English, leaving with him a great soldiery, after, that is, he had made all Gaul subject to himself.

For after Maximus had subjugated all Gaul to himself, Gratian, fleeing from Paris, was captured and killed at Lyon. Maximus set the seat of empire in the city of Trier, where he made his son Victor, still a boy, his associate in the empire; later, when he was about to set out for Italy, he entrusted him to Nannenus and Quintinus.

Meanwhile Conamus of the Armoricans, king of the Britons, wishing to give wives to his soldiers who had none, and to bring over with their children those who had left their own in England, so that they would have no cause for intermingling with the Gauls, sent messengers into England to Dionotus, king of Cornwall, who had succeeded his brother Coradocus in the kingdom. He asked of him that his daughter, named Ursula, a beautiful virgin, be given and sent to him as wife. Likewise, secondly, he asked that he similarly send to him, placed on ships, the wives with the children of the soldiers and nobles who were then in Armorica. Thirdly he asked that, for the soldiers who did not yet have wives, he send virgins.

King Dionotus, wishing to satisfy the prayers of Conamus, gathered from the whole island eleven thousand daughters of nobles, and sixty thousand from the stock of the lower order, that is, in sum, eighty-one thousand; among these were likewise counted the wives of nobles and soldiers with their children. He also ordered ships to be brought from different shores, in which he placed everything necessary for those sailing. And although the voyage pleased many in that company of women, it displeased many others, who loved their parents and fatherland more intensely with greater affection. But the king’s command prevailed.

When the ships had been prepared, the women, together with the virgins, boarded around the river Thames. While they directed the fleet toward Armorica, a great storm arose on the sea, and the ships were separated from one another. The greater part of that whole assembled multitude perished in the clouds on the sea; when the ships collided, it went down into the deep.

But the remaining women and virgins, who were able to escape so great a danger, were driven to barbarous nations and were either slaughtered by an unknown people or consigned to perpetual servitude. A great part of them fell into the army of Gnanius, king of the Huns, and Melga, king of the Picts, who, hired for pay and defending Gratian’s party against Maximus, were laying waste the maritime regions from Spain as far as England with a pitiable destruction by land and sea. Refusing their lust, all were killed along the shore, in the ships, and destroyed to the last one. For they were all Christians.

Genebaldus, interrex or duke of the Franks, [unclear].

Marcomerus, duke of the eastern Franks.

Maximus, king, having usurped the empire, lays waste Gaul.

Iubalchus, duke of the Franks.

Conamus the Briton becomes king of the Armoricans by the gift of Maximus.

Dionotus, king of Cornwall, father of Saint Ursula in Britain.

The history of the eleven thousand virgins.

[page 107]. 76. JOHANNES TRITHEMIUS.

The Franks immediately recovered their former borders, and compelled the Roman garrison to flee. At last, however, the emperor Constantine, son of Constantius and Helena, slew Richimer in battle, in the 13th year of his reign, [and] of the Lord 340.

[Margin: Theodomerus reigned 10 years.] Theodomerus, son of Richimer, after [his] father reigned ten years, who also himself waged many battles with the Romans. At that time the dwelling of the kings of the Franks was in the region of the Tungri, not far from the river Meuse, in a fort which was called Dispargum. But from the border of the Franks up to the river Loire the Gauls dwelt, and beyond the Loire the Goths. At the same time the duke of the eastern Franks, Dagobert, the Rhine being crossed, devastated Gaul, and burned with fire the despoiled cities of the Treveri. But king Theodomerus, together with Astila [his] mother, was captured by the Romans occupying Gaul, and slain by the sword, in the 10th year of his reign, [and] of the Lord's nativity 350.

[Margin: Clogio reigned over the Franks 18 years.] Clogio, son of Theodomerus, succeeding [his] father in the kingdom of the Franks, reigned eighteen years, in whose time Constans, son of Constantine the Great, Caesar, joined many battles with the Franks, more often vanquished than victor. For king Clogio, a great army of the Franks having been gathered, in the first year of his reign stormed the city of Cambrai, and cruelly killed many of the Romans in vengeance for [his] father's death; thence advancing, [he subjected] Gaul up to the river Somme to the kingdom of the Franks.

[The source here repeats, with scribal variation, the passage above:] "Dagobert, the Rhine being crossed, devastated Gaul, and burned with fire the despoiled cities of the Treveri. But king Theodor[inus], together with Astila [his] mother, was captured by the Romans occupying Gaul, and slain by the sword, in the 10th year of his reign, and of the Lord's nativity 367." [end of the duplicated passage]

Meanwhile, while these [things] were being done in Gaul, Dagobert, duke in eastern Francia, crossing the Rhine by a bridge built [for it], at the village of Altrip between Speyer and Worms, devastates the Gauls and Romans in hostile fashion. The Goths also, at the same time, invading Spain, were tearing [it] apart. Constans, therefore, seeing that, set in the midst of danger, he could not resist all, made peace with the Franks. And Constans, without delay, leads an army into Spain against the Goths, whom he compelled to retreat; and not long after, in the third year of Clogio, he was slain, in the 30th year of his age, [and] the 13th of [his] reign, the Roman commonwealth being left in disturbance. Clogio, king of the Franks, dies in the 18th year of his reign, [and] of the Lord's nativity 367.

Marcomerus, son of Clogio, after [his] father reigned four years. Against him the Romans moved war in his first year, which lasted four years; for they bore [it] very ill that the Franks inhabited Gaul. But the Franks stood firm. At last, however, king Marcomerus, in the fourth year of his reign, was killed by the Romans in battle, in the year of the Lord's nativity 381.

But the Franks, their king having been slain, considering that they could not on that occasion resist the Romans, sought peace from them; which [the Romans] gave on such a condition, that the Franks should thereafter not have a king, but, the kingdom being reduced to a province, should be governed by dukes, and should pay tribute yearly to the Romans, [and] keep faith. And although it seemed too grievous to the Franks—who had hitherto always been free—to give tribute, yet, compelled by the malice of the times, they did otherwise than they would have wished.

In the year, therefore, 711 from the first coming of the Franks into Germany, that nation, hitherto always unconquered and feared by all nations—[its] kings being lost and [it] committed to dukes—is compelled to pay tribute to the Romans for 20 years.

[Margin: Dagobert, duke or viceroy of the Franks, 13 years. Valentinian emperor.] In the eighth year of the same duke Dagobert, the Romans, under [their] duke Gratian, joining battle with the Alemanni not far from Argentaria [Colmar], slew thirty thousand of them. But duke Dagobert had three sons—Genebald, Marcomerus, and Suno—to whom, while he yet lived healthy, with all the people favoring, he divided the princedom. In the eleventh year of duke Dagobert, Clodius, duke of the eastern Franks, died, to whom Marcomer his son, succeeding, governs the upper Franks for 20 years. But the aforesaid Dagobert of the western Franks dies, in the 12th year of his dukedom, [and] of the Lord's nativity 385. Gene[bald]…

On the Origin of the Franks.

advancing, they joined battle; in it twelve thousand Gauls were killed, and the rest were turned to flight. These things were done in the year of the Nativity 314.

Eugenius obtains the aid of the Franks.

In the following year Eugenius, king of Gaul, who was seeking the Roman empire, when he learned that Theodosius, emperor of the East, was going to come from Constantinople into Gaul against him, grew afraid; and, coming to the Rhine, he called upon the aid of both the eastern and western Franks, together with the Alemanni, against Caesar. In the same year he was killed by Theodosius, because he did not fear the aid of the Franks. Arbogast, chief of the evil men, killed himself with his own sword. Theodosius died at Milan; his corpse was taken back to Constantinople and buried, and his two sons succeeded in the empire: Arcadius in the East, and Honorius among the Romans in the West.

Pharamundus succeeds Marcomer.

In the eighteenth year of Genebaldus, great duke of the western Franks, which was the year of the Lord’s Nativity 403, Marcomer, duke of the eastern Franks, died on the mountain called Franckenberg, and was buried according to the custom of the gentiles. After him his son Pharamundus succeeded in the duchy; after two years he was elected king of all the Franks.

In the same year Marcomer and Sunno, dukes and brothers of Genebaldus of Lower Francia, died without male children and were buried at Neopagus.

In the following year, which was the year of the Lord’s Nativity 404, Genebaldus, great duke of the western Franks, died in the nineteenth year of his principate, leaving two sons, Sunno and Richer; the elder of them was lame in his feet, while the younger was not sufficiently fit for the kingdom.

At that time the Franks greatly extended their borders, and were subject to many dukes, all of whom nevertheless obeyed one greater man as though a king. It seemed to them, however, that this division of rule was not good for the people of the Franks; but, judging that it would be better, in contempt of the Romans, to appoint for themselves their own king, as they had had thirty years before, they took counsel.

Assembly of the nobles of the Franks for the election and institution of a new king.

Therefore, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 406, in the third Roman indiction, all the dukes, magnates, and nobles of the Franks came together in the month of March at Neopagus for the election of a new king. Among them these men were more eminent than the rest: Duke Pharamundus of the eastern Franks, and his two brothers Marcomer and Sunno with their sons, Clodio, Dagabert, Nicanor, Farabert, and Richimer; Duke Anthenor, prince of the Franks among the Hogii and the inhabitants of Frankfurt on the Main, with his brothers Priamus and Dagabert; Duke Bertherus the Gallican; Duke Heribertus the Islander; Duke Sunno and Richer, brothers and sons of Duke Genebaldus. Among many magnates were Salagast Philippus, Gasthald the secretary, Herhald, Wisogasthald, Rutwich, Adelhardet, and Rieherus. All these, with the rest, by one consent unanimously elected as king Pharamundus, born of royal stock and duke at Marcopolis among the eastern Franks.

Pharamundus, king of the Franks, [unclear].

Pharamundus the king, son of Duke Marcomer, who was [unclear] of Clodius, who was [unclear], in the year of the Lord [407?]. Pharamundus was magnanimous and a most daring fighter, who crushed the Roman legions in battle.

Marcomer, duke of eastern Francia.

6. He entrusted the duchy of eastern Francia to his brother Marcomer, in the year of the Lord 435.

Priamus, duke.

7. Priamus succeeded his father in the duchy of the eastern Franks for twelve years, and died in the year of the Lord’s Nativity [unclear].

Genebaldus.

8. Genebaldus succeeded his father for twenty years; he defeated the Alemanni in war and crossed the Rhine, and died in the year of the Lord 455.

Sunno, duke; Clodinus.

9. Sunno succeeded his father for thirty-three years; he [unclear] a fortress in Sunenberg, and was buried.

10. Clodius, brother of Clodoveus, king of the Franks, succeeded for sixteen years; after waging war with the Bavarians and winning, he was struck by a boar while hunting and died, in the year of the Lord 396.

Clodomer, duke.

11. Clodomer, son of Duke Sunno, held the height of the duchy for twenty-one years. His brother Dietlibus built a fortress in his own name, Dierlebach; he died in the year of the Lord 515.

Hugbald, duke.

12. Hugbald succeeded his father for twenty-six years. He subjected Mainz and Worms to the kingdom of the Franks. He built a city in his own name on the river Main, not far from Frankfurt.

Helenus, duke.

13. Helenus succeeded his father for thirty years; after crossing the Rhine, [unclear] the lands of the Gauls, who re-

Caesaria of Germany, of the king, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 477.

Mainz, of the king, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 306.

Worms, of the king, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 436.

Of the Bavarians, of the king, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 291.

The fortress of Dierlebach, of the Lord, 345.

Johannes Trithemius

In the sixth year of Genebald, duke of the Franks, Maximus the tyrant, at the third milestone from Aquileia, after being stripped of his royal garments by the emperors Valentinian and Theodosius, was beheaded and died. His son, named Victor, was killed not long afterward by Arbogast.

In the same year, after the death of Maximus became known to the Franks, they at once united and raised a strong army. With Genebald, Marcomer, and Sunno as leaders, they recovered all the land which they had lost while he was raging, whether in Germany or in Gaul, many thousands of Gauls, Romans, and Britons being slain as enemies. For the Britons, after the departure of all the nobility with Maximus, had become wholly weakened, and therefore were no longer to be feared by the Franks. The Gauls and Romans were being battered by mutual seditions; this circumstance gave the Franks the greatest hope of reclaiming the freedom of their homeland.

Therefore, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 392, the Franks, conspiring as one, scorned any longer to be subject to the tribute of the Romans. At that time Valentinian the Younger held the empire of the Romans; Theodosius had restored him after he had been driven from Italy by Maximus. Sending messengers to the Franks, he demanded the promised tribute. But when Valentinian’s envoys came to them, the Franks expelled him with disgrace in place of tribute, saying that they had been born free and were prepared even to die in defense of liberty. And at once, taking up arms, they moved against the Romans and Gauls; as has been said, after many of their adversaries had been cruelly slain, they recovered everything they had lost. In the twentieth year after they had paid tribute to the Romans, by fighting bravely with arms they reclaimed and recovered their former freedom.

For under the dukes Genebald, Marcomer, and Sunno, with a huge army, advancing from Lower Francia, which is around the mouths of the Rhine, near the sea, they soon occupied everything between the Meuse and the Rhine, after the Gallic inhabitants had either been killed or driven away in flight, and the spoils were sent back to their ancestral seats. Then, moving upward, they began to devastate the territory of the people of Cologne, striking great fear into the townsmen who were still with the Romans.

When the incursion of the Franks was heard of among the Treveri, who themselves had sided with Victor, the son of Maximus, namely that they were devastating the territory of Cologne, Nannenus and Quintinus, masters of the soldiers, to whom Maximus, when about to set out for Italy, had entrusted his son Victor and the defense of Gaul, drew together their forces and went down to aid the people of Cologne against the Franks, intending to fight if opportunity were given. But before they came to Cologne, the Franks, already laden with booty, had crossed the Rhine and returned to their own territory. They had nevertheless left behind not a few on the other side of the river, because they had conceived in their mind to return to them and proceed farther into Gaul. The first seats of the Franks, as has been said, had previously been within the three mouths of the Rhine, where Holland now is; from there on the eastern side of the Rhine toward Saxony and Frisia, where now is the inner part of Westphalia together with Frisia. To the west also beyond the Rhine as far as the Meuse they likewise once lived, where now are the people of Guelders and Jülich, and sometimes even farther, advancing to the Morini and the maritime regions.

Nannenus and Quintinus, coming with their army, attacked the remnants of the Franks that had remained in Gaul and joined a most savage battle, in which, though often defeated, they sometimes also emerged as victors. At last, however, the Franks were overcome near the Carbonarian Forest; some of them were killed, others were saved by flight.

When this had been done, it seemed useful to Quintinus that they should carry the whole army over into Francia and forestall the unprepared by an incursion. But such a plan did not please Nannenus, who did not doubt that the Franks would be stronger on their own soil.

Therefore, after Nannenus returned to Mainz, Quintinus crossed the Rhine around the fortress of [Musium?], brought the army over, and strove to bring war upon the Franks. But the Franks, not sluggish, received the Gauls manfully. In this battle many thousands of Gauls and Romans were slain by the Franks, with very few saved by flight. In that battle Heraclius, tribune of the Roman legion, fell; with him almost all who were in command of the soldiers perished by the sword and missiles of the Frankish people. For, except for a few to whom deep night and the dense hiding-place of the woods gave shelter, the army of Quintinus was destroyed, either by the sword of the Franks or by the marshes.

In the seventh year of Genebald, duke of the Franks, the emperor Valentinian died at the city of Vienne in Gaul, by the treachery and harshness of Arbogast, the master of the soldiers, by a noose. Eugenius, by the machination of Arbogast, was [unclear]. They resolved to invade Gaul, but before they could bring this to effect, Arbogast anticipated their plan: near Cologne Agrippina, having led his army across beyond the Rhine in the harsh winter, he devastated the Bacteri nearest the Rhine, the Chamanni, and others subject to the Franks. Against him Genebald and Marcomer, dukes of the Franks, [unclear].

Maximus the tyrant is killed.

The Frankish dukes recover what they had lost through the tyrant Maximus.

The Franks scorn to give tribute to Valentinian and the Romans.

The Franks cross the Rhine and devastate the territory of the people of Cologne in Gaul.

Nannenus and Quintinus of Trier move the army against the Franks.

The first seats of the Franks in Holland and the regions of Guelders.

The Franks are defeated near the Carbonarian Forest.

The Franks defeat Quintinus and kill many thousands of Romans.

The emperor Valentinian is strangled by the treachery of Arbogast. Eugenius becomes king.

Johannes Trithemius

... had been [unclear] in Westrasia, and he received the Gauls in surrender. He and his father were the first among the dukes to be Christians. He died in the year of the Lord’s nativity 571.

14. Gotfridus succeeded his father for twenty-four years. He was a pious prince, yet he was not able to convert all his subjects to the faith of Christ. For at that time the Franks were stiff-necked in accepting the faith, and the greater part of them was still pagan in the duchy. Duke Gotfridus died in the year of the Lord 695.

15. Genebaldus succeeded his father for twenty years. In his time Saint Gregory the Pope sent preachers into England. This duke died in the year of the Lord’s nativity 665.

16. Clodomirus succeeded his father in the duchy of the eastern Franks for twenty-three years. In his first year Anastasius the Persian, a monk, was martyred. He died in the year of the Lord 639.

17. Heribertus, nephew of Clodomirus, succeeded in the duchy for thirty years. In his time Saint Furseus, abbot in Ireland, flourished. This duke died in the year of the Lord’s nativity 668.

18. Clodoveus succeeded Heribertus his uncle for twelve years. In his time Clodoveus was king of the Franks in Gaul. Duke Clodoveus died in the year of the Lord’s nativity 680.

19. Gosbertus succeeded his father for twenty-six years. In his sixth year, Pope Canon ordained Saint Kilian, a Scot by nation and a monk by profession, as bishop, and sent him into eastern Francia to preach the faith of Christ. After he had spent two years at Herbipolis in preaching, together with his ministers, Colman the priest and Totnan the deacon, he was martyred by order of Geilana, the duke’s wife, in the year of the Lord 689. Duke Gosbertus died in the year of the Lord 806.

20. Hetanus succeeded his father in the duchy for thirteen years. In his time Saint Aegidius, abbot, flourished in Gaul. This duke died in the year of the Lord’s nativity 320.

21. Hetanus succeeded his father in the duchy for twenty years and died without sons, in the year of the Lord 761, leaving one daughter named Immina, who was a nun and of holy conduct. And so Pippin, mayor of the palace and afterward king of the Franks, took the vacant duchy to himself and entrusted it to his son Charles to administer for ten years. Then, in the year of the Lord 751, when Pippin was already king, with the consent of his son Charles and of all the nobles of the whole kingdom of the Franks, he gave the duchy as perpetual property to Saint Burghard, first bishop of the Wirtzburgers, and to his successors.

22. Therefore Burghard, established by Pippin as duke and bishop of the eastern Franks, presided for forty years. He was upright in morals and most holy in conduct; from a monk of Saint Benedict he was ordained bishop by Boniface, archbishop of Mainz. Burghard resigned the episcopate, together with the duchy of the Franks, to the church and to his successor, in the eleventh year of his rule, but in the year of the Lord 791; and in that same year the same Saint Burghard died.

23. Megengaldus, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for four years; he too was a monk. Others, in the manner of the Hollanders, turning I into V, call him Mergingaudus, a holy man. He died in the year of the Lord 752, on the third day before the Kalends of March, under Charles the Great, emperor.

24. Bernwolphus, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for six months, one month, and twenty-three days, and died on the eighth day before the Kalends of May, in the year of the Lord 800, under Emperor Charles.

25. Ludericus, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for five years. And he died in the year of the Lord 753, on the third day before the Kalends of March, under King Arnulf among the Saxons, killed in time of war during the solemnities of the Mass.

26. Agilvardus, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for five years, one month, and eighteen days, and died on the eighth day before the Kalends of May, in the year of the Lord 715, under Emperor Lothar.

27. Wolfgerus, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for twenty-two years, six months, and twelve days, and died on the day before the Nones of November, in the year of the Lord 931, under Louis.

28. Hunibertus, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for ten years, three months, and seven days. He died on the seventh day before the Ides of March, in the year of the Lord 822, under Emperor Lothar.

29. Rodulphus, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for [unclear] years, and died on the third day before the Nones of August, in the year of the Lord 1108, under Louis III.

30. Gosswaldus, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for thirteen years, five months, and eighteen days, and died on the twelfth day before the Kalends of October, in the year of the Lord 756, under Emperor Louis II.

31. Arno, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for thirty-six years, six months, and twelve days. Famous for miracles, he died on the third day before the Ides of July, in the year of the Lord 792, under King Arnulf among the Saxons, in time of war, killed during the solemnities of the Mass.

32. Dracolfus, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for five years and four months. Sent by Emperor Conrad I into Greece, he died on the journey, in the year of the Lord 913.

33. Theodo, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for nineteen years, two months, and fourteen days. He died

On the Origin of the Franks.

He died on the seventeenth day before the Kalends of December, in the year of the Lord 941, under Henry I.

34. Burghard II, bishop and duke of the Franks, presided for nine years, three months, and twenty-three days. He died on the eighth day before the Kalends of April, in the year of the Lord 861, under Otto I, emperor.

35. Poppo, bishop and duke of the Franks, presided for twelve years, ten months, and fourteen days. He died on the fifteenth day before the Kalends of March, in the year of the Lord 960, under Otto I, emperor.

Poppo.

36. Poppo II, bishop and duke of the Franks, presided for twenty-three years, four months, and twenty-one days. He died on the tenth day before the Kalends of August, in the year of the Lord 982, under Otto II.

Poppo II.

37. Hugo, bishop and duke, presided for six years and eight months; he placed monks at Saint Burghard. He died on the third day before the Kalends of September, in the year of the Lord 799, under Otto III.

Hugo.

38. Berinward, bishop and duke, presided for five years, eight months, and nineteen days. He died in the year of the Lord 993, under Otto III, on the twelfth day before the Kalends of October.

Bernward.

39. Henry, bishop and duke, who founded the church of Saint Stephen, presided for thirty-one years, five months, and twenty-two days. He died on the tenth day before the Kalends of December, in the year of the Lord 1016, under Henry II, king.

Henry.

40. Meginhard, bishop and duke of the Franks, presided for one year only. He died in the year of the Lord's nativity 1034, under Conrad II.

Meginhard.

41. Meselinus, bishop and duke of the Franks, presided [unclear] years [unclear]. In the year 1033, under Conrad II.

Meselinus.

42. Bruno, bishop and duke of the Franks, presided for eleven years, one month, and fourteen days; he built the greater church. He died on the third day before the Kalends of June, 1065, under Henry III.

Bruno.

43. Adelbero, bishop and duke, presided for forty years. In that dissension which occurred between Henry III and his son, the fourth Henry, he was driven from his see by the elder emperor, in the year of the Lord 1085. Meginhard was substituted for him by that Caesar himself. Adelbero, however, having been expelled, died in Bavaria on the day before the Nones of October, in the fifth year of his exile, and in the year of the Lord 1090, in the monastery of Lambach, which his father had built; he was buried there.

44. Megenhard II presided for three years and twenty-five days. He died on the twelfth day before the Kalends of July, in the year 1098, under Henry IV.

Megenhard.

45. Emehard, bishop and duke of the Franks, was ordained while Adelbero was still living in exile at Lambach in Bavaria. He presided for fifteen years, eight months, and three days. He died on the fourth day before the Kalends of March, in the year of the Lord 1103, under Henry IV.

Emehard.

46. Erlung, bishop and duke of the Franks, appointed by the emperor, presided for two years. In the year of the Lord 1105, the emperor's son, Henry V, deposed him again because he adhered to his father Henry IV. He caused Rupert to be ordained in his place. The father, soon following, restored Erlung of Würzburg and drove out Rupert. But not long afterward Erlung was deposed by Caesar's son, and Rupert was restored to the bishopric, in the year of the Lord 1105.

47. Rupert, bishop and duke of the Franks, presided for not fully two years. While he was making his way to a general council in Lombardy in the month of September, he died on the seventh day before the Kalends of October, in the year of the Lord 1106, under Henry IV [or V?].

Rupert.

48. Erlung, again bishop and duke, was taken up by the consent of all, and thereafter presided for sixteen years and eleven days. For four continuous years before his death he was afflicted with elephantine disease, and at last died on the second day before the Kalends of January, in the year of the Lord 1122, under Henry V. Because the schism forbade it, he was buried not in the city but in the monastery of Schwarzach.

Gebehard the intruder.

49. Gebehard was appointed as bishop of the Franks against the will of all by the emperor, while he was still a layman, less suitable because he was young. But the clergy and the procurators of the people elected Ruger the deacon as pontiff for themselves; Gebehard drove him from the city in the year of the Lord 1032.

50. Ruger, bishop-elect and duke of the Franks, lawfully prevailed against the intruder Gebehard, and was consecrated in the monastery of Schwarzach by the hands of the archbishop of Mainz, in the presence of the legates of the Apostolic See and of certain princes. He held for his own use that part of the bishopric which lies around the river Neckar. Gebehard, however, securely possessed the city of Würzburg and the places adjacent to it. Ruger presided for four years and three months, and died in the year of the Lord 1126.

Ruger.

51. Hetzelinus, bishop and duke of the Franks, presided for eleven years and four months; he was buried at Bamberg, in the year of the Lord 1138, under Lothar II.

Hetzelinus.

52. Embricho, bishop and duke, presided for twelve years. He [unclear] the monastery of Saint James in the suburbs [unclear].

Embricho.

Burghard II. Poppo. Poppo II. Hugo. Bernward. Henry. Meginhard. Meselinus. Adelbero. Erlung. Gebehard the intruder. Rupert. Gebehard. Ruger. Hetzelinus. Embricho. Bamberg.

On the Origin of the Franks.

75. Gerhardus of Schwarzburg, prelate and duke, presided for 31 years, and died in the month of November around the feast of Saint Martin, in the year of the Lord’s nativity 1403, under Rupert, king of the Germans, in the eleventh indiction.

76. Johannes of Egloffstein, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for 9 years, and perished by poison at Forchheim in the year 1412, under King Sigismund.

77. Johannes of Brunn, prelate and duke, presided for 28 years, and died in the year of the Lord 1440, under Frederick, then the third king, in the third Roman indiction.

78. Sigismund, from the dukes of Saxony, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for three years and ruled in the year of the Lord 1443, under Frederick III.

79. Gotfridus IV of Limpurg, prelate and duke, presided for 13 years, and died on Tuesday after Palm Sunday, in the year 145[unclear], under Emperor Frederick III.

80. Johannes of Grumbach, prelate and duke, presided for 11 years, and died in the year of the Lord 1466, under Emperor Frederick III, in the fourteenth indiction.

81. Rudolf II of Scherenberg, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for 29 years less one day; he relieved the Church, which was burdened with another’s debt. He died, the last in his lineage, on the fourth day before the Kalends of May, in the year of the Lord’s nativity 1495, under Maximilian, king of Germany.

82. Laurentius of Bibra, elected on the fourth day before the Ides of May in the year noted above, a peaceful prelate and duke of the Franks, holds rule today in his nineteenth year.

But now, after this necessary digression, let us return to the above-mentioned Pharamund, king of the Franks, for the continuation of the history which we have begun.

In the fourth year of King Pharamund, on the last day of the month of December, the Vandals and Alans, under the leader Modigiscus, crossed the frozen Rhine and led an army into Gaul with their children and wives, and afterward passed on into Spain.

In the eighth year of Pharamund, the Goths under King Alaric captured and overthrew Rome. In the same year King Pharamund, under the command of Clodius his son, sent a great army of the Franks into Gaul against the Romans. When the Franks entered Gaul, some of the Romans sought safety in flight, others were killed by the Franks. And thus the Franks obtained a great part of Gaul, the Romans having been utterly wiped out.

Hearing this, the king of the Vandals [unclear], and fearing that he might one day be driven from Gaul by the Franks, undertook war against them. Hence a fierce battle was joined, in which the victorious Franks killed more than twenty thousand Vandals. And unless Respendial, king of the Alans, who was already then ruling in Spain, had intervened in time, all the Vandals would have been slain by the Franks.

The Vandals, like the Goths, originated from the island of Scandia, and after the defeat received from the Franks they remained in Spain for 22 years; after this they sailed to Africa. The Franks, however, greatly increased in number and power. And King Pharamund died in the twenty-sixth year of his reign, but in the year of the Lord 431.

Clodius the Long-Haired, son of Pharamund, succeeding his father in the same year, reigned for 20 years. In his first year, Aetius, after hearing of the death of King Pharamund, led the Roman army into Gaul, and, after many Franks had been slain, recovered [unclear].

In these times Salagastus flourished, a wise man and philosopher of the Franks, and from the ancient line of kings, drawing his origin from dukes. Since he was most learned in every literature, by order of King Clodius he wrote down the laws of the Franks, which he named Salic laws after his own name. Later King Clodoneus, converted to the faith, had these laws enlarged.

The same Salagastus, by permission of King Clodius, founded a new city on the bank of the Main not far from Frankfurt, which he named Salagast after his own name, and which ignorant authors today call, by a corrupted term, Seligenstadt. In this same city of his, Salagastus died and, after being burned, was placed in an urn, in the sixteenth year of Clodius.

In the eleventh year of his reign, King Clodius, [unclear] the power of the Franks to be greatly diminished, sent scouts into Gaul, who were to investigate secretly and carefully the situation of the land, the strength of the people, and the guard of the cities. At that time the Burgundians lived in the region of Lyons, and the Goths in Aquitaine.

The scouts returned and reported that the region was excellent, the people weak, and the guard of the Romans small. Therefore King Clodius gathered a great [unclear] of the Franks

Gerhardus.

Johannes.

Sigismund.

Frederick.

Johannes.

Gotfridus.

Laurentius.

Continuation of the history of the kings of the Franks.

The Vandals and Alans occupy Spain.

Rome is captured and overthrown by the Goths.

The Franks killed twenty thousand Vandals.

Clodius the Long-Haired reigns for twenty years.

Salagast, lawgiver of the Franks, philosopher.

He founded Salagast near the Main.

The Vandals sail to Africa.

The Franks [unclear] Gaul under King Clodius.

Johannes Trithemius

... founded for the people of Würzburg across the bridge; he died, however, on the fifth day before the Ides of November, in the year of the Lord’s nativity 1159, under Caesar the third.

Siegfried. 53. Siegfried, prelate and duke, presided for five years and six months, and died in the year of the Lord 1155, under Frederick the first emperor, in the second indiction.

Gebhard. 54. Gebhard the second, prelate and duke, presided for six years, five months, and twenty-four days, and died in the year of the Lord 1161, under Frederick the first emperor.

Henry. 55. Henry the second, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for six years and four months, and died in the year of the Lord 1167, under Frederick the first emperor.

Herold. 56. Herold, prelate and duke, presided for seven years, ten months, and eleven days, and died in the year of the Lord 1174, under Frederick the first emperor.

Reinhard. 57. Reinhard, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for four years, ten months, and fifteen days, and died in the year of the Lord 1189, under Frederick the first emperor.

Gottfried. 58. Gottfried of Pistenberg, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for five years, eight months, and twenty-four days. Having set out for Jerusalem, he died in the army of the Christians and was buried at Antioch, in the year of the Lord [unclear], under Frederick the first emperor.

Henry. 59. Henry of Biebelrith, the third of that name, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for six years, eight months, and as many days. He died in the tenth indiction of the Romans, in the year of the Lord 1162, under Henry the sixth.

Gottfried. 60. Gottfried of Hoenlo, prelate and duke, a lover of the clergy, presided for six years, four months, and eleven days. He died in the year of the Lord 1198, in the last year of King Henry.

Conrad. 61. Conrad, prelate and duke, chancellor of King Philip, presided for five years, three months, and twelve days, and was killed on the public road at Würzburg by Bodoner and Henry, knights of Rabenspurg, and by Herold and Conrad, their servants, on the third day before the Ides of December.

Henry. 62. Henry the fourth, a doctor of Paris, called de Taseo, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for four years, seven months, and seven days. And he died in the year of the Lord’s nativity 1210, in the third indiction, under Otto the fourth emperor.

Otto. 63. Otto of Lodenburg, prelate and duke, presided for thirteen years and five months, and died on the fifth day of the month of December, in the year of the Lord 1223, under Frederick the second emperor.

Theodoric. 64. Theodoric, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for one year, two months, and sixteen days, and died in the year of the Lord 1124, under Frederick the second emperor.

Hermann. 65. Hermann of Lodenburg, prelate and duke, presided for nineteen years, and died in the year of the Lord 1240, under Frederick the second, in the thirteenth indiction of the Romans.

Eringus. 66. Eringus of Reinstein, prelate and duke, presided for thirty-six years, and died in the year of the Lord 1276, under Emperor Rudolf, in the fourth indiction.

Berthold. 67. Berthold of Sternberg, prelate and duke, presided for thirteen years. He died in the year of the Lord 1288, under Emperor Rudolf, in the first indiction.

Manegold. 68. Manegold, prelate and duke, presided for fifteen years, and died in the year of the Lord’s nativity 1303, under Albert the first king, in the first indiction.

Andrew. 69. Andrew of Gundelfingen, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for fifteen years and died in the year of the Lord 1322, under Louis the fourth emperor.

Gottfried. 70. Gottfried the third of Hoenlo, prelate and duke, presided for four years, and died in the year of the Lord 1322, under Louis the fourth, in the seventh indiction.

Wolfram. 71. Wolfram of Grunbach, prelate and duke, presided for two years, and died in the year of the Lord 1333, on the octave of the Apostles, under Louis the fourth.

Otto. 72. Otto Wolffskell, prelate and duke of the Franks, presided for twelve years, one month, and three days. Against him Hermann of Lichtenberg, a canon of Speyer, promoted by the emperor, violently occupied the episcopate for the first four years. Otto died on the tenth day before the Kalends of September, in the year of the Lord 1343, under Louis the fourth emperor.

Albert. 73. Albert of Hoenlo, prelate and duke, presided for four years: not elected, but appointed by Pope Clement the sixth against Albert of Hoenlo, who had been canonically elected. But afterwards, when the pope was better informed about the case, he transferred his Albert to the church of Freising in the year of the Lord 1349, and confirmed Albert of Hoenlo, the provost, previously canonically elected, to his own church.

Albert. 74. Albert of Hoenlo, prelate and duke, presided for two years, and died on the Sunday after the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, in the year of the Lord 1352, under Charles the fourth emperor, in the tenth indiction. After him Albert of Hesberg, canon, was unanimously elected by the chapter, but Pope Gregory the eleventh, at the emperor’s request, annulled the election and installed Gerhard of Svvartzenburg.

Johannes Trithemius.

[unclear] an army, and, moving into Gaul, he besieged and took Cambrai. Moving on from there through the Carbonarian Forest, he directed his hurried march toward Tournai, a city which had been fortified with a garrison of Romans. Therefore, when the Roman soldiers heard of the arrival of King Clodius, they advanced against him to battle; they were all slain by him, and not one remained. Thus Clodius for a second time subjected a great part of Gaul to the Franks, which the Romans were never thereafter able to recover, down to the present day.

Now after Clodius, king of the Franks, had magnificently extended the boundaries of his kingdom and had subjected to the rule of the Franks all the land of the Gauls which lies between the Rhine on the east and the sea on the west, and likewise from the sea on the north as far as the Seine toward the south, that is, the Batavians, Menapians, Tungrians, Taravanians, Morini, Ambiani, people of Cambrai, Atrebates, Bellovaci, and Crusi, who are now the Hollanders, Gelderlanders, Brabanters, Zeelanders, Picards, people of Louvain, people of Traiectum, Namurians, people of Beauvais, people of Noyon, and whatever adjoins these, he died in the twentieth year of his reign, and in the year 451 of the Lord’s Nativity, in the fourth Roman indiction.

Meroveus, son of Clodius, succeeding his father in the kingdom of the Franks, reigned for ten years. In the third year of his reign, in the month of June, assisted by the support of Helenus, duke of the eastern Franks, he besieged, took, plundered, and subjected to his rule the city of Trier, still at that time subject to the Romans. He killed a Mosellan leader named Sabinus, and powerfully obtained the whole region on this side of the Moselle from Mediomatricum, which is now Metz, as far as the Rhine. And lest the people of the land be able to rise in rebellion, he transferred twelve thousand Mosellans, with their children, wives, and possessions, into eastern Francia under Duke Helenus; in their place he set twelve thousand eastern Franks along the banks of the Moselle, in cities as well as in castles and villages. And from that time the use of the wine which is called that of the Franks first began to exist among the Mosellans. For the Franks, cultivators of wine, transferred to the Moselle, were the first to bring with them from eastern Francia that kind of vine.

In the eighth year of King Meroveus the Huns were devastating Gaul; against their insolence King Meroveus himself led a great army of Franks. Battle having been joined on the Catalaunian fields, the Franks slew one hundred eighty thousand of the Huns.

In his time the Franks added almost all Gaul to their kingdom, the strength of the Romans now diminished and failing, especially after the death of Aetius, whom Valentinian had killed out of envy. Therefore the Franks, mingled with the Gauls, took wives for themselves from their daughters, and begot sons and daughters, who all learned their language, and likewise their customs; with them they have henceforth lived together down to the present day. But those who remained in eastern Francia, and also the Mosellans this side of the Rhine, the people of Wurzburg, Mainz, the Hangones, Neometae, Argentorates, Helvetii, Alsatians, Westerasians, Treveri, Agrippinenses, Holgii, Batavians, Menapians, Hollanders, and Brabanters, differing only in dialects, all use the German language.

King Meroveus, however, after the kingdom of the Franks had been greatly enlarged, died a pagan, in the tenth year of his reign, and in the year of the Lord 461, in the fourteenth indiction.

Hilderic, son of Meroveus, succeeding his father, reigned for six years. Then, driven from the kingdom, he fled and lived in exile in Thuringia for eight years, while a certain Roman, Aegidius, meanwhile occupied the kingdom of the Franks. After eight years had passed, Aegidius was cast out of the kingdom by the Franks; Hilderic was recalled, and thereafter reigned for another nine years. And all the years in which he reigned amounted to fifteen. For in the sixth year of his reign, the princes and nobles of the Franks conspired against him because, living insolently and too luxuriously, he had violated many wives and daughters of the nobles, and they wished to kill him. When this became known to him, he secretly fled with a few men into Thuringia to King Basinus, and there he remained for eight years. He fled in the year of the Lord 467, in the fifth Roman indiction.

When Hilderic had been put to flight and was living in exile with Basinus, king of Thuringia, who was joined to him by blood, the Franks set over themselves as king a certain Roman named Aegidius, who ruled over the Soissons; he reigned for eight years. The Franks at length, no longer able to endure him as he tyrannized excessively and cruelly killed all the nobles, cast him out, judging that the shame of daughters and wives should rather be endured or disregarded than that they should be so cruelly slain by a tyrant.

Therefore, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 475, in the thirteenth Roman indiction, Hilderic, through the loyalty and industry of Wimbald, returned from Thuringia into Gaul; Aegidius having been put to flight, he was restored to the kingdom of the Franks by the consent of all, and thereafter reigned for nine years, and changed the former habits of his youth for the better. Hearing

ON THE ORIGIN OF THE FRANKS. 85.

Basina, wife of Basinus, king of the Thuringians, hearing of the prosperous successes of Childeric, leaving her husband, came to him in Gaul, and he took her as wife—forgetful of the hospitality of king Basinus, and recompensing [it] with an evil exchange.

On the first night of the marriage now at hand, Basina admonishes Childeric to abstain from intercourse, and to watch the doors, and to report to her what he should see three times in the courtyard. The king believed the woman, and, the house having been gone round three times, returned to her, saying that he had seen, first, in the courtyard of the palace, rhinoceroses—that is, unicorns—and lions and leopards; secondly, bears and raging wolves, biting one another mutually; thirdly, small dogs, attacking [each other] with alternate bites, and tearing one another in turn.

To these [things] the prophetic woman foretold to the king that there would issue from [their] intercourse offspring of various morals, diverse with time: the first, which would be noble by nature, would imitate the rhinoceroses and lions in nobility; the second, which by the habit of bears and wolves would bend [its] mind to plunder; but the third, which, by deadly biting, would imitate the rabid dogs, and would fall away from [its] pristine nobility.

In the year after these [things], Childeric led an army into the Alemanni—who are now the Suevi—and subjected them to his kingdom, and made [them] tributary to the Franks, namely in that region which is nearest to Italy, which the Alemanni or Suevi had earlier invaded.

In the third year of his resumed reign, Odoacer, a Rugian by birth, relying on the throngs of the Turcilingi, Sciri, and Heruli, going out from the farthest borders of Saxony, with a strong band of his [men] entered Gaul, and occupied the city of Angers; against whom Childeric, arriving the following day, slew Count Paul, put Odoacer to flight with the Saxons, and subjugated the city to himself. Thence moving, Odoacer—a treaty having first been made with Childeric—led [his] army toward Italy, slew Orestes, patrician of the Romans, met in battle in Liguria, obtained Pavia and all the Roman fortifications round about, and in a short time, with none resisting, subjected all Italy to his dominion. The diadem having been placed on his head, he reigned in Italy fourteen years, with no one disturbing him.

But Childeric, king of the Franks, after many [things] bravely done in paganism, like his fathers also, died, in the year of the Lord 484, in the seventh Roman indiction.

Clovis, son of Childeric, after [his] father reigned thirty years, who was the first of the kings of the Franks afterward made a Christian, as we shall say. Clovis was outstanding in form, and renowned in greatness of mind, who straightway in the beginning of his reign put to flight Syagrius, son of Aegidius the former king, whom [his] father had left as prince of Soissons, and obtained the city; and proceeding further, [he obtained] also the city of Rheims, and several others. [The source here repeats, within this paragraph, the Odoacer passage above:] "…a treaty having first been made with Childeric, he led [his] army toward Italy, slew Orestes, patrician of the Romans, met in battle in Liguria, obtained Pavia and all the fortifications of the Romans round about, in a short time, with none resisting, subjected all Italy to his dominion, and, the diadem [placed] on his head, reigned in Italy fourteen years, with none disturbing him." [end of the duplicated passage]

Clovis was admonished to assume the faith of Christ, and to renounce the superstitious and vain worship of idols. But before Clotilde was his wife, he had a son from a concubine, by name Theodoric. Moreover Gunderic, king of the Burgundians, had four sons: Gundebald, Godegisil, Chilperic the father of Clotilde, and Bodemar. Gundebald, therefore, killed his brother Chilperic with the sword, and his wife, the mother of Clotilde—a stone having been tied to [her] neck—he sank, cast headlong into the water; whose two daughters, Mucurina and Clotilde, he condemned to exile. But Clotilde, Clovis asking [for her], is sent by [her] uncle into Gaul.

In the tenth year of his reign, king Clovis moved [his] army into Thuringia, to whose aid came Clodomer, duke of the eastern Franks, with twelve thousand warriors. The cause of the war was that Basina, formerly wife of Basinus, going into Gaul to Childeric (as was said a little before), had carried off with her many treasures in gold, silver, and pearls, which the son of king Basinus, demanding [them] back, when he had not obtained [them], declared war on Clovis. But he, not slothful, forestalling the king of the Thuringians in his own kingdom, conquered [him], and made [him] tributary to the Franks.

[Marginal notes summarize: Basina came, leaving her husband, to Childeric, and shows [him] a vision of [their] future offspring; the Franks subject the Alemanni; Odoacer subjected all Italy to himself as king; Clovis despoiled the churches of the Christians; Clotilde, wife of Clovis, daughter of the king of Burgundy; Chilperic killed by [his] brother; Clodomer subjected Thuringia.]

Johannes Trithemius.

In the eleventh year of Clovis, Theodoric, king of the eastern Goths, sent into Italy by Zeno, emperor of the East, killed Odoacer of Saxony, the tyrant, and thereafter himself occupied the Roman Empire for thirty-one years.

Clovis, king of the Franks, killed Alaric, king of the western Goths, an Arian, ten miles from the city of Poitiers, together with many others in battle, and took the city of Poitiers, with all its land and his treasures, into his own power.

The king had war with the Alemanni. And it happened that, when both armies engaged, the Franks were violently cut down and began to fail badly. When King Clovis noticed this, raising his eyes to heaven, he prayed with tears, saying: “Lord Jesus Christ, whom my wife proclaims to be the Son of God, if you give me victory over these enemies of mine, I shall believe in you and receive baptism in your name.” And while he was saying these things in prayer, the Alemanni at once turned in flight; and when they saw that their king had been killed by the Franks, they submitted themselves to Clovis, saying: “Do not, we pray, pursue the people any further; now we are yours, and we shall serve you faithfully forever.” But he, forbidding the war to continue, accepted the Alemanni in surrender and imposed tribute upon them.

Having returned into Gaul, he summoned to himself Saint Remigius, bishop of Reims; fully instructed by him in the Christian faith, he prepared himself with great humility to receive the sacrament of baptism. When he entered for baptism, Saint Remigius said with eloquent mouth: “Gently bow your neck, Sicamber; worship what you burned, burn what you worshiped.” On that day three thousand of the Franks were baptized, and in the following days many more also of the rest of the people.

At that time there reigned in the borders of Gaul, at Cologne, Sigebert, an old and wealthy man. He had an only son named Ludovicus, who, seduced by desire of reigning, had his father killed in a certain grove; because of this crime he himself, a little afterward, by a certain Frank under the direction of Clovis [unclear] three thousand, in the following days of the rest, of the people completed. When he had been killed, King Clovis, by the consent of all at Cologne, obtained the whole kingdom of Sigebert.

Ragnachar also, who was reigning at Cambrai, and also Chararic, another king, with brothers and sons, all of whom were of the race of the Franks, he caused to be killed after they had been deceived either by war or by trickery, and subjected the whole kingdom of the Franks to himself.

He held under suspicion all who reigned throughout Gaul, whether they were Franks of his own stock or foreigners, lest perhaps he should be killed by them. Therefore, after many kings had been killed, including his own kinsmen, concerning whom he feared lest they take the kingdom from him, he extended his kingdom throughout all threefold Gaul: Celtic, Aquitanian, and Belgic. Sitting one day among his courtiers he said: “Woe to me, who have remained alone like a stranger among foreigners; no one of my kin lives who could help me in necessity.” He did not say this with the intention that he was either sorry for the cruelty he had committed against his kinsmen, or grieved for those killed, but in deceit, so that if perhaps anyone of his stock were still hidden, he might be betrayed by some incautious disclosure of one of those listening.

Clovis waged many wars, which we have not written here for the sake of brevity, since they are contained more fully in Hunibald, book eighteen. He also subjected many peoples to the kingdom of the Franks, and by injury to very many greatly enlarged the kingdom. He was fifteen years of age when he began to reign; he reigned thirty years. He did many good things, and likewise evil things. His mother’s name was Basina, the legitimate wife of Basin, king of the Thuringians; he himself was born in adultery.

For Hilderic, king of the Franks, fleeing into Thuringia, was received for eight years as a guest by King Basin, his kinsman, and had secret intercourse with his wife Basina. She conceived by him and bore the aforesaid son Clovis, in the second year of his flight, which was the year 369 of the Lord’s nativity, in the seventh indiction of the Romans. But afterward, in the eighth year of his flight, he returned into Gaul; Basina followed him with the son and came into exile, in the year of the Lord 376, with the boy now seven years old. King Hilderic survived eight years and died.

Clovis succeeded his father when he was fifteen years old. He reigned [unclear] years. He died in the forty-fifth year of his age, or the thirtieth of his reign, but in the year 524 of the Lord’s nativity, in the seventh indiction of the Romans, and was buried at Paris in the church of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, which he himself had newly built with his wife Clotilde.

He left four sons: Lothar, Theodoric, Clodomer, and Hildebert, who

On the Origin of the Franks.

who divided their paternal kingdom among themselves in a friendly apportionment. And because afterward many kings proceeded from these, lest we confuse the order of the principal lineage once begun, our chief intention will be to remain in the direct line, continuing the sequence of the family down to Hilderic the last, [unclear].

Up to this point Hunibaldus continued the history of the Franks, for seventeen hundred years from the destruction of the Trojans. What follows concerning the deeds of the Franks has been taken from Hoduardus, Richer, Hermanfredus, and other authors.

Lotharius, son of Clodoveus, through whom the direct line is continued, reigned after his father at Soissons for fifty-one years. His brothers each reigned in their own places. For Theoderic, son of Clodoveus by a concubine, reigned among the people of Metz for thirty-two years; after him his son Theodebert reigned, that is, at Metz, which contains part of Upper Champagne, and also through Alsace and the Alemanni bordering the Rhine, for fourteen years. His son Theodebald succeeded him and reigned for nine years; when he died without children in the year of the Lord 560, Lotharius received the kingdom of Austrasia.

Clodomir, the third son of Clodoveus, reigned at Orleans. He was killed in war by Gundovald, king of Burgundy, leaving three sons, Theobald, Gunther, and Clodoald, whom, after their father’s death, their grandmother Crothildis kept with her to be raised.

Not long afterward Hildebert and Lotharius killed two of the boys with their own hands; the third, Cloald, slipped away in flight with the help of the nobles and escaped. He became a cleric and lived well.

Hildebert, already mentioned, the fourth son of Clodoveus, reigned for forty-five years. He died in the year of the Lord 559, and was buried at Paris in the church of St. Vincent; Lotharius his brother received his kingdom together with all his treasures. At the same time Theodobald, his nephew, also died, who had held the kingdom of Austrasia of his grandfather Theoderic; this passed to Lotharius. And thus Lotharius alone obtained the whole kingdom of the Franks.

In the tenth year of Lotharius, king of the Franks, Ermenfrid, king of the Thuringians, at the urging of his wife Amalberga, deceitfully killed Bertharius and Baldeticus, his brothers, as if they were aiming at his kingdom. They were, like him, of the noble blood of the kings of the Franks. When this became known to King Theoderic, he was greatly moved, and resolved in his mind to avenge the death of his kinsmen. For Theoderic was staying among the Austrasians in the city of Metz, where he had placed the seat of the kingdom; he ruled over the Austrasians, that is, the people of Metz, Liege, Cologne, Trier, the Westrasii, the Alsatians, and the Alemanni on this side of the Rhine.

Fortunatus assigns another cause of the war, which we shall state briefly. Amelberga, wife of Ermenfrid, king of Thuringia, was the daughter of Clodoveus and Crothildis. She took it very badly that her husband was placed under tribute to King Theoderic, whom she considered unworthy of the kingdom, because he was the son of a concubine of his father Clodoveus, not of the queen. Hence she complained that the kingdom of Austrasia was owed by right rather to her, who was the legitimate daughter of the king and queen, than to Theoderic, who had been born illegitimately. With these and many other words the woman continually harassed Ermenfrid, and finally drove him by her excessive importunity so that, sending letters and messengers to Theoderic, he demanded from him the kingdom of Austrasia, as owed to himself together with his wife, with insulting and abusive reproaches. Moved by this, King Theoderic, when Ermenfrid threatened that he would come into Austrasia with an army of fighters, resolved to forestall him. Therefore, calling to his aid his son Theodebert and his brother Lotharius, kings, he entered Thuringia with a great army of Franks, captured King Ermenfrid with his wife and sons, killed him, and subjected the whole region of the Thuringians to himself. From that time the Thuringian kings ceased down to the present.

When the kings were dividing the booty among themselves, Radegundis, a very beautiful virgin who had been the daughter of King Bertharius, killed by his brother Ermenfrid, fell by lot to King Lotharius. He took her with him into Gaul as a captive and received her as his wife. She shone with great sanctity, and after the death of King Lotharius became a nun.

Lotharius, king of the Franks, undertook many battles. He fought twice with the Saxons: the first time he was victor, the second time he was defeated, with many Franks killed. He himself slipped away in flight and returned with a few men to Soissons. The cause of the war was the matter of tribute.

He had seven sons, one of whom, named Granus, from whom the baths at Aachen are said to be named, [unclear], rebelled against his father. After he was finally captured, Lotharius ordered him to be burned with his wife and two children, with many Franks having been killed.

Here Hunibaldus ended the history.

Lotharius reigned for fifty-one years.

Theoderic reigned in Austrasia.

Clodomir reigned at Orleans.

Ermenfrid, king of Thuringia.

Another cause of the war between Theoderic and Ermenfrid, and [unclear].

The Thuringian Franks are subjected by order to King Ermenfrid [unclear].

Radegundis, a captive virgin, is led away.

Granus, son of Lotharius, is killed by his father.

Whence Aachen.

Johannes Trithemius

At last Lotharius died, in the fifty-first year of his reign, and in the year of the Lord's nativity 564, in the twelfth Roman indiction, leaving four sons: Heribertus, who, being the elder by birth, reigned at Paris after his father's death for a few years, leaving nothing else recorded, I do not say worthy, except that, given over to lust, he was the slave of shamefulness, and soon died without children.

Guntramus reigns at Orleans and in Alsace and Helvetia.

The second-born of Lotharius was Guntramus, who reigned at Orleans and in Burgundy for 33 years, and died in the year of the Lord 597, leaving two sons, Theodobertus and Theodoricus. His wife was called by the name Austrigildis, a most wicked woman, who, when she was sick unto death and saw that she could not recover, ordered two innocent physicians to be killed.

Theobertus, the elder by birth, begot Sigebertus; Sigebertus begot Odobertus, Gunthramus, and Adelbertus, brothers. Theodertus, the younger, begot Lutfridus and Udalricus, counts, one of whom resided in Habsburg, the other in Hohenburg, the kingdom already having been divided into the four counties of the Helvetii, Alsatians, and Alemanni on this side of the Rhine. From this Lutfridus the genealogy of the counts of Habsburg is continued down to Rudolph, king of the Germans, and further to Maximilian, from Gunthranus of the Franks through 917 years, down to the twenty-eighth year of Maximilian's reign. But in the present place I have not been able to continue the straight line of his genealogy.

Sigebertus, the third-born of Lotharius, reigned in Austrasia, that is, at Metz, Trier, Liege, Cologne, Mainz, over the Thuringians and Saxons, for fourteen years, whom Hilpericus [unclear]

Odobertus begot Theodobertus, who after his father's death reigned 21 years and died in the year of the Lord 599. After him his son Theodoricus reigned 16 years; at the instigation of Brunihildis, his grandmother, he expelled Saint Columbanus from the kingdom in the year of Christ 614, and died shortly afterward, leaving three illegitimate sons, Sigebertus, Corbus, and Meroveus. Sigebertus, routed in battle by Lotharius, son of the following Hilpericus, appeared nowhere. Corbus was killed by the same Lotharius. Meroveus, whom he had lifted from the sacred font, he preserved alive; but Brunihildis, the murderess of ten kings, he killed.

Sigebertus reigns at Soissons after his father for 24 years.

Hilpericus the younger, son of Lotharius, from whom the line of the kings of the Franks descending in the right order is continued, succeeded his dead father and reigned among the Soissons for 24 years. He began to reign in the year of the Lord 561, two years before his father died. He had a wife named Andovera, whom, after she had by the deceit of Fredegundis been made his godmother, he cast off, and he took the deceiver Fredegundis herself in addition to the queen. By Andovera, his first wife, he had two sons, Clodoveus and Meroneus, both of whom perished through the deceit of their stepmother. Fredegundis, however, bore Lotharius, who succeeded his father in the kingdom.

In the sixteenth year of his reign, which was the year of the Lord's nativity 578, King Hilpericus, after many persecutions, at last killed his brother Sigebertus; Meroneus, son of Hilpericus, took Sigebertus's wife Brunihildis as an ill-fated wife. Then, after Sigebertus had been wickedly slain, Theodebertus his son succeeded for 21 years.

Lotharius, son of King Hilpericus by Fredegundis, reigned after his father for 44 years. He had several wives, and begot Dagobertus by Berchtrudis, who succeeded him in the kingdom, and Heribertus, who reigned at Toulouse in Aquitaine.

A little before these times, while King Sigebertus, brother of Hilpericus, was still alive, namely in the year of the Lord 576, when the Saxons, at the request of the Winuli, who are now the Lombards, departing from the borders of Scandia, had entered Italy with them and, after some years had been spent there, saw that they were despised by the Lombards, they returned with their children and wives through Gaul to Saxony under the escort of King Sigebertus. But the Alemanni were inhabiting Saxony, which, when its inhabitants departed, they had immediately occupied. When the Saxons came, the Alemanni had been prepared to give them a third part of the region. But when they refused to accept it, in the fifth [year] of King Lotharius Gunthramus, king at Orleans and of part of Burgundy, died, leaving two sons, Theodobertus and Theodoricus, against whom Lotharius, at the instigation of Fredegundis his wife, made war. But

On the Origin of the Franks

But the holy abbot Columbanus warned Lotharius not to pollute himself with the murder of his nephews, for in the end it would come to pass that he would become their heir and monarch of the whole kingdom.

But Brunhild, the grandmother, was inciting those same grandsons without interruption into mutual war. The grandmother pursued Theodobert with particular hatred, and for that reason diligently provoked his brother against him. Hence at last Theodoric moved an army against his brother Theodobert, and a fierce battle was joined, in which many thousands of the Franks fell on both sides. At length Theodobert, having been defeated, fled and withdrew within the walls of the city of Cologne Agrippina. His brother pursued him and surrounded Cologne with a siege. The citizens asked Theodoric for peace; he answered them: “You will have no peace from me unless you throw down to me from the wall the head of my brother Theodobert.” The citizens therefore cut off the head of Theodobert, their lord, and threw it through the wall to Theodoric his brother, as he had ordered. Thus, made victor in his brother’s blood, he entered Cologne peacefully, an impious warrior, and subjected to himself all Austrasia, which his brother had possessed.

Theodobert had three sons, Sigebert, Gunthram, and Lotharius, and one very beautiful daughter. Sigebert, the eldest, escaped by flight and lay hidden very secretly until the death of Theodoric with his uncle Genebald, duke of the eastern Franks; after the death of Theodoric, through the intervention of the nobles, he received the kingdom of the Helvetians, as will be said below hereafter, yet he was not permitted to put on the diadem or to possess royal dignity. From this Sigebert was born Odobert, through whom the counts in Habsburg, as we said a little earlier, together with many others, arose in Upper Alemannia of Helvetia.

Theodoric the king, their uncle, led away the two brothers and the sister of the aforesaid Sigebert, who were still little children, to Metz. Brunhild, meeting him, as soon as she saw the little grandchildren, rushed upon them like a raging lioness and cruelly killed them with her own hand. Thus Theodoric obtained Austrasia.

Not much time elapsed after this, namely in the year of the Lord 618, which was the thirty-second of King Lotharius, and King Theodoric perished by Brunhild’s poison, in the twenty-first year of his reign. After his death, Lotharius, according to the prophecy of the holy abbot Columbanus, was made monarch of the whole kingdom and thereafter reigned alone over the Franks and Gauls for thirteen years. He insisted that Brunhild, the murderess of ten kings, captured at Worms, undergo cruel [unclear] by judgment of the nobles.

Lotharius, therefore, now entrusted the provinces of the kingdom to four counts. He appointed Garnerius, a noble man of the ancient stock of the kings of the Franks, prefect of his palace; from this his descendants were called counts palatine of his house, succeeding afterward in the same office. Burgundy he entrusted to a certain Harpo, who was himself a count sprung from the most ancient line of the kings of the Franks, and who performed many brave deeds. To Rado, a most noble count of the Franks, he entrusted Austrasia, that is, Metz, Liège, Cologne, Trier, and whatever lies between them. Mainz, Worms, Speyer, and all Westria, together with the adjoining regions, he entrusted to Clodomir, who was duke of the eastern Franks at Würzburg, a high-spirited man descended from the lineage of kings. Lower Francia, or northern Gaul, he entrusted to Pippin; in it are these more important cities: Thérouanne, the Morini, Tournai, Arras, Cambrai, Maastricht, and whatever lies between them. Alsace and Alemannia on this side of the Rhine, that is, Constance, Basel, Strasbourg, whatever right the Franks had between the Burgundians, the Rhine, and the Lombards, and the Helvetians themselves, he committed to Sigebert, son of the late Theodobert, king of the Austrasians, whom his brother Theodoric killed, as has been said. This Sigebert, as long as his uncle survived after the killing of his father, brothers, and sister, together with Brunhild, lay hidden among the dukes of eastern Francia.

By Lotharius, however, through the intervention of the nobles, he was made count in the aforesaid regions, and he begot Odobert, Gunthram, and Theodobert by Engeltrude, daughter of Heribert, duke of the eastern Franks. He presided over the province committed to him for thirty-eight years. Odobert, after his father died, received four counties in the land of the Suebi, Habsburg, Kyburg, and two others whose names are not now [unclear] to me.

Gunthram was count in Homburg and begot Udalric, father of Saint Othilia, virgin of Christ and nun. Theodobert was count of the Rauraci. From these many counts descend.

At the time when Lotharius began to reign at Soissons in Gaul, Garibald reigned in Bavaria. His daughter, named Theodolinda, Antharius king of the Lombards had as wife; this woman was most devoted to Christ, to whom the blessed Pope Gregory [wrote] four

Johannes Trithemius.

He sent books of dialogues, in the year of the Lord’s nativity [unclear]. At that time there were kings of Bavaria, under the power of the kings of the Franks, and they paid them tribute every year.

In the year of the Lord 602, in the fifth Roman indiction, which was the sixteenth year of Lothar, Garibald, the aforesaid king of Bavaria, died; in his place the aforesaid king of the Franks, Lothar, appointed Tassilo king.

Bertrudis, wife of Lothar king of the Franks, bore Dagobert; after her death he married Sigehild, who bore Heribert. These will be discussed in their proper place. The father had entrusted Dagobert to Saint Arnulf, bishop of Metz, to be raised and instructed; at this time Arnulf was held in great esteem. This Arnulf, of the race of the Franks, was count of Namur; from count he was made bishop of Metz, and from bishop a monk and hermit, in the opinion of all most holy. The matter prompts me to trace his genealogy further back, because he came both from the blood of kings and because several of his descendants were raised to the kingship.

For in the year of the Lord 343, Clogio, king of the Franks, begot Marcomer the king and Dagobert the duke. Dagobert begot Genebald. Genebald begot Marcomer and Sunno. Sunno begot Diocles. Diocles begot Meroneus. Meroneus begot Leontius. Leontius begot Heribert. Heribert begot Priam. Priam begot Sigebert. Sigebert begot Nicanor. Nicanor begot Ansegis. Ansegis begot Arnulf, count of Namur in Austrasia, afterwards bishop of Metz and hermit, of whom we are speaking.

Arnulf begot Ansegis, count of Namur and mayor of the palace of the Franks, or count palatine. Ansegis begot Pippin, mayor of the palace and duke of Brabant, father of Saint Gertrude, whose wife Ida built the monastery of Nivelles in Brabant at the urging of Saint Amandus, or, as usage has it, in Brabant. This Pippin died in the year of the Lord 657, under Dagobert king of the Franks. Pippin begot Grimoald and Charles, surnamed the Strong, mayors of the palace. Charles begot Pippin, Carloman, and Grifo. Pippin, from count palatine or mayor of the palace of the Franks, was made king after the deposition of Hilderic, and begot Charles the Great; these will be discussed later.

In the year of the Lord 611, Dagobert, whom his father Lothar had already previously made king of Austrasia, declared war on Berthold, duke of the Saxons, because he refused to pay tribute to the Franks. Having gathered his forces and crossed the Rhine, he fought with him, and at first was defeated and seriously wounded. When his father Lothar, who was then in the Ardennes forest of the diocese of Cologne, heard this from a swift messenger reporting it, he hastened to his son’s aid. After he had crossed the Rhine at Novellus, battle was again joined. Berthold, or, as others hold, Berthulf, duke of the Saxons, was killed. The Saxons fled after their duke was slain. King Dagobert pursued them and killed all males who exceeded the length of his sword, and compelled the people to pay a tribute of 500 oxen.

After these things, in the year of the Lord 631, in the fourth Roman indiction, Lothar the king, son of Helperic and father of Dagobert, died in the forty-fourth year of his reign.

Dagobert, surnamed the Great, son of Lothar, reigned after his father’s death for thirty-three years. His mother’s name was Bertrudis. He had two sons, Sigebert and Clodoveus, or, as others write, Lodovegus, whom we today would rather call Ludovicus in German.

When Sigebert himself, a little infant of forty days, was baptized by the bishop, and during the prayer Amen was to be answered by those standing around, and all were silent because their thoughts were distracted, the infant himself answered Amen in a clear voice.

Heribert, Dagobert’s brother, who was reigning at Toulouse in Aquitaine, lifted him from the sacred font; this Heribert, that is, after his brother was now reigning, later died together with his son Hilperic, and the monarchy returned to Dagobert.

The Saxons, sending envoys, asked Dagobert to deign to remit their tribute to them, namely the enormous oxen which they were compelled to give every year to the kings of the Franks. The king consented for a time, on this condition: that the Saxons themselves should wage war against [unclear], which they did.

King Dagobert made his son, the said Sigebert, king of Austrasia, that is, of the people of Metz, Cologne, and Liege, placing the diadem upon him and commending him to Saint Cunibert, archbishop of Cologne, and to Adelgis, count palatine of Namur, so that he might be governed by their prudence.

Clodo-

On the Origin of the Franks.

Clodoveus, however, king of Neustria and Burgundy, son of King Dagobert and Nanthildis, was declared king by his father; while he was still a very small child, his father entrusted him to Pippin, duke of Brabant, and to Count [Againus?], to be brought up and instructed in morals.

Pippin, count of Namur, duke of Brabant.

This Clodoveus, son of Dagobert, had a wife named Bathildis, an illustrious woman of the Saxon nation, who bore him Lotharius, Hilderic, and Theodoric; concerning these, in their proper places, something must briefly be said in order.

Dagobert, great king of the Franks, died in the thirty-fourth year of his reign, but in the year of the Lord’s nativity 665, in the eighth Roman indiction.

Clodoveus, son of the great Dagobert, succeeded his father and reigned sixteen years. His mother’s name was Nantchildis. Under him the mayor of the household, or count of the palace, was Ansegisus, son of Saint Arnulf, bishop of Metz, a vigorous and magnificent man, who was count of Namur; his son Pippin was duke of Brabant.

Clodoveus reigned, as has been said, in Neustria and Burgundy, that is, at Paris, Beauvais, Amiens, Blois, Reims, Lyon, Toulouse, and in the whole Gallican kingdom as far as the sea and the Spains through Alemannia. In eastern Francia, Bavaria, Alsace, Thuringia, and other provinces subject to the kingdom of the Franks, dukes and counts of the noble blood of the ancient kings of France had been appointed, who administered them under the kings.

Sigebert, however, the brother of Clodoveus, as we have said, reigned in Austrasia, which is joined to lower Champagne, among the people of Metz, Cologne, Liège, Trier, the Mosellans, Toul, Mainz, [Neometenses], and Worms.

King Clodoveus died in the sixteenth year of his reign, but in the year of the Lord’s nativity 681, in the ninth Roman indiction, leaving three sons, as has been said, by his wife Bathildis: Lotharius, Hilderic, and Theodoric.

Lotharius, the elder son of Clodoveus, succeeded his father and reigned only four years. His mayor of the household was Ebervinus, an impious man, who tore out the eyes of Saint Leodegarius the bishop and made him a martyr of Christ. King Lotharius died in the year of the Lord 675, in the fourteenth indiction.

Theodoric, brother of Lotharius and son of Clodoveus, succeeded his dead brother and reigned almost seven years. For he was made king twice. First, succeeding his brother and given over to leisure and sloth, he began to arrange all the affairs of the kingdom through the count of the palace, whom they called the mayor of the household, showing himself once a year, on the Kalends of May, for the people to see and greet; all the rest of the time he spent in idleness. Hence the commonwealth of the Franks suffered no small loss. For everything was carried out at the discretion of the mayors of the household. His mayor of the household was Ebervinus, whom others wrongly write as Ebroinus, because it is a Germanic name, a wicked and impious man who did many evils; moved by these, the nobles of the Franks cast Theodoric down from the kingdom and confined both him and Ebervinus, separated from one another, in two monasteries.

Hilderic, the middle brother of the two preceding kings and son of Clodoveus, after his younger brother Theodoric had been cast down from the kingdom of the Franks, was called from Austrasia to the kingdom by election of the nobles and reigned a few years. Since he was harsh in character and hateful to many nobles of the Franks, he was killed while hunting.

Theodoric, after his brother had been killed while hunting, together with his pregnant wife Ulida, was restored to the kingdom by the Franks, and thereafter reigned three years. He died in the year of the Lord’s nativity 692, leaving by Queen Clothildis two sons, Clodoveus and Hildebert, who reigned after him.

Clodoveus, the elder son of Theodoric, succeeding his father in the kingdom of the Franks in the above-noted year of the Lord 692, reigned three years with his brother Hildebert. The mayor of the household of the kingdom of the Franks at that time was Pippin, son of Ansegisus, count and renowned duke of Brabant. In the last year of this King Clodoveus, Saint Willibrord, who was also called Clement by Pope Sergius at Rome, was ordained bishop on the day of Saint Clement and sent into Belgic Gaul, Austrasia, and also Frisia, to preach.

This King Clodoveus of the Franks died in the year of the Lord’s nativity 696, in the ninth Roman indiction; his brother succeeded him.

Hildebert, succeeding his dead brother Clodoveus, afterwards reigned fourteen years. In his fifth year Saint Lambert, bishop of Liège, was killed.

King Hildebert died in the year of the Lord’s nativity 610, in the eighth Roman indiction, leaving his son Dagobert.

Dagobert the younger, succeeding his father in the kingdom of the Franks, reigned five years, par-

Dagobert reigns [unclear] years.

[Two?] kings of the Franks of slight authority and importance existed in these times, but everything was done through the mayors of the palace, among whom various disturbances and seditions also frequently arose. For after Ebroin, under Theodoric, had died, the Franks made Garaco count of the palace; not long afterward Gillemarus, his son, removed him from office. After wars against Pippin, duke of Brabant, whom the Franks had driven out of the mayoralty of the palace, this man died suddenly, and Garaco his father recovered the dignity. When he too had died shortly afterward, Bertharius, a useless man, was appointed mayor of the palace.

Pippin wages war against Bertharius.

Pippin, duke of Brabant, perceiving the dissension of the Franks, gathered troops and led an army against Theodoric and Bertharius. The battle was fiercely fought; Theodoric, his army routed, took flight. Bertharius was killed. At last, when peace had been confirmed with King Theodoric, Pippin recovered the office, and died in the year of the Lord 715, in the thirteenth Roman indiction, leaving a son named Charles Martel, surnamed the Strong. Plectrude, his stepmother, Pippin’s last wife, placed him in custody at Cologne, and [made?] Theobald mayor of the palace.

Pippin recovers the mayoralty of the palace.

Not long afterward the Franks removed Theobald from office; war was undertaken; the party of King Dagobert was weakened. For after Theobald had been driven from office, the Frankish nobles made Raganfrid mayor of the palace. Meanwhile Charles Martel, Pippin’s son, escaped from the custody of his stepmother.

But Dagobert, the younger king of the Franks, at last died in the year of the Lord 715, in the thirteenth indiction, leaving a son named Theodoric.

After the death of King Dagobert, the Franks appointed a certain priest named Daniel mayor of the palace; afterward, raising him to be king, they gave him the name Chilperic. He often fought against Charles Martel. But Charles, having miraculously slipped away from the custody of his stepmother, labored with the greatest zeal to be able to recover his father’s principate. Therefore, since he was powerful, he set up a certain Lotharius, of royal stock, as king of the Franks against Daniel, by whom he himself was also made mayor of the palace. Charles fought many battles with Daniel, sometimes defeated, yet more often victorious.

Ragenfrid, duke of the Frisians, and Eudo, prince of the Wascons, had conspired with Daniel against Lotharius and Charles; but all were defeated, and Lotharius, with Charles’s aid, powerfully held the kingdom for eight years.

This Lotharius, the interrex, died in the year of the Lord’s nativity 723, in the eighth year of his reign, in the sixth Roman indiction. When he had died, Daniel, who was also Chilperic the priest, was restored to the kingdom. He did not survive long, but died in the following year, that is, 724.

Theodoric reigns.

Theodoric, son of King Dagobert the last, brought up, as they say, for fear of enemies in a certain convent of nuns, after the death of the two interreges Lotharius and Daniel, was taken up as king by the Franks with the counsel of the mayor of the palace Charles Martel, who was now very powerful; and he reigned fourteen years. But all power in the whole kingdom was in the hands of the mayor of the palace, and the king was compelled to be content with the name alone.

This Charles, mayor of the palace of the Franks, count of Namur and duke of Brabant, restored the kingdom of the Franks, almost desolated, to wholeness, enlarged it, and made it glorious. He fought many battles with the peoples, and always came out victorious. First he led a great army beyond the Rhine and the Danube through the subdued Suevi and Bavarians to the Bulgars, the Rhaetians, and those peoples whom today we call Austrians beyond the Danube; powerfully subjecting them to the kingdom of the Franks, he returned to Gaul with much spoil.

When the Suevi defected from their pledged subjection to the Franks, Charles declared war and, having gathered forces of soldiers, fought with them. The battle was fiercely fought, and many fell on both sides, yet more of the Suevi than of the Franks. Hence in the end the victory fell to Charles, and, after Leutfred, duke of the Suevi, had been killed, he subjected that people, together with its region, to the Franks.

In the ninth year of Theodoric king of the Franks, which was the year of the Lord’s nativity 733, Charles, mayor of the palace, waged war with the Frisians, who were trying to vindicate themselves into freedom from subjection to the Franks. A savage battle was joined, and the Frisians, after Radbod, their leader, had been slain, were overcome.

In the following year Charles moved his army into Wascony. For Eudo, prince of the Wascons, with Abdiramus, king of Spain, as his ally, when he had an infinite multitude of fighters, broke into the territories of the Franks and, having set up camp at Bordeaux, took the city by storm, after all the churches had been plundered and burned. Advancing from there with similar destruction,

On the Origin of the Franks.

He afflicted the Poitevins and burned the church of Saint Hilary. Then he moved his army against the city of Tours, which he attacked by a like stratagem and wished to storm.

But Charles, meeting the enemy with his men, stood in the way, so that he should not obtain what he wished. Battle was joined and the fighting was extremely fierce; but God granted victory to Charles. On that day he laid low 385,000 of the enemy, although only five hundred from the army of the Franks had fallen in that battle. Not long afterward, when Edulo, also called Eudo, had died, Charles moved into Wasconia, subjected it to his rule, and checked the Burgundians as they were attempting new disturbances.

Charles subjected Wasconia to his rule.

In the eleventh year of King Theodoric, the Vandals, from their remaining settlements, after they had greatly troubled the peoples neighboring them, at last burst into Francia with a cruel multitude and came as far as Sens. But when an attack was made upon them, Eppo, bishop of the city, the siege having been lifted, put them to flight.

The Vandals who entered Francia are put to flight.

The Goths, bursting from the borders of the Spains into Francia, Charles received bravely in battle, laid them low, and compelled them to flee with the greatest disgrace. Finally, he also completely subdued the peoples on this side of the Rhine, the Mosellans too, the Cynonoti, the Westrasii, the Mainz people, the Vangiones, and the Neometes, ancient enemies of the Gauls.

Charles Martel overcame the Goths.

Theodoric, king of the Franks, died in the thirteenth year of his reign, which was the year of the Lord’s Nativity 737, in the fifth indiction.

Hilderic, son of King Theodoric, succeeding him after his death, reigned in name alone for fourteen years. Hilderic reigned fourteen years. For the wealth and power of the kingdom were in the hands of [unclear].

Johannes Trithemius

and the dukes of Brabant, after their father’s death, as has been said, having obtained the chief office of mayor of the household or palace, applied their minds most zealously to appointing the king and to recovering the provinces which after their father’s death had fallen away from subjection to the Franks.

First, therefore, stirred with common resolve to recover Aquitaine, they led an army against Himold, duke of that province, and declared war on the prince. But he, seeing that he was able [not?] to resist, sought favor and submitted himself to their will.

At the same time, while Pippin and Carloman were still in Aquitaine, in the castle called Lucasi, before they departed from there, they resolved to divide between themselves the principate of the whole kingdom of the Franks, the administration of which they held under the wretched king. They therefore divided, as they wished, all the provinces of the kingdom, without the advice or consent of the nobles in the province of King Childeric being sought for this. For Childeric was, as we have said, not a king but rather the shadow of a king, bearing the empty name of one of his servants, without substance. The nobles of the kingdom approved the intention of the princes, as the time required.

And so by common decree Pippin and Carloman divided between themselves all the provinces of the whole kingdom of the Franks in that place which is called Old Poitou. In this division Carloman obtained by lot Austrasia, Alemannia, and Thuringia; the names of the districts and cities of these provinces are these: Trier with the Mosellans; Metz with the Austrasians; Liege with the people of Namur, the Brabanders and Hollanders between the sea and the Rhine; Cologne with the Tungri, Batavi, Menapii, Frisians, and Hogii, who are now the Westphalians; Mainz with the [Cristheneni?], Vangiones, Nemetes, Westrasii, and [Cynonoti?]; Strasbourg with the Alsatians; Constance with the Alemanni, Helvetii, Raurici, and the people of Chur, who today are called [Valesii?]; Wurzburg with the Suevi and the eastern Franks, among whom are towns and cities: Nuremberg, Bamberg, Forchheim, Windsheim, Hall, and many counties, Schweinfurt, Rothenburg, Frankenburg, the castle of [Sebalsein?], [Wicharshein?], Wertheim, and many others; Bavaria with its cities, Regensburg, [Viuarium?], [Driopolis?], and others. Thuringia and Saxony, with almost all Germany, fell to Carloman; in almost each of these provinces dukes or counts administered the commonwealth under the power of the Franks, removable at the will of the princes.

Pippin, however, in that division obtained Burgundy, Westria, Provence, Aquitaine, Champagne, Gascony, and whatever lies between them. The names of the cities through the territories of these provinces are these: in Burgundy, indeed, Lyon, Vienne, Avignon, Besancon, [Loanna?], Valence, Marseille, and whatever today is contained in Savoy and the Dauphinate. In Westria: Paris, Chalon, Toul, Tours, [Cathalonia?], Toulouse, [Cotonagus?], whatever there is throughout all Gaul, Reims, Orleans, Soissons, Beauvais, Blois, Amiens, from the Spains as far as the river Scheldt.

After this division had been made between them, Pippin and Carloman returned home. At the same time, as soon as the Alemanni heard of the death of Charles Martel, they withdrew from subjection to the Franks and unanimously conspired in rebellion. As soon as this rebellion of the Suevi became known to Carloman, he gathered troops and moved his army into Alemannia, which he devastated with sword and fire. But the Alemanni, seeing that they were unequal to the Franks in strength, submitted themselves to them again and paid the annual tribute, as they had been accustomed to do before.

In the seventh year of King Childeric, which was the year of the Lord’s nativity 744, Carloman and Pippin, having joined their forces, advanced to war against Odilo, duke of Bavaria, who had himself fallen away from subjection to the Franks. For he had placed the royal diadem upon himself and by his own authority had ordered himself to be called king, which had been forbidden by decree of the Franks, because they had reduced all kingdoms subject to their dominion into provinces, establishing from them all one monarchy, over which the one king of the Franks alone presided. Duke Odilo, however, met the Franks coming against him in war, but was overcome by them, and Bavaria was again reduced into submission to the Franks.

At the same time part of the Saxons also, after the death of Charles Martel, fell away from loyalty to the Franks. Therefore Carloman, returning with his men from the slaughter of the Bavarians, moved an expedition into Saxony, and, after capturing the castle which the inhabitants call Osnabruck, today an episcopal city, received into surrender Theodicic, the chief count of that district, who did not keep faith.

For this reason Carloman and Pippin, with their armies joined, in the following year, which was of the Lord—

On the Origin of the Franks.

In the year of the Lord’s Nativity 745 they entered Saxony again, and they caused the captured Theodoric, so often a transgressor of faith, to be beheaded. And again the Saxons, compelled to submit to the Franks, began to pay tribute.

Again the Saxons are overcome by the Franks.

In the ninth year of Childeric, named the idle king of the Franks, but in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 747, Carloman, the most noble prince of the Franks, mayor of the palace, count of Namur, duke of Brabant by birth, and vice-king of Germany, also principal prefect, sole and only lord, powerful and to be feared, of Trier, Metz, Liege, Cologne, Mainz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Basel, Constance, the Alemanni, Suevi, Bavarians, Helvetians, Bohemians, Austrians, eastern Franks, Thuringians, Frisians, and Saxons, [unclear] the principate, which once at one time sufficed for twelve kings; and, having despised the riches of the world and all honors, he set out for Rome and offered himself to Zacharias, the supreme pontiff. By him he was soon made a cleric; and, his dress changed, he had himself clothed in monastic garments, and, made a monk on Mount Soracte, built the church of Saint Silvester, in which he served the Lord. But after some years, when many nobles from Francia came to Rome on pilgrimage out of devotion, [unclear] he withdrew to [unclear], remaining as a monk among monks and serving God until death.

Carloman surrendered the principate of the Franks to his brother.

Pippin alone thereafter administered the whole kingdom of the Franks for five years still; when these had elapsed he was raised to kingship and reigned sixteen years. And the whole time of his principate after his father was twenty-six years.

Pippin obtained the monarchy of that kingdom.

Saint Burghard, first bishop of Wurzburg.

In the thirteenth year of Childeric, king of the Franks, but in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 751, in the fourth Roman indiction, Saint Burghard, English by nation, a monk by profession, was made the first bishop of the church of Wurzburg; he presided in great sanctity for forty years.

The nobles of the Franks choose Duke Pippin for the kingdom.

In the same year the nobles of the whole kingdom, assembling together, began to take counsel concerning the removal of the useless king Childeric. It pleased all in common that they should depose King Childeric, who had neither skill nor power for ruling, and should raise to kingship Pippin, in whose hands the supreme authority of the whole kingdom remained. But Pippin would not consent to this matter unless the counsel of the Roman pontiff Zacharias were first sought, alleging the reasons that moved him. Therefore, after counsel had been shared, Saint Burghard, bishop of Wurzburg, and Abbot Fulrad were sent to Rome to Pope Zacharias, to consult him concerning the aforesaid business of the kings: namely, what seemed to him better, more just, and more right; whether the royal name with the diadem ought to remain with him who was always idle and did nothing worthy of the royal name, or rather should be conferred on another, that is, on Pippin, who disposed all the affairs of the kingdom and alone performed the labor. The pope answered the envoys that it seemed just to him that he who bore the labors of the kingdom and disposed all affairs should bear the royal name and diadem, rather than Childeric, who, always idle, did nothing for the advantage of the kingdom. He therefore wrote to the bishops and nobles of the Franks and advised them that, after Childeric had been removed and thrust into a monastery, they should make Pippin king. He also commanded Saint Boniface, archbishop of Mainz, by apostolic letters, to anoint the same Pippin as king of the Franks.

Pippin, by order of Pope Zacharias, was anointed and crowned king of the Franks in the city of Soissons by the hands of Saint Boniface, archbishop of Mainz, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 751, in the fifth Roman indiction; he reigned sixteen years. Pippin was the son of Ansegisus, who was the son of Arnulf, who was the son of Ansegisus, who was the son of Nicanor, who was the son of Sigebert, who was the son of Priam, who was the son of Heribert, who was the son of Leontius, who was the son of Merovech, who was the son of Diocles, who was the son of Simon, who was the son of Genebald, who was the son of Dagobert, who was the son of Marcomer, who was the son of Clodio, king of the Franks reigning in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 301. Moreover King Childeric, deposed according to the pope’s judgment, was made a monk, and in him the line of the kings of the Franks descending from Pharamond came to an end.

In the same year in which Pippin was crowned king, there was the discovery and translation of the bodies of Saints Kilian the bishop, Colman the priest, and Totnan the deacon, martyrs, at [unclear].

Translation of the bodies of Saints Kilian and Totnan.

Carloman, Roman prefect, [unclear].

Johannes Trithemius

At Würzburg [it] was done in the sixty-third year from their passion, in the Roman indiction, as we said above, the fifth, with the rejoicing of the people.

The city of Würzburg is given to Burghard, its first bishop.

In this same year also, King Pippin, considering, at the appeal of Saint Boniface, archbishop of Mainz, the faith and holiness of the holy pontiff Burghard of Würzburg, through whose mediation he had obtained from the pope of the city of Rome the kingdom of the Franks, and because his bishopric, still new, had not been sufficiently provided for in temporal possessions, with the consent of his sons Charles, later surnamed the Great, and Carloman, and likewise of all the nobles of the whole kingdom of the Franks who were present that day at Soissons when he had been anointed and crowned king, gave by royal munificence the city of Würzburg, with all its revenues and advantages, to the cathedral church, that is, to the aforementioned Saint Burghard, bishop of Würzburg, and to his successors as their perpetual property. The new king Pippin also conferred upon the aforesaid church the castle of Karlsburg with the town called Karlstadt, and many other things. The same King Pippin also gave as a perpetual gift to the Church of Würzburg, to Saint Burghard its bishop and to his successors forever, the title, dignity, and emolument of the duchy of the eastern Franks; to them he gave the power of arranging judgment and judging according to the law and custom of the Franks, in all cases throughout the whole duchy.

In the second year of his reign King Pippin entered Saxony with a great army of the Franks; the Saxons resisted him with the utmost obstinacy. At last, however, they were defeated, and again pledged themselves to the king’s words, although they did not long keep faith. In this expedition Hildegarius, bishop of the Franks, who was also the brother of King Pippin, was killed by someone in the same year.

In the year of the Lord 755, in the eighth Roman indiction, which was the third year of King Pippin, Saint Boniface, formerly a monk and then archbishop of Mainz, suffered martyrdom in Frisia near Dokkum for the faith of Christ; his body was brought back to the monastery of Fulda and honorably buried there in the crypt.

In the sixth year of his reign Pippin, having again gathered a strong army of the Franks, moved into Saxony; battle was joined, and he killed many thousands of them, received the rest in surrender, and compelled them to promise that they would do everything whatsoever he commanded, and that each year they would give him 300 horses as tribute or as a gift of honor, in sign of most faithful subjection. When these matters had thus been arranged and confirmed according to the Saxon custom, King Pippin returned to his own lands.

In the year of the Lord 758, in the sixth Roman indiction, King Pippin of the Franks died on the eighth day before the Kalends of October, in the twenty-sixth year of his principate and the sixteenth of his kingship; his body was buried at Saint-Denis. He left a wife named Bertrada and two sons, Charles and Carloman.

Charles the Great, king of the Franks, reigned for 46 years. When he began to reign he was in the twenty-sixth year of his age. He undertook many wars and greatly enlarged the kingdom of the Franks. First he led an army against Hunold, who had invaded Aquitaine; Hunold at once fled from his face to Lupus, duke of Gascony. But Charles, sending an embassy to Lupus in Gascony, received the fugitive from him together with his wife; and Lupus himself, with all Gascony obeying him, returned.

In the year 770 King Charles held a general assembly of the princes of the kingdom in the city of Worms. Bertrada, the mother of the kings, staying with Carloman her younger son at Seltz, set out for Italy for the sake of peace; and, when the business for which she had gone had been completed, and the vow of prayer to the holy Apostles duly fulfilled, she returned to her own people. In the same year the body of Saint Othmar, once abbot of the monastery of Saint Gall, was found incorrupt and, having been taken up, was buried in the basilica of Saint Gall. Although he was abbot of that same monastery, of good and most religious conduct, he was driven out by the envy of certain perverse brothers and relegated to the aforesaid island of Stein, where he died in the year of the Lord 760, in the forty-third indiction. In the year of the Lord 761 King Carloman died; his wife fled with her children into Italy to Desiderius, king of the Lombards, from the face of King Charles, because she was conscious to herself of evil plots against him, together with others of her party who, on Carloman’s side, were always sowing discord. From then on Charles the Great alone held the kingdom of the Franks for 43 years.

In the year

On the Origin of the Franks.

In the following year King Charles, having again assembled at Worms a general council of the princes, with the common consent of all declared war on the Saxons. Having gathered a considerable army of Franks, he entered Saxony and laid everything waste with sword and fire. When he had taken a certain fortress, Eresburg, he destroyed the idol called in the Saxon language Ermensul. Departing thence he advanced to the river Weser, where the Saxons, coming together, sought the king’s favor and promised fidelity. But the king, after receiving twelve hostages, granted peace.

The first expedition of King Charles the Great against the Saxons.

In the year of the Lord 773, when Pope Adrian could no longer endure the insolence of Desiderius, king of the Lombards, and the oppression of the Church, he sent an embassy to Charles and implored his aid. Charles, having gathered an army, entered Lombardy and besieged Desiderius in the city of Ticinum, which is now Pavia. At length, after a long siege, he compelled the city to surrender; the remaining cities followed it and subjected themselves to King Charles’s power. Therefore the king, after Italy had been subdued and set in order as time permitted, returned to Francia, bringing King Desiderius with him as a captive. Adelgisus, however, Desiderius’s son, fled to Greece, to the emperor Constantine, and there ended his life.

King Charles, in favor of the Roman Church, defeats the Lombards.

Meanwhile, because King Charles was engaged in war in Lombardy, the Saxons, taking opportunity from his absence, began to devastate the neighboring territories of the Hessians. And coming to the place called Fritzlar, they attempted to burn the church which the holy archbishop Boniface had once consecrated. For the Saxons at that time were still worshippers of idols. And when they were trying with great force to burn it, there appeared to certain persons, both pagans and Christians, two young men in white garments preventing the whole fire; terrified by their presence, the Saxons all turned to flight, though no one pursued them.

In the year of the Lord 774, Charles, having returned home from Lombardy, before the Saxons perceived that he had come, sent a three-part army into their land; devastating everything with plundering and fires, and killing very many of those who attempted to resist, they returned with immense booty. And this was the second expedition of King Charles into Saxony.

In the year of the Lord 775, King Charles the Great resolved to enter Saxony and to remain in it so long until either they should receive the faith of Christ or all be exterminated. Therefore, making for Saxony with the whole force of the Franks, in the first assault he took Sigiburg, a very strongly fortified castle opposite the Rhine, two miles from Bonn, in which there was a Saxon garrison; restoring Eresburg, which had been destroyed by the Saxons, he fortified it and placed a Frankish garrison in it. After causing great slaughter, and after receiving hostages from them and from the Westphalians, he granted peace to those capable of giving it and withdrew.

The third expedition of King Charles made against the Saxons.

In the year of the Lord 777, King Charles the Great, after holding council with the princes of the kingdom of the Franks at the place Paderborn, on the borders of Saxony, where there is now an episcopal city, now for the fourth time led an army into Saxony and found all of them deceitfully devoted to him. For all came to him except Widukind, one of the foremost men of the Westphalians, who, conscious of many crimes, feared the king and fled with a few men to Sigefrid, king of the Danes. The rest, however, who had assembled submitted themselves so far to the king’s power that they then merited pardon on this condition: that if they should hereafter violate his statutes, they would be deprived of homeland and liberty. Many were baptized at the king’s insistence, yet few of them proved true Christians.

The fourth expedition of King Charles against the Saxons.

In the year of the Lord 778, King Charles moved into Spain, and the cities which he brought under his authority, and received hostages from the Saracens. Meanwhile the Saxons, discovering that the king was far away, took up arms and advanced as far as the Rhine. But since they could not cross the river, whatever there was of hamlets and estates from the village of Deutz, which is opposite Cologne, as far as Koblenz, where the Moselle flows into the Rhine, they laid waste with fire and sword, making no distinction of sex or age, but killed infants together with their mothers.

Saxons devastate parts of the Franks.

When the king, stationed at [Altfiodoro], heard this, he immediately sent the eastern Franks and the Alemanni to drive them back. Hearing of their arrival, the Saxons at once withdrew. But those men, following them on their trail, found them in the regions of the Hessians beside the river Eder, and immediately attacked them in the very ford of the river and laid them low with such slaughter that very few remained.

The Saxons devastate parts of the Franks.

In the following year, which was the 779th from the Lord’s nativity, Charles now for the fifth time moved an expedition into Saxony, leading the army across at that place where the Lippe flows into the Rhine, not far from the village called Wesel. When the Saxons met him armed,

Charles the Great moves for the fifth time into Saxony.

98 Johannes Trithemius

Bucholtz.

at Bucholtz they were defeated and many of them slain; the rest sought safety in flight. But King Charles entered the region of the Westphalians and received them all in surrender. Moving from there to Wesfaram he pitched camp. There the Angrarians and Eastphalians gave hostages and swore oaths; when these things had been done, the king returned to Worms.

In the year of the Lord 780, King Charles now for the sixth time moved into Saxony. As he came, all the Saxons of the eastern parts met him, and many of the people were baptized. Coming from there to the place where the Ohre and the Elbe flow together, the king set in order both the Saxons and the Slavs; and, having returned into Francia and held counsel, he set out for Rome for the sake of prayer with his wife Hildegard and his children, and celebrated the Nativity of the year at Pavia. 800.

In this year of the Lord’s Nativity, in the ninth indiction, Charles, king of the Franks, son of King Pippin, after he had reigned thirty-three years, in the fifty-ninth year of his age, was made emperor of the Romans and ruled as emperor for thirteen years. For when he was at Rome because of the charge made too wrongfully against Pope Leo III, and was celebrating the Lord’s Nativity there, on that most sacred day itself, coming to the solemnities of the Mass, while before the confession of the blessed Apostle Peter, after prayer, he was thinking of, not to say hoping for, nothing less than the empire, Leo, adorned with the papal insignia, placed a crown upon his head and proclaimed him emperor of the Romans.

At once it was shouted by the whole Roman people: “To Charles Augustus, crowned by God, great and peace-bringing emperor of the Romans, life and victory.” After these acclamations, he was anointed by the apostolic hand and, in the manner of the ancient princes, adored by the pope; and, the title of patrician, with which he had previously been distinguished, having been removed, he was called Emperor and Augustus by the favor of many nations.

In the year of the Lord 804, Emperor Charles wintered at Aachen. But in summer, having led an army into Saxony, he transferred into Francia all the Saxons who lived beyond the river Elbe, and granted the districts beyond the Elbe to be inhabited and cultivated by the Obodrite peoples under an annual tribute.

In the year of the Lord 805, the emperor sent his son Charles with an army into Bohemia; after laying everything waste, he killed the duke of that land, named Lecho, and made his duchy subject to the kingdom of the Franks.

In the year of the Lord 811, the elder son of Emperor Charles, himself also called by his father’s name Charles, died on the day before the Nones of December.

In the year of the Lord 813, Emperor Charles, after holding a general assembly of the princes at Aachen, called to himself his son Louis, king of Aquitaine, and, placing the crown upon him, made him his partner in the imperial name. But Bernard, his grandson, the son of his son Pippin, he appointed king of Italy.

In the same year the bridge over the Rhine at Mainz, which the emperor had constructed of wood over ten years with immense labor and marvelous workmanship, so that it seemed able to last forever, in the month of May was so consumed in three hours by an accidental fire that, apart from what was covered by the water, not even one little splinter of it remained. Many councils of bishops were held in the same year by order of the emperor.

In the year of the Lord’s Nativity 814, in the eighth indiction of the Romans, on the twenty-eighth day of the month of January, Charles, surnamed the Great, king of the Franks and ever-august emperor of the Romans, died at Aachen, and there in the church of blessed Mary ever virgin, which he himself had built, was honorably buried, in the seventy-second year of his age, the forty-sixth of his reign over the Franks, and the thirteenth of his empire; he added no fewer provinces to the kingdom of the Franks than it had had before.

Louis king and emperor, son of Charles, 26 years.

Louis, according to the custom of the Sicambrians, who change L into V, a count in East Francia, with the consent of Saint Burchard, bishop of Würzburg, built the monastery of Schwarzach, not far from the Main, with the help of his wife Imma; he caused its church to be consecrated in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ, and also in memory of the holy Mother of God and of the holy martyrs Sebastian and Felicity, and established monks of the order of the divine father Benedict there.

In the year of the Lord 817, Emperor Louis held an assembly of the princes at Aachen, in which he [unclear] Lothar, his firstborn, as his partner in the name and empire

On the Origin of the Franks.

there he appointed, the others being called kings; he set one over Aquitaine, another over Bavaria, [unclear], retaining for himself the kingdom of the Franks together with the empire.

In the year of the Lord 840, in the third indiction of the Romans, Louis, king of the Franks and emperor of the Romans, died and was buried in the church at Metz. After his death Lothar, under the name of emperor, held Italy; Pippin obtained Aquitaine; Charles, Gaul; and Louis, Germany.

The division of the kingdom of the Franks into two kingdoms, the German and the Gallican.

In the year of the Lord's nativity 861, from the entry of the Sicambri, or Franks, into the kingdom in Germany and the seats accepted at the mouths of the Rhine, the year 1280, in the fourth indiction of the Romans; in the 2030th year from the destruction of Troy, the three sons of King and Emperor Louis divided among themselves the very broad kingdom of the Franks, together with the empire of the Romans. In this division Lothar, as has been said, obtained Italy with the title of the Empire; Louis obtained Germany; Charles, Gaul; and Pippin their nephew, Aquitaine.

From that time the division of the kingdom of the Franks, begun as a twofold division, has remained, now for 673 years down to the present day, and will remain henceforth perpetual. This division, confirmed by the writings and law of the ancestors, made from one kingdom of the Franks two kingdoms, of which one is that of Germany, the other only of Celtica and Aquitaine. For the greater part of Belgic Gaul, in the later division, was adjudged to the kingdom of Germany; in that kingdom are these provinces, with their cities.

All Alemannia, or Swabia, with its cities: Constance, Basel, [Biriensibus?], the Helvetians, Lausanne, the people of Sion, who are also the Valaisians; also the Burgundy of Besancon; Lotharingia, Metz, Liege, Cambrai, Arras, Flanders, Holland, Zeeland, Brabant, Utrecht, Cologne, Trier, with the Mosellans, Mainz, Worms, and Speyer, with the [Cynonoti?] and [Westrasi?] and the Vosges people, Strasbourg with Alsace, and all the rest adjacent to these, belong to the kingdom of Germany, and are called cities of the German kingdom, not of the Roman Empire.

Next, all Germany is subject to this kingdom, in which are: the Frisians, Saxons, Hessians, Westphalians, [Hogij?], who are also the Wetterau people, Thuringians, Meisseners, the margraves of Brandenburg, Pomeranians, Rugi, people of Stettin, Holsteiners, Danes, Swedes, Norwegians, Prussians, Poles, Silesians, Sorbs, who also are the Bohemians of old and are called Slavs, Austrians, Carinthians, [Siturij?], Tyroleans, Bavarians, Rhaetians, and whatever lies among these. But it is also clear that all Italy, apart from the goods of the Church, by ancient right belonged to the kingdom of the Franks of Germany, under the rule of Charles the Great.

Therefore the king of Germany, whoever he may be for the time, has two things: the kingdom and the empire. To the kingdom he is elected by the princes and needs confirmation by no one; but to the empire, which is joined to the kingdom by right, he must be confirmed and anointed by the Roman pontiff. The kingdom is to be called by the name of the Germans, but the empire by the name of the Romans. Those who call Maximilian king of the Romans speak confusedly, since they ought rather to have said king of the Germans. Likewise those who say that Cologne, Trier, Liege, Metz, or other cities of Germany are imperial cities do not speak correctly, since they are royal cities. For if it should ever happen that the empire were taken away from the Germans, the kingdom of Germany would nevertheless remain, free as it now is, having subject to itself all the provinces and cities throughout all the places written above, as it has them subject today.

Louis, therefore, brother of the emperor, son of the elder Louis and grandson of Charles the Great, having obtained the kingdom of Germany in the division, reigned thirty years. After him his son, named Charles the Younger, was king of Germany and emperor of the Romans for eleven years; under him the kingdom was divided among his brothers. For he himself, with Germany, had the empire; Louis had East Francia; Charles, Alemannia; and Carloman, Bavaria, with his son Arnulf afterward obtaining the monarchy of the whole German kingdom and also of the empire. From this point the name of the Franks remained with Gaul to the kings of Gaul, and gradually began to depart from the Germans. We are German Franks; they, however, are Gauls.

1514.

End of the Compendium of Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Saint James at Wurzburg, on the origin of the people of the Franks, and also on their kingdom, name, and kings.

Chronicle of the Succession of the Dukes of Bavaria and of the Counts Palatine, by Johannes Trithemius, Abbot: to Philip, Count Palatine, Prince-Elector.

Bavaria, as certain writers say, took its name and origin from a certain Duke Boiarus, whom they report to have come from Armenia into this region before the Trojan War with a great people. After the inhabitants had been driven out, being very rude and living like beasts on acorns, he committed the excellent land to cultivation by oxen.

Boiarus, the first duke of Bavaria, from whom the people and the region received their name, reigned in Bavaria for many years, and after him his sons down to the destruction of Troy; their names and deeds, because of their excessive antiquity, we do not know.

Norix, king of Bavaria, son of the most valiant Hercules, from whom Bavaria was afterward called Norica, built a notable city upon the Danube, which today is called Regensburg, and which Tiberius Caesar, a long time afterward, called Tiberina. Many dukes succeeded this Duke Norix in Bavaria at intervals of time down to Tiberius Caesar; their names and deeds antiquity has brought into oblivion.

Boamundus, duke of Bavaria, a noble prince, driven from Armenia by Tiberius Caesar, came into Bavaria with Ingramus, a man equally noble, and there reigned over the Bavarians for many years.

Adelgerus, duke of Bavaria, a brave and vigorous man, after Boamundus and Ingramus ruled the Bavarians for many years.

Theodo, king of Bavaria, after the aforesaid Duke Adelgerus, reigned over the Bavarians; his deeds are found scattered here and there.

Gerobaldus, king of Bavaria, in the time of the Emperor Maurice, was a most Christian man. Among other children he had a most devout daughter named Theodelinda, whom he gave as wife to Otharius, king of the Lombards; through her many good things were done in the Church of God. To this holy queen blessed Gregory wrote the four books of the Dialogues and many letters, in the year of the Lord 600.

Gondoaldus, king of Bavaria, son of the aforesaid Gerobaldus and brother of Queen Theodelinda, reigned after his father in Bavaria in the time of Childebert, king of the Franks, having under him Bavaria and Austria and the province of Noricum.

When Otharius, king of the Lombards, had died, Agilulf was elected king after him; he married his widow Theodelinda. Blessed Gregory asked her by letter to induce her husband to accept peace with the Romans, and she did so.

Childebert, king of the Franks, being at war with the Lombards, expelled Gondoaldus, the queen’s brother, from Bavaria, because he was bringing aid to the Lombards, and gave his duchy to Tassilo, son of Othilo, king of Bavaria. For Bavaria, being extensive, was at times subject to several princes.

Othilo, king of Bavaria, and afterward duke, was the father of Tassilo. He had as wife Hiltrud, sister of King Pippin, that is, the father of Charlemagne; by her he begot this same Tassilo.

Tassilo, duke of Bavaria, son of King Othilo, after his kinsman Gondoaldus had been expelled by Childebert, received his duchy from this same Childebert, king of the Franks. He had as wife Luitburg, daughter of Desiderius, the last king of the Lombards, who bore him a son Theodo, whom Saint Rupert, bishop of Worms, baptized at Regensburg in the year of the Lord 561. This man begot a son Theobert.

Duke Tassilo defeated the Slavs, built the monastery of Lorsch, and many other things. Othilo, his father, among other things also founded the monastery of Altaha, of the Order of Saint Benedict in Bavaria, which still exists today.

When Desiderius, king of the Lombards...

Chronicle of the Dukes of Bavaria

he finally brought it to the point that, with the Huns allied to him, in vengeance for his father he attacked Charlemagne, his kinsman, in war.

Pope Adrian, having sent legates to Tassilo, duke of Bavaria, warned him to submit himself to Charles. Persuaded by the entreaties of the legates, he came to Worms to the emperor, with the legates accompanying him, and there swore fealty to Charles; but he did not remain in fealty. Therefore he was excommunicated by Pope Adrian, together with all who adhered to him.

Charles, having returned from Rome to Worms after his coronation, summoned Tassilo, on the counsel of the princes, to an appointed day, and demanded obedience and fidelity from him; but Tassilo neither came to the assembly of the princes nor wished to obey the emperor.

The emperor, moved to anger, attacked Bavaria and Tassilo in war and surrounded them with three armies. He himself, with one army, set up camp near Augsburg, and between Bavaria and Alemannia, in the place called the Lech. Pepin his son arrived with the Italians in the valley of Trent, and the Saxons, coming with the Franks to the Danube, surrounded Bavaria with a threefold battle-line. At last Duke Tassilo, seeing that he was unequal to such great armies, sought pardon, and obtained it, giving his son Theodo, with twelve others, as hostages into the hands of the emperor.

Charles celebrated Easter at Ingelheim; there he ordered Duke Tassilo to be present. When he had come, he was gravely accused by the Bavarians and others of infidelity shown to the king. Therefore, although by the judgment of the princes he ought to have undergone a capital sentence, by the indulgence of the king, whose kinsman he was, he was thrust into the monastery of Lorsch for penance together with Theodo his son, and afterwards lived in great holiness.

This Tassilo founded very many monasteries in Bavaria, namely Wessobrunn, Kremsmünster, Lorsch, Weltenburg, and Pfaffenmünster. He renewed the walls of the city of Passau, and at that time transferred the episcopal see from Lauriacum.

There are those who say that he was blinded in prison by Charles the great emperor, by the continuous application of two heated plates. However that may be, it is agreed that in his own monastery of Lorsch, which he had previously built in [Straramontensi], not far from Worms, at great expense, he ended his life under the rule of Saint Benedict; and they say that he was buried there not without a reputation for holiness.

After Tassilo had been deposed from the duchy and had entered the monastery, the emperor entrusted the duchy of Bavaria to Count Gerold, who was killed by the Huns, who are the Hungarians, in the year of the Lord 1299, as is clear in the Cologne Chronicle.

At the time when Saint Boniface governed the church of Mainz, Occarius and Albertus, brothers and most illustrious dukes of Noricum, strong, noble, and most devout men, went out of love to see Rome. Pope Zacharias told them of the calamity that he was suffering from the unbelievers; wherefore the most Christian dukes, moved by zeal for the faith, armed themselves together with the Romans, bravely attacked the enemies, seized the spoils, and compelled them to leave the boundaries of the Church. But they left the spoils to the Romans, since they declared that they had come and fought not for bodily goods, but for the honor of God. Among the many relics which he gave them, the pope also granted them the body of Saint Quirinus. These two most holy dukes founded many churches in the province of Noricum.

Naynus, duke of Bavaria, in the time of the emperor Charles the Great, did many brave deeds against the unbelievers, by whom at last he was killed, a man altogether most excellent in zeal for the Christian faith. See the rest of what he did in the twenty-fifth book of Vincentius, chapter twenty-one, of the Speculum.

At almost the same time Lanfridus, Wairamus, and Hellandus, most Christian princes of Bavaria, bestowed many benefits on the church of God, fighting the wars of the Lord with a great fervor of piety. Among other things they built four monasteries, namely Burtochlarum, Schlechdorf, and Scheyern.

It should be known that the father of the two brothers named above, the dukes of Noricum Albertus and Occarius, was Burgundian, whose wife, their mother, was Bavarian. Of these, Occarius remained in Burgundy, in his paternal principality; but Albertus, younger by twelve years, held counties in Bavaria. These two, in the time of King Pepin, father of Charles Martel, [Gernoldum] and [Diogenem]. Further, Charles Martel begot King Pepin, father of Charles [unclear].

Karoli Magistri Inveniens Per Mortem Origine.

Johannes Trithemius of Charlemagne, Carloman and Grifo, duke of Bavaria, by his wife Swanahild, who was the daughter of the duke of Bavaria.

Grifo. This Grifo, entering Bavaria, wishing to claim the duchy for himself by hereditary right, drove out Duke Tassilo. But King Pippin, his brother, restored the duchy to Tassilo and led Grifo into Francia, giving him twelve cities in the manner of counts. He, by no means content, stirred up many wars against his brothers; hence, with little fortune, he was killed in the fifth year thereafter.

Therefore, after Grifo had been expelled from Bavaria by his brother Pippin, Tassilo obtained the duchy; him at last Charlemagne, son of Pippin, as has been said, deposed, and entrusted the province to counts or prefects.

Pippin, therefore, the brother of Grifo, begot Charlemagne. After the surrender of Duke Tassilo, he caused Bavaria for some time to be governed not by dukes but by counts. Charlemagne begot Louis, surnamed the Pious, who succeeded him in the empire; his second wife was Judith, daughter of Welf, count of Bavaria; hence also he established him as duke or king of Bavaria after the counts had been driven out. He also begot Charles, whom he established as king of Germany, and Pippin, whom he made king of Aquitaine and Spain. When the emperor Charlemagne had died and been buried at Aachen, Louis, duke of Bavaria, his son, succeeded him.

Louis, surnamed the Pious, son of Charlemagne and afterward Roman emperor, had a wife named Margaret, by whom he received three sons: Lothar, Pippin, and Louis. The first of these, Lothar, he placed over Bavaria, and he also was emperor after him. When his wife Margaret had died, he married another, named Judith, daughter of Welf, count of Bavaria. [unclear] king of Bavaria, after the counts had been driven out. He begot also Charles, whom he established as king of Germany, and Pippin, whom in some way he made king of Aquitaine and Spain. When the emperor Charlemagne had died, and is found in the tomb at Aachen, Louis duke of Bavaria, his son, succeeded him.

Louis Prust, surnamed the Pious, emperor, after many distinguished deeds, died and was buried at Metz; Lothar his son, king of Bavaria, succeeded him. Against him his brothers waged a very grave war near Auxerre, in which antiquity testifies that many thousands of men fell.

Lothar. This emperor had as wife Egilla, daughter of the king of England; she bore him two sons, Lothar and Louis, who succeeded him in the empire. They say that from this Lothar Lotharingia was so named.

Louis, son of the emperor Louis the Pious: when his brother Lothar had been raised to the empire, he himself obtained the kingdom of Bavaria and Germany. He had three sons: Charles, afterward the third emperor of this name; Louis, king of the Franks; and Carloman, the last king of Bavaria.

When Carloman, king of Bavaria, had died and been buried at Ötting, his brother Louis, king of the eastern Franks, subjected Bavaria to himself and gave to Arnulf, his brother's son, the duchy of Carinthia and Moosburg. And thus kings ceased in Bavaria.

Louis, brother of Carloman, king of the eastern Franks, after a war had been fought with the Northmen, died at Frankfurt on the Main and was buried in the monastery of Lorsch; and Arnulf returned to the duchy of Bavaria.

In the year of the Lord 855, Lothar the emperor abandoned the empire, when he had already ruled for fifteen years, and, having assumed the garb of a pilgrim, became a monk in the monastery of Prum, of the order of Saint Benedict. Louis's son succeeded him in the empire for twenty-one years.

Louis, the second of this name, son of the emperor Lothar, succeeding his father in the empire, ruled for forty-one years. His father Lothar, before the empire, was king of Bavaria. Theutberga, daughter of Charles the Bald, his father's brother, bore him one son, named Charles, and one daughter, named Gilla, whom he gave to a certain nobleman Boso, and made him duke of Burgundy. Afterward he gave up the empire to his son Charles the Bald, and, entering monasteries, died.

Charles the Bald, son of the emperor Louis the Pious and of Judith, daughter of Welf, count of Bavaria, after Louis his nephew, ruled for almost four years. He had as wife Adeltrude, sister of Boso, duke of Burgundy; she bore him one son named Louis and two daughters, Theoberga, whom he gave as wife to King Louis, his nephew, and Judith, wife of Baldwin, count of Flanders. This Charles built many monasteries.

When the emperor Charles the Bald had died, Charles, the third of this name, brother of Ca[unclear], [unclear] twelve, had as wife Adelburga, daughter of the king of Granaria. He at last, terrified by a horrible vision of hell, ordered many of his relatives, because of their bad administration of the people and the kingdom, to be tormented with very severe punishments; and, having given up the empire, he is said to have set out abroad. He left no heir, and his surname was Charles the Fat.

Charlo-

Chronicle of the Dukes of Bavaria.

... Rudolf, duke of Bavaria, having been reduced to a count, he himself took up the duchy of Bavaria. And thus the duchy of Bavaria remained with the Saxons until Henry the Third, emperor; under him, when the stock of this Henry failed, the duchy reverted to the nephews of the aforesaid count Rudolf, as we shall say in its place. This duke Henry had as wife Lucardis, daughter of Arnold, duke of Bavaria, sister of the aforesaid count Rudolf; she bore him two sons, Bruno, margrave of Saxony, and Henry, later duke of Bavaria, and one daughter named Gerburg, abbess in Gandersheim.

And since we have said that all the modern dukes of Bavaria descended from the stock of Charlemagne, we must continue the line of descent from Count Rudolf, though the dukes of the Saxons were interposed for some years, until the duchy of Bavaria returned to the nephews of that Rudolf, so that the truth of what has been said may shine more clearly for all.

Rudolf, from duke become count of Bavaria, together with his brothers, pursued Duke Henry, the husband of his sister, as an invader of his paternal inheritance; he besieged and took Regensburg, and drove out Henry’s wife with her sons. Note that, when Arnold, duke of Bavaria, had died, Emperor Otto I had entrusted it to Berthold, his brother; and when he too had died, he appointed his own brother Henry duke, as has been said.

Welf, count of Bavaria, son of the aforesaid count Rudolf, had as wife Adelaide, daughter of the count of lower Baden; she bore him a son named Conrad, whose son Welf again obtained the duchy of Bavaria, as we shall say later.

Henry. Henry, duke of Bavaria, son of the aforesaid Duke Henry the Saxon, brother of Otto I, succeeding his father in the duchy of Bavaria, had as wife Bertha, daughter of the duke of Lotharingia; she bore him three sons and two daughters: two Henrys, of whom the elder was later emperor; Bruno, bishop of Augsburg; Gisela, wife of Saint Stephen, king of Hungary, who was converted to the faith of Christ; and Hedwig, whom Lothar, burgrave of Magdeburg, took as wife.

Conrad. Conrad, count of Bavaria, son of the aforesaid count Welf, had as wife a woman named Atza, daughter of the margrave of Mount Calym; she bore him three sons: Welf, who [unclear] the duchy.

Saint Henry, emperor and duke of Bavaria, son of the aforesaid Henry, duke of Bavaria, after Otto III had died without children, was made emperor of the Romans by election of the princes: a vigorous, devout, and most holy man, who did many good things in the commonwealth. He had as wife Cunegund, daughter of Sigfrid, count palatine of the Rhine, most holy in conduct and life; both remained in holiness until death through love of Christ, and both were also enrolled in the catalogue of the saints.

Note: the counties of Bavaria at this time were several, namely Trubensis, Valaisiensis, [unclear], Burchard, bishop of Halberstadt, Simon, archbishop of Bremen.

Henry, emperor and duke of Bavaria, son of the aforesaid Henry, duke of Bavaria, after Otto III had died without children, was made emperor of the Romans by election of the princes: a vigorous, devout, and most holy man, who did many good things in the commonwealth. He had as wife Cunegund, daughter of Sigfrid, count palatine of the Rhine, most holy in conduct and life; and both remained in holiness until death through love of Christ, and both were also enrolled in the catalogue of the saints.

Note: the counties of Bavaria at this time were several, namely Trubensis, Valaisiensis, Burchard, bishop of Hall, Simon, archbishop of Bremen.

Trube. Valey. When at length all the counts of Trube-Valey had died, their county [unclear]. Dachau, Andechs, Wittelsbach, Bogen, Kastl, Amertal, Scheyern. In the course of succession there were many counts in these places; to recount them all by name would be too lengthy and difficult.

When the count of Dachau had died, those three counties devolved upon the counts of Scheyern. The counts palatine of Wittelsbach were few; and when they too at length failed, the county in Wittelsbach also devolved upon Scheyern.

Henry, emperor from duke of Bavaria, among the many good things that he did, established the bishopric of Hamburg, and constructed the monastery of Monks’ Mountain of the Order of Saint Benedict [unclear]; Saint Cunegund, his most chaste wife, with help from her own patrimony, [unclear] with an army returns to her father.

In the year of the Lord 1005, Henry, the Bavarian emperor, entered Italy; in the siege of a certain castle he was captured, but, with the Lord’s help, was freed, lowering himself down through the wall.

Since the region of Bavaria is very broad, it was subject, at intervals of time, to different dukes at different times: sometimes to one, sometimes to two, and at times even to several.

Ernest. Ernest, duke of Bavaria, coming from the Maeotic Marshes into Bavaria, in the times of O[unclear].

Chronicle of the Dukes of Bavaria

After Charles III had been deposed from the empire, Arnulph, duke of Bavaria, son of Carloman, the last king of Bavaria, was made emperor by the consent of all. He ruled for twelve years, a powerful, wealthy, and fortunate man, who accomplished many outstanding things in the commonwealth. He had as wife Agnes, daughter of the emperor of the Greeks, by whom he had two sons, Arnold and Bernher. Arnold married Agnes, daughter of the king of Hungary; and his brother Bernher married her sister, likewise a daughter of the king of Hungary, named Beatrice. These two sisters, daughters of the king of Hungary, were baptized in the castle which the emperor Arnolph built in Bavaria, a very strong one, named Scheyern. Arnold obtained the duchy of the Noricans, and his brother Bernher received the county of Scheyern and the county of the Palatine of the Rhine. Arnold himself gave his daughter, named Adelheid, as wife to Otto, duke of Saxony; she bore a son named Henry, whom Arnold made duke of Bavaria, against the will of Bernhert, his count of Scheyern. And thus the duchy of Bavaria came for some time to the Saxons; but afterward it was again restored to the Bavarians.

When the empress Agnes, mother of the aforesaid Arnold and Bernher, had died, Arnolph took another wife, Lucard, daughter of Vulp, duke of Bavaria, by whom he had two sons: Louis, who succeeded him in the empire, and Conrad, father of Conrad, the first emperor, who was made duke of Lotharingia; and one daughter, named Lucard, whom the duke of the Saxons took as wife. He also had a son by a concubine, named Rindebald, whom his father afterward made king of Lotharingia, in the year of the Lord 896.

And so Arnold, son of the emperor Arnolph, duke of the Noricans, begot his daughter Adelheid for Otto, duke of the Saxons; she bore Henry, the above-named duke, and a daughter Adelheid, who later became abbess in Quedlinburg, a virgin of holy conduct.

Bernhard, his brother, count in Scheyern, begot by his wife Beatrice, daughter of the king of Hungary, Otto of Wittelsbach, count Palatine of the Rhine, and Echard, later count of Scheyern in Bavaria. Echard begot Arnold, Otto, and Conrad. Further, Arnold begot Conrad, called the Monk of Scheyern; and this Arnold was lord in Dachau, his brother Otto in Scheyern, and Conrad in Valley. From these three brothers, sons of Count Echard, many counts and princes of Scheyern took their beginning, so that at one time in a certain court of Vulp, duke of Bavaria, at a tournament, there were thirty-four counts, all descended from Scheyern, although not all of them dwelt there; for each one was established in his own lordship. And thus the castle of Scheyern, deprived of inhabitants and at length ruinous from age, was changed into a monastery in the year of the Lord 1304, as we shall say later. But all those thirty-four died within three years afterward, except two, Arnold of Dachau and Otto of Scheyern. This Arnold, lord of Dachau, begot Conrad; Conrad begot Arnold and Conrad; Arnold begot Conrad, duke of the Ruthenians, who was killed near Milan and buried in Scheyern.

The emperor Arnulph, powerful and an outstanding defender of the Christian faith, overcame the Normans in a fierce war, killed innumerable numbers of them, and drove them from the territories of the Christians after they had afflicted Germany for forty years. In the same war he killed Sigifrid, king of the Normans, and Gotfrid, king of the Danes. Returning from Gaul to Bavaria after the slaughter of the Normans, the emperor brought with him the body of blessed Dionysius the Areopagite, which he placed at Regensburg in the monastery of Saint Hemeranus the martyr, where it is still honorably preserved today.

Conrad, by Lucard, the second wife of the emperor Arnulph, duke of Lotharingia, begot two sons, Eberhard, who was killed, and Conrad, afterward emperor of the Romans; Arnold, the aforesaid brother of his father, opposed him, as we shall say more fully later in its time.

After the capture of Rome, the defeat of the Northmen, and many other glorious deeds, the emperor Arnulph died. There are those who write that he was consumed by lice, which, growing from the excessively frequent eating of garlic, no one could ward off by any skill.

Louis, son of Arnulph, was a Bavarian emperor. After the emperor Arnulph had died,

Louis III, emperor:

Louis his son, the third of this name in the empire, succeeded him, born of Lucard, daughter of Vulp, duke of Bavaria; and thus by both parents he was Bavarian. He was the brother of Arnold, duke of the Noricans, and Bernher, count of Scheyern. He had as wife Lucard, daughter of Ludolph, duke of Saxony, sister of Otto, and died without children.

The Bavarians fight with the Hungarians and are defeated; to them Bavaria and Franconia

Johannes Trithemius

...while they were attacking fiercely, the Bavarians again make ready for battle, and, when the army of the emperor Louis comes up, they kill many of the Hungarians and turn the rest to flight. Conrad, duke of Lotharingia, brother of this Louis and son of Arnolph, a Bavarian by birth, was killed by the treachery of Adalbert, margrave of Bamberg.

Louis III, emperor of the Romans, son of the Bavarian emperor Arnolph, dies without children in the year of the Lord 813; after him Conrad, the son of his brother, is elected.

Conrad the emperor, born of a Bavarian father, the duke: when the emperor Louis, son of Arnolph, had died, Conrad, son of his brother Conrad, duke of Lotharingia, whom Adalbert, margrave of Bamberg, had killed, from the line of Charlemagne, was made the last emperor in the empire. He did not have a wife. Eberhard, of whom we shall speak later, [unclear].

Arnolph, duke of Bavaria, brother of Conrad, father of this Conrad, duke of the Romans, that is, son of the emperor Arnolph, opposed this emperor Conrad; defeated at length by him, he fled with his wife and children into Hungary, until the death of the aforesaid Conrad.

King Conrad, after Duke Arnolph had been driven out of Bavaria, planned in like manner to attack Henry, duke of the Saxons, and so he besieged Merseburg. There on the king’s side fell Eberhard his brother and Hatto, archbishop of Mainz, and he himself scarcely escaped. Thereafter Henry, duke of the Saxons, devastated all the king’s land. When King Conrad was about to die, he sent the crown of the kingdom to the above-mentioned Henry, duke of the Saxons, who reigned after him; and he died in Eastern Francia, buried at Würzburg.

Arnolph, duke of Bavaria, having heard of the death of King Conrad, returns from Hungary to Bavaria and is received by all with great honor, all asking that he deign to take up the kingdom of the Romans. Since Henry, duke of the Saxons, was succeeding in the kingdom, and all the princes except the aforesaid Arnolph, duke of Bavaria, obeyed him, Henry gathered his army and advanced against him in war, and besieged Regensburg. And Duke Arnolph, seeing that he could not resist so great a multitude, opened the gates, sought favor, and obtained it. Accordingly a very firm peace is made between them under these conditions: that the king confer upon Duke Arnolph the full fief or lordship over all the bishoprics in Bavaria, leave him to possess his duchy peacefully, and hold him chief among his friends; and so it was done. And so Henry remained in the kingdom. When he died, Otto I, his son, succeeded; after him Otto II, son of the first; then Otto III, son of the second, who died without children. And Henry, duke of Bavaria, succeeded the aforesaid in the empire by election, as we shall say later in its place.

Under Otto I the emperor there was a very grave war between the Christians and the Hungarians. At that time they were still unbelievers at Augsburg, where the emperor himself triumphed with the Christians. There fell Conrad, duke of Bavaria, and Count Theobald, brother of Saint Ulrich, bishop of Augsburg.

The cause of the war [unclear] just: Count Bernher was claiming the duchy of Bavaria as the legitimate heir; the sons of his brother, one of whom was emperor, opposed him. Moved by this, he summoned the Hungarians, asking for aid. After Count Bernher of Scheyern was killed by the Hungarians, Eberhard and Bernher, his sons, succeeding in the place of their father, were claiming the duchy of Bavaria, which Eberhard at last [unclear], as we shall say.

Arnolph, duke of the Noricans, dies, leaving, among other children, Duke Rudolph after him, and a daughter named Lucarda, whom Henry, duke of Saxony and later also of Bavaria, son of Henry I the emperor and brother of Otto I, took as wife, as we shall say later.

Rudolph, duke of Bavaria after the death of the aforesaid Henry I, rebels against Emperor Otto, his son; hence from duke of Bavaria he was made count in Scheyern.

Henry the Saxon, duke of Bavaria, son of Henry I the emperor, and brother of Otto I, and

Johannes Trithemius

... of Emperor Otto I, obtained the duchy of the Norici. The same Emperor Otto gave him a part of the forest in the province of the Norici, namely in that place where the Castellense monastery of the order of Saint Benedict now stands; after rooting out the woods, he made the land fit for ploughs. From this duke Ernest many notable lords of Bavaria descended in the Norican province, especially the counts of Castello-Sultzbach.

This Ernest, duke of the Norici, had as wife Adelheid, daughter of the duke of Burgundy, who bore him a son named Ernest, of whom marvelous things are told. When Duke Ernest the elder died, Emperor Otto I joined his wife Adelheid, mother of the younger Ernest, to himself in marriage; she bore him Otto II, emperor, and a daughter Mechthild, who was abbess in Quedlinburg.

Ernest the younger, duke of the Norici, son of the aforesaid Duke Ernest, after his father’s death, gave himself to the service of masters, so that he might learn Latin, Greek, and Italian speech; afterwards he did marvelous things.

Henry, count palatine of the Rhine, a friend of Emperor Otto, hating this duke Ernest, was accustomed to accuse him gravely before the emperor his stepfather, though unjustly, as if he were plotting against the life of the empire itself; this was by no means hidden from Ernest. Hence, when the emperor one day in the city of Speyer was secretly engaged with the son of Count Henry, with the doors closed, Ernest, with Count Wetzel his uncle accompanying him, burst in, broke down the doors, killed Henry the palatine as he was sitting at the emperor’s side, and then, having taken up the cross, went with Wetzel his uncle and many others to the Holy Land. But after a delay at sea in a storm, all except himself [unclear]; he accomplished many outstanding deeds, on land and sea, in many distant regions, which are preserved in writings. Then, returning with Count Wetzel to his homeland, he brought back several men of diverse nations and forms. The emperor, when he had learned of his innocence, received his son back into his favor, appointing him ruling prince of the whole imperial court.

In the year of the Lord 1008, Saint Henry the emperor, duke of Bavaria, defeated Baldwin, count of Flanders, who was rebelling against him, and subjected him to himself; he took Ghent, and, after an engagement, overcame Boleslaus, duke of Poland, who was repeatedly plundering the Saxons, and converted him with his people to the faith of Christ, having in his army Saint Stephen, king of Hungary, his sister’s husband.

Saint Henry the emperor died in the year of the Lord 1025, and was buried at Bamberg in the greater church which he himself had built; his deeds are preserved in writings. Conrad, duke of Franconia, succeeded to the empire; after him Henry III, and after him the fourth emperor.

Henry, duke of Bavaria, brother of Conrad, duke of Swabia, after Saint Henry, from duke became emperor and obtained the duchy of Bavaria. He built a monastery in Osterhofen, in the diocese of Passau; Bernard and Eckhard at length obtained the kingdom, as we said above.

Cuno, duke of the Norici, son of the aforesaid Duke Eckhard, took up the duchy of Bavaria, which his father had held, after his death. He entered into a treaty with the Hungarians, whom he called to his aid against Emperor Henry III, in the year of the Lord 1054.

Cuno, duke of the Norici, at length driven out of Bavaria by Emperor Henry, fled to the Hungarians in the year of the Lord 1055. There, as long as he lived, he remained in exile. The emperor gave his duchy to his brother Conrad, who died a little later.

Conrad, duke of Bavaria, brother of Emperor Henry IV, after Cuno had been expelled, received his duchy from the emperor; he died not long afterward, namely in the year of the Lord 1056.

Agnes the empress, mother of Henry IV, after the death of the aforesaid Conrad, received the duchy of Bavaria from her son; after some years she gave it to a certain noble Otto, living among the Saxons, of whom we shall speak later. In the year of the Lord 1061, Agnes the empress, mother of Emperor Henry IV, conferred the duchy of Bavaria on Otto, count of Northeim; she herself went into Italy.

Otto, duke of Bavaria, a Saxon by race, count in Northeim, received the duchy of Bavaria from the empress, as has been said: a noble, vigorous, and just man, powerful and very acceptable in the court of King Henry. The aforesaid Otto, duke of Bavaria, founded in Northeim a monastery of the aforesaid order of Saint Benedict, giving it many estates, gifts from his county. This Otto, duke of Bavaria, since he was distinguished in the court of King Henry and was acquiring public authority for himself, was unjustly accused, through a certain subordinate, by the envy of certain impious men, that

Chronicle of the Dukes of Bavaria.

because he had conspired for the murder of the king, he was driven first from the court and then also from the duchy, and waged war against the emperor with the princes of Saxony and Thuringia. Welf, or Welff, obtained the duchy of Bavaria.

Welf, also called Welff, duke of Bavaria, son of Conrad, count of Bavaria, received from the emperor, as the legitimate heir, the duchy of Bavaria after Otto; his forefathers had possessed it before. For his great-grandfather Rudolph, son of Arnolph, duke of Bavaria, had been duke; rebelling against Otto, the first emperor of that name, and defeated by him, he was made count of Scheyern from duke, as was said above.

Thus, after the duchy of Bavaria had been restored to the line of the emperor Arnolph, let us continue the sequence of generations of the dukes descending from Charlemagne, begun earlier. I am not unaware that some among the writers have dared to maintain that this duke Welf was a Swabian by nation, while others say that he was an Italian, the son of a certain marquis. But it is established that he was the son of Conrad, count of Bavaria, son of Arnolph, duke and emperor of the Romans. Nor does it matter where he was born, provided that the sequence of descent is established to have come down to the lawful dukes of Bavaria.

Therefore this duke Welff betrothed to himself as wife Ethelina, daughter of the aforesaid duke Otto, count of Northeim. But when Otto was driven from the duchy, he sent the daughter back to him, fearing King Henry, from whom he had received the duchy and who was Otto's enemy. Count Hermann afterward took her as his wife, left as a widow by the king of England. She bore him three sons and one daughter: Henry, surnamed the Black, who was duke of Bavaria after him; Welf, who went into Italy; Sigebert; and Adelheid, whom Conrad, burgrave of Magdeburg, took as wife.

Otto, formerly duke of Bavaria and count in Northeim, had many battles against the emperor in Saxony; in one of them Ernest, marquis of Bavaria, son of Duke Ernest [unclear], who had often been victorious in Hungary and in various other regions, fell, in the year of the Lord 1075.

The other things that the aforesaid Otto did with the Saxons against the emperor, and suffered from him, and how at last he was received back into his favor, are written very fully by Lampert, the monk of Hersfeld, in the deeds of that Emperor Henry; it would be too tedious to set them out here.

Welf, duke of Bavaria, learning that the Saxons were being unjustly oppressed by King Henry, refused to give him aid against them; whence he too was judged an enemy of the commonwealth and was also deprived by him of the duchy. But afterward, received again into the emperor's favor, he deserved not only to recover the duchy but also to have his son confirmed as duke of Bavaria. Then, having taken the cross in the time of Pope Urban II, in the year of the Lord 1106 he set out for the Holy Land, and died in Cyprus; and almost all his men, with many other Christians, were destroyed and captured through the treachery of Alexius, emperor of the Greeks.

This duke Welff, among other things that he did, built monasteries, namely Steingaden, Altdorf, Weingarten, Altenmunster, and Nietenbach. When he died and was buried in the monastery of [Artesheym?], Henry, surnamed the Black, succeeded him in the duchy of Bavaria. Some write that this duke Welff, after the death of his wife Jutta, took as wife Agnes, the mother of Emperor Henry IV.

Ecchard, duke of Bavaria, brother of Werner of Scheyern, who for the recovery of his father's duchy brought the Hungarians out for the third time against the emperor, of whom mention was made above, in the time of Pope Urban II, took the cross with Godfrey, duke of Lorraine, and set out for the Holy Land, and Jerusalem was recovered by the Christians. There was also in these times Otto, bishop of Bamberg, and Frederick, count in Ammerthal, who lies buried in the monastery of Kastl. He had a daughter named Sophia, whom Otto, duke of Bavaria in Ammerthal, son, as some think, of Ernest, took as wife; he did many good things for the monastery of Kastl and was buried there.

Henry, duke of Bavaria, surnamed the Black, son of the aforesaid duke Welff, had as wife Wulfhild, daughter of Magnus, duke of Luneburg. She bore him two sons and four daughters: Henry, Welf, Sophia, whom he gave to Berthold, duke of Thuringia; after he was killed, she took Leopold II, marquis of Steyr, as husband. The second daughter was called Wulfhild, whom he gave to Rudolph, count of [Praegnicen?]. The third

Of Johannes Trithemius

... named Mechtild he gave to Margrave Theobald the Younger; after his death, he gave her to the count of Sulzbach. The fourth, named Jutta, Frederick duke of Swabia took as wife; she bore Frederick, the first emperor.

Welf, duke of Bavaria, son of Duke Welf and brother of the aforesaid Henry, a most warlike man, left the duchy of Bavaria to his brother, sought Italy, and took as wife Mechtild, daughter of the duke of Milan; both died without children. This Duke Welf is said to have done many marvelous things, and he devastated Swabia with fire, sword, and slaughter.

Sigebert, count of Bavaria, brother of the aforesaid Henry and Welf, had as wife Oda, daughter of Gebhard, count of Supplinburg and lord in Arnsberg. This count, remaining in the province of Bavaria, yielded the duchy to his brother.

Henry, duke of Bavaria, surnamed the Proud, son of the above-mentioned Duke Henry, a strong and very daring man, had as wife Gertrude, daughter of Lothar the second emperor. She bore him Henry, the most noble duke of the Saxons, who, on account of his strength and the magnificent deeds he accomplished, was called the Lion, and powerfully extended his dominion from the Rhine as far as the river called the Elbe.

To this Henry, duke of Bavaria, Emperor Lothar, together with his daughter, conferred the duchy of Saxony; from him all the dukes of Brunswick and Luneburg thereafter, down to those who exist today, descended by lineal succession, as we shall easily show.

For Henry, duke of Bavaria and Saxony, Lothar's son-in-law, begot by Gertrude his wife Henry surnamed the Lion, concerning whom the common people report marvelous things: that he fought with griffins, carried off a lion, and, from danger at sea, was carried by a griffin sewn into a horse-hide; and many other things, which I neither reject nor affirm. This Henry begot by Mechtild, sister of Richard king of England, a son named William, who succeeded his father in the duchy; also Otto, afterward king of the Romans; Henry, count palatine of the Rhine; and two daughters, Mechtild and Rita. William begot Otto by Helena, daughter of the king of Denmark. Otto begot Albert and John, which two divided between themselves the paternal inheritance, namely the duchy of Brunswick and Luneburg, provision having been made for the brothers elsewhere.

In the year of the Lord 1238, Emperor Frederick II, being at Mainz, transferred the name and duchy of Saxony from the aforesaid Otto to Albert, son of Henry count of Anhalt, whom he made duke of Saxony and electoral prince of the empire. And thus Otto, son of Duke William, remained duke of Brunswick and Luneburg. These same dukes, moreover, are continued in succession from the line of Henry the Bavarian down to those who live today, inclusively; [unclear] of the Rhine, and two daughters, Mechtild and Rixa. William begot Otto by Helena, daughter of the king of Denmark. Otto begot Albert and John, which two divided between themselves the paternal inheritance, namely the duchy of Brunswick and Luneburg, provision having been made for the brothers elsewhere. For it is enough that it be established with the greatest certainty that all the dukes of Brunswick, from the time of Lothar II down to these men, descended from the Bavarians.

The Transfer of the Duchy of Bavaria to the Margrave of Austria

After Emperor Lothar died, in the year of the Lord 1138, since Henry duke of Bavaria, surnamed the Proud, his son-in-law, a most powerful man, seemed to be seeking the empire, the princes, fearing his power, assembled at Koblenz and elected Conrad, duke of Swabia, as king of the Romans. When Henry, duke of Bavaria, together with the Saxons, opposed him as one not duly elected, Conrad summoned an assembly of princes for the day of Pentecost at Bamberg, and for that day cited Duke Henry himself. In this matter, when all had assembled together with the empress, Lothar's widow, and had been received into Conrad's favor, he alone did not appear. At last, on the day of the apostles Peter and Paul, at Regensburg, he resigned all these things into the hands of King Conrad; but he did not obtain his favor.

In those days Pope Innocent II was unwilling either to crown King Conrad or to permit him entry into Italy, because of the kingdom of Sicily, which each said belonged to his own authority, and which had already been given in fief by the pope himself to a certain Roger; Conrad was preparing to recover it.

And so the pope hired Henry duke of Bavaria and Welf his brother, for a price, to prevent King Conrad's entry into Italy with a powerful hand. Roger also, the invader...

Chronicle of the Dukes of Bavaria

[Roger?] of Sicily; with the pope aiding him, he assembled a very great army against King Conrad from Italy, Gaul, and Sicily. And so King Conrad, intending to go into Italy with Frederick, duke of the Swabians, against the pope and Roger, encountered Welf, duke of Bavaria, opposing him with a great army of Bavarians and others. Duke Henry, however, Welf’s brother, had remained at home because of old age. And so a very severe battle took place between them in the diocese of Augsburg, near a certain monastery of the order of Saint Benedict, which is called Neresheim. There Frederick, duke of the Swabians, on the king’s side, obtained the victory, and many on Welf’s side fell slain, and he himself barely escaped with a few.

Again Duke Welf, having gathered a great army, fought a battle against Duke Frederick near Weinsberg, around the village of Ellenhofen in the diocese of Wuerzburg, in which he too fell back, and the greater part of his army was laid low.

Therefore Henry, duke of Bavaria, surnamed the Proud, excommunicated by the judgment of the princes and deposed from the duchy of Bavaria by King Conrad, came poor and on foot from Bavaria with his wife and children into Saxony, and remained there until death. Leopold, margrave of Austria, received his duchy from King Conrad.

Leopold, margrave, duke of Bavaria: this Leopold, margrave of Austria, received the duchy of the Norici after Duke Henry had been deposed by King Conrad. He was the son of the elder Margrave Leopold, by Agnes, daughter of Emperor Henry IV, who before Leopold had had Frederick, duke of the Swabians. When this Duke Leopold died not long afterward, the king conferred the duchy upon Henry his brother.

Henry, margrave, duke of Bavaria, was the brother of Leopold. After his brother’s death, King Conrad gave to him as wife the widow left by Henry, duke of Bavaria, whom he had deposed, Gertrude, daughter of Emperor Lothar, and established him as duke of Bavaria.

Otto, bishop of Bamberg, son of Count Berthold, a bold man and of most holy conduct, was held renowned in these times.

Restoration of the Duchy of Bavaria to the Legitimate Heirs

When Conrad, king of the Romans, had died, Frederick, the first of this name, son of Duke Conrad, succeeded. In the year of the Lord 1156, around the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, at the request of the princes he restored the duchy to Henry, duke of Saxony, son of the elder Henry the Proud, once duke of Bavaria, removing Henry, brother of Leopold, margrave of Austria. These things were done at Regensburg, in the year as above.

At the same time Emperor Frederick raised the march of Austria into a duchy, appointing as the first duke in Austria the aforesaid Henry, brother of Leopold, whom he had removed from the duchy of Bavaria, releasing him from all jurisdiction of the duke of Bavaria, and giving several counties of Austria to Henry, duke of Bavaria, as recompense and exemption. For previously the margraves of Austria, whenever they had been summoned by the dukes of Bavaria to their court, were accustomed to appear as subjects to them, just as counts and other nobles are still bound to obey. The same Emperor Frederick I raised the duchy of Bohemia into a kingdom.

Henry, duke of Bavaria and Saxony, son of Henry the Proud, restored to the paternal inheritance of both duchies, took the greatest care to rule and govern the people subject to him justly and according to the laws, in all peace and tranquillity. Whoever violated the laws issued by him was punished with death. Therefore, peace having been established for all throughout all Bavaria together with justice, Duke Henry had praise and honor in everyone’s mouth above all the princes of that time.

Transfer of the Duchy of Bavaria to the Counts of Scheyern

When Emperor Frederick had prepared an expedition into Italy, he called the already mentioned Henry, duke of Bavaria and Saxony, to his aid. And so Henry, entering Italy with a great army to bring aid, met Frederick himself coming toward him, saying that such a great multitude of armed men was not necessary for him, and he asked the duke to return with his men to his homeland.

But one of the duke’s officers, moved by this, said to him: “Most illustrious prince, you have placed the crown at your feet, so that it cannot ascend to your head.” This word so displeased the emperor that he hated the duke all the days of his life, and from the duchy

finally removed him from Bavaria, conferring it upon Otto, count of Scheyern, who was of the race of the Carolingians.

Otto of Scheyern.

It is an error.

In the Germania of Andreas of Regensburg; [unclear] of the Carolingians, that is, or “of the race of the Carolingians,” as it is found in the Latin; [unclear] that the author was deceived here. Scheyern monastery [unclear]. Note well.

OTTO, duke of Bavaria. This Otto was count in Scheyern, from the stock of the great duke Cuno, of whom mention was made above, from the line of Charlemagne the emperor. Frederick the emperor conferred the duchy of Bavaria upon him, as the lawful and nearest heir, after Henry had been removed; from him all the dukes of Bavaria and counts palatine of the Rhine who exist today descended, as we shall say in order in what follows.

Thus in the year of the Lord 1180 the aforesaid Otto, count of Scheyern, was made duke of Bavaria, a strong and just man, and most renowned in the Christian religion. He had a very devout wife named Agnes, by whom he begot Louis, his successor in the duchy of Bavaria, and Elizabeth, previously queen of the Jerusalemites.

In the year of the Lord 1124 Otto, count of Scheyern, afterward duke, made the castle of Scheyern a monastery in honor of great blessed Mary ever virgin. There were at that time many counts in Bavaria bearing the title “of Scheyern,” but none of them lived in that castle. Since it had nearly fallen into ruin through extreme age, Otto [unclear] summoned all those having a share in the place, namely Conrad, Count Otto, count of Dachau, Otto count palatine in Wittelsbach, another Otto of Scheyern, Count Arnold, with seven others; all of them unanimously offered to blessed Mary ever virgin, for the building of a monastery, the right which they had in the castle of Scheyern. And they chose that place as the perpetual burial-place of themselves and of their family. Count Arnold, however, offering his part not to God but to the Devil, threw his glove into the air and said: “You, Lord Devil, receive my part into your right.” Demons carried off the glove. The others, however, notwithstanding the treachery of one man, completed the work they had begun with a cheerful spirit.

In the year of the Lord 1181 Gebhard of Burghausen, duke in Bavaria, died, a vigorous and just man, and one who feared God. In the same year Conrad, duke of Bavaria, Dalmatia, and Croatia, died in Scheyern; by his magnificent deeds he won for himself eternal remembrance among posterity.

HENRY, son of Duke Henry of Saxony called the Lion, brother of Otto the fourth emperor and of William duke of Brunswick, having been made count palatine of the Rhine, took as wife Agnes, daughter of Conrad count palatine, of whom we shall speak later; Gertrude, whom the duke of Bavaria took as wife; and Adelaide, whom Eric count of Baden took. When Agnes, his first wife, had died, Henry took another Agnes, daughter of the most noble count of Landsberg, by whom he had no children.

In the year of the Lord 1198 Otto, most noble duke of Bavaria, died; he was buried in the monastery of Scheyern next to his brother Bernher, leaving a son named Louis.

LOUIS, duke of Bavaria: son of the above-mentioned Otto, he succeeded his father as prince after his death. He had as wife Ludmilla, daughter of the king of Bohemia, who bore him a son named Otto, duke of Bavaria and count palatine, of whom we shall speak later. This Ludmilla before Louis had married Albert, margrave of Bogen, to whom she bore two sons, namely Albert and Berthold, margraves after their father.

LUDMILLA, duchess of Bavaria, wife of Louis, built a monastery in Bavaria named Stedental, in which she lies buried.

LOUIS, duke of Bavaria, went to the Holy Land with Emperor Frederick the second, Pope Honorius the third, and Leopold duke of Austria. He was later killed through the plots of Emperor Frederick at Kelheim, in the year of the Lord 1231.

OTTO, duke of Bavaria, count palatine of the Rhine, son of the above-mentioned Louis duke of Bavaria, succeeding his father, had as wife Gertrude, daughter of Henry count palatine of the Rhine; she bore him two sons, Henry and Louis.

This Otto, son of Duke Louis, obtained the duchy of Bavaria after his father as lawful heir, and with his wife took possession of the Palatine county of the Rhine, Heidelberg, together with what belonged to it. She gave Braubach as a fief to the count of Katzenelnbogen.

Thus Otto, duke of Bavaria and count palatine of the Rhine, at the beginning of his rule was a pious, vigorous, and just prince; but afterward, because of the agreement which he had with Emperor Frederick and his son Conrad, he was excommunicated by Pope Innocent. For this reason, flaring up in hatred of the clergy and adding evil to evil, in the year of the Lord 1245, when

CHRONICLE OF THE DUKES OF BAVARIA.

…when, on the vigil of Saint Andrew the Apostle, he had been merry with [his] wife and household, he died a sudden death.

Otto, duke of Bavaria, being dead, his sons Ludwig [and] Heinrich divide their father's princedom between themselves. To Ludwig fell the county Palatine of the Rhine, with the others in upper Bavaria; but to Heinrich fortune gave Landshut, with lower Bavaria. In the year of the Lord 1256.

LUDWIG, count Palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, son of Otto duke of Bavaria, brother of the aforesaid prince Heinrich, first married Maria, daughter of the duke of Brabant, whom in the year of the Lord 1247 he himself killed. Afterward he took Anna, daughter of the king of Poland. He begot three sons: Ludwig; Rudolf the count Palatine; [and] another Ludwig, afterward king of the Romans—of whom we shall speak below in order.

In the year of the Lord 1247, duke Ludwig, for the defense of Bavaria, built the fortress which is called Friedberg, against the bishop of Augsburg, [as] a city. Ludwig, after many [things] excellently accomplished, dies; he is buried in Fürstenfeld, which he himself had built before; after whom his sons rose up, as we shall say in [its] place.

HEINRICH, duke of Bavaria, son of Otto duke of Bavaria, count Palatine of the Rhine, brother of the said Ludwig, had as wife Elizabeth, daughter of Béla king of Hungary, who was brother of Saint Elizabeth the widow; [she] bore him three sons: Otto king of Hungary, Ludwig, [and] Stephen, dukes of Bavaria, of whom we shall make mention in what follows.

In the year of the Lord 1231, Albert, the last count of Bogen, dies, whose county is turned over to the dukes of Bavaria. The aforesaid Heinrich, duke of Bavaria, dies in the year of the Lord 1291; he is buried at Landshut. Others say that he was buried at Burghausen. But he left three sons, of whom we shall speak afterward.

RUDOLF, count Palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, son of Ludwig, whose brother was [Bogen]. Ludwig [afterward] king of the Romans [had a wife] who bore him three sons—Rudolf, Rupert, [and] Adolf—of whom it will be spoken afterward. From this Rudolf descended all the counts Palatine of the Rhine who live today, as will clearly appear from their genealogy in what follows.

When Ludwig, brother of the aforesaid Rudolf, count Palatine, had been elected king of the Romans, Rudolf, bearing this ill, elected Frederick, duke of Austria, as king of the Romans. Which deed the emperor Ludwig took so ill that he expelled him, despoiled of all paternal possession, from [his] country; [and] he, fleeing into England, died there. His sons, however, were admitted by [their] uncle the emperor to the paternal inheritance, as we shall say.

LUDWIG, count Palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, emperor of the Romans, son of the aforesaid prince Ludwig, brother of Rudolf of whom we have already made mention, was made emperor of the Romans in the year of the Lord 1315. He had as wife Margaret, granddaughter—through a daughter—of Philip king of France. For the sister of king Philip had married William, count of Hainaut, who bore William duke of Holland [and] Margaret, wife of this emperor Ludwig, who bore him six sons—namely, Ludwig margrave of Brandenburg; Stephen at Landshut; Albert at Straubing; William duke of Holland, Zeeland, [and] Friesland, of Breda; Ludwig who was called the Roman (because he was born at Rome); [and] Otto of Brandenburg. From this Margaret, therefore, wife of the emperor Ludwig, the duchies of Holland, Zeeland, Friesland, [and] Hainaut, with the other lands pertaining to her, came to the dukes of Bavaria by hereditary right, in the year of the Lord 1324.

Hereafter I shall bring in the sons of Heinrich, duke of Bavaria dwelling at Landshut, son of Otto the duke and brother of Ludwig; I shall unfold the order of their generation. They were three: Otto king of Hungary, Ludwig, [and] Stephen, dukes of Bavaria, as is shown above.

OTTO, duke of Bavaria, king of Hungary, son of Heinrich the duke dwelling at Landshut, brother of Ludwig [and] Stephen, dukes of Bavaria, had as wife a daughter of the duke of Poland, who bore [him] a son by name Heinrich, fourteen days before the death of Otto himself, in the year of the Lord 1309. The king of Hungary died without sons; whence the princes of Hungary, an embassy having been sent, elected the aforesaid Otto, duke of Bavaria, as the nearer heir of the kingdom (because he was the son of Béla, king of Hungary), as king of Hungary; whom…

also crowned him with the sword, in royal fashion. Therefore, when he had entered Pannonia with a strong force, after some days the Hungarians gathered and promised him complete fidelity; he sent his soldiers back into Bavaria, and after his coronation, when he had penetrated farther into Hungary, he was captured by a certain prince of the region. Since he would not take that prince’s daughter as his wife, with the help of a certain servant he was let down over the wall, changed his clothing, escaped alone, and in rustic guise, after traversing Prussia and many lands, came to Wrocław, where, being recognized and betrayed, he was again captured by the duke of Poland. After taking his daughter in marriage, he was received with great honor in Bavaria; and not long afterward he died.

Otto.

OTTO, king of Hungary and duke of Bavaria, when he saw that the time of his death was drawing near, entrusted his son Henry, a boy of fourteen days, who afterward was called prince of [Natternberg?], and the two sons of his brother Stephen, Henry, who was eight years of age, and Otto, who had not yet completed his seventh year, to the citizens in Landshut and in Straubing, not to be handed over under oath to anyone except Louis, duke of Upper Bavaria; and he died in the year of the Lord 1312. After his death, the nobles of the land demanded that the aforesaid three boys, entrusted by Otto himself to the people of Landshut and Straubing, be given to them, wishing to place them under the guardianship of the duke of Austria and to transfer this dominion to him.

And so, in the year of the Lord 1314, on the day of Saint Theodore the martyr, through this occasion a great battle took place between Duke Louis, afterward emperor, and the duke of Austria, near a certain village called Gammelsdorf. And Duke Louis emerged victorious and obtained for himself the lordship over the boys, as their legitimate guardian.

Stephen.

STEPHEN, duke of Bavaria, brother of the aforesaid Otto, king of Hungary, namely the son of Duke Henry in Landshut, left two sons: Henry, surnamed the Good, and Otto of Burghausen. Henry had as wife the daughter of John, king of Bohemia, as we shall say later. These two princes, together with his own son Henry of [Natternberg?], Otto, king of Hungary and duke of Bavaria, now on the point of death, entrusted to the citizens in Landshut and Straubing, to be conveyed to Louis, afterward emperor, their legitimate guardian, as was said above.

OTTO, son of Stephen, duke of Bavaria, brother of the aforesaid Henry, who lived at Burghausen, died without children in the year of the Lord 1335.

HENRY, son of Otto, king of Hungary, called the Younger, or of [Natternberg?], duke of Bavaria, whose mother was the daughter of the duke of Poland, died without children when he was twenty years old, in the year of the Lord 1333. The aforesaid three dukes, Henry the Good, his brother Otto of Burghausen, and Henry the Younger, or of [Natternberg?], son of Otto, king of Hungary, divided Lower Bavaria among themselves, as follows.

Division of Lower Bavaria among the aforesaid dukes.

In the year of the Lord 1331 there was a great disagreement between Duke Henry, surnamed the Good, on one side, and Otto his brother and Henry the Younger, son of Otto, king of Hungary, on the other side, concerning the duchy of Lower Bavaria. Therefore John, king of Bohemia, father-in-law of the elder Henry, held a meeting with other princes in Regensburg, with a sure hope of bringing the aforesaid dukes to concord. For Louis the emperor had already called the Hungarians to aid Otto and Henry the Younger. At last, after many negotiations, they agreed that the duchy should be divided among them; and this was done around the feast of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, in the year as above. And so the lot fell: the elder Henry obtained Landshut, Straubing, Schärding, Pfarrkirchen, and the other surrounding castles. Otto his brother received Burghausen, Öttingen, Traunstein, Hall, and the remaining castles as far as the Salzburg Alps. Further, the lot gave to Henry the Younger Dingolfing, Landau, Vilshofen, Deggendorf, Cham, Bogen, Kelheim, and other towns and castles lying round about.

In the year of the Lord 1332, Duke Henry the Elder again began to quarrel with Otto his brother and Henry the Younger over the duchy of Bavaria, and these two invoked the aid of Louis the emperor, who earnestly commanded him that as quickly as

[unclear] desist from what had been undertaken. When he was unwilling, the emperor, having gathered an army, besieged Straubing sharply in his own person for eight weeks. Meanwhile John, king of Bohemia, coming again, arranged peace between them.

Henry, the younger duke of Bavaria, son of Otto, the aforementioned king of Hungary, died in the year of the Lord 1333, without children, in the twenty-first year of his age. Otto, duke of Bavaria, son of the often-mentioned Duke Stephen, died in the year of the Lord 1335, without children. Henry the elder, brother of Otto, duke of Bavaria, died in the year of the Lord 1349, leaving a son named John, who, living for a short time, succeeded his father in the duchy.

John, duke of Bavaria, son of the aforesaid Duke Henry the elder, succeeded his dead father in the duchy of Lower Bavaria for a few years. He had as wife the daughter of Duke Louis, and not long after his father he died without children. Therefore, when the aforesaid Duke John had died without children, Louis the emperor and duke of Bavaria received his inheritance; from him descend all the dukes of Lower Bavaria who live today, as we shall say in its place. And thus the stock of Henry, duke of Landshut, fails here.

In the year of the Lord 1325, Louis, duke of Bavaria, was elected king of the Romans, as we have said; against him Frederick, duke of Austria, through Rudolf, Louis’s brother, and certain others, was elected king, whence many evils and wars arose. Therefore on the day which precedes the feast of Saint Michael, each proceeded to war with a multitude of armed men, between Mühldorf and Oettingen, in a meadow beside the road. In this battle, when they fought fiercely, Louis came out victor and captured Frederick, duke of Austria, whom he committed to custody in the castle called Trausnitz, not far from Nabburg; but his brother Rudolf, as we have said sufficiently, he despoiled of all his goods and drove into exile. At length Emperor Louis, through the deceits and false letters of the master of Augsburg, his chancellor, incurred the indignation of the pope; and how it happened I shall explain more fully when there is need. To this Emperor Louis, William of Ockham of the Order of Minors, a most learned man, with certain other brothers of his order, having been embittered by Pope John XXII, fled; he remained defended with him, and wrote against the pope and declared him a heretic. Concerning these matters there is a fuller account elsewhere.

Emperor Louis did and suffered many wondrous things, which I can in no way include in this supplement. If it is necessary, I shall write at an opportune time.

In the year of the Lord 1347, on the day of Saint Gereon the martyr, Emperor Louis, being engaged in hunting, had in his company a certain [unclear] of Austria, whom all called Maultasch because of the foul and hideous condition of her body. How this happened I shall explain more fully when there is need. To this Emperor Louis, William of Ockham of the Order of Minors, a most learned man, [unclear] he committed to custody, his brother or other brothers of his order, having been embittered by Pope John XXI, fled; he remained defended with him, wrote against the pope, and declared him a heretic. Concerning these matters there is a fuller account elsewhere.

Now I shall continue the line of descent from the sons of Rudolf, count palatine of the Rhine and duke of Bavaria, brother of the aforesaid Emperor Louis, from whom all the counts palatine of the Rhine of this time have descended. Afterward I shall add the sons of that Emperor Louis himself, from whom the dukes of Lower Bavaria arose. Since the generation of princes, having multiplied, thereafter passed into various successions, I shall write only of the principal dukes of Bavaria and counts palatine of the Rhine.

Therefore, after Rudolf, the aforesaid count palatine of the Rhine and duke of Bavaria, had been driven into England by his brother, as we remember that we have said, and had died, Emperor Louis, when he saw his sons, said: “The father, and not the sons, sinned against me; hence it is not just that they should undergo punishment for another’s crime.” Accordingly he gave them the power of choosing among Bavaria, Swabia, Austria, and the Rhine whichever of these provinces they wished. Having taken counsel beforehand, they chose their paternal inheritance, namely the county palatine of the Rhine with its properties and the other cities in Bavaria, namely Amberg and Nabburg, with others adhering to them, in the year of the Lord 1439, on the sixth feria before the day of Saint Oswald the martyr. The sons of Rudolf were three: namely Rudolf, Adolf, and Rupert. We shall speak of them in order.

Rudolf, the firstborn of the aforesaid Rudolf, count palatine of the Rhine, is said not to have been very wise or shrewd. He had as wife the sister of Louis, king of Hungary; she bore him a daughter named Margaret, whom Charles, king of Bohemia, took as wife,

I shall have written of the counts palatine.

Rudolf.

Of Johannes Trithemius

afterwards emperor of the Romans. But Rupertus died without children and was buried before the choir of the church in Neustadt. Margaretha, daughter of Rudolphus and wife of Carolus, king of Hungary, bore three sons and two daughters: Wenceslaus, king of the Romans after his father; Ioannes, king of Bohemia; Sigismundus, king of Hungary and afterwards emperor; Helena, who married the son of the king of England; and Margaretha, wife of the margrave of the Old March.

Adolphus. Adolphus, count palatine of the Rhine and duke of Bavaria, son of Prince Rudolphus and brother of the above-mentioned Rudolphus, had as wife the daughter of the count of [Ortingen?], who bore him a son named the younger Rupertus, who was also very often called Adolphus after his father's name; of him we shall speak later.

Rupertus, son of Rudolphus, prince and brother of the aforesaid princes Rudolphus and Adolphus, count palatine of the Rhine and duke of Bavaria, had two wives. The first was Mechtildis, duchess of Brabant, who died without children; the second was Beatrix, daughter of the duke of [Mons?], by whom he had no children. This Rupertus founded the University of Heidelberg, which Pope Benedict XII confirmed. He also built the collegiate church in Neustadt with fine stone paneling. He died in the year of the Lord 1412, on the tenth day of the month of February, and was buried in the choir of the church of Neustadt. Next I shall record the sons of Ludovicus the Bavarian, emperor, and their successions, through whom Lower Bavaria was possessed.

Ludovicus, margrave of Brandenburg, son of Ludovicus the Bavarian, emperor, a pious, just, and warlike man, had as wife the daughter of the count of Tyrol, who bore him a son named Meynhardus, who afterwards was count in Tyrol. He married the sister of Adolphus, duke of Austria, and died without heirs; his wife made the county of Tyrol subject to her brother Rudolphus, duke of Austria, whence no small dissension arose between the dukes of Bavaria and Austria.

Stephanus. Stephanus, duke of Bavaria, son of Ludovicus, emperor and duke of Bavaria, and brother of the aforesaid Ludovicus of Brandenburg, dwelt in Landshut. He had three sons: Stephanus, Ioannes, and Fredericus, who after their father's death divided his duchy among themselves in the year of the Lord 1413. Ioannes received Upper Bavaria, namely Munich, with its appurtenances; Stephanus received Ingolstadt; and Fredericus accepted Landshut as his lot. Of these we shall speak in their proper place.

Albertus, duke of Bavaria of Straubing, son of Ludovicus the emperor and brother of the two aforesaid dukes, Ludovicus and Stephanus, received, as his share of his patrimony, Straubing with the places belonging to it; he was a good, just, and pious prince. He had as wife the daughter of Ludovicus, duke of Poland, who bore him three sons: Wilhelmus, Albertus, and Ioannes. Of these Albertus possessed [part] of Lower Bavaria, namely Straubing with the adjacent places. He had no wife and died without children. Ioannes, however, the elect of Liege, after the death of his brother gave up the bishopric which for many years he had possessed as elect, and married a wife, the holy Council of Constance disputing with him about this, as we say in its proper place.

This aforesaid duke Albertus also had [unclear] he dies, namely the son of Ludovicus the emperor, and lies buried in Holland. His title was this: Albertus, by the grace of God count palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, count of Hainaut, Zeeland, Holland, and lord of Frisia. After Duke Albertus died, his son Wilhelmus governed after him for a few years the counties and lordship of the lower land of Hainaut, Holland, Zeeland, and Frisia; he died [unclear] in the year of the Lord 1409. His daughter, named Jacoba, wishing to claim and possess her paternal inheritance for herself, styled herself daughter of the aforesaid counties. Against her Ioannes, her father's brother, abandoning the bishopric of Liege, as we have said, brought those lands and counties into his power by force in many wars. In hope of succession he married the daughter of Ioannes, duke of Gorlitz; but nevertheless he died without children, poisoned by the master of his household, in the year of the Lord 1415. After his death Lady Jacoba, [daughter] of the brother

Chronicle of the Dukes of Bavaria.

...the daughter of his brother William, was again hastening toward those lands by hereditary right; against her the younger duke of Burgundy, rising up, invaded the land and obtained it, possessing it in the succession of his stock down to the present day.

William, duke of Bavaria, count of Holland, son of the emperor Louis, and brother of the aforesaid princes, who was called Holland, was a good and vigorous man. Poisoned by impious and perverse men, he lost the free use of reason and died without children. His dominion Albert, his brother, received.

Louis the Roman, duke of Bavaria, son of the emperor Louis, and brother [unclear]. Since he was established at Rome with his wife, he was born there; he himself died without children.

Otto, called of Brandenburg, duke of Bavaria, son of the emperor Louis, brother of the aforesaid princes, and margrave, also died in the year of the Lord 1379, without children.

In the year of the Lord 1448, lord Conrad von Deck was killed in his own house in the city of Munich by [Suickerus?] von Gundelfingen. Albert, duke of Bavaria, son of the emperor Louis, fortified the castle of Notterberg at Straubing against fear of the emperor Charles, of whom there was a rumor that he wished to attack him in war. But, agreement intervening, the dissension was settled.

Rupert, count palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, son of Adolf, prince palatine, of whom we made mention above, also called the Younger to distinguish him from the elder Rupert, his father’s brother, had as wife Beatrice, daughter of the king of Sicily. She bore him Rupert the Little, afterward king of the Romans, concerning whom in his own place [unclear] of Bavaria divided, of whom it has been spoken. Done at Regensburg on the day of Saint Oswald.

In the year of the Lord 1348, lord Conrad von Deck in his house [unclear], a vigorous man, very ready in the art of warfare, in the time of the emperor Charles entered Saxony with an armed force, and on one day triumphed twice over the Saxons; but in the third encounter, defeated by them, he was captured.

Now let us pursue the line of generation of the dukes of Bavaria descended from the sons of the emperor Louis, because from the stock of Rudolf, count palatine, apart from the aforesaid Rupert, there was no male seed.

Meinhard, count in Tyrol, son of Louis of Brandenburg, who was son of Louis the Bavarian, emperor: he had as wife [the daughter?] of Adolf, duke of Austria; he died without children. His wife handed over his duchy to her brother Rudolf, duke of Austria, not without prejudice to the dukes of Bavaria. Besides this Meinhard, Louis left no sons.

Stephen, duke of Bavaria, son of Duke Stephen, who had been the son of the emperor Louis, who possessed Ingolstadt together with what adhered to it, begot two sons: Louis, duke of Bavaria in Ingolstadt, and John, bishop of Regensburg; and one daughter named Elizabeth, whom the king of the Franks took as wife.

John, duke of Upper Bavaria, son of Duke Stephen, son of the emperor Louis, and brother of the above-mentioned Stephen, had as wife the daughter of the duke of [Görlitz?]. By her he begot sons, Ernest and William, and one daughter, Sophia, whom he gave as wife to Wenceslaus, king of the Romans. This Duke John, in the division of the paternal inheritance, obtained Munich with the other surrounding castles.

Frederick, duke of Bavaria, son of Stephen, son of the emperor Louis, and brother of the aforesaid princes Stephen and John, in the division of the paternal inheritance obtained Landshut with what belonged to it. He had as wife the sister of the duke of Milan, who bore him one son, Henry in Landshut, and two daughters, namely Margaret and Elizabeth, whom he gave as wife to Frederick, burgrave of Nuremberg, whom the emperor made margrave of Brandenburg. Stephen also, mentioned above, brother of this Frederick, took as wife another sister of the duke of Milan, the sister of this man’s wife.

The division of the paternal inheritance among the aforesaid three princes of Bavaria was made in the year of the Lord 1412.

Now let us speak of the line of generation of the sons of Albert, son of the emperor Louis and brother of the aforesaid Louis and Stephen. They were three: William, Albert, John.

116. JOHANNES TRITHEMIUS.

WILLIAM, duke of Bavaria, son of Albert, son of the aforesaid emperor Ludwig, made—for [his] portion of the paternal inheritance—count of Hainaut, Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, left no male seed, but had one daughter by name Jacoba [Jacqueline], who first married the Dauphin of France, afterward the duke of Brabant, then the brother of the king of England, [and] lastly a certain noble called Francken. This William, his father being dead, possessed by hereditary right the county of Hainaut [and] Holland [and] the lordship of Friesland.

This William, duke of Bavaria, died, no son being left, in the year of the Lord [MCCCCXVII?]; after whom John, bishop-elect of Liège, his brother, the daughter of [his] brother, Jacoba, being repulsed, acquired his lordship with the blood of many.

ALBERT, duke of Bavaria, son of Albert duke at Straubing, son of the emperor Ludwig, brother of the aforesaid William, a brave man, young, fair of face, who after [his] father's death obtained among his brothers Straubing with the adjacent castles, villages, [and] properties. He had no wife; he died without sons; he was buried in the middle of the choir of the Carmelite brothers at Straubing.

JOHN, duke of Bavaria, son of Albert the duke, son of the emperor Ludwig, brother of the aforesaid princes William [and] Albert, was for a long time bishop-elect of the church of Liège. He, after many years—his brother William having died—obtained the county of Hainaut [and] Holland with the rest of his lordships, Jacoba his brother's daughter protesting. Hoping to have himself [as] the legitimate possessor of his inheritance, a dispensation of the Council of Constance having been obtained, he married the daughter of John, duke of Jülich, [kinsman] of the brothers of the emperor Sigismund, from whom he received no legitimate heir. In the year of the Lord 1408.

This John, duke of Bavaria, still bearing himself as bishop-elect of the church of Liège, is besieged by the Liège-men, set in Maastricht, to whose aid run his aforesaid brother William, [and] John duke of Burgundy, son of his sister, with two thousand. The battle being joined, John [and] William were made victors; they laid low more than twenty-five thousand of the Liège-men. But of their own army only ten are reported to have fallen.

In the year of the Lord 1415, the aforesaid John, duke of Bavaria, count in Hainaut, Holland, [and] Zeeland, lord in Friesland, perished by poison, by the treachery of a certain official of his, whom they call Master of the solemn court. But he being dead, John duke of Burgundy, son of his sister—Jacoba, daughter of the aforesaid duke William (who was the legitimate heir), contradicting—powerfully obtained the county of Hainaut, Holland, Zeeland, [and] the lordship in Friesland; thus this princedom was taken away from the dukes of the house of Bavaria.

RUPERT, count Palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, king of the Romans, son of the most illustrious prince Rupert (of whom it is spoken above), a powerful, just man, merciful to the poor, had as wife Margaret, daughter of the Burgrave of Nuremberg, who bore him six sons [and] three daughters: Rupert called the Pious, Frederick of Amberg, Ludwig the Bearded the prince-elector, John of Neumarkt, Stephen of Zweibrücken, Otto of Mosbach, Agnes, Margaret, [and] Elizabeth. Of these princes we shall speak afterward.

In the year of the Lord 1400, about the feast of the Assumption of Blessed Mary ever-Virgin, the princes meeting together at Frankfurt, Wenceslaus being deposed, the aforesaid Rupert, count Palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, was elected king of the Romans; he reigned ten years.

This duke Rupert, a magnificent king, led an army into Bohemia against Wenceslaus, and inflicted many evils on the Bohemian people, both by iron and by fire, and brought back to the dukes of Bavaria some castles and lordships of Bavaria possessed by them. He did also many other magnificent things, which we cannot relate in this place. He dies at Oppenheim, in the year of the Lord 1410, the 18th day of the month of May; he is buried at Heidelberg, in the church of the Holy Spirit (which he himself built), with [his] wife.

Consequently I shall first continue the order of the generation of the dukes of Bavaria descending from the emperor Ludwig, and then I shall add the sons of king Rupert, the counts Palatine of the Rhine.

LUDWIG, duke of Bavaria, son of Stephen duke at Ingolstadt, brother of John bishop of Regensburg [and] of Elizabeth queen of France, count at Mortain, had a wife by name Anna, sister of [the king] of Cyprus, who bore him a son Ludwig, who was called Hogel, who as a boy was carried in a basket from Paris into Bavaria. But his mother Anna, dying, was buried at the Preachers in the city of Paris.

This Ludwig, duke of Bavaria, count of Mortain, [brought] those precious images of our Savior Jesus Christ, of holy Mary, [and] of the twelve Apostles, which today are with the duke [of Bavaria]…

Chronicle of the Dukes of Bavaria.

...brought Duke George, surnamed the Rich, with him from France into Bavaria.

John, duke of Bavaria, bishop of Regensburg, son of Duke Stephen in Ingolstadt, and brother of the above-mentioned Louis and of Elizabeth, queen of the French, presided over the Church of Regensburg for twenty-six years.

Ernest, duke of Bavaria, son of Duke John in Munich, and brother of the following William and of Sophia, the second wife of Wenceslaus, king of Bohemia and of the Romans, dwelling in Munich, begot a son named Albert of Munich, of whom we shall speak afterward in his own place.

Henry, duke of Bavaria, son of Duke Frederick in Landshut, had as wife Elizabeth, daughter of the duke of Austria. She bore him a son named Louis, whom he called the Rich, and two daughters, one of whom he gave to Duke Otto of Mosbach, the other to Count Ulrich of Württemberg. He also had two sisters, as we said above, one of whom, named Elizabeth, was the wife of Frederick, burgrave of Nuremberg; from her were born Albert, John, Frederick, another Frederick, margraves of Brandenburg; and Margaret, whom Louis Hogel, duke of Bavaria, took as wife. This Duke Henry of Landshut was at the beginning frugal and poor, but at the end was found to be very rich. His wife, moreover, was an ingenious woman, and loved all honorable arts and sciences.

He returns to the Palatines descended from King Rupert.

Rupert, count palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, first-born son of Rupert, king of the Romans, who was called Pipan, armed with zeal for the faith, set himself against the Turks, not without great expense. For in the year of the Lord 1396, John, duke of Burgundy, son of the sister of Albert, duke of Straubing, came with a great army into Bavaria to fight against the unbelievers; this Duke Rupert joined himself to him, with many others. And when, having crossed Hungary, they had come to a certain city of the Turks, which they call Nicopolis, but our people call Schiltau, through the discord of the princes they were defeated by the unbelievers. The duke of Burgundy was captured with many others; innumerable men were killed; Rupert himself, scarcely escaping, returned poor into Bavaria. And not long afterward he died without children and was buried in Amberg.

Frederick, count palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, second-born son of Rupert, king of the Romans and count palatine, died before his father without children.

Louis, palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, elector, third son of Rupert, king of the Romans, was an upright, just, holy man, who for love of Christ visited his holy sepulcher in Jerusalem. Having become gravely ill at sea, blind and lame, after making the pilgrimage, in the month of May he took as his second wife Mechthild, daughter of the duke of Savoy, a devout and most holy woman. By her he begot three sons, Louis, Frederick, Rupert, and certain daughters, of whom two became nuns; the third the count of Württemberg took as wife, and afterward Albert, duke of Austria, brother of Emperor Frederick III.

Many praises and proclamations of honor ought to have been spoken concerning this prince, which require leisure and another volume. This Duke Louis was elected protector, defender, and advocate of the most universal Council of Constance. John XXIII, pope, handed over to him by the council, he kept in custody for almost three years in his castle of Mannheim.

In the year of the Lord 1438, on the twelfth day of the month of May, Mechthild, wife of this most serene prince, died. At last this most Christian prince Louis, because of blindness and various infirmities, was removed from his administration; not long afterward he died, in the year of the Lord 1449, on the last day of December.

John, count palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, fourth son of King Rupert, the Neunburger, was a good and just man. He had two wives: Catherine, daughter of the duke of Pomerania, who bore him six sons, Christopher, king of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, Otto, John, another John, Frederick, and Adolf. The last five all died in childhood. His second wife was the daughter of Ernest, duke of Bavaria in Munich; by her he had no children. This Duke John did much against the schismatic Bohemians, and suffered much from them for the Catholic faith. [He died?] in Neunburg, a man beloved by God.

Stephen, count palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, fifth son of King Rupert, called Zweibrücker, because he received this place as an inheritance, was a just, upright, devout man. He had as wife Anna, daughter of the last count of Veldenz, who bore him five sons: Frederick of Simmern, who obtained the county of Sponheim; Louis, surnamed the Black, who obtained the county of Veldenz; Rupert, bishop of Strasbourg...

[unclear]; Stephen, a canon in the church of Cologne, and John, bishop of Munster and afterward archbishop of Magdeburg. We shall also speak of these in their proper place. Otto, count palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, surnamed Mosbach, which, together with its dependencies, he possessed by inheritance among the brothers, the youngest son of Rupert, king of the Romans, had as wife Joanna, daughter of Henry of Landshut, duke of Bavaria; by her he begot Otto of Mosbach, Rupert, bishop of [unclear], and John and Albert, canons. This Otto at length died and was buried at Reichenbach. For the sake of brevity I am compelled to omit many things about these princes, which at another time could be explained more fully. Now we shall set forth in order the line of the dukes of Bavaria descended from the line of the emperor Louis.

Louis, duke of Bavaria, called Hogel, son of Louis, duke of Bavaria, count in [unclear], born of his mother Anna, sister of the king of Cyprus, had as wife Margaret, daughter of Frederick, burgrave of Nuremberg and afterward margrave; by her he had no children. After Louis Hogel had died, she is said secretly to have taken Martin Valenrode in marriage; she possessed Friburg, which afterward she sold to Louis, duke in Landshut, surnamed the Rich.

Albert of Munich, duke of Bavaria, son of Duke Ernest, had as wife the daughter of the duke of Brunswick; by her he begot five sons: John, Sigismund, Albert, Christopher, and Wolfgang. We shall speak of them in their proper place. This Albert in his youth had a certain concubine, the daughter of a certain bathkeeper in Straubing, exceedingly beautiful, whom he loved with a too-blind passion. His father, Duke Ernest, wishing to consult his son’s advantage rather than his pleasure, had her drowned; nevertheless he later grieved over this, since from his son’s violent grief many evils followed.

Adolphus, duke of Bavaria, [son of?] the emperor, died without children.

Louis, duke of Bavaria, surnamed the Rich, son of Henry the Rich, prince in Landshut, took as wife the daughter of the duke of Saxony, who bore him one son named George, who today possesses his father’s duchy, and a daughter, Margaret, a most devout woman, whom Philip, count palatine of the Rhine, prince-elector, took as wife. Mention of them will be made in its proper place.

The line of the generation of the counts palatine of the Rhine and dukes of Bavaria must consequently be continued in order.

Rupert, count palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, firstborn of Duke Louis with the Beard, born of his first wife Blanca, called Engellant, because his mother was English, died without children in the year of the Lord 1426.

Louis, count palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, prince-elector, second-born of Louis the Bearded, namely born of his second wife Mechtilde, took as wife Margaret, daughter of the duke of Savoy; by her he begot one son named Philip, a distinguished prince of his father’s virtue, who, adorned with noble offspring, today possesses his parent’s rights. This Louis, the father of Philip, was a good, just, pious, and gentle man, very devout toward God in all fervor of spirit, as the account of those who knew him closely bears witness, his life and conduct having in part been described.

When he was about to die, this most Christian prince commended to his brother Frederick his only-begotten son Philip, who was only one year old, his very dear wife, and all his land, on the condition that, when Philip reached his eighteenth year, he should restore to him his paternal principality and dominion, as to the legitimate heir, without opposition. And so Louis, a most merciful prince, died in the year of the Lord 1449, on the day of Saint Hippolytus the martyr, and was buried in the church of the Holy Spirit at Heidelberg.

Frederick, count palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, the third son of Louis with the Beard, brother of the aforesaid Prince Louis, had no wife and left no legitimate heirs. Yet he begot two sons by a certain Clara [unclear]; the first of them, Frederick, was a canon in the church of Speyer, and the second, Louis, made count in Lowenstein, is still living today. There are those who say that he contracted marriage with the aforesaid woman clandestinely in the face of the Church. And because the wars waged by this Frederick are known to all, I shall pass them over in silence.

Rupert, count palatine of the Rhine, duke of Bavaria, the fourth son of the aforesaid Louis,

Chronicle of the Dukes of Bavaria

son, and brother of Louis and Frederick: what he suffered, and how, and by whose treachery he was captured, even boys in the streets, so to speak, know; on this occasion there is no need to set it out in writing.

Now let us pursue the sequence of the Counts Palatine of the Rhine and Dukes of Bavaria, descended indeed from Rudolf, but divided into another line, after King Rupert and his son Stephen, with John and Otto of Mosbach.

Christopher, Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria, son of John, son of Rupert, king of the Romans, after the death of Erik, king of Dacia, Norway, and Sweden, took as wife the daughter of John, Margrave of Brandenburg. When he had had her for three years, [unclear] without children. He was buried at Helmensberg.

Frederick, Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria, son of Stephen of Zweibruecken, [unclear] son, [took as wife] Margaret, daughter of the Duke of Guelders, who bore him John, heir of the paternal possession; Stephen, dean of the church of Cologne; Frederick, canon and cantor of the church of Mainz; Rupert, bishop of Regensburg; and William, canon of Trier, who died as a young man in Trier. This Frederick, a just and pious prince, died in the year of the Lord 1480, and was buried in the choir of the monastery of the regulars at Ravengiersburg.

Louis, Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria, son of Stephen of Zweibruecken, son of Rupert, king of the Romans, took as wife Margaret, daughter of the Duke of Guelders, who bore him Caspar, Alexander, and John. The wars that took place between him and Frederick, Count Palatine of the Rhine, prince and guardian of our Philip, and how great were the losses he suffered from them, are known to all round about.

Rupert, Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria, son of Stephen, son of Rupert, king of the Romans, was bishop in the church of Strasbourg.

Stephen, Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria, son of Stephen, son of Rupert, king of the Romans, was bishop in the church of Cologne.

John, Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria, son of Stephen, son of Rupert, king of the Romans, a learned man and most renowned for integrity of morals, was first bishop of Muenster and afterward archbishop of Magdeburg. Many heralds of praise concerning him present themselves to me, which at present are not to be entrusted to the service of the pen. In the year of the Lord 1475 he died, not without suspicion of poison.

Otto, Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria, son of the elder Otto of Mosbach, [unclear] of Rupert the king, and brother of the above-mentioned younger Otto, is bishop of Strasbourg. See [Wimphelingius?]. [unclear] wrote, and many letters; we have only these few things from Irenicus. We shall append them.

Frederick was succeeded by Philip, whom Rudolf Agricola, Jerome Aleander, and Jakob Wimpheling, men of the greatest weight, testify to have surpassed so many mortals in piety, magnanimity, clemency, and in every measure of virtue. He was most handsome both in the strength of his limbs, in the endowments of marriage, and in the habit of his body; and he would have been most fortunate, had the German wars raged less against him. Eight sons survived him, so great a hope of descendants. Dying, he handed over the Palatinate to the elder Louis; Bavaria to the sons of the deceased Rupert, over whom he placed Frederick, a most accomplished duke. Three others act as prelates; the remaining two are very great provosts. Among the daughters, Elizabeth, the eldest by birth, as Alexander says, was given in marriage to Philip, Margrave of Baden; Amelia to the Duke of Pomerania; Helena to the man of Mecklenburg: three heroines to as many heroes and to the greatest princes in Germany. Catherine, however, most worthy of such a name, imitating the example of the saint who shared her name, despised the enticements of perishable things and sought Christ as her bridegroom. So great was the lineage of the Palatines! So many bishoprics, that one would be wearied merely by recounting the names; so many kings of Bohemia, Denmark, Hungary, and of the Romans came forth from that stock, that if one must rely on the opinion of the ancestors, there is no family in Germany to which the nobility owes more.

This is Irenicus, book 3 of the Exegesis of Germany, chapter 50.

Catalogue

Catalogue of Illustrious Men Who Adorn Germany in Every Way by Their Talents and Lucubrations, by Lord Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Spanheim, of the Order of Saint Benedict, to Jakob Wimpfeling of Sélestat, Theologian.

Letter of Master Matthaeus Herbenus of Maastricht to the Distinguished Man Jodocus Beyselius, Patrician of Aachen.

[unclear]

When recently I was leaving my paternal soil to set out for the further parts of Germany, and had come to Aachen, and had met you at home, Jodocus, most worthy of regard among friends, for the sake of greeting you, in view of our now almost long-standing association and friendship, I received instructions that on that journey I should visit certain very learned men, Germans indeed, bound to you by favor and goodwill, whom you had in the regions of the Rhine, and greet them in your name.

After therefore I had landed by boat at the place where the Nahe, flowing into the Rhine near Bingen, shows the road through Kreuznach to those going to Spanheim, soon, having left the boat, I make my way to Trithemius, abbot of that monastery. First I greet him, and then hand over your letters. Accordingly he embraces me so that I could not have been received more splendidly or more graciously by a great prelate.

But when an opportunity for walking about was granted, which for most people comes after the gatherings and refreshments of first friends, he leads me around, and immediately introduces me into his admirable library, where I behold very many Hebrew and Greek volumes. For of Latin books in every art, science, and faculty there was an immense abundance. And so I marvel at the exact diligence of one man in acquiring and arranging such varied monuments, and I am vehemently astonished; for I would not have thought that in all Germany there existed so great a number of foreign volumes. For I found there books of five languages, widely differing from one another in speech and character, in very ancient codices, which Trithemius, wakeful and assiduous, had brought together not without much toil.

In this way, therefore, most learned Jodocus, I found the library of Spanheim furnished. Nor that alone, but I also saw the walls of the whole abbatial house, which is spacious, and the vaults of the rooms most fittingly adorned with Greek, Hebrew, and Latin words and characters. Wherefore I too reckon thus with myself: if there is a Hebrew academy in our Germany, it is that monastery of Spanheim, where one can take in more learning from the walls than from the dusty and empty libraries of books belonging to many others. For whatever antiquity and learning Germany can possess in books, the monastery of Spanheim possesses, through the care of Abbot Trithemius.

I stayed with our abbot eleven days, not without exact remembrance of you. There, when one day in conversation we fell upon discussion of his book, which has been published on ecclesiastical writers, I said that I marveled that our Germany had had such distinguished writers, whom I had come to know in that book, and still had them at the present day; and I recalled that I had heard from a certain most learned Italian philosopher that he had never anywhere, in his reading, found any learned German except the one Albertus Magnus.

Then the abbot, smiling, said: “Therefore all the more is it to be believed that the Italians have deliberately passed over the praises of Germans in their writings, so that by passing over others their own glory might appear greater. I can indeed openly make known to you that there have existed far more very ancient and very celebrated German writers than you recognized in my book on ecclesiastical writers.” And bringing forth from that library of his a huge book, containing nothing except Germany’s most learned writers and men of most holy memory, he showed it to me. When I had looked at it, I began most urgently to beg and entreat him, as I do not doubt that you and any learned man would have done, that he should bring it about that our Germany should not henceforth go deprived of so great a glory of our ancestors, and that he should see to it that it be entrusted at the first possible day to the printer’s workshop. For when printed, through reading and imitation, it would bring it about that we would have more holy men and students of the good arts.

And so I prevailed upon the abbot, who in any case shows himself obliging to friends, and obtained that volume to be printed for the praise of our Germany. These are the things, most pleasant Jodocus, which I learned, saw, and accomplished with the lord abbot of Spanheim, and which, impatient of a longer delay, I resolved to write to you. Farewell. From the monastery of Spanheim, the thirtieth day before the Kalends of September. In the year of the Virgin’s giving birth 1495.

Of Johannes Trithemius

Letter of Lord Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, to Master Jacob Wimpfeling of Sélestat.

Since there are some, my very dear Jacob Wimpfeling, who, blindly treading upon the histories of the times, despise our Germany as though it were barren and devoid of the liberal arts; who contend that in it outstanding men of intellect and writers on ecclesiastical discipline have flourished only few and rare. For they have become such shameless praisers of their own nation that they believe they can become more famous by disparaging others. They extol the slight deeds of their own people and the small talents in their own men with painted colors of eloquence, and, blinded by envy, utterly conceal the great virtues of the Germans, their brave deeds, their most brilliant talents, their faith, fervor, and devotion. If they find among ancient authors anything of virtue, anything of learning, anything of praise concerning our people, lest it come to the knowledge of many, they either scrape it away at once, or, publishing their own things, omit ours. Thus, indeed, Pliny on the wars of the Germans is said by report to have perished; thus many and various histories, written in antiquity concerning the deeds of our people, are said to have been lost.

But you, most learned man, stirred by this rashness of rivals, have appeared as a true lover and defender of our fatherland, since you do not cease to write various things in praise of the Germans, and to urge others by words and examples to do the same. You have won over to yourself Lupold of Bebenburg on the fervor, zeal, and constancy of the ancient German princes in the Christian religion; and you have brought many volumes of ancient authors on these very matters into your library. Sebastian Murrho of Colmar also, a man most learned from every quarter and not moderately skilled in the three principal languages, you have brought by your exhortations to the point that he has published a very fine epitome on the praises of the Germans, in which he set in order, in lucid speech, the brave deeds of our princes on behalf of the Catholic faith, the commonwealth, and the holy Roman Church; and he reviewed in brief compendium the most brilliant talents, works, and inventions of our nation.

But not even content with these things, you always raise your mind to greater proclamations of our praises; and the more things worthy of our praises you find, the greater things you desire. Hence you also exhort me by frequent letters and entreaties that I ought to write something on the praises of the Germans, and to arrange a catalogue of the illustrious men of this nation who, outstanding in learning and intellect, wrote various works. I confess I put it off for a long time, partly detained by concern for domestic affairs, partly occupied by the sweat of higher study. But now at last I have been overcome by your excessive persistence, and I confess myself defeated.

Receive therefore, my Jacob, the catalogue which you have so greatly requested; correct it with the file of your chastening and learning, and then at last allow it to come to the examination of others. Nor should you think that I have gathered together all who made our Germany illustrious by their talents and little works, but only that I have kept the memory of those whose writings, amid my preoccupations, I could find ready to hand. I have reviewed a few out of many, so that by these the envious detractor may perceive how many are still lacking to us whom this catalogue by no means contains. For neither was leisure given me to seek out the rest, nor expense to gather them through others.

Finally, at the end, after I have woven together the sequence of those who have departed life, I have added certain men still living in the flesh, lest, if they should now be passed over by us, they would by no means reach the knowledge of posterity. For indeed those who are now very well known to us will quickly fall into oblivion if they have not been commended by letters and writings. I have no less concern to bring to the knowledge of posterity learned men who have written something for the benefit of readers than to bring the little works of the ancients into the library of my monastery.

Yet I know that it does not sufficiently please certain people that I wished to commend in writing the talents of the living, who think that this was done not for the benefit of posterity but for the vain praise of the human condition. I think these men must be answered briefly, since I hasten to other matters. And if I ought not to praise a man before death in those things which are meritorious, I am not forbidden to commit to writing talent, which is natural and common to good and bad alike; I observe that Jerome, Prosper, Gennadius, Isidore, Honorius, Sigebert, and many others did this. Indeed, what the most holy fathers laudably did for the benefit of posterity, no wise man should forbid me, who desire to do the same with the same intention. Finally, there are many most learned men in these times whose memory it is pious, and of no less benefit, to commend to posterity. Unless antiquity had done this with equal piety, not all the most famous ancient writers would long since have come down to our memory

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

[unclear]. There are also those who think that in this age there are either no illustrious writers in the humanities, or only a few; and I trust that I have done something pleasant and welcome for them, if I have brought even a few out of many to their knowledge. For although I could not mention all men outstanding in talent, nevertheless I have provided an occasion for our studious Germans, so that henceforth they too may be able to add others to these and enlarge our work by their own diligence. Farewell. From Spanheim, on the sixth day before the Ides of February, in the year of the Lord MCCCCXCI.

Preface of Lord Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Spanheim, to the Book on the Illustrious Men of the German Nation, to Jacobus V. [Sletslatinus?].

Germany, which, because of its fertility in all good things, could rightly be called Germania, if Caesar did not think the contrary, from the beginning of its conversion to the Christian faith has always shone with famous teachers; through their talent and most holy morals it deserved to be illuminated more abundantly than other nations. Of these, many have been inserted into the catalogue of saints; many preceded this custom of canonizing saints in time.

This is proved by the very ancient books composed by them; miracles prove it. Nevertheless, at the request of friends, I have resolved to gather the works of certain talents into this catalogue, intending to provide an opportunity for posterity, so that, where they know that we have stopped, they themselves may by their own zeal complete the praises of the Germans. For I, situated in a corner of Germany, have not had the opportunity to search out the others who are lacking from our catalogue; but those whom I had at hand I offer to our Germans, asking that each one add to ours the writers who come his way, and thus finally learn, in rivalry with us, that they have been and are learned. Nor should it escape anyone that I have placed among the Germans all illustrious writers whom I found to have been Teutons. For the Mosellans and Treverans, although they inhabit a great part of Belgic Gaul, are nevertheless German in customs and language, and for that reason they have not undeservedly been numbered among our Germans. Concerning the other Teutons round about, too, a similar opinion should be held. But let this much about these matters suffice; now, God granting it, let us take up the beginning of writing according to the proposed subject.

Book of Lord Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Spanheim, on the Luminaries, or on the Illustrious Men of Germany, who, outstanding in talent, wrote various works.

Maximus, the seventh bishop of the church of Mainz, a man most holy in life and conduct, nobly learned both in secular letters and in the divine scriptures, was ready in talent, distinguished in speech, and outstanding in action. Since he was an eloquent and celebrated preacher of the divine word, he converted many to the faith of Christ by word and example, not only throughout his own diocese but also through neighboring and more distant regions, sowing the word of faith. He is said to have written many letters to various persons and to have committed many homilies to writing; but antiquity has not allowed any of these to come into our hands. Finally, against the Arians, who in his time did many evils in the Church of God, he composed some excellent works. He flourished at Mainz in the times of the emperors Constantius and Constans, under Pope Liberius, in the year of the Lord CCCLX.

Paulinus, the twenty-eighth archbishop of Trier, by nation indeed an Aquitanian, but in life and conduct for the most part dwelling among the Treverans, disciple of the blessed Maximinus, archbishop of Trier, and his son in baptism, a learned and most holy man, was banished into exile by the Arian heretics for the faith of Christ; in Phrygia he triumphed by a glorious suffering. He wrote many elegant letters in matters of the Catholic faith, in which he appeared no less learned than holy. But he also wrote some other works for the faith against here-

Of Johannes Trithemius [unclear] he published. He died in Phrygia under Constantine, Constantius, and Constans, in the year of the Lord 357, in the fifteenth indiction.

Boniface, also called Winfrid, first archbishop of the church of Mainz, a monk of the Order of Saint Benedict, English by nation but German in his way of life and dignity: a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, subtle in intellect, eloquent in speech, upright and most holy in life and morals. By his learned preaching he converted many to the Christian faith, so that he was deservedly held to be the teacher and apostle of the Germans. He wrote several distinguished little works, of which I have seen the following: To Pope Gregory II, On the Faith of the Holy Trinity, one book; The Life of Saint Lebuin, one book; Letters to Various Persons, one book; On Various Deeds of the Saints, one book; and certain other things. At last, while preaching the word of God in Frisia, he was crowned with martyrdom under Pippin, king of the Franks, in the year of the Lord 755, in the eighth indiction, in the thirty-seventh year of his episcopate, on the Nones of June. He was buried in the monastery of Fulda, which he himself built.

Walafrid, abbot of the monastery of Saint Gall, of the Order of the divine father Benedict, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and remarkably learned in secular letters, subtle in intellect, eloquent in speech, excelling in verse and prose, a monarch of regular discipline, father of many monks, wrote, among other little works of his talent: The Life of Saint Gall in prose, one book; the same afterwards in verse, one book; On the Divine Offices also, one book; and various letters to various persons, and certain other things. He flourished about the times of the emperor Tiberius, in the year of the Lord 700.

Willibald, priest of Saint Boniface, a monk of the divine father Benedict, brother of Saint Walpurga, virgin abbess of Heidenheim, and afterwards bishop of Eichstatt, a learned and most holy man, ready in intellect and sweet in speech, wrote, at the command of Saint Lullus of Mainz, archbishop after Boniface, The Life of the same most holy martyr Boniface, two books, and, as is reported, certain letters to devout servants of God. He flourished under Pippin, father of the emperor Charlemagne, in the year of the Lord 760.

Ryggandus, bishop of Metz, grandson of King Pippin by his sister, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters as well, venerable no less in life and conduct than in dignity. Among other monuments of his talent he wrote The Rule of the Canons of the Church of Metz, one book, and various letters to various persons. He transferred from Rome the bodies of the holy martyrs Gorgonius, Nabor, and Nazarius; of these, he deposited the body of Saint Nazarius in the monastery of Lorsch, then of our order in Germany, in the diocese of Worms. He flourished in the times of Pippin, his uncle, king of Charlemagne, in the year of the Lord 870.

Haymo, third bishop of the church of Halberstadt in Saxony, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and second to none in his time in secular letters, acute in intellect, eloquent in speech, devout in life and conduct, was of most celebrated industry in delivering homilies to the people; from him he became most learned in every discipline of the good arts. Then, as his merits advanced, he was appointed third abbot of the monastery of Hersfeld. Finally, likewise, he was chosen third bishop of Halberstadt. He wrote many, almost innumerable volumes, of which the following are extant: On the Five Books of Moses, five books; On Joshua, one book; On Tobit, one book; On Ezra and Nehemiah, three books; On the Book of Judith, one book; On Esther also, one book; On Job, one book; On the Song of Songs, one book; On the Proverbs of Solomon, one book; On Ecclesiastes, one book; On Isaiah the Prophet, four books; On Jeremiah the Prophet, one book; On Ezekiel also, four books; On Daniel, one book; On the Twelve Minor Prophets, twelve books; On the Psalms, one book; On the Gospels, homilies through the cycle of the year, two large volumes, two books; On All the Epistles of Paul, fourteen books; On the Canonical Epistles, seven books; On the Apocalypse of John, one book; On the Holy Trinity, one book; On the Memory of Christian Things, ten books; On the Variety of Books, four books; On the Acts of the Apostles, one book. He composed sermons, homilies, letters, and various other treatises, but they have not yet come into our hands. He died under Louis, the first emperor, in the year of the Lord 934, in the twelfth indiction, in the thirteenth year of his episcopate, and was buried in the church of Saint Stephen at Halberstadt.

Charles the Great, emperor, son of Pippin the second duke and king, German by nation, from the imperial castle of Ingelheim, where to this day the chamber of his birth, consecrated as a chapel, is shown, a man most Christian in life and conduct,

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

[of men?] not undeservedly included, most devoted to the divine Scriptures and excellently learned in secular letters, subtle in intellect, clear and eloquent in speech, distinguished by knowledge of many languages, skilled in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, by no means to be rejected from the catalogue of the illustrious men of Germany. Indeed, he most zealously cultivated the liberal arts, and, greatly venerating their teachers, honored them with great distinctions. In learning grammar he heard Peter of Pisa, an aged deacon; in the other disciplines he had as teacher Albinus, surnamed Alcuin, a monk of the order of Saint Benedict and formerly a deacon, a disciple from Britain, a man of Saxon stock, most learned in every respect. With him he spent very much time and labor in learning rhetoric and dialectic, but especially astronomy. He learned the art of computation, and with keen attention most carefully investigated the course of the stars. The Christian religion, with which he had been imbued from infancy, he cultivated most devoutly and with the greatest piety, and he made many arrangements for its honor. He attended church zealously and with great devotion in the morning and evening, likewise in the night hours and at the time of the sacrifice, so far as his health allowed him. In his palace at Aachen he assembled a most precious library, filled with a very great abundance of books; when he died, he had it sold and distributed as alms to the poor. Among the other works of his intellect he published many and various additions of the laws and rights of all the nations that lived under his kingdom and empire, in many volumes. Likewise he composed the laws of the Saxons; likewise the laws of the Alemanni; likewise the laws of the Franks; likewise he published many and various songs concerning the deeds of the ancients. He also began a grammar of his native tongue, namely Teutonic or Alemannic, which, occupied with other matters, he could not finish. I have seen fragments of this grammar, and also certain volumes composed according to its rules; mention of these will be made below, when we come to Otfried, monk of the monastery of Weissenburg. Many volumes also were published by various men at his command; these we leave to their own authors. Happy is the commonwealth whose prince was so glorious a philosopher. At length, after many most holy exercises, he died in the basilica of the blessed Mother of God, which he himself had built at very great expense, and was buried at Aachen, in the year of the Lord 814, in the seventh indiction, on the fifth day before the Kalends of February, in the seventy-second year of his age and the forty-seventh of his reign.

Einhard, once chancellor of the aforesaid Emperor Charles the Great, and afterward a monk of the order of the divine father Benedict, and first abbot of the monastery of Seligenstadt in the diocese of Mainz above the Main, a man most learned in secular letters and not ignorant of the divine Scriptures, acute in intellect, eloquent in speech, outstanding in life and conduct, skilled especially in Greek and Latin, and excellent both in meter and in prose: among the other little works of his intellect, he abbreviated the Gallican Psalter, extracting from it all the verses containing words of prayer. He also wrote, both in his own person and in that of the emperor, many elegant and useful letters to various persons on various affairs and cases. Also The Deeds of Emperor Charles, one book. Moreover, a notable history of the times concerning the deeds of the Germans and Franks, two books. And certain other things which have by no means come down to us. He flourished under Emperor Charles the Great and his son Louis, in the year of the Lord 820.

Freculph, bishop of Lisieux, once a monk of Fulda, of the order of the divine father Benedict, a disciple of Albinus, to whom Rabanus, abbot of Fulda, exercised his talent in many volumes, a man most devoted to the divine Scriptures and very learned, and sufficiently fit for teaching the people; no less distinguished in conduct than in knowledge: he is said to have written certain excellent little works. Of these there are extant seven volumes addressed to Helisachar, containing a history of events from the beginning of the world down to the birth of the Savior, both of the gentiles and of the Jews. In this work he also subtly untangled many difficult questions of the divine Scriptures. He wrote, moreover, elegant and varied letters to various persons; I remember having read some of these to Rabanus. But he also published several other things which are unknown to us. He flourished under the rule of Louis the First, son of Charles the Great, in the year of the Lord 840.

Hamularius Fortunatus, the sixty-third archbishop of Trier from Saint Eucharius, and, as they say, cardinal of the most holy Roman Church, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and excellently taught in secular letters, skilled in Greek and Latin, wrote little works of reading not to be despised. Of these the following are reported: On the Divine Offices, one book. To Emperor Louis on the same matter, seven books. On the Sacred Mysteries, one book. Various letters also to various persons. Sent by Emperor Charles to Constantinople, to Michael, emperor of the Greeks, he, by his wondrous

126 Of Johannes Trithemius by [unclear] wisdom and diligence he established and confirmed true and perpetual peace and friendship between them. He flourished under the emperors Charlemagne and Louis his son, in the year of the Lord 810.

Rabanus Maurus, archbishop of Mainz.

Rabanus Maurus of Mainz, after Saint Boniface the sixth archbishop of Mainz, a Thuringian by nationality, sprung from the city of Fulda, a disciple of Alcuin, was first made a monk of the monastery of Fulda when he was still a boy of ten years. Thereafter he turned all his study to the knowledge of the Scriptures. In all learning, both of secular and of divine writings, he became by far most learned: a distinguished philosopher, an eminent poet, an eloquent rhetorician, a most celebrated astronomer and computist, skilled in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew; in his time the Church had no one like him. Then, as his merits increased, in the thirty-fifth year of his age he was elected abbot of the same monastery by the vote of all the brethren. Presiding over its government for twenty-four years, he composed many, almost countless, volumes. At last, after the death of Otgar, archbishop of Mainz, he was consecrated bishop of the same church; sitting for nine years in the episcopate, he did many good things for the Church. Of his little works the following are reported: To Bishop Freculph, On Genesis, four books; On Numbers, four books; On Leviticus, four books; On Deuteronomy, four books; On Joshua, two books; On Judges, two books; On the Book of Ruth, one book; On Kings, to Hildewin, abbot of Saint-Denis, four books; also On Paralipomenon, four books; On Ezra and Nehemiah, three books; On Tobit, one book; On the Book of Judith, seven books; On [unclear], one book; On the Psalms, one book; On the Proverbs of Solomon, one book; On Ecclesiastes, one book; On the Song of Songs, one book; On the Book of Wisdom, three books; On Ecclesiasticus, ten books; On Isaiah the Prophet, eight books; On Jeremiah the Prophet, twenty books; also On Ezekiel the Prophet, twenty books; On Daniel the Prophet, three books; On the Twelve Minor Prophets, twelve books; On the Books of Maccabees, three books; On the Gospel of Matthew, eight books; On the Gospel of Luke, three books; On the Gospel of Mark, four books; On the Gospel of John, two books; On all the Epistles of Paul, twenty-one books; On the Catholic Epistles, seven books; On the Acts of the Apostles, one book; On the Apocalypse of John, one book; On the Faith of the Most Holy Trinity, one book; also On the Praise of the Holy Cross, a work of wondrous genius, two books; To Bishop Haymo, On the Universe, or Etymologies, twenty-one books; also On Universal Nature, one book; to Bishop Haistulf, On the Instruction of Clerics, three books; On the Divine Offices, one book; On the Ecclesiastical Computus, two books; To Emperor Louis, one book; On Questions of the Canons, one book; To Bishop Regenbald, one book; On the Blessings of the Patriarchs, one book; a Homiliary of the ceremonies of the whole year, two books; also Letters to various persons, one book. But he composed various epigrams and many treatises in humane letters which have not yet come into our hands. He died under Emperor Lothar, in the year of the Lord 855, in the third indiction, in the sixty-eighth year of his age, when the ninth year of his episcopate had been completed. He was buried in the monastery of the holy martyr Alban near Mainz, then of the order of Saint Benedict.

Strabus, a monk of Fulda, once the disciple and notary of the aforesaid Abbot Rabanus, was certainly himself a most learned man, fully instructed both in divine Scripture and in secular letters, a theologian, philosopher, and most celebrated poet, quick in talent and clear in speech. He wrote several little works in sacred volumes, by which he commended his memory to posterity. But few of them have come to my knowledge. Chiefly there are reported commentaries On Genesis, one book; also On Exodus, one book; On Leviticus, one book; and many others. This Strabus, a most studious man, was the first to compile over the whole Bible the gloss which they call the master gloss or ordinary gloss, from the sayings of the holy fathers; others afterwards enlarged it by adding certain things. He flourished under the emperors Louis and Lothar, in the year of the Lord 860.

Lupus Servatus, priest, to whom Saint Rabanus, abbot of Fulda, is read to have written eight books on Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, was a man studious and learned in divine Scripture, and learned also in secular letters. Among the other little works of his talent he wrote a book On Three Questions, that is, on free will, on predestination, and on the blood of Christ, concerning a certain superfluous assessment or redemption extending to the salvation of the impious. For over this matter there arose a certain disturbance of faith in the Church in the year of the Lord 848. Besides these he published several other works, but they have not come to my knowledge. He flourished with Rabanus under Emperor Lothar, in the year of the Lord 850. Notge-

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

NOTGER, bishop of Liège, formerly abbot of the monastery of Saint Gall, once very close to Rabanus, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and easily the most learned of all men of his time in the disciplines of secular letters, a philosopher, poet, musician, astronomer, and very celebrated theologian, venerable no less for his way of life than for his knowledge, wrote many excellent and necessary little works, by which he transmitted his name to the knowledge of many. Of these, a few have come to the notice of my reading. I have seen the original work of proses or sequences for the cycle of the year concerning the feasts, which he wrote to Lutward, bishop of Vercelli, archchaplain of the great emperor, book I; to Salomon, afterward bishop of the church of Constance, On the Principal Expositors of Sacred Scripture, book I; On Music, the Modes of Harmonies, book I; Letters to Various Persons, book I. He composed sermons and various homilies. And he elegantly expounded certain books of Sacred Scripture; he wrote many other things. While this Notger was still a monk at Saint Gall, Pope Nicholas I confirmed the sequences and allowed them to be sung in the Mass. He wrote many various hymns, chants, antiphons, and responsories, which down to the present day are used frequently in the Church of God in praises. He flourished in the episcopate under Emperor Lothar, in the year of the Lord 850.

SALOMON, bishop of Constance, formerly a monk of the monastery of Saint Gall, of the order of the divine father Benedict, once hearer and disciple of the above-named Notger, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, and exceptionally taught in secular letters; practiced in verse and prose, subtle in talent, eloquent in speech, and venerable no less for his way of life than for his knowledge. He wrote one book On the Seven Arts which they call liberal. Also one book, a Vocabulary, not to be despised. One book of Letters to Various Persons. He is also said to have composed many sermons and various treatises, which have not come into my hands. He flourished under Emperor Lothar in the year of the Lord 860.

WANDELBERT, deacon and monk of the monastery of Prüm, of the order of Saint Benedict, in the diocese of Trier, a man most learned both in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters, sharp in talent, eloquent in speech, a philosopher, rhetorician, and most learned poet, wrote, among other little works of his talent, to Abbot Marquard, the Life of Saint Goar the priest, one book; On the Miracles of the same most holy man, one book. He composed a very beautiful Martyrology in verse. He also published several other works, which have not come into my hands. He flourished in the times of the emperors Lothar and Louis, in the year of the Lord 849.

CHRISTIAN, who is Druthmar, monk and priest of the monastery of Corbie, Aquitanian indeed by nation but German by way of life, certainly a man most learned in every respect, skilled in Greek and Latin, wrote, among other monuments of his talent, [unclear] which he is said to have made, although none of these has come to the notice of my reading; On Matthew, book I; also many sermons and various homilies, one book, and many other things which I have not seen. In the prologue to the exposition of Matthew he promises that he would also write on the other evangelists, because [unclear] requested sermons, [unclear] he wrote many excellent volumes; by which [unclear] he wrote many excellent volumes in verse and prose; by which [unclear]

Ofrid, monk of the monastery of Wissenburg.

OTFRID, monk of the monastery of Weissenburg, of the order of Saint Benedict, in the diocese of Speyer, once hearer and disciple of Rabanus Maurus, abbot of Fulda, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, exceptionally taught in secular letters, a philosopher, rhetorician, astronomer, poet, theologian, second to none in his time, excellent in talent and eloquent in speech, wrote many excellent volumes in verse and prose, by which he transmitted his name and talent to posterity. From that volume in which Emperor Charles, once the Great, [unclear] the barbarism of our German mother tongue according to the same grammatical rules, many wonderful things [unclear] that language and speech regulated [unclear] differs more from ours, and then anyone skilled in our speech; indeed since that speech, regulated, differs more from ours [unclear] he composed in meter or verse, which no one in our age can easily read and understand, although [unclear] from Latin. Yet whatever this man composed is wonderful and worthy of reading, since in German speech he set rules, as if in verses he preserved feet and numbers. Of his little works there are extant [unclear]. To Luitbert, eighth archbishop of the church of Mainz, On the Four Gospels according to the aforesaid metrical rules

Johannes Trithemius

a great and admirable work, which he entitled, in German, Grace, in five books; to King Louis, one book; to Solomon, bishop of Constance, one book; to the monks of Saint Gall, one book; on the Psalter, three great volumes in the same kind of speech. Likewise, On the Last Judgment, one book; also On the Joys of the Heavenly Kingdom, one book. He published sermons and homilies, both for the season and for the saints, in two books; letters to various persons, one book; many epigrams in both languages, in various kinds of meter, two books. He also published many other things which, lost through the negligence of earlier men and scraped away and torn by the ignorance and sloth of monks and abbots, have not come into our hands. He flourished in the times of the emperors Louis and Lothair, in the year of the Lord 870.

Franco, bishop of Liege, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and excellently instructed in the study of secular letters, a philosopher, rhetorician, poet, and excellent musician, keen in intellect, eloquent in speech, devout and most holy in life and conduct, presided for many years over the public school and trained many very learned pupils in every branch of knowledge. Among other little works of his talent he wrote many very useful sermons for the edification of the faithful, one book; also to Hermann, archbishop of Cologne, On the Squaring of the Circle, one book; On the Ecclesiastical Computus, one book; also letters to various persons, one book. Finally, he composed many chants, antiphons, legends, and responsories in honor of the saints, in sweet and regular melody. He is also said to have written some other things, which have not come to the knowledge of our reading.

Werenbert, a monk at Saint Gall of the order of the holy father Benedict, formerly a hearer and pupil of Hrabanus Maurus of Fulda, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and excellently instructed in secular letters, a distinguished philosopher, an outstanding poet, not ignorant of the Greek language, wrote for the edification of readers many splendid volumes, by which he brought back with great profit the talent entrusted to him by the Lord. He composed many elegant sermons, one book; also letters to various persons, one book; epigrams in different kinds of meter, one book; also on the Gospels, four books. He also composed various hymns and chants in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ and of the saints. The rest which he is said to have written, although they are many, have by no means come to my knowledge. He flourished under the emperor Louis II, in the year of the Lord 870.

Hartmud, a monk of the same monastery of Saint Gall, of the order of our blessed father Benedict, formerly a hearer and pupil of Hrabanus Maurus, to whom Otfrid, the monk of Weissenburg, exercised his talent in many letters, a man learned on every side, subtle in intellect, eloquent in speech, devout in life and conduct, skilled in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, and furthermore not ignorant of Arabic, wrote many splendid little works both in meter and in prose; but I do not remember that any of them has come to the knowledge of our reading. There are said to exist commentaries of his, not to be rejected, on certain books of the Bible; likewise letters to various persons, one book; also sermons, chants, hymns, and various treatises on the sacred Scriptures, which every studious person should seek out. He flourished in the times of the emperors Lothair and Louis his son, in the year of the Lord 870.

Stephen, bishop of Liege after Franco, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and magnificently skilled in the disciplines of secular letters, prompt in intellect, orderly in speech, devout in life and conduct. I have found certain things of no contemptible reading that he wrote: The Life of Saint Lambert, bishop and martyr, one book; also to the bishop of Metz, one book. He also composed many elegant sermons, and several letters to various persons. The office concerning the Holy Trinity, which we sing every year on the octave of Pentecost, this Stephen composed from the volume of Albinus and set to sweet melody. But he also arranged, with beautiful grace, works on the Holy Cross, on Saint Lambert the martyr, and on many others.

Ratbod, the fourteenth bishop of the church of Utrecht, a man very learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, subtle in intellect, distinguished in eloquence, most holy in life and conduct, shone forth with many miracles both while alive and after death. Nanno, a very learned philosopher, instructed him in good letters; from him he advanced in every branch of knowledge, and finally, ordained bishop of the aforesaid city, he presided for seventeen years under the grave persecution of the Danes. He wrote certain splendid little works in praise of the saints, of which I have found only the following: Praises of Saint Martin, bishop of Tours, one book; Praises of Saint Boniface, archbishop of Mainz and martyr, one book; Praises of Saint Amalberga the Virgin, one book; sermons and tomes

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of the [unclear] diocese, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, and a philosopher, rhetorician, poet, and distinguished theologian most learned in all the letters of secular studies, skilled in Greek and Latin, subtle in talent, profound in knowledge, sweet, ornate, and eloquent in speech, most excellent in expounding the divine Scriptures. Among the other works of his talent he wrote: On Leviticus, a very celebrated and highly useful work, 20 books; On the Epistles of the Apostle Paul, 14 books; also a History of the Kings and Princes of the Franks, 1 book; also a Chronicle of His Own Times, 1 book; Letters to Various Persons, 1 book; Various Sermons, 1 book; and many poems of diverse kinds. He is read to have made very elegant commentaries on many books of the Bible, and also to have written several other treatises, which have by no means come down to us.

Aribo, the nineteenth archbishop of the church of Mainz, a man devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, renowned in talent and pleasing in speech, wrote, among other monuments of his talent, a very beautiful work on the fifteen Gradual Psalms, 1 book, and various letters to different persons. Having celebrated a synod in the monastery of Seligenstadt with his bishops and abbots, in the year of the Lord 1032, indiction 6, he established many good and useful measures, which are contained in authentic writings. Burckhard, bishop of Worms, a most learned man, of whom mention will be made immediately, was personally present at this synod. To this Archbishop Aribo, because he was a lover of letters, many famous men, exercising their talents, wrote various little works. He died under Emperor Conrad, in the year of the Lord 1031, indiction 14, in the twelfth year of his episcopate.

Burckhard, formerly a monk of the order of Saint Benedict, bishop of Worms, or of the Vangiones, once the hearer and disciple of Albert, abbot of Gembloux, a most learned man (whom Gratian mentions in the Decrees, distinction 73, “In the name of the Lord”), a man certainly most learned both in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters, subtle in talent and renowned in speech. He wrote for the edification of the church several distinguished volumes, by which he commended his name both to the present and to posterity. Of these I have seen that large volume and notable work of decrees, divided into twenty books, which the diligence of jurists used before the compilation of the monk Gratian. He also wrote many elegant letters to various persons. The rest that he composed have not come down to me. He flourished in the times of Henry I, in the year of the Lord 1020.

Berno, abbot of the monastery of Reichenau, of the order of Saint Benedict, in the diocese of Constance, a man devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, and excellently instructed in secular letters, a philosopher, rhetorician, and musician of very celebrated reputation, no less distinguished in life than in learning. He wrote several little works of reading not to be despised, concerning which the following are reported: to Pilgrim, archbishop of Cologne, an excellent volume On Music, of which the original is with us, 1 book; also On Musical Instruments, 1 book; to the aforesaid Aribo, archbishop of Mainz, On the Advent of the Lord, 1 book; On the Office of the Mass, 1 book; On the Fast of the Four Times, 1 book; On the Fast of Saturday, 1 book; On the Measure of the Monochord, 1 book; Letters to Various Persons, 1 book; also Sermons to the Brothers. And many other things. He flourished in the times of Saint Henry, emperor first, but king second, in the year of the Lord 1020.

Adelbold, bishop of Utrecht, formerly a monk of the order of the divine father Benedict (under whose name Heriger, abbot of Lobbes, composed a dialogue On the Advent of the Lord), a man devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures and excellently instructed in secular letters, subtle in talent, eloquent in speech, outstanding in life and conduct, and on account of those virtues held in great esteem in the court of Saint Henry the Emperor. He wrote some little works of reading by no means to be despised, by which he made his name known to posterity. Among these there is extant the Life and Deeds of that same Saint Emperor Henry, 1 book; On the Praises of the Holy Cross, 1 book; also On the Praises of Saint Mary, 1 book. He also published various sermons in praise of the saints. And many other things, both in verse and prose, which have not come to my knowledge. He died under Conrad II, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1027, indiction 10, in the eighteenth year of his episcopate, on the fifth day before the Kalends of December.

Bruno, bishop of Würzburg. [Würzburg] devoted to and learned, and not ignorant of secular letters, [unclear] in talent and deceased, shone with miracles. He wrote and compiled from the sayings of the ancient fathers a work not to be despised on the whole Psalter, and with wondrous knowledge corrected the text, previously corrupt in many places. If he wrote anything further, it has not come down to me. He died under Emperor Henry II, in the year of the Lord 1045, indiction 13, on the sixth day before the Kalends of June, and was numbered among the saints.

Adel

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various very elegant volumes, 1 book. He also wrote exhortatory letters to various persons. He also composed, in sweet melody, an Office on the translation of Saint Martin, various chants in honor of the saints, and certain other works that are unknown to us. He died under Emperor Conrad in the year of the Lord 817, in the fifth indiction, on the third day before the Kalends of December, in the eighteenth year of his episcopate. He was buried at Deventer.

REGINO, abbot of the monastery of Prum, of the order of the holy father Benedict, in the diocese of Trier, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, exceptionally instructed in secular letters, subtle in intellect, distinguished in speech, devout in life and conduct, easily held the first place among the teachers of his time. He wrote for Adelbero, bishop of Metz, a history of the deeds of the Frankish Germans from the birth of Christ down to his own times, 10 books. At the command of Ratbod, archbishop of Trier, he compiled from the decrees and decisions of the fathers and of general councils a distinguished canonical work, which he entitled On Ecclesiastical Discipline and the Christian Religion, in two volumes, 2 books. He also composed many elegant sermons, 1 book; also letters to various persons, 1 book; and many other things which have not yet come at all to the knowledge of our reading. He flourished in the times of Emperor Arnulf, in the year of the Lord 910.

WIDUKIND, a monk of Corvey in Saxony, of the order of Saint Benedict, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, most learned in secular letters, ready in intellect, distinguished in speech, excellent in verse and prose, wrote in both styles many excellent volumes, by which he consecrated his name to posterity. Of these I have found only the following: to Mechtild, daughter of Otto I, On the Deeds of the Saxons, 3 books; to the same, The Deeds of Otto I, 1 book; sermons to the brothers, 1 book; letters to various persons, 1 book; the life of Saint Paul the First Hermit, in prose and verse, 2 books; also the passion of the virgin Thecla, likewise in verse, 1 book; epigrams, 1 book. He is said besides to have written many other works, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the times of Emperor Otto I, in the year of the Lord 950.

ROSWITHA, a consecrated virgin of the monastery of Gandersheim in Saxony, noble, of the order of the holy father Benedict, devotedly learned in the divine Scriptures, and well imbued with the disciplines of secular letters, outstanding in intellect, distinguished in speech, and no less notable for conduct than for learning, wrote, both in verse and in prose, many excellent little works, by which, surpassing her sex in talent, she transmitted her name to posterity with great glory. Of these I have read the following: to the abbess Gerberga, in heroic verse, on the life and conduct of the unstained Mother of God, the Virgin Mary, 1 book; on the Passion of the Lord, in the same verse, 1 book; likewise on Saint Gangolf, 1 book; on the passion of Saint Pelagius, martyr, who suffered in these times at Cordoba, 1 book; on the fall of Theophilus the vicedominus and his repentance, 1 book; on the fall of a certain young man, converted through Saint Basil, 1 book; on the passion of Saint Dionysius, bishop and martyr, 1 book; on the passion of Saint Agnes, virgin, 1 book. She composed all the aforesaid in very elegant verse. She wrote besides six comedies, imitating Terence in style, of which the first is entitled The Conversion of the Prince Gallicanus, including the passion of the martyrs John and Paul. The second is on the passion of Agape, Chionia, and Irene, virgins. The third is on the resurrection of Calimachus and Drusiana through Saint John. The fourth is on the fall and conversion of Mary, niece of Abraham the Hermit. The fifth is entitled The Conversion of Thais the Prostitute. The sixth recounts the passion of the holy virgins Faith, Hope, and [Charity?]. She also wrote in verse the deeds of Emperor Otto I, 1 book; epigrams of various kinds, 1 book; and certain letters not without elegance. The rest that she composed have not come to the knowledge of our reading. She flourished in the times of Otto I and II, most illustrious emperors, in the year of the Lord 970.

SMARAGDUS, abbot of the monastery of Saint Michael in Saxony, of the order of the holy father Benedict, a man very learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, acute in intellect, composed in speech, devout in life and conduct, a very celebrated guide of regular discipline, made his name known far and wide in expounding the holy Scriptures and obtained a great reputation for learning. For he wrote many excellent volumes, of which the following are extant: on the Rule of our most holy father Benedict, 1 book; on the whole Psalter, 1 book; on the Epistles and Gospels through the cycle of the year, 2 books; sermons to the brothers and others, 1 book; also a distinguished work on the virtues, which he entitled The Diadem of Monks, 1 book. He made a commentary on the greater Donatus that is not to be rejected. He is said also to have written many other volumes, both on divine and on secular writings, which have not come into our hands.

RADULPHUS, a monk of the monastery of Fulda, of the order of the holy father Benedict,

Catalogue of Illustrious Men

Adelmann the grammarian, formerly a cleric of the church of Liege, bishop of Brixen, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, not moderately learned in secular letters, a philosopher, poet, and dialectician famous in his time, excellent in verse and prose. He wrote, in a twofold style, certain little works not to be despised, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Of these there survives a not unpleasant little book on the body and blood of the Lord, addressed to Berengar of Tours, at one time his fellow pupil under Fulbert of Chartres, who was already then beginning to teach errors on this matter; in it he strives against him with many testimonies of the Scriptures. On the same matter he issued a letter to Paulinus, primicerius of Metz. He wrote many letters to various persons, and certain other things. He flourished under Henry III, in the year of the Lord 1040.

Ratbertus Paschasius, abbot of Corbie of the Order of Saint Benedict, a man very learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, subtle in intellect, eloquent in speech, a distinguished translator of Greek and Latin discourse, venerable no less for his life than for his knowledge. He wrote to a certain Placidus, an abbot of our order, a notable work on the sacrament of the altar, one book; also the life of Saint Adalhard the bishop, one book; on the Lamentations of Jeremiah the prophet, one book; and several other works unknown to me. He translated some things from Greek into the Latin tongue. He flourished in the time of the ruler Charles the Fat, in the year of the Lord 880.

Theoderic, monk of the monastery of Saint Matthias the Apostle near Trier, of the Order of the divine father Benedict, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures and exceptionally learned in secular letters, subtle in intellect, distinguished in eloquence. Among other monuments of his study he wrote on the discovery of Saint Celsus, one book; on the miracles of the same saint, one book; many sermons in honor of the saints, one book. He also published some other works which have by no means come to the knowledge of our reading. He flourished under the emperor Otto III, in the year of the Lord 1000.

Theoderic, archbishop of Trier, the seventy-second after Saint Eucharius, formerly provost of the greater church of Mainz, a zealous and learned man, of outstanding industry in conducting ecclesiastical business. He wrote On the Praises of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, one book; also the life of Saint Liuttrudis, one book; and certain other things. Under the pontificate of this Theoderic, the canons of the greater church of Trier ceased to be regulars. He flourished in the times of the emperors Otto II and III, in the year of the Lord 967. He was buried at Mainz in the church of Saint Gangolf, which he himself had built and endowed for twelve brethren.

Remigius, monk and abbot of the monastery of Saint Luthwin at Mettlach, of the Order of the divine father Benedict, in the diocese of Trier, a man most zealous and very learned in the divine Scriptures, and nobly instructed in secular letters, subtle in intellect, eloquent in speech, devout in life and conduct, a philosopher, poet, and musician by far the most distinguished of all in his time. He was of such knowledge and learning that from all Germany and Gaul he had most distinguished pupils placed under his instruction to be taught; of these many are read to have been taken up into ecclesiastical rule in diverse regions of the world, some consecrated as abbots, others as bishops. He wrote many excellent little works, by which his name is made known to posterity: on the five books of Moses; not careless commentaries on the Gospel; also Rules on the Apostle; On the Vision of Habakkuk, one book; also an Excerpt from Priscian, one book; a commentary on Donatus, one book. At the command of Eckebert, archbishop of Trier, [unclear] by all of which he shows himself a most learned man. But he published many other things which [unclear].

Goldscherus, monk of the monastery of Saint Matthias near Trier.

also of Saint Valerius, one book; On the Praises of Saint Maternus the Bishop, one book; many sermons on the praises of the saints, one book; also The Deeds of the Treveri, one book. Finally he composed certain other works which have not come to the knowledge of my reading.

Hermannus, who was called Contractus, a monk of the monastery of Saint Gall, of the order of our holy father Benedict, son of the Count of Veringen among the Swabians, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and, in secular letters, the most learned of all the doctors of his time; a most celebrated philosopher, rhetorician, astronomer, poet, musician, and theologian; most skilled in three languages, Greek, Latin, and Arabic, and not ignorant of Hebrew; excelling in verse and prose, and also most devout in life and conduct. He wrote many splendid volumes, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Among these the following are given: On Music, one book; On the Monochord, one book; On the Six Ages of the World, one book; On Astronomy, two books; On the Construction of the Astrolabe, three books; On the Eclipses of the Sun and Moon, one book; On Computation, one book; On the Squaring of the Circle, one book; On the Contest of Rithmomachy, one book; also On Physiognomy, one book. He composed lives of several holy fathers in a most elegant style. He also published many letters to various persons, one book, and almost countless poems of different kinds. He also composed many hymns and chants in honor of the saints with very sweet melody. Among them is that antiphon concerning the blessed Mother of God, “Salve Regina,” and that one, “Alma Redemptoris,” with many others. He also translated some volumes of Greeks and Arabs into Latin, as he himself acknowledges in a certain preface to Aristotle. Of what merit this Hermannus was before God, and how great a grace the most blessed Virgin Mary bestowed on him, I remember that I have already described in part, though in few and brief words, in the second book of the illustrious men of our order. He flourished in the times of the emperor Henry III, in the year of the Lord 1040.

Helperius, a monk of the same monastery of Saint Gall, of the order of the holy father Benedict, himself also a man much learned in the divine Scriptures and most learned in secular letters; a most celebrated philosopher, astronomer, and poet, subtle in intellect and eloquent in speech, no less notable for his life than for his learning. He wrote many splendid little works, both in verse and in prose, but few of them have come into our hands. For I have only seen and read the very famous book which he published On Ecclesiastical Computation, and another entitled On Music, as well as certain poems. The rest which he composed have not come into our hands. He flourished at the same time as Hermannus Contractus, in the year of the Lord 1040.

Rogerus, a monk in Saxony of the monastery of Corvey, of the order of Saint Benedict, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and not ignorant of secular letters, distinguished in intellect and speech. He wrote the Life and Deeds of Bruno, archbishop of Cologne, brother of the emperor Otto I, one book. He also published certain other works, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the times of Otto III, in the year of the Lord 1000.

Algerus, from scholasticus a monk of the monastery of Corvey, of the order of our holy father Benedict, a man exercised by constant study in the holy Scriptures, rich also in the reading of the ancients, and magnificently learned in secular letters; prudent in intellect, eloquent in speech, strong in verse and prose. Among other little works of his intellect, he wrote a notable volume On the Sacrament of the Altar, one book; On the Same Matter against Berengarius, one book; also On the Grace of God and the Free Will of Man, one book. He is said to have written certain other works besides, but they have by no means come to the knowledge of my reading.

Eckebertus, a cleric of the church of Liege, studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and exceptionally learned in the disciplines of secular letters; subtle in intellect, distinguished in speech, excelling in verse no less than in prose. He wrote, in both styles, little works not to be despised, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Among these there is extant a volume composed in elegant verse, which he entitled On Rustic Riddles, one book. And afterwards he wrote a somewhat larger work on the same subject. The rest which he composed have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1060.

Leo, the ninth pope, previously called Bruno, bishop of the city of the Leuci, which is called Toul, under the archbishop of Trier, by country an Alsatian, from the counts of Egesheim, sat in the chair of Peter after Damasus for seven years. He was a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and exceptionally learned in the disciplines of secular letters, venerable no less in conduct than in knowledge. He wrote to Constantine [Monomachus?], emperor of the Greeks, On Extirpating Heresies, one book; to the bishops of Africa and Egypt, one book; also letters to various persons, one book; and certain other works unknown to us. He died under Henry III, in the year of the Lord 1054, in the seventh indiction, and is reported to have been distinguished by many miracles. Hum

Catalogue of Illustrious Men

Humbert, a monk of Toul, of the Order of Saint Benedict, fellow-countryman of Pope Leo IX, a man most learned in every respect, whom the aforesaid pontiff Leo brought from Lotharingia, namely from the monastery of Toul, to Rome, and ordained bishop to preach the word of God to the Sicilians. Afterwards the holy Roman Church appointed him a cardinal prelate for itself, a most religious and most holy man. Among the other monuments of his talent he wrote many treatises against the errors of Berengar. Sent by Pope Leo to Constantinople for the extirpation of heresies, by his wonderful learning and eloquence he so far refuted and defeated in disputation Nicetas Pectoratus, a monk and heresiarch, in the presence of Constantine Monomachus the emperor and Michael the patriarch, that Nicetas at once anathematized the book which he had published against the Roman Church, and with his own hand threw it into the flames to be burned. He therefore wrote that same disputation of his in the form of a dialogue, under the names of a Roman and a Constantinopolitan speaking with one another, one book; and various letters to various persons, and certain other things which have not come to our knowledge. Lanfranc mentions this Humbert, a most learned man, in his book against Berengar. He flourished in the time of Pope Leo IX, in the year of the Lord 1050.

Bernold, priest of the church of Constance in Swabia, a devout man, studious and learned, ready in talent and distinguished in eloquence, is said to have put forth certain little works of reading not to be despised, by which he commended his name and memory to posterity; but I do not recall that any of them has come into our hands. He wrote and corrected the Roman Order for the use of the church. He flourished under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1060.

Lambert, monk of the monastery of Saint Laurence at Liege, of the Order of the divine father Benedict, formerly hearer and disciple of Adelmann the Grammarian, bishop of Brescia, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and remarkably instructed in secular letters, a philosopher, rhetorician, and most celebrated poet, distinguished in talent and eloquent in speech, whom the aforesaid excellent pontiff Adelmann commends in notable verses, wrote many splendid volumes both in verse and in prose, by which he commended his name to posterity. But of these I have been worthy to see only a few: the Life of Saint Heribert, archbishop of Cologne, one book; On the Miracles of the Same, one book; also Hymns in varied kinds of verse, one book; Epigrams, one book; letters to various persons, one book. He also composed an office for Saint Heribert and for many other saints, and arranged it with sweet melody. The rest that he wrote have by no means come into our hands. He flourished in the times of Emperor Henry III and Hermann, archbishop of Cologne, in the year of the Lord 1060.

Lambert of Liege, monk of the monastery of Eucharius and Matthias the Apostle outside the walls of Trier, of the Order of the divine father Benedict, a man most learned in every respect, a philosopher, rhetorician, musician, and very distinguished poet, subtle in talent and elegant in speech. He wrote certain splendid little works both in verse and in prose; of these I have found only the following: On the Miracles of Saint Matthias the Apostle, a great work composed in verse, [unclear] books; also on Saint Agricius, one book; to Lambert his abbot he published the Life of Saint Matthias the Apostle, one book; also various sermons in honor of the saints, one book; very many letters to various persons; very elegant poems of different kinds, many and varied; and several other things unknown to us. He flourished under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1080.

Marianus Scotus, monk of Fulda, of the Order of our divine father Benedict, a man [unclear]. Here, from love of his most celebrated homeland, leaving his native soil, he came as a pilgrim into Germany, and first indeed became a monk in the monastery of Saint Martin at Cologne, and [unclear] for two [unclear]; summoned to Mainz by the archbishop because of his holiness and learning, he lived enclosed at Saint Martin for seventeen years and persevered for others until death. He was, moreover, a very great computist and a most diligent assessor of past time, as the very distinguished monuments which he published prove. Of these the following are extant: a notable volume of Chronicles from the beginning of the world down to his own times, [unclear] books; On the Harmony of the Evangelists, one book; also On Computation, one book; various sermons; and several letters to various persons. He died under Henry, the third emperor but the fourth king, in the year of the Lord 1086, in the ninth indiction, in the fifty-eighth year of his age, and was buried in the church of Saint Martin at Mainz, not without a great reputation for sanctity.

134 Of Johannes Trithemius

Of Theodoric, of the monastery of St Alban at Mainz.

THEODORIC, a monk of the monastery of Saint Alban the Martyr at Mainz, of the order of the divine father Benedict, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, outstandingly instructed in secular letters, a philosopher and most distinguished poet, subtle in talent and renowned in eloquence, is said to have written certain excellent little works, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Of these the following are extant: To Richard, abbot of Fulda, On the Life and Miracles of Our Most Holy Father Benedict, one book; also On His Translation into Gaul, to the same man, one book; Letters to Various Persons, one book. He also published many varied poems. But there are several others which have not yet come into our hands. He flourished under Emperor Henry II, but the third king of this name, in the year of the Lord 1040.

WENERIC, formerly a cleric of the church of Trier, bishop of Vercelli, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, ready in talent and renowned in eloquence, wrote some little works of exercise, by which he proved his learning. In that discord which existed between Hildebrand, Pope Gregory VII, and Emperor Henry IV, he wrote, in the person of Theodoric, bishop of Verdun, while he himself was still a cleric at Trier, to the same Pope Gregory, a volume furnished with divine Scriptures: for he did not rebuke him, but, as an elder, entreated him as a father, with friendly affection, as though grieving, suggesting to him all the things which talkative rumor had spread abroad that he had done or said against right, divine law, and equity. It is entitled On the Discord of Priesthood and Empire, one book. He also composed many other things, but they have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1080.

ERHARD, a monk of Corvey in Saxony, of the Benedictine order, a man most zealous in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, subtle in talent and ready in eloquence, of very celebrated reputation in delivering homilies to the people, wrote, among the other little works of his talent, a notable work On the Pentateuch, five books; also Homilies, one book. He is also said to have written many other things, and to have expounded the sacred Scriptures in many volumes; these have not come to my knowledge.

WILLERAM, abbot of the monastery of Mersburg, of the order of the divine father Benedict, a man learned in the divine writings and not ignorant of secular literature, skilled in verse and prose, shone forth no less renowned in life than in learning. After he had for some time devoted his labor to the letters of philosophy in the school of Paris, he returned to his homeland, that is, eastern Francia, which is called Franconia. Made scholasticus of the church of Bamberg because of the eminence of his learning, he did not abandon the sweet fellowship of letters. At length, considering that the vain glory of the world passes away with time, scorning the age and despising worldly things for the love of God, he put on the monastic habit in the monastery of Fulda. As his merits increased, he was finally elected abbot at Mersburg. He wrote a work mixed of meter and prose on the Song of Songs, which he entitled On the Nuptials of Christ and the Church, two books; also various sermons to the brothers; and, as they say, several letters to various persons. He also composed many other things, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1080[?].

BERNARD, a monk of the monastery of Saint Vitus of Corvey in Saxony, of the order of Saint Benedict, a man zealous and learned in the divine writings and sufficiently instructed in secular letters, subtle in talent, renowned in eloquence, skilled in verse and prose, wrote some little works of his talent, by which he made his name known to posterity. To Hartwig, archbishop of Magdeburg, he published a volume, indeed in lucid but bitter speech, against Henry IV, king but the third emperor, in which it is clearly evident how grievous and hateful the same Henry was to the Saxons. He wrote besides many varied letters, and several other things unknown to us. He flourished in the times of the same Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1080[?]. He composed various things.

WILLIAM, abbot of the monastery of Hirsau, of the order of Saint Benedict, in the diocese of Speyer, a man most learned in every respect, a philosopher, musician, computist, and most celebrated theologian, devout and most holy in life and conduct, who was renowned for many miracles in life and death, magnificently restored by word and example the monastic discipline among the Germans, which had almost collapsed. He wrote, in lucid speech, little works not to be despised, of which the following are extant: Constitutions of His New Reform, one book; also On Music, one book; also On the Clock, one book; he made a correction of the Psalter, one book; he published various letters to various persons, among which many are said to have been to Anselm II, archbishop of Canterbury, with whom he was most familiar. Some letters of this Anselm to this William are also extant. He also published some other things, which have not come to me. He died under Emperor Henry III, but King Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1091, in the fourteenth indiction, on the fourth Nones of July. He was buried in the middle of his church.

WOLFE-

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

Wolfhelm, abbot of the monastery of Brauweiler, which is nearly two miles distant from Cologne, born in the district of Ribuarien in the same diocese of Cologne, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, excellently instructed in secular letters, devout and most holy in life and conduct, renowned for the performance of many miracles, subtle in intellect, polished in speech, excellent in verse and prose. He wrote some distinguished volumes, but few of them have come to my knowledge. Against Berengar of Tours, On the Sacrament of the Altar, he published a small but necessary work addressed to Abbot Meginhard, one book; also many sermons to the brothers, various letters to different persons; likewise many elegant poems, composed in various kinds of meter; he arranged epigrams over all the volumes of his library. He is also said to have written several other works, which have by no means come to the notice of our reading. He was first a monk in the monastery of Saint Maximin at Trier, then at Saint Pantaleon in Cologne; afterward he was made abbot at Gladbach; finally he was transferred as abbot to the aforesaid monastery of Brauweiler, where he presided as the third in order. He died under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1091, in the fourteenth indiction, on the tenth day before the Kalends of May.

Theoderic, abbot of the monastery of Saint Trudo of the order of the divine father Benedict, a man devoted to and learned in the holy Scriptures, and sufficiently instructed in secular letters, subtle in intellect, composed in speech, also practiced in verse and prose. He wrote many distinguished little works in both kinds, by which he brought his name to the knowledge of many. Among these the following are reported: Life of Saint Trudo, one book; Life of Saint Bavo, one book; Life of Saint Remold, one book; various sermons to the brothers, one book; also several letters to different persons, one book; certain other works as yet unknown to us. He is said to have flourished in the time of Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1100.

Conrad, monk of the monastery of Brauweiler, of the order of the divine father Benedict, in the diocese of Cologne, once a hearer and disciple of the most holy abbot Wolfhelm, a man devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters. For the edification of the faithful he wrote volumes not to be despised, with which he usefully occupied his talent; of these the following are extant. The Life of the same Saint Wolfhelm, abbot, addressed to Eberhard of Brauweiler and Herman, abbots of Saint Pantaleon, one book; On the Miracles of the same blessed Wolfhelm, one book; sermons in honor of the saints; several other works unknown to us. He flourished under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1100.

Stephen, also called Herrand, the fourteenth bishop of Halberstadt, formerly abbot of the monastery of Ilsenburg in Saxony, of the order of our most holy father Benedict, a man devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, venerable no less for holiness than for knowledge, wrote, in the person of Count Louis, faithful to the Church, a most elegant letter in the form of a little book, in defense of obedience to the Roman Church, against Henry IV, rebel against the Roman Church, to Waltram, bishop of Naumburg, who stubbornly defended the party of Henry IV against obedience to the supreme pontiff. He also composed other letters in the same cause concerning various ecclesiastical affairs, and various treatises, but they have by no means come into our hands. He died under Henry V, in the year of the Lord 1107, in the fifteenth indiction.

Rupert, abbot of Deutz near Cologne, formerly a monk of the monastery of Saint Lawrence at Liege, of the order of the divine father Benedict, a man in the divine Scriptures, with the Holy Spirit enlightening him, the most learned of all the learned men of his time, not ignorant of secular literature, subtle in intellect, sweet and composed in speech, shone forth renowned no less for holiness than for knowledge. While he was placed in the aforesaid monastery at Liege, when he was still a young man, he applied the greatest zeal to divine letters; but since, because of the slightness of his ability, he made little progress, he turned himself with tears from infancy to prayer, and, the most blessed Mother of God manifestly appearing to him and promising grace, he obtained such knowledge in all Scripture that he had no equal in his time. And lest you think it a fable, he himself confesses these things about himself in many places of his works. Thereafter he had such love for sacred readings that not even while sleeping did he seem to rest from divine conversations, while his tongue and lips were moved as if he were reading something. He wrote almost infinite volumes, of which I have found the following. To Cuno, abbot of Siegburg, afterward bishop of Regensburg, On the Victory of the Word of God, a most beautiful work, thirteen books; On Genesis, nine books; On the Song of Songs, a work to be commended with every praise, seven books; On the Book of Genesis, Job, ten books; On the Books of Kings, On Saint David, fifteen books; On the Old Testament, the great work of Saint Job, twelve books; On the Divine Offices, twelve books; On the Twelve Minor Prophets, thirty books; On the Gospels, twelve books; On the Divine Offices, twelve books; On the Twelve Minor Prophets, thirty books; On the Gospels

136 Of Johannes Trithemius ... on the Gospel of Matthew, 8 books; on the Gospel of John, 1 book; Meditations, 3 books, taking as the material to be followed the miraculous fire of the monastery of Tuitium; also on the Rule of Saint Benedict, 1 book; an Apology for the same work, 1 book; on the four most difficult questions, 1 book; also many and various sermons, 1 book; letters to various persons, 1 book. He is also said to have written many other things, but they have not yet come to the notice of our reading. He flourished, shining with much sanctity and learning and with miracles, under Henry V, in the year of the Lord 1120. And he died under Lothar III.

Rupert, abbot of the monastery of Lympurg, of the order of the holy father Benedict, in the diocese of Speyer, a man excellently learned both in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters, distinguished in talent, scholastic in speech, devout in life and conduct. He applied himself to philosophy for not a few years in the gymnasium of Paris, while he was still a secular man, and became learned in every scholastic science. At length, having returned to his homeland, namely to the city of the Vangiones, whence he had drawn the origin of his life, he despised philosophy, useless to the soul, together with the things of the world, for the love of God, and put on the habit of holy conversion in the aforesaid monastery; and finally, as his merits increased, by the consent of all the brethren he was elected abbot. There he established, by word and example, the greatest observance of regular discipline, and he deserved often to be refreshed by divine revelations. At the command, seen in a vision, of the most holy Mother of God, he wrote a very beautiful work in praise of the same Virgin: on the Song of Songs, 1 book; on the contempt and vanity of this world, 2 books; on Saint John the Baptist, 1 book; also of his own revelations, 1 book. He also composed many sermons in honor of the saints whose relics or patronages are held in his monastery, and letters to various persons, and various treatises on the holy Scriptures. He flourished under Henry V, in the year of the Lord [1120?].

Rudolf, abbot of the monastery of Saint Trudo, of the order of the holy father Benedict, in the diocese of Liege, a man devoted to the divine Scriptures and skilled through long practice, and sufficiently learned in the knowledge of secular letters, distinguished in talent and life, excellent also in verse and prose. He wrote little works not to be despised in reading, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Among these there is an excellent work against the Simoniacs, 7 books; also a chronicle of deeds of past time, 1 book. He also published many poems of different kinds. He also composed chants in praise of the saints with sweet and regular modulation. He flourished under Henry V, in the year of the Lord 1125.

Franco, second abbot of the monastery of Hasligem, of the order of Saint Benedict, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and well instructed in the knowledge of secular literature, strong in talent and distinguished in speech. He wrote certain commendable little works, both in meter and in prose, by which he transmitted his name with glory to posterity. While he was still a monk, at the command of Fulgentius his abbot, he began an excellent work on the grace of God, which afterwards, when made abbot, he completed. He also wrote metrically on the state of future glory, 1 book; also letters to various persons and various sermons; and certain other things. He flourished under Henry V, in the year of the Lord 1110.

Eckhard, first abbot of the monastery of Saint Lawrence the Martyr, which is called Vraugia, near the Hercynian forest in the diocese of Wurzburg, of the order of the holy father Benedict, a man devoted to and very learned in the divine Scriptures, and not moderately learned in secular letters, subtle in talent and eloquent in speech, practiced in verse and prose. He wrote little works not to be despised in reading, in which he magnificently exercised his talent; among them the following are reported. In imitation of Boethius he wrote, in both kinds, that is, in an alternating style, an excellent volume which he entitled The Lantern of Monks, 1 book; also various and many sermons to the brethren; also many poems and epigrams of different kinds; and certain other things. He flourished under the Emperor Lothar, in the year of the Lord 1130.

Engelbert, abbot of the monastery of Admont, of the order of Saint Benedict, a man distinguished for learning in the Scriptures and venerable no less for integrity of morals than for knowledge, made his name known by writing and expounding various things, and both by word and example did the lowest things for the edification of his brethren. Among the other works of his talent he wrote: on vices and virtues, 1 book; also many useful sermons to the brethren, 1 book; also several letters. But he also published many other things which have not come into our hands.

Conrad, also called the Pilgrim, monk of the monastery of Hirsau, of the order of the holy father Benedict, in the diocese of Speyer, formerly a hearer and disciple of Abbot William, a man in divine

Johannes Trithemius

under Emperor Frederick I, in the year of the Lord 1165, indiction 14, in the thirty-sixth year of her age, the twenty-third of her conversion, and the thirteenth of the visitation of the heavenly light, on the fourteenth day before the Kalends of July. She was buried in the church of the monks of Saint Florinus the martyr, in the middle of the choir, not without the very greatest reputation for sanctity.

Hildegard, a nun, abbess of the monastery of Saint Rupert the Confessor opposite the town of Bingen, on the other side of the river Nahe, in the diocese of Mainz, of the order of our lord father Benedict, born in the county of Sponheim, once a disciple of the blessed virgin Jutta, sister of Megenhard, count of Sponheim, our founder, a virgin of most holy way of life and from her childhood enlightened by divine revelations, was renowned in her life for many miracles, and spread the odor of sanctity into distant regions, so that Eugenius III, Anastasius IV, Adrian IV, and Alexander III, Roman pontiffs, often visiting her by their writings, commended both themselves and the Roman Church to her prayers. Eugenius III also, in a council held at Trier, with Saint Bernard and many cardinals, bishops, abbots, and clerics present, approved the books of this virgin, read publicly before all, as divinely inspired and consonant with the Catholic faith, and admonished her by apostolic letters to persevere in the undertaking she had begun.

She wrote many little works from angelic revelation, of which the following are extant: a brief explanation on the Rule of Saint Benedict, one book; to Wibert the monk, on thirty questions proposed to her by him, one book; the life of Saint Rupert, duke and confessor, one book; also the life of Saint Disibod, an Irish bishop, who, coming as a pilgrim for Christ into Germany, rests in the county of Sponheim, famous for many miracles, one book. On the Sunday Gospels she composed fifty-eight homilies, very obscure and intelligible only to the devout and learned. Likewise, on the Sacrament of the altar against certain heretics of this time, one book. Also a great volume which she entitled Scivias, that is, Know the Ways, namely of God and of the saints, concerning which she disputes very subtly and religiously. Another, which she inscribed Life of Merits, a work not to be despised, three books. Likewise another entitled Simple Medicine, one book, and another called Compound Medicine, one book. In these two she relates the marvelous and secret things of nature by subtle exposition to a mystical sense, so that, unless from the Holy Spirit, a woman could by no means know such things.

She wrote another large volume whose title is Divine Works, one book; to the clergy of the city of Trier, on the future calamities of the Church, one book; also to the people of Cologne on the same subject, one book. In these she foretells wonderful things, yet without determining the time. She also wrote, at the request of certain priests, an exhortatory book for secular persons, one book; to her sisters, a book of exhortation, one book; to the gray monks, one book. Various songs composed with sweet melody. To Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, one letter. Also a book of letters to various persons, of which I have read one hundred thirty-five; in all of them Catholic doctrine shines forth, by which she either confirms faith or instructs discipline. [unclear] in the same volume, stirred by the fame of her sanctity and divine revelations from regions of the world [unclear], commended themselves to her prayers through messengers and letters, and sought from her the solution of various questions.

She died under Emperor Frederick I, in the year of the Lord 1180, indiction 14, on the fifteenth day before the Kalends of October, in the ninety-first year of her age, and was buried in the middle of the choir of the aforementioned monastery of Saint Rupert, before the high altar.

Werner, abbot of the monastery of Saint Blaise.

Theodoric, an abbot of the order of Saint Benedict, most chaste, a man practiced and learned both in sacred Scriptures and in secular letters, ready in talent, scholastic in speech, wrote for the edification of many the life of the same Hildegard, bride of Christ, one book; also various letters to diverse persons, and certain other things unknown to us. He flourished in the times of Henry VI, in the year of the Lord 1200.

Cae[unclear]

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

most learned in the divine Scriptures and very skilled in secular letters: a philosopher, rhetorician, musician, and very celebrated poet. Under the name of Peregrinus he published many excellent volumes, in which the adorned arrangement of the thoughts and the pleasing elegance of the language show that their author was inferior to none of the ancients. Among these the following are reported: a notable work of dialogues under the names of Peregrinus the priest and Theodota, a virgin consecrated to God, which he entitled The Mirror of Virgins, 8 books; on the Gospels through the cycle of the year, a large volume, 1 book; On the Life of the Spirit, the Fruit of Death, 1 book; and another which is entitled The Matricularius, 1 book; another, Didascalon, 1 book; On Music, the Difference of Tones, 1 book; On the Praises of Saint Benedict, in verse, 1 book; various sermons, homilies, 1 book. He is also said to have written some other works, but they have not come into our hands. Whatever he wrote in prose, however, apart from sermons and letters, he arranged for the most part in the manner of a dialogue. There was another preacher who, according to the custom of the moderns, composed sermons to the people under the name of Peregrinus, not to be despised, but much inferior to our Peregrinus in learning and eloquence. For that man, in the manner of the declaimers of this time, content with simple speech, introduces frequent quotations from the Scriptures; but our author, echoing Ciceronian eloquence in the manner of the ancients, was not accustomed to make his discourse scarred with superfluous citations. He flourished under the emperor Conrad, the third of that name, in the year of the Lord 1140.

Dudechinus, priest of the church in Lobenstein, a studious and learned man, for the hope of eternal life went with many others to Jerusalem under the emperor Conrad III. Often fighting with the Saracens in naval battle, he shone forth with great devotion and steadfastness for the faith of Christ. Having returned to his homeland, at the request of Cuno, abbot of Mount Saint Disibod, then still [unclear] of our order, he [unclear] the history of his pilgrimage and how great things [unclear] with the unbelievers. And he published some things on various matters to different persons, and certain other things unknown to us. He flourished under the emperor Conrad, in the year of the Lord 1140.

Christian, archchancellor of the emperor Frederick I, afterward the thirtieth archbishop of Mainz, appointed by him, sat for eighteen years. He was a man most learned in secular literature, not ignorant of the divine Scriptures, brilliant in talent, eloquent in speech; even Italy was amazed at him when he spoke. Among other monuments of his ability he wrote: The Deeds of the Emperor Frederick I, 1 book; also very elegant letters to various persons, and certain other things still unknown to us. Leo Tuscus, notary of Emmanuel, emperor of the Greeks, and a contemporary of this Christian, mentions him with praise in the book On the Prevarications and Errors of the Greeks. He flourished in the times of the same Frederick I, in the year of the Lord 1180.

Eckebert, second abbot of the monastery of Saint Florin at Schoenau, of the order of the divine father Benedict, in the diocese of Trier, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular literature, was the brother of the blessed Elisabeth, abbess and virgin of Christ. He wrote: on the Magnificat, 1 book; on the life and death of his holy sister, 1 book; Meditations on Jesus and Mary, 1 book; On the Praise of Our Savior, 1 book; also sermons, in the manner of the ancients, uncorrupted by citations of chapters, 2 books; letters to various persons, 1 book. He also published some other works which have not come into our hands. He flourished in the year of the Lord 1160.

Elisabeth, a nun, sister of the aforesaid abbot Eckebert, abbess of the convent of virgins of Christ which likewise is called Schoenau, is seen to be almost adjacent to the aforesaid monastery of men. A virgin of most holy manner of life, consecrated to the Lord from her infancy, she deserved to be divinely illuminated by many approved revelations, which, for the edification of the faithful, she duly committed to writing. Of these the following are read: she wrote a very beautiful work, namely, on martyrs, confessors, and virgins, 1 book; on the eleven thousand virgins crowned with holy martyrdom at Cologne Agrippina, 1 book; of her revelations, 2 books; to her brother Eckebert, still a canon at Bonn, 1 book; of letters to various persons, 1 book; to Saint Hildegard, virgin of Christ, one letter. She dies under

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

Caesarius, monk in Heisterbach. Caesarius, a monk in Heisterbach, of the Cistercian order in the diocese of Cologne, a devout man and an outstanding lover of regular discipline, and trained by long study in the divine scriptures. For the edification of novices, whose instructor he was by office, he wrote in simple and plain speech several little works, the reading of which is not to be despised by devout people. Among them I have found the following: a large volume of dialogues concerning miracles and various visions that occurred in his time in Germany, in [twelve?] books. Also homilies on the Sunday Gospels, two books; likewise on the Gospels concerning the saints, one book; many varied sermons pertaining to the instruction of novices, one book. The other works which he is said to have composed have by no means come to my knowledge through reading. He flourished under Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1220.

Peter de Vineis, archchancellor of Emperor Frederick II. Peter de Vineis, archchancellor of Emperor Frederick II, a man very learned and eloquent in secular letters. He wrote, both in his own person and in that of the emperor, six books of letters to various persons; also one book on imperial power, and certain other things. He always defended Frederick’s party against the Roman Church and the supreme pontiff, the vicar of Christ; often in a public council, in the presence of the pope and the prelates, he tried by pleading with such eloquence to excuse his emperor’s rebellion that he turned everyone to admiration. But at last he was repaid by Frederick with a fitting reward, when he expelled him from his court and tore out the light of his eyes. This is the reward of those who defer to princes against obedience to the Roman see of the vicar of Christ; afterwards, unless they repent, they go down wretched to the lower regions. He flourished under the same Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1230.

Jordan of the Order of Preachers. Jordan, of the Order of Friars Preachers, after Saint Dominic master general, a man sufficiently trained and learned in the divine scriptures, an outstanding preacher of the word of God, venerable no less for holiness than for knowledge, who by word and example converted many to the way of righteousness. Among the other monuments of his talent he wrote many useful exhortatory letters to the brothers, in which the whole integrity of the spiritual life is seen. He is also said to have composed very useful sermons. He is reported also to have written a book on the institution of his order, and certain other things unknown to us. He flourished at the same time as Saint Dominic, under Emperor Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1220.

Simon, monk of the monastery of Affligem. Simon, a monk of the monastery of Affligem, of the order of the divine father Benedict, a man zealous and learned in the divine scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, excellent in talent, distinguished in speech. He so turned into practice the counsel of our holy lawgiver Benedict, by which we are enjoined especially to love the divine scriptures in the monastery, that nothing in this life was sweeter to him than to devote himself to holy study, and he always turned over the little works of the holy fathers. Among other things he wrote: sermons on the Song of Songs, [unclear] books; also the admirable vision of a certain lay brother, one book; also several sermons and letters. He also abbreviated the Moralia of the blessed Pope Gregory in ten books, extracting all the better things that suited his purpose. The other works which he wrote have not come to my knowledge. From the time when the orders of the mendicant friars began, the study of letters perished in our order, and down to the present day it scarcely revives. For from the times of Emperor Frederick II down to the last year of Frederick III, in which we wrote these things, for nearly two hundred and seventy years, scarcely anyone appeared in our order who, after the example of the ancients, [unclear] knowledge and holiness of life [unclear], who because of knowledge and usefulness composed anything worthy for the edification of posterity, as is clear in what follows. But these things do not pertain to the matter.

John, bishop of Strasbourg and Bosnia. John, called from his fatherland the German, from the town of [Freiburg?], of the Order of Friars Preachers, of the convent of Strasbourg and afterwards bishop of Bosnia in Hungary, a man much trained and learned in the divine scriptures, and singularly learned in secular philosophy and canon law; later, abandoning that office, he returned to his own order. After Raymond he was appointed master general of the whole order. He wrote certain excellent volumes, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Among them there is extant a notable summa on cases, which they call the Summa of Confessors, in five books. On the decrees of Gratian also, the first among the named doctors, he produced an apparatus. The other works which he composed have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the times of Emperor Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1250; he was buried in his own convent at Strasbourg, once famous for many miracles.

Otto, bishop of Freising. Otto, bishop of the church of Freising in the Noric province, which is now called Bavaria, as some write, nephew of Emperor Frederick I, a man in the divine scriptures

142 [unclear] of Johannes Trithemius

Heinrich of Ghent, archdeacon of Tournai, easily the most learned of all men of his time, and very well instructed both in secular philosophy and in divine scripture, subtle in intellect and distinguished in eloquence, a most acute disputant of written questions, who, because of the great glory of his learning, deserved to be called the Solemn Doctor. Among the many small works of his intellect he wrote: an outstanding Summa of Theology, 1 book; On the Sentences, 4 books; Quodlibets, 2 books; On holy virginity, 1 book; On penance, 1 book; also various sermons, and diverse lectures on sacred scripture; On Aristotle’s Metaphysics, 14 books; also on the books of the Physics, 8 books; and on many other books of Aristotle. He wrote many other things besides, which have not come into our hands. He died under the emperor Adolf, in the year of the Lord 1293, in the third indiction, on the day of the apostles Peter and Paul. He was buried at Tournai in the church of the Mother of God.

Emicho, abbot of the monastery of Schönau, of the order of the divine father Benedict, in the diocese of Trier, once a hearer and disciple of the above-mentioned abbot Eckbert, a man studious and learned in divine scripture, and not ignorant of secular literature, ready in intellect and distinguished in eloquence, notable no less for life than for knowledge. He wrote many excellent small works, both in verse and in prose, though few of them have come to my knowledge. I have read his little work On the Praises of the blessed virgin Elisabeth of Schönau. Also many and various sermons, and certain other smaller works, not without usefulness. The rest that he composed have not come into our hands. He flourished under Abbot Eckbert, in the year of the Lord 1200, or thereabouts.

Conrad of Media Civitas, commonly Halberstadt, of the Order of Preachers, a man learned to no low degree both in divine writings and in secular philosophy, outstanding in intellect and an excellent disputant. He wrote On the Sentences, 4 books; also a Summa for students, 3 books; On the trivium, 1 book; a noteworthy lecture on the books of the holy abbot, 1 book; also many and various sermons, 1 book. He is said also to have written many other things, which have not come to me. For he is said to have made lectures and explanations on many books of the Bible. Finally, he is reported to have been the first to arrange the concordances of the New and Old Testament in alphabetical order.

Nicolaus of Bibra, master of the gymnasium of Erfurt, nobly learned in secular writings and not ignorant of divine scripture, ready in intellect and distinguished in eloquence, practiced in verse and prose. He wrote volumes in both styles that are not to be despised, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Of these I find only: a work mixed of verse and prose, On Avoiding Evil, which he entitled The Hidden, 1 book; also Letters to various persons, 1 book; and diverse poems. The rest that he composed have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under the emperor Rudolf, in the year of the Lord 1290.

Hugo of Strasbourg, of the Order of Preachers, a doctor of Paris, studious and learned in holy writings, and excellently learned in secular philosophy, subtle in intellect and distinguished in eloquence. Among other exercises of his intellect he wrote: On the Sentences, 4 books; also a Compendium of Theological Truth, a work not to be rejected, 6 books; also many sermons; quodlibets, questions, disputations, and various explanations in the divine books; and he is said to have written not a few other things, which have by no means come to our knowledge.

Gerard, of the same Order of Preachers, lector of the convent of Liège, a man studious and learned in divine scripture, an excellent declaimer in making sermons to the people, ready in intellect, scholastic in speech. Among other things he wrote a very useful treatise On God and the Persons, which he entitled On the Doctrine of the Heart, teaching the seven dispositions to be made concerning the heart, and sagaciously gathering here and there from divine scripture many things pertaining to edification. Also sermons, as they say, on the season and on the saints, very noteworthy, 2 books. But he is said to have written several other things, which have not yet come to the knowledge of our reading.

Alan of Lille, master of Paris, a man most learned in divine writings, second to none in his time in secular letters, an outstanding theologian, a distinguished philosopher, and a most celebrated poet, who for a long time presided over the ecclesiastical school at Paris, where he shone brightly in every science, divine and likewise human, so that he deserved to obtain the name Universal Doctor. He wrote almost countless small works in verse and prose; not all, but only a few of these have come to my knowledge: On the Sentences, 4 books; Quodlibet, 1 book; To the abbot of Saint-Gilles, on the words of sacred scripture, a work of no small size, which he entitled The Eye of Sacred Scripture, 1 book; On the Doctrine of Moses, the same number of books; On the Song of Songs, 1 book; On Penance, to the patriarch of Bourges, 4 books; On Mystical Equivocations

Of Johannes Trithemius

learned, and by no means poorly instructed in secular letters, subtle in intellect and distinguished in eloquence. He wrote a certain history of the deeds of the time past, which is very greatly commended by learned and erudite men. Other things, if he wrote any, have not yet come to my knowledge. Aeneas Sylvius, also Pope Pius II, mentioned this bishop Otto in a certain oration delivered at Frankfurt, not without praise. But in the Description of Europe, when setting forth the location of Frisia, led astray by the similarity of the words, he took “Frisian” for “Freisingian.” He flourished under Frederick II in the year of the Lord 1260.

David, of the Order of Friars Minor, studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and venerable no less in life and conduct than in knowledge, was of excellent talent in delivering sermons to the people. He wrote, for the edification of simple brothers, little works not to be despised, of which the following are reported: On the Instruction of Novices, 2 books; also Various Sermons to the People, and certain similar things, the reading of which is judged very useful for devout brothers. He was buried in the convent at Augsburg.

Walter, bishop of [Maguelonne?], born from Lille, a town of Flanders, a man exercised by long study in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, outstanding in intellect and distinguished in eloquence, who in his time was held in great esteem because of his learning and erudition. At the request of the provost and clerics of the church of Lille, he wrote a work, elegant in polished speech, On the Psalter, 1 book; and, as they report, certain not inelegant letters to the rich. He also published some other works, which have by no means come to the knowledge of our reading.

Albert, surnamed the Great, of the Order of Friars Preachers, bishop of the church of Regensburg in Bavaria, born from Lauingen, a village of Swabia, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and, in secular philosophy, second to none in his time; subtle in intellect, scholastic in discourse, devout and most holy in life and conduct. He publicly taught the divine letters and Aristotelian philosophy for many years, first at Paris, then at Cologne Agrippina, where among others he had Saint Thomas Aquinas as a pupil. Afterwards assumed to the episcopate of the church of Regensburg, after he had governed it for some time he left it, and out of love for saving study returned to his convent at Cologne, where he remained teaching and writing until the end of his life.

He wrote almost countless little works, of which the following are reported: A Notable Summa of Theology, 4 books; also On the Sentences of Master Lombard, 4 books; On the Four Coeval Things, 1 book; On Man, 1 book; On the Good, 1 book; On the Spiritual Life, 1 book; On the Office of the Mass, 1 book; On the Body of Christ, 1 book; Ten Sermons, 32; On the Strong Woman, 1 book; On the Books of Blessed Dionysius the Areopagite, 5 books; On Manifold Fear, 1 book; On the Praises of Saint Mary, 1 book; A Defense on Behalf of the Orders of Mendicant Friars, 1 book; On the Formation of Man, 1 book; On the Birth of Man, 1 book; On the Origin of the Soul, 1 book; On the Lord’s Prayer, 1 book; On the Manner of Preaching, 1 book; On the Restoration of the Fallen, 1 book; On Cleaving to God, 1 book; On the Pentateuch, 5 books; On Joshua, 1 book; On Judges, 1 book; On Ruth, 1 book; On Kings, 4 books; On Chronicles, 2 books; On Ezra and Nehemiah, 3 books; On Tobit, 1 book; On Judith, 1 book; also On Esther, 1 book; On the Proverbs of Solomon, 1 book; On Ecclesiastes, 1 book; On the Song of Songs, 1 book; On the Book of Wisdom, 1 book; On Ecclesiasticus, 1 book; On the Books of Maccabees, 2 books; On Job, 1 book; On the Prophet Isaiah, 1 book; On the Prophet Jeremiah, 1 book; On the Prophet Ezekiel, 1 book; On Daniel, 1 book; On the Twelve Minor Prophets, 12 books; On the Gospel of Matthew, 1 book; On the Gospel of Mark, 1 book; On the Gospel of Luke, 1 book; On the Gospel of John, 1 book; On All the Epistles of Paul, 14 books; On the Apocalypse of John, 1 book; Sermons for the Season and on the Saints through the Cycle of the Year, 2 books; On Souls, 1 book; Paradise of the Soul, so titled, 1 book; Orations on the Sentences; also Orations on the Gospels; On the Difference between Spirit and Soul, 1 book; On Divination and the Prophet, 1 book; Of Various Questions, 1 book; On the Causes of the Elements, 1 book; On Death and Life, 1 book; On Plants and Vegetables, 1 book; A Certain Summa of Philosophy, 1 book; On the Unity of the Intellect, 3 books; Questions against the Averroists, 1 book; On the Unity of Form, 1 book; On Moral Philosophy, 16 books; On Monastic Philosophy, 5 books; On Economics, 4 books; On Politics, 8 books; On Arithmetic, 1 book; On Geometry, 1 book; On Music, 1 book; On Astronomy, 1 book; On the Stars, 1 book; On the Sphere, 1 book; Mirror of Astronomy, 1 book; On the Ancient Authors of Astronomical Science, 1 book; On Minerals, 1 book; On the Nature of the Gods, 1 book; On the Secrets of Nature, 1 book; On the Twelve Alphabets, 1 book; On Choosing Masters, 1 book; On Universals, 1 book; On Dreams, 1 book; On the Categories, 1 book; On the Six Principles, 1 book; On Definitions, 1 book; On Causes, 1 book; On Grammar, 1 book; On Rhetoric, 1 book; also On Medicine, 1 book; On Wool-working, 1 book; On Agriculture, 1 book; On Ploughing, 1 book; On Navigation, 1 book; On Metaphysics, 13 books; On Perspective [unclear].

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

[unclear], one book; On the Astrolabe, two books. He also wrote commentaries on all the books of Aristotle. He is said to have written many other things as well, but they have not come to my knowledge. As for the fact that he is commonly accused of necromancy, this is frivolous and fictitious, since it is known that he lived most religiously to the end of his life, and it seems incredible that so good and holy a man devoted himself to evil arts. That he is said to have done certain marvellous things, I do not doubt. For many astonishing things can be done naturally, and the hidden matters of men can be subtly uncovered by certain conjectures, and some future things also predicted; all these are judged by the inexperienced to be above nature. This Albert the Great died under Emperor Rudolf, in the year of the Lord 1280, in the eighth indiction, in the eightieth year of his age. He was buried in his convent at Cologne, in the middle of the choir, not without a reputation for sanctity. And after him there did not arise in that order, in all letters, sciences, and subjects, a man so learned, educated, and experienced.

PHILIPP, abbot of the monastery of Otterberg of the Cistercian order, a man in the divine scriptures more studiously skilled through long practice, ready in talent, devout in life and conduct. He wrote for the edification of readers some little works not to be despised, of which the following are reported: On the Song of Songs of Solomon, one book. Also various sermons through the cycle of the year, on feasts, to the brothers, two books. He is also said to have written several letters to [various persons?]. He composed some other things as well, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the times of Emperor Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1220.

WALTER, called de Castellione, originally from the town of Lille in Flanders, a man devoted to the divine scriptures and learned, and also excellently instructed in secular letters, a most renowned philosopher, poet, and theologian, subtle in talent, scholastic in speech, very ready and skilled in verse. He wrote in elegant verse the deeds of Alexander the Great, a work certainly not to be rejected, which in the schools of the grammarians had for a long time been of such authority that the reading of the ancient poets themselves seemed neglected. But he composed many other things, which have not come to me.

THOMAS of Cantimpre, of the order of Friars Preachers, a Brabantine by country, once, as they report, a disciple of Albert the Great, certainly a most learned man, highly educated both in secular philosophy and in the divine scriptures, outstanding in talent, distinguished in eloquence, venerable no less for honesty of conduct than for knowledge. He wrote some little works not to be despised, by which he commended his name to posterity. Among these there is extant a volume no less useful than delightful to all Christians, on the mystical bees, which he entitled The Universal Good, one book. He also composed another volume, On the Nature of Things, one book. The life of a certain holy woman in Spain, who was called Christina, one book. He also wrote the life of Saint Lutgard, a nun, one book. He published many other things as well, which have not come to my knowledge. There are some who write that he had skill in the Greek language and translated the books of Aristotle which are now used in the schools. He flourished while living at Louvain, in the times of Emperor Rudolf, in the year of the Lord 1280.

GERARD, monk of Saint-Quentin in Lille, a man devoted to the divine scriptures and skilled through constant practice, not ignorant of secular letters either, ready in talent and distinguished in eloquence. He wrote certain little works not to be despised, by which he made his name known to those then living and to posterity. Among these the following are reported first: The History of the Translation of the Crown of Thorns and of Part of the Cross of the Lord from Constantinople into France, one book. Also On the Miracles of Blessed Elizabeth, Done by Divine Grace after Her Death in Thuringia, one book. He composed the office of chant for the feast of that same saint. He also published many various sermons. But he is said to have written several other things, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the times of Emperor Rudolf, in the year of the Lord 1270.

ULRICH of Strasbourg, of the order of Friars Preachers, once a hearer and disciple of Albert the Great, a man excellently learned both in canon law and in the divine scriptures, ready in talent, scholastic in speech. He wrote many distinguished little works, by which he transmitted his name with praise to posterity. Among these the following are reported: On the Sentences, four books. A very notable Summa, six books. Also On the Soul, one book. Various sermons as well. He composed many other things too, which have not come to me. He flourished under Emperor Rudolf, in the year of the Lord 1282. HEIN-

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

On mystical [matters], one book; On the Six Wings of the Cherubim, one book; The Complaint of Nature, one book; a Summa of Virtues and Vices, one book; On Parables, one book; Anticlaudianus, one book; On the Maxims of Theology, one book; On the Natures of Animals, one book. He is also said to have written many sermons and various letters to various [recipients]; whether all these can be found I do not know. Finally, he is reported to have composed commentaries and elegant lectures on many books of the Bible, especially on the prophets, the Gospel, and the Apostle, but I do not remember that any of them has come into our hands. He flourished under Emperor Albert, in A.D. 1300.

William, monk of Affligem of the Order of Saint Benedict, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, skilled in verse and prose, published in both genres, that is, in alternating style, little works not to be despised, by which he commended his memory to posterity: Sermons, not useless, to the people and the brothers, one book; also the Life of Saint Lutgard, one book; also Visions of a Certain Nun, one book. He also published many other things which have not come to my notice.

Henry of Brussels, monk of the same monastery of Affligem, of the Order of our holy father Benedict, skilled in the holy Scriptures through long practice, not ignorant of secular literature, an excellent philosopher and computist, subtle in intellect and distinguished in eloquence. He wrote On the Method of Computus, one book; likewise a Calendar on [indictions?], one book; also On the Astrolabe, one book. Moreover he is said to have written many other things, which have not yet come to the notice of our reading.

Eckardus, of the Order, as some maintain, of Preachers, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, second to none in his time in secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, distinguished in eloquence, and a most diligent preacher of the divine word. He wrote many subtle volumes by which he commended his memory to posterity; among them I have found the following: On the Sentences, three books; On Genesis, one book; On Exodus, one book; On the Book of Wisdom, one book; Of His Positions, one book; The Gospel of John, one book; On the Lord's Prayer, one book; Positions in Defense, one book; Sermons on the Saints, one book; various Collations delivered at other times in chapters of the Preachers. The rest that he composed have not come to the notice of our reading. We made mention, in the book On Ecclesiastical Writers, of certain of his sayings that were condemned. He flourished in his time especially in Austria, where by preaching, teaching, and writing he was held in great esteem by the people.

Peter of Saxony, of the Order of Friars Minor, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures and sufficiently instructed in secular letters, a man of excellent industry in delivering sermons to the people. He wrote a summa On Cases, not useless for preachers and confessors, which in its time was in the greatest esteem. Likewise, sermons on the temporal cycle [unclear]. Finally, [unclear] on many books of the Bible; Sermons for Lent, one book; Sermons on the Saints, one book; the Rule of his order, one book. Also many various sermons. He corrected the ordinal of his religious order with discerning attention. But he is said to have written several other things, which have not come to my notice. He flourished in the convent of Cologne in the times of Louis IV of Bavaria, emperor, and Pope John XXII, in A.D. 1320.

John of Blomendale, of the Order of Friars Minor, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular philosophy, outstanding in intellect and distinguished in eloquence, was excellent in delivering sermons to the people. Among other things he wrote elegant Sermons on the Temporal Cycle, one book; also Sermons for Lent, one book; also Sermons on the Saints through the cycle of the year, one book. He is also said to have written some other things, which

Of Johannes Trithemius ... have not come to my notice. He flourished under Emperor Louis the Bavarian, the fourth, and Pope John XXII, in the year of the Lord 1330.

JOHANNES Danckonis of Saxony, a man most learned in every respect, a philosopher and astronomer, the most erudite of all his time, distinguished in talent and eloquence, taught the science of the stars for a long time to the French at Paris, among whom he was held in the highest honor. He wrote certain excellent little works, of which I have found only the following: Canons of the First Mover, one book; Tables of the same, one book; On the Plane Astrolabe, two books; also On [incensions?], [unclear] book[s]; On Eclipses, one book; On the Truth and Usefulness of the Science of Astronomy, one book. The other things that he composed have by no means come to the notice of our reading. He flourished in the times of Emperor Louis IV and John XXII, in the year of the Lord 1330.

Peter of Lutra, monk of the monastery of Lutra.

Johannes Danckonis of Saxony. JOHANNES Danckonis of Saxony, a man most learned in every respect, a philosopher and astronomer, the most erudite of all his time, distinguished in talent and eloquence, taught the science of the stars for a long time to the French at Paris, among whom he was held in the highest honor. He wrote certain excellent little works, of which I have found only the following: Canons of the First Mover, one book; Tables of the same, one book; On the Plane Astrolabe, two books; also On [incensions?], [unclear] book[s]; On Eclipses, one book; On the Truth and Usefulness of the Science of Astronomy, one book. The other things that he composed have by no means come to the notice of our reading. He flourished in the times of Emperor Louis IV and John XXII, in the year of the Lord 1430.

PETER of Lutra, a monk of the Premonstratensian order of the monastery of Lutra, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular literature, a most distinguished philosopher and jurist, subtle in talent, scholastic in eloquence. He wrote many excellent volumes, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Of these the following are extant: On the Sentences, three books; On the Gospel of John, one book; To Baldwin the Archbishop, On the Prerogatives of the Church of Trier, one book; The Sevenfold [Candelabra?], On the Eminence of the Supreme Pontiff, three books; Against Brother Michael of the Order of Minors, formerly general, and those adhering to him, who were attacking the Supreme Pontiff, one book; On the Form of Marriages, one book; To Cardinal Colonna, On the Mystical Columns, one book; On the Sacrament of the Altar, one book; Letters to Various Persons, one book; also various Sermons on the Season and on the Saints through the circle of the year, two books. He also published many other things, which have not yet come to the notice of our reading. He flourished in the times of Emperor Louis the Bavarian and Pope John XXII, in the year of the Lord 1330.

Lupold of Bebenburg, bishop of Bamberg, formerly a hearer and disciple of Johannes Andreae of Bologna, a jurist most celebrated by the praise of all, excellently learned both in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters, cautious in talent and ready in speech, wrote certain little works of great learning by which he consecrated his name to immortality: A distinguished volume On the Zeal and Fervor of the German Princes and Nobles for the Catholic Faith, the Honor of the Roman See, and the Prelates, one book. Likewise On the Rights of the Roman Empire, one book. He also elegantly composed many letters to various persons. But he is said to have written some other things, which have not come into our hands. He flourished under Emperor Louis IV and Pope Benedict XII, in the year of the Lord 1341.

CONRAD of Monte Puellarum, canon of the church of Regensburg in Bavaria, a man learned in the divine writings, most learned in secular philosophy, subtle in talent and eloquent in speech. In the gymnasium of Erfurt he first learned the rudiments of the liberal arts, and then, betaking himself to the French, he devoted himself to sacred letters. Raised to the doctorate at Paris, he instructed many in saving knowledge for eight years with glory. Among the other little works of his talent he wrote: On the Sentences, four books; also To Lupold, the above-mentioned bishop of Bamberg, a very distinguished Oeconomica, three books; to the Duke of [Austria?], a Monastica, one book; also a Politica, one book. He determined various disputations and questions at Paris. But he published many other things, which have not yet come to the notice of our reading. He flourished under Emperor Louis the Bavarian, the fourth, in the year of the Lord 1341.

HEINRICH of Urimaria, of the order of the Hermit Friars of Saint Augustine, a man from boyhood most devoted to the holy writings and much learned, and in the philosophy of the Peripatetics second to none in his time among the Parisians, since, having ascended the doctoral chair, he publicly taught theology and philosophy for many years in the same gymnasium. He wrote not a few volumes for the edification of readers, of which the following are reported: On the Sentences, four books; quodlibetal questions disputed at Paris, one book; On the Ten Precepts, one book; An Epitome of the Conferences of the Saints of John Cassian, twenty-four books; On the Perfection of the Human Word, one book; On Instincts, one book, which is ascribed by some to Heinrich of Hesse; On Exemption, one book; Exposition of the Decretal on the Celebration of Masses, one book; Sermons on the Season and on the Saints, two books. He is also said to have written commentaries on many books of the Bible and of Aristotelian philosophy, and to have composed various other treatises, which have by no means come into our hands. He flourished under Emperor Louis IV, in the year of the Lord 1341.

LUDOLPH of Saxony, a Carthusian monk of the house of Strasbourg, a man devoted to the divine writings, not ignorant of secular letters, mild in talent,

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

[unclear], sweet and well-composed in speech, worthy of reverence no less for his life than for his learning. He wrote certain little works of great devotion and erudition, by which he transmitted his name with glory to the knowledge of posterity. Of these I have found only the following: a great volume, a distinguished work, on the life and teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, drawing from the Gospel, he entitled The Life of Jesus, in two books; likewise, on the whole Psalter, a very celebrated work, one book. He is also said to have written several other things, but they have not come into our hands. He flourished under Louis IV, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1330.

Simon of Speyer, of the order of the brothers of Blessed Mary ever Virgin of Mount Carmel, provincial prior of Germany, of a certain [unclear] church, a man most learned in divine Scriptures and excellently instructed in secular philosophy, subtle in talent, scholastic in speech, who taught theology with distinction for a long time in the school of Cologne, acquired great glory for his learning. He wrote On the Sentences, four books; Against the Jews, one book; also various postils on the Scriptures, which he read at Cologne; also sermons not to be rejected, one book. He also published several other things which I have not yet been able to see. He died at Cologne, buried in his own convent, in the year of the Lord 1340, in the eighth indiction, on 6 January, under Pope Benedict XII.

John of Saxony, of the order of Friars Minor, studiously learned in holy Scriptures, excellently instructed both in canon law and in Peripatetic philosophy, and a man of excellent talent in delivering sermons to the people. He wrote several distinguished volumes, by which he commended his name to the memory and knowledge of posterity. Of these there is extant a notable summa on cases of conscience, not useless to hearers of confessions, one book; also sermons for the seasons and for the saints, two books; but certain other works are unknown to us. He flourished under Louis the Bavarian in the year of the Lord 1340.

John Eligerus of Gondersleuen, formerly a hearer of lord John of Saxony, the very distinguished astronomer, a man learned in holy Scriptures, the most celebrated among all astronomers in his time, a philosopher and astronomer [unclear] among all, and distinguished in eloquence. He wrote volumes in astronomy not to be despised, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Of these the following are reported: On the Construction of the Astrolabe, one book; On the Usefulness of the Astrolabe, one book; On the Usefulness of the Quadrant, one book; also On the Magnet, two books; On the Astrogemeter, one book; and certain other works unknown to us. He flourished in the times of Charles IV, emperor, and Pope Clement VI, in the year of the Lord 1350.

John de Beka, cleric of the Church of Utrecht, a man learned in holy Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters. He published certain little works of his talent not to be despised; of these I have seen only [unclear], a volume bringing [unclear] to the knowledge of John, bishop of the Church of Utrecht, and William, duke of Holland, concerning the deeds of the bishops of Utrecht and of the counts and dukes of Holland, beginning from the time of Willibrord, the first bishop, down to the year of the Lord 1346. Concerning the rest I have seen nothing; they also have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the times of Charles IV, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1348.

Thomas of Argentina, of the order of the brothers of Blessed Mary ever Virgin of [unclear], [unclear] of Rimini, prior general of the whole order, a learned and erudite man, a preacher and a distinguished interpreter of secular philosophy, notable in life and conduct, since he vigorously governed his order by word and example. He wrote certain excellent volumes in divine Scriptures, by which he transmitted his memory with glory to the knowledge of posterity. Of these there is extant a very celebrated work on the Sentences of Peter Lombard, four books; Constitutions of the Order, one book; also various sermons to the people, two books. But he is said to have written certain other things also, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the times of Charles IV, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1366, in the third indiction, on 10 February, under Charles IV, emperor.

Henry of Erfurt, studiously learned in holy Scriptures, and in

Johannes Trithemius [unclear]

... excellently learned in [secular?] letters, a philosopher, jurist, theologian, and very celebrated chronicler, subtle in intellect, distinguished in eloquence. He wrote little works of authority not to be despised, by which he commended the memory of himself to posterity; among them the following are reported: A notable work of histories concerning memorable deeds, one book. Also a noteworthy Summa on cases of conscience, one book. Many sermons, and various other treatises; from these we conjecture that he was a religious, although we do not know the distinction of his order. He flourished under Charles IV, in the year of the Lord 1350.

Johannes of Erfurt, of the order of Friars Minor, an enlightened doctor in the divine scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, a most learned interpreter of philosophy and of both laws, subtle in intellect, ready in eloquence. He wrote several volumes of great usefulness, by which he transmitted his name with glory to the knowledge of posterity. Of these, however, few have come into our hands: Table of Law, one book. Also a Summa on cases of conscience, not useless for hearers of confessions, two books. Popular sermons, not inelegant, on the season and on the saints, three books. The other things which he composed have not come into our hands.

Thilmannus of Aachen, of the order of the Brothers of Blessed Mary ever Virgin of Mount Carmel, after Heinrich of Dolendorp provincial prior of Lower Germany, a distinguished doctor of the divine scriptures, presiding over the theological school first at Paris and then at Cologne, acquired great glory for his learning both by teaching and by writing. Among the other works of his talent he wrote: On the Sentences, four books. Also a noteworthy reading on the Gospel of Matthew, which he read publicly at Cologne in his convent, one book. He also disputed various questions. He likewise composed many elegant sermons, and certain other things unknown to us. He flourished under Charles IV, in the year of the Lord 1360.

Jacobus of Altavilla, by homeland of the Rheingau, fifteenth abbot of the monastery of Eberbach of the Cistercian order, which is situated in the Rheingau almost two miles from Mainz, a man studious and learned in the divine scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, an ornament of the Parisian school, a distinguished doctor, wrote a noteworthy work on the Sentences, four books. But also various questions disputed at Paris, one book; likewise many sermons to the brothers, which are partly extant, but partly have been lost through negligence. He also published elegant letters to various persons, and other things unknown to us. He flourished under Charles, the fourth emperor, in the year of the Lord 1360.

Johannes of Ymenhusen, doctor of Paris, studious and learned in the holy scriptures, and excellently learned in secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, scholastic in eloquence, an acute disputant. Among other things he wrote a distinguished volume on the Sentences, four books; also sermons, and various questions of the scriptures. Finally, he is said to have made elegant commentaries on certain books of the Bible, and to have written many other things, but I do not recall that any of them have come into our hands. He flourished under Charles IV, in the year of the Lord 1360.

Johannes of Tambach, of the order of the Brothers of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, [unclear], much practiced and learned, not ignorant also of secular philosophy, outstanding in intellect, composed with the polish of scholastic speech. He published certain volumes not to be despised, by which he made his name known to posterity; among these they report the following: A large work, not to be rejected, against the darts of flattering fortune, no less useful than pleasant, which he entitled Consolation of Theology, four books. On the sensible delights of paradise, one book. Also sermons on the season and on the saints, two books. Certain other things. He flourished under Charles IV, in the year of the Lord 1360.

Johannes of Hildesheim, of the order of the Brothers of Blessed Mary ever Virgin of Mount Carmel, bachelor of sacred theology, lector, prior of Kassel, a man studious and learned in the divine scriptures, in secular letters by everyone’s opinion the most learned of his time; a theologian, rhetorician, philosopher, and very celebrated poet. In declaiming homilies to the people he was of excellent talent. He wrote many outstanding volumes, by which he commended his name to posterity; among them the following are extant: On the Sentences, three books. To Florentius, bishop of Münster, On the Translation of the Three Kings, one book. Also a Chronicle of the Times, one book. A Defense of the Mendicant Orders against Richard, archbishop of Armagh, one book. A metrical work On Monsters in the Church, one book. The work entitled Fountain of Life, one book. On Antichrist, one book. Against the Jews, one book. Against a certain man painting shameful things, one book. Sermons on the season and on the saints, one book. Of letters to various persons, number 80, one book.

CATALOGUE OF ILLUSTRIOUS MEN.

…a book of Epigrams: 1 book. He published also many others, which have not come to my knowledge. This John was once hearer and familiar friend of blessed Peter Thomas, patriarch of Constantinople, formerly master general, [then] residing at Avignon. He flourished under Charles IV. In the year of the Lord 1360.

Albert of Rickmersdorp, a Saxon by country, thirty-first bishop of Halberstadt in order, a man studious and erudite in the divine Scriptures, and not ignorant of secular literature, a doctor of Paris. He wrote many illustrious volumes, by which he commended his memory to posterity, of which these are reported: On the Sentences, 4 books; he published commentaries on many books of Aristotle; and he unfolded various questions in the holy Scriptures. But he composed also many others, which have not come to my knowledge. He received the bishopric of the aforesaid church of Halberstadt from Pope Urban V, in the year of the Lord 1365, in the third indiction, and presided twenty-four years. He was buried in his greater church of Halberstadt.

Matthew of Cracow, doctor of Prague, bishop of Worms, a man most erudite in the divine Scriptures, and excellently learned in secular philosophy, subtle in talent and renowned in eloquence, who, on account of [his] inestimable learning, [was] constituted president of the theological school first at Prague [and] then at Paris, [and] obtained great glory among the doctors by reading and writing. He wrote many illustrious little works, of which, however, I recall few to have come into our hands: On the Sentences, 4 books; to Heinrich, bishop of Worms, a beautiful volume on predestination, and that God has done all things well, whose interlocutors are the Father [and] the Son, which he entitled the Rationale of the divine works, 7 books; On contracts, 1 book; On the frequenting or intermitting of [the] celebration [of Mass]; a Dialogue of the reasoning of conscience, 1 book; Of letters to various [persons], 1 book; also various sermons. The rest which he composed have not come to my knowledge. He dies in the year of the Lord [1410?], the fifth day of March; he is buried at Worms.

John [Klenkok?], of the order of the hermit-brothers of Saint Augustine, sprung from Saxony, doctor of Prague, most learned in the holy Scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, subtle in talent [and] eloquent in speech. He wrote certain illustrious little works, by which he commended his name to posterity, of which the following are reported: On the Sentences, 4 books; Questions of various positions disputed at Prague, 1 book; also sermons on the [seasons of the] year [and] on the saints, 2 books; Of letters to various [persons], 1 book. The rest which he composed have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under the emperor Charles IV, in the year of the Lord 1360.

John Fust, of the order of the brothers of Blessed Mary ever-Virgin of Mount Carmel, first lector of the convent of Kreuznach in the county of Sponheim, and then Prior of Strasbourg, a man erudite in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular philosophy, subtle in talent, scholastic in eloquence, devout in life [and] conversation, a most wonderful declaimer of popular sermons. He wrote, among the other monuments of his talent: Questions of the Sentences, 1 book; he published also some sermons, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in his convent of Kreuznach, where he first put on the habit of [his order], under the emperor Charles IV. In the year of the Lord 1370.

Gerard Groot, called also Magnus, of Deventer, a man most learned both in the divine and in the human writings, especially in canon law, subtle in talent, scholastic in eloquence, devout in life [and] conversation. He wrote several little works of no contemptible reading, by which he transmitted his name to posterity with glory, of which these are reported: On contracts [and] usuries, 1 book; On the instruction of novices, 1 book; On the taking-up of the pastoral care, 1 book; On the inner conversation, 1 book; On the governance of nuns, 1 book; On the inconveniences of matrimony, 1 book; also Of letters to various [persons], 1 book; he published, besides, various sermons [and] many [things], which have not come to the notice of our reading. He dies under the emperor Wenceslaus, in the year of the Lord 1384, in the seventh indiction.

Conrad of Alzey—a town of the duke Palatine [and] count, in the diocese of Mainz, situated three miles from Worms—a man erudite in the divine Scriptures, excellently learned in secular letters, a most celebrated philosopher [and] poet, subtle in talent, renowned in eloquence, exercised in meter [and] prose. He wrote in either kind certain volumes not to be cast away, by which he obtained great praise of erudition first among the Prague-men and then at Erfurt; but few of them have come to my knowledge, for [I read] only…

Of Johannes Trithemius

also a little work which he elegantly composed in verse and rhythms on the most pure Virgin Mary, Mother of God, entitled The Book of Figures, 1 book. He also wrote many elegant letters to various persons, and many poems of various kinds, 1 book, and several other things. He flourished under Charles IV, in the year of the Lord 1370.

Bertrammus, bishop of [unclear], of the order of the Friars Preachers of the convent of Koblenz, and vicar in pontificals of the bishop of Metz, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and most famous among the doctors of his time, outstanding in talent and renowned in eloquence, also an excellent declaimer of sermons. He wrote On the Sentences, 4 books. Likewise, to Cuno, archbishop of Trier, On the Illusions of Demons, 1 book. To the same man, On the Schism, 1 book. He also issued various sermons to the people and to the clergy, and besides many other things, which have not come into our hands. He died under the emperor Wenceslaus, in the year of the Lord 1387, on the thirteenth day before the Kalends of February, in the tenth indiction. He was buried at Koblenz in the diocese of Trier, in his own convent of Preachers, where, after having once received the order, he had been prior.

Heinrich of Kalkar, monk of the Carthusian order and prior of the house of Saint Barbara in Cologne, a man whose understanding was illumined in the divine Scriptures, outstanding in talent, sweet in eloquence, and devout also in life and conduct. He issued little works of reading not to be despised, the use of which is judged not unprofitable for devout brothers. Among these the following are reported: Monastic Exercise, 1 book; Speech on Rhetoric, 1 book; Song on Music, 1 book; On the Origin and Progress of the Carthusian Order, 1 book. He also composed sermons to the brothers not to be despised, and certain other things especially pertaining to the cleansing of consciences. He flourished in the times of the emperor Wenceslaus, in the year of the Lord 1390.

John Ruusbroec, of the order of the regular canons, prior of the monastery of Green Valley in Brabant, a studious and devout man. He wrote, among the other works of his talent: On the Adornment of Spiritual Marriage, 3 books; On the Progress of Religious, 2 books; also many sermons to the brothers; also several letters to various persons, 1 book. He also issued some other works, which have not come into our hands. This man’s writings in the third book On the Adornment of Spiritual Marriage are to be read cautiously, as John Gerson, chancellor of Paris, warns us in the book issued by him on this matter. He flourished under the emperor Wenceslaus, not without a reputation for sanctity, in the year of the Lord 1390.

Conrad, monk of the monastery of Fons Salutis in Swabia, of the Cistercian order, a man most studious in the divine writings, not moderately learned in secular letters, renowned in talent and plain in eloquence. He wrote On the Sentences, 4 books; also sermons on the season, 2 books; sermons on the saints, 2 books. But he issued some other works which have not come into our hands. This man’s sermons are commonly called “sermons of juice,” because they were extracted with sagacious study from the juicy marrow of the Scriptures. Yet there are some who pretend that the reason for this word took its origin from footwear, because he used to carry with him to the choir or elsewhere slips enclosed in his boots for composing sermons. He is said to have flourished in the times of the emperor Wenceslaus, in the year of the Lord 1390.

John of Schoonhoven, of the order of the Brothers of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin of Mount Carmel, prior of the convent of Mechelen, a man studiously learned in the holy writings, not ignorant of secular letters, of excellent talent in declaiming sermons to the people. He wrote, for the usefulness of simple preachers, volumes not to be rejected, by which he commended his memory to posterity: a distinguished work On Vices, Virtues, and Every Preachable Matter, according to the order of the alphabet, in two volumes, which he entitled with the Greek word Polypodium, 2 books. He also wrote sermons, not inelegant, through the circle of the year on the season and on the saints, 2 books. But he is said to have written several other works, which have not come to my knowledge.

Conrad of Zutphen, by homeland a Gelderlander, of the order of the regular canons of the monastery of Windesheim in the diocese of Utrecht, a man more studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, venerable no less in conduct than in knowledge, subtle in talent and renowned in eloquence. He wrote many excellent volumes for the instruction of simple brothers; yet only a few of these have come to the knowledge of our reading, for I have found only the following: On Spiritual Ascents, a very useful treatise on notable men, 1 book; also On the Reformation of the Inner Man, a work not to be rejected, 1 book. He is also said to have composed many elegant sermons, the reading of which is judged necessary for religious. The rest which

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

149

The things which he wrote, although they are many, nevertheless have by no means come into our hands. He flourished under Emperor Wenceslaus, in the year of the Lord 1400.

William of Oppenbach, a Parisian doctor, most learned in the sacred Scriptures and exceptionally learned in secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, quite capable in delivering sermons to the people. He wrote On the Sentences, four books; also Various Questions, which he disputed at Paris and Cologne, one book; Sermons to the People and Various Collations to the Clergy. But he also published some other works, which have not come to my knowledge. It is established that he was a religious, but of what order he was I have not yet been able sufficiently to discover.

Gerard of Zutphen, another distinct from the first, the ornament of the Cologne school and a formed bachelor of sacred Theology, a learned and very venerable man, subtle in intellect and a very acute disputant of difficult questions. He wrote notable Questions on the Sentences, four books. He also arranged quodlibetal questions, in which he determines many matters for the instruction of students. He also published some other works, which have not come to me. He flourished around the times of the emperors Wenceslaus and Rupert of Bavaria, in the year of the Lord 1400.

John of the little town of Wittlich, of the diocese of Trier, which is about four miles distant from the city of Trier, a man judicious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and not moderately learned in secular philosophy, ready in intellect, scholastic in speech, who once taught sacred letters publicly in the Cologne school. He wrote On the Sentences, four books. He also published a notable lecture on the Epistles of the blessed Apostle Paul. He also publicly recited [unclear] questions to many hearers. He also published some other works, which have not come to me. He flourished under Emperor Wenceslaus, in the year of the Lord 1400.

Henry of Langenstein, called of Hesse, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and exceptionally learned in secular letters, outstanding in intellect, scholastic in speech, abundant and expansive, since, after spending many years in lecturing on Genesis, he scarcely reached the fourth chapter of the book, and completed as many volumes. For he was resolved for everything and copious in speaking and writing, so that for him it was a matter of greater difficulty to repel things worthy of remembrance that occurred to him of their own accord than to find new things to say. This man, as I discovered from a certain letter of his, I would believe to have been a canon of the church of Worms. He flourished first in the Parisian school, where he also earned the laurel of the doctorate; then, for the honor of the new planting, he betook himself to Vienna, where by teaching and writing he obtained great glory for learning. Of his little works the following are reported: On the Sentences, four books; On the Helmeted Prologue of the Bible, one book; On the Beginning of Genesis, four books; To the Bishop of Freising on Antichrist and Schism, one book; On Contemplation, one book; On the Contemplative Soul, one book; Mirror of the Sinful Soul, one book; On the Seven Canonical Hours, one book; Against the Predictor of the Thelenses [unclear], one book; On the Lord’s Prayer, one book; On the Ave Maria, one book; On the Creed of the Apostles, one book; On Contempt of the World, a notable volume, one book; Against a Certain Wycliffite Heretic, one book; To the Canons Regular, one book; On the Property of Monks, one book; On the Song of Songs, one book; Sermons for the Season and on the Saints, two books; Letters to Various Persons, one book. He also published many other works, which have not come to my knowledge. There are some who write that he was bishop of Worms, others bishop of Warmia in Silesia, and that Matthew of Krakow wrote to him seven very learned little books on predestination. The name indeed agrees, not the time; we leave the truth to be investigated by the studious. He flourished under Emperor Wenceslaus, in the year of the Lord 1400.

John Gluel, born in the imperial city of Aachen, of the order of the brothers of blessed Mary ever virgin of Mount Carmel, prior of Cologne, a man exceptionally learned in the divine writings and not ignorant of secular literature, of excellent intellect in delivering sermons to the people. Among the other works of his study he wrote a volume On the Origin and Progress of His Order, which he entitled Mirror of the Carmelites, one book; also Sermons for the Season and on the Saints throughout the cycle of the year, one book; also Sermons through Lent, one book. He also published some other works, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished at Cologne, where he was also buried.

Henry of Cuta, or Oyta, Parisian Doctor.

Henry of Cuta, or Oyta, Parisian doctor, studious and learned in the sacred Scriptures, and nobly learned in Aristotelian philosophy, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, and an excellent deliverer of sermons, the singular ornament of the Viennese school in Austria and its primary co-planter. He wrote certain excellent things in volumes of writings

Of Johannes Trithemius [unclear], by which he commended the memory of himself to posterity. Among these I found the following: on the Sentences, book I; also Quodlibets, book I; on contracts, book I; on the conception of blessed Mary ever virgin, book I; various sermons. Of the rest which he wrote I have seen nothing. He flourished under Wenceslaus, in the year of the Lord 1490.

Heinrich of Andernach, of the Order of the Brothers of Blessed Mary Ever Virgin of Mount Carmel, of the Cologne convent, a man trained by long study and learned in the holy Scriptures, and subtly imbued with Aristotelian philosophy, excellent in talent, an outstanding declaimer of sermons, who adorned first the Parisian and then the Cologne academy by his learning and presence. He wrote a distinguished work on the Sentences, books IV; Notable Questions of Philosophy, book I; sermons on the season and on the saints through the cycle of the year, books II. The other things which he composed have not come to my knowledge.

Johannes, abbot of the monastery of Saint Bavo in Ghent, of the Order of the divine father Benedict, an outstanding doctor and professor of the divine Scriptures, subtle in talent, renowned in eloquence, venerable no less for religious conduct than for knowledge. He wrote a notable little book on the eating of meat, in which, disputing subtly, he concludes according to the Rule of Saint Benedict and the sanctions of law that the eating of meat is unlawful for a healthy monk, and therefore wholly forbidden. He also wrote explanations on our Rule, book I; also questions of the Sententiary, book I. In addition, he is said to have written various and many treatises, which have by no means come down to us.

Johannes of Werden, of the diocese of Cologne, of the Order of the Friars Minor of Saint Francis, a man studious and learned in the holy divine Scriptures, and sufficiently learned in natural philosophy, renowned in talent, scholastic in speech, the most celebrated of all in his time as a declaimer of popular sermons. He wrote very notable sermons on the season and on the saints, which today are commonly called the sermons “Sleep securely,” because any preacher can make progress in them without labor. Also sermons for Lent, book I. He also published some other things, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the Cologne convent under the emperor Wenceslaus, in the year of the Lord [unclear].

Johannes of Duren, of the Order of the Friars Minor, of the diocese of Cologne, a not idle preacher of the divine word, renowned in talent, eloquent in speech, studious and learned both in the divine writings and in secular letters. He wrote for the use of simple brothers certain volumes not to be despised, by which he made his name known to those present and to posterity; among these I found the following: On the Seven Sins, book I; on the hidden sins of vice, book I; on the manifest things of vice, book I; also sermons for Lent, book I. The other things which he composed have by no means come into our hands.

Arnold of Austria, of the Order of the Brothers of Blessed Mary Ever Virgin of Mount Carmel, of the Vienna convent, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular philosophy, subtle in talent, an outstanding disputant of questions. He wrote a distinguished volume on the Sentences, books III; also elegant sermons and various questions in Scripture. But he is said to have composed some other things, which have not come into our hands.

Thomas of Haselbach, learned in the holy writings, well taught in secular philosophy, renowned in talent, scholastic in speech, but in many things overly diffuse and prolix, and for that reason subject to the judgment of certain people; for when he was ordinary lector of the Vienna academy, he was subtle in talent, renowned in eloquence, devout in life and conduct. He wrote many volumes on the prophet Isaiah, which I do not know whether all are to be found. Also on the Sentences, books IV; on the Ten Commandments of the Decalogue, book I; on the five senses of man, book I; also many sermons on the season and on the saints, books II; and many other things. He flourished under Rupert the Bavarian, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1410.

Johannes Brammart, of the Order of the Brothers of Blessed Mary Ever Virgin of Mount Carmel, of the Aachen convent, provincial prior of Lower Germany, doctor of Paris, studious and learned in the holy writings, and excellently learned in secular philosophy, subtle in talent, renowned in eloquence, devout in life and conduct. He wrote a distinguished work on the Sentences, books III; also many sermons, various questions, and certain other things which have not come into our hands. Finally, after many good things bestowed upon his province, he died under Rupert the Bavarian, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1307, in the fifteenth indiction. He was buried at Cologne in the middle of the choir of his convent.

Thomas

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

Thomas de Kempis, of the order of the regular canons of Saint Augustine, of the Mount of the holy martyr and virgin Agnes near Zwolle in the diocese of Utrecht, a man zealous and learned in the Scriptures, devout in life and conduct, and an outstanding venerator of blessed Mary, Mother of God, formerly, as they say, a disciple of Gerard the Great of Deventer, about whom marvelous things are told. He wrote certain devout volumes, of which the following are reported: On Contempt of the World and the Imitation of Christ, 4 books; sermons to novices, 3 books; Dialogue of Novices, 1 book; sermons to the brothers, 1 book; On the Solitary Life, 1 book; [On] Tabernacles, 1 book; Alphabet of True Compunction, 1 book; Little Garden of Spiritual Roses, 1 book; Valley of Lilies, 1 book; Alphabet of the Monk, 1 book; Consolation of the Poor, 1 book; Epitaph of the Monk, 1 book; What Sort of Man a Monk Ought to Be, 1 book; Manual for Little Ones, 1 book; Doctrinal for Youths, 1 book; On the Vanity of the World and Contempt of It, 1 book; letters to various persons, 1 book; and others. He flourished in the times of Rupert of Bavaria, the most renowned emperor, in the year of the Lord 1410. And it should be noted that two men are reported to have had this name: both from Kempen, both regulars on the Mount of Saint Agnes, both outstanding in talent, and both composing various little works. The first of these, converted to religious life in the times of Master Gerard the Great and deemed worthy of divine revelations, is said to have written the things which we have listed above. The second, however, still lived almost in our own times among men, and composed various things which have not come into our hands. And perhaps some things have been ascribed to the first which the second is thought to have made. The little book On the Imitation of Christ, however, is reported to be by the first author; our elders say that, many years before, their elders read it, although I know that some think the contrary in this matter. This elder Thomas flourished under Emperor Rupert of Bavaria, in the year of the Lord 1410.

Michael Herbrant of Düren, of the order of the brothers of blessed Mary ever virgin of Mount Carmel, prior of the convent of Kreuznach in the diocese of Mainz, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, distinguished by experience in many matters, ready in talent, lucid in speech, and also an excellent preacher or declaimer of the divine word. He wrote certain little works of reading not to be despised, by which he commended his memory to posterity; among these there are many elegant sermons, 1 book, also conferences and many [unclear]. And certain other things. He flourished under Emperor Rupert, in the year of the Lord 1410.

Peter of Speyer, of the order of the hermits of Saint Augustine, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular philosophy, outstanding in talent, eloquent in speech, an excellent declaimer of popular sermons. He wrote things not to be rejected [unclear] zealous in the divine Scriptures and skilled through long practice. I have found the following: a mystical exposition on Exodus, 1 book; on the epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 1 book; On the Three Monastic Custodies, 1 book; On the Annunciation of the Lord, 1 book; Eulogy of Paul the First Hermit, 1 book; sermons on the season and on the saints, 1 book; also several letters to various persons. Surveying with remarkable industry the difficult work of William of Paris on the whole corporeal and incorporeal universe, he beautifully reduced it into a brief compendium. He wrote also some other things which have by no means come to our knowledge. He died in the house of the Valley of Grace near Bruges, while being beneficially occupied in the act of visitation, on the seventh Ides of July, in the year of the Lord 1410, in the third indiction.

Of Johannes Trithemius

HEINRICH of Hachenberg, of the order of Friars Preachers, of the convent of Koblenz, a studious man, practiced in the Scriptures, of excellent talent and great reputation in delivering sermons to the people. Among other works of his exercise he wrote: Sermons on the Temporale, book 1; Sermons on the Saints, book 1; also Sermons on Lent, book 1. But he is said to have written several other things which have not come to my knowledge.

JORDAN, of the order of the Friars of Saint Augustine of the Hermitage, of Strasbourg, a devout man, an excellent expounder and interpreter of the divine Scriptures, of most excellent talent in delivering sermons. He wrote several elegant treatises useful to devout brethren, by which he left the memory of his name to posterity. Of these, however, few have come into our hands: On the Apocalypse of John, book 1; An Apology for his order, book 1; On the Passion of the Lord, book 1; Sermons on the Temporale, book 1; Sermons on the Saints, book 1; Sermons throughout Lent, book 1; and many other things. He flourished under Rupert the Bavarian, emperor of the Romans, in the year of the Lord 1410.

VINCENT Gruner of Zwickau, doctor of Prague, founder of the Leipzig school, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, excellently instructed in secular philosophy, subtle in talent and distinguished in eloquence, published some little works not contemptible in their reading, by which he transmitted his name with glory to the knowledge of posterity. Among them there is extant: A notable lecture on the office of the Mass, which he publicly read at the new planting of the aforesaid Leipzig school, book 1; also On the Sentences, books 4; Various Disputed Questions, book 1. The rest that he composed have not come to my knowledge. He flourished at the time of the transfer of the Prague school to the city of Leipzig, in the province of the Margraviate of Meissen, around the year of the Lord 1410, under Emperor Rupert.

JOHN, bishop of Lombariensis, of the order of Friars Preachers, born in the city of Basel in Germany, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, excellently instructed in secular philosophy, outstanding in talent, distinguished in eloquence, and a most celebrated deliverer of sermons. He published several distinguished little works, by which he transmitted his name to the knowledge of posterity. Among them there is extant an outstanding work On the Sentences, books 4; also various sermons; and certain other things unknown to us. He flourished around the times of the emperors Rupert and Sigismund, in the year of the Lord 1410.

JOHN, monk of the monastery of Kastl, of the order of our divine father Benedict, in the diocese of Eichstatt, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, ready in talent, distinguished in eloquence, a theologian, philosopher, and notable rhetorician. He wrote many distinguished volumes, of which I have found only those set down below: On the Rule of our most holy father Benedict, a very celebrated work in two large volumes; likewise A Breviary of the Bibles, book 1; elegant Sermons on the Temporale and on the Saints, books 2; also forty-two sermons On the Passion of the Lord, book 1; Letters to Various Persons, book 1; On the Illustrious Men of Our Order, book 1. But he published many other things which have not come to the knowledge of our reading. He flourished at about the time when the reform of Kastl was vigorous, under the emperors Rupert and Sigismund, in the year of the Lord 1417.

JOHN Zacharias of Erfurt, a man studious and learned in the holy Scriptures and excellently instructed in secular philosophy, subtle in talent, an acute disputant, who adorned the Erfurt school with the majesty of a Sententiary. He wrote: On the Sentences of Peter Lombard, books 4; also On Genesis, book 1; On Exodus, book 1; On Leviticus, book 1; On the Epistles of Paul, books 14; many sermons; various determinations of questions. But he is said to have composed several other things which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the times of Emperor Sigismund; in the great Council of Constance he was magnificently praised for disputing against the heretical Hussites, in the year of the Lord [unclear].

NICHOLAS of Dinkelsbuhl, doctor of Vienna, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, well instructed in secular philosophy, which they call Aristotelian, keen in talent, scholastic in speech, outstanding in life and conduct. He wrote many distinguished volumes, of which I have found only those set down below: On the Sentences, books 4; also Questions on the Sentences, book 1; On the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, book 1; On the Ten Commandments, book 1; On the Lord’s Prayer, book 1; On the Eight Beatitudes, book 1; On the Three Parts of Penance, book 1; On the Eight Capital Vices, book 1; On the Seven Mortal Sins, book 1; On the Commandment of Charity, books 2; On the Sins of the Tongue, book 1; Sermons on the Temporale and on the Saints, books 2; also other moral sermons, book 1. But he is said to have written many other things which have not come to my knowledge. This man, sent by the University of Vienna to the great Council of Constance, one of the highest

154 Of Johannes Trithemius and often an envoy to princes. He wrote little works not to be despised in reading; of these I have found the following: Against the Hussites, Bohemian heretics, 1 book; against the scabini of the secret judgment, called Feymeri, 1 book; On Contracts, 1 book; On Predestination, 1 book; Popular Sermons, 2 books; an oration delivered before the king of France; also an oration before the king of England; an oration before the duke of Savoy; many other varied orations, 1 book. He also wrote several questions disputed in the schools, 1 book; various letters; and certain other things still unknown to me. He flourished under Emperor Sigismund, in the year of the Lord 1430.

HENRICUS of Gulpen, abbot of the monastery of Saint Giles at Nuremberg, of the order of our holy father Benedict, doctor of decrees, studious and learned in both divine and secular writings, and venerable no less for his religious manner of life than for his knowledge of the Scriptures, whose readiness of mind and foresight in counsel Johannes Nider, having once experienced it, commends in the book On Ants, wrote elegantly on [unclear] concerning penance, 1 book; likewise on the distinction On Consecration, 1 book; On the Passion of the Lord, 1 book; and certain other things. He was personally prominent at the Council of Constance, when he was still held to be a secular master of arts and a student of law; and at the Council of Basel, already doctor and abbot, under Emperor Sigismund, in the year of the Lord 1435.

RUDOLPHUS of Bruxella, from a village in Swabia, in the diocese of Speyer, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and excellently taught in the secular philosophy which they call Aristotelian, a distinguished professor of sacred letters, who in the Heidelberg gymnasium acquired great praise for his learning by teaching and writing, wrote in that faculty certain excellent little works, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Among them these are reported: Questions on the Sentences, 1 book; many very useful sermons; various questions disputed in the schools; many orations to the fathers of the same gymnasium. The rest that he composed have not come into our hands. He flourished at the Council of Basel in the year 1435.

HENRICUS of Gauda, a man skilled in the holy Scriptures through long study, subtle in intellect and a very keen disputant of scholastic questions, earned the chair of mastership in the Heidelberg gymnasium both by teaching and by writing. He wrote certain excellent monuments of his intellect, by which he showed himself useful to those present and memorable to those to come. Of these I have found only: on the third book of the Sentences, 1 book; also On the Celebration of Masses, 1 book; various orations delivered in the university; also many questions excellently disputed in the schools. But of the rest that he composed, nothing has reached our hands. He flourished in the times of the Council of Basel under Emperor Sigismund, in the year of the Lord 1435.

NICOLAUS of Susato, by birth a Westphalian, the ornament and pillar of the Heidelberg gymnasium, a distinguished doctor of sacred theology, held in esteem by Ludwig, Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria, and at the Council of Constance joined, from the German nation, with the remaining cardinals for electing the supreme pontiff, wrote certain excellent monuments of his intellect, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Of these I have found only: notable questions on the Sentences, 1 book; several elegant sermons and orations; and various questions on diverse subjects disputed in the schools. The rest that he composed have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the aforesaid Council of Constance, in the year of the Lord 1417 and thereafter.

JOHANNES Gritsch, of the order of Friars Preachers, by birth from Basel, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and skilled through long exercise both in canon law and in the other letters of secular philosophy, an excellent declaimer of popular sermons, outstanding in intellect and clear in eloquence, wrote for preachers of the divine word little works not to be despised, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Of these there are extant: sermons on the temporal cycle and on the saints, 2 books; sermons through Lent, 1 book; also On the Passion of the Lord, 1 book; and many other things. He flourished, as his own people report, in the times of Emperor Sigismund and of the Council of Basel, in the year of the Lord 1435.

JOHANNES Nider, of the same order of Friars Preachers, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and well instructed in scholastic philosophy, of excellent intellect in declaiming sermons to the people, for a long time an inquisitor of heretical depravity, and a most keen persecutor of the poor women whom the common people call witches, wrote in a clear style indeed, but volumes not to be despised. Of these the following are extant: On the Contracts of Merchants, 1 book; On Moral Leprosy, 1 book; On Ants, [unclear] books; in whi-

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

...by appointment of the supreme pontiff he was constituted Elector on behalf of the German nation, as is contained in the acts of that council. He flourished under the Emperor Sigismund, in the year of the Lord 1420.

Peter of Rosenheim, a monk of the monastery of Melk in the regions of Austria, of the order of the holy father Benedict, a man devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, and magnificently instructed in secular letters, an excellent philosopher and poet, ready in intellect and renowned in eloquence. He wrote, in verse and prose, little works not to be rejected, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Among these I have read a metrical volume which, at the persuasion and request of Nicholas Dinkelsbuehl, he composed for lord Branda, cardinal of San Clemente, apostolic legate in Austria, on all the chapters of the Bible, which he entitled Roseate Memorial of the Divine Utterances, book 1. Also a History, or Chronicle of the Times, book 1; many various sermons, book 2; letters to various persons, book 1. He also published many other works which have not yet come at all to the notice of my reading. He flourished in the times of the Council of Constance and of the Emperor Sigismund, in the year of the Lord 1420.

Nicholas, monk of Holy Cross.

Nicholas, a monk of the monastery of Holy Cross in Austria, of the Cistercian order, a man learned in the holy divine Scriptures and rich in the reading of the ancients, excellent in intellect and renowned in eloquence. He wrote certain little works of no contemptible usefulness, by which he showed to posterity the liveliness of his intellect. Among these the following are extant: a work in praise of blessed Mary, mother of God, not useless to preachers of the divine word, which he entitled Image of Holy Mary, book 1; various sermons, book 2; also many letters to various persons. The rest which he composed [unclear] did not come into our hands. He flourished in the times of the Council of Constance and of the most clement Emperor Sigismund, in the year of the Lord 1420. He composed various treatises on the holy Scriptures.

Hermannus Petra of Studorp, a monk of the Carthusian order, prior of the house [unclear].

Hermann Petra of Studorp.

...devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, devout in life and conduct, vicar and rector of the house of the nuns of the divine mother Anne near Bruges in Flanders, where for nine years [unclear]. On the Lord's Prayer, sermons [unclear]. The following are also extant: On the Government of Nuns, book 1; sermons [unclear]. Suitable volumes, of which the following are extant: On the Government of Nuns, book 2; fifty sermons, book 3; sermons on the saints, book 4; on Genesis [unclear]. He died under the Emperor Sigismund and Pope Martin V, in the year of the Lord 1428, on the ninth day before the Kalends of May, in the sixth indiction.

Henry of Hesse the Younger, a monk of the Carthusian order, prior of the house [unclear].

Henry of Hesse the Younger.

...of the monks of Saint Mary, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular literature, subtle in intellect and renowned in eloquence. He published many outstanding volumes, by which he left to posterity the memory of his name. Many of them he read publicly, before his entry into religion, in the universal schools. Among these the following are reported: on the Sentences, book 1; on the Apocalypse of John, book [unclear]; also book 2; on the Proverbs of Solomon, book 3; on the Apocalypse, book 4; various sermons [unclear]. He died under the Emperor Sigismund and Pope Martin V, in the year of the Lord 1428, in the sixth indiction.

John called Plaeth, doctor of Heidelberg, most learned in the holy Scriptures, excellently instructed in secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, and venerable no less for the integrity of his conduct than for his knowledge of letters; also sufficiently apt and eloquent in delivering sermons to the people. Among the other works of his intellect he wrote [unclear] a great and distinguished work on the Catholic faith, on the chapter Firmly we believe, which he read publicly in ordinary course in the aforesaid school of Heidelberg. Likewise he wrote various questions on the Sentences, book 1; against the errors of the Bohemians, book 2; sermons to the people [unclear]. Devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, and excellently instructed in secular philosophy, renowned in intellect, clear in speech, an acute disputant, a declaimer of popular sermons, renowned in intellect, most eloquent in speech because of his singular learning; chaplain and secretary to Louis, Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria, because of his singular learning and prudence, and in many difficult affairs [sent] to kings [unclear]. He flourished under the Emperor Sigismund, in the year of the Lord 1430.

John of Dieburg.

John of Dieburg, called of Frankfurt, doctor of Heidelberg, a man devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, and excellently instructed in secular philosophy, renowned in intellect, clear in speech, an acute disputant. A declaimer of popular sermons, renowned in intellect, most eloquent in speech because of his singular learning; chaplain and secretary to Louis, Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria, because of his singular learning and prudence, and in many difficult affairs [sent] to kings [unclear]. He flourished under the Emperor Sigismund, in the year of the Lord 1430.

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

in which he relates many and various miracles that occurred in his own times; Consolatory Work for a Fearful Conscience, 1 book; Mirror of Perfection, 1 book; sermons for the season and on the saints, 2 books; sermons through Lent, 1 book; and many other things. He flourished under Emperor Sigismund at the time of the Council of Constance [and] Basel, in the year of the Lord 1430.

Heimericus de Campo, vice-chancellor of the Cologne gymnasium. Heimericus de Campo, vice-chancellor of the Cologne gymnasium, a man most learned in divine Scripture, second to none in his time in secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, and a most acute disputant of difficult questions. He wrote many distinguished volumes by which he commended his memory to posterity, though only a few of them have come into our hands. On the Sentences, 4 books. To Nicholas of Cusa, later cardinal, he wrote a Compendium of Questions, 1 book; On Being and Essence, 1 book; [unclear].

Nicholas [Lackman?], subtle and a most acute disputant of difficult questions. He wrote many distinguished volumes; [Lackman?], subtle, also had skill in discussing a difficult question. But because he could not do this, he wrote many varied questions from the schools, 1 book; he also composed many sermons and various orations; finally, in which superfluous memorial material was present, namely: On Truth, On Faith, On Grace, On Free Will, On Predestination, On the Will of Omnipotence, On the Soul, On the Body, On the Nature of Heaven, On Creatures, On Providence, On the Resurrection, On Purgatory, On Indulgences, On Penitentiaries, [and repeated corrupt forms concerning indulgences]. He wrote on the Sentences, 4 books, of questions; volumes in which the memorial material was superfluous, namely: But because he could not do this, he wrote on many various orations composed from the schools; he also expounded many and various matters concerning sermons, which are held in esteem in the Cologne gymnasium. He flourished at the Council of Basel, sent by his university; they came into our hands, in the year of the Lord 1538, under Emperor Albert.

He wrote a Compendium of Questions, 1 book; On Being and Essence, 1 book; [unclear]. Nicholas Lackman, of the Order of Friars Minor. 4 books; On the Authority of a General Council, as it is above the pope, 1 book; various questions, subtle, and also had skill in discussing difficult questions; but because he could not do this, he wrote on many various orations composed from the schools; he also explained many and various sermons, which are held in esteem in the Cologne gymnasium. He flourished at the Council of Basel, sent by his university, where he wrote and disputed many things, in the year of the Lord 1438, under Emperor Albert.

Nicholas Lackman, of the Order of Friars Minor of Saint Francis, provincial minister of Saxony, a profound doctor learned in divine Scripture, and exceptionally learned in secular philosophy, which they call Aristotelian; renowned in intellect, [unclear] in disputation, a very celebrated declaimer of sermons. He wrote on the Sentences, 4 books, of questions; [several corrupt repetitions of the same notice about writing on the Sentences and being a celebrated declaimer of sermons]. He wrote on the Sentences, 4 books; he is also said to have composed many things, which have by no means come to the knowledge of our reading. He flourished at the Council of Basel, in the year of the Lord 1440.

Johannes de Schonhouia. Johannes de Schonhouia, of the Order of the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine, of the monastery of Groenendaal in Brabant, in the diocese of Cambrai, a man learned in divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular literature, subtle in intellect, composed in speech, devout in life and conduct. He wrote certain little works of reading not to be despised, whose reading is judged very useful for devout brothers: a spiritual exhortation to his nephew, 1 book; On the Course of a Monk, 1 book; also [several corrupt repetitions of the same titles]; he published various sermons, and several letters to various persons, and many other things.

Hugo Sletflaminus. [A man] learned in divine Scriptures, a most celebrated interpreter of Bonaventure, renowned in intellect, scholastic in speech. He wrote a distinguished work on the Sentences, 4 books; also various sermons on Scripture; [unclear].

He published various sermons, several letters to various persons, and many other things. He flourished at the time of the Council of Constance under Emperor Sigismund, in the year of the Lord 1520.

Hugo Sletflaminus.

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

Dominic, a monk of the Carthusian order, of the house of Saint Alban near Trier, by nation indeed a Prussian, a learned and most devout man, lived laudably in his order for more than fifty years. He wrote certain volumes, not to be despised for devotion, in which he usefully exercised his talent. Of these I have found the following: a volume entitled The Sound of One Feasting, because he produced it in the solitude of his cell while eating and almost ruminating. Another, which he wished to entitle The Crown of Blessed Mary Ever Virgin, in which he compares her life to precious stones. Likewise a third work which he wrote, he entitled The Book of Experience, in which he inserts various revelations divinely made to him. I once saw also certain little works of his, whose titles oblivion has taken from my memory. He died, not without a reputation for holiness, in the year of the Lord 1360, in the eighth indiction, on 31 December, and was buried at Trier in the common cemetery of his brethren, as he had requested.

Bartholomew, Prior of Bethlehem, Carthusian monk.

Bartholomew, a monk of the Carthusian order, prior of the house of Bethlehem in the town of Roermond in Guelders, a man zealous and learned in the Holy Scriptures, and an acute, devout, and highly reputed interpreter of them, wrote for the edification of his brethren certain excellent little works, of which the following are current: Exercise of Devotion, one book; Summary of Vices, or the Destruction of Vices, a notable work, one book; On Abstinence from the Eating of Meat, one book; On the Proclamations of the Brethren in Chapter, one book; On Rash Judgment, one book; On the Oath, one book; and On the Vow, one book. The rest that he wrote have not come to my knowledge.

At length he died, after many holy exercises, under Emperor Frederick III, in the year of the Lord’s incarnation 1446, in the ninth indiction, on 12 July.

John Rode, abbot of the monastery of Saint Matthew the Apostle near Trier, of the order of the divine father Benedict, born from the city of Trier, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures and exceptionally learned in canon law, devout in life and conduct, who was a most celebrated restorer of regular observance; from his labor and foundation the latest Bursfelde reform of our order began in Germany. He devoted some effort to letters at the University of Heidelberg, where, becoming a bachelor of sacred theology and a most learned licentiate of canon law, he already seemed in mind and body to despise the world. For although he was a canon of the church of Metz, dean of Saint Simeon’s at Trier, and official of the court of Trier, he despised all things for the love of Christ and, having entered the order of Carthusian monks near Trier, was not long afterward unanimously elected prior. Finally, at the instance of lord Otto, archbishop of Trier, he was drawn out of the Charterhouse by apostolic mandate and appointed abbot of the aforesaid monastery; by his diligence many monasteries were reformed. He wrote, for the restoration of regular discipline, Notable Constitutions, one book; On the Governance of an Abbot, one book; and certain other things. He died in the year of the Lord 1439, in the second indiction, on the first day of September, in the twentieth year of his abbatial office, under Emperor Albert.

Nicholas of Cusa, bishop of Brixen.

Nicholas of Cusa, bishop of Brixen and cardinal priest of the most holy Roman Church, of the title of Saint Peter in Chains, born in the diocese of Trier in a village by the Moselle called Cusa, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and easily the foremost theologian of his time; also exceptionally learned in secular letters, a philosopher, rhetorician, and most celebrated mathematician of all; subtle in intellect, eloquent in speech, skilled in the three principal languages, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin; wholly upright in life and conduct and singularly devout; a sincere and fervent lover of the salvation of souls; a most fluent preacher of sermons; a most bitter enemy of all vices; unchangeable in constancy of mind; most patient, even in old age, of honorable labors; eloquent beyond expectation. He retained all histories in memory; in the mathematical disciplines no one in his time was more learned than he. He recited from memory civil and pontifical law and the decrees of the fathers; he was a most acute disputant in Aristotelian philosophy. Indeed he was the highest interpreter and master of Christian theology, as Johannes Aleriensis, secretary of the Apostolic Library, testifies at length in a certain place. This Nicholas, sent into his Germany as apostolic legate, did and established many useful things for the reform of the Church and of monastic religion. He wrote the following little works: On the Vision of God, one book; On the Peace of Faith, one book; On the Correction of the Calendar, one book; On Mathematical Complements, one book; A Sifting of the Alcoran, three books; On the Hunt for Wisdom, one book; On the Game of the Sphere, a mystical work, two books; Compendium, one book; Trialogue on Possest, one book; On Mathematical Perfection, one book; Against the Heresy of the Bohemians, one book; On the Gift of the Father of Lights, one book; On Seeking God, one book

156. JOHANNES TRITHEMIUS. [page 187]

…[he wrote], of which I have seen a volume which he entitled On definitive votes in a general council, in which he concludes that all who have had a place in the council ought also to have definitive votes. Item, On the authority of the pope and of the council, 1 book; also On the nature of schism, 1 book; On neutrality, 1 book; of the rest (although he wrote much) nothing has come to me. He flourished in the time of the Council of Basel, in the year of the Lord 1440, under the beginning of the reign of Frederick III.

[Johannes Gower.] Item, On the concord of the Evangelists—which work he entitled "One out of four"—1 book; sermons on the [seasons of the] year and on the saints, 2 books; also triple sermons through Lent, [several] books. But he is said to have written also several others, which have not come into our hands. He flourished in the times of the Council of Basel, in the year of the Lord 1461.

[Margin: Gerard de Stredam.] GERARD DE STREDAM, monk of the Carthusian order, Prior of the house of the Apostles near Liège, a man exercised and erudite by long study in the divine Scriptures, mild in talent and sweet in eloquence, venerable no less for conversation than for knowledge. He wrote, for the edification of [his] readers, certain illustrious volumes, of which the following are reported. To a certain abbot of our order, of the monastery of Saint Adrian of Geraldsberg, on the care…

[Johannes?] Benedicti, learned in the sacred Scriptures and rich in the reading of the ancients, subtle in intellect, endowed with singular charm in speech, and also an outstanding disputant of scholastic questions. He wrote certain distinguished little works, by which he transmitted the memory of his name with praise to posterity; among their number the following are reported. Questions on the Sentences, one book. Various Questions, one book. Speeches, one book. On the Power of the Virtues, one book. On Abstinence from Meat, one book. On the Use of Flocks in God, one book. On Progress, one book, under which are contained the following. The Soliloquy of a Man to God, one book. Letters to Various Persons, one book. Various Sermons and Speeches, one book. Various Poems or Epigrams, one book, and certain other brief works, but not unpleasing. He died in the year [unclear].

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one book. On the Summit of Theory, 1 book; On Learned Ignorance, 3 books; On Conjectures, 2 books; On the Filiation of God, 1 book; On Genesis, 1 book; Idiota, On Wisdom, 4 books; On the Squaring of the Circle, 1 book; On Fortune, [unclear] book; Directory of the Speculator, 1 book; also very fine sermons for the whole year, 1 book; letters to various persons, 1 book; and he published many other things which have not come to my knowledge. He died under Emperor Frederick III, in the year of the Lord 1463, in the twelfth indiction, on the third day before the Ides of August, in the sixty-third year of his age.

Heinrich Kalteisen, by homeland a man of Koblenz, of the order of the Friars Preachers of the convent of his native city, archbishop of the churches of Nidaros and Caesarea in Norway, was a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, scholastic in eloquence, a most eloquent declaimer of sermons. He wrote certain distinguished volumes of his talent, of which the following are extant: On the Magnificat, 1 book; various questions, almost without number, disputed in the schools and elsewhere, 1 book; sermons on the season and on the saints, 2 books; sermons through Lent, 1 book. He is also said to have written on the Sentences of Master Peter Lombard a great and notable volume, which I have not yet seen, and other things. He died under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Paul II, in the year of the Lord 1465, in the twelfth indiction, on the sixth day before the Nones of October, buried at Koblenz.

Heinrich of Gorkum, a learned doctor of sacred theology, an outstanding interpreter of secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, an acute disputant, presiding from the master’s chair in the University of Cologne, by teaching, writing, and explaining earned great praise for his learning. He wrote works not to be despised in reading: Against the Hussite Heretics, 1 book; Summary of the Sayings of Saint Thomas, 1 book; sermons and various collations. He is also said to have written various questions, determinations, lectures, books, verses, and treatises, but they have not come into our hands. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Pius II, in the year of the Lord 1460.

Johannes Kanneman, of the order of the Friars Minor, was a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, subtle in intellect, distinguished in eloquence, outstanding in delivering sermons to the people. He is said to have thought otherwise than he should have concerning ecclesiastical power, whence he provoked the talents of many against himself. When he was sought by the minister of Saxony for imprisonment, he escaped by flight and betook himself to the Observance; thereafter he amended his error together with his life. Long before, Johannes of Hagen, a most learned Carthusian monk, had reproved him and recalled him to the paths of justice. Among many writings indeed unknown to us, he also wrote the following: A Defense of His Propositions, 1 book; a very notable treatise On the Passion of the Lord; sermons on the season and on the saints, 2 books; also various letters and questions. I have found nothing about the rest. He flourished in the times of Emperor Frederick III and Pope Pius II, in the year of the Lord 1460.

Jacobus of Jüterbog, a monk of the Carthusian order of the house of the Savior at Erfurt, was a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, a very eminent interpreter of canon law, ready in intellect, clear in speech, devout in life and conduct. He is said previously to have been abbot of a certain monastery of the Cistercian order; for the hope of amendment of life he gave up the dignity of pastoral care together with the order and obtained a place on the aforesaid Mount of Saint Savior, where, made famous by writing and disputing, he gained the name of Doctor to such a degree that his words and writings were held almost as the oracle of Apollo. Among his works these are reported: On the Jubilee Year, 1 book; On the Causes of Many Passions, 1 book; On the Morals of Christians, one book; On the Threefold State of Men, 1 book; Consolation of the Evils of This Age, 1 book; On the Manner of Observing an Interdict, 1 book; Apologeticus of Religious, 1 book; On the Cautions of Diverse States, 1 book; On the Knowledge of Secret Events, 1 book; On Truth to Be Spoken or Kept Silent, 1 book; On Thoughts, 1 book; On Contracts, 1 book; On the [unclear] of This Age, 1 book; On the Obedience of Monks, one book; On the Stability of Monks, 1 book; On the Art of Dying, 1 book; On the Restraining of Thoughts, 1 book; Soliloquy of a Man to His Soul, 1 book; On the Art of Curing Vices, 1 book; On the Seven Deadly Sins, 1 book; and On Actual Sins, 1 book; On the Seven Mental Deadly Sins, 1 book; On the Power of Demons, 1 book; On the Dignity of Prelates, 1 book; On the Priesthood, 1 book; On the Observance of the Commandments, 1 book; On the State of the Safer Life, 1 book; On the Sabbath, 1 book; On the Direction of Intention, 1 book; On the Progress of the Spiritual Life, one book; On Indulgences, 1 book; On the Good Moral Remedy against Temptations, 1 book; On the Two Cities, namely Jerusalem and Babylon, 1 book; Directo-

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A Directory of his order, 1 book; On the confirmation of the statutes of the Carthusian order, 1 book; On those who celebrate frequently or rarely, 1 book; A method of resisting temptations, 1 book; sermons for the season and on the saints, 1 book. He also published many other things, which have not come into our hands. He died under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Paul II, in the year of the Lord 1466, in the fourteenth indiction.

Goswinus de Hex, a Brabantine by birth, of the order of the brothers of Blessed Mary ever Virgin of Mount Carmel, of the convent of Vlissingen, bishop of [Ieropolis?], vicar in pontifical matters of the bishop of Utrecht, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and notably instructed in secular philosophy, ready in intellect and distinguished in eloquence, also a very celebrated preacher of popular sermons. He wrote On the Ten Commandments, 1 book; also A Directory of a Troubled Conscience, 1 book; sermons for the season and on the saints, 2 books. But he is also said to have written several other things, which have not yet come to my knowledge. He died under Emperor Frederick III, in the year of the Lord 1475, in the eighth indiction, on the Kalends of April.

Johannes de Aurbach, priest and canon of the church of Bamberg, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and an excellent doctor of decrees, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, who for a long time adorned the University of Erfurt by his learning and presence, both in teaching and in writings. He wrote many excellent volumes, by which he transmitted his name to the memory of posterity; of these I have found only the following: Judicial Process, 2 books; also On the Sacraments, 1 book. The rest that he composed have not come into our hands. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Paul II, in the year of the Lord 1470.

Henricus de Herp, of the Order of Friars Minor of the Observance, of the province of Cologne, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of pontifical law, ready in intellect, clear in speech, devout in life and conduct; and among his sermons the following are extant: On the Ten Commandments, a great and distinguished volume, 1 book; On the Three Parts of Penance, 1 book; sermons for the season and on the saints, 2 books; sermons through Advent, 1 book; also sermons through Lent, 1 book. Concerning the rest, however, I have found nothing. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Paul II, in the year of the Lord 1470.

Johannes de Mechilinia, trained by long study in the holy Scriptures and not moderately learned in scholastic philosophy, excellent in intellect and clear in eloquence, taught the divine Scriptures with distinction for many years at the University of Cologne, and acquired great renown for his learning. He wrote On the Sentences, 4 books; On the Whole Psalter, 1 book; Various Questions Disputed in the Schools, 1 book; also sermons. Besides these he is said to have written many other things, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Pius II, in the year of the Lord 1460.

Dionysius Rikel de Lebis, monk of the Carthusian order, of the house of Bethlehem at Roermond in Gelderland, a man most devoted to the divine writings and thoroughly learned by continual exercise, also not ignorant of secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, singularly devout in life and conduct, so much so that he was even held worthy of divine revelations. He wrote so many and such great works that, in number of volumes among the Latins, apart from Augustine, he had no equal. He was accustomed to devote himself to contemplation and prayer with such fervor that he seemed never to have been able to write anything. Again, he was so continually engaged in the study of reading and writing that one would have thought he could neither pray nor contemplate. He slept very little, was admirable in abstinence from food and drink, and, after the example of Saint Jerome, judged it sweet to meditate day and night on the law of the Lord, always either reading or writing something useful, so that prayer often interrupted reading, and reading continued prayer. Of the works of this most studious man I have found the following: On the Sentences, four books; On Genesis, 1 book; On Exodus, 1 book; On Leviticus, 1 book; On Numbers, 1 book; On Deuteronomy, 1 book; On Joshua, 1 book; On Judges, 1 book; On Ruth, 1 book; On Kings, 4 books; On Chronicles, 2 books; On Ezra, 3 books; On Nehemiah, 1 book; On Tobit, 1 book; On Esther, 1 book; On Judith, 1 book; On Job, 1 book; On the Proverbs of Solomon, 1 book; On Ecclesiastes, 1 book; On the Song of Songs, 1 book; On the Book of Wisdom, 1 book; On Ecclesiasticus, 1 book; On Isaiah the Prophet, one book; On Jeremiah, 1 book; On the Book of Baruch, 1 book; On Ezekiel, 1 book; On Daniel, 1 book; On the Twelve Minor Prophets, 12 books; On the Books of Maccabees [unclear].

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Johannes Trithemius

[unclear], 2 books; on the Psalter, 3 books; on the Gospel of Matthew, 1 book; on Mark, one book; on Luke also, 1 book; on John, 1 book; on all the epistles of Paul, 14 books; on the Acts of the Apostles, 1 book; on the canonical epistles, 8 books; on the Apocalypse of John, one book; an exposition of hymns, 1 book; on the seven penitential psalms, 1 book; On Authentic Documents, 1 book; an exposition of the Mass, 1 book; a dialogue on the celebration of Masses, 1 book; on holy communion, one book; a Compendium of Philosophy, 1 book; a Compendium of Theology, 1 book; a dialogue between a philosopher and a theologian, 1 book; on the books of blessed Dionysius the martyr, 4 books; on eleven epistles of the same, 1 book; on the book of John Climacus, 1 book; on Boethius, On the Consolation of Philosophy, 5 books; a summary of the parts of Saint Thomas, 1 book; sermons for the seasons and on the saints, 2 books; likewise sermons for religious, for the seasons and on the saints, 2 books; six sermons on the venerable Sacrament, 1 book; an exposition of the Lord's Passion, 1 book; meditations on the Lord's Passion, 1 book; On the Praises of the Most Praiseworthy God, 1 book; On the Praises of Saint Mary, 4 books; On the Fountain of Salvation and the Paths of Life, 1 book; On the Light of Christian Theory, 1 book; On the Beauty of the World, 1 book; On the Nature of the True and Eternal God, 1 book; On the Divine Essence of Divine and Human Perfection, 1 book; On the Happiness of the Soul, 1 book; On the Benefits of God, 1 book; On the Mutual Recognition of the Saints in the Fatherland, 1 book; On the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, 1 book; The Cordial, 1 book; On the Guarding of the Heart, 1 book; On Inner Joy and Peace, 1 book; On the Purgative Way, 1 book; a dialogue on the Catholic faith, one book; a dialogue between a Christian and a Saracen, 1 book; Against Magicians and Waldensians, 1 book; Against Various Superstitions, 1 book; On Vices and Virtues, 1 book; Against Ambition, 1 book; Against the Saracens, 3 books; On the Gravity of Sin, 1 book; On Contempt of the World, 1 book; On the Method of Judging and Correcting, 1 book; On Remedies for Temptations, 1 book; The Mirror of the Sinner, 1 book; On the Four Last Things, one book; On Internal Reformation, one book; On Particular Judgment, 1 book; On the Passions of the Soul, 1 book; On the Discernment of Spirits, 1 book; On the Progress of Charity, 1 book; On the Perfection of Charity, 1 book; The Kindling of Divine Love, 1 book; On Contemplation, 1 book; On Prayer, 1 book; Meditation, 1 book. He also set down another, The Sound of One Feasting, 1 book; On the Processions that Take Place in the Church, 1 book; On the Elevation of the Mind to God, 1 book; On the Power and Authority of the Pope, 2 books; On the Authority of a General Council, 3 books; On the Reformation of the Universal Church, 1 book; Against Simony, 2 books; On the Reformation of Cloistered Religious, 1 book; Against Plurality of Benefices, 1 book; On the Rules of Life of Christians, 1 book; On the Reformation of Nuns, 1 book; On the Life of Nobles, 1 book; On the Rule of Princes, 1 book; a dialogue between Christ and a prince, 1 book; a dialogue between Christ and the wife of a prince, 1 book; On the Governance of the Polity of Cities, 1 book; a dialogue between himself and a boy, 1 book; On the Life of Widows, 1 book; On the Life of Married Persons, 1 book; On the Life of Enclosed Women, 1 book; On the Solitary Life, 1 book; On the Office of Merchants, 1 book; a dialogue between Jesus and a priest, 1 book; Against the Vice of Property among Monks, 1 book; Revelations Divinely Shown to Him, 1 book; an annotation of his works, 1 book; three collations for various chapters. He published many letters to Nicholas of Cusa, cardinal, and to various others. But he is also said to have written many other things which have not come to my knowledge. He recast the little works of John Cassian into an easier style, also for the sake of the simpler brothers. He died under the emperor Frederick III and Pope Paul II, in the year of the Lord 1471, in the fourth indiction, on the day of blessed Gregory, which is the twelfth of the month of March, and was buried with his brothers in the common cemetery of the aforesaid house of Roermond, not without a reputation for holiness.

Johannes de Hagen, otherwise de Indagine, a monk of the Carthusian order of the house of Mount Saint Savior at Erfurt, prior in Eisenach and in Stettin, was a man most devoted to the study of the divine Scriptures and very learned, and excellently taught in canon law; subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, ready and provident in counsel, devout in life and conduct. He wrote many distinguished volumes to kings, princes, bishops, and other prelates of churches, when he was asked about various and diverse matters and questions. Of these, however, few have come into our hands, namely: On the Praise of Poverty, one book; On the Life of Religious, 1 book; On the Case of Religion, 1 book; On the Life of Young Men, one book; On Humility and Pride, one book; On Interior Adornment, 1 book; On the Approach to the New Man, 1 book; On Grace and the Free Will of Man, 1 book; On Rebuke and the Grace of God, 1 book; On Nature and Grace, 1 book; On Perseverance, 1 book; On Spirit, Body, and Soul, 1 book; On the Commands of the Prelate-

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Catalogue of Illustrious Men

of prelates, one book; On Charity, one book; On the Love of God, one book; On the Search for the Highest Good, one book; Against the Errors of the Bohemians, one book; To the Bishop of Regensburg, Against the Same, [one?] book; To the Margrave of Brandenburg, one book; To the University of Erfurt, one book; On the Rule of our holy father Benedict, one book; On [unclear], one book; On Knowledge of Future Things, one book; On the Vision of Tundal, What Should Be Thought of It, one book; On the Vision of Daniel, chapter seven, one book; On the Apparition of a Certain Deceased Woman, one book; On Future Prodigies, one book; The Lament of [unclear], one book; On the Crusade against Heretics, one book; On the Removal of the Bridegroom from the Church, one book; On the Time of Schism, one book; On the Authority of the Pope in a General Council, one book; On Ecclesiastical Power, one book; What Is to Be Held concerning Little Children Dying Unbaptized, one book; On a Judge Judging against Conscience, one book; Against the Heretical Flagellants, one book; On Whether Someone Is to Be Considered a Religious without Profession, one book; On the Fast of the Fifth Feria, one book; On Just and Unjust War, one book; On the Teaching of the Church, one book; On Hearing Mysteries, one book; Against Brother Johannes Kanneman of the Order of Minors, one book; On the Spiritual Life, one book; On the Discernment of Thoughts, one book; On True and False Penitence, one book; On the Manner of Confessing, one book; On Hearing Confessions, one book; On the Spiritual Art of Memory, one book; On the Four Senses of Sacred Scripture, one book; On Contemplation, one book; On the Interdict, one book; To Rudolph, Bishop of Lavant, one book; On False Prophets, one book; On Communion under Both Kinds, one book; five sermons At the Dedication of a Church. Many sermons On the Season and On the Saints, two books; On the Books of Kings according to the Fourfold Sense of Sacred Scripture, two books; Letters to Various Persons, one book. Finally, he composed useful commentaries on many books of the Bible, which have by no means come into our hands, but also more than three hundred other treatises on various questions.

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... is said to have written on sacred matters, on logic, and on philosophy, works which have not yet at all come to my knowledge. He flourished at Erfurt under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Paul II, in the year of the Lord 1470.

Sifridus of Mainz, of the order of Friars Preachers, titular bishop of Cyrene, vicar in pontificals of the archbishop of Mainz, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, skilled in the Hebrew language, an acute disputant, and an outstanding preacher of the divine word. He wrote to Theoderic, archbishop of Mainz, On the Usury of the Jews, one book; On Taxes and Redemptions, one book; various questions; also many sermons and certain orations to the clergy. And certain other things. He died under Emperor Frederick III, in the year of the Lord 1473, in the sixth indiction, on the sixteenth day of the month of May. He was buried in his convent at Mainz.

Godescalcus Gresemundus of Meschede, a Westphalian by country, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and exceptionally learned in secular philosophy, sharp in intellect, distinguished in life and conduct, a profound doctor of sacred theology, who taught it gloriously for many years in the gymnasium of Erfurt. He wrote notable questions on the Sentences, four books; moreover various questions disputed in the schools, one book; many sermons and diverse conferences. And certain other things unknown to us. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III, in the year of the Lord 1480. And almost ten years before this he died.

Stephanus Hoest of Ladenburg, priest and canon of the church of Speyer and preacher of the word of God in the castle of Heidelberg, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and exceptionally learned in secular philosophy, excellent in verse and prose, acute in intellect, composed in speech, in delivering sermons to the people no less learned than eloquent. He wrote several little works of reading not to be despised, of which, however, few have come to my knowledge. For I found a distinguished volume on the new translation of Aristotle’s Ethics, ten books; various sermons and orations to the people, clergy, and princes. And certain epigrams. Concerning the rest I have as yet found nothing. He died under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Paul II, in the year of the Lord 1471, in the fourth indiction.

Heinrich of Cologne, called de Piro, namely from his father’s house, a monk of the Carthusian order, of the house of Saint Barbara in Cologne, a man rather studious in the divine Scriptures and, before his entrance into religion, a subtle doctor of both laws and very celebrated in reputation. He wrote and lectured in that faculty many distinguished volumes, by which he commended the memory of himself to posterity. Yet few have come into our hands, namely a notable work on the Institutes, four books; To Novices on Internal Reform, one book; various counsels in diverse cases; quite a number of sermons on the season and on the saints. Concerning the rest nothing is known to me. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Paul II, in the year of the Lord 1470.

Nicolaus Donis, monk of the order of the divine father Benedict, of the monastery, as they say, of Reichenbach, a man certainly studious and learned in secular letters and not ignorant of the divine Scriptures, a distinguished philosopher and astronomer, a most vigilant discoverer and most diligent restorer of the Cosmography of Ptolemy, outstanding in intellect and clear in eloquence. He wrote volumes not to be contemned, by which he commended the memory of himself to posterity. Among these there survives a marvelous and very celebrated work, most elegantly arranged with pictures and new tables, on the Cosmography of Ptolemy, addressed to Pope Paul II, four books; also On Wondrous Places, one book; he also composed letters, and many, in my judgment not inelegant, to various persons. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Paul II, in the year of the Lord 1470.

Georgius of Peuerbach, most skilled in the knowledge of secular letters and not ignorant of the holy Scriptures, the philosopher and astronomer easily the most learned of all in his time, subtle in intellect, composed in speech, who in the gymnasium of Vienna for a long time publicly taught philosophy and the science of the stars, where, among countless other pupils, he instructed Johannes of Regiomontanus, a most learned man. He wrote New Theories of the Planets, one book, and several other works on astronomy, which have not come into our hands. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Paul II, in the year of the Lord 1480.

Johannes Tinctoris of Cologne Agrippina, a man rather studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, exceptionally learned in secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, an acute disputant, publicly taught sacred letters for many years in the gymnasium of Cologne, and [unclear] the praises of learning

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Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

163 acquired great praises. He wrote certain distinguished little works, by which he transmitted his name to posterity; and, first of all, he indeed strove to reconcile the disagreements of Thomas and John Scotus in one volume, which, overtaken by death, he did not complete. He also wrote notable questions on the Sentences, [unclear] book; sermons to the people; various orations to the clergy; and certain other things unknown to us. He flourished under Emperor Frederick in the year of the Lord 1470.

Johannes de Beetz.

He acquired great praises. He wrote certain distinguished little works, by which he transmitted his name to posterity; and, first of all, he indeed strove to reconcile the disagreements of Thomas and John Scotus in one volume, which, overtaken by death, he did not complete. He also wrote notable questions on the Sentences, [unclear] book; sermons to the people; various orations to the clergy; and certain other things unknown to us. He flourished under Emperor Frederick in the year of the Lord 1470.

Johannes de Beetz.

Johannes de Beetz, of the order of the brothers of blessed Mary ever virgin of Mount Carmel, of the convent of Tienen, a man most learned in the divine scriptures and most skilled in secular philosophy, which they call Aristotelian, subtle in intellect, distinguished in eloquence, and devout also in life and conduct, teaches as a declaimer of popular sermons no less than as an eloquent man. He wrote On Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, one book; also On the Precepts of the Divine Law, ten books; On the Sacrament of the Altar, one book; Various Questions Disputed in the Schools, one book; On the Passion of the Lord, one book; Sermons on the Season and on the Saints, two books. Finally he published many other things, which have not come to my knowledge. He died under Emperor Frederick III, Pope Sixtus IV, in the year of the Lord 1486, in the ninth indiction, on the sixteenth day before the Kalends of [unclear].

1470. And he died a few years ago.

Arnoldus de Busco.

Arnoldus de Busco, canon regular of Saint Augustine, of the monastery of Windesheim in the diocese of Utrecht, for some time prior in Sulta in Saxony, in the diocese of Hildesheim, a man studious in the holy scriptures, of honorable morals and devout conduct. He wrote, in a plain style, little works not to be despised, the reading of which is judged useful for devout brothers who love their salvation. Of these, however, I recall that few have come into our hands. I have read that volume which he wrote On the Lives of the Illustrious Men of his Order, of the Monastery of Windesheim, one book; also On the Origin of the Modern Devotion and the Reform of his Order, [unclear] book; a lengthy letter On the Manner of Making Progress in Religion. The other things which he wrote have not come into our hands. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III, in the year of the Lord 1470. And he died a few years ago.

Rudolphus de Rudesheim.

Rudolphus de Rudesheim, a Rhenish countryman from the diocese of [unclear], first dean of Worms and afterward bishop of Wroclaw, doctor of sacred letters, subtle in intellect, distinguished in eloquence, honorable in life and conduct, flourished gloriously for many years in the academy of Heidelberg, both by reading and by teaching. He wrote many distinguished volumes, of which the following are extant: On Genesis, one book; On Exodus, one book; on Leviticus, one book; also on Numbers, one book; on Deuteronomy, one book; on Joseph, one book; on Judges, one book; on the prophet Isaiah, [unclear] book; on the Sentences, four books; many various sermons on the Season and on the Saints, one book. He also delivered several orations, which it would be too long to describe one by one. But he published some other things, still quite unknown to us. He flourished under Emperor Frederick, in the year of the Lord 1470.

Johannes de Regiomonte, once a disciple of the astronomer Georgius Burbachius, a man most learned in every respect, no less than Anaximander of Miletus or Archimedes of Syracuse, most learned in Greek and Latin eloquence, the glory of the Germans, on account of astronomy and the other mathematical disciplines endowed by Matthias, king of Pannonia, with a consulship and perpetual stipend among the citizens of Nuremberg, attained great praise for his learning not only among our Germans but also among the Italians and the French. For, summoned to Rome by Pope Sixtus IV to correct the Paschal computation of Dionysius, while he was preparing many things for posterity, he died of disease or plague, not without the very great loss of students. He wrote a very fine Calendar with [unclear], [unclear] book; likewise Ephemerides on the disposition of the heavens for individual days over certain years, one book; Against Gerardus Cremonensis, one book; various orations; many letters to different persons; for Lord Johannes, archbishop of Esztergom, Tables of Directions and Profections, useful in nativities, one book; also Tables of the Right Sine, one book; On the Composition of the Astrolabe, one book. Also other things

Gerardus de Elten, of the order of the brothers preachers, of the convent of Cologne, a man studious and learned in the divine scriptures, and exceptionally skilled in secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, acute as a disputant, who, after he had publicly taught theology for many years in the academy of Cologne, not without great praise from all, despised the world and, already an old man, put on the monastic habit, not without the admiration of many. He wrote, as is reported, Questions on the Sentences, one book; also other various questions disputed in the schools; sermons to the people; several orations to the clergy. And he is said to have written certain other things, [unclear]

Gerardus de Elten.

[Of] Johannes Trithemius

[unclear] studious and learned, an outstanding lover of regular discipline, devout in life and conduct. He wrote, in a clear and plain style, certain little works not to be despised for the edification of his brethren, with which he usefully occupied his talent. Of these he once showed me: On the Spiritual Vineyard, a work not to be rejected, one book; likewise On the Fuller Instruction of Novices, one book. He also wrote certain other small but useful exercises for religious, which have not yet come to the knowledge of my reading. He died old and full of days and good works, under Emperor Frederick III, in the year of the Lord 1485.

Heinrich Arnoldi, a Saxon by nation, by profession a monk of the Carthusian order, of the house of Basel, a man devout in religion, distinguished in talent, sincere in affection, grave in character, sweet in speech, affable in conduct, pious, humble, gentle, bright in example, very much exercised in sacred letters, and not ignorant of pontifical law. When he held the office of notary for many years in the holy Council of Basel, he was approved by the testimony of all as faithful, just, and prudent. At length, seeing that all things are vanity, having chosen all things for the love of Christ, he governed the monks subject to him for many years in great peace and tranquillity. He wrote many very devout and wholesome little works, among which the following are reported: Many Prayers on Various Saints, one book. Also Many Sermons, one book. Histories of Many Saints, one book. The Passion of the Lord Harmonized from the Four, one book. Meditations on the Life of Christ, one book. On the Immaculate Conception of Blessed Mary Ever-Virgin, one book. On the Instruction of Novices, one book. Dialogue between Jesus and Mary, one book. Dialogue between Saint Margaret and Her Little Servant on Spiritual Exercises, one book. Another Dialogue between the Same on the Cross, one book. On the Commendation of Charity, one book. On Holy Humility in the Form of a Prayer, one book. Again, On Humility, one book. Chronicle of His Carthusian House in Basel, one book; and certain other things. He died under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Innocent VIII, in the year of the Lord 1487, in the fifth indiction.

Jodocus Eichman of Calw, born in a village of Swabia, studious and learned in the divine Scriptures and also not moderately instructed in secular philosophy, ready in talent, scholastic in speech, was held in esteem for many years in the Heidelberg gymnasium by reading, teaching, and preaching. There also, according to custom, he held for some time the office of preacher in the church of the Holy Spirit. He wrote certain treatises, as they say, not to be rejected, but they have not come to the knowledge of my reading. There are extant many learned sermons of his, two books. Also various disputed questions. Also some orations to the fathers. He also wrote A Vocabulary for Preachers, one book, and certain other things. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III, in the year of the Lord 1485, and died under Pope Innocent.

Heinrich of Gelnhausen, a monk of our monastery in Sponheim, of the order of the divine father Benedict, bachelor of the Erfurt gymnasium, and once rector of scholars in his native town, a man learned in secular philosophy, practiced in verse and prose. He wrote certain little works of reading not to be despised, with which he occupied his talent usefully enough. To the novices of the monastery of Porta Mariae of the Order of Saint William he wrote a long and learned letter On Spiritual Progress and Instruction, one book. The Life of Saint Benedict the Abbot in elegiac verse, one book. Sermons on the Temporale and on the Saints, one book. Against the Plurality of Benefices, one book. And certain letters to various persons. He died under Emperor Frederick III, at the age of fifty, in the year of the Lord 1488, in the sixth indiction, on the seventh day before the Kalends of April, buried in the southern part of the cloister.

Peter le Kyrslaken, of the order of the Friars Preachers, skilled in the Hebrew and Latin languages, a famous declaimer of sermons. He wrote to the bishop of the church of Regensburg in Bavaria a treatise against the faithless Jews On the Conditions of the True Messiah, that is, Christ. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III, in the year of the Lord [unclear].

Philipp Kersbeele, of the order of the brothers of Blessed Mary Ever-Virgin of Mount Carmel, of the convent of Ghent, philosopher and theologian, [wrote?] against Vincent of Newcastle, of the order of Preachers, who was barking against the most pure conception of the divine Virgin Mary, which Carolus Fernandus, a monk of the divine order of Benedict in France, reshaped into a more elegant style. He died while studying at Paris almost three years ago,

Nico-

Of Johannes Trithemius unknown to us. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Sixtus IV, in the year of the Lord 1470.

JOHANNES of the little village of Lutra, called de Lutrea, a man zealous in the divine Scriptures, learned and excellently taught in scholastic philosophy, subtle in intellect, composed in speech, honorable in life and conduct, singularly devout, a lover of virtues, an enemy of vices, a most steadfast despiser of greed, who abhorred plurality of benefices and scorned the title of a bishopric offered to him, first taught theology gloriously for many years in the school of Erfurt, and afterward vigorously performed the office of preacher in the church of Mainz. He wrote On the Sentences, four books; also various Questions; Sermons on the season and on the saints, two books; and certain other things unknown to us. He died under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Sixtus IV, in the year of the Lord 1479, in the twelfth indiction.

ALANUS de Rupe, of the Order of Friars Preachers, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, of most excellent reputation in declaiming sermons to the people, devoted to God in life and conduct, a special lover of blessed Mary ever virgin, and a venerable [unclear] promoter of her Rosary, deserved to be refreshed by a very singular gift of heavenly consolation, and, as they say, to be honored with frequent revelations and miracles. He wrote, among other little works of his talent: A Compendium of the Psalter of Blessed Mary Ever Virgin, one book; also On the Miracles of the Rosary of the same glorious Virgin, one book; many various Sermons, one book; On the Fraternity of the Rosary, one book; and many other things. He died in his convent of Zwolle, under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Sixtus IV, in the year of the Lord 1484, in the seventh indiction, on the vigil of the Assumption of Mary.

CONRADUS de Zabernia, zealous and learned in the holy Scriptures, not ignorant of secular literature, an excellent musician, an outstanding preacher of the divine word, distinguished in intellect, scholastic in speech, honorable in life and conduct. He wrote in plain speech certain little works not to be rejected, by which, exercising his talent usefully and fruitfully, he also left the memory of his name to posterity. Of these I have found only the following: On the Monochord, one book; On the Manner of Singing Well, one book; On the Conclusions of the Collects, one book; many various Sermons, one book. The rest that he composed have not at all come to the knowledge of our reading. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Sixtus IV, in the year of the Lord 1475, under whom he died.

JOHANNES de Dorfftein, of the Order of the Hermit Friars of Saint Augustine, of the convent of Erfurt, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, sufficiently suited to disputing and resolving difficult questions of the Scriptures, and also of excellent eloquence in declaiming sermons to the people. In the school of Erfurt he excelled in teaching and preaching. He wrote little works not to be despised, of which the following are reported: Questions on the Sentences, one book; On the Vice of the Tongue, one book; Sermons on the season and on the saints, two books; and certain other things. He flourished at Erfurt under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Sixtus IV, in the year of the Lord 1475.

THEODERICUS de Herxen, visitor and rector of the congregation of the Brethren Clerics Living in Common, a devout man, zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, ready in intellect, scholastic in speech. He wrote for the edification of his brethren many excellent little works, by which, exercising his talent usefully enough, he commended the memory of himself to posterity. Of these the following are extant: On the Whole Psalter, three books; On the Lord’s Prayer, one book; On the Angelic Salutation, one book; On the Passion of the Lord, one book; also On the Desire of Dying, one book; several Sermons to the brothers, and certain other things. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Sixtus IV, in the year 1481, in the fourteenth indiction.

ANGELUS de Brunsuco, a Saxon, who was commonly called Master Engelinus, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, excellently taught in secular philosophy, distinguished in intellect, scholastic in speech, eloquent in declaiming sermons to the people, who shone out very brightly in teaching and lecturing in the school of Erfurt. He wrote a notable work On the Canon of the Mass, which he is said to have read at Mainz before the clergy; many various Sermons, one book. He also disputed diverse Questions in the schools, and certain other things. He died at Strasbourg and was buried in the monastery of the penitents, under Emperor Frederick III, in the year of the Lord 1481, in the thirteenth indiction.

CRODENBERG, abbot of the monastery of Mount Saint John the Baptist of Rheingau, in the diocese of Mainz, of the Order of the divine father Benedict, a devout and learned man, a most upright guardian and lover of the newly introduced regular observance, one of those who by our reformation

Johannes Trithemius not ignorant of secular philosophy, ready in intellect, scholastic in speech, venerable no less for the integrity of his life than for his learning. He wrote several excellent little works, by which, usefully occupying his talent, he commended his memory to posterity. Of these, in the aforesaid gymnasium at Erfurt, he is said to have lectured in ordinary course: On the Epistles of Paul, 14 books. He delivered various orations in praise of Saint Jerome. He is said to have written many sermons and diverse questions, together with certain other things, which have as yet by no means come into our hands. He died in the monastery of Saint Peter at Erfurt, where he was buried, under Maximilian, King of the Romans, in the year of the Lord 1493, indiction 12.

Johannes Frytag of Dufeldorp, a town of the diocese of Cologne, of the order of the brothers of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin of Mount Carmel, of the convent of Mainz and prior of Strasbourg, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, a doctor of Cologne, sharp and forceful in intellect, no less eloquent than learned in delivering sermons to the people, devout in life and conduct, and an outstanding lover of regular discipline. He wrote: On the Observance of Feast Days, 1 book; On the Places of the Holy Land, which he traversed with his own feet and saw with his eyes, 1 book; various sermons on the season and on the saints, 2 books; and many other things. He died under Maximilian, Emperor, in the year of the Lord [1494?], indiction 12, and was buried at Strasbourg.

Sebastian Murrho of Colmar, priest and canon in Colmar, the town of his birth, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, most learned in secular letters, a philosopher, orator, poet, and astronomer-cosmographer of very celebrated reputation, distinguished in knowledge of laws and canons, most skilled in the three principal languages, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, second to none in architecture, music, and the whole Quadrivium, subtle in intellect, rich in eloquence, mature in life and conduct. He wrote to Jakob Wimpfeling of Sélestat a brief indeed, but very fine, epitome on the history and praises of the German princes and peoples, 1 book; also many most elegant poems, 1 book; also many letters to various people, 1 book; and various orations. He began commentaries on Baptista Mantuanus the Carmelite, but, overtaken by death, did not bring them forth. Conrad Leontorius, monk of Maulbronn, undertook to finish them and will shortly permit them to be printed. He died, to the very great loss of scholars, carried off by plague, under Maximilian, King of the Romans, in the year of the Lord 1495, indiction 13.

Rudolf Langius, canon of the church of Münster in Westphalia, a man zealous in the divine Scriptures, most learned in secular letters, a distinguished orator and poet, subtle in intellect, rich in eloquence. He wrote many excellent little works, both in verse and in prose, by which he made himself useful to those present and memorable to posterity. Of these the following are reported: To the Dean of the Church of Cologne, a book of diverse poems, 1 book; On the Siege of the Town of Neuss by Charles, Duke of Burgundy, 1 book; On the Three Kings, a Sapphic poem; On the Praises of Albert the Great, a poem; many poems; various letters to various people; and certain other things unknown to us. I hear that he is still living, an old man, although there are some who say that he departed this life in this year of the Lord 1495.

Jacob de Stralen, priest of the church of Cologne, a man learned by long study in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, who once for some time held the office of preacher in the church of Basel. He wrote many little works indeed worthy of commendation, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Of these he is said to have read some publicly in the gymnasium at Erfurt: On the Gospel of John, 1 book; On the Canon of the Mass, 1 book; On the Passion of the Lord, 1 book; Itinerary of the Holy Land, 1 book; various questions disputed in the schools, 1 book; many sermons; and several other things. He is still living in [unclear].

Wilhelm of Aachen, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, excellent in life and conduct, who once for some time held the office of preacher in the church of Basel. He wrote many little works indeed worthy of commendation, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Of these he is said to have read some publicly in the gymnasium at Erfurt: On the Gospel of John, 1 book; On the Canon of the Mass, 1 book; On the Passion of the Lord, 1 book; Itinerary of the Holy Land, 1 book; various questions disputed in the schools, 1 book; many sermons; and several other things. He is still living in [unclear].

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

[unclear] laid the foundations for the Bursfeld reform. Since he was an outstanding lover of blessed Mary ever virgin, he wrote in her honor, in plain discourse, a very celebrated volume, taking the material of praise from each of her members under the figure of a cluster of grapes; he entitled it On the Vineyard of the Lord Sabaoth, one book. The Exercise of Novices, one book. On the Preparation of the Priest for Mass, one book. He delivered various addresses in our chapters, one of which begins: “The crown of our head has fallen”; another: “Catch us the little foxes”; a third: “Blessed is the servant,” etc. He also composed various sermons for the brothers, which are partly extant and partly have been lost through negligence. He died under Frederick III, emperor, and Innocent VIII, pope, in the year of the Lord 1486, in the fourth indiction, on the eighth day before the Kalends of January. He was buried in the right apse of the choir toward the south side, before the altar of the holy father Benedict.

Georgius Molitoris of Neuenburg, a man trained by long study in the divine Scriptures, excellently learned, and not moderately instructed in scholastic philosophy, which they call Aristotelian; subtle and acute in intellect, honorable in life and conduct. In the school of Erfurt he taught theological science gloriously for not a few years. He wrote On the Sentences, three books; On the Passion of the Lord, one book; also many sermons and various questions. He died under Frederick III, emperor, and Sixtus IV, pope, in the year of the Lord 1490, in the second indiction.

Nicolaus of Wachenheim, doctor of Heidelberg, skilled in the holy Scriptures through long and sustained practice, an acute interpreter of Aristotelian philosophy, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, mature in life and conduct. In the school of Heidelberg, for almost fifty years, in teaching, lecturing, and writing, he was held in the highest esteem as a prince among theologians. He wrote works not to be despised in reading, by which he commended his memory to posterity; of these, however, very few have come to my knowledge. He flourished at Heidelberg under Frederick III, emperor. Questions on the Sentences, one book. Several sermons; speeches not useless to the clergy, [unclear]. He died at Heidelberg under Frederick III, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1480, a very old man, under Sixtus IV, pope; he died almost [seven years?] before this.

Heinrich, surnamed Prudent, a monk of the Carthusian order, prior of the house of the Valley near Bruges in Flanders, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, distinguished in intellect, devout in life and conduct, singularly devoted to God. For the instruction of religious he wrote several devout little works, by which he commended his name to posterity. Among these there is extant a very celebrated work, especially suited to devotion, which he entitled Tetralogue of Devotion, three books. He also wrote many devout letters to various persons, and many other things not yet seen by me. He died in the new house of Saint Sophia of Constantinople near ’s-Hertogenbosch, in which he held the office of prior for some years, under Frederick III, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1483, in the second indiction.

Rudolphus Agricola of Groningen, a Frisian by birth, a man the most learned of all in secular letters in his time, not ignorant of divine letters, a philosopher, rhetorician, and most celebrated poet, skilled in the three principal languages, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin; subtle in intellect, eloquent in speech; formerly the teacher of Johann Dalberg, bishop of Worms, a man equally most learned. In the school of Heidelberg, by teaching and writing, he easily held first place in Latin. He wrote certain distinguished little works, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Of these I have found the following: a heroic poem On Saint Anne, one book; Life of Francis the Patriarch, one book; also a very subtle Dialectic, three books; also many letters to various persons, several poems and epigrams, and various treatises. He composed an epitaph of this kind: “Envious fates have shut beneath this marble Rudolph Agricola, the hope and glory of Frisian soil; in this one man, namely, Germany earned whatever praise Latium has, whatever Greece has.” He was buried at Heidelberg in the convent of the Friars Minor.

Thilmann, prior or provost of the monastery of Saint Christopher at Ravengiersburg, at the edge of the diocese of Mainz toward Trier, in the place that from antiquity was called the retreat of the Huns, of the order of regular canons of Saint Augustine, a man in the divine Scriptures

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

Nicolaus of Crutzenach, from a town of the county of Spanheim, in the diocese of Mainz, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, distinguished in life, an acute disputant and an excellent preacher of sermons, taught theology publicly for many years in the university of Vienna. Both among the scholars there and before Emperor Frederick III he won great [unclear] and profit from his learning. He wrote certain distinguished volumes of his talent, of which the following are reported: On the Sentences, four books; On the Most Pure Conception of the Blessed Mary Ever Virgin, one book; Sermons on the Season and on the Saints, two books; many orations to [unclear]; various questions disputed in the schools; and certain other works unknown to us. He died at Vienna in Austria, under Emperor Frederick III and Pope Innocent VIII, in the year of the Lord 1491, in the ninth indiction.

Petrus Schot of Strasbourg, priest and canon of Saint Peter in Strasbourg, a man whose intellect was practiced in the divine Scriptures, most learned in both laws, and very learned in the other arts of humanity, a philosopher, rhetorician, and very celebrated poet, excellent in intellect, mature, honorable, and distinguished in life and conduct. He wrote certain beautiful little works, both in verse and in prose, by which he commended his memory to posterity. On Saints John the Baptist, the Evangelist, and Chrysostom, he wrote a learned and delightful work in elegiac verse, one book; Diverse Poems, two books; Letters to Various Persons, one book; Brief praises of Andrew the Apostle in verse; Praises of John Gerson. Before the first [unclear] in the year of the Lord 1491, in the ninth indiction.

Petrus Schot of Strasbourg.

[unclear] a part of his works printed. He also published some other works which have not come to my knowledge. He died under Emperor Frederick III, in the year of the Lord 1492, in the ninth indiction, in the thirty-first year of his age. He was buried at Strasbourg in his church of Saint Peter; Jacob Wimpheling described his life, character, and intellect.

Nicasius of Voerda, by nation a Brabanter, having been deprived of his eyes from the third year of his life by the bitterness of measles, was made entirely blind, and for that reason utterly ignorant even of all letters. As if a second great miracle, in our time he showed himself a Didymus of Alexandria, since he appeared most learned in every doctrine and science, both divine and human. For in the university of Cologne, where he died, [unclear].

[unclear] delightful works in elegiac verse, two books; Diverse Poems, three books; Letters to Various Persons, five books; Brief praises of Andrew the Apostle in verse; Praises of John Gerson. Before the first [unclear] in the year of the Lord 1491, in the ninth indiction.

Nicasius of Voerda.

He recited [unclear] from memory. In the University of Louvain he first received the degree of master in arts; afterward he directed schools for some time in Mechelen; then, having returned to Louvain, he was appointed licentiate in sacred theology. He does not celebrate the divine rites by himself at the altar. Finally, using his memory as a book, he recites. [unclear] through the age, he was made doctor of canon law by the consent of all the doctors in the Cologne Academy, and at Cologne was a cautious interpreter of imperial laws. He published a very celebrated work which he read extraordinarily in that same University of Cologne, with more than one hundred students taking it down by the pen: On the Institutes, four books. Likewise at Louvain he published On the Sentences, four books. He disputed various questions in the schools, which are partly extant and partly have been taken away. He also gave many sermons to the people. He gave me several rather elegant letters, in one of which, quite full, he wove together the whole story of his fortune, when questioned by me; [unclear] that he had made little works, he was humble. He died under Emperor Frederick III, in the year of the Lord 1491, in the tenth indiction, on the seventeenth day before the Kalends of September, at Cologne, in [unclear].

Third, in the year of the Lord 1590. For there was an error about him in [unclear]. He was buried in the church of Saint Columba, not in the major church. For there was an error about him in the Catalogue of Writers.

Johannes Pheffer of Widenberg, by nation an East Frank, a man learned in the divine Scriptures through long study, excellently taught in secular philosophy, excellent in intellect, devout, gentle, and distinguished in life and conduct. Sent from the University of Heidelberg, he illuminated the beginning of the university of Freiburg by his learning; there he taught sacred letters for many years with great glory, and thoroughly instructed many of his hearers. He wrote an outstanding volume on the Epistles of Paul, which, when read publicly, he entitled; Priestly Directory, thirteen books; also Questions on the Sentences, one book; sermons; and various treatises on the Scriptures, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under Emperor Frederick III in the year of the Lord 1490. And he died almost two years before this.

Johannes of Mylbach, doctor of Erfurt, learned in the holy Scriptures, and [unclear].

Johannes of Mylbach.

Nicolaus of Crutzenach.

Johannes Pheffer of Widenberg.

Johannes of Mylbach.

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

in good old age under King Maximilian and Pope Alexander VI, in the year of the Lord 1495.

Gabriel Biel, of the order of clerics living in common, a man exercised by long study in the divine Scriptures, excellently learned in secular philosophy, which they call Aristotelian, distinguished in talent, composed in speech, devout in life and conduct, presided for many years over the school of Tübingen from the beginning of its foundation, where he trained notable pupils both in philosophy and in sacred letters. He wrote certain works not to be despised, by which he made his name known. Among these, in the aforesaid academy, he ordinarily lectured on the Canon of the Mass, a large and very beautiful volume, one book. He also wrote On the Passion of the Lord, ten books; also many sermons, [unclear] book[s]. He is now said to be writing on the Sentences, a singular and useful work, which he now lectures to his pupils. He is also said to have written several other things, which have not come to our knowledge. He is still living, nearly seventy years old, and persists vigorously in the study he has undertaken, under Maximilian, King of the Romans, in the year of the Lord 1495, indiction XIII.

Johannes de Lapide, a monk of the Carthusian order, of the Basel house, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular literature, subtle in talent, eloquent in speech, outstanding in life and conduct, who formerly, in the school of Paris, obtained the mastership in the faculty of arts, governed there for several years, and, diligently pursuing the study of sacred letters by teaching, lecturing, and disputing, deserved to be adorned with the dignity of doctor in the school of theologians. He first transferred to the university of Basel the teaching of those Parisians who are called Realists, and there planted, strengthened, and enlarged it. He was also one of the principal founders of the Tübingen school. Finally, after the free resignation of several benefices, he was called to the canonry and office of preaching of the distinguished church of Basel; and at length, after a few years had passed, leaving all things for the love of Christ, he assumed the habit of the sacred Carthusian order. He wrote many excellent volumes, by which he made himself memorable as one who would be useful to those now living and to those to come; yet only a few of these have come into our possession. An Introduction to Grammar, one book. A Dialogue on the Art of Punctuation, [unclear] book[s]. On Expoundable Propositions, one book. On the Art of Solving Sophistical Arguments, one book. An Explanation of All the Books of Aristotle’s Logic, ten books. An Explanation of the Books of the Physics, [unclear] and one book. On Those Things Which Pertain to a Worthy Priest, one book. A Resolutory Work on Doubtful Dangers Occurring around the Mass, one book. A Summary of the Passion of the Lord, [unclear] book[s]. On the Ascension of the Lord, among the sermons of Meffret, one sermon. Likewise among his sermons he wrote a treatise, one book. And many other things unknown to us. Moreover, he divided the books of various authors into treatises and chapters, prefixing arguments to each, by which the intention [unclear]. Always of the Virgin, not less holily than learnedly, stopping the mouth of those who speak wicked things. This treatise, with the aforesaid sermons, will be found printed in most copies. He also wrote several sermons both to the clergy and to the people, one book; also various prayers and letters, one book; and many other things unknown to us. Moreover, he divided many books of various authors into treatises and chapters, prefixing arguments to each, by which their intentions may be clearly recognized. Among these are Cicero’s books On Duties, On Friendship, On Old Age, and On the Dream of Scipio; likewise Aristotle’s books of Logic, the same author’s books On the Soul, and the books of the Metaphysics; likewise the books of blessed Ephrem the deacon, of John Chrysostom, and of Augustine, the same author’s book of letters, almost all the books of Saint Ambrose the bishop, and many others. He is still living in good old age in the Basel Charterhouse, composes various works, and by his writings and example summons many to holy studies. Under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we have written this, 1495, indiction XIII.

Conrad, called Hensel, by country a Hessian, pastor and rector of the church of Frankfurt, doctor of sacred theology and canon law, a very celebrated interpreter, most subtle in talent, composed in speech, who first, after absorbing letters in the school of Erfurt, publicly taught philosophy for some time, then in the school of Greifswald, and, having obtained the church of the imperial city of Frankfurt, vigorously governs to this day, and has for many years governed, by word and example the common people committed to him. He wrote many excellent volumes, of which the following are extant. On the Sentences, [unclear] book[s]. Also On the Canonical Epistles, seven books. On the Song of Songs, one book. On Penance, Fasting, and Prayer, one book. On Faith, Hope, and Charity, one book. On the Four Virtues Which They Call Cardinal, one book. On the Sanctification of the Sabbath, one book. On the Gospels and Sunday Epistles through the cycle of the year, one book. Many various sermons, one book. Also On the Precepts of the Church and Evangelical Truth, one book. On the Interdict, one book. On Ecclesiastical Liberty, one book. Against Heretical Malefactors, one book. Against the Bohemian Hussites, one book. To the Archbishop of Cologne on the Office of the Mass, one book. To P

Johannes Trithemius

He composed very many scholastic [works], beyond number. In addition, for our common use he translated many little works from Greek into Latin: Xenophon’s Apology for Socrates; likewise Nestorius the heretic, whom Saint Cyril the bishop refuted at the Council of Ephesus; also the confession of a certain Cyprian the Greek; Proclus on the praises of blessed Mary ever virgin; some of Lucian’s Dialogues of the Dead; a dialogue by the same author on the council of the gods. He also translated metrically into the German language the single combat from Homer’s Iliad, on the duel of Paris and Menelaus. Likewise he rendered into Latin Ephanius on the life and death of the prophets, and also Maximus Tyrius, the Platonic philosopher, in the oration: If God made good things, whence do evils come? Besides these he translated some other things, which forgetfulness has now taken from our memory. He lives near Stuttgart, bound by the bond of marriage, yet no less applying himself to letters and writing various things, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Wilhelmus de Velde

Wilhelmus de Velde, by homeland a Gueldrian, canon of the order of the regulars of Saint Augustine in Frankenthal in the diocese of Worms, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular literature, a philosopher and astronomer, and a cosmographer of celebrated reputation, deep in intellect, acute, and very subtle; composed in speech, devout in life and conduct. He wrote and is writing certain very beautiful and wondrous volumes, in which he clearly shows to readers the sharpness of his intellect. Of these he recently showed me the following: Statutes of the sisters of his order, one book; a most subtle work on the whole universe, that is, on the beginning, middle, and end of the world, which he entitled The Greater Empyrean, 24 books; likewise a compendium of this work, which he entitled [unclear]; also many tables on various subjects, no less useful than subtle; many sermons to the people; epigrams and various poems; also some things not to be rejected in mathematics; also many letters to me and to others. Finally he composed some other things, which will come to light in their own time. He is still living, fifty years old, in Darmstein, a village of the territory of Worms, serving as parish priest, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, indiction 8.

Petrus Bo-Landan Lautenburger; Petrus Bolandanus of Ladenburg; Petrus

Petrus Bolandus of Ladenburg, parish priest in the town of Schriesheim in the diocese of Worms, a man most learned in every respect, a distinguished philosopher, mathematician, theologian, and very celebrated poet, ready in intellect, eloquent in expression, excellent in verse, and also an outstanding declaimer of sermons in prose. He wrote some splendid volumes, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Yet few of these have come to my knowledge: a Sapphic poem for Emperor Frederick III; a Sapphic poem on the death of Rudolf Agricola; innumerable epigrams from the sayings of Seneca and Plato; a long Sapphic poem on the divine Mary; a heroic poem on the work On the Threefold Whiteness; a heroic poem on our work On the Misery of Prelates; elegiac poems, Sapphic poems, and letters to Johann Camerarius Dalburg, his bishop of Worms. He wrote a poem to the students of Heidelberg on account of the plague; of epigrams and elegies almost innumerable, one book; besides these many sermons and elegant orations, and very ornate letters to various persons. He is also said to be writing many other things, but in secret. He is still living in Schriesheim, not far from Heidelberg, being 50 years of age, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Johannes Bertram of Neuenburg; Johannes

Johannes Bertram Nuenburghen wrote to Berthold, archbishop of Mainz, a long letter in the form of a little book, On the Value of Masses, one book. He also explained various questions disputed in the schools. He is now writing and lecturing ordinarily on the epistles of Paul. Almost ten years before he had lectured on Genesis, a great and pleasing work. He is still living in the academy of Mainz, having passed his forty-fifth year of age, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, indiction 14.

Rudolphus de Euschringen

Rudolphus de Eufstringen, of Baden, [unclear] of the archbishop of Trier, a man most learned in every respect and a most [unclear] cultivator and investigator of all antiquity, a supreme philosopher, a most sagacious interpreter of law, and a most eloquent lover and [unclear] of the divine Scriptures, subtle and ready in intellect, in speech

170 [Works] of Johannes Trithemius

…the same on the Psalter according to the exposition, one book. From parts of Saint Thomas he [unclear], one book. He began a lecture on the Apocalypse of John, which he will continue in the school at Mainz. He also wrote notably on Aristotle’s books of Economics. He likewise disputed and wrote notable questions on the Ethics. He also composed many other things which have not come to my knowledge. He is still living, almost sixty years old, in the city of Frankfurt, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495.

Johannes Gotfridi of Odernheim, pastor of the church of Saint Catherine in Oppenheim, not far from Mainz, bachelor of sacred theology, a man excellently learned both in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters, subtle in intellect and distinguished in eloquence, of very celebrated reputation in delivering sermons to the people. He wrote many and various treatises, which he has not yet allowed to come to light. He also composed many elegant sermons for the cycle of the year and on various subjects. He wrote letters both to me and to others, composed with grace of eloquence. Finally, he translated many treatises of the ancient authors from Latin speech into the vernacular tongue, with no less eloquence than [unclear], if indeed charm and ornament are allowed to exist in the German language. Among these I have seen Cicero’s On the Nature of the Gods, which he translated at the urging of the valiant knight Frederick, chamberlain of Dalberg, no less elegantly than learnedly. He also began to translate Augustine’s City of God for the same Frederick, and has now completed almost twelve books. He also wrote and translated many other things, which will come to light in their own time. He is still living in good old age at Oppenheim, writing various things, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495.

Werner Rolevinck of Laer, a Westphalian by country, sprung from the diocese of Münster, a monk of the Carthusian order, of the house of Saint Barbara in Cologne, a man most devoted to the divine Scriptures and very learned, subtle in intellect, devout in life and conduct. He wrote many distinguished volumes, among which the following are extant: On all the Epistles of Paul, three great volumes, which work he entitled The Teaching of Paul, fourteen books. Life of Paul, seven books. Paradise of Conscience, one book. On the sacrament of the altar and the value of Masses, one book. To John, bishop of Münster, Form for God-fearing Bishops, one book. Form of Living for Canons and Secular Priests, one book. On the dignity and power of priests, one book. On true nobility and its origin, one book. To Everwin, count of Bentheim, on the best manner of governing the commonwealth, one book. On the government of rustics, one book. On hospitallers and those occupied with works of mercy, one book. On fraternal correction and monastic visitation, and on those who hinder its good progress, one book. Twelve questions on those to whom it belongs to treat sacred Scripture, and on the degrees conferred in the schools, one book. Ten questions on the advancement of religious, one book. Eight questions, one book. Fasciculus temporum, with circles from the beginning of the world down to the times of Pope Sixtus IV, one book. On the praise of Westphalia and its conversion to the faith, one book. On the origin of the Frisians, one book. On contracts, whether they are lawful, one book. On the calendar and martyrology, one book. Twenty rules useful for prelates, one book. A long sermon on Saint Benedict, printed some time ago, which begins thus: “I in my innocence have entered.” A question whether Christ on the cross prayed for all, one book. On the excellence of Albert the Great, one book. To a certain abbot of our order who was compelled to accept the episcopate, one book. On the common brotherhood of those feasting together, one book. On the instruction of novices, one book. On the difference of passions and what a passion is, one book. On the security of the license of prelates, one book. On holy desires and the manner of conducting oneself in them, one book. On the contemplation of simple persons, one book. On devoutly paying the canonical hours, one book. Many synodal, chapter, and popular sermons, the number of which is uncertain. He also wrote almost countless letters both to me and to others. These are the things which he recently confessed to me that he had written, in the seventieth year of his age and the forty-eighth of his conversion, when I was in his cell, under Emperor Maximilian and Pope Alexander VI, in the year of the Lord 1495, indiction 13, on the sixth day before the Ides of May. Many other unfinished works are moreover still in his hands, to be completed in their own time.

Johannes of Keysersberg, priest and distinguished preacher of the church of Strasbourg, a man devoted to and learned in the divine writings, and excellently learned in secular letters, subtle in intellect, eloquent in speech, outstanding in life and conduct, an unafraid herald of truth, a lover of virtue, an enemy of vices, who has often pursued the crimes of the wicked with free voice even to the point of envy. He wrote several distinguished little works, of which, however, he has as yet allowed few to come to light. There are extant his most beautiful sermons to the people, two books. On communicating those who are punished with the final penalty, one book. On remov

Johannes Trithemius

... made himself useful to those present and memorable to posterity. Of these there is extant a notable Summa on contracts, insofar as it pertains to the forum of conscience and to theological decision, divided into more than one hundred questions, seven books. There is also a not inelegant oration on the reform of monks. The other things that he wrote he always strove so much to keep hidden that not even the bond of friendship could ever induce him to reveal them to me. He sent letters to me and to several others. He is still living, directing the theological school in the college of Tuebingen, a town of Swabia belonging to Duke Eberhard of Wuerttemberg, and he is writing various works, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord 1495.

Conrad Celtis Proticius, an East Frank, born at Schweinfurt, a man most learned in every respect, a famous philosopher, an eloquent orator, a distinguished astronomer and cosmographer, and a poet laureate, not ignorant also of the divine Scriptures, skilled in Greek and Latin, excellent in intellect and fluent in speech. He wrote many splendid volumes in meter and prose, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Of these he once read the following to me: To King Maximilian, on both Rhetorics of Cicero, an epitome, that is, a compendium or breviary, one book; a poem on the praises of eloquence, one book; On the Art of Versifying, one book; On Composing Letters, one book; On the Site of the City of Noricus Mons, which work he entitled Nuremberg, one book; his Sarmatian Journey, one book; Poems or Epigrams, four books; Loves, which according to the four sides of Germany are inscribed [Istulae], [four?] books; a Panegyric to the Duke of Bavaria, one book; a Sapphic poem on the life of Saint Sebald, patron of the people of Nuremberg, one book; Germania, one book; many and various orations, one book. He has issued very many most elegant letters, both to me and to others, in meter and prose, and in cosmography, of which he is most learned, he has written various things which hereafter, in their own time, will come to light. He is still living in the college of Ingolstadt in Bavaria, lecturing ordinarily on poetry and oratory, being twenty-five years of age, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, in the fourteenth indiction.

Johannes of Veteri Aqua, otherwise of Gouda, a Hollander by homeland, a Brabanter by upbringing, of the order of the Brothers of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin of Mount Carmel, of the convent of Mechelen, at this time subprior of Kassel in Hesse, a man zealous in the divine Scriptures and skilled by long practice, of excellent talent in delivering sermons to the people, and a fervent lover of his order and a devout cultivator of it. For the instruction and edification of many brothers he wrote a commendable work on the beginning and progress of his order, which he entitled The Three-Part Fascicle of Times of the Order of Carmelites, four books. In the first of these he proves that Elijah and the prophets were founders of the Carmelite order; in the second he enumerates the saints and canonized persons from the same order; in the third he places in chronological order the successions of the priors general of his whole order. He also wrote On the Most Pure Conception Ever of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one book; also countless sermons to the people, two books; letters both to me and to others, almost infinite in number. He wrote besides many letters against a certain Wigand, of the Order of Preachers, lecturer of the Frankfurt convent, who rashly attacked the most pure conception of the Mother of God. For he, attacking with mad loquacity the seventh chapter of our treatise on Saint Anne, wrote against me a long and impudent letter, in which he signed himself “the one weighing,” and fraudulently suppressed his own proper name. To his rashness answer has been made quite sufficiently, both by this Johannes the Carmelite and by other learned men. For I, writing back only one letter, did not wish to contend any longer in words with a Barthologus. The other things which this Johannes composed have not come into our hands. He is still living in the convent at Kassel, holding the office of subprior, and is writing various works. He is more than sixty years of age, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, in the fourteenth indiction.

Rutger Sicamber of Venray, by homeland a Gelderlander, of the order of the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine, of the monastery of the holy Apostle Peter of Dumetum, commonly called Heyen, not far from Worms, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, and outstandingly learned in secular letters, sharp in intellect, eloquent in speech, devout in life and conduct, excellent in meter and prose. He wrote, both in verse and in prose, many commendable little works, the reading of which is no less useful than pleasant. Of these I have read the following: A Dialogue on the Education of Boys, one book; A Dialogue on the Inquiry into the Blessed Life, two books; Hymns on Saint Mary in various kinds of meter, two books, which contain almost twelve thousand verses; A Dialogue on the Various Use of Letters, three books; A Dialogue on [unclear]...

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

[unclear] various addresses to the clergy, one book. He also wrote many very elegant letters both to me and to others. His other works have not come to my knowledge. With great expense and long labor he collected the works of Johannes de Gerson, formerly Chancellor of Paris, of which at last he brought many to us from France, dividing them into three parts in a very fine order and making a quite useful table of all the books; he gave that whole work to the press. Therefore he deservedly ought to be loved in a special way by all learned and devout men, since by his labors and expenses he brought to light so many volumes of that most learned and most devout doctor. He is still living, fifty years old, in the city of Strasbourg, under the Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Johannes Wyric of the town of Neuss, a native of the diocese of Cologne, of the order of the brothers of blessed Mary ever virgin of Mount Carmel, of the convent of Cologne, provincial prior of Lower Germany, doctor of divine Scripture, a learned interpreter, a very acute expounder of Aristotelian philosophy, ready in intellect, orderly in speech, devout in life and conduct, a sharp disputant, an excellent preacher of the divine word. He wrote certain commendable little works, by which he made himself useful to those now living and memorable to those to come. Among them there is an outstanding volume on the Sentences, four books; also many sermons to the people, and various questions disputed in the schools; but certain other things are to be brought to light in their own time. He is still living in mature age, residing at Cologne, under the Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Johannes Camerarius Dalburgius, Bishop of Worms, a most celebrated jurisconsult, most learned both in divine Scripture and in secular letters, skilled in the three principal languages, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, a very distinguished rhetor and poet, subtle in intellect, eloquent in speech, notable for experience of many matters, who magnificently adorns the nobility of his family by his character and learning. He wrote and writes, both in verse and in prose, certain works of excellent talent, and he has not yet allowed them to come to light, because, being too much occupied with the affairs of the commonwealth, he cannot complete them to the degree that is his purpose. Yet some of them have become known to us: a Sapphic poem on the death of Rudolf Agricola, his teacher in Greek; [unclear]; On the Origin and Theory of Coinage, one book; very many elegant orations; also many poems and epigrams; and several very elegant letters to various persons; and certain other things. He is still living, [unclear] forty, [unclear] he will write various things in Latin, under the Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Johannes de Arundine, of the order of the brothers of blessed Mary ever virgin [unclear], [unclear] of Camerarius, Bishop of Mechlin, Bishop of [unclear], a man studious and learned in divine Scripture, and also excellently instructed in secular philosophy, which they call Aristotelian; subtle in intellect, clear in eloquence, notable as a declaimer of popular sermons. He wrote many excellent volumes, of which the following are reported: a notable lecture on the Book of Wisdom, one book; on the Epistle of Paul to the Romans, one book; sermons on the psalm “Blessed are the undefiled,” one book; also sermons for the season and on the saints, two books. He is said to have written many other things too, which have not come to my knowledge. He is still living in the city of Lower Utrecht, being vicar of the bishop of that place in pontifical matters, under the Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, in the fourteenth indiction.

Johannes Capnion, otherwise Reuchlin, a native of the town of Pforzheim in Swabia, my teacher in Greek, an outstanding doctor of imperial law, and counsellor of the illustrious duke Eberhard of Württemberg, at once most eloquent and most upright in law and faith, a most diligent investigator of all the most ancient philosophy and literature, a most skilled interpreter of the three principal languages, Hebrew together with Chaldaic, likewise Greek and Latin. He is also especially distinguished in French and in the more polished form of our vernacular, most learned in every respect both in divine writings and in secular letters, since he has for many years penetrated with the greatest effort the secret mysteries of the Greeks and Hebrews. Truly he is worthy to devote himself to letters alone, not also to be burdened in the noisy popular court. For not only Italy, but not even our age, could set against us anyone equal to so great a man. He wrote many excellent volumes, by which he commended the memory of himself to posterity. Among these there is a volume furnished no less with eloquence than with learning, which he wrote to lord Johannes Camerarius Dalburgius, bishop of the Vangiones, on all the secret and hidden mysteries of the philosophy of the Greeks, Hebrews, and Christians, which he entitled, from the name of his family, with the Greek title Capnion, or On the Wonder-working Word, one book; On the Preliminary Exercises of Rhetoric, ten books; On the Diversity of the Four Idioms of the Greek Language, one book; epigrams and elegies, one book; a funeral oration on the death of Rudolf Agricola; letters both to me and to others; orations

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

[In speech?] elegantly composed, worthy of the presbyterate in life and conduct. He wrote most ornate orations delivered by him before various princes, and also many very elegant letters both to me and to various others, and certain other things still wholly unknown to me. If only he could have leisure for letters as much as he is compelled to give himself to affairs of the commonwealth, our Mosellan land would have no one equal to him in learning and in the publication of books. He is still living with his archbishop of Trier, whose illustrious name he makes more illustrious by his talent and prudence, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Heinrich [Euticus?], an easterner from Mount Noricus, otherwise Nuremberg, a most skilled doctor of the arts, philosophy, and medicine, who for a long time practised his art in Augsburg and now practises it in Frankfurt, a man certainly most learned in every respect, subtle in talent, eloquent in speech, excellent in verse and prose. He wrote, in a varied kind of meter, a polished and very bright work which he entitled Scommata, or the Urbane and Witty Jests of Young Men, one book; also a satire against the Sophist Dialecticians, enemies of the study of humanity, one book; In Praise of Blessed Mary Ever-Virgin, one book; also various epigrams, and many most ornate letters to various people, and several other things unknown to us. He is still living in the imperial [unclear], also a philosopher and a very celebrated rhetorician, ready in talent, eloquent in speech, mature in life and conduct. He wrote certain distinguished treatises, with which he profitably occupies his talent and commends his memory to posterity. Yet he conceals the things he writes, either to avoid the [unclear] of vain glory, or so that he may correct what he has written with the file of mature examination. For few of his works have become known to us: On the Method of Single Combat, one book; also On War Machines, [unclear]; learned and studious in [unclear], and outstandingly learned in secular letters, professor of both laws; On the Care of Soldiers' Horses, one book; elegant orations delivered on other occasions in synods. [unclear] he adorns in [unclear] fashion. He wrote many distinguished little works both in verse and in prose, and in addition published many letters, both to me and to others, full of every charm; from these it is easily apparent to readers how much he is worth in learning, in eloquence, and in experience of many things. He is still living in the church of Speyer, thirty-five years of age, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we have written these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Sebastian Titio, otherwise Brant, citizen of Strasbourg, distinguished doctor of both laws, and very learned both in the divine scriptures and in other humane letters, no mean master of poetry, subtle in talent, eloquent in speech, outstanding in counsel and action, who has spread his name far and wide. Among his works the following are extant: On the Titles of Both [Laws?] and [unclear] to be recovered, one book; to the same, an epilogue, [The Kingdom?] of Jerusalem, in elegiac verse, one book; In Praise of the Glorious Virgin Mary and of many saints, many poems of various kinds, one book; Of Various Epigrams, one book; a Sapphic poem in our book On the Misery of Prelates; Against Slanderous Advocates; On the Captivity of King Maximilian; commendatory poems for various printings. Furthermore, with wondrous skill and industry, though in the common vernacular tongue, he compiled a certain little book which he called the Ship of Narragonia, in which he so elegantly expressed the cause and root of all follies, censures the morals of fools, and gives certain remedies for each, that it is [unclear] called not a book of fools, but [unclear]. For he weaves together various things under Emperor Maximilian, whom he singularly loves, and composed about him and to him several very charming poems, even secret ones, as they say, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Conrad Summenhart, eminent professor of sacred theology, studious and learned in the holy scriptures, not ignorant of secular philosophy, and outstandingly learned in canon law, subtle in talent, composed in speech, who ordinarily reads and teaches divine letters in the school of Tübingen. He wrote several distinguished little works, by which

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Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

On matters and pleasant novelties, a dialogue, one book; a dialogue on kinds of meters, two books; a dialogue on the accents of Latin words, two books; a panegyric addressed to me, two books; a dialogue on the brotherhood of the Rosary, two books; also a book of epigrams, one book; a consolatory dialogue addressed to me concerning his tribulations and the calamities of these times, in which he consoles himself in turn with words once exchanged with us; on the love of the monastery, zeal for letters, and why studious and learned brothers are hated by the prelates of monks, one book; likewise a dialogue addressed to me on the exposition of his melodies in the hymns of Mary, Mother of God, where he introduces and explains fifty-two kinds of meters, one book; to lord Johannes Dalburg, bishop of Worms, a heroic Sapphic poem, one book; letters, both to me and to others, almost innumerable. Against the above-mentioned brother “weighing hands,” of the Order of Preachers, who attacked the most pure conception of the Mother of God, he produced many letters and verses. And certain other works which are still unfinished in his hands. He is still living, having almost forty-four years of age, in the monastery of Heyn in the diocese of Worms, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, indiction XIII.

Jacobus Vimpfeling of Schlettstadt, priest in the church of Speyer, a man most learned in the divine scriptures, exceptionally learned in secular letters, theologian, philosopher, orator, and very celebrated poet, who first at Erfurt and then at Heidelberg publicly taught philosophy and sacred letters, and acquired great glory for his learning; a man, I say, most learned in every respect, subtle in intellect, [unclear] in eloquence. From [unclear] still unfinished in his hands. He is still living, years [unclear]; still unfinished in his hands. And from whatever [unclear] he published many and explains, one book; to lord Johannes Dalburg, bishop of Worms, [unclear] of the Order of Preachers, attacking the above-mentioned most pure conception of the Mother of God, he published many letters and explains, one book; to lord Johannes Dalburg, bishop of Worms, [unclear] of the Order of Preachers, attacking the most pure conception of the Mother of God, many letters [unclear] and explains, one book; to lord Johannes Dalburg, bishop of the diocese of Worms, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, indiction XIII.

He wrote in both kinds many outstanding volumes, by which he spread his name far and wide; a man most learned in every respect, subtle in intellect, [unclear] in eloquence. Of these the following are extant. To lord Berthold, archbishop of Mainz, he wrote a very celebrated volume in hexameter and pentameter, most elegantly, on the threefold whiteness of blessed Mary ever virgin, against those attacking her most pure conception, one book. Likewise to Theodicius Gresmund the younger of Mainz, Precepts of Rhetoric, one book; Praises of the distinguished Church of Speyer, one book; a brief postil on the Creed of Athanasius, one book. At the urging of Ludwig, bishop of Speyer, he composed the legend and office of the Compassion of blessed Mary ever virgin, which the same bishop established to be sung publicly in his diocese. He also produced a useful treatise on the poetic art, which was printed, very corruptly, at the end of the New Grammar without the author’s name. A History of a certain idiot Stylpho, one book; also a poem on the angelic message, one book; Prothymologia on the good method of preaching, a work well furnished from the sources of the orators, one book; Isodonius Germanicus on the easier instruction of boys, one book; an oration against the invaders of priests; an oration for ecclesiastical immunity; an oration to the Cardinal of Tournai; an oration to Raymond, nuncio of indulgences; an oration to the Heidelberg Gymnosophists on Saint Catherine; an oration to the same on the Holy Spirit; an oration to the same on the assumption of the divine Virgin; an oration to the synod of Worms; an oration to the synod of Speyer; an oration to the rural synod of Schlettstadt, and also various [others]. A heroic poem to Eberhard, duke of Württemberg; a book of epigrams, one book; against the brother “weighing hands,” who attacked the conception of the Mother of God [unclear], and also various questions. A heroic poem to Eberhard, duke of Württemberg; a book of epigrams, one book; against the brother “weighing hands,” attacking and rejecting the conception of the Mother of God, he wrote elegant and well-furnished letters. He is still living in the city of Speyer, having forty-five years of age, under Maximilian the Emperor, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, indiction XIII.

Philippus Alberti, from the town of Neuss in the diocese of Cologne, of the order of the brothers of blessed Mary ever virgin of Mount Carmel, of the Frankfurt convent, bachelor formed in sacred theology, a man studious and learned in the divine writings, and exceptionally learned in Aristotelian philosophy, subtle in intellect and distinguished in speech; who first in the Gymnasium of [Parthenice?], and now in the school of Cologne, by his learning and uprightness of morals, [unclear]. He publicly reads at Cologne a notable lecture on the Song of Songs, one book; also many and various sermons preached at Frankfurt, two books. Now he writes and publicly reads in the Cologne convent a singular and beautiful work on the Sentences, four books. He also wrote a lengthy letter, supported by very firm authority and reason, against Wigand of the Order of Preachers, [unclear].

Jacobus Vimpfeling of Schlettstadt.

Philippus Alberti de Nussia.

176 Of Johannes Trithemius [unclear], thinking otherwise concerning the most pure conception of the Mother of God than the Church has determined; in it he checked all his barkings by keen disputation. But he also composed other letters to various persons, not inelegant. He is still living in the University of Cologne, diligently applying himself to sacred letters, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Theodericus Gresemundus the Younger, of Mainz, born of his father Theodericus Gresemundus of Meschede, a very distinguished doctor of arts and medicine, a youth of excellent talent, who writes much, in verse and prose, has written remarkable little works, most ornate whatever their subject, displaying Ciceronian eloquence. He offers so great a marvel that, like another Adeodatus, once Augustine’s son, by his native ability and readiness in writing and arguing, he is an object of wonder and astonishment to many, even very learned men. For his talent far outruns his age, since there is in him such learning and eloquence together that he has had few or no equals of his own age. He wrote to me a distinguished dialogue on the seven liberal disciplines, in which he defends, explains, and commends these same arts no less elegantly than learnedly, one book. Also a most ornate oration in the name of Philosophy the orator, to the governors of commonwealths. Likewise he composed an elegant dialogue on the madness of the Germans, by which at carnival time children [unclear], one book. Against a brother [unclear] of the Order of Preachers, stupidly attacking the most pure conception of the Mother of God, he wrote a poem, and many letters. He has also produced many poems of different kinds and epigrams. He has also written most ornate letters, both to me and to others, almost countless, from which the liveliness and vein of his most noble talent are gathered. He is still living at Mainz in his father’s house, being about eighteen years of age, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, in the fourteenth indiction. Let no one be angry with me because I have placed this boy, young in age, among illustrious writers, since by his talent he excels many older men; for from the mouth of infants and sucklings the Most High has perfected praise, and we require not age but talent.

He is said to have written some commendable volumes, by which he commended the memory of himself to posterity. But I do not remember that any of them have come into our hands, except that very celebrated work which he composed with great labor: On the year, day, and weekday of the Lord’s Passion, in three volumes. The other things which he wrote and writes are wholly unknown to me. He is still living, as I hear, in the University of Louvain, composing various works, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write this, 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Theodericus of Osenbruck, of the Order of Friars Minor of the province of Cologne, a man whose talent is exercised in the divine Scriptures, a very famous declaimer of popular sermons, whose life all who have known him proclaim to be holy and most religious. For in making sermons to the people he is illumined by so great a grace from God, speaks with so great an eloquence, and finally affects his hearers with so great a compunction and sweetness, that he has had no equal among the Germans; hence he was appointed general preacher throughout the whole province. Recently, when he was with me at Cologne in the monastery of Saint Martin, he read to me a beautiful little work, suited to devotion: On the Passion of the Lord, [unclear] for simple devout persons, one book; On daily interior exercise, one book; and various sermons. He wrote certain other things unknown to us. He is still living in the province of Cologne, instructing many by word and example in the discipline of God. Under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Theodericus Ullenius, by homeland a Frisian, a man most learned in every respect, a philosopher, physician, orator, and famous poet, subtle in talent, eloquent in speech, excellent in verse as well as prose. He wrote certain well-constructed little works, by which, exercising his talent, he commended the memory of himself to posterity. Among these there survives a volume of elegies, one book; of epigrams

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

[unclear] also, one book, and he wrote various letters to various persons. He is still living, composing various things, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Arnold Bostius, of the Order of the Brothers of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, of Mount Carmel, of the convent of Ghent, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and not ignorant of secular literature, subtle in intellect, composed in speech, devout in life and conduct, practiced in verse and prose. He wrote several little works of reading not to be despised, of which the following survive: a prose volume, with poems sometimes inserted, on the fact that the Blessed Virgin Mary is the special patroness of the Carmelite Order, whence he wished to entitle it On Patronage, one book; On the Illustrious Men of His Own [Order], one book; On the Illustrious Men of the Carthusian Order, one book; against Vincent of Newcastle, of the Order of Preachers, who attacked the most pure conception of the Mother of God, one book; On the Four Last Things, one book; many poems and epigrams. He wrote almost innumerable letters both to me and to others. And certain other things unknown to me. He is still living in the new convent of nuns near Bruges, having passed forty-five years of age, under King Maximilian, in the year in which we write these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Jodocus Beysselius, the unique ornament among the patricians of the royal city of Aachen, a man most learned both in the holy Scriptures and in secular letters, a philosopher, orator, distinguished poet, most celebrated professor and interpreter of both laws, subtle in intellect, eloquent in speech. Although he is necessarily occupied with the affairs of his commonwealth, nevertheless with incredible fervor of love for the Scriptures he writes much, forges much, and composes much in verse and in prose, by which his name is spread abroad with great glory. Of these the following have become known to us: a very fine dialogue, On the Best Kind of Musicians, one book; On Christian Ambition, one book; an epitome of The Goad of Love, one book; On the Rosaceous Crown of Mary, one book; a metrical rosary on the Blessed Virgin; a poem on the Sacrament of the altar. He wrote to me an elegiac rosary on the most holy mother Anna. He also began the deeds of the Flemings, but, hindered by various occupations, has so far been unable to finish them. He is also said to have written various most elegant orations. He also wrote many epigrams and a considerable number of poems of different kinds. He gave almost innumerable, most ornate letters both to me and to others. And other things. He is still living at Aachen, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Jodocus Badius Ascensius, originally from Ghent, a man most learned in secular letters, not ignorant of the divine Scriptures, a most learned philosopher, rhetorician, and poet, excellent in intellect and eloquent in speech, who once at Ferrara heard Baptista Guarino teaching Greek letters. He also became skilled in that language. He wrote in verse on the Blessed Virgin, one book; also very many epigrams, almost innumerable, on vices and virtues, which, lucidly explaining them with his own commentaries, he entitled Moral Woods, twelve books. Also of epigrams of various kinds [unclear]. [unclear] still illuminating Lyons, a city of Gaul, with his learning, [unclear] one book of [unclear]; he also published most ornate letters, both to me and to others, in meter and prose, almost innumerable. He is said to have written certain other things too, which have by no means come into our hands. He is still living at Lyons, instructor of the same [unclear], one book in Sapphic meter. He brought together from various authors a notable volume on vices and virtues, which with his own [unclear], residing in his convent at Cologne, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, indiction 12.

Jacob Sprenger, of the Order of the Brothers Preachers, provincial of Cologne, professor and learned interpreter of the divine Scriptures, and excellently learned in Aristotelian philosophy, distinguished in intellect, scholastic in speech, when formerly he had been appointed inquisitor of heretical depravity by Pope Innocent VIII, together with Heinrich Institoris, theologian of the same order. He wrote, for the precaution and instruction of the simple, against little women who are witches, one book. If he wrote anything further, it has not come to my knowledge. He is still living [unclear]. Of Witches, one book. If he wrote anything further, it has not come to my knowledge. Also letters [unclear] in his convent at Cologne, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Johannes Tholafus, originally from Franconia, canon of Regensburg, provost of Forchheim, a man studious and learned in the holy Scriptures, and excellently learned in secular letters, a distinguished philosopher and cosmographer, an excellent doctor of pontifical law, subtle in intellect and eloquent in speech. He wrote some little works in mathematics and astronomy, by which he clearly shows the liveliness of his intellect to all who read them. Also letters

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many [letters?] to various persons. He also wrote some other things unknown to us. He is still living in the city of Regensburg, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Hartmann Schedel of Nuremberg, doctor of arts and medicine, and not ignorant of the divine Scriptures, outstanding in talent and distinguished in eloquence, compiled and wrote, among other small works of his talent, with Sebald Schreyer and Sebastian Kammermeister, citizens of Nuremberg, providing the costs and expenses, a great volume of histories from the beginning of the world down to these times of King Maximilian. Whether he wrote anything more I do not know. He is still living in the city of Nuremberg, in the year of the Lord in which these things are being written, 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Jacob Philippi, parish priest of the church of Basel, formed bachelor of sacred theology, studious and learned in the holy Scriptures, and not ignorant of secular philosophy, excellent in talent, clear in speech, honorable in life and conduct, wrote certain very distinguished little works, the reading of which is judged especially necessary for the devout. Among these there is said to be a little book entitled The Precordial of Priests, one book; also A Reformer of the Life and Conduct of Clerics and Priests, one book. There are also said to be several sermons of his to the people, and many other things unknown to us. He is still living in the city of Basel, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495.

Bernard, a monk of the Carthusian order, of the house of the Passion of Jesus Christ near the city of Liegnitz, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and not ignorant of secular literature, ready in talent and distinguished in eloquence, is said to have written many excellent volumes; but I have seen none of them except that most beautiful dialogue which he elegantly composed on the praises and miracles of blessed Mary ever virgin, one book. He flourished in the year of the Lord 1480, under Frederick III, emperor, and I believe that he is still living.

Johannes Gerbrandi of Leiden, of the order of the brothers of blessed Mary ever virgin of Mount Carmel, subprior of the Haarlem convent, a very studious and learned man, outstanding in talent, scholastic in speech, an excellent preacher of popular sermons, is said to have written a notable history of his order, [unclear] books; also sermons on the season and on the saints, not to be rejected, and several other things unknown to us. He is still living in his Haarlem convent, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Bohuslaus of Hassenstein, a noble man and most learned in every respect, an excellent philosopher, orator, and poet, subtle in talent, and therefore eloquent in speech, illustrating the preeminence of his family by learning and erudition, is said to be writing various works both in verse and in prose, in which no less probity than knowledge is said to shine forth. Among these there exists an instructed work, On the Particular Inventions of the Germans and Italians, one book; also a book of epigrammatic poems, [unclear] book; and several very ornate letters of his to various persons are reported. And certain other works are to be published from day to day. He is still living in his castle of Hassenstein and writing various things, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which these things are being written, 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Aegidius Fabri of Brussels, native of a town of Brabant, of the order of the brothers of blessed Mary ever virgin of Mount Carmel, prior of his Brussels convent, doctor of sacred theology and a distinguished interpreter of scholastic philosophy, ready in talent, composed in speech, mature in life and conduct, is said by those who knew him closely to have composed a work not to be despised on the Sentences, four books; also various disputed questions, many elegant sermons to the people, and therefore certain other things. He is still living in his Brussels convent in Brabant, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord 1495.

Haryngus Sifridi Sinnama, from Hage in Frisia, who is commonly called Hermann, doctor of both laws, properly instructed both in the divine Scriptures and in scholastic philosophy, lively in talent, ready in counsel, who adorns Cologne by teaching, writing, and giving counsel, wrote a very celebrated work on the titles of both laws, no less useful than pleasant to all who wish to be initiated in canons or laws. He once promised me, when at Cologne we were speaking together at some time about writings, that he would also write certain other things; whether he has done so I do not know with sufficient certainty. He is still living in manly age, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495.

Conrad Leontorius, commonly Leonberg, monk of the Cistercian order, of the monastery of Maulbronn in Swabia, a man studious and learned, a philosopher, orator, and poet not to be rejected, both in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters, ready in talent and therefore also

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

has not yet allowed to come to light. There are extant his most ornate sermons, on the Temporal and on the Saints, in 2 books. Also various orations to the clergy. Several elegant letters, both to me and to others. I hear that he has composed a prepared oration for the coronation of the Queen, soon to be delivered, at the request of a friend appointed to speak on the occasion. The rest that he wrote is unknown to me. He is still living in his own convent at Aachen, writing various things, under King Maximilian. In the year of the Lord 1495, indiction 13.

Jodocus Gallus Rubiacensis, a man zealous and learned in the holy Scriptures, and excellently instructed in secular letters, a theologian and orator, distinguished in talent, eloquent in speech, excelling in verse and prose, diligently teaching the youth of the Heidelberg academy in humane letters. He is said to have composed many treatises still unknown to us, by which he commended his memory to posterity. There are extant several of his most ornate orations to the university and clergy, of which I have found only: an oration on Saint Catherine; an oration on the Purification of the holy Virgin Mother; an oration on the Nativity of the Lord; an oration on the Annunciation of the Lord; two orations to the Synod of Speyer; an oration on Saint John the Baptist; two orations on the Holy Spirit; an oration on Epiphany; a dialogue, in the manner of an oration, on the Purification; an oration to the clergy of Worms, delivered by another; two dialogues on those to be promoted to the mastership; several orations for bachelors; and many other most ornate works. He is still living in the Heidelberg academy, having passed 35 years of age, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Eitelwolf von Stein, a Swabian by country, a noble man and most learned in humane letters, especially in philosophy and oratory, subtle in talent, and a very great lover and emulator of Roman eloquence, who, because of his learning and natural wisdom, is held in no small esteem by the Margrave of Brandenburg. He wrote to Georg von Stein, his maternal uncle, a lover of letters as much as he himself, On the Praises of Heroes and Illustrious Men, 1 book. Also most ornate letters to various persons, 1 book. And many other things unknown to us. He was once a pupil of Master Craftho, the excellent and most watchful instructor of the youth of Schlettstadt, who is himself also said to have composed some works that are unknown to us. He is still living, steadfastly persisting in the study he has begun, and writes various things. Under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Johannes, from the town of Brussels in Brabant, of the order of the regular canons of Saint Augustine, of the monastery of Saint Agnes near Zwolle, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, and not unacquainted with secular literature, distinguished in talent and polished in speech. He wrote a large and not unuseful volume for the instruction of all Christians, which he entitled Rose-Garden of Spiritual Exercises and Sacred Meditations, in 2 books. Likewise On the Illustrious Men of His Order, 1 book. And certain other things unknown to us. He is still living, as I understand, a young man in the town [unclear], companion of the confessor of the nuns, and writes various things, under Maximilian, most excellent King of the Romans. In the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Johannes Tinctoris, a Brabanter by country, from the city of Nivelles, and a canon in the church of that same city, doctor of both laws, formerly arch-chaplain and singer of King Ferdinand of Naples, most learned in every respect, a very great mathematician, an outstanding musician, subtle in talent, eloquent in speech, wrote and writes many excellent little works, by which he renders himself useful to those now living and memorable to posterity. Of these I have found only: in music, On the Art of Counterpoint, 3 books. Likewise On the Tones, 1 book. Also On the Origin of Music, 1 book. He gave several most ornate letters to various persons; he depicted one figure in which he included all the most ancient musicians, and called Jesus Christ the supreme singer. He is still living in Italy, writing various things, being about 60 years of age. Under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, indiction 15.

Thilmannus Dulmauiensis.

[unclear] canon in Böddeken, formerly prior in Drübeck, a man zealous in the divine Scriptures, and [unclear] have not come to my knowledge. He is still living today under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495.

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

179 and eloquent in speech, not ignorant of the Hebrew and Greek languages. He wrote, in verse and in prose, certain distinguished works, by which he commended his memory to posterity. Of these there survive several very ornate letters to various persons, one book; also various orations; one book of poems and epigrams of various kinds. The commentaries begun by Sebastian Murrho of Colmar on Baptista the Carmelite of Mantua, but left unfinished when death pressed upon him, he completed and perfected. He still lives in his monastery of Maulbronn, being about forty-five years old, and writes various things under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, in the fourteenth indiction.

Engelhard Funck, otherwise Scintilla, an East Franconian, native of Suobach, a learned man and skilled in every respect, a philosopher and distinguished poet, not ignorant also of the divine Scriptures and pontifical law, outstanding in talent and eloquent in speech. He is said to have fashioned certain little works in verse and prose, by which he made his name known far and wide. Among these is: an elegiac poem in praise of his homeland, Franconia; a poem on the ring; a poem on the death of the Cardinal of San Marco; also one book of epigrams in various kinds of meter. He also composed very ornate letters to various persons, and certain other things unknown to us. He still lives, as I hear, in the city of Rome, an advocate in legal cases, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Johannes Langer of Bolekenhan, priest of the Church of Wroclaw, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and not ignorant of secular literature, excellent in talent, composed in speech, practiced in verse and prose. He wrote, in a double style, certain little works worthy of commendation, by which he made his name known. To Georgius de Lapide, lord of Steynaura, he wrote a distinguished volume on rents and redemptions, one book; also many letters to various persons; many poems; and certain other things. He still lives in Wroclaw and will compose various things, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Paulus Niavis, commonly Schneevogel, a man learned in humane letters, especially in rhetoric, and not ignorant of the divine Scriptures, outstanding in talent and eloquent in speech, who by teaching and writing in the gymnasium of Leipzig acquired great fame for erudition for his name. He wrote for religious novices on the implanting of Latin speech, one book; a life of a certain hermit, one book; on the colors of rhetoric, one book; formal letters for the instruction of young men, [unclear]; [unclear] and a learned Gymnosophist, one book; [unclear] letters to various persons, three books; also familiar letters to various persons, and certain other things unknown to us. I believe the things that came into our hands are not all. He still lives in the margraviate of Meissen and composes various things, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Heinrich, native of the town of Northeim in Saxony, a man studious and learned in secular letters, and not ignorant of the divine Scriptures, subtle in talent and clear in speech, magnificently practiced in verse and prose. He wrote to Frederick, margrave of Meissen, duke of Saxony, the Dymetromachia on the conflict of virtues and vices, one book; also many poems and various letters to various persons; and certain other things unknown to us. I believe that he is still living, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, in the fourteenth indiction.

Nicolaus of Alsenz, of the order of the brothers of blessed Mary ever virgin, of Mount Carmel, of the convent of Kreuznach in the county of Sponheim, lector of sacred theology; studious and learned in the holy Scriptures, and not ignorant of secular philosophy; ready in talent, scholastic in speech, and practiced by long habit as a preacher of popular sermons. He wrote on Exodus, one book; also on the Apocalypse of John, one book; on the office of the Mass and the canon, a long and extensive volume, one book; sermons for the season and on the saints, two books; and certain things still hidden with him. He lives to this day in his convent of Kreuznach, about forty years old, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, in the fourteenth indiction.

Bartholomaeus of Cologne, a man studious in secular letters and [unclear] of Carmel, clear in talent and eloquent in speech, a distinguished philosopher and poet, who in the school at Deventer shone with no small distinction by teaching and writing. He wrote in verse and prose several little works worthy of commendation, by which he spread abroad his name. A poem on the praises of philosophy, which he entitled Sylva of Poems, one book; a poem on the feast of Diogenes the philosopher, one book. The rest that he composed have by no means come into our hands. He still lives at Deventer, a town of the diocese of Utrecht, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord 1495.

Nicolaus, son of Simon, from the town of Haarlem in Holland, of the order of the brothers of blessed Mary...

Catalogue of Illustrious Men.

[unclear], following the example of the sainted fathers, I shall append the titles of my works. First, at the command of our General Chapter, I made an abridgement of the statutes of the order, one book. Then I wrote The Manner of Celebrating the Provincial Chapter itself, one book; also On the Visitation of Monks, one book. These three little works, by command of that General Chapter, have recently been printed at Nuremberg in one volume.

I also wrote On the Rule of our holy father Benedict, two books; Exhortations to Monks, two books; On the Temptations of Religious, two books; To Nicholas, priest of [Mernic?], On Priestly Life and Formation, one book; On the Vice of Private Possession among Monks, one book; On the Vanity and Misery of This Life, one book; A Lament on the Ruin of Our Order, one book; On the Illustrious Men of Our Order, four books; Praises of the Order of Carmelites, two books; to Lord Johann Kämmerer Dalberg, bishop of Worms, On Ecclesiastical Writers from the time of the apostles down to the last year of Emperor Frederick III, one book; to Rumold, prior of the Carmelites of Frankfurt, On the Praises of Saint Anne, one book; to Rutger the Sicamber, canon of [Dumetum?], On Greek Questions in the Gospel of John, one book; On the Misery of Claustral Prelates, one book; A Chronicle of our monastery of Spanheim, one book.

At the request of Lord Blasius, abbot of the monastery of Hirsau, I wrote the Chronicle of that monastery of his, Hirsau, one book; the History of the Virgin Daughter of Dagobert, whose head is among us, one book; On the Praises of Saint Andrew the Apostle, one book; Praises of Saint Joseph, Spouse of Mary, one book; Praises of Saint Benedict the Abbot, one book; Praises of the Coenobitic Life, one book; On the Praise of Penitence, one book; A Man’s Soliloquy to the Soul, one book; On the Praise, Love, and Study of Scripture, one book; On the Miracles of Saint Anne, one book; also various sermons, delivered both to the brothers and sometimes to the people on the highest feasts, one book; Letters to Various Persons, one book. Orations delivered in chapters or elsewhere are without a fixed number.

From Greek I translated the dialogue of Maximus the Abbot, On the Incarnation of the Lord; the Anathemas of Saint Cyril, bishop of Alexandria, against the heretics, promulgated in the third synod of Ephesus; and certain letters of the same synod. These are the things that at present I recall having written.

Under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord 1495, indiction 13, on the last day of the month of July, I corrected, enlarged, and completed for the second time, after the first edition, this Catalogue of Illustrious Germans. To the honor of almighty God, the benefit of those who do not despise our works, and the adornment and praise of our German nation, to which we owe whatever we can do.

Here, most beloved Jakob Wimpfeling of Sélestat, you have from me the work long requested, in which, according to your desire, I have arranged in order the illustrious men of Germany and those excellent in talent, and have indicated, as far as I was able, what so venerable a cohort wrote. Yet you should not think that I have written up all who by their talent and writings have made our nation illustrious, but rather that I have included a few from among many, and those who readily occurred to me. I have also inserted into this little work not a few, both from among the living and from those departed from life, of whom no mention is made in the larger catalogue, because their works were formerly unknown to me, but in the meantime they have been brought to light, not without labor.

Nor indeed am I unaware how many today illuminate our Germany by writing various things, who have obtained no remembrance either in this catalogue or in the larger one; not because I judged them unworthy, but because nothing at all about their little works became known to me. Indeed I call God as witness, who knows the hidden things of the heart, that I have never knowingly omitted anyone whose works, even a few, I had known. Therefore, if any of the living who write anything have been passed over by me, let them charge it not to my will but to necessity and the shortness of time. For no opportunity was given to search out those who are lacking.

Meanwhile, sweetest Wimpfeling, see that you fare well, and accept as commended to you the little work destined for you, together with its author and friend. From our monastery of Spanheim, on the last day of the month of July, in the year of the Lord 1495.

Here ends the book of Trithemius, abbot of Spanheim, On the Illustrious Men of Germany.

The End.

of the ever-Virgin of Mount Carmel, lector of the Haarlem convent, and at times prior in various places, certainly a studious man, practiced in the divine scriptures, ready in talent and an excellent declaimer of sermons. He wrote sermons not to be rejected, on the temporal cycle and on the saints, which he entitled Sermones vade mecum, two books. The rest that he composed has not come to my knowledge. He is still living in the Haarlem convent in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, in the thirteenth indiction.

Adam Werner of Themar, a man excellently learned in secular letters and not ignorant of the divine scriptures, a student and interpreter of imperial laws, no less learned than eloquent, subtle in talent and distinguished in speech, practiced in verse and prose. He wrote little works not to be despised, by which he entrusted his name to posterity and memory. Among these there is extant in my possession a volume of various poems and epigrams, one book. He wrote many poems of different kinds to me concerning Saint Anne. Besides this he gave many letters, both to me and to several others, of singular learning and eloquence. He also wrote some other things, to be brought to light in their own time. His pupil is Johannes Herbst of Luterburg, chaplain in the castle at Heidelberg, a man equally learned and erudite, who himself also wrote to me many poems about Saint Anne and most ornate letters. But also certain other things are shortly to be published. Both are still living in the gymnasium of the city of Heidelberg, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year in which we write these things, 1495.

Johannes of Lamsheim, born in a village situated not far from Worms, of the order of the regular canons of Saint Augustine, of the monastery of the Garden of Blessed Mary, which is otherwise called Kyrsgarten, outside the walls of the city of the Wangiones, a studious man and practiced by continual reading of the scriptures, gifted in talent and open in speech; worthy indeed that he should devote himself only to letters and not also to the cares of temporal affairs, for he is steward, he would compose many things worthy of reading. He wrote On the Institution and Utility of the Fraternity of the Rosary of the Virgin Mary, one book; The Mirror of the Mass, one book; The Mirror of the Last Things, one book; another is entitled The [unclear] of Eternal Salvation, one book; and certain other things. He is still living in the aforesaid monastery near Worms, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord 1495, in the fourteenth indiction.

Franciscus Wyler, of the order of the Friars Minor of the Observance, a man studious and learned in the divine scriptures, and not ignorant of secular literature, ready in talent and distinguished in speech, an excellent declaimer of sermons, when about three years ago he was living in the convent of the town of Kreuznach, wrote at the instance of Albert Latro, professor of the same order, an outstanding Repertory of the Letters of Saint Jerome the Priest, one book; to the same man, On Remedies for Scruples of Conscience, one book; against a certain man attacking the most pure conception of the Mother of God, a lengthy letter in the manner of a little book; also many sermons to the people. There are extant many letters of his, both to me and to several others. Likewise, on the Passion of the Lord, on vices and virtues, on music and its praises, a varied and not-to-be-rejected compilation. And certain other things. He is still living under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, in the fourteenth indiction.

Thomas of Strasbourg, of the order of the Friars Preachers, first a secular priest, parish priest of Saint Thomas at Strasbourg, then curate of Saint Andrew in Andlau; soon, after taking up the religion of the Friars Preachers, he was made confessor of the nuns of his order in the upper Steiga and in Rentyngen, who had been expelled from Klingental at Basel. For the love of God and of devout sisters he has sustained many labors with a brave spirit, and sustains them up to the present. A man of most elegant sermons, so suited to devotion and compunction that he never seems to me to speak superficially, but from the heart, so learnedly, so eloquently, so devoutly that he seems able to move hearts of stone. For he does not spend time on superfluous citations, but, after the example of the ancients, proceeds in rhetorical fashion. He wrote in the same spirit and fervor most beautiful Meditations, one book; letters to various persons, both many and ornate. Questions of the scriptures, profound ones, put to him by friends, he unraveled so appropriately, so catholically, so eloquently, that nothing more apt could have been answered to the matter proposed. He is still living in Steiga, a monastery of nuns in the diocese of Strasbourg, under Emperor Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we write these things, 1495, in the eighteenth indiction.

Godefridus Candelarij, prior of the convent of the friars of the order of Blessed Mary ever-Virgin of Mount Carmel, in the royal city of Aachen, a man studious and learned in the divine scriptures, and not moderately learned in secular letters, acute in talent and eloquent in speech, an excellent declaimer of sermons, is said to have fashioned certain distinguished little works, which not yet

Johannes Trithemius

Matthew Herbenus, a native of Maastricht, a man studious in every respect and very learned, an excellent philosopher and a musician of singular erudition, subtle in talent, eloquent in speech, practiced in verse and prose. He wrote certain distinguished volumes, of which the following are extant: On the Nature of the Voice and the Theory of Music, a very beautiful work, 5 books; On Scholastic Institutions, 2 books; Diasynthetica, 1 book; On the Capture of Negroponte, 1 book; On the Restoration of His Native Soil, namely the town of Maastricht, 1 book; Against Wigand [Cauponis?], of the Order of Preachers, on the Most Pure Conception of Blessed Mary Ever Virgin, 1 book, which he entitled Antilogion. Also orations of various kinds and poems. He also wrote many very ornate letters, both to me and to others, and certain other things. He is still living in Maastricht, writing various works, being 44 years of age, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Gerard of Marbais, born in the town of Maastricht, canon there in the church of Blessed Mary Ever Virgin, a man excellently learned both in the divine scriptures and in secular letters, skilled in both laws, a philosopher and eloquent rhetorician, who greatly adorns the nobility of his family by his erudition and by the study of the good arts, a great lover of books and cultivator of discipline. He wrote, in a very fine dialogue, On Prime Matter, 1 book. He also composed another dialogue, On the Capture of the City of Tongeren Made Last Winter, 1 book, where he neatly mocks the people of Tongeren, who, by sleeping, so wretchedly lost their city. In these he introduces as speakers Andrew Kanharus the Frisian, Matthew Herbenus of Maastricht mentioned above, and Aegidius de Holy of Tongeren. But he is said to have written some other things which have not come into our hands. He is still living in the city of Maastricht, firmly persisting in the study he began above, about 28 years old, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Matthias Mynnecomius, of the order of those whom people commonly call Crosiers, a native of upper Maastricht, once a hearer and disciple of Matthew Herbenus, a man studious and learned both in the divine scriptures and in secular letters, skilled in mathematics, very learned in the art of music, subtle in talent, clear in speech. With remarkable zeal he abbreviated the music of Boethius in one volume. Likewise, with similar industrious compression, he reduced the Natural Theology of Raymond Sebeidi into one volume. He is reported to be writing some other works, soon to be made public. He still lives [unclear] of the monastery of Saint Jerome in Ghent, a man studious and learned in divine writing and rich in reading of the ancients, also not ignorant of secular literature, subtle in talent, clear in speech. Among the other little works of his talent he wrote a treatise On the Titles of the Psalms according to the Ancients, furnished with eloquence and erudition; several letters, both to me and to others, of nectar-like eloquence. He is still living in Ghent, a young man who gives us hope of a larger work of study, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Christian Masseen, priest of the order of the monastery of Saint Jerome in Ghent, a man studious and learned in the divine scriptures and rich in reading of the ancients, also not ignorant of secular literature, subtle in talent, clear in speech. Among the other little works of his talent he wrote [unclear], subtle in talent, eloquent in speech, strong in verse and prose. He is said to be writing many things, of which I have read only a long Sapphic poem and various epigrams. The rest of what he wrote has not come to my knowledge. He is still living in Gyßlingen, a village of Swabia, writing various things, under King Maximilian, in the year of the Lord in which we wrote these things, 1495, indiction 13.

Johannes Trithemius, abbot, although unworthy, of the monastery of the holy bishop Martin in Sponheim, of the Order of Saint Benedict, in the diocese of Mainz, a Mosellan by homeland, native of the village of Trittenheim in the diocese of Trier. I do not think myself worthy to occupy a place among the illustrious writers, men of Germany, because of the poverty of my talent. But lest there befall me what I have read has happened to many, who omitted the titles of their works. But in the Apology to which we write: in these matters let the testimony of conscience suffice for each person; let no one seek more outside himself. Let others, out of humility, conceal the little works which they have published; the things that I have written I have resolved, rather out of humility and charity, to bring to light. For I prefer, if error appears anywhere, to be corrected while living rather than when dead, since, just as confession ceases from the dead, so correction benefits the living. For I am not so insolent as to demand, as the reward for my labor, the memory of a name subject to vanity. Therefore, lest I seem to have composed the works of others, or to have concealed

184

[unclear]

Catalogue of Ecclesiastical Writers, or Illustrious Men, with an appendix of those who have also flourished as very learned men in our own age.

Most judiciously compiled by the venerable man, Lord Johannes, Abbot of Spanheim.

In praise of this most noble work, an epigram by D. Sebastian Brant.

Whoever you are who wish to know the approved writers of the Church, and whatever distinction each one has, read this epitome of Johannes, Abbot of Spanheim, whom his learned life commends.

As he restores the ancient teachings of the fathers of the order, and renews the sacred laws of Benedict, so he takes care to gather together the scattered names of the ancient writers and collect them into one book.

He sets forth a catalogue in which he reckons the times, and what that venerable company of authors wrote. He rescues from decay so many names of worthy men, whom devouring time now tramples underfoot.

And it is wonderful that one man could, in order, either read or recall such many worthy men. Indeed, I should hardly doubt that, if perhaps he did not read them all, still a large part of all of them was seen by him.

Hence it comes about that I rightly place this magnanimous and distinguished man also among the number of the learned.

Letter of the venerable and eminent father in Christ, Lord Johannes of Trittenheim, Abbot of Sponheim, to the most reverend father in Christ, Lord Johannes de Dalberg, Bishop of Worms.

To the most reverend father and lord in Christ, Johannes de Dalberg, by divine providence Bishop of Worms: Brother Johannes, called abbot in Sponheim, of the Order of Saint Benedict, the little that he is.

In former times the ancients were accustomed, most reverend father, if they had fashioned any new work, to dedicate it to distinguished men, so that it might receive enduring strength and firmness, and so that the venomous tongue of rivals, beaten back by the light of majesty, would nowhere be able to set the tooth of a wicked bite. Nor did the opinion that proceeded from humility deceive them, since in learned prelates there is always a kindness toward their subjects, to be raised up with praises, by which it rewards the studies of the good and restrains those of the wicked.

Our men too, imitating as far as they can this example of antiquity, are accustomed to submit the works they write, dedicated to prelates of churches, to learned men, so that, approved by their authority, they may safely go forth in public. For those things come forth into the light without fear which are supported by the testimony of a bishop. Indeed no one, unless he is foolish, readily accuses what he knows has been approved by the judgment of his superiors. The innocence of the sheep rests safely when the compassion of the good shepherd watches over it.

Since, therefore, the examples of the ancients are incentives to virtue for us, it is fitting that we imitate the sacred customs of those whose praises we sing, so that, while we profit from them and others from us, the order of the ecclesiastical hierarchy may remain inviolate. And although I am too insignificant to trust that anyone will take pleasure in my little works, yet I have resolved humbly to offer what I have into the Lord’s treasury, in which the widow’s two [coins?] are rightly preferred to riches.

And so, when recently, at the urging of friends, I had gathered together with much labor a book on ecclesiastical writers, as the matter itself bears witness, I resolved, so as not to stray from the tracks of the ancients, to submit this labor of mine to some very learned man, a prelate of ecclesiastical dignity, by whose authority and benevolence it might pass the teeth of the envious without a bite. And when much thought arose in me as to whom I might more acceptably entrust this same little night-work, many presented themselves to me as I hesitated, concerning whose learning and benevolence no small promised hope was strong. Among them you, most reverend father, came to my mind as the more powerful, more eminent, and more learned man, you who surpass all in learning and exceed everyone in erudition.

In you the nobility of lofty lineage shines forth; episcopal authority stands out; uprightness of morals is seen; knowledge of every kind of good art is praised. For where shall we be able to find, apart from you, such a man in whom all these things come together at once? Among the Germans, most reverend father, no one has appeared equal to you, in whom lineage, dignity, and erudition shine so greatly. I do not speak in flattery; may the Almighty be witness, that we do not hesitate to compare [you?] with those of whom we have made mention in the catalogue. The most lucid orations which you are said to have delivered bear witness to this; letters bear witness; many epigrams bear witness. Indeed the very famous renown of your name has become known with praise not only to our Germans, but to Italians and Frenchmen.

Hence it came into my mind that I should inscribe the work on ecclesiastical writers, submitted to so great a bishop as you, and dedicate it to your name, so that

I might rest secure under the shadow of the pontifical height. But while I behold in you the flashing splendor of light, I am dazzled, I draw back, and I am wholly shaken by fear of your so great majesty, lest perhaps I, wholly inferior in learning, merit, and dignity, should displease you, an exalted and most learned father, in that very thing by which I presumed to please you. For I know your many occupations, and I am not unaware of your sacred studies; I ought not to have troubled them with my trifles. But your learning gives me courage, which your kindness and humanity render lovable to all, since it shrinks from no one’s letters and judges no one unworthy of its address.

Therefore I approach your highness, although I am very lowly, and to you I humbly submit this present little work; I appoint you its judge and defender. Receive, I pray, most reverend and most learned father, this poor lucubration of ours, examine it, judge it, and defend it; and if you shall judge it worthy, follow it with kindly favor. And you, who in continual reading turn over the writings of the ancients, may you deign also, if ever there is leisure, to inspect their catalogue. But I have not yet communicated this present little work to anyone, until I know it approved by the testimony of your authority. Friends are awaiting it; printers are expecting it. But I judge that the opinion of your fatherhood must be preferred to all.

May your most gracious fatherhood, I pray, pardon me for having presumed to disclose my follies to ears occupied with weighty matters, because I have such confidence in your humanity, gentleness, and kindness that it is in no way permitted to doubt the benevolent reception of our catalogue. And I shall count it among the greatest delights if I learn that you take pleasure in my little lucubrations. Farewell, most reverend father, and hold me, your most devoted servant, commended to you together with the destined volume. From Spanheim, 26 April, in the year of the Lord 1492.

A reply-letter of the Reverend Father Lord Johannes de Trittenheim, Abbot of Sponheim, to the venerable and most learned man Father Albert Morderer, giving the reason why he placed many teachers of secular letters among the ecclesiastical writers.

Brother Johannes de Trittenheim, abbot in Sponheim, of the order of Saint Benedict, sends greeting to Brother Albert Morderer, of the Observant Order of Minors, his friend. You say, most beloved Albert, that you wonder that I have placed teachers of secular letters, who wrote nothing ecclesiastical, among illustrious men and ecclesiastical writers, since Jerome, Gennadius, Isidore, Sigebert, and the remaining assessors of doctors are found not to have done this at all; you judge it unworthy that men intent on secular disciplines, who did no labor for the edification of the universal Church, should obtain a place among ecclesiastical writers. I do not wonder that you wonder; others wonder too. Therefore, by answering you I shall satisfy all who hold the same opinion.

And first, indeed, why others did not do what you wonder that I have done is no concern of mine; but why I have done what they did not, I shall briefly relate. Indeed, teachers of the good arts who remain in the Catholic faith, philosophers, orators, and poets, who have written anything useful and honorable in their faculty, I by no means judge unworthy of the catalogue of illustrious men, since I know that they adorn the Church by their studies. For I think that no one can be called sufficiently learned in the divine Scriptures if he is ignorant of the discipline of secular letters. But how shall the theologian learn it, if there is no one who has handed it down? Who will not know how much a Christian and faithful philosopher benefits the Church, who destroys the errors of the gentiles, lays bare arguments and fallacious syllogisms, and confounds the doctrines of unbelievers? Read the histories of the ancients, and you will find [unclear] establishing the faith by words. How often have orthodox philosophers destroyed the cunning of heretics by disputing, overcome the gentiles, and conquered schismatics? Why say many things? Every school of theologians now takes its beginning, for the student, from philosophy, so much so that one cannot be a theologian who has not first been a philosopher among them.

What shall I say of orators, without whose instruction antiquity used to judge a theologian unfruitful, since he could not persuade others of the good things he had learned? For the rhetorician unlocks the figures of the Scriptures, clarifies tropes, dissolves knots, shows colors, unravels doubtful matters, and makes clear what is in the shadows of words. When he assumes the office of an orator, he will easily destroy the allegations of heretics and convict their errors. Finally, who can worthily pursue the praises of good orators, if he carefully weighs how much power there is in persuasion? O if only all the theologians of our time had the coloring of orators, how much fruit they could produce in the Church of God by their exhortations. A theologian-orator is said to have the minds of his hearers in his power; by his persuasions they are easily moved to those things which are holy and just.

Nor do we cast aside Christian poets, whom we do not doubt come closer to our theory, who under the shadow of a thing done, or, that is, show us briefly what must be done or avoided. Nor are we ignorant how great an injury poets today suffer from certain undigested and crude theologians, who condemn all poets in one sentence, asserting that they are liars and foul-speakers, as though those who imitate the poems of the ancient poets could not be truthful and good. Far be it that a good and modest poet cannot exist, who in this art had the holy fathers Augustine, Jerome, Prudentius, Bede, and innumerable others as predecessors. But it is not my office, nor is this the time, to refute their sloth.

Therefore, to close the letter, I have judged that philosophers, orators, and cultivators of the other good arts who are faithful and Christian, and who have written something useful, should be counted among ecclesiastical writers for three reasons. The first is that I thought their little works could contribute not a little to the knowledge of the holy Scriptures. The second is that it seemed likely to me that they wrote some ecclesiastical things which escape my notice. The last is that, by an occasion given them through us, they may understand that henceforth, as they are to write ecclesiastically, they should adorn the place they have received with worthy labors. Do you therefore think that such great men, so useful to the Catholic Church, should be rejected? Far be it from us that we should inflict upon her that now rash injury, by which we might be thought provoked by zeal for rivalry, not by reason of piety. Finally, that proverb commonly tossed about belongs to us: Knowledge has no enemy except the ignorant man.

These things, then, I wished to answer briefly in this book, so that you might know that what you previously wondered had been done was not done without cause. Farewell, remembering us before God in your prayers. From Sponheim, the fourth [unclear] of April. In the year of the Lord 1492.

Q

183

Prologue of the Author.

Often, at the insistence of many people, I have been asked that the book which I had formerly begun on ecclesiastical writers, for the sake of obtaining knowledge of books, I should at some time, when opportunity was found, bring to completion. I confess that I put it off for a long time, lest, if I presumed rashly to undertake so arduous a matter, I should provoke the hatred of rivals through my own levity. But now, when to the petition of learned friends there was added the counsel of those who by their arguments encouraged me to undertake this province, I could no longer resist their requests, especially since this little work of ours is supported by the patronage of such great men. For why should I fear the hatred of detractors, when I see that a refuge among the learned lies open to me? There will be, I do not doubt, some who will judge this labor of ours worthy of praise; there will also be some who, from a zeal of rivalry, will disparage it. What then? Are we therefore to abandon the exercises of good works, lest we provoke the hatred of rivals? Far from it. Everyone who does not imitate the wicked offends them; but [unclear]. And indeed to have displeased the wicked is praiseworthy, since they are accustomed to love nothing unless it is compared with their own morals.

Now therefore, importunate friends and exactors, receive the book composed on ecclesiastical writers, which with diligent prayers you so greatly desired to be brought to an end. I have done what I could, and have spent my ready strength on this work, although in many matters the capacity itself is less than the desire. For I, after the manner of those who see dimly, entered this forest under the guidance of the fathers who went before, and, gathering from their little works individual things suitable to my purpose, I carried them together into this bundle. I have also inserted into our catalogue many writers found by long investigation, with great toil and expense. Do not wonder, excellent reader, if in the annotations and titles of books my opinion does not always agree with yours. Who, in so manifold a variety of books, could enumerate the opinions of individuals, not to say harmonize them? You will therefore grant pardon if at times you find a volume marked in one way or another differently from what your opinion takes it to be. For it was not possible for me everywhere to express the diversities of individuals. For, as I have already said, I have followed the footsteps of the fathers, and where they disagreed I embraced what I believed to be truer. But if you find something else established by more solid truth, I shall gladly yield to your judgment.

It pleased me, moreover, to proceed by a new manner of writing, so that the reader himself might more easily find knowledge of the books from their beginnings. Beginning, therefore, from the disciples of the apostles, down to the last year of Emperor Frederick III, that is, the year of the Lord one thousand four hundred and ninety, I have drawn up a catalogue of illustrious men, in which I have recorded not the names of all, but only of those whom I found, their dignities, writings, and times, adding opposite the titles the beginnings of the volumes; but those things not seen I passed over for lack of space. The times in which certain men flourished I could not readily find; nevertheless I placed them, as seemed to me fitting, in an appropriate place. And in each defect let the knowledge of one who knows supply what is lacking, namely that he compute the times of individuals and restore those transposed to their proper places.

I confess that I have also deliberately passed over many whose writings are not easily found, nor their times. I also know at present many very learned men living, who are said to be publishing various little works; since I do not have certain knowledge about them, I prefer to pass by in silence rather than to think uncertain things. And, to use the words of Jerome, if any of those still living who write have been omitted by me in this catalogue, let them impute it not to me but to themselves, since they preferred to hide their writings rather than have them come into the light. But I believe that, content with their own writings and talent, they will not trouble themselves over the losses caused by my silence. For of those also whom I found, I wished to depict not their praises, but their books. For that study would require a rather lengthy volume.

Go now, therefore, into the city, work completed by our labor; go, and display to lovers of books the treasure which you contain. What do you fear? Why do you tremble? Why do you delay? Do not be afraid to come forth in public; do not fear the hatred of rivals, supported by the patronage of so many saints. Come then, book, of slender talent indeed, but displayer of great things. What is it that you dread, as if sluggish and useless? Go forth confidently; a thousand will praise you, while scarcely one disparages you. The love of God, for which you were written, may it, I pray, mercifully excuse you together with your author always and everywhere. Yours.

COM-

Of the Most Commended Man and Reverend Father in Christ, Lord Johannes de Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim. Book on Ecclesiastical Writers.

Clement, fourth bishop of the holy Roman Church from blessed Peter, as some hold, a Roman by nation, a holy man and beloved of God, adorned also with comeliness of morals, whose life and passion are found in ecclesiastical writings, sat in the pontificate for nine years and ten days, banished into exile for the faith of Christ with steadfast spirit. He died in the third year of Trajan Caesar, and in the one hundred third year of the Lord. This most blessed martyr is said to have written, in the person of the Roman Church, some letters full of faith and learning, of which the principal ones are extant:

To the Church of the Corinthians. Also to James the Apostle. Moreover, of the itinerary of his life. Likewise, of the disputation of Peter.

These last two volumes, however, are counted among the apocrypha, as is clear in distinction 15, Sancta Romana. Other letters of his are also reported, but they are apocryphal.

Dionysius the Areopagite, an Athenian, a distinguished philosopher, converted to the faith by blessed Paul the Apostle, was ordained the first bishop of Athens, as some hold, a man of outstanding holiness and incomparable learning. After the death of the Apostles, blessed Clement, bishop of the city of Rome, sent him with Rusticus the priest and Eleutherius the deacon into France to preach the word of God to the nations, another having been ordained bishop in [unclear] place. He wrote many excellent little works in the Greek language. Of these I have found among the Latins only the following:

On the Celestial Hierarchy, one book. On the Ecclesiastical Hierarchy, one book. On the Divine Names, one book. On Mystical Theology, one book. On Symbolic Theology, one book. To Gaius, four letters. To Dorotheus the minister, one letter. To Sosipater the priest, one letter. To Polycarp, one letter. To Demophilus, one letter. To Saint John the Evangelist, one letter. To Apollophanes the philosopher, one letter. On the death of Paul, to Timothy, one letter.

Every best gift, etc. Our priest indeed. Now already the man of God after. Of the supersubstantial Trinity. Saint Timothy indeed. Darknesses are hidden. The divine darkness is in. Do not suppose here [unclear]. I indeed did not know to. Of the history of the Hebrews. I greet you, holy soul. To Apollophanes [unclear]. Farewell, divine disciple.

These are the things that I find among the Latins concerning the writings of blessed Dionysius; if he published anything further, it has remained among the Greeks. But since the aforesaid works were covered with great obscurity, they were made clear by the explanation of the following fathers. The first of these, John Scotus, monk of our order, translated and expounded them; then Hugh of Saint-Victor, Rupert of Lincoln, Albert the Great, Dionysius the Carthusian, and many others whose

190 The Abbot of Spanheim

On the instruction of morals, one book. On the four virtues, one book. On the remedies of fortune, one book. Of declamations, ten books. On clemency, to Nero, two books. On benefits, to Brutus, seven books. On anger, to Novatus, three books. On providence, one book. On the blessed life, to Gallio, one book. On consolation, to Marcia, one book. On consolation, to his mother, one book. On tranquility of life, one book. That injury does not befall the wise man, one book. On the shortness of life, one book. On moral studies, one book. On natural questions, seven books. Of suasory sentences, one book. Of controversies, five books. On poverty, one book. To Polybius, of consolation, one book. On the games of Seneca, one book. On abundance of words, one book. On marriage, one book. Of tragedies, ten books. On the death of Claudius, one book. Of letters to Paul, one book. Of letters to Lucilius, twenty-two books.

These are the writings of Seneca that I have been able to find up to the present. He is said, however, to have written some other little works, which have not yet come into our hands. He was indeed a most ardent lover of wisdom, a zealous investigator of it, and of so tenacious a memory that he immediately recited from memory two thousand names read in his presence. Moreover, when a certain poet had produced two hundred verses and was reciting them in order before Nero, gathered together on a sheet, Seneca at once, using his memory in place of a volume, repeated those same verses one by one in reverse order, beginning from the last, back to the first. He is also read to have held in memory the names of all his fellow citizens. He flourished at Rome in the times of the apostle Paul under the emperor Nero, in the year of the Lord 50.

Marcellus, son of Marcus, prefect of the city of Rome, once a disciple of Simon Magus, sufficiently instructed in secular letters, converted to the faith of Jesus Christ by the preaching of blessed Peter the Apostle, composed many things for the usefulness of the Church of God. For he wrote, at the request of Christians:

On the conflict of Peter and Simon, one book. To the saints Nereus and Achilleus, one book. On the acts of Peter and Paul, one book. On the arts of Simon, one book. On the death of Saint Petronella, one book. On the passion of Saint Felicula, one book. On the passion of Saint Nicomedes, one book.

He also published other works concerning the deeds of the saints, which have not come to our knowledge. He flourished at Rome in the times of Saint Peter the Apostle, in the year of the Lord 50.

Linus I, after blessed Peter bishop of the city of Rome, a Tuscan by nationality, a man of most holy conduct, shining with many miracles in life and after death, sat in the pontificate eleven years, three months, twelve days. Since he was a most learned man, beloved of God, he wrote in the Greek language concerning the holy apostles Peter and Paul, who suffered on one day:

The martyrdom, one book. And certain letters.

At length he was punished with capital sentence by the prefect Saturnius, whose daughter he had freed from a demon, and was made a martyr, on the eleventh day before the Kalends of October. He flourished at Rome under the emperor Galba, in the year of the Lord 70.

Philo, a Jew by nationality, an Alexandrian, of priestly stock, is placed by blessed Jerome among the ecclesiastical writers for this reason, because in his little works he very often in Chri-

On Ecclesiastical Writers

is occupied with praise of the Christians. When this man had been sent to Rome as ambassador of his people, he is recorded to have had the friendship of the blessed apostle Peter; and for this reason he also adorned with his praises at Alexandria the followers of Saint Mark, his disciple. He was a man most learned in every respect, and was regarded as a second Plato, so that it was commonly said: either Plato imitates Philo, or Philo imitates Plato. For so great a likeness of thought and eloquence is reported in them both. He wrote many very elegant books, of which the following are related.

On the Life of the Wise Man, one book. On the Heir of Divine Things, one book. On the Conduct of Life, one book. On the Division of Unequal Things, one book. On the Confusion of Languages, three books. On the Three Virtues, one book. On the Nature of Quadrupeds, one book. On the Nature of Discovery, one book. On Those Things Which We Testify by Sense, one book. On Covenants, one book. On Instruction, one book. Adam Begot Three Sons, one book. On the Course of Generation, one book. On Drunkenness, two books. On the Change of Names, one book. On Victims and Promises, one book. On Giants, five books. On Providence, one book. On the Five Books of Moses, one book. On Ideas, one book. On Dreams, four books. On Alexander, one book. On the Tabernacle, one book. On the Reason of Animals, one book. On the Contemplative Life, two books. That Every Fool Becomes a Slave, one book. On Agriculture.

He is also read to have written many other things, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under the emperor Nero, in the year of the Lord 50.

Josephus, a Jew by nation, a Jerusalemite, a priest by religion, son of the priest Matthias, a philosopher, rhetorician, and distinguished writer of the times, whom I would not place in our catalogue unless the Church read his writings and blessed Jerome had done this before: after the destruction of Jerusalem, he was captured by the emperors Vespasian and Titus and brought to Rome; because of the excellence of his talent he was magnificently honored by the senate and people of Rome. Although he remained a Jew, nevertheless he often praised the race of Christians, and in the eighteenth book of the Antiquities he wrote a notable testimony concerning our Lord Jesus Christ. His volumes were held in such authority among the Romans while he was still living that they were entrusted to the public library; after his death, moreover, he was presented by the senate and people with a bronze statue. Of his works I have seen only the following.

On the Jewish War, seven books. “Since the war which.” Antiquities of the World, twenty-four books. “To write a history.” Against Apion, one book. “Sufficiently, as I think.” On the Power of Speaking, one book. “To the holy elder John.”

He flourished at Rome under the emperors Vespasian and Titus, and remained among men until the times of the emperor Trajan, in the year of the Lord 100.

Ignatius, third bishop of the church of Antioch after blessed Peter, a man of exceptional holiness and a singular, most fervent lover of our Lord Jesus Christ, was accustomed to say, as Dionysius testifies: “My love has been crucified.” Since this most blessed prelate was a learned and zealous preacher of the divine word, he wrote several elegant letters full of fervor, in which he showed that he was a lover of holy martyrdom. Of these, the following are considered the more important.

To the Church of the Ephesians, one letter. To the Magnesians, one letter. To the Trojans, one letter. To the Romans, one letter. To Saint John, one letter. To the blessed Virgin, one letter. To the Philadelphians, one letter. To Polycarp, one letter.

He suffered martyrdom at Rome under the emperor Trajan, in the year of the Lord 111.

Papias, hearer and disciple of Saint John, bishop of Hierosolyma in Asia, a most steadfast propagator and defender of the Christian faith, a disciple and devoted imitator of the holy apostles, wrote works of no contemptible authority. Of these there survives an outstanding work, divided into five volumes, which he entitled thus: Explanation of the Sayings of the Lord, five books. The other things that he wrote we have not seen. This man, the novelty of a thousand ye-

The Abbot of Sponheim

... was the first to invent [unclear], after whom he dreamed that Christ would reign again in the flesh with the elect upon the earth; others later enlarged this error and were called Chiliasts, from the thousand.

He flourished in the times of Trajan Caesar, about the year of the Lord 100.

Hegesippus, a Jew by nation, converted to the faith of Christ, shone forth in the Church of God as admirable in learning and holiness; his feast, with those of the other saints, obtained a place in the martyrology. He wrote several little works of excellent talent, of which I have found only: an outstanding work, from the time of the Lord’s Passion down to his own age; A History of Ecclesiastical Acts, five books, “In the Parthian war which between...” I have seen no other of his works.

He flourished near the apostolic times under Antoninus Pius, in the year of the Lord 160.

Justin, converted from being a philosopher to the catholic faith, an eminent Christian and worshipper, when in the city of Rome he was refuting Crescens the Cynic, who was blaspheming Christians, as gluttonous, fearful of death, and a follower of luxury and lusts, was accused before the senate through that man’s plots because he was a Christian, and was crowned with martyrdom for Christ. He wrote many distinguished little works in defense of our faith, of which these are reported:

Against the Gentiles, to Antoninus, one book. On the Soul, one book. To Aurelius, Against the Gentiles, one book. [The Psalmist?] so entitled, one book. Likewise Against the Gentiles, one book. Against Trypho the Jew, one book. Corrections Against the Gentiles, one book. Against Marcion, one book. On the Monarchy of God, one book. Against All Heresies, one book.

He also composed many other works which have not come to our knowledge.

He flourished under Antoninus Pius, in the year of the Lord 150.

Quadratus the Athenian, bishop after Publius the martyr, formerly a hearer and disciple of the holy apostles, a man steadfast and of incomparable learning, labored and advanced much for the advantage of the Christian faith, and gathered into the unity of faith the Church that had been dispersed by fear of persecution. Since he was an eminent teacher, he wrote, among other things, for the Christians to the emperor Hadrian an Apologetic full of instruction, one book, and other things unknown to us. At last he suffered for the defense of the catholic faith on the seventh day before the Kalends of June. He flourished under the emperor Hadrian, in the year of the Lord 120.

Aristides the Athenian philosopher, a man most learned in secular letters and very devoted to the divine Scriptures, shone forth distinguished by such eloquence that he presented a marvel of himself to the gentiles; under the garb of a philosopher he bore Christian faith and conduct, and shone forth famous, not without a reputation for holiness. He wrote an Apologetic for the Christians, to the emperor Hadrian, one book, and certain other things. He flourished under the emperor Hadrian, in the year of the Lord 120.

Melito the Asian, bishop of Sardis, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and venerable no less for holiness than for doctrine, shone forth famous among catholic preachers. He wrote many excellent volumes for the advantage of the Church of the faithful. Of these, the following are listed:

On Easter, one book. On the Life of the Prophets. On the Fallen, one book. [On the Fallen?] On the Body and the Soul, one book. On the Senses. On Baptism, one book. On Faith. On Truth, one book. Philoxenia. one book. The work that is entitled [The Key?]. On the Generation of Christ, one book. On the Devil. Eclogues, one book. On the Apocalypse of John, one book. “Melito, servant of Christ.” On the Passing of Saint Mary, one book.

He also published other little works which antiquity has not permitted to come to our memory. Tertullian, mentioning in a certain place his elegant and declamatory talent, asserts that he was regarded by our people as a prophet. It should indeed be noted that the book On the Passing of Saint Mary written by him is reckoned among the apocrypha, 15 dist., Sancta Romana.

He flourished under the emperor Marcus Antoninus Verus, in the year of the Lord 160.

Theophilus, sixth bishop of the church of Antioch, a man very devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, famous in talent and speech, and an excellent declaimer, wrote many volumes for the advantage of the faithful and shone forth as an excellent expounder of the Lord’s sayings. Of his little works the following are reported:

Con-

On Ecclesiastical Writers

Against Marcion, book 1. Commentaries on the Gospels, four books. Against Hermogenes, book 1. To Autolycus, 3 books. On the Proverbs of Solomon, book 1.

He also composed many other short treatises pertaining to the edification of the Catholic Church, which among the Latins are seldom found together. He was ordained bishop in the year of the Lord 173, in the eleventh indiction.

APOLLINARIS of Hierapolis, bishop in Asia, a learned man, an outstanding defender of the Christian faith, brilliant in intellect, eloquent in speech, wrote little works of no contemptible reading, in which he showed himself a man not so much learned as zealous. Of these the following are reported:

Apology for the Christians, book 1. Against the Nations, 5 books. On Truth, 3 books. Against the Cataphrygians, 2 books.

But he published some other works, knowledge of which antiquity has taken from us. He flourished under Marcus Antoninus Verus, in the year of the Lord 165.

DIONYSIUS, bishop of the church of the Corinthians, a most eloquent man, very learned in the divine Scriptures, a most watchful shepherd of Christ’s sheepfold, was of such solicitude and diligence that he instructed not only the people of his own city with saving teachings, but also urged the congregations of foreign cities, through letters, to constancy in the faith. These epistles are said to be so useful and lengthy that they may not improperly be called books. Of these, the following are reckoned:

To the Lacedaemonians, epistle 1. To the Athenians, epistle 1. To the Nicomedians, epistle 1. To the Cretans, epistle 1. To the [Gnossians?], epistle 1. To the Roman pope, epistle 1. To the [Amastrians?], epistle 1. To Chrysophora, a woman, epistle 1.

He flourished under the rulers Marcus Antoninus Verus and Lucius Aurelius, in the year of the Lord 170. Not without a reputation for sanctity, he wrote various things.

TATIAN, a heresiarch, was a hearer and follower of Justin Martyr so long as he did not depart from his side. But afterward, when Saint Justin had been crowned, puffed up with the swelling of eloquence, he founded a new heresy, which is called that of the Encratites; Severus later increased it, from whom the heretics of the same party were called Severians. They abominate meats, do not drink wine, do not receive the Old Testament, and do not believe in the resurrection. Tatian wrote volumes, which nevertheless have not come to my knowledge. For because of [unclear], countless volumes, indeed [unclear] volumes, perished. There survives of his, according to Jerome, an outstanding [volume?], which he entitled:

Against the Nations, book 1.

He flourished under Marcus Antoninus Verus, in the year of the Lord 170.

PHILIP, bishop of Crete, that is, of the city of [Gortyna?], whom Dionysius, bishop of the Corinthians set above, mentions in his letter which he had written to the church of the same city, was a noble and learned man. For the benefit of believers he published works sufficiently learned, as they say, which by no means came into our hands. There survives of his:

Against Marcion, book 1. The rest is unknown to us.

He also wrote certain letters to various persons and various treatises, which to our [unclear]; in them the abundant vein of his talent is visible. Of these there survives a notable volume:

Against Marcion.

He flourished in the year of the Lord 170, in the times of Marcus Antoninus Verus, emperor.

MODESTUS, indeed a man of flourishing talent, although what dignity or rank he held is unknown to us, wrote, as blessed Jerome bears witness, little works of no contemptible reading, in which the abundant vein of his talent is visible. Of these there survive volumes; of these the following are reported:

Against the Nations, book 1. On the Monarchy of God, book 1. On Discipline, book 1. On the Ogdoad, book 1. To Blastus on Schism, book 1. On Easter, to Pope Victor, book 2. Against Heresies, 5 books. On the Apostolic Preaching, book 1.

Va-

The Abbot of Sponheim

[unclear]. Seven books of various treatises.

He wrote many other things which have so far come to my knowledge. At last, when persecution was raging against the Christians, together with almost all the people of his city he was crowned with martyrdom for the Catholic faith on the fourth day before the Kalends of June. He flourished under Marcus Antoninus, in the year of the Lord 175.

Theodotion, by birth an Ephesian, once a disciple of Tatian while he was still a faithful philosopher, certainly a man most learned in every respect, was the third translator of the divine Scriptures. Besides the translation of the Scriptures, which he made from Hebrew into Latin, he also composed certain other little works, which, however, have not yet come into our hands. He flourished in the times of the emperor Commodus, in the year of the Lord 180.

Rhodon, an Asian by race, once a hearer and disciple of Tatian, a man most learned both in the divine Scriptures and also in secular letters, is said to have written many things in Greek speech, copies of which are rarely found among our people. Of these, however, the more important are said to be those which we have set down below:

Against Marcion, three books. To Callistion, one book. Against the Cataphrygians, one book. On the Hexaemeron, six books.

He flourished under the rulers Commodus and Severus, in the year of the Lord 200.

Clement, presbyter of the church of Alexandria, once a hearer and disciple of Pantaenus, a Stoic philosopher and Christian, who after him held the ecclesiastical school at Alexandria for many years, was a devout, learned, and most eloquent man. He wrote many excellent volumes:

Stromata, that is, Miscellanies, eight books. On Disputation, one book. Against the Gentiles, one book. On the Salvation of the Rich Man, one book. The Paedagogue, three books. On Detraction, one book. On Easter, one book. Against the Judaizers, one book. On Fasting, one book. On Ecclesiastical Canons, one book.

He also published many letters and various treatises, whose titles we do not know. He flourished in the times of the rulers Commodus and Severus, in the year of the Lord 200.

Melciades, whom Rhodon recalled in his work which he composed against the Cataphrygians, Montanus, Prisca, and Maximilla, the mad prophets, was a man most learned in secular letters and trained by constant study in the divine Scriptures. He wrote no few little works for the edification of the faithful. Of these the following are reported:

Against Montanus, one book. Against the Jews, one book. Against the Gentiles, one book. An Apologetic for Our Faith, one book.

He is also said to have written many other things which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the times of Marcus Antoninus Commodus, in the year of the Lord 170.

Apollonius, a certain learned and most eloquent man, distinguished no less in life than in eloquence, a most valiant destroyer of heretical depravity, composed many things on behalf of our faith. He often refuted the madness of Montanus in words and writings, as is clear to those who read that notable volume which he is said to have composed with the greatest charms of eloquence:

Against Montanus, one book.

But he published several other things which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under the rulers Commodus and Severus, in the year of the Lord 180.

Serapion, formerly an anchorite, the eighth bishop of the church of Antioch, a man of keen intellect, very zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, venerable no less for his life than for his knowledge, is said to have forged several little works for the benefit of believers, in which he showed himself a learned man and a most keen defender of the Christian faith. Among their number are held:

To Carinus on Montanus, one book. On the Gospel under the Name of Peter, one book. Short but Numerous Letters, one book.

He was ordained bishop of the aforesaid city under Commodus, ruler of the Romans, in the year of the Lord 193, in the first indiction.

Apollonius, a senator of the city of Rome, a man most learned both in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters, venerable no less for holiness than for knowledge, when he had been denounced before the senate because he was a Christian and would not deny Christ, received sentence of capital punishment, since the ancient law among them held that Christians, who had once been brought before their judgment, were not to be released without denial.

He wrote:

[unclear], one book. [unclear], one book.

On Ecclesiastical Writers

He wrote, among other things:

An Apology for Our Faith, one book, which, when he had recited it in order before the senate, he was beheaded. He flourished at Rome under the emperors Commodus and Severus, in the year of the Lord 190.

TERTULLIAN, priest, by homeland a Carthaginian of the province of Africa, his father a proconsular centurion, a man of sharp and vehement talent, most learned both in divine and in secular writings, since indeed he taught rhetoric gloriously at Carthage for many years. He wrote in the Latin language almost countless little works, in which he vigorously crushed the errors of the heretics. The most blessed martyr Cyprian held this man’s writings in such veneration that he let no day pass without reading them. For he was accustomed to say to his secretary, “Give me the master,” meaning Tertullian. At last he is said to have slipped into the error of Montanus; on account of this his little works are counted among the apocrypha. 15, distinction, Sancta Romana. And although he erred in some matters, nevertheless in many he wrote well, as his volumes testify. Of these I have seen:

On the Patience of God, one book. “I confess to the Lord God.”

One book. “Various [unclear] the devil.”

Five books. “If anything was done previously.”

One book. “Next comes [unclear].”

Against All Heresies, one book. “Of the heretics of [unclear].”

One book. “The condition of present things.”

One book. “We are accustomed to [unclear] heretics.”

One book. “The Valentinians often.”

One book. “Those who [hold] the faith of the resurrection.”

On the Prescriptions of the Heretics, one book. “The confidence of Christians.”

One book. “Most beloved in the Lord.”

One book. “Recently it happened [unclear].”

One book. “Among the foods of the flesh.”

One book. “Repentance, this kind.”

One book. “Now a proper matter.”

One book. “Set on earth, delay.”

One book. “Handmaids of the living God, [unclear].”

One book. “Heretics forbid marriages.”

One book. “The chiefs, always Africans.”

One book. “Sought recently, Fab[ius?].”

On the Veiling of Virgins.

On the Dress of Women.

On the Adornment of Women.

To His Wife.

On Persecution, to Fabius.

To Scapula.

Exhortation to Chastity.

On Monogamy.

On the Pallium.

On Spectacles.

On Ecstasy.

On Modesty.

One book. “We indeed neither [unclear].”

One book. “I do not doubt, brother, that you.”

One book. “Heretics forbid marriages.”

One book. “The chiefs, always Africans.”

One book. On Fasts.

One book. Against Apollonius.

One book.

He also wrote many other things, and various treatises, which have not yet come into our hands at all; and he lived studious until old age and advanced years. He flourished in the times of the emperor Severus, in the year of the Lord 200.

ORIGEN, also called Adamantius, priest, an Alexandrian by nationality, son of the martyr Leonides, once a disciple of Clement of Alexandria, was a man of great and excellent talent, so that in zeal and learning he never had an equal. In the tenth year of Severus Pertinax, when a persecution was stirred up against the Christians, and when his father Leonides had been crowned with martyrdom for the faith of Christ, he was left poor with his widowed mother and six brothers, being about seventeen years old. The treasury had seized all their substance because of confession of Christ, so that they had nothing more from which they might live. And although the number of years was reckoned small in the young man, nevertheless his learning was already wonderful, and the constancy of his Christian faith admirable. For he had determined to fall bravely with his father Leonides for the faith of Christ, if, through his mother’s stratagem, it had not happened that he, destined to be a great teacher for the usefulness of the Church, was preserved. For when early in the morning he had resolved to go to the place of contest to his father, his clothing having been taken away by his mother during the night and the doors of the chamber locked, he was compelled to remain at home. But when he had grown into manhood, he resolved to lead a more ample life, and, announcing the word of God round about him, he walked barefoot for many years. Finally, he never slept on a bed spread with feathers; he entirely abstained from wine and meats, except in infirmity; and he was intent on serving God devotedly with fasts, vigils, prayers, and continual studies and expositions of the divine Scriptures.

196. ABBOT OF SPONHEIM.

…was. By Christ's counsel, too, he was wont to put on only one tunic, and, made a contemner of all worldly [things], thought nothing of the morrow. For love of chastity, that he might dare to preach to the women who followed [him], he had himself castrated—although in this deed zeal remained without knowledge. On account of his doctrine, eloquence, and apostolic life, Mammaea, the most Christian mother of the emperor Alexander, seized with desire of hearing him, came from Alexandria to Antioch, and heard his mellifluous teaching with great admiration. He was so intent on the study of the divine Scriptures that he never took food or sleep unless one of the brothers had first set forth a reading of the Scriptures, with all listening. The New and Old Testament, like another Esdras, he knew by heart; and now an old man, against his age, he learned the Hebrew tongue, and gathered the editions of all the interpreters except the Septuagint into one, by wonderful study. In dictating editions of the Scriptures he was of such admirable memory and subtlety that he wearied seven notaries, and as many girls most swift in writing, besides other young men, writing diverse [things] at once from his mouth, by an incredible agility of pronouncing. And although he was held, and was, so great a doctor, distinguished among all ecclesiastics, yet he is noted for great errors, by which either he himself was foolish, or was depraved by others inserting false [things] into [his] writings. For there was always a varied opinion of the doctors concerning Origen, some asserting [him] a heretic, others affirming that fraud was imposed on him. [It is] not to be wondered at if the first [man], without example, erred, who unfolded so many volumes without a preceding master. Yet it is ours, not only concerning Origen but concerning whatever writers, to think with the holy Roman Church, and to despise superfluous opinions. He published almost infinite volumes, of which I have seen, rendered into Latin, only the following: [a long list of homilies and commentaries follows—On Genesis hom. 16; On Exodus hom. 13; On Leviticus hom. 16; On Numbers; On Joshua hom. 26; On Matthew hom. 26; On Isaiah; On Jeremiah; On Ezekiel hom. 14; On the Song of Songs; On Luke hom. 26; On Romans, 4 books; On the martyrs, 1 book; Against Celsus the philosopher, 8 books; Peri Archon (On First Principles), 15 books; and others—rendered as printed]. He composed, besides, many others, which have not come into our hands. There are [those] who write that they have read six thousand treatises of Origen—which number is both great and unknown to the Latins. Nor [is there] doubt that many of his little works have been newly translated, which by no means came to the notice of our reading. He dies an old man and poor, buried at Tyre, under the princes Valerian and Gallienus, in the year of the Lord 261, in the ninth indiction, in the 70th year of his age.

AMMONIUS of Alexandria, a man erudite in the divine Scriptures and most learned in secular letters, the most celebrated philosopher and rhetorician of all his time, subtle in talent and eloquent in speech, wrote in the Greek tongue certain illustrious volumes, by which he left the memory of himself to posterity. Of whose number the following are extant: On the consonance of Jesus and Moses: 1 book. Of the Gospel Canons: 1 book. ["In the first canon, four…"] "One out of four": 1 book. ["Since indeed many…"] And certain others. Him the most impious Porphyry, most bitter enemy of the Christians, a gentile philosopher, falsely accuses of having—the faith being denied—become a heathen; [him] who, it is agreed, remained a devout Christian up to death. He flourished under Alexander, son of Mammaea, in the year 250.

On Ecclesiastical Writers

Ambrosius, a hearer of Origen, at first a Marcionite and afterward corrected by Origen himself, was a distinguished confessor of the Christian faith; he also deserved to be promoted to the office of deacon. He was certainly a very learned man and a devoted lover of books; by supplying funds, shorthand-writers, and scribes, he enabled our Adamantius to compose almost infinite volumes. He was so great a promoter of Origen’s nightly labors that by day and night he urged him, by words and writings, to write something new, so much so that in a certain familiar letter he is named by Origen as “the taskmaster of the work.” He used to say that he had never gone to bed or taken food in Origen’s presence unless first one of the brethren, who were always at hand, had sounded forth the sacred writings. He wrote to Origen, giving thanks for his conversion.

Letters, 1 book. And certain other works. He flourished with Origen, in the year of the Lord 230.

Tryphon, a hearer and disciple of Origen, to whom some of Origen’s letters are extant, was a man most learned both in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters, subtle in intellect and eloquent in speech. He wrote in Greek certain excellent little works, by which he transmitted his name to the knowledge of posterity. Of these the following are extant:

On the Red Cow in Deuteronomy, 1 book. On the Quality of Sacrifices, 1 book. On the Dove and the Turtledove, 1 book.

He flourished in the times of the emperor Alexander, in the year of the Lord 240.

Minucius Felix, an advocate, Roman by birth, a man most learned in secular letters and devoted to the divine readings, excellent in intellect and eloquent in speech, wrote in Latin certain excellent little works, by which he commended the memory of himself to posterity. Of these there is extant a dialogue between a Christian and a heretic, which is entitled:

Octavius, 1 book. On Fate, against the Mathematicians, 1 book.

He flourished at Rome under the emperor Alexander, in the year of the Lord 35.

Beryllus, bishop of Bostra in Arabia, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and excellently instructed in secular matters, after he had ruled the church gloriously for some time, at last fell into the heresy of the Paulianists, who denied that Christ existed before Mary; but, corrected by Origen, he wrote many things. Of these there is extant between them:

A Dialogue Held, 1 book. Letters to Various Persons, 1 book.

And certain other works. He flourished under the emperor Alexander, in the year of the Lord 245.

Hippolytus, bishop of a certain city whose name Jerome did not state, was certainly a man both devoted to and learned in the divine writings. He wrote many and almost incredible volumes, so that Ambrosius, of whom we have already made mention above, used to exhort Origen to imitate him and strongly persuaded him to expound the divine Scriptures, providing him, as we have said, with seven shorthand-writers, and as many very swift girls for writing, and an equal number of copyists, with their costs and expenses. One could see a beautiful and delightful contest, in which each greatly desired to surpass the other in the publication of books.

Concerning the works of Hippolytus, the following are reported:

On the Hexaemeron, 1 book. On the Apocalypse, 1 book. On Genesis, 1 book. On the Proverbs of Solomon, 1 book. On Exodus, 1 book. On Ecclesiastes, 1 book. On Numbers, 1 book. On Saul and the Pythoness, 1 book. On the Song of Songs, 1 book. On Antichrist, 1 book. On the Prophet Zechariah, 1 book. Against Marcion, 1 book. On Daniel, 1 book. Against All Heresies, 2 books.

He also published many and various treatises on the Psalms, and almost innumerable homilies and sermons, and many other works still unknown to us. He flourished under the emperor Alexander, in the year of the Lord 250.

Alexander, bishop of Cappadocia, when he was going to Jerusalem out of desire for the holy places, was ordained bishop there by divine revelation after Saint Narcissus. He shone forth not only as famous for sanctity and learning, and at last, under Decius, [unclear] for the faith of Christ, he consummated many [unclear] and martyrdom. He wrote many elegant letters to various persons serving the most impious tyrant. Of these the following are especially reported:

On the Peace of the Church, to the Aaronites, 1 letter. To the Antiochenes, 1 letter. For Origen against Demetrius, 1 letter. To Origen, several letters.

He suffered at Caesarea under Decius, in the year of the Lord 253, indiction 1.

Julius Africanus, a man most learned in every respect, a philosopher, historian, and distinguished theologian, and a most ardent lover of the divine Scriptures and of books, by his studies

The Abbot of Sponheim

by his studies and at his own expense founded at Caesarea in Palestine a notable library, in which he gathered many volumes, both of secular and of divine writings. He also wrote several works of great usefulness. Of these the following are reported:

Chronicles, 5 books. On Easter, 1 book. On the Holy Trinity, 1 book. On the Sabbath, 1 book. On Circumcision, 1 book. To Origen on Susanna, 1 book. On Attalus, 1 book. To Aristides the Philosopher, 1 book.

And he is said to have composed many other works, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under Marcus Aurelius, in the year of the Lord 220.

Gregory, bishop of Neocaesarea in Pontus, hearer and disciple of Origen, was a learned and holy man; he both wrote many things and, while living, shone with miracles. While still a young man, seeking the study of secular philosophy with his brother Athenodorus, he placed himself under the school of Origen, by whom he was gradually and almost imperceptibly converted to the faith of Christ together with his brother, and became a most learned and most holy man. Among his writings there survives:

A Panegyric to Origen, 1 book. Interpretations on Ecclesiastes, 1 book.

And several letters. He flourished under the emperor Gordian, in the year of the Lord 240.

Cornelius, the twenty-second bishop of the city of Rome after Peter, a Roman by country, son of Castinus, was made pope after the glorious martyrdom of Fabian. He sat in the chair of Peter for two years, a learned and most holy man, until at last he too, crowned with martyrdom, passed, released from the flesh, to those above. He wrote several letters for the benefit of the Church. Of these I have found only the following:

To Fabius, bishop of Antioch. On Synods, 1 letter. On Novatian, 1 letter. To the same, on the Novatians, 1 book. On the Acts of the Synod, 1 letter.

He wrote several letters to Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, and others to other persons. He flourished under the tyrant emperor Decius, in the year of the Lord 255.

Cyprian, bishop of the church of Carthage in Africa, a learned and most holy man, taught rhetoric gloriously for many years, and was a magnificent teacher in every secular literature. Then, by the persuasion of the priest Caecilius, from whom he received his surname, he was converted to the faith of Christ and distributed all his property to the poor. Not long after, having been chosen priest, he was also ordained bishop. Since he was zealous in the divine Scriptures, he usefully published many works for the edification of the faithful. And he wrote the following volumes in the Latin language, namely:

On the Grace of God, to Donatus, 1 book. “You advise well, Donatus.” Against Demetrianus, 1 book. “You bark at and against.” 1 book. “Many and great are they.” On Piety and Almsgiving, 1 book. “You desired, Fortunatus.” On the Praise of Martyrdom, 1 book. “Be zealous for what seems good.” On Jealousy and Envy, 1 book. “About to speak of patience.” On the Good of Patience, 1 book. “Even if among very many of you.” On Mortality, 1 book. “The guardian of discipline, of hope.” On Virginity, 1 book. “Peace, behold, most beloved.” On the Lapsed, 1 book. “Cyprian to brother Caecilius.” On the Sacrament of the Chalice, 1 book. “Since the Lord warns and [unclear].” On the Unity of the Church, 1 book. “The evangelical precepts.” On the Lord’s Prayer, 1 book. “That idols are not gods.” On the Vanity of Idols, 1 book. “I had indeed promised you.” To Antonianus on Novatus, 1 book. “The proof of the chapters.” On the Two Mountains, 1 book. “We have received the first letters.” To Quirinus, against the Jews, 1 book. “The Jews into offence.” To Pope Cornelius, 8 letters. “We have learned, brother [unclear].” On Gamblers, 1 book. Letters to Various Persons, 1 book. To Julianus, his friend.

But he is said to have composed many other works, which have not come into our hands. The little book On the Twelve Abuses of the World, ascribed by many to Cyprian, does not have the scent of his style. At last he suffered under Valerian, on the same day on which Cornelius did at Rome, but not in the same year, namely in the year of the Lord 249, in the twelfth indiction, on the eighth day before the Kalends of October.

Pontius, priest, hearer and disciple of blessed Cyprian, a learned and holy man, and

On Ecclesiastical Writers

and a distinguished declaimer; coming into Gaul after the glorious triumph of his master, he obtained the palm of martyrdom for the faith of Christ at the city of Cimella. This Pontius, by his honey-sweet preaching and zeal, converted the two Philips, emperors, to Christ, and persuaded them to be the first among the Roman rulers to renounce idols. He also wrote, in an elegant style, a notable volume, which contains:

The Life of Saint Cyprian, one book.

He flourished under Emperor Philip, in the year of the Lord 240.

Dionysius, the thirteenth bishop of the city of Alexandria, formerly a hearer and disciple of Origen, while he was still a presbyter held the public school under Heraclas and acquired great glory for his learning. For he was a man most learned in every science, a philosopher, rhetorician, and distinguished theologian, who, agreeing with the doctrine of Cyprian and the African synod on rebaptizing heretics, wrote very many letters on that matter to various persons. Among them these are counted:

On repentance, to Fabius, one letter. On the Sabbath, one book. To the Romans, one letter. To Hermonion [Hermammon?], one book. To Saint Sixtus, pope, two letters. On the persecution of Decius, one book. To Philemon and Dionysius, presbyters, two letters. Against Nepos, the Chiliast, one book. To Dionysius after he became pope, two letters. Against Sabellius, one book. To Novatian the heretic, one letter. To Ammon, bishop of [Berenice?], one letter. [unclear: Dionysius Novatianus]. To Pope Dionysius, one book. To Dionysius and Didymus, one letter. To Thelephorus, one letter. To the Laodiceans, on repentance, one letter. To Euphranon, one letter. To Origen, on martyrdom, one letter. A canon on repentance, one book. On the order of offences, one letter. On nature, to Timothy, one book. To the Alexandrians, on exile, one letter. On temptations, one book. On Easter, one book. Commentaries on Ecclesiastes, one book. To Bishop Heraclas in Egypt, one book. On Jewish foods, one book.

Several letters of his to Basilides are also reported. A distinguished letter of his Against Paul of Samosata is extant, which he had written a few days before his death. He also composed many other things for ecclesiastical use, which are unknown to us. He flourished under the rulers Gallus and Volusianus, in the year of the Lord 255.

Novatian, presbyter of the Roman church, having attempted to usurp the episcopal chair against Cornelius, and being unable to do so, stirred up the first schism in the church and established the heresy of the Novatians, refusing to receive apostates who repented, and rebaptizing those duly baptized. The author of this error was Novatus, Cyprian’s presbyter. He wrote:

On Easter, one book. On Jewish foods, one book. On the Sabbath, one book. On earnestness, one book. On Circumcision, one book. On Attalus, one book. On the Priest, one book. On the Holy Trinity, one book. On Prayer, one book. Several letters to various persons.

He is also said to have written some other things besides, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the times of Emperor Philip, in the year of the Lord 260.

Malchion, presbyter of the church of Antioch, a learned and most eloquent man, since indeed he taught rhetoric in that same city for many years with the greatest distinction, published some excellent little works which in his own time seemed to contribute greatly to the defense of the Christian faith against heretics. Of these there is extant a notable work of dialogues:

Against Paul of Samosata, one book. To Pope Dionysius from the synod, one letter.

He flourished under the rulers Claudius and Aurelian, in the year of the Lord 270.

Victorinus, bishop of Pictavium, a man very learned in the divine Scriptures and trained in Greek and Latin eloquence, wrote many excellent little works, in which he splendidly exercised his talent. He was also a distinguished preacher of the divine word, and it is recorded that at last he was crowned with martyrdom for the faith of Christ. Of his writings the following are reported:

On Genesis, one book. On Habakkuk, one book. On Exodus, one book. On Ecclesiastes, one book. On Leviticus, one book. On the Song of Songs, one book. On the prophet Isaiah, one book. On the Apocalypse, one book. On Ezek-

202 The Abbot of Sponheim

On Ezekiel, one book. And many other things. He flourished in the times of the emperors Valerian and Gallienus, in the year of the Lord 270.

Pamphilus, priest of Eusebius of Caesarea, out of love for the Scriptures gathered so many books at Caesarea that at that time no library in all the earth was more celebrated. Indeed, he copied out with his own hand a great part of the books of Origen and placed them in that same Caesarean library. From him Eusebius obtained the surname Pamphili. But before Eusebius began to write, he wrote some little works of no contemptible authority. Of these I have found only:

Against the Mathematicians, one book. An Apology for Origen, one book.

He is also said to have written certain letters full of faith and learning. At last, after blessed studies and many labors for the Church of God, he was crowned with martyrdom for the faith of Christ at Caesarea in Palestine, under the persecution of Maximian, who ruled around the year of the Lord 240.

Anatolius of Alexandria, bishop of Laodicea in Syria, a man skilled in the divine Scriptures and second to none in secular letters in his time, a distinguished rhetorician, astronomer, and geometer, left many splendid little works of his genius; yet very few of them have come to our knowledge. There survives his notable volume entitled:

On Easter, one book. On Arithmetical Instruction, ten books.

He flourished under the emperors Probus and Carus, in the year 285.

Archelaus, bishop of Mesopotamia in Syria, a learned man and acute disputant, wrote some little works in the Syriac language, which are rarely found among the Latins. He vigorously disputed against Mani, the heresiarch coming out of Persia, and confounded all his arguments, although he was unable to recall him from error. He wrote that same disputation:

Against Mani, one book.

Other works are unknown to us. He flourished under the emperors Aurelian and Probus, in the year of the Lord 280.

Lucian, priest of the church of Antioch, a man of such learning and eloquence that, learned and eloquent, he was of excellent ability in delivering homilies to the people, and venerable no less for his life than for his knowledge of the Scriptures, was crowned with martyrdom for the faith of Christ under the persecution of Maximian. He was buried at Helenopolis in Bithynia. Among other things he wrote:

On Our Faith, one book.

And various other treatises, sermons, homilies, and letters. He flourished under the emperor Maximian, in the year of the Lord 240.

Pierius, priest of the church of Alexandria, a noble and most learned man, was called the younger Origen; he was most excellent in delivering homilies to the people. Under Theonas, bishop of the Alexandrians, shining forth as most renowned in life and doctrine, he was a distinguished cultivator of voluntary poverty for love of Christ and an admirable teacher of the people. He wrote countless treatises, which nevertheless have not come to our knowledge. There survives his very long discourse delivered to the people on the vigil of Easter:

On the Prophet Hosea, one book.

He flourished under the emperor Diocletian, in the year of the Lord 290.

Phileas, bishop of the city of Thebaid in Egypt, a noble and most learned man, distinguished no less in character than in knowledge of the Scriptures, after many labors and various treatises published for the benefit of the faithful, at last under the emperor Maximian flew away to heaven as a martyr for the faith of Christ. Of his writings there survives a disputation held:

Against an Unjust Judge, one book. On the Praise of Martyrs.

The other things he wrote are unknown to us, although many are reported by the fathers. He flourished under the emperor Maximian, in the year of the Lord 240.

Arnobius, priest, philosopher, and distinguished rhetorician, while he was still a pagan teaching rhetoric, was called by divine mercy and began to profess himself a Christian. And when, going to the bishops, he sought to be baptized, they did not believe him, fearing that a man then swollen with secular eloquence was attempting to mock the sacraments of the faith; and therefore they deferred their judgment. But Arnobius, seeing that no trust was being placed in him, as proof of his sincerity wrote and offered to the bishops a notable volume:

Against the Nations, seven books. Also On the Psalter, one book.

On Ecclesiastical Writers

On Rhetorical Instruction, one book.

He also published many other works which have not come to my knowledge.

He taught rhetoric in Africa under the emperor Diocletian, and had many excellent and noble pupils, who became very learned men. He therefore flourished in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ 300.

John Climacus, which in Latin means Scholasticus, abbot of Mount Sinai, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, outstanding in talent, gentle and humble, devout and most holy in life and conduct, when he was still sixteen years old, abandoned the world with its delights, and most earnestly sought and obtained permission to become a monk in the said monastery. Then after nineteen years, when he had already learned, according to the rule of monks, to fight and conquer as a solitary, with the permission of his abbot he sought the wilderness, in which for many years he lived alone with God in all holiness. Finally, when his most holy life had become known to all, by the unanimous consent of all he was elected abbot and, though resisting, was called back to the monastery. He wrote to John, abbot of Raithu, a very celebrated work, very suitable for the instruction of monks, containing thirty sermons, which is entitled:

On the Thirty Steps, one book. “From the good and above the good.”

To the Shepherd, one sermon, one book. “In the lower book indeed.”

Several letters to monks, one book.

And certain other things.

In certain places, especially where he treats of the impassibility of the mortified spiritual man, he is criticized by modern theologians, as may be seen in certain treatises in John Gerson. He flourished around the times of Constantine, Constantius, and Constans, brother emperors, who reigned in the year of the Lord 346.

Ildephonsus, bishop of the see of Toledo after Saint Eugenius, a man very learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular literature either, excellent in meter and subtle in talent in prose, eloquent in speech, and above all the bishops of his time fluent and eloquent, worthy of God and most holy in life and conduct. For he was endowed with constant fear of God, devout in religion, overflowing with compunction, grave in his gait, praiseworthy in integrity, singular in pastoral patience, distinguished in talent for disputation, supreme in wisdom. When he was still a boy, touched by the divine spirit, despising the things of the world and the affections of his parents, he sought the Agaliense monastery, and for many years conducted himself fittingly in it as a monk. He also built a convent of virgins in the little estate of Dehbia, which he endowed from his parents’ resources. Then, having been made abbot of the Agaliense monastery, he trained the morals of the monks, managed the property, and preserved the life. After this, by royal violence, he was brought back to Toledo, and there, after the death of his predecessor, was appointed bishop. He wrote many distinguished little works. Of these the following are reported:

On the Holy Trinity, one book. On the Knowledge of Baptism, one book.

On His Own Weakness, one book. On the Progress of the Spiritual Desert, one book.

On the Virginity of Saint Mary, one book. Hymns of various kinds, one book.

Annotations on the daily office, one book. Various sermons, one book.

Annotations on sacred matters, one book. Many epigrams, one book.

Annotations on the sacraments, one book. Also On the Mass, one book.

And many other things. When this most blessed bishop Ildephonsus had completed to the end the book on the virginity of Mary, the most pure Mother of God, whom he was always accustomed to serve most devoutly with all the zeal he could, the most sacred Lady of the world appeared to him and affirmed [unclear]. But he, wishing to honor her more highly, established that her solemnity should be celebrated each year on the eighth day before the Nativity of the Lord; this solemnity has now prevailed, so that throughout the whole Church of the faithful it is celebrated in honor of her most pure conception, on the sixth day before the Ides of December. Hence again the blessed Mother of God appeared to him and brought him a priestly vestment, which we call an alb, and that cathedral [unclear], concerning which many wondrous and glorious things are told. He flourished.

Firmianus Lactantius, once a hearer and disciple of Arnobius the rhetor, a man abundantly learned in secular letters and nobly instructed in the divine Scriptures, so that in the art of speaking he easily obtained first place after Cicero: he first taught rhetoric gloriously at Nicomedia, then at Rome under Diocletian, after being summoned by him. There, when through lack of pupils he had fallen into poverty, at last, already an old man, he was made in Gaul the tutor of Caesar Crispus, son of Constantine.

He wrote

The Abbot of Spanheim

He wrote many excellent volumes. Of these the following are reported:

On the Divine Institutes, one book. It begins: “Great and excellent.” On the Origin of Error, one book. It begins: “Although in the first book.” On False Wisdom, one book. It begins: “I should wish it to be declared to me.” On True Wisdom, one book. It begins: “As I was thinking, and with my mind.” On Justice, to Constantine, one book. It begins: “There is no doubt with me.” On True Worship, one book. It begins: “That was its duty.” On the Blessed Life, one book. It begins: “It is well.” On the Anger of God, to Donatus, one book. It begins: “I have often observed, Do[natus].” On the Workmanship of God, one book. It begins: “How very little at rest I am.” To Asclepiades, one book. Letters to Probus, four books. On Persecution, one book. Symposium, in hexameter verse, one book. Letters to Severus, two books. Entitled The Grammarian, one book. An Epitome against the Gentiles, one book. It begins: “There is a happy place in the first.” On Paradise, in hexameter, one book.

He is said to have written not a few other works besides, but they have not come into our hands. He flourished under the emperor Constantine, to whom he was very dear, in the year 320.

Eusebius, bishop of the church of Caesarea in Palestine, surnamed Pamphilus, formerly a disciple of the eunuch Dorotheus, a most learned man, very devoted to the divine Scriptures, and, together with the martyr Pamphilus, a most diligent restorer of the ecclesiastical library: although he was an Arian, when he came to the first council of the fathers held at Nicaea, he put aside his error and, following the opinion of the fathers, at their command composed the creed which is called Nicene, and offered it to them to be read and confirmed as testimony of his own most pure faith. In it he powerfully crushed the errors of the Arians, and nothing has been either added to or taken from his edition, but it is sung publicly in the Church of God down to the present day. After this, persevering in the orthodox faith, he was most holily brought to his end. He wrote many excellent volumes in Greek. Of these the following are reported among the Latins, namely:

Against Porphyry, thirty books. Explanations of the Gospel, twenty books. On Isaiah the Prophet, [fourteen?] books. It begins: “Since what is for Christians.” On the Preparation of the Gospel, ten books. Successions of the Saints. Ecclesiastical History, one book. It begins: “Moses of the Hebrew people.” Epitome of the Chronicle, one book. On the Disagreement of the Evangelists, one book. Theophany, one book. Apology for Origen, six books. Topics, three books. On the Whole Psalter, one book. On the Life of Pamphilus, one book. Martyrology, one book.

He also composed many other works which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under the great emperor Constantine, to whom he was very dear because of his distinguished learning and the holiness of his life, in the year of the Lord 320.

Rheticus, bishop of the Aedui at Autun, a man devoted to the divine Scriptures and, in his time, a teacher of renowned reputation. He is said to have written not a few little works, and especially commentaries on the divine books, but I recall that few have come to our knowledge, namely:

On the Song of Songs, one book. Against Novatian, one book.

Saint Jerome censures his exposition on the Song of Songs as foolish. He flourished in Gaul under Constantine the Great, in the year of the Lord 320.

Jacob, surnamed the Wise, bishop of the city of Nisibis of the Persians, a man of great learning and incomparable holiness, one of the number of the confessors who were victorious under the persecutor Maximian, was present at the Council of Nicaea and condemned the most impious Arius by the addition of homoousion. This man of most holy conduct often freed the city entrusted to him from many dangers by his prayers. For the edification of the faithful he wrote not a few little works in the Syrian tongue, of which the following are reported:

On Faith, one book. On Love of Neighbor, one book. On General Charity, one book. On Prayer, one book. On Fasting, one book. On Life after Death, one book. On the Resurrection, one book. On Patience, one book. On Humility, one book. On Satisfaction, one book. On Penance, one book. On

On Ecclesiastical Writers

On Virginity, one book. On the Sense of the Soul, one book. On Circumcision, one book. On the Blessing of Unleavened Bread, one book. On Christ, That He Is the Son of God, one book. On Chastity, one book. Against the Nations, one book. On the Construction of the Tabernacle, one book. On the Conversion of the Nations, one book. On the Kingdom of the Persians, one book. On the Persecution of Christians, one book. A Chronicle of the Times, one book. On the Words of Isaiah, one book. Thus the whole work just designated comprises 25 books. He flourished under the great emperor Constantine, in the year of the Lord 330.

Methodius, bishop of Olympus in Lycia, and afterward of Tyre, learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, a confessor and distinguished defender of the Christian faith, and a diligent emulator of evangelical perfection, after the publication of many volumes, was crowned with martyrdom for the faith of Christ under the last persecution, or, as others affirm, under Decius and Valerian, at Chalcis in Greece. He wrote, in a polished and well-ordered style, not a few volumes, of which the following are reported:

Against Porphyry, two books. The Symposium on the Ten Virgins, one book. On the Resurrection, one book. On the Pythoness, one book. On the Departure of the Soul, one book. On Genesis, one book. On the Song of Songs, one book. “For it must be known, brothers,” one book. On the Last Times, one book. Also a Chronicle, one book.

He flourished under the great emperor Constantine, or, as others prefer, under Decius and Valerian, in the year of the Lord 355.

Antonius, monk and abbot, Egyptian by nation, a most holy man and distinguished cultivator of the desert, whose praises the whole world proclaims, furnished to many a rule of religious and blessed life. Although he had not learned letters, he was nevertheless so learned in the divine Scriptures that none of the doctors of his age would presume to put himself before him. He had memory in place of books, understanding and sense in place of letters, grace in place of the study of reading. In the Egyptian language he dictated various letters, of apostolic sense and speech, to different monasteries. Of these, that distinguished one is extant:

To the Arsenoites, one letter. To other monasteries, six letters.

Blessed Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, described his life in an outstanding volume in the Greek language. He flourished under Constantine the Great and during the reigns of his sons, in the year of the Lord 330, shining with many miracles.

Juvencus, priest, Spanish by nation, a noble man and a most learned philosopher, distinguished poet, rhetorician, and theologian, and venerable to the Church no less for his conduct than for his knowledge of the Scriptures, published for the edification of readers many excellent volumes, both in meter and in prose; but few of them have come to my knowledge. I have read the distinguished work which he composed in hexameter and pentameter verses:

On the Four Gospels, four books. “Nothing immortal [unclear].” On the Sacraments, one book.

The rest which he is said to have composed have not come into our hands. He flourished under Constantine the Great and his sons, in the year of the Lord 350.

Against the Arians, three books. On the Soul, one book. Almost innumerable Letters, one book. Against Origen, one book.

He flourished in the times of Constantine and his sons, in the year of the Lord 350.

Athanasius, nineteenth bishop of the city of Alexandria, a holy man and most learned in the divine Scriptures, endured many persecutions from the Arians on behalf of the catholic faith. Indeed the whole world was narrow for him, with the Arians persecuting him everywhere; they nowhere seemed to be wholly secure. For a man’s enemies were those of his own household. Therefore, fleeing from the face of the emperor and of the Arians, he came to the city of Trier in Gaul, and, honorably received by Saint Maximianus the archbishop, for [unclear] years hid with him in a cistern without water, which to this day is shown in the crypt at the monastery of Saint Maximinus in Trier. While lying hidden in this place for many years, as we have said, he did not see the sun, and there the creed “Whoever wishes to be saved”

Abbot of Sponheim he composed, until at last, betrayed by a certain girl, by the will of God he escaped by flight. If anyone wishes to know his deeds more fully, let him read the Tripartite History. He wrote in the Greek language almost innumerable little works, of which I have found the following among the Latins.

On the Unity of the Trinity, one book. “You, one God, God the Father.” On the proper persons of the Trinity, one book. “Now through each [unclear].” On the Assumption of Man, one book. “Just as in one.” On the Names of the Trinity, one book. “Here now concerning the names of each.” On the One Substance of the Trinity, one book. “Here, contradicting, the person.” On the Blessedness of Faith, one book. “I ask of you concerning the one.” One book. “For which reason most earnestly.” On the Profession of the Catholic Rule, one book. “Before the beginning of times, above.” On the Unity of Faith, one book. “When you have read this faith.” On the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, one book. “To those who say that the Son of God was created.” On the Trinity and the Holy Spirit, one book. “To the most blessed lord and.” To Lucifer the Bishop, one book. “The first objection of these men is.” Against the Objections of the Arians, one book. “When at Nicaea [unclear].” A Disputation against Arius, etc., one book. “The Arians, behaving childishly.” Against Valens and Ursatius, one book. On the Titles of the Psalms, one book. “All things whatsoever our Lord.” One book. “The letters of holy charity.” One book. “Of divine worship and of [unclear].” Book 2. “Even if I have boasted of anything.” Against the Arians, one book. “Heresies, as many as he himself.” One book. “Whoever wishes for salvation.” Against the same, fourteen books. “Paul, and [unclear]. Nor Moy[ses?].” One book. “The Arians, behaving childishly.” On the Homoousion of the Father and the Son, one book. “Those who maliciously [treat] divine things.” Dialogue with an Arian, one book. “It was brought about by the providence of God.” An Exhortation to Monks, one book. “Even if someone boasts in.” Life of Saint Antony, one book. “Excellent, in these matters, brothers.” Symbol of His Faith, one book. “Whoever wishes to be saved.” On All the Epistles of Paul, fourteen books. Sermons to the People. On the Persecution of the Arians, two books. He flourished when Constantine and his brothers were reigning, in the year of the Lord 350. On His Flight and Exile, one book. On the Gospel of John, one book. Many Homilies. He published several letters to various persons, and also sermons and various treatises, which either have not yet been translated into Latin or have not come to my knowledge. He died in the time of the emperors Valentinian and Valens, in the year of the Lord 379, the forty-sixth year of his priesthood, on the sixth day before the Nones of May, in the seventh indiction.

Theodorus, bishop of Heraclea in Thrace, devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, an outstanding declaimer and a man of polished speech, published commentaries on the sacred volumes that are not to be despised in reading. Of these the following are reported.

On the Psalter, one book. On the Epistles of Paul, fourteen books. He is also said to have written some other works, but they have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the times of Constantine II, in the year of the Lord 340.

Eusebius, bishop of Emesa, a man most learned in the divine writings, and, in delivering homilies to the people, second to none in his own time, a rhetorician and theologian most celebrated in the opinion of all. He is said to have written many, indeed almost countless, little works, but we have been able to find the titles and numbers of only a few, namely:

Against the Gentiles, one book. Sermons to the People, ten books. Against the Jews, one book. Many Homilies, one book. He flourished when Constantine and his brothers were reigning, in the year of the Lord 350.

Triphilius, bishop of Cyprus or of Leucontheon, a man most learned in both divine and secular writings, and easily the most eloquent prelate of his age, is said to have written not a few volumes and to have expounded the divine Scriptures in many ways, but I do not recall that any of his works have come into our hands. His exposition is reported:

On the Song of Songs, one book. He flourished in the times of the emperor Constantius, in the year of the Lord 340.

Serapion, formerly a monk, bishop of Thmuis, and a very close friend of the blessed abbot Antony, a man of such learning and eloquence that, because of the excellence of his talent, the surname schola-

On Ecclesiastical Writers

he obtained the rank of scholasticus. He is said to have written many short works. Of these the following are extant.

One book. On the Titles of the Psalms, one book.

Against the Manichaean.

Several letters to various persons. He flourished under the prince Constantius, in the year of the Lord 340.

Achacius, bishop of Caesarea in Palestine, a man indeed well exercised in the divine Scriptures, but corrupted by Arian impiety, was held in such reverence by the emperor Constantius that he obtained the appointment of Felix the presbyter as bishop at Rome in the place of Pope Liberius. This Achacius, because he was one-eyed, was called Monoculus. He wrote many and various treatises, which would truly have been useful if they had had a catholic author. Of these the better are said to be those which we have set below.

Seventeen books of [Zethematon?]. One book of [Simmicton?].

He was distinguished under the emperor Constantius, in the year of the Lord 350.

Hilary, bishop of Poitiers in Aquitaine, a man very venerable in morals, life, and doctrine, suffered many injuries from the Arians for the faith of Christ. For, through the faction of Saturninus, bishop of Arles, after being banished from the synod of Beziers to Phrygia, for four years he bore hard exile with a constant spirit, where by his prayers he is read to have called a dead man back to life. Since he was a man most learned in every respect, he composed many short works. Of their number the following are reported.

Against Dioscorus, one book. Against Valens and Ursacius, one book.

On the Holy Trinity against the Arians, two books, “As I look around...”

One book, “God who everywhere...”

Defense of the Catholic Faith, one book, “To the most beloved brothers...”

One book, “The degree which Matthew...”

On the Gospel of Matthew, one book.

To the Emperor Constantius, three books, “Now is the time to speak...”

One book, On the Book of Job.

One book, “To the most blessed and glorious...”

One book, On the Song of Songs, one book.

Mysteries, four books. Letters to various persons, one book.

One book, On the Canonical [unclear] concerning fasts and abstinence.

Against Auxentius, one book, [unclear]. “In the first sermon...”

On Heresies, one book, [unclear]. “Logos, or...” etc.

Chronicle, one book, [unclear]. “He lives and [unclear]...”

Two books, [unclear]. “Be present, true light...”

He also published some other works, which have not come into our hands. At length, having returned to his city from his exile, he died under the emperor Valentinian, in the year of the Lord 371, in the fourteenth indiction; his feast is celebrated on the Ides of January.

Victorinus the African, a man of consular rank, the most celebrated rhetorician of all in his time, taught rhetoric for a long time in the city of Rome under the emperor Constantine; there, because of the excellence of his learning, he earned a bronze statue in the Forum of Trajan. Converted to the faith of Christ in his old age, he published many treatises on the holy Scriptures in a dialectical manner, obscure enough and scarcely accessible even to the most learned men. Of these the following are extant.

Against the Arians, two books, [unclear]. “In the first sermon...”

On the Holy Trinity, one book, [unclear]. “Homoiotypos...”

Against the heretics, one book, [unclear]. “He lives and [unclear]...”

On the homoousion also, one book, [unclear]. “Be present, true light...”

On the letters of the apostle Paul, four books, [unclear].

And certain other things.

He was distinguished at Rome under the emperor Constantine, in the second year, 360.

Titus, bishop of Bostra, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and excellently instructed in secular letters, sharp and vehement in talent, is said to have fashioned many short works, by which he transmitted the memory of his name with glory to posterity. Of their number the following are reported.

Two books. Commentaries on the Gospel, one book.

Against the Manichaeans. And many other works besides.

He was distinguished in the year of the Lord 349, and died under the emperor Valens.

Damasus, pope, a Spaniard by nation, sat after Liberius in the chair of Peter for eighteen years; a man most learned in divine matters and excellently instructed in secular letters, a rhetorician and most celebrated poet, and most skilled in composing verses, subtle in talent,

life

Abbot of Spanheim.

...devout and most holy in life, a very great lover of the blessed priest Jerome. He wrote various little works in both kinds. Of these the following are extant.

The deeds of the supreme pontiffs, 1 book. “The blessed apostle Peter...” On the faith, against heretics, 1 book. “Since after the Nicene council...” Letters to various persons, 1 book. “Bishop Damasus...” Various poems. And other works.

He flourished under Valentinian and Valens, in the year of the Lord 370.

Apollinaris, bishop of Laodicea in Syria, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, and by far most learned in grammatical training, sharp and forceful in talent, distinguished in speech, wrote certain notable volumes in defense of the Catholic faith; among them there is extant the very celebrated work:

Against the mad Porphyry, 30 books. And certain other works.

He flourished under the emperor Gratian, in the year of the Lord 380.

Didymus of Alexandria, deprived of his eyes from early childhood, and for this reason wholly ignorant even of the elements, displayed so great a miracle of himself that he perfectly learned dialectic and geometry, which especially require sight. In the divine Scriptures he was very learned, the teacher of the blessed Jerome and a very close friend of Saint Antony, sharp in talent, distinguished in life. He wrote the following works in Greek:

Against the Arians, 2 books. Also On Doctrines, 1 book. On the canonical epistles, 7 books. “James, etc. [unclear]...” On the Holy Spirit, 1 book. “All indeed which are divine...” On the books of Saint Job, 1 book. On Isaiah the prophet, 10 books. [unclear], 3 books. On Zechariah, to the same, 5 books. On Hosea, to Jerome, 1 book. On the Gospel of John, 1 book. Also On the Psalter, 1 book. And certain other works.

He flourished as an octogenarian under the emperor Theodosius, in the year of the Lord 395.

Optatus, bishop of Milevis, an African by nation, a man learned in the study of the divine writings, outstanding in talent, devout in life, a Catholic, is said to have written certain notable little works in defense of our faith, in which he magnificently exercised his abundant talent. Among these there is said to be extant a great and distinguished volume which he wrote:

Against the Donatists, 6 books. And several letters. And many other works.

He flourished under the rulers Valentinian and Valens, in the year of the Lord 370.

Basil, bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, a learned and most holy man, had such authority among the Greeks that no one, however slightly learned, ever dared to contradict his teaching or writings in any matter. He wrote many notable little works in Greek, but few of them have come into our hands.

On the Holy Spirit, 1 book. Against Eunomius, 9 books. “In the beginning, etc. [unclear]...” A rule for monks, 1 book. “The human race...” An exhortation for monks, 1 book. “Hear, my son, the admonition...” On the education of boys, 2 books. “Indeed of God, without [unclear]...” On faith, 1 book. “Every scripture [unclear] by divine...” Several homilies, 4 books. “It is time to cry out...”

In addition he composed other treatises, sermons, and letters to various persons.

He flourished under Valentinian and Valens, in the year 380.

Ephrem the monk, a distinguished inhabitant of the desert, deacon of the church of Edessa, ordained priest by the blessed Basil, because of humility never approached to perform the divine mysteries, although before God and men he was considered worthy. Nevertheless, so far as belonged to his office, in admonishing the people he delivered innumerable homilies. This man, as is read in the Lives of the Holy Fathers, was seen by an angel to have received a book written in golden letters; from this, soon on the next day and thereafter, with the Holy Spirit speaking in him, he had so great a grace of declaiming that he found no one like himself in his time. He wrote in the Syrian language

On Ecclesiastical Writers

[unclear] certain little works for the instruction of readers. Of these the following are found among the Latins, namely:

On the Holy Spirit, book 1. “Grief compels me.” On Compunction of Heart, book 1. “Come, dearest beloved.” On Contrition of Heart, book 1. “Our Lord Jesus Christ.” On Penitence, book 1. “In the struggles of this...” On the Struggles of the Age, book 1. “Come, most beloved.” On the Day of Judgment, book 1. “Glory to almighty God.” On the Resurrection, book 1. “Blessed is he who has hated...” On the Blessedness of the Soul, homily 1. “In the holy Scriptures.” On Thoughts, homily 1. “As often as, brothers...” On Severe Preaching, homily 1. “I ask you, brothers.” On the Celebration of the Mysteries, book 1. A Lament over the City of Edessa.

He also published not a few other works, especially sermons and homilies to the people, which have not yet come to my knowledge.

He flourished under Valentinian and Valens, a very close friend of blessed Basil, as you will be able to find in his legend. In the year 380.

Book 1. “I understand man from the soul...”

Gregory, bishop of Emesa, brother of blessed Basil, bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, a man very devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, stirred also by his brother’s zeal, himself wrote several little works in Greek. Of these, among our writers, I have found only:

On the Image and Condition of Man, book 1. Against Eunomius, 2 books.

He flourished, younger than his brother, under the princes Valentinian and Valens; he composed various works. In the year of the Lord 380.

Gregory, formerly a monk, bishop of Nazianzus, a man of such learning, integrity, and eloquence that not even his adversaries dared in any way to contradict what was said by him, so that, for the confirmation of authority, it sufficed merely to say that Gregory had said something. He was a cultivator and lover of the monastic life; when, because of the excellence of his teaching and the holiness of his life, he was called to the episcopate, he fled and hid himself, preferring to be abject in the house of the Lord than to be exalted in a crowd by fleeting honors. But almighty God did not wish so bright a radiance to be hidden under the bushel of the aforesaid way of life, since it could be extended to the salvation of many. Found therefore by divine indication, he was led by the people to the episcopal see, and immediately, in excuse for his flight, a solemn homily was delivered, in which the government of souls is shown to be the art of arts. On account of his distinguished learning and holiness of life he was called Gregory the Great before the blessed pope of the same name. He wrote many little works in Greek. Of these the following are extant:

Book 1. On the Praise of Maximus the Philosopher, book 1. Against the Same, in Reproach, book 1. On the Death of His Brother Caesarius, book 1. On Virginity, in hexameter. On the Praise of Cyprian the Martyr, book 1. “I have been overcome, I confess.” On the Holy Spirit, 2 books. “Christ, being born, [unclear] glory...” Apologetics, When He Had Fled, book 1. “Again Jesus [unclear].” On the Nativity of the Lord, book 1. “I was longing for you.” On the Second Epiphanies, book 1. “My belly grieves me.” On the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, book 1. “Our tongue alone...” On Himself, Returned from the Country, book 1. “What praiseworthy thing alone...” On Jeremiah, with the Emperor Present, book 1. Against Julian the Apostate, book 1. On the Reconciliation of a Monk, book 1. On the Devastation by Hail. Against Eunomius.

He published several sermons and homilies, and various treatises on diverse subjects, which have not come to my knowledge. At length, worn out by old age, when he saw that he could no longer be equal to the government of the people, after another bishop had been ordained in his place, he returned to the pursuit of the solitude he had left behind.

He flourished under Valentinian and Theodosius. In the year of the Lord 390.

Eutropius, monk and priest, a man of a very religious manner of life, in the divine

ABBOT OF SPONHEIM.

very devoted to and learned in [unclear] scriptures, and fully instructed in secular letters, he is said to have composed several little works. Of these the following alone are extant for us, known by title:

To two virgins, sisters, 2 books. Of Chronicles down to his own times, 1 book.

He flourished under the emperors Valentinian and Valens, in the year of the Lord 370. There are also those who write that he was a disciple of Augustine and flourished in the year of the Lord 430.

[Hesychius?], priest and monk, formerly hearer and disciple of blessed Gregory Nazianzen, bishop, a man most learned in the divine scriptures, admonished by the example of his teacher, is said to have written many little works of explanations on the divine books, and to have labored over various volumes on both the New and the Old Testament, which have not yet come into our hands. I have read only that notable and very large work which he wrote to Eutychianus, the venerable deacon.

On Leviticus, 1 book. To the venerable deacon.

Of the rest I have seen nothing.

He flourished under the emperors Arcadius and Honorius, in the year of the Lord 400.

Ambrose, bishop of Milan, a Roman by country, a man most celebrated for faith and holiness, easily the most learned of all in the divine scriptures and in secular letters, perfectly instructed in the Greek and Latin tongue, whose merit the whole world proclaims, whose works Holy Mother Church confirms as books with a great commendation of authority. In expounding and explaining the divine scriptures he surpassed all doctors, so that, although many bishops were banished into exile for the faith, no one ever dared to touch Ambrose. For he was a most steadfast hammer of heretics, whose tongue, speaking in the faith of Christ, no human authority could ever impose silence upon. Always ready to undergo any dangers for the faith, with the Lord protecting him he escaped everywhere free and unharmed. He wrote many distinguished little works, of which I have found only those set down below.

On Duties, 3 books. “Not to seem arrogant.”

On the Calling of the Gentiles, 2 books. “Among the defenders [unclear].”

Hexaemeron, 6 books. “Only lest of opinion.”

On Human Dignity, 1 book. “Let us make man.”

On Paradise, 1 book. “Concerning Paradise [unclear].”

On Cain and Abel, 1 book. “Concerning Paradise in the preceding.”

On Noah’s Ark, 1 book. “Of holy Noah we undertake.”

On Abraham the Patriarch, 2 books. “Abraham, of this book.”

On Isaac, or the Soul, 1 book. “In the father of holy [unclear] for us.”

On the Good of Death, 1 book. “Since concerning the soul above.”

On Flight from the World, 2 books. “Frequent for us concerning [unclear].”

On Jacob and the Blessed Life, 1 book. “Necessary for learning.”

On Joseph the Patriarch, 1 book. “The life of the saints to others.”

On the Blessings of the Patriarchs, 1 book. “First of all, how great.”

On Naboth the Jezreelite, 1 book. “The story of Naboth [unclear].”

On Elijah and Fasting, 4 books. “Many disturbances for us.”

Apology of David, 1 book. “The apology of the prophet.”

On Interpellations, 5 books. “The queen of the South came.”

On Solomon, 3 books. “[Jeroboal?] under the tree.”

On the Mysteries of Those Being Initiated, 6 books. “Concerning morals daily.”

On the Sacraments, 1 book. “I wish, brothers, [unclear].”

On Pastoral Care, 1 book. “The mystery of Passover concerning.”

On Faith, to Gratian, 2 books. “We have brought down, brother.”

On the Holy Spirit, 1 book. “In the preceding book something.”

On Faith, the Creed, 2 books. “If that is the end of virtues.”

On the Incarnation of the Lord, 1 book. “I admonish you, brothers.”

On the Mystery of Passover, 2 books.

On the Death of His Brother, 1 book.

On Penitence, 1 book.

An Exhortation to Penitence, 1 book.

On Ecclesiastical Writers

On virgins, three books: “If, in accordance with the heavenly [unclear].”

On widows, one book: “It has happened well, brothers.”

An exhortation to virgins, one book: “You who to the great banquet.”

To a devout virgin, one book: “Hear, daughter, and see,” and one book: “Hear me now, you who.”

To a fallen virgin, one book: “Ambrose, bishop, [unclear].”

Against Symmachus, one book: “And if the increase.”

A consolatory work for Valentinian, one book: “Dalmatius [unclear] me.”

Against Auxentius, one book: “I see that you, beyond what is usual.”

On the handing over of the basilicas, two books: “You entrust me with a pledge.”

On the instruction of a virgin, one book: “This movement [unclear] for us.”

On the death of Theodosius, one book: “You have undertaken the office, sacred [unclear].”

On the instruction of priests, one book: “No ordinary [unclear].”

On circumcision, one book: “An army always with continual [unclear].”

On the synagogue, to Theodosius, one book: “To the lady sister of life and [unclear].”

The revelation of Gervasius and Protasius, two books: “Ambrose to the virgins.”

On the passion of Saint Agnes, one book: “Concerning judgments.”

On choosing a pontiff, one book: “Into the Epistles of Paul.”

On Saint Job, one book: “Although also mystical [things].”

Of hymns and prefaces, one book: “You warn well, brother.”

On the psalm “Blessed are the undefiled,” ten books: “As we are about to write into the book of the Gospel [unclear].”

Letters to various persons, ten books: “We gladly preach.”

On the Gospel of Luke, one book: “The Simonians from Simon.”

Of many sermons, one book: “On the forty-two stopping-places.”

On certain psalms, two books.

He also published some other works, which have not come to my knowledge. Finally, he is said to have made Hegesippus and certain others Latin from the Greek.

He flourished under the most merciful emperor Theodosius, in the year of the Lord 380.

PHILASTRIUS, bishop of Brescia, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, known and familiar to blessed Ambrose of Milan, whom Saint Augustine mentions in a certain letter to Quodvultdeus, wrote for the common benefit certain distinguished little works, none of which I remember to have come into our hands. His notable work, which he wrote, is reported, with blessed Augustine bearing witness in the place cited above:

On 156 heresies, one book: “The Simonians from Simon.”

The rest I have not seen.

He flourished under the most Christian emperor Theodosius, in the year of the Lord 380.

EVAGRIUS, monk and disciple of Saint Macarius the Egyptian, and afterwards bishop of Antioch, a man most learned from every point of view, instructed in both secular and divine writings, skilled in Greek and Latin eloquence, preserving even in the episcopate the austerity of his former life, was of such abstinence that he was held to be a miracle. He was the first to commend to writing the life of the holy fathers; from his own vein he published many little works. Of these, however, very few have come to my knowledge. The following are reported as his:

To anchorites, very useful, one book.

On the eight principal vices, one book.

Also to cenobites, one book.

An exhortatory work to a virgin, one book.

He made the Life of Antony Latin, one book: “The presbyter Evagrius.”

On the life of the holy fathers, one book.

He also wrote many other works, and translated from Greek into Latin works unknown to us. He flourished under the prince Gratian, in the year of the Lord 380.

MAXIMUS, bishop of Constantinople, an Alexandrian by nation, a distinguished philosopher and theologian, in whose praise Gregory Nazianzen published a book, enduring many injuries from the Arians and at last driven from the episcopate, wrote many things against them. He composed explanations, which among the Greeks at that time were held in great esteem. Of these the following are reported among us:

Against the Arians, one book. The rest are unknown to me.

He flourished in Greece under the prince Gratian, in the year of the Lord 380.

AMBROSIUS, a presbyter, an Alexandrian by nation, once a hearer and disciple of Didymus the Blind, from whose exposition of the divine Scriptures he learned magnificently, composed various explanations on them.

Commentaries on Job, one book.

Against Apollinaris of Laodicea, one book.

The Abbot of Spanheim

He flourished under the princes Theodosius and Arcadius in the year 400.

Petronius, bishop of Bologna, a monk in his manner of life, very learned and eloquent in the divine Scriptures, and no less worthy of reverence for holiness than for knowledge, shone with many miracles in life and after death, as is read in his history. Among other things he wrote:

On the Life of the Holy Fathers, book I. On the Ordination of a Bishop, book I.

And other things unknown to us.

He died under Theodosius and Valentinian, in the year of the Lord 385, in the thirteenth indiction.

Pachomius, abbot, a most magnificent founder of the monks of his time, founder of many monasteries, and a man of most holy life, shining with many miracles in life and after death, was a learned man, instructed in the divine Scriptures. For the edification of the brothers he wrote many letters, of which the following are reported:

To Abbot Cornelius, letter I. To the provosts of the monasteries, letter I.

To Abbot Syrus, letter I. To the working brothers, letter I.

Also a Rule of Monks, book I.

He flourished under the princes Valentinian and Theodosius in the year 390.

Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, a Christian poet, a man most learned in secular letters, sufficiently skilled in the divine Scriptures, excellent in meter and prose, was held fast for fifty-seven years by the loves of the world; he read and expounded many little works of the poets, and from his own vein wrote many profound poems. At last, however, in old age, having rejected the vanity of the world, he betook himself to the sacred Scriptures, and in verse and prose expounded many hidden things of both Testaments. He wrote many excellent little works, of which I found the following made in metrical measure:

Against Symmachus the Idolater, book I. “Paul, herald of God.”

On the Conflict, book I. “The faithful old man first.”

On Divinity, book I. “God is three, the highest.”

Against the Patripassians, book I. “There are very many, but.”

Against the Sabellians, book I. “Yield, profaner.”

Against the Jews, book I. “These things, if [unclear] Jewish [unclear] in 30.”

Against the Homuncionites, book I. “There are those who [unclear].”

Against the Phantastics, book I. “It is worth the trouble [unclear].”

On the Origin of Sins, book I. On the Hexaemeron, book I.

On the Holy Trinity, book I. “The winged herald of the day [announces] the light.”

Of Various Hymns, book I. “Blessed martyr, near.”

Praises of Saint Vincent, book I. “Ancient [unclear].”

Praises of Saint Lawrence, book I. “Roman, of Christ [unclear].”

Of Histories, book I. “Behold, there was a dove.”

On the Nature of the Soul, book I. “A doubtful person meets here.”

On the Resurrection of the Flesh, book I. “I ask with me in Christ.”

On the Martyrs, book I. “They have been written in heaven.”

On the State of the Soul, book I. “Whoever [says] souls [unclear] errs.”

Hamartigenia, book I. “Brothers, [unclear] the digger.”

On the Hope of Pardon, or a Prayer, book I. “O God, parent of [unclear].”

Against the Marcionites, book I. “As often as [unclear] rage hurls down.”

Peristephanon, book I. “Pious, faithful, innocent.”

He also wrote not a few letters.

He also published some other works which have not come into our hands.

He flourished under the emperor Gratian in the year of the Lord 380.

John, monk and priest of Damascus, a learned and holy man, of whom wondrous things are told on account of the excellence of his teaching and the sincerity of his life, held in high esteem at Constantinople and appointed prelate of the monks, turned many away from iniquity. In the Greek language he wrote little works of profound meaning, but few of them have come into our hands. I have read only that famous work:

On the Tradition of the Orthodox Faith, book I. “No one has ever seen God.”

The History of Barlaam and Josaphat, book I. I have seen nothing of the rest.

He flourished under the most devout prince Theodosius in the year of the Lord 390.

[unclear]

On Ecclesiastical Writers

Ticonius the African, whom blessed Augustine, in the third book of On Christian Doctrine, records as having belonged to the Donatist party, although in some matters he disagreed with them, was certainly a keen man and much practiced in the divine Scriptures. He wrote not a few short works. Of these the following are reported, namely:

On Internal War, three books. An Expository Work on Various Questions, one book. On the Apocalypse of John, one book. The Rules of Sacred Scripture, one book. Several letters to various persons. And many other things. He flourished when Theodosius and his sons were ruling, in the year of the Lord 390.

Heraclides the monk, a man holy in conduct, distinguished for learning in the divine Scriptures, a most diligent investigator and imitator of the holy fathers, anchorites and monks, who, like a resourceful bee, gathered the flowers of virtues from the way of life of each into the little cell of his breast and produced the honey of spiritual sweetness. Among other things, for the edification of readers, he wrote a notable work on the life and conduct of the holy fathers living in the desert or in monasteries under a rule, whose title is:

Paradise, one book.

He flourished in the times of the emperor Gratian, in the year of the Lord 380.

Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium, a man very devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures [unclear], wrote, among other things, a useful work:

On the Holy Spirit, one book.

Of the other works which he is said to have composed, nothing has come to my knowledge.

He flourished in the times of the devout emperor Theodosius, in the year of the Lord 390.

The Abbot of Spanheim ... not unaware of the Luciferian party, and for that reason deservedly blameworthy. He wrote many excellent [unclear]. He flourished under Valentinian and Theodosius, in the year of the Lord 390. One book.

Jerome, priest and monk, born of his father Eusebius from the town of Stridon, a man very learned in secular letters and, among all the doctors, most learned in the divine Scriptures, distinguished by skill in many languages, interpreter of the sacred law, hammer of heretics and most powerful assailant. This is the true evangelical steward, faithful and prudent, who, bringing forth from his treasury new things and old, and giving to his fellow-servants in due season the measure of spiritual wheat, despoiled the proud Hebrews and enriched the humble Latins. This is the eminent doctor of the Church of Christ, who, with his pious mother Rebecca, that is, the grace of God, brought forth the garments of Esau, wandering astray through the byways of errors, laid up unused for the Lord, and clothed the meek Jacob, faithful and serving Christ. This is Jerome, sincere lover of Jesus Christ, who, passing no time in idleness, meditated day and night on the law of the Lord, and, scarcely granting his body the sleep it required, always by days and nights wrote, read, taught, or prayed, as the almost countless books which he published bear witness. This defender of truth, cultivator of virtue, and most bitter enemy of vices, when he was priest of the Roman Church and constantly reproved the crimes of the clerics, [unclear] from the city through their envy; and, coming into Judaea, he visited the glorious sepulchre of the Lord, and, establishing for himself a dwelling-place beside the manger at Bethlehem, became renowned throughout the whole world, this no doubt being arranged by divine providence, so that the light of the world should rest there where the true sun of justice had become known to men by being born. A holy and fitting inhabitant of a most holy place, firm in faith, kindled with charity, mature in conduct, who could not be led astray by prosperity, whom no adversity ever cast down from his holy purpose. But why do I, a foul praiser, touch the holy head of the man with impure lips? It would have been more fitting for me to keep humble silence than to speak inadequately about so most holy a man. Now therefore let us set down in order what we have found concerning his writings and little works. Among these are:

“We believe in God the Father.” One book. “We believe in one God.” Two books. “Almighty God the Father.” One book. “A very few days.” One book. “Recently, having been asked by the brothers.” One book. “Many marvels in the world.” One book. “It comes next that he who.” One book. “Not boldly, as falsely.” Two books. “Already written to Theophilus.” One book. “About ten years ago.” One book. “If, according to the apostle Paul.” One book. “Both by your letters and those of many.” One book. “Having read the letters of Prudence.” One book. “In the preceding letter which.” One book. “Because from you until now [unclear].” One book. “Never to himself Octane [unclear] be.” One book. “To the most blessed Pope Da[masus?].” One book. “And it came to pass in the year in which.” One book. “You sent me a volume.” One book. “Therefore the letters of providence.” One book. “On true circumcision.” One book. “On the seventy-seventh psalm, which.” One book. “You ask of me that for you.” One book. “To the truly holy and blessed lord.” One book. “Of your blessedness among.” One book. “Unknown in face, of faith.” One book. “My son Apodemius.” One book. “Before you, Cyprian, pres[byter?].” One book. “I know that I [unclear] the beginnings.” One book. “At the very frequent request.” One book. “Eusebius, who by blessed Pa[ula?].” One book. “These are the words which.” Two books. “Concerning that—” Three books.

On Ecclesiastical Writers 213

On Illustrious Men, one book. You urge me, Dexter, that [Tranquillus?]. On the Chief Writers, one book. You now wish keenly, my brother. One book. The apostle Paul, in the presence of. On the Best Kind of Translating, one book. To the most beloved brothers. One book. Brother Ambrose, your. On the Correction of the Psalter, one book. Behold, again I write to you. One book. My presumption. On All the Books of the Bible, one book. Three, in a certain manner, men. One book. The blessed apostle Paul. On the Perfect Man, one book. By the merits of his parents. One book. You ask me, Nepotianus. On Obedience and the Oath, one book. Sophronius Eusebius. One book. Indeed, for faith to suffice. On the Three Virtues, one book. Growing lukewarm in the members. One book. Hear, daughter, and see, and. On the Education of a Daughter, one book. How great in the heavenly. One book. Among all the subjects which. One book. The ancient [renown?] of Scripture. 10. On Honoring Parents, one book. You beseech me by letters and entreaties. One book. On an old road a new way. On the Life of Clerics, to Nepotianus, one book. With how much love and zeal. One book. To Rusticus, on the Life of a Bishop, one book. Jerome, I trust in the supports, brother. One book. Rule for Nuns, to Eustochium, one book. Nothing is happier for a Christian. One book. Because one unknown to an unknown. One book. On Virginity, to Eustochium, one book. Why are you silent, soul? What. One book. Samuel once mourned. Again, On Virginity, one book. Indeed, of all things concerning writing. One book. The Simoniacs from Simon. To Demetrias on the Same Matter, one book. Everything that is either inborn. One book. Testimonies about John. On the Right Manner of Living, one book. To the truly holy and blessed lord. One book. A good man concerning the. 20. On Widowhood, to Furia, one book. You compel me, O Paula. One book. Consolation of a Sick Friend, one book. All my senses. One book. Everything also to me by much. 30. On Heliodorus, Not Yet Bishop, one book. Testimonies about John. One book. To Susanna, Fallen, one book. Blessed be God, who. One book. About to write the life of the blessed. On the Paschal Candle, one book. He who in a naval battle. One book. On the Origin of the Soul, to Augustine, one book. If all things of my body. One book. Consolation therefore, one book. Often by me, innocent. One book. The Monastic Life, one book. Indeed, of all things concerning writing. 10. On the Eighty-Four Heresies, one book. Although most certainly not. Consolation of a Sick Friend, one book. Why are you silent, soul? What. One book. Because what is more unknown to the unknown. One book. On Continence, to Rusticus, one book. I fear lest the duty. To Susanna, Fallen, one book. David, glorious in the psalm. One book. All my senses. Against Montanus, one book. There have been many years that above. Life of Paul, the First Hermit, one book. Philo, most eloquent. One book. The bond of the second part, one book. David, glorious in the psalm. 30. On the Two Sons, one book. Often, much [unclear]. On the Assumption of Saint Mary, one book. Great subjects. One book. Epitaph of Nepotianus, one book. Although to me by much. One book. Chronicle of Universal History, one book. Aleph, a thousand, or [unclear]. 40. Life of Saint Paula, one book. You call us forth with great matters. On the Woman Struck Seven Times, one book. He who at the beginnings of the book. Life of the Holy Fathers, one book. There was one man of [unclear]. One book. On the Death of Nebridius, one book. Heber [unclear] are two. One book. On the Life and Conduct of Christians, one book. Deborah sang. Epitaph of Nepotianus, one book. When the long scarcely. One book. On the Canticle of Deborah, one book. After the explanation, 22. On Isaiah the Prophet, one book. Finished in Isaiah, 18. On Jeremiah, one book. A. On Ezekiel. One book. B. Finished in Isaiah, 18. One book. D. When the long scarcely. One book. E. After the explanation, 22. One book. I. Finished in Isaiah, 18. One book. K. All my senses. One book. L. Everything also that is either inborn. One book. M. Testimonies about John. One book. N. Among all the subjects sought. One book. O. The ancient [renown?] of Scripture. One book. Q. You beseech me by letters and entreaties. One book. R. On an old road a new way. One book. S. With how much love and zeal. One book. T. Jerome, I trust, brother. One book. U. Nothing is happier for a Christian. One book. V. Although most certainly not. One book. W. Because one unknown to an unknown. One book. X. Why are you silent, soul? What. One book. Y. Samuel once mourned. One book. Z. Indeed, of all things concerning writing. One book. a. The Simoniacs from [Syrio?]. One book. b. Everything also that is either inborn. One book. c. Testimonies about John. One book. d. To the truly holy and blessed lord. One book. e. A good man concerning the. One book. f. If all things of my body. One book. g. Often by me, innocent. One book. h. You compel me, O Paula. One book. i. All my senses. One book. j. Often among many. One book. k. About to write the life of the blessed. One book. l. He who in a naval battle. One book. m. The bond of the second part. One book. n. David, glorious in the psalm. One book. o. Often, much [unclear]. One book. p. Great subjects. One book. q. There have been many years that above. One book. r. Philo, most eloquent. One book. s. Although to me by much. One book. t. Eusebius Jerome. One book. u. Aleph, a thousand, or [unclear]. One book. v. You call us forth with great matters. One book. w. He who at the beginnings of the book. One book. x. There was one man of [unclear]. One book. y. Heber [unclear] are two. One book. z. Deborah sang. One book. A. When the long scarcely. One book. B. After the explanation, 112. One book. C. Finished in Isaiah, 18. One book. D. On Ezekiel. One book. E. On Isaiah, 18. One book. F. All my senses. One book. G. Everything also that is inborn. One book. H. Testimonies about John. One book. I. Among all the subjects sought. One book. J. The ancient [renown?] of Scripture. One book. K. You beseech me by letter and entreaty. One book. L. On an old road a new way. One book. M. With how much love and zeal. One book. N. Jerome, I trust, brother. One book. O. Nothing is happier for a Christian. One book. P. Although most certainly not. One book. Q. Because one unknown to [unclear]. One book. R. Why are you silent, soul? What. One book. S. Samuel once mourned. One book. T. Indeed, of all things concerning writing. One book. U. The Simoniacs from [Syrone?]. One book. V. Everything also that is either inborn. One book. W. Testimonies about John. One book. X.

Abbot of Spanheim

On Daniel, 2 books. On the prophet Hosea, 3 books. On Joel, 3 books. On the prophet Amos, 1 book. On Obadiah, 1 book. On Jonah, 1 book. On Micah, 2 books. On the prophet Nahum, 1 book. On Habakkuk, 2 books. On Zephaniah, 1 book. On Haggai, 1 book. On Zechariah, 3 books. On Malachi, 1 book. On Ecclesiastes, 1 book. On the Proverbs of Solomon, 5 books. On the Song of Songs, 3 books. On the Gospel of Matthew, 4 books. On the Gospel of Mark, 1 book. On the Gospels anagogically, 4 books. On Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, 7 books. On the Epistle to the Thessalonians, 6 books. On the Epistle to Titus, 1 book. On the Epistle to Philemon, 3 books. On the Epistle to the Hebrews, 1 book. An apologetic work addressed to Pammachius, 1 book. Letters to various persons, 1 book. Several sermons, 1 book. On the priestly vestment, 1 book.

These are the works among the writings of the most blessed doctor Jerome which have occurred to us at present to record. Nor do we doubt that he wrote more which are not contained in this catalogue, chiefly for the reason that they have either remained unknown to us or scattered among many things. For among all the doctors of the Church no one was of more benefit than Jerome, who, besides innumerable small works, translated the Old Testament from Hebrew into Latin, corrected the New according to the Greek truth, and faithfully offered it to be read by the Church. He also made many volumes of the Greeks into Latin: namely those of Origen, Josephus the Jew, Eusebius of Caesarea, Didymus of Alexandria, Victorinus the martyr, and others.

At length, after many labors, full of days, he died under the emperors Honorius and Theodosius, in the year of the Lord 422, in the fifth indiction, on the last day of the month of September, at the hour of Compline, in the ninety-ninth year of his age. He was buried at Bethlehem, shining with many miracles; Eusebius, his disciple, described his life.

Audentius, a Spanish bishop, a man possessing a mind trained in the divine Scriptures, wrote against the Manichaeans, Sabellians, and Arians, but with his principal intention against the Photinians, who afterward were called Bonosiacs, a notable work which he is said to have [unclear].

On the faith, against heretics, 1 book.

He also published some other things, which have by no means come to my knowledge.

Rufinus, a monk and presbyter of the church of Aquileia, an eloquent man, very learned in the divine Scriptures and skilled in Greek and Latin speech, was of no small reputation among the ecclesiastical doctors. Although his writings are many, nevertheless they are counted among the apocrypha, Distinction 15, Sancta Romana, because he wrote invective letters against the most holy man Jerome, as can be understood from reading them. But po-

On Ecclesiastical Writers

But afterward, returning to the harmony of brotherly love, Rufinus’s little works were made authentic, insofar as they were not contrary to the statements of Jerome. Concerning the writings of Rufinus, therefore, the following are reported.

On the prophet Hosea, one book. On the prophet Amos, one book. One book: “To me indeed, most faithful [unclear].” On his faith, to Bishop Laurentius, one book: “I have read your writings.” Two books: “I have heard that certain men, when...” Invectives against Jerome, one book. On the sacraments, one book. One book. Additions to the Ecclesiastical History, two books. On his faith, to Anastasius. On the blessings of the patriarchs, one book. An exhortation to Proba, two books. Letters to various persons.

He is said besides to have composed many other works, but they have not come into our hands. He also translated the volumes of many Greeks into Latin, namely Clement, Origen, Basil, Gregory the Great the bishop, Pamphilus the martyr, Eusebius of Caesarea, Evagrius, Sixtus the philosopher, and many others; all these he marked beforehand with his own prefaces and letters. He flourished in the times of the emperors Arcadius and Honorius, and wrote many things. In the year of the Lord 400.

John, bishop of Constantinople, formerly at Antioch a hearer and disciple of Eusebius, bishop of Emesa, while he was still a priest, who because of the charm of his eloquence is called Chrysostom, that is, Golden-Mouth, was a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, and in declamations and homilies to the people was of excellent talent; he was distinguished no less for holiness than for learning, and was held by the people in great reverence and love. This most blessed prelate suffered many wrongs from Theophilus of Alexandria, and by his fraudulent and deceitful contrivances was driven from his bishopric into exile, as is found in his Life and in the Tripartite History. He wrote many volumes in Greek. Of these I have seen among the Latins the following.

On compunction, one book: “When I look upon you, blessed...” One book: “I know that by thicker...” That no one is harmed except by himself: “Who will give to the head...” “As they report Matthew...” On the Gospel of John, 87 homilies, one book: “He who [unclear] the contests...” Two books: “In many portions and in many ways...” On the Gospel of Matthew, one book: “There is undoubtedly nothing...” One book: “It was indeed fitting...” To Eutropius also, six books: “To me indeed many...” One book: “Always indeed, but now...” “A certain man was...” On the beginning of Mark, two books: “On this present day the Lord...” One book: “Painters imitate art...” On the praises of Saint Paul, two homilies: “The discourse of the three boys...” One homily: “To you I have lifted up my eyes.” One homily: “The divine readings and...” On Stagirius the possessed monk, three books: “Praise the Lord in his holy ones.” One homily: “Nevertheless, dearest brothers...” On the priesthood, with Basil, [unclear]: “Among certain ancients...” One homily: “Many storms in...” On the cross and the thief, one homily: “What [unclear] beautiful and pleasing...” One homily: “Concerning John it is said, there was...” On the psalm Miserere, one homily: “You know the body of the head...” One homily: “Indeed it is pleasant [unclear]...” On Psalm 122, one homily: “The training of discipline.” One homily: “Indeed many waves...” On blessed Job, one homily: “Good indeed are and useful...” On the ascent of Elijah, one homily: “All men who [unclear] themselves...” On the seven Maccabees, one homily: “[unclear].” On the three boys, one homily: “[unclear].” On Susanna in Daniel, one homily: “[unclear].” On repentance, one homily: “[unclear].” On the rich man and the poor man, one homily: “[unclear].” On the raising of Lazarus, one homily: “[unclear].” On the Canaanite woman, one homily: “[unclear].” On the scandals of this world, one homily: “[unclear].” On Saint John the Baptist, one homily: “[unclear].” On receiving Bishop Severianus, one homily: “[unclear].” On fasting and the reading of Genesis, one homily: “[unclear].” On the training of discipline, one homily: “[unclear].” When the matter of his exile was being handled, one homily: “[unclear].” On spiritual warfare, one homily: “Every man who [unclear] himself.” On Christian warfare, one book. One book. One book. One book. One book. One book.

Abbot of Sponheim

On the father and the two sons, one homily. It begins: “Formerly indeed concerning [Scripture?]...” 97.

To the neophytes, one homily. It begins: “Blessed be God, behold...” 98.

On the turtle-dove, one homily. It begins: “The turtle-dove, lover of the wilderness...” 99.

On the return from Asia, one homily. It begins: “Moses, that great man...” 100.

After the return from the former exile, one homily. It begins: “What shall I say, what shall I speak...” 101.

On faith in Christ, one homily. It begins: “If you believe that he was God...” 102.

On the betrayal of Judas, one homily. It begins: “Today, in a few words, it is necessary...” 103.

On the Lord’s cross, one homily. It begins: “What shall I say, what shall I speak...” 104.

On the Lord’s ascension, one homily. It begins: “When from our cross he proceeded...” 105.

On Pentecost, two homilies. It begins: “Today the earth has been made for us...” 106.

On the Lord’s nativity, one homily. It begins: “And she laid him in a manger...” 107.

On the beheading of John, one homily. It begins: “Alas for me, what shall I do...” 108.

On the dignity of the first man, one homily. It begins: “If you believe that he was God...” 109.

On the fall of the first man, one homily. It begins: “Today, in a few words, it is necessary...” 110.

On the mercy of God, one homily. It begins: “What shall I say, what shall I speak...” 9.

Against greed, one homily. It begins: “There is no one who does not know from the beginning...” 111.

On the cause of sin, one homily. It begins: “Faith is of holy religion...” 112.

On gluttony and pleasures, one homily. It begins: “Rebecca was carrying...” 113.

On humanity and mercy, one homily. It begins: “He is sent by his father Jacob...” 114.

On fleeing vainglory, one homily. It begins: “Give thanks to the Lord, because...” 115.

How we may be pleasing to God, one homily. It begins: “They are to be overthrown for us...” 116.

That the merits of parents harm no one, one homily. It begins: “Come now, if it pleases you...” 20.

Against despair, one homily. It begins: “If anyone by nature in the mind...” 117.

On giving alms, one homily. It begins: “Why do you ask for a contribution...” 118.

On blessing those who curse, one homily. It begins: “He left us his body...” 119.

On restraining concupiscence, one homily. It begins: “I must groan...” 120.

On mercy toward the poor, one homily. It begins: “Hear, brothers, Paul...” 121.

On avoiding scandal, one homily. It begins: “The dignity of human...” 39.

On loving persecutors, one homily. It begins: “There is no one who does not know from the beginning...” 122.

On consolations, one homily. It begins: “Faith is religious...” 49.

On distributing riches, one homily. It begins: “To what dignity at last...” 123.

On praising God with formed faith, one homily. It begins: “Awakened from sleep...” 124.

On the love of God, one homily. It begins: “I must groan...” 125.

On the rewards of the saints and on Gehenna, one homily. It begins: “Observe how much...” 126.

On concealing good works, one homily. It begins: “Let us join our [unclear]...” 127.

On hope and presumption, one homily. It begins: “Just as by food...” 128.

On contempt of the world, one homily. It begins: “If craftsmen who by hand...” 129.

On charity, one homily. It begins: “Just as, he says, in...” 130.

An exhortation to a good life, one homily. It begins: “Let us ourselves also imitate the father...” 131.

To Theodore the monk, one book. It begins: “Let us also follow above...” 132.

To Cyriacus the bishop, on exile, one book. It begins: “Not equally the same to the blessed...” 133.

He is also said to have written many homilies, sermons, and innumerable letters, which have not come into our hands. At last, after many labors and holy exercises, through the deceit of Theophilus of Alexandria and Eudoxia Augusta, he died in exile in Pontus, on the sixth day before the Kalends of February, in the year of the Lord 411, in the ninth indiction. 50.

Severianus, bishop of Gabala, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and an admirable teacher in delivering homilies to the people, was of incredible eloquence; for this reason he was summoned to Constantinople for a sermon. Saint John entrusted his people to him when he was being driven into exile, venerating not only his doctrine but also the merit of his life. But Severianus, recommending himself to the people more than he ought, supplied kindling for discord between himself and John. But when the patriarch returned from exile, they returned to the covenant of fraternal love, as the homily delivered on this matter in the church of Constantinople testifies. Of the writings of Severianus, a most learned man, few are possessed among the Latins; still fewer have come into our hands. 134. In the ep-

On Ecclesiastical Writers.

On the Epistle to the Galatians, one book. On baptism and Epiphany, one book.

In the church of Constantinople, one homily. On the coming of the Lord and [unclear], one homily. “Zeal, whither it tends,” [unclear]. On the death of the Innocents.

There are also extant among us certain other homilies of his, brief indeed, but very useful. Concerning his other little works, although many are reported, I have so far found nothing. He flourished under Arcadius and Honorius, at the same time as John Chrysostom. In the year of the Lord 400.

Vitellius, an African, defending the schism of the Donatists, was indeed a man practiced in the divine Scriptures, and, if he had remained in ecclesiastical unity, he would have composed sufficiently useful doctrine. But because he accused the true Catholics as betrayers and persecutors, he was deservedly held in contempt, together with his volumes. The following volumes are extant from his writings.

Against the nations, one book. That the servants of God are hated by the world, one book.

Against our people, a book of complaints, one book.

He is said besides to have composed many volumes, which have not come to my knowledge.

On the incarnation of the Lord, [unclear] books.

He is also said to have written many other things, which have not come to my knowledge.

He flourished under Constans, son of the emperor Constantine the Great. In the year of the Lord 360.

He flourished under [unclear], a presbyter of the church of Antioch, a learned and eloquent man; and in reading the old authors he wrote against the Apollinarists and Eunomians a most elegant volume, in which by very clear reasoning and authority he confuted the perverse doctrines of the heretics.

He gave this magnificent and distinguished work the title:

Theodore, a presbyter, and afterwards, in the city of Rome, a hidden bishop of the Donatists. While he was still a presbyter in the Church of God, he wrote to confessors and to virgins of Christ a volume of moral, yet very necessary, doctrine. In it he especially treats and discusses:

On the preservation of chastity, one book.

He flourished first among our people in Africa, then among his own Donatists at [Montefes?], afterwards at Rome.

Heliodorus, a certain presbyter, zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, and not ignorant of secular letters, sufficiently keen for disputation and of a forceful intellect in the scholastic manner, so that he might show there to be one principle of all things, and nothing [unclear] hand, a governor, and venerable no less for holiness than for learning. He wrote clear sermons on the holy Scriptures for monasteries.

[Unclear], three. Of exhortation [unclear].

He flourished under the rulers Honorius and Theodosius, in the year 420.

On the natures of original things, one book.

He is also said to have written several other things, which have not come to my knowledge.

Theodore, a monk, disciple of the blessed Pachomius, and after his death [unclear]’s colleague, a man perfectly instructed in the divine writings, and notable both in life and in learning. For the edification of monks he wrote a work seasoned with divine salt and furnished with all the instruments of monastic discipline, which we may entitle:

Orsiesius, a monk and disciple of Saint Pachomius and of his successor Theodore, [unclear] of the preservation of monks, one book. Whether he wrote anything more I do not know.

On the instruction of monks,

He flourished under the rulers Honorius and Theodosius. In the year 420.

John Cassian, a Scythian by birth, formerly a hearer and disciple of the blessed John Chrysostom, bishop of Constantinople, and ordained deacon by him, after some years was expelled by the same man, for what cause I do not know. Consecrated presbyter at Marseilles, he founded two monasteries, one of men and one of women, in which great fervor of regular discipline remained for many years. With experience as his teacher he wrote several little works, in which even in translation elegance of speech is apparent. They are reported in the following number. At the request of Leo the archdeacon, afterwards bishop of the city of Rome, he wrote against Nestorius the heretic:

On the incarnation of the Lord, two books.

On the institutes of monks, three books. On the institutes and [unclear].

218 The Abbot of Spanheim

On the eight capital vices. 8 books. “The fifth, with [unclear] helping us.” Conferences of the holy fathers. 24 books. “When in the desert of Scete.” In these Conferences of the saints there is useful and necessary instruction for monks; but because in certain matters he is criticized by blessed Prosper concerning freedom of choice, his little works are reckoned among the apocrypha. At length he died, after the publication of many books, at Marseilles, not without a reputation for holiness, when Theodosius and Valentinian were reigning. In the year of the Lord 435.

LUCIAN, priest of the Church of Jerusalem, a man very learned in the divine Scriptures, most holy in life and conduct, to whom, in the times of Honorius and Theodosius, almighty God revealed the place of the tomb and relics of the most holy protomartyr Stephen. He is said to have written some little works.

Epistle. Lucian the priest. On the discovery of Saint Stephen. 1 book. Of the other things I have seen nothing.

He wrote this revelation in the Greek language; Avitus, a priest of Spanish birth, translated it into Latin speech, and, with his own letter added, sent it through Orosius to be read by Easterners. He flourished under the emperors Honorius and Theodosius, around the years of the Lord 410.

SEVERUS the priest, surnamed Sulpicius, born from the province of Aquitaine, a man noble in birth and letters, and conspicuous for his love of poverty and humility. Dear also to the holy men Martin of Tours and Paulinus of Nola, bishops, in his old age he was deceived by the Pelagians; and, recognizing the fault of loquacity, he kept silence until death, so that the sin which he had contracted by speaking he might healthfully amend by keeping silent. He wrote little works not unworthy of reading, of which the following are reported.

“Most mortals.” On the life of Saint Martin the bishop. 3 books. “When I into one place.” Conference of Postumianus and Gallus. 3 books. Letters to his sister. 1 book. Letters to various persons. 1 book. To Paulinus, bishop of Nola. 2 books. He is also said to have written some other things, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished with Saint Martin, archbishop of Tours, under the emperors Arcadius and Honorius. In the year of the Lord 420.

AUSONIUS, bishop of Bordeaux, a man very learned in the divine Scriptures, and in secular letters second to none in his own time, excelling in verse and prose, shone forth no less famous for content [unclear] than for learning. At Trier, in a council under the emperor Maximus, together with the saints Martin, Ambrose of Milan, and Jerome the priest, he did many splendid things. While there, among other things, he wrote in verse the distinguished little work that is entitled:

On the praise of the same homeland. 1 book. Mosella. 1 book.

But he is also said to have written many other little works which have in no way come down to us. He flourished under Maximus. In the year of the Lord 410.

AUGUSTINE, bishop of Hippo, by nation a Carthaginian in Africa, a man most learned of all the doctors both in the divine writings and in secular letters, eloquent in speech, renowned in expression, profound in understanding, most holy in life and conduct. He wrote so many little works that I would believe no one could either read or possess them all. Hence without doubt he is convicted of lying who professes that he has thus found the whole of Augustine. For he surpasses all writers both in the number of books and in usefulness, since he composed more than a thousand distinguished treatises. No one explained sacred Scripture so profoundly as Augustine; no one so usefully instructed Christian morals; nor did anyone defend the catholic faith more ardently than he. The king brought him into the wine-cellar, and clothed him with such strength that with the sword of his mouth he powerfully laid low the obstinate adversaries of the faith. If you had him as teacher, even if the others were lacking, he alone would suffice for you. Now therefore, from the many books which he published, let us record at least a few.

On the Holy Trinity. 15 books. “You who are about to read these things which concerning.” On the City of God. 22 books. “The most glorious city.” On the Predestination of the Saints. 2 books. “That the Apostle indeed said.” On Genesis according to the letter. 12 books. “All divine Scripture.” On Genesis, unfinished. 1 book. “Concerning obscure matters of natural things.” On Ge-

On Ecclesiastical Writers

On Genesis against the Manichaeans, 2 books. On the Academics, 3 books. On the Happy Life, 1 book. Also On Order, 3 books. Soliloquies, 2 books. On the Morals of the Catholic Church, 2 books. On the Quantity of the Soul, 1 book. On Free Choice, 1 book. On the Teacher, 3 books. On Music, 6 books. On True Religion, 1 book. On the Usefulness of Believing, 1 book. On the Two Souls, 1 book. Proceedings with Fortunatus the Manichaean, 1 book. On Faith and the Creed, 1 book. On the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount, 2 books. On Eighty-three Questions, 1 book. A Psalm against the party of Donatus, 1 book. Against the Letter of Donatus, 1 book. Against Adimantus, 1 book. On Lying, 1 book. To Bishop Simplicianus, 2 books. Against the Letter called the Foundation, 1 book. On the Christian Struggle, 1 book. On Christian Doctrine, 4 books. Against the party of Donatus, 2 books. Confessions, 3 books. Against Faustus the Manichaean, 1 book. Against Felix the Manichaean, 2 books. On Christian Doctrine, 1 book. Against Secundinus, 1 book. Against Hilary, 1 book. Questions on the Gospels, 3 books. Propositions from the Epistle to the Romans, 1 book. On the Epistle to the Romans, an unfinished work, 1 book. On the Epistle to the Galatians, 1 book. Annotations on Job, 1 book. On Instructing the Unlearned, 4 books. On the Harmony of the Evangelists, 5 books. Against the Letter of Parmenianus, 7 books. On Baptism, against the Donatists, 1 book. Against what Centurius brought forward, 2 books. To the inquiries of Januarius, 1 book. On the Work of Monks, 1 book. On the Good of Marriage, 1 book. On Virginity, 1 book. Against the Letters of Petilianus the Donatist, 3 books. To Cresconius the Grammarian, 4 books. Testimonies against the Donatists, 1 book. Against some Donatist or other, 1 book. An Admonition to the Donatists, 1 book. On the Divination of Demons, 1 book. Six Questions against the Pagans, 1 book. On the Epistle of James, 1 book. On the Baptism of Little Children, 3 books. A dialogue of the Church and the Synagogue, 1 book. On the One Baptism, 1 book.

“If the Manichaeans were to choose.” “Would that, Romanianus.” “If to the harbor of philosophy.” “On the order of things.” “When I wished many things.” “In other books sufficiently [unclear].” “Since I see that you abound.” “Tell me, I ask you.” “What do we seem to you.” “The measure which is the foot [unclear].” “When every [unclear] and good [unclear].” “If [unclear] to honor one.” “With the help of the mercy of God.” “Fifth [unclear]. Seven [unclear].” “Since it is written.” “The sermon which he spoke.” “Whether the soul is made by itself.” “All you who rejoice over.” “From yourself, being present.” “On that which is written.” “There is a great question concerning.” “Many things for me to read.” “Clearly most welcome and.” “One true almighty God.” “A crown is not promised.” “The highest good, whereby [unclear].” “The goodwill toward me which.” “Those who say mention.” “This work was not written in that way.” “These are the senses in the epistle.” “In the epistle which the Apostle Paul.” “The reason for which I wrote.” “His works were great.” “Most dear brother, God.” “Among all divine authorities.” “Indeed much else to.” “He says concerning that which is written.” “To those things about which you ask me.” “At your command, holy brother.” “Since every man [unclear].” “The book On the Good of [unclear].” “You know that we often wished.” “When to you, Cresconius.” “You who fear to consent.” “Necessary proofs of things.” “Whoever [unclear] slanders.” “Formerly concerning [unclear] in days.” “It moves certain people and [unclear].” “To the twelve tribes which.” “Although in the midst and Of Two Matrons.” “To answer different things.”

The Abbot of Sponheim

On the Maximianists, against the Donatists, one book. On the grace of the New Testament, one book. On the Spirit and the Letter, one book. On faith and works, one book. A brief account of the conference with the Donatists, three books. On the conference against the Donatists, one book. On seeing God, one book. A memorandum of the Donatists, one book. On nature and grace, one book. To Orosius, against the Priscillianists, two books. On the origin of the soul, to Jerome, one book. To Emeritus, bishop of the Donatists, one book. On the acts of Pelagius, one book. On the correction of the Donatists, one book. On the presence of God, to Dardanus, one book. On grace and original sin, two books. The proceedings with Emeritus the Donatist, one book. Against the sermon of the Arians, two books. On marriage and concupiscence, two books. On adulterous marriages, seven books. Locutions in the Heptateuch, seven books. Questions on the Heptateuch, four books. On the soul and its origin, two books. Against the adversary of the law and the prophets, two books. Against Gaudentius the Donatist, two books. Against the two letters of the Pelagians, six books. Against Julian, bishop of the Pelagians. The Enchiridion to Laurentius, one book. On care for the dead, one book. On the eight questions, to Dulcitius, one book. On that saying: “I am who I am,” one book. On faith, against the Manichaeans, one book. On shepherds, one book. On sheep, one book. Meditations, one book. A manual on the word of God, one book. On contrition of heart, one book. On contempt of the world, one book. On the correspondence of the ten plagues, one book. On the knowledge of the true life, one book. On faith, to Peter, one book. On the definitions of the orthodox faith, one book. On the Christian life, one book. On the good of discipline, one book. On the incarnation of the Lord, one book. On sacrifices, to Marcellinus, one book. On Vincentius, one book. To the presbyter Deogratias, on six questions, one book. On true blessedness, one book. On freeing the accused, to the count, one book.

We have already said many things [unclear]. You have proposed many things to me. You have proposed five things to me. Having read the little works which. Having read the little works [unclear]. To certain persons it seems. Since also the catholic bishops. What still, Donatist. Mindful of the debt by which. As, being present, I asked. The book which, having been sent. As, being present, he asked. I answered you as you asked. Our God, who [unclear] us. Together now, brother Emeritus. After it came into my hands. I praise and rejoice and. I confess, most beloved brother. As much concerning your and. To the most glorious Honorius. Of their preceding dispute. To the heretics not beloved. The first question is, brother. The locutions of Scripture. Since the holy Scriptures. Since the holy Scriptures. Your sincerity toward. The book which you sent, brother. Gaudentius the Donatist. I knew that you [unclear]. Two insults and. It cannot be said, most beloved. Long with your holiness [unclear]. Everyone who wishes to live blessedly. On account of those who [unclear] of man. Having read your letters, Valens. The words which I sang. And to all, son Peter, of your. Since in the midst of the snare. Nothing is more certain than death, [unclear]. Listen, most beloved brothers. We believe there is one God. It is not without cause. I, a sinner, first. The wisdom of God which [unclear]. The desire of charity. The letter of your son Peter. He spoke to us. Placed in this life, brother. The Lord and our God, merciful. There are many things which [unclear]. I have read your letters in. That [unclear] freely to eloquence. I received your letter which your. To the most sincere brother and [unclear]. Although the wisdom which [unclear]. A very busy matter in the matter. To Dio-

On Ecclesiastical Writers.

To Dioscorus, 1 book. To Glorius, Eleusius, and Felix, 1 book. To Hesychius, On the End of the Age, 1 book. To the same, On Judgment, 1 book. To Consentius, On the Trinity, 1 book. On the Sabbath Fast, 1 book. To Hilarius, On Questions, book [unclear]. On the Soul of Christ in the Underworld, 1 book. To Evodius, 1 book. To Sixtus the presbyter, On Grace, 1 book. To Paulinus, Against the Pelagians, 1 book. To Vitalis, 1 book. A Rebuke of Nuns, 1 book. To Count Julianus, 1 book. On the Custom of the Churches, 1 book. On Praying to God, to Proba, 1 book. On the Incarnation of Christ, 1 book. On the Origin of the Soul, to Optatus, 1 book. To the Donatists, 1 book. To Count Pascentius the Arian, 1 book. A Disputation with the same, 1 book. On Avoiding Judaism, 1 book. On the Marvels of Sacred Scripture, 3 books. On True Innocence, 1 book. On the Nature of the Soul, to Johannes, 1 book. A Rule for Nuns, 1 book. A Common Rule for Canons, 1 book. Questions on the New and Old Testament, 1 book. Treatises, or books, on the whole Psalter, 150. On the Gospel of John, 124 homilies. On the Epistle of blessed John, 10 homilies. Against Five Heresies, 1 book. [unclear], 1 book. On the New Song, 1 book. To Juliana, On Widowhood, 1 book. On Renunciation of the World, 1 book. Against Maximus, 1 book. Against the same, 1 book. On Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, 1 book. To Jerome, On Peter’s Reproof, 1 book. A Consolation to Laetus, 1 book. [unclear], 1 book. To Boniface, 1 book. A Consolation to Paulinus, 1 book. On the Perfection of Human Righteousness, 1 book. On the Misery of Man, 1 book. On the Immortality of the Soul, 1 book. On the Words of the Lord, 67 homilies, 1 book. To Armentarius and Paulina, 1 book. To Nebridius, On Memory, 1 book. On the Vision of God, to Fortunatianus, 1 book. On the Honorableness of Women, 1 book. On the Life and Conduct of Clerics, 1 book. On Charity, 1 book. On Visiting the Sick, 1 book. On Penitence, 1 book. On Continence, 1 book.

At that time, of innumerable things. The Apostle indeed said. To your holiness. You received the letters [unclear]. Of carnal thought. I do not know whence the deed was done. From your letters I learned. The question which to me [unclear]. If those things which more [unclear] me. In the letter which, most dearly beloved [unclear]. At last at some time he promised. Since concerning you there were for me. Just as [unclear] is ready [unclear]. O my most beloved brother. Having read in your letter where. Both to have perished [unclear], and promised. As much as to the eyes [unclear]. Although of your holiness. The charity of Christ, to whom. I had indeed wished, at the request of. Laurentius, a most distinguished man. The letters of your holiness. Of all marvels, as it were. True innocence is. No one has ever seen God. These are the precepts which. Before all things, dearly beloved brothers. God is that which no [unclear]. There are different kinds. Considering that now [unclear]. That which was from the beginning. I am a debtor [unclear]. Simoniacs, from Simon. Augustine, bishop, servant. On the Motives of the Donatists, 1 book. When Augustine, bishop. The matter now demands in this. All who have been baptized. It is a great question. Long ago, of your charity. You ask of me whether. I have read the letter which you sent. On the Flood, 1 book. Most beloved brothers, how. If anywhere there is a disciple. An excellent man, my son. What concerning [unclear] so [unclear]. From Provocius, above the seat. A reminder to the holy [unclear]. Let no one say, brothers, that. On account of which I wished and. Of the divine Scriptures. That it is manly and necessary. On the Power of the Soul.

222 The Abbot of Sponheim, Book I

Of an exposition of the Creed against unbelievers, on drunkenness, [unclear] book[s].

One book: “Charity frequently ...”

On obedience and humility.

Of retractions of his own works.

On the words of the Apostle, “Walk cautiously ...”

One book: “Nothing so pleases God ...”

Of an exposition of the Lord’s Prayer, one book: “It is now long since ...”

On divine predestination, one book: “When the Apostle was being read ...”

On faith in invisible things, one book: “You have rendered the Creed ...” “There are those who think ...”

On the nature of things, one book: “While of the sacred Scriptures ...”

On that saying, “Who is the man who desires life?” one book.

On the habitation of God, inaccessible, one book.

Questions on the Gospel of Matthew, one book: “When the Lord said, No one ...”

On the tabernacle, one book.

On the concupiscence of the flesh, a treatise, or one book.

On an oath.

On the immutable essence of God, three books.

To Ambrose the priest, one book.

On the beautiful and the fitting, one book.

On the words of the Apostle, treatises, or twenty books.

On the barbarian time, one book.

On the instability of this life, one book.

On the Samaritan woman, one book.

Whence evil comes, one book.

On the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, one book.

On blessed Jacob, “Brothers ...”

On Jacob and Joseph, one book.

On the seven liberal arts, one book.

On the fourth weekday, one book.

Against Porphyry, one book.

Of a refutation of false articles, one book.

On the fear of God, a treatise, or one book.

Of an exhortation to faith, one book.

On the resurrection, two treatises.

On the eclipse of the sun, a treatise, or two treatises.

Against the Jews, two treatises.

On unsuitable marriages, two books.

On the Eucharist, one treatise.

On Saint Cyprian, four treatises.

On Jacob and Esau, one treatise.

On grammar, [unclear] book[s].

On eternal times, one treatise.

On restless charity, one treatise.

To Victor, one book.

On chaste fear, one treatise.

On hope, one book.

On the resurrection, two treatises.

[Unclear], one treatise.

On the sweet yoke of the Lord, one treatise.

On pleasing or not pleasing men, one treatise.

On the two blind men, one treatise.

On Abraham and Isaac, two treatises.

On Jacob’s rods, one treatise.

On the usefulness of repentance, one treatise.

On Goliath and David, one book.

On the pilgrimage of Christians, one book.

On the judgment of Solomon, one book.

On the song of Exodus, one book.

On the song of Isaiah, one book.

On the calling of the apostle Paul, one book.

On the deposition of the bishop of Carthage, one book.

On the last day, one treatise.

On voice and word, one treatise.

On hunters of mercy, one treatise.

On the woman with an issue of blood, one treatise.

On the deposition of Restitutus the bishop, one treatise.

On the usefulness of fasting, one treatise.

On the drunkenness of Noah, one treatise.

On the works of the six days, two treatises.

On choosing a bishop, one treatise.

On the rod of Moses turned into a serpent, two treatises.

On the dead raised by the Lord, one treatise.

On the strong woman from Proverbs, two treatises.

On the Nativity of the Lord, seven treatises.

On the Epiphany also, two treatises.

On Lent, five treatises.

On the Passion of the Lord, two treatises.

For the vigils of Easter, one treatise.

On greed also, one treatise.

Of exhortation to the candidates, twenty-three treatises.

On the ordination of a cleric, one treatise.

On Saints Perpetua and Felicity, three treatises.

On the Ascension of the Lord, two treatises.

On spiritual almsgiving, one treatise.

On Saint Vincent, two treatises.

More than 200 letters, [unclear].

On bodily alms, one treatise.

He also published many other things; if anyone desires to know them more fully, let him read the index of his books published by Possidius, from which we have taken many items. Jacobus de Voragine, bishop of Genoa, writes in his treatise which he composed on the books of Augustine, that the number of his books, treatises, sermons, and letters rises above one thousand and thirty. And he concludes:

One book. One book. One book. Two books. One book. One book. Two treatises. Four [unclear]. One treatise. One treatise. One book. One treatise. Two treatises. Ten [unclear]. One treatise. Thirty treatises. Six treatises. Seven treatises. Eight treatises. Nine treatises. Ten treatises. Eleven treatises. Twelve treatises. Thirteen treatises. Fourteen treatises. Fifteen treatises. Sixteen treatises. Seventeen treatises. Eighteen treatises. Nineteen treatises.

One book. One book. [Unclear] book[s]. One book. One book.

One book. One book.

One book. One book.

One book.

On Ecclesiastical Writers

and [unclear]. And therefore no one has ever been found who could discover all the books of Augustine. And Possidonius says: “He lies who declares that he has read all of you, Augustine.” But in this work I have, not without deliberation, omitted certain treatises which are ascribed by many to blessed Augustine. Among these is the book On Spirit and Soul, in the thirty-seventh chapter of which Boethius is cited, who was born long after Augustine. Moreover the style itself does not savor of Augustine. Likewise the book which, under Augustine’s name, has now been printed On True and False Penance is falsely ascribed to him, since in the seventeenth chapter, near the end, Augustine himself is cited. The book On the Conflict of Virtues and Vices, which begins “The apostolic voice,” echoes the style of Pope Gregory and agrees with the older copies. Likewise the book On the Ladder of Paradise, whose beginning is “When on a certain day,” is in the old copies inscribed to blessed Bernard, whose spirit and phrasing it seems to express. Why should I labor over many examples? So many are the treatises and sermons falsely inscribed to blessed Augustine that a review of them would require its own volume. Nor is it mine to sit as judge and deprive of their titles works that belong to others. Let the prudent reader consider what he ought to do or hold in these matters.

The holy doctor Augustine died in the city of Hippo, when it was being besieged by the Vandals, in the year of the Lord 430, in the thirteenth indiction, in the seventy-sixth year of his age and the fortieth of his priesthood, according to Marianus Scotus, on the fifth day before the Kalends of September, in the third month of the city’s siege. While the attacks of the besieging Vandals were underway, at the very end of his days, he was replying to the books of Julian the Manichaean, and gloriously persevering in defense of the Christian faith. He made no testament, because he had nothing from which to make one, except the library of the church, which even in death he commended to the brothers to be guarded most diligently. Poor in possessions, rich in merits and learning, Augustine the bishop rested in the Lord; Possidonius, bishop of Calama, wrote his life.

Atticus, bishop of the city of Constantinople after blessed John Chrysostom, a man learned both in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters, was nevertheless blameworthy in this: that he allowed himself to be ordained in the place of a living bishop who had been unjustly expelled. From this many scandals arose in the Church of God. He wrote, as works not to be despised: To the Queens, Daughters of the Emperors of Constantinople, to Be Guarded Most Diligently, two books. And not a few other things.

He flourished under the rulers Honorius and Theodosius, in the year 420.

Paulinus the presbyter, disciple of Saint Augustine of Hippo, and afterward bishop of Nola in Campania, to whom many letters and various treatises of Augustine and Jerome are said to have been sent, a man most learned in the holy Scriptures and second to none in his time in secular letters, shone forth no less clearly in holiness than in learning. Concerning him blessed Pope Gregory writes in the third book of the Dialogues that he was of such great piety and compassion that, after he had spent all his possessions for the use of the poor and the liberation of captives, he even handed himself over into servitude for the son of a certain widow; from this at last, together with many captives, he was released on account of the merit of his life. He wrote many volumes, both in meter and in prose: The Life of Saint Felix, Bishop of Nola, one book; To Severus Sulpicius, four letters; Letters to Various Persons, one book; also On the Sacraments, one book; On the Death of a Baptized Infant, one book; Panegyric of Theodosius, one book; Hymns in Various Meters, one book; On Contempt of the World, one book; On Penance, one book; On the Praise of Martyrs, one book; To a Fallen Virgin, one book; Letter-collection to Various Persons, [unclear] books; To a Fallen Virgin.

He flourished in the time of the rulers Theodosius and Honorius, in the year 420. [unclear]

Niceas, bishop of the city of Romaciana, a man devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, acute in talent, open and polished in speech, wrote little works for the edification of readers, of reading not to be despised. Among them the following are reported: A Preparation for Candidates Who Are Being Made Ready for Baptism, one book; On the Errors of Paganism, [unclear] books; On the Faith of the One Majesty, one book; Against the Genealogy, one book; also On the Creed, one book; The Division of the Paschal Lamb, one book; To a Fallen Virgin, one book; and certain other things.

He flourished in the time of the rulers Theodosius and Honorius, in the year 420.

224 The Abbot of Sponheim

SIMPLICIANUS of Milan, bishop after Saint Ambrose, a man devoted to the divine Scriptures, a lover of poverty, urged Augustine, while he was still a presbyter, in many letters to exercise his talent and devote himself to expositions of the Scriptures, so that he might seem, like another Ambrose, an instigator of Origen’s work. Hence Augustine resolved many questions in letters addressed to him. But he himself wrote useful letters to Augustine and various others, which are found partly here and there. He flourished under the rulers Theodosius and Honorius, in the year of the Lord 420.

ISIDORE the elder, bishop of Cordoba, a man very skilled in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, quick in talent, sufficiently eloquent in speech, distinguished no less by the conduct of his life than by knowledge of the Scriptures, whose learning was held in great esteem among the ancients, wrote not a few small works in various volumes. Of these, however, I have found an excellent work which he published for Saint Orosius, the Spanish presbyter:

On the Four Books of Kings, 4 books.

Of the rest I have found nothing. He flourished under the rulers Theodosius and Honorius, in the year of the Lord 420.

OROSIUS, presbyter, Spanish by nationality, once a hearer of blessed Augustine, was a man learned in the divine Scriptures, most skilled in secular letters, and very renowned in life and conduct. Blessed Augustine sent him, when he came to him from Spain to learn the question concerning the nature of the soul, to Saint Jerome at Bethlehem of Judea; there, after staying for some time, he clearly learned the question for which he had come, and, returning to Hippo, carried with him relics of Stephen the protomartyr. To this most studious man there are extant several works of blessed Augustine, varied resolutions of questions of the Scriptures. He himself wrote the following volumes:

Apologetic, 7 books. Against the Pelagians, 1 book. Chronicle on the Hormesta of the world, 1 book. On the Reason of the Soul, 1 book. Several Letters to Augustine, 1 book. On the Song of Songs, 1 book.

He flourished, illustrious in life and doctrine, with Saint Augustine, in the year of the Lord 420.

JOHN, bishop and patriarch of Jerusalem, devoted and learned in the holy Scriptures, but too intent on the teachings of Origen, stirred up writings of the fathers against himself, namely of the most holy presbyter Jerome and of Bishop Epiphanius, as is found in the letters sent among their acts. But John himself, giving an account of his own study, says that he imitated not the faith of Origen but his talent. For this reason especially he wrote a noteworthy work:

Against the Detractors of His Study, 1 book.

And certain letters to various persons, and certain other things. He flourished in the times of the emperors Arcadius and Honorius, in the year of the Lord 400.

MAXIMUS, bishop of Turin, most learned in the holy Scriptures, second to none in his time in delivering homilies to the people, was distinguished not only in doctrine but also shone most brightly in holiness of life. He wrote many excellent small works, which holy mother Church has received to be read with great authority. Among these the following are reported:

On Chapters of the Gospels, 1 book. On the Acts of the Apostles, 1 book. In Praise of the Apostles, 1 book. Incipit: “The most glorious solemnities of Christ to us.” In Praise of John the Baptist, 1 book. Incipit: “Of the holy fathers my.” On the Life of Eusebius of Vercelli, 1 book. Incipit: “Concerning the words of Isaiah.” On Saint Cyprian the Martyr, 1 book. Incipit: “The feast of Saint Cyprian.” On the Grace of Baptism, 1 book. Incipit: “On avarice. The waning of the moon.” On Hospitality, 1 book. Incipit: “On the tradition of the judge.” On Alms, 1 book. On the Lord’s Sepulcher, 3 homilies. On the Office of the Mass, 1 book. On the Accusation of the Lord, 1 homily. On the Resurrection of the Lord, 4 homilies. Incipit: “Not undeservedly, brothers.” On Saint Lawrence, 1 homily. Incipit: “It is holy, brothers, and God.” Reading of the Acts of the Apostles. On Ca-

On Ecclesiastical Writers.

On the Kalends of January, 1 homily. On the Nativity of the Lord, 3 homilies. On the Epiphany of the Lord, 2 homilies. On Easter, 3 homilies. On Pentecost, 3 homilies. On the penitence of the Ninevites, 1 homily. On not fearing fleshly enemies, 1 homily. On giving thanks after food, 1 homily.

He also wrote many other things: sermons, treatises, letters, homilies, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under the emperors Arcadius and Honorius, in the year of the Lord 420. And he died under Theodosius the Younger.

Julian, a Campanian bishop, a man of sharp and vehement intellect, learned in the Holy Scriptures, schooled in Greek and Latin speech. Before he revealed in himself the impiety of Pelagius, he was distinguished among the doctors of the Church. Afterwards, however, wishing to defend his heresy, he wrote little works against the holy doctors, in conformity with his own opinion. Of these there survive:

Against Saint Augustine, 4 books. Against the same, another 7 books. A dialogue of disputation between the parties, 1 book.

And many other things, all of which, because of the author’s errors, have rightly been cast out from the ecclesiastical library. In a time of the hardship of famine he distributed all his possessions in alms to the poor; he associated with his heresy many noble religious men, deceived under the appearance of piety. He flourished under the emperors Arcadius and Honorius, in the year of the Lord [420?].

Innocent, the first pope of that name, a learned and most holy man, Alban by nation, the forty-second after blessed Peter, presided over the universal Church for fifteen years, and gloriously ordained many things for its benefit. To him, while he was still a priest, blessed Jerome composed the history of the woman struck seven times, as the prologue of the same work shows. Since he was most learned in the divine Scriptures, he wrote some excellent little works for the edification of the faithful. Of these I have found only the following:

A decree against the Pelagians, 1 book. Against the Bonosiacs, 1 book. It begins: “I have long greatly wondered.” Letters to various persons, 1 book. It begins: “In inquiring about these things.”

Of the rest I have seen nothing. He died in the year of the Lord 417, indiction 15, on the fourth day before the Kalends of August.

Eusebius of Cremona, monk, disciple of blessed Jerome the priest, a studious and learned man, venerable in life and conduct, continually devoted, after the example of his most reverend master, to holy prayers and divine readings, [unclear] a great reputation for holiness [unclear]. Having lived on familiar terms for many years with Saint Augustine, he shone forth, distinguished in life and doctrine among ecclesiastical prelates. Among other things, he wrote for the edification of the faithful:

On the passing of Saint Jerome, 1 book. It begins: “To the most reverend Da-.”

He flourished in the time of Saint Jerome, in the year of the Lord 430.

Possidius the African, bishop of Calama, formerly a hearer and devoted disciple of blessed Augustine, a man studious in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters,

An index of his books, 1 book. It begins: “With the true inspirer of all things.”

[unclear] he found, condemned with the help [unclear]. Those who were converted, however, he relegated to a monastery for the doing of penance until the end of life. Among other things he wrote to Himerius, bishop of Tarragona:

A decretal little work, 1 book. It begins: “Against the pagans concerning.”

He flourished under the emperor Theodosius, in the year of the Lord 450.

Siricius, pope, Roman by nation, sat after Damasus in the pontificate for 15 years; a learned and holy man, a very keen defender of the catholic faith, all the Manichaeans whom he found in the city [unclear].

He died under the emperors Theodosius and Valentinian, in the year of the Lord 398, indiction 6, on the ninth day before the Kalends of March.

Fastidius, bishop of the Britons, a man learned in the Holy Scriptures, an outstanding preacher of the word of God, distinguished also in life and conduct, notable in speech and intellect, wrote some devout little works. Among these, a certain volume addressed to Fatalis is said to have been written with sound doctrine.

On Christian doctrine, 1 book. On preserving widowhood, 1 book.

He flourished under the emperors Honorius and Theodosius, in the year 420.

Celestine, the first pope of that name, Roman by nation, a learned and holy man, by whose order blessed Cyril, bishop of Alexandria, held at Ephesus a synod of two hundred fathers, in which Nestorius and Pelagius, together with their wicked doctrines, were condemned. There also

The Abbot of Sponheim

it was also decreed that the most blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, should thereafter be so called. Blessed Celestine wrote, among other things, a solemn decree:

Against Nestorius, one book. Letters to various persons, one book.

And certain other things. He died under Theodosius the Younger, prince, in the year of the Lord 433, in the tenth year of his pontificate, in the first indiction, on the sixth day before the Ides of April.

THEODORETUS, bishop of the city which from its founder, Cyrus, king of the Persians, was called Cyrus, a man very learned in the divine scriptures and sufficiently instructed in the disciplines of secular letters, is said to have composed some little works on the sacred volumes, but they have not come into our hands. His notable work, published after Jerome, is reported to be:

Ecclesiastical History, one book. On the Incarnation of the Lord against Eutyches, one book.

He flourished in the times of the most sacred prince Theodosius, in the year of the Lord 390. His history is now inserted in the Tripartite History.

EVODIUS, bishop in Africa, disciple of blessed Augustine, bishop of Hippo, to whom Augustine wrote that same treatise On the Soul of Christ among the Dead, and many letters, was a man learned in the holy scriptures and most upright in the conduct of his life, who deservedly should be placed in the catalogue of the saints. He is reported to have written certain devout little works. Of these there is extant a volume concerning miracles performed in Africa through the relics brought by the priest Orosius:

Of St. Stephen the Martyr, one book. And several letters to various persons, one book.

And certain other things.

He flourished in the times of Saint Augustine, in the year of the Lord 420.

PALLADIUS, the first bishop ordained by Pope Celestine for the Britons or Scots of the island of Ireland, Greek by nation, a learned and holy man, by his most sweet preaching converted the people committed to him to the faith of Christ. After him Saint Patrick, a Briton by birth, consecrated by Saint Pope Celestine as archbishop of Ireland, shone with signs and miracles for forty-nine years and converted the whole island to the faith. Palladius wrote:

The Life of Saint John Chrysostom, one book.

He was sent into Scotland by Pope Celestine I in the year of the Lord 432, in the fifteenth indiction, according to Marianus Scotus.

CYRIL, bishop of Alexandria, Greek by nation, once the ornament and notable inhabitant of Mount Carmel, a learned and holy man, by order of Pope Celestine I presided in the council of two hundred fathers at Ephesus. There, condemning Nestorius and Pelagius with their errors, he uttered many elegant judgments. Since he was most learned in the holy scriptures, he wrote many little works. Of these, the following are reported:

On Faith against the Heretics, one book. Against Nestorius, one book.

On the Failing of the Synagogue, one book. On the Origin and Praise of Saint Mary, one book.

On the Paschal Cycle of 95 Years, one book. Commentaries on the Gospel, four books.

In addition he composed several letters, homilies, and sermons, and various other treatises, which have not come to my knowledge.

He flourished while presiding at the Council of Ephesus under the emperor Theodosius the Younger, in the year of the Lord 432, in the fifth indiction.

THEODORE, bishop of Ancyra in Galatia, a man devoted to the divine scriptures and very learned in secular letters, especially strong in dialectic, eloquent in speech and an acute disputant, being quite eminent in the Council of Ephesus, wrote there in a dialectical manner, very obscurely:

Against Nestorius, one book. And certain other things.

He flourished under the prince Theodosius the Younger, in the year of the Lord 430.

SOZOMEN, Greek by nation, an outstanding cultivator of secular letters and sufficiently learned in the divine scriptures, is reported to have written some little works for the edification of the churches. Of these there is extant a notable work addressed to Theodosius the Younger, prince, from the third consulship of Crispus and Constantine Caesars down to the seventeenth year of that same Theodosius:

Ecclesiastical History, nine books. “Thoughts sometimes to me.”

The rest of what he composed has not come to my knowledge.

He flourished under the aforesaid emperor Theodosius, in the year 430.

SOCRATES, a certain Greek by nation, a learned and eloquent man, a notable historiographer and renowned for experience of great affairs, wrote from the time of the first Constantine the Great, emperor, down to the reign of Theodosius the Younger, a volume:

Of Ecclesiastical History, one book.

Other

On Ecclesiastical Writers

He is also said to have written some other works, but they have not come into our hands.

And it should be noted that three Greek authors, namely Theodoret, bishop of Cyrrhus, Sozomen, and this Socrates, each wrote histories of ecclesiastical affairs at almost one and the same time; Epiphanius Scholasticus translated them into Latin, as they stood, and from them Cassiodorus Senator, the monk, made one continuous history, which he called the Tripartite.

Vigilius, deacon and monk, a man zealous and learned in the holy Scriptures, guardian and ruler of monastic discipline, is said to have composed certain small works for the edification of monks, which the distance of places and times has prevented from coming down to our memory. The priest Gennadius says, however, that he wrote a very useful rule:

On the Conduct of Monks, one book. He says nothing of the rest.

He flourished under the emperors Honorius and Theodosius, in the year 420.

Hosius, bishop of Corduba, before Isidore, to whom Chalcidius the grammarian is recorded to have translated Plato’s Timaeus, was indeed a learned and eloquent man. In the council of Sardica, as president, he delivered many excellent opinions, as is contained in the acts of that same synod. In his old age, however, greatly terrified by the Arian emperor Constantius, and fearing that, as a rich old man, he would either suffer exile or be condemned, he soon consented to the Arian impiety. But, as he deserved, he ended his life not long afterward by a cruel death. For after his impious defection, when Saint Gregory, bishop of Elvira, had come to Corduba by imperial decree and refused to communicate with Hosius, Hosius, angered, asked Clementinus, the vicar of the prefect of Constantius, to drive Gregory into exile. The vicar said to him: “I do not dare send a bishop into exile unless you have first deposed him from the episcopate.” Hosius, unable to endure the delay, mounted the chair as judge. He summoned Gregory by royal edict; when Gregory appeared in the sight of the multitude, and Hosius, proud in arrogance, tried to pronounce the sentence of deposition, Gregory appealed to Christ with all his strength, that he should not allow so unjust a presumption on Hosius’s part to go unpunished. And behold, while the impious Hosius was sitting and wished to deliver the sentence, his mouth turned awry, twisting his neck likewise, and, falling to the ground, he suddenly expired. From this fear seized everyone; after this no one dared touch Gregory. Hosius, while still Catholic, wrote to his sister:

On the Praise of Virginity, one book. In the aforementioned council: eighteen opinions, two books.

And several letters. He flourished under Constantius, already a very old man, by whom he was also deceived and perished, around the year of the Lord 390.

Idacius, bishop of Lemice, a city of the Spains, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and renowned in speech and eloquence, who, with Bishop Ursacius, because of the death of Priscillian, whom they had accused at Trier, was separated from the communion of the Church and driven into exile, died there. He wrote, however, works not to be despised, of which the following are reported:

Against Priscillian, one book. Chronicles from the time of Theodosius, one book.

And certain other works. He flourished under the venerable emperor Theodosius, in the year of the Lord 400.

Leporius, priest and monk, zealous in the divine writings, but presuming too much on the purity of his life, taught dogmatically that he lived religiously by his own judgment and effort, not by the grace of God, defending the Pelagian error. But, admonished by the Gallic doctors and corrected in Africa by Saint Augustine, he yielded to the truth and later sharply attacked the heresy which he had formerly preached. Giving thanks, therefore, for his correction, he wrote:

A Corrective against Heresy, two books. And certain other works.

He flourished under the younger emperor Theodosius, in the year of the Lord 430.

Sedulius, priest, a Scot by nation, a disciple from early youth of Hildebert, archbishop of the Scots, a man practiced in the divine writings, most learned in secular letters, excelling in verse and prose, left Scotland out of love of learning and came into France; then he travelled through Italy and Asia, and finally, leaving the borders of Achaia, shone forth in the city of Rome, renowned for his admirable learning. He wrote several small works in metre and in prose; of these I have found only the following. To Abbot Macedonius, an excellent work following the sequence of the whole Gospel, which he entitled:

Paschal Song, in metre, three books. “Paschales quicunque da.”

On all the Epistles of Paul, in prose. “Antequam Apostolica verba.”

On the Miracles of Christ, one book. “A solis ortus cardine.”

To the emperor Theodosius, two books. “Romulidum ductor cla.”

On the Greater Volume of Priscian, one book. On the Second Edition of Donatus, one book.

An Exhortation to the Faithful. “Cantemus socii domino.”

Episto-

228 The Abbot of Sponheim

Several letters to various persons, one book.

Sedulius Scotigena.

On the miracles of Christ, in prose, two books.

He also published some other works, which have not come to my knowledge. This man at last, as Sigebert writes, was ordained bishop, but he does not state in what church or city. He flourished under Theodosius, in the year 430.

VICTORINUS, a rhetorician of Marseilles, a man most learned in secular letters and very devoted to the Holy Scriptures, attempted to expound the Holy Scriptures; but, occupied with secular literature, and having entered the field of the divine utterances without a teacher, he did not accomplish what he wished. Hence the little works that he wrote are indeed excellent in Christian sense and pious zeal, but are shaped by a lighter weight of judgment. He published, addressed to the person of his son Etherius, commentaries from the beginning down to the death of the patriarch Abraham:

On Genesis, four books. And certain other things which are hidden from us.

He flourished under Theodosius and Valentinian, in the year 430.

PHILIPPUS, monk and priest, once a hearer and disciple of blessed Jerome, a studious and learned man, a notable lover of voluntary poverty, who by word and example instructed many toward piety, after the death of his master published certain commentaries on the divine Scriptures. Of these there is extant, as they say, an outstanding work:

On Job, one book. Letters to various persons, two books.

He flourished under the emperors Theodosius and Valentinian, in the year of the Lord 430. And he died under Marcian.

VINCENTIUS, monk and priest of the island of Lérins, a Gaul by nation, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, distinguished in life and morals. There is extant his notable work, which he composed under the name Peregrinus, very celebrated and praised by the ancient doctors, on avoiding the errors [unclear] of heretics:

Against all heretics, two books.

He is also read to have written some other works, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished while Theodosius and Valentinian were reigning, in the year of the Lord 430.

PAULUS, priest, a Pannonian by nation, which is now called Hungary, a man devoted to sacred letters, sufficiently learned, venerable no less for the practice of religion than for knowledge of the Scriptures, a zealous defender of the Christian faith, is said to have written not a few volumes, the reading of which is held to be quite suited to confuting heretics. There are extant his works addressed to Constantia, a virgin dedicated to Christ:

On virginity and contempt of the world, two books.

Concerning the others I have as yet found nothing. He flourished under Theodosius the Younger, in the year of the Lord 430.

ISAAC, from being a monk a priest of the church of Antioch, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, of very celebrated reputation for delivering homilies to the people, beloved by God in life and conduct, venerable to men, wrote in the Syriac tongue, in imitation of Saint Ephrem, several devout little works, the reading of which is judged very useful for religious men.

Of these I have found among our holdings the following:

Against the Nestorians and Euty[ches?], two books.

An exhortation to the spiritual life, one book.

On the battle against vices, one book.

On access to God, one book.

On the difficulty of virtues, one book.

A dialogue on spiritual progress, one book.

On the order of the monastic life, one book.

On humility, one book.

On the three orders of those making progress, one book.

On the solitude of monks, one book.

On diverse temptations, one book.

On the instruction of novices, one book.

On penitence, one book.

A poem on the desolation of Antioch, one book.

He delivered many homilies to the people, but they have by no means come into our hands. He flourished under Theodosius the Younger, in the year of the Lord 440.

EUCHERIUS, bishop of Lyon in Gaul, a learned man, imbued from youth with the discipline of monks, ready in talent, ordered in speech, in life and conduct

The soul that loves God. The honor of many [unclear].

When someone into some ruin. However much virtue without.

By what bond he is held. From violent operation.

Blessed is the man who knows [his] infirmity. There are three orders in.

A man of much anxiety. The virtues one another.

This is the sober order. The strength which [unclear].

50 40

On Ecclesiastical Writers.

[unclear], pleasing to God and to men, since by both word and example he turned many away from iniquity. He wrote several distinguished volumes, but as yet only a few have come to my knowledge. For I have found only these:

On Contempt of the World, one book.

Expositions of the Divine Names, one book. Formulas of the Spiritual Life.

To the Sons Salonius and Veranus, one book. Epitome of Cassian, one book.

Certain letters to various persons, one book. To Bishop Hilary, on the Praise of the Wilderness, one book.

He flourished under Theodosius the Younger, in the year of the Lord 440.

Hilary, bishop of Arles, to whom Eucherius [wrote] one book when he was seeking the deserts of the wilderness.

The Life of Saint Honoratus, Bishop, and certain other things.

Almost countless homilies.

He flourished under the emperor Theodosius the Younger, in the year of the Lord 440. He died, however, under the emperors Valentinian and Marcian.

Zosimus, pope, Greek by nation, sat in the pontificate after Saint Innocent for one year and eight months; a learned man, holy, beloved of God; by word and example [unclear], eloquent in speech, whose merits of holiness the Catholic Church proclaims. He was of such great piety toward the poor that, after all his possessions had been cheerfully distributed for their use, he was thereafter called and was the father of the poor. Among other things, in quite distinguished style, he wrote [letters] of his predecessor:

Letters, one book. From the report of our brother.

On Easter, to Hilary, one book.

On the Priesthood, to Esychius, one book. Your affection requires, etc.

He died under the emperors Honorius and Theodosius, in the year of the Lord 419, in the second indiction, on the seventh day before the Kalends of January.

Boniface, the first pope of that name, succeeding blessed Zosimus, presided over the Church for three years and four months; a man of great learning, quite fit for the governance of souls, who established many things for ecclesiastical usefulness, which are found scattered in the canons of the holy fathers. For the edification of the faithful, as they say, he wrote some small works. Of these I have found only:

Decretal Letters, one book. The Roman Church, to which, etc.

He died under the emperors Honorius and Theodosius, in the year of the Lord 422, in the fifth indiction, on the eighth day before the Kalends of November.

Proba, a most elegant woman, wife of Adelphus, the Roman proconsul, a woman most learned in secular letters and not ignorant of the divine Scriptures, burning with wonderful zeal, surpassed her sex by her learning. Perfectly instructed in Greek and Latin letters, and excelling in verse and prose, since she held Virgil word for word in her mind, she conceived the idea of describing the New and Old Testament from his words, as if he had intended to demonstrate it in his poems. Therefore, boldly undertaking the work stored up in her mind, carefully going through all the books of Virgil, taking now this verse, now that one, sometimes half a verse, sometimes smaller portions of verses, with wonderful industry and with the measure of the feet everywhere preserved, she described the Catholic volumes in the poet’s verses, and marked this work with a Greek term in about seven hundred verses:

Virgilian Cento, one book. Long ago [I began] to profane, etc.

Whether she wrote anything more I do not know.

Nevertheless this work is counted among the apocrypha, because, even if a devout woman undertook the study of pious things, nevertheless Virgil never considered that his little words should be referred to the honor of Christ or to our faith. For this is not a proper interpretation of the matter, but a fictive one assumed by Proba. She flourished, as some think, under Theodosius the Younger, in the year of the Lord 430.

Eudoxia, wife of Theodosius the Younger, a woman most devout in the Christian religion and most learned both in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters, returning from Jerusalem, brought with her the relics of the most holy protomartyr Stephen and honorably placed them in the basilica of the blessed martyr Lawrence. Since she was very learned, excelling in verse and prose, she is said, in imitation of Proba, wife of Adelphus, to have turned back the poems of Homer

The Abbot of Sponheim

... herself to the Christian faith, likewise prefixing to the published little work a title such as this: Homeric Centos, one book. But this too is apocryphal.

She also wrote certain other things. Since Saint Jerome, in a certain letter, states that he had read Homer-centos and Virgil-centos, they must necessarily have been composed before his death.

She flourished with Theodosius her husband, who took up the empire. In the year of the Lord 423.

Primasius, an African bishop, as some maintain once a disciple of blessed Augustine, a man indeed learned in the Holy Scriptures, splendidly imbued with the disciplines of secular letters, subtle in intellect and eloquent in speech, is said to have composed many little works, which among the ancients were held at a high price. Of these I have found only:

Against Heresies, to Bishop Fortunatus, three books.

On the Apocalypse of John, to Castorius, five books. Concerning the book of the Apocalypse of blessed John.

The rest, however, which he composed have not yet come to my knowledge. He flourished under the emperor Theodosius II, in the year of the Lord 440.

Junilius, bishop of a certain city in Africa, but I have not been able to discover the name of the city, a man certainly very learned in the sacred Scriptures, in my judgment sufficiently instructed in secular disciplines, profound in understanding, sweet and ornate in speech, is said to have written many little works; but I have seen only the distinguished work which he wrote to Primasius, the above-mentioned bishop, which he entitled:

On the Parts of the Divine Law, one book. To the holy and most blessed bishop.

Of the rest I have seen none.

He flourished at the same time as Primasius, in the year of the Lord 446.

Proterius, bishop of Alexandria, a man most learned both in divine Scriptures and in secular letters, a distinguished theologian and computist, whom in the times of Leo Augustus the successors of the heretic Dioscorus, after making a sedition with Timothy as author, cruelly killed. And they set up that same Timothy, like an idol, in his place as bishop of Alexandria. Among other things he wrote to Saint Leo the pope:

On the Celebration of Easter, three letters.

To Hilary on the same matter, one letter. Since your holiness has arisen.

Several letters to various persons.

And certain other things.

He flourished under the emperor Leo, in the year of the Lord 460.

Pascasinus, a Sicilian bishop, learned in divine Scriptures, nobly instructed in secular letters, venerable no less for his conduct than for his knowledge, is said to have presided in place of blessed Pope Leo the Great at the Council of Chalcedon, in which, together with the holy fathers to the number of two hundred, he condemned the heretics Eutyches and Dioscorus. Now Eutyches was a priest and abbot of the very celebrated monastery of Constantinople, who asserted that Christ was God only, not man; he wrote various things in favor of his error, all of which were condemned together with their author. Pascasinus, however, wrote to Pope Leo:

On the Paschal Question, two letters. The writings of your apostolate.

To the same, On the Miracle of the Font, one letter. Not one day of a long [unclear].

The Acts of the Council of Chalcedon, one book. The rules of the saints through [unclear].

He flourished under Theodosius the Younger, in the year of the Lord 450.

Leo, the first pope of that name, a Tuscan by nation, after Sixtus III sat in the chair of Peter for twenty-one years; a man most learned in divine Scriptures, so celebrated and eloquent in delivering homilies to the people that he had no superior in the Roman Church, as his most renowned sermons will testify. For he was the Cicero of ecclesiastical diction, the Homer of sacred theology, the Aristotle of the arguments of the faith, the Peter of apostolic authority, the Paul in the Christian pulpit. His sermons pierce the heart, move the soul, and confirm the Catholic faith in sweet, brief speech. Nor is it strange: bearing the fire of divine love kindled in his breast, what else would he speak but burning words? He wrote many little works. Of these I have found only the following, namely:

Against Eutyches the Presbyter, two books. As of the most skilled, most beloved.

On the Nicene Creed, one book. We believe in one God.

To Leo Augustus, With Testimony, one book. This one thing, therefore, immovable.

To the Inquiries of Bishop Januarius, one book. No reason determines that in.

On the Passion of the Lord, twenty-four homilies, five books. Always indeed, most beloved.

Homili-

On Ecclesiastical Writers

Many homilies to the people, one book. To Bishop Flavian against Eutyches, one book. To Emperor Leo against Eutyches, one book. To Bishop Turribius against Priscillian, one book. To Rusticus, bishop of Narbonne, one book. To Anastasius, bishop of Thessalonica, one book. Many letters to various persons, one book.

Of the rest I have found nothing. At last he died, after many labors for the benefit of the Church, under Emperor Leo, in the year of the Lord 461, in the fourteenth indiction, on the fourth day before the Kalends of July.

Peter, bishop of Ravenna, a learned and most holy man, shining in life with many miracles, was of outstanding ability in delivering homilies to the people, and converted many, both by word and by example, to the path of truth. He wrote many things for the edification of the faithful. Of these there are current:

Several sermons and homilies, one book. To Eutyches the presbyter, one letter: “Sad, I read sad letters.” He also wrote several other letters.

He flourished under Emperor Marcian, in the year of the Lord 450.

Flavian, bishop of Constantinople, to whom blessed Pope Leo wrote many letters, was indeed a learned man and an especially devoted lover of Catholic unity. He deposed and excommunicated Eutyches, presbyter and archimandrite, who held impious views concerning Christ’s humanity, as he testifies in a certain letter sent to the aforementioned Pope Leo. He accomplished and endured much for the extirpation of heresies. He wrote in Greek certain works not to be despised. Of these there are current:

Proceedings with Eutyches the presbyter, one book. Against the errors of the same man, one book. To Pope Leo concerning the same matter, one letter: “No thing of the devil [unclear].” Letters to various persons, one book. And some other things which we do not know.

He flourished under Theodosius the Younger and Marcian, in the year 454.

Hilary, pope, a Sardinian by nation, sat in the pontificate after Leo the Great for six years and as many months. He was a man most learned in the divine scriptures and distinguished by the adornment of many virtues; being continually devoted to almsgiving and holy works, he shone with no small reputation for sanctity. At Rome, after holding a synod of fifty bishops, he established certain measures for ecclesiastical propriety. He also wrote certain necessary works. Of these I have found only the following:

A synodal decree, one book: “Since the more religious Holy Spirit.” To the bishops of the province of Tarragona, one letter: “After your letters.” To Ascanius, bishop of Tarragona, one letter: “The grace of God toward us.” Concerning the Council of Nicaea, one letter. Concerning the Council of Ephesus, one letter. Concerning the Council of Chalcedon, one letter. Letters to various persons, one book.

He died under Emperor Leo, in the year of the Lord 468, in the sixth indiction, on the ninth day before the Kalends of March; Simplicius succeeded him.

Eusebius, bishop of Milan, very learned in the holy scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, was both familiar and dear to the most blessed pontiff Leo. Fighting and writing bravely for the holy Catholic faith against heretics, he is said to have published some works for the edification of the faithful, but they have not come to my knowledge. For I have seen only one letter of his, which he is said to have written in matters of faith:

To Saint Pope Leo, one letter: “Having returned, with the Lord granting it.”

He flourished under Emperor Marcian, in the year of the Lord 450.

Asclepius the African, bishop of the territory of Vaga, a studious and learned man:

Innumerable homilies to the people, one book. Many homilies unknown to us. And many other things unknown to us.

He flourished under Theodosius the Younger, in the year of the Lord 440.

Prosper, bishop of Reggio after Faventius, an Aquitanian by nation, a man in [unclear], one book. Against the Arians, one book. V2

232 The Abbot of Sponheim was most learned in the divine Scriptures, and trained in secular letters, excellent in verse and prose, eloquent in speech, deep in understanding, subtle in intellect, vigorous in assertion, and most holy in life and conduct. He was once notary of blessed Pope Leo the Great, and composed many letters in his person. He also wrote many distinguished little works from his own vein. Of these I have found only the following.

From the Sentences of blessed Augustine the bishop, in hexameter and pentameter verses, mixed with prose, a very beautiful work which he wished to entitle:

Epigrams, one book. “While it pleases [unclear].” On the Contemplative Life, three books. “The contemplative life in …” On Free Choice, one book. “To the lord brother, most beloved, Ru…” Responses to the Chapters of the Gauls, one book. “The doctrine which holy …” To the Objections of the Vincentians, one book. “Certain Christian and …” To the Excerpts of the Genoese, one book. “In the books of blessed memory …” A large Sum of 330 propositions, one book. “True knowledge is that which …” Against Cassian on Free Choice, one book. A Chronicle of Histories, one book. Letters to Various Persons, one book. On Illustrious Men, one book. On the Captivity of Rome, one book.

He is said besides to have written some other works, but they have not come into our hands. He flourished in the time of the great emperor Leo, in the year of the Lord 460. His feast is celebrated on the seventh day before the Kalends of July.

VICTOR, bishop of the Mauretanian city of Cartenna, learned in the holy Scriptures and an outstanding declaimer of sermons, a notable persecutor of heretics, is said to have composed many volumes, in which he both instructed the devout people and vigorously crushed those erring about the faith. Of these, the following are reported:

Against the Arians, one book. Against the Donatists, one book. A Consolatory Work to Basil, one book. On Penance also, one book. Homilies to the People, one book.

He also published not a few other works, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under Marcian Augustus, in the year of the Lord 450.

VICTORINUS, an Aquitanian by nation, a man very studious in the divine Scriptures and most learned in secular letters, is said to have left certain little works, which have not yet come to my knowledge at all. At the command of Pope Hilary he wrote, for finding the date of Easter:

The Great Cycle of 532 Years, one book.

This is called the great cycle of 532 years; when they have elapsed, all the calculations of the luminaries return to the same point. Dionysius the abbot later corrected it, and it has endured down to our own age, although in some points it has failed. That Victorinus also wrote certain letters. He flourished under the emperor Leo, in the year of the Lord 460, and wrote his cycle under Pope Hilary, in the third year of his pontificate.

PETER, priest of the church of Edessa, learned and practiced in the holy Scriptures, obtained an altogether excellent power and talent for declaiming homilies to the people, so much so that in his times he had no equal. He wrote many distinguished volumes in the Syrian language. Of these, only a very few titles have come to my knowledge:

Commentaries on the Psalms, one book. He also played in meter on the Psalms, one book.

He composed and delivered almost infinite homilies to the people, which are rarely found among us. Nor is the number of his treatises certain to us. He flourished under the emperor Marcian, in the year of the Lord 459.

SABATIUS, bishop of a Gallic province, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and sufficiently trained in secular letters, subtle and keen in intellect, often fought against the poison of heretics, both by writing and by disputing. Hence, asked by a certain Secunda, a virgin dedicated to Christ, he wrote a notable and memorable volume:

Against Marcion and Valentinus, one book. Against Eunomius and Aetius, one book.

He also published some other works, but they have not yet come to my knowledge. He flourished under Theodosius the Younger, around the year of the Lord 440.

URSINUS, a monk, learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of humane letters, subtle in intellect and cautious in speech, [unclear] many treatises for the benefit of the faithful

On Ecclesiastical Writers

He is said to have composed [them], but I do not recall that any of them has ever come into our hands. His work against those who rebaptize persons once duly baptized is reported; its title is:

On the Manner of Rebaptizing Heretics, one book.

He flourished, as I have found, under Theodosius the Younger, in the year of the Lord 440.

Julian, bishop of the church of Toledo in Spain, a Moor by nation, to whom Saint Prosper is said to have written three books On Contemplation, was a man very learned in the divine Scriptures and sufficiently instructed in secular studies, scholastic in speech, clear in understanding. He wrote many notable volumes, of which the following are reported:

Eight books.

On Holy Virginity, one book. On the Nature of the Soul, one book.

Questions on the Resurrection, one book. On Contempt of the World, one book.

Prognosticon of the Future Age, three books. “The faith of the nascent Church.”

On Vices and Virtues, one book. Letters to Various Persons, one book.

He is also said to have composed some other works which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under the emperor Marcian, in the year of the Lord 450.

Victorianus Buconius, bishop of the city of Castelliana in Mauretania, a man exercised by constant study in the divine Scriptures and not moderately learned in the disciplines of secular letters, a most powerful hammer of heretics and an outstanding [unclear] of the faithful peoples, is said to have written many treatises in defense of the Catholic faith. Of these the principal ones are reported as follows:

One book. Against the Arians, two books.

Against All Heretics, three books. Also On the Sacraments, one book.

He flourished under the emperor Marcian, in the year of the Lord 460.

Musaeus, priest of the church of Marseilles, being most learned in the divine Scriptures and refined by most subtle exercise in their meanings, scholastic and polished in language, at the exhortation of Saint Venerius the bishop excerpted from the holy Scriptures readings and responsories suited to the individual feast days of the whole year, and arranged psalms suited to each season to be sung in the Church. He also wrote an excellent little work to Eustasius the bishop.

Seven books. Several homilies to the people.

Of Sacraments [unclear]

And certain other things. He flourished under the rulers Marcian and Leo, in the year of the Lord 480.

Vincentius, a priest, a Gaul by nation, much exercised in the divine writings, made [unclear] by love, a man very learned in secular letters, distinguished in skill of speaking. In his writings, using syllogisms more than the authorities of the divine readings, while he inveighs too much against Nestorius, he is said to favor the dogma of Timothy, and by his ambiguities he suspends the mind from agreement with the Council of Chalcedon; nor does he think one should acquiesce in the view that the Son of God, after the incarnation, consists of two natures. Of his writings, however, there is reported:

One book. Against Heretics, one book.

Commentaries on the Psalms, and certain other things.

He flourished under the emperor Marcian, in the year of the Lord 510.

Cyrus, Alexandrian by origin, a physician by art, from a philosopher made a monk for love of Christ, a man very learned in secular letters, distinguished in skill of speaking. In his writings, using syllogisms more than the authority of the divine readings, while he inveighs too much against Nestorius, he is said to favor the dogma of Timothy, and by his ambiguities he suspends the mind from agreement with the Council of Chalcedon; nor does he think one should acquiesce in the view that the Son of God, after the incarnation, consists of two natures. He wrote letters [unclear] of wisdom [unclear]. To Claudius, bishop of Vienne, he wrote several letters composed with [unclear] wisdom. To Marcellus the priest.

One book. Against Heretics, one book.

He flourished under Leo Augustus, in the year of the Lord 490.

Salvianus, priest of the church of Marseilles, a man very learned in the divine writings and sufficiently instructed in secular letters, teacher of the bishops of his time, wrote in scholastic and clear language many and various treatises; of these the following [unclear]:

Homilies made to bishops, one book. Also On the Sacraments, one book.

Several homilies to the people, one book. He flourished under Ze[unclear]

He also published many other works which have by no means come to my knowledge. He flourished under the emperor Zeno, in the year of the Lord 680.

Samuel, priest of the church of Edessa, by constant exercise in the divine Scriptures

Abbot of Sponheim

[unclear], an outstanding preacher of homilies to the people, skilled in the Greek and Syriac languages, flourished first at Edessa; afterwards, coming to Constantinople, he was held there in great esteem and ended his last day. He wrote, in both Greek and Syriac, almost innumerable small works. Of these very few have come to my knowledge. For I have found only:

Against the Nestorians, one book. Against the Eutychians, one book. Against the Timotheans, one book.

He flourished under the emperor Zeno, in the year of the Lord 480.

Gennadius, bishop of the city of Constantinople, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, subtle in intellect and eloquent in speech, wrote in Greek a number of small works on the sacred volumes, but they have by no means come into our hands. For he was an outstanding preacher of homilies, and distinguished no less for his life than for his knowledge of the Scriptures. Among other things, however, a work of his commentaries is reported:

On Daniel the prophet, one book.

Many homilies to the people, one book. He died under Leo, the first emperor who reigned, in the year of the Lord 460.

Claudius, bishop of Vienne, to whom Salvian the priest composed one book, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and most highly trained in secular letters, famous no less for holiness than for knowledge, shone forth in his own times. Because of frequent earthquakes, he first instituted the litanies, which the Roman Church thereafter undertook to continue. He also wrote letters. He wrote:

On the State of the Soul, three books.

And certain other things. He flourished under the emperor Zeno, in the year of the Lord 480. And lest the name Claudius offend anyone who is unaware, let him know that the same man is called Mamertus.

Sidonius, bishop of the Auverni, learned in the divine Scriptures and, in the judgement of all, the most learned man of his time in the disciplines of secular letters, excellent in verse and prose, subtle in intellect and eloquent in speech, wrote many distinguished little works both in meter and in unbound discourse. Of these I have been able to find only those which are set down below, namely:

Panegyric to the emperor Anthemius, one book. Auspicio et numero. Panegyric to Julius Valerius, one book. Concepe praeteritos. Panegyric to his father-in-law, one book. Phoebe peragrato tam. To Felix, one book. Dic dic quod petoma. Epithalamium for Ruricius and Hiberix, one book. Inter cyaneas epieram. Epithalamium for Polemius, one book. Forte procellosi reme. Eucharisticon to Faustus, one book. Phebum et ter ternas. Also of epigrams, one book. Quatuor ante dies. To Pontius Leontius Burgus, one book. Bistonii regis stabulum. In Praise of the City of Narbonne, one book. Salve Narbo potens. Letters to various persons, nine books. Diu precipis domine ma.

He also wrote many other compositions, brief indeed, but sufficiently learned; for the sake of brevity I have passed over their titles. He flourished in the times of the emperor Zeno, in the year of the Lord 480.

Simplicius, pope, by nation a Tiburtine, after Saint Hilary presided over the Roman and universal Church for [unclear] years. He was a learned and holy man, who appeared not only simple according to his name, but also upright, turning away from evil and fearing God. He restored many churches that had fallen down from extreme age, issued decrees necessary for the Christian commonwealth, and wrote some things for the edification of the faithful. Of these I have read only:

To John, bishop of Ravenna, one letter. Si quis esse intuitus Eccle. To Florentius and Equitius, bishops, one letter. Relatio nominis vestrae. To Severus, bishop, one letter.

But he also wrote many other very useful letters, which I have not yet seen.

He died under the emperor Zeno, in the year of the Lord 483, in the sixth indiction, on the sixth Nones of March, and was numbered among the saints.

Servusdei, bishop of a certain church whose city-name I have not been able to find, a man learned in the divine Scriptures by constant exercise and rich in the reading of the ancients, subtle in intellect, clear in speech, is said to have fashioned a number of little works. Of these there exists a volume furnished with sacred Scriptures, against those who say that Christ, while living in this life, did not see the Father with his bodily eyes. The heading of this work is:

That the Son Saw the Father, one book.

He also wrote certain other things.

In this

On Ecclesiastical Writers

In this work he shows that the Son of God, even from the hour of his conception in the womb of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit, always saw God the Father with his bodily eyes, and thereafter, now clothed in human flesh. He is said to have flourished under Emperor Leo, in the year of the Lord 480.

VICTOR, bishop of Capua, learned in the Holy Scriptures, sufficiently imbued with secular letters, an outstanding theologian and computist, keen in intellect, renowned in eloquence, is said to have written some little works on the sacred volumes, but very few of them have come to my knowledge. He refuted the error of Victorius of Aquitaine, who, at the order of Pope Hilary, writing Paschal cycles, taught that Easter was to be celebrated on the fifteenth day before the Kalends of May in the year of the Lord 455, whereas it was more correctly to be celebrated that year on the seventh day before the Kalends of May. Therefore, when this occasion arose, he wrote:

On Easter, one book. One Gospel from Four, one book.

He flourished under Zeno Augustus, in the year of the Lord 480.

CEREALIS, an African bishop, a man very skilled in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular disciplines, was asked by Maximinus, bishop of the Arians, whether he could establish the consubstantiality of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit by a few testimonies of divine Scripture, without, at least, the assertion of disputation. He replied, not with a few testimonies, as that man mockingly had requested, but with many testimonies from both Testaments, composing a distinguished work:

Against the Arians, one book. He also wrote other works: Against the Timotheans, one book. Several Homilies to the People, one book. And many other things.

He flourished in the times of Emperor Leo, in the year of the Lord 460.

JOHN, priest of the church of Antioch, rich in his reading of the ancient Scriptures, after he had taught grammar at Antioch for some years, began to wish to profess himself a cleric; and, made a priest by legitimate succession, he applied himself to divine readings. Having become a teacher through these, he was so powerful in delivering homilies that he had no equal in his time. He wrote a sufficiently learned volume:

Eclogues, one book. The lands of the Ethiopians. On the Harmony of the Scriptures, one book. Concerning the rest I have found nothing.

He flourished in the year of the Lord 480, under Zeno Augustus, under whom he died.

THEODULUS, priest, an Italian by nation, a man learned in the divine writings and nobly instructed in secular letters, coming from Italy into [Caelesyria?], is recorded to have been ordained there first priest, then bishop; and by writing and composing much he transmitted his name to posterity. Of his little works I have found only a metrical work on the miracles of the Old Testament, [unclear] with the fables of the poets.

The lands of the Ethiopians. Concerning the rest I have found nothing.

EUGENIUS, bishop of Carthage in Africa, a learned man, public confessor of the undivided Holy Trinity, suffered many injuries from the Arians under Huneric, king of the Vandals, who after his father Genseric was persecuting Christians in Africa. For with many other bishops, their tongues having been cut out, he was sent into exile. He wrote some little works full of faith and learning. Of these the following are reported:

Exposition of the Catholic Faith, one book. A Debate Held with the Arians. Apologetic for the Faith, one book. To His Church, when he was going into exile, one letter.

He is said nonetheless to have written other things, but they have not come to my knowledge.

He flourished in the times of Augustus Zeno, in the year of the Lord 480.

FELIX, the third pope, Roman by nation, after the pontiff Saint Simplicius sat in the chair of Peter for eight years. He was a good, learned, and holy man, who, inflamed with zeal for the faith, condemned Peter and Acacius, Eutychian bishops, relegating them into exile. For this reason, holding a synod at Rome, he established many things for ecclesiastical usefulness and wrote:

Synodal Decree, one book. To Flavius Poetius, [unclear]. Several Decretal Letters, one book.

He died under Emperor Anastasius, in the year of the Lord 493, the first indiction.

GENNADIUS, priest of the church of Marseilles, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, perfectly instructed in Greek as well as Latin eloquence, wrote many little works and translated not a few volumes of the ancient fathers from Greek into the Latin language. Concerning his own writings, however, he himself, at the end of [On Illustrious Men?], [unclear]:

On His Faith, to Pope Gelasius, one book. Against Nestorius, six books.

The Abbot of Spanheim

Against Eutyches, 9 books. Against Pelagius, 3 books. Against all heresies, 8 books. On Illustrious Men, 1 book. “James, by surname.” On the Heresy of the Thousand Years, 1 book. He wrote these and certain other works, but they have not yet come to my knowledge. He flourished under the emperor Anastasius, in the year of the Lord 490.

Gelasius, Pope the First, an African by nation, sat after Felix in the pontificate for four years. He was a holy man and very learned in the divine scriptures. Soon at the beginning of his pontifical office he sent into exile the Manichaeans whom he found in the city, and publicly burned their books at the basilica of Saint Mary Major. He established many things for ecclesiastical utility and wrote very many works against heretics. Among his works the following are cited:

Synodal Decree, 1 book. “A necessary distinction of things.” Against the Arians, 2 books. Against Eutyches and Nestorius, 5 books. Hymns in the manner of Ambrose, 1 book. Letters to various persons, 1 book. Several weighty prayers. And he arranged certain other graduals, alleluias, and tracts, with prefaces suitable for the Mass, and separated the authentic books of the holy fathers from the apocryphal, as is found in Distinction 13, “Sancta Rom.” He died while Anastasius Augustus was emperor, in the year of the Lord 496.

Faustus, formerly abbot of the monastery of Lerins, bishop of Riez in Gaul, was indeed a learned and eloquent man, but stained by the Pelagian error; hence his little works are counted among the apocrypha, as is clear in Distinction 15, “Sancta Rom.” At length, corrected and amended by blessed Fulgentius, bishop of Ruspe, he abandoned the error and returned to the truth of the catholic faith. As proof of this matter he published an excellent volume against his former errors, which he entitled On the Grace of God. Of his works the following are cited. The same volume:

On the Grace of God, 1 book. Against the Arians, 1 book. Against the Anthropomorphites, 1 book. “The catholic faith in one...” On the Holy Spirit, [unclear]. To Felix the prefect, 1 book. To Gratus the deacon, against Nesto[rius?]. Several homilies to the people. He flourished under the emperor Anastasius, in the year of the Lord 480.

Fulgentius, bishop of Ruspe in Africa, a man most learned in the divine scriptures and nobly instructed in secular letters, was subtle in intellect, deep in understanding, sweet in speech, eloquent and polished, very ready for teaching, sharp for arguing, fit and most gentle for persuading. He shone forth most brightly no less by holiness of life than by knowledge of the scriptures. He wrote many excellent volumes, of which the following are cited:

On the Grace of God and Free Will, 7 books. On the Holy Trinity, 1 book. Disputation with King Thrasamund, 1 book. On the Remission of Sins, 1 book. On Predestination, to Monimus, 3 books. “[unclear] of a very dear son.” To Ferrandus the deacon, 1 book. “Your letter, holy brother and [unclear].” On Conjugal Continence, 1 book. “Your letter, holy [unclear].” On Virginity, to Proba, 1 book. “With spiritual desire and...” On Prayer, to the same, 1 book. “Lord, in Christ, very many...” On Charity, to Abbot Eugipius, 1 book. “Would that, holy brother, such great...” On Penitence, to Venantia, 1 book. “As the true light in no way...” “Some months ago,” 1 book. To Theodore the senator, 1 book. “Adam without a, Abel without b,” etc., 1 book. On the Mystery of the Mediator, 3 books. On Faith, to Donatus. Letters to various persons, 1 book. On the Sacrament of the Incarnation. Also innumerable homilies, 1 book. Moralizations of Virgilian [unclear]. “He was indeed awaiting with gentle...” On the Passion of the Lord, 1 book. On the Immensity of the Son of God, 1 book. But it should be noted that the title of the book On Adam without a

On Ecclesiastical Writers

is the title. A book without letters [unclear]: on Adam without b, on Cain without c, and so with the rest according to the sequence of the letters. But in the book whose title is Exposition of the Virgilian Content According to the Moral Philosophers, with marvelous industry he sought gold in the mud, so to speak, and found it, when he bent the poet’s work toward a physical interpretation. He wrote this work to a certain deacon; another, on mythologies, to Catus, a priest of Carthage; and On the Obscure Expressions of the Ancients to Calcidius the grammarian, already an old man, while he himself was still young and a teacher and director in a school of humane letters. He flourished in the time of Thrasamund, king of the Vandals, persecutor of the Catholic churches, under the emperor Anastasius. A.D. 500.

Ferrandus, deacon of the Church of Carthage, to whom some little works of the above-mentioned Saint Fulgentius are extant, was a man both zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, and venerable no less for the holiness of his conduct than for his doctrine. He is said to have forged certain volumes of lively talent, of which only the following have come to my knowledge.

To Reginus the count.

On the Seven Rules of Innocence, one book. “For the toil of social life.”

To Saint Fulgentius, one epistle.

Letters to Various Persons, one book.

He flourished with Fulgentius under the emperor Anastasius. A.D. 500.

Anastasius II, pope, a Roman by nation, sat after the holy pontiff Gelasius for one year and ten months. He was indeed a learned man, but, seduced by Acacius, bishop of Constantinople, not long afterward paid the deserved penalties of his error. For when he wished to obey the necessity of nature, wretchedly struck by God, he poured out his intestines together with his excrement, as is clear in Distinction 19, “Anastasius.” And he was the second infamous pope. He wrote to the emperor Anastasius:

One epistle. “The beginning of the pontificate.”

On the Peace of the Church.

He is also said to have written other letters, but they have not come into our hands. He died, struck by divine judgment, when he had secretly wished to recall from exile Acacius, bishop of Constantinople, condemned and cast out by the Church, under Anastasius Augustus. A.D. 498.

Paschasius, deacon of the Roman Church, a learned and holy man, father of the poor, wholly intent on the distribution of alms, was of such virtue and holiness that Pope Gregory writes in the fourth book of the Dialogues that a demoniac was cured after his death by the touch of his dalmatic. Saint Germanus, bishop of Capua, saw his soul in the pains of purgatory, tormented for nothing other than that in the election of Pope Symmachus he himself had rather chosen Laurentius, and had persevered in this opinion until death, although peacefully. He wrote, as Gregory attests, a notable volume against the errors of the Greeks:

On the Holy Spirit, one book.

And certain other things.

He flourished under the emperor Anastasius. A.D. 500.

Symmachus, pope, a Sardinian by nation, a learned and holy man, obtained the pontificate after Anastasius, not without discord from the party of Laurentius, and sat for fifteen years and six months. A man merciful and munificent toward the poor, he loved the clergy, enriched churches, and drove heretics from the city. In a synod held at Rome of one hundred and twenty bishops, he canonically cleared himself of the crimes charged against him, and thrust Peter, bishop of Ravenna, with his accomplices into exile. He wrote certain letters and little works not to be despised. Of these I have found:

One book. “Because of the frequent [unclear].”

Decree of the First Synod, one book. “When together at blessed...”

Decree of the Roman Synod.

The Fourth Synod Held.

Acts of Another Synod, one book. “Indeed well, brotherly...”

On the [unclear] of Clerics.

Letters to Various Persons.

He died under the emperor Anastasius. A.D. 515, in the [unclear] indiction, on the fourteenth day before the Kalends of August. Pope Hormisdas succeeded him.

Symmachus the patrician, Roman senator and consul, father-in-law of Boethius, a distinguished philosopher and rhetorician and a magnificent worshipper of the Christian faith, was banished into exile at Pavia together with Boethius by Theoderic, king of Italy, on suspicion of aiming at liberty; and not much later he cruelly had him slain. Since he was a learned and most eloquent man, he is said to have composed some little works, of which I was able to find only one volume, brief indeed, but elegant:

Letters to Various Persons, one book. “Surely you laugh because concerning...”

238 The Abbot of Sponheim

Concerning the rest I have seen nothing. He died under the emperor Anastasius, killed by Theodoric, king of Italy, at Ravenna, in the year of the Lord 524, indiction 2.

AVITUS, bishop of Vienne, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and most skilled in secular letters, a very distinguished theologian, rhetorician, and poet, who in his time was held in esteem no less for holiness of life than for learning in the Scriptures. He wrote not a few small works, both in verse and in prose, but very few have come to my knowledge. Of these, the following are said to have been composed in heroic and elegant meter:

On the Origin of the World, one book. On Original Sin, one book. On the Sentence of God, one book. On the Flood of the World, one book. On the Crossing of the Red Sea, one book. On Virginity, to Fuscina his sister, one book. Letters to various persons, nine books. Many Homilies, one book. And many other things. He flourished under the emperors Zeno and Anastasius, in the year of the Lord 500.

GODELBERTUS, priest, learned in the divine Scriptures by continual exercise, rich in the reading of the ancients, and most learned in secular letters; a profound theologian, a renowned orator and notable poet, subtle in talent and ornate in eloquence. He wrote in heroic meter a most polished work, proceeding most elegantly through histories and allegories from the beginning of the world to the birth from the Virgin. The title of this work is:

Allegories of the Scriptures, four books.

But he also wrote many other things. He flourished, as they say, in the times of the emperor Anastasius, in the year of the Lord 500.

EUGIPPIUS, priest and abbot, learned in the holy Scriptures, singularly devoted to the reading of the books of Saint Augustine, and sufficiently instructed in the letters of the secular arts; also distinguished in life and conduct according to monastic institution. Some letters of Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe are said to have been addressed to him. He wrote certain necessary little works. Of these I have found only the following. He excerpted, from the books of the blessed bishop Augustine, a large volume having three hundred chapters, addressed to Proba. It begins thus:

Prologue, Letter 1: “To the lady deservedly venerable.” The book itself thus, book 1: “That [unclear] wrote [unclear].” The Life of Saint Severinus the Monk, one book. His Rule of Monks, one book.

He flourished under the emperor Anastasius, according to Honorius the priest. But according to Sigebert, he flourished then under Tiberius Constantine, in the times of Pope Pelagius II, in the year of the Lord 580.

BENEDICT, first abbot and founder of Cassino, by homeland a man of Nursia, founder and chief of the monks of the West, a man of most holy conduct and illumined by the prophetic spirit; from whose order many men, both most learned and most holy, afterwards became famous. By word and example he converted countless peoples from iniquity to Christ. From his order the Roman see has had eighteen pontiffs; more than two hundred cardinals; sixteen hundred archbishops in various churches; nearly four thousand bishops; fifteen thousand seven hundred notable abbots who became famous for learning and writings or for life. And those canonized and entered in the catalogue of saints, as we are instructed by the monuments of the ancients, number fifteen thousand six hundred, apart from those whose names in all these categories have not come down to us. And concerning these illustrious men of our order we have already written four special books, in which we have recorded the names of some of them, though not of all.

Saint Benedict wrote, in lucid language and with excellent discretion:

The Rule of Monks, one book. “Listen, O son, to the precepts.”

It has seventy-three chapters.

Under this rule twenty orders serve, which we have set forth one by one in the first book On the Illustrious Men of Our Order, although among us some are rare. He flourished under Justin the Elder, in the year of the Lord 530. And he died, as some maintain, in the year of the Lord 542, indiction 5, on the twenty-first day of the month of March, when he was sixty-two years old, on the Saturday of holy Easter. But Marianus Scotus, the excellent computist, writes otherwise, saying thus: “If the holy father Benedict, abbot, as some write, died on 12 Kalends of April, on the Saturday of holy Easter, in the year of the Lord 601, there seems to be an obelus. For unless it was in the ninety-sixth year before this year, his death is not found, because then, if he was born, he was very small.” Therefore the holy father Benedict died, according to this calculation of Marianus, in the last year of the emperor Maurice, namely in the year of the Lord 601, at more or less his ninetieth year of age, indiction 4, 12 Kalends of April.

BOETHIUS Manlius Severinus, Roman ordinary consul, philosopher, orator, and poet

On Ecclesiastical Writers

an outstanding poet, learned in the divine Scriptures, and the most learned of all men of his time in secular letters; he was the son-in-law of Symmachus the patrician. A man most abundantly furnished with Greek and Latin eloquence, since he translated many volumes both of Aristotle and of other philosophers from the Attic tongue into Latin; subtle in intellect, ready and Catholic in judgment, in speech not inferior even to Tully. It is known that Saint Benedict had friendship with him, and that on Monte Cassino, with Tertullus, senator and father of Placidus the monk, he ate at his table. He wrote many excellent volumes, of which I have found the following.

To Symmachus, his father-in-law, patrician of the city of Rome.

On the Holy Trinity, book 1. After it had been investigated for a very long time. On the Unity of the Trinity, book 1. I ask whether the Father, the Son. On the Two Natures in Christ, book 1. Indeed anxiously for you [unclear]. On Faith, to John the Deacon, book 1. The Christian faith I know. On Unity and the One, book 1. Unity is that by which one. On Porphyry's Isagoge, books 2. In the season of the wintering year in. On the Second Edition of the Same, book 1. This second [unclear]. On Aristotle's Categories, books 2. These matters having been set forth, which pertain to. On the Same Author's Perihermenias, book 1. Great indeed the books. On the Second Edition of the Same, books 6. Alexander in the commentary. On Divisions, book 1. How great for students. On Definitions, book 1. Of speaking and disputing. Introduction to Categorical Syllogisms, book 1. Many things the ancient philosophers. On Cicero's Topics, books 6. By your exhortation, pa[unclear]. On Topical Differences, books 4. Every method of arguing. On the Categorical Syllogism, books 2. Many ancient Greeks. On the Hypothetical Syllogism, book 1. Since in all philoso[unclear]. On the Hebdomads, book 1. You ask that from the hebdo[unclear]. On Arithmetic, books 2. Among all the ancient authorities. On Music, books 5. Indeed the perception of all things. On Philosophical Consolation, books 3. Songs which once. On the Geometry of Euclid, book 1. But he who, my Patricius. On the Discipline of Scholars, as some think, book 1. Your intention knows. On Rhetorical Places, book 1. Concerning the predication of power [unclear]. Letters to Various Persons, book 1.

He is also said to have written some other things, but they have not come to my knowledge. He died in the same year as Symmachus the patrician, under Pope John, under Emperor Anastasius, [unclear], in the year of the Lord 524, indiction 2. And under the name of Severinus he is said to have been inserted in the catalogue of saints.

Hormisdas the pope, a Campanian by nation, after the pontiff Symmachus presided over the Church for nine years; a good, learned, and vigorous man, who, when a synod had been gathered at Rome, condemned the Eutychian heresy, and, when the Manichaeans were again sprouting up, burned the books of their errors and banished them into exile.

Among the other little works of his talent he wrote: book 1. Meanwhile the things which pertain to unity. To Justin Augustus, letter 1. Having read the letters of your affection. Letter 1. the [Eutychi]an heresy he condemned, and, when the Manichaeans were again sprouting up, burned the books of their errors and banished them into exile. Several letters to various persons, book 1. He died under Justin the Elder Augustus, in the year 521, indiction 14, on the eighth ides of August. John succeeded him. On the Catholic Faith, book 1.

Evodius, bishop of Pavia, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, of singular eloquence both in Greek and in Latin, was sent by Pope Hormisdas to Constantinople in matters of faith to Anastasius, the heretical emperor. After receiving many insults, he was expelled from the city together with his companions, Anastasius saying: Why do you present commands to us, who are under the sway of no one? The Roman pontiff ought to obey us, not also to command. Evodius, however, wrote to Pope Symmachus, book 1, and certain other things. He flourished under Emperor Anastasius, in the year of the Lord 510.

Jordan, from a monk bishop of the Goths, a man zealous in the divine Scriptures, competently learned in secular letters, gentle in character, open in speech, an outstanding investigator of times and writer of deeds. He is said to have composed certain excellent

The Abbot of Spanheim

there were volumes, of which very few have come to my knowledge. For I have found only two books of Histories. In the first of these he reviewed the deeds of the Romans, and in the second the origin and deeds of the Goths down to the end of their kingdom. He flourished under the emperor Justinian, in the year of the Lord 530.

Faustus, a monk and disciple of our most holy father Benedict, Italian by nation, a man venerable in learning and character, when he was seven years old was offered by his parents to the divine father Benedict. By him, at length, after the completion of his instruction in the regular profession, he was sent with blessed Maurus into Gaul to build a monastery; there, after living for many years in great holiness, when Saint Maurus had died, he returned to Monte Cassino. At the brothers’ request, he wrote, in a very clear style, to Boniface II, pontiff of the city of Rome:

The Life of Saint Maurus the Abbot, 1 book.

He flourished under the emperor Phocas, in the year of the Lord 600.

Justinian the Great, emperor, nephew by his sister of the elder Justin, reigned after him for 38 years. A man of great and excellent talent, he rightly acquired a place among ecclesiastical writers; he both published a very famous volume against the heretics and, through the hands of John the patrician and the consuls Theophilus and Dorotheus, corrected with marvellous brevity the Roman laws, which lay scattered in more than two thousand books. For he reduced all the constitutions of the princes, which were contained in many volumes, to twelve books and called them the Code. Again, reducing the laws of the individual magistrates and judges, which, as we have said, extended to almost two thousand books, to the number of fifty books in three volumes, he named them the Code of the Digest or Pandects. He also composed four books of Institutes, in which the kernel of the laws is contained and explained. The new laws too, which he himself had established, he reduced into one volume. Therefore the order of all the books of the emperor Justinian that have come down to us is the following, namely:

The Code of Justinian, 12 books. “These things which are necessary.”

The Digest or Pandects, 50 books.

Institutes, 4 books. “The Imperial Majesty.”

Epitome of the Laws, 1 book.

On the Incarnation of the Lord, against Eutyches, 3 books.

Against the African Bishops, 1 book. “Who would doubt that he also wrote other things, especially many elegant letters, which have not come into our hands?” He at last, in his old age, became deranged and foolish and died, in the year of the Lord 565, in the thirteenth indiction. Justin the Younger succeeded him.

Dionysius, a Roman abbot, surnamed, as is reported, Exiguus, a man certainly great and most renowned in talent and learning, trained in the holy scriptures and nobly learned in the discipline of secular letters, was distinguished in Greek and Latin eloquence. Of these I have found only the following:

The Great Paschal Cycle, 1 book, of 532 years.

On the Calculation of the Paschal Feast, 1 book. “The calculation of the paschal feast.”

Concerning the rest I have found nothing. He translated from Greek into Latin the life of Saint Pachomius the abbot, also the book of Gregory of Emesa On the Creation of Man, and the writings of Proterius, bishop of Alexandria, to Pope Leo, and certain other things. He began his cycle in the year of the Lord 532, which was the last year of the great paschal cycle; once it has been completed, it always returns to the same point.

He therefore flourished under the great emperor Justinian, in the year of the Lord 540.

Fecundus, bishop of Valencia, a man learned in the divine scriptures and not ignorant of humane letters, had three brothers by one mother who were bishops, namely Justus, Nebridius, and Elpidius, learned and erudite men, who wrote various little works, which nevertheless have by no means come into our hands. He himself, among other things, composed for a certain man named Rusticus:

On Five

On Ecclesiastical Writers

On the Five Questions, 1 book. And certain other works. He flourished in Spain under the emperor Justinian, in the year of the Lord 540.

Justus, bishop of the church of Urgell, brother of the aforesaid prelate Justinian, was himself also a man practiced and learned in the holy Scriptures, of excellent talent in expounding the divine and canonical books. He wrote a sufficiently elegant and commendable volume in scholastic style: On the Song of Songs, 1 book. And many other things. He flourished with his brother under the emperor Justinian, in the year of the Lord 540.

Aprigius, bishop of the Pacensian church, learned in the divine Scriptures and most highly instructed in secular letters, subtle in intellect and eloquent in speech, expounded the sacred Scriptures so gloriously and profoundly that, in comparison with him, the ancient writers seemed not to have expounded them. Among his little works there survives a distinguished volume, subtle in meaning and brilliant in expression: On the Apocalypse of John, 1 book. On the Song of Songs, 1 book. He also published many other works which have not come into our hands. He flourished in the times of Theodotus, king of the Goths, under the great emperor Justinian, in the year of the Lord 530.

Cassiodorus, monk and abbot of a monastery near the city of Ravenna, a man very learned in the divine Scriptures and easily the most learned of all in his time in secular letters, shone forth most brilliantly no less in holiness than in knowledge. He was first chancellor of Theoderic, king of Italy, and a senator of Ravenna, and consul of the city of Rome; afterward, despising the empty honors of the world, he became a monk for the love of God. From then on, applying the study of humane letters to the exposition of the holy Scriptures, he composed many very elegant treatises. Of his little works the following are reported. In the person both of himself and of King Theoderic he wrote: Letters to Various Persons, 28 books. On the Nature of the Soul, 1 book, “Since now, having undertaken...” On the whole Psalter, 1 book, “Blessed is the man,” etc.; “Exceedingly...” On the Song of Songs, 2 books, “Since the studies of secular men...” Instruction in Divine Readings, 9 books, “Solomon, inspired...” He also published many other works which have not come into our hands. Complexiones on the Apocalypse, “Our purpose is concerning...” Instruction in Secular Letters, 9 books, “Very usefully in the beginning...” He compiled the Tripartite History, 12 books. On Etymologies, 7 books. A Catalogue of the Roman Consuls, 1 book. On Figures and Tropes, 1 book. The Priest Foretitled, 1 book. A Memorial of the Scriptures, 1 book. On Orthography. A Memorial of the Scriptures, 1 book. On the Canonical Epistles, 1 book. Complexiones on the Apocalypse [unclear], 1 book. On the Acts of the Apostles. He also composed many other works which have not come to the knowledge of our reading. He flourished from the times of the elder Justin almost to the end of the reign of the younger Justinian, having more than 95 years of age, in the year of the Lord 575.

Arator, subdeacon of the most holy Roman Church, a man practiced in the divine Scriptures and nobly learned in the letters of secular disciplines, strong in verse and prose, offered it in the presence of bishops and men of learning, and, at the pope’s command, recited a large part of it publicly before everyone. As the hour was passing, Pope Vigilius handed the codex to the venerable Surgentius, primicerius, to be placed in the archive, so that he might complete the reading of it at a free time. His works: Acts of the Apostles, 2 books, “As judge of his own crime...” To Abbot Florianus, 1 letter, “He who by merits the flower...” To Pope Vigilius, 1 letter, “With watery walls...” And certain other things which I have not seen.

This Arator, a most illustrious poet and distinguished theologian, composed in elegant meter a codex on the Acts of the Apostles and offered it to Pope Vigilius before the confession of St. Peter on the seventh Ides of April, in the presence of many bishops and men of learning. Since only half of the book was read in one day, [unclear] he recited it before everyone. As the hour was passing, Pope Vigilius handed the codex to the venerable Surgentius, primicerius, to be placed in the archive, so that he, when free, might complete the reading of it in due time. When he had ordered this to be done in the church of St. Peter in Chains, a great crowd of religious persons and noble laymen assembled, and, with Arator himself reciting in distinct words, both books were heard four times, since only half of the book was read in one day because of the constant repetitions which the listeners demanded with manifold favor. Where now in these times is such zeal for letters? Where is love of saving knowledge? Our religious nobles and clerical pontiffs too heap up not books but revenues; they cultivate not letters but greed. Now

The Abbot of Sponheim

Antimachus wrote many poems, and [unclear]; among individual [unclear] scarcely a single Plato is found and remains. But we are now speaking of these things out of season. Arator flourished under the emperor Justinian, in the year of the Lord 540.

Victor, bishop of the [Tunnunensian?] church in Africa, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and nobly trained in secular letters, for his defense of the Three Chapters against the emperor Justinian and Eutychius, bishop of the city of Constantinople, when he resisted the emperor and bishop as detractors of those same chapters, was sent to a monastery of that same city to be kept under guard, and, as they say, died remaining under the same condemnation. Among other little works of his talent he wrote, from the beginning of the world down to the first year of Justin the Younger’s empire, a very useful history On Deeds and Ecclesiastical Wars, one book; For the Defense of the Three Chapters, one book; and certain other things.

He flourished under the emperor Justinian, in the year of the Lord 510.

Gregory, the first pope from the monastic order of St. Benedict, a Roman by birth, sat after Pope Pelagius in the chair of Peter for 13 years and 6 months. He was a man most learned in divine Scripture and likewise most learned in secular letters, the prince of theologians, the splendor of philosophers, and the light of rhetoricians, upright and most holy in life and conduct. As he was expounding the divine Scriptures, the Holy Spirit sometimes appeared to him in visible form, and is reported to have revealed to him the hidden mysteries of those same four bishops. At Rome, in a synod of twenty-four bishops held at St. Peter’s, he established many things for the benefit of the Church and promulgated a decree concerning the immunity of monasteries. He wrote many necessary volumes, of which the following are given:

To Leander, bishop of Seville. Moralia on the Book of Job, 35 books. “Among many, often...” On Pastoral Care, 2 books. “The care of the pastoral office...” Dialogues on the Miracles of the Saints, 4 books. “One day, when exceedingly...” On the Song of Songs, 4 books. “After from paradise...” Homilies on the Gospels, 40 homilies, 2 books. “By the inspiration of almighty God...” A brief Explanation of the Four Gospels, 1 book. “Our Lord and Redeemer...” On the Seven Penitential Psalms, 4 books. “Matthew, as in...” Letters to various persons, 10 books. “Gregory, bishop, servant...” or otherwise “Very necessary...” Rationale of Divine Things, 1 book. Proems to the New and Old Testament, 1 book. On the Sacraments, 1 book.

When he was still a deacon, in the person of Pope Pelagius, he composed a very notable letter to Elias, bishop of Aquileia, who was unwilling to accept the Three Chapters of the Council of Chalcedon; it is not found among his letters. He is also said to have written many other works, namely on the prophets, on the books of Kings, also on the books of Moses, and on other holy Scriptures, which after his death, before they had yet been multiplied, his most wicked rivals, envying his glory and holiness, burned with fire, as John the Deacon complains in the book of his life. The most blessed Pope Gregory died in the second year of the emperor Phocas, which was the year of the Lord 605, in the eighth indiction, on the fourth day before the Ides of March, shining with many miracles.

Leander, bishop of Seville, formerly a monk, a Carthaginian by birth, from the province of Spain, born of his father Severianus, was a most studious man, nobly learned both in divine Scripture and in secular letters, sweet in eloquence, most outstanding in talent, and also holy in life and conduct and beloved by God. By his preaching and effort Hermenegild, son of Leovigild, the Arian king of the Goths, was brought back to the confession of the orthodox faith and, killed by his heretical father on the vigil of Easter, received the crown of martyrdom. His brother Reccared, as soon as he had received the kingdom after his father’s death, at Leander’s urging and preaching, renounced heresy and converted the whole people of the Visigoths subject to him to the Catholic faith. To this Leander blessed Gregory dedicated the volumes of his commentaries on Job. He himself also wrote several little works, of which the following are given. When he had been driven into exile by the Arians because of the Catholic faith, he wrote:

Against the Heretics, one book. Against the Institutions of the Arians, one book. On Virginity, to Florentina, one book. Prayers, in a double edition, on the Psalms, one book. Letters to His Brother, one book. On the Praise of Sacrifices, one book.

He also published several other works which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished in the year of the Lord 590, under the emperor Maurice. He died under Reccared, the most devout prince of the Goths, shining with miracles.

Priscu-

On Ecclesiastical Writers

PRISCIAN the grammarian, a native of Caesarea, a man most learned in secular letters, skilled in Greek and Latin eloquence, was held in great esteem with Chosroes, king of the Persians. He wrote certain distinguished volumes on the art of grammar, which among the ancients were held in great authority. Of these the following are reported: To Julian the patrician. On the Parts of Speech, 2 books. On Construction, 1 book. On Accents, 1 book. On Cosmography, 1 book. On Natural Questions, to [him?], 1 book.

He is also said to have written several other works, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished, as some think, in the times of Chosroes king of the Persians and of the emperor Heraclius, in the year of the Lord 620.

MARCUS, a monk, disciple of the holy father Benedict, most affectionately loved by him, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, most skilled in secular letters, a distinguished orator and poet, outstanding in character and manner of life. After the blessed Pope Gregory he wrote, adding certain things in a heroic verse running most elegantly: The Life of Saint Benedict, 1 book, and certain other works.

He flourished down to the reign of Heraclius Augustus, in the year of the Lord 610.

FORTUNATUS, bishop of Poitiers, an Italian by nation, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, most erudite in secular letters, subtle in intellect, eloquent and polished in speech, excelling in verse and prose, shone brightly among all the teachers of his age, renowned no less for holiness of life than for knowledge and learning. Freed from pain in his eyes by the power of Saint Martin, he came to Tours to his tomb to give thanks; then going on to Poitiers, he was ordained there first priest and then bishop, and was renowned for great learning and religion. He wrote in elegant verse many useful and devout little works. Of these I have seen only the following. To Saint Radegund, daughter of the last king of the Thuringians, captive of the king of the Franks, afterwards abbess of the monastery of Poitiers, in hexameter verse: The Destruction of the Kingdom of the Thuringians, 1 book. “Conditio belli tristis.”

To Jovinus, On Radegund, 1 book. “Aonias avido qui [unclear].” To Justin the Younger, 1 book. “Gloria summi patris natique.” To Sophia Augusta, 1 book. “Cui meritis compar [unclear].” In the person of Radegund, 1 book. “Post patriae cineres.” In Praise of Martin the Bishop, 1 book. “Lumen Apostolicum cum spar[unclear].” On Leontius, the Venerable Bishop, 1 book. “Inter quos genuit radi[unclear].” On the same, a praise, 1 book. “Agnoscat omne saeculum.” Seventy-seven Hymns, 1 book. “Agnoscat omne saeculum.” The Life of Saint Hilary of Poitiers, 1 book. To Oporicus on His Life, 1 book. The Life of Saint Maurilius the Bishop, 1 book. Letters to Various Persons, 1 book. Poems to Friends, 1 book. “Rex regionis apex.”

He also composed many other works, which, since they are short, I did not wish to record under the title of books; for he wrote many epitaphs and short verses, which I have seen. He flourished under Justin the Younger Augustus, in the year of the Lord 570.

GREGORY, bishop of Tours, formerly a monk and once a disciple of Saint Avitus, bishop of the Auvergne, a learned, noble, gentle, and humble man, was of such holiness and purity that even in life he shone with miracles. Visiting the thresholds of the apostles Peter and Paul, he was received by the blessed Pope Gregory with the greatest reverence and love, as a truly holy man, a singular friend uniquely beloved by him. He wrote several volumes in a simple and clear style. Of these there survive:

On the Praise of the Holy Martyrs, 1 book. “Hieronymus presbyter.” On the Life of Certain Confessors, 1 book. “Statueram illa tantum seri[unclear].” On the Miracles of Saint Julian the Martyr, 1 book. “Magnum in nobis quo.” On the Miracles of Saint Martin, 1 book. “Omnibus sanctis in Christi.” History of the Franks, 10 books. “Scripturus bella regum.” Epitome of the Same, 1 book. Chronicle of Ecclesiastical History, 1 book.

The other works which he composed have not yet come to the knowledge of our reading. He flourished in the times of the emperor Maurice, in the year of the Lord 600.

MARTIN, bishop of Dumium, once rector and abbot of the monastery, a man learned both in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters, coming from the regions of the East into Gaul, converted the people of the Suevi by teaching and miracles from Arian impiety to the right faith,

Abbot of Sponheim

... converted, established rules of the orthodox faith, founded monasteries, reformed churches. He wrote to Miro, king of Galicia, on the four virtues which they call cardinal, an instructive volume which he wished to title The Pattern of an Honorable Life, one book, beginning: “To the most glorious and serene ...” Moral Letters, two books. And certain other things which I have not seen. He flourished under Theudemir, king of the Suevi, while Justinian Augustus governed the Constantinopolitan empire. In the year of the Lord 540.

Paterius, notary and secundicerius of the Roman church, a man continually exercised in the study of the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, collecting all the testimonies of divine Scripture by which the blessed Pope Gregory clarified the obscure points of his exposition, produced three books: two, namely, on the testimonies of the Old Testament, and one on the testimonies of the New Testament. He titled that volume Testimonies, three books, beginning: “Since the most blessed and apostolic ...” Of the rest I have seen nothing. He flourished at Rome at the same time when Pope Gregory presided over the universal church, and at his urging compiled the aforesaid volume, while Maurice Augustus held the empire, and after him Phocas. In the year of the Lord 600.

Columbanus, first founder and abbot of the monastery of Luxeuil, a Scot by nation, a man of outstanding holiness, merit, and learning, father of many thousands of monks and founder of several monasteries, an excellent sower of the divine word, coming from Ireland into Gaul and Germany, increased divine worship, monasteries, and servants, like a prince of the Druids of old. When he was still rather young he devoted great study to sacred letters, so that he wrote in an elegant style. Commentaries on the Whole Psalter, two books. And certain letters to the brothers. He died under the emperor Maurice, in the year of the Lord 598, in the first indiction, on the second day before the Kalends of December.

John, bishop of Constantinople, a Cappadocian by nation, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, of inestimable abstinence and holiness, so intent on almsgiving and works of piety that the emperor Maurice, moved against him by zeal for avarice, ordered all poor beggars to be expelled from the city of Constantinople. He wrote in the Greek language to St Leander, bishop of Seville, of whom we spoke above: On the Sacrament of Baptism, one book; Letters to Various Persons [unclear]. And certain other things. He flourished under the emperor Maurice, in the year of the Lord 600.

Licinianus, bishop of Cartagena, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, after many exercises of study was killed near Constantinople by his rivals with a cup of poison under the emperor Maurice. Sudden death did not harm him, for Scripture says: “The just man, by whatever death he may be overtaken, will be in refreshment.” For then he truly begins to live when, adorned with good works, he goes through death to Christ, never to die. He wrote certain little works of reading not to be despised, of which I have not yet been worthy to see any. His little work is reported, however: On the Sacrament of Baptism, one book; Letters to Abbot Eutropius [unclear]; also Letters to Various Persons [unclear]. And certain other things.

Severus, bishop of the city of Malaga, once the companion and colleague of the aforesaid Bishop Licinianus, a man learned in the holy Scriptures and nobly instructed in the disciplines of secular letters, keen in talent, distinguished in speech. He wrote against Vincentius, bishop of the city of Zaragoza, who had slipped from the Catholic faith into Arian depravity: Correctorium, one book; On Virginity, to his sister [unclear]; Letters to Various Persons, one book. He flourished in the year of the Lord 580, under the emperor Maurice, under whom he also died.

Eutropius, bishop of the church of Valencia, formerly abbot of the monastery of Servitanus of the order of St Benedict, to whom Bishop Licinianus, while still residing in the aforesaid monastery, wrote many letters, a man splendidly learned both in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters, and very well imbued with monastic disciplines. While he was still abbot, he wrote to Bishop Licinianus why, after this, chrismatic anointing is given to baptized infants: Chrismatic Anointing, one book; On the Exhortation of Monks [unclear]; and several letters to various persons. He flourished in the times of the emperor Maurice, in the year of the Lord 600.

John, bishop of Girona, from a monk of our order, a Goth by nation, from the province of Lusitania, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, and also in morals

Description of Ecclesiastical Writers

also illustrious in life and conduct, learned and renowned in Greek and Latin speech, who, when as a young man he went to Constantinople out of love of learning, after seven years had passed returned to Spain. When King Leovigild wished to lead him over to the Arian impiety and could not, he condemned him to a rather harsh exile for ten years. Thereafter, recalled by the most Christian King Reccared, he founded a monastery, where by word and example he showed his brothers the path of regular discipline. He wrote:

An Exhortation to Monks, book 1. Additions to the Chronicle, book 1.

He also composed many other things, which have not come to my knowledge.

He flourished under Reccared, most Christian king of the Visigoths in Spain, in the times of the emperors Maurice and Phocas, in the year of the Lord 600.

Maximus, bishop of the city of Caesaraugusta, learned in the divine Scriptures, not moderately instructed in secular letters, ready in intellect, polished in eloquence, excellent in verse and prose, published sufficiently distinguished volumes of both kinds, which as yet have by no means come to the knowledge of our reading. But a notable volume of his is reported, a pleasing work:

On the Deeds of the Goths in Spain, book 1.

He flourished in the times of the emperor Phocas, in the year of the Lord 610.

Jonas, a monk, disciple of St. Columbanus the abbot and companion of his pilgrimage, a Scot by nation, a studious man, learned, distinguished in knowledge, venerable no less for religion than for doctrine, at the request of many wrote in composed discourse for their edification:

The Life of Saint Columbanus, book 1. The Life of Saint Attala the Monk, book 1.

The Life of Saint Eustasius the Abbot, book 1.

He flourished under the emperor Heraclius, in the year of the Lord 630.

Leontius, bishop of the Neapolitan city on the island of Cyprus, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, and also most distinguished in life and conduct, a prelate worthy of God. Among the other little works of his talent he wrote a notable volume on the acts and conduct of that most admirable Alexandrian patriarch, who because of his incredible piety and compassion toward the poor was surnamed:

John the Almsgiver, book 1. I have found nothing about the rest.

He flourished in the times of the emperor Phocas, in the year of the Lord 640.

Isidore the Younger, bishop of Seville after Leander, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, second to none in his time in secular letters, subtle in intellect, clear in understanding, composed in eloquence, excellent in verse and prose, shone out no less eminent in sanctity than in doctrine. He is called the Younger to distinguish him from the elder Isidore, bishop of Cordoba, of whom we made mention above, or also from another who preceded him as bishop of Seville. This Isidore the Younger wrote many distinguished little works. Of these I have found only the following. To Bishop Braulio:

Etymologies, books 20. Discipline from learning.

On Genesis, allegorically, book 1. The history of the sacred law.

On Exodus, book 1. Certain mysteries.

On Numbers, book 1. Therefore this one book.

On Leviticus, book 1. The following Leviticus [unclear].

On Deuteronomy, book 1. The book of Deuteronomy.

On Joshua, book 1. After the death of Moses.

On Judges, book 1. The history of Judges.

On Kings, books 4. After the book of Judges follows.

On Ezra and Nehemiah, book 1. On Tobit.

On Judith, book 1. On Esther, book 1.

On Job, book 1. On the Psalter, book 1.

On the Proverbs of Solomon, book 1. On Ecclesiastes, book 1.

On the Song of Songs, book 1. On the prophet Isaiah, book 1.

On Ecclesiasticus, book 1. On Ezekiel, book 1.

On Jeremiah, book 1. On the Twelve Minor Prophets, books 2.

On the prophet Daniel, books 2.

On the Four Gospels, books 7. On the canonical epistles.

On the Epistles of Paul [unclear]. On the Apocalypse.

The Abbot of Sponheim

On the Acts of the Apostles, 1 book. Of the Interpretation of the New and Old Testament, 2 books. Of Prefaces, 1 book. Of Differences, 1 book. On the Birth and Death of the Saints, 1 book. To His Sister, Against the Jews, 2 books. Of Synonyms or Soliloquies, 2 books. On Illustrious Men, 1 book. Of Sentences on the Highest Good, 3 books. On the Origin of the Offices, 2 books. On the Holy Trinity, 1 book. On the Office of the Mass, 1 book. On Computation and the Nature of Things, 1 book. Of Sermons, 1 book. The Lament of a Penitent, 1 book. On Astronomy, 1 book. A History or Chronicle, 3 books. On Grammar and Words, 1 book. Also of Allegories, 1 book. On Heresies, 1 book. He is said also to have written many other things, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under the emperor Heraclonas, son of Heraclius, in the year of the Lord 630, in the times of Sisebut, king of the Goths in Spain; and on account of his most holy life and conduct he was inserted in the catalogue of the saints. His feast is celebrated on the eighteenth day before the Kalends of February.

Caesarius, from a monk of the monastery of Lerins bishop of Arles, a man very learned in the divine Scriptures, gentle in mind, sweet and adorned in speech, and distinguished by a wondrous brevity of sentences, most holy in life and conduct, since from his youth he had been trained in monastic disciplines and was for a long time abbot of Lerins, wrote certain excellent little works of no contemptible reading, which are very necessary and useful for monastic and religious persons dedicated to God. Of these there are extant:

On Grace and Free Will, 1 book. Of Sermons to Monks, 1 book. The Decree of the Three Councils of Arles, 3 books. I have found nothing concerning the rest.

In the third sermon, which is on the monk's battle against the vices, he acknowledges both himself and those to whom he speaks as professed men and monks of the order and rule of our most holy father Benedict.

He flourished in the times of the emperor Constantine, son of Heraclius, and of his sons, in the year of the Lord 670; under them he gloriously presided over the Synod of Arles.

Audoenus, who is Dado, bishop of Rouen, a Gaul by nation, brother of the monk Saint Ado, a learned and most holy man, founder of the monastery of Rebais, since he was instructed both in the holy Scriptures and also in secular letters, wrote in a most elegant style to Rupert, bishop of Paris:

The Life of Saint Eligius, bishop of Noyon, 3 books. And certain other things.

He was renowned for great holiness, virtues, and signs, in the times of the above-named emperor Constantine, in the year of the Lord 660.

Theodore, seventh archbishop of Canterbury, consecrated by Pope Vitalian, a Greek by nation, from Tarsus of Cilicia, a monk of our order in the city of Rome, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, second to none in his time in secular letters, highly skilled in Greek and Latin speech, excellent also in verse and prose, no less renowned for knowledge, after holding a synod in England made many provisions for the benefit of the English Church. Among the other monuments of his talent he wrote an excellent work on the quality of penance to be imposed on those who had sinned in many and enormous ways. The title of this work is:

The Penitential of Theodore, 1 book. Some letters to various persons.

He died, not without a reputation for holiness, under Justinian the Younger, in the year of the Lord 690, in the third indiction, in the seventy-eighth year of his age and the twenty-second of his episcopate.

Leo, the second pope, a Sicilian by nation, sat in the chair of Peter after Agatho for only eleven months. A man most learned in divine and secular writings, sufficiently instructed in the Greek and Latin language, subtle, eloquent, no less holy than learned, he translated from Greek into Latin the sixth Synod, which in the time of Pope Agatho had [unclear]

[unclear] 1 book. 1 book. [unclear] 1 book. Of Letters to Various Persons, 1 book. I fear in Christ [unclear]. I have found nothing concerning the rest. And certain other things. Some letters to various persons. In the year 690, in the third indiction, in the seventy-eighth year of his age and the twenty-second of his episcopate.

On Ecclesiastical Writers

...of my predecessor was held in the city of Constantinople, in which Macarius, bishop of Antioch, was condemned with his accomplices, the bishops Cyrus, Sergius, Honorius, Pyrrhus, Paul, and Peter, who taught as doctrine one will and only one operation in our Lord Jesus Christ. He also wrote:

Many letters to various persons, one book. And certain similar things.

He died under the emperor Constantine, son of Constantine, in the year of the Lord 677, in the fifth indiction, on the fifth Nones of July.

Adamannus, priest and abbot of the monastery of Iona, which St. Columbanus once built on an island of Scotland, a man very devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant also of secular letters, careful in intellect, sweet in speech, outstanding in life and conduct, not without a reputation for holiness, was the father of many monks. Among other things he wrote, in sufficiently well-composed style, a volume:

On the places of the Holy Land, one book. And certain letters.

He flourished under Justinian the Younger Augustus, in the year of the Lord 690.

Benedict, abbot in Britain, a man devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, and an outstanding preserver and expounder of regular discipline, wrote a distinguished little work for monks, in which, comparing all the rules of the holy fathers with the rule of our most blessed father Benedict, he shows that the rules of all the others harmonize with it, and that it disagrees with none at all. For this reason he entitled his book:

The Concord of the Rules, one book. He wrote other things.

He flourished under the emperor Constantine, in the year of the Lord 670.

Adelmus, bishop of the West Saxons, formerly abbot of the monastery of Maildub in Scotland, of the Order of St. Benedict, a devout man of exceptional holiness, devoted to and learned in the holy Scriptures, and in secular letters the most learned of all in England in his time, excellent in verse and prose, a most fervent preacher of the divine word. He wrote certain instructive volumes in a twofold style. Of these I have found only the following. While he was still abbot, at the command of the synod of his people, he wrote against the error of the Britons a distinguished and useful work:

On the Celebration of Easter, one book. “Almighty Father of the world...”

On the Virginity of the Saints, in verse, one book. “Most reverend man of Christ...”

On the same subject, in prose, one book. Several letters to various persons, one book.

He is also read to have written many other things, which have not come to the notice of our reading.

He flourished under Justinian the Younger, in the year of the Lord 680.

Ceolfrid, after Benedict the second abbot of the monastery of the holy apostles Peter and Paul in England, of the Order of St. Benedict, teacher and nurturer of Bede the priest, a devout and learned man, and a vigorous governor of regular discipline. He wrote to the king of the Picts, who had requested it, a fairly lengthy letter in the manner of a little book:

On the Observance of Easter, one book.

He flourished in England in the times of Justinian the Younger, emperor, in the year of the Lord 690. At length, when he was returning after visiting the thresholds of the Apostles, he died in the city of Langres, in the seventy-fourth year of his age.

Egidius, a monk of the Order of St. Benedict, Greek by nation, learned in the divine Scriptures, most skilled in secular letters, a physician, philosopher, and distinguished poet, venerable no less in his way of life than in knowledge. He wrote certain little works of no negligible usefulness, of which I have found only the following: a distinguished work composed in meter:

On Pulses, one book. “The powers of genius with modest...”

On Veins also, one book. “From here a vein is led when it becomes...”

Bede, monk and priest of the monastery of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, which is in England, of the Order of St. Benedict, a man most devoted to the divine writings, very learned, and most skilled in secular letters, a philosopher, astronomer, calculator, [unclear], not ignorant of the Greek language, outstanding in intellect, not over-elaborate in speech, and a distinguished poet. He wrote many volumes, in which the sharpness of his intellect [unclear]. When he was seven years old, by the care of his relatives he was given to be educated by Abbot Benedict, and thereafter by Ceolfrid of the said monastery of Wearmouth, and all from that time...

248. ABBOT OF SPONHEIM.

…passing the time of [his] life in the dwelling of the same monastery, he gave all [his] effort to meditating on the Scriptures; and, amid the observance of regular discipline and the daily care of singing in church, he always held [it] sweet either to learn, or to teach, or to write. In the nineteenth year of his age he received the diaconate, in the thirtieth the grade of the presbyterate, each through the ministry of bishop John, Ceolfrid the abbot commanding [it]. [There follows his works-list—On Genesis up to Isaac, 4 books; On Exodus; On Numbers; On Leviticus; On Deuteronomy; On the tabernacle and vessels, 3 books; On Kings; On the building of the temple; On Judges; On Joshua, 2 books; On Paralipomenon, 3 books; thirty questions on Kings, 6 books; On Proverbs; On Ecclesiastes, 3 books; On Jeremiah; On the Song of Songs; On Daniel; On Ezra and Nehemiah, 2 books; On Tobias, 4 books; On Isaiah; On Ezekiel, 12 books; On the twelve minor prophets, 7 books; On Luke, 6 books; On the canonical Epistles, 2 books; On the Acts of the Apostles; the Chronicle of his own monastery, 2 books; On the nature of things and [its] reckoning; Hymns in diverse meter, 2 books; On the holy places, 1 book; Epigrams in heroic meter, 1 book; Lessons of the New Testament; Lessons on the Old Testament; Distinctions on Job; Distinctions on Jeremiah, 2 books; On the canticle of Habakkuk; the Life of Saint Albert the bishop; a Martyrology; On the art of meter; Of letters to various [persons]; On figures; On orthography—rendered as printed]. He published, besides, many others, which have not come to the notice of our reading. His little works, even while he yet lived and was always writing new [ones], were of such great authority that, by the ordinance of the prelates of England, they were publicly read in the churches. And since, in the heading of [his] homilies, they wrote by custom the name of "the venerable author Bede the presbyter"—not being able, while he lived, to call him otherwise—the title attributed once from the beginning has prevailed up to the present day, that he is called Bede the Venerable rather than Saint. For while [he was] living it was not permitted to name [him] otherwise (even if he were a saint). There are [those] who invent other reasons for this title "Venerable"—some from the inscription of [his] epitaph, others dreaming that Bede was blind. But they err, since Bede was neither blind, nor do we know such an epitaph inscribed on his tomb. And indeed, were I not consulting brevity, I would most easily refute these ravings. He dies under the emperor Leo, in the year of the Lord 732, in the 15th indiction, in the 72nd year of his age, the day before the Kalends of June.

GREGORY, pope, the second, a Roman by country, sat in the chair of Peter after Constan[tine]…

249. ON ECCLESIASTICAL WRITERS.

[Gregory II] …Constantine the pontiff, for 16 years [and] 9 months, a man otherwise learned and most holy, who ordained Boniface—an English monk, a Mainzer by nation—bishop. He wrote certain little works full of erudition, of which the following are reported: To the questions of Justinian, of Responses, 1 book; Against Leo Augustus, 1 book; To John, bishop of Constantinople, 1 book; Of letters to various [persons], 1 book. He dies under the emperor Leo, in the year of the Lord 731, in the 14th indiction, the 3rd [day before] the Ides of February. To whom Gregory III succeeded.

BONIFACE, the first archbishop of Mainz, a Scot by nation, a monk of the order of Saint Benedict, when he was a boy of five years, was offered by his parents to a monastery in England which is called Michael's; in which, devoting [his] study to letters and morals, he turned out a man both learned and most holy. Ordained presbyter, for love of pilgrimage for Christ, he came to Germany, and there, preaching the word of God, was ordained bishop of Mainz by Pope Gregory [II], and by his successor Gregory III was raised to archbishop and primate of Germany. Who, being an erudite man, taught the people committed to him not only by word but also by writings. Of his little works I have found only: Of letters to various [persons], 1 book; the Life of certain saints, 1 book. He dies preaching in Frisia, crowned with martyrdom, in the times of Pippin the emperor, in the year of the Lord 755, in the eighth indiction, in the 36th year of his episcopate, on the Nones of June. Whose body blessed Lullus—whom he had ordained archbishop after himself—caused to be brought back to the monastery of Fulda, situated in Buchonia, and honorably buried.

VERUS, bishop of Seville, of the province of Baetica, where Isidore once held the prelacy, a man erudite in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, [subtle] in talent, [wrote]: Of letters to various [persons], 1 book; the Life of Saint Gallus in prose, 1 book; the same afterward in meter, 1 book. [He flourished under the same period.]

[The source here degenerates: the Boniface and Verus entries above are repeated several times over, with progressively worsening OCR and drifting dates (755, 750, 742, 740, 730); this is a print/scan loop, not distinct content, and is not re-translated.]

The Abbot of Spanheim ... of the Church for ten years, a most learned man, who, because of his learning and holiness of life, is rightly judged comparable to the best pontiffs. He translated the four books of the Dialogues of blessed Gregory, the great pope, from Latin into Greek, and enlightened many who were ignorant of the Latin language by their reading. He also wrote, in his own vein, works in Latin that were very elegant and useful.

Letters to various persons, one book.

Among these there are several addressed to Saint Boniface, archbishop of Mainz. He died under Pippin, two years before the martyrdom of the same Saint Boniface, in the year of the Lord 752, in the fifth indiction, on the Ides of March.

Alcuinus, or Albinus, monk and deacon, abbot of the monastery of Saint Martin of Tours, English by nation, formerly a pupil of Saint Bede the priest, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and second to none in his time in knowledge of secular letters, excellent in verse and prose, was summoned from Britain by the emperor Charlemagne. He was held in such intimacy by him that he was called the emperor's beloved master; under his instruction the emperor himself strove to be initiated in all the disciplines of the liberal arts. He wrote many distinguished volumes, among which are reported:

On the Holy Trinity and the Faith, one book. To the glorious lord Charles, emperor.

To the Questions of Fredegisus, one book. To the most desired son.

To Eulalia, On the Nature of the Soul, one book. Dearest in Christ [unclear].

To Count Guido, On the Virtues, one book. To the most beloved son Guido.

Sentences on Genesis, one book.

On the Song of Songs. On Ecclesiastes, one book.

On the Gospel of John. On the Epistles of Paul, fourteen books.

Mirror of Little Ones, one book. To the venerable and in Christ.

Life of Saint Vedast the Bishop, one book. We believe in one God.

Letters to various persons, one book. In the writing of divine [unclear].

He is also said to have written many other things, which, however, have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under the rule of Charlemagne, in the year of the Lord 770.

Isuardus, a monk of the Order of Saint Benedict, French by nation, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, quick in intellect and distinguished in eloquence, by order of the emperor Charlemagne, after Eusebius, Jerome, and Bede, gathered from the writings of the ancients the deeds and passions of the holy martyrs, confessors, and virgins into a single volume of no small size, which we are accustomed to entitle:

Martyrology, one book. And certain other things.

He flourished under the same emperor Charles, in the year of the Lord 790.

Paulus, monk of the monastery of Monte Cassino, of the Order of Saint Benedict, Italian by nation, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and nobly instructed in secular letters, subtle in intellect and distinguished in eloquence, was held in great esteem by the emperor Charles because of his knowledge of letters. Formerly, before his conversion, he had been a deacon of the church of Aquileia and chancellor of Desiderius, the last king of the Lombards; and, captured with him by Charles and taken into Gaul, he at length became a monk. He wrote not a few volumes, both in verse and in prose. Of these I have found only the following. At the request of Aldeburga, daughter of King Desiderius, he added:

To the Chronicle of Eutropius, one book.

The Deeds of the Bishops of Metz, one book.

The Life of Pope Gregory the First.

The Life of Saint Arnulph the Bishop, one book.

The Life of Saint Benedict, [unclear].

The Deeds of the Lombards, one book. The northern region.

Many hymns in various meters, one book.

Letters to various persons, one book.

By order of Charles he arranged histories and readings throughout the whole year, suitable for the several feasts of the saints. And he arranged and wrote many other things.

He flourished in the times of the same Charlemagne, in the year of the Lord 780.

Adrian, the first pope, Roman by nation, after Stephen III sat in the pontificate for twenty-three years, a learned and most holy man, held in the greatest honor by the emperor Charles, established many things for the benefit of the Church, and the Felician heresy

On Ecclesiastical Writers

He condemned the heresy in a synod of three hundred and fifty bishops, by order of Emperor Charles, at Frankfurt. Since he was devoted to study and learned in the divine Scriptures, he abridged the thirteen books of letters of Saint Pope Gregory into two, selecting the more useful parts. He also wrote from his own [unclear] to Leo the Younger and Constantine his son, emperors at Constantinople.

On the veneration of images, one book. To Emperor Charles, one book. Letters to various persons, one book.

He died under Emperor Charlemagne in the year of the Lord 795, indiction 3, on the day of the Lord’s Nativity, 7 Kalends of January.

Ruggandus, bishop of Metz, nephew by his sister of King Pippin, ennobled the nobility of his lineage by holy morals and by the study of the Scriptures; he was an outstanding venerator of the bodies of the holy martyrs, desiring to instruct in justice, by word and example, the clergy and people committed to him. For the clergy of the church of Metz he wrote a sufficiently instructive and useful

Rule of canons, one book. And certain other things.

He transferred from Rome into Francia the bodies of the holy martyrs Gorgonius, Nabor, and Nazarius. The body of Saint Nazarius was laid up in the monastery of Lorsch, then of the order of Saint Benedict, in the diocese of Worms.

He flourished under King Pippin, father of Emperor Charles, in the year of the Lord 760.

Leo, the third pope, a Roman by nation, sat after Pope Adrian for twenty years; he was a man very learned in both divine and secular writings, and also most renowned for the holiness of his morals and life. He bound Charles, great both in name and deed, to the empire of the Romans, and transferred this dignity from the Greeks to the Franks. Among other things he wrote:

Letters to various persons, one book.

He died under Charles on the Ides of June, in the year of the Lord 816, indiction 9.

Haymo, third bishop of the church of Halberstadt in Saxony, formerly abbot of the monastery of Hersfeld of the order of Saint Benedict, a German by nation, once a hearer of the monk Alcuin, to whom Rabanus, then abbot of Fulda, composed twenty-two books On the Universe, was certainly a most learned man in every respect, a most acute interpreter of the divine Scriptures, and of excellent talent in delivering homilies to the people. He was first a monk of the monastery of Fulda with Rabanus; afterward he was made the third abbot of Hersfeld; finally he was consecrated the third bishop of Halberstadt. He governed that church vigorously by word and example for thirteen years. He wrote almost innumerable little works; among them the following which we have set below are reported.

On the five books of Moses, one book. On Joshua, one book. [unclear], one book. On Ruth, one book. On Kings, one book. On Chronicles, one book. [unclear], one book. On Ezra and Nehemiah, one book. On Tobit, one book. On Esther, one book. On Judith, one book. On the Song of Songs, one book. On Job, three books. Isaiah the prophet, [unclear] one book. And it came to pass, says the blessed [unclear]. On Isaiah the prophet, one book. The word which came. [unclear], one book. The Lord, consulting for human [unclear]. On Jeremiah, one book. From Corinth, the metropolis [unclear]. On Ezekiel, one book. We read in Ecclesiastes [unclear]. On Daniel, seven books. On the Acts of the Apostles, one book. On the truth of books, one book. Since you are the only most holy [unclear]. On the Holy Trinity, one book. On the memory of Christian matters, one book.

He is also said to have written many other things, letters, sermons, and various treatises, which have not come to my knowledge. He died under Emperor Louis, son of Charlemagne, in the year of the Lord 834, indiction 12. He was buried in the church of Saint Stephen at Halberstadt.

Claudius, a monk of the order of Saint Benedict, once, as they say, a disciple of Bede in England, colleague of Albinus the Levite and abbot, a Scot by nation, a man very devoted to study and learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular learning, practiced in verse and prose, composed many little works on the sacred volumes. Among these are reported:

On the five books of Moses [unclear]. On Judges also [unclear] one book. On

The Abbot of Sponheim, book I.

On the book of Ruth. On the Gospel of Matthew, one book. And many other things. He flourished in Gaul under Charlemagne, in the year of the Lord 800. Seven books.

Freculphus, bishop of Lisieux, in the province of Rouen, a monk of the Order of Saint Benedict, toward whom Rabanus, while still abbot, exercised his talent in many volumes, a man most devoted to and very skilled in the divine Scriptures, and quite fit for teaching the people, distinguished no less by his conduct than by his learning, is said to have written certain excellent little works. Of these I have read only a large and distinguished volume, containing from the beginning of the world down to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A history of deeds done, “While some [unclear] of time.”

Of the others I have seen nothing. He wrote the aforementioned work to Helisachar; in it he also unraveled the more difficult questions of the Scriptures, and in lucid speech wrote down the deeds of both the Jews and the Gentiles from the beginning of the world down to the Virgin’s giving birth. One book. He flourished under Louis, in the year of the Lord 840.

Theodulphus, bishop of Orléans, of a monastery of the Order of Saint Benedict, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and instructed from youth in secular letters, excellent in verse and prose. He is said to have composed several little works in both styles, but they have not yet come into our hands. He, having been innocently sent into prison by the Emperor Louis on account of I know not what suspicion, composed the hymn “Gloria laus”; when, on Palm Sunday, as the emperor was passing by, he had sung it in a loud voice, it so pleased the emperor that he immediately allowed him to go free. He wrote, among other things, in various meters:

Hymns. Letters, one book.

He flourished under the empire of Louis, in the year of the Lord 840.

Einhard, chancellor of the Emperor Charlemagne, a German by nation, and afterward a monk of the Order of the holy father Benedict, a man most learned in secular letters and not ignorant of the divine Scriptures. He wrote little works not to be despised in reading; of these the following are reported. Imitating Bede, who abridged the Hebrew Psalter by extracting from it all the verses containing words of prayer, he himself abridged the Gallican Psalter, extracting from it all the verses containing words of prayer. He also wrote in his own person [unclear] of the emperor.

Letters to various persons. The Life of the Emperor Charles, one book. A history of the times. And certain other things.

He flourished under Charles and his son Louis, in the year of the Lord 820.

John Scotus, a monk of the Order of Saint Benedict, formerly hearer and disciple of the monk and most famous doctor Bede, colleague of Albinus, coming with the same [unclear] into Gaul, was held in great esteem by the Emperor Charles. Since he was a man most learned in all the Scriptures, he published very famous little works in clear speech, of which these are reported:

On the Gospel of Matthew. On human duties, one book. On the division of nature. He also composed many other things, which have not come to my notice.

He flourished in the times of the Emperor Charlemagne, in the year of the Lord 800.

Hilduin, abbot of the monastery of Saint Denis at Paris, of the Order of the holy father Benedict, archchaplain of the sacred palace, to whom Rabanus, abbot of Fulda, published commentaries on the four books of Kings, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and very skilled in secular letters, excellent both in verse and in prose. He wrote to the Emperor Louis in both styles:

The Life of Saint Dionysius. And certain other things.

He flourished under Louis, son of the Emperor Charles, in the year of the Lord 840.

Hincmar, archbishop of Reims, formerly a monk of Saint Denis at Paris, a man singularly learned in the divine Scriptures and second to none in his time in secular letters, conspicuous for wisdom and uprightness of morals, and most eloquent. He wrote several little works of authority not to be despised, of which I have found only the following. In the person of the Emperor Charlemagne he wrote very instructively:

To the church of Ravenna. The Life of Saint Remigius, bishop, one book. To Walo, bishop of Metz, one book. Of many letters, one book.

Of the rest I have seen nothing. He flourished under the emperors Charlemagne and Louis his son. Year [unclear]. Year [unclear].

On Ecclesiastical Writers.

In the year of the Lord’s nativity 800. And he wrote many doctrinal works.

Amalarius Fortunatus, archbishop of Trier, German by nation, a monk of Luxeuil, and cardinal of the Roman Church, a learned and most eloquent man, distinguished in Greek and Latin eloquence, was sent by Charles the Great, emperor, to Constantinople to the emperor Michael, and by his remarkable diligence and eloquence confirmed peace and friendship between them, as is contained in the deeds of the Treveri. He wrote, among other things:

On ecclesiastical offices, 1 book. “Satis et nimium quidem.” To Louis on the same matter, 4 books. On the mysteries of the Mass, 1 book. Letters to various persons, 1 book.

He died under the emperor Louis, in the year of the Lord 813, in the sixth indiction, in about the sixteenth year of his episcopate.

Angelomus, a monk of Luxeuil, of the order of St. Benedict, a man endowed with a noble talent for expounding the divine Scriptures, so that, in comparison with him, the ancients seem not to have expounded what he himself expounded, and not ignorant of secular writings either, at the command of Drogo, bishop of Metz, who was the son of Charles the Great and brother of the emperor Louis, wrote a most excellent work, of such a kind as I do not remember having read elsewhere in the holy Scriptures:

On the Books of Kings, 4 books. “Igitur cum a quampluribus.” To Lothar on the Song of Songs, 1 book. “Priusquam augustale decus.” On the divine offices, 1 book. And certain other things.

He flourished under Louis and his son Lothar, in the year of the Lord 830.

Rabanus Maurus, sixth archbishop of Mainz, formerly abbot of the monastery of Fulda of the order of St. Benedict, German by nation, from the city of Fulda in Buchonia, once a hearer of Albinus the Englishman, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and nobly instructed in secular letters, a philosopher, rhetorician, astronomer, and most subtle poet, to whom, that I may speak without envy, neither Italy bore anyone similar nor Germany an equal. For while still a young man he put on the monk’s habit in the monastery of Fulda, and advanced wonderfully both in morals and in knowledge; whence he was consecrated the fourth abbot of the same monastery, and for twenty-four years presided by word and example over the sheep committed to him, and composed almost innumerable little works of Scripture. At length, offended by the wickedness of his monks, who said that he was too intent upon writings and neglected temporal matters, the devil doing this among them, they conceived displeasure against him, scandalized by him in that by which they ought most of all to have been edified. Therefore, giving place to anger, and not consenting to remain longer with ungrateful sheep, he abandoned the monastery and its inhabitants and moved to the emperor Louis, with whom he also remained for many days. But the monks, led by penitence, sent a delegation to him and begged that he return to the monastery, but they did not obtain it. He therefore remained with the emperor until the death of Otgar, archbishop of Mainz; appointed in his place, he was in charge of the aforesaid church of Mainz for nine years. Having also held a synod, he established many things for the [unclear] of the faithful. He wrote while still established in the monastery of Fulda, both in verse and in prose:

On the book of Ruth. On Chronicles. On Ezra and Nehemiah. On Judith. On Esther. On Job. On the Proverbs of Solomon. On the Song of Songs. On the book of Wisdom. On Ecclesiasticus.

4 books. “In principio,” etc. [unclear]. 4 books. “Exodus exitus dici.” 4 books. “Numerorum librum multi.” 4 books. “Sequentis libri.” 1. “Levi.” 4 books. “Filii Israel castra mo-.” 2 books. “Domino beatissimo vereque.” 2 books. “Post mortem Iosue.” 1 book. “Scrutantibus ergo histo-.” 4 books. “Fuit vir,” etc. “Dicamus.” 3 books. On Tobit, 1 book. 7 books. “Domine electe et merito.” 1 book. “Liber Hester quem he-.” 1 book. On the Psalms, 1 book. 10 books. On Ecclesiastes.

[unclear] On Isaiah-

254 The Abbot of Sponheim

On Isaiah the prophet, 8 books. On Jeremiah, 20 books. On Ezekiel, 3 books. On Daniel, 12 books. On Maccabees, 3 books. On the Gospel of Matthew, 8 books. On the Gospel of Luke, 3 books. On the Gospel of John, 1 book. On all the epistles of Paul, 23 books. On the canonical epistles, 7 books. On the Apocalypse of John, 1 book. On the praise of the holy cross, 2 books. To Bishop Haymo, On the Universe, 22 books. On universal nature, 1 book. On the instruction of clerics, 3 books. On the divine offices, 1 book. On computus, a dialogue, 1 book. To Bishop Reginbald, 1 book. Letters to various persons, 1 book. “Because you, venerable father.” On questions of the canons, 1 book. On the blessings of the patriarchs, 1 book. Of sermons, almost innumerable, 1 book. 19

He also published many other things besides, which have not come to my knowledge. He died under the princes Louis and Lothar, in the year of the Lord 855, in the third indiction, in the ninth year of his episcopate. He was buried in the monastery of Saint Alban near Mainz, not without a reputation for holiness; I have read his epitaph in nearly twenty ornate verses.

Bellator, a priest of a certain church, studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, rich in the reading of the ancients, distinguished in talent and speech, and sufficiently instructed in secular letters. He is said to have expounded many volumes on the holy Scriptures, in which he splendidly displayed his talent. Among the rest there is extant an outstanding volume of his, which he published at the request of friends:

On the Book of Wisdom, 7 books. I have found nothing concerning the others.

He is said to have flourished in the times of the emperor Louis, in the year of the Lord 840.

Strabus, a monk of Fulda, a German by nation, formerly the pupil and scribe of Abbot Rabanus, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and nobly instructed in the studies of secular letters, subtle in talent and distinguished in speech. He wrote not a few little works in exposition of the sacred volumes, in which, showing himself a learned man, he transmitted his name with glory to posterity. Therefore, imitating his master, Abbot Rabanus, he wrote:

On Genesis, 1 book. On Exodus, 1 book. On Leviticus, 1 book. A very brief work on the Book of Leviticus.

And many other things. Finally, this Strabus is remembered as the first to have compiled, from the sayings of the holy fathers, the gloss on the whole Bible which is now called the Ordinary Gloss; others afterward enlarged it by adding many sayings of the fathers.

On Three Questions, 1 book. And certain letters, as well as other things.

He flourished under the emperor Louis, in the year of the Lord 840.

Lupus Servatus, priest, to whom Rabanus, abbot of Fulda, is read to have written eight books on the epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans, was a man studious and learned in the divine writings, and, according to the age of his time, abundantly skilled in secular letters. He wrote some little works of his talent, of which very few have come to my knowledge. There is extant a volume of his:

The Hierarchy, the books of Dionysius, 4 books. He wrote on the same, 4 books.

And certain other things. He flourished under the emperor Lothar, in the year of the Lord 830.

John, called Erigena, a monk, learned in the divine writings, most learned in the discipline of secular letters, fully instructed in Greek and Latin speech, subtle in talent, ordered in discourse, at the command of Charles, son of Louis and brother of Lothar, emperors, [unclear] the laws of Charles the Great and Louis, which I have seen as follows, namely:

Ansegisus, abbot of the monastery of Lobbes, of the Order of Saint Benedict, afterward archbishop of Sens, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, nobly instructed in secular letters, distinguished in speech and talent, arranged and compiled, for the use of the catholic Church, the imperial [unclear]:

Ecclesiastical Statutes of Charles, 2 books. “Our Lord Jesus reigning.”

Laws

On Ecclesiastical Writers

Secular laws of the same, 2 books. “Concerning peace we admonish ...” Ecclesiastical statutes of Louis, 2 books. “To all of you either by sight ...” Secular laws of the same, 2 books. “If slaves through contumacy ...” Besides these he published some other works, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under the emperor Lothar, son of Louis, in the year 840.

Amulus, bishop of Lyons in Gaul, a man devoted to the divine Scriptures, learned from reading the ancients, and also not moderately instructed in secular letters, distinguished in both the Hebrew and the Latin tongue, keen and forceful in intellect, scholastic and orderly in speech. He wrote little works of reading not to be despised, of which I have read only the notable work to Charles: Against the Jews, 1 book. “Concerning detesting the Jews ...” Of the rest I have as yet seen none. He flourished under Louis, son of Charlemagne, in the year 830.

Bertram, priest and monk, very skilled in the divine writings and excellently learned in the letters of the secular disciplines, subtle in intellect and renowned in speech, and no less distinguished in life than in doctrine. He wrote many excellent little works, of which few have come to my knowledge. To King Charles, brother of the emperor Lothar, he wrote a commendable work: On the Body and Blood of the Lord, 1 book. On Predestination [unclear]. He flourished in the times of the emperor Lothar, in the year of the Lord 830. Letters to various persons, 2 books.

Turpin, archbishop of Reims, friend and secretary of the great emperor Charles, a man learned in the divine writings and nobly instructed in secular letters, having an intellect exercised in verse and prose, advocate of the poor, beloved by God in life and conduct; he declares that, together with Charles, with his own hands and arms he often fought against the Saracens [unclear], 1 book. He flourished in the times of the emperor Lothar, in the year of the Lord 860. The Deeds of Charlemagne, 2 books. He flourished under the same Charles and Louis his son, in the year of the Lord 830. The same, 1 book.

Anastasius, keeper and most sagacious restorer of the apostolic library, learned in the divine Scriptures and nobly instructed in secular letters, very skilled in Greek and Latin expression, is said to have composed some little works, but nothing has come into our hands. He translated many volumes of the Greeks into Latin. For, by order of Nico[laus?] [unclear], 1 book. And many other things. Lives of Many Fathers, 1 book.

Nicholas, the first pope, Roman by birth, sat in the pontificate after Benedict [unclear], 1 book. The seventh universal synod [unclear]. One hierarchy of Dionysius, 1 book. A book of letters to various persons. Lives of Many Fathers, 4 books. He wrote, among other things, an excellent volume in the person of his pontificate. He died under Lothar or Louis II, emperor, in the year of the Lord 869, in the second indiction, on the eighth day before the Ides of December. And also other things. The Life of St. Gregory, the first pope, 2 books. He flourished under Charles the Bald, emperor, in the year of the Lord 870.

Notger, bishop of Liege, formerly abbot of the monastery of St. Gall, of the order of the holy father Benedict, German by nation, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and, among all of his time, most learned in the disciplines of secular letters; a distinguished philosopher, poet, and musician, and no less venerable for holiness than for knowledge. He wrote many little works, both in meter and in prose, of which few have come into our hands. For I have read only the volume that he entitled Sequences, which he had written while still a monk, in a distinguished style, a large volume, which contains: “The sum of holiness [unclear] ...” Prologue or preface, 1 letter, 1 book. Sequen-

Abbot of Spanheim

The Sequentiary, however, thus, one book. On music and symphony, one book. On the expositors of sacred Scripture, one book. Letters to various persons, one book. Of the other works which he composed, nothing has come to the notice of our reading. Pope Nicholas I approved the Sequences of this most learned man and ordered them to be sung at Masses. Because of the distinction of his learning and life he was first made abbot, and then, in his old age, consecrated bishop; tenth in order, he presided over the government of the church of Liège, under the emperor Lothar, son of Louis, in the year of the Lord 850. Under him he also died, not without a reputation for sanctity.

CHRISTIANUS, also called Druthmarus, monk and priest of Corbie, of the order of Benedict of holy memory of Cassino, an Aquitanian by nation, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and imbued with Greek and Latin speech, coming from Aquitaine into Gaul, made his name known by writing. Of his little works I have thus far merited only a great and distinguished work, written in plain language to the monks of the monasteries of Stavelot and Malmedy, standing under one abbot in the diocese of the church of Liège:

On the Gospel of Matthew, one book. He did not make this title: “Euan.” Of the others I have seen nothing.

In the prologue to the exposition of the Gospel according to Matthew he also promised that he would write on the other Evangelists, and this he is said to have done, but it is unknown to us.

WANDELBERT, deacon and monk of the monastery of Prüm, of the order of St. Benedict, of the diocese of Trier, a German by nation, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and magnificently instructed in secular letters, ready in talent and distinguished in eloquence, wrote not a few volumes both in metre and in prose, of which I have seen only a certain one addressed to Abbot Marcuard:

The Life of St. Goar the priest, one book. The Miracles of the same, one book. A Martyrology in metre, one book. He flourished under the emperor Lothar, in the year of the Lord 860.

ALMANNUS, monk of the monastery of Hautvillers, of the order of St. Benedict, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and excellently instructed in secular letters, subtle in talent and distinguished in eloquence, wrote various little works both in metre and in prose, by which he made his name known also to posterity. And because in his time Francia was being laid waste by the Normans, after the example of the prophecy of Jeremiah he lamented the desolation of that same land and of his monastery in a fourfold alphabetic composition, one book. The Life of St. Vinardus the bishop, one book. The Life of St. Helena Augusta, one book. The Translation of the same. On Sobriety, in metre, one book. The Life of St. Amandus, in metre, one book. He is also said to have written some other things, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under the emperor Charles III, in the year of the Lord 890.

MILORD, monk of the monastery of St. Amand, of the order of the divine Benedict, a Gaul by nation, a man most learned in every respect, an orator, poet, and distinguished musician, and no less venerable for honorable conduct than for knowledge of the Scriptures. He wrote not a few volumes both in verse and in unbound discourse. Of these the following especially are current, addressed to the emperor Charles the Bald:

Letters to various persons, one book. The Life of St. Amandus, in metre, one book. He flourished in the times of Charles the Second, emperor, surnamed the Bald, in the year of the Lord 870, and composed many excellent works.

HUGOBALD, monk of the monastery of Elno, of the order of St. Benedict, a Gaul by nation, a man most learned both in divine writings and in secular letters, in music, poetry, philosophy, and the other arts of humanity second to none in his time, as the many works written by him in both styles testify. Of these I have so far found only the following: addressed to the emperor Charles the Bald, a remarkable work of 136 verses, in which all the words begin with one letter, C: “Carmina clarisone Calvis cantate camenae,” as it is entitled.

On the Praise of Bald Men, one book. Carmina clarisone cal., one book. On the Art of Music, one book. The Deeds of St. Lebuinus. Letters to various persons, one book.

He also described the lives of many saints in ornate eloquence, and composed songs in their honor with sweet and regular melody. He flourished in the times of the emperor Charles the Bald, 880.

REMIGIUS, monk of Auxerre, of the order of St. Benedict, and afterwards, as they report, bishop of the same city, a man most learned in divine and human writings, a distinguished writer in verse and prose, teacher of St. Odo, the first abbot of Cluny, renowned in life and doctrine. He published many volumes in both styles, of which the following are current.

On Ecclesiastical Writers

On the Song of Songs, one book: "Divine prophecy [unclear]." On the whole Psalter, one book. On the canon of the Mass, one book. On the Gospel of Matthew, one book. On the festivals of the saints, one book. On the divine offices, one book. Also several sermons, one book. To the Bishop of the Aedui, one book. He also composed other works, both on sacred letters and on secular writings, expounding Donatus and the old authors, which are held by many. He flourished under the emperor Charles the Bald, in the year of the Lord 880.

Constantinus, a monk of the monastery of Monte Cassino, of the order of Saint Benedict, an African by nation, a man very zealous in the divine Scriptures and most learned in secular letters, especially in philosophy and medicine, fully instructed in Greek, Latin, and Arabic expression. He wrote many small works in medicine, which are valued among physicians. He also translated many volumes of the ancient physicians from Greek and Arabic into Latin, which he prefaced with his own prefaces and letters. Of his small works I have seen these:

Universal diets, one book: "What first compelled." Particular diets, one book: "More fully in the first book." On medicinal weights, one book: "Medicinal weights." Also on urines, one book. As for the rest of his volumes, which he both wrote and translated in great number, I do not recall that any has come into our hands. They are better known to physicians.

Ambrosius Ansbertus, monk and priest of the order of Saint Benedict, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, gentle in disposition and sweet in speech, published many commentaries on the sacred volumes, by which he transmitted the fame of his name to posterity. Yet few have come to my knowledge. For I have found only the following:

On the Song of Songs, one book: "The gift of wisdom with Sa[unclear]." Also on the Psalter, one book. On the Apocalypse of John, ten books. On cupidity, one book. Letters to various persons, one book. He flourished under the emperor Arnulf, in the year of the Lord 890.

Paschasius Ratbertus, abbot of Corbie, of the order of Saint Benedict, a man very learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, nobly instructed in Greek and Latin expression, acute in intellect, composed in speech. He wrote not a few small works in verse and prose, of which I have found only the following. To Placidus, abbot of our order, a distinguished work:

On the sacrament of the altar, one book: "Whoever among Catholics." The life of Saint Adalhard the bishop, one book. On the Lamentations of the prophet Jeremiah, one book. He also translated some things from Greek into Latin, and composed many others.

Ericus, monk of the order of Saint Benedict, of the monastery of the city of Auxerre, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and most learned in the disciplines of secular letters, excellent in verse and prose, was an outstanding teacher in delivering homilies to the people. He wrote clearly in verse:

Homilies to the people, one book.

Several sermons and letters. He also composed many other works in both styles, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished around the times of the emperor Charles the Fat, in the year of the Lord 880.

Otfridus, a monk of the monastery of Weissenburg, of the order of the divine father Benedict, a German by nation, once a hearer and disciple of Rabanus Maurus, abbot of Fulda, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and exceptionally learned in secular letters, a philosopher, rhetorician, and distinguished poet, excellent in intellect and eloquent in speech. He wrote many splendid small works both in verse and prose, by which he transmitted his name to posterity. After the example also of the great emperor Charles he attempted to reduce the barbarousness of the German tongue to grammatical rules, which he partly accomplished. Hence those things which he wrote in his native language cannot easily be read and understood in our age, even by a man however skilled in the German tongue. Of his small works the following survive. To Luitbert, the eighth archbishop of the church of Mainz, a great and distinguished work on the Gospel, which he entitled:

The grace of Theotista, one book: "By the height of dignity, grace." To King Louis, one book: "To Louis of the easterners." To Bishop Solomon, one book: "To Solomon the bishop, Otfrid." To the monks of Saint Gall, one book: "Otfrid of Weissenburg." On the Psalter, three volumes, one book. On the Last Judgment

Abbot of Sponheim

On the joys of the heavenly kingdom, one book. Letters to various persons, one book. Poems of various kinds, one book. Lost through the negligence of copyists, and erased and torn by the ignorance of monks, they have not come down to me. He flourished under the emperors Louis, Lothair, and Charles, succeeding one another, in the year of the Lord 870.

Adrevald, also called Albert, a monk of the monastery of Fleury, of the Order of St. Benedict, a man distinguished on every side and most learned, made his name known by writing, when for the edification of simple brothers he composed many volumes on the holy Scriptures. Among the other little works of his talent he wrote, from the time of the translation of the body of St. Benedict from the monastery of Cassino to the monastery of Fleury down to the time of Odo, king of the Franks, a history containing the matter in lucid speech. The Miracles of St. Benedict, one book. And many other things, which, however, I have not seen. He flourished in the times of the emperor Arnulf, in the year of the Lord 890.

Odo, first abbot of Cluny, of the Order of St. Benedict, once a pupil of Remigius, monk of Auxerre, a man diligently trained and learned in the holy Scriptures, an outstanding restorer of the fallen order of the father Benedict, shone forth no less renowned for holiness than for erudition. He was a notable musician, arch-cantor of the church of Tours, who, after hearing the fame of Berno, the most holy abbot of Gigny, entered the order under him; afterwards appointed abbot of Cluny, he adorned the order with great holiness. Since he was an outstanding preacher of homilies, he composed many sermons for the brothers. He also wrote, among the other works of his talent: The Life of Saint Gerard, one book. Praises of St. Martin, one book. A brief chronicle, one book. He also composed various hymns and chants in honor of the saints in a sweet, regulated melody. At the request of the brothers, too, he abridged the books of blessed Pope Gregory on Job and brought them together into one volume. He flourished in the times of the emperor Arnulf, in the year of the Lord 920.

Rathbod, the fourteenth bishop of Utrecht, a German by nation, a man very learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, subtle in intellect, distinguished in speech, and most holy in life and conduct, shone with many miracles both while alive and after death. Nanno, a most learned philosopher, had instructed him in all humane letters; he was advocate in the palace of King Charles the Fat, afterwards entered a monastery, and finally, as we have said, was consecrated bishop. He governed the church of Utrecht energetically for seventeen years during the heavy persecution by the Danes. He wrote several excellent little works, of which these are reported: Praises of Saint Martin, one book. Praises of St. Boniface the bishop, one book. On Saint Amalberga, one book. Homiletic sermons, one book. Flowers on St. Willibrord, one book. He also composed a complete office on the translation of St. Martin, and various chants in honor of the saints. He died under Louis, son of the emperor Arnulf, in the year of the Lord 917, in the fifth indiction, on the third day before the Kalends of December, in the eighteenth year of his episcopate. He was buried at Deventer, where previously he had been accustomed to reside in his episcopate.

Aurelian, a cleric of the church of Reims, very diligent in the holy Scriptures, nobly learned in secular letters, an excellent and notable musician in his time. He wrote to Bernard, arch-cantor and later bishop, an outstanding volume on the rules of modulations, which they call tones or tenors, and on the names of [unclear], whose title is: The Regular Tonary, one book. He wrote certain other things. He flourished around the times of the emperor Arnulf, in the year of the Lord 900.

Regino, abbot of the monastery of Prum in the diocese of Trier, of the Order of St. Benedict, a German by nation, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and nobly taught in secular letters, easily held the first place among the teachers of Germany and Gaul in his time. He wrote little works of great authority, of which I have found only the following. To Albero, first bishop of Metz, containing especially the deeds of the Franks and Germans from the nativity of Christ down to the year 98 of the same. He wrote a History or Chronicle, [unclear] books. On Ecclesiastical Discipline, [unclear] books. “First one must inquire.” Of the rest I have as yet seen nothing. He wrote the aforesaid work, which is entitled On Ecclesiastical Discipline and the Christian Religion, at the command of Rathbod, archbishop of Trier, which

On Ecclesiastical Writers

which he compiled from the decrees of the holy fathers and of the general councils in two books, and clearly distinguished, according to custom, into nearly nine hundred chapters by rubrics. He flourished under Emperor Arnold, in the year of the Lord 910.

Hildovinus, formerly abbot of the monastery of Lobbes, of the order of St Benedict, was first bishop of Liège; then, driven from there, he came to Hugh, king of Italy, to whom he was joined by a line of kinship. By him he was made bishop of Verona, and finally, after Lambert, was made archbishop of Milan. He ordained Ratherius the monk as bishop for the church of Verona. He was a man sufficiently learned in the divine Scriptures. While he was still abbot, at the request of the brothers, he wrote [unclear], one book; Sermons to the Brothers, one book; and certain other things. He flourished under Hugh, king of Italy, in the times of Conrad, emperor of the Romans and Germans, in the year of the Lord 920.

Ratherius, formerly a monk of the monastery of Lobbes, after Hildovinus bishop of Verona, was a man learned in the divine Scriptures and very skilled in the arts of humanity, which they call liberal; simple in spirit, gentle in disposition, and scholastic in speech. With Bishop Hildovinus he came to King Hugh in Italy, and after Hildovinus’s transfer to the archiepiscopate of the church of Milan, he was appointed bishop of the city of Verona. Not long afterward he was expelled from there by Hugh, for the reason that he had admitted Arnold, duke of Bavaria, Hugh’s enemy, into Verona; driven out, he was banished to Pavia. At length, having returned to his church, again [unclear]; I do not know whether they will be able to please readers no less than to profit them. Of these, the following are reported: On His First Exile, one book; another, concerning the second, entitled Phrenesis, one book; another, which is called Inefficax, one book; On the Body and Blood of the Lord, one book; Against the Anthropomorphites, one book; Agonisticon, that is, of Preliminaries, six books; also a Confession, one book; Life of St Ursmar of Lobbes, one book. He is also said to have written some other things, which have not come to my knowledge. And finally, as Sigebert the monk writes, he was made bishop of Liège, and was also driven from there. He flourished in the times of Henry, the first emperor of the Romans, in the year of the Lord 950.

Stephen, formerly a cleric of the church of Metz, bishop of Liège after Franco, was a man learned in the divine Scriptures, magnificently skilled in secular letters, and venerable no less for holiness than for knowledge. He wrote several little works of no contemptible usefulness, through which his name became known to posterity: To Hermann, archbishop of Cologne, Life of St Lambert, one book; To Rupert, bishop of Metz, one book; and certain other things. He also wrote the chant on the Holy Trinity from Alcuin, which we use on the octave of Pentecost; on the finding of St Stephen; and the nocturnal chant on St Lambert, bishop and martyr. All these, together with certain others, he composed in an authentic and sweet melody. He flourished in the times of Louis, son of Emperor Arnold, in the year of the Lord 910.

Radulphus of Flavigny, a monk of the order of St Benedict, was a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and, in his time, most learned in all letters of humanity; subtle in talent, profound in judgment, sweet, adorned, and eloquent in speech; acute and very distinguished in expounding sacred volumes. He wrote two great and distinguished volumes: On Leviticus, twenty books, “When at one time there was speech concerning Judah”; On the Epistles of Paul, one book; History of the Franks, one book; also a brief Chronicle. Besides these he published many other things, which had not come to my knowledge. There are some who write that he was a monk of the monastery of Fulda in Germany.

Smaragdus, abbot of the monastery of St Michael, of the order of our lord father Benedict, a man [unclear], acquired a reputation for his knowledge and conduct. For he wrote many distinguished little works. Of these I have found only the following: On the Rule of St Benedict, one book, “When the crowds of very many”; Diadema of Monks, one book, “This little book”; On the Whole Psalter, one book; On the Epistles and Gospels throughout the Year, two books; also Several Sermons, one book. But concerning his other little works I have nowhere been able to find anything. It is said, however, that he published many commentarial treatises on the divine Scriptures. But he expounded Donatus Major and explained many authors of secular letters.

Abbot of Sponheim

Widukind, a monk of the monastery of Corvey in Saxony, of the Order of Saint Benedict, German by nation, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and very well instructed in secular letters, quick in talent, clear in eloquence, excellent in verse and prose. He wrote many distinguished little works in an alternating style. Of these I have so far found only the following. From the beginning of the Saxons down to the death of Otto, the first emperor, he wrote to Mechthild, his daughter:

A History of the Saxons, 3 books. Flore virginali cum ma [unclear]. The Deeds of Otto I, 1 book. The Passion of Thecla the Virgin, in verse, 2 books. The Life of Paul the First Hermit, 1 book.

He flourished under Otto, the first emperor, in the year of the Lord 950.

Liutprand, deacon of the church of Ticinum, Italian by nation, born from the city of Pavia, formerly scribe and secretary of Berengar, king of Italy, a man very learned in secular letters, not ignorant of the divine Scriptures, sharp and forceful in talent, skilled in Greek and Latin speech, no less excellent in verse than in prose. He is said to have written several distinguished little works, by which he made his name known. Driven out of Italy by King Berengar, he came into Germany and stayed at Frankfurt. He wrote a notable historical work on his own time, containing the tyranny of that Berengar; this, as if in recompense for the injuries received from him, he entitled:

The Antapodosis, that is, Retribution, 7 books. Regnantibus, imo senien [unclear].

Of the others I have seen nothing. He wrote the aforesaid volume to [Recemund?], bishop of the church of Elvira in Spain; in it he sometimes uses verse, sometimes Greek speech, interspersing many things about the deeds of the Germans.

He flourished under Otto I, emperor, in the year of the Lord 950.

Abbo, abbot of the monastery of Fleury, of the Order of Saint Benedict, a man practiced in the divine Scriptures by constant reading and study, exceptionally learned in secular disciplines, and also distinguished in life and conduct, was proved worthy even to the crown of martyrdom: while he was preaching the word of God in Vasconia, he was made a witness of the Christian faith by the shedding of his blood. He wrote:

On the Reckoning of Victorius, 1 book. Additions to the same, 1 book. And certain other things.

He flourished in the times of Otto I, in the year of the Lord 970.

Robert, king of France, noble, brave, just, learned, and religious, rightly receives a place among ecclesiastical writers, since he composed chants and sweet responsories in regular melody for the honor of the catholic Church. In humane letters, especially in music, he was most learned; and he was of such religion that he sang the canonical hours in church with the clerics, and outside, at home, read them with his own people. He was of such compassion and mercy toward the poor that, sometimes stripping himself of his own garments, he many times covered their nakedness. A book never left his hands, so much so that, sitting on the tribunal amid the noise of judicial cases, he would have the Psalter open in his lap. Hence he is read to have shone with miracles after death. His is that well-known sequence which is sung on the days of Pentecost:

On the Holy Spirit, namely, “Come, Holy Spirit.” A responsory on Saint Peter, namely, “Cornelius the Centurion.” On the Nativity of the Lord, namely, “Judaea Jerusalem no” [unclear]. And that Alleluia, namely, “Deliver me from my enemies.” And many other things which I do not know.

The responsory “Cornelius the Centurion,” when the supreme pontiff was celebrating Mass at Rome, he offered with great devotion to Saint Peter on the altar at the time of the offertory. The ministers of the altar, hurrying up, thought that the rich king had offered gold of great weight; but, finding a written and notated sheet, they marveled, praising the talent and devotion of the prince. Therefore the pope decreed, at the request of the clerics and in memory of the most holy king, that this responsory should thereafter be sung in honor of Saint Peter.

He flourished under Otto II, emperor, in the year of the Lord 980.

Ammonius, a monk of the monastery of Fleury, of the Order of Saint Benedict, French by nation, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures and sufficiently instructed in the disciplines of secular letters. He is said to have composed several little works both in verse and in prose, but they have by no means come into our hands. He afterwards wrote one volume to the monk Renald:

On the Miracles of Saint Benedict, 1 book.

He flourished under Emperor Otto III, in the year of the Lord 990.

Heriger, abbot of the monastery of Lobbes, of the Order of Saint Benedict, most learned in the divine Scriptures, nobly instructed in secular letters, excellent in verse and prose. Berno the abbot

On Ecclesiastical Writers

the abbot of Reichenau mentions [him] in a certain book to Archbishop Aribo. He wrote a notable dialogue under the person of his Adelbold, a cleric and monk then living at Rome and later bishop of Utrecht, of whom we must speak presently, entitled [unclear].

On the [unclear] of the Church, one book. The Life of St. [Ursmar?], in verse, one book. To Hugh, on Questions, one book. On the Divine Offices, one book. The Deeds of the Bishops of [Liège?], one book. On the Body and Blood of the Lord, one book. And many other things. He flourished under the emperor Otto III, in the year of the Lord 990.

Flodoardus, a monk of Reims of the Order of St. Benedict, learned in the divine Scriptures, excellently instructed in secular letters, subtle in intellect, eloquent in speech. He wrote little works of reading not to be despised, by study of which he transmitted his name with glory to posterity. Among these there is said to be a distinguished work from the founding of the city of Reims, which, they record, the soldiers of Remus, [after Remus had been killed by?] his brother Romulus and [they had been] driven out, built in memory of their lord and so named, down to his own times; in it, interweaving many things about the holy martyrs and other matters and deeds, he chose to give the volume this title:

The Deeds of the Bishops of Reims, one book. Also Lives of Many Saints, one book. Other [lives] of several saints, one book. Songs in honor of the saints. And certain other things. He flourished in much religious discipline in the times of the emperor Otto [unclear], in the year of the Lord [unclear].

Aribo, archbishop of Mainz, the nineteenth after St. Boniface the martyr, for whom Berno, abbot of the monastery of Reichenau, wrote a treatise On the Advent of the Lord, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures: after holding a synod at Seligenstadt with Burchard, bishop of Worms, he established many useful things, which are contained in authentic writings. He also wrote, among other works of his talent:

On the Fifteen Gradual Psalms, one book. To Abbot Berno, one letter. And certain letters to others. He died under the emperor Conrad the Younger, in the year of the Lord 1023.

Burchardus, from a monk of the monastery of Lobbes of the Order of St. Benedict [became] bishop of Worms, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and very learned in secular letters. While he was still a monk, he kept a public school of monks at Lobbes, in which he instructed [unclear], together with others, in both literatures. He wrote, from the opinions of the holy Fathers, of general councils, and of various pontiffs, a great and notable work after Isidore, namely:

Decrees, which he divided into twenty books. “In the New Testament first...” Letters to Various Persons, one book. He flourished under the holy emperor Henry, in the year of the Lord 1020.

Berno, abbot of the monastery of Reichenau of the Order of St. Benedict, in the diocese of Constance, German by nation, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, very nobly instructed in secular letters, a musician and poet second to none in his time, distinguished in life and conduct. He wrote certain excellent volumes both in verse and prose; of these I have found only the following. For Pilgrim, archbishop of Cologne, he composed an excellent and useful volume:

On Music, or on Tones, one book. “Every regular [unclear]...” On the Instruments of Music, one book. “The musician is not to be content...” On the Advent of the Lord, to Aribo, one book. “Of the highest dignity...” Also On the Office of the Mass, one book. On the Fast of the Four Seasons, one book. On the Saturday Fast, one book. On the Measurement of the Monochord, one book. Letters to Various Persons, one book.

He published many other things besides, which have not yet come to my knowledge. He flourished in the times of St. Henry, the first emperor but the second king, because the first did not receive the crown of empire, in the year of the Lord 1020.

Adelboldus, bishop of Utrecht, formerly, as they say, a monk of Lobbes of the Order of St. Benedict, under whose person Abbot Heriger composed the dialogue On the Advent of the Lord, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and nobly instructed in secular letters, held in great esteem at the court of St. Henry the emperor; no less by arms than by learning he [unclear] the unbelievers. He wrote,

The Life

The Abbot of Sponheim

The Life of St. Henry the Emperor, one book. On the praise of the holy cross. On the praise of blessed Mary. But he also published some other works, both in verse and in prose, which have not come to my knowledge. He died under Conrad the younger, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1027, in the tenth indiction, in the eighteenth year of his episcopate, on the sixth day before the Kalends of December.

Osbert, a monk of Canterbury, of the Order of St. Benedict, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and very skilled in the art of music, subtle in intellect and distinguished in eloquence, published various treatises in both kinds of literature, by which he transmitted the fame of his name to posterity. He wrote, among other things: The Life of St. Dunstan, archbishop, one book. Also On Music, one book. He flourished in the times of St. Henry the emperor, in the year of the Lord 1026.

Odilo, fourth abbot of Cluny, of the Order of St. Benedict, a holy and learned man, presiding over the monastery for fifty-six years, led the souls of many to Christ by word and example; Peter Damian, bishop and cardinal of Ostia, described his life, full of virtues and miracles, in a lucid discourse. He composed for the edification of his brothers: Elegant Sermons, one book. He died under Henry II, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1048, in the first indiction, in the eighty-seventh year of his age, on the first day of the month of January.

Fulbert, bishop of Chartres, most learned in the divine Scriptures and, in the disciplines of secular letters, the most learned of teachers in all his time, a distinguished poet and dialectician, presiding for many years over the public school, produced very many highly learned hearers. In life also most holy, he is read to have shone with many miracles. Among other things, he is said to have written: Letters to various persons, one book. In Praises of St. Mary, one book. Various hymns and prayers. And certain other devotional works. He flourished in the times of Henry, the first king, in the year of the Lord 1016.

Bruno, bishop of Wurzburg, paternal cousin of Conrad II, emperor, German by nation, a man zealous in the divine Scriptures, most holy in life and conduct, who, because of the excellence of his merits, was inscribed in the catalogue of the saints and is held to be the special patron of East Francia. He gathered from the writings of the ancient fathers a fine exposition: On the Whole Psalter, one book, "Blessed is the man who has not gone away." Whether he wrote anything else I do not know. He died under Henry II, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1045, in the thirteenth indiction, on the sixth day before the Kalends of June.

Rupert, abbot of the monastery of Cassino, of the Order of St. Benedict, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures and exceptionally instructed in secular letters, zealous for regular discipline and an active governor, so that he could be considered a useful shepherd of the sheep committed to him by word and example. He wrote for the edification of his brothers fine and elegant Sermons, one book. He also published some other works, which have not yet come to our knowledge.

Guido, monk and abbot of the monastery of the Cross of St. Leufredus, of the Order of the divine father Benedict, by homeland an Aretine, a man practiced in the divine Scriptures and most learned in secular disciplines, an outstanding dialectician and musician. In this too he is to be preferred to the rest: that even boys and girls may learn unknown songs more easily by themselves through his rule on their hand than through the voice of a master or by any instrument. He wrote, among the other little works of his intellect, against Berengar, cleric of the church of Tours: On the Body and Blood of the Lord, one book. Also On Music, two books, "Therefore those who [unclear] our discipline." And other works which I have not seen. He flourished under Conrad the younger, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1030.

Egelnoth, archbishop of the church of Canterbury in England, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, most holy in life and conduct, a most merciful advocate of the poor. At his exhortation Cnut, king of England, made many alms, especially to the church of Chartres, over which the most learned man Fulbert, bishop, then presided, of whom we have made mention above. He is said to have written, to the honor of almighty God, a fine work: In Praise of St. Mary, one book. Letters to various persons, one book. And certain other things. He flourished in the times of Conrad the younger, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1039.

Adelmann the grammarian, from a cleric of Liege bishop of Brescia, formerly a hearer of Fulbert, bishop of Chartres, a man zealous and learned in the divine writings, a philosopher and dialectician famous in his time, excelling in verse and prose. He wrote in both

On Ecclesiastical Writers

and certain little works worthy to be commended for their style, of which few have come to our knowledge for reading. He wrote to Berengar of Tours, formerly his fellow pupil under Fulbert, then beginning to err and to teach dogmatically, correcting him at great length and in friendly fashion.

On the Body and Blood of the Lord, one book. “I call you a collector.” One book of letters to various persons. He is said besides to have written many other things, both in verse and in prose, which I have not seen. He flourished under King Henry III, in the year of the Lord 1040.

Hermann, who was called Contractus, a monk of the monastery of St. Gall, of the order of the divine father Benedict, a German by nation, son of the count of Veringen in Swabia, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, most thoroughly instructed in secular letters, a philosopher, poet, astronomer, rhetorician, musician, second to none in his time, and highly skilled in the three languages Greek, Latin, and Arabic. He wrote many distinguished volumes in verse and prose, of which I have found only the following, namely:

On Music, one book. On the Monochord, one book. “In considering the mono-.” On the Six Ages of the World, one book. “The first is of this world.” On the Construction of the Astrolabe, one book. “Therefore in measuring under-.” On the Usefulness of the Astrolabe, one book. “Whoever of astronomical-.” On Eclipses, one book. On Computation, one book. On the Squaring of the Circle, one book. On the Conflict of Rhythmomachy, one book. “He who is skilled in arithmetic-.” On Physiognomy, one book. “Of a distinguished prudent man.” Lives of Several Saints, one book. Various hymns and sequences. He also composed, in sweet and regular melody, most beautiful chants and sequences. Among these is that very sweet one concerning the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Salve regina,” and “Alma redemptoris mater,” and others, of which the number is abundant. He also translated into Latin some volumes of Greek philosophers and Arab astrologers. In his limbs he was, in accordance with his name, contracted, but always persevering in thanksgiving; hence he deserved to be inwardly wonderfully consoled and enlightened by the most blessed Virgin, Mother of God. He flourished in the times of Emperor Henry II, in the year of the Lord [1040?].

Guimundus, archbishop of Aversa, formerly a monk of the monastery of the Cross of St. Leufredus, of the order of the most holy father Benedict, a man nobly learned in the divine Scriptures, perfected in secular letters, and also not ignorant of secular literature. He wrote certain volumes in Latin [unclear] in the time of the astronomers. In his limbs he was, in accordance with his name, [unclear]. I have found only the following prose works, namely:

On the Body and Blood of the Lord, one book. “To the matter in these times.” And certain other works unseen by us.

Alphanus, archbishop of Salerno, formerly a monk of the monastery of Monte Cassino, of the order of St. Benedict, a man nobly learned in the divine Scriptures and perfected in secular letters, and also of very celebrated reputation among secular writers. He wrote certain little works [unclear], by which he made known to posterity the name also of profound understanding and his talent [unclear]. Of these there survive:

On the Union of the Word of God and Man, one book. On the Four Humors of the Body, one book. He also composed other volumes in every branch of literature, which have by no means come down to us.

Campanus, a Lombard by nation, philosopher and astronomer, in the opinion of all most celebrated in his time, keen in talent, scholastic in speech, and also not ignorant of the divine Scriptures, an outstanding calculator and computist. He published not a few works of his talent, of which I have read the following, a great and distinguished work:

On Ecclesiastical Computation, one book. “One of [them] asked me from-.” On the Construction of the Quadrant, one book. “You must know that the circle.” He also composed many other things in astronomy, which have not come into our hands. He flourished under King Henry III, in the year of the Lord 1030.

Helpericus, a monk of the monastery of St. Gall, of the order of the divine father Benedict, a German by nation, a man very learned in the divine Scriptures, most instructed in secular letters, a philosopher, poet, distinguished astronomer, subtle in talent, composed in speech. He wrote both in verse

The Abbot of Spanheim some little works in verse as well as in prose. Of these I have been able to find only a distinguished work:

On ecclesiastical computation, one book. “When with our brothers [unclear]...” Also On Music, one book. Of the rest I have seen nothing. He flourished under Emperor Henry III, in the year of the Lord 1069.

Berthorius, abbot of the monastery of Cassino, of the Order of St. Benedict, a man zealous and learned in the Holy Scriptures, and nobly educated in the discipline of secular letters, an eminent philosopher and physician. Before his conversion he is said to have written many little works in his own faculty. But afterward changing his study, and having been made a physician of souls, he wrote for the edification of his brothers:

Elegant Sermons, one book.

He also published other various treatises, knowledge of which has not reached me.

Rogerius, a monk of the Order of St. Benedict, to whom Guimundus of Aversa, bishop, while still established in the monastery, is said to have written three books Against Berengar; a learned man, educated both in divine and in secular letters, described, for the edification of many, in a sufficiently lucid style:

The Life of Bruno, Bishop of Cologne, one book.

And certain other things. He flourished under Emperor Henry II, in the year 1040.

Algerus, from a scholastic a monk of Corbie in Saxony, German by nation, of the Order of St. Benedict, a man trained by constant study in the sacred writers, rich in reading of the ancients, and magnificently learned in secular books, cautious in intellect and sufficiently eloquent in speech, strong in verse and prose. He wrote in a very polished style a notable volume:

On the Sacrament of the Altar, two books. “Because the saints concerning the body...” On Grace and Free Will, one book. “It must be known that free...” And certain letters.

He is also said to have written many other things, which have not come into our hands.

Albertus, a monk of Metz, of the Order of St. Benedict, French by nation, a man skilled in the Holy Scriptures through continual exercise, and not ignorant of the arts of humanity, which we call liberal, in order to transmit his name to posterity, wrote certain little works of reading not to be despised. Of these there is said to be a short but useful work, containing the history of the events of his own time, which he dedicated:

To the Bishop of Metz, one book. And certain other things.

He flourished in the times of Emperor Conrad the Younger, in the year of the Lord 1030.

Eckebertus, cleric of the church of Liege, German by nation, elegantly learned in the divine Scriptures and perfectly instructed in the disciplines of secular letters. He wrote some little works both in verse and in prose, by which he transmitted his name to the knowledge of posterity. Of these there survives a volume composed in elegant verse, which he entitled:

On Rustic Riddles, one book. “On the same matter, greater than others...”

And certain other things. He flourished in the times of Emperor Henry III, in the year of the Lord 1060.

Leo, Pope IX, formerly bishop of the city of the Leuci, which is called Toul, under the archbishop of Trier, sat in the chair of Peter after Damasus for seven years. Previously called Bruno, a learned and holy man. He wrote some distinguished little works, in which the grace of expression and sublimity of thought are deservedly commended. Of these, to Constantine the monk [unclear]:

Against the Errors of the Greeks, one book. To the Patriarch of Constantinople, two books. Letters to Various Persons, three books. To the bishops of Africa and Egypt.

He died under Henry the third king, the second emperor, in the year of the Lord 1054, in the seventh indiction, shining with many miracles.

Humbertus, a monk of Toul, of the Order of St. Benedict, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and nobly learned in secular letters, lofty in intellect and eloquence, whom Pope Leo IX, because of his knowledge of letters, brought forward and ordained cardinal bishop. Sent by him to Constantinople to refute the heresies of the Greeks, by God’s aid he refuted and defeated Nicetas Pectoratus, a monk, in the presence of Emperor Constantine and Patriarch Michael, so that he anathematized his book which he had written against the Church of the Latins and with his own hand threw it into the fire to be burned. And whatever he said or did there in disputation, he wrote out lucidly under the name of the Roman and the Constantinopolitan:

In the Manner of Dialogues, one book. He also wrote certain other things.

He flourished under Emperor Henry II, in the year of the Lord 1050.

Ansel-

On Ecclesiastical Writers

ANSELM, a monk of Reims, of the Order of St. Benedict, a Frenchman by nationality, a man having a mind trained in the divine scriptures, wrote certain small works of his own study, which have not yet come into my hands. And among other things he gathered into one volume the deeds of Pope Leo IX performed throughout Gaul in councils and assemblies, in order to make known with how great authority he held a synod at Reims, or in other cities; with how great industry and subtlety he examined ecclesiastical cases; with what apportionment he corrected sinners; and how divine power worked together with him, as was sufficiently clear in one case of the Synod of Reims, where, when the bishop of Freising acted contumaciously against apostolic authority, by God’s vengeance he suddenly became mute before the eyes of all. He wished this work to be entitled:

The Itinerary of Pope Leo, one book.

He flourished under Henry III, king, in the year of the Lord 1050.

LANFRANC, archbishop of the church of Canterbury in England, formerly abbot of the monastery of Caen, of the Order of St. Benedict, an Italian by nationality from the city of Pavia, a man most learned in the divine scriptures, and in secular letters, especially in dialectic, by the opinion of all the most learned of his time, famous no less for holiness than for knowledge, left outstanding monuments of his intellect. Of these I have found only the following, a distinguished work:

On All the Epistles of Paul the Apostle, four books. Commentaries on the Psalter, one book. Against Berengar, one book, “Lanfrancus misericor.” The Deeds of Count William, one book. Of the rest I have found nothing.

He flourished under Emperor Henry III, in the year of the Lord 1060.

PETER DAMIAN, formerly a monk of the holy father Benedict, bishop of Ostia, cardinal of the most holy Roman church, a man devoted to the divine scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, gentle and keen in intellect, pleasing and polished in speech, sufficiently capable in persuasion, shone forth as distinguished and famous no less for holiness than for learning. Following the example of the great bishop Gregory, through love of solitude and quiet he abandoned his episcopate, and after he had governed it strenuously for some years he returned to his monastery, thereafter spending his life with his brothers in tranquility of mind. But when he was reproved by the supreme pontiff with a charitable rebuke as to why, being a useful and suitable man, he had relinquished the episcopate through love of private salvation, he issued apologetic writings to the Roman pontiffs who succeeded one another, Nicholas II, Alexander II, and Gregory VII; in these, humbly excusing his action by authority, reason, and example, he appeased their minds. Of his small works the following are reported: To Leo the Hermit, whether a solitary person praying the canonical hours ought also to say “The Lord be with you,” when there is no one to answer; an instructive little work, entitled:

The Lord Be with You, one book, “To Lord Leo, with love.” Apologetics, one book, “To his lord Nicholas alone.” On the Incontinence of Priests, one book, “Recently, having with some.” On the Wives of Clerics, one book, “I address you, O [unclear].” Rule of Solitaries, one book, “While the fervor of holy [unclear].” Exhortation to Monks, one book, “To the brothers in Gangra.” Miracles of His Own Time, one book, “To the most beloved Gerard.” On the Progress of Monks, one book. Antilogion against the Jews, one book. one book, “Hugh, abbot of Cluny.” Life of Abbot Odilo, one book, “To Blanche, formerly countess.” On the Terror of Death, one book, “Indeed it must be considered.” On Meditation on Death, one book. Against a Certain Bishop, one book. Against Simoniacal Bishops, one book. On the Insolence of Wicked Men, one book, “To Lord H. of Ravenna.” Most Pleasing or Most Approved, one book. On the Natures of Certain Animals, one book. Of Rhetorical Declamation, one book, “Still, most beloved men.” On Flora Lucilla, one book, “Admirable, glorious.” On Cassian the Martyr, one book, “The glorious [unclear] of blessed Boniface.” On St. Boniface, one book, “To the fair, brothers, [unclear].” On St. Anastasius, one book. And many other things which I have not seen. Sermons and homilies [unclear].

He flourished under King Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1050.

BRUNO, archbishop of the Ruthenians, formerly a monk, of the Order of St. Benedict, an Italian by nationality, a man learned in the divine scriptures, an outstanding declaimer of homilies to the people, holy, and finally

The Abbot of Sponheim

...and finally worthy of God, since, preaching the Catholic faith in Prussia, he is read to have been crowned with martyrdom by the enemies of Christ. He wrote some distinguished little works of his talent. Of these there survive, of commentaries:

On Genesis, 2 books.

And certain others. He suffered at the hands of the Prussians under St. Henry of Bamberg, who was the second king of this name and the first emperor, in the year of the Lord 1008, indiction 6. After afflicting him with many tortures and cutting off his feet and hands, they at last made him a martyr of Christ by beheading.

Erhard, a monk of the order of St. Benedict, a man zealous in the divine Scriptures and learned by continual exercise, subtle in intellect and ready in speech, was of excellent industry in delivering homilies to the people. By expounding the divine Scriptures he made his name known, and by frequent study of them became an outstanding teacher. He wrote little works of reading not to be despised, of which there are reported:

Commentaries on Genesis, 1 book. On Exodus, 1 book.

On Leviticus, 1 book. On Numbers, 1 book.

On Deuteronomy, 1 book. Also of homilies, 1 book.

He also published some other things, which have not come to my knowledge.

Bernold, priest of the church of Constance in Swabia, a German by nation, a devout man, zealous and learned in the holy Scriptures, and sufficiently instructed in the discipline of secular letters, distinguished in intellect and [unclear] in eloquence, left some little works of his study, which nevertheless have not at all come to the knowledge of our reading. He is said to have composed, for the usefulness of the ecclesiastical commonwealth, a volume which he entitled:

The Roman Order, 2 books.

He flourished in the times of Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1060.

Marbod, bishop of Rennes, very zealous in the divine Scriptures, learned by reading the ancients, and nobly instructed in the disciplines of secular letters, excellent in verse and prose. He wrote not a few volumes in both styles, which could no less please readers than profit them. Among these there excels a notable work which he composed in elegant meter with a threefold sense:

On the Song of Songs, 1 book. The Passion of the Theban Martyrs, in verse, 1 book.

And certain others. He flourished in the times of Henry III, in the year of the Lord [1050?].

Marianus, a monk of Fulda, of the order of St. Benedict, a Scot by nation, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, a historian and distinguished computist, left his homeland and came into Germany as a pilgrim for the love of Christ. First, at Cologne, he was made a monk at St. Martin's, and, from desire for solitude, was enclosed; he remained there for two years. Afterwards, however, transferred to Fulda, he remained enclosed there for 12 years, until at length, on account of his learning and sanctity, by order of the bishop of Mainz and the abbot of Fulda, he moved to Mainz and, staying again enclosed at St. Martin's for 17 years, was held by all in great honor. He wrote from the beginning of the world down to his own times:

A notable Chronicle, 2 books. We are instructed by the divine.

On the Harmony of the Evangelists, 1 book. It was in the days of Herod.

Also On Computus, 1 book.

And certain others. He died under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1086, indiction 9, in the 58th year of his age, and was buried at Mainz at St. Martin's, in the greater church, not without a reputation for sanctity.

Weneric, bishop of Vercelli, formerly a cleric of the church of Trier, a German by nation, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and sufficiently instructed in the discipline of secular letters, made his name known to posterity by writing, although his little works have not come to the knowledge of our reading. In that discord which existed between Hildebrand, Pope Gregory VII, and Henry, third emperor or fourth king, he wrote, in the person of Theoderic, bishop of Verdun, while he was still a cleric at Trier, to that same pope, beseeching him as a father and, with friendly affection, as though grieving, suggesting to him all the things which talkative rumor had spread abroad that he had done or said against the right of laws and the justice of equity. He entitled it:

On the Discord of the Kingdom and the Priesthood, 1 book. I have found nothing concerning the rest.

He flourished under King Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1080.

Theoderic, a monk of the order of St. Benedict, a German by nation, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and nobly instructed in secular letters, subtle in intellect and distinguished in speech. He is said to have written certain little works of reading not to be spurned, of which few have come to my knowledge. I have read only, addressed to Richard, abbot of Fulda:

On Ecclesiastical Writers

On the Life of St. Benedict, one book. It begins: “When the heavenly sacrament...” On the Translation of the Body of the Same, one book. It begins: “When for a long time the Lombard people...” Letters to Various Persons, one book. He also composed many other works, both in verse and in prose, which have not come down to us. He flourished under King Henry III, in the year of the Lord 1049.

Adam, abbot of Persema, of the order of the divine father Benedict, a man learned in the divine Scriptures through constant exercise, rich in reading the ancients, and sufficiently trained in knowledge of secular letters, of very celebrated reputation in delivering homilies, transmitted his name with praise to posterity by composing various treatises. There are extant his devout and useful works:

Sermons to the Brethren, one book. On the Saints and Various Subjects, one book.

He is also said to have explained certain treatises of sacred Scripture, in which he showed the abundant vein of his talent; but they have not come to my knowledge.

Anselm, bishop of Lucca, a man most learned in the divine writings and not meanly instructed in secular letters, the tireless co-worker of Pope Gregory VII and an outstanding defender of him against Guibert, who had been set under him by Henry, so that he defended all his deeds, sayings, or writings against Emperor Henry by the authority of law and of the Scriptures. He left very famous monuments of a great talent, by which he transmitted his name with glory to the knowledge of posterity. Of these there are extant:

Against Guibert the Antipope, one book. On the Psalter, also one book. And Several Letters to Various Persons, one book.

He flourished under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1080.

Willeram, abbot of Mersburg, of the order of St. Benedict, a German by nation, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, practiced in verse and prose, after he had for some time devoted himself to the study of letters at the University of Paris, returned to his homeland and was made scholasticus of the church of Bamberg. At length, considering that the glory of the world passes away with time, and despising the world, he put on the monk in the monastery of Fulda for love of Christ; and finally, as his merits increased, he was consecrated abbot in the monastery of St. Peter near Mersburg, and by writing made his name known to posterity. Of his little works I have read only a volume, composed with fine variety in mixed prose and verse, on the marriage of Christ and the Church:

On the Song of Songs. It begins: “When I look upon the studies of the elders...” On Jeremiah the Prophet, one book. And Several Letters to Various Persons, one book.

Of the rest I have seen nothing. He flourished under Henry III, in the year of the Lord 1070.

Franco, scholasticus of the church of Liège, a German by nation, a man magnificently learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular literature, also outstanding as an astronomer and computist, and venerable no less for religion than for knowledge. He is said to have composed some treatises on the sacred Scriptures, which have not yet come to my knowledge. He wrote to Hermann II, archbishop of Cologne, a subtle and excellent work, a volume in mixed prose and verse, composed with fine variety, on the marriage of Christ and the Church:

[unclear], one book. On the Squaring of the Circle, one book. And many other works.

He flourished under Emperor Henry III, in the year of the Lord [unclear].

Bernard, a monk of Cluny, of the order of St. Benedict, a man practiced in the holy Scriptures by constant meditation, and not ignorant of secular literature, also in religion and [unclear].

The Customs of Cluny, one book.

Bernard, a monk of Corbie in Saxony, of the order of St. Benedict, a German by nation, a man nobly learned in the divine writings and very skilled in secular letters, excellent in verse and prose, subtle in talent and eloquent in speech. He wrote to Hartwin, archbishop of Magdeburg, in a clear indeed but bitter discourse, a volume:

Against Henry IV, one book. And other works which I have not seen.

He also wrote other things. He flourished under Emperor Henry III, in the year of the Lord 1050.

Ivo, bishop of Chartres, formerly provost of St. Quentin of Beauvais, of the order of regular canons of the divine father Augustine, a man practiced in the divine Scriptures and a most careful interpreter of the canons of the holy fathers and general councils, and revered no less for holiness than for knowledge, magnificently reformed his order, which had long since collapsed. After Burchard, bishop of Worms, he wrote from the canons of the saints a concise decretal collection, which jurists used before the time of Gratian, and which he entitled:

Panormia, ten books. Excerptiones ecclesi[asticae?] [unclear]. Letters to Various Persons, one book. [unclear] the Church of Chartres. And

268 The Abbot of Sponheim And certain other things. He flourished under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1090.

Hildebert, bishop of Le Mans and afterwards archbishop of Tours, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, and in secular learning second to none in his time; sharp in intellect and very eloquent in speech; formerly a disciple of Berengar of Tours, but a persecutor of his error; who endured many persecutions and tribulations, even to imprisonment, for ecclesiastical liberty. He wrote in both styles, namely verse and prose, certain excellent little works, of which as yet only a few have come to our knowledge for reading. He wrote, in elegant meter, a very beautiful and useful exposition:

On the Whole Office of the Mass, one book: “I have proposed to write what...” On His Exile, one book: “Recently I was wealthy in...” On the Misery of This Life, one book: “We are taken from the midst [unclear]...” On the Sacrament of the Altar, one book. Of Hymns and Prayers in Diverse Meter, one book. Letters to Various Persons, one book: “If anyone [says] one nature...”

He comprised the epitaph of Berengar, once his teacher, in fifty-two verses. He wrote also many other things still unknown to us. He flourished under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1090.

Anselm, archbishop of Canterbury in England, formerly abbot of the monastery of Bec in Normandy, of the Order of St Benedict, once a hearer and disciple of Lanfranc; a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, second to none in his time in knowledge of secular letters; upright and most holy in life and conduct; devout in mind, eloquent in speech, continual in action, angelic in countenance, mature in bearing, exemplary in progress, in the study of the Scriptures:

Against the Gentiles, Why God Became Man, one book: “Often, earnestly, by many...” On the Incarnation of the Word, against the Jews, one book: “To the lord father of the whole...” On the Virginal Conception, one book: “Since in all things, religious...” Proslogion, one book: “Come now, little man...” Monologion, one book: “Anselm, servant, etc.” On the Holy Spirit, against the Greeks, one book: “It is denied by the Greeks that the Spirit...” On the Fall of the Devil, one book: “That saying of the Apostle, ‘What have you...’” On the Diversity of the Sacraments, one book: “To the lord and friend Waltram...” On Leavened and Unleavened Bread, one book. On the Song of Songs. On the Will of God, one book: “Human reason, when concerning...” On the Holy Trinity, one book. Dialogue of a Christian and a Gentile. On Peace and Concord, one book: “Wherever sacred Scripture...” On Grace and Free Will, one book. On Blessed Sufficiency. Dialogue on Truth, one book: “Since God is truth...” On Similitudes, one book: “The will in three ways...” Measurement of the Cross, one book: “Jesus of Nazareth, by [unclear]...” Meditations, one book: “[unclear] whether it is...” Against the Fool, one book: “Since he does not rebuke me...” On the Misery of Man, one book: “My life terrifies me...” On Antichrist, one book. To Lanfranc the Archbishop. On the Eight Beatitudes, one book. On St John the Baptist. On the Members Attributed to God, one book: “Since your probity...” On the Sacraments and Divine Offices, one book: “Servant of the servants of God, in...” Proverbs, that is, On the House of Conscience, one book: “[Jesus] entered; what...” On the Hexaemeron, one book. Letters to Various Persons, one book. On the Grammarian, one book: “A desertory, on account of the second place, whatever is...” On the Assumption of St Mary, one book. On Servitude, on account of the second place, whatever is... To William of Hirsau, one book. On Sin:

On Ecclesiastical Writers

On original sin, one book. Also some sermons. But he is said to have written many other works also, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under Emperor Henry III, in the year of the Lord 1080.

Wilhelm, abbot of the monastery of Hirsau, in the diocese of Speyer, of the Order of St. Benedict, a German by nation, to whom blessed Anselm, archbishop of Canterbury, wrote several letters, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and, in secular letters, inferior to no one among the Germans in his time, a philosopher, astronomer, and distinguished musician, most holy in life and conduct, since he is read to have shone with many miracles, reformed regular discipline, which had already collapsed, in many monasteries of Germany. Therefore, for the conversation of monastic observance, from the statutes of the ancients, he wrote:

Constitutions of monks, two books. “Since I, brother Wilhelm.” On music and tones, one book. “After, by God’s gift, [unclear].” One book. “Whoever [is] most truthful.” On the clock, one book. “If anyone in this necessary [matter].” On the correction of the Psalter, one book. Letters to various persons, one book. To St. Anselm of Canterbury, three letters. And certain other works.

He also published several other works, which through the negligence of the ancients have fallen into oblivion. He died under Emperor Henry III, but as king of the Romans the fourth, in the year of the Lord 1091, indiction 14, on the fourth Nones of July. He was buried in the middle of the church of the Apostles, with a great reputation for holiness.

Giselbert, provost of the monastery of Weltin in England, of the Order of St. Benedict, hearer and disciple of Anselm of Canterbury, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and skilled in the practice of secular [learning], and nobly taught in the disciplines of secular letters, a clear theologian and poet, ready in talent and cautious in speech, not ignorant of philosophy, sufficiently endowed in talent, made his name known to posterity by writing, while he composed certain necessary works, in which he exercised his talent magnificently. Of these are reported the following; [he wrote] splendid volumes, of which few have come to my knowledge. There exists his volume, written in elegant meter; the following are reported:

On the Passion of St. Cyriacus, one book. Life of Saint Bavo, one book. On the prophet Isaiah. And certain other works.

He flourished under Henry IV, with Anselm, in the year of the Lord [1090?].

Gunther, monk of Elno, of the Order of St. Benedict, skilled in the practice of the divine writings, and nobly taught in the disciplines of secular letters, a theologian and clear poet, sufficiently instructed by talent, excelling in verse and prose. Not ignorant of philosophy, ready in talent and cautious in speech, he wrote his name; he made [it] known to posterity by writing, while he magnificently exercised his talent in certain works. Of these splendid volumes, of which few have come to my knowledge, there exists his volume written in elegant meter; the following are reported:

Life of Saint Trudo, one book. “To the one and eternal first [one].” Life of Saint Remaclus. And certain other works.

And many other works. He flourished in the times of Henry IV, in the year of the Lord [1090?].

Theoderic, abbot of the diocese of Canterbury, of the Order of the divine father Benedict, a German by nation, a man studious and learned in the sacred writings, and sufficiently instructed in secular letters, excelling in counsel and [unclear]. Nobly taught in philosophy, in proof of his sincere faith, he wrote in both styles. He wrote, under the name of Moses, what he had been as a Jew, and of Peter, what he had begun to be as a Christian, a distinguished dialogue, necessary concerning Christ, concerning the Church, and concerning the future life, which he entitled:

Against the Jews, one book. On free will, one book. On knowledge and philosophy. “You are said to wonder.” One book. Offense concerning priests, one book. Seal of St. Mary. Summary of histories, one book. “The army in the camps of the eternal [one].” Twin-spotted [unclear] of the soul, on the divine offices, three books. On the ima-

270 The Abbot of Spanheim

On the Image of the World, one book. “The world, therefore, is so called.” On the Song of Songs, one book. “At the beginnings of books.” On the Luminaries of the Church, one book. “Gelasius of the city of Rome.” On the Body of the Lord, one book. On the Hexaemeron, one book. On God and Eternal Life, one book. On the Soul, two books. The Ladder of Heaven, on the degrees of visions, one book. The Key of Physics, on the natures of things, one book. On the Whole Psalter, one book. Homilies on the Gospels, one book. On the Pope and Emperor, one book. A Dialogue from the little works of Augustine, one book. A Refutation of [unclear] on feasts, one book. Food of Life, on the saints, one book. Letters to various persons, one book.

He also published many other things, whose titles I have not been able to find. He flourished under Henry V, in the year of the Lord 1120.

Sigebert, a monk of Gembloux, of the Order of St. Benedict, a Gaul by nation, a man from his youth most devoted to the divine Scriptures and very learned, and in secular letters second to none in his time in the territory of Liege, practiced in verse and prose. He wrote many volumes in both styles, by which he transmitted his name to posterity. He is reproached, however, for this: that, adhering to Henry, persecutor and rebel against the Roman Church, he wrote letters and little works against Hildebrand, Pope Gregory VII, which did not befit his purpose. What he wrote, indeed, he openly declared at the end of On Illustrious Men. When he had been placed in the monastery of St. Vincent at Metz to instruct boys, he wrote in heroic meter:

The Life of St. Theodoric the Bishop, one book. The Passion of St. Lucy, in meter, one book. On the Translation of the same, one book. The Life of King Sigebert, one book. The Passion of the Thebans, one book. The Life of St. Guibert, one book. The Deeds of the Abbots of Gembloux, one book. The Life of St. Maclou, one book. The Life of St. Theobald, one book. Against Pope Gregory, one book. An Apology to the Emperor, one book. Against the Letter of Pope Paschal, one book. On Ecclesiastes, in heroic meter, one book. Histories after Eusebius, one book. On Illustrious Lives, one book. “Marcellus Marcivr.” Letters to various persons, one book.

He also published other things after these, which he did not mark together with the little works written above. He flourished in the times of Emperor Henry III, King Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1070. He brought his Chronicle down to the year [unclear].

Calixtus II, pope, a Burgundian by nation, brother of the duke of Burgundy, formerly archbishop of Vienne, sat in the pontificate after Gelasius for six years. He was a man learned in the divine writings and not ignorant of secular letters, a special lover of St. James the Apostle; in his honor he raised the church of Compostela to an archbishopric. He wrote, in well-composed speech and with the greatest diligence:

On the Miracles of St. James, one book. “Calixtus, bishop, servant.” Letters to various persons, one book.

And certain other things. He flourished under Henry V, in the year of the Lord 1120.

Stephen, also called Herrand, the fourteenth bishop of the church of Halberstadt, formerly abbot of the monastery of Ilsenburg, of the Benedictine Order, a German by nation, was a man learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, subtle in intellect and eloquent in speech. He wrote little works not of contemptible reading, but few have come into our hands. In the person of Count Louis he wrote a very elegant and useful letter to Waltram, bishop of the church of Naumburg, defending Henry, rebel against the Roman Church.

A Defense of the Pope, one book. “As a good man from the good.” And several letters to various persons, one book.

And certain other things. He died under Henry V, in 1107, in the fifteenth indiction. And he was honorably buried in Reinsburg.

Bernard, the first abbot of Clairvaux, of the Cistercian Order, a Burgundian by nation, a noble and holy man, who was renowned for many miracles both in life and after death, learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, subtle in intellect and adorned in speech, since he neglected nothing in his writings that could serve to adorn discourse. He published many distinguished little works, of which the following are reported.

On con-

On Ecclesiastical Writers

On Consideration, to Eugenius, five books. “It comes into the mind to dictate [unclear].” Of his Meditations, one book. “Many know many things,” and On the Soul of Christ. On Contempt of the World, to clerics, one book. “To hear that it may be believed.” On the Degrees of Humility, one book. “You have asked me, brother Gotfrid.” One book. “As he was speaking [unclear].” On Grace and Free Will, one book. “To Hugh, soldier of Christ.” To the Knights of the Temple, one book. “If anyone among you [unclear].” The Mirror of the Religious Life, one book. “When on a certain day [unclear].” On the Monastic Ladder, one book. “To the brothers of the Mountain of God.” To the Carthusians, one book. “The conscience in which [unclear].” On Conscience, one book. “He indeed exhorts the timid [unclear].” On the Order of Life, one book. On Confession of Sins, one book. On the Two Eyes of the Soul, one book. “To the lord abbot of Coulombs.” On Precept and Dispensation, one book. “It has pleased your excellency.” To Henry of Sens, one book. “I seem to you too slow.” To Hugh of Saint-Victor, one book. “Virtue is acquired in peace.” Against Gerard, one book. “Dangerous matters of every kind,” and [unclear]. On the Misery of This Life, one book. “The days of man are as [unclear].” On Temptations and Leisure, one book. “The servant of God freely for God.” On the Will, one book. “All kinds of vices.” An Apology to the Cluniacs, one book. “Until now, if any [unclear].” On the Degrees of Charity, one book. “To the illustrious man, lord Au[unclear].” On the Passion of the Lord, one book. On the Magnificat, one book. On Loving God, one book. “Come, let us ascend.” On the Psalm ‘He who dwells,’ one book. “I consider various labors.” On the Song of Songs, 86 homilies, one book. “To you, brothers, otherwise than to others.” On ‘The angel was sent,’ one book. “That I should write something.” To his sister, on the manner of living, one book. “Most dear to me in Christ.” The Life of Malachy the Bishop, one book. “Enough, more than enough.” Of Letters to various persons, one book. “Today, brothers, we celebrate.” Many sermons, one book. And certain other things. He died under Conrad, the third emperor, in the year of the Lord 1140.

Anselm of Laon, scholasticus, very devoted to the divine Scriptures, skilled through long practice, and in the disciplines of secular letters a notably acute teacher, scholastic in speech, distinguished no less in life than in knowledge, explained the Scriptures of both Testaments with an interlinear and marginal gloss, from the writings of the Fathers, in a new kind of exposition. He also wrote certain other little works which have come to me. It is reported. Commentaries on the Psalter, one book. And certain letters. He flourished under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1110.

Hugh, priest and monk of Saint-Victor at Paris, of the order of the regular canons of Augustine, abbot there, as they say, a Saxon by nation, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, inferior to none of the ancients in secular philosophy, who, like a second Augustine, was regarded as a most celebrated teacher in his time, subtle in intellect, adorned in eloquence, and venerable no less in conduct than in learning. He wrote many, almost countless, little works, of which few have so far come into our hands. A Summary of His Sentences, one book. On the Soul of Christ, one book. On the Sacraments, two books. “The profession [unclear] difficult [unclear].” One book. “Of all things to be expected, first [unclear].” Didascalicon, one book. “Let the soul speak in secret.” One book. “With what zeal, with what [unclear].” On the Manner of Praying, one book. “So many already praised [unclear].” On the Praise of Charity, one book. “Because, brothers, with God granting [unclear].” On the Rule of Saint Augustine, one book. “These precepts which [unclear].” On the Mystical Ark of Noah, five books. “When I was once sitting in [unclear].” On Ecclesiastes, sixteen homilies, one book. “Those things from the book of Solomon.” On the Song of Songs, one book. “At the beginning of the labor.” On the Lamentations of Jeremiah, one book. “How sits, with respect to [unclear].” On Je[unclear].

The Abbot of Sponheim

On the Hierarchies of Dionysius, 14 books. On the Praise of the Fathers, 1 book. On the Perpetual Virginity of Saint Mary, 1 book. On the Magnificat, 1 book. On the Love of the Bridegroom and the Bride, 1 book. On the Medicine of the Soul, 1 book. On Meditation, 1 book. On the Incarnation of the Word, 1 book. On the Wisdom of Christ, 1 book. On the Vanity of the World, 1 book. On the Substance of Love, 1 book. On Discipline, 1 book. On the Mysteries of the Church, 1 book. On Spirit and Soul, 1 book. On the Lord’s Prayer, 1 book. On Confession, 1 book. On the Prophet Ezekiel, 1 book. On Certain Psalms, 1 book. On the Simple Nature of God, 1 book. On the Threefold Will in Christ, 1 book. On the Power and Will of God, 1 book. On Sacred Scripture, 1 book. On the Nature of Animals, 1 book. On Contemplation, 1 book. Letters to Various Persons, 1 book.

He also composed many sermons and various other treatises. He flourished under Emperor Henry V, in the year of the Lord 1130.

Rupert, abbot of the monastery of Deutz near Cologne, of the Order of Saint Benedict, German by nation, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, enlightened by the Holy Spirit through vision, not ignorant of secular letters, a monk of Saint Lawrence of [Traiectum], was taken from there by Frederick, archbishop of Cologne, on account of his incredible learning, and raised to be abbot of the monastery of Deutz. He composed many distinguished little works. For from the time when in his youth he entered the monastery, he had exercised himself so much in the holy Scriptures that not even when sleeping did he seem able to rest from those meditations, but his tongue and lips were moved as if in reading. Of his works I have found only the following at present. To Cuno, abbot of Siegburg and afterwards bishop of Regensburg.

On the Victory of the Word of God, 13 books. It begins: “Recently, when you as a guest...” On Genesis, 1 book. It begins: “Whoever to a faithful soul, while...” On the Song of Songs, 1 book. It begins: “He who against a man like...” On the books of Saint Job, 10 books. On the books of Kings, concerning David, 15 books. On the Holy Trinity in the Old Testament, 12 books. It begins: “That you also, venerable...” On the Apocalypse of John, 11 books. It begins: “Those things which through the cycle of the year...” Meditations on the Fire at Deutz, 3 books. It begins: “Behold how the accuser...” On the Twelve Minor Prophets, 14 books. On the Rule of Saint Benedict, 1 book. On the Gospel of John, 1 book. Letters to Various Persons, 1 book. An Apology for the Same Work, 1 book. It begins: “He was made...”

He wrote, moreover, works not contemptible in reading, of which I have only [unclear]. Finally, he is said to have written many other works, and to have explained the greater part of the New and Old Testament in many books; of these, up to the present, we have seen nothing except those which we have marked. He flourished in great holiness, gleaming with doctrine and miracles, under Henry V, in the year of the Lord 1124. And he died under Lothar III.

Rupert, abbot of the monastery of Limburg in the diocese of Speyer, of the Order of Saint Benedict, German by nation, magnificently learned both in the divine Scriptures and in secular letters, distinguished in life and conduct, so much so that he deserved to be visited by frequent divine revelations. For many years he applied himself to secular philosophy in the school of Paris and became a noble philosopher. But, considering that the philosophy of the present life was empty, he abandoned the study of vanity; returning to his homeland, he became a monk in the said monastery, and finally abbot. He wrote works not contemptible in reading, of which I have found only the following.

On the Can-

On Ecclesiastical Writers

On the Song of Songs, 4 books. “Whoever [unclear] of his own matters.” On contempt of the world, 2 books. “The world by an undeserved name.” On St. John the Baptist, 1 book. “The evangelical historian relates.” Of his revelations, 1 book. “In the year of the Lord’s incarnation.” He wrote certain sermons on the saints whose bodies or patronages were held in the same monastery of Limburg. He flourished under Emperor Henry V, not without a reputation for holiness, in the year of the Lord 1124.

Rudolph, abbot of St. Trond in the diocese of Liège, of the order of the divine father Benedict, a German by nation, a man skilled in the divine Scriptures through constant practice, and not meanly learned in secular letters, strong in verse and prose, and an excellent musician, no less distinguished in work than in knowledge, wrote in both styles some little works not to be despised, of which there are reported: 7 books. Also a chronicle. Against the simoniacs, 1 book. Many poems. He also composed many chants in praise of the saints, in sweet and regular melody. He flourished under Henry V, in the year of the Lord [unclear].

Franco, the second abbot of the monastery of Affligem, of the order of St. Benedict, a man learned in the divine Scriptures and sufficiently instructed in secular doctrine, strong in talent and distinguished in eloquence, wrote both in meter and in prose certain commendable little works, by which he transmitted his name with glory to posterity. While he was still a simple monk in the aforesaid monastery, at the command of Fulgentius his abbot he began an outstanding work, 1 book, which, after he had been made abbot, he later completed, adorned with learning and eloquence. On the grace of God, 7 books. On the state of future glory, in verse, 1 book. Letters to various persons, 1 book. Sermons on the Blessed Virgin, 1 book. And certain other things. He was elected abbot of the aforesaid monastery of Affligem under Emperor Henry V, in the year of the Lord [unclear], indiction 13.

Gilbert, bishop of Poitiers, formerly a scholastic of Paris, surnamed Porretanus, a Frenchman by nation, a man much practiced in the divine Scriptures and magnificently learned in secular letters, subtle in talent and confused in eloquence by novelty of terms, was accused in certain matters of heresy by blessed Bernard, and, convicted in the council of Reims celebrated by Eugenius, is said to have renounced his error. There are those who excuse him, saying that the authorities introduced in his expositions were understood by some persons in a less sound way. But we, thinking with the Roman Church, confess that what has once been concluded by it may be infringed by no one. Gilbert wrote many little works, of which the following are reported: On the whole Psalter, 7 books. On all the epistles of Paul, 14 books. On the Gospel of John, 7 books. Books of Questions, etc. On Boethius, On the Trinity, 7 books. And certain other things. Several sermons. He flourished under Emperor Conrad III, in the year of the Lord [unclear].

Lucas, abbot of the mount of St. Cornelius, of the order of the divine father Benedict, learned in the holy Scriptures by continual practice and sufficiently instructed in secular letters for his state, having obtained a noble talent for expounding the divine volumes, transmitted his name to the knowledge of posterity by writing various treatises. But I do not recall that any of them have come into my hands. There is reported an outstanding work of his, addressed to Milo, bishop of the church of Thérouanne, likewise a very learned man, which I have not yet seen. On the Song of Songs, 1 book. Several sermons and letters. And certain other things. He flourished in the times of Lothar, the last emperor, in the year of the Lord 1130.

Wilbert, bishop of Chartres, studious and very skilled in the divine Scriptures, and inferior to none of the doctors of his time in the disciplines of secular letters, of talent and sufficiently adorned eloquence, notable in morals and life, and a special lover and worshipper of the most blessed Mary, Mother of God, wrote an outstanding little work on this prophecy: “The scepter shall not be taken away from Judah,” 7 books. Against the Jews, 1 book. On the nativity of St. Mary, 1 sermon. Approved customs. Various sermons, 1 book. He is also said to have written a number of other things, which have not come to my knowledge. I believe that he flourished under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1100.

Odo, bishop of Cambrai, a man learned in the holy Scriptures and nobly taught in humane letters, subtle in talent and distinguished in eloquence, in composing and declaiming ho-

Abbot of Sponheim

[unclear] in homilies to the people, according to the custom, by no means undistinguished. He wrote a disputation which he had held with a certain Jew concerning the mystery of the Lord’s incarnation, in dialogue form, with the first letter of his own name and that of the Jew disputing with him noted.

To Wilbodo the monk, one book. On the Canon of the Mass, one book. On the steward of iniquity, one book: “There was a certain rich man.” Several homilies and letters. And he composed not a few other things, which have not come to my knowledge.

Emondus, a monk of Canterbury in England, of the Order of St. Benedict, formerly a hearer and disciple of Archbishop Anselm, a man learned in the divine Scriptures through long practice, and not ignorant of secular letters, wrote little works not unworthy of reading, by which he benefited the edification of the faithful and made his name known to posterity. Of these there is extant one volume on the discord which existed between William, king of the English, and the aforesaid St. Anselm, archbishop of Canterbury.

On ecclesiastical liberty, one book. The life of the same Anselm, one book. And certain other things. He flourished in the time of Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1120.

Gratian, a monk of Bologna or of Classe, of the Order of St. Benedict, by country, as some think, an Etruscan, a man most learned in the divine writings, burning with marvelous zeal, ready in talent, distinguished in eloquence, and notable also in life and conduct. After Ivo, bishop of Chartres, he wrote a distinguished volume of Decrees from the statutes, sanctions, and writings of the ancients, which professors of canon law use in the schools down to the present, approved by Pope Eugene III. Its title is:

The Concord of Discordant Canons, four books: “The human race by two.”

He composed certain other things. He flourished under Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1120.

Hugh, a monk of Corbie, of the Order of St. Benedict, called “of Fouilloy,” a man rich and learned in the holy Scriptures through the reading of the ancients, distinguished in talent, sweet in eloquence, and no less venerable in conduct than in knowledge, made his name known to posterity by his writings. For he wrote a notable volume, for all religious persons fearing God not so much useful as delightful, divided into four little books, entitled as follows:

On the material cloister, one book: “On the ordering of the cloister.” On the spiritual cloister, one book. On the cloister of the soul, one book: “The cloister of the soul contem[unclear].” On the cloister of paradise, one book: “In the heavenly Jerusalem cloi[unclear].” And certain other things. He flourished in the time of Henry IV, in the year of the Lord 1120.

Richard, a monk of St. Victor at Paris, of the order of regular canons of St. Augustine, a man most learned in the divine writings and nobly instructed in secular philosophy, outstanding in talent, scholastic in eloquence, and excellent in morals and conduct. He wrote many, almost innumerable, little works, by which he greatly benefited the usefulness of believers and consecrated his name to immortality. Among these the following are reported:

On the Holy Trinity, one book: “I have established my [unclear] from faith,” etc. On contemplation, one book: “Arise, O Lord, into thy rest.” On the twelve patriarchs, one book: “Benjamin the youth.” On the mystical ark, one book: “That mystical ark of Moses.” On the Song of Songs, one book: “In the little bed,” etc., “the soul which.” On the extermination of evil, one book: “What is it to thee, O sea, that.” On the advancement of good, one book: “Every head is sick.” Against the Judaizers, one book: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive.” On the tabernacle of the covenant, one book. On the forty-two stopping-places. On the four degrees of charity, one book. On the priesthood of Melchizedek. On the twelve apparitors, one book. On the study of wisdom. On the progress of monks, one book: “Since to thy question,” etc. On the threefold holocaust, one book: “Bring to the Lord, O sons of God.” On the authority of Peter, one book: “The things which in the Gospel.” On judicial power, one book. On diverse affections. On the difference of sins, one book: “In Da-” On the instruction of novices, one book. On the Apocalypse of John.

On Ecclesiastical Writers

one book. A Chronicle from the beginning of the world, one book. [unclear] Daniel the prophet. On the double Passover, one book. 24 books. “O God supremely good,” etc. Of divisions or exceptions. On the vision of Nebuchadnezzar, one book. On the sacrifice of Abraham, one book. On the four winds. On the words of Isaiah, one book. “On that day a man will nourish.” On the words of the Apostle, one book. “You ask how,” etc. On the Acts of the Apostles, one book. “King Herod sent [unclear].” On violent charity, one book. “Purge out the old leaven.” On newness of life, one book.

He also composed many other things besides: letters, sermons, various treatises. He flourished under Conrad III, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1140.

Guido, the fifth prior of the Carthusians, a man skilled through long study in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, gentle in disposition, clear in speech, and venerable no less in his way of life than in his learning, is reported to have composed several little works, by which his name has been bestowed upon immortality. Of these there survives an excellent work written in lucid style:

On the life of Hugh, bishop of Grenoble, one book. On the institutions of the Carthusians, one book.

And certain other things. With diligent study he corrected, according to the rule of truth, the letters of the most blessed father Jerome, corrupted by the excessive fault of scribes, and brought them together into one. He died under the younger emperor Lothar, in the year of the Lord 1137, in the fifteenth indiction, on the sixth day before the Kalends of August.

Peter Lombard, bishop of Paris after being a scholastic, a man most devoted to the divine Scriptures and nobly learned, subtle in intellect and clear in speech, transmitted his name to posterity by writing with such great glory that, down to the present day, the school of theologians everywhere, exercised in his little works, names and holds him as Master with singular veneration. For with sagacious study he wrote, from the sayings of the holy fathers, a commendable work:

Sentences, one book. “Desiring something concerning.” On all the Epistles of Paul, fourteen books. “Since all the prophecies of the Spirit.” Various sermons, one book. “The beginning of things require [unclear].”

He also composed not a few other things, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under Conrad III, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1140.

Eckard, first abbot of the monastery of St. Lawrence, which is called [Vraugia], in the diocese of Würzburg in the Hercynian forest, of the order of St. Benedict, a German by nation, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, and, in secular letters, inferior in learning to no one among the Germans in his time, excelling in verse and prose, wrote little works not to be scorned for reading, by which he made clear the liveliness of his talent. Of these I have seen only an excellent work, composed in a double style in imitation of Boethius, very useful and necessary for the instruction and consolation of monks and of all the faithful who fear God, which he entitled:

The Lantern of Monks, one book. “Concerning lives and virtues.” Elegant sermons, one book. He was buried in the middle of the church of the aforesaid monastery.

Engelbert, abbot of the monastery of Admont, of the order of St. Benedict, a German by nation, a man very studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and sufficiently instructed in the disciplines of secular letters, clear in intellect and speech, and no less [unclear] in way of life than [unclear], in verse and prose, wrote in both styles certain excellent little works, whose authority has already long been approved by use in the Church. He was called Comestor, or Manducator, for this reason: because, by more frequently citing the authorities of the Scriptures in his sermons and little works, he as it were [unclear] the volumes into the belly of his memory and talent,

an excellent work addressed to William, archbishop of Sens, briefly and usefully explaining all the historical books of the Bible, which now by usage is entitled:

Scholastic History, twenty books. “Of the imperial majesty.”

The Abbot of Sponheim

On the praises of Saint Mary, one book. Sermons on the season, one book. Sermons on the saints, one book. And several other works, one book.

He flourished under Frederick, the first emperor, in the year of the Lord 1160.

PETER the Dialectician of Paris, called Abelard, a Gaul by nation, a man most learned in secular philosophy and learned in the divine Scriptures, delighting in novelty of terms and attempting to examine things too lofty for himself, was overwhelmed by glory, fell into several errors, and, through the action of the holy abbot Bernard, was condemned with his depraved teachings at the council of Sens. From this time secular philosophy began to defile sacred theology with its useless curiosity. This Peter wrote some little works which, if he had not mixed errors into them, could have served the utility of posterity. Among them there exists a volume, shadowed over with dialectical obscurity and varied with many opinions, which he wished to entitle:

His Theology, one book. Know Thyself, one book. And certain other works.

He flourished under Conrad, the third emperor, in the year of the Lord 1140.

ADELPHUS, abbot of the order of Saint Benedict, a man skilled in the divine Scriptures by long practice and not ignorant of secular letters, an indefatigable cultivator of regular observance, so that by word and example he might show himself a good shepherd to the sheep of Christ entrusted to him. He is said to have forged several little works for their utility, in which a rich vein of talent commends ornate eloquence. Of these there survive elegant works:

Sermons to the brothers, one book. Against the Saracens, one book.

The other things which he is said to have composed have not come to my knowledge.

WILLIAM, abbot of Saint-Thierry and afterward, as is said, a monk of Clairvaux under the divine father Bernard of the Cistercian order, a man zealous and learned in the divine writings, distinguished also by his life and by the holiness of his conduct, and for that reason singularly beloved by him, published little works not to be despised in reading. Of these only a few have come to my knowledge. He began to write, but, overtaken by death, did not complete:

The Life of Saint Bernard the Abbot, one book. Incipit: “About to write a life for the service.” The Mirror of Faith, one book. The Enigma of Faith, one book. Sentences of Faith, one book. To Theophilus on the Nature of the Soul, one book. On Contemplating God, one book. On the Nature and Dignity of Love, one book. On the Sacrament of the Altar, one book. Meditations for Novices, one book. Against Peter Abelard, one book. On the Song of Songs, unfinished, one book. On Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, one book. And certain other works.

There are some who say that this William, while he was still abbot of Saint-Thierry, wrote that well-known letter to the Carthusians whose beginning is “To the brothers of Mont-Dieu, an eastern light,” which is ascribed by many to blessed Bernard. He flourished under Conrad, the third emperor, in the year of the Lord [1140?]. And before Bernard, when he had completed one book on his life, he died; Arnold, abbot of Bonneval, added four other books to it.

CONRAD, a monk of the monastery of Hirsau on the borders of the Swabians, of the order of Saint Benedict, a German by nation, of the diocese of Speyer, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and very skilled in secular letters, a philosopher, rhetorician, musician, and distinguished poet, composed many very excellent little works under the name of the Pilgrim. In these the ornate arrangement of the opinions and the cultivation of graceful speech declare their author inferior to none of the ancients. Of these only the following have come to my knowledge: a distinguished work of dialogues under the name of the pilgrim priest and Theodora, a virgin consecrated to God, which he entitled:

The Mirror of Virgins, one book. Incipit: “When I am about to confer with you, O Theo-.” On the Gospels throughout the Year, one book. Incipit: “Because in the letter of the Old Testament.” On the Life of the Spirit and the Fruit of Death, one book. Incipit: “Since every page of divine.” The Matricularius, one book. Incipit: “Since it is manifest [unclear].” On the Praises of Saint Benedict, in verse, one book. Incipit: “Like light the sun.” Didascalon, one book. Incipit: “Because I see myself for a long [unclear].” On Music and the Tones, one book. Incipit: “Music is, according to someone’s [unclear].”

Of the rest I have seen nothing. There was another declaimer of the order of preachers who, according to the custom of the moderns, composed sermons to the people under the name of Peregrinus, much inferior to our man in eloquence and also later in time. Whatever this Conrad wrote resounds with Ciceronian eloquence, which the other could not achieve. He flourished under Conrad, the third emperor, in the year of the Lord [1140?].

ARNOLD, abbot of Bonneval, of the Cistercian order, once of blessed Bernard the abbot

On Ecclesiastical Writers

...a close friend, a man devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant also of secular letters, ready in intellect and distinguished in eloquence, conspicuous no less in conduct than in learning, made his name known to posterity by writing. For when William, abbot of Saint-Thierry, had died and left unfinished the work on the life of Saint Bernard, while that saint himself was already holding the heavenly realms, he wrote and composed:

The Deeds of Illustrious Men, one book. The Life of Saint Bernard. And certain letters.

He flourished under Frederick, the first emperor, in the year of the Lord 1160.

Richard, a monk of Cluny, of the Order of Saint Benedict, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, and in secular letters the most learned of all men of his time, subtle in intellect, eloquent in speech, who by writing and composing various treatises transmitted his name with great glory to the knowledge of posterity. Yet I do not recall that any of them has so far come into our hands. His notable and distinguished work is reported, however:

Histories of the Times, one book. Letters to Various Persons, one book.

He flourished in the times of Frederick, the first emperor, in the year of the Lord 1160.

Ganfred of Auxerre, a monk of the Cistercian order, formerly a hearer and disciple of Peter Abelard; but lest he should also become an imitator of his error, he betook himself to the teaching of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Under his discipleship, distinguished in learning and religion, he composed little works not contemptible for reading, by which he made his name known also to posterity.

Against Peter Abelard, one book. On the Apocalypse of John, one book. Letters to Various Persons, one book.

He flourished in the times of Frederick, the first emperor, in the year of the Lord 1160.

Peter, cleric of the church of Reims, called de Riga, a man devoted to and learned in the divine Scriptures, and in secular letters most learned among all the doctors of his time; a grammarian and an outstanding philosopher, excelling in verse and prose. He wrote not a few volumes in both styles, by which he made his name known to posterity. Of these I have seen only the notable metrical work on the Bible, which he entitled Aurora, as follows:

On Genesis, one book. It begins: “The beginning of the world, what sort...” “The twelfth of the fathers...” One book. “But the voice of the Lord Moses [unclear]” “God addresses Moses.” One book. “These are the words of God.” “After Moses, Joshua.” One book. “The Hebrew sins, he says.” “Solomon reigned.” “To Ruth [unclear] quickly...” “Dwelling on Mount Ephraim...” “Origen alone with [unclear].” One book. “After [unclear] and [unclear] for himself...” “You who read the history...” “Certain persons [ascribe] the book of Job to Moses.” “To Eustochium and Paula...” “As far as under the Ethiopians...” “Great Alexander.” “Herod flourished [unclear].” “In the nineteenth year of Tiberius.” One book. “These things concerning the new law...” On Grammar.

Joachim, abbot of the monastery of Fiore, of the Order of Saint Benedict, born in Calabria, a man devoted to and practiced in the divine Scriptures, who, since he was regarded as a prophet in his own time, even attempted to foretell future things. But he seems to me, if I may speak without prejudice to his own opinion or that of his followers, to have spoken more from conjectures of the Scriptures than to have prophesied. For, to be silent for the moment about the rest, he dreamed that Emperor Frederick would be a future enemy of the Church, whom all [unclear]. He wrote, however, in plain speech, a number of little works, in almost all of which, as though foreknowing the future, he wove in mystical prognostications.

On Hie-

The Abbot of Sponheim

On Jeremiah the prophet, one book. On the Gospel of John, two books. On the Apocalypse of John, three books. To Henry the Sixth, three books. “You piously ask something from ...” On the seven seals, four books. “The first time ...” The Psalter of ten strings, five books. “Of concord ...” On the fifteen pontiffs, one book. “Go up, bald man, that [unclear] ...” On future times, one book. “Since the general [unclear] of the world ...” Letters to various persons, one book. “Among all historians ...” He also published many other works, especially against the Jews and other adversaries of the Catholic faith, which have not come into our hands. But the treatise which he wrote against Peter Lombard, bishop of Paris, was condemned in a general council, as is clear at the beginning of the Decretals, “We condemn.” He flourished under Henry the Sixth, in the year of the Lord 1100.

Rupert, monk of the monastery of St. Remigius in the diocese of Reims, of the order of the divine father Benedict, a Frenchman by nation, a man trained by constant study in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular disciplines, distinguished in talent and clear in speech, wrote several small works of his intellect, by which his name became known to posterity. Of these I have seen only the deeds done by the Christians in the Holy Land in the time of Urban the Second against the infidels. A distinguished history, ten books. “Among all historians ...” Of the others I have seen nothing. He flourished under Henry the Fifth, in the year of the Lord 1120.

Roswitha, a noble woman born in Saxony, a nun in the monastery of Gandersheim, which is not far distant from Hildesheim, was distinguished by marvelous talent and learning, and admirable in both kinds of writing. For, exhorting consecrated virgins to chastity and continence, she wrote six comedies in the Latin language. On the deeds of the Ottos, a panegyric in verse, one book. “The sole hope ...” Also the passion of St. Dionysius in elegiac verse. Also several works on St. Gangolphus and other saints. She also had knowledge of the Greek language. She was a contemporary of John the Englishman, who by his learning deserved the papacy.

Dudechinus, priest of the church in Logenstein, a German by nation, a man learned through long practice in the holy Scriptures and sufficiently instructed in the disciplines of secular letters, went to Jerusalem, in hope of eternal recompense, with many others under the emperor Conrad the Third; when they fought with the Saracens in a naval battle, [unclear]. Great in subtlety and distinguished in speech, he transmitted his name with glory to posterity by writing many and varied works. Of his small works few have come into our hands. These, however, are reported: A Summa of Theology, one book. “On the books of Dionysius ...” The Summa which is called Numerical, one book. “Those who rule well, pref. ...” On the celestial sphere, one book. “Our intention in this treatise ...” On ecclesiastical computation, one book. “Computation is the science of nume...” A beautiful calendar, one book. He furthermore published many other works, which have not come to my knowledge.

John, bishop of Chartres, by native place of Salisbury, formerly clerk and disciple of blessed Thomas, archbishop of Canterbury, a man learned in the divine writings and nobly instructed in secular letters, subtle in talent, eloquent in speech, and composed with beautiful grace, excellent in verse and prose, and venerable no less for religion than for knowledge, wrote many distinguished volumes, by which he made his name known to posterity; but few of them have come into our hands. I have read his distinguished work on the trifles of courtiers and philosophers, which he wished to title: Polycraticon, eight books. “Most delightful then among many ...” A Penitential, one book. “Since the mercies of the Lord ...” The Life of St. Thomas the archbishop, one book. Letters to various persons, one book. He flourished under Frederick, the first emperor, in the year of the Lord 1140.

Peter

Ecclesiastical Description

Peter of Blois, archdeacon of Bath, the close friend of the above-mentioned bishop John of Chartres, to whom he dictated some letters, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures and exceptionally instructed in secular letters, acute and forceful in talent, who knew not how to flatter the vices of princes and prelates but to rebuke them, held in esteem among kings, princes, and bishops for his learning and the uprightness of his life, wrote many little works. Of these the following are reported:

On Christian Friendship, 1 book. “For they have been diminished.”

On Salutary Penitence, 1 book. “You asked me that for you [unclear].”

1 book. “Who will give to my head...”

On Hastening the Passage, 1 book. “Your excessive [austerity?] of severity...”

1 book. “You are divided [unclear].”

On the Quality of Penitence, 1 book. “Your little exhortation.”

1 book. Against the Depraver, 2 books. “You have been chosen by your own.”

Exhortation to an Abbot, 2 books.

On the Office of a Bishop, 1 book. “You ask more urgently, reverend father.”

1 book. “Whenever I recall the words.”

1 book. “I give thanks to your grace.”

Letters, 194 in number, 1 book. “Asked by you, [unclear].”

2 books. He wrote many other works.

On the Danger of Prelates, 2 books.

On the Life of Court Clerics.

On the Deceptions of Fortune.

He flourished under Frederick the First, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1160.

Alexander, the third pope, a Sienese by homeland, after Adrian the Fourth sat in the chair of Peter for twenty-one years; a learned and vigorous man, who endured many injuries from Emperor Frederick, while he stoutly crushed the three antipopes raised up by him against himself, and at last, overcoming the emperor himself, trampled his neck with his foot as a sign of his subjection, saying: “It is written: You shall walk upon the asp and the basilisk; you shall trample the lion and the dragon.” He wrote elegant works:

Letters to Various Persons, 1 book; and On Ecclesiastical Power, 1 book.

And certain other works. He died in the time of Frederick the First, emperor, in the year of the Lord 1181, in the fourteenth indiction.

Crisolanus, archbishop of the church of Milan, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, nobly instructed in secular letters, distinguished in Greek and Latin eloquence, published certain little works of great authority, by which he transmitted his name with glory to the knowledge of posterity; none of these has come into our hands. His work is reported:

On the Holy Spirit, Against the Greeks, 1 book. On the Holy Trinity, 1 book.

Letters, sermons, and various other treatises, which are unknown to me.

Hugh Eterianus, a Tuscan by nation, easily the most learned in the holy Scriptures of all the learned men of his time, exceptionally instructed in secular letters, a philosopher and most eloquent rhetorician, perfectly equipped in Greek and Latin speech, whom all Greece admired as he wrote, most subtle in talent, a disputant second to none. He wrote many distinguished volumes, both in Greek and in Latin, by which he transmits his name with glory to posterity. Of these I have found only one work, brief indeed, but not to be despised, on the heresies which the Greeks lay upon the Latins:

To Cardinal Ardoinus, 1 book. “Careful prudence.”

On the Immortal God, 1 book. I have found nothing about the rest.

He flourished in the times of Manuel, emperor of Constantinople, with whom he was of great authority, under Frederick the First, emperor of the Romans, and Pope Alexander III, in the year of the Lord 1160.

Christian, archchancellor of Frederick the First, emperor, a Teuton by nation, a man most learned in secular literature, eloquent and industrious, whom the Italians in his time admired when he spoke, not ignorant also of the divine Scriptures, whom Leo the Tuscan, notary of Manuel, emperor of the Greeks, extols with praises. He wrote certain distinguished little works of his talent, of which there are extant:

The Deeds of the Life of Frederick the First, Emperor, 1 book. Various letters, or speeches, and certain other works.

He flourished under the same Frederick the First, in the year of the Lord 1170.

Leo, a Tuscan by nation, interpreter of imperial letters under Manuel, the great prince of the Greeks, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, an excellent cultivator of secular letters, skilled in Greek and Latin speech, whose office it was [to handle] letters sent to the emperor

The Abbot of Sponheim

or to be sent to others, from one language into another. He published certain distinguished volumes, by which he transmitted his name even to the knowledge of posterity. Of these I have read only the excellent work which he entitled:

On the Prevarications of the Greeks, 2 books. “The intolerable [unclear] of the Greeks.” Against the Errors of the Greeks, 1 book.

He flourished at Constantinople in the times of Emperor Frederick I and Pope Alexander III, in the year of the Lord 1170.

JOHANNES, archdeacon of a certain church of Horit., a man learned in the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular literature, skilled in Greek and Latin speech, outstanding in talent and distinguished in eloquence, wrote certain little works, not to be despised, for the edification of the faithful, by which he made his name known. Of these there is an excellent and distinguished work, addressed to a certain royal notary Stephanus, against the Greeks.

Also various letters, 1 book. “[unclear] Greek.” On the Procession of the Holy Spirit.

But he is also said to have written certain other works, which have not come into our hands.

GODEFRIDUS of Viterbo, priest, a man zealous and learned in the divine writings, and not ignorant of secular literature, outstanding and distinguished in talent, practiced in verse and prose, wrote little works of reading not to be despised, by which he left his memory to posterity. Of these there is a large volume addressed to Urban III, mixed in verse and prose, on the beginning of the world, on the whole Old and New Testament, and on the ages of the world, the deeds of the times, and all the histories of kings, which he entitled:

Pantheon, 15 books. “On the beginning of the world.”

Of the others I have seen nothing.

He flourished under Emperor Frederick I and his son Henry, in the year of the Lord 1185.

ECKEBERTUS, second abbot of the monastery of Saint Florinus, of the order of the divine father Benedict, in the diocese of Trier, a German by nation, a man zealous and learned in the divine Scriptures, and no less venerable in conduct than in knowledge, was the brother of the blessed virgin Helizabet, abbess of Schonau. He had previously been a canon of the church of Bonn; summoned by his holy sister to Schonau, he was first made a monk, and then abbot. He wrote little works of reading not to be despised, by which he transmitted his name to the knowledge of posterity. Of these I found the following:

Against Heresies, 1 book. “Prophesied long ago [unclear].” On the Beginning of the Gospel of John, 1 book. “The mysteries of divine [unclear].” On the Magnificat, 1 book. “The Spirit of the Lord upon you [unclear].” On ‘The Angel Was Sent’, 1 book. “The Gospel sermon [unclear].” On the Death of His Sister, 1 book. “To virgins consecrated to God.” Meditations, 1 book. “I have a word for you.” Sermons through the Year, 15 books. “There will be signs,” etc., “of Advent.” Praises of the Savior, 1 book. Letters to Various Persons, 1 book. “It happened in the beginning.”

He also published some other works which have not come to my knowledge. For he was an excellent, learned, and eloquent declaimer, so much so that by a single disputation he overcame a certain heretic whom no one was able to refute. He flourished in the aforesaid monastery of Saint Florinus, which is called Schonau, in the diocese of Trier, under Emperor Frederick I, in the year of the Lord 1160, and was held in esteem because of his religious life and learning.

HELIZABET, nun and abbess of the sisters’ monastery of Schonau, of the order of Saint Benedict (for there are two monasteries, one of monks and the other of nuns, situated at the end of the diocese of Trier not far from the Rhine in the Hercynian forest), sister of the aforesaid abbot Eckebertus, a virgin of most holy conduct, received many revelations from God, which she committed to writing for the edification of posterity. Of these I have read the following:

The Ways of God, a useful work, 1 book. “It happened in the beginning.” On the 11,000 Virgins of Cologne, 15 books. “To us who [unclear] pious [unclear].” Of Various Revelations, 1 book. “All who are going to read.” To Her Brother Eckebertus, 15 books. “You ask of me, brother.” Letters to Various Persons, 1 book. “From the bishopric of Metz [unclear].” To Saint Hildegard, 15 books. And certain other works.

She died under Emperor Frederick I, in the year of the Lord 1165, in the thirteenth indiction, in the thirty-sixth year of her age.

On Ecclesiastical Writers

Of her conversion, the twenty-fourth; but of the visitation of the heavenly splendor, the thirteenth. On the fourteenth day before the Kalends of July. Buried in the church of the monks of Saint Florin, in the middle of the choir.

Hildegard, abbess of the monastery of Saint Rupert the Confessor, opposite the town of Bingen on the other side of the river Nahe, in the diocese of Mainz, of the order of the holy father Benedict, German by birth, from the county of Sponheim, once a disciple of the blessed virgin Jutta, sister of Megenhard, count of Sponheim, our founder, a virgin of most holy conduct and enlightened from her childhood by divine revelations, whose life, approved by many miracles, spread the fragrance of her holiness into far distant regions, so much so that Eugene III, Anastasius IV, and Hadrian III, Roman pontiffs, visiting her very frequently by letters, commended themselves and the Roman Church to her prayers. And Eugene III, in the council of Trier, with Saint Bernard present, publicly approved her writings and small works when they had been read before all, and again strengthened her by letters to persist in the undertaking she had received. All the things that she committed to writing she learned by divine revelation.

Among these are the following:

On the Rule of Saint Benedict, one book. “And I, a poor little woman...”

Thirty Questions, one book. “Charity, which with abstinence...”

Life of Saint Rupert the Confessor, one book. “For, as in a true vision...”

Life of Saint Disibod the Bishop, one book. “In a mystical vision,” etc.

Fifty-eight Homilies on the Gospels, one book. “A certain man who...”

On the Sacrament of the Altar, one book. “In a vision which of the soul...”

Scivias, a large volume, one book. “And it came to pass in the ninth year...”

Life of Merits, one book. “O crowd of men being born...”

Compound Medicine, one book. Simple Medicine, one book.

Divine Works, one book. “And it came to pass in the sixth year...”

To the People of Cologne, one book. “He who was, and who is...”

To the People of Trier, one book. “I, a poor little woman...”

Exhortation for Secular Persons, one book. “O crowd of men being born...”

To Her Sisters, one book. “O daughter, who the footsteps...”

To the Gray Monks, one book. “I, a poor little woman, in...”

Various Songs, one book. “Who are these who, as...”

And to Saint Bernard, one letter. “In the spirit of mysteries...”

Letters to various persons, 135, one book. “Every father, I, poor...”

She also wrote other things. In all her small works Catholic doctrine shines forth, which either confirms faith or instructs morals; nor did she ever say or write anything that could be called into doubt. And although she was ignorant of Latin speech, nevertheless, as the Spirit of God revealed it, she dictated everything in Latin and fittingly, with notaries taking it down. We have seen many letters of Conrad III and Frederick I, emperors, and of the bishops of Mainz, Trier, Cologne, Bremen, Jerusalem, and of others almost innumerable, who, stirred by the fame of her holiness and revelations from various regions of the world, commended themselves in writing to her prayers and sought solutions. She died under Emperor Frederick I, in the year of the Lord 1180, at the age of 82, in the thirteenth indiction, on the fifteenth day before the Kalends of October.

Albert, patriarch of Jerusalem, a learned and most holy man, who gave a rule to the Carmelite brothers while they were still dwelling in the Holy Land, which those same brothers, now established in Europe, profess everywhere after it had been modified and approved by the Apostolic See, at the urging of Pope Innocent III described in a clear and truthful discourse:

The State of the Holy Land, one book. The Rule of the Carmelites.

He flourished under Emperor Henry VI, in the year of the Lord 1190.

Innocent III, pope, Campanian by birth, previously called Lotharius, after Pope Celestine III presided over the Church for eighteen years. He was very learned in the divine Scriptures, since from his childhood he had devoted himself to letters in the school at Paris, and he became a man no less upright than learned. He left not a few small works of his genius, of which the following are circulated under the name of Lotharius the Levite, or also of Pope Innocent:

On the Usefulness of the Human Condition, two books. “Why from the womb of the mother...”

On the Seven Penitential Psalms, one book. “There are three things especially in which...”

On the Office of the Mass, one book. On the Cloister of the Soul, one book.

On the Sacrament of Baptism, one book. Many Sermons. Let-

282 The Abbot of Spanheim, book I.

Letters to various persons, one book.

He flourished at the time of the discord which was between Philip, brother of Henry, and Otto, duke of Saxony, in the year of the Lord 1200.

William of Auxerre, as they report a bishop, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and nobly instructed in secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, ascending the theological chair in the school of Paris, shone forth with distinction for a long time, and among all the doctors of that time was celebrated with the greatest reputation and esteem. He wrote a very notable and useful volume, or

A Summa of Theology, "As the Apostle says, Faith," one book. On the divine offices, "On the divine offices," one book.

He is also said to have written many other things, which have not come to my knowledge.

Cyril, priest and monk of Mount Carmel, and third prior general of the same order, by nation, as they report, a Greek, a holy man and illuminated with a prophetic spirit, to whom almighty God is said to have revealed his will by angelic ministry, when he was honored with silver tablets written by the finger of God. Among the other little works of his talent he wrote, to Abbot Joachim, On the Angelic Oracle.

The prologue begins thus, one epistle: "To the house of the whole divine..." But the Oracle thus, one book: "In the time of the years of Christ..." On the progress of his order. Several letters to various persons, one book.

He flourished under Philip and Otto, in the year of the Lord 1200.

Helinand, monk of Froidmont, a man studious and learned in the divine Scriptures through long practice, and nobly instructed in secular letters, keen in intellect and eloquent in speech, because of the excellence of his learning and the integrity of his life appeared not least among the ecclesiastical doctors of his time. For he wrote many things by which he gave his name to immortality. Of these the following are reported: from the beginning of the world down to his own age, a great and notable volume,

Histories, 48 books. On the restoration of the fallen, one book: "G. Lamentations and ve..." Several sermons, one book. Letters to various persons, one book.

And many other things. He flourished under Henry VI, in the year of the Lord [unclear].

Gilbert, monk of the Cistercian order, and afterward abbot of a certain monastery, a man studious in the divine writings and excellently learned, subtle in intellect and clear in speech. After the death of St. Bernard the abbot, he wrote, where he had left off, namely from that place, "On my bed by night," down to the end, 46 subtle and most elegant sermons.

On the Song of Songs, one book: "There are different kinds of lovers..."

And certain other things.

He flourished under Henry VI, in the year of the Lord 1200.

Aelred, abbot of a certain monastery of the Cistercian order, as one practiced by continual study in the holy Scriptures and not ignorant of secular philosophy, gentle in intellect, sweet in speech, outstanding in devotion. He wrote for the benefit of his brothers several little works, by which he both profited them and transmitted knowledge of his name to posterity. Of these there is extant a little work of great usefulness for religious men, filled with spiritual sayings, which he entitled

The Mirror of Charity, one book. On Luke, one homily: "When Jesus was of the years..."

And other things which I have not seen.

He flourished in the times of Henry VI, around the years of the Lord 1209.

Maurice, bishop of Paris, very studious and learned in the divine writings, and nobly instructed in secular philosophy, as one who before his episcopate taught theology gloriously for many years at Paris, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, was of excellent application in declaiming sermons to the people. He is reported to have composed certain excellent little works, by which he made his name known to posterity. Of these there are reported, through the course of the whole year, both on Sundays and on feast days,

Sermons to the people, one book. On the care of souls, to priests.

But the rest which he is said to have written have not come to my knowledge.

He flourished in the times of Henry VI, in the year of the Lord 1190.

Papias, by nation a Lombard, a man most learned in secular letters, the most distinguished grammarian of all in his time, fully instructed in Greek and Latin speech, and also not moderately practiced in the divine Scriptures. He wrote in a twofold style in both literatures

On Ecclesiastical Writers

[unclear] certain excellent little works. Of these a few have come to my notice.

On the order of speaking, one book.

On the words of the Latin language, one book. It begins: “Of all things in this book [unclear].”

Letters to various persons, one book. About the rest I have found nothing.

He flourished in the time of Henry VI, in the year of the Lord 1200.

John Beleth, once a distinguished theologian of the University of Paris, learned in the divine Scriptures and sufficiently instructed in secular philosophy, ready in intellect, scholastic in speech, not undistinguished among the doctors of his time, by writing and disputation brought his name with glory to the knowledge of posterity. For he wrote the not unprofitable work:

A summa on the divine offices, one book. It begins: “In the primitive Church.”

Also various sermons, one book.

He is said besides to have written not a few other things, but they have not come to my notice.

Theoderic, abbot of the order of St. Benedict, German by nation, a man devoted to the divine Scriptures and not ignorant of secular letters, no less renowned for his manner of life than for his knowledge. He is reported to have composed several little works, of which I have seen only, addressed to certain abbots:

The life of Saint Hildegard, four books. It begins: “In the Roman commonwealth.”

And certain letters. He flourished under Henry VI, in the year of the Lord 1200.

Werner, otherwise Hirnerius, an illustrious and notable man, professor of civil law and a most distinguished interpreter, and an exceptional cultivator of humane letters, who was deservedly called the lamp of law, because he was the first to expound civil law with little glosses, and gave to others after him an unparalleled example of illuminating the law. And from this time professors of both laws have always flourished in abundance, and began to explain the volumes of his instruction down to the present day. He taught in both places, both at Rome and at Bologna, for a long time, where he had many distinguished pupils, who by their learning spread the fame and glory of their master. His glosses and splendid memorials on the laws are extant, very well known among professors of this field. He flourished in the time of Henry VI, in the year of the Lord 1200.

Peter, abbot of Cluny, of the order of St. Benedict, a man learned in the divine Scriptures through constant exercise, gentle in intellect, sweet and composed in speech, and quite fit for persuasion, devout and praiseworthy in manner of life, and a distinguished zealot for regular observance, making his name known to posterity by writing, composed certain devout little works for the benefit of readers. Of these the following are reported:

Accounts of many things, one book.

On the eremitical life, one book. It begins: “I have received the letters of love.”

Letters to various persons, one book.

He also published several other things, which have not come to my notice.

Peter Cantor of Paris, and afterward, as they report, bishop, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures and nobly instructed in secular philosophy, gloriously presided for many years over the theological school at Paris and trained many distinguished pupils. He also wrote certain excellent [unclear], transmitted with glory to the knowledge of posterity. Among his little works there is found a certain notable and by no means contemptible summa, which he entitled:

The Abridged Word, one book. It begins: “The abridged word.”

Another book of distinctions, one book. It begins: “Abel is called the beginning.”

The Grammar of Theologians, one book. Various sermons.

On certain miracles, one book.

Also On the Sacraments, three books. It begins: “The people went about.”

He flourished in the time of Henry VI, in the year of the Lord 1200.

Pileus of Modena, professor of both laws, very celebrated in intellect, subtle in intellect, scholastic in speech, renowned for knowledge and cautious in counsel, held in the highest esteem among the older jurists, by writing and teaching various things in that faculty [unclear]. His name [unclear] appeared first among the expositors of law, and by his example gave many both the spirit and the form of studying. He is reported to have written in that faculty certain splendid little works, by which he gave his name to immortality. Of these there is extant a brief summa on the Pandects, which is entitled:

Vento-

The Abbot of Sponheim, book I.

“Ventosa,” and certain other things. He flourished under Henry VI, in the year of the Lord 1200. Book 9.

Stephen the Englishman, once the ornament and rector of the school of Paris, studious and learned in the divine Scriptures, and second to none in his time in Aristotelian philosophy, taught theology gloriously for many years, and was the first to begin expounding Sacred Scripture inwardly and morally. And from this the custom grew up among us that masters of theology should explain the divine books more clearly to their pupils in their lectures in the schools. This Stephen, as I have learned, wrote the following little works:

On the five books of Moses, 5 books. A lecture on the hundred [unclear]. On Joshua, 1 book.

Also on the book of Judges, 1 book. Also on Kings, 4 books. [unclear]

On the twelve minor prophets, 12 books. He also published many other works, which have not yet come to my knowledge. He flourished about the times of the rule of King Henry VI, but the fifth emperor crowned by the pope, in the year of the Lord 1200.

Bagorotus, distinguished professor of both laws and a very celebrated interpreter, not ignorant also of other secular letters, whose authority among the ancient jurists was not small, on account of his excellent talent for teaching, also made his name known to posterity by his zeal in writing. Of his little works there survives a noteworthy summa, which he entitled:

Of Cavillations, 1 book. “Since his danger is [unclear].”

On the Order of Judgments, 1 book. “By the prayers and insistence.”

He is said besides to have written several other works, but they have not come to my knowledge.

Placentinus, an Italian by nation, a most celebrated cultivator and expounder of both laws, attained great glory by teaching and writing on Mount Pestilanus. He once held a place among the principal doctors among the professors of this art, on account of certain most commendable volumes which he composed. Of these, among others, there is said to survive:

A Summa of Judgments, 1 book. “When I was at Mantua.”

Also on the Code, 1 book. I have found nothing concerning the others.

He flourished in the times of Henry VI, in the year of the Lord 1200.

Rofredus, Beneventan by homeland, a most renowned doctor in both laws, subtle in intellect, composed in scholastic fashion in speech, sufficiently fit, by long practice, for resolving doubts and questions of law, wrote little works not to be despised by students in that faculty, by which he consecrated his name and reputation to immortality. Of these, however, we have been able to find only a few, which we have set down below, a very useful volume containing:

Questions of Civil Law, 1 book. “If I were considering the talent.”

Questions of Canon Law, 1 book. “On all actions.”

A Summa of Law, 1 book.

Whatever more he published has not yet come to my knowledge at all.

Peter, archbishop of Sens, learned in the divine Scriptures by continual study and rich from reading the ancients, and also learned in secular letters, subtle in intellect and clear in speech, wrote little works of no small utility, by which he both cultivated his own talent and prepared material for the edification of others. He wrote very subtly, with sayings of the fathers added:

On all the epistles of Paul, 1 book. Also various sermons.

He also diligently expounded various books of the Bible, and is said to have written other treatises, both various and useful, which have not come to my knowledge.

Azo, an Italian by nation, took the origin of his life from the city of Bologna; formerly the hearer and disciple of Johannes Bosianus of Cremona, a very learned man; a most famous interpreter of civil law, a fountain of laws, an abundance of words, a lamp of law, who by his learning and knowledge easily surpassed all the jurists who had preceded him, published many little works pertaining to civil law, by which he acquired immortal praise and glory:

A noteworthy Summa of Law, 1 book. On the Old Digest, [unclear] books.

Also on the Code, 9 books.

In addition, he produced excellent apparatuses on the laws, and added additions to several summae, and wrote various things which are not unknown to learned jurists. He flourished in the times of Emperor Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1230. And he left after him many distinguished disciples, nobly learned in the imperial laws as well as in other disciplines of humane letters, subtle in intellect and clear in speech, a doctor of great authority among the old professors of this faculty. He wrote certain excellent volumes in that discipline, of which I have seen only:

On the Order of Judgments, 1 book. “In the name of our Lord Jesus.” On [unclear].

On Ecclesiastical Writers, book I. It remains now that concerning the office.

On the Office of a Notary

Various questions of law.

The other things which he composed have not yet at all come into our hands.

FRANCIS, founder and head of the Order of Minors, an Italian by nation, sprung from the city of Assisi in Italy, a man of most holy conduct and a most ardent follower of evangelical poverty, who by word and example converted many from iniquity and directed them into the way of Catholic justice, was so great a lover of Christ that in contempt of the world and of transitory consolation he scarcely had an equal. In his order many very learned men have already flourished, who for the usefulness of the faithful have composed almost innumerable little works. Francis himself, however, wrote a brief work:

The Rule of the Minors, book I, "The rule and life of the Minors."

A brief Testament, book I, "The Lord gave to me, brother."

He flourished under Emperor Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1220.

CAESARIUS, a monk in Heisterbach, of the Cistercian order, a German by nation, of the diocese of Cologne Agrippina, a devout man, outstanding in regular discipline, and by long practice devoted to the divine scriptures, composed for the instruction of the novices, whose instructor he was, some little works in a simple and open style, the reading of which is not to be despised by more simple devout brothers. Of these I have found only the following.

A lengthy work on miracles and diverse visions made in Germany in his own time, which he entitled in imitation of the holy Pope Gregory.

Dialogues on various matters, 12 books, "Gather up the fragments, lest."

On the Sunday Gospels, book I, "The cluster of Cyprus, beloved."

On the Gospels for saints, book I, "Our Lord and Savior Jesus."

Sermons to novices, book I.

Besides these he published several other works, which have not come to my knowledge.

WILLIAM, monk of the monastery of the divine martyr Dionysius of Paris, of the Order of St. Benedict, a Frenchman by nation, a man skilled in the divine scriptures by constant study and excellently learned in the disciplines of secular letters, clear in talent and eloquence, and a distinguished knower of times, not ignorant, notable in morals and life, was of excellent talent in declaiming sermons to the people; gloriously preaching the cross against the Albigensian heretics, by apostolic authority he signed many of the faithful against them. He wrote little works of reading not to be despised, by which, writing and teaching various things, he transmitted his name to the knowledge of posterity. Among these there is extant:

A volume of Histories, 3 books. And many letters to various persons, book I.

He is said, moreover, to have published commentaries on the divine scriptures, which I have not yet seen.

JACOBUS de Vitriaco, bishop of Acre, afterward cardinal of the most holy Roman Church, bishop of Tusculum, a man learned in the divine scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, notable in morals and life, was of excellent talent in declaiming sermons to the people; gloriously preaching the cross against the Albigensian heretics, by apostolic authority he signed many of the faithful against them. He wrote little works of reading not to be despised, by which he made his name known to posterity.

The Eastern History, book I. The Life of Mary of Oignies, 3 books.

Against the Saracens, book I. On the holy women of Liege, book I.

Letters to various persons, book I. Besides these he composed some other works, which have not come to my knowledge. He flourished under Emperor Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1220.

BONAGUIDA of Arezzo, a man in both laws the most learned of all in his time, of great authority among the ancient professors of this faculty, subtle in talent, clear in eloquence. He wrote for the usefulness of students of law certain splendid volumes, by which he made himself useful to those present and known to those to come. Among these there is extant the noble summa which he entitled:

The Introductory Work for Advocates, 2 books, "Since the office of advocacy."

The Pearl of Law, book I, "Since after the invention."

Explanations of various cases. But he is said to have composed certain other works, which have not come to my knowledge.

PETER de Vineis, a German by nation, scribe and chancellor of Emperor Frederick II, a learned and eloquent man, but especially blameworthy in this, that adhering to that same Frederick and relying on his favor he foolishly barked against the Roman Church; by him at last he was worthily rewarded, when he had offended him in certain matters, and lost the light together with his eyes. He wrote certain little works of his talent, of which I have found only these:

Letters in the person of the Emperor, 6 books, "The pontiffs gathered."

On imperial power, book I.

He flourished in the times of the same Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1230.

ANTONIUS, called of Padua, but a Spaniard by nation, sprung from the city of Lisbon, of the Order of Minors, disciple of blessed Francis, a man most learned in the divine scriptures

Abbot of Sponheim

[unclear], since before entering the order he taught theology gloriously for a long time at Toulouse, Bologna, and Padua, and left distinguished disciples after him. He was of such holiness that, living and dead, he shone with many miracles. He was moreover a most excellent preacher, so much so that the supreme pontiff was accustomed to call him the ark of the covenant. And St. Francis used to call him his bishop. Among other little works of his talent he wrote very elegant and most ardent works:

Sermons on the season, 2 books. “There shall be signs [unclear].” Also sermons on the saints, 1 book.

He flourished in the times of Emperor Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1230. And because of the frequency of miracles after his death he was at once enrolled in the catalogue of saints by Pope Gregory IX, together with Saint Dominic and Elizabeth, landgravine of the Thuringians.

Jordan of the Order of Preachers, after Saint Dominic, as they say, master general, a German by nation, a man sufficiently trained and learned in the divine Scriptures, an outstanding preacher of the word of God, venerable no less for holiness than for knowledge, by his own example and honey-flowing teaching instructed many in piety. He is said to have written some little works, the reading of which is judged not unprofitable for declaimers and devout brothers. Of these, from the office of the priorship, there are said to be, to the brothers of his order:

Several exhortatory letters, 4 books. Sermons to the people. On the institution of the order.

He flourished under Emperor Frederick II, at the same time as blessed Dominic, in the year of the Lord 1220.

Hubert of Bobbio, professor of both laws, a most sagacious interpreter, subtle in intellect, clear in expression after the scholastic manner, who among the old professors of this science was regarded as one of the foremost doctors, handed down his name with glory to the knowledge of posterity by teaching and writing, giving to others both an example of learning and an aid to advancement. For he wrote a notable summa, which he entitled:

On the order of judges, 3 books. “Because paternal piety.” Questions and determinations.

And not a few other things, which nevertheless have by no means come into our hands.

Bernard Dorna, a Provençal by nation, formerly a hearer and disciple of the very famous Azo of Bologna, professor and most learned interpreter of both laws, stirred by the example of his most learned teacher, applying himself wholly to letters, wrote various little works, by which he consecrated his name to immortality. Of these there survives a distinguished volume:

On the conceptions of libels, 1 book. And other things which I have not seen.

Accursius, an Italian by nation, born in the city of Florence, formerly a hearer and disciple of Azo, a man most skilled in both laws, and not among the least learned in the other disciplines of secular letters, subtle in intellect and famous in eloquence. How great his authority is at this time among professors of the laws, no one even moderately learned is unaware. He wrote many distinguished little works; he was the first to gloss the whole civil law:

On the Old Digest, 24 books. On the New Digest. On the Infortiatum, 14 books. On the Code. On the Institutes, 4 books. “Since by imperial command.”

He published besides not a few other things, which are very well known to students of the laws. He flourished under Emperor Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1240.

Hubert of Bonacursus, an Italian by nation, a man skilled in both laws and not ignorant of secular philosophy, ready in intellect and clear in speech, who among the old expounders of law was of no obscure reputation. He composed in that faculty certain distinguished little works, of which I do not recall that any has come into our hands. There is said to be his:

On the preludes of cases, 1 book. Other useful and distinguished works.

We believe, however, that both these and his other works are not unknown to skilled jurists.

John of Abbeville, archbishop of Besançon, cardinal of the most holy Roman Church, a Frenchman by nation, a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, a very famous interpreter of those same sacred letters, who in the Parisian studium taught theology excellently for many years, most excellent in declaiming sermons to the people; for this reason especially, from a master at Paris he was made archbishop of Besançon. He wrote:

Sermons on the season, 2 books. Sermons on the saints. Other things.

On Ecclesiastical Writers

He also published many other works, which have come to my knowledge. He also wrote the aforesaid sermons through the cycle of the year: first, brief readings from the Gospel and the Apostle, expounding them briefly; afterwards he published other sermons, both on Sundays and on festivals, so lengthy, introducing so many testimonies of the Scriptures, that they can scarcely be committed to memory; yet these have now, with newer ones coming in, partly lost their value.

RAYMUND of Pennafort, a Catalan by nation, [was?] provincial and third master general of the Order of Preachers, a man learned in the divine Scriptures, not ignorant of secular letters, ready in talent, distinguished in knowledge of canon law; by writing various things he made his name immortal, and by his little works bound the church to be perpetually, so to speak, his debtor. For at the command of Pope Gregory he compiled the Decretals of law, in 5 books: “The peace-making king, by pious mercy.”

A Summa on cases, in 3 books: “Since, as Jerome says.”

The Constitutions of his order, in 1 book. And certain other things.

He flourished under Emperor Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1230.

ALBERTUS Galioti, a Parmese by homeland, a professor and famous interpreter of canons and laws, subtle in talent, cautious in counsel, scholastic in eloquence, who because of his learning and experience in affairs was held among the foremost doctors by the old jurists. He wrote certain little works in law not to be despised, by which he transmitted his name to the knowledge of posterity with immortal praise. Among these there is extant a summa:

The Pearl of Questions, in 10 books: “When I, Albertus Galio.”

And Declarations of Judgments, in 1 book.

And certain other unknown works are held by various persons.

ODOFREDUS of Benevento, a hearer of Azo of Bologna, afterwards the teacher of Jacobus Balduini, a man most skilled in both laws, very subtle in talent, clear in eloquence, who left many distinguished disciples after him; on account of his learning and erudition, both in law and in the other letters of humanity, he was held in great authority among the ancients. Many little works of his are reported, by which he made his name known to posterity.

On the Formation of Libels, in 1 book: “After the work of notarial art.”

On Judicial Order, in 1 book: “In what manner Christ’s.”

On the Art of the Notariate, and other things which I have not seen.

He flourished under Emperor Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1230.

JOHANNES de Blanosco, a Burgundian by nation, a man most learned in both laws, sufficiently instructed in the precepts of secular philosophers, keen and ready in talent. He wrote in plain speech little works not to be scorned by professors of this faculty, by which the fame of his name became known then to those present and afterwards to those to come far and wide. Among these there is extant a volume of great usefulness, which he entitled:

“I, Johannes de Blano.”

On the Actions of Advocates, in 1 book. But the rest of what he composed has by no means come to my knowledge.

And Various Questions. A Genoese by origin, from the city of Fribourg by origin, John by name, a German by nation, much [unclear] from the divine Scriptures; bishop of Bosnia in Hungary, of the Order of Preachers, a man [unclear] in the divine [unclear] by the consensus of the fathers, much practiced and learned in secular law, excellently skilled in philosophy, who, because of his learning and holiness of life, had been taken from the order to the episcopate; later abandoning it, he returned to his order and, after Raymond, was made general master of the order [unclear]; he did many good things. He wrote a notable work:

Summa of Confessors, in 5 books: “Since the newness of doubts.”

And certain other things. He flourished in the times of Emperor Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1230. He was buried in his convent at Strasbourg, once shining, as they say, with many miracles.

INNOCENT IV, pope, formerly called Symbaldus, an Italian by nation, [unclear] city.

On Ecclesiastical Power, in 1 book: “It is read in Ezekiel.”

Apparatus on the Decretals, in 5 books.

Rule of the Poor Clares, in 1 book: “The form of life of the order.”

Authen-

288 The Abbot of Spanheim

Also the Authenticae, one book, and certain other works. He flourished under Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1250. [unclear] books.

Rolandinus de Romantiis, a professor of both laws and a very celebrated interpreter, and nobly learned in secular philosophy, was not among the least of the old jurists. In that faculty he wrote certain excellent opuscula, by which he transmitted his name with glory to the knowledge of posterity. Of these I have found only a summa, one book. It begins: “A little book begins: On the order of crimes”; Determinations and Questions.

The rest which he is said to have composed have not come to my knowledge.

Bernardus, priest of Compostella, familiar and chaplain of Pope Innocent IV, a man most learned in law, prompted by the zeal of the same pontiff, wrote certain excellent opuscula in law, which in these times are held in great authority among jurists. Of these I was able to find a few, namely an outstanding apparatus:

On the Decretals, five books. It begins: “At the beginning of this book.”

Cases of the Decretals, five books. It begins: “The peace-making king, by pious [mercy?]...”

Of the rest I have seen nothing. He flourished under the emperor Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1250.

Guido de Suzaria, a most skilled doctor in law, and sufficiently instructed in the other disciplines of secular philosophy, subtle in intellect, ready and cautious in counsel, had great authority among the old experts in these matters. He is said to have composed certain excellent opuscula in law. Among them there exists a notable summa which he entitled:

On the Actions of Cases, one book. It begins: “On the ordering of cases.”

Also Various Declarations, [unclear] books. It begins: “Since, with [unclear] supporting...”

And many other works, which have not yet come into our hands at all.

Bartholomaeus Brixianus, a professor and very learned interpreter of canon law, and excellently learned in the other disciplines of secular literature, subtle in intellect and eloquent in speech, wrote various excellent opuscula both in law and on other matters, by which he gave his name to immortality. Among these the following are reported:

A Repertory of the Decretum, three books.

A Chronicle of Italy, one book.

Disputations on the Decretals, five books.

And certain other works.

Letters to Various Persons, one book.

He flourished under the emperor Frederick II, in the year of the Lord 1240.

Johannes de Deo, a professor and outstanding expounder of both laws, and sufficiently learned in the disciplines of philosophy, subtle in intellect and scholastic in speech, by the memory of his name came to the knowledge of many. Of his works only a few have come to my knowledge; for I found only the following:

A Summa of Cavillations, seven books. It begins: “To the honor of the highest [Trinity?].”

Another, entitled Judgment, [unclear] books. It begins: “May he be present at our beginning.”

A Table of the Decretum, [unclear] books. It begins: “The book of decrees, distin[ction]...”

A Concordance of the Decretum and the Decretals, [unclear] books. It begins: “For those wishing readily...”

Various Questions. A tractate on constitutions.

He taught in the city of Bologna, where he composed the aforesaid works and others.

Hugo Barchinonensis, of the Order of Preachers, made cardinal priest of the holy Church of the title of St Sabina, was a man most learned in the divine Scriptures, who before entering the order had been a master of sacred theology and had many distinguished disciples. He wrote several outstanding opuscula, by which he consecrated his name to immortality. No less shining in conduct and religion than in learning, he remained in dignity the same man he had been before. The following books are attributed to him:

On Genesis, [unclear]; On Exodus, one book.

On Leviticus, [unclear]; On Numbers, [unclear] books.

On Deuteronomy, [unclear]; On Joshua, [unclear] books.

On Judges, [unclear]; On the Book of Ruth, [unclear] books.

On Kings, [unclear]; On Chronicles, [unclear] books.

On Ezra and Nehemiah, [unclear]; On Tobit, one book.